In a game full of energy and excitement, key players stepped up at key times tonight at the Garden. Steve Valiquette and Scott Gomez where among those key players. Steve Valiquette, once again, came in after not having played for a long stretch of time, and was nothing short of stellar between the pipes. At times in this game, Carolina's forecheck was in full effect and forced the Rangers deep in their own zone. When those times of pressure came, so did shots, Valiquette rose to the equation and made the big saves when they were needed. Scott Gomez, the other key player mentioned, had noticeable jump to his game and skated better than he has in months, signs of a well rested player. Gomez was all over the ice tonight, making plays, cutting to the net, and backchecking. His efforts in tonight's game led him to a goal and an assist and the first star of the game.
Other noticeable factors in tonight's game for the Rangers were the play of Nik Zherdev, and the play of the Gomez, Naslund, and Callahan line. First on Zherdev, Nikki definitely came out with fire power tonight, he was looking to shoot a lot more, a very good sign, and he made a beautiful play on the Dubinsky goal. When Zherdev has his game going, he always seems to get Brandon Dubinsky going as well. Also Gomez, Naslund, and Callahan are beginning to form incredible chemistry, it is beginning to remind a lot of the chemistry Dubinsky, Jagr, and Avery had last season as the top line. Anyway, that line is showing very good signs at a time when they are going to be needed.
Well it was a great start to the beginning of the unofficial second half of the season. We are expecting many of these close game wins as the Blueshirts close in on the final months of the season. All of these wins will be vital in the Rangers climb in the standings and maybe they will get them the home ice advantage in the playoffs that they have not had in a great amount of time.
The Rangers will fly to Pittsburgh tonight, as they will face the Penguins at Mellon Arena tomorrow night. Revenge will be in the minds of the players going into tomorrow's game as the Rangers were shutout on National television in their last meeting with the Pens. Henrik Lundqvist will be in net for the Rangers in this game.
(Photo taken by Getty Images)