Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. At least CZAR IGOR didn’t give up five goals to the Buffalo Sabres this time.
Instead, he gave up five goals, and mainly “assisted” by the two miserabes (it’s an Italian word – look it up – although this word isn’t exactly that difficult to translate either!), K’Andre Miller and Mika Zibanejad, to the best team in the league, the Winnipeg Jets.
And yes – I am also surprised that I have “best team in the league” and “the Jets” in the same sentence.
Another weird sentence to write these days?
The Jets actually scored a touchdown on the road.
And with that now out of my system, I’ll now halt all other Mike Francesa inspired N.Y. Jets and Winnipeg Jets related references and jokes.
And for those not in the know, then here’s what I’m referring to:
Francesa prank comedy calls aside, the real joke in New York these days?
The Rangers now 0-3 record against teams that qualified for the playoffs last season (Florida, Washington and Winnipeg).
And no, I don’t count the Blueshirts previous win from this season against the Toronto Maple Leafs in my totals either – because let’s face it – they are a bigger Stanley Cup Pretender than their American Original Six rivals.
It’s also too bad that the Rangers can’t play another one of their Original Six rivals every game this season either – and all throughout the playoffs for that matter to boot – the lowly Detroit Red Wings – and a Spoked Wheel franchise that the Blueshirts have already knocked off/swept three times this season.
As I continue this intro, then I really don’t know what else to say that I haven’t already said 9679697676986786 times before this season.
Everything that’s been plaguing and ailing the Rangers this year once again reared in its ugly head in this 6-3 loss to the Jets – and even more so ever since head coach Peter Laviolette – or dare I bring back the “LATERALETTE” surname – decided to do what’s best for Mika Zibanejad – and not what’s best for the overall betterment of the Blueshirts.
I also don’t know where to start, as like Frank Costanza’s “Festivus” – there are plenty of grievances to go around.
I guess to give you the whole picture before assessing individual performances, then just take a look at the box score – and once there – then solely focus on the almighty plus/minus stat – and where despite CZAR IGOR’s five goals allowed – could’ve been much worse for the Ranger skaters:
I also don’t know what else I can say about Missing Mika, Stinka Zibanedud, Mopey Mika, The Dee-Jay That Can’t Spin Goals, or whatever other stupid “Mika Moniker” that you prefer – but Good Lord man – he’s been the absolute drizzling shits.
As talked about last time on this site, I don’t buy the excuse that his now one-year-old toddler is affecting his play, as in my opinion, you first noticed his drop-off once the team returned to play after the events of the pandemic.
In other words, I’m more apt to buy into the theory that Zibanejad has some sort of long-Covid affliction that he’s not telling us – and kind of like other players such as Jonathan Toews – rather than changing diapers, as the reason for his drastic decline.
And let’s face it – Zibanejad hasn’t been much of a playoff performer anyway – you know – the games that count.
It should also be stated that you have to hope that it’s something mental or health-related that’s negatively impacting and severely wounding Zibanejad’s game, because if not – then maybe he’s just getting old – and aging out while possessing a contract that annually pays him $8.5M through 2030 is not what’s best for Blueshirts’ business.
(No shit Sherlock!)
Whatever is the reason for Mika’s rapid decline, and to the greatest depths of the ocean, then this much is true:
He’s never been worse.
Worse than that?
He’s now dragging down the team (and his linemates) every night – and in every facet imaginable.
Since Laviolette is doing everything in his power to get one player going, rather than singularly focusing on winning games, then the team’s top line of the past 100 or so games, the GAG LINE 2.0 (Panarin/Trocheck/Lafreniere), have been broken up.
Just look at the -4 next to the names of Trocheck’s former flanks for the evidence – and where it wasn’t their fault for these poor numbers.
Instead, this pair of minus-fours falls squarely on the shoulders of Mika – and to a lesser extent – K’Atrocious Miller too – or as friend of the site (and my pal of over 25+ years too), Ricky O., refers to him as – “MINUS MILLER” – and where like the first line from tonight’s game, also finished as a negative four in the box score.
And if it wasn’t for CZAR IGOR, then like Mr. O’s trolling new jersey that’s adorned on his back – he could have finished as a -79.
Compounding to the maddening “Mika Virus,” is that for whatever reason, he STILL remains on the team’s top power-play unit – a unit that once again went 0-3 with this headcase on the ice.
Even more perplexing, if not frustrating too?
The Rangers did score a power-play goal on Tuesday night – off of the stick of Alexis Lafreniere – his second power-play goal of the season – and now two man-advantage goals scored during his grand total of one minute of power-play time this season.
Zibanejad, who is nearly on the ice for every Ranger power-play accumulated this season?
ZERO GOALS.
And for Laviolette, ZERO ACCOUNTABILITY either, as for whatever reason, the head coach that owes Zibanejad nothing, nor ever had Mika’s good years under him, keeps putting him out there again-and-again whenever an opponent is directed towards the sin bin.
Simply stated: I just don’t understand “Lavy’s Loyalty” to a player who has never done anything for him.
But alas, we’ve talked about this all before – but since nothing changes – this gripe won’t go away.
Neither will Mika on PP1.
