Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. 80 down, 2 to go.
And oh yeah – whatever that was on Thursday night can be summed up in one-word – “horrific.”
But for those who subscribe to one of my mantras, “laughter is the best medicine,” this 4-1 loss to the Flyers can also be described by Tullamore Dew’s latest jingle – as M$GN’s newest sponsor must’ve had their commercials run at least 985678857867856756785675675 times tonight:
“When your $8.5M center sucks, what do you do? Tullamore, Tullamore, Tullamore Dew!
“When you don’t have an even strength goal in your last two games, what do you do? Tullamore, Tullamore, Tullamore Dew!
“When everything feels like Devils’ Deja Vu, what do you do? Tullamore, Tullamore, Tullamore Dew!
“When your foot is broke from kicking your dinosaur computer, what do you do? Tullamore, Tullamore, Tullamore Dew!
“When you gotta fart but the Rangers are making you poo, what do you do? Tullamore, Tullamore, Tullamore Dew!
“When your lead announcer thinks Artemi Panarin is Roman Ndur, what do you do? Tullamore, Tullamore, Tullamore Dew!”
And a special shout-out to friend and reader of the blog, Linda H., who like me, also has this whiskey jingle stuck in her head too.
For Linda, yours truly and everyone else who imbibes?
Not only did the Rangers look drunk tonight – but after this 4-1 fiasco – every Blueshirt fan needed a bottle of Tullamore, Tullamore, Tullamore Dew to heal the pain!
As mentioned on Tuesday night – I had to work later than usual tonight (I didn’t get home until 2:30AM – and I’m STARTING this blog at 3:00AM – my sacrifice for you!) – and after what I saw on Thursday, combined with the get-in price for first-round playoff games at M$G next weekend now approaching $500 – I think that I’ll spend my overtime money on some Tullamore, Tullamore, Tullamore Dew – and rather than attending any of these games in-person!
Then again, perhaps I’ll hold onto my new-found bonus-time gains – while also continuing to pray to the hockey gods that I’ll be able to spend it on a 2024 Stanley Cup Final ticket – featuring a home-ice New York Rangers.
Hey – a boy can dream – no?
I’ll get into the latest on Rempe below – but really it’s more of the same.
For whatever reason, Laviolette has Rempe stapled in the press box – and even worse for Rempe – once there, he then has to deal with the likes of birdbrain Mollie Walker and Wince Mercogliano!
FREE REMPE!
But since I’m writing this manifesto at an ungodly hour, and since I’ve written all of this stuff before – I’ll limit the redundancy on Rempe – that is, until we hit the pregame news and notes!
However, I just wanted to bring up Rempe’s absence tonight, because none of what I’m saying is a case of hindsight being 20/20 – as I’ve been banging this drum harder than an in-his-prime John Bonham during “When The Levee Breaks” – and where following these two most recent Ranger losses – I feel like “The Lavy Has Broken” too.
I don’t mean to sound so down after one loss – but this was bad.
There’s no sugar-coating this one.
Not. At. All.
However, I do want to shed some light of positivity before venting.
Up first, my season-long daily disclaimer, a calming 25-word sentence after a night like this:
“WHATEVER THE RANGERS DO IN THE REGULAR SEASON DOESN’T MATTER. THEY CAN ONLY BE JUDGED BY WHATEVER THEY DO IN THE 2024 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS!”
Up second, and more important than the disclaimer?
The updated standings following all games played from Thursday, April 11th:
Up third – and last but not least?
The fact that the Rangers have hit historic highs this season, from their unprecedented five-game road-trip sweep (SEA/EDM/CGY/VAN/WPG), their franchise-best ten-game winning streak and the truth that they rarely lose two games in regulation.
Unfortunately, the latter played out tonight – as after being smacked around a bit by the Islanders, the Rangers, who you would have thought would have entered Thursday night with some extra juice and pep in their step – were instead brutalized even more so against the Flyers.
The Islanders’ loss was forgivable.
After all, the Rangers had owned them all season, including registering one of their most memorable regular season wins in franchise history too (the Stadium Series game).
Plus, it was one bad – okay – it was horrible – period that did the Rangers in.
Tonight?
The Rangers just looked as flat as a plate of warm piss for sixty-minutes.
Unlike the loss from 48-hours prior (a “road” game nonetheless) – you never thought a Rangers’ comeback would transpire.
Instead, they expired.
But of course, such a sad turn of events was somewhat predictable – and as a reminder – here’s what I wrote on Tuesday night in my brief Rangers/Flyers preview:
While yes – the only thing that matters is what happens in the playoffs – but after tonight, I have to admit the following:
I had 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs PTSD when watching this wretched affair.
