Shootout Ends the Rangers Season

Sunday, April 11, 2010

First of all, I’m not a fan of a skills competition that decides games… let alone one that decides the playoffs. I just want to make that clear. However, it’s no excuse for the New York Rangers (who lost in a shootout to the Philadelphia Flyers in the final game of the season). 82 games wasn’t enough. A 5-minute OT didn’t decide it. A circus act that the NHL instituted called a “Shootout” did. The Flyers were able to beat King Henrik Lundqvist twice in three attempts as the Rangers failed to match. The season is now over. Just like that.

The Rangers, who battled like no other team down the stretch, put themselves into a winner takes all final regular season game. Unfortunately, they failed to take advantage of great goaltending by the King and timely scoring by Jody Shelley. Shelley’s goal gave the Rangers the lead that lasted until Matt Carle's PP goal in the 3rd period. The PP was brought about by a terrible interference call by Kerry Fraser on PA Parenteau. With all that was on the line and many fouls that were overlooked, you call interference there? Give me a break.

In the end, the big guns for the Rangers failed to provide the offensive spark that this team so desperately needed. In the biggest game of the year, they failed to produce. No excuses! Lundqvist and the fourth line of Shelley, Prust, and Anisimov were the best players for the Rangers (as has been the case lately). There were obviously others who did their job, but the best simply did not. The Rangers got outshot 47-25... That alone is plenty of proof. Oh well, not much you can do about it now…

For me it will be a little strange with no Rangers playoffs, but it is what it is. Over and out!

19 comments:

snowcloud said...

What a heartbreaker. They didn't really deserve the win after that first period. The Flyers were all over them. The main problem with this team is the goaltender is too good. They tend to use him as a crutch. They seemed to be playing for the shootout which is outrageous for a team in their position. They had a gimme at the other end. It was a mismatch in goaltending and the Rangers didn't take advantage of it. Lundqvist is too good for this team.

Kotsy's Korner said...

snowcloud, I can't argue with your assertion about playing for a shootout. At the very least it looked that way in the end.

Not beating Boucher in a must win situation is unacceptable especially with the "King" in your goal.

Graying Mantis said...

Too many invisible forwards out there -- Prospal, Jokinen were the worst offenders. Dubinsky played well on the PK but was awful with the puck. The team really missed having either Callahan or Avery out there.

There's a lot of talent coming up - 3 Ranger prospects were in the Frozen Four and made their presence known. Better days are coming so long as Sather is not allowed to use the Dolans' checkbook.

Thanks for another great season.

Kotsy's Korner said...

Tony V, It was a roller coaster ride of emotions in the last 3 weeks for the Rangers. Great goal tending couldn't overcome lack of offense in a must game.

I do agree that here are some promising prospects on the way and looking forward to seeing them. The question will be are they ready? Only time will tell I guess.

Unknown said...

Chris, I completely agree that if the Rangers did not clinch a playoff berth in 81 games, they have no one to blame for leaving themselves hung out to dry in the shootout of game 82. Even if this game was allowed to be played in OT until the ultimate winner was determined, the Rangers did not play well enough to win and would have likely lost due to an eventual defensive gaff. An old-fashioned tie would have left them out of playoff position as well. Perhaps it ended as it should for a team that was not playing well enough for months. The last few weeks have been fun and great to watch (for the most part), but you don't substitute months of inconsistency with two weeks at the beginning and two weeks at the end. I think some of the players who have been around for a few seasons thought that they can just press on the gas pedal in the last month or so and make the playoffs. Maybe this will serve as a cautionary tale. I, for one, would have loved to see the Rangers try it a second time against the Caps, who I think have had too easy of a season. I would not be surprised if the Caps fold once they face real adversity in the playoffs. They have oodles of talent, but sometimes hard work and character can win out over talent.

Anyway, the summer begins early for the Rangers. Hopefully, it will time well spent. I also agree with you on the college players. Are they ready? Just ask Matt Gilroy.

One thing that I think will stay with me over the summer is the expression on Lundqvist's face (you could even see it through the mask) as Giroux scored in the shootout. Hank knew this was over. In the years that I have seen him play, I have never observed such a dejected look.

Quick MSG, pull out those 1994 highlights.

Kotsy's Korner said...

Jason, I think most of us realize that you can't just turn it on when you feel like it. The Rangers tried that route and it didn't work out. There's not enough depth or talent to succeed that way.

Even so they gave us a electrical ride the last 2-3 weeks. Lundqvist carried this team down the stretch and the 4th line was magnificent.

Jason, In the end the Rangers were too inconsistent at home. All you have to do is compare their home record to the leagues average and it tells the whole story.

Strange not to see the Blueshirts in the playoffs, But your right the look on the Kings face said it all. It will be a long wait for the next to season start.

Unknown said...

Chris, do any of your former teammates with the Rangers or other Ranger alumni that you know (or anyone you know, for that matter) have their hand on the pulse of what can be happening on the ownership front? Specifically, any talks of trying to pry the team out of Dolan's claws? He seems to have decimated every sports franchise he touched. I know this is a long shot, but I do not have another 54 years.

snowcloud said...

Jason, LOL! I feel your pain!

Kotsy's Korner said...

Jason, I think buying the Rangers and MSG has been tried. Just going on what I've heard. Other than that I don't have anymore info.

GENO said...

