If you are a Ranger fan, how can you not be absolutely in love with this team? Amongst the youngest teams in the NHL, the leaders on this team are not even 27 yet. Their allstar goalie is back to his old self come the playoff push, and guys are finally finding their place in the lineup.
I have been bashing Anisimov all season waiting for him to break out, and it finally looks like he is there. Anisimov now has 3 2pt games in the last 6 overall, and in 9 games this month has 10 points (5 goals 5 assists). He is not being pushed off the puck, he is in on the forecheck, and he is finally showing that chemistry with Callahan and Dubinsky.
And for all you people who don't like Vinny Prospal, go fuck yourself. You see what having him back in the lineup does for Marian Gaborik? Prospal now has 17 points in 20 games since returning to the lineup, and with the 'top line' actually producing, this takes the other teams top checking units and defense pairs off of the Callahan Dubinsky Anisimov line. As long as Gaborik is a Ranger, I am perfectly content with Prospal being on his opposite wing. Once the Rangers (hopefully) bring in Brad Richards, Sather should absolutely sign Prospal to another 1 year contract. Prospal and Richards played together under Torts in Tampa Bay and won a cup, and that combination with Gaborik on the other wing is absolutely deadly.
The biggest problem for this team (other than consistency) is what to do defensively. Lets look ahead to next season for a moment. Assume McCabe isn't resigned like he shouldn't be. Staal Girardi your top D pair. Sauer and McDunough are definitely making the team again next season. This leaves Eminger Gilroy Del Zotto and Dylan Mcilrath. A top prospect in the system, you have to assume he is going to be in consideration for a spot on the roster next season. As much as I have enjoyed Gilroy this season, I cannot justify giving him a contract this off season. The Rangers have a very talented young defensive core and Gilroy just does not have a future with this team. Steve Eminger. Honestly, I am a huge Eminger fan. He plays a tough game, and unfortunately he may not have a place on this team either come next season.
The Rangers have now won 6 of their last 7 including beating the Penguins on the road where we all know the Rangers get royally fucked by the refs. Fuck you Cindy Crosby. If the Rangers can finish the season in the 7th spot and draw the Capitals, we have a real shot to make a playoff run. The Rangers match up well with the Caps, having a 3-1 record against them this season.
Anyone else have the playoff beard going? You know I do.
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