Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. WOW!
As noted before in these pages; then if Jonathan Quick was ever able to bottle the “Fountain of Youth” liquid that he jumped into right before the start of the 2023-24 season – then he’d have much more money in his bank account than his near $70M in career earnings – and wages paid to him as a future Hall of Fame hockey goaltender!
Heck, if Quick was ever able to sell such a product, then he’d have that Arab money too!
Hell, he’d have so much green- and like the kings and princes in Saudi Arabia – that he’d be able to host his own WWE, UFC and Boxing pay-per-views too!
And as someone with as much cash that rivals a Saudi, then he’d be able to get away with killing a bird-brain Blueshirts’ beat member too – and just like these peaceful members from the Middle-East once did in 2018 – but this isn’t a report about the death of Jamal Khashoggi either (but you should google his name).
What a way to open tonight’s blog – and I dare you to find any other fan/writer/podcaster to bring up the name of Khashoggi like I just did!
While you can never be disappointed in a road win, especially one that takes place out in the Wild, Wild, West, and of course, you can’t be upset about a shutout victory either; but in any event, then I thought that Rangers’ 2-0 win over the Kraken was a lot of the “same old script.”
Despite being the road team in this encounter, it were the slipping-to-the-bottom-of-the-standings Kraken who had played the night before, in an exhausting 3-2 victory over the scumbag New York Islanders.
(And go figure: The NHL scheduled both New York hockey teams out west, and in Alberta too, this week. What, was the league worried about going head-to-head with the local NFL teams in-town? Ha!)
The Rangers, who entered this game with a 5-0-1 all-time record against the league’s newest franchise, were of course without one of their best forwards from this season thus far, the once again injured Filip Chytil.
But even so, talent-wise, and the Rangers were the much more heralded team.
And unlike Seattle, who are already now on their second head coach in their less than four-years of existence (formerly Dave Hakstol and now Dan Bylsma), the Blueshirts also remain in “CUP OR BUST” mode.
(Then again, the Rangers are also under their third coach under their “CUP OR BUST” mode general manager, Chris Drury, as well.)
This 2-0 victory was pretty much like any other win “earned” this season, and let me count the ways:
— The goalie had to stand on his head.
— The GAG LINE 2.0 scores.
— Mopey Mika does absolutely nothing.
— Questionable defense.
— A flawless penalty kill.
— The Feckless Finn can’t score a goal despite several chances.
A new wrinkle to the above items?
Then it’s the fact that the team’s third pair, a duo who should be in the top-four – if not as the Top-Two themselves – Braden Schneider and Zac Jones, who do everything – and in both ends too.
Granted, while that speaks highly towards the Rangers’ future – we must also keep in mind at the goal at hand – a fifth Stanley Cup win for the franchise – which is my way of saying that the Blueshirts need more from captain Jacob Trouba, 2021 Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox, and a pair of men both seeking new contracts for next season, Ryan Lindgren and K’Andre Miller.
While my tone has largely been negative all season, because, and as noted about 9786798679867986798 times already – the Rangers are beating all of the bad teams, but can’t beat a playoff contender this year, and despite everything that we saw on Sunday too; at the same time – I didn’t have that same reaction following Quick’s second “get the hell outta here with that shit” win of the season.
As opposed to what I’ve previously said throughout the past fifteen games, then I think that you can look at this game, number sixteen on the season, as if it were in a vacuum.
After all, it was the first game of the longest (most distance traveled) road-trip of the season, and no matter what you think about Chytil – it wasn’t that easy for the players to lose a beloved teammate either.
And as I again go to the well far too often here (by telling you to check out the archives of this site for all of my previous Ranger ramblings); I’m also reminded that it was this trip last year that catapulted the Blueshirts to the Presidents’ Trophy – as “Lavy’s Lot” took care of the Kraken, Canucks, Oilers, Flames and Jets – and then good for measure – once returned to New York – then beat Carolina too.
