Philly Is All Fight But No Win, Rangers 2, Flyers 0

The New York Rangers have won 11 of its last 12 games at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, and is 6-0-1 there since a loss on April 15, 2006. The Flyers fans must really hate our Blueshirts (giggle giggle). Nigel Dawes and Scott Gomez scored power-play goals for the Rangers. Official recap here.

What a terrific game to be attending as the only highlights for the local crowd came with the fights - a time trip back to the Broad Street Bullies days of yore, as the Flyers attempted to raise their level of play by hitting as many rookie Rangers as possible. All was not lost for Philly as a major brawl ensued with three simultaneous fights filling the rink: Steve "Should Be In Jail" Downie exchanged blows with Ranger Fedor Tyutin, showing him the gates of heaven, but Flyer's Riley Cote was taught a huge lesson in 'talking fists' as Blueshirt primary enforcer Colton Orr pleasantly face-washed and pummeled his little head. Flyer's Jim Dowd and our Ryan Hollweg went at it balancing the fight scoring for both teams an even draw. With the Flyers down two at the end of the second period, we were treated to another embarrassing fighting effort by our amazing Ranger rookie/terrible brawler Brandon Dubinsky (who is 21 years old, and looks 10) versus experienced and top scoring Flyer Michael Richards - who absolutely 'showed him the money' - evident by even Ranger's Coach Tom Renney smiling with sorrow and pride at the bench. Poor little guy is trying.

On the scoring front, the Flyers didn't gain an inch and the New York Rangers completely dominated the game, mostly due to our backup goalkeeper Stephen "Valley" Valiquette - our more 'consistent than Lundqvist of recent' backup goalkeeper. Valley was exquisite in goal making 31 saves to record his second straight shutout this season - two consecutive shutouts against the Philadelpia Flyers - The Dark Ranger's wet dream (UPDATE - okay, that was pretty gross, but necessary).

The Rangers are 28-24-6 for the season sitting in 7th place in playoff contention. This afternoon we are looking for Capital gains as we take on Washington at 1pm this afternoon - followed by a subsequent five-day layoff, enough time for any Eastern Conference teams to make major gains on our Blueshirts. Today's two points could be a turning point for this unsolvable and inconsistent Rangers team.

Every game counts, folks. This is it. Ovechkin needs to be contained on a greater level than our defense our demonstrated all season. That Russian is a monster -- someone needs to stop him! The Dark Rangers lurks and will be sure to cast his promising 'concussion spell' to give our Blueshirts an advantage.

Here we go and hope for the best.

tdr

"But It's Not Our Fault", NY Rangers 1, Anaheim Ducks 4

"I don't think they outplayed us, but they took advantage and had more patience," - Jaromir Jagr, Captain of the NY Rangers

"We have a hard time beating the West Coast teams," - Henrik Lundqvist, goalkeeper of the NY Rangers

"It's just one of those crazy things that can happen every year. You can't really put your finger on why it happens." - Scott Gomez, center for the NY Rangers

“The first period they came out hard, kept it simple. We played hard and should have won.” - Michal Rozsival, Defense on the NY Rangers

“We’re not going to win games by just playing hard and having good emotion and all of those types of things. We have to win by having poise and composure whether you’re winning or losing. There are a lot of teams we’ve struggled against. At least we’re not discriminating.” - Tom Renney, coach of the New York Rangers

"We have Marek Malik fighting Sean Avery during practice yesterday and the team is constantly making excuses or justifying in their heads that they're doing nothing wrong. No one is in control of the Rangers locker room. No one is willing to take responsibility. Three wins in a row and they believe - 'it must be last year again', but this is a very different Blueshirts squad and we lose the next two. Wrap your heads around that!" - The Dark Ranger, Objective Witness

tdr

Uh Oh! LA Kings 4, NY Rangers 2

I take back everything I said......just kidding. Business as usual? Anaheim and Philly next. I am exhausted.

Official recap here.

tdr

Chris Drury & NY Giants Win SuperBowl XLII

It was a 'Super' Sunday for New York yesterday as The New York Rangers defeated the red-hot Montreal Canadiens 5-3 and the New York Giants delivered one of the greatest upsets in NFL history, humiliating the undefeated New England Patriots 17-14. Both games were terrifying and exciting. Official recap here.

