Breaking News!
Seriously, this just in. Rangers coach Tom Renney's thoughts on the game two days ago:
"I thought we were dominant against Atlanta."
?
?
?
Great. So not only is the coach lying, pulling at straws, hypocritical in his words and actions, damaging to youth, and apparently unyieldingly biased against Europeans. . .
He's now outright DELUSIONAL!
Just when you thought things couldn't get any worse on Broadway, you read something like this. I mean I know Renney has a big vocabulary but I now get the idea that he has no idea what the words he uses mean.
Playmaker. Sustainability. Dominant.
You know what. I might just begin my boycott of this team with tomorrow night's game from Dallas. Where Voros - yes that Voros, who led the Wild in penalty minutes last year I'm sure you'd be shocked to know - will be on the first line with Naslund and Gomez.
Seriously, is there medication I can take for this?
Author's edit - 9:44pm. As of tomorrow I am going to have a two and a half day computer hiatus. And unlike last time I said it, this time I literally mean it; no computers in sight! Whether I listen to the Rangers game tomorrow on the radio is up for debate, but I am going to try to catch the Caps game on Saturday from a bar. We'll see. Everyone have a good weekend!
Showing posts with label Aaron Voros. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aaron Voros. Show all posts
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Prucha and Korpikoski's Shared Character. . .
Voros and Fritsche in.
Korpikoski and Prucha out.
Courtesy of Sam Weinman:
http://rangers.lohudblogs.com/2009/01/20/voros-and-fritsche-in-for-korpikoski-and-prucha/
"Renney said the move was more a match-up decision against the bigger, physical Ducks. Although Prucha hadn’t been told as much by Renney, we passed along what the coach told us after the morning skate.
'You know more than me,' an amused Prucha said. 'Aaron is a bigger, stronger guy than me, so he can play more physical. So if coach wants to match up against bigger players, he’s probably a better player than me for that.'
Spoken like a true good soldier.
Meanwhile, Korpikoski didn’t seem too annoyed, either, perhaps because he’s emerged from these benchings before.
'Of course it’s disappointing when you’re not playing,' Korpikoski said. 'You want to play every game. But you do what the coach tells you to do. There’s nothing you can say or do. You just keep working hard and when you get the opportunity again, be a little bit better again. I’ve been in this situation before and it doesn’t help to pout. You just have to stay positive and have a good attitude.'
Well I'm happy to know Prucha can be a good example for the other young kid Renney is abusing. At least they both have good attitudes. Better than I would under the circumstances, I'll be honest.
And you know, I don't like to do this. I don't get some sick pleasure out of it. But part of me hopes - hopes - the Rangers fall flat on their faces tonight. And the Ducks rip them apart.
At least part of me does. Which would make me sad, if I wasn't so angry.
Because, honestly, of course the two young EUROPEAN kids come out. We couldn't very well sit anyone else, now, could we Tom? Some AMERICAN centers or some CANADIAN 4th liners perhaps? No. Course not.
And just because I said I might, I'm copying my mini "rant" posted on NYR Devotion - Some Like it Blue (http://somelikeitblue.blogspot.com/)to further compliment how I am feeling today:
****
Renney should bench himself, and Drury/Gomez/Redden, and whomever else takes up the majority of the ice time they don't deserve. Because until they bench the "big" name guys that aren't producing and truly get new life in there, nothing will change.
I know we all love Pete. And Lauri is great. But they are not the reasons the team is losing when they lose. (although honestly Pete's play might have had a role in them winning when they won). But they are not the true reason either way. Therefore, it doesn't matter who Renney chooses to swap out in the 3rd line carousel/musical chairs/roulette wheel charade I've often talked about. What matters is that Gomez and Drury, both centerpieces to this team's offense, are not getting it done. They shouldn't have both been here in the first place, but since they are now, something has got to be done to fix the problem. Redden, the supposed great powerplay quarterback who was here to help aid the offense, can't play in either zone. And yet all three guys play big time minutes. As do many others who are skating by, literally.
Someone the other day (on Rangers Report blog) brought up something that was probably SO obvious I failed to see it. Gomez, even more than the everyone's favorite boring captain Drury, does not seem to have been able to play well with anyone. Do you remember him clicking with anyone, really? Cause I don't.
And that, THAT, is going to drag down this team more than who is playing on the shuffling 3rd line. Because without some major connection on this team, by the players that are getting paid and not earning their minutes, it doesn't matter who else plays or doesn't play. (And I don't mean the off-the-ice huggy-feely we love each other crap.)
What DOES matter though, is that, by thinking he can fix the whole messed up team, by swapping out a few smaller pieces, Renney is making the situation even worse. Worse because he's treating Prucha and Korpi like crap and sending the wrong message. And worse because, as we the fans know, these guys show more heart and more drive than the players that remain in the lineup, night in, night out.
And that IS his fault.
****
I'm so not looking forward to the game tonight. I'm glad Prucha/Korpi are taking this like character guys. Because I am not taking it so well.
Korpikoski and Prucha out.
Courtesy of Sam Weinman:
http://rangers.lohudblogs.com/2009/01/20/voros-and-fritsche-in-for-korpikoski-and-prucha/
"Renney said the move was more a match-up decision against the bigger, physical Ducks. Although Prucha hadn’t been told as much by Renney, we passed along what the coach told us after the morning skate.
'You know more than me,' an amused Prucha said. 'Aaron is a bigger, stronger guy than me, so he can play more physical. So if coach wants to match up against bigger players, he’s probably a better player than me for that.'
Spoken like a true good soldier.
Meanwhile, Korpikoski didn’t seem too annoyed, either, perhaps because he’s emerged from these benchings before.
'Of course it’s disappointing when you’re not playing,' Korpikoski said. 'You want to play every game. But you do what the coach tells you to do. There’s nothing you can say or do. You just keep working hard and when you get the opportunity again, be a little bit better again. I’ve been in this situation before and it doesn’t help to pout. You just have to stay positive and have a good attitude.'
Well I'm happy to know Prucha can be a good example for the other young kid Renney is abusing. At least they both have good attitudes. Better than I would under the circumstances, I'll be honest.
And you know, I don't like to do this. I don't get some sick pleasure out of it. But part of me hopes - hopes - the Rangers fall flat on their faces tonight. And the Ducks rip them apart.
At least part of me does. Which would make me sad, if I wasn't so angry.
Because, honestly, of course the two young EUROPEAN kids come out. We couldn't very well sit anyone else, now, could we Tom? Some AMERICAN centers or some CANADIAN 4th liners perhaps? No. Course not.
And just because I said I might, I'm copying my mini "rant" posted on NYR Devotion - Some Like it Blue (http://somelikeitblue.blogspot.com/)to further compliment how I am feeling today:
****
Renney should bench himself, and Drury/Gomez/Redden, and whomever else takes up the majority of the ice time they don't deserve. Because until they bench the "big" name guys that aren't producing and truly get new life in there, nothing will change.
I know we all love Pete. And Lauri is great. But they are not the reasons the team is losing when they lose. (although honestly Pete's play might have had a role in them winning when they won). But they are not the true reason either way. Therefore, it doesn't matter who Renney chooses to swap out in the 3rd line carousel/musical chairs/roulette wheel charade I've often talked about. What matters is that Gomez and Drury, both centerpieces to this team's offense, are not getting it done. They shouldn't have both been here in the first place, but since they are now, something has got to be done to fix the problem. Redden, the supposed great powerplay quarterback who was here to help aid the offense, can't play in either zone. And yet all three guys play big time minutes. As do many others who are skating by, literally.
