Game Day Musings

It’s another edition of Musings on a game day. How convenient. It’s also the first since the deadline came and went and the deadline day inactivity was a blessing or curse; depending on your point of view of course.

The biggest winner of the deadline day for me: Buffalo. I think Cody Hodgson should be a quality center for a long time to come and any team that can get a 1^st AND a 4^th for a guy that has never scored more than 12 goals in a season has done well. Paul Gaustad; good foot soldier, nothing more.

I wonder when Rangers fans will get to watch John Scott in red, white and blue for the first time, against Boston?

The Rangers had a little pre-deadline day wobble but anyone that saw the Devils game has to be impressed. The whole shenanigans didn’t make them deviate from their game and they stuck with what got them this far. This team is in sync, it’s hungry and maybe some people are right, they deserved a chance to go deep as the unit that they already are. Hey, they’re well ahead of their development curve anyway, right?

Ryan Callahan is having a monster year. That is all.

It isn’t Rick Nash or another marquee player that’s put Dubinsky’s Rangers career on shaky ground. It’s himself, but also Carl Hagelin. The young Swede is as dynamic a rookie as there’s been in a long time and he’s out hustling, out skating and out producing Dubinsky at the wing spot. Consider the kid a future star: 43 games, 27 points, 40 point season approaching. Nice.

Is there any way Mats Zuccarello even contemplates re-signing with the Rangers? And, is there any way the club even contemplate offering him a new deal? Answer: no. He’ll want an NHL opportunity that is not coming any time soon in New York.

Anyone else really, truly thought of the absurdity of Henrik Lundqvist’s save percentage this season?

Playoff potential: right now the Rangers are looking at a showdown with the Capitals which is as tough as a 1^st round could be. 1 point behind is the Jets which would be a great match up.  It seems, at this stage, to be one of Jersey, the Caps, Jets or least likely the Leafs. It could be a lot easier folks.

Five, FIVE (!) teams have losing records this season. Gary Bettman, thank you for your diluted product, where parity is the beige of sports. To make matters worse two of those teams are a two game winning streak from a .500 record which would leave a mere 10% of the league with losing records.

Following a little fit of production, Artem Anisimov has gone back to being a passenger. At what point do you believe he’s hit his ceiling? At what point do you believe he’ll never fulfil his potential? If Chris Kreider does make the roster sooner rather than later Anisimov has no chance of establishing himself as a top six player on this club.

Chances Ruslan Fedotenko gets another year with the Rangers next year? If Dubinsky or A.N. Other leaves and prospects aren’t considered ready; don’t rule out one of Tortorella’s favourite troopers coming back.

Question Time:

• John Tortorella; does he win the Jack Adams this season?
• Does Ryan Callahan break the top five in Selke vote getters?
• John Scott – fights as a Ranger: over or under 5?
• First to 20 points; Prust or Boyle?
• Rangers have 21 games remaining; Does Lundqvist reach 40 wins?

Musings: The Deadline Day Edition

Reasons to Trust Mr Sather: Dan Girardi, Marc Staal, Ryan McDonagh, Mike Del Zotto, Mike Sauer. Thanks to Glen Sather and the Rangers scouting department this club has a wealth of depth on the blue line, with a fair bit in reserve. Note that top 5; all young and all have ability either side of the puck.

You may have noted the direction that first point was going in. Rick Nash. If the rumoured package for Nash does indeed include Dylan McIlrath you don’t let it break down because of his inclusion. I’m sure he’ll be a fine player but thanks to the depth discussed above, he’s a luxury the team can afford to move.

Christian Thomas in a Nash package as well? Also Fine. If Nash became a Ranger – and with Kreider deemed untouchable – not to mention Gaborik, Anisimov, Stepan and Callahan firmly entrenched in the top six (at present), Thomas becomes buried on the depth chart and like McIlrath is a luxury the team can afford to move. All thanks to quality drafting and patience in the organisation folks.

