*So I, for one, was shocked with the whole Marty Biron to the Island signing, and something tells me I was not alone. The Isles office makes it seem like, oh, we have 3 potential #1 goalies now. Yes, but guys, I beg to remind you - uh, that's not, uh, normal.
It is what it is though, right? If I had to take a guess - and I do, mind you, like Biron a bit and think he's better than given credit for - I'd say Biron got enticed to go to the Island full well thinking he could steal the #1 spot from Roloson, who, probably, thought he was getting the #1 spot when Rick fell to whatever injury was just waiting to happen.
I may be a Rangers fan and, by default, people may assume I wish bad for the franchise on the Island. Not true. I hope they do improve and I don't want them going anywhere before they get the chance to do so. Too much fun, those rivalry games. And as much as I was never a Rick DiPietro fan, and mocked and was shocked by his lengthy signing, it's no good for him and no good for TeamUSA if he's truly done at so young an age. We may all mock, but I don't think anyone wants to see that happen. Rangers fans have had to watch two goalies retire this decade alone due to injury. It's not happy for anyone.
I'll be curious - very curious - to see how this plays out.
*So Marian Hossa is apparently injured. Very injured. Not play til late December injured. I mean the Blackhawks had him take a physical. And they signed him to a 12-year deal, which even to me made little sense just because it's sooooo damn long and I just don't see how they had the money to spare. Radio speculation was abound today. I mean Tallon, a supporter of Havlat, is let go last week. Havlat, obviously a big supporter of Tallon, is ripping into Chicago management on Twitter. And the guy they got instead of Marty, looks like he will be off the ice for a significant part of the season. It keeps getting more and more interesting.
*Good interview with Glen Healy on the Team1040 today. Next winter Olympics are set to go in Russia in 2014. Healy praised Ovechkin as the best player in the league and an ambassador for the Olympics and the NHL. Said about 96% of the player vote was in favor of player participation in Olympics. He pondered, as do many, just what someone like Alex Ovechkin, or Geno Malkin, would do, if the NHL players were not allowed to play in the winter Olympics in Mother Russia? It's a good question.
Me personally - and we'll delve into this as the 2010 games get closer - complain that the NHL takes a break and I hated, like all Rangers fans, how horrifically the Olympics wrecked the momentum of the 2005-2006 Rangers, a team I love, adore, and miss terribly. BUT, I remember the 2002 Olympics with such fondness I can't even express to you. And I had such a vested interest in the 2006 Rangers playing for their home squads, it'd be hard to imagine NHL players not participating. Once upon a time I probably would have said, I wouldn't watch without NHL players. Now, probably, I can admit I'd still watch, but it'd be for team pride and not for the need of following a group of players I knew. It would be a different experience, that's for sure.
I guess I just see how important it it for the players, playing for their home country. I think back to that day - February 22, 2002, if not mistaken - as I, with tears in eyes, watched Theo Fleury and Eric Lindros, celebrating wrapped in Canada's colors, and thought, well, hey, at least some of our guys won.
*That's it for now. Sorry for the extreme lack of posting. I'm going to stop saying it's laziness and just blame it on summer. =)
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Some Immediate Thoughts on the Rangers Schedule. . .
A generally happy day is the day the NHL schedule is released. Fans scramble to see when their team opens, and where. What teams come to their home arena? The first long road trip. Whether they can plan any cool road trips themselves?
Essentially planning all their free time from October through April.
And we wouldn't have it any other way.
My immediate reaction to the Rangers schedule - besides giddy excitement - was a little middle of the road.
I've taken a few of each to share here.
The Good:
*Rangers home opener is a Saturday night versus a Canadian team. How sweet is that?
The Bad:
*The Rangers open their season on the road, in Pittsburgh, celebrating the banner raising of that team I'd rather have forgotten won the Cup. Yiiipeee, she said sarcastically.
The Good:
Rangers end the season with another home and home matchup with the Philly Flyers.
The Bad:
Rangers don't even play that hated division rival until December 19th! Boo to that!
The Good:
Petr Prucha and the Coyotes make a stop-off in the Garden on October 26th. Rangers fans better cheer this guy - although I have a feeling that they will. Rangers return the favor and go to Phoenix January 30th.
The Bad:
Doesn't look like a great schedule for weekend road trips. Last year I got a lot of games in; this year I am not so sure.
Overall, I think much of my initial disatisfaction with the schedule can be based upon the fact that it's an Olympic year and things are not going to be ideal. They had to squeeze a lot of hockey in. Regardless, I am so excited. The only problem with the schedule coming out in mid-July is that...well...I wish the season started tomorrow!!
Meanwhile, the first hockey game I'm looking forward to seeing:
*Canadiens/Maple Leafs on October 1st. Komisarek versus his former team. Going to need popcorn for that one!
**Note: It was the plan to be tidying up the site this summer. Slow moving, I know. That laziness thing again. I've added a few blogs I follow to my list. Yes I do follow more than that, and no, I don't read every post of every blogger, even those I follow. Not enough time, I'm afraid. Anyway, trying to find a way to make it look tidier. We'll see how it goes.**
Essentially planning all their free time from October through April.
And we wouldn't have it any other way.
My immediate reaction to the Rangers schedule - besides giddy excitement - was a little middle of the road.
I've taken a few of each to share here.
The Good:
*Rangers home opener is a Saturday night versus a Canadian team. How sweet is that?
The Bad:
*The Rangers open their season on the road, in Pittsburgh, celebrating the banner raising of that team I'd rather have forgotten won the Cup. Yiiipeee, she said sarcastically.
The Good:
Rangers end the season with another home and home matchup with the Philly Flyers.
The Bad:
Rangers don't even play that hated division rival until December 19th! Boo to that!
The Good:
Petr Prucha and the Coyotes make a stop-off in the Garden on October 26th. Rangers fans better cheer this guy - although I have a feeling that they will. Rangers return the favor and go to Phoenix January 30th.
The Bad:
Doesn't look like a great schedule for weekend road trips. Last year I got a lot of games in; this year I am not so sure.
