NYR/WPG

Calm down you twitter animals, I was wearing this all game!

Welcome everyone to another blog, here on the new and improved DOINOW.com. Thanks to everyone reading this right now, as my last few blogs have been the most viewed blogs thus far, in my silly blogging journey!

Again, time is of the essence tonight, so as always, check out the right hand of the site for the live tweets, archives, search button and all that good crap! In addition, don't forget the essentials: Don't drink and drive, tip your bartenders, and when things don't go your way, just use the lyrics of Taylor Swift, and "Shake it off!" Oh, and don't forget to use "IN CAM WE TRUST" as your personal mantra!

The Rangers defeated the Winnipeg Jets, 3-2, on the road, on Tuesday night. The win snapped their first back-to-back losing streak, a streak they didn't have under Cam Talbot's reign as starter. It also helped break a 3 out of 4 game slide. However when it was all said and done, it was great to get the two points, but nothing impressed me with this win.

It is fun to follow the Ranger games on twitter, during the commercial breaks. The wide range of emotion on twitter during these games are through the roof. Someone sucks. Someone is god. The team sucks. The team is great. Most of the time 99% of twitter are pumping their chests out after a win, and retreat after a loss.

Let me tell you, there was no reason to pump your chest out after this win. All the same problems the Rangers have had were all evident and on showcase here tonight. Turnovers in front of the net? Rangers did that. Can't control the puck? Rangers were all over that.  Get dominated for chunks of time? Rangers had that covered too. Powerplay looks horrible? Rangers did find a PP goal tonight, but it's been a rare occurrence as of late. Refs press the "Fuck the Rangers" button? That happened too!

These last dozen games have all had one thing in common - if the Rangers don't get Vezina-level goaltending, they aren't winning games. This isn't a Hank vs Cam thing, this is a Rangers thing. Listen, the sky isn't falling, the Rangers have the #1 seed in the east, but as much as I can see them winning the cup, I can see them being tossed out of the first round by Boston, which would be the first round match-up if the playoffs started today. Hank is 1-8 in his last 9 vs Boston, and there was nothing I saw in his first two games back that tell me he will figure it out against them anytime soon.

That being said, I am happy that Hank got his first win since January tonight. The team needed it, and I think he needed it more. I really wonder what both Hank and Talbot are really thinking. I've played team sports throughout high school, as I'm sure many of you guys reading have too. We all want to be the best and not suck out there. As a competitor, Talbot has to feel he has earned the right to play, even if he would never say it and for Hank, he doesn't want to be upstaged by Talbot either.

We all know that Hank will be starting come the playoffs, barring any injury. Do you think he wants the season to end without a Cup and everyone wondering if Talbot could've done it? This was a good win for his confidence. However, with the way the team has been playing, they need the Hank of those 2012 and 2013 playoff runs, and not the one tonight. Let's hope that happens.

For the love of fuck, get us a cup!

As I said, this wasn't a pretty game for the Rangers. Hank came up huge early. Again, the Rangers committed horrible turnovers in front of the net and the more I see Yandle, the more I see why Coyote fan sites/blogs weren't upset when he was dealt. Yandle is a great player and hopefully will turnaround, just like Marty did last year, but he has been brutal recently. Sure, he is getting a few assists here and there, but his turnovers have directly led to goals for the opposing team. Hank was able to bail out Yandle early, making a huge stop after a bad turnover.

I thought Hank looked great for the first five minutes, where the Rangers were out-shot 7-0.  However, Yandle again, bad turnover, Jets all over the place, and Jim Slater taps one by Hank. 1-0 Jets. While I wouldn't blame Hank for the goal, because of the turnover, but if he wants 10% of team payroll, wants to be called a King, wants to be the highest paid goalie in the league, then you got to make that save. It wasn't a bad goal on Hank's end, but it something he has saved in the past, 99/100 times.

Hank, to me, was a rollercoaster tonight. He showed flashes of brilliance tonight. However, a better team would've capitalized off his horrible rebounds, intercepted passes and being out of position. If there is anything you take out of this blog let it be this: DAN FUCKING GIRARDI.

BEAST

I know many Ranger fans get upset at me for calling out Henrik Lundqvist. I get it, they are diehard biased fans, who can't look at things objectively. In the same vein, I get mad at people who bury Dan Girardi non-stop. I know he has had some bad turnovers (Ugh the Cup series), but the man does sacrifice himself everytime he's out there. He set a record, blocking 10 shots here tonight. Put it this way, the Rangers have a playoff spot, should have home ice, and have even led some games by big margins. Doesn't matter. Dan Girardi is out there blocking shots and diving in front of every puck. He's saved a few goals too this season.  JT Miller got the Broadway Hat tonight, and not to discredit JT, but to me, DG deserved it.

ZUUUUUUUUUC

Zucc, someone who I heavily advocated during the trade deadline (Not that it means anything what I say, just putting it out there), has been hot as of late, lighting many lamps during these last few games. Zucc, with Ranger fans nervous because of another slow start, allowed Ranger fans to unclench their assholes, when he took a shot/pass from Rick Nash and put it past Ondrej Pavelec, the Jets netminder. 1-1 game, at the half-way point of the first period.

Zucc's goal was big, because the Rangers were playing like shit, flat-footed and the Jets were doing whatever they wanted. The goal was a momentum killer, in a loud building. Just imagine if MSG catered to the blue collar crowd? Maybe MSG would half as loud as Winnipeg was tonight. Gotta give it to the Winnipeg Jet fans, you guys know how to create a fun and loud environment.

SHOOT THE PUCK!!!!!!!

Keeping up with the way things have been going this season, ex-Ranger Lee Stempniak didn't wait a whole season to score against his ex-team, as he lit the lamp 90 seconds into the second period, putting the Jets ahead 2-1. The Rangers have been giving up game winning goals to ex-Rangers all season, like Del Zaster and Richards. I'm surprised Dorsett didn't put up a hat trick against them already!

With that goal, I gotta admit, at that time, all I could do was groan. It was a bad goal on Hank's part. While he made some pretty good saves tonight, that should've been one of them.

With the Rangers already having another one of their powerless plays, I wasn't that amped Perreault went off the ice for interference. Imagine my shock when Derick Brassard banged home a PP goal, at the near half-way mark of the game. Hearing Sam Rosen say "IT'S A POWERPLAY GOAL" never felt sweeter. 2-2 game. Another big goal from Brassard, who has been playing much better as of late. Ditto Derek Stepan. Look what happens when the Ranger centermen shoot! SHOOT THE PUCK!

It would be insulting to shit to call Dustin Byfuglien a piece of shit

Dustin Byfuglien, or Buff, because I'm not typing his last name again, became a new enemy of the NY Rangers after his disgusting and dirty play here tonight. With the score tied, JT Miller was down on the ice, after attempting to score. Buff just cross checked him right down into the ice. Of course, no call from these NHL refs. How many times have I said this on these blogs? The NHL officiating is the worst it has ever been. I always say the NHL refs are the best in the four major sports, but this year, the NHL refs are looking to change that. If Tanner Glass got fined $4000 the other night, then Buff should get a huge fine and a suspension for his actions here tonight.

Since I've been doing my predictions all year, I've been pretty good. I thought it would be a 4-3 game, with Kreider getting a hat trick. What we got was a one goal difference, with Kreider getting the winning goal. I'll take it!

Chris Kreider scored the winning goal, after the Foxwoods Final 5 ad, with four minutes remaining. It was a goal that Canadien fans must've went insane about, as he went right into Pavelec when scoring. It's funny, since everyone knows I'm the conductor of the Talbot Train, I made a joke that it would be funny if Kreider did that to Hank, and the reaction that joke got. Note to anyone who couldn't see it was a joke: Don't watch the Beiber Roast on Comedy Central. I can't imagine the reaction you guys would have to a 9-11 or Isis joke, that aired on regular Cable TV.

Kreider got the game winner, and it was a struggle to get that game winning goal. Kreider has heated up as of late, and is having the best season of his career. Remember when Torts couldn't stand him?

With the Jets pulling Pavelec in the final minute, dumbass Buff took a slashing penalty against Zucc, and was looking for more violence. Just a dumb penalty when your team is down a goal and you pulled your goalie. If the NHL doesn't take action, I'll be furious. The hit on Miller alone could've been a potential match penalty. For a team looking for a playoff berth, I rather see the Kings get the playoff spot after the shit I saw Buff pull tonight.

