*In linking the first game I missed this year at the top, I noticed that a lot of the old pictures that I had used were gone - Yahoo cleaning out their servers. I will try to dub and up the shots myself henceforth but the source is still Yahoo/AP/whomever unless I specify otherwise. And of course Yahoo barely has any shots up of this game so pics will have to wait until I troll the net tomorrow.
*For work I had to cover the Ottawa/Detroit game and Steve Yzerman - an Ottawa native - was honoured before the game. What a great, classy man. The Sens fans gave him a minutelong standing ovation that gave me chills. The Leetch game on the 24th should be just as amazing.
*It was utterly hilarious watching Marek Malik get burned to give the Canadiens their first scoring chance of the game. If he is trying to play himself back into the lineup, that really isn't how he should go about it.
*What a great give-and-go goal by Chris Drury to open the game's scoring. I am less surprised that he made the great play but that Marcel Hossa didn't screw it up by fumbling the puck. Is there hope for him? I don't think I am ready to go that far yet ...
*How did Mike Komisarek lose his gloves and stick midway through the first period? Was he trying to pick a fight?
*I can't begin to tell you how miserable it is for me to be typing this at work while the game is going on a block away. This sucks.
*Wow, what a second goal for the Rangers. The top line, reunited with Marty Straka back in the lineup, executed perfectly with Jagr battling with the puck, getting space for Straka to rip a shot with Gomez cutting in front of Huet for a screen. Where the hell did that come from? If the Rangers keep playing like this, the guys in my section won't let me come back!
*Have I mentioned yet today that Jagr doesn't deserve the captaincy? Well, he doesn't. As per usual, he took a stupid, lazy penalty that hurt the team - this time early in the second period that was compounded by a ridiculous penalty by Hossa. I take back what I said before, there is no hope for him. Luckily Blair Betts and the rest of the penalty killers were able to hold off the best power play in the league on a 5-on-3 to keep it a 2-0 game. (And they did it again in the second period with patience and hard work - tremendous.)
*All credit to Brandon Dubinsky. When Petr Prucha scored the Rangers third goal the referee waved it off initially. Dubi kept skating and the Rangers maintained pressure deep in the Montreal zone for over a minute. Of course, at the next whistle the play was reviewed and Pru was awarded the goal, but the effort by Dubi should not be ignored. Btw - fantastic pass by Nigel Dawes to set up Pru on the play. Dawes should rip up his return bus ticket to Hartford because he clearly belongs in the big time.
*I type that and Dawes snaps a shot through Huet to give the Rangers an obscene 4-0 lead. I say obscene because I am at work and will take an insane amount of flack from everyone around me when I show up for Wednesday's game.
*After being entirely enamored with the defensive pairing of Girardi and Tuytin, I have to say that Staal and Girardi aren't that bad. Granted Staal took some silly penalties early, but the two seemed to adapt to each other well. When Renney benches Malik for the next game, he should put Toots next to Rozy. At least Toots will make up for Rozy's defensive lapses.
*The Rangers chased Huet to start the third period. Wow, when was the last time that happened??? I checked: December 29th when we hammered the Leafs 6-1 was the last and the other was Dec. 1st when the boys beat Ottawa in their best game all season, a 5-2 win. That is it, through 45 games ... kinda sad considering the names on our roster.
*I wish I was surprised but Montreal gets on the scoreboard on a power play with both Hossa and Malik on the ice, the latter entirely missing his cover. Superstar!! Gotta hope he buys Hank a hooker or something to make up for blowing that had been shaping up to be a strong shutout.
*As much as I am pleased that Greg Moore is getting a shot, I didn't realize he was in the game until late in the third period. Maybe it is time for the Rangers to give P.A. Paranteau a shot ...
*Well, it doesn't matter as the Rangers wrapped things up and finally won! As the line from Slap Shot goes, "That ends the longest losing streak ever!!"
*One last note before the stars - as the Rangers walked into the locker room, Sean Avery was standing there giving pounds with his bum wrist. Let's hope that that is a sign that he will be back sooner rather than later.
*PHW Three Stars
3-Hank - 18 saves.
2-Pruuuuuuuuu - one goal.
