The Rangers return home to MSG facing an all but must win Game 3. Granted, it's not an official do or die, but it's pretty darn close. In addition, they come home knowing that they blew four, two-goal leads in Games 1 and 2, falling in both contests in overtime, putting them in a 2-0 hole.
Tonight, to quote Bonnie Tyler, the Rangers and their fans are "Holding Out for a Hero?" It's doesn't matter who it is, but someone, in fact multiple players need to step up. Coach Alain Vigenault said after Game 1 that more players had to bring their "A-game." Certain Rangers stepped up, but not enough. Tonight, not only are A-games needed but possibly, heroes as well. I will get to that later, but first, let's discuss stylistically and mentally what's needed.
First goal. It's easy to say the first goal is needed, but as we saw in Games 1-2, they may not have as big of an effect as we hope. However, tonight, getting the Garden crowd into the game early on would be beneficial. The New York fans have been into it, but as times, sit on their hands, waiting for something to happen. A lead would get them involved early on.
Clear the crease. Too often, LA has gotten traffic in front, resulting in goals. We say that in both games, especially on the second, third and fifth goals. In addition, the Kings have used their size to create room, leading to turnovers and deflections, several of which have gone past Henrik Lundqvist.
Maintain their focus. That means no stupid or worse, soft plays. The Kings' size and speed wears down opponents. That has been their style of play are playoffs, leading them up to this point. It will not be easy, but the Rangers not just physically, but more important, mentally have to get past that. Make the smart and safe play at times. Dan Girardi didn't do it. Brad Richards didn't do it. Ryan McDonagh didn't do it. The end result in all three cases was a goal against. Make the smart and simple way but we will willing to take the hit to do so.
Use their speed. When the Rangers have used their speed, they have been successful. Not just through the neutral zone but in gaining pucks in the offensive zone. When they fail to do that, they have struggled. They really can't play a power game with LA, at least for 60 minutes, but they can be smart about when they are physical but maximize the speed advantage.
Avoid a letdown. Bad events will happen in a game. Coming into Game 3, it wouldn't be shocking to know that the Rangers are fighting it mentally. Two devastating losses in the Stanley Cup Finals will adversely affect even the most mentally strong person. This is when leadership and coaching matters. Point out how the team rebounded from 3-1 down to Pittsburgh. How close they were and a bounce or two and it could be 2-0. How all LA did was hold serve at home, and if they do the same tonight and Wednesday, everything is even.
Heroes:
Al Muir of SI.com did a great job of laying this out and it's all true. There are several candidates who can step up. If one, or many do, then New York will get their first win of the series.
Henrik Lundqvist hasn't been bad and he is a big reason why the Rangers were in both games, but even he will admit he can be better. If he can reach another level, like he did in Game 7 against Philly, Games 5-7 against Pittsburgh and Game 6 when needed against Montreal, he will be a hero.
Rick Nash had a strong game Saturday but he didn't score. It's a bottom line business, and right now, the ancillary things he brings don't offset enough the lack of scoring. If he can find a way to breakthrough, as he did Games 1 and 2 versus Montreal, he will be a hero.
Muir really highlighted McDonagh in his column and rightfully so. For as good as and important as McDonagh is, his performance to date this series has been spotty. I went through yesterday his impact on goals three through five for LA on Saturday, which unfortunately outweigh what he did the first two periods of the game. The Rangers and AV heap a whole load of responsibility on McDonagh, and usually he is up to the task, tonight, we need him to be a hero again.
Richards. The latest whipping boy and rightfully so. His struggles since Round 1 have really been magnified in this series. The turnover leading to LA's first goal Saturday was a big momentum chaser. A decision on his status for next year and beyond has already been made, but if he wants to try and make it a difficult one and leave NY in the fans' good graces, be a hero tonight.
The fourth line. Solid play to date but the difference for the Rangers in the first three series was that trio. If Boyle or Moore or Dorsett or all three can step up and be a hero, New York can narrow the gap to 2-1.
The mantra for tonight for all 20 in Red, White and Blue: Be A Hero