Rangers 4, Ducks 1

Say it out loud! I love Odessa and I am proud!

 

Despite of 23 blocked shots by the Rangers, Lundqvist ended up with a season high 44 saves performance. Grabner continues to be hot. 24 of his 25 goals this season scored at even strength. He leads the league in that category.

Congrats to AV on his 600th win as a NHL coach. Second fastest coach in NHL history to reach 600 career wins. Overall, a very good effort by our team who win their 3rd straight game.

Correct me if  I am wrong but I think we had our full and healthy squad playing together for the first time since November?

 

Here is the official recap from the http://www.nhl.com

https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/ana-vs-nyr/2017/02/07/2016020791#game=2016020791,game_state=final,game_tab=stats

 

 

235 thoughts on “Rangers 4, Ducks 1”

  5. Cccp
    Well done sir!
    –
    I voted hated, beep beep, and shampoo boy…in no particular order.
    –
    This game reminded me a lot of the kings game, outplayed but still one.
    –
    I don’t know which ranger D man is worse along the wall in their own zone skjel or staal, but they are both terrible.

    Like

  9. So once again, the Rangers completely intimidated and run out of the building by one of those big, bad Western teams.

    In all seriousness, I thought they were outplayed, but I don’t think it was as lopsided as the shots on goal totals. I thought they kept the shots from the outside, and the Mighties did shoot from everywhere, and I thought they did a pretty good job of boxing out around the net and didn’t give up tips, screens, rebounds.

    A lot of the NYR problems tonight were self-inflicted by fanciness, as usual. But they’ve played much worse games than this one.

    and the final play by Vesey is telling. Up a couple, two minutes and change left, he and Hayes 2-on-2, and he tries to make a dipsy doodle play at the blue line, turns it over with his teammates changing. Got to get it deep there, son. No excuses.

    Liked by 6 people

  11. First! Hey wick did we change our name from Boneheads to wankers? Did I miss something or is wankers just our nickname? Man do we need some help on D. And way to many fancy pass attempt! Anyway Rangers win!

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  15. The Austrian Express is picking up steam.. Hayes played well first time out and believe had 2nd most minutes after JT (who led with 19+) I thought they played well tonight. Guys are freaked out by the SOG but most of that was Ducks using a shotgun approach from outside and mostly hitting NYR in the body. Some better possession in the Ozone, yeah but lets not kill a decent win. Team MVP is getting difficult – Hated? Beep? THE? K Bongs? I think JT so far based on his two way play but still a lot of games left.

    As to Skjei, two assists and a couple bum plays on defense. I’ll take that from a rookie third pair. Too many expect him to be playing at the level of a 7 year vet making 5+ per.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. congrats to AV on 600…maybe he’s not as dumb as everyone says he is….. Ducks had lots of shots and zone time….but quality chances limited

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  18. the SOGs wasn’t that much of an issue. It was the 2 minutes sieges n their zone. Got to get possession and breakout. Skjei will get better. He gets lots of minutes from AV. Torts would give this third pair 7 minutes a game and run the first four into the ground. The TO came form rushing the play. He will learn to be more patient. All those AV haters-only Scoot Bowman got to 600 quicker. He can’t be that bad.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. What’s the difference between AV and Bowman? Hmmm. Anyone care to guess??
    OK. let me tell you; 14 Stanley Cups – 14!! 9 as coach and 5 as Mngt.
    .
    Gum chewing was their only similarity

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  23. Bdl
    Don’t disagree. They need to improve in some areas obviously and stay “healthy” (as does ever other team), but depending on match ups…it’s possible.
    –
    Uh-oh, here we go again, no one say anything bad about skjel, I mean uh you say something bad about him it means you hate him…lol.

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  24. SN
    Can’t do that either, can’t criticize AV, he is perfect (well I mean except for that cup thing, but it’s all about making the playoffs…championships are overrated;)).

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  25. My problem with last night is the ‘structure’ they are using to defend does not seem sustainable. They have chosen to have the forwards hang back to protect the D leaving the neutral zone wide open for the dump and pound by the opposition.
    .
    Why not use the NYR forwards speed to press the D? seems to protect the D from odd man rushes. May even make sense to ‘trap’ and use the forwards speed and skill to alleviate pressure on D.
    .
    Last season the Pens would press up and have the puck side D hold the blue line (interfere) and let the weak side defender gather the puck and send it quickly back out.
    .
    Night and day from October games, eh?

