A lot has happened since my last post. The New York Rangers got to within 2 wins of the Stanley Cup Finals and brought a lot thrills this past season. Unfortunately they lost to the hated NJ Devils in the Eastern Conference Finals and yours truly was on the losing end of an ill advised bet that ended with me donning a black and red jersey as punishment. As if that wasn't punishment enough, after my skin finished melting, we had to endure ANOTHER lockout that almost wiped out another season. This has seriously been the longest off season EVER.
However, it wasn't all bad news. Along the way, the Rangers acquired what many people feel was the final piece to the puzzle in Rick Nash. Nash has spent his entire career in Columbus and has basically been a one man team over in No-Man's land having made the playoffs just once in his 9 seasons with the Blue Jackets. But in those 9 seasons, he has scored 30 or more goals 7 times, and 40 goals twice. He, along with Marian Gaborik, gives the Rangers 2 of the premiere goal scorers in the league and makes their offense that much more dynamic. The other good news this summer was Henrik Lundqvist. The 3-time Vezina Trophy candidate finally broke through this summer and took home the hardware as the best goalie in the league after posting career highs in Wins, GAA and Save Pct. He will obviously will be the key as the Boys in Blue attempt to take that next step in a year where many are predicting great things for them.
Breaking Down The Team:
Forwards:
While the focus of the offense will primarily be on Marian Gaborik and Rick Nash, that is not where it ends. Brad Richards first season in NY was a success as the former Conn Smythe Trophy winner put up 25 goals and 41 assists in season #1 with the Blueshirts. He will get the task of centering Gaborik and Nash, as well as play big minutes on the Power Play for the Rangers. This is your # 1 line. After that, you have Ryan Callahan coming off a 29 goal season in his first season as Rangers Captain. He, along with 3rd year Center, Derek Stepan, both showed they are creative play makers and will provide secondary scoring beyond the top line. This will be key as they will not be counted on to be the key contributors next to Gaborik, Nash and Richards. Carl Hagelin will look to build on a a strong rookie campaign in which he scored 14 goals and saw time on the top line. After scoring 21 goals his first season in NY, Brian Boyle predictably came back down to earth, netting only 11. That is a more realistic number for Boyle. His role, along with Mike Rupp, Aaron Asham, Taylor Pyatt and Jeff Halpern is more to use size to wear down opponents and block shots. Another player to watch is Chris Kreider, who will be making his regular season debut after a fantastic post season for the Rangers.
Defensemen:
The top 3 are the key to the Rangers shot blocking game. Marc Staal, Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi are good defensively, block a ton of shots and are not afraid to join the rush. One season after being in the dog house, Michael Del Zotto had an excellent year and appeared to be the puck moving defenseman the Rangers hoped for. Anton Stralman, Steve Eminger, and Stu Bickel round out the defense, and Matt Gilroy is also now back in the mix.
Goalies:
What more can be said about the reigning Vezina Trophy winner? Henrik Lundqvist took his game to another level last season, establishing career highs in Wins, Save Pct. and GAA. He will determine how far the Rangers go in the post season more so than any other player on the roster. Martin Biron is a good back up, but had trouble closing up his five hole late in the season. He will give Lundqvist the necessary rest, but is exactly what his role dictates. As the back up.
Coaching:
John Tortorella has established a culture here. This team has bought into the concept of the whole being bigger than the sum of it's parts. It's in their blood. It's in their make up. And every player that comes here is expected to do their part in sacrificing their body when necessary. That includes Rick Nash. His job is to score goals for sure, but he MUST not be afraid to be responsible defensively. Torts is not afraid to bench people not holding up their end of the bargain. So, welcome to NY, Rick Nash. Now get down and block a shot.
Outlook:
This team is ready. They have the system. They have the depth. They have the goaltending, the defense, the scoring. And now they have playoff experience. There is no excuses. The Rangers time is now. The only thing that can stop this team from accomplishing it's goal is itself. And Tortorella will do everything in his power to make sure that doesn't happen. So buckle up Rangers fans..this could be a fun year!
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Monday, May 14, 2012
10 Tips to Surviving a Playoff Series When Your Significant Other Roots for Your Most Bitter Rival
Alright…for those of you who don’t already know, yes…I am married to a Devils fan. Yeah, I know...say what?? Look, she’s a great girl. Everything a guy could want in a lifelong partner. She’s my best friend and I don’t know what I’d do without her. But with all that said, she has ONE flaw. It’s not something I can’t get over. But it sticks out like a sore thumb…but hey, that’s what makes life interesting! And this upcoming series will certainly get interesting as the rivalry between the Rangers and the Devils will be kicked up a notch. We have gone through this before, as we had just started dating in 2008. But this will be our first since being married and living under the same roof!
Many of you have experienced this torture before. Yankees and Red Sox. Canadiens and Bruins. Giants and Cowboys. You all know what I’m talking about. And I’ll bet none of you ever thought of this when you started dating, or even married that cute girl in the enemy’s colors, or that handsome dude wearing the jersey of the “bad guys”. But unfortunately, the time eventually comes when you and the love of your life (die hard sports fans for your beloved teams) must draw lines in the sand, and deal with the horrible reality of a playoff series against each other.
This type of thing should not be taken lightly. Rival playoff series lead to trash talking, fights in the stands and most importantly, arguments amongst loved ones, which can lead to one of you sleeping on the couch. This can make for a very long 2 weeks over the course of a grueling 7 game series.
So, are you wondering how you can avoid all of this and just enjoy the series? Well, fear not! I am here with the top 10 ways to get you through this 7 game war, so you can still root for your team, and also get your fill of mindless trash talking that you shouldn’t be spewing after a bad loss, or better yet…rubbing a victory in someone’s face…as long as it’s not your spouse!
Tip #1: Say “I love you” as many times as you can throughout the day. This cannot be stated enough. There are going to be times during the 60 minutes (or more) of a game that you might not WANT to say it as your team may be losing, but remember, it IS just a sporting event, and your relationship IS more important, as is your sanity. Also, remember to say it after the game is over…particularly if you win.
Tip #2: Do not, I repeat, DO NOT touch ANY paraphernalia that may have the opposing teams colors on it, for two reasons. Number 1, you don’t want to jinx yourself and number 2, you don’t want to upset your significant other who, like you, believes that superstitions really do work (they do, I swear to you, they do).
Tip #3: Brown nosing can come in handy! Indeed it does. If you notice that something needs to be done around the house, just do it. It can only lead to good things…despite the outcome of the game! ;-)
Tip #4: Don’t be over zealous when cheering on your team if you happen to be watching the game together. Cheer when your team scores, clap if your team wins, but keep the hooting and hollering to a minimum. Save the big celebrations for when you’re on the phone with your friends, they’ll appreciate it a lot more than your better half will.
Tip #5: Place a small little bet. Nothing ridiculous, but just a little something to make things interesting and fun. For example, my wife I have decided that the loser of this series has to don the winner’s colors (a jersey and a hat), a picture must be taken and it must be used as a profile picture on Twitter, Facebook and the hockey forum that we post on for 24 hours, no more...but no less!
