Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. These final 27 games can’t come and go fast enough!
I also think it’s safe to say that Matthew Schaefer has a more promising future in the NHL when compared to another first-overall pick residing in New York, the softball king, Alexis Lafreniere.
Akin to the New York Giants during the past two-years, who only win games at the end of the season thus ruining their place in the annual NFL Draft; then just last season, and with the Blueshirts long dead and already out – and the Rangers celebrated a 9-2 victory on IBS ice – and as they did back on April 10th, 2025.
As noted before, then I attended that game – and where I couldn’t even enjoy it – as I knew (and like many of you also knew) that all the meaningless victory did was mar the Rangers’ chances come the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery.
If I’ve said it once on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com or on social media, then I’ve said some iteration of this about 677986986798679867986967987667967878 times ever since May 5th – the date where it was revealed that not only did the Blueshirts’ blowout of the Islanders had cost them the first-overall pick – but as a result – and it was the Nassaumen – and not the Manhattanites – that would be selecting first come the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
What did I say?
This:
That Rangers’ 9-2 win over the Islanders would become the next greatest “WHAT IF” question in franchise history – and for a franchise that’s had a whole ton of them throughout the past one-hundred years.
(Don’t get me started again about how a teenage Gordie Howe once rebuffed Frank Boucher’s offer to join the Rangers.)
Granted, had it been Chris Drury, and not Matthieu Darche, who selected Schaefer first-overall back on June 27th, 2025 – then yeah – perhaps Schaefer would already be a used car salesman today.
That hypothetical aside, then in reality and that meaningless win, in a rare game where the Rangers actually decided to show up in (while the Islanders dressed third- and fourth-string goalies to go along with the rest of what was pretty much an AHL roster) – and we’re now looking at one of the biggest Blueshirts’ mistakes ever since the 1977 NHL Draft – you know, when the Rangers passed over Mike Bossy not only once – but on two separate occasions (for Lucien Deblois #8 and Ron Duguay #13).
To be fair, then other teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, also had two chances at drafting Bossy (who went #15th overall) too.
But it was the Rangers’ brain-trust at the time, John Ferguson, who unlike Drury, is/was the worst general manager in Blueshirts’ history (but don’t worry – Drury’s a close second!), who thought that Bossy was too small and couldn’t play physical during an era where size and strength mattered much more than it does today.
By now, then you know what happened next.
The “puny” Bossy, en route to the Hall of Fame, led the Islanders to four Stanley Cups – and several Ranger playoff exits along the way too.
The Blueshirts could’ve had Bossy – twice.
Did I mention that yet?!?!?
And had they not decided to act like the dynasty era Montreal Canadiens on that fateful April of 2025 night – then they could’ve had Schaefer too.
Just as it was during Bossy’s rookie season – and it’s tough for Ranger fans not to be envious of Schaefer.
Schaefer, well on his way to winning the Calder Trophy, is already breaking records held by who many consider as the greatest defenseman of all-time, Bobby Orr (others champion for Doug Harvey, but it’s all just a matter of preference – and like any other sports debate).
While Schaefer won’t win four straight Stanley Cups as Bossy once did (the salary cap prevents that – and where ugh – then yes, the Isles’ dynasty from the early 1980s will be the last true dynasty in NHL history – that is – unless the salary cap goes bye-bye); but he may win one – which is something that I can’t say about the Drury & Dolan led New York Rangers.
Just making matters even worse?
Watching the Rangers’ first-overall pick from now nearly six-years ago play.
Schaefer is already making long strides for what he hopes will become a future Hall of Fame career.
Elsewhere, and Lafreniere is considered as one of the biggest first-overall busts of the modern era.
And as a diehard Blueshirts’ backer?
Then it’s hard to hate Schaefer too.
After all, if he was on our side, then we’d absolutely love him – and just as we did when Sean Avery was routinely pestering Uncle Daddy – government name Martin Brodeur.
