Cupid Brings Us Trade Rumours On The Day Of Love

Yes, it's not diamonds, or a dozen roses.  Just trade rumours.  Apparently Cupid is a cheap bastard.

The NY Rangers will take Nash for Dubinsky, Kreider,
Thomas, 4 draft picks and a new set of golf clubs.
Make it happen Sather.  
Photo Credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

But all these rumours make me want to down a box of Russell Stover's candy out of sheer aggravation.  People need to use common sense before spitting out what teams could get what player.  There are things to be figured in: cap space, UFA, talent, what the one team is willing to give vs what they are going to get…

That being said, I’ve stated earlier that I didn’t believe that the Rangers needed to make a trade, but I wouldn’t be opposed to them making a trade.  Providing that the Rangers are smart about the trade.  I’d hate to see them let a guy like Kreider or Thomas go. But again, it comes down to what each team is willing to part with. How I feel about the trades have little to no significance to the organization.

So let the speculating and trade rumours fly. But I should at least get some chocolate out of all this.

It's The End Of The World As We Know It....

...and I feel fine...

Last night, there were 3 things that happened that now have me convinced that the Rapture just may be coming. Let's take a look:

I scored on the power play! Whoooooo!!!!!Photo Credit: BSU

First, and make sure you're sitting down folks, The Rangers scored in the 2nd period.  Not a big deal, right? WRONG. They didn't just score, they scored on the POWER PLAY.  See, aren't you glad you sat down? Twas a sweet tip in from Callahan that made it's way past Matthieu Garon.  It clearly sparked the Rangers' game and gave them a sense of hope. This also started the chain of events that led me to believe that the rapture is, in fact, coming.

"Hey Guys, I just scored my first goal in 368 days... No big deal..."PhotoCredit: NYI

Second was something that has nothing, or very little to do with the Rangers. Yes folks, Scott Gomez scored. On the ice, just in case that needed clarification.  Gomez had gone 368 LONG days without scoring a goal.  Last night in the 3rd period against the Islanders, Gomez lit the lamp against Nabokov. Normally, that's not something so odd or unusual to score against the Islanders, but maybe they felt bad for him and since they were eventually going to lose the game, they took pity on Gomez? Either way, he scored. The Rapture is coming.

When in doubt - hug it out!
Photo Credit: BSU

Then, apparently the #RichardsMunnEffect peters off after a few weeks. Richards broke his silence on the scoreboard netting his long-awaited 17th goal of the season in the OT to win the game. Apparently he got a GPS to find the net after admitting he was a little 'lost' to the media this week.  I hope it's a Garmin, my TomTom isn't very good - always sends me the long route. It was nice to see the whole bench clear to celebrate with him, thankfully, Anisimov left his rifle on the bench. We didn't need a repeat of what happened the last time the Rangers played the Lightning.

So, now grab all your non-perishables and hide in your basement. The Rapture is now headed here... I just hope we get to the playoffs first.

The Battle Of The Hudson Wasn't Really A Battle, Per Se...

The game last night against the Devils was a hard fought game.  The Rangers had some low points and some high points to the game. Am I happy that they lost? No. But these things happen folks...

You can blame it on the officiating, the fact that Richards isn't scoring, Eminger should have dressed in lieu of Bickel or even that McDonagh hasn't registered a point in the past 6 games.  But it's not any of those. The Rangers played a sloppy game. The power play, or lack there of, had 3 chances to capitalize. THREE. But yet again, the power play was ineffective.

There were good scoring chances where the Rangers just couldn't bury the puck. Prust had a good chance to get a shot on goal and shanked it.  As much as the Rangers fans poke fun at Brodeur's weight, you have to give credit to the guy. He's still a good goalie.  Hagelin, again, shows why he's in the lineup. His speed draws penalties.  But it may almost be a moot point if the Rangers can't get the PP working. He also managed to get 4 of the teams 15 shots on goal. Boyle also was good on the face offs - winning 16. Lundqvist, despite taking the loss, was quite good between the pipes, not stellar.  But he also did what he could, aside from scoring goals.

