Musings Day; Devils, Sabres and Stags

It’s a musings day once again, and it’s the day after a game day. A Trip to Buffalo. Without further delay, let’s get into it. After all, I have a stag weekend to attend.

The Rangers loss to the Devils; there was still a lot to like. The way they conceded the tying goal hurts, but ask the Phoenix fans about Brad Richards’ game winner a few weeks back and it just shows that luck comes and goes.

The thing that most stood out for me in the Devils game was the amount of high quality chances the Rangers created/had. Credit Brodeur for making several top quality saves but it’s been a while since the Rangers had this many quality chances in one game. Again though it comes down to one thing: conversion.

It’s time to start worrying about Brad Richards. He had a few peaks and valleys through the season but he’s probably playing his worst hockey of the year at the moment. Some people suggest an injury but I’m not sure what to think. One thing is sure though, there’s not a single aspect of his game that’s firing right now. He needs to be better and quickly.

That stag weekend I’m attending? Anarchy is planned. Sunday night will be the peak; Cuban’s, whisky and Superbowl all in abundance. I’m the only Giants fan amongst Miami, Packers, Bears, Buccs and Chiefs fans. Luckily there is no Pats fan although I’m pretty confident my friends will be rooting for the Pats to spite me. And yes, there really is a Chiefs fan here in the UK.

Carl Hagelin has played 15 games less than Brandon Dubinsky this season and is only 3 points behind his considerably richer teammate.

You want an example of how Del Zotto is improving defensively this year? In the first period against the Sabres, his positional play on Kassian was excellent. He kept Kassian out of Lundqvist’s line of sight and allowed Lundqvist to see the shot all the way, making it an easy stop for the goalie. Subtle but solid play from Del Zotto.

How can the Rangers survive subpar seasons from the likes of Anisimov, Richards and Dubinsky? 13 different players have game winners for the Rangers this season. Clutch contributions all over the roster.

Someone had a great statistic on twitter during the All Star game: Marian Gaborik has scored on 8 of his last 17 shots on Henrik Lundqvist. Wow.

Derek Stepan is going through a period recently where he simply cannot get on the score sheet, much like Anisimov. The difference? Stepan is still making plays as evidenced by his great chance in the overtime period against the Devils. How often have you noticed Anisimov make such a notable offensive contribution (regardless of end result). You don’t. I’ve always worried about the influence Anisimov’s fragile confidence has on his game. When he’s on he looks like a potential star but when he’s off, well he’s almost a waste of a roster spot. If this poor stretch goes on much longer his Rangers career may be in threat.

Sometimes it’s the little things that tell you about a player. During the Devils game Ryan McDonagh got to the puck before a Devil to get the icing call. His body positioning was exceptional and there was no way the Devil was getting to the puck first despite coming in quick. McDonagh rarely makes mistakes, is a very heady player and simply put, is a revelation, although you already knew that.

It’s amazing the Rangers haven’t missed Mike Sauer more. Huge credit has to go to the team’s overall commitment to defense– the team wide mindset, as well as the blueline corps. One of the THN writers questioned this week whether this ‘inexperienced blueline’ can keep it going. I have no concerns especially when you factor in Marc Staal getting back to his best.

Mats Zuccarello had a 3 point game in the AHL All Star game. Just saying…..

Musings: Deadline Rentals, Those Damn Regressionists & More

Deadline Rentals

There is a lot of debate going on about whether or not we should acquire a power play quarter back, left wing scorer, or both at the deadline. It seems as though when people finally wake up & realize how slim our chances are of acquiring a Shea Weber or a Bobby Ryan, their next play is to find a cheaper alternative. But there is a flaw in the “deadline rental” logic as well.

Rentals are not going to solve our problems, especially in the long-term. Acquiring one may make sense for depth, but to think getting another erratic 40 point winger or a defensemen with a “cannon from the point” is going to put us over the edge is a bit of a stretch.

What we really need is for some combo of Chris Kreider, J.T. Miller, or Christian Thomas living up to their potential. There may be a time down the road when trading one of these assets for an elite player is the right move, but I don’t think that time has arrived yet given where our prospects are, who is available, and the looming CBA talks.

