39-15-6: Edging Out The Sabres

The Rangers are clearly immersed in the winter doldrums. Thankfully, much like the weather outside, this winter has been mild. Despite putting forth yet another poor performance on Saturday night the Blueshirts beat Buffalo 3-2 in overtime to improve to 2-2-1 in their last five games.

The successes come not from some meteorological magic but by a few players stepping up to carry the load. This one featured the captain, the King and the kid. Ryan Callahan, Henrik Lundqvist and Carl Hagelin all had good efforts to help the Rangers slice past the Sabres by the narrowest of margins.

Cally has consistently raised his game against his 'hometown' team and was relentless on Saturday night. Hank has allowed two or less goals in his last 11 starts and has a record of 9-2 over that span. He made just 18 saves but several were solid scoring chances by the Sabres. And young Carl was all over the ice, tenacious and speedy. His play suckered that clown Kaleta into a bad penalty (that the power play of course squandered).

If Torts is ever able to get the team firing on all pistons they might actually be able to get out of this funk and deep into the playoffs. If.

Just a few Late Hits:

*As usual, the Rangers won when Brandon Prust fights in the first two minutes - love that MSG now uses my stat on their broadcast (still sad it went un-attributed). I was asked how I can hate fighting for fighting's sake and love the early Prust bouts. Prust fights to energize the team, that simple. The Rangers have stumbled out of the gate so often this season, and was coming off of that hideously embarrassing loss on Friday night so they needed a spark. And Pruster provided it.

*Ranger power play continued to be no advantage at all, going 0-2. The biggest culprit is the man they claimed would quarterback the unit upon his high priced signing: Brad Richard$. B-Rich has just four assists and zero, count 'em, zero power play goals in his last 33 games. And it can't be blamed on Olivia Munn breaking his heart as that streak started mid-relationship. Had he been able to convert or cause more chances, the current clamour for Columbus' Rick Nash certainly would not be as loud.

*As my buddy Eric observed, Brandon Dubinsky has turned into Chris Higgins - for all of his failings, at least he's trying. If this was his final game in a Blueshirt at least he went out working as hard as ever.

*Ring a ding ding. Buffalo hit the iron twice, and Marc Staal connected on what could have been the game winning power play goal a minute from the final buzzer. The posts are a goalie's best friends ...

*Marian Gaborik's game-tying goal was just sick. Del Zaster sent him the puck on a nice pass (credit given!) and the Slovakian Sniper roofed it over Miller. What a shot. It is goals like that one that make his slumps so frustrating because you know he is so extremely talented. After a five game goal drought he has scored in back-to-back games. With 29 so far this season, 40 is definitely in reach with over a month to go.

*Pat Kaleta. What a cheap, dirty, piece of garbage excuse for a hockey player. That guy needs to get his comeuppance something fierce. Like headhunting Andy Sutton, Kaleta is only out there to injure others and someday someone should send him into early retirement himself. It was wonderful to see him get embarrassed by Callahan on the game-winner.

*Odd to see good goaltenders like Hank and Miller give up bad goals through their five holes to get both teams on the scoreboard. Then again, Miller lost the Olympic gold medal for the U.S. by opening his legs to Sidney Crosby so perhaps it is not as strange.

*Oh Del Zaster. Rammer jabbing at the kid's "injured" hip was hilarious, made me think of this.

*Stu Bickel had a far better game than Anton Stralman. Not that that is saying much. If Sather secures another defender on Monday, it should be the big guy who keeps his job.

*Really would have liked to see more from Derek Stepan. The sophomore has not been slumping this season but he has been hit-or-miss.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Carl Hagelin - one goal and one assist.
2-Drew Stafford - two goals.
1-Ryan Callahan - one goal.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Hagelin - Bork bork bork!
2-Cally - Rochester's finest finished this game on a gorgeous goal.
1-Stafford - On a night where the Rangers top defenders shut down the city of Pominville and Austria's finest Thomas Vanek, Stafford finally stepped up his game and showed the skill that got him 31 goals last season.

39-15-6: Edging Out the Sabres - A Hockey Triumph

In the world of professional sports, numbers often hold special significance, acting as symbols of triumph, perseverance, and excellence. "39-15-6" is one such combination that carries immense weight and tells a compelling story. In this article, we'll delve into the significance of "39-15-6," explore the captivating narrative behind these numbers, and answer frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable achievement in the world of hockey.

Understanding "39-15-6"

At first glance, "39-15-6" may appear as a mere numerical sequence, but in the context of professional hockey, it represents a remarkable feat:

39: The first number, "39," signifies the number of victories achieved by a hockey team during a specific season. Winning 39 games in a season is a significant accomplishment, often indicative of a competitive and successful team.

15: The second number, "15," represents the number of losses experienced during the same season. While losses are an inevitable part of sports, maintaining a low number of defeats demonstrates a team's resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks.

6: The third number, "6," is emblematic of the number of games that were won in overtime or shootout situations during the season. These victories in closely contested games underscore a team's ability to perform under pressure and secure critical points.

The Triumph of "39-15-6"

To truly appreciate the significance of "39-15-6," we need to delve into the captivating narrative behind these numbers. Let's explore the story of this remarkable hockey season:

1. Consistency and Determination

The "39" victories are a testament to the team's consistency and determination throughout the season. Winning nearly 40 games in a highly competitive league requires unwavering commitment and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

2. Resilience in the Face of Adversity

The "15" losses represent the challenges and setbacks encountered along the way. Hockey is a sport of highs and lows, and these losses served as opportunities for the team to regroup, adapt, and come back stronger.

3. Thriving in High-Stakes Moments

The "6" overtime or shootout victories highlight the team's ability to thrive in high-stakes situations. Overtime and shootouts demand quick thinking, precision, and nerves of steel. Winning these games required exceptional skill and composure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let's address some common questions related to "39-15-6" and its significance in the world of hockey:

1. What are some other notable numerical combinations in hockey?

In hockey, numbers like "50 goals in 50 games" and "100-point seasons" are highly significant. Achieving these milestones represents individual excellence and scoring prowess.

2. Can you provide examples of famous overtime or shootout victories in hockey history?

Certainly! Famous overtime or shootout victories include the "Miracle on Ice" at the 1980 Winter Olympics, where the U.S. defeated the Soviet Union, and the Chicago Blackhawks' dramatic Stanley Cup-winning goal in overtime in 2010.

3. How do teams prepare for overtime and shootout situations?

Teams often practice specific strategies for overtime and shootouts, including selecting the best players for shootout attempts and developing defensive schemes to prevent goals.

4. Are there any specific rules for overtime and shootouts in hockey?

In the NHL, regular-season games that end in a tie after regulation go into a five-minute sudden-death overtime period, with both teams playing with fewer skaters. If the game remains tied, it proceeds to a shootout, where each team selects players to take penalty shots.

5. How does a team's performance in the regular season impact their playoff prospects?

A team's performance in the regular season, including their win-loss record, affects their playoff seeding and chances of qualifying for the postseason. Strong regular-season performance often leads to a higher playoff seed and home-ice advantage.

6. What factors contribute to a successful hockey season?

A successful hockey season is influenced by factors such as teamwork, coaching, player skill, goaltending performance, injuries, and the ability to adapt to different game situations.

: A Season of Excellence

"39-15-6" encapsulates more than just numbers; it represents the essence of a triumphant hockey season. It tells a story of determination, resilience, and the ability to thrive in high-stakes moments. In the world of professional sports, such achievements serve as reminders of the incredible dedication and skill exhibited by athletes and teams. "39-15-6" is a symbol of excellence and an enduring testament to the spirit of competition in the thrilling world of hockey.