nyr g7

STEPAN! STEPAN! STEPAN!

Welcome everyone to another blog here on DOINOW.com. Sorry for the belated timing of this blog, but as I've said in the past, if a blog isn't up within two hours of a game, it means that I'm either miserable after a loss or celebrating a huge win. Either way, this blog was going to be late. Thankfully, it was because of the latter!

CONGRATULATION RANGER FANS, another year, another 3-1 comeback. First time in history any team has done that in consecutive years.

As I said in my last game recap, I was going for the reverse jinx once the Rangers fell 3-1. I also wrote in my last blog that jinxes aren't real and there is no such thing as "luck", that a fan can bring to a game. The players play the game. Just because we wear our underwear inside out or don't wash our armpits during playoff games, it won't have any bearing on the final game result. We like to play these psychological games on ourselves, because really what's a fan? The word fan is short for fanatic. We are fanatics that come up with these L. Ron Hubbard like wild ideas, which makes us believe what we do at home, at the bar, at the game, etc, has any effect on the outcomes of these games. In reality, the players play the games and they are the ones with control over wins and losses.

There's a lot of stuff to get into, so no usual intro and the normal spiel. Let's jump into it.

Moneybags Maloney!

Before continuing, check out this article from the Daily News:
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/raissman-rangers-fans-bring-noise-maloney-article-1.2218781

To summarize, Maloney is basically complaining about MSG being quiet during games. What Maloney doesn't talk about are how Ranger tickets are the most expensive in the league.

Maybe Dave wasn't aware of how much tickets were going for?

Can you spare me $1000 Dave?

As you know from reading these blogs, I'm always up-to-date and following the ticket market. I've told you the trick during the regular season, when you want to sit real good. That trick is to wait half hour before game time, buy tickets on Stubhub when people panic & sell for less, then print them out at the Hotel Pennsylvania, across the street from MSG.

There have been several articles over the internet saying last night's Game 7 was the most expensive Round 2 ticket, EVER, in the NHL. I could only imagine how much that ticket would've been if it was the Islanders vs Rangers in this Game 7.

I was tracking this game since the Rangers won Game 6, a game you could've attended for $80 in Washington. Tickets started off at $470. By Tuesday, tickets were up to $550. By game day morning, tickets were at $675. 90 minutes before game time, the tickets were nearly $1000, just to walk into the door.

What Mr. Maloney needs to understand is that Ranger fans do not get to attend the games for free like he does. $1000 is a lot of money for anyone. For most fans, $1000 is more than what's in their bank accounts, a mortgage payment, double their weekly paycheck, etc. So when real fans can't attend games, and you have hardcore fans like Donald Trump (ugh) attending games, of course MSG is going to be quiet.

A big problem is the lower bowl. Even at face value, "real" fans are priced out. Most of those seats are corporate seats, who give away tickets to people who could care less. The remaining seats are also given to celebrities, and outside of maybe Matt Harvey (Who pitched last night), John McEnroe or Liam Neeson, none of them are chanting "LET'S GO RANGERS!"

Many of these suits/corporate people are too busy ordering $45454 sushi while the game is going on. There are real fans down there, but the majority of the hardcores sit in the 200s/400s, where it feels like there is one bathroom per 6000 fans. Whoever designed this building really fucked up. Go look at The Rock in NJ. There are bathrooms all over the place. You never have to wait in a bathroom line. That 200's rotunda is as wide as a Volvo with bathrooms built miles away from each other. Fans spend 20-30 minutes to take a piss.You would have more asses in seats if you had more bathrooms and had a more accommodating set up.

I've talked about it before, but MSG is really a class/caste system. Just compare sitting in the 100s vs 200s or Bridges vs 400s. You are treated like a schmuck, even when you spend $500 to sit in the nosebleeds. It's ridiculous.

The most expensive place to watch an NHL game

Of course cell phones are also an issue for fans. The MSG was obviously more louder than the new MSG, but that's a sign of the times. Everyone is on their phones. The Rangers encourage you to be on your phone all game, by asking you to talk about the game, tweet/instagram/myspace/facebook/linkedin/tinder/grinder/blackpeoplemeet.com/vine/tout/morse code/sign language and whatever thoughts, pictures or videos you may have from the game. They reward such postings by either putting your inane message on the scoreboard or giving away prizes. So you lose some crowd noise there.

The new MSG is not designed to be loud either. The first two rows of the bridges have bulletproof glass in front of your face. It's so inviting. The sound from your trap will be lucky to reach the 200's, nevermind the ice. The Garden is also very spacious, as opposed to other buildings, because of all their bougias seatings and amenities. I'm sure you can get a handjob and a hot towel somewhere at MSG. The sound just gets lost, where in smaller buildings or buildings with better acoustics, it reverberates all over the building.

I'm going too long with this, but my main point was for Mr. Dave Maloney, the Rangers have priced out the hardcores. Even the hardcores that spend their hard earned cash on these tickets, the allure of making a $1500 profit to sell your season ticket is hard to pass up. Unless Mr. Maloney is paying for tickets or actually cheering himself, maybe he should be like the rest of MSG - silent.

Let's talk the game.

Lundqvist has Roy & Brodeur numbers in Game 7's

As I type these words, nearly 12 hours after the game has ended, I'm still shaking in excitement. There were a million stats going into this game, all that favored the Rangers. Usually that type of stuff jinxes you, but like I said, jinxes aren't real. However, I was beyond nervous all day. My stomach was producing foul odors all day and I couldn't eat anything. I know, I'm fucking deranged. However, you know where I'm coming from. Every stat before this series, and every stat going into this game 7 suggested the Rangers would win this game. Thankfully, for my sake, they did, but man, it wasn't easy.

Even though I said it at the top of this blog, for the Rangers to come back from 3-1, in the second straight year, in this second round, man what an achievement. Of course, you don't want to be down 3-1, but it shows the Rangers are able to treat each game individually. It's why I don't put much into all these stats. What does a Game 7 win from 1994, have to do with the team of today? You do have to love the focus and resolve of this team, not to panic like us fans (myself especially) when the odds look bad.

Give it up to the Garden. They were loud right up to Ovechkin scoring the first goal of the game. From there, the Garden had that Game 5 nervous feel all over again. It wasn't until Hayes tied it up, that the Garden started getting loud again. When you compare all the buildings that hosted playoff games in these playoffs, to me, the Garden has been the most quiet, because of the product on the ice.

The Rangers haven't lit anyone up. In fact, every game has been a one goal game. Where other crowds, especially in the Canadian markets, are fired up all game, the Garden just has that nervous energy, partly because of the Cup or Bust expectations and these tight-as-a-wire games.

I do want to make mention, since it was all over twitter, that John Amirante, who was "fired" then asked to come back, was invited to sing the National Anthem for the game. However, he told whoever is in charge of booking the singer that he wasn't feeling well. Just wanted to put that out there, for the people bitching & moaning about not having John Amirante there.

You've probably seen this picture 100000 times

Going into this game, Ovechkin said the Caps would win Game 7. It wasn't a Mark Messier guarantee like the media looking for a story or fans made it to be, but he said the Caps would win. What do you expect him to say? I've said all year on this blog, in the series preview and in these game recaps - I like Ovi. I respect him. He's my favorite non-Ranger to watch play hockey. He's not a bitch like Crosby. He's an excellent hockey player and backs up his talk.

When it comes to the Caps goalie, Braden Holtby, I don't have a bad word to say about him either. In fact, I think you can make an argument that he was MVP of the series. I already respected and was a fan of Ovi, but I gained a new respect for Holtby.

What drives me nuts from some of these Ranger fans are the people saying "Ovi sucks" or "Hank owned Holtby" or "Rangers showed up for game 7." Are you nuts? Ovi, after saying his statement, which he should've said, to rile up his team after dropping 2 games and were once 90 seconds away from winning this series, scored the first goal. Holtby was lights out and made highlight reel saves. The Rangers won another one goal game. Is it luck or skill? It's a combination of both. But to think the Caps couldn't have won this game too, is just ignorant.

For the Caps, is this game a collapse? When you're 90 seconds away from winning, I can't see any Caps fans being happy right now. All 7 of these games could've went either way. While Ranger fans, myself being one, always get on Hank for calling himself a King without a crown, Caps fans are piling up on Ovi for never getting out of the second round. This is such a tough sport, and hopefully for both athletes, they get their Cups sooner than later.

Ovi would get the first goal of the game, at 12:50 in the first period. I love the writers who say that faceoffs don't matter. Here's one that certainly mattered. The Rangers, who were getting hammered on faceoffs, lost another one in their zone. Johnansson finds Ovi and Ovi skates by everyone and beats Hank one-on-one. 1-0 Caps.

Right there, every blueshirt asshole clenched up. I know mine did. Everyone was doing all the Messier memes and talk, and here's Ovi, putting in the first goal of the game. Little did we know, it would be the last Caps goal of the season.

