All's well that ends well, right?
The Rangers completed their regular season schedule with an impressive 4-3 victory over the rival Philadelphia Flyers. If the Blueshirts played like this the entire season, then it would have been quite a different campaign but what's done is done, a new season starts this week. At least they will head into it on a good note, having stuck it to Philly, forcing them to take on Cindy Crosby without home ice advantage. Good luck with that.
Now I will, of course, be doing a preview of some sorts for the Ranger series against the Caps but I can't move on without doing the final game report:
*Oh my, did I see what I think I saw? A power play goal and a shorthanded goal??? Of course they came in a meaningless game but could it be the start of something good? I don't think so but you never know! Kudos to Brandon Dubinsky for going to the paint because it makes things happen. And the shortie was tremendous - if only because it stopped the Flyers from being the only team ever to go a season without allowing one. Nice timing Dubi!
*And for timing, you can't go wrong with breaking a 33 game goalless streak with a game-winner. Blair Betts scored by chipping home his own rebound. Let me say that again. Blair Betts scored. A goal. A game-winning goal. How great was that? Yes, I am an unashamed fanboy. Go Bettsy!*During the first intermission Scott Gomez was able to make it through a full interview with John Giannone without a single glib comment. I may have to start giving him some credit. He did make a great play to get into the Philly zone before sending a crisp pass to Sean for the one-timer to tie the game at three. Gomez needs to skate like that all the time - no senseless circling, just slicing and dicing the defense. He will need to better than three-for-16 in the faceoff circle but he made amends in my eyes for coming to Avery's defense after the final buzzer (more on that in a bit).
*Anyone else find it comical watching Rozy and Redden bumping into each other on defense throughout the game? And combined they make $15 million this season (with an 11.5 cap hit). Ha! But, alas, I will give Redden a smidge of credit for his good clear in the last minute and assist on Bettsy's goal.
*With Ovechkin and the Caps coming in, the Rangers showed what they needed to work on with the Flyers second goal - playing the body. Too many Blueshirts stood around and watched as Philly invaded the zone and then Carter slipped into the high slot to fire off his wicked wrister. Philly opened the scoring after Aaron Voros made a bad play missing the net then picking Betts in the offensive zone. The Flyers came back the other way, Voros decided to sit in the slot and watch the play next to Redden as Colton Orr watched from the wing and no one covered Claude Giroux. Laissez-faire defense simply doesn't work, even with Hank in net.
*Oh, Joe Micheletti - a paid analyst who covers every game for the team had no idea that Brandon Dubinsky had never gotten a hat trick. What a clown. Somehow I don't think he could take a terrible team and turn them into a playoff squad; congrats JD, we still miss you.
*And in the first period Joe spouted some BS about general managers being limited in the number of call ups and, as near as I can tell, that is completely wrong - just look at all of recalls Tampa has used this year. Philly signed the kid out of college because of cap concerns - he doesn't get paid a dime other than per diem on a try out contract. And Joe is a professional analyst.
*That being said, newly professional Jamie Fritsch gets credit for stepping in and playing well for the Flyers, just as that Sloane kid did the other night. They make for nice stories and ones that we may have to hear a few years down the line as the cap comes down and the Rangers get screwed thanks to Redden, Drury and Gomez.
*They were screwed at the end of the game when Lupul intentionally tried to injure Avery. You gotta accept that he won't get the benefit of most calls but the refs' job is still to protect the players and they failed. Had Avery been anyone else, then Lupul would have gotten more than a two minute minor for trying to paralyze Avery with an intentional hit from behind into the boards. An inch or two another way, and Avery's career is done. Gary Bettman probably would have thrown a party had that happened but I would love to see how he would explain how he allowed a man to be injured for life to his 12 year old daughter. *As it has been mentioned time and time again, Lauri Korpikoski will make mistakes - he is a rookie. On a 3-on-1 you have to put the puck on the net, that simple. No fancy-shmancy backhand attempt into the top corner, just get it on net and force a rebound. Luckily it didn't matter in the end but he has gotta learn.
*Conspiracy theory of the night: Chris Drury got the game off while Nik Antropov didn't - even though both were banged up. However, Antropov's alma mater didn't just win the National Championship Saturday night ...
*Not like Borat showed any signs of injury as he was a big part of the offense all game long. If he can remain healthy throughout the playoffs, he could be huge. Since the deadline, Borat has clearly proved to be much more valuable than Zherdev - which is a shame because Z has more talent. The saddest thing in life is wasted talent ...*I love that the Flyers use Pennywise's Bro Hymn as their goal song. Of course, the circumstances that we hear it are negative, but it is a great song and a helluva choice for a celebratory song in Philadelphia.
*PHW Three Stars
3-Blair Betts - one goal.
2-Danny Briere - one goal and one assist.
