From the desk of: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS
NEW YORK RANGERS - When And Who Is Going To Fire Glen Sather?
First let me say with haste, I do not concur with the decision to dismiss John Tortorella. If Glen Sather has done anything right in the epoch he's been here, one was hiring Gordie Clark to take care of minor league drafting and development, and the second was hiring John Tortorella to be head coach. In my opinion, those two were chiefly responsible for building up the current Rangers. And if anything, those two helped cloak Glen Sather's abysmal record as General Manager of Tex's Rangers.
This organization just took another step backwards under Sather's watch. In the hundreds of words Glen Sather uttered during Wednesday's presser, he said absolutely nothing. I reiterate, he said absolutely nothing - nothing of value - nothing of worth - nothing substantial, and certainly nothing that means anything to me as a Rangers fan.
The notion John Tortorella is a star destroyer is a myth. Marian Gaborik scored forty goals under Torts, as well as sucked under Torts. So you tell me. Brad Richards plays like he's ready for the glue factory for crying out loud. And maybe this is hindsight, but Rick Nash absolutely looked fat, and out of shape. Period. What have these players ever provided that makes fans forget their ridiculously onerous burden on the salary cap, that by the way, will be shrinking next season? If Glen Sather doesn't have the answer, maybe Scott Gomez, Wade Redden and Chris Drury do. Why not additionally ask all the failed skaters he's carousel-ed through Broadway trying to replace Colton Orr, and the irresponsible dollars spent in the process, when all he had to do was sign the guy he already had - just like Sather again declined to sign Brandon Prust. And so the search for answers continues. Ask all the carpetbaggers, and overall tools who Glen Sather ever imported over the years, what they ever contributed to this organization. And with the surety of death, I'm positive the answer will be nothing, just like Glen Sather's words at the presser - hollow, empty, void, or consistent of nothing.
The notion John Tortorella won't trust young players and keeps the hinges on his dog house greased at all times, is a myth. The Ranger got where they did these last years, because Gordie Clark drafted many of your current Rangers favorites, and John Tortorella insisted on keeping them together. Don't think for a New York minute Glen Sather would not have traded Callahan, Girardi, Staal, (Sauer), and so many others who came through the system, for some has-been, if not for Tortorella's influence and/or insistence in preventing such buffoonery. Of course, that's just my opinion. Just don't forget, when he first arrived as head coach, he selected youngsters Ryan Callahan, Marc Staal, Brandon Dubinsky and Dan Girardi to form his core. In the next wave, he continued teaching a class including, Derek Stepan, Carl Hagelin, the acquired Ryan McDonagh, Michael Del Zotto, and you know the others. Those are the authors of the Rangers recent success story, as taught to by John Tortorella. It has been Glen Sather's alternative acquisitions which have spoiled the soup. Torts took kids, gave them an identity, and turned them into Eastern Conference contenders, while Sather's money suckers have come up small when it mattered most.
I understand why Torts got fired, but in Glen Sather, I lack trust. That said, maybe the exit interviews went horribly wrong. We don't know. Maybe Torts really did wear thin on his team. We won't find out yet. His system was fine for his personnel right up until last season. However, he needed to be more flexible this season, and wasn't. It is fine when you take a large group of kids and turn them into grunts together. They all responded like excited puppies. But once you incorporate the more skilled players of the league, you simply have to let them play hockey. Torts I admit, couldn't - not with his "my way or the go f$!%# yourself" plan. But he should have been given next year to try.
I offer no defense for the power play. That's on both Torts and Glen Sather, for failure to provide a player with an potent shot from the point, and on Torts for lack of creativity. But how dare Glen Sather put this all on Coach.
Showing posts with label Gordie Clark. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gordie Clark. Show all posts
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Saturday, February 09, 2013
N.Y. Rangers; Drop Islanders Early and Often
From the desk of: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS
The Rivalry - Game One
THURSDAY FINAL
Islanders 1
RANGERS 4
Game Two - February 14th
VALENTINE'S DAY
...no love lost.
NEW YORK RANGERS - Coach Torts Has Been Pushing Rookies Since His Arrival.
First, it warrants saying, John Tavares was the best skater on the ice Thursday night. Okay Islanders fans, that is all.
The Rangers made a symbolic leap forward Thursday night. They arrested third place from the Islanders with a convincing 4-1 win at the Garden. And for a night at least, it looked as if Coach Torts successfully arrested the Blueshirts situation and corrected their way.
For the moment, J.T. Miller is making Coach Torts look good. His ice time is coming at the expense of Brian Boyle, who apparently landed in the doghouse. In just his second NHL game since being called up from Connecticut, Miller scored the game's opening goal after only 1:29 minutes of play. The Islanders were defeated right then. The Rangers rookie also gave the power play a jolt with a second period goal, which in effect makes his coach look even smarter on two fronts. Say this about John Tortorella. Where many coaches cringe at the mere sight of rookies, Coach Torts challenges them and throws them into the fire. He has done that since his arrival.
On a side note, give continued credit to the Rangers Gordie Clark for the now years long and steady stream of prospects flowing through the Rangers system. Twenty-one year old 2009 #1 draft pick Chris Kreider and nineteen year old 2011 #1 draft pick J.T. Miller are merely the latest to arrive on the off-Broadway ice.
But consider what really happened Thursday. Ryan Callahan returned, and Marian Gaborik scored his sixth goal of the season. Those are clearly good things. But the Rangers needed J.T. Miller to be the difference against the struggling Islanders. Just ponder that for a moment.
Mike.BTB
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
N.Y. Rangers: Blueshirts Set To Finally Rid Themselves Of Redden
From the desk of: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS
NEW YORK RANGERS - Providing For The Common DEFENSE, And Promoting The Blueshirt Welfare.
"Hey, hey Paula..., I wanna marry you!"
That little diddy was sung by Boone and his girlfriend Katie in the movie Animal House, while they were getting high at their college professor's house. And that's how I feel right now - high, and with a need to sing.
"Bye, bye Redden..., we're finally through with you!"
