Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. I never saw this coming!
But I’m glad it did – as after all – then 1/2/26 also marked my mom’s 74th birthday (Happy Birthday – and where not many were as big of a fan of Eddie Giacomin as she was) – and much like my dad, who turned 75-years-old on 12/13/25 – and the Rangers won – and to paraphrase Donald Trump – “and the Blueshirts won BIGLY too!”
(Now, and if only the Rangers can win on my birthday too – and rather than crushing my hopes-and-dreams. For those who don’t know, then the last time that the Blueshirts played on my birthday was on June 13th, 2014 – and the less said about that double overtime game on my 32nd birthday, outside of Eff You Alec Martinez, the better!)
A game like Friday night is a perfect example of why I’m glad that I don’t have any high expectations for this team.
After all (my two favorite words whenever starting a sentence!), then I’ve shared this graphic all-season long:
The Rangers, 5-1 victors in Miami, created a whole lot of positive history as a result of their win.
Zibanejad, who previously had one shot on goal during his past five games in total (let that sink in), registered six on this balmy evening in Florida – and where come the final horn – he scored on half of them.
As a result of his hat trick (a power-play goal, an even-strength score and a short-handed empty netter) – and his two assists added to his ledger too – and Mika became the first NHLer in Winter Classic history to accomplish such feats (hat trick and a five-point game).
As many said (and somewhat proudly and defiantly too) following the game, “VINTAGE MIKA!” – but where it should also be noted that the word “vintage” isn’t exactly a compliment either.
Heck, it’s even the equivalent of your dear-old grandfather reaching the toilet – and not shitting his pants as usual!
(And unfortunately – then I’m also in the same boat – I kid, I kid – or am I?)
In other words, then, and especially for his money (I may have mentioned his contract once or 9876786869696798679 times before on this site), then this needs to be SAME OLD MIKA – and not one that we reminisce about.
But for one night?
Then let the reminiscing commence!
As alluded to up top, then, and when going into this game, while I was expecting a Rangers’ loss (heck – I was also expecting them to get blown out); but I also made one positive-and-rare Blueshirts’ prediction – this one:
Panarin should show up in this one, as he showcases himself to his future team come the deadline. #NYR
— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) January 3, 2026
As I’ve been saying all-season, then I don’t think that Panarin reaches the end of his contract, now in its seventh-and-final year, come the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline – and where it’s also been my opinion that the Florida Panthers would be a perfect fit for him too – in-between his close friendship with Sergei Bobrovsky, and the fact that the Cats will have the money for him should Sasha Barkov be unable to return.
If this was Panarin’s night to showcase himself to Florida general manager Bill Zito, then he most certainly did that.
While Mika’s offensive numbers (and really, his overall game as well, since he does play on the penalty kill; NDA Panarin does not) were more impressive than his other half of the Rangers’ alleged 1-2 scoring punch; but the man with the confirmed NDA signing after an alleged sexual assault also had a strong outing, via his two-goal and one assist performance – and where as a result of the Rangers’ 5-1 victory – it was “The Breadman” who scored the game-winning goal on record to boot.
Are we now approaching Panarin’s final games as a Ranger during these opening days of 2026?
For the greatest free agent signing in franchise history, then it’s really up to himself, and the rest of the FAT CATS too, to not make Friday night’s win as a one-off.
Rather than that, and instead, and this monumental & memorable win must become the jump-off point of something big.
If not, then it will be toodles for the man who has led the team in all scoring departments in every single season ever since his 2019-20 Big Apple debut.
After all, then Chris Drury & Co. can’t afford an Islanders/John Tavares situation.
Since I always like to do the self-pat on the back crap whenever one of my 79867868679867986786 predictions ring true; then, and to be fair, let’s take a look at what I said prior to puck drop on Friday night:
For as sacrilege as this is, then I hope that the Panthers, the franchise that began this Blueshirts demise (2024 playoffs and then their 2025 season win) absolutely wreck #NYR tonight. Let the Cats usher in a true Rangers’ rebuild – and I hope TNT has plenty of camera shots of…
— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) January 2, 2026
Oops – but hey – and I swear – I was pulling a “Celtic Pride” here – the good old reverse jinx!
And if you’ve never see this movie, then you’re in for a real treat should you ever take in this classic piece of cinema:
When I look back at tonight’s 5-1 win, one that will go down as the most memorable win of this here 2025-26 centennial campaign (but not the best win – in my eyes, then the 7-3 12/23 victory in D.C. takes top honors); then it pretty much was the usual, you know – “SAME OLD RANGERS.”
But of course, there was a new wrinkle, a very much welcomed wrinkle at that – as the Blueshirts actually scored goals!
Once again, and Sully’s Squad were grossly out-shot.
As noted earlier, then the Panthers out-shot the Rangers, 37-20, behind a first period total of 10-6, a second stanza showing of 15-6, and a final frame that featured a 12-8 difference.
But, and from the Department of DUH – then when you score goals – and such low SOG totals don’t matter.
I don’t know what they are saying in Florida right now, but I would have to imagine that the word “BAD” was peppered about – as there was bad ice and bad bounces.
For the Blueshirts?
Then nobody knows more about being bad than them – and as a result – they capitalized on all of these bad things that marred the Panthers’ chances of winning.
To start the game, and really, throughout the majority of its duration, then not only was Florida controlling the SOG game, but they were also holding a significant zone time advantage too.
However, and between CZAR IGOR (who wasn’t really challenged that much despite his high save total – or at least not challenged as much as he usually is when it comes to high quality attempts), and the Panthers’ inability to really test the Russian – and it allowed the Rangers to not only strike first blood – but to then unleash a bloody barrage of goals too.
The Blueshirts took two penalties in the first period – and killed off both of them.
All in all, and the Rangers’ penalty kill went 5/6 tonight – and they scored a shorty too.
It should be mentioned that Florida’s power-play entered the ballpark in Miami as red-hot (eight of their last nine games with a PPG) – but the injured Rangers (no J.T. Miller or Noah Laba) were able to fend them off.
Equally as impressive as Zibanejad’s individual scoring performance (including his empty-net abetted shorty) was the fact that not only did the Rangers stunt five different Florida man-up opportunities – but they also didn’t allow the Panthers to record a SOG on three of them either.
