tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31022914548185631452024-02-20T03:32:53.356-05:00Natural Hat Trick Productionsrandom thoughts and commentary on the New York Rangers and other NHL clubskelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.comBlogger376125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-29359525623423533272012-04-11T10:20:00.004-04:002012-04-11T10:47:57.174-04:00East/West How We Did and Playoff Preditions...A regular season has come and gone, and there have been no words on this blog. I am sad for that. But I will make no promises to correct this right now. I have, however, said I will try to be more active on twitter for the playoffs, so check out @NHTProductions there! But you don't think I'd let the NHL playoffs begin without predictions now, do you?!<br /><br />Okay, first things first. How we did, all those many months ago....<br />* Correct Pick<br />+ Correct Seeding<br /><br /><strong>Prediction----<br />Western Conference:</strong>Vancouver<br />Chicago<br />San Jose<br />Nashville<br />Detroit<br />Los Angeles<br />St. Louis<br />Anaheim<br /><br /><strong>Reality----</strong>Vancouver*+<br />St. Louis*<br />Phoenix<br />Nashville*+<br />Detroit*+<br />Chicago*<br />San Jose*<br />Los Angeles*<br /><br />In direct contrast to most years, I got 7/8 picks correct in the West and 3 slotted in correctly. I'll take it! (Super ironically the one team I did not include was my Western favorite Coyotes, who made a run and took the division. Very happy I was wrong there!)<br /><br />And now the East...<br /><br /><strong>Predictions----<br />Eastern Conference:</strong>Washington<br />Boston<br />Philadelphia<br />Buffalo<br />RANGERS<br />Tampa Bay<br />Pittsburgh<br />Montreal<br /><br /><strong>Reality----</strong>RANGERS*<br />Boston*+<br />Florida<br />Pittsburgh*<br />Philadelphia*<br />New Jersey<br />Washington*<br />Ottawa<br /><br />And in direct contrast to the norm, I bombed the East, going only 5/8 and getting only 1 pick in slot. I mean of course I am thrilled I was wrong with the Rangers. (First place!) It's ironic that the first year in a long time that I don't put Florida to squeak in, they win the division, although barely. And Montreal could not have been much worse. I thought this would be the year NJ finally fell, and it seemed it for a bit. Who knows.<br /><br />Anyway - Congratulations Rangers and Coyotes - both Division Champs!<br /><br /><br />And now, playoff predictions, with no fuss, because I really have no clue how things will shake out this time! As if I ever am.<br /><br /><br /><strong>West:</strong><br />Vancouver (over Los Angeles) in 6<br />St. Louis (over San Jose) in 5<br />Phoenix (over Chicago) in 6<br />Nashville (over Detroit) in 7<br /><br /><strong>East:</strong><br />Rangers (over Ottawa) in 6<br />Boston (over Washington) in 7<br />Philadelphia (over Pittsburgh) in 7<br />New Jersey (over Florida) in 6<br /><br /><br />I think if any series is a sweep it will be St. Louis/San Jose, but I am not picking any sweeps. Series I'm most scared of - New York/Ottawa for obvious reasons. Series I am most excited for - Philly/Pittsburgh - that is going to be amazing! Series I am most confused over who will win - Washington/Boston.<br /><br />As for our boys in blue, I think they have their hands full, but they are rested, they are mostly healthy, and they have destiny in their own hands. It was nice not to have to push to make the playoffs. But in some ways that made them ready to fight from the start. They'll have to rely on their heart and their spunk and get off to a fast start in this one. Smart hockey. And I believe they can win. Anything can happen, but I believe they hold their fate in their own hands. Best of luck Rangers! Continue to make us proud.<br /><br />Everyone enjoy the 2012 NHL Playoffs! Best time of the year...<br /><br />=)kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-28233325875534834492011-10-06T12:09:00.000-04:002011-10-06T12:10:20.539-04:00The Most Random Last Minute Predictions You Will Ever See. . .Happy Hockey Season! Well hockey season has snuck up on me, perhaps us all. It was not my best summer on a personal level, but I'm going to do everything in my power to make it a better hockey season than last one - at least in terms of keeping up to date with the blog and checking in with readers - if I still have any. (And seriously, I don't blame you if you've all moved on, but I hope to happier places! So many amazing Rangers blogs on the net and people who have actually figured out how to use new twitter!)<br /><br />But it would not be a hockey season without predictions. There will be no fuss, because, let's face it, no time today and I'm not even sure what to expect this year... but HERE WE GO - - - <br /><br />Western Conference:<br />Vancouver<br />Chicago<br />San Jose<br />Nashville<br />Detroit<br />Los Angeles<br />St. Louis<br />Anaheim<br /><br />Eastern Conference:<br />Washington<br />Boston<br />Philadelphia<br />Buffalo<br />RANGERS<br />Tampa Bay<br />Pittsburgh<br />Montreal<br /><br /><br />I feel confident baring anything crazy the Rangers will be a playoff team. I just refuse to think they'll win the division. If they do - I'm buying a t-shirt. Seriously. Mark it down. I think they'll net out 4-8 and make the playoffs. But if Hank can be Hank and the Rangers score consistently, they can be as good as, if not better than, the rest of the teams in the East. A lot will fall into place soon enough. But I just don't trust them enough (love them, don't trust them) enough to make a more bold prediction. We all know how the last few years have gone. Plus Jagr is back, and I'm making this prediction. If healthy - he scores a ton - and especially against us. He's going to make us wish we never let him go. Oh wait - I seriously wish they never let him go. Drury and Gomez deserved the money SOOO much more, right? Please. With that said, thank you Jaromir and best of luck. As long as you didn't become a Penguin, I wish you many, many goals. Just hopefully not against the boys in blue.<br /><br />And Phoenix, my poor babies out West. I don't even know your team anymore. I hope you prove my lousy predictions wrong-wrong-wrong and make the playoffs and kick butt. I'll always be rooting for you!<br /><br />And thus - here begins the 2011-2012 season. I'm hoping for a great year for all of you, personally and through hockey.<br /><br />Probably going to miss the Montreal/Toronto game tonight! - Boo! But will be watching the Rangers tomorrow! Check in after the game.<br /><br />-Kelskelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-83205734552491792152011-09-13T12:18:00.006-04:002011-09-13T13:45:20.717-04:00Summer of Sadness. . .In light of too many deaths in our hockey community in the last few months, what are we, as hockey fans, supposed to take out of these tragedies? <br /><br />- For make no mistake, they are, indeed, all tragedies. All the more tragic each time we are given a reminder of one of them. All the more tragic when we think of all those that have been touched by them.