NYR/TOR 4/13 Review: Rangers Lose a Meaningless, Yet Bad-Taste-In-Your-Mouth Finale; Draw Devils in the First-Round, Big Break for Isles Too, Lindgren, Mika & Chytil Round-Out Year-End Awards, Playoff Predictions, Final Report Card, M$GN; Get Ready to Muzzle Rosen, “TURK TALKS” & More

Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. Bring on the Devils.

However, before talking about the next chapter of “The Hudson River Rivalry,” which will feature another war between the colors blue and red, as if it were the Crips vs the Bloods; let’s first talk about the Rangers’ regular season finale, a 3-2 home loss to the Maple Leafs.

As everyone knew heading into this game – the only objective come the final horn was to escape this game without injury – and that’s what the Rangers did – so at least that aim was realized.

In other words, the Rangers’ big picture remains without blurs and smudges. Everyone’s healthy and good-to-go.

In what was essentially a “meaningless” (more on that word below) game for both parties of this Original Six affair; not much really took place during the first forty minutes of action.

However, by the time the game had reached its conclusion – tonight’s loss felt like a slow movie that you sleepily find on Netflix at 1AM – you don’t expect much going into it, you get hooked into it fifty minutes in, and for a swerve – the good guy gets killed at the end.

Who put the final dagger into the back of the Blueshirts and vanquished the hero on Thursday night?

The suspects you’d most likely have at the top of your list – the officials.

And let me be clear – I’m not blaming the officials for this loss, especially since the end result of this game had as much impact as a preseason match – but to watch these zebras erase two goals off of the board – where each review lasted ten-seconds or less – it was just a stark reminder how these jackasses, dressed-up like Foot Locker employees, will once again swing another pivotal playoff game this year with their routine and mind-numbing incompetence.

The Rangers, down 3-2 at the time, had seemingly tied the game with just 1.2 seconds remaining in regulation, following a Filip Chytil late equalizer – a redirect off of his skate

No less than ten-seconds later – T.J. Luxmore and company said NO GOAL – and ruled that the puck had been kicked in.

So much for home cookin’ – and a terrible call that completely drained a vibrant M$G of all of its energy.

After all, had the goal stood, and had the Rangers then went on to win the game during overtime – then just imagine how much you’d see the word “MOMENTUM” right now – a word that’s not only currently prevalent in Toronto – but in New Jersey too.

Furthermore, and of course – there’s plenty of visual evidence out there where we have seen goals stand (ruled good) on kick plays that were much more blatant and egregious than what the Czech center had done – but the officials, on this night – and as we’ve seen so many times before – let their Toronto bias shine through.

Also true as a result?

This game didn’t go into overtime – where really – at the end of the day – was a positive thing – as it just limited the risk of injury.

After all, do you remember what happened to Ryan Lindgren just three nights ago, during the Rangers’ overtime bout with the Sabres?

I do want to make the following 100% transparent with you before continuing:

There’s no way that you can accurately assess or review tonight’s game.

In turn, I’ll blaze through the GAME REVIEW segment, and once complete, then look ahead to the playoffs.

For both teams, they just wanted this game to be over with as quickly as possible – even if Toronto bench boss, Sheldon Keefe, who will be fired should his team fail in the first-round again – wasted time by challenging a Braden Schneider goal – another ten-second review that went the Leafs’ way.

As far as a silver lining, besides no injuries suffered?

The fact that Artemi Panarin looked good, real good at that, as the team marches (some may say “limps”) into the playoffs.

“THE HALAKNESS MONSTER,” tonight’s starter, also looked good – that is – until the third period.

But of course, you won’t see him during the playoffs either – unless something drastically bad happens – and I don’t want to have that mindset right now!

At this time, let’s get into the pregame news & notes and then talk about everything else.

The Rangers, who on Monday night, fell to the Sabres via the shootout during their penultimate game of the season; a day later, Tuesday, the team had the day off.

Come Wednesday morning, Gallant’s Gang, locked into the third seed of the Metro Division with nowhere up or down to go, held their final practice of the regular season – where nothing of note took place – a good thing – as that meant there were no injuries.

The biggest news from Wednesday was that the Rangers finished announcing all of their year-end awards.

Following Jacob Trouba winning the Mr. Ranger Rod Gilbert award, CZAR IGOR winning the Frank Boucher Trophy and Ryan Lindgren named as this year’s Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award winner; on April 12th, Mika Zibanejad was named as Team MVP, while Lindgren won his second Players’ Player award.

Elsewhere, Filip Chytil also won the media’s Good Guy award, an award that’s given out to the Ranger who is the nicest to the media. Talk about a participation trophy – but still – a nice tip of the cap to the Czech.

