Got high sticked playing hockey yesterday. Makes me wonder how these guys do it on a nightly basis.
Rangers against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Lightning have gotten the best of the Rangers so far this season, winning all three of their prior meetings. Today's game is the final scheduled meeting of the season between these two clubs, and it is an important one. As the Rangers stand in the playoffs right now, they would have to face Tampa Bay in the first round. A win today could boost the teams confidence, letting them know that they can beat the Lightning, and from there on, who knows? The Rangers managed to pull out a decisive shutout victory over the Capitals two nights ago to the score of 6-0. Erik Christensen stepped up and gave the Rangers two goals and two assists as he filled the void for the injured Marian Gaborik, who sat with a concussion. Along with Christensen, some reinforcements have arrived from the Florida Panthers to help out while Marc Staal sits with a knee injury. Defenseman Bryan McCabe was traded for Tim Kennedy, and a third round draft pick yesterday. McCabe has a history of being a very offensive defenseman, as well as a great power-play quarterback which is something the Rangers have been in dire need of all season. McCabe will take the place of Michael Del Zotto as he gets sent down to Connecticut to develop a little more.
The Lightning are on a two game winning streak as they downed the New Jersey Devils and Phoenix Coyotes in Tampa earlier this week. The Lightning are away for the first time in eight games tonight, as they end a long home-stand in Tampa.
My Diagnosis
As I've said in the past, the only way the Rangers are going to come out on top in this one is if they contain Martin St. Louis and Steven Stamkos. Hopefully, with the new firepower on the blue line in McCabe, that could be a little easier on the young defensive core of the Rangers. Its going to be difficult, as the Lightning are a stunning team right now, but it is possible. and maybe the fact that they haven't played away from home in their last eight games can bump them a little out of their comfort zone enough to throw them off. You hear that MSG? BRING THE NOISE!!!!!
My Predictions
Rangers win 2-1 in the shootout.
Derek Stepan will get the first goal for the Rangers early in the 1st.
Martin St. Louis will tie it up in the 2nd period.
And the final shootout goal will be scored by Mats Zuccarello.
Enjoy the game!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Rangers Acquire Bryan McCabe From Florida
The Rangers have just traded away Connecticut Whale player Tim Kennedy and a third round draft pick in this years draft for defenseman Bryan McCabe.McCabe was acquired from the Florida Panthers where he has scored 5 goals, and 22 points so far this season, despite missing some games with a broken jaw. McCabe has a good history of being an offensive defenseman, as well as a good quarterback on the power-play
McCabe is a seasoned veteran, having been with the Islanders, Canucks, Blackhawks and Maple Leafs along with the Panthers. McCabes experience on the blue line is something the Rangers have been dying for since Michal Rozsival was traded to Phoenix earlier this year. The Rangers managed to accomplish that, without giving up too much to Florida in the process.
In my opinion, this is a great trade for the Rangers. Glen Sather managed to come up big at the deadline while still keeping the core in check for the team. I am very excited to see McCabe make his debut in a Rangers uniform tomorrow at 1 o'clock against the Lightning.
Friday, February 25, 2011
2/25/11 Rangers vs. Capitals
Deeper into the rabbit hole.
Rangers against the Washington Capitals.
The Rangers have picked up their play as of late, recently beating 8th seeded Carolina in a shootout three days ago thanks to Marty "The Shootout Guru" Biron. With that win, they've cushioned themselves from the ever competitive Eastern Conference, and look to increase that lead tonight against the Capitals. The Rangers have claimed the last two games against the Capitals. One being a blowout of 7-0, and one coming closer to the score of 2-1 in a shootout. This being the final game of the season against the Capitals, the Rangers should look to finish them off decisively to add to their confidence heading toward the final stretch of the season. The Rangers lost defensive rock Marc Staal for this game after taking a thunderous, yet possibly over-hyped, hit from brother Eric in his last game. Steve Eminger will step in to replace the minutes Staal will be missing. Also, Ruslan Fedotenko will be making his return to the lineup, and should return straight to his status as a clutch scorer and good play-maker.
The Capitals have played some solid hockey recently, going 5-4-1 in their last ten games. The Capitals do have their share of injuries, missing star defenseman Mike Green, Eric Fehr, and former Ranger, Tom Poti.
My Diagnosis
The Rangers and Capitals are two very similar teams as far as stats go. They are nearly identical in every stat, and as always, this case will probably show in tonights game. I expect another hard-fought game between these two clubs as they both look to improve their standing position.
My Predictions
Rangers win 3-2
Wojtek Wolski will get the first Ranger goal early in the 1st.
Ryan Callahan will tally a second for the Rangers also in the 1st.
Alex Ovechkin will cut the deficit to one early in the 2nd.
Erik Christensen will get the final goal for the Rangers late in the 2nd.
And finally, Scott Hannan will get the final goal for the Caps late in the 3rd.
Enjoy the game!
Rangers against the Washington Capitals.
The Capitals have played some solid hockey recently, going 5-4-1 in their last ten games. The Capitals do have their share of injuries, missing star defenseman Mike Green, Eric Fehr, and former Ranger, Tom Poti.
My Diagnosis
The Rangers and Capitals are two very similar teams as far as stats go. They are nearly identical in every stat, and as always, this case will probably show in tonights game. I expect another hard-fought game between these two clubs as they both look to improve their standing position.