I'm surprised there isn't a riot in Montreal right now

As a result of the Rangers win, the Rangers reclaim the top spot in the East and have games in hand on everyone looking to take it. The Rangers trail the Ducks, 105 points to 103, but the Rangers have two games in hand on them as well. The Rangers could still very well find themselves with the President's Trophy when it's all said and done. That would be a nice bow to this season, but at the same time, a first round series with Boston doesn't make me feel great either.

Going back to Hank, his best hockey was in the third. The Rangers were out-shot 34-24 this game and that's with the Rangers blocking 24 shots as well. I still think Talbot is the better option moving for the playoffs, but it's not up to me. At this point, all you gotta hope for is Hank to reclaim his form from 2012. As long as the Rangers aren't losing playoff positioning as he works out the rust, I'm fine with that. That said, this game wasn't on him. He contributed to the win, and came up big several times when the Rangers needed him to. You just don't want to see him give up that crap goal to Stempy.

For Ranger fans, the team has first place in the conference again, but it's hard to be overly confident about the playoffs until the Rangers work out their kinks. I feel no more confident about this team in the playoffs as I did in the beginning of the year. I expect the Rangers to be there, but man, if they run into a team with size, like the Boston's, the LA's, it doesn't look pretty.

For all you people who don't get my diatribes about Hank, let me say it again for the people with no reading comprehension. Sports is a business. It's a business with a salary cap. Hank was paid handsomely for his 9 years in net as a Ranger. There was no reason to give him a $2 million raise, where he won't be in his prime until he's ready to retire. You're not getting the same production or skill. That is all. How many long term deals ever work out in any sport?

While on Hank, what's up with the new masks every game? Is this about a TV show or winning games? Most athletes are superstitious and want the same equipment every game. I'm surprised Hank has a rotating mask thing going on, especially from the injury he's coming back from. At times I was wondering if he was wearing the Michael J. Fox mask, because he looked shaky at times, har-har-har. I'm really just surprised he doesn't have a mask custom suited to the injury he's recovering from.

LGR!!!!

The Rangers get WILD on Thursday night. If you remember earlier in the year, the Rangers played the Wild at MSG. It was a game I left early, to go hang out at my girlfriend's friend party in NYC, because the Rangers were already down 4-0. By the time I got the party, it was 4-1. A few minutes later, Duke & Zucc gave the Rangers a 5-4 win. A fucking 5 goal third period, go figure.

What has been crazy about this recent stretch is the Rangers have been playing a ton of 7th and 8th potential playoff seeds. Each game the Rangers have been playing a desperate team. Hopefully, these tests will get the Rangers ready come the playoffs. Don't be fooled - these regular season wins are great and I'm ecstatic, but this is a year the Rangers have to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup in the air. This needs to be the year that Hank immortalizes himself in NY and sheds that Ewing reputation. For the love of the Cup, let's hope that's what happens.

See ya Thursday night!

Sean McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com
@NYCTHEMIC on the twitter machine

NYR/BOS Recap

A familiar face from Henrik Lundqvist when playing the Boston Bruins

Welcome everyone to another blog here on DOINOW.com. It's been a long day, there's lots to get into, so let's skip the regular intro and get right into it.

2/4/15 Rangers 3 - Bruins 2
Starting Goalie: Cam Talbot

3/2/14 Bruins 6 - Rangers 3
Starting Goalie: Henrik Lundqvist

11/29/13 Bruins 3 - Rangers 2
Starting Goalie: Henrik Lundqvist

11/19/13 Bruins 2 - Rangers 1
Starting Goalie Henrik Lundqvist

5/25/13 Bruins 3 - Rangers 1
Starting Goalie Henrik Lundqvist

5/23/13 Rangers 4 - Bruins 3
Starting Goalie Henrik Lundqvist

5/21/13 Bruins 2 - Rangers 1
Starting Goalie Henrik Lundqvist

5/19/13 Bruins 5 - Rangers 2
Starting Goalie Henrik Lundqvist

5/16/13 Bruins 3 - Rangers 2
Starting Goalie Henrik Lundqvist

Today, 3/28/15
Bruins 4 - Rangers
Starting Goalie Henrik Lundqvist

Lundqvist is now 1-8 in his last 9 games vs Boston

By now, if you've been reading me, and if is this your first blog here on DOINOW.com, check out the archive section for my in-depth thoughts on Lundqvist's return, you know I'm the conductor of that Talbot Train. I think the Rangers best chance to win a Cup in 2015 is with Cam Talbot as your starting netminder. That being said, it made no sense for Henrik Lundqvist to return against the Boston Bruins this afternoon, in his first game in nearly two months.

Cam Talbot beat the Bruins in his last outing, while the Bruins have owned Lundqvist like a white master owning slaves on a plantation in the 1800's. As much as I want Talbot to be the starting goalie for the playoffs, I understand Hank will get his chance to live up to his reputation and contract.

However, what I don't get, is why would you bring back Hank today, against a team that has always dominated him like a bottom bitch? Why not ease Hank back and give him a game that he has a chance of winning? Hank has a storied history with the Capitals, and in recent times, has been on the winning side of it. Why would you bring him back in hostile territory, against a team fighting for their playoff lives? Wouldn't it make sense to bring him back in the friendly confines of MSG? I mean really, the Rangers blew a possible "Willis Reed" type of moment. I could've seen Hank posting a shutout at home vs Washington.

Instead, game one of Hank's return was a bloodbath. The Rangers looked bad, but not as bad as they did against the Kings, Panthers or Chicago in recent times. In none of those games, did Talbot give up a field goal in the first period and Talbot kept the team in all those games, and the Rangers actually won some of those games.

The devotion Ranger fans have to Hank is admirable. At the same time, you have to look at him objectively. I get he has had some bad offensive teams in the past. However, look at his quotes in recent years:

"Give me two goals and I got this."

How did that work out in the Stanley Cup Finals?

"I want to win a cup at all costs in NY."

After saying that, Hank asked for Torts to be fired, teased Free Agency then demanded to be the highest paid goalie in the league.

"I'm dedicated to this team 100%."

So dedicated that he is running around making silly TV shows that 1000 people watch. JB Smoove's silly show does better ratings.

Boston has always been heads and shoulders over Hank in recent times

Yes, I get Hank's stats. I know what he's meant for this team. While his situation isn't as severe as Marty Brodeur, you know, one of the best goalies of all time and won 3 Cups, the Devils had no qualms sending their future HOF goalie packing for the younger Corey Schneider. It was just time. On that wavelength, it is why I think Talbot should be the starting goalie. HE IS THE BETTER GOALIE TODAY! HANDS DOWN!

Hank defenders will be quick to point out that "You have to give him time", or "It's a team game." Sorry, tired of hearing it. Hank gets $8.5M a year or 10% of team payroll until he's nearly 40 years old. For that money, he needs to WIN NOW! If it's a team game, then don't demand to be the highest paid goalie in the NHL. If it's a team game, spread the money around. I'm also sick of people saying "It's a team game", as Hank pouts and moans after every bad goal he lets up. His body language rivals Eli Manning after an interception. At least Eli has won 2 Superbowls and has earned that right.

Some fans can not look at their teams objectively, bottom line. Listen, I'm a diehard Yankees fan too. I don't think they have a shot in hell of making the playoffs this year. Does this make me a bad fan? No. It means I'm realistic. In the same vein, I don't think Hank is the best option for the Rangers to win a Cup this year. Does this make me a bad fan? No, it means I believe there is another road to the Cup and I would ride the hottest goalie in the NHL, in Cam Talbot.

Hank should rub Talbot for luck

Before Hank's start today, Cam Talbot & the Rangers were in first place in the entire NHL, with games in hand on everyone. After Hank's dreadful performance, the Rangers are not even first place in their conference. I get you want to get the rust off Hank, but this was a game, he shouldn't have even started.

I said before this game that you can't overreact to this game, win or lose. However, how long is Hank's leash? If this performance keeps up, you really have to wonder when do you say, "Fuck it, it's Talbot Time."  Everyone likes to point out that it is a team game, but how long should the Rangers sacrifice themselves in the standings for Hank? Is it worth hurting the team for one guy?  Why screw with what's working?

Critics will also like to point out Talbot's lack of playoff experience. Well how is he supposed to get it? It's not like Hank has a collection of Cups either. I get he has had bad teams too, but there was no excuse for his performance in the Cup, with all the blown leads and losing 3 OT games. Yes the Kings outshot the Rangers, but again, if you want to be the highest paid goalie in the game, you're being paid to be superhuman.  You can't have all the credit and none of the blame.

