from Russo’s Rants,

Gaborik was simply sensational tonight. Most amazing was the clutchness of the goals.

Goal #1: Less than three minutes after the Rangers make it 1-0, Aaron Voros’ suffocating forecheck springs Pavol Demitra and Gaborik for a quick 2-on-1 and goal out of nowhere for a tie score.

Goal #2: Late in a second period power play, Gaborik bats his own rebound out of the air.

Goal #3: Less than two minutes after, and after Brent Burns drew a retaliatory penalty for his clobbering of Petr Prucha, Gaborik drives the net and scores in highlight-reel fashion on a backhanded sky shot. After the natural hat trick, Gaborik excitedly waved his tonque.

Goal #4: Some defenseman you all love slipped on a banana peel and Nigel Dawes cut the deficit to 4-3. There was even time for anybody to get tense and think, “Holy moly, they may blow it!” Just 41 seconds after Martin Skoula’s self-described “screw up,” Gaborik bailed his teammate out.

Goal #5: Stereotypical high-speed Gaborik breakaway.

more

Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 12/21/07 at 07:23 AM ET

Gaborik 5, Rangers 3.

Nicely done by Gaborik, who seems for the most part this season to be avoiding the groin injuries that have hampered his career. He’s a great player.

Posted by Lyle Richardson from Charlottetown, PEI, Canada on 12/21/07 at 07:31 AM ET

Just imagine what he could do with a less defensive-minded coach! 

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 12/21/07 at 09:02 AM ET

Crazy Unlce Larry let the AP do the talking for him in today’s NY Post, didn’t get a chance to wear his Ranger jersey in the locker room last night after Gaborik made his all-world goalie look mortal.

Posted by Dale Stewart from Moosejaw on 12/21/07 at 04:43 PM ET