Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. HOLY QUICK!
(And yes – that’s an opening callback and salvo too!)
Following the Blueshirts being exposed as fraudulent pretenders some 48-hours ago (https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/102424/ ); come Saturday night at The World’s Most Expensive Arena and the Rangers rebounded – albeit somewhat – in their 2-1, sauna-like and sweat-job victory against one of the worst teams in the NHL – the piss-poor ugly ducklings from the ponds in Anaheim – aka – the not-so-mighty-anymore Ducks.
There are many different ways to assess the Rangers improving their record to 6-1-1 – now tops in the Metro division – and despite playing less games than most of their rivals.
On one hand, this game was somewhat bizarre, as very easily, this 2-1 result could’ve been a 7-6, 8-7, heck, even 14-13 too, and either way at that, final.
And you can tip your cap to both goaltenders, Jonathan Quick and Lukas Dostal, for only allowing three-goals in what was otherwise a high-octane and fast-paced affair – and a match where elite goaltending fared better than superior offense.
On one end of the ice, Dostal was seemingly kryptonite for the GAG LINE 2.0, as he stopped all eight of their high-quality shots (Panarin had six of them), while also being fortunate to see other pucks whizz by him by a hair either wide or high.
The Ducks, after a slow start, found their second wind, perhaps appropriately in the second period – and a middle frame where Quick made eighteen of his overall thirty-two saves.
Funny enough, and despite a similar eighteen shots on goal performance from the Rangers themselves in the first period (and where Dostal was equally as outstanding as Quick), it was the third period, the last stanza, that featured the least amount of shots on goal (and shot attempts too for that matter) – but where we also saw all three goals from this contest scored.
It was also during these final twenty-minutes where Quick truly earned his first star of the game too, as he made ten breathtaking saves in total.
The Rangers, only credited with six shots on goal in the third period (but it should’ve been seven – and it should’ve been three goals for the Blueshirts too) made 33.3% of them count – as Ryan Lindgren, at the 4:13 mark, scored off a one-timed feed as set-up by none other than “The Breadman” himself.
For Panarin, it was his eighth consecutive game with a point notched (following the loss to the Panthers, and as in a day later, the league went back and officially credited him with a secondary assist on the lone Ranger goal – the Lafreniere strike), and another game, where despite no goals next to his name – it sure as hell wasn’t for a lack of trying – and as his game-high six SOG suggests.
For Lafreniere, now officially a Ranger through his age-thirty season (more below), he also assisted on Lindgren’s one-timer.
In other words, and as usual, it was the GAG LINE 2.0 producing in the box score – while Missing Mika, and once again, was nowhere to be found.
But more on the Swedish-Iranian dee-jay once we get there.
For Lindgren?
In what was easily his best game back since returned from a broken jaw, and now with a new partner, captain Jacob Trouba, to boot; his stellar and excellent defense was awarded with this prize of a pass from Panarin.
And with the goal, Lindgren, in three games, now has as many goals as “The Feckless Finn,” Kaapo Kakko, in his eight games played!
And unlike Kakko – this wasn’t a 7-2 goal.
Instead, this was an icebreaker – and if it wasn’t for a later redirection deflection as afforded by Stinka Zibanebad – then this would’ve held up as the game-winner.
Scoring the game-winner tonight was none other than CUYLLE HAND LUKE, government name Will Cuylle, who after having his third goal of his career erased from the board following a video review, wasn’t having any of that – as he then quickly made good with his 2-0 insurance goal at the 11:53 mark.
And even that goal wasn’t without controversy and review either; but unlike the others – this one finally, and more importantly, rightfully, held up.
The only mar on Quick’s ledger, although through no fault of his own, is when Zibanejad, who should be seeking a LA-Z-BOY sponsorship these days, as no one is more sleepy and tired than him; fell behind defenseman Olen Zellweger (and whenever Sam Rosen pronounced this surname, then all I could think about was Renee Zellweger – “NO RELATIONS JOE!”) – and where the Duck d-man then scored the lone Anaheim goal at the 12:38 mark.
In other words – 2-1, GOOD GUYS – and with 7:22 remaining.
The two goalies continued to play their hearts out as the game’s clock raced to triple-zeroes – and where Quick seemingly made six saves during the final sixty-seconds – and where half of these stops were needed after three d-zone faceoff losses in succession for Missing Mika.
Heck, Quick had to make one more final save with just one-second remaining too!
All in all, while I was happy about the win, and where I thought that a lot of players played well too, especially the likes of the GAG LINE 2.0, Quick, Lindgren, Trouba and Cuylle; but at the same time – this wasn’t a win to KING KONG your chest over either.
After all, Anaheim has been b-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-d (Hello Eddie Gieck) for a long time now – and very often – bottom three in the league during the past six-years.
The Rangers, who still think that they are a Cup contender, could only muster up two measly goals – and while Dostal was good – the Rangers have to be able to finish better much than this, as there were multiple failed opportunities to run up the score, such as Filip Chytil’s two missed breakaways, Kakko skating around aimlessly, Kreider not being able to bury an empty netter, Miller unable to do the same, and a power-play that’s now one of their last ten.