As you may know by now (and you should know this), there weren’t many Ranger fans out there that was as traumatized as I was following that first-round seven-game defeat to the Devils last year.
Hell, that loss tortured my Blueshirts’ soul to the bone, so much so, that I had to write a book in order to vent and release all of my pain – and one that you can find here: The Top 100 Villains of New York Rangers History.
Of course, this loss to the Flyers wasn’t on the same magnitude or level as that playoff loss from last year to the Devils was – but everything that we saw last year – and everything that I said at the time too – played out again – and as if it was deja vu.
I don’t want to forget about what we’ve seen all-season, you know, a historic season, and where with one more win, then it’s the best regular season in franchise history – but I can’t forget about all of the misses from this core either – you know – a core that’s now on their third head coach after demanding the last two, David Quinn and Gerard Gallant, to hit the bricks.
And I’ll go “there” too:
If either Quinn or Gallant were still here, then Rempe would be in their line-up today.
I can hear it now:
“Rempe brings an awful lot of swagger to this group looking to win in the National Hockey League.” – DQ
“GIVE THE KID A BREAK MOLLIE – REMPE IS PLAYING! <SNIFF, SNIFF, SNIFF while air-drumming.>” – The Turk
And yep – for more on the end of these two eras, and for all of my words on the failure from this core as well – then just check out everything that I wrote on May 1st, 2023 – and then in the months that followed.
(You can do so by clicking the main page of this site and looking at the archives which are located on the right-hand side.)
This 4-1 loss, and akin to many others from this season, was another example of the “BEATING THE BLUESHIRTS BLUEPRINT” reaching fruition.
And as many mentioned many times before, how do you beat the Rangers?
Easy – shut down the Panarin line and then cruise to victory.
While such plans are easier said than done, and as all of Panarin’s scoring would suggest (and the same, while at lesser extent, applies to Trocheck and Lafreniere too) – if you’re able to stunt THE GAG LINE 2.0, the highest-scoring even-strength line in the league today, then you don’t have to worry about anything else.
Sure, and like most things, there are a few exceptions to this rule too, as players like Goodrow, Vesey, Cuylle and other bottom-sixers have shouldered the load when the Panarin line weren’t able to do all of the heavy lifting – but one thing hasn’t become an exemption just yet – Zibanejad putting the team on his back.
And I know what his devoted fans will say – he’s a great defender, great PKer, and blah-blah-blah.
And while that’s all true – for $8.5M (that number will always haunt me – and if you need such an explanation, then read my blogs from 2014-2020) – HE HAS TO SCORE.
Instead, #93 has been a liability – and as one of his regular turnovers for a goal the other way, and as it happened tonight, have been detrimental all season.
At this rate, and be honest with yourself, answer me this:
Do you really expect Zibanejad to flip a switch come the playoffs?
There’s just been nothing to suggest that such a Haley’s Comet event will occur after watching him throughout the course of this 2023-24 campaign.
And what does it say when Zibanejad, who has quickly become one of the biggest “Flyer Killers” of all-time – was rendered sterile and useless tonight?
And again – this putrid loss, worst of the season, took place after a loss to the Islanders – and with Torts’ men on an eight-game losing streak.
Rather than racking up the pain in Philly; instead, the Rangers opened up their five-holes and basically said, “come hither.”
And while it really doesn’t matter who the Rangers open the playoffs with – the Blueshirts kept the Flyers’ dream alive too.
As brought up a few times during the past week or so, and now with the information gained from these past two-games – the Rangers run a real risk of limping into the playoffs, while their opponent enters the postseason on a hot streak – as whoever the Blueshirts host, and whether it be as the Presidents’ Trophy winners, Beasts of the East, Metro Champs or as <GULP>, the second-seed of their division – their opponent will have finished the regular season on a heater.
That’s how much this loss led all of Rangerstown, USA into a tail-spin.
And I’m not exaggerating.
The only way to eradicate themselves from these back-to-back shit shows?
Close the season with home wins over the Islanders (Saturday) and Senators (Monday).
As I continue to defend the Trouba/Miller pairing until I’m blue in the face – these two didn’t help my cause on Thursday night.
In fact, this Trouba/Miller train defense of mine was derailed.
Miller finished with a game-low minus-three tonight – and where yes – this plus/minus rating DOES tell the story.
Trouba finished as a minus-two – and ditto.
At the same time, this pair didn’t receive much help from their forwards either, and for the second consecutive game in a row – the Rangers were devoid of an even-strength goal.
Not good.
Plus, and as noted above, one of the goals allowed was due to a Zibanejad turnover.
