Stepanwolf Hunts Down Extra Point in Overtime, Rangers Hold On To Victory

Star of Anise takes flight after a tie-breaker tally when the Rangers failed to convert on a long 5 on 3 PP

MSG Network is back on television so the Brigade can continue--Thank You Jeremy Lin. Do you think this letter affected the stalemate at all? Haha I was at the game against Columbus last night (to scout Nash) and let me tell you, the best player on the ice...was Michael Del Zotto. I love where this kid's game is heading right now, though I've been a supporter for the last 3 seasons. He's tougher this year, more disciplined, and is showing signs of another impressive Rangers' offensive defenseman, cup-winner Sergei Zubov. Aside from dominating the Overtime sesh, MdZ was a beast all game and also dominated the last shift of the 2nd period where he broke up 2 plays in the defensive zone then sprinted into the rush as the 3rd man high with Step and Cally and "scored" on Mason, even though it "didn't count". Apparently the MSG network clock and the MSG arena clock were not synced so even though everyone saw the puck in the net with .1 of a second remaining, the official clock was at 0.0. No goal.

Rick Nash--True story, before we signed Richards, Nash was the big signing/trade I hoped the Rangers would make. He's big, a sniper, low-maintenance (ego-wise, not contract wise) and has fantastic numbers against Henrik Lundqvist, which is my measuring stick of how good a player is in the NHL. If you remember Nick Antropov I would say Nash is similar in that they are 2 big players with sniper hands. Nash is definitely much better, but there was something recognizable about Antropov's ease when sniping on the powerplay that is undeniable. Some players have it, others never will. Antropov has it. Nash has bundles more of it. Who would turn him down? The answer is probably no one, but the more important question is what do I have to give up to get him? With the way the Rangers are playing for each other this year, it's hard to say you'd give up anyone. Dubinsky is obviously a name that is being thrown around. He held out to sign a bigger contract and has only put up 6 goals this year. If you could trade one for one with Columbus, sure it would be crazy not to pull the trigger. The thing is, Columbus would be crazy to settle for Dubinsky, even if they like him. Watching the game last night it was clear that Columbus has no one. Jeff Carter is practically invisible, Prospal and Vermette are non-factors. Nash is the franchise. So to take Dubinsky (with his 6 goals and most likely bitter attitude) is a horrible move for the Jackets. To unload Nash they need to get a huge package in return because they'll have to rebuild. And if you're Columbus, you'd like to rebuild with some of the prize Ranger possessions like Del Zotto, McDonagh, Step, Hagelin, or some of their 1st round picks like Kreider or JT Miller.

I wasn't wildly impressed with Nash last night, despite the PP goal to tie the game--which I admit, was clutch. I've been way more impressed with him in past tilts against the Rangers (his hat trick against Lundqvist last year comes to mind, his breakaway dominance in particular.) To be fair, I wasn't impressed with Dubinsky either. I thought he would've met the rumors head-on by going out there and nailing Nash on his first shift (but it was actually Captain Cally who did that)--making a statement that he deserves to be here for this postseason. But instead he looked nervous, timid, and probably affected by all the trade talks. Also he missed a wide open chance in front in the 3rd period and kind of blew the coverage on Nash on the game tying goal. Still, I like Dubi--he's not the most talented player, but he has heart and he works hard. But I think his days as a new york ranger are unfortunately numbered. And that probably wouldn't be the case if he had 20 goals right now, but he has 6. Open season, my dude. Sorry.

One thing that concerns me about jumping for big fish at the deadline is in the last 10 or 15 years can you remember one blockbuster deal at the deadline that led to a Stanley Cup? No. It's all role players. The expectation that comes with a blockbuster deal can backfire big time, but on the other hand, the Rangers have a set identity, so in a way, Nash is like a role player. If we can make the deal with minimal damage to our roster (current or future) it's a smart move, but it sucked to hear "We Don't Want Him" chants last night from the Garden Faithful when a main reason for our success this year has been our improved home record. Still, that would change if Nash puts up numbers.