Yes, the Presidents’ Trophy isn’t the goal this season, nor is it ever either; but I equated Sunday’s victory as if it were a “dog’s day of winter” match – or for a better phrase – a “taking care of business” win.
In a game that was fast-paced, the scoring came slow on Sunday in the Space Needle city.
As both teams traded chances, and as the two back-up goalies trending in different directions (Quick, obviously way up, while his peer of the barrel, Philipp Grubauer, had been rumored for a soon stay in the AHL had this been a Rangers’ blowout) made all of the super saves required; then it wasn’t until there was only 2:30 remaining in the second period when we had our first goal of the game – and the eventual game-winner too – and as scored by who else – THE GAG LINE 2.0.
The Rangers, who needed about eleven-minutes or so to pick up their first SOG recorded in the second stanza, also picked up their pace once forcing Grubauer into registering his first save of this frame.
While I wouldn’t exactly say that the Krakheads “gassed out” as the game continued (having played the day before); but whatever the case, once we got to the second-half of the game, and the Rangers finally got things going.
Prior to Lafreniere scoring the 1-0, GOOD GUYS goal, after a picture-perfect pass from Artemi Panarin, it was Quick doing everything in his power while waiting for the players in front of him to find their mojo.
It’s just inspiring and incredible how fantastic Quick has been for the Rangers – and a man now two-months away from his 39th birthday.
If only he could share his age defying secrets with Mika Zibanejad – the fall from grace and allegedly “elite” center who will turn 32-years-old later on this season – and a Swedish-Iranian dee-jay who once again failed to spin a score onight.
Another 39-year-old in the league bound for the Hall of Fame like Quick?
Alex Ovechkin, who in the Capitals’ game (a 5-2 win over Vegas) on Sunday night, scored a hat trick.
In other words, in just one game, and Ovechkin, much more and farther superior than the Rangers’ missing man in the middle, scored as many goals as the $8.5M center has scored in 16 games played this season.
While Mika’s routine failures isn’t the main takeaway from this game; these alarming and sad showings are worth noting.
After all, need I remind you that this is a CUP OR BUST team?
A hard decision still needs to be made.
As both teams entered the final frame with sixteen shots on goal a piece, and where Lafreniere’s shot of these thirty-two remained the difference; then at the time, and despite what Quick went on to do (his second no-no of the season) – and you just felt it in your bones that the Rangers would need one more goal to prevail.
Leave it to Zac Jones, and at just the 2:58 mark of the third period, to do just that – by scoring the YUGE insurance goal – and as he did following what was pretty much an end-to-end goal.
2-0, GOOD GUYS – and where following this goal – the Rangers really buckled down for their goalie.
Not only did the Rangers lay a whopping 41-hits on their opponent (the Kraken finished with 19), but the Blueshirts also out-blocked the home team to a tune of 21-17 – and where it was Jones’ partner, Braden Schneider, that led the way with a game-high four blocked shots.
And while the plus/minus statistic was most certainly boosted by Quick’s latest masterpiece, as many Rangers could’ve had a negative number to their names without their goalie on this night; it was once again Schneider and Jones that topped this chart too, as both men finished with a game-high +2.
Keep in mind, these two, combined, earn just under $4M – the equivalent of Miller’s annual payday of $3,872,000.
And while this statement isn’t meant to knock either Jacob Trouba or Adam Fox; but the Rangers are most certainly getting better play, production and outings in their value pair of Schneider and Jones when compared to #8 and #23 – you know – two players that combine for nearly $20M in salary.
(Hey, if I’m going to bring up Mika’s salary all the time, then it’s only fair that I do the same with the defense. After all, the salary cap is the end-all, be-all, in the NHL! Thanks Commish Bettman!)
While I’ll further examine this opinion in the GAME REVIEW below, but it should also be mentioned that not only did the fourth line remain strong and effective; but Jonny Brodzinski, now as a one-for-one swap for the suspected concussed Filip Chytil, also played well.
Furthermore, it was also his new linemates, Kaapo Kakko and Will Cuylle, that assisted on Jones’ insurance tally.
