*Everyone is going to rave about Jaromir Jagr's performance, a goal and two assists will do that, but he really wasn't all that great without the puck - doing his usual lazy hooking and holding behind the play. This time, luckily, Kerry Fraser's hair was in his eyes and he didn't call anything. Don't give me any nonsense, because the same officiating crew missed the puck hitting the netting in the first period. Four zebras on the ice at once, not one paying attention.*You can't mention the refs without mentioning the boarding major and game misconduct issued on Ilya Kovalchuk. Kovy elbowed Rozy early in the play but no call was made. He then came around, leapt and slammed Rozy, who didn't see him coming and went hard into the boards. I don't know what is more amazing, that Atlanta's best player did something so dirty/stupid (I would have thought Exelby would be the culprit) or that Jagr came off the bench to speak to the refs. Jagr usually leaves the captain's duties to Shanahan, but I guess because it was one of his Czech buddies he felt compelled to make sure justice was served.
*On that play Colton Orr went after Kovalchuk, only to miss as Kovy ducked him. Orr got two minutes for roughing, but didn't do much of anything. Did the officials not want to give an instigator when there was no fight? Several other Rangers paired up with Thrashers and hugged, but no other calls were made. Strange. Orr, btw, also 'fought' Eric Boulton early in the game ... two unskilled goons trying to justify their existence and failing miserably in a short, unremarkable tussle.
*A question I walked out of the Garden with was where did Boulton go? For that matter, where was Exelby? You are embarrassed yet again, and will play the same team again in two days and don't try to send a message? A little bit of fisticuffs would have made for a more exciting third period and much more anticipation for Thursday's game, which will likely be a ghost town after everyone leaves once the Leetch ceremony is over.
*Slava Kozlov wears an 'A' for Atlanta, and should be stripped of it. He ignored the power play in front of him to go for a change, allowing for Chris Drury's clearing pass to go all the way out to Marty Straka for a breakaway that he finished with just the third shorty of the year for the Blueshirts. Straka made a smooth move and put it past Lehtonen for the goal. The sad thing is that Straka should have had a hat trick, having blown an empty net from the doorstep and having given up on another breakaway to make a bad pass to a nonexistent teammate on the far side. It was like Michael Nylander was still on the Rangers ... unbelievable. 
*Ok, enough darkness, onto the good: Malik still was soft, still made pathetic clearing attempts, but didn't do anything that ended up in a goal against or even a very good attempt against so that is a nice start for him. Girardi was reunited with Tyutin and they played a fantastic game together. Avery looked great alongside Gomez and Jagr, maybe the trio will continue to click and the team will finally have a dangerous front line. It makes sense from a chemistry point of view - scoring winger + playmaker + grinder = magic. Let's hope that Avery can stay healthy and they stay together for more than a game. And, of course, Hank played a good game. He had one shot against through the first 17 minutes of the game but stayed focused and made a few good saves on his way to the shutout. Two out of three good games ... its a pleasant change but at this point in the year he needs to be good every single game if we are to even make the playoffs. *PHW Three Stars
3-Straka - one goal.
2-Tyutin - three assists.
1-Jagr - goal and two assists.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Dubinsky - the kid got a goal, looked comfy carrying the puck ... if he fills out his frame, there is little doubt he could be a shorter version of Jason Arnott.
2-Tyutin - he was involved on both sides of the ice, made a huge hit on the midboards and looked happy to be back with Girardi.
1-Sean Avery - he wasn't baited into doing anything dumb, he sparked Jagr, made room for his linemates and had a sweet goal.
23-21-6: Feasting On Roadkill - A Season Recap
In the fast-paced world of the NHL, the numbers 23-21-6 represent more than just statistics; they tell a story of a team's journey through a season filled with ups and downs, victories and defeats. "Feasting On Roadkill" may seem like an unusual title, but in the context of professional hockey, it paints a vivid picture of a team's ability to capitalize on opportunities away from home ice. In this article, we will delve into the significance of the record 23-21-6, dissect the context of this specific season, explore the challenges and triumphs, and address frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the dynamics of an NHL season.
