Blog Archives

I still can’t honestly believe what I just saw in that game. Think about it. During our last podcast, Eric Rothman made the bold statement that the Rangers were a lock for the playoffs. He even talked me into believing him. Then they lose back to back road games in Buffalo and Long Island.

Cue the NYRangerscast hate mail. Cue the #NYRangerscastJinx hashtag on Twitter. And to be honest, deservedly so.

I’ll admit, I started to get worried myself. That “lock” didn’t look so sweet anymore. But how about the resilience of this team. A small bit of redemption in Philadelphia and then this?

For the first time ever, the Rangers came back from down by three goals to beat the Bruins. Yes, an Original Six team. It’s not like this is the Atlanta Thrashers and the history between the two teams is relatively short. The Rangers and Bruins have hooked up a few times before, but never have the Blueshirts come from behind to erase a three goal deficit and win.

The main thing I can take away from all of this is simple, and if you’ve been following our Twitter feed you will know what I’m talking about.

This is why you have to LOVE this team, through thick and thin.

Are there are a lot of ups and downs? Sure. Can this team make you scratch your head? You bet. See: March 31, 2011.

But this team has resilience. It has fought back time and time again when backs are against the wall and die-hards have wanted to throw in the white flag. There are very few games where this team doesn’t at least give you a solid effort. Say what you want about their offensive inconsistencies, their power play woes, their lack of superstar power. What this team does have is a unity and chemistry I haven’t seen from a Rangers team in recent memory.

Like Eric and I have said all along, this doesn’t mean they’re all of a sudden going to make a run at the Cup. But it also doesn’t mean that they can’t. Even as an eight seed, we’ve seen plenty of teams make deep runs into the playoffs. Will it happen for the Rangers this year? Well, let’s just worry about them finishing off this regular season and solidifying a playoff spot, since we were rudely reminded just a couple games ago that it ain’t a lock until it’s a lock (although Eric would likely disagree).

What I do know is this is going to be a fun team to watch down the stretch, and a team that no one is going to want to see in the first round of the playoffs.

It’s a team that we, as Rangers fans, can be proud of. That sure is a nice thing.

Dear NHL:

On behalf of the NYRangerscast, I am writing to you to support Penguins Co-owner Mario Lemieux’s proposal “to discuss the NHL’s current system of supplementary discipline — and how it affects not only the integrity but the perception of our great game”.

We, at the NYRangerscast, cannot help but echo that, “the current system punishes the offending player but does very little to deter such actions in the future. We need to review, upgrade and more clearly define our policies in this regard, so that they can provide a meaningful deterrence and effectively clean up the game”.

But what concerns us most at the NYRangerscast is what Mr. Lemieux brings up regarding repeat offenders. “And we’ve often seen repeat offenders. We think it is time that teams also are held accountable for the actions of their players. We propose instituting a policy of automatically fining a team when one if its players is suspended — with the amount of the fine based on the length of the suspension. This should serve as a disincentive for teams as well as players to employ these kinds of tactics.”

Penguins forward, Matt Cooke, is the clear-cut definition of a “repeat offender”. After today’s hit on Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonough, an example needs to be made of him. While this hit is bad enough, and the officials made the right call in ejecting him from the game and giving him a 5-minute major, his track record does not lie. Cooke has already been suspended four games earlier this season for an illegal hit on Columbus’ Fedor Tyutin. In the game just two days prior to that hit, he had another one on Washington’s Alexander Ovechkin.

While there are many other episodes like this involving Matt Cooke over the years, these three examples happened within the last month and a half. It is clear that he is not getting the message. What concerns us, at the NYRangerscast, even more is that Cooke is an alternate captain for the Penguins. We see the “A” on a sweater as a mark of someone who should be a leader on the team, and someone players and fans should look up to. To think that anyone may be looking at him as a role model is frightening.

We support Mr. Lemieux’s proposal to outline a stricter plan, which includes his clear-cut layout to fines associated with the following suspensions:

• 1-2 games–$50,000 fine to team
• 3-4 games–$100,000 fine to team
• 5-8 games–$250,000 fine to team
• 9-10 games–$500,000 fine to team
• 11-15 games–$750,000 fine to team
• More than 15 games–$1 million fine to team

Mr. Lemieux also astutely includes a doubling of fines when the offense involves a repeat offender.

While this cannot guarantee the complete removal of these dirty hits from the league, it would send a clear-cut and strong message to players who want to tarnish this great game and league with such hits.

