Sometimes homecomings work out better than expected. Yesterday, that proved true for a pair of Rangers. Ryan McDonagh notched a pair of assists while playing his usually steady game and Marian Gaborik showed his stellar hands and goal-scoring ability in lighting the lamp to help the Rangers (48-21-7) to hard-fought 3-2 win over the Wild on Tuesday. The win took on even greater importance when the Islanders surprisingly completely outplayed and defeated Pittsburgh 5-2. The Rangers win, coupled with the Penguins loss, gave the Rangers a three-point lead with six to go, putting the magic number to clinch the conference and division at nine.

It was pretty, but it was effective. The Rangers struggled on the PP, as per usual, especially now with Zucc out, and on the PK, which is the norm, but were pretty good at even strength. The only real lull came midway through the third period, when Minnesota dominated for almost a four-minute stretch, yet Hank was big in net when needed. Shortly thereafter, it was Mack Truck to Feds in the slot for the game-winner. A goal that McD said he didn’t see Fedotenko there, but was aware of the team’s system, where a forward is supposed to be in the spot, and Feds was for the game-winner.

As B2B76 said: “I think last night really epitomized the entire Rangers season. Tough, hard-working hockey against maybe not the toughest opponent, but staying patient & capitalizing on our chances.” That was the key, patience. No one tried to do too much, and each player stayed within themselves and the system, which fortunately resulted in the win.

In addition, chemistry and peaking at the right time doesn’t hurt. As TPC added: “going into last night Richards was 2nd in the league in points and Gabby was 3rd in the league for March.” They added to their point totals, with Richards (15 points in last 11 and 21 last 17) on the blind pass and Gabby (11 points last 10 games) with the goal while Hags had a pretty solid game on that line.

Brandon Dubinsky (five points last five games) was all over the place last night. First, skating with Brian Boyle, how good has he been, especially on defensive zone faceoffs the past several weeks, then on a line with Stepan and Cally. I could see Torts shifting Dubi between the second and third line, depending on the flow of the game, knowing that Dubi has responded to the at times, over the top scapegoating that Torts dished out.

Anton Stralman was very solid in his return to the lineup and should be back in tonight. In addition, you could see him start to get some PP time, as a way to spark that unit and maybe, light a fire under MDZ, who has been just average recently.

Line combinations, subject to change:
Hagelin-Richards-Gaborik
Anisimov-Stepan-Callahan
Dubinsky-Boyle-Fedotenko
Rupp-Mitchell-Prust

(again, could see Dubi on second line, Feds-Boyle-Prust reunited and AA on fourth line, all dependent on how the game goes tonight)

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Michael Del Zotto-Anton Stralman
Marc Staal-Stu Bickel

(Healthy scratches should once again be Tim Erixon and Jeff Woywitka. If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. In addition, Steve Eminger, who now we finally know had a sprained right ankle, just started to skate. I guess the hope has to be he is ready in two weeks when the playoffs, just in case he is needed).

The Rangers play their final back-to-back of the season in Winnipeg tonight. New York is 3-0 against the Thrashers, who have all been eliminated from playoff contention. It’s a difficult arena to play in, given the noise level and rabid following from the home crowd, but the Rangers, as seen in their 3-0 mark against Winnipeg this season, have obviously taken care of business there earlier this year.

No word yet on who is in goal tonight, but as I said yesterday, I would start Hank. This view has been strengthened since he wasn’t overtaxed last night, and with three-point lead and shot to really get a strangehold on the division etc., this is when you go for the jugular.

Six games to go, @WPG tonight. Home Friday for Montreal. Home Sunday for Boston, At Philly on Tuesday, April 3, At Pittsburgh on Thursday on April 5 and home for Washington, who may be playing for a playoff spot, on April 7.

One game at a time, take care of business and move on.

Let’s Go Rangers!!!

(I will be following from enemy territory as will be at the Wells Fargo Center seeing Springsteen tonight)

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