My Predictions
Rangers win 3-2
Wojtek Wolski will get the first Ranger goal early in the 1st.
Ryan Callahan will tally a second for the Rangers also in the 1st.
Alex Ovechkin will cut the deficit to one early in the 2nd.
Erik Christensen will get the final goal for the Rangers late in the 2nd.
And finally, Scott Hannan will get the final goal for the Caps late in the 3rd.
Enjoy the game!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Avery Silences Carolina Simpletons
Just a quick link I felt like posting. Found this on Yahoo!'s Puck Daddy blog this afternoon. Sean Avery straightens out one of the dimmer light bulbs in Raleigh.
The only thing that would have made this clip entirely more awesome was if Sean pulled out the shades he has on in his headshot (pictured right) after he said the line, put them on, and walked down the tunnel while The Who's "Wont Get Fooled Again" plays in the background like some CSI intro.
The only thing that would have made this clip entirely more awesome was if Sean pulled out the shades he has on in his headshot (pictured right) after he said the line, put them on, and walked down the tunnel while The Who's "Wont Get Fooled Again" plays in the background like some CSI intro.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
2/22/11 Rangers vs. Hurricanes
Down to the wire we go.
Rangers against the Carolina Hurricanes.
A while back I mentioned the last game against these two teams was "as close to a must-win as you can get". That rule still applies tonight. the Rangers need to pump their game up if they want to remain in the hunt for the playoffs. The Rangers lost Marian Gaborik this week due to a concussion, which apparently he has been hiding for some time now. Aside from that, the Rangers are missing captain Chris Drury, and Ruslan Fedotenko. The Rangers have been in a tailspin ever since the all star break, and have been trying desperately to get back in their groove. Kris Newbury has been called up in order to fill Gaborik's void. Newbury, who played just fine while he had his time in the lineup, will have a big role to fill in the Rangers want to come away victors in this game tonight.
The Hurricanes are another team that has been struggling for consistency, much like the Rangers. They are 3-5-2 in their last ten and are trying to stay ahead of the 9th place Thrashers. The Hurricanes have managed to get points out of all three of their last meetings with the Rangers by winning two, and losing one in overtime.
The Rangers MUST shut down the Hurricanes tonight. They MUST convert when given the opportunity. And finally, they MUST find a way to finish this game in regulation. The race in the Eastern conference grows tighter every day, and in order for the Rangers to keep up, they MUST pull it together tonight to give themselves some breathing room.
My Predictions
Rangers win 3-1
Brian Boyle will get the first Rangers goal in the 1st.
Brandon Dubinsky will get the second goal for the Rangers half way through the second.
Jeff Skinner will pot the only Hurricanes goal also in the 2nd.
And finally, Artem Anisimov will get the final goal, and empty netter.
Enjoy the game!
Rangers against the Carolina Hurricanes.
A while back I mentioned the last game against these two teams was "as close to a must-win as you can get". That rule still applies tonight. the Rangers need to pump their game up if they want to remain in the hunt for the playoffs. The Rangers lost Marian Gaborik this week due to a concussion, which apparently he has been hiding for some time now. Aside from that, the Rangers are missing captain Chris Drury, and Ruslan Fedotenko. The Rangers have been in a tailspin ever since the all star break, and have been trying desperately to get back in their groove. Kris Newbury has been called up in order to fill Gaborik's void. Newbury, who played just fine while he had his time in the lineup, will have a big role to fill in the Rangers want to come away victors in this game tonight.
The Hurricanes are another team that has been struggling for consistency, much like the Rangers. They are 3-5-2 in their last ten and are trying to stay ahead of the 9th place Thrashers. The Hurricanes have managed to get points out of all three of their last meetings with the Rangers by winning two, and losing one in overtime.
The Rangers MUST shut down the Hurricanes tonight. They MUST convert when given the opportunity. And finally, they MUST find a way to finish this game in regulation. The race in the Eastern conference grows tighter every day, and in order for the Rangers to keep up, they MUST pull it together tonight to give themselves some breathing room.
My Predictions
Rangers win 3-1
Brian Boyle will get the first Rangers goal in the 1st.
Brandon Dubinsky will get the second goal for the Rangers half way through the second.
Jeff Skinner will pot the only Hurricanes goal also in the 2nd.
And finally, Artem Anisimov will get the final goal, and empty netter.
Enjoy the game!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Back With A Vengence
Greetings!
I'm home from my trip of scaling the mountains of Pennsylvania and am back to get into blogging gear. By the way, way too many Flyers fans walking around up in the Poconos for my liking.
I'm aware of all of the trades that have happened, as well as all of the prospective trades that are no longer an option for the Rangers.
As the deadline approaches, I will try my best to keep everyone informed, and try to stay on top of the trades to the best of my extent.
Just letting all of you know I am back and ready to blog!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Apology For Lack of Content
Hello all.
As many of you may have noticed, the Rangers haven't played in quite some time. And that poses a problem for me because I have nothing to blog about, and I hate having my page go more than two days without a post.
