* Who were those guys and what did they do with the Rangers? You may think I'm being all "haha" but no, I'm serious. Who were those guys? I haven't seen them in. . . well, in a long time.
* Important not just that the Rangers scored 7 - count 'em 7 goals - last night, but important in who scored them. One, a recently struggling and seemingly unhappy Sean Avery, and two, defensemen Gilroy and Del Zotto - both who had been off the score sheet for much too long. For the Rangers to win, the defense has to contribute, not just in their own end, but with points as well. Not meaning to forget about Parenteau and Anisimov - both had career highs in points with 2 and 3 respectively. An important night for contributions all around. A real team effort. And Christopher Higgins didn't look too bad on the top line with Gaborik (2G, 2A) and Prospal, did he now?
* The fact that they won was almost a side story to how they won. And I don't even mean the 7 goals. Whatever Tortorella said - and even if he did indeed just say breathe, there's a lot more hockey left to play - that deserves credit. Credit him for knowing what to say to get the team to get back to playing a go-go-go game. And credit the players for actually looking alive and doing so. This was much needed and it had been much, MUCH, too long since they had played this way.
* Del Zotto's goal was pretty. There's still something about a defenseman making a play like that that just makes you feel there is something right in the world.
* Speaking of special defensemen, think the Rangers will try to have Brian Leetch do TV work at all their games? He brought them luck, he helped them win. Heck he even was around for when the Sean Avery (2) and Marian Gaborik scored three goals in 111 seconds, the fastest three goals by the Rangers since Theo Fleury, Sandy McCarthy, and Brian Leetch himself did it back in 2001.
I am sure Hank didn't love the game and giving up four goals, but man. After not having seen so much as a sniff of goal scoring in what was weeks, feels like months, I'll take it. Every time. Columbus is not a bad team. They just couldn't stop the bleeding.
And if anyone knows how that goes, the Rangers are surely among them.
Showing posts with label Columbus Blue Jackets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Columbus Blue Jackets. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
My Game of the Week ~ Blue Jackets/Coyotes. . .
You may have wondered why it was Saturday and there had not been a "My Game of the Week" post, but...come on...you seriously cannot be surprised that this, the highly talked about homecoming of the Phoenix Coyotes team, would be my game of the week.
Not that I wouldn't have been watching anyway, but all this meant is that I was not flicking to other games. (Note to self: scheduling MGOTW on a Saturday will not be a normal thing - too many other games went unseen today).
Anyway - here you have the random thoughts of the night as they were jotted down by NHTP. Please note, this was the Columbus broadcast of the game on Fox Sports.
*Columbus team was very complimentary of Phoenix, Shane Doan, and Peter Mueller. Said they were not getting enough credit for what has been a very good start.
*Because of the Columbus broadcast, I did not get to see the opening intros, sadly. They did however say the building was "electric" and it was great to see the Coyotes using their situation as a rallying cry.
*The anthem was one of the best renditions of the American national anthem I have heard in a while. Very moving.
*When I saw Prucha on the bench I did in fact scream. It's a weird relationship we have with athletes, through the glow of TV or the space of an arena. And having a favorite athlete is something even more difficult to describe. I was devastated he was hurt and wanted so badly for him to be able to be a part of this. There is such a personal connection to some players and, for me, Prucha is one of those you can't help but want to cheer for. It was a big sigh of relief when he threw a hit and completed his shift.
*Phoenix, they say, has more leadership on D this season, with a sprinkling of young talent up front. The average age of the Coyotes is now 28. Maloney has done a good job to make the team more well rounded and slightly older.
*Among tonight's scratches, former Ranger Lauri Korpikoski. "Good little player, guy will fit right into the system here with Dave Tippet. Good speed."
*Upshall absolutely nailed Tyutin with a hit that brought the crowd up.
*The All-Czech line for the Yotes tonight was Prucha, Lang, and Vrbata. They talked about the "glorious opportunities" they had Wednesday in Pittsburgh. They have "good puck control and they love to score goals." Yes, they do!
*I'm not sure if Mikeal has changed the pronunciation of his name but all night it has been Bod-i-ker to the Columbus group.
