Hartnett: Rangers, Inspired By Vigneault's Fiery Speech, Take Care Of Business

By Sean Hartnett
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The Rangers came out of the gates flat in Game 4. It was a sloppy, turnover-prone, all-around dreadful start. Having been outskated by the Penguins and outshot 8-2, the Blueshirts were fortunate to only be down 1-0 at the first intermission.

What they needed was a kick in the butt. That's when typically cool and collected head coach Alain Vigneault channeled his inner-Tortorella and let his players have it behind closed doors in the Rangers' dressing room.

The fiery speech shocked them back into life. The visiting Blueshirts took control halfway through the second period and kept the pedal to the floor, showing the desperation and hunger required this time of year.

At 3:14 of overtime, rookie center Kevin Hayes broke the 1-1 deadlock, having chipped away to score the game-winner. Call it what you want: a greasy goal, a hard-nosed effort, etc. It's a goal that Rangers fans won't be forgetting any time soon.

Hayes has been a go-to guy all season. He's adjusting to the spotlight and looks a lot more comfortable with the demands of playoff hockey.

"This was his best game of the series," Vigneault said. "We need him to play the way he's played for us throughout the year. Obviously, this is playoff hockey and a bigger stage. He's learning now to deal with it with the help of his teammates. Tonight, he scored a big goal. I'm hoping that's going to help his confidence. He'll be better as we move forward here."

Multiple players, including alternate captain Marc Staal, mentioned Vigneault's impassioned speech when speaking with reporters after the game. When asked about his intermission pep talk, AV kept his cards close to the vest.

"I'm not quite sure what they're talking about," Vigneault said.

Whatever it takes – positive reinforcement or a swift kick in the butt, Vigneault has done an excellent job of keeping the Rangers focused only on the task directly in front of them. This team isn't thinking about anything beyond Friday's Game 5, which offers the chance to eliminate the Pens at MSG.

"Our focus and our mindset is not going to deviate from our first game of the regular season," Vigneault said. "We've taken every game one game at a time."

PENS' STARS SHUT DOWN AGAIN

Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin haven't been themselves this series. The superstar duo were again frustrated by the Rangers in Game 4.

The Penguins' top two lines managed just three shots on goal and four total shot attempts and were held pointless Game 4. It's clear that Malkin isn't 100 percent healthy. That being said, it's surprising to see the Russian ace struggle. He is without a point this series and pointless in nine consecutive games.

Crosby knows what it's going to take from himself and teammates to bring this series back to Pittsburgh for Game 6.

"We've got to make sure we're desperate," Crosby said. "Really, the only thing you can do is go out there, be desperate and get it back here."

BIG-GAME BRASS SHINES AGAIN

Derick Brassard has a knack for big-game performances, especially against the rival Penguins. Brassard scored the game-tying goal at 17:15 of the second period, registered five hits and three shots on goal in 18:04 TOI.

Brassard has scored in three of four series games. His three playoff goals is tied for second in the NHL. Since joining the Rangers in April 2013, Brassard has collected 21 points in 21 regular season and playoff games against the Pens. He's scored seven of his 11 career playoff goals against Pittsburgh.

LUNDQVIST DOMINANT AGAINST PENS

Henrik Lundqvist made 22 saves in the 2-1 victory. He's now won four consecutive playoff road games against the Penguins at Consol Energy Center, posting a 0.99 goals-against average and a .965 save percentage.

Lundqvist has owned the Pens, winning six of seven playoff games against Pittsburgh with a 1.42 GAA and a .950 SV%.

RANGERS PRACTICE THURSDAY; KLEIN TO GET GREEN LIGHT?

The Rangers will hold a practice at 1 p.m. Thursday at MSG. All eyes will be focused on recovering defenseman Kevin Klein.

After breaking his left arm on March 11, Klein has missed 20 consecutive games. He has taken a significant step forward by firing slap shots at recent morning skates. Although Klein has participated in multiple morning skates with teammates, he has yet to be put through the paces at a full team practice.

Klein will be tested in full-contact drills at Thursday's practice. This will allow the Rangers to gauge whether or not Klein is physically ready to return for Friday's Game 5.

Follow Sean on Twitter – @HartnettHockey.