Finally. It's been a long, long, long, long time since I remember waking up on the morning of a Rangers' playoff game. Life was much different back then. I wasn't even dating the woman who is now my wife. I was still in law school and had NO money at all. More hair, less waist. My cousin, who is heading off to college this fall, was somewhere around the third grade.
But all of that changes in just about five hours.
It seems that everyone is healthy again, except for Martin Rucisnky. Steve Rucchin will return to the lineup this afternoon. Some of the guys were saying that they weren't feeling their best after their battle with the flu, though. They all practiced yesterday.
Uncle Larry gets us started this morning with his long overdue playoff preview: Shortly after 3:00 this afternoon, the waiting will be over - what's nine years when measured against 54, anyway? - and while the Rangers are focused on what it will take to beat the Devils at the Meadowlands in Game 1 of their opening round Battle of the Hudson, the Blueshirts' eyes are on the ultimate prize.
John D says the Blueshirts will bank on Hank: "I really want that Cup too - especially in New York with what has happened there the last few years," Lundqvist said moments after winning gold. "You want to bring it home for yourself and for the New York people."
Steve Zipay at Newsday: A day before Game 1 of the first-round series against the Devils, who ended the season on an 11-game winning streak, Jagr's lighthearted mood seemed to epitomize that of his teammates. Jagr, and several of his mates, are recovering from a bout with a stomach virus.
Colin Stephenson of the Star Ledger: All right, all right, so Henrik Lundqvist has never played in the NHL playoffs before. Everyone knows that. But honestly, is that really such a big deal?
The Rodent breaks down what the Rangers game plan should be. I like #9 - SHOOT THE PUCK!
Joe McDonald at NY SportsDay: This afternoon - 3 p.m. to be exact – the New York Rangers will experience something that hasn’t happened since May 25, 1997 . . . Back then, Bill Clinton was president, DVD players were just being introduced, the Knicks were good, Star Wars wasn’t ruined, one could only access the Internet through dial-up and the word I-Pod was thought to be the title of a new science fiction movie.
In the latest Fact or Fiction, Gabe worried about the referees and whether or not they were going to call penalties the way they had been all year. Well, don't worry, because there were a TON of penalties called in the four games played last night. First of all, there were 11 power play goals scored. Secondly, in those four games, there were 57 minors called, including 19 hooks/trips, and 15 interference/holding calls. Throw in the slashes, cross checks, and high sticks, and you have refs who aren't letting stuff go.
(On a side note, Ville Nieminen was called for 3 minors all by himself.)
It took the Red Wings two overtime periods to beat the Oilers. Kirk Maltby had the game tying and game winning goals.
Darren McCarty scored the winner in the Flames OT win over the Mighty Ducks. Jamie Lundmark appeared in his first career playoff game, and took a 5 minute major for fighting. Jamie Lundmark??
The Lightning held the Senators scoreless going into the third period, but then Ottawa exploded for four goals in the final 20 minutes to win 4-1. Rookie goalie Ray Emery stopped 35 of 36 shots.
Paul Kariya had 4 assists to help lift the Nashville Predators over the San Jose Sharks 4-3. All four goals were on the power play.
The Hartford Wolf Pack lost game 3 of their playoff series against Manchester. The Monarchs won 6-5 in double overtime after the Pack rallied from a 5-2 deficit to tie the game. Marc Staal was dusted on the final play. He'll learn.
So enough of my mindless drivel. Get your beers, get to your TV sets. For those of you who are heading to the swamp, put on your jerseys and be as loud as you can. Let the boys know that they are not far from home, and that Martin Brodeur is right - NO ONE GIVES A DAMN ABOUT THE DEVILS.
FINALLY, IT'S THE STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS. GAME 1. RANGERS v. NEW JERSEY. THE PUCK DROPS AT 3:05 PM EST ON NBC.
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!!!!!
HDH
Posted by Jim at April 22, 2006 11:26 AM
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