In my eyes, it’s very easy to rag on the Miller and Trouba pair – but at the same time, you can’t win if you can’t score – and let’s not forget about this either – these Flyers just gave up nine goals in their last game played, a 9-3 loss to the long playoff-eliminated Montreal Canadiens.
To me, this was a collective team-loss, as outside of Adam Fox and Artemi Panarin (and to a lesser extent once again, the other GAG LINE 2.0 members too) – there weren’t many signs of offensive life.
While we’ll see how it all plays out, and where like anyone else, a strong playoffs will redeem him; but for right now, the acquisition of Jack Roslovic seems more and more of a mistake with each game played – and especially when you see what Jake Guentzel is doing in Carolina – as the former Penguin is nearly averaging two-points per-game ever since his Raleigh arrival.
Granted, the Rangers have been a strong team all-season, but acquiring Roslovic, Wennberg and Chad “Remember Me?” Ruhwedel weren’t WIN-NOW moves for a team that most certainly needs to WIN NOW – and as both the head coach and general manager said following Laviolette’s hiring.
And should the Rangers not realize their dream this June, then there will be a whole lot of people questioning Drury about his trade deadline – and why he didn’t give up Kaapo Kakko for Frank Vatrano too.
And don’t get me started on not signing Patrick Kane again either – but I’m sure that you’re sick of my stuff on the former #88 of the Blueshirts by now too!
But while we can second-guess the trade deadline all that we want – at the end of the day, it all boils down to the $8.5M failure at center – and where if I’ve said it once, then I’ve said it 93 million times too – all of his struggles have been swept under the rug by the majority – and due to the team’s overall success.
Simply stated – Mika has to finally wake up – as it’s not funny anymore – and especially with these games meaning something come the 4/20 weekend.
Here was one of my pregame tweets prior to puck drop:
Rangers/Flyers prediction:
—- Struggling Flyers open up hot, but the Rangers erase another early deficit.
— Four points for Panarin.
—- Mika scores since he always torments these guys.
—- Quick wins #19 and a chance for 20 on Monday after a 6-2 #NYR win.
— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) April 11, 2024
Well?
I got one thing right – the Flyers would take an early lead.
And hey – the Rangers erased it.
However, they then let up three more scores and that was that.
Following K’Andre Miller blowing a tire and wiping out, Cam “OH JOE, No Relation to New” York easily beat Quick at the 4:21 mark.
1-0, bad guys – and another game where the Rangers found themselves behind the eight-ball – and where #8 on the Blueshirts, the captain, couldn’t block this shot either.
During a first frame where the Rangers received three power-plays, it would take a 5 x 3 power-play in order for the team to register their only score of the game – and as Panarin did at the 18:19 mark.
1-1.
At the time, you thought (or at least I did) – “Okay, enough of the bullshit, it’s time to run away with this.”
That wound up being true – for the Flyers.
At just the 3:29 mark of the second stanza, Bobby Brink, from the slot, sent a puck Quick’s way – and one that Miller got to first – as the defenseman then deflected the puck past his own goalie – and on a shot that JQ32 never had a shot on.
2-1, bad guys.
Following another power-play failure, and some poor officiating too (the officials decided that Garnett Hathaway’s attempted murder play on Quick was only worth a 2:00 timeout – and I say this only because of the death of Adam Johnson – more below in the GAME REVIEW); at the 19:13 mark, or with 47-seconds remaining – Zibanjead turned over the puck in the o-zone and this then led to an odd-man rush goal, their third, for the Flyers – and this time as scored by Travis Konecny.
3-1, bad guys.
Come the third period, and following what essentially became a half-hearted attempt of making a comeback; Noah Cates, on a two-vs-one following an o-zone faceoff, beat Quick at the 5:56 mark for the 4-1, bad guys goal – and your final score too.
Outside of Lafreniere hitting the iron – the Rangers never came close of making this a game – and where you gotta feel bad for the fans who paid boffo bucks in order to attend this game too.
For the Rangers, it’s still the big picture – but after tonight – it felt like someone just threw red paint all over what’s otherwise been somewhat a masterpiece of a season.
Why “somewhat?”
Easy.
Despite all of the epic winning streaks and milestones recorded – there was also that seven-week period where the Rangers played .500 hockey – and where now – had they been better than “win one, lose one” during those dog days of winter – then the Presidents’ Trophy would have long been clinched.
And with such a feat – then maybe Rempe would get some playing time too.
Ugh.
At this time, let’s get into the pregame news and notes, followed by the rest of our usual segments.
Following the madness from Tuesday night at the horse stables at Belmont; come Wednesday, the team had the day off.
