New Half, Same Team

Carolina Hurricanes' Scott Walker (24) scraps with New York Rangers' Marc Staal (18) and Sean Avery, as Rangers' Jaromir Jagr (68), of the Czech Republic, battles with Carolina Hurricanes' Tim Gleason (42) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008.

I am about done with this team. They play a team that is awful in there defensive zone, they give a solid effort, but they can not score. You know going in vs. Carolina they will have 2-3 odd man rushes a period as they are an unreal transition team, but as a trade off you will likely have just as many if not more transition rushes as they attack all game and get caught.

Well that is exactly what happened, except Carolina had maybe 5 break-ins and odd man rushes and scored on 3 of them. Henrik can not be blamed as the goals were all one odd man rushes/breakaways but we needed the king to make 3 spectacular saves and he could not. The problem with this team yet again was the PP was awful, except for the first one, and when they got chances they either missed the net (one by Tyutin was so bad it created a 2-1 the other way leading to a Carolina goal) or Ward was there.

Quick Notes:

Refs---wow are the refs getting worse as the season goes on? Gomez drilled from behind, and I mean drilled, no call. Avery had every right to go after the Carolina player and we get a man disadvantage. I mean give one Carolina guy 2 minutes in that scrum to even it up, especially with the missed call. Much props to Jagr for dropping the gloves (he did not fight) but, he was the first one in to help Avery.

Then Orr levels a Carolina player which should have been a penalty (hit from behind, it was open ice but it was from behind). A Carolina player jumps Orr and they fight. Well of course they will give an instigator to Carolina correct…..no of course not. I am in no way blaming the refs for this lose but man they were awful. Do not even get me started on the Jagr dive call, that is just wrong, I have no idea what Jagr did to the refs but he is the most disrespected superstar I have ever seen.

GOAT OF THE GAME:

Offense- Until they start scoring on PP’s and on shots right in front of the net, they are the downfall of this team. I mean Carolina, as stated above, is one of the worst defensive teams in the league and Rangers score 1 goal.

Offense does not start to bury it’s chances this team will be on the outside looking in come playoff time.

BORE FEST/2nd Half Notes

No idea if anyone tortured themselves and actually watched the Skills Competition on Saturday. I DVR’d it and was happy I did, so I could fast forward all the boredom that ensued. Wow, the NHL really has no clue what it is doing and the Atlanta fans were just awful or as bored as I was. All the time it took to set it all up and get it going is just not worth it. The only 2 moments I actually went wow or adjusted my seat was the 3 on 3 young stars game and the fastest shot competition. 3 on 3 young stars had 2 Rangers and both did well, Marc Staal had a sick shot on a breakaway top corner and Dubinsky flashed some quick passes and 2 nice goals. Dubi was even named MVP of the game, I tell you what this kid is impressing me more and more. When Chara blasted a 103 plus mile an hour shot on the last shot it was very impressive. Otherwise the festivities were a complete waste. I did not even watch the All-star game the skills competition bored me so much.

The NHL also tried a slam dunk type competition where there are no rules on a breakaway the guy can skate backwards, juggle the puck with his stick, go around the net 10 times, WHATEVER he wanted to do. Garbonik and Ovechkin must have been the only 2 that got the memo. Something that seemed like a cool premises was just awful. The players were just going on shootouts and trying to score and getting no points for it. Then a guy tried to do some things (Martin St Louis) and Nabokov the goalie came all the way out and poked check the puck away from him!!!!!! What the FUCK NABOKOV this was a display for the offensive guys to try sick moves and you take the puck away when they try it…awful end to an awful night.

VS. is the absolute worst network and it is time to go back to ESPN for free, say what you want about ESPN they know how to do the kind of stuff the NHL needs.

THE START TO THE NEXT HALF

Well it is time to get back to business and to see if what some have been saying (Bryan and Bobby) is true. Will Jagr turn it around as he was saving himself for a run in the second half and the playoffs.

My Five questions and answers for the second half:

1- Will Jagr turn it on and carry this team?

Yes- He has shown signs last 2-3 weeks of coming around and is getting back to the 1.5 point per game pace (last 18 games 24 points). I love Avery with him and I think that line will prosper the second half.

2- Which Henrik will show up the one from the first month or the one that struggled near the end of the All-star break?

I think it will be something in between, which should be good enough. I do not think you can expect a .950 save % and 1.50 GAA from first month, but he will be better then the 3.00GAA and barely .900 save%. He will be somewhere in between but more consistent. We need him to be hot going into the playoffs to have any shot.

3- Will Tom Renney loosen the reigns and let the top lines carry this team?

Not a chance and it will be his downfall, no matter what we say or how fans, media feel about him, Tom Renney loves 3rd and 4th line type players. He will continue to lean on HBO line and make Ranger fans crazy. Tom Renney will be the scapegoat (and rightfully so) if this team does not do well in or get to the postseason.

4- Will Gomez and Drury be the top centers we signed and hoped for?

Gomez has been a top center all year and he has produced what is expected of him. It is time for the fun-loving good interview Gomez to go away and for him to turn the fire on more and get this team to the playoffs. Drury, I am scared of the 2 he will not earn his money this year. Is that Renney’s fault or Drury’s, I think a combo of both. Do not get me wrong I love Drury, but you do not pay a guy 7 million per to be a tough 2 way player, he has to start scoring and producing offensively. I think Renney has handcuffed him as Drury is the type that will do what the coach’s ask and Renney wants him to be a 2 way player with defense being first. My prediction is Drury will keep doing what he is doing and I think Gomez will step it up even more.