Assuming the Rangers current roster wants to show Sather, his staff and the coaching team no major changes are needed they’re sure going about it the wrong way aren’t they? Three poor games in a row, team wide poor decision making and once again an over reliance on shot blocking and a certain goaltender in net.

Dear Brandon Dubinsky, you must really like the thought of playing out your contract in Ohio. Hey, at least the rock and roll Hall of Fame is a short drive away. When the Rangers are trying to make the playoffs, at this rate you’ll be getting tickets to see Guns N Roses inducted. Buck your ideas up.

The Rangers made Marc-Andre Fleury look good the other night; far too much perimeter play. It’s one thing to get pucks on net but there really is no point if you’re not creating traffic, looking for rebounds and generally making a goalie’s night harder than Fleury’s.

Back to Deadline day thoughts: The Rangers do not need to address the defense. Even if Mike Sauer’s not particularly close to returning, the Rangers block shots, do a good job of allowing Lundqvist to see most shots and are better at moving bodies than most give them credit for. I’d rather use assets to upgrade the offense instead of trying to make a great unit even better.

I really want to know who has the final say on the powerplay. Tortorella? Obviously Allaire is in charge of the league’s best goaltending unit. Does Mike Sullivan assume responsibility? Is it shared amongst the coaching duo or do the ‘special assistants’ (guys like Messier) have a major influence? I know it’s hard to grumble too much given the team’s record but there is plenty of talent on the roster to at least have a top 15 powerplay unit. Maybe changes need to be made elsewhere. Maybe…

Gaborik has 4 goals in his last 20 games. He’s not finishing but he’s still playing well. He’s making plays, creating goals and getting assists. The lack of goal scoring may be because teams are zoning in on him now that goal scoring has begun to dry up elsewhere. Could a Nash-like addition free Gaborik up some more? Absolutely

Question Time

• Are you vehemently behind keeping Brandon Dubinsky and his 6 goals for 4.2m?
• Do you start Martin Biron against the Islanders or, given the team’s recent play, do you go ‘all-in’ to make sure you get a win (and go with the King)?
• Do you think the Rangers make a major addition before the deadline?
• Which of the top four defensemen on the current roster, not inc. Sauer due to injury, is the most expendable all things considered? (i.e. skill set, age, reliance, upside)
• Can the Rangers win multiple playoff rounds without adding more scoring?

Food for thought: Despite the roster purge of 2003-04 and given the way the Rangers entire organisation has developed in the past five years, is this potentially the most fundamentally-changing deadline day in the Sather era?

Without question, the Islanders game is huge Friday night for so many reasons. Above all (regardless of deadline day potential) the team needs to avoid any losing streaks getting out of hand. Especially given how the Devils and Pens have been playing.

Final Thought: Antoine Vermette. Steve Downie. Their trades have nothing to do with the Rangers? Wrong. Brandon Dubinsky is better than both players. He also has more upside. Yet Vermette essentially got shipped out for a 2^nd plus change while Downie got moved for a package that included a first round pick. When discussions about Nash come to a head Sather can point to these two players’ value in regard to Dubinsky and that could help establish a package for Nash – or any other significant trade. The Vermette and Downie deals have a massive knock on effect to the likes of Dubinsky. Any good GM will have taken note.

Musings day – Rangers trophy talk

It’s a musings day and what a week this has been (already) for the Rangers. Boston who? Yeah I said it. It’s a week of upheaval here at Blue Seat Blogs. Dave has had the audacity to go on holiday leaving yours truly, the Suit and the rookie (aka Justin) to do the heavy lifting; which would be easier if my laptop hadn’t died on me, but I digress. To the musings…

Callahan Can Do More – Seriously

It’s all been said about Cally before but there is one thing; his offensive upside. Barring a dramatic dip in form or injury, Callahan will likely get his first 30 goal season this year. He’s a great captain and a physical player, but previously he seemed limited in regards to his finishing ability. No longer. As this team gets better, older and deeper I see the potential for a 40 goal season for Callahan. I never thought I’d say that. He is a critical element on this team in every scenario and he could legitimately knock in 40 if he avoids injury. What a player he has become.

