You thought we’d sweep ’em, didn’t you Squidward? Yeah right, this is New York Rangers hockey, nothing ever comes easy. That’s right, we don’t just celebrate the good and ignore the bad here at Sunny Days, we ride the roller coaster. Fucking Dougie Hamilton, I knew he would be a problem regardless of his quiet first two games.

Of the 4 games today, 3 including ours went into OT and as I write this the 3rd has yet to start for Avs Kraken so there’s still time for a perfect sweep. Man there’s nothing like playoff OT (unless you’re on the side we were on tonight). The best part about it is there are no commercials, its just non stop action. I hate to praise ESPN/ABC since their coverage is noticeably inferior to Turner, but tonight the broadcast wasn’t as bad as I anticipated thankfully (despite my TV being on like 6 second delay, I pay for fucking cable to avoid that but it seems inescapable, thanks Comcast).

First off, credit where credit is due, hats off to Akira Schmidt. The kid answered the bell when he had to and played absolutely lights out all night. It’s no easy feat to go into MSG down 2-0 after getting dawged for 2 straight games, especially as a rookie with minimal experience. But if there’s one thing we learned last year, for whatever reason we cannot capitalize on inexperienced goal tenders. Let’s hope that changes in game 4.

Going into tonight, everywhere I looked read “bad vibes”. I know all of us who’ve been in the trenches know how this goes, but we can’t be doing that. Especially after going up 2-0 the way we did. We as a fanbase need to be aware of our dominance and have faith in the squad to do what they need to when they need to. Maybe if we stopped focusing on doing Potvin Sucks chants every six seconds we’d be locked into a very important game. Seriously, we gotta put a cap on those, I’m all for it regardless of it being nearly 50 years ago, but let’s do it once early and then let that be that. Unless of course, we’re playing the Islanders, then we let them have it.

Despite the bad outcome, there were a lot of positives tonight. After getting out to what I considered to be a fairly slow start, we put the foot on the gas and didn’t let up. Had that been Vanecek in net you gotta think the outcome would’ve been significantly different. But we can’t play that game.

Christopher James Kreider did it again with his 5th of the playoffs and that’s the type of veteranship we need to be seeing. He is more than filling in the shoes of some notable absentees **ahem** Mika. One point in 3 games, two of which featured an onslaught of offense, we seem to be seeing him hide in his turtle shell yet again when it counts. I would love to see the Swedish DJ step it up. Another note-worthy absentee thus far has been K’andre. I know he’s still young, but after a strong showing last year and some flashes this year we know what he’s capable of and I need him to step it up. He’s not alone, Trouba has been making some boneheaded decisions on D, one of which almost lead to a go-ahead goal tonight. We knew the D would be a liability, but I had hoped they’d show up when we needed them most.

Goaltending tonight was a two way street. Igor played out of his head, I thought so at least. Focusing on OT alone, he kept us in there until he didn’t. Dougie Hamilton had a beauty so whatever it happens I won’t hold it against him. My one and only complaint just comes from when he plays the puck, one bad bounce and we’re ruined. Whatever, can’t focus on that can’t think like that. I’ve long since changed my tune on him (minus the load management nonsense) and I’m glad to call him my goalie.

Listen, would I have preferred us to be going into Monday holding broomsticks? Absolutely, who wouldn’t? Fact of the matter is this Devils team is a good team and we can’t be taking them lightly. Fraudulent sure but good at the same time (if that makes any sense, it definitely does in my mind). We’re still in control, we just absolutely have to get a W on Monday, that is non-negotiable and I think everyone knows that. Cut that bad vibes shit out, we’re still in the driver’s seat.

Whatever, even a blind squirrel finds a nut now and again. Let’s enjoy our Sunday rooting for the Knicks and clear our heads, Monday we’re taking back what’s ours.