Rangers Playoff Gameday News and Notes, Superstitions?
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Apr 13, 2011 12:59 PM EDT
in New York Rangers News
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According to the "beat tweets", it looks like Sean Avery and Steve Eminger are going to be the scratches for tonight's Game One, which means Mats Zuccarello and Matt Gilroy will be in the lineup, giving the Rangers by my count seven guys playing in their first playoff game tonight.
Here are your probable lines, subject to change by the time the anthem is over:
Vinny Prospal - Artem Anisimov - Marian Gaborik
Brandon Dubinsky - Derek Stepan - Ruslan Fedotenko
Wojtek Wolski - Brian Boyle - Brandon Prust
Mats Zuccarello- Erik Christensen - Chris Drury
Marc Staal - Dan Girardi
Ryan McDonagh - Mike Sauer
Bryan McCabe - Matt Gilroy
Chad Johnson will start in goal.
Just seeing if you are paying attention.
While everyone is talking about Marian Gaborik needing to have a strong playoff series, I'm focused on the secondary scoring. The Capitals are going to pay closer attention to Marian Gaborik, so its guys like Brandon Dubinsky, Brian Boyle and Wojtek Wolski that I think are going to be the key for the Rangers offensively. All three had seasons that could best be described as "streaky", those are a few of the guys that for me are going to help determine the Rangers fate.
Ryan McDonagh and Michael Sauer are going to see plenty of the Capitals top line these first two games, with the Caps having the benefit of last line change. Call me crazy, but I think they are going to be up to the challenge.
If Avery does sit, only four players in the Rangers lineup will be over 30: Bryan McCabe, Vinny Prospal, Ruslan Fedotenko, and Chris Drury.
Chris Drury, the Rangers just need you to win those face-offs, and kill the penalties. If they get any goals from you, it's gravy. The Rangers want to play puck possession, that starts with the face-off, and you are still the best on the team.
The regular season has been one of the most fun since I've been following the Rangers. A few stinkers, and we had to sweat it out at the end for sure. But I'm proud of this team, as proud as I've ever been of any team I've ever rooted for. Their guts, heart, and determination are truly a pleasure to watch, and I am not ready to see this season end just yet.
It's going to be all about surviving the first ten minutes tonight. Get past the early adrenaline rush from the Caps, the crowd noise, and that dumb air horn at the Verizon Center. Settle in, play the game, and be smart. If the Rangers can get a win in Game One, I think the Caps will pucker up tighter than a snare drum. I see the Capitals as a team with a very fragile psyche. Rangers can play fast and loose, no one expects anything from this bunch of kids with "balls".
Finally, do you have playoff superstitions? I don't have a set bunch, I let them develop as the games roll along. But I am very superstitious in a "karma" type way. Whatever Ranger shirt I wear tonight will be worn again Friday if they win, or washed and put away for the remainder of the series if they lose. Same goes for whatever hat I wear. I've got enough of both to cover all the games. If they win tonight, whatever I have for dinner I will have again Friday, etc. Like I said, its "karma" for me, and you don't screw with karma.
Rangers in six.....we got this.
As for my other useless predictions: Sabres in 7, Bruins in 5, Lightning in 5, Canucks in 4, Coyotes in 6, Ducks in 6, Sharks in 5.
One last thing: Glen, if Caps fans are making derogatory remarks about Ranger players, do us a favor, don't write the NHL about it. Thanks!
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black out
no playoff game should ever be blacked out. what a joke. so i live in colorado, i can’t watch the rangers – caps? everyone has to watch the red wings?
Rangers will be on NHL Center Ice.
If you don’t have Center Ice, I suggest you start looking for a bar in your area that has one
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Apr 13, 2011 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Or if you can get to Mesa AZ before gametime you can watch the game at my house
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Apr 13, 2011 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Chad Johnson will start in goal.
Just seeing if you are paying attention.
If I had a drink in my mouth I would have spat it out.