And the Hart Trophy Goes to…

At this stage, given the ridiculous pace he has been setting, the only person that should be a threat to Lundqvist for the Hart should be Evgeni Malkin. Both players are critical to their teams, but for me – personal adoration aside -Lundqvist deserves it because his regular season is potentially a historical one statistically. He could break the all-time GAA record for starters. The Swede is borderline unbeatable right now and care not about Mr Lin of the Knickerbockers, Henrik is the King of New York right now.

And the Vezina Trophy Goes to…

Barring major loss of form or serious injury in the next week or two, Lundqvist should have this trophy in his cabinet already. He’s been that good.

More than ‘Just’ a Scorer

Some players are one dimensional. Some players are accused of being one dimensional. Marian Gaborik isn’t one dimensional. Yes, he’s a goal scorer (and an elite one) first and foremost, but he’s displayed an exceptional level of passing ability recently and if you’ve followed him closely this year, you should be beginning to appreciate his defensive ability too. Not many so called elite, finesse players try as hard as Gaborik does defensively, nor do they buy into the team concept as Gaborik does. He’s having a great season.

Mike Who?

I guarantee some fans have forgotten about Mike Sauer. That is not a slight on Sauer or his place on this roster, but is testament to the way the club is playing without their physical blueliner. This club doesn’t need to add a defenseman at the deadline if Sauer returns soon. What depth the Rangers boast if (when) he does in fact return.

Powerplay dilemma

I mentioned this on twitter this week. Look at the new found confidence (and success) on the power play. The crisp passing, the movement off the puck, the guys (Callahan) parked in front waiting to convert. Right now, the power play looks rejuvenated which poses a dilemma; should the Rangers even bother looking to make a change right now? Do you believe the unit can carry this form on (based on skill level it should be able to be a quality unit) or do you risk moving assets/roster parts/picks to pick up some help just in case? The improved power play has thrown up as many new questions as it has answered old ones.

Question Time:

• Does Gaborik break 50 goals?

• Does Lundqvist get 40 wins?

• If you could make one addition come deadline day, would it be an offensive or defensive addition?

• Does Wolski score a goal this season or have we seen the last of the skilled Pole?

• Who’s Sean Avery?

Musings: Jeff Carter? No Thanks, Fraser Feels NYR Got Robbed, & More

Muchado About Nothing

After watching 24/7 and seeing what Anisimov was like behind the scenes, Stamkos pretty much admitted that his team overreacted to the whole snipeshow incident. Of course, somehow that news has been missed and others are trying to drum up some sort of confrontation between the two. This isn’t just a stretch; it’s not doing your homework.

More From The Rumor Front

Speaking of not doing your homework, Yahoo Sports said Ryan Smyth is still open to being traded to the Rangers. I find that interesting considering Smyth’s exact quote was, “Who’s Larry Brooks? It’s not something that I’ve thought much about.” “I’ve moved four times in the last five years…I wanted to come back here for a reason.” These deadline rumor articles are getting pretty desperate huh?

I was surprised people have also been mentioning bringing Jeff Carter over from Columbus. I know his stats are pretty and all, but talk about a guy who is a ghost when he is not scoring. People have problems with Richards and they think Carter is the answer? Have you not read our hockey systems stuff?

Never mind the fact that his contract runs until 2022. Carter is notorious for coasting when he’s not scoring, he doesn’t use his size at all, and his back checking leaves much to be desired. Now he’s whining and underperforming? Tortorella would eat Jeff Carter alive.

Fraser’s Analysis On Grand Theft Anton

Finally, I just want to toss Blueline Station a silk tie. They had a great find from former ref Kerry Fraser (via TSN) giving a detailed look at the waived off goal against New Jersey the other night. I don’t want to steal their quotes, so be sure to click through the link. Always nice to read what a real expert has to say.

***Also, just wanted to add that Justin will be hosting a live chat @ noon on Friday. We’ll be talking deadline, tactics, & more. Be sure to swing by and say hello.

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.