Hayes finally turned his game around in Game 7

After the Ovi goal, the Rangers big name scorer, or alleged scorer to some Ranger fans, Rick Nash fired up. Nash was left alone, shorthanded and went on a breakway. Holtby stopped him. Nash was fed the puck. He kept making moves to the net. One hit a post. The others were saved by Holtby. You could see the frustration of Rick Nash. Everything he did was denied. He was really trying to be a hero, but Holtby wasn't having it.

On the other end of the ice, Lundqvist put on a show after the Ovi goal. Hank would wind up with 35 saves on 36 shots, as opposed to Holtby's 37 saves on 39 shots. Except for the hiccup in Game 6, both goalies were just phenomenal all series.

Ranger fans were extremely nervous. I know there was plenty of hockey left, but I've seen this script before. The PP wouldn't score. NYR couldn't win a faceoff. NYR overpassed every puck. Game one was flashing before my eyes. The feeling of despair, that I had until Kreider's goal in game 5 smacked me like a brick.

Leave it to Kevin Hayes, who I thought would win the Conn Smythe, at the beginning of the playoffs (I'm way off on that, barring Hayes going on fire in these next, hopefully, 8 games) to get the tying goal. JT Miller, who had a horrendous Game 6, found Hayes on the wing, for a perfect wide open look at Holtby. 1-1 game, at the 6:22 mark of the second period. The Garden could breathe again. Even more impressive, it was a PP goal, that was scored in the waning seconds of the man advantage.

From there, the game turned into a complete shit show.

These refs should not be allowed to work the rest of the playoffs

As fans, we all want calls to favor our team in any sport. However, looking at this unbiasedly, these refs were fucking horrendous. They missed calls on both sides. Listen, I'm not talking about tick-tacky shit. I get it, it's the playoffs. However, these refs missed charges, elbows, high sticks, guys being busted open (usually a double minor), boarding, tripping and holding. The Caps got away with murder, especially when Dan Boyle ate an elbow that could've been called an elbow or charging.

I get letting the guys go, but at some point, you have to make the call, when it happens in front of you and a guy is laid out. From the questionable Sheppard call in Game 6, to today, these refs were a complete embarrassment.

For the third period, I couldn't even tell you what was legal and what wasn't. The refs decided to use new rules. While offside was called every other play, sticks to faces and elbows were legal. I felt the most pressure was on Henrik Lundqvist, in the third period. The Rangers were hurting and down a D-man, when Boyle was mugged in front of a ref for no call.

In a game where it looked like the next goal would be the game winner, both goalies played lights out hockey. Of course, this game was going to overtime. Why wouldn't it? As if we weren't stressed out enough!

Stepan joins Matteau with a Game Winning Game 7 Goal

I was beyond stressed and nervous going into the OT. With the way these refs are, anything could've happened. I felt like I was watching NHL '15 with the rules turned off. Just like Kreider's impossible goal, at the end of the first period in game 6 (Rangers won a faceoff, PP goal and with less than a second left), the Rangers scored in another impossible way for them.

With the OT hovering around the 10 minute mark, the Rangers decided to win a faceoff. Dan Girardi missed a shot. The puck found the stick of Derek Stepan and Stepan buried it home to close the series. It was such a fast play, I couldn't believe it live. I had to rewatch it, 100000 times, when I got home. Again, as I'm typing these words, 12 hours after the game, I'm still shaking and excited just thinking about it.

THE RANGERS RETURN TO THE EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS!!!!!!!!!!!!

This was not an easy series at all. It was similar to the Penguins series, where each game was decided by goal and each game could've went either way. It also featured two overtime games that the Rangers won.

We'll do a bunch of Tampa Bay Lightning previews here on DOINOW.com, but if I look ahead for a second, all you got to hope for is that the Rangers can score goals. TBL is not a team you can fuck around with and think you're going to escape 1-0 and 2-1 all series. The Rangers gotta shoot the puck more often.

8 Down, 8 To Go

I give the Capitals all the credit in the world. I hate using the word "fun", because these 7 games were not fun for me at all. I think I had five minutes of fun this whole series, when the Rangers led 4-1. They quickly coughed up two goals. When I think about this series years from now, I will talk about how exciting and great it was. And it was all that. However, it was also extremely stressful as a Rangers fan.

Big props to Coach AV, who Ranger fans were complaining about, saying he was outcoached by Trotz in Game 1. How can anyone doubt AV at all? He's been King Midas since he's been here.

This series could've went either way. One bounce the other way, and you are being bombarded by headlines of "Nash Can't Get it Done", "Rangers Really Needed Zucc", "Yandle Trade Flops" and "Another Wasted Year of Hank's Prime." Instead, everyone is happy happy joy joy and the main headline is "RANGERS ARE GOING TO THE ECF!" However, don't be fooled. This team is great, but needs to be better come next round.

Ok some quick site notes:
- Due to the late blog, I posted the official post game news & notes and ECF schedule on the mainpage of DOINOW.com

- TBL preview is coming soon. I'm also working on getting a TBL blogger here for a Point-Counterpoint.

-I know this blog has gone on forever, so thanks for staying with me on this, there is so much to talk about, and that's a good thing!

Let's enjoy today and let the nerves begin all over again come Friday night/Saturday morning.

LET'S GO RANGERS
WE WANT THE CUP
BRING ON THE BOLTS!

Sean McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com
@NYCTHEMIC on twitter

nyr wsh 6

The story of tonight's game in two words

What's up everyone and welcome to another blog here on DOINOW.com. Based on the feedback I've received, it seems we have some new readers here, so here's the usual intro for once:

You can check out the archives and previous blogs on the right hand of the site. You can also use the search button there to search for topics or players. You can  also follow my live tweets on the right hand of the site. As always, you can submit feedback on twitter at @NYCTHEMIC or email me at BULLSMC@aol.com. The comment section is still kind of wonky, so the best way to submit feedback is on twitter or email. You can also join the DOINOW.com Sports Page on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1564026407193056/

As always, don't forget to try the new lobster bisque soup at the Bold O'Donoghue's in East Rockaway, don't cough & fart at the same time, try the new Jack Daniels Fire, don't drive & drive and always & I mean ALWAYS, use "In Cam We Trust" as your personal mantra!

The In Cam We Trust thing doesn't need to be explained to regular readers of these pages. For the new readers, I've been a huge Talbot fan from day one. We will never know how he would've done if he was the starting goalie for the Rangers in this year's playoffs. He could've had 8 straight shutouts or he could've been blown out of the water every game. We'll never know. What I do know is that every time I've worn my Talbot jersey during a Rangers playoff game, they've won. I tried wearing my MSL, my McDonagh, my Beuekeboom, my Nash jersey, and for whatever reason, the Rangers didn't win those games.

Like many of you, I'm superstitious when it comes to sports. For the rest of the run, the #33 jersey will definitely be worn on Wednesday and hopefully until late June!

My friends Brian Miller & JEFFREY are insanely jealous about my Camemorabilia!

Going into this best of 7 series with the Washington Capitals, I expected the Rangers to win in 6 games. I thought predicting the Rangers in 6 was showing respect to the Caps. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the Rangers being down 3-1 in this series. After the Rangers did fairly well this season offensively, I also didn't think the Rangers would have 13 straight playoff games with each game being decided by one goal. No wonder I drink so much during this time of year!

The Rangers have now won 7 out of 11 playoff games this season by one goal. They've lost 4 of those 11. The results of these games could go either way, every time. In tonight's game 6, it was the first time the Rangers dominated the scoreboard, but of course, nothing is easy with this team. The Rangers let the Capitals right back into it, almost as fast as it seemed like the Rangers would run away with it.

Many Miller Lites have been consumed watching this team!

If you're reading this, you already know the final score. You are only reading this for a different opinion and perspective. This isn't a newspaper cut & dry report. This is my emotional roller coaster recap. I don't need to tell you how big this do-or-die Game 6 was. After allowing the Caps to put the Rangers on the brink, down 3-1 in the series, the Rangers have now stormed back to force a Game 7 at MSG.

I must go back to the superstitious stuff. We all have our "things." A lucky jersey. A lucky T-shirt, hat, underwear or whatever merchandise you put on. Maybe you sit on the couch one way. Maybe you go somewhere to watch games. We just all have something that makes us think that it will bring a victory. For me right now, it's the Talbot jersey. I'm also believing in the reverse-jinx crap. I didn't think the Rangers would come back down 3-1 last year, so I'm thinking that now, hoping since I was wrong last year, I will be wrong again this year. The psychological bullshit and games we play with ourselves, is just that - bullshit.

As fans who do not play these games, as we are mere spectators, nothing we do, whether if we wipe our asses only three times in hoping for a hat-trick, not washing clothing or sitting in a specific Indian style, will change the outcome of the game. Games are won or lost on the ice and not with whatever silly mumbo-jumbo we convince ourselves brings us good blueshirt fortune.

That said, I'm still doing the reverse-jinx thing and wearing my Talbot jersey on Wednesday!

Kreider, and not Lundqvist, should've got the Broadway Hat tonight, in my opinion

The Rangers had an absolute miracle when they won Game 5 on Friday night. Kreider got a late goal, with 90 seconds left, as Hank approached the bench. 11 minutes later, Captain McDonagh won the game in overtime. The win saved the Rangers season.

