From the desk of: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS
NEW YORK RANGERS - Can't Stop The Dominoes Once They Start Falling.
Hit the music and let's sing an old song... Welcome to the continuing domino effect born of mindless reactive general managing. The team's present situation could have been avoided if Glen Sather would have just signed Colton Orr. There was, and still is no defending the decision not to re-sign Orr - not with the ill-advised deals Sather gave Donald Brashear and Derek Boogaard, etc.. Brandon Prust finally stepped into Colton Orr's old role, and did so admirably.
Many fans still can't grasp the duality of the Rangers fighting ways of last year, with overall physical toughness. Brandon Prust didn't just fight. He helped maintain the offensive zone. He did so with hard work, and a strong physical effort. Brandon helped possess the puck, while it was the more skilled players responsibility to crash the net, get a shot on goal, and score. But yeah, fighting helps. Fists embed doubt in opponents minds. It sets a tone. Fighting is an effective way to impose your will on the ice. Not once, but twice, Glen Sather hardly found those type of unheralded contributions worth the monetary price, and twice he paid for it. He is continually having to correct mistakes. Sather's latest gross miscalculation demanded he replace some of the toughness he let get away.
Last season, this team lurched forward with the power and grace of a big blue glacier, that grinded down all opponents in their path - up until they met the New Jersey resistance. As recently as this past Tuesday morning, they've been a shell of last year's team. Even with Rick Nash, the Rangers have somehow managed to score less than last year's team. Fighting is down, scoring is down, and Marc Staal is down. Something had to give. Now that the NHL trade deadline has passed, this team looks even less like the one that went to last year's Eastern Conference finals.
But I've been through all this before. I just don't want to sound like a skipping record.
January 19 - Four Points of Concern
January 20 - Bruins Expose A Fistful of Problems
January 22 - Not Re-Signing Colton Orr Still A Mistake
January 24 - Getting Pushed Off The Puck, And Getting Pushed Around
January 28 - THE SMURFS ARE BACK!
I knew from the very beginning, that after the Rick Nash trade, this roster needed major reworking. I've said it many times. The Marian Gaborik trade was a curious one to say the least. I just hope it works out. There were actually more reasons to pull off such a deal, than not. Big money and paltry results were very troublesome. Salary cap wise, the Rangers needed the cap space in order to retain some of their current young talent - cap space they would not otherwise have had. On the ice, Gaborik was increasingly falling more and more out of favor with Coach Torts. Marian's style, and the Rangers style under Torts became incompatible. Gaborik was also increasingly being excluded from third period play. If that is what his situation degenerated to, then why keep him?
Don't ask me to get caught up in what Ryane Clowe, Derik Brassard, and John Moore contributed Wednesday evening against the Penguins during a 6-1 Blueshirt victory. I was there. Yeah, it was fun. At the moment however, being sandwiched in between the Islanders and Devils in the Eastern Conference standings with twelve games left is a bit distressing. These guys need to learn how to play together quickly.
Mike.BTB
Showing posts with label Marian Gaborik. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marian Gaborik. Show all posts
Friday, April 05, 2013
Sunday, March 10, 2013
N.Y. Rangers: Blueshirts Veto Ovechkin and the Capitals
From the desk of: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS
NEW YORK RANGERS - Tenth Point In Last Six Games.
Ottawa is a real pain in the ass, aren't they? And by the way, I am officially no longer impressed whenever we beat Washington. I'm not taking anything away from Sunday's win. But that Ovechkin guy just doesn't get it.
Speaking of Ottawa, did you see the way Chris Phillips went after Michael Haley, after the Rangers neophyte wiped out Jim O'Brien near the crease? That's the way you protect team mates. Not the pansy crap the Rangers pull. Phillips went right at Haley without hesitation. I'm just saying. In light of the boarding hits we've been sustaining, that's the way it's done.
Brad Richards has two goals in the last two games, and Marian Gaborik scored once against the Islanders. That's one way to temporarily silence the critics.
The Rangers have ten points in their last six games. With twenty-eight points overall, they have now climbed into second place of the Atlantic Division, one point better than the Devils. They have also upgraded to the seventh seed of the Eastern Conference. The Rangers are back in the mix fellas.
They are currently six points behind Pittsbugh for the division lead. They have a chance to pick up four points against the Sabres and Jets before they visit the Penguins in a week. With any luck, the Penguins do not pick up too many before then.
Mike.BTB
NEW YORK RANGERS - Tenth Point In Last Six Games.
Ottawa is a real pain in the ass, aren't they? And by the way, I am officially no longer impressed whenever we beat Washington. I'm not taking anything away from Sunday's win. But that Ovechkin guy just doesn't get it.
Speaking of Ottawa, did you see the way Chris Phillips went after Michael Haley, after the Rangers neophyte wiped out Jim O'Brien near the crease? That's the way you protect team mates. Not the pansy crap the Rangers pull. Phillips went right at Haley without hesitation. I'm just saying. In light of the boarding hits we've been sustaining, that's the way it's done.
Brad Richards has two goals in the last two games, and Marian Gaborik scored once against the Islanders. That's one way to temporarily silence the critics.
The Rangers have ten points in their last six games. With twenty-eight points overall, they have now climbed into second place of the Atlantic Division, one point better than the Devils. They have also upgraded to the seventh seed of the Eastern Conference. The Rangers are back in the mix fellas.
They are currently six points behind Pittsbugh for the division lead. They have a chance to pick up four points against the Sabres and Jets before they visit the Penguins in a week. With any luck, the Penguins do not pick up too many before then.
Mike.BTB
Sunday, February 24, 2013
N.Y. Rangers: Canadiens Bounce Blueshirts From Conference Top Eight
From the desk of: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS
NEW YORK RANGERS - You Can't Blame Canada For The Broadway Blueshirt Dilemma.
Canada offered no quarter. On a snowy night in the Great White North, Tex's Rangers were once again lost for direction. And for the second time in five days, the Eastern Conference #1 seed reminded the Blueshirts just how far off the beaten path they really are. When the Rangers wake up in the morning, they will find themselves injured, depleted, and separated from the leaders - all eight of them.
Two games against the Canadiens; two losses - With a loss to the Sens sandwiched in between, the Habs twice defeated what used to be a number eight seeded team. Saturday night's loss effectively removed the Rangers from the Eastern Conference top eight clubs. The Philadelphia Flyers now lead the Rangers by a point.
The Blueshirts' defense suffered major casualties. Michael Del Zotto was already a pregame scratch. Ryan McDonagh had to leave in the second period after getting crunched into the boards from behind. And Dan Girardi needed help off the ice in the third period after blocking a puck with his ankle.
On the forward lines, Rick Nash is still suffering from a mysterious, top secret injury. Brad Richards still can't play hockey. Carl Hagelin has cooled off. Marian Gaborik was the latest to be shown the bench. No Rangers player could find the back of the net. And not one Blueshirt had more than three shots on goal.
Between the pipes, Montreal's Carey Price faced eighteen shots and stopped them all. Martin Biron started in net for the Rangers. He faced seventeen shots, letting three get by, all in the second period.
On special teams, the Habs were 1/4 on the power play. But the one PP goal Montreal scored may have inflicted the most damage of all. The trainers room is sure to be filled Sunday morning treating a rash of sore necks after the Habs had the Rangers PK heads swivelling, their bodies spinning, ankles twisting, and their sticks flailing at air. Montreal's quick, accurate, one touch passing, made the Rangers PK look down right inept - What a clinic in power play hockey! The goal needed to be seen.
Mike.BTB
NEW YORK RANGERS - You Can't Blame Canada For The Broadway Blueshirt Dilemma.
Instead of methodically creeping forward,
the weight of our big blue glacier is bearing down on the Rangers.
Canada offered no quarter. On a snowy night in the Great White North, Tex's Rangers were once again lost for direction. And for the second time in five days, the Eastern Conference #1 seed reminded the Blueshirts just how far off the beaten path they really are. When the Rangers wake up in the morning, they will find themselves injured, depleted, and separated from the leaders - all eight of them.
Two games against the Canadiens; two losses - With a loss to the Sens sandwiched in between, the Habs twice defeated what used to be a number eight seeded team. Saturday night's loss effectively removed the Rangers from the Eastern Conference top eight clubs. The Philadelphia Flyers now lead the Rangers by a point.
The Blueshirts' defense suffered major casualties. Michael Del Zotto was already a pregame scratch. Ryan McDonagh had to leave in the second period after getting crunched into the boards from behind. And Dan Girardi needed help off the ice in the third period after blocking a puck with his ankle.
On the forward lines, Rick Nash is still suffering from a mysterious, top secret injury. Brad Richards still can't play hockey. Carl Hagelin has cooled off. Marian Gaborik was the latest to be shown the bench. No Rangers player could find the back of the net. And not one Blueshirt had more than three shots on goal.
Between the pipes, Montreal's Carey Price faced eighteen shots and stopped them all. Martin Biron started in net for the Rangers. He faced seventeen shots, letting three get by, all in the second period.
On special teams, the Habs were 1/4 on the power play. But the one PP goal Montreal scored may have inflicted the most damage of all. The trainers room is sure to be filled Sunday morning treating a rash of sore necks after the Habs had the Rangers PK heads swivelling, their bodies spinning, ankles twisting, and their sticks flailing at air. Montreal's quick, accurate, one touch passing, made the Rangers PK look down right inept - What a clinic in power play hockey! The goal needed to be seen.
Mike.BTB
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Rangers vs. Islanders: The Rivalry - Game Two
From the desk of: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS
Thursday Night Hockey
The Rivalry - Game Two
Rangers Lead Series 1-0
I - NYR 4; NYI 1
Atlantic Division:
#1 - N.J. Devils 8-2-3
#3 - N.Y. Rangers 7-5-0
#5 - N.Y. Islanders 4-7-1
VALENTINE'S DAY SHOWDOWN
New York Islanders
vs.
NEW YORK RANGERS
FROM
Madison Square Garden
33rd Street and 8th Avenue
NYC
B'klyn/New York Islanders - Lack of Defense Is Getting Offensive. Poor Goal-Tending Is Outright Insulting.
Doesn't anybody here know what defense is all about? Good Grief! Offensively speaking, Brooklyn's foster hockey club is doing many things right this season. But their defense and goal-tending have been so wrong. They are second to the Pens in the Atlantic Division with thirty six goals, and place seventh overall. John Tavares is their triple crown scorer. He leads the Islanders with fifteen points, on seven goals and eight assists. The Isles also own the NHL's 5th rated power play and rank fourth on the penalty kill. Yet, they are last in the Atlantic Division in goals against, and rank 29th worst overall.
