I've Got #Lundsanity

It's what happens when your team has the best goalie in the NHL.

#LUNDsanityPhoto Credit

Sadly, there is only one cure... winning the Stanley Cup.

So, while we wait for the cure, order yourself a #Lundsanity t-shirt here!

Back Up Goalies: Princes of the Pipes

One often underestimates and/or undervalues the role of a backup goalie.  This is quite common amoung the top teams who have an outstanding number one goaltender.  The number two guy is often overlooked, or cast over.  Then, when the number one is given a day off, many question the skill set of the backup.  But there are a few teams where the back up is more than just a back up. Being a Rangers fan, the obvious first conclusion is the 1-2 combo of Lundqvist and Biron.  Biron is just as good as Lundqvist is, but since he doesn’t play 60+ games a season, his contribution is sometimes overlooked.

I’ve always felt that some goalies, like Biron, don’t deserve the title of ‘back up goalie’.  They deserve a title a little less… déclassé.  Like, Prince Biron. Or Number Tuu (get it? Tuu instead of two?). Or the generic, goalie #2.  Either way, here are some of the NHL’s finest Princes of the Pipes.

Martin Biron NYR

Looking at stats (pardon me while I shudder for a moment…) Biron’s numbers are quite comparable to Lundqvist’s.  Lundqvist has played 37 games, Biron has 13. Their GAA are 1.82 and 1.95 respectively. Save percentages? You ask…. .939 and .924, respectively.  But stats alone are quite boring, so here, take a look at these clutch saves….

Tuukka Rask BOS

Now, no one can top Tim Thomas’ snubbing of the White House. But Rask’s performance between the pipes comes a close second.  Thomas has 32 games under his belt, Rask has 19, with strikingly similar save percentages of .933 and .936, respectively.  While Thomas may not be able to negotiate with Peggy very well to get his credit card conundrum taken care of while sitting in the back of a creepy Boston cab, Rask proves that he can take care of business between the pipes…

Cory Schneider VAN

Moving to a Western Conference team… Vancouver’s Cory Schneider is a valuable asset to have as a back up to Roberto Luongo.  While their stats are not stellar (we’re talking LOLuongo here, remember?), Schneider has moves like, wait for it…. A top notch goalie. Heh, you probably thought I was going for moves like Jagr or something stupid. But I digress… Even with a 2.28 GAA, Schneider is still worthy of being a Prince of the Pipes. Evidence is in the video below.

Jonathan Bernier LAK

The tale of two Jonathan’s in Los Angeles.  There is no denying that Bernier would make a great number one goaltender.  He’s still young and has the skill.  At 23, he’s still got years left to impress us with saves like these:

A little shout out to @msconduct10. As I ‘researched’ the info for this piece, I came face first into what she lovingly calls ‘goalie porn’.  I now know why… Sweet Fancy Moses goalies are mind-boggling, amazing athletes. Flexible, mind-boggling, amazing athletes.

12 Days of Rangers - Day 10-12 PLUS bonus material

So, since my internets will be spotty over the next few days as TheHubs and I make the 90 million mile trek from ATL to NYC for the Holidays, I'm giving you an early holiday miracle. It's the last 3 entries in the 12 Days of Rangers, plus another post of bonus material.

So, grab your mug o'coffee or hot chocolate and enjoy!

On the 10th day of the hottest Rangers, I give to thee...

Marian Gaby Gaborik

Photo found here via GoogleImages

Oh Mariana ... Ste úžasný človek. Legrační, vtipný, očarujúci a nádherná. jo, a hráte celkompriemerná hra na hokej.

and with that being said....

Photo found here via GoogleImages

Photo Credit: MSG

Moving on to number 11....

On the 11th day of the hottest Rangers, I give to thee...

Henrik 'Henke' Lundqvist

Photo Credit:NYP/GraceHuang

I think I can safely let the photos do the talking...

Photo found here via GoogleImages

Photo found here via GoogleImages

Photo found here via GoogleImages

and finally, one that has made his way to my little heart, trumping number 9...

On the 12^th day of the hottest Rangers, I give to thee…

Jeff ‘Wildcat’ Woywitka

Photo Credit: Getty Images/Ronald Martinez

Now, putting aside the gosh-awful nickname... my goodness, I never realized how gosh darn beautimous he is...

Photo Credit: NYR Facebook

Photo found via GoogleImages

and as promised, here is some bonus footage...

