Monday, May 16, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
WHO IS THE BEST AMERICAN HOCKEY PLAYER?
by Rich Baiocco
I love that USA hockey has passed the torch from veteran NHL-ers to young and hungry talent when it comes to representing America in International play. Denying the young-at-heart though perpetually immature underachieverScotty Gomez a roster spot at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver was the definitive cut from tradition, but now the question remains: who is the best American hockey player?
ZACH PARISE--My (and Chico Resch's) number 1 choice is this gamer Zach Parise. American college hockey pedigree at North Dakota, Parise is a spotlight scorer with big game stage presence and a strong work ethic that would gel perfectly in a Ranger uniform. Though he missed most of the 2010-2011 campaign with a torn meniscus and his immediate future is a bit shaky, he's only 26 and has pumped in 30+ goals in his last four full seasons, including a career high 45 in 2008-2009. The biggest goal of his career may have been in the gold medal game against Canada to send the final into overtime with 25 seconds left to play. Clutch.
RYAN KESSLER--Vancouver's Ryan Kesler impressed me during the Olympics when he dove past Canada's Corey Perry to out-hustle in an empty goal and secure the top spot for the US in the preliminary round. His career offensive numbers may give you pause, but he broke out with a 41 goal effort this year and had 11 points in the Nashville series(!!!)-- you figure he'll just continue to get better. If you watched this series, you must've noticed the Michigan native as an absolute dominant force, making plays at both ends of the ice, outshining both Sedin brothers and orchestrating game breaking plays when his team needed them. He has an edge to his game that exemplifies the type of player Team USA is all about and If he can perform deep into the playoffs and build on a strong season next year, I don't see why he wouldn't be America's best all around.
PATRICK KANE--I'm sure Kaner was the type of rink rat you wanted to beat the shit out of in high school, and I'm sure he made the varsity as a 6th grader or something, but the fact is he is one of the most gifted stickhandlers the NHL has ever seen. He has that rare Datsyukian ability to make something out of nothing and obviously excels under pressure as we all saw in the Stanley Cup winning overtime goal against the Flyers. Kane had a solid Olympic tournament for team USA in Vancouver and was on the ice for Parise's game-tying goal against Canada. Unfortunately he couldn't elevate his game in the playoffs against the Canucks the way his contemporary Jonathan Toews did, but maybe that's why PK doesn't wear the C. On the other hand, Toew's individual effort, compete level and determination was almost superhuman in that series.
TIM THOMAS
Personally I don't care for this chubby gay bear's whole deal, but I can't deny his talent at all. Here he is doing his best fat man in a little coat impression. While USA Olympic goaltending is synonymous with Ryan Miller, it is Tim Thomas and his Boston Bruins who are still in the playoff hunt and a legitimate contender to come out of the East. Thomas has an unorthodox, desperate style where he really flings his body at pucks, but he's worked on keeping his body under control and as a result is not beat on as many rebounds. I don't think Tim T is as good as Miller, or the other Vezina finalists, but he's just as competitive and considering that he barely played in the Olympics and last year wasn't even the starting Bruins goalie in the playoffs shows his resiliency to come in this season and pretty much dominate in the East. And I can respect that. Nice career at UVM also, with fellow NHL-er Marty St. Louis.
JOE PAVELSKI--Little Joe or the Mighty Joe? Whichever way you look at it Joe Pavelski is better than Joe Thorton and once he inherits this team with his buddy Logan Couture and people in San Jose get over the Thorton/Marleau/Heatley thing I can see the Sharks making a legit underdog run to the cup. As it is now, they've been chased by Detroit into a game 7 showdown and either Pavelski or the TMH line will have to step it up. For my money, bet on Pavelski. This kid is an all situations hockey player, a reason Brian Burke nicknamed him The Swiss Army Knife, but he also has unbelievable hands and unbelievable instincts in the offensive zone. Did you see that goal where he bat a rebound out of the air while crashing the net? Last year he led his team in game winners. This Wisconsinite was more of a 2nd/3rd liner for Team USA but won the key faceoff on the Parise gold medal game tying goal. Give him another season to develop and he can be in the top of the class.
