Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. Miss me?
An initial thought?
Then following perhaps one of Gary Bettman’s greatest achievements as NHL Commissioner – “The Four Nations Tournament” – and now I need another two-week break in order to catch my breath!
That’s how exhilarating this tournament was – and even if heartbreak, as it always is with my Rangers, was how it ended for my country, the best in the world today – the United States of America.
One last parting thought before exiting this teaser?
Maybe the most obvious:
It’s going to be extremely difficult to watch NHL regular season games after experiencing these past two games played between the United States and Canada!
And of course – kudos to all of the North American players too – especially the ones who now have to play on Saturday after two grueling and physical battles between each other.
Before returning to the realm of Rangerstown, USA, then I must chime in some thoughts on “The Four Nations” tournament.
After all, they made a doubter in me into a full-blown supporter come the end of it.
It’s not every often that I’m wrong on this site (and if you’re oblivious, then yes, I am saying this tongue-in-cheek) – but if I’m going to always remind you when I was right – then I must equally do the same when the tables are turned.
As noted on this site during the past few weeks – then I had no interest at all in “Four Nations.”
None whatsoever.
After all, I’m not that invested in international hockey to begin with, and mainly because these games are competed under the wussy and weak IIHF rules – and where with hindsight – praise the hockey gods that this tournament was competed under NHL law – a rarity during tournaments like these.
(Simply Stated? Then I’d much rather see the Rangers win a Stanley Cup instead of Team USA winning a gold medal – and where such feelings are not even close in comparison for me.)
Other reasons why I wasn’t a fan of this tournament going into it included, but not limited to, the following:
— I didn’t see the need to host this tournament in-season.
— As a result, I feared potential injuries.
— The exclusion of Russia – where let’s face it – a Russian team would have made short work of both Feckless Finland and Sissy Sweden – and where furthermore – Putin’s Boys may have knocked off both Canada and the USA too.
— In short, then the “Best vs. Best” tagline was anything but that – and where as everyone predicted – the final two teams left standing come the championship game were the North American countries.
All that said?
Then come the end of the tournament, Canada’s 3-2 overtime win against the USA (ugh – more below) – and these past two-weeks have now become one of the biggest feathers in Bettman’s cap – and a cap that admittedly – doesn’t have many feathers to begin with.
(I think the way he handled the pandemic was one of his biggest feathers prior to this tournament’s conclusion.)
The political storylines, intensity, pride and nationalism aside, four factors that made this Four Nations tourney fantastic; then just to brass tax it, then this tournament will forever be remembered as one of the league’s most successful forays.
Need the evidence?
Then take a look at this:
Canada-USA NHL #4Nations Face-Off Championship delivers ESPN’s largest hockey audience EVER: 9.3M viewers
🏒Peak: 10.4M viewers
🏒Most-viewed event on ESPN platforms since 2024 NBA Finals (excluding NFL & CFB)
🏒Most-viewed non-NFL event ever on ESPN+🔗https://t.co/p474HEVpYz pic.twitter.com/EuVZGlqScr
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) February 21, 2025
The television rating numbers that this tournament produced can not be lauded enough.
While by the time that the final/championship game rolled around this past Thursday night, it looked pretty obvious that USA v. Canada would shatter all ratings records; but prior to the first puck drop of this tourney – and no one was expecting such an event to transpire.
Thursday night’s final rivaled the almighty juggernaut, the NFL, and what they draw.
The game also destroyed all Stanley Cup Final TV ratings – and where the number doesn’t include social media views either.
There were many factors why the championship game was such a hit, and while the product on the ice was easily the biggest reason – it was also the off-ice political climate between the two countries that gave this game some extra juice – and a whole lot of juice at that.
We don’t need to recap the whole tournament here, as by now, you already know all about it; but in the round-robin segment, the USA soundly defeated their north border rivals (or as some people referred to them as, “Snow Mexicans”), 3-1, on Saturday night – and where oh yeah – the phrase “three fights in nine seconds” now has a special place in hockey history.
And speaking of that number three?
Then it’s a shame that a rubber match, a third tilt, between USA and Canada, isn’t in the cards.
(Think about the ratings that game would draw! I’m sure Bettman and his partners are!)