The New York Rangers will work out the terms to finally waive useless defenseman Wade Redden, and rid themselves of a financial albatross. He no doubt had to be one of the highest paid players in AHL history! In a nutshell, terms of the new collective bargaining agreement allow each team to jettison two costly club mistakes. This was the big break the Rangers needed. Damn the cap hit..., the season is a resounding success already.
Six years at thirty nine million dollars.... What the hell was Glen Sather thinking? Those were the years Sather was possessed by the devil himself; Mike Milbury. Redden, Scott Gomez; Chris Drury; - need I say more? By the way, Montreal called, they want their defenseman back. If I said it once, I said it a thousand times. If you want to pat someone on the back for turning this organization around, credit Gordie Clark and John Tortorella. But if you must, credit Sather for hiring Clark after Don Maloney left to work for Wayne Gretzky in Phoenix. These two have kept Glen Sather on the straight, and narrow, and have made him look far smarter than he deserves credit for. But hey, that's just me.
With or without Wade Redden, a compressed schedule poses a challenge for the Rangers blue line. The third and fourth lines are more important than ever. The onus will be on guys like Stu Bickel, Steve Eminger, Matt Gilroy (who recently agreed to a deal), and Anton Stralman to gain Coach's trust, and share the burden he places on Marc Staal and Dan Girardi. Meanwhile, the Canadiens are no doubt kicking themselves in le posterior, after handing Scott Gomez a pink slip and watching Ryan McDonagh develop into a blue line star. And now that Michael Del Zotto is signed, we know the Rangers are confidently three lines deep. The trick will be in creating a good fourth line pair. Here's a nice stat that should go a long way. All eight Rangers defensemen are below the age of thirty.
On a more distressing note, I think Michael Sauer's career might be over. He is still unable to shake the effects of a concussion suffered back in December 2011 when Toronto's Dion Phaneuf checked him into the boards. Sauer missed the rest of 2011-2012, and all of last season.
I think the Rangers have the best collection of defensemen in the division. Sure the Penguins still have Kris Letang. But without Jordan Staal, I think they are substantially compromised. Philly's defense corp is unsettled. They are trying to infuse some youth among a collection of fossils like Kimmo Timonen and returning dinosaur, Chris Pronger. The Islanders? No, stop. Really.... But the Devils are the Devils. Their defense will be stout and physical. They played in the finals for a reason.
Mike.BTB
NEW YORK RANGERS - Providing For The Common DEFENSE, And Promoting The Blueshirt Welfare.
"Hey, hey Paula..., I wanna marry you!"
That little diddy was sung by Boone and his girlfriend Katie in the movie Animal House, while they were getting high at their college professor's house. And that's how I feel right now - high, and with a need to sing.
"Bye, bye Redden..., we're finally through with you!"
The New York Rangers will work out the terms to finally waive useless defenseman Wade Redden, and rid themselves of a financial albatross. He no doubt had to be one of the highest paid players in AHL history! In a nutshell, terms of the new collective bargaining agreement allow each team to jettison two costly club mistakes. This was the big break the Rangers needed. Damn the cap hit..., the season is a resounding success already.
Six years at thirty nine million dollars.... What the hell was Glen Sather thinking? Those were the years Sather was possessed by the devil himself; Mike Milbury. Redden, Scott Gomez; Chris Drury; - need I say more? By the way, Montreal called, they want their defenseman back. If I said it once, I said it a thousand times. If you want to pat someone on the back for turning this organization around, credit Gordie Clark and John Tortorella. But if you must, credit Sather for hiring Clark after Don Maloney left to work for Wayne Gretzky in Phoenix. These two have kept Glen Sather on the straight, and narrow, and have made him look far smarter than he deserves credit for. But hey, that's just me.
With or without Wade Redden, a compressed schedule poses a challenge for the Rangers blue line. The third and fourth lines are more important than ever. The onus will be on guys like Stu Bickel, Steve Eminger, Matt Gilroy (who recently agreed to a deal), and Anton Stralman to gain Coach's trust, and share the burden he places on Marc Staal and Dan Girardi. Meanwhile, the Canadiens are no doubt kicking themselves in le posterior, after handing Scott Gomez a pink slip and watching Ryan McDonagh develop into a blue line star. And now that Michael Del Zotto is signed, we know the Rangers are confidently three lines deep. The trick will be in creating a good fourth line pair. Here's a nice stat that should go a long way. All eight Rangers defensemen are below the age of thirty.
On a more distressing note, I think Michael Sauer's career might be over. He is still unable to shake the effects of a concussion suffered back in December 2011 when Toronto's Dion Phaneuf checked him into the boards. Sauer missed the rest of 2011-2012, and all of last season.
I think the Rangers have the best collection of defensemen in the division. Sure the Penguins still have Kris Letang. But without Jordan Staal, I think they are substantially compromised. Philly's defense corp is unsettled. They are trying to infuse some youth among a collection of fossils like Kimmo Timonen and returning dinosaur, Chris Pronger. The Islanders? No, stop. Really.... But the Devils are the Devils. Their defense will be stout and physical. They played in the finals for a reason.
Mike.BTB
Monday, February 13, 2012
N.Y. Rangers ~ The Frauds Woke Up To Hockey Today
From the desk of: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS
NEW YORK RANGERS: Don't Look Now, But The Media Is Finally On To Us!
What a bunch of Frauds!
New York Ranger Blue Bloods have watched this team get assembled player by player and have watched them take their lumps, learn and grow-up together. And finally we are enjoying some of the fruits of fan's and organizational patience pay off - for this team is now excelling together. What we have watched over the last two and a half seasons has been a lesson in the benefits of hard work, resilience, adherence to a plan, and dedicating oneself to the man playing next to you and to the overall common cause. These Rangers also serve as a template for team building with an eye focused on sustained success over a prolonged period of time.
That's these New York Rangers. They've been lurching forward with the slow yet steady, methodical pace and power of a glacier and grinding up teams in their path along the way. They are yet to get over-matched in effort nor be out-done with regards to their will to win this season. The little things they couldn't manage last season, they seemingly master this season. The games they tried pushing into yet another shoot-out last season have been replaced with an ability to close games this season. Fear and anxieties involved with thoughts of the proverbial other shoe falling off on yet another gut-wrenching third period, have become times of poise, control, and strong finishes.
