Good morning Rangers fans! Here is a brief introduction about me, which will hopefully put everything I say into some kind of context. Like many of you, I am a diehard Rangers fan, avid reader of Carps’ blog, season ticket holder, and a fan since birth. My first Rangers memory is the 1994 Stanley Cup and all of the hoopla that went along with that. I was 5 years old when the Rangers won the cup and have been riding this wave ever since. As we prepare for the next chapter in Rangers history, lockout pending, here are my thoughts and expectations.
1) Great Expectations: Will this be the year that Rangers win the Cup? Whether or not they do this, expectations will be at an all time high. After finishing first in the Eastern Conference, making a significant run in the postseason, acquiring the best goal scorer on the market (via free agency or trade), and another year of experience for our young core, fans will be will be expecting the same as last year, but with six more wins in May/June. Is this fair? Maybe, but it is what it is.
2) Rick Nash: Just how good is Rick Nash? Ever since acquiring him, I’m sure I’m not the only fan that has been watching YouTube highlights of his best goals every single day. Nash is the real deal and will undoubtedly help with our deficiencies on the power play, scoring goals, and crashing the net. With that said, can Nash take us to that next level? The Rangers were a better team than the Devils last year, but tired themselves out in the first two rounds and only had themselves to blame. A more potent offense will help the Rangers save energy throughout the season and more importantly, in the playoffs. Rick Nash will be the center of this and now that he has a supporting cast, the sky is the limit for him.
3) The D: With a healthy Staal for an entire season, another year under the belts of McDonagh and Del Zotto, and rumors of a potential Sauer return, just how good will this defense be? The Rangers built a brand of hockey last year of playing “The Right Way” and this needs to continue. While we all may dream of Kreider scoring 50 goals and Nash putting up 100 points, this isn’t happening….yet. The Rangers must stick to their roots if they hope to be taking a trip up the Canyon Of Heroes in June. This will be especially harder after losing Pruster and Feds — two players that epitomize the style that Torts preaches.
4) The King: The Rangers have the best goalie on this planet, period. For those who watch all 82 games + playoffs, you know what we have in Hank. Despite our recent acquisitions, Henrik is the backbone of this team and if he can play his game, the Rangers are the favorite to win the cup.
5) Lockout: The NHL and NHLPA better not mess this up. If there is a lockout of any extended time, we will lose a lot of fans. The NHL came back from its last lockout as a better sport (don’t get me started on that skills competition that happens after overtime, though), but it will not be as fortunate this time around.
6) The Kids: I don’t need to list them all, but look at all of the young prospects we have on the roster. If this young core can play to 75 percent of its potential, look out NHL.
7) Predictions: The Rangers are going to be a force in this league for years to come. They are built for the future with the opportunity to win now. John Totorella is one of the best coaches in this league and I have the utmost confidence in him and his staff to bring the Rangers to glory. I predict that the Rangers will be fighting for the Presidents Trophy and finish first or fourth in the East. Once in the playoffs, the whole thing is up for grabs, but the Rangers’ skill and now, experience, will prove to be vital in our quest for Lord Stanley’s Cup. Recently, a lot of the Cup winners have been teams that were close the year before and used that experience to lift them the year after.
Rangers in 7 over the Kings.
8) Random Thoughts:
a. I’m very curious how the two-bowl configuration will work at The World’s Most Famous. Will The Garden be louder? How will this affect the secondary ticket prices?
b. If the Knicks implode, can the Rangers surpass them as the hottest ticket in town? Doubtful, but here’s to hoping.
c. To all of the fans that yell, “shoot” on the power play: The players want to score just as badly as you want them to. Yes, the power play hasn’t been a strong point, but do you know what happens when you shoot despite there being no shooting lane?
d. TV Timeouts: TV stations shouldn’t be cutting to a commercial break until the play is fully completed. This includes all scrums after the whistle and the announcement of any penalty calls. There is nothing more frustrating than having to wait out a commercial break for something that already happened.
e. Eliminate the shootout. As has been well documented on this site, the shootout has to go. Want to make it more exciting? Have a 4 v 4 overtime and then a 3 v 3 overtime. If no one scores by then, the game should end in a tie.
f. Thank you for this opportunity, Carp. I believe this to be the best Rangers blog on the internet and it is an honor and privilege to contribute.