Again, best win of the season?
Hardly.
But it was a road win, and where of course, it’s all about the two-points netted in the standings.
I still think that this team has some major areas of weaknesses, especially down the middle with an $8.5M center who does nothing, and a near $5M center who can never stay healthy; but it was also a night that you shouldn’t have your head slumped down over either.
I’d also be remiss before moving on if I didn’t share the following – our 82-game mantra – aka, my 33-word daily disclaimer that I post on this site after every game played:
“WHATEVER THE RANGERS DO FROM NOW UNTIL THE TRADE DEADLINE DOESN’T MATTER. THEY CAN ONLY BE JUDGED BY WHATEVER THEY DO FOLLOWING THE DEADLINE AND BY WHAT THEY DO IN THE 2025 PLAYOFFS!”
In other words, sixteen down, sixty-six to go, and then the real hockey, the only games that matter, begin.
In case you missed it, then here’s where I last left off – Thursday night’s 3-2 win over the Sharks – and Filip Chytil’s latest suspected concussion sustained too:
NYR/SJS 11/14 Review: Barclay Goodrow Returns to M$G; Chytil Returns To The Trainer’s Room After Latest Suspected Concussion (Update – And What To Do Next Too), The “Miller Malaise,” Predictable Mika Finally Scores; Beat Reporters React Like It’s 11:59PM New Year’s Eve, GAG LINE 2.0 Picks Up Right Where It Left Off; Trocheck’s One-Finger Salute (Was It For Laviolette?), Fourth Line Continues To Excel & More
Following their 3-2 win over the lowly Sharks on Thursday night, a day later, Friday, November 15th, the team had a day off.
As talked about last time (https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/111424/ ), since the Rangers were going to be inactive on Friday, then that meant that we wouldn’t get an update on the health status of Filip Chytil until Saturday.
And that’s what happened.
At 10:00AM Saturday, November 16th, and the Rangers, prior to their final practice before heading out to Seattle to begin their four-game road-trip, announced that Jake Leschyshyn would be receiving an NHL payday for at least the next few days or so.
As explained in this space on Thursday night, then it made all the sense in the world to call-up a veteran like Leschyshyn, because barring any other injuries, then all he would have to do is show up to work and then head upstairs to the press box once the games began.
Such strategy is fine when applied to veterans. It wouldn’t have been a good idea to do the same with a prospect or young player, early twenty-year-olds who are better off receiving daily reps in Hartford, and as opposed to sitting on their ass with the varsity squad.
And on a quick aside, then wouldn’t you know it?
Both Victor Mancini and Matt Rempe scored goals over the weekend for the ‘Pack, including a two-point game (one goal, one assist) for Mr. REMPESTEIN on Saturday night.
But alas, I digress!
With Leschyshyn recalled, this told us two things before the Rangers took to their training ice in Tarrytown, NY.
One, Chytil would indeed be out for Sunday night’s affair in Seattle.
Two, Jonny Brodzinski would return to Lavy’s line-up – but where it remained to be seen if he’d be a one-for-one swap, or if more line-up changes were coming.
As we’d soon find out, it was the former, and not the latter, in regards to Brodzinski’s placement in the line-up – and with Jonny Broadway now unofficially as the team’s third center.
Following the practice on ice, and before the Rangers took to the air too, and Peter Laviolette spoke to the media.
As you’d imagine, he was as cloudy and as vague as perhaps Chytil himself is these days, when speaking about the M.I.A. Czech, who of course, was not with the team on Saturday.
On Chytil, the head coach said, “We’re always careful with our players. Nobody jumps back without doctors and everybody doing their job.”
Again, and unlike Chytil – to be clear – the word concussion was never used whenever Laviolette, or anyone else for that matter, spoke about #72.
However, both Laviolette and the Rangers left Chytil’s return open-ended a bit, as a return of the “Concussed Czech” wasn’t ruled out for the latter three games of this road-trip.