@DigDeepNYR
"I like a man who grins when he fights." -Sir Winston Churchill
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."
I’ve missed you
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Apr 13, 2011 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Missed you too Jim. Have had nothing but tests and projects and preparing for a debate for my Poli Sci class. That and I am sore as shit from some basketball I played two days ago. Don’t worry, I carved out a big block of time for tonight!
After the game I have to study for another damn test though.
@DigDeepNYR
"I like a man who grins when he fights." -Sir Winston Churchill
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."
LET’S GO RANGERS.
@DigDeepNYR
"I like a man who grins when he fights." -Sir Winston Churchill
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."
by Dig Deep on Apr 13, 2011 4:19 PM EDT reply actions 5 recs
This
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Apr 13, 2011 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions
epic
"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
We doing anything like last year wrt predictions for each series/round?
Blueshirt Banter *It's just pain.*
Ryan Callahan: running on Vengeance and Tiger Blood since 2006.
And, Courtesy of Down Goes Brown....the prediction part was my favorite.
#8 Rangers vs. #1 Capitals
The matchup: Experts warn that the coaching matchup between John Tortorella and Bruce Boudreau could lead to a severe worldwide shortage of f-bombs.
The view from New York: The Rangers were on the verge of missing the playoffs before clinching a spot when Carolina was eliminated on a dramatic last-minute goal from NBC’s senior vice president of sports programming.
The view from Washington: Alexander Ovechkin managed a career low 32 goals on the season, although in fairness he did spend every game laying in a hammock at centre ice while napping with a sign around his neck reading “Wake me for the playoffs”.
Player to watch: There will be a ton of pressure on Washington’s talented but unproven young goaltender, whoever that happens to be on a given night.
Prediction: Just like last year, the top-seeded Capitals should be set to dominate just as long as they don’t run into an elite European goaltender who can single-handedly…. oh. Oh man.
Blueshirt Banter *It's just pain.*
Ryan Callahan: running on Vengeance and Tiger Blood since 2006.
All right, good luck and enjoy the game, guys.
i probably won’t be back before tomorrow – I’ll be nursing my wounds if we lose and celebrating if we win.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
To you as well.
Blueshirt Banter *It's just pain.*
Ryan Callahan: running on Vengeance and Tiger Blood since 2006.
You want superstitious? Last playoff series I went to the Verizon Center for Game 5. I wore my Lundqvist jersey, and when he began to have a bad night the Caps fan directly behind me started the Lundqvist chants that went up throughout the stadium. That was the beginning of the end of our playoff hopes… I’ve been back to the Verizon center, but refuse to go when the Rangers play for fear I jinxed us.
im not a big fan of jersey washing
i bought an eli manning red alternate jersey before the 2007 season, never washed it, and, well, it worked rather well wouldn’t you say?
had a jeter jersey i didn’t wash the whole 2009 playoff run, then ruined it when they won by spraying sparkling cider everywhere, it’s still in my house at home somewhere
i have a rather recently acquired hank jersey (yet to see playoff action… or a wash) and I don’t plan on washing it, perhaps if we don’t win the Cup I’ll wash it before next season or something…
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 Apr 13, 2011 4:40 PM EDT reply actions
While I absolutely despise the Giants red jersey, I am glad that worked out for you.
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Apr 13, 2011 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Fajitas or quesadillas. That is all I have to say.
@DigDeepNYR
"I like a man who grins when he fights." -Sir Winston Churchill
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."
I also already have a playoff beard.
@DigDeepNYR
"I like a man who grins when he fights." -Sir Winston Churchill
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."
Couples months your beard will be ready to audition for a spot with ZZ Top.
Blueshirt Banter *It's just pain.*
"On this team, we fight for that inch. On this team, we tear ourselves and everyone else around us to pieces for that inch. We claw with our fingernails for that inch. Because we know when we add up all those inches, that's gonna make the fucking difference between winning and losing! Between living and dying! I'll tell you this - in any fight, it's the guy who's willing to die who's gonna win that inch."