Such information is also why this game was so weird.
After all, then the Panthers peppered CZAR IGOR all-game – but they could never get their power-play game going at all – and not even late when chasing one big goal.
At the 15:09 mark of the first period, and with the Rangers with only three SOG to their name – and the Blueshirts, and in a buy a lotto ticket moment, actually scored on their first power-play of the game.
The often scrutinized Alexis Lafreniere (3 assists), who would be receiving more ink tonight if it wasn’t for Zibanejad’s five-pointer, set-up Mika’s first goal of the game.
1-0.
Just 64-seconds later, and there was Lafreniere again – this time receiving a secondary assist on Panarin’s long-distance floater that went by his triple-screened comrade, Bobrovsky.
2-0, Blueshirts – and after only five shots on goal!
The Panthers were stunned – and of the 50,000 in-attendance, then the 1,000 fans that were rooting for the home team (okay – I’m exaggerating this figure), were also in a state of a negative shock as well!
Such emotions only grew once the second period began.
Just 58-seconds into it, and in another “Rangers’ Role Reversal” – and it were actually the Blueshirts who scored a quick goal within the opening minute of a frame.
And once again, there was Lafreniere setting up Zibanejad for this 3-0 dagger.
The Blueshirts would kill off their third penalty of this period and would then take this “dreaded three-goal lead” into the locker room come the second intermission.
Speaking of “dreaded three-goal lead,” then I’m not so sure who first coined the phrase – but I think it was “The Maven,” Stan Fischler, who first did so with the Islanders – and where he may have first heard this phrase about the old Americans from a bygone era too!
Those words, “dreaded three-goal lead,” first popped into my head at the 2:20 mark of the third period, as Sam Reinhart, after an ill-advised Jonny Brodzinski tripping penalty, cut the Rangers’ lead to 3-1 following his power-play goal.
We didn’t know it then, but not only was this the only goal that the Panthers would score on their sextet of man-up opportunities – but it would also hold up as the only red lamp that they’d light on this night too.
But prior to that, and in real-time too, then that sound you heard all over Rangerstown, USA at around 10:45PM EST, were assholes puckering and stomachs getting sucked in – as with 11:51 to go – and Matthew Robertson was boxed for intentionally dislodging CZAR IGOR’s net from its moorings.
Down by two and with a chance to strike within one?
And the Panthers were once again stifled by the Rangers’ heroic penalty kill.
Come 8:39 remaining and the Rangers had a reprieve themselves, as Matt Rempe, and just like the rest of this trio that made-up tonight’s fourth line, drew a penalty himself – as Uvis Balinskis was forced to hook the ferocious forechecker.
About a minute later – and Panarin, from the slot, made the Panthers’ pay for all of their ill offenses – and as he did with his 4-1, WHEW, power-play goal.
Still, and despite this field goal margin – and we weren’t done sweating yet.
Down to 3:22 left on the clock and Carson Soucy interfered with A.J. Green.
As a result, and “Some People Call Me Maurice” pulled Bobrovsky for an extra attacker – a 6 x 4 empty net attack.
The Panthers had seemingly struck again – but a Reinhart goal was overturned for a kick – and where the connection between skate and rubber was most certainly a punt at that too.
For this particular gambler, then what could’ve been 4-2 made me sweat even more – as I had a hefty wager on the -5.5 over total.
Leave it to Zibanejad, the player that I’d still trade tomorrow at the drop of the hat, to put some money in my pocket – and as he did – via his 5-1 short-handed empty-netter with just 88-seconds remaining (“TICK-TOCK” – and maybe some of you will get that Al Pacino movie reference – and one that has nothing to do with the Chinese social media app either) – and your final goal of the ball game too.
There’s some “fun” stats and facts following this game, such as:
— With the outdoor win, the Rangers are now a perfect 6-0 whenever a roof is not required. That’s the best record in league history.
— The Rangers, with one outdoor win during the past calendar year (a time-span of 365 days), now have as many outdoor wins as both the Giants and Jets have – COMBINED!
— Lafreniere’s three assists marks not only a Winter Classic record – but a career-high too. I’m not so sure if the latter is a good thing either. After all, he’s only been in the league for over six seasons.
— As noted earlier, then Mika set a slew of records too.
— Henrik Lundqvist, the goalie with the best record in outdoor games (4-0), saw his successor creep closer to him, as CZAR IGOR is now 2-0 himself.
— Perhaps, and most impressively? Then the Rangers are now UNDEFEATED whenever third-line center, Justin Dowling, is in the line-up! (And more about the line-up below!)
As you may have already figured out, and due to the length of your scroll bar – then I’m going long tonight.
After all, I missed last game, it’s the weekend, my holiday vacation is almost over and this will go down as one of the most memorable wins in Rangers’ history – but to be fair – then it’s hard to top that overtime win against the Islanders at Met Life from two seasons ago – and only because of the opponent.
Plus, and we got all of the Olympic garbage to get into too!
On tap below?
The following: Some quick thoughts on NYR/WSH (which also explains why I was down going into the Winter Classic), the Adam Fox Olympic snub, the J.T. Miller & Vincent Trocheck roster spots for Team USA, all of the injury news and much more – including our longest GAME REVIEW of the season.
After all (here I go again), then the reason I first started doing this silly site about a dozen years ago or so was because I wanted to celebrate the Rangers.
Such festivities don’t come around these parts often anymore – so I just want to savor this one night for as long as I can.
That said?
Then I wouldn’t be shocked if the Utah Mammoth (who just destroyed the Islanders 7-2 on New Year’s Day) shutout the Blueshirts on Monday night at M$G either – but we can get to that match during our closing segment.
By now, then you must be parched, so grab a drink and get ready to scroll.
Let’s now roll into everything else.
As talked about on Monday night following the Rangers’ 3-2 loss in Carolina, then I wasn’t going to be around on Wednesday for the New Year’s Eve matinee in Washington.
But what I predicted going into D.C. is what happened – and right down to Charlie Lindgren picking up another win – and Tom Wilson, a bonafide Ranger Killer, who missed the 7-3 drubbing one week prior (12/23), having one hell of a revenge game in his return to this rivalry series.
