2008 NYR Thread

[mack 44]

Theo-

Definitely, but I still can't bank on Shanny or Avery himself saying he didn't say those things. That's not me thinking he did say them, I just think of course someone would deny saying those things. Either way, I hope this just ends and leaves with a possible quasi-rivalry.

[Theo 1]

Theo-

Definitely, but I still can't bank on Shanny or Avery himself saying he didn't say those things. That's not me thinking he did say them, I just think of course someone would deny saying those things. Either way, I hope this just ends and leaves with a possible quasi-rivalry.

I see what you are saying. But during the game Joe Michaletti said he called Blake up yesterday and asked him point Blank. He says Blake said he never heard any remarks about Cancer.

[#96 0]

Theo-

Definitely, but I still can't bank on Shanny or Avery himself saying he didn't say those things. That's not me thinking he did say them, I just think of course someone would deny saying those things. Either way, I hope this just ends and leaves with a possible quasi-rivalry.

I see what you are saying. But during the game Joe Michaletti said he called Blake up yesterday and asked him point Blank. He says Blake said he never heard any remarks about Cancer.

Jags played hard. When he got the goal taken away, he looked pissed off. He took a penalty right after that and appeared, to me, he had something to prove. I like his effort skating to the puck and pushing it passed Marty and then driving to the front to get the loose change.

And I hit the over on the game! Betting the over for the Rangers (usually 5 1/2) has been a rarity to hit.

[MattyBoy 1]

Wonder how many people are gonna think this video is funny and doesnt cross a line. I understand its not a remark about cancer, but I don't believe avery said anything about blake's cancer

this still isnt your typical wife or mother comment at the end.....

[Eazy_b97 1]

You guys act like this happens every time some chirps Blake/Tucker. Something was clearly said that crossed a line. If not, nothing would've happened.

Kosy - Tucker did do it on purpose, he said so after the game.

Tucker's far more vicious than Avery on the ice, but Avery makes far more stupid remarks which cause the trouble. Tucker's a guy who will smile, run you from behind and knock you out cold. Avery's a guy who will claim to rape your wife while you are sleeping (Example, not something I know he has said).

[#96 0]

You guys act like this happens every time some chirps Blake/Tucker. Something was clearly said that crossed a line. If not, nothing would've happened.

Kosy - Tucker did do it on purpose, he said so after the game.

Tucker's far more vicious than Avery on the ice, but Avery makes far more stupid remarks which cause the trouble. Tucker's a guy who will smile, run you from behind and knock you out cold. Avery's a guy who will claim to rape your wife while you are sleeping (Example, not something I know he has said).

All the videos I saw showed Tucker and Avery verbally going at, then Blake comes into the picture and Avery swats at him, causing Tucker to come back with his stick. It looked to me like Blake skated into the fray and said something that caused Avery to punch him. Maybe Blake was the instigator? The video certainly shows Blake coming 3rd man in. Who knows, it could all just be a series of stupid, callous remarks, with nothing really serious. Tucker has been known to go overboard for no reason, as has Avery. And Blake isn't going to win any Mr. Congeniality awards with anyone.

[Chadd 916]

You guys act like this happens every time some chirps Blake/Tucker. Something was clearly said that crossed a line. If not, nothing would've happened.

Kosy - Tucker did do it on purpose, he said so after the game.

Tucker's far more vicious than Avery on the ice, but Avery makes far more stupid remarks which cause the trouble. Tucker's a guy who will smile, run you from behind and knock you out cold. Avery's a guy who will claim to rape your wife while you are sleeping (Example, not something I know he has said).

All the videos I saw showed Tucker and Avery verbally going at, then Blake comes into the picture and Avery swats at him, causing Tucker to come back with his stick. It looked to me like Blake skated into the fray and said something that caused Avery to punch him. Maybe Blake was the instigator? The video certainly shows Blake coming 3rd man in. Who knows, it could all just be a series of stupid, callous remarks, with nothing really serious. Tucker has been known to go overboard for no reason, as has Avery. And Blake isn't going to win any Mr. Congeniality awards with anyone.

It's actually a shame that all three of them didn't do something to warrant season long suspensions.

[DarkStar50 679]

The more I watch Shanahan shoot the puck with that tremendous fluid release I am reminded of only one other player who shot the puck like that, Mike Bossy. Bossy was a natural goal scorer. It was his lightning fast release that beat the goalie along with his deadly accuracy. Shanny does the same thing, to a T. Old Man River just keeps pumping out goals. Give him a split second and its automatic.

