Live Blog: Game 4, Rangers vs. Capitals

Don't go far from your TV sets - the first five, 10 minutes of this game could be very telling.

As in, did the Rangers correct their defensive issues from Game 3's 4-0 loss.

"I just want us to play," coach John Tortorella said. "We're not going to overthink this. We know we didn't play well in certain areas. It's a matter of keeping the game simple. You have to play defense against this team. If you play sound defense, you'll have the puck more and maybe get involved in our offense. So that's a key."

"We have a positive attitude," defenseman Paul Mara said. "We're up 2-1 and we have a game at home. We have to contain their top players, they were extremely effecitve the other day. We were running around a bit in the last game. if we can control that, we'll have more success."

As Tortorella said earlier in the day - and based on the pre-game warmup line rushes - Chris Drury remains in the lineup. But not necessarily at center.
Sean Avery-Scott Gomez-Ryan Callahan
Markus Naslund-Brandon Dubinsky-Nikolai Zherdev
Chris Drury-Lauri Korpikoski-Nik Antropov
Fredrik Sjostrom-Blair Betts-Colton Orr

Based on those combinations, the Rangers don't necessarily have a well-defined top line. Obviously, Gomez's line always counts as the top line but it could really be said the Rangers have three second lines.

Also, if you're not watching on TV and listening on radio - or if you want to listen on radio - I'll be the first intermission guest on ESPN-1050.

Updates as we go in this pivotal game.

UPDATE, PRIOR TO PUCK DROP: It's much louder in the Garden with fans clapping their hands instead of those silly thunder sticks.

UPDATE, 2:31 First period: Much better start for the Rangers. Puck constantly in the Capitals end. And I did notice Dan Girardi contantly keeping his head on a swivel, just like John Tortorella preached yesterday.

UPDATE, 3:38 First period: You just get the sense that if the Rangers could get one past Varlamov, they might get two or three, because they're certainly swarming the net. The other side, though is, it would be very deflating if they can't score and the Caps go down and get one despite the Rangers' start.

UPDATE, 5:40 First period: The Capitals are doing exactly what the Rangers did in the first period of Game 1 in Washington, just weathering the early storm. Rangers lead in shots, 4-0.

UPDATE, 8:02 First period: The Capitals get their first shot on Tom Poti's wrister at 6:34. And Sean Avery was not tripped. Happened right below the press box. If anything, he embellished.

UPDATE, 9:24 First period: Tough break for Markus Naslund/Rangers as Naslund looked to be throwing a hip check at Nicklas Backstrom and instead gets called for tipping.

UPDATE, 10:04 First period: Almost a huge boo-boo by Caps goalie Simeon Varlamov. Alex Semin is called for holding Fredrik Sjostrom but Varlamov starts leaving his net, thinking the penalty was against the Rangers.

UPDATE, 13:55 First period: Critical first goal for the Rangers as Naslund deflects Paul Mara's shot from the left point, with Brandon Dubinsky getting a clutch faceoff win. Even clutcher considering Varlamov somehow stretched out to stop Zherdev at the post to cause the faceoff. Pretty awesome environment here in the Garden listening to the crowd roar. Sometimes, you have to put down the pen, stop typing for a second and remember why you wanted to become a sports writer in the first place.

UPDATE TO LAST UPDATE: Great camerawork by MSG showing the puck hitting John Erskine's stick. Goal changed to Dubinsky with Mara getting the single assist. Nice celebration by Naslund, though.

UPDATE, 18:52 First period: Great penalty kill shift (again) by Sjostrom, who draws a hooking call against Mike Green as he gets down ice first.

AFTER FIRST PERIOD: Clutch first period for the Rangers, who are defending much better and, not coincidentally, attacking the Capitals net much better. They've now changed the goal to Mara with Dubinsky getting the only assist. They're running out of players who were on the ice at the time to credit for the tally. Here's some numbers on Varlamov: He had held the Rangers scoreless for 126:11, stopping 63 shots in a row in that span since Ryan Callahan's Game 2 goal. Now heading over to the radio booth to be first intermission guest. Join me.

UPDATE, 1:19 Second period: Rangers playing with fire here. Lundqvist stops Backstrom as the Capitals go 3-on-1 against Marc Staal. And, from the first period, Chris Drury is taking faceoffs. He went 1 for 3 in the first 20 minutes.