Section 1: Decoding 23-21-6
1.1 23 - Games Won
The number 23 signifies the total number of games won by the team during the season. Wins are the lifeblood of success in the NHL, and each victory represents the culmination of teamwork, strategy, and skill.
1.2 21 - Games Lost
The number 21 represents the total number of games lost by the team. Losses are an inherent part of any competitive sport, and they often serve as valuable learning experiences, motivating teams to improve.
1.3 6 - Overtime/Shootout Losses
The number 6 indicates the total number of games in which the team lost in overtime or a shootout. These games are highly competitive and can be decided by a single play or a skillful shootout move.
Section 2: The Context of 23-21-6
2.1 A Season in Progress
The NHL season is a marathon, not a sprint. 23-21-6 represents a snapshot within a larger journey, capturing the team's performance at a specific moment in time.
2.2 Fluctuations in Performance
In the unpredictable world of professional hockey, it's common for teams to experience fluctuations in performance. Factors like injuries, roster changes, and the quality of opponents can influence outcomes.
2.3 The Quest for Playoff Positioning
Throughout an NHL season, teams are in a constant battle to secure a spot in the playoffs—a postseason tournament where the ultimate goal is to compete for the Stanley Cup. Each win and loss contributes to a team's playoff positioning and seeding.
Section 3: The Rollercoaster Nature of an NHL Season
3.1 Hot Streaks and Slumps
NHL seasons are marked by hot streaks, where teams win multiple games in a row, and slumps, where they struggle to secure victories. These streaks can have a significant impact on a team's overall performance and playoff prospects.
3.2 Injuries and Roster Changes
Injuries to key players and roster changes, such as trades or call-ups from the minor leagues, can disrupt a team's chemistry and influence its performance. Adapting to these challenges is crucial.
3.3 Strength of Schedule
The NHL schedule is designed to be challenging, with teams facing various opponents throughout the season. The strength of the schedule can impact a team's win-loss record, as some stretches feature tougher opponents than others.
Section 4: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
4.1 How do NHL teams stay motivated during a long and demanding season?
NHL teams stay motivated by setting goals, maintaining a strong team culture, and focusing on the ultimate prize—the Stanley Cup. Coaches and captains play a crucial role in keeping players motivated.
4.2 What strategies do teams use to bounce back from losing streaks?
Teams use strategies such as analyzing game footage, making tactical adjustments, and focusing on improving specific aspects of their play. Team meetings and open communication also play a role in addressing issues.
4.3 Why is consistency important in an NHL season?
Consistency is vital because it allows teams to accumulate points steadily and maintain a competitive position in the standings. Consistent play minimizes the impact of slumps and maximizes the benefits of hot streaks.
4.4 How does a team's performance in the regular season affect its playoff prospects?
A team's regular-season performance determines its playoff position and seeding. Strong regular-season play can lead to home-ice advantage in the playoffs and potentially an easier path to the Stanley Cup.
4.5 What role do fan support and home crowds play in a team's performance?
Fan support can energize teams and provide a boost, especially during home games. The enthusiasm of the crowd can create a home-ice advantage that players feed off of.
23-21-6: Feasting On Roadkill is not just a collection of numbers; it's a representation of the trials and triumphs, the highs and lows, that define an NHL season. In the world of professional hockey, every game is a battle, and each victory or defeat is a step on the journey toward the ultimate goal—the Stanley Cup. As fans, we embrace the rollercoaster nature of the NHL season, knowing that it's the unpredictability and the resilience of teams that make the sport so captivating. Whether a team is feasting on roadkill or battling through adversity, the passion and dedication on display exemplify the essence of hockey, and that's what keeps us coming back for more, season after season.
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