The news started to come out a few months ago that the Rangers were going to be getting the 2012 Winter Classic against arch rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers. However, that's not the important part...the fans care more about 24/7 and why not.
But what are they gonna show?
Will the rivalry between Mike Richards and Brandon Dubinsky be front and center? I wonder if HBO and the NHL will try to push Torts to give Dubi an "A" for that reason. (I'm not going to get into why I don't think Dubi should get a letter, but for an idea, check out the amount of color in interviews from Torts' letter wearers in the past). Mike Richards and Brandon Dubinsky have a lot of respect for each other and have shown this through many fights in the past. Maybe we'll even get to see a montage of the past battles and a preview through an earlier game.
How many times will HBO show "the shootout"?
Will there be a special feature on teaching Paul Holmgren the meaning of the word "goaltender" and why they are necessary in the game of hockey?
Will Jeff Carter be a Flyer and if so, will he be competing with ths Sleaze Crew for how to get the most questionable characters on the show?
Will we see Michelle Trachtenberg? Or will Prusty, Boyle, Del Zotto, and whoever else chooses to join them find others who are attracted to the HBO cameras in New York City.
If Marty Biron goes into the interview room, how much time will the editors have to spend on each segment and will there be room on the cutting room floor when they're done? Will Marty be mic'd up during games just in case there's a shootout so we can find out what he says? Personally, Marty Biron might be the part I'm most excited about.
Will the NHL make sure that the Pens and Caps are both featured so that they can say Crosby and Ovechkin more? Of course we will remember the Rangers destroying both teams last year and being the best guest stars on the show.
Will we get to watch Torts blow up at Brooks?
Since its run by the league, will we get to watch Aves' on ice verbal antics or will we be forced to watch the cameras avoid him?
Will people outside of NY learn the amazingness of Ryan McDonagh and Michael Sauer?
Which team gets the happy story and music and who gets the sadness and dark lighting?
Which unknown player will barely be featured then be the star of the Winter Classic game?
Will Captain Cally have a chance to show everyone why we love him so much?
Will Brad Richards make any appearances on the show?
Will Brandon Prust be in pain from his beastly actions? Will we get to see him argue with Torts after it's reported that he is "a game time decision but probably won't play." Of course, he'll play and maybe even score a shorthanded goal after Boyle blocks a shot with some part of his massive body?
Speaking of blocked shots...will we get to see the bruises likely covering 90% of Dan Girardi's body?
Will the record be set straight that Girardi is Cally's #1 bromate NOT Dubi? (Dubi has said in interviews that EC is his best friend on the team)
Will Marian Gaborik show up for 24/7?
Will we be wasted if during each episode we play the "Staals are brothers" drinking game although Marc is the only one featured?
Will Hank blame himself for every loss even if the other 18 guys don't show up?
Will Chris Pronger steal the WC winning puck?
Will I manage to find my way in front of an HBO camera at MSG?
As the NHL would say...questions will become answers
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Friday, December 24, 2010
Rangers v. Bolts 12/23/10
I haven't blogged in a while because I was away for the weekend and only saw the 3rd period of the game against the Coyotes.
So last night - I don't have that much to say about it. They played one of their best games in a while, but Ellis was ridiculous and the smallest mistakes led to goals for the other team.
I wish Prusty was able to get a stick on that loose puck when they were shorthanded. It probably would have turned the game around right there.
If EC teaches the rest of the guys some shootout moves, can they teach him a little more consistency than he has?
Clutch rookie is clutch and perfect rookie is perfect. The Calder committee had better take a good look at Derek Stepan or they're idiots.
Zuke had a great debut, but I understand if he doesn't come back up right away. If he can't play top 6 minutes, then let him play max time in Hartford. The kid seems to really get that too, he just wants to play. I also think Todd White belongs in the press box or in Hartford or anywhere but on the ice and Aves deserves more minutes.
So last night - I don't have that much to say about it. They played one of their best games in a while, but Ellis was ridiculous and the smallest mistakes led to goals for the other team.
I wish Prusty was able to get a stick on that loose puck when they were shorthanded. It probably would have turned the game around right there.
If EC teaches the rest of the guys some shootout moves, can they teach him a little more consistency than he has?
