WE'RE IN THE WIN COLUMN

"I know everyone is writing up their Season Recaps and taking a break from hockey, but it's not going to happen here"

This quote was from our season-ending wrap-up last April and as you noticed if you followed us this summer, we failed as a Ranger website. I'd like to apologize about that up front. This was our first year doing a full time hockey blog and I guess I underestimated how difficult it would be to stay interested in hockey when girls were walking around Manhattan in skimpy sundresses, the team was training in Europe and the Yankees were battling for a Pennant.

But now a slight nip in the air has begun to shred this comfortable Indian Summer, emails about men's league hockey have commenced, the renovations to the Garden are almost complete, and my hatred of the Red Sox has transitioned into a disdain for the Flyers, and the Devils, and the Penguins and the Islanders and any other team that stands in the way of a winning New York Rangers 2011-12 season!

And since the Blueshirts finally grabbed their first W, we can exhale and kick into gear here at The Brigade.

1) Lundqvist. PHENOMENAL effort and execution last night in Vancouver stopping multiple-scoring chance barrages for the shut out. We came out soft on our attack, but going into the 3rd tied at zero gave everyone the confidence we could pull this out.

2) Penalties. WTF? They completely kill our flow, and probably cost us the Islander game. By the way, did anyone else feel Torts' 10 pushup punishment was a little soft for this team's utter lack of discipline? I usually rip off at least a set of 25 while I wait for my morning toast to brown.

3) Del Z and Mc D. Both of these guys impressed me last night. Obviously Mc D had a big game with his give-and-go goal with Dubi and that unbelievable individual effort on Gaborik's tap in, but how 'bout Michael Del Zotto? The kid--and he is just a kid--recovers from a Sophomore slump spent mostly in Hartford after a highly touted rookie season as a 19 year-old and comes into the campaign this year with a humble, workhorse attitude to shoulder some big minutes while Staal is out. Despite getting burned outside/inside on a 3-on-2 he made some big plays defensively, and of course his offensive instincts got the Blueshirts on the board (Rupp slammed in the rebound on a Del Z slapper) to catapult a huge 3rd period.

Obviously the Rangers haven't scored a PP goal yet, so I can't truthfully say he's bringing a lot to the table in a man-up situation, but seeing the way he moved the puck with Richards in Vancouver was encouraging.

4) Powerplay. Speaking of which, we're O-fer. As usual our PP struggles to capitalize, but I think we've been getting good chances. I like how the puck moves across the blueline and then hits the opposite winger cutting in from the outer hashmarks through the high slot (last night it was Step). Seems like that lane stays open when other teams are aggressive to our points and it should provide some good scoring chances. I'd like to see us a little crisper along the wall with our decision making, but I think that will come.

5) Share The Wealth Last year the Rangers' production was pretty well-rounded and it proved essential because Gaborik had an off year and Prospal was hurt most of the season. This year, Gaborik is off to a much better start (3 goals in 4 games AND sunk a breakaway, finally) so if we can round out that scoring we may get that lethal Ranger 1-2-3 punch we've dreamed about. Glad to see Dubi, Prust, Feds and Boyle get on the scoresheet last night.

6) Enthusiasm. We've lacked it, but last night's 3rd period was as enthusiastic as I've been this season as a fan, and it's as enthusiastic as I've seen the squad. Big chance to pick up points tonight against Calgary and Saturday in Edmonton so let's pack the party bus for Alberta and work up another Win.