And don’t get me started on the FAKE NEWS Blueshirts’ beat reporters, who despite seeing Lafreniere score his second power-play goal in two-weeks while Mika still has a goose egg next to his name – don’t dare to take Laviolette to task by asking him these two questions:
“WHAT ARE YOU THINKING? “WHY WON’T YOU GIVE YOUR SECOND-BEST FIVE-VS-FIVE SCORER OF THE PAST 125 GAMES A SHOT ON PP1?”
But don’t worry – the likes of Wince, Mollie, Larry, and even Lazzy & Colin too (the latter duo being the two beat reporters that I do like), will tell you all about the grand meals that they are enjoying from the Rangers’ press box – and a catering area where Victor Mancini now regularly dines at – while other teams dine and feast on Miller’s daily and aggravating miscues.
Asking Laviolette a tough question?
That’s like seeing Mika scoring a power-play goal these days – or Miller finishing with a zero or better in the plus/minus stat.
In other words – NO GO.
If there was any true difference in this game when compared to every match played ever since the 7-2 drubbing of Montreal, then it was the fact that the Rangers weren’t out-shot on the scoreboard.
WOO-HOO!
But unfortunately, and as was the case the last time when CZAR IGOR stood between the pipes on home ice, he gave up five goals.
For the rotten cherry on top, he once again surrendered a goal in the opening minute too – perhaps music to the ears of his biggest critic and my good friend, and a man that I adore as well – “The Maven” Stan Fischler.
(I can’t wait for those 2AM tweets to drop from his Kibbutz in Israel too! They are always pure fire!)
In a game where the Rangers actually out-shot someone, but not by much (36-33), and Mika’s first assist of the game took place just 57-seconds in – on a goal scored by a man whose name was once linked to the Blueshirts during several trade deadlines and summers – Mark Scheifele.
1-0, bad guys – and before the crowd could even sit down and return their hats to their heads after hearing two National Anthems.
To their credit, and the Rangers were able to fight back a bit – but overcoming all of the mistakes, miscues, errors, blunders and gaffes from Mika and Miller was an insurmountable and daunting endeavor.
You had a better chance of seeing Sam Rosen with a full head of hair – and perhaps it’s time for Mika to shave his head too – ala Panarin from last season.
Ever since that brutal loss to Florida, and despite winning some games between then-and-now – and the Rangers have spent the majority of these contests chasing around the other team like chickens with their heads lopped off.
That wasn’t exactly the case on Tuesday night – but I wouldn’t say that the Blueshirts looked that much improved either.
As noted earlier, this was another “SAME OLD SCRIPT” for these Same Old Rangers, as while the FAT CATS have been derailed ever since Laviolette allowed the Mika Virus to infect his line-up, it was once again the cheaper players, many of them on six-figure deals, that were the team’s best players and top stars on this night.
And while I know that many new-age fans, basement-banters, who dry-hump charts-and-graphs all day like Sieve Vagistat, don’t put any weight into the plus/minus stat these days (and a stat created by former Ranger player/head coach/general manager/icon, Emile “The Cat” Francis – and where the “FAT CAT” negative nickname originates); but for an EYE-TEST fan like yours truly – then the plus/minus stat did tell the story about the third line (Cuylle/Chytil/Kakko) – and the third-pair too (Schneider/Jones).
This quintet all finished with a team-high +2, and while the fourth line wasn’t bad either, but it was this five-some that predicated all positive play.
At the 13:07 mark, a Braden Schneider shot from the point was stopped by reigning Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck, but on the rebound afforded, CUYLLE HAND LUKE cashed in.
1-1 – and where you thought at the time that maybe the Rangers had shook off their slow start.
Still tied at one-goal a piece when entering the middle-frame, and a Gabe Vilardi power-play goal, scored at the 8:58 mark, put the road team ahead, 2-1 – and while yes it was a penalty kill – but OOF – Miller looked unfathomably horrible here.
The Rangers, and as if they were poker players, then saw and matched Vilardi’s power-play goal with one of their own, as Lafreniere, who jumped on the ice after Miserable Mika changed, ripped a shot from deep at the 12:51 mark.
2-2 – and where as mentioned – nobody is asking the stubborn head coach why Lafreniere sits on every first power-play try, while Zibanejad does absolutely nothing of substance in the meantime.
Speaking of this trainwreck in the #93 jersey, and where every time you see that number on the ice, it makes you long for the days of Petr Nedved; it was once again Zibanejad setting up a goal for the other team, as at the 16:03 mark, Mika turned over the puck to “OLD FRIEND” Neal Pionk, and where the ex-Ranger then found Kyle Connor for what was essentially a breakaway goal.
3-2, bad guys – and our score when entering the final period.
Mika’s trifecta of Rangers’ doom continued at just the 1:08 mark of the third period, as after another turnover – the Jets scored again – and so did Scheifele, who picked up his second goal of the game.
4-2, bad guys.
But before Ranger fans thinking of catching the early train home could reach the exits; we then saw an identical play of the Blueshirts’ first goal, as this time around, and after another rebound given up to Schneider – it was Kaapo Kakko picking up the 4-3, bad guys, goal – and at just the 1:40 mark.
