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!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
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.
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