134 Comments
Great stuff, Corey. Agreed on most, eespecially #2. Diasagree with #8b…if the Rangers are great, isnt that all that matters? No reason to care if they make the backpages or become hottest ticket in town.
Awesome post. Regarding #2….fatigue.... Regarding making backpages and being hottest ticket in town. No thanks. I didnt really like the bandwagoning we saw during the playoff run.
Good morning, ‘heads!
Good work, Corey.
Cool post. I thirdly agree with mssrs. tiki and Lev, the less the Rangers are backpage news, the better. I can deal with bandwagon fans as a Yankee fan, but for some reason, I find it more difficult as a Ranger fan.
Not hockey related, but nice article in NY Post regarding American gymnast Aly Raisman and her tribute to the massacred Israeli athletes from 40 years ago that the international Olympic committee has strangely forgotten. G-d bless her.
They didn’t forget, Per. IOC strangely decided that the Opening Ceremony wasn’t an appropriate time to have a minute of silence.
Having said that, the famous movie “Munich” pretty much summarizes that if the initial violence triggers another one, it will never stop.
Good morning peeps,
Nice job corey. Here’s to the kids, the D, mr nash..and hopefully not being a team like the sharks were a few years ago that couldnt get over the hump
A little tidbit of what transpired yesterday at the NHL headquarters:
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/more_sports/nhl_still_waiting_for_players_proposal_4HejAzLSoLlzXlQZbteGxI
Are there Blogs that are not on the internet?
If this were a blog not on internet, it would be worst blog on the non internets.
Best thing said was “end the shootout.” It is a joke and an insult to true hockey fans.
lmgo, fatigue.
Good morning, Sally!
Great job, Corey (and George yesterday)!
Tort says this is the worst blog on internets free WiFi and OJ.
Hey guys, thanks for the comments! Really enjoyed writing this post and I hope to get the opportunity to do more this season. Go Rangers.
Shane Doan realizes that he’s over 35, right? He gets the rules for contracts for 35+ players…
Our health plan consists of one hour of free internet time to self diagnose.
I got diagnosed today with income deficit disorder. Anyone else have this disorder?
I do, Tiki. Mine is called “Insufficient Funds”
Tiki – there is a great song here: http://www.fatalfilm.com/music.html called “Insufficient Funds” It really describes the situation well.
Since the word blog came from “web log” there can’t be a blog not on the internet, can there?
Even though I don’t like the shootout, I would not like to see a 3 v 3. I don’t see what was wrong with the 4 v 4 and if nobody scores then it’s a tie.
I’m almost 99% sure – it is the worst blog on internet and out, therefore, as all evil, it still alive, while all others (good ones) are dead. Keep spitting into the soup.
What about if a Spider was writing the Blog in his Web?
Haha Manny. Ill check it out.
I think Carp needs to star kicking us all back 25 cents of the $2.50 he rakes in per post. If he does that, ill post every minute of the day.
Morning Carp! Good Job Corey.
Nash will live up to expectations. He is just as excited to be here, as the fans are of him. Can he bring more wins? Let’s hope so. Either way it is going to be a fun year of Ranger hockey, reguardless of when it starts. Just get it STARTED.
Nice to see 3 Ranger prospects still playing on the U20 team. In Gordie we Trust. Lots of Youth playing, and Lots of youth developing.
Sather still has money to spend. “Doan’s money” would be better off spent next year, or kept for a deal at the trade deadline. We are all in favor of 2 Years for $5M each, anything more would be Drury Dollars and Cap Space wasted. The Rangers might be farther ahead giving Miller/Thomas ice time vs. Dollars for Doan.
Kreider, Hags, McD, Del Zotto, Stepan, Staal, Sauer, and Bickel are all 25 and Under. This team has youth on its side, and will only get better as they all develope under Torts.
With this youth, Nash-Richards-Gaborik, and Henrik in the net. We are a World Class Team. Torts will keep them focused on the “next” game. The Cup will be there at the end.
kausatodayJeff Skinner lands a six-year extension. usat.ly/Mv2P2FHOCKEY News.
