In a great feature on Chris Kreider at the Boston Globe, fellow Boston College alum and Rangers teammate Brian Boyle discusses the rookie's transition from the college game to the NHL playoffs..."He's a pretty smart kid, he fends for himself pretty well,'' said Boyle. "We're just impressed with how he's handled himself.
"It's an adjustment coming into pro hockey. You usually have a summer to think about it and prepare for it, and he had a day and a half and went right into playoff hockey.
"There was no pre-training camp or training camp. It was right into playoff hockey and he's done a great job.''
...i haven't been happy with Tortorella's use of Kreider the last two games, but when the Rangers are on cusp of the Eastern Conference Finals it's tough to complain.
H/T to reader Laurie M.
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To watch on ESPN.com, click here.
...crack open the champagne Rangers fans, because if Melrose is predicting the Capitals tonight, you know the Blueshirts are winning.
ESPN previews tonight's game here.
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...hey, at least he's walking.
Meanwhile Ruslan Fedotenko doesn't want the Rangers to sit back tonight (via NHL.com)...
"I say initiate it and just go for it, not sitting and weathering anything. It's do-or-die. The other team is desperate. That's always the hardest game to win for the team that's trying to close it out. I feel like that's the biggest game for everybody."
...Hallelujah! Now let's hope Tortorella is listening to Feds.
On clinching the series tonight, Brian Boyle says (via Washington Post)....
"This is the hardest game to win, the fourth game. ...You expect [the Caps] to elevate their game."
...as I said in my previous post expect another close one.
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Dale Hunter: "Nothing better [than] being under pressure. That's the best part of it." Believe he also ate glass for breakfast. #caps
— Brian McNally (@bmcnally14) May 9, 2012
...well if they like pressure there will be more than enough tonight. Let's hope they wilt under it. Although I'm not counting on it. Assuming we're looking at another one-goal game.
For more from the Caps, click here.
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The Rangers will be hosting a Game 6 viewing party tonight at the Ziegfeld Theater, 141 West 54th St., (Between 6th and 7th Aves.), New York, NY 10019 starting at 6:30pm.
You can enjoy the game with fellow Blueshirts fans, Rangers Alumni, Autograph and Ticket Raffles, giveaways, and a free popcorn and soda.
Alumni in attendance will be Adam Graves, Glenn Anderson and Jay Wells.
For more information and to secure tickets, click here.
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While Brad Richards didn't have a monster year point wise during his first season on Broadway, he surely had the flare for the dramatic and his teammates have taken notice (via ESPN NY)...Michael Del Zotto...
"He's a clutch player. We were actually talking about it in the room [Monday]. Any time there is a big play, he's there to make it.
"He never lets the nerves get to him and he always produces when you need him. You watch any game and you see some guys get a little nervous and start fighting the puck when a big play is needed. A guy like him just gets better and better the deeper the game goes on and when you need a big play. He proved it again [Monday]. He just has that ability to find the back of the net when you need him the most."
John Tortorella...
"He's got 'It'. I've known him since he was a kid, when he broke into the league, and he's made big plays at key times."
Richards led the Rangers with nine game winning goals during the regular season.
...it is well chronicled on this blog that I was vehemently against the Richards signing during the offseason as I didn't feel the team was ready to win and because of that, bringing in the former Dallas center would have been a waste of money while taking away valuable ice time from a young player. Oooops.
...as I stated above Richards had a very underwhelming year in the scoring column and never really clicked with Gaborik until late in the season, but the one thing I failed to consider while criticizing the signing was Richards' intangibles. Not only is he one of the clutchest (is that a word?) players I've seen wear a Blueshirt, his veteran leadership has helped in the development of young players such as Stepan, Del Zotto and Anisimov. And I can only imagine how invaluable he's been in the locker room during this intense playoff run that has included nine one-goal games and four overtimes.
...you make your name by being clutch in New York, especially in the playoffs, and Richards is on the precipice of being the biggest name in New York sports right now if he keeps this up.
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Meanwhile, Marc Staal was a guest on the Michael Kay Radio Shoe which you can listen to by clicking here.
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To watch on YouTube, click here.
While TheNYRBlog reader Brandon S. sends me this video his dad took of the Garden Faithful in full pandemonium after Marc Staal's overtime winner...
To watch on YouTube, click here.
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Larry Brooks at the New York Post reports that Mats Zuccarello practiced with the team yesterday for the first time since breaking his wrist six weeks ago.Zuccarello says despite the good news he's still at least 10 days away from being available...
"It's still sore but it's going to be sore for a long time. It's kind of hard to tell [a time frame]. I get a little scared when it hurts and you don't want to do too much."
...it will be real interesting to see what Torts does if the Rangers advance. A week ago, Mitchell looked like the odd man out, but I'm not so sure about that any more after his Game 4 & 5 performances.
There has been no updates on Brandon Dubinsky.
...got to say, I'm shocked he's not back. These is obviously a very serious injury. Wonder if he'll be able to return during the playoffs at all.
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To watch on YouTube, click here.
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To watch at MSG.com, click here.
To watch the players discuss mindset going into tonight's Game 6, click the "Read More" tab below.
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Bergen Record - Rangers' keys to Game 6
New York Post - Rangers must Capital-ize on chance to end series
New York Post - Rangers' Staal makes his Marc as big bro beams
Daily News - Despite Game 5 win, Torts still short with Blueshirts entering Game 6 vs. Capitals
Daily News - Anisimov gets an education with Blueshirts
New York Times - Would-Be Devil Has Become a Pivotal Ranger
Wall Street Journal - Capitals Trying to Beat Rangers at Their Own Game
Newsday - Rangers concentrate on closing out Caps
Newsday - Richards pays off in playoffs for Rangers
Newsday - Mitchell makes most of his minutes
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To view on Spreecast, click here.
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...first off what a piece of garbage this Jackson guy his throwing and landing at least two punches on McIlrath after they were both laying on the ice with the linesman breaking them up. Ever hear of the code?
...this is why I love McIlrath. He will always stick up for a teammate. You can be assured that no one will be going into Lundqvist's crease when McIlrath's around. He'll dance with anyone.
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To watch on YouTube, click here.
...that has to be one of the funniest thing I've ever seen. Who knew Tuck was such a Rangers fan? BTW, where is he running to?
...also love that he's wearing the Lundqvist jersey.
...looks like Big Blue's magic is rubbing off on the Blueshirts.
H/T to reader Evan K.
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