(For what it’s worth, I thought that Trouba would win this award – especially since it’s the captain that’s there for the media after every game, win-or-lose.)

Officially, the Rangers covered the awards that both Lindgren and Zibanejad won, while also omitting the media’s acknowledgement of Chytil.

Here’s the official press release, courtesy of https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-announce-2022-23-team-award-winners/c-343439488?icmp=int_web_nyr_news_rightrail :

Congratulations to all of the award winners from this 2022-23 season.

Outside of Chytil being named as the friendliest to the media (and really – who cares?), I thought the right person won each award/trophy.

I will say, I thought that Vesey could’ve won the Players’ Player Award, especially with Lindgren missing 25% of the season – but really – how can anyone be upset with double-nickel winning this pair of year-end awards?

Furthermore, it are the players who vote on the Players’ Player award – and they know their locker room and peers much better than I, or anyone else for that matter, do.

Following the practice and the announcement of the awards, Gallant held his daily “TURK TALK.” Here it is:

Gallant, and akin to the award winners who were also interviewed on Wednesday, didn’t really say much, as the team prepared for what was a “meaningless” game against the Leafs.

(And yes, I know – no game is meaningless – but you know what I mean – as the only thing important about Thursday night’s tilt was getting out of it without injury.)

On Wednesday night, for self-respecting Ranger fans who also hate the Islanders; the only thing to watch was to see if “little brother,” following the Penguins’ choke-job against the Blackhawks from Tuesday night, would handle business and knock off the lowly Montreal Canadiens.

Sadly, the Islanders, whose season was on the brink following Monday night’s loss to the Capitals; the tenants of the IBS Arena did just that, and on their second chance to clinch a playoff berth, easily disposed themselves of the Habs.

As a result, and for the first time since both Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby entered the league; the two biggest stars of the salary cap era, if not the two biggest superstars themselves – neither “The Great Eight,” nor “Sid The Kid,” will be playing during the postseason this year.

A new era is emerging.

As you may know, I always try to find a silver lining in anything; and while admittedly, it’s nice that the Penguins are going home – but it does leave a bad taste in your mouth that the Islanders are now in – where they also have an easier path to the second-round than the Rangers to boot.

While I’ll have some playoff talk for you at the end of tonight’s tome, and where I’ll have a more detailed postseason preview over the weekend as well; I do have to share what the Rangers’ MSGN Twitter account said following the Isles saving their season:

Unless the @RangersMSGN Twitter account has their head completely up their five-hole (and that could be the case, considering that a former Islander, the worst Rangers’ goalie of this century, Sieve Vagistat, is their lead full-time ANALyst); then I’m to assume that whoever runs this official account also runs the @IslesMSGN account and in turn, posted this tweet from the wrong handle.

But even still – that’s what stinks about the Rangers, Islanders and Devils all under one umbrella – as it also means that one person is doing the job of three people – good for M$GN’s bottom line – but not so great for the economy, nor the fans of these three respective teams.

My message to #ISLESNATION?

Suck it!

On Thursday morning, the team decided not to practice, because after all – they had a full practice the day before and there was no reason to over-exert themselves prior to tonight’s tilt.

At 5PM, “THE TURK” held his daily pregame chat with the media and maybe this came as a surprise to some – said that he’d be using the same line-up that he’s been using ever since the returns of both Kane and Lindgren.

I use the word “surprise,” because I thought with a meaningless game on the schedule, that perhaps Gallant would let BIG BEN HARPUR play.

By allowing #5 to play in one more game, Gallant could’ve either went 11F/7D or dressed the orthodox 12F/6D line-up – where no matter the scenario – one of his regulars then could’ve received rest/a well-deserved game off.

But to be fair – players want to play – so you can’t be upset about Double G. going with his normal line-up.

Furthermore, heading into this game, perhaps Gallant wanted his best line-up possible – for milestone purposes – as Mika Zibanejad remained on the prowl for his fortieth goal of the season – a prowl that eventually turned out to be empty-handed.

As far as anything else from this “TURK TALK;” Gallant, while saying that his regular line-up would play, wouldn’t reveal who his goaltender would be, much less talk about a possible time-share during Game 82.

(Come warm-ups, we found out that Halak was starting, while CZAR IGOR would take a powder on the bench, as he gets ready for the playoffs.)

Here was the Rangers’ line-up from Thursday night, Game 82 (of 82) of the regular season:

FIRST LINE: Kreider/Mika/Kane

SECOND LINE: Panarin/Trocheck/Tarasenko

THIRD LINE: Lafreniere/Chytil/Kakko

FOURTH LINE: Vesey/Goodrow/Motte

FIRST PAIR: Lindgren/Fox

SECOND PAIR: Miller/Trouba

THIRD PAIR: Mikkola/Schneider

STARTING GOALIE: THE HALAKNESS MONSTER

BACK-UP GOALIE: CZAR IGOR

DAY-TO-DAY: Nobody! Praise the Hockey Gods!

