Oh, Al – ‘If I’ve built this fortress around your heart,
Encircled you in trenches and barbed wire,
Then let me build a bridge, for I cannot fill the chasm,
And let me set the battlements on fire.’
I wouldn’t re watch game 5 if it meant I avoided the chair. What a freaking horror show. Game 2 believe it or not is worse. These 2 games are on my dvd of games I bet buried with. Told the wife I want my top 10 games burned to a cd and buried with me.
Tomb – I shouldn’t even be answering you as you’re not on Alex’s no fly list. But, I will. Rangers must win game 6 as its must win. In game 7, which is also must win, our sexy boys should win. They gotta win. They will win.
Just saw AV said on conference call “AV on late game pairs: “We’ve got Staal who’s got a lot of exp, Smitty, Dan and Mac. Those are the guys we’re leaning on a little bit more.””
Not watching next game for sure. What’s the point if he doesnt see the same mistake over and over again?
I hereby announce that I will be staying on the blog. I’m sure everyone appreciates this public declaration as I have deemed my contributions here to be irreplaceable. I am the man.
Ottawa has had more than its fair share of luck this round of the playoffs. Reminds me of the Giants versus Patriots, and of the ’86 Mets. Only difference was the Giants over Pats was over one game only (twice), the ’86 Mets happened to be the best team in baseball, lucky or not.
Nobody should be leaving. It’s not really negative here. There’s passion here, in both those trying to remain positive and in those seeing the Glass empty. One thing I’ve noticed over the years here that people tend to get on each other’s nerves more after emotional games, win or lose. It happens. But we’ve all got to remember, we are ALL Rangers fans, supposedly except for Carp.
‘One hundred and eighty were challenged by Travis to die
By a line that he drew with his sword as the battle grew nigh
A man that crossed over the line was for glory
And he that was left better fly –
And over the line crossed a hundred and seventy nine…’
Admiral – your point is valid but not relevant regarding the judgemental poster named Akex. He doesn’t like several of us even if we post something he agrees with. I’ve been seeing a shrink to deal with the sadness it’s brought on. All I want to do is lay in bed and cry. It hurts really really really really bad.
” Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said the Rangers knew how to handle the 5 vs. 6, but added that some may not have known the goalie was pulled? How is that possible? How would you not assume the goalie’s out? How does the bench not alert you? How do the players on the ice not communicate? Hard to imagine.”
——-
The way I took that is somebody asked AV a question like, “Why did they suck at the end of the game?” and AV didn’t have a real answer and that was the first thing he blurted out. Did he really mean it? I doubt it.
You know, watching what Karlsson is doing with fractures in his foot is amazing. I don’t get to see much of Ottawa during the season, but I’m really impressed. I’m so impressed that I hope after Thursday he has until October to recover.
I wondered during the game that if Brassard had kicked the puck (with a distinct kicking motion) would it have counted even though it bounced off two Rangers before going in? I don’t think so.
Thanks for the Review Carp. Lots of “puck-watching” indeed and just as you and others have said, Stepan, Kreider, Miller, Nash and Zuccarello all need to be better.
I think Hank will be better Tuesday, but if they’re down after the 1st period and he’s “fighting the puck” again, I’d put in Raanta for the 2nd.
“Well, for one thing, they have a way of turning into a fire drill, players sliding in front of passes and shots, players puck-watching around the crease, not to mention failed clear attempts, lost faceoffs and icings.”
————–
That says to me that it’s not a coaching issue. That’s a bunch of players in panic mode. Instead of using their instincts and staying calm, they panic. I don’t see a way you can coach a player not to panic.
Rangers play best when it’s most necessary. Intensity and passion best describe their play over the last 5 years when their backs are against the wall. 15-5 in elimination games says it all. In fact, game 7 will be a rout. The cumulative puck luck the Sens have enjoyed gets reversed in one mighty game…game 7. I’m seeing a 6-0 game….
Huge game on Tuesday. I’m not at all nervous. Frustrated by what’s happened this series. But this test will serve to make them stronger going into the ECF. Book it.
LOL, CCCP. We used to have a goalie on our team that, when it was tough going, he would start to yell at guys. Instead of telling him to relax I used to tell him to STFU.
The image of Staal laid out in front of the net kneeling on Henk as the puck rolled in should be on the cover of the never-to-be-made commemorative DVD of this years playoffs.
.
I’ve been wondering- would we all be as impatient with certain players if we didn’t know how much money they made? Many comments here start with, “For the kind of money he’s making” and, in Hank’s case, “He’s our highest paid player, he should be our best player”. I don’t know, I’m just asking. It seems like we’d be better off if we didn’t know anyone’s contracts.
Lev – I’ve never liked Stepan’s game. Too slow, too soft, too passive, too weak. Many here have jokingly spared with me in the past as to who was the real 1C, step or Brass, but in game 5, there were a few shifts that had step centering the 4th line. How he remains on the PP is absurd.
Norm I hate to see you go some of your comments have prevented me from throwing the remote through my flat screen. I believe the negative comments come from years of frustration by diehard fans. I for one love this team even when they play stupid hockey. If you’re not giving up on the Rangers don’t give up on us, we all want the same thing, “The Cup”
I’m surprised Carp didn’t mention one his article that they seemed to have an entirely different strategy in Ottawa than they have in New York. Karlsson was bombarded by hits in New York and in the last game I can only think of maybe one or two times that he was got in the entire game. They also seemed to forego a hit-first mentality for a puck-first one. Because….why go with what got you wins, right?
Norm is ok. He likely is hitting on something far better than the chronic several times a day. That kind of upbeat optimism is not organic but chemically induced.
‘Let us go then, you and I,
When the evening is spread out against the sky
Like a patient etherized upon a table;
Let us go, through certain half-deserted streets,
The muttering retreats
Of restless nights in one-night cheap hotels
And sawdust restaurants with oyster-shells:
Streets that follow like a tedious argument
Of insidious intent
To lead you to an overwhelming question …
We gonna do this, or what?
Norm has a first class sense of humor and I have never even come close to disliking anyone with a first class sense of humor, no matter our disagreements.
The only good thing about the Rangers being eliminated is I can finally go outside and enjoy the Florida weather. I’m like Gollum during the postseason.
Norms’ Ok. But it’s the self-importance that I laugh at, his feeling the need to announce to all he will no longer participate on the blog due only to the irrational negativity which “thrives”. If my memory serves me, he has announce his separation before only to return. He enjoys the role of contrarian. But when he goes all negative on Tanner Glass, it not off putting because “it’s the truth”. There’s a word for that.
I will miss game 6 as I have an appointment with a psychologist who is trying to help me deal with the negativity on the Bonehed’s blog. you guys will have to tell me what happens.
Funny is norm ragging hard on posters that beeotch and moan about this player and that player, yet he was red line furious because a 120 year old John A. misses notes on the anthem.
Anyone else think that if this year’s Rangers had a 5-0 lead after the first on Ottawa (or any team in the postseason), they’d spend the next 2 periods helping engineer the worst loss in Rangers’ history.
Carp – great review as always. #7 – If that is not an indictment of the head coach, I don’t know what is. His team continuously makes the same mistakes game in and game out. The coach also has no clue how to solve the PP, problem for 4 years straight. Same mistakes every PP, Over pass, refuse to shoot, no net front presence and when they take the rare shot they fail to hit the net. #26 is a result of this coach failing to hold his players accountable so several of them(not all) fail to compete, taking many shifts and/or whole games off. Way too many passengers!!!
I’ve given up predicting which Jekyl or Hyde Ranger team shows up on Tuesday. I’ll say the old “the Islanders, Devils, Panthers, Habs, etc. wish they were down 3-2 to a team they know they’re capable of coming back against in the 2nd round of the playoffs.”
(Cue the collective groan)
I hope we see Dr. Jekyl Tuesday . . . and Thursday as well.