Going into this Game 6, there would be more adversity, as the game was on the road, in Washington.  The Caps wanted blood and wanted to put this series away at home. The Rangers were trying to force a Game 7. What we saw for the first twenty minutes, was the Rangers pushing their will all over the Caps, while the Caps seemed resigned to a Game 7. However, for the rest of the game, despite a two goal flurry in the early minutes of the third period, the Capitals were hellbent on closing the game out.

Chris Kreider, who has been the MVP, offensively, for the Rangers thus far, scored the first goal of the game 40 seconds into the first period. What was so impressive was that the Caps were all over the Rangers to start the game, the puck broke loose, and Kreider was left alone with the puck. Kreider skated up to the net, shook a defensmen with a beautiful move with one hand, then beat Holtby stick side.

1-0 immediately for the Rangers, before the fans in their seats could settle down. What a huge way to kill a loud building.

The Rangers continued their offensive outburst in the first period. While there wouldn't be any more goals until the end of the period, the Rangers had numerous chances to take a multiple goal lead. Fourth line centerman Dominic Moore had two chances to score, with Kreider also closing in on another goal. However, the Rangers couldn't beat Holtby, but were all over him.

The Rangers got some huge puck luck at the end of the first period, when Brouwer roughed up Hagelin with 3 seconds left in the period. Who would've thought, that with three seconds left, not only would the Rangers win a faceoff, but that Kreider would score with less than a second left in the period? It wasn't like the Ward game winner in Game 1, but it was enough to drive the Capitals nuts.

2-0 Rangers, in their best period all series.

Despite getting four goals, the Rangers made you sweat out this victory

After Kreider scored his second goal, you felt on top of the world. However, the tide turned real quick.

I think these stats alone will tell you what you need to know:
Lundqvist - 42 saves on 45 shots
Holtby - 24 saves on 28 shots

Shots By Period

Period	NYR	WSH
1st	20	17
2nd	4	18
3rd	4	10
Total	28	45

So after a 20 shot explosion by the Rangers, they quickly imploded just as fast as Washington was able to turn it around.

Jason Chimera quickly scored, 28 seconds into the second period, off a deflection, to make it 2-1. For as great as the Rangers were in the first period, you were back again to clenching your asshole. The Caps got all over the Rangers quickly to start the second and there was a ton of traffic, but for Lundqvist to give up a goal 28 seconds into the period and 29 seconds after the Rangers made it 2-0, was depressing.

Can Lundqvist get a shutout in this postseason?

The Rangers were outshot 28-8 in the final 40 minutes of the game. Lundqvist played excellent. I think at one point, the Rangers didn't have a shot for 15 minutes. Hank played out of his mind. However, for as great as he's been in these playoffs, I still think he's overpaid in the salary cap era. That's always been my biggest knock on him, and again, not going to do go through the whole spiel, go read my old blogs for my reasoning. There is too much to get into tonight to rehash that.

Lundqvist, despite the early goal, played extremely well for the rest of the second period. 2-1 at the end of two periods.

Nothing is ever easy with the Rangers, so imagine my fucking shock when both Rick Nash & Dan Boyle scored early in the third period. Pigs were flying. Hell froze. Jews & Muslims were hugging. Scientology was real. It was just unbelievable.

Rick Nash finally got the monkey off his back 54 seconds into the third period. What a game, that featured goals in the opening minute of all three periods. Nash was assisted by Brassard & MSL. I was hoping and thinking MSL would have a big game on Mother's Day, but it just wasn't meant to be. He still played well, but hasn't been a factor for the Rangers like he was during last year's run.

Photo Credit: NYRMemes on FB

I was really hoping Nash's goal, that made it 3-1 would be the game winner. After all, you thought it would be the insurance goal, with the way the Lundqvist has played all playoffs. However, Lundqvist, who did face a ton of more shots than usual, got too comfortable with the lead and allowed the Caps to come back.

We all know the Nash & A-Rod comparisons. There are differences. For starters, A-Rod did have a great playoff series once (2009 ALCS) and won a championship. He's also a huge dick and a cheater. Nash hasn't had that huge playoff series nor has he ever been a dominant factor in a game for the Rangers. I was really hoping he would get his day in the sun here, but Lundqvist made the Rangers sweat out a three goal lead like his name was Halak.

Boyle would score four minutes later, with a blast from deep. It would turn out to be the game winning goal. So if you had Dan Boyle and Game Winning Goal in your pool, you should probably run out and play the lotto right now too. 4-1 Rangers.

Holtby picked a bad night to have his worst night of the series

Caps netminder, Braden Holtby, has been phenomenal all series. Until tonight, he had the second highest save percentage in a playoff series, in the history of the NHL. However, even when the Rangers mustered up only four shots in the third period, half of them went in. The Rangers were scoring and held a 4-1 lead, with a little more than 15 minutes to go. As fast as Ranger fans could celebrate a lead, again, you got real nervous, as Kuznetsov beat Hank, on a shot that Hank usually stops 99/100 times.

4-2 Rangers, with 12 minutes to go.

Even with the 4-2 lead, you thought there was no way Hank would give up another one, because of how great he's been. Well that wasn't the case. Hank gave up another soft goal, this time with Joel Ward beating him, with 9:30 left on the clock. Not only was the difference another one goal in a Rangers playoff game, now the Caps were rocking and could potentially close out the series.

For as great as Lundqvist was during this game, making extremely tough saves, he gave up two very soft goals. When the Rangers needed him the most, and after all, he demanded to be the highest paid goalie in the league, profits off a "King" nickname and all the other stuff I've said countless times here on this blog, he let the Caps come right back into this game. Instead of shutting the door, the Caps, who use the "Rock The Red" slogan, were lighting red lamps on Hank. For someone who demanded 10% of team payroll and to be the highest paid guy in the league, I expect him to not make a 3 goal lead evaporate.

So once again, Ranger fans felt like Sharon Stone at the end of "Casino" while watching the last 10 minutes of the game take place.

Lundqvist bailed out Sheppard tonight

For as angry as I get with Lundqvist for giving up two cheap goals, he really clamped down for the rest of the game. He complains about his guys not scoring for him, but when they do, even four goals looks like it wasn't enough. Does he really just want the one-goal differential record? It's amazing how much better he plays in close games than with a huge lead. Does he really want that stress? You would think for a guy who cares about his hair so much, he wouldn't. That shit will turn gray after a game like tonight.

The Caps, sensing blood like Jaws, were all over the Rangers to close the game. Lundqvist denied and denied. Unfortunately, with 2:44 to go, Sheppard got called with a questionable delay of game/tossing the puck over the glass. Whether you agree with the call or not, bottom line, it was a bad play by Sheppard.

So now the Caps would have nearly three minutes of a man advantage to close the game.

The Caps, who couldn't score on the first minute of the powerplay, did what Jack Capuano wouldn't, and pulled their goalie, giving the Caps a 6 on 4 advantage. What did they have to lose? I still don't get why Capuano didn't pull Halak in Game 7.

With 1:44 to go, the Caps were 6 on 4. The Rangers had several opportunities to clear, but kept fucking it up. Lundqvist's number was called on and he was remarkable. The penalty expired and the Rangers had to hold on for 44 seconds.

The Rangers wouldn't pick up an empty netter, but they did pick up two clears and an icing. Lundqvist, again, for as bad as he was for giving up the soft goals, was just incredible in making sure the three goal lead wasn't blown. It's remarkable how many two goal leads Hank has blown in the last few years of the playoffs. Just look at last years Cup Finals alone. Maybe he really wants these one-goal pressure cookers!

Eventually, with 8 seconds left, the Rangers got the clear they needed and the game was over. Rangers win 4-3 and Game 7 is now necessary.

After taunting Lundqvist by saying "All Series", the Rangers have held Ovi from scoring goals

So we all know where we go from here. Game 7. This is what Lundqvist is paid to do, right? No excuses.

You will read a ton of stats and numbers about Game 7's, Rangers vs Caps Game 7 histories, Lundqvist's Game 7 numbers (A meaningless stat to me, since it means he lost 3 games already) and team performances in Game 7's. It's all nice, but meaningless come May 13th, inside of MSG. I don't care what happened in previous years, nothing from the past affects this Game 7 on Wednesday.

The big news after the Rangers win is Alex Ovechkin promising that the Caps will win Game 7 and they look forward to Montreal or Tampa. It wasn't exactly a Messier or Ewing guarantee, but it is bulletin board material.

Ranger fans are already jumping down Ovi's throat. However, I don't blame him. He is watching his team blow another playoff run and could see his team lose another series, where they were up 2-0 or 3-1. What does he have to lose, especially with the last two outcomes and the way Game 5 ended? Why not try to light a fire under his team? At the same time, you hope the Rangers want to shut him the fuck up too, especially for that big hit he put on McDonagh late in the third period.

For the Rangers, the two big questions are this:
- Can they keep up the scoring they got in Game 6?
- Can Lundqvist be lights out?