*Tonight was the 3rd home opener Columbus participated in. San Jose, Vancouver and now Phoenix. Ken Hitchcock called it "the third circus."
*Easy goal for Rick Nash on a tic-tac-toe play. He has made a good career of playing against this Coyotes team. (Just remember than goal in January of 2008 that made highlight reels!)
*Stat #1 - Most Road Goals in 2008-2009. Nash/Parise/Vanek all had 23. Eric Staal and Ovechkin had 22.
*Winnik and Fiddler were so close on a short handed chance. Fiddler then got high sticked. "Fiddler went down like he was shot." "Went down like there was a sniper up here in the press box." "A Fiddler in Nashville. How beautiful is that." hehe
*I realize I still like Columbus and will root for them to do well. But it is just plain odd to not see Manny Malhotra on this team. I still don't get that one.
*Columbus liked the Phoenix situation to a "soap opera that has now gone the other way." They said - again - Maloney has done so much to get some positives here by piecing together players.
*Kristian Huselius favorites - Athlete: Roger Federer, Vacation Spot: Paradise Island, Food: Filet Mignon
*Fiddler took down Nash after a faceoff. Nash continued yapping at Vernon from the bench.
*Okay, if anyone can explain the girls in red feathered outfits on the ice during the intermission, I'd be much obliged.
*If you can believe it, 7 years ago today Rick Nash scored his first NHL goal. They showed an interview clip of him. He wanted to stay in Columbus because he loves the city, the organization, and he felt "unfinished business." Wants the fans to get to experience more of playoff hockey. He really wants to be "the leader to lead it."
*Nash also said he thinks it's good to have more young players be captains in the league because the league is so young and he feels it may be easier for young kids to talk to a younger captain, and that it's easier for him, as a young captain, to relate. I hadn't really thought about it that way at all. Interesting take.
*Stat #2 - Highest +/- since 2007-2008 season. Pavel Datsyuk +74, Nicklas Lidstrom +72, Duncan Keith +64, Jan Hejda +48, Johnny Oduya +46. They said how Hejda is underappreciated in the league. That may be true but personally I'm still trying to figure out how Johnny freakin' Oduya is on this list!
*I don't know if the PHX team is nervous but they are not looking insync. Their powerplay (they had tons on the night and even 5-3 time) is better than it shows tonight.
*Prucha tap tap taps his stick to the ice to try to trick the Columbus player into giving up the puck. I've seen him do it before. Didn't work, but it's a clever try.
*"Jackets are all over them like a wounded Coyote right now." Umm, yeah...
*83% of texters to the Columbus broadcast think Rick Nash will score more than 40 goals this year. I am not going to bet against him for that.
*Garon has been THE difference in this game, especially on the PK. He has made so many saves, some very good. The best one, "a game saver" on Martin Hanzal while the Coyotes were shorthanded. "Gotta be good to be lucky." Garon was both tonight.
*Adrian Aucoin breaks his stick in anger after Umberger is able to put in the empty netter to seal the game.
*Garon stopped 36 shots and got a shutout in his debut with Columbus.
*The announcing team called this the first win over Phoenix in 2 seasons. Which confused me because maybe they didn't win last year, but that game between these two teams where Nash had THAT goal I was talking about - Columbus did win that game and that was January of 08. So...?
*Although the real 3 stars of the game were Garon/Brzgalov/Nash, the Columbus broadcast gave Upshall the 3rd star for "heart and soul" and bringing "a lot of energy to the team."
Overall thoughts - the game was hyped. I heard the atmosphere was electric. Unfortunately that did not come across on TV. It was a good broadcast, but there was nothing special. It was very slow moving for me. A lot of that had to do with Garon and the Blue Jackets completely taking the energy from the Phoenix team. And that happens. There was nothing much more the Coyotes could do in terms of taking shots - again 36 on the night. You'd like to think one or two would have gone in, but Garon was just a wall tonight.
I wanted better for them, but games like that happen. You run into hot goalies. Either way, a night spent watching hockey is never a night I regret.
Go Yotes!
Not that I wouldn't have been watching anyway, but all this meant is that I was not flicking to other games. (Note to self: scheduling MGOTW on a Saturday will not be a normal thing - too many other games went unseen today).
