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.