Hi Chris, well as you know by now that I am a realist just as you are, so lets face it, if the King didn't stand on his head the game was over in the first period. After being out shot 22 - 4, and by more than a 3 to 1 margin for the rest of the game, how could anyone expect them to win?? I am not a fan of the shootout, never was or will be, it was instituted by Bettman just to ruin more of this game. I am not using the shootout as an excuse to why they lost the game, they lost, because they simply aren't good enough. If they were, it wouldn't have come down to the last game - OT & the shootout. They had 82 games to prove themselves. When you have to rely on Jody Shelley and the 4th line to do your scoring -- well -- that should answer the questions!! As for the last game, all the invitations were sent to our boys, but only a few RSVP'D. What the hell happened to the rest of the no-shows?? No HEART - No GUTS, what is their excuse? It seems there are only a select few on this current roster who could look into the mirror and won't get sick at what they see, cause they know that they gave all that they had. No use in naming them, we all know the few they are. For the rest of them pack your bags and don't look back, maybe if you grow a pair you can come back, but not until!! Whatever the case Chris, they have to stay on course and build around the young guys with more young talent via the draft. Enough of these washed up vets just collecting pay checks. Well my friend all is left to do is wait to see what is going to happen on Broadway -- It should be interesting. ...... Geno

greg m said...

not a fan of the shootout when it comes to deciding big games like this last one, or 0-0 ties at the end of OT.the Rangers have no one to blame but them selves, you can blame Tortarella,and Sather all you want,in the end its the players who fell short.i thought the season opened with a bang and it ended with a bang, it just wasnt a loud enough bang.and once again we'll all wait and see what kind of changes will be made over the summer and we all know there will be changes.and i wanted to thank you for this blog, this is one of the better ones for sure,your knowledge,sence of humor and accesability made a loosing season , well ,still a loosing season.hope to get to cafe 31 the next time your buying.

Kotsy's Korner said...

Geno, Hope things went as well as they could for you. The Rangers need to build from within. They do have a nice core of young players in place.

I only hope that they relieve themselves of some cap space to sign the right players(Staal)is a good example.

The season was one of ups and downs, Mostly downs and you just can't wait until the end to make a push(Too tough to do!).

I like you will be eagerly waiting and watching as to what the Rangers game plan will be this off season.

Kotsy's Korner said...

Greg, I have been against shootouts since it's inception. Just don't like it one bit. However it certainly cannot be used as an excuse though for the Rangers. They knew the rules and it is what is.

It will be an interesting off season to be sure(Haven't we said that before). Thanks for following and commenting on my blog. Much appreciated. Drinks on are Gresch next time at Cafe 31...LMAO.

Anonymous said...

My biggest fear is that some day the shoot out will leak into the play-offs. I hate shoot-outs, always have, always will. It's a team game not 1 on 1, or 1 on 1 times 3. Yeah I'm nibbling on my fingers too when it comes down to them but no more so than a good sudden death game. See THAT I love. Who'll ever forget that Capitals/Islanders 4 OT game? Ah I'm getting goose bumps just thinking about it. It's play-off time yeah, 4 games a night, life is good.

You know I honestly thought the Rangers were going to win. Even though the odds were stacked I always figured they would squeek in somehow. I don't get the N.H.L. Network but thanks to your blog I flicked over to the Rangers' site and listened on the internet.

Famous words of advice from a freak of a Maple Leafs' fan.. there's always next year and come October, everyone is even all over again. Enjoy the Cup run, I know I will.

Kotsy's Korner said...

B.J McSitteer, I think I made my case clear about shootouts, The suck!. In the end the Rangers big guns failed to show in the biggest game of the year. No way to sugarcoat it, just a fact.

I'll still be watching the playoffs with some interest. Hopefully the league will let the players play and not interfere too much as they tend to do.

Next year can't get here fast enough...LOL

Leatherneck said...

hiya Chris, So here we are now out of the playoffs and with some serious issues facing us based on the parting comments by Trots. I agree with his philosophy of getting younger and adding character to the team. So who do you think he was refering to in regards to weeding out? Avery and Redden? Lisin and Jokinen? New beginnings next year..keep with the drafting of Defensemam for this draft..ie Derek Forbort sounds good based on what I have read..Dan Hamius or Alexander Volchenkov..resign Shelley and Prust, Girardi and Staal, look into signing possibilities of Patrick Marleau... serious looks at Byers, Potter meaning that it may be time to say adieu to Redden, Roszival, Voros, Jokinen, Prospal, Avery?, Whats the deal with Auld as backup? If not Auld then Biron?..As you can see not much to get excited about this year unlike last with prospects of Kommiserek and such that we talked about...time may be right for a Lecavalier trade..but that contracy..might not make it a worth while trade...long shots..Stephan and Wiese?? Its quite clear how the tragic loss of Cherepanov has hurt us now when it comes to a pure scorer..lets see what transpires over the summer

Kotsy's Korner said...

Leatherneck, How's it going? As for the Rangers once again time will tell as to what direction they will head in.

Once the season completely ends then I think we will see some action. You know you bring up a good point about Cherepanov...How quick we forget.

Leatherneck said...

I am doing good..working through some obstacles in life..I miss Vegas already...haha...So who is on your wish list Chris? Who gets you excited over the possibilities of becoming a Ranger next year?

Kotsy's Korner said...

Leatherneck, Unless they are cheap, no use over spending like the past. The big D man from Minnesota "Scott" would be a good place to start.

Other than that maybe it's time to build from within? Kreider, Bourque, Stephan etc...

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