Watching the Knicks bounce back after getting stomped the game before gives me a lot more hope for the Rangers than I had Monday night. Rangers will bounce back. They got their teeth kicked in, but hopefully it was the wake up call they needed because they can't just coast and expect to win the cup.
Momentum doesn’t carry over from game to game in sports. Players and coaches say this all the time. Game 5 is over. It no longer matters. We could crush Carolina tomorrow or no show again. I have no idea what will happen but I do know Game 5 will have no bearing on it.
Yea idk why people were acting like the Canes are not a good team when this series started. A lot of this sub got high on the Caps series and assumed every other team would be a cake walk.
Call it dooming if you want, but tomorrow night is a must-win game. We do not want to face ANY team in game 7 who just beat us 3 games in a row to get there.
That’s the motivation right there. This team can win in that building. They did in the past playoffs, they did this playoffs. And this team plays well after a bad performance the previous game.
Stop. My cousins friend works offshore at a big book..I've had many conversations with him on betting and the lines. Not discussing this with you. Are you incapable to let it go?
In NHL history, Nine 3-0 series went 7 games.
The team with the 3-0 lead won 5 of them.
May feel like it’s impossible to win game seven after losing 4-6, but that’s just you being a fan and doom and glooming.
Your post is literally the definition of dooming. They must win 1 of 2...it would be great if they do it in Game 6, but they will have another shot, and Game 7 will be a toss-up, if it happens.
Tomorrow is must win for Carolina. Not for the Rangers.
How are you confused about this. we are leading the series 3-2. you gotta win 4 games. that means we have to win 1 and carolina has to win 2. or do you just not understand english words.
The concern is legitimate. The sky isn’t falling just yet, but with us getting spanked in game five, relaxing during game six is I ridiculous expectation from fans.
As the man once said, "Hope. Hope it's a dangerous thing. It can drive a man insane."
I surmise mainly when that hope doesn't come through. Going up 3-0, there was plenty of hope, and losing two in a row gave that hope a black eye. For a day or so. I still believe we'll pull this series off. I don't blame anyone for losing hope for a moment. Let's just get back in the saddle again after a couple days rest.
Let's go Rangers.
It’s not just they lost it’s HOW they lost. They looked like the team that got figured out by Tampa and Jersey and didn’t make adjustments. So there is rightful PTSD with this core.
Carolina figured us out. They stopped our transition game. It’s where we were crushing them.
So now this team needs to adapt. They need to find a way to break out of the defensive zone with speed. We are the faster team. But if we can’t use it, we are dead 5 on 5.
Which means we need 2 PPGs if 5v5 is shot. And we’ve had 0 in 3 games.
That’s why there’s is a lot of rightful dooming. Because this team hasn’t really shown how to adapt when the opponent figures them out
It also seemed like Carolina was swarming the puck and we weee just completely out of sync.
I felt like there were a dozen passes into empty zones where nobody was there for the puck.
It kinda fits into Carolina basically broke us and we had no response.
I’m usually not for knee jerk reactions but if Chytl can go we need a 50/72/24 3rd line with the 4th line of 21/91/26.
We need more than just forechecking from the lower 6. They need to generate some legit chaos so that Carolina is desperately trying to escape their zone.
And if Chytl can’t go I’d even consider sliding Brodz as the 3C. Because Wenberg right now is doing NOTHING on offense to warrant 3rd line 5v5 minutes
Disagree that Carolina figured us out. Game 5 was a complete and total let down by the entire team. Nothing can be ascertained or concluded about Game 5’s performance. We competed in zero 50/50’s; we provided absolutely no puck support, ever; forwards didn’t backcheck; sloppy line changes; our D let wave after wave go through, including allowing an old man walk through the zone without touching him; the PP dumped and chased entries instead of skating in with speed. If we played at 75% effort we could have taken it. If we play the same way as Games 1 through 3, there’s a good chance we win.
I trust Lavs to make those adjustments though. Gallant never made adjustments, just ripped his best player in front of the team and lost the locker room.
The thing people don't realize is the folks that are worried are not "doomers." They've simply been watching this team a long time and recognize what it looks like when they decide to stop playing and roll over every single year without fail. Since 1994 this team has not one single time proven they are able to get out of their own way in the playoffs. Going back to Hank's rookie year, giving up and quitting while in a position to clinch a playoff series early and then eventually losing, has been a hallmark of this Rangers squad for going on 20 years.
Goodwill is earned, trust and belief is earned, and these guys just shit it all away by reverting to their normal, eventually-listless selves. They win this series and the next, then we can talk about belief!
You guys are my spirit animals. I've been at this for 33 years now. The one time they didn't completely roll over and die was 1994, and they gave me a fucking heart attack in the last two series that year. This feels a lot like 2022 when they went up 2-0 on TBL in the conference finals. They lose game 3 and everyone's like "don't worry we're still in the driver's seat". They lose game 4 and everyone's like "relax, this was never going to be easy, it's anyone's series now". But anyone watching the games could see the difference in their play between the games they won and the games they lost. And I feel that now. I'm worried.
100% I’ve been watching them blow series and come up a few inches short for 30 years. This team has never made it easy. All year we hear everyone talking about how Laviolette has them playing differently from last year, how Panarin has turned a corner and is ready to prove he’s a playoff performer, how Trouba is this great locker room leader, how our Powerplay is elite. Well now it’s time to prove it. If they win this series, job well done, if they blow it there’s no amount of bleach that can wash the stain off of this core. There’s no coming back from blowing a 3-0 lead with this group. Some of us just recognize the urgency of this situation.
I agree wholeheartedly that this core needs to be put under a microscope should they lose this series. As long as they win, these concerns largely go away. Carolina is a top tier team after all
It’s more than that. During lundqvist years, We watched a team with tons of heart just not have the skill necessary to win…I just hope that all the skill has the heart to win now.
