Rangers Conquer Europe
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The New York Rangers embarked on a European trip and conquered all. First, they took 2 games in the pre-season finales against SC Bern & Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Then, the real games began.
The Rangers, not without a few weaknesses, gutted out 2 victories over the Tampa Bay Lightning - both by the score of 2-1. You definitely gotta tip your hats to the Rangers efforts. They outchanced, outhustled, and really outplayed the Lightning over the course of the 2 games.
A couple of quick observations from the games: The Rangers are fast! They are much faster than I originally thought they'd be. The level of speed that the Rangers showed is going to be real tough for opposing teams to deal with. Another thing that I noticed was the defensive smothering of Tampa - it was excellent. Sure, Tampa had opportunities, but Lundqvist was there when needed. Overall, they really outplayed Tampa, big time.
I think this team is obviously a squad that is a work in progress. But how does one complain about taking the first 2 games of the regular season? I mean, you can't improve on 4 points in 2 games!
It was "pretty" at times during these games, but with a little ugly thrown in as well. I could nitpick about the lack of scoring, or the numerous giveaways inside the Rangers blueline, but in the end there's an old saying in hockey - "You don't draw pictures on a scoresheet"! They came, they saw, they conquered... it's that simple.
On another note, I caught Barry Melrose's press conference after Game 2. Boy, was that a beauty. The Tampa players, especially the high priced ones, have been served notice! I played for Barry in my last year of professional hockey, I believe he's one of the best coaches that I ever played for. Barry will let you know the good and the bad. If you don't play the way that he expects, you will sit - trust me on that! I trust that Barry will turn it around in Tampa, but the players better beware. Over and out!
Pictures courtesy of Yahoo! Sports
24 comments:
Voros was a great get. Not a big minute man but will chip in offensively and be difficult to play against. He is a less skilled, but far more classy Sean Avery.
leroy: I like Voros's enthusiasm and he wanted to be a Ranger all his life. He's willing to do what it takes to help the Rangers win and that is good enough for me.
WOW..you see who was put on waivers...Chris..Kyle McLaren...man o man...the Rangers better nab him and trade a few of these extra forwards or waive them and make room for him..in fact..they can waive Kalinin as well if need be..or trade hm in a package...goodness we can have a physical impact D-man virtually at the cost of nothing..if we dont sign him..and there is no excuses..as thats a major need...for this team..no excuses..only solutions..at virtually no cost...would be an alarming event...a serious consideration at what this teams main goals are...lets go get the lad...eh..and it simplifies a trade for a Marleau type player as well...
I have an uneasy feeling that the blasted islanders will pick up Mclaren..is the waiver wire order the same as the draft order...minus the trades..ie...we will be the 20th in line for news on him?
leatherneck: Leatherneck just got back from a little get together with a few old friends (Greschner,Laidlaw,and Vic Hadfield). It was great to see them. As for Mclaren, I,m all for it but it's up to Sather and the coaches.
Yes it goes in order worst to first and chances are slim. I do not believe the Rangers would make a move anyways this early in the season.
Hello Chris..glad you had a great time with some of the old breed...lol...can you believe it...almost 29 years ago you played for us...didnt you come up with Tom Laidlawat the same time? Current events...McLaren went to the minors..no one picked him up..any idea why..he was only at 2.3 mil and as far as the Rangers he would have provided what the team lacks..hard nosed physical D-man...personally i would have dumped kalinin for him and also make a trade..excess forward/s for draft picks and open up a spot for Corey Potter as well...seems the talks are heating up again for Shanny..to me..my logic says...if Sather didnt pick up McLaren...then there has to be some truth to the Shanny talks...what gives..any ideas?
leatherneck It was great to see Tommy, First time in over 20 years. We did indeed come up to the Rangers the same year (80-81)
It does not look good for Mclaren, being sent to the minors after clearing waivers is not a good sign.
If you remember in my previous blogs, I have stated that they will bring Shanny back at some point in a reduced role. As long as he accepts his place on the team it can't hurt.
Kots-On Potter-he goes to Hartford and stays until someone is injured-the guy doesn't have to clear waivers to come back. Having that is more important than having him here right now!
With that in mind it is kind of touchy having just 6 D-men on the roster with the schedule having us go 6 in 9 and 7 in 11 nights!!--Thats why Sather and Renney get the big$$$ to make those decitions.
