Rangers Recap: Rangers' Playoff Hopes in Question after Pathetic Loss to Islanders
by Nick Montemagno on Mar 31, 2011 10:32 PM EDT
in New York Rangers Recaps
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PrintI'm going to give you a fair warning before you go ahead and read this entire postgame analysis. There is going to be more ranting than recapping, so if you want to remain completely optimistic and do not want to read about the truths of this disgrace that unfolded tonight at Nassau Coliseum, then you might as well exit out of this page. But if you are livid like I am, read on.
The Rangers had every opportunity to blow this game open in the first period. Their start was embarrassing, yes, but they then were handed five consecutive powerplays in the opening stanza, none of which they were able to capitalize on. Vinny Prospal did score at even strength a little past the midway mark of the first, but that would pretty much be the last of the Ranger offense in the game.
The missed opportunities began to come back and haunt the Bluesirts in the second period when the Islanders very quickly took a 3-1 lead after trailing by one during the intermission. It was only a matter of time until they would start to get chances of their own, and with the Ranger defense playing middles hockey, the Isles were able to find open space on the ice rather easily.
I am not going to go back and recap each and every Islander goal because, let's face it, none of us want to re-live that garbage. Instead, I am very explicitly going to point out the things that went wrong on the Rangers side of things here.
First of all, the effort was unacceptable. The Rangers were getting beat to all the loose pucks, they looked sluggish when trying to establish a forecheck and at least one of the defensemen was constantly getting caught pinching, resulting in odd-man rushes going the other way. This is the fourteenth place Islanders and there is a playoff spot at stake here - everything that I just listed absolutely should not be an issue at this crucial point of the season. It almost makes me ashamed to be a fan.
The players were lifeless on the ice, but they were also lifeless on the bench too. Every time the Ranger bench was shown everyone was sitting there in silence. Where are the leaders to get some emotions going? Where are the big mouths on the team working the bench and telling their teammates to pull their heads out of their behinds? Even the coaches were silent. Tortorella, you rip the team a new hole in the media but you can't do it to their face during the game? Come on now.
The fact that the Rangers were that depleted and lacked that much motivation with the playoffs on the line is scary. It looked as if they did not even care, which is ridiculous.
Continue reading after the jump....
Beyond the effort and all the psychological stuff, their actual play was extremely poor as well. They were trying to force passes to make pretty plays instead of keeping things simple offensively, and that's why the powerplay epically failed tonight. They should know damn well that they don't have to get fancy in order to beat a fourteenth place team.
The defense.......actually, scratch that because there was none. There were Islanders being left open all over the place for easy goals around the net. Henrik Lundqvist, and later Chad Johnson, received no offensive or defensive support tonight. When they are getting no help like that you cannot expect them to do very much themselves. It's unfair.
Lundqvist, being the classy player that he is, withheld from calling out his team in his postgame press conference, although it was quite clear that he wanted to. Hank's stood on his head and poured his heart and soul into every game he's played as of late. It's disappointing to know that his teammates are not there to back him up and work their butts off for him.
Tortorella didn't have much to say after the game besides "I am not going to address anything." Great, make the team and organization into even more of a joke, why don't you? Not addressing anything? Since when does that happen in professional sports? As a coach, you should have no choice but to answer questions about the game. Not Tortorella, though, he just chooses not to.
That's all I have to say about tonight's 6-2 obliteration. The Rangers are hanging on to a playoff spot by only three points and with their next game being against the first place Philadelphia Flyers, that cushion may get even smaller by the time the weekend is over.
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Agreed.
I actually agreed with one thing Jiggs M. said all night.(Although they should have used the tape from taping up the door to the bench for a better reason.) He stated," The Rangers came in here as a desperate team for points, but they did not put forth that effort." Maybe not be exact words but close enough.
i love your signature
"I only wanted a few things out of life -- a wife, children, to play baseball and to hunt deer." - Turk Wendell
Nah,
He just needed to STFU tonight. I almost had to buy a tv tonight.
by nathansfamous on Apr 1, 2011 4:06 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm not jumping off any cliffs
But maybe this grind is having a negative impact on an inexperienced team. Its great that they give 200% but maybe the tank is running dry and these young guys are not used to the mental and psychological toll that this playoff push puts on a team
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
"He may look like an idiot and talk like an idiot but don't let that fool you. He really is an idiot" Evgeny Nabakov on Garth Snow
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
by Kevin Power on Mar 31, 2011 10:40 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Effort
To be honest, how many times has this team mailed in games like this so far this year? The answer is not too many at all…in fact, everyone would probably say that this team almost always puts forth a quality effort, even if they don’t get the result we all want.
Of course, all of us notice this one for 3 reasons 1) its against a shitty team 2) its against a shitty team who is perhaps their biggest rival and 3) it was crucial to their playoff chances. As much as I don’t want to, I’m willing to overlook this one.
by NastyNate82 on Mar 31, 2011 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm not questioning their effort
I just think they’re mentally drained from all of the pressure and giving so much of themselves…most nights
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
"He may look like an idiot and talk like an idiot but don't let that fool you. He really is an idiot" Evgeny Nabakov on Garth Snow
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
by Kevin Power on Mar 31, 2011 11:00 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I think the problem is the good teams put in the effort and play desperate at the right times. Not saying the Rangers aren’t a good team but the best teams play their best when it counts most.
by Zuppa Di Pesce on Apr 1, 2011 7:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Grind
I’m about ass tired of hearing that crap and the next time Tortorella mentions “Grind” he ought to be kicked in his ass until his nose bleeds.
