Rangers Report Blog

Hey all, Laurel here. Carp’s heading update at some point for more basketball, but since you asked, and St. Patrick’s Day is over after all, here’s a new slate with some pre-game notes. All I have time to cobble together now. If Papa can’t make game-time slate, I’ll pop back.

From the Rangers:
The Rangers conclude their seventh and final three-game homestand of the season tonight when they face-off against the St. Louis Blues at Madison Square Garden (7:00 p.m.), in their final meeting with a Western Conference opponent on the 2009-10 regular season schedule. The Blueshirts currently rank fourth in the Atlantic Division standings, and ninth in the Eastern Conference, with a record of 31-30-9 (71 pts.). The Rangers enter tonight’s contest having been defeated by the Montreal Canadiens, 3-1, on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden, and are now 10-4-2 vs. Northeast Division opponents this season. New York has registered a point in seven of their last 10 contests, posting a record of 5-3-2 (12 pts.) over the span, including a 2-1-2 mark in their last five games at MSG. The Blues enter the contest with a 32-28-9 (73 pts.) record to rank 11th in the Western Conference. Following tonight’s contest, the Rangers return to action on Sunday, Mar. 21, when they will face-off against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden (12:30 p.m.), in a matinee matchup between Original Six opponents.

Tonight’s game story

Rangers vs. Blues Pre-Game Notes
• The Rangers rank 25th in the NHL at home with a record of 15-16-6 (36 pts.) in 37 games; the Blues have posted a record of 20-11-4 (44 pts.) in 35 road games to rank fourth in the league.
• New York has posted a record of 1-3-1 vs. the Central Division; St. Louis has registered a 3-1-1 mark vs. the Atlantic Division.
• Henrik Lundqvist has posted a record of 0-1-0 with a 2.03 goals against average in one career regular season appearance vs. St. Louis.
• Marian Gaborik leads the team with 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points in 29 career regular season contests vs. St. Louis.

All Time – Rangers vs. Blues
Overall: 74-37-16-0
At MSG: 45-10-6-0
At St. Louis: 29-30-10-0

Hey all, Laurel filling in for post-game thread while poor Carp is digging out his cars, driveway and house, in the dark, with no food I assume, or water. Man, I feel so bad for him! And he traveled just to post here for you all! That’s why blogfather rules. I’m here in my warm, well-lit apartment, with wasted water due to a kitchen leak. No fair. Carp, we’re all with you here.

So, on to business. I missed most of the game so can’t give full analysis, but I did catch most of Aves’ stellar Aveness. Here’s one thing I think is funny. This story on Rangers site is all about my man, yet the picture is of Rozi. Yes, he got the PP, but huh?

Sorry, no post game notes/quotes yet, but Greg challenged me to put up a new thread, so here you go!

And thanks to MAKO, for this link to the Torts presser.

OK folks, mama here while Carp is on assignment. So sorry for the problems we’ve had today, and I hope this new post sets things right…Let me know! We think part of the problem may be that some of your creative fonts may have messed things up a bit (remember the tiny type and dash through problems a while ago?)

Yes, that’s our problem, not yours. But until we figure things out, stay pure in your typography. We’re at go time for the USA’s next victim. Who would you rather have, Fins or Czechs?

Well boneheads, not much more to add pre-game, and I’m going to settle in and watch (no TV timeouts!) so I’ll see ya all at intermission. It’s a good thing some of you are home…they’re closing the bars four hours early in Vancouver to prevent a lot of drunk and disorderliness…ah, the city that responded so well in 1994 :)

In my last official post before Carp returns, let me just say it’s once again been an honor and a blast heading up the week. Thanks to Carp for the opportunity, and to you all for your support. I’ll see ya in the comments section!

Ta!

Miller v. Canada update

• The Rangers recap — I think you’ll enjoy it.
• Here’s from nhl.com.
• As of this typing, nothing yet from Hockey Night in Canada.
• Aves’ tweet was clutch :) Thanks for sharing Ryan. As a total aside, check out #34 on Aves’ blog. Jealous!

Morning update post euphoria

At the risk of getting carp’d any moment now, here’s your line-up for today, all women. I’m pretty sure I have the times (EST) right.
USA V. Sweden, 3 p.m. USA
China v. Slovakia, 5 p.m. CNBC
Canada v. Findland, 8 p.m. CNBC
Switzerland v. Russia, 10 p.m. CNBC

And of course, tons more curling. USA takes on Canada at noon on USA.

Enjoy!

Yes, cheap, easy headline, but true nonetheless. Today we’re talking NHL-level hockey. I think if the prime minster of Canada went on air tonight to say the country was seceding to Russia, nobody would turn the channel up north.

