My transformation back into a New York Rangers blogger is officially complete as I will be taking over my old blog: The New York Rangers Blog once again!!!!!
The content will be exactly the same as it is at The Broadway Boozeshirts Blog. So there will continue to be the "Post Game Cocktail Recommendation" as well as all the other features you've come to enjoy on this format.
The New York Rangers (41-21-2) defeated the Boston Bruins (33-25-6) by the score of 2-1. For a box score, click here.
3 Stars
1st Star - Boston Bruins logo (For causing Lundqvist to somehow bring his game to an even higher level)
2nd Star - Clendening (For crashing into Grabner at practice causing him to miss tonight's game and ultimately resulting in the emergency recall of Buchnevich from Hartford.)
3rd Star - Arizona Coyotes (For trading the Rangers Lindberg in exchange for Ethan "I've Spent Time In The ECHL This Year" Werek. Full disclosure, I hated the trade at the time.)
Post Game Cocktail Recommendation
In recognition of tonight's bigly response by Buchnevich after his one game demotion to the Wolfpack, I give you President Trump's favorite cocktail, the White Russian.
While the Rangers ultimately lost in five games, this overtime goal by Chris Kreider in Game 4 of the Eastern Semi-Finals vs. the Bruins in 2013 was just one of the numerous playoff moments we've had the opporutnity to enjoy over the last 5+ years.
The New York Rangers (40-20-2) host the Washington Capitals (41-13-7) tonight at 7:00 p.m.
Lineup News
OFFICIAL: #NYR acquired defenseman Brendan Smith from DET in exchange for the NYR's own 3rd rd pick in 2017 and OTT's 2nd rd pick in 2018. pic.twitter.com/CG7lZQVjAw
The New York Rangers (40-20-2) lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets (39-16-5) by the score of 5-2. For a box score, click here.
3 Stars
1st Star - The 5pm Start (Thankfully we didn't have to stay up too late watching this one)
2nd Star - The Walking Dead (A new episode allowed me to immediately take my mind off this loss)
3rd Star - The Trade Deadline (I love this time of year in the NHL as GMs have already begun wheeling and dealing)
Post Game Cocktail Recommendation
With tonight being the Rangers 5th game in 8 days they looked both mentally and physically tired, so I decided to go with The Sleepwalker because that's pretty much what they did against Columbus.
The New York Rangers (40-19-2) defeated the New Jersey Devils (25-25-11) by the score of 4-3 in overtime. For a box score, click here.
3 Stars
1st Star - Redemption (Raanta makes up for two softies with huge OT save & Zibanejad scores game winner mere seconds after being bailed out by said Raanta OT save)
2nd Star - Kevin Klein's back spasms (Without them, Clendo is not in the lineup)
3rd Star - Tanner Glass (For being so bad AV had no choice but to send him to Hartford paving the way for a quality 4th line)
Post Game Cocktail Recommendation
Let's raise our glasses to the Rangers Swedish Connection (Lindberg & Fast) with a Swedish Polar Bear.
The New York Rangers (39-19-2) defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs (28-20-12) by the score of 2-1 in a shootout. For a box score, click here.
3 Stars
1st Star - The 3-on-3 OT format (It's taken me awhile to come around, but tonight clinched it. I'm officially on board)
2nd Star - The future of the NHL (The amount of good, young talent in tonight's game alone should have Bettman smiling from ear to ear)
3rd Star - Zuccarello in the shootout (Damn he's smooth)
Post Game Cocktail Recommendation
The only way to calm my nerves after that intense overtime session is with some Ketamine aka Horse Tranquilizer.
The New York Rangers (38-19-2) lost to the Montreal Canadiens (32-20-8) by the score of 3-2 in a shootout. For a box score, click here.
3 Stars
1st Star - The Fans (For getting the opportunity to witness a goaltending duel of that caliber.)
2nd Star - The Rangers Heritage Jersey (Love seeing them in that jersey against another Original Six)
3rd Star - Shea Weber (For not killing Lundqvist with that rocket of a shot)
Post Game Cocktail Recommendation
Got to recognize last night's old fashion goaltending duel with, duh, an Old Fashioned.
The New York Rangers (37-19-1) lost to the New York Islanders (26-20-10) by the score of 4-2. For a box score, click here.