Sincerely,
NYRangerscast

P.S. – We hope that Mr. Lemieux and the Pittsburgh Penguins have deep pockets because they will, ironically, suffer the most from these new rules if they are put in place.

Someone send the Carolina Hurricanes an Edible Arrangement, or a box of chocolates, or something.  Thanks to the Canes losing 4 straight, the Rangers still have a spot in the playoffs.

Our Blueshirts are hanging by a thread.  They have now moved down to 8th in the Eastern Conference by virtue of a tie with the Buffalo Sabres at 76 points.  After an embarrassing loss to Anaheim last week, the Rangers bounced back with a SO win against San Jose Saturday night.

Despite Carolina having a game in hand, the Rangers have a 4-point cushion between 8th and 9th place.  For now.

For the next 12 games, Rangers fans will become scoreboard watchers.  And for good reason. 

My theory is this: The light on the Rangers tank came on about 15 miles back and right now the team is coasting on E until they find a gas station.  As passengers, us fans can’t really get too upset about this.  Yes, I know that we thought 30 miles ago that the tank was full…but, the gauge was busted and it was giving us a miscalculation.  Honest mistake.  In reality, for our 82 mile trip, the tank only had enough gas for about 40 miles. But amazingly, the tank has given us every last drop it’s got and allowed us to keep rolling along (albeit slowly) this whole time.   You following this analogy?

In hockey terms, the Rangers are spent.  I know we all fell hook line and sinker midway through the season for this team, but they just don’t have quite enough to give a full on sprint to the finish line.  What they have is enough to cross and hope that the other runners pass out behind them (Damn analogies, I just can’t help myself).

If Carolina continues to stumble, I have faith that the Rangers can play slightly above .500 for the rest of the way and make the playoffs.  But, I do not expect this team to make a surge in the final 12 to fend off Carolina if they start to wake up.  Toronto, Atlanta, and Jersey are all still lingering, but right now my focus is on Carolina until they are no longer the 9th seed. 

The Rangers can still make it in, they just have to hang on and hope everything falls into place behind them.

Streaky. That’s the best way to describe this team.

Just when you’re ready to throw in the towel, back-to-back wins at Ottawa and at home against Philadelphia. Yes, Philadelphia. We’ve only been waiting for the Rangers to beat the Flyers since, oh you know, APRIL 9, 2010! Not only that, 7-0?! Talk about trying to make up for the FIVE straight losses. Well, guess what, that doesn’t cut it, but it sure is nice.

Conversely, just when we were all ready to jump on the bandwagon earlier in the season, and when many of us did (NYRangerscast included), the team came back down to Earth.

I have a hard time believing that this team can put together a serious streak of wins in the midst of a final playoff push. Believe it or not, the Rangers still haven’t even won more than three games in a row all season. The only thing that was saving them was the fact that they also hadn’t lost more than three in a row, until the end of January into February when they lost six straight. They also hadn’t had that bad month – until February (4-7-1, only two of those wins in regulation).

It’s also interesting to note that the bad month came when a team decimated with key injuries was finally starting to get healthier. I can’t say I’m too surprised by this. I feared this because many of the players who were coming back either hadn’t played all season, or missed a significant chunk of time.

So now where does that leave the Blueshirts? Still in a very precarious position. I’m willing to venture a guess there are very few confident fans at this time, and those that are just might have missed the past 1-2 months of hockey.

Usually, I would try to say this is where the Rangers can start to make their run and build some momentum. I’m not going anywhere near that at this point. If they take two out in Southern California then let’s talk.

Right now they have merely remained alive.

Last night looked like deja vu. The Rangers have a couple good shifts early, but get nothing out of a few scoring chances. Eventually they fall behind and have to try to work their way back into the game. A few furious rallies, golden scoring chances, and ultimately…a loss. Too little, too late.

Was it exciting to watch? Yes. Were the Rangers thoroughly outworking their opponent? At times. Did the opposing goalie rob a few Rangers on scoring chances? Yes. But, in the end nothing to show for it.

I can’t overstate how important of a game the most recent was. The obvious facts: Buffalo had three games in hand and were five points behind the Rangers heading into the game. Sixty minutes of hockey later? Buffalo still has three games in hand and now only trail the Blueshirts by three points. Meanwhile, Carolina’s win over Florida last night has now put the Hurricanes just one point behind New York with a game in hand.

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Time and, more importantly, the cushion are running out.

One positive to take away at this point is how much better the power play already looks with newly acquired Bryan McCabe at the point. He likes to shoot. A lot. This should become more and more of a factor down the stretch.

