Henrik Lundqvist Headlines the HOF Class of ’23; List of Every NYR HOFer (and the TRUE BLUES), Crazy Omissions/Canadian Bias, Goalie Floodgates Have Opened; Case For Mike Richter Stronger Than Ever, “Two Conflicting Things Can Be True,” Laviolette’s Generals, Praise For One Beat Writer, Preseason Schedule Announced & More

Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. The Rangers haven’t played a game in nearly seven-weeks – yet it feels like this off-season has been just as busy as the playoffs.

I know that I brought up the following a few weeks back on this site – but one more time – doesn’t it feel like the hockey news cycle is more 24/7/356 than ever before?

Whatever happened to “going to cottage?”

As someone still trying to bring my latest book to the finish line, “The Top 100 Villains of New York Rangers History” – I feel that I have paused more from this project, in order to cover the latest Blueshirts’ news on this site, more than I did last year – when I was writing two four-volume sets of books! (All of my published books are plugged at the end of this blog.)

But of course, and needless to say – last year, the Rangers’ season ran deeper, much deeper at that – and there wasn’t a six-week head coaching search either. You are probably aware of this little factoid!

However, between the game of footsie played between the Pizza Man and Peter Lateralette, the upcoming 2023 NHL Entry Draft, the free agency process, a summer of trades (whether small or significant), rookie camp, rookie games, and the preseason schedule that was also announced on Wednesday; BOOM – and before you know it – July 4th is a thing of a past, ditto Labor Day too – and the NFL season will kick-off – and with the NHL season right behind it.

Who needs sunblock?

And don’t put your winter jackets into storage just yet either!

As talked about during the past six-weeks on this site; the date of June 21st, 2023 was going to be a special day for Ranger fans, as “The King,” Henrik Lundqvist, will now soon take his throne in the hallowed halls of Toronto.

In what I found to be both humorous and expected – was that following the announcement, my social media feeds were flooded with comments of the “HAHAHAHAHA, I TOLD YOU SO!” variety – as apparently, these rejects haven’t read one word that I’ve said during the past three-years – but were aware of my comments from many years prior – but comments that I don’t regret, nor take back either!

To paraphrase George Costanza, and in my first of two “Seinfeld” references tonight – “I’m a man of a conviction baby!”

For both new and old readers alike, and in case you need a reminder – I’m happy that Lundqvist got into the Hall of Fame. After all, I am a Rangers’ historian – so the more Blueshirts in Toronto, the better.

In a recurring theme for tonight – Lundqvist’s induction is a case of two conflicting things having an equal amount of merit and truthfulness.

Furthermore, I don’t back down from anything that I ever said from 2015-2020 on this site, nor on social media either.

In fact, everything that I ever said about Lundqvist, including the stuff that was perceived to be “negative” by some, was all proven true with time.

A Barry Horowitz self-pat on the back?

I just saw all of it coming before everyone else – but I also understand the notion of “Blueshirt Goggles” – glasses that are permanently affixed for most.

I don’t want to turn this into a “HAHAHAHAHA, I TOLD YOU SO!” thing either; but please – stop me when I’m telling lies:

— I said that Lundqvist’s contract was a bad one, the Rangers would never win a Stanley Cup with a top-five paid goaltender and that they’d eventually have to buy him out of that horrid deal as presented to him by Senile Sather.

What happened next?

Everything I said played out as predicted – and where four of Lundqvist’s backups during his very long swansong years posted better stats too – and at usually one-eighth the cost – including goalies such as Cam Talbot, Antti Raanta, Alexandar Georgiev and Lundqvist’s eventual successor, CZAR IGOR – and four goalies, who like Lundqvist – became NHL starters themselves.

Does this make Lundqvist a bad guy?

No – and I get it too – it’s up to him to make as much money for his family as possible – something that he still continues to do (and successfully at that) to this very day.

In fact, I believe one of his Caesar Sportsbook gambling commercials is airing right now as you read these words:

“Hi fans, the over-under on how long Sean’s blog is going to go tonight is -10000 words. Gamble responsibly folks, but please – only do so after emptying out your bank account. We’re all Caesars!”

(And no – and as mentioned in the past – I don’t blame Lundqvist for “selling out” either. If the Mannings’, who were paid much more than him can do it, then why not him and everyone else?)

But I will say, I did appreciate and like him much more during his peak years, and now as an announcer/broadcaster, than I did when I thought the Rangers should’ve got younger in net – and as they did in every other position besides the one that matters the most – goaltending.

I also believe that all of my recent comments reflect that – as no joke – I think he’s “THE KING OF COMMENTARY” today.