With the goal, Kakko, now with two on the season, has as many as Mika, where need I remind you – half of Zibanejad’s goals this year are of the empty-net variety – and one hell of a gift from Panarin too.
If someone told you that fourteen games into the season, that Kakko would have as many goals as Mika, then you’d be ecstatic.
Today, and while I guess that’s still good for “The Feckless Finn” – that’s just pathetic for the $8.5M alleged number one center.
The eventual game-winning goal was scored by – SHOCK – an ex-Ranger – as at the 13:08 mark, Vladislav Namestnikov, following a spirited shift from the Blueshirts’ fourth line, got behind K’WTF ARE YOU DOING Miller, for the 5-3, bad guys goal.
A Connor empty-netter, scored with just twenty-seconds remaining, sealed the deal.
The final 6-3 score, and this game in general, was a stark reminder that when the going gets tough, then the Rangers wilt.
It’s also led to many fans joining my LATERALETTE TRAIN too – as while you can always change the coach – you can’t change the core due to all of these never-ending contracts that all have no-movement clauses attached.
And for the first time ever since his arrival, and while the media will never do so either; but the people who care the most, the fans, are questioning Laviolette’s line-up decisions – and his outright refusal to do what’s best for the team too.
Before moving on and getting into all of our other usual segments, including tonight’s GAME REVIEW too (yes, I’m only adding to the misery – as this extended intro wasn’t enough!); then as a way of finding peace and serenity – I must repeat my season-long mantra – you know – our 33-word daily disclaimer:
“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, fourteen down, sixty-eight 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 – my two blogs from my trip to Detroit:
The Detroit Road-Trip Report (300 Pics!) – and State of The New York Rangers Address: Blueshirts Remain a Backstop Only Team; Mika Zibanejad Sinking Himself and Linemates Like “The Titanic,” What’s Going On With the Defense, Curious Lavy Line-Up Calls, Let The Kane Rumors Begin Again, A Fan Experience at “Little Caesars Arena,” ESPN Bet & Lemon Pepper Wings, How To Make Money in MoTown, That Brutal Buffalo Loss, JQ32 Continues HOF Bound Career, Tough Decisions Need To Be Made & More
The Detroit Road Trip Pictorial Blog: Over 300 Pictures From Motown, Including The Rangers’ 4-0 Win Against the Wings!
After their late Saturday night flight from Detroit to New York; come Sunday, the team took the day off.
A day later, Monday, November 11th, the team returned to their training facility in Tarrytown, NY, where it was revealed that after his huge 4-0 shutout against the Red Wings, that it would be Jonathan Quick, and not CZAR IGOR, getting the start on Tuesday night against the best team in the league, the 14-1 Winnipeg Jets.
Or so we thought at the time, following Quick, and not Shestyorkin, being the first goalie off of the ice.
For Quick, this news – or should I say speculation – marked the first time this season where he would receive back-to-back starts.
And NO – I didn’t take this news at the time as any sort of “goalie controversy” either.
Instead, I thought that Quick was just going to be rewarded following his best game of the season.
In other news from Monday, or lack thereof; Laviolette used the same line-up as he used in Motown during the practice – or in other words – the textbook definition of the word “insanity.”
Nothing changed during Tuesday’s morning skate – that is – except for the news that it would be CZAR IGOR in net against the best goalie and best team in the league today – and where as a result – many now expect JQ32 to get the nod against an inferior opponent on Thursday night (San Jose) – and as should be the case.
After all, you want your best against the best – and your back-up giving your starter a break whenever against the worst.
After tonight?
Who knows, as Lavy may opt to give CZAR IGOR a “get-right” game against a talent-deficient Sharks’ squad – and where you know that former Ranger, Barclay Goodrow, will get a goal or two as well!
But alas, I’m getting ahead of myself.
Here was Laviolette’s line-up for the fourteenth game of this 2024-25 season:
FIRST LINE: Panarin/Zibanejad/Lafreniere
SECOND LINE: Kreider/Trocheck/Smith
THIRD LINE: Cuylle/Chytil/Kakko
FOURTH LINE: Edstrom/Carrick/Vesey
FIRST PAIR: Lindgren/Fox
SECOND PAIR: Miller/Trouba
THIRD PAIR: Jones/Schneider
STARTING GOALIE: CZAR IGOR
BACK UP GOALIE: Jonathan Quick
HEALTHY SCRATCHES: Brodzinski and Mancini
BOX SCORE time.
The following graphics and information come from ESPN.com:
SCORING:
PENALTIES:
TEAM STATS:
GOALIES:
|
WPG
|
|
SA
|
GA
|
SV
|
SV%
|
ESSV
|
PPSV
|
SHSV
|
SOSA
|
SOS
|
TOI
|
PIM
|
| 36 | 3 | 33 | .917 | 28 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 59:59 | 0 |
|
NYR
|
|
SA
|
GA
|
SV
|
SV%
|
ESSV
|
PPSV
|
SHSV
|
SOSA
|
SOS
|
TOI
|
PIM
|
| 32 | 5 | 27 | .844 | 25 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 58:14 | 0 |
I couldn’t stomach any of Vagistat during the M$GN pregame show.