"Time to bench Tortarella - and by that I mean Tortorella..."
LACK OF HEART AND EFFORT ON A TEAM BASIS!
they didnt show anything… this team to be lacking leadership all season long.! they need to play together and work hard the next 4 games and go 3 and 1 or face a lowsy off season where torts disgrace and rangers should and would replace half the forwards on this team.. who need to go or be traded next year…! its our lack of scoring that has plagued us for 3 years now.. !
They haven't lacked leadership all year long...Callahan?
Its a crushing loss, but it is just one loss. Step away from the bridge…
by NastyNate82 on Mar 31, 2011 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Dubi looked terrible. The announcers even talked about it. He had no energy at all until he got into that one little scrap.
Pierre McGuire needs to go away.
by MartyEqualsPansy on Apr 1, 2011 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions
agree
With everything except for Torts’ postgame. What was there to really say? The silent time out was what bothered me tonight though.
by Mike_from_NNJ on Mar 31, 2011 10:50 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
TORTS REFUSED TO TALK WITH MEDIA AFTER THE GAME
This is what I don’t like about him, he needs to be accountable to some degree. Bad enough the GM doesn’t talk to the media. This really pisses me off.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Mar 31, 2011 10:50 PM EDT reply actions
IDK,
but do they really need to give a press conference after every game? What was he going to say tonight? We played great and just got beat? No, we all saw the game , they sucked tonight, end of story. Now lets forget this game and get ready for Philly. Philly is going to be up for the game so we have to be mentally ready.
by nathansfamous on Apr 1, 2011 4:10 AM EDT up reply actions
I actually, 100%, support Torts doing that to the media. First of all – F the media (no offense to the fine journalists here at BSB). Second, that’s exactly what I would do in this situation. After watching my team put in that type of effort, the last thing in the world I’d want to do is explain it all to a bunch of douches who will likely ask me questions to purposefully get a rise out of me. But for some reason, he’s obligated to address the media in that moment? Eat it.
by j-red on Apr 1, 2011 7:46 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Awww…what’s the big deal? So the NYR got outworked by a bunch of ECHL-ers. Sure they made a Glen Sather Draft Bust™ look like a Vezina winner. But didn’t you watch the last few minutes? Man they sure gooned it up nice! BAM! POW! ZINNNG! That’s some entertaining hockey!
Glen Sather is a Hockey Genius.
http://twitter.com/ThGeneralissimo
http://twitter.com/poplosertwit
This hurts bad for several reasons, it was 6-2, it was the islanders, it was a pivotal 2 points for us…
But I think Nick is right in the fact was the worst part was that it looked like they didn’t even care. They looked like a team already in the playoffs who didn’t feel like putting forth the effort in a game against a terrible team or a team without a prayer of making the playoffs who just didn’t give a damn anymore. In reality, they are obviously smack in the middle of those two extremes, and they just don’t look like it. It looked like every single player on the ice was just assuming the other guy was going to make a play, resulting in nobody doing anything. The lack of effort is unacceptable.
I’m not jumping off any cliffs just yet, and that would be foolish because we still control our own destiny and we all KNOW how good this team CAN be. Inconsistency plagues this team. They just made it a hell of a lot harder on themselves, but hey guess what? It’s been like that all year. We can still buckle down and make these frickin playoffs. We just have to play like we effing care.
I listen to Enter Sandman before taking exams. I wear the exact same jersey every Giants game. The Rangers goal song goes off in my head when I achieve small successes in life.
HEN-RIK
by BombersGmenBlueshirts25 on Mar 31, 2011 10:52 PM EDT reply actions
How good this team can be?
4 or 5 goals in the last five games. I dunno, someone correct me.
"Time to bench Tortarella - and by that I mean Tortorella..."
I Dont know about you guys but I’m tired of torts not answering any questions. I am a fan of his and like him but I want some answers! What are reporters suppose to ask him about? His favorite color? What the weather is like? I mean c’mon dude, I wanna hear my coach tell us what he thinks went wrong. He can do that without ripping guys , Tom Renney always spoke and he gave you some idea into what he thought. Just wondering if u guys agree
by Andy94 rangers are life on Mar 31, 2011 10:54 PM EDT reply actions
i don't mind it personally
there’s nothing to say, and i’d rather a coach honestly say that instead of going out there giving BS answers, or just repeating himself by saying, “well, we played bad.”
if the journalists were looking for a postgame scoop, the fact that torts refused to talk to them gives them everything they need
"I only wanted a few things out of life -- a wife, children, to play baseball and to hunt deer." - Turk Wendell
by Rey-O on Apr 1, 2011 12:20 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
He works for the Rangers, not the papers and fans. If he only feels like addressing the team, then so be it. Just going to be stupid questions and answers that we all know.
Aucune clause de Mouvement
by Blueshirt in Paris on Apr 1, 2011 6:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Just what the doctor ordered?
Let’s be honest, the effort hasn’t been fantastic for like 5 games now, but they’ve been getting by with defense and goaltending. Maybe they needed a good ol’ fashion ass-kicking to realize what they’re doing isn’t going to cut it.
