Saturday, January 19, 2008

Parade to the Penalty Box


Today the New York Rangers (22-20-6) lost to the Boston Bruins (23-18-5) by a score of 4-3 in a shootout. Zdeno Chara and Phil Kessel scored shootout goals for the Boston Bruins, who rallied for a 4-3 victory over the New York Rangers on Saturday. Chuck Kobasew had two goals in regulation for Boston, which led 2-1 through 40 minutes before the Rangers took a one-goal advantage in the third period. Rangers captain Jaromir Jagr scored a goal and helped set up two others, but it wasn't enough to keep New York from its fifth straight road loss (0-3-2). Tim Thomas stopped both Rangers shots in the shootout and 36 through overtime for Boston. Scott Gomez had a goal and an assist, and Henrik Lundqvist made 25 saves for the Rangers, who lost both matchups with the Bruins in Boston during shootouts. These two teams will meet again tomorrow afternoon in New York. For a full recap go to Yahoo! Sports.

...as I always say after a loss in either OT or shootout, I'll take the point. Especially with all the penalties the Rangers took. Obviously, more bad than good today, but I'm encouraged by the good.

...first with the good. I think Lundqvist is officially back. He was ridiculous today. Unfortunately, he sputtered, ironically when he normally steps-up, in the shootout. But that game doesn't go into OT or the shootout without Lundqvist's heroics.

...another good sign was the play of the first line. They were outstanding on offense today. Jagr's goal was highlight reel worthy. And Gomez continues to show why he has been the Rangers best forward this season.

...now to the bad. What is up with all these penalties? Is there some hot chick that sits behind the penalty box every game that these guys want to talk to? Two more power play goals against today and one in the third period with us up 3-2. This team is so undisciplined. And that falls squarely in the lap of the head coach. Renney better start holding these guys accountable or this will continue for the rest of the year.

...how bad is our power play. 1 for 4 and the lone goal came on a 5 on 3. The Rangers are now 2 for their last 24 on the power play. That is god awful. Something needs to change and it might be one of our coaches.

...lastly on the bad, how terrible is Malik. Was he serious with that blown clearing attempt at the end of OT? Why did he leave the back of the net? He wasn't even being pressured. This guy needs to go. Opposing players skate by him like he's a pylon on the ice. Bring up Pock.

...quick turnaround against the Bruins tomorrow. I'll take 3 out of a possible 4 points.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I will take the point on the road. Should have been 2 the way our goalie played.
Lundqvist was amazing! Welcome Back!
Special teams continues to kill us which is sad on 2 parts.
1. Our penalty kill is actually very good. But, give any team 8 pp chances and they are going to put 1 or 2 in.Way to many penalties
2. There is way to much talent on this team to have as bad a power play as we do. Not enough movement, slow passing and no one wants to shoot, and when they do its from a bad angle.
Finally Malik. Wont be surprised to see a quote from him thinking he played a good game.He took 2 terrible penalties. He was burned and out of position on both power play goals, and the play at the end of overtime completely sums up what Malik is all about....AWFUL!!! HE HAS TO GO!!!!