The Rangers made a statement alright. Just not sure it was a good one though.
I'll be honest and then blunt.
I had a lot to do last night so I really only watched the second half of the game. I listened and looked up at the TV from time to time, but I did not watch.
(Notice a pattern with me and the Isles/Rangers games. First I fall asleep for the first game on the Island, then I miss the Prucha game of the year, and then I choose last night's game to house-keep my file cabinet. Although necessary. *Sigh* Only game I watched on the full was the Rangers/Islanders game where they scored two shorties against us. Yep. And no idea why.)
Now back to reality and back to being blunt. I don't think a Rangers/Islanders game is true analysis for anything. I really don't.
It's a rivalry game. True, the one side of the rivalry is falling slowly (quickly) into oblivion this season (and for the better part of the last decade). The one that isn't, used to be almost as much a laughing stock. But yet, the teams come together and they usually play.
Now, in my opinion, the Islanders always play the Rangers well. Always. The Rangers do not seem to match that intensity, and that might be a symptom of the above.
Thus, I don't think you can take credit away from the Isles last night. They play like this is all they have...and well with a franchise goalie two years into a 15-year contract who rarely sees the inside of an arena (in uniform), a team whose managment staff has two goalies who have played hockey in THIS decade, and an arena no one outside of Long Island can easily get to. . .well that is all they have right now.
You know what you should really credit them for though. Their powerplay. One of the worst teams in the entire league and a good powerplay. (#17; the Rangers, btw, are at #27). Mark Streit leads the team in points (33) and power play goals (7). I would have given my eye teeth for this guy over Redden. He made the Montreal powerplay good. And he was even able to do it on Long Island. Look at that.
As for the Rangers, Tom Renney must have been thrilled. A 2-1 win. Which would be great. Against Montreal, San Jose, Detroit. Impractical, but great.
Against the Islanders, they should be able to score more. They really should. And yet, they can't. Or they won't.
Even if this team is, as described over and over again, merely a low scoring team, destined to win by 1-0, and 2-1, that's great. But if they had a powerplay that worked, they could potentially win games 4-2, 3-1, even. Anything has got to be an improvement over 2-1. And the powerplay is the easiest way to start without wrecking whatever master plan of boredom the coach is trying so desperately to employ.
Is this team a team of goal scorers? No. Sadly no. But even the Islanders can score on the powerplay (at present 32 goals to the Rangers 27 on the man advantage).
Think about that.
Think about that and tell me that if this team makes the playoffs (still a question at this, the just-over-half-way-point of the season), they will ever make any mark of success there.
I just don't see it. 1-0 games happen in the playoffs. Sure. To teams that are capable of playing perfect defense for 60 minutes.
I do not trust the Rangers defense to do that. I'm not sure who would.
So 2-1 wins versus the Islanders are nice, and the two points are important.
But that's two more points leading to a promised land where the Rangers have little to no promise of succeeding.
Honest. Then blunt. That's how I feel today.
Showing posts with label powerplay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label powerplay. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Absurdity and Insanity from NJ. . .[two days late]. . .
I apologize for being a couple days late in post-game blogging (at least for Friday's game) but I think I needed a little break after that game. I mean seriously, didn't you?
Friday versus New Jersey. I don't often watch games in bars. I'm usually home or at the arena. But I think it's a practice I might start employing more often, especially with the way the Rangers have been playing this year.
I certainly did not want the Rangers to lose against NJ. Those losses are harder for me to take than losses to Philly or even the Islanders. But...if they were going to lose to them, let it be in a way that was so absurd and insane as what we saw Friday night. And it was certainly both - absurd and insane.
I didn't make it to the bar on time because, well traffic sucks, but I had looked down at my XM Radio to see the Devils got the first goal, and that the Rangers team was trailing 2-1, end of 1. I turned on the radio to hear it was a short-handed goal the Devils got, and just shook my head. #9 for those of you keeping track at home.
I got to the bar and my friends and I got primo position in front of a nice big screen. I got my beer, got my food, and watched what can only be described as hilarity ensue. Honestly.
The Rangers would go on to give up another shorthanded goal (for a total of 10 on the year), and 8 goals to their cross river rivals.
Ask yourself this, what was most shocking: Hank Lundqvist giving up 8 goals or the New Jersey Devils scoring 8 goals?
A tossup, for sure.
