With just 5 games remaining in the regular season, 3 of which could play huge factors in determining not only playoff seeding, but the division, the Rangers return to the ice this afternoon, for a 12:30 pm tilt against the Penguins in Pittsburgh. The boys are coming off a huge win over the Devils on Thursday at the Garden, yet still find themselves just in 6th place in the ever tight Eastern Conference with 91 points, 1 point behind Ottawa for 5th, and 2 points behind the NJ for 4th. The Penguins, meanwhile lead the Atlantic division and are 2nd in the Conference, with 97 points, 1 point behind Montreal.
These next 2 back-to-back games with the Pens, will pretty much decide the Atlantic division. If the Blueshirts are somehow able to take both games, the Pens could still be very much in reach. It is however, more conceivable at this point for the Rangers to concentrate on catching the Devils, and shooting for 4th place, where they would be guaranteed home ice advantage in Round one. The Devils will return to the ice on Tuesday for back-to-back games against the Islanders and the Bruins.
Anyway, a quick round of links to preview today's game. First the Post , then Rangers.com.
Oh wait...you're all probably wondering...where's the Daily News?
Well, I would love to be able to give you Dellapina's preview of the game, where he, ya know, breaks down match-ups, gives us a couple of stats, blah, blah, blah. But I can't. Because all I got today in the "News" is this crap, and then this garbage.
Thank you, once again, Daily News for proving that you are nothing but a bunch of media whores. A huge win over the Devils the other night, with huge playoff implications and you give us nothing. Just your typical little recap, and as always, NO back page headlines. But of course, something stupid and pointless like this trash on yesterday's front page, and you're all over it. Have you no journalistic integrity whatsoever? Do you, for one second, even give a rat's you-know-what about the fact that they're are tons of Rangers fans who would love for once, just once, for you to give us and the NHL some press, other then negative, and other then the playoffs? Of course you don't. Because you suck Daily News. You hear me? YOU SUCK!! And at this point, I may start to search for alternate links to post. Cause this crap is uncalled for, but all too common for the once great newspaper that I used to love to read.
Anyway, heading out the door now, so enjoy the game everyone! GO BLUE!!! SCREW YOU DAILY NEWS!!!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
What a weird year….
Now, don’t get me wrong…no one is happier about the Ranger victory over the Devils last night and the sudden reversal of fortune against their cross river rivals then yours truly.
But no one can discount the oddity about the series this year. When was the last time the Rangers had EVERYTHING go their way against the Devils? When? Try 1997 folks. In the playoffs. That was the last time, the Rangers had any karma about them, and had the Devils number. In fact, it had been a one sided series ever since Adam Graves did a Matteau like wrap around against Martin Brodeur to win Game 5 of the Semi Finals and continue the Rangers Cinderella run that year, where they eventually fell to Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference Finals, in 5 games.
Well, now the tide has finally turned. And that’s all well and good. But let’s take a step back for just a sec.
Not that I’m trying to poo-poo the excitement and happiness in Rangerland this morning, but just remember, in 1994, the Rangers also took every game against the Devils in the season series. But once they got to the playoffs, it was a completely different story and the Rangers, for all the lore of the Messier guarantee and the Matteau double OT winner in Game 7, were very lucky to get out of that series alive.
So before everyone starts predicting revenge for 2006, just keep in mind that as quickly as the tide has turned back in the Rangers favor, it can just as quickly be turned back again the other way. And also, these 7 victories will mean NOTHING if they don’t play well against the Pens and the 'Sticks this week and get some victories. They still need wins. And it will mean even less if on the last day of the season, they need to beat the Devils and they somehow manage to lose. And make no mistake, if on the last day of the season the Rangers are somehow still fighting for their playoff lives, don’t think for a second that the Devils will not come out jacked up, and ready to beat them. Mets-Marlins, last day of the season this past year, ring a bell?
