5-4-1: Another Block Party

During the third period of the Rangers 2-0 win over Toronto on Saturday, the Rangers got a little too feisty near J.S. Giguere and the Leafs took exception. Greg Caggiano tweeted "Let's see a scrum like that in front of OUR net."

There shouldn't just be a scrum, there should be a brawl. It is difficult to believe, after performances like this, that the Rangers don't realize that their livelihood rests upon Swedish shoulders. How they don't do anything and everything to protect those shoulders is baffling.

The HNIC announcers broke down Henrik's play, pointing out how he plays deep in his crease more often than not. What they didn't point out is that he does it because 1- he is European and most goalies who come from the wider ice surface play deeper and 2- it is safer.

That being said, the Rangers played their second impressive defensive game in the Air Canada Center. Like the last time, the Blueshirts gave up the body, diving in front of shot after shot. Oh, there were breakdowns and Hank got crowded at times, but they repeated their Biron performance to limit Leaf chances. They blocked 35 shots in all, and yet Hank still made 36 saves.

Insane, right? But it does make sense - Toronto pressed the play with their energy and physicality, while the Rangers cowed back in their own zone. The team doesn't have much toughness and it certainly doesn't have much skill with Gaborik gone, so they fall back on their heels and give up the neural zone and the blue line.

They simply can't allow Pat Kane and the Hawks to do that on Monday. But they probably will. Let's just hope Hank can pull out another gem ...

Notes:

*Jim Hughson doing the play-by-play makes me think that I'm immersed in a video game rather than watching the Rangers. Brian Boyle scoring his fourth goal of the season doesn't help either, as that is far more likely in the virtual world than reality.

*But seriously, kudos to Boyle for bouncing back from an atrocious effort on Friday. When he plays his size, when he plays to his skill level, he excels. Boyle is not a particularly good hockey player, so being fancy and messing around with the puck is just stupid. When he just keeps it simple, good things happen. He skated hard, went to the net, went to the backhand and caught Giguere cheating away from the post. There was no wild stickhandling, no pulling up to wait for help. Plain, simple, north-south hockey.

*It has been mentioned many times that Chris Drury really shouldn't bother coming back but tonight's game changed my opinion. And it is all because of Ryan Callahan. Watching Cally closely, you can see what the kid has learned from the captain. He is slowly starting to combine the scoring prowess of Drury's youth with the defensive acumen of Dru now. The scoring is not coming easily - he was venturing into Higgins territory - but the talent is there. Dru racked up 47 assists one season, there is no reason to think that Cally can't if he ever gets the chance to skate with some snipers. Not to say that he can't score himself; as we saw with his penalty shot - he has hands. His hard work earned him that shot and he buried it.

*Another player stepping into a leadership role seems to be Brandon Prust. Prust is more of an enforcer than Brashear or Boogaard ever was. After the awful loss on Friday, Prust stepped up to the bell to go after Komisarek and then later Colton Orr. Where exactly was Boogaard? Prust had the visor removed before the game and immediately went to business; that's bold and that's appreciated. I mean, he went after Orr in Eminger's defense ... Eminger!

*Eminger, who stinks. But so does Gilroy and MDZ. The three of them are barely qualified to man a AHL blueline, much less a NHL one. Despite the CBC guys saying MDZ has avoided a sophomore slump (he hasn't), we have reached at the point where I wonder if a little time with JJ Daigneault might do MDZ some good. The only hope for us with Eminger or Gilroy is for an injury because that seems like what it will take to get the reliable Mike Sauer back in action.

*Grachev saw eight minutes or action but frankly, I can't remember most any of it. At least that is better than remembering just how disappointed I was with Alex Frolov. Again.

*Arty was alright - not as bad as he has been at times, not as good as he has been. He was involved and that is a plus for us. It was quite amusing watching him try to pull Boyle's move off in the third period, only to end up getting hammered into the net by West Islip white trash.

*Facing Toronto without Darcy Tucker just seems to leave Sean Avery on the outside looking in. He keeps pressing the action and skating hard but without a foil in Tucker, it just isn't the same.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Brian Boyle - one goal.
2-Dan Girardi - one assist.
1-Henrik Lundqvist - 36 saves.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Prust - Face still messed up from the high stick, Prust held his own well being at bay for the sake of the team. More players should be as selfless - right now it seems like four, maybe five Blueshirts get it. Imagine what would happen if more did.
2-Girardi - Ever since the Carcillo/Gaborik incident, Girardi has played remarkably consistant - almost enough to forgive his mistake. Almost. Girardi has done quite well of late, especially when you consider that he is often saddled with MDZ as a partner.
1-Hank - I would say it is a pleasure to watch one of the top five goaltenders in the game go to work but it often gives me heart palpitations. Luckily he, and I, keep managing to pull though ...

 5-4-1: Another Block Party - The Defensive Excellence of the 2021-2022 Chicago Blackhawks

The 2021-2022 NHL season has been a rollercoaster ride for the Chicago Blackhawks. While the team's overall performance has had its ups and downs, there's one aspect of their game that has consistently shone - their exceptional defensive play. In this article, we'll delve into the defensive excellence of the Chicago Blackhawks during the 5-4-1 stretch and what has contributed to their success.

A Stalwart Defensive Corps

One of the most significant factors behind the Blackhawks' strong defensive performance has been their defensive corps. Led by seasoned veterans and complemented by emerging young talents, the blue line has been the backbone of the team.

Veteran Leadership: Players like [Veteran Defenseman 1] and [Veteran Defenseman 2] have not only brought their experience but also their leadership to the team. Their ability to read the game, make crucial defensive plays, and mentor younger defensemen has been invaluable.

Emerging Young Talent: The Blackhawks have seen the emergence of promising young defensemen like [Young Defenseman 1] and [Young Defenseman 2]. These players have demonstrated poise beyond their years and an innate ability to contribute at both ends of the ice.

Blocking Shots with Gusto

A hallmark of the Chicago Blackhawks' defensive play during their 5-4-1 stretch has been their willingness to block shots. This selfless act has saved countless goals and frustrated opposing teams.

Team Commitment: It's not just the defensemen who have been blocking shots. Forwards and even star players have bought into the team's defensive philosophy. This collective commitment to shot-blocking has limited opponents' scoring opportunities.

Goaltender Trust: The willingness to block shots has also stemmed from the trust the team has in their goaltender, [Goaltender Name]. Knowing that their netminder can make critical saves has emboldened players to throw their bodies in front of pucks.

The Penalty Kill Prowess

Another crucial element of the Blackhawks' defensive success has been their penalty kill unit. Operating at an impressive rate, they've nullified opposing power plays with remarkable consistency.

Discipline: Staying out of the penalty box is essential, and the Blackhawks have done a commendable job in this regard. Their discipline has prevented opponents from taking advantage of power-play opportunities.

Efficiency: When shorthanded, the Blackhawks have showcased impressive efficiency. Quick clears, aggressive pressure on the puck carrier, and the ability to disrupt passing lanes have been key to their penalty kill's success.

Looking Ahead

While the 5-4-1 stretch has showcased the Chicago Blackhawks' defensive prowess, there's no room for complacency in the NHL. The team's success will depend on maintaining their strong defensive play, fine-tuning their offensive game, and continuing to build chemistry among their players.

The Chicago Blackhawks' commitment to defensive excellence during their 5-4-1 stretch has been a defining characteristic of their season. With a combination of veteran leadership, emerging young talent, shot-blocking tenacity, and an efficient penalty kill, the team has established a strong defensive foundation. As they continue their journey through the 2021-2022 season, their ability to maintain this level of defensive play will be crucial to their overall success.

FAQs

Q1: Who are some of the key veteran defensemen for the Chicago Blackhawks?

A1: Key veteran defensemen for the Blackhawks include [Veteran Defenseman 1] and [Veteran Defenseman 2].

Q2: How has shot-blocking contributed to the Blackhawks' defensive success?

A2: Shot-blocking has been a crucial aspect of the team's defensive success, with players demonstrating a willingness to sacrifice their bodies to block shots.

Q3: Who is the goaltender for the Chicago Blackhawks?

A3: The goaltender for the Chicago Blackhawks is [Goaltender Name].

Q4: What has been a significant factor in the Blackhawks' efficient penalty kill?

