NYR/CBJ 1/18 Review: CZAR IGOR Zips The Jackets; Goes Flawless in First Shootout Win Of The Season, Blueshirts Overcome a “Scheduled Loss,” Stinka Zibanedud Has Another Game To Forget; Big Billy Borgen Continues to Standout, MILLER MANIA RUMORS RUNNIN’ WILD (J.T. – Not K’Andre); The Latest Details on His Potential Return, PLEASE REUNITE JD & ROSEN FOR ONE GAME; M$GN & More

Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. ZzzZzzZzz.

But even if you fell asleep during or after the Rangers’ 1-0 shootout victory that took place against the Blue Jackets on Saturday night (the latter was the result for yours truly) – then either way – a win is a win – and for this group, a club desperately trying to save their season – it was two-points that they needed in order to keep their season alive.

Going into Saturday night, then what should’ve been a major buzz surrounding the World’s Most Expensive Arena was anything but that.

Heck, even a silent-but-deadly fart could’ve been heard with this quiet crowd.

Despite this huge contest scheduled between Metro foes, two teams who are battling for a playoff berth – which means that there were a ton of standing implications on the line – and this match was treated as if it were a preseason exhibition.

(And it kinda played out that way too – and with all respect paid to the defensive efforts displayed.)

Put it this way: It was pretty much a night of back-ups – that is – sans CZAR IGOR.

Not only did Columbus decide to feature their back-up goalie (and one that’s also doubled-up as a third-stringer this season), Daniil Tarasov, but elsewhere, and not one prominent member of the Blueshirts’ birdbrain beat was in-attendance (they all flew to Montreal – and where I don’t blame them – as I’d rather be partying on St. Catherine’s Street instead of fighting subway fires in NYC).

In addition, but one of the well-welcomed variety, and not one of the M$GN resident talking heads were there either (Sieve Vagistat, Henrik Lundqvist and Brian Boyle), which then allowed us to hear from Dave Maloney (and I was happy for it) for an extended amount of time.

The no vibes in the air feelings were as equally accounted for on the ice.

Despite the 1-0, GOOD GUYS, shootout final – and this wasn’t really much of a goalie’s duel – as instead – it was more about two tired teams playing structured defense against each other than anything else.

From the Columbus end and they marched into M$G a bit wounded.

We already know about the tragedy that this team sustained before the season, so we don’t have to explain it again here; but for these here Bluejackets, then they have absolutely done a fantastic job of honoring Jonny Gaudreau following his murder – so much so – and as I’ve said before – then I’d like to see the entire organization – and not an individual – receive the Bill Masterton Trophy this year.

Away from the biggest and most obvious loss in all of hockey today, then entering Saturday night and CBJ, as led by head coach Dean Evason, were also without Sean Monahan (wrist injury), Erik Gudbranson (shoulder injury), Yegor Chinakov (upper-body injury) and Justin Danforth (lower-body injury).

And of course, they’ve also been without their captain, Boone Jenner, all-season long too.

(And if CBJ maintains their playoff berth come the postseason? Then Evason should win the Jack Adams too. GM Don Waddell should win Executive of the Year as well.)

From the Rangers’ end of things – and despite the monstrous stakes involved too – and this match had “scheduled loss” written all over it.

Suffice to say and this was another one of these scheduled games that really makes you think about the credibility of the league’s “Player Safety Department.”

For the east-coast Blueshirts, they had just spent a week out west, in their games against Vegas, Colorado and Utah.

Rather than allowing their body clocks to adjust – and their bodies to heal too – and instead – the Rangers, who arrived back home early Friday morning, barely had 24-hours to recuperate.

For the uninformed, then usually whenever a coast team finishes a road-trip in another time zone, then they have at least two-days off prior to playing again.

While I’m not trying to garner sympathy for these 2024-25 Rangers – as after all – they are the ones who dug what I feel is an insurmountable hole to overcome in the standings (and nobody did it to them either – as the core and the coach is at 100% fault); but I wouldn’t have been shocked had the Blueshirts fell in defeat on Saturday night.

Surprisingly, and in a game featuring the fatigued vs. the beat-up – and it were the Rangers who prevailed via the gimmick contest.

But both during and after the game – then all that anyone could do was talk about was J.T. Miller – and as we’ll soon do too.