PRESS BOX: Ben Harpur

BOX SCORE time.

The following graphics and information come from ESPN.com:

SCORING:

PENALTIES:

TEAM STATS:

GOALIES:

You know the drill – once I saw that the feckless Vagistat was there by himself during the M$GN pregame show – a nanosecond later, I returned my remote to the NHL Network.

It was also around this time when I posted my pregame predictions – a swing-and-a-miss if there ever was one:

#NYR Pregame Predictions:
— Mika 40, FINALLY!
— 4-0 win too!
— Sam & Joe close out the regular season on a high note.
— A boring game, outside of the ending when the Garden is on their feet, ready for the playoffs.

— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) April 13, 2023

Not only did Zibanejad finish with 39-goals on the season following tonight’s tilt – he didn’t even register his first SOG until there were only 8:18 remaining in regulation.

It was only during the latter stages of the third period where you could suggest that his teammates were trying to set him up for the big 4-0 – a final score that didn’t see the light of day either!

When it comes to Sam Rosen and Joe Micheletti, two announcers who I thought called strong games during the past two broadcasts – they were right back to their old ways – on their hands-and-knees praising the Rangers’ opponent all game.

At one point, I thought this bombastic duo were going to tell us both the color and the smell of urine that Leafs’ rookie, Matt Knies, had after devouring a plate of asparagus.

If that wasn’t enough for you, then Sam & Joe also made sure to verbally fellate both Mitch Marner and William Nylander, where when the latter scored late into the final frame – I thought that Sam was going to celebrate as if he was in Times Square at 12:00AM, New Years’ Day.

And with a first-round series between the Devils and Rangers ahead, a playoff series that could run for two weeks – I don’t know if I can handle Rosen’s never-ending odes to Jack Hughes either.

While we already know that the M$GN will carry most of the games; I’m hoping that either ESPN or TNT tries to horn-in.

Simply stated – I can’t deal with two-weeks of Rosen repeatedly shrieking and screaming, “OH JOE, JACK HUGHES JOE, I WANT TO LICK HIM JOE! JOE, HE FARTS RAINBOWS AND THEY TASTE LIKE SKITTLES JOE!”

If there was any prediction that almost came true, then it was my final one, in regards to Garden patrons standing on their feet at the end of the game.

And in a way – that’s what happened – but of course, just ten seconds later – everyone who was on their feet then made their way to the exits, following the display of buffoonery from the officials.

GAME REVIEW time – where as mentioned – this won’t be as long/detailed as usual – but it will still be the most comprehensive recap you’ll find on the internet!

FIRST PERIOD:

This period, and just like the one that followed it, was kind of slow. However, I don’t think that either team’s effort was ever in question – it was just the fact that it was obvious that neither team wanted to play physical.

And had Gallant had the option, then maybe like his counterpart, Sheldon Keefe – he would’ve rested his regulars too, as top players, such as John Tavares, had the night off.

That said, just twenty-seconds in – Lindgren laid a hit on a Leaf – where it should also be mentioned that this was his only hit of the game too!

As mentioned earlier, if anything was apparent tonight, then it was Panarin’s motor, as he was all over the ice during this game – and in a good way.

At just the 1:10 mark, and after getting the puck from Vincent Trocheck, “The Breadman” baked his way to the net – but once there – hit the side of the net – rather than putting the puck inside of it. Even so, you could see that Panarin was extra-motivated tonight – something that you hope continues for every game the Rangers will play from this point on.

Most of this period, and game for that matter, saw Sam & Joe in “scoreboard watch mode” – 100% understandable and warranted.

Throughout the broadcast, we received updates on both the Devils/Capitals and Panthers/Hurricanes games that were also taking place on Thursday night.

As you already know by now, both of the top two teams in the division won tonight, where as a result, we now know the entire Eastern Conference bracketing – but more on that in just a bit.

Three minutes in, neither team had a SOG.

At the 3:10 mark, Kane had a chance to register the first SOG of the contest – as he did – following a horrible Leafs’ turnover. However, on his one-on-one chance with Woll, the goaltender denied the future Hall of Famer – where had this game meant something – then you’d still be thinking of this wasted opportunity.

As we hit 15:45 remaining, and with Panarin about to blaze into the zone – Trocheck was offside. Keep this in mind for later.

Twenty seconds later, Tarasenko was stripped of the puck by Kerfoot, which led Halak into making his first tough save of the game – and his first of the game too.

With 13:00 to go, it felt like the Rangers were setting up Mikkola more than Mika; as a shot from the defenseman hit traffic.