No one is better. No one. He’s a natural in front of the red light – and I’ll omit any red light jokes here – just like how the HHOF omitted many deserving folks on Wednesday!

However, I just wish that his home network, M$GN, would feature him in the same fashion that TNT, the national broadcaster, does.

(I must get this out of my system too: I will always think of his “I want to win at all costs” quote – something that was forgotten about during contract negotiation time. Had he taken a million or two million bucks less? Then I think he would have had that Stanley Cup added to his HOF resume. Alas, it’s all in the past and moot now.)

— As far back as 2014, NINE YEARS AGO – I said that no NHL team, including the Rangers, would win a Stanley Cup with a top-five paid goalie in this new salary cap era.

Since that time, where three rookie goalies have went on to win the Stanley Cup on their entry-level deals (Matt Murray on two occasions in Pittsburgh, Jordan Binnington in St. Louis as the other) – only Andrei Vasilevskiy, as the highest-paid goalie in the league, has won the Stanley Cup (2021).

But of course, even Vasilevskiy’s win comes with an asterisk – as he also had the benefit of Nikita Kucherov being stashed away on the NHL’s LTIR – which gave the Tampa Bay Lightning nearly $10,000,000 of extra cap space to play around with.

And yes – I just don’t understand why every NHL GM of a contending team doesn’t annually exploit this salary-cap loophole. Face the facts: Two of the last three Stanley Cup winners have done so (Tampa and Vegas).

As long as it’s legal, then why not – and as previously mentioned on this site – that’s why if I was the King of Colony Pizza, aka Rangers’ GM Chris Drury – then I’d sign Patrick Kane right now – as he may not be ready to play until the calendar flips to 2024, thus becoming a “free” trade deadline acquisition.

Do you know what?

I’ve said all of my stuff on Lundqvist before, and really, I don’t want to keep going down this path – especially since this is a good day in Rangers’ history – and the hockey gods certainly know that us Blueshirt backers can sure use a good day – as they don’t come around very often!

(And you can check the archives of this site for all of my in-depth explanations on this subject too.)

But I do want to add, and as mentioned many times before – when I look at Lundqvist today – not only do I look at him as the best color analyst in television – but I look at him historically too.

I rather remember the peak years than harp on the heartbreak.

After all (and believe-it-or-not), there was a time where I proudly wore a #30 jersey on my back! However, the nameplate said “Healy” on it. I kid, I kid! (Or am I?!?!?)

Funny enough, one of my favorite Lundqvist memories/games that I attended comes from the end of his prime years (2011-12 being his peak season) – an April 13th, 2013 game played at the old asbestos-laden Nassau Coliseum.

While perhaps the opponent (and win over them) is part of my fondness for this game – and my fandom of goalie duels too; but without a shadow of a doubt – both Henrik Lundqvist, and the Islanders’ Evgeni Nabokov, put on a show on that date.

Following sixty-minutes of regulation, we had no score.

Furthermore, and because you know that I don’t do the ANALytics nonsense, nor would I be making charts when watching a game either – but I’d reckon to guess that both goalies were equally as impressive on the spreadsheets, and on the made-up “EXPECTED” data too – and as they were to the only thing that matters – the EYE TEST.

A Dan Girardi (of all people) top-shelf goal scored at the 3:11 mark of overtime ended the game – a 1-0 thriller of a victory for the Rangers.

Nabokov finished with nineteen saves – but don’t be fooled – these weren’t shots of the “peppering” variety – as there was a lot of mean salt behind these Blueshirt bombs.

Lundqvist, on the other end of the ice, finished with a 29-save shutout – and when I look back at it now – perhaps his last great game as a visitor in one of the nomadic Isles’ barns.

(And the less said about Jaroslav Halak, one of my “Ranger Killers” in my upcoming book, the better!)

Following the tweet that Lundqvist initially sent once the news became official; later on in the day, the soon-to-be newest member of the Hall of Fame posted a thank you video message too:

https://t.co/3M5KUxjGyP

— The Esquire of Sports® (@TheEsqofSports) June 22, 2023

Come November, when Lundqvist is inducted into the Hall of Fame (and why the HOF holds their ceremony in-season is beyond me) – he will become the 61st Ranger to be enshrined in Toronto.

The other sixty names? The following:

(This is the official list as posted on NYRangers.com. Keep this in mind, because there is one major error.)

(Also of note: This official list had a ton of spelling errors on it – errors that I fixed. Get your shit together!)

*Rangers’ announcer, Sam Rosen, received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 2016. While he obviously didn’t play, coach or manage the Blueshirts; he is a Hall of Famer today because of his work with the club.

