Rangers/Flyers: 4 in a Row

The New York Rangers defeated the division rival Philapdelphia Flyers 2-0 Monday night, again at Madison Square Garden. Chalk that up as 4 Ws in a row for the Rangers, as they now have a record of 7-6-1. After a tough start to the season, New York now finds itself just 1 point behind the first place Flyers. The long homestand really did wonders for the Rangers, as they went 5-1 in 6 games on the Garden ice. Overall, the Rangers are now 7-2 for the year at home, but are a dismal 0-4-1 on the road. They are the only team in the entire NHL without a road win this season.

The key factor in this game was once again the stellar play of Henrik Lundqvist. To tell you the truth, it's getting difficult to write these game recaps without sounding extremely repetitive. But the biggest story night in and night out has been King Henrik's dominance. Tonight, he stopped all 30 shots he faced to earn his 4th shutout of the year, and his 3rd in his last 6 games. Keep in mind, these shutouts are not coming in games in which the Rangers are lighting up the scoreboard. Tonight for example was just a 2-0 victory, but was only a 1-0 game until 4 minutes left in the 3rd period. New York is leaving their star netminder no room for errors, which is okay for now- but only because he isn't making any. What makes Henrik's outstanding start to the season all the more impressive, is that he's started and finished every game this season and still has shown no signs of fatigue. If anything, he's sharper now than he was the first week or so. Flyers' goalie Martin Biron was also outstanding, saving 43 of 45 NY shots. But I guess "outstanding" just isn't good enough when you're facing a goalie who's playing as close to perfect as possible. The Rangers have the fewest goals in the league (25), but are now above .500, because thanks to Lundqvist they have also allowed the fewest (23).

The Rangers' first goal came right at the end of the 1st period. Jaromir Jagr lifted one of his vintage wrist shots over Biron's shoulder for his 4th goal of the season. The goal was assisted by Scott Gomez and defenseman Daniel Girardi. The Rangers' second goal came with just 4 minutes left in the 3rd period, and was scored on the power play by Brendan Shanahan. Shanahan found open ice in the middle of the Philly penalty-kill and received a sharp pass from Jagr. Shanny blasted a one-timer low and past Biron's right pad for his 4th of the year as well.

Stars of the Game:
3rd-Brandon Dubinsky-NYR
2nd-Jaromir Jagr-NYR
1st-Henrik Lundqvist-NYR

I feel like I must once again give honorable mention to Henrik Lundqvist's opposing goaltender, Martin Biron. He played well, but was simply overshadowed by the King.

Next on the slate for the Rangers are the New York Islanders. The Rangers will make the short trip out to Long Island in search of their first road victory of the year tommorrow night.