Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. Who are these guys?
As noted in the caption above – then yes – I’m aware that we are only four games into this 84-game campaign – and where we still have about 96% of the 2026-27 season left to play.
That said, and if you just chalk up the opening night 3-0 loss to Boston to the truncated preseason/training camp – then the Rangers have looked like world beaters ever since Thursday night (5-1 win against Tampa – and you may have heard about what CZAR IGOR did too).
There are many positive highlights to talk about when it comes to the Rangers in their last three games, including elite goaltending, goalies scoring goals, a top-notch penalty kill, blocking shots like the old black-and-blue Blueshirts, crashing the opposing net, etc; but in my eyes, then the biggest difference between this group and the rosters from the past two seasons is obvious:
THEY HAVE EMBRACED TEAM-WIDE PLAY.
And that silly NDA Panarin east-west stuff is now a thing of the past too.
I don’t have the exact number, but I’d reckon it’s nearly a dozen, but over the past three games and the Rangers have been involved in a bunch of scrums and post-whistle theatrics.
Every time, and I mean EVERY TIME – and it’s always been a 5 x 5 affair.
Perhaps Dave Maloney’s preseason comments, when both Alberts Smits and Braden Schneider sat back as their forwards were getting jumped 5 x 3 by the Devils, gave them a kick in the ass.
Or maybe head coach Mike Sullivan finally got the message across too – you must play for each other.
And once again on Sunday night and the Rangers did just that – play for each other.
What a novel notion!
It’s also a winning idea too.
Of the quartet of matches that the Rangers have played thus far and I thought this game was the most exciting & entertaining of the lot.
(But of course, then it’s CZAR IGOR’s goal that will remain as the biggest highlight of the season.)
It also helped, and just like any other good fight, that the other side was equally as engaged too.
Very easy, extremely easy at that – and this could’ve been one of those sleepy Sunday soirees.
After all, the Rangers entered this match by having played the most games in the NHL, while their opponents, the Mammoth, had just played the night before (4-1 win in Columbus).
Despite all of this – and there was never a point where either side looked fatigued – nor took their foot off of the gas pedal either.
In what was the first game for the Rangers that wasn’t a home opener for a team, and in a way, the opening thirty-minutes, the first half if you will, felt like a continuation of Friday night – or perhaps some “Detroit Deja Vu.”
While the effort and energy was there early – and from both sides – but the shots on goal, much less the red light jobs, were not.
From the Blueshirts’ perspective, then they were able to limit Utah’s chances at CZAR IGOR because of their willingness to block shots.
Until only late in the game, the final eight-minutes or so when the Mormons were really pressing – and the Rangers had blocked more shots than the Mammoth sent CZAR IGOR’s way. (In total, Utah finished with 30 shots – the Rangers blocked 23.)
The no longer Arizona Coyotes, on paper (and we know how that goes), should have a good team this year.
In turn, then I thought this was a good litmus test – and again – for both sides of this equation.
While I was very proud and happy with what I saw on Sunday; but that doesn’t mean that the Rangers are perfect either.
Far from it.
The Rangers ultimately went 0/4 on the power-play, and where it wasn’t until their third man-up opportunity where they registered a shot on goal.
It should also be noted that the fourth power-play took place with only eleven-seconds left in regulation, so while officially it goes down as 0/4, but in reality, it was 0/3.
The Blueshirts’ penalty kill, which entered this game perfect, gave up their first man-down goal of the season.
Vladislav Gavrikov, who struck first blood with only 2:42 remaining in the first frame following a shot from near the center of the blue line, saw his goal matched with only 5:31 remaining in the second period, via Nick Schmaltz’s power-play goal.
Once again, and it was the Rangers’ inability to score on their own power-play that turned what should’ve been a multiple-goal lead into a tied match.
Entering the third period still knotted at 1-1 – and this is when the intensity level from both teams really revved up.
In what was a never-ending period of odd-man rushes, hits, big saves and tons of misses – and Gabe Perreault regained the Rangers’ lead at the 3:15 mark.
His goal was the end result of Lafreniere failing to score for seemingly the 798678677986th time in the game – and where after tonight – then I think that the former first-overall pick could have a fantastic career in the fields of horseshoes and hand grenades.
After Utah goalie, Karel Vejmelka, stopped #13 in blue – blammo – there was Perreault with the rebound.
Gavrikov, who set career-highs in all of his scoring categories last season (a rare highlight from one of the worst seasons in franchise history), picked up his second point of the game with only 7:13 remaining in regulation.
