The Playoff Push
Friday, January 1, 2010
With the new year upon us, the New York Rangers have essentially reached that point of the season where the playoffs are the number one goal. After being totally embarrassed at MSG by the Philadelphia Flyers (in a game where the Flyers kicked sand in the Rangers faces) the boys in blue rebounded with a good win over the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh by a score of 2-1.
Yes, I said a “good” win. Not a great one as the Canes are cellar dwellers. I will give the boys credit though as they played with effort and inspiration on the road to take the win. I know some are wondering why the Rangers do this more so on the road than they do at MSG. I don’t know why, but if you have the answer… then please let me know!
The Rangers are basically now at the half-way point. 40 games, 19-17-4, 42 points, and 8th place in the Eastern Conference. The scary part is that only 7 points are separating 10 teams! That’s right… 10 teams! Ranging from 4th to 13th place the playoff push is on big time for the Rangers. I believe the biggest obstacle for the Rangers is themselves. When they play hard and with effort, you can live with the results- win or lose. When they don’t, then you get what you deserve. The Eastern Conference is jammed tight with playoff contenders, it should be fun to watch how it all ends up!
On a sad note, us in the hockey world send out our thoughts and prayers to OHA linesman, Kevin Brown. He is currently in serious condition after a skate blade slashed his throat while breaking up a fight. Get well soon. We’re thinking of you. Over and out!
7 comments:
It's nice that the Rangers picked up a point... but yet again, another loss at home. This has got to stop... especially against the Carolina Hurricanes of the world.
Wrath, I don't know what to say other it's really comical and depressing at the same time.
The home record has got to improve if the Rangers want to make the playoffs. I'm hoping it turns around for them in the last half of the season.
Happy New Year, Chris! Nice to see the Rangers finally win a game against a team that it is not a cellar dweller after putting up a consistent effort throughout the game (except for that 2-3 minute brain fart in the third period - what was Rozsival's ass doing flying into the net? Why is he being paid top-two money for a 6-7D performance?). There is a physicality to the Rangers' game in the last few outings that was missing earlier in the season. I don't know who lit a fire under their asses, but kudos to those responsible. The key is to maintain that intensity and work ethic, especially when there is a definite lack in the talent department.
This may be the beginning of a playoff push we have seen the last few years. On the one hand, I want them to make the playoffs (a knee-jerk reaction for anyone with the 1998-2004 dark ages fresh in his mind). On the other hand, this would merely mean that the status quo will be maintained, since the Rangers are clearly not equipped for any kind of deep playoff run (more like a first round sweep), and we will not see any improvement for years to come. The Rangers need to be in position to draft high and do so well for a few years in order to compete with the top echelon teams. There is always free agency and trades, but the Rangers don't exactly have a good history when to comes to those routes. The Rangers haven't exactly done well drafting the last 10-12 years when they had some pretty high picks either.
Both the NHL and the Rangers, above all, are businesses, where revenues and not product quality drive the train. Thus, we are likely to see more mediocrity for the sake of those two playoff gates a season.
Jason, Happy New Year to you and yours. I didn't get to see the Bruin game (Radio work for Quinnipiac). You and my son Cody must be twins as both of you described the game exactly LOL.
Regarding the playoff push, It is on as the East is so tightly congested. Whether the Rangers are capable of going deep is a good question. As a Player you feel anything can happen once you get in. Remember the Washington series? Rangers could have and should have won that.
As for the Draft. I've watched Kreider, Bourque and Stepan in the world Jr's and they are certainly a bright spot for the Rangers future.
Can't argue the point that the NHL is business, Sad but true LOL.
Hi Chris, how are you? A Happy New year to you my brother. So yesterday watching the telecast on versus..hear about the statement from Tortorella that the team needs to stop the limo stuff..travel as a team..wow..that blew my mind..is that true? Are these players doing that? Did that happen when you played?...tell me its not so...tell me..lol..i am about to head to Texas...no more Vegas..haha...Houston to be precise
Leatherneck, We couldn't afford limo's except maybe once a year LOL. I would rent a limo when we stayed over for a few days in LA and do the Hollywood thing, Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills etc...
Texas for good?...Stay in touch.
It will be great to watch Carolina Hurricanes, i have bought tickets from http://ticketfront.com/event/Carolina_Hurricanes-tickets looking forward to it.
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