In a game that made you feel as tired as a junkie experiencing a fentanyl overdose, then it were the two Russian goalies, CZAR IGOR and Tarasov, that shone the most.

As CZAR IGOR was lifting his tired team, while Tarasov uplifted his wounded squad, then we witnessed no scoring to speak of until the shootout.

I should be clear – I’m not knocking the effort of the skaters from either side.

After all, and as already mentioned – and this wasn’t your standard goalie’s duel.

Rather than that, it was a defensive struggle, one full of successful structure, as neither team allowed much.

And during the rare instances when a goalie was a tested?

Then, duh – they made every save imaginable.

There aren’t that many non-goalie individual performances to single-out from this game, but I will say, then I thought that BIG BILLY BORGEN, THE BOREGON TRAIL, government name Will Borgen, had another solid outing.

Borgen, who has most certainly made the successful transition to his new club, was breaking up plays left-and-right – and perhaps prevented two goals to boot.

But alas and of course – there was also STINKA ZIBANEBAD – who just had another dreadful showing for the ages.

Not only did he take all of the Ranger penalties assessed in this one, including a late infraction in the third period – but once again – and he can’t bury a puck if his life depended on it.

As we’ve seen several times this season – then the dry-haired hippie, you know, the team’s highest-paid center, once again favored zero over hero status.

For as bad as he was, and as is always the case this season (and really, you can track his rapid decline to rock-bottom following the 2022 Eastern Conference loss – as he’s never been the same since) – and Mental Mika had three chances to put this game away – and where after – the Rangers need to put him away too.

But of course, I’ve already done about 98767866798786798 different TRADE MIKA rants this season too – and where should the hockey gods ever be so willing – such a reality will take place soon enough.

Following what can only be described as a boring sixty-minutes of regulation time; then Zero Zibanejad had two different opportunities, glorious ones at that, to send home the Garden crowd in a state of elation.

And had the Blue Jackets prevailed – then Mika’s routine battles with ineptness would be the top headline in town today.

During the overtime, Zibanejad had an early breakaway – yet let Tarasov off of the hook by shooting the puck right at him.

Then, and come the final seconds of the five-minutes of bonus time – and there was Zibanejad, playing no defense at all, receiving a breakaway pass from his goalie.

Rather than rewarding his own goalie with a walkoff win – and Zibanejad’s breakaway attempt was denied by a third-string goalie – again!

Equally as infuriating as Sam Carrick, who has shown some success in these gimmick contests, not being allowed to play with the game on the line?

That it was Zibanejad – and not anyone else – and I don’t care if it was Carrick, Cuylle, Lafreniere, Chytil, Kreider, or hell, Rempe himself (who was once again stapled to the bench come the end of the second period) – that was used during the shootout.

But once again – and the Rangers’ goalie, and whether it be Jonathan Quick in the past or CZAR IGOR on this night – bailed out his buffoon of a bench boss – and where Lateralette has rarely ever had a feel for what’s going on front of him this season.

Despite blowing two breakaway chances in no less than five-minutes of time – and the head coach – who either has an unhealthy obsession with this loser – or just wants to see him fail – had him out there during the shootout.

Perhaps Laviolette thought, “third time’s a charm” – but then again – Zibanejad had previously missed the net on a Michigan try during the final stages of the final frame.

A Vincent Trocheck top of the second inning shootout goal was the difference between the two teams as they headed to the third inning.

All the Rangers needed here was a goal – and bang – the game would be over.

Instead, Laviolette went to his worst player, and come the top of the third, and there was Zibanejad failing on his third breakaway attempt in a real-time span of about five-minutes.

So what could’ve been 2-0 – good night the lights – was extended.

Thankfully, CZAR IGOR, in the do-or-die bottom of the third, stopped his fellow comrade, “The Other Kirill,” Columbus’ Marchenko, which in turn, ended any chance of CBJ extending the gimmick contest – and the game too.

While the Blue Jackets had their own roster issues to deal with on Saturday night; it also felt like Laviolette was trying to gift-wrap them a victory.

CZAR IGOR said “nyet” to that idea.

Let’s just hope that the selfish and entitled Zibanejad says “yes” to the idea of playing in Vancouver.

More about this below.

Here is our 82-game mantra, which is also known as 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, forty-five down, thirty-seven to go, and then the real hockey, the only games that matter, begin.

