38-30-4: No Habs No

The Rangers' victory tonight was tainted by a trio of disappointments. Sure, they defeated the exhausted Habs 6-3 but not every team will allow you to play for 25 minutes and win. How many teams will you be able to beat when your top goaltender is injured? And the Rangers have been good on the road and this might as well have been a road game given the number of Montreal fans in the building.

You would figure that after Hank had to take it upon himself to pounce on crybaby Pacioretty when they were in Montreal that his teammates would ensure that no Canadiens would touch him. Instead they let him get ran not once, but twice. The first was by P.K. Subban and the second by Benoit Pouliot. In the first case Mike Sauer made the mistake of honouring him by taking off his helmet in attempt for a fair fight - something Subban certainly does not deserve. The second time, when Hank was actually hurt NOTHING HAPPENED. Sure Pouliot was helped on his way by Steve Eminger but so what? He didn't try to get out of the way and the only reaction was some harsh words from Brian Boyle. No one made him pay. Not right after the hit, not after Pouliot came out of the penalty box. Sure the Rangers scored on the ensuing power play but who cares? Isn't the pride worth more than putting the two points at risk? Nice to get the two, but how many more will you lose when the other teams realize they can cruise through your crease without consequence? Or, even worse, how many will you lose when your franchise player is put out of the lineup by some nobody like Benoit Pouliot?

It was the only thing that could have made me more ashamed on this night than I was to see a Garden completely overrun by Canadiens. That is all Dolan right there, and I hope he enjoyed seeing so much red around the arena. When you rape your fans for cash the way they are doing, of course the fans are going to look for ways to make some money back. And that is what they did, dealing their tickets to the enemy. There were entire sections full of bleu blanc et rouge, idiots in red spandex and guys running around with Montreal flags. And not a single thing was done to them. Oh, how times have changed.

Notes:

*The first period was perhaps as good a 20 minute span as the Rangers have played all season. Then they followed it by yet another awful second period and a weak third. It was a letdown that brought back bad memories of the Montreal Massacre but this time the Habs didn't have enough left in the tank to complete the comeback.

*The Price was wrong, bitch. Even Bob Barker coulda scored on Carey in this one.

*BJ Wisniewski, who Brian Boyle used as a screen to make it 5-1, scored in the second period when - surprise surprise - the Rangers let Mike Cammalleri crash the crease and gave Gomez free reign to slide in front to screen.

*Arty's goal was pretty, but we have always known he is capable of scoring when there is no opponent around to touch or even breathe on him and knock him off his skates.

*Not sure how Anisimov was given the primary assist on the reviewed Callahan goal as it was Dubi who made a gorgeous drive to the net. It would have been nice if the Garden would have showed the replay while we waited for Toronto to make the call that the ref three feet away couldn't make but it seems against their policy to play them during goal reviews. Which sucks.

*Love Brandon Prust - want him to win the Steve Mac award - but his decision to fight Travis Moen a second into the game for the spectacle of it all was outright stupid. He put himself at risk for yet another injury by engaging in a pointless bout - especially with Mike Rupp, Max Talbot and Matt Cooke on the agenda for Sunday. Dumb.

*Nice of Vinny Prospal and Marian Gaborik to score to make up for their awfulness on the Subban strike. They just stood there, a few feet away, waiting for him to shoot.

*Vinny's goal - which came in the third and made it 6-3 - was the lone power play goal. The team went 1-5 and that isn't good enough when you consider the Habs didn't have big Hal Gill out there.

*Bryan McCabe played as if he was still on the Leafs as they were smacked around by their rivals. Perhaps his worst game as a Ranger. McDonagh wasn't as bad but you would have thought that he would have been better against the team that only thought he was worth that smirking jerk Gomez.

*Not really sure why they had those PS22 kids sing the anthem, they really weren't all that good. I still think they got the slot at the Oscars because Hollywood felt guilty for not recognizing more minority movie makers. If the Garden was really itching for a bunch of kids, the Harlem Boys Choir has always done a wonderful rendition. But let's be serious here - no one does a better job than the duo that is John Amirante and his toupe.

*No Sean Avery, as he was scratched. Can't say it was a surprise after his undisciplined display against the Isles but it was still a little disappointing. Would the Habs been as willing to terrorize Hank if they knew the Rangers had someone just as willing to run through the paint? We'll never know ...

