NYR/CBJ 2/8 Review: WILL POWER! Cuylle Hand Luke Keeps Blueshirts’ Playoff Hopes Alive (He May Have Even Saved Lavy’s Job Too); Runs Elvis Out of The Building with Two Ginormous Goals, Every Result Favors The Rangers on Saturday; Standings Watch, Quick Wins 401st Game; Igor Injured, Lindgren Blows Up Haters, Bread Out of Stock, No J.D.; M$GN, Vacation Time & More

Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. As my dear old dad texted me just seconds following tonight’s win – “WILL POWER!”

If you’re one of these fans that still believes that this team has a shot of making the playoffs – then making noise once there – then Will Cuylle saved the Rangers’ season on Saturday night in the Buckeye State.

We’ll take a look at the standings in just a bit; but needless to say and the Blueshirts had to emerge victorious against the Blue Jackets in order to keep their postseason hopes and dreams alive.

I’m not exaggerating either – as a loss could have put general manager Chris Drury on a different path.

Furthermore, and the Blueshirts had to win this all-important tilt in regulation time too – as all points are precious – and the coats from Columbus are also one of the many teams that the Rangers are presently jockeying with for a wild-card playoff berth.

Most of this 4-3 victory played out as such:

— The Rangers dominated the game for long stretches of time.

— The Blueshirts would play hard-nosed hockey, but once getting comfortable, they went right back to their same old act where they made insane passes rather than taking high-quality shots.

— Through two periods and every time that the Rangers scored – then there was Columbus to match them.

— Anytime that the Rangers got lackadaisical, then every puck wound up in the back of Jonathan Quick’s net.

— The Rangers, and while of course in another big game, got nothing out of Artemi Panarin – aka – the usual.

But as was the case against Pittsburgh the night prior, then once the third period commenced – and the Blueshirts took full control over the contest.

However, and unlike what had transpired 24-hours earlier – and the Rangers prevailed – as this time around – they didn’t leave the final frame without goals on the scoreboard.

After out-shooting the Penguins 7-0 during the third period of Friday night’s game, then a day removed from that 3-2 loss, and the Blueshirts out-shot the cannon-ballers to a tune of 17-4 during the third period of this particular match.

Prior to the start of this do-or-die third period, and where both teams really needed the win, and Arthur Kaliyev, a healthy scratch during the past few games, opened up the scoring at just the 1:56 mark of the first period – and where in a rarity – it was finally the Rangers who had scored an early goal – as they presently lead the league in most goals allowed within the first 2:00 of a frame.

However, defensive lapses, laziness, and perhaps some cockiness too, continues to plague this team.

Kent Johnson tied the game at the 14:31 mark. Thirty-six seconds later and Justin Danforth gave Columbus the 2-1 lead.

While Quick may have been able to stop these shots; then either way, and these goals were more on the Blueshirts’ defense than anything else.

Entering the second period with this same score, then a Vincent Trocheck and Damon Severson spat gave us our only penalties of the game, as both took off-setting two-minute minors for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Mental Mika, who passed up more scoring chances than anyone, so much so that Jumpin’ Joe Micheletti was out-right blasting him on-air, was able to knot the game at two goals a piece during the 4×4 (foreplay), as he was the beneficiary of some sweet down-low passing from Adam Fox and Zibanejad’s BFF, Christopher James Kreider.

Now tied 2-2 at the 6:38 mark and the Rangers continued their momentum – but of course – once they got complacent – and BLAMMO – there was Columbus to capitalize – and as James van Riemsdyk did with his 3-2 goal with only 2:43 remaining in the second stanza.

As both teams entered the locker room for the second intermission and you could hear the groans and fury permeating throughout all of Rangerstown, USA – and including from the four men who received paychecks from M$GN on this night – Sam Rosen, Joe Micheletti, John Giannone and Sieve Vagistat.

(And when the Rangers eventually won? Then no one screamed with more glee than the future retiree.)

All of their tunes would change come the end of the game – and while I understand that this is a results-based business – then I’m not so sure that I’d be King-Konging my chest about it either.