If you take a deep look at these sixty names, then you’ll notice that many of these players weren’t inducted into the Hall of Fame because of their work with the Rangers.

At this time, and just to show you the alumni company that Lundqvist now joins, let’s break up this list a bit.

Of note: The following is just my own opinion – and I don’t think I’ll get much push-back either.

Furthermore, I will explain any name (my ranking) when necessary, with an asterisk.

HALL OF FAMERS SOLELY BECAUSE OF THEIR WORK WITH THE RANGERS (21):

Lester Patrick*, Bill Cook, Frank Boucher, Ching Johnson, John Kilpatrick, Neil Colville, Bryan Hextall, Chuck Rayner, Art Coulter, William Jennings, Harry Howell, Rod Gilbert, Lynn Patrick, Emile Francis, Eddie Giacomin, Buddy O’Connor, Clint Smith, Edgar Laprade, Bun Cook, John Halligan and Brian Leetch.

* – Lester Patrick probably would’ve been inducted into the HOF without the Rangers, due to his career that took place prior to the NHL – and as the founder of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association. His time with the Blueshirts just cemented his case.

HALL OF FAMERS DUE TO THEIR COMPLETE BODY OF WORK, INCLUDING WITH THE RANGERS (11):

Babe Siebert, Earl Seibert, Babe Pratt, Bill Gadsby, Andy Bathgate*, Allen Stanley*, Gump Worsley* Jean Ratelle*, Brad Park*, Mike Gartner and Mark Messier*.

* – Andy Bathgate qualified for the HOF because of his days in New York, but he also played seven-seasons away from the Big Apple, including the back-half of the 1963-64 season with Toronto – where he won the only Stanley Cup of his career. More on the Cup vs. No Cup debate in a bit.

* – Allen Stanley spent a large chunk of his career with the Rangers, but he won four Stanley Cups in Toronto.

* – Gump Worsley spent the majority of his career with the Rangers, but it was when he left where he won all of his hardware, including two Vezina Trophies and four Stanley Cups, in Montreal.

* – Jean Ratelle, like Bathgate, is mainly known for his days with the Rangers, but he did spend parts of six-seasons with the Bruins, where he reached two Stanley Cup Finals (1977 and 1978) – one more than he reached with the Blueshirts (1972).

* – Brad Park, who arguably had his peak years on Broadway, also spent more than 50% of his career away from the Big Apple.

* – Arguably, if you ignore the first half of Mark Messier’s career, which was spent in the WHA and with the Edmonton Oilers, then with the 1994 Stanley Cup win – maybe he’s a Hall of Famer on just that alone. Either way, it’s his time in Alberta that long had him as a future HOFer before he even arrived in New York.

HALL OF FAMERS NOT INDUCTED BECAUSE OF THEIR DAYS WITH THE RANGERS (27):

Howie Morenz, Doug Bentley, Terry Sawchuk, Bernie Geoffrion, Doug Harvey, Johnny Bower, Tim Horton, Harry Lumley, Jacques Plante, Bobby Hull*, Phil Esposito*,  Guy Lafleur, Bud Poile, Marcel Dionne, Wayne Gretzky, Roger Neilson, Pat LaFontaine, Dick Duff, Herb Brooks*, Glenn Anderson, Craig Patrick, Luc Robitaille, Pavel Bure, Jari Kurri, Brendan Shanahan, Fred Shero* and Eric Lindros.

* – Bobby Hull is the major error on the official list that the Rangers have on their website. He never played one regular season game for the team, but he did play in several preseason/exhibition games.

* – You could argue that Phil Esposito’s full body of work with the Rangers should be included, but he was already a HOFer by the time he got to New York, due to his work in both Chicago and Boston. Furthermore, founding the Lightning was another major feather in his cap.

* – Coach Herb Brooks had a few good years as the bench boss of the Blueshirts, but he was really only inducted because of the “Miracle on Ice” win from 1980.

* – Fred Shero led the Rangers to the 1979 Stanley Cup Final, but he was already a HOF coach prior to arriving to New York, as a result of his two Stanley Cup wins in Philadelphia (1974 and 1975). Furthermore, his time with the Rangers was checkered too.

HALL OF FAMERS WHO SHOULD BE KICKED OUT BECAUSE OF THEIR TIME WITH THE RANGERS (1):

Glen Sather

As you can now see, Lundqvist will soon become the 22nd “TRUE BLUE” Ranger to be inducted into the Hall of Fame – and the third “TRUE BLUE” goaltender too.

And what does Lundqvist have in common with the other two “TRUE BLUE” Ranger goalies?