Dear Time Warner Cable, The Dolan Family and MSG Network Executives:

FUCK YOU!!!





YOU FAT, CORPORATE SCUM, GREEDY EVIL BASTARDS MAKE ME SICK. YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT YOUR CUSTOMERS, YOU JUST CARE ABOUT SQUEEZING AS MANY DOLLARS OUT OF HARD-WORKING PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE. I HAVE PUT UP WITH EXACTLY 31 DAYS--1 MONTH!!--OF RANGER GAMES BEING BLACKED OUT WHILE YOU "NEGOTIATE" THIS CONTRACT AND THAT IS AN ABSOLUTE DISGRACE. THE RANGERS ARE IN 1ST PLACE! I LIVE IN NYC! DENYING YOUR OWN CUSTOMERS ACCESS TO THEIR LOCAL TEAM AS A MEANS TO LEVERAGE POWER IN A TELEVISION CONTRACT DISPUTE IS PATHETIC AND INSULTING. I HOPE YOUR ENTIRE INFRASTRUCTURE CRUMBLES TO ONLINE PIRACY AND FREE STREAMING. YOU WILL HAVE NO ONE TO BLAME BUT YOURSELVES YOU MISERABLE, FAT SACK, BLOODSUCKERS.

WHAT IS ALMOST WORSE THAN PULLING THE MSG NETWORK DURING THIS DEBACLE IS SENDING OUT LETTERS AND EMAILS AND PLACING ADVERTISEMENTS STATING THAT YOU "ARE SPORTS FANS TOO" AND YOU "EMPATHIZE WITH THE FRUSTRATING PREDICAMENT OF YOUR CUSTOMERS". I AM A RANGERS FAN. YOUR CUSTOMERS IN NYC ARE SPORTS FANS. YOU CLEARLY ARE NOT. SO AS FAR AS IM CONCERNED WE HAVE NOTHING IN COMMON. IN FACT I HOPE YOU ROT IN THE PITS OF YOUR SOULLESS HELL AND YOUR CHILDREN GROW UP UNRELENTINGLY ASHAMED OF YOU.

TAKE YOUR POWER TRIP AND SHOVE IT UP YOUR ASS

SINCERELY,
RICH BAIOCCO

FAITHFUL BLUESHIRT FAN

The Gang Gets Classic

B. Radical:: Clutch


What a game! So many great storylines:

24/7 buildup.

Tight standings between these 2 teams.

Staal's return.

Rupp ribs Jagr with some gamesmanship antics.

Jagr injured in the 2nd period.

Dubi and Cally combine for 21 HITS!

Richards proves he is a clutch performer (actually he's been doing that all year, doubters...6 GWGs. Leads the league)

Lundqvist stops a penalty shot with 19 seconds remaining in the game.

Bottom line: Our jerseys were better. Our team identity was stronger. Our goaltending was more secure. And we battled through the elements and 'disgusting' officiating to score 3 unanswered goals on the road for the win.

Turning Point of the game: Mike Rupp responds to the Flyers 2-0 lead late in the 2nd by firing a wristshot past Bobrovsky's blocker on a nice dish from Prust. The timing of this play was clutch as the Flyers were beginning to pour it on with 2 quick goals in the second after Lundqvist made key breakaway saves on both Giroux and Jagr in the first.


Rupper notched the tying goal early in the 3rd, catching Bobrovsky leaning and sneaking a hard snapper short side off his elbow and into the net. Don't let his 4th line status fool you, Rupp is a big game player. This was his 2nd Winter Classic and, oh yeah, he scored the cup clinching goal for the Devils in 2003.


And of course it comes down to Lundqvist, who stood his ground against the always dangerous Danny Briere. You know Hank was thinking of payback after that game 82 shootout loss two seasons ago to Philly. Not this year. Bow to the King.