Someone the other day (on Rangers Report blog) brought up something that was probably SO obvious I failed to see it. Gomez, even more than the everyone's favorite boring captain Drury, does not seem to have been able to play well with anyone. Do you remember him clicking with anyone, really? Cause I don't.
And that, THAT, is going to drag down this team more than who is playing on the shuffling 3rd line. Because without some major connection on this team, by the players that are getting paid and not earning their minutes, it doesn't matter who else plays or doesn't play. (And I don't mean the off-the-ice huggy-feely we love each other crap.)
What DOES matter though, is that, by thinking he can fix the whole messed up team, by swapping out a few smaller pieces, Renney is making the situation even worse. Worse because he's treating Prucha and Korpi like crap and sending the wrong message. And worse because, as we the fans know, these guys show more heart and more drive than the players that remain in the lineup, night in, night out.
And that IS his fault.
****
I'm so not looking forward to the game tonight. I'm glad Prucha/Korpi are taking this like character guys. Because I am not taking it so well.
Friday, November 7, 2008
And There Was a Hat Trick. . .?
And three power play goals? And a shorthanded goal? FOR them?
What team was I watching last night?
All kidding aside, I promise this will be a very short wrapup.
-So last night, not last monday night on the Island, was Chris Drury's coming out party, it seemed. If so, great. Don't mistake my saracasm here. I think every Rangers fan wants him to do well. If not because he appears to be a good guy, and if not because he is the captain of this team, but because there is really no way he's going anywhere. So while he and his $7+ salary are here, I do want him to succeed, obviously. Yesterday was a good step in the right direction. Good for him.
-The power play was tweaked huh? And that worked, huh? I was laughing when it was "power play goal" time and Callahan, Zherdev, and Dubinsky were out with Mara and Girardi. And Callahan scored. I was like, well duh. This was before the Chris Drury show, but still, the point stands. Move, shoot, and good things will happen.
-This isn't meant as a negative, merely a fact. The Rangers, a few players aside (Mara, Voros, Zherdev, etc) are not a big team. Not at all really. Callahan, Drury, Dawes, Prucha, Sjostrom, Gomez. None of these players are big. And I noticed it on Tuesday as well. There is nothing wrong with small speedy guys. They complement a team. But that many small guys - some of which are not speedy. I do wonder.
-Which means a guy like Aaron Voros, who is not a great fighter, but yes, has heart, has to take on the big boys on the other team. And last night, that included goalie Mike Smith. I admittedly missed some of the pre-antics. I saw now Smith was not happy earlier in the night that Voros fell over him. And it escalated from there. Kudos to Voros for not taking it. I think Smith should just stick to being as good a goalie as he recently has been. It might be Tampa Bay's only shot. They looked better tho.
-As did the Rangers. And I don't mean necessarily Drury scoring, or the power play clicking, although those things are big steps. I just mean cohesiveness. They seemed faster, the passes were crisper. All those things I have been saying. Again it's one game against a marginal team in Tampa Bay, but it's a step.
Tomorrow in Washington will be a test. I will be out of computer realm for the next two days, so I'll catch up Sunday. Enjoy.
p.s. Drury's hat trick, was the first by a New York Rangers since Marty Straka in January of 2007.
What team was I watching last night?
All kidding aside, I promise this will be a very short wrapup.
-So last night, not last monday night on the Island, was Chris Drury's coming out party, it seemed. If so, great. Don't mistake my saracasm here. I think every Rangers fan wants him to do well. If not because he appears to be a good guy, and if not because he is the captain of this team, but because there is really no way he's going anywhere. So while he and his $7+ salary are here, I do want him to succeed, obviously. Yesterday was a good step in the right direction. Good for him.
-The power play was tweaked huh? And that worked, huh? I was laughing when it was "power play goal" time and Callahan, Zherdev, and Dubinsky were out with Mara and Girardi. And Callahan scored. I was like, well duh. This was before the Chris Drury show, but still, the point stands. Move, shoot, and good things will happen.
-This isn't meant as a negative, merely a fact. The Rangers, a few players aside (Mara, Voros, Zherdev, etc) are not a big team. Not at all really. Callahan, Drury, Dawes, Prucha, Sjostrom, Gomez. None of these players are big. And I noticed it on Tuesday as well. There is nothing wrong with small speedy guys. They complement a team. But that many small guys - some of which are not speedy. I do wonder.
-Which means a guy like Aaron Voros, who is not a great fighter, but yes, has heart, has to take on the big boys on the other team. And last night, that included goalie Mike Smith. I admittedly missed some of the pre-antics. I saw now Smith was not happy earlier in the night that Voros fell over him. And it escalated from there. Kudos to Voros for not taking it. I think Smith should just stick to being as good a goalie as he recently has been. It might be Tampa Bay's only shot. They looked better tho.
-As did the Rangers. And I don't mean necessarily Drury scoring, or the power play clicking, although those things are big steps. I just mean cohesiveness. They seemed faster, the passes were crisper. All those things I have been saying. Again it's one game against a marginal team in Tampa Bay, but it's a step.
Tomorrow in Washington will be a test. I will be out of computer realm for the next two days, so I'll catch up Sunday. Enjoy.
p.s. Drury's hat trick, was the first by a New York Rangers since Marty Straka in January of 2007.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Snoozefest. . .?
At least a few apologies in advance, because I honestly am not sure what I am going to comment upon in last night's Isles/Rangers game. And that is because I almost unbelievably and regretfully, fell asleep.
Yes, asleep. In the third period. Which from my continuing to wake up every time a goal was scored, sounded like the better of the three.
To start, I was delayed out of work, so I missed the first goal on the radio. Anyone want to tell me what channel Rangers games are on now that it's not 1050 or 1130 or even 1560? I finally caught the Islanders feed on XM Radio in time to hear it was 1-0. So by the time I got home, I watched what I could of the first, and the second, but again, regrettably I fell asleep for the third. And not because I don't love hockey. But because apparently I was THAT tired.
So in the quickest wrap-up in history:
-Didn't think it was the prettiest game, but again, I guess they don't have to be. The important thing is they won.
-Chris Drury scored a goal. I'm not going pat him on the back and say he scored two. Because even if (even if) he touched the puck by a millimeter on that first goal, he didn't mean to. They second one was a legit goal, however, and I hope that breaks him out of his funk. Besides PK, the guy is not doing much else.
- Speaking of, thank goodness this team has good penalty killers, honestly. Because the PP is a joke. 1-8. Just sit back and think how good this team would be if they could get more than one PP goal a game. Honestly now. . .
- Joey MacDonald, in for a mysteriously injured Rick Dipietro, played very well. For a while, at 1-1, I thought it was going to be a close game the whole way through. Credit him. He kept them in the game until the Rangers (apparently) came on strong in the 3rd.
-Petr Prucha got more ice time (and a whopping 0:54 on the struggling powerplay) than Brandon Dubinsky and Aaron Voros, his linemates to start the game. This was because Dubinsky, the first center to be benched since Michael Nylander a few years ago (to my memory at least), came out of the gate and took 2 penalties. And because Voros fought Nate Thompson, who I think had grabbed Voros' undershirt, because it appeared Voros could not get a clean swing; and then later took a boarding call, which, from my slumber, sounded like a not great move on his part. I'll review that tonight. Of note for Prucha, a blocked shot. Which is all I seem to remember. And hustle. Of course, presumably, he was playing with a whole slew of different guys throughout the night. Will he be back Thursday?
Yes, asleep. In the third period. Which from my continuing to wake up every time a goal was scored, sounded like the better of the three.