Those of you who wish to see Dubi get moved, I politely ask who has more value at the deadline? A forward on pace for 25 goals or a forward on pace for 9 goals? I’m not against trading Dubinsky one day, but this is not the deadline to do so.

Stick to the Blueprint

My other issue with all of the names being thrown around is that few if any actually fit within our team concept. I’m tired of acquiring guys like Frolov, Wolski, EC, etc, who have no desire to forecheck or backcheck, and then we wonder why they don’t fit.

The national media doesn’t see the ingredients which makes our team successful on a game to game basis. If we are able to make a move at the deadline, they better be for players who can skate, have succeeded in deep forechecking systems and are defensively responsible. Souray, Hemsky, & Whitney need not apply.

Regression to the mean?

Read more »

Musings – Why The Hate On Dolan?

It’s been a while since I’ve penned one of the musings posts. Generally these are done by Chris, and Suit fills in when he can’t. But today it’s my turn. Enjoy.

• I don’t get all this hate of James Dolan saying the Rangers are nearly contenders for the Cup. It’s not like he guaranteed anything, he just said what we all know: The Rangers are a very good team, and appear to be a piece or two away from making a run. He didn’t pull a Rex Ryan. He didn’t say anything about how they will win this year. He said “close,” which means any time within the next 2-3 years. I’ve been saying 2013-2014 for a while now, am I a jinx too?
• Another thing about the Dolan hate: Why do people think he’s a terrible owner? Sure, he’s an absentee owner and turned a blind eye to the pre-lockout doings of Glen Sather, but he continually opens his checkbook without hesitation to make sure the Rangers get what the Rangers need. Would another owner have signed Brad Richards after seeing what happened with Scott Gomez, Chris Drury, and Wade Redden? Doubtful. To those clamoring for a new owner: How do you know a new owner would still open that checkbook? Sometimes the evil you know is better than the evil you don’t.
• When you take a step back and look at what the Rangers have accomplished this season, it really is something. No Marc Staal? No problem. No Mike Sauer? No problem. Can’t score one night? No problem, just shut them down. Sean Avery a distraction? No problem. No powerplay? No problem. Ok, slight problem. This team has been through it all, and that is what builds character for championship runs.
• Despite all that, John Tortorella still has just an “outside shot” at winning the Jack Adams. After watching 24/7, which changed many people’s opinions about him, the world realized that this team will skate through a brick wall for their coach, and for each other. The team wants to win for him. And the coach has made slight adjustments in games and between games to make them believers. He should be a finalist.
• Speaking of award finalists, this should be the year that Henrik Lundqvist wins the Vezina, if he can keep up with these numbers. If he does win, he should buy Martin Biron dinner for a month. It’s because Biron has been spectacular as a backup that Lundqvist can get enough rest to stay sharp. Really want to ensure he wins the Vezina? Stop playing him against the Canadiens.
• Those Canadiens, and the Leafs, pose potentially dangerous first round matchups for the Rangers. They really have a hard time beating both teams, and both could slide into the playoffs as the #7 or #8 seed. With the Rangers and the Bruins fighting for the top seed in the East, there is a distinct possibility that the Rangers will need to face one of them in the first round of the playoffs.
• Those Bruins await the Rangers in Boston this Saturday, and it is going to be the biggest game of the year. The Rangers are a poor-man’s Bruins at this point, with home grown grit and toughness and some free agent skill to compliment that. The difference between the clubs? Zdeno Chara. He’s the Norris Trophy contender that makes their powerplay work. He is the only player that the Bruins have that the Rangers don’t.
• Another reason why the Rangers are a year or two away from a Cup: The defense is not mature enough. They have the veteran leadership down pat, but more time for Ryan McDonagh and Michael Del Zotto to develop into puck moving defensemen can’t hurt. We know what McDonagh is, but MDZ has shown this year that he has the potential to be a legitimate powerplay quarterback and puck moving defenseman. He’s not there yet, but he will be.
• A win against Nashville on Tuesday. Beating the Penguins tonight would be huge for the Rangers. Beating the Bruins on Saturday would be enormous. Git ‘ir done.

