NYR/CAR 12/29 Review: Same Old Rangers Find a New Way To Lose (Again); Drop a Game They Never Trailed In, Another CZAR IGOR Masterclass Wasted; FAT CATS Look Wasted Themselves, Cheapest Goalie in the NHL Wins Again, Laba & Rempe Step Up; Silly Sully Finally Makes the Right PP1 Adjustment; Excises “The Appendix” Too, “Special Teams Swing Games;” Penalty Kill Destroyed, The Excellent M$GN Broadcast Team, Upcoming Schedule, Standings & More

Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. This season can’t end soon enough.

Unfortunately, and as Bon Jovi made famous in “Livin’ on a Prayer” – then we’re only “halfway there.”

And no hockey god is answering the Blueshirts’ prayers either!

Speaking of the half-way mark of the season, then what a great segue-way to promote my last feature on this site – The 2025-26 Mid-Season Report Card:

As noted several times this year, then it’s really tough to feign much anger and disappointment in this crumb bum Blueshirts’ bunch.

After all, then I know that they suck. You know that they suck. Helen Keller’s blind ghost knows that they suck.

(That said – then such information doesn’t make watching these games any easier either!)

But, and as repeated in last night’s Mid-Season Report Card – then what sucks the most is that you have a team owner that seems oblivious to it all – or maybe he just doesn’t care – which is often the case whenever his basketball team is doing well.

The fact that general manager Chris Drury, you know, James Dolan’s top Rangers’ employee, has carte blanche and an unlimited amount of coaching hires is just maddening.

Also as previously noted, and once again as most recent as of last night?

The fact that all of these losses have turned these regular Ranger GAME REVIEWS into broken records.

Nothing has changed.

And nothing changed on Monday night after the Rangers’ 3-2 overtime loss just outside of Raleigh’s infamous Tobacco Road.

(For those who haven’t been, then Tobacco Road is the equivalent of a “Broadway Lite” in Nashville. And too bad there aren’t that many “Broadway Red Lights” for the Rangers this season too!)

It was once again “Same Old Rangers” – or “Same Old Shit” – in Sully’s Squad latest debacle – and let’s count the ways:

— Another all-star and all-worldly goaltender performance absolutely ruined – and as was the case after the Blueshirts couldn’t come up for CZAR IGOR – and a #31 in net, that without him – and the Rangers probably would’ve lost this game by a touchdown.

— OO-GATZ from the FAT CATS. I mean, just take a look at the box score – and once there – then take a deep dive into the points, shots on goal and plus/minus rating stats:

— “Special Teams Swing Games” – and boy oh boy – did the Rangers fall on the wrong side of this particular pendulum.

— While both teams batted .500 on both the power-play and penalty kill; but it were the Rangers that went 1/2 on each, while the Canes finished 2/4.

— And before you start, then let me end it here – there was no such thing as bad officiating tonight.

— All of the penalty calls were legit. While I don’t have the time of possession stats for you, but the Canes out-shot the Rangers 34-19. Elsewhere, and the home team owned the visitors at the dot too (43-29, a 59.7% success rate for Brind’amour’s Brood) – and where it felt like the Blueshirts lost every faceoff (and most certainly whenever in their d-zone) from the third period to the game-winning walk-off goal.

— In a one-goal difference, then it were the Canes’ two man-up goals that gave them the victory – and where it shouldn’t be lost that it was their hard work while attacking that drew them a quartet of power-play tries too.

— In another game where injuries were featured on either side, and where the Canes were more banged up than the Rangers too (no Jacob Slavvin, Seth Jarvis and Shayne Gostisbehere for Carolina, no J.T. Miller and Adam Fox for New York) – and it were the other “A-Listers” that showed up for their aching-and-ailing brethren – while once again – and the FAT CATS did nothing but shit into their litter box.

— A more recent “Ranger Killer” (and nobody knows this topic better than me – after all – I did write the book on it), Sebastion Aho, picked up a goal and an assist. Newest Carolina add, Nikolaj Ehlers, recorded two helpers. Even long-time bottom-six Raleigh stalwart, Jordan Martinook, scored.

— The Rangers? Nothing from Panarin. Nothing from Mika. Nothing from Alexis Lafreniere, who by god, was the worst FAT CAT of them all. I’m not even joking – you could see the stink lines coming off of his body during this match.

