Game 2: Tonight, 7:00pm – MSG
The Rangers have a chance to go up 2-0 in the series tonight, and start putting a so-so regular season behind them.
To win though, they’ll need to make some changes, specifically with puck control. While Henrik Lundqvist was in the right place at the right time for the most part Wednesday, the team in front of him was far less steady.
The Devils for their part will need to adjust also. With four posts/crossbars in Game 1, they were close, but their inability this year to score on Lundqvist, has become a problem. The Star Ledger believes Jamie Langenbrunner will be the guy to step up, and he’s certainly had some big games, including a couple against the Rangers.
One positive sign in Game 1 was the contribution from the rookies. Ryan Callahan and Nigel Dawes left their impression on the series with goals, while Marc Staal literally left an impression on Brian Gionta.
Gionta suffered an injury that he thinks Staal caused with a hit. Gionta missed practice yesterday, but expects to play tonight.
Larry Brooks takes to task the claim that the Rangers are simply copying the Devils’ recipe for success, suggesting that any astute hockey mind would have come to the same result, regardless of what the Devils are doing.
The Wolf Pack are back in action tonight, facing the Springfield Falcons. The AHL wraps up their regular season this weekend, and the Wolf Pack have a full set of three games. The playoffs will get under way next Wednesday, with the Pack hosting the Pirates in Game 1 of their Best of 7 series.
The Checkers dropped a second straight to the Gwinnett Gladiators and are now one loss away from elimination. Gwinnet has now outscored the Checkers 8-1 in the two games played. Matt Zaba came in to relieve defending Kelly Cup goaltender Steve Silverthorn after he gave up three goals in the first 10:11 of their Game 1 vs the Alaska Aces. Zaba stopped 13 of 16, but the Steelheads fell 6-4.
Carl Hagelin scored the game tying goal to send Michigan and Notre Dame to overtime in the NCAA Frozen Four semifinals, but the Irish scored the game winner in OT to end the Wolverines’ season. Hagelin has three years of NCAA eligibility remaining and is expected to return for a second year with Michigan.
David Skokan and Rimouski were eliminated Wednesday night in four games. Skokan is now free to sign up with the Wolf Pack if they so desire. Ryan Hillier and Halifax dropped their game (also on Wednesday night), but remain ahead in the series 3-1.