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  26. Believe it is time to penalize cross checks to the back of the defenseless player on the wall. Brouwer last night pounded Stepchild 5 or 6 times in the back with his stick. Believe in the rule book that was cross checking but it has NEVER been called. Such a coward’s play IMHO
    .
    Between that and Step getting crushed from behind in front of Ducks’ bench – ouch! Rough game for Opie.

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  27. Yeah, I wasn’t a fan of the October hockey. I agree as well though, and their lack of possession at times worries me a bit. You get those asinine comments after games like last night or the game against the kings “guess they didn’t get run out of the building yada yada yada” and such and it’s just such an over dramatic statement. It’s one game, not a series. You have to do a better job of moving the puck quicker and accurately (ahem skjel and staal…omg I mean not skjel, he’s perfect) and not let teams grind on you so much. Even if you win a series against a team like that, you’re still paying for it the next round.

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  29. think the forward group when healthy is deep enough for a run… not sold on the d-men… just don’t think they will be stout enough when the playoffs come to stop the caps or the pens. of course need hank playing like this to even have a chance to be in the conversation.

    Liked by 1 person

  31. Bdl
    Don’t disagree with that at all. As long as machine is the 4th line centre, it could be a winger. There are certainly upgrades over machine out there, but not sure they are worth the potential asking price.

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  33. Our only hope for Fast leaving Wicky, is if they leave him up protected. And Vegas picks him up. Two problems with that, AV I’ll make sure they protect him, and if they didn’t, no way McPhee is dumb enough to take him. Face it, we are stuck with him.

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  34. Great to win but playing in own zone and getting out-chanced severely won’t work against the Caps, Pens, BJ’s, etc.

    Helped that the Ducks can’t score this year.

    Have to find a way to protect Grabner, even if it means trading Zuc, as painful as that would be. He seems better than Hagler although not the forechecker Carl is. Adds a tremendous element to the team that could not readily be replaced.

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  37. Hank winked at me during the stick salute last night. Even tho I was watching on TV, taped delay at that, I’m positive we made eye contact. He nodded and winked. I mouthed “you are so pretty” and he just smiled at me.

    JT for Captain

    Liked by 1 person

  40. Although they got outshot and outpossessed all game, they didnt give up many clear opportunities (or Grade ‘A’ chances as AV would say). It was a grind it out and take your chances kind of game.

    As for the must protect Grabby, i don’t think you can sacrifice anyone and given his form you can guarantee he’ll be in Vegas(baby!) next season, along with Clendenning if they are a bunch of statto’s.

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  42. Disagree about having to protect Grabner. He is not a long term player. His contra is up after next season. Chances are he is gone. And for that same reason, Vegas won’t take him.

    Liked by 1 person

  43. I think I know why Zucc is always in pass-first mode – it is his long stick (that’s right, I said “Long stick” :-)) A couple of games ago he was set up for a one-timer from the right circle and he shanked the shot because he almost impaled himself. Patrick Thoresen’s parody of LINK isn’t that far off 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  45. Don’t you think that after Hitchcock, Capuano, Julien and Gallant from Panthers (who, BTW, was left outside a visiting arena waiting for a cab), Therrien is next out for oxygen? As much as it is often not fair for others coaches, I can’t stand this guy for some reason and will be immensely glad if that will happen.
    BTW, there is interesting article about firing coachis this “CRAZY” season;
    http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/crazy-nhl-season-coach-firings-continues-julien-45340411

    Like

  46. Not clear yet today whom we’re hating on, but if it’s a Fast day (and by implication AV for playing him instead of…) I’m surprised it never comes up that he trails only Kreider in hits and hits/GP. It’s a dubious stat, true, but this far into the season the law of large numbers begins to kick in. He’s 4th in blocked shots, 2nd-to-last in giveaways (behind Oscar, who has almost none), plays the 2nd-shortest shifts (again behind only Oscar), and he plays on the 1st PK pair. Stats, schmats, I know, but they do point out the obvious that the eye confirms: he’s a defensive role player, and a very good one. It’s no accident the guy is always on the ice to close out tight wins. But he doesn’t shoot and he doesn’t score so, yeah, he sucks.

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  47. I actually feel a bit sorry for the people who don’t see the value that Fast brings to the team. It makes me wonder about what other subtleties of the game they might be missing.

    I might just be a fanboy of his, but I’m very happy our terrible coach sees the contributions and trusts him as much as anybody on the roster.