Tip #6: Try to avoid your own commentating during the game. If there is something that pisses you off about the refs, about a player for the opposing team, keep it to yourself. Rant on social media, text your buddy, but don’t whine about it in front of your significant other. Cause they will most likely disagree with your view, and that will only lead to anger on their end and who wants to deal with that?
Tip #7: Did I mention saying “I LOVE YOU”?!? I’m telling you…It’s extremely important. Before, during and AFTER the game.
Tip #8: If you notice your spouse ranting about your team on any form of social media (Facebook, Twitter or forums), do your best to avoid commenting at ALL costs, even in joking fashion. If they are in a bad mood, it can only lead to a snippy response on their end. Which leads me to my next point…
Tip #9: If your spouse is really ticked after a bad loss….GIVE. THEM. THEIR. SPACE.
Tip #10: Be compassionate to THEM if your team emerges victorious in the series. Celebrate with your friends, trash talk to your co-workers, but try and be nice to them. If you’re the guy…flowers go a LONG way...if you’re the girl, his favorite meal and a beer when he gets home from work the day after will take some of the sting away from this crushing defeat.
Bonus Tip: Gloating in front of your significant other is STRONGLY discouraged. While you may want to and feel that you’ve earned that right, it’s not a good idea. Whoever loses is going to need a few days to get over it, but the winner doing their part to let them know that they still love them will help ease the pain. Give it a few days, then gloat just a little…I’m sure at that point, they’ll at least crack a smile…hopefully!
While these tips are not fool proof, they can only help when dealing with the stress of a rival playoff series. My wife and I have decided to try and live by these rules to keep the anger and anxiety levels to a minimum. I know it seems impossible, and I’m sure there are some out there that will think I’m crazy saying all of this. And I’m sure even more don’t care if they tick their significant other off, and in fact may relish in it. And that’s fine, but just remember, it can lead to bad things. Sports fans are nuts in general when they DON’T know each other. When it’s someone you have to spend your days with, it can create A LOT of tension. And in the end, you need to remember that it’s a sporting event, your relationship should not be decided by the outcome of a game…or series!
Are you in an Inter-Rival relationship right now? Have you experienced this before and have your own advice for others going through this for the first time? Well, feel free to share! Might as well get your advice in now while you’re still thinking rationally…the puck drops in less than 10 hours!!
Oh...and while my better half is still in a good mood (at least until tonight)...LET’S GO RANGERS!!
Many of you have experienced this torture before. Yankees and Red Sox. Canadiens and Bruins. Giants and Cowboys. You all know what I’m talking about. And I’ll bet none of you ever thought of this when you started dating, or even married that cute girl in the enemy’s colors, or that handsome dude wearing the jersey of the “bad guys”. But unfortunately, the time eventually comes when you and the love of your life (die hard sports fans for your beloved teams) must draw lines in the sand, and deal with the horrible reality of a playoff series against each other.
This type of thing should not be taken lightly. Rival playoff series lead to trash talking, fights in the stands and most importantly, arguments amongst loved ones, which can lead to one of you sleeping on the couch. This can make for a very long 2 weeks over the course of a grueling 7 game series.
So, are you wondering how you can avoid all of this and just enjoy the series? Well, fear not! I am here with the top 10 ways to get you through this 7 game war, so you can still root for your team, and also get your fill of mindless trash talking that you shouldn’t be spewing after a bad loss, or better yet…rubbing a victory in someone’s face…as long as it’s not your spouse!
Tip #1: Say “I love you” as many times as you can throughout the day. This cannot be stated enough. There are going to be times during the 60 minutes (or more) of a game that you might not WANT to say it as your team may be losing, but remember, it IS just a sporting event, and your relationship IS more important, as is your sanity. Also, remember to say it after the game is over…particularly if you win.
Tip #2: Do not, I repeat, DO NOT touch ANY paraphernalia that may have the opposing teams colors on it, for two reasons. Number 1, you don’t want to jinx yourself and number 2, you don’t want to upset your significant other who, like you, believes that superstitions really do work (they do, I swear to you, they do).
Tip #3: Brown nosing can come in handy! Indeed it does. If you notice that something needs to be done around the house, just do it. It can only lead to good things…despite the outcome of the game! ;-)
Tip #4: Don’t be over zealous when cheering on your team if you happen to be watching the game together. Cheer when your team scores, clap if your team wins, but keep the hooting and hollering to a minimum. Save the big celebrations for when you’re on the phone with your friends, they’ll appreciate it a lot more than your better half will.
Tip #5: Place a small little bet. Nothing ridiculous, but just a little something to make things interesting and fun. For example, my wife I have decided that the loser of this series has to don the winner’s colors (a jersey and a hat), a picture must be taken and it must be used as a profile picture on Twitter, Facebook and the hockey forum that we post on for 24 hours, no more...but no less!
Tip #6: Try to avoid your own commentating during the game. If there is something that pisses you off about the refs, about a player for the opposing team, keep it to yourself. Rant on social media, text your buddy, but don’t whine about it in front of your significant other. Cause they will most likely disagree with your view, and that will only lead to anger on their end and who wants to deal with that?
Tip #7: Did I mention saying “I LOVE YOU”?!? I’m telling you…It’s extremely important. Before, during and AFTER the game.
Tip #8: If you notice your spouse ranting about your team on any form of social media (Facebook, Twitter or forums), do your best to avoid commenting at ALL costs, even in joking fashion. If they are in a bad mood, it can only lead to a snippy response on their end. Which leads me to my next point…
Tip #9: If your spouse is really ticked after a bad loss….GIVE. THEM. THEIR. SPACE.
Tip #10: Be compassionate to THEM if your team emerges victorious in the series. Celebrate with your friends, trash talk to your co-workers, but try and be nice to them. If you’re the guy…flowers go a LONG way...if you’re the girl, his favorite meal and a beer when he gets home from work the day after will take some of the sting away from this crushing defeat.
Bonus Tip: Gloating in front of your significant other is STRONGLY discouraged. While you may want to and feel that you’ve earned that right, it’s not a good idea. Whoever loses is going to need a few days to get over it, but the winner doing their part to let them know that they still love them will help ease the pain. Give it a few days, then gloat just a little…I’m sure at that point, they’ll at least crack a smile…hopefully!
While these tips are not fool proof, they can only help when dealing with the stress of a rival playoff series. My wife and I have decided to try and live by these rules to keep the anger and anxiety levels to a minimum. I know it seems impossible, and I’m sure there are some out there that will think I’m crazy saying all of this. And I’m sure even more don’t care if they tick their significant other off, and in fact may relish in it. And that’s fine, but just remember, it can lead to bad things. Sports fans are nuts in general when they DON’T know each other. When it’s someone you have to spend your days with, it can create A LOT of tension. And in the end, you need to remember that it’s a sporting event, your relationship should not be decided by the outcome of a game…or series!
