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
We'll see how that works out.
----}- Bird
One of the ORIGINAL NY Ranger's websites - Now read about WLIR & WXXP & DJ Bird....and maybe some hockey :-)
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
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
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
Friday, October 21, 2011
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
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
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Two Points Wasted?
That's one way to look at it. I mean, plenty of Power Play time unused. Zuc is supposed to win us the shoot-out. Little to no 5 on 5 offense. These things will be troubling if they continue.
The Rodent wasn't please with what he saw but is correct in pointing out that we don't have enough data to chew on just yet. In other words....don't panic yet.
There's another way to look at the first two as well. Normally we swing out West and hit a buzz saw. We don't get those points with the Ducks and Kings as the home club and suffer just as bad in Calgary and Vancouver. Any chance you'd see these two points as a positive now? Naa, probably not.
Mark Staal needs to be healthy for the rest of the season more than he needs to get back ASAP if you know what I mean. Sure, it would be great to see him return next week but I'm glad they are taking the time needed to ensure his complete recovery. His presence will be a huge boost to this blue-line corps.
Henke was great at times but it's toughest to stop the flub shots as seen in the shoot-out winner. I hated those and still do. Makes a Keeper look bad. One must anticipate to be in the right position at the NHL level (or any other for that matter) as today's players can roof it from in close, like Brad did in the third to tie it up. Tough to fault either keeper on either goal.
The boys have a week to rest up and re-adjust to being in North America. I wouldn't be surprised to hear about "flu like symptoms". There's some work to do before taking on the Islanders and i for one would like us to be ready to bring it that night.
----}- Bird
The Rodent wasn't please with what he saw but is correct in pointing out that we don't have enough data to chew on just yet. In other words....don't panic yet.
There's another way to look at the first two as well. Normally we swing out West and hit a buzz saw. We don't get those points with the Ducks and Kings as the home club and suffer just as bad in Calgary and Vancouver. Any chance you'd see these two points as a positive now? Naa, probably not.
Mark Staal needs to be healthy for the rest of the season more than he needs to get back ASAP if you know what I mean. Sure, it would be great to see him return next week but I'm glad they are taking the time needed to ensure his complete recovery. His presence will be a huge boost to this blue-line corps.
Henke was great at times but it's toughest to stop the flub shots as seen in the shoot-out winner. I hated those and still do. Makes a Keeper look bad. One must anticipate to be in the right position at the NHL level (or any other for that matter) as today's players can roof it from in close, like Brad did in the third to tie it up. Tough to fault either keeper on either goal.
The boys have a week to rest up and re-adjust to being in North America. I wouldn't be surprised to hear about "flu like symptoms". There's some work to do before taking on the Islanders and i for one would like us to be ready to bring it that night.
----}- Bird
Thursday, October 6, 2011
The Waiting Is Over........
Hello New York and everywhere else, I'm Bird and you're at Hockeybird.com
This year, the glass just might be half full. Yep, I said it. This COULD be the year we've been building towards. Sure, questions about the blueline remain unanswered with Marc out and Sauer hurting. Yet I remain optimistic.
There will be pressure on Brad Richards to get out of the gate early. Gabby needs to rebound from an off season. I could list a number of issues for us to whine about but the fact remains.....I smell a cup.
Fill the fridge with beer. Kiss the wife and kids. Pull out all that stuff you use to help the team win, it's time. I'll tune in tonight for the games and of course like most of you, set the DVR for tomorrows Ranger game in Europe. But the long wait is over, HOCKEY IS BACK!
No promises but it does look like I'll have some time to post this season. I need it. Even if no one comes here to read, I need the outlet. Stop by when you can, we'll catch up. Send me email at bird@hockeybird.com
Enjoy the season folks......this one is gonna be different.
----}-
This year, the glass just might be half full. Yep, I said it. This COULD be the year we've been building towards. Sure, questions about the blueline remain unanswered with Marc out and Sauer hurting. Yet I remain optimistic.
There will be pressure on Brad Richards to get out of the gate early. Gabby needs to rebound from an off season. I could list a number of issues for us to whine about but the fact remains.....I smell a cup.
Fill the fridge with beer. Kiss the wife and kids. Pull out all that stuff you use to help the team win, it's time. I'll tune in tonight for the games and of course like most of you, set the DVR for tomorrows Ranger game in Europe. But the long wait is over, HOCKEY IS BACK!
No promises but it does look like I'll have some time to post this season. I need it. Even if no one comes here to read, I need the outlet. Stop by when you can, we'll catch up. Send me email at bird@hockeybird.com
Enjoy the season folks......this one is gonna be different.
----}-
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