In a game that was "Example A" of why stats have no importance in the playoffs, the Rangers were able to scratch and claw home ice away from the Capitals. Without their captain, Chris Drury (Upper-Body Injury from a blocked shot...but who really knows), the Blueshirts were able to take the lead in this best-of-seven series thanks to a great dangle-and-roof-daddy by Dubinsky, a dominant three point performance in the second from Scottie Gomez, and a spectacular performance from Lundqvist.Despite the Caps' stars (Ovechkin and Green) having dominant games, despite outshooting the Rangers by 14, despite being given seven power-plays, and despite pounding (understatement) their opposition in the face-off circle, the Caps couldn't find a way to win the one stat that matters- goals scored.
Wade Redden (yes, that bum) had a surprisingly solid game, while Antropov and Naslund (despite some stupid penalties) contributed on offense.
It's important to note that Drury was clearly missed. The Rangers lacked that dominant second penalty-killing tandem up front, and were also pummeled on the dots.
If I were Bruce Boudreau, Theodore would be on a short-leash. He by no means cost his team the game tonight, but that Gomez goal was brutal, and he was two Callahan-post shots away from allowing two more goals of questionable validity.
Great win for New York. The Rangers found a way to "Block the Red" (okay, brutal pun on the Caps' slogan, but you get the point).
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