Monzo Minor: The Rangers' Streak Continues!
By Brian Monzo
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The last time the Rangers won eight games in a row? Way back during the 1974-75 season.
After another battle and victory over the Islanders Tuesday night, eight straight is something the Blueshirts have a chance at Saturday in Montreal.
During this streak, the one player we haven't talked too much about (for once) has been Henrik Lundqvist. Well, now we're talking about him. Against the Islanders, Lundqvist stopped 31 of 33 shots, including a handful of beauties in the second period. The King continues to impress. And much like he did against the Canucks earlier in the season, when he gets in a groove where he is seeing the puck like he is right now, he makes it very tough for opponents to beat him.
Lundqvist, still without a Vezina Trophy, is now 7-3-3 with a GAA of 2.13.
What's also great to see is when the Rangers' hottest line, the GAS line (Gaborik-Anisimov-Stepan) has a quiet night, other players step up. Last night, their top free agent signing Brad Richards was that guy. Richards, who has quietly scored 13 points in 16 games, including 8 points in his last 8, notched the game winner late in the third period. Richards is so dynamic and confident with the puck. It's a treat to watch.
Also paying dividends has been the return of Sean Avery. Everyone's favorite player. The Rangers are now 5-0-0 since the call-up of No. 16. Avery has two goals now in five games and is a +2. Even John Tortorella has noticed his play, pairing him with Richards and Ruslan Fedotenko. I don't know what it is, it could just be a coincidence, but the Rangers find ways to win with Avery in the lineup. There is no rhyme or reason, but for whatever reason, it seems to be the case.
Seven wins a row.
The last time the Rangers won seven straight was October 2009. More impressive: the Rangers haven't lost a game in regulation since their home opener on October 27th.
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Will the Rangers make it eight straight on Saturday? Let Monzo know in the comments below...
