The Blueshirts held true to form on Friday night, playing down to the level of their opponents. No, they played below the level of their opponent - an opponent who opened the night 24 points behind them in the standings, the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Rangers went 8-2-2 in their last 12 tilts, bookended by extra-time affairs against Tampa. The Blueshirts beat the Bolts 4-3 in the first one and the Lightning flipped the script in this one. Where Ryan Callahan collected the winner the first time around, the captain was absent with injury in this one and Ryan Malone filled the void for the bad guys.
The one solace in all of this is that the points keep pouring in despite the team being entrenched in the doldrums of the season. But, as we well know, all the points in the world will be meaningless in the playoffs so the boys have to snap out this soon and start showing that they are a team that contend when things really get tough.
Late Hits:
*Yet again Hank proved his Hart candidacy by keeping the Rangers in the game. Without the King, this one woud have been a laugher for the Lightning.
*Much will be made of the motivated Brandon Dubinsky. After being benched in Raleigh for something that Del Zaster skated away from scot free, Dubi had to endure his coach threatening to scratch him entirely. It is amazing how guys respond to Tortorella's slander. Vinny Prospal once did it by scoring two goals and said he did it to "shove it up somebody's butt." Dubi wasn't as entertainingly honest after the game but he did put together one of his best performances of the season. Leads one to wonder why he can't kick it into high gear more often ...*Arty Anisimov is another player who you have to pray finds that high gear more consistently because - as he showed on this night - he can be quite good. It has always been a confidence issue with the Russian kid and once he gets it in his head that he is capable, he can help carry the team.
*Where Cally's absence was apparent, Del Zaster's went unnoticed and may have even been a boon for the boys. Jeff Woywitka got back into the lineup for the first time in forever, something that can only help if he gets called upon again down the line.
*Mike Sullivan scrambled to keep St. Louis and Stamkos covered and he ended up favouring Staal and Stralman - a clear mistake. Sure Dan Girardi was playing hurt and he and McD were on for the first two goals against but they have shown time and again that they could handle big minutes. Keeping a recent concussion case and a No. 6 or 7 defender out there for so much time cost the team as they were out of gas by the overtime.
*Tampa has actual Tesla coils that shoot electricity into the air every time they score. How did MSG not show that?!?
*They did well to show the electricity that was Steven Stamkos, a kid who is clearly among the NHL elite. Always dangerous, Stamkos scored Tampa's third straight goal and his 45th of the season. He is seriously scary.
*Mike Rupp? Not scary at all. Not useful at all either.
*Brad Richard$ has got to be better. The former Conn Smyth winner was active but blew several good chances. With just one goal in his last 10 games, you have to wonder if it is a confidence issue with him at this point.
*Love Stevie Y but does he really think that the draft pick he got for Steve Downie will turn out to be someone better than the shift disturber? Not every team will be as meek as the Rangers were. Garon was untroubled as he made most of his saves and there weren't many scrums at all.
*PHW Three Stars3-Marian Gaborik - one goal and one assist.
2-Steven Stamkos - one goal and one assist.
1-Ryan Malone - one goal.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Dubi - Sure Hank's play could have earned him a star but Dubiis effort alone earned recognition. He simply wasn't going to be stopped as he emerged from Chateau Bow Wow.
2-Teddy Purcell - Purcell is much like another Kings' castoff - Matt Moulson. As Moulson compliments John Tavares well, Purcell synchs with Stamkos to give defenses fits.
1-Stamkos - Stud.
41-15-7: A Closer Look at the Rollercoaster Ride of a Hockey Season
In the world of professional hockey, numbers can tell a compelling story. They can reveal the ups and downs, the triumphs and challenges, and the overall journey of a team throughout a season. "41-15-7" is one such numerical sequence that encapsulates a significant chapter in a hockey team's history. In this article, we'll delve into the meaning of "41-15-7" in the context of hockey, explore the factors that contributed to this specific sequence, and answer frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive understanding of this rollercoaster ride of a season.
Deciphering the Code: 41-15-7
At first glance, "41-15-7" may appear as a random assortment of numbers. However, within the context of hockey, these digits carry specific meaning:
41: The first number, "41," represents the total number of victories achieved by a hockey team during the season. In the world of professional hockey, reaching the 40-win threshold is a significant milestone and often indicates a successful campaign.
15: The second number, "15," signifies the total number of losses incurred by the same hockey team in the same season. While losses are a natural part of any season, a low number of defeats suggests a strong performance overall.
7: The third number, "7," is often associated with overtime or shootout losses. In some hockey leagues, a game that remains tied after regulation time goes into overtime or a shootout, where a team can earn a point even in defeat. "7" represents the total number of times the team faced this scenario.
Context Matters: Different Leagues, Different Meanings
To fully comprehend the significance of "41-15-7," it's essential to consider the specific hockey league, team, and season to which it pertains. Different hockey leagues may have varying rules and formats, and what constitutes a successful or challenging record can differ accordingly.
Interpreting the Code: League-Specific Examples
Let's explore how "41-15-7" could be interpreted in different hockey league contexts:
1. NHL (National Hockey League)
In the NHL, "41-15-7" could represent the regular-season record of an NHL team. This sequence would imply that the team achieved 41 victories, suffered 15 losses, and recorded 7 overtime or shootout losses during the season. Such a record would generally be seen as a commendable performance, suggesting that the team accumulated a significant number of points in the standings.
2. AHL (American Hockey League)
In the AHL, a similar interpretation applies. "41-15-7" might signify the regular-season record of an AHL team, indicating their success in winning games and their competitiveness in overtime or shootout situations.
3. International Leagues
In international hockey leagues or tournaments, the meaning of "41-15-7" could still revolve around wins, losses, and ties (or their equivalent). However, it's worth noting that different international leagues may employ distinct tiebreaker rules and overtime formats.
4. Junior Hockey
Junior hockey leagues, like the CHL (Canadian Hockey League) or USHL (United States Hockey League), often use a similar numerical sequence to represent regular-season records. "41-15-7" in this context would convey the performance of a junior hockey team throughout their season.
5. European Leagues
In European hockey leagues, the interpretation may be analogous to that of North American leagues, depending on the specific league's rules and regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let's address some common questions regarding the numerical sequence "41-15-7" in hockey:
1. Does "41-15-7" always represent wins, losses, and overtime/shootout losses in hockey?
While "41-15-7" typically signifies wins, losses, and overtime/shootout losses in hockey, the interpretation can vary depending on the league and context. Some leagues may use different statistics or variations of this sequence to convey team performance.
2. Can "41-15-7" be considered a successful record in hockey?
A record of "41-15-7" in hockey is generally considered successful, as it implies a high number of victories and a relatively low number of losses. However, the degree of success can vary depending on the league's competitiveness and the team's specific goals.
3. Are there variations of this numerical sequence in hockey statistics?
Yes, there are numerous variations of numerical sequences used in hockey statistics to assess team performance. These sequences may include wins, losses, ties, overtime wins, and shootout wins, among other metrics.
4. Can "41-15-7" represent a different statistic in hockey?
In some cases, "41-15-7" could represent a different statistic or category in hockey, depending on how it is used within the specific context of a league or team. However, it is most commonly associated with wins, losses, and overtime/shootout losses.
"41-15-7" is more than just a sequence of numbers; it's a code that encapsulates the journey and performance of a hockey team throughout a season. Whether it signifies a successful campaign or highlights challenges faced by the team, these numbers are a testament to the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the sport. As fans, we eagerly await each new season's numerical storylines, knowing that they will continue to shape the narrative of hockey and provide us with moments of joy, excitement, and anticipation.
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