In a feature on blocking shots, Dave Caldwell at the New York Times has this quote from Michael Del Zotto…
“We’re a hard-nosed team. We finish checks. Blocking shots is something we live and die by. Torts always encourages us to block shots. We know it could deflect off us and go in, but that’s something we have to deal with. We have a pretty good reputation at being one of the better teams in the league.”
Ryan McDonagh is second in the league with 139 blocked shots, while Dan Girardi is fifth with 133.
The Rangers are fifth in the league with 907 blocked shots.
…blocking shots is such a double edged sword. While I love watching the players putting it all on the line by sacrificing their bodies, I’m not 100% convinced it’s the best strategy. Especially after watching the Rangers lose Callahan last season.
…another reason I tend to think the Rangers would be smart to back off on the blocked shots is they have Henrik Lundqvist in goal. If he can see it, he’s going to save it. I bet 80% of the goals he lets in are deflected by his own teammate (pure guesstimate). Including one off McDonagh on Sunday. Get out of Hank’s way!!!!
…then again, who am I to complain about the strategy of the #1 in the Eastern Conference.
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