Overall, I think much of my initial disatisfaction with the schedule can be based upon the fact that it's an Olympic year and things are not going to be ideal. They had to squeeze a lot of hockey in. Regardless, I am so excited. The only problem with the schedule coming out in mid-July is that...well...I wish the season started tomorrow!!
Meanwhile, the first hockey game I'm looking forward to seeing:
*Canadiens/Maple Leafs on October 1st. Komisarek versus his former team. Going to need popcorn for that one!
**Note: It was the plan to be tidying up the site this summer. Slow moving, I know. That laziness thing again. I've added a few blogs I follow to my list. Yes I do follow more than that, and no, I don't read every post of every blogger, even those I follow. Not enough time, I'm afraid. Anyway, trying to find a way to make it look tidier. We'll see how it goes.**
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Belated Farewells to the Rangers Departed. . .
It's been a while since the last blog, and while I feel somewhat badly about that, I can only blame it on the laziness of summer, the laziness of me in general, and the ideal nature of posting Twitter updates, as opposed to blog updates, at work.
That being said, I fully intend, in the regular season of hockey, to be back here, posting on a regular basis, like it or not. ;) I have a few dozen post-its =) of ideas for different things to make Natural Hat Trick Productions more unique and fun for next season, so I'm hoping one or two of the post-its will produce a good idea that catches on. Until then, feel free to catch the random blog here and the more frequent twitter update over on the other side. www.twitter.com/nhtproductions
Since the whole Gomez for Higgins thing, which for the record, seems already to have been ages ago, there were a few other Rangers to make their way to the exits of Broadway's midtown stage. While it will not be like last year, as I sat, tears threatening, writing a farewell to the greatest European goal scorer of all-time in Jaromir Jagr, I can promise this time around it will be less sentimental.
I have admittedly shed no tears as of yet for this off-seasons Rangers departed.
Although let it be very clear that many will be very much missed.
Among them...
Colton Orr. As if I didn't already harbor some uncertain affinity to the Blue and White (which, yes, did indeed come way, way, way before Luke Schenn people), Colton will certainly provide a secondary reason for me to keep tabs on the Leafs. I sang a few praises of Colton here, where I said he'd never be my favorite Ranger, but I admired him for knowing his role and working to improve himself and his game. And he did that. I hope he does well in Toronto and that Leafs fans will love him like we did. He is, as per Hockeyfights.com, (one of the key guys there did an interview with PJ Stock back in the Final), one of the top two fighters in the league, if not the best. And he was proudly one of our own. I was glad to have him here. Will I still root for him? You bet I will. A good guy, a clean fighter, and one of the few Rangers players that could bring the people of the Garden to their feet. You root for guys like that.
Paul Mara. There are not many guys that I really-really admired on last year's New York Rangers team. But, Paul Mara, undoubtably was one of them that I admired the most. For one, he took less money to play here, in New York. Which stands out because the Rangers are known, in many ways, as a team that gives too much money to people who don't deserve it, and as a place where people go to get paid and not work. Mara was devoted to this team and it showed. He wanted to be here. He had confidence, however unfounded though we may feel it was, in that group he took the ice with. He touted Chris Drury as a leader. He called his teammates the best group of guys he ever played with. He stood up for his teammates when no one else would. He was a great role model for the younger guys. What more could you ask for from a teammate if you played with him, or from a player, if you were a fan? I can't think of anything. And if personality matters, Mara had this one in the bag. The best mic'd up segements many of us will ever see, and he did it with a smile. If you couldn't already see he played the game with the right attitude, this would prove it. Keeping his teammates loose, letting them know they had his support. I will miss the guy, the player, and the attitude. Montreal may be in upheaval this year, but they got one of the best team guys they could ever hope for.
Oh and there may not have been many "perfect" trades, but I think the Mara/Ward one worked out pretty darn well for both sides, don't you?
Fredrik Sjostrom. I was thrilled when Freddie Shoes came over from Phoenix that day, because I remembered the fast kid and thought, what possibilities. Perhaps he never got to be "that" player in New York, although I think we'll all remember a few of his sweet goals fondly, and certainly those shootout tallies. But what I'll miss about Freddie was his sportsmanship. Another great teammate. Someone who played any role he was given - it might not be dazzling, but the Rangers all owe a heck of a lot of gratitude to one-half of the best PK unit in the league for the team's defensive success. When I also think of Sjo, I will think of how, especially towards the later stages of the year, this guy would get beaten up, by pucks, sticks, boards, anything, and he'd keep coming back. His face, his pretty face, was getting scarred one way or another, and yet he kept playing his role. Sure, you need more than role players, but Sjo was such a good one for NY. I can see him being liked in Calgary because he's young, fast, and willing to do what he's told for benefit of the team.
Lauri Korpikoski. I think Lauri, like a bucketful, er, handful, of other guys here, never got the full chance in New York. I liked him. I think he was on his way. But he didn't have a stellar year last year, for whatever reason. He was, unlike some others, given infinite patience in the early stages of 08-09 but he looked flat. Everytime he caught some glimmer of hope, there was a shuffle here, a shuffle there, and it was lost. Again, I can sit here and blame circumstances for a lot of things, but the bottom line is still the same. I think he can be a good player. I think he was a better player than we saw here. And while I thought it would be in New York, perhaps he is yet another young Ranger talent that has to move on to grow and to shine in this league. He wouldn't be the first. I hope he stays in the NHL if that is what is right for him. I feel he'll be better taken care of in Phoenix, and goodness knows, I'll be watching as many Coyotes games as are possible. It is always great to see another familiar face.
And on the other end of the spectrum...
Nik Antropov. I can't say I'll terribly miss a guy that was here for so little time. BUT, I must say, Antropov was a nice pickup and did what he was brought here to do, to a degree. Get some size up front, score some goals. Nik may have deceptively led the team in goals, by default, but he did do very nicely upon his arrival in NY. And despite a language barrier, nine years later, he was one of the funnier members of this team. I liked the guy; I wish him well. As for crying he's gone, I can't do that. Sure, he might not have been worth the $5 million he wanted, that's fine. He probably isn't. But for Sather of all people to call that request ridiculous is ...well, it's ridiculous. Sather please reference contracts to a) Gomez, Scott, b) Redden, Wade, and c) Drury, Chris, and you'll know what ridiculous means. At least Antropov will a) knock someone down, b) shoot the puck on net, and c) score over 20 goals a year. And I think the Rangers desperately needed someone of that size to play on this team.
