Two teams in a playoff hunt, two teams needing points, two teams from different conferences and the Road team leaves with two points.
After a game where Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist played a ridiculous game against their arch rivals the New Jersey Devils, Lundqvist would play just as well in a 2-1 loss to the Nashville Predators.
The problem with this game was the Gaborik less Rangers running into a brick wall by the name of Dan Ellis and a rookie defenseman letting his emotions getting the best of him.
Rangers would fall into a 1-0 hole at the 17:45 mark of the first when Jordin Tootoo would find the back of the of the net and take the goal lead into the second.
Vinny Prospal would even the game at one in the second that he would poke home as Jokinen was credited with the assist.
After the Rangers tied the game at one Del Zotto would take a hooking penalty that he didn't agree with and let the referee know. His comments about the call lead to a un-sportsman like penalty and a double minor for the Rangers.
As the Rangers did a great job in killing the penalty the Predators were able to connect on the second penalty to make for a 2-1 lead.
Del Zotto left the penalty box slow heading back to bench and he knew his coach would have words for him as you can see Tortorella's anger, he gave Del Zotto an ear full and benched him the rest of the period although he started him at the beginning of the third. Afterwards Tortorella would say Del Zotto has been one of his best defenseman this season, plus the Rangers needed his offense ability down a goal in the third.
Well the Rangers did come out strong in the final session throwing a barrage of shots at the Predators net minder Dan Ellis equaling 18, but they couldn't find the back of the net on any of those chances.
Another one goal loss for the Blue Shirts, in games I have got to say they have played well in. But as these games are flying by quick the Rangers need to find a way to get points.
The Rangers last four games have all been lost by one goal. The Rangers could of easily of found a way to win some of those games but mistakes lead to losses in a tight playoff hunt where all teams are fighting to either better their positioning or get in.
The Rangers are still on the out side looking in with two more games before the Olympic break. Next up is the defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh, ruff one. Then they finish up at the Garden on Sunday afternoon against the Tampa Bay Lightning a very big game as the two teams are only separated by four points. Tampa Bay holds the eight spot, while the Rangers are in tenth. A very big game indeed.
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