We're Due For Another "Broadway Hat" Effort Out Of Henrik Lundqvist

These last two wins have been a sweet taste of something Rangers fans are hardly ever served. Dominant, stress-free, uncontested playoff victories. The only person who enjoyed the last 120 minutes of Blueshirts hockey more than fans is Henrik Lundqvist. Over the course of his career, it’s been near impossible to rack up a postseason W that didn’t rely on Hank withstanding barrage after barrage. Yet only once in 6 periods at MSG did he faced more than 10 shots while his teammates built him quick multi-goal cushion both nights. It’s been a mini-vacation for the Rangers netminder.

While I’m all for AV’s squad replicating a couple more cakewalks to advance to another conference final, it’d be wise to expect that a return to friendly confines will have the Senators flying. The pressure is squarely on their shoulders to avoid a do-or-die game back on Broadway so you know they’ll dig deep. Boucher gets the last change so he’ll look to exploit matchups whenever he can. And if I learned anything from the opening two games at Canadian Tire Centre, the Sens have a bit of home mojo. This one won’t be easy.

Hank is ready though. With a sub-2 GAA & a save percentage pushing 94% these playoffs, it’s been a return to form for the 35 year-old who struggled through a majority of the regular season. He’s let just one puck by him in 4 of his last 7. Stopped 41 of 43 in an unlucky Game 1 loss before the Game 2 aberration. So if the Blueshirts manage to take a 3-2 series lead this afternoon, don’t be at all surprised to see the face of the franchise donning the new & improved Broadway Hat after it’s over. The King is due for another royal performance & Ottawa has no choice but to force him to deliver one.

VIVA LA BLUESHIRTS!!!