3 Stars
1st Star - Thomas Greiss (The Isles goalie somehow avoided a concussion despite his own team continuing to hit Rangers players into him)
2nd Star - Barclays Center (It was actually full for an Islanders game!)
3rd Star - Kevin Klein (Not a single turnover tonight)
Post Game Cocktail Recommendation
Let's join all the Brooklyn Hipsters celebrating their big win over the rival Rangers with a Pabst Blue Ribbon Tall Boy.
During the first 44 games of the season, the Rangers defense played as expected. And that's not a good thing.
They were porous, chaotic and the sole reason for the Rangers uneven play.
If you looked the Rangers defense up in the dictionary, this is what you would have seen...
The numbers backed up the eye test as on January 15th the Rangers were allowing a cringeworthy 9.17 5-on-5 scoring chances per 60 minutes which was 25th in the league. This led to a 2.51 5-on-5 goals against per 60 minutes which was 22nd in the NHL. In other words, they weren't good.
The New York Rangers (37-18-1) defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets (35-15-5) by the score of 3-2. For a box score, click here.
3 Stars
1st Star - Benoit Allaire (After a month of inactivity, Raanta was on his game & I have a feeling Allaire was a big reason.)
2nd Star - Chicago Blackhawks (For not being able to sign Kevin Hayes to a rookie contract)
3rd Star - Nashville Predators (For not being able to sign Jimmy Vesey to a rookie contract)
Post Game Cocktail Recommendation
With Boston boy Jimmy Vesey scoring the ridiculous game winner, I've got to go with my personal favorite, Sam Adams Boston Lager.
The New York Rangers (36-18-1) defeated the Colorado Avalanche (15-35-2) by the score of 4-2. For a box score, click here.
3 Stars
1st Star - Lundqvist's parents (For having sex at precisely the right time)
2nd Star - Rangers European scout Crister Rockstrom (For discovering Lundqvist and pushing for him during the 2000 draft)
3rd Star - Kevin Weekes (For getting injured and opening the door for a rookie named Henrik during the 2005-06 season)
Post Game Cocktail Recommendation
In honor of Lundqvist becoming the 12th goaltender in NHL history to achieve 400 victories as well as the quickest to reach that milestone, I give you The King's Cup.
The New York Rangers (35-18-1) defeated the Nashville Predators (26-20-8) by the score of 4-3. For a box score, click here.
3 Stars
1st Star - Home ice advantage (The allure of MSG is back, baby!)
2nd Star - Sean Avery (For not pulling a Charles Oakley at MSG tonight)
3rd Star - Glen Sather (For keeping Dolan from doing to the Rangers what he's done to the Knicks)
Post Game Cocktail Recommendation
For all the Northeast Rangers fans who had to dig out of the blizzard today, I give you a Damn the Weather.
Erik Christensen scores the only goal in the shootout as the Rangers defeat the Predators 2-1 on November 11, 2010. FYI, there is a Frolov sighting in the video.
The New York Rangers (34-18-1) defeated the Anaheim Ducks (28-17-10) by the score of 4-1. For a box score, click here.
3 Stars
1st Star - Lundqvist's glove & blocker
2nd Star - Lundqvist's pads
3rd Star - Lundqvist's goal stick
Post Game Cocktail Recommendation
With the Rangers sacrificing themselves for the greater good all night to the tune of 23 blocked shots, I've got to go with the Kamikaze. BTW, was Torts behind the bench tonight?
Last week, I made my argument for the Rangers to acquire a grinding presence up front at the trade deadline.
A couple of players who fit the criteria include Troy Brouwer, Martin Hanzal, Antoine Roussel and finally, my personal favorite, Jarome Iginla, who's apparently asking out of Colorado...
“I would like to, at the deadline, go somewhere,” Iginla said in an interview with Puck Daddy. “I would like to be in the playoffs. I would hope that there is some opportunity to go and play in the playoffs. Those are the best games, the most fun for sure, and you have a chance to win. So no, I haven’t given up on that chance to win.” Yes, I know he's pushing 40 (39 years old to be exact) and has scored a grand total of SIX goals this season, but hear me out.
The New York Rangers (32-18-1) defeated the Buffalo Sabres (20-20-10) by the score of 2-1 in overtime. For a box score, click here.
