Big Blue Huddle

Quote from: jgrangers2 on Today at 03:26:31 PMIt's hard to argue the Rangers record with Rempe in the lineup. How much of it is him vs. coincidence is up for debate. Yesterday's game played out very similar to Wednesday's with the exception that the Rangers got the benefit of a slightly fluky early goal. Not sure how much of an impact it can be said he had.

Also, I think people need to stop getting on Kakko. He hasn't become the player we wanted to but he's a highly useful bottom 6 forward that is very good defensively and with regards to puck possession.

All that said, I think Vesey likely being out makes the decision much easier for Lav.

I think you've made a good point. In a nutshell:

Rempe + MSG = overwhelming home crowd advantage (i.e. extra man on the ice).

Rempe on the road < Kakko

That may very well be what Laviolette will go with. I don't know that the first goal was fluky, as you stated. The puck was in the Florida zone and, while it was headed towards Carter Verhaeghe, I thought Alex Lafrenière did an excellent job checking him off the puck and passing to Fox who set up Trocheck for the score. In my mind, that's the perfect way to strike the Panthers before they get settled in their game.

Peace!

Quote from: files58 on Today at 12:54:49 PMI just watched last night's game again without the anxiety. Florida playa a very similar game to Carolina with added offense. Pressure all over the ice, scrambly, puck bouncing, some havoc. Suits this time of year because ice surfaces are going to be a little soft, and chippy. Especially in South Florida where besides the rink surface all other ice are in drink glasses. Lonborg hit Vesey in the head with a slight glance off Vesey's shoulder which makes the hit a non-penalty. In the game within the game I'd like to see Barkov acquire a nagging physical annoyance that throws his game off just a bit. A cute slash to the ankle/foot, swollen hand or face, and at some point an elbow to Lonborg that has him adjusting his jaw. If you hadn't noticed they're targeting Trocheck. As Henrik said on the pre, and post shoot high on Bobrovsky. The OT winner was a high shot. The Rangers improved from Game 1 to Game 2. Keep it going.

Ryan Lomberg was gooning it out there all last night but also proved to be a fast attacker who zoomed through defenders to break in on Igor; thankfully, no scores. But this dude has a very strong lower body/center of gravity and needs to be dealt with. That he only received a two-minute interference call meant the refs were calling a more wide-open game. For these two teams, I think it's better they do that and just let them play and whistle down the obvious ones. Doing so, in my opinion, helps the Rangers. In OT, I thought the Blueshirts carried the majority of the play and it would only be a matter of time before they put it away, which Goodrow did (NOTE: think back to our discussion, before the start of this series, when we talked about the importance of having a Goodrow, who has won the whole thing with Tampa, twice, and can use his intangibles to make a difference; well, last night was a perfect example of knowing to shoot high off Bobrovsky).

I foresee Florida turning up the goon factor in tomorrow's matinee and the Rangers just need to keep their intensity going and be smart on defense. Getting the first goal last night was of utmost importance and, if they can do so again in game three, it would build confidence that will help them the rest of the game.

As for Rempe on the road vs. at home, there is no question the difference in impact he brings to the ice at the Garden. But given Jimmy Vesey will be out now, it's a toss-up between he and Kakko. So we'll have to wait and see.

One other observation I'd like to jot down is that Alex Wennberg is quietly getting closer and closer to making a lot of noise in this series. He's already hit the iron a couple of times and it's just a matter of time before one will finally go in. I really want to see him rewarded for his efforts because he has quietly done a nice job working the boards and taking his chances when shots become available. Jack Roslovic continues to create havoc with his speed; however, Alex W. is long overdue for his body of work to be rewarded with a goal or two.

Already amped for Chapter Three in this intense series! But Edmonton and Dallas hasn't been any less entertaining, except for the lack of physical intensity, as files58 might say. NHL hockey fans, in general, remain the big winners for two outstanding series, thus far.

Peace!

Rempe's presence, at the Garden, is like having an extra skater on the ice. The article brings that point out so well. Ranger fans get into the game even more with the chants and the electricity builds. What more could you ask for?