Anyway - here you have the random thoughts of the night as they were jotted down by NHTP. Please note, this was the Columbus broadcast of the game on Fox Sports.
*Columbus team was very complimentary of Phoenix, Shane Doan, and Peter Mueller. Said they were not getting enough credit for what has been a very good start.
*Because of the Columbus broadcast, I did not get to see the opening intros, sadly. They did however say the building was "electric" and it was great to see the Coyotes using their situation as a rallying cry.
*The anthem was one of the best renditions of the American national anthem I have heard in a while. Very moving.
*When I saw Prucha on the bench I did in fact scream. It's a weird relationship we have with athletes, through the glow of TV or the space of an arena. And having a favorite athlete is something even more difficult to describe. I was devastated he was hurt and wanted so badly for him to be able to be a part of this. There is such a personal connection to some players and, for me, Prucha is one of those you can't help but want to cheer for. It was a big sigh of relief when he threw a hit and completed his shift.
*Phoenix, they say, has more leadership on D this season, with a sprinkling of young talent up front. The average age of the Coyotes is now 28. Maloney has done a good job to make the team more well rounded and slightly older.
*Among tonight's scratches, former Ranger Lauri Korpikoski. "Good little player, guy will fit right into the system here with Dave Tippet. Good speed."
*Upshall absolutely nailed Tyutin with a hit that brought the crowd up.
*The All-Czech line for the Yotes tonight was Prucha, Lang, and Vrbata. They talked about the "glorious opportunities" they had Wednesday in Pittsburgh. They have "good puck control and they love to score goals." Yes, they do!
*I'm not sure if Mikeal has changed the pronunciation of his name but all night it has been Bod-i-ker to the Columbus group.
*Tonight was the 3rd home opener Columbus participated in. San Jose, Vancouver and now Phoenix. Ken Hitchcock called it "the third circus."
*Easy goal for Rick Nash on a tic-tac-toe play. He has made a good career of playing against this Coyotes team. (Just remember than goal in January of 2008 that made highlight reels!)
*Stat #1 - Most Road Goals in 2008-2009. Nash/Parise/Vanek all had 23. Eric Staal and Ovechkin had 22.
*Winnik and Fiddler were so close on a short handed chance. Fiddler then got high sticked. "Fiddler went down like he was shot." "Went down like there was a sniper up here in the press box." "A Fiddler in Nashville. How beautiful is that." hehe
*I realize I still like Columbus and will root for them to do well. But it is just plain odd to not see Manny Malhotra on this team. I still don't get that one.
*Columbus liked the Phoenix situation to a "soap opera that has now gone the other way." They said - again - Maloney has done so much to get some positives here by piecing together players.
*Kristian Huselius favorites - Athlete: Roger Federer, Vacation Spot: Paradise Island, Food: Filet Mignon
*Fiddler took down Nash after a faceoff. Nash continued yapping at Vernon from the bench.
*Okay, if anyone can explain the girls in red feathered outfits on the ice during the intermission, I'd be much obliged.
*If you can believe it, 7 years ago today Rick Nash scored his first NHL goal. They showed an interview clip of him. He wanted to stay in Columbus because he loves the city, the organization, and he felt "unfinished business." Wants the fans to get to experience more of playoff hockey. He really wants to be "the leader to lead it."
*Nash also said he thinks it's good to have more young players be captains in the league because the league is so young and he feels it may be easier for young kids to talk to a younger captain, and that it's easier for him, as a young captain, to relate. I hadn't really thought about it that way at all. Interesting take.
*Stat #2 - Highest +/- since 2007-2008 season. Pavel Datsyuk +74, Nicklas Lidstrom +72, Duncan Keith +64, Jan Hejda +48, Johnny Oduya +46. They said how Hejda is underappreciated in the league. That may be true but personally I'm still trying to figure out how Johnny freakin' Oduya is on this list!
*I don't know if the PHX team is nervous but they are not looking insync. Their powerplay (they had tons on the night and even 5-3 time) is better than it shows tonight.
*Prucha tap tap taps his stick to the ice to try to trick the Columbus player into giving up the puck. I've seen him do it before. Didn't work, but it's a clever try.
