Jan Levine: Game 79: OTT 3 NYR 2, Bad Loss, Staal-Neil, Line Combos, Blog Comments A variety of topics covered

Neil should have received a charging minor, he did track Staal quite a ways. Clean hit when delivered.

As far as Staal getting punched while defenseless on the ice... it's dirty pool, but Staal DID skate in and jump Neil. Neil would have willingly fought Staal if he wasn't bear hugged. Staal wanted Neil, he's lucky he didn't "get" him. No majors for fighting, as there were no actual fights.

A lot of fans will say the Rangers have been giving away points they shouldn't have and that Cup contenders or quality playoff teams don't do that. I will point to the '94 Rangers as an example. Over the last month of that season the Rangers went 9-4-2, a very good record. The 4 losses were against the Panthers (non-playoff team), Blackhawks (playoffs), Jets (non-playoffs, 2nd worst in the league), and Islanders (playoffs, but we easily swept them). The 2 ties were against Flames (playoffs) and Flyers (non-playoffs). I understand completly that there is no comparison between the '94 team and our current team, but it looks to me that Cup winners do occasionally lose games and drop points to non-playoff teams. The big picture is once you get into the playoffs, anything can happen. Obviously, on paper the Rangers don't stand a chance against a team like the Bruins in a 7 game series, but who knows what can happen? I try not to get too low or too high on this team. Sure last night's loss was disappointing, but I've seen this team at their best and believe they can hang with the best the league has to offer. Can't wait for the playoffs to start! LGR!

Neil should have received a charging minor, he did track Staal quite a ways. Clean hit when delivered.

As far as Staal getting punched while defenseless on the ice... it's dirty pool, but Staal DID skate in and jump Neil. Neil would have willingly fought Staal if he wasn't bear hugged. Staal wanted Neil, he's lucky he didn't "get" him. No majors for fighting, as there were no actual fights.
- Rocktane

I thought the hit was a little late and from what I remember dangerous due to the distance from the boards.

A lot of fans will say the Rangers have been giving away points they shouldn't have and that Cup contenders or quality playoff teams don't do that. I will point to the '94 Rangers as an example. Over the last month of that season the Rangers went 9-4-2, a very good record. The 4 losses were against the Panthers (non-playoff team), Blackhawks (playoffs), Jets (non-playoffs, 2nd worst in the league), and Islanders (playoffs, but we easily swept them). The 2 ties were against Flames (playoffs) and Flyers (non-playoffs). I understand completly that there is no comparison between the '94 team and our current team, but it looks to me that Cup winners do occasionally lose games and drop points to non-playoff teams. The big picture is once you get into the playoffs, anything can happen. Obviously, on paper the Rangers don't stand a chance against a team like the Bruins in a 7 game series, but who knows what can happen? I try not to get too low or too high on this team. Sure last night's loss was disappointing, but I've seen this team at their best and believe they can hang with the best the league has to offer. Can't wait for the playoffs to start! LGR!
- gravey914

94 team didn't have to clinch the playoffs in the final 4 games though, if this was a team that had already clinched then last night wouldn't have been a big deal, I just don't want to be stuck playing in Montreal for a playoff spot, 3 games left, we need all 6 points now

A lot of fans will say the Rangers have been giving away points they shouldn't have and that Cup contenders or quality playoff teams don't do that. I will point to the '94 Rangers as an example. Over the last month of that season the Rangers went 9-4-2, a very good record. The 4 losses were against the Panthers (non-playoff team), Blackhawks (playoffs), Jets (non-playoffs, 2nd worst in the league), and Islanders (playoffs, but we easily swept them). The 2 ties were against Flames (playoffs) and Flyers (non-playoffs). I understand completly that there is no comparison between the '94 team and our current team, but it looks to me that Cup winners do occasionally lose games and drop points to non-playoff teams. The big picture is once you get into the playoffs, anything can happen. Obviously, on paper the Rangers don't stand a chance against a team like the Bruins in a 7 game series, but who knows what can happen? I try not to get too low or too high on this team. Sure last night's loss was disappointing, but I've seen this team at their best and believe they can hang with the best the league has to offer. Can't wait for the playoffs to start! LGR!
- gravey914

Good post. The playoffs are a different animal. The past few Stanley Cup winners all struggled going into the playoffs. Not saying that we will follow suit but it does show that losing a game late in the season doesn't mean the end of the world.

94 team didn't have to clinch the playoffs in the final 4 games though, if this was a team that had already clinched then last night wouldn't have been a big deal, I just don't want to be stuck playing in Montreal for a playoff spot, 3 games left, we need all 6 points now
- cranford93

Relax buddy! We'll get in! Bring down your negative energy a bit!

We're all bro's here, don't forget that guys. Lotta turmoil on the last thread! Totally unnecessary. Let's save all that negativity for other teams fans, not each other.

Relax buddy! We'll get in! Bring down your negative energy a bit!

