Sorry, there were some logistical situations in this arena, so I didn’t have a chance to talk to a lot of players. I did get this remark from Henrik Lundqvist on the save Stu Bickel made. Lundqvist said he lost the puck for a moment and added, “That was a… Read More →
Thoughts: 1) Oh, Captain. Ryan Callahan set a tone early, as usual, found a way to score an uglier-than-hell goal—and he’s made that an art form—and helped will his team to victory. I know, that’s a bit dramatic, because he sure wasn’t alone. You’d have a tough time finding anybody… Read More →
************************************************* FORWARDS: Ottawa’s known as a skill and finesse team, and that is certainly true of its first line. Jason Spezza scored 34-50-84, Milan Michalek had 35-25-60, and captain Daniel Alfredsson (who has scored more points — 1,082 — than any active player who hasn’t won the Stanley Cup,... Read More →
Happy Easter. In case you fell asleep, Vancouver won the Presidents’ Trophy by beating Edmonton. Big whoop. These are the first-round matchups, with the schedules to be announced today at 1 p.m. Since it’s a holiday, I doubt I’ll be interested at that hour, so youse will have to rely… Read More →
Thoughts: 1) They still have a bunch of stuff to clean up, and still plenty of time to do it. I don’t think there’s any doubt about it. But I have this feeling, and it’s just a feeling based on what I’ve seen from this team, and what I’ve seen… Read More →
Good to see that, after two pretty good wins over two pretty good teams, all it takes is a game in which a couple of mistakes turn into a loss against a desperate team playing well in front of a good goalie to return the panic level. Blame, blame, blame… Read More →
Thoughts: 1) I have maintained that the synchronized fights are kind of silly and stupid, and most of the time they are. So I guess I’m a hypocrite and an imbecile … though I have also said that it’s different in a big rivalry game, and it’s different when there’s… Read More →
First and foremost, thanks again to Carp for giving me the opportunity to take his place in the lineup for this game. There have been numerous occasions this season in which the Rangers goaltending has been the difference. Tonight, the tables were turned. Semyon Varlamov was a brick wall in… Read More →
Thoughts: 1) That is the best team in the East, no doubt at all, with the best skill, a goalie who can get hot and stay hot, and a team that can play it rough and nasty, or any which way, and on an absolute roll. And Kris Letang… Read More →
Thoughts: 1) I could not have dreamed the Rangers would be where they are without Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik paying on the first line together all year. Imagine if this works now? Imagine if the Rangers finally have that legit first-line with two proven first-line players and a rookie… Read More →
Thoughts: 1) I did a lot of kidding the last few days about “Must-win” games and I really don’t believe there are any such things until you get to a game you really must win, like Game 82 the last two seasons, and Game 5 against Washington last spring. That… Read More →
A Tough Night in Chi-Town. Thoughts: 1) Welp, it’s official. Your 2011-2012 Rangers have finally hit a slump. First time this season the Rangers have lost 3 in a row in regulation. It was bound to happen. We all know every team has that one time of the year when… Read More →
Thoughts: 1) Sixteen regulation losses in 65 games. So please don’t go Full Chicken Little today. Though I’m sure some of you will, and some of you, in the back of your warped little minds, are finding some “told you so” satisfaction of the first regulation loss in six games,... Read More →
Without arguably their two most valuable players and leaders, the Rangers just chug along. Then they have to come from behind, have guys benched and banged up during the game. Doesn’t matter. No problem. Thoughts: 1) Martin Biron needed a good game, and let’s be honest, the Rangers needed him… Read More →
Thoughts: 1) How the byfuglien are the Byfuglien-less Blackhawks where they are? … and how did they lose nine in a row? … Not that they were great in this game. They sure weren’t. They got a bunch of gifts in the first period, the benefit of some calls, a… Read More →
Game 55. The Eastern leaders vs. the defending champs. Ya boys are 4-1 vs. the Bruins the last two seasons, including 1-0 this year (in Boston). The Rangers have won three in a row, are 7-1-1 in their last nine. Boston is 2-3 in its last five, including a shootout… Read More →
First the news. Ryan McDonagh said he’s not worried about his left knee at all. He said it’s an injury he’s had in the past where the kneecap tweaks and there’s some pain but it subsides. He also got the Broadway Hat for the first time this year—hard to believe… Read More →
Game 53. Fifth of the season against the Flyers. The Rangers have won the first four … but none of them in the Arena That Changes Names Every Five Minutes … three at MSG and one at Citizens Bank Ballpark. The Rangers are 6-0 in the last six meetings going… Read More →
The contest is still open until “It’s Go Time!” is posted around 6:30. But all contest entries must be posted in the previous thread. DO NOT POST PREDICTIONS IN THIS THREAD. Steve Eminger returns tonight. Stu Bickel is scratched. Martin Biron in goal. Artem Anisimov is not bringing his gun…. Read More →
Game 51. The ticket contest is now closed. No more entries. Thanks for playing and good luck. Rangers play the Devils for the second time in eight days—so I offer this warning to Henrik Lundqvist, who didn’t start in the previous meeting: Watch out for the bounces off the glass… Read More →