*"Jackets are all over them like a wounded Coyote right now." Umm, yeah...
*83% of texters to the Columbus broadcast think Rick Nash will score more than 40 goals this year. I am not going to bet against him for that.
*Garon has been THE difference in this game, especially on the PK. He has made so many saves, some very good. The best one, "a game saver" on Martin Hanzal while the Coyotes were shorthanded. "Gotta be good to be lucky." Garon was both tonight.
*Adrian Aucoin breaks his stick in anger after Umberger is able to put in the empty netter to seal the game.
*Garon stopped 36 shots and got a shutout in his debut with Columbus.
*The announcing team called this the first win over Phoenix in 2 seasons. Which confused me because maybe they didn't win last year, but that game between these two teams where Nash had THAT goal I was talking about - Columbus did win that game and that was January of 08. So...?
*Although the real 3 stars of the game were Garon/Brzgalov/Nash, the Columbus broadcast gave Upshall the 3rd star for "heart and soul" and bringing "a lot of energy to the team."
Overall thoughts - the game was hyped. I heard the atmosphere was electric. Unfortunately that did not come across on TV. It was a good broadcast, but there was nothing special. It was very slow moving for me. A lot of that had to do with Garon and the Blue Jackets completely taking the energy from the Phoenix team. And that happens. There was nothing much more the Coyotes could do in terms of taking shots - again 36 on the night. You'd like to think one or two would have gone in, but Garon was just a wall tonight.
I wanted better for them, but games like that happen. You run into hot goalies. Either way, a night spent watching hockey is never a night I regret.
Go Yotes!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Around the League: One Reason You Should Never Leave a Game Early. . .
Carolina scores on Martin Brodeur with .2 seconds left on the clock to win the game, 4-3, and tie the series at 2 games a piece.
WOW!
I wasn't watching the game at that moment because I was watching CBC After Hours in game during the Blues/Canucks intermission when PJ Stock broke this news. Damn...
And apparently Marty went nuts because of the "bump" before hand. Well, video clearly shows that he was - outside the crease.
What did I tell you a few days ago about goalie interference and the ever growing controversies that are born in playoffs? - both those that are legitimate and those that are self-created by a team on the wrong side of them OR by the referees.
It's going to be an interesting playoffs.
Other league notes:
I am sadly starting to realize my pick of the upstart first-time Blue Jackets knocking out the defending champion Wings is not going to come to fruition.
Two things have happened here.
Apparently the only player that remembers how to score for Columbus is RJ Umberger.
And apparently someone told Detroit that the first round of the playoffs on their way to the Final actually does count.
Next year, Columbus, next year. Still a big statement year and my bet is on Mason going home with at least one piece of hardware.
Unfortunate loss for the Flyers. I am now wishing more than ever they had won Game 2. Fleury was a beast tonight, further hammering in the fact that he is really THAT good when he wants to be.
WOW!
I wasn't watching the game at that moment because I was watching CBC After Hours in game during the Blues/Canucks intermission when PJ Stock broke this news. Damn...
And apparently Marty went nuts because of the "bump" before hand. Well, video clearly shows that he was - outside the crease.
What did I tell you a few days ago about goalie interference and the ever growing controversies that are born in playoffs? - both those that are legitimate and those that are self-created by a team on the wrong side of them OR by the referees.
It's going to be an interesting playoffs.
Other league notes:
I am sadly starting to realize my pick of the upstart first-time Blue Jackets knocking out the defending champion Wings is not going to come to fruition.
Two things have happened here.
Apparently the only player that remembers how to score for Columbus is RJ Umberger.
And apparently someone told Detroit that the first round of the playoffs on their way to the Final actually does count.
Next year, Columbus, next year. Still a big statement year and my bet is on Mason going home with at least one piece of hardware.
Unfortunate loss for the Flyers. I am now wishing more than ever they had won Game 2. Fleury was a beast tonight, further hammering in the fact that he is really THAT good when he wants to be.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Welcome Home Niki Zherdev. . .
