Plaxico Burress Suspended : It's a two week suspension (this coming week is a bye), and I have to say I'm not too happy about it, but Coughlin had no choice. I wish Plaxico would put the team first, but so far this season it feels like it's just been all about himself.
Dick Lynch Passes away at 72: I wasn't familiar with Dick personally (He played for the G-Men in the 50's/60's), but anytime a member of the family dies it's a sad day. I wish his family the best.
ESPN Slots G-Men 2nd in the Power Rankings: Cowboys are first? Giants are on the longest winning streak in the NFL right now (7 games and counting), but I guess the Cowboys ripping GB apart is enough to sway the ESPN vote. Last week's number two (PIT) didn't quite stand up to their hype.
Yankees Miss Playoffs: I'm not saying I agree with Hank, but we do have a better record than Joe Torre's team, and that counts for something... Right A-Rod booers?
Marbs Coming To Knicks' Training Camp: Foiled again!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Ranger's Preaseason Game III
Rangers Preseason Game III - Tampa Bay, 9/23/08
1st: I just want to start this off by saying Tampa’s goaltender Mike Smith was the best player on the ice for this game. From the very start, when the Rangers were controlling the game, he was stopping shots from everywhere. I usually only report on the home team, but Mike Smith’s strong showing is just too much to ignore. I’m not sure if he can put a string of games like that together, but he at least showed signs of it last night.
On to the Rangers. I know P. A. Parenteau is labeled as being a goal scorer from his days down in the AHL, but from what I’ve been seeing, the man has been one of the best passers in every game he plays. Don’t get me wrong, he got two great scoring chances (one of the first chances rebound) early, but I just love his unselfish play. During the preseason and camp I expect more selfishness from kids battling for spots, but P.A. has been playing a great team game. Loving it. I only saw shades in the first period, but Hugh Jessiman was playing strong in the offensive zone. Hopefully he gets more shifts in the next couple games.
Corey Potter has been great for the Rangers, especially in the defensive zone, which is the area I feel this team is most lacking. When it came to separating an opposing player from the puck, Potter had to be the best option in this game. He even battled behind the net without his helmet, which I always love to see. Early on, Evgeny Artyukhin took the puck to the right wing boards in the offensive zone, but Potter put his body in position to stop the rush. The same exact thing happened, but Wade Redden was in place of Potter, and the result was the exact opposite. A goal for Tampa Bay. Redden, so far, has been what I expected, capable in the offensive zone, and nonexistent on the defensive end. His speed leaves much to be desired, but maybe he has a regular season gear I’m not privy to.
The Rangers Power Play was as ineffective as usual in the first, and this game the problem isn’t being snake bitten, but more akin to last year’s woes. Overpassing was the key to the problem, but the PK stepped up in the power play’s stead. Most notably Daniel Girardi, who was stuck on the ice for an extended period of ice, and was bending over trying to catch his breath on the way back to the bench when the shift finally ended. Girardi used his time on that shift wisely by blocking two shots, using his body for a hit, and then clearing the zone. Quite the impressive play (especially after his weak attempt to back up Redden on the earlier goal). Rangers failed to capitalize on the shot advantage in the period, which would be a theme of the night.
2nd: Probably the ugliest period of hockey the Rangers have played all preseason. They give up an early penalty due to being dumbfounded by Tampa’s offensive rush. The penalty, by Redden, saved a great chance for a Tampa goal. If only the rest of the team were playing as aware on that play. The PK was good again. The pairing of Michael Del Zotto and Bobby Sanguinetti complimented each other well all game. Any time they were on the penalty kill the team seemed better off. They’ve also been the most consistent pair at even strength. I had heard both were strong offensively, but their defense is what has impressed me most. They’re not overly physical, but they move their feet, and know where they’re supposed to be to force turnovers and offsides.
Tonight the 4th line (Byers/Betts/Orr) showed that they can play physical, and sustain a little bit of offensive pressure, but they also showed a penchant for acquiring penalties. When this team rid itself of Ryan Hollweg (who I hear took a penalty nearly the first chance he got for the Leafs), I figured it was because they wanted to get away from the penalties he plagued the team with. I just don’t see how that is going to be possible if we’re icing guys like Orr and Byers at the same time. I just don’t see the point in giving playing time to so called “Heavyweight Fighters,” when you’re trying to gain every point in the standings that you can. I enjoy a good hockey fight, but would prefer my team leaning towards scoring and not violence. Anyway, Orr and Byers both garner penalties that lead to TB PP goals. 3-0.
