Keys to Game 4

I won't dare to comment on Game 3, so I will sum it up in one sentence: The hockey gods did not allow the Rangers to win this game. Instead, this is a series again, where the Devils have cut the series lead the Rangers have to 1 game. The last thing the Rangers want to happen is to go back to Newark with the series tied 2-2. Here are some important points that will most likely determine the outcome of Wednesday night's Game 4 at the Garden:

• STAY OUT OF THE PENALTY BOX- This absolutely killed the Rangers in Game 3. Two power play goals, legit or not, made the game tightly contested. If the Rangers play smart and don't take bad penalties, I guarantee a 3-1 lead in the series for the Rangers 72 hours from now.

• Defensive coverage- On the game clinching goal, Madden was not checked, and the puck shot from his stick proceded to go off of a Ranger skate and into the net. Playing more tight down low will surely limit the scoring opportunities that the Devils get.

• Keep up the intensity- The Devils are going to come out on fire for Game 4, so the intensity of their team must be matched. However, as I mentioned before, the Rangers need to be very careful to not take stupid penalties that could jeopardize any momentum that they may have.

• Play the game- As a team, the Rangers are playing brilliant hockey right now, but there are the small things that they must do to beat a very well rounded opponent. Their offense seems to be clicking, and as long as the Garden Faithful and the Rangers skaters get into the head of Brodeur, they should have no problem closing out this series.

So there you have it, Game 4, Wednesday, April 16th, 7 pm at the Garden. Believe in Blue! Until then...