Clutch rookie is clutch and perfect rookie is perfect. The Calder committee had better take a good look at Derek Stepan or they're idiots.
Zuke had a great debut, but I understand if he doesn't come back up right away. If he can't play top 6 minutes, then let him play max time in Hartford. The kid seems to really get that too, he just wants to play. I also think Todd White belongs in the press box or in Hartford or anywhere but on the ice and Aves deserves more minutes.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Call Ups
It seems like every fan is saying bring up Zuccarello. I could not disagree with this more. I absolutely think that MZA should stay in Hartford. One week ago Torts said he wasn't ready...the kid JUST started surging in Hartford a couple of weeks ago, that doesn't mean he's suddenly ready for the big leagues. (see Torts' comment here: http://twitter.com/JimCerny/status/13671383535980544)
There is not a single player in Hartford who can replace the loss of heart on the ice. No one has Cally's passion and no one gives 110% every minute they are on the ice the way that Ryan Callahan does. Bringing up someone who needs minutes to grow is only going to hinder the growth of the prospect.
Deny it all you want, but when it comes to talent...Drury and Callahan are very similar. As much as we all love Cally, even he admits that he's not the most skilled player, it's his heart and passion that make up for it. Drury can kill penalties, play on the power play, score at clutch moments, block shots, and throw hits. If he practices on the wing with Artie and Dubi, he can probably develop some chemistry with them too. I am not saying Dru can replace Cally in any sense, but he has the experience to play the minutes and from what he showed last night, he is ready for the challenge.
If anyone gets called up, it's someone who would not be harmed by playing 4th line minutes. It would have to be a physical player who can also create offense. Whoever it is would be playing less than 10 minutes a game. It would be a WASTE to bring up one of the kids who is trying to grow to make the team full time next year.
One more thing - if MZA does get called up and proves that he's not ready, the entire fanbase is going to turn on him. More reason for him to stay in Hartford for now.
There is not a single player in Hartford who can replace the loss of heart on the ice. No one has Cally's passion and no one gives 110% every minute they are on the ice the way that Ryan Callahan does. Bringing up someone who needs minutes to grow is only going to hinder the growth of the prospect.
Deny it all you want, but when it comes to talent...Drury and Callahan are very similar. As much as we all love Cally, even he admits that he's not the most skilled player, it's his heart and passion that make up for it. Drury can kill penalties, play on the power play, score at clutch moments, block shots, and throw hits. If he practices on the wing with Artie and Dubi, he can probably develop some chemistry with them too. I am not saying Dru can replace Cally in any sense, but he has the experience to play the minutes and from what he showed last night, he is ready for the challenge.
If anyone gets called up, it's someone who would not be harmed by playing 4th line minutes. It would have to be a physical player who can also create offense. Whoever it is would be playing less than 10 minutes a game. It would be a WASTE to bring up one of the kids who is trying to grow to make the team full time next year.
One more thing - if MZA does get called up and proves that he's not ready, the entire fanbase is going to turn on him. More reason for him to stay in Hartford for now.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Rangers v. Pens 12/15/10
Anyone who knows me at all knows where this post will start.
The heart and soul of the team. The identity of the team. The one man who personifies everything that the Rangers want to be. The 2nd leading scorer. He's now sidelined for about 6 weeks. I'm sure we've all gotten used to Sam and Joe saying "Callahan looks hurt" and then a few minutes later, Cally's back on the ice blocking shots like a beast and connecting with Dubi on some kind of play where it seems almost impossible that they'd find each other. Not this time. Slapshot to the hand, broken bone, out 6 weeks. This team has to make up for a lot more than Cally's hits, play making, and shot blocking...they have to make up for Cally's heart. Ironic almost that the real captain comes back from a broken finger just for the "acting captain" to go out with a broken hand. Is Drury a jinx? Maybe...last time he came back from an injury (and got hurt again) Gabs got hurt too. Torts looked like he could cry during the postgame, that's how important Ryan Callahan is to this team.
Now onto the game -- it looked like it was going to stay 1-0...they were playing great in their own zone except for a small defense lapse which was more both Marc and Danny buying into a fake shot by Crosby and giving Malkin the opening.
