Carl Hagelin (center) took an undeserved shot from his own coach for his power play deficiencies. (Getty Images)

By Brian Cazeneuve

Hold it. Tell that driver not to move the New York Rangers’ bus. Carl Hagelin is still under it. Coach John Tortorella tossed him under it after losing Game 1 of New York’s series against the Boston Bruins when he was asked why Hagelin, a talented offensive forward, wasn’t seeing much ice time on the power play. “Because he stinks on the power play,” Tortorella replied in his customary unvarnished fashion. “I don’t know why. I wish I could play him on the power play. Every time I put him on, he stinks.”

Tortorella went on to elaborate about exactly why Hagelin wasn’t as proficient a contributor on the power play as he has been in even-strength situations, and at least some of the explanation made good sense. “I think he’s too quick,” the coach said. “I think he’s a jitterbug and he screws it up. But I may use him. I’d love to. And I’m not trying to be a smart ass. He stinks on the power play every time I put him out there.”

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Boston young defenseman Torey Krug has impressed early against the Rangers. (Michael Tureski/Icon SMI)

By Brian Cazeneuve

After a nailbiter of a Game 1 that ended in overtime, Game 2 between the Bruins and Rangers on Sunday was significantly more one-sided. Boston broke the game open in the second period and coasted to a 5-2 victory, taking a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals in the process.

Here are some thoughts and observations from Game 2:

• Just when the Bruins’ defense is bruised and battered, Boston is getting a fabulous infusion of talent from Torey Krug. The 22-year-old undrafted defenseman made a play that was similar to the one he made in Game 1, only better. Krug scored his first NHL goal in Game 1, pinching in on the play and stepping into a shot to beat Henrik Lundqvist. On Sunday, he picked up his second goal, this time taking a pass in virtually the same spot on the ice, but at his feet. Staying calm, Krug moved the puck between his skates to settle it onto his stick, then fired a shot past the block of Girardi that beat Lundqvist between the pads.

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Alex Ovechkin (right) was largely hemmed in by the efforts of Rangers defenders such as Ryan McDonagh. (AP)

By Brian Cazeneuve

NEW YORK  – After returning to New York down 2-0 in their series against the Washington Capitals, the Rangers regained their footing with a 4-3 win in Game 3. Another victory by the same score followed in Game 4 on Wednesday, and just like that, a series that once looked lopsided is all knotted up at two games apiece.

Here are some more thoughts and observations from the game:

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