Okay, so Chris Drury had nothing to do with the football game, but the kind of press Drury is getting of late suggests that we might finally be seeing a little of the six million bucks the Rangers are footing this season for the renowned 'Clutch-man'. The Dark Ranger has received numerous emails criticizing my position that Drury is an "asset about to come alive" -- and I steadfastly maintain that this guy is going to contribute to the Rangers rebound this spring. My position is not a 'love-fest' (as one email suggested), it is just taking a position on someone I think will help to turn the team around. Jagr hasn't done it. Shanny hasn't done it. The standouts this season are simply: Brandon Dubinsky, rookies Dan Girardi & Marc Staal, resident instigator Sean Avery (when playing), Henrik Lundqvist (until recently) and now rightfully his turn, Chris Drury.

Yesterday when the Rangers were down 0-3 halfway through the second period (and yes, I gave up too!), Drury, who was 1-1-2 for his third consecutive two-point game, capped the comeback by scoring the eventual game-winning goal at 10:09 of the third period. All in all, and down by three, the Blueshirts led five unanswered goals and stole the game from Montreal. This was the most exciting game of the season - and they earned it. Even our coach has nice things to say.

“This guy’s been phenomenal lately. He’s been a great man all year long anyway, but it’s nice to see him get what he deserves and our team get the residuals of that.” — Rangers coach Tom Renney on the recent play of center Chris Drury.

Not that Tom Renney is the voice of reason, but he, along with the team, are looking for that someone who is going to step it up and lead by example. Drury is doing that for now. Other outstanding 'kudos' go to Brandon Dubinsky and his level of play. This kid is duping veteran All-Stars, outplaying his fellow players and, despite his inexperience as a rookie, plays with heart and tenacity. In fact, he is all heart and it shows. Sean Avery, once again, demonstrated grit and protecting your team. Fantastic show, folks -- a comeback game like this reminds us to never give up -- never say never.

On the football side of things, if we were to look at our 'Super Sunday' yesterday, you have to consider the underdog approach in sports and how the NY Giants were just able to make it into the playoffs and stage the greatest and unexpected of championships. The Giants had the perfect answer for the suddenly imperfect Patriots: a big, bad defense and an improbable comeback. Such could be said of our New York Rangers against Montreal and even larger, our Rangers against the rest of the season. The last three improbable Blueshirts wins puts us six points ahead, only three points from the division leader. In the end, we only need to qualify to get our shot in the playoffs. The NY Rangers are sitting seventh in the conference. Surprised? Stranger things have happened, but it does give The Dark Ranger hope.

So hang in there Rangers fans -- this may be the beginning of something very Dark.

tdr

City of Newark Doesn't Attract A Winner, NYR 3, Devils 1

It must feel like a broken record for anyone that bought season tickets to the Prudential Center in Newark, home of the Devils - as The New York Rangers have beaten the Devils five in a row this season. Poor little Devils. Official recap here.

Last night's game was a treasured one - the much needed second win in two games push the Blueshirts four points forward reminding every 'doubter' that they can actually play like a hockey team when they want it. Four stars to Brandon Dubinsky who continues to work harder and make better plays than anyone on the team (especially strange off-ice when he is not wearing his helmut and looks exactly like the kid who cuts your grass). His tireless effort is acknowledged by all of us looking for some God d**n passion. Perhaps he has brought out the best in our dear Captain Jagr, who has played some of the best hockey all season over the last three games -- this is the Jagr we love, respect and vindicates the 600+ goals, etc, etc...

To the "disbelievers of Chris Drury" club, I said it this week and I will go on the record AGAIN to state that Chris Drury is the future of the Rangers franchise. Aside from his scoring two goals last night against NJ, he again provided opportunities for everyone on the team. He is the ultimate playmaker and The Dark Ranger predicts he will be the silent threat that unexpectedly brings victory to our boys. Even though he has not stepped up thus far, he is respected by management, a great presence in the locker room and, most importantly, a great hockey player. He plays best when it's desperate, and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see this franchise is in trouble.

With the Rangers winning two division rivals in a row (26-22-6), they surprisingly find themselves only three points away from the first place Philadelphia Flyers. The Rangers are two points away from the second place Pittsburgh Penguins, and one point away from the Devils of Newark. Our Atlantic Division is unquestionably the most competitive division in the league, as there is a strong possibility that all five teams could qualify in the Eastern Conference playoff run.

Breathe deeply....we can all start believing again.