Big picture, they lost one they should’ve gotten here, so they’ll have to get it back Sunday. World isn’t ending yet.
Blueshirt Banter - Where Rangers' Fans Matter
Tracking the Rangers - Numbers don't lie. They just don't agree with you.
Twitter: RangerSmurf
by George E. Ays on Mar 31, 2011 10:55 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
If Tom Coughlin can sit in front of a room of reporters after the Eagles debacle
Torts can put his ego in check and answer questions from the five reporters that follow the team. The fans and reporters deserve that, Brooks will lay into him tomorrow.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Mar 31, 2011 10:55 PM EDT reply actions
Fully agree bro, That loss ripped your heart out and he still spoke to the media
by Andy94 rangers are life on Mar 31, 2011 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Even the next day he admitted he sat in a dark room for a few hours after the game. Jesus Christ Torts, man up and take your medicine.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Mar 31, 2011 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions
the silent timeout proved to me that this team is all screwed up with replacement parts and no core !! leaders?
feds…. avery, christianson, boogard, prospal. gabroik… hahahah
we neeed to scrap them all and get younger and better via draft and free agency this offseason.. we need real hockey players in their prime… like parise, nash, heatley, and some good draft picks … i dont know how ebvweryone else gets good players and picks in the draft and the last 10 years the only true numkber one star has been lundqvist and that is sad!!!!! blame it on sather and our scouts.. they suck!!!!
The limitations of this team offensively are well known and its won’t take a ton to fix it. You need to upgrade spots currently being filled by Feds, Zucc, EC… give me Richards, Kreider/Hagelin or Thomas, and UFA or trade for a 30/30 winger and I love this teams chances next year.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Mar 31, 2011 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions
the core of this team is
dubi, cally, lundvist, stall, anismov, boyle, prust, , mcdonugh, sauer, and thats all for now and whos shown up this year and down the stretch….
Girardi is wearing down. Torts is playing 4 defensemen down the stretch… even Staal looks gassed.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Mar 31, 2011 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes. Girardi leads the Ranger defense with 185 hits, 50 more than the next defenseman. I agree, both he and Staal looked gassed. Most of the team did.
by nathansfamous on Apr 1, 2011 4:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Sorry, forgot about the 221 blocked shots that are over double the Ranger player. Girardi is beat up.
I think the biggest mistake down the stretch was not making Cally, Dubi, or even Prust the team captain. I almost wish Drury back. I know half the Rangers wear the C on their chest every night, but they need the leadership right now.
Not to make excuses, the second game of a back to back at the end of the season is tough. Although I love the Rangers, they are not supermen. Shiat happens, we need a win in Philly.
by nathansfamous on Apr 1, 2011 4:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Totally agree
I blame this on lack of a captain among other things. If torts calls a time-out and stays silent, what more can he say. And in that instance a captain can step in and give a pep talk.
Calmer than you are.
Do people really think that sewing on a letter on a jersey changes things? Leaders are leaders not matter what they are wearing.
Aucune clause de Mouvement
by Blueshirt in Paris on Apr 1, 2011 8:14 AM EDT up reply actions
+1
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
yes it does
the C gives that player responsibility both on and off the ice and, depending upon how the captain is chosen, it shows the fans who team chooses to be its leader and its voice. Being given the C or the As are an honor and a privilege and yes it can change things. If callahan receives the C players on both sides of the red line would look at him differently as being the true leader of the team. that is what the C symbolizes and it is very important to a team’s chemistry
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
"He may look like an idiot and talk like an idiot but don't let that fool you. He really is an idiot" Evgeny Nabakov on Garth Snow
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
you knew that this game the islanders were going to win they do it all the time to us they play like crap all year and beat us that gillies prick somebody needs to knock his teeth out who gives a crap if your uncle was clark that was another goon. anyway the game that will seal there fate if they dont make it was the buffalo game with no miller you have to win no question about it if the canes played them without miller they would have won but know it seems like we are the ones who lose like i said you dont let jonas freakin enroth beat jonas ^^###@!#$^^&^& enroth beat you thats the game that will bury them oh christ i smell a mets choke coming.
lohaus #54
We had to win this game. The refs gave us this game to win.
by nathansfamous on Apr 1, 2011 4:18 AM EDT up reply actions
The season is going to play out like this...
Lose to Flyers, Beat Boston, Beat Atlanta, Lose to NJ in Overtime… Carolina gets 8th seed by 1 point.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Mar 31, 2011 11:06 PM EDT reply actions
Torts claims season is a victory due to development of young players and overall “jam” they played with.. refuses to comment on power play or yo yo line up changes.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Mar 31, 2011 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions
My exact prediction
at the beginning of the season.
Worst Rangers day: April 10, 1984
by Stepan the Ice! on Apr 1, 2011 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Zuccarello
Will somebody please explain why Zuccarello is constantly being put out on the point for power plays? He does NOTHING out there except reverse to the other point. Those PP’s that we didn’t capitalize on in the 1st period are what destroyed us and gave them life. We should have just unloaded on Montoya….especially the 5 on 3’s we were handed.