UPDATE, 2:23 Second period: Varlamov's first mistake of the series. He fails to glove Chris Drury's flip from the left boards, leaving the puck in front of the crease, with the puck finding its way back to the captain for his first goal of the series.

UPDATE, 6:50 Second period: Know you can't do anything about them, but these TV timeouts just kill the flow of what's been an up-and-down second period.

UPDATE, 13:56 Second period: Great timeout by Tortorella. The Rangers PK unit couldn't clear, couldn't get off the ice and still couldn't after Michal Rozsival was released from the box and the Rangers had to ice the puck. The Rangers have to realize two goals might not be enough tonight, not even with how fantastic Lundqvist is playing tonight. The Rangers have to revert to their aggressive selves from earlier. Capitals outshooting them, 26-15 overall, 17-4 in this period.

UPDATE, 16:25 Second period: It's like the Capitals have been on the PP most of the period. Shot advantage up to 19-4.

UPDATE, 19:05 Second period: Rangers absolutely cannot give up a goal in this final minute. Would be devastating.

AFTER SECOND PERIOD: Strange to say the Rangers escaped a period in which they scored the only goal but that's what the second period amounted to considering they were outshot 19-5. The Rangers have to be much better in the second period. Or, Lundqvist just has to stand on his head for the rest of the game. Gotta write for the newspaper.

UPDATE, 2:13 Third period: Yikes. Alex Ovechkin wrist shot beats Lundqvist high to the far post. Watch out, Rangers.

UPDATE, 10:21 Third period: Another awful penalty by Sean Avery, flinging his fist into Milan Jurcina's face and earning a two-minute minor. Avery missed the check. He needed to live with that. Now, a foray over the lines of discipline could cost the Rangers badly.

FINAL: RANGERS 2, CAPITALS: Above all other storylines is this one: the Rangers lead this series, 3-1. Of course, the fact that this franchise is 11-0 when taking that postseason lead means nothing this time around. Because the Capitals are a very, very good team. The only things separating the Rangers from a loss in this game was Henrik Lundqvist and some brilliant penalty killing, led by Lundqvist.

But the Rangers can't get the performance they got out of Sean Avery. His two penalties were just unconscionable. John Tortorella said after the game he wouldn't discuss it but you could tell he wasn't happy, especially when he said the team's discipline had to be better in Game 5 after six penalties tonight. Tortorella didn't even hint at questioning the refereeing so when he says it's stuff that will stay within the dressing room, you've got to think he'll be going ballistic on Avery. And it will be interesting to see how Avery reacts. These two penalties, plus a bad roughing call in Game 3 that Tortorella didn't like is the first real bump in the road in their relationship.

I certainly don't disagree with those who think Avery's night should have ended after he flailed at Jurcina's face. He very nearly cost the Rangers the game,w hich very well could have possibly cost the Rangers the series.

"I couldn't believe it when we ended up in the box again," Lundqvist said. "A couple of tough calls, I think, but we took care of business. The guys were amazing in front of me. it is a little scary. They have so many guys who can shoot the puck. Even though you think you are squared and all set, they can still beat you. I felt pretty sharp tonight. I had the luck i needed and the guys did the rest."

Sixteen blocked shots for the Rangers tonight. And they were fantastic on faceoffs, winning 39 of 58 (67 percent. Dubinsky was particularly amazing, winning 15 of 17 (88 percent).

Drury said he was laughing after his goal just because of how weak his first shot was from the boards.

The team is on the ice for practice at 11 tomorrow.

Comments

[Avery Rules]

Andrew - I'm watching on Versus but listening to the Rangers' radio broadcast. Great interview during intermission.

[graves9]

Wow Varlamov pulls a Theodore. Terrible penalty by Mara.

[stuart]

Henrik has been out of his mind.

then need to dump the puck DEEP>

[Chris]

Ovechkin has the heaviest shot I have ever seen...absolutely incredible. Lundqvist has played amazing, Callahan, too.

[Chris]

So, let me get this straight. We sit Zherdev so Avery can take penalties. Avery is a better defensive forward, but he is playing with some demons right now that will diminish everyone else's efforts.