Game Day Musings

Welcome to Thursday. That means it’s almost the end of the week, obviously. It’s a game day and the Rangers are entertaining a surprising and in form Senators tonight. It should be an interesting one. Before today’s focus switches to the pre game build up, let’s saunter through a Musings together.

The fact it’s the Senators tonight brings me to mini rant time. No disrespect to the Senators (it could be any team) but it’s made an absolute farce of the All Star game that they have so many starters in the game. Fan involvement should somehow be incorporated but an All Star game should be the best players, most deserving players and true stars of the game not the likes of Daniel Alfredsson who is there mainly on popularity. Erik Karlsson deserves to go to the game but really, he leads all vote getters? Not right. The format needs to be changed to make the game meaningful or at least eagerly anticipated.

I did chuckle when I read Dion Phaneuf was voted the most overrated player in the league. It says a lot about his (lack of) popularity and standing in the game because he’s a lot better than people are giving him credit for. He’s a good defender who has found his game again this year. Somewhere in Connecticut, Sean Avery is smiling.

So, Stefan Matteau is draft eligible this summer. The USNTDP stand out is going to the QMJHL next season. Naturally, masses of Rangers fans will demand he be drafted regardless of whether he’s the right pick, at the time. Just like Beukeboom’s son who has already been traded and is having a mediocre OHL career. It’s not all about the surname – as Marcel Hossa and Fedor Fedorov will attest.

Ilya Kovalchuk is in great form and the Devils are winning games again. I couldn’t be happier for them. Really. They’re well on their way to becoming the Rangers circa 1997-2003. Not good enough for lottery picks (for a true rebuild) but good enough to be, at best, first round fodder. The Devils are in desperate need for another Adam Larsson or two to put around Kovalchuk. Enjoy mediocrity Jersey.

Recently quite a few Rangers players have cooled offensively making Dubinsky’s health (and relative return to form) that much more important. The Rangers can win close games, low scoring games and can live with the higher scoring teams but it’d be nice to see Anisimov, Stepan, Richards and even Gaborik to an extent start up some streaks again. Oh, and some consistent secondary scoring (Boyle etc) would be nice too.

• Best mid season defensive addition: Bickel, Stralman or Woywitka?

What has happened to Brandon Prust this year? He’s simply not a factor consistently. His hit total is well down, shooting % well down on his career average and as a result he’s not getting the ice time. It’s a vicious circle but if he can get better (closer to last year) this team gets much deeper.

• Chris Kreider watch: 24 points in 21 games; goals in every kind of scenario – 3 game winners, 4 Power play tallies and a shorthanded goal.
• Chris Thomas watch: 37 points in 29 games; 18 goals and 19 assists and a minus 3 rating. In his defence he’s on an at-best-average Oshawa team that is clearly gearing to the future. Thomas could really do with a big end to his season and great camp next year in NY. There’s a lot of competition for spots right now.

I wonder if Steve Eminger has played his last game for the Rangers. Don’t forget he’s got another 6 weeks recovery and has to watch Bickel, Stralman and Woywitka fight it out for bottom pair jobs anyway. There’s a chance Sauer is back well before him too. He may get a conditioning assignment like Christensen and never see NY ice as a Ranger again. It’s a tough way to lose your job if it happens.

Question Time:

• Bigger disappointment: Brian Boyle or Brand Prust?
• If one had to be cut loose: Woywitka, Bickel or Eminger?
• Del Zotto season points total: Over or under 40?
• Race to 20 goals: Hagelin or Dubinsky?

We’ll end this edition of musings with a rare tip of the Broadway hat to Erik Christensen. He’s unlikely to ever play for the Rangers again but credit where it’s due for getting back on the ice with the Whale and looking to get sharp again. He’s an NHL quality player but simply put, can’t help this Rangers team. If he works his tail off in CT he may get a shot elsewhere. The Whale will hopefully benefit from a motivated, talented player.

