Extreme Views by RangerExtreme
The Rangers won their home opener against the Buffalo Sabres 5-4 in OT in which Ranger fans got to see Eric Lindros make his MSG debut. The game was a seesaw battle, which saw both teams lose leads several times.
Brian Leetch got the game winner when he netted a overtime goal on a shot that deflected off Sabres goalie Bob Essensa’s blocker and into the net giving the Rangers their first win of the 2001-2002 season. Eric Lindros didn’t disappoint the crowd as he netted his first goal as Ranger while on the powerplay
The Positives – Rangers had 5 different scorers. Richter wasn’t nearly as barraged as he Had been in the previous game against Carolina. The Rangers came away with two points in game they could have easily tied or had even wound up losing. The line combinations seem to make more sense then in the opener.
The Negatives- No hitting, no bodychecks at all. The Hardest hit was delivered by Lindros. The Rangers continue to not put people in front of the net on the powerplay and even strength. Theo Fleury of all people did so and it resulted in a goal for the Rangers. Although the Malakov/Ulanov defensive combo was a +2 they were by far the worst Set of defenseman the Rangers sent out on the ice against Buffalo.
Player Summaries:
Nedved- Moved back to Center. Although he was a +2 he continues to frustrate by not converting on his quality chances.
Grosek – Got a goal. Looked better playing with fellow Czechs. Needs to muck more.
Ciger – Misses nets way too often. Didn’t finish opportunities.
Lindros – Got a goal on the PP. Threw a nice hit.
Fleury – Held without a goal for the second game in a row. Did a good job of screening goalie on Johansson goal. Typical feisty Theo game.
Malhotra – Not a hit in his game. Seems to have forgot bodychecking is essential for him to have a role on this team.
Heisten – Completely useless in this game. Will be a healthy scratch very soon.
York – Struggling to find rookie form. Was not involved
McCarthy – Filled his role perfectly. Fought Eric Boulton, which arguably ignited Ranger comeback. Previous to fight garden crowd was booing.
Dvorak – Devo played solid game scored goal.
Johansson – Very good game. Involved. Scored goal. Impressive hustle.
Messier- Steady, Played on same PP unit as Lindros. Playing with a nasty streak at times for the Second game in a row.
Ulanov – Stumbled and fumbled throughout the whole game. Broke Cardinal rule when he went down to block a shot when on penalty kill which cost the Rangers a goal. Terrible game by some miracle he wound up a +2
Malakhov – Guilty by association just because of his partner Ulanov. But basically was non-descript Needs to be more offensively involved.
Purinton – Played within himself. Had a nice shot on goal. Got tagged for a fictitious penalty. Solid game even had a scrum. Did what he is supposed to do. Solid.
Leetch – Got Overtime Goal. Played well overall. Did however blow a coverage on one Buffalo goal by abandoning front of net to pick up man in high slot.
Berard – Terrible game. Really was a toss up between him and Ulanov for worst defenseman of the night. Missed net horribly, and hesitated shooting several times.
Karpa – He wasn’t a liability but he wasn’t an asset. He needs to hit people and clear the crease to fill his role.
J.D and Sam Propaganda Report –
Davidson called Malakhov an added offensive weapon. If he is a weapon then that weapon is out of bullets. Maladog has shown nothing in his 5 total games as a Ranger to deserve that ridiculous statement made by Davidson.
J.D also called Ciger aggressive. If that comment wasn’t mind boggling enough for you he is already making excuses for Cigers unimpressive play after 2 games by exclaiming, “He’s zigging when he should be zagging”.
Summary – Mission Accomplished. They won. They won at Home. They won in Overtime. It took 5 goals to win. That’s not a good thing. Richter was solid and not under constant siege like in the game against Carolina. Andreas Johansson may emerge as a pleasant surprise. Rangers got two points against an Eastern Conference foe. Defense has to get its affairs in order though. They look lost at times.