NFT: Rangers @ Jackets, 7:30pm EST on MSG/NBCSN

to worry about playoff positioning, as we still need ~22 more points to qualify for the playoffs (24+ for WC-1, to be safe) with 27 games still on tap.

But I wouldn't cry about an OTL tonight (I know... what are those? 1 all year lol)

This team needs wins vs legit Cup contenders for their own psyche. We're pretenders right now. I doubt that can change with the current D corps but miracles do happen. I've been saying for a decade that Hank needs to go on a Roy/Hasek like run and carry us to a Cup. So long in fact I'm not sure any longer he has it in him. It would be ironic if he did it in a season where he has looked lost at times.

but I am worried about going on a winning tear these last 2 weeks and then vastly overpaying for the 'missing piece' only to see us bow out early in the playoffs.

In comment 13358841 Torrag said:

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This team needs wins vs legit Cup contenders for their own psyche. We're pretenders right now.

That's a bit much. I'm not loving our chances either, but that's only because we sit in the freakin' Metro. Any other division in hockey and we'd be loving our season right now and excited about being favorites to get to hockey's Final 4.

Unfortunately we sit in a division where for whatever reason generational, Hall of Fame players have taken long-term, well-below market deals to win for their cities. Annoying.

In comment 13358841 Torrag said:

Quote:

This team needs wins vs legit Cup contenders for their own psyche. We're pretenders right now. I doubt that can change with the current D corps but miracles do happen. I've been saying for a decade that Hank needs to go on a Roy/Hasek like run and carry us to a Cup. So long in fact I'm not sure any longer he has it in him. It would be ironic if he did it in a season where he has looked lost at times.

Hasek was basically Jesus himself in 99 with the Sabres and it still wasn't enough. When he finally won a Cup as a 37 year old, it was with a Red Wings team that was 2nd in the league in scoring. Yes, Hasek was tremendous and was great in the playoffs but it was a team effort. He had some help.

Expecting Hank to do it all himself is a bit unrealistic.

I was merely pointing out that the fact that this is something we even think of when we're less than 70% of the way through the season is pretty damning of the rules. Nothing we didn't know already.

good thing that UConn v. SCarolina (girls) start at 9:00, might have been a touch call as to which to watch live....(: (Lady Huskies going for 100th consecutive)

HL's recent run, and in respect of the milestone he just recorded, and the competition, only the occasional perversity of AV would tap AR here. Am I wrong?

As far as the playoff rules, they are what they are: improving the roster in the short- and intermediate-term has to be first and foremost, and the rest will take care of itself

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Last time NYR were in town it was maybe the best win of the season so I'm excited for this one. Can't beat the prices here as opposed to MSG. Nash in the lineup this time which still adds some extra energy to the games in Columbus.

Definitely got one eye on potential playoff matchups. Been advocating for that first wild card but hard to be disappointed with the team and Hank most importantly playing better and picking up points. If anything, I'd just like to avoid the Pens. But we can worry about that more with maybe 10 games left. LGR

According to Zipay, Raanta and Girardi in.


Lundqvist gets night off

Girardi In.

In comment 13359066 ColHowPepper said:

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good thing that UConn v. SCarolina (girls) start at 9:00, might have been a tough call as to which to watch live....(: (Lady Huskies going for 100th consecutive)

we actually let Girardi get some extended rest. Frustrating

just going for that WC-1. Well played, AV.

Great coaching

In comment 13358841 Torrag said:

Quote:

This team needs wins vs legit Cup contenders for their own psyche. We're pretenders right now.

By the way, 6-7 this year against teams with 70+ points. Not great by any means, but not bad either. I think its more of a talent level issue (defensively), than a team confidence issue. Guys can have all the confidence in the world, the talent isnt good enough in the back.

tough week ahead, this past Saturday's comeback was important - schedule steps up quite a bit in class from here. @ CBJ, @ NYI, vs WSH this week.... good news being we have 2 day breaks between the games.

it may not have been a puck to the face but flying face first into the boards will work.

.

.

Tied up!

The Ultimare Warrior

....on fire lately

But the puck is bouncing all over the place.

By Holden on Cam

with Zucc and Kreider?

in the D zone then appeared to have a good opportunity going the other way but couldn't gather the puck. Compounds it by taking the dreaded O zone penalty.

Still accidentally posting in the Avs thread from Sat. I need to be better than this.

In comment 13360040 nyjuggernaut2 said:

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with Zucc and Kreider?

It's been Kreid-Step-Zucc for most of the time since Ziba can back from his injury...

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again been having to work late. Can anyone give me a recap, I see scores tied.

In comment 13360051 Giantfootball025 said:

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again been having to work late. Can anyone give me a recap, I see scores tied.

Pretty evenly played game. Neither team dominating much. Rangers have been on the penalty kill quite a bit. PK has been excellent; rangers maybe getting slightly better of the play at even strength.

Bobrovsky has made some big saves, Raanta has looked pretty good too but maybe slightly less tested.

In comment 13360051 Giantfootball025 said:

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again been having to work late. Can anyone give me a recap, I see scores tied.

BJ's with 1st period PP goal and Blueshirts tied it up early in the 2nd with a shortie by the prolific goal scorer, Dan "The Warrior" Girardi. Evenly played game but the parade of Blueshirts to the box has to stop ...playing with fire.

Wow!!!

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Hayes

Undressed the Bob for an early Valentines Day 5 hole.

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...let's say Vesey gets it.

In comment 13360044 bigbluehoya said:

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In comment 13360040 nyjuggernaut2 said: Quote: with Zucc and Kreider? It's been Kreid-Step-Zucc for most of the time since Ziba can back from his injury...

Hey - I just realized that I was dead wrong about this. It's been mostly K-Z-Z. You're right.

sitting back a little bit more now, CBJ going to have to take more chances. This is prime time for Grabner.

...

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1 aside.

clear effort.

Getting worked a bit here.

time to go conservative, maybe now the Rangers open it up again.

In comment 13360084 Drewcon40 said:

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...let's say Vesey gets it.

DREWCON YOU MAGNIFICENT BASTARD

Vesey!

In comment 13360084 Drewcon40 said:

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...let's say Vesey gets it.

LOL!

Lemon fuckin squeezy!

In comment 13360084 Drewcon40 said:

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...let's say Vesey gets it.

Ok I'm just lucky