Moving on...
Scott Gomez. I've already said enough about Gomez. At least all I am going to say now. I was, quite simply, a flawed experiment from the beginning. Let's face it. He wasn't a "Ranger." He was a "Devil" that wanted to come to the bright, shiny side of the river. I have minimal sympathy that he wanted do stay here, but I harbor no ill will on Scott personally, let that be clear. That Glen was able to find Gainey willing to take him will perhaps forever astound. And I have no clue what to think of Montreal this year. That is a topic for another day. I wish Gomez well on a personal level. He wasn't a bad person and he was a sometimes needed break in the mundane, even if his sense of humor itself became rather mundane at times. (Although that day he tried to kiss Trautwig was hilarious). His biggest fault came from his being unable to live up to his contract and, more importantly, of not making it seem like he cared whether he did or not. I am curious to see how he works in Montreal, where media pressure is paramount, and temptations a plenty. I just hope he doesn't shock us all and prove Gainey a mastermind when he scores 30 goals and sets up his linemates for 40 each.
But, really, even if he does, there is nothing we can really say about that. He wore out his welcome here. He never worked here. The flawed experiment came to an end just two years shy of when it began, and I am, for one, very, very thankful for it.
**Forthcoming on the blog, some really great Saku Koivu quotes, and a little insight into the situation in Montreal, if anyone can really provide any. Although I will try. =)*
That being said, I fully intend, in the regular season of hockey, to be back here, posting on a regular basis, like it or not. ;) I have a few dozen post-its =) of ideas for different things to make Natural Hat Trick Productions more unique and fun for next season, so I'm hoping one or two of the post-its will produce a good idea that catches on. Until then, feel free to catch the random blog here and the more frequent twitter update over on the other side. www.twitter.com/nhtproductions
Since the whole Gomez for Higgins thing, which for the record, seems already to have been ages ago, there were a few other Rangers to make their way to the exits of Broadway's midtown stage. While it will not be like last year, as I sat, tears threatening, writing a farewell to the greatest European goal scorer of all-time in Jaromir Jagr, I can promise this time around it will be less sentimental.
I have admittedly shed no tears as of yet for this off-seasons Rangers departed.
Although let it be very clear that many will be very much missed.
Among them...
Colton Orr. As if I didn't already harbor some uncertain affinity to the Blue and White (which, yes, did indeed come way, way, way before Luke Schenn people), Colton will certainly provide a secondary reason for me to keep tabs on the Leafs. I sang a few praises of Colton here, where I said he'd never be my favorite Ranger, but I admired him for knowing his role and working to improve himself and his game. And he did that. I hope he does well in Toronto and that Leafs fans will love him like we did. He is, as per Hockeyfights.com, (one of the key guys there did an interview with PJ Stock back in the Final), one of the top two fighters in the league, if not the best. And he was proudly one of our own. I was glad to have him here. Will I still root for him? You bet I will. A good guy, a clean fighter, and one of the few Rangers players that could bring the people of the Garden to their feet. You root for guys like that.
Paul Mara. There are not many guys that I really-really admired on last year's New York Rangers team. But, Paul Mara, undoubtably was one of them that I admired the most. For one, he took less money to play here, in New York. Which stands out because the Rangers are known, in many ways, as a team that gives too much money to people who don't deserve it, and as a place where people go to get paid and not work. Mara was devoted to this team and it showed. He wanted to be here. He had confidence, however unfounded though we may feel it was, in that group he took the ice with. He touted Chris Drury as a leader. He called his teammates the best group of guys he ever played with. He stood up for his teammates when no one else would. He was a great role model for the younger guys. What more could you ask for from a teammate if you played with him, or from a player, if you were a fan? I can't think of anything. And if personality matters, Mara had this one in the bag. The best mic'd up segements many of us will ever see, and he did it with a smile. If you couldn't already see he played the game with the right attitude, this would prove it. Keeping his teammates loose, letting them know they had his support. I will miss the guy, the player, and the attitude. Montreal may be in upheaval this year, but they got one of the best team guys they could ever hope for.
Oh and there may not have been many "perfect" trades, but I think the Mara/Ward one worked out pretty darn well for both sides, don't you?
Fredrik Sjostrom. I was thrilled when Freddie Shoes came over from Phoenix that day, because I remembered the fast kid and thought, what possibilities. Perhaps he never got to be "that" player in New York, although I think we'll all remember a few of his sweet goals fondly, and certainly those shootout tallies. But what I'll miss about Freddie was his sportsmanship. Another great teammate. Someone who played any role he was given - it might not be dazzling, but the Rangers all owe a heck of a lot of gratitude to one-half of the best PK unit in the league for the team's defensive success. When I also think of Sjo, I will think of how, especially towards the later stages of the year, this guy would get beaten up, by pucks, sticks, boards, anything, and he'd keep coming back. His face, his pretty face, was getting scarred one way or another, and yet he kept playing his role. Sure, you need more than role players, but Sjo was such a good one for NY. I can see him being liked in Calgary because he's young, fast, and willing to do what he's told for benefit of the team.
Lauri Korpikoski. I think Lauri, like a bucketful, er, handful, of other guys here, never got the full chance in New York. I liked him. I think he was on his way. But he didn't have a stellar year last year, for whatever reason. He was, unlike some others, given infinite patience in the early stages of 08-09 but he looked flat. Everytime he caught some glimmer of hope, there was a shuffle here, a shuffle there, and it was lost. Again, I can sit here and blame circumstances for a lot of things, but the bottom line is still the same. I think he can be a good player. I think he was a better player than we saw here. And while I thought it would be in New York, perhaps he is yet another young Ranger talent that has to move on to grow and to shine in this league. He wouldn't be the first. I hope he stays in the NHL if that is what is right for him. I feel he'll be better taken care of in Phoenix, and goodness knows, I'll be watching as many Coyotes games as are possible. It is always great to see another familiar face.
