May 2, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; New York Rangers left wing Carl Hagelin (62) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Washington Capitals in the first period of game one of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Rangers were pumped up heading into Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, but their confidence was tempered after the Washington Capitals dictated play in the first ten minutes of the game. The Rangers would eventually find their swagger and found themselves leading 1-0 into the second period at Verizon Center.

Penalties turned out to be the Rangers downfall in Game 1 as they gave the Caps 5 powerplay opportunities. After the 4th penalty was taken, Alex Ovechkin (no surprise here) cashed in after the puck bounced right to him off the end boards following a Mike Green blast from the point. The Capitals went on to win the game 3-1 and took a 1-0 series lead. But, one game does not make a series and the Rangers are still very much alive.

Below you can find what I took out of game one from the viewpoint of a Rangers fan and surprisingly, it’s not as bad as it seems…..

Plus

• The Rangers had quality scoring chances and if not for Braden Holtby, this is easily a 3-3 game.
• Carl Hagelin did not seem to be playoff shy in the least as he was literally flying around the ice all night long causing tons of problems for the Caps.
• Rick Nash created tons of offense and quality for New York in his debut playoff appearance for the Blueshirts. 8 shots on goal.
• John Moore had a ton of energy and showed off fantastic speed. Wish we could have seen more than 14:26 of it.

Negatives

• Henrik Lundqvist, so strong in the opening 20 minutes, had an absolute horrid second period, letting in two stoppable goals potted home by Marcus Johansson and Jason Chimera.
• Penalties. The Rangers need to play this series 5 vs 5 and cannot afford to spend as much time in the box as they did last night.
• On a team that struggles to score at times, why is newcomer Derick Brassard getting only 12:08 of ice time in a close contest?
• I cannot even remember the last time the Rangers were out-blocked on defense. Capitals had 25 blocked shots to the Rangers 15.

Around The NHL

Ottawa Senators v.s. Montreal Canadiens (Sens lead 1-0)

Backed by a superb effort from goaltender Craig Anderson, the Senators rolled over the Canadiens in a 4-2 victory. The most important thing that the Sens can take away from this game is that they won in the Bell Centre, which is considered to be one of the most difficult arenas to visit in the league.

The Canadiens came out flat-footed, and have now lost one of their offensive weapons. After receiving a “suicide pass” from defensemen Raphael Diaz, Eric Gryba delivered a devastating blow to Lars Eller. It wasn’t really the hit that gave Eller damage, it was the fall. Ellers’ face smacked against the ice and he had to be stretchered off and taken to the hospital. Gryba was suspended 2 games for his actions by NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan.

If you want to be the judge, here is the video of the hit below:

Here is what occurred today, as Brandon Prust addressed the media:

“It’s a dirty hit. I’ve watched it over and over. He has the choice to hit him on his front shoulder but he chooses to go to his far shoulder. If you’re going to go across the body like that, because you don’t want that full contact, then you’re going to hit him right in the face.

“Look at all the blood all over the ice. It’s a dirty hit. He’s got a broken face, so, it’s a dirty hit.”

Q. What did you think about what Paul MacLean said about not recognizing the name of Diaz, and having trouble searching for Eller’s name, that he wasn’t even familiar with the players. Any thought on that?

“Yeah, he already showed enough disrespect over there. So we don’t really care about what that bug-eyed fat walrus has to say.”

Los Angeles Kings v.s. St. Louis Blues (Blues lead 2-0)

The Blues continued their hot-play last night, extending their series lead to 2-0 over the defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings. It seemed as if the Kings were right there but Barret Jackman scored at 19:09 of the final stanza to give the Blues a 2-1 victory.

The series now shifts to Staples Center as the Kings find themselves in a tight spot. If the Blues take a 3-0 lead in the series lead, we will most likely see the Kings thrown off their rightful place on the throne.

Detroit Red Wings v.s. Anaheim Ducks (Series tied 1-1)

The Red Wings, who are experts when it comes to the postseason, almost let a 3 goal lead slip away from them last night in Anaheim. But the keyword is almost.

After the Wings 4-1 lead was stripped by the Ducks, Gustav Nyquist ended the game with a PPG just a short 1:21 into OT. As we have seen in past postseasons, overtimes either end really early or really late. Note: It took 3 overtimes last year to get a winner between the Rangers and Capitals (ironic, huh?)

What’s Trending On Twitter

#NYR can turn tables on series with a “W” tomorrow. I believe Staal, Dorsett or Boyle play tomorrow.

— Rob Ziello (@RobZ24) May 3, 2013

#NYR Also, Tortorella confirmed a healthy player will return regardless of conditioning level, “because if we don’t win, we’re done.”

— Katie Strang (@KatieStrangESPN) May 3, 2013

#NYR Clowe: “I’m not ruling myself out” espn.go.com/blog/new-york/…

— Katie Strang (@KatieStrangESPN) May 3, 2013

 

Thanks for reading us here at Blue Line Station. Be sure to follow me on twitter @a_graz24. I am always willing to discuss anything Rangers and the NHL!

Also feel free to leave your comments below using a variety of convenient sign-in methods.

Feb. 9, 2012; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; National Hockey League alumni Red Kelly (left), Ted Lindsay, George Armstrong, Alex Delvecchio, and Kris Draper pose during an NHL press conference for the 2013 Winter Classic between Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The NHL today announced that the Winter Classic will be held at The Big House in Ann Arbor Michigan.  The game will have the Toronto Maple Leafs visiting the Detroit Red Wings.  The game is scheduled for Wednesday January 1, 2014

If you feel like this is Deja vu, there is good reason for it.  This is the same game that was scheduled this year but was cancelled for Bettman’s lockout of the players.  This game will be the second outdoor hockey game played at Michigan’s Big House.  The first game was played between the University of Michigan against Michigan State.  Our own Carl Hagelin played in the game in front of a record setting crowd of 113,411.  I’m sure the NHL is looking to top this record in the same building.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @JohnBLStation