Rangers vs Sabres 2nd round

[krypt1968]

Well we got the sabres. any thoughts other then they beat us all 4 times 3 of them in close games but also with weekes in net and havent matched up since december 1st.

were for sure not the same team as we were earlier on. i think the sabres arent sure what to expect from the rangers. or even the rest of the hockey fan base.

[Mel]

Buffalo is a tough draw no doubt. Best team in the East, although IMHO not the best team in the NHL.

That said the Rangers can beat them. Won't be easy but it can certainly be done.

Rangers will have to play very strong games and get a few breaks and bounces along the way. Basically keep playing like they've been playing and remain focused.

They will face adversity and mental challenges in this series that they did not against Atlanta. They'll fall behind... might even get blown out - the key is how they react to this adversity. Remaining composed and confident is an absolute must or it will be an abrupt end to what has been a fantastic ride the past few months.

Bring it on - this is what we dream about all season long, can't wait... winner advances to the eastern CF. :thumb:

[wildboy26]

I dont know what I hope for. I like the Rangers so would like to see them beat the Sabres, but I dont want the Devils to come out of the East. Sorry I was just never a fan of that team. I hope the Sens takes care of the Devils, but if they dont, the Devils likely have a better chance vs the Rangers then the Sabres if the Sabres were to be upset by the Rangers, and I wouldnt be too thrilled with that scenario.

Anyway if they play as well as they did in their series vs the Thrashers I think the series will go atleast 6 games either way, a good chance of 7. If they dont play up to that level, which was really pretty much their optimal level, it will be less then 6 games for the Sabres though IMHO.

[krypt1968]

Buffalo is a tough draw no doubt. Best team in the East, although IMHO not the best team in the NHL.

That said the Rangers can beat them. Won't be easy but it can certainly be done.

Rangers will have to play very strong games and get a few breaks and bounces along the way. Basically keep playing like they've been playing and remain focused.

They will face adversity and mental challenges in this series that they did not against Atlanta. They'll fall behind... might even get blown out - the key is how they react to this adversity. Remaining composed and confident is an absolute must or it will be an abrupt end to what has been a fantastic ride the past few months.

Bring it on - this is what we dream about all season long, can't wait... winner advances to the eastern CF. :thumb:


We lucked out getting atlanta in round 1 and for some reason id rather play the sabres now and play a banged up devils or sens in round 3. i don think its as tough of a draw as it may seem. of the devils, sens and sabres ill take the sabres in round 2 rather then 3. the only team i see beating the sabres is the rangers. so get rid of them now and then onto the devils or sens team who i believe are going beat the living piss out of one another. so whoever gets them in round 3 is gona get a banged up team.

The sabres arent a physical team so if the rangers come out on top they will be in good shape.

Rangers hottest team going vs the best record team. anyway its gona be a great 2nd round.

IMO we beat the sabres in 2/3 we have beter goaltending and defense.

plus they dont have avery. :nod:

[wildboy26]

So you think Lundqvist is a better goaltender then Miller? I find Miller a good goalie, but overrated, so I dont entirely disagree with that. However I am not sure that is the popular opinion either.

[krypt1968]

So you think Lundqvist is a better goaltender then Miller? I find Miller a good goalie, but overrated, so I dont entirely disagree with that. However I am not sure that is the popular opinion either.

Miller doesnt have the hardware lundqvist has. Sweedish elite MVP (next best league to NHL) olympic gold.


Miller is still a fine goalie though.

as i was saying above i do think the sabres have a bigger upside on the offense. now im not going to say they will score more then the rangers will.

What i see now. is 3 lines with an agitator on each. so this is gona drive the sabres offense nuts to the point were RUFF starts his famous whinning and moaning what a dirty team the Rangers are.

Hollwig, Avery and Callahan. STAY TUNED AND DONT LEAVE YOUR SEATS. :thumb:

[9korona]

I'd have to say Miller is a better goalie and that Buffalo will win the series.

[Mel]

I'd have to say Miller is a better goalie and that Buffalo will win the series.