<br /><br />What do we make of it? What sense can possibly be made of things that are, let's be honest - seemingly without sense. <br /><br />We can mourn. And we should. We can think. And we should. And can learn. And that we most definitely should. <br /><br />Derek Boogaard died of a drug overdose, after battling demons of addictions. He is certainly not the first and he sadly, will probably not certainly be the last. What happened was tragic and I feel badly how easily and quickly something like that can happen. I want to remember him as the gentle giant his teammates spoke of him as, a charitable man with a big heart, who happened to find his role in the NHL as a fighter and protector. I wish we all would have had the chance to see him play more in New York. I don't know everything about hockey, or anything, for that matter, but I know I will look at those things as commendable. Being a good person, a good teammate. I will remember Derek Boogaard that way. The way his family, friends, and teammates would have wanted him to be remembered.<br /><br />Rick Rypien died, and circumstances are still unsure surrounding his death. It was speculated it may have been suicide, although details are still not entirely clear. Regardless, it seemed to have been a case of a hockey player - a person, as hockey players are all people first and foremost - who struggled with a battle of depression. These things aren't easy, and it's easy to dismiss that we don't understand. I didn't know Rick Rypien very well as a hockey player, so instead, I will speak to the person that everyone spoke so well of, a respected teammate and player. I will remember Rick Rypien that way. The way his family, friends, and teammates would have wanted him to be remembered. <br /><br />Wade Belak died, after committing suicide, another person suffering a battle with depression. This one grabbed me a little more, because to me, after years of following the Maple Leafs, Belak was the most well known name of the three, until obviously this last year in New York when Boogaard became a Ranger. Belak retired and seemed poised to start a broadcast career, as well as do Battle of the Blades, on the CBC. It raises questions, as does so much of life, and there are sometimes simply no answers. Another enforcer, he was spoken highly of, as a teammate and friend. The quotes I read from long time Leaf teammate Tie Domi, were especially poignant. I will remember Wade Belak that way. The way his family, friends, and teammates would have wanted him to be remembered.<br /><br />Last week a plane carrying an entire KHL team - Lokomotiv Yaroslavl - crashed, taking with it the lives of 44 people, most hockey players, coaches, and staff, many of which were former NHL players. There are no answers, just lots of sadness from former teammates, friends, and family, countries and an entire hockey community. Three former Rangers - Jan Marek, Karel Rachunek, and 1994 Stanley Cup Champion Alexander Karpovtsev - were on that plane. Players like Ruslan Salei and Pavol Demitra were household hockey names to fans of the game. Countries were affected. An entire team is gone. The hockey community mourns, and rightfully so. I can't speak to all of them individually, but each loss is tragic. And each loss comes without warning or preparation. All we are left with is memories. Of them as players who have worn our jerseys, and the jerseys of their countries. They were hockey players. I will remember them that way. The way their families, friends, and teammates would have wanted them to be remembered.<br /><br />So what sense can we make of these tragedies - all tragedies in their own right. It seems not much, but we owe it to each and every one of them to try.<br /><br />On one level:<br />Don't assume you ever know the whole story. <br />Reach out to your friends. See how they are doing and let them know you are there.<br />Let people you love know how much you love them.<br />Assure them that they are not alone.<br />It may not prevent a tragedy, but you never know what a smile or a kind word can do for someone. <br />Be there.<br />Be kind. <br />Be a good person.<br />Try to let go and be a bigger person. A happier person. A more forgiving person.<br /><br />On a second level:<br />Be thankful for today. <br />Don't put things off you want to do. <br />Live in the moment.<br />Try not to worry.<br />Tell people you love them.<br />Embrace life.<br />Embrace the good and the bad and all in-between.<br />Embrace everything. <br /><br />We may never be able to make sense of what happened this summer to our teammates, our friends - our players. But we can make the most of their memories by honoring them as their families, friends, and teammates would want them to be honored. By showing respect. By being good people. And by living our lives to the fullest we possibly can.<br /><br />Not every day we get a constant reminder in our daily routine that life is short. <br /><br />This summer, we as hockey fans, as part of hockey's family - well we got simply too many.<br /><br /><br />______________________________________<br />Bless our players. <br />Bless our sport.<br />Hockey forever, in heart and in mind.kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-16446924468481695222011-06-01T17:42:00.001-04:002011-06-01T17:45:29.302-04:002011 Stanley Cup Final Prediction. . .Wow...cannot believe it's time for the Stanley Cup Final already! Quickest year of hockey in memory. Going to be sad when it's over, but looking forward to a great round. <br /><br />Before we predict, let's review Round 3.<br /><br />Got both teams right advancing - Boston and Vancouver - and picked correct number of games for Vancouver. I don't mean to pat myself on the back, but I really am having a pretty stellar post season prediction run here. <br /><br />That being said, I feel pretty good about this. Not sure on number of games and a good/bad goalie performance from either team could certainly turn the series, but let's go - <br /><br />Stanley Cup Final:<br />Vancouver in 6<br /><br /><br />Everyone enjoy the Final!!!kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-64648624379596536932011-05-14T17:24:00.003-04:002011-05-14T17:28:21.300-04:002011 Stanley Cup Playoffs - Round Three Predictions. . .Before we look at tonight's Round 3 of the NHL playoffs, let's take a look how I did in Round 2.<br /><br />Got the West perfect, and in the perfect number of games. Got the East half right, with no perfect games predicted. Giving myself a hearty pat on the back for going 3-4 and perfect in the West though. Pat.Pat. Pat. ;)<br /><br />Round 3. <br /><br />Going simple - going easy.<br /><br />Eastern Conference:<br />Boston in 6.<br /><br />Western Conference:<br />Vancouver in 6.<br /><br />Everyone enjoy the Stanley Cup Playoffs 2011!!!kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-60031850820840709332011-04-28T15:23:00.001-04:002011-04-28T15:25:09.452-04:002011 Stanley Cup Playoffs - Round Two Predictions. . .Round One is over! <br /><br />In the East, I predicted 3 out of 4 series correctly - missing only our home town Rangers. <br /><br />In the West, I predicted 3 out of 4 series correctly - missing only my adoptive team in the desert.