Meh, It's Still Kinda Like Home Ice Anyway (Updated with Full First Round Schedule)

Well, what can be said about today's SO loss to the Devils? Did it give them home-ice advantage, sure (even though 40-50% of their crowd is Ranger fans, anyway). Did it negate our psychological advantage over them, yeah I guess. Does it matter? I honestly don't know. The Rangers have rebounded from huge losses this year (the blown 5-goal lead at Montreal, for example) just fine. They'll put this one behind them and gear up for at least 4 games with the Devils.

How much has Jagr stepped up his play? A third period tying goal today was absolutely huge. Maybe he has been saving it for the playoffs after all. And after a shaky first period, the much-improved Henrik Lundqvist looked great. He absolutely stoned Zach Parise with his glove on the late Devils power play. That one made me jump out of my seat.

Here's the schedule for the first round (thanks to Steve Zipay). Gone are the days where teams would play 3 games in 4 days. Check it out:

Game 1 (in NJ) Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Game 2 (in NJ) Friday, 7 p.m.
Game 3 (in NY) Sunday, TBA
Game 4 (in NY) Wednesday, TBA
Game 5 (in NJ) Friday, TBA (if needed)
Game 6 (in NY) Sunday, TBA (if needed)
Game 7 (in NJ) Tuesday, TBA (if needed)