I think it’s safe to say that there will be more changes next year, (especially if they lose this series), but I’m not there yet.
Lots of ink spilled here. Crazy to think AV tells the boys to play any differentlybb up there than down here. The guy is a total creature of “the system.” Seems more to me that they just get tight out there and are terrified of being the one who screws up and gives up the break away goal to tie (or close within one).
Funny but I think they have a far better shot of winning game 6 than 7. But hope its both.
Anyone watching the edm-ana game? That’s what a crowd should sound like. 7-1 and the crowd had been crazy the whole time. They’re still chanting with under a minute left. Where’s that guy who said I was deaf if I was unhappy with the MSG crowd?
MSG crowds are priced out, and probably a little too used to having a successful team in front of them.
This is Edmonton’s best team in years, so naturally the crowd will be extra excited. Also, Oilbags showed their onions in winning an elimination game 7-1, so that also has something to do with it.
Alex, short for Alexandre? Do you play chess? Your parents home country produced many brilliant players. I played GM Boris Alterman in several similar. Nicked him for a draw once. Great tactician. Wrote a great series on Gambit openings from both sides.
Ahhh, not many are GM level. One of my favorite moments was meeting GM, and former World Champion contender David Bronstein at a tournament. Had a nice chat. Signed my copy of Zurich ’53.
I remember the Bobby Fischer Boris Spasky matches. Channel 13 had coverage of it. Remember watching some of that.
Based on what you say I’m nowhere near the level you can play. Played in high school socially but not on a chess team. Had computer chess and played that for a while.
I used to study. Now I just play blitz. Fischer V Spassky on ch13, hosted by Shelby Lyman. Larry Evans was in Iceland and reported for ABC’s Wide World of Sports….anyway he used to give annual talks at the Reno Nevada Tourney. I played there and listened to his talks…..he knew Fischer at age 11. Told some great stories. He was an incredible genius but was seriously ill. Certainly my favorite player.
Good morning you all! I would say that tomorrow night is an onions game, but after watching Saturdays debacle I’m taking that back. I am not sure your boys have any. Here’s hoping they prove me wrong would love to see what they look like in a game 7 in Ottawa. Let’s Go Rangers!
Good morning, boneheads!
Interesting week ahead of us. Starting tomorrow night.
Washington and Edmonton passed the elimination test. St. Louis, not so much. I’m not fully surprised. Nashville always had strong D-corp. This year they came though, finally. Plus they got timely goaltending.
Let’s see what they have in them. This series has the feel of one that is meant for Ottawa to win. Every bounce and deflection has gone their way. Karlson’s seeing eye goal in game one, the multiple deflections in game 2, the Bras goal that goes in off of several pairs of Ranger skates, Lindberg and Miler hit post, the Grabner high stick no goal. Even if they outplay the Sens something will happen to turn things their way.
Pete don’t forget BGG in that list. But it is what it is and they just have to find a way to get it done. Whether that means HL stands on his head for both games or they outscore them 15-13, doesn’t matter. Just get it the f done.
Little sad to see Norm bid adieu (though I bet he’s still lurking!) as his outrageously positive spin does offset some of the more negative comments and we all know the reality is some where between. This blog though is for the most part respectfully negative and we all know the people most likely to comment about anything on the internet are the ones with a gripe! But where else can you also get a good chuckle reading E3/SN/Coos/CCCP? Often worth the price of admission alone 🙂
Can someone explain me just one thing: How Rangers, who have such an excellent statistic and visibly great PK in this PO, playing 4 on 5 or 3 on 4 (which by default is harder), managed to let in goals, playing in much easier for defending, situation at 6 on 5 on last seconds, losing the whole game? It’s not technical, so what is it? Mental? Shouldn’t you defend as a lionhearts, like you life depend on it. Boyyyy….
sens in 6 when is break up day. by the way stepan zucc glass staal and smith has that group of 5 ever been on together. his love affair with staal is ridiculous late in games
they came over in their teens or thereabouts. They spoke english well by the time i came around. i heard stories of my grandfather ordering the same sandwich over and over after someone taught him the words. that plus finger pointing got the job done.
Then again I also had a dream last night that I met Dave Matthews last night at some meet and greet… he got word of what I did for a living.. and wouldn’t shut up about the weather…LOL. Moral of the story… don’t drink a Leinenkugel Summer Shandy right before bed….
I hope you’re right Carp 3-3 after 6. I overlooked BGG Beezle, but still where are the 3 stooges, Opie, & Nashpotatoes? Gotta play like you want it every shift, every period, every game, or it’s Tee time for the boys in blue!
Craig – you sure he wasn’t singing ‘Virginia in the Rain’?
Designated bathroom break song. Presume you head up to SPAC to see DMB.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YA6kCmfRpD0]
Staal with his stick on top of Henk preventing him from moving to make the save after he got knocked over by that goon Kyle Turris is the image of the series.
.
Step, Glass, Zucc and Staal on at end of game says it all. Elaine – you suck!
LOL SN…. and he DID perform in the dream… just not Virginia in the Rain. Yep… I’ll be at SPAC to see him and Tim next month. Stinks the band took a year off of touring, but… this is better than nothing.
C3 – AV is overrated at the very least. Slats, (and Gorton) after enduring torturous Torts, is happy to have someone behind the bench who keeps his mouth shut and spouts only the most banal of platitudes.
So, Eric, window closed, you picked both Montreal and Ottawa to beat NYR, and even if they win there’s no way they beat PIT or WAS, and yet you still may have a heart attack if they lose this series. Poor bastard.
i tend to agree with eric here… of all of the series previously, this one would be a tough one to see them lose because it really would be inexcusable. they are definitely a superior team compared to ottawa, and a loss of the series will really be due to guys not playing hard or smart enough and AV completely screwing up assignments at the end of two games.
this was a winnable series and by all rights should probably be over already. as someone who didn’t even pick them to beat montreal i think what hurts here is that since the window is closing and you don’t get too many ‘kicks at the can’, the idea of getting ottawa who we should beat, and then possibly catching a beat up pittsburgh in the conference final was very attractive. you could see the scenario where they could play for a cup this year and it’s going to be disappointing if ottawa is the one who derails this.
Think Rangers will beat Ottawa and would me major underdog against Pitt/CAPS but don’t get too many kicks at the can reference. Decent young core here, Gorton has done well so far with his moves and there s and some good young goalies in the system
tf I agree with all you said except Ottawa is not the team derailing this the Rangers from top to bottom are! And the only one left with a kick at the can is E3!
You guys have short memories. You had very low expectations this season. The loss to the Devils in the ’12 ECF was worse. And the loss to TB in the ’15 ECF, even though the injury excuse was very legit, was worse.
Thanks, Craig. They don’t force me to be rah-rah, but they do ask me to scale back the real negative stuff. Full disclosure.
I did not think the Rangers would beat Montreal, but it would be horrible for them to lose to Ottawa. Either way, I cannot see them getting to the finals unless people get hurt.
They better tear apart those Senators tomorrow, like Charley, the dog did with grandma’s rubber enema and wipe the floor with scarfaced coach. Otherwise, I will forever rather watch and root for curling or broomball – much healthier.
On Friday night I went to Brewster to see Graves, Matteau, Duguay, Colton Orr, Hospidar and the Ferrara brothers play a bunch of men’s leaguers who paid a hefty fee, play in a youth hockey fund raiser. John Amirante sang the anthem.
Normally I wouldn’t get anywhere near one of those things, but a friend won tickets on the radio and had an extra. I shelled out $20 and brought my 9 year old son. The game was nothing special, but my son got his Ranger hat autographed
by Matteau, Doogs, Orr and the highlight for me Adam Graves.
They were all gentleman, but I was able to snap a picture of my son with Graves who seemed every bit as genuine as his reputation. Took his time. Spoke briefly with me and my son. Shook my hand. Pure class. Role model.
