Saturday, October 18, 2008

A Tale Of Two Games

Last night, the Leafs and Rangers spent sixty-five minutes of game time - three regular periods and a 5-minute overtime - not scoring. Going into the decisive shootout, both goalies had already secured their shutouts. The Rangers would eventually outscore Toronto 2-1 in the 3-round shootout, and pick up the 2nd point (the Leafs would get 1 point for their troubles).

This evening, facing their 2nd Original Six rival in as many nights in the Motor City, the first goal came less than 30 seconds into the game! Detroit started the scoring, got up 3-1 at one point in the 2nd period, fell behind 4-3 early in the 3rd period, and then tied it at 4-4 before that frame ended. In the overtime, the Wings required only 23 seconds to win the game. This time it was the boys from Broadway who were only going to collect a single point, despite their 4-goal outburst 24 hours after being able to muster none (prior to the shootout).

It just seems very weird to me that one team could be in two such radically different games 24 hours apart, but I guess that's sports for you! About the only sure bet in the NHL in recent years has been that the Wings will beat the Rangers, and that much came true once again. I literally can't remember the last time New York picked up a win over Detroit, but I'm guessing it's probably been six or seven years by now.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

It was a tight game, and I think both teams had chances to win it... I'm happy my boys pulled this one out, but the fact the blueshirts were playing a back-to-back, and barely lost in OT proves the Rangers will be a force in the East.