After all, who wants to go back to watching the regular season after watching these two explosive and electrifying games, both full of fervor and patriotism, and with each nation picking up a win each?
The answer?
NO ONE!
And while I think that Canada’s tournament win is tainted a bit (they just happened to win the championship game, despite USA winning the same number of head-to-head games as them); but I’ll stop such talk here, as I don’t want to give you the sour grapes/sore loser routine.
Suffice to say and this tournament had the attention of everyone – and where in an extreme rarity for our favorite league – it was the NHL that dominated all talk in sport.
Following the Super Bowl (which is why the NHL picked this time of year to run this tournament to begin with), then the only sports competition that Bettman’s league faced was the NBA All-Star Weekend – and where the hoop stars were panned to kingdom come for their boring, uninspired, meaningless and all-out garbage play.
Heck – you even had NBAers, including Draymond Green, burying the horrendous product that NBA head honcho, Adam Silver, delivered – and it wasn’t delivered on a “silver” platter either!
And while I don’t want to turn this into another argument of “my favorite sports is better than yours;” but it’s true – the NHL just kicked the NBA’s ass during these past two-weeks.
This is FACT – and not my opinion.
As Chinese-lovin’ communist pussies like Lebron James skipped the NBA’s weekend (the poor baby wasn’t feeling well), then over in the NHL and you had every top star just breaking their ass when trying to prove that their country reigned supreme in the world of hockey.
And while we don’t know the extent of every injury sustained throughout Four Nations – as unfortunately and as predicted – there were many; but the pride, competition levels, heart and love of the game between the hockey and basketball stars couldn’t have been any more different.
In short?
If you are a hockey fan, which I’m assuming you are since you’re reading these words – then all you could do was smile from ear-to-ear – while also biting your fingernails too – as you watched every top NHL star give it their all – so much so – that these brave men even put their own Stanley Cup Playoff dreams into a state of peril.
Following “Three Fights in Nine Seconds,” group chat reveals and USA picking up a rare win against the country where hockey is number one in the land; then the emotion, fervor and passion levels really ramped up as both Trudeau and Trump got involved.
And just to say it – and Trump & Trudeau weren’t the only two “celebrities” talking about this game – as the entire world was watching too – and as both television ratings and social media metrics suggest.
It’s not my intention, nor my interest here either, to take a deep dive into politics; but you also can’t ignore how the Trudeau v. Trump feud also played into the tournament.
Both world leaders talked to their respective teams – and both politicians also used social media to antagonize one another – including when Trump tweeted out the following prior to the championship match:
We can end the political stuff here, as really, while a major storyline (which also includes all of the anthem booing too – and I wasn’t in favor of that – and from both sides of the aisle to be clear) – but in the end – this tournament was more about the players themselves – and as it should have been.
And as I write from a “stream-of-consciousness” perspective, then when using the word “storyline” – then that’s exactly what this tournament provided – and a myriad of them too.
In a way, then I felt this Four Nations tournament was complete WWE – and I mean that in the most complimentary way imaginable.
Similar to WWE’s “WrestleMania” season – and this tournament not only gave us many fascinating and interesting storylines – but many stars were bolstered and promoted too.
Heck, as a result of this tournament, and many stars became household names too – and if you don’t believe me, then just ask the Brothers Tkachuk.
Simply stated?
Then everything between Canada and USA was riveting, heels and babyfaces from both sides emerged (ala Canadian Bret Hart’s feud with the American Steve Austin in 1997 – what a geek – I know – but if you know, then you know too!) – and come Thursday night in Boston – and this championship meant something – and as all championships should.
At this time, then just some random thoughts from both the tournament and championship game, and in no order of importance either:
— Injuries, and as expected, were the only black marks of the tournament.
As everyone screamed about John Tavares from the 2010 Olympics games, then it was sad to see the American team lose the Bruins’ Charlie McAvoy – and where some outlets are now reporting that he may miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
The Rangers, who sent more players to this tournament than any of their 31-peers, did come out of the tournament relatively healthy, although Vincent Trocheck did break a finger – but since this isn’t the NBA or MLB – then it’s also being reported that he won’t miss any time.