[graves9]

Pretty incredible win. This was the definition of a goalie standing on his head and winning the game. The team played fairly well in the first period and really faced a blitzkreig in the last 40 minutes. Rangers got some great games from Dubi and Cally at both ends of the ice. Those two battled blocked shots and just grinded it out. Staal and Girardi were pretty good. While Henrik made ridiculous save after save Varliamov gave up a weak as hell second goal. Not real sure how he didn't hang on to that weak toss by Drury. He might have been a bit distracted by a hard driving Korpi(who was excellent tonight) Avery just took two ridiculously dumb penalties. Imo he should have been benched after the first one. How great is Ovechkin? The guy never stops competing and shooting and driving to the net. Hank may have some bruises from some of Ovie's lasers. Against any other goalie he probably has a hat trick tonight. The last few minutes were nail biting and heart stopping time. The pk has come up huge time after time and tonight was no different. Why Ovechkin outside of game two has dominated nearly every shift the Rangers have competely shut down Mike Green. If or when the Rangers eliminate the Caps he'll be a huge goat. Caps will not be an easy out as they'll come even harder(if that''s possible in game 5. Hank has been the best player in this series and even as great as he has been he has gotten some luck with a post late today and in game two. How did Gomez miss the open net? It nearly cost em. Gotta be happy where they're at and ecstatic with the play of Hank and young studs like Cally, Dubi and Staal.

[Blueshirts]

I can understand sitting Zherdev at times but not the entire 3rd period. I thought Zherdev played a good 1st and 2nd period. Putting Avery on the ice late in the game was a mistake but you can't discount his skating ability and willingness to battle for pucks.

[Mark]

Man I commented yesterday saying I didn't think Drury should play, so happy he scored and shut me up tonight. Note to the Garden never ever use the thundersticks again. Zherdev getting benched is kind of brutal, I mean Avery is taking costly penalties, but he continues to play key moments, and Zherdev takes a seat for the whole 3rd.

[Keith]

Well I must say that while I hold no ill will for Z he just looks like a fish out of water out there no matter what line he is on. I know he nearly scored on that stuff in attempt but it seemed if he went stronger to the net he would have cashed in. No matter-they won. I will say this on Avery-and I have been one of his staunchest supporters: He was out of line tonight and he cannot continue to do that-it pisses the Coach off and those two retaliatory penalties in the 3rd period were very selfish. I have to applaud Henrik-not only for his brilliant performance but also for his loyalty to Avery and the team. In the postgame interview he amazingly came to Avery's defense and it shocked me as I had to notice the irony in the two completely opposite locker rooms he has played in this year. Seemingly everyone in Dallas's locker room hated him and even after an awful night one of the leaders (if not the leader) of the NY team backs him and supports him. I love that. Now to Henrik's play-all I can say is that I can't remember a Rangers netminder taking a team on his back like that since Richter-it was unbelievable especially with how hard Ovey was charging tonight. I hope they can close the book on them in Washington but the old cliche is that it's the fourth win that is the hardest to get....LGR!!!!!!

[Keith]

I almost forgot one of my favorites on a night dominated by Hank and Avery's knucklehead plays. Drury has to get some credit for going out and playing hurt and blocking shots and scoring the game winning goal. If you saw the first shot that stunned Varlamov it was pretty clear how hurt Drury is. He is a true leader (in his own way) and he ended up netting the goal that sealed the win. Outstanding job by him

[Matty]

You know ... Henrik has been the difference for the Rangers, but I do wish the national media(not really talking about you or the NY Beat writers Andrew) would give our team more credit for what they are doing instead of just pointing to Henrik and making excuses for the Capitals ...

I mean look at what happened in game 3 ... I am sorry but that was not a case of the Capitals just suddenly breaking off and dominating and showing why they are a #2 seed ...that was a case of us playing horrible and uninspired ...

Yeah our team is deeply flawed but for the better part of 3 games we have played them hard, gritty and extremely tight ... yet it's like it's all about what the Caps aren't doing rather than what we are doing ... it's really annoying ... but I don't care as long as we win ...

I guess that's what happens when an underdog is beating a team they weren't supposed to beat ... let's hope we can close things out on Friday and avoid the dreaded afternoon game on NBC!