I'll leave my thoughts on Hank vs Cam to this, because I can go on and on. However, if the Rangers continue to slide in the standings during Hank starts, you are really going to have to reconsider your goalie situation.

It's true, the Bruins owned Hank again

I predicted before this game the Rangers would lose by two goals. I have been pretty good with my predictions recently, but the two goals came late, when the Rangers were already losing and game out of hand at 4-0.

While it wasn't as bad as the Kings or Panthers game, the Rangers got dominated again. It was turnovers left and right, too much Tanner Glass on the ice, fourth line being brutalized, smoked on the faceoff, making dumb passes instead of shooting and just not wanting it as much as a team fighting for their playoff life. Just like you can't put too much stock into Hank's terrible performance, you can't really feel the sky is falling down because of this loss. The Rangers just have these horrible games, but bounce back. However, these performances are becoming more frequent, and the Rangers need to figure out why. I know Hank isn't on Talbot's level right now, but the Bruins were 0-3-3 in their last 6 games, making this game even more puzzling.

Milan Lucic got the scoring started, less than two minutes into the first period, after a Bergeron rebound bounced off Lucic's skate and right by Hank. Hank was horrible here, first giving up a terrible rebound and leaving half the net open. The goal was called off on the ice by the officials, as they ruled it was kicked in. However, Toronto, who 9/10 favors the opposition over the Rangers (True stat!) ruled that the goal was good.

To me, it looked like it was good, because Lucic didn't make a kicking motion. It just bounced off his skate and past Hank. I just love how Toronto quickly reversed the decision. The NHL officiating has been a train wreck all year.

Is that good to you?

Lundqvist couldn't blame the refs for a controversial goal after Lucic's second goal. Lucic just took a pass from Torrey Krug and blasted a 20 footer right by King Contract. 2-0 Bruins.

With 5 minutes and change left in the first period, Carl Soderberg scored after a terrible Hunwick turnover. Is it a shot Hank could've stopped? When you want to be the highest paid goalie in the league and want all the fame & glamour that comes with that, then yea, it could've been stopped. However, it was on Hunwick, as he pulled a Kotska. Since Klein's injury, I would say this was the first really bad play Hunwick has made since the Yandle trade made Hunwick the permanent 7th defenseman.

The bleeding continued into the second period, as Reilly Smith capitalized off another bad Hank rebound, and put one past the red line. 4-0, and essentially game over.

Rick Nash would break his scoring slump, scoring his 40th goal of the season, late into the second period. It was too little too late. I've made the A-Rod references before, and this felt like that. I'm not gonna dump on Nash here, but as of late, outside of the lucky deflection goal against the Islanders, Nash has been absent from the score sheet since the All-Star break. The Rangers need him to change games again, like he was doing for the majority of the season.

Matt Hunwick, scored a bullshit goal, with 30 seconds left in the game. It didn't redeem his horrible turnover from earlier in the game though.

In Cam We Trust

It is funny to look back at my article when Talbot first took over. You can read that article here:
http://doisports.blogspot.com/2015/02/time-is-now-cam-talbot-named-starting.html

I predicted that Talbot would be the man, and he has done that. He will try to bring the Rangers back to first place in all of the NHL tomorrow afternoon, at home, with a game against the Washington Capitals.

From there, the Rangers head on the road against two teams with hopes for a deep playoff run, in the Jets (Tuesday) and the Wild (Thursday). I'm assuming Hank gets those two starts. If Hank plays the way he played today in those two games, I really think it's time to reconsider who your starting goalie will be for the playoffs. No one is discrediting Hank's history with this team. I am only disputing that Talbot is better NOW.

I'll be back tomorrow with NYR/WASH recap.

LGR
ICWT
Sean McCaffrey
BULLSMC@AOL.com
@NYCTHEMIC on the twitter machine

Theo

One of the most open autobiographies you will ever read

Welcome everyone to another book review here, on the new and improved DOINOW.com. I feel like I'm in high school all over again, by typing up a book report, but when you read a book as deep and as open as Theo Fleury's "Playing with Fire" it is a book you want to spread the word about.

I was a big fan of Theo Fleury's hockey career, although I was young for the beginning of his career. Fleury's first NHL season, in 1988-1989, I was only 7 years old. However, Fleury at that time was a fourth liner, on a team that would eventually win the Stanley Cup that season. It wasn't until the early 1990's that Fleury would break out as a bonafide league-wide superstar.

There were several themes in Fleury's autobiography, away from all the alcohol, drugs and sex stories. Fleury is a proud Canadian patriot, and at times, found Americans & our way of thinking to be perhaps a bit "boorish", for lack of a better word. Where Canadians are born with a hockey stick in hand, it normally isn't like that for us Americans. So Fleury probably won't be impressed that I first found out about him by playing video games on the Sega Genesis at 8 or 9 years old.

In a time where there was no internet, NHL network (Canada had Hockey Night) and hockey was only on the sports pages when either the Rangers, Devils or Islanders were doing well, it was very rare to hear about a Western Conference team, especially one that played in Calgary. Growing up, my friends and I learned about the different players through our video games and collecting hockey cards. We realized that Theo was a superstar through highlights and All-Star Games. You could follow his numbers in some hockey magazines, but we never had the game-to-game footage that is so easily accessible today.

You can imagine my joy when the Rangers signed Fleury for the last year and first year in the millenium, that 1999-2000 season. The Rangers had an offensive star to replace Gretzky. While Fleury would never be  "The Great One", it was a step in the right direction, especially since Wayne wasn't the same player he was in his prime.

I wish I could find my old Rangers puck signed by Fleury, but I lost it when I moved

In that 1999-2000 season, I was 17 years old. From about 1996-2001, my friends and I would meet the players before and after games. Fleury became an instant favorite of mine, because of his reputation. During his first two seasons as a Ranger, I was able to meet him several times and get autographs after games. Where in the past, guys like Messier, Richter, Leetch and Gretzky would try to duck fans and escape in different ways, Fleury always walked out the back entrance/exit, with the majority of his teammates. The same teammates that weren't being paid a fraction of his salary, although you couldn't tell that Fleury was loaded financially. Reading this book, I found out he was loaded in other ways as well.

As far as a fan, Fleury was right up there with Adam Graves, as Fleury stopped and chatted with anyone who wanted his autograph. Those cards above are from that 1999-2000 season when I met him. Remember, this was a time before eBay, he could see my friends and I were collecting his autograph for our personal collection, and not selling it. I used to have about 10-12 more cards signed and a puck signed that I lost when I moved. The reason I bring that up is because I want to make sure you know that Fleury was cool as shit and really went out of his way to sign anything that fan asked for.

Fleury drinking out of the cup in his rookie year. He wouldn't win another cup in his career.

Fleury's autobiography "Playing with Fire" was released in 2009. It has since been adapted as a film and a play in Canada, that is how strong the book was. I read a ton of different books, mostly biographies/autobiographies because I'm interested in different lives and why people are who they are. Fleury has that same trait as me, as he mentioned in his book, during his Ranger years, he would even hang out with the homeless people at Chelsea Piers, just to talk to them. I don't think I could do that every night, but I get where Fleury was coming from.

Hands down, this was one of the most interesting autobiographies I ever read. For a hockey book, you will not find a book so raw, so emotional and with so many stories of success and failure.

The book is a complete recollection of Fleury's life. No rock is left unturned. His family. His upbringing. His drug use. His hockey career. His boozing. His sex addiction. Being a victim of sexual molestation. The money. The fame. The gambling. Racism. His love for Canada. Every topic is discussed in detail.

This was the book that put the final nail in the coffin of Graham James. James was a hockey coach that raped/molested boys, similar to Jerry Sandusky, here in the United States. James got a lenient jail sentence, when his first accuser, Sheldon Kennedy brought James to light. Fleury recaps what happened with him with James, his times with Sheldon and everything in between. You really need to read his powerful words to get a grasp on it.

This book, which was published 6 years ago, would eventually keep James in jail for a longer sentence, as Fleury recapped his horror with James. Fleury's childhood would make no one envious.