But of course, and as also talked about on this site on Thursday night – it makes no sense to rush Chytil back, nor would it be responsible to send a guy who is speculated to have sustained another concussion on a long 3,000 mile flight.
In other words?
Best-case scenario, and a healthy Chytil returns when the Rangers come back home during Thanksgiving week.
But I wouldn’t be that optimistic about such an event taking place either.
As far as anything else, then both Laviolette and Brodzinski, on Saturday before the flight, and again on Sunday once at morning skate in Seattle, both said that they felt confident about this “next man up” situation.
Then again, what else would you expect them to say?
Furthermore, and in news following Sunday’s AM skate, it was revealed that Jonathan Quick would get the nod in net for the Blueshirts – and a Rangers’ squad that’s already amassed a 5-1 record against the soon-to-be four-year-old Kraken franchise.
Here was Laviolette’s line-up for the sixteenth game of this 2024-25 season:
FIRST LINE: Panarin/Trocheck/Lafreniere
SECOND LINE: Kreider/Zibanejad/Smith
THIRD LINE: Cuylle/Brodzinski/Kakko
FOURTH LINE: Edstrom/Carrick/Vesey
FIRST PAIR: Miller/Fox
SECOND PAIR: Lindgren/Trouba
THIRD PAIR: Jones/Schneider
STARTING GOALIE: Jonathan Quick
BACK UP GOALIE: CZAR IGOR
HEALTHY SCRATCHES: Leschyshyn and Ruhwedel
BOX SCORE time.
The following graphics and information come from ESPN.com:
SCORING:
PENALTIES:
TEAM STATS:
GOALIES:
|
SEA
|
|
SA
|
GA
|
SV
|
SV%
|
ESSV
|
PPSV
|
SHSV
|
SOSA
|
SOS
|
TOI
|
PIM
|
| 23 | 2 | 21 | .913 | 20 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 56:28 | 0 |
|
NYR
|
|
SA
|
GA
|
SV
|
SV%
|
ESSV
|
PPSV
|
SHSV
|
SOSA
|
SOS
|
TOI
|
PIM
|
| 24 | 0 | 24 | 1.000 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 60:00 | 0 |
As you’re all long aware of by now – I work swing shift hours – thus meaning I haven’t watched – or should I say “endured” – many of these M$GN pregame shows this season.
Since I was off from the real j-o-b on Sunday, then I did take in the M$GN pregame show for this match – and holy shit – not only is Sieve Vagistat looking more San Francisco than ever – but he’s actually more obnoxious and irritating than ever before too.
I still don’t know what the powers-to-be at M$GN see in the worst goalie in franchise history; yet he’s now running on a ten-year stay on the only network in hockey to promote the garbage known as “Clear-Sighted Analytics.”
Put it this way:
Vagistat’s made-up arts & crafts, charts & graphs, are as reliable, important and as valid as a liberal pollster who just two weeks ago, told you that Kamala Harris had a firm stranglehold as the future clear-cut winner of the 2024 Presidential Election!
Much like that junk – and Vagistat is nothing but FAKE NEWS himself – but he has also found a way to give you a rash on your ass, and a boil on your genitals, whenever you see his smug and smirking face on TV!
To skip ahead a bit, and just to give you an example of what I’m talking about, then I wanted to watch the post-game interviews once the game concluded.
No joke?
In his first segment removed from Quick’s 2-0 shutout, and Vagistat was once again talking about his own storybook 46-game career – and how his shutouts were bigger than the one that JQ32 just posted.
And no – I’m not making this up.
Conversely, “THE KING OF COMMENTARY,” and a true Rangers’ legend himself, Henrik Lundqvist, never does this – and even worse – Vagistat continues to poke fun/make jokes at Lundqvist’s expense.
While I get that these stupid jabs are supposed to be light-hearted ribbing; it was funny once.
The second time, the third time, and you get the rest, after that?
Well every broadcast is just nauseating – and much like Vagistat himself.