Apparently it didn't matter who he was skating with, as Nik Zherdev had one heck of a homecoming in his first return to Columbus since being traded to NY this summer. 1 goal, 2 assists and a +2. For the record, Drury notched an assist and Naslund had two. They must be happy to get in the + column for a change, so for the night, as credit due, I will not use words like, pathetic or waste of space or useless. ;)
But it was Zherdev who showed the most energy and poise in what was not the world's most exciting game. I mean I was happy because I like Columbus, and have followed them a bit. Glad to see Manny Malhotra back in the lineup as well. Always a big fan of that guy (cried, in fact, when he got traded to Dallas, I must admit).
But there wasn't a great pace. It had moments, but not much.
And sure, the save by Lundqvist on Rick Nash was nice. But was it really . . . that nice?
Credit the Rangers, too, for showing a bit of resilience after their coach, Tom Renney, was hit with a stick or two on the Rangers bench. They came out a little fired up after that. Possible concussion. Hope he feels better. You never like to see those things happen.
But you know what, I'm going to let it all go. An important win and two points needed to rebound after the Detroit and Dallas games. They can't all be pretty. Although, again, with the exception of the one against the Devils - were any of these pretty per say? Sorry, moving on. . .
Other notes:
Rangers PP was 1-8. Not a shocker there. And that one goal was not from any of the big money guys on the number one unit. No, it was just from let-me-do-everything-to-win, Brandon Dubinsky. In my eyes it was a good goal and should have counted. I just wasn't sure the guys in Toronto wouldn't focus on the kicking motion that happened AFTER the re-direct. Luckily, they didn't.
Fritsche/Voros/Dubinsky were all -1 on the night. Nothing bad, nothing spectacular.
Gomez/Callahan/Dawes were pretty invisible too, after better efforts the last 2-3 games. Gomez missed a shot from the doorstep I think he'd like to have back.
Dan Girardi had a good night and not just for his offensive output. For the most part, he made and has been making the necessary plays without being flashy. And I'll take that from the young D-men any day.
Random note:
I've heard nothing but great things about Nationwide Arena. And while a Rangers road trip might never make sense in tandom with Pittsburgh, hearing it's only a 2.5 hour drive from there makes it seem slightly less far. Hope to get there though.
Til tomorrow's tilt at home versus Pittsburgh. . .good night hockey fans. And I will be at the game, so I won't have the same opportunity to keep track of all other 14 games going on. All 30 teams in action, folks. It's rare, so enjoy. NHL.com should be buzzing.
But it was Zherdev who showed the most energy and poise in what was not the world's most exciting game. I mean I was happy because I like Columbus, and have followed them a bit. Glad to see Manny Malhotra back in the lineup as well. Always a big fan of that guy (cried, in fact, when he got traded to Dallas, I must admit).
But there wasn't a great pace. It had moments, but not much.
And sure, the save by Lundqvist on Rick Nash was nice. But was it really . . . that nice?
Credit the Rangers, too, for showing a bit of resilience after their coach, Tom Renney, was hit with a stick or two on the Rangers bench. They came out a little fired up after that. Possible concussion. Hope he feels better. You never like to see those things happen.
But you know what, I'm going to let it all go. An important win and two points needed to rebound after the Detroit and Dallas games. They can't all be pretty. Although, again, with the exception of the one against the Devils - were any of these pretty per say? Sorry, moving on. . .
Other notes:
Rangers PP was 1-8. Not a shocker there. And that one goal was not from any of the big money guys on the number one unit. No, it was just from let-me-do-everything-to-win, Brandon Dubinsky. In my eyes it was a good goal and should have counted. I just wasn't sure the guys in Toronto wouldn't focus on the kicking motion that happened AFTER the re-direct. Luckily, they didn't.
Fritsche/Voros/Dubinsky were all -1 on the night. Nothing bad, nothing spectacular.
Gomez/Callahan/Dawes were pretty invisible too, after better efforts the last 2-3 games. Gomez missed a shot from the doorstep I think he'd like to have back.
Dan Girardi had a good night and not just for his offensive output. For the most part, he made and has been making the necessary plays without being flashy. And I'll take that from the young D-men any day.