To start, I was delayed out of work, so I missed the first goal on the radio. Anyone want to tell me what channel Rangers games are on now that it's not 1050 or 1130 or even 1560? I finally caught the Islanders feed on XM Radio in time to hear it was 1-0. So by the time I got home, I watched what I could of the first, and the second, but again, regrettably I fell asleep for the third. And not because I don't love hockey. But because apparently I was THAT tired.
So in the quickest wrap-up in history:
-Didn't think it was the prettiest game, but again, I guess they don't have to be. The important thing is they won.
-Chris Drury scored a goal. I'm not going pat him on the back and say he scored two. Because even if (even if) he touched the puck by a millimeter on that first goal, he didn't mean to. They second one was a legit goal, however, and I hope that breaks him out of his funk. Besides PK, the guy is not doing much else.
- Speaking of, thank goodness this team has good penalty killers, honestly. Because the PP is a joke. 1-8. Just sit back and think how good this team would be if they could get more than one PP goal a game. Honestly now. . .
- Joey MacDonald, in for a mysteriously injured Rick Dipietro, played very well. For a while, at 1-1, I thought it was going to be a close game the whole way through. Credit him. He kept them in the game until the Rangers (apparently) came on strong in the 3rd.
-Petr Prucha got more ice time (and a whopping 0:54 on the struggling powerplay) than Brandon Dubinsky and Aaron Voros, his linemates to start the game. This was because Dubinsky, the first center to be benched since Michael Nylander a few years ago (to my memory at least), came out of the gate and took 2 penalties. And because Voros fought Nate Thompson, who I think had grabbed Voros' undershirt, because it appeared Voros could not get a clean swing; and then later took a boarding call, which, from my slumber, sounded like a not great move on his part. I'll review that tonight. Of note for Prucha, a blocked shot. Which is all I seem to remember. And hustle. Of course, presumably, he was playing with a whole slew of different guys throughout the night. Will he be back Thursday?
Friday, October 24, 2008
On My First Scott Gomez Show and The Good Guy Aaron Voros. . .
I don't get to listen to the Michael Kay Show as much as I used to. It kinda worked out better for me when he had the 10-1 slot and I was in college and on the days I was awake, and not in class, I'd listen. And not that the drive-time slot has been all bad. I just haven't yet realized I can utilize online streaming to listen to radio stations that are being broadcast in the same city as myself. Usually I'm all about the Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver stations so I can listen to what really matters to me - hockey.
However, I just discovered Scott Gomez has a weekly segment on TMKS. Thursday afternoons at around 5:40ish. Cool! I remember how excited I was for Tino Martinez and Al Leiter's segments years ago. So I guess, when I'm able and not away from the computer, I'll be excited for that too.
The funniest part of yesterdays segment was when Gomez came up with a nickname for Michael Kay - "Bitter Beans." Michael laughed, and after the interview discussed with Don LaGreca, just how appropriate that name was. And how it was funny that his bitterness was SO apparent that random guests could pick up on it over the airwaves. oh Michael. I'm not denying any of that. I've been a fan of his for years. But Scotty Gomez - he has that sarcastic sense of humor with everyone! One of the primary reasons I found it hard to hate the guy when he came over from NJ, even though I really wanted to. Really badly. And to think last summer, I was happy about the Chris Drury signing and miserable about the Gomez one. ha. ha. ha. ha. But it's not really funny at all, is it.
In other random news, credit Aaron Voros with not only being a healthy dose of life in the Rangers lineup. A go-get em guy who can yap and be a physical presence, and, yes, score some goals too. But credit him with being a good guy.
I've seen most of his interviews, and he never fails to credit either Jacques Lemaire, his coach with the Wild, or the team of guys over at the Devils organization, like Lou Lamoriello, who drafted him and brought him up in a good hockey system. They also took care of him when he found a tumor behind his knee cap. He's mentioned his gratitude more than once. And as a Rangers fan, it might get annoying, all this love for the guys on the rival side, but in every way it's just sincerity. And that is something we don't see enough of. And he took it a step further by mailing a hand-written letter - yes hand written - to Lemaire, thanking him for what he'd done for him and crediting him with helping make him the hockey player he is today.
http://www.twincities.com/wild/ci_10789177?nclick_check=1
I tell you what, he won't be among the league lead in points all season, one would assume (although stranger things have happened). But if he continues to pot goals and be a genuine likeable guy for this team: I'll thank Jacques myself next time I see him.
And as for Voros, a class act. And genuine good guy. Who didn't forget where he came from and the battles he endured to get where he is. Good stuff.
(And on a really random note, even though they come from totally different sides of Canada, try closing your eyes when Voros is doing an interview and tell me what borderline future hockey Hall of Famer who recently took a role with the players association, he sounds like. Was that a good enough hint?)
Lastly, the Rangers take the ice again tonight after having 3 - count 'em - 3 big days off. Honestly, I didn't know what to do with my time off. I caught the beginning of some baseball games, I caught up on some TV shows. I tried to catch some hockey games here and there, but I'll be honest with you, it's been hard getting into a groove watching extra hockey when the Rangers play every freakin' Friday and Saturday. I'll be honest, I'm excited for Columbus tonight and the test at home against Pitt tomorrow, but I will be very glad to just sit back and watch a bunch of games next Saturday. The team will be in Toronto and I will be home, with my choice of games to watch.
As for the team. apparently Rissmiller, who cleared waivers the other day, is still skating with the team (don't ask me. . .). And apparently, the lineup tonight will be similar to those last game - except Dan Fritsche goes into the lineup in his home state and to play his former team. Although there will be some line tinkering. And I guess don't ask me about that either. If you go back in my blogs, I somehow thought the Dawes, Drury, and Prucha line was a sure thing. So I obviously have zero credibility in this.
However, I would not mess with the PS3 line, but it appears that Tom Renney will slightly juggle it. Keeping Voros and Dubinsky together but moving one Niki Zherdev to play with the struggling and borderline pathetic Markus Naslund and Chris Drury combination. Udachi, Niki, Udachi.
We will see. Seriously looking forward to watching a Friday night game from the comfort of my own living room though.
However, I just discovered Scott Gomez has a weekly segment on TMKS. Thursday afternoons at around 5:40ish. Cool! I remember how excited I was for Tino Martinez and Al Leiter's segments years ago. So I guess, when I'm able and not away from the computer, I'll be excited for that too.
The funniest part of yesterdays segment was when Gomez came up with a nickname for Michael Kay - "Bitter Beans." Michael laughed, and after the interview discussed with Don LaGreca, just how appropriate that name was. And how it was funny that his bitterness was SO apparent that random guests could pick up on it over the airwaves. oh Michael. I'm not denying any of that. I've been a fan of his for years. But Scotty Gomez - he has that sarcastic sense of humor with everyone! One of the primary reasons I found it hard to hate the guy when he came over from NJ, even though I really wanted to. Really badly. And to think last summer, I was happy about the Chris Drury signing and miserable about the Gomez one. ha. ha. ha. ha. But it's not really funny at all, is it.
In other random news, credit Aaron Voros with not only being a healthy dose of life in the Rangers lineup. A go-get em guy who can yap and be a physical presence, and, yes, score some goals too. But credit him with being a good guy.
