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!
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