Since the Rangers were idle on Wednesday, it wasn’t until Thursday when the good news was confirmed – Mika Zibanejad, who as previously mentioned on this site (https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/4924/ ), following the Rangers/Islanders clash, was back on the bench during the final seconds of regulation – was indeed 100% healthy – and avoided a major crisis too.
During Thursday’s team-sponsored “RISE AND SHINE” morning skate, and outside of confirmation about Zibanejad being a-okay, the other “big story” was the fact that yes indeed, and for whatever reason, Matt Rempe remains as a healthy scratch.
While we’ve talked all about this mind-boggling situation, where Rempe collects dust at the expense of experience, and how you can’t let fans, media and merchandise metrics decide your line-up either; but indulge me by checking out the following graphic that I posted on my Tweeter account late Wednesday night/early Thursday morning:
Matt Rempe has taken over the NHL so big, that not only is his jersey the top seller of the past three weeks – but when you type the name “Matt” on https://t.co/mk6s2PViXT – his name pops up first – and before Auston Matthews and Matt Tkachuk. #nyr pic.twitter.com/LkpsmRQ3Vz
— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) April 11, 2024
As you can see, and similar to Google who first started using the “predicted text machine technology” (I have no clue what the real terminology is); whenever you type in the word “Matt” on the NHL’s official online store, then the name of Matt Rempe pops-up first.
At the time, I was wondering if this was just a New York thing, as I’m to assume that the NHL is tracking my IP address, but when I had friends in Canada, Florida, Alabama and California do the same for me, then Rempe’s name popped-up first for them too.
And yep, my now usual “REMPE DISCLAIMER” too:
I won’t criticize the head coach about his deployment, or lack thereof, in regards to Rempe – but I do question it.
As written many times before, no one needs more playing time and experience entering the playoffs other than Rempe himself.
And even if you’re of the belief that Rempe shouldn’t receive one playoff game, and you’re entitled to have your opinions too – then at the very least – #73 should STILL be playing now, just in case an injury or two unfortunately takes place during the Stanley Cup run.
I just don’t get it.
And the media couldn’t be bothered to ask Laviolette about Rempe during the pregame edition of “LAVY’S LOUNGE” either:
Even more peculiar about the ignorant Blueshirts’ beat refusal to ask Lavy about Rempe?
Lavy, who can go on-and-on for days on end during these fireside chats, spoke for less than three-minutes, and where if you notice – even he was shocked that he had no more questions to answer at the end of his interview.
In a way, I think that he was expecting a Rempe question, but it never asked.
As far as what Lavy said, he did say that he wanted to select his words carefully (he didn’t want to risk a fine by speaking about noted asshole, Kelly Sutherland) – and said as far as Tuesday night goes – that he’s over it – and it’s all about “moving forward.”
But of course, the Rangers will host “little brother” on Saturday.
In other news, Lavy said that Blake Wheeler (remember him?) wasn’t close to a return.
It was also reported that there was a locker set up for Filip Chytil in the Rangers’ room – where as a result – many are speculating that that the concussed Czech is in New York and looking to skate again.
But let me clear, and I have no sources when saying this, as this is just my gut-belief:
Chytil won’t be back this season – and I really don’t see him ever returning either – unless he envisions himself as a drooling and mindless vegetable one day.
But I can’t knock a guy trying to overcome a serious condition – but I just don’t see the risk being worth the reward – and as previously explained in-detail on this site 7985675676788 times before.
As far as anything else, Laviolette confirmed that Jonathan Quick would get the nod in net.
Zibanejad also spoke to the media prior to Thursday night’s tilt:
Mika realized that what had happened to him on Tuesday night could have been worse – but thankfully – that wasn’t the case.
Zibanejad also said that he only watched the replay of his collision with Adam Pelech once.
Furthermore, and I think this was Laviolette’s goal anyway, Mika said that he was happy in the way that his coach defended him – and as #93 somewhat alluded to the fact that what had happened was accidental.
To close his interview, Zibanejad went back to the Gerard Gallant days when speaking about the team’s future, and said verbatim, “ONE GAME AT A TIME.”
(I heard there’s a book series about these very same five-words – and for more – check out the PLUGS segment below!)
Here was Laviolette’s line-up for the eightieth game of this 2023-24 season:
FIRST LINE: Panarin/Trocheck/Lafreniere
SECOND LINE: Kreider/Zibanejad/Roslovic
THIRD LINE: Cuylle/Wennberg/Kakko
FOURTH LINE: Goodrow/Brodzinski/Vesey
FIRST PAIR: Lindgren/Fox
SECOND PAIR: Miller/Trouba
THIRD PAIR: Gustafsson/Schneider
STARTER: Jonathan Quick
BACK-UP: CZAR IGOR
Healthy Scratches: Rempe, Jones and Ruhwedel
BOX SCORE time.