After skating dead-center, and just above the circles (and about 15′ away from where he previously scored), #44 ripped the puck again – and once the rubber got to Vejmelka, the puck took a fortunate bounce – as it deflected off of Captain J.T. Miller’s skate – and then right across the goal line.
3-1 – and a Donald Trump “YUUUUUUUUUGE” insurance goal – and an insurance policy that would soon be cashed on.
Just two-minutes after Miller’s goal put the Rangers ahead by a deuce, there was Andrew Peeke just wristing a shot through traffic past CZAR IGOR.
3-2 – and where those previous nervous sweat beads trickling down your forehead returned.
Thankfully, with Utah’s net empty, and Eeli Tolvanen, who if you can believe it, is now the team’s top scorer (3 goals), sealed the deal with his 4-2 empty netter with only 1:15 remaining.
Better than that?
CZAR IGOR, who extended his winning streak to two games tonight, also extended his scoring streak to two games too!
After teasing a shot at the empty net, CZAR IGOR, from his own net, found Cuylle crossing the blue line. Cuylle then dished the puck to his linemate for the goal.
Now returned to a two-goal lead – and it almost happened again.
CZAR IGOR went for Utah’s empty net – and during a night where every time he touched the puck and the Garden Faithful would scream “SHOOOOOOOOOOOT” – and Mikhail Sergachev, like an NFL safety playing PREVENT defense, sat back in order to prevent #31 from scoring goals in back-to-back games.
As Sullivan said after the game, “I guess Utah had Shesterkin scouted!”
Worth mentioning?
Utah was still chasing a goal – yet there was Sergachev more worried about CZAR IGOR than trying to help his team score a goal.
As noted, this was a THRILLING win.
It was FUN.
But it also wasn’t perfect.
Dampening the mood, aside from the team’s power-play failures and Lafreniere’s inability to find the back of the net, was the fact that Joe Veleno went down with injury early into the first period after getting tangled up with Clayton Keller.
Veleno had to be helped to the locker room as he couldn’t put any weight on his leg.
Sullivan gave the standard textbook response after the game in regards to his fourth-line center – “we need further evaluation.”
The fact that Veleno was unable to return/shake it off, tells you that this injury is more serious than some temporary pain.
Should he miss some time, then the Rangers still have Matt Rempe on the roster.
I know that many Blueshirt backers would like to see the team call-up new toy Cole Beaudoin – but I just don’t see the point in calling-up a promising prospect just to have him play limited fourth line minutes.
Instead, and if they need to, then I just see the Rangers calling up a veteran forward (Rempe can play center) – and whether it be Anton Blidh, Taylor Raddysh, Justin Dowling or someone like that.
Lastly on this topic?
Then this is what Drury has always done in these situations. Unless a rookie/prospect can play top-minutes (Perreault), then he doesn’t call them up.
Before moving forward into everything else, then I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that both the New York Giants and New York Rangers, BIG BLUE and the BLUESHIRTS, are now 3-1!
I can’t remember the last time that was the case – maybe in 2015.
What I do know was the case, was that the Rangers didn’t win two games on home ice last season until November 23rd – Thanksgiving/Black Friday time.
As we sit here on October 4th, a week out from the annual Columbus Day holiday – and the Rangers have already notched two wins in front of their fans – and are also undefeated at M$G too!
We Want The Cup!?!?!?
At this time, our usual segments, but of course, then in case you missed it, then here’s where I last left off – the first NHL shutout of Dylan Garand’s career:
NYR/DET 10/2 Review: GARAND THEFT AUTO Robs The Motor City; Rangers’ Rookie Shuts Out Wings! Dominating Dylan Makes Drury & Sullivan Look Foolish; Korpisalo Who? Road Weary Blueshirts Hang On Against Dreary Detroit, Big Night For Sean Durzi, Welcome Back Trocheck Next & More
As noted several times this season, then unless Sullivan says anything truly of note, then I’m not wasting my time writing about it.
The Rangers, off on Saturday, returned early Sunday morning for an AM skate. The only newsworthy thing to transpire at the light practice while the rest of the world was getting ready for NFL kickoffs was that the head coach flip-flopped Tye Kartye and Oliver Bjorkstand – a pair of former Krakheads to boot!
I forgot to mention in my Rangers/Wings report that Sullivan had made this same switch late into the second period – and where really – the minor line-up change didn’t really produce any results (but the switch also didn’t hurt the team).
