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

Mike Rupp Has Moves Like Jagr

Jagr-esque salute after Mike Rupp's first goal of the game.

What A Game! Wrapping up the Winter Classic

This is why I LOVE being a hockey fan.

Photo Courtesy of Blueshirts United

Minutes into the game, watching from the comfort and warmth of my house, I still feel the energy and excitement.  The audio work done my NBC is superb, as it allows us to hear every “Rangers Suck!” and “F The Flyers!” chants that erupt from the crowd. You can hear the skates on the ice, the puck hitting the blades of the sticks, the thud of the puck hitting the goalie pads, and the wind whipping thru Carl Hagelin’s hair.  I kind of equate it to the feeling you get when you watch Olympic hockey.  It comes around every 4 years and the sweet sounds of Doc Emerick calling a game brings me fond memories of listening to the Olympic games.  Granted, Doc usually calls players the wrong name, its still awesome to hear.  I was lost amidst the sights and sounds of the game, watching from the comforts of my home was pretty awesome.  You get to see the rink from all areas, thanks to NBC's stellar camera work.  While nothing matches the excitement of seeing the game in person, this was probably a close second.

Prior to the game, Ilya Bryzgalov and Marc Staal were breaking news... Bryzgalov was not suiting up as the Flyers starting goalie, and Staal would be making his much awaited return to the NYR lineup. Bryzgalov looked quite comfy on the Flyers bench, although I did not see his thermos he promised to bring.  Staal looked slow at times, getting skated around a few times while defending the Rangers Zone, but that is almost expected.  I will admit, every time he was on the ice I did cringe.  Knowing the Rangers/Flyers games are usually hard hitting, gritty games, I half expected him to get drilled to the boards at one time.  But thankfully, he left the game intact.

Lundqvist and Bobrovsky traded stellar glove saves.  Gaborik and company fired shots on net.  Mike Rupp proved that he was more relevant than Jody Shelley by scoring not once, but twice.  Brad Richards sealed the game with the Rangers' third goal. Well, actually Lundqvist sealed the game...  With 19.6 seconds left in the game, there was a shot that got past Lundqvist, and McDonaugh quickly gloved the puck.  Instead of batting it away, he 'closed' (I'll use that loosely since no replays really show this, but NBC announcers assumed thats what the call was) his glove on the puck.  Penalty shot Flyers.  It was Danny Briere against Lundqvist.  Lundqvist proved why he is called King Henrik.  With a solid save, he kept the Rangers lead.

Even with the crappy ice, dozens of uncalled penalties, and periods of sloppy play, this Winter Classic was amazing to watch and really ignited many fans love for the game.  This weeks last episode of 24/7 should be amazing to watch.

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!!!!!!!!

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.

Wintry AND Classic

Today was the unveiling of the Rangers' Winter Classic jerseys.

While I'm not completely sold on the design, I do love the colour combinations. I also am not sold on the solid cream colour, I think I'd like it better in the navy.  I love the knit caps too.  They're so... wintry.  I want one with a big pom-pom on the top though...

Here they are, in case you missed the gazillion posts about the jerseys.

Now, I'm kind of excited for the Winter Classic.  I'll be watching from the comfort of my couch.