Aside from these two injuries, then many other injuries were also sustained, where similar to McAvoy, and Shea Theodore, from the Vegas Golden Knights, is also expected to miss a significant amount of time.
However, this may work out for the 2023 Cup Champs – as after all – there’s no other team in the league today that has successfully exploited the league’s LTIR loophole over the years like the franchise in Sin City.
(And that’s a compliment – not a shot – in regards to their amazing front office.)
Another major injury incurred was to Florida’s Matthew Tkachuk – and where without a shadow of a doubt – this injury was a major reason why the Americans weren’t able to emerge victorious in the championship game.
During the do-or-die game, it was reported by ESPN’s Emily Kaplan that a slew of other players were also severely banged-up – and where as a result – it’s expected that many Canadians and Americans will not be in their respective NHL line-ups come this weekend when the league resumes their season.
One of these players involved?
Sidney Crosby – and where if you don’t already know, then the Rangers will play the Penguins this Sunday.
Then again, a Crosby-less, and Malkin-less too, ice birds team embarrassed the Blueshirts in the penultimate game prior to the two-week break.
Egads.
— ESPN proved to us that they could actually broadcast hockey in a positive fashion.
I thought ESPN’s one-hour pregame show prior to the final was the best hour of hockey television that they have ever produced – and now knowing that they can actually do this – then I expect a whole lot more of it!
ESPN’s television packages, including one on the Tkachuk family that made you want to walk through walls for them after viewing it (providing that you’re an American like yours truly), were Emmy worthy.
The “Miracle on Ice” tie-ins only increased the stakes – even if “Four Nations” wasn’t exactly like the 1980 Olympics.
And despite the parrying between Trudeau and Trump – and this wasn’t exactly the “Cold War Era” either.
As a result, then it was ironic that Russia was excluded from this “Best on Best” rendition – and where they must be included next time – Putin affiliation or no Putin affiliation.
Simply stated?
For a true “Best on Best” tournament – then you need Russia involved.
You just can’t ignore the likes of CZAR IGOR, Artemi Panarin, Alex Ovechkin, Nikita Kucherov, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Evgeni Malkin, Kirill Kaprisov, Mikhail Sergachev, et al.
Plus, and to go back to the WWE/storylines talk – then every Superman needs a Lex Luthor – so just think of the ratings and money generated should you include a perceived North American villain like the Russians!
And innocent Russian fans buy merchandise too!
— NHL Rules > International Rules
Following Canada’s win and I saw the esteemed reporter, perhaps the best in the biz today, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Freidman, say that we’ll see this next year, when referring to the 2026 Winter Olympics.
For as much as I respect Freidman – but he couldn’t have been any more wrong.
After all, the Olympic games are contested under IIHF rules and regulations – and where if you don’t know – edicts that outlaw fighting.
Furthermore, and the non-NHL rinks are wider and bigger, which also limits checking, hitting and offensive zone opportunities.
I mean, can you argue with me when I say the following:
“Three Fights in Nine Seconds,” which would never be possible in the Olympics, only increased viewer interest, player intensity and the all-out drive to thrive-and-survive.
Another takeaway as a result of this tournament being contested under NHL rules?
Then very much like the Stanley Cup Playoffs – and both small and European players had no success whatsoever.
Conversely?
Then physical players, such as the Tkachuk brothers, Jaccob Slavin, and others, really stood out amongst all.
In turn, while Brady Tkachuk was by far USA’s MVP; then in the same vein – and the pint-sized Jack Hughes was anything but.
Come the Olympics next year?
Then it wouldn’t be strange to see these roles reversed, as the panty-waste European rules doesn’t favor a player like a Tkachuk – but they would favor a better ballerina skater like Hughes – and a guy who could barely stay upright during the two heavy games against Canada.
As noted above, then it’s of no coincidence that a Matt Tkachuk led USA team beat Canada in the first game, only to lose the second game where he didn’t even last seven-minutes (due to injury).
Had Matt Tkachuk been available and healthy in the championship game?
Then much like the past two Stanley Cup Finals – then perhaps Tkachuk, who was injured in 2023, would be a two-time champion today.
Sadly, we’ll never know – and yes – injuries are just part of the game too.
— The players from the Rangers, Devils and Islanders were the weakest of the tournament.