If the answer to both of those questions are yes, it will be a very easy game 7 for the Rangers. However, with the way this series is going, I'm expecting a quadruple overtime game.

As far as who has the advantage, as much as I hate to say it (because I think I'm jinxing it, but I already told you why jinxes mean nothing at the end of the day), I think the Rangers have the advantage. They are the hotter team, have all the momentum and will be playing at home. If this means anything, the Capitals played 7 games in the first round, as opposed to the Rangers 5. However, with the 72 hours in between games, you wouldn't think rest would even be a factor in this game 7.

The Rangers have done the 3-1 comeback before. Can lightening strike twice? Will the Rangers draw the Lightning in the ECF or will the Rangers just go home with a bunch of what-ifs?

Bottom line, on Wednesday night, we will be writing another chapter of Rangers history. Will be talking about another heroic game 7 moment from a blueshirt or talking about if Lundqvist will ever win a Stanley Cup? No pressure boys!

Big shoutout to everyone at the Bold tonight who made tonight fun, especially Scott Burke!  (It's ok to use his real name, because everyone else blows up his spot by saying his full name all the time!)

GREAT WIN TONIGHT, CONGRATULATIONS BLUESHIRT NATION
LETS GO RANGERS
WE WANT THE CUP

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

g4 nyr wsh

Officially time to panic

Insert intro here, you know the deal already. Let's get into it.

The Rangers lost Game 4, of their best of 7 second round series with the Washington Capitals. The final score was 2-1, another one goal difference in these 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs, for the New York Rangers. The Capitals now lead the series 3-1. For the Rangers, it was their 9th straight playoff game of the year, where only a goal separated the difference.

Bottom line, the Rangers have scored one goal in the last two games against the Capitals. You're not going to win many games like that.

People will call you a fake fan for thinking the season is over. However, I can really care less what people think of my fandom. I know how diehard I am. If you know me personally, you know how diehard I am. However, I'll say it.  The Rangers are D-O-N-E!

I'm sitting here, three hours after the Rangers loss and just trying to find the words for the emotions I have right now. Part of me keeps remembering my train ride home with Brian Miller & JEFFREY, last year, after the Rangers lost Game 4 last year, in the second round, against the Penguins. JEFFREY & I were going nuts and were furious. Brian Miller said they would come back. Whether that was blind fandom for his team or not, bottom line is he believed. The Rangers came back, at the same time, in the same situation, just last year.

Do the Rangers have another miracle run in them? You can look at the Kings winning three game 7's last year to make the Cup finals. You can look at this Rangers team from last year. You can go through the history of the NHL to look for 3-1 series comebacks. There is evidence to suggest it can happen, as recent as last year. However, I hate to be a downer, but this team just doesn't have it. The Caps are also too good to allow it.

Who would've known how much he would truly be missed?

I'm sorry if I'm all over the place in this blog, but as you may be able to figure out, I got so many emotions pumping through me right now.

When Zuccarello went down with what's been reported as a minor concussion all the way to a fractured skull, (And great job NHL, thanks for the no info injury reports. They really need to adopt what the NFL does and give clear injury reports. I know the NFL was forced to do this for gambling purposes, as it affects lines/fantasy football and all that, but really, NHL needs to give their fans accurate information) I didn't think the Rangers would miss him that much.

Zucc has been a major factor for this team all year, but really, he didn't crack 50 points as a forward that played first line hockey for the majority of the year. However, he has been their heart, their fireplug, their guy who creates action. Zucc or no Zucc, there is no excuse to be down 3-1 to Washington right now. However, when you write the book on the 2015 Rangers season, not having Zucc for this series with the Capitals needs to be mentioned. Then when you're done mentioning Zucc, you will then have to start talking about Braden Holtby.

King Henrik? LMAO!

I'll admit. I was wrong. However, I'm not going to be the only one to say that. When the Capitals beat the Islanders in 7, many of us took a sigh of relief. For starters, that series went seven. For many Ranger fans, we thought the Capitals would be the easier match-up. Who knows, maybe they are. Maybe the Islanders sweep the Rangers. When the Rangers pack up this season, at least they weren't eliminated by the Islanders. It will take the sting out a little bit, but not much.

If you couldn't tell already, I'm putting the eulogy on this season. It's over. Bluntly, the Rangers have sucked all series.

Let's sum up the Rangers powerplay in this game, which has been the blueprint all playoffs:
- Lose faceoff
- Clear
- Offside
- Lose faceoff
- Clear
- Dump puck
- Clear
- Overpass instead of taking a wide open shot
- Clear
- Shoot 50 feet wide
- Clear

With every single Rangers playoff game this year being decided by one goal, powerplay goals can make or break games. For the Rangers, it has broken them this series.

The powerplay isn't the only issue. The Rangers couldn't win a faceoff if it meant curing cancer, aids and creating world peace. It just doesn't happen. Most of the time, the Rangers lose a faceoff, chase the puck around and then need to make a line change. It's a waste of game time, game time the Rangers need when they are trailing in games.

Time and time again, the Rangers refuse to shoot the puck. They could be 3 feet wide open in front of the net, but they are looking for the trailing skater, rather than beating a goalie one-on-one. Very rarely do they look for deflections and rebounds. Even with a minute left, with the goalie pulled, the Rangers look to pass with the man advantage, rather than shooting the puck. How can you win that way?

If there are any positives about the Rangers in the playoffs this season, it's Henrik Lundqvist and the defense.

It hurts to lose this series even more than last year

Henrik Lundqvist is a polarizing player for me. If you've been following me all year and have reading comprehension, you know how I feel. I feel like I need to reiterate it every blog, because people twist my words around. Let's say it one last final time.

LUNDQVIST IS A GREAT GOALIE. HOWEVER HE IS NOT WORTH 10% OF TEAM PAYROLL NOR IS HE WORTH BEING THE HIGHEST PAID GOALIE IN THE LEAGUE UNTIL HE IS 40 YEARS OLD. LONG TERM CONTRACTS RARELY WORK OUT. HE SAID HE WANTS TO WIN A CUP AT ALL COSTS, THEN IN HIS NEXT MOVE, TEASED FREE AGENCY & DEMANDED TO BE THE HIGHEST PAID GOALIE IN HOCKEY. IN A NO-CAP ERA, HE IS WORTH WHATEVER YOU WANT TO PAY HIM. IN THE CAP ERA, HE IS WAY OVERPAID.

As time goes on and on, Lundqvist looks more like the greats who could never win a championship in their respective sport. Dan Marino. Charles Barkley. Karl Malone. Ernie Banks. Patrick Ewing. Mike Gartner. Jim Kelly. Pat LaFontaine. Do I need to go on? That's a list of athletes that Lundqvist doesn't want to join.

Once the season is over, I'll do a Lundqvist blog. But really, without expanding on these points here, look at his career. He's rarely ever had a great team in front of him. The first 8 years of his career, he carried the team on his back. These last two years, he had offense in the regular season and AV really opened the team up, but when he needed his teammates the most, they weren't there. If and when the Rangers lose this series to the Caps, he can look at his teammates all he wants (Like he did in his press conference) but he will also know he was beat by a better goalie in this series.

I don't know if Lundqvist will ever win his Cup in NY. I'm on record already saying I don't think he can do it. I said it multiple times. In the cap-era, his contract hurts the Rangers from getting the help they need. They could use a Stralman. They could use Brian Boyle. They could use a fighter like Dorsett. Tanner Glass is a waste. Dan Boyle is a mess. I won't say Callahan is better than St. Louis, because without St. Louis, you don't make the Cup last year.

Now, in 2015, Lundqvist has the best team in front of him than he's ever had. He also has the pressure of a back-up goalie that did his job, statistically better, than he did, and for $8 million less. While the Rangers have scored more in front of Talbot & are better statistically & Talbot is better offensively, this is Hank's team. However, when this series is over, he got beat by a goalie who played better and for $6.5 million dollars less. When you see this, it makes you really think, is Hank worth being the highest paid goalie? Aren't the Rangers better rolling the dice with Talbot next season and using the money for better offensive weapons, providing someone would take Hank's contract?

I'm not saying Talbot is better, worse or equal than Henry. I'm just saying contract wise, it makes more sense to keep him, deal Hank and look for offensive weapons. It's just not happened with Henry here and in this cap era.

What kills you is how shaky Holtby was at times in that NYI series, but decided to morph into Braden "Ken Dryden Patrick Roy Domenik Hasek Martin Brodeur" Holtby in this series. For Lundqvist, it has to be maddening.

Another polarizing Ranger

In Lundqvist's defense, he has played out of his mind the entire playoffs. However, so did Fleury & so has Holtby. I said it in my Game 5 NYR/Pitt blog, but Pitt could've easily swept the Rangers in all those one goal games. The Rangers just got the timely bounce or luck goal before Pittsburgh did. In this series, the Caps are doing what the Rangers did in the first round. They've "out-Rangered" the Rangers.

Rick Nash is getting a ton of space and thoughts from Ranger fans and reporters. I will say this, every other big money player is holding their own in the playoffs. Ovi. Perry. Kane. Johnson. All four will most likely make the Conference Finals because of their performances in the playoffs.