I hereby announce I will remain a loyal and active member of Bonehead Nation by remaining true to this HAV blog. This will be in irregardless of whose opinions I do not share, and my membership will continue in spite of those who wish me to stay here.
Re: Norm – In a way I can understand. When the team gets 100 points in the regular season, but everybody is crying that the team sucks, it’s a bit much. However, isn’t a forum like this a place to vent your frustration when the team loses games that it shouldn’t?
Usually when somebody announces that they are leaving it’s because they want a bunch of people to beg him to stay.
This team is hard to predict, but I think they have a decent shot to win this series. The two games that they won were dominant.
Still, I agree with Carp. They are not getting by Pittsburgh or Washington even though Carp gave me a hard time a while back when I said that this wasn’t a Cup team.
At least give yourselves a shot vs pens or caps though probably lose anyway. Those teams are better. Not this Ottawa crap were watching in which they have led for 13 min
The way some of Canadian press corps is writing about Neal’s performance on Saturday, you’d think that he’d scored a hat trick and put Glass over knee and made him cry.
So obvious that Hank gave Step a piece of his mind regarding his and others’ shoddy performance. Step lost it and went back to bark at Hank, then later apologized which, in microcosm shows why Step will never live up to his billing – he needs to get angry and stay angry and play angry.
I thought the Stepan thing was blown out of proportion. Good to see Opie show some emotion for a change. Oilers and now Caps have brought it facing elimination. Let’s see what our boys do tomorrow night. AV’s comment about them not knowing the goalie had been pulled is really odd. If it were true what does it say about him, his coaching staff and the veteran players he insists on putting on time after time at the end of games?
ORF I think AV was showing his frustration. His point, if there was one, was these guys have been playing this game for 20+ years and should know by instinct that with X amount of clock left, the goalie is gone even if one of their daddies on the bench didn’t tell them.
AV, coaches, players on bench, players on ice and NO ONE communicates that the goalie is gone? GIMME A BREAK! And, it’s AV’s and his coaches job to get on players who are stinking it up, not Hank, who needs all his concentration on his own game. All in all, an indictment of the coaching staff starting from the head Bazooka down.
Was listening to NHL Network on Sirius and the dude was killing the Rangers. he says that they have outscored opponents 25-14 through 2 periods this playoff, but been outscored 12-7 in 3rd periods because they quit playing. They stop skating, stand around and just throw pricks out of the zone instead of continuing to skate and make plays. He also says that the problem in on AV.
On this date in hockey history, May 8th 1970, Bobby Orr of the Boston Bruins was awarded the Hart Trophy as the MVP of the NHL. Orr was the first defenseman to win the Hart since 1944 when Babe Pratt of the New York Rangers won the award scoring 17 goals and 40 assists for 57 points in only 50 games. Orr went on to win the MVP three consecutive seasons. He also won his third consecutive Noriss Trophy as best defenseman that year, an award he would win for eight straight seasons. Orr is regarded by many as the best player ever.
Why is that Hank/Step interaction even a story? It’s hockey. Players yell, shout, and exhort each other all the effing time. Step had every right as a captain to tell Hank to “relax” just as Hank has every right to bark at guys to turn it up. It’s a meaningless moment in the game, quickly forgotten unless it happens to be caught on camera. Anyone ever watch Tom Brady screaming at his team on the sideline? Happens every game.
So AV went right from mouthing cliches in his pressers to using sarcasm? I didn’t see that coming. If they lose tomorrow night will he move on to irony?
You’re right, Sittoo, but what you left out is that any ancillary player who hollers back at Brady during play is quickly off the field and probably finds himself soon on the taxi squad.
Probably true cooscoos. I just find the whole “drama” kind of silly. In a game where giant men willingly crash into each other at top speeds and pound each other’s faces for no apparent reason, telling someone to relax is apparently a big no-no…
Gameday.
JT Miller hattie tonight. Carp will go rah-rah. Erics anxiety will reach new hights. E3 will constipate and Norm will come lurking back. We will carry momentum to game 7, which will be a walk in the park.
Suck it Phaneuf.
LGR!!!
I can only hope we’re in the same position again tonight but this time AV throws Skjei, Smith and any forward not named Tanner or Kevin over the boards.
Boomer & Carton said Junk Goalie and Stepan are in a fight? They can’t be fighting in an elimination game! That’s Bush League. Stepan didn’t let up 15 goals in five playoff games. Should be a team rule by AV (the coach) that there’s no fighting in the dadgum playoffs. Time to bring in Randaa the next two games. He’s better! What’s the team doing? Notice there’s no I in T-E-A-M. You hear that Lunquest? Enough of this. You gotta be ALL IN.
Didn’t expect a stinker from Pittsburgh last night, but that’s sports.
I have to agree with Larry Brooks column. Enough with leaning on guys because of their experience and play whoever is playing well. If that happens to be a rookie like Skjei or Vesey then play them regardless of their experience level. Throwing out a Girardi or Staal just because of their experience level without regard to how they are playing is a recipe for disaster.
We have finally reached a real must win situation. Let’s see if the Rangers respond with the type of play like in games 3 and 4.
This group has not lost a playoff series that they clearly should have won in the Torts/AV era. That’s why this one would really hurt. There would be no saying “we got beat by a better team and we need to get better.” They would have to look in the mirror and accept that they failed. Let’s hope they suck it up and don’t let that happen and tonight isn’t the last “go Time” for this season. Let’s GO Rangers and Norm-come back. .
I think the problem has been less with who is out there defensively late game than what they are doing at forward. Why do we stop playing offense? Or even pretending to? How about carrying the puck into the zone and just skating around a while before taking a shot? Instead we get E3 and change for the Foxwoods Final Five, ensuring that all play is in our end. Only bad things can happen.
After years of frustration and disappointments I just cannot except them losing tonight, it’s not possible they are the better team. I’m even convinced they are capable of beating Pitt or the Caps. The will show up tonight as the team they were designed to be and crush the Sens! I am counting on all you Boneheads to cheer them on to victory. I will be unable to watch the game live tonight it is pet graduation at Eckerd college where my wife works and I must show my support. All the graduating students bring their pets and each pet gets a diploma. It is all part of the closing ceremonies and graduation (called Commencement) taking place this month. Let’s Go Rangers!
will have to partially agree with carp… the conference final loss to the devils was very, very bad… that team shouldn’t have lost to the devils.
the lightning two years ago, while that team could have won, at least tampa was a good team, had some depth. the nyr definitely laid two eggs in that series but at least that was considered a good team. no one picked ottawa to beat us in this series… we will have really flushed this down the toilet if they can’t find two more wins here.
First.
LikeLike
A fresh steamy new thread. Excellent!
Game 5 is on NHL network right now.
It doesn’t look much better when I am sober.
LikeLike
Tomb – win game 6. And on to Ottawa and let’s win there…..
LikeLike
Tom Petty for Stepan.
LikeLike
Kooz – Alex doesn’t like you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, Al – ‘If I’ve built this fortress around your heart,
Encircled you in trenches and barbed wire,
Then let me build a bridge, for I cannot fill the chasm,
And let me set the battlements on fire.’
I hope that didn’t Sting too much.
LikeLike
I wouldn’t re watch game 5 if it meant I avoided the chair. What a freaking horror show. Game 2 believe it or not is worse. These 2 games are on my dvd of games I bet buried with. Told the wife I want my top 10 games burned to a cd and buried with me.
LikeLike
atta boy, doodie
LikeLike
I do believe it was that weirdo E3 who predicted Rangers in 7.
LikeLike
Professor Weirdo, Weird Honors Advanced Calculus and Linear Algebra 415. Four credits. M/W/F plus lab, 4PM. Be there or be square.
LikeLike
Alexander the Grate
LikeLike
I expect a game 7 E3, but expectations are not guarantees.
Of course I will gladly watch and expect the Rangers to win every game, till next round.