— The best Blueshirts? The usual suspects – the goalie, the best defenseman (Vladislav Gavrikov) and the bottom-six, in particularly, Matt Rempe and Noah Laba. And let’s not forget about Jonny Brodzinski here either – who pretty much personified to a tee everything that I wrote about him during last night’s Mid-Season Report Card.

The first period, and really, the majority of the match, were dominated by the two goalies – the highest-paid backstop in the league, CZAR IGOR, and the cheapest netminder in the NHL today, the $775,000 Brandon Bussi.

Bussi, a Long Island native (Sound Beach), entered this contest with a 12-1-1 record (now 13-1-1 after another Rangers’ loss), where as a result – he’s become one of the best Cinderella stories in the league today – and perhaps even bigger than the Buffalo Sabres’ current nine-game winning streak.

(Yes, the Sabres have won nine games in a row! That’s not a typo!)

While the Rangers would get badly out-shot all game (aka the usual), and as they did 13-5 in the first period, 9-7 in the second stanza, 10-5 in the final regulation frame and 4-0 in the bonus time; but it were the Blueshirts who got the first break of the match, as just 69-seconds in (nice) and Alexander Nikishin had slashed Noah Laba.

The slash was so bad, and where perhaps Laba’s mitts are so thin too, that #42 had to leave the game for a while in order to repair the side of his right hand – and a hand that was gushing blood akin to a pro wrestler cutting their forehead.

But unlike a double-minor for high-sticking after drawing blood – and this Blueshirts’ man-up try was of the regular two-minute variety.

No matter – as the Rangers, and I can’t believe this either – actually scored on this power-play!

But, and OF COURSE, then I must take my victory lap here – as after screaming from the rooftops (site archives and social media postings don’t lie), that Vladislav Gavrikov should fill in for Adam Fox on the team’s first power-play unit – and wouldn’t you know it – he scored while quarterbacking his first ever PP1 attack!

And his 1-0, good guys, goal, which was scored just thirty-seconds into the man-up time, was not only the first ever power-play goal in his career – but his seventh overall goal scored this season – and as a result – his new career-high.

But since we can’t have good things in Rangerstown, USA – and the Blueshirts were apt to choke away this early lead.

At the 14:53 mark, Jonny Brodzinski took an ill-timed penalty, as he tripped Ehlers in the Rangers’ o-zone.

Just twenty-seconds later, and now on the penalty kill – and Braden Schneider air-mailed a puck over the glass when attempting to gain a clear.

The Canes, now with a hundred-seconds worth of a 5 x 3 power-play, made sure to capitalize.

Just forty-four seconds into it – and blammo – Asshole Aho ripped a puck past CZAR IGOR as the Blueshirts’ backstop was screened by two players.

1-1.

To their credit, and the Blueshirt’s penalty kill were then able to fend off the Canes’ traditional 5 x 4 power-play.

As the two goalies continued to duel, with robbery save after robbery save, and where CZAR IGOR must’ve flashed the COW, via his BESSIE save, on no less than five separate occasions (including three of these stops on d-man Sean Walker); then it wasn’t until the 13:00 mark of the second stanza when we saw the Rangers regain the lead – as Jonny Brodzinski, on a ping-pong Blueshirts’ attack, was right on the spot to bang home the 2-1, good guys, goal.

Whatever happened in the locker room during the second intermission didn’t favor the Rangers come the third period.

In real-time (and I’ve included several of these remarks in tonight’s GAME REVIEW segment – and you can check my Tweeter feed for the rest of it) – and it was like the Rangers just wanted to get out of the period alive.

They hardly pressed the issue.

They looked scared.

They looked timid.

They looked afraid.

And as a result – then it was all Carolina in the third period – but due to CZAR IGOR – and the Canes were unable to run up the score.

But they did get one goal – and as Jordan Martinook did, at the 9:11 mark – and where the Blueshirts were perhaps looking for some 911 assistance themselves.

Sully’s Squad, just desperate to get into overtime and take their chances, played out the rest of regulation in this manner – and where once again – they were lucky that CZAR IGOR wanted this game much more than them.

Due to the goalie and we remained tied at 2-all through sixty-minutes.

Overtime was needed.

The Rangers allowed their all-out state of sheer terror to carry over into the 3 x 3 gimmick portion.

As noted before – and they didn’t even challenge Bussi once during these precious extra-point-on-the-line minutes.

Carolina kept on attacking in waves, and with just 2:01 before a potential shootout would decide the match – and the refs banged Matthew Robertson for tripping former league MVP, Taylor Hall.

I saw many fans cry about this call – but I thought such tears were wasted.

