One game 5 was not like the others

I thought when Chicago pulled out a 5-0 win in game 5, then Tampa won their must-win decisively 8-2, that the Rangers were gonna follow suit and deliver a feel good win to all us fans who suffered through game 4. It didn't happen, and in fact my Blueshirts are the only team I was rooting for that didn't take game 5, the only win I really wanted.

Now that the season's over, failing in 5 makes some sense. The series definitely felt like the we were trying to beat the Caps, and the Caps are trying to win the Cup. I think that's the drive that powered Washington to take the two overtimes. I can digest that this team was not destined to go far in the playoffs, but what stings is that they were a better team than two years ago and their 4-1 result somehow negates all the heart and hard work they poured into this campaign. I especially feel for Henrik who again comes in second to a rookie goaltender. Neuvirth was definitely good, no mistake, but Henrik did a hell of a job, with nothing but a losing record to show for it. He deserves a fairer shake in the history books. We haven't been on the right side of the handshake line since 2008 (I'm looking at you Marty!) and I sure hope we'll be enjoying that distinct pleasure around this time next year. Maybe Chris Kreider will make all the difference :D

We prayed for this two weeks ago, right?

Ticketmaster sent me an email today requesting I review Game 4 for their site. Uh, what? Thinking about the responses they might get from the Garden faithful takes a little edge off the pain of Wednesday night. 48 hours later I can appreciate the excitement and intensity, all fun and good if it weren't for the heartbreak. It still hurts. Forget giving up a a 3 goal lead, I'd still rather be beat by some skill. To my mind it would have been better if Ovechkin had scored on his 1OT breakway, a much more dignified defeat than that nightmare of a misplay. Larry Brooks had it down this morning. There's plenty of other teams I'd have relished this scenario playing out against, but why my Rangers? Why does Ryan Miller have 2 shutouts and a 3-2 advantage when Henrik has been the best Ranger, all season, but most definitely this post-season. I still have faith in this team and especially in goal. Hopefully Henrik will tally his playoff shutout tomorrow afternoon. Plus, Boyle and Dubinsky's staches definitely deserve a few more viewings, I'm thinking Monday night. Let's Go Rangers!

What a win!

To the Rangers, with love, from the NHL
Thank you NHL! I think they dig Dubi's mustache, I know I do. It's only been 2 years, but I forgot how awesome playoff games are. I need some lasso lessons though because my towel arm is sorely out of practice. Luckily 4 goals (we sang for all of them, disallowed or not) got me up to snuff. As J remarked, it was nice to have so many banners waving (and not just me) during the national anthem. I'm looking to keep my skills honed tomorrow night. It's so hard to guess how each game will play out, but I'm hoping for the same effort with a little more finesse from NYR. As much as I miss The MZA, I'm thrilled to have #16 in the lineup, especially because I've been sporting his heritage jersey. May it always bring the Blueshirts good luck. Here's to Henrik and all the team, I love you and I believe in you.

Not I know in my last post I was hating on Washington D.C. a little, particularly the Post and it choices for this year's top Peeps dioramas. I apologize to Megan and Jesse who won a spot for their Black Swan entry. I took my desperation for peeps immortality out on them, when I know there are plenty of deserving peeps enthusiasts. I did want to give some particular love to one WaPo entry. This Is Spinal Peep is by far my favorite in this year's Peep Show. In the interest of full disclosure, I had nothing to do with this diorama, but I think Constantia Rioux, Sean Eustis and Kevin Hollenbeck did a terrific job. Seeing all these detail pix, I'm so impressed with the finish on this entry, and from all angles. I'm especially loving the exit sign at the back of the club. And of course the amp is a work of art. Great work, Love it!


