7-2-0: Pride Before The Fall

John Tortorella outright said that the New York Rangers didn't have the conditioning to win the Stanley Cup last season so he tried to send a message, rather than coach to win. Sure, he wanted to win - that goes without saying - but the message was more important.

Tortorella knew that the Ranger win streak would have to come to an end sometime, so puts his star goaltender in to get the easy points against the worst team in the conference, and his backup in against one of the top three teams in the NHL. A loss to the Sharks wouldn't be as bad as a loss against Jersey (Thursday), a loss against Montreal (Saturday) or a loss against Phoenix (Monday).

The idea makes sense. It sucks, but it makes sense. Of course, Torts' pride is bigger than the success of the team, so he suddenly wanted to pull a win out of the jaws of defeat. It was far, far too late. Pulling Valley for the third period was a horrendous move and likely hurt the team far more than the seven goals San Jose scored in their 7-3 demolition of the Rangers tonight.

Did he really think that his team could score three or more goals against Evgeni Nabokov in the third period? Especially with his team playing as poorly as they were? The only thing that happened was that he pissed off his star goaltender and likely injured the confidence that carried the team to seven straight wins. Good job coach.

Now Torts has two days to attempt to patch the damage he caused before the Rangers face the Devils. Good luck with that; Jersey always steps up their game against the Blueshirts and will be ready to pounce.

Before we start dreading Thursday, more on tonight's debacle as I saw it from section 329. There is no re-air on that network, MSG didn't pick it up and the NHL Network will re-air the Vancouver game. It's better that way I guess.

A quick look at the goals against:
1-Brad Staubitz's goal was intensely savable, a shot low glove side past Valley. Awful.
2-Dany Heatley just walked through the defense. Yeah, why cover one of the best scorers in the NHL?
3-Our (former) boy Jed Ortmeyer scored by lurking around the crease and cashing in on some garbage.
4-Devin Setoguchi's was another one where he didn't have to pay a price for hanging out aroung the crease.
5-His second was another savable shot that Valley waved at as it went by.
6-Ryan Vesce scored because no one bothered to cover the midget as he followed up a Heatley shot. And someone in his family loudly celebrated too - you could hear it clearly in the quiet Garden.
7-And Patrick Marleau closed it out with a one-timer.

I guess now the Rangers know the difference between an exhausted Ducks team and a flying Sharks team, huh?? Not the team to put your crappy backup in against if you want to win. But I guess that is a big IF if you are John Tortorella.

Some more notes:

*All Enver Lisin's goal did in the third period was ensure that Jed's goal wasn't the game-winner.

*It was really interesting inside the Garden when Jed scored. Some fans booed, some fans cheered and everyone started talking. I just think there was a bit of shock that Jed scored and that the Rangers blew a 2-0 lead. Blowing 2-0 leads is sooooo 2007.

*The officiating was soooo 2008-09. After the media made such a big deal over how Sean Avery had no PIM, the referees made up a call to put him in the box. And, seeing as they didn't call any of the seven or so clear infractions against him, he finally got frustrated and took a second penalty, a bad penalty. Hopefully it will not be a sign of things to come because it is pathetic and annoying to watch zebras ref with chips on their shoulders.

*Loved the goal that they waved off because of an early whistle. Where was the review? The Rangers had one stupid whistle waived off on video review last game, why not tonight?

*So, Donald Brashear was added to protect his teammates and yet he did nothing to protect Avery. The team was flat and blews a 2-0 lead, where was he to have that big fight to get the pendulum to swing back to his team? Nowhere. As ludicrous as it is to say, it is time to dress Aaron Voros. At least he checks people.

*Wade Redden ... words fail me. Liek Mr. X from the Blue Seats said

*It says something when the best scoring chance over the last 30 minutes was by Brian Boyle, and he missed the net.

*Did the Rangers win any faceoffs? The box score says that Scott Nichol was 8-2 but I didn't catch him losing a single one.

*Anyone else have a heart attack when Jody Shelley raced into the Ranger zone in the third period and Hank rushed out towards him?

*Since I don't want to go to the stars on a bad note, MDZ's goal was nice. Just like one of his other goals, he was pinching on the power play and was in the right place at the right time to bang in the puck in a empty net. Nice work kiddo.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Patrick Marleau - one goal and two assists.
2-Dany Heatley - one goal, one assist and no car accidents (didn't think I would get through an entire post about a game with him without mentioning it, did you?).
1-Devin Setoguchi - two goals and one assist.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Setoguchi - Jonathan Cheech-who?
2-Jed - He helped keep Gabby off his game, scored a goal and made a few big hits. I miss him as a Ranger.
1-Torts - His poor decisions put his team in a position to lose and he did nothing to help them turn the tables. First star for the Sharks.