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  49. ‘You don’t own me
    Don’t tell me what to do
    And don’t tell me what to say
    And please, when I go out with you,
    Don’t put me on display!’

    I’m not just one of your many toys.

    Liked by 1 person

  50. I’ve come to appreciate Fast. Zucc, however, I’d trade along with Shay for a good R-Dman. Shay will never be the second coming of anyone good….

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  53. BDL

    disagree on Grabner. Need to protect him. Same age as Zucc and makes close to $ 3 million less. With cap stagnant it’s good cap management. World class speed.

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  54. Not sure where you got that blocked shots STAT. Pretty sure it’s wrong. I would appreciate Fast more if he played less. 14 minutes a night is to much for what he offers.

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  56. Fast is a first ballot HoFer. Zucc will make the Hall while he’s still active. Yes, he’s that good. Grabby must be protected. This year will prove to be no fluke. He fits in well with NYR system and he, JT, and Haze have muey mas chemistry. Particularly Julio Tomás and Grabner….

    Liked by 2 people

  58. You trade Grabner or Zuccarello if it improves your team, and ONLY if it improves your team. Otherwise you accept that you will lose somebody in the expansion draft. Every team is going to lose somebody they want to keep. You must expose players. It’s not just about protecting.

    The Rangers are going to lose somebody. Deal with it.

    Liked by 1 person

  66. Line combos are a Question of Balance.

    Why do we never get an answer when we’re knocking at the door?

    Ahhhhhhhhhhhh Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh
    Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

    Like

  70. I’ll take fast over pirri or puempel any day…re the fast “hits”…umm well I’ll just say I’d be far far less concerned about getting “hit” by fast as opposed to a platitude of other players around the league.

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  72. Did you guys see the video clip of the sportscaster lady mispronouncing all 3 of the ranger players names involved in the zucc goal (skjel, Kreider, zucc)….falking hilarious!
    –
    I can’t get the link to transfer from my twitter…damnit.

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  89. He’ll take up and bring you down, he’ll take your feet and put them on the ground. He’ll take you on a trip and bring you home the same day. Timothy Leary. Timothy Leary. Timothy Leary. Timothy Leary.

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  95. Wonderful day passing me way, Knock on my door, even the score…. with your eyes, lovely to see you again my friend. Walk along with me to the next bend.

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  96. BDL, sorry wasn’t clear, was talking only about forwards. The blocks go: Miller 42, Zuccarello 30, Stepan 30, Fast 28.
    On D, it’s Girardi 132 (4th in NHL), Klein 108 and McD 104, then huge drop-off to the other three.

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  98. Work away the day…….if only you knew what’s inside me right now, you wouldn’t want to know me now……in the end…..

    Urge all to listen to “This is the Moody Blues” a killer batch of music. It be on the u tube

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  106. Last stat from me today (stupid work-job getting in the way of the important stuff). It’s out-of-date for other teams, no doubt, but the Rangers opening-day roster was 11th in height, 9th in weight, and 24th in age. Colorado and Buffalo were the top heavies (Col. 210), the Rangers 204. Washington 8th at 205. Chicago and Pittsburgh bottom-feeding lightweights (195 and 197).

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  107. I’m looking at myself, reflections of my mind……

    Tuesday Afternoon. Tuuuuuuuesdsy afternoon. I’m just beginning to see, now I’m on my way.,,,

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  108. Fasssst is tremendous on one half of the rink
    The Lindberg Baby should not sit again, kid is playing well and gets under the skin of opponents.
    VC looking more like JV these days. He hit the wall and the team is paying for it

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  112. Fast and Zucc are solid contributors…and AV likes them and he has 600 wins …so there’s that …anyone think its time to get Grabner, Miller and Hayes some powerplay time?

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  115. Catching up on some odds and ends.

    I have no problem with fast as long as he is the 4th line winger. I wouldn’t even mind if AV moved him up for a Vesey in the last few minutes of a one-goal game.

    Given AV’s propensity to roll four lines (or at least three religiously), the only ones who talk about line designations are fans and writers.

    Wouldn’t mind Hayes and Miller getting more PP time. Hayes would do well clogging up the crease and Miller’s passing ability could help spring more open shots. I am not so sure about Grabner. He seems to generate most of his offense off the rush. I believe he is more valuable killing penalties because his speed can lead to chances or penalties.

