25-9-4: Finishing Up With Florida

The old adage is that it "isn't how you start but how you finish." On Thursday night it held true as the Rangers survived yet another lackluster opening to come back and beat the Florida Panthers 3-2 in overtime.

It was quite nice to collect the team's eighth win in the last nine games but "isn't how you start but how you finish." It was the fourth and final match against Florida, and the Rangers third win. The Blueshirts still have five games against the Penguins, four against the Bruins and two against the Blackhawks left in their schedule and you'd better believe that those teams are on a different level than the piecemeal Panthers. They aren't going to relinquish their leads like the kitty cats did on this day. (Yes, I know Chicago blew two one-goal advantages against Philadelphia tonight but it was Ray Emery returning to Philly, he is 6-1 career vs. the Rangers.)

If the Blueshirts can combine their resolve to never say die with a good jump at the outset, then perhaps in June we won't be reminiscing about the team's good start but celebrating it's Stanley Cup finish.

Just a few Late Hits as the team plays the Pens in a few hours:

*Anyone else get reeeeaal nervous when Carl Hagelin went down? The kid looked like cracked a collar bone or something. And yet he bounced right back. Swedish engineering, bork bork bork.

*Arty did not put together a particularly good game. It was his sixth straight pointless performance and he was all over the ice. A bad stick-check set Florida off on the two-on-one break that resulted in the game-opening goal and things did not get much better.

*Actually liked Mike F-ing Rupp standing atop the crease on the power play. That being said, after scoring the two in Philly, he blew a gimme of a goal in the first. It would have been interesting to see how he fared against Barch.

*Happy to see Anton Stralman collect his first goal as a Ranger but he gave it back by letting Santorelli step right past him five minutes into the third. But at least he tried to get his stick on him to make up for being caught flatfooted, Del Zaster was lost in no man's land - giving the guy room and time to shoot.

*Sure that goal should have been stopped by Biron but it is further evidence that Del Zaster doesn't know how to play his position. Another Panther was sliding behind him and he just got stuck in the middle. Perhaps it was evidence of uncertainty in his own end, a lack of determination in decision making or something. The kid has to learn not to get caught like that.

*It was a bit like what happened to Florida in overtime. Step cut through to disrupt their defense, making room for Gabby to get off his game-winning shot. The Panther defenders were sliding backwards, allowing the Slovakian sniper to move into a good position to beat Clemmensen.

*Marc Staal got caught as the lone man back on the two on one and he looked like a squirrel trying to cross a road. He still has a ways to go to get back his game form.

*The Rangers were credited with 50 hits. They were wonderfully aggressive at times but 50 hits? Really?

*Neither Dubi nor Prust scored but both had quite solid games.

*Sam Rosen said that Boston went ahead of Calgary 9-0. Joe Micheletti replied that the Bruins should go for the extra point. Sam had to tapdance and say that the B's hit a field goal early in the game. Good to see that Joe knows about as much about football as he does hockey.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Scott Clemmensen - 38 saves.
2-Brad Richards - one assist. (Really? He won 10 of 22 faceoffs and his assist was a soft shot that deflected in off of Cally's leg.)
1-Marian Gaborik - one goal.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Fedotenko - It was the Ukranian's forecheck that got Stralman the puck for his first NYR goal. After many a game of uselessness, this one one of Feds' better nights this year.
2-Mikael Samuelsson - The former Ranger was a consistent threat. He is like Radek Dvorak (now on Dallas), a guy who made a career of being a semi-regular contributor while being defensively competent.
1-Cally - As mentioned above, Richards got his assist when the puck went off of Callahan's leg and went in. You know how it did that? The captain was paying the price to stand in the slot; he leads by example.

25-9-4: Finishing Up With Florida

Title: 25-9-4: Finishing Up With Florida

Introduction

In the world of professional sports, each season is a journey filled with triumphs, challenges, and unforgettable moments. The 25-9-4 record achieved by a team signifies the culmination of hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. In this article, we'll explore what it means to finish up with a 25-9-4 record, delve into the accomplishments and key moments of the season, and answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this impressive achievement.

The Significance of a 25-9-4 Record

A 25-9-4 record in professional sports, particularly in hockey, is a remarkable accomplishment that reflects a team's consistent success throughout the season. Let's break down what this record signifies:

Wins: The "25" in the record represents the number of games the team has won during the season. Each victory is a testament to the team's skill, strategy, and ability to outperform their opponents.

Regulation Losses: The "9" in the record indicates the number of games the team lost in regulation. These losses are a reminder that even the best teams face challenges and setbacks.

Overtime or Shootout Losses: The "4" signifies the number of games in which the team lost in overtime or a shootout. These games often showcase the team's resilience and ability to earn valuable points even in defeat.

Points: In many sports leagues, teams earn points for each win or overtime/shootout loss. A 25-9-4 record typically results in a high point total, positioning the team well in the standings.

Key Accomplishments and Moments of the Season

Achieving a 25-9-4 record is not just about numbers; it's a reflection of a season filled with memorable moments and noteworthy accomplishments. Here are some key highlights:

Win Streaks: The team likely experienced significant win streaks during the season, demonstrating their dominance and ability to string together victories.

Player Milestones: Individual players may have reached significant career milestones, such as scoring their 500th goal or recording their 1,000th point.

Playoff Positioning: A strong record like 25-9-4 often secures a playoff spot early in the season, allowing the team to focus on playoff preparations.

Remarkable Comebacks: The season may have featured thrilling come-from-behind victories, showcasing the team's resilience and never-say-die attitude.

Leadership: Team leaders, including captains and coaches, played a pivotal role in guiding the team to success, instilling a winning culture, and making crucial decisions during games.

FAQs About a 25-9-4 Record

Is a 25-9-4 record considered exceptional in professional sports?

Yes, a 25-9-4 record is generally considered outstanding. It reflects a high winning percentage and consistent performance throughout the season.

What happens if two teams have the same record in the standings?

In most sports leagues, tiebreakers are used to determine standings when two or more teams have the same record. Tiebreakers can include head-to-head performance, goal differential, or other criteria.

Can a team with a 25-9-4 record win the championship?

A team with a 25-9-4 record is well-positioned for playoff success. However, winning the championship often depends on playoff performance, where the intensity and competition reach their peak.

Do individual player statistics contribute to a team's success?

Individual player statistics, such as goals, assists, and saves, certainly contribute to a team's success. Strong individual performances often translate into team victories.

How do teams maintain consistency throughout a season?

Consistency is achieved through rigorous training, effective coaching, teamwork, and a winning mindset. Teams that can adapt to challenges and maintain focus are more likely to have consistent success.

A 25-9-4 record represents the culmination of a successful season in professional sports, characterized by teamwork, dedication, and memorable moments. It's a testament to the hard work and commitment of players, coaches, and the entire organization. While the regular season may have concluded with this impressive record, the journey continues into the playoffs, where teams strive to achieve the ultimate goal—a championship. The 25-9-4 record serves as a foundation for playoff aspirations and a source of pride for fans who have witnessed a season filled with exciting victories and unforgettable moments.