For argument’s sake, and to compare & contrast too; had the Rangers been the Ducks on Thursday night, and as a result, lost to the Panthers 2-1 in this fashion – then you wouldn’t have been that upset – or at least as upset as I was – following the in reality 3-1 drubbing.
Perhaps I’m sounding like I’m all over the place right now due to my own sleep depravity (I’ve only slept six hours during the past three-days due to all of the overtime at my real j-o-b), but I do think that you understand what I’m trying to convey here.
The long-story-short version?
The Rangers played well enough to win tonight – but I still don’t feel any better about their Cup chances as I did following the loss to Florida.
However, I do feel better about some of the news in Rangerstown, USA that transpired before puck drop on Saturday, so let’s hit that news first – and then get into tonight’s GAME REVIEW.
But of course, before doing all of that – and I must share our daily disclaimer before proceeding:
“WHATEVER THE RANGERS DO FROM NOW UNTIL THE TRADE DEADLINE DOESN’T MATTER. THEY CAN ONLY BE JUDGED BY WHATEVER THEY DO FOLLOWING THE DEADLINE AND BY WHAT THEY DO IN THE 2025 PLAYOFFS!”
In other words, eight down, seventy-four to go, and then the real hockey, the only games that matter, begin.
In case you missed it, then here’s where I last left off – the Rangers’ loss to the Panthers:
NYR/FLA 10/24 Review: PRETENDERS! Cup Champs Expose Rangers in a “Game 7 Rematch;” Same Old Blueshirt Failures, New CZAR IGOR Trend – His Russian Peers Are Out-Performing Him, Matt Rempe & Chad Ruhwedel Dismissed; Meet Rempestein with BSU, Jones Tasked to Collect Dust, Many Streaks Snapped; But Lafreniere Extends GAG LINE 2.0 Scoring, Laviolette & More From a Depressing Night at M$G
Before some of you guys and gals hit me with the “BUT, BUT, BUT, YOU SAID ALL THAT LAFRENIERE DOES IN THE SUMMER IS PLAY SOFTBALL AND VIDEO GAMES;” then at this time, this reminder that both Elliotte Friedman and Arthur Staple reported the same story at the time – a week after me for that matter – and where you can get the full 411 here: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/10724/
(And by now, you should also know the reporter who “leaked” this story to me.)
(In addition, and at this rate – Lafreniere can play in as many softball summer games as he likes – and spend as many hours as he wants on his PS5 too – as after all, it’s working!)
Furthermore, I think all of my writings about Lafreniere ever since his 2023-24 preseason have been fair and firm (and complimentary too) – as I didn’t try to stick to a self-created negative narrative (and as many have you accused me of doing with both Kakko and Chytil).
(Very often in this space, and I say prove me wrong – and he did – and I couldn’t be happier about it.)
Instead, I’ve talked about Lafreniere as he’s been ever since the 2023-24 campaign commenced – he’s finally turned the corner – and for the unprecedented 2020 first-overall pick – not only is the corner turned – and not only is he here now too; but hockey gods willing – the best years are soon to come.
In agreement in such thinking?
Rangers’ general manager Chris Drury, who on Friday, re-signed the French-Canadian, and now former left-winger, to a massive team-friendly deal.
On October 25th, the new right-winger, now under the teachings of Peter Laviolette, Vincent Trocheck and Artemi Panarin, agreed to a seven-year deal worth $52.15M overall – or $7.45M annually.
Let me reiterate this point, as nothing can be truer:
THIS WAS A TEAM-FRIENDLY DEAL.
And this too:
LAFRENIERE WANTS TO BE HERE!
To compare, and even if these men play different positions and have different roles; other recent high-end draft picks, picks lower than Lafreniere’s first-overall status, have re-signed with their original teams for much more money and years than #13 in blue, including Ottawa’s Tim Stutzle (8 years x $8.35M) and Detroit’s Lucas Raymond (8 years x $8.08M) & Moritz Seider (7 years x $8.55M).
The Devils’ Jack Hughes, drafted first-overall one year prior to Lafreniere, is currently in the middle of an eight-year pact worth $64M ($8M annually).
Hell, even the Islanders Matthew Barzal, much inferior than Lafreniere, is currently enjoying an eight-year deal where he’s paid $9,150,000 per-year.
Despite Lafreniere’s slow, but somewhat understandable stunted NHL beginnings (and where I’ve explained all of the things that #13 had going against him at the time – and where today – only one of the negative things remain today – his exclusion from the team’s first power-play unit, which obviously, is something that he has no control over); you can’t argue with what he accomplished last season – and what he’s doing today – even if it’s only eight games in.
Whether Lafreniere could’ve switched to his off-wing under the tenures of former Blueshirts’ bench bosses, David Quinn and Gerard Gallant, is unknown. To assume that he could is faulty logic to me.
But what we do know now with a degree of 100% certainty, is that after getting accustomed to a real NHL schedule, devoid of pandemic-influenced empty crowds – and without a distracted Panarin too – and we’re finally seeing Lafreniere reach his potential.