I'm glad we got 4 pts with the quick start--points we don't have to worry about in March.--Nice to see th PP go 1fer4(i'll take that any night)--It was even nicer to see Roszival take his shots when they were there--a big change from always looking for 68!!IT had a nice rythem--and they put alot of shots on net.
I was glad that it was Vinny Lecavs first real action --he looked slow(for him) and still had some rust to skate off--Gomez ate him up on the draws--Did you see the roughing call on Dawes--when he was fighting for the puck in a corner and he got his glove on Meszaros nose?? that was it --roughing --jeez--he touched his f-in nose!!!What a game.
All the GM's passed on McLaren??I guess there's more than meets the eye!!--I always said --we only know what they let us see--until one of us has an office at Penn Plaza we just sit here and guess!!
I've been out of touch the last few days--what do you hear about this guy Don LaGrecca from NHL LIVE???did he get some sort of broadcast job with the Rangers???
NHL ch has 2 games Thursday night and if anyone has Direct TV,but not the Center Ice package--their giving a free week to check it out--So--check it out!!!
Yes I recall the day you 2 were recalled...growing up in Queens and I do believe I was at the first game youz played..at the Garden..wasnt it against the islanders? or the Flyers one of the two..I think..as for McLaren..why wasnt he picked up in your opinion?
mr.hockey: Potter is what we call having great bench strength. As for Mclaren there obviously is more than meets the eye or he wouldn't have cleared waivers.
Is it possible LeGrecca took Dave Maloney's job on radio, or Kenny Albert's?
The NHL has a lot of work to do with the cheap penalty calls it's getting embarrassing!
leatherneck: I don't remember my first game at MSG, but I do remember my first official game in the NHL - Flyers,Spectrum, Thrown out the game, 24 or something like that in PIM.
Mclaren it seems was injury prone his last few years, and he does carry a pretty good salary 2.5 mill. To be honest with you to risky.
Kots--opening night for the rest of the league--Leafs and Wings Original Six--A late game---Like JD used to say----OH BABY!!!!
Hello Chris, very entertaining game..that line is a keeper of Voros, Doobie and Zherdev...Did you even notice Dawes in this game...also..4th line is a keeper of Sjostrom, Betts and Orr..I think that line will provide 15 to 20 goals by the end of the year...and thats a VAST improvement over last years..have to say...D looked ok....your views?
Hey everyone, this is Koty's son, Cody. Just letting you all know that there's been a death in the family and we will be away for a while. Take care.
My condolonces to you and your family Chris
All my sympathy. I'm so sorry to hear that.
WOW..Cherepanov..how tragic anews is that...I was so looking forward to seeing him on a line with possibly Anisimov and Garchev..our number 1 prospect gone so too soon..lets not forget him and thank him for the hope of a super star as a Ranger to be...you will be missed Alexei but not frgotten
Kots--Just heard about your tragic loss from our friend--My sympathy goes out to you and your family--If there is anything I can do for you,give me a call.
Hello Kotsy,
Please forgive me as I just read about your loss in the family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Lisa and Cody.
I have not forgotten to get back to you but we are in the process of moving closer to Diane's job.
We move this Saturday the 18th of October and will send you all our new information on how to get a hold of us.
Miss you guys,
Crock
I never like juggling lines in order to find offense in a game a team is losing...like Renney did with the 2nd unit of voros, dubi and zherdev last night in the loss to the sabers..problem is first and 3rd lines are not clicking..i think we need to bring up byers from hartford along with potter and sign mclaren for the half value on contract..insert fritsche in as 3rd line center and send korpikoski back to hartford so he doesnt lose confidence a la prucha and dawes...the latter two..time for a trade as these two players are very good but not a fit to this team...prooks should have had 2 goals last night...but its obvious he is tight around the scoring area..its a subconcious thing with him now..byers needs to be up...to take away that role from voros..he needs to stay on the ice...kalinin is a detriment to Girardi...those 2 are not clicking as partners and dont read off of each other...and i think girardi has kalinin on the back of his mind and not playing losely as he normally does...6 games in...team has shown strengths and weaknesses...biggest weakness has been mental lapses from..putting to much pressure on themselves..my view so far
Hope you are ok Chris..Positive thoughts your way from me
leatherneck: Leatherneck, it's been rough couple of weeks. My father passed away and I've been with my family in Toronto. I will get back in to the swing of things shortly. Thanks for the kind words.
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