5- Will the Rangers make an impact this year in playoffs?

I think they will get to the dance but how far they do depends on where they are seeded. Play Penguins or Ottwa first round there is zero chance they win a round. Any other team they play they can beat in a series. My predication 7th seed Pens first round- out in 6. Overall I am predicting a disappointing season and all hell will break loose this off-season.

LOVE YOU TUBE

Got this from you tube---oh to be young and hockey player- cool warmup game and love this song (yes it is rap but I do like it, leave me alone)

Leetch Night Capped Off With A Victory.

A great ceremony and a great announcement (much props to Bryan for predicting it, right when he said he had an announcement Bryan said Graves is going up to the Rafters) by Brian Leetch. Tie Domi riding in on the handlebars was great moment and overall another classy night by the Garden. The game, what is there to say, The Rangers slept walked through the first 2 periods, played a great 3rd to tie it up and won in a shootout. I can not complain the game was boring (it was), as I will always take a boring win over an exciting loss.

Adam Graves’s announcement is just another way to show how Brian Leetch had absolutely no ego and was the best teammate around. I mean this was his night, should have been all about what he did for the Rangers and he lets Graves still some thunder, class move all the way.

Love the not so subtle knock of Glen Sather last night, he thanked every big wig including Neil Smith for his Ranger career and never mentioned Sather. Then his last part of speech he says “I came back to the garden only one time and sat on that visitor’s bench and you guys (the crowd) made me feel right at home.” Leetch is a good guy, but he knows Sather treated him like garbage and that was his way of letting him know he will never forget what was done to him.

Quick Notes:

Messier, I love you and you will always have a special place in my sports heart, but enough with the tears. You retire, you cry, your number retired, you cry, you get into hall, you cry, but you talking about Brian Leetch YOU DO NOT CRY…….THAT IS MAN LAW 1.2C enough already. Sorry had to get that out of the way.

Tie Domi- I have a friend that works the penalty box/score box etc at every Ranger home game and he said to me Tie Domi was the nicest down to earth Ranger there ever was. He used to take all the NHL guys out after weekend games and get them drinks etc. etc. They actually became pretty good friends. Once Domi got traded he would circle the date the Maple Leafs came to town as Domi would always take the blue collar guys out for a few drinks. Well Domi made it back last night at it was good to see, he should have been given a chance by the Rangers as he turned himself into a damn good player once he left NY and was given ice time. We missed the best times Domi had as a hockey player. Never forget the fight with Probert when he made the mock title belt sign, Classic Domi.

THE GAME

Dubinsky/Dawes yet again are the best 2 forwards all night. It is every night Dubinsky does something or makes a move and I go Holy Shit this kid is fast, or this kid can carry the puck or deek anyone. Last night the only time you shifted your seat and anticipated something would happen was then these 2 were on the ice.

Just an overall boring game where Rangers and Atlanta just wanted to dump and chase and keep pucks deep on each other, it looked like neither team wanted to make a mistake and puck went from behind one net and then out of zone and behind the other net. Oh well they needed 2 points and got them, I will take it any day.

Star of the game

Have to give it to Dubinsky, Dawes made the last pass, but overall Dubinsky was the best player on the ice for the Rangers. Time to move Drury to a wing and let Dubinsky by # 2 Center…….just a thought- trade Malik for a # 3 type center and get Drury on the wing with Gomez/jagr…..hmmmmmmmmmm, nah Renney would get a # 3 center and play him point on the PP, play him 25 minutes a game and see what he can do with Jagr. Sorry can not do a post without ripping Renney.

Leetch Greatest Ranger Ever???

He was at the least the greatest Ranger in my lifetime and could arguably be called the greatest Ranger ever.

He was the first player I ever got a jersey for. I was going to wear it tonight but I put it on and the Large from Junior High just did not cut it. It looked like big guy in a little coat.

I received as a B-day gift this year the 1994 Stanley Cup DVD box set. Unreal is all I can say about the way Leetch carried this team. Yes Messier slayed the dragon and put himself out there, which was a big reason Leetch could just play his game, but Leetch was the Key to that team. Leetch did not like the media attention. His ideal day was AM skate, play and win that night, and maybe a dinner and home. He was not the Derek Jeter date supermodel guys. He just wanted to play the game hard and go home. In 1994 Leetch was like an extra forward on the ice, he would carry the puck in get an offensive chance started and then be the first one back to break up the play.

He was my favorite Ranger of all time and even during the tough years, he was the reason to keep watching the game. Enjoy the video below and remeber the good times Leetchie gave us for his long and great Ranger Career; hey you think he can play the point still:

PS- I could not find any video tributes of leetch on youtube.com except stupid pictures with music. This was only one that was somewhat good. Wish there was better quality but this was all I could find.

Okay a Good Building Block

New York Rangers' Chris Drury, right, comes over to celebrate with teammate Martin Straka (82), of the Czech Republic, after Straka scored during the second period of hockey action Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008 in New York.