As you all know by now and Wilson, who was just selected to the Canadian Olympic roster earlier in the day, then followed up that news by posting a Gordie Howe Hat Trick – and for good measure – scored a bonus goal (two in total) too.
Elsewhere, and the Rangers were just dreadful, especially the FAT CATS, as Stinka Zibanedud still struggled to log shots on goal, while Alexis Laissez-Faire remains as completely lost.
That said, and at least the returning Adam Fox looked 100% – as he did score a power-play goal while also adding an assist to his ledger.
But when you lose 6-3, then what Fox did on Wednesday is easy to forget.
And let’s face it – when the Rangers scored their third goal – and as Braden Schneider did late – and all it did was improve a 6-2 difference to “only” being doubled-up on the scoreboard.
Not only did the final score hurt the Blueshirts – but, and of course, due to Tom Wilson, and the Rangers left D.C. wounded – as both Conor Sheary and Noah Laba had to leave the game with injuries – and where a day later – we found out that both of these players would be missing time in the weeks, if not months, ahead.
More on that on the other side of the following:
In case you missed it, then here’s where I last left off – and my final Game Review of 2025 too:
As noted many times over on this site, and once again here – then I don’t really care about the Olympics.
Simply stated – then the only thing that I care about are Stanley Cups – and not flimsy medals.
While I understand that our neighbors up north, and many on the other side of the Atlantic too, do care about these Olympic Games; it’s just not for me.
(But of course – and I’ll watch all of it. After all, then what else am I going to watch? The NBA? Perish the thought!)
To be fair, while I do believe that many of my American counterparts share these same feelings; but yes – and there are also many red-blooded Americans that have an interest in the Olympics too.
This year’s Olympic Games are a bigger farce than usual.
That statement can’t be disputed.
After all, then due to politics, and the Russians are excluded from the tournament.
How can any tournament claim to determine “hockey supremacy” when you’re missing a huge sect of elite players, including, but not limited to, the likes of CZAR IGOR, Alex Ovechkin, Nikita Kucherov, Kirill Kaprizov, Evgeni Malkin, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Sergei Bobrovsky – and yes – even NDA Panarin too.
Despite what the Olympics, and somewhat the NHL too, are claiming – and there’s just no way that you can proclaim this tournament as “best vs best.”
Plus, and due to the soft European rules that the Olympics abide by – then these games aren’t as physical and as enjoyable as what we saw during last year’s Four Nations tournament – and where most certainly – you won’t see three fights in nine seconds either!
Since the Olympics intertwine with Rangers’ news, or at the very least, the NHL schedule; then it was big news to some when Emily Kaplan, following the Blueshirts’ loss to the Capitals on Wednesday, broke the story that Adam Fox, who was part of last year’s Four Nations tournament, would not be included on the American Olympic roster.
When I first heard this news, then the first thing that I thought of was “Holy Shades of Martin St. Louis Batman!”
If you recall, then in 2014, and Steve Yzerman, then general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning, excluded MSL from his Canadian Olympic roster in his other role as GM of Team Canada.
That news didn’t sit very well with the soon-to-be Hall of Famer – and after that – blammo – the MSL for Ryan Callahan trade.
Fast-forward to today, and not only is Chris Drury part of USA Hockey’s front office (assistant GM), but two of Fox’s coaches, bench boss Mike Sullivan and his assistant David Quinn, will run the Americans once the puck drops in Italy.
If you’re Fox, who again, was considered one of the elite Americans at this time last year – then how would you feel if three of your bosses told you that you weren’t good enough to play in the Olympics during the prime years of your career?
My own opinion?
I’m glad that Fox has been excluded – and I feel the same way about every other Ranger that’s not going over to Milan too.
After all, and as stated in this space about 798679867896789678968797 times since the summer – then while I don’t see the Rangers as a playoff team – but at the same time – then I don’t want to see anything that can hamper their chances.
Plus, and who knows about the following:
Yeah, the Blueshirts won’t reach the post-season this year – but there is chance, and for as minimal as it might be, of a player suffering a long-term injury, something like a torn ACL or MCL, or worse than that, a major concussion – and an ailment that could spill over into next season.
That said?
Then while I understand why the American front office bypassed on Fox (overall roster construction, a needed diversity/roster stew, and quite frankly – Fox doesn’t bring as much to the table as the players who were selected), but, and without question – and he’s the biggest snub among all residents in the fifty states today.
The Rangers, who practiced in Miami on Thursday ahead of Friday’s “Winter Classic,” made Fox available to the media.
Not one question about the Blueshirts’ bad loss to Washington or the annual outdoor game was asked to Fox – as instead – and it was all about the confirmed snub:
“Yeah a little bit. They let me know their thoughts. Obviously, it’s conversational. I’ll keep it between us,” said Fox when asked if he talked to the Blueshirts’ brain-trust about his omission.
“I think just the focus from the start of the year has been with the Rangers. Whatever that decision was, I think it’s still a season, we have a lot of games still until that break. I think my focus is still with the Rangers and trying to win some games here,” replied Fox when asked about a potential rift between himself and the likes of Drury, Sullivan and Quinn.
As far as being subbed, Fox tried to make his case while also not hiding his disappointment:
“I don’t think you have any expectation. I thought my play this year was worthy of it. Track record as well. It’s out of my hands at a certain point. The decision is the decision. I guess that’s how it goes. Obviously, it’s not what you want to hear. It is what it is.”
I’ll say this – then if this was Mika Zibanejad who was snubbed (and he wasn’t, as he’ll play for the Swedes), then, and with a degree of 100% certainty – and this would’ve completely derailed him.
While the same could happen to Fox; but I do think that #23, a Harvard alum, will handle this bad news better than #93 ever would.
Sullivan, when asked about the snub of his best rearguard, said:
“Adam and I have had a number of conversations around this and I will keep that conversation between Adam and I. What I will tell you is these teams that are being picked are the best of the best. And there’s so many good players and there are very, very difficult decisions that have to be made. It is a collaborative effort on everybody’s part. That’s just the reality of the circumstances. We’ll do our very best to be as professional and straightforward as we can be with everyone that’s involved. But Foxy and I have had a number of conversations, and I’ll keep those between us.”
I’m sure those conversations went well!
