Today I'd like to thank Sue who, out of the kindness of her heart gave me a 2004 Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup ring. I've always wanted one of these (a Rangers one) and since I was at the game when the Bolts won it, this is the next best thing. You should see the look on my face when someone asks what the ring is.
I was unable to watch yesterdays game live but thanks to Santa (my wife) I now have a Tivo-like device to record games. I avoided the boards so I could watch without knowing the outcome. I was both pleased and disappointed with what I saw. Pleased in that this team can play with the big boys. Disappointed in that at least yesterday, they were not good enough to beat the big boys.
Kaspar was injured in warm ups.....a sprain which kept him out of the line up. Orr who was inserted, never left the bench except to exit the ice at the end of each period. I think it's fair to ask why one of the 23 spots you get on a roster would be filled with someone who can't at least take a few shifts per game. I expect some moves to address Kaspar's spot while he's out and Pöck seems the logical choice to get the call up. I wouldn't be surprised to see some other kind of movement too. Today's NHL is such that to enter into a contest without 18 skaters who can help you win is not just a preventable disadvantage, it's not smart. Renny and Slats know this.
Look, if the Rangers lost every game the rest of the way, I've already seen enough to declare the season a success. But there's an opportunity here for something more than just a rebuilding. The Rangers will need to find a way to beat teams like the Wings if the icing on the cake is going to happen.
The Rodent - My guess is that the Rangers are the NHL's elite in throwing together a great mix of dedicated, hustling and talented players who don't play formation hockey. But the Senators and Red Wings are that much better because they do.
NY Post - "I'm upset because I think we can beat even the best [teams], but we didn't do it," said Jagr, who scored the match's first goal but was unable to find much space in which to operate throughout the game. "I don't think we played our best hockey."
Newsday - The Rangers' power play went 0-for-3 and is in a 2-for-30 slump ... Goaltender Kevin Weekes (8-7-2) is expected to start against the Blue Jackets in Columbus tomorrow ... The Rangers haven't won in Detroit since Jan. 30, 1999.
DailyNews - The club planned to call up D Tomas Pöck from Hartford to play in Kasparaitis' place tomorrow night at Columbus. ... Henrik Lundqvist allowed four goals for the second straight game, the first time the rookie goalie has done that.
Yesterday's game marked the return of the NHL to network TV here in the US. Based on what I saw and the reactions from fans it seems that NBC got it right. Go here to find free video and other NHL related links and articles.
I'll try and get back with some NHL stuff, but for now.....enjoy your day. Later on I'll be downing home made Black and Tans' using ESBs and Guinness. Mmmmm.
----}- Bird
Posted by Bird at January 15, 2006 10:44 AMeMail this entry!
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