Back to the Grind

Seen any good hockey games lately?

Seriously, if you’re a player in gold medal game, how do you go back to the NHL?  There is no question that the game on Sunday will be the peak of those players seasons, maybe even careers.  Has to be tough getting motivated to finish out a lackluster NHL season if you’re Chris Drury or Ryan Callahan. But they must, and they will.

Rangers get back to work this week, still trying to make the post-season.  They will be doing so with an actual backup goaltender. The team claimed goalie Alex Auld off waivers from the Stars.  Auld has a record of 9-6-3 this season with a 3.00 GAA. Not great numbers, but he provides experience in the net that Chad Johnson could not offer.

The Blueshirts have 20 games in the next 41 days, beginning with Ottawa tomorrow night.   They are still hurting a bit. Michael Del Zotto, with 50 stitches in his side, is questionable for the game.   Corey Potter was called up just in case. With the Swedish team not making it to the medal round, Henrik Lundqvist has had a couple days to rest.  Although I’m not sure if he knew what to do with himself during that time.

If you want to predict how the Rangers will do IF they make the playoffs?  Tune into the four games after Ottawa to find out.  Penguins, Capitals, Sabres, and Devils all in a row. Talk about coming back to a rough schedule. No time to readjust after the layoff.  Should be a fun 41 days.