Like Rayner and Giacomin – he never won a Stanley Cup.

Do you know who did win a Stanley Cup with the Rangers and who is not in the Hall of Fame?

Mike Richter.

But before you start groaning and say, “Oh no, not another Lundqvist vs Richter debate again;” bear with me – because that’s not the path I’m going down.

After all – the soles from my shoes are long worn, and full of holes, as I have walked that path many times before!

Instead, and at this time – I want to take a look at the rest of the Class of 2023 – and the omissions too.

Warning: I’m going to do a lot of jumping around here, so put on your seatbelt!

Joining Lundqvist in the Class of 2023 are Ken Hitchcock (builder), Pierre Lacroix (builder), Caroline Oulette (the one woman candidate that the HOF, in their state of “wokeness,” looks for every year), Pierre Turgeon (player) and two goalies from the past – Tom Barrasso and Mike Vernon.

(You can read the HOF’s complete press release on the Class of 2023 here: https://www.hhof.com/induction/induction2023/abouttheclass.html )

When I look at this collection of seven-names, and while you can make a case for all of them, and even say that they are all deserving (and I wouldn’t argue otherwise); at the same time, and outside of Lundqvist – I can’t say that the other six names are as deserving as the names that are omitted.

(And yes, there is bias here – because if Ken Hitchcock is a Hall of Famer – then shouldn’t Mike Keenan be one too?)

One more time – and as I said when it was first announced – once Roberto Luongo got in – then it was my opinion that the floodgates for goaltenders had opened for the first time in HOF history – or at least since the days of when the goalies from the 1960s retired.

(Previous to the Luongo induction, only 39 NHL goaltenders had been inducted. Vladislav Tretiak, of Russia, is the only lone goaltender to have never played in North America – somewhat ironic today, due to the never-ending omission of Alexander Mogilny.)

As is always the case at this time of year; just hours prior to the HOF’s announcement, everyone and their mother made their cases for candidates, while also detracting from others.

Ken Campbell, formerly of “The Hockey News,” was one of these people, as he posted this tweet three-and-a-half hours prior to all of the news becoming official:

Can someone tell me why Hank Lundqvist is a slam-dunk, 1st-ballot Hall of Famer? Tom Barrasso won Calder, Vezina (5 times top 3), Jennings, 2 Cups, was a 3-time all-star and isn’t in. Hank has a Vezina (5 times top 3), 3 all-stars, Olympic and World Championship gold, zero Cups.

— Ken Campbell (@Ken_Campbell27) June 21, 2023

I know I’ve said it before, but one more time – no Hockey Hall of Famer is a “first ballot HOFer.” There is no open voting process. There are no ballots. It’s a collection of eighteen people, a chosen group, and as if they were “The Illuminati,” that debates among each other and reaches a result.

To be technical, Lundqvist, and others like him, are “first-year inductees.”

And yes – I’m not a fan of this whole process – as I believe that the baseball Hall of Fame has a much better system – which is why their Hall of Fame is considered to be the best and most revered in all of sports.

Whether Campbell was looking for traffic, Twitter engagement or what; well I can’t answer that – but what I can say is that he ignored Luongo’s induction.

If Luongo is a “first ballot” and/or “first-year inductee;” then in what world is Lundqvist not?

And I say that as a guy who couldn’t stand Lundqvist’s final contract!

I followed Campbell’s tweet on Wednesday, where one of my old talking points and “what if questions” was repeatedly brought up – if Lundqvist and Luongo flip-flopped their careers, meaning had Luongo exclusively played in NYC, while Lundqvist played in small markets (Long Island, Vancouver and Sunrise) – then would have Luongo become a bigger star than Lundqvist?

My opinion? Yes, I do feel that would’ve been the case.

However, that argument is no longer valid – because yes, and one more time – LUONGO IS IN THE HALL OF FAME!

In other words, small, medium or big markets – it don’t matter – Luongo wasn’t disrespected. And for that matter, neither was Lundqvist.

However, I do feel that a lot of goalies have been slighted and snubbed by the Hall of Fame; but before getting there – the Cup vs No Cup debate.

Campbell wasn’t the only person, fan or media member, to bring up Lundqvist’s lack of a Stanley Cup win on his resume.

Of course, also not brought up by Campbell and his believers?

It’s the “HOCKEY” Hall of Fame – not the “NHL” Hall of Fame – where in other words – accomplishments away from the NHL are considered, including the Olympics, IIHF tournaments, other leagues, etc.