Down to 10:53 remaining, Trouba had two chances. His first shot attempt, as set-up by Panarin, was blocked, while his second crack at it, which was also set-up by the Russian, a tip-try, was stopped by Woll.

As we hit the half-way mark of the period, Halak made the save of the game, an all-out robbery on a Nylander breakaway. I couldn’t tell if Sam was happy about the save or disappointed that Nylander, one of the Leafs’ that he was jabbering on about all game, was denied.

Thirty seconds later, Woll almost matched the “highlight reelness” of Halak’s save, as he made a big stop on a Rangers’ 3 x 2 odd-man rush, with a glove save made on Kreider.

For whatever reason, Sam and Joe then went on-and-on about the Leafs’ playoff chances this year and brought up their 19-years of failure when attempting to get past the first-round.

Not brought up during this?

The last time the Leafs got into the second-round – a Rangers’ legend, the HOFer himself, Brian Leetch, was manning the Toronto blue line.

Screw you Sather!

As each team went back-and-forth a bit; with 6:05 to go, Mikkola took his first penalty in what felt like ages (I believe sixteen games is the number), as he held the apple of Sam’s eye on this night, Matt Knies.

The Rangers’ PK did their job here, where of note, when K’Andre Miller was on the ice, Micheletti said he had a few laughs about the poor game #79 had against Buffalo. As “JUMPIN’ JOE” was saying this; Miller made a hell of a defensive play and cleared the puck.

Just as the Toronto power-play had expired, Halak came up with another big save on Nylander – much to Sam’s chagrin.

As we hit 3:12 remaining, the Rangers’ third line had their best possession of the period, but Woll was able to stop Lindgren from scoring his second goal of this 2022-23 campaign.

Following a TV timeout, Sam & Joe, with a M$GN graphic ready to go, raved about Mitch Marner. Why any Ranger fan would want to hear this is beyond me.

Here’s some advice for everyone involved with this god-awful network:

WHEN THE RANGERS PLAY THE DEVILS IN THE FIRST ROUND – NOT ONE RANGER FAN WANTS TO HEAR “OH JOE, JACK HUGHES JOE,” NOR 7896786796796 VIDEO GRAPHICS FOR ANY DEVIL EITHER.

Got that?

Good!

And you’d think this would be obvious stuff – but so much for that!

With 2:25 remaining, Knies, who because of Sam & Joe, I’m now aware of his entire life story and how he once shit his pants in Ms. Smith’s second-grade classroom; burnt Schneider by the half-wall, penalty box side, and tried to use his speed to tuck a puck past Halak. Once again, the Rangers’ back-up goalie made an incredible save.

The rest of the period saw each team try to get to the opposing goaltender, but no dice.

We remained nil-nil after twenty minutes, in what was really a blah period – but as expected.

Here’s what I said at the time:

Scoreless after 20. 1P Thoughts:
— They aren’t feeding Mika like I thought they would.
— Goalies are your top two stars so far.
— SOG 7-5, FOs 10-5 TOR; Hits 4-3 #NYR
— Panarin has created some offense
— Sam calling NJD/NYR is going to be a chore for fans.
LGR!

— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) April 13, 2023

SECOND PERIOD:

During the intermission, where Vagistat told us this game was like a “pillow fight” (no one would know this better than him); the seven-foot jackal then brought up how Halak was nearing the 300th win of his career – and how amazing this was – as only 39 other goalies have done so.

Not mentioned? The fact that NHL seasons haven’t been 82-game campaigns throughout its 100+ years of history, nor the fact that goalies from this era also have the advantage of no-ties.

But hey – why let the truth get in the way of a good story?

Prior to puck drop of this middle frame, Rosen belted out his usual question, “SECOND PERIOD, WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR HERE JOE?”

I would’ve given Micheletti a few greenbacks had he replied with, “An electronic dog collar that goes off whenever you say ‘Jack Hughes’ next week Sam!”

The Leafs won the opening draw of this period, where Mika had a pass broke up in one end, while the SWEDISH JESUS broke up a Matthews’ chance in the Rangers’ end.

Then, at just the 1:38 mark, Kaapo Kakko kicked off the scoring:

Vincent Trocheck finds Kaapo Kakko who out waits everyone to bury the backhand to give #NYR the lead! pic.twitter.com/VcVnihfH2H

— x – Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) April 14, 2023

1-0, GOOD GUYS – and where Panarin deserved the secondary assist too. (Only Trocheck’s primary assist was awarded.)

Prior to the goal, Panarin dumped the puck into the corner boards to the left of Woll, following a missed pass to Trocheck – which was essentially a turnover.

However, Panarin didn’t give up on the play, as he forechecked, regained possession of the puck, looked for his center again – and after a Leaf got some wood on the puck – NONNA’S BAMBINO found Kakko for a highly-skilled backhander try – a shot that beat Woll.

