19-13-1: Thanks Brent!

Sometimes I don't mind rewriting an article. I had a nice piece started about how the pendulum was bound to swing the other way after Sunday's success. Instead, that one has been dumped into the digital darkness and here is a recap of the laughable Blueshirts 4-1 win over the Penguins in Pittsburgh.

And it was laughable. In typical fashion the Rangers were completely dominated by the Penguins. But then something happened - they got a shot on net. Early in the game I tweeted that a traffic cone could have played goal for the Pens over the first two periods. After the third, the Pens probably wished they had a traffic cone in net rather than Brent Johnson. Johnson allowed four bad goals to give the game away. He was, simply said, horrendous. He was down on his knees too early, he overcommitted to shots, his angles were off and he gave up four goals in less than seven minutes, two in 15 seconds.

Now the question is how did they suddenly start taking advantage of his horrendousness? Was it the Pens just getting tired after playing on Tuesday? Was it Sean Avery showing the first sign of life with his fight against Arron Asham? Or was it just luck? I don't have an answer, but it did make me laugh seeing goal after goal go in from - as Jim from Blueshirt Banter corrected me - "the three worst Ranger forwards, and Boyle." It wasn't secondary scoring that did it, it was tertiary. Gotta love how in the photo up top even Boyle was shocked that Frolov scored.

It is nice to celebrate the win and the fact that the pucks keep going in for the Rangers but Ryan Callahan's shot block that broke his hand is awfully sobering. His absence from the lineup could (and likely will) be far more costly than the extended breaks taken by Gabby, Drury, Vinny and Boogey. Marty Straka, Drury and now Cally - the Blueshirts need to learn to block shots with other body parts.

A few notes before an early bedtime:

*The Penguins had the game tied at two but the tally was taken away after a ridiculous incidental contact call on Pascal Dupuis' eyebrows. Rozy backed him into Hank as Malkin scored but the officials waved off the goal. That they did it is a surprise, that they did it in Pittsburgh is a shock, that Rozy sucks is obvious. And his partner, MDZ, was made to look absolutely ridiculous on the play - the kid was lying on the ice waving his stick around as the Penguins skated right around him. MDZ continues to be completely atrocious; something needs to be done.

*As Ranger fans, we have to pray that there were some NHL scouts (Scouts?) in the crowd. They witnessed Alex Frolov scoring and setting up Boyle's goal, and thus his trade value is as high as it will ever be. Sather needs to deal him away right now before everyone realizes just how bad he has become. Funny how he gained a little confidence from the goal and went right back to his old ways with a wraparound that even Johnson was able to stop.

*The Ranger power play went 1-3, with the lone goal coming from Mr. Softie the Backstabber. That goal came off the rush, as have a very large percentage of the man advantage goals this season. The special team is simply not special when they set up in the opposing zone, if they can even set up in there or even get in there.

*As mentioned, Avery fought Asham. Why Asham would entertain Avery with a fight was stupid, and that he did not get his arm free to unload that big right was lucky for Avery. Nice work by Sean, even if he ended it with his signature cheap shots when they were already down on the ice.

*Chris Drury did all of his signature stuff: blocked shots, took faceoffs (went 4-1), skated hard and didn't come remotely close to scoring. Welcome back cap. Ugh. Eight million bucks this season. He needs to gain a bit of that scoring touch he had in Buffalo if he is to replace Cally's contributions.

*The game was on MSG 2. I mean, seriously? The most famous guy in the league against the Garden's top tenant and the game was not on either of their top two networks. Something wrong with that.

*Joe Micheletti just stop already. I'm not sure if I find him more loathsome than Matt Cooke and Max Talbot but it is close.