So I' m not positive whether it was after the Devils 4th or 5th goal, but I just started laughing at every goal being scored. Rangers or Devils. My two friends were unsure of why, but we made the best of it. Let me say, while not an advocate for it, it was certainly a game that I was happy to be drinking during. A little buzz helped to not take what was happening so seriously.
My one friend bet me a beer the Rangers would come back - to win. I said, no way.
The Rangers kept scoring. My two friends kept celebrating. I kept laughing. I think most fans thought it would at least be a low scoring game. The fact that the Rangers and Devils were scoring so much was baffling to me. And, again, somewhat funny.
My favorite moment came when a very inebriated older woman came over after the Rangers 4th or 5th goal and said with an excited look "who scored? New Jersey?" and my friends and I just looked at her and shook our heads and saying "NO" with such honest conviction, the look on her face as it fell and she walked away was priceless.
Buzzed escapades aside, this game brought a few career numbers to the surface.
-It was the first time since October of 1993 that the Devils scored two short handed goals in o.ne game.
-Zach Parise's 4 assists were a career high.
-Brian Gionta's 4 points tied his career best.
-13 goals combined between the two teams was the most since 1986.
-Lundqvist gave up 4+ goals to NJ for the first ever time, and tied his career high for goals against with 8. [and gave up 17 in his last three games combined].
I had a chance, just earlier today, to review the goals in the comfort of my living room. I do not think, as I didn't in the bar, that Hank should be considered solely responsible for them all. No way. The first shorthanded goal, he should have had, but Hank - for all his amazement in shootouts - is kinda lousy at one on one breakaways. That was a weak goal, to me.
The 2nd one was okay. The 3rd, 6th, and 7th, certainly, were poor defensive zone coverage. On the 7th, it appeared the entire team was flatfooted and standing around. Defensive marks were missed all over the place. The 8th and final goal, well it was just an absurd and insane mess. End of story.
Look, I'm not saying anything that hasn't already been said. The two short handed goals cannot happen. The all time NHL record is 22. The Rangers, with 10 as of December 12th, have a VERY good chance of beating that record. And the only consolation to that stat is the last team to do it was the 95-96 Avalanche, who won the Cup that year. So...stranger things. But it's still nothing to be proud of!
Their powerplay went 0-9 on Friday against NJ. That brought it to 0-14 in their last three games. I'm pretty sure going into Saturday's game that made them around 26th in the league.
Again, I'm shocked at the score, the game, everything. While you can credit the Rangers for coming back and not lying down after getting so far behind, that's not really addressing the problems. They are not going to win by having such a horrible horrible horrible powerplay.
And kudos to NJ. I mean they looked sharp. On every puck. Moving quickly. Getting into lanes. Not giving up. They have played so well since Brodeur went down with is elbow injury, I am quite frankly shocked.
I'm of course naueseated beyond belief that even NJ can score more goals than us. . .but that is neither here nor there.
Absurdity and insanity disguised as a hockey game. There is not much else to say.
Friday versus New Jersey. I don't often watch games in bars. I'm usually home or at the arena. But I think it's a practice I might start employing more often, especially with the way the Rangers have been playing this year.
I certainly did not want the Rangers to lose against NJ. Those losses are harder for me to take than losses to Philly or even the Islanders. But...if they were going to lose to them, let it be in a way that was so absurd and insane as what we saw Friday night. And it was certainly both - absurd and insane.
I didn't make it to the bar on time because, well traffic sucks, but I had looked down at my XM Radio to see the Devils got the first goal, and that the Rangers team was trailing 2-1, end of 1. I turned on the radio to hear it was a short-handed goal the Devils got, and just shook my head. #9 for those of you keeping track at home.
I got to the bar and my friends and I got primo position in front of a nice big screen. I got my beer, got my food, and watched what can only be described as hilarity ensue. Honestly.
The Rangers would go on to give up another shorthanded goal (for a total of 10 on the year), and 8 goals to their cross river rivals.
Ask yourself this, what was most shocking: Hank Lundqvist giving up 8 goals or the New Jersey Devils scoring 8 goals?
A tossup, for sure.
So I' m not positive whether it was after the Devils 4th or 5th goal, but I just started laughing at every goal being scored. Rangers or Devils. My two friends were unsure of why, but we made the best of it. Let me say, while not an advocate for it, it was certainly a game that I was happy to be drinking during. A little buzz helped to not take what was happening so seriously.
My one friend bet me a beer the Rangers would come back - to win. I said, no way.