LikeLike
Those two 4-1 blowouts were just a tease. The Rangers got me again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kooz – you are wayyyy weirder than me.
LikeLike
I feel another Alex growing in the bowels of my bowel. It’s going to resemble Marchand’s nose in size.
When I say love thy brutha. I don’t mean it literally.
LikeLike
Tomb – I shouldn’t even be answering you as you’re not on Alex’s no fly list. But, I will. Rangers must win game 6 as its must win. In game 7, which is also must win, our sexy boys should win. They gotta win. They will win.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wear-d
LikeLike
Just saw AV said on conference call “AV on late game pairs: “We’ve got Staal who’s got a lot of exp, Smitty, Dan and Mac. Those are the guys we’re leaning on a little bit more.””
Not watching next game for sure. What’s the point if he doesnt see the same mistake over and over again?
LikeLike
LikeLike
I hereby announce that I will be staying on the blog. I’m sure everyone appreciates this public declaration as I have deemed my contributions here to be irreplaceable. I am the man.
LikeLiked by 5 people
Alex and Norm. Why not exchange numbers so you can communicate directly through text messages?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Nice review Carp.
Ottawa has had more than its fair share of luck this round of the playoffs. Reminds me of the Giants versus Patriots, and of the ’86 Mets. Only difference was the Giants over Pats was over one game only (twice), the ’86 Mets happened to be the best team in baseball, lucky or not.
LikeLike
Nice write-up. A bit weird but ok…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Nobody should be leaving. It’s not really negative here. There’s passion here, in both those trying to remain positive and in those seeing the Glass empty. One thing I’ve noticed over the years here that people tend to get on each other’s nerves more after emotional games, win or lose. It happens. But we’ve all got to remember, we are ALL Rangers fans, supposedly except for Carp.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Papa – you mean Norm and Alex should sext, not text, yes?
LikeLiked by 3 people
‘One hundred and eighty were challenged by Travis to die
By a line that he drew with his sword as the battle grew nigh
A man that crossed over the line was for glory
And he that was left better fly –
And over the line crossed a hundred and seventy nine…’
LikeLike
Weird. I’m tellin’ ya, weird.
LikeLike
Admiral – your point is valid but not relevant regarding the judgemental poster named Akex. He doesn’t like several of us even if we post something he agrees with. I’ve been seeing a shrink to deal with the sadness it’s brought on. All I want to do is lay in bed and cry. It hurts really really really really bad.
LikeLike
Whatever happened to ‘i’ before ‘e’ except after ‘c’? Weird, lyin’bastids.
LikeLike
Please like me Alex. I’ll pay you $$$$.
LikeLike
Alex remind anyone of that guy who used to play juniors?
LikeLike
When I was a kid, I had a beloved old Aunt who said to me, “If you don’t have anything nice to say about anybody, sit over here next to me.”
LikeLike
” Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said the Rangers knew how to handle the 5 vs. 6, but added that some may not have known the goalie was pulled? How is that possible? How would you not assume the goalie’s out? How does the bench not alert you? How do the players on the ice not communicate? Hard to imagine.”
——-
The way I took that is somebody asked AV a question like, “Why did they suck at the end of the game?” and AV didn’t have a real answer and that was the first thing he blurted out. Did he really mean it? I doubt it.
You know, watching what Karlsson is doing with fractures in his foot is amazing. I don’t get to see much of Ottawa during the season, but I’m really impressed. I’m so impressed that I hope after Thursday he has until October to recover.
I wondered during the game that if Brassard had kicked the puck (with a distinct kicking motion) would it have counted even though it bounced off two Rangers before going in? I don’t think so.
LikeLike
It’s eye before e, except afte sea.
LikeLike
Thanks for the Review Carp. Lots of “puck-watching” indeed and just as you and others have said, Stepan, Kreider, Miller, Nash and Zuccarello all need to be better.
I think Hank will be better Tuesday, but if they’re down after the 1st period and he’s “fighting the puck” again, I’d put in Raanta for the 2nd.
LikeLiked by 1 person
E3, I like you. Can I have some $$$?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kooz – I like that aunt of yours….
Don’t think Alex is Lloyd. Lloyd wasn’t THAT bothered by we three kings of orient are…..
Me thinks Alex is one of Norm’s udder personalities.
LikeLike
Carp…Penske material again!
LikeLike
Papa – it has to be real. Not fake like. You must be pozy pozy pozy not neggy when I post. And yes, I’ll send $$$$
LikeLike
Alex – “norm, tickle my tummy”
Norm – “can I sing in a falsetto voice”
Alex – “where have you been my whole life”
Norm – “stop talking and kiss me”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Large, untraceable bills if you please
LikeLike
AV overdosed on Bazookas. “Maybe they didn’t know the goalie was pulled.” What a prevaricating doofus.
LikeLike
Papa said large
LikeLike
Kooz said pulled
LikeLike
Norm- “I’m hungry”
Alex- “feast on this”
LikeLike
AV basically calling his players nimkumpoops!
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Well, for one thing, they have a way of turning into a fire drill, players sliding in front of passes and shots, players puck-watching around the crease, not to mention failed clear attempts, lost faceoffs and icings.”
————–
That says to me that it’s not a coaching issue. That’s a bunch of players in panic mode. Instead of using their instincts and staying calm, they panic. I don’t see a way you can coach a player not to panic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rangers play best when it’s most necessary. Intensity and passion best describe their play over the last 5 years when their backs are against the wall. 15-5 in elimination games says it all. In fact, game 7 will be a rout. The cumulative puck luck the Sens have enjoyed gets reversed in one mighty game…game 7. I’m seeing a 6-0 game….
I see dead people.
LikeLike
Norm – “let’s see who’s bigger”
Alex – “you go first”
Norm – “no, you go first, I’ll then pull out enough to win”
LikeLike
A bunch of weirdos on this blog.
LikeLike
Trade Stepan for Karlsson.
LikeLike
Huge game on Tuesday. I’m not at all nervous. Frustrated by what’s happened this series. But this test will serve to make them stronger going into the ECF. Book it.
LikeLike
E3 said huge
LikeLike
He must be talking about me
LikeLike
Guys… relax! We got this!
LikeLiked by 2 people
LOL, CCCP. We used to have a goalie on our team that, when it was tough going, he would start to yell at guys. Instead of telling him to relax I used to tell him to STFU.
LikeLike
The image of Staal laid out in front of the net kneeling on Henk as the puck rolled in should be on the cover of the never-to-be-made commemorative DVD of this years playoffs.
.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Corp – quantity and quality in the article. Thanks for explaining the Sens got back home ice momentum.
LikeLike
Truth be told I missed most of the game; watching some HS lax and then Derby party where I won over $200 so I got that going for me..which is nice.
LikeLike
Someone needs to put Kyle Turris in the trainers room.
LikeLike
NYR GA/60 (all sit.) with either staal/girardi/both on ice: 3.91
NYR GA/60 (all sit.) with either staal/girardi/both off ice: 1.89
🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve been wondering- would we all be as impatient with certain players if we didn’t know how much money they made? Many comments here start with, “For the kind of money he’s making” and, in Hank’s case, “He’s our highest paid player, he should be our best player”. I don’t know, I’m just asking. It seems like we’d be better off if we didn’t know anyone’s contracts.
Oh, and you’re weird E3! You too, Coos! : )
LikeLiked by 1 person
EddieJ – welcome to the club. We is all weird.
LikeLike
The more i see that gif of Stepan the angrier I get. Hate him.
LikeLike
Carp I’m really hoping for that 3-3 after 6 thing. And great review as usual.
LikeLike
I view it as a good thing, E3.
LikeLike
One can only wish that Step would be half as assertive with the opposition as he was with Hank.
LikeLike
EddieJ – id rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the Saints, the sinners are much more fun…..only the good die young….
