RETURN OF THE RANGERS

The New York Rangers celebrate their return to the Stanley Cup Finals.

The New York Rangers are back in the Stanley Cup Finals and King Henrik reigns supreme.

Down 3-1 in the series, desperation prevailed in Game 5 as the Montreal Canadiens staved off elimination to live another game. In that next game they weren't so lucky. Although Henrik Lundqvist only had to make 18 saves, of which one was a spectacular blocker save, in Game 6, he was stellar when his team needed him to be. Dominic Moore score the lone goal and the Rangers played a near perfect game defensively to advance to their first Stanley Cup Finals after winning it twenty years ago. Also noteworthy, this was their first series win in less than seven games since 2008.

Most people probably assumed the Habs stood little chance against the Rangers after losing Carey Price to a knee injury in Game 1, but rookie goalie, Dustin Tokarski, surprised them all as he really gave Lundqvist a run for his money. Tokarski was great and he gave his team a chance to win in every game. In the end though, it wasn't enough. The Canadiens defensive play from the first two series was nowhere to be found against New York and too many of the forwards underachieved. When you face the best goalie in the playoffs at the moment, that simply won't do.

So what chances do the New York Rangers have in the finals, either against Chicago or Los Angeles? I would say, based on what they have achieved so far, they have a very good chance. Having Lundqvist in the net is reason enough to think they can beat any of those powerhouses from the west.

NHL & NHLPA, you failed

I just want to say that I think it's a huge failure, both on the owner's and the player's part. I am a freelance filmmaker and my income goes up and down constantly. I know the players are trying to make it sound like they aren't greedy, but I think they have just lost perspective. I totally sympathise with teachers and nurses when they go on strike, because they are some of the most unappreciated workers in our country. But these players are making millions. And I know they will give you reasons for their actions. I just don't buy them. Of course the same goes for the owners.  They are acting out of greed as well. I dare you to tell me otherwise.

The fact of the matter is it shouldn't have to come this far. What right do they have to take hockey away from us the fans? It makes me angry that neither the players nor the owners seemed to even try to reach an agreement. Every day all I could read in the news was, "There are no plans for further talks at this point". And, I hate to say it, it makes me care a little less about the NHL. Thanks a lot!

This is what ESPN's Scott Burnside has to say about it. It's a good read.

NHL, NHLPA throwing it all away - Scott Burnside




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Wanna be like Mike?

Scott Gomez is not Michael Nylander, but boy, is he wishing he were. He and Jagr are desperately trying to replicate the on-ice chemistry that the Czech shared with Nylander. However, with two players that similar in style it has been more difficult than perhaps the Rangers expected. So while they carpool to and from practice every day, trying to figure out a way for this to work, Nylander is doing fine in Washington and the New York Rangers are trying to forget the $10 million they pissed away.