But at this rate – will the Rangers even be there for the real hockey?

I still wouldn’t bet on it.

In case you missed it, then here’s where I last left off – the Rangers getting resilient against the Mormons:

NYR/UHC 1/16 Review: Sam “I DAM AM” Carrick Puts The Rangers On His Back Again; Propels Blueshirts To First Third Period Comeback of the Season, Flip #93 & #39 on PP1; Minus Mika Continues His Selfish & Rotten Ways, Off-Night For CZAR IGOR – But Almost Scores His First Goal in Mormon Country, Multi-Goal Panarin Sighting Against The Polygamists; Lafreniere Shows Up Too, Laviolette Bailed Out; Almost Blows Another Game, Four Huge Tests Up Next, Brian Boyle Returning to Boston, M$GN & More

Following their three-game road-trip out west which concluded on Thursday night in Utah, then come Friday, and the team had the day off.

A day later, Saturday, game day – and the Blueshirts held an optional morning skate.

For a team that’s been making headlines every day, then there wasn’t much to go down at the practice (the line-up remained the same) – but there were headlines that emerged right before puck drop.

The only real news from the AM hours was that CZAR IGOR would get the nod in net – and rather than Jonathan Quick.

As said last time around in this space, then I would’ve given JQ32 a chance to not only start against his “former” team – but also an opportunity to win the 400th game of his career on home ice – and on U.S. soil too – and especially with his next start likely to take place on Sunday night at the Poutine Palace in Montreal.

Here was Laviolette’s line-up for the forty-fifth game of this 2024-25 season:

FIRST LINE: Panarin/Trocheck/Lafreniere

SECOND LINE: Cuylle/Mika/Smith

THIRD LINE: Kreider/Chytil/Kaliyev

FOURTH LINE: Edstrom/Brodzinski/Rempe

FIRST PAIR: Lindgren/Fox

SECOND PAIR: Miller/Borgen

THIRD PAIR: Vaakanainen/Schneider

STARTING GOALIE: CZAR IGOR

BACK UP GOALIE: Jonathan Quick

HEALTHY SCRATCHES: Zac Jones, Jonny Brodzinski and Jimmy Vesey

BOX SCORE time.

The following graphics and information come from ESPN.com:

SCORING:

PENALTIES:

TEAM STATS:

GOALIES:

As you already know by now – and ever since Drury took over – and the name of former Ranger, JT Miller, is always linked to the Blueshirts at every trade deadline.

On Saturday, and as opposed to former forays – and it looks like such a return may become reality.

We’ve talked a ton about JT Miller on this site – but just for the record – I’m really only up for this deal if it means that Mika Zibanejad is out of here.

In other words, I’m not so keen on a Miller trade if it means dealing away a ton of prospects and picks.

To me, the most perfect sense of a swap is Miller for Mika – as both players are pretty much in the same boat, including, but not limited to, the following:

— Both turn 32-years-old in 2025.

— Both are struggling and need a fresh start.

— Both earn $8M or more (Miller, $8M/Mika, $8.5M), which in turn, means that it’s an easy deal to make cap-wise.

— Both players have NMCs that need to be waived – but here’s the difference – Miller would be willing to waive for New York – but where it’s been previously reported that Mika isn’t willing to do the same.

It feels somewhat impossible to accurately cover these Miller return rumors – and where it should also be mentioned that whatever you’re reading right now could be changed by the time that you get to the final period of this sentence.

But here’s where we are, now early Sunday morning:

— Prior to the Hartford Wolf Pack’s game against the Charlotte Checkers on Saturday (which began at 4PM – and when these rumors really started to pick up steam), then Bo Groulx, Adam Sykora and Jaroslav Chmelar were made healthy scratches.

— Elsewhere, and the Canucks, who have tried to acquire both Alexis Lafreniere (his former agent works in their front office – and where for some reason – Emilie Castonguay also follows me on Twitter too) and Braden Schneider in the past, were reported to wanting one or the other in this proposed deal for Miller. Drury has rejected these requests every single time.

— Drury is also reported to have asked Mika to waive his NMC – and where Zibanejad rejected the idea of going to a new country – and one that’s 3,000 miles away from his current home – and where yes – where his young infant resides.

— The Blueshirts’ bird-brain beat? They have never asked Mika about any of this – but they have asked him what his favorite color is – and where if he’s traded to Vancouver – then I don’t think that the Canuck scribes will be asking him about his favorite “colour” either!