Come Friday, and prior to the Winter Classic, and Team USA general manager, Bill Guerin, talked about the Fox snub too:
“We’re putting together a team, not just a group of individuals. It’s a team.”
When asked if Fox’s pedestrian play during last year’s Four Nations was part of the decision to remove him from the American roster, Guerin replied, “Well, I think it’s exactly that – it’s perception. And you know that? That’s for you guys to wrestle with and talk about. That’s not for us. If you think we made a decision on one play [being on the ice for Connor McDavid’s gold medal winner], then you must not think we’re very smart. Other than that, I’m going to keep those conversations private. Our decision was made, and we’re moving forward.”
Funny enough?
One thing that didn’t lead to Fox’s removal?
His shoulder injury – and as was proven to us on Friday.
As noted above, then the Rangers, following their loss to Washington, flew to Miami and then practiced at the Marlins’ ball park on Thursday.
Following the newsworthy skate and Sullivan addressed the media – including when answering questions about injuries and the Olympics:
After returning Scott Morrow back to Hartford ahead of the 12/31 game in D.C. (because Fox was ready to return), then, and because of the Laba and Sheary injuries sustained – and the Blueshirts were very busy on New Year’s Day too:
UPDATE: Brett Berard, Anton Blidh and Justin Dowling have been recalled from the Hartford Wolf Pack. Brennan Othmann has been assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack.
— NY Rangers PR (@NYR_PR) January 1, 2026
As Sullivan said, then Laba, with a suspected shoulder injury after his collision with Wilson, is now week-to-week.
He’s been placed on the team’s injured reserve list – but not on LTIR – as the Rangers hope that he’ll return faster than the mandated ten-games, 24-days, LTIR requirement.
The golden nephew-in-law, Sheary, received worse news – as he’s now on the long-term injured reserve with a leg injury.
“We have a sense of it [the severity]. What I’ll tell you is that he’s longer term right now and we’ll go from there. But I wouldn’t expect him any time soon,” said Sullivan when talking about his family member.
When it comes to Brennan Othmann – or “The Appendix” as I’ve coined him, then people singing his praises were saying that he was only returned to Hartford because he makes more money than the three players who were recalled.
I don’t buy that for a second.
Are you telling me that Drury, with multiple players on either IR or LTIR, doesn’t have the money to accommodate Othmann?
That’s pure bullshit!
While I wouldn’t play Othmann either – but say what it is – he’s just not good enough – hence why he’s been a healthy scratch during the past three games.
One thing is for sure about this news:
Demoting a player right before a major event (the Winter Classic) should do wonders for that player’s confidence – and especially one of a first-round pick status!
At the outdoor practice, and with the trio of Packers’ in-attendance, and Sullivan did some wild shit.
For whatever reason and Justin Dowling, with limited NHL experience (but none with the Rangers), was listed as the team’s third-line center – and where both Sam Carrick and Jonny Brodzinski would have been better alternatives – or so I said at the time!
Elsewhere, and Gabe Perreault remains saddled with Lafreniere – and not with the much more effective Cuylle as his fellow flank – and again – as I said at the time!
What a mess.
In other news revealed from Thursday’s practice, then we were told that not only would Matthew Tkachuk not be available for Florida, but his 2026 Olympic teammate, J.T. Miller, would also not be able to play in the Winter Classic too.
Yes, 2026 Olympian, J.T. Miller.
(And the same goes for Matty T. too – who hasn’t played one game this season – but, and for obvious reasons – and he’ll play in the Olympics.)
One 2026 American Olympian available for the Blueshirts on Friday?
Vincent Trocheck.
Here’s the complete 2026 U.S. Olympic roster – and where keep in mind – injury standbys may be required – which is what Fox is rooting for right now (even though that he’ll never admit to as such – as nobody roots for injuries in a public manner – but such thinking is just human nature):
Introducing the 2026 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team 🇺🇸 #MilanoCortina2026
U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Rosters: https://t.co/hUC1A7aZ7R pic.twitter.com/V1DV63Jyie
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) January 2, 2026
For Fox, then I’m sure he’ll have a keen eye on the likes of Faber, Hanifin, Hughes, Jones, McAvoy, Sanderson, Slavin and Werenski.
(And after tonight? And he may be one step closer – depending on the severity of Jones’ injury. More about this below.)
Elsewhere, and perhaps former Ranger Chris Kreider, also excluded like Fox after playing in last year’s Four Nations, will have his eyes on a pair of his ex-teammates, Miller and Trocheck.
When it comes to the two Ranger forward selections – then yeah, I get it – USA wants “grit.”
But I’m not so sure how much grit, sandpaper, glue, lunch-pail, blue-collar, or whatever other adjective that you want to use here, works in the Olympics.
Again, had the Rangers been a playoff contender this year – then I’d be furious with the unhealthy and often-injured Miller going to Spaghetti and Meatballs Land come February.
Such a decision is putting his own benefit ahead of the team he’s allegedly paid to lead.
I’m of the suspicion that while Bill Guerin has last say, then at the same time, he’s going to allow his head coach, Mike Sullivan, to have some say too (the old coach quote, one first attributed to Bill Parcells – “if you want me to cook the dinner, then you gotta let me pick the ingredients”) – and just as it was in Canada when Jon Cooper took his own player, Anthony Cirelli, over the much more successful Sam Bennett – you know – a guy who plays for Tampa’s biggest rival (Florida).
Perhaps these following words originate from the land of conspiracy; but maybe Sullivan, and even Drury too, could only pick a player each.
They went with Miller and Trocheck over Fox.
I can understand why the Blueshirts’ brain trust would go with Miller (due to his Rangers’ captaincy), but Trocheck over Fox?
Yeah, there is something to constructing an overall team – and there is more depth with American defenseman over red-white-blue forwards too; but even so – then I’m not so sure that this was the wisest of choices – and especially if Trocheck gets flipped prior to the trade deadline (a possible scenario).
End of the day?
Then while this tournament is important to some – but I just don’t care about medals.
One more time:
Get me the Stanley Cup, the Rangers’ fifth, before I expire from this planet!
