Thursday, November 24, 2011

10-5-3: From Montreal To Miami

For everyone who started carving the Cup during the seven game streak, are you carving up your wrists now that the Rangers have come back to Earth? After blowing through seven easy opponents the Blueshirts faced a pair of tough tests and failed both. (It also just happens that each coincided with trips to party towns but I have no hard evidence so I will just leave that accusation hanging in the air. Just want to say that it is a good thing the next game isn't in Vegas ...)

This visit to South Beach saw the Rangers wither in the sun, losing 2-1 to the Panthers. Dale Tallon has done magic remaking the kitty cats into a hard team to play against with some offensive bite. Sadly the most offensive thing on this night was the Rangers' play. You know the team was in trouble when their captain (yet again) took a bad, undisciplined penalty early. Not sure what Callahan's problem is but he has taken penalties each of the last four games. As the captain and one of the team's top penalty killers, he has to be smarter and he has to be a leader.

Late Hits:

*When Callahan was in the box Kris Versteeg was going back and forth in front of the crease, distracting Hank. And Jason Garrison took advantage by blasting a slap shot through the traffic to open the scoring. It is not rocket science.

*The Ranger power play was actually cycling early on but they kept on cycling players out and around the net. No one bothers to set up in front and the goaltender sees every shot. Having a man advantage means there is an extra man to counter the opposing goalie, make his life more difficult. Versteeg did that. The Rangers did not. Instead they used their extra attacker as just another person to pass to - perhaps hoping that having that extra option will eventually get someone an open shot. Except open shots are easily stopped when the goaltender can see them in this day and age. Not rocket science.

*After helping Garrison get his goal, Versteeg scored Florida's second himself. Del Zaster decided to just stand in the slot and watch the play while Tomas Fleischmann embarrassed Arty and fed the open Versteeg. It is getting tiring taking apart Del Zaster night after night as he just seems to find new ways to make mistakes. Said it before, will say it again, the Rangers screwed up his development by taking him away from Dale Hunter one season too early. Instead they allowed him to take advantage of all New York has to offer while everyone inflated his ego. Maybe someday he will have a moment of clarity and come to his senses but that day doesn't seem to be coming anytime soon.

*How is it possible that Anton Stralman is a slower skater than Jeff Woywitka? Stralman's decision making was almost as slow as his feet so he certainly is not the solution to the Rangers' lack of defensive depth. But his presence allowed the Rangers to limit Girardi's ice time so Dan-O only got 27 minutes of ice time instead of 28 or 29 ...

*Also embarrassing was everything surrounding Andre Deveaux's elbow to Fleischmann's head. I was standing at a bar wondering what the hell happened and MSG made the disappointing decision to dump to commercial. Once they came back and showed the replays it did not seem as egregious to me at all - a big guy hitting a little guy who was bent over. Deveaux definitely had his elbow out but it definitely did not appear to be an attempt to injure. If Deveaux really wanted to injure Flash, he would have just ran over the Panther when the guy had his head down with the puck - instead he just stupidly tried to make some contact. Worthy of an elbowing penalty for sure, but not a match. But with Flash playing up how hurt he was, it was inevitable that the big fourth line former AHLer would get the gate. Reputation goes so far with refereeing.

*With Deveaux out for a while, perhaps we will finally get to see Carl Hagelin get a shot. The addition of the speedy Swede will be a boon for Sean Avery as Avery was way too fast to be stuck with the cement skates of Boyle and Deveaux. Boyle has just been bad this season, his much publicized skating lessons haven't seemed to stick and he refuses to use his big build to his advantage. By the way, Sean went shot-less in this one, which shouldn't happen.

*Happy for Step to score in his 100th game, too bad it was the lone highlight of the night.

*When will MSG give up on the horrid 150 seconds of bad, loud drum and bass music? Poor Bill Pidto was drowned out by the terrible tune as he struggled through the highlights - it just is not a good gimmick. Most painful 150 seconds in hockey.

