Jan Levine: Game 32: Rangers/Flyers – Crossroads

Let's face it:

our teams stink

But at least tonight we have a chance to beat up on a team that we hate

Jan Levine: Game 32: Rangers/Flyers – Crossroads
- airjan23

Morning Pete, great write up. Like I said yesterday, no offense to anyone else but if ever Jan was not our blogger I couldn't think of a better guy to get the gig than you.

Tonight is a divisional foe, absolutely no excuse this time of yr in our desperate situation to not come out with pepper in the jock, regardless of opponent, but this one should be emotional. Just get the 2 (frank)ing points, anyway, anyhow.

Outstanding blog!

You hit all the right issues. SportsClubStats suggests that the cut off to make the playoffs may be as low as 52 points. The Rangers need to go 9-7-1 over the remaining 17 games. Not an unrealistic target. But the challenge steepens sharply if they lose the games against the teams they should beat.

Jan Levine: Game 32: Rangers/Flyers – Crossroads
- airjan23

Let's face it:

our teams stink

But at least tonight we have a chance to beat up on a team that we hate
- Coburns_Nose

There hasn't been a real nasty donneybrook in a while between our 2 teams.

There hasn't been a real nasty donneybrook in a while between our 2 teams.
- RustyKuntz

Asham is our sniper now, don't want him sitting in the box for 5 now would we?

Asham is our sniper now, don't want him sitting in the box for 5 now would we?
- B2B76

I told you the other day he would provide the spark but didn't think he'd score.......and that makes me bc that means we still stink

Asham is our sniper now, don't want him sitting in the box for 5 now would we?
- B2B76

We still owe Asham a beat down for cross checking Brayden Schenn in the face during last year's playoffs.

We still owe Asham a beat down for cross checking Brayden Schenn in the face during last year's playoffs.
- Coburns_Nose

Hey, leave our best player alone.

On the surface, this game should be a slam dunk for the Rangers. Aside from that 2-1 home win (arguably the most exciting home win of the season), the Rangers have ruled the Flyers recently. It should be an EASY 5-2 or so win. However, being as the Flyers aren't going to make the playoffs this year, they can take the approach of the 97/98 Tampa Bay Lightning.
That Lightning club knew that it was going to miss the playoffs, so they wanted to base their whole season on one thing; can we beat the Philadelphia Flyers (whom Chris Gratton signed an offer sheet with) on home ice? Seeing as the Flyers/Pens series is over, and the Flyers played them to an OTL, I think the Flyers will possibly see this as a game to say, "At least we can take down the team that we can't seem to beat," a weak consolation prize in an otherwise disappointing season.
But, with this team's inability to get up for any type of game, i forsee another loss to the Rags.

I dont agree with you about Chris Kreider, Ryan McDonagh, Taylor Pyatt. Kreider has been used by Torts sparingly. Mcdonagh plays monster minutes against the other teams bests lines. Pyatt is a 3/4 line player who has played ok. If Boyle would chip in a few more points it would also help out the third line. When the teams 2 best offensive players, Gabby and Richards, dont score it cripples the team. At first I thought it was the players but now im thinking its Torts with his constant line juggling. He hasnt been consistant and it is now wearing off on his players. Yes it may have worked last year, but those are with different players. As a coach you have to give your players the chance to play up to the best of their abilities. Some players need a little stability.

Jan Levine: Game 32: Rangers/Flyers – Crossroads
- airjan23

Great write up Pete;

I am as optimistic a Rangers fan as there is. I still believe in this team and and the core of players leading it including Richards and Gaborik. But tonight is a crossroads and a great time for this team to change course and put it all together.

Hey, leave our best player alone.
- Blueshirts4ever

that was a nice shot the other night, we have got so few goals from the bottom 6 its frightening.

On the surface, this game should be a slam dunk for the Rangers. Aside from that 2-1 home win (arguably the most exciting home win of the season), the Rangers have ruled the Flyers recently. It should be an EASY 5-2 or so win. However, being as the Flyers aren't going to make the playoffs this year, they can take the approach of the 97/98 Tampa Bay Lightning.
That Lightning club knew that it was going to miss the playoffs, so they wanted to base their whole season on one thing; can we beat the Philadelphia Flyers (whom Chris Gratton signed an offer sheet with) on home ice? Seeing as the Flyers/Pens series is over, and the Flyers played them to an OTL, I think the Flyers will possibly see this as a game to say, "At least we can take down the team that we can't seem to beat," a weak consolation prize in an otherwise disappointing season.
But, with this team's inability to get up for any type of game, i forsee another loss to the Rags.
- jmatchett

It was mentioned that last time these two teams played. I think there is an increase level of respect between these two benches and the hatred that we have seen in previous years has subsided.
I think it also stems for the fact that for the past two years these two teams have been really close in the standings and neither wants to give away points to the other just to prove who's tougher.

that was a nice shot the other night, we have got so few goals from the bottom 6 its frightening.
- B2B76

When I said maybe he could provide a spark I was thinking being the Prust type player we expected not account for 50% of our production. Tha being said, if the 3rd and 4th line can chip in once in a while it should relieve some pressure for the big guys. Both of his goals have been snipes, he can actually play a little bit and truth be told, his goal did wake them up and the 4th line actually did its job, the 1st and 2nd...well, as Jan says, lather, rinse, repeat...

please win rangers.....thanks...we need to suck to draft jones....and you guys need to get to the playoffs

please win rangers.....thanks...we need to suck to draft jones....and you guys need to get to the playoffs
- Philly1980

Love your avatar bro.

Love your avatar bro.
- B2B76

it describes the kind of season we are having....

It was mentioned that last time these two teams played. I think there is an increase level of respect between these two benches and the hatred that we have seen in previous years has subsided.
I think it also stems for the fact that for the past two years these two teams have been really close in the standings and neither wants to give away points to the other just to prove who's tougher.
- climbdenali12

I'd rather the Flyers show character and lose than...well, whatever it is they've been doing the rest of this year. And really, things can't get much worse (or better, if they want to get closer to Seth Jones).
It seems like it's more imperative for the Rangers to make the playoffs this year, especially after bringing on Nash. I don't think the Flyers will win, but I'd like to see them give a better, controlled effort than I've seen most of the season.

When I said maybe he could provide a spark I was thinking being the Prust type player we expected not account for 50% of our production. Tha being said, if the 3rd and 4th line can chip in once in a while it should relieve some pressure for the big guys. Both of his goals have been snipes, he can actually play a little bit and truth be told, his goal did wake them up and the 4th line actually did its job, the 1st and 2nd...well, as Jan says, lather, rinse, repeat...
- Blueshirts4ever

I remember when he was on the Isles more than a few times Asham blasting that hard accurate shot beating Hank. He's a solid vet & obviously is here for his "jam" (take that Jimbo jr), but if he can pot a few goals, I wont complain.

Great job Pete, glad I didn't have to write the review, it wouldn't have been as good, prepare for the caveman recap tomorrow.

it describes the kind of season we are having....
- Philly1980

A season right out of the Polk High playbook.

Great job Pete, glad I didn't have to write the review, it wouldn't have been as good, prepare for the caveman recap tomorrow.
- cranford93

Can't wait.

I remember when he was on the Isles more than a few times Asham blasting that hard accurate shot beating Hank. He's a solid vet & obviously is here for his "jam" (take that Jimbo jr), but if he can pot a few goals, I wont complain.
- B2B76

Kreider came back with some Hartford jam, I believe they call it "smack" in downtown Hartford