P.S. Henrik For Vezina. That is all.

Musings: Using 24/7 To Destroy Conspiracy Theories, NHL Financials Leaked, & More

The NHL Has A Golden Opportunity

If the NHL is smart they will defuse all of these conspiracy theories around the refereeing of the Winter Classic by revealing on 24/7 what was said between the referees and what went on at the situation room in Toronto. If any of the above is omitted from the episode it will do nothing to fan the flames.

PS – It’s amazing how sensitive the NHL is to words (fining Torts $30K, suspending Avery, etc.), yet hits to the head yield a paltry $2,500 fine and a two game suspension. Unfriggan-believable.

Key Financial Information Leaked

In a bit of underrated news, supposedly some financial information involving ticket sales was leaked to the Toronto Star. To no surprise the bottom feeders were the Phoenix Coyotes and the Florida Panthers.

Bloggers at SBNation Tampa Bay seem to think that the NHL is purposely leaking this information to either prove that Florida teams aren’t in the dire straits the media makes them out to be or perhaps to amp up the pressure for Phoenix’s eventual relocation.

Let me assure you that no professional sports organization leaks financial information on purpose. Trade rumors perhaps, but not financials. There are many reasons why the NHL wouldn’t do this and I could sit here and list them for you, but you would eventually lose interest and close our webpage.

But here’s one reason to take with you. The NHL does not want the NHLPA to have any insider figures, especially this close to negotiation season.

Time Warner & The Situation w/ Local Blackouts

A lot of people are angry at Dolan & Company for pulling MSG off of Time Warner, as they should be, and obviously there are a lot of questions about how fans living in the Time Warner footprint will be able to access MSG telecasts.

Unfortunately, those who have the NHL Network or subscribe to NHL Center Ice still won’t be able to watch upcoming Rangers games as all live telecasts are blacked out in local markets. This is done with all sports leagues and they are intended to protect the rights of the league’s national and regional broadcast partners. There are certain websites that will have the feed for free, but be aware, they are not legal.

Are The Rangers Ready To Contend?

Finally, one last bit about the Rangers since this is after all a Rangers blog. Has the Rangers dominance this season changed your pre-season expectations for this team? If so, will you be disappointed if the Rangers fail to contend, even though most of us said 2013 or 2014 would be the year to do so? Let’s hear it.

*Side note: I want three chants started at MSG tonight. “These refs suck!” Followed by “You can’t fine us!” And finally “Get Well Neal!”

Make it happen Rangers fans.

Musings: The Final 2011 Edition

It’s a Musings day, the last of 2011 and what a year it has been. The Rangers have given us a lot to smile about toward the end of this year haven’t they? Without further ado, let’s throw ourselves into another post of ramblings

New York Rangers 2011. What do you think of when you think of this year’s edition? I think progress, youth, a bright future and significant change. This team has added quality players like Brad Richards, quality prospects like Tim Erixon and JT Miller and have become a team that looks like it can contend perhaps sooner rather than later. Let’s hope 2012 carries on like ’11 is ending.

It’s the World Junior Championship and that means JT Miller is representing the Rangers on Team USA. So far Miller has a goal and is +2 in 2 games (one win, one loss) for the American team. Being the youngest player on the roster Miller should learn a huge amount during the tournament. In general, it’s becoming a very productive season for Miller who’s having a fine year in the OHL too.

Martin Biron lost a game on Wednesday. That doesn’t happen too often.

Brad Richards is really in a mid season funk isn’t he? I’m surprised the boo-boys haven’t jumped out and questioned the signing yet but it is what it is: a slump and nothing else, even if pointless in 5 games is a rarity for the center.

That said, last year, and many seasons previous, when a big player like Richards slumped there wasn’t people there to pick up the slack. This edition of the Rangers is different. Gaborik has been scorching hot, his line has been consistently productive and guys like Carl Hagelin have provided secondary offense. That’s depth my friends. Richards’ slump simply emphasises it.

Does anyone else think the coach’s comment regarding the Caps’ defensive liabilities was a little controversial? He was clearly frustrated but rarely does he openly criticise the opponents like that. That said, he was right – everyone knows Semin and co. hate going backwards.

