This is just a list of things I wanted to comment on regarding last night's loss to the Bruins.
BLUESHIRT NOTES
-The Bruins played like champs. They've been playing much better lately and served notice. Don't forget they'll be the 2nd seed and likely draw the Sens.
-Marc Staal had one of his better games, looking more confident with and without the puck. He was involved offensively, leading the rush and made smart decisions. He has played well since a sitdown with Tort.
-Anton Stralman continues to play with Staal on the third pair with Steve Eminger out and Tim Erixon sitting. While I do get the reason Tort wants a more experienced guy in in the puckmoving Stralman who's been working harder defensively, I hope he keeps an open mind about Erixon, who did nothing wrong since his recall.
-The way Artem Anisimov played yesterday is how he must play all the time. There are too many nights when you barely notice him. Artie is too talented for that. It's up to him, Brandon Dubinsky and Derek Stepan if we're to make a deep run.
-The Rangers got owned in the circle with the Bruins doubling us up 32-16. Most of it was Patrice Bergeron (17-2), who won more than half his team's draws. Sick. Faceoffs are so important in the playoffs because it allows you to have puck possession and dictate. Our team chased the puck too much.
-Most games are going to be like that when it all starts in 10 or 11 days. Playing the Flyers, Pens and potential Round One foe Washington is good preparation. It'd be nice to clinch in Philly tomorrow and sweep. Just don't expect it to be easy. Flyers are playing much better and just beat Pittsburgh twice. How about our team send a message to the Pens on Thursday. Pitt's taken the last three meetings.
-At times, Ryan Callahan looked like the only one playing. When our team was dead in its tracks, there was Captain Cally who also took home the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award, playing his butt off that included one inspiring shift that woke everyone up. He already is a good leader. Having him as captain gives me confidence because he hates losing as much as King Henrik. We can't afford to have lulls when the playoffs begin. As they know, it's a different animal.
-Speaking of Steven McDonald, I really wish I could've caught his speech. I can't remember the last time I missed it. Not being there or even watching it killed me. He is such an inspiration for everyone. A guy who sacrificed for so many. Shot in the line of duty and in a wheel chair. But the enthusiasm and passion he exhibits every year is remarkable. If anything, I want this team to do it for him. It's been a long time since our team was in this position. They better put on the hard hats and go to work. It's high time the Rangers are the big story over all the nonsense that gets covered in this town. Outside of the Giants, our team's the best story. Play like you WANT it!
-For what it's worth, I voted for Dan Girardi cause without him, there is no season. The unbelievable effort he's put in when Staal was sidelined and our D was in shreds, is what defines a New York Ranger. Danny G deserved to win. It's easy to vote Callahan because he exemplifies everything that's right about the sweater. I love Captain Cally but it would've been nice to see Girardi recognized cause we all know he won't even finish in the top 5 for the Norris.
BLUESHIRT NOTES
-The Bruins played like champs. They've been playing much better lately and served notice. Don't forget they'll be the 2nd seed and likely draw the Sens.
-Marc Staal had one of his better games, looking more confident with and without the puck. He was involved offensively, leading the rush and made smart decisions. He has played well since a sitdown with Tort.
-Anton Stralman continues to play with Staal on the third pair with Steve Eminger out and Tim Erixon sitting. While I do get the reason Tort wants a more experienced guy in in the puckmoving Stralman who's been working harder defensively, I hope he keeps an open mind about Erixon, who did nothing wrong since his recall.
-The way Artem Anisimov played yesterday is how he must play all the time. There are too many nights when you barely notice him. Artie is too talented for that. It's up to him, Brandon Dubinsky and Derek Stepan if we're to make a deep run.
-The Rangers got owned in the circle with the Bruins doubling us up 32-16. Most of it was Patrice Bergeron (17-2), who won more than half his team's draws. Sick. Faceoffs are so important in the playoffs because it allows you to have puck possession and dictate. Our team chased the puck too much.
-Most games are going to be like that when it all starts in 10 or 11 days. Playing the Flyers, Pens and potential Round One foe Washington is good preparation. It'd be nice to clinch in Philly tomorrow and sweep. Just don't expect it to be easy. Flyers are playing much better and just beat Pittsburgh twice. How about our team send a message to the Pens on Thursday. Pitt's taken the last three meetings.
-At times, Ryan Callahan looked like the only one playing. When our team was dead in its tracks, there was Captain Cally who also took home the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award, playing his butt off that included one inspiring shift that woke everyone up. He already is a good leader. Having him as captain gives me confidence because he hates losing as much as King Henrik. We can't afford to have lulls when the playoffs begin. As they know, it's a different animal.
-Speaking of Steven McDonald, I really wish I could've caught his speech. I can't remember the last time I missed it. Not being there or even watching it killed me. He is such an inspiration for everyone. A guy who sacrificed for so many. Shot in the line of duty and in a wheel chair. But the enthusiasm and passion he exhibits every year is remarkable. If anything, I want this team to do it for him. It's been a long time since our team was in this position. They better put on the hard hats and go to work. It's high time the Rangers are the big story over all the nonsense that gets covered in this town. Outside of the Giants, our team's the best story. Play like you WANT it!
-For what it's worth, I voted for Dan Girardi cause without him, there is no season. The unbelievable effort he's put in when Staal was sidelined and our D was in shreds, is what defines a New York Ranger. Danny G deserved to win. It's easy to vote Callahan because he exemplifies everything that's right about the sweater. I love Captain Cally but it would've been nice to see Girardi recognized cause we all know he won't even finish in the top 5 for the Norris.
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