Happy St. Patrick’s Day Chuckle O’Boneheads!!
Top O’ the morning to youse!
The boss is out travelling the world on another extravagant vacation to some exotic location and I’ve been tasked with the postgame blurb (despite me having to prep for a week of annoying family visiting 🙄).
So O’boy (see what I did there), here it goes…
Kreider with a couple of nice goals. I thought the hit he put on l’étang prior to the second one was pre Price Kreider like. It was good to see.
Speaking of hits, Miller and Lafrenière both had nice ones in the game.
Motte had a sweet goal as well off a turnover. I thought he was injured again earlier on but he obviously came back and with a vengeance. He had 4 hits as well as a perfectly timed self defence elbow.
About defence, it looks so much better when the forwards participate too. All of the D men had at least 14 minutes of ice time and looked good as a group. The team is 6-2-1 since the game against Washington that Lindgren got injured in. I really like Lindgren. You’d hate to think the team would see their relatively solid D men on ice play while he’s out as well as his $3 mil cap hit coupled with their cap crunch as reasoning to move him over the summer. I can’t imagine that and it’ll be great to see him come back soon and healthy.
I thought Tarasenko has had a couple of really good games in a row and in all 3 zones. Last night he was very good again.
That Mika goal…filthy, loved it.
The forward group is something. When they’re on AND playing responsible D and not cherry picking every chance they get, they can play with about anyone. I expect line juggling by GG at different times regardless though (injuries aside) to try combos and see if any chemistry is untapped before the playoffs begin.
Teams like the pens, canes, and devils don’t concern me with this forward group. It’s Tampa and Boston and some teams out West that like the physical stuff that will be the real tests…especially in a series.
It will be interesting to see when the team is able to make a few roster moves (end of regular season when cap isn’t an issue) if a centre is inserted in the lineup. They lost the faceoff battle again although it was fairly close at 53% to 47%. The “centres” faceoff % were Trocheck 54%, Mika 50%, Chytil 33%, and Goodrow 30%. Something to keep an eye on down the stretch run and certainly in the playoffs.
Shesty looked good and that’s always good.
I believe there were a few posters at the game last night according to the last couple of threads. They might have some tidbits the rest of us weren’t privy to watching on the TV broadcast that they’ll share.
Lastly, whether you’re a regular or a lurker, please please please if you are going out for festivities tonight, have fun and be smart and safe! DO NOT drive under the influence, get an Uber or a cab or have a DD or whatever the cool kids do now!!! Enjoy your Guinness, green beer, shepherds pie, boiled cabbage, and black pudding AND BE SAFE!!!
104 responses to “Seamus O’Rangers-4, Paddy O’Penguins-2”
Wickopotamus, huh? I love it!
Thought they played a good game tonight. I gotta wonder, though, with a little over 3 minutes left in the game, the team was gassed, couldn’t get out of their zone and then iced the puck- why doesn’t Gallant call a timeout to rest the guys on the ice? They’re very fortunate that they didn’t get scored on.
EddieJ
Thanks bro!
Race weekend!!!!!!
YEAH!
Eddie J teams aren’t able to call a timeout after icing. I had to look it up to be sure I had that right. The rule started in 2017.
It looks like the team is really starting to get going after the adjustments with the trades. I’m really liking what I’m seeing from Tarasenko on both sides of the puck. Looks like a guy that wants to win.
Ben Harpur has been a tremendous signing by Drury.
Florida is going to pass either the Islanders or Pens. They have two games in hand on the Islanders.
Beuk, thanks for that reminder about the no timeout rule because I was scratching my head there too.
Signs that they are buying in. Tarasenko made a couple of really good D plays. The one in third was probably a game saver. In the first period, Panarin hustled back to slow down a potential 2 on 1. You can also see the Ds rotation off the rush is much smoother. Building trust that the weak side forward will be there. The kid line still struggles with this a bit, but the other 3 do it well.
Saw a comment on the game thread (not one of Kakkos Kamp 50 they suck comments) that Kane was not very good last night. I don’t agree. He does so many things that make a difference. The way he navigates the neutral zone is a big part of his game, and he is very good at it.
I didn’t get to see any of the game last night. But it looks like the comments were overwhelmingly positive, so I’m happy.
Aye ‘‘twas a fine match by the lads! Now let me go get me Guinness. Cilantro!
Heard someone,(might have been Jeff Marek), say that in a playoff series, both teams’ first two lines cancel eachother out. It then becomes a battle over who has the better 3rd line. Definitely not that simple, but it’s a good point. Third line had some good moments, but is definitely missing something.
3rd line is missing a center who can win faceoffs and dish the puck a little more.
