36-24-9: Attack Of The Killer G's

For all of those kids out there who want to play goaltender, watching a tape of today's Rangers Bruins game could prove pretty education. True, most of the big saves were a tad unorthodox, but both goaltenders kept their composure and kept their teams in a game neither really had a right to be in. Alex Auld, a career backup, played just as good as Hank, New York's anointed royalty. One guy will be living on per diem in the minor leagues in a few weeks, and the other recently made sure his future children will never have to work a day in their lives. But on this day both were equally spectacular and a 0-0 tie would have been well earned. Unfortunately in "My NHL" a skills competition decides the game, but at least Nigel Dawes won it and we skated away with two points. Before you skate away, some more thoughts:

*Chris Drury, 2008-09 New York Rangers Captain. The ultimate team guy, the ultimate clutch performer ... I think it is a given when Jagr leaves. Dru's tussle with former Islanders first round draft pick Petteri Nokelainen won't rank high on hockeyfights.com but it did send a message: you stand up for your teammate, whoever you are.

*Jaromir Jagr didn't do that and had a chance later in the game. But in this game he had tons of chances and blew them. I mean scoring chances, rather than opportunities to actually live up to the C on his jersey. Yes Auld played well and made some good stops, but for the first time in weeks Jagr didn't have to go up against a shutdown defenseman and he did nothing. With Chara out the Bruins had no one - there was no Brendan Witt, Mike Komisarek, Hal Gill, whomever. Jagr finally had some freedom and did not take advantage of it. He blew a sure goal on a breakaway by slowing down and he didn't participate in the shootout. I know he still has his proponents out there but y'all are wrong; I think that ship has sailed.

*The Bruins were almost as bad as the Sound Tigers were this week but I won't regulate them to Providence (the AHL); they are too well coached. Claude Julien has really instilled Devils hockey in them and they execute it well. They just don't have the talent that Jersey does.

*After two horrible periods (actually more if you include every game this season), Rozy remembered how to play defence in the third. He showed the skill he had last season when he stepped into the role of our number one defenseman. Now if he can only keep it going ...

*And going forward the Christian "Wally" Backman experiment needs to end. Wally did have two decent defensive plays, but he also took a dumb penalty and was flighty. Worse than all, his mere presence has led to Marc Staal playing his worse hockey of the season so he needs to sit. Staal has been all over the place, taking more chances and playing like a rookie for the first time all year. Bringing back the slower but steadier Jason Strudwick should calm him down in time for the playoffs. Wally doesn't add anything to the team that will be missed when he rides the pine.

*People were screaming around me when the fourth line took the ice with less than two minutes left in regulation but I wasn't one of them. Renney wanted the guaranteed point on home ice than to take the risk of losing. If the game is on the road - and earlier in the season - then he should go for the goal but every point is needed at this point.

*Speaking of the fourth line, and I know I will run into some opposition here, but I think that Renney should try a game with Colton sitting and Ryan Hollweg back in his place. Hollweg has the speed to keep up with Sjostrom and Bettsy and can throw down if need be. Granted, Hollweg gets the same penalties as Sean Avery: two minutes for a bad reputation. But it might be something interesting to try ...

*Avery really needs a foil to be at his best. He needs someone to antagonize to be at his best and Julien's squad is pretty faceless; the same thing happened in Buffalo during the playoffs and he was just as ineffective. He needs to overcome that and just be a pain in the ass to everyone, while avoiding the aforementioned two minutes for a bad reputation penalties.

*Marty Straka, where have you gone? Back in November he had one of my moments of the year against the B's (blocking back-to-back shots with a broken hand) but in this game he was going all over the place and yet not in the right direction. If he could bring some discipline back, and any scoring touch at all, then that line will be unstoppable.

*Our power play on the other hand ... 0-3. That has to change, but I think it was as much a symptom of Jagr and Straka's play as anything else in this game. If they get it going again ... man ...

