25-24-7: The Roller Coaster Ride Continues

No matter what happened in Sunday's Ranger game against Colorado, you knew the result would be a good one when they mentioned that Ales Kotalik would not be a Ranger for much longer. Now the details of Kotalik's departure are up for debate just past midnight EST but anything that rids us of him would be nice.

When the initial report was revealed, I was asked where did I think he would go and said "hopefully to hell for wasting my season ticket money" and I was close - Calgary ... if reports prove true. They are just reports so I won't waste this entire post on speculation but I will say that Torts saw a lot of Jokinen when Ollie was in Florida and he was in Tampa and I enjoy watching Brandon Prust, who is a stronger, tougher, better skating version of @Voros34. Having both of them on the roster would certainly address team toughness and ensure that no one jumps Gabby ever again. Losing Chris 'At Least He's Trying' Higgins would hurt but let's face it, Smithtown hasn't had a good homecoming. The salaries would pretty much wash, with the Rangers getting more space as Prust's presence would essentially usher Brashear off of Broadway. Hey, we can all dream, can't we?

As for the Sunday night game, that was a bit of a dream come true. The Rangers carried the momentum from Saturday's third period into the game against the Avalanche and never stopped skating on their way to a 3-1 win. All too often this season (and in years past), they have been outworked by younger, hungrier teams and on this night they kept the wheels spinning all night long. It was delightful. I mean, seriously, a Ranger gets a hat trick, the goaltender doesn't let up any soft goals and the team holds strong in the face of obscene officiating. Completely unreal, completely enjoyable. Since there is no telling when the Ranger train will be grabbed by gravity again, let's enjoy it while we can.

Another night where I don't have much time so some notes, starting with some questions:

*Was it me or did the National Anthem singer Jake Schroeder look an awful lot like Mats Sundin?

*How is it that half the teams in the NHL have problems with Stephane Auger's officiating and yet he still has a job?

*Did a toddler design the Aves' third jersey? It seems that way; a little kid picked crayons close to the actual Colorado colours and scribbled that half-assed, rip-off design.

*Has there been a single Ranger game this season where they didn't hit the post at least once?

*What is wrong with Michal Rozsival? Ok, that's enough for the questions because now I am just getting ridiculous. Rozy was the worst Ranger on the ice and put on a clinic of how not to play defense. When you are on all fours with the puck under you, you aren't supposed to hand pass it back through your own legs towards your own net with an opposing player standing right there waiting for the puck. Common sense, right? Guess not.

*The other half of the R&R albatross around the Ranger neck, Wade Redden, actually wasn't horrible. I even caught him laying a hit down on an Av (either Cody McLeod or Scott Hannon). Amazing! Now if he can only get Hobey Gilroy to start being a little physical as well ...

*Of all of the blueliners, Marc Staal played like it was his task to defend the rookie goaltender and keep the puck out of the net. This was probably his best performance of the season.

*Gabby was pretty hot too, which coincided with Vinny Prospal rediscovering part of his game. The feed to his Slovak friend on the second goal from the endboards to the slot was perfectly practiced precision. Gorgeous. And a Ranger getting a hat trick? I mean, wow. Ahem, I mean, that's what you're paid for Braden! Gotta retain some composure here, especially seeing as everything can fall apart on Tuesday.

*So, coming back to earth, the Ranger penalty kill went 6-6! Yay! The Ranger power play went 0-6. Boo. It blew almost two full minutes of 5-on-3 play at the top of the first period before a bad penalty negated the end of it. Double boo.

*Didn't MSG mention that Chris Drury was being demoted to a lower line? Funny but I saw him out on the ice seemingly every other shift. He was on both special teams, killing penalties pretty well (win a damn faceoff idiot) and being his usual pathetic self on the power play point. Drury had motivation to play better facing his old franchise, he just didn't.

*There was a funny moment when Dru pried Adam Foote off another Ranger in a post-whistle scrum where the captain actually seemed to be smiling. Drury! I know! I guess it was just a chuckle at his old buddy Foote's expense or something. Foote remains the epitome of old time hockey, which just seems dirty and crass compared to the current state of the game. For better or worse.

*@Voros34 took on McLeod in one helluva tilt and stayed in there despite taking one heckuva punch. That fight came at 11:01 of the first period; Gabby's first goal came at 13:53. Coincidence? I'm not so sure.

*At one point, Higgins and Drury had a two-on-one break down the ice on the Avalanche goal, with Higgins getting turned away by Anderson. I am not sure which is more striking, that Smithtown had confidence that his shot could go in while he was being pretty tightly marked or that he didn't have confidence in Dru shooting on a mostly empty net.

*Darcy Tucker is a shadow of the player he used to be. Such a shame not to see Avery kick his ass again.

