Rangers Must Overcome Penguins and History in Game 7
Evgeni Maklin has guaranteed victory, again. Sidney Crosby whines, dives and spears without penalty. And history stands in the way of a Rangers game 7 victory.
Listened more closely to Evgeni Malkin. Full quote was, “We know we can win tomorrow, and we’ll do it.” There’s your prediction. #Penguins
— Shelly Anderson (@pgshelly) May 12, 2014
Aside from the historical fact that the Blueshirts have never beaten Pittsburgh in 4 prior meetings, they’ve also never comeback from a 3-1 deficit to win in 16 tries. Will the 5th time versus the Pens and their 17th attempt at overcoming a 3-1 hole be the charm? Tonight, at the Consol Energy Center, we will find out.
There are two schools of thought amongst fans and experts in the NHL. It’s either momentum doesn’t carry over from game to game, or it does. I believe that it does carry from game to game and right now the Rangers have it.
They also have a money goalie in pressure situations. Henrik Lundqvist has many great moments in his hockey career. Matter of fact, the only success missing is a Stanley Cup. However, playing for the Rangers comes with many challenges. One is lack of offense in far too many games, which leads to long series and the pressure of being perfect. Through that, Lundqvist has amassed probably one of the scariest game 7 records in the NHL today.
Henrik Lundqvist is 4-0 with a 0.75 GAA, a .973 save percentage and one shutout in his last four Game 7s. That’s just ridiculous. — Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) May 12, 2014
Can Henrik Lundqvist build upon his legacy tonight? Another great subplot in these NHL playoffs.
Let’s not forget the “elephant in the room” as Rick Nash has called it. The Rangers top offensive threat has ZERO goals in 13 playoff games with over 50 plus shots! That number is almost as eye raising as Lundqvist’s numbers. He needs to score and tonight a goal in a game 7 victory would help. It may instantly wipe his slate clean with the Ranger fans who boo him so lustfully.
The Rangers are ready, make no doubt about it. Game 7’s biggest key will be scoring first, as last night playoff action saw the 2nd round trend continue. Team’s scoring first are a perfect 22-0 and it’s a fact both the Rangers and Penguins are aware of it.
Another factor the Rangers are aware of is how frustrated Sidney Crosby and the Penguins are.
Staal on Pens’frustration: “Yeah they’re getting chippy. It’s a good thing. If they weren’t getting like that we’d be doing something wrong”
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossRecord) May 12, 2014
You can be assured that tonight will be no different as they continue to get in his face. Marc Staal, Brian Boyle and Crosby Super Pest, Dominic Moore will make sure Sid the Kid knows they’re around.
Lastly, the Rangers have a great emotional leader in their room. Marty St. Louis is playing with a heavy heart losing his mom and is an inspiration for his teammates. This is a close group of guys who deeply care for one another. Adding up all these factors, I believe the Rangers will overcome their history and win game 7.
A team that stands together, wins together. Tonight, they will stand tall and strong. Tonight, they will win. That’s my guarantee.
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