As fans on social media were clamoring for Peter Laviolette’s head to roll during the two-week break, as it felt very likely that the Rangers would lose their second game in a row to a Metro opponent – and there was Will Cuylle to save the day.

Cuylle, back on the second line following Laviolette drastically altering his line-up after the loss to Pittsburgh (full line-up info included below), was able to tie the game just 1:57 into the the final frame – which also meant that the Blueshirts had now scored two goals on this night within the first two-minutes of a period.

The rest of this period was just dominated by the Rangers – but much like their loss from the night before – they could never find the game-winner either – that is, until Cuylle struck again late.

Prior to Cuylle capitalizing on a major CBJ mistake, then the home team did have a few chances sprinkled and sandwiched-in between, especially prior to the Rangers’ game-winner – but between Jonathan Quick, Ryan Lindgren and an iron or two as well – and we remained at a field goal a side.

As you were just expecting the worst – the Rangers finding a new way to lose – and especially on a night where every score in the league besides this one was also benefiting the Blueshirts too; then it was Cuylle who said “lights out” with his 4-3, good guys, game-winning goal.

Once Elvis left the building for the last-ditch effort empty net attack – and the Rangers never relented – and where you never thought that the Blueshirts would break during this 6 x 5 situation either.

While I’ll get into some of the Rangers’ individual performances during the GAME REVIEW segment; then I think it’s also important at this time to address the growing legion of Ryan Lindgren haters.

I know that I’ve turned a complete 180 on Mika Zibanejad, and where I would deport or trade him tomorrow for anything in exchange – so I do understand why some fans have done the same to Lindgren.

After all, we all have our favorite players – and ones that we just can’t stand.

Furthermore, and I always tend to side with the blue collar players – hence this site’s name!

However, and unlike Mika, Lindgren has an excuse.

Mika has been a ghost for years during big games and under Laviolette, has had the two worst seasons of his Rangers’ career.

In the case of Lindgren, then all he’s done is sacrificed himself – and where if you don’t know this by now – then you don’t know anything.

Lindgren has also shown up in every playoff game too – and where you can never accuse him of slumping or being lazy – and like you can always do with the long-haired hippie.

And I haven’t even discussed their individual roles on the team, nor their cap hits either – but really – do I have to?

In another “biggest MUST WIN game of the season,” and the warrior of this club, double-nickel himself, played a game-high 23:26 and where during that time, he finished with three blocked shots – another game-high.

Lindgren also finished with a game-high +2 rating, which also included his assist on Kaliyev’s goal.

So while he does make mistakes like any other defenseman, especially since he has more opportunity to do so since he averages a ton of ice time against the best forwards in the league – then I will never jump aboard that anti-Lindgren train – and even if I have come to peace with the fact that he’ll be gone come the summer – if not before this year’s March 7th trade deadline.

After all, what playoff contender wouldn’t want Lindgren in their line-up?

And had the Rangers had more depth at the LD position, then you’d be furious today with these rumors of Lindgren’s potential, and most likely, future departure.

My point?

While Will Cuylle will get all the credit in the world for the win (and as he should), then don’t forget that Ryan Lindgren had one hell of a showing in this all-important match. (Ditto Jonathan Quick for that matter!)

How important was it you ask?

Then take a look at the updated standings following all Eastern Conference games played on Saturday, February 8th:

Prior to the Rangers’ 4-3 win in Columbus, then earlier on Saturday, everything fell in favor for the club, as the Red Wings, Canadiens and Bruins all lost in regulation time.

As the Blueshirts were in-action, then the Senators and Penguins also lost.

The cherry on top?

An hour following Lavy’s Lot win, then the Islanders also lost, and as they did, 6-3, to the Minnesota Wild.

While the Rangers still don’t control their own fate just yet; but as a result of these scores, then the Blueshirts are now three-points shy from a playoff berth – and with an ample amount of 27-games to get there.

And if you’re the biggest dreamer in the land – then they are also ten-points back of the third-place Devils – and with two games in-hand over them too.

Of course, first things first – but where if this Rangers’ team does pull it off – then a likely first-round match against the Florida Panthers or Washington Capitals will be their fate – and two teams that have destroyed the Rangers this season.