<br /><br /><br />Now a very difficult task. Round 2 is going to have some great matchups, or so I think. So we'll make this very quick. I'm going with.<br /><br />Eastern Conference:<br />Washington in 6<br />Boston in 7<br /><br />Western Conference:<br />Vancouver in 6<br />San Jose in 7<br /><br /><br />Enjoy the games everyone. Best, best time of year!! :)kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-22730063144757837812011-04-12T13:15:00.001-04:002011-04-12T13:16:24.896-04:002011 Stanley Cup Playoffs - Round One Predictions. . .Eastern Conference:<br /><br />(1) Washington vs. (8) Rangers<br /><br />Rangers in 6. I'm going Rangers here, because, well just because. I think Washington is ripe to be knocked off, until they can prove otherwise. I think if Hank can get hot, and if all the Rangers scoring doesn't disappear at once, they can take this. Washington is a good team, and Ovechkin can't be taken lightly, but they don't scare me that much.<br /><br />(2) Philadelphia vs. (7) Buffalo<br /><br />Philadelphia in 5. I don't think Philadelphia is as strong as last year, but I don't think they are going out in the first round either. Although if they did, Rangers fans wouldn't complain.<br /><br />(3) Boston vs. (6) Montreal<br /><br />Boston in 7. I really feel strongly that Boston will win, and it may be sooner, but I'm going on history and ugliness and grittiness and thinking this series will go the distance. This is the series, besides the NYRs, I'll be keeping my eyes on the most.<br /><br />(4) Pittsburgh vs. (5) Tampa Bay<br /><br />Tampa Bay in 6. I just don't think Pittsburgh has anything to threaten right now. Tampa Bay can fire on all cylinders when they want to (Thank you again, Tampa!) and have such a threat of scoring from so many different players. True, Fleury can get hot and can make this series last longer, but I just see it as an early exit for Pitt this year.<br /><br /><br />Western Conference:<br /><br />(1) Vancouver vs. (8) Chicago<br /><br />Vancouver in 5. I think it'll be an interesting series, due to rivalry reasons, but Chicago limped into the playoffs. Vancouver, perhaps more than ever, seems poised for a long run. I'm going to go with them until they prove me wrong.<br /><br />(2) San Jose vs. (7) Los Angeles<br /><br />San Jose in 6. I am not counting L.A. out, because San Jose has proven little over the long term, but I think I give the Sharks the benefit early in the playoffs. Injury to Kopitar did not affect L.A. as much as I expected in late games, but playoffs are a different story.<br /><br />(3) Detroit vs. (6) Phoenix<br /><br />Phoenix in 7. I think it'll be another long series, and I'm hoping the Coyotes can pull it off in this year's rematch. This is really just a hope/heart pick, I'll be honest.<br /><br />(4) Anaheim vs. (5) Nashville<br /><br />Nashville in 5. I think Nashville is an underrated team with a great goalie. If Rinne gets hot, Anaheim go home. It's that simple.kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-87127301950442894172011-04-12T11:37:00.002-04:002011-04-12T11:39:39.239-04:00Results of Pre-Season Playoff Predictions. . .First time, long time! All year in fact. It's playoff time hockey fans!!<br /><br />So, if you see below, looks like I actually picked 6 of 8 teams correctly in both conferences before the season began. That actually may be the best I've ever done, certainly in the West. Now * star means correct playoff pick, ** stars means the spot selection was correct. I'm particularly impressed with the Top 3 in the West. (No really, that was just dumb luck on my part). Regardless, we'll take it. Take a look:<br /> <br />Eastern Predictions:<br />1) Washington**<br />2) Pittsburgh*<br />3) Buffalo*<br />4) Ottawa<br />5) New Jersey<br />6) Boston*<br />7) Flyers*<br />8) Rangers**<br />_____________<br />9) Tampa Bay<br />10) Montreal<br />11) Carolina<br />12) Atlanta**<br />13) Toronto<br />14) Florida<br />15) Islanders<br /><br /><br />Western Predictions:<br />1)Vancouver**<br />2)San Jose**<br />3)Detroit**<br />4)Chicago*<br />5)Phoenix*<br />6)Los Angeles*<br />7)Colorado<br />8)St. Louis<br />_______________<br />9) Nashville <br />10)Anaheim<br />11)Calgary<br />12)Dallas<br />13)Columbus**<br />14)Minnesota<br />15) Edmonton**<br /><br />Next up - 1st Round Playoff Predictions!!kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-51429863335781133452010-12-28T23:03:00.004-05:002010-12-28T23:08:47.036-05:00Happy New Year / Explainations...Alright, it's apparently been over a month since I've blogged. And, I guess I don't really have an excuse. Life got busy - in good ways, I assure you. Time got away from me. I apologize for that. And I also apologize because I'm not sure how quickly that may change. I hope it does, but I don't want to promise.<br /><br />So, as if I wasn't already, I'm taking a more formal hiatus from Natural Hat Trick Productions. Not a formal closing as I certainly hope and expect to be back, so let's just call this a hiatus. I hope to check in from time to time, but apparently even my best intentions of promising simple new entries have fallen flat. So no promises, but I do hope to check in soon!<br /><br />I wish everyone well and look forward to a happy, hockey filled New Year in 2011! Best wishes everyone and Happy New Year! <br /><br />Oh and Go Rangers!!<br /><br /><br /><br />**P.S. Although also more infrequently updated than before, @NHTProductions is still on Twitter. Visit me there.kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-31532662370132290832010-11-18T01:00:00.004-05:002010-11-18T01:10:04.883-05:00In Case You Missed It - Paul Bissonnette. . .Presenting a new segment at Natural Hat Trick Productions. So many times, a day goes by and you're too busy to check updates on Twitter, the blogs, etc. (Goodness knows I've been, hence the regrettable lack of posts in either medium).<br /><br />So...every day (or realistically every whenever-I'm-able-to) I'll post something cool that you may have missed. It may be one thing, or two, three on a rare occassion. But just random, fun things that you - may have missed.<br /><br />To start, In Case You Missed It:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Paul+Bissonnette+Gross+Misconduct/3832126/story.html">Paul Bissonette interview in the Vancouver Sun</a><br /><br />Really fun look at the man behind PaulBizNasty or @BizNasty2Point0 - as he's known on Twitter. From my having watched the Coyotes quite a bit over the last few years, I feel like I certainly know him more than those who only know him from Twitter. But, after reading this interview, I feel like I know him even better. Seems like a really human, very relate-able, down to earth type guy. He's gained fans on Twitter because he's so likeable. Because he gets it. And he doesn't try to pretend. And I certainly respect that.<br /><br />And, plus, you know, he's got personality. It's been said here - I like that in my hockey players.<br /><br />Enjoy the man behind the name. You just may learn something.kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-72088694848112209142010-11-14T22:48:00.002-05:002010-11-14T22:55:00.057-05:00Five Things About the Rangers/Oilers....Granted, please note, we know this was against the Oilers, but...