But that's it, me and D.C. are no longer friendies. We are in battle, and I'm rooting for NYC all the way. Let's go Rangers!

in the hunt

So Saturday turned out pretty great. Not so much Friday night when I came home and Hockey Rodent had our berth% at 29.something. But I still had faith and was praying for a Caps matchup, generally a team I'd rather leave be. After a rousing visit to The Garden and a little help the unexpectedly eager Lightening, my prayers were answered. Apart from the outcome I was pretty satisfied with last night's playoff opener. Overall I want us to play well and we definitely did that, especially Henrik. My mom was not so happy, "Did you see them chop Henrik's hands? How can that happen?" I think the real problem with last night was that we scored first. I always have an illogical response to scoring first, thinking then that it's our game, we're obviously taking this one. Well it doesn't always play out that way. So let's go in tomorrow and clean up. I'm thinking Rangers' take it 5-1. I'd love nothing better than to head back to MSG Sunday having split and with all the momentum. That's my plan.


In a terrible twist of timing I was shafted by D.C. twice yesterday. First I wake up to find that my Black Swan peeps diorama has been passed over for another inferior take on the same theme. The rest of the Washington Post's Peep Show V is quite good (I like #22 the best!), but when you get to #19, just insert the picture to the left. I'm just a little bitter, but really every Black Peep entry I saw in the loser's gallery was better than the one they picked. And how many of them actually play Swan Lake? Add that to OT loss and NYC and DC are in a blood feud. Let's hope the Ranger's stick up for me tomorrow.

ps. I bought an Avery heritage jersey. Think he'll get to play? I'm thinking game 5!

It's never easy

The Rangers are making me crazy with their newfound will to lose. And of course Carolina refuses to cooperate and fade away. We're trailing 1-4 going into the the third against the lowly Isles. Not a happy Blueshirt. Still 3 goals is not insurmountable, so I'll be crossing my fingers and acting crazy for at least another 40 mins. C'mon the MZA, C'mon Avery, let's see some magic!

The Washington Post is also driving me batty. I keep checking Twitter and Google for news on the 2011 Peeps Show, but to no avail. If the powers that be at WaPo have made up their minds, they've yet to inform the public.

Still I thought y'all might enjoy some more pix from our peeps diorama entry "BlackPeep". It's really meant to be viewed front-on, but I dig this reverse angles. It shows off the synchronicity of the bunnirinas. Also I forgot to mention that Black Peep doubles as a music box, playing what else...Swan Lake.


I have a lot of faith that both outcomes, the season and the contest, will be positive. Yeah, yeah.

feelin' it

How proud are you of our New York Rangers? They have been delivering the goods down this stretch. And basically all season. Even losing, they rarely disappoint, that is what is so special about this campaign. Maybe it's because we been inside the playoff hunt most of the season, but it feels pretty fabulous to be chasing the teams ahead rather then fighting for eighth. There's still 6 to go, but I'm feeling pretty confident this squad can get it done. The whole team has worked hard, but I kneel at the feet of our King. Henrik has been spectacular down the stretch and I only hope those Vezina murmurs have rippled beyond NYC, because he definitely warrants consideration. One disappointment - memorable post-games. This team is great and good on the ice - off it, just plain boring. Avery's been neutered when they bother to speak to him at all. I love Boyle and Staal but their post-game chats are beyond stale. I only have Henrik's loving glances to look forward to. At least the Devils have shirtless locker room footage. Give me something to work with MSG! Still a minor complaint seeing as we're tied for 6th. Can you imagine a 7 game series like Saturday's game? Hard on the heart, but I'd be pretty happy with Boston. I'd take on Washington again too. Can't count on routing them like we did this season, but some retribution for 08-09 might be on the menu. If I could control fate, I would avoid anything in PA for two reasons. One, I'd hate losing to either team and two, I hate even looking at them. Oh wait I just thought of a third reason, the refs. Penguins - we'll get all the calls against real and imagined. Flyers - will poke and pull while the refs do their nails -or whatever their rationale is. So fingers crossed for 6th or 7th!

Well, while our heroes in blue have been putting together their run toward the cup two points at a time, I too have been working towards a crowning achievement. Yessirree, it Peeps time! Me and my DC BFF Shannon worked up BlackPeep for the 5th annual Washington Post Peep Contest. Now that it's big sister Black Swan has been released on DVD today, it time for our peeps diorama to wow the world.