Random note:
I've heard nothing but great things about Nationwide Arena. And while a Rangers road trip might never make sense in tandom with Pittsburgh, hearing it's only a 2.5 hour drive from there makes it seem slightly less far. Hope to get there though.
Til tomorrow's tilt at home versus Pittsburgh. . .good night hockey fans. And I will be at the game, so I won't have the same opportunity to keep track of all other 14 games going on. All 30 teams in action, folks. It's rare, so enjoy. NHL.com should be buzzing.
On My First Scott Gomez Show and The Good Guy Aaron Voros. . .
I don't get to listen to the Michael Kay Show as much as I used to. It kinda worked out better for me when he had the 10-1 slot and I was in college and on the days I was awake, and not in class, I'd listen. And not that the drive-time slot has been all bad. I just haven't yet realized I can utilize online streaming to listen to radio stations that are being broadcast in the same city as myself. Usually I'm all about the Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver stations so I can listen to what really matters to me - hockey.
However, I just discovered Scott Gomez has a weekly segment on TMKS. Thursday afternoons at around 5:40ish. Cool! I remember how excited I was for Tino Martinez and Al Leiter's segments years ago. So I guess, when I'm able and not away from the computer, I'll be excited for that too.
The funniest part of yesterdays segment was when Gomez came up with a nickname for Michael Kay - "Bitter Beans." Michael laughed, and after the interview discussed with Don LaGreca, just how appropriate that name was. And how it was funny that his bitterness was SO apparent that random guests could pick up on it over the airwaves. oh Michael. I'm not denying any of that. I've been a fan of his for years. But Scotty Gomez - he has that sarcastic sense of humor with everyone! One of the primary reasons I found it hard to hate the guy when he came over from NJ, even though I really wanted to. Really badly. And to think last summer, I was happy about the Chris Drury signing and miserable about the Gomez one. ha. ha. ha. ha. But it's not really funny at all, is it.
In other random news, credit Aaron Voros with not only being a healthy dose of life in the Rangers lineup. A go-get em guy who can yap and be a physical presence, and, yes, score some goals too. But credit him with being a good guy.
I've seen most of his interviews, and he never fails to credit either Jacques Lemaire, his coach with the Wild, or the team of guys over at the Devils organization, like Lou Lamoriello, who drafted him and brought him up in a good hockey system. They also took care of him when he found a tumor behind his knee cap. He's mentioned his gratitude more than once. And as a Rangers fan, it might get annoying, all this love for the guys on the rival side, but in every way it's just sincerity. And that is something we don't see enough of. And he took it a step further by mailing a hand-written letter - yes hand written - to Lemaire, thanking him for what he'd done for him and crediting him with helping make him the hockey player he is today.
http://www.twincities.com/wild/ci_10789177?nclick_check=1
I tell you what, he won't be among the league lead in points all season, one would assume (although stranger things have happened). But if he continues to pot goals and be a genuine likeable guy for this team: I'll thank Jacques myself next time I see him.
And as for Voros, a class act. And genuine good guy. Who didn't forget where he came from and the battles he endured to get where he is. Good stuff.
(And on a really random note, even though they come from totally different sides of Canada, try closing your eyes when Voros is doing an interview and tell me what borderline future hockey Hall of Famer who recently took a role with the players association, he sounds like. Was that a good enough hint?)
Lastly, the Rangers take the ice again tonight after having 3 - count 'em - 3 big days off. Honestly, I didn't know what to do with my time off. I caught the beginning of some baseball games, I caught up on some TV shows. I tried to catch some hockey games here and there, but I'll be honest with you, it's been hard getting into a groove watching extra hockey when the Rangers play every freakin' Friday and Saturday. I'll be honest, I'm excited for Columbus tonight and the test at home against Pitt tomorrow, but I will be very glad to just sit back and watch a bunch of games next Saturday. The team will be in Toronto and I will be home, with my choice of games to watch.
As for the team. apparently Rissmiller, who cleared waivers the other day, is still skating with the team (don't ask me. . .). And apparently, the lineup tonight will be similar to those last game - except Dan Fritsche goes into the lineup in his home state and to play his former team. Although there will be some line tinkering. And I guess don't ask me about that either. If you go back in my blogs, I somehow thought the Dawes, Drury, and Prucha line was a sure thing. So I obviously have zero credibility in this.