While I refuse to forget about Friday night’s unacceptable loss to the Penguins, nor the many other disgusting defeats sustained this season either; then despite all of that – and the Rangers are right back in the mix – and where everyone above them currently on losing streaks has kept them alive too.

What am I getting at here?

We’re now under a month away from the trade deadline – and where two weeks of it will be burnt too because of the cash grab gimmick tournament.

In other words?

Chris Drury has some major decision making on his hands.

Is it about reaching the playoffs for him – or is it about building a team that can really win the Stanley Cup?

Does he sell or buy?

And what can he sell right now anyway – as it doesn’t seem likely that anyone will be in the Mika Market and with many other Rangers having NMCs.

Another thing to think about?

What if Zibanejad, Kreider, Trocheck, U.V., Fox or Miller, the Rangers that will be active in the tournament that nobody cares about, pulls an Olympic John Tavares and gets injured during it?

The life of a general manager – but don’t worry – none of this will ruin his Christmas!

Here is our 82-game mantra, which is also known as my 33-word daily disclaimer, that I post on this site after every game played:

“WHATEVER THE RANGERS DO FROM NOW UNTIL THE TRADE DEADLINE DOESN’T MATTER. THEY CAN ONLY BE JUDGED BY WHATEVER THEY DO FOLLOWING THE DEADLINE AND BY WHAT THEY DO IN THE 2025 PLAYOFFS!”

In other words, fifty-five down, twenty-seven to go, and then the real hockey, the only games that matter, begin.

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

I remain pessimistic.

In case you missed it, then here’s where I last left off – the Rangers showing no life against the Penguins:

NYR/PIT 2/7 Review: “The Find A New Way To Lose” Rangers Do It Again; Blueshirts Befallen By The Beat-Up & Putrid Penguins, Laviolette Calls Out His Players; But It’s More “Too Little, Too Late,” Panarin & Mika No Shows During Another Big Game, Minimal Playoff Chances Diminishing, Sam Rosen To Be Honored by M$G; Continues To Read Wikipedia Entries On-Air & More

After their brutal loss sustained last night, then come a Saturday morning devoid of an A.M. skate, and the Rangers announced the following on Twitter/X:

UPDATE: Dylan Garand has been recalled from the Hartford Wolf Pack.

— NY Rangers PR (@NYR_PR) February 8, 2025

As talked about and shown last night on this site (https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/2725/ ), then towards the end of the first period and CZAR IGOR injured his right hand.

While he did go on to finish the game, then when he woke up on Saturday morning, his hand injury worsened.

As a result, CZAR IGOR was unavailable for tonight’s final game prior to the two-week break (The Four Nauseous Tournament.)

It’s being reported that CZAR IGOR’s injury should keep him out of action for only two-weeks, and since Russian players have been blackballed from the NHL’s cash grab gimmick tournament, then in turn, this injury shouldn’t result in any missed games for the 2022 Vezina Trophy winner.

Furthermore, and it was also suspected that Jonathan Quick, who did start for the Rangers tonight, was always going to get this start – especially even more so following the Blueshirts’ disastrous performance against the Penguins from Friday night – and where CZAR IGOR didn’t exactly have an easy night in net either.

Since the Rangers are off for a bit now, then this injury doesn’t concern me – and we’ll revisit it once the team reconvenes for the final stretch of this 2024-25 campaign.

In other news, then Lavy shook up his line-up on Saturday – and where he wanted an “energy” guy on every line – although I’m not so sure about the third line really living up to that.

Then again, two-thirds of this line, Mika and the returning Arthur Kaliyev, did go on to score goals.

I know that you can’t really argue about a win, but when I look at the top-six, then I’d like to see what J.T. Miller could do – and do for the overall betterment and progression of the team – should he ever find Cuylle and Lafreniere as his flanks.

But again, these moves worked, and whether it was a matter of luck, CBJ being injured or what – and you can’t be upset about it.