It was a dominant game and it is something to build on for the next couple weeks. It all means nothing if the Rangers do not come out hard Thursday and win again and play well again. The lineup shifts worked and Avery added a little something to that Jagr/Gomez line. Overall not really much bad you can say about this game, I actually almost fast forwarded the DVR, but realized these types of performances have been few and far between so I better enjoy it.

Quick Notes:

Dubinsky, wow this kid can flat out play. That move on breakaway was a sick move and he can skate and carry the puck well. This kid is something to build on and him and Nigel Dawes are looking like a solid duo for years to come.

Team play was great last night; I mean not a single shot against until approximately 9 minutes left in the first period. They shut down there team and pretty much dominated the puck all night.

Joe Micelitti says about 1 minute after the face-off the Rangers will have to play .700 hockey to make the playoffs this year. Am I missing something? They are in a battle with 6 teams being 6 points apart and 3 of them are around the .500 mark. So in essence how I take it one and maybe 2 teams that finishe around a .500 will make the playoffs. Yes I want the Rangers to be better then just .500, but we are not in last place and have to catch 6 teams ahead of them. They are battling the Bruins and Islanders not the 1980 Oilers/Islander teams that win every night. They need to play better and get on a run but to say that like it is fact, is just bad color commentary.

Player of the game

I give this guy hell every time he looks flat or just not interested so he deserves props when he has a great game. Jaromir Jagr was the best player on the ice last night and dominated play with Avery and Gomez. He looked like he wanted to play and looked like he actually cared. We will need this type of effort the rest of the year from him.

HOT/COLD/RISING/FALLING

Hot- Ranger fans tempers.

This has been my worst season ever as a Ranger fan. I can not say it enough, I really thought this team was put together well and would compete every night. I never thought effort and heart would be a problem. This team has followed it’s leader and seem to all play with the same laid back style of Jagr.

Can anyone really be put in the hot column right now? The one player I really think has played well and brought something to the table is Paul Mara and reports are he is being benched tonight for Marik Malik. The every changing world of Tom Renney continues to baffle me.

Cold- Rangers Team Psyche----- Shanny said it best after the last Rangers game Sunday:

"We're playing as bad as since I've been here," Shanahan said. "From the first day, we haven't developed any consistent chemistry. "We don't work hard enough. We don't think well enough. We make the same mistakes. You don't have to be Scotty Bowman to figure out what's wrong

I mean don’t work hard enough, that to me is a direct refection of the coach and motivation of players. This is getting hard to watch.


Rising- Penalties- if everyone can see that they take way to many penalties how can they not see it, or choose not to correct it in some way. Yes there have been some ticy-tac calls and I think the refs have been awful the last few games, the Rangers are putting themselves in the position to have those calls made. Just terrible….


Falling- Confidence in the King. I do not care what anyone says he looks lost out there one minute and the King we all know the next. That goal against Boston Short-handed was possibly the worst goal of the season. I mean a 2 on 1 wrist shot from the top of the face off circle can not, I REPEAT CAN NOT go in.

LINEUP SHUFFLE (thanks Bob for article).

Rumors are there will be a lineup shuffle tonight:


Avery-Gomez-Jagr (I like it Avery can bring some needed spark to the top line). Dawes-Dubinksy-Shanny- (no idea why kid line broke up, only line playing well not together????) Straka-Drury-Prucha- Again no idea why kid line broke up.
HBO Line- odds are they start the game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Enough already RENNEY!!!!!!!!!



Channel 4 and Mike Milbury spent all day Sunday ripping Jagr for his need to have Nylander with him and the total lack of a spark he has had all season. Milbury flat out called him out and even said it is time to let him go and give this team to Drury and Gomez. I hate Milbury but I tend to agree with him. Drury and Gomez need to feel like they can lead this team, with Jagr here they can not. I really do not know if trading will improve the record this year but they will get nothing for him next year.

Hot/Cold/Rising/Falling

Hot- Ranger fans tempers.

This has been my worst season ever as a Ranger fan. I can not say it enough, I really thought this team was put together well and would compete every night. I never thought effort and heart would be a problem. This team has followed it’s leader and seem to all play with the same laid back style of Jagr.

Can anyone really be put in the hot column right now? The one player I really think has played well and brought something to the table is Paul Mara and reports are he is being benched tonight for Marik Malik. The every changing world of Tom Renney continues to baffle me.

Cold- Rangers Team Psyche----- Shanny said it best after the last Rangers game Sunday:
"We're playing as bad as since I've been here," Shanahan said. "From the first day, we haven't developed any consistent chemistry. "We don't work hard enough. We don't think well enough. We make the same mistakes. You don't have to be Scotty Bowman to figure out what's wrong
I mean don’t work hard enough, that to me is a direct refection of the coach and motivation of players. This is getting hard to watch.

Rising- Penalties- if everyone can see that they take way to many penalties how can they not see it, or choose not to correct it in some way. Yes there have been some ticy-tac calls and I think the refs have been awful the last few games, the Rangers are putting themselves in the position to have those calls made. Just terrible…

Falling- Confidence in the King. I do not care what anyone says he looks lost out there one minute and the King we all know the next. That goal against Boston Short-handed was possibly the worst goal of the season. I mean a 2 on 1 wrist shot from the top of the face off circle can not, I REPEAT CAN NOT go in.