They lead the Eastern Conference by seven points over the Boston Bruins; who incidentally, we play Tuesday night in Beantown. But the fact is, the Rangers assumed first place in the Conference shortly after the Christmas holiday and validated their standing by beating the Bruins on January 21st. What's more, the Rangers wrestled first place in the Atlantic Division away from the Philadelphia Flyers back on December 23rd, and have never looked back. And since then, have gone on to defeat the Flyers four more times; all consecutively may I add.
This season, they've defeated damn near all comers. Some teams who seemingly have a knack against us have been Toronto; Montreal; and now New Jersey. But that is neither here nor there. The Rangers have stood up to all teams placed in front of them. Ever since Joe Thornton of the Sharks called the Rangers "Soft", the Rangers have done nothing but pound away at the competition.
The Penguins; Flyers; Sharks; Canucks; Tampa; Boston; Florida; - those are some of the top NHL teams this season. They have all fallen to the Rangers. It's only now, well after wins against the Tampa Bay Lightning, then the Philadelphia Flyers this past week, and triggered by yet another convincing win over the Washington Capitals Sunday, that the Media finally discovered there's a high caliber of Hockey being played this season by the New York Rangers.
With the Football Giants having wrapped up the Super Bowl, and the city's attention fully turned to Madison Square Garden until Baseball's Opening Day, the Media all of a sudden decided to make today the day they all came out to talk about the Rangers as if they've been on them all season like Blueshirt.
Frauds! Both tabloids had secondary articles, and two pages dedicated to the Rangers today. But nary a front page to date. The talkies..., oh the talkies! Outside of one person on the New York City airwaves, please! - don't embarrass yourselves! Excuse me, I respect two personalities. But very simply and succinctly, the rest of them come off as frauds, not to mention wholly uneducated in the sport. I'd rather the talkies stay true to themselves, and not talk Hockey at all, than insult our intelligence they way they routinely do.
Other than the Hockey scribes we know and respect, the tertiary articles by people who travel to far off countries and write about their busing and brunch experiences is completely laughable and wholly lacking respect to the Rangers, Hockey, and Fan acumen. That applies to all covering and participating tabloids. And the talkies just have no idea how silly they sound. Listening to them talk Hockey is akin to me telling a NASA scientist - Hey Sport, get me that thingy over there for the whatchamacallit.
Exactly.
Frauds. They know nothing and will prove it. They always do. Where were they when the Rangers were winning seven in a row; then five in a row; then five in a row again? Where were they when they took over first place of the Division? Where were they when we passed Boston seven points ago? Where were they for the Winter Classic? Where were the to report on Marian Gaborik's resurgence and for a time, being the NHL's top goal scorer this season? Where were they to cover Marc Staal's return? Where were they to talk about Henrik, Gaborik, and Girardi in the All-Star Game? And how about Dan Girardi, who incidentally has one of the ultimate hockey success stories ever? I bet they couldn't recognize Carl Hagelin if he married one of their own sisters.
What do they know unless someone gives them a crash course first, then sends them on the air hoping for the best? How deep do you really expect them to get beyond Henrik Lundqvist being a great goalie and Ryan Callahan being a model Captain? I almost want Larry Brooks to take a vacation just to see what these...(?) can do. What ever they come up with, I can almost guarantee would be feeble at best. One of the younger lads of the air dared give Glen Sather full credit for this season's success. Wrong my friend. You don't get kudos like that after eleven years. I said once before, Glen Sather gets credit for hiring Gordie Clark and his evaluating skills. And then heap huge sums of credit upon John Tortorella for being the ultimate alpha-leader (and yes! - the ultimate shot caller also) of this Blueshirt resurgence. Only then may you start lauding the processes of a Mr. Glen Sather, and how he and James Dolan have nothing to do with this.
If Sunday's win over Alex Ovechkin and the Caps, and today's reaction was any indication that the New York Rangers have finally forced the Media to once and for all take notice of a wildly entertaining season that started back in October....., I'd sooner suggest A) - Don't even bother. It's too late to gain any credibility now. You guys don't know hockey anyway. And B) - Like I said, don't insult our collective intelligence. Although, to a large degree, that's what they enjoy most and do best.
There are two or three radio personalities I do have an affinity for. And they know their Hockey well. Otherwise - Lets Go Rangers indeed. And spare us the details. We already know...., and have known..., and have always known..., long before you frauds flipped-on to tell us the Rangers can not be ignored. Where the hell have you been?
Frauds!
Mike.BTB
NEW YORK RANGERS: Don't Look Now, But The Media Is Finally On To Us!
What a bunch of Frauds!
New York Ranger Blue Bloods have watched this team get assembled player by player and have watched them take their lumps, learn and grow-up together. And finally we are enjoying some of the fruits of fan's and organizational patience pay off - for this team is now excelling together. What we have watched over the last two and a half seasons has been a lesson in the benefits of hard work, resilience, adherence to a plan, and dedicating oneself to the man playing next to you and to the overall common cause. These Rangers also serve as a template for team building with an eye focused on sustained success over a prolonged period of time.
That's these New York Rangers. They've been lurching forward with the slow yet steady, methodical pace and power of a glacier and grinding up teams in their path along the way. They are yet to get over-matched in effort nor be out-done with regards to their will to win this season. The little things they couldn't manage last season, they seemingly master this season. The games they tried pushing into yet another shoot-out last season have been replaced with an ability to close games this season. Fear and anxieties involved with thoughts of the proverbial other shoe falling off on yet another gut-wrenching third period, have become times of poise, control, and strong finishes.
They lead the Eastern Conference by seven points over the Boston Bruins; who incidentally, we play Tuesday night in Beantown. But the fact is, the Rangers assumed first place in the Conference shortly after the Christmas holiday and validated their standing by beating the Bruins on January 21st. What's more, the Rangers wrestled first place in the Atlantic Division away from the Philadelphia Flyers back on December 23rd, and have never looked back. And since then, have gone on to defeat the Flyers four more times; all consecutively may I add.