The Dark days are looking somewhat brighter, and even if we continue to lose stupid games and miss the playoffs this year - as long as we keep beating the Flyers and Devils every time we play them, in my mind the season was a good one!

tdr

The City of Brotherly Hate

(The Dark Ranger) I kid you not. After the Philadelphia Flyers took a 'hockey shagging' last night against our New York Rangers, this article actually appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer -- one of the more respected newspapers in the entire Philly/NJ area:

Philadelphia Inquirer, Feb 1, 2008
Morning Report:
By Don McKee

INQUIRER STAFF WRITER

There may be a debate about the city Philadelphians hate the most, but there is none about the locale Flyers fans fear, resent and loathe above all others.

The area where the Statue of Liberty is your landmark. The Flyers lost only three games in regulation last month: to the hated New Jersey Devils on Jan. 4 and 22, and to the despised New York Rangers last night.

The Flyers and Rangers are as chummy as Bill Clinton and Michelle Obama these days, and it's easy to see why. The upstart Rain-jiz came into the Wachovia Center last night with the lowest goals total in the NHL and promptly waffled the first-place Flyers, 4-0, chasing poor Antero Niittymaki. Just to rub it in, the Rangers used backup goalie Stephen Valiquette, who had lost, 3-0, in his last appearance and had never recorded an NHL shutout.

In their January losses to the Devils and Rangers, the Flyers scored three goals and their opponents scored 14. That will allow the arrogant (and you know who you are!) New York fans to puff out their chests and taunt the crestfallen Flyers fans. Again.

Which brings up my theory on why cities are hated by sports fans. It isn't really the city or the team. Manhattan is a perfectly marvelous place and the New England Patriots are perfection personified. It's the other fans. Mets fans, Giants fans, Red Sox fans, Cowboys fans and (truth be told) Eagles fans grate on outsiders because they're just so obnoxious about every little success. Know anybody who hates Memphis Grizzlies fans? Didn't think so.

Forsberg a Ranger?

He has turned down his hometown MODO League, suggesting he is on his way back to the NHL.

Many have discussed his close ties with the Flyers organization and his need to come back, but there are rumors that Henrik Lundqvist has been personally involved in recruiting Forsberg to the Dark side of hockey.

Forsberg a Ranger? That would make last night's shutout that much sweeter. Some references here, here, here, here, here and here.

Rangers Make Philly Fly'Less, 4-0

(Friday morning 1am) - After a brief hiatus, both The Dark Ranger (2 games w/o posting) and The New York Rangers (25-22-6) are back to make the fans proud with a shutout over our 'black and orange-ade' rival Philadelphia Flyers! Four Rangers goals tonight were scored by Nigel Dawes, Petr Prucha, Chris Drury & Brendan Shanahan. The division first place Flyers scored zip. The most delicious part is the Flyers have now lost 6 in a row at home against the Blueshirts (and I will be at the Wachovia Center in Philly next week for the 7th home loss to our Rangers!!!!! Ha!).

Official recap here.

With last night's performance, a display of restored confidence was evident shimmying the Blueshirts to eighth in the Eastern Conference - stepping out of the Atlantic Division last place slot and inserting the NY Islanders instead. This was the first Rangers win in seven road games and an exciting win at that. They showed signs of 'want' and 'team' - two words not used in this year's vocabulary.

Chris Drury undeniably stole the game from Philly on the Rangers third goal, a beautifully unobstructed slap shot and terrific assist on the second goal to Petr Prucha. Defensively he was there every step of the way. He played the post, freeing up space for Jaromir Jagr to play to his potential (now there you go, 'ole Captain), and selflessly set up his teammates for the win. I hate to admit that Marek Malik actually played a solid game of hockey, so I will reluctantly give him that - as earlier in the week our Czech veteran (a.k.a. Lurch or 'Skating Two-by-Four') was benched for disrespecting Rangers Coach Tom Renney (I must give Malik another one for that) which led to the removal of his locker room jersey, belongings and, most evident, an appearance on ice last week. Obviously, he was back in the lineup last night - now with increasing February trade value. Sean Avery was clearly in good hockey form -- motivating, not instigating, and contributed most by hustling to the puck. "Hurrah" to goaltender Stephen Valiquette who earned his first shutout playing in the NHL. He is a solid backup goaltender and Coach Renney should be playing 'Vally' more often, as it may give our 'Prince' Henrik Lundqvist more time to rest to channel the 'King'.

