It’s amazing what can happen to a hockey team over the course of a month. I was reading a few of our posts from early-mid November and it seemed like every other day we were defending the line tinkering, Tortorella’s system, players, etc. We constantly preached patience and asked people to give it 20 games before jumping off a cliff. Well here we are and things are finally starting to take shape. Sure there are still areas that need improvement, but for the most part the Rangers are playing extremely well, they are playing like a cohesive unit, and most importantly they are playing pressure hockey, which is what they need to do to win games.

Here are some quick hits about tonight’s 5-3 win down in Dixie.

  • Well, we know the first period our boys didn’t look very good, but what we don’t know is what Torts said in the locker room in between periods to get them going. Or will we? 24/7 you can’t come soon enough!!
  •  Joe credited Prust for setting a screen on McDonagh’s goal in the second period. What he missed was that Arty also criss-crossed the slot right before McDonagh fired the puck. Fans have been asking for more movement down low to disrupt the defense and goaltending…there it is.
  • Would it be a trend though? You betcha. Hagelin skated through the slot in a similar fashion on Sauer’s goal from the point. It seems like these forwards are finally getting it. It’s not always about being stationary and waiting for a pass. It’s about reading the coverage and doing the little things to help your teammates get on board.
  • Speaking of the little things. It’s interesting that the uninformed pick Arty as one of their whipping boys. Talk about a kid who does a lot away from the puck so Stepan and Gabby can have their space to work their magic. It was nice to see Arty setting up Gaborik this time on his transition goal. I love me some odd-man rush goals. Those were like none existent last year.
  • The power play (at least the 5 on 4s) has looked better over the last several games. Richards is making the right reads and using that cannon from up high and Cally is standing in front of the net and not beside it. If you are going to play the umbrella, that’s what you need to do.
  • It was nice to see Avery get on board tonight (what a pass by Gabby eh?). Sean has been playing well in limited minutes since his call up. What has impressed me the most is he’s avoiding the dumb penalties, but still finding the right balance to chirp & agitate. Perhaps he’s finally starting to realize that his career is winding down and that the money, the models, and the adoration won’t last forever. You might as well be a good solider and stay in the coaches good graces.
  • Mitchell and Hagelin? Like a glove!
  • MDZ has a three game point streak, yea he really sucks. Um no.

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