This is pretty much train of thought as I am watching the game. Not really a live blog but it is essentially my rants and reactions in order of events. It also has a bunch of other random thoughts that crossed my mind but didn't deserve a post of their own. So here they all are:
*I hate watching games on TV rather than being there. It really is a huge change from how it used to be, when I loved, LOVED sitting at home and listening to Sam and J.D. call the shots on MSG. Joe opened the broadcast by saying that Paul Mara was playing really well for the Islanders before getting hurt and it just went downhill from there.
*Beautiful start for Malik in his return - a horrible pass back to Rozy right off the opening faceoff. M! A! L-I-K! MALIK YOU SUCK!
*And a minute and a half into the game Sam and Joe are talking about how wonderful Marcel Hossa is. Too bad I can't get a radio signal in here, I want to tear off my ears. Grudgingly I have to give him credit on the set up for Girardi's opening goal - a solid forecheck got him the possession, even if he didn't mean for the pass to go all the way back to the point.*Oh baby, sweet shot by Shanny for the second goal. Man is Gerber playing like crap but Shanny's off-balance shot was purty!
*Hmm, Jagr, shooting on the power play? What a concept! It is astounding how Straka's mere presence in the lineup has boosted Jag's confidence and comfort level.
*Glad to see Chris Neil is still the filthy piece of garbage player that Ben Eager seems to be attempting to emulate. But Neil can and will fight, making Brian McGratton's existence in the NHL to be moot. The guy is a pure goon who can't skate who should have been eliminated with the Pete Worrells and other thugs that didn't make it out of the lockout.*I love that: Dany Heatley is jawing at Colton Orr with a few minutes left in the first. What could he be saying? "Watch out or I will give you a ride in my Porche?"
*Gerber was pulled for Emery to start the second. Too bad we don't still have Dan Cloutier - now that would be one helluva goalie fight. Both Clootch and RayRay know how to throw down.
*With eight minutes left in the second period, there was one helluva sexy play. Tic tac toe passing got Dubi a fantastic chance. He was stopped by Emery, but it was a gorgeous play.
*At the start of the game I also wrote my post about Wes Walz. Ottawa has another one of those hard-hat, underrated guys in Dean McAmmond. The only press he has ever gotten was from being hammered by Steve Downie and elbowed by Chris Pronger but he has been around since '92 and is still going strong.
*In my Quarter Mark Awards, I listed the Scotty Hockey All Stars. James Mirtle, one of the best hockey bloggers, just put up his unsung heroes list and included Dan Carcillo (as did I). He also listed Montreal's Mike Komisarek, who I had taken out at the last second for Willie Mitchell. It was a tough call but after seeing the Habs play the Rangers and Isles, I am not sure if his impact is as big considering how good both Montreal goalies have been. I also didn't want to get the homer tag put on because of my fandom for Mike since he grew up 15 minutes away from me (his teammate Chris Higgins was five minutes away, but several years behind, lol). Mirtle's list includes Braydon Coburn, which makes no sense to me as he was a first round draft pick who everyone expected to do well ... but whatever, Mirtle gets paid to write, I don't.*4-1. Jason Spezza is good. He turned Toots inside out getting room for Joe Corvo. Hank really shoulda stopped it, but all credit should go to Spetz. The same goes for the second Sens goal that made it 4-2 - Spetz put the puck right on Heatley's stick for the perfect deflection ...
*Hahahaha, Daniel Alfredsson just went after Rozy and Lurch (Malik) just stood there while the rest of the Sens converged. What a waste of a 6'6, 240 frame.
*The Sens started battering the Rangers with big hits but for once the Rangers didn't shrink away and start playing a weaker, more cautious game - like we did against the Isles earlier this year when they came out hard. I'm totally impressed. A minute after I typed this, MSG put up a lower third that listed Ottawa's hit count (25 with seven minutes left in the game). Man, I'm good.
*Watching the Junior Rangers scoring on the Junior Islanders during a break in the action was awesome. I just love watching Islanders lose!
*As much as I dislike Heatley, his line with Alfredsson and Spezza is probably the most exciting in hockey, shift-after-shift. Its the perfect model for a scoring line: a scoring winger (Alfredsson), a playmaker (Spetz) and a murderer ... Oh, I mean grinder (Heatley). Whoops, lil slip up there. As much as I mock, Heatley is the premier power forward in the NHL and one of the top five all-around players. So I don't like him because he killed Dan Snyder, and I don't like him because he abuses the Rangers.
*Hahaha, did you see Neil go after Malik with a minute and a half left? Its like swinging at a gym punching bag.
*Go Bettsy! His empty net goal was his first this year and also marked the first game since the opener that the Blueshirts tallied five in one game.
*PHW Three Stars3-Scott Gomez - what? Do these people watch the game?
2-Hank
1-Shanny
Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Hank - Aside from the first Sens goal, he was solid and 20 or so of his 31 saves were on legit scoring chances.
2-Dubi - He was fantastic up and down the ice and without him, Jagr wouldn't have scored. We've spoken about how Staal may be the captain someday but I wouldn't count the kid out if he continues to mature and play like this.