RYAN MILLER--It's hard to talk American hockey players without throwing Ryan Miller into the mix--he was astounding in the Olympics--but it's hard to consider the best when you play on a team that has no cup winning potential. The bottom line is that as good as Miller is, and as valuable to his team, he'll need to win a Cup to prove himself to the critics. Sound a little like Lundqvist? The two are pretty similar. World class talent, over achievers but on teams that can't put it together to go deep in the playoffs yet. I think Buffalo will start building a better team now with new ownership, and I know the Blueshirts are on the right track so the future is open for both Hank and Miller to achieve what they deserve. As for Miller and American hockey, I'm comfortable putting him on the short list but I don't think he's the best.
RYAN CALLAHAN--This blog wholeheartedly endorses Ryan Callahan. Although I don't think he's the most talented forward on the list, I won't sell him short because the kid continues to impress and exemplify what USA hockey is all about (Fast, tough, talented). People think he's just an energy guy out on the ice, which is true, but he's also capable of being a game breaker with a big check and the ability to turn a forecheck into a goal. Sorely missed in the playoffs due to Heart Of A Lion's Disease (blocked a slapper by Chara) (apparently the disease took hold of quite a few Rangers this year), Cally should be wearing the C next season and was argued onto the 2010 Olympic team by assistant coach John Tortorella. The move, which may've surprised some, clearly headed the team in the direction of younger, hungrier and rougher, was a huge confidence boost for Cally who jumped into this past season with aspirations and execution of a career year minus two big injuries he had to fight back from. His offensive skills also clearly developed and his pretty 4 goal game against the Flyers prompted the starting of this blog so all in all I throw #24 on the short list and say let Time prove me wrong. The Rochester native has proven doubters wrong his entire career.
BRIAN LEETCH--I know we haven't mentioned any defensemen yet, and the NHL has some good American specimens like Brian Rafalski, Jack Johnson, Ryan Suter, and in time I'm sure Cam Fowler, but I don't think anyone has touched Brian Leetch since #2 retired. He was that rare bird who could combine a very physical, dogged and almost impenetrable defensive game with a puckhandling, rushing shiftiness that hinted at Bobby Orr. Of course he won the Conn Smyth during the 1994 Cup Run (aka best year of my life) and even though he didn't have as many points as his fellow Blueshirt blueliner Sergei Zubov he was a more well rounded defensemen. And who could forget him joining the rush and getting the Rangers on the board first against the Canucks in Game 7? He wasn't a physically intimidating player, wasn't nasty like a Chris Pronger, but knew all the tricks in the book to play effective defense and made the most of his talents. Shea Weber likes to tack on points with his big shot, but I haven't seen a defenseman carry plays up ice like Leetch did. I wish the Blueshirts could still put him on the PP. High candidate for best American hockey player
HONORABLE MENTION
* Brandon Dubinsky--if Dubi can continue to develop and show he can rise to the occasion in big games I can see him being to the Blueshirts what Kesler is to the Canucks. Big if. Can he score 40+ goals?
* Mike Modano--I know Brett Hull (half American) and Joey Mullen scored a lot of goals, but Mike Modano was the best. When kids closed their eyes and thought of an offensive hockey player, there mind flashed to the Mighty Mo going water bottle in either a Stars or North Stars jersey. Still has a chance to close out his career with a Cup in Detroit, would not count him out for scoring a big game 7 goal.
*Chris Drury--I know he's had a rough go in a Rangers uniform, but this guy is an American hockey legend. American collegiate, Stanley cup winner, big game player, big goal capabilities.
*Derek Stepan Is it too early to start including Drury's protege in the mix? Have you seen what his International stats have looked like? Big game player who will only get better as he gets stronger for the Rangers.