As far as tomorrows game against the Kings goes, tomorrow I am leaving to head up to the mountains to do a little snowboarding before winters end. Therefore, tomorrows game day post may or may not get posted. I believe I will have a laptop at my disposal while I am there, but as to the time I get back from the mountain I am unaware of at this point. Also, since I will probably be out and about while I'm up in the mountains, I may not get a chance to watch the game whilst I am there. So the possibility of a post-game post may also be out of the question.
I apologize or this inconvenience, and promise once I return that the blog will be back to its full operational potential.
Enjoy your weekend everyone!
As many of you may have noticed, the Rangers haven't played in quite some time. And that poses a problem for me because I have nothing to blog about, and I hate having my page go more than two days without a post.
As far as tomorrows game against the Kings goes, tomorrow I am leaving to head up to the mountains to do a little snowboarding before winters end. Therefore, tomorrows game day post may or may not get posted. I believe I will have a laptop at my disposal while I am there, but as to the time I get back from the mountain I am unaware of at this point. Also, since I will probably be out and about while I'm up in the mountains, I may not get a chance to watch the game whilst I am there. So the possibility of a post-game post may also be out of the question.
I apologize or this inconvenience, and promise once I return that the blog will be back to its full operational potential.
Enjoy your weekend everyone!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Recapping the Rangers/Penguins
Five minutes into the period, I turned this game off.
I was not about to watch the Rangers get trampled by a Crosby/Malkin-less Penguins team for a second time. But then, a few minutes after I tuned out, a text from a good friend showed me signs of life. I turned on my television once again.
I was not about to watch the Rangers get trampled by a Crosby/Malkin-less Penguins team for a second time. But then, a few minutes after I tuned out, a text from a good friend showed me signs of life. I turned on my television once again.
Then, Sir Ryan Callahan tipped another goal in to tie the game at two, followed by three goals all in succession. I could not believe my eyes. A team that went 0 for 6 on the power-play against the Canadiens earlier this week had scored three power-play goals in one game.
The Rangers are a very "when it rains, it pours" kind of team this season. If Marian Gaborik scores one goal in a game, more times than not he scores a second. If the Rangers start to struggle, they struggle badly. If they get their power-play going early, it will continue to click. Thats the way it has been for the Rangers all season long. The only thing they have struggled with, is consistency when it comes to clicking on all pages.
Last nights game was a good starting point. A reconciliation if you will. the Rangers exercised their demons in one night against the Penguins, and managed to come away with a much needed two points to keep them in the playoff hunt.
Can the Rangers hold it together for the Devils? It would be easier to do since the Devils would be an easier opponent than the injury depleted Penguins, but only time will tell.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
2/13/11 Rangers vs. Penguins
This stretch of losses has zapped my creative juices.
Rangers against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Rangers have now gone seven straight games without winning, and four straight games without a point. It is getting really frustrating watching this team fumble like they are currently. Their final point came against Pittsburgh on the 1st of February after losing to the Penguins in a shootout. In all honesty, I have no idea what the hell is going on with the Rangers. All of these losses have each been a mystery to me. It does not make sense to me how a team can go from pretty good while being so depleted to injuries, to nearly fully healthy and lose seven straight. Not only that, but they haven't been horrible losses either. Every game the Rangers have lost on this stretch has been a game where the Rangers were still in it until the very end.
The Penguins are in the spot the Rangers were in a few weeks ago, being depleted by injuries to key players. Crosby, Malkin, Letestu, Jordin Staal, Eric Tangradi, and Dustin Jeffery are all out with injuries. Along with that, super pest Matt Cooke has been suspended for this meeting, along with Eric Godard. However, despite all of those injuries, the Penguins still beat the Rangers in nearly every stat. Along with that, the Penguins haven't lost at MSG in their last five visits. However, the Penguins did have to deal with a bit of a brawl two nights ago on Long Island after the Islanders exploded with a 9-3 victory and and a full on brawl at the end of the game. Could the Pens be tired out from that? Potentially.
My Diagnosis
This losing streak is not terminal, but it is a problem. I give the Rangers more trust tonight than I would have if Crosby or Malkin were in, but I think it will still be tough for them to win. I see this game ending in either overtime or a shootout, but as to which team will win it, I have no clue. I will just sit and watch and see if the Rangers can take advantage of all of the Penguins shortcomings.
Enjoy the game!
Rangers against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Rangers have now gone seven straight games without winning, and four straight games without a point. It is getting really frustrating watching this team fumble like they are currently. Their final point came against Pittsburgh on the 1st of February after losing to the Penguins in a shootout. In all honesty, I have no idea what the hell is going on with the Rangers. All of these losses have each been a mystery to me. It does not make sense to me how a team can go from pretty good while being so depleted to injuries, to nearly fully healthy and lose seven straight. Not only that, but they haven't been horrible losses either. Every game the Rangers have lost on this stretch has been a game where the Rangers were still in it until the very end.
The Penguins are in the spot the Rangers were in a few weeks ago, being depleted by injuries to key players. Crosby, Malkin, Letestu, Jordin Staal, Eric Tangradi, and Dustin Jeffery are all out with injuries. Along with that, super pest Matt Cooke has been suspended for this meeting, along with Eric Godard. However, despite all of those injuries, the Penguins still beat the Rangers in nearly every stat. Along with that, the Penguins haven't lost at MSG in their last five visits. However, the Penguins did have to deal with a bit of a brawl two nights ago on Long Island after the Islanders exploded with a 9-3 victory and and a full on brawl at the end of the game. Could the Pens be tired out from that? Potentially.