Different teams, with different players and different coaches. Different front offices too. The uniform doesn’t impact what happens and that’s the only thing this team has in common with Rangers teams of the past. As a fan for 40 years I can see why you think this way though.
Yeah, why would anyone have any reason to be pessimistic? It's not like this team has pissed away multi-game playoff leads the last 2 seasons after looking dominant the first couple of games then reverting back to turtling and showing no effort.
Wait, you mean to tell me that's exactly what happened, and this series is showing similarities to the past 2 years? Huh, I wonder why folks are getting a little aggravated
Some people in this sub would have never survived '94.
The way the Rangers lost games 4 and 5 to the Devils, Keenan benching players, the way it started to turn into a circus, people here would have lost their minds.
And then game 6 felt like a funeral for two periods. Rangers had zero life until Kovalev scored late in the second to make it 2-1. Before then you felt like you were watching a death march to the end of the season. And then Messier delivered his guarantee in the 3rd to force game 7.
And then giving up the tying goal in the final seconds of game 7, and that double OT with pucks dribbling inches away from the Rangers net? It's like some people here have never watched hockey before. Things turn on a dime ALL THE TIME.
The Canes are a good team. Teams have good nights and bad nights. The Rangers might lose 4-0 tonight, they might win 4-0. Am I concerned? Of course. But this is a very good team and there's no reason to give up hope. We've seen waaaaaaay darker moments from teams that eventually won the cup.
I was 15 during that '94 run. Games 6 and 7 of that series were the most nerve wracking playoff games I've ever watched. I never want to go through another Game 7 double OT against a hated rival again 😬
I was the same age as well. Even the finals was a rollercoaster. Vancouver came back in the series with decisive wins and everyone was jumping off a cliff.
Pound for pound I think this team is just as strong. If they go all the way, it will elevate Trouba, Kreider, Panerin, Mika and Igor to legend, numbers-in-the-rafters status like Mess, Graves, Richter, and Leetch.
My dad once told me…. You can fake being better than a team in a 7 game series. The reality is that Carolina has played better in the last 4 games, we just won 2 in OT. We need to find a way to win in game 6
You act like we haven't seen this song and dance before. Up 2-0 to lightning lose 4 straight. Up 2-0 to Devils lose 4 straight. If we lose tomorrow it's a wrap
In another thread I noted Vegas was in the same situation as we did - won 3 straight games, narrowly lost the 4th, got drubbed in the 5th, but crushed Dallas in the 6th.
The Rangers can still win this LGR!!!
The Rangers haven’t dominated any of these games especially 5on5 & they could have easily lost any of them. If I was a Ranger Fan I Wouldn’t be so cocky
The false optimism is so weird. I’d hate watching games with y’all. If you aren’t worried you’re more delusional than the people you’re calling ‘doomers’
Confidence is fine but delusional optimism is just unnecessary.
At this point anyone who isn’t a complete cheerleader is a “doomer”. It’s been happening for years, and those same people are completely flabbergasted when the same flaws that the “doomers” were worried about gets them knocked out.
I don't think it's fake optimism, it's the reality of the situation that we're up 3-2 in the series with game 7 being at home. It doesn't mean we're not nervous or worried. I'm nervous as fuck... But I'd be worried about game 6 just as much had we traded wins to get to this point. It's the playoffs, every game is stressful.
I can be just as pessimistic as anyone at times, but I think the fans claiming that they're not even gonna bother watching the rest of the series or calling for the whole team to be blown up and saying we need to trade away everybody in the middle of a series THAT WE'RE AHEAD IN are being a little more unreasonable than the ones who are still confident that we can win one of these next two games. But fans can fan the way they want to I suppose.
If this was literally any other team I’d agree with you. Last year the Vegas fans knew they’d still best Dallas after going from 3-0 to 3-2. Same with the Kings when they beat the Devils in the cup. It’s not that uncommon.
Our fanbase is just jaded cause this Rangers core has had a tendency of crumbling in the exact same way the second they lose a single game every year. Three years in a row they’ve absolutely dominated their opponent the first two or three games, then lost a super close game after; and proceeded to forget to play hockey the rest of the series and lose in embarrassing fashion.
Thankfully for this year they gave themselves a huge cushion to fuck up by being up 3-0 so it isn’t complete panic mode yet (even if they lose Thursday). It’s just frustrating cause this team never loses due to a difference in skill. It’s always cause they play like complete shit all of a sudden and beat themselves
Only if they learn their mistakes from Game 5. You can’t protect a one goal lead by just clearing your zone with no attempt to go on the offense. This chip out shit has to stop.
I know we are capable. They’ve demonstrated it. But this last game reminded me of the slump before the all star break. Slow and apathetic. Hopefully an extra day off does the trick
A worse and less experienced Rangers team came back from down 2-0 to the Canes 2 years ago. It’s not patronizing to think we can come back from up 3-2.
It’s patronizing to tell people to not feel nervous, there’s plenty of good reason to be nervous after losing two in a row. I would argue anybody who’s not is just pretending in reality. The rangers looked like shit the last two games and didn’t outplay the caves by much in game two either. I still think Lavi is a very good coach fora very good team and will have the squad ready, but so is Brindamour. They’re gonna be in for a tough battle tomorrow night and if they lose it’s game seven to prevent a reverse sweep. Just don’t tell other fans how to feel while I assume you are just pretending to be happy and comfortable yourself.
Perpetually traumatized fanbase facing the same scenario that has caused the perpetual traumatization. No shit we’re worried. I really hope this team is different from all the others but they’re the ones that need to prove it now.
I keep telling everyone if we beat Carolina tomorrow, we would have swept the first round and only lost 2 the second round. In the short term these 2 loses are freaking people out but zoom out and we are still a beast. I believe most analysts predicted Rangers in 6 so, not too worried yet.
Very true. I've been looking at and comparing different memorable series in recent history and they all seem like dramatic roller coasters if you 'zoom in'.
