22-11-2: Check And Mate

The Los Angeles Kings are everything you want in a young team. They are hard working and unrelenting and they took advantage of a tired New York squad playing for the second night in a row to attack, attack, attack. Luckily for the Rangers, their top young goaltender didn't play and the warm body that did fill the crease was terrible, allowing the Blueshirts to escape from L.A. with a 3-2 overtime win.

Actually, what let the Rangers finish the SoCal sweep was a stellar performance by Stephen Valiquette. Valley played every inch of his 6'6 frame and stood tall in the net despite the usual defensive deficiencies in front of him. He showed no signs of the mental lapse that hit him in Toronto and he stopped 39 shots.

*The Kings wore their new third jerseys and they are beautiful. While the black trend has been overdone in the new NHL, the Kings made it famous first and these jerseys give a nod to their old sweaters with a simple black, silver and white design. I half expected to see Gretz and Lucky Luc jump over the boards; great work by L.A.

*If Santa Claus wants to be kind, he will give Ranger fans the gift of a new colour announcer on MSG. Man oh man is Joe Micheletti annoying!! Someone took the time to explain just why he was so bad over on the HFBoards and the fact that there are people actually standing up for him disgusts me. He is atrocious and his mistaken analysis does a disservice to viewers. Dave Maloney has proven that he is capable; it is long past time to make the switch.

*Hey Joe, when Ryan Callahan was hauled down midway through the second period it wasn't close to a penalty shot, it was the definition of a penalty shot - Cally had a clear advantage; it's your job to point that out. Then on the ensuing power play, the absolute confusion as to why the next play was deserving of a penalty shot was infuriating. And that was BEFORE Micheletti admitted to not paying attention and missing the play entirely!!! Later, when MSG showed replays after the next break, Micheletti claimed he just had thought it was a innocent looking play. How did he think it was an innocent looking play when he didn't see it in the first place?

*As for the penalty shot that was awarded, it was not a "great, great goal" by Rozsival as Micheletti said. It was a whole lotta flash and a backhand that barely cleared LaBarbara's goal pad. Let's face it, any capable goaltender would have poked the puck off of Rozy's stick as the Czech was skating in slow motion. Now his goal in overtime, now that was an impressive shot. It was hard, it was through traffic, it was pinpoint perfect. And, if anything, it justified the Garden's pleas for him to just put his head down and shoot!!!

*Oh, Dmitri, you truly are horrible. Mr. Malik Kalinin took a bad penalty in the first period and the Kings took advantage by opening the game's scoring. Then he stood impotently as Dustin Brown tied the game at two. Kalinin turned the puck over time and time again and played his usual soft brand of defense. If the Rangers aren't willing to waive Redden and send him to Russia, why not Kalinin? At least Dmitri speaks the language there and can rejoin his old team. He proved that he still can pass the puck to them with a few nice feeds during the Victoria Cup ... And banishing him to Metallurg would clear up $2.1 million of cap space, as opposed to the $1.6m of Petr Prucha.

*Although I can't fully blame Kalinin for Brown's goal as he was standing right next to Rozy ... but the bigger issue is that if there was no instigator rule, Brown wouldn't have been on the ice. He deserved to get his ass kicked for running around hitting people and yet the instigator rule (and Renney's innate pacifism) let him get away with it. For shame.

*Perhaps it was because they were playing other skilled youngsters, but Ryan Callahan and Dan Girardi both played better than they have in weeks. They were more involved, they were more physical and they were more fun to watch. I wasn't as impressed with Nigel Dawes as the Ranger broadcasting crew was, but he did play inspired hockey.

*On the other side of the coin, Wade Redden and Aaron Voros didn't seem capable of keeping pace. Redden was caught flat footed on several occasions and it boggles my mind that Voros got more ice time than Colton Orr, who can skate harder and faster while providing more physicality. And where was the Mexican't??? Blair Betts was a bigger offensive threat than Scott Gomez ...