LikeLike
Lev – I’ve never liked Stepan’s game. Too slow, too soft, too passive, too weak. Many here have jokingly spared with me in the past as to who was the real 1C, step or Brass, but in game 5, there were a few shifts that had step centering the 4th line. How he remains on the PP is absurd.
LikeLike
The weakest link on the team wears a letter and the number 21.
LikeLike
‘How can Jesus get to sleep when the devil leaves the porch light on?’ (Tom Waits, to give the devil his due.)
LikeLike
Kooz – your 4:41, truth to power
LikeLike
Step’s seventieth birthday party. His mom: “Derek’s the sweetest little boy.”
LikeLike
I have yet to see Step finish a check. No one out there opposite him has ever to remotely feel that they have to take a hit to make the play.
LikeLike
I’ve recently conferred with medical experts who determined that this blog isn’t good for me. So with that, I bid you all adieu.
LikeLike
Bwahahaha
LikeLike
I love this blog and the people on it, regardless of viewpoint. Yes, even Norm and Alex. Every blog needs a couple of crazy blind optimists.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You can’t fool me. There are no blind optometrists!
LikeLike
Now…..LGR! (and today, the Blues)
LikeLike
LOL I cant stop envisioning an 80s version of Stepan skating up to Hank in his crease and singing this classic song:
Relax, don’t do it
When you want to go to it
Relax, don’t do it!
LikeLike
Norm I hate to see you go some of your comments have prevented me from throwing the remote through my flat screen. I believe the negative comments come from years of frustration by diehard fans. I for one love this team even when they play stupid hockey. If you’re not giving up on the Rangers don’t give up on us, we all want the same thing, “The Cup”
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yeah Norm- what St Pete Eli said!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ditto for me
LikeLike
Craig – hit me with your rythem stick. Hit me. Hit me with your lazer beam.
LikeLike
I’m surprised Carp didn’t mention one his article that they seemed to have an entirely different strategy in Ottawa than they have in New York. Karlsson was bombarded by hits in New York and in the last game I can only think of maybe one or two times that he was got in the entire game. They also seemed to forego a hit-first mentality for a puck-first one. Because….why go with what got you wins, right?
LikeLiked by 1 person
*in
LikeLike
I hope Alex never leaves this blog. You can never have too many judgemental, omnipotent, holier than thou posters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
*hit
LikeLike
*I hate my phone
LikeLike
E3, you’re brutal today…..
LikeLike
Norm is ok. He likely is hitting on something far better than the chronic several times a day. That kind of upbeat optimism is not organic but chemically induced.
LikeLike
EV – all in fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No doubt
LikeLike
I know. Duh.
LikeLike
But knowing them, they might not realize it…..
LikeLike
Cuz Norm might not be posting anymore, but you know he’s watching….
LikeLike
Norm’s tendency to over-imbibe is becoming something of an embarrassment. 🙂
LikeLike
Let’s go Rangers.
LikeLike
I really don’t mind Norm. Alex, on the other hand……
LikeLike
I’m overly positive about the next game. I expect a win. But I also expect it to be their last.
LikeLiked by 1 person
‘Let us go then, you and I,
When the evening is spread out against the sky
Like a patient etherized upon a table;
Let us go, through certain half-deserted streets,
The muttering retreats
Of restless nights in one-night cheap hotels
And sawdust restaurants with oyster-shells:
Streets that follow like a tedious argument
Of insidious intent
To lead you to an overwhelming question …
We gonna do this, or what?
LikeLike
Well that’s not good E3….he’s the only one left!
LikeLike
EV – no doubt my love for Al is reciprocated. Why he’s not enamored with Kooz and SN, two of my favorite posters, is beyond me.
LikeLike
Norm has a first class sense of humor and I have never even come close to disliking anyone with a first class sense of humor, no matter our disagreements.
LikeLike
feeling mutual E3
LikeLike
Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!
LikeLike
EV – can’t help it. I’m weird
LikeLike
hey he continues for like 20 comments. How much can a guy take.
LikeLike
If you boys are gonna fight, take it inside. I just planted all these bulbs out here.
LikeLike
Fight! Fight! Fight!
LikeLike
These Nashville fans remind me a lot of Devils fans. Go Blues.
LikeLike
The only good thing about the Rangers being eliminated is I can finally go outside and enjoy the Florida weather. I’m like Gollum during the postseason.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Alex, I love their passion but loathe their “sucks” chants.
LikeLike
Now that you mention it, that does sound familiar…
LikeLike
Ev
Exactly
LikeLike
So the Rangers with the empty net this playoffs are either a -1 or a -2. 2 empty net goals and at least 3 scored against. That’s putrid. Yikes.
LikeLike
Prehistoric Pussies vs Our Sexy Boys in SCF. Book it.
LikeLike
At least Edmonton has limited theirs to one game.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Blues about to be eliminated.
LikeLike
Predators had a 2 on 1 with the empty betty amd didn’t score. They deserve to lose. But they won’t.
LikeLike
*empty net
LikeLike
🎼🎼Stepan’s mom has goooootttt it going on🎼🎼🎼
LikeLike
I’m in love, with Stepan’s mom.
LikeLike
Hope the Rangers are watching Nashville right now. They seem to know how to defend and score against the empty net offense.
LikeLike
Weber can’t be happy.
LikeLike
Would the Rangers have home ice advantage in finals if they played Nashville? Just curious
LikeLike
Unfortunately “you sucks” chants for another round.
LikeLike
The preds habe officially won the Weber for Subban trade.
LikeLike
*have
LikeLike
Ty
yes we would
Missed Edmonton’s point total by 1 and Anaheim by 3.
LikeLike
Norms’ Ok. But it’s the self-importance that I laugh at, his feeling the need to announce to all he will no longer participate on the blog due only to the irrational negativity which “thrives”. If my memory serves me, he has announce his separation before only to return. He enjoys the role of contrarian. But when he goes all negative on Tanner Glass, it not off putting because “it’s the truth”. There’s a word for that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will miss game 6 as I have an appointment with a psychologist who is trying to help me deal with the negativity on the Bonehed’s blog. you guys will have to tell me what happens.
LikeLiked by 2 people
What does lurk rhyme with?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hartley classic
LikeLiked by 1 person
What does lurk rhyme with?
Snowflake?
LikeLike
Funny is norm ragging hard on posters that beeotch and moan about this player and that player, yet he was red line furious because a 120 year old John A. misses notes on the anthem.
LikeLiked by 2 people
SN – lurk rhymes with the third derivative of position, I.e. The rate of change of acceleration with respect to time.
LikeLike
Papa – what would Dirk Diggler do?
LikeLike
It’s all good Al. You play in your yard and I’ll play in mine.
LikeLike
Feast on this.
LikeLike
“That’s my wife”
LikeLike
It’s ok Jack, I can go again if you need me to…
LikeLike
You like my shirt? It’s imported Italian nylon.
LikeLike
Solazzo was the Turk…..rhymes with lurk.
LikeLike
E3 with the Pageau
LikeLike
A Stanley Steamer
LikeLike
I’ve renamed all of my steaming cable.
LikeLike
Nice article in the post about JV’s insistence on playing the fossils in the closing minutes.
LikeLike
Does AV get the axe if the Rangers lay an egg Tuesday?
LikeLike
Pete – doubt JV gets fired. But his in game tactics leave much to be desired. Rangers win in 7 so it’s moot.
LikeLike
Elaine is looking for Staal’s structure
LikeLike
Question. Beside the usual suspects, any other Russian speaking posters on here?
LikeLike
Nyet
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know one.,..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Et tu brute
LikeLike
SN – Staal’s structure isn’t erect is my bet
LikeLike
Stop trying to recruit us, Ruskie!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Anyone else think that if this year’s Rangers had a 5-0 lead after the first on Ottawa (or any team in the postseason), they’d spend the next 2 periods helping engineer the worst loss in Rangers’ history.