As just mentioned, then Jack Hughes was completely useless and exposed whenever playing in physical big-time games.
And for the record, so was one of the biggest playoff chokers in the league as well, captain of USA, and the Leafs too, Auston Matthews.
When it comes to the local stars, and especially the American and Canadian ones, and the players from the tri-state area were easily the worst of the “elite.”
As Mika Zibanejad was his usual trash self for Sweden; then in the games that mattered, and the Islanders’ Brock Nelson was the absolute worst of the lot – and where this is FACT- and not an opinion.
Nelson blew multiple scoring chances throughout the tournament, including missing wide-open nets on breakaway attempts.
Heck, Nelson was so bad that not only would I have preferred to have seen Jimmy Vesey instead – but I thought that the orange-and-blue star should have burnt his skates at the stake afterwards.
Shit, with Nelson’s name currently bantered about in trade deadline talks – then I thought that he would be a perfect fit for the Rangers – as after all – he never hits the net and never scores – the bread-and-butter of the Blueshirts’ highest-paid forwards today!
From the Rangers’ end, and I thought that Adam Fox was exposed a bit.
While I don’t think that he was “trash” – and as many residents in Rangerstown made him out to be on social media; but at the same time – then I didn’t think he was that hot either.
I mean, just think about it.
A fugazi (56-game season against the same seven opponents) Norris Trophy winner some four-years ago – and today – Fox was the seventh-best rearguard for USA (Quinn Hughes was injured and didn’t play) – and where arguably – he’s not even a top-12 NHL d-man in 2025 – and where need I mention – he commands a hefty salary to boot ($9.5M annually).
Fox was on for most goals allowed during the tournament – and where he was ineffective offensively as well.
As noted on this site in the past, then it’s my opinion that Fox is still hampered from his two knee injuries sustained from last year – and where he’s never been the same player ever since.
While I don’t think that Vincent Trocheck was “bad” or anything like that; but similar to Fox and he was one of the weakest forwards for the red-white-and-blue.
He also took his usual stupid o-zone penalty too – but one that thankfully – the Americans were able to kill during the championship game.
J.T. Miller, one of the three fighters from what will go down as one of the most remembered international games in history, didn’t really stand out either – that is – except for his maddening cross-ice passes to nowhere – a Ranger staple.
Kreider totaled the least amount of ice time among healthy forwards, but he did score the team’s only goal in their meaningless exhibition loss to Sweden.
For whatever reason, and there’s a large majority in the Blueshirts’ base that just can’t stand Kreider – but not me.
I thought Kreider, despite his role as both a 13th forward and fourth-line role-player, played well enough – and he also showed some physical snarl too via his multiple big hits.
But as a superstar on the Rangers, he was not a superstar among the best talent that the two North American countries provided.
— The game has grown to newer and grander heights.
While it was obviously the NHL’s goal to grow the game with this tournament; but even so, and I don’t think that the league’s powers-to-be ever imagined how successful these two weeks would become.
As noted above, and more eyes watched the championship game than any other NHL game in recent history.
Many player stocks grew as a result, where not only are the Tkachuk brothers now household names in America (and had USA prevailed, then their legacies would have only grown even more), but players like Jaccob Slavin, Jack Eichel, Connor Hellebuyck and others took a major uptick.
And of course, Connor McDavid, the best hockey player in the world, only made his name louder – so much so – that many pundits are now proclaiming that the torch has passed from Crosby to McDavid as Canada’s biggest weapon today.
But of course, for that to happen, then McDavid needs that golden Olympic medal – and a Stanley Cup or two too.
Another stock that rose was the property known as Jordan Binnington – who arguably – is emerging as a future Hall of Famer.
Binnington, who previously carried the Blues to the 2019 Stanley Cup (against Boston of all places), was amazing throughout the tournament – and where needless to say – he shone at his brightest when it mattered most – during the overtime of the tourney finale – and ironically – with his foe, now teammate, Brad Marchand, along for the ride.
As Matthews exhibited why his Leafs have never gone anywhere; it was Binnington who showed us why he was a Stanley Cup champ.
While his career has taken a downward trajectory ever since the 2019 triumph; Thursday night’s win brought him back to a state of prominence and domination.