When in doubt, crash the net. Just don't touch the goalie.
Photo Credit: BSU

Then there was the goal, which turned out to be a no-goal.  You could see that Gaborik made an effort of stopping (notice the spray of ice from his skates), but it was ruled that he 'ran' the goalie. You can argue til the cows come home about the goalie interference call on Gaborik as he was pushed into Brodeur, and how the goal should stand... but in all reality, would that mean that the Rangers would have won?

Probably not. They were outplayed most of the game, so going to an overtime and potentially a shoot out, would not really be to their advantage.

So Rangers fans, calm down. It's one game. The NYR are still at the top of the Eastern conference. Take a deep breath and move on.

Now Can We Plan The Parade?

As the Super Bowl 46 hoopla draws to a close, another team is now in the spotlight. Again.

The New York Rangers.

Good Gravy... NEVER kiss the trophy. Ever. 
Photo Credit: NJ.Com

Now that the Giants are the proud owners of the Vince Lombardi trophy, it's only natural that NY Rangers fans expect the Rangers to be the next team planning a parade down the streets of Manhattan with the Stanley Cup in tow.

Mere minutes after the Giants were crowned #SB46 champions, fans were already chirping up the NY Rangers players with words of encouragement. I saw tweet after tweet declaring Lundqvist as the still-reigning King of NY, that the NY Rangers must win the Cup, and that it's time for the Rangers to shine, etc. Not to add any additional pressure to the players or anything.  Not that they haven't been playing their hearts out. Not that they're in first place or anything.

This has been a fantastic season for the Rangers. One of their best since their last Cup hoist in 1994. The Rangers have found themselves sitting at the top of the league since December and while there have been some bumps in the road, they've stayed true to their course. Rangers fans should be proud of their team, regardless if they hoist the cup or not.  Rangers fans should be happy regardless of who won the Super Bowl.


So, go to QVC order your NY Giants commemorative Super Bowl 46 gear and wait for the Rangers to win. We can start planning the parade when they make the playoffs.

The Cutest Rangers Fan Ever, Strikes Again...

Prepare for cuteness.

Engage cuteness...

'Go Rangers!'

Thanks again to JoAnn C for raising little Sydney right!

It's Not The End Of The World, Folks...

In case you live under a rock or something, you may not have heard that Olivia Munn and Brad Richards have parted ways.

People are now worried Richards will slide into a tailspin of not producing on the ice. That he will become a useless player, destined to be reunited with his good buddy Avery on the bench in Hartford.

Seriously people, Olivia Munn had about as much to do with the Rangers as I do.

Moving on...

Where There Is A Will, There Is A Way...

And the Rangers have found that way.  They sit on top of the NHL with 58 points for a reason. They’ve earned it with perseverance, grit, determination and skill.  They find ways to win, even when wins seem impossible. They are making things happen.  Great things.

The Rangers have become a balanced team, balancing youth and veteranism.  They've been able to score at invaluable opportunities (think Richards' goal with 0.1seconds left in the game in Phoenix), come up with big saves (Lundqvist. Lundqvist. Lundqvist.), and play a disciplined game.

The Rangers have emerged as an elite team. They've proven that they can play against the top teams, the top goalies and the top scorers. They've proven that they are a team to be contended with.

This has shaped up to be an amazing season so far for not only the players, but for the fans as well.

I know I am looking forward to a great second half!

Found here via GoogleImages

Let's Keep It Classy People...

By now, almost every hockey fan has heard about the utterly disgusting events that took place after the Winter Classic.

I don't believe that this was a 'Philly' thing versus a 'NY' thing... it has to do with being a decent and moral human being.  Not everyone in Philly is an ass, not everyone who is an ass lives in Philly. No one deserves to be hit like that, regardless of what they may or may not have done to provoke anything. It takes a bigger man to step away.