I'm down on Christensen a lot, but this isn't his first time being clutch. I guess we have some more time with him now that Cally's out for him to prove his worth. Then Fro...that was a great shot, where's it been all season? Maybe now he'll keep playing like that last 10 minutes.
Brian Boyle can never be praised enough. I guess he's my favorite active player now? He'll never replace Cally as my favorite, but he's just been consistent and hard working. Apparently he was too tired to try to make a play on his goal, so he shot it...guess it worked. Sexy shot too. Aside from that....he took so many hits and he covered Crosby and Malkin whenever Staal wasn't right there...he dished out hits when necessary and did whatever he could to stay in the game.
I was not expecting a comeback like that at all and I wish they could play the way they play 3rd period on the road in every period of every game. Leading the league in road wins and shorthanded goals are two things they should be proud of...get some wins at the Garden, and this team is even more of a contender.
As for the disallowed goal...Hank said he couldn't move because Dupuis was on him...Rozi was there too, so I guess it could be a questionable call...but Hank's been interfered with so many times and the goals have counted that it's bound to be called in his favor eventually.
I was impressed with Drury...he was 2-1 on faceoffs, I believe and he started a 2-on-1 rush on the PK even though Dubi couldn't finish. I still say Welcome Back, Captain Clutch.
I hope they dedicated that 3rd period and that win to Cally....and that they play that way for the next 6 weeks without him and throughout the season with him.
The heart and soul of the team. The identity of the team. The one man who personifies everything that the Rangers want to be. The 2nd leading scorer. He's now sidelined for about 6 weeks. I'm sure we've all gotten used to Sam and Joe saying "Callahan looks hurt" and then a few minutes later, Cally's back on the ice blocking shots like a beast and connecting with Dubi on some kind of play where it seems almost impossible that they'd find each other. Not this time. Slapshot to the hand, broken bone, out 6 weeks. This team has to make up for a lot more than Cally's hits, play making, and shot blocking...they have to make up for Cally's heart. Ironic almost that the real captain comes back from a broken finger just for the "acting captain" to go out with a broken hand. Is Drury a jinx? Maybe...last time he came back from an injury (and got hurt again) Gabs got hurt too. Torts looked like he could cry during the postgame, that's how important Ryan Callahan is to this team.
Now onto the game -- it looked like it was going to stay 1-0...they were playing great in their own zone except for a small defense lapse which was more both Marc and Danny buying into a fake shot by Crosby and giving Malkin the opening.
I'm down on Christensen a lot, but this isn't his first time being clutch. I guess we have some more time with him now that Cally's out for him to prove his worth. Then Fro...that was a great shot, where's it been all season? Maybe now he'll keep playing like that last 10 minutes.
Brian Boyle can never be praised enough. I guess he's my favorite active player now? He'll never replace Cally as my favorite, but he's just been consistent and hard working. Apparently he was too tired to try to make a play on his goal, so he shot it...guess it worked. Sexy shot too. Aside from that....he took so many hits and he covered Crosby and Malkin whenever Staal wasn't right there...he dished out hits when necessary and did whatever he could to stay in the game.
I was not expecting a comeback like that at all and I wish they could play the way they play 3rd period on the road in every period of every game. Leading the league in road wins and shorthanded goals are two things they should be proud of...get some wins at the Garden, and this team is even more of a contender.
As for the disallowed goal...Hank said he couldn't move because Dupuis was on him...Rozi was there too, so I guess it could be a questionable call...but Hank's been interfered with so many times and the goals have counted that it's bound to be called in his favor eventually.
I was impressed with Drury...he was 2-1 on faceoffs, I believe and he started a 2-on-1 rush on the PK even though Dubi couldn't finish. I still say Welcome Back, Captain Clutch.
I hope they dedicated that 3rd period and that win to Cally....and that they play that way for the next 6 weeks without him and throughout the season with him.
Welcome Back, Captain Clutch
I've seen a lot of talk about people who either don't care about Dru coming back or don't want him to come back. I, like pretty much every Ranger fan, do not like Chris Drury's contract...he makes a lot more money than he's worth. HOWEVER, he is still the captain. We may all see Ryan Callahan as the heart, soul, leader, and identity of the team...and all of this is true, but there's more that we, as fans, can't see. I'm sure if there wasn't something about Dru in the locker room that exuded what the Rangers want to be, then he would be stripped of the C.