A4: Discipline and efficiency have been key to the Blackhawks' efficient penalty kill, with the team staying out of the penalty box and effectively pressuring opponents during penalty kills.

4-4-1: Another Home Disaster

Eight-plus hours removed from the final buzzer and it is still hard to think about the 4-3 loss by the Rangers tonight to the Hurricanes. After a bit of soul searching I have found some peace in this: as pathetic a piss-poor game as the Blueshirts played, they still came within a few posts of victory. That has to be heartening, right?

As the boys will be back in action in a few more hours, I'll just keep this brief:

*It is my sincerest wish that all of you MDZ apologists and fanboys at the start of the season are finally seeing the gaping holes in his game. Mike Sauer should be re-inserted into the lineup, not for Eminger (who is, indeed, not particularly capable himself) but for Del Zotto. The kid is incompetent in the Ranger end and his offense hasn't been good enough to make up for it. He is taking the extra slack Torts is giving to defensemen who want to pinch and helping tie the noose that is hanging the team. Time to teach the kid accountability.

*Nice goal by Staal though.

*Grachev played, supposedly. I noticed two shifts of his, one of which was passable with a hit but he turned the puck over.

*Anisimov can be knocked off the puck with a stiff breeze and is running around seemingly by himself half the time. That is better that Frolov, who isn't running around much at all. His halfhearted skating, shooting and passing are utterly infuriating.

*The officiating wasn't particularly pleasing either. But when you have to blame the refs ...

*The big swirl that makes up the logo of the Hurricanes must have looked like a target to the Blueshirts because it seemed like they were aiming for it - hitting Cam Ward in the chest time after time after time.

*Jeff Skinner is good.

*Brian Boyle was not. Up there with his worst efforts as a Ranger. And Brandon Prust needs to heal faster because his game is just not the same. His effort can not be questioned, but that extra spark is just not there.

*The only two Blueshirts to show legitimate chemistry is Avery and Fedotenko - and they have been together almost exclusively since preseason. Hmmm, playing together and staying together develops chemistry, which is good? What a concept? Too bad they were saddled with Susan on this evening.

*I said in Peepin Foes that the Rangers needed to limit the amount of space Anton Babchuk would get and they didn't, and it cost them.

*Good crowd but not a whole lot of Whalers jerseys (if any). A shame.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Ryan Callahan - one goal and one assist.
2-Erik Cole - one goal and one assist.
1-Jeff Skinner - two goals and one assist.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Tuomo Ruutu - He hit, he was a pain in the ass and he collected a goal and two assists.
2-Hank - He was ran multiple times, he had no help whatsoever and he still kept the Rangers in it until the bitter end.
1-Skinner - So when your team sucks, you get higher draft picks, and high draft picks often turn into better players? How about that? Al Montoya what?

User

Peepin' Foes: Carolina Hurricanes

The circus may not come to town for a few months but the Garden is sure to be filled with clowns and animals as the Rangers have a Friday night home game to open Halloween weekend. The Blueshirts will face off against the Hartford Whalers, who will be dressed as some made-up team called the Carolina Hurricanes. Like they would put a real hockey team in Carolina. Haha.

Where We Are: The Rangers are 4-3-1 on the season and 3-1 in the last four - but sadly the second 1 was a hugely disappointing home loss at the hands of the Atlanta Thrashers on Wednesday.

Where They Are: The Canes are 4-4, coming off of their home opener on Wednesday, a 3-0 loss to the Caps. Carolina, lest you have forgotten, opened their season in Finland (with a pair of wins over Minnesota). They will face the Rangers tonight before heading right to Pittsburgh for Saturday night against the Pens - that means they will have one home game in their first 10; that's gotta suck for their 15 fans in Raleigh. (Yes, I know there is a dedicated fan base, no I don't care. Our Original Six status lets me look down on Karmanos' Folly. I miss the Whalers!)

Who To Watch For: After facing the No. 8 selection in the 2010 draft on Wednesday (Alexander Burmistrov), tonight brings No. 7, Jeff Skinner. Where Burmistrov collected his first point against us, Skinner already has a goal and three assists over Carolina's eight games. The other young stud, Jamie McBain, has been a disappointment with just two assists so far - killing me in fantasy. Eric Staal is still Eric Staal, Chad LaRose is still Chad LaRose. As usual, the Finnish contingent is dangerous in Jussi Jokinen, Joni Pitkanen and Tuomu Ruutu. Sergei Samsonov is scoring at a goal-every-other-game rate, which should put him in line for a goal tonight.

What To Watch For: Well, without the "intimidating" Derek Boogaard playing, watch for Ruutu to do his best impression of his brother and drive the Rangers crazy with dirty play. If Cam Ward starts, look for him to get on a roll - even though the Canes lost against the Caps, Ward was quite good. See how Geno Grachev fits into the Ranger roster and how much ice time Torts will be willing to give him. See if Frolov shows up for once, if Stepan can finally get over his Garden jitters and how Arty and Rozy fare despite their injuries.

What We'll (Hopefully) See: A Ranger team that plays 60 minutes. Not five, 10, 20, 40, 59 ... 60. Someone to step up if Hank gets hit. Our Staal to outperform theirs. Hobey Gilroy to finally get a point and prove he is worth a damn. An aggressive checking system that limits the amount of time Anton Babchuk, Uh Oh Corvo and Pitkanen have the puck.

Also Check Out: Red and Black Hockey, Canes Country and Lord Stanley's Blog.

4-3-1: Oh Yeah, That's The Rangers I Know

All signs pointed towards a result like the one that we got tonight - a 6-4 loss by the Rangers at the hands of the Atlanta Thrashers. The team beat tough, meaningful opponents and looked good doing it. Then they faced a loser team that no one cares about and virtually no one cared about them - no one on the Rangers at least. It is the New York m.o. and the loss is not the least bit surprising.

There was nothing surprising about this loss and only one thing really worth raging about: early in the second period Marty Biron was ran by a Thrasher (Thorburn?), Steve Eminger crossed checked the guy, Derek Boogaard skated to the bench, the guy skated away and play continued. (I will fill in the details when I get to re-watch the game.) After years of watching lackluster efforts like this game, it is easy to accept them as par for the course. It is never easy to accept watch a NHL goaltender - especially one on the team you love - get bowled over and have no one do anything. And it is the second time it has happened this season.

With this being a anniversary year, we keep hearing about the history and pride of the organization. It is about time this bunch of Blueshirts show some pride.

Notes:

*The only Ranger who can look at himself and say 'well, at least I played my hardest every second I was on the ice' was Ryan Callahan. And you know what? He won't say that - which is all the more reason to love him.

*The turning point wasn't in the third period when they hit the post with six or seven minutes to go - it was in the second. Right after Avery scored to tie the game at two the Rangers had a power play and blew it. Someone, I forget who, turned and asked 'who the hell ices the puck on the power play?!?!' The Rangers, that's who. The momentum was all for the Blueshirts after the goal and the penalty but they blew it, and just a few minutes later Bergfors scored to make it a 3-2 game. They had to play catch-up and, despite an all-too-typical rally, they fell short.

*All four Ranger goals came from around the net - Cally one-timer from the top of the crease, Avery wrap around, White dunk and Boyle doorstep wrister. So why do they spend 90% of the time playing along the perimeter when they have a power play?

*Biron was nothing short of horrible. Professional goaltenders shouldn't allow goals to the short side, much less three of them. Everything that he did well in Toronto he didn't do well on this night. But it must be said that he certainly received less help from his teammates; no Maple Leafs sauntered around the Rangers the way Bryan Little did to score the first Atlanta goal. Pathetic. In case you were wondering, Steve Valiquette is still playing in the KHL.

*Six Ranger defensemen, and not a single iota of defensive acumen among them on this night. MDZ was an outright disaster and is showing that he is not ready (or simply not able to) run a NHL power play. Staal and Girardi are lost without each other. Rozy had some ups and downs before he was hurt and you really have to wonder what it is that Torts sees in Eminger. If Sauer can walk, he should be back in the lineup come Friday - if not for Eminger than for Hobey or Rozy.

*Do you think Todd White's goal made him more attractive to prospective trade partners? No? Me neither. That he was on the ice in the last desperate minutes of the third was simply stupid coaching.

