The Rangers prevailed in a close one this afternoon to the Boston Bruins, holding on to a 1-0 lead to
Marian Gaborik returned from injury and scored the lone goal, of course.
Don't let the scoreline fool you: after a first period where the teams skated off their Saturday night hangover, the action picked up and carried all the way to the buzzer. And, while at times it looked Renney-ish with the Rangers sitting back, overall the team played with a spark rarely seen during that former coach's era.
The win was huge, sending the boys off to western Canada with some confidence.
*It must be said that Gabby is a genius when it comes to the art of scoring. The Rangers broke in on a three-on-two with two more Bruins trailing, instead of plowing right to the net, Gabby pulled up to get room for a one-timer from the slot that blew past Timmy T. I loathe that cliche 'it was a goal-scorers goal' but it certainly came because of his high IQ in the other team's end.
*Boston was clearly missing Savvy's savvy. Marc Savard's injury was huge as their offense had trouble creating chances. They attacked hard, skated hard, hit hard, but didn't create good chances. All the better for us.
*Aaron Voros and Donald Brashear were not missed. In fact, the fourth line of Dane Byers, Brian Boyle and Enver Lisin had one of the best shifts of the game. After the Blueshirts were pummeled in their own end for the first 10 minutes of the third - including two penalty kills - the fourth line hit the ice with about seven minutes left and got the puck deep and worked it there, battling to keep it in the Boston end and give everyone else a rest. It was exactly what the team needed, exactly what the fourth line should be capable of doing every game and, as my buddy Joe said, it was "beautiful, just beautiful" to watch.
*As was the penalty killing. I love a good kill and the Rangers produced several big ones. They controlled play during the two second period penalties, and Hank bailed them out when they got pinned deep during the two third period ones.
*Back to Byers for a second, he played just six minutes and - aside from that third period shift - was invisible. While I think he complimented the other guys well and deserves to stay up, you know that Torts will go back to Brash sooner rather than later.
*Hobey Gilroy was outstanding. Gilroy played his best game of the season with smart positional play, hustle and sheer guile. MDZ was much more physical than he has been of late - taking exception to a hit at one point - and Staalsie bounced back from two bad performances by eating up a ton of time, but Hobey made several big stops that were just plain impressive.*Michal Rozsival ... notsomuch. Ilkka Heikkinen and Bobby Sanguinetti seem to be racking up the points down on the farm, perhaps it is time to use that accountability thing and bench Rozy. Both of the kids seem capable of contributing and we've seen Hobey and MDZ do quite well with added responsibility (even if there have been bumps along the way).
*I dogged Ales Kotalik quite a bit early on this season - and still feel that he has no idea inside his own blueline - but he is playing close to the best I have ever seen of him and he is creating scoring chances quite well and quite often. He just needs to finish a few more of them.
*The old Sean Avery returned and was quite effective annoying the hell out of the Bruins. But the downsides of that was the ghost of a penalty on him. Hopefully he learned that no matter how tough you are, when you are at the height of Zdeno Chara's elbow, you don't try to check him. The mountain will win.
*Shout-out to the international tourist fans who came to the game. I happened upon a pair of Slovaks wearing their national team jersey with Gabby on the back and a good number of Swedes rooting for Hank - including one with a massive Swedish flag with LUNDQVIST written across the yellow stripe. Very cool.
*Even cooler were the masks worn by Hank and Valley in warmups. Hank's had the TD striping with Jacques Plante's ears, while Valley had Richter redux. Beautiful works of art, just a shame that Hank didn't wear it in the game.
*Richter, Gilles Villemure and Andy Bathgate were all in the house and all properly acknowledged. Great touch by the Garden to have Villemure don his sad-eyed mask.
*Chris Higgins still has to be sad as he remains without a goal. Of course, you can't score if you don't shoot and I don't remember even seeing him in a position to shoot. But he fared well on the pk so something more than nothing.*Chris Drury ... perhaps, like Jagr before him, the C is weighing him down. When he blocked that shot and went off, my buddy Eric sent me a txt saying that Dru 'went to the locker room, not like he'll be missed.' Sadly, he was right. Drury has done some good things away from the puck but a turnover or blocked shot is almost certain when he gets the puck in the offensive zone. That's not good at all, especially from teh man with the C.
*Derek Morris, how we don't miss you. At all. Loved watching him let the puck get past him at the blue line to allow the Rangers some respite. Glad he is make the same mistakes for someone else now.
*Torts used his timeout well. After not pulling it out of his pocket when he should have in the last two debacles, he used the break to give the boys a rest after a long shift and icing call. Smart coaching.
*PHW Three Stars3-Tim Thomas - 22 saves.
2-Marian Gaborik - one goal.
1-Henrik Lundqvist - 29 saves.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Hobey - Sure I could give it to Gabby, but the sun should show on the youngster for stopping several odd-man rushes. They were veteran plays and hopefully signs of more to come.
