In today's Rosner Wrap, Stefen dives into Connor McDavid and his revenge, why the New York Rangers going with Matt Rempe for Game 2 isn't the most logical idea. Catch up on the latest New York Islanders stories.
Good morning peeps. Congratulations, you made it to Friday.
Was that an exciting Western Conference Game 1, or what?
It seemed that the Edmonton Oilers captain and the best player of our generation, Connor McDavid, was going to send home the game-winner with 5:23 to play in the first overtime after Zach Hyman found him all alone in front.
However, he was stoned by the stick of Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger, with the help of defenseman Chris Tanev:
As Wayne Gretzky said during the overtime intermission report, it was weird to see McDavid not score there.
But, just over 30 seconds into the second overtime, McDavid got his revenge as he tapped home a feed from defenseman Evan Bouchard:
On TNT's postgame, McDavid said the chance he had prior to scoring the game-winner just "has to go in."
This series is likely going seven, so buckle up. Game 2 will be on Saturday night at 8 PM ET on TNT.
On Friday, the New York Rangers try to even up the series against the Florida Panthers at one apiece after falling 3-0 in Game 1 back on Wednesday.
The Panthers showed off their elite forechecking and stifling defense while Sergei Bobrovsky shut the door for his second career playoff shutout.
Due to the lack of counterstrikes and a weak forecheck, it seems like most of the media, including former Rangers Mark Messier and Ron Duguay, that it's time for Matt Rempe to come into the lineup.
In 17 games during the regular season, Rempe averaged just 5:38 minutes per game, with 2.94 hits per game.
In seven playoff games, he’s averaged 6:19 minutes per game.
While the six-foot-seven, 241-pound forward provides pressure on the forecheck and is a physical presence, the Panthers aren’t going to be scared of him on the ice.
And, if he’s barely going to play, that means the Rangers are at a disadvantage, especially the longer the game goes on.
If the Rangers want to even the series, it’s not up to Rempe to be the difference-maker. It’s about the forwards getting in on the forecheck early to slow down Florida, starting with the top guys.
We will see what Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette decides to do.
Puck drop for Game 2 at Madison Square Garden is scheduled for 8 PM ET on ESPN/ESPN +.
Now, let’s get to our New York Islanders stories from Thursday:
The New Jersey Devils officially named Sheldon Keefe their next head coach. How did the Islanders fare against Keefe when he was behind the Toronto Maple Leafs bench?
With the Dallas Stars back in action, hosting the Edmonton Oilers for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, let's look flashback to Jan. 21 in Elmont when Bo Horvat scored against the Stars in overtime to give Parick Roy his first win behind the Islanders' bench:
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