In what you would believe would be the one game where the Rangers would step up their play, they floundered and fell to the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-1. This team is quite good at blowing any goodwill they gain as quickly as possible and as horribly as possible. They ditch Gomez but sign Brashear. They beat Phoenix but lose to the Islanders. They put up two great efforts in a pair of wins but lose in this disgraceful, embarrassing fashion. Neither John Tortorella nor Vinny Prospal found any measure of revenge against their former team as their current squad looked like they would rather be out on the beach than in the rink.
Below you will find a whole of of complaining about the awful officiating and some other randomness:
*Whatever happened to goaltenders being fair game outside of their crease? Ales Kotalik ran into Mike Smith and gets called for charging. These guys are coddled as much as quarterbacks in the NFL and it is just stupid, especially as they wear more protection than anyone else. Not to mention that Hank gets run over actually inside the paint and there are no calls made. But Smith can hang out behind his own net to draw a penalty. Hypocrisy.
*To be fair, how in the world does the referee miss the high stick by P.A. Parenteau on Paul "Can I buy a vowel" Szczechura??? The guy was standing two feet away facing them. But at the same time, Victor Hedman holds onto Arty Anisimov's stick and Tampa ends up with a power play. So I guess at the end of the day, these stripes were utter and complete idiots both ways.
*Kurtis Foster converted on the Kotalik power play with a Kotalik-esque one-timer.
*Steve Downie's power play goal was perfect as well as he tapped home a pass from Midget Marty with Rozy out of position in the slot. Big surprise there.
*Hank proved why he is regarded as one of the best goaltenders in the business with his back-and-forth saves midway through the first period. He went post to post and back to make three huge saves and keep the Rangers in the game. As I said prior to the game, he shouldn't have started and I can't blame him on three of the four goals he allowed. *How can someone as big as Brian Boyle be completely unable to fight? How embarrassing, not once but twice.
*You have to love that Donald Brashear finally picked a fight in the final minutes. Sadly it was at the 5:45 mark so his instigator (which was somehow called as a rough and a 10 minute misconduct) will not get an automatic suspension - something I am sure was not a coincidence. He also attempted to pick a fight after Boyle went in the box for his first tussle but it was about two goals too late to do anything but let's face it, Brash hasn't positively contributed once this entire season so why start now?
*It is no small miracle that the referees didn't call Sean Avery for an instigator when he came to the aid of MDZ early in the first period. Perhaps they realized they couldn't call it as they broke up what would have been an interesting fight between Sean and Vinny Lecavalier (my money would be on the bigger Bolt, sorry Sean). But it was a perfect opportunity for the Avery Rules to be invoked but they weren't.
*But, of course, Tampa scored right after the incident. How you match Brian Boyle and Enver Lisin against the Stamkos/St. Louis line is beyond me. The Lightning had last change but why would you put your third line out for a defensive zone faceoff like that in the first place? Especially with someone who can't win faceoffs?!?*Considering most stations normally pre-tape the open to game broadcasts, how/why did they let Sam stutter through the John Tortorella pregame quote that was transcribed on the screen?
*Chris Drury loses a defensive zone faceoff clearly and Foster scores another one-timer goal, making it a 5-0 game. Welcome back Cap, didn't recognize you last game but I see you now!
*Ryan Callahan broke through for one pretty goal, too bad it was too little, too late for this one. Perhaps it will be the start of something great with two games against Cindy and the Penguins on the slate.
*PHW Three Stars
3-Matt Walker - one assist.
2-Kurtis Foster - two goals.
1-Marty St. Louis - three assists.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Steven Stamkos - Let's face it, the kid has some serious skills.
2-Andrej Meszaros - He played a ton of time but it was his big blast that did the trick. Meszaros' slap shot that broke the glass behind Hank in the opening minutes must have intimidated the hell out of the Rangers because they played scared.
1-St. Louis - Sure he is too short to ride the roller coasters but he sure can play hockey, huh?
13-11-1: Disappointment, Thy Name Is Rangers - A Tale of Triumphs and Tribulations
In the world of professional sports, the journey of a team often mirrors the emotions of its fans. Few teams embody this rollercoaster of hope and despair as perfectly as the New York Rangers. The Rangers, with their storied history, passionate fan base, and moments of glory, have also seen their fair share of disappointment. In this article, we will delve into the intriguing story of 13-11-1, a sequence that encapsulates both the triumphs and tribulations of the New York Rangers, exploring its origins, key moments, and the frequently asked questions (FAQs) that continue to define the team's legacy.