I watched the HOF announcement live on TSN. Following the seven names being called-out; TSN went to their studio, where Gino Reda and Craig Button had a spirited debate about Lundqvist. I really enjoyed it – and I thought that both men were correct – as once again – another case of “two conflicting things can be true” played out.

Reda sat on the side of the fence that Lundqvist shouldn’t be in the Hall of Fame because he never won the Stanley Cup. It’s a fair argument – but one that’s now long dated – considering all of the other non-Cup winners that are in the HOF.

Button was irate with Reda’s opinion and said it doesn’t matter if you’ve won the Cup or not. He said the only things that matter are your numbers and your body of work. Again, another valid opinion.

However, I thought Reda’s retort said it all, “Craig, you have to be kidding me. Barrasso and Vernon only got in because they won the Cup multiple times!”

Two completely different opinions – and both on either side of the spectrum – and where I thought both were correct and with merit.

Are Lundqvist, Barrasso and Vernon Hall of Famers? Sure, especially when you look at the other goalies who are in, including both Rayner and Giacomin. (And yes, Luongo too!)

At the same time, did Lundqvist take a different path than the goalies who had their prime years in the 1990s? Sure, that’s true too.

I GUESS PART ONE: The most head-scratching thing is WHY NOW for Barrasso and Vernon – where again – I’m not trying to detract from anyone – I’m just trying to give you the full scope.

I GUESS PART TWO: The HOF selection committee decided 2023 was the perfect year to induct these two – as they didn’t want to run the risk of having any negative publicity.

The thin-skinned and tight-lipped HOF selection committee once again ignored Alexander Mogilny – who arguably is the biggest omission from Toronto, ONT today – and in a way – his omission both lessens the value and diminishes the prestige of the HOF.

Had Mogilny, in retirement, went on to commit murders, sexual assaults, killed animals, abused kids or another crime as heinous as these, as if he were your common NFLer – and not an NHLer – then yeah – go ahead – leave him out of it.

However, Mogilny’s biggest crime perpetrated?

Being born in Russia.

HOW DARE HE! FOR SHAME!

While who knows what’s actually led to his now annual omission (maybe he banged a wife of one of the HOF selection committee members – because nothing else makes sense); it’s now being reported that this year, the HOF wanted to stay away from Mogilny because of the craziness in Russia – and as if Mogilny was personally pulling the strings of Vladimir Putin.

While this hasn’t been reported, and this is purely my own speculation/opinion – I feel like Corey Crawford was also omitted, because of the stuff that happened in Chicago – and as if he was personally commanding and telling Brad Aldrich who to target.

Crawford and Mogilny, who should be in the HOF based on the other players who are in – are solely ignored because of situations that have nothing to do with them.

What kind of message does that send?

If you’re born in Russia and/or co-worked with a sex-offender – then sorry Charlie – and to paraphrase the Soup Nazi from “Seinfeld” – “NO HALL FOR YOU!”

Unless you’re one of these people who can’t admit reality, and remain transparent about the Canadian bias in both the NHL and the HOF too; then for the life of me, can someone explain to me why the Devils’ Patrik Elais isn’t in?

But I guess to be fair – Justin Williams, in his first-year of eligibility, a Canadian, was ignored too.

A three-time Stanley Cup champion and whose “Mr. Game 7” nickname was well earned during his career – yet that wasn’t good enough.

For both fans of the Kings and Hurricanes – they must be bewildered about why Williams was ignored, while the HOF touted Lundqvist’s Game 7 record during playoff time.

Again, the hypocrisy, the Cup v. No Cup debate, and who is & who isn’t in arguments, continue to run wild – and I see every angle of it – except for the omissions of Crawford and Mogilny.

Somewhat as “controversial” as Crawford and Mogilny, are both Jeremy Roenick (sexual remarks) and Theo Fleury (politics and calling out a sexual offender) – and where both men continued to be ignored.

While Roenick never won a Cup; Fleury did, and of the two – Fleury has just as good as a resume as anyone else.

Sadly, but as expected, Stan Fischler, who has only been covering hockey for over seventy years (longer than anyone else, past or present) was also ignored.

I thought about my friend as Mike Gartner announced the induction of Pierre Lacroix, who passed away on December 13th, 2020.

“The Maven” will never admit it, but I can tell you that these annual snubs are a letdown for him.

Morbidly, I fear that if he’s ever inducted, it will only happen after he passes – as that’s when people will start rallying for him.

I guess the HOF selection committee wants to see the 91-year-old hit the century-mark or die before considering him. I just don’t get it.

I also believe that if Fischler was born in Flin Flon, Manitoba, rather than in Brooklyn, NY – then he’d be in – and as a tenured member of the HOF too.