*PHW Three Stars
3-Nigel Dawes - shootout-winning goal.
2-Alex Auld - 35 saves.
1-Hank - 29 saves.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Drury - he fought. Wow. Aside from a preseason bout with Derian Hatcher, he hasn't thrown down the gloves since before the lockout. Just goes to show the lengths he will go to defend the red, white and blue.
2-Dennis Wideman - he played 34:34 and did a good enough job that Chara's presence was not missed in the Boston zone. He played smart, aside from a dubious hooking call and was always involved for the B's.
1-The goaltenders: Hank and Alex Auld - I can get away with putting both of them. They were good, both were beaten several times but both played with poise and walked away with shutouts.

 36-24-9: Attack of the Killer G's - The New York Rangers' Dynamic Duo

In the world of hockey, dynamic duos are often celebrated for their ability to dominate games and capture the imagination of fans. The New York Rangers, with their 36-24-9 record in the 2021-22 NHL season, have found their own dynamic duo in the form of forwards Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad. Together, they have propelled the Rangers into playoff contention and reignited the excitement at Madison Square Garden. In this article, we'll delve into the remarkable chemistry and impact of these two players on the Rangers' success.

FAQ 1: Who Are Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad?

Artemi Panarin: Artemi "Breadman" Panarin, a Russian winger, joined the Rangers in the 2019-20 season as a highly sought-after free agent. He quickly established himself as one of the league's premier forwards with his exceptional playmaking skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability. Panarin is known for his creativity on the ice and his ability to elevate the play of his teammates.

Mika Zibanejad: Mika Zibanejad, a Swedish center, has been a vital part of the Rangers' core since his arrival in 2016. He possesses a lethal shot and has consistently been among the team's top goal-scorers. Zibanejad's two-way play and leadership qualities make him an integral part of the Rangers' success.

FAQ 2: What Makes Their Partnership Special?

The Panarin-Zibanejad partnership is special for several reasons:

Chemistry: Their on-ice chemistry is exceptional, as they seem to instinctively know where each other will be. Their ability to find open space and create scoring opportunities is second to none.

Versatility: Both players are versatile and can adapt to various situations. Panarin is equally adept at setting up goals as he is at scoring them, while Zibanejad's faceoff prowess and defensive responsibility add depth to their partnership.

Leadership: Panarin and Zibanejad lead by example, both on and off the ice. Their work ethic, determination, and commitment to the team's success inspire their teammates.

Power Play Dominance: The duo's effectiveness on the power play is a key part of the Rangers' success. They move the puck with precision and create high-quality scoring chances.

FAQ 3: What Impact Have They Had on the Rangers' Season?

Panarin and Zibanejad's impact on the Rangers' 2021-22 season has been profound:

Scoring Prowess: They are among the league leaders in points, with Panarin often ranked at or near the top. Their ability to generate offense has been crucial to the Rangers' success.

Team Success: The Rangers have been competitive in the Eastern Conference, thanks in large part to the offensive contributions of Panarin and Zibanejad. They've helped the team secure crucial wins against tough opponents.

Fan Excitement: Their electrifying style of play and highlight-reel goals have brought excitement back to Madison Square Garden. Fans eagerly anticipate their performances night in and night out.

Leadership: Beyond their offensive contributions, Panarin and Zibanejad's leadership in the locker room has been invaluable in nurturing a winning culture.

: The Dynamic Duo's Impact

Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad, the "Killer G's," have been the driving force behind the New York Rangers' resurgence in the 2021-22 NHL season. Their remarkable chemistry, scoring ability, and leadership qualities have not only made the Rangers playoff contenders but have also reinvigorated the franchise and its passionate fan base.

As the regular season winds down and the playoffs approach, the Rangers will look to Panarin and Zibanejad to continue their stellar play and lead the team to a deep postseason run. For Rangers fans, there is no doubt that the Killer G's are a force to be reckoned with, and they hold the keys to the team's success in the quest for the Stanley Cup.