Once again, and maybe for the billionth time ever since he joined M$GN as a broadcaster – and “THE KING OF COMMENTARY” echoed my points on Sunday’s pregame show.
This time, Lundqvist said what I said a week ago, when he brought up how this road-trip could be a good thing for the Rangers – and he also mentioned how all of the new fathers on the squad, with crying babies and toddlers at home, could use a break from their domiciles too.
While the dad of the one-year-old, Mika Zibanejad, remained awful; everyone else largely played well (including Quick, with several kids of his own at home – and Matt Rempe staying at his humble abode as well) – and more important than that – the Rangers won via the shutout too!
In other words?
One down, three to go, for a successful prediction!
As Lundqvist continued to talk from my favorite perspective, the realm of the eye-test; Vagistat wasted no time in plugging his self-serving charts – and an analytical company that otherwise – gets no talk around the league.
(Sportslogiq is the preferred analytical company of the people who subscribe to such nonsense.)
I’ll admit, Lundqvist hurt my black heart a bit when he brought up that he once played against Quick before, and when pumping up the hometown back-up goalie of today.
But of course, while those 2014 memories remain repressed, but not forgotten either (and that Game 5 loss took place on my 32nd birthday too – worst present ever!), what Lundqvist was saying here was valid and spot-on.
Why this useless piece of shit, Sieve Vagistat, feels the need to cut-off Lundqvist after every point made still remains mind-boggling to me.
Seriously, is there anyone that enjoys this?
And I still don’t know why M$GN has a two-goalie panel either – as they should have a skater teamed-up with Lundqvist in order to give another perspective to viewers.
But alas, I’ve probably said this about 79867986798679867986789679878 times before – so moving on!
In another instance of Vagistat stupidity, if not an announcer’s jinx too, then the worst back-up goalie in franchise history said, “This could be Phillip Grubauer’s last start in Seattle.”
While P.G. didn’t win tonight, he did play well enough to earn another start – and despite what Vagistat suggested – I’m not so sure if his next start will be in the AHL either.
As far as Filip Chytil goes, M$GN took the Rangers’ approach – they never used the word “concussion” – but they did wink at you a bit when talking about him.
When Vagistat cut-off Lundqvist again, this is when I muted the rest of the pregame show.
This was one hell of a broadcast for Sam Rosen and Joe Micheletti tonight – and I’ll hit all of the highlights below.
But I have to say, and especially since I haven’t been recapping these segments that much this year (and because I’m averaging 65-hours at my employer), that I’m going to extremely miss Rosen when he’s gone.
After all, he’s provided a ton of comedy, comic relief if you will, for this particular beer-bellied blogger!
I mean, can you really imagine a Kenny Albert joke, such as, “OH JOE, KRAKEN ASSISTANT HEAD COACH JESSICA CAMPBELL JOE! SHE LEFT THE RANGERS JOE! LOOK AT HER CANS JOE!” working on this site next season?
I also can’t imagine Albert confusing Vincent Trocheck for Artemi Panarin, and 9876767696769868796 times a game, as Rosen always does either!
If Vagistat didn’t already infuriate you enough, then Sam and Joe played the role as the clean-up hitter, as Micheletti brought up Quick’s 2014 win against the Rangers, while Rosen, as a M$GN/NYR P.R. man, told us how Mika Zibanejad was back after scoring a fluke goal against the Sharks.
Need I remind you of what I said on Thursday night?
If you forgot, then here you go:
I’m now 5,000 words in, which is my way of saying – enough dilly-dallying!
GAME REVIEW TIME!
FIRST PERIOD
I did find it humorous, although not at a knee-slapper level, when Sam and Joe, and following Zibanejad’s opening faceoff win, told us how bad the Rangers have been playing lately (alluding to that this style isn’t sustainable, nor will be successful in the playoffs either) – and in the nicest terms possible.
Not even ninety-seconds in, and Quick, again, absolutely phenomenal tonight, made a strong poke-check on Jaden Schwartz, thus preventing a potential early opening goal allowed – or as my good pal, “The Maven” Stan Fischler would say – “PIGGY IGGY COULD LEARN FROM QUICKIE NO ICKY!”
