Well, That Wasn't Fun ...

And I am not talking about my doctor's appointment. That went alright - I'll be fine - but I emerged from the office to find out about Glen Sather's continuing quest to cover his own rear end.

Ranger fans called for help on defense so Sather went out and got Derek Morris.

John Tortorella called for size up front so Sather went out and got Nik Antropov.

So now, no matter how poorly the Rangers fare, Sather can certainly say he did his job.

Unfortunately, he didn't do it very well.

Morris, much like Wade Redden, is past his prime and a liability with the puck. Morris used to have a powerful shot but that has virtually disappeared. He has just one power play point - an assist - this season and sees more than 20 minutes of ice time a night. He is -13 and has gotten less and less production five of the last six seasons. Morris would have been a fair trade for the younger Dmitri Kalinin. Add in Nigel Dawes and Don Maloney has the slight edge. Put Petr Prucha in there and Maloney comes out with the win. Kalinin has been garbage, that is well accepted. Dawes - while good in the shootout - hasn't been very good anywhere else and is struggling to score. But Prucha, Prucha came out of Renney's doghouse to be the most energetic, exciting player on the Rangers. Could he keep it up? Who knows? I am not saying that Prucha was a hockey god or anything remotely close to that - I am just saying that the kid gave his all every shift of every game and the Rangers unceremoniously threw him away for another older extra part collecting an oversized paycheck.

Sather can say that Dawes and Prucha were too small for John Tortorella, who outright demanded that the team get bigger. When Sather brought in Sean Avery, the team's heart got bigger but not their size. Avery will take Dawes' slot, Morris will take Kalinin's and Sather pissed away a prime pick in what is said to be a deep draft to get Nik Antropov to fill in for Prucha.

Antropov is 6'6, 230. Prucha is generously listed as 6', 175. And, amazingly, the Rangers actually got smaller. Prucha plays like King Kong compared to the Kazakh. Simply said, Sather added a second underachieving, heartless former communist to skate on the power play and infuriate the head coach and fans alike. Granted, Borat comes in with more goals than any other Ranger this season (21) but he has frustrated Leaf fans like few others in the franchises recent doldrums. My friend Jeremy, a Toronto native and diehard Leaf fan, heard the news and texted me "sorry." We just have to hope and pray that Sather's pre-deadline day acquisitions - Tortorella and Avery - can light the fire under him and Z (and Redden and Gomez).

I have taken flak from a few friends for being an optimist (believe it or not) but I am sticking to my guns - the Rangers will fight for one of the final playoff spots all the way to the final game of the season. They may just make the postseason but won't get out of the first round. Losing Prucha, one of the few Blueshirts who were a pleasure to watch, will hurt a team looking to play a high energy game but the return of Avery will certainly ease the pain.

Today's saving grace is that when you include the addition of Avery and subtraction of Voros in the trade deadline equation it tilts things towards the positive but the deals for Morris and Antropov, taken on their own, come up lacking.

That is even more true when you consider what the other teams in the East did. Pittsburgh got a steal in Bill Guerin for a crappy conditional pick. Philly got bigger and meaner by adding Kyle McLaren and Danny Carcillo (who was one of my favourite players, not anymore). Carolina regained their heart and sole in Erik Cole. Boston added Mark Recchi and Steve Montador. Jersey and Montreal had already made their big moves by bolstering their bluelines. Buffalo basically dealt Ales Kotalik for Dominic Moore in a wash and added a safety-net goaltender. Florida did well by not trading Jay Bouwmeester. Washington didn't do a thing, but that is fine since they are already a tight team with all of the pieces needed for a good run at the Cup.

Whether or not the Rangers are able to make a run is now in the hands of Tortorella. Sather made sure everyone thinks he did his job, now the coach has to make the players his boss added do theirs. That is one tough task for Torts to take and the last 18 games should be pretty interesting. Just three of them are against teams out of the playoff hunt - one against Atlanta, one against Ottawa and tomorrow's tilt on the Island. After several months of snooze-worthy Ranger games, the remaining Blueshirt battles will be must-see tv and that is all we can ask for, right?

