No doubt Artem Anisimov's 2 assist night earned him the Broadway hat last night, but it was probably his rink-length full speed back check that saved the Rangers' bacon early in the 2nd period last night and inspired the W. The game had a funny start with the Rangers--who have had great Garden starts--unable to sustain any forecheck on the forecheck, and were guilty of giving up far too many odd man rushes--routine 2 on 2s turning into 4 on 2s. Fortunately Lundqvist was sharp and kept the Blueshirts in it, as always. Sean Avery answered the bell with his biggest contribution since being reinstated into the lineup, fighting that goon Zenon Konopka after the latter flung some vengeful words towards the Rangers in a pre-game interview referring to an unpunished elbow Wolski inflicted on Sens captain Daniel Alfredsson when the teams met two weeks ago.
Despite the start, the Gaborik, Anisimov, Stepan line came out flying all over the ice, generating scoring chances on their first 2 shifts, but the rest of the lines were unable to sustain. Early in the 2nd, the newly titled G.A.S. line got caught deep with all three forwards below the circles. The Senators broke up the ice 4 on 2 but it was a long backcheck by Anisimov, skating in full stride to arrive in the nick of time, that tipped a cross ice pass into the safety of the corner. Torts praised Anisimov's play over the weekend at the Garden, and commented that he liked AA up there because his excellent defensive instincts keep this line rooted.
And now that the roots are planted firmly, the fruits are growing in the heights of the trees. Down 1-0, the G.A.S. line answered immediately with Anisimov working a forecheck, causing a turnover that Stepan picked up and found Gabbi wide open across the ice. Shortly after it was another aggressive forecheck from AA and Step that resulted in a giveaway and this time Step put it in. In the 3rd period, Step headmanned to G Money on a long, slow 2 on 1 and the re-invigorated sniper cashed in, darting a snapshot over the goalie's shoulder.
The G.A.S. line combined for 7 points as the Rangers notched up their 5th win a row. If only we can get Dubinsky rolling. Goal-less on the campaign thus far, and victim of a holding penalty last night, Torts took him off the Richards/Cally line in an effort to see if something would click between Dubi Prust and Boyle.
I feel like the GAS line can keep growing, and there confidence will on improve. would love to see some more consistecy with the other lines and I believe that will come. Lets worry about this game and play the way we know how to play. Hard on the forecheck, create turnovers and solid defense.
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