My Diagnosis
This losing streak is not terminal, but it is a problem. I give the Rangers more trust tonight than I would have if Crosby or Malkin were in, but I think it will still be tough for them to win. I see this game ending in either overtime or a shootout, but as to which team will win it, I have no clue. I will just sit and watch and see if the Rangers can take advantage of all of the Penguins shortcomings.
Enjoy the game!
Friday, February 11, 2011
2/11/11 Rangers vs. Thrashers
Breaking the drought tonight.
Rangers against the Atlanta Thrashers.
The Rangers have been in the rut ever since the All Star break. They have dropped their last five games, and have looked absolutely atrocious on the power-play. Luckily, the Rangers have managed to cling to the seventh spot in the standings in the Eastern Conference despite their losing streak. However, they have had three nights off since their last game, and I believe tonight will finally be the game they break out of their slump. This team is talented undeniably, and I feel that these three days they have been worked tirelessly to achieve the cohesiveness this team had before all of the injuries happened. The Rangers have split the two games they've played against Atlanta so far this season, and this game is as close to a must-win as you can get.
The Thrashers have dropped out of the top eight teams in the Eastern Conference, thanks to the Carolina Hurricanes' surge as of recently. This team is also in the same boat as the Rangers. The Thrashers have gone 2-5-3 in their last ten, while the Rangers have gone 3-6-1. The Thrashers have managed to get through to the net against the Rangers this season, scoring six goals in their first meeting, and two in the second. Each goal scorer has been different for the Thrashers this season, so it would be hard to tell who the Rangers need to shut down tonight.
My Diagnosis
Like I said earlier, I feel the Rangers are going to finally break out tonight against Atlanta. Atlanta has a better power-play than the Rangers, but a worse penalty-kill than the Rangers. This could also be the night that the Rangers FINALLY break out of their pathetic power-play performance. If there was ever a team to kick off winning again, its Atlanta, and now.
My Predictions
Rangers win 4-3.
Brian Boyle will get the opening goal for the Rangers in the 1st.
Andrew Ladd will get the first for the Thrashers also in the 1st.
Marian Gaboirk will get the second for the Rangers late in the 1st.
Dustin Byfuglien will tie it up at two in the 2nd.
Mats Zuccarello will tally another for the Rangers late in the 2nd.
Brandon Prust will extend the Rangers goals to four at the start of the 3rd.
And finally, Evander Kane will get the final goal for Atlanta half way through the 3rd.
Enjoy the game!
Rangers against the Atlanta Thrashers.
The Rangers have been in the rut ever since the All Star break. They have dropped their last five games, and have looked absolutely atrocious on the power-play. Luckily, the Rangers have managed to cling to the seventh spot in the standings in the Eastern Conference despite their losing streak. However, they have had three nights off since their last game, and I believe tonight will finally be the game they break out of their slump. This team is talented undeniably, and I feel that these three days they have been worked tirelessly to achieve the cohesiveness this team had before all of the injuries happened. The Rangers have split the two games they've played against Atlanta so far this season, and this game is as close to a must-win as you can get.
The Thrashers have dropped out of the top eight teams in the Eastern Conference, thanks to the Carolina Hurricanes' surge as of recently. This team is also in the same boat as the Rangers. The Thrashers have gone 2-5-3 in their last ten, while the Rangers have gone 3-6-1. The Thrashers have managed to get through to the net against the Rangers this season, scoring six goals in their first meeting, and two in the second. Each goal scorer has been different for the Thrashers this season, so it would be hard to tell who the Rangers need to shut down tonight.
My Diagnosis
Like I said earlier, I feel the Rangers are going to finally break out tonight against Atlanta. Atlanta has a better power-play than the Rangers, but a worse penalty-kill than the Rangers. This could also be the night that the Rangers FINALLY break out of their pathetic power-play performance. If there was ever a team to kick off winning again, its Atlanta, and now.
My Predictions
Rangers win 4-3.
Brian Boyle will get the opening goal for the Rangers in the 1st.
Andrew Ladd will get the first for the Thrashers also in the 1st.
Marian Gaboirk will get the second for the Rangers late in the 1st.
Dustin Byfuglien will tie it up at two in the 2nd.
Mats Zuccarello will tally another for the Rangers late in the 2nd.
Brandon Prust will extend the Rangers goals to four at the start of the 3rd.
And finally, Evander Kane will get the final goal for Atlanta half way through the 3rd.
Enjoy the game!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Drury Out 6 Weeks
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...
Chris Drury has been reported to miss six weeks with a surgery requiring knee injury. Drury, who has all of four points on the season (all assists, mind you) has not lived up to his captaincy at all since arriving back in the lineup since recovering from an earlier finger injury.
This could be interesting to see what the Rangers do about Drurys situation. The captain still has one more year left on his contract, and is taking up his fair share of cap space. However, Sather managed to move Ales Kotalik, Chris Higgins, and Michal Rozsival in less that two seasons, so I wouldn't put it past him to dump him somewhere else. With that, the trade deadline is rapidly approaching. Will Sather make a move? Who knows...