Really? Miller backstops the highest scoring team in the NHL, yet he only achieved 3 more wins than Lundqvist, who rarely has a big lead to sit on.

2006-2007

Lundqvist 37-22-8, 2.34 GAA, .917 SV%, 5 Shutouts

Miller 40-16-6, 2.73 GAA, .911 SV%, 2 Shutouts

Since March 1 -> end of regular season

Miller 3.13 GAA

Lundqvist 1.88 GAA

2007 Playoffs

Miller 2.20 GAA

Lundqvist 1.50 GAA



As far as buffalo winning the series you could be right... but it's not because of their goal tending.

[9korona]

Stats isn't everything and we will have to see when they play this week.

[krypt1968]

Really? Miller backstops the highest scoring team in the NHL, yet he only achieved 3 more wins than Lundqvist, who rarely has a big lead to sit on.

2006-2007

Lundqvist 37-22-8, 2.34 GAA, .917 SV%, 5 Shutouts

Miller 40-16-6, 2.73 GAA, .911 SV%, 2 Shutouts

Since March 1 -> end of regular season

Miller 3.13 GAA

Lundqvist 1.88 GAA

2007 Playoffs

Miller 2.20 GAA

Lundqvist 1.50 GAA



As far as buffalo winning the series you could be right... but it's not because of their goal tending.


Mel those 3 wins more then lundqvist could in fact be cause the sabres got Kevin Weekes 3 of the meetings. :D

[krypt1968]

Stats isn't everything and we will have to see when they play this week.


well if the sabres play like they did against the fish its gona be early exit for the sabres.

[Mel]

Stats isn't everything and we will have to see when they play this week.

I know stats are not everything, but they are usually looked at when a claim is made that some goalie is "better" than another goalie on another team.

If anything - Buffalo's goaltending is their acchiles heel in my estimation. They win with offense. Some times that is enough to go all the way... sometimes those kinds of teams get exposed in the playoffs and implode.

Buffalo has the worst GAA of any team remaining. The Rangers made the playoffs by grinding out a lot of one-goal wins over the past few months. In games that are 2-1, 3-2 or tied in the third period, I like the Rangers chances.

High scoring free-for-alls on the other hand....it's doubtful we can hang with Buffalo in those types of games.

If NY can generate early pressure and score early like they did in round 1, they are definitely not an easy team to beat.

I also agree with Krypt.... My crystal ball tells me we have some major Lindy Ruff whining in our very near future.

[Max Power]

Miller was an unknown last year when he stone cooled shut Ottawa's offence down. He definitely has that ability so I'd say this goaltending duo is even going in as these teams have not played each other before in the playoffs. Other then the fact that I picked Buffalo to face Ottawa in the finals for my pool I’d prefer to see the Rangers win for reasons already mentioned by you guys (Ruff) and the fact that their fans apparently have already awarded the cup to Buffalo. Saying that I really don’t see a NYR advantage in this series at all. Buffalo has 4 lines that can skate and score, this team will be 10X what was faced in Atlanta. If anything I think NYR will have a big shock in the difference.

[Mel]

Miller was an unknown last year when he stone cooled shut Ottawa's offence down. He definitely has that ability so I'd say this goaltending duo is even going in as these teams have not played each other before in the playoffs. Other then the fact that I picked Buffalo to face Ottawa in the finals for my pool I’d prefer to see the Rangers win for reasons already mentioned by you guys (Ruff) and the fact that their fans apparently have already awarded the cup to Buffalo. Saying that I really don’t see a NYR advantage in this series at all. Buffalo has 4 lines that can skate and score, this team will be 10X what was faced in Atlanta. If anything I think NYR will have a big shock in the difference.

Buffalo is of course a heavy favorite... Definitely nothing close to the Atlanta series.

That said Max, Buffalo might be in for as much (or more) of a shock than the Rangers... why? These 2 teams finished their season series on December 1... That was quite a while ago, and the Rangers were still floundering back then. The Ranger team that emerged in the second half of the season is nothing like that.