This current five game losing streak the Islanders are on started when they dropped the back end of a home-and-home against the Devils. They then lost to the Penguins and the Rangers. You can't find fault with the Islanders offensive effort in their Saturday loss to Buffalo - not after taking forty three shots on goal against Ryan Miller. The Sabres goalie was just unconscious. But Evgeni Nabokov needed to do better. He only faced fifteen shots all game. The Isles limited Buffalo to single digit shots in all three periods. Yet, Nabokov let three pucks get by him in a 3-2 loss. For the season, he is sporting a troublesome .897 Sv% and an .300 goals against average.
Over those four losses, Islanders scoring dropped off. They only scored five goals, including getting shut-out by the Devils. This past Monday night against the Carolina Hurricanes, Long Island's scoring reignited. The Islanders had five power play opportunities and converted on four occasions. However, Rick DiPietro allowed Carolina four third period goals, and six goals overall, in a game the Isles were leading 3-2 after two periods. That was DePietro's second start of the season, and his second loss. Combined, Rick DiPietro has faced fifty seven shots, and allowed ten goals, for an awful .833% save percentage.
Slumping to a 4-7-1 record, the Islanders currently reside at the bottom of the Atlantic Division, four points behind the Flyers, and six points behind the Rangers.
NEW YORK RANGERS - Tweaking Roster Starting To Pay Off. The Big Blue Glacier Is Starting To Lurch Forward.
One quarter of the regular season is done. Since starting the season 0-2, the Rangers have posted a 7-3 record, and are currently riding a three game winning streak. They scored twelve regulation time goals over that span - a marked improvement upon their season output so far. Entering tonight's game against the Islanders however, they still remain at the bottom of the Atlantic Division in scoring. They are currently 15th in the NHL. Defensively, the Rangers rank 11th in goals against.
Thanks to Carl Hagelin with three goals in the team's last two games, the Rangers are showing signs of a break through. Derek Stepan is starting to score, the Captain scored his third goal in nine games, and they received secondary scoring from Stralman, Asham, and J.T. Miller's first two NHL goals. Unfortunately, Brad Richards, and to a lesser degree Marian Gaborik, continue to circle in holding patterns. Yes, they both have nine points apiece in twelve games played respectively. But those two are required to do so much more, and in a word, they are, not. However, Rick Nash is starting to deliver on the hype, and is turning into everything Rangers fans anticipated he could be. With each passing game, he gets more and more comfortable. Through finding comfort, his skill is starting to prevail. He recently scored only his third goal, but leads the Rangers in assists and points. Marian Gaborik still leads the Rangers with six goals.
Coach Torts isn't the only one who thinks the accumilation of too-many-men on the ice penalties are egregiously ponderous. Well, Coach said they "sucked!" I just say ridiculous. The Rangers are now up to six infractions. That is more than they should have all season. And Lord Stanley knows Tex's Rangers can't live life killing penalties. Defensively, the Rangers rank 11th in goals against this season. That is a considerable drop off from last year's effort. On the penalty kill, they rank 13th at the moment, which also reflects a drop off from last season. The Rangers 4-3 S.O. win over Boston shows how scoring can make mistakes like J.T. Miller's too-many-men infraction go away. Later in the second period, Derek Stepan gave the Rangers a 2-0 lead, and all seemed well again. When the Rangers aren't scoring, a mistake like that kills.
One aspect of the Rangers game that has remained consistent since last season has been the futility of their power play. They currently own the 29th worst unit in the league. As mentioned above, the Islanders recently scored four power play goals against Carolina. They Rangers have four power play goals all season..! Ryan Callahan has two of them. The Islanders by the way, have thirteen power play goals this season.
Last Time They Met: Feb. 7, 2013 - Rangers 3; Islanders 1.
When they last met one week ago, J.T. Miller scored his first ever NHL goal just 1:29 into the game. Twelve and one half minutes later, Marian Gaborik scored his sixth goal of the season. Half way through the second period, John Tavares brought the Islanders to within a goal. At the 18:11 mark, J.T. Miller answered for the Rangers with his second NHL goal of the night, and of his (then) four game career. His power play goal made it a 3-1 game. Just prior to the third period ending, Ryan McDonagh scored, unassisted, to close out a 4-1 victory.
Henrik Lundqvist faced twenty eight shots, and made twenty seven saves, to earn his fourth (of six) win of the season. Evgeni Nabokov faced twenty four shots on goal, and only managed to save twenty one.
For a game, the Rangers and Islanders changed roles on the power play. The Rangers were 1 for 2 with the man advantage. The Islanders floundered, going scoreless in five attempts.
Happy Valentine's Day...Chump!
Mike.BTB
Saturday, January 19, 2013
New York Rangers: Importing Scorers Has Been Mixed Bag Of Pucks
From the desk of: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS
1) - Improve the Power Play - The Rangers, it turns out, were very very good last season - just not great. An overall lack of key scoring hurt. But an abysmal power play killed. In consecutive seasons, Brad Richards and Rick Nash have been brought to New York with the expectation they can help turn the PP unit around and have it become an offensive weapon for a change. Because let us be honest here. The Rangers power play has short circuited ever since Sergei Zubov last manned the point two decades ago.
2) - Give Marty Biron twelve to fifteen starts unless otherwise dictated by necessity; or it adversely affects Henrik's timing; or Marty proves it is a bad idea. With the additional back-to-back games and an overall compressed schedule, he will obviously get his chances. I know giving Biron that many starts seems a bit much. Henrik would still get 33/35 starts. Once the playoffs start, Marty Biron will effectively disappear. However, should something unfortunately befall Henrik Lundqvist, Marty Biron will need to be up to game speed, meaning playoff speed. In a short season scenario, everything moves fast.
3) - Will the real Brad Richards please stand up? See below. But all we need from Brad Richards is to be Brad Richards. Judging by the way he performed in the playoffs, we might get it. Then again.......
4) - Who will fight our battles now that Brandon Prust is gone? Mike Rupp? Brian Boyle? Okay..., then who? ...............(*sigh*)...............? I thought so. With all due respect to our Captain, the Rangers are shy in the pugilist department. For the moment, lets leave Rick Nash out of this one. He is a qualified tough guy. Otherwise, this is highly concerning to me. The Rangers led, or were among the top two (which?) NHL teams in fighting majors last season. Now fear this. Brandon Prust led the Rangers by far, engaging in twenty regular season fights last season. Mike Rupp came in second with thirteen. Stu Bickel..! - exchanged hey-makers twelve times. Good for him. Labelled as a bit soft, the dearly departed Brandon Dubinsky is next on the list with six fights. Then...., Brian Boyle comes in with three. How important is fighting to the Rangers overall game? It depends how many fights they themselves instigated, and how many times they needed to meet the challenge. Was their willingness to drop gloves born of necessity because veteran teams like Philly, Pittsburgh, and others thought they could take their liberties against a very young club? Or was fighting inevitable because of their rabid, and possessed-like grinding style? Go figure...
Finally! It's Time To Drop The Puck And Get Broadway's Big Blue Glacier Moving FORWARD Again.
The most glaring problem facing the Rangers these past two seasons has been their ability, or inability, to score the big goal, a put-away goal, the Say Goodnight Gracie type goal. More simply, the Rangers just need to score more goals, period. For it is heartbreaking when fifty nine minutes of hard work and effort falls through a crack in the ice due to one very brief or fleeting defensive lapse or misplay. With alarming frequency in last season's playoffs and culminating against the Devils, any deviation from perfection without the puck torpedoed their game. They possessed the puck just fine. They just couldn't find net. Other times, they over-possessed and failed to get off shots.
The Rangers lost their bearing in the neutral zone as well. But teams adept at scoring can many times outscore their mistakes. The Rangers never could. The goals the Blueshirts did score oft times came only after a supreme physical effort - the kind of effort it takes to grind granite into sand. And as fans, we were going to buy into it no matter what. But to their credit, Coach Torts and the team moved forward with the steady movement and power of a glacier as long as they could. Maybe by the time they faced the surging Devils, the long grind of the Rangers style of play just caught up to Team Torts... Or, maybe they just couldn't score. Everything would have been fine, as is, if they could only have mustered a goal or two more.
Mind you, that's at even strength. Because worse yet, when fans would rather fore go a power play just to continue playing at even strength, that's a problem. The power play has been a dilemma; a crisis even; for the Rangers - not an advantage. And that is so unlike many John Tortorella teams of the past.
Rick Nash was imported to address such issues. This is what I said a few posts ago:
On paper, this acquisition is a home run. However, until they drop the puck to start the season, let us just keep it at that. Because the fact is, the Rangers still have carry-over issues with two of their other recent, and fairly recent high profile acquisitions.
Will the real Brad Richard please stand up? I'm not complaining. This blog gave him a season's grace. And after all, he had big moments in last year's playoffs. But Brad without a doubt struggled during the regular season.....mightily. So much so, Coach Torts had no choice but to demote him to the fourth line for a time. That can not be the case this season. But he only needs to be Brad Richards, not a savior.
With Nash on board, everyone should be carrying a lighter load, and benefiting. But then again, that's what we fans said when the team acquired Marian Gaborik. And we said it again when we acquired Richards. I know many of the real cynical fans, and even some more moderate ones can't help but think, even fleetingly....., here we go again.
Within a four season stretch, the Rangers (ideally speaking) have now acquired their top three scorers. Marian Gaborik was the first. During Marian Gaborik's '07-'08 season with Minnesota, he scored forty two goals. The following season, injury limited him to seventeen games and thirteen goals. He returned healthy for the '09-'10 season, but only he now played for the Rangers. In his first season wearing a Blueshirt, he matched his career high set two seasons ago, by scoring forty two goals. The next season, he managed sixty two games played, but only scored twenty two goals. There was much speculation as to whether he played the season injured. At the end of the season, he admitted he did. Last year, Marian Gaborik "the sniper" returned. For the third time in the last five alternating seasons, he topped (41) the forty goal mark. He did in fact play through injury again through last season's playoffs. Marian Gaborik is now coming off shoulder surgery, but appears quite ready to get going. But which Marian Gaborik will the Rangers be getting? The forty goal scorer, or, the alternating stinker scheduled to appear this year? In local terms, he is like the Howard Johnson of hockey.
Mike.BTB
TONIGHT
2013
National Hockey League
TEX'S RANGERS
REGULAR SEASON OPENER
NEW YORK RANGERS
vs.
Boston Bruins
FROM
Not The Boston Garden
Legends Way, North End
NEW YORK RANGERS:
Four Blueshirt Points Of Interest and Concern (and Worry)
1) - Improve the Power Play - The Rangers, it turns out, were very very good last season - just not great. An overall lack of key scoring hurt. But an abysmal power play killed. In consecutive seasons, Brad Richards and Rick Nash have been brought to New York with the expectation they can help turn the PP unit around and have it become an offensive weapon for a change. Because let us be honest here. The Rangers power play has short circuited ever since Sergei Zubov last manned the point two decades ago.
2) - Give Marty Biron twelve to fifteen starts unless otherwise dictated by necessity; or it adversely affects Henrik's timing; or Marty proves it is a bad idea. With the additional back-to-back games and an overall compressed schedule, he will obviously get his chances. I know giving Biron that many starts seems a bit much. Henrik would still get 33/35 starts. Once the playoffs start, Marty Biron will effectively disappear. However, should something unfortunately befall Henrik Lundqvist, Marty Biron will need to be up to game speed, meaning playoff speed. In a short season scenario, everything moves fast.
3) - Will the real Brad Richards please stand up? See below. But all we need from Brad Richards is to be Brad Richards. Judging by the way he performed in the playoffs, we might get it. Then again.......
4) - Who will fight our battles now that Brandon Prust is gone? Mike Rupp? Brian Boyle? Okay..., then who? ...............(*sigh*)...............? I thought so. With all due respect to our Captain, the Rangers are shy in the pugilist department. For the moment, lets leave Rick Nash out of this one. He is a qualified tough guy. Otherwise, this is highly concerning to me. The Rangers led, or were among the top two (which?) NHL teams in fighting majors last season. Now fear this. Brandon Prust led the Rangers by far, engaging in twenty regular season fights last season. Mike Rupp came in second with thirteen. Stu Bickel..! - exchanged hey-makers twelve times. Good for him. Labelled as a bit soft, the dearly departed Brandon Dubinsky is next on the list with six fights. Then...., Brian Boyle comes in with three. How important is fighting to the Rangers overall game? It depends how many fights they themselves instigated, and how many times they needed to meet the challenge. Was their willingness to drop gloves born of necessity because veteran teams like Philly, Pittsburgh, and others thought they could take their liberties against a very young club? Or was fighting inevitable because of their rabid, and possessed-like grinding style? Go figure...
Finally! It's Time To Drop The Puck And Get Broadway's Big Blue Glacier Moving FORWARD Again.
Is Marian Gaborik The Rangers Version Of Howard Johnson?
The most glaring problem facing the Rangers these past two seasons has been their ability, or inability, to score the big goal, a put-away goal, the Say Goodnight Gracie type goal. More simply, the Rangers just need to score more goals, period. For it is heartbreaking when fifty nine minutes of hard work and effort falls through a crack in the ice due to one very brief or fleeting defensive lapse or misplay. With alarming frequency in last season's playoffs and culminating against the Devils, any deviation from perfection without the puck torpedoed their game. They possessed the puck just fine. They just couldn't find net. Other times, they over-possessed and failed to get off shots.
The Rangers lost their bearing in the neutral zone as well. But teams adept at scoring can many times outscore their mistakes. The Rangers never could. The goals the Blueshirts did score oft times came only after a supreme physical effort - the kind of effort it takes to grind granite into sand. And as fans, we were going to buy into it no matter what. But to their credit, Coach Torts and the team moved forward with the steady movement and power of a glacier as long as they could. Maybe by the time they faced the surging Devils, the long grind of the Rangers style of play just caught up to Team Torts... Or, maybe they just couldn't score. Everything would have been fine, as is, if they could only have mustered a goal or two more.
Mind you, that's at even strength. Because worse yet, when fans would rather fore go a power play just to continue playing at even strength, that's a problem. The power play has been a dilemma; a crisis even; for the Rangers - not an advantage. And that is so unlike many John Tortorella teams of the past.
Rick Nash was imported to address such issues. This is what I said a few posts ago:
...securing a second high profile player in consecutive years (also) brings expectations. So hello Rick Nash. This ain't Columbus chum. Show me. Rick Nash is actually the player the Rangers have been seeking on the wing for decades, or at least since the days Nick Fotiu played. Difference being, Nash is a legit scorer. He is big, and tough like Fotiu was, but a vastly more skilled forward than Fotiu could ever aspire to be. And he's young. He is entering his prime years. Alas, recent years of making mistakes with forwards such as Scott Gomez and Chris Drury seem like ages ago - perchance to dream.
On paper, this acquisition is a home run. However, until they drop the puck to start the season, let us just keep it at that. Because the fact is, the Rangers still have carry-over issues with two of their other recent, and fairly recent high profile acquisitions.
Will the real Brad Richard please stand up? I'm not complaining. This blog gave him a season's grace. And after all, he had big moments in last year's playoffs. But Brad without a doubt struggled during the regular season.....mightily. So much so, Coach Torts had no choice but to demote him to the fourth line for a time. That can not be the case this season. But he only needs to be Brad Richards, not a savior.
With Nash on board, everyone should be carrying a lighter load, and benefiting. But then again, that's what we fans said when the team acquired Marian Gaborik. And we said it again when we acquired Richards. I know many of the real cynical fans, and even some more moderate ones can't help but think, even fleetingly....., here we go again.
Within a four season stretch, the Rangers (ideally speaking) have now acquired their top three scorers. Marian Gaborik was the first. During Marian Gaborik's '07-'08 season with Minnesota, he scored forty two goals. The following season, injury limited him to seventeen games and thirteen goals. He returned healthy for the '09-'10 season, but only he now played for the Rangers. In his first season wearing a Blueshirt, he matched his career high set two seasons ago, by scoring forty two goals. The next season, he managed sixty two games played, but only scored twenty two goals. There was much speculation as to whether he played the season injured. At the end of the season, he admitted he did. Last year, Marian Gaborik "the sniper" returned. For the third time in the last five alternating seasons, he topped (41) the forty goal mark. He did in fact play through injury again through last season's playoffs. Marian Gaborik is now coming off shoulder surgery, but appears quite ready to get going. But which Marian Gaborik will the Rangers be getting? The forty goal scorer, or, the alternating stinker scheduled to appear this year? In local terms, he is like the Howard Johnson of hockey.
Mike.BTB
Thursday, May 24, 2012
N.Y. Rangers ~ MSG Empties Out In Silence
From the desk of: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS & THE BRICK CITY DEMONS
Madison Square Garden engineers better check for cracks in the foundation before they let anyone back in for a possible Game Seven. After Wednesday night, the place may not be safe to re-enter. Your Broadway Blueshirts were a smash.
The Call of the Garden Wild shook the walls of MSG like the renovation of the World's Most Famous Arena hasn't. You could hear them from 33rd Street all the way to Trenton. Maaaa-aaarty! ...they screamed.
This was the third period. MSG was bedlam. To start, everyone was just mad. The Devils jumped out to a near instant three goal lead in the first period. Everything after that was nothing short of a classic.
The Rangers came all the way back from being down 3-0 midway through the first period. Their Captain almost willed them back by himself. Marian Gaborik tied the game at three as the third period commenced.
Then the Devils took a deep breath, resettled themselves, and took aim at the Rangers again. At one point, Brad Richards mistakenly took a most remarkable shot at his own goalie, but it drew a needed whistle. The Rangers really needed one at that point. But not like that.
The Devils were surging-on with fury ever since the Rangers scored goal number three. Then Ryan Carter, the guy who the Rangers like to beat-up any chance they get, and the man Carl Hagelin failed to cover for this one shift, beat the Rangers. He scored the game winning goal with just over four minutes to go. The Devils would score a fifth goal on an empty net. And Madison Square Garden emptied in silence.
Unlike the more experienced Devils, the Rangers; through five games only; are proving they are too young to know how to finish. In that regard, Brandon Dubinsky would have helped imeasurably over the previous four games. Now the young Blueshirts are forced to be stupid enough to win two in a row.
More later.
Mike.BTB
BATTLE OF THE HUDSON
CHILLER THEATER!
GAME FIVE ~ FINAL
DEVILS 5
RANGERS 3
Madison Square Garden engineers better check for cracks in the foundation before they let anyone back in for a possible Game Seven. After Wednesday night, the place may not be safe to re-enter. Your Broadway Blueshirts were a smash.
The Call of the Garden Wild shook the walls of MSG like the renovation of the World's Most Famous Arena hasn't. You could hear them from 33rd Street all the way to Trenton. Maaaa-aaarty! ...they screamed.
This was the third period. MSG was bedlam. To start, everyone was just mad. The Devils jumped out to a near instant three goal lead in the first period. Everything after that was nothing short of a classic.
The Rangers came all the way back from being down 3-0 midway through the first period. Their Captain almost willed them back by himself. Marian Gaborik tied the game at three as the third period commenced.
The Devils were surging-on with fury ever since the Rangers scored goal number three. Then Ryan Carter, the guy who the Rangers like to beat-up any chance they get, and the man Carl Hagelin failed to cover for this one shift, beat the Rangers. He scored the game winning goal with just over four minutes to go. The Devils would score a fifth goal on an empty net. And Madison Square Garden emptied in silence.
Unlike the more experienced Devils, the Rangers; through five games only; are proving they are too young to know how to finish. In that regard, Brandon Dubinsky would have helped imeasurably over the previous four games. Now the young Blueshirts are forced to be stupid enough to win two in a row.
More later.
Mike.BTB
Saturday, May 19, 2012
N.Y. Rangers ~ Coach Torts Versus the Media
From the desks of: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS
If you're going to take a stance with your player in a short playoff series, you do it early, like in Game Two, so hopefully the situation is corrected as the series presses on. Otherwise, there is no relax mode with Torts, and sometimes Gaborik needs some inspiration, or reinforcement - your choice. But that's just the kind of thing Coach Torts doesn't want to broach with them - the Media. For the talkies in particular, Game Two was just one game in time, and fodder to fill their slot. For Torts and Gaborik, this is part of a relationship coaches have with their various players.
Players respect the heat Tortorella generates. Coach ripped Derek Stepan while he was on the ice and sat Gaborik on the bench. So what's the difference? That's in-game stuff. Different players respond to different stimulus. And Coach knows them all. But he's not about to share with the Media. He is not going to throw players under a bus, criticize his players, or their play, to the Media. He is not going to be second-guessed either, because again, that ultimately leads to throwing players under the freakin' bus. It's all tied in. Coach, like he demands of his players, leaves all that on the ice, and inside the locker room. The brilliant part is, Coach is pulling it off, and being allowed to do so.
My advice to reporters is to observe and report what you see. If you notice a trend in behavior or play, or lack there of, call it like you see it. You're probably on to something. Just don't expect to hear anything from Torts. Those who've covered the Rangers all season know this. Their familiarity with the team, still allows them to write fine quality articles in spite of Tortorella. For those who depend on Coach's sound bites for their content, or need Coach to inspire an article through something he says, tough break. Pay your dues, and learn your craft.
Whether you like them or loathed them, guys like the late Dick Young, Dave Anderson, Mike Lupica, and particular to this situation, Larry Brooks, do not need to ask questions in order to get their thoughts across, or interpret what they see. Larry Brooks and John Tortorella have long antagonized each other and clashed famously over the years. But even then, Larry Brooks doesn't need Torts to confirm anything for him; key word being confirm. Everything Larry Brooks needs gets recorded slowly, precisely, methodically, with near monk-like meticulousness, into a spiral notebook.
In defense of the Media however, compared to the regular season, Coach Torts acts like the playoffs are reason to elevate to Def Con-Three. I truly feel bad for Stan Fischler though. He deserved better. But that was the second time in two series Coach was questioned about taking a time out, when it was clearly evident to all, Coach had a tired team committed to the ice with no chance for a line change. But c'mon, Stan knew the answer before he even asked. Stan has been around the game too long for a question like that.
Unfortunately for the Media, Brendan Shanahan can't do anything about Coach Torts' behavior. Commissioner Bettman doesn't seem bothered for that matter either. You know what they say, even bad publicity is good publicity. And Coach has been making for very intense conversation. Just not by me, and most Rangers Fans, who already know how to form our own opinions. Well, most of us anyway. Either way, if Las Vegas would put odds as to who wins the battle between Torts and the Media, my money is on Coach.
Before moving on, I ask you to think back - think back to Sean Avery. Before Coach Torts even came to New York, he openly expressed disdain for the volatile forward. But once both wound up on the Rangers, Coach avoided criticising Avery to the Media at all costs. Coach just continued to do what he thought needed to be done without trying to share his reasons. Back then, I was against Torts' Avery Policy. But always believed in the Coach more.
BATTLE OF THE HUDSON
NHL EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
Coach Torts vs. The Media
This is a Sucker's Bet!
This is a Sucker's Bet!
After Game One, most had the Rangers winning this series in five games. After Game Two, everyone said the Rangers wouldn't keep up with New Jersey's scoring. And after an unexplained late benching of Marian Gaborik, they went back to bashing John Tortorella again. How fickle.
The fact of the matter is, Coach Torts has treated Marian Gaborik like this all season. Coach Torts has made Marian Gaborik disappear in third periods many times over the last TWO seasons. When he gets lazy, avoids the corners, and settles for stick work instead of taking the body, Coach crashes down on him hard. Forget about what lapses in defense, mental or otherwise, do to Torts. Those types of infractions are inexcusable. For this time, Gaborik was guilty of poor judgement in the defensive zone. But this is the way Marian Gaborik chose to be treated. Upon going dull, Coach has always had to sharpen Gaborik's edges a little. With stern kicks in the posterior, Gabby usually responds very well.
The fact of the matter is, Coach Torts has treated Marian Gaborik like this all season. Coach Torts has made Marian Gaborik disappear in third periods many times over the last TWO seasons. When he gets lazy, avoids the corners, and settles for stick work instead of taking the body, Coach crashes down on him hard. Forget about what lapses in defense, mental or otherwise, do to Torts. Those types of infractions are inexcusable. For this time, Gaborik was guilty of poor judgement in the defensive zone. But this is the way Marian Gaborik chose to be treated. Upon going dull, Coach has always had to sharpen Gaborik's edges a little. With stern kicks in the posterior, Gabby usually responds very well.
If you're going to take a stance with your player in a short playoff series, you do it early, like in Game Two, so hopefully the situation is corrected as the series presses on. Otherwise, there is no relax mode with Torts, and sometimes Gaborik needs some inspiration, or reinforcement - your choice. But that's just the kind of thing Coach Torts doesn't want to broach with them - the Media. For the talkies in particular, Game Two was just one game in time, and fodder to fill their slot. For Torts and Gaborik, this is part of a relationship coaches have with their various players.
Players respect the heat Tortorella generates. Coach ripped Derek Stepan while he was on the ice and sat Gaborik on the bench. So what's the difference? That's in-game stuff. Different players respond to different stimulus. And Coach knows them all. But he's not about to share with the Media. He is not going to throw players under a bus, criticize his players, or their play, to the Media. He is not going to be second-guessed either, because again, that ultimately leads to throwing players under the freakin' bus. It's all tied in. Coach, like he demands of his players, leaves all that on the ice, and inside the locker room. The brilliant part is, Coach is pulling it off, and being allowed to do so.
My advice to reporters is to observe and report what you see. If you notice a trend in behavior or play, or lack there of, call it like you see it. You're probably on to something. Just don't expect to hear anything from Torts. Those who've covered the Rangers all season know this. Their familiarity with the team, still allows them to write fine quality articles in spite of Tortorella. For those who depend on Coach's sound bites for their content, or need Coach to inspire an article through something he says, tough break. Pay your dues, and learn your craft.
Whether you like them or loathed them, guys like the late Dick Young, Dave Anderson, Mike Lupica, and particular to this situation, Larry Brooks, do not need to ask questions in order to get their thoughts across, or interpret what they see. Larry Brooks and John Tortorella have long antagonized each other and clashed famously over the years. But even then, Larry Brooks doesn't need Torts to confirm anything for him; key word being confirm. Everything Larry Brooks needs gets recorded slowly, precisely, methodically, with near monk-like meticulousness, into a spiral notebook.
In defense of the Media however, compared to the regular season, Coach Torts acts like the playoffs are reason to elevate to Def Con-Three. I truly feel bad for Stan Fischler though. He deserved better. But that was the second time in two series Coach was questioned about taking a time out, when it was clearly evident to all, Coach had a tired team committed to the ice with no chance for a line change. But c'mon, Stan knew the answer before he even asked. Stan has been around the game too long for a question like that.
Unfortunately for the Media, Brendan Shanahan can't do anything about Coach Torts' behavior. Commissioner Bettman doesn't seem bothered for that matter either. You know what they say, even bad publicity is good publicity. And Coach has been making for very intense conversation. Just not by me, and most Rangers Fans, who already know how to form our own opinions. Well, most of us anyway. Either way, if Las Vegas would put odds as to who wins the battle between Torts and the Media, my money is on Coach.
Before moving on, I ask you to think back - think back to Sean Avery. Before Coach Torts even came to New York, he openly expressed disdain for the volatile forward. But once both wound up on the Rangers, Coach avoided criticising Avery to the Media at all costs. Coach just continued to do what he thought needed to be done without trying to share his reasons. Back then, I was against Torts' Avery Policy. But always believed in the Coach more.
Mike.BTB
Thursday, May 17, 2012
NYR vs. NJD ~ Devils Pounce on Blueshirts in Game Two
From the desks of: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS and THE BRICK CITY DEMONS
During warm ups, I told my son to keep his eye on Dave Clarkson at all times, and on Adam Henrique when the Devils had the puck. Then with the score tied at two heading into the third period, the person to my left asked me what I thought. I told her - I didn't know, and what bothered me was Dave Clarkson and Patrick Elias haven't really shown up for the Devils yet. I was saying that about them last round also.
Then sure enough, at 2:31 of the third period, there were Adam Henrique and David Clarkson putting the Devils ahead 3-2, which would turn out to be for good. If Dave Clarkson plays the rest of the series like he played in Game Two, the Rangers will have a big problem on their hands.
The Rangers have enough problems already. For the second consecutive game, the Devils were better along the boards, crisper with their passes, and possessed the puck and played in the offensive zone a lot more than the Blueshirts did. Only this time, that all translated into a win for New Jersey, as they took a game outright from the Rangers.
Their top scorer, Ilya Kovalchuk, is scoring, a bouncy puck laid flat when New Jersey possessed the puck, and New Jersey now has Kung-Fu Marty between the pipes. Martin Brodeur had himself a game of the ages; making a series of ridiculous saves. On one save in particular, laid out on his belly, and made a back-kick save with the heel of his skate. That's the kind of night it was for the Rangers.
Martin Brodeur faced twenty-five shots and made twenty-three saves. His Devils mates took care of the rest. And I'm sure Coach Torts is not all too pleased about it. Expect Stu Bickel to wake up tomorrow morning in the dog house. He had a terrible game. Many more would find themselves there as well, but the League mandates teams dress a certain number of players. The Devils made Marian Gaborik and Brad Richard disappear as well. While on the other side, someone clearly blew a defensive assignment on Ilya Kovalchuck's goal, who was left all alone in the left circle to fire upon Henrik. If I wore a Blueshirt for a living, I'd be expecting one of the hardest practices ever tomorrow.
The Rangers lost the face-off battle because the Stripes kept kicking out Blueshirts. And so the Rangers were repeatedly forced to go with their second face-off man. But the fact is, New Jersey is winning even strength play by a wide margin right now. They have been matriculating the puck much more quickly than the Rangers have. The Blueshirts are stick-handling in an most unnecessary manner, instead of just putting shots on net. They hold, and allow the Devils to get position. On the other side, the Devils receive passes and move the puck very quickly.
What we have now, is a series. The teams will convene again for Game Three at The Rock in Newark this Saturday.
EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
BATTLE OF THE HUDSON
GAME TWO FINAL:
N.J. Devils 3
N.Y. Rangers 2
SERIES TIED 1-1
I - NYR 3; NJD 0
II - NJD 3; NYR 2
III - Saturday @ NJ
Kung-Fu Marty Back-Kicks Rangers
During warm ups, I told my son to keep his eye on Dave Clarkson at all times, and on Adam Henrique when the Devils had the puck. Then with the score tied at two heading into the third period, the person to my left asked me what I thought. I told her - I didn't know, and what bothered me was Dave Clarkson and Patrick Elias haven't really shown up for the Devils yet. I was saying that about them last round also.Then sure enough, at 2:31 of the third period, there were Adam Henrique and David Clarkson putting the Devils ahead 3-2, which would turn out to be for good. If Dave Clarkson plays the rest of the series like he played in Game Two, the Rangers will have a big problem on their hands.
The Rangers have enough problems already. For the second consecutive game, the Devils were better along the boards, crisper with their passes, and possessed the puck and played in the offensive zone a lot more than the Blueshirts did. Only this time, that all translated into a win for New Jersey, as they took a game outright from the Rangers.
Their top scorer, Ilya Kovalchuk, is scoring, a bouncy puck laid flat when New Jersey possessed the puck, and New Jersey now has Kung-Fu Marty between the pipes. Martin Brodeur had himself a game of the ages; making a series of ridiculous saves. On one save in particular, laid out on his belly, and made a back-kick save with the heel of his skate. That's the kind of night it was for the Rangers.
Martin Brodeur faced twenty-five shots and made twenty-three saves. His Devils mates took care of the rest. And I'm sure Coach Torts is not all too pleased about it. Expect Stu Bickel to wake up tomorrow morning in the dog house. He had a terrible game. Many more would find themselves there as well, but the League mandates teams dress a certain number of players. The Devils made Marian Gaborik and Brad Richard disappear as well. While on the other side, someone clearly blew a defensive assignment on Ilya Kovalchuck's goal, who was left all alone in the left circle to fire upon Henrik. If I wore a Blueshirt for a living, I'd be expecting one of the hardest practices ever tomorrow.
The Rangers lost the face-off battle because the Stripes kept kicking out Blueshirts. And so the Rangers were repeatedly forced to go with their second face-off man. But the fact is, New Jersey is winning even strength play by a wide margin right now. They have been matriculating the puck much more quickly than the Rangers have. The Blueshirts are stick-handling in an most unnecessary manner, instead of just putting shots on net. They hold, and allow the Devils to get position. On the other side, the Devils receive passes and move the puck very quickly.
What we have now, is a series. The teams will convene again for Game Three at The Rock in Newark this Saturday.
Mike.BTB
Thursday, May 10, 2012
N.Y. Rangers ~ Game Six Filibuster in Washington
From the desk of: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS
It is what it is. Like I said in my last post - He who scores on the power play, wins. On Alex Ovechkin's power play goal at just 1:28 of the first period, the Russian sniper simply meandered into the slot when two Ranger defenders inexplicably vacated the space. Ovechkin was left wide open for a one-timer and the eventual game winner. I know Coach Torts is going to freak in the film room over that one. Meanwhile, the Rangers had a four minute opportunity and came up empty. On the night, they were 0 for 5 with the man advantage. The rest of the game is all about hockey drills and fundamentals. Simple.
The Capitals have won three games by a decisive power play goal. If not for the Rangers scoring with seven seconds left in Game Five, it could have been four. It IS simple as that. There's much to pick-on about Game Six for sure. But the bottom line is, Washington has scored three game winning power play goals. I'll say it again and again. They only have four PP goals all series. Almost everyone has mattered.
The Rangers pretty much got shut-out by Braden Holtby in a 2-1 Game Six in Washington. The Rangers took thirty one shots on goal. Holtby stopped all but one shot inside the final minute of regulation. Henrik Lundqvist made twenty twenty-one saves. ...all academic - It's now back to Seventh Avenue for the Rangers' second consecutive Game Seven at the Garden in these playoffs.
And so, a second call to arms is in order - the King's Horsemen must come through. All of them.
Brian Boyle must reestablish his presence. Ruslan Fedotenko and his experience must find a way to contribute again as well. Artem Anisimov needs to stop being so up and down. Chris Kreider and Carl Hagelin need to turn their speed into a weapon again. Include Derek Stepan, and here in lies a group of players the team can really use a goal from. In Game Seven against Ottawa, those winning goals came from our defensemen; Girardi and Staal. That's risky business heading into Saturday night. The Rangers preferably need to score a little more conventionally with their forwards this time around.
Brad Richards has pretty much carried the Rangers through the playoffs to this point. There can be no issue with him, even should he not factor this Saturday - much. But it is incumbent upon Marian Gaborik, of course, and our Captain, Ryan Callahan, to help deliver the Rangers into the next round in some way shape or manner.
I just can't see hanging this on Henrik Lundqvist, although, yes, everything hinges on him. Jason Chimera drifting into the crease unmolested and left to clean up a rebound is Henrik's fault? That was goal number two in a virtual white-wash, but that needed to be asked. Speaking of Jason Chimera, the man was a beast all night, up and down the ice.
It is incumbent upon the forwards of this team to stop making Braden Holtby look like Tony Esposito, Ken Dryden, and Patrick Roy all rolled into one.
That's my first pass. More to come.
Mike.BTB
GAME SIX FINAL
Rangers 1
Capitals 2
Score Corrected from 2-0 final on 5/10/12 9:43 a.m.
Just goes to show I didn't watch the last minute of play and tuned out!
SERIES TIED 3-3
NEW YORK RANGERS: The Blueshirts Will Either Wilt
or Shine Under the Bright Lights Off-Broadway.
Game Seven ~ Saturday Night
WASHINGTON CAPITALS SCORE THEIR THIRD GAME-WINNING POWER PLAY GOAL!
It is what it is. Like I said in my last post - He who scores on the power play, wins. On Alex Ovechkin's power play goal at just 1:28 of the first period, the Russian sniper simply meandered into the slot when two Ranger defenders inexplicably vacated the space. Ovechkin was left wide open for a one-timer and the eventual game winner. I know Coach Torts is going to freak in the film room over that one. Meanwhile, the Rangers had a four minute opportunity and came up empty. On the night, they were 0 for 5 with the man advantage. The rest of the game is all about hockey drills and fundamentals. Simple.
The Capitals have won three games by a decisive power play goal. If not for the Rangers scoring with seven seconds left in Game Five, it could have been four. It IS simple as that. There's much to pick-on about Game Six for sure. But the bottom line is, Washington has scored three game winning power play goals. I'll say it again and again. They only have four PP goals all series. Almost everyone has mattered.
The Rangers pretty much got shut-out by Braden Holtby in a 2-1 Game Six in Washington. The Rangers took thirty one shots on goal. Holtby stopped all but one shot inside the final minute of regulation. Henrik Lundqvist made twenty twenty-one saves. ...all academic - It's now back to Seventh Avenue for the Rangers' second consecutive Game Seven at the Garden in these playoffs.
And so, a second call to arms is in order - the King's Horsemen must come through. All of them.
Brian Boyle must reestablish his presence. Ruslan Fedotenko and his experience must find a way to contribute again as well. Artem Anisimov needs to stop being so up and down. Chris Kreider and Carl Hagelin need to turn their speed into a weapon again. Include Derek Stepan, and here in lies a group of players the team can really use a goal from. In Game Seven against Ottawa, those winning goals came from our defensemen; Girardi and Staal. That's risky business heading into Saturday night. The Rangers preferably need to score a little more conventionally with their forwards this time around.
Brad Richards has pretty much carried the Rangers through the playoffs to this point. There can be no issue with him, even should he not factor this Saturday - much. But it is incumbent upon Marian Gaborik, of course, and our Captain, Ryan Callahan, to help deliver the Rangers into the next round in some way shape or manner.
I just can't see hanging this on Henrik Lundqvist, although, yes, everything hinges on him. Jason Chimera drifting into the crease unmolested and left to clean up a rebound is Henrik's fault? That was goal number two in a virtual white-wash, but that needed to be asked. Speaking of Jason Chimera, the man was a beast all night, up and down the ice.
It is incumbent upon the forwards of this team to stop making Braden Holtby look like Tony Esposito, Ken Dryden, and Patrick Roy all rolled into one.
That's my first pass. More to come.
Mike.BTB
Thursday, May 03, 2012
N.Y. Rangers ~ One Hundred Fourteen Minutes Closer to Glory
From the desk of: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS
NEW YORK RANGERS: Blueshirts Take 2-1 Series Lead in Historic Fashion.
They started on May 2nd, and finished on May 3rd. At 12:14 a.m., after four hours and forty-four minutes in real time, silence fell upon the Verizon Center. Henrik Lundqvist, Marian Gaborik, and the New York Rangers put the greater Washington D.C. area to bed and turned out the lights on Game Three.
The Blueshirts have become masters of the bounce-back game. The Rangers will not stay down. The softest team Joe Thornton ever played just outlasted their second round opponent after five plus periods of furious playoff hockey. Coach Torts believed the longer the game went, the more it favored his boys. This is the Rangers. This is how they do things now. The Smurfs are dead. And by the way, so are the San Jose Sharks.
Outside of new players like Carl Hagelin, and Chris Kreider, this team has steadily moved forward this season with the speed and power of a glacier. Glaciers just push forward. There's nothing fancy about their progress. But to see one, and the paths they carve, is majesty in the making.
But for all the commitment to this style of play; for all their hard work keeping the puck deep and fighting along the boards; you still need someone in the slot, or crease, to score.
Sometimes the Rangers over-commit to their style. You know what I mean - Watching three forwards fight for, and stick handle the puck behind the net, with no real attempts to get in front, then whacking the puck back into the boards for no apparent reason. That's called being hard-wired. There are times I ask - What's the end game guys? And admit it, during the season, you've asked the same thing. On so many occasions, the most frustrating aspect of this style; at least in the Rangers' case was - Where's the guy in the slot?
But again, this is Rangers Hockey, and it has worked to bring us this far.
The pass from behind the net to someone streaking, or camped in the slot is one of the most effective offensive plays in Hockey. It gets defensive heads spinning and bodies going in different directions. The Rangers did less streaking, and more camping Wednesday night. Look at Ryan Callahan's goal. Look at Gaborik's goal. They came from the slot, or the crease, or from in front, or which ever your preference.
This isn't rehashing... Sean Avery was great at digging out pucks behind the net and looking to make that particular pass. Playing behind the net the way the Blueshirts do is admirable. So admirable in fact, Washington is copying the style. But regarding us, what's not to love about this team? It's just that over playing the boards sometimes leaves us without a quality shot. I understand we need to possess the puck first. But there are no shooting angles behind the net. At some point, someone has to possess and pass, while someone crashes the crease. And in order to do that, you have to be moving without the puck.
In Game Three, the Rangers finally decided to claim the ice in front of Braden Holtby as their own. It worked. It took a while. But Ryan Callahan and Marian Gaborik made it work. Sure Washington hit a couple of posts. But a potential Rangers' goal was thwarted when it hit Mike Rupp's posterior as well. So, breaks are breaks, and both teams had their share.
After 114 minutes of playoff Hockey, games like this are only fun, and glorious, if you win. And so, the Rangers have corrected a disappointing Game Two letdown in historic fashion.
On the road? Triple over time? Forty-nine Washington Capital shots on goal? The only person who needed that goal more than Marian Gaborik was Henrik Lundqvist. The King was a goalie possessed. From the time he allowed John Carlson's goal midway through the second period until 14:41 of the third overtime period, our liege was insanely great. All Hail the King!
Let's Go Rangers!
Mike.BTB
NEW YORK RANGERS: Blueshirts Take 2-1 Series Lead in Historic Fashion.
They started on May 2nd, and finished on May 3rd. At 12:14 a.m., after four hours and forty-four minutes in real time, silence fell upon the Verizon Center. Henrik Lundqvist, Marian Gaborik, and the New York Rangers put the greater Washington D.C. area to bed and turned out the lights on Game Three.
The Blueshirts have become masters of the bounce-back game. The Rangers will not stay down. The softest team Joe Thornton ever played just outlasted their second round opponent after five plus periods of furious playoff hockey. Coach Torts believed the longer the game went, the more it favored his boys. This is the Rangers. This is how they do things now. The Smurfs are dead. And by the way, so are the San Jose Sharks.
Outside of new players like Carl Hagelin, and Chris Kreider, this team has steadily moved forward this season with the speed and power of a glacier. Glaciers just push forward. There's nothing fancy about their progress. But to see one, and the paths they carve, is majesty in the making.
But for all the commitment to this style of play; for all their hard work keeping the puck deep and fighting along the boards; you still need someone in the slot, or crease, to score.
Sometimes the Rangers over-commit to their style. You know what I mean - Watching three forwards fight for, and stick handle the puck behind the net, with no real attempts to get in front, then whacking the puck back into the boards for no apparent reason. That's called being hard-wired. There are times I ask - What's the end game guys? And admit it, during the season, you've asked the same thing. On so many occasions, the most frustrating aspect of this style; at least in the Rangers' case was - Where's the guy in the slot?
But again, this is Rangers Hockey, and it has worked to bring us this far.
The pass from behind the net to someone streaking, or camped in the slot is one of the most effective offensive plays in Hockey. It gets defensive heads spinning and bodies going in different directions. The Rangers did less streaking, and more camping Wednesday night. Look at Ryan Callahan's goal. Look at Gaborik's goal. They came from the slot, or the crease, or from in front, or which ever your preference.
This isn't rehashing... Sean Avery was great at digging out pucks behind the net and looking to make that particular pass. Playing behind the net the way the Blueshirts do is admirable. So admirable in fact, Washington is copying the style. But regarding us, what's not to love about this team? It's just that over playing the boards sometimes leaves us without a quality shot. I understand we need to possess the puck first. But there are no shooting angles behind the net. At some point, someone has to possess and pass, while someone crashes the crease. And in order to do that, you have to be moving without the puck.
In Game Three, the Rangers finally decided to claim the ice in front of Braden Holtby as their own. It worked. It took a while. But Ryan Callahan and Marian Gaborik made it work. Sure Washington hit a couple of posts. But a potential Rangers' goal was thwarted when it hit Mike Rupp's posterior as well. So, breaks are breaks, and both teams had their share.After 114 minutes of playoff Hockey, games like this are only fun, and glorious, if you win. And so, the Rangers have corrected a disappointing Game Two letdown in historic fashion.
On the road? Triple over time? Forty-nine Washington Capital shots on goal? The only person who needed that goal more than Marian Gaborik was Henrik Lundqvist. The King was a goalie possessed. From the time he allowed John Carlson's goal midway through the second period until 14:41 of the third overtime period, our liege was insanely great. All Hail the King!
Let's Go Rangers!
Mike.BTB
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
N.Y. Rangers ~ War of 2012; The Blueshirts Are Coming
From the desk of: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS
NEW YORK RANGERS: Series Tied By Our Own Devise...
* Brad Richards Playing Big Time Hockey.
* Blueshirts Miss Brandon Dubinsky.
* Rangers Defensemen Getting Offensive.
* Where's Marian Gaborik?
...That's what I say. I'll take the effort of either Game One or Two, and take my chances in Game Three again. The opportunities have been there. The intensity has largely been there too. This is just evenly matched hockey. Otherwise, there was the usual assortment of hit crossbars, missed chances, and questionable whistles. Ask Brad Richards about that last one.
So let's see if I understand this right. Coach Boudreau tried converting his team, and preached defense to the Washington Capitals. Ovechkin pouted and resisted. Boudreau got fired as a result. Dale Hunter got named Head Coach of the Capitals. He came in preaching defense like Boudreau tried. Only this time, because Dale Hunter was himself a supreme agitator when he played, he has turned out to be the alpha-coach which Ovechkin couldn't ignore like he did with Boudreau. So Alex Ovechkin had to fall in line and be part of a system now. Am I right so far? This is the part I don't understand. This is news? Now? Sorry. I just can't stand frauds during Hockey playoffs. I digress.
Of course Dale Hunter has no problems keeping Ovechkin off the ice for defense sake. We've seen that since Hunter took over. Like I said, Dale Hunter isn't the kind of guy you want to have a confrontation with - at least not back in the day you didn't. So Ovechkin buys in now. The Captitals' tasmanian-devil sat out for huge portions of the first forty-minutes. Then in the third period, he was finally unleashed and scored the go ahead goal off a power play of what was a 2-2 contest. His goal was vintage Ovechkin. But with lead in hand, Coach Hunter took Alex off the ice again.
That's how Game Two ends. Washington steals one on the road.
There's something to be learned about the third period of Game Two. Brandon Dubinsky matters folks. The Rangers game takes a distinctive down-tick whenever he misses games. Remember back no further than Game Two against Ottawa. Brandon Dubinsky could have influenced the third period of that game and factored in causing a very different outcome with his defense, face-offs, fore-checking, his willingness to throw his body, and digging in corners. Brian Boyle might have made it back. But the Rangers need Dubby back also as winning face-offs become more paramount the deeper this run goes.
So what now? For starters, we can stop scoring goals on our own net. After watching Del Zotto do it twice recently this season, it sickens me to see Blueshirts put pucks past Henrik. This time the King helped author his own folly. The Rangers gave the Washington Capitals a goal when Henrik turned over a puck and Ryan McDonagh inadvertently kicked it over the goal line. That came as the Capitals were building a 2-0 first period lead in Game Two.
But the Blueshirts clawed back to tie. Gaborik and Del Zotto set up Brad Richards on a fine goal to cut Washington's lead in half before time expired on the first period. Then seven minutes into the third period, the Rangers created a little chaos in front of Washington's Braden Holtby while on a power play. Ryan Callahan then cashed-in to finally tie the Rangers at two apiece.
Brad Richards got whistled for holding 12:29 into the third period. Then at the 12:33 mark, Ovechkin happened on Washington's power play. That's the way the game stayed. We clanked one off the cross bar in the final minute though.
Moving forward means looking back. Marian Gaborik hasn't been the same since Carl Hagelin was taken off the first line due to his three game suspension after Game Two of the quarter finals. Chris Kreider was given that slot and has played not surprising, but exceptionally well. He scored the Rangers go ahead goal at 7:00 of the third period of Game One's Ranger win - which is to say his was a big goal in a big moment. It was the kid's second goal of the playoffs.
So now, does Coach Torts put Carl Hagelin's speed and familiarity back on the top line to help out Marian Gaborik? Or, does Coach leave Chris Kreider where he is to help out..., Chris Kreider? For now, while Alex Ovechkin remains on a leash, the disappearance of Marian Gaborik kind of coincides. Yes, Ovechkin scored Monday. But for the moment, both Gaborik's and Ovechkin's individual situations cancel each other out. If Gabby can just get uncorked, it sure would make the Rangers' world a lot better place to be.
In the mean time, let the record show, Brad Richards has shown up for the playoffs. Richards leads the top line, and leads the Rangers with four playoff goals. He scored in each of the first two games this series. His late goal sealed the deal in Game One to make it a 3-1 final.
The offensive play of our defensemen should not go under spoken either. Remember how Staal and Girardi scored goals together in a game. Without Gaborik scoring, we'll need more of that. Ryan McDonagh led the Rangers with four shots on goal in Game One. In Game Two, Michael del Zotto came in second behind Richards with four shots on net.
Over two games, Henrik Lundqvist has faced forty-three shots and has stopped thirty-nine. The Rangers have taken forty-two shots against Braden Holtby. The Flyers goalie has made thirty-seven saves. On the power play, neither team sports an advantage. Both teams went scoreless in four opportunities in Game One. In Game Two, they both scored once in three chances.
After splitting the first two games of this series at The Garden, the Rangers better make it their business to win at least one of the next two in Washington. Lest here they go again.
Let's Go Rangers!
NEW YORK RANGERS: Series Tied By Our Own Devise...
* Brad Richards Playing Big Time Hockey.
* Blueshirts Miss Brandon Dubinsky.
* Rangers Defensemen Getting Offensive.
* Where's Marian Gaborik?
...That's what I say. I'll take the effort of either Game One or Two, and take my chances in Game Three again. The opportunities have been there. The intensity has largely been there too. This is just evenly matched hockey. Otherwise, there was the usual assortment of hit crossbars, missed chances, and questionable whistles. Ask Brad Richards about that last one.
So let's see if I understand this right. Coach Boudreau tried converting his team, and preached defense to the Washington Capitals. Ovechkin pouted and resisted. Boudreau got fired as a result. Dale Hunter got named Head Coach of the Capitals. He came in preaching defense like Boudreau tried. Only this time, because Dale Hunter was himself a supreme agitator when he played, he has turned out to be the alpha-coach which Ovechkin couldn't ignore like he did with Boudreau. So Alex Ovechkin had to fall in line and be part of a system now. Am I right so far? This is the part I don't understand. This is news? Now? Sorry. I just can't stand frauds during Hockey playoffs. I digress.
Of course Dale Hunter has no problems keeping Ovechkin off the ice for defense sake. We've seen that since Hunter took over. Like I said, Dale Hunter isn't the kind of guy you want to have a confrontation with - at least not back in the day you didn't. So Ovechkin buys in now. The Captitals' tasmanian-devil sat out for huge portions of the first forty-minutes. Then in the third period, he was finally unleashed and scored the go ahead goal off a power play of what was a 2-2 contest. His goal was vintage Ovechkin. But with lead in hand, Coach Hunter took Alex off the ice again.
That's how Game Two ends. Washington steals one on the road.
There's something to be learned about the third period of Game Two. Brandon Dubinsky matters folks. The Rangers game takes a distinctive down-tick whenever he misses games. Remember back no further than Game Two against Ottawa. Brandon Dubinsky could have influenced the third period of that game and factored in causing a very different outcome with his defense, face-offs, fore-checking, his willingness to throw his body, and digging in corners. Brian Boyle might have made it back. But the Rangers need Dubby back also as winning face-offs become more paramount the deeper this run goes.
So what now? For starters, we can stop scoring goals on our own net. After watching Del Zotto do it twice recently this season, it sickens me to see Blueshirts put pucks past Henrik. This time the King helped author his own folly. The Rangers gave the Washington Capitals a goal when Henrik turned over a puck and Ryan McDonagh inadvertently kicked it over the goal line. That came as the Capitals were building a 2-0 first period lead in Game Two.
But the Blueshirts clawed back to tie. Gaborik and Del Zotto set up Brad Richards on a fine goal to cut Washington's lead in half before time expired on the first period. Then seven minutes into the third period, the Rangers created a little chaos in front of Washington's Braden Holtby while on a power play. Ryan Callahan then cashed-in to finally tie the Rangers at two apiece.
Brad Richards got whistled for holding 12:29 into the third period. Then at the 12:33 mark, Ovechkin happened on Washington's power play. That's the way the game stayed. We clanked one off the cross bar in the final minute though.
