If you read the box score or saw the highlights, much of the focus would be centered on Henrik Lundqvist, Carl Hagelin and Michael Del Zotto. While that is correct to a point, for those that watched the game, or want to go beyond the numbers, the Dubi-Boyle-Mitchell line played just as big, if not a bigger part.

While the Rangers got the win, it’s hard to say they completely carried play. For stretches, especially early in the second, they were dominant, but the Islanders did respond, seen in the last seven minutes or so of that period. It was during that timeframe that Lundqvist stepped up and the Rangers showed why they are and will be a team to reckon with down the road. Hank’s two saves on the Isles PP, robbing Parenteau and the Nielsen, were one better than the other. He then made four or five more brilliant saves down the stretch to preserve the 1-0 lead. Late in the period, Boyle and Stralman, who didn't have their hearts in their throats when he went down, played whatever you can do, I can do better, by diving all over the place to block shots and keep the Isles scoreless. It was that effort that has been a hallmark of this Rangers’ team the past few years and a major reason why they are in first place as effort sometimes trumps talent but when added to it, you have a brilliant combination.

Hagelin continues to blossom before our eyes. The give-and-go by MDZ to Cally to MDZ to Hagelin was a thing of beauty and topped the play by MDZ, whose toe-drag around Nielsen helped set up the first goal. I saw the comparison between Adam Henrique and Hagelin and it’s almost impossible to compare the two given the divergent roles each play. I view Henrique, based on his position, as more of a set-up player who can score while Hagelin, due to his speed, as more of a goal-scorer who will have fits of dominance and at times struggles based on his position. In addition, Hagelin can use that speed to help offset the need to be reliant on others to set him up as he can get the puck and just go. I would be happy with either one and ecstatic the Rangers got Hagelin in the sixth round.

We are starting to run out of superlatives for Del Zotto. Each game seems to be better than the other. Larry Brooks had the stats today; on ice for 54 of the Rangers’ 101 goals, including 37 of 75 at even-strength; 14 of 21 on PP and 3 of 5 SH, giving him a plus-25. In addition; he is averaging 22:42 ice time nightly, if that’s not All-Star caliber, I am not sure what is. (Now if Staal cane come back healthy and play like he did in the past...)

Dubi-Boyle-Mitchell. Size, speed, strength; check, check and check, but ability to finish, well three out of four isn’t bad. That line dominated play without even scoring. Their ability to grind and cycle, keeping the Islanders in their own zone and forcing them to use a time-out early in the period was a thing of beauty. If either Boyle or Dubi could regain their scoring touch, and still have hope that Dubi can do that, what an effective third line that can play in any situation.

First place in the conference. Great to read, nice feeling, but as I said after the Rangers took over first place in the division Friday, talk to me in March, April and especially June, as that is when it will really matter to me.

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