Mark Streit - NY Islanders

Photo found here via GoogleImages

Chris Porter - St Louis Blues

Photo found here via GoogleImages

Shea Weber - Nashville Predators

Photo found here via GoogleImages

Photo found here via GoogleImages

John Michael Liles - Toronto Maple Leafs

Photo found here via GoogleImages

Photo found here via GoogleImages

Mark Stuart - Winnipeg Jets

Absoluteley adorbs...

Mark Stuart - WPG//Photo found here via GoogleImages

Western Canadian RoadTrip: Part One

Can I get a 'hell yeah' for Lundqvist?

Outstanding in the game against Vancouver.  Must've been the sparkly new helmet.

Ooooooh. Sparkly.

Marian Gaborik seems to have returned to being the Marian Gaborik we all hoped he would be.  And by that I mean someone who scores.  Erik Christensen was invisible on the ice, Mike Rupp scored, and the Rangers had more penalty killing opportunities than power play opportunities.  Justifiably so, Lundqvist was given the first star by the New York Rangers for his part in the 4-0 shutout.

Lundqvist's performance also lead to the birth of... the Broadway Hat.  He was awarded the Broadway Hat by Brad Richards for his outstanding play in the win.

I've never wanted to be a hat so badly.  But I digress...

Moving on to the Flames.  Pretty decently played game.  The real Marian Gaborik stood up, and Ryan McDonagh went from the sacrificial goat to hero in mere minutes.  Kris Newbury stood up for Brad Richards, earning him super bonus points in my book. Prust scored one against his old team, and Tim Erixon (also known as 'Jan Erixon's son') was greeted every time he touched the puck with a resounding chorus of BOO's in B flat minor.  Oh, and the Broadway Hat made it's way to Prust.  I'm not quite sure why.  The Hat works in mysterious ways.

The Rangers have 2 more games in good ol' Canada: one Saturday against Edmonton, and one Monday against Winnipeg.  Then, the long awaited return to the fancy new MSG on October 27th against the Leafs. 

Female Hockey Fans: Why can’t a girl just like the game for the game?

I got the idea for this article after one of my recent blog posts about superstitions.  The idea also popped into my head while having a discussion via twitter with a couple other Rangers bloggers who all happen to be males.  It’s an idea that I toyed with and decided to run with.  I run slowly folks, so this could be a long run.

My story started back in September of the year 1992.  I was 13 and in 8^th grade, my last year of middle school.  I probably was sporting some stretch pants with stirrups and a redonkulously oversized inside out sweatshirt. I remember my French class, there were three guys in there who all were Rangers fans, I believe.  And in traditional Michelle fashion, I tried to impress them by watching hockey.  Now, I’ll be honest, I watched my first game in the den of my house alone (it’s not as creepy as it sounds, trust me).  I couldn’t figure out why the guy wearing the C on the upper corner of his jersey had his position on his jersey. Did they do that so they made sure they played in the right spots on the ice?  Was it so the other C could keep an eye on him on the ice?  What the heck was the A for? I was convinced that centers had to stay with the other team’s center, LW with LW, etc…  I got annoyed with the TV and shut it off mid-game.  The next day, I went to my local library as we didn’t have the internets then, and checked out a book on hockey.  It would have been a hell of a lot quicker if Google existed back then… but I digress.   I read the book front to back, back to front.  It had lots of pictures.  Days later… It was then that I had a better grasp on the game, and now knew that the C on the jersey was for CAPTAIN, not CENTER.   This was also the first year I watched Olympic hockey. Being in NY, I became a Rangers fan.  Not really sure why, but I did.  By Olympics time, I had a better grasp of the game and actually enjoyed watching it.  I loved the fast-paced action, and the fights.  Oh the fights…  It was the glorious era of Jeff Beukeboom, Tie Domi, Joey Kocur…  I remember some of Beuke’s fights.  Man that guy could that guy throw a right.  Besides the fights, I loved watching Messier, Leetch, Graves and Richter on the ice.  While I wouldn’t call them poetry in motion, they were quite lovely to watch.  I remember that while I loved the game, watching the players wasn’t so bad.  I loved the energy of the game, the chasing of the puck, the speed of the skaters and the agility of the goalies.  Even watching at home, you could feel the energy at MSG through the TV.  I remember my first game at MSG, my first game at Nassau Coliseum.  Both were extremely loud.  I cried when the Rangers won the cup in 1994. I loved watching the play, and to this day, I love analyzing the PK.  I don’t know why, it just fascinates me.  I used to love when games went into OT back then.  I thought it was the cat’s pajamas to have another 20 minutes of play.  Now, I’m a big fan of the shootout. Big Fan.  Except when Erik Christensen shoots wide. But again, I digress…

I also had developed an interest in playing.  I played all during high school, ice and roller hockey. But mainly roller hockey.  I was far less graceful on ice.  I played in 2 leagues most years, and played on all-male teams.  I loved playing, loved the quickness of the game.  I watched games on TV intently.  I could dissect a PK better than most guys. It was my specialty when I played.  I could rattle off the roster, complete with jersey numbers in alphabetical order or numerical order, you decide.  It was quite marvelous.  I wasn’t big on stats, I just liked watching the game.  Occasionally, we’d meet players at autograph sessions, but I never had the idea of heading to a hotel in hopes of actually hooking up with a player. 