Per the Rangers twitter account:

Big props to all the bloggers & reporters who made this circulate quickly throughout the twitter world and the hockey world. @TheNYRBlog @PuckCentral @KatieStrangESPN @NYRNation

Staal Makes His Return

The Rangers announced that Marc Staal will be making his return from his concussion in the Winter Classic today.

When this was announced, part of me was about as joyous as a two year old playing with wrapping paper, but another part of me cringed just a little.  While I fully trust the NYR medical staff and their decisions, we all know that the Flyers will come out hitting. HARD. Since they lost the last game against the Rangers, you know they'll be playing with a vengeance.

Courtesy of Blueshirts United.  View the full gallery here.

#playitsafekids

You Smell That?

The cool crisp air. The sun gleaming off the ice.

Yes kids, we are hours away from the Winter Classic.

I'll be viewing from home, but many fans have been fortunate enough to score tickets.  If anyone is at the game, feel free to tweet me your photos!

Captain Cally (courtesy of Blueshirts United)

Let's Go Rangers!!!!!!!!

NYR Fans of 2011

We bleed blue.

We are passionate.

We are, hands down, the most loyal and loud fans in the NHL.

We ARE Ranger fans.  We ARE Ranger Nation.

@TrueBlueSec424 shows off his Winter Classic Tix

Adam Gunmacher

@alogicalexa

Andrea Sherman & her son

Brett Pinkerton & Henrik Lundqvist

Derek Brigante & Family

@irishecho1 & Brian Boyle

@Irishecho1's Anisimov bracelet

@irishecho1 & Derek Boogaard

@katallion & her sister repping the NYR at the Hockey HOF!

Mikey Guntmacher & Wojtek Wolski

@NYR1fanPJ's war paint

@NYR1fanPJ's NYR ink

@NYR1fanPJ

Brett Pinkerton & family repping the NYR

@RangerRichLI proudly sports the NYR logo

@snowkitten35 rocking the NYR Winter Classic gear

A big THANK YOU to all who sent me photos!!! Let's hope 2012 is a great year for the NYR!

and as always...

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!!!!

Best NYR Photos of 2011

Photos capture a moment in time that we love, hate, want to remember forever, can’t wait to forget… it captures love, determination, strength and beauty.  Photos are worth more than a thousand words…

After countless hours of scouring the NY Rangers website and google, I’ve come up with the 10 best NYR photos of 2011…

NYR @ Bowlmor Lanes for a Garden of Dream event.

Fedotenko and Arnisimov at Casino Night 2011.  Artie's double-barrel hand gun is the precursor to his sniping incident.

Rod Gilbert & Ron Duguay hang with the kids at the Rusk Institute for a Garden of Dreams event.

Michael Sauer gives a kid his 'Blueshirt off his Back'.

April 17th, 2011: The NYR celebrate Vaclav Prospal's third period game winning goal in Game 3 against the Washington Capitals. Photo Credit:BruceBennett/GettyImages

Newly signed Brad Richards skates with the kids in the 2011 Garden of Dreams 'Dream Week'.

The announcement of the Winter Classic 2011

October 27th, 2011: NYR home opener at the semi-newly renovated MSG.

Derek Boogaard.  I searched high and low for a photo that best resembled him.  This photo is priceless.

NYR visit Ladder3/Battalion6 of the NYFD before September 11th, 2011. Photo Credit: Madison Square Garden

And who could forget Anisimov sniping the Lightning?! Photo Credit: Chris Trotman/Getty Images

*All photos are courtesy of NY Rangers unless otherwise noted*

12 Days of Rangers - Day 7

On the 7^th day of the Hottest Rangers, I give to thee…

Derek ‘Steps’ Stepan

Photo Credit: Getty Images

I think the photos may speak for themselves….

Found here via GoogleImages

Found here via GoogleImages

12 Days of Rangers - Day 6

On the 6^th day of the Hottest Rangers, I give to thee…

Michael ‘DZ’ Del Zotto

Photo Credit: msg.com

Two Italians in a row… how lucky we are.

One thing I’m quite thankful for is that he lost that gosh-awful hairdo from last year.  The shorter hair suits him better.