It’s old news that USA is being declared the underdog — underage, underskilled, undersized — but hey, not to get all parochial here, but as the great American philosopher John Winger once said (adapted here for theme purposes), “We’re all dogfaces, we’re all very, very different, but there is one thing that we all have in common: we were all stupid enough to join the NHL. We’re mutants. There’s something wrong with us, something very, very wrong with us. Something seriously wrong with us – we’re hockey players. But we’re American hockey players! … Now we don’t have to worry about whether or not we practiced. We don’t have to worry about whether Captain Clutch wants to have us hung. All we have to do is to be the great American fighting hockey player that is inside each one of us. Now do what I do, and say what I say. And make me proud.”

Here’s your line-up for today:
Russia v. Czechs, 3 p.m. NBC (network, wow!)
USA v. Canada, 7:40 MSNBC (of course)
Hank v. Findland, midnight MSNBC

Here’s some pre-game reads.
• From nhl.com
• Two pieces on the “teammates become opponents/enemies” theme.
Perhaps I’ll be shown to be totally wrong (wouldn’t be the first time), but a part of me just doesn’t buy that one teammate is going to take out another in any serious way. Do you think a Ranger would really go for Gabby if it meant posing any risk? Well, we’ll see later I suppose.

And last, but not least:
Eleven, count ‘em, 11 curling games today! At noon, USA v. Canada women’s curling (MSNBC), the day’s underrated North American duel on ice. At 5, men take on Great Britain (CNBC)

I’ll probably put up a clean slate before the game tonight. Later…..

Post-game update:
Well Jagrites, today just wasn’t your day. Or, as nhl.com so gently put it, Ovi crushes Jagr. At least the Fighting Slovaks have a chance :)

Today’s Olympic line-up is all on MSNBC. Norway v. Switzerland at 3 p.m., Latvia v. the fighting Slovaks at 7:30, and Germany v. Belarus at midnight. And hooray for NBC! Two women’s semis games being played tomorrow (none USA), so they’re not on any channel line-up.

Now, since things seemed to have slowed down here a bit (I expect differently tomorrow, of course) we here at the Report figured that halfway through the Olympics, we’d check and see how things are going a bit closer to home. So here is your next guest blogger, Uncle Glennie himself. (Disclaimer: Uncle Glennie is a fictional character and not based on any person, living or dead).

(Admit it, you’ve been wondering where he’s been hiding this week :)

Uncle Glennie Sounds (a Little) Off

I know that sometimes the only way Ranger fans can tell I’m still alive is the faint aroma of expensive stogies, but today, exclusively for the Ranger’s Report, I was hoping to give you an update on the Rangers. Now, I can sum up the State of the Rangers in just two words: New York. No, really, check the map…

I’ve heard a lot of criticism regarding the big contracts that I have given to UFAs over the years. For example, take Brashear and his $2.8M two-year contract. Please? Somebody? Well, let me tell you, Brash is worth it. He doesn’t know the meaning of the word fear, but then again he doesn’t know the meaning of most words. Now about Redden’s $6.5 million a year for six years, do you know how many Jason Krogs and Christian Backmans that much money would buy? Look, if I didn’t pay so much for Rozival, Redden and Drury, there would be a hell of a lot more under-achieving players on this team. With the salary cap, those high contracts have really limited how many lousy, over-age players I’m able to acquire. And that’s GOT to be a good thing.

Another thing that’s starting to bug me — those “Fire Sather” chants when we’re losing. I wish I had a dollar for every chant I’ve heard this year. There’s 18,200 fans per game, times 41 home games, and they must chant it at least 4 times a game. That’s some 3 million chants in a year. Wait a minute, I AM getting a dollar each time someone yells “Fire Sather.” Keep it up Ranger Fans! I deserve a raise.

I will tell you this though; I’m getting fed up having to deal with New York newspaper reporters. Carpiniello, Brooks, Zipay, Gross…It’s always ‘The Rangers Lose Again,” “Rangers Held Scoreless.” “Glennie has lost his Touch.” It’s getting so bad, the news reporters are driving me to drink. These Press Shills are making me thirsty!

Speaking of drinking, while I was in my suite during that last Ranger game, I invented a new drink. It’s made of Stoli Vodka and prune juice. I call it a “Russian Thru©.” At least that’s how Muck described it after slamming half a dozen…And to our Russian speaking fans, (CCCP, ilb, MAKO, et al) I want to make a Russian toast— “Moio sudno na vozdušnoy poduške polno ugrey” — I hope I got it right, Anisimov taught it to me!