Eric and I are again battling schedule conflicts, but we are planning a podcast for Thursday. I’ll save the Biron injury, more on McCabe and the trade deadline, as well as the playoff push for that show. In the meantime, we want to hear from you. There’s lots to discuss.

Weigh in on some of these topics to hosts@nyrangerscast.com:

Do you like what the Rangers did/didn’t do at the trade deadline? Why? Why not?

Do you think the Rangers will make the playoffs this year?

As I sit watching the Rangers take on the Lightning, I can’t help but marvel at all the great young talent this New York team has.  There are true cornerstones on both sides of the puck, plus a franchise goaltender to boot.  The Blueshirts have done a great job developing draft picks over the past 5 years into real NHL difference makers.

But, even with the success of guys like Cally, Dubi, MDZ, Stepan, and Sauer, we can not forget the one big flop that taints them all.  That’s right folks, I’m talking about the man they call “Huge Specimen.”  The 2003 first-round draft pick of YOUR New York Rangers, from Dartmouth College, HUUUUUUGGGGGHHHHH Jessiman!!!!

Come on, admit it, you’ve got a soft spot in your heart for Hugh after all these years.

Jessiman battled injuries, played well below his potential and was ultimately traded by the Rangers in 2008 to Nashville.  It didn’t help Hugh’s case that he remained the only member of the star-studded 2003 first-round to not play in the NHL.  That is, until now…

After seven years, Hugh Jessiman has finally made it to “The Show.”

Jessiman will make his debut for the Florida Panthers tonight against the New Jersey Devils.  After being drafted ahead of guys like Mike Richards, Zach Parise, and Ryan Getzlaf, Hugh will finally join their ranks on NHL ice.

As much as Hugh has been the punchline for Rangers fans since 2003, you have to feel good for the guy.  I’m happy to see Hugh finally getting his shot.  Good luck tonight Hugh, take down the Devils for us.

Hey all. While I’m stranded up in Maine make sure you catch former NYRangerscaster on the mothership today. That’s right, our very own Steven Gelbs will be on MSG today at noon. He was interviewed as part of the “#24: Callahan” segment. This will air leading up to Rangers pregame at 12:30. If you ask me, I don’t know why they don’t just give him his own show. Oh wait, they have! Okay, yeah that’s on MSG Varsity, but the Emmy-nominated Gelbs is inching his way closer and closer to the Rangers. We’re proud of our buddy, even if he does charge us per minute just to speak with him. Eric and I are okay with it because we both know he’s not having nearly as much fun as we are here at NYRangerscast.

Anyway, check him out before the Ranger game today. Starts at noon! Great to see him doing so well.

With 13:50 to go in the 3rd period I had that very empty feeling in my stomach. The Rangers had played a very solid couple of periods. They went on the road and secured a lead heading into the final frame. They looked poised to tack on another two points to their cushion on 8th place Carolina.

And why not? After all, the Rangers had a perfect record when leading in games after two periods.

Then Jussi Jokinen buried his second goal of the 3rd and the Blueshirts were all of a sudden trailing. I imagine some turned off their TV in disgust despite it still only being a one goal game with plenty of time left. I won’t name names, but I even saw some “stick a fork in them” type tweets. Not just for the game. For the season.

I know, it’s hard not to think the worst with this team. The Rangers have been so bad, or at least so frustrating, for so long. 1994 feels like a long, long time ago.

But again, there is something different about this team. Sure, they are hanging on by the skin of their teeth, but they find ways to get it done much more often than we’ve seen in recent years. Last night’s game was a perfect example. Just when it seemed like they were dead in the water, and yes, I was in that state of mind with a few minutes to go, another person steps up.

Enter Wojtek Wolski (happy birthday tomorrow). What a performance. Not just in the shootout. Not just on the game-tying goal. The guy was flying all game long and was one of the, if not the, best players on the ice. For the Rangers to make any serious, magical run in the playoffs this year, he’s just another player who needs to perform like he did last night.

Was the night perfect? No. In fact, far from it. The Rangers still let a team on their heels get a point out of a game they had in their control. Marc Staal left the game with an apparent knee injury. Needless to say, he is one of two (Hank) players the Rangers can go nowhere without.

But at this point, the Rangers are in the playoffs if the season ended today. That means they aren’t chasing teams and trying to make up points. All they need to worry about it accumulating points. If they do that, making the playoffs won’t be an issue.

So at the end of the night, the Rangers got the job done. Two points is two points and they should take them any way they can get them.

Also, Martin Biron should be the shootout coach of the year.

