1-2-0: Slovak Success

For many of the True Blue faithful, the first real time they noticed Marian Gaborik was when he collected six points - five goals - against the Rangers in 2007. At the time this space grudgingly gave some credit to him, while largely blaming Blueshirt breakdowns for the five. Time heals and provides perspective, and now it is easy to admit that it was a masterful performance by Gabby.

Last night we saw another.

The Slovak showed a sublime scoring touch and potted a hat trick against a good Boston squad, giving the Rangers a 4-3 overtime win over the Bruins. Timing, speed, hands ... just amazing. Performances like last night certainly make things more infuriating when he isn't performing, when he is half-heartedly lazing around like he did for stretches of recent seasons past. This shortened campaign will hopefully keep him involved and bring about more performances like last night.

Late Hits:

*"That's what yer paid for Braden!" 1: The top line guys played like top line guys (at regular strength). Richards' touch pass to Nash on Gabby's first goal was simply amazing. While he needs to work on his faceoffs (not the only one on this team, another in a moment), Richie showed the instincts that earned his paycheque. Only troubling note for the top trio was Nash's showboating. Dipsy doodling may delight the crowd, but, unlike in Columbus, our team is expected to win and that takes priority over some half-assed hot doggery.

*Now if they could only do it on the power play. That third period five-on-three atrocity is inexcusable.  They could have put the game away, and instead allowed the seconds to slip by with nary a chance. Horrifying.

*That was one of the few offensive opportunities in the third period, as Torts kept his team from trying to add to their 3-2 advantage. They tightened up, and Boston took control. Yeah, "safe is death" my derriere. The bench boss puts the fear of death in his players and they lose all faith in themselves, which ends up costing them time and time again. The Bruins should not have gotten a point out of this game; that is all on Torts.

*"That's what yer paid for Braden!" 2: Taylor Pyatt has been everything we wanted him to be: a big body that battles around the net. Delightful, utterly delightful to see him working down low. While he is unlikely to keep this scoring touch going at this rate, as long as he puts in the same effort night in and night out he will be just fine. Now Torts needs to put him with some decent linemates.

*Brian Boyle should not be one of them. If not for Mike Rupp, Boyle would be the worst player on the roster. He can't skate, he has hands of cement with the puck that turn into pillows when trying to punch. He's awkward and overpaid. Yes, he scored a buncha goals a few years back when goalies were fooled into thinking he didn't know how to shoot. They know better now, not that he has even been able to put himself in good spots to shoot ... just awful.

*Jeff Halpern has a pass, for the moment. He is exactly the kind of low-line guy hurt the most by the lockout. No matter how much he worked out, as a veteran grinder, it'll take a while to get his game together because rust did creep in. Faceoffs are an art form based upon instincts and timing, and that will come back with more action. Just, hopefully, not too much more.

*Wanted to give Kreider a pass for his poor play in Hartford because it surely was a disappointment to go to the AHL after doing so well last spring in the playoffs. That pass has been revoked. The kid came into the season uninterested and, now that things have gotten 'real', has shown himself woefully underprepared to play at the NHL level. A banishment back to the bus league is in order, where he needs to be treated like the rookie he is.

*Del Zaster giveth and Del Zaster taketh away. His long pass to Richie on the aforementioned first Gabby goal was perfect. He got the helper on the second Gabby goal after finally getting a shot off after two fumbles, a nice turn of luck. And then he showed he is still utterly inept in his own end on the Lucic goal, standing around lost as the Bruins swarmed the Ranger end. He still hasn't learned. Ugh.

*Bad luck for Bork! on the Horton goal, having the puck go off his stick right to the Bruin. The young Swede's effort is unquestioned but he is far from the Swagelin' that was called up alongside John Mitchell last season. He and Stepan need to find that confidence that they once had and turn all this effort into some success.

*PHW Three Stars:
3-Brad Richards - one assist.
2-Rick Nash - one assist.
1-Marian Gaborik - three goals.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars:
3-Lucic - Almost put Bergeron in this spot because of his puck skills but Lucic was a handful for the Rangers to handle all night long. Same could be said for Marchand too.
2-Richards - Finally showed the skills that helped Loui Eriksson turn from a middling, uncertain Swede into a stellar sniper.
1-Gabby - One problem with my relocation to the roof is that I couldn't reach the ice with my hat. But a hearty hat tip to him for the tremendous trick. 

