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!!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Back from Europe and Western Canada, Rangers Happy To Be Home, Ready To Rock "New" Garden
It's been 6 months and 7 days since the Rangers last home game. One that closed out the old version of Madison Square Garden in not so great fashion as the Blueshirts we're defeated in double overtime by the Washington Capitals, 4-3 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. A game in which the Rangers led 3-0, and one in which the Garden faithful responded in true fashion to the comments of Caps coach, Bruce Boudreau, who earlier in the series had bashed the Garden, claiming that "It's reputation is far better than the actual building. "The locker rooms are horrible. The benches are horrible." and "It’s not that loud in there."
The fans made their presence well known that night, taunting the portly Washington coach with chants of "CAN YOU HEAR US?!?!" that rocked the old building on 33rd and 8th. But in the end, that was the only act of revenge that was extracted as the Rangers blew a 3-0 third period lead, and then lost 12:36 into the second overtime on a goal by Jason Chimera that was basically handed to him by Marian Gaborik who, instead of letting Henrik Lundqvist freeze the puck, tried to clear it out of the crease himself and swept it right to Chimera who put it past the King, ending the game, and effectively ending the season for the Boys in Blue.
When Mr. Boudreau makes his first visit to the building in February, he will most certainly have a different opinion as "phase one" of the 3 year plan to renovate the World's Most Famous Arena is complete. Some of the changes include the widening of the sixth-floor concourse which has also has been brightened and has new concessions. The eighth floor has been expanded as well, also with new concessions and open viewing areas so you still see the game while getting food. Half of the 10th floor concourse is open (and will eventually expand the length of the arena) with viewing areas behind each net, new concessions, direct views into the arena bowl and a ledge with barstools, so you can eat comfortably while watching the game.
In addition, the entire lower bowl has been re-done, with wider, darker and more comfortable seats and the in-arena walkways have been removed. Bathroom space has also increased by about 50 percent, and for those who can afford it, the Delta Sky360 Club has been opened and will accommodate about 800 season ticket holders who will be able to see (through a glass partition) the Boys in Blue walk from their locker room on to the ice. The Rangers locker room has been completely redone and is state of the art, not sure about the visiting one, but hopefully that will be upgraded as well...if for any reason, just to shut Boudreau up!
More changes are coming for the Garden in the next 3 seasons as the upper bowl will get a similar renovation as the lower. The seating will apparently be shifted an average of about five feet closer to bring fans closer to the action, and in essence, create more concourse space. Also new mid-level suites will be built, and two bridges will be put in and run the length of the arena on either side and have about 1000 seats on them. I think the bridges are an awful idea, are dangerous, and personally hope they will NOT be put in, but that's a blog for another day. Also on the horizon for the 2013-14 season is a complete remodeling and widening of the Seventh Avenue entrance and box-office area.
I am very happy about everything I have heard, and seen with the renovations so far. I love the Garden, but have admittedly grown a little disgruntled with it over the past few seasons. Mostly with the awful sight lines in certain areas, and how hot it always is in there, but also with the "one way" escalators that work on your way into the arena but shut down after the game, forcing you to either walk down them or pile into a very cramped, urine smelling stairwell. My hope is that the next few years that will be a thing of the past.
I am also very pleased Garden management has decided NOT to tear the arena down and build a new one. Yankees fans expressed how they never wanted the old Yankee Stadium torn down, no matter how nice the new one is, and I think most Rangers fans feel the same way about the Garden. Granted, our building doesn't have the same history as the one in the Bronx, but the bottom line is it's not that old, and is considered an iconic structure in New York. Why tear it down when in this day and age with all the modern technology you can just rebuild it from within and make it state of the art? I have been to the Prudential Center a lot over the past few seasons, and it is a beautiful building. And if what I've seen so far from the pics of the "new" Garden are any indication, in a few years, it will be just as beautiful as any new arena in the country. Yet it will still maintain some of the old feel and history that has made the Garden, "The World's Most Famous Arena". There's something to be said for that. Think of how Cubs fans feel about Wrigley Field, or how Red Sox fans feel about Fenway Park, that's how Rangers fans feel about the Garden.
Now, all that aside..we've got a hockey game tonight! The Rangers, after a LENGTHY 7 game road trip to start the season, finally return home tonight for a 7 pm tilt against the Toronto Maple Leafs AT the Garden. The Boys in Blue are coming off a 3-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets this past Monday, a game in which they really had no right winning, but somehow managed to pull off anyway. The Blueshirts are 3-2-2 so far and begin a 6 game home stand in their "newly" renovated digs. This will also be the Broadway debut for newly acquired Brad Richards. Pre-game show starts at 6:30 pm, but cameras start rolling at 6 pm with a special "Blue Carpet" show which will probably be provide an inside look at the renovated Garden and will feature interviews with Rangers Alumni.