And to be clear – congratulations to the whole Class of 2023.

In a way, I just wish that the Hockey Hall of Fame, and as I have championed the Rangers to do in regards to admitting their own mistakes and retiring numbers of players that they’ve ignored (Check out “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden” for more), would just have a “MAKE GOOD” class.

Rather than limiting a class to six or seven names; instead, I’d like to the see the HOF go back over the years and meticulously fix the errors of their ways.

Should that ever happen (it won’t); then moving forward, we’d have more engaging debates about first-year candidates – and it would also allow fans of their era to celebrate too.

(One of the saddest things that I’ve ever seen? The Rangers’ Jean Ratelle #19 jersey retirement ceremony – where about 5,000 Garden patrons politely clapped, as if they were at a golf outing, during the presentation. Needless to say, the ceremony took place 35-years too-late – and the fans who vicariously lived through him weren’t there.)

By going back, thus in an attempt to move forward; this would also cease the posthumous inductions too – and really – don’t you want to honor these men and women when they are alive?

It’s their day – why do some of these people need to celebrate it when they are six-feet under?

And with the goalie floodgates now open; perhaps the HOF selection committee can now take a deep look at Mike Richter, who along the likes of other snubbed goalies, including Curtis Joseph, Tim Thomas and others – should have his day too.

I’ve done the Richter vs Lundqvist debates so many times before on this site; so I don’t want to write about all of that again tonight.

With that said; with the HOF selection committee honoring more goaltenders than ever before – I think the case for Mike Richter has never been stronger.

Again, the Cup v. No Cup debate can be argued to the end of time; but what can’t be argued is that Richter has just as good as a resume as several of the other goalies who have been recently inducted.

I know I’ve written this about 867867867896796 times in the past; but when I look at Richter, I think what’s often ignored (and which also explains his lack of a Vezina Trophy on his resume), is that he played during an era where you had three of the best four goalies of all-time, three of the four “Mount Rushmore” goalies, Martin Brodeur, Patrick Roy and Dominik Hasek, playing as well.

Put it this way, and this isn’t a knock on Lundqvist, it’s just a frame of reference: What goalie really stood out during his era?

Carey Price, who never won a Cup either? Jonathan Quick, who won two Stanley Cups and should be in the HOF one day too? Marc-Andre Fleury, who is arguably the best goalie of that era? (Three Stanley Cups – and in his second act in Vegas – accomplished Lundqvist’s two biggest feats which took place during his prime years – a Vezina Trophy and a Stanley Cup Final appearance.)

Nothing against the “salary cap era” of goalies; but in NO WAY, SHAPE OR FORM, did they have to deal with the likes of Roy, Brodeur or Hasek.

Furthermore, and while I know that comparing eras is very difficult to do, especially goalies (masks vs no masks, one-goalie teams/no back-ups, rule changes, modernized equipment, ties vs no ties, a six-team league featuring the very best-of-the-best vs 32 watered-down teams etc); it’s not like the salary cap era of goalies had to compete with such competition from the Golden Age of Goaltending, the 1960s, when you had guys like Gump Worsley, Jacques Plante, Glen Hall, Tony Esposito, Terry Sawchuk and Johnny Bower manning the pipes.

But as always stressed on this site – you can only do what you can in your own era.

All bar-room and social media debates and comparisons are just for fun – but yeah – I don’t know how Lundqvist, with his model looks, would’ve fared in an era where masks were outlawed – and thought to be for “soft” players.

I’m not going to bog you down with stats and accomplishments – because I’m assuming that you know them already, and if you don’t, “Google is your friend;” but when I look at not only the inductions of Barrasso and Vernon – but other inductees too – then many of these men weren’t as strong, nor as important, to their Stanley Cup winning teams, as Mike Richter was for the Rangers.

I know that some people (idiots) will bring up the 1992 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the one bad goal that Richter allowed to the Penguins (while ignoring the horrible suspension of Adam Graves in the process – which really cost the Blueshirts the series); but seriously – are you telling me that you can’t find one (if not many) bad goals allowed by any of the other goaltenders in the Hall of Fame?

And really – what led to Richter’s demise? Not performance issues, but injury issues, including a cracked skull.

While you can’t play the “what if game” all the time – and again – you can only do what you can do in your own era – and the parameters defined during it; but I must ask and get it out of my system – “What if Richter played against the likes of MAF, Quick and Price, while Lundqvist played against the likes of Hasek, Roy and Uncle Daddy?”

In my mind, and for the final time, because of the Luongo and these two inductions; Richter’s case for the HOF has never been better.