I also couldn’t bear witness to one of the Rangers’ warm-up songs – a techno remix of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”
If Kurt Cobain was still alive today to hear this commercialized and jazzed-up version of his number one hit, then he may have put a hole in his head.
(That joke was too easy – and I couldn’t refrain from making it too – and I say that as a huge Nirvana fan – and one that even has a Cobain tattoo as well!)
Then again, watching Miller and Mika attempt to play hockey may have led to Cobain grabbing his nearest shotgun too.
As I was watching the NHL Network on my other TV at the time, while also muting Vagistat’s nonsense in real-time, it was revealed that the Pittsburgh Penguins, who previously during the day, made it clear that everyone sans Sidney Crosby is available via a trade (of course, there are also a ton of NMCs there – but there are ways around that too), had traded Lars Eller back to the Capitals, and in exchange for two late-round draft picks.
Yeah, we all know about my affinity for Patrick Kane, and where I’m even predicting rumors of a #88 return come the trade deadline too; but can you imagine if Sidney Crosby ever decided to chase a fourth Stanley Cup, and in turn, waived his NMC?
While I can’t blame Crosby’s desire for going down with the ship and being loyal to the only team that he’s ever known; but for the sport of hockey – who wants to see this legend waste his twilight years with a team going nowhere?
Then again, waiving his NMC for the Rangers probably doesn’t help his quest for a fourth championship either (a team like Dallas or Colorado may be more likely – especially since they aren’t in the Eastern Conference, nor a major black-and-yellow rival either), but hey – a boy can dream!
It should be noted in this space, and as I cross my fingers and enter the land of delusion, that Mika Zibanejad earns $8.5M, while Crosby earns $8.7M.
But of course, why would anyone trade for Zibanejad, much less give up their best player for a player who has hit the wall at 31-years-old?
Contrarian point-of-view?
The ANALytical Kyle Dumbass, GM of the Pens, did trade for Erik Karlsson’s insane contract, then and still considered as one of the worst in the league (if not the worst), in one of his first moves in his new gig ($11.5M annually, and which runs through 2027) – so maybe he has a fetish for Swedish has-beens.
For this no-shot-in-hell idea to ever have a .1% chance of working out, then Chris Drury would have to sweeten the pot by including a first-round pick and/or prospects – if not a bevy of them.
And maybe he could off-load Miller too.
The only reason why I’m bringing this up is because despite their present state – and the Rangers remain in “CUP OR BUST” mode.
After all, this is the last ride for this aging core – or at the very least – it should be.
Who better than Crosby, a proven playoff performer, and one that’s really not lost any luster from his prime years, to fill the 1C hole for the Rangers?
And don’t you think that Lafreniere would be ecstatic playing with a fellow first-overall pick too?
As I continue my stay in fantasy land – imagine what the Rangers’ power-play would look like to boot!
It should also be noted that ever since Dubas arrived in the Steel City last year, and he’s already made two trades with Drury (Chad Ruhwedel and Reilly Smith).
How about a third – and what would be one of the biggest in Blueshirts’ history?
While I don’t see this idea ever seeing the light of the day; it’s still fun to think about – and where just to say it – I don’t see any other big name from Pittsburgh really fitting any Rangers’ need.
(In other words – no Malkin, no Letang, and certainly no Karlsson!)
As far as anything else worth talking about from the pregame show, then Henrik Lundqvist flashed his HOF ring while Vagistat flashed what looked like a “Ring Pop” on his index finger, Dave Maloney mentioned how the “Rangers haven’t hit their stride yet” (I’d concur!) and Giannone said that the Jets began the day as +110 underdogs.
Woof to anyone who bet on the favorites!
Nothing political here, but just to mention it as it was noticeable; and in a rarity – M$GN actually aired both National Anthems for their viewers.
Of course, it was also “Military Appreciation Night,” so that was a part of it.
However, and for the first time (and keep in mind, team-owner James Dolan, a big Trump backer, had the two-time President in his venue just days before the election) – and you heard Trump’s theme song, Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless The U.S.A.“, blasting inside of the arena on several occasions.
This song, released in 1984, was never played previously during past Veteran’s Day games.
I don’t know if anyone else is picking up on this, and maybe I am somewhat dipping my toes into the political waters here (and I’ll take them out after the following remark) – but ever since the election results – and I’m noticing a full 100% rejection of WOKENESS – and where it’s now heralded and appreciated to celebrate the USA – a welcomed change after the past four-years.
(I should never be ashamed or criticized for having an American Flag outside my home – and if you disagree – then you’re worse than Mika and Miller – combined!)
I’m also not seeing Trump voters/supporters being ostracized and name-called as much either.
Some of the players on the Rangers?
Well, they deserve to be ostracized and name-called – and BIGLY at that!
One last pregame note.
While Sam Rosen still remains as confused as ever (he was referring to Scheifele as the Jets’ captain all-game until Micheletti reminded him that it was actually Adam Lowry who wears the “C”); there’s still no one else that brings as much enthusiasm and passion about the Rangers as the soon-to-be retiree.
Finally, GAME REVIEW time – and I’ll try to limit the pain.
FIRST PERIOD
As the broadcast began, and as they always do – and Sam and Joe then went into fan-boy mode about a Rangers’ opponent – this time former Blueshirts’ coach, Scott Arniel.