The Rangers kept scoring. My two friends kept celebrating. I kept laughing. I think most fans thought it would at least be a low scoring game. The fact that the Rangers and Devils were scoring so much was baffling to me. And, again, somewhat funny.
My favorite moment came when a very inebriated older woman came over after the Rangers 4th or 5th goal and said with an excited look "who scored? New Jersey?" and my friends and I just looked at her and shook our heads and saying "NO" with such honest conviction, the look on her face as it fell and she walked away was priceless.
Buzzed escapades aside, this game brought a few career numbers to the surface.
-It was the first time since October of 1993 that the Devils scored two short handed goals in o.ne game.
-Zach Parise's 4 assists were a career high.
-Brian Gionta's 4 points tied his career best.
-13 goals combined between the two teams was the most since 1986.
-Lundqvist gave up 4+ goals to NJ for the first ever time, and tied his career high for goals against with 8. [and gave up 17 in his last three games combined].
I had a chance, just earlier today, to review the goals in the comfort of my living room. I do not think, as I didn't in the bar, that Hank should be considered solely responsible for them all. No way. The first shorthanded goal, he should have had, but Hank - for all his amazement in shootouts - is kinda lousy at one on one breakaways. That was a weak goal, to me.
The 2nd one was okay. The 3rd, 6th, and 7th, certainly, were poor defensive zone coverage. On the 7th, it appeared the entire team was flatfooted and standing around. Defensive marks were missed all over the place. The 8th and final goal, well it was just an absurd and insane mess. End of story.
Look, I'm not saying anything that hasn't already been said. The two short handed goals cannot happen. The all time NHL record is 22. The Rangers, with 10 as of December 12th, have a VERY good chance of beating that record. And the only consolation to that stat is the last team to do it was the 95-96 Avalanche, who won the Cup that year. So...stranger things. But it's still nothing to be proud of!
Their powerplay went 0-9 on Friday against NJ. That brought it to 0-14 in their last three games. I'm pretty sure going into Saturday's game that made them around 26th in the league.
Again, I'm shocked at the score, the game, everything. While you can credit the Rangers for coming back and not lying down after getting so far behind, that's not really addressing the problems. They are not going to win by having such a horrible horrible horrible powerplay.
And kudos to NJ. I mean they looked sharp. On every puck. Moving quickly. Getting into lanes. Not giving up. They have played so well since Brodeur went down with is elbow injury, I am quite frankly shocked.
I'm of course naueseated beyond belief that even NJ can score more goals than us. . .but that is neither here nor there.
Absurdity and insanity disguised as a hockey game. There is not much else to say.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Smoke and Mirrors, Baby. . .
Let's skip over yesterday's game for a moment. I know the Rangers want to.
I was listening to XM204 and Inside Hockey yesterday morning before the game. And the basic chatter was that the Rangers and Bruins were the top point getters in the East. That NJ was holding on despite not having Brodeur. And that once the Capitals and the Penguins got some players back, they'd be much stronger.
They then go on to say that the only team they think are doing it with "smoke and mirrors" at this point in the season are. . . .The New York Rangers.
Honestly. Tell me you disagree?
It's actually a perfect analogy. The Rangers are at 17-8-2, which seems like a really nice record. Boston and NY both have 36 points. The only team with more in the league are the San Jose Sharks, with 41. The Rangers essentially lead the East. And yet they are probably one of the most flawed teams in the entire league. Their powerplay is nothing short of atrocious. Their five on five play is not great. Their physical play is nonexistent. Their defense is downright embarrassing at times. The only thing that has kept them afloat is their penalty killing (2nd in league) and their goaltender - league leading 15 wins for Hank Lundqvist and five shootout wins (remember, Valiquette got the shootout win versus Toronto in mid-October).
If that is not a magical act of smoke and mirrors I'm not sure what is.
This is not news. At least not to me. This isn't the first time I've mentioned the team this way and it won't be the last. They are fundamentally flawed. These flaws have been hidden very well behind a very good record, a record that has undoubtedly been bloated by the shootout. If the Rangers did not win 6 shootouts, they'd only have 11 wins. Now perhaps they win some of those, but the point remains - that record is very much bloated by the extra wins. And the shootout has been VERY good to the Rangers. Very good.
