No Better Place to Start!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Friday, October 2nd in "Crosbyville". That's where the 2009-10 season starts for the New York Rangers. I can think of no better place to start than this. With all the hoopla and festive atmosphere that will be going on with the Penguins' banner raising, this game should give the Rangers a good idea as to where they stand, how far have they come, or how far they have to go.
The Rangers have made a ton of changes to the roster this year (11 new players in total). Starting up front there are 7 new faces with the biggest, of course, being Marian Gaborik. I'm not going to get into each player individually, but I do feel that this bunch will score. Let me repeat: they will score. As we all know that's something that the Rangers have seriously lacked in the last 2 seasons. It's a good mix of veterans as well as some youth injected along the way. They will attack, be faster, and they will be held accountable by coach Tortorella. You can bank on that!
The D will see a much needed injection of offensive-minded rookies with Del Zotto and Gilroy. These two will provide a little more offense from the backline than what we have seen over the previous years. I'm also looking to Marc Staal to have the breakout year that we all have been waiting for. He has it all- no question. This is the year to put it together and become "the man" on defense. Obviously if you have been reading the scribes, some players need to pick it up and get back to playing their game to their fullest. We all know who they are, no more exsuses. Just go out and play!
In the end, the Rangers will be a more exciting team to watch. It may take some time to figure each other out, but I feel that as the season progresses this team will get better. Yes, there will be some tough times. Especially with the attacking style that they will play. Will there be breakdowns defensively? Sure. But isn't that why you have arugably the best goaltender on Earth in Henrik Lundqvist? I, along with all Rangers fans, am eagerly anticipating the start in Pittsburgh. Remember though, you have to take the good with the bad!
Oh yeah.. make sure to check out the Pauly D blogtalk radio program on Monday nights at 8:30 PM EST. Yours truly has been known to join Pauly on a regular basis and talk Rangers hockey. What more can you want?
9 comments:
I look forward to this season both with anticipation and caution. There is a lot of potential in this squad and the style of play they should display. However, there are still many questions to be answered and the possibility that the wheels may come off cannot be discounted. A healthy Gaborik going at full speed is, if nothing else, great entertainment. Callahan, Higgins, Dubi, Brashear, and Avery (if also healthy) should provide a sufficient amount of grit. I find that there is more balance on this team than there has been in years. Perhaps, one thing that is somewhat glaringly lacking is a hard-hitting D-man that makes the opposing player keep their head up at all times.
The Atlantic division is going to be even tougher this year. The Penguins, with the typical officiating help, are ever dangerous. The Flyers will be considerably difficult, not to mention painful, to play against. The Devils will be boring, but extremely hard to dismantle (I think Lemaire is the perfect coach for their roster). The Isles are going to be better than most people realize. Besides, no matter the standings, they always give the Rangers problems. Making the playoff will be a challenge. Staying healthy will be a challenge. These things, for the 2009-10 Rangers squad, are invariably intertwined.
Let's drop the puck and see where the chips fall.
Jason, The Rangers will be in a constant "See How It Go's" mode. Familiarity, Blending and most of all finding a rhythm as a team will be a factor.
Will it be tough in the Division? Absolutely! Making the Playoffs is never a sure thing. Losing in the 1st round however is unacceptable and status quo of the team needed to be changed.
Is there a hard hitting D-man? The answer is regrettably no. What the Rangers have is a fresh look and a much different style than we've been accustomed to the past few years.
Of course all the usual cliches will be used and rightfully so. Can they score?, Will they stay healthy, Etc,etc..... But isn't that expected of any team?
One thing is for sure it wont be boring. Let's get at it!
Hey Kotsy,
Its Joe from Blueshirt Banter can you drop me an e-mail at rangersreport@gmail.com whenever you can. I would like to talk to you about a few ideas I have. Thank you!
I caught the first period of the Flames-Canucks game last night. Aside from an exciting game, it was great to see the Flames' retro uniform. It looks much better than the overdesigned crap they've been forced to wear recently. In my opinion, most of the older uniforms look much better and more suitable than this new age schlock. If I had to watch the Islanders stink it up, I'd rather see them wear the 80's uniform than the piped pajamas they wear now.
Jason, I watched the whole game. It gave me some flashbacks. I thought Peplinski, Loob, McDonald and Reinhardt were on the ice LOL.
It seems like no matter what sport it is , they got to try and squeeze the fan for the extra coin. Way too many "Jersey" variations.
Chris,
Openning night. Finally. Where will you be viewing from tonight?
Jay, I will be in my "Archie Bunker" chair at home watching on the big screen. Same for tomorrow
Hello Chris, They played a decent game yesterday and frankly Gilroy is impressive. I liked Del Zotto as well. Redden has lost it as evident in not keeping the puck in the zone at the end of the game. He is not worth 6 mil...he and Roszi both need to go
Leatherneck, I was hoping for a better outcome, but you know.... tough to win in Pitt.
I think the play of Gilroy and Del Zotto was okay for the 1st game. The vets on the D well that's another story.
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