And for that matter – Dave Kerr, another Rangers’ franchise goalie, and just like Richter and Lundqvist – should be in too.

After all, the only reason Kerr’s career was cut short (had he played 2-3 more seasons, then he would’ve been a lock), was because of cheap ownership, World War II and the way the world was during the early 1940s.

One last thing about the HOF before moving onto the Rangers of today?

While everyone always champions for Mark Messier as the next head coach of the Rangers whenever the search is on; try this on for size – A HALL OF FAME M$GN BROADCAST – featuring Henrik Lundqvist and Mark Messier.

Seriously, do we need Lundqvist’s coffee boy, the worst Rangers’ back-up goalie of this century, Sieve Vagistat, on the M$GN panel?

Not only would Messier have carte-blanche to say whatever he wants (and just like Lundqvist); he checks every box too, including:

— Providing a skater’s perspective vs Lundqvist’s goalie perspective.

— A Rangers’ legend like Lundqvist.

— Never suited up for the Islanders like Sieve Vagistat – and actually played more than 46-games of NHL hockey too.

— Has better locker room and war stories than the seven-foot douche – who for whatever reason – can’t go one week without talking about his disgusting bloody groin.

— Can provide insight on leadership.

— Would give fans a viewpoint from a different generation, rather than having two men who played during the same generation.

And really, do I need to go on – it’s Mark freakin’ Messier over Sieve Vagistat! Case closed!

Let’s rapid-fire through the rest of the news in Rangerstown, USA.

I don’t think there’s anyone who bitches more about the Rangers’ beat than yours truly, as I continue to perfect my “Ode to Phil Mushnick” on this site.

Heck, some readers are now referring to me as a “crotchety old boomer” – which in my eyes – I take as a compliment!

But, and despite my previous complaints – I also believe in being firm, yet fair.

In the attempt of such fairness – I think that Arthur Staple, who I’ve only railed on once before for his fake news Artemi Panarin report from last year – one that he avoided after “The Breadman” called out the former Islander scribe; I believe he’s been doing a good job – which is why you’ve seen his name omitted during my previous rants on the beat.

Should you desire, maybe we’ll turn all of this into a recurring and ongoing bit on this site – “THE RANGERS’ BEAT RACE FOR SCOOPS!” (Working title!)

Here’s a fact and my opinion:

Ever since the playoffs ended (and while the Canadian reporters have done the most “scoopage,” as if they were employees of Baskin-Robbins); of the Ranger beat reporters – Staple has broken the most stories.

While Larry Brooks continues to wonder if Mike Sullivan will become the next head coach, Mollie Walker ponders about Peter Laviolette’s favorite color and Wince Mercogliano wonders if there ever will be vegan-options on the M$G menu next season; it’s been Staple who has been unearthing story-after-story.

If you recall, it was Staple who broke the story about the Ramsay firing.

While he fell in line with everyone else – and wouldn’t report about why the firing took place – it was Staple who reported it first.

For a long-time, and really, for decades now – it’s always been Brooks, as the Rangers’ unofficial conduit, who has broken story-after-story.

However, recently, as in following the Rangers’ playoff loss to the Devils; Brooks has been tied-up in never-ending speculation and fan-fiction, including a month’s worth of tributes to Mike Sullivan.

While Brooks was doing that; it’s been Staple reporting the real news.

I’m left wondering this – with the Rangers going with a very heavy Islander alumni staff – are Staple’s former connections with “little brother” giving him more sources and avenues?

The point of this word-salad/rant?

On Wednesday, Staple was the first to report Laviolette’s assistant coaching staff.

Following Jeff Marek being the first to report the hiring of former Islander Michael Peca; Staple then gave us the 411 and fleshed out the rest of Laviolette’s generals.

Joining the crew that will most likely be fired in two-years time (and I unequivocally and 100% hope that I’m wrong about this) are Phil Housley and Dan Muse.

The Rangers have yet to confirm any of this, but it’s hard to imagine that Staple is making this up.

Muse’s familiarity with Laviolette began in Nashville, having served as one of Laviolette’s assistants. The two have also worked together with USA Hockey.

Phil Housley, the 2015 Hall of Famer, and an American like Laviolette and Muse, also worked in Nashville, including during the 2016-17 season, when Laviolette and company reached the 2017 Stanley Cup Final. In addition, he has also worked with USA Hockey, thus another connection with Laviolette and Muse.

Previously, Housley last worked in the NHL during the 2021-22 season, as an assistant coach with the lowly Arizona Coyotes.

