My concern is Lundqvist's mental preparation and focus. HE does not seem to have that competitors attitude that he had in years past. Yes he gets mad when he is scored on, but in years past as things got tough he was up to the challenge and embraced it. Lately, he seems to not have his head in the game in for long stretches. That red line goal he let in, that snowman he was doing last week and that BS unnecessary poke check play vs the islanders are things that were NEVER in his game. Is the mark of a goalie who isn't completely focused

Hasek used to make those plays but he did that every single game. Those examples are out of character for him, something is up, maybe something off the ice.

Long time reader. Just wanted to comment on this. Played hockey for 15 years and had two herniated disc in my back. L3/L4, L5/S1. Herniated disc is a complete tear meaning the disc is completely out hitting the nerve. Surgery does not guarantee your back will get better, just not worse than it is. I saw 3 surgeons, both said to get surgery. Got two epidural shots which helped the swelling around the disc which was hitting my nerve giving me severe leg weakness. With in 2 months i was 90-100%%. Point is, surgery does not always work but physical therapy and epidural will def help. Back injuries are the worst
- nyrangers2

Agreed. I know a lot about it too, and played for many years. Bulging is not Herniated. Bulging is less severe, does not require surgery, and a Cortisol epidural will dramatically reduce the swelling and do so quickly. This is by no means a long term fix, but he also wont be out for the rest of the season either, that's an over exaggeration.

We all know the competitor Hank is & keeps in great shape but he is gonna be 35 in February & it has to be said that maybe he is on the beginning of his decline. I really hope not & again like I said before, I have confidence he is gonna settle in here.
- B2B76

I think you guys will still get a few more years of good goaltending out of him, but not the elite-level performance you're all used to. The Rangers aren't a low-scoring team anymore though, so my guess is that his declining (relatively, of course) play and the increase in goal production (if sustained) will be a near-wash.

Now is the perfect time to start Raanta for at least the next two games, at this point complaining about play is going to be futile, they just need to keep their heads above water until they can get healthy
- KreiderBomb

I agree. Save Queenie for Sunday!

Raanta officially in net tonight

I agree. Save Queenie for Sunday!
- Queenie_5_hole

Leave your dad out of this

Long time reader. Just wanted to comment on this. Played hockey for 15 years and had two herniated disc in my back. L3/L4, L5/S1. Herniated disc is a complete tear meaning the disc is completely out hitting the nerve. Surgery does not guarantee your back will get better, just not worse than it is. I saw 3 surgeons, both said to get surgery. Got two epidural shots which helped the swelling around the disc which was hitting my nerve giving me severe leg weakness. With in 2 months i was 90-100%%. Point is, surgery does not always work but physical therapy and epidural will def help. Back injuries are the worst
- nyrangers2

I could've written this. Been dealing with it a few years now. A lot of physical therapy and a lot of all different kinds of treatment... In better shape now than ever. Working out 3-4 times a week and boxing 1-2 times a week. Pain comes and goes, but nothing a good single malt and a pretty woman can't heel

I could've written this. Been dealing with it a few years now. A lot of physical therapy and a lot of all different kinds of treatment... In better shape now than ever. Working out 3-4 times a week and boxing 1-2 times a week. Pain comes and goes, but nothing a good single malt and a pretty woman can't heel
- 21peter

I am in the same boat as you...minus the boxing. It's running and Insanity Max 30 during bad weather days. Sometimes the pain is there, other times nothing. If the disc hits that sciatic nerve, I am done for the day. Rest, stretch, and I am good to go the following day. It's just so hit-and-miss that you just don't know what the hell aggravated it. And don't get me started with the spasms that decide to haunt me whenever it feels like...for no reason sometimes.

Jameson whiskey or Balvanie scotch will make everything better.

I am in the same boat as you...minus the boxing. It's running and Insanity Max 30 during bad weather days. Sometimes the pain is there, other times nothing. If the disc hits that sciatic nerve, I am done for the day. Rest, stretch, and I am good to go the following day. It's just so hit-and-miss that you just don't know what the hell aggravated it. And don't get me started with the spasms that decide to haunt me whenever it feels like...for no reason sometimes.

Jameson whiskey or Balvanie scotch will make everything better.
- mames11

Gonna try that one

http://bleacherreport.com...al&utm_campaign=editorial

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2680616-las-vegas-golden-knights-trademark-application-denied?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=editorial
- MiloslavHorava

Yet another reason the NHL is viewed as 2nd rate. Add this to the placeholder snafu when they were unveiling the LV team. Maybe Nickleback will play on opening night.

Good blog Jan. Injuries are going to take their toll now. Should have done this in the off-season.....

Good blog Jan. Injuries are going to take their toll now. Should have done this in the off-season.....



- tomburton99

Someone who gets it.

Good blog Jan. Injuries are going to take their toll now. Should have done this in the off-season.....



- tomburton99

That's your answer for everything.

That's your answer for everything.
- Fenrir

Tom would never have a team, he would blow it up every year.

Tom would never have a team, he would blow it up every year.
- mdw7413

Literally

Literally
- Fenrir

Nice. Well timed joke.

Literally
- Fenrir

Tom would be the Achmed of Gm's

Tom would never have a team, he would blow it up every year.
- mdw7413

Nash now has showed he's a britle, playoff bust during his time as Ranger. He should have been traded 2 years ago. Right side of the D core has been rough since "He who shall not be named" left and replace with Boyle/Mcilrath. They had the right idea with Brassard even though he was a fan favorite. Now it's too late. What a sad little man you are.

Nash now has showed he's a britle, playoff bust during his time as Ranger. He should have been traded 2 years ago. Right side of the D core has been rough since "He who shall not be named" left and replace with Boyle/Mcilrath. They had the right idea with Brassard even though he was a fan favorite. Now it's too late. What a sad little man you are.
- tomburton99

Wut? You are the one who is annoyed every year.

Wut? You are the one who is annoyed every year.
- mdw7413

Not annoyed at all. Been busy with Work and school tbh. The Rangers stink, just like you and the other Matt.

Nash now has showed he's a britle, playoff bust during his time as Ranger. He should have been traded 2 years ago. Right side of the D core has been rough since "He who shall not be named" left and replace with Boyle/Mcilrath. They had the right idea with Brassard even though he was a fan favorite. Now it's too late. What a sad little man you are.
- tomburton99

Wade Redden?

Not annoyed at all. Been busy with Work and school tbh. The Rangers stink, just like you and the other Matt.
- tomburton99

My concern is Lundqvist's mental preparation and focus. HE does not seem to have that competitors attitude that he had in years past. Yes he gets mad when he is scored on, but in years past as things got tough he was up to the challenge and embraced it. Lately, he seems to not have his head in the game in for long stretches. That red line goal he let in, that snowman he was doing last week and that BS unnecessary poke check play vs the islanders are things that were NEVER in his game. Is the mark of a goalie who isn't completely focused

Hasek used to make those plays but he did that every single game. Those examples are out of character for him, something is up, maybe something off the ice.
- MiloslavHorava

Bingo. His play the last week or two has him doing things that are totally out of character for him, 35 or not. I am guessing there is some off ice issue that is effecting his focus like MiloslavHorava suggested.

Have never seen a lack of focus from Hank in his entire tenure here, except for a single game here and there.

Wade Redden?
- MiloslavHorava

Anton Stralman. Jimbo still get's a little heated when he's mentioned.