Comeback Kids

How riveting were the finishes to both Ranger games this weekend??? 1-0 deficit to Columbus on Friday and a 2-0 deficit on Saturday against Pittsburgh. For anyone who doubts the excitement or passion of this sport, show them the finish to Saturday's game. If they're not convinced otherwise, check for a pulse, or a brain for that matter. Some quick hits...

- Nikolai Zherdev is quickly becoming my favorite Ranger(Drury and Dubinsky get honorable mention) . He is off to a good start on Broadway (3g, 5A) and absolutely took it to his former Blue Jacket team on Friday. Plus, made the Garden erupt with his tying goal with less than 8 seconds to go on Saturday. I hope these past 2 games act as a springboard for him to move forward and play exceptional.

- So much for the lines staying intact. In my last post, I said let's give some time for the lines to gel. Scratch that idea says Tom Renney. Gomez with Callahan and Gomez is good together, but to me, it seems like a waste of Gomez' superior talents. Drury between Naslund and whomever isn't clicking right now. Dubinsky-Voros-Zherdev have somewhat cooled from their white hot start. The SOB line (good name?) Sjostrom-Betts-Orr might be the best 4th line in hockey this year. Moving foward, don't be surprised if Tom Renney sticks with these lines...

Naslund-Gomez-Zherdev
Dawes-Drury-Callahan
Voros-Dubinsky-Prucha/Fristche
Sjostrom-Betts-Orr

The 1st line played in pre-season, and, besides from lookin a bit too fancy, seemd to have some chemistry. The 2nd lines was the 3rd line last year, and, on most nights, was the rangers most effecitve line. The 3rd line has been together the past 2 games and have been getting pucks deep and to the net (What more could Renney ask for?!). The 4th line stays intact.

- Watch out for the Islanders tonight. This is the perverbial "trap-game" in every sense of the word. The Islanders might not be as talented as the Blueshirts, but they'll work their butts off. They always play up the the level of the Rangers and relish beating them.


Until next time...

J.W.