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

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.

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

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.