Are you in an Inter-Rival relationship right now? Have you experienced this before and have your own advice for others going through this for the first time? Well, feel free to share! Might as well get your advice in now while you’re still thinking rationally…the puck drops in less than 10 hours!!
Oh...and while my better half is still in a good mood (at least until tonight)...LET’S GO RANGERS!!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Is Jim Dolan the Spawn of Satan?
Yes, I know…funny title, right? Well that's great, glad I could get a laugh out of all of you. I'll be here all week, by the way.
Unfortunately, I am not kidding.
Yes, by now most of us have heard or read the comments of one, James L. Dolan following the Rangers 3-0 shutout over the Nashville Predators on Tuesday night. For reasons unknown to anybody but himself, Jimmy Boy decided to interrupt Head Coach John Tortorella's press conference after the game and address the state of the team for the first time since before the NHL lockout in 2004. Basically the 2nd time to my knowledge he has EVER acknowledged the existence of the New York Rangers. In fact, I even wrote a blog for a website called Rangersmix.com almost 2 years ago in which I stated that I sometimes wondered if Dolan even remembered that he OWNED a hockey team.
For those of you who are not aware of what Dolan actually said, and for those who feel the need to anger yourselves just a little bit more (such as me), I present the following from our fearless leader:
“I'm very proud of the organization. I'm particularly proud of Mr. Sather because all the way back to 2004 when things weren't going so well and we had a lot of free agents here and we decided to basically re-do the strategy, Glen and I made a pact.”
Sounds great so far, right? Yeah, keep reading.
"I gave him something," Dolan continued, "Which I won't reveal today, but I gave him something to seal the pact. I said 'You can't give it back to me until we win the Stanley Cup.' And I think we're pretty close to getting that thing back.".
So, what'd you give him Jim? A family heirloom of some sort? Perhaps your father's soul (which you undoubtedly had to rip out of him in order to gain control of Cablevision in the first place)…or maybe something more symbolic of Glen's tenure here...maybe his pink slip in a frame, minus your signature?
One has to wonder...why on earth would you make a statement like that Jim, in flipping January of ALL months? Have you NOT seen this team in years past once they hit the latter part of this month in to late February? Oh wait...stupid question on my part, you haven't acknowledged the team's existence in almost 8 years...OF COURSE YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THEM PLAY!!!
There's a few issues I have here folks. The first is the obvious. It was stupid, premature, and downright asinine for Dolan to make such a proclamation that the Rangers are close to winning a Stanley Cup. Yes, they have taken leaps and bounds this year. Yes, despite losing to the Penguins at the Garden last night, they have gone far beyond what I thought they would. Yes, they are still 1st place in the Eastern Conference, and 2nd in the entire NHL, and for the most part, have looked like a bonafide Stanley Cup contender this season. And yes, I have little to no doubt that this team can make a LOT of noise come playoff time. However, to say they are close to winning a cup in the middle of the season is setting yourself up for disaster, even if it may be true. They still need to get through (historically) their hardest period of the regular season: late January, through February. Anyone who watches this team on a regular basis can tell you that. If the way they have played the last 2 weeks is any indication (particularly after last night's debacle) they may not be as ready as people may think. But thank you Jim, thank you for attempting to start that annual mid-season slide ALL by yourself by opening your big fat mouth.
The second issue I have here is that the ONLY reason Dolan is even doing this, in my opinion, is to make himself look good. Despite the way I joke that he doesn't know the Rangers exist, he does. And he knows the team is starting to make noise, both in the NHL, and in this City. And he wants to be prepared to take credit for it, should the Rangers in fact DO the unthinkable, whether it be this season, or the next. He knows the Knicks are not going anywhere, anytime soon. He may be an incompetent owner, but he's not dumb.
But where was he in the years leading up to all of this? The years when he ignored Rangers fans pleas for Sather's firing, for a rebuild that didn't start until 4 years into his tenure here, and didn't really begin to take shape until just a few years ago? Yeah, the team looks loaded now, and built for the long term. But he hasn’t acknowledged the team in SO long. Does he really think he is fooling ANYONE? Even Tortorella looked like he wanted to put his head in an oven and turn on the gas the other day.
Do us all a favor Dolan, and continue ignoring this team. Write the checks, pay the bills, let Glen continue to have carte blanche, and go back to paying all your attention to the Knicks. Just because you may have finally realized what a joke THAT team is, don't think you can just waltz into Rangerland and that people are going to embrace you. We haven't forgotten the way you constantly put the Knicks before the Rangers all the time. From not being there on Draft Day back in 2005 so you could go with Isiah Thomas to recruit Larry Brown, to the Knicks constantly getting priority on TV over the Rangers, your sudden acknowledgement of the BETTER team in Madison Square Garden is not needed, appreciated, nor wanted. It's bad enough if the Rangers ever do the unthinkable in the near future that YOU'RE going to be acknowledged by Mr. "Head moving as I talk, let me make sure the microphone is on before I speak and get booed out of the building" Commissioner himself, Gary Bettman. But in the meantime, don't insult our intelligence. Don't try and make us think you actually care about anything having to do with the Rangers after pretending they haven't existed for so long.
Bottom line, You're not fooling anybody Jim!
Unfortunately, I am not kidding.
Yes, by now most of us have heard or read the comments of one, James L. Dolan following the Rangers 3-0 shutout over the Nashville Predators on Tuesday night. For reasons unknown to anybody but himself, Jimmy Boy decided to interrupt Head Coach John Tortorella's press conference after the game and address the state of the team for the first time since before the NHL lockout in 2004. Basically the 2nd time to my knowledge he has EVER acknowledged the existence of the New York Rangers. In fact, I even wrote a blog for a website called Rangersmix.com almost 2 years ago in which I stated that I sometimes wondered if Dolan even remembered that he OWNED a hockey team.
For those of you who are not aware of what Dolan actually said, and for those who feel the need to anger yourselves just a little bit more (such as me), I present the following from our fearless leader:
“I'm very proud of the organization. I'm particularly proud of Mr. Sather because all the way back to 2004 when things weren't going so well and we had a lot of free agents here and we decided to basically re-do the strategy, Glen and I made a pact.”
Sounds great so far, right? Yeah, keep reading.
"I gave him something," Dolan continued, "Which I won't reveal today, but I gave him something to seal the pact. I said 'You can't give it back to me until we win the Stanley Cup.' And I think we're pretty close to getting that thing back.".
So, what'd you give him Jim? A family heirloom of some sort? Perhaps your father's soul (which you undoubtedly had to rip out of him in order to gain control of Cablevision in the first place)…or maybe something more symbolic of Glen's tenure here...maybe his pink slip in a frame, minus your signature?
One has to wonder...why on earth would you make a statement like that Jim, in flipping January of ALL months? Have you NOT seen this team in years past once they hit the latter part of this month in to late February? Oh wait...stupid question on my part, you haven't acknowledged the team's existence in almost 8 years...OF COURSE YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THEM PLAY!!!