But for the league, who made all of the money generated on this tournament, then they also had everyone talking about it – and where everyone, including gambling outfits, had opinions on it:
Auston Matthews in a winner-take-all game pic.twitter.com/x6Y6vHqcGe
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) February 21, 2025
Even political pundits, much like the world leaders themselves, had something to say about the game-winning goal – and one marred with controversy too (Canada had seven men on the ice in overtime, but the refs didn’t call a penalty, and where right after, Hughes beat out an icing that was called – and blammo – McDavid then scored on the o-zone faceoff that ensued afterwards):
Team USA got 0 power plays tonight vs Canada.
The 4 Nations Face-Off was created and run by the NHL—based in Toronto.
We know that Canada is BIG MAD about their imminent annexation.
Is it possible the NHL rigged the game for Canada as a desperate act of resistance to Trump?
— Nick Adams (@NickAdamsinUSA) February 21, 2025
All in all – and Four Nations was one of the best things to ever happen to the sport – and no – I never saw this coming.
Heck, I was going to skip the entire thing (I needed a break – and especially after this bad Blueshirts’ season), but once Canada and America locked horns in their first match – then I was hooked like the biggest fish caught in the world.
Congratulations to the NHL and all of the players involved – they gave us a show – and a show that we’ll never forget either.
I just wish that we had a better final result – and the Trump victory troll tweets that would have followed too!
But I guess we’ll have to wait for the Olympics for revenge – but as noted above – their rules won’t be as exciting, nor as engaging, as the NHL regulations of Four Nations.
When I last wrote to you, then it was following the Rangers’ win in Columbus back on 2/8.
As a refresher, then here’s that blog for you below:
At this time, let’s pick up from where we last left off, with a series of stories that haven’t been covered in these pages yet.
We’ve talked a lot about Larry Brooks’ rumor mongering over at the New York Post this season – and where such FAKE NEWS has really increased ever since his drivel has been put behind a paywall.
In other words, then for the first time in Brooks’ career – he’s now forced to make-up stories in order to generate traffic, clicks and potential sponsors.
Journalism 101?
No more.
After previously making up a story this season about how the Rangers were going to send Lafreniere to Ottawa in exchange for Brady Tkachuk (and why in the world would the Senators do that – and especially now after Four Nations), then Brooks was right back to making things up on February 15th, when he asked people to pay to read the following clickbait:
When I first read this garbage, then I said the following on my social media channels:
“Man, is Larry Brooks desperate these days to sell his terrible paywall for the NYP. After lying/reporting about a Brady Tkachuk/Lafreniere deal in the works, he’s now resorted to this made-up deal for Zegras. Expect Laf to fight Josh Anderson next time #NYR play Montreal.”
As everyone else with a brain laughed at Brooks’ latest bout with lunacy, then Brooks took offense to anyone who challenged him about his fictional stories, including going as far as to blocking people once again on social media:
LMAO YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME 😂#NYR pic.twitter.com/gAvhXdpmhT
— Lafreniere For MVP (@Laf4MVP_) February 18, 2025
The sad thing about this?
Brooks, and by wide & by far, is the best writer with the most sources on the birdbrain Blueshirts’ beat today.
Hands down.
And this is what he comes up with – and how he reacts to fans who tell him how stupid his ideas are.
I also don’t see how blocking potential customers for his paywall is what’s best for the Post’s business either.
This is also the same guy who wants players to be thick-skinned and tough – two traits that Limp-Wrist Larry does not possess.
As said before – and he’s never been the same ever since he first had hearts in his eyes for the airhead with the Kamala Harris cackle.
In real news from a better sourced reporter, and former Ranger, Kevin Weekes, reported the following:
👀 In speaking to Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly and other sources involved,I can confirm that there was a recent meeting in NYC with a group expressing their interest in bringing an @NHL expansion team to New Orleans. #HockeyX #NewOrleans pic.twitter.com/fAhYY5cbDH
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) February 19, 2025
Presently, it’s believed that Atlanta, Houston and now New Orleans are in the mix for the next expansion franchise.
(Rumors about the possibilities of both Quebec and Kansas City, long-time rumors at that, don’t have legs.)