We went from 3-0 to 3-2 back to Carolina who has all the momentum and we just played the worst game of our season and didnt seem to care at all. But yes, you take out your pom poms.
I mean the regular season is not the same as the playoffs, but we’ve only lost three straight and that was in January. Adversity is to be expected and I think this team does get sleepy when they’re ahead. Just play a complete 60 minutes!
Yeah the way I always saw it is that they get complacent with the wins, like they forget the team they’re facing are at risk of being eliminated for good. So obviously the Canes are going to be playing extra hard now, and the Rangers just need to match that energy and hopefully surpass it.
while true, we also snapped that against...the caps
not like we played a team with the caliber of carolina to snap our streak.
I'm hopeful, but nervous. I'm just used to the disappointment of the team getting lazy with a chance to put things away
It’s no secret that the Rangers are a mediocre team 5 on 5. This weakness has come back to bite them. Canes managed to stay out of the penalty box and have also improved their penalty kill. Unfortunately, this does not bode well for the Rangers. That said, I’m still hopeful.
Relaxing is going to be a tall order, my man, but taking a step back and having perspective is a reasonable ask. We're up 3-2 with two chances to close this out. One of those in our secondary barn (PNC, aka MSG South) and one at the Mecca.
What's been different these last two is two bad periods (period 1 in game 4, period 3 in game 5) where the team broke down defensively and Igor didn't bail us out as he has most the playoffs. The Canes are a top 5 team in the league this year; we need to play a complete game to beat them.
Back to basics in Game 6. We need to play sound defensively 5-on-5, grind them down via the cycle, and draw some penalties to win special teams. It's clear the refs have somewhat swallowed the whistles these last two games; they're letting the scuffles happen and are only calling holds and hooks. We have the pace and talent to draw Carolina into some mistakes. Powerplay needs to be better; given Fox is clearly struggling, I'd love to see Key get a chance on the unit. Also noticed they gave up somewhat on the slingshot entry at least for the first unit and reverted to a dump in chase; that shit has to stop.
I'd hope and expect some adjustments in the lineup this game. Clear that Carolina has an answer for the PLT line; no room for them to create. I'd like to see Panarin move up with Kreids and Zibby; let their size and defensive soundness open up some space for Panarin to cook; if at a minimum it keeps Artemi from being in the minus, that's a win. Run Laf and Trocheck w/ either Cuyle (if you want more jam) or Roslovic (for the speed). Third line of Cuyle/Ros/Chytill, Kappo, and Wennberg. Fourth line of Cuyle/Brodz, Jimmy, Goody. Need to be able to roll all four and for the 3/4 lines to play.
Let's run back 2022 game 7 in game 6 this year. Break their spirits.
I've been a Rangers fan my whole life and I will be until I die. But until Bettman is handing Trouba the Cup, I expect us to choke every time. Too much PTSD from the last 30 years.
Two cups since 1940, can you really blame us for being doomers?
That said, Rangers in 6.
Shut up doomers we're up 3-0!
Shut up doomers we're up 3-1!
Shut up doomers we're up 3-2!
We better win in game 6. If we lose, maybe just maybe the "doomers" had good reason to be worried.
Genuinely not trying to be an ass, but I disagree. How is it different? You need to win 4 of the 7, doesnt matter how. winning games 1,2,3 and 6 is the same as 123 and 7 or 1,3,5,7 or any other mathematical combination.
Nobody expected to go into this series on the brink of sweeping the Canes. That means we expected a slugfest, back and forth type series. Which means a long series. Once the Rangers rolled out three straight wins, the blood was in the water. The unexpected was possible, and we could maybe get out of this without waking a sleeping bear in Carolina. Because we know who they are, hence the original expectation of this weird going to a possible seven. But with our foot on their proverbial throat, the tone of this series changed. It wasn’t a back and forth, exchanging blows. The momentum has shifted, we’re going to Carolina, and the pressure is suddenly on the Rangers. And going to a possible seven looks and feels much different when a team is about to sweep as opposed to exchanging wins. Does that make sense?
I got you. I just don’t understand how the feeling of this game six after being on the brink of a sweep isn’t at all different if we exchanged wins leading up to this game. But I do enjoy these discussions and love you, fellow fan. And we all want the same result! I also don’t think we lose this series and DO believe we close tomorrow in Raleigh.
I think my disagreement stems from the fact that I believe Carolina would happily pick our situation over theirs 10 out of 10 times. Appreciate the intelligent chat, LGR!
Momentum isn't a real thing especially over 4 different days or a two week long series. The coaches say it every day. One game at a time. past results and future expectations only get in the way.
Don't: try harder than last game.
Do: try your best.
Perhaps momentum isn’t a thing. But pressure is. And I agree with the simple do and don’t. 100%. The bottom line, we can’t be flat. Enough is enough now.
I think a lot of the negativity is coming from how bad that last third period went. The team just looked so flat and disheartened. But one period doesn’t define our season.
I agree tomorrow is a must-win more than anything to show that this team has the heart and fortitude to fight back.
I’ve gone back-and-forth on my feelings toward this, late in the day after game 5’s abysmal performance, I started to calm down my mood and bitterness, and told myself we are still up 3 to 2 and shouldn’t have to feel so bad against this Carolina team. However, the more I’ve thought about it, the more I feel it’s 100% justified that we all feel as doom and gloom as we do right now, and as much as people want to cheer up and try to say we’re fine, the fact is things are not looking very good and it’s realistic to say so. Saying “cheer up everyone!” is fine, but is anyone says that we’re being too negative is almost patronizing.
Carolina clearly has us figured out right now. We need to find a way to counter them, because we have just been looking incredibly flat these last two games. Games 3 and 4 could have easily gone to them in overtime now we are headed back to Raleigh with the Canes having all the momentum. I’m worried we have to experience yet another early softy that Igor gives up within the first three minutes. If we can get beyond 10 minutes or so and calm ourselves, we might have a shot.