After hearing “SCOTT ARNIEL IS A FABULOUS MAN” one too many times (nothing was brought up about how he was behind that abysmal power-play during the 2013 playoffs); the second line took the ice and immediately challenged Hellebuyck – and the Jets’ goalie who I always refer to as “The Hucklebuck.” (Yes, that’s a “Jerky Boys” reference!)
I wouldn’t really consider the following to be the dreaded “announcers’ jinx,” but as Sam and Joe were praising Kreider, Trocheck and Smith (and they earned such talk), the loser in the #93 jersey then hopped on the ice, immediately got the puck – and no faster as he got to the puck – he then turned it over, which then led to this:
Mark Scheifele makes the Rangers pay for the early turnover, 1-0 Winnipeg!#GoJetsGo pic.twitter.com/y3Glwr89Zk
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) November 13, 2024
1-0, bad guys, just like that, and at the 57-second mark.
I know that CZAR IGOR CONTRARIANS, such as my good pal Fischler, will get on the Rangers’ goalie for another early goal allowed, but this was a tough shot to stop – and from a center that leads the best team in the league.
But as I said going into this season; since CZAR IGOR wants the richest net-minder deal in hockey, then every goal, whether they are good or bad, will always be scrutinized.
(Adding to such perusals of a potential deal? How well Quick, at nearly 39-years-old, has been playing ever since joining his boyhood team.)
This goal allowed was no different – but don’t get it twisted – this was all about Zibanejad being the drizzling shits – and where he may need a proctologist to remove his head, full of hippie hair, from his ass.
Now down 1-0, and you could feel the life being sucked out of M$G, as you could hear a mouse fart – or whatever the few hairs that are still left on Micheletti’s forehead falling to his desk.
Following the goal, and Sam and Joe went into “OLD FRIENDS” mode, as they called out every former Ranger now in Winnipeg, including Namestnikov, Pionk and Barron.
While Barron didn’t pick up a point tonight, Namestnikov scored the Jets’ insurance goal, while Neal Pionk, where if you now fully assess that trade from 2019, may be the best player from it (sorry Trouba), racked up a game-high three-assists.
OH JOE!
On Miller and Trouba’s first and second shifts, they were buried into their own zone.
These daily cave jobs seem inevitable.
I’m not going to go into defense attorney mode again, and extol the virtues of Trouba (and his right not to waive his WMC); but seriously, and even if you hate him and/or his contract, can you really argue with me when I say this:
Miller is sinking him like Mika is sinking Panarin and Lafreniere.
Seriously, when Trouba began the season with Schneider, ironically, once nicknamed “Baby Troobs” – and they were fine together – and picking up the points.
With the mentor now returned with Miller – and it’s been an all-out fiasco – where neither are scoring and where each finish with minuses next to their names every game – that is – whenever the Rangers’ goalie isn’t posting a shutout.
And give some credit to Schneider too, because similar to Trouba, and both Mancini and Jones have looked great this season whenever paired with #4.
As Micheletti was doing another one of his usual staples, rambling on about fringe players from Minnesota; Miller, from St. Paul himself, had a lazy pass blocked, which then ended what was a lengthy attack from Mika’s first line flanks.
Down to 12:15 remaining and following a scrum from each team’s fourth lines too, we immediately cut to commercial.
Once returned, it was revealed that Josh Morrissey had high-sticked Jimmy Vesey.
We never saw the replay, but the Rangers were now on the power-play for the first time.
With Lafreniere still on the bench, we then saw Miserable Mika turn over the puck a few times, which then forced CZAR IGOR to face a Lowry/Barron 2 x 1 PK breakout.
End result?
An 0-1 power-play – and a missed chance to tie the game at the time too.
As the anchor in the #93 jersey continued to drag Panarin and Lafreniere down into the pits of hell with him; the third line, again, the best Blueshirts’ trio in this game, hopped on the ice.
Joining them were the equally as strong third pair, and with 6:53 to go, Cuylle scored his fifth goal of the season – which means that he now has three more than Mika – and not one of them are an empty netter either, including his latest:
Will Cuylle buries the rebound to tie the game! pic.twitter.com/96aTbOhHKj
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) November 13, 2024
1-1.
No less than thirty-seconds later, and since we can’t have nice things – Trocheck was boxed for holding Mom’s Spaghetti, Cole Perfetti.
This meant that for the first time this season, the league’s best power-play would go head-to-head with the NHL’s best penalty kill.
The best PK in the league won this round – and where the Jets didn’t even get a SOG either.
Who did?
Adam Fox, but who was stopped by Hucklebuck, after being set-up by new Rangers’ revelation, Sam Carrick.
Once Trocheck got out of the box, the GAG LINE 2.0 was temporarily reunited, and right away, earned two high-end scoring chances – but Hucklebuck survived both of them.
Despite seeing this – Lavy returned Mika to the middle of his top line.
Again – Mika can’t open up ice for these two skilled players like the physical Trocheck can – hence why this line continues to fail at 5 x 5.