[Keith]

No kidding Matty! I totally agree with you on that one. I don't know if you watched the Versus telecast but it was ridiculous! I had buddies of mine that are Dallas and Pitt fans, respectively-calling me asking me what the heck is up with them gusing over the Caps and Ovey. Look-I understand, like you said it perfectly Matty, this team is a flawed team. But guess what-they have 3 freaking wins to Washington's 1!! Geez you wouldn't know it by listening to these analysts and on the radio too. NY does deserve some credit-they have been playing hard and sacrificing to block pucks and all. No-they aren't going to win 5-3 or 6-5-but what's the difference? WINNING IS THE OBJECTIVE BABY!! That's it, and that's all

[Jimmy]

Yeah what about the intangibles the Rangers have shown. The media loves talking about Lundqvist, but what about the guts the Rangers play with, the tenacity they showed today (and didn't in game three). It's obvious that talent alone (even though it can help) and the names on paper don't always amount to wins. I think the Rangers are underrated for the little things they do extremely well.

[Bill]

Matty and Keith,
I could agree more. I'm in Boston so I had to watch the game on Versus. As I'm sure many did, I turned off the sound and listened to the radio instead of Darren Eliot. What a tool! Versus is horrible and hockey deserves better coverage.

As for the game tonight, I've been down on Drury since December, but I am happy with him tonight. True to his reputation, he scored a clutch goal.

As for Avery, has anyone else noticed that Larry Brooks can't stop fawning over him. Seriously, I think he's in love! It will be interesting to see if Brooks has any excuses for Avery's undisciplined play tonight in his column tomorrow. Remember the hit from behind in last years playoffs that sealed Ryan Hollweg's fate with the Rangers? Avery's penalties tonight reminded me of that a little. Avery is an embarrassment. He's a good player, but he's a head case. I know it will never happen, but I say get rid of him.

[Johnny Boy]

I bet if they show any highlights of this on sporscenter, the only highlight they show will be Ovie's goal. That is why I HATE sportscenter in the States. They never show hockey highlights and when they do its like one goal, unlike football or baseball where they show every touchdown or run being scored. Its pretty disgraceful!

[Keith]

JOHNNY BOY-that is another topic of debate altogether-the game is just not as big here in the US, or only in small pockets. I don't even want to get into it-the media here only shows the NHL when somebody does something outrageous like Pat Roy's son fighting. I don't want to discuss it any further because it pisses me off a bit. It's fine-I love Hockey, I played when I was a younger guy and I even think I like the NHL playoffs more than the NFL or NCAAF. It's just so intense and one goal can totally change a game-it's amazing.

[LI Joe]

and we have great people like Andrew reporting. sorry i haven't been posting during the garden games but i have a good reason - been going to the games.

[LI Joe]

by the way del zotto's team lost in 5 games - all in ot. so he might be avail for the Pack who are now even at 2-2 with gfame 5 tonight. tavares is also on that same team.

http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/bracket.php?view=text&season_id=37

Series G (East)
BELLEVILLE vs. BRAMPTON
Brampton leads series 3 - 1
Game 1 - Wed Apr 15 7:15 PM Brampton 4, BELLEVILLE 2
Game 2 - Fri Apr 17 7:30 PM BRAMPTON 7, Belleville 2
Game 3 - Sun Apr 19 7:15 PM BELLEVILLE 6, Brampton 2
Game 4 - Tue Apr 21 7:00 PM BRAMPTON 4, Belleville 3
Game 5 - Thu Apr 23 7:15 PM Brampton at Belleville
Game 6 - Fri Apr 24 7:30 PM * Belleville at Brampton
Game 7 - Sun Apr 26 7:15 PM * Brampton at Belleville

Series G (West)
WINDSOR vs. LONDON
Windsor wins series 4 - 1
Game 1 - Wed Apr 15 7:05 PM WINDSOR 4, London 3 OT
Game 2 - Fri Apr 17 7:30 PM LONDON 6, Windsor 5 OT
Game 3 - Sun Apr 19 4:00 PM WINDSOR 5, London 4 OT
Game 4 - Mon Apr 20 7:05 PM Windsor 5, LONDON 4 OT
Game 5 - Wed Apr 22 7:05 PM WINDSOR 4, London 3 OT

[LI Joe]

grachevs team is up 3-1 in games.

major props to a lot of our guys on the pk besides our best pk man in Henrik. sjoe, betts, dubi, korpo, and top 2 pairs on defense.

just seeing end of game on rewind. caps came pretty close at end. and they are far from out of this series.

[LI Joe]

can't forget cally either.

i know i mentioned him above but definitely want to point out how much of a stalwart dubi was. saw him before a faceoff in last minute looked like he was bent over like he was tired but the guy had amazing passion to get the puck out of our zone