KOTSY’S KORNER

Rangers Rout Islanders

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:10:54 -0500

The New York Rangers took care of business last night with a total demolishing of the New York Islanders by a score of 7-2. I won’t get too detailed about it but after an early 2-1 lead by the visitors, the Rangers buckled down and fired 52 shots at a beleaguered Dwayne Roloson for a season high shot total.

My take from this game is it was nice to see Matt Gilroy assert himself and play with some confidence. Gilroy might have gotten a little lucky on both of his goals but as I always say, “They don’t draw pictures on a score sheet”. I’m hoping, like most Rangers fans, that Gilroy will finally “get it” and understand that he has to be consistent game in and game out.

Now the Rangers will take on the New Jersey Devils and much like the Islanders the boys in blue must and I mean MUST be ready to play. It’s the beginning of a mini road trip for the Rangers (Devils, Lightning, Panthers) and these points are ever so important. The East this year is a tough conference to be in. Playoff spots will be hard to come by. While the Rangers are in a good spot presently, they can’t relax. In fact, there’s no time to relax… period!

Some other musings… I keep hearing that MDZ might be on the trading block? Well, in my opinion, if he is it better be a lopsided trade in favor of the Rangers. Otherwise, forget about it! MDZ is having a tough year and his production is obviously down. But really, he’s just 20 years old and he will bounce back- trust me!

Another thought… just how far has the New York Islanders organization fallen? For that matter, you can throw in the New Jersey Devils this season too! If only the Flyers could join them and make it a tri-fecta. It would certainly make Rangers fans jump for joy! Just my thoughts.

Speaking of Rangers fans. I want to thank all of you who follow Kotsy’s Korner and listen to the Instigators radio show. You guys are the best! I would also like to thank all of the Rangers fans and friends that I have made when I venture into the big city to catch a game. Whether at Café 31 or the Parlour Restaurant. You guys make it enjoyable for my wife Lisa and I. If I could, I would thank you all personally… but you know who you are and I thank you all, big time. Oh well, onto the New Year! Over and out!

KINGS OF THE ROAD

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:19:29 -0500

Roger Miller once had a hit single crooning out “king of the road”. Well folks, the New York Rangers at this moment are truly the kings of the road in the NHL. With last night’s (sometimes ugly and mistake prone) game, the boys in blue hung on and took a 5-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators. This win guaranteed that the Rangers now have the most wins on the road sporting a very impressive 11-4-0 record. You have got to like the resilience with this team. Last night when Ottawa would score the Rangers would answer back almost immediately. The game winner would come from rookie d-man Michael Sauer (Who’s coming along nicely, I might add) for his first ever NHL goal. The goal was set up by Chris Neil’s dumb penalty he took for running Ryan Callahan. Sean Avery and Brandon Prust did all the hard work as Sauer blasted a slap shot through the 5-hole on Brian Elliot to give the Rangers the late 4-3 lead. Brandon Dubinsky finished off the game with an empty netter. All in all, the Rangers will take the crucial 2 points as they head to Columbus for a match up on Saturday.

Was this one pretty? Of course not. Ugly at times? For sure. Plenty of mistakes were made and it was nice to see Sauer set up and make up for his major blunder on Ottawa’s first goal. It’s a good sign when a player who’s trying to find his way can shrug off any adversity and play his game. My hat’s off to Sauer and getting that first goal is always something you dream about as a player- it’s something you will never forget!

A couple of things that I took from this game. First, what on earth were the officials thinking when Matt Carkner punched Derek Boogaard first in the back of the head as he chased Boogaard down after a clean hit on an Ottawa player? Not only that, but Carkner then swung again as soon as Boogaard turned around. Is that not instigating? If it isn’t, then I don’t know what is. Carkner should have got 2 for roughing, 2 for instigating, 5 for fighting, 10 min misconduct and a gross misconduct. The gross misconduct for flicking blood at the Ranger bench. A totally classless act. We’ll have to see if the “Grinch” Colin Campbell will look into this or will he let it slide by like nothing happened.

Now, on to Chris Neil. First off, I know he’s a tough guy and all of that… but I watched him for a few years now when he plays the Rangers. How is it that he never caused crap when Colton Orr or Derek Boogaard were sitting on the bench? Then, all of the sudden, when they are conveniently not available through a fight or a healthy scratch- he plays tougher than he really is? Last night, once Boogaard was gone he ran everything in sight and when he ran Callahan he essentially lost the game for the Senators as the Rangers made him pay for it on the ensuing power play. Sorry, Chris. Bonehead move by you and the Ranger fans thank you and are very grateful.

The Quinnipiac Bobcats beat Harvard by a score of 3-1 on the road. A big win for the Bobcats after struggling at home last weekend. Next up for them is Providence at Schneider Arena in Rhode Island.

As for me, I will be in Hartford, Connecticut on Saturday signing autographs before the Whale/Manchester Monarchs play from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at the XL Center Atrium. Should be a fun time. Also, I will be in the city on Sunday to catch the Rangers and Capitals game at MSG. I will be at Café 31 and the Parlour restaurants before the game. That’s it for now, over and out!

RANGERS LOSE TO PENS

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:16:41 -0500

I was in attendance last night for the Rangers and Penguins battle and I was very interested to see how this game would compare to the debacle in Pittsburgh. You know, the one where the Rangers had to overcome horrible officiating to grind out a 3-2 OT victory. This one didn’t quite have the shenanigans as the previous meeting (although I believe Sidney Crosby got away with 2 slewfoots, just saying).