I mean, how can you hate the 18-year-old kid, who overcame a ton of personal adversity in his life (the death of his mother due to breast cancer), who then not only came into the league by shit-talking the Rangers, hence doing a proverbial cannonball off of the highest diving board into this rivalry – but who then backs up all his big talk too!
Now that’s a guy who should wear a “NO BS” t-shirt.
As a result of the Islanders’ 2-1 win on Morgue $quare Garden ice from Thursday night, then, and for the third time in the 54-years of this epic battle of New York hockey rivalry – and baby brother swept big bro.
While a sweep is bad enough; but this was the worst sweep – and match – of them all.
In the four games between the two teams and the Islanders never trailed in any of the games.
The Isles shut-out the Rangers twice, blew them out twice too and in total, won the cumulative score as well by a staggering 14-3.
That’s not a misprint – FOURTEEN TO FREAKIN’ THREE!
Of the four Rangers’ losses to the Islanders this season – then this was the most depressing defeat of them all.
Yeah, yeah, yeah – Adam Fox is having a lost season, via his two lengthy stints on the LTIR. CZAR IGOR, who could’ve returned weeks ago, remains on the IR. Bottom-sixers, Adam Edstrom and Connor Sheary, may be lost for the season too. And of course, then there’s the whole NDA Panarin pending trade too.
But even so?
Then this match, of the four-game set, was the most winnable of them all for the Rangers.
And let’s not forget that many marquee players are still active for the Blueshirts, including Mopey Mika, Captain Culture, Vincent NoCheck, Alexis Daigle and Vladislav Gavrikov.
The Blueshirts, who need I remind you, have been brutally embarrassed by the Islanders three times prior to Thursday night’s 2-1 loss, didn’t come to play at all.
That said?
Then the Islanders were a tad gassed themselves – but at least they had an excuse – as they molly-whopped the Rangers, 5-2, the night before.
Until some late second period action – and this game was a complete bore.
The crowd enthusiasm matched a visitor’s room at a children’s burn ward.
The play on the ice didn’t just scream “PRESEASON” – but such fecklessness could’ve cured insomnia too.
For a Rangers’ team that continues to tell us how they know that they have to come to play come puck drop – and there was none of that – none whatsoever.
Perhaps the Blueshirts’ who cares disease was contagious – as the Islanders looked comatose themselves.
Following an uninspired first period where both teams finished with six shots on goal piece – then not much changed once the second stanza commenced.
Then it happened – the Isles woke up – and via what else – Carson Soucy, a Ranger just 72-hours ago, breaking the nil-nil tie with just 2:42 remaining prior to the second intermission.
Granted, while Soucy’s goal scored was more about Jonathan Quick not making the save more than anything else, that is, unless Soucy transformed into Jaromir Jagr once changing jerseys; but it was this 1-0 goal that woke up the Garden crowd – and a Garden crowd that was dominated by orange-and-blue supporters.
And while yeah – this was a bad goal allowed by Quick – but it wasn’t like the Rangers were scoring any goals themselves either.
Just 1:35 later – and for the kids, with just 6-7 seconds remaining in the second period?
Then Schaefer struck, and boy did he strike, with his no-doubt-about-it, 2-0, Islander goal.
Unlike the first goal that he should’ve stopped – then Quick had no chance on this one.
Since the Blueshirts can barely score goals, then all CZAR IGOR’s buddy in the opposing net, Ilya Sorokin (who may win the Vezina Trophy this year like his fellow comrade did four years back), required were these two goals.
A Mika Zibanejad “A-Rod” power-play goal (I even called it this at the time – as I knew this would be it for the Rangers on this night) scored at the 2:48 mark of the third period was the “Lone Ranger” goal – and where really – all it meant was that the Islanders wouldn’t shutout the Rangers for the third time this season.
When’s the parade?
The Blueshirts, who have been blanked at home more than any other team in the league, also saw their record on M$G ice fall to 6-14-4.
For you math majors, then that means in the 24 games that the Rangers have hosted this year – and they’ve only won 25% of them.
Sadder than that?
