14-13-1: By The Skin Of Our Teeth

The Buffalo Sabres made major changes to their scouting department a few years ago - deciding to go with less scouts and more scouting by video. It begs the question, what their pro scouts were watching when looking at the Rangers? The Sabres certainly didn't get the memo that you have to shoot high to beat Henrik Lundqvist.

But really, I don't mind in the least.

Hank made some great kick saves to keep the Rangers in Saturday night's game and two guys other than Marian Gaborik scored as they beat Buffalo 2-1. Sure Gabby got an assist, but it was none other than Ryan Callahan and Chris Higgins who scored the Ranger goals. Really. Cally and Chris. Who'da thunk it?

The Blueshirts, of course, had to make it interesting by allowing a late goal but thankfully held on to break a three game losing streak. Of their last six wins, the only time I felt the lead was safe was against Columbus and even then, they slacked off and let the Blue Jackets score two goals to get back in the game.

As there is a quick turnaround to tomorrow's game against Detroit, I will just throw out all of the randomness in my head:

*Why is Donald Brashear's injury officially listed as undisclosed? I thought it was clear that he suffers from Wizard of Oz Syndrome - no heart, no courage and no brain.

*Just a reminder, I am finally on Twitter. Feel free to follow @truebluefan329; someone had taken and deleted Scotty Hockey and Twitter wouldn't give it to me (bastards) so I'm truebluefan329. Just a warning, until I get a new phone there will be days where it isn't updated much.

*Apparently all of the good luck wishes from Ranger fans during Toys For Tots paid off as Chris Higgins actually scored. Arty made a great steal, got it to Gaborik for a perfect pass to Higgins on the far side and for the first time in ages, someone other than Gaborik showed off a quick release to score. Sam was hesitant to announce it a goal as it quickly came right back out - bring up the old argument that the nets are too taunt. I, for one, definitely miss seeing the puck pushing the net out ...

*Marc Staal has a huge game. First the heroic penalty kill action, then the long feed to start the Cally scoring play.

*In the first period Ales Kotalik took out Adam Mair and was penalized. It would be unremarkable if not for the fact that it was the second time this season Kotalik has made a borderline hit and didn't answer the bell - hiding instead behind the officiating. I hate to be all Don Cherry but that's a stereotypical "European" move and one that is sickening to see.

*On the other side of the xenophobic coin, our first exposure to Ilkka Heikkinen was the Finn making a slick move to attempt to keep the puck in the Sabre zone early in the first period. The puck crossed the line but Heikkinen went on to play a strong game with limited minutes.

*Speaking of Ranger defensemen, great to see James Patrick again. He was one of my favourite players growing up. And for them to feature him on trivia? Awesome. (How many blueliners played more games as a Blueshirt than him? Four: Neilson, Howell, Leetch and Gresh.)

*Chris Drury probably played his best game to date, not like that is saying much.

*Is it me or does former Islander Tim Connolly step up his game every time he plays the Rangers? Jerk.

*Speaking of jerks, Sean Avery played pretty well for yet another game. He rang Ryan Miller's bell early in the second with a rising shot; it was about time he got back to badgering the opposing goaltender. As we know all too well, as Avery goes, so does the Rangers.

*Why is it that team after team gets goals called back because referees blow the whistle too fast and yet when Hank has the puck they seem to count to five before blowing it??

*Brian Boyle. Dude. An empty net and he hits the post. An empty net. I was about to give him kudos for standing up for Hank when Clarke MacArthur crashed the crease early in the third period. But screw that. Oversized idiot. Empty net. Coulda iced the game and instead his miss allows Buffalo gets back in it. Dammit.

*I didn't realize Enver Lisin was playing until I saw the shift-time chart in between the second and third periods. That isn't a good thing.

*New guy Erik Christensen won every faceoff that I saw and that is a very good thing, especially on the road. I look forward to watching him tomorrow to see if he can keep up the success.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Ryan Miller - 30 saves.
2-Marian Gaborik - one assist.
1-Henrik Lundqvist - 36 saves.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Hank - Sure the Sabres got him moving side to side quite a bit but he rarely was challenged.
2-Staal - Hank got plenty of his help from his defense and no defender was better than Staalsie.
1-Higgins - Like Cally, Higgins played on both special teams and were great on both sides of the ice. And they both scored. In the same game! Boo ya.