But putting all that aside, it was another great victory last night for the Boys in Blue!! As you know, I was at the game, and the playoff atmosphere certainly added to what was a very intense, very close and at times, very chippy game. Both teams were crashing the boards, and the nets for that matter, as our favorite L.B. Sean Avery, “accidentally” fell on top of the Great Mar-Tan again, who, of course, took exception to that and elbowed Avery in the head. Fair enough. Avery probably deserved it. But the Rangers got the last laugh, as Colin White took a roughing penalty in the mist of the scrum, and scored on a power play goal by Brendan Shanahan for a 1-0 lead, 5:21 into the 2nd period.
The controversial 3rd goal by Nigel Dawes late in the third period was just that, as Broduer, who was attempting to steer the puck away, instead steered it right into the on rushing Dawes, who was being hooked by Devil Winger, Travis Zajac, fell into Brodeur, and the puck went in the net off of Dawes shoulder. The goal held up under video review and thus was your game winner. A lucky goal indeed, but hey at this point in the year, you take them anyway you can get them!
Anyway, here are the links with the game recaps. First the Daily News, then The Post, then NHL.com.
So now the boys have tonight and tomorrow off, before returning to the ice on Sunday for a 12:30 pm tilt against the Pens in Pittsburgh and then again on Monday night at the Garden. I’m not expecting a home and home sweep by any means. But if they can garner a split of the two games and maybe get one of them into OT, then I’ll be happy. I’m more concerned about the home and home coming up against the Fishsticks. They need to take both of those games, cause the last thing anyone wants is to head into Newark on Sunday, needing to beat the Devils. I don’t care if they are 7-0 against them or not!
But for tonight it’s score board watching time, as the Devils play the Flyers tonight. And then tomorrow, the Senators play the Bruins at 1 pm, and then 'Sticks play the Flyers later that night. So everything could be jam packed standings wise come Sunday!!
But no one can discount the oddity about the series this year. When was the last time the Rangers had EVERYTHING go their way against the Devils? When? Try 1997 folks. In the playoffs. That was the last time, the Rangers had any karma about them, and had the Devils number. In fact, it had been a one sided series ever since Adam Graves did a Matteau like wrap around against Martin Brodeur to win Game 5 of the Semi Finals and continue the Rangers Cinderella run that year, where they eventually fell to Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference Finals, in 5 games.
Well, now the tide has finally turned. And that’s all well and good. But let’s take a step back for just a sec.
Not that I’m trying to poo-poo the excitement and happiness in Rangerland this morning, but just remember, in 1994, the Rangers also took every game against the Devils in the season series. But once they got to the playoffs, it was a completely different story and the Rangers, for all the lore of the Messier guarantee and the Matteau double OT winner in Game 7, were very lucky to get out of that series alive.
So before everyone starts predicting revenge for 2006, just keep in mind that as quickly as the tide has turned back in the Rangers favor, it can just as quickly be turned back again the other way. And also, these 7 victories will mean NOTHING if they don’t play well against the Pens and the 'Sticks this week and get some victories. They still need wins. And it will mean even less if on the last day of the season, they need to beat the Devils and they somehow manage to lose. And make no mistake, if on the last day of the season the Rangers are somehow still fighting for their playoff lives, don’t think for a second that the Devils will not come out jacked up, and ready to beat them. Mets-Marlins, last day of the season this past year, ring a bell?
But putting all that aside, it was another great victory last night for the Boys in Blue!! As you know, I was at the game, and the playoff atmosphere certainly added to what was a very intense, very close and at times, very chippy game. Both teams were crashing the boards, and the nets for that matter, as our favorite L.B. Sean Avery, “accidentally” fell on top of the Great Mar-Tan again, who, of course, took exception to that and elbowed Avery in the head. Fair enough. Avery probably deserved it. But the Rangers got the last laugh, as Colin White took a roughing penalty in the mist of the scrum, and scored on a power play goal by Brendan Shanahan for a 1-0 lead, 5:21 into the 2nd period.
The controversial 3rd goal by Nigel Dawes late in the third period was just that, as Broduer, who was attempting to steer the puck away, instead steered it right into the on rushing Dawes, who was being hooked by Devil Winger, Travis Zajac, fell into Brodeur, and the puck went in the net off of Dawes shoulder. The goal held up under video review and thus was your game winner. A lucky goal indeed, but hey at this point in the year, you take them anyway you can get them!