After all, accuse Hall of diving all that you want, but the Canes were the aggressor, and as a result, they got calls.

Furthermore?

Then Robertson’s stick did trip up Hall – and if the roles were reversed – then you’d want this call too.

The Blueshirts, whose signature move is inserting daggers into the backs of their supporters, found a new way to lose.

A Jordan Blake tip/deflection power-play goal, off of an Aho shot, gave the Canes their 3-2 game-winner – and with just twelve-seconds left on the clock.

There would be no shootout on this night.

The Blueshirts blew two one-goal leads – then allowed a fellow Metrosexual Division foe to win a game they never had a lead in.

Impressive, but sadly, expected too.

This team sucks.

The Rangers held an optional skate prior to tonight’s tilt and where it was extremely noticeable that everyone in the bottom-six showed up – while every FAT CAT declined.

Team players.

No BS!

SMD!

After I called Brennan Othmann an “appendix” last night, as he serves no worthwhile or useful function for these here Rangers; then apparently, and Sullivan thought the same.

It was speculated during the morning skate (and credit where credit is due – Othmann showed up for it – but really, then what was the alternative for him?) that #78 would be seated upstairs for this game, as he stood on late with both Jonathan Quick (back-up) and Adam Fox (still unable to return).

Come puck drop?

Brennan was the “Othmann Out” (odd-man out) – har-har-har!

In his steed?

Then who else, the golden nephew-in-law, Conor Sheary!

And while I’m making light of Sheary’s marital relations, then let me be serious for a minute:

I had no problem with this.

Sheary is better than Othmann.

As stated about 6787986798678969689696789696 times since the summer, then while I don’t see the Rangers as a playoff team – but both Drury and Sullivan do.

As a result, then in a game against a fellow division rival (one in first-place no less) – then you can understand why Sullivan went with a line-up that he thought gave him the best chance to win – as he doesn’t have the luxury of screwing around with another Blueshirts’ first-round bust.

In other pregame news, then it was revealed that J.T. Miller, still on the IR, wasn’t with the team, but he’s expected to rejoin them for the Winter Classic – but where his status for that game remains doubtful.

Here was Sully’s line-up for the forty-first game of this 2025-26 season:

FIRST LINE: Panarin/Mika/Lafreniere

SECOND LINE: Perreault/Trocheck/Cuylle

THIRD LINE: Sheary/Laba/Raddysh

FOURTH LINE: Brodzinski/Carrick/Rempe

FIRST PAIR: Gavrikov/Schneider

SECOND PAIR: Soucy/Borgen

THIRD PAIR: Robertson/Morrow

STARTING GOALIE: CZAR IGOR

BACK UP GOALIE: Quick

HEALTHY SCRATCHES: Brennan Othmann and Urho Vaaakainanen

IR: J.T. Miller

LTIR: Adam Edstrom and Adam Fox

BOX SCORE time.

The following graphics and information come from ESPN.com:

SCORING:

PENALTIES:

TEAM STATS:

GOALIES:

While the Rangers sucked, tonight’s M$GN broadcast did not.

In a first for this season, then John Giannone was left all alone at the M$GN studios, while Brian Boyle, Kenny Albert and Dave Starman covered the game live on location.

This also meant no Sieve Vagistat – which as a result – made this loss just a tad less insufferable!

Outside of the worst goalie in franchise history, the Ramrod’s favorite customer himself; and I really like what M$GN has going on with their broadcasting team.

Albert is the best in the game and just brings an expert presence.

His regular partner, Dave Maloney, is someone that we’re all drawn to – as he says what we’re thinking – and there’s not a bigger homer in sports than the youngest captain in franchise history.

Boyle, perhaps like Tony Romo in his first year, is a recent retiree from his respective playing surface, and as a result, he’s hip to everything, he knows all of these guys, he knows the new style that’s played, and etc.

And the fact that Boyle is anti-analytics?

Well that just warms my heart.

Starman, the heart of Long Island hockey, just brings something to these broadcasts that we’ve never seen or heard before.

He knows everything but he’s not a know-it-all. He unearths rare facts and stats that matter for us. He has relationships with a lot of these guys at a personal level. And without fail – and he always has one nugget of information that you didn’t know prior to him jumping in front of the camera.

Alex Faust, Starman’s regular radio partner, remains as the best pinch-hitter in hockey television broadcasting today.

He’s light-hearted but not silly. He knows when to lay back and when to go all in. He knows his strengths and weaknesses, where as a result, he has no envy issues, as he will rely on his color man to do their job when needed.