1-Brandon Dubinsky - two goals.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars3-Jeff Carter - While Arron Asham and Andrew Alberts both had strong games, neither had the impact that Carter had. Carter seemed to dominate most of his shifts and forced the Rangers to keep tight coverage.
2-Sean - Avery scored the late equalizer and kept the Flyers occupied throughout, so much so that Hartnell never was a threat to score.
1-Dubi - The Dubi who played in the final game was much like the one who played in the first one: strong, smart, confident and willing to pay the price to score. If he finds consistency, watch out world because I still believe he could be the second coming of Jason Arnott.
43-30-9: Celebrating the Love of Happy Endings in Sports
In the world of sports, there's something truly magical about a happy ending. It's that moment when the underdog triumphs, when the struggling team makes an incredible comeback, or when an athlete overcomes adversity to achieve their dreams. In this article, we'll explore the significance of the numbers 43-30-9 and how they symbolize the essence of happy endings in sports. We'll dive into memorable moments, iconic athletes, and answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to celebrate the love of happy endings in the sporting world.
Understanding the Numbers: 43-30-9
At first glance, 43-30-9 may seem like an ordinary set of numbers, but for sports enthusiasts, these digits hold immense meaning. Let's break down the significance of each number:
43: This represents the number of wins, often a symbol of success, determination, and the ultimate goal in sports—victory.
30: This signifies the number of losses or setbacks, showcasing the challenges, obstacles, and adversity that athletes and teams face on their journey.
9: This represents ties or draws, reminding us that not every sporting event has a clear winner or loser, emphasizing the unpredictability and drama of sports.
The Magic of Happy Endings
Happy endings in sports are more than just final scores; they are stories of triumph, resilience, and inspiration. Here are a few ways in which the love for happy endings enriches the world of sports:
1. Overcoming Adversity: Some of the most heartwarming sports stories involve athletes who overcome adversity. From injuries and personal setbacks to facing seemingly insurmountable odds, these stories inspire us to push our own limits and never give up.
2. Underdog Victories: Few things in sports capture our collective imagination like an underdog team or athlete defying the odds to claim victory. These moments remind us that anything is possible with determination and belief.
3. Redemption Tales: Athletes who have faced criticism or setbacks often find themselves on a path to redemption. When they eventually achieve success, it's a powerful reminder of the human capacity for growth and change.
4. Unforgettable Comebacks: Comeback victories, where a team rallies from a seemingly impossible deficit, are etched in sports history. These moments exemplify the never-say-die spirit that makes sports so compelling.
Iconic Moments Representing 43-30-9
Let's take a look at a few iconic moments in sports that perfectly encapsulate the essence of 43-30-9:
1. The 1980 "Miracle on Ice": The U.S. Olympic hockey team, composed of amateur and collegiate players, faced off against the heavily favored Soviet Union team in the Winter Olympics. The Americans, with 43 wins representing their triumph, defeated the Soviets in a historic upset, showcasing the power of belief and teamwork.
2. Michael Jordan's Comeback: After briefly retiring from basketball in 1993, Michael Jordan returned to the NBA in 1995. Despite his hiatus and the challenges he faced, Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to another championship, demonstrating that greatness endures even after setbacks (30 losses).
3. The Boston Red Sox's 2004 World Series Win: The Red Sox had gone 86 years without a World Series title, enduring heartbreak and disappointment (30 losses). In 2004, they finally secured a championship, and the moment was particularly sweet for their long-suffering fans.
4. The "Rumble in the Jungle": In the heavyweight boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in 1974, Ali employed the "rope-a-dope" strategy, allowing Foreman to tire himself out (30 losses) before making a remarkable comeback to win, showcasing intelligence and resilience.
FAQs About 43-30-9 in Sports
Why is the love of happy endings so prevalent in sports?
Sports often mirror life's challenges and victories, making them relatable and emotionally resonant. Happy endings in sports inspire hope and perseverance.
What can fans learn from these stories of triumph over adversity?
Fans can learn that setbacks are a part of life, and true champions are those who refuse to be defined by their losses but instead use them as stepping stones to success.
Are happy endings always about winning championships?
No, happy endings in sports can take various forms, from individual achievements to small victories that showcase an athlete's character and determination.
How can fans support athletes during their challenging moments (30 losses)?
Fans can offer support through encouragement, positive messages, and understanding that every athlete faces difficult times in their careers.
In sports, 43-30-9 is more than just a numerical sequence; it represents the journey of athletes and teams, the highs and lows, and the enduring human spirit. Happy endings in sports remind us of the power of resilience, determination, and the belief that, no matter the setbacks, victory is always possible. As we celebrate these moments, we are inspired to overcome our own challenges and keep the love of happy endings alive in our lives and in the world of sports.
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