3 Stars
1st Star - Magnus Hellberg (Lundqvist is 4-1 with a 1.38 GAA, .952 SV% and 1 SO in the last five games with Hellberg as his backup)
2nd Star - That 3-on-3 overtime (I'm usually not a fan, but man that was fun tonight)
3rd Star - This tweet I sent out earlier today...
Apparently, AV saw his shadow this morning. I guess that means six more weeks of Girardi in the top defensive pair.
The New York Rangers (31-18-1) lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets (33-12-4) by the score of 6-4. For a box score, click here.
3 Stars
1st Star - AV's contract extension (I'm sure tonight was exactly how he wanted to celebrate it)
2nd Star - Lundqvist's vacation extension (I guess six days wasn't enough, so AV granted him some additional time off tonight)
3rd Star - Tortorella's 3rd period shell defense (without his typical 3rd period defense with a lead, the Rangers are probably shutout)
Post Game Cocktail Recommendation
Since Lundqvist was apparently still on vacation, I guess we'll go with a Piña Colada.
Top to bottom I'd put the Rangers forward corps up against any in the league. It's an intoxicating mix of youthful exuberance and veteran leadership.
Their speed is the envy of the league, while their depth is second to none.
When the defense falters, which has been the case far too often this season, the forwards have been there to pick up the pieces.
So why am I concerned?
Despite possessing a skill set that could hang with the offensively gifted teams of the 1980s, the Rangers forward personnel is alarmingly redundant.
There's very few forwards willing to take a hit in the corner to make a play. There's not enough guys prepared to pay the price in front of the opponent's net to pounce on a rebound. And there's rarely a time when a Rangers front liner is able to cause a turnover with a relentless forecheck.
Basically, what I'm trying to say is...the Rangers need a grinder.
The New York Rangers (30-16-1) defeated the Detroit Red Wings (20-19-8) by the score of 1-0 in overtime. For a box score, click here.
3 Stars
1st Star - Anyone who's a fan of hockey and missed this snoozefest of a game.
2nd Star - Anyone who's not on the Joe Louis Arena ice maintenance team. (Per AV and team, ice was horrible)
3rd - My daughter's lacrosse coach who scheduled practice during the game forcing me to DVR it and therefore allowing me to fast forward through the most excruciatingly boring parts.
Post Game Cocktail Recommendation
I know I needed a Red Bull and Vodka to wake my ass up after this one.
The New York Rangers (29-16-1) defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs (21-14-8) by the score of 5-2. For a box score, click here.
3 Stars
1st Star - Lundqvist's confidence
2nd Star - Grabner's speed
3rd Star - Buchnevich and Zibanejad's health
Post Game Cocktail Recommendation
With Lundqvist looking like he's fixed himself (for one night at least) I've got to go with the Screwdriver. Get it, because you fix things with a screwdriver. Ah, forget it.
The New York Rangers (28-16-1) lost to the Dallas Stars (19-19-8) by the score of 7-6. For a box score, click here.
3 Stars
1st Star - Not the Rangers defense
2nd Star - Magnus Hellberg (Assuming he gets the start over Lundqvist in Toronto on Wednesday?)
3rd Star - Still not the Rangers defense
Post Game Cocktail Recommendation
Since the Rangers defense looked like they were skating in mud tonight, I've got to go with a Mudslide.
Since breaking into the NHL in 2005, Henrik Lundqvist has guided the Rangers to 55 postseason victories including two Eastern Conference Finals and a Stanley Cup Final appearance.
Pretty good considering some of the defensive personnel he's played behind including: Marek Malik, Sandis Ozolinsh, Jason Strudwick, Thomas Pock, Bryce Lampman, David Liffiton, Ivan Baranka, Christian Backman, Wade Redden, Dmitri Kalinin, Derek Morris, Corey Potter, Erik Reitz, Matt Gilroy, Anders Eriksson, Bobby Sanguinetti, Ilkka Heikkinen, Bryan McCabe, Stu Bickel, Jeff Woywitka, Tim Erixon, Brendan Bell, Roman Hamrlik, Connor Allen, Justin Falk, Michael Kostka and Chris Summers.
Not exactly a Murderers' Row of defensemen.