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

FIRST LINE: Panarin/Miller/Vesey

SECOND LINE: Cuylle/Trocheck/Lafreniere

THIRD LINE: Kreider/Zibanejad/Kaliyev

FOURTH LINE: Smith/Carrick/Rempe

FIRST PAIR: Lindgren/Fox

SECOND PAIR: Miller/Borgen

THIRD PAIR: Vaakanainen/Schneider

STARTING GOALIE: Jonathan Quick

BACK UP GOALIE:  Dylan Garand

LTIR : Adam Edstrom

IR: CZAR IGOR

HEALTHY SCRATCHES: Jonny Brodzinski & Zac Jones

BOX SCORE time.

The following graphics and information come from ESPN.com:

SCORING:

PENALTIES:

TEAM STATS:

GOALIES:

At 6:30PM, I logged onto the Gotham Sports App (which always works on my fire stick, but never on my work computer), and where sadly, I was greeted by the useless seven-foot schmuck, Sieve Vagistat.

When I returned to the broadcast some 28-minutes later, then there was Vagistat, at the updated Bud Light Tranny Fluid bar (drink a real beer, like a Labatt Blue, like a man!), stating for the 30th time that this was “the biggest game of the season.”

There are 27 more “biggest games of the season” to go after tonight – and then hopefully sixteen more after that.

The only thing I really wanted to see on this M$GN broadcast tonight was a reunion of J.D. and Sam Rosen – and where I was hoping that Micheletti’s tease from last night would be this.

(It’s expected that Rosen will get a banner at M$G sometime this season – and where I was hoping J.D. would make the announcement – and then emcee the ceremony.)

We didn’t even get one J.D. mention on this broadcast – and where as previously noted – maybe they are saving it for Rosen’s final game in Columbus (3/9).

I know that the blood is bad between Drury and J.D. – but they have made a trade (Jack Roslovic) since the “Et Tu Drury” incident.

And for two men who love the Rangers, and as both Drury and J.D. do –  then they have to put all of their beef aside and give the fans – and more importantly than that – Rosen – what they want:

One last ride with Davidson and Rosen – and for a complete sixty-minutes too.

And you know what?

I know that Micheletti wouldn’t mind being given the night off either – as he also knows how important and special this hopeful event would be.

GAME REVIEW time, and where as always, you can find the complete live play-by-play commentary from this game over at my reinstated (check last night’s blog) Twitter/X account, which you can find here: https://x.com/NYCTheMiC

FIRST PERIOD

After Sam and Joe were done praising every Blue Jacket in the land, and where at one point, I was expecting Rosen to say, “OH JOE, ADAM FANTILLI MAKES MY PANTS GO SILLY!”; then Miller won the opening draw of the match.

I also thought that Micheletti made a good point during this initial attack, as he brought up how Vesey was just asking for a trade a week ago, and today, between a combination of Adam Edstrom’s injury and the team looking like shit the night before, that he was now on the team’s top line.

But again – this line-up decision worked – or at least it worked out for the new second line.

Ditto the third and fourth lines too.

(Panarin/Miller/Vesey produced no points and totaled only six SOG – and where Vesey had half of them.)

At just the 1:56 mark, Kaliyev proved that he took his recent healthy scratches personally and in turn, then scored on this one hell of an individual play:

Arthur Kaliyev gets us started 1-0 #NYR pic.twitter.com/mdg6IPKI4s

— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) February 9, 2025

1-0, GOOD GUYS.

As much as I can’t stand the sight of him, then even I must admit that Zibanejad kicked off this scoring play, as while in his own end – and I can’t believe this happened either – he actually embraced a physical battle to the corner right of Quick – made a pass to Lindgren and then the defenseman found Kaliyev.

Kaliyev, after being bumped off the puck as he was going to the net, stayed with it, wrapped around Elvis’ net and then beat him with the one-handed highlight reel goal.

(But don’t worry – Mika doesn’t get a pass tonight – and he most certainly didn’t get one from Jumpin’ Joe either!)

The Rangers, and as they’d often do during this game, had a long stretch where they just dominated, where in turn, they just kept shooting pucks while Columbus scrambled around.

Vesey had a strong one-vs-one backhander denied with 16:23 to go.

Mika then had Elvis beat dead-to-rights with 15:35 to go – but the hockey idiot forced an insane cross-ice pass to his BFF instead.

While you could understand what Mika was going for here (a backdoor tap-in try for CK20); but he should’ve shot this puck, as this pass had a 1% chance of connecting.