*It is ok for Fedotenko and Prust to be invisible offensively. It is not ok for Richard$ to be MIA. Dubi and Cally as wingers haven't been helping B-Rich of late but trying him with Feds and Prust? Torts grasping at straws.

*Dubinsky played nearly five minutes of power play time and 21 and a half minutes overall. He had one shot and 10 hits; neither statistic helped the Rangers. Hopefully Dubi can get his game back together before his old foe Sidney Crosby comes to town next week.

*The official scorer somehow gave the Rangers 50 hits. Fifty! Wonder what game he was watching.

*Maybe if the Rangers were able to tie things up and force a shootout Erik Christensen could have justified being on the roster. They weren't and he didn't. What a waste of a Ranger jersey.

*While the Blueshirts were definitely embarrassed yet again, at least they didn't do it wearing terrible jerseys. Seriously Islanders, you make it too easy.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Jason Garrison - one goal.
2-Henrik Lundqvist - 36 saves.
1-Tomas Fleischmann - two assists.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Hank - The King came through with his his usual solid effort, too bad he can't score too.
2-Garrison - Solid defense and a great shot.
1-Versteeg - The former Blackhawk got his nose dirty down low and was rewarded for it, twice.



 10-5-3: From Montreal to Miami - A Journey Through College Hockey



The world of college hockey is a tapestry woven with the stories of young athletes pursuing their dreams, facing challenges, and experiencing triumphs. The 10-5-3 season for the Boston College (BC) Eagles has been a journey that mirrors the rollercoaster of life itself. In this article, we'll embark on a journey through BC's 10-5-3 season, exploring the highs, lows, and defining moments. We'll also delve into the world of college hockey, addressing frequently asked questions (FAQs) to shed light on the sport's dynamics and the essence of a season like this.

Table of Contents

The Heartbeat of College Hockey
10-5-3: A Season in Review
Early Triumphs and Aspirations
Navigating the Challenges
Rising to the Occasion: Late-Season Resilience
FAQs - Demystifying College Hockey
: The Unpredictable Beauty of the Hockey Journey
1. The Heartbeat of College Hockey

College hockey is more than just a sport; it's a way of life. The rink becomes a second home, teammates become family, and the roar of the crowd becomes a source of inspiration. It's a world where dreams are born and memories are made.

2. 10-5-3: A Season in Review

Let's dissect the 10-5-3 season for the BC Eagles:

Early Triumphs and Aspirations: The season started with optimism and ambition. Players showcased their skills, and fans dared to dream of championships. The chemistry on the ice was electric.

Navigating the Challenges: Every season has its share of challenges. Injuries, tough opponents, and moments of adversity tested the team's character and resolve. It was a time of introspection and learning.

Rising to the Occasion: Late-Season Resilience: The late-season resurgence demonstrated the team's resilience. Key players stepped up, and collective effort led to crucial victories. The season's narrative took an unexpected turn, showcasing the unpredictability of sports.

3. FAQs - Demystifying College Hockey

Let's address some frequently asked questions about college hockey:

Q1: How do college hockey players balance academics and athletics?

College hockey players are student-athletes, which means they juggle their academic commitments with rigorous training and game schedules. Time management, support from academic advisors, and a strong work ethic are essential.

Q2: What is the significance of the "10-5-3" record?

The "10-5-3" record represents the number of wins, losses, and ties in the season. It provides a snapshot of a team's performance, showcasing their competitiveness and ability to secure victories.

Q3: What makes college hockey unique compared to other levels of the sport?

College hockey combines high-level competition with the pursuit of education. Players are not only athletes but also students, creating a unique balance of academics and athletics.

Conclusion: The Unpredictable Beauty of the Hockey Journey

BC's 10-5-3 season is a testament to the unpredictable beauty of sports. It reminds us that in the world of athletics, no outcome is guaranteed, and every victory is earned. The journey is as important as the destination, and the rollercoaster of emotions experienced by players, coaches, and fans is what makes sports so captivating.