I dont mind Zuccarello down low coming off the boards but he should not be at the point. Between his indecision and EC’s decision making that 5 on 3 was an abortion.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Mar 31, 2011 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions
RANGERS NEED SPRING CLEANING,, HALF TEAM SHOULD BE DUMPED OR TRADED!
GABROIK. AVERY. CHRISTENSON… MCCABE, FEDS, PROSPAL? ? I LIKE PROSPAL, AND FEDS PLAY BUT THEIR PRIME IS PASSING.. AT LEAST THEY PLAY HARD AND GOT HEART.
Luckily for you only Gaborik and Avery will be back out of all those you listed. Avery because he’s cheap and they can’t move him.. Gabby because he’s an enigma wrapped in a riddle.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Mar 31, 2011 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Montoya being 1st star was a joke
He played the same way he did at MSG when he got yanked, he’s jittery and can’t track the puck well.. the last goal was pretty funny considering one of the knocks on him from time with the Wolf Pack was his concentration gaffes.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Mar 31, 2011 11:14 PM EDT reply actions
Too funny...
Last night I wrote an article about how terrible Torts is as a coach.
One person responded that the article was invalid because I made a few spelling mistakes….talk about anal….logic with people like that is beyond a response
Others posted that I should calm down and back away from the cliff.
We guys…..the cliff is getting closer and the team effort for 60 minutes is missing for the past five games.
Now, tonight, a good number of the posts are pushing half of our players the under the bus and getting on Torts for not doing a press conference.
Funny how a day changes thing?
actually, a day didn’t change anything. your arguments are still shit! There are plenty of things you can blame Torts for. But he has inspired serious positive change in this organization, and to call him a terrible coach is sub-moronic.
And the dude called out your silly spelling mistakes, because, quite frankly, when arguing with someone who makes mistakes as silly as that, it’s easy to discredit their line of reasoning.
And the number of posts you speak of come from TWO posters, gabby the accurate sniper and stugotz, its not the general consensus.
by Zuppa Di Pesce on Apr 1, 2011 8:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Random thoughts
1. This is kind of a minor detail, but MZA was awful tonight. He should be used exclusively for shootouts from here on out, at least this season. I wouldn’t be against him being sent to Hartford either.
2. Andrew Gross suggested in his wrap-up on this game that the team was tight, and that they were picking it up from Tortorella. Now this could be a reporter taking a jab at a coach who has been less than forthcoming – and kind of a dick – lately, but it could also be true.
3. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the 1 game in the last 5 where they played well for 60 minutes was against the Bruins, a ‘big-name’ opponent who’s high in the standings.
This team has become notorious – to those who watch all the games – for playing half assed against so-called ‘no name’ teams like Florida and Ottawa, etc, especially if they’re low in the standings. They did this more last year, but they’ve done it way too often this year too. It’s infuriating.
They are a team that plays with emotion and like to answer the bell when faced with a challenge. They also get lulled to sleep when the game is not engaging…OTT and FLA.
I understand that the challenge is to get points but if you ever played any kinda of sport you know that you get that feeling from the game, the opponent. I’m not saying it’s right, just that its the immaturity and inexperience of this young team showing through. torts has done a decent job trying to get them to play with emotion but that is why it is called experience…you have to experience it. The team needs to learn how to play with urgency even when the play or the opponent on the ice does not dictate it.
I have no doubts that the team will show up for a playoff game. They probably have felt a bit complacent that going to the playoffs was a giving. I really don’t think they spend their days doing probability charts, magic numbers, etc…
I understand Torts not trying to make a big deal out of it, you don’t want to lose your players at this point in the season. You need to keep confidence up, not beat them down. I think the result from the last night speaks louder than anything torts can say to them. They were embarrassed and must feel so.
Aucune clause de Mouvement
by Blueshirt in Paris on Apr 1, 2011 8:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Welcome to the cliff Nick. Take a number.
Only recap I can give to this game is that 18 skaters just embarrassed themselves, and worse, they completely left their goaltenders out to dry. Not a lick of effort, not a lick of leadership. Don’t know what else to say. Chances are they’ll still make the playoffs, but if they go in playing like this, I’d rather they not bother.
Blueshirt Banter *It's just pain.*
Ryan Callahan: running on Vengeance and Tiger Blood since 2006.
Do any of those stats sites have updated info on their actual chances of making it now? A few days ago it was like 98%. I gather it’s a bit lower now.
The %s don’t mean shit, it’s just statistical guessing. They need to win a few or Carolina needs to lose a few. Everything else is moot.
Blueshirt Banter *It's just pain.*
Ryan Callahan: running on Vengeance and Tiger Blood since 2006.
I really don’t think they show up to a playoff game like this compared to playing a AHL team.
