When we last met here on The Rangers Recap, our boys in blue were getting ready to meet the Devils in the Eastern Conference Quaterfinals. Since then, they've made In-Law Lover Brodeur and the Devils offense their bitch, with 4-1 and 2-1 wins in "The Rock."
I don't know what my favorite part of Games 1 and 2 was. Was it Callahan's game-winning short-handed goal off of a pitiful mistake by Brodeur? Was it Sean Avery's insurance goal in Game 1? Was it Sean Avery's game-winning goal in Game 2? Was it Scott Gomez's 3-assist performance amidst boos from his former fans in Game 1? Was it hearing fans in Jersey chant "MAAAAAARRRRRRRTYYYY MAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRTYYYY"? Was it Scott Gomez getting into it with Jamie Langenbrunner, giving him a kissing motion, mocking him, and apparently telling him "Keep drinking your Kool-Aid?" It all adds up to a great start to the series.
But, the Blueshirts still need two more wins to lock up this series. Lucky for us, they're back in the Garden for Games 3 and 4. Getting 2 out of 2 at home would be awesome, but I don't expect the Devils to go down so easily. They're a pretty good club, no matter how many times we've beaten them. I'll actually get to see the whole game tomorrow...I'm pumped.
By the way, I hope you've been watching the other series as well. There's been some really exciting games. It's sure to be another awesome spring.
Let's Go Rangers!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
It's That Time Again: Rangers @ Devils Game 1
It's that time of year again, folks. It's that time of year where we get to see hockey on TV every night. It's that time of year where we see guys go all-out every night. It's that time of year where legends are made. And, since the lockout, it's been the time of year where we get to once again see the Blueshirts suit up for a playoff run.2006 saw the Rangers crash and burn after surprisingly holding the Atlantic Division lead for most of the year. As everyone remembers, we lost to this year's first round opponent, the Devils, in a 4 game sweep in which we saw Jagr injure his shoulder.
2007 was the most exciting year for the Rangers ever since that Cinderella 1997 playoff run. Although they at one point sat at 12th in the Eastern Conference, they roared back after the All-Star break. After sweeping the Thrashers out of the first round, something no one expected, they gave Buffalo a damn good run for their money.
This year? Well, obviously, the natural expectation is a Conference Finals appearance. But we all know the playoffs are a whole new season and absolutely anything can happen. I'm excited for another playoff season, no matter how the Rangers finish.
Interesting stat that just ran down SportCenter's ticker: the Rangers have lost 11 of their last 12 Game 1's (the outlier being in the Atlanta series). Keeping in mind that those Game 1's include the 1994 Devils and Canucks series, the 1995 Nordiques series, the 1996 Habs series, and the 1997 Panthers and Devils series. Remind me who won those series again?
Let's Go Rangers!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Meh, It's Still Kinda Like Home Ice Anyway (Updated with Full First Round Schedule)
Well, what can be said about today's SO loss to the Devils? Did it give them home-ice advantage, sure (even though 40-50% of their crowd is Ranger fans, anyway). Did it negate our psychological advantage over them, yeah I guess. Does it matter? I honestly don't know. The Rangers have rebounded from huge losses this year (the blown 5-goal lead at Montreal, for example) just fine. They'll put this one behind them and gear up for at least 4 games with the Devils.
How much has Jagr stepped up his play? A third period tying goal today was absolutely huge. Maybe he has been saving it for the playoffs after all. And after a shaky first period, the much-improved Henrik Lundqvist looked great. He absolutely stoned Zach Parise with his glove on the late Devils power play. That one made me jump out of my seat.
Here's the schedule for the first round (thanks to Steve Zipay). Gone are the days where teams would play 3 games in 4 days. Check it out:
How much has Jagr stepped up his play? A third period tying goal today was absolutely huge. Maybe he has been saving it for the playoffs after all. And after a shaky first period, the much-improved Henrik Lundqvist looked great. He absolutely stoned Zach Parise with his glove on the late Devils power play. That one made me jump out of my seat.
Here's the schedule for the first round (thanks to Steve Zipay). Gone are the days where teams would play 3 games in 4 days. Check it out:
Game 1 (in NJ) Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Game 2 (in NJ) Friday, 7 p.m.
Game 3 (in NY) Sunday, TBA
Game 4 (in NY) Wednesday, TBA
Game 5 (in NJ) Friday, TBA (if needed)
Game 6 (in NY) Sunday, TBA (if needed)
Game 7 (in NJ) Tuesday, TBA (if needed)
The Battle for Home Ice Advantage
The Rangers head over to Newark today to take on the Devils in a game that will determine who gets the #4 seed. Boston's loss today cemented the Rangers-Devils first round matchup. If the Rangers win in regulation today, they get home ice in the first round. Giving the Devils a point gives them home ice since they have the tiebreaker (# of wins).How important is today's game? It depends. The Rangers have a pretty good fan section in New Jersey to support them. However, starting a playoff series in your own building provides a good adrenaline rush and excitement. Honestly, I think the Rangers can win the series if they start it in the Rock or the Garden.
