The first two games of the Stanley Cup finals have shown the hockey world that the New York Rangers can not only hang with the Western Conference finalists, but are only a bounce different in both games. The Rangers have been lead by Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi, Marc Staal while the forwards have been scoring at a higher rate than anyone would have expected. The problem lies in the third period where the Rangers have had an edge throughout the season and first 3 rounds of this years playoffs.

The Rangers can always count on the goalie and defense to play a solid game with minimal problems throughout each game. The problem is, every mistake has seemed to wind up in the back of the net, causing the L.A. Kings who have not lead for a second in the series so far to have a 2 games to zero lead over the Rangers. The Rangers have to play with the desperation of an elimination game or this series is all but over. The veteran forwards need to make things happen. Brad Richards and Rick Nash have again gone missing when everything is on the line. Tonight, in front of the Garden Faithful, expect big games from these veterans as they aren't only playing for this season, but most likely for their careers in New York. The Rangers still have one compliance buyout that many fel will be used on Richards and Rick Nash is still a value that could bring back something in a trade even if the Rangers have to eat some of the salary. If these two players step it up and lead the Rangers to the Cup, most likely it buys them some more years as Blueshirts. Tonight is the night that they either show up, or they might as well be ready for their next move.

It's been 20 years since a Stanley Cup Final game has been played at The Worlds Most Famous Arena, so the Garden fans should also bring thier A+ game for the next 2 games and help their Rangers to even up this series that could easily be 2-0 in the Rangers favor. If there is one thing that should have been learned by the Rangers players and coaching staff is that when leading against the Kings, they can NOT let off the gas peddle. When the Rangers are attacking and cycling the puck down low, they are able to not only play with the Kings, but can control the game. When the Rangers sit back and let the Kings take the game to the Rangers, the Rangers can not hold their own and will lose every game against the Kings and this series will be over in 4 games even though each game will be so close.

Win #13 should have happened already in either of the first two games  but it didn't. Win #13 has to happen tonight for the Rangers to be back in this series. The Rangers players, coaches, and fans need to bring their best effort tonight and there is no doubt that they all will. Expect a huge game from the leaders and Chris Kreider, Mats Zuccarello, and Martin St. Louis as they will feed off the Cup hungry Rangers Faithfull.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!