34-24-8: I Bet NBC Is Happy ...

The peacock got an entertaining game that featured eight goals, a fight and a shootout. So good for them! For us ... well, we gave a charity point to a suddenly-surging rival. The Flyers had won three straight games after losing 10 in a row to fall behind us in playoff positioning. We blew 3-2 and 4-3 leads but through two of the prettiest shootout goals scored by Rangers since the lockout, got the win. That is definitely something to be happy about.

I have been accused of being too negative of late but this team shows such great flashes that seem to blind people to the major flaws. Unfortunately those flaws are the ones that will cost us in the playoffs. Our starting goaltender has been a shadow of himself and the defensemen aren't punishing opposing forwards - defense wins championships folks, it is a cliche but its true. Before you get on me for being a downer, there are good signs. Much like in Carolina, the boys were able to put the puck in the net and this time we even got a power play goal. The older players are playing with a fresh jump and the young players are playing like veterans. And let's face it, at the end of the day they are walking away with a win to keep their streak alive of nine games without a regulation loss and that is huge this time of year. Some other stuff, both good and bad:

*Valley had a fantastic outing after coming in to start the second period. He has had Philly's number and should have gotten the start in the first place, but he came through when called. The other goaltender ... well that crown is looking rusty and dented. He gave up three goals on six shots. Someone call the Swedish Bikini Team or something. Hank doesn't have his dad or some mysterious migraine problem he never told anyone about until after he choked to blame for this. If this team is going to be great, he needs to become the King again.

*It doesn't help that the Rangers defense allows the other teams to crash the crease, seemingly at will. At one point in overtime the Rangers got a long shot off at Biron and instantly there was a white and orange wall in front of him of three Flyers. It was awesome to see and sent a message. Now if only the Blueshirts could do the same ... maybe a 'safer working environment' will do the trick to get Hank back to form. Vinny Prospal camped out in the corner of the crease and scored the first goal a minute into the game and that was it for Hank, he was gone ...

*Christian Backman/Marek Malik. Wally and the Beave. The Swedish softie and the Sasquatch. They really are horrible defensemen and yet came through with three points in the game. Wally can't stay out of the penalty box and his goal has made up for one of the three he has cost the team so far. I want payment. I won't even ask for interest, but I want payment. Malik ... what can you say? He actually skated hard twice in the game, which is two more than usual. He grabbed two assists, one was actually earned on a smart play. He was also blown by on the boards and in the middle of the ice, passed the puck to Flyers twice and took a bad penalty. Sather traded for one of these guys and wouldn't/couldn't trade the other so we will have to make due folks. Dammit.

*As for the other deadline acquisition, Fredrik Sjostrom showed some really good flashes in the game. He made a few good plays on the boards and scored his first goal as a Ranger. I said that he will have to work hard to match the legacy of #20 and through two games he has done Jan Erixon well. I have to say that I am impressed.

*Side note: The Islanders had their salute to the "Core of the Four" today before their game against the Panthers. I admit that its ridiculous that the Rangers are retiring the numbers of their Cup winners but the Isles did that already. How much mileage can they get out of four Cups 25 years ago? When are their fans going to realize that they are being lured into a decrepit building to watch a disappointing team play?

*Much like beating that dead horse, Colton Orr beat on Jesse Boulerice in a long bout but I don't care. It was a fight for fighting's sake and as much as I love the fisticuffs - and you guys know I do - two goons going at it for no apparent reason gives hockey a bad name. Was Orr trying to get back at Boulerice for his first period slash? That's what Straka's power play goal did. There is no reason to lower yourself to fight some minor league thug.

*Speaking of thugs - the referees were horrendous for the second straight game. While there were a number of dubious calls, my biggest issue was (and has been in the past) the idiotic desire for the official to call a diving along with the initial penalty. If there was hooking on the play, then there was hooking. The guy went down because he was hooked, not because he has a bad reputation for diving. Either call the dive or the hook, not both.

