18-13-1: Life After Death Experience?

Jet lag is a bitch. And you know what? I'm quite thankful for it.

Yesterday I flew home from Sweden and essentially went right to the Garden for the Ranger game. After the Blueshirts beat the Capitals 7-0, I figured the flight must have gone down in the Atlantic. There was no way they won that game, the way they won that game. Just no way. I was surrounded by good friends and had an all-around delightful time. Despite what many think, I'm not a horrible person, maybe I was rewarded for a good life with a final hallucination. The proverbial white light.

But then I thought about it, 'what, even in my last moments I can't see the Rangers win the Stanley Cup?' But then I thought again that that was entirely plausible too as there is no way in heaven or on earth that this team is capable of winning the Cup. And it wasn't until waking today with a severe case of jet lag that I realized that the game really happened or this is hell. Seeing as the Isles and Devils still suck, it can't be hell so the jet lag proves that the Rangers did, indeed, beat the Capitals 7-0 last night.

Wow.

As it is so many hours after the event, and I have yet to see the replay, I will keep this pretty quick:

*There are few greater individual achievements in my book than a Gordie Howe Hat Trick and Dubi grabbed the third of his NHL career. Granted, the fight was after a perfectly legal, solid hip check but it was against Alexander Ovechkin so that made it ok considering all of the liberties the superstar usually takes. And Dubinsky, for once, didn't lose the fight, which made it even better.

*The other two fights were quick scraps against the same guy, Washington's lightweight Matt Hendricks. Mike Sauer lost again, but Sean Avery fared better than usual. The only issue that should be addressed is Avery's penchant for late punches after the players end up on the ice. Avery saw just over seven minutes of action and yet had his name chanted twice by the building.

*Brandon Prust didn't get to fight - his tussle was quickly broken up - but that didn't stop him from having an outstanding game. The forechecking and physicality that he and Ryan Callahan bring are huge reasons for the Rangers success. All too often the team sits back and allows the opponents to press the action but these two, in particular, push back. Torts trusts both to play in all situations and they have rewarded that trust with delightful play. Love it.

*Hahaha, Poti you suck.

*There was a pretty good crowd in the building, with far less Cap fans than usual. We don't need Dancing Larry, we don't need a dozen Potvin Sucks chants and we definitely don't need that horrific music selection and idiot gimmicks. One of the Blue Crew cheerleaders came up and tried to get my section to wave their hands around like idiots to battle another section. I observed that we were at the hockey game and not the circus. All of the season ticket holders refrained from acting like fools and we 'lost' the battle of which section would look stupider. Thankfully.

*Wouldn't it have been great if the Garden staff played a Caribbean ditty heavy on the bongos when Alex Semin started shoving in a scrum?

*Sure glad the Caps traded the mercurial Tomas Fleischmann for Scott Hannan, as the Rangers were able to take advantage of his many shortcomings. In fact, the Rangers did very well to use the Capitals to score as what, five? of the goals came off screens or deflections off Cap players? The Blueshirts simply shot the puck, they didn't try to do too much fancy nonsense and it paid off. A blue collar, north-south game will be - and has been - the recipe for success. When they get away from it they lose so what will it take for the team to stick with it? I don't know.

*It wouldn't be me if I didn't point out some of the team's shortcomings. The team still sucked in the faceoff circle, losing 32 of 56 draws - despite going 7-0 when Washington had rookie Marcus Johansson at the dot. Alex Frolov is goodfornothing, Mr. Softie the Backstabber doesn't have the drive to be a good player, Eminger's play continues to deteriorate as Rozy gets more of his ice time and MDZ should be back in the press box (or in Hartford preferably). The power play went 1-3; it was nice that the unit scored but during the other two man advantages the Rangers didn't get a single shot off.

*Ovechkin without a beard looks weird.

*Many folks around me felt that Ryan Callahan deserved a star for his two goals and the ton of hits he had but there were three better candidates. Cally's importance and ability can not be understated but, with a number of players having great performances, he didn't make the stars in the PHW or my eyes.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Brandon Dubinsky - one goal, one assist and +4.
2-Henrik Lundqvist - 31 saves.
1-Marc Staal - one goal, one assist and +3.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Hank - Hank's glove save was awesome but there weren't that many great saves needed. He played simple, solid puck and didn't give up a softie. He was beat four times - three within moments of each other - but thankfully the iron was there to bail him out. But that glove save was pretty damned impressive.
2-Dubi - Gordie Howe Hatty. Said it for years now: Dubinsky can be as big of a impact player as Jason Arnott was for the Cup-winning Devils, a combination of size, skill, determination and physicality. Games like this prove it.
1-Staal - Not only did the d-man score that sexy shorthanded goal and set up Gabby's power play tally but he shut down Ovechkin. There is something about playing against Captain Caveman that brings out the best in Staal and it is so fun to see.