Then in the majority of these losses, where only on three occasions the Rangers have scored three or more goals – and the other team has their back-up in net – as M$G presents no hometown edge at all.
For the Islanders, playoff bound, then you can understand and excuse their early malaise and restlessness.
For the Rangers, then you just can’t understand, nor excuse either, how they had no jump at all – and where it looked like they didn’t even care.
Buy your season tickets for the 2026-27 campaign today!
Rather than playoff rally towels – and instead – and the Blueshirts should hand out white flags to wave at the start of every game at M$G – as that suits these ALL QUIT IN NEW YORKER’S the best.
And for Schaefer?
I still can’t hate him – and like many others among my Blueshirts’ brethren presently do.
Instead, and I feel like a jealous jilted lover.
I mean can you imagine if any Ranger – rookie, veteran, new, old, just traded for, call-up, whoever – said what Schaefer said once selected by the Isles, you know, “Getting drafted to this team, coming to play for the Islanders, I know there’s that big rivalry. Like I said before, we want to beat them every time. We want to keep on doing that because I know it makes us happy, I know it makes our fans happy”
For NO B.S. Matty S. – and he’s now 4-0 against the Rangers this season – and with one goal too – his game-winner from tonight.
But hey, at least Lafreniere sent a floater Sorokin’s way during this game – not bad for $7.45M a season!
Can this season just end?
In case you missed it, then here’s where I last left off – last night’s 5-2 loss to these same Islanders:
NYR/NYI 1/28 Review: Cowardly Chris Drury Pulls The Bread From The Shelves; Trade of NDA Panarin Imminent, Is Trocheck Next? The Greatest Free Agent in Franchise History Gone; Jagr & Graves Comparisons, Blueshirts Get Blown-Out Again By The Isles; But Hey – They Weren’t Shut Out This Time Either (Baby Steps!), NY Jets Vibes, New Look Isles Show Up; Same Old Rangers Make You Want To Throw Up, Missing Tony DeAngelo, M$GN’s Lame Excuses/Propaganda & Much More Than What’s Deserved!
I can’t be bothered by Sullivan’s pregame press conferences anymore – and just like how I abhor all of the post-game quotes too.
They say the same shit every time – and of course – then embarrass themselves every time afterwards too.
If there’s anything worth noting, then the Rangers, with “The Bread” on the shelf, recalled Brett Berard prior to the game.
I hate to criticize the young man – but yeah – I didn’t notice him once on Thursday night.
Berard, in 8:45 worth of ice time, went goose eggs across the stat sheet.
And I had to check the box score to see if he even played too.
Former Ranger goalie Kevin Weekes, one of Henrik Lundqvist’s closest confidants too, and now in his second act as a reporter/broadcaster, is considered as one of the top-five news-breakers in all of the NHL today.
Despite breaking numerous stories over the years – and Weekes didn’t do much when trying to narrow down which team is going to win the Panarin sweepstakes.
Here’s what Weekes reported prior to puck drop on Thursday night:
Per sources, as of today, I’m told the following have expressed interest in Panarin ; ANA, LA, SJ, VGK, DAL, UT, COL, MIN, SEA, TOR, CAR, WAS, TBL, NYI.
More clubs will join, and importantly player has to approve any move first. @NYRangers #HockeyX pic.twitter.com/feOsmPIs1o— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) January 29, 2026
All that Weekes was missing here were a few KHL teams, perhaps one in Switzerland too – and maybe the Los Angeles Dodgers to boot!
In my own speculation, then after reading what Weekes had reported – and it feels like a Panarin deal may not take place prior to the Olympic break.
With so many suitors and working pieces to address (mainly, a contract extension) – and Drury will have to do his due diligence when trying to make the best trade for the Blueshirts.
If there’s anything good to come from this, then there are many teams interested in acquiring Panarin’s services for a playoff run and beyond; which in theory, should drive up Drury’s return for the best asset available at this year’s trade deadline.
