I bet Gary Bettman and NBC sure were glad that they made the Rangers/Bruins their national game to kick off their regular season coverage - after all, it matched up the biggest underachievers in the league with the team that plays the most boring hockey. Wow, I can't wait for the ratings! I didn't watch the game on NBC, I was in my usual seat in the Garden and from there witnessed yet another embarrassing lack of effort from the home side. Time to rant:
*After praising Hank for a masterful performance on Saturday, the first goal he allowed was one of the softest this season - a slap shot from Chuck Kobasew that just slowly sailed past the stunned goaltender. It must have surprised him, as it was just the fourth shot on him in the game. The other two goals weren't his fault. A breakdown by all five of the players in front of him allowed
Glen Metropolit to show off stickhandling skills he hasn't used since he played for the
Long Island Jawz of the RHI.
*And the third goal ... well that was the backbreaker. Moments earlier Scott Gomez missed a wide open net and then the puck was cleared by the B's. Paul Mara got it, and clearly thought he was still on the Boston squad because he passed it to Marc Savard, who sent it to Phil Kessel to send the game out of reach.
*The long Rangers goal came from Dubi in the last minute, which was nice. First off it broke Tim Thomas' shutout, and secondly it was a just reward for the one Ranger line that actually pressed the action every shift.
*The other lines were horrendous. Aside from a few big checks at the start of the game, the Shanny, Avery and Drury trio played disjointed hockey. They couldn't pass, they couldn't shoot, and they were bad defensively - on the ice for two of the goals against. At one point Renney put Jagr in Shanny's spot to no effect.
*Jagr, one day removed from his sweetest goal in 15 years, was pretty useless. He spent most of the game lurking on the boards, passing up scoring chances. He had just two shots, matching his two penalty minutes for another lazy hook. Straka and Gomez try to push every play to the reclusive Czech and missed several chances each.
*I have stood up for the HBO line time and time again but even I am starting to have enough. Hollweg's bad reputation with officials has taken his edge away, Bettsy has absolutely zero offensive skill and Colton Orr ... well he contributes very little. His positioning has improved, but as an enforcer he doesn't dissuade opposing teams from hitting the Rangers talent. He has just one fight in the last six games, even though the Blueshirts could have used the spark on several occasions, today being one of them. When Mitch Fritz comes back from his injury next month, the Rangers should consider him for Orr's slot. I would prefer Frankie Lessard but I've heard that his injuries will keep him out for the season. The Rangers are in desperate need of a big man who will work the crease, check when needed and fight when needed.
*As for the
defense, well, at least Malik was scratched. Unfortunately, the rest of the corps played down to the missing link's level. They couldn't carry the puck, they chased Bruins to get useless hits, and they missed coverage assignments. Rozy has lost any ability that he once had in the Rangers end, Mara can't remember which team he plays for and Strudwick is just too slow. Its time to call up Andrew Hutchinson, who had a goal and two assists Saturday for Hartford, and look at trade options.
*And the Bruins, well, like they have done all season long, they played classic Devils hockey to perfection. Claude Julien is a helluva coach and, just like Ted Nolan, has taken a terrible team into contention. It helps that he has Thomas in net, who really does his acrobatic best to keep pucks out.
*PHW Three Stars
3-Metropolit - goal.
2-
Thomas - 30 saves.
1-Kobasew - goal and an assist.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars3-Thomas - the Rangers believe in quantity rather than quality when it comes to shots nowadays but he was sharp and made all but one of the save.
2-Marc Savard - had two assists and was a consistent threat throughout the game.
1-Julien - I thought I was watching the 2000 Devils out there.
22-21-6: National Embarrassment - A Season of Reflection
In the world of professional sports, a team's record can sometimes serve as a reflection of its performance and the highs and lows it experiences throughout a season. In the context of hockey, the record 22-21-6 represents a chapter in the journey of a team, highlighting moments of triumph, adversity, and, in this case, the theme of a "National Embarrassment." In this article, we will explore the significance of the record 22-21-6, delve into the context of this specific season, discuss the challenges faced, and address frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the dynamics of an NHL season.