Hockey hasn’t worked out in Atlanta in the past (two-time losers) – but of course – the world has changed since the times of both the Flames and Thrashers.
Houston has emerged as a major sports town over the years and does have a population that could support a team.
However, the idea of hockey in New Orleans really intrigues me – as you’d have to think that it would be a no-brain decision – and a successful one too.
After all, look at hockey in both Vegas and Nashville these days – two cities, that just like “Nawlins,” are major tourist destinations – and party towns too.
While we’re far off from seeing the first puck dropped in NOLA – and we don’t know who the ownership group are either; this is something to get excited about – and a hat trick of an idea too.
The Blueshirts reconvened at their training facility in Tarrytown during the past three-days – and where obviously – the team were without their American Four Nations players.
As a result, and the Rangers juggled around players from their minor-league affiliates, where Hartford Wolf Pack players received call-ups for practice-purposes only, while ECHL skaters, from the Bloomington Bison, were temporarily promoted to the AHL.
During these practices, where following one of them, Matt Rempe praised Miller for his fight against Canada (Miller responded to the national media in kind, with high praise for REMPESTEIN); and not much was really learnt.
For all intents and purposes, then these trio of skates were more about getting everyone back into playing condition – and where because of the Americans in Four Nations – we didn’t get a look at what the next line-up would be come this weekend.
However, we do know that Zac Jones, still desperately seeking a trade, won’t be in the line-up.
During the series of roster moves and Jones was demoted to Hartford for “conditioning purposes” – and where in his first game back for the ‘Pack – he was forced to participate in “emo night”:
Zac Jones went back to Hartford for this? https://t.co/CdfKoUWQsN
— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) February 22, 2025
No word if Jones painted his fingernails black and contemplated suicide during Hartford’s Friday night 4-1 loss to the Scranton Penguins.
On Jones’ demotion, Bozo The Bench Boss told the Rangers’ transcribers that, “it’s a good opportunity for him to go down and get some minutes.”
For Jones, then as noted many times over on this site – he’d prefer NHL minutes – and anywhere outside of the Big Apple.
As it stands now, and Matthew Robertson now replaces Jones as the team’s seventh defenseman.
Speaking of stupid quotes, then Missing Mika had a few dumb words to say himself:
Mika Zibanejad was asked if the 4 Nations Face-Off games felt like it had a playoff atmosphere:
“Yeah, that first game against Canada was something else, with the whole ceremony before. Probably one of the more fun games I’ve played.” pic.twitter.com/TQMJcZQoYJ
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) February 21, 2025
No mention how Mika was eliminated early – and missed games too – and just as he has done for the Rangers during every pivotal playoff game.
Elsewhere, and CZAR IGOR missed Wednesday’s practice – but then returned for the next two.
He was also spotted at a Knicks’ game on Thursday night while his teammates were playing against Canada.
That said, and CZAR IGOR, as a Russian, may have felt pissed-off about a tournament, one that eventually become politically-fueled, being omitted – and over what – yep, you guessed it – politics!
The Blueshirts, who again, sent more players to the Four Nations tournament than any other club, won’t get a chance to relax, as they will now play three times in the next four nights.
And the remaining seven games prior to the deadline are no walk in the park either.
For a team that’s recently been win one, lose one – then it’s really tough to envision this team going 7-0 prior to the deadline – and where should such an event happen – then Drury will have to really decide about his franchise’s future (buy or sell).
When you look at the schedule ahead, then the Rangers had previously suffered one of their worst losses of the season on home ice against Buffalo.
While the Sabres remain as poor as ever; it’s still an “Any Given Sunday Saturday” league, and where many of the Rangers’ top stars (Kreider, Fox and Miller) will be beat up following the two physical games against Canada.
And as noted earlier, Trocheck, expected to play, returns to the team with a broken finger.
Following Buffalo and the Rangers return to Pittsburgh with no rest – and where as you may recall – the Penguins, without Crosby and Malkin, just embarrassed the Blueshirts in another worst loss of the season candidate on 2/7.
After an off-day on Monday (no practice), the Rangers will travel to IBS against their most-hated foe – and where despite how bad the Islanders are – they always play the Blueshirts tough.
