Where We Are: As heartwarming as two of the losses were, the fact of the matter is that the Rangers have lost four of their last five games. The power play has gone 1-17 during that span. New York played one game in the last week and in the meantime Philadelphia passed and the Devils tied them in the standings, and both still have games in hand. And while the Rangers were slacking off and celebrating the New Years, Chicago reminded us that we could have had the Winter Classic had Steinbrenner and the Yankees not been greedier than the Dolans. Things aren't all that wonderful in Ranger land at the moment.
Where They Are: Luckily for the Blueshirts, the Pens are in pretty bad shape as well. They have won one of their last six, with the most recent defeat being a 6-1 debacle at the hands of the Florida Putty Tats. Remarkably their power play, featuring two of the top offensive talents in the league is 0-for-24 over the past five games (is Perry Pearn coaching them too???). To add insult to injury, the Cole Harbour Crybaby has been doing his best to embarrass his team and the NHL. Who To Watch For: Gentlemen, make sure you wear your cups when Crosby is around. Who knows who Cindy is going to jump this time. On a serious note, I've mentioned him before but Ruslan Fedotenko steps up his game every time he plays the Rangers and is pretty hot right now with a two game goal streak and 13 points in his last 15 games. And as much as I don't want to give that Malkin character credit, Gina is quite good. Oh, and a question for you: Ryan Whitney couldn't have lost that much talent when he had his foot surgery, could he??
What To Watch For: See which team's impotent power play kills off penalties better. See if the excitement and energy of the Ranger youth can finally rub off on the money players or, more importantly see if the Ranger youth can keep that excitement and energy level up.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: The Staal vs. Staal subplot is always fun. They won't drop gloves (I don't think) but both kids are tough as nails. Then again, Tom Renney would be foolish to use his top defender to shut down a lower-tier talent like Jordan Staal instead of someone like Malkin but at this point nothing would surprise me.
Also Check Out: Empty Netters, which is the Pittsburgh Post Gazette's stellar link-happy blog, the snarky photoshop-heavy awesomeness of The PensBlog and Greg Wyshynski's Puck Daddy disciple Sean Leahy's Going Five Hole.
And, as always, head over to Weinman's Ranger Report. Even if he has taken a whole lotta vacation time lately, the man still keeps the pulse of the Blueshirts better than anyone else.
Peepin' Foes: Pittsburgh Penguins – A Rivalry Renewed
The rivalry between the New York Rangers and the Pittsburgh Penguins is a storied one, steeped in history and drama. This article explores the roots of this rivalry, its most memorable moments, the key players involved, and how it has shaped the landscape of the NHL.
I. A Rivalry Is Born
The Early Years: The rivalry between the Rangers and Penguins began to take shape in the early 1990s when both teams were vying for playoff contention. Their first-ever postseason meeting in 1989 intensified the competition.
Lemieux vs. Messier: The rivalry also featured two of the greatest players in NHL history, Mario Lemieux for the Penguins and Mark Messier for the Rangers. Their battles on the ice became legendary.
II. Playoff Showdowns
1992 Patrick Division Finals: The 1992 playoffs saw the Rangers and Penguins clash in the Patrick Division Finals. The series, won by Pittsburgh, featured dramatic moments and memorable performances by both teams.
1994 Stanley Cup Finals: The rivalry reached its zenith in the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals. The Rangers, led by Messier, defeated the Penguins in a thrilling series that went seven games, ultimately securing the championship.
III. Iconic Players and Moments
Jaromir Jagr: Jagr, who played for both the Penguins and Rangers, is a central figure in this rivalry. His time with the Rangers in the early 2000s reignited the competition.
The Crosby-Ovechkin Era: The rivalry was rejuvenated in the 2000s with the emergence of Sidney Crosby for the Penguins and Alexander Ovechkin for the Washington Capitals, who also joined the fray.
IV. The Winter Classic
The 2008 Winter Classic: The rivalry took center stage in the 2008 Winter Classic, an outdoor game held at Buffalo's Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Penguins defeated the Rangers in a shootout in front of a record crowd.
The 2018 Winter Classic: The Rangers and Penguins faced off again in the 2018 Winter Classic, this time at Citi Field in New York. Despite a loss, the game showcased the enduring intensity of the rivalry.
V. Playoff Drama in the 21st Century
Playoff Meetings: The Penguins and Rangers have had several playoff showdowns in the 21st century, adding new chapters to their storied rivalry.
Overtime Thrillers: Many of their playoff games have gone to overtime, providing fans with unforgettable moments and heart-stopping drama.
VI. Fan Engagement and Animosity
Fan Rivalry: The rivalry extends beyond the ice, with passionate fans from both teams engaging in friendly banter and sometimes heated debates.
Social Media Duels: The rise of social media has given fans a platform to express their loyalty and engage in online battles, further fueling the rivalry.
FAQs about the Rangers-Penguins Rivalry
Q1: What is the most memorable moment in the Rangers-Penguins rivalry?
A1: The 1994 Stanley Cup Finals, where the Rangers secured their first championship in 54 years, is often considered the pinnacle of this rivalry.
Q2: Who are the key players associated with this rivalry?
A2: Mario Lemieux, Mark Messier, Jaromir Jagr, Sidney Crosby, and Henrik Lundqvist are among the key players who have left their mark on this rivalry.
Q3: What makes this rivalry special?
A3: The combination of historic moments, iconic players, and passionate fan bases makes the Rangers-Penguins rivalry one of the most celebrated in the NHL.
The rivalry between the New York Rangers and the Pittsburgh Penguins has produced some of the most thrilling and iconic moments in NHL history. From the battles between Lemieux and Messier to the modern showdowns featuring Crosby and Lundqvist, this rivalry has captured the hearts of hockey fans for decades. It's a testament to the enduring nature of sports rivalries and the deep passion they evoke among players and fans alike.
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