Big Blue Huddle

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on Today at 05:08:46 PMIt was unreal. Not just the play itself but the deftness and explosiveness of his rush up the ice on the left wing that preceded the play.

This guy was very good in the second half of the season and has been awesome in the playoffs. I'm starting to feel like the Rangers are short-changing themselves by not having him on the PP1 unit.

What a time to come of age! But the aftermath of a game that the rest of the hockey world remains in disbelief that the Cats have absolutely dominated the series but are trailing two games to one in, you take a step back and you realize the stage is set for Lafreniere to come out and live up to his overall #1 draft choice.

The Cats have strategically taken Breadman, Z-man and Kreider out of this series with their defensive focus. Now, Goodrow is getting the looks and capitalizing; his Cup experience rising to the forefront at the most opportune times. Wennberg has quietly done excellent work across all his responsibilities and was finally rewarded with a timely game winner. Trocheck remains the most valuable player on the ice, not named Igor, for everything that he does. All of that teamwork is opening the gates for Laffy to step up and be the scoring machine, which he has taken by the bull horns.

But we need to get real for a moment, folks. We have a serious problem with Miller's timid play to include his inability to clear pucks or engage physically on the boards. Two goals yesterday fall on his back for playing small. I'm beginning to think it might be time to bring Jones back because Miller is completely out of this series, mentally and physically.

A lot of newspaper comment sections were ripping Trouba apart but how can you when he was largely defending by himself at times out there? Even in taking those penalties, I can't fully blame him as he was trying to protect the area in front of Igor.

Despite all the hype about Florida "should be" leading the series 3-0 or 2-1, whatever, they didn't score the fifth goal, so all that BS goes out the window.

I watched the NHL Network's post game coverage and the Cats players acknowledged they didn't get it done and the Rangers did. Maurice was elegant in his remarks but left something not at all surprising on the table as his final comment, but the manner with which he said it was interesting. A reporter asked him about the team's emotions after this game and how he might handle the locker room. He reflected momentarily, then thoughtfully articulated that this loss was a tough one that ripped their hearts. Sometimes, he'd look to console them and build them back up. He then whispered, "But then there are other times it might be better to let them feel the pain, the hurt and let it stew and see how they react going into the next game." Just a brilliant articulation and it sent chills up my own spine. Long story-short, if you thought Game Three was crazy, Game Four WILL be a kamikaze no-holds barred all-out attack with no prisoners taken. Expect a goon-fest extraordinaire with ambulances standing by.

So, we'll see what happens but I think we can expect Florida to come out guns-a-blazing and physical to the extreme. It will be interesting to see how Laviolette counters this but you'd have to think if they overpress, or are thinking too much about hitting, someone is going to break loose and create a mismatch opportunity to put past Bobrovsky, who all of a sudden has become mortal.

Finally, it was wonderful seeing all the blue in the stands and reading how pi$$ed off the locals were that their building was invaded by Rangers fans who kept screaming "MSG South, baby!" LOL! There's no doubt that Ranger Nation helps our boys on the road and we're only too happy to give it up for them. It has really made for a memorable year which I hope continues on favorably for them, and us.

Peace!

Quote from: BluesCruz on Today at 02:30:26 PMThat gravesite photo cannot be unseen

Sad, Poignant, Unfixable

Its amazing that humans have never learned to drop the weapons and just enjoy their limited time on our planet as fellow residents on this beautiful blue marble.

Im old, have seen many epochs of war having somehow escaped the free trip to Vietnam (high draft lottery number).....I thought it (war) was dying down and yet its only gotten worse in this new century.  Heaven help us. Truly

You, along with many here, have bore witness to life and experience, not merely on a national scale but an entire global, where your message rings even louder and more powerful.

To state that humans have never learned is to dismiss those who have given their hearts, their efforts and, sometimes, their lives, in the name of peace. I understand your global statement, and the frustration behind it, but we should never quelch the indomitable spirit of those who tried, even at the expense of their own lives, to further the cause for peace.

For I have known many who are honored on this day who gave of themselves not to answer the call of a draft card, but to answer the burning passion within them to make a difference in this world. For it this day we mourn their loss, but rejoice their cause, and their legacy will live on because they made a difference.

Peace!

Lest we forget.

Thank you, Rich @MightyGiants , for these powerful reminders of the solemnity of what Memorial Day is all about.

May they rest in peace with the thanks and honor bestowed unto them by their great country and all it's citizens forever more.

OMG!!!

I knew it was coming soon, bit never would I have guessed it would be the game winner in OT. Alex Wennberg has had so many close calls and has done great work at Center and on the boards, but I am so happy for this kid, coming from Seattle, becoming a dad in his early days with the team, and slowly assimilating with the team. What a great way for him to close this one out.

Goodrow starting to show he's a money player in the playoffs while Laffy puts on a show in twisting Bob into a pretzel for goal of the Playoffs.

Rangers regain control the series!

Peace!

Good morning.

You're all on the same page and I'll throw my chips in there with you.

The only thing on my mind is how Florida is going to come out and play. Are they going to turn up their goon factor, or are they going to try and mow the Rangers down early with a kamikaze attack? I don't see them playing the same type of hockey they played at the Garden, so, what's coming at Igor and what do Trouba, Miller, Foxy and Schneider have to do to contain it long enough in order to counterattack?

Will this be the day the fists come flying in a free-for-all?

I feel that Florida is going to bring something different today but I can't put my finger on it. For our boys, be alert on the ice for the cheap goon shots because I feel that's part of what's coming.

Toughness begins in about three and a half hour's time.

Peace!

Interesting discussion.

Many different ways to look at this. Look at his coaching history, for starters:

Brian Daboll - Wikipedia

With the pedigree he has, it would be impossible to state he doesn't teach while he coaches. Now, if you are talking teacher, in terms of an academic approach (e.g. lesson plans, terminal and enabling learning objectives, deciding to use cognitive vs. kinesthetic methodogies to reinforce critical objectives), then I really don't know the answer. Tom Coughlin may have been one of the few to take it to that extreme, possibly Fassel to a lesser extent.

If I were to take an educated guess, Daboll should be able to teach through his position coaches since they are the ones who are required to be lockstep with him. You really cannot judge him based on a few edited NFL Films clips for the public to watch. There really is no substitute to going to the games and observing the position coaches working with the players, and then watching Daboll interact with each group. When I went to the Arizona game last year, I was a bit shocked to see Coach Daboll standing by himself quite a bit as the Cards built up their 0-20 halftime lead. He didn't even interact much with Danny Dimes. I just found that to be most odd. The second half, however, he seemed a bit more revved up but let the position coaches do their jobs.

I would recommend putting this topic in the parking lot until training camp and let's get some volunteers here to sign up and observe Daboll during camp. With actual observation data, from multiple sources from this board, I think you'll be able to synthesize a far more honest and objective response to the question versus guessing or assuming.

Peace!

Quote from: jgrangers2 on May 25, 2024, 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 May 25, 2024, 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.