The Rangers have done an excellent job of rebounding from dropping the first two games of the new year to Tampa Bay and Florida.
Most teams have eclipsed the half way mark of their schedule this year so far, including the Rangers. The Rangers currently sit at the 6th place standing in the Eastern Conference, and have a three point lead on 7th seeded Atlanta. The Rangers are 8th in the league in the goals for percentage, and 9th in the goals allowed.
The Rangers have the seventh best shootout record at three wins and one loss. They also have the best road record in the league at 15-7-1.
With stats like these, this team is molding into a force that should be reckoned with in the near future. Sure, they have not built up any staggering winning streaks this season, but what they havent done is built up practically any losing streaks either. The longest losing streak the Rangers have had all season was back in October in the second, third, and fourth game of the season. Since then, the bonding and teamwork has been oh so evident and it makes me proud as a fan to see this team working as hard as they are.
Just wanted to make a quick note about how I feel about the team. I look forward to watching them down the stretch, and beyond.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
1/8/11 Rangers vs. Blues
Zucc-da-whoop
Rangers against the St. Louis Blues.
The Blues have taken the first of two games between these two clubs, the first being a 2-0 shutout on November 7th of last year. Both Blues goals were scored by Alexander Steen, who has accumulated 14 goals this season so far.
Marty Biron was in net the last time these two teams met, so I do not expect him to be back their tonight. On the injury front for the Rangers, Brandon Prust has joined the pile with a day-to-day shoulder injury. So now the list of inactive players are Prust, Rozsival, Callahan, Christensen, Prospal, and Boogaard. While Prospal has not played all year, and Boogaard is mostly just utilized for his fists, thats quite a few holes to fill. Prust played the penalty-kill, and leads the league in short-handed points. Luckily, Mats Zuccarello has been showing his skill early, and is earning himself a spot here on the Rangers lineup every game. While it does trouble me that the Rangers have had to go to OT in their last 3 games when games should be won in regulation, its nice to have a player who is competent when it comes to sudden death.
The Blues are currently sitting at 9th in the Western Conference. A win tonight could bump them up to 5th place, considering everyone else in the division loses. The Blues are -4 in the goals for/goals against ratio, but have managed to stay in the running. The Blues also have a few injuries to important layers as well. T.J. Oshie is close to returning, but not tonight. Along with him, Andy MacDonald and David Perron both have concussions, and Dave Scatchard is suffering from a lower body injury. Basically, the Blues are in the same boat as the Rangers when it comes to injuries.
My Diagnosis
The Rangers and Blues are another close match-up. Both teams have powerful offensive weapons, but have been bitten by the injury bug lately. Another tough call to make tonight, but I feel that the Rangers can come out on top tonight. They have found an even flow amongst all their players, and continue to surprise me. I like the way some of the newcomers have shown their worth, how the sophomores have come up big, and how the veterans have continued to play to their use. Also, tonight I believe Marian Gaborik will break out of his scoring drought. Its been far too long since hes gotten a goal, and I think tonight is the night he finally pots one.
My Predictions
Rangers win 2-1
Dan Girardi will get the first goal for the Rangers in the 2nd period.
David Backes will pull the two teams even in the 3rd period.
And finally, Marian Gaborik will get the game winning goal half way through the 3rd.
Enjoy the game!
Rangers against the St. Louis Blues.
The Blues have taken the first of two games between these two clubs, the first being a 2-0 shutout on November 7th of last year. Both Blues goals were scored by Alexander Steen, who has accumulated 14 goals this season so far.
Marty Biron was in net the last time these two teams met, so I do not expect him to be back their tonight. On the injury front for the Rangers, Brandon Prust has joined the pile with a day-to-day shoulder injury. So now the list of inactive players are Prust, Rozsival, Callahan, Christensen, Prospal, and Boogaard. While Prospal has not played all year, and Boogaard is mostly just utilized for his fists, thats quite a few holes to fill. Prust played the penalty-kill, and leads the league in short-handed points. Luckily, Mats Zuccarello has been showing his skill early, and is earning himself a spot here on the Rangers lineup every game. While it does trouble me that the Rangers have had to go to OT in their last 3 games when games should be won in regulation, its nice to have a player who is competent when it comes to sudden death.
The Blues are currently sitting at 9th in the Western Conference. A win tonight could bump them up to 5th place, considering everyone else in the division loses. The Blues are -4 in the goals for/goals against ratio, but have managed to stay in the running. The Blues also have a few injuries to important layers as well. T.J. Oshie is close to returning, but not tonight. Along with him, Andy MacDonald and David Perron both have concussions, and Dave Scatchard is suffering from a lower body injury. Basically, the Blues are in the same boat as the Rangers when it comes to injuries.
