Game 5: Twists, turns and an astonishing turnaround

Sure, the Richards and Staal goals were massive. But there was so much more last night, the passed-over moments in the wash of rewrites and scrambling for interviews:

How about that Nicklas Backstrom one-on-one at 7:13 of the third that hit the crossbar after Lundvist got a smidgen?

How about Staal's two stick plays to break up passes on the 3 on 1?

How about the penalty kill on Chris Kreider's high-stick at 8:31 of the third?

How about Richards' three faceoff wins in the last 1:55?

How about the line on big-game vet Fedotenko: 5 shots, 1 attempt blocked, two misses, 3 shots, 3 blocked shots?

How about unsung Anton Stralman, who doesn't make Devils outta camp, with three playoff goals...so far?

How about John Mitchell, former Leaf, called up from the AHL with Carl Hagelin on Nov. 21 and contributing on the PP in the second round? “I’d rather not have to score with 6.6 seconds left,” said Mitchell, who beat the Caps' Matt Hendricks on the decisive draw. “I’d like to give us at least five minutes so I’m not having a heart attack on the bench.”

On the downside:  Imagine if the PP had clicked earlier. A lot less agita out there in Rangerland.

Word of caution. Caps will fight tremendously hard to avoid elimination. Game 7 a strong possibility.

Rangers practicing at MSG this afternoon before trip to D.C. Stay tuned.