Rangers Falter, Can’t Hold on to Lead
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The Rangers entered the game riding a 5 game winning streak. Headed into this game against Calgary after a long trip, covering three time zones. Jet lag? Possible. Good excuse? No.
But, with the Rangers, a game like this was bound to happen, and a 4-3 loss to a Calgary Flames team happened this Friday night. A Friday night where many fans were expecting a win.
Looking at this game, you could say that the Rangers were easily going to outplay the Flames. A Flames team, who has struggled with the slew of young talent, and no real number one goaltender, has struggled with Bob Hartley and Brian Burke taking the helm as coach and GM respectively.
Recently, the Flames have turned it around, defeating the San Jose Sharks in the shootout, and leading the Ducks after two before falling to them.
The Rangers winners of five straight. Things were clicking, things were finally turning around for the Rangers. A team that looked extremely dangerous on paper, was playing like a dangerous team? But, what went wrong?
Defense, Normally Good. Bad.
The Rangers defense, normally good, and had been playing quite well during the five game win streak (forget the Ottawa game), played its worse game since the Ottawa game, and this one was far worse.
The first goal, was a total breakdown by the Rangers, as they felt Curtis Glencross scored, but it went off the cross bar, and after totally giving up on the play allowed Joe Colborne to get one real quick and give the Flames the 1-0 lead.
The second goal of the first period, happened because they gave Mark Giordano enough room to roof one past Lundqvist, and at the end of the first the Flames were up 2-0.
During the post game, Ryan McDonagh claimed their defensive play was “uncharacteristic”, not the same as they were playing previously. The team was disappointing because they did not play at the level that they were playing during their winning streak.
Wild, Wild Second
A wild second period saw 5 goals scored, and a Rangers lead squandered away to nothing. The Rangers quick to make a come back saw 2 goals in 39 seconds by Brian Boyle and Rapheal Diaz, his first as a Ranger. Brad Richards roofed one over Karri Ramo to give the Rangers a 3-2 lead.
The lead wouldn’t last as Kevin Westgarth tied the game at 3, and then with less then 10 seconds left, MIke Cammalleri squeaked one past Lundqvist who could grab the puck properly. A goal he should of hand went through and that was all the Flames needed.
Marty Watch
Suddenly it seemed that Marty scored! But after review, and replay showing a very obvious kicking motion, the goal was called off and him pressing to find his first goal continued. Was the penalty with 2:08 left signs of frustration? It couldn’t have came at a worst time. Don’t worry about Marty, he’ll score, and he’ll score when it matters the most.
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