The following graphics and information come from ESPN.com:
SCORING:
PENALTIES:
TEAM STATS:
GOALIES:
|
PHI
|
|
SA
|
GA
|
SV
|
SV%
|
ESSV
|
PPSV
|
SHSV
|
SOSA
|
SOS
|
TOI
|
PIM
|
| 25 | 1 | 24 | .960 | 18 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 60:00 | 0 |
|
NYR
|
|
J. Quick G
|
|
SA
|
GA
|
SV
|
SV%
|
ESSV
|
PPSV
|
SHSV
|
SOSA
|
SOS
|
TOI
|
PIM
|
| 27 | 4 | 23 | .852 | 18 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 59:51 | 2 |
As I usually do ever since being moved to the asshole shift at work (3PM-12AM – and hours both before and beyond for overtime) – I combined all of my work breaks around this broadcast – that is – except for the pregame show.
And I can’t say this person’s name, but a big thank you to Mr. or Mrs. X. – a friend of mine who actually works with Vagistat over at the M$GN – and who has also informed me that Vagistat is not a fan of this nickname!
My friend, my “SAUCE,” my M$GN insider, and above all else, a regular reader of this site – also informed me that Vagistat would be flying solo tonight – and added, “Don’t take your break until 7:00PM! Lundqvist and Boyle are off!”
Also worth noting?
My INSIDERRR also tells me that people at the M$GN all call the worst goalie in franchise history “Vagistat” behind his back – but to be fair – most of them say it in a ribbing manner – just because they know it bothers him – and just like how Vagistat’s presence bothers all of us.
Enough of a fringe NHLer.
Let’s now talk about real NHLers.
At 7PM, and now on dinner break – my co-worker and I fired up the laptop – and where Sam Rosen and Joe Micheletti set the stage for a big Flyer win tonight.
Hate is a strong word – but I’m starting to really dislike them – and where they are easy to despise whenever the Rangers are losing too.
Earth to these two morons:
NOBODY WANTS TO HEAR YOU GIVE WET AND SLOPPY BLOWJOBS TO THE RANGERS’ OPPONENT WHENEVER THE BLUESHIRTS ARE GETTING THEIR DICKS KICKED IN!
And for the love of the hockey gods – Sam, and for one freaking game – can you please not confuse Panarin with Zibanejad, Trocheck and/or the popcorn vendor in the upper-deck?
It’s embarrassing – and yep – I’ll end it here.
After all, how many times do we have to point out all of Sam’s senior moments – and where this is obvious too – his family checked out on these games long ago.
After Sam and Joe wiped the Flyer ejaculation from their mouths, it was then time for our second year-end award of this season (and don’t forget – you can still email me to put in your Frank Boucher Trophy vote too – as I will be posting the winner on Sunday), this time, the newly founded Mr. Ranger award.
As you may have gathered from above, Adam Fox won what will one day be considered as a prestigious award, as this was only the third incarnation of such a presentation.
Officially, here’s what the Rangers had to say, courtesy of https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/adam-fox-honored-with-third-annual-rod-gilbert-mr-ranger-award:
We almost had a catastrophe during this presentation as hosted by Judy Gilbert and Adam Graves, as Fox almost “Lias Andersson’d” himself:
That was a close call. #NYR 🫣Congrats Adam Fox pic.twitter.com/ElyzUJZy6T
— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) April 11, 2024
That sound you heard at around 7:05PM EST?
No, it wasn’t another earthquake.
Instead, it was 18,006 fans, and millions more throughout Rangerstown, USA, all gasping for air – as Fox tripped over the blue carpet when skating over to meet Mrs. Gilbert and Graves.
Thankfully, Fox was fine after this – but could you imagine the alternative?
Eff that – perish that thought from your minds!
GAME REVIEW time – where yes, this will brief, and yes, if you want all of my thoughts in real-time, then check out: https://twitter.com/NYCTheMiC
FIRST PERIOD
I’m not making this up:
To begin the broadcast, Sam and Joe lamented over the state of the Flyers – and where Rosen, following such admiration, then said, “Carter Hart has had some personal problems this season.”
What an irresponsible remark – but then again – this is the same broadcast that hasn’t said one word about the sexual allegations (and lawsuit) that James Dolan currently finds himself embroiled in.
After hearing such malarkey, I’m surprised that Micheletti didn’t respond with, “OJ SIMPSON JUST DIED TODAY SAM. WHAT A FABULOUS TRIAL SAM. IF THE FABULOUS GLOVE DON’T FIT, THEN YOU MUST FABULOUSLY ACQUIT SAM!”