I've seen most of his interviews, and he never fails to credit either Jacques Lemaire, his coach with the Wild, or the team of guys over at the Devils organization, like Lou Lamoriello, who drafted him and brought him up in a good hockey system. They also took care of him when he found a tumor behind his knee cap. He's mentioned his gratitude more than once. And as a Rangers fan, it might get annoying, all this love for the guys on the rival side, but in every way it's just sincerity. And that is something we don't see enough of. And he took it a step further by mailing a hand-written letter - yes hand written - to Lemaire, thanking him for what he'd done for him and crediting him with helping make him the hockey player he is today.
http://www.twincities.com/wild/ci_10789177?nclick_check=1
I tell you what, he won't be among the league lead in points all season, one would assume (although stranger things have happened). But if he continues to pot goals and be a genuine likeable guy for this team: I'll thank Jacques myself next time I see him.
And as for Voros, a class act. And genuine good guy. Who didn't forget where he came from and the battles he endured to get where he is. Good stuff.
(And on a really random note, even though they come from totally different sides of Canada, try closing your eyes when Voros is doing an interview and tell me what borderline future hockey Hall of Famer who recently took a role with the players association, he sounds like. Was that a good enough hint?)
Lastly, the Rangers take the ice again tonight after having 3 - count 'em - 3 big days off. Honestly, I didn't know what to do with my time off. I caught the beginning of some baseball games, I caught up on some TV shows. I tried to catch some hockey games here and there, but I'll be honest with you, it's been hard getting into a groove watching extra hockey when the Rangers play every freakin' Friday and Saturday. I'll be honest, I'm excited for Columbus tonight and the test at home against Pitt tomorrow, but I will be very glad to just sit back and watch a bunch of games next Saturday. The team will be in Toronto and I will be home, with my choice of games to watch.
As for the team. apparently Rissmiller, who cleared waivers the other day, is still skating with the team (don't ask me. . .). And apparently, the lineup tonight will be similar to those last game - except Dan Fritsche goes into the lineup in his home state and to play his former team. Although there will be some line tinkering. And I guess don't ask me about that either. If you go back in my blogs, I somehow thought the Dawes, Drury, and Prucha line was a sure thing. So I obviously have zero credibility in this.
However, I would not mess with the PS3 line, but it appears that Tom Renney will slightly juggle it. Keeping Voros and Dubinsky together but moving one Niki Zherdev to play with the struggling and borderline pathetic Markus Naslund and Chris Drury combination. Udachi, Niki, Udachi.
We will see. Seriously looking forward to watching a Friday night game from the comfort of my own living room though.
Monday, October 20, 2008
The Return of Avery - Preview. . .
"That boy never played with a doll in his life. Why would he tell people that?" - Al Avery (Sean's father) on Sean's recent interview
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/101908dnspostarsavery.3005bed.html?npc
I think that pretty much sums up almost everything you need to know about Sean Avery. The guy, as I've said before and will continue to hold true to, is a character. Plain. Simple. Done deal. He says what he says to get a rise out of those around him. He is an actor, playing a role, and the NHL and it's rinks are his stage.
In between it all, he manages to play hockey (sometimes), but he, like me, much prefers his part time job. His - pain in the @ss!
But I write this all with a smile on my face. Sean, a character, is also a heck of a hockey player. When he wants to be. I can't in all of my running it through my head, figure out why he would sign in Dallas and purposely try to play poorly there. Again, I've made it clear. If he doesn't play well and keep as good an attitude as possible, no one will take him off Dallas' hands. And the Sean Avery show will come to an end - on ice at least.
However, it's really kinda early to be saying that, in my opinion. True, Sean came to the Rangers and the impact was like a flame to gasoline. He ignited. Perhaps he is still getting used to the southern climate. More cowboy boots and less Naked Cowboys. . .maybe?
He will return tonight though to a climate he was very familiar with for the bulk of the last two years - New York City. Will the fans great him with open arms and chants of Avery-Avery? Probably not. I do, if I had to take a guess, think he'll get a good reception. I do. He was a big part of this team's success. And I think people will remember that. And given the absolute lack of personality and character on this team right now, I think some miss Sean Avery more than ever.
Dallas comes into the Garden at 1-3-1, which I think is below their standards and certainly what I expected from them. The Rangers are currently at 6-1-1 and, might I be so bold to admit, are getting better results than they might be deserving.
I didn't get to see Saturday's game, and I only read a few articles, so I can't really comment on it. But, to sum up:
-The Rangers PP has been horrible. 5 for 39, good for 22nd in the league. Just over 12%. Honestly. . . I never should have said it couldn't get worse.
-Naslund and Drury are a combined -7 on the year. So not only have they not been scoring, but I noticed they were both -2 for the game on Saturday as well. Drury continues to be, until proven otherwise, my biggest personal disappointment on this team. (And faceoff, smashe-off; this team was awesome on faceoffs. This year, so far, slightly less awesome. Same, stupid non-difference!)
-To expound upon my comment above on the lack of personality on the team. I love the Rangers I really do. I think that's clear. But while I'll try to apologize while being blunt in some of my comments, I'm not going to sugar coat either. If the Rangers did not have Aaron Voros and Brandon Dubinsky, this team would be in a much worse place. In the standings. In moral. End of story. They are contributing in bulk and they are looking alive in doing so. If I were to list the Rangers that had personality (on the ice), I'm looking at a rare few: Valiquette, Dubinsky, and perhaps and at times: Aaron Voros, Paul Mara, and Colton Orr (smiling after fighting never hurts). But seriously, this team is not bursting at the seams with life. It's not. They are winning, which is great, but with the exception of a good goal celebration run from the PS3 line, this team does not really make you feel that they well. . .feel it. It's obviously too early to really comment on this, but I'm just taking a moment to say what I feel. They are winning - yes. But are they really doing it in the way you thought they'd be? Cause I can certainly say, not at all. And I'm also not sure how long it will last at this rate. A strong PK, one line of scoring, and good goaltending can only last so far before more holes are exposed. Just my opinion.
Around the league:
Biggest surprise to start the season - negative: a tie for me between Philadelphia and Anaheim's lackluster starts.
Biggest surprise to start the season - positive: St. Louis's PP and Buffalo's going 4-0-1
I'll check in tomorrow with The Return of Avery. . .the Recap. Enjoy everyone.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/101908dnspostarsavery.3005bed.html?npc
I think that pretty much sums up almost everything you need to know about Sean Avery. The guy, as I've said before and will continue to hold true to, is a character. Plain. Simple. Done deal. He says what he says to get a rise out of those around him. He is an actor, playing a role, and the NHL and it's rinks are his stage.
In between it all, he manages to play hockey (sometimes), but he, like me, much prefers his part time job. His - pain in the @ss!
But I write this all with a smile on my face. Sean, a character, is also a heck of a hockey player. When he wants to be. I can't in all of my running it through my head, figure out why he would sign in Dallas and purposely try to play poorly there. Again, I've made it clear. If he doesn't play well and keep as good an attitude as possible, no one will take him off Dallas' hands. And the Sean Avery show will come to an end - on ice at least.
However, it's really kinda early to be saying that, in my opinion. True, Sean came to the Rangers and the impact was like a flame to gasoline. He ignited. Perhaps he is still getting used to the southern climate. More cowboy boots and less Naked Cowboys. . .maybe?
He will return tonight though to a climate he was very familiar with for the bulk of the last two years - New York City. Will the fans great him with open arms and chants of Avery-Avery? Probably not. I do, if I had to take a guess, think he'll get a good reception. I do. He was a big part of this team's success. And I think people will remember that. And given the absolute lack of personality and character on this team right now, I think some miss Sean Avery more than ever.
Dallas comes into the Garden at 1-3-1, which I think is below their standards and certainly what I expected from them. The Rangers are currently at 6-1-1 and, might I be so bold to admit, are getting better results than they might be deserving.