And on the other end of the spectrum...
Nik Antropov. I can't say I'll terribly miss a guy that was here for so little time. BUT, I must say, Antropov was a nice pickup and did what he was brought here to do, to a degree. Get some size up front, score some goals. Nik may have deceptively led the team in goals, by default, but he did do very nicely upon his arrival in NY. And despite a language barrier, nine years later, he was one of the funnier members of this team. I liked the guy; I wish him well. As for crying he's gone, I can't do that. Sure, he might not have been worth the $5 million he wanted, that's fine. He probably isn't. But for Sather of all people to call that request ridiculous is ...well, it's ridiculous. Sather please reference contracts to a) Gomez, Scott, b) Redden, Wade, and c) Drury, Chris, and you'll know what ridiculous means. At least Antropov will a) knock someone down, b) shoot the puck on net, and c) score over 20 goals a year. And I think the Rangers desperately needed someone of that size to play on this team.
Moving on...
Scott Gomez. I've already said enough about Gomez. At least all I am going to say now. I was, quite simply, a flawed experiment from the beginning. Let's face it. He wasn't a "Ranger." He was a "Devil" that wanted to come to the bright, shiny side of the river. I have minimal sympathy that he wanted do stay here, but I harbor no ill will on Scott personally, let that be clear. That Glen was able to find Gainey willing to take him will perhaps forever astound. And I have no clue what to think of Montreal this year. That is a topic for another day. I wish Gomez well on a personal level. He wasn't a bad person and he was a sometimes needed break in the mundane, even if his sense of humor itself became rather mundane at times. (Although that day he tried to kiss Trautwig was hilarious). His biggest fault came from his being unable to live up to his contract and, more importantly, of not making it seem like he cared whether he did or not. I am curious to see how he works in Montreal, where media pressure is paramount, and temptations a plenty. I just hope he doesn't shock us all and prove Gainey a mastermind when he scores 30 goals and sets up his linemates for 40 each.
But, really, even if he does, there is nothing we can really say about that. He wore out his welcome here. He never worked here. The flawed experiment came to an end just two years shy of when it began, and I am, for one, very, very thankful for it.
**Forthcoming on the blog, some really great Saku Koivu quotes, and a little insight into the situation in Montreal, if anyone can really provide any. Although I will try. =)*
Monday, July 6, 2009
The Power Play on Sather. . .
Just a quick blog (I know! I know!) before I get to some more thoughts this week.
I'm driving home today and I'm listening to Rossi and Boomer on the Powerplay, XM204. And there was a list of bad free agency teams this season and the Rangers were #4.
The reasoning was hilarious though.
They (I'm saying they because I am actually not 100% sure who it was because I was in the car for so few minutes) said the hockey gods gave Sather a break for all his consistent stupidity. They gave him a break and they let Gainey do something stupid, so that Sather could get out of Gomez's contract.
He said, fans of the Rangers were like, yes, contract is gone, we are going to do it with youth.
And then bam, Sather gives $7.5 million a season right to Gaborik. And they were like, there he goes.
He likened it to Sather being like a drug addict. He tried to wait and he couldn't wait 24 hours with having $$ to spend. So he did.
And he said, fans of the Rangers, that is what they are stuck with. And he didn't mean Gaborik.
He meant Sather.
Hilarious.
I'll give my take later, just had to share that.
I'm driving home today and I'm listening to Rossi and Boomer on the Powerplay, XM204. And there was a list of bad free agency teams this season and the Rangers were #4.
The reasoning was hilarious though.
They (I'm saying they because I am actually not 100% sure who it was because I was in the car for so few minutes) said the hockey gods gave Sather a break for all his consistent stupidity. They gave him a break and they let Gainey do something stupid, so that Sather could get out of Gomez's contract.
He said, fans of the Rangers were like, yes, contract is gone, we are going to do it with youth.
And then bam, Sather gives $7.5 million a season right to Gaborik. And they were like, there he goes.
He likened it to Sather being like a drug addict. He tried to wait and he couldn't wait 24 hours with having $$ to spend. So he did.
And he said, fans of the Rangers, that is what they are stuck with. And he didn't mean Gaborik.
He meant Sather.
Hilarious.
I'll give my take later, just had to share that.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Did Bob Gainey Out-Sather Glen Sather. . .?
On the surface, this evening's deal between the Rangers and Habs begs that question.
As we speak, fans in Montreal are teetering over bridges and ready to overthrow Bob Gainey for making what they deem is such a horrible trade for them.
How do I feel?
=)
=)
=)
And not for not liking Gomez, although let it be said, he had two things against him:
1) His inability to live up to his contract, though not entirely his fault
2) His inability to make us believe he gave a crap and was trying hard, which is entirely his fault.
I think Gomez, in a situation that makes him happy, can be effective. Put it this way, I wish him, as a person, well in Montreal, but not too well, if you get me.
Let's face it, he was never going to live up to the contract he was given. Again, not his fault. Gomez should never have been the top $$-maker on any teeam.
BUT, he could have looked like he cared a little more. That will always be my one gripe with him.
And as for complaints of why not Drury or why not Redden?
1) Shouldn't we be glad someone was going to take ONE of Sather's mistakes. ANY ONE of them?!
2) Drury has only 3 years left, Gomez had 5 - that has something to do with it, no doubt. Plus, Mr. Renney made Mr. Mumbles the captain of the team, not that I think that really would have stopped the trade, but it's worth noting.
3) No one will take Redden. That I even believed for a second Brian Burke would take Redden off our hands tells you how hopefully dellusional I can be at times.
Take this what it is, folks. A nice trade. It drops salary, a salary we desparately needed dropped. And it steals the best prospect in Montreal in Ryan McDonaugh. I listen to Montreal radio faithfully. They love this kid.
Trust me, fans in Montreal are probably more upset by the fact that he's leaving than in the fact that Gomez is coming.
And if Sather doesn't manage to screw it all up in the next few hours or days - always a possibility - then he might have just made up for one of his horrible mistakes and given the team the opportunity to make themselves better.