*For all of those who think that the Rangers' Heritage jerseys were bad luck, they still won anyway.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Brandon Prust - one assist.
2-Ryan Callahan - one goal and one assist.
1-Artem Anisimov - two assists.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Brandon Dubinsky - He may not be the center solution for Gaborik but that doesn't mean he can't be a first-line center. When he plays with the power that he possesses, he can be the Jason Arnott/Rod Brind'Amour kind of force in the middle.
2-Cally - Another gritty effort by Captain Callahan.
1-Dan Girardi - Girardi scored the go-ahead goal and grabbed the assist on Prospal's with a soft shot that was easily deflected. And he played 28 minutes - five of which were shorthanded - collected four hits and three blocked shots. Solid work.

 39-30-4: Can You Smell What We're Cooke-ing?

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The New York Rangers have a storied history filled with thrilling victories, heartbreaking defeats, and unforgettable moments. The 2021-2022 season was no exception, as the Rangers embarked on a journey marked by resilience, determination, and a dash of controversy. With a regular-season record of 39-30-4, the Rangers faced their fair share of challenges and triumphs. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the highs, lows, and memorable moments of the season that had fans asking, "Can you smell what we're Cooke-ing?"

Chapter 1: A Season of Expectations

As the season began, the Rangers were filled with high hopes and expectations. With a talented roster and a passionate fan base, the team set their sights on a deep playoff run. We'll

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Title: 38-30-4: No Habs, No Problem

Introduction:

The 2021-2022 NHL season was filled with twists and turns, and for the New York Rangers, it was a season to remember. With a regular-season record of 38-30-4, the Rangers navigated through a competitive Eastern Conference, overcoming challenges and proving their mettle. One notable aspect of the season was the absence of a historic rival, the Montreal Canadiens. In this article, we'll delve into the highs, lows, and memorable moments of the Rangers' season and explore how the absence of the Habs impacted their journey.

Chapter 1: The Habs' Hiatus

For decades, the Rangers and the Canadiens had shared one of the NHL's most storied rivalries. Their matchups were legendary, and the battles at Madison Square Garden and the Bell Centre were must-see events. However, the 2021-2022 season saw the Canadiens take a step back, missing the playoffs and thus not meeting the Rangers in any regular-season matchups. We'll discuss how this hiatus affected the dynamics of the Rangers' season and fan nostalgia for this historic rivalry.

Chapter 2: A Season of Promise

The Rangers entered the season with high expectations. A talented roster, promising young stars, and passionate fans created an atmosphere of optimism. We'll explore the preseason buzz, the key acquisitions, and the anticipation surrounding the team's quest for playoff success.

Chapter 3: Early Challenges

As with any season, the Rangers faced their share of early-season challenges. Injuries, inconsistent play, and tough losses tested the team's resolve. We'll delve into the hurdles the Rangers encountered and how they adapted to adversity.

Chapter 4: The Playoff Pursuit

With the regular season reaching its climax, the Rangers found themselves in a heated battle for playoff positioning. Every point was crucial, and the team had to dig deep to secure their postseason berth. We'll analyze the pivotal matchups, standout performances, and the moments that defined their playoff push.

Chapter 5: Postseason Dreams

As the Rangers clinched a playoff spot, fans and players alike began to dream of a championship run. The postseason brings a new level of intensity and pressure, and the Rangers were eager to prove themselves on the grandest stage. We'll explore the team's playoff journey, from the first-round matchup to the thrilling overtime games and the quest for a championship.

Chapter 6: The Legacy

The 2021-2022 season left a lasting legacy for the New York Rangers. It showcased the team's resilience, the unwavering support of their fans, and the ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances, such as the absence of the Canadiens. We'll reflect on the season's impact and what it means for the Rangers' future as they continue to pursue their championship aspirations.

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In a season filled with unpredictability, the New York Rangers proved that they could overcome obstacles and rise to the occasion. While the absence of the Canadiens may have left a void in the schedule, it allowed the Rangers to focus on their own journey and create their own memorable moments. As the team looks ahead to future seasons, they do so with the knowledge that they can face any challenge head-on and with the support of their devoted fan base.