The Rangers have had a lot of important number two's in their history: Brad Park, Brian Leetch, two-times in a Rangers uniform for Sean Avery, 2.32 GAA for Henrik Lundqvist's career, etc.
You get the point.
Now they look to another important two: two games this weekend in a home-at-home with the Philadelphia Flyers. Currently, the Flyers sit at fourth in the Eastern Conference with 82 points. The Rangers are at 78 points in seventh place.
Philadelphia has two games in hand.
The significance of fourth place? Home ice advantage. If the Rangers can build off last night's victory and continue getting superior goaltending from Lundqvist, home ice advantage is very much in sight.
However, if they are unable to muster anything this weekend, not only will home ice be too far out of reach, but they may find themselves out of the playoff hunt.
John Tortorella is still feeling this group out, but seems to have found something last night in the Avery - Gomez - Callahan line. The trio had a lot of good flow and energy once they were united. There was also a lot of puck possession in the offensive zone that led to some good opportunities.
It also appears that the power play is at least on the rise. Puck movement has been stronger and players seem to be playing with some more confidence. If the Rangers can continue their strong special teams play and "The King" stays dominant, New York will have a distinct advantage over the other bubble teams in the East.
One question that remains is Nik Zherdev. The offensive stud was benched for most of the second and all of the third period. While Tortorella wouldn't elaborate, it appears his work ethic has struggled, something even Tom Renney acknowledged.
Will he be able to turn it around or he is an Alexandre Daigle in the making?
On the defensive front, newcomer Derek Morris has really impressed. Very comfortable, confident, and decisive in his own end has made him a very nice upgrade to Dmitri Kalinin. I wouldn't be surprised if his play sees ice time shoot up very quickly.
More before tomorrow's matinee...