Commun-ast Cable & Internet; Serving No One But Themselves

If you're looking at my blog and wondering "what the hell is going on here?', then good stick around because it's only going to get better. I have to write today about the glorious cable company known as Comcast, who unceremoniously "shut out" myself and other DirecTV subscribers from watching VS' telecast on the Rangers Devils game last night.

I was about ready for the game last night, pumped as I could ever be as the 2 cross-river rivals were about to engage in full scale hockey war. They did; unfortunately, I wasn't able to watch within the confines of my home. The reason? Comcast, who is the largest competitor to DirecTV, believes it is the next Monopoly and, according to DirecTV itself, is "demanding unfair and outrageous increases in fees to air Versus." This means the deep-pocketed Comcast would rather increase their wealth and value and rob from their customers. Let's not get started on their product itself; which I'm sure other cable companies giggle at knowing they're superior to them. And, let's not pass up Comcast's exemplary "customer service," which is depicted in the picture below.

According to DirecTV, they are still negotiating to resolve Comcast attempts at piracy and compromise at a fair price to have Versus aired at some point. I hope a intelligible resolution is made sooner rather than later; the Rangers have 7 more games on the OLN Versus network this season.

Grachev Is "Businesslike"

Jeff Jacobs from the Hartford Courant chimes in on Rangers prospect Evgeny Grachev, who's down in Hartford with the Wolfpack working on his game and going about not making the Rangers out of preseason as a tool to motivate him to work hard. If you'd like to check out the full article click here

"Some of the bigger kids at this age are still gangly, but Evgeny is pretty strong right now," Gernander said. "He's a good skater. He has a good shot and decent hands. Sometimes you get a guy with a glaring weakness. There is none. He's just young. He needs experience. It's a big jump from junior to NHL, but he's knocking at the door."

And Grachev's take?



"My decision-making could be faster with the puck. Maybe get a little bit faster and stronger, too. The last two [Rangers exhibition] games I played like eight minutes per game. I was thinking they'd send me down. It wasn't good to hear, but I wasn't too upset. I'll keep working and I'll get called up one day."

My Thoughts:

...It's nice to see Grachev take his demotion in stride. Some prospects might have gotten down on themselves and lost their confidence but not this kid. It's the best for his development that he's down in Hartford, gaining valuable ice-time and experience rather than riding the pine up with the Rangers. He'll be one of the first, if not the first, call-up from Hartford.

Rangers 5 Senators 2

The New York Rangers were victorious over the Ottawa Senators by a score of 5-2. For a full game re-cap, stats, photos etc click here

Quick Hits:

- This was a intensely played game. There were a fair amount of end to end play, odd man rushes and a physical edge to it. Very entertaining to watch.

- It was a bit weird/cool to see Blue Man Group perform for the MSG home opener. Getting the crowd to chant "Let's Go Rangers" marked the beginning of a spectacular night.

- Congratulations to Michael Del Zotto on his first NHL goal. Adding to it was the timing of his goal; coming right near the end of the 2nd period to carry momentum in to the 3rd period. Who would've thought between him and Gilroy that Del Zotto would score first?

- The line of Prospal-Dubinsky-Gaborik combined for 4 goals and 6 points. They looked like too much for the Senators to handle.

Dubinsky has a hat trick if his shot doesnt come straight down of the cross bar on his breakaway.

- Speaking of Gaborik; 2 games 2 goals. The Gabby watch marches on!

- The 4th line played well even though it was used sparingly. In particular Brian Boyle stood out with a couple of solid defensive plays. 

- New personnel, more puck movement, excellent chances and, sadly, same result for the Ranger PP: another 0-fer. 

- Of all the positives, I'm slightly concerned with the Higgins-Drury-Callahan line. I didn't think they had a particularly good game tonight and, aside from the Drury goal Friday night, haven't gotten off to a great start. That could all change Monday in New Jersey.

Next game is @ the Prudential Center Monday night 7pm against the NJ Devils

Penguins 3 Rangers 2

The Stanley Cup defending Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the New York Rangers by a score of 3-2. For a full recap, stats, photos, etc click here

Quick Hits:

-  This was an emotional game for the Penguins to play. They didn't want to play badly in front of their home crowd on opening night raising a Stanley Cup banner and it showed.

- Rangers were blitzed for 2 goals in a 1:08 stretch in the 2nd which turned out to be enough for Pittsburgh to hold on.

- The Kids (Gilroy, Del Zotto) played very solid for their 1st NHL games. I'd give the edge to Gilroy; he seemed more comfortable jumping in on the rush and going deep in the offensive zone.

- Marian Gaborik; 1 Game 1 Goal. Let's hope can do that 81 more times.

- Both Goaltenders (Fleury, Lundqvist) made some spectacular saves and at crucial times. 

- I saw Donald Brashear make a couple of nice plays in the limited minutes he played. And had a fight with Eric Goddard. Solid debut.

- I can't believe I'm going to type these words...but...Wade "The Blade" Redden actually played a good game. Especially in the 1st, he had a physical edge early on. 

Next game is Saturday at 7pm for the Rangers home opener versus the Ottawa Senators.

Rangers 2009-2010 Preview

A fan made video:




...This absolutely gets my blood pumping. Let's drop the puck already!!! Tonight's season opener marks the beginning!

10 Ten Rookies To Watch for

Darren Dreger of TSN has an article about the Top 10 Rookies to watch for this season. 

Number 8: 

"Matt Gilroy.  The Rangers signed the 25-year old defenceman this summer as a free agent and describe Gilroy as an outstanding skater who is expected to push the pace of the game, spend time on New York's power play and contribute offensively."

--> Frankly, I could have seen either Gilroy or Del Zotto at this position in the list being talked about. But, I'm confident Gilroy is going to have a nice break out season for the Rangers. Lastly, how do you think Lightning fans feel seeing Victor Hedman No. 1? He's going to be a stud and he's only 18 years old.

Semenov Earns His Pay Day

According to Rangers/NHL.com, the New York Rangers have inked veteran D Alexei Semenov to a one-year deal for roughly 600k. To read the full article, click the link above ^

Semenov has worked his way into this Rangers defense corps. He showed up to camp on a try-out basis and went about his business. He has bought into the team concept and will be an asset to the younger defense men (Gilroy, Staal, Del Zotto). Good signing.