My Diagnosis
The Rangers and Blues are another close match-up. Both teams have powerful offensive weapons, but have been bitten by the injury bug lately. Another tough call to make tonight, but I feel that the Rangers can come out on top tonight. They have found an even flow amongst all their players, and continue to surprise me. I like the way some of the newcomers have shown their worth, how the sophomores have come up big, and how the veterans have continued to play to their use. Also, tonight I believe Marian Gaborik will break out of his scoring drought. Its been far too long since hes gotten a goal, and I think tonight is the night he finally pots one.
My Predictions
Rangers win 2-1
Dan Girardi will get the first goal for the Rangers in the 2nd period.
David Backes will pull the two teams even in the 3rd period.
And finally, Marian Gaborik will get the game winning goal half way through the 3rd.
Enjoy the game!
Friday, January 7, 2011
1/7/11 Rangers vs. Stars
If I get snowed in one more freaking time...
Rangers against the Dallas Stars.
The Rangers are coming off a hard fought victory against the Carolina Hurricanes, won 2-1 in overtime by Mats Zuccarello. It was very joyous for me to see this kid finally come up big for this team because I truly believe he will be good given time to grow. Not many players can say they lead the Olympics in goals and did not play in a single medal game... while also standing 5'7.
The Rangers have yet another injury to throw onto their pile of inactive players that just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Michal Rozsival apparently suffered a right rib injury against the Hurricanes and is currently listed as day-to-day. While he may not be the subject of much praise on this team (especially coming from a man I know named Blake), he is after all, an important player for this team. He is the most experienced defenseman on the team, and has recently been putting up number well out of his expected norm, most recently getting the game-winning goal against the Devils on the 29th of December. Say what you want about his skill, an injury is an injury, and the team may slow down because of it.
The Stars have been putting on a rampage of a season so far, racking up 52 points, and sitting at 3rd place in the Western Conference. Mike Ribiero and Brendan Morrow have put up a collective 74 points, and do not show any signs of slowing down. Along with that, the goaltending of Kari Lehtonen and Andrew Raycroft have kept the team afloat. The last time the Stars met the Rangers was a year and a day ago at Madison Square Garden, when the Rangers pounced on the Stars and won 5-2. It may not be as easy this time because the Stars have found some rhythm among the players.
My Diagnosis
Expect another hard fought game from the Rangers and Stars yet again. With the standings in both conferences being so close, both teams must consider this a must-win game. However, with the Rangers suffering from multiple injuries and having to sit a lot of players, the goal of winning is becoming much harder. Marian Gaborik has been streaky this season, and the production of goals from secondary scoring players has slowed. So tonight, I feel the game will go in the Stars' favor because they are ore healthy, and threrfore more equipped when it comes to scoring.
My Predictions
Stars win 3-2
Mike Ribiero will get the games opening goal for the Stars early in the 1st period.
Derek Stepan will tie the game up at 1-1 late in the 1st.
Loui Eriksson will pull the Stars ahead in the 2nd period.
Brandon Dubinsky will pull the teams even again early in the 3rd period.
Finally, Brendan Morrow will win the game for the Stars half way through the 3rd.
Edit: I forgot to mention this is Sean Avery's first return to Dallas since the whole "sloppy-seconds" incident. Expect booing, and plenty of it.
Edit: I forgot to mention this is Sean Avery's first return to Dallas since the whole "sloppy-seconds" incident. Expect booing, and plenty of it.
Enjoy the game!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
1/5/11 Rangers vs. Hurricanes
Clayton Stoner said he'd love to stay and chat in New Jersey, but he has to bounce.
Rangers against the Carolina Hurricanes.
This is the second meeting out of four between these two teams this season. The Rangers are coming into this one on a two game losing streak, most recently dropping a 3-0 shutout to the Panthers. Likely by now, John Tortorella has given the team an earful on their play as of recently. Coach Tortorella needs to boost morale on the team in order to avoid another disappointing season when the Rangers decide to give up half way through the season. The Rangers have thinned out in the scoring department as of recently, but still remain a constant threat. Marian Gaborik, who also has struggled, has 14 points over his last 12 games against Carolina, so expect him to be tightly covered most of the game. Without Ryan Callahan and Erik Christensen, the Rangers are going to have to dig into their bag of tricks and try to find ways to weather the storm until their return.