Unless you've seen Lundqvist perform on a nightly basis, you can't truly appreciate what he's done for this franchise. Despite not winning a Cup, this last decade has been the "Golden Era" of New York Rangers hockey.
It's not inconceivable to consider that the Rangers likely don't qualify for the playoffs, let alone win over 50 postseason games, without Hank during that time span.
When all is said and done, Lundqvist will own every Rangers goaltending record, be enshrined into the Hall of Fame and have his jersey number hanging from the rafters of MSG, but even those accomplishments can't due justice to how vital he's been to the success of the organization.
Now that Lundqvist is on the back nine of his career there's been a few kinks in the armor recently. And unfortunately for him, he's become the victim of his own success. He's been so dominant during his career even a slight dip in his game is amplified.
By February of 2011, the Staal family were royalty in the NHL. Oldest brother Eric was a perennial All Star forward who led the Carolina Hurricanes to the 2006 Stanley Cup behind his 100 point season as well as the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals. Meanwhile, younger brother Jordan, a Calder Trophy Finalist in 2007, had already competed in two Stanley Cup Finals for the Pittsburgh Penguins winning it all in 2009. And finally, defenseman Marc Staal was on the rise after helping bring the Rangers back from irrelevance and appearing in his first All Star game a month earlier.
But it all came crashing down on the night of February 22, 2011.
Before we can exam the repercussions of that night, we must first go back to where it all started.
On draft day in 2005, Glen Sather and the Rangers organization felt they had drafted the next Brian Leetch.
A smooth skating defenseman out of Sudbury with size and offensive ability, Marc had the look and pedigree of a future great.
I miss fights in the NHL. There, I said it. Now, this admission doesn't make me a neanderthal nor any less sensitive to the well being of hockey players.
And I'm not here to grandstand or stomp my feet like a four-year old making outlandish declarations that "I'm done with this sport" or "I'll never spend another dollar on the NHL."
While not easy, I've come to accept the reality that Gary Bettman and the NHLPA have decided to phase fighting out of the game.
But damn, I miss it.
I use hockey for escapism. For a few hours on game night, I'm able to forget about all the ills of the world and focus on the game I love. No worrying about paying the bills. No concerns about my kids' education. And no anxiety about work.
While watching my beloved Blueshirts, I allow myself to get lost in my emotions. From the ecstasy of victory to the misery of defeat and everything in between.
Now that I've entered my 40s, I'm scarcely able to conjure those feelings during a "normal" day. Long gone is the fevered excitement I used to get during my final stretches in the crease moments before the opening faceoff during my high school ice hockey days. Extinct is the euphoric feeling of clinching a berth into the NCAA Men's Division I Lacrosse tournament as the starting goaltender at Butler University.
So I turn to hockey.
And nothing brings out that raw emotion more than a good old fashion throw down. As soon as two willing combatants go toe to toe, my endorphins and adrenaline shoot through the roof. It's a natural high that I rarely, if ever, experience during my day-to-day routine.
The New York Rangers (28-13-1) defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets (27-7-4) by the score of 5-4. For a box score, click here.
3 Stars
1st Star - Islanders & Maple Leafs (LOL!!!!)
2nd Star - Marc Staal (His injury allowed Clendo to finally be freed.)
3rd Star - Curtis McElhinney (Bobrovsky may never sit again after that performance)
Post Game Cocktail Recommendation
Since I'm pretty sure every Rangers fan had one of these after the Gabner goal, I'll have to go with the Orgasm tonight.
The New York Rangers (27-13-1) defeated the Philadelphia Flyers (20-15-5) by the score of 5-2. For a box score, click here.
Post Holiday Recovery
Sorry for the lack of recaps recently. Took me a little longer than anticipated to snap out of my holiday alcohol induced haze. Plus the mess around my house took forever to cleanup.
3 Stars
1st Star - Antti Raanta's clone in goal
2nd Star - Ranger organization's patience (Could have given up on Kreider a couple of times. Reaping the rewards)
3rd Star - Stepan's saucer pass ability
Post Game Cocktail Recommendation
In honor of the Islanders giving up on Michael Grabner, I give you the Woo Woo. Which I imagine was the inspiration for the Islanders fans' stupidly annoying "Woo!" chant.