I always gave Nash a pass last year, because of his concussions. Concussions are no joke. This year however, I still don't think he's played bad. People are willing to crucify him and bury him. I get the frustration. At the same time, he's playing well and is one of the Rangers point leaders. What he's not doing is scoring goals.  However, the same fans burying him are the same praising the Brassard goal tonight, when the Rangers led 1-0, which was assisted by MSL and Nash, two Rangers that Ranger fans have quickly thrown under the bus faster than AV did in his last press conference.

Nash has played well. Is he worth his contract? No. I just don't go as nuts about it, because it was his first big free agent deal and because he has never said he wants to win a cup here at all costs like Lundqvist said. Nash also doesn't get the same endorsements, have his own clothing line sold at MSG, nor has his own TV show like Lundqvist. His Ranger contract is his only hockey source of income, as opposed to Lundqvist who has made the big money and has outside revenue pouring in.

That being said, Nash isn't even a leader at his team, despite being the highest paid skater. He's not even an alternate captain. He's the guy paid the big bucks who scores in the regular season, but "A-Rod's" it up in the playoffs. At least A-Rod had the 2009 ALCS. Nash has never had that game, never mind series, where he was the best player on the ice.

Again, Nash hasn't been bad, he just isn't doing what he's been paid to do and that's put pucks in the net, come playoff time.

The tone of this blog right now. Can you blame me?

You are not coming here for the newspaper recap and you already know the result already. The Rangers lost and are now down 3-1 in the series. As far as Game 4 as a whole, what can you say? It was the same old shit. The Rangers relied on Lundqvist just as much as the Caps relied on Holtby. In the end, Holtby was better than Hank, which is why he has the best goaltending numbers in the playoffs thus far. Once again, Hank is runner-up to someone else. It will also pain me, as a Ranger fan, if the Hawks are eliminated. It will mean that another goalie has won a Cup during Hank's watch.

At least Ovi, Stralman, Boyle, Callahan and Richards have a shot at the Cup this year. I'm happy with any of those guys getting it. I'm sure Hank will be smiling if it's Hawks vs Bolts in the Cup this year. He can watch another ex-teammate win a Cup, while he calls himself and profits off being a self-appointed King.

As far as tonight's game, what can you say? I felt like I was sucker-punched. I really am not ready to start watching baseball closely again. However, I may have no choice. I said it all year, this is a Cup or Bust year, and now if the Rangers don't go on a three game win streak, Ranger hockey is over until October. It's depressing just thinking about it.

Despite his heroics last year & assist tonight, Friday could be MSL's last game as a Ranger

This game started off like every other game in this series. The Rangers applied a ton of pressure and couldn't score. Lundqvist was forced to bail out his defensemen and made some impressive saves. Holtby did the same on the other end. We all thought the Rangers would have the edge, goaltending wise, this series, but it hasn't been the case, because of how great Holtby has been.

The Rangers powerplay was once again as useful as tits on a bull. You gotta wonder if Torts is just laughing watching these games. Stralman, who Sather didn't think was worth $4.5M a year, saw his Lightning go up 3-0 against the Canadiens, while Dan Boyle, at the same $4.5M a year, looked lost and old all game, except for blocking an empty net opportunity, when the game was already lost.

The Rangers showed some life in the second period, when MSL found a streaking Brassard to the net, with 6 minutes and change into the second period. Brassard slammed it home top shelf. It would be the first & last Rangers goal of the game.

The Rangers, always looking to make heroes of relative unknowns, decided it was time to make a superhero out of Andre Burakovsky. Mind you Andre Burakovsky is 20 years old and only playing because Fehr is hurt. That didn't stop the Rangers though, they were hellbent on creating a new superstar on their watch.

Andre Burakovsky got his first goal, with under four minutes into the second period. The Caps forecheck produced the goal, as  Burakovsky "capitalized" (har, har, har) off a turnover based on the Caps strong play, got into the slot and beat Lundqvist. KING!

Go ahead. Blame the turnover. However, it was a shot that the highest paid goalie in the league should stop in a series defining game. If he can't do it, then maybe he shouldn't be paid to be the guy who can.

So nice of the Rangers to make a superstar out of this 20 year old kid, who is only playing because Fehr is out

1-1 after two periods. However, the Rangers weren't done crushing us yet. Really, I feel like changing my facebook relationship status to "In an emotionally abusive relationship with the New York Rangers."

Burakovsky beat Lundqvist 24 seconds into the third period after a boneheaded play by the usual stellar Ryan McDonagh. Sorry, that's a shot that needs to be stopped by Hank, especially when Holtby would go on to stone Hagelin on a penalty shot. Where goaltending was key, Hotlby outperformed Lunqvist, finishing with 28 saves on 29 shots, where Hank finished with 28 saves on 30 shots. Both goalies were tested. Both goalies passed their test, but Holtby got an A+ compared to Hank's A.

Still, you can't put this loss on Hank. The Rangers just don't score and haven't all series. I can understand Hank's frustration in his postgame press conference. The Rangers choked. They blew it. They refuse to shoot and try to score. Of course Hank is pissed. It just hurts more that Holtby is playing out of his mind.

What hurt me as a Ranger fan, was hearing Hank's postgame press conference. He sounded defeated, from a year ago, at the very same point, with the same series score. He sounded like it was done. I had no confidence that the Rangers will win three straight from here on out.

After the Burakovsky eventual game winning goal, the Rangers continued to blow chances and Holtby came up huge. What more is there to say? The Capitals have been a better team all series and I think Ranger fans, and I know did, underestimated them, especially after the Rangers went 3-1 against them in the regular season.

Put me out of my misery

Now I know there will be Ranger fans beating their chests, come up with catchy slogans, remind me of last year and all that rah-rah bullshit, but can you tell me why I should think the Rangers will win the next three games? If they do, I'll be ecstatic and on top of the world. However, what's in the wings? A four game sweep against Tampa?

I'm sorry, call me a fake fan, a non-believer, a realist, or whatever you want, but they are done. Can't win if you can't score. The Rangers offense is as present as sanity in Baltimore right now. Maybe they lose in 6 and save the home fans a shitty weekend.

What a waste of a magical season.

Let's Go Rangers, rah rah rah, blah, blah, blah

Let's Go Yankees

Sean McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com
@NYCTHEMIC on twitter

g3 nyr wsh

Recapping the NYR vs Washington Game 3 event in one picture

Blah, blah, blah, insert intro here.

I'm so mad right now, I don't even know what to do with this blog. Should I give you the same effort the Rangers gave tonight and just tell you the Rangers lost 1-0 in Game 3 and call it a night? Unlike the Rangers, I'll be better than that. However, if you're looking for an optimistic view or glass half full perspective, go elsewhere.

The Rangers got absolutely outplayed in Game 3, losing 1-0. If you read my preview blog with Rob Parker, a writer that covers the Capitals at JapersRink.com, everything that could've went wrong for the Rangers did.

For starters, the Capitals kept the game to the boards, neutralizing the Rangers speed. The Rangers didn't have many open ice opportunities and when they did, they either shot at Holtby or shot right at his glove. I don't know if they thought the puck would go through Holtby like a nuclear missile or if they thought shooting weak line drives at Holtby would work, but that was their strategy.

Once again, the Rangers powerplay was a fucking joke. Do they even practice it?

What makes you more irritated, frustrated and furious is the fact that when you look at all the other playoff series going on right now, all the favorites are up 2-0. The fucking President Trophy winners are now down 2-1 to fucking Washington, a team the Islanders took to 7 games. The Rangers have been outscored, outplayed and can't win a fucking faceoff if their fucking life depended on it.

All that said, is this series over? No. I said Rangers in 6 before this series and I still believe that. I truly don't believe Washington is the better team, which makes this all more infuriating. I feel like the Rangers need their backs truly against a wall to 100% show up for a game.

Holtby has neutralized Lundqvist

I know I'm the Talbot guy so people will twist what I say, but Holtby has outplayed Hank this series. Hands down. Just look at the tape of game one if you need any more proof.  Has Hank been great? Sure. But look at this:

Lundqvist = 0 Cups, $8.5 million a year.
Holtby = 0 Cups, $2 million a year.
Please explain why Hank is worth that much to me. I don't get it. He's aging. You could get Talbot or anyone else and with the money saved on that disgusting contract, you could get better defensemen. Hank's contract is worse than the result of the game tonight.

That said, Hank has been great this series. He's just not worth the money. However, we're stuck with it.

Hank made some great saves, especially when he stoned Ovi one-on-one in the first period. However, Holtby did his job on the other end, especially when he stoned Marty St. Louis on a breakaway.

Just look at the three games. Did Hank outplay Holtby at any point? NO. That is why he's not worth 4.25 as much money as Holtby. That's all. You can argue that Hank is the reason why they lost game 1.

In game 3, Holtby posted a 30 save shutout as opposed to Hank making 21 saves on 22 shots. Still, we all know that Lundqvist will bury and complain about his teammates in his press conference, like usual. However, for once, I don't fucking blame him. I hope he rips them to shreds after this game. I never defend Hank for burying his teammates, but if he wants to tee off tonight, he has every right.