Also, in 3 of those 4 games, Buffalo faced Weekes, not Lundvist as the starter. And aside from an October 7-4 victory over Weekes.... Buffalo needed OT or shootout to beat the Rangers in the other 3 games.

So while you're right and I definitely do not think the Rangers have any advantage in this series on paper (except maybe a *slight* goal tending edge) - I definitely am not throwing in the towel either.

Bring em on! :D

[Max Power]

So while you're right and I definitely do not think the Rangers have any advantage in this series on paper (except maybe a *slight* goal tending edge) - I definitely am not throwing in the towel either.

Bring em on! :D

Don't get me wrong I'm not counting them out either. I just think the Rangers will have to play their best hockey for 7 games to beat Buffalo. If Jagr takes a break or anything like that the Rags will be in trouble. Again this should be a good series and I look forward to watching it. I'm hoping for lots of goals as we’ll be lacking them in the Sens NJ series =]

[krypt1968]

Don't get me wrong I'm not counting them out either. I just think the Rangers will have to play their best hockey for 7 games to beat Buffalo. If Jagr takes a break or anything like that the Rags will be in trouble. Again this should be a good series and I look forward to watching it. I'm hoping for lots of goals as we’ll be lacking them in the Sens NJ series =]


HELLO the Rangers been the hottest team in the league since february.

21-5-7 and thats since feb 6th when avery had his 1st game. i think that clarifys there playing there best hockey. can it get beter? well that should be more the question to be asked.

i have a feeling the sabres arent that happy about going vs us. like i said they have no idea what to expect except that they wont get Kevin Weekes in goal.:D

[wildboy26]

If anything - Buffalo's goaltending is their acchiles heel in my estimation.

I sort of feel that way too but everything seems to be so high on Miller. :shrug: I think he is a good NHL starting goalie, but not one of the real elite to the extent people talk about him, including many of the so called experts. I dont even think he is the best American goaltender personally, while most everyone seems to differ there, in fact when I have brought force that idea(DiPietro>Miller) people react as if I am as crazy as when I bring up my Chris Holt/Montoya ideas.

I cant believe he was named the starter for the East at the All Star game, granted I know fans voted on that, but it was still crazy crazy. :no:

I have no problem with the idea Lundqvist gives the Ranges the goaltending edge in this series, as well as the team having the overall defensive edge.

[krypt1968]

I have no problem with the idea Lundqvist gives the Ranges the goaltending edge in this series, as well as the team having the overall defensive edge.


we would have the edge with montoya as well. if the packs season ends before the rangers i think you will see montoya backing up king supream.

[wildboy26]

we would have the edge with montoya as well. if the packs season ends before the rangers i think you will see montoya backing up king supream.

Interesting theory. Who do you think will be Lundqvist's backup next season? I believe Weekes is a FA, I dont know of their being plans to resign him or not. Valiquette is signed for next season but whether they are planning to have him in the AHL or NHL I am not sure. Then there is Montoya too, also Holt.

[krypt1968]

Interesting theory. Who do you think will be Lundqvist's backup next season? I believe Weekes is a FA, I dont know of their being plans to resign him or not. Valiquette is signed for next season but whether they are planning to have him in the AHL or NHL I am not sure. Then there is Montoya too, also Holt.


Montoya is making 1.8 mill down in the minors.
Lundqvist is making 800k on the rangers.

of course the rangers signed montoya before knowing lundqvist was coming over last season. and if it wasnt for lundqvist here now im sure montoya is on the club.

they cant afford to sign a backup next season even with roughly 20-22 mil to use to resign there own players and some new ones. i see montoya getting 25-30 games as lundqvist backup next season. they have to start to showcase his talent if they plan on getting a nice return on him (i would like a young 30 goal guy at the minium for montoya). he is more then ready.

Maloney was recently interviewed at a wolfpack game saying there is prob gona be 4-6 guys coming up to the rangers next season. so i do see one superstar signing this summer. and filling the roster up with the likes of montoya, dawes, dubinsky, staal.