His refusal not to shoot here set off Micheletti, as he then channeled his inner Bill Chadwick and was just screaming at Mika to “SHOOT THE PUCK!”

Heel Micheletti would later return.

After that, and with 14:42 to go, and Elvis was forced to make a tough save on Trocheck.

A few seconds later, and Matt Rempe, most certainly more noticeable than ever from an offensive standpoint, had his shot denied by Elvis.

And while Rempe did have his minutes cut down a bit (7:28), it does feel like Laviolette is trusting him more – as the big man was out there when the game was still tied at 3-3 with 5:00 to go.

I’m happy to finally see it – as this was long overdue.

As Micheletti continued to rail on Mental Mika, so much so that I thought Joe was going to take off his headset, march to the ice and then give the overpaid Swede a Moe Howard two-finger poke to the eyeballs; then Fantilli, with 12:19 to go – did the exact same thing as Mika – as he refused to take a high-quality shot, favoring a cross-ice turnover instead.

As we hit the half-way mark of the period, Quick made his third save of the game, on Sean Kuraly.

At the time, the Rangers had eight shots on goal – and where no joke – it felt like they could’ve scored on any of them.

But that’s how it’s been going for the Blueshirts these days – as despite the rare occasions when they are playing well – they can never race out to a big lead and put the other team away early either.

Hell, I’d settle for just a two-goal lead at this point!

Down to 7:58 remaining and Quick made one of his best save of the games – and even if this save required was self-inflicted:

Jonathan Quick are you kidding me⁉️🤯 #NYR pic.twitter.com/AP28YCLWlZ

— Dan Godlewski (@Danthfc_) February 9, 2025

Yeah, Quick turned over the puck, but he did bail himself out.

For Mr. 401 wins – then this was “no harm, no foul” – and a hell of a highlight too!

All of the Rangers’ strong work, and where they were approaching fifteen-minutes of domination, was shot to shit with only 5:29 to go – as Kent Johnson scored on this one-timer:

Kent Johnson beats his former teammate Jonathan Quick, tying it up for the Jackets!#CBJ pic.twitter.com/rD8DumpG4o

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) February 9, 2025

1-1.

It’s tough to fault Quick for this, but we’ve seen him stop these shots before.

You definitely can’t blame him for what transpired some 36-seconds later:

Another quick goal for Columbus, this one from Justin Danforth on the nifty tip in front!#CBJ pic.twitter.com/IKRzVBVU7i

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) February 9, 2025

2-1, bad guys – and where everyone in Rangers’ Nation was burying Alexis Lafreniere for giving up on the play.

Following a missed opportunity in CBJ’s end, Lafreniere didn’t even make an attempt to go back and play defense – so much so that you could see Trocheck screaming and pushing him to march up ice.

As Ron Duguay, other members of the alumni and every fan was calling out Lazy Laffy on social media; then full marks to Jumpin’ Joe – who wasted no time jumping down Lafreniere’s throat for this inexcusable offense.

I don’t know if M$GN took off the restraints that are shackled on Sam & Joe tonight or what – but it was a pleasure to hear them actually criticize the Rangers – and not pretend that everything was hunky-dory in-town either.

And for the people wondering why Lafreniere was never punished/benched after this play?

Why would he be?

After all, all FAT CATS are exempt from having their playing time being taken away from the bench boss – and if you don’t believe me, then tell me when was the last time Zibanejad was scratched?

Heck, I expect Sam Carrick, for not scoring tonight, to get benched before Lafreniere ever does!

And oh – assisting on Justin Danforth’s goal was “OLD FRIEND” Jack Johnson – as yes – he’s still around!

When Danforth scored, then you could feel every emotion welling up inside of you – anger, frustration, fear and perhaps a tad of Rangers’ induced diarrhea too.

It just felt like the same old Rangers were back – and especially when Vesey couldn’t score just twenty-seconds later.

If you didn’t see this game and as a result, only checked the black-and-white box score – then you’d see that Quick gave up three goals and finished with a .880 save percentage.

But don’t get it twisted – he was great.