This season, they've defeated damn near all comers. Some teams who seemingly have a knack against us have been Toronto; Montreal; and now New Jersey. But that is neither here nor there. The Rangers have stood up to all teams placed in front of them. Ever since Joe Thornton of the Sharks called the Rangers "Soft", the Rangers have done nothing but pound away at the competition.
The Penguins; Flyers; Sharks; Canucks; Tampa; Boston; Florida; - those are some of the top NHL teams this season. They have all fallen to the Rangers. It's only now, well after wins against the Tampa Bay Lightning, then the Philadelphia Flyers this past week, and triggered by yet another convincing win over the Washington Capitals Sunday, that the Media finally discovered there's a high caliber of Hockey being played this season by the New York Rangers.
With the Football Giants having wrapped up the Super Bowl, and the city's attention fully turned to Madison Square Garden until Baseball's Opening Day, the Media all of a sudden decided to make today the day they all came out to talk about the Rangers as if they've been on them all season like Blueshirt.
Other than the Hockey scribes we know and respect, the tertiary articles by people who travel to far off countries and write about their busing and brunch experiences is completely laughable and wholly lacking respect to the Rangers, Hockey, and Fan acumen. That applies to all covering and participating tabloids. And the talkies just have no idea how silly they sound. Listening to them talk Hockey is akin to me telling a NASA scientist - Hey Sport, get me that thingy over there for the whatchamacallit.
Exactly.
Frauds. They know nothing and will prove it. They always do. Where were they when the Rangers were winning seven in a row; then five in a row; then five in a row again? Where were they when they took over first place of the Division? Where were they when we passed Boston seven points ago? Where were they for the Winter Classic? Where were the to report on Marian Gaborik's resurgence and for a time, being the NHL's top goal scorer this season? Where were they to cover Marc Staal's return? Where were they to talk about Henrik, Gaborik, and Girardi in the All-Star Game? And how about Dan Girardi, who incidentally has one of the ultimate hockey success stories ever? I bet they couldn't recognize Carl Hagelin if he married one of their own sisters.
What do they know unless someone gives them a crash course first, then sends them on the air hoping for the best? How deep do you really expect them to get beyond Henrik Lundqvist being a great goalie and Ryan Callahan being a model Captain? I almost want Larry Brooks to take a vacation just to see what these...(?) can do. What ever they come up with, I can almost guarantee would be feeble at best. One of the younger lads of the air dared give Glen Sather full credit for this season's success. Wrong my friend. You don't get kudos like that after eleven years. I said once before, Glen Sather gets credit for hiring Gordie Clark and his evaluating skills. And then heap huge sums of credit upon John Tortorella for being the ultimate alpha-leader (and yes! - the ultimate shot caller also) of this Blueshirt resurgence. Only then may you start lauding the processes of a Mr. Glen Sather, and how he and James Dolan have nothing to do with this.
If Sunday's win over Alex Ovechkin and the Caps, and today's reaction was any indication that the New York Rangers have finally forced the Media to once and for all take notice of a wildly entertaining season that started back in October....., I'd sooner suggest A) - Don't even bother. It's too late to gain any credibility now. You guys don't know hockey anyway. And B) - Like I said, don't insult our collective intelligence. Although, to a large degree, that's what they enjoy most and do best.
There are two or three radio personalities I do have an affinity for. And they know their Hockey well. Otherwise - Lets Go Rangers indeed. And spare us the details. We already know...., and have known..., and have always known..., long before you frauds flipped-on to tell us the Rangers can not be ignored. Where the hell have you been?
Frauds!
Mike.BTB
Saturday, January 21, 2012
N.Y. Rangers ~ The Battle for Conference Supremacy
From the desk of: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS
NEW YORK RANGERS: The Stanley Cup Is Silver and Not Part of Our Vocabulary Right Now. Silence on the Other Hand, Is Golden. Coaches Should be Heard. GM's Should Be Heard. For the Most Part, Owners Should Just Shut Up.
What ever possessed and compelled James Dolan to speak-out on the State of the Rangers needs to be exorcised from his entitled and inherited being at once. In the short term, hopefully John Tortorella's stern rebuke of his current employer is enough to alienate Jimmy Gig and keep him away from the team till well after the season is over; - in which ever manner this season ends. For certain, nothing good can come out of Jimmy Jam's want for sticking around locker rooms, much less talking to the press about something he knows absolutely nothing about. For the only thing he ever knew was that he hired Glen Sather and his past accomplishments.
Way back in 1940, he and Glen Sather came up with this plan which just magically propelled the Rangers to sixty-two points and the Eastern Conference lead? Really? How about hatching a plan to lower my cable bill? With all due respect to the guy who signs the checks, - Shut Up! As a Ranger Fan, his anecdote about a stupid little gift he gave Sather was nothing less than an embarrassment.
The Big Dolt thinks we're closer to a Stanley Cup. Ya think? And all this time I thought he didn't care (as if). But amazingly, he's right on at least two counts. He's right in a sense about being closer to a Stanley Cup since the day his Pop purchased the team and gave it to him to play with. And yes, the New York Rangers are closer to winning a Cup than we were on Day One of Sather's administration and for the entire DECADE that followed. So yeah, I'd define that as being closer too.
Ponderous.
As for the General Manager, getting his share of credit comes with the territory; he's GM after all. But I'm sure most feel like I do in that much of the new talent we've procured and developed these last few years would not likely be skating in Ranger uniforms today for having been traded were it not for what I perceive as John Tortorella's influence in the Front Office as well as behind the bench. Although I have never been shy about crediting Glen Sather with hiring Gordie Clark after Don Maloney left for Phoenix.
I couldn't have been prouder of Coach Torts than I was at that moment he called his boss's comments "Bullshit". Look - three cheers for seemingly good hockey and even better moments in the future. But I'm with him. We have a big January game against the Boston Bruins and that's where the team focus should be. Here's my angle though. Coach better be careful he doesn't wind up like Donnie Walsh. Because like Donnie Walsh, Coach Torts stands in the way of Dolan's impetuousness and claims to glory for turning this team around. That press conference was all about steeling some limelight. Other than having no experience in the art of winning championships, why else would he act out in such a self-serving manner?
