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Calling it a complete domination isn't entirely accurate... yes the Kings showed that they're the "better" team in certain stretches but the Rangers did do good things yesterday.
They really missed a great opportunity to steal that game last night... many chances they didn't capitalize on... and they still are too "pass happy". The Kings may have outshot them 41-25 but the Rangers attempted 59 total shots... TWENTY of which were shots that completely missed the net. Can't score that way....
The first goal they gave up after going up 2 - 0 was a bone-headed play by Stepan... he knows better than to try and make an outlet pass up the middle there with all that pressure on you... he's supposed to take those up the boards. The OT goal too was a tough one... it was a broken play and that dam puck was bouncing around like crazy.
Rest up... learn from the errors... come back fresh and ready to go on Saturday. Lundqvist gave this team an A+ effort yesterday... I expect him to continue that.. so the rest of the team needs to do the same.
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Post mortem for Rangers Stanley Cup Run
This will be my personal observations, and I'm open to constructive criticism but only from Rangers Fans
First of all - a full disclosure - I did not see first series with Flyers so I will be picking up from Penguins.
Also let me say this - I'm still amazed that Rangers were in Stanley Cup Finals.
OK Penguins series - Rangers were better team, same with Canadiens.
It's more controversial in finals.
In my opinion both game one and particulary 2 (overtimes) could have gone Rangers way, forget about game 3, Game 4 a win (never mind snow skinnayyy) even last game Rangers got a fair shake but unfortunally they were the UNLUCKY ones.
Do we have to admit that Kings were a better team?
Not at all - but they (the Kings) were the Lucky one in Rangers Series.
It's more controversial in finals.
In my opinion both game one and particulary 2 (overtimes) could have gone Rangers way, forget about game 3, Game 4 a win (never mind snow skinnayyy) even last game Rangers got a fair shake but unfortunally they were the UNLUCKY ones.
Do we have to admit that Kings were a better team?
Not at all - but they (the Kings) were the Lucky one in Rangers Series.
Could not disagree more. The Kings were far and away the better team. Hank kept the Rangers competitive, but otherwise the Kings outplayed the Rangers in every way. No reason to hang our heads as fans. The West was the better conference. The Rangers made it to the top of the East and they should be proud of themselves. On paper, they probably weren't better than a 2nd round team. Of course, just my personal observation.
Yes... the Kings were the superior team and out-played the Rangers in many stretches in all the games but here's the reality...
- Kings needed to win 3 games in OT (two went 2OT's)
- Kings had to overcome multiple 2 goal leads and 3 times overcome 3rd period deficits.
So the series may have been 4 - 1... but it could have gone 4 - 1 to the Rangers as well.
Obviously it didn't happen... but far too many people are downplaying the fact that the Rangers were the ones who had LA on the ropes in terms of the score sheet in all but one game. LA's depth was just too much for the Rangers to overcome in the end. It's too bad... they put up a hell of a run and effort in the Finals.
Anyway... no rest for the weary... although the season just ended it is now time for Free Agency season. This link below illustrates where the Rangers are at:
Boyle, Pouliot, Moore, Carcillo, Stralman, and Diaz are all UFA's. Meanwhile Brassard, Moore, Kreider, Zuccarello, and Falk are all RFA's.
With the projected cap to increase to roughly $70 million... they'll have $15 million free to use to sign some of these guys. I think it's almost a sure thing Brad Richards gets bought out which will increase that free money to nearly $22 million.
My guesses.... Boyle, Carcillo, and Stralman are good as gone. I have a hunch that Dominic Moore will be gone too. I really hope they keep Pouliot... he played so well with Brassard and Zuc that this line needs to remain in tact. I'd like Stralman back but I think he'll ask for too much... just like Boyle.
Kreider, Zuc, and Brassard will obviously get paid but the big question is how much. Zuc had a career year and Brassard played well with Zuc. Kreider was a beast in the playoffs so he'll get a raise too.
Not much out there on the UFA market... the "prize" would be Paul Statsny who's the Center for Colorado. The Rangers are in desperate need of a quality center but I have a feeling Stats will be locked up before the UFA market opens July 1. I hear mumblings of a possible trade involving Joe Thornton who's good friends with Rick Nash. However Thornton has a no move clause and would have to approve the trade and signs are that he wants to stay in SJ. Although Thornton would be perfect because he's such a quality setup guy, SJ would want too much from NYR and he's not exactly young anymore. Besides... Rangers draft picks are thin as it is so it's highly unlikely.
With the right moves this team can certainly contend again next year.... as long as Alain Vignault is our coach and Henrik Lundqvist is in net... this team will be successful. They just need those few extra pieces to push them over the top and be legitimate cup contenders.
Dominic Moore is a career 4th liner who can stay if he doesn't get greedy. Boyle wants too much for his true role and can be replaced by Miller. Stralman can be replaced by signing Dan Boyle as you desperately need a 2nd line PP D-man.
Carcillo is nothing. I'd keep Diaz if the price is right.
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Post mortem for Rangers Stanley Cup Run
) even last game Rangers got a fair shake but unfortunally they were the UNLUCKY ones. 
