In addition to being an obvious egomaniac, the Rangers' bench boss has made a case for being called crazy as well.
Tortorella has yet to realize that he has a different team in front of him from last season and hasn't adjusted his outlook or his gameplan. As I said last week, he just keeps laying the whip hoping for a response. He's not getting one, but that isn't stopping him.
On the other bench on Thursday night was Paul MacLean. MacLean lost his best forward, defenseman and goaltender and yet has been able to adjust, turning his squad of foot soldiers into a cohesive unit that gets the job done with alarming regularity. And that is what they did last night, handily defeating the Rangers 3-0.
The Senators played a smart, tough team game and the Blueshirts couldn't match up. Ottawa clogged the middle, filled passing lanes and were stronger physically. Torts' response was to juggle his lines - his usual crutch - and, not-so-surprisingly, the decision didn't do a thing except seal the Rangers' fate.
Insanity.
Just a few Late Hits as this stuff getting old quick:
*Hank definitely needs some physical assistance from his teammates - as I've railed upon in the past, the King has been ran a number of times this year and no one has done anything about it. Dylan McIlrath can't grow up fast enough.
*If the bottom six aren't going to contribute offensively, they should contribute physically. They didn't. They can't be petrified of taking hard-hit penalties, especially when the rest of the roster takes dumber, lazier ones with infuriating regularity.
*What are the odds Zuke will be able to jump start Gabby? Thinking slim and none, as Gabby has been getting chances but he just can't bury them. As I tweeted, he's played 98:14 of power play ice time this season with just one goal.
*MacLean had his guys keep close check of Step and Nash and neither one was a factor whatsoever. Nash is a big power forward, he should be able to battle through tight checking like last night. He didn't, he attempted just one shot the entire night.
*Had Hagelin finished his opportunities, last night woulda been a bit different - the result may have been the same, but at least the Rangers wouldn't have given Bishop his second NHL nono.
*Cally's broken stick was only part of the problem on the Ottawa power play goal - Derek Stepan also erred. Step never closed with any of the Sens to try to force a mistake and was practically standing still by the time Benoit shot. That was after almost a full minute of the Rangers being trapped in their own end, after Step's shorthanded rush down the left wing resulted in soft., bad angle shot. He either should have changed or, after being trapped for so long, lunged at someone to either force a turnover or a bad shot.
*Is it any wonder Iggy didn't want anything to do with this franchise?
3-Erik Contra - no points.
2-Mika Zibanejad - two assists.
1-Ben Bishop - 24 saves.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars:
3-Methot/Phillips - Ottawa's top pair had far more success than the Blueshirts' blueliners.
2-Zibanejad - Clearly the extra time in the minors paid off for the smart, good skating Swede.
1-Chris Neil - Neil was his usual acerbic self and it paid off. Not to mention his quick recovery from injury ...
16-14-3: Insanity on Ice
In the world of sports, there are seasons that follow a predictable script, and then there are those that defy all expectations and logic. The record of 16-14-3 encapsulates a season that can only be described as pure insanity on ice. In this article, we will delve into the significance of this rollercoaster season, explore the moments of exhilaration and frustration it brought, and answer frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable journey.
I. The Season that Defied Expectations
The season with a record of 16-14-3 was characterized by its unpredictability and the way it challenged conventional wisdom.
Preseason Projections: Preseason predictions may have suggested a very different outcome, making this season a captivating narrative of unexpected twists and turns.
Ups and Downs: The rollercoaster of wins, losses, and draws kept fans and pundits guessing, unable to foresee what would happen next.
II. The Thrill of Victory
One of the defining features of this season was the sheer thrill of victory that came when least expected.
Comebacks: The team's resilience led to dramatic come-from-behind victories that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Unlikely Heroes: Unexpected heroes emerged in crucial moments, reminding us that in sports, anyone can become the star of the show.
III. The Agony of Defeat
While there were moments of exhilaration, there were also heart-wrenching defeats that added to the insanity of the season.
Heartbreaking Losses: Last-minute goals and overtime defeats left fans with a sense of frustration, but also an unshakable belief that the team could bounce back.
Inconsistency: The team's inconsistency may have been maddening at times, but it also added an element of suspense to every game.
IV. The Impact on Players
The players themselves experienced a rollercoaster of emotions during this season.
Mental Toughness: The season tested the mental toughness of the players, challenging their ability to stay focused and maintain confidence in the face of adversity.
Leadership: Team leaders stepped up, providing guidance and inspiration during challenging times, and helping to keep the team's morale intact.
V. The Fan Perspective
Fans played an integral role in this season's story, providing unwavering support through thick and thin.
Loyalty: The loyalty of fans was on full display as they continued to pack the arena, showing their dedication to the team, win or lose.
Emotional Investment: The ups and downs of the season took an emotional toll on fans, but they remained committed to the journey.
VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What factors contributed to the team's inconsistency during the season?
Inconsistency can be attributed to a variety of factors, including injuries, lineup changes, and the unpredictable nature of sports.
Were there standout players who made a significant impact during this season?
Yes, standout players likely emerged during the season, showcasing their skills and leadership abilities in critical moments.
Did the team make any significant strategic adjustments during the season to improve its performance?
Strategic adjustments, such as changes in tactics or line combinations, may have been made in response to the team's performance and opponent analysis.
How did the coach handle the challenges and surprises of this unpredictable season?
The coach likely had to adapt and make on-the-fly decisions to navigate the ups and downs of the season, emphasizing resilience and adaptability.
VII. Conclusion
The season of 16-14-3 will forever be remembered as a testament to the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of sports. It was a season of highs and lows, of heart-pounding victories and gut-wrenching defeats, and of unwavering fan support through it all.
As we reflect on this rollercoaster of a season, we are reminded that sports have the power to captivate, surprise, and unite us like few other experiences can. It is in these moments of unpredictability and insanity that the true essence of sports shines through, reminding us why we love the thrill of the game, no matter how crazy it may get.
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