*Jeremy Roenick--I'll probably catch flak for this, but I have a soft spot for JR since his days on the Blackhawks. Think about it? If he led his team past Mario Lemieux and the Penguins in the 1991 Cup Finals he could've basically been Patrick Kane. Instead he had an admirable career, then got caught up in the injury holding pattern and was washed from team to team including short stints in Philly, San Jose and Phoenix. He seems to be rebounding as a broadcaster on Versus but for a moment in time could've easily been the Best American hockey player. Probably a dark horse in this race, I won't even mention that he cried on National Televesion. Okay...I will. But I will also mention that I didn't even mind witnessing that kind of emotion. Playoffs baby!
So who am I missing? Who's the best?? Leave your answers in the comments section
I love that USA hockey has passed the torch from veteran NHL-ers to young and hungry talent when it comes to representing America in International play. Denying the young-at-heart though perpetually immature underachieverScotty Gomez a roster spot at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver was the definitive cut from tradition, but now the question remains: who is the best American hockey player?
ZACH PARISE--My (and Chico Resch's) number 1 choice is this gamer Zach Parise. American college hockey pedigree at North Dakota, Parise is a spotlight scorer with big game stage presence and a strong work ethic that would gel perfectly in a Ranger uniform. Though he missed most of the 2010-2011 campaign with a torn meniscus and his immediate future is a bit shaky, he's only 26 and has pumped in 30+ goals in his last four full seasons, including a career high 45 in 2008-2009. The biggest goal of his career may have been in the gold medal game against Canada to send the final into overtime with 25 seconds left to play. Clutch.
RYAN KESSLER--Vancouver's Ryan Kesler impressed me during the Olympics when he dove past Canada's Corey Perry to out-hustle in an empty goal and secure the top spot for the US in the preliminary round. His career offensive numbers may give you pause, but he broke out with a 41 goal effort this year and had 11 points in the Nashville series(!!!)-- you figure he'll just continue to get better. If you watched this series, you must've noticed the Michigan native as an absolute dominant force, making plays at both ends of the ice, outshining both Sedin brothers and orchestrating game breaking plays when his team needed them. He has an edge to his game that exemplifies the type of player Team USA is all about and If he can perform deep into the playoffs and build on a strong season next year, I don't see why he wouldn't be America's best all around.
PATRICK KANE--I'm sure Kaner was the type of rink rat you wanted to beat the shit out of in high school, and I'm sure he made the varsity as a 6th grader or something, but the fact is he is one of the most gifted stickhandlers the NHL has ever seen. He has that rare Datsyukian ability to make something out of nothing and obviously excels under pressure as we all saw in the Stanley Cup winning overtime goal against the Flyers. Kane had a solid Olympic tournament for team USA in Vancouver and was on the ice for Parise's game-tying goal against Canada. Unfortunately he couldn't elevate his game in the playoffs against the Canucks the way his contemporary Jonathan Toews did, but maybe that's why PK doesn't wear the C. On the other hand, Toew's individual effort, compete level and determination was almost superhuman in that series.
TIM THOMAS
Personally I don't care for this chubby gay bear's whole deal, but I can't deny his talent at all. Here he is doing his best fat man in a little coat impression. While USA Olympic goaltending is synonymous with Ryan Miller, it is Tim Thomas and his Boston Bruins who are still in the playoff hunt and a legitimate contender to come out of the East. Thomas has an unorthodox, desperate style where he really flings his body at pucks, but he's worked on keeping his body under control and as a result is not beat on as many rebounds. I don't think Tim T is as good as Miller, or the other Vezina finalists, but he's just as competitive and considering that he barely played in the Olympics and last year wasn't even the starting Bruins goalie in the playoffs shows his resiliency to come in this season and pretty much dominate in the East. And I can respect that. Nice career at UVM also, with fellow NHL-er Marty St. Louis.