I just wanted to praise this crew (and of course, both John Giannone and Michele Gingras too) – as there’s not much positivity elsewhere surrounding these wretched Rangers.

And with that all said?

Tonight’s GAME REVIEW – and where as always – I’ll try to limit the pain.

However, then if you want my complete play-by-play commentary from this miserable match, then check out my Tweeter/X feed, and as you can do by clicking this link: https://x.com/NYCTheMiC

Let’s roll.

FIRST PERIOD

With the right-handed catcher Brandon Bussi in nets, then M$GN informed us about how he’s absolutely dominating the league. We were also told that this was Scott Morrow’s return to Carolina – which admittedly – didn’t have the same impact when the player he was traded for, K’Andre Miller, returned to M$G earlier this season.

Prior to the power-play and the Rangers had two quick chances to score.

Bussi, just 22-seconds in, made a clean glove save on a Cuylle 2 x 1 odd-man rush attempt.

It looked like Bussi was already locked in, but at the same time – and Cuylle did shoot the rubber right into the right hand.

After that, and Laba had a breakaway that was only denied after he was slashed.

Up next?

Gavrikov’s first shift on the PP1 – and his first PPG too:

Hand up, I was so against having Gavrikov on PP1.

This was a missile. pic.twitter.com/Dl1ZLxx7xw

— Jonny Lazarus (@JLazzy23) December 30, 2025

1-0 – and did I call this or what?

After Aho missed a one-timer/tap-try from a foot out; then the Rangers had another odd-man rush, this time of the 3 x 1 variety, but Schneider, after being fed by Perreault, went wide.

This cost Perreault a point.

Right after this miss then Bussi came up with a pair of stops on Laba’s two veteran flanks, Sheary and Raddysh – and as he did at just the 3:20 mark.

It was at this moment of the game where the Rangers had recorded their fifth shot on goal.

They wouldn’t record their sixth shot on goal until 6:15 had elapsed – in the second period!

SAME OLD RANGERS!

After the two comrades from either side of this North-South Civil War started jaw-jacking at each other, Gavrikov and Svechnikov; then, and at the 7:00 mark, Panarin made another one of his god-awful patented turnovers – and as a result – this allowed K’Andre Miller to almost score – but his shot hit the post, rather than the twine, in order to preserve the Rangers’ one-goal lead.

Down to 8:40 remaining and CZAR IGOR made his fifth save of the game.

In other words, then at one point previous to this – and the Rangers were out-shooting the Canes 5-2.

The home team then recorded the final eleven SOG of the period.

Down to 6:30 remaining, and this hockey retard, Alexis Lafreniere, was the beneficiary of a Blueshirts’ 3 x 2 odd-man rush attack.

Rather to shoot the puck, look for a puck on pads or just crash the net – and this idiot forced a pass – one so bad that Carolina may have laughed as they scooped up the turnover.

Up next were the pair of Ranger penalties – and Aho’s equalizer too:

Carolina’s second five-on-three goal this season comes at a critical time.

That’s an incredibly well-placed shot by Sebastian Aho. pic.twitter.com/8a5nS4PCR6

— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) December 30, 2025

1-1.

To close the period and the Rangers, who just watched CZAR IGOR perform magic in net, then ate popcorn as #31 denied Walker from two-feet out and dead-center:

Another timely save by #NYR Igor Shesterkin as the Rangers back checkers get caught puck watching.

1-1 score after P1. pic.twitter.com/OtnJPTDcvD

— Matthew P. Mugno (@mugnoma) December 30, 2025

One-up through twenty-minutes.

Here’s what I said at the time:

1-1 through 20. 1P Thoughts:
— Both teams have a PPG.
— SOG were once 5-3 #NYR, period finishes as 13-5 – in favor of Carolina
— Told you Gavrikov made sense on PP1
— Igor has prevented this game from being 3-1, maybe 4-1 and 5-1 too.
— You knew Aho would score.

— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) December 30, 2025

SECOND PERIOD

To open the second period from Hicksville (not the one on Long Island) and Trocheck won a rare faceoff – as he wouldn’t win many more (and not one in the d-zone) after this.

Thirty-six seconds into this here second stanza and Raddysh drew a trip on Logan Stankoven.

The Rangers didn’t even register a SOG during this power-play, as their SOG drought continued.

Do you know who was challenged during this time?

CZAR IGOR, who had to come up with a robbery save, while short-handed, on Eric Robinson.