FAJITAS!
"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!!!
what do you mean “or” its gotta be both for two months and then hopefully your body could take it
"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
Chad Johnson in goal
RANGERS SWEEEP BABAY
"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
8K I know you asked me on the twits about the playoff picks. If you want to start it up, post it as a Fan Post, and go for it. I’m just not going to have time to run it, and Joe is busy with work
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Apr 13, 2011 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions
will do
"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
Was thinking about it, but go ahead 8k. I’ll give you a hand adding it up at the end if you need.
Blueshirt Banter *It's just pain.*
"On this team, we fight for that inch. On this team, we tear ourselves and everyone else around us to pieces for that inch. We claw with our fingernails for that inch. Because we know when we add up all those inches, that's gonna make the fucking difference between winning and losing! Between living and dying! I'll tell you this - in any fight, it's the guy who's willing to die who's gonna win that inch."
its series picks and goal total from each series right?
"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 thought it was number of games not goals
GO PACK GO -- 13 Time World Champions
Let's Go Rangers
by Plusch on Apr 13, 2011 6:00 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
It was just who won the series and the # of games. # of goals is REALLY wacky, but it’s ok.
Blueshirt Banter *It's just pain.*
"On this team, we fight for that inch. On this team, we tear ourselves and everyone else around us to pieces for that inch. We claw with our fingernails for that inch. Because we know when we add up all those inches, that's gonna make the fucking difference between winning and losing! Between living and dying! I'll tell you this - in any fight, it's the guy who's willing to die who's gonna win that inch."
found this on youtube a while back, but for some reason the audio has been removed, luckily I found another link
wanna get pumped for tonight? watch this, it gets me pumped even though I don’t really have a memory of it
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 Apr 13, 2011 4:58 PM EDT reply actions
best single performance by any ranger in the history of the franchise.
Flyers take it up the ass, doo dah, doo dah, Flyers take it up the ass, all lah doo lah day.
by FIRESATHER327 on Apr 13, 2011 5:40 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm growing the playoff beard
I’m 17. This’ll get ugly
"In the '60s I slept with many women, often outside in the mud and rain. It's possible a man may have slipped in there, there's no way of knowing."
it’ll look better than cindy’s though
"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 20 and on crosbys level so don’t worry
GO PACK GO -- 13 Time World Champions
Let's Go Rangers
by Plusch on Apr 13, 2011 6:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
The uglier the beard the prouder you should be. It’s not about being a pretty beard, it’s about what the beard says about your ridiculous devotion to the team you love. Wear it proud.
@DigDeepNYR
"I like a man who grins when he fights." -Sir Winston Churchill
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."
Rangers in 4
It will happen
Blueshirt Banter - "The Worlds Greatest Entertainers"
Pinstripe Alley - "The Kings of the Ring"
The Phinsider - "As Long as we finish ahead of the Jets, the season is a success"
by The Last Shall Become First on Apr 13, 2011 5:06 PM EDT reply actions
Even without Kovalev?
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Apr 13, 2011 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions
with him it’d be rangers in 2
"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
Being that this is his last year
It would’ve been great to see Kovalev end his career as a member of the Stanley Cup champion New York Rangers, but it just was not meant to be and he most likely wil get swept out of the first round with the rest of the Penguins.
Blueshirt Banter - "The Worlds Greatest Entertainers"
Pinstripe Alley - "The Kings of the Ring"
The Phinsider - "As Long as we finish ahead of the Jets, the season is a success"
by The Last Shall Become First on Apr 13, 2011 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Superstition
I noticed recently that when I pet one of my two cats the Rangers score.
There are a couple of bare patches on her coat now and she hisses when she hears Sam Rosen’s voice.
"To everybody else we're underdogs, but we go in thinking we can handle any team in the NHL."
