The Rangers actually won a game, beating a battered Buffalo Sabres 2-1. It was a night that disproved the adage that a ton of goals have to be scored to have an exciting game. Yes there were only three goals but the action was end-to-end with chances for both teams. The game was physical but there were no actual fisticuffs. And everyone - aside from those wearing buffa-slugged gear - went home happy. Some observations from section 329 (and my couch, as I am watching Rangers in 60 as I type this):
*Sean Avery made a definite difference. He was a catalyst, even if his timing was terrible and his wrist clearly was not back up to full strength. Hopefully it will continue to improve so he can go back to being the biggest pain-in-the-ass in the NHL. *As Brooksie said in the Post (see below post), Marcel Hossa needed to be scratched. Luckily, smartly, happily (for us), he was. And the best part? The Rangers didn't miss him. Hopefully that will be a harbinger of his demise in New York. Nigel Dawes did great on the third line and he deserves to be in the roster while Marcel doesn't. As I said during the game, it's like that terrible movie Twins: Atlanta got the Arnold Schwarzenegger and we got the Danny Devito.
*The Rangers wisely put Hossa on the shelf and kept the third line of Dawes, Prucha and Dubinsky together. Prucha got 8:51 of ice time, Dawes 7:08 and Dubi 6:25 and yet they combined for two goals, three assists and were all +2. Youth is (barely) being served and it is paying off.
*Game recaps will blame Scott Gomez for turning the puck over to cause the Buffalo goal but replays show Jagr half-heartedly back checking when he clearly could have gotten back and broken up the play. Yet again the 'captain' played below potential and even took another pair of lazy penalties. He has 32 PIM this year and no majors among them. That means he has taken 16 minors, each and every one senseless (to the best of my memory). Just utterly unacceptable for the guy who is supposedly leading the team.
*Luckily, Jagr's penalties didn't hurt the Rangers as Buffalo's power play was just as bad as the Rangers. Both teams went 0-5 with the man advantage. Gross. At least NY didn't screw up a long 5-on-3 like Buffalo did after Drury got called for a ghost penalty after Sasquatch, I mean Malik, was already in the box.
*Well, I mentioned the tree, I might as well berate him. Malik was yet again miserable. He made bad decisions, was beaten to pucks, was beaten on the outside, took a bad penalty, managed to put himself offside on a gimme of a breakaway and just stank in general. Time to go ... set him free, let him go back to roaming forests and guest starring in Ripley's Believe It Or Not and those supermarket tabloids. *Rozy wasn't much better but he again led the Blueshirts in ice time. Renney trusts him, he has 11 goals ... whatever. I just wish Staal had a better game - he was practically invisible out there for most of the night.
*Anyone watch the full broadcast and catch the trivia stuff? What was the deal with Monday's question - how many other players wore #2 before Leetch ... I had said 33, does this mean that I am right? Someone tell me! Also, btw - I am really looking forward to the number-retirement ceremony next week, and I understand that they scheduled it for a night that they didn't think they would be able to sell out the building, but if they had made it for Sunday afternoon's game it would have made for a fantastic PR move for the team and the league as it will be a national broadcast and it will honour one of the best American players of all time, and a rare household hockey name. *I would be remiss if I didn't talk about Chris Drury, as he was playing against his former team. He wasn't particularly good. Wasn't particularly bad either. But he did look more motivated when he played against his exboyfriend Briere than he did last night.
*As for Buffalo: I missed Andrew Peters and Teppo Numminen (Let's Go Jets), Clarke MacArthur has a really bright future ahead of him, Ryan Miller was pedestrian at best, Brian Campbell showed good flashes (which should be enough to get him an obscene contract this offseason) and Pominville ... Population: Morons.
*And before the Stars, I've always believed honesty was the best policy and because of that, continue my hero worship of Shanny. He sent MacArthur flying into the Rangers goal with 10 seconds left, clearly shaking up the rookie. Luckily MacArthur skated off and no penalty was called but Shanny showed his captainship, gamesmanship, class, true colours, whatever by admitting to the AP that, "It was harder than I would've wanted. It certainly warranted a penalty. I'm glad the guy didn't get hurt. I wanted to knock him down into the net, not into the post." At least he's honest.
*PHW Three Stars
3-Blair Betts - no points, just another great defensive game.