Speaking of our whippin’ boy; down to 1:01 remaining and Mika couldn’t handle one of CZAR IGOR’s patented home run passes. If he had, then he would’ve had a chance to go high-and-wide on one of his routine breakaways to nowhere.
Down to ten-seconds remaining, and in a play that you knew would come back to haunt them – Mika had all day to shoot at Hucklebuck, refrained, and instead forced a tough pass to Lafreniere.
Lafreniere did his best with it, but didn’t get all of it, so what could’ve been a backdoor goal, and a go-ahead tally, didn’t come to be.
We remained at 1-1 after twenty-minutes.
Here’s what I said at the time:
1-1 after 1. 1P Thoughts:
— Mika is the shits.
— Lavy’s idea to get the team going is to reunite the third line, but leave the center who opens up ice for his two best 5×5 scorers away from them. Maddening.
— Huge stop by the PK against the league’s best PP.
— Cuylle is…— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) November 13, 2024
SECOND PERIOD
One of the best tweets that I saw during intermission?
This one:
The job Mika Zibanejad has done shutting down Lafreniere and Panarin should get him several votes for the Selke Trophy. #nyr pic.twitter.com/FzsMlnssDb
— Pucker Up (@PuckerUp13) November 13, 2024
After our usual second period question of, “SECOND PERIOD, WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR HERE JOE?” (Jonny Brodzinski in, Mika out!); CZAR IGOR, and within the first 75-seconds, had to make back-to-back saves, the latter after another Miller miscue, in order to keep the game tied.
It was also at this time where Zibanejad was hunched over, and whether he needed to take a shit or not, left the game – although – only for a few minutes.
And if it was a fecal emergency for a player playing like shit, then it must have been one hell of a dump, as Mika needed assistance from the Rangers’ trainers to the locker room.
Sam and Joe, nor us viewers, ever found out what happened to Mika here – nor was the coward made available to the media afterwards to talk about it.
And to be clear – I NEVER ROOT FOR INJURIES – but it’s not like losing Zibanejad hurt the Rangers here either, as it allowed Lavy, and not of his own volition, to once again temporarily reunite the GAG LINE 2.0.
As the game progressed, CZAR IGOR made another pair of saves, including one BESSIE flash of the cow, on both Barron and Kupari.
These saves were then out-matched by this trio of stops from his backstop peer:
Hellebuyck somehow keeps it out of the net. 😱pic.twitter.com/gQrPGXGO5q
— Sports on Prime Canada (@SportsOnPrimeCA) November 13, 2024
With Chytil – and not Trocheck – being double-shifted until Mika returned, it blew my mind (in a good way – not a Cobain way – CALL BACK!) when the Czech was out there taking o-zone draws – and winning them.
In one of his career-best performances at the circles yet, Chytil (five of eight) finished 62.5%. If he can continue to improve at the dots, and more importantly, stay healthy, then he’ll continue to fill in the loss that the Zibanejad void has created.
After two more saves from CZAR IGOR with 14:12 to go, Mika returned:
Mika is back on the bench. #NYR https://t.co/NMHUk4cLYA
— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) November 13, 2024
Again – no clue what hindered Mika here.
Come 12:40 remaining and we had a rematch of the league’s best PK vs league’s best PP, as Cuylle held Connor.
The Jets’ won this rematch of special teams, but it should be noted that Smith, prior to the Jets’ PPG, took a shot on a short-handed rush – and a bizarre slap shot, ala Trouba in the last game against the Wings, at that.
Here’s Vilardi’s 2-1, bad guys goal:
Gabriel Vilardi works around the defender and buries the return pass from Ehlers for a power play goal!#GoJetsGo pic.twitter.com/BTncA6GIHN
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) November 13, 2024
Again, the Jets have the best PP in the league, the Rangers were down a man and blah-blah-blah; but what the hell was Miller doing here, the last line of defense, an excuse of a defense at that, as he allowed the Jets to go 2 vs 0 down low with CZAR IGOR?
And yep – how can you blame CZAR IGOR for this goal allowed either?
For the next six-minutes, the Rangers didn’t put a shot on goal, but that would soon change, as with 8:27 to go, Panarin was tripped by Connor.
Up next?
Lafreniere making a winner out of me, and you too, as once the Swedish albatross was done with his cardio, the first-overall pick of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft hopped on and then scored the 2-2 equalizer:
Laffy first ever taste on the PP1 (Mika went off early) and scores to tie the game 2-2 #NYR
Assist: Fox, Panarin pic.twitter.com/DUnLbzgbM9
— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) November 13, 2024
Do I have to say it again?
Fine.
One more time.
PUT LAFRENIERE ON PP1 ALREADY!
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH WITH MIKA!
Kakko, who you know I’m not that high on, played well tonight – and with such an opinion – that means a lot coming from me!
Down to 6:00 remaining and he almost scored the go-ahead goal, but his shot, initially stopped by Hucklebuck, then caught a piece of the iron and then fell the Jets’ way.
It was Connor who did score the go-ahead goal, and as he did with 3:57 remaining, following another terrible turnover from the bozo in the #93 jersey:
Kyle Connor hits double-digits with his 10th goal of the year, restoring the Winnipeg lead at 3-2!#GoJetsGo pic.twitter.com/i5eMlTdSDF
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) November 13, 2024
3-2, bad guys.