[wildboy26]

Ok well it will be interesting to see if Montoya and some of those others you mentioned do come up to the team next season. They all are doing well with the Wolf Pack so they all should be ready, if the team has a spot for them that is.

[Mel]

I cant believe he was named the starter for the East at the All Star game, granted I know fans voted on that, but it was still crazy crazy.

buffalo fans got a little ummm, carried away in this year's All star voting.

[9korona]

Series starts Wednesday and it should be a good one. Let's Go Buffalo!

[krypt1968]

Series starts Wednesday and it should be a good one. Let's Go Buffalo!


dont worry i overnighted a case of duct tape for ruffs mouth. i dont feel like listening to all his whinning. hopefully avery can apply it for him. but i doubt that will happen. :thumb:

[9korona]

dont worry i overnighted a case of duct tape for ruffs mouth. i dont feel like listening to all his whinning. hopefully avery can apply it for him. but i doubt that will happen. :thumb:


Well you better hope Avery can do at least that cause he won't be able too do much else against Buffalo. :)

[MadDevil]

HELLO the Rangers been the hottest team in the league since february.

21-5-7 and thats since feb 6th when avery had his 1st game. i think that clarifys there playing there best hockey. can it get beter? well that should be more the question to be asked.

Quite frankly, that all means jack squat right now. The Devils were the hottest team the second half of last season, went into the playoffs red hot, swept the Rangers in the first round, and then promptly lost in 5 games to a faster, deeper Carolina squad. I think much the same thing will happen in this series, and with the way it's started, it reminds me a lot of the Carolina/New Jersey series...

[Max Power]

Tough first loss for the Rags. This was my first opportunity to watch these guys since the first round was not broadcasted in my area. I was impressed how hard they played in the first and they actually dominated the first period.
Then Buffalo took over. It almost looked like they were completely outmatched after that first goal.
It's only one game and I hope NYR can make a series out of it.
On side note I didn't like the hit Mara laid on Miller. After a week of watching Armstrong "accidentally" plow into Emery I really think stiffer punishments need to be handed out. Running goalies is dirty cheep play

[9korona]

Well what do you kno Avery was invisible and was useless (-3 rating). Vanek was on fire and the rest of the Buffalo team ahd very good games. Can't wait to watch Buffalo beat NYR again tomorrow night. :)

[Mel]

That was about what I expected last night. If the Rangers got momentum by scoring early it could have been a different game, but we can only focus on game 2 now. If the Rangers manage to win game 2 I think it will definitely be a series coming back to MSG.

To hang with Buffalo, the Rangers need...

- to stay out of the box. Last night could have been worse if the Rangers penalty killing wasn't sharp in the first half of the game. But regardless, the Rangers can not get their forecheck going when they're short handed all the time. If they cannot establish the forecheck that has been their success key lately, Buffalo will beat them 95 times out of 100. Taking penalties against Buffalo = death. No mystery there.

-Jagr to score. It wasn't such a big factor in the first round, but in this round the Rangers cannot have him being ineffective. He needs to produce. Frankly, Buffalo does not have the size or physical game needed to really match Jagr. So he can do a LOT of damage on the forecheck - but he has to get it done. Rangers need to be running on all cylinders to win these games, the biggest of which is Jagr. If he remains quiet this should be a relatively easy series for Buffalo. If he does come through, it should be a good one.

- Bounce back from adversity. Coming out strong in game 2 is obviously very important now. The test is now, and there is no room to play intimidated. I felt they were intimidated briefly after the first goal last night. But Buffalo doesn't need a long window of opportunity to make you pay... the result was 3 goals in 4 minutes, and coming back from a 3-0 deficit against the Sabres in the 3rd period is the hard way to try and beat them to say the least.