Not only will Panarin be dealt to a team looking to contend – but to a team that looks to contend for the next 3-5 years too.
And should Drury make another trade with Darche?
Then expect Panarin to not only score against the Rangers whenever he plays against them next season – but to win a Cup too.
That’s just the way it goes in Rangerstown, USA!
Here was Silly Sully’s line-up for the fifty-fifth game of this rotten 2025-26 season:
FIRST LINE: Miller/Mika/Perreault
SECOND LINE: Cuylle/Trocheck/Lafreniere
THIRD LINE: Othmann/Laba/Raddysh
FOURTH LINE: Berard/Carrick/Rempe
FIRST PAIR: Gavrikov/Schneider
SECOND PAIR: Robertson/Borgen
THIRD PAIR: Vaakanainen/Morrow
STARTING GOALIE: Quick
BACKUP GOALIE: Martin
HEALTHY SCRATCHES: Connor Mackey and Jonny Brodzinski
IR: CZAR IGOR
LTIR: Connor Sheary, Adam Fox and Adam Edstrom
BUBBLE WRAPPED FOR ROSTER MANAGEMENT PURPOSES: Artemi Panarin
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
|
| 21 | 2 | 19 | .905 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 58:51 | 0 |
|
NYI
|
|
Ilya Sorokin#30
|
|
SA
|
GA
|
SV
|
SV%
|
ESSV
|
PPSV
|
SHSV
|
SOSA
|
SOS
|
TOI
|
PIM
|
| 21 | 1 | 20 | .952 | 18 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 60:00 | 0 |
At 6:30PM, and now on my coffee break at the real j-o-b – and come 6:31PM – and I punched back in.
After all, then there was no way that I was going to waste any of my break time by watching another Sieve Vagistat broadcast.
I was later told that Vagistat bombarded viewers with his senseless crap – you know, his bullshit analytics and many war stories from his heralded 46-game career.
Once back in the break room at 7:00PM – and Kenny Albert and Dave Maloney were reunited, as Albert had TNT duties last night.
I love Dave Maloney – and I’ve made that clear over the years.
But man, oh man, and I know what his job is and how he’s a homer too – but I wish we’d get the radio version of him more often.
Right off the bat and the youngest captain in franchise history was telling us how the Rangers looked good last night until they took a slew of penalties in the second period.
Not mentioned?
How it took 12:30 for the Rangers to get their first shot on goal, how they were out-shot 15-6 in the first period and how they were already losing by the time the Blueshirts pulled off an NHL rarity – by taking three penalties on a single shift.
GAME REVIEW time – and where as always – I’ll try to limit the pain.
However, there are some things that need to be addressed, so I’ll try to gloss over the meaningless stuff and focus on what’s important. (Easy for me to say – as this is the longest recap of this game on the internet!)
That said, then if you do want my complete play-by-play from this miserable match, then check out my Tweeter/X feed over at: https://x.com/NYCTheMiC
Let’s begin.
FIRST PERIOD
This is what I said on Twitter/X right before the game started:
“We’re live from the World’s Most Expensive Arena – and where Isles fans have taken over. Quick v. Sorokin in nets – and where I can see the Russian getting a NYET NYET too. Third line starts, Laba wins the draw and away we go.”
Aside from Mika’s meaningless power-play goal – and Sorokin pretty much shut-out the Rangers.
At the very least, then CZAR IGOR’s comrade shut-out the Rangers at even-strength – but spoiler alert – Zibanejad didn’t care about that!
Unlike the game played 24-hours ago, when it took the Rangers 12:30 to log their first shot on goal – and it only took Schneider 57-seconds to record the Blueshirts’ first SOG in this one – and Sorokin’s first save of twenty too.
Again, this first period absolutely sucked.
It was boring.
It was like watching paint dry.
And if you tried to introduce a new fan to the sport with this game, then they are probably now off trying to explore the exciting world of international badminton.
The Isles, victors all year against these bums, had the most juice early – but eventually – the Rangers’ contagious disease of all-out suck bogged them down too.