Also wish Kakko’s excellent puck protection would result in him being able to take the puck to the net for more scoring chances.
Lafreniere has been great and will be even better.
Well done on the review, Wick. Had to record the game to watch today.
CK20 on track for 36; DJ93 for 42 (and 87 points). Agree with BDL on Harpur. The dirty birds will come out hard and fast tomorrow. Hope our boys punch them in the beak multiple times.
Could they finally be gelling? Was this a case of being down 2 players, plus (still) without their top stay-at-home defenseman? Do the pretty boys have the huevos to play a nastier game? We’re about to find out as we head down the stretch.
Pretty sure Jeff Marek was quoting Ken Hitchcock about that 3rd line thing. If they inserted Carpenter, I think Goodrow gets bumped up to the 3rd line, but as Wick has said, Goodrow’s better on the wing.
It always comes back to a lack of center depth. Got to work with what they have.
I watched Harpur quite a bit last night and he has a very simple game. He won’t make any highlight reels but doesn’t make many mistakes. A very serviceable 6/7D. Miccola need to know that just because he wears 77 he is not Ray Borque or Paul Coffey. He needs to be a stay at home D and let Fox do his thing. Kreider was noticeably “overtly physical” all night. Let’s hope he stays that way the rest of the way. He almost had another on a tip he made that went off the right post.
The third line has lost its mojo. They are each doing their own thing and not playing off one another like they were earlier in the season. Chytil must have seen his shadow on Ground Hog Day as he has been ice cold since then. His pressing to score may be effecting the whole line. Kakko’s puck possession doesn’t lead to anything as he stay on the perimeter. LAF is willing to go to the dirty places but they don’t get the puck to the net enough. They need to watch some video of when they were going well and try to get back there. Sid was very good last night. He set up both goals and his line was dominant for long stretches in the Rangers end. Sid got off after that icing near the end and then the Rangers go the ENG.
That’s the bottom thing with the 3rd line:
kakko and Chytil don’t get the puck to the net enough.
Kid line got a few puck to the net last night —think they had 8 shots on goal so some progress. Kakko threw one on net from corner and almost caught goalie by surprise –hit him in mask
curious from someone at the game because you couldn’t see it on TV – on the first ranger goal, where was Mika at the time the Tarasenko luckily backwards-chipped the puck away from Crosby who was otherwise all alone in the slot? Mika doesn’t appear to even be in the Dzone anymore. Was he already skating up ice before the rangers had control of the puck? He seems to have gotten across to the opposite wing and all the way up the ice pretty fast to receive the breakaway pass.
Ziba was high in slot but was flying last night…great bank pass by Bread to send him in
Upstate
Thanks, very much appreciate it. Not the sophistication of the boss, but I gave it a go ;).
Tarasenko was a physical presence yesterday
I remember him as a blue scoring against the rangers but I never paired attention to his whole game before
I really liked what I saw last night
Wait, are hippos Irish?!?!
😜
Having vally and Hank each break down goes in between periods is amazing. Both bring a different element despite playing the same position
So cool to get their perspectives
Especially like hearing Hank talk about Kreider and Mika and any player he practiced against
I didn’t realize it was so easy to change a handle.
Happy Irish ☘️ Day
I seem to miss the good ones this season.
Some reviews of the game suggest rangers were gassed and barely held on against the mighty Pens.
Fox hasn’t been the same since Lindgren has been hurt. He had 2 assists the next game, but has had 5 in the 8 since. But, beyond the points, he hasn’t really been as noticeable as usual.
Motte has to start getting his elbow and stick up to protect himself when he’s on boards… taking too many high hits
Gravy,
I don’t think Fox has been good in the Dzone for most of the season. He’s constantly out of position. Like last night on the tying goal. He’s still great, don’t misunderstand. He just hasn’t been all that good without the puck.
I think Fox is a bit underrated overall defensively, but he definitely has his moments of being out of position. But, in his defense (no pun intended), he usually has more freedom to roam with Lindgren. Mikkola has been fine, but a bit exposed getting as many minutes as he does, and I don’t think the pairing works. I’d almost prefer to just move Harpur with Fox because he plays a game close to Lindgren’s style.
I think with Fox it’s just a familiarity thing with Lindgren or in this case not Lindgren. A player like fox that is roving a lot needs to be able to do so knowing where his partner will be.
That’s my guess.
O’Gravy…lol…great Guinness minds.
Great win. Both gA could/should have been avoided. Fancy pants behind the net. Miller for the first, a late-in-the-shift Mikkola for the second. Which is a good thing to know – if they can get rid come the POs.
