Rangers Face Must-Win Early in SCF, What Else is New?

Well we all knew this one was coming. Down 0-2 to probably the best team in the NHL in the Stanley Cup Final. They’re done. No chance, right? Wrong. In fact, anyone who has ever followed this team might call this comfortable, familiar even. In 21 years and 9 months of my life, nothing has surprised me less than the fact that the New York Rangers, in their first SCF appearance in 20 years, have dug themselves an early hole. It’s just the way things have to be. Am I upset that they lost two on the road despite carrying the play (and the lead) for the majority of both games? You could say that. Am I bummed that a missed call (or two) may have cost them a very important win in game 2? Maybe a little. But am I worried? No. Because this is exactly where this team needs to be at this point in the season. It was never going to be any different. I half believe this has all been intentional. Taking the sub-par Flyers to 7, going down 3-1 to the Pens before rallying for one of the most emotional come-from-behind series wins of all time, taking a commanding 2 game lead against Montreal, only to watch the series come down to a virtually must-win game 6 at MSG that would ultimately be decided by 1 goal, scored by none other than hard-working, loveable, can’t-route-against-him Dominic Moore. The Rangers are writing a fairytale here! If you don’t think Brad Richards scores the Stanley Cup winning goal in 9 overtimes of game 7, then doesn’t get bought out, and lives happily ever after, you’re stupid. Bottom line, the New York hockey Rangers are in the Stanley Cup Final, and they are playing EVERYONE. The script has been written. At this point they’re just pulling the strings, making it look nice and dramatic for the DVD. So ask me again if I’m worried. Rangers in 7.