I would like to start a petition to get the Rangers moved to the Western Conference.  I know geographically it doesn’t make much sense, but come on, let’s get creative! We can start a new division in the West.  Call it the “East Division”…No good?

While it is obviously a stretch to consider the Rangers as a Western Conference team, it’s not a stretch to consider them as one of the best Eastern Conference teams when it comes to playing the West.  The Blueshirts have more wins (10) against Western Conf. foes than any other team in the East.  Last night’s SO victory over the Kings puts them in sole possession of first in that category.

The wins aren’t just coming against Western Conference bottom feeders either.  The Rangers have played 6 of the 8 teams currently in the playoff picture in the West.  They have beaten 5 of them.  San Jose and Anaheim are still on the schedule. 

It’s also a win that proves a little bit more than the Pittsburgh game that preceded it.  Wins over Pittsburgh are always tough, but with that team a shadow of their opening day lineup, a win didn’t necessarily prove a whole lot.  A win against a team like LA, who is fighting to get into the playoffs, shows that the Rangers may be coming back to life.

Tonight is no different.  How bout those Devils, huh?  We said it all year on the podcast…Get your wins against the Devils while they’re down, because it won’t last forever.  And it hasn’t.  The Jersey squad is 8-1-1 in their last 10 and with 25 games to go, are only 12 points out of the playoffs. 

Quick Notes:

—King Henrik picked up the 200th win of his career last night against LA.  An NYRangerscast “Tip of the Cap” to you Mr. Lundqvist.  Fitting that it came in a shoot out.

—Hey Gaborik, where exactly has that shot been all year?  When he let that goal shot go last night, I think there was a collective “It’s about damn time,” shouted by Rangers fans around the world. Vintage Gabby.  Now, do it again.

—Erik “Wrong Spelling” Christensen and Mats “Duke Zukem” continue to stun in the SO.  You would think goalies would start catching on…for our sakes, let’s hope they don’t.

Ah, it’s that time of year again. Scoreboard watch!

There was a time not too long ago when we all were starting to think the Rangers would be in the playoffs pretty safely. Finally, a year where we could ease the death-grip on our couches and watch a hockey game with a lower blood pressure. Well, not so much.

The good news? The losing streak is finally over. The team had three days without games in preparation for tonight’s game against the Kings. And, while the Rangers are getting some time to get rejuvenated other teams are finally starting to play the games they had in hand on the Blueshirts.

What does this all mean? We have to start rooting for teams that we, as Rangers fans, despise. The Islanders. The Devils. Heck, even the Flyers. Let’s face it, the Rangers aren’t catching Philly in the standings, so when the Flyers are playing teams like Carolina, Buffalo, Atlanta, Montreal, Washington, etc. the logical thing to do is root for the result that benefits the Rangers the most. Translation: Flyers, Devils and Islanders can become our friends, or our even more hated enemies, down the home stretch.

I know what you’re all thinking at this point, or at least many of you are probably thinking. There are still a lot of games left. As the standings are right now, the Rangers are in the playoffs with a little breathing room. Why worry about other teams? Well, you’re exactly right and that’s what any Ranger would say should a reporter ask. It is just a nice bonus when the teams behind the Rangers lose as they did last night. The Leafs beat Buffalo, NJ beat Carolina and Philly beat Florida. All in regulation. With that said, two of NY’s next three games are against the Devils and Flyers, so there’s their chance to beat them up themselves.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not trying to have a love affair with any of these teams. Just recognize the fact that they could be doing us a huge favor, or disservice, in the end.

News and Notes

- Apologies for the lack of a podcast. This is just one of those weeks where Eric and I have heavily conflicting schedules. We have Sunday penciled in to talk about this three game stretch. There could be some significant swings for the Rangers in the standings just based off these next few days.
- Andrew Gross reports that Steve Eminger will again be a healthy scratch and MDZ will take his place. Also, Kris Newbury has been recalled as Wolski recovers from some sore ribs.
- The Kings are one of the hottest teams in the NHL right now. They are 8-0-2 in their last 10 games and 5-0-2 so far on their ridiculous 10 game road trip post-All-Star break. Get this, they haven’t played a home game since January 26th and they aren’t back in the Staples Center until February 24th. Who the heck made that schedule?! You would figure at some point all this travel wears on them and they have letdown game, but G Jonathan Quick has been terrific in net and is now 7-0 in shootouts. I know, because he’s on my fantasy team, ha ha.
- Keep getting those questions/comments in at hosts@nyrangerscast.com. We’re still reading your emails and always appreciate the input/feedback.

As always, Let’s Go Rangers!