Niko Zherdev has been playing great for the Rangers, but this game showed things about him you’ll never read about in any previous articles written about him. Today he threw the body, and greatly effected the team’s PK ability. There was a point where he carried the puck around the neutral zone to defensive zone just to kill off as much odd man time as possible. It was like something you see in an online match of NHL 09, not an NHL game. I loved it. Hopefully we see more of him on the PK as the season continues. There was another point in the period where he was alone against two defenders, and instead of slowing down for help, he just blew past both defenders, carrying them on his back behind the net. Zherdev seems like he’s having more fun than everyone else on the ice with his great improvisation and creativity. Ask Marty St. Louis, who seemed a bit jealous himself at one point, throwing gloved hands into Niko’s face pre-faceoff. Hopefully the Rangers can hang onto #13 for awhile, instead of losing him to a Euro team.
The Power Play finally broke through on a goal from Daniel Girardi (Assists: Gomez, Redden). It was nice to see the D and the Power Play getting something out of all their work the last couple nights. One last thing about this period, Andreas Jamtin, who many-a-forumer had labeled the “Swedish Avery.” With limited ice time I can already see where they get that idea from. Jamtin throws the body (literally leaving the ice to do it), interferes with goaltenders, and draws penalties with aggressive forechecking. I’m adding him to the list of “need to see more of.”
3rd: It turns out Zherdev isn’t perfect because right off the bat he drops a pass back to Scotty Gomez that misses, and leads to a TB scoring chance. Can’t get too crazy speaking with absolutes when it comes to players in hockey. Usually everything is a shift by shift basis. Freddie Sjostrom pots a second power play goal (Assists: Parenteau, Korpikoski).The power play is still not shooting enough for my tastes, ending with two goals on eleven shots through seven opportunities (That’s 11 shots on 7 Power plays. Not even a shot per minute). P.A.’s assist further solidifies the belief that he’s got great vision, to go along with his accurate shot (the accuracy is the part that remains to be seen sadly). Korpedo is on a point per game basis still with the Big team’s sweater on.
Dmitri Kalinin, who hasn’t really been standing out (good or bad), had a pretty strong third period. He blocked a couple of shots, set up Korpikoski at one point, and even got mugged for a should-be-penalty where his glove was taken away from him. The wrap on him seemed similar to Redden, in that the former team’s fans (in this case The Sabres) wouldn’t be missing him. Hopefully he steps his game up from last year, which looked to be an off year. The Rangers almost tied the game when the first line orchestrated a smooth break into the offensive zone. Zherdev hit a wide open Naslund in front of the net, who opted for an ill advised extra pass to an out of position Scotty Gomez. Naslund also had an ugly turnover late in the period. Maybe he’s just out of energy from the last couple days because he was having a shaky third.
With about eight seconds left Redden takes a low shot from the point that is rebounded off Smith by Zherdev, who dishes to Naslund, but somehow the puck stayed out of the net and was cleared by Tampa Bay. It was a hard fought game, but the Rangers sloppy second period sealed their fate. Hopefully they can sustain their energy against the Devils in their first game against a divisional opponent this season.
By Jeffrey Paul Louis Schiller (The Homer)
1st: I just want to start this off by saying Tampa’s goaltender Mike Smith was the best player on the ice for this game. From the very start, when the Rangers were controlling the game, he was stopping shots from everywhere. I usually only report on the home team, but Mike Smith’s strong showing is just too much to ignore. I’m not sure if he can put a string of games like that together, but he at least showed signs of it last night.
On to the Rangers. I know P. A. Parenteau is labeled as being a goal scorer from his days down in the AHL, but from what I’ve been seeing, the man has been one of the best passers in every game he plays. Don’t get me wrong, he got two great scoring chances (one of the first chances rebound) early, but I just love his unselfish play. During the preseason and camp I expect more selfishness from kids battling for spots, but P.A. has been playing a great team game. Loving it. I only saw shades in the first period, but Hugh Jessiman was playing strong in the offensive zone. Hopefully he gets more shifts in the next couple games.
Corey Potter has been great for the Rangers, especially in the defensive zone, which is the area I feel this team is most lacking. When it came to separating an opposing player from the puck, Potter had to be the best option in this game. He even battled behind the net without his helmet, which I always love to see. Early on, Evgeny Artyukhin took the puck to the right wing boards in the offensive zone, but Potter put his body in position to stop the rush. The same exact thing happened, but Wade Redden was in place of Potter, and the result was the exact opposite. A goal for Tampa Bay. Redden, so far, has been what I expected, capable in the offensive zone, and nonexistent on the defensive end. His speed leaves much to be desired, but maybe he has a regular season gear I’m not privy to.
The Rangers Power Play was as ineffective as usual in the first, and this game the problem isn’t being snake bitten, but more akin to last year’s woes. Overpassing was the key to the problem, but the PK stepped up in the power play’s stead. Most notably Daniel Girardi, who was stuck on the ice for an extended period of ice, and was bending over trying to catch his breath on the way back to the bench when the shift finally ended. Girardi used his time on that shift wisely by blocking two shots, using his body for a hit, and then clearing the zone. Quite the impressive play (especially after his weak attempt to back up Redden on the earlier goal). Rangers failed to capitalize on the shot advantage in the period, which would be a theme of the night.