LikeLike
Carp – great review as always. #7 – If that is not an indictment of the head coach, I don’t know what is. His team continuously makes the same mistakes game in and game out. The coach also has no clue how to solve the PP, problem for 4 years straight. Same mistakes every PP, Over pass, refuse to shoot, no net front presence and when they take the rare shot they fail to hit the net. #26 is a result of this coach failing to hold his players accountable so several of them(not all) fail to compete, taking many shifts and/or whole games off. Way too many passengers!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve given up predicting which Jekyl or Hyde Ranger team shows up on Tuesday. I’ll say the old “the Islanders, Devils, Panthers, Habs, etc. wish they were down 3-2 to a team they know they’re capable of coming back against in the 2nd round of the playoffs.”
(Cue the collective groan)
I hope we see Dr. Jekyl Tuesday . . . and Thursday as well.
I think it’s safe to say that there will be more changes next year, (especially if they lose this series), but I’m not there yet.
LikeLike
EV – back in 74 or 75, the Rangers were up on Detroit at the garden, 5-0, and it ended 5-5. I was there…,
LikeLike
Yeah, but it’s the playoffs so it would be worse because someone actually has to win.
LikeLike
Btw…..you’re old.
LikeLike
Not old…experienced.
LikeLike
Nice.
LikeLike
E3 is not old, he’s retro.
LikeLike
Can Eulers still get to 10? Be hard to lose that.
Lots of ink spilled here. Crazy to think AV tells the boys to play any differentlybb up there than down here. The guy is a total creature of “the system.” Seems more to me that they just get tight out there and are terrified of being the one who screws up and gives up the break away goal to tie (or close within one).
Funny but I think they have a far better shot of winning game 6 than 7. But hope its both.
LikeLike
Anyone watching the edm-ana game? That’s what a crowd should sound like. 7-1 and the crowd had been crazy the whole time. They’re still chanting with under a minute left. Where’s that guy who said I was deaf if I was unhappy with the MSG crowd?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the fans in Edmonton
Awesome environment
LikeLike
Vino loves to cite his system and structure along with his vets. Sometimes, when conditions aren’t pristine, you need to change course.
LikeLike
Evrock
MSG crowds are priced out, and probably a little too used to having a successful team in front of them.
This is Edmonton’s best team in years, so naturally the crowd will be extra excited. Also, Oilbags showed their onions in winning an elimination game 7-1, so that also has something to do with it.
Let’s see what tuesday brings!
LikeLike
Yankees about to blow a 4-1 lead to Cubs in 9th inning…
..now 4-2.
Annoying, but it’s cool: it’s May baseball, and the Cubs are defending WS Champs.
Just seeing this is making me sick, as it’s bringing back flashbacks of both Game 2’s and Game 5.
LikeLike
Alex
Are you Russian speaking?
LikeLiked by 1 person
no older generations were ukranian.
grandparents were but not me or parents generation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
i know the words for
money
sh+t
“i don’t know”
some of expressions for easter and christmas
LikeLike
i cheated on looking up spelling
hroshi
– money
2nd one was something like hymnaw
“i don’t know” i thought was yanisnayu google translate says ne znayu
khrystos narodyvsya we said it like rashdiasha
Khrystos voskres – i remember this one
viesta na vosgres
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rick Carpiniello @RickCarpiniello
Chapman protects the late lead like the Rangers.
LikeLike
Yankees game still going…..
Thanks, Aroldis
LikeLike
Alex, short for Alexandre? Do you play chess? Your parents home country produced many brilliant players. I played GM Boris Alterman in several similar. Nicked him for a draw once. Great tactician. Wrote a great series on Gambit openings from both sides.
LikeLike
played as youngster. did the 4 move mate and taught my sister that and she beat a boy 2 years older than her. he was pissed.
i’m nowhere near the grandmaster level. haven’t played for many years.
LikeLike
Rangers need Aaron Judge on D
LikeLike
Ahhh, not many are GM level. One of my favorite moments was meeting GM, and former World Champion contender David Bronstein at a tournament. Had a nice chat. Signed my copy of Zurich ’53.
LikeLike
I remember the Bobby Fischer Boris Spasky matches. Channel 13 had coverage of it. Remember watching some of that.
Based on what you say I’m nowhere near the level you can play. Played in high school socially but not on a chess team. Had computer chess and played that for a while.
LikeLike
Never played three d chess but it sounds crazy.
LikeLike
I used to study. Now I just play blitz. Fischer V Spassky on ch13, hosted by Shelby Lyman. Larry Evans was in Iceland and reported for ABC’s Wide World of Sports….anyway he used to give annual talks at the Reno Nevada Tourney. I played there and listened to his talks…..he knew Fischer at age 11. Told some great stories. He was an incredible genius but was seriously ill. Certainly my favorite player.
LikeLike
3 D chess is crazy. I’ve played a few times. If your spatially aware it’s not so bad. I’m not so it’d be difficult to play. 2D chess is hard enough,
LikeLike
Unlike the Rangers, the Yankees still find a way to win.
(In 18 innings)
Sweep of the World Champion Cubs!!
Good night all!
LikeLike
Truth be told, although formidable, I am nowhere near the level of Grand Master. Matter of fact, I’m not too sure where the horse goes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good morning you all! I would say that tomorrow night is an onions game, but after watching Saturdays debacle I’m taking that back. I am not sure your boys have any. Here’s hoping they prove me wrong would love to see what they look like in a game 7 in Ottawa. Let’s Go Rangers!
LikeLike
Good morning, boneheads!
Interesting week ahead of us. Starting tomorrow night.
Washington and Edmonton passed the elimination test. St. Louis, not so much. I’m not fully surprised. Nashville always had strong D-corp. This year they came though, finally. Plus they got timely goaltending.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Let’s see what they have in them. This series has the feel of one that is meant for Ottawa to win. Every bounce and deflection has gone their way. Karlson’s seeing eye goal in game one, the multiple deflections in game 2, the Bras goal that goes in off of several pairs of Ranger skates, Lindberg and Miler hit post, the Grabner high stick no goal. Even if they outplay the Sens something will happen to turn things their way.
LikeLike
And by the way when Fast, Lindbergh, and Grabner are your best forwards it says a lot about your team’s intensity!
LikeLike
Pete don’t forget BGG in that list. But it is what it is and they just have to find a way to get it done. Whether that means HL stands on his head for both games or they outscore them 15-13, doesn’t matter. Just get it the f done.
Little sad to see Norm bid adieu (though I bet he’s still lurking!) as his outrageously positive spin does offset some of the more negative comments and we all know the reality is some where between. This blog though is for the most part respectfully negative and we all know the people most likely to comment about anything on the internet are the ones with a gripe! But where else can you also get a good chuckle reading E3/SN/Coos/CCCP? Often worth the price of admission alone 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Can someone explain me just one thing: How Rangers, who have such an excellent statistic and visibly great PK in this PO, playing 4 on 5 or 3 on 4 (which by default is harder), managed to let in goals, playing in much easier for defending, situation at 6 on 5 on last seconds, losing the whole game? It’s not technical, so what is it? Mental? Shouldn’t you defend as a lionhearts, like you life depend on it. Boyyyy….
LikeLiked by 2 people
6-5 is Chinese Fireplace.
LikeLike
3-3 after 6.
LikeLiked by 3 people
sens in 6 when is break up day. by the way stepan zucc glass staal and smith has that group of 5 ever been on together. his love affair with staal is ridiculous late in games
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glass should sit this game, shouldn’t he?
LikeLike
CCCP
they came over in their teens or thereabouts. They spoke english well by the time i came around. i heard stories of my grandfather ordering the same sandwich over and over after someone taught him the words. that plus finger pointing got the job done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
4-3 after 7, Carp? Or…. 3-4?