Put it this way:
I don’t see people calling him a bust anymore (and I’m glad that I never did) – and as I do today with players like Chytil and Kakko (and I still remain adamant that Kakko is a bust – and furthermore – I believe that he wouldn’t even be here today if he wasn’t a second-overall pick).
While I do think that Panarin is in a league of a select few, grouped with the elitist of elite such as Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and Auston Matthews; at the same time, the best year of his career was with Lafreniere by his side.
As mentioned on this site about 798678678679867869868679868698767 times before during the past 100 or so Ranger games, playoffs included – Lafreniere has been the team’s second-best five-vs-five scorer in that time – and only second-best to Panarin himself.
And yep – that’s why it should be Lafreniere – and not the mopey & dopey Mika – on PP1.
What I’m trying to get at here, is that for as “Hart Trophyish” as Panarin is (and he is) – it’s not like he’s “carrying” Lafreniere either.
After all – we all saw how Kaapo did OO-GATZ whenever part of the Blueshirts’ top-six – and during three different coaching stints – and where the last two have scratched him from do-or-die playoff games.
Rather than that, and like the center of this GAG LINE 2.0, Vinny Trocheck – and instead, Lafreniere is carrying his own weight – and sometimes – carrying this line when they can’t get anything going – and as we just saw this past Thursday night in the loss to Florida.
And don’t lose sight of this fact either:
The rest of the league is aware of Lafreniere finally seeing the light of day – and becoming the light of this league too.
This is my way of saying that my jaw hit the floor when I saw that Lafreniere agreed to “only” $7.45M a season.
Very easily, and he could’ve received $8M+ on the open market, if not hold up Drury for more money over the summer – and as my good pal, “The Maven” Stan Fischler, is currently accusing “PIGGY IGGY,” CZAR IGOR Shestyorkin, of doing.
Furthermore for your consideration, and we all know that NYC features the highest income taxes in the world, and where Lafreniere’s take home salary is somewhere in the $4M-$4.5M range after forking over his hard-earned money so illegal immigrants and criminals can live the high life in posh Manhattan hotels.
In other words, Lafreniere could have waited until the summer – and then not only sign a much more lucrative contract – but one devoid of state income taxes too.
Instead, he left a lot of money on the table (somewhat similar to what Kevin Shattenkirk once did, albeit on a less grander scale, as the former double-deuces sacrificed four-years of high-earnings when he signed here in 2017), which tells me one thing, and one thing only – HE LOVES THE RANGERS.
I guess to be specific – he loves his teammates – and where such feelings are reciprocated too.
Before moving any further on this topic, and let’s take a look at what the Rangers said – and for the sake of posterity too.
The following comes courtesy of https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-agree-to-terms-with-alexis-lafreniere :
Despite my own down feelings on the Rangers’ chances of winning a Cup, and regardless of such opinions at that – and without question, the GAG LINE 2.0 gives the Blueshirts the best chance to win.
With the 23-year-old now locked up through 2032, it should be mentioned that the 31-year-old Trocheck is signed throughout 2029.
Panarin, now 32-years-old and still enjoying his prime years?
He only has one more year left on his current seven-year deal after this season, as the best free agent signing in franchise history is due for a new contract at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
So in what should be obvious, what I’m getting at here is that if I was Chris Drury, and while also trying to figure out new deals for pending UFA’s-to-be, CZAR IGOR & K’Andre Miller – then I’d dial up Panarin’s agent and start kicking tires on a contract extension.
While I don’t know if I’d give Panarin the $11.6M that he’s making now per-season; but if he was willing to take a four-year deal worth $32M ($8M annually), then I’d wake-up my nearest notary and get that contract signed.
Another contract I’d explore?
Mika Zibanejad’s – and how to get rid of it ASAP.
But I’ve been down this beaten road before!
While I do believe that Drury has had more hits and misses (but where I also believe that his biggest miss, the 2024 trade deadline, is his current “legacy” too); one day, and this Lafreniere re-signing may go down as his best move yet as a general manager.
And heck – even if Lafreniere never scores again – then you had to make this deal at the time – or risk losing him for nothing.
For a man also known for swinging a bat when he’s not using a hockey stick – and this deal, and all-around, was a GRAND SLAM HOMERUN.
Next topic!
To follow-up on some stories from when I last left off, then after being waived on Thursday morning, come Friday at 2PM and Chad Ruhwedel cleared waivers, and in turn, was immediately assigned to the Hartford Wolfpack.
In other words, Drury “dodged a bullet,” as despite Ruhwedel having no real value to the varsity club outside of as an insurance policy/player who can play when the regulars need a break, the GM didn’t lose his depth d-man to the waiver wire.
Ruhwedel, who is expected to debut with the Pack on Sunday, will soon see Matt Rempe – and a “REMPESTEIN,” who in his 2024-25 AHL debut, finished as a game-low minus-2 in Friday night’s 4-3 overtime win against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
In other roster news, and with both Rempe and Ruhwedel in junior varsity; Jake Leschyshyn, who for whatever reason, still remains within the organization, was called-up by the varsity squad on Saturday morning.