2nd: Probably the ugliest period of hockey the Rangers have played all preseason. They give up an early penalty due to being dumbfounded by Tampa’s offensive rush. The penalty, by Redden, saved a great chance for a Tampa goal. If only the rest of the team were playing as aware on that play. The PK was good again. The pairing of Michael Del Zotto and Bobby Sanguinetti complimented each other well all game. Any time they were on the penalty kill the team seemed better off. They’ve also been the most consistent pair at even strength. I had heard both were strong offensively, but their defense is what has impressed me most. They’re not overly physical, but they move their feet, and know where they’re supposed to be to force turnovers and offsides.
Tonight the 4th line (Byers/Betts/Orr) showed that they can play physical, and sustain a little bit of offensive pressure, but they also showed a penchant for acquiring penalties. When this team rid itself of Ryan Hollweg (who I hear took a penalty nearly the first chance he got for the Leafs), I figured it was because they wanted to get away from the penalties he plagued the team with. I just don’t see how that is going to be possible if we’re icing guys like Orr and Byers at the same time. I just don’t see the point in giving playing time to so called “Heavyweight Fighters,” when you’re trying to gain every point in the standings that you can. I enjoy a good hockey fight, but would prefer my team leaning towards scoring and not violence. Anyway, Orr and Byers both garner penalties that lead to TB PP goals. 3-0.
Niko Zherdev has been playing great for the Rangers, but this game showed things about him you’ll never read about in any previous articles written about him. Today he threw the body, and greatly effected the team’s PK ability. There was a point where he carried the puck around the neutral zone to defensive zone just to kill off as much odd man time as possible. It was like something you see in an online match of NHL 09, not an NHL game. I loved it. Hopefully we see more of him on the PK as the season continues. There was another point in the period where he was alone against two defenders, and instead of slowing down for help, he just blew past both defenders, carrying them on his back behind the net. Zherdev seems like he’s having more fun than everyone else on the ice with his great improvisation and creativity. Ask Marty St. Louis, who seemed a bit jealous himself at one point, throwing gloved hands into Niko’s face pre-faceoff. Hopefully the Rangers can hang onto #13 for awhile, instead of losing him to a Euro team.
The Power Play finally broke through on a goal from Daniel Girardi (Assists: Gomez, Redden). It was nice to see the D and the Power Play getting something out of all their work the last couple nights. One last thing about this period, Andreas Jamtin, who many-a-forumer had labeled the “Swedish Avery.” With limited ice time I can already see where they get that idea from. Jamtin throws the body (literally leaving the ice to do it), interferes with goaltenders, and draws penalties with aggressive forechecking. I’m adding him to the list of “need to see more of.”
3rd: It turns out Zherdev isn’t perfect because right off the bat he drops a pass back to Scotty Gomez that misses, and leads to a TB scoring chance. Can’t get too crazy speaking with absolutes when it comes to players in hockey. Usually everything is a shift by shift basis. Freddie Sjostrom pots a second power play goal (Assists: Parenteau, Korpikoski).The power play is still not shooting enough for my tastes, ending with two goals on eleven shots through seven opportunities (That’s 11 shots on 7 Power plays. Not even a shot per minute). P.A.’s assist further solidifies the belief that he’s got great vision, to go along with his accurate shot (the accuracy is the part that remains to be seen sadly). Korpedo is on a point per game basis still with the Big team’s sweater on.
Dmitri Kalinin, who hasn’t really been standing out (good or bad), had a pretty strong third period. He blocked a couple of shots, set up Korpikoski at one point, and even got mugged for a should-be-penalty where his glove was taken away from him. The wrap on him seemed similar to Redden, in that the former team’s fans (in this case The Sabres) wouldn’t be missing him. Hopefully he steps his game up from last year, which looked to be an off year. The Rangers almost tied the game when the first line orchestrated a smooth break into the offensive zone. Zherdev hit a wide open Naslund in front of the net, who opted for an ill advised extra pass to an out of position Scotty Gomez. Naslund also had an ugly turnover late in the period. Maybe he’s just out of energy from the last couple days because he was having a shaky third.
With about eight seconds left Redden takes a low shot from the point that is rebounded off Smith by Zherdev, who dishes to Naslund, but somehow the puck stayed out of the net and was cleared by Tampa Bay. It was a hard fought game, but the Rangers sloppy second period sealed their fate. Hopefully they can sustain their energy against the Devils in their first game against a divisional opponent this season.
By Jeffrey Paul Louis Schiller (The Homer)
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