While Kakko deserves a ton of credit for “FINNISHING” (har-har-har); without Panarin, this goal doesn’t happen.

With 15:25 remaining, Miller, who Micheletti destroyed last game, broke up a Toronto two-vs-one odd-man rush.

How did Sam and Joe react?

By ignoring the play, as instead, they lamented about the current state of Sidney Crosby and his Penguins.

You can’t make this up.

As we hit 13:00 remaining, Halak came up with another robbery save, this time on AM34. This save then led Rosen into doing everything in his power to will a Marner goal into existence. (I’m not making this up either.)

The Rangers’ fourth line soon had two cracks at it, as a Motte two-vs-one odd-man rush was stopped (Vesey on the other wing), while Goodrow laid a big hit on McCabe to keep the forecheck alive with 11:43 remaining.

Two seconds shy of the halfway mark of the game/period – Panarin hit the post – another play you’d be looking back at right now had this game meant anything in the standings/playoff seeding.

When Panarin’s line returned to the ice – they all kept on buzzing – as by far, they were the best trio for Gallant tonight.

Following Trouba breaking up a Toronto scoring threat with 7:40 to go; Rosen actually said something relevant, when he brought up that Zibanejad, hoping for his 40th goal, still hadn’t registered a SOG yet – nor were the Rangers really trying to feed him the puck either.

Rosen also said that while goal #40 would be nice – all that DJ MIKA cared about was winning the Cup in June.

I wouldn’t mind that either!

After Matthews missed a backhander from a foot away (whew); with 5:20 to go, there was Panarin again, this time setting up Tarasenko, but Woll survived the Russian blitz.

Less than a minute later, Woll did the same thing again, where this time, he stopped Tarasenko on the pair of Russians two-vs-one odd-man rush.

Approaching only two-minutes remaining; Zibanejad turned over the puck, which then led Halak into stopping Nylander – and twice at that.

At this time, due to the high-quality of saves that #41 was making, it really looked like the goalie was “HA-LOCKED IN!” (Har-har-har!)

But of course, hockey games are sixty minutes – and not forty minutes in length.

Come 1:50 remaining – Zibanejad had a mini-breakaway, but rather than trying to beat Woll – he forced a pass to Kreider – a turnover – and no SOG.

In what was pretty funny (but only because he didn’t get hurt); with 1:15 remaining, Schenn bowled over Panarin – a completely unnecessary hit – but a legal one.

In a response, Panarin got right back up and hit Schenn himself (which could’ve been called as an interference penalty) – but bounced right off of him.

At least Schenn didn’t give Panarin “The Wilson Treatment” during this.

Following a late save from Woll on Kane, we remained at 1-0, GOOD GUYS, through forty minutes.

Up next: “THE RANGERS’ WAY.”

Here’s what I said at the time:

1-0, GOOD GUYS, 1 more period to go:
— No overtime please
— #NYR/NJD looks like the first-round, Isles will get Canes, ugh
— SOG 13-12, Hits 12-9, FOs 20-10, all TOR
— The game you’d expect, but it’s not a mail-in effort either
— We need this Panarin in the playoffs
LGR

— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) April 14, 2023

THIRD PERIOD:

I feel bad for Halak – I really do.

Once again, he had two points and a “W” next to his name taken away, partly due to the officials – but mainly because the Rangers just wanted to get out of this game devoid of pain.

Put it this way – if this game meant something, then I think the Rangers would’ve buckled down – and at least try to block some shots – and where you totally understand why it didn’t play out that way too.

With just twenty-minutes remaining in the season; the Leafs won the opening draw of this period.

At the forty-second mark, we finally saw a Ranger try to get Mika going; as Kane, while wide-open, forced a pass to his center instead, a pass that didn’t connect.

Sam’s response?

“OH JOE, THERE’S A COUPLE OF WET SPOTS OUT THERE JOE!”

Down to 17:08 to go, a Kakko deflection missed, Chytil made a great keep at the blue line and then Mikkola was stopped.

Seventeen seconds later, following this missed opportunity; Timothy Liljegren scored.

1-1.

This was an unfortunate goal for Halak to allow, because as mentioned, he had made a bevy of strong saves prior to this goal allowed – a goal that he should’ve never allowed.

This puck caught Halak off-guard, and all the goalie could do was hang his head as the puck squirted through his five-hole.

In real-time, it was also a goal that no one associated with the Rangers (except for maybe Rosen) wanted to see either – as there was now a possibility of this game going into overtime.

Following Miller trying to get Mika on the board; the Panarin line came on with 14:20 remaining, where once again, #10 razzled-and-dazzled – but couldn’t find the back of the net.

That would soon change.

