The New York Rangers have clinched their 4th straight playoff birth with a 2-1 over the Flyers at the Garden. Lundqvist was sensational in net making 37 saves and Callahan continued his scoring streak scoring the eventual game winning goal and adding an assist. "Already I was looking forward to this game, the great atmosphere, last home game before the playoffs, playing Philly," said Lundqvist.
The Rangers jumped out to an early 1-0 lead 52 seconds into the game with a goal by Marcus Naslund. There was a scramble in front of Biron and Naslund kept digging for the puck and eventually it found the back of the net. Relentless efforts like this will be needed to win in the playoffs.
Later in the first, the Callahan, Drury, Naslund line was at it again as Callahan deflected Morris' shot into the net. This line was very effective in the offensive and defensive zone. Callahan has been excellent lately with relentless forecheck and taking the body on every shift. He will be a key player for the Rangers during this Cup run.
In the second period, Daniel Briere scored the only goal on the power play for the Flyers. The Flyers pressured the Rangers for good portions of the second and third period. They had several high quality chances to tie the game but Lundqvist was the difference in this game. He made a spectacular glove save on a wide open Carcillo stretching from one post to the other.
I thought the Rangers could have played better in the second and especially in the third period. The Flyers easily stormed through the neutral zone and sustained pressure in the offensive zone. At some points, it seemed the Rangers were happy just getting the puck out of the zone and making a change. They couldn't sustain enough pressure in the offensive zone as the Flyers were pressing being down by one goal. But at the end of the day, the Rangers defense was better than the Flyers offense. The defense will have to win a lot of games in the playoffs for this team to go deep.
The Rangers final game of the season will be in Philadelphia on Sunday at 5 p.m. This game is vital because it will determine which position the Rangers will finish. Winning the last three games of the season gives the team confidence and momentum heading into the playoffs.
If the Rangers win or Montreal looses, the Rangers will play Washington in the first round. If the Rangers loose and Montreal wins, the Rangers will play Boston in the first round. Who would you rather play?
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