However, I would not mess with the PS3 line, but it appears that Tom Renney will slightly juggle it. Keeping Voros and Dubinsky together but moving one Niki Zherdev to play with the struggling and borderline pathetic Markus Naslund and Chris Drury combination. Udachi, Niki, Udachi.
We will see. Seriously looking forward to watching a Friday night game from the comfort of my own living room though.
However, I just discovered Scott Gomez has a weekly segment on TMKS. Thursday afternoons at around 5:40ish. Cool! I remember how excited I was for Tino Martinez and Al Leiter's segments years ago. So I guess, when I'm able and not away from the computer, I'll be excited for that too.
The funniest part of yesterdays segment was when Gomez came up with a nickname for Michael Kay - "Bitter Beans." Michael laughed, and after the interview discussed with Don LaGreca, just how appropriate that name was. And how it was funny that his bitterness was SO apparent that random guests could pick up on it over the airwaves. oh Michael. I'm not denying any of that. I've been a fan of his for years. But Scotty Gomez - he has that sarcastic sense of humor with everyone! One of the primary reasons I found it hard to hate the guy when he came over from NJ, even though I really wanted to. Really badly. And to think last summer, I was happy about the Chris Drury signing and miserable about the Gomez one. ha. ha. ha. ha. But it's not really funny at all, is it.
In other random news, credit Aaron Voros with not only being a healthy dose of life in the Rangers lineup. A go-get em guy who can yap and be a physical presence, and, yes, score some goals too. But credit him with being a good guy.
I've seen most of his interviews, and he never fails to credit either Jacques Lemaire, his coach with the Wild, or the team of guys over at the Devils organization, like Lou Lamoriello, who drafted him and brought him up in a good hockey system. They also took care of him when he found a tumor behind his knee cap. He's mentioned his gratitude more than once. And as a Rangers fan, it might get annoying, all this love for the guys on the rival side, but in every way it's just sincerity. And that is something we don't see enough of. And he took it a step further by mailing a hand-written letter - yes hand written - to Lemaire, thanking him for what he'd done for him and crediting him with helping make him the hockey player he is today.
http://www.twincities.com/wild/ci_10789177?nclick_check=1
I tell you what, he won't be among the league lead in points all season, one would assume (although stranger things have happened). But if he continues to pot goals and be a genuine likeable guy for this team: I'll thank Jacques myself next time I see him.
And as for Voros, a class act. And genuine good guy. Who didn't forget where he came from and the battles he endured to get where he is. Good stuff.
(And on a really random note, even though they come from totally different sides of Canada, try closing your eyes when Voros is doing an interview and tell me what borderline future hockey Hall of Famer who recently took a role with the players association, he sounds like. Was that a good enough hint?)
Lastly, the Rangers take the ice again tonight after having 3 - count 'em - 3 big days off. Honestly, I didn't know what to do with my time off. I caught the beginning of some baseball games, I caught up on some TV shows. I tried to catch some hockey games here and there, but I'll be honest with you, it's been hard getting into a groove watching extra hockey when the Rangers play every freakin' Friday and Saturday. I'll be honest, I'm excited for Columbus tonight and the test at home against Pitt tomorrow, but I will be very glad to just sit back and watch a bunch of games next Saturday. The team will be in Toronto and I will be home, with my choice of games to watch.
As for the team. apparently Rissmiller, who cleared waivers the other day, is still skating with the team (don't ask me. . .). And apparently, the lineup tonight will be similar to those last game - except Dan Fritsche goes into the lineup in his home state and to play his former team. Although there will be some line tinkering. And I guess don't ask me about that either. If you go back in my blogs, I somehow thought the Dawes, Drury, and Prucha line was a sure thing. So I obviously have zero credibility in this.
However, I would not mess with the PS3 line, but it appears that Tom Renney will slightly juggle it. Keeping Voros and Dubinsky together but moving one Niki Zherdev to play with the struggling and borderline pathetic Markus Naslund and Chris Drury combination. Udachi, Niki, Udachi.
We will see. Seriously looking forward to watching a Friday night game from the comfort of my own living room though.
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