Rangers Must Play a Game 7….Again!
The streak continues, as it has now for years. 12 consecutive losses following a playoff win is all you need to know about the New York Rangers. There is no logical explanation for why the Rangers haven’t easily won a playoff series since 2008. That is when they beat the NJ Devils 4 games to 1 in round one, and then lost to the Penguins 4-1.
At the time, Tom Renney was at the helm. Since then, John Tortorella and now Alain Vigneault have held the reins. Forwards and defensemen have been in and out the revolving door. The only constant has been the man between the pipes. The greatest goaltender in franchise history, is the King of the regular season, and that’s where it ends.
VIDEO: “We are coming back home to play a much better game”- @HLundqvist30 after Game 6 https://t.co/sTtpoa6RIK #nyrplayoffs
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 30, 2014
We wrote yesterday that Henrik Lundqvist needed to lead the Rangers to a game 6 win. He could not, worse yet he was outclassed by a suspect goaltender at the opposite end in Steve Mason. The same net minder that the Blue Jackets let go because they didn’t believe in him just a season ago. Now, Mason has outplayed Lundqvist in 2 out 3 contests.
Tonight the Rangers are in a “do or die” situation. Brad Richards said afterwards, “Game 7s are what brings the best out of people.” Henrik Lundqvist told reporters, “Playoffs is all about having short memories, so you move on.” So the Blueshirts need to forget not just game 6, but all the other games as well. Rick Nash needs to step up and be accounted for in this series. Pouliot and Dorsett need to play a smart and penalty free game. But most of all, Lundqvist needs to win this game.
Rick Nash: 2 goals in 22 career playoff games, incl. 0 on 25 shots this postseason. Some players can handle the big stage & some can’t. #NYR
— Pete Jensen (@NHLJensen) April 30, 2014
His record in the post-season now stands at an abysmal 33-40. There can be no more excuses for Henrik Lundqvist. He is the highest paid goalie in the world, the Rangers need him to take his game to new heights in the playoffs. Nobody cares about the Olympics or regular season successes. It’s all about the Stanley Cup. If the Rangers want to keep adding pieces to their “Above and Beyond” board, they will need Lundqvist to steal one tonight.
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