So I came back from the game yesterday and then ended up getting on another Petr Prucha rant. I know, I know. Pointless, been there, done that. But I'm beginning to wonder if this kid, who even though at 26 is really just a kid, has any idea what's really going on. At 26 he should. But lest we forget, this is a kid who relied heavily on Jagr, Straka and co, to be there for him because he didn't really have the grasp on the language or the experience in the league. And there is a lot of politics involved in sports. Obviously. Perhaps he just really doesn't know what's going on. And how badly he has been misused. Maybe he doesn't. Which makes me both sad and angry. I mostly alternate between those two emotions when thinking about his time in NY.
Think about it. Apparently Jim Schoenfeld, Sather and Renney met to discuss his "situation" on Saturday. And now, Prucha and his agent are meeting with those in charge today. And people asked, why his agent? Perhaps he is balking at the conditioning assignment. To which I say, I think it's about time his agent gets involved. This kid maybe doesn't even know how much he is being taken advantage of here. If he were American or Canadian, he could call one of his four dozen friends who play hockey or he knew in juniors or in college, and he could be like, "be honest with me, am I getting screwed?" And people would tell him. Who is Petr going to talk to, besides calling Jagr in Omsk? He may have Slovak or Czech friends in New York. I know he hangs out with that Victoria's Secret model from time to time. But something tells me she might not be able to tell him what is going on behind closed hockey doors.
Maybe it's beyond overdue that his agent get involved and help get this kid to where he can be. I think it's selfish that if they aren't going to use him, the don't move him. And honestly, after yesterday's debacle and the "smoke and mirrors" show that has been playing on Broadway this entire year, how can they really think things are A-OK and not want to get some different players in there. To say that the other "interchangeable" parts playing right now are leaps and bounds better that Prucha is just false. His actions have not directly caused a goal against this year. How many other players making more money than he is, can say that???
I'm curious. Is the ownership group blind to how bad this team is playing? Or as long as they are winning, it doesn't really matter, right. It's a joke though, because the winning cannot last forever. Look at yesterday.
Credit Craig Anderson and Florida for stepping up and playing well. But the Rangers did themselves in. No excuses. It was a loss a long time coming. Will there be changes? Can there be changes? I am almost scared for this week's games versus Pittsburgh and Montreal. A long, cold December ahead.
Around the League:
Congrats to Mike Modo Modano for scoring his 1300th NHL point, as he got the game winning goal for the Stars yesterday.
Random Thought:
This didn't really fit in above. But....I seem to remember a fraction between the Czechs and the other players when the team went out on their dreadful West Coast trip a year ago. My memory is a little fuzzy, but I remember after Malik had gotten in the doghouse for not shaking Renney's hand after a Rangers win (Malik had been scratched a few games prior), that the team was going out to dinner on that West Coast trip and everyone went but Malik, Prucha and one other player - Jagr, perhaps? And everyone else went with Shanahan to the team dinner. And I remember thinking at the time, jeeze, Prucha, if there is a line, might not want to stand on the side with Marek Malik, even if he is your countryman.
And now, a year later, I wonder. Was that enough to anger Renney? Sather? Both?
I'm grasping at straws, people, I know.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Are There Words. . .?
Let me start by saying I'm not an NHL coach. And let me follow immediately with - thank goodness I'm not an NHL coach.
I really wouldn't know where to begin. Quite honestly, I don't know how to begin now.
Was that the Rangers worst game of the season? No. Was it one of the most sickening? Yeah, it kinda was.
I just don't get it.
The game was not pretty, by any means. Those pleas for end to end rushes or at least some form of cohesive and fast skating, fell on dead ears. Despite all that, the Rangers, numerically, seemed to have an advantage, outshooting the Islanders 29-12 after 2 periods. hmm.
And then the roof caved in.
And let me say. I don't like or dislike Michal Rozsival. I think he's overpaid. Absolutely. And I would not have based my team defense around him, that is for damn sure. I appreciate that he thinks it was all his fault and took blame for the two shorthanded goals (YES, 2 SH goals) allowed last night in the 3rd period.
But I'm going to argue it's not his fault.
The system, oh yes the system, that Tom Renney alluded to post-game, is flawed. He said, why does our PK work? We have a system there. We have a system for our PP too. But we don't stick to it. Hmm. Really. Is this the same "system" that has been in place for the last few years? Well at what point do you stop blaming the players and start blaming the system?
Seriously.