 1-2-0: Slovak Success - A Look at Slovakia's Sporting Achievements

In the realm of international sports, small countries often prove that size does not determine success. Slovakia, with a population of just over 5 million people, is one such nation that has made its mark on the global stage. A record of 1-2-0 might not seem particularly remarkable at first glance, but this article aims to shed light on Slovakia's achievements in sports, its proud sporting traditions, and its continued commitment to excellence. We will also address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive understanding of Slovakia's sporting landscape.

1-2-0: Slovak Success – The Sporting Perspective

A sports record of 1-2-0 signifies a mix of victories and defeats, a pattern familiar to athletes and teams in all corners of the world. It speaks to the trials and triumphs that define the journey of athletes and showcases the perseverance that drives them forward.

Slovakia's Sporting Achievements

Slovakia's sporting achievements span various disciplines, with remarkable success in ice hockey, tennis, and cycling, among others:

Ice Hockey: Slovakia's passion for ice hockey runs deep. The Slovak national ice hockey team has consistently been a contender in international competitions, including the IIHF World Championship and the Winter Olympics. Slovakia won its first and only IIHF World Championship title in 2002 and has produced numerous NHL players.

Tennis: Slovakia boasts a strong tennis tradition, with players like Dominika Cibulkova and Daniela Hantuchova achieving success on the international circuit. Dominika Cibulkova, in particular, reached the finals of the Australian Open in 2014.

Cycling: Slovak cyclist Peter Sagan is a global sensation. He has won multiple UCI Road World Championships and stages in the Tour de France. Sagan's charisma and riding prowess have made him a beloved figure in the cycling world.

Canoeing: Slovakia has excelled in canoeing and kayaking, with athletes winning numerous medals in Olympic and World Championships events.

Football (Soccer): While ice hockey dominates the Slovak sporting scene, the national football team has had its moments of success, competing in the UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup.

Resilience and Determination

A record of 1-2-0 in sports resonates with Slovakia's sporting journey. It symbolizes the resilience and determination of athletes who have overcome challenges and setbacks to achieve success. Slovakia's athletes, despite facing adversity, have consistently displayed a commitment to excellence.

FAQs About Slovakia's Sporting Achievements

Let's address some common questions to provide a deeper understanding of Slovakia's sporting landscape:

Q1: Why is ice hockey so popular in Slovakia?

A1: Ice hockey holds a special place in Slovakia due to its rich history in the sport. The success of Slovak ice hockey players in the NHL and international competitions has further fueled its popularity.

Q2: Who are some other notable Slovak athletes in addition to Peter Sagan and Dominika Cibulkova?

A2: Slovakia has produced other notable athletes, including cyclist Matej Mohoric, canoeist Michal Martikan, and biathlete Anastasia Kuzmina.

Q3: How has Slovakia's sporting infrastructure contributed to its success?

A3: Slovakia has invested in sporting infrastructure, including training facilities and coaching programs, to support the development of athletes.

Q4: What challenges do Slovak athletes face on the international stage?

A4: Slovak athletes often face competition from larger countries with greater resources. Travel and funding can also present challenges.

Q5: How does Slovakia celebrate its sporting successes?

A5: Slovakia celebrates its sporting achievements with pride, and successful athletes are often celebrated as national heroes. Victories are met with fanfare and recognition.

Slovakia's sporting journey, as symbolized by a 1-2-0 record, reflects the resilience, determination, and commitment to excellence that define its athletes. Despite being a small nation, Slovakia has made significant contributions to the global sporting community. From ice hockey to tennis and cycling, Slovak athletes have proven that talent and passion can transcend boundaries and bring success on the international stage. As they continue to strive for excellence in their respective sports, Slovakia's athletes inspire not only their compatriots but also sports enthusiasts worldwide. Their story reminds us that success is not defined solely by the numbers but by the unwavering spirit that propels them forward.