from Larry Brooks of the New York Post,
Through three games that include Monday’s 7-4 victory at the Garden over the Sharks in which seven goals were scored in the third period, the final two into San Jose’s empty net, it is mission accomplished for the 2-1 Blueshirts.
For the difference in pace from a year ago has been palpable. Everything is geared to playing much the way the Penguins did en route to winning the Stanley Cup. Speed. Pressure. More speed. More pressure.
“A copycat league,” is the way coach Alain Vigneault put it. Imagine if only the Rangers had Carl Hagelin.
But seriously, folks, changes in personnel have been accompanied by a change in mindset. The Rangers are quick on the puck, quick to move the puck, and, vitally, quick to defend. No more lollygagging.
Case in point, again, because it so starkly contrasts to last season, after Kevin Hayes turned over the puck at the offensive blue line 4:20 into the third it was No. 13 who hurried back for a takeaway at the defensive line five seconds later.
“Number 1, is to play with speed,” Stepan said. “Number 2, we want to defend, which maybe we got away from last season. We’re coming back hard and we’re coming back to take care of the middle of the ice.”
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