However, prior to Panarin scoring tonight; “The Breadman” generated offense – where by the end of this play – Tarasenko, from near the blue line, found Schneider all alone by Woll’s paint. B-SCHNEIDS then made a hell of a move – and like Kakko earlier – went backhanded for the go-ahead goal with 14:08 remaining.

Enter the officials.

Remember when I brought up how Trocheck went offside earlier during the first period?

Keefe noticed that Trocheck had went offside again, challenged the goal, and ten-seconds later – Schneider’s highlight reel goal was wiped away.

For what it’s worth, and to show you that I’m fair, yet firm – this was the right call.

The officials did get this right. There I said it!

Trocheck was blatantly offside and as a result – his misstep did lead to a goal.

Long story short – this video review was exactly why this replay system was installed. This wasn’t one of these offside by a hair replays – reversals, while legal – but not in the spirit of these replay intentions either.

I will say, I thought this challenge was (and I think this is the technical phrase), a “cuck move;” but had this gone the other way – then I would’ve wanted Gallant to protect the stats of his goaltender too.

Right out of the challenge – each member of the Rangers’ third line had a chance to regain the lead with 14:00 remaining. Woll stood true.

However, with this line still on the ice, with 13:47 remaining, Lafreniere was tripped by Nylander.

Twelve seconds into the Rangers’ power-play, the following:

Adam Fox with the spin-o-rama assist to set up Artemi Panarin who SMOKES his 💯th goal as a #NYR pic.twitter.com/13CXKzmzQ7

— x – Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) April 14, 2023

2-1, GOOD GUYS, as Panarin, who had a nose for the puck all game, finally cooked!

Furthermore, while this game was all about staying healthy; but as mentioned with Zibanejad and the 40th goal he never scored – this game was also about milestones too.

For Panarin, this was his 100th career-goal as a Ranger, as he cements his case as the greatest free-agent acquisition of franchise history.

For Fox, this was his 60th assist of the season – where because of the extremely faulty NHL year-end award voting system – he’ll be robbed of the Norris this year because some loser in San Jose has more points.

I won’t bore you with my usual spiel on the Norris Trophy voting, but yeah – the NHL needs to have two year-end awards for defensemen.

In today’s era of the NHL, the Norris Trophy has turned into a points-race – and doesn’t honor the best defenseman in the league anymore.

For Erik Karlsson, of the woefully bad Sharks, and his plus/minus rating of negative 23 to even be considered for the award is a travesty. (Fox is a +28 in case you’re wondering.)

But since Karlsson has 100 points (Fox finished with 72 points) – he’ll most likely win the Norris.

Whatever happened to not only honoring THE BEST DEFENSEMAN – but only considering players from playoff teams, winning squads, for these awards?

(If you recall, when Taylor Hall, then of the Devils, won the Hart Trophy in 2018 – Connor McDavid, who should’ve won it – he wasn’t considered because the Oilers didn’t reach the playoffs. Funny enough – the Devils were then spanked in five-games by the Lightning during the first-round.)

Just like the league’s officiating – the Norris Trophy voting system is an absolute disgrace (except in 2021 – obviously!)

Now up 2-1 – “THE RANGERS’ WAY.” (My trademark is still pending!)

No less than ninety seconds following Panarin’s power-play goal and with 12:12 left on the clock – Nylander got to Halak’s crease – and then roofed the puck top-shelf for the equalizer.

By the way Rosen reacted to this goal – you would’ve thought that he hit both the Mega Millions and the Powerball.

Another disgrace – as I’ve yet to find one other team-specific broadcaster to rave about opponent goals in the way that Rosen does.

Now at 2-2, Tarasenko, following another set-up pass from Panarin, was stopped with eleven minutes remaining.

Thirty seconds later, a chance for the go-ahead goal; but Vesey, while on an all-day breakaway – went high & wide on his chance – another play you’d be kicking yourself over had the final result meant something.

And following the flurry of goals, reviews and scoring chances – the pace and vibe of this game had certainly picked up.

Noel Acciari would also go on to pick up the game-winning goal, and as he did, with 7:39 remaining.

3-2, bad guys.

On this score, the center picked up his own rebound, and was able to beat Trouba to the punch – and then punched the puck past Halak for good measure.

You can debate over what was a “good goal” and what was a “bad goal;” but this as much is true – without the rebound – the game would’ve remained tied at this point.

Once surpassing the “FOXWOODS FINAL FIVE” mark for the last time this season; with 3:20 to go, Lafreniere drew his second penalty of the game, this time when Schenn tripped him.

Zibanejad immediately joined the delayed penalty attack, and with 2:48 to go – his one-timer missed the net – where at the same time – Woll knocked his own net off of the pegs.

While I didn’t think that a delay of game penalty should’ve been assessed against the Leafs’ backstop here; you could make the argument that an infraction should’ve been called.

