Rangers Outplay Sharks, But Lose 3-2
Sunday, December 21, 2008
The New York Rangers, fresh off of a 3-2 win over the LA Kings, waded into Shark territory and basically did everything they had to in order to take down of the NHL's best teams. At the beginning of the game, the Rangers had to withstand early penalties that gave the Sharks a 2-man advantage and a subsequent 2 goal lead (Mara's penalty was crap). From there, I thought the Blueshirts were by far better team in this game. The team was led by not the so-called "leaders", rather they were led by players like Ryan Callahan and Brandon Dubinsky. These two took charge after Zherdev cut the lead to one - with a nice 5-hole shot on a 2 on 1.
You have to appreciate Ryan Callahan. Night after night he puts it all on the line for his team! He hustles, hits, and provides energy like no other does on this team... and for what? Less than a million? Anyways, his hustle lead to a goal where he charged to the net and backhanded a rebound off of a Dubinsky shot. Callahan's efforts again cut the lead back to one. Previously, Patrick Marleau bumped the lead back up to 2 on a goal that Henrik Lundqvist got caught napping on. At 3-2, the Rangers took over in the 3rd and it really looked like they were toying with the Sharks on numerous shifts throughout the 3rd period - but, they still could not find the net.
In the end, the Rangers were not rewarded for their efforts. As I mentioned earlier, the "leaders" and "stars" were missing in action. Guys like Dubinsky, Callahan, Betts, etc. were the reason why I thought the Rangers outplayed the Sharks for most of the night. I had some trepidation going into this one, but was pleasantly surprised how the Blueshirts took it to the Sharks without their stars providing any offense. On the downside, the scoring is still a major problem. Something has to give in sooner or later. Trades? Someone getting hot? I don't know what the answer is, but it's been a problem all year!
Oh, and one more thing... I am so glad that the Mats Sundin saga is finally over. We can finally take the "Swedish Meatball" off the menu once and for all. Hey, I know he's good, but where does he get off playing with the NHL like it was his own toy? Have fun in Vancouver Mats! Over and out!
15 comments:
i still want shanny ha.
Do Work: DO WORK, I second that!
ahhhh, thats what i want for Hanukkah. Brendan Shanahan signing, best holiday gift ever!!!! This is stressing me out...
The Rangers definitely played well enough to win last night... they probably should have.
Also, I agree with DO WORK. Shanny would be perfect coming in now, not having to play a whole season, getting PP time.
I sure hope the Rangers make some kind of move, because something still needs to be done.
It was more of the usual from the Rangers,as far as first periods go, last night in San Jose. Again, the Rangers started a contest unprepared for their opponent. It led to numerous mistakes in front of the Ranger goal as well as an almost surprised look from most Rangers that they were being hit at all times. The Sharks zeroed in on the Rangers by putting 3 players in front of Henrik. With superior passing by moving the puck side to side from in front of the slot and utilizing their point men , The Sharks outmanned the Rangers in the Rangers zone at will. The speed of the Sharks passing game was the difference. Not skating speed . But passing speed. This can only be created when players have a trust for each other to be where they are supposed to be. It created penalties which led to Shark goals.
The Rangers have few players that can match the Sharks puck movement skills. Zherdev is one of them . He played a great game. And was able to compete during the early parts of the game when the Sharks were playing at full throttle. The Sharks won every face off it seemed. Naslund looked lost tonight. I thought Redden stepped up a bit. for this one.
The face offs killed the Rangers. They had only 15 shots on goal through 2 periods. The Rangers were able to turn on the possession game in part of the third because the Sharks pulled back and dared the Rangers to score. I don't know why the Sharks pulled back. I dont agree with it.
The Rangers need to figure out why they have bad first periods.
I love when Shanny people agree ha.
Do Work: DO WORK, I'd like to see Shanahan back back as well. It can't hurt at this point of the season.
wrath of sanity: Wrath, like I said it can't hurt bringing Shanahan back.
As for the Rangers, sometimes you play like crap and win and other times you play good and lose. It all evens out over the season.
JohnM: Sure the Rangers were slow out of the gates (What else is new). The Sharks are a gifted and physical team as there is in the NHL.
The Sharks overall are Team that trusts each other like you mention because of familiarity with each other and a game plan that they understand.
You are dead on about the puck movement especially on the power play (It helps to a player like Thornton) as both goals were scored exactly as you described.