By the five-minute mark and the SOG counter read as Isles 5, Rangers 1.
And with both teams finishing with six SOG a piece at the end of the period?
Then that tells you that the Isles tailed-off after their initial flurry.
As we got under ten-minutes remaining, Rempe gave Schaefer a nice chicken wing – and where maybe it was revenge for the hit that Schaefer gave Othmann last night – you know – which left “The Appendix” searching for his teeth – a new search for him – as he’s still seeking his second NHL goal after forty plus games played in The Show.
Miller, who Maloney mentioned should perhaps get a new stick after whiffing on a pair of pucks last night, broke a stick during a wind-up with 7:20 remaining.
I’ve seen a lot of questioning in regards to Miller being the worst captain in franchise history.
He’s not.
Chris Drury is.
As we got under five-minutes remaining, then this is when Tony DeAngelo started hearing boos for the first time – as in-between a ton of Islander fans there – and the few Ranger fans in-attendance finally realized that booing the member of the alumni usually rattles him.
While I think the hatred of DeAngelo is ludicrous; I do support it – and only because of what I just said – it usually gets to him – and as we’ve seen during his past stops with the Flyers and Hurricanes.
If there was anything nice to say from the Rangers’ end, then at least Matt Rempe was noticeable in a good way.
When he wasn’t hitting, then he was screening and forechecking.
That’s more than I can say about the FAT CATS.
Just as the period was about to conclude, then, and with just 9.4-seconds remaining – and Captain Culture decided that this was a good time to trip Matt “NO B.S.” Schaefer.
No score after twenty-minutes.
Here’s what I said at the time:
Scoreless through 20. 1P Thoughts:
— #Isles start 2P with 1:51 of PP time.
— Kind of boring, each team finish with 6 SOG a piece.
— NYI top line has had the most threats, Rempe has looked good for #NYR
— Both teams may be gassed after last night – at least that’s what it…— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) January 30, 2026
SECOND PERIOD
As someone who has been regularly reviewing the M$GN broadcasts and segments for the past thirteen-years – and tonight’s first intermission segment – and I don’t say this lightly – WAS THE ABSOLUTE WORST OF ALL-TIME!
And go figure – Vagistat wasn’t even a part of it either!
Rather than the worst goalie in franchise history showing us the same burgundy suit that he always wears (Karako usually has five for one sales champ!) – and instead – and Giannone interviewed some schmuck named Alex Faherty.
I should be nice here – as after all – then I don’t know if Faherty is a schmuck or not.
But this whole segment screamed of “SCHMUCK” – and “SUCK” too!
Faherty was there to pimp his new Rangers’ clothing line – and as if Blueshirt fans want to spend any more money on this rotten team.
Faherty went on-and-on about environmental causes and how he once recycled plastic from Turkey.
WHO GIVES A FUCK!
TURKEY?
THE ONLY THING RANGER FANS NEEDED WAS WILD TURKEY IN ORDER TO COPE WITH THEIR BLUESHIRTS’ INDUCED AGONY!
Furthermore?
And his new Rangers’ sweatshirts looked like something that you could get off of Etsy for $10 – but since his crap is being promoted to the masses – then his plastic bottles-turned-clothes are going for over three-figures each!
This is what Ranger fans want – a segment on recycled clothing.
This segment only appealed to one person – Ms. Giggles herself, Mollie “Who is Ron Greschner and Mark Messier?” Walker!
Save the fashion shit for another show.
This was nearly as bad as the Rangers themselves!
The Rangers opened up the period by killing off the final 1:51 of the Miller penalty on Schaefer.
Down to 16:13 to go and the Rangers drew a power-play themselves – as Mat Barzal took an ill-advised o-zone penalty for high-sticking Gavrikov while his team was attacking Quick.
The Rangers’ power-play here?
0-1, no SOG – and where the Islanders had two cracks at scoring a shorty too.
No B.S.!
As we hit 11:50 remaining, Schaefer went wide on a shot, the Rangers then got a 3 x 2 chance – and they flubbed it.
