 Jagr’s carrying this team on his back, and his play is finally wearing off on other players. (Julie Jacobson / Associated Press) |
The Rangers are back in Pittsburgh today for Game 5 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals match-up with the Penguins. The puck drops at 2 p.m., and the game can be seen exclusively on NBC nationally (check in with MSG after the game). The Penguins lead the series 3-1.
UPDATES: So Tom Renney decided to insert Lauri Korpikoski into the line-up (read here too), but it’s not Hollweg sitting. It’s Orr. Yes, I’m scratching my head too. Strudwick plays again in place of Backman again.
I drove a lot on Saturday since I had to go to Connecticut, so that meant a lot of radio time. And then I heard this song. I’m not even a 3 Doors Down fan, but it seemed fitting.
Cause it’s not my time I’m not going
There’s a fear in me but it’s not showing
This could be the end of me
And everything I know
But it’s not my time I’m not going
There’s a will in me and now I know that
This could be the end of me
And everything I know
Oh but I won’t go
I won’t go
Yeah, that’s me being the rallying cry again. One inspirational win like Thursday night can do that to a fan. If the Rangers played like they did then the entire series, we may not be talking about them with their backs against the wall.
It’s not an easy hill to climb, especially since the Rangers have only won one game in Pittsburgh this season. But if the Rangers can go into Pittsburgh this afternoon and pull out a win, things could be different. The series would be headed back to Madison Square Garden, and all bets could be off.
So what do the Rangers need to do to stay alive and get back to Madison Square Garden?
They need to put together another performance like they did Thursday night. They need strong forechecking and put plenty of pressure on Fleury. They need to make the power play look somewhat passable. They need to put pressure on Crosby, Malkin and Hossa and try to get under their skins again.
Most importantly, Lundqvist and Jagr need to lead the way again.
I’m still skeptical that they can come back from a 3-0 deficit, but look at the Sharks-Stars series. Win today and I’ll be less skeptical.
Tonight’s anticipated line-up
I expect to see the same line-up tonight as we did on Thursday night, including Ryan Hollweg. The Rangers staff moved the equipment of the Hartford players who could have been inserted in the line-up.
I know that’s going to make some people unhappy. I don’t blame you guys. I’m not happy about it either, and this coming from someone who has supported Hollweg over the years. But it’s risky to insert young players with virtually no NHL experience into the line-up. As much as I don’t like the decision, I understand it.
While he won’t play the rest of the season, Sean Avery moved out of intensive care on Saturday. He’s still in the hospital, but obviously improving.
Pregame Poll
Game 4: Penguins 0 at Rangers 3
The Rangers hopped on Jagr’s back for Game 4, and his team responded with a 3-0 win. Jagr had two goals (including the empty-netter). Dubinsky had the other. Lundqvist made 29 saves in his second career playoff shutout. He also faced his second playoff penalty shot this year (the first against Madden in the first round), and stopped Malkin. There was some nastiness at the end of the game when Malkin tripped up Paul Mara. Mara .
Game 3: Penguins 5 at Rangers 3
The Rangers lost Game 3 5-3 at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. The Rangers were down fairly quickly in the game, but battled back to tie it at three. Callahan, Straka and Jagr had the goals. But then Ryan Hollweg took a very bad boarding penalty, putting the Penguins on the power play. The penalty killers couldn’t get a whistle or clear and were too tired and helpless to watch as Malkin (yet again) scored. Lundqvist only faced 17 shots. I know some of the shots were unstoppable, but that’s insane. How crazy did Jagr play, though? He was named third star even in the loss.
Game 2: Rangers 0 at Penguins 2
The Rangers lost Game 2 2-0. The Rangers held the Penguins to one goal until the empty netter late in the game. The Rangers had six power plays — more than the Penguins — yet could not convert on any of them. Jordan Staal, Marc’s brother, scored for the Penguins on the power play.
Game 1: Rangers 4 at Penguins 5
The Rangers lost Game 1 5-4 on a late power play goal from Malkin. The Rangers staked an early 3-0 lead on goals from Straka, Drury and Avery. But they blew the lead and were down 4-3 when Gomez tied the game.
Rangers blogs
Blueshirt Bulletin
John Dellapina’s Blueshirt Blog
Hockeybird
Hockey Rodent
Sam Weinman’s Rangers Report
Steve Zipay’s On the Rangers Beat
Game Thread
Join the conversation on the forum.
Lets go Rangers!
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