In color and Quick made monumental saves – and including during the ends of the first two periods, which in turned, prevented multiple “heartbreakers” allowed.

Down to a minute remaining and JVR was left all alone for a picture-perfect one-timer – and one that Quick denied.

In turn, this meant that Columbus only took a one-goal lead into the locker room, rather than two, as the first frame concluded.

2-1, bad guys after one period of play.

Here’s what I said at the time:

2-1, bad guys, after 20. 1P Thoughts:
— Same old story – and where the only “new” is how #NYR finds new ways to lose.
— Rangers dominated the first ten minutes, but once again, could never build a multi-goal lead.
— Two quick goals for a Columbus team on a three game losing…

— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) February 9, 2025

SECOND PERIOD

As the second period began, then Sam astutely informed us that Columbus was the third-worst second period team in the league (-15), but didn’t mention where the Rangers were in this department (last-place in 2025).

By the end of it?

Each team traded goals for a net gain of zero.

Just 1:15 in and there was Quick again in order to prevent CBJ from extending their lead, as he stopped Fantilli on a mini-breakaway.

After that, and CBJ spent nearly a minute caving in the Mika line in their own end.

As Rosen and Micheletti were doing their “Ode to Fantilli,” then Fantilli, after another Quick turnover, missed the net at the 4:00 mark.

Approaching the five-minute mark and there was Rempe to break up CBJ’s momentum – and as he did when he forced Elvis into making a strong save.

Rempe was credited with two shots on goal tonight (I counted three – and he had more shot attempts than that) – which was also the same number of SOG that Panarin, paid nearly twelve times as much, and with three-times the playing time too, finished with.

Yes, it’s only one game – but when the games get big then Panarin gets small.

He’s just never able to take over these big games, especially in the playoffs, and like other league superstars always do, names such as Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Nate MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, Matt Tkachuk, Jack Eichel and you get my point.

At the 6:09 mark, this is when Trocheck and Severson exchanged pleasantries – and where Severson was willing to fight, while Trocheck was willing to draw Severson into solely taking the game’s first penalty.

Both men were boxed anyway, but this did work out for the Blueshirts, as Mika, following some nifty passing from the Four Nations Americans, Fox and Kreider, set him up for this no-doubt-about-it strike:

What a shot by Mika to tie the game 2-2 #NYR pic.twitter.com/mWEfqlpRTf

— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) February 9, 2025

2-2 – and where I don’t think that the Zibanejad of 2024 would have scored here.

Maybe he’s improving, but it’s still too little, too late – and where he is the biggest reason why this team is in the hole they find themselves in today.

Sorry, I don’t have amnesia folks – as I just can’t go bat-shit crazy during the rare times whenever Mika actually shows up on the scoreboard.

Quick, who only grew stronger as the game continued, made a pair of stops on Olivier as the foreplay ended.

At the half-way mark of the period/game, then it was funny when that commercial of the two girls bonding over a Jacob Trouba jacket was aired twice.

It might be time to retire that ad.

It was also humorous how Joe changed his tone about Mika – as Joe was back on the Mika Train again – but he’d soon leave it once more too!

As CBJ had one of the better shifts of the period, then Quick was able to stop their long attack with a freeze with 8:03 to go.

As Rempe screened Elvis with 7:20 remaining, but where no Ranger would shoot the puck either; then Quick made a big stop on Kuraly a minute later.

Following a huge K. Miller hit on Fantill, this then allowed the Mika line to go on a lengthy attack, an attack so long that the J. Miller line was able to get on the ice for it too.

However, no scoring here, as we remained tied with 4:00 left on the clock.

As the Rangers were coming on, Panarin pulled a Mika and shot high-and-wide from feet away.

This then gave Columbus an easy odd-man rush the other way – and one that JVR took advantage of too:

JVR! James van Riemsdyk gives Columbus the lead with a redirect on Severson’s backdoor pass!#CBJ pic.twitter.com/2gDOR6b7K6

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) February 9, 2025

3-2, bad guys – and where again – what was Quick supposed to do here?

This was just bad defense – and where as we’ve seen a lot of this season – the Rangers spend more time shooting pucks high-and-wide, where in turn, most of these ricochets then wind up in the back of the Blueshirts’ backstop’s net.

