Rangers Must Snuff Out Any Hope For The Habs
The Rangers are 2-2 in their last 4 home games at MSG this post-season. That trend can’t continue any further. Home ice advantage needs to be just that, an advantage. The Blueshirts used it in round 1 for their game 7 against the Flyers. They failed to do it for games 3 and 4 before finding the magic in game 6 against the Penguins. Tonight, the Rangers must set the tone, engage the crowd and score that all important 1st goal. If they can do that, the Rangers will make MSG an impossible place for Montreal.
THE LINEUPS
Derick Brassard looks set to return tonight and will be a game time decision. Benoit Pouliot, who missed yesterday’s practice was ruled a go for game 3. Alain Vigneault called it a maintenance day. If Brassard plays, expect Carcillo to take a seat.
AV confirms Benoit Pouliot “is good” for tonight after taking maintenance day yesterday..says Derick Brassard is “day to day” #NYRPlayoffs
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) May 22, 2014
The Canadiens have already named Dustin Tokarski as the starter. However, the biggest question swirls around Thomas Vanek and his potential move to the fourth line. Michel Therrein may simply be looking to find Vanek more room against the Rangers third defense pairing of Kevin Klein and John Moore.
LUCK MY ASS
PK Subban may have done the stupidest thing possible by saying Lundqvist was “lucky”. When Henrik was approached, he laughed when informed about the comment and decided to play along, “There’s definitely some luck, no question.”
#NYR #MTL Subban calls Lundqvist “lucky.” Story with response from Lundqvist, teammates: https://t.co/QCbhIpbhcH — Katie Strang (@KatieStrangESPN) May 22, 2014
So, how do you think the Habs felt about Subban’s comments?
If you’re looking for an exciting post-practice P.K. Subban quote, there won’t be any. Canadiens PR said he’s not talking.
— Sean Hartnett (@HartnettHockey) May 22, 2014
Henrik Lundqvist is leading all goalies in this year’s playoffs with a 1.93 goals against average. Yup, very lucky indeed.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Score the 1st goal of the game and watch the Habs fall apart.
2. More Nash, More St. Louis! If those two are going, the Rangers can run away with this game.
3. “Lucky” Lundqvist – enough said.
FULLTILT FORECAST
Henrik gets very lucky and shuts out the Canadiens for his first of these playoffs. 4-0 NYR, with more goals from Nash and St. Louis.
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