— Furthermore? And based on the reports (and again – I’m going by the insiders here – as I don’t know what’s true or not – as I have no contacts to Drury) – and the Canucks don’t want Mika anyway – that is – unless he’s just a piece of a much larger package.

— The Canucks are dealing from a point of weakness – as while they want to move Miller – Miller, and like others before him, perhaps most famously Marty St. Louis back in 2014, has said that he’d only accept a trade to New York.

— Miller’s agent, Brian Bartlett, made it publicly known that his client never asked for a trade – nor has he been asked to waive his NMC either. However, the agent didn’t deny that Miller would be willing to leave Vancouver for New York either.

— The Devils and Islanders, the two other markets adjacent to NYC (and where it would make sense for the Devils too – and to a lesser extent – the Isles as well – as Miller does have familiarity with Bo Horvat), have not expressed interest in Miller.

— Miller was reportedly going to be held out from Vancouver’s game against Edmonton late Saturday night.

— However, whatever deal that the GMs had on the table, Drury and Patrik Allvin, fell apart at the last second.

— Miller, perhaps seconds away from a New York return, played in the Canucks’ 3-2 win against the Oilers on 1/18 – and where he was named as the third star of the game following his two-assist showing.

— For what it’s worth, then all of the Ranger regulars also played on Saturday.

Here’s the biggest insider of them all, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, trying to keep up with all of it during “Hockey Night in Canada”:

Elliotte Friedman with an update on J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson.

🎥: Sportsnet | NHL pic.twitter.com/rkyKaBhbmi

— CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) January 19, 2025

As of this writing, then no one knows what the hold-up was from making this trade happen.

Friedman is also reporting that while this deal looked set to go – there’s nothing close right now – and just like M$GN and Optimum negotiations!

But of course, who knows what tomorrow brings?

I’m just hoping that the Rangers, who are in Montreal on Sunday night, leaves Mika in the Great White North afterwards!

As I wrap-up on MILLER MANIA here, I do want to say that I hate covering this stuff – because 99.9% of the time – and it’s just all a waste – as nothing ever happens.

However, it did feel like there were legs to this latest Rangers’ trade rumor this time-around – and should the team have a playoff spot by the time the Four Nations tournament commences – then all of this chatter will only become even more amplified.

I’m going to keep tonight’s GAME REVIEW short – as after all – not much really went down.

Plus, with a quick turnaround on Sunday night at the Poutine Palace – then this lengthy blog will be dated by the time that the majority of you get around to it.

However, if you want the full play-by-play, then check out my Twitter/X account over at: https://x.com/NYCTheMiC

As far as the pregame show goes, then Dave Maloney said the two words that are not allowed to be uttered on M$GN airwaves – “Zac Jones” – and where funny enough – Jones’ name was never brought up in any of the JT Miller trade talk either.

(Jones wants out too – and mainly because the moronic head coach never plays him – which in turn, is worsening his development, his career and potential future earnings.)

Furthermore, and with the Miller story reaching a fever pitch throughout two countries – and none of this was discussed on-air – but of course – and both Sam Rosen & Joe Micheletti were playing fantasy GM for the other 31-teams in the league.

As far as anything else from the pregame show, then here’s what I said about the goalie match-up:

#CBJ is starting their backup, Daniil Tarasov, against CZAR IGOR tonight – shows you what Columbus thinks about the Rangers. I’m on record – Lavy should’ve started Quick tonight.

— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) January 18, 2025

While CZAR IGOR did have one of his better games of the season – and a rare 1-0 shootout victory too – then even so – I would’ve went with Quick – as who is to say that he wouldn’t have done the same thing?

Furthermore, and I’d rather go with my best on the road in Montreal – and especially since this team is tired and not only had to fly-out immediately after tonight’s tilt – but play a second half of a back-to-back too.

At least the Canadiens, who blew a three-goal lead to the Leafs in their 7-3 loss, also played on Saturday night – and where as a result – they are playing a back-to-back set too.

But of course, and after losing in the fashion that they did – then theoretically – they should come out as pissed-off and fired-up against the Rangers.

Up next?

Our quickest GAME REVIEW segment of the season!

