The Rangers simply can not do anything easy. They just can't. Perhaps there is some deal between the Pepto people and Dolan - I don't know - but year after year the Rangers make things so very difficult on themselves and us.
Down 1-0 the Rangers suddenly had an adrenaline boost and scored four straight goals, then they did the worst possible thing by allowing a late goal and then another early the next period. Then the stomach acids churned all the way until the buzzer - the star sniper couldn't even end our misery by scoring into an empty net. But the Blueshirts were able to hold on until the clock ran out to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3.
It was awful. It was wonderful. It was the Rangers.
Mr. X from the Blue Seats - no stranger to my cynicism - helped put things in perspective after the game. He said, 'no matter their problems Scotty, the fact is that they have now beaten the Canucks, the Sharks, the Caps, the Flyers and the Penguins - that's pretty good.'
Late Hits:
*Does Carl Hagelin remind anyone else of a young Callahan? Well, Cally is just 25 so young-er? Hustle, hands and a helping of grit. The Swede is a touch faster too. To think that his roster spot was previously held by that neanderthal Rupp and Slow Deveaux. Remarkable. But with former Leaf John Mitchell the two have provided the boost that Brian Boyle needed to get his game back and have given the Rangers a solid third line.
*Of course, that leaves Prust, Avery and Dubi on the fourth line - Dubi, who was the first line left wing at one point, is now the fourth line center. Let that sink in for a second. But despite playing less than 11 minutes he still took 16 faceoffs - as many as first liner Brad Richard$ - and won 11 of them. Not too shabby.
*Richard$' goal was sweet. Feds beats two Pens to the puck, spins and finds Richard$ breaking into the zone. Richard$ then used the defenseman as a screen to power the puck past Marc-Andre Fleury. Sexy snipe. It wasn't as pretty of a play as the tic-tac-toe of Richard$ to Cally to Gabby back to Cally power play goal to open the Rangers scoring but it was still a heckuva shot. *To steal a term from the Pensblog guys, the Rangers were completely jobbed by the refs in the first period. Eventually, surprisingly, karma came back around and the Pens took four straight penalties in the last eight minutes. Unfortunately, of course, the Blueshirts completely and utterly blew the power plays.
*Considering that the team scored a pair of goals with the man advantage earlier in the evening you would think it would be hard to rail on the power play unit but no - blowing nearly two full minutes of 5-on-3 time is inexcusable. Really not sure what the problem is when the solution is so obvious: the players have to drive towards the net. The first ppg came on a rush down the ice after an idiotic icing (icing, during a power play, ugh!) and the second came as four of the five Rangers were pushing towards the Penguins goal.
*I asked Benoit Allaire what he thought about the Vitale vs. Lundqvist incident and the ensuing roughing penalty. The goaltending coach said that it was something Hank had to do so he was fine with it. I mentioned that it seemed like it took Eminger too long to jump in and he disagreed, pointing out that there was still a play going on and that Hank can take care of himself. Eminger finally stepping up was the most useful has has been all season long so better late than never I guess.
*Pittsburgh's defense - aside from Deryk Engelland (of all people) - looked absolutely terrible without Kris Letang, who was out with a broken nose thanks to Max Pacioretty. Seeing that should make us that much more thankful for everything that McDonagh, Girardi and Sauer have done without Staal. And I know some of you are going to mention another guy, which leads me to ...
*Del Zastrous performance. And yet Torts rewarded him with more and more minutes ... stupefying. He was beaten wide twice, he had two outright turnovers and made several poor passes which ended up on Penguins' sticks. Just Del Zastrous. It is worth pointing out that I called his power play assist literally seconds before he set up Gabby for the fourth Ranger goal. As the folks in 330 and 329 can attest (I am a bit loud), hand on heart truth. I knew he would do something to give his advocates ammunition. He was awful the rest of the evening.
*The other whipping boy of this blog, Arty Anisimov, has not been as big of a liability. In fact, he is doing a lot right and getting into good spots - his play just seems to be missing something. Perhaps he is overthinking things at those crucial last seconds? Hard to say but once he gets it together the GAS line will get back to it's GAG ways.
*Sidney Crosby took seven shots and just one made it on net. That is good work by Girardi and McD right there. Of course, it is hard to keep the Kid down so he still came away with two assists but it could have been worse. Not Islanders worse but still worse.
*Jody Shelley can call Dubi a weasel all he likes but he just needs to watch Tyler Kennedy to see what a real weasel looks like. Nice to see Sean put him down after getting jumped off of the opening faceoff. Now if only someone would nail Arron Asham ...
*As I was wrapping this up I turned on MSG to watch the replay of the game and heard Sam Rosen open with 7-0 Prust stat. Without giving credit! Bastard!
*PHW Three Stars3-Evgeni Malkin - one goal.
2-Brad Richards - one goal and two assists.
1-Marian Gaborik - one goal and one assist.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Crosby - Whining diving crying little #$%^&. Helluva hockey player though.
2-Cally - Callahan has gotten his game together and the Rangers have followed. Leader.
1-Gabby - See what happens when the Slovakian Slacker starts working? He has found some chemistry and confidence to vault back to the level of elite scorer in the NHL.
13-5-3: A Rollercoaster Ride in the Hockey World
In the world of sports, there's nothing quite like the thrill of a rollercoaster season. The Boston College (BC) hockey team's 13-5-3 record epitomizes the highs, lows, and sheer unpredictability of the hockey world. In this article, we will delve into the story of BC's season, explore the defining moments, and address frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the dynamics of hockey and what makes a season like this so unique.