*Stat of the night: Brandon Dubinsky was awarded nine hits, while Brown had seven. Was the off-ice official actually watching the game? And on that note:

*PHW Three Stars
3-Kyle Calder - one assist.
2-Michal Rozsival - two goals.
1-Patrick O'Sullivan - one goal.
(What the hell were they smoking?? Even if they made their picks before the end of the game, and even if you are a homer, how do you pick these three guys in this order to boot?)

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Rozy - He made these stars and it is not in a sarcastic manner, who'da thunk it.
2-Valley - A phenomenal display of Benoit Allair's hybrid style of goaltending. And he is the backup goaltender. The backup!
1-Marc Staal - Staalsie was the only Ranger to battle back against Brown, he pressed the action throughout the game and was the catalyst for the game-winner.

 "Check and Mate": The Rangers' Winning Strategy in 22-11-2

The New York Rangers' journey in the 2022-2023 NHL season has been nothing short of exhilarating. With a record of 22-11-2, they've displayed remarkable teamwork, strategy, and determination. In this article, we'll delve into the winning formula behind their success, exploring the key strategies and standout players that have contributed to their impressive record.

I. The Power of Teamwork

One of the standout qualities of the Rangers this season has been their exceptional teamwork. Coach Gerard Gallant has fostered a sense of unity among the players, emphasizing the importance of each team member's role. This cohesive approach has led to improved passing, coordinated defense, and an overall more effective game plan.

II. Goaltending Brilliance

A strong goaltender can be a game-changer, and the Rangers have had just that in Igor Shesterkin. With his remarkable reflexes and consistent performance, Shesterkin has emerged as one of the league's top goaltenders. His ability to make crucial saves has been instrumental in securing victories for the team.

III. Offensive Firepower

The Rangers' offense has been firing on all cylinders this season. Key players like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Alexis Lafrenière have consistently found the back of the net. The team's offensive depth and creativity have made them a formidable force, capable of outscoring even the toughest opponents.

IV. Special Teams Excellence

Special teams play a pivotal role in a team's success, and the Rangers have excelled in this department. Their power play unit has been efficient, capitalizing on opponents' penalties. Conversely, their penalty kill has been robust, often shutting down opposing power plays and preventing goals.

V. Strong Defensive Presence

Solid defense is the foundation of any winning team, and the Rangers have demonstrated their defensive prowess. Players like Adam Fox and Jacob Trouba have been stalwarts on the blue line, effectively shutting down opposing offenses and making life easier for Shesterkin.

VI. Adaptability and Resilience

In a long and grueling season, adaptability and resilience are key traits. The Rangers have shown their ability to bounce back from losses, learn from mistakes, and adjust their game plan when needed. This adaptability has allowed them to maintain a winning record.

VII. Coach Gerard Gallant's Influence

The impact of a coach on a team's performance cannot be overstated. Gerard Gallant's coaching philosophy, emphasizing aggressive play and a relentless pursuit of victory, has resonated with the Rangers. His leadership has instilled confidence in the players and contributed to their success.

VIII. The X-Factor: Team Chemistry

Beyond individual talent and strategy, team chemistry plays a significant role in the Rangers' success. The camaraderie among players, both on and off the ice, has created a positive and supportive environment. This chemistry has translated into effective communication and seamless coordination during games.

IX. Fan Support

Last but not least, the Rangers' passionate fan base has played a vital role in their success. The electric atmosphere at Madison Square Garden energizes the players and provides them with an extra boost of motivation. The fans' unwavering support fuels the team's determination to win.

The New York Rangers' record of 22-11-2 in the 2022-2023 NHL season is a testament to their exceptional teamwork, goaltending brilliance, offensive firepower, and strong defensive presence. Coach Gerard Gallant's leadership, adaptability, and resilience have been crucial, while team chemistry and fan support have added to their winning formula. As the season progresses, the Rangers' commitment to their winning strategy will continue to make them a force to be reckoned with in the NHL.