John Tortorella, as per usual, is killing this franchise's fortunes. Torts' utter inability to get his team to come prepared to play at puck drop, his cluelessness about chemistry, his lack of creativity and his power play 'plan' is making a middling team terrible.
The bench boss is, of course, safe - can't imagine a company that employed Isiah Thomas for so long canning a coach amid an asterisked season - but his failings are sending this team to one nerve racking finish. All the talk about the Rangers playing non-playoff teams for the remainder of their schedule is senseless as they play down to the level of their opponents. And if they keep playing like non-playoff teams, soon enough they will be one themselves.
Late Hits:
*Steve Mason became just another sieve of a goaltender made to look magnificent by the Blueshirts. The Rangers threw a deluge of shots on net, shots that the netminder was able to see, shots that weren't followed up. Mason made what? two good saves? A glove on Girardi and a point-blank stop of Zuke. The rest were routine.
*Given their sheer size, Taylor Pyatt and Ryane Clowe should be crashing the net to bang home some rebounds. But they aren't. Pyatt has one goal in his last 38 games, Clowe none since that brace in his debut. I guess Brian Boyle is rubbing off and their size is going to waste.
*Speaking of Boyle, he was unsure of his own injury after the game. How do you not know what hurts? And was there a single person - other than Torts - who missed him after he left in the first period?
*Continually astounding what low-lifes Flyer fans are, really the lowest form of life in the sports world. Classless, vulgar, obnoxious, ignorant slobs. No wonder they still have love for Asham.
*Brad Richard$ was abominable, possibly his worst game as a Ranger (or NHLer). While you would like to think that he can only get better from here, like the rest of the Blueshirts, he surely will find a new way to disappoint.
*No disappointments from John Moore. None at all. As I tweeted, I fully admit to underestimating him when he came over in the Gaborik trade. While I have advocated for more and more ice time for the kid over the last week, even I did not expect the display he put on at Wells Fargo. Smooth skating, solid stickhandling, confident ... even edgy - did you see him jump to Cally's defense when the captain was knocked down in front of the Flyer net? Delightful.
*Del Zastrous night for him and his partner Anton Stralman. I delighted in the shot that hit DZ's face only in that he blocked it and no one was able to skate around him and get a scoring chance. That's it; the report that it was I who yelled "Get up you pussy!" is inaccurate ... I only thought it.
*Really can't wait until Dylan McIlrath gets to town and finally makes opponents accountable for hitting Hank. What a day that will be.
3-Jay Rosehill - one fight.
2-Kimmo Timonen - one goal and one assist.
1-Steve Mason - 38 saves.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars:
3-Rosehill - Not only did he stunt the Ranger rush at the top of the second period by beating the hell out of Asham, he also took a stupid penalty in the first to allow his team to get two minutes closer to victory. Some less sarcastic credit to Sean Couturier for solid work on both sides of the ice.
2-Claude Giroux - The former Eisbaren won 18 faceoffs, including the offensive zone draw that went right to Kimmo for Philly's third goal.
1-Timonen - An all-around fine performance by the Finn. The 38 year old will not end up in the Hall of Fame but he will be able to skate away from the game next year having had an admirable career.
21-17-4: The Ole Let-Down
In the world of sports, each season is a rollercoaster ride, filled with moments of triumph, disappointment, and everything in between. The record of 21-17-4 tells a story of a season that promised much but ended in an unexpected and frustrating fashion. In this article, we will delve into this season's highs and lows, explore the factors that led to the "ole let-down," and answer frequently asked questions to understand the complexities of sports and the unpredictable nature of competition.
I. The Season's Aspiration
The season began with great anticipation and high hopes. The team had undergone significant changes during the offseason, including player acquisitions, coaching adjustments, and a renewed commitment to success. Fans were eager to see how these changes would translate on the field.
As the season kicked off, there was a palpable sense of excitement. The team started reasonably well, securing important victories and showcasing flashes of brilliance. However, the journey had just begun, and the twists and turns were yet to reveal themselves.
II. The Highs
Strong Start: The season commenced with a string of wins that inspired confidence. The team's early performances indicated that they had the potential to contend with the league's best.
Emerging Stars: Throughout the season, young and relatively unknown players stepped up and became key contributors. Their performances offered a glimpse of the team's future potential and provided depth to the roster.
Playoff Aspirations: Despite facing challenges, the team remained in the playoff picture for a significant part of the season. The possibility of a postseason run fueled hope and excitement among fans.
III. The Lows
Injury Woes: Injuries took a toll on the team, sidelining key players at critical junctures of the season. Coping with these setbacks and maintaining consistency became an immense challenge.
Defensive Struggles: Defensive lapses plagued the team throughout the season. They often struggled to prevent opponents from scoring, leading to high-scoring games that could go either way.
Puck Misfortune: The unpredictable nature of sports often leads to moments of puck misfortune – the post hit instead of a goal scored, an unfortunate bounce, or a save by an opposing goaltender that defies belief.
IV. The Complexity of Sports
Sports are a complex and unpredictable endeavor, often defying expectations and conventional wisdom. The story of the season with a 21-17-4 record highlights several crucial aspects of sports:
Injuries as a Game-Changer: Injuries can drastically alter a team's fortunes. Losing key players disrupts lineups and strategies, challenging the team's ability to adapt and overcome adversity.
Defensive Challenges: A strong defense is essential in sports. Defensive lapses and struggles can undermine even the most potent offenses, leading to inconsistency and frustration.
The Unpredictable Nature: Sports are inherently unpredictable. Factors like "puck luck" and individual performances can sway the outcome of games in unexpected ways, adding an element of uncertainty to every contest.
V. FAQ: Answering Your Questions
What is the significance of a 21-17-4 record in the context of the league?
A 21-17-4 record signifies a competitive team that is capable of contending for a playoff spot. However, it also suggests that the team faced challenges in maintaining consistency throughout the season.
How do teams cope with injuries during a season?
Coping with injuries involves a combination of factors, including adjusting lineups, modifying game strategies, and relying on depth players to step up. Effective rehabilitation and medical support also play a crucial role.
What can teams do to address defensive struggles?
Teams address defensive struggles by focusing on improving defensive systems, player positioning, and communication. Coaches often emphasize the importance of discipline and teamwork in defensive play.
Is "puck luck" a legitimate factor in sports, or is it just an excuse for poor performance?
"Puck luck" is a real factor in sports, reflecting the unpredictable nature of competition. While it shouldn't be used as an excuse, it acknowledges that luck and chance events can influence outcomes.
VI. Conclusion
The season with a record of 21-17-4 serves as a reminder of the complexity and unpredictability of sports. It is a journey that offered moments of exhilaration and frustration, triumph and let-downs. It underscores that in the world of sports, as in life, success often depends on the ability to navigate through challenges and adapt to circumstances beyond one's control.
As fans and players reflect on this season, they'll understand that the "ole let-down" is just one chapter in a much larger story. It's a testament to the enduring allure of sports – the thrill of competition, the agony of defeat, and the indomitable spirit to persevere, no matter the outcome.
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