FIGURE SKATING news
Fatigue is the main reason I want the lockout to last all season….2013-14, we will be well rested…
some good thoughts corey nicely done.
itll be interesting to see how rick nash does playing the spotlight for the first time in his career.
yes he is a very good player but hes certainly not a proven playoff performer (i believe hes only been in the postseason once)
how will he handle the spotlight and pressure that comes with playing in a real hockey market? how will fans react if he does not measure up to the $7.8 million dollars? How will he react to the fans?
$7.8 million dollars for 6 more years is a lot of money.
the rangers can sure use some depth. to me they seem to be a few injuries away from struggling.
Great article! Really excited to see what Nash will bring to the team, though I’m still in tears about losing Prust
Carp how are the days with Mr Titleist? Any good rounds in?
We shot 17 under yesterday (4 man scramble) It was a good day with Mr. Titleist. Nothing better than work golf. . . . . . Unless you get paid to watch the Rangers :)
You cant say whether Nash is a playoff performer or not because the sample size is just too small but there’s no question he can handle the big stage putting up 11 points in 9 games for Canada at the 2007 WC. 13 points in 9 games in 2008. 5 points in 7 Olympic games in 2010 and 5 points in 7 games at last years WC. He will do more than fine here. I just hope the first game he plays at MSG he will get a much more welcoming message from NYR fans than “WE DONT WANT YOU.” I remember how most of us here were embarrassed that night by the fans reaction to him. He didnt seem to get bothered by it too much, if at all, which speaks volumes about his character/confidence too.
http://bluelinestation.com/2012/08/08/grading-glen-sather/
Nash and Kreider will both help on the Shoot out!!! Hank is almost unbeatable. I say keep the shoot out.
Sioux – I agree re: shootot…. In fact, scrap the game and go 60 minutes of the SO. It would turn a boring up and down the ice sport into pure excitement.
Is Nash any good at Golf?
One would hope so….plenty of nice golf courses in Ohio…and, it’s not like he’s been playing anytime in the postseason in his career…
imagine CBJ win the cup this year with Dubi and AA leading the way while NYR miss the playoffs?
I’ll paint myself blue and legally change my name to “Dublowsky” if that happens…
http://www.gocomics.com/getfuzzy
This is really funny, a bonehead sent this to me because it made her instantly think of me :)
“I just blue myself.”
Lev
Arguable how big a stage the World Championships are (at least in the early stages), so Nash’s sample size of “big” games still isn’t “big”.
(But I don’t subscribe to the theory of big game players anyway…)
I agree that Nash’s “big stage” experience is very small even if early stages of the World Championships are included.
“Big game” players is different from “big stage” players. And there are players that simply cant hack it in New York, or Boston, or other cities whose fans demand success from their teams.
“Bad news, Michael, I am afraid that I am no longer an understudy for the Blue Man Group. It seems that we have parted ways.”
the olympics and WC is a completely different game than the SC playoffs.
Not only does the SC finals follow a 82 game reg season
both international tournaments are short tournaments with less physical play and bigger ice.
and once you are in the knock out stage its a one game series. cant compare the two.
Also putting up points on team canada really doesnt mean too too much. its team canada.
i never said hes not a playoff performer, all im saying is that its to be seen.
there are players that just perform better in the playoffs. the SC playoffs is a completely different game.
“We Dont Want You” was Rangers fans sending a message to management, not to Nash. And also trying to exhibit the usual NY wit. He will be welcomed with open arms, and he will do very well here. This may be a big stage but in terms of hockey it is nothign compared to the Canadian cities. Hockey is sport #4 around here at best.
Also, the ice size is pretty absurdly different.
Sorry, eric. You covered that.
Make it stop. Please make it stop
When is your post coming up, Guest Bloggers Stink?
Good afternoon, Carp!
“Tobias, you blowhard!”
Yes, Sally! Finally!
“Don’t leave your Uncle T-bag hanging!”
“Do you have something that says ‘Daddy likes leather?’”
“Michael, you are quite the cupid. You can stick an arrow in my buttocks any time.”
“Excuse me, do these effectively hide my thunder?”
“Si! The Cornballer!”
“Ooh, I can taste those meaty, leading man parts in my mouth!”
“OH MY GOD WE’RE HAVING A FIRE!”