Maybe the jet lag got to the Sharks or the ass whipping from Detroit was still on their minds.
I feel that the Rangers played well enough for the win.
Why the horrible starts? I can't figure it out either, far too many this season for the Rangers.
Oh and Naslund wasn't the only one who looked lost.
Certainly the best loss since the one against Detroit. At least no reasons to be ashamed. Too bad we took these two goals early in the game, otherwise, I'm pretty much sure we would have been the first team to beat SJ in regulation this year. And what an effort in the 3rd period! Wow! Where were the Sharks? NOWHERE! We outplayed them the whole period, that was so sweet to watch them running and running in every direction and unable to put there sticks on the puck! Ha ha ha.
The losses against NJ and Montréal have been well received by the whole team in my opinion. Otherwise, we would never brought back these 4 points from California.
Chris, by the way, I was reading your last column at TFP (the stars really? ha ha ha) j/k ;)... No seriously, I would like to know if there's a way to access your previous columns? There are links at the bottom of the page supposed to redirect towards them, but each time I fall on a page displaying:
Oops!
Unfortunately, you've been directed to a page that does not exist.
Please try again!
Any ideas?
I don't know if i will be around for that so I'd like to wish happy holidays and Merry Christmas to you Chris, your family and to everybody around here! Take care.
jeff: Jeff, Terrible pick. I went with how Dallas finished last year(They played Detroit tough in the Playoffs) Oh and I didn't realize that Marty Turco (SUCKS) can't stop a thing (To worried about Sean Avery) Funny how they have the built in excuse, blame it on Avery. What a joke!
The Rangers played well considering they were behind early 2-0. It would of been nice if the top players showed up( You know who they are) but they didn't.
Merry Christmas to you and yours as well.
I watched a bit of the Oilers last night...you know who is missed and never mentioned? Jason Strudwick..he is missed in my opinion...Merry Christmas to you and your family Chris
leatherneck: Leatherneck, Merry Christmas to you and your family as well.
Yes, I agree Strudwick gave you a little of everything you expect out of a 4th to 6th type of D-man.
He was tough, mobile, and good for the team. I don't remember him taking any crap from anyone.
Kots----I've been down and out with a flu or some kind of eyetis---lost a few pounds--I could spare em----Anyway I realized that even though we get to see how great The King is game in and game out---there are other great ones out there sprinkled around the league---We take home 6 points if not for Nabakov!!!---TONIGHT----I'm feel like I'm gonna puke and crap myself all over again!!!!----One thing I've got to say---In the past I gave it to 68--Even though he wore the C ---I'd never boo him at a game, but I really felt his game had alot of holes in it as the years went by----Well I think it's time to take a closer look at the new Captain!!!Hey Michaletti can say all he want to say about his defensive game and giving his all---He has to say that---His pay checks say MSG in the top left corner--mine do not!!!---Yeah this guy busts his ass getting back into our zone, but thats not enough in the NHL---He has to be in the right position---he has to pick up his check--this guy skates to the puck like we did when we were mites!!!Pardon me for asking Cap, but who is taking care of the things that you should be doing???Tonight was beautiful he got turned upsidedown and insideout one one goal---Iguess he felt like giving up the the blue line in the OT---I guess he gets a brake on the one he could'nt manage from Dawes--It was in his feet---But you have to admit--I'm right ---Watch him real close --there is alot to nitpick about---Micheletti made a point of saying what a bad play Dawes made on that pass---and he was right---BOARDS--they tellyou that as mites also--but come on Joe---How about letting all of us idiots know how bad a play like that is when Gomez makes it---it happens all the time joe---As Ole Quint once said---" Ain't ya watchin??? "---By the way I'm heading for the Valley of the Sun tomorrow---I see the Yotes are looking for investors---Maybe I'll catch up with the Great One, and see how much they want??--damn shame thats a really good young team, with great net minding---So Happy Yule Tide and Happy New Year---I'm in the wind until 09 !!!
mr.hockey: Mr.Hockey, that was an amateurish display of Hockey after taking a 4 goal lead.
Can't disagree about Drury, 3 helpers tonight but defensive zone play is abysmal.
Players standing around and watching the puck, reaching, and plain old "No Clue" in the defensive zone at all. Hockey IQ severely lacking on this team.
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