The Hurricanes are riding a three game winning streak coming into this game. If they win tonight, they will be within 4 points of the Rangers in the top 8 in the Eastern Conference. The Rangers need to treat this game as a must win. Their cushion that they have built up so far is dwindling down, and unless a turnaround comes soon, we could see another struggle for a playoff spot yet again.
The Hurricanes are without Jussi Jokinen and Joni Pitkanen tonight, which could be a hole in the Hurricanes game that the Rangers can exploit. Jokinen and Pitkanen are key parts in the Hurricanes game with 38 assists combined between the two. The lack of play-makers may slow down the Hurricanes offense, but the Rangers are going to have to convert in order to get the jump on this Canes team.
My Diagnosis
This is going to be a fairly even game. The last bout between these two teams ended in a 4-3 win for the Hurricanes, so expect something along those lines, just not as much scoring as last time. With injuries to both teams' play-makers, it is very hard to call this one. I expect this game to be decided in either overtime, or the shootout. But, as for the winner, I honestly cannot bring myself to pick either team. Either way it should be an exciting game, and all should tune in to watch it.
Enjoy the game
Rangers against the Carolina Hurricanes.
This is the second meeting out of four between these two teams this season. The Rangers are coming into this one on a two game losing streak, most recently dropping a 3-0 shutout to the Panthers. Likely by now, John Tortorella has given the team an earful on their play as of recently. Coach Tortorella needs to boost morale on the team in order to avoid another disappointing season when the Rangers decide to give up half way through the season. The Rangers have thinned out in the scoring department as of recently, but still remain a constant threat. Marian Gaborik, who also has struggled, has 14 points over his last 12 games against Carolina, so expect him to be tightly covered most of the game. Without Ryan Callahan and Erik Christensen, the Rangers are going to have to dig into their bag of tricks and try to find ways to weather the storm until their return.
The Hurricanes are riding a three game winning streak coming into this game. If they win tonight, they will be within 4 points of the Rangers in the top 8 in the Eastern Conference. The Rangers need to treat this game as a must win. Their cushion that they have built up so far is dwindling down, and unless a turnaround comes soon, we could see another struggle for a playoff spot yet again.
The Hurricanes are without Jussi Jokinen and Joni Pitkanen tonight, which could be a hole in the Hurricanes game that the Rangers can exploit. Jokinen and Pitkanen are key parts in the Hurricanes game with 38 assists combined between the two. The lack of play-makers may slow down the Hurricanes offense, but the Rangers are going to have to convert in order to get the jump on this Canes team.
My Diagnosis
This is going to be a fairly even game. The last bout between these two teams ended in a 4-3 win for the Hurricanes, so expect something along those lines, just not as much scoring as last time. With injuries to both teams' play-makers, it is very hard to call this one. I expect this game to be decided in either overtime, or the shootout. But, as for the winner, I honestly cannot bring myself to pick either team. Either way it should be an exciting game, and all should tune in to watch it.
Enjoy the game
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Not A Good Start To The New Year
I'm writing this out of disgruntlement with the sport world. The Giants are out of the playoffs, USA is out of the World Juniors tournament, and the Rangers got shut out by the Panthers two days ago. Not a very good start to the New Year.
The only reason I could fathom why the Rangers got shut out on Sunday was because of the pile up of injuries coming to this team. Ruslan Fedotenko was the latest to get tagged, blocking a shot with his hand a-la Ryan Callahan. Fortunately, its only a bad bruise, and not a break. However, The Rangers are down Ryan Callahan, Erik Christensen, and Vinny Prospal, who may not even be coming back this season due to complication with healing.
The injuries can be the downfall of any team down the stretch. It's who steps up and fills that roll that makes injuries the scariest thing in sports.
I will admit, when Gaborik and Drury went down earlier this season, I thought this team was dead in the water. But, I was mistaken, for players like Brian Boyle, Derek Stepan, and Brandon Dubinsky stepped up to fill the void and give the Rangers the power to win without Gaborik.
And just like that, I was relieved. I had begged for secondary scoring to come to the Rangers ever since Jagrs last year as a Ranger, and it finally arrived. But, without good play-makers in Callahan and Christensen, the secondary scoring has thinned out.
This was just a quick vent on the situation of the Rangers, and my assessment of their recent play.
While this blog is really just something I do for fun, it would be nice to get an active audience involved. I don't mind if your an opposing fan who wishes to voice their opinion, leave a comment if you wish. That'll be all, folks.