Fleury never had the same success in NY that he had in Calgary

"Playing with Fire" talks about Fleury's life from day one until its publishing date. Fleury talks about James at different points in his career. Another common them, and the bulk of the book, deals with Fleury's addictions. Fleury talks about his $2000 a week cocaine habit. His $30,000 one night tabs at strip clubs. His boozing.  Alcohol and hockey go hand-in-hand, whether you're a fan just watching the game, or a player needing a few suds after a battle.  Fleury has no qualms talking about anyone in this book, but he isn't painting himself to be an angel either. He is right there to tell you all the crazy shit he did. He also brings up a good point about how many NHLers have DWI's and alcohol related issues.

Fleury wasn't a fan of Mike Keenan

As Fleury's playing career progressed, the book was out on him and how he abused cocaine. He talked about his time in the NHL substance abuse program and why he thought it was a farce at time. He was furious at other players like Chris Chelios and Sean Avery, who brought up his off-ice issues, while playing with him. I can see why Fleury wouldn't want to be called a cokehead on the ice, but at the same time, Fleury, self-admittedly, would talk about other players wives, alcohol problems and other sensitive issues. I feel that Fleury would've harassed himself about the cocaine, if he could.

Fleury talked about his parents, how his mother abused prescription pills and his father was a bad alcoholic. He talked about how his parents neglected him as a child, and how his coaches & a neighboring family were more there for him than his parents. Ironically, Fleury, despite all his money, would become a combination of his parents, and neglect his kids too for substances. The cycle had repeated.

Fleury scoring his most favorite goal, in April of '91 vs the Oilers

Every teammate, whether it be juniors, the NHL, Olympic or rez league are talked about. Fleury talks about taking Jarome Iginla under his wing, and hanging out with another future Flames legend, that had to leave because of money issues. For me, being a Ranger fan, it was cool to see that Fleury liked and respected Mike Richter so much. Fleury was not a fan of Mike Keenan or John Muckler, but really, who was? Fleury had a great admiration for Sather, and knew he let him down with his off-ice issues.

This book really covered everything. I did learn a little bit about the game, from a players perspective. I learned a lot about Canada and some of its history. I don't think a brash New Yorker (Looking back, Fleury feels going to NY destroyed his life & career) was Fleury's target audience for this book, but I really enjoyed it. A Canadian would love this book more than me, as Fleury's Canadian patriotism really shines through and through.

Fleury commented on many of the top stars in the league during his era too. He loved "Super" Joe Sakic. Gretzky was his role model. You could beat Patrick Roy with your mouth, as he got agitated easy. Marty McSorley was dirty. Lindros got so many concussions because at minor levels of hockey, he was the biggest & the best, and always skated with his head down. When he did it in the NHL against guys of his caliber, it led to the concussions. He enjoyed the FLY line. He hated coaches that never played the game. For everyone and anyone that intersected lives with him, Fleury had a story about them.

Fleury retired as a Flame & works with them as an ambassador

"Playing with Fire" is one of the best, realest and emotional hockey books you will ever read. Fleury has no issues with telling it like it is from his perspective and doesn't shy from talking about his faults. I highly recommend picking up a copy. Since the book is 6 years old now, I was able to get one off Amazon.com for only $1. Can't go wrong with that!

You can learn more about Fleury today by visiting his official website at:
http://theofleury14.com

Sean McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com
@nycthemic on the twitter machine

NYR/OTT Recap

It's official!

Welcome everyone to another PRESIDENTIAL blog here, on the new and improved DOINOW.com.  As always, check out the right hand of the site for the archives, live tweets, search button all that other good shit! Furthermore, don't forget to tip your bartenders, don't drink & drive, try the Italian Wedding Soup at the Bold O'Donoghues, and always, and I mean ALWAYS, use "In Cam We Trust" as your personal mantra.

The Rangers devoured the Ottawa Senators, like a drunken frat kid pounding a White Castle Crave case, 5-1 on Thursday night. Ottawa's star back-up goalie, Andrew "The Hamburglar" Hammond squared off with who I would keep as the Rangers starting goalie, Cam "The Goalbuster" Talbot. Listen, there are about a million hamburger puns we can make tonight about Hammond such as:
"Boyled Burgers"
"2 burgers, 1 assist and large fries"
"A Glass Goal with your choice of happy meal toy"
"Hammond was as bad as a McDonald's burger"
"I thought fast food burgers don't expire"

Those are just several of the Burger puns you can make, and there are probably about a 1000 more. Scream all your burger puns now, and let's get past it. We get it, Hammond is the Hamburglar but tonight the Rangers fucked him up faster than Ronda Rousey.

Nailed it!

A half hour before puck drop, I had a good feeling about this game. So good that I went out on a limb and predicted something so unconventional, I would look silly if I was wrong. However, I nailed it, as the Rangers lit up Hammond for five goals. Some people thought I was nuts for predicting that, but these Rangers, all year, when the pressure is on and they need a bounce back game, the Rangers have showed up.

Henrik Lundqvist, who will play this weekend, better take notes from Cam Talbot. Talbot has not lost two back-to-back games during his run as starter. That's a hell of a stat for a playoff bound goalie, which Talbot should be, but you can't leave $8.5 million sitting on the bench.

The Rangers just show up when it matters the most. With this win, the Rangers not only clinched a playoff spot (a foregone conclusion, but it was made official tonight) and returned to the number 1 spot in the whole league. The Rangers have 3 games in hand with the other points leader in the NHL, the Anaheim Ducks, a team they swept in their 2 game season series. The Rangers also crossed the 100 point mark, as they now sit at 101 points, one more point than the other Eastern Conference leader, the Montreal Canadiens, who have 100 points and two extra games played.

Last Hamburglar reference, I promise

Going into this game, this match-up featured the two hottest goalies in the NHL. Both goalies got their starter job through injuries. Andersen went down in Ottawa. Hank went down here. Hammond was 14-1-1 going into this game, with no regulation losses. He had a GAA under 2.00. Talbot has been lights out for the Rangers and even has the most diehard Ranger fans questioning about pulling him for Hank. Two goalies that were on no one's radar at the start of the season (Except mine, as I have been calling for Talbot from day one.) are two of the best goalies in the NHL right now.

I just felt the Rangers would bounce back after that shit sandwich on Tuesday. They did, and they knocked out Hammond in the second period, as Chris Dreidger made his NHL debut. In a game, which could be a potential first round playoff match-up, the Rangers made the Senators question their playoff hopes.

On an aside, how much do you love the fucking NHL right now? Tonight was great. My dick was hard watching all the games and scoreboard watching.

The TV set-up in the man-cave

While waiting for the Rangers game to start on my big TV, I watched the Islanders start off on my small overhead TV. With an iPad going, I was watching the Devils/Capitals, while following live scores through my phone. During commercials and intermissions, I would flip to the NHL Network to catch Pens/Canes, Ducks/B's and Jets/Habs. I fucking love it. Tonight was like an NFL Redzone day for me. I can't get enough. Outside of the Caps winning (and you can argue that's a good thing, as they could bump the Islanders down eventually), every score went the Rangers way.

Rangers won. Ducks deflated Boston. Isles lost. Habs got smoked. Pens are an embarrassment. You couldn't ask for a better night of scores if you're Rangers fan. Fuck Wednesday Rivalry Night, this Thursday night was Blueshirt night!

INKREIDIBLE!

The Rangers will have a busy off-season, regardless of what happens in the playoff. Stepan is a no-brainer re-sign. MSL should work with Slats to finish out his career here. Hagelin is the question mark, but I get the impression he wants to stay here if he gets a deal similar to his best friend, Mats Zuccarello.  The Rangers should also look to extend Kreider now, while they still have the chance.

Chris Kreider is the player every non-Ranger fan loves to hate. He's that Ovi. He's that Simmonds. He's that Subban. He's that Crosby. While all those players are different in their own ways, they all illict extreme hatred from opposing fans. Kreider is that guy for the Rangers. He does so many different things. He's got speed, power, can score, can pass and has no qualms with tussling & getting dirty when it's needed. (Hi Carey Price! Ha-Ha!)

Kreider (2 goals, 1 assist) scored the first goal of the game. This is a goal you will want to seek a replay of. I praised Stepan for breaking out of his slump against the Ducks on Sunday and questioned where the hell was he on Tuesday. Stepan returned tonight.  In a play that will make the blood rush straight to your penis, Stepan fed Kreider a "protractor" goal. Stepan made a long pass off the boards and the puck bounced off the boards and right into a speeding up the ice Chris Kreider. Kreider slammed it home, 1-0 Rangers.

