Thursday, November 11, 2010

no need to punch ourselves in the face

Perhaps you can tell from the photo I chose, but I'm gonna focus on the positives of this game against the Caps and our current 1-3-0 slide. Why not? Apart from the scoreboard at the end this game had a bit of everything. Unexpected fights, ridiculous penalties, scoring. How can you not enjoy a game when Boogaard scored his first in well over four years? After a nearly end to end tally, I just wish he could have celebrated as well. MSG even kicked things off on an odd note when Steven Page, former Bare Naked Lady (now junkie) was pegged to sing our national anthem. I say our because Mr. Page is most definitely Canadian and proceeded to prove it by mangling the words to the Star Spangled Banner. He actually just skipped the "gallantly streaming" line which may be better because as we've discussed before some of the neanderthals in the garden think we say "screaming" even though the words are displayed on both sides of the ice. So yeah, Henrik gave up four goals and our scorers weren't exactly superstars (although I think Boyle will keep up his already record pace, no Voros repeats) still I think we played a good game. I see emotion, drive and a will to win nearly every game, and although the skills may not always result in 2 points in the standings, I'm comfortable with they way the losses have come about. It's early though, I'm sure I won't feel the same come March. Next up the Sabres, then Oilers. Can you believe the Edmonton game is scheduled for 12:30 Sunday? I know the Rangers aren't exactly great at early tilts but it will ultimately be a 9:30 game for the visiting team who happens to be worst in the league. If we can't pull that one out I may have to reassess a little earlier.

ps: Thanks to Dan Steinberg for linking to us this week. After all the Caps are my second team and it heals the whole left in my heart after his Washington Post left my beloved Peepitals in the trash bin. Still I hope the Rangers can take the next one off the Soviets!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Will the Rangers give you cancer?

Something strange is afoot in the NHL. The Devils are bottom feeders, Tortorella's been sending out the same lines on a regular basis, and most extraordinary Scott Hartnell has cut his hair! Now I can hardly predict how this state of affairs will shake out come April, but I'm giving them my vote, even if the Flyers win the division. Do you think Laviolette will tape Hartnell's chopped locks to his monk spot? The team definitely got a lot less ugly, but we can hope for miracles.

I know we've played a tenth of the games in the schedule, but I have to say I'm pretty pleased with our play so far. A little scrambly at times, but I haven't questioned the effort so far which is the best I can ask for. And I will throw Tortorella the credit. He may have received a little guidance from all the injuries, but he's been nurturing team chemistry so far and my impression last season it was that lack of instinctual playing the caused our inconsistency. Now if the boys can just win any of the games I personally attend we'll be golden. Next up is the Capitals on Tuesday. Still I'd give up that one for another sweep this weekend. Take down Samson and solidify the Devils record, that would be worst in the league!

Also, I hope Sunday or Tuesday game isn't sponsored by 1-800-LAWYERS!