FIRST PERIOD

Prior to puck drop, and then throughout the entire game too, and both M$GN and the Rangers honored photographer George Kalinsky – as the Garden shutterbug had recently passed away just prior to his 89th birthday.

Two things made me shake my head about this.

One, M$GN/NYR asked us to have a moment of silence in respect for Kalinsky.

Not even a second later?

A loud blaring gambling commercial for one of the 96798669676 sports book operations that the Blueshirts are in bed with.

The second thing that I took offense to, and no disrespect intended for Mr. Kalinsky and his family here either – but I don’t know if it’s just me – but I never even heard of him before tonight.

However, based on how both NYR and M$GN were carrying on – and you would’ve thought that he led the team to several Stanley Cups.

And you should know where I’m going next.

THIS STUPID FRANCHISE STILL REFUSES, AND OUT-RIGHT IGNORES, THE LEGACIES OF FRANK BOUCHER AND THE COOK BROTHERS FROM THEIR RAFTERS – AND WHERE BOUCHER, THE GREATEST RANGER OF THEM ALL, IS RESPONSIBLE FOR 75% OF ALL CUP WINS IN RANGERS’ HSITORY!

Yep – I had to get that out of my system.

As M$GN gave us a graphic of Tarasov’s stats – and man-oh-man – were they terrible; but, and as Maloney foretold – the goalie did have the best game of his life against the Rangers at M$G.

(For those who don’t know, then a shootout loss following a scoreless 65-minutes, counts as a shutout.)

Some traditions never die.

Come the end of the game?

The goalie being paid five-times less as CZAR IGOR this season matched him save-for-save – and where only a shot during gimmick time was the difference.

But I don’t think that I need to give you my usual spiel on why you shouldn’t make a goalie your highest-paid player anymore either – as by now – you should know it verbatim!

Hell, this spiel is now eleven-years old!

The Rangers, sloppy offensively to start but solidly structured defensively throughout, saw Lindgren shoot wide immediately after puck drop, and where soon thereafter, Panarin, when trying to get too cute, turned over the puck.

It should be said that for as good as the Blueshirts were in their back end tonight – then so were the Blue Jackets – as they didn’t give up much either – that is – until Zibanejad failed on his breakaways.

Then again, since Mental Mika never scores during these chances anymore – then that may have been by design!

As Rosen and Micheletti were having a heated debate over who sired Cole Sillinger, then, and with 10:45 remaining – the SOG stat read as CBJ 5 – NYR 1.

So yeah, not exactly a barnburner here – as the two teams played astute defense.

Again, while the effort was there, the excitement was not.

Such a scenario then led Rosen into a five-minute speech where he proclaimed his undying love for saying the name of Luca Del Bel Belluz – and where he climaxed by saying, “OH JOE, HE HAS A MOVIE STAR AND ROCK STAR NAME JOE!”

Bless Sam’s heart.

Down to 8:54 remaining and we had our first power-play of the game as Fantilli had slashed Smith.

Tarasov only had to make one save – and where Zibanejad continues to be a trainwreck on this first quintet – and one that I would’ve put Carrick on instead.

However, the coach with the black shoe polish hair doesn’t believe in “riding the hot hand” – as he favors the “same old shit,” from the realm of insanity, instead.

That said, and the Rangers almost did score here – but a Fox-to-Kreider deflection try hit the post.

Had CK20 scored here, then this would’ve put him into a tie with Camille Henry for most PPGs in franchise history (116).

Maybe in Montreal – and where Kreider most certainly has a history in the French-speakin’ city.

The Blueshirts’ PP1 unit took the full two-minutes here – and of course – Zibanejad ended their threat when he lazily shot a puck right at a CBJ – which resulted as a block and free clear for the opposing PK.

I can’t stand the sight of him anymore – and where worse than that – whatever legacy he has built with this franchise has been torn down during these past three-seasons.

Returned to even-strength, and Kreider heard another <DING>, as his shot with 5:05 remaining hit the crossbar.

As we hit 2:29 left on the clock, Marchenko badly beat Zibanejad. In turn, Mika tried to break up this GOOD LOOK – and while he did – he was also assessed with a slashing penalty.

While I didn’t think that this was really a slash – but I guess that since optically, Mika was beat, which then led him into flailing his stick at Marchenko, that the refs immediately assumed an infraction had transpired.

The Rangers’ PK, far more superior than their power-play, made short work of CBJ during these two-minutes of man-down time.

