*Today was Z-Day as the kids are calling it, the day Nik Zherdev and the Rangers headed to arbitration. The ruling should be made in the next two days and the Rangers will make their decision in the next two days after that. As I've said for a while, his departure from Broadway is all but a certainty. While my buddy Eric and several others I know are saying 'I hope the door hits z on the way out,' I do not share the sentiment fully. I certainly have not been a fan of the soft, lazy Zherdev but the potential was certainly alluring and made itself known from time to time. So I won't be heartbroken to see him go, I will be a tad sad. Z follows in a strong line of very talented, yet very flawed players to come through New York, a line that stretches from the poor attitudes of Pierre Larouche and Theo Fleury to the well-past-their-prime Marcel Dionne, Guy Lafleur and Jari Kurri to the physically impared Eric Lindros and Pavel Bure.*Could Todd Bertuzzi join them? He is saying he wants to come east and a capable power winger might be alluring to Tortorella. I still like the thought of Vinny Prospal (who would be cheaper) but Bert certainly would add an interesting dimension if he still has any wheels left.
*You have to figure that the Dubinsky signing will be imminent, right?
*In the Cycle With The Sedin's re-draft of the NHL I used my second selection, the 41st pick overall, on Dan Boyle. If there is one thing we've learned here in NY, you have to have a power play quarterback if you are to have any success.
*On that note, best wishes to Sergei Zubov, who is heading to the KHL. The Russian league will put him under less wear and tear while keeping him in shape so he can play in the Olympics. Zubi was a hell of a Ranger who I don't think got the credit he deserved as the limelight often went to Brian Leetch. Both were all-world defensemen who could play both sides of the ice. Hopefully we see Zubi again in Vancouver ...*I. Want. One.
*If you haven't been following him, Third String Goalie was showing off his jersey collection this month with a sweater for each day. While there was a clear Minnesota bias and a Mmmmaaaarrrtttyyy sighting, it is still pretty damn cool and worth checking out.
*Totally off topic -
*Aces Over Brooklyn has been covering the demise of the EPHL. The league is dead but there is a new one taking it's place up in New England. There are rumours that that NEPHL will add teams in Danbury and Brooklyn but nothing solid yet. I made it to Brooklyn for all of one game but had a great time. Minor league hockey can definitely make it in New York, the interest is there and the economy is right for cheap options right now. The Aces would have drew better with a rink that was easier to get to via public transportation - like the Devils (lol).
*The Islanders decided to stop paying for Chris Botta's blog at Islanders Point Blank. While Botta is known for being a good, upright guy, it was always hard for me not to see some impropriety for an 'independent' blog to be paid for by the team that it covered. The same goes for Newsday considering the close advertising relationship between the two ... but Botta has been a class act and hasn't really pulled too many punches that I could see so I have to wish him the best.
*Meanwhile, as Cablevision spins off the Rangers into their own company, the Dark Ranger has announced a spinoff of his own - check it out.
And that is about that for now, I think. If there is anything big on your mind, feel free to drop a line in the comments!
"Hockey Happenstance: The Unpredictable Moments That Define the Game"
Hockey is a sport filled with moments of incredible skill, breathtaking goals, and heart-pounding action. Yet, it's the unexpected, unpredictable, and often inexplicable moments that truly capture the essence of the game. From miraculous saves to bizarre bounces, these instances of "hockey happenstance" add an element of excitement and wonder to every match. In this article, we'll dive into the world of hockey's most extraordinary and serendipitous moments, exploring their impact on the game and the lasting memories they create. Additionally, we will address frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to these unforgettable occurrences in hockey.
Section 1: The Magic of the Bounce
1. The Puck's Eccentric Path
One of the most intriguing aspects of hockey happenstance is the unpredictable trajectory of the puck. It can bounce off the boards, the glass, or even a player's skate, leading to unexpected goals and jaw-dropping saves.
2. The Role of Luck
Hockey players and fans alike know that luck plays a significant role in the game. Sometimes, a fortunate bounce can change the course of an entire season.
3. Miraculous Saves
Goaltenders often find themselves in the spotlight when it comes to hockey's unpredictable moments. From sprawling glove saves to acrobatic kick stops, these moments showcase the incredible reflexes and instincts of netminders.
Section 2: Iconic "How Did That Happen?" Moments
1. The "Eberle Miracle"
In the 2010 World Junior Championship, Jordan Eberle's last-minute tying goal for Team Canada against Russia is often referred to as the "Eberle Miracle." It's a prime example of how hockey's most memorable moments can unfold in the blink of an eye.
2. The "Butterfly Effect"
A single deflected shot or a puck that hits multiple posts can set off a chain reaction of events leading to unforgettable goals or saves.
3. The Infamous "Own Goal"
Own goals, where a player accidentally puts the puck into their team's net, are both heart-wrenching and strangely fascinating moments in hockey.
Section 3: Hockey's Unsung Heroes
1. The Shot Blockers
Players who fearlessly dive in front of blistering slap shots to block them epitomize the selflessness and dedication of hockey players.
2. The Goalie's Best Friend
The goalposts and crossbar often come to the rescue of goaltenders, making spectacular saves by denying pucks that seem destined for the back of the net.
3. The Glass and the Boards
The often-unnoticed elements of the rink, such as the glass and the boards, can play crucial roles in the game. Bounces off these surfaces can lead to astonishing plays.
FAQs: Unpredictable Moments in Hockey
Let's address some frequently asked questions about the unpredictable moments in hockey:
1. Can players actually control the puck's bounce?
While players can influence the puck's bounce through their positioning and stick placement, many bounces are beyond their control due to the unpredictable nature of the game.
2. Do these moments affect team morale?
Yes, hockey happenstance can have a significant impact on team morale. A fortunate bounce can energize a team, while an unlucky break can be demoralizing.
3. Are there any famous instances of goalies benefiting from lucky bounces?
Yes, goalies have often benefited from lucky bounces, with pucks hitting the post or crossbar and staying out of the net. These moments are celebrated as "goalie's best friends."
Hockey happenstance is a testament to the beautiful chaos of the sport. It's a reminder that, in the world of hockey, anything can happen at any moment. Whether it's a puck defying gravity to stay out of the net or a remarkable save that defies belief, these unpredictable moments are what make the sport so captivating. They elicit gasps, cheers, and debates among fans, proving that even in the most organized and strategic of games, there's room for serendipity and wonder. Hockey's unpredictable moments are not just part of the game; they are an integral part of its charm and enduring appeal.
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