 18-13-1: New York Rangers' Resurgence - A Life After Death Experience?

The New York Rangers' 2021-2022 NHL season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. With a record of 18-13-1 at the midpoint of the season, the team has experienced both highs and lows, leaving fans and analysts wondering if this could be a season of rebirth for the Blueshirts. In this mid-season review, we'll delve into the Rangers' journey, standout moments, key contributors, and the outlook for the remainder of the season.

A Season of Resurgence

After several seasons of rebuilding and reshaping the roster, the Rangers entered the current season with a sense of renewed hope and optimism. The addition of key players, including Barclay Goodrow, Sammy Blais, and Ryan Reaves, aimed to bolster the team's physical presence and grit. The anticipation of seeing these new acquisitions alongside established stars like Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad created a sense of excitement among fans.

However, the season's start was far from ideal, as the Rangers grappled with inconsistency and struggled to find their footing. As the team's performance oscillated, questions began to surface about their ability to contend in a highly competitive Metropolitan Division.

Standout Moments and Key Contributors

Despite the early-season turbulence, the Rangers have showcased moments of brilliance that have reignited hope among fans. A few key contributors have played pivotal roles in the team's resurgence.

One of the standout players has undoubtedly been goaltender Igor Shesterkin. The "Russian Wall" has consistently demonstrated his exceptional skills, making crucial saves and earning accolades as one of the league's top netminders. His presence in the crease has provided the Rangers with a strong backbone.

The offensive prowess of Artemi Panarin, affectionately known as the "Bread Man," has also been on full display. His dazzling stickhandling, pinpoint passing, and scoring ability have kept the Rangers competitive in high-scoring games.

In addition to the stars, Adam Fox has continued to shine on the blue line. The young defenseman's ability to control the game, contribute offensively, and log significant minutes has solidified his position as one of the league's premier defensemen.

Overcoming Challenges

The Rangers have not been without their share of challenges. Inconsistency, particularly in their defensive play and penalty kill, has been a recurring issue. Addressing these concerns will be crucial as they strive for a deep playoff run.

The team's resiliency and ability to bounce back from adversity have been commendable. They have shown the capacity to put disappointing losses behind them and come back stronger in subsequent games, a trait that bodes well for their future success.

The Road Ahead

As the Rangers approach the second half of the season, they find themselves in a highly competitive Metropolitan Division. Teams like the Carolina Hurricanes, Washington Capitals, and Pittsburgh Penguins pose significant challenges. However, if the Rangers can maintain consistency, address their weaknesses, and receive continued standout performances from key players, they have a legitimate shot at securing a playoff berth and making a run for the Stanley Cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What has been the key to the Rangers' resurgence this season?

The Rangers' resurgence can be attributed to standout performances from key players like Igor Shesterkin, Artemi Panarin, and Adam Fox, along with the team's ability to overcome adversity.

What are the team's weaknesses that need addressing?

The Rangers need to improve their defensive play, particularly in their penalty kill, and maintain greater consistency throughout the season.

How do the Rangers compare to other teams in the Metropolitan Division?

The Metropolitan Division is highly competitive, with several strong teams. The Rangers will need to continue performing at a high level to secure a playoff position.

What are the expectations for the Rangers in the second half of the season?

The expectations for the Rangers in the second half of the season are to maintain their competitive edge, address weaknesses, and make a strong push for the playoffs.

The New York Rangers' 18-13-1 record at the midpoint of the 2021-2022 season has brought renewed hope and excitement to fans. While challenges and inconsistencies have tested the team, standout performances from key players and moments of brilliance have sparked optimism. As the Rangers navigate a competitive Metropolitan Division, their ability to address weaknesses and maintain consistency will be crucial to their playoff aspirations. Whether this season turns out to be a true resurgence remains to be seen, but it has undeniably been a captivating journey for the Blueshirts and their devoted fanbase.