The Rangers bounced back nicely in Philthydelphia from their collapse in Game #2 to take a 2-1 lead in round 1 of this years Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Rangers went back to what got them a 1st game win and a 2-0 lead in game #2 by having Flyer goalie Ray Emery move side to side and exposing his weakness. If the Flyers decided to play just hockey and stop all the stupid things they do, they could be dangerous. Doing stupid cheapshots has always been inbred in who the Flyers and their fans are, and that is some of what leads to this great rivalry. Not sure of why Philly fans and teams hate New York so much, but maybe its because they haven't won a Stanley Cup in 39 years or even in football title since 1960, so most of the fans at these games have never seen a Championship, who knows?
While the Flyers were undisciplined and running around in game #3, the Rangers were more composed (minus the 2 stupid penalties to Benoit Pouliot) and used their speed and system to use their advantages over the Flyers. The Rangers jjumped out and set the tone with great puck movement, making Flyer goalie Emery move side to side for an easy goal for Derek Stepan with assists from Rick Nash and Martin St. Louis. Then Martin St. Louis tipped-in a point shot of Dan Girardi and another assist for Rick Nash. The Flyers then scored on a snap shot from defenseman Mark Streit and the period ended 2-1 in favor of the Rangers.
The second period saw the Flyers finally playing hockey and outshooting the Rangers but a blast from the point by Dan Giradi found it's way into the Flyers goal with assist from Brad Richards and Carl Hagelin to make it 3-1 for the Blueshirts. Then the Flyers did what they do and again the game got chippy which was highlighted by Jakub Voracek and Carl Hagelin drop the gloves with Voracek throwing a few big punches but both were given only roughing penalties.
The third period is clearly the best period for the Rangers throughout the season and the Rangers did their job again. Dan Carcillo was a magnet to everything tonight from hard hits, to Flyer cheapshots to his head a few times, and then to the game clinching goal after he came out of the penalty box on a great pass from Brian Boyle for a 4-1 lead and a 2-1 Rangers lead in games in the best out of seven. The Rangers just need to win 2 of the next 4 while the Flyers have the tough road of having to win 3 of the next 4. To say that game 3 was a big win was an understatement.
The Rangers best players are hitting their stride and the role players are doing what they are there for and the gameplan seems to be working. The Rangers have, for the most part stayed composed, and if they take the hit to make the play, they should move onto the next round. With Henrik Lundqvist, MSL, Rick Nash, Brad Richards, Dan Girardi, Ryan Mcdonagh, Marc Staal, and the rest all doing their jobs the Rangers look like a well put together team. FLyers look like they will go back to starting goalie Steve Mason who just by being a lefty goalie changes the game, so let's see how the Rangers adjust to the Flyers change in goal.
2 wins down---14 more to go!!! LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