I like many Ranger fans would have fired Sather long ago. But that's for another day. Because over the years he's actually served a most under-spoken and crucial role for us fans of the Blueshirts. Glen Sather has long shielded us from the Coney Island-like freak show that became and still qualifies as the New York Knicks. What Glen Sather meant for the Rangers team itself, like I said is another matter. But at least with Sather around, Ranger Fans were shielded and largely immune from random Acts of Dolanism.
Perfect example - Jimmy Gotta Gig pushed little kids out of the way and kicked old ladies to the curb, not to mention trampled all over Donnie Walsh's toes in his pursuit of Carmelo Anthony. In taking the lead role in that transaction, he left the Knicks bereft of role players; a bench; and depth of talent; not to mention assembling an inharmonious product on the court. The manner in which Dolan out-negotiated himself was really no different than the recent press conference in which The Dolt shared an anecdote of a gift he gave Sather, and that only through winning a Stanley Cup can it be returned. Both instances demonstrate the attributes of a giddy amateur. And Coach Torts isn't afraid to point one out when he sees one either. I just hope that doesn't get him in trouble with the Boss' son one day. It's not like he's Isiah Thomas.
And now, back to our regularly scheduled season. Without looking beyond Saturday, there were three games I badly wanted to win. Not so much the Winter Classic, but I really wanted to win the December 23rd game against Philly which gave us our initial taste of first place. The Blueshirts won that game in fine fashion. The second game of major importance to me was our recent victory over Toronto just so we knew that at some level, we've dealt will all comers this season. And now, game number three is upon us. Saturday afternoon's game against the Bruins in Boston begins the season's second half struggle to maintain this level of play and protecting the Blueshirts' position in the standings. This is the time of year when the schedule is just one game against adversity after another. And with today's game, the season series against Boston is only just beginning.
We are also entering the time of season when the sceptre of the trade deadline looms and two things remain true; the Rangers need more scoring; and still need even more help on the power play as Brad Richards has yet to emerge as the answer. I'm not entirely sure how far I'd like Sather to go in trying to secure someone (ex.- as if Bobby Ryan were still available). I'm hesitant to move anyone right now. But we all know you have to give quality to get quality. And well, if they can't maintain this level, there's always the ol' battle for eighth place again. Then of course there's Plan C - playing for self-respect and dignity. And by the way, that last moment of humility was brought to you by the Fans Jimmy. Try some.
For now, the New York Rangers have sixty-two points and lead the Eastern Conference. The Boston Bruins, with one less game played are one point behind with sixty-one points. Both teams are thus far the only Eastern Conf. teams to break the sixty point plateau. The mighty Bruins are leading the NHL in goals scored with 160. That number spiked earlier in the month after a 6-1 bashing of the Devils, and a 9-0 romp over Calgary. Defensively, Boston is also the League's best. The Northeast Division leaders have allowed a League low 89 goals against. The Rangers rank second in the NHL with 94 goals allowed. But the Rangers' 126 goals scored only rank fourth within their own division, much less ranking ninth in the Conference.
Boston and the Rangers are playing near identical Hockey at the moment. Both teams are 6-3 in January. And both teams enter Saturday's game caught within the eddy of a win-loss-win-loss trend. In Boston's last game, the Devils failed to do what I hoped they would. The Bruins abused Marty Brodeur and New Jersey again by a 4-1 score while the Rangers are coming off a mistake-riddled loss to Pittsburgh. Based on the strength of two shut-outs the Rangers have allowed eight goals in the last four games to go along with eight goals for. Boston has scored twelve goals over their last four games but have allowed eleven.
BOSTON ~ Last Four Games:
WIN 4-1; N.J.
LOSS 5-3; T.B.
WIN 3-2; FLA - S.O.
LOSS 4-2 CAR
RANGERS ~ Last Four Games:
LOSS 4-1; PITT
WIN 3-0; NASH
LOSS 4-1; MON
WIN 3-0; TOR
The schedule couldn't have set this game up any better. This is what you call a great regular season match-up. Today, like the December 23rd game against Philly are statement games. This is the type of game good teams seize. Also-rans merely participate. Days like today make for equally great stories. Today marks only the first chapter in the season series between these Original Six Eastern Conference foes in what will no doubt turn into a second-half battle to be king of the hill. And if history has taught us anything, we've learned the one's who get to write the history books are the winners.
This game has been two years and half a season in the making. And now, it's time to get it on. We beat these guys before. For two seasons running we've hung around with Boston. Last season in particular, we learned these young Rangers can skate with the Bruins on any day. Both teams have sputtered lately, so that puts us both on equal ground this afternoon. As a word to the wise, skate with heads up through the neutral zone so as to not wind up getting crunched by Zdeno Chara...., and look out for Boston's latest tactic; the hip check. Otherwise, let's drop the puck!
vs.
Mike.BTB
ORIGINAL SIX
New York Rangers vs. Boston Bruins
ROUND ONE:
The Battle for Eastern Conference Supremacy
NEW YORK RANGERS: The Stanley Cup Is Silver and Not Part of Our Vocabulary Right Now. Silence on the Other Hand, Is Golden. Coaches Should be Heard. GM's Should Be Heard. For the Most Part, Owners Should Just Shut Up.
What ever possessed and compelled James Dolan to speak-out on the State of the Rangers needs to be exorcised from his entitled and inherited being at once. In the short term, hopefully John Tortorella's stern rebuke of his current employer is enough to alienate Jimmy Gig and keep him away from the team till well after the season is over; - in which ever manner this season ends. For certain, nothing good can come out of Jimmy Jam's want for sticking around locker rooms, much less talking to the press about something he knows absolutely nothing about. For the only thing he ever knew was that he hired Glen Sather and his past accomplishments.