Come 11:31 remaining and the Islanders, out-shooting the Rangers 9-7 at the time, were back on the power-play for the second time in the match, as Will Cuylle had tripped The Fresh Prince of Duclair.
The Isles spent the first minute of their power-play by skating backwards, and come a minute later, were now 0-2 on their power-play – and nary a SOG during their man-up time either.
As we approached 8:20 remaining, Lafreniere’s lone shot on goal was easily denied.
The SOG counter was now 12-7, in favor of the home team – and where the Islanders had only challenged Quick once in the period at this particular juncture.
After Sorokin stopped Schneider while being screened by Miller with 6:33 remaining, then this is when Albert and Maloney continually threw out the word “shut out” – as much like all of us – and they wanted to see some damn goals.
While personally, I do enjoy a goalie duel myself (as noted before – then my favorite one was back on 4/13/2013 – a Lundqvist 1-0 overtime win against Nabakov after Girardi’s walkoff winner at the old Nassau Coliseum); but this wasn’t that.
Instead, and this game put you to sleep faster than watching Bob Ross paint while you’re drunk and shot-to-shit at 3:00AM on a Saturday night.
Heck, this game at the time felt like waking up for work on the Monday after the Superbowl – where you just want to go home before your feet even hit the floor from your bed.
Just dead.
Come 2:42 remaining?
Then one of three guarantees in life:
Death, taxes and members of the Rangers’ alumni scoring against them:
Carson Soucy scores in his first game back at MSG! pic.twitter.com/zSRt9RwTLL
— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) January 30, 2026
No joke?
Then at the time, then I thought this would hold-up as the game-winning goal.
And for Soucy, who looked like a prime Mario Lemieux here?
Then he became the first player in history to score a goal at the Garden in the same season while as a member of both the Rangers and the Islanders, which in turn – makes him an answer to a future #NYR #CadillacTrivia question.
Maloney’s response to all of this was at its most authentic.
After the soft goal allowed, Maloney remarked, “boy, oh, boy.” While he was saying that, then the predominately pro-visitor crowd serenaded their favorite team with “LET’S GO ISLANDERS!” chants.
Maloney, clearly upset and frustrated, then said, “HOLY SMOKES, I’ve never heard that chant that loud. OOF!”
For Soucy?
Then perhaps this goal was his response to not receiving a customary welcome back video and/or graphic.
Up next?
Schaefer’s undeniable 2-0 goal – and another league-leading late opposing goal as allowed by the Blueshirts:
Schaefer RIPS IT home for his FOURTEENTH of the season 😱🚨 pic.twitter.com/6IhR37njh1
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) January 30, 2026
I know that I’m coming off like an Isles’ sympathizer here – but I love hockey too.
This was a hell of a shot.
And I know that some of you guys and gals will want to take my Blueshirts’ fan card away from me after what I’m about to say next; but I must also admit that this Islander group is very likable.
Simply stated?
Then I don’t hate these Islanders today as I have hated them throughout the previous 43-years of my lifetime.
I like Tony DeAngelo. I like Anthony Duclair. I’ve rooted for Carson Soucy. I wanted Patrick Roy as head coach for the Rangers during two different head coaching searches. I admire the lunch-pail Casey Cizikas (who didn’t play tonight due to illness). I respect the cold-as-ice Ilya Sorokin.
And I sure as hell won’t turn my TV off whenever Schaefer is on either – as not only is he electrifying – but he has a huge set of balls too.
After all, then, and as noted earlier – how many players fully throw themselves into this rivalry as if they were fans like us?
Schaefer, not even legally old enough to buy tobacco products at the time, completely immersed himself in it.
Perhaps, and sadly at that?
The Blueshirts have broken me.
And to paraphrase a 2003 Pedro Martinez?
Then I can admit that the Islanders are our daddies right now.
I’ll always remain firm but fair with you – and where there is no way that I can defend these Blueshirt Bums to anyone without flat-out lying to them.