JOE PAVELSKI--Little Joe or the Mighty Joe? Whichever way you look at it Joe Pavelski is better than Joe Thorton and once he inherits this team with his buddy Logan Couture and people in San Jose get over the Thorton/Marleau/Heatley thing I can see the Sharks making a legit underdog run to the cup. As it is now, they've been chased by Detroit into a game 7 showdown and either Pavelski or the TMH line will have to step it up. For my money, bet on Pavelski. This kid is an all situations hockey player, a reason Brian Burke nicknamed him The Swiss Army Knife, but he also has unbelievable hands and unbelievable instincts in the offensive zone. Did you see that goal where he bat a rebound out of the air while crashing the net? Last year he led his team in game winners. This Wisconsinite was more of a 2nd/3rd liner for Team USA but won the key faceoff on the Parise gold medal game tying goal. Give him another season to develop and he can be in the top of the class.
RYAN MILLER--It's hard to talk American hockey players without throwing Ryan Miller into the mix--he was astounding in the Olympics--but it's hard to consider the best when you play on a team that has no cup winning potential. The bottom line is that as good as Miller is, and as valuable to his team, he'll need to win a Cup to prove himself to the critics. Sound a little like Lundqvist? The two are pretty similar. World class talent, over achievers but on teams that can't put it together to go deep in the playoffs yet. I think Buffalo will start building a better team now with new ownership, and I know the Blueshirts are on the right track so the future is open for both Hank and Miller to achieve what they deserve. As for Miller and American hockey, I'm comfortable putting him on the short list but I don't think he's the best.
RYAN CALLAHAN--This blog wholeheartedly endorses Ryan Callahan. Although I don't think he's the most talented forward on the list, I won't sell him short because the kid continues to impress and exemplify what USA hockey is all about (Fast, tough, talented). People think he's just an energy guy out on the ice, which is true, but he's also capable of being a game breaker with a big check and the ability to turn a forecheck into a goal. Sorely missed in the playoffs due to Heart Of A Lion's Disease (blocked a slapper by Chara) (apparently the disease took hold of quite a few Rangers this year), Cally should be wearing the C next season and was argued onto the 2010 Olympic team by assistant coach John Tortorella. The move, which may've surprised some, clearly headed the team in the direction of younger, hungrier and rougher, was a huge confidence boost for Cally who jumped into this past season with aspirations and execution of a career year minus two big injuries he had to fight back from. His offensive skills also clearly developed and his pretty 4 goal game against the Flyers prompted the starting of this blog so all in all I throw #24 on the short list and say let Time prove me wrong. The Rochester native has proven doubters wrong his entire career.
BRIAN LEETCH--I know we haven't mentioned any defensemen yet, and the NHL has some good American specimens like Brian Rafalski, Jack Johnson, Ryan Suter, and in time I'm sure Cam Fowler, but I don't think anyone has touched Brian Leetch since #2 retired. He was that rare bird who could combine a very physical, dogged and almost impenetrable defensive game with a puckhandling, rushing shiftiness that hinted at Bobby Orr. Of course he won the Conn Smyth during the 1994 Cup Run (aka best year of my life) and even though he didn't have as many points as his fellow Blueshirt blueliner Sergei Zubov he was a more well rounded defensemen. And who could forget him joining the rush and getting the Rangers on the board first against the Canucks in Game 7? He wasn't a physically intimidating player, wasn't nasty like a Chris Pronger, but knew all the tricks in the book to play effective defense and made the most of his talents. Shea Weber likes to tack on points with his big shot, but I haven't seen a defenseman carry plays up ice like Leetch did. I wish the Blueshirts could still put him on the PP. High candidate for best American hockey player
HONORABLE MENTION
* Brandon Dubinsky--if Dubi can continue to develop and show he can rise to the occasion in big games I can see him being to the Blueshirts what Kesler is to the Canucks. Big if. Can he score 40+ goals?
* Mike Modano--I know Brett Hull (half American) and Joey Mullen scored a lot of goals, but Mike Modano was the best. When kids closed their eyes and thought of an offensive hockey player, there mind flashed to the Mighty Mo going water bottle in either a Stars or North Stars jersey. Still has a chance to close out his career with a Cup in Detroit, would not count him out for scoring a big game 7 goal.
*Chris Drury--I know he's had a rough go in a Rangers uniform, but this guy is an American hockey legend. American collegiate, Stanley cup winner, big game player, big goal capabilities.