Seriously, if you didn't see this goal, you need to see it. It was probably one of the top 3 scoring plays of the season, due to the difficulty and the way Stepan made the pass. Kreider's execution was really the cherry on top.

Unfortunately, after the goal, 19 seconds later, Curtis Lazar buried one right back. It was the story of the Rangers. Lose a face-off, turnover and Lazar has the net all to himself. I wouldn't blame Talbot for this goal, but at the same time, he's stoned harder shots from better guys. This was the one-on-one save that Talbot was making on guys like Tavares, Ovi, Perry, Toews, etc. Lazar was in the right place at the right time and scored. Can't blame Cam, but it was a save he's been making of late. 1-1, little more than 7 minutes to go.

The Boyler Man

Dan Boyle scored the game winning goal, less than two minutes after Lazar,  scoring off a perfect pass from Rick Nash. Let me say one thing - the Rangers passing was as great as it has been all season. We groan as fans as the Rangers overpass the puck at times, but tonight, all the passing lead to goals. I hope the team keeps it up, but we have seen too many games where the Rangers pass up open looks for these passes that go nowhere. Tonight the passing game worked.

Boyle said during the first intermission break that he was trying to get higher, but in the end, happy with the goal that snuck by Hammond's glove.

I haven't been a big Boyle supporter on this site. For the money, you could've kept Stralman. However, the Rangers are stuck with him, so let's hope he can keep the scoring up and gets the Powerplay going.

Speaking of the powerplay, it was non-existent tonight, because the referees decided to ignore any slashing, hooking or tripping that occurred on Rick Nash, but were quick to call 6 penalties against the NYR that led to 6 powerplays for Ottawa, with several two-man advantages. However, the Rangers PK was lights out. I wish the Rangers PP was even half as good as their PK. As I've mentioned several times on these pages, Carl Hagelin is just a monster on the PK. Talbot held his own end of the bargain, and wound up with 23 saves on 24 shots.

It really is amazing how you can give a team 6 powerplays and the other team 0. I have never complained so much about officiating, even in victories, than this season. It's not just the Rangers, it's league-wide. I have always said the NHL referees are the best refs in sports, but they have never been worse than they currently are.

A True Warrior

Derek Stepan would pick up his second assist of the game, via a video game play. Stepan powered one at Hammond, and the puck went up in the air and trickled down Hammond's back. If you have a HUT team in NHL '15, you know the agony. With the puck landing (and perhaps would've gone in, giving Stepan the goal), Kreider came crashing in and put the puck past the goal line. 3-1 Rangers, heading into the second.

With Kreider's goal coming with 1 minute left in the first, it was great to see the Rangers score early in the second, as Mats Zuccarello took a beautiful pass from Kevin Hayes and buried it, making the score 4-1, with 18 minutes and change left in the second.

How great is Kevin Hayes? We've talked about it a lot here on these pages. He is the reason why the Rangers can deal Duclair and all these draft picks. He's a developed NHLer and the future of the Rangers.  As I talked about with Stepan's first assist, Nash's assist, Hayes kept the Rangers great passing going. I almost shit my pants when Zucc actually shot, rather than passing up the puck. I know you always want to find the perfect shot, but this team needs to shoot more. When they take shots, good things happen.

This motherfucker!

Tanner Glass. It's a name that evokes rage from the majority of Ranger fans. So you can imagine what it was like when Glass came on the ice after his penalty and scored a goal. Again, Kevin Hayes was the man. Hayes knew Glass was coming out of the box, showed his patience and found Glass wide open in front of Hammond. Glass scored his first Rangers goal, despite playing in 60 games.

I'm a twitter guy. I love it. I love getting the news, the pictures, the memes, the opinions, interacting, the dirt and all that other good shit. I talk to many of you guys on twitter. We love this shit and dealing with people as insane as us about the team.

Twitter fucking broke after Tanner Glass scored tonight. Within seconds of the Glass goal, I had 33 notifications and a timeline longer than the Magna Carta. Glass is easily the weakest and least liked Ranger on this team. Many people, myself included, wonder if Glass has naked pictures of Coach AV taking it in the ass from tranny midgets, because it makes no sense why AV loves him so much and gives him so much time.

Tanner Glass is so disrespected, that recently, after a Rangers home game, autograph seeking hounds (Don't worry, I was one of you when I was young too and got the binders of Petr Nedved autographs to prove it) turned their back on Glass. I get it. It's not like fans are obligated to get Tanner's autograph, but the story has been so exaggerated and blown out of proportion that even Glass and his wife had to comment on it. This is how bad Glass has been, that he has to deal with stories like this.

Credit NYRMemes

If you didn't see the game, and living off recaps and silly blogs like mine, please seek out the replay. This meme above does the goal no justice. AV was smiling like he just crop-dusted the whole bench. I never saw AV smile like this on the bench before. Usually he's snapping his gum and cool, calm, collected, but here, he couldn't help but giggle like a schoolgirl.

Tanner Glass might not even play in the playoffs once MSL comes back & Sheppard and Fast take his spot on the fourth line, but I'm sure Glass feels like he got a huge monkey off his back. He has been completely useless all season and makes me long for Dorsett/Carcillo, but with that said, I'm happy for the guy. I don't expect this to be the first goal in a huge scoring streak, but still, he must feel on top of the world and relieved right now.

GOALBUSTER

I've spent countless words on Cam Talbot all season. Once again, Talbot came out big for the Rangers. This game didn't turn into a Wild West Shootout. Hammond got his doors blown off, while Talbot held down the fort. Talbot didn't steal this game, like he has in his other 1 goal games, but he was rock solid.

Talbot will never say it. However, it is human nature and an athlete's drive, for Talbot to wonder how far he would've got if Hank wasn't coming back. Talbot has just been godly for the Rangers. He has set many records, done incredible things and will eventually earn a starters job & starters $ in the NHL. If it was up to me, it would be in a Rangers jersey, but it just seems unlikely. I really hope Ranger fans give him a standing ovation for a long period of time, towards the end of this season.

With Talbot in net, the Rangers own the best record in the NHL and have been one of the best squads in NYR history. Don't assume Hank would've done the same thing. In fact, if the All-Stars were voted the same way the NFL does their all-stars, at the end of the season, Talbot would be there. If Hank went down earlier, who knows, maybe we're talking Talbot for Vezina.

Hank will return this weekend, and while it was funny to see him listed as the back-up tonight, I did really miss that ginger fuck, Mackenzie Skapski and his smiling ass on the bench. I hope Hank gets the start in MSG, as Boston has notoriously owned Hank as of late and it makes sense to give Hank a huge MSG moment by returning there on Sunday. However, Talbot's contributions to this team should not be forgotten.

I usually do not like copying and pasting from the Rangers website, but in honor of the Rangers clinching a spot in the playoffs, here are the official postgame notes from BLUESHIRTSUNITED.com:

Team Notes

-        CLINCHING A SPOT – By earning a win tonight, combined with Boston’s overtime loss against Anaheim, the Rangers clinched a playoff berth. The Blueshirts have now reached the playoffs in five consecutive seasons and in nine of the last 10 seasons. It is the first time the Rangers have made the playoffs in at least five straight seasons and nine times in a 10-season span since they reached the playoffs in 10 consecutive seasons from 1977-78 – 1986-87. Entering 2014-15, New York was one of four teams who reached the playoffs in at least eight of the previous nine seasons (along with Pittsburgh, Detroit, and San Jose).

-        100-POINT CLUB – With their win tonight, the Rangers reached the 100-point plateau for the eighth time in franchise history. The Blueshirts earned their 100th point of the season in their 73rd game, which is tied for the second-fewest games it has taken a Rangers team to reach the 100-point plateau in franchise history (also earned 100 points in their first 73 games in 1970-71 and 1972-73). The Rangers have earned 101 points this season, which is the seventh-highest total they have earned in one season in franchise history.

-        TOP OF THE HEAP – As of the conclusion of tonight’s game, the Rangers have the top record in the NHL this season (47-19-7, 101 points).

-        POINT TAKEN – New York has earned at least one point in 20 of its last 23 games (17-3-3), including 10 of its last 12 games (9-2-1). The Blueshirts have won 17 of their last 22 contests (17-3-2), including 13 of the last 17 games (13-3-1) and eight of the last 10 games (8-2-0). The Rangers have also recorded at least one point in 23 of their last 27 games (20-4-3). The Blueshirts have won 40 of their last 55 games (40-12-3), including 38 of their last 52 games (38-11-3) and 36 of their last 48 contests (36-9-3). The Rangers have earned at least one point in 53 of their last 69 games (46-16-7), including 46 of their last 59 games (41-13-5).