And the less said about Quick’s glove, and the Rangers’ inability to get anything past rookie Sam Ersson’s glove, the better!
Following the York 1-0, bad guys, goal, we then had a slew of penalties – and where the Rangers couldn’t take advantage on any of them until they received a 5 x 3 power-play late.
In a sign that this game was doomed, and following Cuylle drawing Scott Laughton for holding his stick at the 8:25 mark – just 21-seconds later – and BIG BAD ARTIE turned a power-play into a foreplay, following his “massive” interference/hit on York.
The Rangers did dominate these two-minutes – but yet again – no goals – much less shots on goal.
And once again – the Feckless Finn returned – and he personified that “Wallflower” nickname that I had previously given him too.
Kakko, a minus-two tonight, did a whole lot of skating and board-humping tonight – but never put a SOG during his 13:51 TOI.
At the end of the foreplay, Gustafsson was erroneously called for offside – despite clearly being onside.
This led to the Rangers protesting against these bone-head officials – as their whistle ended an odd-man rush.
For whatever reason, and even if the officials thought this was a 50/50 thing rather than falsely believing in a 100% thing – the rule of the book is to PLAY ON – and if a goal is scored, then that’s why you have video review.
But to be clear – I’m not blaming the bozos in stripes for this loss – I’m blaming the bozos in blue sweaters!
With 5:00 remaining, the Rangers were being out-shot, 11-5, to a team that had just given up nine goals in their last game played.
What, the Rangers were both in fear and in awe of Ersson?
I’m getting sick after writing that sentence!
As Rosen confused Panarin for Roman Ndur, with 2:19 to go, the Rangers had a 5 x 3 power-play.
Panarin, after another snipe, scored his 47th goal of the season, his 117th point too, to tie the game at one-all.
With two games remaining, Panarin needs three goals to join the Fifty Club – and six more points to tie Jagr’s franchise-best of 123.
I’m rooting for it – and I’m also rooting for a BREADMAN HAT TRICK on Saturday afternoon too!
In another “this could only happen to the Rangers” moment; once Erik Johnson was released from the box (the Rangers couldn’t find a second power-play goal in their 1:23 man-advantage), the Blueshirts were attacking, and on an odd-man rush too, as the Flyer was released from the box.
Also released?
A slew of equipment; wires, cables, etc; as all of this technological junk was tangled in-between Johnson’s skates as he left the box.
The refs immediately blew the whistle.
I guess there’s no BLUESHIRT BLUETOOTH at M$G – and what’s with wires plaguing the Rangers in recent years too?!?!
1-1 after 1.
Here’s what I said at the time:
1-1 after 1. 1P dinner break thoughts:
— If you didn’t know that the Flyers would score first and the Rangers would have a poor start, then you don’t watch these teams.
—- Want the win more than anything else, but really hope to see Panarin join the exclusive Blueshirts’ 50…
— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) April 11, 2024
SECOND PERIOD
For whatever reason, Rosen gets a raging hard-on whenever it rains – and he gave us his weather report for the 9677867876786th time.
And really, Sam, despite his age, should switch careers.
After all, weathermen are always wrong – and no one seems to care about it! What a fit!
Just 20-seconds into this middle period and Sanheim had missed a vacated net, while on a 3 x 2 odd-man rush, by a foot.
Whew – or a temporary whew.
After Zibanejad did his loser act on another Rangers’ power-play, following a phantom slashing call assessed to Torts’ favorite captain, Sean Couturier; this is when Miller, I mean Brink, scored.
2-1, bad guys.
The game-winner too – so at least K’Andre has that going for him!
Ugh.
I can’t silence the critics despite my thinking of Trouba/Miller works best – but yeah – this kind of stuff didn’t happen when Miller was playing with Braden Schneider when “The Great Eight” went down with injury.
At least I’m honest and fair!
This too:
If there was only some sort of seven-foot forechecking, big hitting and net front monster that Laviolette could deploy whenever his team needs a shot in the arm – and imagine such a thing?
Ugh.
Here’s what I said at the 6:06 mark:
Sam and Joe make sure to remind us that Jamie Drysdale is young and works hard. These two have lost the plot. Miller, not exactly having the best game of his season, going off for a penalty. If the Flyers score on this pp, then the “WE WANT REMPE” chants will return. #nyr
— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) April 12, 2024
Those chants would soon be heard – but during the final frame.