Less then 2 hours til Game time, and I can't wait. Let's hope the boys look as good tonight as the new center ice logo does:
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
The fans made their presence well known that night, taunting the portly Washington coach with chants of "CAN YOU HEAR US?!?!" that rocked the old building on 33rd and 8th. But in the end, that was the only act of revenge that was extracted as the Rangers blew a 3-0 third period lead, and then lost 12:36 into the second overtime on a goal by Jason Chimera that was basically handed to him by Marian Gaborik who, instead of letting Henrik Lundqvist freeze the puck, tried to clear it out of the crease himself and swept it right to Chimera who put it past the King, ending the game, and effectively ending the season for the Boys in Blue.
When Mr. Boudreau makes his first visit to the building in February, he will most certainly have a different opinion as "phase one" of the 3 year plan to renovate the World's Most Famous Arena is complete. Some of the changes include the widening of the sixth-floor concourse which has also has been brightened and has new concessions. The eighth floor has been expanded as well, also with new concessions and open viewing areas so you still see the game while getting food. Half of the 10th floor concourse is open (and will eventually expand the length of the arena) with viewing areas behind each net, new concessions, direct views into the arena bowl and a ledge with barstools, so you can eat comfortably while watching the game.
In addition, the entire lower bowl has been re-done, with wider, darker and more comfortable seats and the in-arena walkways have been removed. Bathroom space has also increased by about 50 percent, and for those who can afford it, the Delta Sky360 Club has been opened and will accommodate about 800 season ticket holders who will be able to see (through a glass partition) the Boys in Blue walk from their locker room on to the ice. The Rangers locker room has been completely redone and is state of the art, not sure about the visiting one, but hopefully that will be upgraded as well...if for any reason, just to shut Boudreau up!
More changes are coming for the Garden in the next 3 seasons as the upper bowl will get a similar renovation as the lower. The seating will apparently be shifted an average of about five feet closer to bring fans closer to the action, and in essence, create more concourse space. Also new mid-level suites will be built, and two bridges will be put in and run the length of the arena on either side and have about 1000 seats on them. I think the bridges are an awful idea, are dangerous, and personally hope they will NOT be put in, but that's a blog for another day. Also on the horizon for the 2013-14 season is a complete remodeling and widening of the Seventh Avenue entrance and box-office area.
I am very happy about everything I have heard, and seen with the renovations so far. I love the Garden, but have admittedly grown a little disgruntled with it over the past few seasons. Mostly with the awful sight lines in certain areas, and how hot it always is in there, but also with the "one way" escalators that work on your way into the arena but shut down after the game, forcing you to either walk down them or pile into a very cramped, urine smelling stairwell. My hope is that the next few years that will be a thing of the past.
I am also very pleased Garden management has decided NOT to tear the arena down and build a new one. Yankees fans expressed how they never wanted the old Yankee Stadium torn down, no matter how nice the new one is, and I think most Rangers fans feel the same way about the Garden. Granted, our building doesn't have the same history as the one in the Bronx, but the bottom line is it's not that old, and is considered an iconic structure in New York. Why tear it down when in this day and age with all the modern technology you can just rebuild it from within and make it state of the art? I have been to the Prudential Center a lot over the past few seasons, and it is a beautiful building. And if what I've seen so far from the pics of the "new" Garden are any indication, in a few years, it will be just as beautiful as any new arena in the country. Yet it will still maintain some of the old feel and history that has made the Garden, "The World's Most Famous Arena". There's something to be said for that. Think of how Cubs fans feel about Wrigley Field, or how Red Sox fans feel about Fenway Park, that's how Rangers fans feel about the Garden.
Now, all that aside..we've got a hockey game tonight! The Rangers, after a LENGTHY 7 game road trip to start the season, finally return home tonight for a 7 pm tilt against the Toronto Maple Leafs AT the Garden. The Boys in Blue are coming off a 3-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets this past Monday, a game in which they really had no right winning, but somehow managed to pull off anyway. The Blueshirts are 3-2-2 so far and begin a 6 game home stand in their "newly" renovated digs. This will also be the Broadway debut for newly acquired Brad Richards. Pre-game show starts at 6:30 pm, but cameras start rolling at 6 pm with a special "Blue Carpet" show which will probably be provide an inside look at the renovated Garden and will feature interviews with Rangers Alumni.
Less then 2 hours til Game time, and I can't wait. Let's hope the boys look as good tonight as the new center ice logo does:
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
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