It’s assumed that Leschyshyn will pretty much assume the role as 13th forward – which these days – means a press box all to himself for the next week – and then once Jimmy Vesey is able to return next weekend – then Leschyshyn will be returned to Hartford – and where he belongs.
While I understand the mission of giving Rempe more playing time in Hartford; at the same time, I wonder how he feels about losing out on a week’s worth of NHL paydays – as the disparity between NHL and AHL salaries is night-and-day – and a major difference for the guys earning “only” six-figures.
On Saturday morning, GAME DAY – and the Rangers held a dress rehearsal at M$G – and where some news came out of it.
Obviously, the top talk in town was Lafreniere, who fresh off of his new deal, received some friendly ribbing from his GAG LINE 2.0 teammates – as both Trocheck and Panarin, who most certainly helped #13 reach his potential – if not exceed it – then jokingly asked for a commission.
I thought that friend of the site, Pauly D., recapped such good-humored banter in the best way possible:
For what it’s worth and Panarin is no stranger to helicopters either:
In other news, Laviolette, who a week ago said, “I want to rotate in everyone and not allow anyone to get rusty,” only to say a few days later, “my line-up is set for the time being;” reversed course once again by making two alterations to his line-up.
Tonight, out was Victor Mancini and in was Zac Jones.
Furthermore, and as a result of this switch, and Laviolette “demoted” Braden Schneider to the third-pair, while “promoting” Lindgren to his second-pair – and where really – these moves were pretty much required in order to give the team three-pairs featuring traditional right-hand and left-hand shots.
While I do think that the putrid loss to Florida was part of Lavy’s most recent flip-flopping; but at the same time – I had no issues with it either.
After all, the team is winning, it’s all about the playoffs – and while it “hurt” to see Mancini get an undeserved day off – Jones deserves a shot too.
Come the end of the game, and best amongst all?
The two players that many of this fan base rake through the coals the most, Jacob Trouba and Ryan Lindgren, were absolutely fantastic together – and make no bones about it – the best pair that the Rangers had in this game – and even if the opponent was the drizzling shits.
For what it’s worth, and because of Lindgren’s goal, and this pair was the only defensive duo to finish with a plus rating (each finished +1) in this win.
While it does seem weird to see the top-four ever since 2020 broken up/mish-mashed; but you can’t argue with the results:
Fox and Miller are having success.
And today, so are Trouba and Lindgren.
Furthermore, Mancini v. Jones, while it sucks for them, as one man has to sit; it is a nice problem to have for the head coach (and the organization).
Here was Laviolette’s line-up for the eighth game of this 2024-25 season:
FIRST LINE: Panarin/Trocheck/Lafreniere
SECOND LINE: Kreider/Zibanejad/Smith
THIRD LINE: Cuylle/Chytil/Kakko
FOURTH LINE: Edstrom/Carrick/Brodzinski
FIRST PAIR: Miller/Fox
SECOND PAIR: Lindgren/Trouba
THIRD PAIR: Jones/Schneider
STARTING GOALIE: Jonathan Quick
BACK UP GOALIE: CZAR IGOR
HEALTHY SCRATCHES: Mancini and Leschyshyn
LTIR: Vesey
BOX SCORE time.
The following graphics and information come from ESPN.com:
SCORING:
PENALTIES:
TEAM STATS:
GOALIES:
|
ANA
|
|
SA
|
GA
|
SV
|
SV%
|
ESSV
|
PPSV
|
SHSV
|
SOSA
|
SOS
|
TOI
|
PIM
|
| 32 | 2 | 30 | .938 | 26 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 57:57 | 0 |
|
NYR
|
|
J. Quick#32
|
|
SA
|
GA
|
SV
|
SV%
|
ESSV
|
PPSV
|
SHSV
|
SOSA
|
SOS
|
TOI
|
PIM
|
| 33 | 1 | 32 | .970 | 28 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 60:00 | 0 |
Since I was “enjoying” – or perhaps better stated – “enduring” – my 40th hour of overtime at work this week; then as a result, I missed tonight’s M$GN pregame show.
And unlike the other pregames shows from this past week – then I would’ve wanted to watch this one – and only because “THE KING OF COMMENTARY,” Henrik Lundqvist, was in-house.
I do want to share the following just to give you my state of mind, as this is what I said prior to puck drop:
If #NYR don’t win this game by 3+ goals, then it will be disappointing. Perfect get right game, but it’s still hard to forget that Florida loss.
— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) October 26, 2024
I know that some of you, including the “controversial, but always civil” @NYRLouie on Twitter/X (and I do enjoy our debates), would prefer that I “let go” of last year – and Thursday night too – but I can’t.
But at least I’m consistent.
After all, the 2023 playoff loss to the Devils broke me so much (HOW MUCH DID IT BREAK YOU?); so much that I wrote this book in the summer that followed:
So yeah – while a win – I just take it as two-points – but nothing anything special, outside of the individual performances.
At 7PM, and now plopped on the couch in front of the television in my humble abode – and Sam & Joe were having a fiesta in the booth.