Way back in 1940, he and Glen Sather came up with this plan which just magically propelled the Rangers to sixty-two points and the Eastern Conference lead? Really? How about hatching a plan to lower my cable bill? With all due respect to the guy who signs the checks, - Shut Up! As a Ranger Fan, his anecdote about a stupid little gift he gave Sather was nothing less than an embarrassment.
The Big Dolt thinks we're closer to a Stanley Cup. Ya think? And all this time I thought he didn't care (as if). But amazingly, he's right on at least two counts. He's right in a sense about being closer to a Stanley Cup since the day his Pop purchased the team and gave it to him to play with. And yes, the New York Rangers are closer to winning a Cup than we were on Day One of Sather's administration and for the entire DECADE that followed. So yeah, I'd define that as being closer too.
Ponderous.
As for the General Manager, getting his share of credit comes with the territory; he's GM after all. But I'm sure most feel like I do in that much of the new talent we've procured and developed these last few years would not likely be skating in Ranger uniforms today for having been traded were it not for what I perceive as John Tortorella's influence in the Front Office as well as behind the bench. Although I have never been shy about crediting Glen Sather with hiring Gordie Clark after Don Maloney left for Phoenix.
I couldn't have been prouder of Coach Torts than I was at that moment he called his boss's comments "Bullshit". Look - three cheers for seemingly good hockey and even better moments in the future. But I'm with him. We have a big January game against the Boston Bruins and that's where the team focus should be. Here's my angle though. Coach better be careful he doesn't wind up like Donnie Walsh. Because like Donnie Walsh, Coach Torts stands in the way of Dolan's impetuousness and claims to glory for turning this team around. That press conference was all about steeling some limelight. Other than having no experience in the art of winning championships, why else would he act out in such a self-serving manner?
I like many Ranger fans would have fired Sather long ago. But that's for another day. Because over the years he's actually served a most under-spoken and crucial role for us fans of the Blueshirts. Glen Sather has long shielded us from the Coney Island-like freak show that became and still qualifies as the New York Knicks. What Glen Sather meant for the Rangers team itself, like I said is another matter. But at least with Sather around, Ranger Fans were shielded and largely immune from random Acts of Dolanism.
Perfect example - Jimmy Gotta Gig pushed little kids out of the way and kicked old ladies to the curb, not to mention trampled all over Donnie Walsh's toes in his pursuit of Carmelo Anthony. In taking the lead role in that transaction, he left the Knicks bereft of role players; a bench; and depth of talent; not to mention assembling an inharmonious product on the court. The manner in which Dolan out-negotiated himself was really no different than the recent press conference in which The Dolt shared an anecdote of a gift he gave Sather, and that only through winning a Stanley Cup can it be returned. Both instances demonstrate the attributes of a giddy amateur. And Coach Torts isn't afraid to point one out when he sees one either. I just hope that doesn't get him in trouble with the Boss' son one day. It's not like he's Isiah Thomas.
And now, back to our regularly scheduled season. Without looking beyond Saturday, there were three games I badly wanted to win. Not so much the Winter Classic, but I really wanted to win the December 23rd game against Philly which gave us our initial taste of first place. The Blueshirts won that game in fine fashion. The second game of major importance to me was our recent victory over Toronto just so we knew that at some level, we've dealt will all comers this season. And now, game number three is upon us. Saturday afternoon's game against the Bruins in Boston begins the season's second half struggle to maintain this level of play and protecting the Blueshirts' position in the standings. This is the time of year when the schedule is just one game against adversity after another. And with today's game, the season series against Boston is only just beginning.
We are also entering the time of season when the sceptre of the trade deadline looms and two things remain true; the Rangers need more scoring; and still need even more help on the power play as Brad Richards has yet to emerge as the answer. I'm not entirely sure how far I'd like Sather to go in trying to secure someone (ex.- as if Bobby Ryan were still available). I'm hesitant to move anyone right now. But we all know you have to give quality to get quality. And well, if they can't maintain this level, there's always the ol' battle for eighth place again. Then of course there's Plan C - playing for self-respect and dignity. And by the way, that last moment of humility was brought to you by the Fans Jimmy. Try some.
For now, the New York Rangers have sixty-two points and lead the Eastern Conference. The Boston Bruins, with one less game played are one point behind with sixty-one points. Both teams are thus far the only Eastern Conf. teams to break the sixty point plateau. The mighty Bruins are leading the NHL in goals scored with 160. That number spiked earlier in the month after a 6-1 bashing of the Devils, and a 9-0 romp over Calgary. Defensively, Boston is also the League's best. The Northeast Division leaders have allowed a League low 89 goals against. The Rangers rank second in the NHL with 94 goals allowed. But the Rangers' 126 goals scored only rank fourth within their own division, much less ranking ninth in the Conference.
Boston and the Rangers are playing near identical Hockey at the moment. Both teams are 6-3 in January. And both teams enter Saturday's game caught within the eddy of a win-loss-win-loss trend. In Boston's last game, the Devils failed to do what I hoped they would. The Bruins abused Marty Brodeur and New Jersey again by a 4-1 score while the Rangers are coming off a mistake-riddled loss to Pittsburgh. Based on the strength of two shut-outs the Rangers have allowed eight goals in the last four games to go along with eight goals for. Boston has scored twelve goals over their last four games but have allowed eleven.
BOSTON ~ Last Four Games:
WIN 4-1; N.J.
LOSS 5-3; T.B.
WIN 3-2; FLA - S.O.
LOSS 4-2 CAR
RANGERS ~ Last Four Games:
LOSS 4-1; PITT
WIN 3-0; NASH
LOSS 4-1; MON
WIN 3-0; TOR
The schedule couldn't have set this game up any better. This is what you call a great regular season match-up. Today, like the December 23rd game against Philly are statement games. This is the type of game good teams seize. Also-rans merely participate. Days like today make for equally great stories. Today marks only the first chapter in the season series between these Original Six Eastern Conference foes in what will no doubt turn into a second-half battle to be king of the hill. And if history has taught us anything, we've learned the one's who get to write the history books are the winners.