“It wasn’t really the pronunciation that bothered me.”
”...Sale”
.......Sale.”
Manny, http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/08/07/arrested-development-jason-bateman-tweets-photo/
It’s happening!
Pop-Pop gets a Grisham?
”...And ‘Operation Hot Mother’ was underway…”
“Teamocil may cause numbness of the extremities.”
wtf?
“So fill each one of these bags with some glitter, my photo resume, some candy, and a note.”
“If I didn’t have a live dove in my pants right now, I’d leap across the table and… ”
It’s pretty regular midday mishegas, CCCP. No coffee :-)
“I’m dating this Christian girl right now. She wants me to be honest and reconnect with my son. And I’m trying to get her to renounce God and [byfuglien] me, but I just want to prove to her that I’m worth it. ”
“Annyong.”
“You don’t cry when you take those off?”
mishegas lol
you got that one right
“This is starting to feel like a real career killer”
Manny’s one of us.
And I, I, was recommended for flush-hood! This place is in danger of being overrun with perversion and grammar school mentalities.
Lucille: Oh, George, I should have never doubted you. Even when you slept with my sister it was for a good reason.
George Sr.: Got her to stop drinking, didn’t it?
“I am going to trial because you don’t understand what a blooper reel is?”
“You lied to me… you said my FATHER was my father, but my UNCLE is my father. MY FATHER IS MY UNCLE.”
Uncle father Oscar.
“If this guy’s straight, then I’m sober.”
i dont mind perversion and grammar school mentalities…
“Oh sure, Lindsay. You’re a much better parent – no borders, no limits, oh go ahead, touch the Cornballer…”
“I am here to see the magic.”
“How many times I gotta tell this kid chicken wings?”
“One letter, titled “If you weren’t my cousin,” was particularly incriminating.”
“I know. But it’s an elephant and I didn’t want to invite the comparison.”
FAMILY LOVE MICHAEL.
“She’s not ” that Mexican,” Mom, she’s ” my Mexican.” And she’s Colombian or something.”
BWAHAHHAHAHA. Brilliant, Sally.
“No. These are the strippers. Look how hot they are.”
Youse are really, really out there today. Which is nice.
Good job Cory Heart!! Nice first blog entry!! You prob weren’t born yet , but Corey Heart was a singer in the 80’s.
Cory Haime..
Corey Hart is also a baseball player. I think he actually sang “I wear my sunglasses at night…” as a joke one year.
90+ comments in and no Steve Holt?
im so confused
Steve Holt – canadian musician?)
Steve Holt – guitarist for the band 36 Crazyfists?
Steve Holt – Arrested Development?
Stephen Holt – former field hockey defender and midfielder from Australia?
Fuggetaboutit!
Strictly for entertainment purpose and to generate and intensify some activity.
Trying to keep hockey-themed conversation, I made a “pseudo-scientific” attempt to (kind of) sort, categorize and put on shelves my personal emotions toward all the teams in the League. Here is My emotional hockey menu:
Team I love with passion: NYR
Teams I like: Red Wings, Vancouver Canucks, Tampa Bay Lightings
Teams I sympathize with (now): St. Louis Blues, Columbus Blue Jackets, Phoenix Coyotes, Carolina Hurricanes,Buffalo Sabers.
Teams I pay some elevated attention to: LA Kings, Chicago Blackhawks, Washington Capitals, Ottawa Senators.
Teams I am indifferent to: Dallas Stars, Winnipeg Jets, Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Preds, Anaheim Ducks, Florida Panthers, Edmonton, San Jose Sharks
Teams I actively dislike: NY Islanders, Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs
Teams I really hate: Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins
Team I hate with particular passion: NJ Devils
Feel free to express yours emotional ranks and thoughts…
Team I love with passion: NYR
Teams I like: Red Wings, Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames
Teams I sympathize with: Phoenix Coyotes, Montreal Canadiens (i just love the atmosphere in their arena. But i have no problem with them finishing 28th or wherever they did in the league last year)
Teams I pay some elevated attention to: LA Kings, Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Preds, Minnesota Wild
Teams I am indifferent to: Dallas Stars, Winnipeg Jets, Colorado Avalanche, Anaheim Ducks, Florida Panthers, Edmonton, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lighting, Washington Capitals,Buffalo Sabers,Columbus Blue Jackets, Ottawa Senators, Carolina Hurricanes, St. Louis Blues
Teams I actively dislike: NY Islanders, Boston Bruins
Teams I really hate: Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins
Team I hate with particular passion: NJ Devils
Candy Azz Teams: Hershey Bears, Syracuse Crunch
Easily Loveable Teams: Ducks, Penguins, Bruins
Disastrous Teams: Lightning, Hurricanes, Flames, Avalanche
Scary Teams: Sharks, Panthers
Truly Evil Teams: Predators, Devils, Lake Erie Monsters
Untrustworthy Teams: Senators, Coyotes
Most Melodious: St. Louis Blues
Devils can count as a Scary team, no? Stars can count as Disastrous, no?