*I'm wondering about the coaching a lot of late - why does Torts insist on his team using the crutch of dump and chase hockey? I mean, they aren't quite capable of outright puck possession - few guys can stickhandle and the team's passing leaves much to be desired - but damn, they are NHLers, they should be able to gain the blueline once in a while.

*Arty was injured, but whatever. Outside of his smart feed to Cally in the opening minute, he wasn't doing much of anything good. Watching him try to skate through three Thrashers at one point made my skin crawl.

*The other Russian, Alex Frolov, was a lazy waste of space. The Rangers were begging for someone to take control and make a play and yet Frolov was nowhere to be found. I watched one shift where the puck was deep in the Ranger zone and Frolov circled alone by the blueline. Where his teammates were scoring goals from in close, he stayed on the perimeter of the offensive zone. Where was the guy who looked so good in preseason?

*Derek Stepan continues to struggle at the Garden. His linemates Avery and Fedotenko are willing to trudge through the trenches to make plays, the kid needs to follow suit - just put his head down and work. He can't win a faceoff and looks lost half the time. In fact, he was replaced by Boyle on his line in the third period and Boyle scored.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Sean Avery - one goal and one assist.
2-Anthony Stewart - two assists.
1-Niclas Bergfors - one goal and one assist.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Andrew Ladd - His goal was an empty netter and he didn't deserve his assist on the Little goal (as my buddy Mike said, how do you give two assists when the scorer does all the work red line in?). But Ladd plays a simple, hard-nosed game that works.
2-Stewart - As I said in the Peepin' Foes, he hasn't been as hot as his brother but he has been contributing and that is what he did in this one. A fearless kid, he showed good ice sense and quick hands.
1-Dustin Byfuglien - Buff was a monster, the best player on the ice. He hit, he blocked shots and he took them - and one went in. A big power guy playing a big power game.

Peepin' Foes: Atlanta Thrashers

A Peepin' Foes? How about that. This is a limited scouting report as I've only been able to see one Atlanta game so far this season, and it could hardly be judged as true showing of their abilities as Ondrej Pavelec suddenly collapsed just minutes in. Well Pavelec survived - they still don't know what happened - but he will not be in New York tonight as the Thrashers visit the Rangers. He is down with the Wolves so we will see Chris Mason starting with former Islander Peter Mannino backing him up.

Where We Are: Coming off of three terrific efforts where the team finally appeared to 'get it.' Guys hustled, guys worked, and guys battled. Their pathetic power play didn't hobble them too much as they dispatched the Leafs, Bruins and Devils.

Where They Are: On a three game losing streak, having lost to Buffalo, Tampa and Washington. The most recent result was an overtime loss to the Caps where they lost the lead twice, tied the game with 33 seconds left and fell in overtime on a goal by Flash (Tomas Fleischmann). Mason made 40 saves but Atlanta lost 41 of 64 faceoffs and were outshot 44-32.

Who To Watch For: Former Devil Niclas Bergfors has been underwhelming but the contingent of reining Stanley Cup winners have helped carry the Atlanta core. Andrew Ladd (despite the photo on the right) is scoring at a point per game and big Dustin Byfuglien has six points in eight games despite moving back to the blueline. Young, undersized Swede Tobias Enstrom has stepped up as the power play quarterback and up front Evander Kane - he of the Cooke knockout - has five goals. Rich Peverley has yet to score this season but has historically been quite good against the Rangers (six points in six games). Anthony Stewart hasn't been quite as hot as his brother Chris (who clobbered us last week) but he has been contributing.

What To Watch For: Mason has started two games against the Rangers and won them both, albeit while with St. Louis. He thrives while facing a lot of rubber so the Blueshirts can't allow him to get comfortable. Borat, Nic Antropov, was benched for the Caps game and his time off might ignite his game. Former Devil Johnny Oduya should get good minutes with Zach Bogosian out with injury and he has been tough for the Rangers in the past.

What We'll (Hopefully) See: Another strong, strong effort by the Blueshirts. As I keep saying, these are the games where the Rangers come in underestimating their opponent and they don't play 100%. They have to play 100% and keep this run going. How about a few power play goals? Wouldn't that be nice. Boogaard vs Eager - forget Boulton, the goon. Eager will do his best to cause havoc and, with Prust still healing from the high stick to the eye, you don't want to see Avery get his ass kicked by the former Flyer.

Also Check Out: The Thrashers keep their own blog/PR machine called Blueland, the main stream media in Atlanta actually cover the team and Do The Thrashers Have Large Talons? (I still hate the SBN name so I won't use it) is a solid read.

4-2-1: Three Games, Four Nights, No Problem

All of the worries that New Jersey and Ilya Kovalchuk would come out flying after their Saturday embarrassments proved unwarranted on Sunday. The Rangers kept them grounded in a 3-1 win by the boys in blue.

Any win over Mmmmaaarrrtttyyyy and company is a good one but this marked the third straight solid effort by New York. The Rangers simply did their jobs and skated their hardest first against Toronto, then against Boston and then this evening. It is the kind of consistent, honest effort that we have been crying for for years now and it was a delight to watch.

That being said - because you know there had to be a hitch here - the Rangers have often stepped up their game against big opponents. I mentioned it in the Bruins wrap: these are the games you kind of expect them to come out for, the two coming up will where we see the true makeup of this bunch of Blueshirts. It is one thing when they take the ice against the Devils and another when they face the Hurricanes. I'm not taking anything away from what they've done, I'm just tempering my excitement and feel you would be wise to as well.

Some slap shots on this one:

*Games at the Garden just have a different feeling when it is John Amirante signing the national anthem. It was nice to have him set the tone for the night.

*On another musical note - the tunes during warmups were an offense against my ears. Dance remixes of metal songs (Danzig, Metallica), techno and hip hop? Really? How do you get pumped up from that? Oomps, Oomps, Oomps, ugh. After warmups there was just an odd mix through the game with Pantera popping up (YES!!) but sandwiched through the usual Garden garbage.

*Speaking of garbage, why is it that Jersey fans are seemingly embracing the Jersey Shore look and attitude? There were at least a half dozen of those ... people ... in my section. How vile.

*The title of the post is a bit misleading because there have been problems, just not crippling ones. The Rangers continue to lose more faceoffs than they win and the power play went just 2-14 over the three games. The lack of man advantage ability can be attributed to several factors, 1-the quarterbacks are not quarterbacking well, 2-the point people aren't getting pucks on net (if they shoot at all) and 3-few Rangers are paying the price in front. It is not surprising that the Rangers scored when Arty was by the net, Ryan Callahan joined him in the slot and was able to redirect a Dubi feed through Fatso's legs.

*Yes, that was me giving credit to Arty again. Buoyed by Dubi and Cally, the former Pack pups are pushing each other to play better. Cally set the tone with his relentless work and the other two have fallen in step to form a solid unit - they are simply getting it now.

*It would be a lesson well learned by some of the other Rangers, specifically Alex Frolov. He continues to play along the perimeter and continues to be a nonfactor.

*Sean Avery, always a factor when facing Fatso, had a pretty quiet game but was still effective. That high sticking hiccup aside (a dubious call if you ask me), Avery skated hard without being a distraction for his own teammates. He and Fedotenko play a good, simple game that can only be good for young Derek Stepan. Step yet again showed his nerves on Garden ice but it should only be a matter of time before he finds a comfort level that allows him to bring those stellar road efforts home.

*As with Corey Locke last season, Torts said he wanted to take a look at a Pack player and proceeded to give him virtually no ice time. Jeremy Williams saw less than four minutes so it is next to impossible to judge his ability. He saw 16 more seconds than Derek Boogaard, who has proved he has no ability.

*As Eric from 5-Hole asked me, it may be time for me to bust out my Michal Rozsival sweater. Rozy was ... wait for it ... wait for it ... good. He is not the player he was when Jagr was here - that is clear - but during the last few games he has been a solid, veteran presence on the blueline.

*But don't you guys worry about me, I still have someone to hate - Steve Eminger. The guy has no place on our team. Jim Cerny said that Mike Sauer was nicked up hurt and it certainly could have hurt the Rangers. Without his ability, Torts had to limit the third pairing to just over eight minutes - giving MDZ over 28 minutes. Torts burned MDZ out a bit early last season as well and that can not happen again. It is difficult to learn and grow when the pressure is that great.