The Rangers lost this one by a score of 3-1. It all came down to one period of hockey and that was the 2nd period. The Penguins outplayed and outscored the Rangers by a 2-1 margin and it could have been more if not for Henrik Lundqvist. There were way too many odd man rushes given up by the Rangers. 2 on 1’s, 3 on 2’s, you name it. I think I counted at least five 2 on 1’s. It’s one thing to be aggressive, but it’s another to be smart about the situation. Pittsburgh took advantage of the Rangers aggressiveness and put the game away when Chris Conner made it a 3-0 game. Gaborik did answer with a goal late in the 2nd and the Rangers tried valiantly in the 3rd to rally but to no avail.

The game did have a couple of spirited scraps. First, Brandon Prust and Mike Rupp. Prust was giving away many pounds and inches to a super heavy weight in Mike Rupp. I think Rupp was surprised at how tough Prust is as it was probably scored as a draw. The 2nd bout was Sean Avery trying to rile up the Garden and his troops immediately after the Penguins made it 3-0. His dancing partner was Tyler Kennedy (Tyler, please take off your helmet if you wear a shield) and I’ll give Avery the unanimous decision on that one.

The Rangers are 4-3 in their last 7 games. Now it’s off to take on the struggling New York Islanders for a home and home series starting Thursday in Long Island (then back at MSG on Friday). Got to get ready for these two games. The Islanders may be down but they will be a perfect trap game (or games) for the Rangers. The Blueshirts will have to knuckle down and get back to outworking their opponent. If they, do they will be just fine!

Lastly, to all of my loyal followers, what is it that the Rangers need to get deep into the playoffs this year:
A number one center?
A proven scorer?
A tough, stay-at-home D-man?
Something else?
Let me know what your thoughts are on this. Over and out!

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:13:40 -0500

Last nights 3-2 loss to the Bruins has still proven, to me at least, that the Rangers need to be more dominant at home. I know I sound like a broken record but to be a serious contender this problem has to be fixed. 4-6-1 just isn't gonna cut it!

On the positive side- How about that unbelievable comeback in Pittsburgh? The Penguins had everything going their way- the referees, the NHL, and late goals. Basically the kitchen sink was thrown at the boys in blue. However, the Rangers persevered and stuck it in the you-know-what of the Pens, the NHL and the Refs! Good job!

The Rangers go on the road for four of the next five games. These five games will be very important as to the state of the Rangers. Precious points in what is a very even division with lots of parity in the eastern conference!

Can there be anyone but Ryan Callahan next in line for being the next captain of the New York Rangers? Callahan does it all: hits, contributes offensively, kills penalties, plays in key situations, and oh yeah- drops the mitts once in a while (witness the decision over Mike Comrie). He gets my vote for sure!

On a very serious note- as most of you know I do a radio show every Tuesday with my co-host Pauly D. This past Tuesday we had on a very special guest in Kurt Walker (former Toronto Maple Leaf). Kurt was very forward about how the NHL Players Association, The NHL, and The NHL Players Alumni do absolutely nothing to help the former players in need of medical and monetary assistance. Trust me when I say as a former player, I know there are many others who are also in this situation. Kurt chronicled his career, what he thought his pension was and what it actually turned out to be. The numerous surgeries he has had to endure from injuries received during his playing days. It is time for the NHL, Players Association, and the Alumni to step up to the plate and take care of their own who sacrificed their bodies and health to help make this great game what it is today… Check out the pod cast of the show to hear more.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/pauly-d/2010/11/17/the-instigators-hockey-show

One last thing- What do you all think about Colin Campbell’s Email-gate? I’ll keep it simple: If Sean Avery can be disciplined for words towards another player- why can’t Campbell receive the same discipline? I’m just saying… Over and Out!

1-2 PUNCH

Wed, 3 Nov 2010 16:49:06 -0400

Now that the Rangers have passed the ten game mark (11 to be exact), 1/8th of their season is behind them. With no Marion Gaborik, Vinny Prospal and Chris Drury the boys in blue have themselves a very nice 6-4-1 record for a total of 13 points. I, for one, feel that it is quite an accomplishment and well deserved. The team has pulled together and picked up the slack.

There have been many pleasant surprises so far this season. Sean Avery’s play, Brian Boyle, Brandon Prust, Arty Anismov. I could go on and on, but really it comes down to two players: Ryan Callahan and Brandon Dubinsky. What can one say about these two? They have grown into bona fide team leaders who are currently leading the team in all offensive categories. Callahan leads the team in points (4G 9A 13Pts) and Dubinsky in Goals (7G 4A 11Pts). The effort these two are putting out every night is just what the Rangers brass and fans have been waiting for. It’s like it has finally clicked in their minds that they can be the men on the team that you can count on. The “I Can” attitude is there… and you can see it! The maturation process has taken its course with these two players and believe me, they will be better off in the long run.

For me personally, I had a short and to the point talk with Brandon Dubinsky at a Ranger golf outing. I looked him straight in the eyes and said- “It’s time isn’t it?”. He looked at me and nodded his head and said- “yes it is”. We both knew what the point of the conversation was- that this was the season to shine… And so far so good. Just one more thing- the growth of Callahan and Dubinsky will rub off on others, and that folks can only be a positive. Next up- The Flyers… YUCK!

Please check out the Instigators radio show. Pauly D and I talk about the state of The Rangers & Hockey every Tuesday at 8:30 on Blog Talk Radio. Over and Out!