Jan Levine: Game 4: WAS 2 NYR 1, Loss Has Rangers on Brink of Elimination Same spot they were in last year against Pittsburgh

14 out of the Rangers' last 15 playoff games have been one goal games, the one exception being a 3-0 loss to the Kings. Just crazy.

no goals = no wins

I'm right there with you Jan and so will everyone else on this board. Its about one game now, get it at home and lets see what happens in DC on Sunday.

Right on Jan!
This is not on Hank. Holtby got hot, and our offense cooled off. Big guns need to shoot and score. What else needs to be said that Jan didn't cover?
LGR!

Malkin has it locked up

14 out of the Rangers' last 15 playoff games have been one goal games, the one exception being a 3-0 loss to the Kings. Just crazy.
- Pete V

When you play so many tight games, it would just seem that at some point, the results will start evening up a bit. All that stuff doesn't even matter now, its just about Friday night.

Rick Nash deserves the Conn Smythe
- znagle

Hi! Welcome back!

definitely did not see this coming. Caps have really snuck up on the East...

Washington has a history of blowing 3-1 leads.. Of course not one under Barry Trotz though. Hoping Rangers can come back.. I don't care if Rick Nash is playing well defensively etc. That dude is paid to score. He needs to get going......again

There's no hope because Dolan got 6 home games and that's all that really matters, Sather is the architect for this latest failure, his job is secure until the day he dies which I hope is too soon, we have no first round picks, this organization is an unmitigated disaster

So Jan, can we say that you think AV is being out coached at this stage?

Pretty subdued blog - I bet you didn't write it last night (your time)?
- Aussiepenguin

Pretty much spelled out what I thought of AV coaching, following on your comment from early this AM. I never try and write when angry, cloud the judgment. If I thought the effort was lacking, as it was last year against Pittsburgh, I would be writing angrier. That's not the case. Effort is there, execution isn't and hard to coach that.

What would ranting and raving do? I am angry but more upset at situation. The two mistakes yesterday cost them a win. It stinks that there is no margin for error, but when there isn't, you have to play smarter. They didn't and that's why they lost.

Washington has a history of blowing 3-1 leads.. Of course not one under Barry Trotz though. Hoping Rangers can come back.. I don't care if Rick Nash is playing well defensively etc. That dude is paid to score. He needs to get going......again
- Popcorn Kid

difference is that they have a goalie now. teams with elite goaltending don't blow 3-1 leads.

definitely did not see this coming. Caps have really snuck up on the East...
- DoubleDown

They've been kicking it hard at times right through the season - especially against us although Trotz tactics were questionable to say the least!

There's no hope because Dolan got 6 home games and that's all that really matters, Sather is the architect for this latest failure, his job is secure until the day he dies which I hope is too soon, we have no first round picks, this organization is a mitigated disaster
- KreiderBomb

i think that's a bit much. the Rangers are an outstanding team. but winning the Stanley Cup is really, really (frank)ing hard, and lots of really good teams never do it.

How odd is it that both Tampa and Washingto won a game each in exactly the same way? Its as if, these two teams are destined to meet.

don't you have a kangaroo you can go bang in the backyard or something?
- jimbro83

There's no hope because Dolan got 6 home games and that's all that really matters, Sather is the architect for this latest failure, his job is secure until the day he dies which I hope is too soon, we have no first round picks, this organization is a mitigated disaster
- KreiderBomb

Keith Yandle is a utter utter disappointment.

I am not talking defensively, but I really believed he was going to be the missing piece to lead this offense from the blueline.

His shot from the point is very weak, last night after the Rangers made it 1-0 and had that great flurry he had the puck on his stick in front of the net and flubs it.

I am not giving up yet, but I understand no one having any confidence right now.

i think that's a bit much. the Rangers are an outstanding team. but winning the Stanley Cup is really, really (frank)ing hard, and lots of really good teams never do it.
- DoubleDown

Exactly. Real damn hard to win the thing.

difference is that they have a goalie now. teams with elite goaltending don't blow 3-1 leads.
- DoubleDown

And Ovie has support. He is darn near unstoppable.

How odd is it that both Tampa and Washingto won a game each in exactly the same way? Its as if, these two teams are destined to meet.
- Blueshirts4ever

I say destiny can go frank itself

don't you have a kangaroo you can go bang in the backyard or something?
- jimbro83

C'mon Jimbro, really? How much can a koala bear?

Keith Yandle is a utter utter disappointment.

I am not talking defensively, but I really believed he was going to be the missing piece to lead this offense from the blueline.

His shot from the point is very weak, last night after the Rangers made it 1-0 and had that great flurry he had the puck on his stick in front of the net and flubs it.

I am not giving up yet, but I understand no one having any confidence right now.
- jimbro83

The Rangers gave up a lot to get him. A trade like that could really set the franchise back if they don't find a way to get it done.

I say destiny can go frank itself
- TPC

I think they can do it. Very difficult, but just win tomorrow and take it from there.

Keith Yandle is a utter utter disappointment.

I am not talking defensively, but I really believed he was going to be the missing piece to lead this offense from the blueline.

His shot from the point is very weak, last night after the Rangers made it 1-0 and had that great flurry he had the puck on his stick in front of the net and flubs it.

I am not giving up yet, but I understand no one having any confidence right now.
- jimbro83

Got a whole year left of him and Dan Boyle.


I pray teams are stupid enough to pass on Rasmus Anderssen. Really want him. Some other guys would be ok. That's what I'm focusing on.