Will he ever get his Cup?

For Lundqvist, he has to be just as mad as me right now. The team sucked dick tonight. I'm sorry for all the four letter words in this blog, but I don't do it often, and I'm trying to make a point. I don't want to type in all "Capitals" and textually scream this whole blog, but fuck, what a fucking shit show tonight.

Lundqvist isn't getting any younger. This may be his best chance to get a Cup. If he never wins a Cup, he will be a Ewing in this town.

One key to Washington winning this series was Holtby outplaying or matching Lundqvist's performance. It's happening. Lundqvist can't win games if his team don't score. While I will give him partial blame for game one, what can he do here tonight?

Jay Beagle, at the 7:31 mark of the second period, beat Lundqvist behind the net, with a shot that went off Yandle's skate and past the goal line. My criticism of Hank here was that he was out of the net right before this play and wasn't settled into net. Fluky goal? Yes. Something that could've been prevented if Hank was in better position. Yes.

Hank was incredible throughout the game. However, Holtby was just slightly better. Holtby did have some easy saves, for someone of his caliber, as the Rangers just kept shooting at him, rather than trying to angle shots past him. He was tested a bit, and passed every time.

The series would be 3-0 Caps without Kreider

If all the Rangers gave the effort Chris Kreider put in tonight, the Rangers are easily winning this game tonight. I felt that Kreider once again, was the best skater on the ice for the Rangers. He took shots, made good passes, hit hard and was all over the place.

The Rangers are really missing Mats Zuccarello. No excuses, because the Rangers are the better team, but they are missing Zucc's fire and grittiness on the ice.

Let me be clear. Coach AV is a great man and knows hockey. He has forgotten more about hockey than I know. However, if he doesn't bench Dan Boyle in favor of Matt Hunwick on Wednesday, I would really like an explanation. Dan Boyle has been awful. Sure he got a PPG on the Nash screen on Saturday, but he has been a liability all series. I'm not blaming him for this loss, as it's a team effort, but more times than not, Lundqvist is bailing out Boyle after a dumbass play or because Boyle was just beat by a better hockey player.

I'm so furious after this loss, there's not much more to say. The Rangers did all their typical shit in a Rangers loss. Can't win a faceoff. PP sucks. Boyle is horrible. Can't convert on open looks. Overpass the puck in the offensive zone. Take lazy penalties. They also had a good first period but then came out flat for the second period, just like in Game 2.

I'm not one of these people who are saying the series is over. I still expect the Rangers to win in 6. What just gets my blood boiling is the fact that they are a better team and had every advantage going into this series and into this game 3. I said it before, playing these one goal games is nerve wracking and you won't win every one. For the love of all that is holy, can they ever just blow someone out and give us a comfortable win?

I'm done and going to bed mad.

If they don't win game 4, then you can press the panic button.

Until then, see you Wednesday night.

Sean McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com
@NYCTHEMIC on twitter

smorgashboard week

There are a million May-Pac memes out there, but this is my favorite so far

Welcome everyone to a rare Sunday blog, here on DOINOW.com. What a long day yesterday was in the sports world. Of course, the Rangers defeated the Capitals to tie their series at one a piece, the Clippers shockingly sent the Spurs to a first round exit, animal abuse was celebrated for the 141st year, the Yankees & Mets playing their division rivals and of course, the biggest fight in the fifteen years of this century, Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao.

For me, the only thing on the top of the list, by far, was watching the Rangers game. You can check out the main page or the archives for my recap on yesterday's game. I'm not a horse racing guy at all, I actually think the whole "sport" is disgusting. I'm sure many will accuse me of being too liberal on that matter, but for me, horse racing is just a step above cock fighting. I'll get into why below.

While the Rangers game was must-see for me, for the majority people in the world, the number 1 priority was Mayweather vs Pacquiao. My fandom in pro boxing started with Tuesday Night Fights on the USA network, back in the 1990's. I would see most of the big fights from that era and watch old footage on the ESPN classic channel or the classics on the MSG network.

I never really had a favorite boxer, as much as I was into the spectacle of big time prize fights. I watched every Tyson fight that I could, even though by the time I really started watching boxing, Tyson was past his prime. My good buddy Raymond was into Arturo Gatti. He got me into Gatti and I really enjoyed his fights.

The problem with my generation, and I'm talking about people born from 1980 and on, is that we never got to see a real dominant heavyweight. Sure, Lennox Lewis was there, but he never had a true rival. The Tyson fights were just trainwreck fights, that people watched out of curiosity. Once Lewis retired, the heavyweight division went to shit. We had the Klitschko brothers but they wouldn't fight each other. Even when Lewis was around, there wasn't a flamboyant or charismatic heavyweight like a Holyfield, Tyson or Foreman. We had pure boxers, but not much in the showmanship department.

Love him or hate him, Mayweather draws money

Having a pro wrestling background (If you don't know, I wore a variety of hats in the professional wrestling world for 10 years), I understand the aspect of marketing big fights or in wrestling, matches. The way to do that is to usually have a guy who is charismatic, does all the right things, wins his fights dominantly and/or brings his nationality into it. Pacquiao has made a career playing up the Filipino card. It applies to any individual sport that charges money to watch it on PPV. MMA and pro wrestling are no exception.

The other way to make money is to be the guy everyone loves to hate. Mike Tyson, who started off as the likeable poor kid out of Brooklyn, quickly turned into the guy people paid to see lose or pay to see what he would do next.

For Floyd Mayweather, he is the rare breed that while he has tons and tons of fans, he also has people who will pay to see him lose. That is what has made him the richest boxer in boxing history. Not only that, he is the biggest draw in the history of PPV. Whether you love him or hate him,  you will pay to see him fight.

In fighting sports, the key to selling PPV's is to have the casual fans buy them. The hardcores are already in. Mayweather is a house-hold name and if you're a sports fan, you have an opinion of him. Once again, Mayweather carried PPV to an all-new level. While the WWE can claim that PPV is dead, and start their own subscription based network, Mayweather is proof that PPV is as alive as ever. At the same time, WWE runs 12 monthly events a year, while Mayweather will only fight twice. Separate businesses, but to claim PPV is dead is ridiculous. If there is something big and interesting, the people will come out and pay to see it.

After the fight last night, Beiber was acting like an asshole again, verbally harassing Pac fans behind his entourage

For me, I'm not a Mayweather fan. I just can't get behind a guy who beats women.

In fact, here's his complete criminal history from Wikipedia:

In 2002, Mayweather was charged with two counts of domestic violence and one count of misdemeanor battery. He received a six-month suspended sentence and two days of house arrest and was ordered to perform 48 hours of community service.

In 2004, Mayweather was given a one-year suspended jail sentence, ordered to undergo counseling for "impulse control" and pay a $1,000 fine (or perform 100 hours of community service) after being convicted of two counts of misdemeanor battery against two women.

In 2005, Mayweather pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor battery charge after hitting and kicking a bouncer, receiving a 90-day suspended jail sentence.

On September 9, 2010, it was reported that Mayweather was being sought by police for questioning after his former girlfriend, Josie Harris, filed a domestic battery report against him. Harris accused Mayweather of battery in the past, but those charges were dropped in July 2005 after Harris testified that she had lied and that Mayweather had not battered her.  Mayweather was taken into custody September 10, 2010, but was released after posting $3,000 bail. Mayweather was initially charged with felony theft (stemming from the disappearance of Harris's mobile phone); on September 16 two felony coercion charges, one felony robbery charge, one misdemeanor domestic-battery charge and three misdemeanor harassment charges were added.

On December 21, 2011, a judge sentenced Mayweather to serve 90 days in the county jail for battery upon Josie Harris in September 2010. Mayweather reached a deal with prosecutors in which he pled guilty to misdemeanor battery in exchange for prosecutors dropping the felony battery charge. Mayweather also pled no contest to two counts of misdemeanor harassment, stemming from threats to his children. In addition to the 90-day sentence Mayweather was ordered to complete 100 hours of community service, a 12-month domestic-violence program and to pay a fine of $2,500. On June 1 Mayweather began serving his county jail sentence, and was released in August 2012.

Mayweather is a serial woman abuser, among other things. Not only do I not want to line his pockets with PPV money (I watched it at a bar showing it for free) I just can't root for the guy. That's why I could only laugh when someone like Mike Tyson, who has a rap sheet longer than Mayweather's, was calling out Mayweather for his criminal past.

On the Filipino Flip side, Pacquaio is hard to get behind for me too. He's a guy, who at one time was charged with tax evasion for $2.2 billion in the Phillipines. Of course, money greased that situation. He was also accused of using PED's and has refused drug testing before. For me though, going into this May-Pac fight, he was the better of two evils.

Is it me, or did Pacquiao look like a lesbian Asian Keri Strug last night?

