The New York Football Giants pummeled the Baltimore Ravens yesterday 30-10 to improve to 9-1 on the season. The defending champions cannot go unnoticed any longer and must be considered the best team, not only in the NFC, but the entire league. I understand the Titans are undefeated at 10-0, but the way the Giants have just completely dominated some of their opponents this year has been the edge I would give to the G-Men. The Giants roll out a 3-headed monster at the RB position; what team can say that in the league and be productive? Their D suffocates the life out of the other teams' offense and constantly bring pressure to the QB. Last year they didn't receive any respect, this year they're not giving any hope.
More later...
J.W.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Pick a Door...Any Door
The title describe what you can expect on any given night with the Rangers; leaving everything up to chance rather than making your own destiny. Last night's game against the Devils showed the polar extremes of the Rangers so far this year.
During most of the 1st period they were sluggish and uninspired (Dubinsky's altercation with Parise not withstanding). This patterns has gone on through most of the early season. But, once the 2nd period came around, like a flick of the switch, your boys in blue began to aggressively pursue the Devils and completely overwhelmed them. It seems it takes the team an entire period before the next gear kicks in.
It's still early to tell what type of team the Rangers will be and where they'll end up in the standings. We know they have the potential to be a good team but we all know how reliable potential can be (I'm talking to you Pavel Brendl).
Until next time...
J.W.
During most of the 1st period they were sluggish and uninspired (Dubinsky's altercation with Parise not withstanding). This patterns has gone on through most of the early season. But, once the 2nd period came around, like a flick of the switch, your boys in blue began to aggressively pursue the Devils and completely overwhelmed them. It seems it takes the team an entire period before the next gear kicks in.
It's still early to tell what type of team the Rangers will be and where they'll end up in the standings. We know they have the potential to be a good team but we all know how reliable potential can be (I'm talking to you Pavel Brendl).
Until next time...
J.W.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Consistently Inconsistent
In the early going the Rangers have played a season that resembles more the ride Kingda Ka than anything close to even-keeled play. Prime examples are their last 2 games; a 5-2 drubbing of Tampa Bay (although King Hank was the difference maker in that game which could have easily been a much closer) followed by a let-down in D.C. against The Capitals. The team has created a Jekyll and Hyde effect; some games playing with tenacity and fire; aggressive to the puck and other games laid-back, being beaten to pucks, and an unwillingness to get their hands dirty. Tom Renney's top priority will be to discover the medium between the 2 extremes and quickly; it is his job after all.
Some quick hits...
- Explain to me where in the NHL rule books it states players are allowed free runs at the goaltenders with no consequence. Alexander Semin's collision into Lundqvist during Saturday night's game was not called when replays show Semin make no attempt to avoid the collision. The game was chock full of missed calls (Caps second goal came with the net definitively off its moorings, a no-no) and shoddy officiating. The highlight was Lundqvist skating all the way to center ice to argue with the refs... classic.
- In following with Washington's penchant for taking liberties on Saturday, no Rangers player felt the need to stick up for their goaltender? A taste of ungratefulness if you ask me, considering Henrik Lundqvist, not the defense, is the main reason why the Rangers have won games this year.
- I honestly feel for Petr Prucha. It must kill him inside to try so hard and not be rewarded then punished for his lack of production. The best solution for him is to GET OUT OF NY and on to another team to play quality minutes. A change of scenery; where have we heard that idea before? hmm...
Next game is tonight vs Edmonton 7pm
Until next time...
J.W.
Some quick hits...
- Explain to me where in the NHL rule books it states players are allowed free runs at the goaltenders with no consequence. Alexander Semin's collision into Lundqvist during Saturday night's game was not called when replays show Semin make no attempt to avoid the collision. The game was chock full of missed calls (Caps second goal came with the net definitively off its moorings, a no-no) and shoddy officiating. The highlight was Lundqvist skating all the way to center ice to argue with the refs... classic.
- In following with Washington's penchant for taking liberties on Saturday, no Rangers player felt the need to stick up for their goaltender? A taste of ungratefulness if you ask me, considering Henrik Lundqvist, not the defense, is the main reason why the Rangers have won games this year.
- I honestly feel for Petr Prucha. It must kill him inside to try so hard and not be rewarded then punished for his lack of production. The best solution for him is to GET OUT OF NY and on to another team to play quality minutes. A change of scenery; where have we heard that idea before? hmm...
Next game is tonight vs Edmonton 7pm
Until next time...
J.W.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Injuries are part of the game....
The Devils were dealt a devastating blow today with news of Marty Broduer having a torn tendon in his elbow and requiring surgery that will sideline him 3-4 months. This is uncharted waters for Broduer; he's never missed more than 5 games at one time in his 16 year career. The Devils have a massive hole to fill in his absence. The question is whether they try to internally or go outside for help (Jocelyn Thibault is a UFA, and there's a log-jam of goalies in Chicago last time I checked.)
Update 11/7/08:
Upon further research, I realized I forgot to add one piece of crucial information regarding the Devils and the possibility of acquiring Khabibulin or another goalie to fill Brodeur's spot. As per the CBA, since Brodeur is on long-term IR and his 5.2 mil salary will not count against the cap, giving the Devs a chance to acquire a goalie should Kevin Weekes prove not capable.