2-Hank - The King was called upon and took on all comers, stopping them cold. I look forward to the day when he breaks Mmmmaaaarrrtttyyy's soon-to-be-ill-earned shutout record.
1-Jacques Plante - Even if Clint Benedict beat him to it, his mask and subsequent 17 game win streak made it ok for goaltenders to protect their faces. Perhaps Hank can go on a tear like that too after this good start ...
9-5-1: Whew - Unpacking the Rollercoaster NHL Season
In the fast-paced world of professional ice hockey, every NHL season brings with it a rollercoaster of emotions, ups, and downs. The season encapsulated by the record 9-5-1 can be described as nothing short of a wild ride. In this article, we will delve into the captivating journey of the NHL season represented by 9-5-1: Whew, exploring its significance, key moments, team dynamics, and addressing frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive understanding of this thrilling hockey season.
9-5-1: Whew - The Season Recap
The sequence 9-5-1 represents a season in the NHL's storied history marked by exhilarating highs, challenging lows, and moments that left fans and players collectively sighing, "Whew."
Significance of the Numbers
Nine Victories: The "9" signifies the hard-fought victories achieved during the season. Each win was a testament to the dedication, skill, and teamwork of the players.
Five Losses: Amid the triumphs, the season also saw five defeats. These losses served as valuable learning experiences and opportunities for teams to regroup and improve.
One Overtime/Shootout Loss: The "1" represents a singular overtime or shootout loss, where teams earned a point despite not securing a clear win. These closely contested games added excitement and drama to the season.
The Thrills and Challenges of an NHL Season
The NHL season is a grueling marathon that tests the mettle of players and teams. Here are some key elements that make each season a rollercoaster:
Competitive Balance: The NHL boasts a high level of competitive balance, meaning that on any given night, any team can win or lose. This dynamic keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
Injuries and Comebacks: Injuries are an inevitable part of the game, and teams often face the challenge of rallying when key players are sidelined. The resilience to bounce back from adversity is a hallmark of successful teams.
Playoff Push and Pressure: As the regular season progresses, teams vie for playoff spots, intensifying the competition and creating an atmosphere of heightened pressure.
Key Moments and Milestones
Every NHL season is peppered with unforgettable moments and milestones. Here are a few from the season represented by 9-5-1: Whew:
Record-Breaking Performances: Players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continued to dazzle with record-breaking point totals, showcasing their extraordinary skills.
Overtime Thrillers: Overtime games, often decided by sudden-death goals, provided some of the season's most heart-pounding moments.
Rookie Sensations: Young talents like Kirill Kaprizov and Jason Robertson burst onto the scene, making significant impacts on their respective teams.
Team Dynamics and Rivalries
Rivalries and team dynamics are at the heart of every NHL season. Here's a glimpse into the world of NHL team dynamics:
Original Six Rivalries: The historic rivalries among the Original Six teams—Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs—continued to captivate fans.
Battle of Alberta: The intense rivalry between the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers, known as the "Battle of Alberta," produced heated matchups and fiery competition.
The Quest for the Stanley Cup: Every team entered the season with the dream of hoisting the Stanley Cup, and the pursuit of this ultimate prize served as a driving force for players and fans alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The NHL season is rich with intrigue and drama, sparking questions and debates among fans. Here are some frequently asked questions about the NHL season represented by 9-5-1: Whew:
1. What are the most memorable moments from the season?
Memorable moments from the season include record-breaking performances, overtime thrillers, and standout rookie contributions. Moments like these define each NHL season.
2. How do teams handle the challenges of injuries and player absences during the season?
Teams address injuries by relying on depth in their rosters, making strategic lineup changes, and trusting in the resilience of their players. The "next man up" mentality is crucial in overcoming such challenges.
3. What are the most heated rivalries in the NHL?
Heated rivalries in the NHL include the Original Six rivalries, the Battle of Alberta, the Battle of Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers), and the rivalry between the Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins.
4. How does the NHL playoff system work, and what are the ultimate goals for teams during the season?
The NHL playoff system features teams competing for playoff spots based on their regular-season performance. The ultimate goal for every team is to qualify for the playoffs and ultimately win the Stanley Cup, the most prestigious trophy in the league.
5. Who are some of the standout players and emerging talents from the season?
Standout players from the season may include veterans like Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin, as well as emerging talents like Kirill Kaprizov and Jason Robertson. These players contribute significantly to their teams' success.
The NHL season represented by 9-5-1: Whew encapsulates the heart-pounding excitement, unforgettable moments, and fierce competition that define professional ice hockey. With each victory, loss, and overtime thriller, fans and players alike experience the rollercoaster ride of emotions that makes the NHL season a thrilling journey from start to finish.
As fans eagerly anticipate the next season, they do so with the knowledge that the NHL's unique blend of skill, passion, and drama will continue to deliver moments that leave them breathless and eagerly sighing, "Whew."
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