There's a few issues I have here folks. The first is the obvious. It was stupid, premature, and downright asinine for Dolan to make such a proclamation that the Rangers are close to winning a Stanley Cup. Yes, they have taken leaps and bounds this year. Yes, despite losing to the Penguins at the Garden last night, they have gone far beyond what I thought they would. Yes, they are still 1st place in the Eastern Conference, and 2nd in the entire NHL, and for the most part, have looked like a bonafide Stanley Cup contender this season. And yes, I have little to no doubt that this team can make a LOT of noise come playoff time. However, to say they are close to winning a cup in the middle of the season is setting yourself up for disaster, even if it may be true. They still need to get through (historically) their hardest period of the regular season: late January, through February. Anyone who watches this team on a regular basis can tell you that. If the way they have played the last 2 weeks is any indication (particularly after last night's debacle) they may not be as ready as people may think. But thank you Jim, thank you for attempting to start that annual mid-season slide ALL by yourself by opening your big fat mouth.
The second issue I have here is that the ONLY reason Dolan is even doing this, in my opinion, is to make himself look good. Despite the way I joke that he doesn't know the Rangers exist, he does. And he knows the team is starting to make noise, both in the NHL, and in this City. And he wants to be prepared to take credit for it, should the Rangers in fact DO the unthinkable, whether it be this season, or the next. He knows the Knicks are not going anywhere, anytime soon. He may be an incompetent owner, but he's not dumb.
But where was he in the years leading up to all of this? The years when he ignored Rangers fans pleas for Sather's firing, for a rebuild that didn't start until 4 years into his tenure here, and didn't really begin to take shape until just a few years ago? Yeah, the team looks loaded now, and built for the long term. But he hasn’t acknowledged the team in SO long. Does he really think he is fooling ANYONE? Even Tortorella looked like he wanted to put his head in an oven and turn on the gas the other day.
Do us all a favor Dolan, and continue ignoring this team. Write the checks, pay the bills, let Glen continue to have carte blanche, and go back to paying all your attention to the Knicks. Just because you may have finally realized what a joke THAT team is, don't think you can just waltz into Rangerland and that people are going to embrace you. We haven't forgotten the way you constantly put the Knicks before the Rangers all the time. From not being there on Draft Day back in 2005 so you could go with Isiah Thomas to recruit Larry Brown, to the Knicks constantly getting priority on TV over the Rangers, your sudden acknowledgement of the BETTER team in Madison Square Garden is not needed, appreciated, nor wanted. It's bad enough if the Rangers ever do the unthinkable in the near future that YOU'RE going to be acknowledged by Mr. "Head moving as I talk, let me make sure the microphone is on before I speak and get booed out of the building" Commissioner himself, Gary Bettman. But in the meantime, don't insult our intelligence. Don't try and make us think you actually care about anything having to do with the Rangers after pretending they haven't existed for so long.
Bottom line, You're not fooling anybody Jim!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Mid-Season Report Card and Second Half Preview
A lot has happened since the last time I wrote a blog. The New York Rangers went from being a good team to an elite team. In fact, up until their 3-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators last night (snapping their 5 game winning streak), the Boys in Blue were sitting first in the entire NHL in points. That loss, coupled with a victory by the Vancouver Canucks last night, has changed things for the time being. However, there is no denying that the Blueshirts have taken the next step that I talked about after last season. Therefore, let's take a look at just what has made the Rangers so successful in the first half, and what they need to do in the final 41 games in order to assure themselves not just a playoff berth, but a high seed as they head in to what could be a fun spring and summer for myself and fellow Rangers fans:
Defense: A
Yep, that's right. You would think with Marc Staal not even playing until the Winter Classic, and 2nd year player Micheal Sauer, also being sidelined (both with concussions), that this area might have taken the biggest hit. Especially with such "household" names (literally), as Stu Bickel and Jeff Woywitka taking their places. However, Dan Girardi slipped right into Staal's role as #1 defenseman, and played well enough to earn a spot on the NHL All Star team. Michael Del Zotto rebounded from a dismal season last year, to become one of the league leaders in plus/minus with a +24 rating, while putting himself in the top 15 in scoring amongst NHL defensemen. Meanwhile, Ryan McDonagh is right behind him, developing his own offensive skills in the early part of the season. These top 3 have led the way for the rest of the defense to settle in and just play their roles. Now with Staal back, and already playing well, and Michael Sauer hopefully not too far off from returning, the Rangers before long could have a top 6 that could be among the very best in the league. But even with injuries, they have already proven to be better than the sum of their parts.
Forwards: B
Marion Gaborik is back to being Marion Gaborik, Brad Richards has come here and been everything advertised, and Derek Stepan has started to develop into one of the better young play makers in the league. Meanwhile, since being named Captain before the start of the season, Ryan Callahan has taken his already well known status as the heart and soul of this team to a new level. He IS the New York Rangers, and so far is the best Captain this team has had, since Messier. Artem Anisimov has cooled off lately, but had developed instant chemistry on a line with Gaborik and Richards. It will be interesting to see if John Tortorella keeps that line separated for long, now that they have "dried up", as he put it the other day.
Brandon Dubinsky had a slow start in the goals department, but has picked it up of late. He will be pivotal moving forward in the 2nd half if the Rangers are going to consistently hit the back of the twine. Carl Hagelin has been a revelation since his call up, enough to earn a spot on the 2nd line with Richards for a time. It will be interesting to see what his role on this team is in the 2nd half, especially now with the return of Wojtek Wolski to the line up.
Brian Boyle has not scored like he did last year, but everyone expected that. He along with Brandon Prust, Mike Rupp and Ruslan Fedetenko have prominent roles on this team as the grunts, who will do the dirty work in the corners and protect their teammates, and they do it very well.
Goalies: A+
Is anyone really surprised by this? Henrik Lundqvist, always a Vezina "candidate" actually has a legitimate shot at the prized trophy this year, as well as the Hart, for league MVP. He has taken his game to the next level and is currently 3rd in the league in Goals Against Average and Save Percentage, but the man who is #1 is Boston Bruins backup, Tuukka Rask, so I consider him to be 2nd in the league in those respective categories. He is also 5th in wins, but he has also not played as much as the men ahead of him. And that is all part of Tortorella's master plan. To get his #1 goalie as much rest as possible during the regular season, so he is fresh for the real season. The one that starts in April, and (hopefully) ends in June.
Martin Biron has been an excellent back-up going 8-2, with a 2.06 GAA. He will undoubtedly continue to provide the King with the occasional rest through the final 41 games.
Special Teams:
Power Play: D
Unfortunately this continues to be a sore spot for the team, as the Rangers are currently 22nd in the league. You have to think at some point, with Richards, Del Zotto and Gaborik on this team, that will improve.