The “OH JOE, the Latin X community Joe” may be my favorite Sam Rosen sentence of all-time – as you know he has no clue what the hell that means.
Heck, I don’t even know what “Latin X” means either!
As far as what stunk like a late night Taco Bell dump?
Sam and Joe immediately talking about how young, and for whatever reason, “good looking” too, that every Duck was.
I get it – Anaheim, as led by the Pig Farmer, GM Pat Verbeek, is in a state of rebuild.
You can tell me that the team is young once or twice – but Micheletti made it his mission to remind us of this fact about 7986798678679867986798679 times throughout the broadcast – which was another way to say, “how come the veteran Rangers aren’t pulling out the old Nintendo orange gun and putting these Ducks out of their misery?”
And yep, this too before getting into the GAME REVIEW:
Anytime that I saw Radko Gudas, now captain of these Ducks, and former Ranger Frank Vatrano tonight – and it only reminded me of what I wrote from November ’23 all the way to the March ’24 NHL Trade Deadline:
Drury should’ve sent Kakko, a prospect and whatever other fringe piece to Verbeek, in exchange for Vatrano, Gudas and Adam Henrique.
Tell me when I’m telling lies, as what’s better?
Vatrano, Gudas and Henrique – or Jack Roslovic, Chad Ruhwedel and Alex Wennberg?
Hell, what’s better?
Kakko or Vatrano?
Sorry to all of my loyal readers, you devout fellow Blueshirt fans that read every word that I say on this site – but as alluded to above – I just can’t let go of that 2024 ECF loss.
One way that I could forgive it?
By downing beers with you during a June of ’25 parade.
Finally, GAME REVIEW time!
FIRST PERIOD
This period, and really this game as a whole, can be summed up with these few words:
“Jonathan Quick vs. Lukas Dostal.”
For the two back-ups serving under franchise goalies (CZAR IGOR and John Gibson) – and both dueling backstops put forth Vezina Trophy level performances tonight.
Once Rosen was done running down the resumes of every player on the Anaheim roster, Quick made his first big save of the game just 1:33 in, when he denied a wide-open Cam Fowler – and a defenseman where today, and even fourteen-years following his 12th-overall section in the 2010 NHL Draft – has Ranger fans ruing the day when Senile Glen Sather went with Dylan McIlrath two-picks prior.
About a minute later and Kaapo “I only score A-Rod goals” Kakko, missed a chance to deflect a Miller pass into Dostal’s net.
Down to 15:50 remaining and we had our first <DING> of the game – and perhaps an omen of what was to come too – as Lindgren took a GAG LINE 2.0 member’s pass, from Lafreniere, and found iron.
He’d make good on his second chance.
After that, Sam and Joe then got on their knees and delivered their “Ode To Leo Carlsson,” as both members of the M$GN crew went on-and-on about the Duck’s 2023 second-overall selection.
Sam and Joe didn’t have equal praise for the Rangers’ second-overall selection from the 2019 Draft.
As the two goalies traded saves with 14:00 remaining, including a Dostal stop on Kreider – and the Rangers, with 12:56 to go, received a power-play when Mason McTavish hooked Lindgren – and in another example of double-nickel having a massive, and positive, impact on this game.
Dostal, in turn, made four saves on the Ducks’ PK, where as a result, the Rangers’ power-play is now one of their last ten and 6/24 (25%) overall.
And just to say it for the 97823647856278365786242423879679836498 billionth time:
GET THIS LONG HAIRED OVERPAID $8.5M HIPPIE OFF OF MY PP1 – AND GIVE ME THE NEW $7.4M GAG LINE 2.0 RIGHT WINGER!
I’m with the best local writer on the Rangers’ beat today (which I guess doesn’t say much – as most of them are dreadful), Jonny Lazarus:
Lafreniere does have the potential to be 100-point scorer – but it’s not going to happen if he’s not on the first quintet.
And give Lazzy credit too – as he’s been predicting this for over a year now – and in turn – has been ahead of the curve.
Perhaps his EYE TEST insight is better than his peers, since you know, he’s a former player – and not someone who dry-humps charts and graphs all day long like the Wince’s, Mollie’s, and sadly, now Larry Brooks’ too, of the world.
But what inciteful commentary by yours truly!
During stoppages and we then saw Saint Adam Graves give out a bunch of $10K checks to random members of the Latino/Hispanic/Latin American community.
No word if those checks were then used to buy one ticket to see the Rangers at M$G – the going rate these days for tickets in the lower bowl.
As the game progressed and Zibanejad found himself, all alone and about ten-feet out, from Dostal.
The puppy-dog-eyed center, who plays like a female dog, then shot the puck right at the Duck logo on the goalie’s jersey.
Micheletti called this “FABULOUS” – while also missing an opportunity to go with the Latino theme too:
Down to 6:32 remaining and with the GAG LINE 2.0 threatening whenever they jumped over the boards – and Lafreniere fed Jones for a one-timer.
Jones missed the net.
Do you know who wouldn’t miss the net on a similar one-timer?
Lindgren, the current whippin’ boy of millennial fans.
Just sayin’!