I didn't get to see Saturday's game, and I only read a few articles, so I can't really comment on it. But, to sum up:
-The Rangers PP has been horrible. 5 for 39, good for 22nd in the league. Just over 12%. Honestly. . . I never should have said it couldn't get worse.
-Naslund and Drury are a combined -7 on the year. So not only have they not been scoring, but I noticed they were both -2 for the game on Saturday as well. Drury continues to be, until proven otherwise, my biggest personal disappointment on this team. (And faceoff, smashe-off; this team was awesome on faceoffs. This year, so far, slightly less awesome. Same, stupid non-difference!)
-To expound upon my comment above on the lack of personality on the team. I love the Rangers I really do. I think that's clear. But while I'll try to apologize while being blunt in some of my comments, I'm not going to sugar coat either. If the Rangers did not have Aaron Voros and Brandon Dubinsky, this team would be in a much worse place. In the standings. In moral. End of story. They are contributing in bulk and they are looking alive in doing so. If I were to list the Rangers that had personality (on the ice), I'm looking at a rare few: Valiquette, Dubinsky, and perhaps and at times: Aaron Voros, Paul Mara, and Colton Orr (smiling after fighting never hurts). But seriously, this team is not bursting at the seams with life. It's not. They are winning, which is great, but with the exception of a good goal celebration run from the PS3 line, this team does not really make you feel that they well. . .feel it. It's obviously too early to really comment on this, but I'm just taking a moment to say what I feel. They are winning - yes. But are they really doing it in the way you thought they'd be? Cause I can certainly say, not at all. And I'm also not sure how long it will last at this rate. A strong PK, one line of scoring, and good goaltending can only last so far before more holes are exposed. Just my opinion.
Around the league:
Biggest surprise to start the season - negative: a tie for me between Philadelphia and Anaheim's lackluster starts.
Biggest surprise to start the season - positive: St. Louis's PP and Buffalo's going 4-0-1
I'll check in tomorrow with The Return of Avery. . .the Recap. Enjoy everyone.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Moments of Silence. . .
Alright, perhaps last night's game at the Garden will help silence some of the disbelievers of the Rangers perfect start this season. Myself included.
Trying to pay close attention to the details, I think the Rangers got it much better last night. Their passing was crisper, they managed to get to more loose pucks, they hit, they skated, and they twice took advantage on the Powerplay. Yes, 2 big PP goals for the . . . 2nd unit?
Yes, once again the "$18 million" line was held without a point. But the PS3 Line - :) - notched up a total of 7 points, three each by Brandon Dubinsky and Aaron Voros. I can't help but continuing to be impressed with this line. For these reasons, and more:
- Voros, in his words and to our eyes, is being utilized in the way he can best contribute and play. Is has been a LONG time since Rangers fans have seen a big guy (or a guy in general) stand in front of the goalie on the man advantage. A welcome sight, definitely. And, yes, two PP goals for the new #34 last night.
-Dubinsky, as I very much thought he would, is having no problems adjusting to life without Jaromir Jagr. And that isn't at all a knock on Jagr. It's a credit to Dubinsky. A guy that scores in the Young Stars game (although a somewhat throwaway games of goals), the World Juniors games, and seemingly on lines with whomever he plays with in NY, is a guy that can play - plain and simple. Jagr or no Jagr. Brandon - welcome to your coming out party.
- They look like they are having fun! All of them. And especially in light of the most recent tragedy to hit the Rangers team, to see young guys having fun and doing what they love, we, as fans, have to be happy they are doing so well, and be happy to see them happy. I know I am.
In other thoughts, I don't know if Sean Avery has permanantely gotten under the skin of Marty Brodeur, even in #16's absence from NY. In the last two or so seasons, I've continued to see Brodeur play to the top of his game, although of course, not as perfect as he once was. But against New York, he seems to be a little un-Marty-like. In what would have been an uncharacteristic goal against any other team, the Devils goalie let in another fluke goal last night, and never really regained his pre-game mentality. He looked out of place a few more times, a little scrambly, and of course, there was the over-exaggerated dive after Callahan made contact, thanks to Johnny Oduya's interference, which, yes, was called. As a Rangers fan that has watched NJ and Brodeur dominate my team for the better part of a decade, I can't be disappointed that that dominance has not been so strong these last three years. But I can question it. Hockey, after all and like most sports, is very much a mental game. You wonder. . .
Which brings me to the 3rd line. I never much paid attention to who was the 1st and who was the 3rd line. I really didn't. I'm talking years ago. But after ALL the debate of this year's lines, especially their 3rd and 4th, and well actually 1st and 2nd, I have paid very close attention. And obviously the 2nd line is clipping at a pace that is making me shake my head and smile. The 1st line, is, well, overpaid and underproducing, but I don't suggest for a moment it should be torn apart right now in any way that might affect our big three guys who ARE contributing. When something works, well, you . . .yeah, you don't do that. The fourth line - is what it is right now. I'm actually not going to complain about them, as much as I once wanted to. Fredrick Sjostrom and Colton Orr are cycling and playing responsible, and making Blair Betts look better than he, perhaps, is. But they haven't been a liability at all. And . . . we'll see if the goals come. Again, anything more than 5 is a victory for a line centered by Betts, no?
My issue now, is with the 3rd line. Lauri Korpikoski, who looked brilliant in training camp, has not seemed to translate his game into the NHL - yet. And my question is, how long do you give him? The 10 or so games that they usually give to "test" a player before sending him down? Perhaps. And that's fine. As a guy, however, that is your ONLY guy who can safely go to Hartford via waivers, I'm suggesting maybe you do. If you want to give it the 10 games, fine, we're half way there (oh, oh, livin' on a prayer; where did that come from?). And then, after which and assuming there is no major lightbulb going off, why not, why not stick Dan Fritsche or even Petr Prucha at center. I'm pretty sure Fritsche was a center, or at least played a bulk of his time there. And while I'm not saying the way to boost a guy's ever-decreasing confidence is to stick him in a position that he is not most familiar with, I'm pretty sure Prucha played center at one point, and while I can't find the stats, I am quite sure he has taken faceoffs. So, argue with me for a moment, as I play a bit of devil's advocate. Prucha, Fritsche and Ryan Callahan. Even though Callahan plays RW, Prucha can fill in on the left; he's done it before. I want to see THAT line play for a game. They'd be fast, at the very least. And if you take some shots. . . you never know. I think Callahan deserves some better linemates right now.
And maybe I'm just grasping at straws. I guess what it comes down to is, I continue to see a guy that used to smile like there was nothing in the world that could touch him, walk around with a frown because he hasn't gotten to play and he probably, like me, sees no clear picture about if and when he will play again. Petr Prucha, folks. Yeah, that guy who scored 16 PP goals his rookie year, and set or tied some Ranger rookie records. That guy. So, even though I didn't want it to be this way, and still don't, if the ONLY way this kid can play consistently is to play elsewhere, I will help him pack. Seriously, I'm the worst packer in the world, but I'll gladly help him pack if it means he can go somewhere else, play hockey every day, and be happy. It's depressing, especially for a guy that gave so much, and, honestly, didn't deserve the in and out treatment over the last few years, to be so miserable because he can't play the game we all love. Do I still wish it works out in New York - yes. Is my hope ever decreasing that it does - yes.
Notice, I've ignored Nigel Dawes in the above line combination of #24, #25, and #49. Purposely. Prucha, Fritsche, Callahan, and even what little I've seen of Patrick Rissmiller, have shown more speed and togetherness than Dawes showed all pre-season and so far into the campaign. I apologize, but I wish there was a way HE could go to Hartford and get his head on straight. I'd hate to lose him, but to say he should be playing over any of these other guys is wrong. And to those who thought he should be in the lineup because he plays well against New Jersey. Fair point. But guess who else has played well against NJ and had his moments with Marty in the shootout. Prucha.