Following the whistle to put the net back on its moorings; with 2:48 remaining, the Rangers’ power-play went to work – and with Halak on the bench.

These two minutes saw the Rangers get chances – but also saw the Leafs come up with some big shot blocks too.

(Of note: Tarasenko was the sixth skater, joining the Rangers’ first power-play unit.)

The Rangers’ power-play, as opposed to their first foray, didn’t score here – so with 48-seconds remaining, they left their net empty – and never gave up either.

Just as you thought that this game’s final score had been determined, with 1.2 seconds remaining, the following:

Kicking motion? 🤔🤔 pic.twitter.com/rqFffw9z0z

— x – Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) April 14, 2023

No less than ten seconds later – the officials said no goal.

My Ranger fandom aside – really, you’re only going to look at a last second goal for only ten-seconds?

And of course, while I thought this was a good goal – it’s the inconsistency of these officials that bothers me the most.

Much like a goaltender interference review – you just never know how these officials will come up with a call. It’s all arbitrary, rather than being clear-cut.

Had this game meant something, then I’d be absolutely livid right now – and in a way I am – because you just know you’ll see this during the playoffs too.

The silver linings here were that the Rangers never gave up and that they didn’t need to go into overtime – but still – it’s hard to forget how bad the officials were on this play.

3-2, bad guys, your final.

Let’s get into what Gallant said, and then a quick look at what lies ahead.

Here was “THE TURK’s” post-game press conference:

NADA – the Rangers didn’t bother to upload it!

On brand.

However, Adam Rotter, of https://nyrangersnews.com, transcribed it for us.

Here’s the black-and-white of it, courtesy of https://nyrangersnews.com/2023/04/13/what-gerard-gallant-said-after-the-loss-to-toronto-2/#more-198198:

On the end of the season, “Like I said, I’m proud of the guys the way they played the last 10 games after clinching and knowing where were at and probably, the last 5-6 games knowing we’re going to finish in third place. They battled hard and played hard and played the way we want. We’re healthy, so that is the main thing getting through that stretch. Tonight was not much contact, but some skill out there, some nice plays, a lot of good stuff. Happy the way we finished.”

On the Devils, “that is what I thought for quite a while. It’ll be a great series. Two skilled teams that know each other pretty well and it should be a good battle.”

Have you thought about the Devils in the playoffs, “I think that when you really looked at it, the game we went in there and lost 2-1, it was sort of…because all three teams were winning and all three teams are real good teams, Carolina, ourself and the Devils and we lost that game 2-1 that put them up 5? I’m not sure, but it was a big stretch…we knew we’d win some games, but you knew they were going to win games too. At that time I sort of thought that, but the last couple of days I said that you never know the way things are going. It’s a good matchup, two real good teams, they had an outstanding year, Lindy did a great job with them and they are a young team with a lot of talent and skill and they play the game the right way.”

What is the biggest challenge they present, “we played them four times this year and I think they won three out of the four, good hockey games, close hockey games, all of them. They present a challenge, they are a talented team, they can score goals, they are a young team, but a skilled team and a talented team and they create a lot and some of their guys took big steps like our young guys. I think it’s going to be a great series.”

Are they the fastest team you’ve faced this year, “they are amongst them, for sure. Quick, quick team.”

Do you think it helps that you won’t have to travel much, “It’s not far to go, that is a good thing and helps both teams and whatever team gets out of it will be rested again. We’ll see what happens, I don’t think that is a big factor.”

As an FYI: Not only will I post a detailed 2022-23 Final Report Card on this site by the end of the weekend; I’ll also have my in-depth playoff preview blog for you too.

However, since it’s late, just a few quick thoughts:

First, and foremost, and unlike others – I DO NOT CARE about the previous playoff series’ between these two teams.

Let me be clear: Whether it’s 1994, 2012 or another year – I DO NOT CARE. None of that impacts the 2023 first-round series that these two arch-rivals will play.

What I DO CARE about, is that I think this is going to be a seven-game series – aka – “THE RANGERS’ WAY.”

It’s also a series that I’m very concerned over, and perhaps a tad “scared” about too.

Just based on the initial gut-feel alone – my stomach is already brewing – and as of this writing – we don’t even know when the first puck will be dropped yet!

As you may have gathered during the past month on this site – I was rooting for a Rangers vs Hurricanes series – as I felt that Carolina would’ve provided the least path of resistance.

However, what’s done is done, you can’t talk about all of the points that the Rangers pissed away this season, and now, at this very moment – all you can do is talk about reality – Rangers vs Devils – and where of course – it’s the first-wild card of the Eastern Conference – those disgusting Islanders, who will now draw the Raleigh residents during the first-round.