<br /><br />1) Gaborik! Gaborik! Gaborik! I know you've been gone seemingly forever, and I'm so glad you are back. But 3 goals! Yay for Gaby! Let's keep it going!<br /><br />2) How much did I love Christensen going over to Gaborik when Gaborik scored and went into the side of the net (collective sigh/distress at MSG) and give him a hug. Amazing how much more comfortable a player Christensen is with Gaby in the lineup. Think about it.<br /><br />3) How good was that Frolov, Christensen, Gaby line. I mean Gaby was Gaby, but Frolov looked like the season started, Christensen looked happy and included. It was a good thing - ney, a great thing - for the NYRs to have another line, save Dubinsky/Anisimov/Callahan scoring.<br /><br />4) Can't be overlooked how important Boyle's secondary scoring has been. He's using his size and talent more. And he's confident. All of which makes for a threat. 8 goals on the year on November 14th. Who would have thought he'd have 8 goals all year. Cheers for Boyle!!<br /><br />5) As long as no one gets hurt, I love the scrappy fisticuffs that went on in the tail-end of the game. Avery/Smid, Prust/Stortini, etc, etc. It's good. It's good to show a pulse. And, frankly, every once in a while it's good to just enjoy the spirit of a team fight, a team game. It may not have been good hockey, but it was entertaining!!kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-35922416564817070062010-11-03T21:39:00.003-04:002010-11-03T21:58:57.532-04:00HNIC Wrap-Up. . .(Apologies - there have been no Five Things for the recent games. And it's really too late now, so...you get this instead):<br /><br />Boyle on HNIC's Inside Hockey talking about training with skater Barbara Underhill:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Sports/CBC's_Hockey_Night_in_Canada/Inside_Hockey/1239560253/ID=1628495302">INSIDE HOCKEY</a><br /><br />Goodness knows all Rangers fans can see the difference this has made! And good for Boyle. Like this guy a lot. Right attitude. And effort. And now results. Great to see.kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-9769684559991820252010-10-25T20:21:00.002-04:002010-10-25T21:25:21.285-04:00Five Things About Rangers/Bruins and Rangers/Devils (Games 6/7 - 2010/2011). . .A little behind here, but I'm forgiven because the Rangers won both weekend games (and 3 in a row...), right?<br /><br />Well, regardless, a combined 5 Things:<br /><br />*Two pretty solid defensive efforts from the NYRs the last two games. And equally importantly - two pretty solid team efforts. Sticking up for one another. Skating. Passing. Puck support. You know, the good things.<br /><br />*I was kinda surprised the Boston/Rangers game on Saturday was so nasty. Bruins/Rangers games since the lockout have been low scoring affairs (1-0, 2-1 shootout, the like; St. Patrick's Day Massacre of '07 notwithstanding). But this Saturday's game not only had goals (5 of 'em) but nasty stuff. I seriously do not remember as much of this in a long time. Sure, Boston didn't like it when Avery skated into Thomas with his characteristic "what," but Sjostrom took a punch to the face, and it was over...right? Who knows. Kinda made it fun to watch, though. So long as no one got hurt.<br /><br />*Speaking of hurt. Accidents happen. It's a fast game. When Prust went down, bloody, and thrashing, that hurt to watch. Thank goodness he was okay. And kudos to him, coming back for Sunday's game, and playing a career high in time on ice. Good stuff. <br /><br />*I know it should get old, Hank outdueling Brodeur. But you know, it doesn't. Why? Because for so long (re: too long, TOO long, embarassingly TOO long) the Devils owned the Rangers. I have no problem that the Rangers seemingly have control over the rivarly for the moment. It's kinda fair. Now, I still prefer a Rangers/Devils rivalry that is, indeed, a rivarly. Close games, intensity, fight from both teams. And, thankfully, these have remained so. I like six games a year, much better than the eight though. There is a such thing as too much of a good thing.<br /><br />*Special teams. Hmm. Rangers scored a powerplay goal in each game. Allowed one in Boston. Held NJ scoreless yesterday. The bad: They are taking way too many penalties, and so far, their penalty kill has not been as essentially perfect as the last two years. The good: Their powerplay, even though it's not scoring, does not look as bad as it has in years past. They are moving the puck! Puck. Movement. Amazing, right? Also, getting some shots on net from the defense never hurt, now did it? They may just have the right idea. Now they just need to work on capitalizing on it.<br /><br />A bonus video for you all. The lovely GWG against Boston from Marc Staal, who although taking too many silly penalties recently, still looks great with the "A" on his sweater:<br /><br /><object width="640" height="383" id="embed" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://video.rangers.nhl.com/videocenter/embed.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashVars" value="hlg=20102011,2,98&event=BOS266&server=http://video.rangers.nhl.com/videocenter/&pageurl=http://video.rangers.nhl.com/videocenter/&nlwa=http://app2.neulion.com/videocenter/nhl/" /><embed name="embed" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://video.rangers.nhl.com/videocenter/embed.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="383" quality="high" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashVars="hlg=20102011,2,98&event=BOS266&server=http://video.rangers.nhl.com/videocenter/&pageurl=http://video.rangers.nhl.com/videocenter/&nlwa=http://app2.neulion.com/videocenter/nhl/"></embed></object>kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-88624610577847585672010-10-21T22:33:00.003-04:002010-10-21T22:49:12.362-04:00Five Things About the Rangers/Leafs (Game 5 - 2010/2011). . .Alright, and here we go:<br /><br />*Yay for Marty Biron! Really happy for him. I had a hunch (expressed on Twitter) that it was right to start him in TO. Hank, for whatever reason, does not have his best games in Toronto - well, most of Canada - so why not give Biron the go. Not only did he win, he played well. And stopped what has been a hot Maple Leafs team. Good for him, - a really good guy. Congrats on his first win as a NYR.<br /><br />*Ruslan Fedotenko led the Rangers with 5 shots on goal and got his first goal as a Ranger tonight. But, he had the right idea. The big thing is winning. And if more guys can produce on the goal sheet, the Rangers will do more of that winning thing.<br /><br />*When Anisimov scored on the feed from Rozsival, and was right on the doorstep to do so, I asked myself - why is that so uncommon. Perfect scenario. Perfect looking goal. Kudos Anisimov for making it look smooth, but Rozsival has impressed in the small ways so far this year. Shots from the point. A few crafty passes. I think - maybe - he's finally back on track. Worth $5 million. No way. But a serviceable part of this team. He can be.<br /><br />*Despite all the Avery/Komisarek/Gaborik/Armstrong talk going into tonight's game, the only true revenge would be to do exactly what they did - win. Win for themselves. Win for their team. And win to get themselves on track, and the Leafs off of whatever track of success they've been on. 2 points. Much needed.