Now the interesting question on everyones mind would be, if Drury is out for a long stretch of time once again, and he continues to be disappointing with his scoring abilities, which will more than likely happen, if not worsen, is who would be the next Rangers captain? The Ranger have had plenty of suitors step up and show their worth in the role of this team. Players like Marc Staal, Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky, and Brian Boyle could all be considered possible candidates.
If I had to choose, I would put the 'C' on either Marc Staal or Brandon Dubinskys sweater. I would not give Callahan the captaincy because I feel he fills the role of an assistant captain more than he would a captain. And, I would not give it to Brian Boyle because he is still growing in the NHL. The last thing someone like him needs is more pressure to produce.
Either way, it is going to be very interesting to see what happens in the upcoming months concerning our captain.
Chris Drury has been reported to miss six weeks with a surgery requiring knee injury. Drury, who has all of four points on the season (all assists, mind you) has not lived up to his captaincy at all since arriving back in the lineup since recovering from an earlier finger injury.
Now the interesting question on everyones mind would be, if Drury is out for a long stretch of time once again, and he continues to be disappointing with his scoring abilities, which will more than likely happen, if not worsen, is who would be the next Rangers captain? The Ranger have had plenty of suitors step up and show their worth in the role of this team. Players like Marc Staal, Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky, and Brian Boyle could all be considered possible candidates.
If I had to choose, I would put the 'C' on either Marc Staal or Brandon Dubinskys sweater. I would not give Callahan the captaincy because I feel he fills the role of an assistant captain more than he would a captain. And, I would not give it to Brian Boyle because he is still growing in the NHL. The last thing someone like him needs is more pressure to produce.
Either way, it is going to be very interesting to see what happens in the upcoming months concerning our captain.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Recapping the Rangers/Red Wings
What on Gods green Earth is going on with our Rangers?
Normally, when players come back from injury, they don't regress into a worse off state than when they were out.
Crap passes, overskating pucks, and the shots that never ever come at the right time can drive a fan mad.
And why in the name of hockey is Del Zotto back in the lineup? He did absolutely nothing when he was on the Whale that should convince the management to bring him back up. Eminger was doing just fine.
I am just frustrated, and tired. I will get the next pre-game post when it comes. I apologize for the radicalness of my blogs today.
Normally, when players come back from injury, they don't regress into a worse off state than when they were out.
Crap passes, overskating pucks, and the shots that never ever come at the right time can drive a fan mad.
And why in the name of hockey is Del Zotto back in the lineup? He did absolutely nothing when he was on the Whale that should convince the management to bring him back up. Eminger was doing just fine.
I am just frustrated, and tired. I will get the next pre-game post when it comes. I apologize for the radicalness of my blogs today.
2/7/11 Rangers vs. Red Wings
I do not plan on making a pre-game post because I just got home, and the game starts fairly soon. So what I figured I would do tonight was post after the game on my thoughts and see how that turns out.
Regardless, enjoy the game!
Regardless, enjoy the game!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Sean Avery: The Man Behind the Mouth
There have been some harsh words tossed around about Sean Avery ever since he has entered the league. He was never a major threat in a fight, but always knew how to rile up the opposition to get them off their game. Call it what you want, its strategy, and we have seen it work time, and time again. He is the new Matthew Barnaby. He's the Rock (aka Dwayne Johnson) of the NHL. He's the Reggie Miller of hockey.
However, there are two sides to Mr. Avery. It is the common trend among hockey fans to think he is the worst person imaginable. Any person who stands by him should be immediately shunned by the hockey world and should never be listened to on the topic of hockey. This should not be the case. There is a method behind his madness.
For anyone who played any sport as a kid, you knew that when you were losing whatever sport you may be playing, if someone on the opposition made a comment, not necessarily directed to you, but if it was something so minuscule that it got you to think about it more than once, it threw you off your game. You would spend the rest of the game trying to oversell yourself so that you can prove that player wrong. Sean Avery is the kid making those comments on a nightly basis for the Rangers.
There are two sides to Mr. Avery. On the ice, he would insult your mother, even if she was in a coma. Sean Avery doesn't take mercy on the punches he pulls during a game. But, off the ice, he is nothing like he is when hes on it (not counting the 'sloppy seconds' incident, Sean jumped the gun too early in the smack talk on that one).
You never hear about Sean Avery going out and partying into the night with sketchy porn stars, ala, the Philadelphia Flyers (pictured right). You never hear about him punching cabbies like Patrick Kane. Sean Avery has never done anything off the ice, again, other than the "sloppy seconds" incident that would garner him a bad person. He leaves all of his talk on the rink, and it stays there.
Most recently, Sean Avery made a comment to the Toronto Sun about a topic he endorses, support for gay hockey players. Sean Avery commented:
"If there's a kid in Canada or wherever, who is playing and really loves the game and wants to keep playing but he's worried about coming out, I'd tell him to pick up the phone and call [NHLPA executive director] Donald Fehr and tell him to book me a [plane] ticket. I'll stand beside him in the dressing room while he tells his teammates he is gay. Maybe if Sean Avery is there, they would have less of a problem with it."
