RALEIGH, N.C. – The Rangers’ curriculum includes evolution.
The match last night was one the Rangers might have let slip away earlier in the season. After dominating the Hurricanes every which way possible while building a 3-0 lead 2:14 into the second, it was 3-2 just 4:54 into the third, with Carolina going on the power play for the third time in the period.
But the Rangers did not let this one slip away. Instead, they calmed down, clamped down, killed the penalty, and stabilized matters on their way to securing the 4-2 triumph that extended their winning streak to three games, and their extended runs to 6-0-2 and 9-2-2.
“We understand how we have to play as a team to get success,” said Henrik Lundqvist, cool all night in the face of net-crashing tactics that commenced on the first shift. “When you’re ready to use the team concept, a lot comes with it.”
The Brandon Dubinsky-Jaromir Jagr-Sean Avery unit dominated the opening period, creating chances on every shift. When Dubinsky scored early and Avery scored late in the first, the troika had combined for 11 goals in its six games as a unit.
Avery, who has scored six goals in his last seven games, ended his media boycott. First he proclaimed all questions for him should be directed to Jagr (“My translator”) the rest of the season. Then, Avery announced he’s dedicating the rest of the season to Jagr, who needs 28 points in the final 17 games to hit his statistical option trigger.
“That’s why I’m playing the way I am, so Jags gets his [84] points,” Avery barked.
“The only reason you’re still here is because of me anyway,” Jagr said, playing along. “Glennie [Sather] asked me if we should keep you . . . ”
The Rangers have outscored the opposition 30-15 in going 5-0-1 in their last six. They’ve started fast. Other than the Montreal debacle, they’ve finished intelligently.
“Before, our commitment to detail and focus wasn’t there consistently,” said Brendan Shanahan, who scored the 4-2 goal at 7:28 on the team’s only shot within the first 16:45 of the third. “The margin of difference between victory and defeat is so thin, you have to learn how to do the little things that allow you to win.”
That’s evolution.
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Though Colton Orr missed his second straight with a bruised sternum, the Blueshirts did not summon enforcer Josh Gratton from the AHL Wolf Pack to fill his spot, instead going with Fredrik Sjostrom. That’s because Gratton, acquired from the Phoenix organization Tuesday, requires re-entry waivers.
It’s all but impossible to foresee Gratton clearing on re-entry, because the cost of claiming him would amount to just over $63,000, half the approximate $126,000 remaining on his contract. Teams such as the Flyers or Islanders, battling the Rangers for a playoff spot, likely would invest to block the Blueshirts from filling a need.
Rangers 4 Hurricanes 2