Here was Sully’s line-up for the forty-third game of this 2025-26 season:
FIRST LINE: Panarin/Mika/Cuylle
SECOND LINE: Perreault/Trocheck/Lafreniere
THIRD LINE: Brodzinski/Dowling/Raddysh
FOURTH LINE: Berard/Carrick/Rempe
FIRST PAIR: Gavrikov/Fox
SECOND PAIR: Soucy/Borgen
THIRD PAIR: Robertson/Schneider
STARTING GOALIE: CZAR IGOR
BACK UP GOALIE: Quick
HEALTHY SCRATCHES: Anton Blidh and Urho Vaakainanen
IR: J.T. Miller and Noah Laba
LTIR: Conor Sheary and Adam Edstrom
BOX SCORE time.
The following graphics and information come from ESPN.com:
SCORING:
PENALTIES:
TEAM STATS:
GOALIES:
|
NYR
|
|
SA
|
GA
|
SV
|
SV%
|
ESSV
|
PPSV
|
SHSV
|
SOSA
|
SOS
|
TOI
|
PIM
|
| 37 | 1 | 36 | .973 | 29 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 60:00 | 0 |
|
FLA
|
|
SA
|
GA
|
SV
|
SV%
|
ESSV
|
PPSV
|
SHSV
|
SOSA
|
SOS
|
TOI
|
PIM
|
| 19 | 4 | 15 | .789 | 13 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 58:06 | 0 |
I must say, then I thought that TNT, and the NHL too, did a fantastic job when trying to promote this regular season game for more than what it actually is – you know, just that – a regular season game.
No joke, and if you didn’t know any better, then you would’ve thought that this game was the NHL’s version of the Super Bowl – and right down to the four-hour pregame show that preceded it (“The Road to The Winter Classic”).
For a league that surely does a piss-poor job of promoting themselves; then this first big game of 2026 was quite refreshing – and where only the hardcore fans were aware that neither of these teams are currently above the playoff cut-line right now too.
I can’t state this enough – both the NHL and TNT nailed this out of the, ahem, pun intended, park.
While I really don’t care about all of the meaningless jazz; but both teams, when trying to promote the entertainment aspect of both the sport and game, all wore outfits inspired by “Miami Vice.”
Granted, while such a thing is cliche; but then again, than what else would you expect?
After all, then there is nothing wrong with staying true to a time-old classic.
As far as the TNT broadcast went, then congrats to Brian Boyle, who following the heels of Anson Carter, Brendan Burke, Kenny Albert, Henrik Lundqvist and others, is now the latest M$GN employee to be collecting a paycheck from TNT.
(While Boyle wasn’t on the “Winter Classic” broadcast, he did appear in a lot of their social media postings leading up to the game – and right down to meeting a Rangers’ fan who had a #22 Boyler jersey adorned to his back.)
And you had to know that I was going to say this – then gee – and what a shock – and nobody in the NHL today, besides M$GN, wants anything to do with the worst goalie in Rangers’ history, the seven-foot stat jerkoff, Sieve Vagistat!
Most of the TNT broadcast was about the pageantry surrounding the “Winter Classic” – and not much about the two teams themselves.
(And I get it – and that’s a good thing too – as after all of these years complaining about a lack of promotion – and both TNT & NHL went overboard when rectifying previous wrongs.)
That means we didn’t get a TNT feature on “The Justin Dowling Story” – a man who just two-days prior, was contemplating about pulling a David Carradine in a Hartford Motel 6 to centering the Rangers’ varsity line on Friday night.
(I AM JOKING – relax!)
Lundqvist, Biz, Liam, Carter and Gretzky were our five-man studio panel – and they held all of their pregame, in-game and post-game activities outdoors – while in front of fans too.
This was a nice touch.
Again, this wasn’t the Super Bowl, but TNT and the NHL treated this game in this manner – and as a hockey fan – then that’s all you could ask for.
After Biz explained what “Miami Vice” was to Lundqvist, as the Swede didn’t spend his formative years in America, then it was blatantly obvious, when watching both teams enter the stadium, that the Panthers looked much better (and confident too) than the Rangers did.
But again – then this is why I don’t care about this stuff – and heck – none of this mattered either – and as the 5-1 Rangers’ win tells us!
Edzo was the first person to actually talk about where these two teams were in the standings. He also told us that the ice was about 2.5 inches thick – and I’ll save you from my stupid penis jokes for one night too!
But, and to be serious – then, and just from my own observations from my TV – and I don’t think the ice held up that well – and mainly because as the game progressed – and you saw a lot of players losing their edges, while pucks also took awkward bounces too.
WWE’s Jackie Redmond, now in her new job as a weather reporter (I am joking – again – relax!), was talking about dew points and other temperatures, while Darren “LOOK AT ME, PANARIN DRANK FROM MY GATORADE BOTTLE, HE REALLY DID, TAKE A LOOK, PLEASE MOMMY” Pang, mimicked drinking booze while wading around in a kiddie pool.
(He probably had a non-alcoholic White Claw in his coconut cup.)
Pang was then dunked into his own water and self-made urinal device – and this was kind of funny too.
Redmond, with her Canadian accent shining (“out”), conducted a great interview with the always humorous Paul Maurice. You can see that they have a repertoire – and one that she doesn’t really have with Sullivan (and I don’t blame her).
As I was perusing social media during this one-hour long TNT pregame show, then I saw a lot of fans crying about this game being held in Florida.
While I get it, but for the naysayers, then just look at the business.
The NHL can charge their richest fan base (Ranger fans – and Toronto Maple Leaf supporters would also work here) astronomical prices – and to an older crowd that has the disposable income to blow too.
Furthermore, then the comfortable atmosphere is also great for concessions and merchandise sales – and where if you didn’t know it already – then the only color that the NHL, and all of their team owners too, care about is green.
In a short spot with Gary Bettman, and in the equivalent of a pro wrestling shoot interview – and he shit all over the Olympic committee for not having the ice and rink situations settled in Italy.
Good for him – and where after seeing him shaking as if he has Parkinson’s in many of his public appearances – and he had it under control here.
I thought that TNT did a wonderful job when showing us the pregame warm-ups – and right down to CZAR IGOR opening up the rink door too.
Not only did he lead the Blueshirts – and make 36 saves too – but he had to actually open the door.
Someone, and like Sieve Vagistat at his favorite bar, “The Ramrod,” blew their assignment!
