NHL Playoffs 2012: Can Rangers Make Magic Happen Again?

If you're a Ranger fan, the past few hours have probably been utter agony after watching the Rangers lose a heartbreaking Game 5, leading up to a decisive Game 6. You also are aware, after MSG Network's recent graphic, that 80 percent of Game 5 winners ultimately win the entire series, but can the Rangers make magic again and defy the statisticians and force a Game 7?

Mark Messier famously stated that the Rangers would simply win Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals in New Jersey to force a Game 7. The current group of Rangers find themselves in a must win situation and most fans have given up on them.

These same fans are waiting for the "other shoe to drop" and have already started the funeral before the wake. The Rangers played better in Game 5 than they did in Game 4. Although the Rangers find themselves in a 3-2 series hole, there are some positives to look at that should give them a chance to win Game 6.

Rangers Seldom Lose Three Games In a Row

The Rangers proved all year long that they were a consistent team who could bounce back. They almost did in Game 5. The Senators did not generate significant offense in Game 5 except for a nice goal by Jason Spezza set up by rookie Mark Stone.

Other than that one goal, the Rangers out shot and out-chanced the Senators, but Craig Anderson was simply remarkable. 

A loss in Game 6 would result in the Rangers' third straight loss and that is something very uncharacteristic of the team. The Rangers can take what they did in Game 5 and can modify their game plan to be successful in Game 6.

The Pressure is Now on Ottawa

There is arguably more pressure on Ottawa to finish the series on home ice than there is the Rangers to stave off elimination.

The Washington Capitals failed to finish off the Boston Bruins at home today, the Los Angeles Kings failed to finish off the Vancouver Canucks at home in Game 4 and the Phoenix Coyotes failed to close the deal last night in Phoenix. Closing out at home is something that is easier said than done so it is highly probable that there will be a Game 7.

Ottawa has the pressure because the last thing it wants is a motivated and re-energized Ranger team heading back to Madison Square Garden. The Rangers will definitely have pressure on them due to the fact that they are on the verge of elimination but Ottawa will have just a little more pressure.

Henrik Lundqvist Has Been Huge

This has been a goaltenders duel all series long, and Henrik Lundqvist has stepped up and answered his critics. The Rangers' All-Star netminder has kept the Rangers in the series all long and he has been held out to dry on occasion.

In the two overtime losses, Lundqvist had no opportunity to make a save. In Game 2, Chris Neil played a bounce of Ryan McDonagh's nether region and in Game 4, Anton Stralman screened Lundqvist from a Kyle Turris snipe.

If Lundqvist sees the puck, he has stopped it for the most part. Sans a Michael Del Zotto deflection and a saucer pass through Marc Staal's legs in Game 4, Lundqvist was phenomenal.

Lundqvist stole Game 3, Anderson stole Game 5 and there is a good chance Lundqvist can steal Game 6.

For the Rangers to force a Game 7, the stars are going to have to make their presence known. Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik have had limited contributions and in Game 6 they will be expected to step up their game. Derek Stepan and Ryan Callahan also need to up their games and a returning Carl Hagelin will certainly look to have an impact.

Things look bleaker than ever but the Rangers have a chance to win Game 6 and extend the series. At this point with all the marbles on the line, there will be no reason why the Rangers can't elevate their game. 

The Rangers are a team that can lose one bad game, the Rangers are a team that can lose two bad games in a row but the Rangers are a team that don't lose three games in a row. Tomorrow night will be a game for the ages and my gut tells me that Madison Square Garden better be ready on Thursday for a Game 7.