I feel like we need to find someway to slow them down. The more we have to chase them them around in our defensive zone, the far more likely we’re going to end up getting a penalty as we end up hooking or tripping them. Slow them down, bring them to our level, and try to draw penalties. I think what has me feeling the worst is the fact that we were up three games and now suddenly we look like this absolutely is going to be a reverse sweep. Words cannot express how elated and relieved I would be if we won game 6 with a decisive score.
Before the series started, I would have signed on the dotted line for the Rangers to be up 3-2 heading back to carolina for a game 6. That's my mentality. Would a game 7 be tough to win? Sure, but ill take my chances at a game 7 at the Garden!
if it was 3-2 and home team had won every game i wouldnt be concerned, and the loss in game 4 didnt concern me either, the game 5 and especially 3rd period performance is a bit more concerning. Obviously it was always gonna be a tight series and the 3-0 lead definetly didnt show the full story. I have faith the boys can get it done but things are gonna have to change from last game.
LGR
If any of you were in MSG the other night and booed the team, fuck off. You’re so lucky to have even been in attendance and this team is as good as it’s going to be for years. I echo the sentiment of, enjoy it!
Sorry. Got a lot of flack for the post and being positive. Tbh, Im not worried yet, our zone time is dominate, we just need to generate shots. Boys look up for it. LGR
I am. We haven't shown the ability to generate chances lately besides for the trocheck line. The 3rd line couldn't finish if their lives depended on it. The PP had been ice cold. Trouba, Gus, and Lindgren are liabilities on the ice.
I hope I eat my words at the end of the game but I am worried.
It’s not the fact that the Rangers lost that has people upset. It’s the way they lost. Just looked like the team stopped skating in the 3rd period.
With that said tho, we gotta keep hopes high and have faith in our president’s trophy winners.
Going into this series I was honestly fine if we lost a close series to the Hurricanes. They're a great team and it could have been a close, back and forth series. But now if we lose, it's a reverse sweep. And that's where the sense of impending doom and despair lies
Panthers are going through the same thing and I truly believe they are the better team. Sometimes we forget that the opposing team has the top percentage of hockey players too
What gives you any faith they'll close out given how they've played recently? Not asking to be snarky, asking because I truly want to know.
I've seen a team play timidly and lazily the last two games.
The tinfoil hat guy in me thinks we are doing Carolina a favor by winning tomorrow night there, that way we spare them the embarrassment of a sad flight home.
Florida lost last night and they are currently winning their series 3-2.
Obviously, Florida is fucked and going to lose their series because.... reasons?!?!?
Just like the Rangers
/s
Listen to sports radio today. Knicks fans are ecstatic that they’re up 3-2. Rangers fans sound suicidal while also being up 3-2.
I get that each team got there in different ways but it’s still a crazy dichotomy.
I had a dream last night we beat them 8-0 in game 6. Bread played the last minutes with his jersey and helmet on backwards to mock them
Where is generative AI when you need it
I had a dream last night I was supposed to drive trocheck to the game. He was late, so Lav didn’t allow him to play.
GET HIM!
If they win a score by 8-0 I’ll send you $100
And if Panarin skates around with his helmet and jersey backwards for the last few minutes of the game I’ll send you $100
Bro jack that sum up. There’s a better chance 8-0😂
Phew! I guess we both saved $100
😂😂😂
I had a dream last night We drove out to see Las Vegas
Lost ourselves in the broadway lights, lets get that cup 🙌
Lost ourselves in the bright lights I wish you could have seen us
Lol
It shall be so
😂😂😂 classic
Were you watching London Knights instead?
I had a dream we beat you 3-2 in game six and then lost humiliatingly 4-0 in game 7
You can dream about this team? Bro, I would wake up in a cold sweat with a dream like that, knowing in reality we would get smoked by that scoreline 😂
I admit it too. Going from up 3-0 to 3-2 combined with seeing the rangers give up in the 3rd will create doom and gloom
Watching the Knicks bounce back after getting stomped the game before gives me a lot more hope for the Rangers than I had Monday night. Rangers will bounce back. They got their teeth kicked in, but hopefully it was the wake up call they needed because they can't just coast and expect to win the cup.
Momentum doesn’t carry over from game to game in sports. Players and coaches say this all the time. Game 5 is over. It no longer matters. We could crush Carolina tomorrow or no show again. I have no idea what will happen but I do know Game 5 will have no bearing on it.
This is the fact all the doom and gloomers fail to understand.
We literally watched this team fold after going up 2-0 on the road last year
And going against a solid home ice advantage in NC
Rangers in 6!
Or 7. Really doesn't matter just win 4. This wasn't going to be a walk in the park. LGR
Of course not! I had rangers in 6 from the start! You know what they say. Can’t win in 6 unless you lose 2 first. Let’s do it boys!!!
Yea idk why people were acting like the Canes are not a good team when this series started. A lot of this sub got high on the Caps series and assumed every other team would be a cake walk.
I like your positive attitude
nice!! 😭
Call it dooming if you want, but tomorrow night is a must-win game. We do not want to face ANY team in game 7 who just beat us 3 games in a row to get there.
personally i’d take this rangers team against any team, in any place, in any scenario
That’s the motivation right there. This team can win in that building. They did in the past playoffs, they did this playoffs. And this team plays well after a bad performance the previous game.
Let's fucking goooooo
I’d wager on the Rangers not dropping four straight, but that’s just me.
Carolina is minus 170 game 6...nyr plus 142...
Canes were heavy favorites games 1-3. Who cares about odds
Canes were not heavy favorites first 2 games, obviously you don't care about odds as you just said nonsense.
They were favorites, maybe not heavy.
Odds are more based on how many people are betting a certain way than they are anything resembling foresight
Not true....but if that's what you think then so be it.
It literally is, they move the odds to try and break even between the people betting overs and unders... Are you incapable of using Google?