LikeLike
I had a dream that I knew Stepan personally, and he was upset bc I was bashing his performance… LOL
LikeLike
he used to say bosha ruskie.
meaning God is a Russian. not sure of spelling.
not sure why a ukranian would say that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Then again I also had a dream last night that I met Dave Matthews last night at some meet and greet… he got word of what I did for a living.. and wouldn’t shut up about the weather…LOL. Moral of the story… don’t drink a Leinenkugel Summer Shandy right before bed….
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you’re right Carp 3-3 after 6. I overlooked BGG Beezle, but still where are the 3 stooges, Opie, & Nashpotatoes? Gotta play like you want it every shift, every period, every game, or it’s Tee time for the boys in blue!
LikeLike
Nash isn’t skating right. Something is physically wrong with him. I wonder if he re-aggravated his groin issue
LikeLiked by 1 person
Craig – you sure he wasn’t singing ‘Virginia in the Rain’?
Designated bathroom break song. Presume you head up to SPAC to see DMB.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YA6kCmfRpD0]
LikeLike
Staal with his stick on top of Henk preventing him from moving to make the save after he got knocked over by that goon Kyle Turris is the image of the series.
.
Step, Glass, Zucc and Staal on at end of game says it all. Elaine – you suck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hate to be repetitive here SN but you are correct AV>Avoiding Victory! Shemp behind the bench!
LikeLiked by 2 people
LOL SN…. and he DID perform in the dream… just not Virginia in the Rain. Yep… I’ll be at SPAC to see him and Tim next month. Stinks the band took a year off of touring, but… this is better than nothing.
LikeLike
Love SPAC. Daughter went to Skidmore (member of National Champion Equestrian Team) plus saw Steely Dan there sometime back.
LikeLike
I’m on the can.
LikeLike
There’s no place like home
There’s no place like home
There’s no place like home
LikeLike
Polar Bear: “There’s no place like Nome.”
LikeLike
C3 – AV is overrated at the very least. Slats, (and Gorton) after enduring torturous Torts, is happy to have someone behind the bench who keeps his mouth shut and spouts only the most banal of platitudes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lambert another chart boy….never seen him ever write anything positive about the Rangers
LikeLike
I’m off the can
LikeLike
Norm: “Cancel my subscription!”
LikeLike
“I’m sorry to have had to put my foot down.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just heard our boy Eric on SiriusXM NHL Radio….. he’s gonna have a stroke! Eric… breathe, my man! They’re not worth it!
LikeLike
Thanks Craig. Yes I may jump if we lose this series. It’s inexcusable
LikeLike
Well they are losing like you said they would Eric.
So there’s that and you managed your expectations.
LikeLike
So, Eric, window closed, you picked both Montreal and Ottawa to beat NYR, and even if they win there’s no way they beat PIT or WAS, and yet you still may have a heart attack if they lose this series. Poor bastard.
LikeLiked by 4 people
I use Russian Dressing if that counts for anything.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wait…what did I miss? When did Norm said he’s leaving?
LikeLike
Corp…errr Carp 😉 ,
You were more “true to form” with your last game review. Atta boy! I wonder when MSG tells you to dial it back and be more “rah rah” for our boys…
LikeLike
i tend to agree with eric here… of all of the series previously, this one would be a tough one to see them lose because it really would be inexcusable. they are definitely a superior team compared to ottawa, and a loss of the series will really be due to guys not playing hard or smart enough and AV completely screwing up assignments at the end of two games.
this was a winnable series and by all rights should probably be over already. as someone who didn’t even pick them to beat montreal i think what hurts here is that since the window is closing and you don’t get too many ‘kicks at the can’, the idea of getting ottawa who we should beat, and then possibly catching a beat up pittsburgh in the conference final was very attractive. you could see the scenario where they could play for a cup this year and it’s going to be disappointing if ottawa is the one who derails this.
LikeLike
Think Rangers will beat Ottawa and would me major underdog against Pitt/CAPS but don’t get too many kicks at the can reference. Decent young core here, Gorton has done well so far with his moves and there s and some good young goalies in the system
LikeLiked by 2 people
tf I agree with all you said except Ottawa is not the team derailing this the Rangers from top to bottom are! And the only one left with a kick at the can is E3!
LikeLike
You guys have short memories. You had very low expectations this season. The loss to the Devils in the ’12 ECF was worse. And the loss to TB in the ’15 ECF, even though the injury excuse was very legit, was worse.
Thanks, Craig. They don’t force me to be rah-rah, but they do ask me to scale back the real negative stuff. Full disclosure.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It would be horrible to lose to Ottawa. I picked Montreal but in this round i picked the Rangers.
I don’t think the young core is all that impressive certainly not against Edmonton and Toronto to name 2 teams.
The draft and cap systems are designed for different teams to cycle through their window. We are at the end of that window which makes this hurt more.
LikeLike
BGG – “we will win tomorrow”
LikeLike
We want the cup
We want the cup
We want the cup
LikeLike
Norm are you really gone? Am I going to have to carry the optimism banner all by myself? I feel like the kid in Shane….
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you think I will put up with this blog and its disparate opinions, you have another thing coming, muchachos. Signed, Norm
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stormin Norman
LikeLike
I did not think the Rangers would beat Montreal, but it would be horrible for them to lose to Ottawa. Either way, I cannot see them getting to the finals unless people get hurt.
LikeLike
They better tear apart those Senators tomorrow, like Charley, the dog did with grandma’s rubber enema and wipe the floor with scarfaced coach. Otherwise, I will forever rather watch and root for curling or broomball – much healthier.
LikeLike
On Friday night I went to Brewster to see Graves, Matteau, Duguay, Colton Orr, Hospidar and the Ferrara brothers play a bunch of men’s leaguers who paid a hefty fee, play in a youth hockey fund raiser. John Amirante sang the anthem.
Normally I wouldn’t get anywhere near one of those things, but a friend won tickets on the radio and had an extra. I shelled out $20 and brought my 9 year old son. The game was nothing special, but my son got his Ranger hat autographed
by Matteau, Doogs, Orr and the highlight for me Adam Graves.
They were all gentleman, but I was able to snap a picture of my son with Graves who seemed every bit as genuine as his reputation. Took his time. Spoke briefly with me and my son. Shook my hand. Pure class. Role model.
Wish he could suit up tomorrow night.
LikeLiked by 7 people
Must win!!!!!
LikeLike
Norm last seen driving the good ship lollipop down penny lane.
LGR!
LikeLiked by 1 person
TomK,
Envy you…
LikeLike
I hereby announce I will remain a loyal and active member of Bonehead Nation by remaining true to this HAV blog. This will be in irregardless of whose opinions I do not share, and my membership will continue in spite of those who wish me to stay here.
With Regards,
Adm. Akbar
LikeLiked by 1 person
TomK – very cool.
Re: Norm – In a way I can understand. When the team gets 100 points in the regular season, but everybody is crying that the team sucks, it’s a bit much. However, isn’t a forum like this a place to vent your frustration when the team loses games that it shouldn’t?
Usually when somebody announces that they are leaving it’s because they want a bunch of people to beg him to stay.
This team is hard to predict, but I think they have a decent shot to win this series. The two games that they won were dominant.
Still, I agree with Carp. They are not getting by Pittsburgh or Washington even though Carp gave me a hard time a while back when I said that this wasn’t a Cup team.
LikeLiked by 1 person
At least give yourselves a shot vs pens or caps though probably lose anyway. Those teams are better. Not this Ottawa crap were watching in which they have led for 13 min
LikeLiked by 4 people
Speaking of Pittsburgh and Washington…it’s time to shut down the computer and turn on the tv.
LikeLike
The way some of Canadian press corps is writing about Neal’s performance on Saturday, you’d think that he’d scored a hat trick and put Glass over knee and made him cry.
LikeLike
Pens be thankful only 1-0.
LikeLike
Crosby looks woozy. Hornqvist goes off
which is why if we got past Ottawa i want to play the pens. big if on getting past Ottawa
LikeLike
Caps win this game their cup is theirs.