    Defensively the Rangers have to be more aggressive pressuring the points in their own zone. SN mentioned earlier today (10:10am) that the forwards hang back in the neutral zone to protect the defense – thus leading to dump and pound against the Rangers. They do the same thing in their own zone and the opponents point men are free to keep pucks in and control the zone. The Rangers forwards spend too much time chasing the puck as opposed to getting the puck.

    I caught a couple of minutes of the post-game last night and the two goalies (Healy and Valiquette) debated who start tomorrow night. I think Heals said Henrik should play again and Valley went for Auntie. I don’t think it is a big deal because whomever sits Thursday should play Saturday against Colorado.

    The Rangers next few games are spaced out enough that The King could get all of the starts (through the Isles game), but I think LQ should start against the Predators and Raanta against the Avs.

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  122. Bull dog – haze has that long elegant stride that Ratelle had….both not physical. Good vision, good passers. Ratelle was more comfortable going I into the dirty areas. Ratelle had the better shot…..but they’re both graceful…

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  127. Once upon a time
    Once when you were mine
    I remember skies
    Reflected in your eyes
    I wonder where you are
    I wonder if you
    Think about me
    Once upon a time
    In your wildest dreams

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  128. I find it more than a little amusing that if you are critical of or point out a bad play by a player that you automatically hate them.
    The hate accusers always remind me of the juice box and colouring book safe space needing folks.

    Liked by 1 person

  129. I think, re expansion draft protection, as a organization you should try to expose the asset with the least value to the club. Don’t lose a great “value” for nothing. Trade the “value” or protect it.
    I would be very surprised if grabner has another season like this one next year, but I would still give serious thought to protecting him.
    –
    Nash has to be protected due to a partial no move clause correct?

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  131. JT has been getting 2nd Unit PP time; think he is best in front of net. Biggest problem with PP is not there is not PP QB again! McD does his best, but with heavy shot from the point. Since The Miracle Met is sitting, no relief for the Capt save for Holden who is looking for his other glass slipper these games.
    .
    Caber!

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  136. I think this pp QB thing is way overrated…the QB doesn’t have to be a D man and it certainly doesn’t have to go through the point. I’d argue with the personnel this team has, they should run it from the half wall with a forward like Toronto does.
    –
    Just my opinion though.

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  144. Hamrlik to Shonny at Adirondack camp: “Just so everybody understands what’s what, I’m not going through three years of agony running through these gdamned fir trees to play for the league minimum.”

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  152. In case Mike Milbury was wondering, Oak didn’t hit anyone with his shoe 🙂 I think the Rangers might have found their enforcer/physical d-man. You know Oakley can/will clear the crease!

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  160. Good morning, boneheads!
    Game Day!
    My father is well enough for me to return back to this place. Still in the hospital, but much better. In fact, it looks like we don’t have to cancel our trip to Montana, and spend some time with Wicky and his many girls. Ready, big guy?

    Like

  161. I saw this on a fox article. what would Torts think?
    ………………………………………………………………………………

    “The game is changing a little bit, the way we are giving up scoring chances now compared to maybe a few years ago,” Lundqvist said. “I think I need to adjust my game a little bit; a little bit more on my toes, a little bit more aggressive, and I think it is helping my game. It’s a big thing too when you see the shot the whole way, how you can react to it.

    “That was something we have been talking about for the last few days, try to box out more and try to block the shot and give me the shot. It makes a big difference when you can read the shot from the get go.”

    Translation: If you’re going to give up a ton of shots, at least get out of the way so the goalie can see it and do your best to clear rebounds away from the guys you’ve been leaving open all season.
    ……………………………………………………………………..

    http://www.foxsports.com/nhl/story/lundqvist-on-rise-as-rangers-host-predators-020817?cmpid=feed:-sports-Yardbarker&cmpid=nl_mb_edition_02092017

    Liked by 2 people

  173. Clearly NYR need to give OAK a try out. Pity the guy he crunches into the boards or out of the crease. If I am GM I see if I can sign Grabner to a 2 year extension at a reasonable price prior to expansion and if so, you protect. Even if the guy only scores 15 or 20 in the follow on years, he is a disruptive force and a pretty responsible player. That has value. In the meantime, I listen to any offer coming my way for Nash, Zuc and Auntie.

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  174. What you are seeing with Miller, Hayes, and others, is because of patience from the organization. We fans have none. Some wanted to run Miller out of town. Most wanted to run Hayes out of town.