[#96 0]

The more I watch Shanahan shoot the puck with that tremendous fluid release I am reminded of only one other player who shot the puck like that, Mike Bossy. Bossy was a natural goal scorer. It was his lightning fast release that beat the goalie along with his deadly accuracy. Shanny does the same thing, to a T. Old Man River just keeps pumping out goals. Give him a split second and its automatic.

Not only that, but the guy's got some of the best hand-eye coordination I've seen in a hockey player. If the puck is anywhere from the knees up, he can knock it down. I've seen him catch the puck high, curl it, then drop it right down in front of him like a lacrosse player. I know he was a good lax player and it definitely shows.

[psh 25]

The more I watch Shanahan shoot the puck with that tremendous fluid release I am reminded of only one other player who shot the puck like that, Mike Bossy. Bossy was a natural goal scorer. It was his lightning fast release that beat the goalie along with his deadly accuracy. Shanny does the same thing, to a T. Old Man River just keeps pumping out goals. Give him a split second and its automatic.

Not only that, but the guy's got some of the best hand-eye coordination I've seen in a hockey player. If the puck is anywhere from the knees up, he can knock it down. I've seen him catch the puck high, curl it, then drop it right down in front of him like a lacrosse player. I know he was a good lax player and it definitely shows.

I was at one of Gretzky's last games in the Garden. We had seats about 10 rows up behind the Ranger's net. I remember the Rangers losing and Selanne and Kariya putting on a show. But, the thing about the game I'll never forget was a Ranger's defenseman picking up the puck in the corner and rifling it down the ice. I don't know if he was going for an icing, or intended the result, because it could have been a set play: Gretzky was in stride just crossing the blue line out of the zone. When the puck reached him it was waist high on his backhand side. He reached out, cupped the puck--on the backhand side of his blade!--and settled it on the ice and never broke stride. He gained the zone and nothing came of it, so it had no impact on the outcome of the game and didn't show up on the stat sheet, but to me, it was the most amazing moment of the game. I was lucky to be seated where I was, so I could see the puck and where it was relative to the ice. On TV in live action, you can rarely get a sense of that. Man was it a thrill to see that.

It's hard to overstate what tremendous athletes top hockey players are. Of course this was #99, but he was washed up at that point. Even so, he still had hands and eyes that could probably do fine in MLB or tennis or just about any other sport.

No doubt, that split second of the game justified whatever my wife paid for those tickets.

[DarkStar50 679]

That is what its all about: finding the game within the game. Serendipity.

[Theo 1]

LOL VIA Avery

http://www.people.com/people/package/video...0159873,00.html

[#96 0]

Is Malik being benched? He's not listed on the injured list, but I've seen him in the practices on the OnDemand section of the Ranger's site.

[DarkStar50 679]

What's the rush? Do you actually miss him? Renney is always slow to bring back an injured player, even when they are cleared to play. At this point, Strudwick or Malik, I'll take Strudwick.

[#96 0]

What's the rush? Do you actually miss him? Renney is always slow to bring back an injured player, even when they are cleared to play. At this point, Strudwick or Malik, I'll take Strudwick.

Yeah, well, I have a problem payin a guy 2.5 mil to sit on the bench. But then again, he's the most slow-footed guy we have, and that was clearly the problem on at least 2 of the goals today from what I saw.

Then again, it's not the Dmen we should blame, is it?

[jay 1]

The only thing the Rangers have is goaltending and even that wasn't all that great today. The offense STILL looks more like that of a poor minor league team—seeing them miss gaping nets and failing to capitalize on countless good opportunities is wearing me out. And don't get me started on the power play. I think the only team in the US with a more offensive offense is my fantasy team.

[#96 0]

The only thing the Rangers have is goaltending and even that wasn't all that great today. The offense STILL looks more like that of a poor minor league team—seeing them miss gaping nets and failing to capitalize on countless good opportunities is wearing me out. And don't get me started on the power play. I think the only team in the US with a more offensive offense is my fantasy team.

100% agreed.

[Theo 1]

I say we haven't even scratched the surface yet offensively. I figured it would come 10-15 games in. Luckily, the winning came then, but offense is still dry.

Just frightening to think of this team with an offensive punch along with what we have seen defensively and goaltending wise.