As Sam and Joe waxed poetic about the greatness of Cam Atkinsson at the half-way mark of the game/period; come 9:31 remaining, another horrific murderous attempt from Hathaway:
Hathaway kicks Quick in the head. Both get 2 min. #NYR pic.twitter.com/8hwflO5Jaq
— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) April 12, 2024
Despite a litany list of history from Hathaway – Micheletti defended the former Capital turned Flyer.
Like Sam, it’s time for Joe to go too – and for the love of the hockey gods- give Dave Maloney the gig.
As everyone immediately thought of what had happened to Adam Johnson – the officials decided to call off-setting penalties – Hathaway for unsportsmanlike conduct and Quick for tripping.
I guess attempted murder isn’t in the league’s rule book.
A disgrace – and much like this night/game in general.
Following the foreplay, and as my blood was boiling when watching the Rangers do their Terry Schiavo act; here’s what I said at the time:
I’m only a beer-bellied blogger watching this game during my well-timed break at work – and not a future HOF HC like Lavy is – but as said ever since Rempe returned from suspension – I don’t understand why he only plays one every four games. #nyr
— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) April 12, 2024
I soon came close to going back to work – I really did.
As Trocheck came close to scoring twice, all Sam and Joe did was praise Auston Matthews and Sidney Crosby – two players not involved in this tilt – and while the puck was in play.
Like Vagistat, these two need to go – ASAP.
Thankfully, and with the hopes of the Rangers reaching the second-round – then I’ll only have to see these three morons at least eight more times this month.
So yeah – I’m hoping for a Rangers’ first-round sweep – which would mean only five-more M$GN broadcasts this season!
To close this period, Mika’s turnover and Konecny’s goal.
3-1, bad guys.
Here’s what I said in real-time:
You know it’s bad when Missing Mika isn’t scoring against the team he always owns, which brings us to:
LOOK IN MY EYES
WHAT DO YOU SEE
ZIBANEJAD BEING OUTPLAYED BY JONNY BRODZINSKI!
NO RED LIGHTS
BIG SAD EYES
WHEN YOUR LEADER CAN’T SCORE
YOUR PLAYOFF DREAM DIES
LIKE RICK… pic.twitter.com/PrejLadNWc
— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) April 12, 2024
As I was tweeting that out, Goodrow looked to get revenge on Hathaway.
In turn, Goodrow gave the Flyers a power-play.
All Sam and Joe could do was ignore what was going on and then talk about how great Gritty’s appendage would taste in their senile and denture mouths.
THIRD PERIOD
The Rangers, following big hits from Trouba and Schneider, could never comeback.
Speaking of – this was the first game where we saw Trouba hitting again – and where you have to wonder – did he return too early – and is he at 100%?
Cates scored his 4-1, bad guys, goal at the 5:56 mark and that was pretty much that.
You could hear the life being completely drained out of M$GN too – but at least Sam and Joe were happy as clams when praising the Flyers for ending their losing streak.
I can’t stand these two any longer – have I mentioned that?
Also heard at this time?
Overwhelmingly large “WE WANT REMPE” chants.
Who could have predicted such a thing?!?!?
To close the game, and for a rotten cherry on top, Sam and Joe praised Daniel Briere and Keith Jones for all of the good work that they are doing for the Flyers.
And if it was my TV, rather than my friend’s laptop that I was watching this game on – then a bottle of Tullamore Dew would’ve broken the screen.
4-1, bad guys, your final.
Here’s Laviolette after the loss – and where not once – did any of these garbage beat reporters ask him about benching the lifeblood of this team, Matt Rempe:
Here’s Mika Cuckbeenbad, doing his usual act, where he takes no accountability after a loss:
Missing Mika says this once a week #nyr https://t.co/ppjHCbBLg4
— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) April 12, 2024
Up next, “FAMILY FUN DAY” at M$G, where a family of four will have to spend at least $3,000 in order to participate as a member of the live audience.
Yours truly, my pals and my family (my dad goes to every watch party at my local watering hole – and I’m blessed – as I’ll never be able to relate to the Cat Stevens’ “Father and Son” hit either – and I know how lucky that I am for this being a fact), will be watching the Rangers/Islanders game at our favorite bar – and where a shitload of Labatt Blue draft beers will be consumed during it.
And hopefully, a few TULLAMORE, TULLAMORE, TULLAMORE DEW goal celebration shots too!
(Hi and goodbye Linda!)
For this site, I’ll be back sometime Saturday night with a NYR/NYI GAME REVIEW.
Come Sunday, ice for my fingers, as I have three blogs planned for you – a look at Alex Shibicky, the Frank Boucher Trophy voting results (and as spoiled on Tuesday – Panarin is winning it – as it are the runner-ups that’s most impressive) and a preview of NYR/OTT – the season finale.