    Liked by 2 people

  175. If it comes down to protecting Zucc, or Grabner, you have to protect Zucc. Let’s say Zucc gets picked by Vegas. Grabner only has one year left on his deal. He gone after next year. Nash is also a UFA after next year. That’s three guys gone, and nothing back in return. That would be called bad asset management. Protect Zucc, or trade Zucc, but don’t lose him for nothing.

    Liked by 1 person

  178. I think ‘most’ on this blog wanted to keep the productive youth knowing that winning 1 cup in 74 seasons provides some perspective on the lack of success on always bringing in the shiny new toys.
    .
    Trading value for value to fill a need is critical. Moving a young, productive Forward in a package for a young productive (right) Defensemen that addresses a core need is paramount now.
    .
    I wouldn’t move JT and would also instruct him to stop doing his Cally impersonation by blocking so many shots and most likely getting injured. Haze in the right package is not out of the question (not preferred but not untouchable either) depending on what they do with Step and Zucc both of whom I would before Haze.
    .
    Have to keep Grabber with a reasonable deal.

    Liked by 1 person

  183. “Grabner only has one year left on his deal. He gone after next year”
    ——————————–
    Is there some rule that says you can’t re-sign him?

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  192. Wicky, Nash has a full NMC AND partial NTC ( 12 teams). That was a continuation of his Columbus contract. He agreed to waive his NMC to go to NY, and it was reinstated once he arrived here. He needs to be protected because of NMC, not because of partial NTC

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  193. I hope this feature is really lengthy, Carp. I have a very lengthy administrative meeting this afternoon that wasn’t cancelled because of snow. On the other hand, I hear they cancelled some satellite clinics’ hours because of snow. Go figure.

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  205. BDL

    disagree on zucc vs grabner

    world class speed at same age and very large difference in cap hit (just shy of 3 million difference being primary factors). it’s all a part of cap mangement

    Liked by 1 person

  206. if zucc was taken in expansion draft he’s not lost for nothing. his entire cap hit could be used for other players internal or otherwise in a year where cap is expected to stay flat. and get to keep a player who is playing way above his cap hit. note zucc contract is only for 2 yrs vs grabner for one and could resign grabner after the 1st yr when nash contract is over.

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  207. 1- roof rake time. Up to about 8″ in Passaic County (the stix section)

    2- Grabner may very well have 12 goals all of next season. If you move him it’s after this season/ the expansion draft

    3- saw that Seinfeld episode last night

    4- if neither moves I’d consider leaving Stephan unprotected over Nash anyhow. You have one more year of Nash before that contract is over with and between his age and health I don’t see him getting another 6+ million dollar per deal with the looming expiration of the CBA. He could wind up resigning (re-signing?) here for a much more palatable deal.

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  208. To further elaborate on Grabner- the point of having him here isn’t the goal production. It’s about the other role he plays. I think they should buy themselves some time w him and find a taker for Zucc in the meantime.

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  209. If Grabber would get you a young, up and coming RD1/2, do you move him this year?
    I would and I think he has been their best player this season both sides of the rink.

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  213. Cap space is valuable and in the hard cap era I would definitely say is an asset…if you use it.
    –
    If I’m not mistaken, the rangers will have quite a bit by the deadline. I see no reason for the rangers to not improve their line up

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  217. Sorry, gang. Been super busy. Thanks to CCCP for posting threads.

    Just briefly skimming things over, I’m very happy about ilb’s father.

    I’ve got some great content from BDL that I will start posting on Monday. Seriously, it’s so good that it deserves a weekday when most people will see it.

    CCCP, can you handle a go time post tonight and/or a review of the game? Anyone else interested in a review?

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  221. I’m beginning to wonder if Girardi doesn’t mean more to this team emotionally than staal does on the ice. I wonder if there is a scenario where they buy out staal after this season and keep Girardi?

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  228. With a combined $11M+ in contracts, it is obvious at least one person on the Rangers thought more of them.
    .
    Sometimes smoke gets in your eyes…

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  232. Hey Doodie. You’re welcome. Always glad to keep this place moving. I can put a new thread for go time up but don’t count on me for the review. It’s my daughter’s birthday today. Two years old! So I’make having some people over. Won’t be able to watch full game. Sorry… plus, I suck at reviews.

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  235. Fish tank fans are beginning to wake up from the dead with their team’s 8-1-2 run.

    One FishTanker is even comparing the Tanks to the LA Kings, stating the Kings won it all as a wild card, so why not the Tanks? 🙄

    Like

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