Not that defense is our issue, but- funny when Girardi(tough game today), Staal, Tyutin play better than your defensive vets overall. Rosvisal has actually been very good. But Malik and Mara, christ. Strudwick tries, gotta love him. But prone to just stupid plays. Aside from Malik, Mara probably pisses me off the most though because he just has such a low hockey IQ at times and just doesn't capitalize on his chances.

Fact is we had great chances the past two games to score at least 4 goals but guys are just missing open nets and easy chances (Avery, Gomer, Mara) come to mind specifically to the two losses.

[Cavs019 710]

.......and Drury despite his two against Florida.

[Theo 1]

Yup...Point blank passes right in front of the goal by Jagr and he doesn't make em'

[#96 0]

I say we haven't even scratched the surface yet offensively. I figured it would come 10-15 games in. Luckily, the winning came then, but offense is still dry.

Just frightening to think of this team with an offensive punch along with what we have seen defensively and goaltending wise.

Not that defense is our issue, but- funny when Girardi(tough game today), Staal, Tyutin play better than your defensive vets overall. Rosvisal has actually been very good. But Malik and Mara, christ. Strudwick tries, gotta love him. But prone to just stupid plays. Aside from Malik, Mara probably pisses me off the most though because he just has such a low hockey IQ at times and just doesn't capitalize on his chances.

Fact is we had great chances the past two games to score at least 4 goals but guys are just missing open nets and easy chances (Avery, Gomer, Mara) come to mind specifically to the two losses.

Theo, not that I want to get back into it again or anything, but we're just about 25 games in. No more excuses.

I feel like I'm watching Devils hockey now with all these low scoring one-goal games (win or lose). It's terrible. People were saying, "The season just started, relax!" Then, "We're only 5 games in, relax! Chemistry takes time!" Well now we're over a quarter in, and we have IMHO a career minor leaguer centering Jaromir Jagr. Great. And I know what you're going to say...1) Dubi isn't bad and 2) Who should you put there. Well, 1) Dubi is fine, but he's no #1 center and I'll be surprised if he ever is. 2) We should have thought about that before we went out and got 2 centers for the price we paid to have the results we are getting.

They put a stat up yesterday and it showed something to the effect that Gomez and Drury are projected to have just about average career years, and Jagr is projected to have a 14 goal season. So we paid all this money for mediocrity? Damn, it's great to be a Ranger fan.

...and to make matters worse, the page has been updated to look like the rest of the sites. I guess our injunction/appeal fell through. Wonderful. Now I can't even watch OnDemand video because I keep getting error messages when the videos should be playing.

Baseball season can't start soon enough...

[DarkStar50 679]

Free will made you a Ranger fan. If you can't take all that comes with it, jump out of the blue seats! Seriously, if you thought being a Rangers fan was easy, you haven't been paying attention. This is what makes being a Rangers fan True Blue: the pain, the suffering, the agony. Just because you expect more, don't expect to get it. I have been following this team since 68. I have forgotten more Rangers pain than you have yet to experience.

There is a lot going wrong a lot worse in a lot of other NHL cities. Its not as bad as you think on Broadway............

It could be worse.

[Theo 1]

I say we haven't even scratched the surface yet offensively. I figured it would come 10-15 games in. Luckily, the winning came then, but offense is still dry.

Just frightening to think of this team with an offensive punch along with what we have seen defensively and goaltending wise.

Not that defense is our issue, but- funny when Girardi(tough game today), Staal, Tyutin play better than your defensive vets overall. Rosvisal has actually been very good. But Malik and Mara, christ. Strudwick tries, gotta love him. But prone to just stupid plays. Aside from Malik, Mara probably pisses me off the most though because he just has such a low hockey IQ at times and just doesn't capitalize on his chances.

Fact is we had great chances the past two games to score at least 4 goals but guys are just missing open nets and easy chances (Avery, Gomer, Mara) come to mind specifically to the two losses.

Theo, not that I want to get back into it again or anything, but we're just about 25 games in. No more excuses.

I feel like I'm watching Devils hockey now with all these low scoring one-goal games (win or lose). It's terrible. People were saying, "The season just started, relax!" Then, "We're only 5 games in, relax! Chemistry takes time!" Well now we're over a quarter in, and we have IMHO a career minor leaguer centering Jaromir Jagr. Great. And I know what you're going to say...1) Dubi isn't bad and 2) Who should you put there. Well, 1) Dubi is fine, but he's no #1 center and I'll be surprised if he ever is. 2) We should have thought about that before we went out and got 2 centers for the price we paid to have the results we are getting.

