Rangers singular focus is to win Game 5 (TB at NYR 8PM)
Nash enjoys first multi-goal game of playoff career (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
The New York Rangers realize they “they have something special here” as Rick Nash said after game 4. Despite all their uncharacteristic defensive miscues, they find themselves all tied up a 2 games apiece.
This series now returns to MSG and has become a best of 3. The Blueshirts on the strength of a President’s Trophy winning season have home ice in 2 of those contests. Winning this game would mean a 3-2 series lead and another crack at home if the Lightning take game 6 on their own ice.
“Whatever happened last night (Game 4) is over,” Rick Nash explained yesterday. “We’ll try to carry some momentum. It’s a new game, and it starts 0-0 again.” What will be interesting to watch is if the Rangers can continue to improve against “The Triplets Line”. They did get 2 prime scoring chances in the first period but were shut down the rest of the way. “They’ve had their fun,” was how Carl Hagelin put and now the Rangers must ensure they stay miserable.
Kevin Hayes got in the face of Tyler Johnson last game and it appeared to take Tampa’s leading goal scorer off his game. That was the first time all series the Rangers decided to let them know this won’t be easy anymore.
The biggest question however remains now with Ben Bishop and his issues in goal which I breakdown here.
Bishop ECF goal breakdown (Getty Images / FTHN)
If Bishop continues to struggle and give up juicy rebounds, the Triplets or the duo of Steven Stamkos and Alex Killorn won’t be able to make up the difference.
NOTES
#NYR have now scored five goals in 2 consecutive playoff road games for the 1st time since Games 3 & 4 in 1994 against the Islanders.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) May 23, 2015
No change in status on Mats Zuccarello. He didn’t go on ice yesterday after skating Thursday.
— Tom Gulitti (@TGfireandice) May 23, 2015
Yandle, if he’s surprised at Lundqvist’s response: “Nah. He’s a stud.” #NYR
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) May 23, 2015
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