Trocheck was mic’d up during his warm-up, and when asked about Rempe’s nipples busting out of his shirt, the newest Olympian remarked, “He thought it was going to be a wet t-shirt contest.”
Once returned to Lundqvist, the man with the 4-0 record in outdoor hockey broke down this game in a positive manner. While he did say it was just a regular season game – but it was also one that you don’t want to forget. He added that this game should go down as a big memory for everyone involved – and come the end of it – then that’s the way it worked out for the Rangers, and most certainly, #93 in cream.
The topic of the Olympics was brought up throughout the broadcast.
Everyone, and for the next three-hours, were dismayed and shocked about Sam Bennett’s Canadian omission.
On Fox, Gretzky said Fox’s small size didn’t help him – and with the Americans already having one tiny d-man, Quinn Hughes, on the roster – then a second one wasn’t required.
While Ranger fans packed the place, Florida was the TV draw – and right down to the still injured Matthew Tkachuk – and not J.T. Miller – appearing on the TNT set.
This all led to a Brad Marchand interview – and where after this game – then I can’t remember another game where “The Rat” played against the Rangers and didn’t make a difference.
(I don’t think the same will be the case when the two teams rematch on March 29th – as #63 never forgets a bad game.)
After a feature with the greatest quarterback of all-time, Tom Brady, who called hockey “the ultimate team sport;” then the TNT panel gave us their predictions.
Gretzky predicted the Panthers to cruise to victory. Carter backed him and then added that Marchand would win the MVP.
Elsewhere, and surprisingly so, and Biz, a notorious Ranger agitator, actually picked the Blueshirts to win.
Lundqvist, who pretty much plays the Michael Strahan role whenever the Giants are playing on Fox, did the same here with his Rangers.
However, #30 also said that he saw Fox winning “The Cocoa Trophy” – and not his fellow countryman, his fellow Swedish Olympian peer and former Ranger teammate too, Mika Zibanejad.
(After the game, then it was Lundqvist who minted Zibanejad with some gaudy-as-hell TNT MVP necklace.)
After some bad music (neither the NFL or NHL gets this right – as all you get is either Latin or teeny-bopper music – and where I’d just settle for a Motorhead hologram show), then the NHL opened their roof, we had our anthems – and blammo (and some 8,000 of blog words later) – puck drop.
Finally, GAME REVIEW time!
FIRST PERIOD
As TNT cut for one last commercial break, then all I could think of was the following – and especially after Edzo and Kenny Albert went on-and-on about the weather:
It would have been great if Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler had the call tonight – and I can hear it now:
“BY GAWD KING, IT’S SULLY’S STONE COLD RANGERS VS THE FLORIDA BIG CATS!”
“And Jackie Redmond brought the puppies too JR – AH!”
I was also thinking that it would’ve been funny had TNT brought Sam Rosen, who was there (as he maintains a Florida snowbird residence), into the booth too:
“OH JOE, MIAMI JOE! TONY MONTANA JOE! STEPPED ON COCAINE JOE!”
“Sam, stepped on cocaine is fabulous Sam. Absolutely fabulous. It gets your schmekel hard too Sam!”
Okay – and I swear – let’s finally start this GAME REVIEW!
Trocheck, 14-12 at the dots tonight (53.8% – and mainly against Sam Bennett), won the first draw of the match.
Right after that, and in what WASN’T a harbinger of what was to come, and Zibanejad intercepted a bad pass from Lundell – but couldn’t bury the puck past Bobrovsky on this one-on-one opportunity.
That said, and at least it was an early SOG for the offensively-anemic Rangers – as this save took place at just the 64-second mark.
Immediately thereafter, and Cuylle, subbing in for Lafreniere on the Mika line (the two would later be flip-flopped as #13 got going), pulled a Lafreniere himself – as he made a terrible and ill-advised cross ice pass – which went down as the first Blueshirts’ turnover of the match.
Come the 2:40 mark and Raddysh hooked Boqvist.
It didn’t look pretty early, but CZAR IGOR stopped Reinhart just nine-seconds into the man-down, then stopped Bennett too.
After these two quick-and-early saves – and that was it for the Florida power-play.
The Rangers’ PK was now 1/1.
The returning Berard, and where I must admit, he wasn’t that noticeable outdoors as he usually is indoors, ate two back-to-back hits – but never missed a shift.
However, and now with about ten-minutes expired – and Seth Jones had to be attended to after eating a Lafreniere shot at his shoulder/collar bone area.
Jones never returned to the game.
That white flash you saw?
An Adam Fox ear-to-ear smile – and a #23 who may get an Olympic invite should this injury sustained by Jones be long-term.
(And to be clear – I’m not rooting for injuries. I’m just saying what’s what – you know Fox wants to be there – and if someone gets hurt, then it works out for him. Again, this is human nature – and the feelings of a true competitor too. Furthermore? Then I hope that Jones is alright – but the fact that he didn’t return to this important game was telling.)
As we hit 9:30 remaining, then it was woefully shameful, that the Rangers, after getting two early SOG, were now being out-shot 7-2 – which also meant that they were nearing ten-minutes without challenging Bobrovsky.
Come 8:56 remaining, Trocheck air-mailed a puck over the glass – and where at the time – then you knew it in your Blueshirt bones – the Panthers, after all of these aggressive shifts, were going to finally score.
So much for that – as the Rangers didn’t even allow the Cats to put a SOG on CZAR IGOR once during these next two-minutes.
End result?
A 2-2 Rangers’ PK.
Now down to 5:31 remaining and this is when Studnicka, and like Trocheck before him, sent a puck over the glass.
And this is when Mika scored his first of three on the evening too:
Rangers score the first goal of the Winter Classic. Mika Zibanejad scored off of a feed from Alexis Lafrenière on the power play. #NYR pic.twitter.com/UaYC5XPLJB
— Remy Mastey (@MasteyRemy) January 3, 2026
1-0, GOOD GUYS!
For as slow, tired and out-matched as the Rangers looked at the time – and they were up where it mattered most – the scoreboard.
This goal also woke up the crowd – and an audience that was just begging for any sort of positive event.
Speaking of the crowd, then I got conflicting reports on its make-up.
While everyone who was there told me that there were at least 50% Ranger fans in the stadium; but I also heard multiple estimates as low as that number – and figures as high as 85%.
