Prospal, Gaborik keep Rangers hot, skin Panthers 4-1

by Donny Rivette on Dec 23, 2009 9:51 PM EST Comment 3 comments

Final - 12.23.2009	1	2	3	Total
Florida Panthers	1	0	0	1
New York Rangers	1	1	2	4

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PP goals. SH goals. Sean Avery's patented yappin'. It all clicked for New York tonight as the Rangers cruised to 4-1 victory at home.

The Panthers, winners of four of their past five, fell quietly in comparison to recent nights: Stephen Weiss, Nathan Horton, and Michael Frolik - a reincarnated Legion of Doom lately - finished with a collective zero points and -6, while goaltender Tomas Vokoun stopped 28 of 32 shots, with relatively little support. Shut down that foursome and the sad conclusion is only a matter of time.

And there, folks, is your game.

The Rangers, still propelled by a John Tortorella vitriol-fueled rant a week ago, won their fourth in a row on the efforts of more than a few: Marian Gaborik's two points, Vinny Prospal's two goals, and of course Henrik Lundqvist's singular brand of magic (33 saves...a few simply outstanding), along with a little Avery ribbing (for his pleasure) kept New York in control.

Florida appeared lost on occassion, seemingly a step (or shot, or pass) behind their hosts most of the evening. Could throw that rap on coach Peter DeBoer, but from a purely personal view, I'm going with fatigue. Doesn't bode well for the road ahead, but whatever.

If you've got to fall, this is the time: heading into a brief Christmas break, the Cats could certainly use some days away from the rink given their schedule over the last eight weeks.

Next up: Boston at the BAC on Sunday.

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Pretty cut and dry what happened tonight. Panthers got frustrated by some spectacular goaltending, starting looking for the perfect play, got more frustrated by the yapping and chippiness of Ranger hockey and got sucked right in and out of their solid road game plan. It happens. And in my opinion, a perfect time to lose one. End of a brutal stretch of games, heading into the short break with a nasty taste in their mouths. I’d much rather this than a still-young team heading into the short break winning 6 of 8 thinking their ready to play in a conference final. Still a loooooong road to go.

Maybe something for your “Caterwaul” section, Sean Avery = effective agitator or giant pussy…cat. There is something to be said about the ability to get under the opponent’s skin and take some of the focus away from scoring and instead trying to get back at the agitator. Then again… when a 20 something year old rookie absolutely wrecks your 7 million dollar defenseman and continues to jab away at you, if you’re the “agitator” or “instigator” on your team, you better be ready to drop ‘em. This isn’t the first time Avery’s shyed (shied?) away from confrontation, and its starting to become as much his reputation as his chirping. And yea, I know talking Avery is soooo last season, but whatever.

I’ll be heading home for the holidays, which means I’ll be heading to the BAC sunday afternoon for a Panther home game, something I rarely get to enjoy anymore. Can’t wait.

by Karl Selvig on Dec 24, 2009 12:45 AM EST reply actions

No invoking the Legion of Doom

Ever. (Now frantically looking for Scott Stevens).

Torts seems to have re-awakened the Rangers, and this is as good a time to lose a road game as any. They got outplayed, pure and simple. Hopefully, Stillman’s return will herald the return of some offense to the second line. The defense has been chipping them in and the third line had the only goal last night. The second needs to pick it up.

Florida Panthers: Giving the league a punching bag since 2000.

by Johnny B on Dec 24, 2009 9:15 AM EST reply actions

Knew I’d rope someone in with the Philly reference

Litter Box Cats - Your SBNation Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Dec 24, 2009 4:23 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

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