*As tweeted, Hank was bumped a few times and Boogaard was nowhere to be found. Boogey can't protect the King through the television. He just needs to make like Godzilla and sink back into the Pacific Ocean so we can get a enforcer who can actually play and contribute.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Henrik Lundqvist - 27 saves.
2-Brian Boyle - one goal and one assist.
1-Alex Frolov - one goal and one assist.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Hank - No soft goals. Hank stayed square to the shooter, kept his movements short and simple - leaving little opportunities for the Penguins to capitalize.
2-Marc Staal - His partner Dan Girardi would deserve a share of this star if not for a horrible play on the lone Pittsburgh goal. The two were solid, keeping Sidney out of scoring areas and limiting the space Malkin had to dangle (outside of that one time).
1-Johnson - Thanks Pens for starting your backup for the first time in over two weeks. Johnson, who has gone W-L-W-L-W-L now in his last six, frankly sucked. A netminder with some composure would have made at least one decent save in the third period.

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 19-13-1: Thanks, Brent! - A New York Rangers Mid-Season Review

The New York Rangers, with a record of 19-13-1 at the midpoint of the season, find themselves in a position that fans and analysts alike might not have expected. The team's performance thus far has been a pleasant surprise, with a few standout players and moments to celebrate. In this mid-season review, we'll take a closer look at the Rangers' journey, key contributors, and what lies ahead.

The Unexpected Success

The 2021-2022 NHL season has been a rollercoaster ride for many teams, but the New York Rangers have managed to stand out. After an offseason marked by significant moves, the expectations were high, but few anticipated such a strong start to the campaign.

One of the most significant factors contributing to their success has been the standout performances of several key players. Goaltender Igor Shesterkin has been nothing short of sensational, earning him the nickname "The Russian Wall" from fans. His remarkable ability to make jaw-dropping saves has kept the Rangers competitive in close games and has elevated him to elite status among NHL netminders.

The Impact of Key Players

In addition to Shesterkin, the Rangers have seen impressive performances from their core players. Artemi Panarin, aka the "Bread Man," continues to dazzle with his offensive skills. His combination of speed, playmaking ability, and a deadly accurate shot makes him a constant threat on the ice.

Captain Mika Zibanejad has also played a pivotal role in the team's success. His leadership on and off the ice, along with his offensive contributions, has helped drive the Rangers forward. His chemistry with Panarin and other linemates has resulted in numerous highlight-reel goals.

On the defensive side, the Rangers have benefited from the emergence of Adam Fox as one of the league's premier defensemen. Fox's ability to move the puck, quarterback the power play, and contribute offensively from the blue line has solidified the team's defense.

Areas of Improvement

While the Rangers have enjoyed success, no team is without its challenges. One area that requires improvement is the penalty kill. The team has struggled to prevent opponents from converting on the power play, and addressing this issue will be a priority as the season progresses.

Additionally, consistency has been an issue. The Rangers have displayed moments of brilliance but have also faced games where their performance has fallen short. Maintaining a high level of play throughout the season will be crucial as they aim for a deep playoff run.

The Road Ahead

As the Rangers reach the midpoint of the season, they find themselves in a competitive position in the Metropolitan Division. However, they face tough competition from the likes of the Carolina Hurricanes, Washington Capitals, and Pittsburgh Penguins. The road ahead will test their mettle, but if they continue to receive standout performances from their stars and address areas of concern, they have a legitimate shot at playoff success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has been the Rangers' standout player this season?

Igor Shesterkin, the Rangers' goaltender, has been a standout player with his remarkable saves and consistency.

What are the team's strengths and weaknesses?

The Rangers' strengths include exceptional goaltending, offensive firepower, and a strong defensive presence in players like Adam Fox. However, they need to improve their penalty kill and maintain consistency.

How do the Rangers stack up against other teams in their division?

The Metropolitan Division is highly competitive, with teams like the Hurricanes, Capitals, and Penguins offering stiff competition. The Rangers will need to continue performing at a high level to secure their 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' season at the midpoint has been filled with surprises and exciting moments. With key players like Igor Shesterkin, Artemi Panarin, and Adam Fox leading the way, the team has shown great promise. However, challenges lie ahead, and the Rangers will need to address areas of improvement to secure their spot in the playoffs. As the season unfolds, fans can expect more thrilling action and hope for a deep postseason run.