My Head Hurts

Hello New York and everywhere else, I'm Bird and yes.....you are in the birdcage. I'm happy to announce that a new Podcast has been made available so if you wanted to listen to the Hockeyrodent - Hockeybird Radio show, it's here.

The sheer amount of discussion on head shots, concussions and what to do about it is enough to give me a headache. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this isn't important. I'm not even complaining about the issue being brought to the front of the discussion. In fact, I'm not complaining at all.

It's about time this is addressed. As a beer league goalie who got dinged several times, I can tell you that the changes we are seeing are in the best interests of the players. In the NHL, it's the players that make the game what it is. It's the players that bring the fans, help generate the cash and provide the product we all consume. For way too long, the unwritten "code" of a hockey player was to ignore pain, in any form. It never occurred to me that a TBI (traumatic brain injury) could have long lasting/life long effects. We know this now. That the NHL is doing something about it is to be commended.

As Ranger fans we are all concerned about Marc Staal, whose addition to the line up would be just awesome. But how many of us are concerned about his long term health? I'm not accusing anyone of anything here, I myself want him back ASAP. However, this is serious.

I've basically done a 180 on this. I used to adhere to the code, I didn't miss games for injuries. I bought into the whole hockey player mentality. It's been ten years since I've played and the pain I endure on a daily basis sucks. And, I was just a beer league goalie at best. Can you imagine what a serious NHL career could do to one's body?

We lost Beukes and Pat LaFontaine but I never really thought much about it. With Crosby out, Pronger out, the new guy in Carolina.......the list goes on. We can't help but think about this, talk about this. It's apparently serious.

I can't claim I have lasting effects from my concussions. Honestly, I don't remember much about how I felt afterwards and if it affected my game. Maybe that in itself says something. I do know that I'm glad that we are finally discussing this post-concussion syndrome issue. It reminds me of when that Marine General first spoke about his suffering from PTSD. It became OK for others to at least talk about it. The stigma is now gone.

----}- Bird

Is the Rodent Right?

Hello NY and everywhere else, I'm Bird and you're at hockeybird.com.

I'm posting during the first period of tonight's game. As happy as I am about the NY Giants win in OT over the pats, I am concerned about our Rangers.

If you read the Rodent, he's concerned as well. I know, we beat Montreal. Hell, we've been wining a few at home lately. But there are patterns that make the Rodent's tail stand up as a warning. In a nutshell (pun intended) he's worried about the power play and the fact that we are consistently out shot. Is he right to be concerned?

I'd say yes. (I hate it when he's right)

I know, I'm the one who usually suggested that a win is a win. Two points in the NHL count the same no matter how they are earned. As in golf, there are no pictures on a score card. Ugly wins count the same. But to piggy back on the Rodent (ewww) there are some disturbing trends that if not corrected will come back to haunt our Blueshirts. Being out shot is one. For a lunch pail group, the idea that they are waiting for the perfect play and adding the additional pass is not consistent with the whole lunch pail concept. Keep in mind, this group heroically block a ton of shots. This affects the shot stats. Additionally, our Rangers are still guilty of missing the net way too often. This also affects the shot totals....in a negative way. I'm suggesting that it could be even worse, statistically speaking.

Now the power play, which has been a topic of discussion for what seems like decades now, is once again something to pay attention to. Scoring on the 5 on 3 last night (something they used to fail at regularly) was a plus. Not scoring on the rest? A Hearty "What the ****" comes to mind. Slats added the two things we looked to need, a proven power play guy and a quarter back. And, he did it acquiring one guy. And yet, I still yell DECLINE when the opposition is whistled for an infraction. Not scoring with the man advantage is deflating in addition to the missed opportunity. It can creep into the minds of the team. Solid point shots are a main stay of any coaches PP plan. I'm still seeing too much looking for that perfect play crap. Shoot it, damnit. And while you're at it.....how about hitting the net?

OK, relax. Take a deep breath. As the big Tuna says, "you are what you're record says you are". meaning, we're OK so far. I'm just hoping that these simple issues are addressed to help take this team to the next level. I think we're close. Injuries aside, this team can achieve this year. A lot is expected and nothing less than a solid run in the playoffs will suffice.