When guys asked me, and still do, who my favourite players are, I tell them.  If a player is remotely good looking, they assume that I like them solely based on looks.  Now, while that argument does hold some truth, it is not the sole reason why I like a player.  I like them based on their performance on the ice and off the ice (minds out of the gutter people).  I’m talking charity, giving back, being a genuine class act.  That being said, who are my favourite players, you ask?  Well, since you asked so nicely I’ll indulge you…

Brad Richards – yes, setting aside his devilish good looks, he is really a talented player.  Have you seen this man pass a puck?  It’s a thing of beauty.  I could watch video of him passing the puck for hours.  He’s a humble guy, team player, and a fantastic giver-backer. Yes, that’s the technical term.  +1 for charity!  +1 for being able to pass the puck dead on backwards!

John-Michael Liles (Toronto) – again, yes he’s good looking.  But the man is solid on D.  Solid.  A great play maker and knows when to step up and when to stay back.  Again, he’s a great community presence in the Denver and now Toronto community.  He, like Richards, did a charity event only minutes after he signed with the Leafs.  Keepin’ it classy.  Plus he’s ridiculously funny and watches “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”. +1 for ‘hashtag JML’.  And did you catch his hair last season? SICK. Give that man another +1!

Henrik Lundqvist – No explanation needed here.  The man OWNS the net. + infinity, cause he’s Henrik Lundqvist!

And last but not least Mark Stuart (Winnipeg) – I remember watching him play while he was in Boston.  I liked his style of play.  He’s not afraid to put his body in front of the puck, and he’s not afraid to use his size and strength to win battles in the corners.  When he’s on the ice, his physical presence is felt.  He’s also an amazingly humble guy with awesomely epic taste in music. +1 for being my musicsoulmate!

Now I was curious.  Does that classify me as a girl who likes the game solely for the players’ good looks?  After several cups of coffee and bantering back and forth with myself, I came to the realization that it does not. I’ve never referred to myself, in person or on the internets as ‘Mrs Richards’ or ‘Mrs Liles’ as I’ve seen many people do.  I’ve not photoshopped myself into a photo with them.  I’ve not stalked a player outside of their hotel.  The closest I’ve come is putting someone’s number at the end of my screen name or a password.  I’ve never chased down a player to get an autograph to only slip them my number.  I have, however, joked about blindfolding Brad Richards (solely for the purpose of seeing if his passing is really that good), and kidnapping Roman Polak… But it was all in good fun.  And frankly, if anyone is strong enough to wrestle down the Polak Bear, tie him up and ship him to me, they can do it.  But I wish them much luck and a speedy recovery. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good swooning every once in a while, but taking it to the point where I watch hockey only for the ‘hotness factor’ will never come.  But I won’t lie, it does make for watching the interviews that much better…

Then I got even curiouser.  I have many female friends who love hockey.  I wanted to hear their stories… how they got into hockey, why they liked hockey, etc…  Here’s what my scientific research lead to:

I guess the speed & that it isn't boring like the other sports.. (football takes too long to line up really need to start doing so while the clock is going tho I can sometimes watch) Basketball I just don't like no idea why & Baseball well to me they’re a bunch of wusses. (Get a papercut & out for a week). Golf. Need I say Golf is like watching Paint dry? There's a lot more going on, on the ice & around than I think during other sports/games. Plus I loved the environment. The electricity in the air even tho it isn't a playoff game or any of importance.

-Kim Marie, NJ Devils Fan

I really liked it [figure skating], but quickly became enamored with hockey. Very fascinated by the player whose last name looked like "rabbit tail"... who was that?! Luc Robitaille!

In high school I finally started going to games. A neighbor of mine worked with Wayne Gretzky's race horses and gave my dad and I tickets to a game vs. the Sabres. Kings won 7-2, what a great time I had! And that season (92-93) the Kings did well & exceeded all expectations, moving on to the finals. If not for Marty McSorely's curved stick... who knows what could have happened? One very-cool experience I had was during the finals--my friend Hilary & I got up at 5am to go see the Stanley Cup on display at a nearby hotel. We got there & she, her dad, and I were the only ones there! I know that doesn't happen in Canada, ha! It was great, seeing all the trophies up close.