-        ROAD WARRIORS – The Rangers have won each of their last six road games and have earned at least one point in each of their last seven road contests (6-0-1). The Rangers have posted three separate six-game winning streaks on the road over the last two seasons (Oct. 26 – Nov. 23, 2013; Jan. 4 – Feb. 7, 2014). According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Rangers have registered three separate six-game winning streaks on the road in a two-season span for the first time in franchise history, and they are the first NHL team to post three separate six-game winning streaks on the road in a two-season span since the Edmonton Oilers did so during the 1982-83 and 1983-84 seasons (Note: the Oilers were coached by Glen Sather in those two seasons). New York’s six-game winning streak on the road is tied for the third-longest road winning streak in franchise history and is tied for the second-longest winning streak any NHL team has posted on the road this season. The Blueshirts have won 11 of their last 13 road games (11-1-1), 13 of their last 17 road contests (13-3-1), 17 of their last 22 road games (17-4-1), and 21 of their last 27 road contests (21-5-1). As of the conclusion of tonight’s game, the Rangers lead the NHL in road wins (24), road points (50), and road point percentage (.694) this season. New York’s 24 road wins this season are tied for the second-highest total the team has earned in one season in franchise history. With five road games remaining in 2014-15, the Rangers are one road win away from tying their single-season franchise record of 25, which was established last season. The Blueshirts are also three points shy of tying their single-season franchise record of 53, which was established during the 2011-12 season.

-        20/20 VISION – For the fifth time in franchise history, two Rangers goaltenders have posted at least 20 wins in the same season (Henrik Lundqvist – 25; Cam Talbot – 20). Lundqvist and Talbot join Mike Richter and John Vanbiesbrouck (1991-92) and Ed Giacomin and Gilles Villemure (1970-71, 1971-72, 1972-73) as the only goaltending duos who have each earned 20 wins in the same season in Rangers history.

-        WINNING WAYS – The Rangers have earned 47 wins this season, which is tied for the sixth-most victories they have registered in one season in franchise history (they also earned 47 wins in the 1972-73 season).

-        FINISHING THE JOB – The Blueshirts have posted a 32-0-1 record when leading after two periods this season. New York has registered a 146-1-9 record in its last 156 regular season games when leading after 40 minutes. The 156-game stretch began on Feb. 6, 2010 vs. New Jersey. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Rangers are the only NHL team since 1999-2000 (the first year when teams earned a point for a loss after regulation) to have no more than one regulation loss over a span of 150 or more regular season games when leading after two periods.

-        KILL ZONE – New York was 6-for-6 (11:26) on the penalty kill in the contest. The Rangers are 28-for-30 (93.3%) on the penalty kill over the last 10 games and are 35-for-38 (92.1%) on the penalty kill over the last 13 contests. The Blueshirts have not allowed a power play goal in 16 of the last 21 games (54-for-60; 90%) and they are 116-for-134 (86.6%) on the penalty kill over the last 48 games.

-        SEN-SATIONAL – The Rangers have earned at least one point in 11 of their last 14 regular season games against the Senators on the road (10-3-1), including 10 of their last 12 regular season contests against Ottawa on the road (9-2-1). The 14-game stretch dates back to Dec. 1, 2007.

 

3 Stars on Broadway

-        Chris Kreider tied a single-game career-high with three points (two goals, one assist), led all skaters with five shots on goal, and posted a plus-three rating in the contest. He registered three points in one period in a regular season game for the first time in his career (he tallied three points in the second period in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals on May 27, 2014 at Montreal). Kreider is the first Ranger to record three points in one period of a regular season game on the road since Vinny Prospal did so on Mar. 12, 2010 against Atlanta. Kreider has reached the 20-goal plateau for the first time in his NHL career, and he established new career-highs in assists (20) and points (40) in tonight’s contest. Kreider’s three points are tied for the most a Blueshirt has recorded in one game this season.

-        Dan Boyle notched two points (one goal, one assist), including the game-winning goal, and posted a plus-three rating in 19:38 of ice time. He has registered a point in each of the last two games, tallying three points (one goal, two assists) over the span. Boyle is tied for fifth on the team in game-winning goals (three) and he is tied for first among team defensemen in goals (nine) this season.

-        Derek Stepan tallied two assists, recorded three shots on goal, and posted a plus-three rating in 16:25 of ice time. The Rangers alternate captain has posted a multi-point game in two of the last three contests, registering five points (two goals, three assists) over the span. Stepan has registered a multi-point game in each of the last six contests in which he has tallied a point. He has notched 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in the last 20 games and he leads the Rangers in primary assists (25) this season. Stepan has tallied a point in seven of nine career regular season games in Ottawa, registering 13 points (five goals, eight assists) in those contests. He has notched 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) in 16 career regular season games against the Senators.

 

Blueshirts Breakdown

-        Cam Talbot made 23 saves to earn his 20th win of the season. Talbot is the first Rangers goaltender other than Henrik Lundqvist to record 20 or more wins in a season since Mike Richter did so during the 2001-02 season. Talbot is the fourth different Rangers goaltender to record at least 20 wins in a season since 1985-86 (Lundqvist, Richter, and John Vanbiesbrouck are the other three). Talbot has posted a 7-2-0 record, along with a 1.44 GAA, a .954 SV%, and 1 SO in his last nine appearances. He has registered an 8-2-1 record, along with a 1.59 GAA, a .953 SV%, and 1 SO in his last 11 appearances, and he has allowed one goal or fewer in seven of those 11 appearances. In 23 appearances he has made since Feb. 4, Talbot has posted a 16-4-3 record, along with a 2.16 GAA, a .929 SV%, and 2 SO.

-        Mats Zuccarello recorded two points (one goal, one assist) and tied for the game-high with three blocked shots in the contest. He extended his point streak to four games (two goals, four assists over the span). Zuccarello has tallied a goal in each of the last two games and has posted two multi-point games in the last three contests.Hehas recorded 23 points (seven goals, 16 assists) in the last 27 games. Zuccarello has also notched 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) in the last 14 games and 11 points (two goals, nine assists) in the last 12 contests.

-        Kevin Hayes tallied two assists, recorded two shots on goal, and posted a plus-two rating in 13:48 of ice time. He extended his point streak to four games (one goal, five assists over the span), and he has posted two multi-point games in the last three contests. Hayes has notched 24 assists this season, 22 of which have been primary assists.

-        Tanner Glass registered his first goal as a Ranger, recorded two shots on goal, and posted a plus-one rating in 12:27 of ice time. He has posted a plus/minus rating of even or better in 10 of the last 12 games and in 14 of the last 17 contests.

-        Keith Yandle notched an assist, recorded two shots on goal, was credited with two blocked shots, and posted a plus-two rating in 16:34 of ice time. He has recorded four assists/points in the last three games, and ranks second among NHL defensemen in assists (41) this season.

-        Rick Nash recorded an assist, registered three shots on goal, and posted a plus-three rating in 14:21 of ice time. He has tallied two assists/points in the last three games. Nash has also registered 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in his last 21 games and has notched 21 points (11 goals, 10 assists) in his last 26 contests.

Come watch the game with us on Saturday, even JEFFREY will be there!

All is good in blueshirt land. The only thing you can really complain about is Rick Nash in the second half, as his goal scoring abilities have disappeared. He didn't look as bad as he has looked in recent games, even picking up an assist tonight, but you really want to see Nash start going to the net and converting shots into goals.

The Rangers return for a much anticipated back-to-back this weekend, as they head to Boston on Saturday afternoon and host Washington on Sunday. Hank makes his return for one of these games.

As I said in a previous blog, don't be quick to rush down Hank's throat if he has a bad game. I mean look at the LA game. The Rangers stunk the joint out, but had a game like this tonight and destroyed the Ducks on Sunday. The Rangers are playing the best hockey in the NHL and anything less than a Cup victory will be disappointing. It's up to Hank to finally bring a parade to the Canyon of Heroes.

I will be back late Saturday, after the party, to recap Boston/NYR. Until then...