*Derek Stepan Is it too early to start including Drury's protege in the mix? Have you seen what his International stats have looked like? Big game player who will only get better as he gets stronger for the Rangers.
*Jeremy Roenick--I'll probably catch flak for this, but I have a soft spot for JR since his days on the Blackhawks. Think about it? If he led his team past Mario Lemieux and the Penguins in the 1991 Cup Finals he could've basically been Patrick Kane. Instead he had an admirable career, then got caught up in the injury holding pattern and was washed from team to team including short stints in Philly, San Jose and Phoenix. He seems to be rebounding as a broadcaster on Versus but for a moment in time could've easily been the Best American hockey player. Probably a dark horse in this race, I won't even mention that he cried on National Televesion. Okay...I will. But I will also mention that I didn't even mind witnessing that kind of emotion. Playoffs baby!
So who am I missing? Who's the best?? Leave your answers in the comments section
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
2011 Unrestricted Free Agents
So here's the complete list of available Unrestricted Free Agents for the 2011 campaign. What do you all think?
Complete List of UFAs
Kinda slim pickens for good players. Might be better off making a trade or two.
Rangers have 16million available in Cap space, but spending needs to figure in new contracts for Dubinsky, Callahan, Boyle and Gilroy. Just like last off-season we need to free up some space somewhere
Oh and heres the complete list of Restricted Free Agents:
The difference between the two types is that an Unrestricted Free Agent wasn't protected by his team in the final year of the player's contract so he is free to field better offers from other teams. A Restricted Free Agent can not, but if his team chooses not to protect him during his second to last year of the contract, the player's status will change to Unrestricted during the final year of the contract and the team risks losing that player.
Basically the Rangers would have to pick from the UFA list, and wait another year (or trade this summer) for players on the RFA list.
So leave your thoughts in the comment section as to who you think the Rangers should go for
Complete List of UFAs
Kinda slim pickens for good players. Might be better off making a trade or two.
Rangers have 16million available in Cap space, but spending needs to figure in new contracts for Dubinsky, Callahan, Boyle and Gilroy. Just like last off-season we need to free up some space somewhere
Oh and heres the complete list of Restricted Free Agents:
The difference between the two types is that an Unrestricted Free Agent wasn't protected by his team in the final year of the player's contract so he is free to field better offers from other teams. A Restricted Free Agent can not, but if his team chooses not to protect him during his second to last year of the contract, the player's status will change to Unrestricted during the final year of the contract and the team risks losing that player.
Basically the Rangers would have to pick from the UFA list, and wait another year (or trade this summer) for players on the RFA list.
So leave your thoughts in the comment section as to who you think the Rangers should go for
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Ranger Fans,
I know everyone is writing up their Season Recaps and taking a break from hockey, but it's not going to happen here at the Blueshirt Brigade because I feel we're just getting started with the process of putting together a stronger, championship-caliber club. I wrote a quick overview of the Washington series over at The Hockey Writers site which you could read here if you're so inclined, but aside from that I'll just leave you with this:
2009-2010 New York Rangers GP: 82 W: 38 L: 33 OT: 11 @Home: 18-17-6 PTS: 87 Standing: 9th Place Playoffs: NO
2010-2011 New York Rangers GP: 82 W: 44 L: 33 OT: 5 @Home: 20-17-4 PTS: 93 Standing: 8th Place Playoffs: YES
Cold, Hard Facts: Improvement.
So we're going to continue throughout the summer with Ranger articles, transaction updates, opinions, more things like this, and some playoff observations regarding the teams still involved because these games have been fantastic and I can't stand golf
So hang in there Blueshirt fans. I wanted us to go further too.
But better days ahead.
~~Rich Baiocco
I know everyone is writing up their Season Recaps and taking a break from hockey, but it's not going to happen here at the Blueshirt Brigade because I feel we're just getting started with the process of putting together a stronger, championship-caliber club. I wrote a quick overview of the Washington series over at The Hockey Writers site which you could read here if you're so inclined, but aside from that I'll just leave you with this:
2009-2010 New York Rangers GP: 82 W: 38 L: 33 OT: 11 @Home: 18-17-6 PTS: 87 Standing: 9th Place Playoffs: NO
2010-2011 New York Rangers GP: 82 W: 44 L: 33 OT: 5 @Home: 20-17-4 PTS: 93 Standing: 8th Place Playoffs: YES
Cold, Hard Facts: Improvement.
