Where We Are: After a horrifying display against the Devils, the Rangers bounced back by beating the Carolina Hurricanes. It was yet another shootout victory for the Blueshirts, and one that certainly should not have gotten to extra time, much less the skills competition. But the Rangers defense was poor and the offence had trouble closing the deal, so Hank saved the Blueshirts yet again.
Where They Are: Anaheim has won three of their last four, with the loss being a tight 2-0 affair with the NHL-best San Jose Sharks (who will hammer us on Saturday). I watched their last game, a 4-2 win over Minnesota and they were pretty damn good themselves - they scored three goals on beautiful passing plays that the Wild defense was helpless to stop. That doesn't bode well now, does it?Who To Watch For: Rookie Bobby Ryan has four points in his last four games while the other wunderkinds Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry continue to power the Flying V. Scott Niedermayer has always enjoyed beating on the Blueshirts and every Ranger has to watch out for Chris Pronger's elbows, those things are dangerous.
What To Watch For: The Rangers to use jet lag as an excuse for a sub-par defensive effort that lets the Ducks fly all over the ice and win by four or more goals. Or, a second straight superior performance by Henrik Lundvist that leads to New York's 10th shootout victory of the season.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: Nik Zherdev channeling a young Teemu Selanne, Brandon Dubinsky being more of a force than Getzlaf and Markus Naslund playing better than his formor pivot Brendan Morrison. Oh yeah, and Parros vs. Orr, Voros vs. May and Lundvist vs. Giguere - with the last one being the netminders trading off spectacular saves, rather than punches. But punches would be fun too ...
Also Check Out: MVN has On The Pond while the almighty Mirtle just picked up The Battle of California, but there is also the Girl With A Puck and the MSM Ducks blog at the Orange County Register.
As always, I recommend people check out Sam Weinman's Ranger Report for up-to-the-minute updates on our boys and the latest news on Avery and Sundin.
Peepin' Foes: Anaheim Ducks - A Quack-Tastic Rivalry Renewed
In the world of professional ice hockey, rivalries are an integral part of the sport's rich tapestry. They add excitement, drama, and an extra layer of intensity to each matchup. One such rivalry that has captured the imagination of hockey fans for years is the one between the New York Rangers and the Anaheim Ducks. In this article, we'll delve into the history and dynamics of this rivalry, exploring what makes the games between these two teams so special.
I. The Origins of the Rivalry
The New York Rangers and the Anaheim Ducks may not be traditional rivals, given their geographic separation and differing conferences, but they have a history of engaging in thrilling contests. The origins of this rivalry can be traced back to memorable Stanley Cup Final clashes.
II. Stanley Cup Final Matchups
The Rangers and Ducks have met twice in the Stanley Cup Finals, in 1994 and 2007. The 1994 series was a seven-game classic that ended with the Rangers hoisting the coveted Cup, while the 2007 series saw the Ducks emerge victorious. These hard-fought battles established a foundation for future encounters and ignited a competitive fire between the two teams.
III. Star-Studded Lineups
Over the years, both teams have boasted star-studded lineups. The Rangers have featured iconic players like Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, and Henrik Lundqvist, while the Ducks have seen legends like Teemu Selanne, Scott Niedermayer, and Ryan Getzlaf don their uniforms. These elite athletes have added to the mystique of the rivalry.
IV. Memorable Moments
The rivalry between the Rangers and Ducks has produced numerous memorable moments. From overtime thrillers to intense physical battles, these games have been a showcase of skill, determination, and heart. Fans on both sides have been treated to hockey at its finest.
V. Anaheim's Distinct Style
The Ducks are known for their distinctive style of play, characterized by physicality and grit. This approach often clashes with the Rangers' finesse and speed, resulting in an intriguing clash of playing philosophies on the ice.
VI. Fan Passion
Both Rangers and Ducks fans are renowned for their passionate support. Whether it's the "Let's Go Rangers!" chants at Madison Square Garden or the raucous atmosphere at the Honda Center in Anaheim, the fans play a crucial role in elevating the intensity of these matchups.
VII. The Modern Rivalry
As the NHL landscape evolves, the Rangers and Ducks continue to cross paths. Interconference matchups offer opportunities for fans to witness a rivalry renewed. While they may not face each other as often as divisional foes, these games remain highly anticipated.
VIII. Playoff Implications
In recent years, both teams have been in the playoff mix, adding a new layer of significance to their meetings. Points earned in games against a non-conference rival like the Ducks can have a ripple effect on playoff positioning, making every matchup crucial.
IX. Looking Ahead
As the rivalry between the New York Rangers and the Anaheim Ducks continues to evolve, fans can expect more thrilling clashes in the future. Whether it's a regular-season showdown or a potential Stanley Cup Final meeting, the intensity and excitement that define this rivalry are sure to persist.
Rivalries are an essential part of the NHL, and the one between the New York Rangers and the Anaheim Ducks is a testament to the enduring appeal of competition, history, and passion in sports. While they may not be divisional rivals, the Rangers and Ducks have created moments that will forever be etched in the memories of fans. As they continue to cross paths, the anticipation and excitement surrounding their matchups serve as a reminder of the magic that can happen on the ice when two rivals collide.
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