Vatrano, who took some friendly-fire earlier in the game, once taking a puck to the left eyebrow that a hematoma immediately sprouted from it afterwards, never the left the game (HOCKEY PLAYERS), which then led to another Quick save with six-minutes remaining.
Sam Carrick, who is making it easy to forget about Barclay Goodrow, almost had a goal, but was denied by Dostal with 4:15 left.
Speaking of Dostal, he soon recorded his third save of the game against Panarin too.
Now under 2:00 remaining and Quick had the straps of his bucket knocked loose – and whenever I see an immediate whistle in reaction in order to fix the goalie’s mask – it then reminds me about the men who once stood tall in the crease and took puck-after-puck to the mush.
Nothing against today’s generation – but they don’t make them like Gump Worsley anymore.
However, that’s a GOOD thing – as there’s no reason for any player’s face to look like they were cut-up by Edward Scissorhands.
Dostal made his 15th save of the game with 80-seconds remaining as he stopped Chytil on his first of two breakaways – as Dostal told us that he wasn’t Sam Montembeault from last Tuesday.
The Ducks’ goalie then stopped Lindgren with nine-seconds remaining for his 18th save of the period.
We remained scoreless after twenty-minutes.
Here’s what I said at the time:
Scoreless after 20 minutes. 1P Thoughts:
— #NYR, 18 SOG, but no goals.
— Rangers aren’t playing bad or anything like that, but gotta finish. Many wasted opportunities already.
— Really thought this would be a 2-3 goal lead by now – maybe Florida really messed up their…— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) October 26, 2024
SECOND PERIOD
More of the same, as both goalies continued to excel and define flawless perfection.
To open, the GAG LINE 2.0 had a hell of an opening shift – but Dostal.
In the other end, Quick made one of his best saves yet – and as he did when he stopped Lacombe’s wrap-around attempt with 18:28 remaining.
After Micheletti was done playing with his pants while dreaming of fornicating with Carlsson; Dostal stopped Smith after a feed from Lindgren – and where at this point – it felt like #55 should’ve had three assists – and just like Lafreniere.
As Sam Rosen was singing “GASOLINA” and gesticulating the “Macarena,” Micheletti told us that he wanted to see Trevor “Maybe A Future Ranger – Trade Kakko!” Zegras score against Quick.
That’s what you wanted to hear out of the Carlsson-ass-kissed lips from Jumpin’ Joe.
We then had some bang-bang plays with 15:45 remaining, as Gudas absolutely leveled Carrick at the Ducks’ blueline.
This was clean – and just like any TROO TROO TRAIN hit.
No ifs, ands or buts about it – but such a fact still didn’t stop some Blueshirt backers from wanting the head of Gudas.
Have some consistency man!
If you defend every Trouba hit (and as I do), then there’s no way in blue hell that you could call this hit dirty.
This was as clean as the pure driven snow.
Of note: Carrick was assessed by concussion spotters and then soon cleared. I think he only missed one shift, as I did notice Panarin with Edstrom and Brodzinski – and then after that – Carrick was right back out there.
Again – HOCKEY PLAYERS – tough as f’n nails!
They all have my respect – and yes – even Missing Mika, The Concussed Czech and The Feckless Finn too!
That said?
Can they sit 300′ high on a tower crane like yours truly?
Right after the hit and Chytil had his second breakaway of the game – but he was made dizzy by Dostal.
Again, Chytil and Kakko, lots of chances, but no finish.
Chances don’t win Cups.
Results do.
This soon led to a Ryan Strome v. Chytil altercation – and the refs quickly raced to break up this potential fight – as they didn’t want to see “The Concussed Czech” twitching on the ice again.
Yea, if I’ve said it once, then I’ve said it a zillion times too (and just like you) – but any time you see Chytil in these situations and/or whenever he gets hit – and you just hold your breath and pucker your butthole.
Following more Kakko and Chytil misses and with 11:45 to go; Quick then stopped the female lead of “Me, Myself and Irene,” Renee Zellweger.
A few seconds later and Lindgren broke up a Ducks’ 2 x 1 attack – and if THE ULTIMATE WARRIOR hadn’t – then it’s a quick goal for Vatrano.
As we got to the halfway mark of the game/period – you somewhat felt that if the Ducks had scored first, then all of the air would have been sucked out of M$G.
The Rangers were dominant in the zone – but Dostal was even more dominating.
Just to prove to you that none of my commentary is from an after-the-fact perspective, then here’s what I said at the time:
Lindgren and Trouba, who may not be here next season, have looked really good together tonight #NYR
— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) October 27, 2024
After that, and now under eight-minutes remaining – and Micheletti was right back to talking about how young and good lookin’ Carlsson was – and where if you didn’t know any better – then Joe’s words read like a pervert from a Chris Hansen, “Catch a Predator,” online chat transcript.
Quick just continued to make the saves, as it was during this time where the Ducks were really coming on – and in turn – the goalie kept the Rangers in this.