In other news, the Rangers penalty kill continues to impress. 21 for 21 on the year. Will it last - I'm sure not. But the PK boys have gotten the job done for years now. And, honestly, taking an average of 4 penalties per game is really not that bad for these guys. Really. . .I've seen these guys. That is very doable. And for a Rangers/Devils game, it as a little mild yesterday. A few roughing calls. Even Chris Drury got in a little with Devils Captain Jamie Langenbrunner. But nothing major.
I guess we'll see how the team continues to fair with three games in four nights to close out the week.
Around the League:
Listened to a bit of the Toronto/St. Louis game yesterday, post-Ryan Hollweg's disgressions. I won't bother touching on that again. I know we can't un-penalize the Leafs, but they were in control of that game. The five minute major led to two goals and St. Louis was able to pull it out in shootout. What if, asks, Luke Schenn. What if?
On the way home, I caught the last 15 minutes of the Chicago/Nashville game and the shootout. Wish I was watching because that seemed nothing less than an intense finish. It's still early, so I hold faith that the young guys for Chicago will come together. Nashville wins in a shootout; their captain Jason Arnott goes out with an injury. And speaking of and somewhat suprisingly, it's been three full games, and Chicago's Martin Havlat has not gotten injured yet. (Sorry, sorry, I know, one of the big fears of Hawks fans, and I sincerely hope he plays healthy the whole year).
And I know it was against the Islanders, but ----, the Sabres scored a lot yesterday.
As did the Capitals, with 5 goals. And yet, Alex Ovechkin had three shots and no points. Does he still have the flu? It's early, Ovechkin fans, it's still early.
Lastly I want to go back to yesterday for a moment, and the very sad passing of Alexei Cherepanov. At the arena last night, it was hard to judge the mood. It would seem it was like any other Devils/Rangers matchup. Outside the young kids were chanting "Let's Go Rangers. Let's go Devils." Inside, the fans were excited to see what team would gain the early advantage and bragging rights among rivals. Then when the announcement was made, I heard collective gasps go up in the crowd, obviously among the many that had not yet had the chance to read the computer or listen to sports radio. Walking into the arena earlier I heard one girl, on her cell phone and carrying a Rangers jersey, say, "I really thought I'd be seeing him play here next season." And that was the collective emotion. Disbelief. Sadness. Something we are all unable to comprehend.
The moment of silence ended, but that silence might stick with some longer than others. Maybe you don't think as seriously about a sports tragedy until it's your own team. A name you've heard. A face you thought you were going to see play for your team. It doesn't make any of it fair, but perhaps, it brings it all closer to home. Closer to reality. Something we can see and feel.
Win or lose, the Rangers lost an important piece of their future yesterday, and all indications were, the world lost a great player and a great human being. I think I'll close with a quote from Rangers coach Tom Renney, and a reminder that, yes, sometimes there is more to life than hockey:
"It serves as inspiration for the rest of us not to take anything for granted, live life and love the people that are important to you."
Trying to pay close attention to the details, I think the Rangers got it much better last night. Their passing was crisper, they managed to get to more loose pucks, they hit, they skated, and they twice took advantage on the Powerplay. Yes, 2 big PP goals for the . . . 2nd unit?
Yes, once again the "$18 million" line was held without a point. But the PS3 Line - :) - notched up a total of 7 points, three each by Brandon Dubinsky and Aaron Voros. I can't help but continuing to be impressed with this line. For these reasons, and more:
- Voros, in his words and to our eyes, is being utilized in the way he can best contribute and play. Is has been a LONG time since Rangers fans have seen a big guy (or a guy in general) stand in front of the goalie on the man advantage. A welcome sight, definitely. And, yes, two PP goals for the new #34 last night.
-Dubinsky, as I very much thought he would, is having no problems adjusting to life without Jaromir Jagr. And that isn't at all a knock on Jagr. It's a credit to Dubinsky. A guy that scores in the Young Stars game (although a somewhat throwaway games of goals), the World Juniors games, and seemingly on lines with whomever he plays with in NY, is a guy that can play - plain and simple. Jagr or no Jagr. Brandon - welcome to your coming out party.
- They look like they are having fun! All of them. And especially in light of the most recent tragedy to hit the Rangers team, to see young guys having fun and doing what they love, we, as fans, have to be happy they are doing so well, and be happy to see them happy. I know I am.
In other thoughts, I don't know if Sean Avery has permanantely gotten under the skin of Marty Brodeur, even in #16's absence from NY. In the last two or so seasons, I've continued to see Brodeur play to the top of his game, although of course, not as perfect as he once was. But against New York, he seems to be a little un-Marty-like. In what would have been an uncharacteristic goal against any other team, the Devils goalie let in another fluke goal last night, and never really regained his pre-game mentality. He looked out of place a few more times, a little scrambly, and of course, there was the over-exaggerated dive after Callahan made contact, thanks to Johnny Oduya's interference, which, yes, was called. As a Rangers fan that has watched NJ and Brodeur dominate my team for the better part of a decade, I can't be disappointed that that dominance has not been so strong these last three years. But I can question it. Hockey, after all and like most sports, is very much a mental game. You wonder. . .
Which brings me to the 3rd line. I never much paid attention to who was the 1st and who was the 3rd line. I really didn't. I'm talking years ago. But after ALL the debate of this year's lines, especially their 3rd and 4th, and well actually 1st and 2nd, I have paid very close attention. And obviously the 2nd line is clipping at a pace that is making me shake my head and smile. The 1st line, is, well, overpaid and underproducing, but I don't suggest for a moment it should be torn apart right now in any way that might affect our big three guys who ARE contributing. When something works, well, you . . .yeah, you don't do that. The fourth line - is what it is right now. I'm actually not going to complain about them, as much as I once wanted to. Fredrick Sjostrom and Colton Orr are cycling and playing responsible, and making Blair Betts look better than he, perhaps, is. But they haven't been a liability at all. And . . . we'll see if the goals come. Again, anything more than 5 is a victory for a line centered by Betts, no?
My issue now, is with the 3rd line. Lauri Korpikoski, who looked brilliant in training camp, has not seemed to translate his game into the NHL - yet. And my question is, how long do you give him? The 10 or so games that they usually give to "test" a player before sending him down? Perhaps. And that's fine. As a guy, however, that is your ONLY guy who can safely go to Hartford via waivers, I'm suggesting maybe you do. If you want to give it the 10 games, fine, we're half way there (oh, oh, livin' on a prayer; where did that come from?). And then, after which and assuming there is no major lightbulb going off, why not, why not stick Dan Fritsche or even Petr Prucha at center. I'm pretty sure Fritsche was a center, or at least played a bulk of his time there. And while I'm not saying the way to boost a guy's ever-decreasing confidence is to stick him in a position that he is not most familiar with, I'm pretty sure Prucha played center at one point, and while I can't find the stats, I am quite sure he has taken faceoffs. So, argue with me for a moment, as I play a bit of devil's advocate. Prucha, Fritsche and Ryan Callahan. Even though Callahan plays RW, Prucha can fill in on the left; he's done it before. I want to see THAT line play for a game. They'd be fast, at the very least. And if you take some shots. . . you never know. I think Callahan deserves some better linemates right now.