We remained nil-nil through twenty-minutes.

Here’s what I said at the time:

Scoreless after 20. 1P Thoughts:
— SOG, 14-4, in favor of #CBJ – but where it felt like #NYR had more scoring chances – and as the two <DINGS> would suggest.
— I can’t wait for the day when Mika is gone. Father Time caught him early – 2022 ECF was the start of this rock…

— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) January 19, 2025

SECOND PERIOD

After being out-shot 15-4 in the first period, the Rangers did get their legs back a bit – but only somewhat.

That said, they did out-shoot their guests 12-5 in this second stanza – and then 6-4 in the final frame.

But still, this match was more about defense than offense – DUH!

CZAR IGOR made his first save of this period via his mask – and as he did when he stopped Kent Johnson with 18:32 to go. A minute later, and Borgen, again, just a stud tonight even if the box score doesn’t reflect it, was denied by Tarasov.

As Sam and Joe were giving us the life stories of both James van Riemsdyk and Kevin Labanc (but to be fair – they didn’t have much material to work with tonight – but on the other hand – they could’ve brought up the JT Miller stuff); then Tarasov stopped the Minus Boys – Minus Mika and Minus Miller – and as he did with 15:30 remaining.

Ten-seconds after this – and Schneider broke up a Werenski shot – one that was destined for the upper-left corner of CZAR IGOR’s net – but one that the non-Canuck d-man got a piece of.

Come 11:05 to go and CZAR IGOR stopped Johnson again – but he did take a peek behind himself to make sure.

This entitled crybaby bitch, Missing Mika, cried to the officials no less than five times tonight – including his first time – and as he did with 7:54 to go during a d-zone draw that he lost.

DEPORT!

BANISH!

EXILE!

SEND TO VANCOUVER!

It’s one thing to be bad – it’s another thing to cry to the refs after every play.

Watching Mika cry all night was like watching Patrick Mahomes looking for flags from his BFFs, the NFL referees.

And while Mahomes looks sorry as shit for all of his crying – at least he’s a winner.

Down to 6:30 to go, and Marchenko, spearheading a CBJ 2 x 1, was stunted by Borgen. Had Borgen not been there, then this most likely would’ve been a goal.

Following Borgen’s Blueshirts’ showing tonight – and the “KEEP HIM VS TRADING HIM FOR A HAUL” debate will only rage further.

Panarin, not particularly great tonight, fanned on a strong attack with 4:20 remaining – and where he looked like he was on the pot too.

Thirty-seconds later and Smith whiffed on a Cuylle one-timed feed too.

It was around 3:00 remaining when Rempe’s night was over (game low 5:51) – and where I didn’t get why either.

But I’ve done this rant before – and where yes – Laviolette is a fucking idiot. (And I rarely drop f-bombs on this site – so when I do – it means something.)

Thank god that Mika remained in this game though!

No score after forty-minutes.

Here’s what I said at the time:

No goals after 40. 2P Thoughts:
— If you’re watching football, don’t have M$GN or just have a life unlike me, then you’re not missing anything.
— Both goalies have been good – but not really a goalie’s duel either.
— #NYR did pick it up late, maybe they’ll find their legs…

— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) January 19, 2025

THIRD PERIOD

In a game that was already tighter than an honest nun’s asshole – and things only puckered up even more during this final frame.

That said, each team had a chance to break-up the opposing goalie’s shutout bid – and in just the first thirty-seconds too.

With Tarasov on his belly – and Chytil had him beat dead-to-rights – but missed – which then led to a Fantilli-led 2 x 1 odd-man rush the other way – and where he couldn’t finish either.

This was pretty much the recap of the high-octane offense from this period.

I also want to mention that John Davidson’s name was never brought up once during this broadcast – and not even when Sam & Joe were going on-and-on about all of the men who have represented both the Rangers and Blue Jackets.

(For those who don’t know, Davidson is the President of CBJ’s Hockey Operations today – a title he returned to in 2021 – after previously leaving for the Rangers in 2019 – and where in his former contract with the Blue Cuckets – had a clause where he could leave with no punishment faced had a job with the Rangers opened-up. But alas, I’ve talked about this all before – so check the site’s archives for all of it!)