I cannot think of any other NHL player who would have the testicular fortitude to stand up and say that to the media. Knowing that there have been many shots taken at Avery's manliness for his love of fashion, and his less than upfront fighting style, he still stood up on this topic and spoke out about it confidently. That, in my opinion, takes about as much balls as it takes to stand in front of a slap-shot in the NHL.
So next time you hear someone smack talking Avery, throw that little bit of knowledge at them. Ask them if they would would have the balls to be as upfront about something like the support of gay hockey players. Any player can talk smack on the ice, but Sean Avery leaves his talk on the ice.
However, there are two sides to Mr. Avery. It is the common trend among hockey fans to think he is the worst person imaginable. Any person who stands by him should be immediately shunned by the hockey world and should never be listened to on the topic of hockey. This should not be the case. There is a method behind his madness.
For anyone who played any sport as a kid, you knew that when you were losing whatever sport you may be playing, if someone on the opposition made a comment, not necessarily directed to you, but if it was something so minuscule that it got you to think about it more than once, it threw you off your game. You would spend the rest of the game trying to oversell yourself so that you can prove that player wrong. Sean Avery is the kid making those comments on a nightly basis for the Rangers.There are two sides to Mr. Avery. On the ice, he would insult your mother, even if she was in a coma. Sean Avery doesn't take mercy on the punches he pulls during a game. But, off the ice, he is nothing like he is when hes on it (not counting the 'sloppy seconds' incident, Sean jumped the gun too early in the smack talk on that one).
You never hear about Sean Avery going out and partying into the night with sketchy porn stars, ala, the Philadelphia Flyers (pictured right). You never hear about him punching cabbies like Patrick Kane. Sean Avery has never done anything off the ice, again, other than the "sloppy seconds" incident that would garner him a bad person. He leaves all of his talk on the rink, and it stays there.Most recently, Sean Avery made a comment to the Toronto Sun about a topic he endorses, support for gay hockey players. Sean Avery commented:
"If there's a kid in Canada or wherever, who is playing and really loves the game and wants to keep playing but he's worried about coming out, I'd tell him to pick up the phone and call [NHLPA executive director] Donald Fehr and tell him to book me a [plane] ticket. I'll stand beside him in the dressing room while he tells his teammates he is gay. Maybe if Sean Avery is there, they would have less of a problem with it."
I cannot think of any other NHL player who would have the testicular fortitude to stand up and say that to the media. Knowing that there have been many shots taken at Avery's manliness for his love of fashion, and his less than upfront fighting style, he still stood up on this topic and spoke out about it confidently. That, in my opinion, takes about as much balls as it takes to stand in front of a slap-shot in the NHL.
So next time you hear someone smack talking Avery, throw that little bit of knowledge at them. Ask them if they would would have the balls to be as upfront about something like the support of gay hockey players. Any player can talk smack on the ice, but Sean Avery leaves his talk on the ice.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
2/5/11 Rangers vs. Canadiens
Rangers against the Montreal Canadiens.
The Rangers, while they have been getting bodies back from injuries, have had some struggles as of late. While the team was so cohesive earlier this season, due to all the injuries, players that have been away for long periods of time have lost some of the cohesiveness to the team. Bad passes, over-abuse of cycling, and not shooting when they should be. Its been tough for the Rangers the past few games. However, some light has been shown on he Rangers in the past three games. Vinny Prospal, and other players who have gotten back from injury as of late have not lost their scoring touch from being away for so long. This will provide the Rangers with some much needed confidence knowing that the guys who haven't been around a lot this season can still pot the occasional goal. However, in the past games, my distaste for Michael Del Zotto is starting to grow. He has not played up to the level he played at last season by any means, and is bringing down the team because of it. When I talked about the bad passes, and not shooting when they should be, Del Zotto fits those perfectly. In my opinion, he either needs to pull of a dramatic comeback performance, or he will get buried in Connecticut for the rest of the year, or probably longer.
My Diagnosis
In credit to the Canadiens, they have been playing solid hockey since the All Star break. They have won two in a row, and the Rangers have not won since the break. Its hard for me to pick the Rangers tonight because of the way they have struggled, and the surmountable amount of stats that the Canadiens have (especially their home record) that keep me from picking the Rangers today.
My Predictions
Canadiens win 3-2
Max Pacioretty will get the first goal for the Canadiens late in the 1st.
Marc Staal will pull the Rangers even also late in the 1st.
Brian Gionta will get the Canadiens the lead half way through the 2nd.
Benoit Pouliot will get the final goal for the Canadiens coming in the 3rd.
And finally, Mats Zuccarello will get the final goal for the Rangers.
Enjoy the game!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
2/3/11 Rangers vs. Devils
The mule kicks back!
Rangers against the New Jersey Devils.
The newly reassembled New York Rangers are finally starting to get back all of the key players that have gone down to injury this season. Tonight, will be the season debut of Vinny Prospal who had knee surgery that has benched him most of the year. Also coming back into the lineup are the two forwards who have had good success against the Devils so far this season. Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan played well in the past three victories against the Devils tonight and look to continue their success they have been having. It will be interesting to see where Prospal gets put in the lineup tonight. My guess would be on the fourth line to get him warmed up to the NHL level once again. Prospal has never missed this much playing time in his career, and h is not a rookie by any means.He needs to get the gears greased once again so that he can put up some more of his impeccable play-making skills he showcased last season.