Thanks Chris!
2-0 them, through forty.
Here’s what I said at the time:
2-0, #Isles, after 40. 2P Thoughts:
— Prior to the Soucy (of course) and Schaefer (backs up his talk) goals – then this game had as much life as a graveyard.
— I don’t know if the Isles found their legs or if #NYR just came into this game waving the white towel.
— This is…— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) January 30, 2026
THIRD PERIOD
As Schaefer was breaking Bobby Orr records, while Lafreniere was thinking about breaking Quebec Men’s Sr. League softball records this summer; then the third period commenced.
With not much going on, then this is when Albert paid respect to Patrick Kane, who should’ve never been given up on, who set the all-time NHL record for most points by an American on Thursday night during the Wings/Caps game (Washington took the game over Detroit by a 4-3 shootout final):
🚨🇺🇸 Patrick Kane becomes NHL’s all-time leading point scorer among US born players with his 1,375th career point, passing Mike Modano. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/Auvs1UueiZ
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) January 30, 2026
Gabe Perreault, who was noticeable tonight, but yet didn’t score like the younger Schaefer did, drew the Rangers’ second power-play of the game at the 1:26 mark, as Pulock boarded him.
Another glowing point about Schaefer?
10/10 times, 100/100 times, and you get my point – and every NHLer in history – and whether they be a player, a scout, a GM, a head coach, a beer vendor, whoever – and they will all tell you that it’s harder for a defenseman to get accustomed to the league when compared to any other position.
So yeah – Schaefer not only out-played Laferniere tonight – but also Scott Morrow, Noah Laba, Brett Berard, Gabe Perreault – and heck, let’s not limit it to just rookies – but every FAT CAT too!
Since the Blueshirts’ top line was out there, then Sully was forced to start his second power-play unit.
But once a puck was sent out of play just 30-seconds into the man-up time – and Sully went right back to his PP1 group.
With Lafreniere out there, and Maloney had my head spinning when he said, “Lafreniere has been victimized throughout his career.”
Again, I love Dave, but how can he say such a foolish thing?
And how can he say it Part I: With Schaefer ripping this league a new asshole too?
And how can he say it Part II: With Lafreniere making nearly seven-million dollars more than the Isles’ rookie?
And how can say it Part III: With Lafreniere only having one good year in New York, which he then used to get his guaranteed $52.15M – then only not to do shit once signing the bottom line?
C’MON DAVE!
It was during this power-play where Mika got his A-Rod goal – and his franchise leading 119th PPG of his career too:
A round of applause for this clapper from Mika Zibanejad 👏 pic.twitter.com/9ypLQo61d6
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 30, 2026
2-1 – and the end of your scoring on this night – but it wasn’t for a lack of trying – albeit, from the Isles’ end of things.
Barzal almost scored on the faceoff following Mika “I only show up when it doesn’t matter” Zibanejad’s goal.
Sadly?
And Mika’s fugazi stats will probably give him the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award this season – and over someone who truly deserves it – Sam “I DAM AM” Carrick.
After that, and at the 4:00 mark, and Carrick threw Gatcomb as if he was yesterday’s trash – a rare Rangers’ highlight from this slog.
Next up was Quick robbing Palat – and then a weird penalty where DeAngelo was boxed from the bench for “unsportsmanlike conduct” with 13:01 remaining:
Both Patrick Roy and Tony DeAngelo were befuddled by the unsportsmanlike call pic.twitter.com/86Ynw0YkPw
— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) January 30, 2026
This, and akin to penalties assessed against Rempe, felt like a reputation call for DeAngelo.
But kudos to Roy – as opposed to David Quinn before him – and he never stapled TDA to the bench after this.
Heck, Roy was even defending TDA to the zebras.
And akin to Schaefer?
Then you know that DeAngelo cares about winning or losing – which is not something that I can say about most of the Rangers, especially the FAT CATS, today.
After the Blueshirts blew chance-after-chance to tie the game with this fortunate power-play received (1/3 now on the PP); and Quick then had to stop Drouin and DeAngelo in succession with 10:20 remaining.
