Tuesday was a great night for New York hockey. The New York Islanders defeated the Montreal Canadiens by a score of 6-3, while the New York Rangers took down the Philadelphia Flyers 4-2. With the win by the Rangers, they have slipped into the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The win by the Islanders brings them within 2 points of that same playoff spot. As for the Rangers game, they jumped out to a very early lead scoring a goal in the first minute and a half. The flyers bounced back with 2 goals of their own, but before the end of the 1st period the score was tied 2-2. After a scoreless 2nd period, Rick Nash scored both of his goals in the 3rd period to seal the victory. Henrik Lundqvist played a nice game saving 23 of 25 total shots on goal. The stars of the game for the Rangers were Rick Nash and Ryan Callahan. Nash finished the game with 2 goals as Callahan added 2 goals and an assist. I feel that the Rangers are definitely going to make the playoffs this season. They are too talented of a hockey team to be watching the playoffs from the coach.
Now the Islanders had a tough match-up last night against the 1st place Montreal Canadiens. It was a quiet 1st period where the Canadiens came away with one goal. On the other hand, the 2nd and 3rd periods saw a bit more action. In the 2nd period the Islanders scored 3 straight goals in a span of 11 minutes. The Canadiens answered back with one goal to bring the score to 3-2 (Islanders) at the end of the 2nd period. When the Canadiens tied the game at 3 I started thinking, oh no here come the Islanders I’ve grown accustom to. But I must admit I was wrong. Maybe this team of young talent is showing us, right in front of our eyes, the potential this franchise will have for years to come. The Islanders stormed back and scored 3 unanswered goals and won the game 6-3. I really want to believe in my heart that they are going to make the playoffs too, but if I’m going to put them in the playoffs I would have to take someone else out. Out of the teams that are currently in the playoff picture in the East, I could see the Islanders catching the New Jersey Devils. The Devils have lost 6 games in a row and 8 of their last 9, and I don’t see a sign of them turning their season around anytime soon. They have a lot of games left against the top teams in the Eastern Conference and the way they look right now, they can’t beat anybody. The final game of the season at the Rangers could prove to be the difference in their (the Devils) season (way to go NHL with your scheduling skills!!).
Can’t wait to catch the Rangers and Islanders in action for their next game? Well, you won’t have to wait long, and you’ll be able to find them in the same place. The Rangers come to Nassau Coliseum this Thursday night at 7:00 P.M to take on the Islanders. Let the rivalry continue. The season is hitting its stride, and I think this game will live up to its expectations. I like the Islanders to win in an overtime thriller 5-4.
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Dave Talks Sports 