I’m not buying in to some people’s suggestion that Dubinsky is back, yet. He’s got a long way to go before anyone can announce his return to being a contributor. If anything he’s needed more now than ever if Richards’ slump continues much longer.

Oh look, another game Brian Boyle didn’t contribute offensively (awkward silence).

So, if the Rangers were to lose to the Panthers Friday and lord forbid, lose the Winter Classic, all of a sudden the Rangers would own a three game losing streak. You just know a bunch of fans would press the panic button. It’s an 82 game season, there’ll be losing streaks. If it happened I’d still be confident in this team going forward.

What’s wrong with Brandon Prust? Are Prust and Boyle’s coinciding disappointing season’s coincidence or do they really affect each other’s games that much?

Question Time:

• First to make the Rangers: Kreider or Miller?
• Who will be the Rangers top scoring center this season?
• Would you rather keep Erixon in the line-up or Woywitka?
• Is Mike Rupp benchable yet?
• Sean Avery anyone?

So, just a couple of days left in 2011. Personally, it’s been an interesting one for me – amongst the highlights, seeing the Rangers open the season in Stockholm and forgetting what happened in the Pens-Rangers game at the MSG in November because Dave and I were that drunk. Well I was anyway. 

On behalf of all of us at the blog, Happy New Year everyone. I hope 2012 is a great one for you, me and the Rangers. Here’s to it. 

Musings At Christmas

Its Thursday, it’s a musings day and a game day. It’s the beginning of a three game home stand against divisional rivals. Don’t get used to it with relocation coming though. Anyway, let’s get into it.

Something I tweeted last night: Dan Girardi has gone pointless in 9 games. The entire tweet was a joke but what it did was reinforce how some players really do go beyond stat lines. Girardi is a solid two way guy who is good for 30 points but there may be no defenseman in the entire league – given the circumstances in NY – that is currently more important to their team. Girardi does it all.

Quietly, several Rangers are near the league lead in statistical categories. Carl Hagelin is third in shorthanded goals, Mike Del Zotto is in the top ten for plus/minus, Gaborik is right in the mix for the Richard trophy (trailing Stamkos but just one goal) while Brad Richards is tied for third in the league in game winning goals. Then there’s a certain goalie. With goalies of at least 16 starts only Brian Elliot and Tim Thomas have better GAA’s and save percentages than Henrik Lundqvist. Vezina season?

Beginning tonight, the Rangers have the Islanders twice and Philly over the Xmas period. 3 wins would be huge and are a realistic target given the new found strength on home ice. If the Rangers can get up for those games like they did against the Devils it will be a great stretch. I’m not being greedy; all I want for Xmas is 3 wins this week.

Back to goaltending. Kudos to Tortorella for managing Lundqvist’s minutes perfectly this season. He’s on course to play ‘just’ 62 games this season, by far his least since 2005 – his rookie year. He’s been his most consistent this year and his usual dominant self. The extra breaks (and the presence of Biron) are the reasons why.

The league needs to sort out concussion issues quickly. With four new additions (including ex Ranger Al Montoya) the list of players out due to concussions now stands at over 30. That’s an awful figure. Great players such as Chris Pronger may never play again and Sid Crosby could be well on his way to being the new Eric Lindros – dominant and cut down in his prime by the head issue. The league needs to be tougher on head shots, change unnecessarily tough equipment such as elbow pads and generally show more willingness to solve a horrible trend.

After 19 goals last year, ex Ranger forward Lauri Korpikoski is headed towards 20 this year. The Rangers have handled player development (drafting, ice time, minor league development etc, etc) very well in general but I still think the Rangers gave up on Korpikoski a little too early.

Be honest, did you think the Rangers would be ahead of the Penguins at Christmas, with three games in hand?

Question Time:

• Will Gaborik hit 50 goals this season?
• Will Ryan Callahan hit 30 goals this season?
• How many regular season games will Marc Staal play in this season?
• How many current roster players will be ex Rangers before the season is out?
• Who do you think is the Rangers MVP after 31 games?

