Sunday, March 28, 2010

Rangers Showing Signs of Life

There was a big convincing win against the Islanders follows by the most dramatic win of the year against the Devils. No doubt that Chris Drury scored the biggest goal of his Ranger career. He finally displayed the clutch performances that the Rangers were hoping for when they signed him to the big free agent contract a few years ago.

The O.T loss in Toronto last night was indeed a setback but more importantly there are two key injuries to Ryan Callahan and Sean Avery. But this game clearly radiates the talent the Rangers have in Hartford. I have been making this point from the beginning. The Rangers recalled P. A. Parenteau and he promptly scored the first goal of the game. Also, it appears that Brandon Dubinsky is finally evolving into a clutch player and leader on this team Don't forget that he missed almost 6 weeks with a broken finger.

The recent injuries that have led to the latest losing streak in Philly will be a tremendous benefit and incentive for the Rangers to believe they still have a shot.
Next up are the fading Islanders again in Uniondale. The Rangers have to be extremely careful to come out and take it to them right away. They cannot take any opponent for granted at this stage of the year. My prediction is that the Rangers will make it in.....but just barely!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

The Ship Be Sinking

In the immortal words of Michael Ray Richardson - The Ship Be Sinking. Tonight's ugly loss featured and ineffective Lundquist, a botched 5 on 3 for 1:17, Paul Kariya's 400th NHL goal and the ultimate disgrace of being 2 games under .500 at home!

Fellow Ranger fans, we need to face the hard truth that this is not a playoff team but rather a team in transition. Although it was not mean to be a rebuilding year...it is! The chants of "Fire Sather" rang loud and true throughout the echoing Garden as the Blueshirts limped to another crunching loss.

As I have said before, in his own mind Sather does have a plan and the Cablevision CEO's cannot pull the plug on it now. This team should rebound next year and be markedly improved. If not then Sather will most definitely be fired.

Fortunately, the Rangers' current demise will free up more posts to discuss the real upcoming playoff battles.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

The Rangers are Fading

A Devastating Loss

Tonight's loss to the Canadiens was a crushing defeat. In a another "must win" game the Rangers played with little emotion or urgency as they continue to be on the outside looking in.

As a Ranger die-hard for over 35 years this is typical of the history associated with this franchise. There are many heart-wrenching examples of disappointment and despair. Thank goodness for 1994!

But I still believe Sather has a plan for winning even though he has made some terrible free agent signings (Redden) and trades (Higgins) the youngsters in this organization are the future and keys to winning the Cup again.

There is a lot written about how underachieving the Rangers have been but very little about how young this team is. Dubsinsky (to me the future Captain of the team), Callahan, Staal, Girardi are all in their early 20's and the lineup has future rookie stars such as Del Zotto, Gilroy and Anisimov.

This young core talent will need time to experience winning and losing and it is up to Sather to stay the course and not trade this group of young talent. Adding the right veteran experience will be the key to turn this team into a winner. This year Gaborick was the major addition.

In conclusion, even if the Rangers do not make the playoffs this year do not despair. That is not the big picture in creating a winning team for the future. In the near future this team will win!