lmgo, Walter … especially Senators.
4ever you should have done this as a guest post … good fodder for discussion.
Godfodder for discussion: Who was better, John Gotti, The Chin, or Marlon Brando? (sorry, I think I’m channeling E3 pimp’s angel)
And, don’t need to hear these anymore:
I’m a diehard fan
He’s Got a Tremendous Upside (hasn’t done much yet)
First Time, Long Time
Incredible! (anything just north of average)
Unbelievable! (ditto)
We Take it One Game at a Time (anyone ever say “we take it eight games at a time?)
He’s a Hockey Player! (Oh, that’s why he’s skating around out there)
He’s an Athlete!
He Came to Play Tonight!
They Wanted it More!
He Always Gives 110% (100% of anything is the max)
Put It In the Books
LOL @ “First Time, Long Time”
He didn’t miss by much.
Waiting for hockey announcer to say: “He could have had four or five goals tonight…if he had any talent.”
So the Yankees are not doing so well since they brought Ichiro…
Ichiro = chemistry killer!
“Oh boy…he’s really plugged in tonight”
“It’s a goal, Sam. It’s definitely a goal. I think it’s a goal.”
They were struggling prior to the arrival of Ichi. And shut it 3C! :)
Joe: “He’s a really good looking young player, isn’t he, Sam?”
Sam: “Yes, he is”
“That goal Sam, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is”
That was some save by Biron, wasn’t it Sam?
Yes, it was.
Biron really steps up when they call on him, doesn’t he Sam?
Yes, he does.
Joe: This is the worst blog on the internets, isn’t it, Sam?
Sam: Yes, it is.
Rod: I concur.
Hahaha!
Carp, whats your favorite italian food?
Good evening all! Belated congrats on post Corey….nice job. I think I need to catch up with Arrested Development…although, just being here is kinda the same thing….:)
Most hated : pens and flyers
Almost as most hated: devils, habs, and bruins
Used to hate a lot but no longer relevant: islanders
Joe : he has some really nice thighs doesn’t he Sam?
Sam: what?
Joe: look at those big firm legs, aren’t they nice Sam?
Joe: his groins sure do look sore Sam, dont they?
Sam: yes they do
Joe: they sure do look sore from here Sam, don’t they?
Sam: they sure do
Tiki: Yes.
Evening gang. Been reading but not commenting much as I have nada to offer.
I am devastated. My decade old ipod is dead, I fear :(
AND yes, it’s 10 years old. I like holding into things that still work, don’t break and that I already own.
ION, NYS soaked me for over $200 to re-register my car and get a new license. But at least I can go to Canada now! Stupid, greedy NYS though!
Joe: “That was your cold hand in my pants just now, wasn’t it?”
Sam: “Yes, it was”
Sorry, I wasn’t here…Are you replicated a dialog between Joe Micheletti and Sam Rosen?
4-ever – joe is a master of the Socratic method.
Howdy mickey… Hope all is well….
Hey Eddie. I’m good, actually. You?
Mickey – doing great, tired but otherwise all is good in my hood… Your pops continuing to mend?
Ive booked my flights to see the one, the only, the baby of the ilb!!
Tike – fly safely
Have to admit I was just laughing out loud reading today’s contributions. Good work.
I thought perversion and grammar school mentalities bother you, cooscoos
They do. I just think everyone ratcheted up a notch. Even you.
Was that a compliment? I don’t get it…