Update 11/7/08:
Upon further research, I realized I forgot to add one piece of crucial information regarding the Devils and the possibility of acquiring Khabibulin or another goalie to fill Brodeur's spot. As per the CBA, since Brodeur is on long-term IR and his 5.2 mil salary will not count against the cap, giving the Devs a chance to acquire a goalie should Kevin Weekes prove not capable.
Until next time....
J.W.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Dawes vs. Prucha; The Battle for Mediocrity
A lot has been said for Petr Prucha's banishment to the press box and Dawes' continued play of periods of invisibility on the ice and Tom Renney's insistence on the latter, not the former. Aside from a 3rd period flurry Thursday night against Atlanta, Dawes hasn't done much offensively or defensively to merit more playing time. On the other hand, when Prucha's been in the line-up he's provided energy and hustle (his trademarks). But, he's failed to bury any of the scoring chances he has created from his spirited play (his trademark). If Tom Renney wants to send the correct messages to his young kids, sit Dawes to clear his head and give Prucha an honest chance. Plus, if you're still trying to showcase Prucha and his 1.6 mil contract for a trade, he needs to play, correct?
Quick hits....
- Normally I take anything I read from Larry Brooks with a grain of salt, except for today's article at www.nypost.com. I agree with him that Gomez' talents, which netted him his big pay-day, are not being used properly. Not to discredit the job Callahan has done so far this year on Gomez' wing but his ceiling looks to be a 3rd line gritty, checking winger with a touch of offenseive ability. In my earlier posts, I've mentioned Gomez should be playing along side more talented wingers (Naslund and/or Zherdev sound good to me). If the Rangers continue to struggle offensively, especially the always outstanding 26th ranked PP, the question needs to be asked if he should be moved off of what looks likes a 3rd line and to the spot he was brought in to play, the 1st line.
Until next time....
J.W.
Quick hits....
- Normally I take anything I read from Larry Brooks with a grain of salt, except for today's article at www.nypost.com. I agree with him that Gomez' talents, which netted him his big pay-day, are not being used properly. Not to discredit the job Callahan has done so far this year on Gomez' wing but his ceiling looks to be a 3rd line gritty, checking winger with a touch of offenseive ability. In my earlier posts, I've mentioned Gomez should be playing along side more talented wingers (Naslund and/or Zherdev sound good to me). If the Rangers continue to struggle offensively, especially the always outstanding 26th ranked PP, the question needs to be asked if he should be moved off of what looks likes a 3rd line and to the spot he was brought in to play, the 1st line.
Until next time....
J.W.
Monday, October 27, 2008
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...
- 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
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.
- 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.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Back away from the ledge....
I apologize for being away for nearly 3 weeks again. The Rangers fantastic start just had me so enamored I completely lost touch with everything around me! If after reading that you'd like to stone me publicly, good, it was meant to be dripped with sarcasm. Some quick hits:
- Please let's not trash the Rangers and start pounding the panic button like a piece of chicken you're about to cook. Renney will not be fired. Gomez won't be traded. Malik is the answer! They're allowed to lose and, frankly, it's a good thing they did. It exposed what they were doing wrong during their hot start. Now, they can re-evaluate what to do to move forward and play better. Having said that, you'd rather them lose to a team that thoroughly beat them not the Rangers beating themselves. Plenty of hockey left...
- Drury-Gomez-Naslund need more time to gel. It's to early on to start line swapping. If after the next week or 2 of games they're still under performing together THEN make the switch. Continuity and chemistry are the keys.
- Speed kills. This team has plenty of it. Once they utilize it to max potential, teams better WATCH OUT!
- Is Jagr secretly coaching this PP?? I kid, of course, but if you look at past games and see how the 1st unit isn't getting shots to the net and would rather play an expensive game of patty-cake then you understand my comment. The only way this PP will be a force this year is if they aren't predictable. Player and puck movement, shots to the nets, and crashing rebounds is the way to go.
- In continuing with my last comment, give Wade Redden some time. For years, he quaterbacked a sometimes lethal PP up in Ottowa. He will find his game and will hopefully show us why he was given $39 mil. Please....show us?
Until next time...
JW
- Please let's not trash the Rangers and start pounding the panic button like a piece of chicken you're about to cook. Renney will not be fired. Gomez won't be traded. Malik is the answer! They're allowed to lose and, frankly, it's a good thing they did. It exposed what they were doing wrong during their hot start. Now, they can re-evaluate what to do to move forward and play better. Having said that, you'd rather them lose to a team that thoroughly beat them not the Rangers beating themselves. Plenty of hockey left...
- Drury-Gomez-Naslund need more time to gel. It's to early on to start line swapping. If after the next week or 2 of games they're still under performing together THEN make the switch. Continuity and chemistry are the keys.
- Speed kills. This team has plenty of it. Once they utilize it to max potential, teams better WATCH OUT!
- Is Jagr secretly coaching this PP?? I kid, of course, but if you look at past games and see how the 1st unit isn't getting shots to the net and would rather play an expensive game of patty-cake then you understand my comment. The only way this PP will be a force this year is if they aren't predictable. Player and puck movement, shots to the nets, and crashing rebounds is the way to go.
- In continuing with my last comment, give Wade Redden some time. For years, he quaterbacked a sometimes lethal PP up in Ottowa. He will find his game and will hopefully show us why he was given $39 mil. Please....show us?
Until next time...
JW
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