Come the end of all this, and the Rangers’ power-play was 1-2 – and as was their penalty kill too.

After Lafreniere was an all-out mess on the power-play, then, and now returned to full-strength – and Ehlers, with CZAR IGOR on his back after making an initial save, couldn’t pot a rebound.

Come the 5:00 mark of the period and the Canes had five SOG to the Rangers’ zero.

Impressive.

It wasn’t until the 6:15 mark when Bussi had to wake up from his slumber – as he stopped Trocheck – and then denied a Perreault rebound opportunity as well.

As we hit the halfway mark of the game/period; then the fourth line, after an active and aggressive shift, changed for the third line – and due to the ill-timed change – and CZAR IGOR once again came up with a big stop.

No less than a minute later?

A custom-made CZAR IGOR BESSIE save, this time on a Walker 4 x 3 odd-man rush shot – and his second of this variety against the Canes’ d-man too.

All of these CZAR IGOR monster stops kept the game tied.

It also allowed the Rangers to take another lead too – and here was my live commentary when reporting about Brodzinski’s 2-1, good guys, goal:

“REMPE sets up a goal!!!!!! Rempe pass, shot from the point for Robertson and Jonny Brodzinski continues to validate everything that I’ve said about him, as he scores the 2-1, #NYR goal, with just under 7:00 remaining.”

Here’s the score:

Jonny Brodzinski puts the #NYR up 2-1.

Matt Rempe with the zone entry, work on K. Miller. Robertson gets his fifth assist of the season. pic.twitter.com/94F4ob6g3I

— Matthew P. Mugno (@mugnoma) December 30, 2025

But, and no less than 54-seconds later, and with just 6:06 left to be played in the period – and Borgen tripped Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

Similar to the Rangers’ power-play from this period – and it was the other goalie, Bussi, that was more busy.

Bussi had to stop Laba on a breakaway then deny a radical Raddysh rebound.

And when it was all said and done – and the Blueshirts’ PK was now 2/3.

Down to 2:00 remaining, and another COW, flashing of the leather, save for CZAR IGOR and this time on Stankoven.

The Rangers, after forty-minutes, remained with a 2-1 lead.

They’d never improve on it.

Here’s what I said at the time:

2-1, #NYR, through 40. 2P Thoughts:
— New & Improved “Same Old Rangers” – they score goals!
— This is still the CZAR IGOR show. Very easily could be 5-2, 6-2, etc.
— Goals come from Gavrikov’s first ever PPG and a fourth-liner – nada from the FAT CATS.
— Rangers should…

— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) December 30, 2025

THIRD PERIOD

You had to know that this game would turn out as a loss when Albert said, “The Rangers are 9-0-1 this season whenever taking a lead into a third period.”

The announcer’s jinx never fails!

After Trocheck lost another draw – and while the pain was prolonged – it was soon the beginning of the end for the Blueshirts.

No joke – and this final period in regulation time felt like a never-ending Carolina attack.

You can check all of my real-time commentary for every CZAR IGOR save (and you can do so here: https://x.com/NYCTheMiC); but while the Canes could never get him to break – they did get him to bend.

After a ton of action in front of CZAR IGOR, and all of it as set-up following ANOTHER NDA Panarin turnover – then this is when Martinook tied the game, 2-2, with 10:49 remaining:

Nothing fancy about it, just a shot on net with traffic around the blue paint.

Jordan Martinook’s equalizer has pumped some juice back into the home crowd as we go to the late stages of the third period. pic.twitter.com/NSSCKEqU9B

— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) December 30, 2025

For whatever reason, then Boyle went on-and-on that Sullivan should have challenged this.

While I guess going on the PK wouldn’t have mattered anyway, as this team is so used to it; but I just didn’t see what Boyle saw.

First off, Gavrikov pushed Martinook into CZAR IGOR – so there’s no way that you could call goalie interference.

Secondly, and Martinook didn’t kick Jalen Chatfield’s shot past CZAR IGOR.

This was, and clear-as-day at that, a redirection.

I thought the refs got this right.

I thought Sully’s refusal to challenge was the right move too.

End of the day?

2-2.

And Lafreniere sucks too – as he was completely terrible on this goal allowed.

Come 8:45 remaining, and Lafreniere’s laissez-faire attempt of a hit, which then allowed Carolina to tie the game; led us into seeing how to make the proper play – and as Laba did when he completely wiped-out Ehlers with a big-time bash.