Down to 5:09 remaining and Miller took the first Rangers’ penalty of the game when he hooked Troy Terry which then led to this Quick save on the penalty kill:
A SPECTACULAR SAVE BY JONATHAN QUICK! pic.twitter.com/tRP2ITxvfM
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) October 27, 2024
What a career renaissance it has been for the soon-to-be 39-year-old goalie.
In total, Quick made five saves on this PK, including another jaw-dropper on a McTavish backhanded try.
We still had no score after forty-minutes.
Here’s what I said at the time:
Scoreless after 40 minutes, as the #NYR scoring drought extends past five periods. 2P Thoughts:
— We officially have a goalie’s duel.
— Exciting game to watch – but also concerning that the Rangers can’t score, especially after that FLA loss that may have messed with their…— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) October 27, 2024
THIRD PERIOD
As Micheletti reminded us for the 79867986798679867986786787986 billionth time that the Ducks were so young (HOW YOUNG ARE THEY?), so young that they are looking forward to trick-or-treating next week; Schneider had a one-timer denied, while Dostal also stopped a Carrick wrap-around try too.
But finally, and with 15:47 to go, we had our first goal of the game:
Ryan Lindgren puts the Rangers on the board! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/CLUTqmF0r1
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) October 27, 2024
1-0, GOOD GUYS!
Best comment on this Lindgren goal, and as assisted by GAG LINE 2.0?
From this young fan, and one probably 20-years my junior:
Lindgren has a better one timer then Mika I’m dead 😭😭😭
— Lafreniere For MVP (@Laf4MVP_) October 27, 2024
And what a handle – as this Twitter/X user has had this user name for a few years now – and where who knows – maybe Lafreniere will win the Hart Trophy during the next seven-years?!?!?
One can hope!
A comment from a fellow boomer like your truly – and a remark that was right on the money?
This one:
#NYR chart worshippers HATE that Lindgren scored that goal. 🚨
— Jim Regan (@Jbones72) October 27, 2024
Come 12:10 left to be played and Dostal stopped a 3 x 1 Rangers’ attack, as a Smith-to-Fox play was denied.
Right after that?
Trouba and Lindgren shut down the apple of Joe’s eye, Carlsson.
With 11:18 to go, and Cuylle had seemingly made the game 2-0, GOOD GUYS, but following his excellent move – then finish – video replay erased the goal (offside) – and for the second time this season at #50’s expense.
Cuylle, and like John Cena, “NEVER GAVE UP.”
Some three-minutes later, and the following:
WILL CUYLLE! That one counts! pic.twitter.com/OKwXVa9WkN
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) October 27, 2024
2-0, GOOD GUYS – and where yes – even this goal was reviewed too – but thankfully – the refs were done screwing around with Cuylle.
This was also a pure third line goal, as the two passengers who can’t score goals themselves on a consistent basis, Kakko and Chytil, picked up the assists.
Yeah – I wish that both Kakko and Chytil were gone – but this was a hell of a line goal – and I can’t discredit that.
Still, I just feel like injuries and poor play during the playoffs are all but inevitable for these two first-round busts.
Prove me wrong – and if I’m wrong – then I’ll say it – and just like how I’ve said it about Lafreniere.
But good games against shit squads like the Ducks and Canadiens won’t sway my opinions anyway.
Another opinion I won’t back off from?
How Mika Zibanejad not only has the worst contract on the team – but in all of the NHL too (ala the one that Jeff Skinner once had in Buffalo) – and one that somehow goes throughout the 2030 season.
Right after Cuylle scored, and Zibanejad, checked out like a gay man at a P. Diddy promoted all-out lickin’ lesbian orgy, allowed Renee Zellweger to get behind him, and in turn, score a deflection/redirection goal that Quick never had a chance on.
You can thank the player more concerned about hugs with his BFF (Kreider) than scoring goals for breaking up what should’ve been a shutout for JQ32.
This goal was also a foreplay goal, as prior to it, BIG ED and McTavish got into it following an Edstrom hit on Killorn – and a hit that the refs assessed as boarding.
End result?
2-1, good guys, and with 7:22 remaining.
This was also our final score.
This frantic game remained as such all the way throughout the finish, and let’s bullet-point the ways:
— Panarin was stopped on a 2 x 1.
— On the breakaway afforded after the Dostal save on #10, Schneider made a MONSTER COCK BLOCK on a Frank Vatrano rifle shot that screamed 2-2.
— Gudas crushed Lafreniere with his second big hit of the game, a clean one at that; but Lafreniere popped-up without a care in the world. We’ve seen this out of #13 before – not only pretty with the offense – but a brute with an edge too.
— Quick made another fantastic wrap-around save, this time on Fowler with 3:19 remaining.
— As the Ducks pulled Dostal with 2:00 to go – and for whatever reason – both Sam and Joe were previewing Friday night’s game with the Senators – and where Micheletti was foaming at the mouth, and as if he was Stalk Boy Steven, about all of the young players in Ottawa.
— During this unnecessary preview, Quick was preventing the Ducks from tying the game.
— To close, Kreider had an empty-net attempt blocked by Zellweger, Miller missed an empty net by a country mile and Quick made four saves within thirty-seconds to preserve the win – and where all of these saves were the end result of Missing Mika d-zone faceoff losses.