No matter how good a team is, and no matter what the sport – there’s always one team that’s kryptonite for your favorite club.

In my eyes, these Devils are the Rangers’ kryptonite.

While we’ll do the full preview over the weekend; the Devils have had a lot of success against the Rangers recently.

Of course, from the eyes of a Rangers’ fan, you might say that these two teams have only played one game against each other since the NHL trade deadline, when both rosters were greatly altered.

But of course – the Devils won that game too.

What scares me the most is how the Rangers went into cruise-control once clinching a playoff berth; but to their credit – they did show up against the Tampa Bay Lightning – their last real test of the regular season.

However, the Devils, who were in the same position as their Hudson River rivals – played their hearts out – and had the Canes lost tonight – then they would’ve won the division.

In other words – I think the Devils are entering the playoffs on a heater. The Rangers? Not so much.

I know I’ve said it before, and I’ll probably say it again – but these Devils remind me of the Rangers from last year – and to just point at playoff experience and think that’s the deciding factor – well, to me, that’s an opinion from a fool.

I know I sound like a “Debbie Downer” when talking about “The Debbies” from Newark – but to think that the Rangers are going to win this series by playing like the way they’ve been playing is silly.

However, I do keep the faith.

More times than not, as in 99% of the time – the Rangers play down to their level of competition – but they also play up to it too.

And when I think of the Devils’ most recent victory over the Blueshirts – they gave the Rangers their best – while the Blueshirts were at their worst – yet it was still a close game.

For the Rangers, I do think this is the worst possible match-up for them (of the other playoff teams, I think only Boston would’ve provided a more difficult series); but should they overcome it as I expect – then I do think their second-round opponent, whether it be the Islanders or Hurricanes, will be easier to knock off.

Of course, they first have to handle the Devils, who I do think the Blueshirts will ultimately vanquish – in seven games.

The X-Factor?

Patrick Kane, who will look to surpass the legacy that Martin St. Louis made during the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Again – more on this series over the weekend.

Before closing, some quick picks on the rest of the Eastern Conference’s first-round pairings (The West won’t be settled until late Friday night):

— Lightning over Leafs in 7.

Until Toronto actually wins a first-round series – I can’t pick them – even if this really does feel like the year that they’ll get over the hump. Tampa’s beat up, and if the Leafs can’t win this one, then there will be wholesale changes in Leaf Land. However, I just can’t pick against the three-time reigning & defending Eastern champs.

— Bruins over Panthers in 4.

Had the Islanders finished as the second wild-card, then I think that they would’ve given the 2023 Presidents’ Trophy winners some trouble. I just don’t feel the same way about the Cats, who are pretty much here because Pittsburgh imploded. Boston’s just too good and I think they’ll have a bunch of off-days as they await their second-round opponent.

— Islanders over Hurricanes in 6.

I know – sacrilege – a Ranger fan predicting the Islanders to win.

However, and as I’ve been saying for a while – I believe that Carolina is a team on its way down and that their core has peaked. I also don’t see the Hurricanes’ goalies being able to steal games (and the series) in the same way that Ilya Sorokin can.

And should my first-round playoff predictions hold – then it will be Rangers vs Islanders in the second-round – but I’m getting way ahead of myself right now.

After all, as Gallant always says, “ONE GAME AT A TIME.”

I’ll have the playoff schedule for you over the weekend, once everything is announced.

Until then, enjoy this mini-break, because by either Monday or Tuesday night – all of the panic, heart palpitations and stained underwear returns again.

Get me a box of Pepto Bismol – and maybe an adult diaper too!

LGR!

PLUGS TIME! (Buy a book and support my playoff ticket and beer funds! After all, I don’t run ads on this site!)

On Tuesday night, 4/11, our pals over at “The Blueshirt Underground” returned with a new episode. To check it out, click the play button below:

My first 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/BUF 4/10 Review: Ryan Lindgren Wins the 2023 Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award; Survives Late Injury Scare, Rangers “Zipped-Up” by Levi (Again), A Miserable Night for Miller (And For the Islanders Too!), Panarin Media Clickbait, 91 vs 88, Complete Standings Watch, M$GN, “TURK TALKS” & More

Igor Shesterkin Wins The 2023 Frank Boucher Trophy; Full Voting Results, List of Every Winner Since The 1951-52 Season & More

NYR/CBJ 4/8 Review: Unselfish (And Playoff Line-Up) Rangers Win By The Best Possible Score Imaginable; Easily Dispose Themselves of the Blue Jackets, Sam & Joe Call Their Greatest Game Too, Kane Returns, MILLER MANTIS, BFF’s Flirting with Forty, Standings, “TURK TALKS” & More

If you haven’t already, subscribe to this blog for the next update:

Don’t forget to order my recently released 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