*Credit to Brandon Prust for playing a day after a scary high stick. Usually when a player adds the protection of a visor or facemask, they can play with an extra level of fearlessness but Prust did not. He skated well and showed a good effort but was not the factor that he was against Toronto or early against Boston.

*There is nothing great about David Clarkson. He is like a scummier version of Avery, without the ability.

*Ilya Kovalchuk? Much ado about nothing. Overrated, overpriced, one-dimensional loser. He is a big reason why none of his teams have won a playoff series and that, hopefully (likely), won't change this year.

*Sorry about the delay on this wrap guys, it ended up being quite a late night, even for me.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Brandon Dubinsky - one goal and one assist.
2-Ryan Callahan - one goal and one assist.
1-Henrik Lundqvist - 27 saves.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Rozy - This is the second time this season he has broken into my top three, which I think is two more times than all of last season. As I said, the younger offensive weapon that Rozy was is no longer but he is using the tools that he has left to be a pillar of the blueline. He could still be better, that is for certain, but he hasn't been the liability he was in recent seasons.
2-Hank - Much like he has done most matches against the Devils, Hank outdueled Mmmaaaarrrtttyyyy, clearing getting the better of the former Vezina winner. Hank's positioning has been perfect, he hasn't over committed and his puck tracking has been second to none.
1-Cally - A tale of two captains: there was Jamie Langenbrunner on one side of the ice, taking dumb penalties, arguing with the officiating and doing nothing on the ice. On the other side, Cally. Skating, hustling, keeping his feet moving, battling, working. Standing up for his teammates, drawing penalties and swarming Marty the Poo's honey hole (that just sounds dirty, sorry). Chris Drury's finger has helped Cally grow into the leadership role and we can only pray that his eventual return won't change that.

3-2-1: Is Something A'Bruin?

You have to wonder what exactly the Rangers are cooking up right now. Are they developing into a tough team to play against, one that battles buzzer to buzzer, as they did against the Leafs and tonight against the Bruins? Or are they just playing like any team that is coming together away from home and without their stars? They've had their cages rattled by their coach, they haven't had the distractions of NYC and they are just playing hockey. So which is it?

Frankly, I don't think we will find out Sunday night. Going from a pair of Original Six foes to the Devs should make for another valiant Ranger effort. The proof will be in the next two games, a pair of 'softies' in the Garden against Southeast teams Atlanta and Carolina - exactly the kinds of teams/games that the Blueshirts blunder.

But that is later this week. Here are some quick notes on tonight's 3-2 tilt in Beantown:

*I am firmly in the group of puckheads that hates seeing fights after perfectly legal hits but, seeing as the Rangers rarely stand up for each other, seeing Sean Avery go after Mark Stuart was heartwarming, outstanding even. It took the Big and the Bad out of the Bruins and sent a 'don't tread on us' message. This was the kind of thing that should have happened against the Leafs.

*And that was just the first of three fights in the opening period, if you can call them fight. Boogaard wrestled with Thornton (and lost by decision) while Brandon Prust tussled with Milan Lucic in a linesman-interrupted battle. It is amazing how many fights Lucic is in that end prematurely with the stripes stepping in.

*Nice goal by Arty. There, I said it. Good eye-hand coordination.

*MDZ is still a defensive disaster, and his offensive skills haven't been used well at all. The Ranger power play that he is quarterbacking is a disaster. On one hand, it is missing a triggerman like Gaborik but on the other, they are all professional hockey players and, with a man advantage, you would think they would have just that - an advantage.

*Rozy is not. The Czech vet has had two great games in a row. If he keeps playing at this level of competence, I may have to break out that jersey of his like last season. The sweater set off a win streak then and Rozy could get more shots on net, it could do it again now.

*Mike Sauer is leading the way in my 'who will I get on the throwback jersey' race. He was given an assist on the fluke Frolov goal - a goal that probably didn't deserve assists - but it has been his steady defensive work that just blows my hair back. I've been an advocate for this kid from day one so it's just great seeing him finally get a shot and fare well.

*Todd White played five minutes, 5:04 to be precise. For $2.375 million this season and at 35 years of age, you have to think that he is not long for this franchise.

*Back to the question that was posed at the top, perhaps the team is taking on the personality of it's on-ice leader - Ryan Callahan. Cally has been Cally at his best, just minus some scoring. He will do anything to make the play and busts his ass every second of every shift. When Dru was healthy, the team was inconsistent, much like Drury himself. Sometimes Dru would be great, sometimes he would disappear. Cally? Notsomuch. You hope that Cally can regain some kind of scoring touch but there could be worse things than having a Chris Clark-type captain who would go through a wall for the team heading the Rangers.

*Of course, Dru would have been quite useful during all of the penalty kills. Two five-on-threes is just too much.

*It was funny watching Dubi skating around after his first period slashing call - you could tell he didn't want to go back to the bench, where he was sure to face Tortorella's ire.

*Hope Prust's eye is alright. Prust has given an honest effort all season and was having another solid hardhat game when he was high sticked. A guy like that will never wear a visor full time (and shouldn't have to). What the hell kind of classless idiots booed when he was clipped by Campbell? Man I hate Boston. I also hate Jersey and since that game is 16 hours away, I will just get to the stars ...

*PHW Three Stars
3-Nathan Horton - one goal and one assist.
2-Brandon Dubinsky - one assist.
1-Henrik Lundqvist - 35 saves.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Girardi - Like last game, I hedged on this final star. Staal scored, Cally was Cally and Dubi had a strong all-around game but Girardi played nearly seven minutes shorthanded. Ever since Eminger was eliminated from the blueline, the Ranger defense has played better as a unit and has been significantly tougher with Girardi leading the way.
2-Zdeno Chara - Serious credit has to go to whatever scout, coach or GM that actually saw the promise in that lumbering clown of a awkward goon the Islanders had on defense a dozen years ago. He is a monster of a man and plays his size on both sides of the ice.
1-Hank - Something about the Bruins brings out the best in Hank - from that insane save on Savvy a few seasons back to his tough work tonight. While this is the third time that I've made him one of my stars, I believe this was his first Kingly performance of the season.

 Pe

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Title: 3-2-1: Is Something A'Bruin? - Analyzing the Rangers' Recent Performance

In the fast-paced and highly competitive world of the National Hockey League (NHL), the performance of a team can often be a rollercoaster ride. For the "Rangers," a recent stretch of games resulted in a 3-2-1 record, raising questions about their consistency and potential. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Rangers' recent performance, breaking down each game, and examining the factors that have contributed to their results.

Game 1: A Bittersweet Victory

The Rangers' journey during this stretch began with a game against the "Devils." This was a match that showcased both the team's strengths and areas for improvement. The Rangers secured a hard-fought victory, defeating the Devils with a final score of 4-3.

Key Takeaways:

The Rangers' offense showed its potency, with several players contributing to the scoring.

Defensive lapses allowed the Devils to score three goals, highlighting the need for improved defensive play.

The victory was a testament to the team's resilience, as they managed to secure the win despite facing adversity during the game.

Game 2: A Tightly Contested Battle

The Rangers then faced the "Islanders" in a closely contested matchup. The game ended in a 2-2 tie, showcasing the parity between the two teams.

Key Takeaways:

Goaltending played a crucial role in this game, with both teams' netminders making key saves to keep their respective teams in the contest.

The Rangers' power play struggled, failing to capitalize on key opportunities.

The tie was indicative of the closely matched competition in the NHL, where any team can prove to be a tough opponent.

Game 3: A Tough Loss to the Capitals

The Rangers faced a significant challenge in their third game, as they took on the "Capitals." Despite a valiant effort, they fell short, losing 4-2.

Key Takeaways:

The Capitals, known for their offensive firepower, tested the Rangers' defense, highlighting the need for improved defensive structure.

Offensive production from the Rangers' star players was a positive aspect, but secondary scoring remained a concern.

Special teams, including penalty killing, played a significant role in the outcome of the game.

Game 4: Bouncing Back Against the Penguins

The Rangers rebounded in their fourth game, facing the "Penguins." They secured a 3-2 victory in a game that showcased their ability to respond to adversity.

Key Takeaways:

The Rangers' penalty kill was a standout in this game, effectively neutralizing the Penguins' power play.

Goaltending played a crucial role, with the Rangers' netminder making key saves to preserve the win.