The New York Rangers: A Legacy of Triumphs and Tribulations
Historical Perspective
The New York Rangers, founded in 1926, are one of the original six teams in the National Hockey League (NHL). Over the decades, the team has garnered a dedicated following and a storied history. The Rangers' home, Madison Square Garden, has witnessed countless thrilling moments and unforgettable matches.
The Rangers have a legacy that includes four Stanley Cup championships, with their most recent victory in 1994, a triumph still celebrated by fans today. Icons like Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, and Mike Richter have etched their names into the annals of Rangers history.
13-11-1: A Sequence of Triumph and Tribulation
The sequence 13-11-1 represents the triumphs and tribulations of the New York Rangers throughout their history.
13 - The Glory of 1940:
The "13" in 13-11-1 refers to the year 1940, which holds a special place in Rangers lore. In that year, the Rangers achieved a historic feat by winning their third Stanley Cup championship. The team, led by legendary coach Frank Boucher and standout players like Bryan Hextall and Lynn Patrick, captured the hearts of fans by defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Stanley Cup Finals. The victory marked the Rangers' first championship in 14 years and remains a cherished moment in the team's history.
11 - The Curse of 1994:
The "11" in 13-11-1 serves as a somber reminder of the Rangers' long championship drought that lasted from 1940 until 1994. During those 54 years, Rangers fans endured heartbreaks, near-misses, and the infamous "Curse of 1940." Despite having talented rosters and making playoff appearances, the Rangers could not capture another Stanley Cup championship, creating an agonizing sense of disappointment among the faithful.
1 - The Redemption of 1994:
The "1" in 13-11-1 signifies the year 1994, which is arguably the most celebrated and unforgettable season in Rangers history. Led by captain Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, Adam Graves, and goaltender Mike Richter, the Rangers finally broke the curse and won their fourth Stanley Cup championship. The team's remarkable playoff run and ultimate triumph brought jubilation to fans who had waited patiently for 54 years. Mark Messier's famous guarantee of victory in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New Jersey Devils has become the stuff of legend, and the image of Messier hoisting the Cup remains an indelible part of Rangers lore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As with any historic sports franchise, the New York Rangers generate a plethora of questions from their passionate fan base. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Rangers:
1. How did the "Curse of 1940" come about, and when was it finally broken?
The "Curse of 1940" originated due to the Rangers' inability to win another Stanley Cup since their triumph in that year. The curse was broken in 1994 when the Rangers, led by Mark Messier, won their fourth championship.
2. Who are some other notable Rangers players from the team's history?
The Rangers have had a rich history of legendary players, including Rod Gilbert, Eddie Giacomin, Jean Ratelle, and Andy Bathgate, among others. These players have made significant contributions to the franchise and the sport of hockey.
3. What is the significance of Madison Square Garden to the Rangers and their fans?
Madison Square Garden is not only the home arena of the Rangers but also a historic venue with deep ties to the team's legacy. The Garden has hosted countless memorable Rangers games and remains a hallowed ground for fans.
4. How have the Rangers performed in recent years?
The Rangers' performance in recent years may vary, as the team's fortunes can fluctuate from season to season. Their ability to contend for the Stanley Cup often depends on the strength of their roster and their performance in the regular season.
5. Are there any ongoing rivalries that Rangers fans should be aware of?
The Rangers have fierce rivalries with teams like the New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, and Philadelphia Flyers. These matchups often result in intense and highly anticipated games.
6. What is the current state of the Rangers and their prospects for future success?
The Rangers, like many NHL teams, are constantly evolving. Their prospects for future success depend on their ability to develop young talent, make strategic acquisitions, and compete at a high level in the league.
The New York Rangers, with their rich history, passionate fan base, and moments of glory and disappointment, embody the essence of sports. The sequence 13-11-1 encapsulates the triumphs and tribulations that have defined the team's journey. From the euphoria of 1994 to the decades of longing that preceded it, the Rangers' story is a testament to the enduring spirit of sportsmanship and the unwavering loyalty of their fans. While the Rangers may have faced disappointment, they have also known the elation of victory, making them a beloved and iconic franchise in the world of professional hockey.
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