The second half of the season is upon us and The Dark Ranger feels that Chris Drury may be that sole player that reinvigorates the team, even though he has been disappointing thus far. Just as Sean Avery has given us an aggressive front line and newly found team spirit, Chris Drury will round out the team and find those clutch dirty goals and make the 'paper-Rangers' a true NHL threat. His performance tonight is what is needed for the Rangers to be competitive on the playoff push.

We have been here before. I know. We know. Perhaps I have the voice of an overly enthusiastic Blueshirts blogger who happens to hate the Philadelphia Flyers? Maybe last night was only a facade? Can we repeat last season? Probably not. Maybe so. There is one thing my dear readers of Dark that you can count on throughout the remainder of the season. We can hope and pray, perhaps for another day, but The Dark Ranger will never disappoint you again. I welcome me back.

Flyers suck. Rangers rule! Until next Saturday Briere lovers! But for now, we see another arch-enemy, The Newark Devils tonight. Stay tuned and keep your friggin fingers crossed.

tdr

A Long Road Ahead (24-21-6)

So we tied in regulation with the Atlanta Thrashers and the Blueshirts won on the shootout 2-1. Good. Official recap here. The official NYR site proclaims - "The Leech Night Thriller", but not sure if I was then watching the same game as the official Ranger organization was. The shootout went our way and that is all. The third period was the only period we played like a contender. The first and second periods were business as usual. I am certain Coach Tom Renney felt "there is room for improvement, but regardless we played hard and I wouldn't change a thing." An almost brilliant diatribe on Tom Renney and his inner-thoughts can be found at Rangerland here -- great stuff and so true.

On the trading and rumor front, I thought I'd share some non-credible hockey reading from Ecklund the anonymous hockey blogger who this morning wrote

Sundin. I was told 90% now that Sundin is moved. The latest rumblings include Vancouver and Calgary leading the way, but don't count out the NY Rangers I am told. With rumours of Malik being shipped to Chicago very prevalent, and also rumours popping up that the Sharks have interest in "another highly paid Ranger" I get the sense that the Rangers are up to something big. I would be pretty shocked if Mats would decide to go to NY however as everything I have heard is still pointing him towards a Western Canadian team, and he has told people he will ONLY play for a team he feels can win it all.

For once I hope Ecklund is right and Blueshirt management is doing something before the deadline. I actually don't believe Jags is on his way out, but Malik is a sure thing which would free up an additional $2.5 million in cap room - which would allow someone to come in around the $4 million mark only. Knowing Slats, he would probably guarantee a multi-year contract plus bonuses, spurring a 'dumping salary spree' come the off-season.

Whatever happens, I do think the Rangers are in for a major re-organization this June/July.

Enjoy the break everyone - and look for our 'very own and grown' Dubi playing in the kid-All-Stars game this weekend.

(clap, clap, clap, clap....'LET'S GO GIANTS!!!!!)

tdr

Latest Trade Rumors Highlighted in Spector's

NEWSDAY (via KUKLA'S KORNER): Steve Zipay reports NY Rangers defenceman Marek Malik, the target of boo-birds at MSG this season, could be on the move. His equipment wasn't in his practice locker, and head coach Tom Renney declined to confirm if Malik was being traded, saying his absence was an internal matter.

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS: John Dellapina reports Malik hasn't been placed on waivers so he's not being demoted to the minors.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports that Jaromir Jagr's contract with the Rangers could expire at season's end if he fails to reach 84 points while the Rangers win at least one playoff round. Jagr again expressed his wish to remain with the Rangers beyond this season.

The Man!

One of the greatest defenseman in the NHL will be honored this evening at The Garden as #2 will join the ranks of The New York Rangers Elite. For histories, events, stories and pix go here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and....here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here. Fantastic to see that those who play the game with integrity are recognized by their peers and their fans. Leetchie is one of the best. Thank you, Brian.

May our current Blueshirts honor this man by kicking The Thrashers ass post ceremony.

tdr

Dr. Jekyll Ranger Shuts Out Thrashing For A Living, NYR 4, Atlanta 0

Last evening the New York Rangers played like a solid hockey team should and blanked the Atlanta Thrashers four-to-zip. In typical Blueshirt fashion - a huge win can always be downgraded by a visit with Mr. Hyde Ranger, who could make an appearance this Thursday as the Rangers play a double-home-header against Atlanta twice in the same week.

