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Game 6: NYR-OTT, Time to Send it Back to MSG for Game 7 |
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As we sit a few hours before Game 6, the insides are churning waiting for the contest to start. Choose whatever term you want, do or die, win or go home etc., we all know what's at stake for the Rangers tonight and words do it little justice.
It was confirmed this morning that Brian Boyle is out for tonight's game, which was no surprise given the concussion he suffered after Chris Neil's check. Plus, Boyle did not even travel with the team to Ottawa. It's unclear if he would be ready for Game 7 when the Rangers advance there (yes, I know it's if, but staying positive on this blog to calm my nerves). As noted previously, the loss of Boyle is huge as he has been the Rangers' best forward this series, plus, he has been counted on to take almost all the key defensive zone draws. His absence for the latter heaps more responsibility on Richards and Dubinsky as well to a lesser extent, Stepan and Rupp.
In what looks to be a one-for-one swap, Carl Hagelin returns from his three-game suspension and replaces Boyle in the lineup. New York desperately missed his speed, creativity and finishing ability. However, it obviously would have been much better to see Hags and Boyle in the lineup at the same time. Steve Eminger's ankle must not be ready for game action, as that would be the only reason I wouldn't have him in for Mitchell, if you moved Bickel up, or Bickel to sit Mitchell.
Ottawa gets a dual boost of energy and talent tonight as they welcome back Daniel Alfredsson, who missed three games with a concussion following Hags check, and welcome in Jakob Silfverberg, who is fresh off a record breaking thirteen-goal playoff campaign in the SEL. It looks like Silvferberg will skate of the first-line with Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek while Alfredsson will play with Turris and Foligno.
As I wrote yesterday, this is how I would set up the lines with my rationale below.
Hagelin Richards Gaborik
Kreider Stepan Callahan
Dubinsky Anisimov Rupp
Fedotenko Mitchell Prust
Have to reunite the top line and hope that Hagelin's speed provides some room for Gaborik. I could see Stepan and AA switching spots, but this gives Kreider more ice time, plus his speed could be a weapon against either the first or two Ottawa d-pairing. Move Rupp up a line and allow him to also see more ice time and use his physical presence to create opportunities. I could also see Kredier and Dubinsky switching lines, as that would give the second and third line two centers, especially the second one, where Stepan is weak on face-offs and it allows Dubi to be there for own zone draws. The same could occur if you move Rupp up to the second line, making that the third, and Callahan down, to help on draws. The Rangers need to generate offense with speed through the neutral zone and the mix of players here could allow that to occur along with physical play once in the zone. If need be, shift AA up to the second line, move Feds to the third line and Stepan down to the fourth line during the game if Stepan is failing to produce.
We can analyze and overanalyze the game and what the Rangers need to do, but simply, they need to generate traffic in front of Craig Anderson and pounce on rebounds. Through five games, other than in Game 1, that has not happened. If that means fighting through checks or taking punishment in front, then that's what will be required. Besides the obvious lead that it brings, a first goal tonight would have huge benefits. Settling down what might be a jumpy Rangers' squad, not to mention their fan base, while mildly dampening what will be a crazed pro-Sens crowd are two of the benefits. A third would be putting some pressure on Ottawa, who are now in the chasee rather than chaser role for the first time this series.
Tick, tick, tick. Game time can't come soon enough. If ever the Rangers had their collective A game, tonight is the night. Break out all the positive vibes. Time to bring it back home to MSG.
Let's Go Rangers!!!!
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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