And for those wondering?
Here’s what Fischler had to say following the game:
Igor Shesterkin is turning out to be a pretty fair backup for starting @NYRangers goalie #JonathanQuick. A big difference. Quick gets shutouts and doesn’t ask for crazy money. The Ka-Ching King is figuring how to break the bank with — how about — $12.5 million?
(Just askin’).— Stan Fischler (@StanFischler) November 18, 2024
In our first example of Jones’ strong showing, and he set-up Vesey for a GOOD LOOK that even Alain Vigneault would’ve chewed his gum about, but P.G. stopped him at the 3:35 mark.
Right after the shot and save?
Sam and Joe then went into their daily spiel about all things related to Minnesota hockey.
“OH JOE, LOOK AT JESSICA CAMPBELL’S CLEAVAGE JOE! YOU COULD SEE IT FROM ANY ONE OF THE TEN-THOUSAND LAKES IN MINNESOTA JOE!”
“FABULOUS SAM, JUICY TITS ARE JUST ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS – AND YOU CAN MOTORBOAT THEM ON LAKE MINNETONKA TOO SAM!”
“OH JOE! BREASTS JOE!”
Come 15:45 remaining, and Ryan Lindgren sent a puck towards P.G., where to his credit, the Kraken goalie got a piece of it – but also got some help too – as following the initial save, the rubber then hit the iron.
As Sam and Joe told us how former Cup champ, Andre Burakovsky, still has yet to score a goal this season (but not much about Mika’s inability to score goals either), then right at that moment, the former Capital and Avalanche just missed while a on a 2 x 1 odd-man rush.
The GAG LINE 2.0, while not scoring a goal in these opening twenty-minutes, showed us a glimpse of what was to come, as Panarin set-up Trouba (save, Grubauer), while on another rush, a “Breadman Breakaway” was voided as it was determined that Trocheck was just a hair offside.
And yep, just to say it one more time:
THE REASON THE GAG LINE 2.0 WORKS, AND WHY MIKA NEVER WORKED AS THE CENTER BETWEEN LAFRENIERE AND PANARIN, IS BECAUSE THE MORE PHYSICAL TROCHECK ALWAYS OPENS UP SPACE FOR HIS FLANKS!”
And only an idiot would break up this line too.
For those wondering, Trocheck finished with six hits tonight, which would’ve been a game-high had the team hit-leader, Will Cuylle, not finished with ten body blows.
Missing Mika?
Much like his goals, assists and points in this game – zero hits.
And unlike Vagistat – I do know what I’m talking about!
Come the ten-minute mark and Jonny Broadway, government surname Brodzinski, was stopped by P.G.
As mentioned earlier, I thought that Brodzinski seamlessly fit-in as Chytil’s replacement – and it still remains to be seen if this will be a short-term or long-term endeavor – but my money is on the latter.
(I should also repeat that I would’ve benched Mika games ago – and then give Brodzinski a crack as the center between Kreider and Smith. After all, how could it hurt?)
Down to 9:11 remaining, and Quick, who only had two saves to his name at this juncture, doubled his total with a pair of robberies.
Two-minutes later, and Miller, who must’ve been out for a slurpee with 7:11 left to be ticked, turned over the puck, which led to a Jared McCann shot being denied.
Then, and with 5:45 remaining, BIG DICK QUICK showed us his steel balls – by making another pair of robbery stops – and both on 2019 Cup winner, Jaden Schwartz.
As Rosen was confusing Trocheck for Panarin all game (and vice-versa), we soon heard something like this:
“TROCHECK BEHIND THE NET JOE. PARDON ME JOE, THAT’S PANARIN. EXCUSE ME JOE, THAT’S TROCHECK. EFF-OFF JOE, THAT’S MANNY MAHOLTRA, AND THAT’S A POWER-PLAY GOAL FOR ANDY BATHGATE JOE!”