0-0 after one period tonight. Two points up for grabs....and we're gonna need 'em.

----}- Bird

Feeling Foolish

OK, Sean is coming up to join the big club. Slats or someone (not you) decided it was a good idea.
We'll see how that works out.

----}- Bird

Are You Kidding Me?

It's nice to see those of you who have been visiting since the beginning and you know who you are. It's a shame that you won't be getting a positive spin from me today. I can't...no, I won't do it.

I was told by a co-worker that it's the defense that's the culprit here. No I answered, we can't score. True, we are young and sorely miss Sauer and Staal. True, DZ has not been stellar. But if you watch closely you'd see that in almost every game, the D and our Keepers have given the Rangers a chance to win. It's the lack of scoring that's the issue in my eyes.

Of course I expect a move to sure up the young blueline, like nearly every pundit I read or hear. However, if our top 2 lines can't pop goals and the third doesn't chip in, we're not going anywhere.

I don't feel it's necessary for me to bring back to earth those calling for Torts to be fired. They wouldn't listen to me any way. And please, .......bring back Avery? That's your answer? Really? How does a 3 goal season from a guy who is off-sides nearly every shift help what ails us? Be realistic here. Your man-crush on Sean is unbecoming. Yes, I'd like to see the passion return to this group. I want this team to be what they developed into last season, a pain in the ass to play against. Right now, they look to be a soft spot on the schedule instead. Sean would only add a few easy lines for the beat writers. My respect for Uncle Larry (developed when he showed up here at Hockeybird for two interviews) doesn't prevent me from calling him out for being a prick. We get it, you don't like the coach.

Nothing less than hard work, shot blocking and all out effort will suffice here. This team needs to remember that it wins when it plays together and all out.

While I'm at it.....I have many times suggested that Dubi is a future NHL team captain. Cally gets the C and while it's well deserved we may be seeing a leadership issue with this team. And you, Dubi....you don't deserve the C with the way you have been playing so far. Unfortunately, he just may be a Captain......for the team he's traded to. No, I'm not advocating moving him. I just see a possible Sather maneuver that includes him. Face it, many had the Rangers penciled in to one of the playoff spots this year. Right now it looks like we'll have to sweat out a shot at the eighth spot instead. Something needs to change and quickly. Let's hope these guys figure it out or the move Slats makes is the correct one. Until then, it sure does feel like most other Ranger seasons right now, not the warm & fuzzy I had felt before opening night.

----}- Bird

West Coast Points

If you stayed up late to watch last night's event in Calgary you were treated to 64 minutes and 58 seconds of hockey. Ryan McDonagh bolted in, down deep with just a few tics left on the clock and popped the game winner for point number two on the night. The first come at the end of regulation as it was 2-2. Most Rangers fans will be both grumpy from the late night, yet happy about a second win in a row. I'm in that group.

The good news is that the Rangers finally converted on the power play and Prust netted a short hander. The bad news is that once again they were badly out shot. Henke showed a little frustration after the second goal against when he was screened by his own guy. Block it or get out of the way, damnit.

Del Zotto made a very bad decision that didn't end up in a goal, but should have. I'm guessing that Torts has addressed this with the kid already. I like his offencive game but he needs some work fer sure. Give him time. I believe his upside is worth waiting on while the other aspects of his game continue to improve.

We lost a ton of face offs last night. That's something to pay attention to.

It will be a late night tomorrow but most can sleep in on Sunday so no worries. Edmonton is young and talented, yet not a scary team. I don't want to see a let down. Those two points are important. The Rangers will be OK as long as they can survive until Staal and Sauer get back. Speaking of the D, did you chuckle when Erixon was boo-ed each time he touched the puck in Calgary last night? I did.

Enjoy your day, we're on a winning streak while out west. Nice.

“I'm excited about getting the two points, but more importantly, for most of the game I thought we played better as a team.”
- John Tortorella, after the Rangers' 3-2 overtime win Thursday in Calgary.

----}- Bird