Rangers Look To Keep Sid, Pens Bottled Up Again For Game 2

First thing’s first – what planet am I on where there’s Rangers fans who are arguing they didn’t dominate Game 1? I understand the entire game wasn’t like the first period but not only did they own the puck throughout, they also reduced the Pens offense to nothing. Odd-man rushes & rebounds were almost non-existent. Pittsburgh didn’t generate a whole lot inside the dots and when they did, there was a 50% chance their shot never got through. The slot was clogged all game long & Hank had a pretty easy night turning away 24 harmless pucks. Sure, all it would’ve taken was a bad bounce to knot the score but that’s my point – Crosby & Co. were hardly able to make anything happen themselves. I’m sure AV is completely content holding the opposition to a majority of one-and-done shots from 20 feet out on the wings. Why? Because that’s called “dominating” – as is +13 shots on goal, +8 scoring chances & +12 offensive zone starts. Brass, Step, Marty & Sid all said post-game the Rangers were in complete control. Use your eyeballs.
Over recent history, Game 2’s haven’t exactly been good for the Blueshirts. Outside of last year’s series with the Habs they’ve dropped their last 9 as well as their last 13 games played with a series lead. They just love Game 7’s. Obviously they’d prefer to change that & not give the Penguins momentum going back to Consol. Following the blueprint laid out Thursday night should do the trick, but NY can be even better. Avoid giveaways (I’m looking at you, Dan Boyle), ignore Lapierre’s post-whistle antics (although if Glass feels like dropping the mitts, feel free) & keep the Pens outside Hank’s blue paint. They’re just not healthy, deep or good enough to take down the #1 seed unless the Rangers are feeling charitable & Vigneault knows that. He’ll continue to harp on discipline at practice, in the locker room and up & down the bench to avoid any lapses. Fleury played his best game in weeks (blanking the Sabres doesn’t count) & Pittsburgh still lost the opener. Don’t be surprised to see the “real” MAF stand up as the defending conference champs include the scoreboard in their domination of Game 2 tonight.
VIVA LA BLUESHIRTS!!