 14-13-1: By The Skin Of Our Teeth - The Drama of Sports

In the world of sports, few things are as gripping as a season where every game feels like a nail-biter, where the outcome hangs in the balance, and victory is often snatched "by the skin of our teeth." The record "14-13-1" represents a season teetering on the edge, where wins and losses are decided by the narrowest of margins. In this article, "14-13-1: By The Skin Of Our Teeth," we'll delve into the concept of close competition in sports, the thrill it brings to fans, and address frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive understanding of the drama and excitement that define these seasons.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Heart-Pounding Drama of Close Competitions

The Significance of a 14-13-1 Record

Close Games and Their Impact

The Psychological Battle of Close Contests

Close Competitions Across Different Sports

Fan Engagement and the Drama of Sports

FAQs About Close Competitions in Sports

: Celebrating the Unpredictable Nature of Sports

1. Introduction: The Heart-Pounding Drama of Close Competitions

In the realm of sports, close competitions are the essence of drama. The uncertainty of the outcome, the thrill of a last-minute goal or a buzzer-beating shot, and the emotional rollercoaster that fans experience are what make sports truly captivating.

2. The Significance of a 14-13-1 Record

A record like "14-13-1" may not seem remarkable at first glance, but it signifies a season of intense competition. In such seasons, every victory is hard-fought, every loss is bitterly contested, and the final outcome hangs in the balance until the very end.

3. Close Games and Their Impact

Close games are the lifeblood of sports. They keep fans on the edge of their seats, whether it's a one-point win in basketball, a penalty shootout in soccer, or a sudden-death overtime in hockey. These games are memorable because of the heightened stakes and the exhilarating moments they produce.

4. The Psychological Battle of Close Contests

Close competitions not only test the physical abilities of athletes but also their mental fortitude. The pressure to perform under such circumstances is immense, and the ability to stay composed in critical moments often separates the champions from the rest.

5. Close Competitions Across Different Sports

Close competitions are a universal phenomenon in sports:

NBA: Basketball often sees closely contested games where a single shot can change the outcome.

NFL: American football thrives on nail-biting finishes, where a touchdown or field goal can decide the winner.

Soccer: Penalty shootouts in soccer tournaments are the epitome of close competition, where the fate of teams hangs on a few kicks.

Tennis: Grand Slam matches frequently feature thrilling tiebreakers and five-set marathons.

6. Fan Engagement and the Drama of Sports

Close competitions are a gift to fans:

Emotional Investment: Fans become emotionally invested in close games, riding the highs and lows alongside their teams.

Unpredictability: The unpredictability of close contests keeps fans coming back for more, knowing that anything can happen.

Memorable Moments: Iconic moments in sports often come from close competitions, etching themselves into the collective memory of fans.

7. FAQs About Close Competitions in Sports

Q1: Are close competitions more common in certain sports?

A1: Close competitions can occur in any sport, but they may be more common in sports with scoring opportunities close to the end of the game, like basketball or soccer.

Q2: Can close competitions lead to upsets?

A2: Yes, close competitions often result in upsets, as underdog teams or individuals can capitalize on critical moments to defeat favored opponents.

Q3: How do athletes prepare for close contests mentally?

A3: Athletes undergo mental training to stay focused, calm, and composed in high-pressure situations, which is crucial in close competitions.

Q4: Do close competitions affect sportsmanship?

A4: Close competitions can sometimes lead to heightened emotions, but they also often showcase incredible sportsmanship as athletes respect the battle their opponents put up.

8. Conclusion: Celebrating the Unpredictable Nature of Sports

The thrill of close competitions in sports is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the games we love. Whether it's a game-winning shot, a last-minute touchdown, or a photo finish at the Olympics, the drama of sports keeps us hooked. A record like "14-13-1" reminds us that in sports, victory is hard-earned, defeat is bitterly contested, and the thrill of the competition is what makes it all worthwhile. So, here's to celebrating the heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat moments that make sports the incredible spectacle that it is.