Brandon Prust, #8, New York Rangers
speaking of superstitions
I’ve been posting that Miracle video in the game thread and its worked against the flyers, bruins and devils…so itll be up there tonight but if they lose i’m getting rid of it forever
"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
watching top messier moments on msg is like...
Waking up in a tropical paradise, remembering how great the past was.
Flyers take it up the ass, doo dah, doo dah, Flyers take it up the ass, all lah doo lah day.
by FIRESATHER327 on Apr 13, 2011 5:42 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Loved when he passed Gordie Howe in points
And of course Kovalev assisted on that goal. Seeing my two favorite players embrace after that goal brings tears to my eyes and a smile to my face
Blueshirt Banter - "The Worlds Greatest Entertainers"
Pinstripe Alley - "The Kings of the Ring"
The Phinsider - "As Long as we finish ahead of the Jets, the season is a success"
by The Last Shall Become First on Apr 13, 2011 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Mess staring it down
Re: superstitions, ever since Mess came in and stared down the whole “1940” curse, I have been completely absolved of any jinxs, superstitions, etc. For me, it’s all about the focus, intensity, talent and drive that the team has…that’s it…and we’re in damn good shape in those departments, especially this year :)
If there was such a thing as a jinx, ’94’s NJD Game Four would have been the tell-tale sign, his Game 6 guarantee would have backfired, Zelpukin’s goal would’ve led to a 2OT loss as the puck slithered it’s way in amongst the mass of skates and deflections in front of Richter just moments before "Matteau"x3 scaled Mt. Vancouver and Nathan Lafayette’s shot ringing off the post in VAN Game 7 would’ve deflected in…nuff said…
time to put your internet reputation where your mouth is
http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/2011/4/13/2109327/prediction-time-people
"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
Game 1 of the playoffs kicked off of MSG for a meaningless Knicks game
Which begs the question, Why?
Blueshirt Banter - "The Worlds Greatest Entertainers"
Pinstripe Alley - "The Kings of the Ring"
The Phinsider - "As Long as we finish ahead of the Jets, the season is a success"
by The Last Shall Become First on Apr 13, 2011 5:49 PM EDT reply actions
Apparently more people watch that garbage than hockey.
Blueshirt Banter *It's just pain.*
"On this team, we fight for that inch. On this team, we tear ourselves and everyone else around us to pieces for that inch. We claw with our fingernails for that inch. Because we know when we add up all those inches, that's gonna make the fucking difference between winning and losing! Between living and dying! I'll tell you this - in any fight, it's the guy who's willing to die who's gonna win that inch."
I’ve got 7 jerseys to choose from but so far this year my Cally heritage jersey has the best overall record in both watching games on tv and attending games. My Dubi white jersey has been nearly perfect at home but winless at games. Which one????
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Apr 13, 2011 6:29 PM EDT reply actions
Clean slate. Just wear whatever you want. I wouldn’t wear the Cally, he isn’t playing, but that’s just me
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Apr 13, 2011 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I tend to follow that rule. That’s why my MDZ jersey hasn’t left the closet in a while.
by MyFavBaseballSquadron on Apr 13, 2011 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I had superstitions when I was younger watching the Rangers...
But that was mostly during my childhood years from ’98 or so until the lockout. So I scrapped that whole idea, seeing how things went back then.
by broadwayblueshirts on Apr 13, 2011 6:51 PM EDT reply actions
Prediction contest
http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/2011/4/13/2109327/prediction-time-people
We have an unofficial 2011 NHL Playoffs Prediction Contest that BSB member 8kPower found the time to put together for everybody. Please head on over and post your predictions as per the instructions.
Blueshirt Banter *It's just pain.*
"On this team, we fight for that inch. On this team, we tear ourselves and everyone else around us to pieces for that inch. We claw with our fingernails for that inch. Because we know when we add up all those inches, that's gonna make the fucking difference between winning and losing! Between living and dying! I'll tell you this - in any fight, it's the guy who's willing to die who's gonna win that inch."
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