In a piece that makes you proud to be a Rangers fan, Larry Brooks at the New York Post reports on a players only meeting early this season...

"From what I know, the players met very early in the season, when Marian Gaborik was sidelined after separating his shoulder in the third game of the year. They reached the conclusion they could succeed only by sacrificing and standing up for one another; by blocking shots, by finishing checks, by being willing to take punishment to make a play."

...not sure who decided to call this team meeting, but every Rangers fan should be thankful that they did. I normally think that players only meeting are a bit over-rated, but in this case it really does look like it set the tone for the entire season.

Also, how great is this observation from Brooks...

"They have bent, they have never broken. They have been knocked down, they have never failed to get back up and answer the bell. This is an admirable hockey team, willing itself to victory against opposition that might be more gifted, but not more committed."

...the Rangers PR staff should ask Brooks if they can use that paragraph for marketing purposes. Gave me the chills.

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Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has a nice piece Derek Stepan which includes this quote from teammate Ryan McDonagh...

"He's a competitive kid at heart. And he wants more; it's not in a selfish aspect at all. He's one of the most team-oriented guys I ever played with. His competitive nature is what drives him, he's had big goals for us and put up points and has been a huge part of this team from the first game of the season, getting that hat trick against Buffalo. It's amazing. He's 20 years old and I can't say enough about him."

...while Callahan will likely be the next Rangers captain it won't be long before Stepan has an 'A' on his chest.

...the kid is mature well beyond his years.

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...got to agree with Cherry, the Rangers sold out last night and were not going to be denied the victory. Girardi and Boyle especially.

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Rangers vs. Bruins Highlights

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Bergen Record - Henrik Lundqvist posts 11th shutout in Rangers' 1-0 win over Bruins

Bergen Record - Rangers notes: Lundqvist sore

New York Post - Rangers shutout Bruins

New York Post - Stepan's stock on the rise

Daily News - Henrik blanks Bruins as Rangers bounce back with 1-0 win in Boston

New York Times - Rangers Do Just Enough Against the Bruins

Newsday - Lundqvist, Rangers blank Bruins

Newsday - Rangers keep winning games on road

Newsday - Rookie Stepan reaches 20-goal mark

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Just wanted to give you guys a headsup that I'll be an in-studio guest of the Hockey This Week podcast during their "Hockey Night in New York" event this Saturday night, March 26th from 7-10pm in the Canada Cabin at The Windfall, 23 West 39th Street in Manhattan.

I plan on getting there around 8pm and my set should begin shorty after. I've been told that plenty of other guests will be on hand including WFAN's own Brian Monzo, Max Herman and Chris LoPresti.

There will be a Canadien themed menu as well as $4 drafts and $5 Canadian beer bottles.

With the Rangers playing earlier in the day at Boston there will be a lot to talk about.

Should be a great time and I hope to see everyone there.

If you can't make it you can listen to the broadcast here.

On Tuesday night I was a guest on Hockey This Week during their show from The Beach House in Long Beach. For a replay click here.

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The New York Rangers (41-30-5) defeated the Boston Bruins (41-23-10) by the score of 1-0, last night. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.

...the Rangers went into that game with an obvious game plan to make this a 2-1 or 1-0 game and boy did they stick to that game plan. That was almost a Tom Renney game plan.

...all you have to know about how well Lundqvist is playing is the Rangers have scored three goals in the last three games and have five points.

...Girardi is officially the most under-rated defenseman in the NHL.

...congrats to Stepan on 20. I knew Stepan was good, but never expected 20.

...you think Avery was picturing Colin's face when he was fighting his son?

...got to cut it short. Big win, now tied with Montreal for 6th. Off till Wednesday in Buffalo.

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Update, 12:50 p.m.:
Tuukka Rask in is goal for Boston this afternoon, not Thomas.

...Rask is a good goalie but that is a big time break for the Rangers.

Original Post:
The New York Rangers (40-30-5, 85 pts., 7th in East) visit the Boston Bruins (41-22-10, 92 pts., 3rd in East) at TD Garden today starting at 1:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

Rangers Game Notes

TV: MSG; Radio: 1050AM ESPN Radio, XM 205

Probable Lines:
Gaborik-Stepan-Prospal
Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan
Avery-Christensen-Wolski
Fedotenko-Boyle-Prust

Staal-Girardi
McDonagh-Sauer
McCabe-Eminger

Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 32-24-5, 2.28 gaa, .922 sv%, 10 so.

Tim Thomas - 31-10-8, 2.02 gaa, .938 sv%, 8 so.

Opponent Notes:
- The Bruins are 2-0-0 in the first two games of their three game home stand outscoring their opponents 11-1.

- Zdeno Chara has six points (1g, 5a) in his last two games

- The Bruins are 3 for their last 40 with the man-advantage.

- The Bruins are 31-1-3 when holding a two-goal lead at any point in a game this year, 20-1-2 when scoring the first two goals of the game and 22-0 with a three-goal lead.

- David Krejci has 3g, 9a in the last 10 games

- Milan Lucic has 18 points (6g, 12a) in the last 14 games.

- Michael Ryder has no goals in his last 10 games, one in his last 18.

- Tomas Kaberle has 1g, 5a in 15 games since being aquired from the Maple Leafs.

- Marc Savard (concussion) is out for the season.

2010-11 Season Series:
Oct. 23 Rangers 3, Bruins 2 at Boston
Nov. 17 Rangers 2 vs. Bruins 3 at MSG
March 26 Rangers vs. Bruins at Boston
April 4 Rangers vs. Bruins at MSG

Opponent Blog:
Days of Y'Orr

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...makes sense. MZA hasn't been producing lately. Give him a game to sit and watch against the much bigger Bruins.

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Christopher Botta at Slap Shot reports on Henrik Lundqvist taking his game to the next level since Martin Biron went down with a broken collarbone.

Lundqvist on the advantage of knowing he's starting every game...

"You definitely get in a rhythm You don't have to think too much or wonder if you're playing this game or that game. Being focused and ready is not a problem."

He adds...

"The thing you have to keep in mind is, you know how important every game is this time of year. So not only do I have the luxury of knowing I'll probably get the next start, I'm locked in because of how crucial the two points are. This is fun. This is exciting."

Lundqvist, who has started 19 straight games, is 7-1-1 with a 1.86 goals-against average, .936 save percentage and two shutouts in his last nine games.

...getting Hank some rest early in the season has really helped as he seems fresher than in past years. But you have to wonder how long he can keep this up. Could you imagine how many games in a row he'll start if the Rangers actually make a run in the playoffs?

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