Rangers on a Roll, Joe Frazier

Well, well, well, how things have turned around for the New York Rangers from what many were calling, and I’ll be nice a “Slow Start”. Not only did I have to hold hands with some Ranger fans, I also had to walk them gently off the cliff. Their record is now 8-3-3. The Rangers are on a roll (5 wins) and you can attribute much of this to the maturing of players not named Gaborik, Richards or Lundqvist. Starting with Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky, Derek Stepan, Artem Anisimov have all stepped up their games (Dubinsky’s goals will come trust me). On the backline how good has Dan Girardi been? With the Marc Staal situation not looking too good, Girardi has turned into a super all around D-man and leader of the D-Corps. Michael Del Zotto finding his offensive game and Ryan McDonaugh blossoming into a upcoming star. This is what most in the organization has projected from these players and it’s now happening before our very eyes.

I’ve said it all along for the Rangers to be successful this year and compete with the elite they will have to have contributions from others. There can be no more excuses about them being too young. It’s all a learning process for these players. They need to understand that you are on the roster for a reason and are important to the team and must contribute.

Couple of things that are bothering me… first, when a player decides to drop the mitts with a shield on please take your helmet off. What happened to Andre Deveaux and Jared Cowen in their tussle in Ottawa is cowardly. Sorry, just that’s how I see it. The NHL must step in and hand out an extra 2 minutes, an ejection, or something. With all the rules they have put in over the last few years why not this one? It only makes sense to add that one.

The other thing that’s bothering me is how is a gargantuan of a player like Andy Sutton or a Zdeno Chara, for example, going to make a clean body check on a player who is half their size? It’s almost impossible by the rules today. I know the NHL has sent videos to all teams about what is legal and what is not about head hits and hits from behind etc. Where’s the video of one of these monsters hitting a Marty St. Louis for example? Just asking…

I will be in Hamden CT. Friday (7:00) and Saturday (4:00) as the Quinnipiac Bobcats will take on Clarkson and St. Lawrence in two big home ECAC conference games. The Bobcats gave away precious points to Dartmouth and Harvard last weekend and need a bounce back big time. If you’re in the area come on by and check out it out. It’s really entertaining hockey!

One last thing, Smokin’ Joe Frazier, one of my favorite heavyweight boxers of all-time has passed away. His battles with Muhammad Ali are legendary and the first fight in 1971 at MSG was as historical sporting event as there ever was. A piece of my childhood has left me with Joe’s passing. We will miss you Joe… rest in Peace.

Instigators Link
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/pauly-d

Quinnipiac Bobcats Radio Link
http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x981.xml

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