Sorting Out The Seven Spot

The Rangers defense is pretty much set for next season at this point with just some minor tinkering going on. The unit looks like this:

Roszival-Staal
Redden - Girardi
Mara - Kalinin

The seventh defenseman spot, so capably handled by Rock Star and mustache aficionado Jason Strudwick last year, is now up for grabs as Struds has headed to Edmonton. Happy trails to Strudwick, who did his job well (if slowly). A hard worker, he did everything he could to help the team and it was sincerely appreciated, at least here at Scotty Hockey. Hopefully he will return someday as a coach.

But his departure for the great white north leaves the extra defenseman slot open and that seventh spot will be battled for by Thomas Pock (yes, he is still around), Corey Potter and the Rangers' newest signing, Vladimir Denisov. Denisov seems to specialize in getting beat up but looked good moving the puck according to several reports from the World Championships, although none were official. The one official WC game report that I found mentioned him getting hammered again. Not good.

I would like to see Potter get it for his hard work but he may be better off with the Pack where he will get a ton of ice time with Bobby Sanguinetti. Bobby's skills would be wasted in a limited role and a season where he will play a ton of minutes in all situations in Hartford will be good for his development. Mike Sauer won't have a chance at the seven spot as he lost most of last year due to injury.

So that leaves poor Pock, who was underutilized two seasons ago and came out and bitched about it, which doomed him to the AHL last season. Hopefully the Rangers' need of an experienced player in the extra defenseman spot will prove greater than Sather's hurt feelings and Pock will get another shot at the show.

 Sorting Out the Seven Spot: Understanding the Importance of Seventh Place in Sports

In the world of sports, much attention is often given to the top finishers, the champions, and those who make it to the playoffs. However, there's an often-overlooked position that carries its own significance: seventh place. In this article, we will delve into the importance of the seventh spot in various sports and why it deserves recognition. We will also answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this unique position in sports.

Seventh Place in Sports: Why It Matters

1. Qualifying for the Playoffs:

In many sports leagues, especially those with extended playoffs or wild card formats, the team that finishes in seventh place often secures the final spot in the postseason. This provides them with an opportunity to compete for the championship, even if they didn't finish in the top tier.

2. Building Momentum:

Securing seventh place can be a sign of a team's resilience and determination. It often means that they've fought their way back from adversity, showing their ability to adapt and improve as the season progresses.

3. Spoiler Role:

Teams in seventh place can sometimes play the role of spoilers, affecting the playoff chances of higher-seeded teams. By defeating a top-ranked opponent, they can change the dynamics of the playoffs and add unpredictability to the competition.

4. Development and Growth:

Finishing seventh can also be seen as a stepping stone for teams on the rise. It may indicate that they are in the midst of a rebuilding phase or that their young talent is maturing, setting the stage for future success.

5. Equality and Competitive Balance:

In leagues where the talent pool is relatively evenly distributed, finishing seventh can be a testament to the competitive balance of the sport. It shows that multiple teams have a chance to excel, rather than a few dominant teams monopolizing success.

FAQs About Seventh Place in Sports

1. How does seventh place affect playoff qualification?

The significance of seventh place varies depending on the league's playoff structure. In some leagues, the top six teams automatically qualify for the playoffs, and the seventh-place team competes for the final spot in a playoff play-in or wild card game.

2. Are there any famous examples of teams that excelled from seventh place?

Yes, there are numerous examples of teams that made deep playoff runs or even won championships after finishing seventh in the regular season. These teams are often celebrated for their resilience and ability to peak at the right time.

3. Can a team finishing seventh have a successful season even if they don't win the championship?

Absolutely. Success in sports is not solely defined by winning the championship. Making the playoffs or finishing in seventh place can be considered a significant achievement, especially for teams that faced challenges during the season.

4. Do all sports leagues have a playoff system that includes seventh place?

No, not all sports leagues have a playoff system, and the importance of seventh place can vary significantly from league to league. Some leagues have a straightforward playoff structure, while others have complex wild card or play-in systems.

5. What is the role of seventh place in individual sports?

In individual sports like tennis or golf, finishing in seventh place may not have the same playoff implications as team sports. However, it can still indicate a strong performance, especially in competitive tournaments.

Seventh place in sports may not always receive the same level of attention as first place or championship titles, but it carries its own unique importance. It signifies a team's ability to compete at a high level, adapt to challenges, and potentially play a pivotal role in the playoffs. Whether it's securing a postseason spot or serving as a spoiler, finishing seventh should be celebrated as a significant accomplishment in the world of sports. It highlights the depth and competitiveness of the field, reminding us that excellence can be found in various positions on the leaderboard.