Penalty Kill: A
Thankfully, the penalty kill is as steady as ever, sitting currently at 6th in the league. The Rangers just do not allow opponents much. Blocking shots and pouring molasses over their own zone is this team's specialty, and when shots do get through, #30 is there to stop them.
Coaching: A-
John Tortorella reminds me a lot of Herb Brooks and what he did with the 1980 Olympics team. He has assembled a team better than the sum of it's parts, with an emphasis on extreme conditioning, hard work and outstanding goaltending, all with an eye on one goal: a championship. He critiques what the team could have done better after wins, and makes them leave the ice and come back out if he doesn't like the way they start practice. He is honest, but fair, and clearly this team is buying into it. They respond to him, and they work their butts off for him.
Outlook:
The Rangers need to be weary of the end of January, and most of February. Historically, the last few years, that is when they have problems. Suddenly Henrik cannot stop a beach ball, guys can't bury pucks into an empty net with a goalie on their back, and the team plays sluggish and hangs Lundqvist out to dry on a lot nights. This usually forces them to put the pedal to the metal come March just to make the playoffs. I expect a fall off at some point, but I also feel this is a different team than years past. One that is very well conditioned, has more confidence in themselves, and is just plain better. As long as they don't lose their focus, and Tortorella does not let up on them, I see this team finishing in the top 4 of the conference and securing home ice advantage for the first time since 1996.
Where they go from there?
Well, that is a blog that will be published after April 7th (along with many others before then), so stay tuned. In the meantime, the second half begins tomorrow night in Toronto.
Defense: A
Yep, that's right. You would think with Marc Staal not even playing until the Winter Classic, and 2nd year player Micheal Sauer, also being sidelined (both with concussions), that this area might have taken the biggest hit. Especially with such "household" names (literally), as Stu Bickel and Jeff Woywitka taking their places. However, Dan Girardi slipped right into Staal's role as #1 defenseman, and played well enough to earn a spot on the NHL All Star team. Michael Del Zotto rebounded from a dismal season last year, to become one of the league leaders in plus/minus with a +24 rating, while putting himself in the top 15 in scoring amongst NHL defensemen. Meanwhile, Ryan McDonagh is right behind him, developing his own offensive skills in the early part of the season. These top 3 have led the way for the rest of the defense to settle in and just play their roles. Now with Staal back, and already playing well, and Michael Sauer hopefully not too far off from returning, the Rangers before long could have a top 6 that could be among the very best in the league. But even with injuries, they have already proven to be better than the sum of their parts.
Forwards: B
Marion Gaborik is back to being Marion Gaborik, Brad Richards has come here and been everything advertised, and Derek Stepan has started to develop into one of the better young play makers in the league. Meanwhile, since being named Captain before the start of the season, Ryan Callahan has taken his already well known status as the heart and soul of this team to a new level. He IS the New York Rangers, and so far is the best Captain this team has had, since Messier. Artem Anisimov has cooled off lately, but had developed instant chemistry on a line with Gaborik and Richards. It will be interesting to see if John Tortorella keeps that line separated for long, now that they have "dried up", as he put it the other day.
Brandon Dubinsky had a slow start in the goals department, but has picked it up of late. He will be pivotal moving forward in the 2nd half if the Rangers are going to consistently hit the back of the twine. Carl Hagelin has been a revelation since his call up, enough to earn a spot on the 2nd line with Richards for a time. It will be interesting to see what his role on this team is in the 2nd half, especially now with the return of Wojtek Wolski to the line up.
Brian Boyle has not scored like he did last year, but everyone expected that. He along with Brandon Prust, Mike Rupp and Ruslan Fedetenko have prominent roles on this team as the grunts, who will do the dirty work in the corners and protect their teammates, and they do it very well.
Goalies: A+
Is anyone really surprised by this? Henrik Lundqvist, always a Vezina "candidate" actually has a legitimate shot at the prized trophy this year, as well as the Hart, for league MVP. He has taken his game to the next level and is currently 3rd in the league in Goals Against Average and Save Percentage, but the man who is #1 is Boston Bruins backup, Tuukka Rask, so I consider him to be 2nd in the league in those respective categories. He is also 5th in wins, but he has also not played as much as the men ahead of him. And that is all part of Tortorella's master plan. To get his #1 goalie as much rest as possible during the regular season, so he is fresh for the real season. The one that starts in April, and (hopefully) ends in June.
Martin Biron has been an excellent back-up going 8-2, with a 2.06 GAA. He will undoubtedly continue to provide the King with the occasional rest through the final 41 games.
Special Teams:
Power Play: D
Unfortunately this continues to be a sore spot for the team, as the Rangers are currently 22nd in the league. You have to think at some point, with Richards, Del Zotto and Gaborik on this team, that will improve.
Penalty Kill: A
Thankfully, the penalty kill is as steady as ever, sitting currently at 6th in the league. The Rangers just do not allow opponents much. Blocking shots and pouring molasses over their own zone is this team's specialty, and when shots do get through, #30 is there to stop them.
Coaching: A-
John Tortorella reminds me a lot of Herb Brooks and what he did with the 1980 Olympics team. He has assembled a team better than the sum of it's parts, with an emphasis on extreme conditioning, hard work and outstanding goaltending, all with an eye on one goal: a championship. He critiques what the team could have done better after wins, and makes them leave the ice and come back out if he doesn't like the way they start practice. He is honest, but fair, and clearly this team is buying into it. They respond to him, and they work their butts off for him.
Outlook:
The Rangers need to be weary of the end of January, and most of February. Historically, the last few years, that is when they have problems. Suddenly Henrik cannot stop a beach ball, guys can't bury pucks into an empty net with a goalie on their back, and the team plays sluggish and hangs Lundqvist out to dry on a lot nights. This usually forces them to put the pedal to the metal come March just to make the playoffs. I expect a fall off at some point, but I also feel this is a different team than years past. One that is very well conditioned, has more confidence in themselves, and is just plain better. As long as they don't lose their focus, and Tortorella does not let up on them, I see this team finishing in the top 4 of the conference and securing home ice advantage for the first time since 1996.
Where they go from there?
Well, that is a blog that will be published after April 7th (along with many others before then), so stay tuned. In the meantime, the second half begins tomorrow night in Toronto.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Derek Stepan..A Star In The Making?
We saw hints of it in the preseason last year, but we tried not to go too crazy over it. In fact, most of us just tried to blow it off as another rookie having a strong training camp. However, one could hardly ignore the fact that Derek Stepan had THE best camp amongst all the Rangers last year, tying for the team lead in goals and creating a certain buzz about him as he entered his rookie NHL season. But we tried not overreact, not just yet.
And when he scored a hat trick in his first NHL game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, he became just the fourth player in NHL history to do so in his NHL debut, and the second Blueshirt to do it in a season opener, joining Ron Murphy who accomplished the feat back in 1955. Yet we still tried to temper the enthusiasm, for the time being.