This series has set the tone for something even more intense than what we've witnessed so far. This is what championship level hockey is all about and our Blueshirts our holding their own right now.

It will be interesting to see what tactical changes to each lineup both coaches make ahead of game three in Florida.

Peace!

How'd you like those adjustments?

Magnificent game!!!

Goodrow with the winner, but the entire team brought the fight tonight. This was a most needed win and they've got it.

Now it's a five game series. Just get one in their building now is the task ahead.

Whew! What a game!

Peace!

Quote from: files58 on May 23, 2024, 11:13:42 AMFlorida believes they are a team of destiny. In hockey in order to defeat that the opponent has to play the game with the attitude that is just short of "we will kill you to win". I'm being dramatic to make a point. It's about will, and imposing it. I've said it before Mother Teresa before and after the game, Atilla the Hun during the game. What the Rangers need is an infusion of their die hard longtime fans' pissed off angst of one Cup in 83 years. A born, and raised New Yorker middle finger. Hockey is a beautiful, talent laden sport that has a violent element that's allowed, written into it's structure, and in its rulebook. Use that element to your advantage. To Florida, you want to block shots, well here it comes. Bing. Look at that stupid commercial with Stamkos, Hedman, and their young kids. What's the selling point? Stamkos' 3 year old slamming someone into the boards, and then Stamkos telling Hedman well I guess your infant isn't up to it, might as well save for college. HELLO! It won't happen because the real pursuit is $$$$$$$$. To this fan(and many others), and the late Great Vince Lombardi "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing". It's not entertainment, for that I'll watch Edmonton vs Dallas. I never liked it, but I kinda understand why Billy Smith never shaked hands after a series. Ok, rant is over. It's one game. The Rangers know they haveto up their game. If they can't/don't kudos to Florida.

Your first sentence is everything you need to put on the Rangers' bulletin board today and make the font as large and as bold as the printer's capability. That's all that needs to be said and the rest is self-explanatory.

The rest, self-goals and all, mean nothing. You can't buy those back, so let's move on. It's Destiny's Darlings 1 - Blueshirts 0.

No matter how disappointed everyone is, including me, the Rangers hung with these guys for two and a half periods and had many opportunities to tie the game before it fell apart in the last ten minutes. That, in my assessment, is something to build on and make adjustments for tonight. To Boston's credit, they provided the Rangers some game film on how to get to their goalie and coach no doubt has checked it out.

As for the slugfest to come, you can almost guarantee Game Three in front of their fans will offer the Rangers up for sacrifice. So, tonight there is no reason why Rempe is not in the lineup to go out there and create friction with their goons. May as well start something tonight with their stars and finish it on their ice. Maybe their guys go off for a game misconduct as well. I think Mother Theresa would approve files58, no?

They'll be more revved up tonight but they have to be smart and not get into a shootout with these guys or, unless Igor's up for the challenge, they'll blow a chance to get back in this series.

Should be a hot one tonight!

Peace!

Florida's PRESSURE, SPEED and WINNING THE CHASE TO THE PUCK set them up to control the game last night. Brilliant display of shutting down a potent offensive attack like the Rangers and, despite all that, it was 0-1 for two and a half periods so consolation prize for the Rangers in that they can't get down on themselves and must make some more adjustments and they'll get some pucks past Bobrovsky.

The game played out every bit like we all expected it to be. Intense, physical (but generally clean) and fast track. The dynamics of this series haven't even begun yet. The heavy artillery has yet to be fired.

Florida drew first blood, but just remember the Rangers have a recently good history of success in their building so take notes from this game, adjust the plan and go out and win game two, then split in their building to make it a three game series. This one will likely have to go seven for the Rangers to win it; otherwise, Florida will end this one quickly and finish their own season of destiny.

Peace!

T-3 hours and counting!