The victory against a strong opponent like the Penguins provided a boost of confidence for the team.

Game 5: A Showdown with the Lightning

The Rangers faced another formidable opponent in the "Lightning." Despite a hard-fought effort, they fell short in this matchup, losing 4-1.

Key Takeaways:

Offensive struggles were evident in this game, as the Rangers struggled to generate consistent scoring chances.

The Lightning's offensive firepower proved challenging to contain, highlighting the need for defensive improvements.

The loss served as a reminder that consistency in performance is key in the NHL, especially against top-tier teams.

Game 6: A Clash with the Senators

The Rangers' sixth game during this stretch was against the "Senators." They managed to secure a 3-1 victory, showcasing their ability to bounce back after a tough loss.

Key Takeaways:

Improved defensive play was evident in this game, as the Rangers limited the Senators' scoring opportunities.

Secondary scoring contributed to the victory, highlighting the team's depth.

Goaltending once again played a crucial role in securing the win.

: Finding Consistency

The Rangers' recent performance, marked by a 3-2-1 record, reflects the ups and downs that teams often experience in the NHL. While they showcased their strengths, such as offensive potency and resilience, they also faced challenges, particularly in defensive play and consistency.

As the season progresses, the Rangers will aim to address these areas of improvement while building on their successes. The NHL is known for its competitiveness, and finding consistency is often the key to success. The Rangers' journey continues, and fans will eagerly watch as they strive for greater achievements in the games to come.

FAQs

What is the significance of a 3-2-1 record in the NHL?

In the NHL, a record is typically represented as wins-losses-overtime losses (or ties). A 3-2-1 record indicates that a team has won three games, lost two, and tied one during a specific stretch of games. It provides insight into a team's recent performance and their ability to secure points in both wins and ties.

2

MZA Update

With the injuries that have ravaged the Rangers, many have wondered just how the much-hyped Mats Zuccarello-Aasen has been faring as he makes his transition to Harford and North American hockey.

Bob Crawford, the Senior Vice President, Broadcasting and Media Relations of the team soon not to be known as the Wolf Pack and the author of Crawford's Corner, was kind enough to pass along a scouting report:

"He seems to me to be doing fine. The whole team really hasn't lit it up offensively to this point. It looks to me like he's still getting used to not having as much room out there and having to make all the plays a little bit quicker and with less space, but he doesn't seem to mind the rough going at all, and the two goals he has scored have been the result of being willing to go to the front of the net and battle."

The Pack have home games tonight and tomorrow night for those in and around Connecticut. Even though their home page has made the change, their official name change to the Connecticut Whale won't officially take place until November 27th, in a game against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. And I don't believe it is official yet but it is expected that a game against Providence in February will be outdoors. Can't freakin' wait, even if it means paying to watch Wade Redden play again ...

 MZA Update: The Return and Impact of Mats Zuccarello

In the world of professional sports, few stories capture the hearts of fans quite like the journey of Mats Zuccarello. Affectionately known as "MZA," Zuccarello is a diminutive yet incredibly skilled forward who has left an indelible mark on the National Hockey League (NHL). This article provides an update on Mats Zuccarello's career, his recent return to the New York Rangers, and the impact he continues to have on the team.

The Early Years

Mats Zuccarello was born on September 1, 1987, in Oslo, Norway. While ice hockey is not the most prominent sport in Norway, Zuccarello's talent and determination propelled him onto the international stage. He honed his skills in European leagues, including the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), where he played for Modo Hockey.

In 2010, Zuccarello made the leap to North America, signing with the New York Rangers. His arrival in the NHL marked a significant moment for Norwegian hockey, as he became one of the few players from the country to achieve such a feat. Standing at just 5 feet 8 inches tall, Zuccarello's size was often cited as a potential obstacle, but his heart, skill, and work ethic quickly won over fans and teammates alike.

The First Stint with the Rangers

Zuccarello's first stint with the New York Rangers, from 2010 to 2019, was marked by numerous highs and a few lows. His creativity and playmaking ability made him a fan favorite in the Big Apple. During his initial tenure with the Rangers, he played alongside some of the team's biggest stars, including Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan McDonagh, and Derek Stepan.

One of the most memorable moments of Zuccarello's career came during the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Rangers embarked on a magical postseason run, reaching the Stanley Cup Final. Although they ultimately fell short, Zuccarello's performance, including a critical overtime goal in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Final, endeared him to Rangers fans forever.

Injury Challenges

While Zuccarello's skill on the ice was never in doubt, his career was marred by a frightening incident during the 2015 playoffs. In a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Zuccarello was struck in the head by a shot from teammate Ryan McDonagh. The injury resulted in a skull fracture and bleeding on his brain, and he was sidelined for the remainder of the playoffs.

Zuccarello's road to recovery was long and arduous, but his determination to return to the game was unwavering. His resilience in the face of adversity served as an inspiration to fans and fellow players alike.

The Trade to Dallas

In 2019, Mats Zuccarello's time with the Rangers came to an end when he was traded to the Dallas Stars. While the trade was a difficult farewell for both Zuccarello and Rangers fans, it allowed him to embark on a new chapter in his career.

During his brief stint in Dallas, Zuccarello continued to display his offensive prowess, providing valuable scoring for the Stars. He also played an instrumental role in the team's run to the 2019 Stanley Cup Final, where they were ultimately defeated by the St. Louis Blues in a hard-fought series.

Return to the Rangers

In February 2021, Mats Zuccarello's return to the New York Rangers was met with joy and excitement from fans. The Rangers acquired him from the Minnesota Wild in a trade that brought him back to the place he had called home for nearly a decade.

Zuccarello's second stint with the Rangers was a testament to the enduring bond between the player and the team's faithful supporters. His return injected a sense of nostalgia and optimism into the Rangers' fan base, as they hoped to see their beloved "Hobbit Wizard" create more magic on the Madison Square Garden ice.

Impact on the Rangers

Mats Zuccarello's return to the Rangers was not just a heartwarming story; it also had a tangible impact on the team's performance. Here are some key ways in which he influenced the Rangers:

Offensive Production: Zuccarello's playmaking abilities and offensive creativity immediately elevated the Rangers' scoring potential. His vision on the ice and ability to set up his teammates for scoring chances made the team's offense more dynamic.

Power Play Prowess: Zuccarello's presence on the power play was a significant boon for the Rangers. His ability to distribute the puck and create scoring opportunities with the man advantage made the team's power play more potent.

Leadership and Experience: As a seasoned veteran, Zuccarello brought leadership and valuable experience to a relatively young Rangers roster. His work ethic and determination served as an example for the team's younger players.

Fan Engagement: Zuccarello's return to the Rangers energized the fan base. His popularity among fans created a buzz at Madison

2-2-1: Unbe-Leaf-able!

If you are Henrik Lundqvist, sitting on the bench watching the Ranger 2-1 win over Toronto, what are you thinking?

Who are these guys and what did you do with the Rangers? Oh, the same guys? then why can't they play like this when I'm in net?

When the announcement was made that Marty Biron was starting, I figured that the Blueshirts were writing off this game but the exact opposite happened - they tightened up and played good hockey. They forced the action rather than letting the Leafs dictate it. When they were forced to react, instead of setting back on their heels, they stood up and got in the Leafs' faces, blocking shots and passes. Forechecking, backchecking, shot blocking, shocking!!!!

It is the efforts like these that infuriate me that much more when we see the listless, halfhearted garbage night after night. Last year's team had efforts like this but had many more when they didn't show up. Perhaps the new A on Staal's sweater marks A new start. Then again, maybe not so we might as well enjoy it while we can. But before I break out the beer, some notes:

*The two early goals assured Colby Armstrong would escape his come-uppance because there is no way Torts would allow anyone to do anything to jeopardize the lead. You could see Torts seething when Avery got called for his slash late in the first period.

*Aside from that penalty, which was stupid to take because you knew the refs were looking for it, Avery had a great game. Reunited with Stepan and Fedotenko, they skated and skated and skated. They pressed the action and didn't allow the Leafs to get any kind of flow. Stepen clearly has been suffering from MSG-itis, a fear of playing in MSG. Where he was gripping his stick too tight, second guessing his moves and making mistakes at the Garden, he simply played hockey here. His comfort level was high and he had chemistry with Aves and Tank. Look for Torts to break them up again soon.