Fixing one mistake doesn't make you a better person; it'll just make us Rangers fans smile a little more until you make the next one.
Torts Quotes:
Steve Zipay on Blue Notes posted some Tortorella quotes yesterday, most of which I think are a breath of fresh air for Rangers fans. Feel free to take a read here.
My favorite:
"And I’m not afraid of youth. It’s going to be done on merit."
It may be too late for many of the wasted youth on this team, but for whomever is around for next season, this is going to be a wonderful change of pace.
Accountability - hmm, what a concept!
Yotes:
Speaking of wasted Rangers youth, I got a "tweet" from a Coyotes fan that made me very happy today.
"I LOVE prucha. he's a hard worker and does the little things that make a team better. He's crucial to us"
See, Pete will be fine. Just fine. =)
I was already greatly looking forward to the Coyotes season to see the team in action ON the ice.
But perhaps with some changes in place, I'll be looking forward to the Rangers as
well...
Although way, way too early to tell.
Canada Day/Free Agent Frenzy Day/Tums and Tylenol Day:
The day that knows so many names.
I usually think of July 1st in the order above.
I wish Canadians, and those of us hockey lovers, a Happy Canada Day.
I get NO work done because I'm highly anticipated any trade, especially ones not done by our GM.
And I have the two Ts - Tums and Tylenol - at the ready for those headaches and bouts of nausea.
(For the record, I now know why I was kept up last Thursday night in advance of the Draft. I preached and preached Tums and yet, where were they as I anticipated the potential bad moves of the next day and lay awake, tossing and turning?).
Back to the point. I will, for the most part, after today be on Twitter only, as I will be out of state. I will not be anyone's best source for "up to the minute" updates, so please check elsewhere and help keep me informed! =)
And I wish you all a Happy Canada/Free Agent Frenzy/Tums and Tylenol Day!!! =)
As we speak, fans in Montreal are teetering over bridges and ready to overthrow Bob Gainey for making what they deem is such a horrible trade for them.
How do I feel?
=)
=)
=)
And not for not liking Gomez, although let it be said, he had two things against him:
1) His inability to live up to his contract, though not entirely his fault
2) His inability to make us believe he gave a crap and was trying hard, which is entirely his fault.
I think Gomez, in a situation that makes him happy, can be effective. Put it this way, I wish him, as a person, well in Montreal, but not too well, if you get me.
Let's face it, he was never going to live up to the contract he was given. Again, not his fault. Gomez should never have been the top $$-maker on any teeam.
BUT, he could have looked like he cared a little more. That will always be my one gripe with him.
And as for complaints of why not Drury or why not Redden?
1) Shouldn't we be glad someone was going to take ONE of Sather's mistakes. ANY ONE of them?!
2) Drury has only 3 years left, Gomez had 5 - that has something to do with it, no doubt. Plus, Mr. Renney made Mr. Mumbles the captain of the team, not that I think that really would have stopped the trade, but it's worth noting.
3) No one will take Redden. That I even believed for a second Brian Burke would take Redden off our hands tells you how hopefully dellusional I can be at times.
Take this what it is, folks. A nice trade. It drops salary, a salary we desparately needed dropped. And it steals the best prospect in Montreal in Ryan McDonaugh. I listen to Montreal radio faithfully. They love this kid.
Trust me, fans in Montreal are probably more upset by the fact that he's leaving than in the fact that Gomez is coming.
And if Sather doesn't manage to screw it all up in the next few hours or days - always a possibility - then he might have just made up for one of his horrible mistakes and given the team the opportunity to make themselves better.
Fixing one mistake doesn't make you a better person; it'll just make us Rangers fans smile a little more until you make the next one.
Torts Quotes:
Steve Zipay on Blue Notes posted some Tortorella quotes yesterday, most of which I think are a breath of fresh air for Rangers fans. Feel free to take a read here.
My favorite:
"And I’m not afraid of youth. It’s going to be done on merit."
It may be too late for many of the wasted youth on this team, but for whomever is around for next season, this is going to be a wonderful change of pace.
Accountability - hmm, what a concept!
Yotes:
Speaking of wasted Rangers youth, I got a "tweet" from a Coyotes fan that made me very happy today.
"I LOVE prucha. he's a hard worker and does the little things that make a team better. He's crucial to us"
See, Pete will be fine. Just fine. =)
I was already greatly looking forward to the Coyotes season to see the team in action ON the ice.
But perhaps with some changes in place, I'll be looking forward to the Rangers as
well...
Although way, way too early to tell.
Canada Day/Free Agent Frenzy Day/Tums and Tylenol Day:
The day that knows so many names.
I usually think of July 1st in the order above.
I wish Canadians, and those of us hockey lovers, a Happy Canada Day.
I get NO work done because I'm highly anticipated any trade, especially ones not done by our GM.
And I have the two Ts - Tums and Tylenol - at the ready for those headaches and bouts of nausea.
(For the record, I now know why I was kept up last Thursday night in advance of the Draft. I preached and preached Tums and yet, where were they as I anticipated the potential bad moves of the next day and lay awake, tossing and turning?).
Back to the point. I will, for the most part, after today be on Twitter only, as I will be out of state. I will not be anyone's best source for "up to the minute" updates, so please check elsewhere and help keep me informed! =)
And I wish you all a Happy Canada/Free Agent Frenzy/Tums and Tylenol Day!!! =)
Friday, June 26, 2009
Some Reflections on NHL Draft 2009. . .
Well, the highly anticipated 1st round of the NHL draft took its time - it's sweet, sweet time - but 4 hours later it has come to a close.
First of all, I was excited as anything to spend the evening watching the draft, as any hockey fan would be. And I got my takeout =), sat down, and enjoyed myself for...the first hour and a half. I'm not going to lie though. It was very, very long. I am not the only one to mention it.
Last year, it seemed quicker, for one, and that they asked the interviewees more than a single question. I remember being so impressed with Stamkos and Schenn - =) - and all the newly minted draftees.
This year, I feel you hardly got a chance to hear much from them, with the exception of the chosen 3.