They put a stat up yesterday and it showed something to the effect that Gomez and Drury are projected to have just about average career years, and Jagr is projected to have a 14 goal season. So we paid all this money for mediocrity? Damn, it's great to be a Ranger fan.

...and to make matters worse, the page has been updated to look like the rest of the sites. I guess our injunction/appeal fell through. Wonderful. Now I can't even watch OnDemand video because I keep getting error messages when the videos should be playing.

Baseball season can't start soon enough...

You are wishing for baseball season? Get a grip

Dubi is fine, not ideal. He certainly has top 2 line potential, but that line slowed down more so because Hossa is useless and Jagr was hurting and not skating for a stretch of games there. Ideally you have one of the 7MM guys with Jagr, but it didn't work. It may work in the future who knows. Not saying it is not catching up with Dubi, but really he is less to blame than Hossa/Jags were. With Straka, I think you should give that line a little more chance.

As far as the stats of Drury, Gomez, Jagr, I really don't care what they end up with as long as we are winning. And to be honest, if each just kicked it up just another level to play slightly above average, we would probably have 4-5 more wins. I think Cally with Drury may help. Play similar games. Although in the long run you probably want to get more ice time for Drury and I would be in favor of moving him with Jagr and Straka. Dubi on the 3rd like you say, would suit him better

I leave the parting shots by Sam:

The question was raised whether the Rangers are panicking because of their sluggish offense, to which I’ll respond:

Hello? Do you not even remember last season?

Let’s be clear that the Rangers are a lot of things right now—concerned, frustrated, confused. Pick any word. This is a team that’s hardly content. But it’s also a team that is four games over .500 and at least in points, tied for first place in the Atlantic Division.

Moreover, while they’ve certainly had some ugly stretches, they really have had only one complete dud of a game—the loss in Atlanta the third week of the season.

Now compare that to last season, especially midway through the schedule, when the Rangers truly had reason to panic. They were blowing two-goal leads as if it was going out of style. They were falling further and further outside the playoff picture. They had Sandis Ozolinsh at defense.

If memory serves, the absolute low point came on the night they blew a two-goal lead to Detroit and I more or less wrote them off as finished (that was also the night that Sean Avery was literally en route from Los Angeles). But even then, I honestly never detected panic.

The point is that if you don’t panic in February when your team looks like a complete mess, you certainly don’t panic in November when your still winning more times than losing, and you can pinpoint exactly where there’s room for improvement.

This is not to gloss over what are some obvious flaws to this team. But in my view they are the flaws you can rectify. Maybe that starts Thursday against the Islanders. Maybe it’s not until 2008. Either way, the Rangers would have to be a lot worse off for the “p” word to even enter the conversation.

[#96 0]

QUOTE

The question was raised whether the Rangers are panicking because of their sluggish offense, to which I’ll respond:

Hello? Do you not even remember last season?

----

Um, nobody ever panics. Haven't you noticed? Glen Hanlon wasn't panicking and he just got $hitcanned. Armstrong in Dallas didn't panic and where's he? People never panic. They aren't allowed to. It's a sign of weakness and a sign that something is wrong. Nobody ever wants to admit that.

I'm not saying the Rangers won't right the ship. But it isn't right, now. Aside from Philly, they haven't beat anyone worth mentioning. They lost both games to Ottawa pretty badly (even though one was only a 1 goal game, it didn't reflect how the game was). And they aren't beating ANYONE with any kind of credibility. Beating somone by one goal isn't what I'd call definitive.

To me, Jagr has been a dissappointment. For whatever reason or reasons, an estimated 14 goal year won't cut it. Gomez and Drury have been ok, but not outstanding. If they had anyone else but Lundqvist in net, the outcomes of a lot of the wins they've had would have been different.

The Rangers players were saying how they had chances vs Dallas, but couldn't put it away. HELLO! Dallas did! That's what good teams do. That's what contenders do. At this point, the Rangers are not true contenders. Their inability to take charge in a game, shut people down, and keep them down is going to bite them in the ass. They need to keep leads and put teams away. They haven't. Scoring 3 goals a game or less won't do it.

Lastly, I was at the game vs Dallas and I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only one chanting "Fire Renney"... but I guess they aren't "True Blue", huh?

[Chadd 916]

I'd hate to see their record with an average goalie behind them.