The Blueshirts beat their Hudson River rivals 4-1 to eliminate their awful opponents from the playoffs and keep their own roll through terrible teams going.
It's always a delight to see Brodeur properly humbled - especially when the stakes are high - so this was a fulfilling victory. But there was room for improvement (as there always is) and the Rangers need to keep this streak going if they are to make the playoffs and avoid the ignominy of ended up below the Islanders.
Late Hits:
*Hepatitis Elias whining, DeBoer screaming and swearing, Adam Henrique being a complete nonfactor, David Clarkson not trying to injure anyone ... what has this Devils team come to? And how can we ensure they keep it up?
*The Martin Brodeur that is without stellar defenders and a capable system in front of him is an utter failure, and thus he is the most overrated player in NHL history. While all signs show he should call it a career before more folks see his failures, his alimony payments continue for another seven years so it's almost certain he'll be back next fall. As long as he keeps playing like he did, we should encourage him to keep kicking the can.
*When big players screen goaltenders, your team has a better chance to score. Amazing, right? Clowe did what Brian Boyle has refused to do throughout his Ranger career and stood right in front, allowing Step to redirect McD's shot past Mmmmmaaaaarrrrttttyyyy.
*As I posted on Twitter, the Rangers are 6-1 without Boyle this season and have outscored opponents 32-14 during those seven games. He may win some faceoffs but he unbalances the lines while playing on the periphery and is a black hole with the puck.
*Twenty-seven minutes of ice time for Dan Girardi against a team with exactly one real offensive threat (Kovalchuk). If G can still stand by next Sunday, much less still play, I'll be surprised. He ranks 14th overall in the NHL in total ice time, having played at least two - if not three - games less than 12 of the 13 ahead of him. And, he averages less power play time (2:04) than 18 of the top 21 ice time leaders with only Jay Bouwmeester (1:42) and Ryan McDonagh (0:36) below him. BTW, McD ranks 17th overall.
*Pointed it out a long time ago but it always strikes me as awesome when the American boys stay on the blue line after the anthem until the flag exits. This time it was Step left standing by himself, which was even more impressive.
*"Season's Over! Season's Over!" After much of the afternoon was spent in long stretches of silence interspersed by goal celebrations and the ensuing Mmmmmaaaaarrrrttttyyyys, that chant thundered around the arena in the third period. Delightful.
*Asham is such a waste of a sweater. He intimidates no one, he can't handle the puck, he takes stupid penalties, he puts forth a substandard effort against his former teams ... really, what's the point? Was that 10 minutes for chopping at Ryan Carter or just being a Rhodes Scholar?
*Torts gave Kreider more ice time but it was on the fourth line, not exactly putting him in a situation where he can succeed. Guess the bench boss wants the kid to fail, and will hold up his lack of production as 'proof' that he can't play in the NHL.
*PHW Three Stars:
3-Derek Stepan - one goal and one assist.
2-Brad Richards - two assists.
1-Ryan Callahan - two goals.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars:
3-Richard$ - Seven points in his last three games. That's what yer paid for Braden!
2-Step - He keeps playing like this, he will have to be considered for Team USA next year.
1-Cally - The captain made Fatso look the fool. Love it.
24-17-4: Season's Over!
In the world of sports, every season brings its own unique story, filled with triumphs, disappointments, and moments of inspiration. For one team, the season that just ended was marked by the intriguing record of 24-17-4. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at this season, analyze the highs and lows, and answer some frequently asked questions to unravel the story behind this remarkable journey.
I. The Season Unfolds
The 24-17-4 record represents a season of highs and lows, twists and turns, and moments of both elation and frustration. For the team in question, it was a season that held promise but also presented unexpected challenges.
As the season kicked off, there was a sense of optimism among players, coaches, and fans. The team had undergone significant changes in the offseason, including the addition of key players and a renewed focus on strategy. The early games showed promise, with the team securing important wins and building momentum.
II. The Highs
Strong Start: The team's season began with a burst of energy and enthusiasm. They recorded impressive victories against formidable opponents, showcasing their potential to contend for a playoff spot.
Emerging Stars: Throughout the season, several young players stepped up and became key contributors. Their performances provided a glimpse into the team's future and added depth to the roster.
Playoff Aspirations: With a solid start, the team found themselves in the playoff picture. The possibility of a postseason run ignited excitement among fans and players alike.
III. The Lows
Midseason Slump: The journey was far from smooth sailing. A midseason slump saw the team struggling to find consistency. Injuries and fatigue began to take a toll, leading to a series of losses.
Defensive Issues: One recurring theme throughout the season was defensive lapses. The team often struggled to prevent opponents from scoring, leading to high-scoring games that could go either way.
Inconsistent Goaltending: Goaltending, a cornerstone of any successful team, was inconsistent at times. While there were moments of brilliance between the pipes, there were also games where the team's netminders struggled to make critical saves.
IV. FAQ: Answering Your Questions
What factors contributed to the midseason slump?
The midseason slump can be attributed to a combination of factors, including injuries to key players, fatigue from a demanding schedule, and a loss of confidence that can affect a team's performance.
Were there any standout players during the season?
Yes, there were standout players who shone during the season. The emergence of young talent and the contributions of key veterans were highlights of the team's journey.
What steps will the team take in the offseason to address its issues?
In the offseason, the team is likely to address its defensive issues and goaltending inconsistencies through roster adjustments and targeted player acquisitions. They may also focus on player conditioning and mental resilience to avoid midseason slumps.
What is the significance of a 24-17-4 record in the context of the league?
In the context of the league, a 24-17-4 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.
V. Conclusion
Every sports season is a unique journey, filled with its own set of challenges and triumphs. The 24-17-4 record of this team reflects a season that saw both highs and lows, with moments of promise and frustration. It reminds us that in sports, as in life, success is often accompanied by setbacks, and perseverance in the face of adversity is what defines a team's character.
As the season comes to a close, the team and its fans will reflect on the lessons learned, the growth achieved, and the aspirations for the future. Whether it's a season of triumph or a season of struggle, the love for the game and the dedication to improvement remain unwavering, ensuring that each new season is met with hope and determination.
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