Was Rozsival at fault? Sure. Fine. But wasn't it equally the fault of all the other overpriced PP participants as well? I think so. And if it's them, fine. If it's the system, fine. But something has GOT TO CHANGE.
I was sickened that, after the first shorthanded goal, that on the next powerplay, who should stumble over the boards but - oh look - Redden, Rozsival, Drury, Gomez, and Naslund.
I noticed Fredrick Sjostrom and Petr Prucha talking on the bench on the powerplay. On can only speculate but:
Sjo: Why don't they put you out there? You scored a ton of PP goals two years ago. What 15?
Pru: 16.
Sjo: Right 16.
Pru: Rangers rookie record too.
[sigh]
Pru: Why don't they put you out there? You are faster than any of them.
Sjo: I am aren't I?
Pru: And you have moves.
Sjo: I know. I know. 2 game winners in the shootout, but, they don't count now, do they?
[sigh]
Although I think it was a little more in Czech--Swesh language and a little nastier. But that's just me.
The point remains. . . the downright refusal 15 games into the season to not change, not even remotely change, the worst part of their game, night in and night out, is unexplainable.
Their PK, thank goodness, has only allowed 5 goals in 57 attempts (before last night). 2nd in the league.
Their PP, gosh help me, has allowed 5 goals TO THE OTHER TEAM! 1st in the league.
Their PP, which I really think they should deny next time if given the option, scored 10 of 70 times (before last night). 25th in the league.
Someone explain that to me!
Disgusting.
It's too early for it to be some not-funny April Fools' Day joke, right?
Think, honestly, think maybe they all hate Perry Pearn and this has all just been a 2-year ill-fated effort to get the gray-haired one fired?
URGH!
In other game notes. . .
-Joey MacDonald should be credited. He made 35 saves. Any way you slice it. And he made a monster save in the 2nd off Rozsival I believe. A thing of beauty really.
- Renney, as posted on http://rangers.lohudblogs.com/ yesterday [11/4/08]
' If we’re in agreement that neither Dan Fritsche nor Petr Prucha have exactly distinguished themselves so far this season, it’s fair to ask if the two players have been given the opportunity to do so. With Prucha’s reinsertion into the lineup, neither player has played more than two games in a row so far, but Tom Renney said that’s because neither player has made enough of a mark.
"If somebody’s locked in, they’ve nailed it and I’m happy with that," Renney said. "In the meantime that hasn’t been the case."
Curiously, Renney reintroduced Patrick Rissmiller into the conversation about possible lineup selections. The winger was put through waivers nearly two weeks ago, but is eligible to be put back in at the coach’s discretion.
"It certainly has crossed my mind of late," Renney said. "He’s a good player and he can skate. I think there will be a time when we’re fortunate we have him." '
Okay, so wonderboy Dawes here, drops a glove or two, and gets a four minute double minor for roughing last night. Because he showed a pulse, he'll never leave now, right? Never be benched? And Prucha, who finally looked a little less energized last night (but come on, they ALL did) will be back on the bench for Patrick Rissmiller? Pete, offer to pack your bags still stands buddy. I can't take this back and forth BS. Because that's simply what it is. BS. Favoritism. Hypocritical. BS.
I guess that's why the highest paid players are on the PP no matter what they do or do not do. Is this written somewhere in small writing on the bottom of their contracts or something??
- Markus Naslund apparently told the media they'd like a few more minutes to talk together as a team after last night's game. As most of the media were already there, his request was denied. But it begs to ask, why does it seem Naslund is much more captain material. And I don't just mean because he was one in Vancouver. He is as quiet as Drury, surely. But not when it counts. He says that. He talks to the referees. He looked animated after the refs called Zherdev for knocking down Boulton on the faceoff the other night. He seems to be caring a little more, no? Again, all speculation. I have no reason to assume anything. And kudos to Naslund because he looks better and more comfortable as the games go on. And at least he's scoring.
-Lastly I heard that All Star ballots came out for the NHL. And it's always this way but why, why, do they do this so far in advance? So many players are injured and, even if elected, will have to be replaced. And it's really a game of popularity or top $$ makers. Because the fact that Drury and Redden are on it for the Rangers is crap, of course. I'd honestly, if they were the only two, take back my long time plea that there should be a representative from every team on the roster. I really would. Thankfully I looked and saw Hank and, well, he can go. He probably deserves to go. And in a year where DiP, and Brodeur are injured, he just might finally get that chance. Three time consequtive Vezina nominee. But he's no All-Star? Please.