As I go home here, sorry if I was too negative tonight – but these blogs, my writing, is my own way of purging my soul – and all negativity too.
Beat the Islanders – and for the sake of my mental health!
My ass, from sitting on this computer chair, is sweaty, my eyes are heavy, and with some levity, 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 $25 a pop (includes shipping price) through me directly. Here is all the information on that:
Order “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden” Book Today
My four-volume set of books, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is a game-by-game recount of the Rangers 2021-22 campaign.
My second title as an author, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is now available in eBook, paperback and hardcover formats.
To obtain signed copies, visit: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/onegamebook/
To purchase all four volumes on Amazon, visit: Amazon.com – “One Game at a Time.”
The greatest volume-set of books on Rangers’ history today!
“Tricks of the Trade – A Century-Long Journey Through Every Trade Made In New York Rangers’ History,” a four-volume set of books that meticulously covers every trade made in franchise history, is now on sale.
All four volumes of the title can be purchased on Amazon.com and are presented in three different formats – eBook, paperback and hardcover.
To purchase Volume I: Conn Smythe (1926) – Craig Patrick (1986), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume II: Phil Esposito (1986) – Neil Smith (2000), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume III: Glen Sather (2000-2015), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume IV: Jeff Gorton (2015) – Chris Drury (2022), visit Amazon.com
To purchase signed copies of all four volumes, visit https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/
Here are my last few blogs, in case you missed them:
NYR/NYI 4/9 Review: Rempe-Less Rangers Busted Up By Isles; Still Remain as “BEST IN THE WORLD BLUESHIRTS,” “Lavy’s Lot” Play One of Their Worst Periods of the Season; “Roy’s Ruffians” Play One Of Their Best, JAGR WATCH Update; One Shy From “CK40” Too, Laviolette Irately Incensed In Most Explosive Interview Yet; A Case of “Rempe Regret,” Frank Boucher Trophy Voting, “Ranger Killers,” M$GN & More
NYR/MTL 4/7 Review: “The Breadman” and “THE BEST IN THE WORLD BLUESHIRTS” Continue Their Epic & Historic Seasons; The BFF’s Show Up Too, The Deserving Vincent Trocheck Wins The Prestigious Steven McDonald Award; Thank You NYPD, Lots of Franchise Records Set to Be Broken; JAGRWATCH Down To Eight Points, Insane Roslovic Overreactions Actually Overshadow Rempe’s Return; Vesey Gets Top-Six Time, Presidents’ Trophy Dream Becoming Reality, Laviolette, M$GN & More
NYR/DET 4/5 Review: BEST IN THE WORLD BLUESHIRTS One Game Closer To Securing Presidents’ Trophy; “Lavy’s Lot” Find Another New Way To Win, GOODY GOT IT; Rempe’s Rise Rev Up “GAG LINE 4.0,” Rangers Outlaw “Fighting” From All Materials, Quick Continues Career Renaissance; Named 2024 Masterton Candidate, Zibanejad’s Lost Season; Wings Able To Cool off Panarin & Co., Updated Standings, Condolences to Joe Micheletti; Maloney Saves Rosen & More
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
Sean,
Maybe Lavys attention to detail is the reason he has only one cup in umpteen seasons? ( Could our GM be pulling Lavys strings? )
If KK starts over Rempe we are a 3 line team. Please remember the Captain’s quotes regarding Rempe on the TNT telecast, where he gushed over the Ranger’s need for an enforcer to protect our china doll stars. Something stinks about the way MSG has “blocked” Messier, could this be a Sather move?
Roslovic is an enigma, he is clearly the most talented/skilled player on Mikas line. Is he the problem or is it Mika?
Defensively we have only 3 tough guys (Truba-Lindy-Schnids), that’s a weakness in the playoffs.
Saturday’s game will tell us who this team really is.
Hope you get back to a normal life, you’re wearing me out with your schedule! LOL
JimV
Been a Ranger fan since “63” and it’s getting to the point major frustration. When you give out these big money –no trade contracts who gives a crap whether you make playoffs or not ( well maybe some do ) because its been a long season, weather’s getting nicer and they have stability and enough money so lets be done with it til September.
These tender little fellas don’t like to hit, be hit or put out the effort that players should. Expect to see a bad game now and then but it happens way to often, lack of effort !!!!
NOW, sam and joe, they’ve become so terrible my mute button goes on automatically they need to go go go go. Who can i contact to relay this message to. I sure I’m only one of many thousands who think the same way.
Rempe NEEDS to play, he’s got some talent but needs to be on ice to show it and not just to fight. By the way these staged fights are moronic.