To be fair, I guess that CZAR IGOR could’ve stopped this, so I’ll give his critics that much; but you can’t ignore how this goal was set-up by Mika – again.
And despite Mika having one of the worst games of his life – Lavy never strayed from him.
No joke, I’m really questioning Lavy’s desire to win these games.
The Rangers had a chance to knock off the best team in the league (and don’t forget the rest of the division is catching up to them in the standings – if not surpassing them too), but since Lavy is hellbent with his Mika infatuation – it cost the Blueshirts two-points – and a bragging rights/statement/litmus test game to boot.
Come 3:08 remaining, and the Rangers now had a chance to comeback for the third time, as the Jets took one of Vagistat’s favorite penalties – too many men.
Despite Lafreniere scoring on the previous power-play with Mika seated – and Lavy kept Mika out there while Lafreniere sat.
I mean this in jest, so don’t take the following seriously or think that I would ever do it (and it’s a segue-way to my next paragraph too) – but I could’ve strangled Lavy’s Herman Muenster neck at the time.
And speaking of necks – why was Sam and Joe going on-and-on all game about the neck size of Kyle Connor?
No joke, and they mentioned Connor’s neck size about as many times as Mika turned over the puck (7986679967967986 times).
The Rangers’ power-play, as led by Mika, did nothing here – and where I’m now starting to think that whenever the Blueshirts go on the power-play, and assuming that #93 is out there and #13 is not – then M$G patrons should chant “LAFFY, LAFFY, LAFFY” – and in the same manner that they chant “IGOR, IGOR, IGOR” after every big save.
And because of Mika and Miller – we never heard those “IGOR” chants either.
Ugh.
3-2, bad guys, after forty-minutes.
Here’s what I said at the time:
3-2, bad guys, after 40. 2P Thoughts:
— Unlike the previous two losses to playoff teams, #NYR look better here.
— Mika does not – just another horrible game.
— I truly question if Lavy wants to win this game.
— Everything I said about Mika long form on Sunday applies -…— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) November 13, 2024
THIRD PERIOD
In a word, dreadful.
Identical to the other odd-numbered period, and on his first shift, Zibanejad once again set-up a goal for the Jets, and as he did here, just 1:08 in:
Mark Scheifele finishes off the beautiful passing play, extending Winnipeg’s lead to 2!#GoJetsGo pic.twitter.com/NzmprzJUZk
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) November 13, 2024
4-2, bad guys – and where Miller was no better when trying (and failing) to band-aid another Mika mistake.
However, and believe it-or-not, and Kakko, just 32-seconds later, brought the game within one goal again:
Kaapo Kakko puts in the rebound to cut the deficit to one 💪 pic.twitter.com/OVkkQeHS2j
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) November 13, 2024
4-3, bad guys.
And nothing against Cuylle and Kakko, as both men, and just like their center Chytil, were excellent and the rare bright spots for the Blueshirts too – but 100% of the Rangers’ even-strength goal scoring tonight was all created by Braden Schneider.
As everyone ponders the future contracts of Miller and Lindgren – I’d make Schneider my first priority.
The kid has it – and ever since his 2022 arrival – he’s been a stud – and despite how many partners, ala Charlie Sheen or a porn star, that he’s been with.
And go figure, with over eighteen-minutes remaining, and in this battle featuring two Vezina Trophy winners – and we had a touchdown on the board.
The Jets would soon score a touchdown all on their own.
To fast-forward through the rest of this dreck, as we all know that I’ve already gone long enough; CZAR IGOR continued to rack up the saves until he didn’t – as Namestnikov scored the 5-3, bad guys, goal with 6:53 remaining.
Miller was god-awful here, and here’s a question that I don’t know the answer to either:
Who was worse tonight – Mika, Miller or Laviolette?
Prior to the Jets dashing the Rangers’ hopes and it should be repeated one more time that the third line and third pair did everything in their power to tie the game.
Hucklebuck was just more powerful.
It should also be noted that when looking for the 4-4 equalizer, Lavy did go back to the GAG LINE 2.0, but only for a shift or two.
The Rangers had one last hope with 6:08 remaining when they received a power-play after a soft interference call assessed to Dylan Samberg.
Put it this way: You’d never see this penalty called in a playoff game, much less during the final minutes of regulation time either.
This power-play was like beating a dead horse – Mika sucks, Mika whiffs on shots and Lafreniere sits.
Did Lavy take the underdog Jets with his bet tonight?
If not, then I can’t find any other logical explanation for his continual refusal to allow Lafreniere to cook on the power-play.
It should also be mentioned that Mika was booed by the Garden Faithful during all of this – and for the first time this season.
Also getting such “honors?”
Miller, as he was booed (but not as loud as Mika was) whenever he touched the puck.
Kakko, again, during one of his best offensive showings of his six-year career, hit a post prior to CZAR IGOR being pulled with 2:00 to go.
If you’re looking for a silver lining here, then the Rangers (with Lafreniere as the sixth man), did put forth a formidable attack at Hucklebuck – but the Jets’ Vezina winner wasn’t having any of it.
Connor called game with 20-seconds remaining.