We wanted to show both sides of Natalie Peepman's performance so we staged it on a stage with Tomas' ballet studio on the left and Nina's solo on the right. We hope you love it, and that the Post does too. Hopefully Black Peep will be a little luckier than my poor passed over Peepitals. Here's to great things in April, wish us all luck!

school girl days

So I have a theory about Henrik's lack of "fohcoos" these last few games. Henrik is spending all his resources being charming and criminally attractive. Did you see the all-star game? It took me nearly a week to get around to watching it, but after viewing the on-ice introductions it all became clear. Just look at his look! I know he was only on camera for about 15 seconds, but he managed about 7 devastating glances right into the camera. I know because I watched it frame by frame, and it was Hitchcockian wondering what was gonna happen next. "Oh no, he's blinking...will he look again?....Yes!" Perhaps a job in the Rangers' truck is in order because my slo-mo skills are excellent. Also, Henrik might want to try out for the next cycle of America's Next Top Model because his ability smize is second to none. Sorry Tyra!

I haven't taken so many pix of the TV since I was a teenager as this week also saw me capturing Eduardo's best moments in The Social Network. My man Andrew Garfield might have been passed over by the Academy but he is still much loved in this house. So much so that I actually bought two of Eduardo's outfits from the film. And don't think I'm not wearing his Caribbean hat Oscar night. Suck it King's Speech! I'm all about that Facebook movie, though I still love you Colin Firth.


You know who else is supporting manlove this week? Sean Avery. I always knew we had a lot in common besides the fact that our thighs are the thickest part of our bods - we both love the gays. Avery is not only standing up for gay athletes, but also giving the whole community some candy with his participation in Marc Jacob's skin cancer prevention cause. I wonder if these developments have anything to do with his rare decision to drop the gloves against Devil Dave Clarkson? PS. Sorry about the Devil's feed on this clip. The only thing worse than seeing Avery drop to the ice is having to hear Chico offer his "commentary" about it. This is what happens when you deviate from a tried and true formula (i.e. pelt Brodeur and deny Clarkson) Henrik gets pulled and Sean goes down (and not in the good way). At least Vinny Prospal is red and ready. I'm hoping for some serious points in these next three road games. Did you hear the awful promo on Thursday? "The Rangers hope the Price is wrong Saturday afternoon." Sure, but jeez, we're the Rangers not the Isles. Let's up our game.

on the mend

So remiss of me! I have to get at least one post in this January, especially when so much has happened. Let's begin with the beginning, January 1st, Winter Classic, 8pm, NBC. Sometimes sports commentators (I'm looking at you, everyone) employ their objective stance a little too freely. What they might describe as a hard fought, incredible game/match to be lauded the world over, to me is entirely dependent on the outcome. Wimbledon final 2008? Not the best match of all time and you know why? Because my guy (That would be Federer) didn't hoist the trophy. Not so the 2011 Winter Classic. My complete enjoyment of the game is in direct relation to the Capitals pulling out the win. The whole spectacle was fantastic from the very beginning, especially when they announced Bare Naked Junkie Stephen Page would performing the anthem. Fortunately Bettman and the powers that be had the good sense to limit him to the Canadian anthem, which inexplicably must be sang at a Stateside event featuring two teams below the maple line. At least he knew all the words.

The game was well worth the 7 hour delay, and even more so was the finale of 24/7 airing the following Wednesday on HBO. Liev Schreiber is a narration genius. I thought nothing could match the emotional power in the final moments of Do You Believe in Miracles? but the last 5 minutes of episode 4 comes pretty close. After sitting on my couch leaking tears, I was comforted the next morning knowing I wasn't the only one. Mr. Wyshynski ultimately enjoyed the in-game coverage of Episode 3 over that of The Classic, but having watched the broadcast of the latter not the former, I was much more rivited by Episode 4. It was just incredible to watch the game, then rewatch it with complete access to every whine (not just Sid), every hit, every profane word. Brilliant. Now we need the DVD with lots of extras. I'm thinking raw footage of the two Ranger games. Plus I need more George McPhee. How hot is that guy?

