With the Eastern Conference Finals between the NY Rangers and NJ Devils complete and a full day to grasp the loss as a Rangers fan, I can say that I'm still going with my initial feeling: utter disgust and disappointment. The Rangers, in first place the full season and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs continually left themselves in precarious situations that caused them to play as if every game was a game 7. This was never more evident than in the Devils series as they were out hustled and looked very weary after a year of blocking shots and being just plain beat up.
I have to give kudos to the one player that myself, as well as others, were not sure what he had left in the tank for another run. That is none other than the true king, Martin Brodeur. Marty played as if he was 25 again, and clearly proved that there is no better goalie this league has ever seen. They will be a formidable opponent for the LA Kings in the quest for the cup.
The Rangers let leads slip away, as well as dug there own holes in trying to mount comebacks throughout this postseason and not disposing their opponents when they had a chance. This might have been their mantra the whole year, but that is not how the playoffs can be won. Good playoff teams finish and close the door when the opportunity arises. Good playoff teams do not lose sight of what got them to the point they are playing at. Good playoff teams not only fight, but never give up. With every series, the Rangers seemed to lose a little bit of their identity.
Although Ottawa seemed to give them fits at times, and yes, they needed a comeback in game 6 to force it back to the Garden for game 7, their theory and style seemed to never waver. The Capitals matched their energy, shot blocking and wits to wear the Rangers down and in turn, get to King Henrik. That is where the playoffs turned for the Rangers.
When the Devils came to town, the Rangers were not only worn out, but the Devils forced them from game 1 to change their style of play. Each game, the shot blocking became less, and the energy seemed to dissapate. As soon as the Devils started cracking Lundqvist, the series was all but over. But one thing the Devils did better than any one else from what I've seen throughout the playoffs has been an amazingly simple theory; puck awareness. Each forward, defenseman, and even Brodeur seemed to have radar on the puck and was able to ascertain the very move of the puck.
The Rangers lack of puck awareness cost them the chance to go to the finals and meet the Kings. This is the one area that utterly disgusted me because the Rangers are better than that. There is a great hope though for next year and moving forward as we see the likes of McDonaugh, Kreider, and all the other youngsters that have a bright career ahead of them. This is going to be an exciting club for years to come, and as a fan, even though I am utterly disgusted at this years result, I am still proud to be a fan. Thank you Rangers for the exciting year and good luck to the Devils. Kill the Kings!!!
I have to give kudos to the one player that myself, as well as others, were not sure what he had left in the tank for another run. That is none other than the true king, Martin Brodeur. Marty played as if he was 25 again, and clearly proved that there is no better goalie this league has ever seen. They will be a formidable opponent for the LA Kings in the quest for the cup.
The Rangers let leads slip away, as well as dug there own holes in trying to mount comebacks throughout this postseason and not disposing their opponents when they had a chance. This might have been their mantra the whole year, but that is not how the playoffs can be won. Good playoff teams finish and close the door when the opportunity arises. Good playoff teams do not lose sight of what got them to the point they are playing at. Good playoff teams not only fight, but never give up. With every series, the Rangers seemed to lose a little bit of their identity.
Although Ottawa seemed to give them fits at times, and yes, they needed a comeback in game 6 to force it back to the Garden for game 7, their theory and style seemed to never waver. The Capitals matched their energy, shot blocking and wits to wear the Rangers down and in turn, get to King Henrik. That is where the playoffs turned for the Rangers.
When the Devils came to town, the Rangers were not only worn out, but the Devils forced them from game 1 to change their style of play. Each game, the shot blocking became less, and the energy seemed to dissapate. As soon as the Devils started cracking Lundqvist, the series was all but over. But one thing the Devils did better than any one else from what I've seen throughout the playoffs has been an amazingly simple theory; puck awareness. Each forward, defenseman, and even Brodeur seemed to have radar on the puck and was able to ascertain the very move of the puck.
The Rangers lack of puck awareness cost them the chance to go to the finals and meet the Kings. This is the one area that utterly disgusted me because the Rangers are better than that. There is a great hope though for next year and moving forward as we see the likes of McDonaugh, Kreider, and all the other youngsters that have a bright career ahead of them. This is going to be an exciting club for years to come, and as a fan, even though I am utterly disgusted at this years result, I am still proud to be a fan. Thank you Rangers for the exciting year and good luck to the Devils. Kill the Kings!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment