Bon voyage, 2010.
First off, I hope everyone has a safe New Years Ever and Day.
Second of all, I would like to recap to Rangers over the year of 2010.
The year 2010 was turbulent for the Rangers like any year is. It was coach John Tortorellas first full year as the head coach, and ended in disappointing fashion unfortunately. But the key is to forget the past, and focus on the future. We saw three Rangers prospects in Derek Stepan, Chris Kreider, and Ryan Bourque win the World Juniors. We also got to watch as Derek Stepan grew before our very eyes into an important player who is now a fixture in the Rangers lineup.
Another thing we got to watch was two Rangers go all the way to the gold medal game against Canada. Captain Chris Drury and Ryan Callahan managed to shake off Jeremy Roenicks criticism of them not being good enough to be in the lineup, and managed to be very important players on the ice for the USA. Unfortunately, the game did not end with a Ranger getting a gold medal, but the thrill of watching the Olympics sure was exhilarating.
Now, focusing on the Rangers in the 2010-2011 season. This season so far, the Rangers have a record of 22-14-2. They have 46 points, and are +20 in the goals for/goals against ratio. They sit at sixth place in the Eastern Conference, and eighth place in the entire league. We have seen them transform from a team that could not score goals outside of Marian Gaborik, to a team that is blazing the trail to a playoff spot.
The question that is on everyones mind though is this: Can the Rangers go all the way and win the Stanley Cup? We saw a 7th seeded Flyers team make it all the way, and win two games in the final. Is it possible for the same thing to happen to the Rangers?
The answer is: maybe.
The Rangers are playing with confidence, grit, determination, and cohesiveness these days. Those elements are the building block to a Cup winning team. But, are they ready yet? In my opinion, not yet.
The Rangers have quite a few rookies and sophomores on their team. And while there is quite a gabble of pluses around the Rangers lineup, there are still some flaws that can hurt this team in the playoffs. For one, the Rangers need an elite center. A playmaker who can play on all lines and is not afraid to pass, while at the same time is smart enough to know when to shoot. Also, some more maturing needs to happen on the defensive side of the puck. Players like Del Zotto and Gilroy still are growing into their own, and can be forces to be reckoned with if given the right amount of time.
In all, I am fairly happy with the way the Rangers have performed so far this season. I will continue to cheer them on, and will continue to support them through this great year they are having.
Enjoy your New Years everyone!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Recapping the Rangers/Devils
Hello all, this is just a post game topic I'd like to point out some things from the game at the Prudential Center I'd like to share with you all.
First off, the arena is beautiful. I was in section 103, and I was still able to see the all the action. The stands in the arena are quite steep though. Walking to my seat, I thought if I fell, I would wind up on the ice. So the arena is nice, but he parking on the other hand, is something that needs to be improved on. The Prudential Center parking situation is very unorganized because they're are scattered lots all over the surrounding area which get filled up immediately, and some have special restrictions for who parks there. That needs to be worked on.
But aside from that, let me talk about the game. I had a terrific time at the game, although I kept thinking to myself the score was too close for comfort the whole time. The Rangers allowed 44 shots, and are lucky that they only gave up one goal. If it was any other team tonight, I feel that the Rangers would have lost this game. In my opinion, I felt they did just enough to get by in this game. I felt bad decisions were made by some players in some instances, and it allowed the Devils to get the puck in open ice a few times.
Luckily though, the Rangers fought through, and managed to get by. Rozsival finally woke up after not scoring for a really long time, and managed to get a lucky break off coming from Andy Greene's thigh. Lundqvist was also sharp tonight. Despite Travis Zajacs goal, Lundqvist stood tall in the face of pressure and did not let in anymore goals like the first.
But overall, my experience was a pleasant one. The fans were as classy as they could be toward a rival fan wearing a Lundqvist jersey in their home stadium. (Not counting the girl in the Brodeur jersey that tried to fight a guy in a Heritage jersey in my section, which I filmed by the way)
I had a wonderful time tonight, and hopefully get another chance to see the Rangers in person again this season. Hopefully, next time at the Garden. Goodnight everyone!
12/29/10 Rangers vs. Devils
Excited does not even come close to how I feel about this game.
Rangers against the New Jersey Devils.
The Rangers are coming off a very impressive 7-2 win against the Islanders, while the Devils are coming into this one on a low note after being dropped by the Maple Leafs 4-1 on Sunday. The Rangers have been able to hold it together throughout the hardships this season. With missing Marian Gaborik for a good portion of the start of the season, Vinny Prospal for the entire season so far, and most recently Ryan Callahan, who sits with a broken hand. The other players who have stepped up this season like Derek Stepan, Brian Boyle, and Brandon Dubinsky have really helped push this team when it comes to scoring. It seems like no matter what line is on the ice, a goal is a possibility. Along with that, the Rangers have put up a very impressive road game record of 12-6-0. The Rangers have won the past two meetings against the Devils this season, and can probably say they are looking forward to another crack at them.
The Devils woes just keep getting worse. Their goals for/goals against ratio is -51, the worst in the league. They have let in 112 goals, which isn't the highest in the league behind Tampa Bay and the Islanders, but they are in last when it comes to scoring goals, only potting 61 in the net so far. Its hard to imagine how the Devils could have slipped this far when they have so much evident talent on their team. With players like Kovalchuk, Elias, Zajac, and Parise, its hard to imagine this team ever being in last in the league. The only explanation I can give for the complete collapse of the Devils has to be injuries, and a lack of brotherhood on in the lineup. With all the injuries, the minor leaguers and rookies have been asked to fill a roll in the Devils game that is very unique. They aren't as experienced in their style, and are having a hard time adjusting. Along with that, the newcomers in Kovalchuk, Volchenkov, and Tallinder are still playing the game they played back when they were on their respective teams. If theres no bonding on the lineup, theres no goals in the net. Make no mistake, the Devils can still be a sleeper-cell team. They showed up for one game against the Capitals, and whooped them 5-0 earlier this season, so who is to say it cant possibly happen again?
My Diagnosis
While I do give credit to the Devils that they can possibly be a team that can potentially dangerous, I don't feel like it will happen tonight. The Rangers have built up a defensive strategy of grit, and have perfected it, which is something the Devils will not be use to. The Devils have only scored once against the Rangers so far this season, which proves the new defensive system is working for the Rangers. Plus, goals are coming a little easier to the Rangers this season, while its vice-versa with the Devils. In the end, despite the talent on the Devils lineup, I feel the Rangers will come out on top of this one.
My Predictions
Rangers win 4-1
Brian Boyle will get the first Ranger goal in the 1st period.
Marian Gaborik will put the second one in for the Rangers also in the 1st.
Derek Stepan will give the Rangers a 3-0 lead in the 2nd period.
Patrick Elias will score the lone goal for the Devils late 2nd period.
And finally, Ruslan Fedotenko will pick up the last Rangers goal in the 3rd period.
If anyone is also going to be at the game, let me know so we can meet up, regardless of fan-ship. Enjoy the game, everyone!
Rangers against the New Jersey Devils.
The Rangers are coming off a very impressive 7-2 win against the Islanders, while the Devils are coming into this one on a low note after being dropped by the Maple Leafs 4-1 on Sunday. The Rangers have been able to hold it together throughout the hardships this season. With missing Marian Gaborik for a good portion of the start of the season, Vinny Prospal for the entire season so far, and most recently Ryan Callahan, who sits with a broken hand. The other players who have stepped up this season like Derek Stepan, Brian Boyle, and Brandon Dubinsky have really helped push this team when it comes to scoring. It seems like no matter what line is on the ice, a goal is a possibility. Along with that, the Rangers have put up a very impressive road game record of 12-6-0. The Rangers have won the past two meetings against the Devils this season, and can probably say they are looking forward to another crack at them.
The Devils woes just keep getting worse. Their goals for/goals against ratio is -51, the worst in the league. They have let in 112 goals, which isn't the highest in the league behind Tampa Bay and the Islanders, but they are in last when it comes to scoring goals, only potting 61 in the net so far. Its hard to imagine how the Devils could have slipped this far when they have so much evident talent on their team. With players like Kovalchuk, Elias, Zajac, and Parise, its hard to imagine this team ever being in last in the league. The only explanation I can give for the complete collapse of the Devils has to be injuries, and a lack of brotherhood on in the lineup. With all the injuries, the minor leaguers and rookies have been asked to fill a roll in the Devils game that is very unique. They aren't as experienced in their style, and are having a hard time adjusting. Along with that, the newcomers in Kovalchuk, Volchenkov, and Tallinder are still playing the game they played back when they were on their respective teams. If theres no bonding on the lineup, theres no goals in the net. Make no mistake, the Devils can still be a sleeper-cell team. They showed up for one game against the Capitals, and whooped them 5-0 earlier this season, so who is to say it cant possibly happen again?
My Diagnosis
While I do give credit to the Devils that they can possibly be a team that can potentially dangerous, I don't feel like it will happen tonight. The Rangers have built up a defensive strategy of grit, and have perfected it, which is something the Devils will not be use to. The Devils have only scored once against the Rangers so far this season, which proves the new defensive system is working for the Rangers. Plus, goals are coming a little easier to the Rangers this season, while its vice-versa with the Devils. In the end, despite the talent on the Devils lineup, I feel the Rangers will come out on top of this one.
My Predictions
Rangers win 4-1
Brian Boyle will get the first Ranger goal in the 1st period.
Marian Gaborik will put the second one in for the Rangers also in the 1st.
Derek Stepan will give the Rangers a 3-0 lead in the 2nd period.
Patrick Elias will score the lone goal for the Devils late 2nd period.
And finally, Ruslan Fedotenko will pick up the last Rangers goal in the 3rd period.
If anyone is also going to be at the game, let me know so we can meet up, regardless of fan-ship. Enjoy the game, everyone!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Matt Gilroy Has A Pulse!
Who would have thunk it?
The Rangers walloped the Islanders 7-2 last night in an impressive home game. Two of those goals coming from young defenseman Matt Gilroy; his first two of the season. It wasn't a long time ago when I wrote an article about Gilroy needing to produce, otherwise his time on Broadway would be over. But last night, he showed grit determination, and drive. His first goal was very decisive, and while the second goal was a little fluke-ish if you ask me, it would not have ended up in the net had he not shot it at the net. Michael Del Zotto should follow the example set by Gilroy, because he may be going through the same thing if he does not start to produce soon.
Also, Mats Zuccarello got his first NHL point on an assist on the final goal scored by Derek Stepan. For a kid who is quite below the height average, he has a lot of skill. And personally, I hope he replaces Todd White in the lineup for the rest of the season, because he's just so much better.
And finally I'd like to leave with one stat. Marian Gaborik scored his 10th goal last night, bringing him two goals higher than Ilya Kovalchuk who has played every game all year. That is all.
Hopefully the Rangers saved some scoring for me at Prudential tomorrow. I can not wait to see them!
The Rangers walloped the Islanders 7-2 last night in an impressive home game. Two of those goals coming from young defenseman Matt Gilroy; his first two of the season. It wasn't a long time ago when I wrote an article about Gilroy needing to produce, otherwise his time on Broadway would be over. But last night, he showed grit determination, and drive. His first goal was very decisive, and while the second goal was a little fluke-ish if you ask me, it would not have ended up in the net had he not shot it at the net. Michael Del Zotto should follow the example set by Gilroy, because he may be going through the same thing if he does not start to produce soon.
Also, Mats Zuccarello got his first NHL point on an assist on the final goal scored by Derek Stepan. For a kid who is quite below the height average, he has a lot of skill. And personally, I hope he replaces Todd White in the lineup for the rest of the season, because he's just so much better.
And finally I'd like to leave with one stat. Marian Gaborik scored his 10th goal last night, bringing him two goals higher than Ilya Kovalchuk who has played every game all year. That is all.
Hopefully the Rangers saved some scoring for me at Prudential tomorrow. I can not wait to see them!
Monday, December 27, 2010
12/27/10 Rangers vs. Islanders
Shoveling snow is not fun.
Rangers at home against the New York Islanders.
This is the fourth meeting between these two division rivals this season. The Islanders took the first game 6-4, while the Rangers have won the last two, including a 2-0 shutout on December 3rd. Henrik Lundvist has not been scored on in 366 days by the Islanders. He has two back to back shutouts against them, and five this season so far. The Rangers have dropped two in a row, but managed to get a point out of the game against the Lightning earlier this week. Marian Gaborik sat out that game with groin trouble, but is expected to be back in the lineup again tonight. However, Michael Del Zotto, who also sat out the game against the Lightning with the flu, will not be returning to the lineup tonight.
The Islanders are riding into this game on a three game win streak. After losing 14 straight games, and then losing some more, they are trying to salvage what is left of this season. Rick DiPietro was reactivated after suffering yet another injury, this time a swollen knee. However, it is hard to say if he will be used immediately after coming back form an injury. The Islanders have had good success with Dwayne Roloson between the pipes as of late, and look to build on that.
My Diagnosis
Despite the Islanders success, I don't feel that they are as heavily dangerous as the Rangers are. They do have people who can score, but the Rangers have the grit needed to win against a team like the Islanders. Also, I expect it to get scrappy, like any Rangers/Islanders game. Derek Boogaards name is not on the injury report on NHL.com, so the Rangers may have him activated after a long shoulder injury. If you hear the sound of stomping coming from your TV, you know Boogaard is playing tonight.
My Predictions
Rangers win 3-2
Marian Gaborik will get the opening goal in the 1st period.
Derek Stepan will follow up Gaboriks goal also in the 1st.
Jesse Joensuu will put the Islanders on the board early in the 2nd.
Erik Christensen will score the third Rangers goal also in the 2nd.
Finally, John Tavares will get the last Islanders goal half way through the 3rd period.
Enjoy the game!
Rangers at home against the New York Islanders.
This is the fourth meeting between these two division rivals this season. The Islanders took the first game 6-4, while the Rangers have won the last two, including a 2-0 shutout on December 3rd. Henrik Lundvist has not been scored on in 366 days by the Islanders. He has two back to back shutouts against them, and five this season so far. The Rangers have dropped two in a row, but managed to get a point out of the game against the Lightning earlier this week. Marian Gaborik sat out that game with groin trouble, but is expected to be back in the lineup again tonight. However, Michael Del Zotto, who also sat out the game against the Lightning with the flu, will not be returning to the lineup tonight.
The Islanders are riding into this game on a three game win streak. After losing 14 straight games, and then losing some more, they are trying to salvage what is left of this season. Rick DiPietro was reactivated after suffering yet another injury, this time a swollen knee. However, it is hard to say if he will be used immediately after coming back form an injury. The Islanders have had good success with Dwayne Roloson between the pipes as of late, and look to build on that.
My Diagnosis
Despite the Islanders success, I don't feel that they are as heavily dangerous as the Rangers are. They do have people who can score, but the Rangers have the grit needed to win against a team like the Islanders. Also, I expect it to get scrappy, like any Rangers/Islanders game. Derek Boogaards name is not on the injury report on NHL.com, so the Rangers may have him activated after a long shoulder injury. If you hear the sound of stomping coming from your TV, you know Boogaard is playing tonight.
My Predictions
Rangers win 3-2
Marian Gaborik will get the opening goal in the 1st period.
Derek Stepan will follow up Gaboriks goal also in the 1st.
Jesse Joensuu will put the Islanders on the board early in the 2nd.
Erik Christensen will score the third Rangers goal also in the 2nd.
Finally, John Tavares will get the last Islanders goal half way through the 3rd period.
Enjoy the game!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Have a Happy Rangers Christmas!
Merry Christmas everyone!
I hope everyone who reads this blog has a great holiday and a safe New Years as well.
I got two hockey themed gifts this Christmas. One is a Gaborik t-shirt that I plan to wear after every win. And the other is tickets to the game at the Prudential Center against the Devils this Wednesday! I was caught completely off guard, but I am so excited to go. Last Rangers vs. Devils game I went to I believe either one or two seasons ago, and the Rangers shut out the Devils 3-0 on Garden ice. So needless to say, I'm hoping something like that happens once again.
Hope everyone got what they wanted, and once again, Merry Christmas!
-FrankieDaps
Friday, December 24, 2010
What Separates Hockey Fans From All Other Fans
Last night, I started thinking about hockey compared to other sports in North America. The obvious top four sports are definitely baseball, basketball, American football, and hockey. While soccer (or futbol for all the foreigners who read this blog) is starting to gain a little more interest in the States, it's still yet to qualify to be a top tier sport here in America.
But as I thought about the four sports combined, I started thinking about the fans of each sport. I started thinking about rivalries amongst those sports like the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry in baseball, or the Lakers/Celtics rivalry in basketball. But when I look at those rivalries, I just feel that most of them come short when it comes to hockey fan rivalries.
I can draw many parallels from my own experience as a hockey fan. Way back in the old days of high school, I started to get more in tune with hockey. Going to school in New Jersey and being a New York Rangers fan had its share of adversity, but I had some good support amongst my fellow fans. Every single time the Devils and Rangers met could have qualified for a pay-per-view event on HBO in my school, because the repercussions would follow you until the day the season ended, and would eventually be brought back up in the future when the two teams met again. There would be smack talk in the hallways, on the Internet, and on the phone every single time they met, and whoever won that game, the fans did not hesitate to rip apart the other fan base for their loss.
In my opinion, hockey fans are the most passionate about their sport. Along with that, hockey fans are much more coarse when it comes to interaction with other fans of hockey. Think about this: if a Charlotte Bobcats fan and an Orlando Magic fan sat down in a room together, would there be any tension between the two fans? Maybe a little tension, but for the most part, the two fans don't have any reason to not like each other because of their conflicting fan-ship. Now, if you were to take a Washington Capitals fan and put them in a room with a Pittsburgh Penguins fan, the tension would be ten times greater than the basketball fans. Now, I'm not saying that hockey fans cannot be civil human beings to one another, but I can almost guarantee that once those two fans find out that the other is a rival fan, they will automatically think less of that person right off the bat.
The thing that hockey brings out of people is their inner rage. You can feel the struggle of your team when they are down by one goal in the third period, and you can feel the hurt that comes from a cheap shot on one of your hometown players. Speaking from a Rangers fans perspective once again, back when the Rangers and Penguins met for the second time this season, Sidney Crosby (who is basically public enemy number one amongst fans in the league) slew foot Ryan Callahan, and Ryan Callahan got called for tripping. I was astounded at the call, and felt even more anger to the Penguins team, and Sidney Crosby. I wanted the Rangers to seek vengeance. I wanted Derek Boogaard to come lumbering out of the Rangers locker room, skate on the ice, and make Sidney Crosby wish he had never picked up a a hockey stick in his life.
And its not just throughout the Atlantic division either, although I do feel that it is the worst because the teams are so close together. If your family is full of Canadiens fans, and if a relative brought a Maple Leafs fan, or Bruins fan to a family dinner, there would be just a tiny bit of animosity. If your a Avalanche fan, and somebody in a Detroit Red Wings jersey catches your eye, you just saw one person you'd never want to talk to. And if your on either side if the "Battle of Ontario" (Senators and Maple Leafs) or the "Battle of Alberta" (Oilers and Flames), bad blood runs think among the rivalries.
In truth, not many other sports rivalries have the grit that hockey rivalries have. Sure, there are some rivalries amongst regional teams in other sports (i.e. San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders), but hockey rivalries stretch across the entire continent, and stick around for a very, VERY long time. Why else would Rangers fans still cheer "Potvin Sucks"? Passion, my friends.
But as I thought about the four sports combined, I started thinking about the fans of each sport. I started thinking about rivalries amongst those sports like the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry in baseball, or the Lakers/Celtics rivalry in basketball. But when I look at those rivalries, I just feel that most of them come short when it comes to hockey fan rivalries.
I can draw many parallels from my own experience as a hockey fan. Way back in the old days of high school, I started to get more in tune with hockey. Going to school in New Jersey and being a New York Rangers fan had its share of adversity, but I had some good support amongst my fellow fans. Every single time the Devils and Rangers met could have qualified for a pay-per-view event on HBO in my school, because the repercussions would follow you until the day the season ended, and would eventually be brought back up in the future when the two teams met again. There would be smack talk in the hallways, on the Internet, and on the phone every single time they met, and whoever won that game, the fans did not hesitate to rip apart the other fan base for their loss.
In my opinion, hockey fans are the most passionate about their sport. Along with that, hockey fans are much more coarse when it comes to interaction with other fans of hockey. Think about this: if a Charlotte Bobcats fan and an Orlando Magic fan sat down in a room together, would there be any tension between the two fans? Maybe a little tension, but for the most part, the two fans don't have any reason to not like each other because of their conflicting fan-ship. Now, if you were to take a Washington Capitals fan and put them in a room with a Pittsburgh Penguins fan, the tension would be ten times greater than the basketball fans. Now, I'm not saying that hockey fans cannot be civil human beings to one another, but I can almost guarantee that once those two fans find out that the other is a rival fan, they will automatically think less of that person right off the bat.
The thing that hockey brings out of people is their inner rage. You can feel the struggle of your team when they are down by one goal in the third period, and you can feel the hurt that comes from a cheap shot on one of your hometown players. Speaking from a Rangers fans perspective once again, back when the Rangers and Penguins met for the second time this season, Sidney Crosby (who is basically public enemy number one amongst fans in the league) slew foot Ryan Callahan, and Ryan Callahan got called for tripping. I was astounded at the call, and felt even more anger to the Penguins team, and Sidney Crosby. I wanted the Rangers to seek vengeance. I wanted Derek Boogaard to come lumbering out of the Rangers locker room, skate on the ice, and make Sidney Crosby wish he had never picked up a a hockey stick in his life.
And its not just throughout the Atlantic division either, although I do feel that it is the worst because the teams are so close together. If your family is full of Canadiens fans, and if a relative brought a Maple Leafs fan, or Bruins fan to a family dinner, there would be just a tiny bit of animosity. If your a Avalanche fan, and somebody in a Detroit Red Wings jersey catches your eye, you just saw one person you'd never want to talk to. And if your on either side if the "Battle of Ontario" (Senators and Maple Leafs) or the "Battle of Alberta" (Oilers and Flames), bad blood runs think among the rivalries.
In truth, not many other sports rivalries have the grit that hockey rivalries have. Sure, there are some rivalries amongst regional teams in other sports (i.e. San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders), but hockey rivalries stretch across the entire continent, and stick around for a very, VERY long time. Why else would Rangers fans still cheer "Potvin Sucks"? Passion, my friends.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
12/23/10 Rangers vs. Lightning
Lightning doesn't strike twice in the same place.
Rangers at home against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Rangers have had mostly all of this week off despite their last game which was a shellacking up in Filthadelphia last weekend. Within that time, the Rangers have had a chance to prepare all week for tonights game. Tonight though, the Rangers will be missing a key player in Marian Gaborik, who sits tonight with a groin injury. Along with Gaborik, Michael Del Zotto has come down with flu symptoms and is questionable. To replace them, Matt Gilroy has been placed in the lineup, and Mats Zuccarello has been called up from the minors to make his Rangers debut. I'm really excited to see Zuccarello get his first shot in the NHL tonight. I watched the Winter Olympics avidly last year, and he immediately jumped out to me as an awesome player on a lowly Norwegian hockey team. He may be small compared to a lot of players in the league, but this Norwegian has some speed to his game.
The Lightning are coming off a disappointing overtime loss to the Islanders last night. Along with that, they also have their share of injuries. Steve Downie is out with a sprained ankle, and Mike Smith, co-goalie with Dan Ellis, is also gone. But regardless of those inconveniences, they are still a dangerous team. Steven Stamkos has 5 goals in his last 6 games. He has dropped out of the 50 goals in 50 games speculation, but still manages to but up impressive numbers. Just recently, he has hit his 100 goal mark... in just his third year in the league. His play is always impressive and can always be a threat to the opposition, including the Rangers.
My Diagnosis
Like the last time these two teams meet, I predict at least five goals in total from both teams. It is going to be a hard fought game, but I believe that since the Rangers have had more time off, they are more prepared, while the Lightning are playing their second game in 24 hours. The Lightning are tired, and downtrodden, while the Rangers are ready to go. Despite having no Marian Gaborik and no Ryan Callahan, the Rangers can, and will exploit the weaknesses in this Lightning team without them.
My Prediction
Rangers win 4-2
Derek Stepan will break the scoring open with a goal for the Rangers, the only goal in the 1st period.
Steven Stamkos will pull the two teams even early in the 2nd period.
Sean Avery will put another one up for the Rangers half way through the 2nd.
Brandon Dubinsky will give the Rangers a 3-1 lead, the final goal of the 2nd period.
Nate Thompson will cut the deficit to one half way through the 3rd period.
And finally, Alex Frolov will get the empty netter to win the game.
Enjoy the game!
Rangers at home against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Rangers have had mostly all of this week off despite their last game which was a shellacking up in Filthadelphia last weekend. Within that time, the Rangers have had a chance to prepare all week for tonights game. Tonight though, the Rangers will be missing a key player in Marian Gaborik, who sits tonight with a groin injury. Along with Gaborik, Michael Del Zotto has come down with flu symptoms and is questionable. To replace them, Matt Gilroy has been placed in the lineup, and Mats Zuccarello has been called up from the minors to make his Rangers debut. I'm really excited to see Zuccarello get his first shot in the NHL tonight. I watched the Winter Olympics avidly last year, and he immediately jumped out to me as an awesome player on a lowly Norwegian hockey team. He may be small compared to a lot of players in the league, but this Norwegian has some speed to his game.
The Lightning are coming off a disappointing overtime loss to the Islanders last night. Along with that, they also have their share of injuries. Steve Downie is out with a sprained ankle, and Mike Smith, co-goalie with Dan Ellis, is also gone. But regardless of those inconveniences, they are still a dangerous team. Steven Stamkos has 5 goals in his last 6 games. He has dropped out of the 50 goals in 50 games speculation, but still manages to but up impressive numbers. Just recently, he has hit his 100 goal mark... in just his third year in the league. His play is always impressive and can always be a threat to the opposition, including the Rangers.
My Diagnosis
Like the last time these two teams meet, I predict at least five goals in total from both teams. It is going to be a hard fought game, but I believe that since the Rangers have had more time off, they are more prepared, while the Lightning are playing their second game in 24 hours. The Lightning are tired, and downtrodden, while the Rangers are ready to go. Despite having no Marian Gaborik and no Ryan Callahan, the Rangers can, and will exploit the weaknesses in this Lightning team without them.
My Prediction
Rangers win 4-2
Derek Stepan will break the scoring open with a goal for the Rangers, the only goal in the 1st period.
Steven Stamkos will pull the two teams even early in the 2nd period.
Sean Avery will put another one up for the Rangers half way through the 2nd.
Brandon Dubinsky will give the Rangers a 3-1 lead, the final goal of the 2nd period.
Nate Thompson will cut the deficit to one half way through the 3rd period.
And finally, Alex Frolov will get the empty netter to win the game.
Enjoy the game!
The 12 Days of Rangers Christmas
I saw this a year ago on another blog, and it inspired me to do my own. This is the 12 Days of New York Rangers Christmas.
*ahem*
On the first day of Christmas, the Rangers gave to me: A single Derek Boogaard goal this year.
On the second day of Christmas, the Rangers gave to me: two Gaborik hat-tricks,
And a single Derek Boogaard goal this year.
On the third day of Christmas, the Rangers gave to me: three punches on Ovechkin,
two Gaborik hat tricks,
And a single Derek Boogaard goal this year.
On the fourth day of Christmas, the Rangers gave to me: four Connecticut Whale,
three punches on Ovechkin,
*ahem*
On the first day of Christmas, the Rangers gave to me: A single Derek Boogaard goal this year.
On the second day of Christmas, the Rangers gave to me: two Gaborik hat-tricks,
And a single Derek Boogaard goal this year.
On the third day of Christmas, the Rangers gave to me: three punches on Ovechkin,
two Gaborik hat tricks,
And a single Derek Boogaard goal this year.
On the fourth day of Christmas, the Rangers gave to me: four Connecticut Whale,
three punches on Ovechkin,
two Gaborik hat tricks,
And a single Derek Boogaard goal this year.
On the fifth day of Christmas, the Rangers gave to me: five Lundqvist shutouts!
four Connecticut Whale,
three punches on Ovechkin,
two Gaborik hat tricks,
And a single Derek Boogaard goal this year.
On the sixth day of Christmas, the Rangers gave to me: six Avery fighting majors,
five Lundqvist shutouts!
four Connecticut Whale,
three punches on Ovechkin,
two Gaborik hat tricks,
And a single Derek Boogaard goal this year.
On the seventh day of Christmas, the Rangers gave to me: seven Tortorella tirades,
six Avery fighting majors,
five Lundqvist shutouts!
four Connecticut Whale,
three punches on Ovechkin,
two Gaborik hat tricks,
And a single Derek Boogaard goal this year.
On the eighth day of Christmas, the Rangers gave to me: eight Heritage jerseys,
seven Tortorella tirades,
six Avery fighting majors,
five Lundqvist shutouts!
four Connecticut Whale,
three punches on Ovechkin,
two Gaborik hat tricks,
And a single Derek Boogaard goal this year.
On the ninth day of Christmas, the Rangers gave to me: nine shots a-blockin',
eight Heritage Jerseys,
seven Tortorella tirades,
six Avery fighting majors,
five Lundqvist shutouts!
four Connecticut Whale,
three punches on Ovechkin,
two Gaborik hat tricks,
And a single Derek Boogaard goal this year.
On the tenth day of Christmas, the Rangers gave to me: ten Staals a-checkin',
nine shots a-blockin',
eight Heritage Jerseys,
seven Tortorella tirades,
six Avery fighting majors,
five Lundqvist shutouts!
four Connecticut Whale,
three punches on Ovechkin,
two Gaborik hat tricks,
And a single Derek Boogaard goal this year.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, the Rangers gave to me: eleven fans who miss Redden,
ten Staals a-checkin',
nine shots a-blockin',
eight Heritage Jerseys,
seven Tortorella tirades,
six Avery fighting majors,
five Lundqvist shutouts!
four Connecticut Whale,
three punches on Ovechkin,
two Gaborik hat tricks,
And a single Derek Boogaard goal this year.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, the Rangers gave to me: twelve "thank God their not the Devils",
eleven fans who miss Redden,
ten Staals a-checkin',
nine shots a-blockin',
eight Heritage Jerseys,
seven Tortorella tirades,
six Avery fighting majors,
five Lundqvist shutouts!
four Connecticut Whale,
three punches on Ovechkin,
two Gaborik hat tricks,
And a single Derek Boogaard goal this year.
Happy Holidays!
Monday, December 20, 2010
No Rangers Until Thursday = Lack of Blogging Material
I don't want to let my avid readers go without a post, but in all honesty, there is not much to talk about in the world of the Rangers lately.
The Rangers were beaten two days ago by the Flyers 4 to 1. I was not able to watch the full game on account of finals needing to be studied for. But overall, I sort of expected that loss. In my predictions, I started getting a little cocky after the Pittsburgh and Phoenix game. But Philly, as much as I hate to admit it, is genuinely alright this year.
But I don't wish to dwell on past losses. I'd like to move onto different things, such as HBO's 24/7 series. This one is following the Penguins and the Capitals as they approach the Winter Classic this New Years Day. It is a four part series, the first part having aired last Wednesday. Luckily, as Ranger fans, we got to relive the excitement of the Rangers 7-0 blowout of the Capitals in hi-def, behind the scenes beauty. Its rather funny when you hear what happens during a game between the players. One instance that stuck out to me is the fight between Brandon Dubinsky and Alex Ovechkin. Hearing the hits go through on Ovechkins mic, and then hearing the two of them say "good job" to one another when they both collapsed is rather funny to me. After two people fight, you don't expect words of praise to come between the two, but I guess theres just that bond between hockey players that give them an appreciation for a player who wants to throw down to try and inspire their team.
I also cannot wait to watch the 4-1 Rangers win on this Wednesdays episode. It will be fun to hear Crosbys reaction to the disallowed goal, and hearing Dan Bylsma freak out as the team collapses in the 3rd period. The show is on HBO at 10pm ET.
Thats all I have for today, Ill try to find some more topics to discuss on the blog before Thursdays game post. Catch'ya later.
The Rangers were beaten two days ago by the Flyers 4 to 1. I was not able to watch the full game on account of finals needing to be studied for. But overall, I sort of expected that loss. In my predictions, I started getting a little cocky after the Pittsburgh and Phoenix game. But Philly, as much as I hate to admit it, is genuinely alright this year.
But I don't wish to dwell on past losses. I'd like to move onto different things, such as HBO's 24/7 series. This one is following the Penguins and the Capitals as they approach the Winter Classic this New Years Day. It is a four part series, the first part having aired last Wednesday. Luckily, as Ranger fans, we got to relive the excitement of the Rangers 7-0 blowout of the Capitals in hi-def, behind the scenes beauty. Its rather funny when you hear what happens during a game between the players. One instance that stuck out to me is the fight between Brandon Dubinsky and Alex Ovechkin. Hearing the hits go through on Ovechkins mic, and then hearing the two of them say "good job" to one another when they both collapsed is rather funny to me. After two people fight, you don't expect words of praise to come between the two, but I guess theres just that bond between hockey players that give them an appreciation for a player who wants to throw down to try and inspire their team.
I also cannot wait to watch the 4-1 Rangers win on this Wednesdays episode. It will be fun to hear Crosbys reaction to the disallowed goal, and hearing Dan Bylsma freak out as the team collapses in the 3rd period. The show is on HBO at 10pm ET.
Thats all I have for today, Ill try to find some more topics to discuss on the blog before Thursdays game post. Catch'ya later.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
12/18/10 Rangers vs. Flyers
No fake threads today, all natural.
Rangers against the Philadelphia Flyers.
This game is sure to get spicy today. A division rival of the Rangers, also a team holding the top spot of the Eastern conference, a place the Rangers have been pining for. The Rangers bring a three game win streak into this game, with wins over Washington, Pittsburgh, and Phoenix. Despite losing Ryan Callahan to a broken hand, the team has not looked as though they have wavered from his loss. They have rolled with the punches so far and have kept their heads up in situations like these, and that is what keeps the Rangers still in the top of the conference. But in another category, the Rangers have the 5th most goals for in the entire league. The Rangers are showing their true depth, and that has been their key to winning these past few games.
The Flyers come into this game also with a win streak, and are also down a very important player. They are riding a four game win streak, but have just recently lost Chris Pronger to a foot injury, which he will undergo surgery for. And when talking about goals for, the Flyers are 2nd in the league. It is hard to look past all the skill that lies behind all of the grit that comes from all of the Flyers players, but they are a very good, and very dangerous team. There is a hard time calling who will get the goals tonight because they're all scoring goals, and plenty of them.
In all, this game is going to set off fireworks throughout the league. There will be scraps, hits, and penalties plenty today.
My Diagnosis
The Rangers have taken out two other Stanley Cup contending teams this week, and I feel tonight will be no different. The Rangers have had less time off than the Flyers, but I feel they are carrying the momentum tonight. The Rangers have improved since the last time these two teams have met, and it will show in a win for the Rangers today in Filthadelphia.
My Predictions
Rangers win 4-3
Chris Drury will crack open the scoring early for the Rangers in the 1st period.
Jeff Carter will pick the Flyers up also in the 1st.
Claude Giroux will give the Flyers the lead to leave the 1st period.
Artem Anisimov will pull the Rangers even at 2 in the 2nd.
Derek Stepan will give the Rangers the lead again also in the 2nd period.
and Derek Stepan will get the fourth goal for the Rangers as well, coming in the 3rd period.
The Flyers will cap their scoring off with captain Mike Richards late in the third.
Enjoy the game!
Rangers against the Philadelphia Flyers.
This game is sure to get spicy today. A division rival of the Rangers, also a team holding the top spot of the Eastern conference, a place the Rangers have been pining for. The Rangers bring a three game win streak into this game, with wins over Washington, Pittsburgh, and Phoenix. Despite losing Ryan Callahan to a broken hand, the team has not looked as though they have wavered from his loss. They have rolled with the punches so far and have kept their heads up in situations like these, and that is what keeps the Rangers still in the top of the conference. But in another category, the Rangers have the 5th most goals for in the entire league. The Rangers are showing their true depth, and that has been their key to winning these past few games.
The Flyers come into this game also with a win streak, and are also down a very important player. They are riding a four game win streak, but have just recently lost Chris Pronger to a foot injury, which he will undergo surgery for. And when talking about goals for, the Flyers are 2nd in the league. It is hard to look past all the skill that lies behind all of the grit that comes from all of the Flyers players, but they are a very good, and very dangerous team. There is a hard time calling who will get the goals tonight because they're all scoring goals, and plenty of them.
In all, this game is going to set off fireworks throughout the league. There will be scraps, hits, and penalties plenty today.
My Diagnosis
The Rangers have taken out two other Stanley Cup contending teams this week, and I feel tonight will be no different. The Rangers have had less time off than the Flyers, but I feel they are carrying the momentum tonight. The Rangers have improved since the last time these two teams have met, and it will show in a win for the Rangers today in Filthadelphia.
My Predictions
Rangers win 4-3
Chris Drury will crack open the scoring early for the Rangers in the 1st period.
Jeff Carter will pick the Flyers up also in the 1st.
Claude Giroux will give the Flyers the lead to leave the 1st period.
Artem Anisimov will pull the Rangers even at 2 in the 2nd.
Derek Stepan will give the Rangers the lead again also in the 2nd period.
and Derek Stepan will get the fourth goal for the Rangers as well, coming in the 3rd period.
The Flyers will cap their scoring off with captain Mike Richards late in the third.
Enjoy the game!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
12/16/10 Rangers vs. Coyotes (The Real Pre Game Post)
Sorry to any avid readers who were confused by my quite offensive article about the Coyotes. That was a fake little post to mess with my buddy James.
Now for the real post.
Rangers at home against the Phoenix Coyotes.
The Rangers put on a thriller, scoring four goals against the Penguins in the 3rd period to win the game. In the process though, they lost a key player in Ryan Callahan to a broken hand. Speculations say that he will be out six weeks as of right now, which is a huge blow to the Rangers lineup. Luckily, Chris Drury's absence from the lineup has not dwindled his play, for he came out and played like he has played all year. So, lucky for the Rangers, Drury can possibly fill that little void left when Callahan is out.
The Coyotes got shut out by New Jersey last night, and have slipped out of playoff contention as of recently. They are 5-4-1 in their last 10, and a win tonight could bump them back up to 7th place in the Western Conference. While no player has managed to break the 10 goal plateau yet, there are plenty of players in their lineup who can produce when needed most. The Coyotes are +1 in the goals for/goals against ratio, which goes to show that their standing placement isn't as bad as the way they are playing. They are still a contending team from last year, and may shock the hockey world once again if consistency picks up in Phoenix.
My Diagnosis
The Rangers have been having a hard time building a win streak bigger than two wins in a row as of late. The Coyotes have been plagued by the same problem, only I feel the Rangers have a lot more tools to work with than Phoenix does. Despite their less than satisfying home record, I'm giving tonight's game to the Rangers.
My Predictions
Rangers win 4-2
Erik Christensen will get the Rangers on the board first in the 1st period.
The Coyotes will pull even with a goal from Eric Belanger also in the 1st.
Derek Stepan will get the final goal of the 1st in the closing minutes.
Marian Gaborik will bring the Rangers up 3-1 in the 2nd period.
Keith Yandle will cut the deficit to one also in the 2nd period.
And finally, Artem Anisimov will cap the game off for the Rangers half way through the 3rd period.
Enjoy the game!
Now for the real post.
Rangers at home against the Phoenix Coyotes.
The Rangers put on a thriller, scoring four goals against the Penguins in the 3rd period to win the game. In the process though, they lost a key player in Ryan Callahan to a broken hand. Speculations say that he will be out six weeks as of right now, which is a huge blow to the Rangers lineup. Luckily, Chris Drury's absence from the lineup has not dwindled his play, for he came out and played like he has played all year. So, lucky for the Rangers, Drury can possibly fill that little void left when Callahan is out.
The Coyotes got shut out by New Jersey last night, and have slipped out of playoff contention as of recently. They are 5-4-1 in their last 10, and a win tonight could bump them back up to 7th place in the Western Conference. While no player has managed to break the 10 goal plateau yet, there are plenty of players in their lineup who can produce when needed most. The Coyotes are +1 in the goals for/goals against ratio, which goes to show that their standing placement isn't as bad as the way they are playing. They are still a contending team from last year, and may shock the hockey world once again if consistency picks up in Phoenix.
My Diagnosis
The Rangers have been having a hard time building a win streak bigger than two wins in a row as of late. The Coyotes have been plagued by the same problem, only I feel the Rangers have a lot more tools to work with than Phoenix does. Despite their less than satisfying home record, I'm giving tonight's game to the Rangers.
My Predictions
Rangers win 4-2
Erik Christensen will get the Rangers on the board first in the 1st period.
The Coyotes will pull even with a goal from Eric Belanger also in the 1st.
Derek Stepan will get the final goal of the 1st in the closing minutes.
Marian Gaborik will bring the Rangers up 3-1 in the 2nd period.
Keith Yandle will cut the deficit to one also in the 2nd period.
And finally, Artem Anisimov will cap the game off for the Rangers half way through the 3rd period.
Enjoy the game!
12/16/10 Rangers vs. Coyotes*
Hey, whats goin' on?
Rangers against the Phoenix Coyotes.
The Coyotes have been struggling with their ability to win consistently with Shane Doan losing his ability to transform into a 50 foot radioactive gila monster like he did in last years playoffs... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX_878j_sy8
But aside from that, they have done a horrible job when it comes to winning. Ilya Bryzgalov has been reported of oogling men in the stands of Jobing.com Arena, which is why he has such a low save percentage. Martin Hanzal cannot fond the back of the net anymore because of the tragic loss of his genitalia that keeps distracting him. In all, the Rangers shall dominate and sodomize the Coyotes into submission tonight due to lack of caring on the Coyotes bench.
My Diagnosis
Coyotes lose.
My Predictions
Every member of the Rangers bench, including Ryan Callahan who went down with a broken hand last night and is out for six weeks, will have a hat trick.
Following that, Don Frye, legendary mixed martial artist, will come onto the ice and spank the coach of the Coyotes before eating Derek Morris.
Enjoy the game!
Rangers against the Phoenix Coyotes.
The Coyotes have been struggling with their ability to win consistently with Shane Doan losing his ability to transform into a 50 foot radioactive gila monster like he did in last years playoffs... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX_878j_sy8
But aside from that, they have done a horrible job when it comes to winning. Ilya Bryzgalov has been reported of oogling men in the stands of Jobing.com Arena, which is why he has such a low save percentage. Martin Hanzal cannot fond the back of the net anymore because of the tragic loss of his genitalia that keeps distracting him. In all, the Rangers shall dominate and sodomize the Coyotes into submission tonight due to lack of caring on the Coyotes bench.
My Diagnosis
Coyotes lose.
My Predictions
Every member of the Rangers bench, including Ryan Callahan who went down with a broken hand last night and is out for six weeks, will have a hat trick.
Following that, Don Frye, legendary mixed martial artist, will come onto the ice and spank the coach of the Coyotes before eating Derek Morris.
Enjoy the game!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
That Is Why You Play All 60 Minutes
Another wild ride turned into a victory by the New York Rangers. Erupting with four goals in the 3rd period to win the game, against the Penguins of all people, is truly a remarkable feat. The Rangers never gave up, and never quit through all three periods of play, and that is why they came out on top. The end of the 1st was rough, but the Rangers never let the adversity get to them. Especially when the tying goal by the Penguins was waved off due to incidental contact. My jaw literally dropped when I heard that call. A call like that against the Penguins, let alone Sidney Crosby, is absolutely unheard of in the NHL. I guess the Penguins aren't as pampered by the referees as we thought they were.
Unfortunately, in celebration, there is a sad note. Ryan Callahan left the game in the 1st period with a broken hand. It is unsure how long it will take for Callahan to return to the lineup, but undoubtedly, the Rangers have lost a key player in their success. Callahan is the one of the most well rounded players on the team, and to lose him with a bad injury like the one he has is truly unfortunate for the Rangers.
"The only thing that could make this game better would be if someone would take Crosby's head and remove it from his body" -Vin Corrao
Unfortunately, in celebration, there is a sad note. Ryan Callahan left the game in the 1st period with a broken hand. It is unsure how long it will take for Callahan to return to the lineup, but undoubtedly, the Rangers have lost a key player in their success. Callahan is the one of the most well rounded players on the team, and to lose him with a bad injury like the one he has is truly unfortunate for the Rangers.
"The only thing that could make this game better would be if someone would take Crosby's head and remove it from his body" -Vin Corrao
12/15/10 Rangers vs. Penguins
Part three of the epic saga between these teams.
Rangers against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The last meeting between these two was in the middle of Pittsburgh's 12 game win streak. The last time the Penguins had lost before last nights loss to Filthadelphia was their 3-2 overtime loss to the Rangers on November 15th.
The Rangers now have an important key back in their lineup for the first time since the second game of the season. Captain Chris Drury returns in hopes of leading this team to more wins, and hopefully more goals on top of that. The Rangers penalty kill has been lacking when needed most, sitting at 16th in the league with an 82.3%. Drury, who is an avid penalty killer, can hopefully bolster that, and move the penalty kill percentage up a little more. Oh, and lets not forget, the Rangers lead the league with 7 short handed goals this season. So with the addition of Captain Drury, hopefully there will be more to come.
The Penguins streak has just ended at 12 wins last night against the Flyers. They have also just recently brought back Evgeni Malkin from injury who helped the Pens get on the board twice last night. The last two times they have played against the Rangers, they have been a formidable foe like always. But, how badly has this loss of their 12 game win streak effected the locker room of the Penguins? The Rangers have proven they can beat them this season, and have proven they can beat teams like them such as the 7-0 shutout win over Washington earlier this week. Only time will tell what kind of teams we will see on the ice tonight.
My Diagnosis
Prepare to see some scrapping going on between these two teams right from the get-go. Crosby's alleged slew-foot of Ryan Callahan with a call against Callahan instead of Crosby has left a sour taste in the Rangers mouths. Now, they'll be out to really stick it to Crosby tonight. I expect a tough fought game by both teams, and in the end, I do see the Rangers coming out on top.
My Predictions
Rangers win 2-1
Chris Kunitz will get the only goal for the Penguins tonight early in the 1st.
Dan Girardi will pull the Rangers even in the 3rd period.
And finally, Marian Gaborik will cap off the game with a late 3rd period goal.
Enjoy the game!
Rangers against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The last meeting between these two was in the middle of Pittsburgh's 12 game win streak. The last time the Penguins had lost before last nights loss to Filthadelphia was their 3-2 overtime loss to the Rangers on November 15th.
The Rangers now have an important key back in their lineup for the first time since the second game of the season. Captain Chris Drury returns in hopes of leading this team to more wins, and hopefully more goals on top of that. The Rangers penalty kill has been lacking when needed most, sitting at 16th in the league with an 82.3%. Drury, who is an avid penalty killer, can hopefully bolster that, and move the penalty kill percentage up a little more. Oh, and lets not forget, the Rangers lead the league with 7 short handed goals this season. So with the addition of Captain Drury, hopefully there will be more to come.
The Penguins streak has just ended at 12 wins last night against the Flyers. They have also just recently brought back Evgeni Malkin from injury who helped the Pens get on the board twice last night. The last two times they have played against the Rangers, they have been a formidable foe like always. But, how badly has this loss of their 12 game win streak effected the locker room of the Penguins? The Rangers have proven they can beat them this season, and have proven they can beat teams like them such as the 7-0 shutout win over Washington earlier this week. Only time will tell what kind of teams we will see on the ice tonight.
My Diagnosis
Prepare to see some scrapping going on between these two teams right from the get-go. Crosby's alleged slew-foot of Ryan Callahan with a call against Callahan instead of Crosby has left a sour taste in the Rangers mouths. Now, they'll be out to really stick it to Crosby tonight. I expect a tough fought game by both teams, and in the end, I do see the Rangers coming out on top.
My Predictions
Rangers win 2-1
Chris Kunitz will get the only goal for the Penguins tonight early in the 1st.
Dan Girardi will pull the Rangers even in the 3rd period.
And finally, Marian Gaborik will cap off the game with a late 3rd period goal.
Enjoy the game!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Recapping Last Nights Game
I have never been happier to be wrong with my prediction. Ill take a 7-0 shutout over a 3-2 loss any day of the week.
What a game. Everything up and down the ice was spectacular. Henrik Lundqvist made big saves when the Caps were still in the game, and also when they were long out of it. Even though there were four post shots against the Rangers, they still managed to hold it together for the shutout. On that note, those post shots aren't always going to bounce out. Henrik better know that for next game.
What a game. Everything up and down the ice was spectacular. Henrik Lundqvist made big saves when the Caps were still in the game, and also when they were long out of it. Even though there were four post shots against the Rangers, they still managed to hold it together for the shutout. On that note, those post shots aren't always going to bounce out. Henrik better know that for next game.
But there is so much to talk about. Staal had a shorthanded beauty that put the Rangers in the lead of most shorthanded goals in the league. Also, Ryan Callahan turned on his play in the 3rd period to seal off the victory.
Oh yeah... and some guy on the Capitals tried to fight Brandon Dubinsky. Alex O-something?
Yeah, Alex Ovechkin fought Brandon Dubinsky. In only his second fight in the NHL, Ovechkin wasted no time after throwing a semi-sketchy hip check on Dan Girardi. He skated toward center ice, saw Dubinsky, and away they went. It was magical.
In my opinion, Dubinsky definitely won that fight. While neither of these players are notable fighters, Dubinsky definitely connected on two or three occasions, while Ovechkin looked like he was trying to hit a piñata blindfolded. Heres the video, so that you may judge for yourself...
Just wanted to make note of the massacre the Rangers put on at the Garden last night. Now back to finals...
Sunday, December 12, 2010
11/12/10 Rangers vs. Capitals
Hi there everyone. I just got back from my aunts, and I have quite a bit of homework to do, so I only have time for my diagnosis and predictions tonight. I'm sorry.
Rangers vs. the Washington Capitals
My Diagnosis
The Rangers have been struggling a lot on defense lately, while the Caps have also had struggles lately with getting the wins. They are 4-5-1 in their last 10, and come into this game on a two game losing streak. The Rangers are coming off a tough loss to the Blue Jackets and are looking for some kind of consistency this season. However, I don't see it coming back in this game. I see the Capitals taking the game tonight.
My Predictions
Capitals win 3-2
Brandon Dubinsky gets the first goal for the Rangers late in the 1st.
Alex Ovechkin will get the Caps on the board early in the 2nd.
Brooks Laich will give the Caps the lead also in the 2nd.
Artem Anisimov will tie it up early in the 3rd period.
And finally, Alexander Semin will win it for the Caps in the final five minutes of the game.
I apologize this post is not really up to par with my other posts, its finals week and I'm stressing. I will hopefully be able to get better posts out later this week. Enjoy the game!
Rangers vs. the Washington Capitals
My Diagnosis
The Rangers have been struggling a lot on defense lately, while the Caps have also had struggles lately with getting the wins. They are 4-5-1 in their last 10, and come into this game on a two game losing streak. The Rangers are coming off a tough loss to the Blue Jackets and are looking for some kind of consistency this season. However, I don't see it coming back in this game. I see the Capitals taking the game tonight.
My Predictions
Capitals win 3-2
Brandon Dubinsky gets the first goal for the Rangers late in the 1st.
Alex Ovechkin will get the Caps on the board early in the 2nd.
Brooks Laich will give the Caps the lead also in the 2nd.
Artem Anisimov will tie it up early in the 3rd period.
And finally, Alexander Semin will win it for the Caps in the final five minutes of the game.
I apologize this post is not really up to par with my other posts, its finals week and I'm stressing. I will hopefully be able to get better posts out later this week. Enjoy the game!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
12/11/10 Rangers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
It feels like forever since I've done one of these. Its good to be back.
Rangers at the Columbus Blue Jackets.
This is one of those game where I feel it will be hard to predict what can happen. The Rangers struggled defensively against the Ottawa Senators in the their last two games, and have had a couple of days off since their last game. However, there are some points of praise to be noticed on the Rangers bench. Derek Stepan is really coming into his own as a home grown Ranger scorer. Its awesome to watch this kid grow before our very eyes as a player who can potentially become a big scoring threat in his later years of his career. Also, Michael Sauer is really proving to us that he deserves to be in the lineup. I didn't like it much when Sauer was called up, but with his +8 record, he is starting to grow on me.
The Blue Jackets are coming off a 4-1 loss against the St. Louis Blues, and are looking to gain some more momentum so that they can climb back up the crowded Western Conference. A win for them tonight would bring them from 12th in their conference, to 6th in their conference. And judging by the urgency of their standing situation, there going to be hungry tonight. Expect them to be quick on the puck, and looking to get it to their star players in Rick Nash and Antoine Vermette. The Blue Jackets are not a bad team, but an inconsistent one. Therefore, who knows what could happen tonight?
My Diagnosis
This is one of the hardest games to call since starting this blog. The Rangers and Blue Jackets are almost identical teams, and can both be dangerous when given an opportunity. But if I were a betting man, I would have to take the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight in a close one.
My Predictions
Blue Jackets win 5-4 in the shootout.
Sean Avery will get a goal tonight to break open the scoring.
Jakub Voracek will quickly follow up on Avery's goal and tie it early in the 1st.
Antoine Vermette will give the Jackets the lead with five minutes remaining in the 1st.
Marian Gaborik will tie it up half way through the 2nd period.
Jakub Voracek will get on the board once again to give the Jackets a late goal in the 2nd period.
Brandon Dubinsky will bring the Rangers even again at the start of the 3rd period.
Brian Boyle will give the Rangers a lead in the 3rd.
And finally, Rick Nash will pull the teams even at 4 a piece to head into overtime, where no one will score.
I am not sure of the shootout order for either team, so I don't believe I should predict who will win it. And if my predictions are wrong tonight, I will be totally cool with that. Enjoy the game!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Catchin' Up on the Rangers
I apologize to any avid readers about no pre-game thread yesterday. I woke up late by accident and never got a chance to put it up. I did get to watch the replay of the game and there were a few things I wanted to comment on from what I saw.
First off, Boogaard vs. Carkner. I do not consider Carkner the winner of that fight because they both landed shots, and the only thing that Carkner did that Boogaard didn't was bring Boogaard down on top of him. Somewhere, some lumberjacks were watching this game going "timber!" when that happened. But what I also wanted to talk about was Carkner wiping the blood off of his face and flicking it at the Rangers bench. Carkner said he didn't remember doing it because the adrenaline was rushing through him, but the video has all the proof necessary. His blood or Boogaard's blood dosent matter, he wiped it off and flicked it. Therefore, he deserved the ten minute misconduct penalty he got.
Along with that, I would like to give kudos to Gaborik for being a huge play maker throughout the game. His assists on Stepan and Fedotenko's goals were picture perfect. Without his set ups, the Rangers would have gone into overtime with the Senators.
All in all, from what I saw, there were some defensive struggles like always, but good offensive conversion. Next game for the Rangers is Saturday against the Blue Jackets and I will definitely try to get my pre-game post up!
First off, Boogaard vs. Carkner. I do not consider Carkner the winner of that fight because they both landed shots, and the only thing that Carkner did that Boogaard didn't was bring Boogaard down on top of him. Somewhere, some lumberjacks were watching this game going "timber!" when that happened. But what I also wanted to talk about was Carkner wiping the blood off of his face and flicking it at the Rangers bench. Carkner said he didn't remember doing it because the adrenaline was rushing through him, but the video has all the proof necessary. His blood or Boogaard's blood dosent matter, he wiped it off and flicked it. Therefore, he deserved the ten minute misconduct penalty he got.
Along with that, I would like to give kudos to Gaborik for being a huge play maker throughout the game. His assists on Stepan and Fedotenko's goals were picture perfect. Without his set ups, the Rangers would have gone into overtime with the Senators.
All in all, from what I saw, there were some defensive struggles like always, but good offensive conversion. Next game for the Rangers is Saturday against the Blue Jackets and I will definitely try to get my pre-game post up!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Rangers Update
Its been a slow few days without any hockey to watch. Not much has gone on with the Rangers, so I haven't had much to blog about. Luckily, the Rangers play the Senators for the second time tomorrow so I will have some content up before the game. But there are a few things that popped up about a few players these past two days.
According to Yahoo.com, Alex Frolov has made a comment to the media that he is upset with the amount of ice time he has been getting from coach John Tortorella. He believes that unacceptable for him to be playing 7-8 minutes on a power line.... aka, the fourth line. My response for Alex is a short one: earn your ice time. Frolov has not been putting up numbers that argue that he should be getting more ice time. I don't hear Ruslan Fedotenko or Erik Christensen whining about their ice time, who have equal amount of points to Frolov. If he wants the ice time, he has to earn it but putting numbers up.
In other news, Sean Avery is still in the running for the NHL All Star Game with 64,450 votes. He has beaten out fellow Rangers Marian Gaborik, as well as Patrick Sharp, Alexander Semin, and both Sedin twins. This campaign has really taken over a mind of its own, and I am proud of those campaigners who have followed it up with much enthusiasm. I, myself, have taken the liberty of filling out nearly 25 votes for Mr. Avery, and I urge all to do the same! There is still time to vote, and it is absolutely free. So sign up and vote for all of our fellow Rangers to get them into the All Star Game!
According to Yahoo.com, Alex Frolov has made a comment to the media that he is upset with the amount of ice time he has been getting from coach John Tortorella. He believes that unacceptable for him to be playing 7-8 minutes on a power line.... aka, the fourth line. My response for Alex is a short one: earn your ice time. Frolov has not been putting up numbers that argue that he should be getting more ice time. I don't hear Ruslan Fedotenko or Erik Christensen whining about their ice time, who have equal amount of points to Frolov. If he wants the ice time, he has to earn it but putting numbers up.
In other news, Sean Avery is still in the running for the NHL All Star Game with 64,450 votes. He has beaten out fellow Rangers Marian Gaborik, as well as Patrick Sharp, Alexander Semin, and both Sedin twins. This campaign has really taken over a mind of its own, and I am proud of those campaigners who have followed it up with much enthusiasm. I, myself, have taken the liberty of filling out nearly 25 votes for Mr. Avery, and I urge all to do the same! There is still time to vote, and it is absolutely free. So sign up and vote for all of our fellow Rangers to get them into the All Star Game!
Monday, December 6, 2010
More Than A Feeling
Even though I gave the Rangers the win in my prediction yesterday, I had the feeling in the back of my mind that they were going to drop that game. I just had this feeling that they would come out and play like they were still playing against the Islanders. They weren't skating hard, controlling their passes, or playing with confidence. These things would not be as trivial to a loss if they were playing against the Islanders. But they were not playing the Islanders. They were playing against a team that has legitimate threats on their team.
The Rangers need to look at yesterdays loss as a lesson learned. No matter who you play, do not anticipate the team to be as bad as their standing placement is. Before every game, know who the team your playing is, and adapt to ways that you could beat them. The tactics a player uses in a 2-0 shutout of the Islanders are not going to work against a team like the Red Wings or Capitals.
And, once again, the Rangers get bit in the ass during "heart attack time". I don't know what it is about this team, but around five minutes remaining in the 3rd period, everyone turns into someone different. Its like when you watch football and a team who is barely winning goes into this "prevent defense" mode. This is not the team of 2008-2009, who went 10-6 in the shootout. These boys should be playing for the two point victory in regulation time, and no points given to the opponent for stale-mating them all game. In the words of Herm Edwards, former coach of the *puke* New York Jets, "you play to win the game".
In Other News...
Bill Guerin has announced his retirement from hockey today. I find this quite unfortunate, because despite him playing for every team in our conference (I loosely count the Flyers, but it counts), I liked Bill Guerin as a player. Even when I watched Pittsburgh win the Cup, a team which I thoroughly despise, I liked watching Bill Guerin play. He was an every man of hockey, and will truly be missed. I tip my hat to you, Mr. Guerin.
The Rangers need to look at yesterdays loss as a lesson learned. No matter who you play, do not anticipate the team to be as bad as their standing placement is. Before every game, know who the team your playing is, and adapt to ways that you could beat them. The tactics a player uses in a 2-0 shutout of the Islanders are not going to work against a team like the Red Wings or Capitals.
And, once again, the Rangers get bit in the ass during "heart attack time". I don't know what it is about this team, but around five minutes remaining in the 3rd period, everyone turns into someone different. Its like when you watch football and a team who is barely winning goes into this "prevent defense" mode. This is not the team of 2008-2009, who went 10-6 in the shootout. These boys should be playing for the two point victory in regulation time, and no points given to the opponent for stale-mating them all game. In the words of Herm Edwards, former coach of the *puke* New York Jets, "you play to win the game".
In Other News...
Bill Guerin has announced his retirement from hockey today. I find this quite unfortunate, because despite him playing for every team in our conference (I loosely count the Flyers, but it counts), I liked Bill Guerin as a player. Even when I watched Pittsburgh win the Cup, a team which I thoroughly despise, I liked watching Bill Guerin play. He was an every man of hockey, and will truly be missed. I tip my hat to you, Mr. Guerin.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
12/5/10 Rangers vs. Senators
Bring em' out, bring em' out.
Rangers at home against the Ottawa Senators.
With a successful sweep of the Islanders home at home series, the Rangers have built up a nice cushion in the Eastern conference of 33 points. With a less eventful, yet satisfying shutout victory on Friday, the momentum is definitely headed in the Rangers favor. The defense has been doing a wonderful job of shutting down opposing teams' star players, and the offense has been getting it done when needed most. Along with that, the Rangers home record is improving to 6-7-1. All of the cogs are coming together smoothly for the Rangers, and they are starting to look like a team that should be taken seriously.
The Senators are stuck in the 11th position in the Eastern conference, and are having some trouble getting the goals. They have been shutout in two consecutive games, their most recent being yesterdays 1-0 shootout loss to the Sabres. With Daniel Alfredsson leading this team with only eight goals, the Senators are -22 in the goals for/goals against ratio, the fourth worst GF/GA differential in the league. However, with no noticeable injuries plaguing them, its hard to see how they have wound up in this position. Brian Elliot is having to do all the work, with Pascal Leclaire putting up an abysmal record of 1-6-1, which is probably the main factor. And, with only Robin Lehner as their secondary backup, they have no room to maneuver as far as goaltending goes.
My Diagnosis
With the Rangers coming off of their successful home at home, and then jumping straight into this one, I feel a sense of comfortability has settled in the Rangers locker room. With Henrik Lundqvist back at top performance again, the Rangers look as though they could handle themselves well during this game. The one thing they need to remember is that the Senators are not as bad as the Islanders. This game will not be so easy with threats like Daniel Alfredsson and Alex Kovalev. They need to get the focus that this game may not be as easy as the games against the Islanders.
My Predictions
Rangers win 3-2
Brandon Dubinsky will break it open early in the 1st period.
Alex Kovalev will follow it up late in the same period to get the Senators on the board.
Milan Michalek will give the Senators the lead early in the 2nd period.
Brian Boyle will get one to tie it up also in the 2nd.
And finally, Erik Christensen will get the game winning goal.
Enjoy the game everyone!
Rangers at home against the Ottawa Senators.
With a successful sweep of the Islanders home at home series, the Rangers have built up a nice cushion in the Eastern conference of 33 points. With a less eventful, yet satisfying shutout victory on Friday, the momentum is definitely headed in the Rangers favor. The defense has been doing a wonderful job of shutting down opposing teams' star players, and the offense has been getting it done when needed most. Along with that, the Rangers home record is improving to 6-7-1. All of the cogs are coming together smoothly for the Rangers, and they are starting to look like a team that should be taken seriously.
The Senators are stuck in the 11th position in the Eastern conference, and are having some trouble getting the goals. They have been shutout in two consecutive games, their most recent being yesterdays 1-0 shootout loss to the Sabres. With Daniel Alfredsson leading this team with only eight goals, the Senators are -22 in the goals for/goals against ratio, the fourth worst GF/GA differential in the league. However, with no noticeable injuries plaguing them, its hard to see how they have wound up in this position. Brian Elliot is having to do all the work, with Pascal Leclaire putting up an abysmal record of 1-6-1, which is probably the main factor. And, with only Robin Lehner as their secondary backup, they have no room to maneuver as far as goaltending goes.
My Diagnosis
With the Rangers coming off of their successful home at home, and then jumping straight into this one, I feel a sense of comfortability has settled in the Rangers locker room. With Henrik Lundqvist back at top performance again, the Rangers look as though they could handle themselves well during this game. The one thing they need to remember is that the Senators are not as bad as the Islanders. This game will not be so easy with threats like Daniel Alfredsson and Alex Kovalev. They need to get the focus that this game may not be as easy as the games against the Islanders.
My Predictions
Rangers win 3-2
Brandon Dubinsky will break it open early in the 1st period.
Alex Kovalev will follow it up late in the same period to get the Senators on the board.
Milan Michalek will give the Senators the lead early in the 2nd period.
Brian Boyle will get one to tie it up also in the 2nd.
And finally, Erik Christensen will get the game winning goal.
Enjoy the game everyone!
Friday, December 3, 2010
12/3/10 Rangers vs. Islanders Part 2
Dany Heatley returning to Ottawa > LeBron James returning to Cleveland. Just saying.
Rangers at home against the New York Islanders.
This game will wrap up the home at home, and the third meeting of six between these two teams this season. So far, the Ranger have taken a game, as well as the Islanders.
And with the excitement of last nights thrilling win still prevalent in the Rangers locker room, they have the momentum advantage right out of the gate. Marian Gaborik turned on his game when the team needed it most last night, getting a hat trick and the game winning goal. Losing two two-goal leads is nothing to be proud of, but when the team needed him, he was there to provide the lift needed to win. Have you ever heard the saying "when it rains, it pours"? That can be said for Marian Gaborik's scoring abilities. In the past four games that Gaborik has scored a goal, two of those game have been hat tricks. With that being said, if Gaborik can get on the board, the Islanders better be watching him every step of the way, because the floodgates have a very good chance of opening if that happens.
Like I said yesterday, if the Rangers don't take full advantage of this game, the Islanders have a chance to bring themselves right back into it. We've seen it happen three times now, so its time the Rangers got the message. Fluke goals and lucky deflections are becoming the norm when these two teams meet, which could potentially spark a run that can bring the Islanders right back into it. And they have the potential to do that, too. Goals can come from anyone on that team, and if the Rangers don't cut out the mistakes they keep making when they play the Islanders, these games will continue to be struggles.
My Diagnosis
If the Rangers can correct everything that they've done wrong in these past two games against the Islanders, then they can take this game easily. That may not be as easy as it sounds, but with the new top line of Avery-Christensen-Gaborik, good things look as though they are on their way. If Henrik can stay sharp and not allow any softies in, and the defense can do something about all of these loose pucks that the Islanders manage to get control of in the Rangers zone, then this game goes to the Rangers.
My Predictions
Since both games these teams have played have had a team get five goals or more, I'm getting the feeling its going to happen again tonight too.
Rangers win 5-3
Rangers will get on the board first with a goal from Erik Christensen.
Following him up will be another goal for the Rangers coming three quarters of the way through the first by Dan Girardi.
Frans Nielsen will get the Islanders a goal at the start of the second period.
Brandon Dubinsky will pot a third goal for the Rangers with five minutes remaining in the second period.
Blake Comeau will get the last goal of the second period for the Islanders.
Marian Gaborik will get the fourth goal for the Rangers.
Trent Hunter will get one in the closing minutes of the third period.
The empty netter from Brandon Dubinsky will seal the game for the Rangers.
Enjoy the game everyone!
Rangers at home against the New York Islanders.
This game will wrap up the home at home, and the third meeting of six between these two teams this season. So far, the Ranger have taken a game, as well as the Islanders.
And with the excitement of last nights thrilling win still prevalent in the Rangers locker room, they have the momentum advantage right out of the gate. Marian Gaborik turned on his game when the team needed it most last night, getting a hat trick and the game winning goal. Losing two two-goal leads is nothing to be proud of, but when the team needed him, he was there to provide the lift needed to win. Have you ever heard the saying "when it rains, it pours"? That can be said for Marian Gaborik's scoring abilities. In the past four games that Gaborik has scored a goal, two of those game have been hat tricks. With that being said, if Gaborik can get on the board, the Islanders better be watching him every step of the way, because the floodgates have a very good chance of opening if that happens.
Like I said yesterday, if the Rangers don't take full advantage of this game, the Islanders have a chance to bring themselves right back into it. We've seen it happen three times now, so its time the Rangers got the message. Fluke goals and lucky deflections are becoming the norm when these two teams meet, which could potentially spark a run that can bring the Islanders right back into it. And they have the potential to do that, too. Goals can come from anyone on that team, and if the Rangers don't cut out the mistakes they keep making when they play the Islanders, these games will continue to be struggles.
My Diagnosis
If the Rangers can correct everything that they've done wrong in these past two games against the Islanders, then they can take this game easily. That may not be as easy as it sounds, but with the new top line of Avery-Christensen-Gaborik, good things look as though they are on their way. If Henrik can stay sharp and not allow any softies in, and the defense can do something about all of these loose pucks that the Islanders manage to get control of in the Rangers zone, then this game goes to the Rangers.
My Predictions
Since both games these teams have played have had a team get five goals or more, I'm getting the feeling its going to happen again tonight too.
Rangers win 5-3
Rangers will get on the board first with a goal from Erik Christensen.
Following him up will be another goal for the Rangers coming three quarters of the way through the first by Dan Girardi.
Frans Nielsen will get the Islanders a goal at the start of the second period.
Brandon Dubinsky will pot a third goal for the Rangers with five minutes remaining in the second period.
Blake Comeau will get the last goal of the second period for the Islanders.
Marian Gaborik will get the fourth goal for the Rangers.
Trent Hunter will get one in the closing minutes of the third period.
The empty netter from Brandon Dubinsky will seal the game for the Rangers.
Enjoy the game everyone!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Marian Gaborik: The Doctor is in the House
Now you know why I call the final five minutes of a Ranger game "heart attack time".
This game was a roller coaster of emotions to say the absolute least. With Gaborik getting the hat trick, losing a two goal lead twice, and the Rangers power play finally coming through (thank you Zenon Konopka), I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. My feelings ranged from love, to hate, to love again, to hate again, to more hate, to sweet adulation throughout the game.
It wasn't as pretty as it should have been, but like I claimed in my pre-game post, the Islanders had five days to prepare for this game. They knew how to work the Rangers and managed to do it on more occasions than the Rangers should have allowed.
Goals were scored in every conceivable fashion tonight. From a top shelfer by Erik Christensen, to tip ins off own players, to goals that barely just squeak by the goal line. It was exciting to watch, and had a terrific ending with Gaborik's hat trick. Bless that man!
Now, what the Rangers need to do is carry all of this emotion and momentum straight into tomorrows game. Do not let off the gas pedal. On two occasions now, they've learned that if you keep the Islanders in it, they can still compete. Do not make the same mistake made the first time they played, and almost made tonight.
See you tomorrow for part two of the Rangers home at home!
This game was a roller coaster of emotions to say the absolute least. With Gaborik getting the hat trick, losing a two goal lead twice, and the Rangers power play finally coming through (thank you Zenon Konopka), I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. My feelings ranged from love, to hate, to love again, to hate again, to more hate, to sweet adulation throughout the game.
It wasn't as pretty as it should have been, but like I claimed in my pre-game post, the Islanders had five days to prepare for this game. They knew how to work the Rangers and managed to do it on more occasions than the Rangers should have allowed.
Goals were scored in every conceivable fashion tonight. From a top shelfer by Erik Christensen, to tip ins off own players, to goals that barely just squeak by the goal line. It was exciting to watch, and had a terrific ending with Gaborik's hat trick. Bless that man!
Now, what the Rangers need to do is carry all of this emotion and momentum straight into tomorrows game. Do not let off the gas pedal. On two occasions now, they've learned that if you keep the Islanders in it, they can still compete. Do not make the same mistake made the first time they played, and almost made tonight.
See you tomorrow for part two of the Rangers home at home!
12/2/10 Rangers vs. Islanders
Ive been dying for some hockey so lets get things going!
Rangers against the New York Islanders.
Last meeting was a huge upset for us Rangers fans. I have never seen anything luckier happen to a down in the dumps team like the Islanders like the last time these two teams met. But, following that game, the Islanders have dug themselves into a hole too deep to comprehend. Losing fourteen games straight should not happen in the National Hockey League. Its like when you see an overly obese person and you think to yourself, "how on Earth do they let themselves get that way!?" Although, I'm quite glad that streak finally ended against a team I equally dislike and is doing quite awful this season.
The Islanders haven't won since they beat the Devils, God knows how long ago. However, that may mean they have had more time to prepare. All along, they could have been going over each aspect and can come into tonights game way more prepared than the Rangers have anticipated. If they can convert on that plan, is still up for question.
The Rangers are once again struggling for consistency, and are slipping closer toward the 8th place standing in the Eastern Conference. With the power play unable to convert unless it is against a lifeless team like the Oilers, Panthers, or Wild, maybe tonight we can see a power play goal or two out of the boys. Gaborik has also been on his own little tear, racking up five points in his last seven games, which could also strike some fear into the Islanders bench as well. Martin Biron, who has also been putting up fantastic numbers as the Rangers backup goalie, will also be taking his place between the pipes. Each important aspect for the Rangers is solid, now working on conversion and control is the only thing they need to worry about.
My Diagnosis
With the Islanders flopping around the league like fish sticks out of water, its hard to see how they could win this game. The Rangers can easily take control of this injury plagued monstrosity and keep a solid stranglehold on them like they did against the Oilers. The only thing the Rangers need to worry about is the final five minutes of the game, or as I like to call it, "heart attack time". We all saw the Rangers fall to pieces last time these two teams meet, and the final five minutes of a Rangers hockey game scares me more than Armageddon. If they can work hard all 60 minutes, and build up a steady lead, this game will belongs to the upper class New York hockey team.
My Predictions
Rangers win 4-1
Ryan Callahan will score the first goal for the Rangers halfway into the 1st period.
Marian Gaborik will get the second one.
Josh Bailey will get the Islanders lone goal at the end of the 2nd.
Marc Staal will get the third one for the Rangers.
And the empty netter will be scored by Callahan again.
Enjoy the game everyone!
Can Matt Gilroy Come Out Of His Scoring Coma?
While waiting for my next class to start yesterday, I took a walk down to the library and check out the Blueshirt Banter blog, which was one of my influences to actually start my own blog. One of the articles that managed to catch my attention was one entitled "Rangers Analysis: Time Running Out for Gilroy?". Upon reading said article, I found myself upset because I like Gilroy as a player, but it made sense to have him be involved in all of these trade rumors.
According to the article, Gilroy has been passed in the depth chart by Steve Eminger and Michael Sauer. Eminger has a goal while both Gilroy and Sauer do not. However, both Sauer and Gilroy have three assists. And when it comes to the plus/minus category, Sauer has a +7, while Gilroy has a +4.
Its obvious Gilroy has hit his sophomore slump, but there is still plenty of time for him to prove himself. Who's to say he doesn't catch fire somewhere in the season and pots a few goals? It could happen, but from a managerial perspective, yes, his time is running out.
As stated in the Blueshirt Banter article, Glen Sather has expressed his urge to get a top center for Gaborik. And while the Rangers have faired well so far, the addition of a serious threat up the middle would be a lot more valuable than what Gilroy has been showing recently. With prospects such as Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko, Gilroy can be easily replaced (Wade Redden is NOT an option).
So, either Gilroy shakes off his funk, or his time on Broadway might be over.
According to the article, Gilroy has been passed in the depth chart by Steve Eminger and Michael Sauer. Eminger has a goal while both Gilroy and Sauer do not. However, both Sauer and Gilroy have three assists. And when it comes to the plus/minus category, Sauer has a +7, while Gilroy has a +4.
Its obvious Gilroy has hit his sophomore slump, but there is still plenty of time for him to prove himself. Who's to say he doesn't catch fire somewhere in the season and pots a few goals? It could happen, but from a managerial perspective, yes, his time is running out.
As stated in the Blueshirt Banter article, Glen Sather has expressed his urge to get a top center for Gaborik. And while the Rangers have faired well so far, the addition of a serious threat up the middle would be a lot more valuable than what Gilroy has been showing recently. With prospects such as Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko, Gilroy can be easily replaced (Wade Redden is NOT an option).
So, either Gilroy shakes off his funk, or his time on Broadway might be over.
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