Here’s the self proclaimed smartest man in the room talking to the diseased cacklin’ hyena of the New York Post:
Trocheck, perhaps running on no sleep after playing the night before, was also at M$G on Sunday morning.
In a lengthy interview, Trocheck played nice.
To watch his chat, then check out this video:
PREGAME
“I think it’s just different each time. I feel like each team… they’ve all been different chapters of my life and it’s just been a different feeling coming back to each place.”
@utahmammoth Vincent Trocheck on playing his former team https://t.co/7HUEa7c4FG
— Utah Mammoth PR (@UtahMammoth_PR) October 4, 2026
On how Chris Drury, the Pepperoni Prince, Mr. ZOOM ZOOM himself, jerked him around last season, Trocheck replied, “It was a roller coaster, but I think last year going into the trade deadline, being pretty positive that it was going to happen, and then it not. It was a little bit odd. It just felt weird. Going back to a team that felt like I was already out the door. And then going into the off-season, it was pretty evident that it was going to happen. So it’s all over now. I’m part of the Mammoth, and I’m happy to be here.”
On his return to M$G, Trocheck said, “Honestly, I haven’t thought about it a whole lot. Played last night, got in late. I’m excited for sure. Excited to see the guys. Excited to see the staff.”
Former Islander captain, Anders Lee, now in Utah, with Trocheck, talked about how both of their situations are similar.
“My family and I were so fortunate that the Trochecks have been going through this too,” said Lee, who will also have his return against the Islanders later this season. “We spent a lot of time together in the last month and a half with our families.”
Trocheck responded to Lee by saying, “Both of us having kids around the same age, being able to play with each other and have friends at school the first day, that obviously goes a long way.”
Elsewhere, and Sean Durzi, who scored the game winning goal on Friday night, was also facing his former team – but obviously – didn’t have the connection and tenure in Utah as Trocheck and Lee had in New York.
“It’s always weird playing your old team,” said Durzi. “I’ve done it now a couple times, but you got love for those guys for the last couple years. You play your hardest for them and now you’re playing for a new team. I’m excited, obviously.”
Here was Silly Sully’s line-up for the fourth game of this 84-game 2026-27 campaign:
FIRST LINE: Perreault/Mika/Lafreniere
SECOND LINE: Kartye/Miller/Dorofeyev
THIRD LINE: Cuylle/Laba/Tolvanen
FOURTH LINE: Bjorkstrand/Veleno/Chmelar
FIRST PAIR: Gavrikov/Fox
SECOND PAIR: Pettersson/Durzi
THIRD PAIR: Smits/Schneider
STARTING GOALIE: CZAR IGOR
BACK-UP: Garand
HEALTHY SCRATCHES: Morrow, Robertson and Rempe
IR: Korpisalo
BOX SCORE time.
The following graphics and information come from ESPN.com:
SCORING:
TEAM STATS:
GOALIES:
|
NYR
|
|
SA
|
GA
|
SV
|
SV%
|
ESSV
|
PPSV
|
SHSV
|
SOSA
|
SOS
|
TOI
|
PIM
|
| 30 | 2 | 28 | .933 | 27 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 59:58 | 0 |
|
UTAH
|
|
SA
|
GA
|
SV
|
SV%
|
ESSV
|
PPSV
|
SHSV
|
SOSA
|
SOS
|
TOI
|
PIM
|
| 21 | 3 | 18 | .857 | 15 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 58:40 | 0 |
I got nothing about the M$GN pregame show for you today – as this site is a Sieve Vagistat Free Zone.
How he still has a job there is beyond me – but then again – Chris Drury remains employed by the organization too.
John Giannone filled-in for Kenny Albert, as the Rangers’ ace play-by-play man was in Texas for the Houston v. Dallas NFL game. Alongside Giannone was Dave Maloney. In addition, Brian Boyle stood in-between the benches – which just made me wonder – if Boyle was there anyway, then why have the worst goalie in franchise history bore fans for thirty-minutes?
And with that said?
GAME REVIEW time!
FIRST PERIOD
As CZAR IGOR and Karel Vejmelka took their place in nets, then as is customary and tradition – and the returning Trocheck took the first draw of the game.
Trocheck lost his first faceoff to Zibanejad – then quickly lost another draw to Miller too. (Trocheck ultimately finished 7/12 – good for a 58.3% success rate.)
In what surprised me early was the fact that M$G was so lively.