Stepan went on to record 21 goals and 45 points last season, becoming the first Rangers rookie to score 20 goals since Petr Prucha, back in 2005-06. Playing in all 82 games for the Boys in Blue, he earned a spot on the rookie squad of the NHL All-Star team this past January and competed in the skills competition. Yet we still tried not to set our expectations too high for the 20-year-old forward, not just yet.
However, so far this season Derek Stepan is making it hard to continue to ignore him. Hard to temper that enthusiasm surrounding him, and hard not to overreact to his excellent, steady, intelligent play. The 2nd year center seems to be coming into his own, and appears to be developing right before our very eyes. In this young NHL season thus far, Stepan is tied for second on the team in scoring with 3 goals and 10 points, has 7 points in his last three games, and nine in 5 of his last 6. However, that’s not what all the buzz is about. What has Rangers fans so excited right now is the chemistry he has developed playing with Marian Gaborik and Artem Anisimov. The newly formed “G.A.S. line” was responsible for all 3 Rangers goals in last night’s 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators at Scotianbank Place, and has accounted for much of the Blueshirt offense lately with 19 total points (six goals, 13 assists) in the last three games, and 7 points (three goals, four assists) in last night’s match alone.
But what has really stood out for me is how Derek Stepan has been in the middle of all of it, not only scoring goals of his own, but also making a few brilliant passes to set up goals by Gaborik and Eric Christensen the last few games. His play making ability is really starting to develop and that being the case, the Rangers may have indeed found a future star in the native from Hasting, Minnesota. It's not surprising though if you think about the fact that Stepan just happens to be a product of the prestigious Shattuck-St Mary's School hockey team, a boarding school with a history of hockey excellence and whose roster of former players includes the likes of Sidney Crosby, Jonathon Toews and Zach Parise.
The fact that Stepan has had success this early in his NHL career should come not come as much of a shock either, actually. In addition to his two successful years at SSM where he totaled 82 goals and 181 points, he continued to shine at the 2010 IIHF World U20 Championships, where he was the captain of the United States team and led the tournament in scoring with four goals and ten assists in seven games, leading the U.S. to their second ever gold medal over Canada.
It is also fitting that his success should come in a Rangers uniform, as Derek’s father Brad was also drafted by the Blueshirts back in 1985. He never played a game in the NHL, but apparently passed his hockey genes on to his son who now has a little over a season’s worth of professional experience under his belt, chemistry with a superstar player, and a ton of confidence and maturity. This can only mean good things for Derek Stepan and the Rangers as they move towards what could be a bright future together in the Big Apple.
But ya know, we don’t wanna set expectations TOO high for the 21-year-old from a hockey state, born into a hockey family, who went to that boarding school with a prestigious hockey background...
Not just yet!
And when he scored a hat trick in his first NHL game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, he became just the fourth player in NHL history to do so in his NHL debut, and the second Blueshirt to do it in a season opener, joining Ron Murphy who accomplished the feat back in 1955. Yet we still tried to temper the enthusiasm, for the time being.
Stepan went on to record 21 goals and 45 points last season, becoming the first Rangers rookie to score 20 goals since Petr Prucha, back in 2005-06. Playing in all 82 games for the Boys in Blue, he earned a spot on the rookie squad of the NHL All-Star team this past January and competed in the skills competition. Yet we still tried not to set our expectations too high for the 20-year-old forward, not just yet.
However, so far this season Derek Stepan is making it hard to continue to ignore him. Hard to temper that enthusiasm surrounding him, and hard not to overreact to his excellent, steady, intelligent play. The 2nd year center seems to be coming into his own, and appears to be developing right before our very eyes. In this young NHL season thus far, Stepan is tied for second on the team in scoring with 3 goals and 10 points, has 7 points in his last three games, and nine in 5 of his last 6. However, that’s not what all the buzz is about. What has Rangers fans so excited right now is the chemistry he has developed playing with Marian Gaborik and Artem Anisimov. The newly formed “G.A.S. line” was responsible for all 3 Rangers goals in last night’s 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators at Scotianbank Place, and has accounted for much of the Blueshirt offense lately with 19 total points (six goals, 13 assists) in the last three games, and 7 points (three goals, four assists) in last night’s match alone.
But what has really stood out for me is how Derek Stepan has been in the middle of all of it, not only scoring goals of his own, but also making a few brilliant passes to set up goals by Gaborik and Eric Christensen the last few games. His play making ability is really starting to develop and that being the case, the Rangers may have indeed found a future star in the native from Hasting, Minnesota. It's not surprising though if you think about the fact that Stepan just happens to be a product of the prestigious Shattuck-St Mary's School hockey team, a boarding school with a history of hockey excellence and whose roster of former players includes the likes of Sidney Crosby, Jonathon Toews and Zach Parise.
The fact that Stepan has had success this early in his NHL career should come not come as much of a shock either, actually. In addition to his two successful years at SSM where he totaled 82 goals and 181 points, he continued to shine at the 2010 IIHF World U20 Championships, where he was the captain of the United States team and led the tournament in scoring with four goals and ten assists in seven games, leading the U.S. to their second ever gold medal over Canada.
It is also fitting that his success should come in a Rangers uniform, as Derek’s father Brad was also drafted by the Blueshirts back in 1985. He never played a game in the NHL, but apparently passed his hockey genes on to his son who now has a little over a season’s worth of professional experience under his belt, chemistry with a superstar player, and a ton of confidence and maturity. This can only mean good things for Derek Stepan and the Rangers as they move towards what could be a bright future together in the Big Apple.
But ya know, we don’t wanna set expectations TOO high for the 21-year-old from a hockey state, born into a hockey family, who went to that boarding school with a prestigious hockey background...
Not just yet!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Avery Back With Rangers, But Will Not Play Tonight
Get used to that Rangers fans, cause you'll probably be seeing it a lot. At least for now.
It was not a surprise to learn that after clearing waivers at Noon on Tuesday, and practicing with the Rangers yesterday, Sean Avery would not be in the line up tonight against the Anaheim Ducks for a 7 pm tilt at the Garden. And this really has nothing to do with Tortorella not liking him or me thinking he's not the answer. The bottom line is that Avery is not needed right now. The Rangers played their most complete game of the season the other night, with a 5-2 win over the San Jose Sharks. Tortorella is going right back to that same line-up, most likely with the exception of the goalie, as well he should. And not only do I agree with that decision, but Avery does as well. It just makes sense.
So, the pressing question in Rangerland right now, is when WILL Sean Avery play?
Most likely, and I could be wrong here, not until the Rangers get a little desperate. After they've lost a few in a row, or 3 out of their last 4, or something like that. After dropping their first 2 games at home, if they had played poorly on Monday against the Sharks, then you might have seen Avery in the line-up tonight. But the win against San Jose, coupled with the way the power play has started to come alive lately, negates the need for that at least for now. If they struggle in the next few games, that may change. But look for Avery to sit for the time being, either until such a struggle, or until a game against a big rival such as the Devils or the Flyers. We shall see.
