The Dark Ranger: Marek Malik Our Third-Line Center?

Bio of TDR

TDR is a working professional in entertainment and is obsessed with the game of hockey. More fourteen years ago, this site emerged as a means (or an outlet) to tell some truth'isms about the game post-lockout, rather than the crud fed to us through knuckleheads like Jimmy Dolan and his lemmings universe. Today, there are a hundred Rangers sites and is thankful and grateful to all those that have come after him, but honorable thanks go to his fellow Dark-writers, Graying Mantis and J_Undisputed. And "Let's Go Rangers!"

Bio of General Ganz

General Ganz is a cynical yet well-informed student of the human spirit. He's a professional of sorts, with a post-graduate education, some experience working in real companies, and some limited athletic ability. The total small package. He got picked on a fair bit as a kid, and he experienced his first human-non-relation kiss in his teens. He also grew up on the other side of the tracks, thereby helping to cultivate a healthy contempt for dreamers and optimists whose rosy upbringing gave them something to smile about, even when "life produced lemons." Like it or not, his only mission is to point out the potholes you're lucky enough to miss on your drive to work. To find the blemish on your daughter's carefully-stitched (and not-yet-paid-for) wedding dress. To take that little smidgen of hope that your favorite hockey teams fill you with, and pour orange paint on it. Oh, and he is a Blueshirts fan, and takes most of his fashion direction from Ron Duguay (whose name he dropped as a way to close the deal on that first kiss).

Monday, August 6, 2007

Marek Malik Our Third-Line Center?

Just kidding, but I got your attention nonetheless. Though The Dark Ranger has been advocating for Malik's removal as our heavy 'D'-Man this upcoming season, I must reflect on the following video -- the first segment a slow-motion winning penalty shot by Marek Malik himself - more than anyone would expect from the most boo'ed New York Ranger of last season. Watch how this moment happens so quickly, within seconds - a distant Moog synthesizer is heard followed by a crescendo of rocking music. Then we see an unfamiliar confidence in his face. We are then treated to a montage of excellent Ranger moments - followed by those echoing sounds of THE KING!

Malik - for this moment only, I simply bow to you in your moment of brilliance. Perhaps a little more of this this season should be expected of you.

(tipping the hat)

tdr

(hats off to Fatal_NYR for the video post)

4 comments:

JibblescribbitsWednesday, August 08, 2007 12:04:00 PM
So i'm not really up to date on my NY Rangers whipping boy... why do you guys hate Malik again?
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The Dark RangerWednesday, August 08, 2007 4:01:00 PM
Marek Malik is a plus 32 player last season, and slightly higher over the last couple of seasons. On paper they're strong numbers, but his level of play is not represented in these numbers.

On ice, and my entire section calls him the 'skating 2x4', he is uncomfortable and makes bad decisions that lead to goals against our team. When this happens (and often), all of MSG groans simultaneously. He is one of the only players -- in recent memory -- that is 'boo'ed' by the home fans, even when the team is winning. The latter part of last year, when the Rangers won - I think - 17 out of 20 games to make the playoffs - even then, Malik received 'boo's' from everyone - before the game started.

It must feel horrible for him. Imagine how the fans feel.

Who is the Avs equivalent?

tdr
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JibblescribbitsThursday, August 09, 2007 12:58:00 AM
Well the Brisbois was the hated avs player, until he was recently shipped out, but he REALLY stunk last season. Nobody liked Brad May either, and he was shipped out.

On the current roster, other than Theo, i can't think of a player who is generally despised.
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The Dark RangerThursday, August 09, 2007 7:34:00 AM
You have solid team this season. No questions there.
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