29-21-4: It Would Have Been Nice

In the Rangers' 3-2 loss to New Jersey tonight it would have been nice if Dan Girardi's shot hit the post and went in in the final second of the third period to force overtime.

It would have been nice if Henrik Lundqvist didn't give up three goals on 12 shots, one softie and two on his knees.

It would have been nice if Henrik Lundqvist didn't spend Wednesday night watching the Knicks and hanging out with Justin Bieber because some of the kid's suck was clearly absorbed by osmosis.

It would have been nice if Henrik Lundqvist's teammates bailed him out for once.

It would have been nice if John Tortorella didn't blame this loss (and the previous two) on Henrik Lundqvist, and placed it where it belonged - on himself. The coach has proven utterly incapable of getting the team to play three full periods or to score a timely goal and yet it was the goaltender's fault for getting pucks scored off of Arty Anisimov (Florida) or in a seven round shootout (Pittsburgh) or off of bad turnovers (tonight).

It would have been nice if Arty Anisimov had some ... fortitude ... so he could stand in front of the net and take advantage of the chances his teammates made for him. Three pucks came across towards him in the first period and yet he was sliding behind the net or curling away to avoid contact.

It would have been nice if the Rangers realized that they can't dump the puck into the zone of a puck moving goaltender like Mmmmaaarrrtttyyy because he will just send it right back out again.

It would have been nice if the Rangers actually challenged Mmmmaaarrrtttyyy with some shots and play down low instead of shooting it at his jelly belly or praying for a bad bounce down by his skates. Sure the goaltender likely hasn't seen said skates for years but he does have those pads to stop the puck.

It would have been nice if any of the Rangers could win an important faceoff.

It would have been nice if Chris Drury did the honourable thing and bequeathed the C to Callahan, where it rightfully belongs.

It would have been nice if Marian Gaborik knew how to score a goal that mattered. Or, at this point, knew how to score a goal at all.

It would have been nice if Michael Del Zotto had not played on Broadway last season and learned from Dale Hunter in the AHL. Or had not played in Broadway at the start of this season and spent the campaign in Connecticut. Or had not been called up when Dan Girardi went down. Or had been sent down when Girardi came back. Or been rightfully benched after the Pittsburgh game for wasting minute upon minute of important ice time. Steve Eminger had better be hurt because MDZ's continued presence in the lineup is inexcusable otherwise.

It would have been nice if MDZ wouldn't have taken a stupid penalty so the team could have had a chance at a second power play goal early in the third period.

It would have been nice if the Rangers would have gotten the boost they should have after killing the long 5-on-3 in the first period.

It would have been nice if Sean Avery didn't fall time after time. Avery tripped over the blueline. Avery swung at David Clarkson and missed, landing flat on his back. Somehow Avery kept falling and not once did his 'accidentally' fall on top of Fatso.

It would have been nice if - and this hurts to write - Brandon Prust was as smart as Clarkson. Prust took on Engy on Pittsburgh with the Rangers up 2-0 and the bout energized the Pens and set them on the road to victory. Prust tried to take on Clarkson with the Devils up 2-0 and Clarkson wanted nothing to do with him. Smart move by the minor leaguer.

But all of those ifs didn't happen so the Rangers lost at home. Again. Against the Devils.

Nothing nice about that.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Ilya Kovalchuk - one goal.
2-Vinny Prospal - one goal.
1-Dainius Zubrus - one goal and one assist.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Prospal - Nice of him to return to the Rangers, too bad he couldn't bring Gaborik's skill back with him.
2-Zubrus - Somehow this oversized former Flyer has the Rangers' number.
1-Jacques Lemaire - The Devils coach has turned things around for his team, instilling discipline and reinstating their defensive system. They were clearly trapping late in the third period and yet they did it cleanly and legally. Unlike the Ranger bench boss, Lemaire had his team ready to play at 7:05.

 29-21-4: It Would Have Been Nice - The 2021-2022 NHL Season's Near-Miss

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The 2021-2022 NHL season was filled with excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments. As fans and players alike reflect on the season, one phrase seems to encapsulate the emotions surrounding it: "It would have been nice." In this article, we'll dive into the highs and lows of the season, exploring what could have been and the impact of near misses in the world of hockey.

Chapter 1: A Season of Promise

The 2021-2022 NHL season began with high hopes for all 32 teams. With the return of full arenas, star-studded rosters, and the anticipation of normalcy after the challenges of the pandemic, fans were ready for a thrilling season. We'll discuss the excitement that surrounded the season's start and the promise it held for each franchise.

Chapter 2: The Stars Shine Bright

Throughout the season, the NHL showcased its exceptional talent. From Connor McDavid's scoring prowess to Marc-André Fleury's remarkable goaltending, we'll highlight the standout performances that had fans on the edge of their seats. We'll also recognize the rising stars who made their mark on the league.

Chapter 3: Near Misses and Heartbreaks

As the regular season drew to a close and the playoffs approached, several teams found themselves just shy of their goals. Whether it was missing the playoffs by a single point or losing in the early rounds, we'll recount the heartbreaks and near misses that defined the season. The "what-ifs" and missed opportunities will be examined.

Chapter 4: Memorable Moments

While not every team could hoist the Stanley Cup, the 2021-2022 season was filled with memorable moments. From record-breaking achievements to emotional comebacks, we'll relive some of the most unforgettable instances that left a lasting impact on fans and players alike.

Chapter 5: The Resilience of the NHL Community

Despite the challenges and disappointments, the NHL community once again displayed its resilience. We'll explore the ways in which players, coaches, and fans came together to support one another and celebrate the spirit of hockey. The sense of unity and camaraderie that defines the sport will be celebrated.

Chapter 6: The Anticipation of the Next Season

As the 2021-2022 season comes to a close, the anticipation for the next one begins. We'll look ahead to what the future holds for the NHL, with the hope that the near misses of this season will fuel the determination of teams and players to achieve their goals in the seasons to come.

Chapter 7: Frequently Asked Questions

To provide a comprehensive overview of the 2021-2022 NHL season, we'll answer some frequently asked questions about the season, its standout moments, and the impact of near misses on the league.

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The 2021-2022 NHL season will be remembered for its near misses and "It would have been nice" moments. While not every team could claim the ultimate prize, the season showcased the resilience, talent, and passion that make hockey a beloved sport. As fans look back on the highs and lows of the season, they do so with the hope that the near misses will serve as motivation for future success. In hockey, as in life, it's often the near misses that fuel the determination to achieve greatness in the seasons to come.