Found here via GoogleImages

Found here via GoogleImages

PhotoCredit:found here via GoogleImages

The Winter Classic: Where Rivalries Drop F Bombs

Aaaahhh…. You smell that? That’s the smell of cold crisp air you’re smelling. That can mean only one thing.

The NHL Winter Classic.

As HBO premieres 24/7 Flyers/Rangers last night, one can only wonder what the cameras will bring us. A swearing Tortorella?  Feuding fashion tips from Lundqvist and Avery? Shelley taking jabs at little Dubinsky? The world awaited with baited breath.  And here it is…

“Put your foot on the fucking gas…”

Five minutes into the show, I’ve come to the conclusion that the F-Bomb can be inserted into almost any sentence. Good or bad.

I think 24/7 gives fans the ultimate insight into what it’s like behind the scenes.  As a player myself (retired 2001 from a 9 year stint in ice and roller hockey), I find it utterly interesting to see how the pros do it in the locker rooms.  Torts definitely knows how to light a fire.

It opens up with the NYR game against the Leafs. I damn near swooned myself off the couch with a half naked Gaby. Apparently Boyle being mic’d up makes him unable to think too.  Seeing Sauer and DZ’s hits again was painful.  Nothing like re-living a subpar game again, eh?

Then it shifts to the Flyers. Now, I’ll tell you a secret. I have a Flyers jersey. It’s an oldie. Shawn Antoski. Yeah, I don’t know what I was thinking either. I’ve come to the conclusion, that what ever Bryzgalov is drinking I would like a nice big helping of… “solar system is so humungous big…”  I believe his brain probably works similarly to mind. And in that case, the man is pure genius.

Oh, those kids with Boyle. That’s probably how I’d look if I stood next to him.  I love seeing the guys with the kids. And yes Boyle, we all saw you oogling the Rockettes.  Avery is one handsome dude. The camera loves that man.  He sees his trip to The Whale as an obstacle. I’ve noticed his composure about this season is somewhat more mature and respectable.

I’d like to chop Briere’s hair off. Really, I’d do it. He doesn’t scare me.  However, I do miss Jagr’s mullet.  Can we get it back please?  But he needs to stop rocking during his interviews. I started getting seasick.

“Ya gotta take some shots… ya gotta take some shots…”  wise words, from a wise man.

Oh, I’ve been sniped.  Yes, the sniping, er Anisimoving incident. Apparently he was just reloading. I think we can all breathe a sigh of relief now.

Focus again on the Flyers and Laviolette.  The man is dedication itself. Then it focused on Wayne Simmonds and his thoughts on being one of the few African Americans in the NHL.

Now, back to the Rangers…Anisimov describes why he chose that celebration.  In Russia, sniping is tolerated.  Then came the Callahans, and some of the Rangers eating a few tables away.  I like how they decide who pays for dinner.  I may try that next time I’m out. Although since both me and The Hubs have the same credit cards, it’s kind of a moot point, eh?

Best quote of Part 1?  “It’s nothing going around the bushes…” Gaby discussing how abrupt and blunt Torts is.

G’ma Callahan stole the show. Get that woman a TV contract.

And Giroux’s medical check up and Bryzgalov give tips on hunting in China. Long story short: don’t shoot a tiger.  Then the Flyers team party. Baby Bryz should be a backup somewhere.

I could sit here and reiterate the back and forths in depth that this show took, but it’s better to watch it. Words can only describe the emotion that you get watching it.  Makes you proud to be a fan of the greatest sport. Ever.

12 Days of Rangers - Day 3

On the 3^rd day of the Hottest Rangers, I give to thee…

Brandon “Pruster” Prust

found here via GoogleImages 

Oh. Yeah.

Prust is a tough guy. Tough guys, by default, are swoon-worthy.

Not only is he a tough guy, but he is a sharp dresser.

That is all.

Swoon away, folks…

Photo Credit:Michael N Todaro/Getty Images

Photo Credit: Nick Laham/Getty Images