LINEUP SHUFFLE (thanks Bob for article). Rumors are there will be a lineup shuffle tonight:

Avery-Gomez-Jagr I like it Avery can bring some needed spark to the top line). Dawes-Dubinksy-Shanny- no idea why kid line broke up, only line playing well not together? Straka-Drury-Prucha- I do not hate this line but Pruca should be with kid line. HBO Line- odds are they start the game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Enough already RENNEY!!!!!!!!!



Channel 4 and Mike Milbury spent all day Sunday ripping Jagr for his need to have Nylander with him and the total lack of a spark he has had all season. Milbury flat out called him out and even said it is time to let him go and give this team to Drury and Gomez. I hate Milbury but I tend to agree with him. Drury and Gomez need to feel like they can lead this team, with Jagr here they can not. I really do not know if trading will improve the record this year but they will get nothing for him next year.

JAGR THE GREAT

It worked for Henrik, hope it will wake up Jagr for the weekend. 2006-2007 season all of his goals:

TIME TO WAKE UP CAPTAIN....

Boring? Maybe, But 2 Points is More Gooder

All I read at the start of the season was how boring the Rangers are this year and they just win 1-0 and 2-1 games. Well the key word in that sentence is WIN……I will take a somewhat boring 2-1 win over an "exciting" 5-4 loss any day. I am a Yankee fan and they get plenty of “exiciting” 10-6 wins and 10-6 losses but the playoffs come and they get no boring 2-0 wins. Defensive commitment will bring this Ranger team to the Promised Land, that is how they are built and that is all there is to it.

We can say all we want with all this talent they should be an offensive juggernaut. Well we are over 40 games into the season and I must say they are not. They have 2-3 really gifted forwards (Jagr, Drury, Gomez) and 1 with an unreal shot (Shannahan), the rest bring something to the table that helps a team win, but are not offensive wizards. Jagr has just not got on track this season and now with feet problems he may never. I am not getting overly excited. As I said the next 2 games are key, lets get 3 out of 4 points and then start to get excited.

QUICK NOTES

Avery- what can you say the guy does something every game to get the crowd going, or his teammates. He is just an unreal intangible filled player, that when he is out there can also play the game. I mean take the puck up ice, dump it in and then proceed to knock down both players that are going for the puck. Rangers did not score but the crowd was fired up and could tell Rangers picked up there game after that.

Mara, what else can be said except , he is starting show why he was signed for 3 million 2 years ago. He has an absolute cannon from the point and when he shots the puck and is played at the point on the Power Play he is a very valuable d-man.

Renney- Wow a post with Renney in it, who would have thunk it. Well I was watching all night when the Rangers got 20 seconds left in the PP and face off what he would do. Both times he put out the # 1 PP line and both times the Rangers won the draw and got action on net and came close to scoring. What a concept still have a PP you put out your best for the entire 2 minutes!!!!!

Betts- Slowly becoming one of my favorite players to watch. The writer’s final got it right and nominated his as a # 3 star (even though he did not register a point). He does everything the team asks and is a human dart board on the PK with shots hitting him everywhere.

3 stars of the game- I always stick around MSG telecast to see who got the 3 stars. Last night:
Betts # 3 star, Dubinsky # 2 star, Prucha # 1 star. That is right no Jagr, no Gomez, no Drury, No Henrik. I think this is actually a good thing. The stars did not shine but the Rangers still win. Are they becoming a team??????

RELAX LINDY RUFF- He is in the paper as saying hit by Shannahan was dirty and should be a suspension. Come on Shanny admitted and agreed it was a hard play and he should have been in the box, but a suspension. That happens on the side of the net he would have not even been shaken up. The fact that he hit the net after was the reason he was hurt. Lindy Ruff is a baby, come on Shanny is not a dirty player and wanted to make sure no loose puck was going to hit in so he crosschecked the guy. Penatly should have been called but leave it at that.

Player of the Game

DDP LINE- I am getting very excited about this line. They play with speed and recklessness, but in a good way. They are flying all over the place right now and picking up the veterans. There forecheck is dominating, they just need to worry about not being to careless and letting odd man rushes the other way. Renney needs to give them a little rope though and let them stick for awhile even if they struggle a game or two.

Pre-game video worked so look out for another one later in the week!!!!!!!!!

RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am saying it now and saying it loud it is time to get out the Sammy Hagar Van Halen, open up the windows and play RIGHT NOW on number 11. I will be doing it so I expect all my readers to do the same. The Rangers play Buffalo tonight and then the Bruins back to back Friday and Saturday. I want 6 points or at the least 5 out of 6 to get this team back in a playoff spot, we do that there will be no looking back.

Rumors are Shanny will be back and Avery has been upgraded to day to day. Avery may actually play tonight. One negative was Drury did not practice (no reason given) and Jagr was limping around room and did not skate with feet issues. I want Jagr out there but maybe the team will stop looking to him and Gomez/Drury will make this there team tonight. We want to win this year that transition needs to happen. It is time for the big priced Free Agents to take over this team.

Some highlights of Henrik Lundqvist to get this team going and hopefully get this team on the track to the playoff.