As BC's season continues, the team will carry the lessons learned from the highs and lows, drawing strength from their experiences. Regardless of the final record, the hockey journey is a reminder of the enduring appeal of sports—the thrill of competition, the camaraderie among teammates, and the unwavering support of fans. It's a journey that transcends wins and losses, leaving lasting memories and a sense of pride in the hearts of all those involved. In the world of hockey, every season is a unique chapter in a story that never loses its magic.


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 10-5-3: From Montreal To Miami - A Journey Through Collegiate Hockey Excellence



In the world of collegiate hockey, the journey from Montreal to Miami signifies more than just a change in geographical location. It represents the unique and diverse paths that players take as they pursue their passion for the sport while also navigating the academic rigors of college life. This article takes you on a captivating journey through the significance of the 10-5-3 record, delves into the experiences of players making this transition, explores the cultural aspects of hockey in these regions, and addresses frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this exciting journey.

Understanding the 10-5-3 Record

The Number 10: Montreal, often referred to as the "Hockey Capital of the World," is renowned for its rich hockey history, producing legendary players and serving as home to the Montreal Canadiens, one of the NHL's most storied franchises.

The Number 5: The number 5 signifies the five Canadian provinces that have teams in the NHL, highlighting the deep hockey roots in Canada.

The Number 3: Miami, Florida, is a city that has seen a growing interest in hockey over the years, with the Florida Panthers representing the state in the NHL.

The Journey from Montreal to Miami

Montreal's Hockey Legacy: Montreal is where many young hockey players dream of making it big. It's a city that breathes hockey, with rinks and street games serving as the backdrop for countless childhood memories.

Collegiate Opportunities: Players from Montreal often seek collegiate opportunities in the United States, where they can combine their love for the game with higher education. This transition can be both exciting and challenging.

Cultural Shift: Montreal's hockey culture is deeply ingrained, with a focus on the Canadiens. Transitioning to Miami, a city known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse culture, presents a stark contrast.

Academic Commitment: Navigating the academic demands of a college education while pursuing a hockey career requires dedication and time management skills.

The Hockey Cultures of Montreal and Miami

Montreal's Hockey Passion: Montrealers live and breathe hockey. The Canadiens are not just a team; they are a way of life, with a passionate fan base that supports them through thick and thin.

Montreal's Hockey Heroes: The city has produced iconic players like Maurice Richard, Jean Beliveau, and Guy Lafleur, whose legacies continue to inspire the next generation.

Miami's Emerging Hockey Scene: In contrast, Miami's hockey scene has been steadily growing. The Florida Panthers have made efforts to engage the local community and cultivate new hockey fans.

Cultural Fusion in Miami: Miami's diverse culture brings together people from various backgrounds, creating a melting pot where hockey is just one of many cultural influences.

FAQs About the Journey from Montreal to Miami

What challenges do players from Montreal face when transitioning to a collegiate hockey program in the United States?
Challenges can include adapting to a new culture, managing academic demands, and adjusting to a different style of play.

How has the NHL's presence in Miami impacted the growth of hockey in Florida?
The NHL's presence has contributed to the growth of youth hockey and the establishment of a hockey community in Florida.

What advice do former Montreal players who have successfully made the transition offer to aspiring young athletes?
Former players often stress the importance of staying committed to both academics and hockey and embracing the new experiences that come with a collegiate career.

Are there cultural exchange benefits for players making this journey?
Yes, players benefit from exposure to different cultures, perspectives, and experiences, which can enrich their personal growth.



The journey from Montreal to Miami is not just a geographical shift; it's a transformational experience that encompasses the pursuit of academic excellence, the love of hockey, and the cultural fusion of two distinct regions. It symbolizes the diverse paths that collegiate hockey players take as they navigate the complexities of their dual lives as student-athletes. The transition may present challenges, but it also offers opportunities for personal growth, cultural exchange, and the fulfillment of dreams. As these young athletes make their mark in Miami, they carry with them the hockey passion of Montreal, creating a bridge between two worlds and showcasing the enduring love and global reach of the sport.




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