Rangers 2, Canadiens 1

Carp is going to be writing his own review today, which saves me the trouble (not that I was going to anyway). UPDATE: Carp’s review can be read here

If they had that effort over the last 5 periods, we would be no worse than 3-1 and maybe even we would have had the sweep.

Just two things I wanted to quickly mention. First, Rick Nash had what was most likely his best playoff game as a Ranger and his entire career. This is what he looked like in 2013 before being concussed. The play in the offensive zone didn’t start like that. A 2 on 1, he pulls up near the top of the zone to lay it off for the trailing Stepan, who was caught by Pacioretty, thus completely negating the chance. I groaned loudly (to nobody) when I saw that. But that was it. After that, he went to the net hard and often. First, he took the interference penalty, which was the right call, but I still liked to see him do it. However, he remained undeterred and continues attacking the net, including on his goal. More of that, please.

Second, Buchnevich looked like he belonged. He even looked like he sparked Kreider and Zibanejad a little bit. Both of the latter two still weren’t good enough, but were much better. The only glaring mistake was the turnover after the extended shift in the offensive zone. He looked gassed as they even entered the zone. I actually said the words (again, to nobody) “just don’t turn it over” mere moments before he turned it over. Otherwise I thought he was very good.

I’ll save the rest for Carp. HAV at it.

Actually one last thing: vote totals improved slightly, but are still are about half of what they should be. Come on! You can do it!

My Three Rangers Stars:

1. Rick Nash
2. Ryan McDonagh
3. Henrik Lundqvist

Your Three Rangers Stars:

1. Rick Nash
2. Henrik Lundqvist
3. Ryan McDonagh, Brendan Smith (tied)