And maybe I'm just grasping at straws. I guess what it comes down to is, I continue to see a guy that used to smile like there was nothing in the world that could touch him, walk around with a frown because he hasn't gotten to play and he probably, like me, sees no clear picture about if and when he will play again. Petr Prucha, folks. Yeah, that guy who scored 16 PP goals his rookie year, and set or tied some Ranger rookie records. That guy. So, even though I didn't want it to be this way, and still don't, if the ONLY way this kid can play consistently is to play elsewhere, I will help him pack. Seriously, I'm the worst packer in the world, but I'll gladly help him pack if it means he can go somewhere else, play hockey every day, and be happy. It's depressing, especially for a guy that gave so much, and, honestly, didn't deserve the in and out treatment over the last few years, to be so miserable because he can't play the game we all love. Do I still wish it works out in New York - yes. Is my hope ever decreasing that it does - yes.
Notice, I've ignored Nigel Dawes in the above line combination of #24, #25, and #49. Purposely. Prucha, Fritsche, Callahan, and even what little I've seen of Patrick Rissmiller, have shown more speed and togetherness than Dawes showed all pre-season and so far into the campaign. I apologize, but I wish there was a way HE could go to Hartford and get his head on straight. I'd hate to lose him, but to say he should be playing over any of these other guys is wrong. And to those who thought he should be in the lineup because he plays well against New Jersey. Fair point. But guess who else has played well against NJ and had his moments with Marty in the shootout. Prucha.
In other news, the Rangers penalty kill continues to impress. 21 for 21 on the year. Will it last - I'm sure not. But the PK boys have gotten the job done for years now. And, honestly, taking an average of 4 penalties per game is really not that bad for these guys. Really. . .I've seen these guys. That is very doable. And for a Rangers/Devils game, it as a little mild yesterday. A few roughing calls. Even Chris Drury got in a little with Devils Captain Jamie Langenbrunner. But nothing major.
I guess we'll see how the team continues to fair with three games in four nights to close out the week.
Around the League:
Listened to a bit of the Toronto/St. Louis game yesterday, post-Ryan Hollweg's disgressions. I won't bother touching on that again. I know we can't un-penalize the Leafs, but they were in control of that game. The five minute major led to two goals and St. Louis was able to pull it out in shootout. What if, asks, Luke Schenn. What if?
On the way home, I caught the last 15 minutes of the Chicago/Nashville game and the shootout. Wish I was watching because that seemed nothing less than an intense finish. It's still early, so I hold faith that the young guys for Chicago will come together. Nashville wins in a shootout; their captain Jason Arnott goes out with an injury. And speaking of and somewhat suprisingly, it's been three full games, and Chicago's Martin Havlat has not gotten injured yet. (Sorry, sorry, I know, one of the big fears of Hawks fans, and I sincerely hope he plays healthy the whole year).
And I know it was against the Islanders, but ----, the Sabres scored a lot yesterday.
As did the Capitals, with 5 goals. And yet, Alex Ovechkin had three shots and no points. Does he still have the flu? It's early, Ovechkin fans, it's still early.
Lastly I want to go back to yesterday for a moment, and the very sad passing of Alexei Cherepanov. At the arena last night, it was hard to judge the mood. It would seem it was like any other Devils/Rangers matchup. Outside the young kids were chanting "Let's Go Rangers. Let's go Devils." Inside, the fans were excited to see what team would gain the early advantage and bragging rights among rivals. Then when the announcement was made, I heard collective gasps go up in the crowd, obviously among the many that had not yet had the chance to read the computer or listen to sports radio. Walking into the arena earlier I heard one girl, on her cell phone and carrying a Rangers jersey, say, "I really thought I'd be seeing him play here next season." And that was the collective emotion. Disbelief. Sadness. Something we are all unable to comprehend.
The moment of silence ended, but that silence might stick with some longer than others. Maybe you don't think as seriously about a sports tragedy until it's your own team. A name you've heard. A face you thought you were going to see play for your team. It doesn't make any of it fair, but perhaps, it brings it all closer to home. Closer to reality. Something we can see and feel.
Win or lose, the Rangers lost an important piece of their future yesterday, and all indications were, the world lost a great player and a great human being. I think I'll close with a quote from Rangers coach Tom Renney, and a reminder that, yes, sometimes there is more to life than hockey:
"It serves as inspiration for the rest of us not to take anything for granted, live life and love the people that are important to you."
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Pre-season Ramblings Part One. . .
I know I have been remiss in writing on this blog, so you have my utmost apologies for that. For I am, myself, very disappointed. It's been due to lack of time and situations at work that have stopped me recently, not for lack of interest. There are just some things we can't control. Again, once hockey season truly gets under way, I will make the time. You can count on it.
Anyway, as a good little hockey fan, I cleared my Saturday evening for the Rangers first pre-season game in Ottawa. I mean it might not be 2-points-or-bust-hockey, but it's hockey. And that was good enough for me. So watch I did. Through the 21 penalties. Through the choppiness. Through the speed from both sides. And through it all I took away a few key things:
- Brandon Dubinsky is a great hockey player. With Jaromir Jagr, without Jaromir Jagr. He can skate and he has a nice shot. A nice shot. He showed in the Young Stars game at All-Star in Atlanta that he could contribute. In fact he won game MVP honors. He's a special kind of player. I think playing with different players this year, his point totals will go up. I will be very surprised if this prediction does not prove to be true.
-Michael Del Zotto, the guy who I was talking about on draft day only in that he looked like former Ranger Al Montoya (a little, you know when you squint, tilt your head, and. . . never mind), played a quite solid game. Nothing super, nothing flashy. But he looked good on the power play. His passes were crisp. And he didn't stand out for the wrong reasons either which is always important when you are young, making your debut against guys like Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley, and, oh yeah, all of 18-years-old.
-Aaron Voros is going to be my type of Ranger. Immediately the interviewers on TV and the beat writers made mention of his story: a kid who loved the Rangers, while crowing up in Vancouver. In 1994. Yeah, my kind of Ranger, boys, my kind of Ranger. To boot, he "stupid" liked Mark Messier back in the day. LOL! It was a great interview with him. And his game - there has been nothing not to like so far. Setting up some goals, hitting, going to the net. Being a force. If the aforementioned Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan and Voros make up a 3rd line this season, I don't think I'll be disappointed.
- Colton Orr. I like the guy. Actually really like the guy. It always struck you that there was "more" to him than there was to some other "fighters" on the team. Yes he can fight, he can play that role. I want him on the roster when we are playing the Flyers, hands down. But....he can do more. And I started liking him when he said a few years ago that he was going to work on being a more complete player. I respected him completely when he said he was working with Jagr to become a better skater (I believe it was last year). And I now am to the point where I think he's legit in that he made the committment to stay in New York all summer (and he lives in NY State folks, not NYC) to train. He looked better. His skating has, without a doubt, improved every year that I've seen him. And you know what, good for him. He can do more than just fight and he's showing that.
In other hockey news, on Sunday I drafted my fantasy hockey team. :) I love playing fantasy hockey. Now, I'm not really one to talk about who I drafted or the day in and day out of it all; but if by All-Star break, I'm blowing out the competition, I'll be sure to throw that in somewhere. Let me just say I am very satisfied with the skaters on my team. Very.
Back to the game at hand. So last night there was some action at the Garden, the second half of a home and home with Ottawa. The "other" half of the lineup saw game action, with a few exceptions. Again, some key takeaways:
- I trust that the line of Scott Gomez, Marcus Naslund, and Nikolai Zherdev will look better the more they come to play together. It's hard to judge on one night. I know they'll be fast though. And hopefully accurate. The first time Zherdev tried a little move and lost the puck, I heard more than one person say the name [Alexei] Kovalev. (oh!)