Table of Contents
The Heartbeat of Hockey Season
BC's 13-5-3 Season: A Tale of Twists and Turns
Flying High: Early Successes
Navigating Challenges: The Midseason Struggles
Rising from the Ashes: Late-Season Resurgence
FAQs - Understanding the Dynamics of Hockey Season
: The Unpredictable Beauty of Sports
1. The Heartbeat of Hockey Season
A hockey season is a journey filled with anticipation, excitement, and, at times, heartbreak. It's a testament to the dedication of athletes, the support of fans, and the unique nature of team sports.
2. BC's 13-5-3 Season: A Tale of Twists and Turns
BC's season has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by distinct phases:
Flying High: Early Successes: The season began with optimism as BC showcased its potential with impressive wins. Players found their rhythm, and fans dared to dream of championships.
Navigating Challenges: The Midseason Struggles: Every season has its share of challenges, and BC was no exception. Injuries, tough opponents, and moments of adversity tested the team's resolve.
Rising from the Ashes: Late-Season Resurgence: BC's late-season resurgence showcased the team's character and resilience. Key players stepped up, and the collective effort led to crucial victories.
3. FAQs - Understanding the Dynamics of Hockey Season
Let's address some frequently asked questions about hockey seasons:
Q1: What are the key factors that influence a team's performance during a season?
A team's performance is influenced by factors like player skill, coaching strategies, injuries, and the ability to adapt to different opponents and game situations.
Q2: How do teams overcome midseason struggles and regain momentum?
Teams often overcome midseason struggles through improved communication, adjustments to tactics, and maintaining a positive mindset. Learning from losses is crucial.
Q3: What role do fans play in supporting a team during a rollercoaster season?
Fans provide crucial emotional support and motivation for teams during both highs and lows. Their presence in the stands and unwavering loyalty can boost team morale.
Conclusion: The Unpredictable Beauty of Sports
BC's 13-5-3 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 rollercoaster ride of a hockey season 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.
13-5-3: Whew - A Rollercoaster Ride in Collegiate Hockey
In the unpredictable and electrifying world of collegiate hockey, it's not uncommon for seasons to be marked by twists, turns, and nail-biting moments. The game with a record of 13-5-3, often summarized as "Whew," perfectly captures the rollercoaster ride that fans, players, and coaches experience throughout the season. In this article, we will delve into the significance of this record, relive key moments, analyze the ups and downs, and address frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this memorable chapter in collegiate hockey.
The Significance of 13-5-3: Whew
Balance and Uncertainty: The record of 13 wins, 5 losses, and 3 ties underscores the competitive balance in collegiate hockey. It serves as a reminder that any team can rise to the occasion on any given night.
Emotional Rollercoaster: The asterisks around "Whew" reflect the emotional ups and downs that accompany each game. From thrilling victories to heart-wrenching ties, this record epitomizes the rollercoaster of emotions in collegiate hockey.
Resilience and Determination: A season with this record highlights the resilience and determination of players and coaches who must navigate the challenges and setbacks of a demanding schedule.
Playoff Implications: Such a record can have significant implications for playoff positioning, as teams fight to secure a spot in the postseason and chase championship aspirations.
Reliving Key Moments in 13-5-3: Whew
Overtime Thrillers: Several games in this season went into overtime, with players and fans alike holding their breath as they awaited the game-deciding goal.
Last-Minute Heroics: Last-minute goals, whether tying or winning, became a trademark of this season, leaving fans exhilarated and opponents stunned.
Goalie Standouts: The record was often shaped by standout performances from goaltenders, who made crucial saves to secure victories and salvage ties.
Comeback Stories: The ability of teams to mount comebacks from behind showcased their resilience and fighting spirit, turning deficits into memorable victories.
Rivalry Showdowns: The season featured intense rivalry matchups, with emotions running high and the outcomes often uncertain until the final buzzer.
Analyzing the Ups and Downs of 13-5-3: Whew
Winning Streaks: Winning streaks showcased a team's ability to find consistency and momentum, propelling them up the standings.
Slump Busters: The record also included periods of struggle, where teams faced adversity and had to work their way out of slumps.
Leadership and Coaching: The role of team leadership and coaching strategies played a significant role in navigating the highs and lows of the season.
Injury Challenges: Injuries to key players tested team depth and resilience, forcing coaches to adjust lineups and tactics.
Fan Support: Throughout the rollercoaster season, fan support remained unwavering, providing motivation and energy to the players on the ice.
FAQs About 13-5-3: Whew
Was this season's record considered a success or disappointment?
The assessment varies depending on team expectations and goals, but a record like this often signifies a competitive and exciting season.
What role did overtime play in this record?
Overtime games were a significant factor, with teams showcasing their ability to perform under pressure in sudden-death situations.
How did players and coaches manage the emotional swings of such a season?
Managing emotions required resilience, mental fortitude, and a focus on the process rather than the outcomes of individual games.
Did this season's record have an impact on playoff seeding and aspirations?
A record like this often determines playoff seeding and can influence a team's confidence and momentum heading into the postseason.
What are some lessons fans can take from a season like this?
Fans can learn that collegiate hockey is inherently unpredictable, and the journey is filled with moments of both joy and frustration. Supporting the team through thick and thin is what makes the sport special.
13-5-3: Whew encapsulates the essence of collegiate hockey—an exhilarating journey filled with ups and downs, emotional swings, and unforgettable moments. It reminds us that in the world of sports, the unexpected is to be expected, and resilience in the face of adversity is a hallmark of success. As fans look back on this season, they will cherish the rollercoaster ride, celebrating the victories, learning from the defeats, and eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the thrilling world of collegiate hockey.
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