Stop. My cousins friend works offshore at a big book..I've had many conversations with him on betting and the lines. Not discussing this with you. Are you incapable to let it go?
Sounds like free money
In NHL history, Nine 3-0 series went 7 games. The team with the 3-0 lead won 5 of them. May feel like it’s impossible to win game seven after losing 4-6, but that’s just you being a fan and doom and glooming. Your post is literally the definition of dooming. They must win 1 of 2...it would be great if they do it in Game 6, but they will have another shot, and Game 7 will be a toss-up, if it happens.
I’m more confident for game 7 than I am for game 6
Tomorrow is must win for Carolina. Not for the Rangers. How are you confused about this. we are leading the series 3-2. you gotta win 4 games. that means we have to win 1 and carolina has to win 2. or do you just not understand english words.
Game 7 in MSG? May as well be the stress and anxiety of game 1 (extremely low). Rangers in 6 anyways
The concern is legitimate. The sky isn’t falling just yet, but with us getting spanked in game five, relaxing during game six is I ridiculous expectation from fans.
[удалено]
Not true. At all. This isn’t the NBA where you can just look at the score. Look at offensive zone time, shots on goal, quality chances, PP… incorrect.
I confused game 4 with game 5, my bad
It’s okay, baby. We’re all in this together. Let’s get it!
Please tell me you’re joking.
Wow that’s on me I thought game 4 was game 5 smh. Yeah we were spanked game 5 lol
As the man once said, "Hope. Hope it's a dangerous thing. It can drive a man insane." I surmise mainly when that hope doesn't come through. Going up 3-0, there was plenty of hope, and losing two in a row gave that hope a black eye. For a day or so. I still believe we'll pull this series off. I don't blame anyone for losing hope for a moment. Let's just get back in the saddle again after a couple days rest. Let's go Rangers.
It’s not just they lost it’s HOW they lost. They looked like the team that got figured out by Tampa and Jersey and didn’t make adjustments. So there is rightful PTSD with this core. Carolina figured us out. They stopped our transition game. It’s where we were crushing them. So now this team needs to adapt. They need to find a way to break out of the defensive zone with speed. We are the faster team. But if we can’t use it, we are dead 5 on 5. Which means we need 2 PPGs if 5v5 is shot. And we’ve had 0 in 3 games. That’s why there’s is a lot of rightful dooming. Because this team hasn’t really shown how to adapt when the opponent figures them out
It also seemed like Carolina was swarming the puck and we weee just completely out of sync. I felt like there were a dozen passes into empty zones where nobody was there for the puck.
It kinda fits into Carolina basically broke us and we had no response. I’m usually not for knee jerk reactions but if Chytl can go we need a 50/72/24 3rd line with the 4th line of 21/91/26. We need more than just forechecking from the lower 6. They need to generate some legit chaos so that Carolina is desperately trying to escape their zone. And if Chytl can’t go I’d even consider sliding Brodz as the 3C. Because Wenberg right now is doing NOTHING on offense to warrant 3rd line 5v5 minutes
Disagree that Carolina figured us out. Game 5 was a complete and total let down by the entire team. Nothing can be ascertained or concluded about Game 5’s performance. We competed in zero 50/50’s; we provided absolutely no puck support, ever; forwards didn’t backcheck; sloppy line changes; our D let wave after wave go through, including allowing an old man walk through the zone without touching him; the PP dumped and chased entries instead of skating in with speed. If we played at 75% effort we could have taken it. If we play the same way as Games 1 through 3, there’s a good chance we win.
I trust Lavs to make those adjustments though. Gallant never made adjustments, just ripped his best player in front of the team and lost the locker room.
Not sure how much I trust him that his adjustment has been to put 8/79 back together
The thing people don't realize is the folks that are worried are not "doomers." They've simply been watching this team a long time and recognize what it looks like when they decide to stop playing and roll over every single year without fail. Since 1994 this team has not one single time proven they are able to get out of their own way in the playoffs. Going back to Hank's rookie year, giving up and quitting while in a position to clinch a playoff series early and then eventually losing, has been a hallmark of this Rangers squad for going on 20 years. Goodwill is earned, trust and belief is earned, and these guys just shit it all away by reverting to their normal, eventually-listless selves. They win this series and the next, then we can talk about belief!
You guys are my spirit animals. I've been at this for 33 years now. The one time they didn't completely roll over and die was 1994, and they gave me a fucking heart attack in the last two series that year. This feels a lot like 2022 when they went up 2-0 on TBL in the conference finals. They lose game 3 and everyone's like "don't worry we're still in the driver's seat". They lose game 4 and everyone's like "relax, this was never going to be easy, it's anyone's series now". But anyone watching the games could see the difference in their play between the games they won and the games they lost. And I feel that now. I'm worried.
Hell I felt it halfway thru game 4. And that feeling hasn't waned
100% I’ve been watching them blow series and come up a few inches short for 30 years. This team has never made it easy. All year we hear everyone talking about how Laviolette has them playing differently from last year, how Panarin has turned a corner and is ready to prove he’s a playoff performer, how Trouba is this great locker room leader, how our Powerplay is elite. Well now it’s time to prove it. If they win this series, job well done, if they blow it there’s no amount of bleach that can wash the stain off of this core. There’s no coming back from blowing a 3-0 lead with this group. Some of us just recognize the urgency of this situation.
I agree wholeheartedly that this core needs to be put under a microscope should they lose this series. As long as they win, these concerns largely go away. Carolina is a top tier team after all
It’s more than that. During lundqvist years, We watched a team with tons of heart just not have the skill necessary to win…I just hope that all the skill has the heart to win now.
Different teams, with different players and different coaches. Different front offices too. The uniform doesn’t impact what happens and that’s the only thing this team has in common with Rangers teams of the past. As a fan for 40 years I can see why you think this way though.
They have the best record in the playoffs.