My guess?
Probably 65-35 – and in favor of the “road team.”
Panarin didn’t wait long when attempting to increase the Rangers’ new-found lead:
Artemi Panarin makes it 2-0 Rangers with a seeing-eye shot 👁️🥖#WinterClassic | @NYRangers pic.twitter.com/iWjqqYMwZ2
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 3, 2026
2-0, GOOD GUYS.
It was great to finally see THE FAT CATS wake up – but I wish they arose from the slumber when it truly mattered against the Panthers – you know – the 2024 ECF.
Now with two quick goals scored in front of their eyes – and it was at this time when you truly felt the crowd’s presence – which says something – as I had a better view of the ice from my couch than these poor souls did.
(And unless I get free tickets, in a suite, with complimentary booze behind home plate – then after my 2014 outdoor experience at Yankee Stadium – and I’ll never attend another outdoor game again. Simply stated – and it’s a much better viewing experience from TV – as there are way too many obstructions when trying to watch the game live.)
Down to 68-seconds remaining and Trocheck drew a penalty, as Ekblad had checked his head.
This second Rangers’ power-play would spill over into the second stanza.
We remained at 2-0, good guys, through twenty-minutes.
Here’s what I said at the time:
2-0, #NYR, after 20. Rangers open the 2nd with 52 seconds of PP time. Thoughts:
— SOG are 8-5, FLA – so the Rangers are shooting 40%.
— Was all Florida until the Studnicka DOG penalty.
— Good to have no expectations – as I’m pleasantly surprised (and buzzed too) right now.…— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) January 3, 2026
SECOND PERIOD
After lamenting about the bad musical acts that the NHL spewed upon us, then I also thought it was telling when both Matt Tkachuck and Sasha Barkov, the two injured heroes from the past three Florida Stanley Cup runs (two wins against Edmonton, one injured loss to Vegas), were out there dancing as some teeny-bopper was crooning about some girl named “Sally.”
I mean, their team was losing 2-0 – and all they did was smile and dance as if they were back-up dancers at a J-Lo concert.
And if they can sing-and-dance – then why can’t they play?
Put it this way: Then I’m glad that I didn’t see J.T. Miller and Noah Laba do the “Twist” during all of this.
Just seconds after the Rangers’ second power-play had expired – and Mika struck again – and this time on a 2 x 1 odd-man rush – and for the 3-0, GOOD GUYS, goal:
Laf to Mika AGAIN and Zibanejad has 3 points in 21 minutes!!!! 🚨😳 pic.twitter.com/MokarOvDam
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) January 3, 2026
I was absolutely floored about this goal – and score too – and I was never happier to be wrong!
Do you know what would make me even more elated?
Should this win be the start of something – and something that lasts all the way through June too.
Still, and I don’t see the Rangers building off of this at all.
That said?
Then my favorite three-words:
PROVE ME WRONG!
The Rangers, after a Gavrikov hooking penalty 2:25 in, killed off the infraction.
It was at this time where I thought that the Rangers’ FAT CATS were feral felines.
At the very least, then they aren’t M$G house casts!
End result?
A now 3/3 PK.
As we hit 11:30 remaining, then Florida, while out-shooting the Rangers at a 2:1 clip at the time (16-8), also blew many chances – as they missed the net a lot – and boy, oh boy, do I mean A LOT!
After one miss, then, and down to 10:45 remaining – and Mika almost had a hat trick in the other end.
He wouldn’t get it here – but by now – and you know that he eventually did!
Just one-second after the half-way mark of the game/period elapsed – and it looked like Trocheck had made the game 4-0.
However, and the refs got it right too – and Trocheck had batted the puck past Bobrovsky with a high-stick.
While this goal didn’t count – it was a nice attempt – and where it’s only pure instinct to high-stick a puck in this manner too.
As the period progressed – and you could see something wasn’t right with Florida – as even Rempe was skating circles around them.
Come 6:45 remaining, and Cuylle, and on one shift, laid three hits – including one monster body bash.
Trocheck, who could’ve had a goal earlier had his connection of lumber-and-rubber was an inch shyer, should’ve had the 4-0 Rangers’ goal with 1:23 remaining – but his attempt at a vacated-and-gaping net went ever-so-wide.
Still, 3-0, GOOD GUYS, through forty-minutes.
Here’s what I said at the time:
3-0, #NYR, after 40. The Rangers are 20 min away from being 1-0 in the Justin Dowling Era. 2P Thoughts:
— Such a weird game – feels like Florida is playing better (SOG are 25-12 FLA) but three mistakes led to three rare Ranger goals.
— Could be 4-0 or 5-0 too, as Trocheck…— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) January 3, 2026
THIRD PERIOD
After Trocheck beat Bennett at the dot once more at the start of his period, then his two flanks, Perreault and Lafreniere, were denied on back-to-back tries – and at just the 37-second mark.
However, and just 99-seconds in – and Florida drew their fourth power-play – as Brodzinski went off for tripping.
While who knows how this game would have played out had this infraction not occurred; but what we can say is that this penalty ruined CZAR IGOR’s shutout – and where he didn’t make his 26th consecutive save of the game for that matter too:
Sam Reinhart profite du jeu de puissance pour ouvrit le compteur des Panthers. pic.twitter.com/mcDEIJ7hSI
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) January 3, 2026
3-1, good guys, following Reinhart’s PPG.
CZAR IGOR, while having 25-saves at this particular point of the contest, didn’t really have that many of the high-danger/robbery variety – but he’d have to make them here – as Florida, now within two goals, did press.
After stopping Bennett with 16:48 to go, some thirty-seconds later and #31 denied Ekblad, and what could’ve been a nasty rebound, as well.
Three-minutes later, and where it felt like the Rangers were playing not to lose/get to triple zeroes – and Greer just missed on an odd-man rush while in his role as a trailer.
After Jeff Petry just missed on a 2 x 1 attack with 12:05 to go, then the SOG total read, Florida 31, Rangers 15.
But of course – and the scoreboard was the only thing that mattered.
Florida went on their fifth power-play with 11:51 remaining after the Robertson penalty.
Two-minutes later – and after three separate Vladislav Gavrikov shot blocks too – and the Panthers didn’t register one SOG during their man-advantage time.