LikeLike
http://nypost.com/2017/05/08/the-story-behind-that-stepan-lundqvist-on-ice-shouting-match/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Is Puempel better defensively than Buchnevich? If Glass were to come out, I’d consider playing Puempel against his old team.
Based upon today’s practice, it doesn’t sound like that’s going to happen.
LikeLike
So obvious that Hank gave Step a piece of his mind regarding his and others’ shoddy performance. Step lost it and went back to bark at Hank, then later apologized which, in microcosm shows why Step will never live up to his billing – he needs to get angry and stay angry and play angry.
LikeLike
Ottawa crowing about Neil/Glass. Truth is, Glasser played him like a fiddle.
LikeLike
I thought the Stepan thing was blown out of proportion. Good to see Opie show some emotion for a change. Oilers and now Caps have brought it facing elimination. Let’s see what our boys do tomorrow night. AV’s comment about them not knowing the goalie had been pulled is really odd. If it were true what does it say about him, his coaching staff and the veteran players he insists on putting on time after time at the end of games?
LikeLike
ORF I think AV was showing his frustration. His point, if there was one, was these guys have been playing this game for 20+ years and should know by instinct that with X amount of clock left, the goalie is gone even if one of their daddies on the bench didn’t tell them.
Craps v Icebirds feeling very game 7 ish.
LikeLike
AV, coaches, players on bench, players on ice and NO ONE communicates that the goalie is gone? GIMME A BREAK! And, it’s AV’s and his coaches job to get on players who are stinking it up, not Hank, who needs all his concentration on his own game. All in all, an indictment of the coaching staff starting from the head Bazooka down.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dirty birds look ordinary tonight. I hate the pens and that stinkin horn!
LikeLike
Was listening to NHL Network on Sirius and the dude was killing the Rangers. he says that they have outscored opponents 25-14 through 2 periods this playoff, but been outscored 12-7 in 3rd periods because they quit playing. They stop skating, stand around and just throw pricks out of the zone instead of continuing to skate and make plays. He also says that the problem in on AV.
LikeLike
5-0 Caps. 7:21 left and the Pens fans are streaming to the exits.
LikeLike
5-2 final. Game 7 necessary. Intercourse the Penguins.
LikeLike
On this date in hockey history, May 8th 1970, Bobby Orr of the Boston Bruins was awarded the Hart Trophy as the MVP of the NHL. Orr was the first defenseman to win the Hart since 1944 when Babe Pratt of the New York Rangers won the award scoring 17 goals and 40 assists for 57 points in only 50 games. Orr went on to win the MVP three consecutive seasons. He also won his third consecutive Noriss Trophy as best defenseman that year, an award he would win for eight straight seasons. Orr is regarded by many as the best player ever.
#VintageHockey
LikeLike
Why is that Hank/Step interaction even a story? It’s hockey. Players yell, shout, and exhort each other all the effing time. Step had every right as a captain to tell Hank to “relax” just as Hank has every right to bark at guys to turn it up. It’s a meaningless moment in the game, quickly forgotten unless it happens to be caught on camera. Anyone ever watch Tom Brady screaming at his team on the sideline? Happens every game.
LikeLike
E3 – 40th Anniversary of 5/8/77
Big cells and new book out covering the event
https://apnews.com/c0d34b4ae0c84a57b169170bf2cc70a2?src=worldsbestever
LikeLiked by 1 person
Celly not cells
LikeLike
So AV went right from mouthing cliches in his pressers to using sarcasm? I didn’t see that coming. If they lose tomorrow night will he move on to irony?
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re right, Sittoo, but what you left out is that any ancillary player who hollers back at Brady during play is quickly off the field and probably finds himself soon on the taxi squad.
LikeLike
“Coach, are you doing irony?”
“No, they do that for me at the hotel. That’s it? Okay, thanks boys.”
LikeLike
Probably true cooscoos. I just find the whole “drama” kind of silly. In a game where giant men willingly crash into each other at top speeds and pound each other’s faces for no apparent reason, telling someone to relax is apparently a big no-no…
LikeLike
Have to agree with that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bazooka Joe. One of my all-time favorites.
LikeLiked by 1 person
SN – I always liked 5/7/77, Boston, more than 5/8/77 Cornell. But the entire spring 77 tour was just killer….
LikeLiked by 1 person
This Year’s – Re; your 9:52 – that they do NOT throw pricks out of the zone is a large part of the problem. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gameday.
JT Miller hattie tonight. Carp will go rah-rah. Erics anxiety will reach new hights. E3 will constipate and Norm will come lurking back. We will carry momentum to game 7, which will be a walk in the park.
Suck it Phaneuf.
LGR!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can only hope we’re in the same position again tonight but this time AV throws Skjei, Smith and any forward not named Tanner or Kevin over the boards.
LikeLike
Boomer & Carton said Junk Goalie and Stepan are in a fight? They can’t be fighting in an elimination game! That’s Bush League. Stepan didn’t let up 15 goals in five playoff games. Should be a team rule by AV (the coach) that there’s no fighting in the dadgum playoffs. Time to bring in Randaa the next two games. He’s better! What’s the team doing? Notice there’s no I in T-E-A-M. You hear that Lunquest? Enough of this. You gotta be ALL IN.
LikeLike
Game day post – this one has moss on it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LikeLike
LikeLike
Didn’t expect a stinker from Pittsburgh last night, but that’s sports.
I have to agree with Larry Brooks column. Enough with leaning on guys because of their experience and play whoever is playing well. If that happens to be a rookie like Skjei or Vesey then play them regardless of their experience level. Throwing out a Girardi or Staal just because of their experience level without regard to how they are playing is a recipe for disaster.
We have finally reached a real must win situation. Let’s see if the Rangers respond with the type of play like in games 3 and 4.
LikeLike
This group has not lost a playoff series that they clearly should have won in the Torts/AV era. That’s why this one would really hurt. There would be no saying “we got beat by a better team and we need to get better.” They would have to look in the mirror and accept that they failed. Let’s hope they suck it up and don’t let that happen and tonight isn’t the last “go Time” for this season. Let’s GO Rangers and Norm-come back. .
LikeLike
I think the problem has been less with who is out there defensively late game than what they are doing at forward. Why do we stop playing offense? Or even pretending to? How about carrying the puck into the zone and just skating around a while before taking a shot? Instead we get E3 and change for the Foxwoods Final Five, ensuring that all play is in our end. Only bad things can happen.
LikeLike
See you all in october. The dream ends tonight. Gave too many games away. Inexcusable losing to this senator team.
LikeLiked by 1 person
After years of frustration and disappointments I just cannot except them losing tonight, it’s not possible they are the better team. I’m even convinced they are capable of beating Pitt or the Caps. The will show up tonight as the team they were designed to be and crush the Sens! I am counting on all you Boneheads to cheer them on to victory. I will be unable to watch the game live tonight it is pet graduation at Eckerd college where my wife works and I must show my support. All the graduating students bring their pets and each pet gets a diploma. It is all part of the closing ceremonies and graduation (called Commencement) taking place this month. Let’s Go Rangers!
LikeLike
Every dog has his day
LikeLiked by 1 person
will have to partially agree with carp… the conference final loss to the devils was very, very bad… that team shouldn’t have lost to the devils.
the lightning two years ago, while that team could have won, at least tampa was a good team, had some depth. the nyr definitely laid two eggs in that series but at least that was considered a good team. no one picked ottawa to beat us in this series… we will have really flushed this down the toilet if they can’t find two more wins here.
LikeLike
If they lose Fire Sather! Fire Elaine! Fire Gorton! Trade everybody! Refresh, Refresh, Refresh!
LikeLike
*NEW POST*
LikeLike
Michael Augello
@MikeInBuffalo
Charles Barkley on the NBA playoffs…”thank god for the #NHL Playoffs, that’s what I’ll be watching in the back instead of these blowouts”
LikeLike