The Rangers goal drought had to end sooner rather then later and fortunately it ended last night. It also came from an unlikely source, newbie Nigel Dawes. Good for him. It’s about time this kid, any kid, got some real playing time. And, seeing the kids on the second powerplay unit succeed is most encouraging.

Thanks mostly in part the Henrik Lundqvist, the Rangers defensive stats were top five in the league going into last night. Their defense and penalty kill has been excellent despite the fact that for 126 minutes, they couldn’t buy a goal.

With three of their top six forwards out injured, Tom Renney had no choice but to hand the puck to the youth and the role players. And, that’s okay. Just like last spring, last night they proved that they are more than capable of stepping up and getting the job done.

Every Ranger on the ice last night came to play. They were all defensively responsible. They played disciplined hockey. They scored first and were able to maintain a one goal lead through 55 minutes of hockey. Now all they need to do moving forward is to play with the same level of committment and intensity. They need to remember how good last night felt.

Once the top two lines develop more of that elusive chemistry, the depth we anticipated when Gomez and Drury were signed should come to fruition. It’s just going to take some patience and time.

A few writers and bloggers would have you believe that the Rangers were just ordinary last night. They looked good because the Devil’s defense was so awful. They refuse to give credit where it is due. It is for them that I have no time and no patience.

Let’s Go Rangers!