-Lauri Korpikoski might be the next player in line from Hartford (of the offensive boys) that I'd say gets a serious look for the club. He came up last year and played his one game, one goal, effort in Pittsburgh to close out the Rangers playoffs, but in all due honesty, this would be first real go around. He looked good.
- That Wade Redden got manhandled on that goal set up by Brad Isbister was only slightly ironic. I hope it doesn't become a habit, but I'm sure nerves had a lot to do with it. I hope. (also hope for the record that Isbister fits in well in Ottawa. Good guy who plays a good role).
And we'll end with . . .
- Petr Nedved being first star of the night really made me think that it was 2002 all over again. I won't go into my thoughts on Nedved. They have been made clear in the August 6th blog titled 'The Great Petr Nedved Debate.' BUT. He looked good. And better than him looking good, people responded to him. Fans, although many of them posers with short memores, were jeering him as they took the ice only to stand and cheer as he scored. And the media was all over it. Everyone got asked about Petr Nedved. Even Wade Redden. Not, oh, Wade, how was your first game as a Ranger? But, oh, Wade, whaddya think of Petr Nedved? For the record, and for the (maybe but I can't guarantee it) last time, I like Blair Betts. I like his penalty killing and his faceoffs. But.....if you want a fourth line center who is going to lead a line to score 15-25 goals (in addition to playing the role of penalty killer and providing veteran leadership), Betts is not your guy. Unless you saddle him up with other wings. But, for the sake of all the lines being already almost set or at least in serious consideration - (Drury, Prucha, Dawes/ Callahan, Dubinsky, Voros/ Zherdev, Gomez, Naslund) - you are looking at a guy that is going to center Colton Orr and TBD. I just got finished praising Colton Orr. But a dream and a commmittment does not automatically a 15 goal-scorer make. He needs time. He needs someone who can pass him the puck in order for him to score. And likewise, an aging center in Nedved, would benefit from having someone to crush a guy in the corneres to make more room for him to skate down the wing.
It's just one game. They all said it. Its just one game. But. . . if nothing else, I got a good feeling watching Petr Nedved take that skate. He's a good guy who's giving it one last try. And if he proved anything last night, both to his fans and to his naysayers, he is not washed up just yet.
More later, as this week of 5 games, and 6 games in 8 nights continues....
Anyway, as a good little hockey fan, I cleared my Saturday evening for the Rangers first pre-season game in Ottawa. I mean it might not be 2-points-or-bust-hockey, but it's hockey. And that was good enough for me. So watch I did. Through the 21 penalties. Through the choppiness. Through the speed from both sides. And through it all I took away a few key things:
- Brandon Dubinsky is a great hockey player. With Jaromir Jagr, without Jaromir Jagr. He can skate and he has a nice shot. A nice shot. He showed in the Young Stars game at All-Star in Atlanta that he could contribute. In fact he won game MVP honors. He's a special kind of player. I think playing with different players this year, his point totals will go up. I will be very surprised if this prediction does not prove to be true.
-Michael Del Zotto, the guy who I was talking about on draft day only in that he looked like former Ranger Al Montoya (a little, you know when you squint, tilt your head, and. . . never mind), played a quite solid game. Nothing super, nothing flashy. But he looked good on the power play. His passes were crisp. And he didn't stand out for the wrong reasons either which is always important when you are young, making your debut against guys like Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley, and, oh yeah, all of 18-years-old.
-Aaron Voros is going to be my type of Ranger. Immediately the interviewers on TV and the beat writers made mention of his story: a kid who loved the Rangers, while crowing up in Vancouver. In 1994. Yeah, my kind of Ranger, boys, my kind of Ranger. To boot, he "stupid" liked Mark Messier back in the day. LOL! It was a great interview with him. And his game - there has been nothing not to like so far. Setting up some goals, hitting, going to the net. Being a force. If the aforementioned Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan and Voros make up a 3rd line this season, I don't think I'll be disappointed.
- Colton Orr. I like the guy. Actually really like the guy. It always struck you that there was "more" to him than there was to some other "fighters" on the team. Yes he can fight, he can play that role. I want him on the roster when we are playing the Flyers, hands down. But....he can do more. And I started liking him when he said a few years ago that he was going to work on being a more complete player. I respected him completely when he said he was working with Jagr to become a better skater (I believe it was last year). And I now am to the point where I think he's legit in that he made the committment to stay in New York all summer (and he lives in NY State folks, not NYC) to train. He looked better. His skating has, without a doubt, improved every year that I've seen him. And you know what, good for him. He can do more than just fight and he's showing that.
In other hockey news, on Sunday I drafted my fantasy hockey team. :) I love playing fantasy hockey. Now, I'm not really one to talk about who I drafted or the day in and day out of it all; but if by All-Star break, I'm blowing out the competition, I'll be sure to throw that in somewhere. Let me just say I am very satisfied with the skaters on my team. Very.
Back to the game at hand. So last night there was some action at the Garden, the second half of a home and home with Ottawa. The "other" half of the lineup saw game action, with a few exceptions. Again, some key takeaways:
- I trust that the line of Scott Gomez, Marcus Naslund, and Nikolai Zherdev will look better the more they come to play together. It's hard to judge on one night. I know they'll be fast though. And hopefully accurate. The first time Zherdev tried a little move and lost the puck, I heard more than one person say the name [Alexei] Kovalev. (oh!)
-Lauri Korpikoski might be the next player in line from Hartford (of the offensive boys) that I'd say gets a serious look for the club. He came up last year and played his one game, one goal, effort in Pittsburgh to close out the Rangers playoffs, but in all due honesty, this would be first real go around. He looked good.
- That Wade Redden got manhandled on that goal set up by Brad Isbister was only slightly ironic. I hope it doesn't become a habit, but I'm sure nerves had a lot to do with it. I hope. (also hope for the record that Isbister fits in well in Ottawa. Good guy who plays a good role).
And we'll end with . . .
- Petr Nedved being first star of the night really made me think that it was 2002 all over again. I won't go into my thoughts on Nedved. They have been made clear in the August 6th blog titled 'The Great Petr Nedved Debate.' BUT. He looked good. And better than him looking good, people responded to him. Fans, although many of them posers with short memores, were jeering him as they took the ice only to stand and cheer as he scored. And the media was all over it. Everyone got asked about Petr Nedved. Even Wade Redden. Not, oh, Wade, how was your first game as a Ranger? But, oh, Wade, whaddya think of Petr Nedved? For the record, and for the (maybe but I can't guarantee it) last time, I like Blair Betts. I like his penalty killing and his faceoffs. But.....if you want a fourth line center who is going to lead a line to score 15-25 goals (in addition to playing the role of penalty killer and providing veteran leadership), Betts is not your guy. Unless you saddle him up with other wings. But, for the sake of all the lines being already almost set or at least in serious consideration - (Drury, Prucha, Dawes/ Callahan, Dubinsky, Voros/ Zherdev, Gomez, Naslund) - you are looking at a guy that is going to center Colton Orr and TBD. I just got finished praising Colton Orr. But a dream and a commmittment does not automatically a 15 goal-scorer make. He needs time. He needs someone who can pass him the puck in order for him to score. And likewise, an aging center in Nedved, would benefit from having someone to crush a guy in the corneres to make more room for him to skate down the wing.
It's just one game. They all said it. Its just one game. But. . . if nothing else, I got a good feeling watching Petr Nedved take that skate. He's a good guy who's giving it one last try. And if he proved anything last night, both to his fans and to his naysayers, he is not washed up just yet.
More later, as this week of 5 games, and 6 games in 8 nights continues....
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