Aucune clause de Mouvement
by Blueshirt in Paris on Apr 1, 2011 8:12 AM EDT up reply actions
All I have to say is FML
got home from a long day at Nats Braves game in DC excited to see us get back to business and wax the floor with the fishsticks and get back on the winning wagon to see this mess??!! I’m not gonna throw anybody under the bus or talk about any aspect of the game other than it was just a horrid effort all the way around cuz I’m too damn tired to say anything else but I sure hate having a dvr when I use it to want to run into a wall or throw something through the tv!! Aaaaargghhh this was just the worst…enough mindless rambling I just hope whatever wrong gets friggin fixed….and soon!
by Mr. Avery to you on Apr 1, 2011 12:21 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Aweful effort, but common guys how many young players do we have? Dubinsky Cally Anisimov have carried the offense for the bulk of the year, and they weren’t even slated to be our top line…
It’s obvoius this team is gassed… Staal and Girardi hav ebeen playing close to 30 minutes a game for the past 3 weeks… Prust and Boyle have anchored that defensive role all season, and prust has played injured, gabby’s not stepping up… This is a team of tired young guys…
I don’t question the leadership, I don’t question the coach, the playoffs are not something that was even expected, and this hype that has come has been far to much for this team because of our stretch run… Hank has played unbelievable down the stretch, I didn’t buy into the massive hype that “this is our year to be like the flyers” these guys hit a wall… it’s not like we have a bunch of over paid vets on this team like the mets when they collapsed… we have young talent which is growing, it’s going to happen… we are in a transitional phase right now, and it’s amazing we even are in the position we are in considering the injuries and the vast amount of young players we have…
We have one of the youngest, if not the youngest defensive corps in the whole league and for some reason when we hit a rough patch it’s time to shake this up like an etch-a-sketch and start over…
I for one love this team and we have the necessary building blocks to build a strong contender, but not this year, it would be short of a miracle this year if we made the finals… yes we can steal a series or two, but we don’t have the depth to carry us as far as the flyers… remember the flyers underachieved for most of last season, we are overachieving this season if you ask me… wait 3 years then jump off the cliff if we aren’t making the playoffs..
I refuse to get angry at this team period… yea they played like absolute shit, but you knwo what they do actually give a damn that they lost… unlike other recent rangers teams… if they are out of gas, then well they gave it one hell of a run…
@clalicata17
Totally Agree
The only one I’m truly p.o’d at is Gaborik. He is a veteran. He’s paid a lot of $s to score goals. And he can’t seem to come close to finding the net.
by Blue Blooded (with Pinstripes) on Apr 1, 2011 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
This is my first post.....
…so please be gentle. But I had to sign up and post after this nightmare. And I needed to vent. And this site is the unfortunate victim. I apologize in advance.
I don’t know if any of these players haven’t heard of a bag skate. But I would hope that in the next 20 hours, they all do. Because what I saw for 40 minutes tonight (I couldn’t bring myself to watch the last 20 minutes, I was so disgusted,) they deserve to be shamed and beaten up for that “effort.” And yes, I know it’s the end of the season, and they’re gassed. At least it’s something that hasn’t been tried (as far as I know.)
Now, I’m not on the cliff just yet, but this is got to be cause for alarm. The failure on so many levels of this team is baffling. No drive for loose pucks. Torts silent on the bench during a timeout, and the only response he seems to have is a mildly constipated look. Zuccarello, McCabe, and every other “point man,” and that’s used very loosely, playing offsides footsie with the puck on the blue line on the power play. No one in front of the net at any time. At any time. At ANY time. Bad D pinching. No cycle. Gaborik going schizophrenic. Trying passes through 4 players for a slow, bad angle one timer.
And this has been going on for 3 solid weeks.
I’m not concerned about the 2 game losing streak, as much as I am about, as the fact as the same things keep happening, and losing for the same reasons. If not for Henrik, this team should of been eliminated about a month ago. And the fact the prime of his career is going up in smoke in front of our eyes is shameful. And no resolution is in sight. Hank can’t win every game 1-0.
Okay, maybe I should take a number for the cliff jump.
The lack of leadership has already been discussed. And if I had some idea how to fix this mess, I’d run for God. I’m at my wits end with this team. I think I need professional help. I wanted to see the shrink in my office building, but I don’t think it would do any good. He’s a Rangers fan too.
Welcome aboard, great first post
Let me know how that works out for you . . .
by SimpleManiac on Apr 1, 2011 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
good post.. welcome :)
run away while u still can ;)
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
I started drinking at 2pm yesterday...
… and totally forgot there was a game last night. Thank you Miller Lite!
Nobody in front
Someone help me out here…is it just the system or are the Rangers just not able to get bodies in front of the crease? You have to see it too…a Ranger behind the goal with the puck and NOBODY in front. Can we bring Adam Graves back? We need some of those garbage goals…Keith Primeau, Joh
Normally I would agree with you but last nigh it almost seemed we were too close to the net, rebounds we behind players.
Aucune clause de Mouvement
by Blueshirt in Paris on Apr 1, 2011 8:22 AM EDT up reply actions
The season is a success, no matter how the final four games play out.
It may not take the anger and frustration away from the last two games, but given all the injuries, line up changes and youth on the team, a 90 point season (assuming 1-1-2 finish) is pretty damn good. It’ll be rough not making the playoffs given how long they were in position to do so, but it is part of the process. The maddening inconsistency the team shows at times is part of the maturation process, improving the talent level will widen the margin of error for the team. I haven’t enjoyed Ranger hockey like this in 13 years, I’m not going to lose focus on that because they ran out of gas.
Give me an offseason with Richards (at the right price/term), an established 20-25 goal scorer via trade or free agency and during camp figure out a 3rd d pairing out of MDZ, Valentenko and Kundratek to reduce the load on Staal and DG. Do these things and this time next year they’ll be closer to 100 points than 90 and we won’t be on the edge of the cliff after every loss.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Apr 1, 2011 9:07 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I’ll take a 1-1-2 finish, if Carolina finished 3-2-0. No problem.