The only reason I could fathom why the Rangers got shut out on Sunday was because of the pile up of injuries coming to this team. Ruslan Fedotenko was the latest to get tagged, blocking a shot with his hand a-la Ryan Callahan. Fortunately, its only a bad bruise, and not a break. However, The Rangers are down Ryan Callahan, Erik Christensen, and Vinny Prospal, who may not even be coming back this season due to complication with healing.
The injuries can be the downfall of any team down the stretch. It's who steps up and fills that roll that makes injuries the scariest thing in sports.
I will admit, when Gaborik and Drury went down earlier this season, I thought this team was dead in the water. But, I was mistaken, for players like Brian Boyle, Derek Stepan, and Brandon Dubinsky stepped up to fill the void and give the Rangers the power to win without Gaborik.
And just like that, I was relieved. I had begged for secondary scoring to come to the Rangers ever since Jagrs last year as a Ranger, and it finally arrived. But, without good play-makers in Callahan and Christensen, the secondary scoring has thinned out.
This was just a quick vent on the situation of the Rangers, and my assessment of their recent play.
While this blog is really just something I do for fun, it would be nice to get an active audience involved. I don't mind if your an opposing fan who wishes to voice their opinion, leave a comment if you wish. That'll be all, folks.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
1/2/11 Rangers vs. Panthers
Dave Steckel called Sidney Crosby after the Winter Classic to tell him to keep his chin up.
Rangers against the Florida Panthers.
The last time these two teams met, the Rangers blindsided the Panthers 3-0. But that was back when Erik Christensen, Ryan Callahan, and Michael Del Zotto were all healthy. The Rangers have taken some harsh injuries over the past few weeks, and its evident.
Last night, the Rangers fell to Tampa Bay in overtime 2-1. The only Rangers goal came with 45 seconds left in regulation by Marian Gaborik, who has been struggling to get the points. I was not able to see the game last night, so I cannot fairly judge how they played. However, I meant it when I said that Tampa Bay is a force to reckoned with this year, and I knew they would exploit the Rangers flaws right from the get-go. However, despite quite a few injuries to key players, the Rangers are still managing to produce goals. While the defense is young, the offense has been doing its share to keep the Rangers in games, along with Lundqvist who has been playing like his old self recently.
The Panthers also lost in overtime on Friday, after giving up a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Montreal. They have gotten some key players back from injuries recently, but not much has changed on the forefront. While they have improved to +3 in the goals for/goals against ratio, their power-play rating is still a league worst 8.9 success rate. Most recently, they have placed Steven Reinprecht on waivers to make room for the injured player returning to the lineup. But on a good note for the Panthers, Stephen Weiss has three goals in his last four games. The Panthers have found a way of putting the puck in the net as of recently, so I do not expect another shutout of this team to happen tonight.
My Diagnosis
While the Panthers have been putting up the points, I don't believe they will come out on top tonight. The Rangers have more offensive weapons than the Panthers do, and overall seem they can outwork the Panthers. If the Panthers do get into playing a special teams game, that will also be one of their downfalls. While their power-play isn't stellar by any means, and the Rangers lead the league in short-handed points, it would be a tough road for the Panthers if they try to take it.
My Predictions
Rangers win 2-1
Derek Stepan will get the Rangers on the board first in the 2nd period.
Stephen Weiss will pull the game even at 1-1 late in the 2nd.
And finally, the game will be capped off for the Rangers in the 3rd period by Brian Boyle.
Enjoy the game!
Rangers against the Florida Panthers.
The last time these two teams met, the Rangers blindsided the Panthers 3-0. But that was back when Erik Christensen, Ryan Callahan, and Michael Del Zotto were all healthy. The Rangers have taken some harsh injuries over the past few weeks, and its evident.
Last night, the Rangers fell to Tampa Bay in overtime 2-1. The only Rangers goal came with 45 seconds left in regulation by Marian Gaborik, who has been struggling to get the points. I was not able to see the game last night, so I cannot fairly judge how they played. However, I meant it when I said that Tampa Bay is a force to reckoned with this year, and I knew they would exploit the Rangers flaws right from the get-go. However, despite quite a few injuries to key players, the Rangers are still managing to produce goals. While the defense is young, the offense has been doing its share to keep the Rangers in games, along with Lundqvist who has been playing like his old self recently.
