Hockeybird.com: Positive-Negative

Positive-Negative

Saturday - January 03, 2004

One can't really complain much after a 4-1 win on the road to cap off a six point, four game road trip....but I do have some issues here. We'll get them out of the way and then address the positives.

Here's the Rodent's take on the ugly win.

Negatives:

This power play reminds me of the old NY Football Giants. I wonder if the coaches send them out yelling, "just go in there and hold 'em." In the second period the Rangers had six minutes of consecutive PP time and nearly gave up two goals. I don't think they had a decent scoring chance themselves. It's so damn frustrating to watch a team with this skill level flat out suck with the man advantage. The lack of skating and or movement combined with bad decisions that lead to poor shot selection is my take on where the problem is.

The Rangers also took some bad penalties and I saw several players get away with plays that should have been called including Messier's slash and Kovalev's slew foot, both in the third. Alex still doesn't shoot when he should even though he admitted as much during a between periods interview. If it'll help, we will all chip in and buy him the stick of his choice....just shoot Alex, please.

Positives:

**Jussi Saves**

Jussi the Finn got caught out of position on his only goal against.....but played lights out the entire game. He kept his team in when they failed to sustain the early first period effort, stopped a penalty shot and kept the Pens from scoring when they had the man advantage. This includes a two man advantage where Markkanen was able to stop one and then stick out his toe to stop another. Not bad for a guy who we got in return for a bogus Brian Leetch trade eh ? 41 saves on 42 shots for the only player of Finnish decent on the roster this year. I told you we needed a Finn. The Dude may see some more rest before he plays on the Island next Saturday afternoon. I'd start Jussi vs. the Flames on Monday and I hope Glen Sather does too.

Eric Lindros threw a huge check in the opening minutes of the game and it was the other player who left the ice with a possible concussion. I never thought I'd be writing that. Lindros is playing his best hockey these days and the Rangers sure need it.

Another positive was the Ranger D playing well with only five skaters available after Bouchard left the ice with a leg injury. Leetch and deVries played nearly half the game and at one point Greg helped kill off a full 5 on three without rest.

Since the Ice Chickens power play is so bad it's hard to list the penalty kill as a positive....but they did kill off all chances against. It's a turn for the better I guess. I won't discuss the lines or ice time on the forwards today....(Messier was on for 18:14 but assisted on the first two goals).

So you may now enjoy your Saturday night with a smile. A win is a win is a win. The Ranger proved they can beat an ECHL team.....yea ! Me ? I'm gonna get some ice time at an open hockey in Syosset, NY at 7:30 tonight and then crack a beer or two. Come on down if you're in the area....it's where the Islanders practice.

----}- Bird

Posted by Bird at January 03, 2004 04:08 PM
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Comments

I've been groping for a word to describe this team for quite some time (not a little embarrassing for an editor, not being able to find the right word). I realized what it was this afternoon, while watching a game that only looked good on the scoreboard. This team is as bloody unstable as a souffle.
Barbara

Posted by: BaHa on January 3, 2004 07:42 PM

Dear Bird,

Jussi was awesome today but I am still pulling for the Dude. What is it about Dunham that he can't handle one on ones and penalty shots? When I saw it was going to be a penalty shot, I was glad it was Jussi and not Mike in there.

Too bad I found out about the open hockey too late. I would love to have seen you play. You really must be feeling better. I hear Ice Works has the best ice on the Island.

Happy New Year Dude

Posted by: mhurley on January 3, 2004 09:17 PM