The Rangers’ PK was now 4/5.
After that?
Rempe drew a penalty – and blammo – Panarin, bang from the slot, for the 4-1, GOOD GUYS, PPG:
Quel tir des poignets d’Artemi Panarin ! pic.twitter.com/J5XMjg5zqo
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) January 3, 2026
I know that I’m a “Negative Nellie” but yeah:
It was just too bad that we didn’t have these versions of Panarin and Mika when it mattered the most – in the Spring of ’24.
As the Rangers were now romping-and-routing the Panthers, then all you saw all over social media was how the Blueshirts should make the roof retractable at M$G.
Duh – and all of this commentary was in regards to the Rangers’ woeful-and-poor record on home ice this season.
While such opinions held merit (although this will never happen – and do I even have to explain it?); then, and in something that has a chance to happen – and it would be nice to see the Rangers ditch their new powder-blue centennial jerseys – and go for the cream-colored threads that they wore tonight.
After all, then have the Rangers won once this season in those new baby blues?
They are now 1-0 in their 2012 throwbacks – and for a franchise that has previously brought in witch doctors, bartenders and other people from all walks in life when trying to get a winning streak going throughout their one-hundred years – and perhaps a switch to this new attire would work wonders.
Then again, this may be wishful thinking!
To close the game, then the Rangers, now on their sixth penalty kill, scored their shorty – and this is where Zibanejad scored the first ever hat trick in Winter Classic history:
A Winter Classic first: Mika Zibanejad records the game’s first-ever hat trick ❄️
✅ Rangers ML (+120)
— BET99 Sportsbook (@BET99Sportsbook) January 3, 2026
5-1, GOOD GUYS.
5-1, GOOD GUYS, your final.
5-1, GOOD GUYS, in a game that you won’t forget.
Here are some of the post-game interviews – and from perhaps a relieved Rangers’ crew – and especially since their recent losing was brought up:
In other post-game news, and in news not related to this game too, then it was reported by people who were there that both Adam Edstrom and Conor Sheary were spotted with walking boots and crutches.
Previously, and for nearly over a month’s time now – and nobody knew what Edstrom’s injury was.
Larry Brooks, had he still been alive (and the NHL paid tribute to him tonight by giving him an honorary press pass the booth), would have had this news for us.
All in all – and sans only one of six penalty kills that the Rangers were unable to escape from unscathed – and this was as perfect of a night as any – or at least when it comes to regular season action.
The Rangers FAT CATS showed up.
CZAR IGOR was impregnable.
Special teams shined.
Positive history was made.
And a mish-mashed bottom-six also played well.
But of course, and I’ll be the asshole here – can the Rangers build off this?
In other words, can they have a 2019 St. Louis Blues’ run after this major victory?
While I remain as a Doubting Thomas (and I won’t share the standings tonight – as there are a slew of games to be played over the weekend, while the Rangers, with games in-hand over everyone, are idle); but I do hope to eat my words – and the hockey Lord knows that I got the belly to eat every single one of them!
The Rangers have a pair of home games this week, as they will host the Utah Mammoth on Monday, 1/5, then, and after two nights off, host their 2018 Winter Classic rivals, the Buffalo Sabres (presently on a ten-game winning streak) on Thursday, 1/8.
I’ll have GAME REVIEWS after both of those matches.
After that, then Drury and Sullivan will see their team return to their favorite city – Boston – and as the Blueshirts will do on Saturday, January 10th.
I won’t have a GAME REVIEW of that contest – as it’s a 1PM matinee in Beantown – which means that I’ll be at the bar with my friends and family!
I’ve now hit the 12,000 word-mark – a season-high.
Speaking of that word, “high?”
Then, and while this wasn’t the best win of the season – but it was our biggest “Blueshirts’ High.”
It’s also a high that I don’t know that I’ll be able to sleep-off, but I’m going to attempt to, which now, and finally at that, brings us to your favorite segment and mine, you know…
PLUGS TIME! (Buy a book and support my Rangers’ induced therapy bills. After all, I don’t run ads on this site!)
My fourth title and tenth book is now available!
“The Top 100 Villains of New York Rangers History,” is now available for sale!
For complete information, please visit: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/rangerkillers/
My second plug of tonight’s blog – the mandatory plug for my book, “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden.”
As mentioned previously, the book is now available in hardcover, in paperback and in Kindle formats. To purchase a copy of the book, visit this link:
https://www.amazon.com/Rangers-Rafters-Madison-Square-Garden-ebook/dp/B09CM5N2WD
For those still looking for signed paperback versions of the book, I have re-ordered more copies. I now have a few signed copies for sale at $25 a pop (includes shipping price) through me directly. Here is all the information on that:
Order “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden” Book Today
My four-volume set of books, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is a game-by-game recount of the Rangers 2021-22 campaign.
My second title as an author, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is now available in eBook, paperback and hardcover formats.
To obtain signed copies, visit: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/onegamebook/
To purchase all four volumes on Amazon, visit: Amazon.com – “One Game at a Time.”
The greatest volume-set of books on Rangers’ history today!
“Tricks of the Trade – A Century-Long Journey Through Every Trade Made In New York Rangers’ History,” a four-volume set of books that meticulously covers every trade made in franchise history, is now on sale.
All four volumes of the title can be purchased on Amazon.com and are presented in three different formats – eBook, paperback and hardcover.
To purchase Volume I: Conn Smythe (1926) – Craig Patrick (1986), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume II: Phil Esposito (1986) – Neil Smith (2000), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume III: Glen Sather (2000-2015), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume IV: Jeff Gorton (2015) – Chris Drury (2022), visit Amazon.com
To purchase signed copies of all four volumes, visit https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/
If you haven’t already, subscribe to this blog for the next update:
Don’t forget to order my four-volume set of books, “Tricks of the Trade!”
If you don’t order through me, all four volumes are now available on Amazon.com
For more details, check out: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/
Thanks for reading.
LET’S GO RANGERS!
Sean McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com
Still too many stretches where the Rangers don’t do much. But nonetheless it was a very satisfying win. My wife predicted a 5-0 Rangers win, albeit it was 2-0 at the time. She’s such an optimist with the Rangers. As always Sean, great write up.