(singing) “Short people got no reason, to live…” Oh-oh! I know that ring tone — it’s Gary Bettman. Hello there, Czar, How are you and the little Czardine doing? You know, Colie Campbell…OK, so how long does Avery have to sit out this time? Oh. No? Then what did you call for? No thanks; the Rangers are NOT interested in playing in a New Year’s Day outdoor game. We have an agreement with Steinbrenner, we stay out of Yankee Stadium, and he stays out of MSG. If we DID agree to play would you call off those referee dogs of yours? Well, OK, if you say they’re not calling extra penalties on the Rangers, then I guess they’re not. Sure, and Fox News is fair and balanced. (click)

I notice there have been a few complaints about our scouting and drafting through the years. I have to admit it — some mistakes were made. (Not by me though.) Those responsible are long gone. So is the second group. The third bunch was demoted to Charlotte, and the fourth…gone after the Olympic roster freeze. Anyway, our newest Director of Player Personnel, Mr. Fudd, will bring us up to date on Ranger Scouting.

Fudd: Hewwo, Gwen. I just want to tell evwyone at the Wangers Weport that I have someone to share the dwafting wesponsibiwities — my fwend, Sylvester. After the Owimpics I’m going on the woad to weview the Cawowina Huwwicanes, and the Detwoit Wed Wings. Sylvester, where will you be?
Sylvester: I’m thhuppothed to th-ee the Than Ho-thay Tharkth, and the Thaint Louithh Bluthes thometime before thh-pring…
Glennie: You know, I think it would be better if you two switched assignments. Some days it’s just Looney Tunes around here…

Well Ranger Fans, I hope this little chat has put all your fears to rest. Remember: Doing a job right just gets the job done. Doing it half-assed for ten years guarantees you job security. As long as we still barely make the playoffs and sell out Madison Square Garden, my job is safe. Then Junior can concentrate on HIS job — killing the Knicks.

Forever Yours, (and it really looks that way)

Uncle Gwennie
(That damn Fudd! Now he’s got me doing it…)

Afternoon update:

You asked for it, you got it. Lots of curling today! Sorry I don’t know the channel, but it’s a good guess that it’s USA, because USA women take on Great Britain at 5 p.m. ET. I know you’re going to watch :)

Early evening update:

I admit it, I’m not going to be around for the fighting Slovaks at midnight. But here’s your Swiss v. Norway recap.Vikingstad got Ducked!

Olli v. Hank four years ago.

Curling: Men won one! I didn’t see, did they pull that final end guy? Must have, they won. Women still playing….

Miracle on Ice, per Craig Patrick. (That was such a good year!)

So, how’s everyone feeling about meeting up with Crosby on Sunday? I love how in this recap of last night’s near miss against Switzerland, they call the shootout a skills competition.
And those Slovaks! Maybe they purposely scheduled back-to-back games after all?

…And sometimes it rains, right AO? Here’s his take: “No, we don’t worry about goals. The goals are coming. We just have to do a more simple game, more simple plays. But, it happens. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.”—Alex Ovechkin

Here’s your line-up for today, all men:
Belarus v. (not Hank) and Sweden, 3 p.m. MSNBC
Czechs v. Latvia, 7:30 p.m. CNBC
Finland v. Germany, midnight MSNBC

Afternoon update:

It seems we may not be having these same discussions in 2014. Your thoughts on the NHL possibly passing on the 2014 games. I think I’ve made my opinion clear on this subject.

Update 2

OK, and now a little distraction from my earlier stupidity today. Carp got this before he left and saved it for mama on a slow day. Or for when she needs to pay closer attention to what the heck she’s doing. Who’s glad it’s Friday! From Stadium Journey, a site that publishes reviews of pro and college sports venues. Here’s their take on the World’s Greatest Arena.

TGIF update
Here’s your recap on Sweden’s escape. Enjoy your end of week night, but be careful out there! Tomorrow’s update all set to go…who shall be the new Mandlebaum?

Latish night update (update)

• Sally, this Zetterberg interview is for you.
• Marty speaks. Uh oh.
• Richter speaks. Miss you!
• Jagr v. Latvia recap. “Jagr has gotten better and better with each period.” Did you catch his post-game interview with JM? I’ll try to find tomorrow and post. But in the meantime, byfuglien :) He looked liked he was not unhappy to be in KHL and avoid that chat … just a thought :)

• Jagr speaks

Do you guys ever sleep? Lots going on today, and a lot to catch up on from yesterday, so here’s your line-up, and some reading material to keep you occupied until this afternoon, especially for those who didn’t stay up until dawn debating Jagr. If needed, I’ll put up a clean slate for the opening game.