It remains to be seen what roles Peca, Muse and Housley will have, especially since Housley, again, a HOFer, has coached both penalty kill and power-play units in the past.

And as noted on this site before – Benoit Allaire, perhaps a future HOFer himself, especially since he’s Canadian – will remain as the Rangers’ goaltending coach.

While you all know how I feel about Lateralette as the 37th coach in franchise history (he was the safe choice, but he wasn’t my first choice); I am rooting for him. Get me that fifth Stanley Cup that we’ve all been waiting for.

That said, and now knowing the news – I think I would’ve preferred to see Housley as the head coach.

I know that I keep repeating myself – but for whatever reason, people tend to twist my words around – so one last time to be clear – I HOPE THAT LAVIOLETTE SUCCEEDS.

However, I wouldn’t have minded some fresh blood behind the bench – especially a successful NHLer who knows what it takes. That’s all!

And oh – I do want to add this, and as a response to last night’s blog – I think the most frustrating thing for me right now, in regards to the Rangers, is the fact that we can’t assess anything at all until the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs – assuming that the Blueshirts qualify.

In other words; going into next season – I do not care how the Rangers finish in the regular season.

You can do whatever you want (we are all entitled to our own opinions and line of thinking); but for me, it’s Cup or bust.

And if the Rangers don’t make the playoffs?

Then I think that Dolan busts out the axe again, dusts off Glen Sather – and then finds a new head coach – and a new general manager too.

One more item before going home.

While the majority of the other 31-teams in the league released their preseason schedules on Wednesday; the Rangers (and very predictably at that) did not do the same.

But fret not my dear Watson!

Based on deduction and the preseason schedules that the Islanders, Bruins and Devils released; we now know the sextet of exhibition games that the Rangers will play before kicking off the 2023-24 campaign.

Here they are:

— September 24th at Boston at 5PM

— September 26th vs Islanders at 7PM

— September 28th vs Devils at 7PM

— September 29th at Islanders 7PM

— October 4th at Devils at 7PM

— October 5th vs Boston 7PM

Two quick notes:

1) The Rangers will continue to play the Bruins during this year’s preseason. Previously, and until 2019, the Flyers were the Blueshirts’ third opponent.

2) There’s no word yet if the Rangers’ road games will be played at the varsity club’s home rinks.

Previously, and before the IBS Arena at Belmont being built; the Islanders’ home game was played at their AHL affiliate location in Bridgeport, Connecticut, as a way to drum up season-ticket sales for the Sound Tigers.

Back to the book for me – and fingers-crossed – no more news until the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.

Of note: There will be no draft preview posted on this site.

Unlike others, I freely admit to you – I don’t watch a lick of underage teenagers playing hockey.

History, and not the future, has always been my forte.

However, if you’re looking for prospect/who the Rangers could draft coverage, then I’d suggest checking out “The Blueshirt Underground Show” and the “2 Guys, 1 Cup” podcasts – as they usually have “The Draft Analyst,” Steve Kournianos, on as a guest.

A good Twitter follow, and a person who knows everything about the prospects that you need to know, is Danny McGillicuddy – a former USHL and collegiate player that goes by the Twitter handle of @DannyMackSport1.

For me and this site?

I openly confess to you – I’ll tell you who the Rangers drafted – but I won’t be able to tell you anything about any of these players from a first-hand perspective.

But hopefully, and by August – I’ll be able to tell you all about “The Top 100 Villains of New York Rangers History!”

Enjoy the Summer – it won’t last long! (What a callback to tonight’s opening!)

PLUGS TIME! (Buy a book and support my Rangers’ induced therapy bills. After all, I don’t run ads on this site!)

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:

The Bryan Trottier 2.0 Era Begins! Peter Lateralette Officially Installed as 37th Head Coach of the Rangers; “The Cult of Personality” Chris Drury Looks Miserable, NYR Birdbrain Beat Miss the Net Again; The Questions That Weren’t Asked, M$GN’s Short Broadcast, HOF Tomorrow & More from the Uninspiring Press Conference

Peter Lateralette Hired as 37th Head Coach of Rangers’ History – But Does It Matter? The Press Release That NYR Doesn’t Want You To Read Revealed, Lavy’s Past & Present To Determine Drury’s Future; Dolan Against the Clock, Artemi History X Panarin, Vegas Golden Knights Win Their Silver Armor; A Rare Success Story for Gary Bettman, Patrick Kane & More

Rangers’ COACH WATCH ’23 Update: Joel Quenneville Currently in New York City; Facts vs Speculation, Henrik Lundqvist Less Than Ten Days Away from Hockey Hall of Fame Announcement; Potential Class of 2023 & 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