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As it’s the last Musings before Christmas on behalf of the Suit, Dave and myself, allow me to wish everyone a Happy Christmas, or if you don’t celebrate it, a wonderful holiday season. A skinny tie for you all

Musings: MVP Talk

Good morning all. How are we? As you’re reading this, you’re clearly loyal Blue Seat Blog readers and that means you didn’t feel the need to sprint toward the cliff edge because of one mind numbing Loss to the Stars. We’re rational folks aren’t we? Without further ado, let’s get into my head for the musings.

I’m an unashamed Gaborik fan, so maybe I’m biased but he’s an elite player. What annoys me is when a player like Patrick Kane gets treated like hockey royalty by the media and yes, he’s very good but can we have some Gaborik love please? He’s at the same elite level as Pat Kane.

Some of you, via twitter, may know I’m moving to Brugge, Belgium for three months in February. Amid all the excitement I have found a negative. Rangers game will now, usually, start at 1.10am. That is not something to look forward to. More matinees between February and May please!

Welcome back Tim Erixon. The timing is perhaps a little premature because he was only a few games into his own injury return but on play alone he’s back on merit. He’s playing well for the Whale and is almost a point/game player for them. Is this another case of some brief AHL seasoning before cementing a place in New York? (think Mr R. McDonagh)

Here’s some food for thought for you: Will the HBO series and all the winter classic frenzy influence All Star voting? (Hell, I’m not even sure when the deadline is). With the great start top to the year will we see many Rangers make it? There’s a few deserving candidates.

Question Time (Justify your choices)

• Better season so far: Derek Stepan or Artem Anisimov?
• Most surprising: Brandon Dubinsky or Carl Hagelin?
• Next to Ride the buses: Sean Avery, Erik Christensen or John Mitchell?

I’m ashamed to admit this (hence it’s half way down this post) but I haven’t seen 24/7 yet. Work and a lack of access to HBO have condemned me to frustration. Was it worth the wait? Has it ramped up the excitement levels for your team?

This has been touched upon recently (via the Ryan rumours) but if the Rangers maintain their current position and general pattern of results do you think the Rangers will be players come the deadline? Personally I can see them adding a big piece if they are fully healthy, a top seed and Sather thinks this team can replicate Boston (not the best team in the playoffs but with a legitimate chance)

I can’t help being a little underwhelmed by Brandon Prust this season. Maybe he set his bar a little high with such a good season last time around but beyond the pointless fights recently, he’s not doing much or forcing the coach to give him more opportunity. Needless to say, right now, his contract negotiations won’t be hard for Sather.

All you Sather haters out there, we’re beginning to see the fruits of his labour from the past 4-5 years. It took far too long to get to this stage but he’d done a fine job in recent times. Organisation stacked, team young, key pieces in place, cap space going forward. Me Likely.

The Rangers MVP so far? For me it’s Ryan Callahan, then Henrik Lundqvist with honourable mentions to Brad Richards, Dan Girardi and Marian Gaborik. It says a lot when there are so many deserving candidates.

Comeback player of the year? Without doubt it has to be Gaborik, honourable mention to Del Zotto

Oh, here’s a final thought for you; should the Rangers MVP discussion include John Tortorella? Take a look at the record and the injuries dealt with and tell me what you think. He’s on the shortlist for me.

See ya

Musings: Checking In On A Sick Day

It’s been a while since I’ve written a musings post. Generally Chris writes them, and when he can’t Suit or Becky step in. But since I’m home sick today, I decided I want to write them.  So here we go:

