Since I kinda posted late last night on the game, here are some other things which were on my mind:

-The MSG security was lame as hell. For some reason, they came over to our section and wouldn’t allow anyone to curse. As if there was some sort of rule in place. What was this? Kindergarten? Fans pay good earned money to go to these games. And there you had Jim Dolan’s version of a dictatorship at a Devils-Rangers game. It was the first time I could recall that ever happening. Something must’ve happened.

-If you didn’t know by now, there’s no more Dancin’ Larry. Some gay activist group is said to be suing the Garden over the chant which originated in our section because someone complained and didn’t go for a month before returning. How weak. Sensitivity in this country is a joke. Now we have to deal with the corporate stench of weenies who have nothing better to do than ruin a good time. People go to these games to have fun and let off some steam. Not to be watched by babysitters.

-I’m on record as saying the Caps are running the table which would put them at 94 points. So the Devils better get their act together tonight against their favorite whipping boy or they really could tank worse than the Mets.

-A couple of months ago, Chris Drury was a big disappointment in his first season on Broadway. Since then, the Trumbull Connecticut native has been the Rangers’ best player scoring and setting up big goals along with all the intangible stuff (faceoffs, backchecking, penalty killing, hitting) Mr. Clutch has been known for. They didn’t give him all that money for scoring prowess but rather for stepping up and leading by example in key situations. His three assists last night and big faceoff win in the last 10 seconds was the latest example. He’s lived up to that reputation and is the biggest reason for the Rangers’ steady climb. My co-host Joe McDonald has always stated that Drury should be the next captain. How right he is.

-Scott Gomez lacing ‘em up last night and playing as well as he did through rib pain showed a lot of courage. Maybe it wasn’t the wisest decision but from his quotes in the paper today of what he learned while playing for New Jersey, it becomes evident that he understands what his responsibilities are. He’s a gamer!

-Jaromir Jagr just had another shot blocked.

-He won’t get any recognition in this season’s rookie race nor likely win any team awards but Nigel Dawes has been a different player since his recall in January. The guy now has 10 less points than Brandon Dubinsky and has been a key contributor. His biggest improvement has to be on the forecheck where the stocky 5-8 190 pound left wing has become relentless hitting defenders and recovering loose pucks in the corner. He has scored at every level and is now showing signs that the former 2003 fifth rounder could be a steal.

-If you took away Zach Parise, the Devils would be pretty boring.

-Patrik Elias was a beast last night for the Devs, notching his 19th off a nifty deflection for his 51st point in 69 contests. If New Jersey is to get out of their recent funk and make any noise in the second season assuming they make it, Elias must continue to play like he did last night.

-He might not win the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award but Ranger backup Stephen Valiquette is our unsung hero. In 10 starts, he has five victories along with a respectable 2.19 GAA, .916 save percentage and even two shutouts. Not too shabby for a guy once considered a journeyman before coming to Broadway. His improvement can be traced to outstanding coaching of goalie coach Benoit Allaire. What’s most admirable about the 30 year-old Valiquette is he understands his role and does it well while handling himself like a true pro. Expect the loyal soldier to get rewarded this summer by the club.

-I like Brendan Shanahan as much as anyone but he has no business being out on the ice in the last minute with his club nursing a one-goal lead. Tom Renney needs to use his best skaters. While the 39 year-old Shanny is reliable in his end, so too are Ryan Callahan, Marty Straka and Fredrik Sjostrom. The coach has to do a better job handling his bench in the future or he could get burned.

-Finally, was it just “luck” when the Devils had every bounce during their dominance of the Blueshirts? Inquiring minds want to know.