The Devils have been riding a hot streak as of late. Patrick Elias has 8 points in his last 9 games and the Devils are in the midst of a 7-2-1 run in their last ten games. However, compared to the stats against the Rangers this season, it may be a different story than it is on paper. The Devils have score just two goals altogether against the Rangers so far this season. One coming from Ilya Kovalchuk, and the other from Travis Zajac that slipped in on a pile up in front of the net last time these two teams met in December. Along with that, Patrick Elias has a -5 combined amongst those three games, which is tied for worst plus/minus on the team against the Rangers this season with Andy Greene.
My Diagnosis
I am a firm believer in the "any given Sunday" mentality, but I do not believe it could happen tonight for the Devils. While they have piled it on in some games as of late, the Rangers have gotten back a lot more of their firepower, and look to take aim at the Devils tonight. Along with that, Matthew Corrente, who has the best plus/minus against the Rangers this season so far, sits tonight with a shoulder injury. All of these statistics couldn't convince a deaf and blind person to pick the Devils, and neither will I. I'm going with the boys in blue tonight.
My Predictions
Rangers win 4-1
Ryan Callahan will get the opening goal for the Rangers in the 1st period.
Derek Stepan will tally one for the Rangers coming early in the 2nd.
The Devils will then tally their lone goal of the game half way through the second from Patrick Elias.
Wojtek Wolski will also get a goal also in the 2nd.
And finally, Marian Gaborik will get the final goal coming in the 3rd.
Enjoy the game!
Rangers against the New Jersey Devils.
The newly reassembled New York Rangers are finally starting to get back all of the key players that have gone down to injury this season. Tonight, will be the season debut of Vinny Prospal who had knee surgery that has benched him most of the year. Also coming back into the lineup are the two forwards who have had good success against the Devils so far this season. Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan played well in the past three victories against the Devils tonight and look to continue their success they have been having. It will be interesting to see where Prospal gets put in the lineup tonight. My guess would be on the fourth line to get him warmed up to the NHL level once again. Prospal has never missed this much playing time in his career, and h is not a rookie by any means.He needs to get the gears greased once again so that he can put up some more of his impeccable play-making skills he showcased last season.
The Devils have been riding a hot streak as of late. Patrick Elias has 8 points in his last 9 games and the Devils are in the midst of a 7-2-1 run in their last ten games. However, compared to the stats against the Rangers this season, it may be a different story than it is on paper. The Devils have score just two goals altogether against the Rangers so far this season. One coming from Ilya Kovalchuk, and the other from Travis Zajac that slipped in on a pile up in front of the net last time these two teams met in December. Along with that, Patrick Elias has a -5 combined amongst those three games, which is tied for worst plus/minus on the team against the Rangers this season with Andy Greene.
My Diagnosis
I am a firm believer in the "any given Sunday" mentality, but I do not believe it could happen tonight for the Devils. While they have piled it on in some games as of late, the Rangers have gotten back a lot more of their firepower, and look to take aim at the Devils tonight. Along with that, Matthew Corrente, who has the best plus/minus against the Rangers this season so far, sits tonight with a shoulder injury. All of these statistics couldn't convince a deaf and blind person to pick the Devils, and neither will I. I'm going with the boys in blue tonight.
My Predictions
Rangers win 4-1
Ryan Callahan will get the opening goal for the Rangers in the 1st period.
Derek Stepan will tally one for the Rangers coming early in the 2nd.
The Devils will then tally their lone goal of the game half way through the second from Patrick Elias.
Wojtek Wolski will also get a goal also in the 2nd.
And finally, Marian Gaborik will get the final goal coming in the 3rd.
Enjoy the game!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Rangers/Devils Article
So like I mentioned when I first started this blog, I'm going for my Journalism major at my college. I took my first journalism class this semester, and one of our first assignments was to find an issue that effects your hometown and get interviews and write about it. I did not get a chance to hand it in today because class was canceled due to the weather, but I figured I would put the draft up just to show you what my aspirations as a journalist are. Its an article getting both sides' opinion on why they dislike the opposing fan base outside the sport. Enjoy!
Rangers Fans vs. Devils Fans *Draft*
When you think of hockey, you think of the bold, brash, brave, and tough players that take the ice to support their team for eighty-two plus games of a season. The same could be said for the fans of the New York Rangers, and the New Jersey Devils. The fans of both these teams are passionate, through prosper and turmoil. That passion is not lost in the small town of Marlboro, New Jersey, just 10 minutes from Brookdale’s Lincroft campus. The passion continues to pulse among the many adolescence of Marlboro as well. Seventeen-year-old Nicole West, a senior of Marlboro High School, and an avid Rangers fan for about three years, compares the atmosphere of being at a Rangers/Devils game as the best feeling. “When a Ranger scores a goal, every Ranger, and every fan scores with them.”
But not much friendliness is given back to the opposing Devils fans, as West describes a run-in with two not-so friendly Devils fans. “The Rangers were up 3-1 at the second intermission, and we went to the bathroom and got in a fight with two Devils fans”. Needless to day, the meetings between the Eastern Conference rivals don’t normally go without their share of violence. Brian Garfinkel, an 18-year-old, lifetime Devils fan, in his second-semester at Brookdale can reassure that fact for the fans as well. “My sister says there are more fights in the stands, than on the ice”.