Anyway, here are the links with the game recaps. First the Daily News, then The Post, then NHL.com.
So now the boys have tonight and tomorrow off, before returning to the ice on Sunday for a 12:30 pm tilt against the Pens in Pittsburgh and then again on Monday night at the Garden. I’m not expecting a home and home sweep by any means. But if they can garner a split of the two games and maybe get one of them into OT, then I’ll be happy. I’m more concerned about the home and home coming up against the Fishsticks. They need to take both of those games, cause the last thing anyone wants is to head into Newark on Sunday, needing to beat the Devils. I don’t care if they are 7-0 against them or not!
But for tonight it’s score board watching time, as the Devils play the Flyers tonight. And then tomorrow, the Senators play the Bruins at 1 pm, and then 'Sticks play the Flyers later that night. So everything could be jam packed standings wise come Sunday!!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Show down in the Garden tonight…
Ok, so the stage is set. Home stretch of a long, grueling season. Both teams separated by 2 points. Both fighting, not only for higher seeding, but really for their playoff lives (as they are just as close to being at the top of the conference, as they are to being out of it). One team with something to prove, another team trying to put the finishing touches on a statement that has been a long time coming.
Rangers-Devils, at the Garden. 7 pm tonight. Packed house, playoff atmosphere, a lot on the line for both teams.
Does it get any better then this folks?
With just 6 games remaining, all against Atlantic division teams, it is really gut time for both squads. The Devils have lost 4 in a row, are not scoring and have lost all 6 games to the Rangers this year. For the Rangers, they are locked in at the 6th seed, but have lost 2 in a row themselves, both to Philly - who are now breathing down their necks. And while they seem to have finally turned the tables on their long time nemesis, if the Rangers lose this game tonight, will the first 6 wins really matter? Not at all, in my opinion. When you have your foot on an opponent’s throat, you don’t let up. So, they have proven nothing as far as I'm concerned. It’s nice to beat the Devils 6 times in a row, especially after all the times they have beaten us over the last 10 years, but none of that matters to me right now. Win tonight. Beat them, tie them in points and then go out and split with the Penguins. Then destroy the Fishsticks, and then beat the Devils on the last day of the season. Anything less to me is unacceptable. And not unrealistic. If this team is a true Stanley Cup contender, this is what they need to do.
Anyway, here are some links to preview tonight’s game. First the Daily News , then the Post , then Rangers.com . And what the heck, I’ll throw the Devils in there as well. Just so I am not completely one sided!
Ok, so is it game time yet?? Cause in all honesty I am super excited for this game!! I will be there tonight in section 350, with my girlfriend, (who IS a Devil fan) rooting my boys on!! Should be a good one. Enjoy the game folks, and as always, LET’S GO RANGERS!!!
Rangers-Devils, at the Garden. 7 pm tonight. Packed house, playoff atmosphere, a lot on the line for both teams.
Does it get any better then this folks?
With just 6 games remaining, all against Atlantic division teams, it is really gut time for both squads. The Devils have lost 4 in a row, are not scoring and have lost all 6 games to the Rangers this year. For the Rangers, they are locked in at the 6th seed, but have lost 2 in a row themselves, both to Philly - who are now breathing down their necks. And while they seem to have finally turned the tables on their long time nemesis, if the Rangers lose this game tonight, will the first 6 wins really matter? Not at all, in my opinion. When you have your foot on an opponent’s throat, you don’t let up. So, they have proven nothing as far as I'm concerned. It’s nice to beat the Devils 6 times in a row, especially after all the times they have beaten us over the last 10 years, but none of that matters to me right now. Win tonight. Beat them, tie them in points and then go out and split with the Penguins. Then destroy the Fishsticks, and then beat the Devils on the last day of the season. Anything less to me is unacceptable. And not unrealistic. If this team is a true Stanley Cup contender, this is what they need to do.