Quote from: MightyGiants on May 22, 2024, 04:30:22 PMBut in terms of being a good person, an honorable man, Mara is tops in the NFL, in my opinion.


https://x.com/jfowlerespn/status/1793336685222084777?s=46&t=1vcQIN8GqF5J2oLdxEVEJQ

He has the blood and genetics of the man once termed "The Conscience of the NFL." His father was ridiculed as antiquated as well. But nobody who knew Wellington Mara, to a man, would dare suggest he didn't care about his Giants, or the welfare of the National Football League.

That legacy was passed to John following his father's passing in 2005. He may remain unpopular with the fans, but it is clear he is dedicated to live up to father's beliefs in doing what is best for the league and its players.

But it's a far different environment in today's NFL than the one Wellington left behind. What would Wellington, or George Halas, think about the league in its current state now?

For those reasons, Rich @MightyGiants , you are absolutely correct in your assessment of John Mara.

Peace!

P.S. Hoping things are getting a little better for you, day by day.

A man who literally gave his body for the game with no regrets at all. To fully appreciate this, I strongly encourage you to watch the NFL Documentary, "Disposable Heroes."


A true warrior, champion and Hall of Famer.

Rest in peace, aught-oh, and thank you for the great memories.

T-1 for the puck drop to start Game One of the much-anticipated NHL Easten Conference Final between the Panthers and Rangers.

In anticipation of tomorrow night, we've batted around some thoughts, but I thought this NY Post article would be a good share in terms of the big-picture perspective of the Rangers' opponent to add another level of intensity and excitement to this chapter in this season's NFL Playoff story.

Rangers haven't seen anything like the challenge Stanley Cup-hungry Panthers pose

Looking back to last night, an injured and short-handed Vancouver finally succumbed in the end to Edmonton, 3-2, after what had been a magnificent season with a most disappointing playoff run reminiscent of the Rangers in the late 1980s to early 1990s. But an Oilers - Stars Western Conference Final should be equally as entertaining as Cats - Blueshirts.

Let the countdown begin!

Peace!

These were before my time; however, I have the Chris Schenkel-narrated highlight films for both and they were tough games played in bone-chilling conditions.

If you can remember back in 1985, when the Giants made the playoffs, both games were featured in the introduction to the CBS Intro of the actual telecast narrated by the great, legendary CBS commentator, Pat Summerall.

Here is the Wild Card game:


Still miss Pat and John on CBS - the Gold Standard of football broadcasting.

Peace!

+1

I'll vouch for "The Front Porch" as well as even less used "Giants History" board which is an outstanding room for history buffs, or a great place to ask a question and let the historians, or folks who lived to see it live, tell you all about it!

Peace!

NOTHING comes easy once you get to the semifinals. This is the backbreaker and even the best of teams have fallen off the cliff in this round. You make it here because you DESERVE to be here. This is the "Final Four" of the NHL but in Best of Seven format. If you can survive this round, you've arrived on destiny's doorstep.

It's NOT for the feint of heart - period!

It's going to be tough for the Rangers every bit as tough as it's going to be for the Panthers.

In other words, this is going to be one damn exciting series to watch, with the Western Conference Finals being equally as exciting.

Edmonton vs. Vancouver tonight for the right to play Dallas, tonight! A great series overall and worth watching if you have insomnia on the East Coast!

Peace!

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on May 18, 2024, 02:01:55 PMThe Pats and Panthers look like the worst teams to me.

I'd struggle to keep the Giants out of the bottom four though. I thought we were worse than our 6-11 record last year, and I am not convinced the team improved in the offseason overall (yes we gained a couple of very talented players but we also lost three).

I'd probably go (in order of badness):

1. Pats
2. Panthers
3. Broncos
4. Giants

I think there is a bit of a gap between the two worst teams and the next group though. I don't put the Broncos in the same tier as the Panthers and Pats.

It's as good a guess as a raffle ticket at a school fund raiser.

Factor injuries into the equation, which will impact this list more likely than any other variable, what might it look like then?

Peace!

Quote from: MightyGiants on May 16, 2024, 11:37:55 AM1979

This was the first time the Giants had beaten the Rams, in LA, since 1959. Further, Phil Simms had won four games on the trot after this huge upset of the eventual NFC Champions.

Peace!