Section 1: Decoding 22-21-6
1.1 22 - Games Won
The number 22 represents the total number of games won by the team during the season. Each win is a testament to a team's skill, strategy, and collective effort.
1.2 21 - Games Lost
The number 21 signifies the total number of games lost by the team during the season. Losses are a natural part of competitive sports and often provide valuable lessons for improvement.
1.3 6 - Overtime/Shootout Losses
The number 6 represents the total number of games in which the team lost in overtime or a shootout. These closely contested games can be influenced by a single play or a well-executed shootout move.
Section 2: The Context of 22-21-6
2.1 A Season of Fluctuations
The NHL season is a grueling and unpredictable journey. The record 22-21-6 reflects a specific moment within a broader narrative, capturing the team's performance at a particular juncture.
2.2 The Rollercoaster Nature of Hockey
Hockey seasons are often marked by streaks, both winning and losing. Factors such as injuries, roster changes, and the quality of opponents can contribute to these fluctuations.
2.3 Competing on a National Stage
In the NHL, teams compete at the highest level on a national stage, representing not only their franchise but also their city and their fans. This national exposure adds an extra layer of pressure and scrutiny.
Section 3: The Challenges and Triumphs of an NHL Season
3.1 Navigating Injuries
Injuries to key players can significantly impact a team's performance. NHL teams must adapt to changing lineups and utilize depth to maintain competitiveness.
3.2 Roster Changes and Trades
Throughout the season, teams may make roster changes, including trades or call-ups from the minor leagues. Adjusting to new teammates and integrating them into the lineup is a constant challenge.
3.3 Managing Expectations
Expectations from fans, media, and ownership can weigh heavily on teams. Striking a balance between meeting these expectations and focusing on the process of improvement is crucial.
Section 4: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
4.1 Why do NHL teams have fluctuations in their performance during a season?
Fluctuations in performance can result from various factors, including injuries, roster changes, the quality of opponents, and the natural ebb and flow of a long and demanding NHL season.
4.2 How do teams maintain motivation during a challenging season?
Teams maintain motivation by setting goals, maintaining a strong team culture, and focusing on the process of improvement. Leadership from coaches and captains is essential in keeping players motivated.
4.3 What strategies do teams use to bounce back from losing streaks?
Teams use strategies such as video analysis, tactical adjustments, and focused practices to address issues contributing to losing streaks. Team meetings and open communication also play a role in addressing challenges.
4.4 Why is consistency important in an NHL season?
Consistency is crucial because it allows teams to accumulate points steadily and maintain a competitive position in the standings. Consistent play minimizes the impact of slumps and maximizes the benefits of winning streaks.
4.5 How does a team's performance in the regular season affect its playoff prospects?
A team's regular-season performance determines its playoff position and seeding. Strong regular-season play can lead to home-ice advantage in the playoffs and potentially an easier path to the Stanley Cup.
22-21-6: National Embarrassment is more than just a set of numbers; it's a reflection of the dynamic and challenging nature of professional hockey. In the NHL, every game is a battle, and each win and loss contributes to the narrative of a season. Moments of adversity can lead to valuable lessons and character-building experiences. The "National Embarrassment" theme serves as a reminder that even in the face of challenges, the dedication, resilience, and commitment of NHL teams continue to shine. As fans, we appreciate not only the victories but also the journey itself, understanding that it's the unpredictable nature of sports that makes each season a thrilling and emotional rollercoaster ride. Whether a season is marked by triumph or adversity, it's all part of the rich tapestry of hockey and the enduring spirit of competition.
Wyshynski wrote that "Alexander Ovechkin will have to wait for Yankee Stadium or an outdoor date with the Pittsburgh Penguins (one imagines)." It is certainly no surprise that NBC and the NHL would love a Ovie/Crosby Classic but is it necessary? Does the outdoor match really need that extra layer of appeal? Would the ratings for that be that much better than a red, white and blue Winter Classic at one of the most famous sports venues on the planet? 