Anyway, here are some links to preview tonight’s game. First the Daily News , then the Post , then Rangers.com . And what the heck, I’ll throw the Devils in there as well. Just so I am not completely one sided!
Ok, so is it game time yet?? Cause in all honesty I am super excited for this game!! I will be there tonight in section 350, with my girlfriend, (who IS a Devil fan) rooting my boys on!! Should be a good one. Enjoy the game folks, and as always, LET’S GO RANGERS!!!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Rededication – at just the right time!!
Hello everyone. No, you’re eyes are not deceiving you! I am actually updating my blog for the first time in over a month. I apologize to all my loyal readers out there for the disappearing act. It was a combination of the craziness that has been the last 30 days with work, starting up school again, and basically being too exhausted when I did have the time to post. But now that things have settled down, I’m back and better then ever! And just in time too!! Playoff hockey is just around the corner people, and our Boys in Blue are right in the thick of it!!
Currently, the Rangers sit in 6th place in the Eastern Conference at 89 points, following a heartbreaking 2-1 loss last night to the Flyers in overtime. Philadelphia tied the game 7:32 into the 3rd period on a Daniel Briere goal and then won it 2:16 into the extra session, after a ghastly turn over in the offensive zone by Sean Avery that was picked off by defenseman, Jason Smith, who then threaded a pass to Richards, who went in all alone on Lunqvist.
A devastating loss for sure last night folks, but not the end of the world. They still gained a point on the Devils and are now just 2 points behind them and the Senators, who exploded for 5 goals in the 3rd period last night in a 6-3 win over Buffalo. The Devils, meanwhile have lost 4 in a row, following a 2-0 shut out to the Penguins last night, and now limp into the Garden tomorrow night against our boys, who incase you didn’t know, have a little bit of a streak going against them. I’m not going to go out on a limb and say this is gonna be easy, cause the Devils are going to be desperate for points, but the advantage is to us right now.
Anyway, John Dellapina has a game recap in the Daily News today, as does Larry Brooks in the Post. Dellapina also discloses a little more about Scott Gomez’ injury, which he suffered this past Friday against the Flyers. He is still listed as day to day, but no time table has been given for his return.
Ok, so there’s my long, overdue blog update. This month long sabbatical will not become the norm around here, I can assure you of that. Once again, I appreciate everyone’s patience and I look forward to providing you with daily updates and commentary, starting with a FREAKING HUGE game against the Devils tomorrow at the Garden - which I will be at!!
Currently, the Rangers sit in 6th place in the Eastern Conference at 89 points, following a heartbreaking 2-1 loss last night to the Flyers in overtime. Philadelphia tied the game 7:32 into the 3rd period on a Daniel Briere goal and then won it 2:16 into the extra session, after a ghastly turn over in the offensive zone by Sean Avery that was picked off by defenseman, Jason Smith, who then threaded a pass to Richards, who went in all alone on Lunqvist.
A devastating loss for sure last night folks, but not the end of the world. They still gained a point on the Devils and are now just 2 points behind them and the Senators, who exploded for 5 goals in the 3rd period last night in a 6-3 win over Buffalo. The Devils, meanwhile have lost 4 in a row, following a 2-0 shut out to the Penguins last night, and now limp into the Garden tomorrow night against our boys, who incase you didn’t know, have a little bit of a streak going against them. I’m not going to go out on a limb and say this is gonna be easy, cause the Devils are going to be desperate for points, but the advantage is to us right now.
Anyway, John Dellapina has a game recap in the Daily News today, as does Larry Brooks in the Post. Dellapina also discloses a little more about Scott Gomez’ injury, which he suffered this past Friday against the Flyers. He is still listed as day to day, but no time table has been given for his return.
Ok, so there’s my long, overdue blog update. This month long sabbatical will not become the norm around here, I can assure you of that. Once again, I appreciate everyone’s patience and I look forward to providing you with daily updates and commentary, starting with a FREAKING HUGE game against the Devils tomorrow at the Garden - which I will be at!!
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