And I’m sure that Tony DeAngelo will make his presence felt in that match too.
Once the trio of road games are complete, the Blueshirts will then begin a four-game home-stand prior to the break.
The Rangers will see two of the top teams of the East – the Leafs and Capitals – and a pair of matches that will be extremely tough to win.
Lavy’s Lot will also rematch with the Islanders, while also hosting one of the worst teams in the league, but one that’s also beat them previously this season as well, the Predators.
What the Rangers have to do is obvious – win.
To do so, then also obvious is CZAR IGOR returning to Vezina form.
And of course, you also need your other top stars to show up too – and especially on the power-play.
For the Big Apple club, then these upcoming septet of matches will become a Tom Petty song for them – “Runnin’ Down a Dream” – or the less desired tune – “Free Falling.”
And I hope that we have seen “Mika Jane’s Last Dance” too!
As far as anything else before going home tonight, then the Rangers also announced that Sam Rosen will have his day on 3/22 – when the Blueshirts host the team that they triumphed over in 1994 – the Vancouver Canucks – now with Filip Chytil.
(In other words – no J.D. reunion.)
(And while we didn’t see any shenanigans between Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller during the USA v. Sweden Four Nations game – but because of their feud – this game will have some extra oomph attached to it.)
The Blueshirts, for now, have just said that Rosen will be honored – and where a banner ceremony hasn’t been confirmed yet.
Up Next For the Rangers: Saturday, at 5:30PM, in Buffalo.
Up Next For Me: I’m going to my local watering hole for the game with my merry crew – so if there’s no GAME REVIEW blog tomorrow – then you know why!
But I’ll be back on Sunday.
Furthermore, my work schedule is going to be nuts during these next four weeks, as we’re getting mandatory overtime up the five-hole.
I know that I have to be back after Tuesday’s game against the Islanders – but I’m also slated for a 16-hour shift at the real j-o-b.
The best way to keep me awake and motivated to write?
The Rangers have to win that game!
Up Next For You: Your favorite segment (I know that you missed it), which brings us to…
PLUGS TIME! (Buy a book and support my Rangers’ induced therapy bills. After all, I don’t run ads on this site!)
My fourth title and tenth book is now available!
“The Top 100 Villains of New York Rangers History,” is now available for sale!
For complete information, please visit: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/rangerkillers/
My second plug of tonight’s blog – the mandatory plug for my book, “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden.”
As mentioned previously, the book is now available in hardcover, in paperback and in Kindle formats. To purchase a copy of the book, visit this link:
https://www.amazon.com/Rangers-Rafters-Madison-Square-Garden-ebook/dp/B09CM5N2WD
For those still looking for signed paperback versions of the book, I have re-ordered more copies. I now have a few signed copies for sale at $25 a pop (includes shipping price) through me directly. Here is all the information on that:
Order “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden” Book Today
My four-volume set of books, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is a game-by-game recount of the Rangers 2021-22 campaign.
My second title as an author, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is now available in eBook, paperback and hardcover formats.
To obtain signed copies, visit: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/onegamebook/
To purchase all four volumes on Amazon, visit: Amazon.com – “One Game at a Time.”
The greatest volume-set of books on Rangers’ history today!
“Tricks of the Trade – A Century-Long Journey Through Every Trade Made In New York Rangers’ History,” a four-volume set of books that meticulously covers every trade made in franchise history, is now on sale.
All four volumes of the title can be purchased on Amazon.com and are presented in three different formats – eBook, paperback and hardcover.
To purchase Volume I: Conn Smythe (1926) – Craig Patrick (1986), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume II: Phil Esposito (1986) – Neil Smith (2000), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume III: Glen Sather (2000-2015), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume IV: Jeff Gorton (2015) – Chris Drury (2022), visit Amazon.com
To purchase signed copies of all four volumes, visit https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/
If you haven’t already, subscribe to this blog for the next update:
Don’t forget to order my four-volume set of books, “Tricks of the Trade!”
If you don’t order through me, all four volumes are now available on Amazon.com
For more details, check out: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/
Thanks for reading.
LET’S GO RANGERS!
Sean McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com
@NYCTHEMIC on the Tweeter machine