<br /><br />*Kessel had 3 shots in over 20 minutes, and was a -1 on the night. Guess we can give some credit to Marc Staal for playing the shutdown role on him. Pretty effective job. <br /><br />OH and speaking of Kessel. This is horrible, but it's really funny. I saw this floating around on Twitter. Down Goes Brown has some amazing stuff, and this is one of my favorites:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.downgoesbrown.com/2010/10/video-tomas-kaberle-and-luke-schenn.html">Leafs Delivering Tickets</a> <br /><br />Enjoy! <br /><br /><br />________________________________________________<br /><br /><br />Meanwhile, in Coyote land, Petr Prucha has been scratched two games in a row, bringing horrible visions of Tom Renney to mind, and making my twitter explode in dis-satifaction. Not good for his confidence. Hope this is not a pattern, or we'll see lovable ball of fire playing in Europe next year. :(kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-78116882725342224062010-10-21T00:22:00.002-04:002010-10-21T19:53:17.959-04:00Has It Really Been Two Years. . .I realized once I got back and ran around like crazy for a week or so, that I'd somehow missed this anniversary. I didn't hear as much about it this year as we all did last year, but I found this really nice write up I wanted to share on Alexei Cherepanov.<br /><br /><br /><blockquote>"It's been two years now, and I often wonder how he would have succeeded in the NHL. Would he be playing alongside Marian Gaborik? Maybe leading a line of his own? Would he have broken any offensive records for a rookie? These are all questions, unfortunately, we will never know the answer to. The two years ago seems like it was yesterday--- it is incredible how fast time flies."</blockquote><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mvpgotham.com/nhl/1025-two-years-after-cherepanovs-death-we-still-wonder-what-could-have-been.html">MVP Gotham</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Wanted to link back to some finds from <a href="http://naturalhattrick.blogspot.com/2008/10/just-one-more-thing_14.html">two years ago</a>.<br /><br />Hard to believe it's been two years, and still hard to believe it happened at all.kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-83482393043341861522010-10-20T23:16:00.004-04:002010-10-21T00:18:10.382-04:00Five Things About the Rangers/Avalanche (Game 4 - 2010/2011). . .Okay, much belated Five Things here. But we'll try to get some thoughts down here.<br /><br />*Marc Staal was given the A, as voted by the coaches, at least in the absense of Vinny Prospal. I am obviously a big fan of this move. I think it shows good things to give this kind of confidence to the young guys, the important pieces of the team. And as proven by his contract, the team is buying into Marc as a key member of the team. Happy to see this, I hope he does well.<br /><br />*How disheartening are Colorado's two goals in like 30 seconds? The Rangers didn't appear to play bad to start the game, but, they can't do that. Deflating. And that has just been the story for years with the Rangers. They have mental collapses at bad times. Hard to recover, especially when you aren't scoring goals...<br /><br />*What happened to the goals? I mean, look, I get it. Gaborik is not there, but correct me if I'm wrong, Gaborik was not the main source of offense so far - this year. Last year - 20% of it! But this year, guys like Stepan, Fedotenko, etc. Now, granted, Stepan is young. It's not like he was going to score 3 goals every game. So he's forgiven. But I'd like to see that line and the Dubinsky/Anisimov/Callahan line spread some goals out between them. This team is not going to win if they don't score. <br /><br />*The penalty kill has not been as good as it used to be. Can it really all be Drury's absence? I...don't think so. And not for not having faith that the Captain is good at that, but I just can't reach that far. Something else isn't right on the defensive side. And it shouldn't be Drury. He may be one of the top penalty killers, but as I've said before, so many have been able to do it, and do it effectively (and without breaking fingers). I'm going to watch closer next game and see what's up. No matter how pathetic the powerplay has been for years, the NYRs have had a very impressive penalty kill for years now. They can't afford, and I don't want, to see them getting away from that.<br /><br />*Colorado is a good team. They were last year; I think they'll be again. Liles is having a great start to the year. And Stewart is becoming quite a player. (Glad I have him on fantasy. - As much as I hated his two goals for the sake of the game, I took them for my "other" team). Interesting to see where they net out, in the competitive Western Conference.<br /><br /><br />A few more random league thoughts tomorrow. I've been ignoring the league! Oh no! <br /><br />But again, I'm really just realizing that hockey season has started. I love getting home from work and turning on XM radio and there's a game on. Any game. It's a great feeling. Hockey. I <3 it.kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-70271489175039079912010-10-16T11:26:00.003-04:002010-10-16T11:39:12.967-04:005 Things About Rangers/Leafs (Game 3 - 2010/2011). . .Alright. The Rangers home opener came and went in style. What kind of style...not quite sure yet. Some thoughts...<br /><br />FIVE THINGS:<br /><br />*I know we've seen some dreadful periods in the past from the Blueshirts, especially in the second frame, but - damn - that must have been one of the all-time worst. Ron Wilson was right - the Leafs could have/should have scored a lot more the way the NYRs were skating.<br /><br />*Speaking of the Leafs, I was tempted to tweet last night: So, someone told the Leafs they could play hockey - brilliant! (Or something along those lines). The Leafs, to me, in the last handful of years, were this big team. Literally, as in big. Tall, forceful, but doing very little with either. Last night, I saw that big, tall team - do something. Skate, pass, and play as a team in a way I haven't in about 8 years. Good stuff. Not for the NYRs and for the rest of the East, if it keeps up, but we all had to figure Burke had a plan. Maybe this is the year it finally takes shape a little more. <br /><br />*So I spent the days leading up to the Rangers home opener dreading Drury on the first line with Gaborik. - Guess I really didn't need to worry too much about that, huh? Horrible. I like Drury the person, so I hate that he fought to come back only to go right back out, for what may be double the time. But, I can't lie, I hate that 20% of last year's goals went out of the game with him in Gaborik. Horrible. I hope they both recover quickly - Gaborik super quickly. I can't remember walking out of a home opener feeling so disappointed in a long time.