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Game 2: NYR-BOS, Rangers Aim for the Equalizer

May 19, 2013, 1:09 AM ET [934 Comments]
Jan Levine
New York Rangers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Rangers come into Sunday's game having had two days off to watch video, listen to the coaches and stew over their 3-2 overtime loss. If the combination of the three aforementioned factors isn't enough to have them come out breathing fire, the specter of having to come back from another 2-0 deficit should be.

Coach John Tortorella in Saturday's press conference hinted at changes, but indicated that those changes would be off the ice and he might reveal them later in the series, but then again, maybe not. Honestly, while it made for an interesting press conference and a bit of a twist from what we are used to from Torts, at the end of the day, it's much ado about nothing.

On the ice, the only possible changes that could occur are the following: 1) line combination tweaks, which as you will see below is not happening, especially with Ryane Clowe, Darroll Powe and JT Miller not available while Kris Newbury is not viewed an upgrade, though one could argue he might be over Brad Richards. 2) Defensive pairing changes, which also is unlikely to happen as I expect Girardi and McDonagh to remain separated for Game 2 and Marc Staal, even though he skated today, is unlikely to play in Game 2 and possibly the series, though that possibility has not formally been ruled out. 3) Alterations to the power play, which could occur, though it will not be Carl Hagelin rding to the rescue as Torts on Saturday was pretty clear in his feelings as to just how good Hagelin is on 5-on-5 and poor he is on the man advantage. The keys, as we have discussed over and over, is to get pucks on the net from the point and traffic in front. Personally, I would use Stralman or Moore at the point, since they either have a heavier shot and/or get pucks on the net while sticking Boyle or Dorsett to create traffic or tie up Zdeno Chara. In addition, move Ryan Callahan or whoever is down low up a bit to create a better chance at traffic, since he always appears to be a stride late getting in front of the goalie. Fourth and last, clog up the neutral zone to prevent the breakout, which seemed to be the norm in the third period and OT. Of all the possibilities mentioned, I think the fourth is a given while I could see changes made on the PP groupings to try and find a way to score a goal and relieve the pressure of 5-on-5 play.

The line combinations, at least as of early Sunday AM, are the same as in Game 1:

Mats Zuccarello, Derick Brassard, Rick Nash
Carl Hagelin, Derek Stepan, Ryan Callahan
Taylor Pyatt, Brian Boyle Derek Dorsett
Chris Kreider, Brad Richards, Arron Asham

I thought Nash had his best game of the playoffs on Thursday. He went hard to the net, created chances and took the play to Chara. Nash helped create the Rangers' first goal, and personally, I believe he is close to a breakout game. Maybe that's wishful thinking but I just have a hunch he puts it all together today. In addition, Callahan, who struggled in Game 1, also should be much better since he normally responds to his coach's challenge to step up his play as well to his own perception of when he had a strong game. The Rangers will need to be more physical and also not allow Boston to dictate play.

The Bruins will likely also have the same lineup. Their defensive crew is getting healthier, but Wade Redden (UBI), Dennis Seidenberg (LBI) and Andrew Ference are not ready to return to action, so Mark Bartkowski, Dougie Hamilton and Torey Krug, who scored in Game 1, all get another start. One big key in Game 1 was how the Bruins' fourth line performed, so look for Claude Julien to continue to roll all four lines, regardless of who is on the ice.

Game 2 - Boston looks to take a commanding 2-0 lead while New York looks to even it up and gain home ice advantage. In addition, as I mentioned in my last few blogs, my daughter's bat mitzvah is today, so congratulations Mia, I love you, and I will be back late Sunday or Monday with a recap blog.

Let's Go Rangers!!!
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