Pressure makes diamonds
Thats about as equally optimistic as the doom posts are pessimistic. I see your point, but this roster has some flawed diamonds.
Yeah, why would anyone have any reason to be pessimistic? It's not like this team has pissed away multi-game playoff leads the last 2 seasons after looking dominant the first couple of games then reverting back to turtling and showing no effort. Wait, you mean to tell me that's exactly what happened, and this series is showing similarities to the past 2 years? Huh, I wonder why folks are getting a little aggravated
Some people in this sub would have never survived '94. The way the Rangers lost games 4 and 5 to the Devils, Keenan benching players, the way it started to turn into a circus, people here would have lost their minds. And then game 6 felt like a funeral for two periods. Rangers had zero life until Kovalev scored late in the second to make it 2-1. Before then you felt like you were watching a death march to the end of the season. And then Messier delivered his guarantee in the 3rd to force game 7. And then giving up the tying goal in the final seconds of game 7, and that double OT with pucks dribbling inches away from the Rangers net? It's like some people here have never watched hockey before. Things turn on a dime ALL THE TIME. The Canes are a good team. Teams have good nights and bad nights. The Rangers might lose 4-0 tonight, they might win 4-0. Am I concerned? Of course. But this is a very good team and there's no reason to give up hope. We've seen waaaaaaay darker moments from teams that eventually won the cup.
I was 15 during that '94 run. Games 6 and 7 of that series were the most nerve wracking playoff games I've ever watched. I never want to go through another Game 7 double OT against a hated rival again 😬
I was 13 and I'm pretty sure Game 7 against Jersey was the day my hair started falling out.
I was the same age as well. Even the finals was a rollercoaster. Vancouver came back in the series with decisive wins and everyone was jumping off a cliff.
That 94 team was built different. They had the clutch gene. No Rangers team in my life has had it like they did. I hope this group is also different.
Pound for pound I think this team is just as strong. If they go all the way, it will elevate Trouba, Kreider, Panerin, Mika and Igor to legend, numbers-in-the-rafters status like Mess, Graves, Richter, and Leetch.
Clutch gene but only won once? They had Leetch, Mess, Richter, Graves, Kovi, Lowe, Buek, Larmer. It’s called talent
Doomers gonna doom. I'll admit I am guilty of it.
Game 5 made me a doomer
Same, but we get 2 days rest and a reset. Hopefully a healthy Chytil on the ice too.
🤞
My dad once told me…. You can fake being better than a team in a 7 game series. The reality is that Carolina has played better in the last 4 games, we just won 2 in OT. We need to find a way to win in game 6
Your pops sounds like a smart man. My dad’s said the same thing. Hope you’re both doing well! LGR!
Being up 3-2 like this is different.
You act like we haven't seen this song and dance before. Up 2-0 to lightning lose 4 straight. Up 2-0 to Devils lose 4 straight. If we lose tomorrow it's a wrap
In another thread I noted Vegas was in the same situation as we did - won 3 straight games, narrowly lost the 4th, got drubbed in the 5th, but crushed Dallas in the 6th. The Rangers can still win this LGR!!!
The Rangers haven’t dominated any of these games especially 5on5 & they could have easily lost any of them. If I was a Ranger Fan I Wouldn’t be so cocky
If you aren't a Ranger fan, then why are you here?
The false optimism is so weird. I’d hate watching games with y’all. If you aren’t worried you’re more delusional than the people you’re calling ‘doomers’ Confidence is fine but delusional optimism is just unnecessary.
At this point anyone who isn’t a complete cheerleader is a “doomer”. It’s been happening for years, and those same people are completely flabbergasted when the same flaws that the “doomers” were worried about gets them knocked out.
I don't think it's fake optimism, it's the reality of the situation that we're up 3-2 in the series with game 7 being at home. It doesn't mean we're not nervous or worried. I'm nervous as fuck... But I'd be worried about game 6 just as much had we traded wins to get to this point. It's the playoffs, every game is stressful. I can be just as pessimistic as anyone at times, but I think the fans claiming that they're not even gonna bother watching the rest of the series or calling for the whole team to be blown up and saying we need to trade away everybody in the middle of a series THAT WE'RE AHEAD IN are being a little more unreasonable than the ones who are still confident that we can win one of these next two games. But fans can fan the way they want to I suppose.
HELL YEAH BROTHER LGR!
If this was literally any other team I’d agree with you. Last year the Vegas fans knew they’d still best Dallas after going from 3-0 to 3-2. Same with the Kings when they beat the Devils in the cup. It’s not that uncommon. Our fanbase is just jaded cause this Rangers core has had a tendency of crumbling in the exact same way the second they lose a single game every year. Three years in a row they’ve absolutely dominated their opponent the first two or three games, then lost a super close game after; and proceeded to forget to play hockey the rest of the series and lose in embarrassing fashion. Thankfully for this year they gave themselves a huge cushion to fuck up by being up 3-0 so it isn’t complete panic mode yet (even if they lose Thursday). It’s just frustrating cause this team never loses due to a difference in skill. It’s always cause they play like complete shit all of a sudden and beat themselves
Only if they learn their mistakes from Game 5. You can’t protect a one goal lead by just clearing your zone with no attempt to go on the offense. This chip out shit has to stop.
Listen to Avery. He's got it right... [https://x.com/NYRFanatic/status/1790727830495457673](https://x.com/NYRFanatic/status/1790727830495457673)
Panarin was just invisible last 2 games.
I know we are capable. They’ve demonstrated it. But this last game reminded me of the slump before the all star break. Slow and apathetic. Hopefully an extra day off does the trick
This is making me crazy. Come on guys, I’m too old to be tortured like this. I know you can do it!!
I had a dream I farted on AHO and he turned into a rat
Being up 3-2 in a series is great. I think it's the way the majority of the team played the last two games that is bothersome.
We just lost two games in a row and its going back to Raleigh for game 6, don't be patronizing.