On the officiating towards the end of the game--of course the league wanted overtime. Especially with the home team having a chance to tie it up. I couldn't believe the Callahan call, I thought Capt was going to charge that ref straight through the boards. Holding the stick? Oh you mean wrenching it free from his clavicle? Sure. The actual penalty shot call was close. I thought McDonagh punched at the puck rather than close his hand on it, but whatever. We sustained the onslaught and earned the 2 points. Victory hasn't tasted sweeter for this club!

Great event overall, even though it would've made better sense from a marketing perspective to have the game at Yankee Stadium, which is a much more historic ballpark than Citizen's Bank. I guess the Steinbrenner's wanted college football instead. Must've thought it would be a bigger draw. Rutgers? doubt it.

**My pick for next year's Winter Classic is St. Louis v. The Red Wings in Motown.**Let it be known. Leave your pick in the comment section.

Rangers Ice Devils in Jersey

King Henrik Outplays Marty Brodeur Yet Again


Despite being depleted by injuries on defense, the Rangers used grit and determination (and Lundqvist) to keep the game close going into the 3rd period when their offense kicked in. As Hank kicked out pucks and took some of the Devils' best chances from Kovalchuk, Parise and Zajac, the Rangers heated up with the G.A.S. line providing the fuel. Once Anisimov tapped in a great centering feed from Step, it seemed like the trio was on the ice at all time, jumping on loose pucks and churning scoring chances in the offensive zone. Gaborik's tap in rebound on a strong Anisimov play gave him 600 career goals, and his empty netter (19) later in the game put him one tally behind the league leader, Steve Stamkos (20).

Carl Hagelin continued to find chemistry with Brian Boyle due to their combination of speed and strength as well as both having a knack for the net. An aggressive penalty kill and an Ilya Kovalchuk misplay at the blueline led to a 2 on 1 where Hagelin looked off Boyle then snipped shortside on Marty, who continued his streak of never missing a Ranger game; though at what point do they forget posterity? The aging goaltender had trouble keeping up with some pucks, especially McDonagh's rocket one-timer that dinged off the crossbar, and would've put the game out of reach in the 2nd period.

I liked the Rupp fight at the beginning of the game but I give Jansen a lot of credit for hanging in there against a bigger guy and actually thought he was coming on when the refs broke it up. I feel like Rupp, with his size and strength, is hungry to get involved physically and wants to be a contributor on the team. He skates around with a chip on his shoulder, which is a good thing, and while not a goon he definitely works an intimidation angle on younger players. I think his return to the lineup will help Prust's game stay sharper better rested.

Nice to see Stu Bickel get some quality minutes in his first game. Kind of a bummer that Giannone overshot the interview with his parents and as it extended beyond the tv timeout the Devils scored. Good to see their son get on the board with a helper though.

All in all good W for the Rangers with the Richards/Cally line having a fairly quiet night. Was it because they were emotionally drained from the final tenth of a second win in Phoenix or because Dubi jinxed them? Time will tell. I still thought Dubi played well down low and in front of the net but he just can't seem to put it together. With a Rangers win I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and hope he breaks out against the Islanders and Flyers Thursday and Friday.

Lets Go Blue!

Ain't No Cure For The Wintertime Blues

Being that NOTHING happened in last night's Ranger game against St. Louis I figured I'd show you this Patrick Kane highlight reel shootout goal from Wednesday night in Minnesota.



Frustrating game to say the least. Like playing in Montreal, we have a tough time matching up against the Blues for whatever reason. Lundqvist has never beaten St. Louis in his career and last night the Ken Hitchcock coached club clamped us down with a defensive strategy that we could not penetrate. Even when we had good offensive zone time, we didn't put any pressure on the goalie, and couldn't generate many quality scoring chances. We didn't battle for the difficult areas of ice, and we lost the physical battle along the boards. David Backes was a physical force, tossing Anisimov, Callahan, McDonagh and Gaborick around with relative ease, and we weren't able to get our hits in. While Dubi may've led the team with 5 shots on goal and got a nice primary assist on Del Zotto's goal, he missed the net on so many point blank attempts you have to figure he's back to doing pushups at practice.