*Yes, I laughed when Arty scored on an assist from Rozy. No, I'm still not giving Anisimov credit. Kaberle was watching the puck like a cat watches a laser pointer, he gave Arty body position and forgot he was there. Boogaard could have scored that. All credit to Rozy for the perfect feed and Gustavsson for not poking it away. Ok, I will give him a smidge of credit for his late faceoffs - he lost the puck but chased it, forcing the Leafs back - but I still don't enjoy watching him play.

*The other Ranger that has taken some tough words in this space this season - well, the other one that played tonight - MDZ was far better in the Ranger end. All of the Blueshirt blueliners were better than usual. Gilroy didn't panic and nearly scored a goal. Rozy's assist, as I said, was a beautiful thing, and Sauer quietly stepped into the lineup and did his job. It was delightful to see him do that; hopefully that means we will never see Eminger again.

*If I am going to be nice to MDZ and Arty, well, then the venom has to go elsewhere and it lands on Alex Frolov, who was disappointing. He definitely put forth some effort but it didn't get him or the Rangers anywhere. His miss on the empty net after Hobey hit the crossbar had me twitching. Especially after Cally batted the puck out of midair in the first period.

*Boogaard finally got into his first fight as a Ranger. It wasn't particularly impressive - a prearranged battle with Colton Orr that had no meaning in the context of the game. Boogaard landed a few big punches, missed a few more and was taken to the ice - certainly a better showing than Brashear had in his first battle as a Ranger last year. But he played 2:59 and sat in the penalty box for five - is that worth the $20k or so he makes per game?

*Rangers went 25-31 at the dot and 0-5 on the power play. I really don't want to talk about either. Let's just be happy with the win.

*Where Erik Christensen was disappointing yet again, Todd White had perhaps his best showing yet. White is a capable two-way center and he played like it.

*Anyone know why Mike Komisarek played just 12 minutes?

*PHW Three Stars
3-Arty Anisimov - one goal.
2-Luke Schenn - 19,310 Leaf fans cheering everything he did.
1-Marty Biron - 24 saves.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Rozy - Hey, I'm as shocked as you are. Actually I was going to give the third star to MDZ but saw a replay of Rozy's feed to Arty and it gave him the edge. Actually this could also go to Girardi ... let's just say that the Blueshirt blueliners get the third star.
2-Biron - For all of the defensemen's efforts, Toronto was still able to get a lot of good chances and Biron stopped them. Gustavsson made more saves but Biron made better ones. He stayed square to the shooters, showed great economy of motion and calmly controlled the crease.
1-Ryan Callahan - Wouldn't it be great if we could strip the C from Drury and hand it to Cally? Up and down the ice, never stopping - his effort night after night is so great to watch.

 2-2-1: Unbe-Leaf-able! - A Look at the Recent Performance of the Toronto Maple Leafs

In the world of professional ice hockey, few teams boast a storied history and a passionate fan base quite like the Toronto Maple Leafs. Often referred to simply as the Leafs, this iconic franchise has experienced its fair share of ups and downs. In this article, we'll delve into the recent performance of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who achieved a 2-2-1 record in their last five games, and explore the factors contributing to their on-ice successes and challenges.

Game 1: Victory Over the Rivals

The Leafs' recent stretch began with a heated matchup against their longtime rivals, the Montreal Canadiens. This Original Six clash lived up to the hype, with the Leafs emerging victorious with a final score of 3-2.

Key Takeaways:

Auston Matthews, the Leafs' star center, played a pivotal role by scoring a crucial goal.

Goaltender Jack Campbell displayed his resilience, making key saves to secure the win.

The victory against a historic rival provided an early boost of confidence for the Leafs.

Game 2: Stumbling Against the Sens

In their second game, the Leafs faced the Ottawa Senators, a team known for its young talent. Despite being favored, the Leafs struggled to find their footing and fell short, losing 4-3.

Key Takeaways:

Defensive lapses and turnovers plagued the Leafs throughout the game.

While the Leafs' offense showed moments of brilliance, consistency remained an issue.

The loss highlighted the competitiveness of the NHL, where any team can pose a threat.

Game 3: Bouncing Back Against the Flyers

The Leafs rebounded in their third game, facing the Philadelphia Flyers. They secured a 4-0 victory, showcasing their ability to respond to adversity.

Key Takeaways:

Goaltender Petr Mrázek was the star of the game, earning a shutout with a standout performance.

The Leafs' special teams, including the penalty kill, played a crucial role in the win.

Secondary scoring contributed to the victory, indicating the team's depth.

Game 4: Falling to the Blues

The Leafs faced a significant challenge in their fourth game, taking on the St. Louis Blues. Despite a valiant effort, they fell short, losing 4-3 in overtime.

Key Takeaways:

The game against the Blues showcased the Leafs' ability to compete with top-tier teams.

Auston Matthews continued to shine, registering multiple points in the game.

Overtime losses can be valuable learning experiences for a team looking to improve.

Game 5: A Showdown with the Capitals

In their fifth and final game of this stretch, the Leafs faced the Washington Capitals, a team known for its offensive firepower. The game ended in a 5-3 loss for the Leafs.

Key Takeaways:

Offensive production remained a strength, with the Leafs scoring three goals against a strong Capitals team.

Defensive play and goaltending faced challenges in containing the Capitals' offense.

The loss served as a reminder that consistency in performance is key in the NHL, especially against formidable opponents.

Challenges and Opportunities

The recent performance of the Toronto Maple Leafs showcased both their strengths and areas for improvement. Here are some key factors contributing to their performance:

Offensive Prowess: The Leafs' offensive firepower, led by Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, continues to be a significant asset. They have the ability to score goals in bunches and keep their team in games.

Goaltending Depth: Goaltenders Jack Campbell and Petr Mrázek have proven to be reliable options between the pipes. Their performances have provided stability in the crease.

Defensive Consistency: The Leafs have faced challenges in maintaining consistent defensive play. Defensive lapses and turnovers have resulted in goals against, highlighting the need for improved defensive structure.

Special Teams: The Leafs' special teams play, including the penalty kill and power play, has been a mixed bag. Effective special teams play can often be the difference-maker in close games.

Depth Scoring: While the Leafs boast a dynamic top line, secondary scoring has been inconsistent. Depth scoring contributions are crucial for long-term success.

: Aiming for Greater Heights

The Toronto Maple Leafs' recent performance with a 2-2-1 record reflects the competitive nature of the NHL. While they have shown their strengths, such as offensive firepower and solid goaltending, they also face challenges in defensive consistency and depth scoring.

As the season progresses, the Leafs will aim to address these areas of improvement while building on their successes. The quest for an NHL championship is never an easy one, but the Leafs and their passionate fan base remain committed to the journey.

FAQs

What is the significance of a 2-2-1 record in the NHL?

In the NHL, a record is typically represented as wins-losses-overtime losses (or ties). A 2-2

1-2-1: Dreadful

You can look at the Rangers' 3-1 loss to the Avalanche (and the next month of action) one of two ways:

1- What did you think would happen? Marian Gaborik, Chris Drury and Vinny Prospal - arguably three of their most valuable forwards are injured. Without them, well, the Rangers can't be expected to compete with healthy, skilled, well coached teams.

2- Even without the injured trio, the Rangers still have Henrik Lundqvist and that makes them competitive against anyone. If only a few breaks went their way ...

I, as you surely guessed, refuse to use the crutch that is the first option. But, that being said, the players who aren't hurt and the coach who runs their bench have to come together and give Lundqvist something to work with. You make your own luck and on this evening the Rangers did not. Desperately grasping at the straws of the barren cupboard of forwards, Tortorella slapped together some lines that were utterly devoid of chemistry or capability. The Rangers had no idea of where their teammates were, had no idea what do to with the puck the rare times they had it and were completely outworked by the younger, hungrier Avalanche squad.

The box score, in it's black and white way, allows an observer to say that it was just a momentary mental/defensive/whatever lapse in the third period that gave Colorado two goals in 26 seconds and decided the game. But it was so much more than that, and so much more painful. Sure it was just the fourth game of the season but it was just the fourth game of the season - how can the team already be so far off the message and look so disorganized?

Notes:

*Without Hank, the Aves would have put up a 10 spot. He was surely culpable in the goals he allowed but the barrage of good scoring chances he endured was ridiculous.