I really wouldn't know where to begin. Quite honestly, I don't know how to begin now.
Was that the Rangers worst game of the season? No. Was it one of the most sickening? Yeah, it kinda was.
I just don't get it.
The game was not pretty, by any means. Those pleas for end to end rushes or at least some form of cohesive and fast skating, fell on dead ears. Despite all that, the Rangers, numerically, seemed to have an advantage, outshooting the Islanders 29-12 after 2 periods. hmm.
And then the roof caved in.
And let me say. I don't like or dislike Michal Rozsival. I think he's overpaid. Absolutely. And I would not have based my team defense around him, that is for damn sure. I appreciate that he thinks it was all his fault and took blame for the two shorthanded goals (YES, 2 SH goals) allowed last night in the 3rd period.
But I'm going to argue it's not his fault.
The system, oh yes the system, that Tom Renney alluded to post-game, is flawed. He said, why does our PK work? We have a system there. We have a system for our PP too. But we don't stick to it. Hmm. Really. Is this the same "system" that has been in place for the last few years? Well at what point do you stop blaming the players and start blaming the system?
Seriously.
Was Rozsival at fault? Sure. Fine. But wasn't it equally the fault of all the other overpriced PP participants as well? I think so. And if it's them, fine. If it's the system, fine. But something has GOT TO CHANGE.
I was sickened that, after the first shorthanded goal, that on the next powerplay, who should stumble over the boards but - oh look - Redden, Rozsival, Drury, Gomez, and Naslund.
I noticed Fredrick Sjostrom and Petr Prucha talking on the bench on the powerplay. On can only speculate but:
Sjo: Why don't they put you out there? You scored a ton of PP goals two years ago. What 15?
Pru: 16.
Sjo: Right 16.
Pru: Rangers rookie record too.
[sigh]
Pru: Why don't they put you out there? You are faster than any of them.
Sjo: I am aren't I?
Pru: And you have moves.
Sjo: I know. I know. 2 game winners in the shootout, but, they don't count now, do they?
[sigh]
Although I think it was a little more in Czech--Swesh language and a little nastier. But that's just me.
The point remains. . . the downright refusal 15 games into the season to not change, not even remotely change, the worst part of their game, night in and night out, is unexplainable.
Their PK, thank goodness, has only allowed 5 goals in 57 attempts (before last night). 2nd in the league.
Their PP, gosh help me, has allowed 5 goals TO THE OTHER TEAM! 1st in the league.
Their PP, which I really think they should deny next time if given the option, scored 10 of 70 times (before last night). 25th in the league.
Someone explain that to me!
Disgusting.
It's too early for it to be some not-funny April Fools' Day joke, right?
Think, honestly, think maybe they all hate Perry Pearn and this has all just been a 2-year ill-fated effort to get the gray-haired one fired?
URGH!
In other game notes. . .
-Joey MacDonald should be credited. He made 35 saves. Any way you slice it. And he made a monster save in the 2nd off Rozsival I believe. A thing of beauty really.
- Renney, as posted on http://rangers.lohudblogs.com/ yesterday [11/4/08]
' If we’re in agreement that neither Dan Fritsche nor Petr Prucha have exactly distinguished themselves so far this season, it’s fair to ask if the two players have been given the opportunity to do so. With Prucha’s reinsertion into the lineup, neither player has played more than two games in a row so far, but Tom Renney said that’s because neither player has made enough of a mark.
"If somebody’s locked in, they’ve nailed it and I’m happy with that," Renney said. "In the meantime that hasn’t been the case."
Curiously, Renney reintroduced Patrick Rissmiller into the conversation about possible lineup selections. The winger was put through waivers nearly two weeks ago, but is eligible to be put back in at the coach’s discretion.
"It certainly has crossed my mind of late," Renney said. "He’s a good player and he can skate. I think there will be a time when we’re fortunate we have him." '
Okay, so wonderboy Dawes here, drops a glove or two, and gets a four minute double minor for roughing last night. Because he showed a pulse, he'll never leave now, right? Never be benched? And Prucha, who finally looked a little less energized last night (but come on, they ALL did) will be back on the bench for Patrick Rissmiller? Pete, offer to pack your bags still stands buddy. I can't take this back and forth BS. Because that's simply what it is. BS. Favoritism. Hypocritical. BS.