Torts even said that he's the captain, of course everyone is welcoming him back. The Rangers are also currently 29th in the league in faceoffs...cue Chris Drury...he'll take some of the more important faceoffs and maybe get some wins. Our PK has been pretty solid and he'll add to that, especially against the Pens. While the two teams are currently very close in PP%, the Pens also get more PPs than the Rangers.
Also, having their captain back is going to give the boys energy. They're going to want to go out there guns blazing tonight and I think Dru will only help that. He didn't displace anyone on the team who the fans find important...and Torts said that it would be either White or EC...although tonight it's White, when Boogey's better and we're playing a team with a tough guy, I wouldn't mind if EC starts seeing some time in the press box to make room for someone who is key in the most clutch situations.
So say what you wish, I'm happy about the return of Captain Clutch AS LONG AS the identity of the team does not change.
Torts even said that he's the captain, of course everyone is welcoming him back. The Rangers are also currently 29th in the league in faceoffs...cue Chris Drury...he'll take some of the more important faceoffs and maybe get some wins. Our PK has been pretty solid and he'll add to that, especially against the Pens. While the two teams are currently very close in PP%, the Pens also get more PPs than the Rangers.
Also, having their captain back is going to give the boys energy. They're going to want to go out there guns blazing tonight and I think Dru will only help that. He didn't displace anyone on the team who the fans find important...and Torts said that it would be either White or EC...although tonight it's White, when Boogey's better and we're playing a team with a tough guy, I wouldn't mind if EC starts seeing some time in the press box to make room for someone who is key in the most clutch situations.
So say what you wish, I'm happy about the return of Captain Clutch AS LONG AS the identity of the team does not change.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Rangers v. Caps 12/13/10
The people sitting next to me at the Garden last night said "how can a team lose 3-1 to Columbus then come back and do this against the Caps"...my answer? They played for each other last night. Hank admitted that he was killing himself over that goal and he needed to prove that he's better than that. The true fans know that he is (while others still believe that he's not the best goalie because he lets in softies) and last night there were many moments that I thought the shutout would end. Then the last 2 minutes, the rest of the team didn't care about the blow out, they didn't want more goals, they wanted to give Hank the shutout. While EC's penalty was stupid (on his part) at the same time, it helped because they didn't have to worry about icing the puck, they could just shoot it and get it away from Hank.
The work in the neutral zone was amongst the most impressive. The Rangers completely owned the neutral zone, between hits and poke checks, the Caps couldn't hold onto the pucks. We do have to realize that the Caps were not playing their best game and I have no idea why Varlamov was not pulled 5 minutes into the second. Artie's and Dubi's goals probably could have been stopped.
I've always referred to Cally as the heart and soul of the team...but he's not the only one anymore. Brandon Prust plays with so much heart, that every time he scores or his line scores, his smile lights up the entire place. He loves being out there and being part of that team and there's nothing I'd rather see in a player.
Dubi. He had a bit of a drought, now he's getting his scoring touch back. After he took down Ovi (that fight will definitely live on for a while), I texted a friend saying "he needs an assist," but at the same time, I was thinking "oh, they're not gonna score again...they scored 4 times already." He did it though...2nd career Gordie Howe...but this time he won the fight.
Artie's slump is over. I love that Russian and it was great to see a goal and assist..whatever Torts said to him on Friday worked and I hope this sticks.
Marc Staal has become something else. He was attached to Ovi last night, just like he was to Nash for the majority of Saturday night. He's scored in 3 of the last 4 game, I think? He's worth every cent of that contract he signed this summer. I just need to buy an A to put on my jersey because I don't think Prospal's getting it back when he returns.
now onto Dru's return...I love our captain, maybe not his contract...but Dru's clutch when he needs to be. What I don't get is why people are actually questioning who is out of the line up right now...if Boogey's out, obviously Todd White is gone. He's gonna go to Hartford or get shopped...he played more minutes last night than he usually does, so it's possible. Drury should fit on a line with EC and Fro, but we'll see what Torts does. If Boyle and Prust get separated though, I'll be PISSED. Against Pittsburgh AT Pittsburgh, we're going to need Dru on our PK.