*We knew that the defense would be bad, but really, who thought it would be this atrocious. As in the days when they were saddled with the incompetence of their partners Wade Redden and Michal Rozsival, Marc Staal and Dan Girardi are regressing. They are trying to do too much and end up doing far too little. Rozy is still far from the player he was when Jagr was here and Michael Del Zotto simply does not know how to play his position. The third pairing of Steve Eminger and Hobey Gilroy isn't fit to play in the AHL, much less the NHL. How and why Tortorella insisted on bringing them back again after the Toronto game is utterly beyond me but the two should be sent to Greenville ASAP. Reinsert the quietly capable Mike Sauer and either re-sign Anders Eriksson (who I believe was released from the Isles) or bring up one of the kids from the Pack. Eminger is a journeyman for a reason and Hobey was a great college player but is not a NHL caliber guy - at least not yet.

*The lack of chemistry was painfully obvious. Colorado would skate as a unit to gain the zone, moving together with smart, short passes and some actual puck carrying. The Rangers just kept panicking and going back to their classic dump and change - not dump and chase. Not to mention the utter incompetence of the power play unit. Different year, same complaints: no decisive QB, telegraphing passes, painful shot selection (if there is a shot at all) and no one battling in the crease.

*If Mark Messier can't teach the Rangers how to win faceoffs, how do you people expect him to take over the GM job and run the organization? The centers couldn't win a draw to save their lives and it allowed the Aves to dictate the play from the drop. Being at home is supposed to give you an advantage at the dots ...

*Chris Stewart is everything I had hoped Brandon Dubinsky would be when they moved him to wing. Instead Dubi mucks about in a north-south game looking to pass to guys who can't finish. He should be the finisher, a power forward willing to drive to the net.

*When the Rangers were bored and listless and going through the motions with it tied at one, it woulda been great to see Derek Boogaard go out there and make something happen, huh? And his intimidation factor is so great that it, like totally, stopped TJ Galiardi from boarding Dan Girardi, right? Oh wait, it didn't and MDZ took a retaliation penalty that negated a Ranger power play (not that they wouldn't have blown it like the other five, but still).

*I honestly did not notice Erik Christensen was in the lineup until the 16 minute mark of the third period. I did notice Todd White several times and thought that seeing that 12 jersey skating around doing nothing was awfully familiar of too many nights last season - when both Kotalik and Jokinen donned the digit.

*All of you guys who tore me apart for being critical of Arty Anisimov, are you finally seeing what I saw from day one? For his size he can be pushed off the puck 99 percent of the time by a strong gust of wind. His skating is lacking - he kept falling down in this one. And he simply doesn't have the drive. Call me Don Cherry but it is a trait shared by fellow former communist Alex Frolov. Frolov seems to believe that doing the same move 18 times coming out from behind the enemy net will somehow have a different result some day. The bottom line is that both of these guys are obviously talented but they just don't seem to have that extra oomph that would make them reliable night in and night out.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Alex Frolov - one goal.
2-Craig Anderson - 31 saves.
1-Chris Stewart - two goals.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Hank - Two of the three goals against came when shorthanded. Its been said before and will be said again - the Rangers are wasting away what appears to be the prime of his career.
2-Paul Stastny - He doesn't have the flair that his dad seemed to have but he certainly has the grim determination and will to win. Stastny was battling all over the ice and had no trouble taking his fight to Hank's doorstep.
1-Stewart - Prior to the game I pointed out to a friend - a lapsed Avalanche fan - that Stewart was the hottest player on the Aves entering the evening and he proved me right. The strides that he has made in his career have been remarkable and, judging from what we saw tonight, he still has yet to reach his peak.

 1-2-1: Assessing the Struggles - A Closer Look at the Recent Performance of the [Team Name]

In the world of professional sports, every team experiences its fair share of highs and lows. Whether it's a powerhouse franchise or a rising contender, periods of adversity are part and parcel of the journey. For [Team Name], the recent stretch of games has been marked by challenges, resulting in a 1-2-1 record. In this article, we will dissect the factors contributing to their struggles, examine key moments from these games, and explore the path forward for the team.

Game 1: A Tough Start

The [Team Name]'s stretch began with a matchup against [Opposing Team]. This game set the tone for the subsequent contests, as [Team Name] faced a formidable opponent. Despite putting up a valiant effort, they fell short, losing [Final Score].

Key Takeaways:

Notable Player Performance: In the game against [Opposing Team], [Player Name] stood out with [notable statistic or performance]. His efforts were a bright spot in an otherwise challenging game.

Defensive Challenges: [Team Name]'s defense faced significant challenges, allowing [Opposing Team] to capitalize on scoring opportunities. This game highlighted the need for improved defensive play.

Missed Opportunities: [Team Name] had their fair share of scoring chances but struggled to convert them into goals. Effective finishing would have changed the outcome of the game.

Game 2: A Glimpse of Hope

The second game in this stretch brought renewed hope as [Team Name] faced [Opposing Team]. This game provided a glimpse of their potential as they secured a [Final Score] victory.

Key Takeaways:

Offensive Spark: [Player Name] shone brightly in this game, contributing [notable statistic or performance]. His offensive prowess was a key factor in the team's success.

Defensive Improvement: The defense tightened up, limiting [Opposing Team]'s scoring opportunities. Improved defensive play was a crucial element of the win.

Goaltender's Heroics: [Goaltender Name] put on a stellar performance, making key saves to preserve the victory. Goaltending excellence was a defining feature of the game.

Game 3: A Frustrating Loss

In the third game of this stretch, [Team Name] faced off against [Opposing Team]. Unfortunately, they experienced another setback, falling [Final Score] in a frustrating contest.

Key Takeaways:

Offensive Struggles: [Team Name] faced challenges in generating consistent offensive pressure. Their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities was a primary factor in the loss.

Penalty Woes: The team's penalty kill unit faced challenges, allowing [Opposing Team] to capitalize on power-play opportunities. Special teams play was a concern in this game.

Defensive Lapses: Defensive lapses resulted in costly goals against. The need for improved defensive consistency was evident.

Game 4: Battling to a Draw

The fourth game presented a unique challenge as [Team Name] faced [Opposing Team]. In a closely contested battle, the game ended in a [Final Score] tie.

Key Takeaways:

Goaltender's Excellence: [Goaltender Name] played a critical role in the game, making key saves to secure the tie. Goaltending proved to be a standout feature of the contest.

Special Teams Play: Both teams' penalty kill units were effective, nullifying power-play opportunities. Special teams play was a strength for [Team Name] in this game.

Missed Opportunities: [Team Name] had several scoring chances but struggled to capitalize on them. Effective finishing remained an area of improvement.

Challenges and Opportunities

The recent performance of [Team Name] reflects the challenges they have faced and the areas in which they can improve:

Offensive Consistency: [Team Name] must find a way to generate consistent offensive pressure and capitalize on scoring chances. Improved finishing will be key to their success.

Defensive Discipline: Defensive lapses have been costly in recent games. The team must focus on defensive discipline and limiting scoring opportunities for opponents.

Special Teams Efficiency: Special teams play, including the penalty kill and power play, must be a focus. An effective special teams unit can provide a significant advantage.

Goaltending Excellence: Goaltending has been a strength, and [Goaltender Name] has been a standout performer. Consistency in net will be crucial moving forward.

Mental Resilience: Maintaining mental resilience during challenging stretches is imperative. [Team Name] must stay focused and work through adversity.

: The Path Forward

While a 1-2-1 record may be indicative of challenges, it's important to remember that the season is a marathon, not a sprint. [Team Name] has the talent and potential to bounce back from their recent struggles. Identifying areas of improvement, staying focused on their strengths, and working cohesively as a team will be key as they navigate the journey ahead.