The Panthers also lost in overtime on Friday, after giving up a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Montreal. They have gotten some key players back from injuries recently, but not much has changed on the forefront. While they have improved to +3 in the goals for/goals against ratio, their power-play rating is still a league worst 8.9 success rate. Most recently, they have placed Steven Reinprecht on waivers to make room for the injured player returning to the lineup. But on a good note for the Panthers, Stephen Weiss has three goals in his last four games. The Panthers have found a way of putting the puck in the net as of recently, so I do not expect another shutout of this team to happen tonight.
My Diagnosis
While the Panthers have been putting up the points, I don't believe they will come out on top tonight. The Rangers have more offensive weapons than the Panthers do, and overall seem they can outwork the Panthers. If the Panthers do get into playing a special teams game, that will also be one of their downfalls. While their power-play isn't stellar by any means, and the Rangers lead the league in short-handed points, it would be a tough road for the Panthers if they try to take it.
My Predictions
Rangers win 2-1
Derek Stepan will get the Rangers on the board first in the 2nd period.
Stephen Weiss will pull the game even at 1-1 late in the 2nd.
And finally, the game will be capped off for the Rangers in the 3rd period by Brian Boyle.
Enjoy the game!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
1/1/11 Rangers vs. Lightning
For those people not watching the Winter Classic.
Rangers against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
This New Years Day game will mark the third time these two teams will face each other this season. The Lightning have taken the first two games, most recently a 4-3 shootout win that went nearly eleven rounds. Both times the Rangers have played the Lightning, they have been serrated when it comes to poor decision making. Twice in the last game, the Rangers turned it over to a wide open Martin St. Louis who created scoring chances on both opportunities, and scoring on one of them. If I was coach of the Rangers tonight, I would send Biron out on the ice tonight. Send the Lightning a curve-ball in net, so they have to adjust their style of play to Biron. The Lightning have figured out Lundqvist twice this season, and the Rangers need to come up with a new strategy. Biron is 10-7-2 in his career against the Lightning, and while thats slightly above average, Biron seems like he could hold his own tonight.
My Diagnosis
With the Rangers having played the Bolts twice this season and lost twice, tonight I feel the order will continue with the Rangers dropping this one. The Lightning have a very good lineup this year. While they are still -2 in the goals for/goals against ratio, they put up the goals necessary for them to win. That stat is skewed because of the do-si-do that keeps happening between Dan Ellis and Mike Smith in goal. Make no mistake, the Lightning are a good team, and unfortunately, I predict them to follow the same path the past two times they've played the Rangers.
My Predictions
Lightning win 4-2
Steven Stamkos will get the first goal for the Bolts in the 1st period.
Vincent Lecavalier will also get a Lightning goal in the 1st.
Brian Boyle will get the Rangers on the board early in the 2nd period.
Alex Frolov will bring the Rangers even also in the 2nd.
Steven Stamkos will get his second goal of the night half way through the 3rd period.
And finally, Teddy Purcell will get the empty net goal to win the game for the Bolts.
Enjoy your New Years everyone!
Rangers against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
This New Years Day game will mark the third time these two teams will face each other this season. The Lightning have taken the first two games, most recently a 4-3 shootout win that went nearly eleven rounds. Both times the Rangers have played the Lightning, they have been serrated when it comes to poor decision making. Twice in the last game, the Rangers turned it over to a wide open Martin St. Louis who created scoring chances on both opportunities, and scoring on one of them. If I was coach of the Rangers tonight, I would send Biron out on the ice tonight. Send the Lightning a curve-ball in net, so they have to adjust their style of play to Biron. The Lightning have figured out Lundqvist twice this season, and the Rangers need to come up with a new strategy. Biron is 10-7-2 in his career against the Lightning, and while thats slightly above average, Biron seems like he could hold his own tonight.
My Diagnosis
With the Rangers having played the Bolts twice this season and lost twice, tonight I feel the order will continue with the Rangers dropping this one. The Lightning have a very good lineup this year. While they are still -2 in the goals for/goals against ratio, they put up the goals necessary for them to win. That stat is skewed because of the do-si-do that keeps happening between Dan Ellis and Mike Smith in goal. Make no mistake, the Lightning are a good team, and unfortunately, I predict them to follow the same path the past two times they've played the Rangers.
My Predictions
Lightning win 4-2
Steven Stamkos will get the first goal for the Bolts in the 1st period.
Vincent Lecavalier will also get a Lightning goal in the 1st.
Brian Boyle will get the Rangers on the board early in the 2nd period.
Alex Frolov will bring the Rangers even also in the 2nd.
Steven Stamkos will get his second goal of the night half way through the 3rd period.
And finally, Teddy Purcell will get the empty net goal to win the game for the Bolts.
Enjoy your New Years everyone!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)