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Tracking the Rangers - Numbers don't lie. They just don't agree with you.
Twitter: RangerSmurf
by George E. Ays on Apr 1, 2011 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions
So would I…. was thinking 1-2-1. If they went 3-2 would they have the tie breaker? Forget if it goes head to head first or wins?
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Apr 1, 2011 9:31 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Regulation/Overtime wins. Then head-to-head.
Blueshirt Banter *It's just pain.*
Ryan Callahan: running on Vengeance and Tiger Blood since 2006.
Emotionally I'm on the Cliff, but logically I am not...
There is a great core of young talent that has gelled this year. There are promising prospects in the system who will add to this team. Hank is Hank — he’s awesome! But the Rangers need to add a few goal scorers to truly compete. It is very simple — you can’t win games if you don’t score goals! 6 goals in the last 5 games (with 2 last night) isn’t going to help you win games — with so little goal production the defense/goaltending have to be lights out night after night. That is not sustainable. Sather needs to get us some goal scorers this off-season and then we’ll have a team!
by Blue Blooded (with Pinstripes) on Apr 1, 2011 9:37 AM EDT reply actions
Agreed. IMO Richards is part of the answer, I think they need another top six forward in the mix. If not via FA route, I’m not against packaging picks and prospects for a younger (under 28) forward. I’ve seen enough of the one year rentals. They need to get serious about another scoring winger, they have more than enough prospects and picks to put together a package, only confines would be nobody over 28 and they need to be able to create on their own with the puck. My wish list would have Patrick Kane, but that will never happen. But that type/style of player is what I think they need.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Apr 1, 2011 9:53 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Speculating on Carolinas remaining schedule..
If I had to guess I’d say they end up with another 6-7 points out of the final 10 possible. If Rangers split their last four in regulation they should be okay. Cam Ward is scary, if he stays hot these pricks could end up with 8.
Sat 2 @ NYI
Sun 3 BUF
Wed 6 DET
Fri 8 @ATL
Sat 9 TAM
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Apr 1, 2011 9:44 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
What's with these back to back games?
What’s with these back to back games? I mean it is so stupid that the team has to play them and then seat for like a week inactive. What’s up with this bad scheduling? The team is obviously in disadvantage having played the night before. I am not trying to excuse our bad performance yesterday, but take a look at Detroit losing to the Blues 3:10 on the second of back to back nights? Are the Wings a really that worse than St Louis? I don’t think so. Don’t give me that “there are so many days available”. No. There are 6.5 months from October to April, which is about 190-200 days. Teams play 82 games each. You do the math. If you play every other day, it makes so much easier on the team. Something has to change next year.
oh
well, then we should have smoked Buffalo, right?
"Time to bench Tortarella - and by that I mean Tortorella..."
Wait Until Next Year
The Rangers have done extremely well this year when one considers the injuries, inexperience and lack of talent. Although they have played with grit and fortitude throughout the season, it appears to me that they have run out of gas when the finish line was in sight. Torts has emphasized a grinding, dump and run style of play that has worn the team out. Both Buffalo and Carolina are playing their best hockey when it matters most. The Rangers have sunk into a funk and are not playing well enough to win. The Rangers must win their remaining games to be sure of making the playoffs. I doubt that will happen. This year has been a transitional year to develop our young prospects and give them experience. It has worked extremely well. Many of the older, experienced players on the team have not played well and hopefully most will be replaced by prospects and free agents next year. The future looks bright, but the present is a bummer.
A few things.....
1. Tortorella didn’t speak to the media, big deal. Yeah, Tom Coughlin spoke to the media after the Giants lost that debacle to the Eagles, did that help in any way? No. Torts didn’t feel like talking to the media, and to me this is a non-issue. There is absolutely nothing he could have said that would have placated any of us anyway. Except of course the nuts who want him fired.
2. Blaming these two losses on “youth”, “pressure”, and “back to back” games is silly. Isn’t this the same “young” team facing “pressure” and playing “back to back” games that went 8-1-1 over 10 games?
3. Pitiful effort. No other way to put it. If they blow the playoffs, they have absolutely no one to blame but the faces in the mirror.
4. I’m really sick of watching PA Parenteau score.
5. Rangers need to clear their heads, and be ready for Sunday. For all three periods. Not just the first, not just the third, all three.
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Apr 1, 2011 10:26 AM EDT reply actions
It’s much better having a seething coach say nothing than having a bumbling coach try to explain away an ass kicking (see Jerry Manuel 2009-2010).
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Apr 1, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know why Torts even bothered coming out to the media. It was obvious he had nothing to say. I think he was waiting for one of them to ask something really irritating so he could punch them in the mouth.
Blueshirt Banter *It's just pain.*
Ryan Callahan: running on Vengeance and Tiger Blood since 2006.
I respectfully disagree..