I guess that's why the highest paid players are on the PP no matter what they do or do not do. Is this written somewhere in small writing on the bottom of their contracts or something??
- Markus Naslund apparently told the media they'd like a few more minutes to talk together as a team after last night's game. As most of the media were already there, his request was denied. But it begs to ask, why does it seem Naslund is much more captain material. And I don't just mean because he was one in Vancouver. He is as quiet as Drury, surely. But not when it counts. He says that. He talks to the referees. He looked animated after the refs called Zherdev for knocking down Boulton on the faceoff the other night. He seems to be caring a little more, no? Again, all speculation. I have no reason to assume anything. And kudos to Naslund because he looks better and more comfortable as the games go on. And at least he's scoring.
-Lastly I heard that All Star ballots came out for the NHL. And it's always this way but why, why, do they do this so far in advance? So many players are injured and, even if elected, will have to be replaced. And it's really a game of popularity or top $$ makers. Because the fact that Drury and Redden are on it for the Rangers is crap, of course. I'd honestly, if they were the only two, take back my long time plea that there should be a representative from every team on the roster. I really would. Thankfully I looked and saw Hank and, well, he can go. He probably deserves to go. And in a year where DiP, and Brodeur are injured, he just might finally get that chance. Three time consequtive Vezina nominee. But he's no All-Star? Please.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Crashing to Earth in 6 Minutes or Less. . .
I'm actually going to keep it short and to the point.
For the first two periods, I was bored out of my mind. It was either penalty kill, or pathetic power play with no real chances (and the same absurd players on it), or 5-5 with no energy. Boring. I miss hockey with crisp passing and end to end rushes. With speed. The Rangers might have been winning for most of it, but it was a very lazy, very boring game.
And when it finally seemed in the 3rd the Rangers found a second or two of energy, they gave it all to Toronto. Credit the Leafs for sticking with it and taking advantage.
That being said, those five goals in six minutes was nothing short of an embarrassment. It shouldn't happen. And I'll be honest, I didn't want it to happen because I wanted the team to win (obviously) and because, especially, I wanted them to win for Steve Valiquette. I like when the backup goalie is able to go in a get a win. I do. And I like Vali a whole lot and he has played very well against Toronto.
But if this is what needed to happen to expose a team that has not, despite the amazing record and the constant winning, played either consistently or well - then I'm glad it did. Not glad that they lost and that they were embarrassed, but that this inconsistent, boring, half-awake/half-asleep hockey was exposed.
And I hope it spurs changes. I hope there is a new PP unit on Tuesday. I hope Petr Prucha or perhaps someone from Hartford is in the lineup, because some of these guys were just coasting.
But bottom line is I hope for more excitement. Games like this, and I don't just mean the collapse, are hard to watch. And it all just got old, really, really quickly.
I'm going back upstairs to watch HNIC. Maybe some other teams know what an end to end rush is or how to score on the power play. I've heard it's an advantage.
G'night all.
For the first two periods, I was bored out of my mind. It was either penalty kill, or pathetic power play with no real chances (and the same absurd players on it), or 5-5 with no energy. Boring. I miss hockey with crisp passing and end to end rushes. With speed. The Rangers might have been winning for most of it, but it was a very lazy, very boring game.
And when it finally seemed in the 3rd the Rangers found a second or two of energy, they gave it all to Toronto. Credit the Leafs for sticking with it and taking advantage.
That being said, those five goals in six minutes was nothing short of an embarrassment. It shouldn't happen. And I'll be honest, I didn't want it to happen because I wanted the team to win (obviously) and because, especially, I wanted them to win for Steve Valiquette. I like when the backup goalie is able to go in a get a win. I do. And I like Vali a whole lot and he has played very well against Toronto.
But if this is what needed to happen to expose a team that has not, despite the amazing record and the constant winning, played either consistently or well - then I'm glad it did. Not glad that they lost and that they were embarrassed, but that this inconsistent, boring, half-awake/half-asleep hockey was exposed.
And I hope it spurs changes. I hope there is a new PP unit on Tuesday. I hope Petr Prucha or perhaps someone from Hartford is in the lineup, because some of these guys were just coasting.
But bottom line is I hope for more excitement. Games like this, and I don't just mean the collapse, are hard to watch. And it all just got old, really, really quickly.
I'm going back upstairs to watch HNIC. Maybe some other teams know what an end to end rush is or how to score on the power play. I've heard it's an advantage.
G'night all.
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?
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