So we're going to continue throughout the summer with Ranger articles, transaction updates, opinions, more things like this, and some playoff observations regarding the teams still involved because these games have been fantastic and I can't stand golf
So hang in there Blueshirt fans. I wanted us to go further too.
But better days ahead.
~~Rich Baiocco
Friday, April 22, 2011
BACKS AGAINST THE WALL, THE BLUESHIRTS COME OUT BLAZING
We're in a tough spot but we have to take the same approach as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid did: Come out shooting.
Everything to the net today Rangers. Leave it all out there. Let's bring this series back to the Garden!
Go Blue!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Boudreau And Caps Silence Raucous Garden In Game 4
Damn that hurt.
I haven't had the wind punched out of me like that since Ryan Hollweg took a penalty in the 2008 Rangers/Penguins playoff series that led to the series winning goal and Jagr's subsequent retirement following the most determined postseason performance he'd given in a Rangers uniform. But who has time for the past right now?
I do. A few notes about last night's game in order to confront the demons and then prepare for Saturday.
Gaborik didn't cost us the game, but he cost us a goal. Just say it and get it over with. As much as McDonagh's giveaway to Semin cost us a goal, Gaborik's attempt to blindly swat at a loose puck with one hand instead of letting Lundqvist (who was facing the action and could see who was coming down on him) cover the puck, was a desperation play in a non-desperation situation (it was a 2 on 3 rush). The Rangers--with an exception to Lundqvist--seemed mentally fatigued in the 3rd period and both overtimes and this play seemed a direct result of that. We stopped forechecking and creating strong chances and got on our heels. It's a fine line in overtime as I'm sure the natural philosophy is to protect your zone and when you notice an opportunity then go for it. But the best way to protect your zone is to control the puck, and the best way to take an opportunity is to make an opportunity happen for yourself. The Rangers were hesitant, maybe tired, and the Capitals had a few players who seemed to get stronger as the game progressed (Semin, Fehr, Chymera).
Still, when Hank stopped Ovechkin on that breakaway I thought we'd steal the momentum we needed to slip one by Neuvirth, but it wasn't the case.
Prior to the extra sessions, I thought Gabby was cruising out there and his backdoor goal not only supplied a personal drought with some rain water, but gave the Rangers that elusive two-goal lead it had thirsted for through 3 playoff games. I have no ill will towards Gaborik, just as I have no ill will towards McDonagh (a rookie playing over 30 minutes against one of the most potent offenses in recent NHL history, expected to play pristine mistake-free hockey? If you criticize him I'd like to know what you've done lately?). I'm sure Gabby feels bad the game ended the way it did and he'll do everything he can to get on the scoreboard on Saturday, in fact if there's every been a motivation for the superstar to put together a magical game it's right now. Let's take that and ride with it because being down 3 games to 1 is all about finding positives and eliminating negatives.
The Power Play blows. Coach Tortorella didn't so much admit it during his postgame but he certainly alluded to it. He commented that since the man-up is clearly not working the only thing the Rangers can do is fight that much harder to kill off Washington's Power Plays. In a way he's right (though it reads like a cop out) because the penalty kill can be something you can control--you can work harder for it because it is rooted in your survival instinct. The Power Play is different: it's more of a feel. It takes some vision, some vision that this particular group of guys may not all have, and if the wrong guy has the puck and he bobbles it, or gives it away, or loses the faceoff, and you're facing one of the best Penalty Kills in the league in Washington, you're toast. For now with our backs absolutely up against the wall I agree with Tortorella that a Penalty Kill far outweighs the chance that we happen to figure out a PP goal, but this summer it must be corrected if the Rangers want to be considered a threat. Going 0-fer on the PP when you have multiple chances in the 3rd period or overtime to put a game away against the #1 seed is just not going to cut it.