Torts needs to speak to the media because its part of his job. His inability to do it after last nights effort reflects poorly on his character. He’s already thought to be smug and arrogant, but refusing to answer questions is embarrassing. Why shouldn’t he answer questions..what professional sport doesn’t require post game press access and cooperation from the coach? Why does Torts deserve special treatment, he needs to stand there and be accountable to some degree for what occurred. Nobody expects perfect answers and explanations, but they deserve to know his thoughts. I like Torts and think he’s the right guy for this job, but he was classless last night by making only the players be accountable to outsiders after the game.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Apr 1, 2011 11:06 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I tend to think most of what players and coaches say is pretty bland, cliched, canned comments, etc. If he stays at the mic and barks at reporters that doesn’t really look any better than what he did.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Apr 1, 2011 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Exactly.
Unless a coach goes completely off the deep end a la Jim Mora, there’s nothing ever gained from listening to coach speak in a presser.
Why can’t the players be accountable once in a while? Tortorella wasn’t one of the guys skating around like they’re auditioning for Disney on Ice.
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Twitter: RangerSmurf
by George E. Ays on Apr 1, 2011 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions
they’re auditioning for Disney on Ice.
Don’t diss Mickey like that. Disney would be leaps and bounds better than what we saw last night.
Blueshirt Banter *It's just pain.*
Ryan Callahan: running on Vengeance and Tiger Blood since 2006.
The players are accountable, they talk to the media after every game. If Dubi,Cally or Henrik refused to speak to reporters after the game I’d be saying the same thing. Torts didn’t want to answer for his teams horrendous performance, so he skipped out and made the players answer on their own. Maybe that’s what he thought was best, as a fan I found it to be chicken shit. He even called out Brooks before he said anything, almost acknowledging what he was about to do was bush league. Anyway, opinions are like assholes we all have one and they all stink.. time to move on.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Apr 1, 2011 12:16 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
And what exactly did the players say? Some variation of “we’ve got to play better” or “this is unacceptable at this time of year” or some other garden variety quote. I usually don’t watch postgame shows because 90% of what’s being said is predictable and often the safe thing to say.
I’m much more concerned with whatever Torts says to the players that helps them get their heads out of their collective asses than what he says to the press.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Apr 1, 2011 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
How is it part of his job?
I highly doubt it is. He’s not accountable to the media, and pricks like Larry Brooks.
He’s accountable to his boss. Him talking to the media wouldn’t have brought anything productive. WE already know what questions would have been asked and how he would have answered.
Get over it already. Stop making an issue out of nothing.
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
+1
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
After that 5 on 3 I should have just shut it off. When 5 guys all stand still on a 5 on 3, they make it amazingly easy for the opposition. Move around and create different passing lanes! Is that such a wild concept?
Sad effort tonight. I’m not approaching the cliff as we all (or most) know the playoffs would be a bonus for this team this year. But that bonus is so close, it would hurt not to reach it at this point.
Manning lobs it, Burress alone, touchdown New York!
For the empty net, Mark Messier... do you believe it?! Do you believe it?! He said we will win game 6 - he has just picked up the hat trick!
Totally agree about the 5 on 3.. standing around like cones isn’t going to get it done. The points always seemed so high too, the D to D type passes inside the blue line are always right on the edge of the line.. and Zucc has absolutely no business playing up top on the power play…
by rocknrolljesus on Apr 1, 2011 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
We were on our 5 on 3 without McCabe or Gaborik.
That hurts, a lot.
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
MZA down to the Whale?
All the other Rangers sites have Zuke going back. I thought it was April fools, but that was last night.
Looks like it is true.
MZA sent back ………
by nathansfamous on Apr 1, 2011 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
yep…zuke is back with Fudgie…good move for him let him play out the rest of the season getting top 6 minutes
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
"He may look like an idiot and talk like an idiot but don't let that fool you. He really is an idiot" Evgeny Nabakov on Garth Snow
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Anybody coming up… or does Wolski get to play out the last 4?
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Apr 1, 2011 12:22 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
nobody can come up unless theres an injury emergency
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
"He may look like an idiot and talk like an idiot but don't let that fool you. He really is an idiot" Evgeny Nabakov on Garth Snow
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
also cam talbot has been sent back down
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
"He may look like an idiot and talk like an idiot but don't let that fool you. He really is an idiot" Evgeny Nabakov on Garth Snow
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Roster freeze w/AHL? I see that Da Costa is playing for Ottawa tomorrow.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Apr 1, 2011 12:34 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
no after the deadline each team is allowed i think its 4 call ups and then emergency call ups
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
"He may look like an idiot and talk like an idiot but don't let that fool you. He really is an idiot" Evgeny Nabakov on Garth Snow
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Da Costa never went to the AHL, so I’m guessing he doesn’t count as a call-up anyway.
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Twitter: RangerSmurf
by George E. Ays on Apr 1, 2011 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
i generally try to stay away from recaps that entail reliving a horrible game...
but this was very well put…i was just thorougly sickedned by this game….to the point where the only thing i coudl do was just start “laughing it off” when i really just wanted punch something.
I dont think i have turned a game off early all season except maybe one of the Colorado games earlier in the season….but as soon as they scored their 5th goal last night i just couldnt watch any further.
Mats Zuccarello - Icing goalies' groins since 2010
In Prust we Trust - "It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Apr 1, 2011 12:12 PM EDT reply actions
oh...
and im really glad i wasn’t watching to see that Gilles douchebag score the 6th….would not have went over well.
Mats Zuccarello - Icing goalies' groins since 2010
In Prust we Trust - "It's just pain."