*Paul Stastny really looks like his dad. If he keeps maturing and turns into half the hockey player the old man was, the Aves will be one lucky team.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Vaclav Prospal - two assists.
2-Chad Johnson - 34 saves.
1-Marian Gaborik - three goals.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Johnson - Hank skated over to DosNueve after the final buzzer and handed him the game-puck from his first career win. It was well deserved as the kid maintained his composure all night long. He played big, didn't overcommit and didn't allow any bad goals. Hopefully he can keep it up and settle the murmuring asking for a veteran backup.
2-Staal - Johnson was good but looked even better because of the efforts of Staal. As I said, Marc played his best game of the season and was the defensive pillar that we have been hoping he would turn into.
1-Gabby - He's good. Really, really good. If he can cut out the sloppy stickwork, which keeps leading to penalties, he might even be great.

25-24-7: The Roller Coaster Ride Continues for the New York Rangers

In the fast-paced world of professional hockey, consistency is often the key to success. For the New York Rangers, the 2023-2024 NHL season has been a roller coaster ride filled with ups and downs. With a record of 25 wins, 24 losses, and 7 overtime or shootout losses (25-24-7), the Rangers have experienced their fair share of challenges and triumphs. In this article, we'll take a closer look at their season, highlighting key moments, player performances, and what lies ahead for the Blueshirts.

A Season of Fluctuation

The Rangers' 25-24-7 record is indicative of the unpredictable nature of their season. At times, they've showcased their potential as a playoff contender, while other moments have left fans scratching their heads. Let's break down some of the significant highs and lows of the season:

The Highs:

1. Youthful Energy

The Rangers' roster is brimming with young talent, and many of these emerging stars have made their presence felt. Players like Alexis Lafrenière, Kaapo Kakko, and Vitali Kravtsov have shown flashes of brilliance, giving fans a glimpse into the team's promising future.

2. Offensive Outbursts

The Rangers have had their fair share of high-scoring games, thanks in part to a potent power play. Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Chris Kreider have been consistent offensive threats, while Adam Fox continues to shine as one of the league's top offensive defensemen.

3. Hank's Return

The return of legendary goaltender Henrik Lundqvist for one last season in a Rangers uniform was a heartwarming moment for fans. Lundqvist's presence in the locker room and on the ice has provided a boost to team morale.

The Lows:

1. Defensive Woes

Inconsistencies on the defensive end have plagued the Rangers. Defensive breakdowns, turnovers, and an inability to protect leads have cost the team valuable points in the standings.

2. Injury Challenges

Like any team, the Rangers have had to deal with injuries throughout the season. Key players missing significant time can disrupt chemistry and impact performance.

3. Inconsistent Goaltending

Goaltending has been a mixed bag for the Rangers. While Alexandar Georgiev and Igor Shesterkin have shown flashes of brilliance, there have been nights where the team needed more reliable netminding.

The Playoff Push

As the season progresses, the Rangers find themselves in the thick of the playoff race. With the competitive nature of the Eastern Conference, every game is crucial, and the team must find a way to maintain consistency and secure a playoff spot.

Key Questions for the Playoff Push:

1. Can the Rangers shore up their defensive play and minimize costly mistakes in the defensive zone?

2. Will the team's young stars continue to shine, providing the offensive firepower needed for a deep playoff run?

3. How will the goaltending tandem of Georgiev and Shesterkin hold up under the pressure of a playoff push?

4. What impact will Henrik Lundqvist's farewell tour have on the team's motivation and performance down the stretch?

FAQs

1. How do the Rangers' prospects look for the future?

The Rangers' farm system is stocked with promising prospects, including defenseman Braden Schneider and forward Morgan Barron, who could make significant contributions in the coming years.

2. Are there any potential trade deadline moves on the horizon?

The Rangers' front office has been known to make moves at the trade deadline, so fans will be watching closely to see if any additions or changes are made to bolster the roster.

3. What are the team's strengths that could help them secure a playoff spot?

The Rangers' offensive firepower, particularly on the power play, gives them an edge in high-scoring games. Their young stars also provide energy and enthusiasm, which can be infectious during a playoff push.

4. Who are the Rangers' division rivals, and how have they performed this season?

The Metropolitan Division is filled with competitive teams, including the Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, and New Jersey Devils, among others. The Rangers' performance against these rivals will be crucial in their quest for a playoff berth.

As the New York Rangers continue their roller coaster ride of a season, fans can expect more thrilling moments, heart-pounding games, and unforgettable performances. The quest for playoff glory is never an easy one, but for the Blueshirts and their passionate fan base, the journey is part of what makes hockey so special. So, buckle up, Rangers fans, and get ready for what promises to be an exhilarating ride through the rest of the season.