We're all bro's here, don't forget that guys. Lotta turmoil on the last thread! Totally unnecessary. Let's save all that negativity for other teams fans, not each other.
- evitageN

Not attacking anyone and I wasn't being negative, just pointing out the added pressure of the final 3 games, can't trust that anything is a given no matter how they've turned the season around, I'll relax when business is taken care of

Not attacking anyone and I wasn't being negative, just pointing out the added pressure of the final 3 games, if I can't post a simple response without being attacked what's the point?
- cranford93

Sorry Vin, meant from last thread.

We'll make it, then we'll all cry/complain when we lose in 7 in round 1 or 2.

Sorry Vin, meant from last thread.

We'll make it, then we'll all cry/complain when we lose in 7 in round 1 or 2.
- evitageN

No problem Nick, I'm not one to fight my own but last night set me off and ignoring it made it worse

Those 5 points the Rangers pissed away now loom very large. Flyers winning tonight brings them back to within two points. I wouldn't be so upset if the Rangers played their style in the 3rd period vs Colorado and still ended up losing. But, but they didn't they let Colorado dominated the entire 3rd period and most of OT. Vin maybe right. The Rangers may have to win out to keep control of home ice.

I thought the hit was a little late and from what I remember dangerous due to the distance from the boards.
- nyrangers9479

Could have been boarding, charging, interference, you-name-it;
Just a cheap shyte play by a cheap shyte player. I'm glad Staal had the
Cojones to go after him and also glad we didn't see him get pummeled
For it by that low life D bag. I realize that's how he earns his paycheck
But I still can't stand the sight of him -he's always got that 'somebody
Done me wrong' look on his face no matter what cheap
Shot he's taking.

94 team didn't have to clinch the playoffs in the final 4 games though, if this was a team that had already clinched then last night wouldn't have been a big deal, I just don't want to be stuck playing in Montreal for a playoff spot, 3 games left, we need all 6 points now
- cranford93

Completely agree. Montreal has been a problem for us. I'd love to clinch well before then, and then play Talbot to rest Hank.

Those 5 points the Rangers pissed away now loom very large. Flyers winning tonight brings them back to within two points. I wouldn't be so upset if the Rangers played their style in the 3rd period vs Colorado and still ended up losing. But, but they didn't they let Colorado dominated the entire 3rd period and most of OT. Vin maybe right. The Rangers may have to win out to keep control of home ice.
- tomburton99

Given the Rangers record Home vs. Away, do we even want them to have home ice advantage? I know it's a bit of a different story with Philly, but still.

Given the Rangers record Home vs. Away, do we even want them to have home ice advantage? I know it's a bit of a different story with Philly, but still.
- gravey914

Yes, especially because it's likely Philly, home ice IS HUGE!

Yes, especially because it's likely Philly, home ice IS HUGE!
- B2B76

Home ice wouldn't be as important if it were anyone other than Philly, not that home ice should be taken for granted no matter our record

Rinaldo at it again, just like Neil he's another guy that toes the line and needs some of his own medicine

Given the Rangers record Home vs. Away, do we even want them to have home ice advantage? I know it's a bit of a different story with Philly, but still.
- gravey914

Vs. anybody other than Philadelphia, no.

Home ice wouldn't be as important if it were anyone other than Philly, not that home ice should be taken for granted no matter our record

Rinaldo at it again, just like Neil he's another guy that toes the line and needs some of his own medicine


- cranford93

He has a hearing scheduled for today...he is gonna get something for the hit

Home ice wouldn't be as important if it were anyone other than Philly, not that home ice should be taken for granted no matter our record

Rinaldo at it again, just like Neil he's another guy that toes the line and needs some of his own medicine


- cranford93

Def a dirty hit, even a blind homer can call that suspension worthy . The continued lack of respect for the fellow player is frightening.

the Flyers will always be the epitome of evil, it's something new on a seemingly daily basis

I know some of you guys are huge Boyle fans, I personally don't think he deserves a raise and if he wants one, he can take his ass down the road. But he has no business being anything but a 4th liner.

I know some of you guys are huge Boyle fans, I personally don't think he deserves a raise and if he wants one, he can take his ass down the road. But he has no business being anything but a 4th liner.
- mdw7413

The loss of Kreider is much bigger than anyone originally thought

The loss of Kreider is much bigger than anyone originally thought
- TPC

Absolutely agree. AV needs to figure it out quick though, if Kreider isn't back before the playoffs. That 2nd line looks awful.

Larry Brooks at the New York Post points out that when the Rangers traded Del Zotto on January 23rd they were at the top of the NHL with a 20% (37-for-186) success rate. Since? Try 12% (9-for-78).

The loss of Kreider is much bigger than anyone originally thought
- TPC

No doubt, he provides that physical edge and still fit within what the Rangers try to do from a hockey standpoint. Dare I say he gives the lineup a little jam?