This led to a TV timeout – and where I know that sometimes TV can be deceiving since you can’t see away from the puck action – but I didn’t notice Trocheck at all tonight.
Trocheck, now “bread-less,” may get exposed without the alleged sexual assaulter by his side.
In other words?
Drury, and since it seems to be the plan to trade the center when he has his most value, should get this trade of Trocheck done soon – and perhaps before even trading Panarin too.
You just don’t want Trocheck’s trade value to sink.
Following another pair of Quick saves with 7:52 to go, then the Isles tried to get cute (but you can’t blame them – this is what good teams do) in front of the Rangers’ net, which then led to a full-line scrum.
Both U.V. and Gatcomb were boxed for roughing after this, which then led us to 2:00 worth of foreplay (4 x 4).
It was during these two-minutes where the Rangers looked like complete dog shit, looked like they didn’t care and worse above all else – didn’t look like they knew what they were doing either.
The Rangers took control of the puck right away, and with Lafreniere, Trocheck, Gavrikov and Schneider all out there – then all they did was skate around and pass the puck in a one-goal game.
They must’ve had possession for over 75-seconds here – yet – not one shot attempt.
Sorokin could’ve passed the time by getting himself some Stolichnaya vodka here – and maybe a commie prostitute (ask Panarin for a recommendation) from Brighton Beach too.
After doing nothing, the Isles forced a turnover and that was that – another Blueshirts’ opportunity blown.
Once the foreplay was over?
Then Horvat, not much of a factor during these past 48-hours, hit the post.
With not much doing on the Rangers’ side of things, then Albert remarked that Schaefer will become the captain of the Islanders’ one day.
I don’t have the clip of it, but if you can find it, then you’ll be entertained – as Maloney was just completely disgusted by this realistic notion.
To wrap-up this mess, then Quick left his net with 90-seconds remaining.
The Rangers did OO-GATZ.
Down to 18.6 seconds remaining and Trocheck tackled Lee as he was about to go for an empty net goal.
And if he didn’t take this penalty, then Lee would’ve been a hero for puck line (Isles to win by two or more goals) bettors.
This also could’ve been a penalty shot awarded, but the refs decided to bang Trocheck for a 2:00 holding call instead.
The self-proclaimed smartest man in the room, Stupid Silly Sully, used his timeout here with a faceoff to the left of Quick.
The Isles won the draw and the Rangers never touched the puck again.
2-1, baby brother, your final.
The post-game shit is sickening, but since misery loves company, then I must share this with you:
“Just in general I thought we were better in the o-zone. I thought 5-on-5 we played a pretty decent game. I guess it wasn’t enough”
– Mika Zibanejad on tonight’s loss to the Islanders pic.twitter.com/LoQVyqABet
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) January 30, 2026
It was from reading these words/seeing this video, where if I was the head of the NHL Drug Testing Committee, then I’d send Mika a piss test – and PRONTO at that!
Better in the o-zone?
What game was he watching?
Five on five was decent?
You didn’t score a 5 x 5 goal!
Seriously, is Mika doing mushrooms, LSD, acid or any other sort of hallucinogenic narcotic drug?
End the season – and end Mika’s tenure as a Ranger too, I beg of ya!
Up Next: Waiting for whatever trades Drury makes next.
Up Next For the Rangers: Two more games prior to the Olympic break – Saturday, January 31st at 3:30PM in Pittsburgh (ABC broadcast), then on Thursday, February 5th, at 7PM hosting the Canes at M$G (M$GN broadcast).
PROGRAMMING NOTE: I may not be around after the Rangers’ loss in the Steel City – as I have my niece’s tenth birthday party to attend. After that, then I’ll be watching the WWE Royal Rumble and the UFC PPV.
With not much going on come Sunday; then maybe I’ll present a belated review of that expected mess in Pittsburgh – and then – maybe have a trade or two to talk about too.
Until then?
Then 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