Expect more boring hockey tomorrow and over the next couple weeks. The Rangers and Devils both play low offense, smothering defense hockey, so we could see a lot of 2-1's and 3-2's. Keep some energy drinks at the ready, or if the Rangers are losing, some booze.
It's that time of year again...seems like just yesterday I was watching them come back to beat Florida 5-2 on opening night. Hopefully I'll get to see most of this game. I'll be out of town again until a little after the 3pm start time. Let's beat the Devils in 60 minutes and make them come to the Garden for Game 1.
Let's Go Rangers!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
A Dream Come True!
A story by Uncle Larry in the NY Post says that the salary cap is expected to go up to $56.3M next season, and if revenues keep increasing at the rate they are will be $68M in the 2010-11 season. In light of this, Rangers President/GM Glen Sather asked to write a guest piece for The Rangers Recap to share his thoughts on the rising cap. Enjoy!
Hello friends! It's me, your favorite GM/recluse, Glen Sather. How have you guys been? I've been a little too busy this year to talk to the New York media. Did you catch those nice interviews I did with the Edmonton papers, though? Man, I love Edmonton. Anyway, have you enjoyed the playoff team that I've once again built for you? And you people questioned me when I signed Gomez and Drury to $7M contracts.
When I heard that the salary cap that was going up again next year, I was quite excited. My good friend and associate Mr. Jim Dolan will again let me spend up to the cap ceiling next season. Of course, that extra $6M out of his pocket will be felt by you CableVision subscribers. But hey, that's your cross to bear so you can have a playoff team in MSG.
I know over the last few seasons I've kept my spending ways under control. I've even let some of these worthless kids that I've drafted take roster spots instead of those much more qualified free agent veterans. I really wanted that nice Michael Peca fellow this summer, but of course that whiny ass Renney wouldn't have it. He said that this Dubinsky kid could be our third line center. But he's got my $7M man Chris Drury there! What's up with that?!
But with the salary cap going up and up, I think it's time for me to wet my whistle in the free agent market this summer. It's too bad that Ottawa locked up Spezza and Heatley. They would have looked good in a Rangers jersey (although it'd be better if they were a few years older). Maybe I can snag Marian Hossa from that jerk Ray Shero in Pittsburgh. That's who I was originally trying to trade for in 2005. Who knew that he had a brother?
GREAT GOOGILY MOOGILY! I just realized that Bobby Holik is a free agent this summer! This day keeps getting better and better. Do you think $9M per year will be enough to bring him back to New York? Do you think I should give him a raise to $10M per? I still think he'd make a very nice first line center.
So many options for this summer...Jeremy Roenick, Joe Sakic, Mats Sundin, etc. are all available. How's a gal like me supposed to keep her purse closed when there's so many great, well-aged veterans on the market? Maybe I can bring Mark Messier back for a third stint. The options are endless! I'll keep you posted on my shopping spree this summer, Ranger fans. Until then, enjoy the playoffs. Who are we playing this year, the Predators or something?
Hello friends! It's me, your favorite GM/recluse, Glen Sather. How have you guys been? I've been a little too busy this year to talk to the New York media. Did you catch those nice interviews I did with the Edmonton papers, though? Man, I love Edmonton. Anyway, have you enjoyed the playoff team that I've once again built for you? And you people questioned me when I signed Gomez and Drury to $7M contracts.
When I heard that the salary cap that was going up again next year, I was quite excited. My good friend and associate Mr. Jim Dolan will again let me spend up to the cap ceiling next season. Of course, that extra $6M out of his pocket will be felt by you CableVision subscribers. But hey, that's your cross to bear so you can have a playoff team in MSG.
I know over the last few seasons I've kept my spending ways under control. I've even let some of these worthless kids that I've drafted take roster spots instead of those much more qualified free agent veterans. I really wanted that nice Michael Peca fellow this summer, but of course that whiny ass Renney wouldn't have it. He said that this Dubinsky kid could be our third line center. But he's got my $7M man Chris Drury there! What's up with that?!
But with the salary cap going up and up, I think it's time for me to wet my whistle in the free agent market this summer. It's too bad that Ottawa locked up Spezza and Heatley. They would have looked good in a Rangers jersey (although it'd be better if they were a few years older). Maybe I can snag Marian Hossa from that jerk Ray Shero in Pittsburgh. That's who I was originally trying to trade for in 2005. Who knew that he had a brother?
GREAT GOOGILY MOOGILY! I just realized that Bobby Holik is a free agent this summer! This day keeps getting better and better. Do you think $9M per year will be enough to bring him back to New York? Do you think I should give him a raise to $10M per? I still think he'd make a very nice first line center.
So many options for this summer...Jeremy Roenick, Joe Sakic, Mats Sundin, etc. are all available. How's a gal like me supposed to keep her purse closed when there's so many great, well-aged veterans on the market? Maybe I can bring Mark Messier back for a third stint. The options are endless! I'll keep you posted on my shopping spree this summer, Ranger fans. Until then, enjoy the playoffs. Who are we playing this year, the Predators or something?
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