And if it was ever evident, then it was with about 8:00 remaining where the Rangers just had that “WE NEED TO GET OUT OF THIS PERIOD, PRONTO” look all over their faces.

As we hit, then got under, the FOXWOODS FINAL FIVE mark – then, and in 45-second intervals – and CZAR IGOR had to make a pair of saves in succession.

Of the Canes’ ten shots on goal (and about ten others that were either blocked or shot wide-and-high) – then it felt like eight of them were denied during this crucial crunch time.

It also didn’t help that the Rangers iced the puck three times in succession – and where the Blueshirts were inept when trying to win these faceoffs too.

By the grace of the hockey gods, then the Rangers at least managed a point in the standings come the final horn of regulation.

2-all after sixty. Bonus time was needed.

Here’s what I said at the time:

2-2 after 60. OT is required. 3P Thoughts:
— #NYR played that whole period just trying to escape. At least they got the point – but duh – they need two.
— SOG 30-19, them.
— Lafreniere looks dreadful, while Rempe and Laba have really stepped up.

— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) December 30, 2025

OVERTIME

I found it interesting when Trocheck, Cuylle and Gavrikov started the overtime – well at least in the case of the former – and not the latter.

After all (I am obsessed with starting sentences with these two-words – so yes, I’m aware that this is a quirk of mine!), then Trocheck hadn’t won a face-off in a dog’s age, while it was Perreault and Laba that were more effective skaters than Cuylle.

We can skip to the end – as after all (there you go) – and the Rangers didn’t challenge Bussi once in this overtime.

Following the Roberston penalty, both coaches using their timeout and three timely CZAR IGOR saves; then, and with just 12.6 seconds remaining on the clock, and Blake, when channeling his inner Chris Kreider, tipped/deflected an Aho shot for the 3-2, them, walkoff game-winner:

SVECH COMING TO HUG BLAKE FROM BEHIND AFTER HIS GAME WINNING GOAL!! THATS FATHER AND SON pic.twitter.com/IJN4kFt72Q

— jason 🦥🪐 (@spongebobsloth) December 30, 2025

I couldn’t even be bothered to watch any of the post-game crap tonight.

After all (last time, I swear), then what could these guys say?

The same old shit that they always say, you know, “we got to be better,” “we have to show up next time,” “we can’t take penalties,” “our goalie played good and we need to match his effort” and the rest of the same old rigmarole?

That all said?

And I remain a glutton for punishment – but I also fully believe in this adage too – “misery loves company.”

This is my way of telling you that I probably won’t be around after Wednesday’s New Year Eve matinee against the revenge-seekin’ Caps – as I’m going to the bar with friends and family.

(And where afterwards? I’ll be blacked out in bed long before the ball drops in Times Square! I’m getting old – as I have long embraced day drinking over my previous active night life years!)

Maybe, and should I ever be so inspired, then I’ll return on New Year’s Day – and when prepping for Friday night’s expected loss in Miami – as the Rangers will play guest to the Panthers during this season’s Winter Classic.

Fun Fact: The Rangers are 5-0 in outdoor games – but of course – and all of the players, coaches and circumstances have changed.

It’s also comical, although understandable from a business aspect, that the NHL chose a New York team to play a heated “rivalry” game in Florida.

Without doubt, then the best rivalry in the NHL today, the Sunshine State series between the Panthers and Lightning, would’ve presented a better product – but it may have not sold out the stadium where the baseball Marlins call home.

With so many New York transplants and snowbirds down south (and don’t forget the Ranger road-trippers too!) – then that’s why the NHL chose the Blueshirts to play guest to the Panthers.

As my pal Costa L. (and accurately at that) always likes to say, “IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MON-AAAAAAY!” – and right down to all of the new merchandise/jerseys/hats/etc that are being sold to one of the largest fan bases in all of hockey.

In our last “as noted last time around” disclaimer – then it are these here Florida Panthers, and just like their rivals before them, the Tampa Bay Lightning, that ended a Rangers’ era – and as they did in 2024 with their six-game Eastern Conference Final victory against the Blueshirts.

But is it truly a rivalry when one side beats the absolute piss out of the other side?

And that not only includes the playoffs – but last year’s first regular season loss to the Cats too – as it was that defeat that you can first trace to last year’s all-out demise.

Rivalry?

I guess – that is – if you also think that the Harlem Globetrotters vs. Washington Generals is a time-tested rivalry.

Or better yet – Jets vs Patriots!

I’ll see ya next when I see ya.

But until then, then why not purchase a book, which of course, 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