Glad that’s over. The NHL will be thrilled—and Gary Bettman clearly was, bogarting the stage as NHL Network’s first interview on the never-ending post-game show—because it made a ton of money, got a zillion eyeballs to watch, sold a gazillion pieces of merchandise. But the all-Philadelphia presentation of the Hyper… Read More →
It will be fun seeing some of the old-timers back in uniform. Not sure it’s two and a half hours worth of fun. I’m sure some of the players will be mic’d up and no doubt interviewed while on the bench. I just hope that the broadcast doesn’t become more… Read More →
So Sean Avery is Connecticut (AHL) bound again. He cleared waivers at noon. Apparently, the Islanders didn’t agree with some of the b.s. we may have read or heard about what a bounty it would be to grab Avery at a discounted price. Making that, how many times now that… Read More →
This is what’s special about this team. The most hyped game they have played in years, if not decades, coming up next, a bad loss in the game previous. I know some of you guys worried about this being a trap game during the live chat yesterday and we talked… Read More →
Game 35. First of three in a row on the road for your first-place boys, on a five-game winning streak. A 7:30 start for Versus (exclusive telecast). Followed by episode 3 of “24/7” at 10, and replayed at 11, on HBO. (Nine more days before I can cancel my HBO!).... Read More →
First place in the East. Five straight wins. Top two or three in team defense. Fewest losses in the whole freakin’ National Hockey League. And your New York Rangers really haven’t nearly hit their stride or been nearly 100 percent healthy yet. ‘Nuff said. Thoughts: 1) Seven goals allowed in… Read More →
Game 34. Rematch of Thursday’s 4-2 Rangers win. Ya boys on a four-game winning streak. With Boston idle tonight, the Rangers could move into first place in the East with a victory. Same lineup, other than Henrik Lundqvist in goal (Martin Biron beat the Islanders Thursday) and probably Jeff Woywitka… Read More →
Well, that was about as wild as it gets. Not one for the archives in terms of how to play, or how to win. But, wow, was that a finish. I am racking the rusty rolodex between my ears trying to remember a similar game, and I’m sure there was… Read More →
Thoughts: 1) The Rangers don’t usually get out hit and outmuscled, but they sure did in the first period and they definitely did on the first goal … even if there was an illegal pick there. I thought they lost about four physical battles on that shift. 2) And from… Read More →
This was the lead to my story in The Journal News and on LoHud.com about last night’s game: Get ready, hockey fans. The NHL is going to shove more nights like this down your throats with realignment. More non-conference games, more games with zero playoff implications. Less passion. Quieter arenas…. Read More →
No pre-gamer with John Tortorella because he addressed the unwashed masses after the morning skate today. This is standard procedure. It’s always one or the other. So no new news, really. Same lineup tonight, which means Sean Avery is prucha’d (unleash the blog traffic) while Erik Christensen gets a sweater… Read More →
Not going to get all wrapped up in who did what on a lopsided scoresheet, though I’m sure you all enjoyed the heck out of it, and you should have. Instead, how about numbers?: 17-6-4, second best record in the improving East and fewest regulation losses in the NHL; 8-2-2… Read More →
Very nice way to end a two-game losing streak and a very complete win over the Baby Buffaloes for No. 2,500 in franchise history, for No. 4 in a row on the road, No. 13 in the last 17 games overall. Right back at it tonight against the Cats (7:30… Read More →
So, instead of working today between noon and 1, or so, act busy, look annoyed, and join us for a Live Chat right here. Again, please bring questions/comments early, and don’t get annoyed if I can’t retort to each one because last time I was overwhelmed by the response. But… Read More →
So, I guess we can say this streak isn’t a fluke, right? I mean, the Rangers have won games by dominating, won games when they were less than dominating, won games protecting leads, won games by coming from behind. They have gotten up for the big teams, haven’t let down… Read More →
You know what? That was an imperfect game against a struggling team. OK, given. But that’s a good, good win. That’s a tough game to be the road team, with the coaching change and the feelings of getting the popular coach fired, and the new coaches on the bench. And… Read More →
This is as well as the Rangers have played in any three-game stretch this season, includng the seven-game winning streak … all against good Eastern teams. And I still don’t think they’ve nearly hit their stride, even at 10-2 in the last 12 and 7-0 in the last seven at… Read More →
Thoughts: 1) I don’t believe most staged fights serve any purpose. But when two rival teams get together, or when there is an axe to grind, and two guys go at it right off the first draw, well, that does set a tone. 2) Brandon Prust is certainly willing, and… Read More →
First and foremost, Happy Thanksgiving. Hope you get to spend it with people who are more important to you than the Rangers are. Be thankful for what’s really important. And here’s a little piece of info for you: The Winter Classic jerseys aren’t going to be white. They’re going to… Read More →
Last night’s game shows how much parity there is in the league, and how difficult it is to win on any given night. Here were the Islanders, skidding to oblivion, unable to score, exhausted from a one-game trip to the Pacific Northwest (Seinfeld reference), and not playing particularly well in… Read More →