• Seven in a row, lose two, five in a row, lose one. I’ll take 12 of 15, but this season is far from over and the Rangers still have a tough road ahead. Their next five games are against teams currently in the playoffs, so these games will tell us a lot about the chances the Rangers have at being a legitimate contender.
• Marc Staal being out hurts, but now losing Mike Sauer is going to be an even tougher loss. Last year, Steve Eminger stepped up when the Rangers were ravaged by injuries. Can he do it again? Will one of Jeff Woywitka or Anton Stralman be able to step up and fill in those big minutes. Also lost in this is how the play of Michael Del Zotto will be effected by the loss of his defensive partner. He had been making significant strides, so maybe he can hold on to them, or even step up and play better.
• The reports are that Mike Rupp and Wojtek Wolski are skating, and may be inching closer to a return. It’s going to be interesting to see how the Rangers deal with this. My guess, assuming no injuries: Erik Christensen and John Mitchell get sent down initially, with Rupp and Sean Avery rotating as the odd man out. If Wolski falters, we will see Mitchell be called up and Wolski sent down. It’s going to be tough for the Rangers not to give someone with so much skill another shot at the expense of someone like Mitchell. Mitchell has played well, but when Wolski’s on his game, he’s a great asset.
• If Sauer winds up being out long term, at what point do the Rangers make a move to shore up the blue line? Is that move a Tim Erixon call up? Maybe it’s a trade of some sort.
• Completely off topic, but I’m amazed at how much Victor Cruz has single-handedly carried my fantasy football team. I picked him up on waivers in Week 4, and he’s been a starter every week since. Him, Drew Brees, and the Chicago defense have won me weeks on their own. Now if only Darren McFadden can make it back by next week, I’ll be set.
• Henrik Lundqvist reminds me a lot of Mariano Rivera. One of the best in the game, but significantly under appreciated in his early years because he has been so steady and so consistent and so great. Mo never won a Cy Young, and got cheated in the one year he was better than stellar (Bartolo Colon? Really?). Is Hank headed down that same path? That path of consistently great, but not “hot” enough for the award?

Musings: Sports Biz Secrets, Uninformed Bloggers, & More Ryan Talk (Updated)

• There’s always a lot of fuss over Forbes’ annual rankings of the NHL’s supposed franchise values. What often doesn’t get mentioned is that few sports teams are tied to publicly traded companies, so a lot of these figures are pure guesstimates and not actually lifted from the books.

• On top of that, these values are based on announced prices of sold franchises, which are grossly overstated (figures can include fees, taxes, debt, etc.). They also base these numbers on reported attendance figures, which include comp tickets, plus all of the people working in the venue such as team staff, press members, etc.

Uninformed Undermining Success

• If the Rangers lose to the Hurricanes, will everyone’s praise for this team turn to scorn? Maybe elsewhere…

• Speaking of which, how come McDonagh & Girardi make a couple of boneheaded plays against the Penguins -that actually lead to two goals-but Michael Del Zotto gets the brunt of blogger frustration?

• Now, I’m not saying MDZ should be immune from criticism. However, he does deserve praise when he makes the right play, and I’m not finding too many people offering that side of the equation. For example, he started the play on 2 Rangers goals against Pittsburgh. Anyone mention that anywhere?

• There is an element of internet fans that do not know hockey beyond their basic passions, but are delivering “analysis” to all of you that is neither fair, nor well-informed. I hope you all are recognizing the difference: Blue Seat Blogs = a fine Cabernet, some of these other sites = boxed wine.

• Sorry, I’m drinking an aged birthday gift as I write this…

The Kid With Two First Names From Jersey

• I’m not sure if Ducks GM Bob Murray planted trade rumors in the press regarding Bobby Ryan to motivate him, or to test the market to see what his value is – it could just be a bunch of smoke – but if he is moved my money might be on Toronto. If there is any GM aggressive enough to make a move of this nature at this juncture in the season, it is the man who drafted him…Brian Burke.

• As far as the Rangers go, it’s interesting that fans are labeling Kreider & McIlrath as untouchables, but not Christian Thomas or J.T. Miller (2011 1st rounder) for that matter?  Is the media coverage & hype playing a role here? Perhaps.

• We put up a poll to your right that is somewhat facetious about this whole Bobby Ryan rumor. No matter, place your vote!

• *** Last night Caryle was fired and was replaced by Bruce Boudreau (boy that was fast).  If I’m Murray I might wait to see what Boudreau’s thoughts are on Ryan before moving him. Get a fresh perspective. Thoughts?