In the meantime, the Rangers DO need to build on Monday's victory, and start developing some consistency. The win over San Jose exemplified every thing about the Rangers that we've grown to love about them the past few years. A hard working, blue collar team, that takes it's lead from Ryan Callahan. There's a reason why he was named Captain before the start of the season, and he did not disappoint Monday night, scoring 2 goals and adding an assist. The second of the 2 goals was an effort of pure hustle on his part as he knocked in a rebound from Brad Richards as he was falling to the ice after being checked by Sharks defenseman Andrew Murray. Derek Stepan and Artem Anisimov also came alive with goals, and Brandon Dubinsky, Dan Girardi and Erik Christensen had 2 assists each. Back up goalie Marty Biron was strong in net with 24 saves, picking up his 2nd win in two starts. Tortorella has not made it official just yet, but I expect Henrik Lundqvist back in net tonight, as the Rangers look to get revenge on the Ducks for their loss in Sweden back in the second game of the season. I also expect Avery to be sitting in the stands...at least for now. When he gets his shot, remains to be seen.
It was not a surprise to learn that after clearing waivers at Noon on Tuesday, and practicing with the Rangers yesterday, Sean Avery would not be in the line up tonight against the Anaheim Ducks for a 7 pm tilt at the Garden. And this really has nothing to do with Tortorella not liking him or me thinking he's not the answer. The bottom line is that Avery is not needed right now. The Rangers played their most complete game of the season the other night, with a 5-2 win over the San Jose Sharks. Tortorella is going right back to that same line-up, most likely with the exception of the goalie, as well he should. And not only do I agree with that decision, but Avery does as well. It just makes sense.
So, the pressing question in Rangerland right now, is when WILL Sean Avery play?
Most likely, and I could be wrong here, not until the Rangers get a little desperate. After they've lost a few in a row, or 3 out of their last 4, or something like that. After dropping their first 2 games at home, if they had played poorly on Monday against the Sharks, then you might have seen Avery in the line-up tonight. But the win against San Jose, coupled with the way the power play has started to come alive lately, negates the need for that at least for now. If they struggle in the next few games, that may change. But look for Avery to sit for the time being, either until such a struggle, or until a game against a big rival such as the Devils or the Flyers. We shall see.
In the meantime, the Rangers DO need to build on Monday's victory, and start developing some consistency. The win over San Jose exemplified every thing about the Rangers that we've grown to love about them the past few years. A hard working, blue collar team, that takes it's lead from Ryan Callahan. There's a reason why he was named Captain before the start of the season, and he did not disappoint Monday night, scoring 2 goals and adding an assist. The second of the 2 goals was an effort of pure hustle on his part as he knocked in a rebound from Brad Richards as he was falling to the ice after being checked by Sharks defenseman Andrew Murray. Derek Stepan and Artem Anisimov also came alive with goals, and Brandon Dubinsky, Dan Girardi and Erik Christensen had 2 assists each. Back up goalie Marty Biron was strong in net with 24 saves, picking up his 2nd win in two starts. Tortorella has not made it official just yet, but I expect Henrik Lundqvist back in net tonight, as the Rangers look to get revenge on the Ducks for their loss in Sweden back in the second game of the season. I also expect Avery to be sitting in the stands...at least for now. When he gets his shot, remains to be seen.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Richards Not A Number One Center, This Is A Bad Team, Bring Back Avery.
Don't freak out people...this is not MY statement, nor are these MY feelings 2 days after going to the Garden, excited for my first game of the year, only to watch the Rangers blow a third period 3 goal lead, and fall to the Ottawa Senators, 5-4 in a shootout.
No, these were the feelings of a Rangers fan on a hockey board that I frequent quite often throughout the season. One that has some pretty intelligent hockey fans on one hand, but also has some pretty over-reactionary ones as well. Guess which category he falls into?
Now...don't get me wrong, I am PISSED about that debacle on the ice Saturday afternoon. Pissed because of the fact that I trekked into the City on a Saturday afternoon, in the middle of one of the WORST snow storms I have ever seen (IN FREAKING OCTOBER!!). Pissed because after my buddy Nick and I parked in Secaucus, in an attempt to take the train into Penn Station, we found out they were shut down because of this freaking weather, and thus had to DRIVE into New York, where we paid $35 for parking (after already paying $7 at Secaucus). Pissed because once we got to the Garden, we ended up paying another $29 for two hot dogs and two beers (the latter, which gave me a headache...freaking Bud Light). And finally, pissed because as beautiful as the renovations were, after Wojtek "I assisted on 2 goals, but I still suck" Wolski missed on the final shootout attempt of the afternoon, Nick and I headed for the exit of the newly renovated Madison Square Garden, only to find that the escalators STILL don't work after a game.
All to watch that pathetic, disgusting display.
PISSED.
Highlights of the day? Well my wife (who had just gotten home from Phoenix) made an AMAZING beef stew, and had put brownies in the oven shortly after. Unfortunately, the power in our apartment complex went out, and those did not get cooked until the next morning. But she DID dig out a spot for me, and even guarded it with a shovel until I finally made it home from the Garden, two hours later. Wife of the year award, right there. ;-)
Oh...yeah, the point of this blog?
I am NOT happy with this team, nine games into the season. They look lost out there at times, lethargic at others. And after falling behind 1-0 Saturday afternoon, they looked so sluggish, and so passive…especially in their own zone (yes, Tim Erixon..I AM talking to YOU), that I just shook my head in between the first and second periods talking to a friend I had met up with and said to him, "What is wrong with this team?”.
But then they suddenly woke up, tying the game 6:24 into the 2nd period on a power play goal by Ryan Callahan, and then taking the lead 1:20 later on another power play goal from Brad "not a # 1 center" Richards. Then 4:53 into the third period, Marian Gaborik scored and Richards added another a little over 3 minutes later, putting the Rangers up 4-1, and making me, and about 18,199 other people say, "Ok, this team has FINALLY woken up".
And then just as quickly as they woke up, they fell right back to sleep again. I have no explanation for it other then they literally appeared to "stop playing", with a lifeless and absurd effort in the third period. Dan Girardi, who has played like an All-Star this year, looked so passive at one point when he could have very easily poke checked a puck away from an Ottawa player, didn't even challenge him. Wolski, who had 2 points on Saturday was sloppy in his own zone as well. By the time Milan Michalek put home his own rebound with 2:50 remaining in regulation, I was so stunned I just sat there with my mouth on the floor, not even sure what to say, but pretty much knowing the game wasn't going to end well. And it didn't.
But I am not ready to give up on this team, nine games in. And I am certainly not going to call them a bad team, or say that Brad Richards is not a number one center, because it's just not true in either case. The chemistry between him and Gaborik is taking some time to develop, but it is there. Gaborik assisted on both Richards' goals Saturday, and Richards had assisted on ALL of Gabs’ until this past game. The bigger concerns for me right now are Artem Anisimov, Derek Stepan and Brandon Dubinsky, all of whom have yet to score this season. I am not as concerned about Dubinsky, as I feel his game will come around. Stepan though, he may be encountering the dreaded sophomore jinx, and Anisimov has been invisible at times. All 3 need to pick it up, and soon. Also, this team is so desperately in need of a healthy Marc Staal, it’s not funny.
