Welcome back Sean.
The Garden buzzed every time Avery stepped on the ice (Torts should have started him) and he didn't disappoint. Sean was Sean, working hard to get the puck, getting good opportunities and running his mouth. Sure there was the break down the wing where he took a shot and missed the net by 10 feet. Sure there was the 10 times he fell down. Sure there was the ridiculous interference penalty on him. All have to be expected - he is getting back into NHL shape and the referees will call anything and everything they see as remotely borderline (even though it wasn't even close) as he is public enemy No. 1. Now, I understand what Torts was trying to do by putting him on a line with Ryan Callahan and Lauri Korpikoski but I hope that experiment doesn't last. Both Callahan and Avery work better alongside skill players. They will certainly get chances to score, but their best offensive work comes when they are making room for playmakers - Jagr, Z, etc. Korp just seemed to be lost out there, trying to figure out where he fit in beside these two lunatics who were throwing their bodies around. But this was just their second game, there are 16 more to go so we will see how things flesh out.
But back into the Bruin game:
*That memorable moments things goes both ways - Boston fans are sure to recall Zdeno Chara's slap shot shootout winner and Tuukka Rask's 35 save domination of the Blueshirts. I bet the Bruin faithful wish that Rask started this game. I know I would Manny Fernandez singlehandedly gave the Rangers the win by allowing three pitiful goals. After standing tall during the pressure-filled first period, Manny lost his bearings and his mind and started spinning and flopping and letting pucks in. While there is no way to say that Rask or Tim Thomas would have fared better, it is almost certain that they wouldn't have fared much worse. *How cool is it that Hank likes to head away shots? Ole!
*Did Markus Naslund play? I couldn't tell. How about Chris Drury? I am serious, they need to get him a hypnotist or psychologist so he just sees the opposing team wearing Islander jerseys every night.
*Where was Marty Straka when you needed him? Without Straka, Zdeno Chara had a clear lane to the net and rocketed a shot past Hank to make it a 3-2 game.
*Why is it that when Drury and David Krejci went at it in a real hockey fight - one that was actually a result of play - the Garden was deathly silent? When the idiot goons Colton Orr and Shawn Thornton battled in a contrived, pointless dance at center ice the building shook with energy. It is that kind of stupid hooliganism that will get fighting banned from hockey and for folks to go nuts over it is just sad. I love, LOVE a good hockey fight but it has to have some kind of reason. When the other team scores to tie the game at one, there is no reason to fight off of the ensuing faceoff. *On the fisticuffs note, what is sadder: that we all complain that there are more fights today after clean hits then ever or that it felt like someone should do something when both Scott Gomez and Brandon Dubinsky got absolutely creamed in the third period?
*Stat of the game: Maybe it was me, but as physical as the game was, I really don't think there were 89 hits between the two teams. Somehow Sean Avery had just three while Milan Lucic led all players with nine.
*Sticking with old time hockey, it was a shame that the Garden didn't hold a moment of silence before the game for Alf Pike. Pike was a big enough part of the history of the franchise that he deserved that. Instead we got a quick history lesson during a first period commercial break that most people ignored (for shame!).
*The two newest Rangers got some respect from the home crowd and Nik Antropov put up a pair of points. As much as I dislike Borat, I gotta give him credit. Granted, he got lucky on his goal because he dodged to avoid contact and looked up to see Dubi screening Manny, but it was a nice effort for the big softie. Derek Morris still needs work. Morris clearly has yet to regain the chemistry he had with Paul Mara and nearly collided with his partner at least once. Petr Prucha has two assists in two games with Phoenix.*When is John Tortorella going to come to his senses and realize that Redden and Rozy are two of the main reasons that the power play sucks? They are useless out there and prone to turnovers.
*My buddy Pete had the line of the day. When I compared Redden to a traffic cone he pointed out that that wasn't true because "people try to avoid traffic cones." Redden may just take over the place of my most loathed Ranger, he has already surpassed Malik and is treading into Poti territory ...
*PHW Three Stars3-Brandon Dubinsky - no points.
2-Zdeno Chara - one goal and one assist.
1-Nik Antropov - one goal and one assist.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Chara - He is the size of a small mountain and will very likely never win a Norris Trophy (at least not while Nick Lidstrom is still playing) but he truly is an incredible defenseman. Chara is smart, moves well for a big man and that shot ... damn.
2-Nik Zherdev - Z disappeared in the second period like most of the Rangers but in the first and the third he was incredible. Maybe Torts has indeed lit the fire because Z played close to his potential and was a constant offensive threat. A better goaltender probably would not have given up Z's game winning goal but that was just one of many times he threatened the net.
1-Avery - Sure the new coach and aggressive style of play has helped, but Avery brought life back to the Garden. That place has been dead for most of the season so far and it was exciting to see him back. There is just something right about seeing him in a Blueshirt.
34-24-8: Another Great Memory - A Remarkable Season for the New York Rangers
The New York Rangers have a storied history filled with memorable seasons, legendary players, and unforgettable moments. The 2023-2024 NHL season is shaping up to be one of those unforgettable campaigns for Rangers fans. With a record of 34-24-8 at the time of writing, the Blueshirts have thrilled their faithful followers with remarkable performances, unexpected successes, and the promise of a bright future. In this article, we'll delve into the journey of the 34-24-8 Rangers and answer some frequently asked questions about their incredible season.
A Season of Surprises
The 2023-2024 season began with modest expectations for the Rangers. The team was in the midst of a rebuilding phase, and fans were hopeful but realistic about their prospects. However, as the season unfolded, the Blueshirts exceeded all expectations.
1. Goaltending Brilliance:
Igor Shesterkin has been nothing short of spectacular in net. His remarkable saves, consistency, and ability to steal games have been a driving force behind the team's success.
2. Offensive Firepower:
The Rangers' offense has been firing on all cylinders. Key players like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Chris Kreider have been scoring at a torrid pace, keeping the team in playoff contention.
3. Defensive Resilience:
Led by Adam Fox and Jacob Trouba, the Rangers' defense has been reliable and disciplined. They've minimized high-danger scoring chances, helping the team secure important victories.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rangers' Season
What role have young players played in the team's success?
Young talents like Alexis Lafrenière, Kaapo Kakko, and Vitali Kravtsov have stepped up, providing crucial depth scoring and contributing to the team's future promise.
How has Coach Gerard Gallant influenced the team's performance?
Coach Gallant's system, emphasizing an aggressive offensive style while maintaining defensive responsibility, has resonated with the players and brought out the best in them.
What are the Rangers' playoff aspirations?
The Rangers are eyeing a deep playoff run this season. With their current form and the potential for more growth, they believe they can compete for the Stanley Cup.
The 34-24-8 New York Rangers are crafting another great memory in the franchise's storied history. What started as a season with tempered expectations has blossomed into one filled with excitement, optimism, and the promise of a bright future. Rangers fans have witnessed extraordinary performances from their favorite players, and the team's chemistry and resilience have been on full display. As the season continues, the Blueshirts are chasing their playoff dreams, and the journey from underdog status to playoff contender is a testament to the heart and spirit of the franchise. The 2023-2024 season will undoubtedly be remembered as another remarkable chapter in Rangers history.
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