While the Rangers can hold their heads high after defeating the Leafs 4-1 in Toronto tonight , they did so by keeping their heads up. Winning their seventh straight game wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. The Maple Leafs are a desperate team and were looking to continue their intimidation of the Rangers by running Henrik Lundqvist. Fortunately, the Rangers new and improved powerplay makes taking penalties a less desirable option this season.

Still, Jason Blake continued to try and bowl over Henrik at the beginnig of this evening’s game. Another obvious goaltender interference penalty went uncalled. Before the start of the second period, Tortorella voiced his displeasure at the officials regarding Stempniak and Blake blatantly running Henrik and not calling them for goaltender interference.

On the broadcast Micheletti, Maloney and Giannone made mention of the fact that the league braintrust in Toronto is going to address the issue of goaltender interference next week. I guess this War Room Pow Wow is in response to Luongo getting run. Other teams have been routinely running Henrik this season and not one word is said by the league about roughing until Luongo got hammered. If CryBaby Brodeur had been bowled over by an opposing player, the league would have invented a rule the very next day. Typical Campbell double standard.

The difference between tonight’s game and the last time the Rangers met the Leafs was that Henrik’s teammates were more aware of who was around Henrik and kept the ruffians at bay. They also  got retribution against Blake by hammering him pretty good. Brian Boyle and Mark Staal both nailed the punk and put a hurting on him. He might think twice the next time he plays the Rangers. He’s got a target on his back.

The Ranger defense and the first line continues to get it done offensively but certain forwards on this team were pictures on milk cartons tonight, none moreso then Chris Drury. While I understand that Chris Higgins still hasn’t scored a goal, he made a few nice defensive plays tonight. Anisimov, Avery and Callahan also had a pretty quite night. But they pull their weight all the time so I will cut them some slack.

Even though the Rangers were outshot by Toronto, they still managed to dominate Toronto in the third period and shut them down. They are looking a little better in the check finishing department but they still need to be meaner.  I thought something was going to happen at the end of the game when both Brashear and Orr were on the ice at the same time but I guess they thought the better of it.

Dave Maloney made the best point of the night. Henrik needs to stick up for himself and lay some lumber on Blakey or anyone else who tries to run him.  Micheletti suggested the King get an old wooden Victoriaville stick and protect himself. For once, I agree with Joe.

Posted under New York Rangers