 7-2-0: Pride Before The Fall - Unpacking a Promising Hockey Season

In the world of professional ice hockey, a season marked by the record 7-2-0 is often viewed as a promising start, one that ignites the hopes and dreams of both players and fans. However, the phrase "Pride Before The Fall" reminds us that success can be a double-edged sword, and early triumphs can sometimes give way to unexpected challenges. In this article, we will delve into the intriguing dynamics of a hockey season characterized by a 7-2-0 record, explore the factors contributing to success and potential pitfalls, and address frequently asked questions (FAQs) that shed light on the complexities of such a campaign.

7-2-0: The Hockey Season in Numbers

Cracking the Code

The record 7-2-0 provides a snapshot of a hockey season's performance:

"7" signifies seven victories, a testament to the team's skill and determination.

"2" acknowledges two losses, moments of reflection and growth.

"0" represents a season without shutout defeats, showcasing offensive prowess and resilience.

The Anatomy of a Hockey Season

A hockey season is a multifaceted journey that encompasses various elements:

Strategic Evolution: Coaches and players continually refine game strategies, adapt to opponents, and work to maximize their chances of success.

Highs and Lows: Hockey seasons are often marked by winning streaks and losing streaks, testing a team's character and resilience.

Team Chemistry: Successful hockey teams transcend individual talent, fostering trust, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to victory.

Resilience: Losses are an inherent part of sports, and resilience in the face of defeat is a defining trait of a successful team. Players learn from their losses and use them as stepping stones to improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

As fans and analysts follow the journey of a hockey season, questions about the intricacies of the game often arise. Here are some FAQs about 7-2-0: Pride Before The Fall and hockey seasons in general:

1. What factors contribute to a successful start with a 7-2-0 record?

A successful start often results from effective teamwork, strong coaching, solid goaltending, offensive contributions, and a commitment to game strategies.

2. How can a team maintain consistency throughout a season?

Consistency requires disciplined practice, effective communication, injury management, and a strong team culture that reinforces the importance of every game.

3. What role does goaltending play in a successful season?

Goaltending is pivotal in hockey. A skilled goaltender can steal games, provide stability, and bolster a team's confidence.

4. How do teams adapt to challenges and avoid the "Pride Before The Fall" scenario?

Teams stay grounded, learn from their successes and failures, make necessary adjustments, and maintain a focus on their long-term goals.

5. Why is resilience important in hockey?

Hockey is a physically and mentally demanding sport. Resilience helps players bounce back from setbacks, remain focused, and maintain a positive mindset.

Success and the "Pride Before The Fall" Phenomenon

The Early Triumphs

A 7-2-0 record in the early stages of a hockey season can be euphoric for players and fans alike. It signifies a team's potential, showcases their skill, and breeds optimism for what lies ahead.

The Pitfalls of Overconfidence

However, the phrase "Pride Before The Fall" serves as a cautionary tale. Success can lead to overconfidence, complacency, and a belief that victory is assured. This overconfidence can be a trap, as it may cause a team to underestimate opponents and neglect the details that contributed to their early success.

The Importance of Balance

The key to avoiding the "Pride Before The Fall" scenario lies in balance. While celebrating victories and milestones is important, it's equally crucial to maintain humility and a relentless work ethic. Teams that remain focused on their goals, regardless of early success, are better equipped to navigate the challenges of a long season.

The Perils of High Expectations

High expectations can be both motivating and burdensome. A 7-2-0 start can lead to increased expectations from fans, media, and the team itself. While these expectations can drive performance, they can also create pressure that affects player confidence and team chemistry.

Navigating the Challenges

Navigating the challenges of a hockey season requires a multifaceted approach:

Continuous Improvement: Teams must continually analyze their performance, identify weaknesses, and make necessary adjustments.

Leadership: Strong leadership from coaches and team captains is crucial in maintaining a focused and disciplined mindset.

Adaptability: Hockey is a dynamic sport, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, including injuries and lineup changes, is essential.

Resilience: Resilience in the face of losses and adversity is the hallmark of a successful team. It's important to learn from setbacks and remain motivated.

A hockey season marked by a 7-2-0 record is a journey filled with promise, potential, and pitfalls. The phrase "Pride Before The Fall" serves as a reminder that success, while exhilarating, should not be taken for granted. Instead, it should fuel a team's commitment to continuous improvement, resilience, and a balanced perspective.

In the world of sports, as in life, maintaining humility, discipline, and a relentless work ethic is the key to long-term success. The journey of a hockey season is filled with twists and turns, but with the right mindset and a commitment to the fundamentals, a team can navigate the challenges and reach the ultimate goal: victory.