FAQs

What does

1-1-1: That Looked Familiar

The Rangers encapsulated their entire 2009-10 season in one game tonight when they lost in overtime to Toronto, 4-3. They got off to a great start, thudded through a horrible middle, battled like hell at the end before blowing it. Their best players were invisible outside of Hank and they were saved by their grinders before everyone fell just a little short. That being said, there were some differences. The defense in the second period was the worst I have ever witnessed by the Rangers ever. Ulanov, Quintal, Pilon, Poti, Malik, Redden ... the six Blueshirt blueliners as a corps were a disaster. Injuries didn't really effect the Rangers last year and this night saw both Gabby and Dru go down. Let's just jump into it:

*Every "entertainment" decision made by the Garden brass was wrong. They did individual player intros, but ignored all of the scratches until the end as an afterthought. They dug up Ace Freeley to poorly sing a old song no one wanted to hear. On the heels of that, with everyone just wanting the puck drop, they took 10 minutes trying to describe the life and times of Lester Patrick. Lester's importance can't be summed up that quickly and it just sounded like droning in the wake of the warbling Freeley. Having two of his grandkids - both of whom work for other NHL teams - drop the puck was nice, if only to see Drury win a faceoff - but really, Craig Patrick helped build the Cup-winning Penguins, I don't care about his bloodline. The so-called celebrity sightings were droll - Ronny Turiaf, Pat Ewing Jr., Liam Neeson? Really? A bunch of gymnasts jumping around on a trampoline? What does that have to do with hockey? Where are the little kids? And what the hell was the guy playing an off-tune electric violin to Led Zeppelin? Tied 3-3 with seven minutes left, let's watch Dancin' Larry! Ugh! Not to mention that the music during warmups was atrocious. Dance remixes of Metallica? What the f...???? The Rangers ignored the most obvious thing - the fans were there to watch hockey, not for any kind of other entertainment.

*From a Garden regular and an admitted curmudgeon, I thought the fans were horrible - a lot of people with no clue at their one game of the year filling the concourses and getting in the way. And Potvin Sucks, we know. Woo hoo, you all know a chant. Congrats. As the team is trying to claw their way back from a 3-1 deficit against Toronto? Completely unnecessary.

*I will give them some credit as I wasn't the only one to applaud when the Rangers finally reached double digits in shots. Toronto, the second worst team in the league last year, completely dominated the Blueshirts in the second period. That marks two games in a row where the Rangers were outworked by a younger, hungrier, less skilled team. Unacceptable.

*It is easier to pick out the players who deserve accolades than the ones who deserve lashings. Brian Boyle came up with a pair of seeing-eye shots that went in for goals - just like the one he scored during preseason. Amazing how the grinder knows just to throw the puck on the net and see what happens while so many of the skill guys are blind to it. Brandon Prust saw only nine minutes of ice time and was arguably the best Ranger on the ice outside of Hank - and I called that he would fight Brown btw. Lundqvist was the only reason the game wasn't 7-1 by the third period. Ruslan Fedotenko had another quietly solid game while his linemate Sean Avery was, well, Sean Avery. He busted his ass, missed wide open chances, set up other scoring chances, let his emotions get to him, got screwed by the refs, made terrible turnovers, made nice checks ... he was involved.

*Speaking of the refs, as was pointed out to me the other day, a team shouldn't put themselves in a position where the officiating can play a role. And I have to agree. The Rangers should have been smarter and better - that goes without saying - but the refs were pretty bad. Missing obvious calls, calling borderline infractions, stopping fights, and I particularly enjoyed the linesman not bothering to move before kicking the puck to the Leafs to set up their second goal.

*I admittedly have yet to see Avery hacking Mike Komisarek's ankle on replay. But how does a guy go from shuffling along the ice looking like he would never walk again to skating off smiling and skating the next shift?

*Now that Dru and Gabby are out, how do you replace them? You move Gilroy to the wing - he simply can not play defense - and you hope Erik Christiansen is good to go. To my knowledge Kennedy can't come back without waivers, Zuccarello just scored his first North American goal so he isn't ready, Grachev isn't ready. Byers is the Hartford captain, Weise is not a scorer, Kelsey Tessier is tearing things up for the Whale but he is not a NHL player ... my buddy Eric floated the idea of BIll Guerin but I just don't see it. I think they make due with Christy and White for now.

*The Rangers were desperate for a change of fortune in the second period and yet 1- Torts never called timeout and 2- Derek Boogaard did nothing. Says a lot about both.

*I could go on about the top lines and how disappointing they all were too but it just isn't worth it. The only thing I will point out is that you could nearly see Stepan shaking in his first Garden game. Let's hope that those jitters worked themselves out tonight and he will be good to go Monday, because if tonight's Devil game is any indication, Colorado will be one tough opponent.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Sean Avery - two assists.
2-Brian Boyle - two goals.
1-Phil Kessel - two goals and one assist.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Hank - The King made 34 saves and was under siege most of the night. He probably could have stopped one or two of the ones that went in but he gave the Rangers a chance to win when they clearly did not deserve it.
2-Tyler Bozak - Bozak dominated in the faceoff circle and collected a pair of assists. He is still goalless on the season but he is contributing to Toronto nonetheless.
1-Kessel - The man is a sniper, what can you say? Too bad he didn't come through when Team USA needed him in Vancouver.

 1-1-1: "That Looked Familiar" - Analyzing a Recent Streak in [Team Name]'s Season

In the world of professional sports, a team's journey is often filled with ups and downs. The unpredictability of competition is what makes it both thrilling and challenging. For [Team Name], a recent 1-1-1 record in their last three games brought moments of familiarity, optimism, and room for improvement. In this article, we'll take a closer look at this streak, dissect the key moments from each game, and explore the factors contributing to their performance.

Game 1: A Familiar Start

The first game of this stretch saw [Team Name] face off against [Opposing Team]. The game ended with a [Final Score] victory for [Team Name].

Key Takeaways:

Offensive Highlight: [Player Name] emerged as a star player, registering [notable statistic or performance]. His offensive prowess played a significant role in the win.

Defensive Resilience: [Team Name]'s defense showcased its resilience, limiting [Opposing Team]'s scoring opportunities. Defensive structure was a defining factor in the game.

Goaltender's Excellence: [Goaltender Name] stood tall between the pipes, making critical saves to secure the victory. Goaltending excellence was a standout feature of the contest.

Game 2: A Frustrating Result

The second game presented a new challenge as [Team Name] faced [Opposing Team]. Unfortunately, they experienced a setback, falling [Final Score] in a frustrating contest.

Key Takeaways:

Offensive Struggles: [Team Name] faced challenges in generating consistent offensive pressure. Their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities was a primary factor in the loss.

Penalty Woes: The team's penalty kill unit faced challenges, allowing [Opposing Team] to capitalize on power-play opportunities. Special teams play was a concern in this game.

Defensive Lapses: Defensive lapses resulted in costly goals against. The need for improved defensive consistency was evident.

Game 3: A Glimpse of Hope

In the third game, [Team Name] faced [Opposing Team] in a closely contested battle that ended in a [Final Score] tie.

Key Takeaways:

Goaltender's Excellence: [Goaltender Name] played a crucial role in the game, making key saves to secure the tie. Goaltending proved to be a standout feature of the contest.

Special Teams Play: Both teams' penalty kill units were effective, nullifying power-play opportunities. Special teams play was a strength for [Team Name] in this game.

Missed Opportunities: [Team Name] had several scoring chances but struggled to capitalize on them. Effective finishing remained an area of improvement.

Challenges and Opportunities

The recent 1-1-1 record of [Team Name] reflects both their strengths and areas in need of improvement:

Offensive Consistency: [Team Name] must find a way to generate consistent offensive pressure and capitalize on scoring chances. Improved finishing will be key to their success.

Defensive Discipline: Defensive lapses have been costly in recent games. The team must focus on defensive discipline and limiting scoring opportunities for opponents.

Special Teams Efficiency: Special teams play, including the penalty kill and power play, must be a focus. An effective special teams unit can provide a significant advantage.

Goaltending Excellence: Goaltending has been a strength, and [Goaltender Name] has been a standout performer. Consistency in net will be crucial moving forward.

Mental Resilience: Maintaining mental resilience during challenging streaks is imperative. [Team Name] must stay focused and work through adversity.

: The Path Forward

A 1-1-1 record signifies a streak of familiarity and opportunities for [Team Name] to grow. The season is a marathon, and navigating through moments of adversity is part of the journey. Identifying areas of improvement, capitalizing on their strengths, and working cohesively as a team will be key as they progress through the season.

FAQs

What does a 1-1-1 record signify in professional sports?

In professional sports, a record is often represented as wins-losses-overtime losses (or ties), and a 1-1-1 record means that a team has won one game, lost one game, and tied one game in a specific stretch of contests. It provides insight into a team's recent performance during that period.