 Well, That Wasn't Fun... Analyzing a Disappointing Game

In the world of sports, there are exhilarating victories, heart-pounding moments, and then there are games that leave fans with a bitter taste of disappointment. Whether you're a dedicated follower of a sports team or a casual viewer, you've likely experienced moments when your team's performance fell short of expectations. In this article, we'll explore the intricacies of what makes a game "not fun," examining the factors that contribute to disappointment in sports and how fans cope with these less-than-ideal outcomes.

The Anatomy of a Disappointing Game

High Expectations: One of the primary ingredients for disappointment is high expectations. When a team is on a winning streak or has a strong roster, fans naturally anticipate success. When that success doesn't materialize, it can be jarring.

Crucial Stakes: Games that have significant implications, such as playoff matches or rivalry games, can amplify the disappointment factor. The higher the stakes, the more painful a loss can be.

Underperformance: Sometimes, a disappointing game can be attributed to the team's underperformance. This might involve missed opportunities, turnovers, poor defense, or a lackluster offense.

Dominant Opponent: Facing a vastly superior opponent can lead to a lopsided game and, subsequently, disappointment. Fans hope for a competitive match, and when that doesn't happen, it's disheartening.

Controversial Calls: Refereeing decisions can sometimes play a role in a disappointing game. A controversial call or non-call can leave fans feeling that their team was treated unfairly.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Sports Fandom

Being a sports fan is a rollercoaster of emotions. From the elation of victory to the agony of defeat, fans invest a significant amount of time and emotion into their teams. Here's a closer look at the emotional journey:

Anticipation: Before the game, there's a sense of excitement and anticipation. Fans hope for a thrilling contest and a victorious outcome.

Hope and Optimism: When the game begins, hope and optimism fill the air. Fans believe in their team's ability to win.

Frustration and Anguish: As the game unfolds, frustration can set in if things aren't going well. This can escalate to anguish if the team falls significantly behind or makes critical mistakes.

Disappointment: When the final whistle blows, and the game doesn't go as planned, disappointment takes center stage. Fans may feel let down by their team's performance.

Acceptance and Perspective: Over time, fans often come to terms with the loss. They gain perspective and realize that wins and losses are part of the game.

Coping Strategies for Disappointment

Venting: Many fans find solace in discussing the game with fellow supporters. Venting frustrations, analyzing the performance, and seeking camaraderie can be therapeutic.

Positive Thinking: Some fans choose to focus on the positives, even in defeat. They may applaud individual efforts or view the game as a learning experience for the team.

Humor: Humor can be a coping mechanism. Memes, jokes, and satirical content can help fans lighten the mood and find humor in the disappointment.

Looking Ahead: Forward-thinking fans often shift their focus to the next game. They see each match as a new opportunity for their team to shine.

Remembering the Bigger Picture: Keeping the bigger picture in mind helps fans maintain perspective. One loss doesn't define a season, and there are often many highs and lows along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to be emotionally invested in sports?

Absolutely. Being emotionally invested in sports is part of what makes them so enjoyable. The highs and lows are all part of the experience.

Why do fans keep supporting their team even after disappointing games?

Loyalty and passion for a team often run deep. Fans understand that disappointments are part of the package, and the hope of future success keeps them engaged.

Can disappointment in sports affect mental health?

While disappointment in sports is a common and normal emotional response, it's important to maintain a healthy perspective. Extreme emotional distress over sports outcomes can potentially affect mental health, so it's crucial to strike a balance.

Disappointing games are an inherent part of sports fandom. They test the loyalty and resilience of fans, but they also make the victories all the sweeter. While it's perfectly normal to feel disappointed when your team falls short, it's essential to remember that sports are ultimately about the joy of competition and the shared experiences of being a fan. So, the next time you find yourself saying, "Well, that wasn't fun," know that you're not alone, and there's always another game on the horizon with the potential for excitement and jubilation.