I don't think the Rangers got horrible calls last night, but one thing really did piss me off. The reviewed goal that was Buffalo's fourth. IMO there was absolutely no conclusive evidence as to how that puck was directed in. If it was ruled a goal originally on the ice, then I'd have no problem if the review let it stand... but it was ruled NO GOAL on the ice, so how on Earth they reversed that call to award Buffalo a goal is beyond me. We never got a decent explanation from VS team (who by the way were plain horrible).

On to game 2 :thumb:

[Max Power]

I don't think the Rangers got horrible calls last night, but one thing really did piss me off. The reviewed goal that was Buffalo's fourth. IMO there was absolutely no conclusive evidence as to how that puck was directed in. If it was ruled a goal originally on the ice, then I'd have no problem if the review let it stand... but it was ruled NO GOAL on the ice, so how on Earth they reversed that call to award Buffalo a goal is beyond me. We never got a decent explanation from VS team (who by the way were plain horrible).

On to game 2 :thumb:

Did they show you the overhead view? It looked like a good goal but I only watched the replay once

[Asterix]

The Sabres' speed was just too much for the Rangers' defense. When on their game, these guys can draw circles around pretty much any defense in the league. The Rangers need to break out faster and keep the puck out of their zone if they have a hope in hell in beating Buffalo.

[Mel]

Did they show you the overhead view? It looked like a good goal but I only watched the replay once


Actually I changed my mind about the bad call. After reading more opionion around the web, I think I (like many) was confused by the VS announcers last night.

Pominville was driving to the net and Briere (i think it was him) lifted one in his direction. The puck wound up going in as Pominville crashed dislodging the net. The goal was waved off and VS announcers kept saying that it was because Pominville directed the puck in with his hand - I mean they were pretty emphatic about it, even citing rulebook language.

So based on that, nobody could figure out why the goal was allowed, when there was zero conclusive evidence showing Pominville did otherwise.

But I'm buying into the theory that VS announcers were just completely off the mark in their assessment, that the goal was waved off because the ref thought the net was knocked off prior to the puck going in. The review in Toronto then showed that the puck was in before the net was dislodged.

There's no way they could have awarded a waved off goal based on what VS announcers said originally, but this makes a lot more sense, especially considering the view of the referee during the play. And I have no problem with the call if that's what happened.

[charlio lemieux]

I don't think the Rangers got horrible calls last night,

You serious?

Man they got hosed in the first period. The reffing was so bad and lop-sided I shut it off. Not only were there what I considered phantom calls on NYR but there was some missed calls on BUF to boot. Granted one or two may have been on Avery who should have kept his stupid mouth shut, but if the refs are going to call bad penalties on one team they should call the same garbage on the other.

I hope game two sees some better officiating.

[9korona]

Game 2 tonight. I expect another win by the Sabres. :)

[Max Power]

You serious?

Man they got hosed in the first period. The reffing was so bad and lop-sided I shut it off. Not only were there what I considered phantom calls on NYR but there was some missed calls on BUF to boot. Granted one or two may have been on Avery who should have kept his stupid mouth shut, but if the refs are going to call bad penalties on one team they should call the same garbage on the other.

I hope game two sees some better officiating.

Ya there was definitely a few bad calls on NYR but they got away with a few too. I think they had too many men on the ice 2 or 3 times

[9korona]

Buffalo is the better team because of there depth they can play all for lines without any worries NY has to try to get Jagr, Nylander, and Shanahan out there as much as they can, these players need some help if NY wants to win and Avery sucks

[Mel]

You serious?

Man they got hosed in the first period.

I'm just not big on complaining about officials unless something blatant really ticks me off.

The Rangers did seem to get all the calls against them in the first half of the game, but it was hardly a travesty of justice. It usually evens out in the long run anyway, as the Rangers were handed a full 2 minute 5-3 later in the game which they failed to convert.

I'm hoping they don't call it as tight in game 2, and hopefully the Rangers get a chance to establish a fore check and hopefully even grab an early lead.

:thumb:

[charlio lemieux]

I'm just not big on complaining about officials unless something blatant really ticks me off.

The Rangers did seem to get all the calls against them in the first half of the game, but it was hardly a travesty of justice. It usually evens out in the long run anyway, as the Rangers were handed a full 2 minute 5-3 later in the game which they failed to convert.

