The third game of the Rangers-Devils series will get underway tonight (7:00pm – MSG, VS) with the Devils looking to get back into the series.
While history is definitely on the Rangers’ side, a 2-1 series lead and a loss on home ice looks a whole lot different than a 3-0 lead. Certainly we’re not ready to say the series is over, and neither are the Rangers who believe there is more work to be done.
The Devils are still stewing over Game 2, with Zach Parise upset about the Christian Backman hit that cost him two teeth, while most of the rest of the organization have made their opinions well known about the late game officiating. Martin Brodeur by contrast thinks it’s all about the bounce of the puck.
The arbitration case between the Rangers and players Bobby Holik and Jed Ortmeyer over bonus money due during the lockout is apparently nearing an end. The arbitrator is reportedly about to hand down his decision.
In the same article, Larry Brook mentions that the Rangers are following the play of Brian Rolston and Michael Ryder during the playoffs. Both wingers are set to become free agents this Summer, and with the likes of Jaromir Jagr, Brendan Shanahan and Martin Straka having an uncertain future with the Rangers, it’s not really a surprise.
The Wolf Pack ended the playoff hopesfrom the likes of Mitch Fritz (1st of the year) and Michael Sauer (3rd) as well as a first star performance from Hugh Jessiman (goal, assist). Artem Anisimov also had a goal and two assists.
The win by the Pack also gave them 108 points, a franchise record. The Pack wrap up their regular season with a dead rubber against the Sound Tigers today.
The Charlotte Checkers’ playoff run came to a quick end last night with a 2-1 loss and a 0-3 series loss to the Gwinnett Gladiator. The Checkers were outscored 10-2 in the three games and the Pack will now likely call up one or two of the prospects they had playing with the team. Matt Zaba was unable to help the Steelheads to a win in their Game 3, losing in double OT. Zaba stopped 32 of 34 shots faced, but Idaho are now down 0-3 in the best of seven series.