As was the case twenty-minutes of game-time prior, then with just nine-seconds remaining and Matthieu Olivier was left all alone again – and where Quick had to make a pair of saves in order to prevent CBJ from doubling their lead.

While I know that CUYLLE HAND LUKE will get all of the headlines and lede stories tonight – you also can NOT forget about all of these big saves that Quick made either – and especially these end of period stops that would’ve been deflating heartbreaking goals had JQ32 not been there.

3-2, bad guys, through two periods.

Here’s what I said at the time:

3-2, bad guys, after 40. 2P Thoughts:
— Kind of like the first period – #NYR come out hot, own most of the period, then once they get momentum – BLAMMO – #CBJ scores.
— Quick has kept them in there, lots of big saves despite 3GA – especially the pair with 9-seconds remaining.…

— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) February 9, 2025

THIRD PERIOD

Here’s what I said just as the period was set to begin:

Twenty-minutes to go before a much needed two-week break for #NYR fans. Despite everything, and a personal pregame wager on underdog #CBJ too, and I think the Rangers can come back and win this. Miller loses the draw and away we go.

— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) February 9, 2025

By the end of the night, some may say that I lost $25 betting on Columbus, but I look at it as I paid $25 for a Rangers’ win!

My sacrifice to you, John and Jane Q. Reader!

(My Paypal address is BULLSMC@aol.com, in case you’re asking!)

That said – I am looking forward to this two-week break – but more about that once we get to the end of this.

Just 1:57 in and Cuylle began the comeback:

Cuylle ties the game at 3-3 #NYR pic.twitter.com/plygpTO7EK

— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) February 9, 2025

This goal was all on Elvis as he turned over the puck from his throne – and there wasn’t a peanut butter and banana sandwich in the world that could save this shot.

The rest of this period?

Then aside from two minimal attacks – and it was all Rangers – hence the 3P SOG total of 17-4.

I must admit, that until Cuylle scored his game-winner – then I did have that sinking feeling in my stomach – as it would’ve been so on brand for the Blueshirts to just dominate this period, then only to allow CBJ to squeak one by.

Thankfully, that’s not what transpired.

Among the highlights before Cuylle called game:

— Panarin’s line had a strong shift with 16:50 to go – but no SOG.

— The fourth line followed this strong shift with one of their own – as they continued to dominate zone time.

—- Elvis stopped Schneider with 15:40 to go.

— Cuylle almost set up Lafreniere for a goal, but the shot was blocked with 14:40 to go.

— Six-minutes in, and the Rangers were already out-shooting CBJ by a tally of 7-1.

— Thirty-seconds later and Elvis made a pair of stops on Vesey and Panarin – and where after controlling the puck – Columbus got a fortunate TV timeout – as it allowed them to slow down the Rangers a bit.

— With 12:20 remaining – Mika Did It Again – as despite being all alone with Elvis from one-foot out – and he forced a pass to Kreider. Micheletti was absolutely livid and where I would’ve had no problem if he had went down to ice level and slapped Mika across the face.

— Joe was so incensed (and rightfully so), as he said, “It’s Mika’s job as an alleged goal scorer to SHOOT THE PUCK! He has to be selfish Sam! He used to be a forty-goal scorer in this league!”

— And if the Rangers hadn’t won tonight, then a big OH YEAH – both Zibanejad and Lafreniere would have been crucified and raked over the coals.

— This Mika error was just another example of going back into bad habits whenever tied or leading.

— With 10:30 remaining, Carrick & Rempe almost connected on a two-vs-one down low, but Elvis kept his team alive.

— Three-minutes later and the SOG total was 13-2 Rangers – which only added to the anxiety to the fact that this game was still tied.

— Cuylle, prior to his game-winner, almost scored it here with 7:15 remaining, but as his puck went behind Elvis, there was perhaps the 2025 Norris Trophy winner, Zach Werenski, to recover the rubber and get it the hell out of Graceland.

— After Columbus made every Ranger fan nearly shit their pants after hitting iron; then Kreider created a <DING> of his own, and as he did with 5:50 to go.