IF THIS MUSIC AND HIGHLIGHTS DO NOT GET YOU READY NOTHING WILL IT IS CRISIS TIME RANGER FANS LET THE REAL HENRIK SHINE (oh and if Valiquette plays tonight pretend that was him making all these saves:

2 good periods 1 bad one = another loss

I have no idea where to begin with this team. I guess since Big Blue are playing in the NFC Championship Game Sunday a football quote will work. In the almighty words of Bill Parcells “You are what your record says you are!” All I hear in press conferences and reports are players saying we have better talent then this, we are better then our records shows etc etc. Well I have to say I believed them for awhile but I do not anymore. This is a .500 team and will battle until the end to make the playoffs. If they do not make it, this will be ranked as one of the most disappointing seasons in Ranger history. Due to the expectations being so high (as Jim Mora said Playofffffssss, why are your talking playofffss) to not make the playoffs would be an absolute disaster. I mean all I heard all off-season was this is a Stanley Cup team.

QUICK NOTES:

Is Henrik done? I know you can always blame someone else for a goal but Henrik is not making the big save anymore. He is the sole reason this team will go anywhere and since he started struggling so has the team. I really expected (especially after the quick start) a Roberto Luongo type year out of him and it is just not happening. I know his dad is sick and an extension is being negotiated, is that the reason??????

This is a 40 minute team. They play a hard, team game for 2 periods (which periods depends on the night). At the start of the season and when they were winning Henrik was able to withstand the bad period they played. So in essence it seems like if Henrik can stand on his head the period the Rangers take off they will win. That is not a formula for winning hockey

Penalties- When will the players be held responsible for there actions. This team reeks of the Bobby Holik, Messier days when all the high priced players could do what they want and not get benched. I mean if Jagr is not showing grit out there or takes 2 bad penalties in a row SIT HIM DOWN. I mean they just take way to many hooking penalties which means to me they are a lazy team, taking lazy penalties.

Renney does at least one thing a game that just baffles me. Second period Rangers are dominating play, I think the shots were 16-2 and they were all over the Pens. 25 seconds left on the PP and a face-off in the Pens zone, score 3-0. I am thinking okay lets win this draw get a quick PP goal and get back in this game. Out comes the HBO LINE….WHAT IS GOING ON. Are you telling the team okay this PP is over lets get back to defensive hockey. If Drury gets out there wins the draw you can easily score within 25 seconds or score right after the PP expires. Tie game or up by a goal or more, fine get Betts and them out there but you are DOWN 3-0.

Heart- what does that mean to a team, well it is your best player diving for a puck to try and get it to the middle, then getting upended by your teammate trying to get to the puck behind the net as your entire goal is to win a loose puck to score that big 4th goal. That is what Sidney Crosby did in the 3rd last night and if that is not a team leader I have no idea what is. I know Jagr is older but he is the Rangers best player and if he is not skating and going 100% other players feed off that.

Goat of the game

STUPID Penalties. One thing that Montreal win masked was the Rangers took 8, count them 8 penalties. You just can not win in this league taking this many lazy and dumb penalties. The Pen game was no different and they got burned.

Column to ponder trade Jagr??????? see link below:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=3196519

Hot/Cold and Rising/Falling

Hot/Cold and Rising/Falling

I will have a new column every Monday AM. When you get in each Monday log on to the Ranger Blueshirts Review to check on who is hot, who is cold, who is rising, and who is falling. What a way to start the week, add your 2 cents all opinions are welcome.

HOT

Brandon Dubinsky- ever since he dropped to 3rd line Center and not having the pressure of centering the top line, his production and overall on- ice presence has improved. The numbers are starting to come in addition to his overall game.

Cold

Henrik Lundqvist- He did have a solid game vs. Montreal but there is no denying Henrik has been a court jester and not the king the last couple weeks. We will see if the Saturday game was a building block or just an aberration.

Rising
Paul Mara- A point man on the PP that shoots the puck: what an unbelievable concept. Looks like Tom Renney has told Mara get out there and use that cannon on the point. It is a welcome site to see the PP get more then 1-2 shots every 2 minutes. Drury is setting up shop in front and Mara blasting away will hopefully lead to more and more goals.

Falling
Marik Malik- He played well vs. Montreal, but no arguing he was the # 2 defenseman on the top line, start of year and is now a # 6 D-man and usually # 7 D-man on the bench. This one may turn around quickly as I think Renney is going to give him a shot over Strucwick over the next 2weeks. He can play the way his did against Montreal he may replace Mara in the Rising column real quick.

Total Team Effort= 2 points

Well, all was right in Ranger land for one night at least. This was a total and complete team effort with 3 of 4 lines getting in on the scoring and the third line actually leading the way. The DDP (dawes/dubinsky/prucha) line set the tone the entire night. They fore-checked hard and were in the offensive zone all night, they were rewarded with 2 goals. Overall a great game and hopefully we will look back in a month and thinks this was a turnaround game for the Blue shirts.


QUICK NOTES:

I was always a big fan of teams that put together a kid line and most cup winning teams have a high energy, hard skating kid line. Will the DDP line be that line for us? I hope so, the Rangers need contributions from the top 3 lines and this will wear teams down. Dubinsky has really impressed over the last month with some real nice moves and overall game.


I must say I could watch Alexi Kovalev on the PP all night. No matter what you say about his effort, he has the smoothest skating moves and can play with a puck like no other. Watching him as a Ranger was maddening because you know the talent he has and he really never put it all together. He was unreal in the cup run but never shined as a Ranger like he could. Montreal has pushed the right buttons and he is finally tapping that great potential.