6-3, bad guys, 6-3 bad guys, your final.
Here’s the inexcusable Laviolette after the game – where he wouldn’t call out Mika – and then told the media to ask his player (who wasn’t available) about his struggles:
These five-minutes of bullshit and ignorance from the Blueshirt beat reporters is when I wished that I took up Fischler on his former offer in his attempt to get me a press pass. (I have no interest – as I want to be a fan, which also allows me to be “unprofessional” as I want to be! Plus, I can wear my Rangers’ gear at games too! Heck, I don’t even own a suit anymore!)
Speaking of Fischler, here’s what he said after the game – and a tweet that I can share here since it takes me to the wee hours of dawn to publish these blogs:
I predicted right; I said @NYRangers would score 4. I was wrong about the other side. I figured that The
Ka-Ching King, #IgorShesterkin would do what a guy who wants to be the highest-paid goalie should do; hold the foe to 1. So poor Piggy-Iggy may settle for
$11.5 mil. Tsk-Tsk!— Stan Fischler (@StanFischler) November 13, 2024
I do want to say – if you are mad at Fischler, then you’re an idiot.
If you can still tweet, write and be the best at what you do at 92-years-old, then let me know!
And as “The Maven” has personally told me – he’s having fun – and trying to live at an inverse age too (29).
As we get to the end here, then I must say – c’mon guys and gals!
If you respect any of these beat reporters, then you must request from these transcribers (all they do is tell you the line-up and quotes from interviews) – why don’t they ask Lavy why Mika continues to play, and why Lafreniere gets minimal power-play time?
Yea, it’s a loss in only Game 14 of the season – but this was the same old shit – and I still remain strong in my preseason prediction – out in the second-round.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The lowly San Jose Sharks are next up on the docket, in a home match to be played this Thursday night.
Since the opponent is still in the early stages of their rebuild; then why not bench Mika for Brodzinski and Miller for Mancini?
To be clear, I’d have the GAG LINE 2.0 as my first line, the third line as my second line, a new third line of Kreider/Brodzinski/Smith and then leave the fourth line alone.
Defensively, I’d leave Fox/Lindgren together, bump up Jones/Schneider to the Top-Four and then feature a new third-pair of Trouba/Mancini.
And as noted earlier, in net, I’d have Quick – as he has more than earned/deserved this start.
Since this blog was largely negative (and how could it not be?), then I do want to close on a hopeful high note.
After the game with the Sharks, the Rangers will then embark on a four-game road trip to the west coast (Seattle and Vancouver) and will also visit Alberta (Calgary and Edmonton) too.
If you recall (check the archives of the site for all of the game reviews), then last year, the Rangers had an early five-game swing, their biggest road-trip of the season – and where they then swept the Kraken, Canucks, Oilers, Flames and Jets.
Granted, while the Rangers did meet these teams at fortunate times last year (for instance, Connor McDavid was out during the Edmonton game), they did win these five-games in succession, and once returned home, and for good measure, they then beat the Hurricanes too.
Everyone knows how these long road-trips can unite teams for the better – and create team-wide chemistry too.
Perhaps getting the hell out of here and being forced to spend plenty of time together on the road, in hotels and on planes, is the best thing right now for the Rangers.
This is a playoff team despite all of their flaws – but in order to get there – then Ostrich Laviolette has to get his head out of the sand.
He also has to live up to his promise too – HOLD EVERYONE ACCOUNTABLE.
After all, can you imagine if he treated Miller and Mika like he did with Matt Rempe – a giant who did NOTHING wrong?
Up next for the Rangers: Their Thursday night home game against Goodrow’s Sharks.
Up next for me: As you can see, I went super-long during my last two tomes, as I was on vacation time from the real j-o-b. I’m back to work Wednesday, so Thursday’s night review will be shorter.
Since I work the late shift (or at least when overtime isn’t required), then next week’s Rangers’ road-trip works out for me, so I should have GAME REVIEWS after each match played.
Up next for you: Your favorite segment, which means…
PLUGS TIME! (Buy a book and support my Rangers’ induced therapy bills. After all, I don’t run ads on this site!)
On Monday, November 11th, our pals over at “The Blueshirt Underground Show” returned with a new episode.
To check it out, then click the play button below:
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
Sean – Thanks for the shout out. I’m still liberal, and I still don’t think the convicted felon president-elect can be trusted to do anything unless he thinks it will benefit himself, but I’d rather read about hockey than politics on this blog. The idea of Sidney Crosby joining NYR was good for a laugh, and I was pleasantly surprised that you mentioned Kaapo Kakko as one of the few Rangers who had a decent game last night. Your knowledge of NHL history always makes it a pleasure to read your reports. I don’t think I’ve seen it yet, but if there’s anyone who could use names like Rocket Richard, Boom Boom Geoffrion, Leaping Lou Fontinato, Terrible Ted Lindsey, and Gump Worsley all in the same sentence, I’d bet it would be you. Keep up the good work!
Another great blog of course a Trump person, but anyways, such a frustrating game, like you said Mika and Miller are going backwards and why does Lavi seem to only care or try to work Mika to his benefit and not the team, very, very frustrating to watch. His coaching this season so far seems very disillusional.