I'm hoping they don't call it as tight in game 2, and hopefully the Rangers get a chance to establish a fore check and hopefully even grab an early lead.

:thumb:

I'm not big on complaining about officiating either, but holy crap some of it was so obvious. It ruined the game for me. Anyway it would be nice to just see fewer calls.

Lundqvist needs to play 60min like he played the first 20 in game 1.

[Mel]

bitter loss to swallow. Rangers were the better team and still lost.

It will be extremely hard to come back and beat them 4 out of 5.

[krypt1968]

bitter loss to swallow. Rangers were the better team and still lost.

It will be extremely hard to come back and beat them 4 out of 5.


the rangers cant think win 4 out of 5 now. they have MSG for 2 games now and if they win these 2. then they have a 3 game serries from there.


The sabres have shown me anything like there the team from the reg season.

they needed the refs in game 1 and malik's error in game 2.

isnt this supposed to be the great explosive sabres? 6-7 goals scored a game.

both games could of gone eithier way.

[charlio lemieux]

Miller made some key saves to give Buffalo the win. The reffing was better but the linesmen need glasses. The Rags got away with some more bad line changes. Lindy Ruff looked like he was going to have a stroke at the end of the game, after a missed off-side. It was good for a laugh.

Buffalo just keeps rolling 4 lines and everyone of them is potentially dangerous. I was hoping the Rangers would be able to do some major damage with their big line and that Lundy would outplay Miller, but neither has come true. It is going to be next to impossible to take 4 of the next 5 but anything can happen.

[Mel]

the rangers cant think win 4 out of 5 now. they have MSG for 2 games now and if they win these 2. then they have a 3 game serries from there.


The sabres have shown me anything like there the team from the reg season.

they needed the refs in game 1 and malik's error in game 2.

isnt this supposed to be the great explosive sabres? 6-7 goals scored a game.

both games could of gone eithier way.

Yeah but they went buffalo's way. Here is the thing: Buffalo is gonna get there 3 to 4 goals every game, even if you outplay them for the vast majority of the game like the Rangers did last night.

The Rangers made the playoffs by grinding out a lot of 2-1 and 3-2 wins down the stretch. That's all well and good however Buffalo is too much of a scoring threat for the Rangers to have success with that style. Buffalo can afford to give up 2, 3 or even 4 goals and still have a very good chance of winning the game - how many of their regular season wins were of the 6-4, 7-5 variety...

For the Rangers to beat this team, they have to play like they did last night BUT they also have to score more than twice. Jagr has to find the back of the net and put a few home. That is a must, after his line, you can look to Shanny's line and hope they have a big game... but that's about where it ends.

You can say what you want about Buffalo not being so impressive as the big high powered offense... but guess what at the end of the game they were just as good as they had to be.

I will never throw in the towel there's no reason this couldn't wind up a 2-2 series by Tuesday night. But last night was definitely a crushing defeat not just to go down 2-0 but for the mindset of the team as the series comes back to New York.

[wildboy26]

I thought they played a good game the other night, unlike Game 1. The problem is they did not win.

[krypt1968]

Yeah but they went buffalo's way. Here is the thing: Buffalo is gonna get there 3 to 4 goals every game, even if you outplay them for the vast majority of the game like the Rangers did last night.



well good the sabres didnt get there 3 or 4 today. :thumb:

[Mel]

well good the sabres didnt get there 3 or 4 today. :thumb: Nobody will be happier than me if the Rangers prove me wrong :)

[9korona]

3 or 4 goals doesn't look like it will happening any time soon because both goalies are playing solid and it has been tough to beat them. Game 4 should be just as entertaining.

