The New York Rangers (23-17-4) defeated the Buffalo Sabres (19-20-6) by the score of 8-4, tonight. For a box score, go to Yahoo! Sports.

...only the Rangers could score 14 goals in two games and not look good doing it. Sort of a strange game with all the deflected goals and terrible goaltending. But as I said yesterday, two points are two points and watch out because not only are the Rangers gaining some confidence, they're finally getting some bounces. And those are two things, along with great goaltending, a team needs to make a long run in the playoffs

...i must have missed it in Page Six the other day. When did Richards get back together with Olivia Munn? Could be the ugliest four goals in a two game span in NHL history. But they all count the same and should give Richards a huge jolt of confidence going into the final week.

...i guess Torts blew it by not going with Biron in goal tonight. Hell, I could have played goal for the Rangers tonight and won.

...three points in two games for Clowe since I called him out. Who says these guys don't read the blog? lol

...when Stepan hits 50%, you know the Rangers opponent is awful in the face-off circle.

The New York Rangers (22-17-4) visit the Buffalo Sabres (19-19-6) at First Niagara Center starting at 7:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

Rangers Game Notes

TV: MSG; Radio: ESPN Radio (98.7 FM), XM 212

Live Stream (Don't click on ads in stream, may download virus):
http://www.firstrow1.eu/watch/181850/1/watch-buffalo-sabres-vs-new-york-rangers.html

Probable Lines:
Hagelin-Stepan-Callahan
Clowe-Brassard-Nash
Pyatt-Richards-Zuccarello
Kreider-Powe-Asham

McDonagh-Girardi
Del Zotto-Stralman
Moore-Eminger

Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 20-15-3, 2.06 gaa, .928 sv%, 1 so.

Ryan Miller - 15-17-5, 2.81 gaa, .915 sv%, 0 so

Opponent Notes:
- The Sabres have won won three straight and six of eight.

Henrik Lundqvist makes tenth straight start tonight in goal, no lineup changes

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 19, 2013

...conflicted on this. I would hate to see Torts burn Lundqvist out before the playoffs, but at the same time, they need to get in the playoffs first. Not sure Torts can take the chance on Biron having a stinker and the Rangers missing the playoffs because of it.

Alex Nunn at Pro Hockey News reports that Rangers prospect Oscar Lindberg was named MVP of the Swedish Elite League playoffs as his team, Skellefteå, won the championship last night.

In 13 playoff games, Lindberg had 4g, 8a.

...the CT Whale have just two games remaining in their season and they're currently holding on to the eighth and final playoff spot for dear life, so hopefully they can hang on allowing the Rangers to bring Lindberg across the pond to get some North American games under his belt before training camp in September.

Standing at 6' 5", 229lbs, George Parros is an intimidating figure on the ice. Apparently, intimidating to everyone accept the 5' 7" Mats Zuccarello, who stared down the Panthers enforcer after a goal mouth scrum in the second period...

...i got so pumped when I saw Zucc get right up in Parros' face. Fearless out there.

...not sure what Paul Maurice did to Zuccarello in the KHL, but he is a completely different player since returning to the Rangers this season. Physical, confident and balls as big as the building as Torts likes to say.

Last night, John Moore got into the first fight of his professional career in the third period and it really seemed to spark the Rangers as they followed it  up with a three goal outburst to end the game...

Here's Moore on the fight (via Blueshirts United)...

To watch at Blueshirts United, watch here.

...i'm sure Torts wasn't exactly excited about the Rangers performace last night despite the 6-1 win, but I love that he remained positive during his post game presser. The Rangers, for whatever reason, are a fragile team this season, so the last thing they need was their coach criticizing them after a victory.

Players...

Bergen Record - Rangers' quick start leads to 6-1 win over Panthers

New York Post - Rangers remain tied for 8 spot

New York Post - Kreider returns to help Rangers in playoff push

New York Post - Need for Nash never greater

Daily News - Rangers pounce on Panthers with six-goal outburst

New York Times - Rangers Keep Grip on Playoff Position

Newsday - Brassard, Zuccarello power Rangers past Panthers

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The New York Rangers (22-17-4) defeated the Florida Panthers (13-24-6) by the score of 6-1, tonight. For a box score go to Yahoo! Sports.

...what's amazing is that despite the 6-1 win, except for the final five minutes, the Rangers really didn't play a great game. If they play anyone but that putrid Panthers team they probably lose. Having said that, who cares? With just five games left, two points are two points and that was a HUGE win.

...for the first time in about a decade, Rangers fans were able to experience how power play goals can actually help a team, not playing at their best, win.

...what impressed me the most about Brassard's game tonight, other than the obvious two goals, was the passion he showed after scoring. The guy is relishing his opportunity to play in New York and he's filling a tremendous emotional hole the Rangers have.

...as if we weren't loving Moore already, now he's fighting? Team seemed to gain a ton of energy from his dust-up. Funny how that works.

...in the grand scheme of the game, Brad Richards' 1g, 1a really weren't all that big, but for a guy in desperate need of a major confidence boost, it was huge.

...Zuccarello finally starting to find the back of the net.

...if that Steven McDonald pre-game speech isn't played by Tortorella before the remaining five games, he should be fired. I know it pumped me up:

“We need one shift, one play, one block, one goal. To make this season a memorable one. So get it done.”

...speaking of Steven McDonald, yes, Callahan deserved the award. Stepan is having a great season, but it's the "extra effort" award and no one brings more effort on a gamely basis than Callahan.

The New York Rangers (21-17-4) host the Florida Panthers (13-23-6) at Madison Square Garden starting at 7:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

Rangers Game Notes

TV: MSG; Radio: ESPN Radio (98.7 FM), XM 213

Live Stream (Don't click on ads in stream, may download virus):
http://www.firstrow1.eu/watch/181645/1/watch-new-york-rangers-vs-florida-panthers.html

Probable Lines:
Nash-Stepan-Callahan
Hagelin-Richards-Kreider
Clowe-Brassard-Zuccarello
Pyatt-Powe-Asham

McDonagh-Girardi
Del Zotto-Stralman
Moore-Eminger

Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 19-15-3, 2.09 gaa, .926 sv%, 1 so.

Scott Clemmensen - 3-6-2, 3.50 gaa, .880 sv%, 0 so

Opponent Notes:
- The Panthers have lost four of their last five games.