No Surge Protector. Hank could stand on his head, and I did get the feeling that he would've saved pucks last night until the Rangers found a way to win--he was THAT KIND OF ON, but if the team doesn't monkeywrench the momentum back from an opponent's surge Time will find a way to award the other team the win. The McDonagh giveaway exposed a chink in the armor after the Rangers played what uber-qualified Mark Messier called 'one of the best periods I've seen in 5 years', but it was the 2nd goal that was the back breaker for me. Weak side coverage has been a problem for the Blueshirts all season (ie. teams throwing pucks cross-ice for unexpectedly open or weakly covered teammates to tap in). When Brooks Laich chases a puck to the outer hashmarks and wheels and blindly fires it cross ice, he's not making a specific pass but hoping someone will be open. The Rangers, who were already beginning to back off their gameplan and watch the Caps skate a little too often, drifted towards Laich and left Johansson wide open in front. The subsequent tying goal was an unlucky tip but at that point the Rangers had already lost the momentum. You can't give away goals to the Capitals--they will make you pay. This game was lost in the 3rd period, not the overtime.
And still, I think of the Hank save on Ovechkin in the first extra session. King was on, he was giving us a chance to win and that is why this game hurt so much to lose. We didn't get blown out, we haven't been blown out this series, we've been right there at the buzzer. But we haven't found a way to get it done as often as they have found a way. But it takes 4 wins to move on and the Blueshirts still have an opportunity to find a way.
I thought Boyle put it best:
"I'm not looking for three in a row. We're looking for one. We just want to win Game 5. Tonight will be tough to be positive. We're going to dwell on it, and I think that's part of it. If you're not a little upset about what happened there's something wrong with you."
Game 4 was a tough pill to swallow, no doubt, but there is no way to change it or make it hurt less. Take the pain, confront the 3rd period in tape and at practice, take accountability for the Overtime goal, and use it all to motivate a spirited comeback game in Washington DC because amidst the hostile Red Crowd the Rangers need to play a focused dead-on road game.
We want the Blueshirts back at the Garden. If anything for another chance to prove Bruce Boudreau wrong. Can You Hear Us??
I haven't had the wind punched out of me like that since Ryan Hollweg took a penalty in the 2008 Rangers/Penguins playoff series that led to the series winning goal and Jagr's subsequent retirement following the most determined postseason performance he'd given in a Rangers uniform. But who has time for the past right now?
I do. A few notes about last night's game in order to confront the demons and then prepare for Saturday.
Gaborik didn't cost us the game, but he cost us a goal. Just say it and get it over with. As much as McDonagh's giveaway to Semin cost us a goal, Gaborik's attempt to blindly swat at a loose puck with one hand instead of letting Lundqvist (who was facing the action and could see who was coming down on him) cover the puck, was a desperation play in a non-desperation situation (it was a 2 on 3 rush). The Rangers--with an exception to Lundqvist--seemed mentally fatigued in the 3rd period and both overtimes and this play seemed a direct result of that. We stopped forechecking and creating strong chances and got on our heels. It's a fine line in overtime as I'm sure the natural philosophy is to protect your zone and when you notice an opportunity then go for it. But the best way to protect your zone is to control the puck, and the best way to take an opportunity is to make an opportunity happen for yourself. The Rangers were hesitant, maybe tired, and the Capitals had a few players who seemed to get stronger as the game progressed (Semin, Fehr, Chymera).
Still, when Hank stopped Ovechkin on that breakaway I thought we'd steal the momentum we needed to slip one by Neuvirth, but it wasn't the case.
Prior to the extra sessions, I thought Gabby was cruising out there and his backdoor goal not only supplied a personal drought with some rain water, but gave the Rangers that elusive two-goal lead it had thirsted for through 3 playoff games. I have no ill will towards Gaborik, just as I have no ill will towards McDonagh (a rookie playing over 30 minutes against one of the most potent offenses in recent NHL history, expected to play pristine mistake-free hockey? If you criticize him I'd like to know what you've done lately?). I'm sure Gabby feels bad the game ended the way it did and he'll do everything he can to get on the scoreboard on Saturday, in fact if there's every been a motivation for the superstar to put together a magical game it's right now. Let's take that and ride with it because being down 3 games to 1 is all about finding positives and eliminating negatives.