That crisp, tape to tape on the rush in the second would have been one for the highlights. Man, we have players who can move the puck.
LaFren – @Admiral – i agree. Quite the gem – and there’s more to come.
Whatever your take is on a solid FO-guy and the necessity of having one: Sure feels good to have O’Vincent in a blueshirt. At least you don’t always look for the puck floating towards the blueline after a D-zone draw.
There’s always a place in my heart reserved for the Tyler Motte’s of this world. In your face constantly, goes on about his designated work on the ice through dirty stickwork and hits from opponents.
As for the whiny-bunch. I think Sam mentioned they had a pretty bad goal scoring record in third periods. They’re getting older. Crosby was dealt with and stripped for the puck on several occasions, LeTang didn’t command the play in their O-zone (not for long stretches anyway) and Malkin is slowly morphing into Milan Lucic. Which is a good thing, if you are not the angrybirds banking on their older heroes to stay forever young.
Thanks for the write up, Wicky.
In the arms, my pleasure. Thanks
How bout THE with back to back 30 goal seasons AFTER signing his contract!
Getting his prime at a discount at this point !
I had one of those days where I was so busy I was gassed before the game started. Then we got a call from my wife’s sister about moving their mom and dad, my in-laws into a really nice facility. By the the time we finished I couldn’t stay awake. I had to go the most of the without knowing what happened. I just finished watching it on espn+. I must say it was a really nice win, and quite refreshing against the dirty birds who I hate sooooo much! If we beat them Saturday we may be in the Twilight Zone!
For those that are interested, Colorado College, and Noah Laba, are playing Denver in the second round of the playoffs today. The game is on CBS sports network at 5 eastern.
CC are big underdogs in the game. Laba wears number 26.
I don’t remember the last time (ever?) I saw NYR play back to back home games against the same team.
Gravy,
I’m guessing the second virus year, when they played the same teams over, and over, and over again.
Pitt fans booed Trouba in pitt as they still are mad about his hit in playoffs which is understandable
Not sure why MsG crowd was chanting “Crosby sucks”
Because he clearly doesn’t and it makes our fan base sound stoopid
How about boooing him or cat calling “croooozzzby, crozzzzby” etc.
Jmho
Cregg
Great point re Crosby
So our Black Aces,(when Lindgren returns), are:
Carpenter, Blidh, Brodzinski, Cuylle, Gettinger
Harpur, Hajek, Jones, Robertson
Domingue
Am I missing anyone?
Tom,
Maybe Guy LaTrivigno?😂
Probably the guy they got from Vancouver for Kravtsov. Can’t think of his name.
Will Lockwood, that’s his name.
Forgot Adam Clendening
I hate the “Crosby sucks” chant
He’s been nothing but great his whole career. He’s not a dirty player, and he has been a great role model for kids off the ice.
Potvin sucks is a hilarious chant, because it’s so stupid.
Agree, NYR should hold they to a higher standard of chants then the “hey, you suck” teams.
NYR goal horn/buzzer/song, on the other hand, is top 3 in the league.
The Crosby sucks chant was dumb. He was very good last night and didn’t whine at all. Without Sid the Pens probably don’t score last night. First time I saw high live and appreciated having the opportunity. He is a generational player.
*than
Thanks, Bobbyo, for the in-person perspective. I miss when they used to sometimes include the eye in the sky camera angle replay so you could see how the entire play developed for end to end rushes.
How awesome having your name chanted 35 years after your last NHL game!
Most of the people chanting weren’t born when Potvin played.
I was born before Potvin sucked!
Old ⬆️
😜
Potvin sucked for the Rangers.
Totally deserves the chant.
The fact Keenan tried to lure Potvin out of retirement to join the Rangers in 93-94 exemplifies Keenan’s craziness.
CC upset Denver 1 zip. Laba had the secondary assist on the PP goal.
And I simply was born before Potvin and he just started suck, when I was already in school…
Pack up 2 zip. Captain Blidgh and wild Bill have scored.
Look out for Wild Bill, crack that whip!
Wild bill better be careful, he might end up playing for the rangers sooner than later.
How do you like Blais, who score 2 goals tonight, 6 goals in 16 games for STL, when got 0(!) in 40 games for Rangers. Good for him, wholeheartedly wish Sammy the best.
happy for Blais that he’s found his game. his ice time went from like 8 erratic fourth-line minutes to 14 a night playing with schenn and saad. never publicly complained complained about his usage (or bad luck) that I can recall. good soldier.
So the Blues got Buchnevich AND Blais
Beuk- Thanks for setting me straight on the timeout/ icing rule. I forgot all about that.