Despite not really being a fan of either guy, I wanted to see this fight for the spectacle. I know enough about these fighters and have seen enough of their fights to predict what was going to happen. Mayweather was going to win, in a decision. It's the same shit every fight. As an athlete/competitor, I don't hate on Mayweather's skills or ability. He is a pure pound-for-pound scientific and technical. He is a master at his craft. He is exciting doing it? To me, he's not. He's the best at what he does, and arguably one of the best of all time, but I rather see a street fight over a Mayweather fight.

There is a reason why Olympic (Roman or Greco) wrestling isn't as popular as pro wrestling. People love the drama, flashy characters, storylines and all the glitz and glamour that goes with it. Olympic wrestling, unless you're really into it, is boring. You need to really be into it to appreciate the skill and work that goes into it. That's what Mayweather is. Can't knock him for that. For me though, I rather watch Gatti or Hearns or anyone else have a true slugfest, for my PPV dollar.

This fight was three hours of spectacle before even entering the ring. The celebrities. The interviews. The hype. It was what you expected.

The Fight of the Century, if you don't count Al Sharpton vs Intelligence

I watched this fight with some friends at a local bar/restaurant in my area, Rio Fusion, (Dubbed "The Flying Fist for the night, by Brian Miller) in Island Park. If you're someone in the area, the place was pretty nice and worth a try, if you're looking for something new. I can't tell you about the food (or the soup) but the service was great and everything was moderately priced. With a free admission for the fight, they got me into the building and I will check them out for a meal down the line.

My take on the fight, especially as the announcers were giving their mock score sheets was that I thought Pac was winning all the way. When the announcers had Mayweather crushing Pac, I was stunned. I watch a ton of UFC/MMA and I know the judges are always wacky. However, maybe it was the long day, the twenty or thirty beers throughout the long day (spaced out from 12pm-1am and with a nap sandwiched in after the Rangers game and the fight) but I really thought Manny was doing better.

It wasn't until after the fight, when they showed the stats. Mayweather landed a shit-load more punches than Pac. Even while Pac was going on his flurries, and he had many of them, they still gave Mayweather the round because I guess he intelligently defended himself. Perhaps the judges give the champion and Mayweather the shadow of a doubt, because they've seen this before. In the later rounds, Mayweather seemed to be in better shape than Pac.

What kind of bothered me, and I'm glad I didn't pay for this, is that after a 12 round, 36 minute fight, where each guy got $158,000 per second, before PPV bonuses/sponsorships and all that, is that both looked no worse than when they started. Give credit for the shape these guys are in, but I mean, there was no blood, no visible bruising, and it barely looked like they broke a sweat. Part of that is due to the extreme conditioning they are in, but man, for $100, you want to see a bloodbath.

The internet was on fire with memes and pictures

For the judge of the sport and for the hardcores, Mayweather won this in a landslide. For the casuals, it looked like Manny did better. When you look at the stats, and because it happens so fast at times, Mayweather was the better fighter on paper. He did enough to win. Was it impressive? No, but it rarely is. The guy just wins and you can't argue with that strategy. At 48-0 and one fight left in his career (or so he says), there's no reason to change his style to impress fans now.

As far as where either guy goes from here, Mayweather has already announced that he plans to vacate his 454757474757474 championships and have one more fight in September. Pac looks like he is trying to get a rematch, saying he was hurt before the fight and letting his camp say he was robbed.

For the sport of boxing and for the promoters, the best thing would've been for Pac to win, to set up a rematch. With the win, in what many boxing circles are calling in easy fashion, (And really it's so sad this fight didn't happen five years ago when both men were in their peak) Mayweather has nothing left to prove. Fighting Manny again does nothing for him. This fight was boring, outside of a few flurries from Manny. Who would spend $100 on this shit again?

With Mayweather on his way out, and Pac not too far behind, boxing is going to have to find a new star or risk another dark age. It should be interesting to see who emerges and from what division.

The Kentucky Derby

From animals in the ring, to animals on the track, let's switch topics and look at the Derby. For some reason, people are fascinated with horse racing. Whether it's the gambling, the funny hats, whiskey mojitos or the smell of horse shit in the air, people really get into this. For me, I hate it.

I don't think I've hit it on these blogs, but I'm a big animal guy. I donate to ASPCA. I'm against fur or using animal products for vain purposes. I'm against puppy mills. I'm a bit of a hypocrite though, because I do eat meat. I guess I justify it by saying that it is the food chain and goes back to survival of the fittest.

I won't go long here, with a long liberal rant, but horse racing at this time of year, is big in this country. I just don't get it. What is the thrill of seeing midgets kicking their feet into the ribcage of a horse? It's 2015, who gives a fuck how fast a horse goes? Go get a gas guzzling car like a normal American.

If you ever truly examine it, and I'm not the guy to go to, google articles and watch documentaries, horse racing is a barbaric sport. Even when HBO did that TV show on it, "Luck", horses were dying there too. Maybe 5% of all horses, being prepared to race, actually make it. The other 95% are killed off and used for spare parts. The ones that do make it are pumped with drugs and don't live a natural life.

People in the sport aren't trying to have horses to attack other horses, which is why I consider horse racing one step above cock fighting. I just find it funny that people who find cock  or dog fights deplorable (especially the Mike Vick stuff) are the same people who have fistful of OTB tickets and are in 3843838384 pools.

So wow, a horse whose name you won't remember, unless you bet on it, won a silly race in redneck central. Yippee.

Kreider could kick Mayweather and Pacquiao's ass!

 Just wanted to add in a few more Ranger thoughts. Again, check out yesterday's blog on the main page:

- The only way the Caps have a chance of winning this series is if everything goes right. Ovi has to get hot. Holtby needs to match or outplay Lundqvist. Caps have to be more physical. Caps have to outplay the Rangers in the special team department. We saw that in game one. In game two, the Rangers were fired up. Ovi was still hot, Holtby played to Hank's level, but the Rangers matched Washington's physicality. They also matched them special teams wise.

- What really makes you nervous is this was the 9th NYR playoff game in a row to be decided by one goal. That needs to stop. Can't the Rangers ever just blow out someone and not stress us out?

- The series is now a best of five. The Rangers have been great on the road all year and won both road playoff games in the Pittsburgh series. They seem to always get up for big games and it wouldn't shock me if they won one goal games in Washington. At the very least, I expect a split.

-  I get the Rick Nash criticism, but it is tiresome. He's not Ovechkin. However, Nash has assisted on some goals, screened goalies on others and has a good job keeping the puck in the offensive zone.

- If Chris Kreider could ever figure out how to play the way he played in Game 2 on a consistent basis, watch out NHL.

- I'm very impressed with the maturity and the level of play the Rangers rookies are playing this year. Watching Kevin Hayes play, I feel like Mr. Belding at the end of Saved By The Bell, when he gave Zack Morris his diploma. He's got tons of potential and I can't wait to see what happens when he lets it all out.

One of the greatest franchises in the NBA

The San Antonio Spurs, after leading their series 3-2, lost a Game 7 to the Clippers in the first round on Saturday. I'm sad to see the Spurs too. I don't watch the NBA as much as I used to, ever since they started to embrace the hip-hop culture and the length of games extended, but I will watch the playoffs. In the first rounds, I'll watch a few games and then just try to catch the final 30 seconds of the rest of them, since that's all that matters and it takes an hour just to do that.

We may have seen the end of an era last night, with the Spurs eliminated. Like Mayweather, they were a fundamental team. Unlike Mayweather, they were classy guys that did everything right. It's a shame to see them out of it. I'll still take Duncan over Kobe any day of the week.

Game 3 of the Rangers/Caps series is tomorrow night. I'll have my full recap up here tomorrow. Enjoy the weekend.

LET'S GO RANGERS

Sean McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com
@NYCTHEMIC on twitter

Kreider was in BEAST MODE today!

Welcome to another blog here on DOINOW.com! As always, check out the right hand of the site for the live tweets, archives and all that other good stuff. As I type this right after the game, this may be a quick one, as we're experiencing the biggest sports day (minus the Superbowl) thus far, of 2015. Not only did we have the Rangers today, we have Yanks/Sox, Mets/Nats, Spurs/Clippers in a Game 7, The Kentucky Derby, and of course, the May-Pac fight. If this goes too short, due to lack of sleep on my part, I'll add in more thoughts tomorrow.

The Rangers defeated the Washington Capitals, 3-2, in Game 2, to tie the series at 1-1. Game 3 and 4 will take place in Washington, on Monday and Wednesday, respectively.

No game is a must-win game until you've lost three games in a series, but for the Rangers, this was a game they needed to win. Taking in the game as a whole, I thought the Rangers put out a much better effort than game one and played much differently.

What concerns me, and what has been a concern all season for me, is that the Rangers will have these unbelievable periods or just bursts of frantic offense, then go flat like a fart in church for 20 minutes at a time. The difference between the first period and second period today was a prime example of that.

For instance, the Rangers were up 2-0 after the first, after out-shooting the Caps 15-4. The Rangers were then out-shot the second period 16-12 and lost the period 1-0. I understand the ebbs and flow of the game, but the Rangers just have these periods where they get dominated and look lifeless at times.