Moving forward means looking back. Marian Gaborik hasn't been the same since Carl Hagelin was taken off the first line due to his three game suspension after Game Two of the quarter finals. Chris Kreider was given that slot and has played not surprising, but exceptionally well. He scored the Rangers go ahead goal at 7:00 of the third period of Game One's Ranger win - which is to say his was a big goal in a big moment. It was the kid's second goal of the playoffs.
So now, does Coach Torts put Carl Hagelin's speed and familiarity back on the top line to help out Marian Gaborik? Or, does Coach leave Chris Kreider where he is to help out..., Chris Kreider? For now, while Alex Ovechkin remains on a leash, the disappearance of Marian Gaborik kind of coincides. Yes, Ovechkin scored Monday. But for the moment, both Gaborik's and Ovechkin's individual situations cancel each other out. If Gabby can just get uncorked, it sure would make the Rangers' world a lot better place to be.
In the mean time, let the record show, Brad Richards has shown up for the playoffs. Richards leads the top line, and leads the Rangers with four playoff goals. He scored in each of the first two games this series. His late goal sealed the deal in Game One to make it a 3-1 final.
The offensive play of our defensemen should not go under spoken either. Remember how Staal and Girardi scored goals together in a game. Without Gaborik scoring, we'll need more of that. Ryan McDonagh led the Rangers with four shots on goal in Game One. In Game Two, Michael del Zotto came in second behind Richards with four shots on net.
Over two games, Henrik Lundqvist has faced forty-three shots and has stopped thirty-nine. The Rangers have taken forty-two shots against Braden Holtby. The Flyers goalie has made thirty-seven saves. On the power play, neither team sports an advantage. Both teams went scoreless in four opportunities in Game One. In Game Two, they both scored once in three chances.
After splitting the first two games of this series at The Garden, the Rangers better make it their business to win at least one of the next two in Washington. Lest here they go again.
Let's Go Rangers!
TONIGHT
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE ~ STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS
Game Three
NEW YORK RANGERS
vs.
Washington Capitals
From,
The Old Cap Center
Where Ever, USA
SERIES TIED 1-1
I - NYR 3; WASH 1
II - WASH 3; NYR 2
Mike.BTB
Thursday, April 26, 2012
N.Y. Rangers ~ GAME SEVEN TONIGHT
From the desk of: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS
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NEW YORK RANGERS: In Game Six, the Blueshirts Showed Their Way Still Works Just Fine.
Thank you Brandon Prust. Someone needed to finally take-on Chris Neil. And it was long overdue. I thought Mike Rupp would have been the one to drop gloves with that degenerate; as, in the grand scheme of things, Rupp is the more expendable forward. But Rupp never even tried. So all hail Prust for doing what needed to be done.
Game Six was the exact type game Ottawa played against us in Game Two. In each case, and for both teams, that kind of effort made all the difference. Ottawa was able to parlay Game Two into another pair of wins. The Rangers are now in a position to parlay Game Six into a home-ice, Game Seven series clincher at Madison Square Garden.
There may be more men in these boys than we might have given them credit for. Game Six was a prime game to lose. Monday would have been the right way to crash and burn. Instead, the Blueshirts came back with a strong, convincing, game in which they imposed Ranger Hockey upon Ottawa on their ice. It was not the clinging to 1-0 lead late in the game affair that are as predictable as a coin flip. In Game Six, they faced elimination and rose to the challenge. That's very telling. The Rangers showed their way still works just fine.
Similar to the manner Henrik Lundqvist related his disgust after Game Six to the Media, I think most Rangers; and why not - Ottawa fans too; are fed up with the Stripes. I'm still wanting to know who Mike Rupp's first period roughing penalty was against. He basically earned a trip to the box for roughing a mirage. With thirteen minutes left in the first period, the Sens capitalized during the ensuing power play with a (who else) Chris Neil goal, putting Ottawa ahead by one. That Chris Neil was even on the ice to begin with was a slap in the face by the NHL and Brendan Shanahan.
And another thing - Henrik never saw that power play shot coming. But we on TV saw that goal coming from a mile away. Ottawa had TWO skaters camped right in front of Henrik, without so much as a tap, a push, or an "excuse me" from a Blueshirt player. Whether on the penalty kill, or at even-strength, the Rangers need to do a substantially better job of clearing out all that traffic in front of Henrik in Game Seven. In that regard, Marc Staal needs to have a renaissance game and throw his body around a little more.
For their part, the Rangers were two of seven on the power play. Two goals are better than no goals. In the playoffs, we all know PP scoring is paramount. How Boston won a Cup without scoring a power play goal last season is beyond me. But in Game Seven, the Rangers must make Ottawa pay for mistakes. The Blueshirts most definitely need at least a goal, if not a pair, from their special teams. If the Rangers just stay ferocious on the body and relentless on the fore check, the Rangers can goad Sens into the box. Once we let them skate around freely, we'll be the ones in the box wasting time. And we can't let them stretch-pass their way out of their defensive zone either.
The Rangers rode a huge second period to victory Monday night. At nearly the nine minute mark, Derek Stepan scored the first of New York's PP goals to tie the game at one. Later in the period, the Rangers discovered the knockout punch they've been searching within themselves for. At 17:08, Brad Richards showed up to have a big moment upon scoring the Rangers' second PP goal of the evening for a 2-1 Rangers' lead. Just before the period ended, the Blueshirt Blue Chip; Chris Kreider: finally broke through and scored his first goal as an NHL player. After being turned away after numerous high quality opportunities, his first goal since joining the Rangers came at the 19:19 mark.
Marc Staal, Michael Del Zotto, Anton Stralman, Derek Stepan, Chris Kreider, and Brad Richards; the younger gents of this team plus one; all either scored or assisted on the Rangers' three second period goals. Absent from the Game Six roll call are Marian Gaborik and Ryan Callahan. In the biggest game for the Rangers to this point in their remarkable season, they'll need their best players to show up and be factors in Game Seven.
The only real matter of the third period in Monday's game was whether Jason Spezza kicked in Ottawa's second goal of the game, or not. The questionable goal came with just thirty seconds left in regulation time. Incredulously, the Toronto offices said the goal, which to me was clearly scored via a distinct kicking motion, counted. With the way the series has been called so far, who can blame Henrik Lundqvist for being so hot as to speak his mind, for him, in an uncharacteristic fashion. Just add that goal to the long list of horrific calls over the course of this series.
The King faced twenty-seven shots Monday and stopped twenty-five. Ottawa ended the game with five more shots-on-goal than the Rangers took against Craig Anderson; who for a change, looked a little more human between the pipes.
Especially after Game Two, the Senators now seem to revel playing in MSG. That must change tonight! With Carkner and Neil around, the Rangers know they'll need eyes in the backs of their heads. Compromised by a concussion or not, who isn't paying attention to Daniel Alfredsson? But the skater that troubles me is Nick Foligno. I want a set of eyes on him at all times. In Game Six, Nick Foligno, Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, and Jason Spezza, accounted for fourteen shots on goal. Foligno had four.
For the Rangers, Brad Richards led the Rangers with three shots on goal. Marian Gaborik and Ryan Callahan accounted for two shots each, as did a few others. If I include Derek Stepan - two shots; and Carl Hagelin - two shots; the five together still do not add up to the Senators top four shot takers. So just shoot! And be in front to clean up any loose pucks.
Otherwise, just go out there and play Rangers' Hockey. And believe, for our boys just may have learned how to seize the moment.
Mike.BTB
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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS - 2012 - QUARTER FINAL ROUND
Series Tied 3-3
I - NYR 4; OTT 2
II - OTT 3; NYR 2
III - NYR 1; OTT 0
IV - OTT 3; NYR 2
V - OTT 2; NYR 0
VI - NYR 3; OTT 2
TONIGHT
GAME SEVEN
Ottawa Senators
vs.
NEW YORK RANGERS
NEW YORK RANGERS: In Game Six, the Blueshirts Showed Their Way Still Works Just Fine.
Thank you Brandon Prust. Someone needed to finally take-on Chris Neil. And it was long overdue. I thought Mike Rupp would have been the one to drop gloves with that degenerate; as, in the grand scheme of things, Rupp is the more expendable forward. But Rupp never even tried. So all hail Prust for doing what needed to be done.
Game Six was the exact type game Ottawa played against us in Game Two. In each case, and for both teams, that kind of effort made all the difference. Ottawa was able to parlay Game Two into another pair of wins. The Rangers are now in a position to parlay Game Six into a home-ice, Game Seven series clincher at Madison Square Garden.
There may be more men in these boys than we might have given them credit for. Game Six was a prime game to lose. Monday would have been the right way to crash and burn. Instead, the Blueshirts came back with a strong, convincing, game in which they imposed Ranger Hockey upon Ottawa on their ice. It was not the clinging to 1-0 lead late in the game affair that are as predictable as a coin flip. In Game Six, they faced elimination and rose to the challenge. That's very telling. The Rangers showed their way still works just fine.
Similar to the manner Henrik Lundqvist related his disgust after Game Six to the Media, I think most Rangers; and why not - Ottawa fans too; are fed up with the Stripes. I'm still wanting to know who Mike Rupp's first period roughing penalty was against. He basically earned a trip to the box for roughing a mirage. With thirteen minutes left in the first period, the Sens capitalized during the ensuing power play with a (who else) Chris Neil goal, putting Ottawa ahead by one. That Chris Neil was even on the ice to begin with was a slap in the face by the NHL and Brendan Shanahan.
And another thing - Henrik never saw that power play shot coming. But we on TV saw that goal coming from a mile away. Ottawa had TWO skaters camped right in front of Henrik, without so much as a tap, a push, or an "excuse me" from a Blueshirt player. Whether on the penalty kill, or at even-strength, the Rangers need to do a substantially better job of clearing out all that traffic in front of Henrik in Game Seven. In that regard, Marc Staal needs to have a renaissance game and throw his body around a little more.
For their part, the Rangers were two of seven on the power play. Two goals are better than no goals. In the playoffs, we all know PP scoring is paramount. How Boston won a Cup without scoring a power play goal last season is beyond me. But in Game Seven, the Rangers must make Ottawa pay for mistakes. The Blueshirts most definitely need at least a goal, if not a pair, from their special teams. If the Rangers just stay ferocious on the body and relentless on the fore check, the Rangers can goad Sens into the box. Once we let them skate around freely, we'll be the ones in the box wasting time. And we can't let them stretch-pass their way out of their defensive zone either.