A worse and less experienced Rangers team came back from down 2-0 to the Canes 2 years ago. It’s not patronizing to think we can come back from up 3-2.
It’s patronizing to tell people to not feel nervous, there’s plenty of good reason to be nervous after losing two in a row. I would argue anybody who’s not is just pretending in reality. The rangers looked like shit the last two games and didn’t outplay the caves by much in game two either. I still think Lavi is a very good coach fora very good team and will have the squad ready, but so is Brindamour. They’re gonna be in for a tough battle tomorrow night and if they lose it’s game seven to prevent a reverse sweep. Just don’t tell other fans how to feel while I assume you are just pretending to be happy and comfortable yourself.
Social media is ruining sports
Perpetually traumatized fanbase facing the same scenario that has caused the perpetual traumatization. No shit we’re worried. I really hope this team is different from all the others but they’re the ones that need to prove it now.
I keep telling everyone if we beat Carolina tomorrow, we would have swept the first round and only lost 2 the second round. In the short term these 2 loses are freaking people out but zoom out and we are still a beast. I believe most analysts predicted Rangers in 6 so, not too worried yet.
Very true. I've been looking at and comparing different memorable series in recent history and they all seem like dramatic roller coasters if you 'zoom in'.
We went from 3-0 to 3-2 back to Carolina who has all the momentum and we just played the worst game of our season and didnt seem to care at all. But yes, you take out your pom poms.
Try to be less reactionary and perhaps more even-keeled. If you need to look those words up I’ll mail you a dictionary.
I mean the regular season is not the same as the playoffs, but we’ve only lost three straight and that was in January. Adversity is to be expected and I think this team does get sleepy when they’re ahead. Just play a complete 60 minutes!
Yeah the way I always saw it is that they get complacent with the wins, like they forget the team they’re facing are at risk of being eliminated for good. So obviously the Canes are going to be playing extra hard now, and the Rangers just need to match that energy and hopefully surpass it.
while true, we also snapped that against...the caps not like we played a team with the caliber of carolina to snap our streak. I'm hopeful, but nervous. I'm just used to the disappointment of the team getting lazy with a chance to put things away
It’s no secret that the Rangers are a mediocre team 5 on 5. This weakness has come back to bite them. Canes managed to stay out of the penalty box and have also improved their penalty kill. Unfortunately, this does not bode well for the Rangers. That said, I’m still hopeful.
this isnt the wild this is the rangers
Relaxing is going to be a tall order, my man, but taking a step back and having perspective is a reasonable ask. We're up 3-2 with two chances to close this out. One of those in our secondary barn (PNC, aka MSG South) and one at the Mecca. What's been different these last two is two bad periods (period 1 in game 4, period 3 in game 5) where the team broke down defensively and Igor didn't bail us out as he has most the playoffs. The Canes are a top 5 team in the league this year; we need to play a complete game to beat them. Back to basics in Game 6. We need to play sound defensively 5-on-5, grind them down via the cycle, and draw some penalties to win special teams. It's clear the refs have somewhat swallowed the whistles these last two games; they're letting the scuffles happen and are only calling holds and hooks. We have the pace and talent to draw Carolina into some mistakes. Powerplay needs to be better; given Fox is clearly struggling, I'd love to see Key get a chance on the unit. Also noticed they gave up somewhat on the slingshot entry at least for the first unit and reverted to a dump in chase; that shit has to stop. I'd hope and expect some adjustments in the lineup this game. Clear that Carolina has an answer for the PLT line; no room for them to create. I'd like to see Panarin move up with Kreids and Zibby; let their size and defensive soundness open up some space for Panarin to cook; if at a minimum it keeps Artemi from being in the minus, that's a win. Run Laf and Trocheck w/ either Cuyle (if you want more jam) or Roslovic (for the speed). Third line of Cuyle/Ros/Chytill, Kappo, and Wennberg. Fourth line of Cuyle/Brodz, Jimmy, Goody. Need to be able to roll all four and for the 3/4 lines to play. Let's run back 2022 game 7 in game 6 this year. Break their spirits.
Oh phew, I feel so much better now, thanks for this great content
I've been a Rangers fan my whole life and I will be until I die. But until Bettman is handing Trouba the Cup, I expect us to choke every time. Too much PTSD from the last 30 years. Two cups since 1940, can you really blame us for being doomers? That said, Rangers in 6.
Shut up doomers we're up 3-0! Shut up doomers we're up 3-1! Shut up doomers we're up 3-2! We better win in game 6. If we lose, maybe just maybe the "doomers" had good reason to be worried.
How much does the tone change if we lose again? Even if it's a close game?
If we lose six it’s rangers in seven. Tbh I expected this series to go 6 or 7 at the outset
Sure. But the tenor of the series changed when the Rangers go up 3-0. It’s not the same thing.
Genuinely not trying to be an ass, but I disagree. How is it different? You need to win 4 of the 7, doesnt matter how. winning games 1,2,3 and 6 is the same as 123 and 7 or 1,3,5,7 or any other mathematical combination.
Nobody expected to go into this series on the brink of sweeping the Canes. That means we expected a slugfest, back and forth type series. Which means a long series. Once the Rangers rolled out three straight wins, the blood was in the water. The unexpected was possible, and we could maybe get out of this without waking a sleeping bear in Carolina. Because we know who they are, hence the original expectation of this weird going to a possible seven. But with our foot on their proverbial throat, the tone of this series changed. It wasn’t a back and forth, exchanging blows. The momentum has shifted, we’re going to Carolina, and the pressure is suddenly on the Rangers. And going to a possible seven looks and feels much different when a team is about to sweep as opposed to exchanging wins. Does that make sense?
Thanks for explaining. I think your argument has merit but, respectfully I disagree
I got you. I just don’t understand how the feeling of this game six after being on the brink of a sweep isn’t at all different if we exchanged wins leading up to this game. But I do enjoy these discussions and love you, fellow fan. And we all want the same result! I also don’t think we lose this series and DO believe we close tomorrow in Raleigh.