2-1, GOOD GUYS, your final – and while an entertaining nail-biter – you still would have hoped for a bigger disparity on the scoreboard.
Or at least I did – especially as a puck-line (win by 2) bettor!
The Rangers’ YouTube team, lazy as Mika, didn’t upload any of the post-game interviews.
But I did watch them live on the M$GN – and where what you’d expect them to say was said, where above all else, everyone had high praise for Mr. JQ32.
Despite the impressive 6-1-1 record (and where all wins except one, the victory over Toronto, have been at the expense against bottom-of-the-barrel competition) – and I still think that this team is flawed.
But I must remind myself of my daily mantra – let’s get to the deadline.
Even so, I don’t see Drury forcing Mika’s hand into a trade – and where I still don’t see Zibanejad as a top-six center who can bring you to the promised land.
At this rate, and if I could guarantee that Chytil would never get injured again, then I think that the Rangers would have a better chance with him as 2C than Mika – and to reiterate – Trocheck is my #1 center.
Up Next For the Rangers: A national prime-time match-up this Tuesday night, as the club will visit Washington at 7:30PM.
Expect Larry Brooks to do his tired act and cry about Alex Ovechkin’s non-confrontational relationship with Vladimir Putin.
I mean what does Mollie’s sugar-daddy expect?
Ovechkin to bury the volatile dictator where his family lives?
After all, we all saw how well that worked out for Panarin some three-years ago.
Up Next For Me: The first day in a while where I can sleep without having to hearing the blaring sound of an alarm clock!
Up Next For You: C’mon, you know what’s next…
PLUGS TIME! (Buy a book and support my Rangers’ induced therapy bills. After all, I don’t run ads on this site!)
My fourth title and tenth book is now available!
“The Top 100 Villains of New York Rangers History,” is now available for sale!
For complete information, please visit: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/rangerkillers/
My second plug of tonight’s blog – the mandatory plug for my book, “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden.”
As mentioned previously, the book is now available in hardcover, in paperback and in Kindle formats. To purchase a copy of the book, visit this link:
https://www.amazon.com/Rangers-Rafters-Madison-Square-Garden-ebook/dp/B09CM5N2WD
For those still looking for signed paperback versions of the book, I have re-ordered more copies. I now have a few signed copies for sale at $25 a pop (includes shipping price) through me directly. Here is all the information on that:
Order “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden” Book Today
My four-volume set of books, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is a game-by-game recount of the Rangers 2021-22 campaign.
My second title as an author, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is now available in eBook, paperback and hardcover formats.
To obtain signed copies, visit: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/onegamebook/
To purchase all four volumes on Amazon, visit: Amazon.com – “One Game at a Time.”
The greatest volume-set of books on Rangers’ history today!
“Tricks of the Trade – A Century-Long Journey Through Every Trade Made In New York Rangers’ History,” a four-volume set of books that meticulously covers every trade made in franchise history, is now on sale.
All four volumes of the title can be purchased on Amazon.com and are presented in three different formats – eBook, paperback and hardcover.
To purchase Volume I: Conn Smythe (1926) – Craig Patrick (1986), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume II: Phil Esposito (1986) – Neil Smith (2000), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume III: Glen Sather (2000-2015), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume IV: Jeff Gorton (2015) – Chris Drury (2022), visit Amazon.com
To purchase signed copies of all four volumes, visit https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/
If you haven’t already, subscribe to this blog for the next update:
Don’t forget to order my four-volume set of books, “Tricks of the Trade!”
If you don’t order through me, all four volumes are now available on Amazon.com
For more details, check out: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/
Thanks for reading.
LET’S GO RANGERS!
Sean McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com
@NYCTHEMIC on the Tweeter machine
I actually think Chytil has been having a few decent games. As you say though, he’s only 1 bad injury from being knocked out completely (pardon the pun). That said, there were similar concerns around Zibanejad and his concussion risk when he started here too. He’s been fine so far, so maybe Chytil will get lucky? I think Chytil (and Kakko by extension) benefit from the excellent play from Cuylle. He’s been elevating that line and covering for the deficiencies the others have shown, although again, Chytil really hasn’t been as bad lately.
Speaking of Zibanejad, I had to check the box scores to see if he even played. Invisible on the ice, except for when taking time on the PP. Curiously, upon review, Chytil had more play time than him this game. Maybe Laviolette is cooling on him? Chytil could serve as a reasonable replacement for him, hell, he’d be cheaper at least for equal production!
Miller still does his one dumb play a game, but his defensive upsides outweigh that by such a large degree. He was a monster in this game, literally knocking guys over left and right. I thought the other pairings were good too, great to see Jones getting some time in, and he was out there for some big plays as well.
I can’t argue otherwise – third line has been strong – but I just don’t see it lasting. If you could guarantee full health for the Finn & Czech, then it would be easier to accept them.
Everytime I see Mika, it makes me miss Jack Eichel.
I see Miller is now the new whippin’ boy du jour after the game against D.C. I guess Lindgren and Trouba are now old news to that crew!