<br /><br />*Without two players, the fact that the Rangers made it a game in the 3rd period was a credit to them, if a small credit. Doesn't make up for sleepwalking through the second. Doesn't make up for the stupid mistakes. Toronto may be a good team, but...anyway. Credit for the night goes to Brian Boyle - a marvelous effort for him and another example (like half of Toronto) of guys who are big/tall and can learn to use their size. So happy for him that he is. Vital for his place on the team, but a guy we like to cheer for in our own right. Number two on this list of credit - Sean Avery. Not a perfect game from Sean, surely, but one of the more visible Rangers for sure. He's got to keep this momentum up. He's too important, especially now with all the injuries depleting the team.<br /><br />*Finally a question. Where did the offense go? The team leading in offense in the league going in, mustered what, like, 9 shots through two periods? If Boyle didn't have an offensive show for the ages, and the Rangers come back in the 3rd to make it a more respectible total and - quite honestly - steal a point, that may have just been one of the worst offensive efforts I've seen in a while. True, Toronto may have a goalie right now in Giguere, but he wasn't tested. I'd say nearly enough, but I mean at all. The Rangers are not defensively strong enough to win 2-1, 1-0 games anymore. They are going to have to win the 6-3, 5-2 way. But to do that, you need to score goals. Simple as that.<br /><br /><br />Alright, another game come and gone. Rangers look middle of the road right now. I'll be curious to see how they do Monday against the Avs, and in facing Toronto two more times real soon on the schedule. They have some pieces, and I still do really like this team - but last night was not endearing. I'm not going to lie and pretend in any way that it was.kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-62314313516608513092010-10-11T18:32:00.003-04:002010-10-11T18:59:06.549-04:005 Things About Rangers/Islanders (Game 2 - 2010/2011). . .Welcome back! =)<br /><br />Before I get to any of the Coyotes/Prague stuff (which I will) just wanted to start with some comments on today's NYRs game. I was not able to see Saturdays. Sounded like a fantastic game. And as upset I couldn't see Stepan's amazing performance live - simply thrilled for the kid. He has been impressive and this is only the beginning. Great stuff.<br /><br />Meanwhile, there was a game on the Island today. I just finished watching in its entirety, hence the delay.<br /><br />FIVE THINGS:<br /><br />* Again, I didn't see Game 1 of the season, but both Callahan and Dubinsky looked much improved to me in today's game. Untimely penalties aside, of course. These two players need to be two of the team's most important. I saw almost indifferent play (indifference, Callahan? I know, I didn't think it possible either), from both in most of the pre-season that I saw. Glad to see they've stepped up a bit. Everyone else was doing so and proving themselves; these staples to the team had no choice but to do the same.<br /><br />* I thought the team, for the majority of the game, passed well. After so many years of watching a collection of epic lack of connective passes, this team has a good sense of where their teammates are, and I'm liking what I'm seeing. We all know Gaborik can stickhandle with the best of them, but how nice to see, for example, the connection formed between Stepan, Avery, and Fedotenko. Three guys in serious question going into camp about where they stood. Three guys that in the pre-season and today's game that I feel really good about. Stepan needs some form of stability because he's a rookie. Avery needs some form of stability because, well, he's Avery. Good things all around.<br /><br />* Speaking of Avery. I was on twitter earlier and desperately wanting to see the link everyone was posting. I just now watched after the game was over. Look. I never loved what Avery did two years ago. It was certainly not necessary and certainly distasteful. But I was clear in defending the fact that he is not a criminal, not a villian - any more than the anyone else in this league - and that his suspension was in my opinion both excessive and unnecesssary and certainly having to do more with who he was than what he did. I still don't doubt that. So we take Wisniewski. Crude - yes. Unnecessary - probably. Worth six games - no. Worth anger management - certainly no. But, for the league to do nothing would be wrong. If Avery's remarks were crude, hurtful to Dion Phaneuf and his girlfriend, and unbecoming an NHL player, how can the NHL disciplinarians look at what happened today and say that Wisniewski's actions were not a) crude and b) unbecoming an NHL player. To me that's clear as day. So I'll be very curious how this shakes out. The NHL has already looked foolish in their a) suspending Avery so harshly in the first place and b) being so biasedly unwelcoming in his return to the NHL later that season. If they make no example of this, they pretty much prove what we already know - do what you want in this league, just as long as your name isn't Sean Avery.<br /><br />* A shame that the Rangers took those untimely penalties late in the third that allowed the game to get away. And a shame that it was Marc Staal, arguably the Rangers best 5-3 penalty killer (next to Hank) that was in the box for the high-sticking call. Still doubting how valuable he is? I'm not saying the Islanders don't score on the PP there, but I'm kind betting they don't score twice.<br /><br />* Speaking of the defense, how beautiful is it to see the shots coming from the point, like evidenced in Girardi's and Del Zotto's goal. The Rangers have the guys that can do this (Staal hit a post in the game, and Rozsival has been known to hit the net from time to, well, time). They have to do it. I see this team being more offensive than last year, but it has to come from the defense. The NYRs started last season getting those contributions, and then it disappeared for most of the year. It can't happen. Look at successful teams, and know, it can't happen.<br /><br /><br />What can I say - I like this team. I - for the first time in a what seems like a really, really long time - like pretty much every person on this team. So far they've looked good, shown good work ethic, quickness to the puck. I like it - a lot. I like them - a lot.<br /><br />But, point is, let's not get ahead of ourselves. One, because two games never does a season make. Obviously. And two, because, for the last two years the Rangers, too, have started the season well - amazingly well. And, then proceeded to stumble and flounder and go up/down, up/down, up/getting the picture here...? So, it's early. It's still early. <br /><br />More on the NYRs when I get around to watching Saturday's game on Tivo, or when the league makes a comment on today's gesture of the moment. And more sometime this week/weekend on Yotes as promised.<br /><br />=) Happy Hockey season everyone!!!kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-10424957834847542672010-10-04T21:58:00.004-04:002010-10-05T12:41:24.894-04:002010-2011 Eastern AND Western Predictions. . .Alright, for the first time ever, I may just be quick and to the point. No time to think, no time to write, but I have a rule - you have to predict finished standings before the season officially starts and since I won't be here later this week - well, I think you get where I am going with this...