LET'S GO RANGERS
IN CAM WE TRUST

Sean McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com
@nycthemic on the twitter machine

NYR/LA Recap

The time is now for Henrik Lundqvist

Welcome to another blog here, on the new and improved DOINOW.com. I gotta be up at 5AM, so let's get right into it. Of course, check out the right hand of the site for the archives, live tweets, search button and all that good shit. Don't forget to check out the soup specials at the Bold O'donoghues, don't drink and drive, tip your bartenders and always, and I mean ALWAYS, use "IN CAM WE TRUST" as your personal mantra.

Before getting into LA vs NY, the big news to discuss today is the return of Henrik Lundqvist. The cat came out of the bag before the game, as Henrik practiced, is cleared to go and will start sometime this weekend. If it's up to me, I give him the MSG start on Sunday. Either way, Hank will play Saturday or Sunday, with the Rangers on a back-to-back. Just makes sense to me to give the Garden faithful Hank's first game back.

I can only imagine what tickets on the resale market will go for, if Hank plays Sunday afternoon. Tickets against the Capitals on Sunday are already triple face value as it is. If it's made official, I would expect a normal $56 ticket to go for an easy $200+ on Sunday. It's pure insanity what Ranger tickets are going for right now.

If you haven't already, I'd suggest checking out BLUESHIRTSUNITED.com, the official Ranger website for all the Hank return news and press conferences. Bottom line, he's back.

The saddest thing about Hank's return will be not knowing what Cam Talbot could've done in the playoffs. It would've been fun to see if the Rangers could've rode the hot hand all the way to the Cup. For the Rangers organization as a whole, if you look at in dollars & cents, the best thing for the Rangers would've been for Cam to win the Cup.

Thank you Cam!

I understand the blind loyalty to Henrik Lundqvist. I have never argued Hank's career on these pages. I do question making him the highest paid goalie until he's 40 years old. 99% of the time, goalies don't get better with late age. The best thing about this blog is you can go back and see what I said. If you do look through the archives, I predicted the Rangers would be better with Talbot. That's what happened this year. I also said & still believe that the Rangers would've won a Cup last year, if the Hank of 2012 was in net. I just think at this point in time, Talbot is the better goalie.

One thing I hate, when talking to people on social media, is that if you're a Talbot guy (There's a lot more of them out there now, but let's not forget who the first was!) that means you just became a Ranger fan. Is that really the best defense people can muster? If you prefer Talbot to start NOW, you're not giving the finger to Hank's career, you are of the feeling that Talbot is the hottest goalie on the hottest team in the NHL and why tinker with that?

Another thing that drives me nuts, when reading people's blogs or social media postings is how trading Talbot is a slam dunk move that will lead to big gains. That Swedish kool aid must've hit your brain hard.

Here is why trading Talbot is not going to bring you back big gains and why you shouldn't do it:

1. You don't know what Hank you will have this year when he gets back.

2. Hank could stink the joint out, get hurt, have something happen.

3. You're not getting anything major back because you have no payroll for it. These theories of trading Cam for big name players or a first round pick, are you nuts? How would the Rangers pay these guys? It's bad enough the Rangers might even lose Hagelin after this season.

4. If this is a Cup contending team for the immediate future, win or lose this year, don't you want to win next year too? Why would you downgrade? Let's face it, the Cup window is a small one. Why would you close it a bit at all?  Hank's getting older, might as well keep Cam around for next season to protect him.

5. The best case scenario, outside of Hank taking a paycut (union won't allow it anyway) is Hank to come back, crap the joint out like he usually does at the beginning of a season, then Talbot goes 16-0 in the playoffs. Again notice I said best case scenario , not what I think will happen.

From there, Talbot is your guy, 5 years younger and even with a raise will still be half of what an out of his prime Hank will be. Hank will waive his NTC to start somewhere else and you just cut $4.5-$5 million out of your payroll for an aging goalie. How many long term goalies ever work out anyway?

6. Cam is only being pulled based on Hanks rep & not thru fault of his own. Cam has a nice rep for himself now, if Hank doesn't win the cup this year, you really need to assess Hank, considering all the favors & trades his organization has done to back him up.

Bottom line, trading Talbot, win or lose this season, is a bad idea for the Rangers. I believe he could be a starter here, just like how he could start for most of the teams in the NHL. However, Rangers have him signed, Hank could get hurt/need a break next season and how can you argue that no matter where he is on the depth chart, he's a huge asset for a Cup contending team?

Imagine you trade Talbot and he's the guy that stones you out the playoffs next year?

The Buffalo Killer

Before getting into the future with Hank, let me be the first to give a thank you to Mackenzie Skapski for his contributions to this team. Sure it was only 2 games, but it was also four points. I enjoyed watching him play. His emotion, energy and joy to be there really came out while watching him, even if he was on the bench. I plan on attending some Wolfpack games next season to track his progress. I don't know if he will play with the Rangers again, but he's a great human interest story and by all accounts a great kid.

In my perfect world, the Rangers get Hank to waive the NTC, get his contract off the books, and have a Talbot/Skapski tandem. In my perfect world, the Rangers win the Cup every year too, I don't have to go to work, I have center ice row 1 seats to every game and I can drink beer without having to urinate every 5 seconds.

For real though, thank you Skapski and I hope he goes on to have a great NHL career, even if it is not with the Rangers. I'll be pulling for him to do well and he provided some great thrills with his limited time on the ice. I hope the Rangers allow him to continue to practice with the team and have him at every playoff game. The experience would be beneficial for "The Buffalo Killer"!

A face Ranger fans are familiar to seeing at the end of the playoffs

Henrik Lundqvist. Hank. King Contract. Whatever you want to call him, Hank is back. It's not like Glen Sather can walk into IKEA and return his Swedish player back to this Swedish store, just because he got a newer and younger product that does the same thing. Barring injury, it's put up or shut up time with Hank.

Maybe I haven't made it clear in these blogs, although I feel I have. No one is arguing Hank's career with this team. He's had some pretty terrible teams, offensively, in front of him. No question - Hank has stood on his head and carried this team. His two most recent carry jobs were two years ago, when the Rangers fell to Boston, after the Rangers PP went 2 for 3848343874737377347 and Tort lost the team. The year before the Boston loss, Hank had the Rangers in the ECF and again, the offense was out of gas and the team was tired from blocking shots all year. Ironically enough, the Devils who beat the Rangers that year, would go on to lose to the Kings, the same team Hank lost to last year.

Everyone has an opinion on last year and Hank's Game 7 record. Let's make it clear - if you have a great game 7 record, it's because you lost 3 games already and basically one game over .500 for a series. It does mean you won a high pressure game too, but means you lost 3 pressure games too. I wouldn't say having a good game 7 record is meaningless stat, but it's a stat I wouldn't put much stock into.

I am hearing fans say that Hank carried the team last year. I don't buy that for a second. Again, Hank lost 3 games to a back-up goalie in Philly and won a game 7. He quickly found himself down 3-1 against Pitt, and if the MSL tragedy doesn't happen, who knows if he has an opportunity to win another game 7 that series. The Rangers avoided a bullet not having to play Boston, who has owned Hank these last two years. The Rangers needed 6 games to beat Montreal without Carey Price and that Game 5 was ugly. Then Hank blew every lead he had, outside of Game 4, blew two goal leads and lost 3 OT games.

For the first time in a long time, I don't think Hank carried the Rangers in the playoffs last year, as much as it was a complete team effort and a lot of good breaks along the way.

What every Ranger fan wants to see in the middle of June 2015

You all know my stance from reading the blogs and my social media posts. I think riding Talbot is the right move for the Rangers to win this year. However, the Rangers are going down the Hank road. I don't agree with it, but it's not to say that this road won't get us to the same place either. It is Robert Frost here, I just would've took the road less traveled, as the normal road has hit many speed bumps & while through no fault of its own, has not reached the final destination. It is not the road's fault for having potholes at times.

Talk about waxing poetic about roads!

It's Hanks job, starting this weekend to bring the Cup back to NYC. With a Cup win, he will go down as the best goalie in Rangers history. Without a Cup, he will have that Ewing label attached to him, in a city where winning is at the highest premium.

There really is no excuse for Hank not to win a Cup this year. Last year's team was a  Cinderella, this year's team is the favorite to get it done. All the trades were made to help Hank. You got the Coach of the Year behind the bench. You got the best goaltending coach in hockey. You got the most winningest team in the NHL. There is no reason that we shouldn't be high-fiving at the Canyon of Heroes come the middle of June. 

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, this is the most pressure in Hank's career. It's Cup or Bust. If he doesn't win the Cup this year, everyone will be second questioning pulling Talbot.