And the length of this draft. Even I lost interest towards the end. Too long. And not enough substance.
Perhaps we were all spoiled with the intense feelings of drama heading in, what with not knowing, for sure, the #1 pick, and the potential Heatley maneuvers, and any big trades.
After the Pronger bombshell, there just wasn't much else, it seemed.
Still, I'm never disappointed to spend an evening watching hockey coverage of any kind. Thrilled to be a hockey fan. Tonight is no different.
A few quick and random thoughts from Draft '09:
*Of the chosen three, mind you, Colorado's #3 pick, Matt Duchene is awesome! He designs hockey sweaters, sings, and can apparently beat anyone at a game of "Name what player uses what stick." Awesome! What a great personality. And again, always love the kids going to their favorite teams. It's a nice story.
*You know how I love when hockey people speak French? Yeah. Well Gary Bettman speaking French just doesn't do if for me. And, Gary, it's JOFFrey Lupul not JEFFrey Lupul. Please.
*On the Gary note, I have to admit something. I watched the NBA Draft yesterday. The difference between the fans reactions to David Stern and the fans reactions to Gary Bettman are so amazingly different. Stern is respected. Gary is loathed. Do you think he ever gets used to the boo-ing? Think he's jealous of David Stern?
*The Pronger trade disappoints me on many levels. One practical - Pronger is known for some cheap, dirty crap, and thusly I really don't like him as a player. I will not be thrilled to see him playing in our division. It will however potentially be fun to see the Flyers play the Penguins, Devils, and Islanders. One silly - Joffrey Lupul has such pretty eyes; it's a shame I won't get to see those six times a year.
*Evander Kane going to Atlanta is a great thing. The hockey is for everyone mantra...it's legit. And hopefully Kane will be a good reminder of that fact.
*My moment of the night was seeing Luke Schenn - in a stylish suit - giving one of his trademark grins when his brother, Brayden, got drafted by L.A. He looked so happy for his brother, even though you can imagine he'd have loved him to be a Leaf too. They "keep each other honest." You all know how much I love Luke Schenn - =) - and it's great to have another Saskatoon boy in the NHL.
*Burke's "mic'd" segments left something to be desired, but the idea was great. There just should have been more of it. Burke is just, well, Burke. I loved his talking about how he could have moved up but he would have had to give up Schenn - the future Leafs captain - to get the #2 pick and he wouldn't have gotten Tavares and, thus, would have looked like an idiot. Oh Burke.
*That Magnus-Paajarvi-Svensson kid that got picked by Edmonton has a website TSN touted. Check it out here.
*We now know that Peter Holland (Anaheim/15th) has a mini-zamboni collection. Gotta love TSN.
*This was the year of the Swedes at the draft where 7 went in the 1st round. I love Swedes. They speak English almost flawlessly, but they still have a foreign flair. And, please, we must all as Rangers fans, appreciate the country that gave us Hankie.
*The Rangers took a young'un at their #19th pick, Chris Kreider. I wanted Carter Ashton. But when they said this kid was going to Boston College and even uttered the name Brian Leetch, I was not going to argue. I'll take it. And remember, with the Rangers, it doesn't mean anything until they actually play for the team. So this name, is just a name for 2, 3, maybe 4 years.
On Rangers Report, here's a quote from the newly drafted Ranger:
“I’m just on cloud nine,” Kreider said. “I’ve been told it’s the greatest city in the world. I’ve never been there but I’m looking forward to it. I have a lot of friends who are Rangers fans.”
The official report on NHL.com on him.
As for the embarassing moment bit, thinking his team was down a man when they were really 4-on-4; if that's the case, he'll fit in really well with this team.
I jest, I jest. ;)
*And wouldn't it have been nice to have seen him interviewed, like Del Zotto was last year? Understandably though, the world stopped when the Canadiens picked a French-Canadien player. Priorities people. :)
*Carter Ashton - well-spoken, down-to-earth kid from Saskatoon - dropped to #29 and was scooped up by Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay got some niiicee players today.
*Chicken Parm Ray Ferraro said he'd most certainly cry if his son, Landon, got drafted in the 1st round. Will he cry when his son, presumably, gets drafted tomorrow? And you didn't think there was enough mystery in the draft? Hmmm.
Lastly, I'd just like to take a second to say that I thank all that is wonderful about hockey that we, three years in, are still blessed with having TSN footage of this event.
Now that the Awards show is Americanized and we were tortured (rant coming on one of the dog days of summer) with the American footage of the Stanley Cup Final, it is just nice to enjoy the days like Trade Deadline Day, Draft Day, and Free Agent Frenzy Day when we in the States are given the opportunity to see the excellent coverage that those in Canada enjoy every day.
Hockey = Life.
Night all...
First of all, I was excited as anything to spend the evening watching the draft, as any hockey fan would be. And I got my takeout =), sat down, and enjoyed myself for...the first hour and a half. I'm not going to lie though. It was very, very long. I am not the only one to mention it.
Last year, it seemed quicker, for one, and that they asked the interviewees more than a single question. I remember being so impressed with Stamkos and Schenn - =) - and all the newly minted draftees.
This year, I feel you hardly got a chance to hear much from them, with the exception of the chosen 3.
And the length of this draft. Even I lost interest towards the end. Too long. And not enough substance.
Perhaps we were all spoiled with the intense feelings of drama heading in, what with not knowing, for sure, the #1 pick, and the potential Heatley maneuvers, and any big trades.
After the Pronger bombshell, there just wasn't much else, it seemed.
Still, I'm never disappointed to spend an evening watching hockey coverage of any kind. Thrilled to be a hockey fan. Tonight is no different.
A few quick and random thoughts from Draft '09:
*Of the chosen three, mind you, Colorado's #3 pick, Matt Duchene is awesome! He designs hockey sweaters, sings, and can apparently beat anyone at a game of "Name what player uses what stick." Awesome! What a great personality. And again, always love the kids going to their favorite teams. It's a nice story.
*You know how I love when hockey people speak French? Yeah. Well Gary Bettman speaking French just doesn't do if for me. And, Gary, it's JOFFrey Lupul not JEFFrey Lupul. Please.