<br /><br /><strong>Eastern Predictions:</strong><br />1) Washington<br />2) Pittsburgh<br />3) Buffalo<br />4) Ottawa<br />5) New Jersey<br />6) Boston<br />7) Flyers<br />8) Rangers<br />_____________<br />9) Tampa Bay<br />10) Montreal<br />11) Carolina<br />12) Atlanta<br />13) Toronto<br />14) Florida<br />15) Islanders<br /><br /><br /><strong>Western Predictions:</strong><br />1)Vancouver<br />2)San Jose<br />3)Detroit<br />4)Chicago<br />5)Phoenix<br />6)Los Angeles<br />7)Colorado<br />8)St. Louis<br />_______________<br />9) Nashville <br />10)Anaheim<br />11)Calgary<br />12)Dallas<br />13)Columbus<br />14)Minnesota<br />15) Edmonton<br /><br />(Note: Only the top 8 count per conference for official purposes. But hell, if I ever were to get them right, like I'd argue?).<br /><br />For the record - really wasn't sure I'd make NYRs a playoff team - but I feel so much better about them than I did a few weeks ago, so what the heck...;)<br /><br />And who knows, maybe my doing this on the fly will mean I'm better than usual with this? Eh, or not.<br /><br />Coming before the Rangers and Coyotes home openers - previews of those teams and what I'm looking forward to around the league in this 2010-2011 season!<br /><br />**Natural Hat Trick Productions will be out of blog-o-sphere for a week. And looking forward to some great hockey when I return! Everyone enjoy! Hockey is FINALLY here!!!**kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-80554270715808038162010-09-27T23:10:00.003-04:002010-09-27T23:59:34.281-04:00Help Me Out Here / Pre-Season Edition. . .Alright, going to throw some stuff down here and see where we net out. I'm confused, Rangers fans. See if you can help me make sense of it all....<br /><br />So, say our defense are among:<br />Staal<br />Girardi<br />Del Zotto<br />Roszival<br />Gilroy <br />Eminger/Valentenko/Sauer<br /><br />Fine.<br /><br /><br />And our centers are among:<br />Stepan<br />Anisimov<br />Christensen<br />Boyle<br />White/Kennedy<br /><br />Fine.<br /><br /><br />And therefore our wingers are among:<br />Gaborik*<br />Frolov*<br />Callahan*<br />Dubinsky*<br />Prospal <br />Prust<br />Boogaard<br />Avery<br />Drury*<br /><br />Not. Really. Fine.<br /><br />In the case of wingers, am I the only one not seeing how one of the above, except Boogaard, should not be every day player on the team? <br /><br />I'm taking it Boogaard, despite the contract - (but, well, who agreed with that besides Glennie boy?) - will not play every night. A thought I've always had, but I could be wrong, of course. But when a guy like Prust can fight, and skate, and score more than a goal a year - to me, Boogaard is not needed versus every team.<br /><br /><br />Therefore, my question is when Drury comes back, and Boogaard needs to play because it's Philly...just who sits for him?? <br /><br />I starred the players I don't think will be sitting. That leaves Prospal, Prust, and Avery. <br /><br /><br />Take 'em one by one:<br /><br />Prospal, even though older and perhaps more prone to injury, was the team's alternate captain last year and their second leading scorer. This guy was vital to the team moral and frankly to the score sheet. Unless he resorts to the one year great, next year not so great pattern he has been known for in the past, I don't see how you bench him.<br /><br />Prust was one of my favorite players since he came to New York. Spunky, hard-working, a good team guy, and deeply underrated as a player. He was not just a fighter - he skated, played, and scored better than many during the final month of the season. Above all, he worked hard and exhibited an enthusiasm and work ethic too few Rangers have shown in the last decade, so I don't know what message it sends if you bench him. <br /><br />Avery. What can you say about Avery. If Avery is Avery, true AVERY - electric, cunning, quick, and smart - he is as vital to this team as almost anyone. We've seen it since he came to New York. We saw it on Saturday versus New Jersey. If he's not that guy, yes, then he should be on the bench. But if he is THAT guy that Rangers fans embrace and need and want, I don't see how you bench someone with such heart.<br /><br />So, Rangers fans, - <strong>just what the heck does this team do???</strong>kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-54407992494349743952010-09-26T21:49:00.004-04:002010-09-26T22:06:53.552-04:00Thoughts on Pre-Season Games 2 and 3. . .How wonderful has it been having some hockey to watch? Two games, one weekend. I was a pretty happy hockey fan, I won't lie. <br /><br />Some thoughts:<br /><br />*Am I the only one VERY excited for every NJ/NY matchup, even beyond normal excitement, because I think Avery/Kovalchuk is going to be worth the price of admission every time. He may have a $100 million dollar contract, but something tells me that Ilya has not quite gotten over Playoffs 2007.<br /><br />*I'm excited having watched these new players the last few games: Frolov and Stepan. And these returning players: Del Zotto, Anisimov, and Boyle, who looks much improved. (Gaborik and Staal are always on my excited to see them play list). Overall, I think having levels of competition for spots is playing into the Rangers favor. I like what I've seen. These guys look ready to play.<br /><br />*Without repeating everything I wrote about two entries ago, let me just say this. The Rangers finally have that depth at center. They are going to be turning centers away. I know Drury hasn't been playing center. (Yes, I know, the $7 million penalty killer who is not even able to play his natural position...) But it seems a shame to me, even now, three games into camp, to send down another winger in favor of Drury. Did you see Frolov and Anisimov on the penalty kill today versus Detroit? I think he's a nice guy, but tell me the team REALLY needs him? <br /><br />*Tell me that Roszival didn't suddenly jump to the most useful of the three horifically overpriced salaries the Rangers haven't gotten rid of yet? (Au revoir Scotty Gomez and Bon Voyage Wade Redden). This may seem wrong and it may be wrong, but if Rozsival plays the way he did for half of last season - he is more useful to the team, even at $5 million, than Drury, if what he did last year is what we are to expect from him. Clean slate, notwithstanding.<br /><br />Okay, before I get further into the bash-Captain Mumbles mode, I'll leave off. Not a bad guy, but now that Gomez AND Redden are gone, without a doubt, the guy that - to me - has to do the most to justify his being there. (There, I said it; don't hate me.)<br /><br /><br />More later in the week. Go Rangers! =)kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-27343976497462247302010-09-25T13:03:00.003-04:002010-09-25T13:47:30.570-04:00Belated Thoughts on 1st Pre-season Game and...Redden...Before we get to the news of today, let's get to the news of Thursday night.