But what really drives these fans into rage against each other besides their teams? Could it be the fact that the Rangers have beaten the Devils in four out of five playoff appearances? Or could it be that the Devils have had arguably one of the best goaltenders in history in Martin Brodeur that has stood tall against the Rangers time and time again? Nicole West describes how she feels about the rival fan base as one of a dominance struggle. “A lot of them, instead of rooting for their team, focus on trying to bring down the morale of Rangers fans. Which is a part of hockey, but I’ve seen them take it too far”. Brian Garfinkel claims that his distain for Rangers fans comes from their cockiness, and their love to get on your nerves.
Either way, the fans will continue to support their teams, regardless of the other fans dislike for them. The Rangers and Devils are set to gear up for another game on the 3rd, and both sides have their predictions. “3-1, Devils”, is Brian Garfinkels prediction, while Nicole West thinks it will be the same as all of her NYR/NJD predictions: “Marty gets whooped”. Only time will tell to see which fan base will get to celebrate.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
2/1/11 Rangers vs. Penguins
Holy crap, its been a while since I've done one of these!
Rangers at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
After a much needed All Star break, a light of good news has been shown on the Rangers. After blocking a shot that broke his hand, Ryan Callahan will be back in the lineup tonight after missing six weeks of hockey. Along with that, Dan Girardi will also be back tonight after suffering a rib injury. Up until now, the newer editions to the Rangers lineup like Wojtek Wolski and Mats Zuccarello have come up big when needed to. It is going to be hard for the management to decide who goes down and who stays in the lineup when everyone returns. But for right now, they have a game tonight against the Penguins. The Rangers have beaten the Penguins two out of three times so far this season, both on Penguin home ice. The Penguins though, have beaten the Rangers here at the Garden by the score of 3-1.
The Penguins will be without two major parts of their lineup tonight. Sidney Crosby still sits with concussion problems, but is close to a return. Also, Evgeni Malkin is out with a knee injury and a sinus infection (fun combination eh?). However, the Pens have favored well with the loss of their top two players. The Penguins are definitely not to be counted out of this game immediately, but it will be somewhat more difficult without Sid and Geno. Marc-Andre Fleury has been playing very solidly for the Pens recently, and if all holds up tonight, it will be just as hard to score on him as any other night.
My Diagnosis
The Rangers are getting back two key players while the Pens are still without two of theirs. Now, like I said, the Penguins are not to be counted out immediately, but it will be much harder for them to get the big plays without Malkin or Crosby there tonight. the Rangers have shown that they can outplay the Penguins twice this season, and its very likely they will show that same kind of enthusiasm tonight at the Garden.
My Predictions
Rangers win 4-2
Wojtek Wolski will the the first goal for the Rangers early in the 1st period.
Brian Boyle will get a second one also in the 1st.
Kris Letang will get the Pens on the board at the start of the 2nd period.
Derek Stepan will get the third goal for the Rangers also in the 2nd.
Jordin Staal will score the second and final goal for the Pens half way through the 3rd.
And finally, Marc Staal will get the empty net goal to seal the victory for the Rangers.
Enjoy the game!
Rangers at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
After a much needed All Star break, a light of good news has been shown on the Rangers. After blocking a shot that broke his hand, Ryan Callahan will be back in the lineup tonight after missing six weeks of hockey. Along with that, Dan Girardi will also be back tonight after suffering a rib injury. Up until now, the newer editions to the Rangers lineup like Wojtek Wolski and Mats Zuccarello have come up big when needed to. It is going to be hard for the management to decide who goes down and who stays in the lineup when everyone returns. But for right now, they have a game tonight against the Penguins. The Rangers have beaten the Penguins two out of three times so far this season, both on Penguin home ice. The Penguins though, have beaten the Rangers here at the Garden by the score of 3-1.
The Penguins will be without two major parts of their lineup tonight. Sidney Crosby still sits with concussion problems, but is close to a return. Also, Evgeni Malkin is out with a knee injury and a sinus infection (fun combination eh?). However, the Pens have favored well with the loss of their top two players. The Penguins are definitely not to be counted out of this game immediately, but it will be somewhat more difficult without Sid and Geno. Marc-Andre Fleury has been playing very solidly for the Pens recently, and if all holds up tonight, it will be just as hard to score on him as any other night.
My Diagnosis
The Rangers are getting back two key players while the Pens are still without two of theirs. Now, like I said, the Penguins are not to be counted out immediately, but it will be much harder for them to get the big plays without Malkin or Crosby there tonight. the Rangers have shown that they can outplay the Penguins twice this season, and its very likely they will show that same kind of enthusiasm tonight at the Garden.
My Predictions
Rangers win 4-2
Wojtek Wolski will the the first goal for the Rangers early in the 1st period.
Brian Boyle will get a second one also in the 1st.
Kris Letang will get the Pens on the board at the start of the 2nd period.
Derek Stepan will get the third goal for the Rangers also in the 2nd.
Jordin Staal will score the second and final goal for the Pens half way through the 3rd.
And finally, Marc Staal will get the empty net goal to seal the victory for the Rangers.
Enjoy the game!
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