Player of the Game


Nigel Dawes was the key to the third line production. His pass was great and then to do the no look shot to get the goalie to open the legs was unreal. I really think this line will be productive and exactly what the Rangers need.


We will see how important this win was if the Rangers can build on it or will they revert back to win 1 lose 1 hockey. Stay tuned.........

NO COMMENT

This will be the shortest post of the year.

The RANGERS SUCK.

RENNEY- Sucks
Henrik- SUCKS
GOMEZ/Jagr/Drury SUCK
Rozie- SUCKS
Hollweg- Congrats but you still SUCK
all other names here- SUCK

The only soliace is a quote from a friend of mine when the Yankees sucked at start of last season

Mark Grossman- "You are not as good as you look, when you are winning, and you are not as bad as you look, when you are losing, they will turn it around".

He said it about the Yankees but I am praying it applies here.

FUCK!!!!!!!!!!! that is all I can say right now. The first time in the year they put me in a really bad mood. FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Houston We Have A Problem

I think the Rangers finally showed the desperation/desire they need to show, to win more games. To bad they only showed it for one period. As bad as this loss was and as bad as they played in first 2 periods, that 3rd period was some of the best hockey of the season.

Caulk up another loss and this tailspin has no end in site. With all the injuries piling up and now Avery quoted as saying he is done, I am thinking this season could be a wash. There are rumors he fractured the same bone in his left hand, that he needed surgery for in his right hand. Avery did say he meant he was done for now and not for the season, but that loss coupled with Straka being out, this team is in crisis mode.

QUICK NOTES:

Tom Renney has officially lost it. I am all for matching up in a game but, John Toretella is known for playing his top line a ton and instead of ignoring it and playing your game, Renney plays Orr/Holloweg/Betts the most minutes in the first period. There was no flow to the game for the top line and they just played defensive the entire first half of the game. I really think the only reason he is not fired is, who would you bring in at this point (Sather????). I mean they are still in the mix and the players seem to still support there staff, but his love for 3rd line/4th line types is just stupid at this point. Last night was a prime night to tell Drury/Jagr/Gomez we are putting you together and you will play almost half the game. Time to earn the checks and carry your team to a victory, instead they play less then our worst line!!!!!!!!.

“Drama” King????? Hey Henrik deflections happen, he shows up his defenseman all the time when they deflect a puck. Should Tyutin have let that puck go, yes, but the king looking at him in disgust, slamming his stick is a little much. Fedor has been there for you a couple times Henrik, no need to act like a baby when he makes a mistake.

Okay I will be ripped by all for this, but can the King save a deflection? I know there were some hard saves, but 1 maybe 2 of those 4 he could not adjust and get a piece of the puck?? I am starting to get concerned something is wrong with the king right now. He just does not look right, it seems like any team should just put the puck on the net and tip it in some way and it will go in.

Jagr/Gomez/Drury line---Must say they were impressive as there bank accounts. They dominated play once they got in the flow. I love Shanny but time to put a # 1 PP unit together of those 3 players with Mara (unreal passes last night) and Rozie. First time that PP unit was together in a long time and they looked like they were together forever.

GOAT OF THE GAME:

Time for some help from the comments to assist me, I feel like putting Henrik, but that may be to harsh. I feel like putting Renney, but is that an escape for how bad the players were in the first 2 periods. Help me out tell me what I did not see, who was the reason they lost or was it just a team effort?

CAPTAIN CLUTCH STEALS A POINT

We signed Chris Drury for moments just like this. The guy just knows how to score and how to get the job done in moments the team needs it. That will be a highlight play for the rest of the season. I mean to block the puck like a goalie and then from one knee put the puck in the back of the net is hard enough, but to do it with less then 10 seconds left, down one is just sick. I am officially selling Captain Clutch T-shirts so if you want one shoot me an email. Okay that is a joke, please do not email me unless it has something to do with the girl next store and how dirty…..okay back to hockey:

Quick Notes:

There are things Ranger fans are known for, Booing Malik, doing the stupid Potvin sucks whistle when we are playing Vancouver in Game 7, and yelling shoot, anytime someone gets the puck in the offensive zone. I kind of pride myself on actually supporting Malik, rolling my eyes when I hear the Potvin sucks whistle and not getting too crazy with yelling shoot at my TV all night.

Well it was after midnight, my Ellios late night Pizza was gone, so I really must have lost it. I am asking my dog to yell Potvin sucks with me, I am booing Malik even though he was in the Press Box and that last minute I was screaming shoooooottttttttt the f’ng puck you Czech Republic bastard (yes it was Jagr). Then the light shined through Edmonton’s Roof (no I do not know the name of the arena, I am a hockey die-hard, not a geek) and Jagr found Drury with one of the best pass, shot combinations I have seen in a long time. I tried to enjoy OT and then the shoot-out with a hopeful NYR win, but we could only steal one point.

I am so confused with this team and how they are playing right now. I just get more frustrated then enjoyment out of them on this trip. I mean 1 point when one of the games is vs. Edmonton is just awful. They were in every game but something happened to just cost them a point or the game.