[krypt1968]

3 or 4 goals doesn't look like it will happening any time soon because both goalies are playing solid and it has been tough to beat them. Game 4 should be just as entertaining.


it was tough for the sabres to beat the rangers in 3 of there 4 regular season wins also. 3 of them in OT or Shootout and 3 wins vs Weekes. :D

[krypt1968]

Nobody will be happier than me if the Rangers prove me wrong :)


well mel we have the 3 game serries now i pointed out we needed. :thumb:

[Mel]

:D

I will gladly eat my words now about not beating Buffalo in the 2-1 games.

Rangers came out and did it twice in a row to come roaring back in this series when most thought they would roll over.

Let's Go Rangers!!!

[Max Power]

Well I admit I was one who thought Buffalo would eat up the Rangers. I've watched most of the games and am really impressed with how well the Rags are playing.
Saying that Buffalo does not look like they're interested either. The only time they turned it on yesterday is when they were down 2 - 0. Rags should win this series if buffalo is only interested in playing their best when they might lose. Not only that but if Buffalo thinks they’re going to win just by showing up then they deserve tp lose.
Anyways Buffalo will be tougher to beat in Buffalo because they’ll actually have decent ice to play on.

[Mel]

I don't think ice quality has anything to do with it. Both teams are skating the same ice.

The Rangers were the better team in game 2 and that was in Buffalo.

[Max Power]

I don't think ice quality has anything to do with it. Both teams are skating the same ice.

The Rangers were the better team in game 2 and that was in Buffalo.

Considering Lunkuist(spelling??) is gold at stopping pucks down low and Buffalo depends on a quick transition game with their speed I think it has everything to do with it. The puck is bouncing everywhere.
Don’t get me wrong I’m not making excuses for Buffalo because IMO NYR have been the better team for 3 strait games. All I’m saying is with good ice and (if) Buffalo turning the intensity up they will be much harder to beat

[krypt1968]

I don't think ice quality has anything to do with it. Both teams are skating the same ice.

The Rangers were the better team in game 2 and that was in Buffalo.


in the rangers and sabres case it doesnt matter there both quick teams. i think the msg ice affected both teams equally. in those 2 OT'S in game 3 you could see how slugish the puck was moving.

any of these games could have gone eithier way. its gona be who wins at home and who loses at home as to were the winner of this round happens.

The rangers have a load of confidence now evening the serries up. the sabres must be thinking what happened. they have scored 2 goals over the last 8 periods to lunqvist now.

The rangers as i see it have cloged the ice vs the sabres taking away 2/3 rds of there scoring chances like they had durring the reg season and lundqvist has turned from a king into a wizzard. covering the puck away from camera view was like magic.

Then again most teams have some magic on the way to the cup. lets hope it continues in buffallo on friday.

[9korona]

The Rangers have been playing some great hockey lately but I still say the Sabres win this series in 6 games.

[Max Power]

Holy $hit
NYR score with 4 min left and I said to myself buffalo is going to ruin this and what happens 14 seconds leff Drury scores
All I have to say is Rags rock... They should win as they've been the better team.

[krypt1968]

Holy $hit
NYR score with 4 min left and I said to myself buffalo is going to ruin this and what happens 14 seconds leff Drury scores
All I have to say is Rags rock... They should win as they've been the better team.


Drury tied it with 7.5 left.

i didnt think the rangers played like they did in the last 3 games. And the call on the nylander goal was a joke when they called goalie interferance IMO.

Zubruis should of been called for interferance before the the goal that tied it.

But no excuses drury needs to be knocked down on that play. no way should he get that shot off. and in overtime there really wasnt fault on the goal. as much as i was looking for malik on the ice to blame it on he wasnt out there.

nice shot by maxim and not much of an effort to stop it. i dont think lundqvist seen it. but as it is how can he be blamed? he kept us in that game.

[Mel]

f-in heartbreaker that's all i have to say. Buffalo stepped it up in this game from the previous three games.

But the Rangers were still 7 seconds away from coming home with a 3-2 lead.

Oh well - do or die at the Sunday matinee. Let's Go Rangers!

[9korona]

It was a great game that went back and forth and down to the last whistle. Now Buffalo has a much tougher challenge in facing the Sens. This one should go down to 7 games.