My pallie Mike had the great fortune to not only be in attendance at Heinz field, but to be rooting for the right team which he has since commemorated with this killer ink. And you know there's matching tat on the other shoulder. Truly baadasssss. And a lot easier to look at than Matt Hendrick's eye!



Next up was the conclusion of the Bare Legal tournament in Buffalo. Everyone knows I hate losing to the Canadians, i.e. The 2010 Olympics, and this was no exception. Although ultimately I take consolation in the fact the it's much more fun to win the Bronze than lose the Gold. The USA medal game against Sweden was that much sweeter because my boy Chris Kreider took it upon himself to write the wrong of the semifinal game and scored twice to secure the Bronze. Still love these boys.

We Rangers have a lot of hot prospects waiting in the wings, but we also have some pretty great young players currently donning my favorite jersey. First and foremost is Mr. Zuccarello Aasen who was thankfully retrieved from the wilds of Connecticut. I knew he should have made the team from Game 1, and I've only been proved right since Sather finally agreed with me. The only downside to this little dynamo is the unfortunate truncating of his last name. I know the Garden faithful like to have a surplus of names to chant that sound conspicuously like boos, but I miss the Aasen like a mo-fo. Luckily my girl Jane has crafted the perfect solution. Meet The MZA, long lost member of the Wu-Tang Clan. All I'm saying is, NYR ain't nuthin' to fuck with!

Since then Sather and I have really been sharing one brain, or else that Jedi mind-meld I've been practicing is finally paying off because I've been hankering after Wojtek Wolski since Phoenix picked him up late last season. Well really before that, but who knew those fools on Colorado would move him. Who cares though because now he's a Ranger providing a point a game, and although I was sad to see the last of the Czech contingent leave with Roszival, I'm completely satisfied with this 2010-11 team. While the wins feel terrific, it feels almost as good to swallow the losses knowing that your team did their very best to secure those two points. I'm still anxious about the last third of this season, but regardless of the outcome I'm so proud of our boys and looking forward to playoff possibilities. In all likelihood we'll start on the road which given our away record I'm not only comfortable with, but actually prefer. Let's just lockdown one of those spots, preferably not against the Flyers!


Until then we have the All-star game to look forward to. Thanks to Shanny's delightful draft idea almost all my faves are playing for Team Staal. We've got our King and Marc, the very sharp Patrick Sharp, hottie hitter David Backes, who could ask for anything more? The only player I begrudge Team Lidstrom is Ducks' goalie Jonas Hiller, who looked like a crazy math teacher decked out in his blonde Jheri curl and doofy glasses. Aasen! I did learn something from last night's "fantasy" draft. Henrik Lundqvist is certifiably the most handsome man living. I've always thought so, but when surrounded by his fellow players, most of whom are tremendously attractive, his superior fineness is only heightened. Really it's a crime. Thank the great and powerful Oz that he plays for New York and that his baby blues are directed towards us, the adoring residents of his kingdom. Long may you reign.

Good fight, Baby

I hope y'all had a great holiday and are gearing up for a fantastic New Year. I'd say we Ranger fans have a lot to celebrate. Although I'd like to beat the Flyers soundly next time we meet, everything else has been pretty golden. How great was that last win against Pittsburgh? what I really love about this team is that just when I think they're heading down one of their patented bad turns, they come right out of it. Like last night, when the Islanders were up 2-1 I thought for sure this game would get away from us and a three game slide would be cemented, but no we turned it around with a rout. Love it. And all this without Cally. Even when our 24 comes back I want to find a permanent spot for Zuccarello-Aasen. Love this guy. So good-natured when you know he wanted to tell Al Trautwig to Fuck Off for asking him if he himself thinks he looks like a hobbit!