I don’t know if JD was in town or not tonight – but I pray to the hockey gods – and as my nostalgic heart so desperately craves too – that we get a JD/Rosen reunion when the Rangers travel to Columbus.

While I’m sure that it will be JD who gives Rosen a parting/retiree gift – we also need one last ride with these two.

I know that I have my fun with the senile version of Sam today – but there was no better announcing duo in the sport than JD & Rosen – and where yes – these two being the voices of my childhood, then into my formative years too, is a large part of it.

(But hey – at least I can admit to my own biases – as after all – you don’t get that from many others!)

And for all of the bad blood between Drury and JD?

Then it should be said that they have made a trade since (Jack Roslovic – and as you may recall) – and where I think that even Drury is wise enough to know that Rosen & JD deserve one last call together.

And when closing on this?

I’m sure that Micheletti would happily step down for one game to allow fans to get a complete sixty-minute affair out of the best duo that the M$GN/Rangers have ever had.

As I was hoping for Laviolette to double-shift Carrick for Zibanejad (and while the reclamation project, Kaliyev, was being double-shifted for Rempe), then with 9:24 to go and the piece of entitled shit was boxed for holding the stick of Dmitri Voronkov – a retaliation penalty at that – as CBJ got away with holding Mika’s jersey first.

Trocheck, the real first-line center of this team, absolutely killed it on this penalty kill – literally at that – as he made four strong plays to snuff out this potential game-winning CBJ power-play attack.

Down to 6:20 remaining – and Mika almost redeemed himself:

Mika Michigan attempt…I can’t decide if I want to laugh or cry 😭 🤣🫠 #NYR pic.twitter.com/9aKm1Jv6SP

— allie❤️rangers (@RangersAllie) January 19, 2025

Had Mika scored here – then very easily – this would’ve been his best play as a Ranger since his five-goal game against the Capitals – five years ago at that – in the pre-pandemic world of 2020.

But this is the 2025 version – so I wasn’t surprised with this latest Zibanejad failure.

As we got to the end of regulation – and there was Zibanejad crying to another official – again.

OVERTIME

Mika Zibanejad sucks.

This hockey retard missed on two beautiful breakaway chances.

A bigger hockey retard?

Peter Laviolette, who praised Mika for his “energy” after the game.

Too bad Stanley Cups aren’t awarded to players who can’t score goals – but sometimes have “energy.”

Again – Mika has ruined whatever legacy he had here – and where Father Time has not only caught up to him early – but has beaten him into oblivion.

SHOOTOUT

Laviolette, and as opposed to previous recent Ranger coaches such as Gallant, Quinn and Vigneault in the past, always opts to go first – thus putting his goalie in a “last licks” situation.

In the top of the first, Panarin had Tarasov beat – but his backhanded try hit the left post.

CZAR IGOR then immediately covered up Johnson to close the inning.

In the top of the second, Trocheck’s tricky snap shot became the lone mar on Tarasov’s record.

CZAR IGOR kept the momentum alive when he made a GINORMOUS save on Fantilli.

With the game on the line – and for whatever reason – perhaps propaganda – and it’s Smith, and not Mika, that’s listed in every official box score of the game – and this Mika pussy, on his ninth life, was neutered by Tarasov.

CZAR IGOR made one last save, on Marchenko, in order to hold-up Trocheck’s goal as the lone goal – and game-winner too.

1-0, Rangers, their first shootout win of the season too – and where I hope that Zibanejad, while barefooted, steps on his kid’s Legoes whenever he returns home.

This was “a thank god they got the win” type of a game – but only if you’re rooting for the playoffs over a lottery pick.

Of note: We’ll take a look at the standings tomorrow – as there’s no point at this hour with a game ahead – and with other teams in action on Sunday too.

Up Next For The Rangers: No rest for the weary, as the team, now 1-0 during this four-game stretch featuring teams they are trying to leap-frog in the standings, play guest to Montreal on Sunday night.

Not that this means anything anyway, but I expect this to be the lowest television rated game of the season too – as not only do you have the M$GN v. Optimum war – but the biggest playoff game of the year thus far – Bills v. Ravens – takes place at the same time – which brings us to…

Up Next For Me: I’ll be watching both games – and where my man cave idea of 15-years ago – having two TVs – is now antiquated. After all, many of you guys & gals tell me how you have three or four screens going on any given night!

Up Next For You: Support the beer fund, 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