The refs, man how awful were they all night. I mean I hate Hollweg, but he did not deserve a major as he did realize he was about to hit the guy and he let up. Did he deserve 2 minutes, yes, but come on refs do not decide the game. Then on top of that, they call Straka for putting his hand on some one. 5 on 3 with Souray and Stoll on the point might as well put the puck in for them. Souray/Stoll did score the goal, but the Rangers had to have 2 guys up at the point and Oilers abused M Stall down low.

Much props to Shanny, he showed the kids and all hockey fans what being a hockey player is all about. He got hit knee on knee, while he was not able to play much he tried and sat on the bench the rest of the night trying to contribute.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Chris Drury- Man this guy just finds the right place to be at the right time. God if he was only not a Sabre last year we may have won Game 5 and moved on in Game 6 to next round. It is unreal that he was the man, again, to produce with less then 10 seconds less, so glad he will be on our side this year.

MID SEASON REPORT CARD

Well I can not believe we are 41 games into the season already and Rangers are a middle of the road team in a mediocre conference. They are closer to 10th place (2 points) then they are First place (10 points). I expected a lot more for being in the mix of the playoff race was not a successful first half. Here is a report card on the players that had an impact on the first half:

Scott Gomez: A.

He has become the best Ranger this year. He can pass, he can win draws and he is responsible in his own zone. This guy can flat out play and adds a little fun to the Rangers locker room. He is a great player who we will love to watch over the next 6 plus years.

Henrik Lundqvist: A

His grade would be an A plus if we were only one month in. The stats do not lie and Henrik has tailed off a lot over his last few starts. I mean last night’s pre-game showed his last 6 games 2 wins and a .850 win%, and I actually thought, okay maybe Valiquette will do fine. Usually I hear Vali is playing and I am ready for a tough win (3-2, 4-3, or a real bad loss 6-2). Henrik is still the key to this team and maybe Vali playing more will get him rest and get him to the A plus level.

Brendan Shannahan A

If you go down the checklist before the season, Shanny has brought everything he was asked this season. Leadership- this is his team, Jagr has the C but all look to Shanny, Scoring- tough start but once Gomez got him going he has started scoring again, PK- even a better PKer then I thought. I guess Jed Ortmeyer was not needed this year. Shanny is a # 1 PKer. Intangablies- from willingness to fight for a teammate, play hard in front when needed and just doing anything asked, Shanny has stepped up this year.


Micheal Rozival: B+

10 goals do not lie, if Rozie would just shoot more I think he would be the PP QB we are looking for. He just has that where is Jagr syndrome, as in every time he gets the puck he is thinking where is Jagr, where is Jagr. Rozie is a soild 2 way player and is having a solid year.

Sean Avery: B

He has not lit up the scoreboard this year. He is playing on the top 2 lines, so he will have to start scoring more for this to be considered a successful season. What he brings though can not be argued. The record when he plays and is out can not be thrown away. He is the straw that stirs Rangers intensity and second half he will need to step it up on the scoreboard.

Martin Straka: B

Scott Gomez has said a million times, Straka is the key to there line. I think he is overplaying it a little, but I understand what he means. Straka is that great team player all teams need. Does everything good but nothing great, the effort makes him great. He can play PP, PK and on top line and fit in anywhere. He is a core player that has played well. Have to pray he does not get hurt.

Blair Betts:B

He does everything a great team player can do. Wins draws, PK and skates a lot better then given credit for. He would be even better is Renney would play Dawes or someone like that with him. Enough with the Orr/Hollweg love fest. I really think there contribution is over-rated. Betts is not to blame but if given anyone to play with his hard work might result in more production. Glue type player doing all he is asked.

Marc Staal: B

For what he has been asked to do he is doing well, especially for a 20 year old rookie. This is a foundation type d-man. It is time to take the chains off a little and let this kid play on the PP more. Tyutin is not the PP type guy and Staal has great hands. Lets, let this kid shine a little more.

Dan Girardi/Fedor Tyutin: C+

I place these two together as they really are better as a unit then individual. I like that they are going to be together on the backline for years to come. They are not a # 1 unit though and Renney needs to realize that. Girardi has surprised with his offensive upside and Tyutin has proven he is what he is. He is an average defenseman with potential to break out, problem is he never seems to take that next step.

Chris Drury: C+

I think he had a longer adjustment period then Gomez and with 1 more month of solid play this grade will jump considerable. Over the last month he has dominated faceoffs, has started to get dirty in front and put home those tough goals. PK has been a rock all year. Drury will be another one Ranger fans fall in love with. Gomez/Drury are 2 great players to build around and we will all thank Sather for years to come getting to watch these 2.

THE KIDS: Dubinsky C, Callahan F and Dawes (incomplete)

Dubi was miscast by Renney all season he is not a # 1 center, but the last few weeks he has impressed with solid 2 way play. Gomez/Drury/Dubinsky will be a nice 1-2-3 punch. Callahan F may be a little harsh but he is expected to score and he has 1 goal. Is it time to send him back down? My vote yes. Dawes just has not been given the chance other kids have. It is time to give his kid 30 plus games on the 3rd line (prucha or Callahan off the line) and see what he can do.

Paul Mara C- /Jason Strudwick C+

Nothing great, nothing bad, they have been a middle of the road d-men all year. For that money he needs to do more or I will not miss Mara next year. Strudwicz gets the plus because he a great locker room guy, but he is, what he is.