Dubi's even been growing on me. I had kinda resigned myself to the idea of letting him go if contract negotiations get too tough this summer, but now I'm not so sure. Maybe it's the influence of HBO's 24/7 Caps-Penguins series. I loved how Dubi called Ovechkin "baby" twice, and that's only what they cut in. Gotta say I love the series despite the sneaky way it makes me care about the Pens. Even if only a little bit. Timing might definitely play a part, because the first episode premiered directly following that 4-1 win. Epsiode 2 was even better, with that behind the scenes sequence with the refs where they totally sided with the Rangers on the goalie contact call. Do you think that was just to shut us Ranger/Refs conspiracy theorists up? Who cares, although I do find it suspicious that everyone around Avery may be mikes in a specific scene you never hear one sound uttered from his mouth. Another Bettman directive? It would not surprise me if he had some say in what hits the airwaves, especially regarding public enemy no. 1. Unfortunately I don't think we play either team again during the series run. I just hope it ends with the Caps schooling the Pens on Heinz field this Saturday.
Also in fun hockey news, the barely legal tournament is back. Team USA won it's first round robin game in OT against the Fins. I read that 8 players are repeats from last year's gold medal roster, but I only recognized 4, Our own Chris Kreider and Ryan Bourque and goalie Jack Cambell (future Dallas Star, urrgh!) and hirsute Jerry D'Amigo (maple leaf, ick!). One of the new players I noticed was a Callahan, #24. Thought it must be Ryan's brother, but turns out it's Mitch from CA and future Red Wing. Still this kid has good taste in surnames and jersey numbers, so he's alright in my book. Of course last year's captain Derek Stepan is currently wearing a different red, white and blue jersey, but he's still lighting up the lamp. Best of luck to this newish team. I'd love nothing more for them to repeat the gold, this time on US ice.

Happy New Year everybody. Let's hope the 2nd half of this season is as solid as the first!

hibernating

I apologize for not posting in so long. It's not that I haven't been paying attention, it's more that I haven't had the wherewithal to write. They are plenty of things I've loved over the last month. Who couldn't love that first game against Pittsburgh? So seldom does it seem the hockey gods are smiling down upon the Blueshirts, but that night they not only grinned but pointed and laughed at the Penguins. Of course that same team has since gone on a tear and Crosby's been re-annointed as best thing to ever happen to the NHL. Whatever. I did notice something odd regarding number 87 recently. Did any of you think it queer that Sid used Dubi's nickname exclusively and repeatedly in his postgame remarks last week? Isn't that privilege reserved for teammates? or lovers? Well, as an American, Dubi has never played for Canada and he certainly has never been a Penguin. I'm just saying it struck me a being a bit too familiar.

Here's another question. Is the Devil's disastrous play so far another gift? As much as I'd like to see them scape the bottom of the standings, none of us want a repeat of the Flyers' resurgence from a few seasons ago. I'd like the Devils to play badly enough to shake out about 22nd in the league. As blasphemous as it sounds I reserve a bit more empathy for the Islanders, especially after we eked out 4 points from them this past week. I hardly want to be battling them for a playoff spot, but I thought for sure they be more of threat this season. Still you gotta love that they're only win in the last 18 was a shutout over the Devils. Another divine intervention?

In other favorable news, The team finally won a couple while I was in attendance. Yeah for raised sticks! Now if only I could get my section to stop pissing and moaning all game and actually enjoy success, everything would be brilliant. I did have a fun fan sitting behind me at the last game. He uttered a great out of context comment: (all breathy) "Mmmm, Gorgeous dump!" In a game filled with potential double entendres I never thought of that one. That was the Isles at the Garden, after which I met (and thanked) Puck Daddy himself, Greg Wyshinski. He was a delight and very handsome if I might say so.

Hope all y'all are enjoying the holiday season. Here's to a great December. I'm wishing my honey Andrew Garfield good luck with the critics in the ensuing award season. Oh yes, and I'm crazy about the Heritage jerseys. Question is who to get? Maybe Santa will decide for me!

Disclaimer: I'm all about man on man action, just maybe not Dubi and Crosby. Now, Talbot and Prust, more my style!