CK

Chris Kreider was the first star of the game and for a reason. Not that I'm a homosexual and I do think it comes off silly when you say the phrase "no-homo", but NO HOMO, I had an erection watching Chris Kreider play today.

Kreider scored 38 seconds into the game, after taking a Jesper Fast rebound and slamming it home. 1-0 in nearly 30 seconds. Just think, my friends JEFFREY, BRIAN MILLER & RB, were all at the game and saw the Rangers take the lead before they could take a sip of their first beer. Meanwhile, when I'm at the game on Thursday, the Rangers didn't score until the 57 minute mark! Maybe I should stick to watching these games at "HOCKEY TOWN, Nassau County, USA" the Bold O'Donoghues!

As much as the Rangers needed Kreider's goal, on the next ensuing play, Kreider got into it with Ovechkin. Listen, I'm not an Ovi hater. In fact, he's my favorite non-Ranger in the league. I love watching the guy play the game. I wish he was a Ranger. You can say Sidney Crosby is a bitch and a cunt and all that stuff and I won't argue. However, to me, Ovi is the best player in the NHL today. He's just a monster and I respect his play.

After Kreider's goal, Washington went on a rush. After the whistle, Kreider got right in Ovi's Russian face and gave him a headlock, popping his helmet off in the process. It was glorious. The Rangers are not known for their physicality. They are a skill and finesse team. To see Kreider go right at it with Ovi, man, was that amazing. The book out on Kreider is that he's a dirty player, the skating into the goalies stuff and all that, but Kreider manned up, went into Ovi's face, and fucked him up.

For real, Kreider is the player you hate the most if you're an opposing fan, but he's one of the guys you love the most if he's on your team!

Boyle & Brassard beat Holtby today

My good friend JEFFREY, who you may have read about in these blogs, hates Dan Boyle. Despises him. I didn't watch the game with JEFFREY today, but every time I see Dan Boyle on the ice, all I can hear ringing in my head, is "GET OFF THE ICE BOYLE", in JEFFREY's irritating and authoritative tone.  Leave it to that same Dan Boyle, to blast a SUPER RARE power play goal, with 15 minutes gone by in the first period, giving the Rangers a 2-0 lead.

Just take that sentence in. RANGERS POWER PLAY. A GOAL. DAN BOYLE. I haven't connected those words that much this season and this is the first time I'm constructing this sentence in the postseason.

Boyle just blasted one by, from deep, near the blue line, with Rick Nash screening Holtby for the goal. Boyle looks like he's 90 years old there, but for the first time seemingly all season, was able to put a shot on net, rather than sailing it 30 feet wide, like he's Scott Norwood.

By the way, I was at the game Thursday, so I didn't see it on TV, but pardon my lack of imaginary professionalism on these blogs - "SUCK A DICK MIKE MILBURY." How Milbury calls Rick Nash a "marshmallow" implying that he's soft, is beyond me. How Milbury has a job covering hockey is even further beyond me. The Islanders are now just finally recovering past the Milbury era. He was one of the worst GM's in the history of the NHL. The toughest thing he ever did as a player was attack defenseless fans with a shoe. Go fuck yourself Milbury!

Who did this clown blow for a job?

After the first period, it was 2-0 Rangers. What a sigh of relief and some breathing room. However, with Henrik Lundqvist in net, you can never relax. To "Weird Al" a Taylor Swift song, Henrik Lundqvist makes you "SWEAT IT OUT, SWEAT IT OUT, because Hank always breaks, breaks, breaks, SWEAT IT OUT, SWEAT IT OUT!"

Did Henrik make phenomenal saves today? Fuck yeah, he did. Did he also give up two horrible goals? He did that too. Why am I hard on Hank? Because he is the highest paid goaltender in the league and demanded to be paid that way. I expect better from a self-proclaimed King and a guy who considers himself the best in the world. Fleury was better last series and Holtby has been better in this series thus far.

Has Hank played amazing playoff hockey during this run? Yes! No question. I've said that. However, the two goals today should not happen. I don't expect shutouts every game, but I do expect Hank to live up to his money. Can the Rangers just blow someone out? Even when they do score three goals, you have to worry about Hank coughing it up. It's the playoffs, I get it, but at the same time, Hank needs to live up to his deal.

What kills me the most about Lundqvist is his horrible body language and hissy fits. Slamming the stick like a spoiled brat, blaming his teammates in the media or doing the Eli Manning faces just drives me nuts. I would just like to see Hank play a game, and show he's not rattled after a goal. Is that too much to ask?

Will Hank ever get his crown? 11 more wins away

Evgeny Kuznetsov, the hero of Game 7 of the Caps/Isles series, got the first goal for Washington, grabbing a Chimera rebound and beating Hank with it. I'm sure Hank is already blaming Dan Boyle for being beat to the rebound, but at the same time, it's a save we've seen Hank make before and a save he needs to make here.

The Rangers absolutely dominated the Caps in the first period, but the Caps took back the game in the second period. Hank made some great saves, looked lost on another save, before giving up the rebound goal to Kuznetsov. When the team starts slacking, we need our highest paid goalie in all of the land, to stand on his head. If he can't do that, then he shouldn't be paid the way he is. Was Boyle beat to the rebound? Yes. However, who gave up the rebound instead of just deading the puck?

2-1 Rangers, after two.

Brassard had a lot to smile about, scoring the GWG

With the asshole clenching and with twenty minutes of hockey left, the Rangers had a one goal lead in the third period. Washington was surging and would out-shoot the Rangers, yet again, in this period. Leave it to the guy who was hot in the first round, Derick Brassard, to score the game winning goal.

Six minutes into the third, Marty St. Louis, the hero of this second round series a year ago, found Brassard wide-open. Brassard capitalized, pardon the pun, and beat Holtby for the Rangers third goal of the game. Three Rangers goals in a playoff game? Consider me impressed!

However, you couldn't relax for too long, as Alex Ovechkin, the MVP of the league in my eyes, scored with less than 10 minutes to go. Words can't give Ovi's goal justice. Ovi simply outskated Girardi & McDonagh, the Rangers best defensive pair, fell down and still beat Lundqvist. All series, all series.

This was a horrible goal on Lundqvist's part too. Was DG & the Captain burnt? Sure. Still, Ovi scored from the floor, at a tough angle and Lundqvist looked puny against the mighty Ovi. This was a highlight reel goal and a goal ESPN would show in the Top 10 plays of the week, if ESPN cared about hockey.

If you didn't see it, go check out the goal yourself. It's another example of why Ovi should be the MVP of the NHL.

3-2 Rangers, with less than 10 to go.

Hockeytown, Nassau County USA aka The Bold!

With less than 10, the Rangers increased my heart rate and tightened my arteries, faster than a clam chowder soup from Chez Teddy at the Bold. Kreider had numerous chances to make this a two goal game, but Holtby kept coming up huge. Holtby has stepped up his game tremendously, from the Islanders series.

It's also worth mentioning the referees of today's game. They let a lot slide, but would call some tacky penalties. The Rangers played their most physical game of the season, to match Washington's bruising game, but the refs let a lot go. I didn't blame the refs for the Backstrom hit on Boyle, and I don't blame them for today. I thought they were good, although the Brassard interference call on Ovi was very weak.

Hank, who finished with 30 saves on 32 shots, as opposed to Holtby's 32 saves on 35 shots, played well, but King? N-word please. This game shouldn't have been tighter than me in a kids size small T-shirt. The keys to this series, on the Caps side, is Ovi, special teams and Holtby. Ovi is beating Lundqvist easily, Holtby is outperforming, or at very least, on the same level of Hank and today was the first day the Rangers outplayed Washington in the special teams department.

In other words, "CAN THE RANGERS WIN ONE PLAYOFF GAME BY MORE THAN TWO GOALS?" I get it, the Rangers are a team that finds a way to win. However, that style will burn you, just like it did in game one.

AV looking Asian!

Major credit goes to AV, for the Rangers victory today. Despite the 3-2 win, and the Rangers being able to hold, despite Holtby being pulled and not being able to clear the puck, nevermind finding an empty netter, AV had this team ready. They were checking. They were in Washington's face. They wouldn't let any shit slide, especially Chris Kreider, who has a reputation of sliding himself!

As I said in the top of this blog, this wasn't a must-win game. We've seen this team, with this coach, come back from 3-1 before. However, it is a huge win. I said before the series, I expect the Rangers to win in 6. Holtby needs to play every game, like he did in game one, for Washington to win this series, no matter how hot Ovi gets.

I don't care what anyone believes. This is a Cup or Bust year. The Rangers now have 5 wins down, 11 to go, to win the ultimate prize - The Stanley Cup. You would like to see the Rangers stomp out teams, like their West #1 seed counterpart does, the Anaheim Ducks,  but this has been the Rangers all year. They just find ways to win.

Sorry for the brevity of this blog, as I usually go deeper. However, it's a busy Saturday and I'm on no sleep. Perhaps a more detailed look tomorrow. If not, see you Monday for a Game 3 recap!

LET'S GO RANGERS
WE WANT THE CUP
5 DOWN
Messier to go!

Sean McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com
@NYCTHEMIC on twitter