Jaromir Jagr: D-

He is one of the leaders in points on the team, but he just has not seemed interested all season. He is one person I think that is keeping this team in middle of the pack. I mean how come every west coast team they play the top players score (Ignila, Garbonik types), but Jagr gets a couple assists, maybe. It is time for Jagr to wake up and carry this team like he can.

Marik Malik F

I actually liked Malik prior to this season, but I think Ranger fans are finnaly getting to this guy. If he will not hit and does not have that huge plus/minus he is not worth his price.

Marcel Hossa F, Peter Prucha F

Hossa 20 plus games number 1 line no goals, enough said. Prucha plays with Jagr on PP and is on pace for 8 goals, enough said.

Ryan Hollweg F, Colton Orr F

I give them F’s as I am just so tired of there role being forced on them. All I hear Renney say is, if our players all played like the HBO line we would be working the puck deep, blah, blah, blah. That could be the exact problem with this team, Renney expects Jagr, Gomez types to play like career 4th liners. They bring intensity, but both should not be in the lineup. They do not add any offense and are a combined -20. This is our checking line!!!!!!

Coaches/Renney D

Two get 2 key pieces and not figure out how to use them until this late in the season is inexcusable. The dubi # 1 line thing was a mess for to long and Drury is not a # 3 center. I hope he gives some more freedom to the top 2 lines and falls out of love with the HBO line. You put Dawes in Hollweg or Orr’s spot can actually take advantage of a Betts forecheck. We will see. Time to practice the PP, I have said it all year, you want to play a conservative game you MUST, I REPEAT MUST, have a top PP unit.

OVERALL C –

My expectations were high and the Rangers really could have put themselves on an elite level (battle for first in conference) with a solid first start. They are in a better spot then last year and should make the playoffs, but cup ready, I am just not sure. They need a stay at home/hitting/lockdown defenseman (ala Brandon Witt type) and I think they can turn the corner. I expected an Eastern Conference Finals appearance this year, now I am not to sure of that. Playoffs and first round win will happen, but I am not sure they will be playing for the Conference Championship this year.

What a Show on Ice

New Years day, there were not many options on TV except college football, college football oh and there was this thing on ESPN 2 HD…….college football. Lo and behold the one bright spot was the 2008 Winter Classic, where Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins took on the Buffalo Sabres of Chris Drur…oh wait, I mean Daniel Br….ahhhhhh, oh yeah Ryan Miller, that is it, Ryan Miller. I can not just watch a hockey game on VS just because it is on, but this was a must see.

I must say this should be an annual event. Were there glitches, was the ice hard to keep up with, yes, but for all the kinks this was an unreal showcase for hockey. They get the right combination of players/teams they can really help sell the sport. Can you see the Meadowlands packed with Rangers and Devils fans next year or another Original 6 team vs. any Canadian team? Hockey is the 4th biggest sport, you thrown in NASCAR and you are looking at a distant 5th ranked sport.

This New Years I can guarantee people checked this game out and that is good for hockey. The weather was tough and snow hurt flow of game but any positive exposure for hockey is worth the hassle. Buffalo made a ton of money for there town in hotels and other revenue associated with same (restaurants, local shops etc etc.). I mean 73,000 packed an arena to watch hockey, I am sure they spent some money in Buffalo area this New Years. (Estimates from below article indicate a $ 5 Million in local revenue raised).

I read an article on ESPN.com which I feel was completely off the mark, want to check it out here is the link:

(http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=3176569)

How are you a hockey writer and not like the exposure this gave hockey. Channel 4 made this a prime event on New Years Day. Read through the comment section and the first comment that jumped out was this from a reader of article:

“I live in the heart of football country and football is my favorite sport. So what did I watch this New Year's Day? Hockey! It was great to watch. Make it an annual tradition. Maybe even on Christmas Day, if the NHL doesn't want to compete with college football.”

If that comment from a reader does not sum up what winter classic did for hockey and that it should not be an annual thing, I do not know what does. Football and other fans just looking for a sport looked to hockey.

Next year New Years day anyone want to tailgate and go to the Meadowlands to watch some outdoor hockey…I got the beer you bring the food. God, I hope Jagr is off the team he will cry all the way to the ice mumbling something about Nylander and the cold.

Ignila and Flames Burn the NYR

In the interest of full disclosure, I did not make it the entire game. Once Ignila made it 2-0 in the 2nd I was done. Long weekend with illness and then partying hard in PA, caused Blueshirt Review to be a tired boy.

Some quick notes from first 2 periods:

Just do not like the games vs. West teams. I just do not feel like Rangers or team they are playing have that intensity when they play each other. These are the games Renney should start Avery and tell him to run the goalie or hit someone at the whistle to get the anger of the other team up so Rangers match it.

Score was 4-3, looked close but per box score rangers scored 2 goals in last couple minutes and one was with 15 seconds left in the game. So in essence they really lost 4-2 and got a garbage goal.

2 more West Coast games to go, hope I can A- stay up due to late starts and B- do not get bored by lack of intensity.

In the words of Dick Clark, “I hoooope alllll my readderssssss havvve a greaatttt Neeew Year”. Pre stroke it would have been “I hope all my readers have a great New Year”, but I do not know how to right drool all over my blog. That is all wrong, but so is making me watch him at 11:45PM 12 beers and 10 shots in.