Great Game Tonight

October 11, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

Great game by the Rangers tonight taking care of business against a road weary Anaheim club playing their third in four days. There was so much to like about the club’s virtuoso performance in blanking the Ducks 3-zip. The effort was superb and MSG let them know it as the final seconds wound down.

It was by far the best game of a young season that resulted in a fourth straight win, improving the club to 4-1 atop the Atlantic with the Pens. Sure. It’s early. But this has been quite the start for a completely different team boasting three rookies- one of which who scored his first career NHL goal. Kudos to Artem Anisimov on finishing off a nice play to ice the game.

I’ll admit to being pleasantly surprised by this team’s quick beginning, figuring with the level of competition and a lot of new faces, it would take time. Instead, just the opposite has happened with the guys improving over the last two games in well earned wins over the Caps and Ducks. That three of the four victories have come against good competition has to make any Blueshirt supporter feel good. However, we must stay grounded because it can change rather quickly as was evidenced last year. But that club was different and couldn’t score to save its life. Particularly on the power play. So far, so good with new additions Marian Gaborik and Ales Kotalik fitting in.

Can’t say enough positive things about Mike Del Zotto, who continues to show tremendous poise for a teenager making the jump from juniors. His pass to Kotalik for the winner was brilliant stuff, extending his point string to four in a row. Forget the nine games! The kid’s staying put! Matt Gilroy again was solid and even Michal Rozsival bounced back with a solid effort which could only boost his self esteem. Marc Staal and Dan Girardi were beasts with each sticking like Krazy Glue to the Getzlaf line. They looked as good as any top defensive pair can.

Of course, that they played so well in front of Steve Valiquette, who made a couple of big stops, to get the shutout was like the cherry on top of the fudge sundae. It couldn’t happen to a nicer guy!

We’ll have a full recap a little later as we haven’t had dinner yet. So, I kinda need to decide what I want. Sushi again? Mex? Ahhh. I shall return!