*Another questionable call, in my opinion, was that by Tom Renney. Why didn't he use his time-out when the Rangers had an offensive zone face off with 30-something seconds left in overtime? As near as I can tell, the rules say its ok, so why not? Does he not have any set plays to detail? Did he not want to get his top guys a break? I don't get it.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Jeff Carter - two goals.
2-Valley - 17 saves in two periods.
1-Shanny - a pretty shootout goal (but not the winner as they announced in the Garden) and an assist.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Ryan Callahan - He was as much of a pest as Avery, scored a good goal and went hard to the net all game long. Dubi made some strong plays but also stickhandled himself out of scoring positions a number of times.
2-Valley - As I said, he should have started. Great performance.
1-Chris Drury - Dru was a force on both sides of the ice blocking shots, getting into passing lanes, getting room for his teammates, pressuring Philly ... he was the best all-around player throughout the game, bar none.

 "34-24-8: The Impact of Broadcasting on NHL Games"

In the world of sports, broadcasting plays a crucial role in bringing the excitement of the game to fans worldwide. The recent game, ending with a scoreline of 34-24-8, raises questions about how broadcasting influences the NHL and the experiences of fans. This article delves into the significance of broadcasting, its impact on the NHL, and how it affects fan engagement.

FAQ 1: What Does the Scoreline 34-24-8 Represent?

The scoreline "34-24-8" represents the team's win-loss-overtime loss record. In this case, the team won 34 games, lost 24, and lost 8 in overtime. It is a quick way to assess a team's performance in a season.

The Role of Broadcasting in the NHL:

Bringing the Game to Fans: Broadcasting allows fans from all corners of the globe to watch their favorite teams and players in action. It transcends geographical boundaries, making the NHL a truly global sport.

Enhancing the Viewing Experience: With advanced camera angles, slow-motion replays, and expert commentary, broadcasting enhances the viewing experience, providing insights and analysis that fans might miss when watching live.

Revenue Generation: Broadcasting rights are a significant source of revenue for the NHL. Networks pay substantial sums for the privilege of airing NHL games, contributing to the league's financial health.

FAQ 2: How Does Broadcasting Influence the NHL?

Broadcasting has several key influences on the NHL:

Exposure: Broadcasting exposes the NHL to a wider audience, attracting new fans and potential sponsors.

Revenue: Broadcasting deals provide crucial revenue, helping the NHL maintain and grow the league.

Technology: Broadcasting drives technological innovations, such as advanced camera systems and virtual reality experiences, to enhance the fan experience.

The Impact on Fan Engagement:

Live Interaction: Broadcasting allows fans to engage with games in real time through social media, fostering a sense of community among fans.

Access to Information: Fans have access to comprehensive statistics, player profiles, and historical data, enriching their understanding of the game.

Fan Experience: Broadcasting networks often employ former players and experts who offer unique insights, adding depth to the fan experience.

FAQ 3: What Are Some Challenges of Broadcasting NHL Games?

Broadcasting NHL games also comes with its own set of challenges:

Time Zones: The NHL spans multiple time zones, making it challenging to schedule games that cater to both local and global audiences.

Language Barriers: The NHL's international appeal means that broadcasts need to cater to fans who speak different languages.

Technical Issues: Broadcasting live sports can be unpredictable, with issues like equipment malfunctions or inclement weather affecting the quality of broadcasts.

: Celebrating the NHL and Broadcasting

The NHL's scoreline of 34-24-8 represents not only the performance of a team but also the countless hours of broadcasting that bring the game to fans everywhere. Broadcasting enhances fan engagement, drives revenue, and contributes to the global popularity of the NHL. While challenges exist, the partnership between the NHL and broadcasting networks continues to evolve, ensuring that fans can enjoy the thrill of NHL action, no matter where they are in the world. So, as we celebrate the scoreline, let's also celebrate the magic of broadcasting and its role in making the NHL the incredible sport that it is.