In a game that was broadcasted nationally on NBC, the Rangers bounced back from a loss to Philadelphia the previous day, splitting this weekend's home-and-home.
The story of the weekend, undoubtedly, was the return to form of our beloved Sean Avery.
Avery scored two power play goals on Sunday, his third and fourth goals registered in the last three games.
"I think it probably has to do with my mind-set and where my head is more than anything," Avery said. "We talked about it after the first couple of games, how I was just nervous and kind of playing a little too hard. So I was just trying to slow it down and think about the plays and where they are going to end up."
Perhaps even more beneficial then his offensive output, it was clear that Avery, and his instigating and agitating, completely threw Philadelphia off their mark.
"I think his probation period is over and now he's back up to his old antics," Philly coach John Stevens said. "And we got sucked in, to be quite honest with you. We gave ourselves no chance to win."
Often seen barking in the ears of players like Jeff Green and Mike Richards, Avery helped to keep the Flyers on edge and in the box, where they earned 24 penalty minutes on the day.
"They took way too many penalties to win this game," said Henrik Lundqvist, who made 24 saves for his 31st win.
As I'm sure I can speak for the majority of Rangers fans, it's great to see Avery becoming more and more comfortable out on the ice. He is playing with a certain swagger now that seemed to be missing from his game when he was first called up from Hartford.
This was a solid bounce back from a disappointing loss to the rival Flyers, and the Rangers are now tied for 6th in what is becoming and incredibly tight race to the Eastern Conference post season.
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