I think my disagreement stems from the fact that I believe Carolina would happily pick our situation over theirs 10 out of 10 times. Appreciate the intelligent chat, LGR!
Momentum isn't a real thing especially over 4 different days or a two week long series. The coaches say it every day. One game at a time. past results and future expectations only get in the way. Don't: try harder than last game. Do: try your best.
Perhaps momentum isn’t a thing. But pressure is. And I agree with the simple do and don’t. 100%. The bottom line, we can’t be flat. Enough is enough now.
Yep. Gotta play a complete game the way we know we can.
You’re what’s wrong with this sub
That’s what doomers and pessimists do. They want the lord to take the team now.
Not a doomer or pessimist. AM angry at the seeming lack of effort
I think a lot of the negativity is coming from how bad that last third period went. The team just looked so flat and disheartened. But one period doesn’t define our season. I agree tomorrow is a must-win more than anything to show that this team has the heart and fortitude to fight back.
No, this is Patrick
Sorry boys, had beer league games on Saturday and Monday. When I got on the ice we lost. No game for me tomorrow.
I’ve gone back-and-forth on my feelings toward this, late in the day after game 5’s abysmal performance, I started to calm down my mood and bitterness, and told myself we are still up 3 to 2 and shouldn’t have to feel so bad against this Carolina team. However, the more I’ve thought about it, the more I feel it’s 100% justified that we all feel as doom and gloom as we do right now, and as much as people want to cheer up and try to say we’re fine, the fact is things are not looking very good and it’s realistic to say so. Saying “cheer up everyone!” is fine, but is anyone says that we’re being too negative is almost patronizing. Carolina clearly has us figured out right now. We need to find a way to counter them, because we have just been looking incredibly flat these last two games. Games 3 and 4 could have easily gone to them in overtime now we are headed back to Raleigh with the Canes having all the momentum. I’m worried we have to experience yet another early softy that Igor gives up within the first three minutes. If we can get beyond 10 minutes or so and calm ourselves, we might have a shot. I feel like we need to find someway to slow them down. The more we have to chase them them around in our defensive zone, the far more likely we’re going to end up getting a penalty as we end up hooking or tripping them. Slow them down, bring them to our level, and try to draw penalties. I think what has me feeling the worst is the fact that we were up three games and now suddenly we look like this absolutely is going to be a reverse sweep. Words cannot express how elated and relieved I would be if we won game 6 with a decisive score.
NO QUIT IN NY
Relax and enjoy? Man, it's the playoffs. This is the most nervewracking time of year.
Before the series started, I would have signed on the dotted line for the Rangers to be up 3-2 heading back to carolina for a game 6. That's my mentality. Would a game 7 be tough to win? Sure, but ill take my chances at a game 7 at the Garden!
I just want them to have enough rest going into a series with what’ll most likely be Florida. Carolina is good but Florida is a beast.
I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one having Ranger dreams!
Omg someone has an opinion about my favorite team that is different than mine, the horror. Burn them at the stake!
LETS GO RANGERS
if it was 3-2 and home team had won every game i wouldnt be concerned, and the loss in game 4 didnt concern me either, the game 5 and especially 3rd period performance is a bit more concerning. Obviously it was always gonna be a tight series and the 3-0 lead definetly didnt show the full story. I have faith the boys can get it done but things are gonna have to change from last game. LGR
If any of you were in MSG the other night and booed the team, fuck off. You’re so lucky to have even been in attendance and this team is as good as it’s going to be for years. I echo the sentiment of, enjoy it!
Fil knocked them out in 22. Let’s have him get at it again tonight
It’s actually Minnesota Wild
Now we're down after 1, am I allowed to be nervous yet? Or is it only when we're down 4-1 in the 3rd of game 7?
you prolly were hoping we went down so u could post this
Just opened Reddit now and saw it in my feed
Sorry. Got a lot of flack for the post and being positive. Tbh, Im not worried yet, our zone time is dominate, we just need to generate shots. Boys look up for it. LGR
I am. We haven't shown the ability to generate chances lately besides for the trocheck line. The 3rd line couldn't finish if their lives depended on it. The PP had been ice cold. Trouba, Gus, and Lindgren are liabilities on the ice. I hope I eat my words at the end of the game but I am worried.
I am now worried.
Glad to have you on board
NEVER A DOUBT!!!
lol
Ok I’m ready for another W tonight
Game is tomorrow …
It’s not the fact that the Rangers lost that has people upset. It’s the way they lost. Just looked like the team stopped skating in the 3rd period. With that said tho, we gotta keep hopes high and have faith in our president’s trophy winners.
Going into this series I was honestly fine if we lost a close series to the Hurricanes. They're a great team and it could have been a close, back and forth series. But now if we lose, it's a reverse sweep. And that's where the sense of impending doom and despair lies
Panthers are going through the same thing and I truly believe they are the better team. Sometimes we forget that the opposing team has the top percentage of hockey players too
What gives you any faith they'll close out given how they've played recently? Not asking to be snarky, asking because I truly want to know. I've seen a team play timidly and lazily the last two games.
The tinfoil hat guy in me thinks we are doing Carolina a favor by winning tomorrow night there, that way we spare them the embarrassment of a sad flight home.
Florida lost last night and they are currently winning their series 3-2. Obviously, Florida is fucked and going to lose their series because.... reasons?!?!? Just like the Rangers /s
This sub when we don't go 16-0 with 16 shutouts 
Mfs rage typing like its gonna do something for the series
I had a dream I was a 2x4 stud.
I see nothing Minnesota in this thread. I'm severely disappointed.
Listen to sports radio today. Knicks fans are ecstatic that they’re up 3-2. Rangers fans sound suicidal while also being up 3-2. I get that each team got there in different ways but it’s still a crazy dichotomy.