15-11-1: Well That Doesn't Happen Often

The Blueshirts blew two two-goal leads during a sloppy game against a hardworking rival ... and they won anyway. How about that? The Rangers prevailed over the Islanders 6-5 in a disjointed affair on Thursday night.

Just going to jump into it:

*It was the opener of a home and home, which is so properly named as the Rangers are playing a pair of home games. There were more people rooting for the team playing against the Rangers when the Pens were in Garden on Monday than there were in the Mausoleum on this evening. The Ranger goal song was sung, Potvin Sucks was whistled and 'DP Sucks' thundered around the building. The mass of True Blue, combined with the fact that it wasn't a sell-out, really shows what a horrible franchise the Islanders are. They should move. Or fold. Either or.

*The goaltending was atrocious but neither netminder received much help. We got to see just how 'good' Biron truly is when the team isn't the shot-blocking, defensive dynamo in front of him. It was mentioned in this space that he would be nothing without the boys playing the way they had in front of him and he proved it on this evening. Point for me. Point for John Tortorella too as somehow seeing Biron yanked reinvigorated the Rangers.

*The two soft Russians have been busted down the lineup and they have yet to show they care about it. They are both playing on the periphery and spending more and more time on the bench. Rightly so. How soon until Frolov and Anisimov are benched? If you ask me, the sooner the better. Perhaps an injection of Whale will help invigorate the roster ... Dale Weise anyone?

*Speaking of pulpous people, I saw Mr. Softie The Backstabber staring daggers at his linemate Sean Avery on several occasions but the addition of the Grate One was perfect on this night. The 'top' line is balanced with a grinder, a playmaker and a sniper. Avery made things happen and made room for his new mates and, in turn, his new mates had the speed and skill to keep him onsides. They accounted for four goals and five assists. Not too shabby.

*The opposition may hate him, his teammates may not like him but Avery is more important to this team than anyone outside of Henrik Lundqvist. When Avery is Avery the Rangers are winners. It has been this way since he came to New York (the first time) and is the reason why us fans adore him so. So all of you fine fans of other franchises, hate him all you want because we will take him being ... acerbic ... any/every time.

*It was amusing watching that fat troll of a AHLer Jon Sim try to goad Sean into some kind of stupidity and credit to Sean for avoiding it.

*But the funniest moment was between Michal Rozsival and P.A. Parenteau. Late in the third period the two went back and forth deep in the Ranger zone and the whistle blew. They got together on the endboards checking and shoving before the midget Parenteau looked up at Rozy and the two broke into a smile and laughed. "Oh, I didn't know it was you, sorry bout that." He also lined up across from Brandon Prust at one point and the two started jawing, then giggling.

*Sadly Derek Boogaard fought Trevor Gillies instead of Zenon Konopka, because Konopka would have fought like a man. Gillies challenged the champ and clearly couldn't keep up and inflict his share of damage. The guy is a joke - a pretender - while Konopka is a top-five tough guy. Sadly Boogaard has never shown Mike Sauer how to properly defend himself. Sauer now has three NHL fights and zero wins. But good for the kid for trying. Of course, when his team is setting up in the offensive zone probably in't the best time to do so but he is a rookie.

*The other rookie, Derek Stepan, needs to be a bit more proactive himself. Now paired with Dubi and Cally, Step seems to spend too much time watching them work rather than helping out. The kid has poise beyond his years, that is for sure, but if he raises his battle level to match the other Blue Bloods we will have one helluva line.

*I was at the game working as a photographer and if I can get permission from the publication, I will post some of the shots here one of these days. Surely there is more to talk about tonight but the boys are right back in action Friday night so we will call it here. See you at the other Ranger home ice, the Garden.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Blake Comeau - one goal and one assist.
2-Sean Avery - three assists.
1-Marian Gaborik - three goals and one assist.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Parenteau - P.A. played with a chip on his shoulder against his former team, even if he couldn't keep a straight face.
2-Gaborik - Hat tricks are awesome.
1-Avery - That hat trick wouldn't have happened had Gabby not lined up alongside Avery, who played one of his best games of the season.

 15-11-1: Well, That Doesn't Happen Often - The New York Rangers' Unusual Season

The 2021-2022 NHL season for the New York Rangers has been nothing short of eventful and, at times, unusual. With a record of 15-11-1, the team has faced a series of challenges and surprising moments that have left both fans and experts scratching their heads. In this article, we'll delve into the Rangers' season, explore some of the unique occurrences that have defined it, and answer frequently asked questions about their performance.

A Season of Surprises

The Rangers' season has been characterized by unexpected twists and turns. From dramatic comebacks to unusual statistical anomalies, they have kept both fans and opponents guessing.

Key Moments That Define the Season

The Scoring Outbursts: The Rangers have experienced games where they've scored goals in bunches, leading to dominant victories. These offensive explosions have showcased their firepower.

Dramatic Comebacks: The team has displayed a flair for dramatic comebacks, erasing multi-goal deficits to secure victories. These instances of resilience have electrified fans.

Unusual Stat Lines: Some games have featured uncommon statistical occurrences, such as hat tricks by unexpected players and odd penalty sequences.

Injury Challenges: Injuries to key players, including Artemi Panarin and Igor Shesterkin, have tested the team's depth and resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's behind the Rangers' ability to stage comebacks?

Their offensive depth and never-say-die attitude have been crucial in mounting comebacks.

Why have there been so many unusual statistical occurrences?

Hockey is known for its unpredictability, and sometimes, unusual events just happen. It adds to the excitement of the sport.

How have the Rangers coped with injuries to key players?

The team's depth has been a saving grace, with young talents and veteran players stepping up to fill the void.

What are the Rangers' playoff prospects with this record?

Their performance has been promising, but consistency will be key in securing a playoff spot.

The New York Rangers' 2021-2022 season has been a rollercoaster ride filled with surprises, dramatic moments, and unusual statistical quirks. While the road to the playoffs remains uncertain, the Rangers have shown that they are a team capable of overcoming adversity and delivering thrilling performances. As the season continues, fans eagerly anticipate what other unique moments and accomplishments await their beloved team.