I'm Back... Again!

It’s been awhile since my last post. No, I have not given up Kotsy’s Korner and I apologize for taking so long to get back in the swing of things again. I have been busy and lazy at the same time so that’s my excuse and I’m sticking with it! I am in the process of launching my own personal web site “ChrisKotsopoulos.com” thanks to my brilliant son Cody Kotsopoulos whose work is incredible (You can check his website here: http://www.kotsysdesigns.com). There will be plenty of nice surprises so be sure to check it out when it’s launched.

Okay now let’s talk about the New York Rangers and the wonderful season they have going on so far. With 10 weeks to go the Rangers are sitting nicely at the top of the Eastern Conference with 66 points. Home record is 15-5-2 while on the road this team has a NHL best of 16-7-2. Backed by a stingy defense and great goaltending the Rangers have allowed a league best of 96 goals against. The goals for at 132 is right in the middle of the pack and has been sufficient for now. Things are looking good for the Boys in blue and I think going forward the Rangers are a serious contender for the cup. However I feel that they need to do a couple of things in order for that to happen. One is picking up a proven scorer at the trade deadline (Jeff Carter anyone)? They also need to think about picking up a true PP blue liner who can make a difference. How about Ryan Suter or Shea Weber? They should at the very least be explored as to what it might take acquiring one of the two. When you are this close to winning a Stanley Cup, sometimes you have to sacrifice some of the future or prospects so you can go for it. It’s a cruel world, but let me remind you a chance at a cup doesn’t come along that often. Therefore, you look at all options to make your team better. I’m pretty sure Glen Sather and his staff are looking into the possibilities and will make something happen when the times right.

Other musings from the NHL. First I want to add my name to list of potential buyers of the Phoenix Coyotes. I hear there are 3 potential buyers according to Gary Bettman. Well I want in … as long as the NHL is willing to loan me the money to purchase the Coyotes. I don’t think I could make the situation any worse than it has been? Right? Just a thought!

I have no problem with Tim Thomas and his refusal to show up at the White House with the rest of the Boston Bruins. Look, no man or woman has a right to tell another person what to do. It wasn’t a “Mandatory” team function it was an invite. He chose not to go. Get over it people.

I see Mr. Ovechkin declined to participate in the NHL All Star game this year in Ottawa. The fans vote you in and you pull a no show? Funny… when the star was shining brightly on Ovechkin he slurped it up and bathed in it big time. Pure arrogance at it’s best.

Trouble brewing in Pittsburgh? Sidney Crosby and his agent Pat Brisson apparently aren’t too happy with the team doctors on the Penguins staff. Word is they have mishandled Crosby’s concussion and neck problems. Not a good for the Penguin brass. Boy! The last time a high profile name complained about team doctors was Eric Lindros when he was with the Flyers and we all know how that worked out don’t we!

Well that’s it for now. Don’t be afraid to give your opinion and remember to check out the “Instigators Radio Show” with Pauly D and I every week for the best in hockey news. Over and out!

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

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

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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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Scratchin’ and Clawin’

After a sluggish start with 2 losses in Europe (Shoot out/OT) and the first game on US soil against the hated Islander’s (4-2 loss) the New York Rangers have scratched and clawed their way to 2 straight wins.

On a 4 game swing through western Canada, The Rangers shut out the Vancouver Canucks 4-0 (Lundqvist stole the game) and dropped the Calgary Flames in OT, 3-2. Before I get too carried away I had to talk (Basically yell at) a few close friends and Rangers fans off the cliff about the Rangers slow start. I reminded them that 3 games into the season, and you are already chirping? Please! Passionate as they are, as Ranger fans, I believe they jumped the gun way to early. Look, it’s a long season and the Rangers have a ton of work to do that is clearly obvious. Ugly or not, give them credit for scratching out the wins out west.

So far here’s my take on what I‘ve seen. The offense needs work. You got give the King Henrik Lundqvist some help and how do you do that? By scoring goals, it’s that simple. The Rangers must get the power play going in this “New NHL” (Seems like every year I say that) penalties are being called by the bushel full and that can be a deadly weapon. Getting the team healthy would help, especially on the D (Staal and Sauer). What the Rangers have got out of their young D is quite remarkable. When you think about the ages of Ryan McDonagh, Michael Del Zotto, Tim Erixson they are gaining valuable experience. In the end though, they are going need Marc Staal, Michael Sauer, Dan Giradi to be the Rock solid foundation.