The work in the neutral zone was amongst the most impressive. The Rangers completely owned the neutral zone, between hits and poke checks, the Caps couldn't hold onto the pucks. We do have to realize that the Caps were not playing their best game and I have no idea why Varlamov was not pulled 5 minutes into the second. Artie's and Dubi's goals probably could have been stopped.
I've always referred to Cally as the heart and soul of the team...but he's not the only one anymore. Brandon Prust plays with so much heart, that every time he scores or his line scores, his smile lights up the entire place. He loves being out there and being part of that team and there's nothing I'd rather see in a player.
Dubi. He had a bit of a drought, now he's getting his scoring touch back. After he took down Ovi (that fight will definitely live on for a while), I texted a friend saying "he needs an assist," but at the same time, I was thinking "oh, they're not gonna score again...they scored 4 times already." He did it though...2nd career Gordie Howe...but this time he won the fight.
Artie's slump is over. I love that Russian and it was great to see a goal and assist..whatever Torts said to him on Friday worked and I hope this sticks.
Marc Staal has become something else. He was attached to Ovi last night, just like he was to Nash for the majority of Saturday night. He's scored in 3 of the last 4 game, I think? He's worth every cent of that contract he signed this summer. I just need to buy an A to put on my jersey because I don't think Prospal's getting it back when he returns.
now onto Dru's return...I love our captain, maybe not his contract...but Dru's clutch when he needs to be. What I don't get is why people are actually questioning who is out of the line up right now...if Boogey's out, obviously Todd White is gone. He's gonna go to Hartford or get shopped...he played more minutes last night than he usually does, so it's possible. Drury should fit on a line with EC and Fro, but we'll see what Torts does. If Boyle and Prust get separated though, I'll be PISSED. Against Pittsburgh AT Pittsburgh, we're going to need Dru on our PK.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Rangers v. Blue Jackets 12/11/10
Should I go with the herd and blame Hank? Marc fell on the rush and lost Nash who somehow got a bad angle shot in the net. Hank could have hugged the post more? I don't know, I've never been a goalie so I don't know if there's a way to eliminate that. For an elite goaltender like Hank that should have been an easy save, I assume..but he missed it. The team tried to rally back and didn't...
As for the rally...why the fuck did Torts put that PP team out in desperation? Frolov has done shit, Torts has called him out for his bad play, in times of desperation, don't fuck around. Put out the top PP team, the guys who have scored on the power play. I'm not blaming the team as much here as I am Torts...he knows who strives under pressure and who has been folding all season. Had he put the special team that produces out there, they might have been able to tie the game back up.
There were some great shots on goal tonight, each one stopped by Mason. He dove out of the net to stop some shots. Dubi, Cally, Steps, Gaby, and Boyle all had some great shots...none got past Mason.
Gilroy is making a case for himself as to why he belongs in the line up.
I'm not going to say that the team did nothing wrong...but as I've said before, if you say things like "typical crap" and "this team sucks" then you're not a fan and if I follow you on twitter, you'll meet my favorite button...unfollow. I just don't get it....what does being so down and negative on a team you supposedly support do for you? How does hating something you love get out frustration - go punch a fucking wall.
As for the rally...why the fuck did Torts put that PP team out in desperation? Frolov has done shit, Torts has called him out for his bad play, in times of desperation, don't fuck around. Put out the top PP team, the guys who have scored on the power play. I'm not blaming the team as much here as I am Torts...he knows who strives under pressure and who has been folding all season. Had he put the special team that produces out there, they might have been able to tie the game back up.
There were some great shots on goal tonight, each one stopped by Mason. He dove out of the net to stop some shots. Dubi, Cally, Steps, Gaby, and Boyle all had some great shots...none got past Mason.
Gilroy is making a case for himself as to why he belongs in the line up.
I'm not going to say that the team did nothing wrong...but as I've said before, if you say things like "typical crap" and "this team sucks" then you're not a fan and if I follow you on twitter, you'll meet my favorite button...unfollow. I just don't get it....what does being so down and negative on a team you supposedly support do for you? How does hating something you love get out frustration - go punch a fucking wall.
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