But I am sorry to say this Rangers fans, I don't think Sean Avery is the answer. Yes, he has been put on re-entry waivers, and assuming no one claims him, will probably be called up for the game against the Ducks on Thursday, but do you really think he's going to see significant playing time? Sure he had a great training camp, and should have made the team, but was waived anyway because Tortorella does not like him, and it is obvious. Also, as I have said time and time again, he has not been "Sean Avery" for quite some time now, and unless he turns back into that player, what role is he gonna play on this team? In my opinion, this is most likely Sather giving into the pressure of the fans who for the past two games have chanted, "We want Avery!" and even hung a banner Opening Night to express it. Well, you’re getting your wish Avery fan base, but what now? Are you gonna put him on a line with Richards and Gaborik? Good luck with that working out.
I am not ready to give up on this team. We're nine games in and there is a ton of hockey to be played. They are not a bad team, but are playing like one right now. Brad Richard IS a number one center, but needs a little more time to get comfortable here. Sean Avery is not the answer, but at this point may be worth at least getting a shot, but only if he gets playing time, and ONLY if he "re-discovers" Sean Avery.
Doesn’t get any easier tonight, with the Sharks coming to town. Marty Biron is getting the start over Henrik Lundqvist, who has been phenomenal, but could use a game to get his head straight after that crap on Saturday. Puck drops at 7 pm, and I’ll be tweeting throughout the game @TheGr8Tony. Enjoy the game folks, and as always..LET’S GO RANGERS!!
No, these were the feelings of a Rangers fan on a hockey board that I frequent quite often throughout the season. One that has some pretty intelligent hockey fans on one hand, but also has some pretty over-reactionary ones as well. Guess which category he falls into?
Now...don't get me wrong, I am PISSED about that debacle on the ice Saturday afternoon. Pissed because of the fact that I trekked into the City on a Saturday afternoon, in the middle of one of the WORST snow storms I have ever seen (IN FREAKING OCTOBER!!). Pissed because after my buddy Nick and I parked in Secaucus, in an attempt to take the train into Penn Station, we found out they were shut down because of this freaking weather, and thus had to DRIVE into New York, where we paid $35 for parking (after already paying $7 at Secaucus). Pissed because once we got to the Garden, we ended up paying another $29 for two hot dogs and two beers (the latter, which gave me a headache...freaking Bud Light). And finally, pissed because as beautiful as the renovations were, after Wojtek "I assisted on 2 goals, but I still suck" Wolski missed on the final shootout attempt of the afternoon, Nick and I headed for the exit of the newly renovated Madison Square Garden, only to find that the escalators STILL don't work after a game.
All to watch that pathetic, disgusting display.
PISSED.
Highlights of the day? Well my wife (who had just gotten home from Phoenix) made an AMAZING beef stew, and had put brownies in the oven shortly after. Unfortunately, the power in our apartment complex went out, and those did not get cooked until the next morning. But she DID dig out a spot for me, and even guarded it with a shovel until I finally made it home from the Garden, two hours later. Wife of the year award, right there. ;-)
Oh...yeah, the point of this blog?
I am NOT happy with this team, nine games into the season. They look lost out there at times, lethargic at others. And after falling behind 1-0 Saturday afternoon, they looked so sluggish, and so passive…especially in their own zone (yes, Tim Erixon..I AM talking to YOU), that I just shook my head in between the first and second periods talking to a friend I had met up with and said to him, "What is wrong with this team?”.
But then they suddenly woke up, tying the game 6:24 into the 2nd period on a power play goal by Ryan Callahan, and then taking the lead 1:20 later on another power play goal from Brad "not a # 1 center" Richards. Then 4:53 into the third period, Marian Gaborik scored and Richards added another a little over 3 minutes later, putting the Rangers up 4-1, and making me, and about 18,199 other people say, "Ok, this team has FINALLY woken up".
And then just as quickly as they woke up, they fell right back to sleep again. I have no explanation for it other then they literally appeared to "stop playing", with a lifeless and absurd effort in the third period. Dan Girardi, who has played like an All-Star this year, looked so passive at one point when he could have very easily poke checked a puck away from an Ottawa player, didn't even challenge him. Wolski, who had 2 points on Saturday was sloppy in his own zone as well. By the time Milan Michalek put home his own rebound with 2:50 remaining in regulation, I was so stunned I just sat there with my mouth on the floor, not even sure what to say, but pretty much knowing the game wasn't going to end well. And it didn't.
But I am not ready to give up on this team, nine games in. And I am certainly not going to call them a bad team, or say that Brad Richards is not a number one center, because it's just not true in either case. The chemistry between him and Gaborik is taking some time to develop, but it is there. Gaborik assisted on both Richards' goals Saturday, and Richards had assisted on ALL of Gabs’ until this past game. The bigger concerns for me right now are Artem Anisimov, Derek Stepan and Brandon Dubinsky, all of whom have yet to score this season. I am not as concerned about Dubinsky, as I feel his game will come around. Stepan though, he may be encountering the dreaded sophomore jinx, and Anisimov has been invisible at times. All 3 need to pick it up, and soon. Also, this team is so desperately in need of a healthy Marc Staal, it’s not funny.
But I am sorry to say this Rangers fans, I don't think Sean Avery is the answer. Yes, he has been put on re-entry waivers, and assuming no one claims him, will probably be called up for the game against the Ducks on Thursday, but do you really think he's going to see significant playing time? Sure he had a great training camp, and should have made the team, but was waived anyway because Tortorella does not like him, and it is obvious. Also, as I have said time and time again, he has not been "Sean Avery" for quite some time now, and unless he turns back into that player, what role is he gonna play on this team? In my opinion, this is most likely Sather giving into the pressure of the fans who for the past two games have chanted, "We want Avery!" and even hung a banner Opening Night to express it. Well, you’re getting your wish Avery fan base, but what now? Are you gonna put him on a line with Richards and Gaborik? Good luck with that working out.
I am not ready to give up on this team. We're nine games in and there is a ton of hockey to be played. They are not a bad team, but are playing like one right now. Brad Richard IS a number one center, but needs a little more time to get comfortable here. Sean Avery is not the answer, but at this point may be worth at least getting a shot, but only if he gets playing time, and ONLY if he "re-discovers" Sean Avery.
Doesn’t get any easier tonight, with the Sharks coming to town. Marty Biron is getting the start over Henrik Lundqvist, who has been phenomenal, but could use a game to get his head straight after that crap on Saturday. Puck drops at 7 pm, and I’ll be tweeting throughout the game @TheGr8Tony. Enjoy the game folks, and as always..LET’S GO RANGERS!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