-Lisa, Boston Bruins Fan

I started being a hockey fan probably when I was like 7 or 8.  Growing up in Montreal, you have almost no choice of being a hockey fan as the city lives and breath hockey.  My dad would take me to go see the Montreal Canadiens Juniors, the farm team of the Montreal Canadiens back then.  I remember watching Pat Lafontaine playing for them.  Of course I started by being a Montreal Canadiens fan as I didn't know any better.

-Sandra, St Louis Blues Fan

When I was a sophomore in college, I became friendly with a classmate who was a die-hard New York Rangers fan and got seriously into hockey because of this person.  I started going to games, memorizing stats, collecting memorabilia, and occasionally meeting players. … I did enjoy collecting memorabilia though, and used to go to card shows pretty frequently on weekends.  I still have a few unusual pieces of memorabilia such as a set of Red Army cards, a Russian Penguins hat, an '85 Edmonton Oilers guide, etc. 

But what draws me more towards hockey is that aforementioned energy level, the speed, and complexity of the game.  There's so much going on all at once, which, for me, is part of the thrill….I appreciated -- and still appreciate -- hockey because it's energetic, engaging, and deliberate.  It's a very straight-to-the-point game which everyone can follow.  It's got action and athleticism, but also, a universal appeal.

-Krista,  NY Rangers Fan

So, as my scientific research proves, we’re not all about the looks.  I asked these ladies what they like about the game and what drew them into the game.  Not one of us said that the looks of the players drew us in.  We all were enamored by the speed and energy of the game.  But we all do have an occasional swooning moment.

See? We can like the game for the game.

Will The Days Off Be Used Wisely?

Having time off between the return from the not-so-Swede trip in Sweden and the game against the Laughlanders could prove to be a remedy or a poison. Depends on how they use it.

Penalties were the killer in both games in Sweden. Well, one of the killers.  They have to be a bit more conscious on the ice.  Or at least make an attempt to do something stupid out of the view of the refs.  7 penalties in the game against the Kings, with the Kings only taking 2 penalties.  Then, 9 penalties in the game against the Ducks on Saturday, with Dubinsky taking credit for 4 of those.  Discipline kids, discipline.  That was drilled into me from day one of my first practice.

"Discipline kids!"

The other killer?  A sloppy and slow 1^st period.  Anyone that watched the Rangers last season, knows they shone like the freaking North Star in the 3^rd period. And sometimes even in the shootouts.  But you can’t rely on that.  Especially when the king of shootouts, Mr Erik Christensen, decides to shoot the puck instead of finessing his way. Which, wouldn’t be so bad had he actually had gotten the shot in the proximity of the net.  Both games in Sweden started out with a slow 1^st period by the Rangers, who seemed to be 5 steps behind the play, but then got better as the time went by. But, by that time it was too late to mount any sort of a comeback.

All that being said, they can’t rely on Lundqvist to play as stellar as he did in those two games every night.  It’s a lot for one player to carry, or feel like they’re carrying.  It all starts in front of him, having a solid D and a solid disciplined top 6.

The Ducks Vs Lundqvist. Cause Frankly No One Else Showed Up.

As pictured above, the Rangers were afraid to touch the puck.  And when they did, it wasn't pretty. Passing pucks into the shins of the Ducks players, shooting wide (even in the shootout)...  Again, the Rangers had a slow and sloppy first period.  They seemed to be 5 steps behind the play.  Play got better as the time ticked down.  However, banking on EC scoring in the shootout proved fatal.

I've seen almost every shootout attempt by Erik Christensen.  And I don't recall a time that he ever shot the puck. Ever.  And he chooses to shoot. Wide.  I'm sure Tortorella is kicking himself. They sure could have used Avery to block Hiller with his nifty screening moves.  Or he could have skated circles around Hiller, praying on his recent bouts with vertigo.

The shoot out was miserable.  First EC goes wide, Richards fumbles the puck upon pick up...  The only two who had a decent shot was Zuccarello and Anisimov.  Lundqvist again, was almost stellar.

Again, penalties proved costly. A sloppy first period proved costly.  Being 2 steps behind the Ducks proved costly. 

The keys to the next couple games?  Stay out of the box, and don't rely on coming back in the 2nd and 3rd periods.  Because obviously that didn't work out so well.

The Three Stars of the game:

3. Lundqvist

2. Lundqvist

1. Lundqvist

 

Here are Lundqvist, Richards and Callahan on the game.

Hopefully a week from games will be good for them to regroup.