Okay, he didn’t say the last sentence – but you get my point!
Also repeated from Rosen’s mouth no less than a dozen times?
(And I’m not making up the following either.)
Rosen belting out, “GOOD PACE JOE!”
That said, he wasn’t wrong, but damn pal, get a thesaurus instead of using the word “pace” a zillion times.
Another Rosen talking point from this time?
(And all of this Rosen talk tells you how slow/inactive this period was.)
When he buried the Kraken for giving Chandler Stephenson, a Stanley Cup champion, a seven-year deal worth $43,750,000 this summer.
Rosen brought up Stephenson’s age, 30-years-old, when making his point.
Not one word was uttered about Zibanejad (soon-to-be 32-years-old) – and how he will be earning $8.5M per-season until 2030.
Just sayin’!
Down to 2:35 remaining and we then had our first-and-only penalty of the game – a Ryan Lindgren infraction for holding Yanni Gourde.
As it always seems to be the case, and the league’s best penalty killing team did their job again.
Not only did they prevent the Krakheads from recording a SOG, but P.G. was forced to make one of his best saves of the game during this time too – and as he did on a Mika-to-Kreider 2 x 1 odd-man rush.
And while I’m no “KREIDER HATER” like others of this fan-base; but yeah, he’s on a goal-scoring drought too – and where I still believe that the two-man bromance needs a timeout too.
As far as anything else from this period, and Rosen referred to the Rangers’ fourth line center, Sam Carrick, as “Sam Kraken.”
Bless Rosen’s heart.
Scoreless after twenty-minutes.
Here’s what I said at the time:
No score after 20 minutes. 1P Thoughts:
— PK remains aces, ditto Quick.
— Sam Rosen is having a game.
— Ditto “Sam Kraken.”
— Not a bad period or anything like that, but it did feel “preseasonish” at times.
— Hopefully Kraken, who played last night, tire out as the…— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) November 18, 2024
SECOND PERIOD
It was at this time of the broadcast where Sam and Joe brought up Jessica Campbell – and let me be clear – I have nothing against her – I’m just doing the following bit to make you laugh!
As Sam and Joe ranted and raved about all of the virtues and good-doings of Ms. Campbell, and I was waiting for our affable announce duo to belt out the following:
“OH JOE, THEY HAVE BROADS BEHIND THE BENCH JOE!”
“YOU KNOW SAM, CAMPBELL ONCE TOOK A FLIGHT TO MINNESOTA, AND SHE HAS SOME TWIN CITIES UP TOP HERSELF!”
“MY BODY, MY CHOICE JOE!”
And yes – I have the maturity level of a twelve-year-old!
The Rangers had some jump early, including Lafreniere forcing a turnover and later Schneider blocking a shot too – but as noted up top – not one SOG until there was 10:45 remaining – and from Zac Jones.
Prior to that, and it remained “The Jonathan Quick POWER HOUR” – including when he made thunderous pad saves, a wrap-around halt-job on Schwartz (and where Miller and Fox just stopped playing and watched it happen), and a breakaway refusal on Bjorkstrand.
Furthermore, and prior to Jones’ first SOG of the period, and Quick had already amassed seven saves.
Again – while the Rangers won by two tonight – it doesn’t happen if Quick doesn’t keep them in the game either.
To fast-forward a bit, as I know that I’ve gone far too long in the tooth already, then these two following tweets of mine while the game was in real-time:
Rangers picking it up a bit as we march to the end of the period, Kraken, icing, 3:50 to go #NYR
— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) November 18, 2024
Grubauer just nabbed a puck out of thing air against the GAG LINE 2.0, 3:42 to go #NYR
— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) November 18, 2024
The GAG LINE 2.0 wouldn’t be denied on their next try – and as this tweet, from @DaveyUpper, illustrates:
Laffy with the slam dunk after Panarin’s Alley-oop #NYR pic.twitter.com/8We6ZOthwW
— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) November 18, 2024
1-0, GOOD GUYS, as Lafreniere scored ala Kreider – via the backdoor, no-doubt-about-it, tip from who else – “THE BREADMAN!”