[Mel]

blah - losing stinks. :(

But overall I'm satisfied with this season considering where the team was last year, and what the future looks like. I think big strides were made this season for a number of younger players.

Lundqvist is real and here for the long haul. That tells me Al Montoya might fetch a top young prospect in a trade.

The emergence of Tyutin and especially Girardi on defense, combined with the kids we have waiting in the wings - Staal, Sanguinetti and Sauer - makes me feel really good about our blueline of the future.

Hats off to Buffalo for getting the job done. That said, I really have to say I was not overly impressed by that team. I don't think they are built for playoff success. They have little to no size. They have very little grit. Their balanced offensive attack was enough to get by the Rangers.... but I honestly don't think they stand a prayer against Ottawa. (Now that the Rangers are out it is safe for me to say I didn't think they had much chance against Ottawa either - had they gotten past Buffalo).

Lastly, we are in for a treat of CF's in both conferences. In the East, clearly the 2 best teams are left standing, which is the way it should be.

Out west, Anaheim is my favorite now to win the cup. I'm hoping they match up against San Jose because that will be a brutal entertaining series. If they draw Detroit, well I feel they'll have an easy time advancing to the finals - especially with Schnieder now gone.

[Max Power]

blah - losing stinks. :(

But overall I'm satisfied with this season considering where the team was last year, and what the future looks like. I think big strides were made this season for a number of younger players.

Lundqvist is real and here for the long haul. That tells me Al Montoya might fetch a top young prospect in a trade.

The emergence of Tyutin and especially Girardi on defense, combined with the kids we have waiting in the wings - Staal, Sanguinetti and Sauer - makes me feel really good about our blueline of the future.

Hats off to Buffalo for getting the job done. That said, I really have to say I was not overly impressed by that team. I don't think they are built for playoff success. They have little to no size. They have very little grit. Their balanced offensive attack was enough to get by the Rangers.... but I honestly don't think they stand a prayer against Ottawa. (Now that the Rangers are out it is safe for me to say I didn't think they had much chance against Ottawa either - had they gotten past Buffalo).

Lastly, we are in for a treat of CF's in both conferences. In the East, clearly the 2 best teams are left standing, which is the way it should be.

Out west, Anaheim is my favorite now to win the cup. I'm hoping they match up against San Jose because that will be a brutal entertaining series. If they draw Detroit, well I feel they'll have an easy time advancing to the finals - especially with Schnieder now gone.

Lundqvist was amazing in this series and NYR have a great future. Jagr to me was also great for the Rangers. Being in the final 4 of the east is good accomplishment for this team and I see much more from them in the next few years.
I watched the whole series and I must say I think the Rangers were the better team. Saying that Buffalo looked flat for most of the series and apparently only cranked it up a few notches when they were losing by 2 or near the end of the game.

[Madferret]

Nice run Rangers.
Definitely showed that getting in the face of the Sabres is how you play them...nice job.

[krypt1968]

blah - losing stinks. :(

But overall I'm satisfied with this season considering where the team was last year, and what the future looks like. I think big strides were made this season for a number of younger players.

Lundqvist is real and here for the long haul. That tells me Al Montoya might fetch a top young prospect in a trade.

The emergence of Tyutin and especially Girardi on defense, combined with the kids we have waiting in the wings - Staal, Sanguinetti and Sauer - makes me feel really good about our blueline of the future.

Don maloney has stated Montoya will be the backup for at least 25 games next season. i think this is the smartest thing to do with montoya. lets get him a record of like 16-6-2 show his worth and get something beter then a prospect. plus we have so many top prospects already do we need more?

Staal we know will be on the team.

Sanguantti one more year in hartford.

Sauer i herd great things on also when he will be in hartford i dont know.

But i love what some scouts saying on Staal franchise Defensman will control a game on his own. thats exactly what the rangers need a stoper to go with lundqvist.

its going to be a great future i have that feeling.

[9korona]

I will give the Rangers credit for playing a good series and giving Buffalo a series, but Buffalo was just too much for them.