The Rangers rode a huge second period to victory Monday night. At nearly the nine minute mark, Derek Stepan scored the first of New York's PP goals to tie the game at one. Later in the period, the Rangers discovered the knockout punch they've been searching within themselves for. At 17:08, Brad Richards showed up to have a big moment upon scoring the Rangers' second PP goal of the evening for a 2-1 Rangers' lead. Just before the period ended, the Blueshirt Blue Chip; Chris Kreider: finally broke through and scored his first goal as an NHL player. After being turned away after numerous high quality opportunities, his first goal since joining the Rangers came at the 19:19 mark.
Marc Staal, Michael Del Zotto, Anton Stralman, Derek Stepan, Chris Kreider, and Brad Richards; the younger gents of this team plus one; all either scored or assisted on the Rangers' three second period goals. Absent from the Game Six roll call are Marian Gaborik and Ryan Callahan. In the biggest game for the Rangers to this point in their remarkable season, they'll need their best players to show up and be factors in Game Seven.
The only real matter of the third period in Monday's game was whether Jason Spezza kicked in Ottawa's second goal of the game, or not. The questionable goal came with just thirty seconds left in regulation time. Incredulously, the Toronto offices said the goal, which to me was clearly scored via a distinct kicking motion, counted. With the way the series has been called so far, who can blame Henrik Lundqvist for being so hot as to speak his mind, for him, in an uncharacteristic fashion. Just add that goal to the long list of horrific calls over the course of this series.
The King faced twenty-seven shots Monday and stopped twenty-five. Ottawa ended the game with five more shots-on-goal than the Rangers took against Craig Anderson; who for a change, looked a little more human between the pipes.
Especially after Game Two, the Senators now seem to revel playing in MSG. That must change tonight! With Carkner and Neil around, the Rangers know they'll need eyes in the backs of their heads. Compromised by a concussion or not, who isn't paying attention to Daniel Alfredsson? But the skater that troubles me is Nick Foligno. I want a set of eyes on him at all times. In Game Six, Nick Foligno, Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, and Jason Spezza, accounted for fourteen shots on goal. Foligno had four.
For the Rangers, Brad Richards led the Rangers with three shots on goal. Marian Gaborik and Ryan Callahan accounted for two shots each, as did a few others. If I include Derek Stepan - two shots; and Carl Hagelin - two shots; the five together still do not add up to the Senators top four shot takers. So just shoot! And be in front to clean up any loose pucks.
Otherwise, just go out there and play Rangers' Hockey. And believe, for our boys just may have learned how to seize the moment.
Mike.BTB
Sunday, April 22, 2012
N.Y. Rangers ~ Whoa Canada; Blueshirts Facing Elimination
From the desk of: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS
The Senators finally got their man. They've been targeting Brian Boyle all series. The Rangers' best player this series, was finally caught up to, and put out of action thanks to Chris Neil's blind-sided thuggery. In my last post, I said point blank:
Mike Rupp never did give Chris Neil something to ponder. And as a result, Neil was free to stalk, and lay a high hit to Brian Boyle's head at mid-ice. Boyle played a few more shifts, but was effectively removed from the game with a concussion. But look at Brian Boyle now. He'll potentially be missing because we failed to take proactive measures like Ottawa did in Game Two of this series.
In light of the 25 game suspension Raffi Torres received after delivering a similar type hit on Chicago's Marian Hossa, which caused the Blackhawk to get taken off the ice on a stretcher, it will be terribly interesting to see how Brendan Shanahan handles this case. Chris Neil went un-penalized for his hit on Boyle, as all four on-ice officials failed to observe the major infraction in civility. Instead, they called Ryan Callahan for roughing when he stood up for Marian Gaborik after he received a questionable hit. The whistle on Mike Rupp for charging was also questionable to say the least.
The officiating has been flat-out horrific for both teams during this entire series. At times they suffer complete blindness in both eyes, then overcompensate their ineptness with mindless whistles. In particular to Brian Boyle's case, a linesman stood and passively watched Brian Boyle get beat-on by Matt Carkner in Game Two. Hockey Fans understand stepping in to the fray is the responsibilities of the Orange Stripes. But they lost me when they called Dubinsky for a third-in infraction. Likewise with Chris Neil's hit on Boyle. They missed the greater sin. Just as when Marian Gaborik was the recipient of another questionable hit, the Stripes were quick to whistle Callahan for protecting a team mate when the on-ice officials wouldn't.
Regardless, the Senators continue to legislate play and out-Blueshirt Tex's Rangers at their own game. Ottawa has done the pounding into the boards, authored said open ice hits, and crashed the net on their way to a 3-2 series lead. They have kicked up their game a notch from the regular season like a good veteran team should. The Rangers have not. There has been no extra gear for the Blueshirts. They are running at the same levels they have all season.
The superb goal tending of Craig Anderson is giving me flashbacks of the playoff shutdown effort a young Semyon Varlamov, then of the Washington Capitals, authored against us just a few short seasons ago. In Game Five, Craig Anderson stopped the Rangers cold. The Blueshirts took a series high forty-one shots on goal, with not even one getting by for a score. Anderson shut-out the Rangers 2-0 Saturday night, and is the biggest reason the Rangers are now facing a first round elimination going away.
Ottawa managed twenty-nine shots against Henrik Lundqvist. Unable to see through a screen, Jason Spezza blasted a first period shot passed Henrik from the top of the right circle at the 9:18 mark. And that was all the real scoring this game would feature. From then on, it was greatly a matter of Craig Anderson outlasting Henrik Lundqvist. Which he did in brilliant fashion.
The Rangers never could get that one tying goal against Anderson. With less than a minute left in regulation, Marian Gaborik turned the puck over at the red line. Jason Spezza took hold and capped off Ottawa's night with an empty net goal; his second goal on the game; to close out Game Five by a 2-0 final. The series shifts back to Ottawa where the Rangers must win if they are to bring the series back to 7th Avenue for a deciding Game Seven.
Ryan Callahan tried putting this game into his own hands like a good Captain would. After jumping to Marian Gaborik's cause, Callahan took to crashing the net, but was called for yet another penalty; this time goalie interference. A very short time later in the third period, Callahan was stoned by Craig Anderson on a break-away opportunity.
The power play fared no better. The Rangers were scoreless in four opportunities.
The Rangers will have Carl Hagelin back for Game Six in Ottawa. While his three game suspension has been served, there is still no determination as to whether Daniel Alfredsson will return from the concussion suffered as a result of Hagelin's hit in Game Two.
Mike.BTB
OTTAWA LEADS SERIES 3-2
I - NYR 4; OTT 2
II - OTT 3; NYR 2
III - NYR 1; OTT 0
IV - OTT 3; NYR 2
V - OTT 2; NYR 0
*II and IV - overtime*
VI - MONDAY
NEW YORK RANGERS: All Roads Lead Through Ottawa.
The Senators are at the Gates.
The Senators finally got their man. They've been targeting Brian Boyle all series. The Rangers' best player this series, was finally caught up to, and put out of action thanks to Chris Neil's blind-sided thuggery. In my last post, I said point blank:
"I really didn't think Mike Rupp was going to have much of a role in the playoffs. Not against the Senators anyway. But maybe there's something for him to do after all. How about putting a stop to Chris Neil for starters. He needs to be eradicated. How's that for getting to the point? And Rupp just might be the guy to do it. Come up with a better plan, and get back to me on that."
Mike Rupp never did give Chris Neil something to ponder. And as a result, Neil was free to stalk, and lay a high hit to Brian Boyle's head at mid-ice. Boyle played a few more shifts, but was effectively removed from the game with a concussion. But look at Brian Boyle now. He'll potentially be missing because we failed to take proactive measures like Ottawa did in Game Two of this series.
In light of the 25 game suspension Raffi Torres received after delivering a similar type hit on Chicago's Marian Hossa, which caused the Blackhawk to get taken off the ice on a stretcher, it will be terribly interesting to see how Brendan Shanahan handles this case. Chris Neil went un-penalized for his hit on Boyle, as all four on-ice officials failed to observe the major infraction in civility. Instead, they called Ryan Callahan for roughing when he stood up for Marian Gaborik after he received a questionable hit. The whistle on Mike Rupp for charging was also questionable to say the least.
The officiating has been flat-out horrific for both teams during this entire series. At times they suffer complete blindness in both eyes, then overcompensate their ineptness with mindless whistles. In particular to Brian Boyle's case, a linesman stood and passively watched Brian Boyle get beat-on by Matt Carkner in Game Two. Hockey Fans understand stepping in to the fray is the responsibilities of the Orange Stripes. But they lost me when they called Dubinsky for a third-in infraction. Likewise with Chris Neil's hit on Boyle. They missed the greater sin. Just as when Marian Gaborik was the recipient of another questionable hit, the Stripes were quick to whistle Callahan for protecting a team mate when the on-ice officials wouldn't.
Regardless, the Senators continue to legislate play and out-Blueshirt Tex's Rangers at their own game. Ottawa has done the pounding into the boards, authored said open ice hits, and crashed the net on their way to a 3-2 series lead. They have kicked up their game a notch from the regular season like a good veteran team should. The Rangers have not. There has been no extra gear for the Blueshirts. They are running at the same levels they have all season.
The superb goal tending of Craig Anderson is giving me flashbacks of the playoff shutdown effort a young Semyon Varlamov, then of the Washington Capitals, authored against us just a few short seasons ago. In Game Five, Craig Anderson stopped the Rangers cold. The Blueshirts took a series high forty-one shots on goal, with not even one getting by for a score. Anderson shut-out the Rangers 2-0 Saturday night, and is the biggest reason the Rangers are now facing a first round elimination going away.
Ottawa managed twenty-nine shots against Henrik Lundqvist. Unable to see through a screen, Jason Spezza blasted a first period shot passed Henrik from the top of the right circle at the 9:18 mark. And that was all the real scoring this game would feature. From then on, it was greatly a matter of Craig Anderson outlasting Henrik Lundqvist. Which he did in brilliant fashion.
The Rangers never could get that one tying goal against Anderson. With less than a minute left in regulation, Marian Gaborik turned the puck over at the red line. Jason Spezza took hold and capped off Ottawa's night with an empty net goal; his second goal on the game; to close out Game Five by a 2-0 final. The series shifts back to Ottawa where the Rangers must win if they are to bring the series back to 7th Avenue for a deciding Game Seven.
Ryan Callahan tried putting this game into his own hands like a good Captain would. After jumping to Marian Gaborik's cause, Callahan took to crashing the net, but was called for yet another penalty; this time goalie interference. A very short time later in the third period, Callahan was stoned by Craig Anderson on a break-away opportunity.
The power play fared no better. The Rangers were scoreless in four opportunities.
The Rangers will have Carl Hagelin back for Game Six in Ottawa. While his three game suspension has been served, there is still no determination as to whether Daniel Alfredsson will return from the concussion suffered as a result of Hagelin's hit in Game Two.
Mike.BTB
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