2-Dubi - goal and an assist.
1-Pruuuuuu - game-winning goal and an assist.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars3-Hank - 23 saves playing behind a defense prone to mistakes and a team prone to bad penalties.
2-Renney - he benched Hossa, showing a - that accountability he had claimed and b - wisdom in not breaking up the diaper dandies.
1-Dubi - as I mentioned, he was out there for just 6:25 but made his presence known most every second.
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22-20-5: Cutting Down the Sabres - A Season Review
In the world of professional sports, team records often serve as markers of a season's progress, triumphs, and challenges. The record 22-20-5, accompanied by the narrative "Cutting Down the Sabres," represents a specific chapter in a hockey team's journey. In this article, we'll delve into the significance of this record, examine the context of the season, discuss the challenges faced by the team, and address frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the dynamics of an NHL season.
Section 1: Decoding 22-20-5
1.1 22 - Games Won
The number 22 represents the total number of games won by the team during the season. Each win is a testament to a team's skill, strategy, and collective effort.
1.2 20 - Games Lost
The number 20 signifies the total number of games lost by the team during the season. Losses are a natural part of competitive sports and often provide valuable lessons for improvement.
1.3 5 - Overtime/Shootout Losses
The number 5 represents the total number of games in which the team lost in overtime or a shootout. These closely contested games can be influenced by a single play or a well-executed shootout move.
Section 2: The Context of 22-20-5
2.1 Facing the Buffalo Sabres
The narrative "Cutting Down the Sabres" suggests that the team had a significant matchup against the Buffalo Sabres during the season. These encounters likely played a crucial role in shaping the team's record.
2.2 Competitive Nature of the NHL
The NHL is known for its competitive nature, where every game is a battle, and every point is precious. Teams must bring their A-game night after night to secure victories.
2.3 Impact on Playoff Aspirations
The record 22-20-5 has a direct impact on the team's playoff prospects. It determines their position in the standings and influences their path in the postseason.
Section 3: The Challenges Faced
3.1 Injuries and Roster Changes
Injuries to key players and roster changes can significantly affect a team's performance. NHL teams must adapt to changing lineups and utilize their depth to maintain competitiveness.
3.2 Goaltending
Goaltending plays a pivotal role in a team's success. Goaltenders must consistently perform at a high level, making crucial saves to secure victories.
3.3 Consistency
Consistency is a recurring challenge in the NHL. Teams strive to maintain a high level of play throughout the season, avoiding slumps and capitalizing on winning streaks.
Section 4: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
4.1 How does a team's regular-season record affect its playoff chances?
A team's regular-season record determines its playoff position and seeding. A strong record can lead to home-ice advantage in the playoffs and potentially an easier path to the Stanley Cup.
4.2 What strategies do teams employ to maintain consistency throughout the season?
Teams focus on maintaining a strong team culture, setting goals, and emphasizing the process of improvement. Leadership from coaches and captains is crucial in this regard.
4.3 How do injuries impact a team's performance, and how do teams cope with them?
Injuries can disrupt a team's lineup and strategy. Teams cope by relying on depth players, adjusting their game plans, and providing rehabilitation and recovery support to injured players.
4.4 What role does goaltending play in the NHL, and why is it crucial?
Goaltending is a cornerstone of NHL success. Goaltenders are the last line of defense and can make or break a team's chances. They must possess strong reflexes, positioning, and mental toughness.
4.5 How do teams prepare for important matchups against specific opponents, like the Buffalo Sabres in this case?
Teams prepare for important matchups by studying opponents' tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses. Coaches develop game plans and strategies tailored to exploit the opponent's vulnerabilities.
22-20-5: "Cutting Down the Sabres" represents a season of hockey filled with challenges, victories, and the relentless pursuit of success. In the NHL, every game is a battle, and each win and loss contributes to the narrative of a season. Moments of adversity can lead to valuable lessons and character-building experiences, while triumphs serve as a testament to the dedication, resilience, and commitment of NHL teams. As fans, we appreciate not only the victories but also the journey itself, understanding that it's the unpredictable nature of sports that makes each season a thrilling and emotional rollercoaster ride. Whether a season is marked by triumph or adversity, it's all part of the rich tapestry of hockey and the enduring spirit of competition.
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