USA v. Norway (men), 3 p.m. USA
USA v. Finland (women), 5:30 p.m. MSNBC
Switzerland v. Canada (men), 7:30 p.m. CNBC
China v. Russia (women), 10 p.m. CNBC
Slovakia v. Russia (men), midnight, CNBC

• Gabby’s unexpected return. Some more on that.
• USA v. Norway
• Jagr clocks Slovaks
• Post-game interview with the shut-out King
• Marty in or out?

Post men’s win update:

I give you this free of comment, as I’m sure you’ll have your own. From the Rangers’ site:

“Rangers captain Chris Drury and alternate captain Ryan Callahan had a big hand in Thursday’s U.S. victory, as Drury scored the eventual game-winner off an assist from Callahan to give the Americans a 2-0 lead at 13:04 of the first period…
Drury and Callahan scored their goal—and played some of their best hockey on a line with David Backes of the St. Louis Blues. Drury, whose ice time increased with his offensive contributions, also played on a line with Backes and Anaheim’s Bobby Ryan.”
Full story here.

And the nhl.com wrap-up.

Good morning Sally and all! Here’s your game line-up for today, featuring two of your New York Rangers. Should have been three, but Gabby’s still sidelined, now for three games as per Gross. I feel bad he’s missing the Olympics, but not so bad if he’s properly healed by the break’s end, and at least he’s not missing any Ranger games.
Olli takes on Belarus at 3 p.m. on USA.
Hank takes on Germany at 7:30 on CNBC.
Slovaks v. Czechs at midnight on CNBC.

Some side tidbits:
• According to nhl.com, Parise is USA’s “secret weapon.” Your thoughts?
• Here’s an interview with AO after yesterday’s men’s Russian root.
• And a recap of the women’s eventual mercy on Russia.

And finally, what is hopefully the last word on that MSG “mariage proposal,” from Gross:

“A third source has shed some more light on the much-talked-about fake marriage proposal during the Rangers 5-2 win over the Lightning on Sunday. The third source confirmed what the first two sources said Sunday; that it was a hoax. However, the third source said today that the “couple,” “Nick and Melissa” were actually actors hired from an agency and that it was meant as in-game entertainment. So the Rangers and the Madison Square Garden people knew all about this, which, to be fair, is different from what I heard Sunday. At first I was told they were a real-life couple who decided to do this on their own to generate some publicity for themselves and that the Rangers and the Garden did not know about it.

By now, almost everybody has seen the video of the “Blueshirt Bride” proposal from “Nick,” with “Melissa” covering her mouth, looking somewhat angrily at “Nick” and then storming out with “Nick” following. It’s actually on The Huffington Post sports page with a link to this blog.

Essentially, this is just something that got out of hand once the Lightning television crew actually put some of the proposal on their broadcast of the game, which is how it got up on YouTube so quickly. Having been there, it was funny and it did get the Garden crowd buzzing. But there might be some Garden officials second-guessing themselves at this point.”

Post Finland Update

Here’s the Hank v. Germany preview from nhl.com. NHL players per team: Germany 7; Sweden 19.

Everyone can go back to using only one A per word now when needed.

Post Hank Update

I like the Rangers headline best, “A Royal Shutout,” with a refer to the King. Nhl.com has to be unbiased I guess, but they offered “Stifling Swedes.”

Anyway, here’s the links to their stories. Rangers, and nhl.com

See you all tomorrow.

OK all, here’s what you’ve been drooling for since Sunday, after what feels like my two longest days on earth. It’s time for Olympic hockey, featuring your New York Rangers and a bunch of other guys.
Here’s a preview of the match-up from nhl.com.

As we gear up for these games, did you realize this is the 30th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice team? Thirty! While I try not to remember how young and spry I was back then, and how much more hair Brooks and Carp had on their heads, here’s a thought. One reason that was such a spectacular run…totally ammie-ville. Pro free. I miss those days. (P.S. Switzerland has 2 NHL guys on their squad this year compared to 23 for USA).
You can catch up on the game recaps from that splendid era starting here.

As I noted earlier, work’s going to keep me, and probably other folks, out of the loop, so give your Report-worthy best here in our absence. Later!

Post-game update (stories, not notes, and no quotes:)

Here’s the start of the story from the Rangers site:

Rangers captain Chris Drury, alternate captain Ryan Callahan and head coach John Tortorella were all part of a Team USA squad that got off to a very strong start in Tuesday afternoon’s opening game of the 2010 Olympic men’s hockey tournament.

The Americans dominated Switzerland in a 3-1 victory to start round-robin play in Group A. Drury and Callahan, both significant contributors to the team’s fourth line, and Tortorella, a U.S. assistant coach, can now look forward to being even heavier favorites in their next game against Norway on Thursday afternoon.

Here’s the rest.

And here’s the nhl.com piece.