While Panarin extended his point-streak to seven matches (and he has a point or more in every game played this season sans one – hence the GAG LINE 2.0 moniker); what really impressed me tonight from #10 was his desire to bake his first Selke Trophy too.
No joke?
Panarin was a defensive wizard tonight – and the Rangers will really need this to continue once the playoffs commence.
For as much as Panarin was trying to set-up as the offense, then he was equally as adamant in his never-ending and successful attempts when preventing opposing scores.
And of course, and once the Rangers took the lead – and Sam & Joe hit their “Rolodex Excuse Apparatus” – as they blamed the schedule, Shane Wright’s absence and a bevy of other things for why the home team was trailing.
Bless Sam’s heart.
The period wasn’t over just yet – nor was the now one-goal lead safe either.
In the final minute, Tanev had a breakaway, Miller got there just in time to stop it, Quick made a save on the human while the puck was dead in front of him, and then for good measure, JQ32 made one more ballsy save to preserve the 1-0 margin – and that’s where we remained after forty-minutes.
Here’s what I said at the time:
1-0, GOOD GUYS, after 40. 2P Thoughts:
— Same Old Script – rely on the goalie to do everything, wait for the GAG LINE 2.0 to score and then don’t breathe until the game is over.
— Gonna need another goal, can’t expect Quick to do everything.
— Fourth line looks great.
—…— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) November 18, 2024
THIRD PERIOD
Quick prevented an equalizer just 41-seconds into this final frame.
After that, and Lafreniere almost scored his second goal of the game, but P.G. stopped it.
While on the bench, Lafreniere told Panarin and Trocheck, “I gotta get it f—ing up.”
I believe Vagistat says the same thing at his regular bathroom stays at “The Ramrod.”
It was Jones who got the Rangers up – 2-0, GOOD GUYS – after this coast-to-coast play:
Jones with his first Goal of the season. #NYR pic.twitter.com/JCXRWc535t
— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) November 18, 2024
For whatever reason, and both the Rangers and Kraken called this as an unassisted goal for Jones – despite it being clear as day that both Cuylle and Kakko were part of it.
The NHL later rectified the error, and for Chytil’s former wingers, they each received an assist on Jones end-to-end goal.
Now up by two-scores, and the Rangers did everything in their power, and successful at that, to keep Quick’s shut-out in-tact.
Vesey blocked a big shot with 14:56 remaining. The GAG LINE 2.0 then spent every shift they had in the Kraken zone too.
As we got under ten-minutes remaining, and a Zibanejad redirection try was predictably denied.
Quick’s night was almost ruined with 6:30 remaining, following another bad turnover from Miller that Sam and Joe ignored – and one that not only Quick bailed out – but his fourth line too.
Down by two goals with 3:30 remaining – and Grubauer’s night was over.
Similar to recent games this season – and despite an empty net to shoot at for an elongated amount of time – and the Rangers could never put this game away.
At least Quick did.
While the Rangers never scored an ENG, it should be noted once again that Panarin would not allow the Kraken to score either.
No joke?
This final 3:30 was Selke material.
2-0, GOOD GUYS, your final.
While Quick didn’t have to don his Superman cape as much as he did during his last shutout; that red garment remained as bright as ever.
For those wondering, then after the game, Quick was his same old self:
He never took credit or appreciated what he did – as rather – he just praised his teammates instead.
Here’s Laviolette after the Rangers pushed their all-time record against the Krakheads to 6-0-1:
All in all, not the best win in the world – but a memorable one.
Up Next For The Rangers: A 10PM EST puck drop in Vancouver on Tuesday night – and where I’d imagine the year of 1994 will be brought up too.
Up Next For Me: Bed – I got to be at work in a few short hours. However, I should be back following the ‘Nucks/Rangers game, as these late night games do suit my schedule!
Up Next For You: Your favorite segment, which brings us to…
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