The Power Play blows. Coach Tortorella didn't so much admit it during his postgame but he certainly alluded to it. He commented that since the man-up is clearly not working the only thing the Rangers can do is fight that much harder to kill off Washington's Power Plays. In a way he's right (though it reads like a cop out) because the penalty kill can be something you can control--you can work harder for it because it is rooted in your survival instinct. The Power Play is different: it's more of a feel. It takes some vision, some vision that this particular group of guys may not all have, and if the wrong guy has the puck and he bobbles it, or gives it away, or loses the faceoff, and you're facing one of the best Penalty Kills in the league in Washington, you're toast. For now with our backs absolutely up against the wall I agree with Tortorella that a Penalty Kill far outweighs the chance that we happen to figure out a PP goal, but this summer it must be corrected if the Rangers want to be considered a threat. Going 0-fer on the PP when you have multiple chances in the 3rd period or overtime to put a game away against the #1 seed is just not going to cut it.
No Surge Protector. Hank could stand on his head, and I did get the feeling that he would've saved pucks last night until the Rangers found a way to win--he was THAT KIND OF ON, but if the team doesn't monkeywrench the momentum back from an opponent's surge Time will find a way to award the other team the win. The McDonagh giveaway exposed a chink in the armor after the Rangers played what uber-qualified Mark Messier called 'one of the best periods I've seen in 5 years', but it was the 2nd goal that was the back breaker for me. Weak side coverage has been a problem for the Blueshirts all season (ie. teams throwing pucks cross-ice for unexpectedly open or weakly covered teammates to tap in). When Brooks Laich chases a puck to the outer hashmarks and wheels and blindly fires it cross ice, he's not making a specific pass but hoping someone will be open. The Rangers, who were already beginning to back off their gameplan and watch the Caps skate a little too often, drifted towards Laich and left Johansson wide open in front. The subsequent tying goal was an unlucky tip but at that point the Rangers had already lost the momentum. You can't give away goals to the Capitals--they will make you pay. This game was lost in the 3rd period, not the overtime.
And still, I think of the Hank save on Ovechkin in the first extra session. King was on, he was giving us a chance to win and that is why this game hurt so much to lose. We didn't get blown out, we haven't been blown out this series, we've been right there at the buzzer. But we haven't found a way to get it done as often as they have found a way. But it takes 4 wins to move on and the Blueshirts still have an opportunity to find a way.
I thought Boyle put it best:
"I'm not looking for three in a row. We're looking for one. We just want to win Game 5. Tonight will be tough to be positive. We're going to dwell on it, and I think that's part of it. If you're not a little upset about what happened there's something wrong with you."
Game 4 was a tough pill to swallow, no doubt, but there is no way to change it or make it hurt less. Take the pain, confront the 3rd period in tape and at practice, take accountability for the Overtime goal, and use it all to motivate a spirited comeback game in Washington DC because amidst the hostile Red Crowd the Rangers need to play a focused dead-on road game.
We want the Blueshirts back at the Garden. If anything for another chance to prove Bruce Boudreau wrong. Can You Hear Us??
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Pre Game Quote submitted by Liquid Gearheart
Inch by Inch, Row By Row
Someone Bless These Seeds I Sow
Til The Rain Comes Tumbling Down
--David Mallett
These words seem apt to describe the Rangers' hard work in this series--especially at the faithful "Garden". They need to work even harder tonight then they have before because as emotional as Sunday was, it means little unless we tie this series up tonight.
I wrote an article on Fedotenko and doing the little things right for The Hockey Writers website, and if the Rangers keep doing the little things right as a team and continue to pound the net the Rains Will Come Tumbling Down.
So, enough said. Stay focused and let's get it done at the LOUD GARDEN TONIGHT!
Go Blue!
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