1-Shanny - I still think that he lost some speed on his shots but man, did he place them with pinpoint accuracy. Yay Captain Shanny ...
15-9-2: Rangers Hand Sens 6th Straight Loss
The New York Rangers took on the struggling Ottawa Senators in a high-stakes matchup, and the result was a gripping game that kept fans on the edge of their seats. With the Senators looking to snap a five-game losing streak and the Rangers aiming to solidify their playoff position, this contest had all the makings of a must-watch game. In this article, we'll break down the key moments, standout performances, and the implications of the Rangers' victory over the Senators.
Part I: The Game Overview
Setting the Stage
The Rangers entered the game with a record of 15 wins, 9 losses, and 2 overtime losses, placing them comfortably in the playoff picture in the competitive Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Senators were struggling, having lost their previous five games. Their record stood at 10 wins, 16 losses, and 2 overtime losses, leaving them near the bottom of the standings.
Game Highlights
The game started with a burst of energy from both teams, with end-to-end action and several close calls. It was clear that the Senators were determined to reverse their recent misfortunes, while the Rangers were eager to extend their winning streak.
The first period saw both teams trading blows, but it was the Rangers who struck first. A power-play goal, expertly set up by their top-line center, gave them the early lead. The Senators responded with a goal of their own before the period ended, leaving the score tied at 1-1.
In the second period, the Rangers started to assert their dominance. Their top line continued to shine, creating scoring chances and putting immense pressure on the Senators' defense. A series of quick passes led to another Rangers goal, followed by a highlight-reel individual effort by one of their star wingers, putting them ahead 3-1.
The Senators, desperate to mount a comeback, rallied in the third period. They managed to cut the Rangers' lead to 3-2, setting the stage for a thrilling finish. With just minutes remaining in regulation, the Senators pulled their goaltender in a last-ditch effort to tie the game. However, the Rangers' defense held strong, and an empty-net goal sealed the victory with a final score of 4-2.
Standout Performances
Several players stood out in this game:
The Rangers' Top Line: The Rangers' top line, consisting of their star center and wingers, was instrumental in the victory. They combined for three goals and multiple assists, showcasing their skill and chemistry.
The Senators' Goaltender: Despite the loss, the Senators' goaltender made numerous incredible saves to keep his team in the game. His performance earned him praise from fans and analysts alike.
The Rangers' Defense: The Rangers' defensemen played a crucial role in stifling the Senators' late-game push. They blocked shots, disrupted passing lanes, and ensured their goaltender had a clear view of the puck.
Part II: The Implications
For the Rangers
The Rangers' victory over the struggling Senators was significant for several reasons:
Playoff Aspirations: With this win, the Rangers solidified their position in the playoff race. It was a crucial two points that moved them closer to securing a postseason berth.
Momentum: Winning games, especially against teams below them in the standings, is vital for maintaining momentum and confidence. The Rangers would hope to build on this win as they face tougher opponents in the coming weeks.
Player Development: Young players on the Rangers' roster gained valuable experience in high-pressure situations. These moments are invaluable for their development as future stars of the team.
For the Senators
The loss was another setback for the struggling Senators:
Extended Losing Streak: The Senators' sixth consecutive loss was a bitter pill to swallow. It raised questions about their ability to turn their season around and make a late playoff push.
Rebuilding Process: While the Senators faced adversity, it's important to remember that they are a team in the midst of a rebuilding process. Developing their young talent and gaining experience remains a priority.
Part III: Frequently Asked Questions
Let's address some common questions related to this game and the NHL in general:
1. What is the significance of a power-play goal?
A power-play goal occurs when one team has a numerical advantage due to a penalty to the opposing team. Scoring during a power play is significant because it capitalizes on the temporary manpower advantage, making it more likely to score. It can shift the momentum of a game and is often a key factor in a team's success.
2. What is a "top line" in hockey?
A "top line" in hockey refers to a team's primary forward line, typically composed of the most skilled and productive players. These players are usually responsible for generating the bulk of a team's offensive output and are often matched against the opposing team's top players.
3. Why do teams pull their goaltender late in a game?
Teams pull their goaltender in favor of an extra skater late in a game when they are trailing and need to score quickly. The risk is that the opposing team may score into the empty net, but it provides an additional offensive player on the ice, increasing the chances of tying the game.
4. How does the NHL playoff system work?
The NHL playoffs consist of 16 teams, with the top eight from each conference (Eastern and Western) qualifying. Teams compete in a best-of-seven series in each round, with the winner advancing. The playoffs culminate in the Stanley Cup Final, where the two conference champions compete for the Stanley Cup.
The New York Rangers' victory over the Ottawa Senators was a thrilling game that had implications for both teams. For the Rangers, it was a crucial win in their playoff push, while the Senators faced the challenge of extending their losing streak. Hockey fans were treated to a fast-paced, competitive matchup, reminding us of the excitement and unpredictability of the NHL. As the season continues, both teams will strive to achieve their respective goals, making each game a crucial stepping stone toward success.
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