HEART BREAKER, SALT SHAKER, BITTER SWEET LOSS

In true MN fashion allow me to begin by pointing out the small victory and signs of a solid playoff run amongst the series of mistakes and defeat. The Ranges came in with a clear plan to intimidate the smaller HABS. Unfortunately for them, they quickly learned that this team can and will play physical when need be. When it was all said and done, the more disciplined HABS had dished out more hits, with less penalty minutes (lets hope Kovalev doesn't get a suspension). What's really encouraging in all this is how the whole team stepped up and the whole team stood up for each other.

In the same way the third and fourth lines step up to help out the top lines when they can't score, the whole bench helped Komisarek lay down the law. I almost felt bad for the Rangers on that front. Imagine coming into a game thinking you will intimidate a team, especially their defence. You find your self getting bruised harder than the opposition. You try and infiltrate the offensive zone through the left where the big guy (Komisaurus) is, and BANG! Down you go like a sack of potatoes. A few shifts later you try and go in through the right side where the smallest defenseman is (Bouillon) and BANG! You go down even harder. I’d say that would mess with my head, but I’m not an NHL calibre player.

Now last year, and even earlier this year, we would have been happy with this analysis. The team shows unity, the team played strong, and put in a good fight for having played two games in two nights. Out of 4 games in 6 days, 5/8 points is not bad. I’ll agree to an extent (as illustrated above).

The team we have in front of us today is a winner. It was apparent during Komisarek’s interview that the locker room believe the same and are aiming for top seat in the conference. With that in mind, despite the fact that they were on their second game in 24 hours, there is no excuse, nor justification for letting a 3 goal game slip. The simple fact is that they got lazy and began coasting following Kostitsyn’s superb goal in the penalty shot. By the time the HABS realised the Rangers hadn’t given up yet, it was too late. The Rangers had the momentum, they were able to apply the “dirty” physical game, and took the victory.

I’m more than disappointed with this outcome, because we were playing wonderful. We got cocky and lazy and this is not the time, nor the level to be getting over confident. The coaching staff, and veterans in place are well aware of their failure, and you can bet your last buck they will come out charged, focused and flying against Ottawa. However, as a fan, I expect three wins against our Division rivals this week, because the HABS owe it to us and their selves after committing a rooky mistake.

It’s the playoff stretch people, and this team is a cup contender (any which way you look at it). If I may quote an artist to help make a point: “You gotta walk a champion, talk like a champion,…” and start acting like a champion.