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New York Rangers Blueline Up To The Task In Game 2 Victory

Gene J. Puskar, AP
Gene J. Puskar, AP

The brightest spotlight on any area of the New York Rangers in the playoffs shines on the blueline. In Game 2, they came to play.

By Robby Sabo

There’s no doubt about it. The one area of the New York Rangers constantly struggling with the worrisome spotlight of doubt is the defense.

The blueline, those six individuals who make up the backbone of the skating area in the hockey rink, has been the focus the majority of the season for these Rangers.

Going from fourth in the NHL two seasons ago with a team goals against average of 2.32 and third with an average of 2.28 a season ago during their Presidents’ Trophy season, to dropping all the way to 15th this season with an average of 2.62, Alain Vigneault‘s hardened offensive philosophies started to be called into question all the more.

Throw the fact captain and best defender Ryan McDonagh is still out of the lineup, and Rangers fans everywhere are reaching for that Pepto Bismol and Tums double-time.

Wait, double-time? I meant triple-time.

The once proud staple of the organization suddenly started to look human with the likes of Dan Girardi and Marc Staal often fumbling their way through defensive coverages.

Something strange happened on Sunday, though.

At The Igloo in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this blueline played a solid game in helping its team to a  4-2 victory over the Penguins in helping even up the series at a game apiece.

Today we break down each performance of these six individuals:

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Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com