This game has been two years and half a season in the making. And now, it's time to get it on. We beat these guys before. For two seasons running we've hung around with Boston. Last season in particular, we learned these young Rangers can skate with the Bruins on any day. Both teams have sputtered lately, so that puts us both on equal ground this afternoon. As a word to the wise, skate with heads up through the neutral zone so as to not wind up getting crunched by Zdeno Chara...., and look out for Boston's latest tactic; the hip check. Otherwise, let's drop the puck!
SATURDAY
NHL
EASTERN CONFERENCE
SHOWDOWN
#1 - NEW YORK RANGERS
29-12-4 62-Points; 1st Place - Atlantic Division
vs.
#2 - Boston Bruins
30-13-1 61-Points; 1st Place - Northeast Division
From,
Bean Town's North Side
Mike.BTB
Monday, December 26, 2011
N.Y. Rangers ~ Islanders; The Rivalry - IV
From the desk of: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS
Game I; 4-2 Isles
Game II; 4-2 NYR
Game III; 4-2 NYR
THE RIVALRY - IV
New York Islanders
vs.
NEW YORK RANGERS
From
33rd STREET at 7th AVENUE
NYC
NEW YORK RANGERS: The View From the Top is Nice.
Rewind your mind to the Lock-Out of 2004-2005; - With a salary cap in place, Hockey's new working model now demanded GM Glen Sather rededicate efforts into drafting talent in leu of an incoherent plan to buy-up the NHL's meat by-products.
Before Glen Sather took charge of Tex's Rangers in 2000, ex-Ranger favorite; Don Maloney; was hired by the prior regime as an Assistant General Manager. Upon Glen Sather's arrival, he promptly tacked-on Vice President of Player Personnel to Don Maloney's job description. From 1997, when Maloney was originally hired by the organization, through 2004-05; the year of the Lock-Out; hindsight says his work went largely unnoticed and rendered ineffectual because Hockey operations were still largely overshadowed by Glen Sather's joy for spending Dolan Dollars.
But looking back, Don Maloney's entire body of work as a Rangers' exec deserves a closer look. The best he and Glen Sather collaborated to bring to 7th Avenue was a team anchored by a pre-lockout star whom the League (namely Washington) could no longer afford; save the Rangers and Glen Sather that is. That player; Joramir Jagr; would get surrounded with the new-millennium's version of the 'ol Smurfs; something the Ranger fans had grown accustomed to since the 80's. Youngsters like Domenic Moore, Ryan Hollweg; Petr Prucha; Jed Ortmeyer; etc; etc, drafted prior to the work stoppage were mere fleas on Jagr's posterior when the NHL returned. Teamed with Glen Sather's other acquisitions such as Straka; Nylander; Avery; etc.; the 2006 Rangers-Lite reached the playoffs for the first time since 1997; - three years before Sather assumed office. But all Maloney and Sather ever achieved together was being the best of the also-rans. Tom Renney was Head Coach of the post lockout Rangers then. Under him, the Rangers played their way into a playoff team but they only made it to the second round once.
In 2007, Don Maloney left to become the Phoenix Coyotes' main man under owner Wayne Gretzky. But before he did, Maloney left behind a Swedish goalie named Henrik Lundqvist whom he drafted in 2000. In 2004, he drafted Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan. In 2005 he drafted Marc Staal. In 2006, after a long and winding road for another Rangers' defenseman which dates back to the year 2001, Maloney signed an un-drafted Dan Girardi.
In February of 2009 John Tortorella was hired to replace Tom Renney as Head Coach of the New York Rangers Hockey Club. At once he recognized the Rangers still needed more changes and a different direction than the one forced on Glen Sather by the lockout. His first move was to destroy the New York Rangers Hockey Club, and began post-haste, cultivating A Team.
He surveyed the Land of the Lost, and discovered a few scattered rough, uncut gems back in Maloney's old laboratory. And at once said, these guys were going to be the nucleus of his vision for the Rangers. John Tortorella made it very clear since day one, Henrik would be King; and that Dubinsky, Staal, and Callahan would be the foundation on which to build a new team around. He also recognized the very, very, rough potential in Dan Girardi; just like Maloney once did.
Where there's one, there's usually more. So John Tortorella scoured the lab further. He found Artem Anisimov drafted in 2006; and found Michael Sauer, drafted in 2005.
A wise hire by Glen Sather, Gordie Clark (and Jeff Gordon) assumed Player Personnel duties after Maloney left. Among the current players on the ice, he drafted Carl Hagelin in 2007; Michael Del Zotto and Derek Stepan in 2008.
Back to Glen Sather, he swung mightily and missed with Scott Gomez. He swung mightily again with Chris Drury, and you betcha..., missed again. However the GM saved face by remarkably trading Gomez' contract to Montreal in exchange for a package that brought us Montreal's first round pick; Ryan McDonagh. And make no mistake about the Brad Richards signing, he used to be one of Tort's guys back in Tampa. Acquiring Richards was no great feat of GM'ology; not if we're talking about Glen Sather.
To this day, I still maintain John Tortorella exerts far more influence over Glen Sather than we are led to believe. And who is Glen Sather to question John Tortorella's input. Of course there's loose ends to this story. But under Glen Sather, Don Maloney, Tom Renney, and going back to *1997 and *2000, can someone tell me when was the first or last time the Rangers were a legitimate first place team.
Under Glen Sather, the fact that so many young players were allowed to remain together, and are now flourishing is in itself a Miracle on 33rd Street. I know who to thank, and it ain't Santa Clause. And he's far from being a Saint.
To this day, I still maintain John Tortorella exerts far more influence over Glen Sather than we are led to believe. And who is Glen Sather to question John Tortorella's input. Of course there's loose ends to this story. But under Glen Sather, Don Maloney, Tom Renney, and going back to *1997 and *2000, can someone tell me when was the first or last time the Rangers were a legitimate first place team.
Under Glen Sather, the fact that so many young players were allowed to remain together, and are now flourishing is in itself a Miracle on 33rd Street. I know who to thank, and it ain't Santa Clause. And he's far from being a Saint.
As of December 26, 2001 - 3:00 p.m.