Between it being a work night, a full day of an NFL slate and everything else – and the Garden wasn’t only packed – but it was LOUD.
Perhaps all of these recent ticket promotions are allowing the real fans to return.
Following CZAR IGOR’s first save of the game (on Peeke) at the 3:31 mark, Pettersson was sent to the box for interfering with Trocheck.
Two-minutes later?
The Rangers’ penalty kill was now a flawless 11/11 on the season – and where they didn’t allow Utah to get a shot off either.
The best two PKers during this time where Tye Kartye and Joe Veleno – and where the soon-to-be injured center actually recorded the Rangers’ first SOG during this man-down time.
Once returned to full-strength and Pettersson almost got a jack-in-the-box assist, as he sprung Tolvanen on a breakaway – but Vejmelka made the save. The Utah goalie then prevented Smits of his first NHL goal too.
Following Daniil But(thead) going wide on a 2 x 1 with 12:20 remaining; the Rangers’ third line & third pair had a hell of a shift, spending about a minute in Utah’s zone.
John Giannone then paid homage to Sam Rosen, as the fill-in announcer made sure to tell us, “Will Cuylle, Logan Cooley, NO RELATIONS.”
This then led Maloney into responding with “COOLIE VERSUS COOLIE” – which I believe is a night out for Sieve Vagistat.
Down to 9:43 remaining and the SOG totals were Rangers 3, Mormons 1.
Despite the low SOG totals – then both teams were exerting a ton of energy – and where no team look tired either.
Once returned from the first TV timeout, the Rangers then paid their respects to Trocheck:
The Rangers’ tribute video for Vincent Trocheck in his first game back 👏
(via SEB) https://t.co/83pFrqdikB
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 4, 2026
Very well done #nyr https://t.co/Hv9Esx0y9i
— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) October 4, 2026
Right after this and this is when the Rangers got their first power-play of the game – as Mackenzie Weegar tripped Lafreniere.
The first power-play unit remains as a disjointed mess.
During these two minutes and it was actually Utah that almost scored, but during a 2 x 1 odd-man rush, and Schmaltz, who had all day to shoot, forced a boneheaded pass – and a pass that Adam Fox blocked after a successful dive.
Crisis averted.
Utah didn’t get a SOG here – and neither did the Rangers during this power-play.
It was also at this time where Maloney first reported to us that Veleno left the game.
Mr. Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Lafreniere, then had another breakaway – but you know the deal – no goal.
I think he’s 3 of 78678686796796798679867986 in his career on breakaways.
But don’t worry – in Year Seven – and he’ll finally “break out!”
Jaroslav Chmelar, who looks like he could have a promising and lengthy NHL career, had two big hits early, including with about five-minutes left when completely laid out Sergachev.
A few seconds later and CZAR IGOR, perhaps paying homage to Mike Richer, made a Statue of Liberty save on Peeke.
(Yeah, CZAR IGOR hams it up during these unnecessary windmill saves – but hell – who doesn’t enjoy watching it?)
After the save, and for the third consecutive game at that too – and we had another scrum – and another scrum that Zibanejad participated in.
Speaking of Mika?
Then with 3:15 remaining and Mika, off the rush and all alone, went wide.
I think I’ve written that sentence about 9667677678678679867986 times before in my life.
Down to 2:42 remaining, Gavrikov broke up the nil-nil tie:
GAVRIKOV SNIPES IT FROM THE BLUE LINE 🎯
(via SEB) https://t.co/YqmAgU9dV5
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 4, 2026
1-0, GOOD GUYS!
Equally as good?
Then right after the goal, both teams went to center ice for the faceoff and once there – BOOM – another 5 x 5 brawl.
The Rangers’ third line and second pair were involved here, and it was Hayton’s cheap shot on Noah Laba (who has been quiet to start the season) that started the whole thing.
Cuylle was the first to respond – and once responding here – and he never let up for the rest of the game.
Take a look:
Laba was pushed unprovoked off that draw which led to a lot of pushing and shoving.
In the end, Cuylle and Hayton each get 2 for roughing.
1-0 #NYR, 17:18 1P. https://t.co/efjyFYSjof
— Lydia Pirner (@LPirner) October 4, 2026
Again – TEAM WIDE PLAY – and guys playing/defending each other too.
Come 1:57 remaining and the Rangers were back on the power-play as Schmaltz cross-checked Dorofeyev.
Twenty-seconds prior to first intermission?
Lafreniere hit the post.
