And that's THREE

This is not Islander fan gloating over a Ranger loss. This is Sauvignon Blanc induced revelry directed at the same Ranger fan friends and co-workers that have poked fun at me since the first week of April.

Certainly, the Rangers beat the Devils in the first round. Not much of a contest considering how they beat the Devils the entire season. But there was that arrogance in the fans and the media calling for the NHL to just hand the Rangers the cup now because obviously THIS team had what it takes to win the prize.

Um. Not so fast. It takes 16 wins to bring home the Holy Grail. So far, the Rangers only have four wins and the Penguins, well... they now have seven. That would be THREE more, now wouldn't it? Coming back from a 3 game deficit has only happened twice before in NHL history. So, indeed, it is POSSIBLE. However, it is not probable.

Game three was a pivotal MUST WIN game for the Rangers tonight, but they fell short. Even with an extended five on 3 opportunity, they could not capitalize on, they couldn't push their way past the Pens. Their three goals came while on even strength. They outshot the Pens in each period. There were the expected roughing calls on both sides of the ice. Even super pest Avery didn't seem to be much of a factor with his 14:34 of ice time and single assist. Jagr was the factor tonight. If anyone could have won the game for the Rangers, it would have been him.

I wasn't happy with the Straka goal they allowed to tie the game in the first period. I wanted to throw a shoe at the TV if I had to listen to Micheletti say "Oh! that's a goal!" one more time. It may have been by the rule book, but it was certainly ugly. I knew the Pens would just be angered by it, and come right back with a goal of their own. They did -- less than 2 minutes later.

I won't belabor this post. But the Penguins are one hell of a team. And as good as the Ranger's record was this season, and as much as the Dolan empire is making off these playoff rounds, it's my personal opinion.... the end is near and they can join my Islanders on the links for some charity golf events real soon.

With that being said, I will go poke at my Ranger fan friends and rub salt in their wounds for tonight. Certainly the Rangers can grab a game in the garden before they have to go back to Pittsburgh. Right? Sure they can. But to take FOUR games from Sydney and Company? I think it's time to start making vacation plans.

And ..... If the Penguins win the Cup this year... I swear... I AM getting that Crosby jersey no matter WHAT Big Angry Man says!!!