Need to regroup our energy for Saturday in Phoenix.

Rangers Shut Out At Garden, But Not By Much

Dropping a 1-0 game to a team that sits atop a division in the opposing conference is frustrating, but not at all devastating. Especially when you note that the Dallas Stars didn't exactly outplay the Blueshirts, just cashed in on an opportunity and we couldn't. We had some chances on the PP, and even though our zone time was impressive, we didn't seem able to generate enough dangerous scoring chances (rebounds, 2 on 1s down low, point blank shots). On top of that their call-up goaltender Richard Bachman was up to the task, stopping 34 shots for the shut out on the road. He's a Colorado College grad, as am I, so I'll give that to Dallas.

During the game my roommate txt me "He's no Jeff Sanger." To which I have to agree. That kid was one of a kind.


Tiger Hockey

The Dallas goal was crafty, began with a giveaway by Woywitka on a clearing attempt where the puck unfortunately seemed to die on the boards. Ribero made a nice feed to Daley who out-waited Lundqvist until he found some room 5 hole.

The most exciting part of our attack was probably Hagelin colliding with Bachman who came way out of his crease to chase a puck. Shouldn't have been called a penalty, but the refs were in no position to make the right call. Not sure how that happens. Maybe it has something to do with the recent contact on Ryan Miller from Lukic and Tootoo?

Regardless, need to regroup for the road trip ahead of us as we tangle with St. Louis, Phoenix and the Devils. We recalled Tim Erixon for the voyage, probably just to spot some of our D on the road.

4 Point Weekend For Blueshirts

Stevie44.com Steps Up Into Bigger Minutes And Proves Himself


"Alright, Who Sat On The Broadway Hat On The Plane From Buffalo?"


Everybody was Working for the Weekend as the Rangers picked up 2 points in Buffalo and then returned to the Garden where they exploded on Florida for a 6-1 W. Both goalies won, we racked up shorthanded goals, PP tallies, even strength scores, Del Zotto improved his (+-) to plus15, Gaborik hit lamplighter 15, and the Blueshirts picked up win 2500 in franchise history.

So much for an awkward let down after the quote/unquote AnisimovCelebration Distraction.

The team effort was strong in both games, but it was the Individual Extra Effort of a few key players that earned the Rangers 2 wins.

RYAN CALLAHAN--Captain digs for extra juice while shorthanded-- a long 1 on 1 ends with a cut up spinarama and a backhand that slips beneath the Enroth's pad. Rangers never relinquish the lead.

CARL HAGELIN--Exceptional speed, quickness in the corners, tenacity and 2 laser-like shots against the Sabres put the game away.

MICHAEL DEL ZOTTO--Joins rushes (huge assist on Step's 2nd goal against Sabres and Anisimov's shortie against Tampa), works the powerplay with great vision and quick hands, and improved his defensive game to a plus 15. Possible comeback player of the year.

DEREK STEPAN--like Cally, his late shift extra effort shorthanded goal spurred on a Ranger victory, tilting the momentum of the game in our favor for good. When analysts talk about Hockey IQ, they don't mean how strong a player is in each facet of the game, but how well that player understands the game and how effective he is at applying that understanding to his advantage. Step isn't the strongest skater, but he knows where to go and gets to where he needs to be. Combine that with a growing durability against tough NHL opposition, exemplary passing skills, vision and you have a clutch hockey player much like Chris Drury at the beginning of his career. Gamer. Big goal type of guy. 20 years old.

With 4 games coming up this week, the Rangers will need to continue to get extra efforts from their whole roster. I was psyched to see Christensen back in the lineup and coming up with a big assist on an Anisimov powerplay tally, if only to use this picture again:


Hopefully we'll see a Twisted Wrister sometime soon.