Some other thoughts. Love the Kris Newberry call up. If you are not going have Sean Avery (One of my favorites) in the line up then Newberry is a decent replacement. He’s got a little edge to him and will drop his gloves for his teammates. Something the Rangers need, in my opinion. Also what about the offensive production out of Ryan McDonagh? Those close to me know that I kind of predicted this. He got his feet wet last year and now feels comfortable with the speed of the game. In turn, he now has the confidence to join in on the rush which is something the Rangers have lacked in a long time. Still has a little trouble in his own end with giveaways, but I can live with that and I’m sure the coaching staff can as well. 2 games to go on the western road trip. Edmonton Oilers are up first and then the Winnipeg Jets (Doesn’t that sound good?) to finish the trip up before the home opener next Thursday at the new improved MSG against the Toronto Maple leafs.

Remember to check out the Quinnipiac Bobcats D1 Hockey team, who are off to a great start, and tune into the “The Instigators” radio show every Tuesday night 8:30 (subject to change). That’s it for now but feel free to opine if you agree or disagree. I might even answer back, you never know! Over and out!

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

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

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I'm Back

Alright everybody, I’m back, which could only mean one thing it must be Hockey time again. I apologize for the long wait of my first posting on Kotsy’s Korner and hope my followers will continue to check it out and opine. Unfortunately it’s been a very dark off season for the NHL and Pro Hockey in general with all the tragic events that occurred this summer. I’m not going to get into the how’s and why of what happened, But I do want send my condolences to all the friends and family of all players who passed away. It has to be a hard time for them and we in the hockey world feel for you.

Let’s start off with the New York Rangers as they open the season in Europe against the Los Angeles Kings Friday afternoon our time 1:00. Not going to get too detailed about the roster and who’s in and who’s out. Most pundits have had their say (Usually wrong) and I for don’t want to speculate what the starting lineup will be when the puck drops against the Kings. I do know that I expect big things out of the Rangers this year as the core of this team is at a point where the maturation level should start to provide the results we have all been waiting for.

The signing of Brad Richards once again proved that GM Glen Sather did his job by securing the number one free agent out there. The Rangers have needed a legitimate number one center to compliment Marion Gaborik and here’s to hoping things work out for Richards and the Rangers. I do have a concern like many others over the Marc Staal headache problems that have lingered since the hit he took from his brother last year. This is something to keep a close eye on and how it all unfolds only time will tell.

Some ramblings, on the selection of Ryan Callahan as Captain of the New York Rangers. Was there really a doubt? This man exemplifies what a leader means. He gives his all, hits, blocks shots, contributes offensively, and lastly is a great communicator with his teammates and media. The last part is extremely important, believe me. As a former player I know. Just hoping Callahan can stay healthy is all Rangers fans could ask.

Not sure what’s going on with Sean Avery, but I have been a huge supporter his for years now. Whether he passes waivers or not I feel it might be a mistake by the Rangers we’ll have to wait and see. I will say this though, Avery probably would have been better served playing back in 70s or the 80s. Things were not so politically correct and soft in life like they are now. What happened in the arena and ice surface back then stayed in the arena and ice surface. The things we said to each other back then… you have no idea.

One last thing NHL teams might have to expand their rosters to the NFL number of 45 the way Brendan Shanahan is handing out the suspensions. It’s quite clear there’s a new sheriff in town, but I’m not sold on his plan and decisions just yet. This could lead to no hit Hockey faster than we expected.

Well that’s about it for now, but yes I’m still doing color commentary on the radio with Quinnipiac Bobcats with my good friend Bill Schweizer as the play-by-play guru. I will also be doing some select Princeton Tigers men’s hockey games on television as well. I’m also looking forward to another great year with Paul Scaglione AKA Pauly Dee on the “Instigators Hockey Show” every Tuesday night. You can be sure of some off the off-the-wall opinions and fun with every show. Remember, don’t be afraid to have your opinion heard and respond on the blog. Should be a great year and let’s go Rangers. Till next, time Over and out.