— Come 3:46 remaining, we had one final TV timeout – and where for both teams – they needed to empty out the tanks – and not make any mistakes either.

— After all, and while the Rangers allowing CBJ to get a point wouldn’t have been ideal, it was a much better scenario than leaving Ohio without a point attained.

— Down to 1:54 to go – and more Quick – as he got away with holding the stick of Olivier and then soon got a freeze too. This was scary and hectic – and perhaps without Quick getting away with this – then it would’ve been Columbus, and not New York, that scored the dagger.

— As Sam Rosen was crying about not having any power-plays to talk about, then enter CUYLLE HAND LUKE who just blew into the zone – and then blew over “The King” of Columbus too, a one Elvis Merzlikins:

Cuylle gets his 2nd of the period to take the lead 4-3 #NYR pic.twitter.com/334sQqUzSF

— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) February 9, 2025

4-3, GOOD GUYS!

After the goal, and Elvis left the building – or should I say – his net!

There was never a point after Cuylle’s goal, and with CBJ on their 6 x 5 attack, where you thought that the Rangers would allow their opponents to take a point from them.

That does say something – but we also can’t forget what else has happened this season, nor the fact that Columbus is extremely injured right now, which explains why they now enter the break on a four-game losing streak.

(And I’ve talked about the Johnny Gaudreau tragedy/murder on this site so much, that there’s no reason to get into this again – but yeah – we know the deal, as this catastrophe is arguably the worst one to ever take place in the NHL. And yep, and as I’ve been saying – then I also believe that the entire Blue Jackets organization deserves the Bill Masterton Trophy come the end of the season.)

4-3, GOOD GUYS, your final – but despite the feel-good win – then I’m not ready to scream that “THE BLUESHIRTS ARE BACK” just yet – and like how many of fellow “Blueshirts’ Brethren” are currently doing.

After all, it’s been too many losses, too many win one/lose one games and I won’t believe in this team’s chances of making the playoffs again until they rip-off a lengthy win streak.

Plus, the Rangers are very lucky that the teams they are chasing, and the ones trailing them too, have done a lot of losing recently as well (the one exception here is Detroit, who had their seven-game winning streak snapped on Saturday against Tampa).

That said, then tonight’s result was the best case scenario – and much more desirable than the alternative!

Up Next For the Rangers: Two-weeks off – and where they will hope that no one gets hurt in this stupid tournament.

Up Next For Me: As you may have figured out – then I don’t care about “Four Nations.”

I’ll watch it if it’s on at the bar or something, but I’m not going out of my way to watch it either.

I’m looking forward to this break myself, as with this season being busy, then I have been very derelict in my book writing – as I haven’t even looked at my Phil Watson biography/manuscript since December.

I’m hoping to use these two-weeks to work more on that – as I’d like to get this book published sometime this summer.

As far as this site goes, then in a perfect world, the Rangers do nothing and I can have two-weeks away from hammering at this keyboard!

But since these Blueshirts have been dominating the hockey news cycles all-season, then I expect something will happen – and whether it be an injury during the moronic tournament, a trade or something else out of left field.

Maybe Putin will go after Panarin again.

Better than that?

Maybe Donald Trump will deport Zibanejad – and make Sweden pay for his cap-hit!

As said above, then there was a lot of speculation that Lavy would’ve received the ax had the team lost on Saturday night – but I never felt that would be the case – as that would also be an indictment on Drury.

But I can see Lateralette getting his walking papers over the summer – because if a new core is formed (and it’s already forming, as many players have been sent elsewhere, including the captain), then you may as well give them a fresh coach too.

And since I won’t be around until after it happens, then I’ll go with a 32-29 Superbowl final – and in favor of the MVP of that game, the Eagles’ Saquon Barkley.

After all, it would be so fitting for me, and every other fan of the Giants too, for this disastrous decision to go with Barkley over Danny Jones, to blow up in Big Blue’s faces.

Poor John Mara!

I’m also looking forward to this mini-vacation from blogging about these Rangers – because let’s face it – this has been a terrible season – and it’s taken a lot of the life out of me.

I need a break from this team as much as you guys and gals do!

But should you want more writing from me, then up next for you – your favorite segment:

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