*On the Gary note, I have to admit something. I watched the NBA Draft yesterday. The difference between the fans reactions to David Stern and the fans reactions to Gary Bettman are so amazingly different. Stern is respected. Gary is loathed. Do you think he ever gets used to the boo-ing? Think he's jealous of David Stern?
*The Pronger trade disappoints me on many levels. One practical - Pronger is known for some cheap, dirty crap, and thusly I really don't like him as a player. I will not be thrilled to see him playing in our division. It will however potentially be fun to see the Flyers play the Penguins, Devils, and Islanders. One silly - Joffrey Lupul has such pretty eyes; it's a shame I won't get to see those six times a year.
*Evander Kane going to Atlanta is a great thing. The hockey is for everyone mantra...it's legit. And hopefully Kane will be a good reminder of that fact.
*My moment of the night was seeing Luke Schenn - in a stylish suit - giving one of his trademark grins when his brother, Brayden, got drafted by L.A. He looked so happy for his brother, even though you can imagine he'd have loved him to be a Leaf too. They "keep each other honest." You all know how much I love Luke Schenn - =) - and it's great to have another Saskatoon boy in the NHL.
*Burke's "mic'd" segments left something to be desired, but the idea was great. There just should have been more of it. Burke is just, well, Burke. I loved his talking about how he could have moved up but he would have had to give up Schenn - the future Leafs captain - to get the #2 pick and he wouldn't have gotten Tavares and, thus, would have looked like an idiot. Oh Burke.
*That Magnus-Paajarvi-Svensson kid that got picked by Edmonton has a website TSN touted. Check it out here.
*We now know that Peter Holland (Anaheim/15th) has a mini-zamboni collection. Gotta love TSN.
*This was the year of the Swedes at the draft where 7 went in the 1st round. I love Swedes. They speak English almost flawlessly, but they still have a foreign flair. And, please, we must all as Rangers fans, appreciate the country that gave us Hankie.
*The Rangers took a young'un at their #19th pick, Chris Kreider. I wanted Carter Ashton. But when they said this kid was going to Boston College and even uttered the name Brian Leetch, I was not going to argue. I'll take it. And remember, with the Rangers, it doesn't mean anything until they actually play for the team. So this name, is just a name for 2, 3, maybe 4 years.
On Rangers Report, here's a quote from the newly drafted Ranger:
“I’m just on cloud nine,” Kreider said. “I’ve been told it’s the greatest city in the world. I’ve never been there but I’m looking forward to it. I have a lot of friends who are Rangers fans.”
The official report on NHL.com on him.
As for the embarassing moment bit, thinking his team was down a man when they were really 4-on-4; if that's the case, he'll fit in really well with this team.
I jest, I jest. ;)
*And wouldn't it have been nice to have seen him interviewed, like Del Zotto was last year? Understandably though, the world stopped when the Canadiens picked a French-Canadien player. Priorities people. :)
*Carter Ashton - well-spoken, down-to-earth kid from Saskatoon - dropped to #29 and was scooped up by Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay got some niiicee players today.
*Chicken Parm Ray Ferraro said he'd most certainly cry if his son, Landon, got drafted in the 1st round. Will he cry when his son, presumably, gets drafted tomorrow? And you didn't think there was enough mystery in the draft? Hmmm.
Lastly, I'd just like to take a second to say that I thank all that is wonderful about hockey that we, three years in, are still blessed with having TSN footage of this event.
Now that the Awards show is Americanized and we were tortured (rant coming on one of the dog days of summer) with the American footage of the Stanley Cup Final, it is just nice to enjoy the days like Trade Deadline Day, Draft Day, and Free Agent Frenzy Day when we in the States are given the opportunity to see the excellent coverage that those in Canada enjoy every day.
Hockey = Life.
Night all...
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Anxiety and Anticipation on Eve of Draft. . .
Hello all. Before I get to the real focus of this blog, I must apologize for going slightly awol here in the last week. Plenty of rumors and news, but not enough time. And, somewhat shamefully, it seems that it is just - at present time - so much easier to Twitter the little updates as they happen, and save the bigger stuff, or the stuff I need more space to comment upon, for the blog. So as long as I seemingly am so busy in my real life (ie: work), take a peek at NHTProductions for some more current updates.
That being established, a much belated BIG-HUGE-PARAMOUNT Congratulations to Brian Leetch, my all-time favorite hockey player. I couldn't be happier for such an amazing class act as Brian getting such a well deserved honor as to be called to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Truly thrilled. In the coming week, I'll try to get a little Brian tribute up here, but for now, just know, this made my day, week, month, perhaps year. #2 Forever.
And now, we move on to thoughts of this year's NHL Entry Draft. For those of you that have followed this blog for a year (goodness help you ;) ), you know that last year was the 1st year I was able to watch the NHL Draft live on TV. For most of you, it was the 2nd year you were able to have such a pleasure in the States, but for me, I was out of state in 2007 and could not. Therefore, Draft Day 2008 became a right of passage and an experience I thoroughly enjoyed.
Thus, I have been looking forward to June 26th, for the opportunity to get to watch this year's draft, with such anticipation. For me, it's fun to get to see the future of young athletes begin, the thrilling drama of unexpected trades, and the overall glory of the event. And in Montreal, it should be extra special.
That being said, unlike last year, I am faced with a sense of extreme anxiety about the events of tomorrow, I won't lie to you.
Usually it is Free Agent Frenzy Day, or my personal term: Tums and Tylenol Day, that makes me anxious and nervous, and popping the medicinals mentioned above.
But this year, with all the utter uncertainty surrounding EVERY-freakin-THING, I've been having mini-heart flips here.
I mean will Montreal be able to pull off super move of the century and get Vincent Lecavalier to play for the Habs? Will Brian Burke meet his goal of moving up in the draft? And who, just who, will be the #1 pick? We know enough to know we don't even know that much!
It's madness, I tell you, madness.
Oh, but if that was all there was to worry about, I wouldn't be worried. I'd be in elated anticipation of all the cool things that may happen, the surprises of the day. And I'd enjoy the heck out of it.