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

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

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Stanley Cup Finals, Ron Duguay

Alright, here we go! The Stanley Cup Finals are about to begin and it’s the Boston Bruins & Vancouver Canucks set to do battle. The Canucks disposed of the San Jose Sharks in 5 games. And really, in my humble opinion, they were clearly the better team as this series proved. With Luongo and the Sedins firing on all cylinders, is this the year that Vancouver finally puts it all together? The fans of the Canucks have never tasted the Cup and have waited patiently, but a failure here would surely fire up the faithful… and not in a good way.

As for the Bruins, they came off a very grueling seven game series against Tampa Bay- who really tested the Bruins heart. Tim Thomas came up big in goal, especially the final game pitching a 1-0 shutout and basically bailed the Bruins out from that “Choke” moniker. The Beantown boys are going to have look to the past and muster up the ghosts of Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito, John Bucyk, Gerry Cheevers, Etc… If they want bring Lord Stanley home.

With all that I’m going with… Drum roll please… Can you hear it? The Vancouver Canucks in 6. I know, I know. I was a Bruins fan growing up and all that, but I just feel the Canucks are a more balanced and steady team. That’s not to say the Bruins can’t win (You still have to play the games people)! I just see to many inconsistencies in the Bruins game. Some nights they are unbeatable and others, well, a beer league team would give them a tough time. That’s all I got once again my pick Canucks in 6!

One other thing I’d like to comment on is the officiating so far in this years NHL playoffs. Do us all a favor… PLEASE stay out of it and let the players decide the winner of this years Stanley Cup. You and the NHL executives are not the show. You never have been and you never will be. Take a hint… look back at game 7 of the Boston/Tampa series. There were no penalties. Now, I don’t expect a penalty free game in the finals… however I do expect penalties that called are earned and not made up because of the silly NHL rules. The fans of this great game deserve better! More common sense and less embarrassing moments that has littered this years playoffs. Now wouldn’t that be nice?!

Also a reminder to tune into the Instigators Hockey Show this Tuesday as Pauly D and I will have former Ranger and friend Ron Duguay on as guest. “Doogie” and I were teammates in my only year with the Blueshirts and this is a rare appearance so do not forget to tune in! Over and out!

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

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Boogaard Passes Away, Conference Finals

Well this is not exactly how I wanted to start my blog, but the tragic death of New York Ranger Derek Boogaard is something that needs to be talked about. I met and chatted with Derek at a Ranger golf outing before this past season started. We talked for about five minutes and discussed his coming to New York and what the team was going to look like. We also talked about his role on the team and what his expectations were. It was the usual hockey jargon that a present day player talking to a player from the past would be like. I found Derek to be a engaging individual, although a little bit on the shy side. But overall just a real nice person. His passing has struck the Ranger family hard. How and why this happened doesn’t matter at this time. What matters is that his life was cut way too short at a tender age of 28 and to me that’s brutally unfair. It’s a sad time for all. My heartfelt condolences goes out to his family, friends and his team mates.

Here are my picks in the Eastern and Western conference finals.

Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

The Bruins slapped the Flyers around like they were nothing. Revenge and payback is what the Bruins got by sweeping the Flyers 4 straight, really embarrassing the Flyers. The Bruins look strong and have that something extra going on that will be tough to deal with no matter who is in their way. Tampa, on the other hand, has really defied most of the experts (Not me) in disposing the over-hyped Alex Ovechkin and his Washington Capitals. The Lightning have won 7 games in a row and have a confidence level that is sky high. This one is a tough call for me. I still have a soft spot for the Bruins as I grew up a big fan of theirs, but I’m going against my heart and taking the Lightning in an upset. Going the limit of 7 games.

Vancouver Canucks vs. San Jose Sharks

The Canucks had a tough go with my dark horse pick Nashville, but in the end the more talented team won. I think that was pretty clear to see. Vancouver has edged even closer to the high expectations that the hockey world has given them and are now one round away from battling for Lord Stanley‘s cup. San Jose, on the other hand, squandered a chance to rest up when they allowed the “Euro Wings” to climb back after a 3-0 deficit and take it to 7 games before the Sharks finally put an end to it. They probably could of used the rest heading into this match up with Vancouver. The Sharks are battle tested and are as close a team as they have ever been. I see this one as a tight, long series as well going 7 and my pick is the Canucks.

So there you have it. Agree? Disagree? Let me know what you think and post your thoughts on here in the comments section. Over and Out!

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