EddieJ
Go fast day on the way!!!!!!!!!!
I’m ready! As usual, though, I probably won’t watch it until tomorrow night sometime.
Sammy looked like he could score his first preseason here when he was getting minutes
Rangers lost patience in win now mode not knowing how long or if he would come back from ACL same way.
Blues obviously liked him and only got rid of him cause Buch was a better player.
They wanted him back and have a spot to use him.
So… Buch and Blais for Tarasenko Mikkola
Along with a pick swap
I forget what we got for Buch. A second?
They got a first from us?
The way Gallant was using Blais before the injury tells you that the Rangers believed Blais had offensive upside. They just couldn’t afford to carry his cap hit this year while waiting for him to find his game.
Absolutely- Blais was bringing energy, and had some skill (he was a scorer in junior hockey). Blais was also developing a nice rapport with Lafreniere.
Of course, PK (eyes roll) Slewfoot had to change everything for young Sammy and the Rangers.
Also they weren’t going to be able to resign Blais over the Summer because of the cap. Their cap straight jacket dictates most of the things they do. Unless the cap goes up more than it is currently projected to Drury has to do something over the Summer to give himself some room to maneuver. We may like it less than the Buch trade. But we don’t have to talk about that for a few months.
The cap strap leaves a gap and is absolutely crap!
Good for Sammy …getting more ice time
Potvin probably the most well rounded DMen ever …top 5 all time
I remember watching that game on tv when Potvin took out nilson.
I hated the flyers so much that I grew to like that islander team after Giles beat the crap out of Schultz and Trottier took care of Clarke.
New handle for the artist formerly known as Cregg7
Early Pink Floyd song
Saucerful of Hockey!!!
AH!!! Pink floyd, back in the 70’s my friend and I would go back to his parents house when they weren’t home and light a funny cigarette and listen to the dark side of the moon, memories.
O’cregg, that’s right. Blais and a second came over. Blais, Skinner, a first, and a third went back the other way.
Looks like Lindy back tonight
Rangers play on ABC tonight. I’m seeing game-time decision for Lindgren.
I saw the Gallant presser. Unless something changed since then, it’s sounds like Lindgren probably will not play tonight.
Shoulders are funky
Let it stabilize and strengthen as much as possible. Especially given the style he plays
Since their playoff position is unlikely to change, Lindgren should rest his shoulder until he is 100% healthy. They don’t need him playing with a nagging injury through the playoffs or risk losing him for playoffs due to a re-injury.
TommyG…..your 10:58 is heresy. 🙈🙉🙊
Absolutely no need to hurry Lindgren right now. GG should give him another week. He will be much needed in the playoffs.
Sorry – it takes a lot more than winning a fight with some Philthy goons to get me to “like” the Islanders.
Admire those Islanders teams, sure.
But like them?
Never.
Duke lost. I can enjoy the tournament now. And LGR.
The Admiring Admiral. Makes sense.
I remember Ranger fans I knew jumping to the Islanders from day 1. Their reasoning was Rangers were never tough enough or lucky enough. It really sucked having to take abuse for the 4 years that they won the cup;But. Nothing will ever come close to the feeling of myself and all those other “Long Suffering Rangers Fans” the night we won the cup.
Last thing about the Icelanders.
Did not like them or their fans. If Dennis Potvin had been a Ranger his number would be retired and we would all love him. Look at his stats and the way he played in the playoffs and tell me honestly that he was not one of the all time great D men in league history.
LGR Kill the Pens tonight.
I don’t think anyone here actually believes Potvin sucks, but the chant such that it is, is so ridiculous that it’s hilarious. I love the chant. And yes, Potvin was a great player, either way.
I hate him. Always will. It was more than just one play. Potvin is a POS. I hope they chant it forever. No Rangers fan, no matter the age, should ever forget that, Potvin sucks!
I’m at the Panthers/Derbils game. Am I rooting for the Derbils to get one point here? Carolina is going to win their game.
Towards the end of last season and the first two thirds of this one, there was someone doing the Potvin sucks whistle here in South Florida. I would shout that $hit out every time. Eff that guy
Why chant a reminder of a thorn in our side? Makes no sense.
44 years since the hit. I think it’s time to let it go.
BTW, I’m sure no one loves the chant as much as Denis Potvin.
BDL-I hate him too. Would rather not hear about him for eternity.
When Potvin was a commentator here, I whistled behind his back and he just turned around and put up his rings. It was the first time he had a good response at a professional hockey rink.
He might have been a great defenseman but he’s an AWFUL color guy.
A
W
F
U
L
I think Potvin laughs at it now so it has lost any meaning it ever had.
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