Why can't I?
Perhaps I can. Perhaps.
But instead of that joy-ful carefree anxiety-less day of Draft watching last year, I have spent this week, and will surely spend tomorrow, in fear that Rangers management, namely Glen Sather, will pull off the move of the draft.
The BAD move of the draft, that is.
I am just getting it out there now. There's are my thoughts. Love 'em, hate 'em, believe them or not, but here they are.
I hope - hope, hope, hope, hope, hope - there is a chance that Glen Sather could get rid of one, one of the Rangers super-loaded, super-stupid salaries. You know, the Redden, the Gomez, the Drury. If he could I'd be thrilled.
BUT.
Not at the expense of the few, very, very few, players I enjoy watching on this team.
Let me tell you, if there were no Hank, no Staal, and no Callahan, I'd have been a more miserable person this past year than any of you would have wanted to know. Believe me. So I don't want Glennie baby to think he's getting any brilliant ideas and go using his Fisher Price calculator and his General Managers for Dummies book, and get rid of one of my favorite players to fix one of his colossal mistakes.
If that happens - and come on folks, with the Rangers can you really count anything as beyond the realm of possibility - you will see a Tweet with 140 undefinable characters and you'll know what I'm thinking.
I'd like to be positive. Maybe tomorrow will go off wonderfully. The Rangers will do only smart things, not tip the boat more than necessary, and I can enjoy the event with my take-out dinner like I planned.
But, still, I will keep Tums and Tylenol close at hand - and even closer for next Wednesday - in anxiety and anticipation of things to come.
I mean, come on guys, this is Glen Sather we are talking about.
Yes, that Glen Sather. The "I think Wade Redden, Scott Gomez, and Chris Drury are worth that much" Glen Sather.
Honestly, I am really just hoping he doesn't trade away our 1st round Draft pick for a bag of Twizzlers.
Although...maybe we could get the bag of Twizzlers to play for LESS than $7 million and score some goals.
I'm just saying...
**Author's Note: I'll be without ready access to computer tomorrow, so updates might not come til the late afternoon, if any need be posted or reflected upon.
Enjoy Draft everyone!**
That being established, a much belated BIG-HUGE-PARAMOUNT Congratulations to Brian Leetch, my all-time favorite hockey player. I couldn't be happier for such an amazing class act as Brian getting such a well deserved honor as to be called to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Truly thrilled. In the coming week, I'll try to get a little Brian tribute up here, but for now, just know, this made my day, week, month, perhaps year. #2 Forever.
And now, we move on to thoughts of this year's NHL Entry Draft. For those of you that have followed this blog for a year (goodness help you ;) ), you know that last year was the 1st year I was able to watch the NHL Draft live on TV. For most of you, it was the 2nd year you were able to have such a pleasure in the States, but for me, I was out of state in 2007 and could not. Therefore, Draft Day 2008 became a right of passage and an experience I thoroughly enjoyed.
Thus, I have been looking forward to June 26th, for the opportunity to get to watch this year's draft, with such anticipation. For me, it's fun to get to see the future of young athletes begin, the thrilling drama of unexpected trades, and the overall glory of the event. And in Montreal, it should be extra special.
That being said, unlike last year, I am faced with a sense of extreme anxiety about the events of tomorrow, I won't lie to you.
Usually it is Free Agent Frenzy Day, or my personal term: Tums and Tylenol Day, that makes me anxious and nervous, and popping the medicinals mentioned above.
But this year, with all the utter uncertainty surrounding EVERY-freakin-THING, I've been having mini-heart flips here.
I mean will Montreal be able to pull off super move of the century and get Vincent Lecavalier to play for the Habs? Will Brian Burke meet his goal of moving up in the draft? And who, just who, will be the #1 pick? We know enough to know we don't even know that much!
It's madness, I tell you, madness.
Oh, but if that was all there was to worry about, I wouldn't be worried. I'd be in elated anticipation of all the cool things that may happen, the surprises of the day. And I'd enjoy the heck out of it.
Why can't I?
Perhaps I can. Perhaps.
But instead of that joy-ful carefree anxiety-less day of Draft watching last year, I have spent this week, and will surely spend tomorrow, in fear that Rangers management, namely Glen Sather, will pull off the move of the draft.
The BAD move of the draft, that is.
I am just getting it out there now. There's are my thoughts. Love 'em, hate 'em, believe them or not, but here they are.
I hope - hope, hope, hope, hope, hope - there is a chance that Glen Sather could get rid of one, one of the Rangers super-loaded, super-stupid salaries. You know, the Redden, the Gomez, the Drury. If he could I'd be thrilled.
BUT.
Not at the expense of the few, very, very few, players I enjoy watching on this team.
Let me tell you, if there were no Hank, no Staal, and no Callahan, I'd have been a more miserable person this past year than any of you would have wanted to know. Believe me. So I don't want Glennie baby to think he's getting any brilliant ideas and go using his Fisher Price calculator and his General Managers for Dummies book, and get rid of one of my favorite players to fix one of his colossal mistakes.
If that happens - and come on folks, with the Rangers can you really count anything as beyond the realm of possibility - you will see a Tweet with 140 undefinable characters and you'll know what I'm thinking.
I'd like to be positive. Maybe tomorrow will go off wonderfully. The Rangers will do only smart things, not tip the boat more than necessary, and I can enjoy the event with my take-out dinner like I planned.
But, still, I will keep Tums and Tylenol close at hand - and even closer for next Wednesday - in anxiety and anticipation of things to come.
I mean, come on guys, this is Glen Sather we are talking about.
Yes, that Glen Sather. The "I think Wade Redden, Scott Gomez, and Chris Drury are worth that much" Glen Sather.
Honestly, I am really just hoping he doesn't trade away our 1st round Draft pick for a bag of Twizzlers.
Although...maybe we could get the bag of Twizzlers to play for LESS than $7 million and score some goals.
I'm just saying...
**Author's Note: I'll be without ready access to computer tomorrow, so updates might not come til the late afternoon, if any need be posted or reflected upon.
Enjoy Draft everyone!**
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