<br /><br />I didn't get to see as much of the game as I wanted to - would have liked to spend more time studying the new guys like Zuccarello and Stepan - but what I saw, I liked. I liked the way the team looked, even if it was just pre-season. Even if it wasn't a Hall of Fame goalie the Rangers faced in net for NJ. <br /><br />Oh wait, that was future Hall of Famer Brodeur?<br /><br />Then just how nice were those goals by Frolov and Boyle huh? I loved that!!<br /><br />Overall though, Stepan played with poise and looked quite comfortable in his role with top players - Frolov and Gaborik. In my mind, if he's good enough and almost close enough - let him do it. We may just be lucky enough to have that good a talent that young. (Makes me all the more mad we have to make room for Drury when he comes back - see last post - but it makes me all the more happy we have a guy like Stepan on the way).<br /><br />Boyle had a good game, and showed two sides of his game: ability to step in and fight, and ability to use his body to gain position. His goal was actually pretty sweet. Brodeur wasn't given a ton of help from defense - it seemed at times - but, he was beaten by Boyle here, and Frolov, and both were very nice goals.<br /><br />Frolov made a nice first impression, Gaborik (2 goals including Game Winner) picked up right where he left off. Prust had a very nice fight. Staal played almost 30 minutes in the game - what else is new?<br /><br />Very happy, and very excited hockey is back!!<br /><br /><br />____________________________________<br /><br />It'll be said a hundred times today about Redden:<br /><br />Haha! <br />Well deserved!<br />About time!<br />Thank goodness!<br /><br />Redden needed to go to Hartford, this year, if not last year. It was too much money to tie up in one player that was certainly not worth it now, was maybe never worth it. We expected it would happen, but we weren't sure it would. Although given the math, we didn't see how it could possibly not happen. This morning, it finally did.<br /><br />And many such variations.<br /><br /><br />However, I don't think many people will be saying this, so I will:<br /><br />While it is Wade Reddens' responsibility that he's not playing up to his contract, - it is NOT his responsibility that it was given to him. He didn't ask for the $39 million Sather threw at him, undeservingly though it may be. No one would ever have expected him not to take it.<br /><br />So while everyone is happy today that he has finally been waived, the NYRs can finally move on, a small part of me feels bad for Redden the person. He did what almost every human being would do - took what was given to him. And now, his life will change because of something he never really had control of. <br /><br />I know that's business, and I know that's life, but a small part of me feels for the guy beyond the athlete and beyond the Ranger.kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-44823601698175076732010-09-20T22:00:00.006-04:002010-09-20T22:24:56.563-04:00Drury on the PK = Ouch!. . .Hello Rangers Fans!<br /><br />Like many of you, I've been eagerly grabbing up tweets from training camp. Anything written is proof that the season is, thankfully, upon us.<br /><br />=)<br /><br />__________<br /><br />So today, among the tweets was that the captain, Captain Drury that is, had broken his finger blocking a shot. <br /><br />Seriously?<br /><br />No, and I don't mean seriously as in no way!, how? - How In The World Could That Ever Happen!? - because, well, let's face it; I know better.<br /><br />Chris Drury, the Rangers overpriced captain and penalty-killer extraordinaire, - too much? Well, what am I supposed to put here... - well, he tends to do this often. If it's not breaking something, it's getting hit, falling, wincing in pain, and hobbling/stumbling/crawling to the bench.<br /><br />And we applaud because, well, he's a good guy, and that's what he gets paid to do. <br /><br />Not the hurting himself part, but the penalty killing part.<br /><br />Blair Betts, Lauri Korpikoski, Jed Ortmeyer, Brian Leetch, Jeff Beukaboom and every other Rangers penalty killer from present day back through history - they never seemed to have a problem with this.<br /><br />And yet, on an almost regular basis, Drury does.<br /><br />Silly, isn't it? <br /><br />I'm not stupid enough to wonder why he still penalty kills - okay, seriously, maybe I am. Really now, I know he has to because, well, what else is he going to do.<br /><br />He's not going to skate fast.<br />He's not going to be effective on the powerplay.<br />He's not going to score 70, 60...or if last year is any indication...even 40 points.<br /><br />He's going to block shots.<br /><br />And probably with his hand.<br /><br />Sigh.<br /><br />___________<br /><br /><br />Look, Drury is a good guy, a good team guy, and many would argue a good captain. I'm not his biggest fan. If you've been reading here, that's no secret.<br /><br />So for one minute when I read he got hurt, I wasn't upset. (Please note, I really don't like players getting hurt, so that's not what I'm getting at here).<br /><br />But for that one minute I thought, gee, well, someone else will get a chance. Someone that may score goals, may set up teammates, may - gasp - justify his existence on the ice with more than just a once-a-year emotional outburst and a nightly insomnia-worthy in-game interview.<br /><br />Yeah, and then I woke up and realized no matter who takes his place, no matter how good they may be, no matter how they fit with their linesmates, no matter how many points they score - when Drury's ouchie gets better, he'll be back and they'll get the bench, the press box, or Hartford. <br /><br />Because you:<br /><br />a) can't bench your captain.<br />b) can't bench a guy making the over $7 million a year. (Unless you have a really, REALLY good reason for it).<br /><br />Which, yes, is part of the game, and part of the business. But it's still kind of a shame though, isn't it?<br /><br />So with that, Captain Mumbles, get well soon. Because, honestly - it probably doesn't make that much of a difference anyway...kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-10855254738637128212010-09-15T12:33:00.002-04:002010-09-15T12:35:34.161-04:00The Last Staaling...The Boy Has Signed!...Marc Staal has officially signed with the New York Rangers - a nice, 5-year contract! Very happy day here at Natural Hat Trick Productions. <br /><br />With that, here is one final video - Marc Staal's Greatest Hits:<br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/A-WDLTt5Iso?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/A-WDLTt5Iso?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102291454818563145.post-40420380569953470102010-09-06T22:59:00.002-04:002010-09-06T23:02:31.221-04:00Late Holiday Staaling Edition. . .I've been a bit awol from Staaling and the computer in general. But in the meantime, to make up for the last five days, all four Staal brothers again - from Thunder Bay. Enjoy and hope everyone had a good Labor/Labour Day! #SignStaal!!!<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GI8GH7hmYNs?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GI8GH7hmYNs?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>kelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10263870665506009146noreply@blogger.com0