ATLANTIC DIVISION STANDINGS:
1) - NEW YORK RANGERS 21-8-4 46 Points
2) - Philadelphia FLYERS 21-9-4 46 Points
3) - Pittsburgh......................20-11-4 44 Points
4) - DEVILS..........................9-14-1 39 Points
5) - ISLANDERS...................11-16-6 28 Points
The view from the top is nice.
Mike.BTB
Monday, May 02, 2011
N.Y. RANGERS ~ Coach, Not GM, Has Team On Solid Ground
NEW YORK RANGERS: Blueshirts Extend Tortorella's Deal. But He's No Company Man.
Eliminated by the Capitals...again. So, where does the team who's never been beyond the second round of the playoffs under Glen Sather go from here? Let's try this for starters; Don't blow it! Mr. Glen Sather.., Now that you have a solid core, don't go trading them away for more fossils and Hockey's disabled vets.
Enter John Tortorella. Whether you like him or not, I feel like he's exerted much more influence on Glen Sather than Glen has on Coach. Even Stevie Wonder could have seen that the General Manager of the Rangers hitched up the same old wagon, year after year, to a revolving team of nags ready for the glue factory. If you think that's exaggerating things a bit..., ask yourself when was the last time we were better than a seventh place seed under Sather? Now ask yourself when was the first time?
If it weren't for John Tortorella, many of the kids who got promoted and played extremely well would have been gone at the trade deadline. I'm convinced of that. Glen Sather did hire the man responsible for drafting the current talent pool though. I cede him that. He replaced Don Maloney with Gordie Clark and the drafting has indeed gotten better; evidenced by this year's pool. But Sather would have surely sent them packing considering all the injuries the Rangers were sustaining as last season's trade-deadline approached. And he surely would have committed us to even more salary-cap hell.
So, when we look at the Rangers now, there's the team we started out the season with and Glen Sather's original idea of a good time. Then there is the team we finished up with; the young, spry team of Blueshirts, that kept the team afloat in the face of all those said injuries, and the one's who have Coach Tort's stamp all over them. This is a classic, Glass Half Full/Half Empty scenario.
I'm Glass Half Full, and have a vested interest in Coach Tort's vision. It's Glen Sather I don't trust. But now that Coach Torts has a new three year pact (was that ever made official?), I couldn't be happier to have someone behind the bench who can and does exert influence on Glen Sather. Tom Renney never could. He was subservient. Not Coach Torts - He's no Company Man.
Behind the scenes, I believe Torts is the one calling all the on-ice shots now. It's not because Glen Sather has all of a sudden become an imp. No, ...it's because Coach Torts is just that bullish about what he's preaching. The Ranger GM isn't just handing over day laborers to the Coaches anymore and expecting them to figure things out. Do you think Coach Torts would operate like that? He'd quit first. He now has a list of needs for Glen Sather to fill. Because there's only one plan in place at the moment; - And that's Tortorella's! I've never heard Glen Sather speak of a plan. Maybe that's because he doesn't have to. But ever since Coach Torts got here, it's all he's talked about. And for as long as Coach insists his demands on Sather be met and Sather obliges, we'll be better for it.
If Jim Dolan continues to refuse to hold Glen Sather accountable for his record, or even request that he speak with the Media...ever!... then, Coach Tortorella is the perfect coach to have in the fold, if indeed we're stuck with Sather for eternity.
Mike.BTB
Eliminated by the Capitals...again. So, where does the team who's never been beyond the second round of the playoffs under Glen Sather go from here? Let's try this for starters; Don't blow it! Mr. Glen Sather.., Now that you have a solid core, don't go trading them away for more fossils and Hockey's disabled vets.
Enter John Tortorella. Whether you like him or not, I feel like he's exerted much more influence on Glen Sather than Glen has on Coach. Even Stevie Wonder could have seen that the General Manager of the Rangers hitched up the same old wagon, year after year, to a revolving team of nags ready for the glue factory. If you think that's exaggerating things a bit..., ask yourself when was the last time we were better than a seventh place seed under Sather? Now ask yourself when was the first time?
If it weren't for John Tortorella, many of the kids who got promoted and played extremely well would have been gone at the trade deadline. I'm convinced of that. Glen Sather did hire the man responsible for drafting the current talent pool though. I cede him that. He replaced Don Maloney with Gordie Clark and the drafting has indeed gotten better; evidenced by this year's pool. But Sather would have surely sent them packing considering all the injuries the Rangers were sustaining as last season's trade-deadline approached. And he surely would have committed us to even more salary-cap hell.
So, when we look at the Rangers now, there's the team we started out the season with and Glen Sather's original idea of a good time. Then there is the team we finished up with; the young, spry team of Blueshirts, that kept the team afloat in the face of all those said injuries, and the one's who have Coach Tort's stamp all over them. This is a classic, Glass Half Full/Half Empty scenario.
I'm Glass Half Full, and have a vested interest in Coach Tort's vision. It's Glen Sather I don't trust. But now that Coach Torts has a new three year pact (was that ever made official?), I couldn't be happier to have someone behind the bench who can and does exert influence on Glen Sather. Tom Renney never could. He was subservient. Not Coach Torts - He's no Company Man.
Behind the scenes, I believe Torts is the one calling all the on-ice shots now. It's not because Glen Sather has all of a sudden become an imp. No, ...it's because Coach Torts is just that bullish about what he's preaching. The Ranger GM isn't just handing over day laborers to the Coaches anymore and expecting them to figure things out. Do you think Coach Torts would operate like that? He'd quit first. He now has a list of needs for Glen Sather to fill. Because there's only one plan in place at the moment; - And that's Tortorella's! I've never heard Glen Sather speak of a plan. Maybe that's because he doesn't have to. But ever since Coach Torts got here, it's all he's talked about. And for as long as Coach insists his demands on Sather be met and Sather obliges, we'll be better for it.
If Jim Dolan continues to refuse to hold Glen Sather accountable for his record, or even request that he speak with the Media...ever!... then, Coach Tortorella is the perfect coach to have in the fold, if indeed we're stuck with Sather for eternity.
Mike.BTB
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