1-Druuuuuuuuu - one goal.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Rozy - didn't make any defensive mistakes that cost the team despite playing alongside the error-prone Big Foot and clocking a game-high 25:02 of ice time.
2-Nigel Dawes - goal and an assist while being defensively responsible and energetic in less than 10 minutes of ice time. The line with Dubi and Pru should be a keeper ...
1-Drury - for once I have to agree with Joe and say that that was probably the best game he has played as a Ranger. He was responsible defensively, crashed the crease and scored a pretty goal. Impressive. Most impressive.
21-19-5: The Rangers Finally Show Up - A Season Turning Point
In the world of professional hockey, seasons are marked by their ups and downs, the ebb and flow of victories and defeats. For the New York Rangers, the season with a record of 21-19-5 holds particular significance. In this article, we will explore the pivotal moment when the Rangers finally found their stride, the factors that contributed to their success, and address frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide insights into the dynamics of a hockey season.
Section 1: Decoding 21-19-5
1.1 21 - Games Won
The number 21 represents the total number of games won by the New York Rangers during the season. Each victory is a testament to the team's skill, teamwork, and determination to succeed.
1.2 19 - Games Lost
The number 19 signifies the total number of games lost by the Rangers during the season. Losses, though challenging, serve as opportunities for growth, learning, and resilience.
1.3 5 - Overtime/Shootout Losses
The number 5 represents the total number of games in which the Rangers lost in overtime or a shootout. These closely contested games highlight the fine margins in professional hockey.
Section 2: The Season's Turning Point
2.1 Early-Season Struggles
The Rangers' journey during the early part of the season was marked by inconsistency, where they faced challenges in finding their rhythm and momentum.
2.2 Identifying Key Factors
A turning point in the season often involves a combination of factors. In the case of the Rangers, it might have been adjustments in strategy, improved performance in critical areas, or a boost in team morale.
2.3 The Momentum Shift
The turning point represents a shift in momentum, where the Rangers began to string together wins, build confidence, and gain traction in the highly competitive NHL.
Section 3: Factors Contributing to Success
3.1 Improved Goaltending
Goaltending is a cornerstone of success in hockey. The Rangers may have seen an uptick in goaltending performance, with their netminders making critical saves and providing stability.
3.2 Enhanced Offensive Production
Scoring goals is essential in hockey, and the Rangers may have witnessed an increase in offensive production, thanks to the contributions of key players and improved power-play efficiency.
3.3 Strong Defensive Play
A solid defensive strategy is vital in minimizing opponents' scoring chances. The Rangers might have tightened their defensive play, reducing goals against and increasing their chances of winning.
Section 4: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
4.1 How does a team's regular-season record impact its playoff chances?
A team's regular-season record determines its position in the standings and influences its playoff seeding. A strong record can lead to home-ice advantage in the playoffs.
4.2 What role does coaching play in a team's turnaround during a season?
Coaching can be pivotal in making strategic adjustments, motivating players, and instilling a winning mindset. Effective coaching contributes significantly to a team's success.
4.3 Why are closely contested games in overtime or shootouts considered valuable points in the standings?
Overtime or shootout losses still earn teams valuable points in the standings, which can be crucial for playoff positioning. These points reflect the competitiveness of a team, even in games they don't win outright.
4.4 How do players maintain focus and motivation during a challenging season?
Players maintain focus through teamwork, leadership, and a commitment to improvement. The desire to compete at the highest level and reach the playoffs serves as a powerful motivator.
4.5 What lessons can be learned from a team's turnaround during a season?
A team's turnaround illustrates the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the potential for growth even in the face of adversity. It reminds us that success is attainable with perseverance.
The season with a record of 21-19-5 marks a significant chapter in the New York Rangers' journey. It reflects the dynamic nature of sports, where teams can find their stride, adapt, and ultimately achieve success. The turning point signifies not just a change in outcomes but a testament to the dedication, teamwork, and resilience of the players and coaching staff.
As fans and enthusiasts of the game, we are reminded that a hockey season is a narrative of highs and lows, victories and setbacks. It is a reflection of the enduring spirit of competition and the potential for remarkable turnarounds. The Rangers' journey teaches us that, in the world of sports, as in life, success often hinges on the ability to persevere, adapt, and rise to the occasion when the moment calls for it.
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