Olympics and the Rangers
Monday, March 1, 2010
Wow! What a way to end the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. In a big showcase game, Canada defeated a tough and stubborn USA squad by a score of 3-2 in an OT thriller. Sidney Crosby found a way to win it for the Canadian team with a quick shot that beat a surprised Ryan Miller at the 7:40 mark of the OT. The reason the OT session was even needed was because the USA squad (that could have folded numerous times) came back from a 2 goal deficit to tie it up with the goalie pulled and 6 attackers on the ice.
I have to tip my hat to Team USA- big time. They probably where the most consistent team throughout this tournament and it showed how much the gap has closed on all of their opponents. Individually, Ryan Miller (MVP) showed the hockey world that he is the best goaltender in hockey today. Rangers fans might disagree, but if he’s not… who is? As for team Canada, the pressure was enormous and somehow they got the job done! At times they were the most dominant team (see the Russian game) and at times they were not so good.
One thing that I will take away from these Olympics is that North American hockey still rules the world as proved by Canada and the USA (in both the Olympics and the World Juniors). I was extremely happy to see the USA and Canada battle for the gold. It was fast, tough, highly skilled, and physical hockey. Just the way the fans want it. I’m pretty sure if you asked the players, they would agree as well. I hope the NHL takes a good look and figures out a way to get rid of the silly rules and just let the players play!
As for the New York Rangers, a game is coming up at Ottawa on Tuesday. I know the players who didn’t participate in the Olympics have been practicing and getting ready for the big playoff push. I’m sure there’s a few questions that need to be answered: How bad is Gaborik’s injury? Can Lundqvist carry the load down the stretch (Goaltender Alex Auld was picked up)? Will the Olympic break help or hurt the Rangers? What trades are on the table with the trigger ready to be Pulled? It goes on and on.
One thing is for sure- the New York Rangers will have to play better than they have been all season. Currently they are out of a playoff spot with 20 games to go… .500 hockey will not cut it! Stay tuned. Over and out!
9 comments:
The next few days may decide the Rangers fate. An energetic acquisition may be just what they need. As a hockey fan, is there any better brief moment than the trade deadline/ 24hrs of anticipation and excitement. As for North America ruling the ice, I couldn't agree more. But let's be fair, both tournaments were played in canada on the smaller ice. Not as big a deal these days but neither nation fared to well on the larger ice in Torino or Nagano. Perhaps a repeat in Russia will settle it once and for all.
Rumor floating around that we are interested in Souray... I would HAVE to think that Redden or Rozy will be going the other way (REDDEN PLEASE).
Pumped on Canada's win yesterday... it was a great game. A great, classic ending to a pretty competitive Olympics!
B.J McSitteer, You are absolutely right. The trade deadline is all about anticipation and hoping your team pulls off a major deal. It can make or break teams who think they are on the verge of winning Lord Stanley.
As for North America ruling the ice. It's simple to me Canada invented the game under certain rules and guidelines. So really I wont be fair. Other countries changed the dimensions of the rink and rules to suit to their liking.
Repeat or not the game was invented to be played a certain way, on a certain ice surface, with certain rules. I'm not into pacifying the Russians etc.... The USA has adapted, why can't they?
Wrath, Souray would help if healthy. I've heard that rumor as well. Hope it happens.
Great win for Canada. They had to win 4 games in 6 nights with the pressure that was 10+ on the scale.
I am happy for Canada and Canadians that you won the gold in the Olympics, I really am. I just hope this is the LAST time they shut down the league to go do this. It should be amateurs in the Olympic spotlight. Not million dollar players. I'm sorry. This Olympics proved that the Canadian NHLers are the best. The players represent their teams more than their countries. That's the way I look at it in this format. I hope Bettman can persuade the Olympic committee to look elsewhere for their rosters.
snowcloud, I totally agree with you on this. It's time to give the Olympics back to the Jr's and College players.
To those who disagree just look at the world Jr's this year The USA/Canada game had all the suspense and excitement hockey fan's could handle.
Kotsy,
Good point! I'm a traditionalist myself and the Canadian game is the only way it should be played. What I really miss is the unique rinks like the Boston Gardens. I loved how the smaller ice gave the team an identity and philosophy they kept through generations
B.J. McSitteer, I loved playing in the Boston Garden, Chicago Stadium and the Aud in Buffalo. These rinks were all undersized and suitable for my style of play LOL.
pink, Thank you for taking the time to look and for your response. Check back because you never know when the next blog is up LOL.
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