This team has balls.
by Master Ov Brutality on Apr 1, 2011 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
here's my recap
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
"He may look like an idiot and talk like an idiot but don't let that fool you. He really is an idiot" Evgeny Nabakov on Garth Snow
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
I'm on the fence
What was more embarrassing, the fact that we lost to the Islanders in blowout fashion or the fact that we let Trevor Gillies score?
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by The Last Shall Become First on Apr 1, 2011 12:20 PM EDT reply actions
What was most embarrassing is how much effort they put into completely not giving a shit.
Blueshirt Banter *It's just pain.*
Ryan Callahan: running on Vengeance and Tiger Blood since 2006.
It was over at 3-1, not saying they gave up.. But the hope of coming back appeared to be completely gone by body language.
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Apr 1, 2011 12:32 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
MZA
-3
Two goals directly related to his loss of focus on D, just based on watching the highlights. Just pathetic.
I was headed home at 11 and saw some Ranger fans at a pizza parlor – when they said “sixth goal” I decided to forgo the DVR viewing catastrophe and save me a nights sleep.
Let me know how that works out for you . . .
Unfortunately, the things that were problems ALL SEASON LONG have just come back to haunt the team.
They played like crap last night, but it’s not like we haven’t seen these same problems before—-we just chose not to face up to them. Last nite was a “Perfect Storm”. Everything wrong with the team happened on one night against one team.
Please let me list them:
1) Only one scorer (?) on the team—- Gaborik
2) Power play theory and coaching stinks
3) Too many players just can’t get the puck on net, even when they’re not rushed
4) Too much time spent and too many players behind the net on offense
5) Too predictable on offense
I guess I could list some more, but I’m not really trying to condemn the team—-it is what it is. We are desperate for a couple of more scorers and some people that can get the puck on net, and for a couple of guys that will just stand at the crease and do what has to be done.
The defense is NOT the problem, the offense is. Unfortunately, some good and popular players are going to have to go because we just can’t survive on just defense, nite after nite. We HAVE to have players that can contribute offensively as well as defensively.
I never thought that they’d get as close to a playoff spot as they are, I still hope they can make it in, but even if they don’t they have a good core to build on. It’s just going to be hard to see some popular players go to make room for people that can offer more offense, even at the cost of some defense.
You can win a game even if your defense isn’t the greatest and gives up an occasional goal, but not if you score one goal a game. YA GOTTA HAVE OFFENSE!!!
If I may retort
1) There are only 89 guys currently with 20+ goals this year, the Rangers have 5 of them. Granted, their leading point scorer (Dubinsky) is 68th in the league. No, they don’t have the 30 goal guy (aside from a productive Gaborik), but there aren’t a lot of those guys floating around.
3) This team doesn’t miss the net more or less than other teams in the league. In fact, they’re just below league average in missed shots. (NHL: 27.9%, NYR: 27.66%). Believing otherwise is simply confirmation bias. When you’re trying to ‘pick corners,’ you’re going to miss wide. I’d rather they miss the net than keep shooting into the chest, personally.
2,4,5 – no argument.
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Tracking the Rangers - Numbers don't lie. They just don't agree with you.
Twitter: RangerSmurf
by George E. Ays on Apr 1, 2011 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions
it's physics
a hard piece of rubber cannot go through a jersey, chest protector/pads, and torso/legs. i agree, they really don’t have pure shooters/finishers. think back to the big goal games recently. picking corners and rebounds, both of which they aren’t doing/getting.
If I took a poll of who has the higher shooting percentage over the last two years, Brandon Dubinsky or Alex Ovechkin, how many people do you think get the question wrong?
I’m not saying there aren’t guys who shoot pretty well (neither of those in the above question), but a good portion of shooting talent/scoring goals comes from getting shots (especially from dangerous areas), not a magical ability to hit a corner consistently. The 30-40 goal guys are guys that find a way to get 250+ shots.
Blueshirt Banter - Where Rangers' Fans Matter
Tracking the Rangers - Numbers don't lie. They just don't agree with you.
Twitter: RangerSmurf
by George E. Ays on Apr 1, 2011 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
McCabe
mccabe played like he was stoned out of his mind. half assed flip passes, couldn’t pass straight across the blue line on the PP, and basically looked like he was 50. not only last night either.
Farewell Zuke
Right now we have no choice but to win the last four games The Canes can easily lose three of the last five, but I’m not betting on it
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by The Last Shall Become First on Apr 1, 2011 2:41 PM EDT reply actions
Buffalo
Gents – I am an optimist on the worst of days, but when TC scored on us the night before last right after the PP oin buffalo I felt the bottom fall out. Over-reaction? Possibly, but I was in my man cave finished garage with my my flat screen tv and I threw my half smoked $15.00 cigar to the ground and stomped inside. My wife knew immediately the blueshirts were losing, but when i told her 1-0 she remarked that is not so insurmountable – i told her in my limited 30+years of hockey it was just one of those seminal moments…..not in a good way, obviously….and then they get eviscerated by the Islanders…..WTF are we supposed to think as fans? I have been a BIG #10 supported for the last two years, even with his injuries this year, but he he lost my confidence….and moreover noone on the opposing defense respects him….I’m rambling cause I guess it makes me feel a little better, but the bottom line is the Rangers are likely now to miss the dance.
"Time to bench Tortarella - and by that I mean Tortorella..."
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