Tonight’s game was like many for him – he couldn’t even score in a whorehouse even if he had fistfuls of $100 bills in his hands.
1-0, GOOD GUYS, through twenty-minutes.
Here’s what I said at the time:
#NYR 1, Utah 0, after 20. 1P Thoughts:
— A lot to like there – especially how everyone is fighting and getting physical. No one is doing the ballerina act or ducking any contact.— PK 1/1, 11/11 on the season, but the power-play is 0/2 – ya gotta score on that 4 x 3.
— Igor is Igor, but not much work yet – Mormons 6 SOG, Rangers 5.
— I’m surprised how packed and loud M$G is – thought all of the football would hurt the house.
— Will Utah, who played last night and landed early Sunday morning, gas out?
— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) October 4, 2026
SECOND PERIOD
After Utah took the first draw of this period at the World’s Most Expensive Arena, Smits regained the puck in his own zone – then lazily and sloppily turned it over.
Fortunately, and his teammates, again TEAM WIDE PLAY, bailed him out.
No harm.
It was also around this time when the Rangers made the news about Veleno official:
Joe Veleno (lower-body) will not return to tonight’s game.
— NY Rangers PR (@NYR_PR) October 4, 2026
In what was a slow period for the goalies, then CZAR IGOR made his first save at the 2:45 mark (Guenther).
Vejmelka made his at the 4:15 mark (Durzi).
A few seconds after that and the Rangers returned to the power-play, as Weegar was just cross checking and assaulting Mika at the boards behind the Utah goalie.
Weegar was protesting the infraction called – but this was blatant.
The Rangers did everything but score during these two-minutes, as Vejmelka stopped Lafreniere point-blank (surprise, surprise), while also getting help from his iron – as Dorofeyev hit the post, the second of two Blueshirt <DINGS> on the night.
Regardless?
Results matter and the Rangers’ power-play was now 0/3.
Once back to even-strength and CZAR IGOR made a pair of rapid-fire saves in succession, including robbing former Islander captain Anders Lee.
At the half-way mark of the game, the SOG totals were Utah 10, New York 9.
As both teams were aggressive when going to the net while also never finding the back of it either; then down to six-minutes remaining and we had another full-line brawl.
The third line, led by Cuylle was at the center of this, as #50 just creamed Guenther into the boards.
Smits and Schneider, the pair that Maloney previously called out for being soft in the preseason, were our valiant warriors here – as these rearguards eagerly came to their forwards’ defense.
As Utah was about to go on the power-play, then I noted at the time that the Rangers had more blocked shots (14) than SOG allowed (11).
It was also at this time where I was getting happy about this team again.
While I wouldn’t be ecstatic if the Rangers lost every game; but even if they did, then at least I’d respect them when they are playing like this.
No one is getting jumped without a response.
No one is running the goalie without having five skaters coming your way.
This is becoming a team again – and not a bunch of miserable individuals.
I mean, just look at the recent Stanley Cup winners – and really – this has been the case throughout hockey history – the physical stuff, the fighting, the scrums, etc – that’s what WINNERS do.
It’s also stuff that you won’t find on any one of Vagistat’s made-up charts/graphs/ANALytics.
And this is why I didn’t care when Schmaltz tied the game via his power-play goal either:
Making ’em pay where it counts. 👊
Schmaltzy makes it a 1-1 game. https://t.co/WYcwTOXVCW
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) October 4, 2026
Yeah, the goal allowed here sucked – but when you play the right way – and good things happen.
And that’s what ultimately became the case come the final horn.
1-1.
As far anything else worth mentioning from this period, then Kartye almost scored but defenseman John Marino was able to stop the puck before it crossed the goal line.
And with a minute left?
Lafreniere was denied on another breakaway – and it’s too bad you can’t place prop bets on this too!
1-up after forty-minutes of play.
Here’s what I said at the time:
1-1 after 40. 2P Thoughts:
— Loving all of the physicality and everyone fighting for each other. We never saw that last year.— SOG, Mormons 15, #NYR 13.
— Special teams hurting the Rangers – one power-play goal allowed, 0/3 during man-up time.
— I know Laf loves softball, but he should get into hand grenades and horse shoes too – always close.
— Not exactly a lazy Sunday matinee despite the low scoring and SOG totals.
— Find a way!
— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) October 4, 2026
THIRD PERIOD
After Trocheck beat Mika at the dot to open the stanza, then it took all of 63-seconds for Jack McBain and Cuylle to trade hands:
Will Cuylle and Jack McBain drop the gloves #NYR https://t.co/M3XkfEBeu3
— Andrew Chelney🍊 (@ChelneyAndrew) October 5, 2026
Kudos to Cuylle for dropping the gloves (it was his duty after his hit/boarding penalty) – but yeah – then like a one-sided UFC fight – and I was just hoping the referees would jump in and end it before serious damage could be done.
With Cuylle in the box for five-minutes and the Veleno injury – then the Rangers were now down to ten-forwards.
Up next?
The King of Horseshoes & Hand Grenades.
On a wide-open rush – Lafreniere was denied.
Right after that, and Lafreniere & Mika had a 2 x 1 rush.
Lafreniere was shut down again.
But it was on this rebound afforded where Perreault capitalized:
Lafreniere stopped, Gabe Perreault NOT stopped 🚨 https://t.co/C064PFPJD7
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 5, 2026
2-1, GOOD GUYS.
And it’s the cheap rookie contract Perreault that scored the goal that the two FAT CATS could not!
Let’s just hope that Perreault doesn’t have a Leo Carlsson situation in his future…
Speaking of the future?
Then this is what I wrote on Tweeter/X at the time, in regards to the future of this game:
M$G is going to explode should this score hold and we get under 2:00….
While not a full-on explosion; but we did get a fever-pitch!
But of course, we had a few twists-and-turns before getting there.
Down to 12:45 remaining and Cuylle led a 3 x 1 odd-man rush, as this period was full of great scoring opportunities, but Vejmelka made another big save.
Two-minutes later and Lafreniere & Mika had ANOTHER 2 x 1 odd-man rush – and where this time – instead of being stopped by the goalie – and Lafreniere decided to turn over the puck.
You can’t make this up!
Now under ten-minutes and Vejmelka made another odd-man rush save, this time on Cuylle.
The ice had been broken wide-open – but nobody could score.
That is, until Gavrikov found Miller’s skate for the 3-1 goal:
Right place, right time for J.T. Miller 🚨
(via SEB) https://t.co/ZwaYnYjIgV
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 5, 2026
3-1, GOOD GUYS.
But before the celebration could last, then just three-seconds shy of the FOXWOODS FINAL FIVE mark, and this is when Peeke brought the Mormons within one goal again:
🚨 Peeke tallies his first with the Mammoth!
We’re within one. https://t.co/2R9bsaj7h7
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) October 5, 2026
3-2.
In what was a frantic and frenzy final five-minutes and Gavrikov ate a huge hit in the corner, but then spent his time on the ice by covering up the puck – and burning the clock.
The physicality and pace was immensely intense.
Come the two-minute warning and this is when Utah pulled their goalie.
As mentioned at the top of this, CZAR IGOR teased a look at the net – and then settled for the assist.
Tolvanen, empty net, 4-2, GOOD GUYS.
With the win now secured and the good vibes were abundant.
That’s why it was so damn humorous when the Garden booed Sergachev out of the building when he sat back and prevented CZAR IGOR from scoring.
Come 11.1 seconds remaining and maybe it was going to happen for Lafreniere.
As he approached center ice with nothing but the net in front of him – and Sergachev, already a villain, interfered with him from behind.
I didn’t get this – as I thought goals were automatically rewarded in situations like this.
I guess you have to be in the zone or on a clear-cut breakaway in order to get the call.
Then again?
I’m glad Lafreniere didn’t get a cheap goal here – he should earn it.
4-2, GOOD GUYS, your final – and a perfect way to close a sports weekend that saw Notre Dame, the Giants and the Rangers all win!
All in all, and I can’t stress this enough:
FINALLY, THIS TEAM, EVEN WHEN WE ALL THOUGHT A GELLING PROCESS WOULD BE REQUIRED, IS PLAYING FOR EACH OTHER!
GOOD THINGS WILL HAPPEN IF THIS CONTINUES!
And if it continues?
Then I may lose my $1 bet to Stan Fischler too (check out my last blog if you don’t know what I’m referring to).
Up Next For The Rangers: An off-day for Monday Night Football.
After that?
A Tuesday night tilt at M$G with the nomadic Islanders.
Of note: This is a national game (ESPN, UGH!) with a 7:30PM puck drop.
I’ll see you next after the game – and expect some showmanship between the two BFF goaltenders, CZAR IGOR and Ilya Sorokin, too.
Finally?
Your favorite segment and mine, you know…
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