To answer some feedback, yes I own a Hank jersey!

So Hank is back, even if it's at the expense of that the current team is accomplishing. What's to expect? I don't think anyone can say for sure. We all want the Hank that stood on his head and carried the team for so long. However, Hank has had some horrible starts at the beginning of every season. That is something the Rangers can ill-afford here.

Hank has been blown out 9 times this year and was so bad from October-middle of December that he was in the bottom half in the league in SV% and GAA. He did turn it around, and got hot from middle December to 1/31, the day of his injury. However, he struggled with every top team in the league. He will be tested strongly, if his return is on Sunday, against a team he's very familiar with, the Washington Capitals.

I wouldn't go nuts if Hank gets abused against the Caps on Sunday. I wouldn't expect a Willis Reed game either. I don't know if Hank's return costs the Rangers the President's Trophy, and while the President's Trophy is a nice bow to this great season, it is not the ultimate goal here.

The only thing that concerns me is Hank coming back in the playoffs, finding himself down 0-2 and the Rangers looking at Cam to help out. It doesn't work that way. You made your bed with Hank so you gotta lie in it. Even if Cam would return in that situation, do you ride him out all the way?

I don't care what anyone says, it is definitely a goalie controversy, that will only get as big as Hank's performances allows it to be.

Where I would Hank on the Depth Chart come the playoffs!

At the end of the day, I really wonder, as a human being, what Cam Talbot is thinking right now. He has to know he can do the job. At the same time, he knows this is Hank's job to lose. It is unfortunate that Cam's biggest days as a player might be somewhere else, and he will never have the opportunity to capitalize on his contributions to the club this year.

We all know I'm the conductor of the Talbot Train and all that. Many people have been asking me how I feel, hence this blog, but I'll make it clear here once and for all - I'm rooting for the front of the jersey, not the back. Sure I would prefer Cam. However, Hank is taking over and I can't prevent that. I hope Hank is the Hank of old and dominates. Put the people like me to bed.

I will still say that I think Hank's contract is bad, because he gets 10% of team payroll til he's 40, even if he wins. Still, if he wins the Cup this year, they can never take that away from him or us the fans. So all I gotta really say is PROVE ME WRONG HANK. WIN THAT FUCKING CUP YOU BEAUTIFUL BASTARD!

It is time for Hank to be the goalie we all know he can be and finally, put that crown on his head. Remind the skeptics like me why you should be remembered as the best goalie in NYR history.

And oh yea, there is a game to recap here too tonight!

Speaking of goalies...

The Rangers dropped a 4-2 final to the LA Kings on Tuesday night. It is funny how fans react sometimes. The sky isn't falling. As a result of the loss, the Rangers are still the best team in the league statistically. Standings wise, this was one of the several games in hand the Rangers have. They just didn't add more cash to their house money.

The only thing that really concerns me with the Rangers, outside of the goalie controversy, is that they have too many of these games, where they have these prolonged offensive slumps. Their powerplay continues to be horrible, as the two minutes quickly evaporates into 45 seconds by the time the Rangers are done losing the faceoff and chasing the puck around. Even at the end of tonight's game, the Rangers pulled Talbot with 3 minutes to go and continued to lose faceoffs and waste time chasing the puck.

It is funny how much better the Rangers play on the second game of a back-to-back than they do with days rest. The Rangers have picked up huge wins over the Ducks (best offensive game of the year), the Panthers (Talbot won that game) and the Capitals (another Talbot stellar performance), in their last three back-to-backs. However, with rest, they had a game like tonight, that 1-0 loss to Chicago and that loss to the Flyers. I don't know how to explain it. Perhaps the Rangers just ride that wave of momentum from the previous 24 hours, I don't know.

ZUUUUUUUC!

I am a huge proponent of Mats Zuccarello. Just check my previous writings about him, especially during the trade deadline. However, he has acquired this nasty habit of passing the puck instead of taking wide open shots. That's why I almost shit my pants when JT Miller one-timed the puck to Zuccarello and Zucc actually shot the puck, putting the Rangers up 1-0 in this game, 50 seconds in. However, that's where it ended. For the rest of the game, Zucc went back to making horrible passes instead of taking shots. Time and time again, Zucc would have open looks but would just make a wild pass rather than going for a shot. Even if you don't score, you have teammates trailing for a rebound or a deflection. It's annoying at this point.

Someone who has gotten over his offensive slump and started shooting the puck was Derek Stepan.  As I sit here 10 minutes after the game, I can't remember him taking a shot. He probably did, but he was invisible on the ice tonight. You would hope he would continue his streak instead of fading away.

Will we ever write NASHTY again?

I talked about it in the last few blogs, so I won't get too deep again here, but Rick Nash continues to be a ghost out there. He's in playoff form, falling down, missing shots, no puck luck and looking lost at times. I said it before, I give him a pass in the past because of his concussions and what we know about them. However, I don't know how to explain his slump now. He's getting looks, but just not finishing. Earlier in the year, he was using his size to bully himself to the net, now he looks like that midget who dropped the puck at the Islander game tonight. The coaches need to figure out what's wrong with Nash and put him back together.

As far as this game itself, the Rangers stunk the joint out. No other way to put it. Quick wound up with 34 saves compared to Talbot's 31 saves. However, that's a misleading stat. With 5 minutes left in the second, the Kings outshot the Rangers 29-14. It wasn't until LA got a 3 goal lead that they just played defense and let the Rangers take long distance and bad angle shots. LA just played a "let's get the fuck out of here" type of game for the whole third period. It worked.

I'll tell you what, and I know this is probably not the first time you're hearing this - NO ONE WANTS LA in the playoffs this year. They just manhandled the best team in all of hockey this year. Nobody wants them in the first round this year. Jonathan Quick reaffirmed to me why he's the best goalie in the NHL today. I know who has better numbers than him right now, but when it comes down to it, Quick always wins the most important games. While the Rangers flat-out sucked when it came to puck possession, face-off, turning the puck over, man-advantages, shooting at the goalie and everything else you could think of, when tested, Quick held it down.

TAL-BOT!

A 4-2 victory might suggest Talbot had his doors blown off, but it was anything but. LA just dominated the Rangers all game. After Zucc's goal, making it 1-0, the Kings scored 4 straight goals. It was ironic that every time Talbot made a huge heroic save, within seconds, the Rangers defense broke right down again and let LA walk to the net with a goal.

Here's a recap of the Kings goals:
1. Robyn Regehr scored seconds after Talbot stoned Trevor Lewis one-on-one. The goal deflected off Yandle's skate. This tied the game 1-1 at the mid-way point of the first.

2. Talbot overplayed a shot, came out of net and Gaborik had an easy look, making it 2-1, 5 minutes into the second period. This goal happened after Talbot made 3 straight quick saves in a row.

3. Dwight King beat the defense and found Jeff Carter all alone in front of the net, seconds into the third period, 3-1 Kings, and another goal created by a Rangers turnover and lack of drive of getting to the puck.

4. Jake Muzzin hammered the final nail, 5 minutes into the third when the Rangers were all tired and flat-footed & Dan Boyle made his 837489379387th turnover of the season.

Kevin Hayes would add a goal late into the third. It was Hayes 14th goal of the season, perhaps getting him closer to that 20/20 mark in his rookie season.

While Gaborik's goal came off the result of perhaps Tablot over-play, it was hard to blame him for the other ones. Of course you would've liked to see him stop it. I wonder if all this Hank talk was in the Rangers minds tonight, because they were horrible. It was worse than that Panthers game, that the Rangers somehow won last Sunday. To simplify this game, "The Rangers didn't do dick."

LGR

There's not much to really analyze in tonight's game. The Kings wanted it more and it showed. The Rangers got beat by a better team. I don't know if the Rangers are riding a high because of their standing in the league or Hank's eventual return, but whatever the case, they played like crap tonight.

It's not the end of the world, considering the Rangers situation. You just gotta forget this game and get ready for the test against the other hottest team in the league, the Ottawa Senators, led by Andrew "The Hamburglar" Hammond on Thursday night.  We could be looking at a potential first round match-up here. Time will only tell.

It's time to forget this game, look ahead and focus on the prize. Let's just hope the LA Kings aren't there to greet us again in June.

See ya Thursday night!

LGR
ICWT
Welcome Back Hank
Thank you Skaps!

Sean McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com
@NYCTHEMIC on the twitter