The Dark Ranger is reserving comment on last night's victory and will address both games in one shot Thursday evening. Here is the official recap. As it stands the Rangers are last in the Atlantic Division and ninth in the Eastern conference -- but a string of wins could make them a contender, as they are only seven points away from first place in the Atlantic and second in the Conference. As stated before, the Blueshirts need to win 2 of every 3 games generally to insure a playoff run.

One comment worth mentioning is a reserved 'kudos' to the coach (this is hard for me) for finding the Avery-Gomez-Jagr line, as it appeared to have sparked a little speed in our dear Captain Jags. The Beast is Back! (or for a game at least)

tdr

Truth Or Rumor?

Word on Broadway these days suggests that the New York Rangers locker room is divided into two camps, the first being the Jaromir Jagr Lemmings (anyone European including Lundqvist) and the second being the Shanny-Grit Camp (Drury, Gomez, Avery, including Valiquette). Jagr trade rumors are frequent and what will that mean if it's real?

I want to hear from you dear readers of Dark. Is this a bunch of crap? Where is this going? Which camp does Tom Renney support? What does it mean for him?

Maybe we all can collectively figure out what the hell is wrong with this team, as The Dark Ranger has run out of new ways to say "this team is sucking the barrel."

tdr

Shipping Back From Boston With A Point, 4-3 Shootout Loss

Hey, hey, hey, Scotty Hockey here to keep things shrouded in darkness as TDR wanders the hallowed Hall of Fame in Toronto.

Hopefully he is taking everything in and getting his picture taken with the Stanley Cup because the way things look, that will be the closest a Ranger will get to the chalice this season.

The Rangers brought their dads with them to Boston and played one of their sloppiest games in recent memory, losing 4-3 in a shootout (official recap here, Scotty Hockey live blog here). If it was me playing in Boston with my dad watching, I woulda gotten a smack on the back of my head for every one of the gaffes. Hopefully Marek Malik's father doesn't believe in sparing the whip because the human pylon was atrocious in taking bad penalties, making ill-advised pass attempts and missing his coverage assignments throughout the game. Should he play in the second game of the home-and-home then the Garden crowd will likely burn him in effigy.

However, Malik wasn't the only Ranger to take a bad penalty, Boston had eight power plays and capitalized on two of them. Chuck Kobasew tied the game at three with his second goal of the game after one of those ill-advised Ranger penalties - a interference call on Paul Mara. Mara had a rough game, trying to make big plays and big hits to impress his hometown crowd.

While our loyal captain, Jaromir Jagr, has been plagued by stupid penalties all season long, his minor was a bad call late in the game (although he was partially at fault if you ask me). Luckily Boston did not score on it. Jagr did score a goal in the game, his 14th of the year. It was a true beauty and hearkened back to the days when he was the best player in the league.

Despite the incredulous decision to have a father's day trip weeks after Henrik Lundqvist's dad nearly died, the King's psyche held tough and he made one of his best performances of the year. He did give up both goals in the shootout which would be cause for concern but the second one came on a shot from Zdeno Chara that a brick wall would have trouble stopping. He can't let it get to him as we will need every spectacular kick save, dive and catch he can import from Sweden if we are to see the Rangers make the playoffs. But first small steps, he will need to win tomorrow if the Rangers are to keep pace in the East.

Buffalo's Woes, Rangers 2, Sabres 1

Two wins out of eight games is certainly better than ten losses in a row.

This was the case as The New York Rangers handed the tenth to the Buffalo Sabres last night, obviously hurting without their now-Blueshirt Chris Drury. Though disappointed in Drury's performance as a Ranger this season, I felt satisfied in that we were able to acquire him (big deal! - double meaning), that we finally beat the team responsible for knocking us out of playoffs last season and contributing to their double-digit loss streak - a horrible achievement for any hockey franchise.

The win leaves a slightly less bitter taste in Ranger fans' mouths, as we take the win with a 'grain of salt', as this team needs to demonstrate more than a win here or there. Three in a row would get some of us back.

I had tickets. I was supposed to be there. Work, work, work. Needless to say, I couldn't be there and I am not able to comment on the game, but was pleasantly surprised by the updating scores through text messages.

I highly suggest you link to the following terrific NYR sites for information on the game, including the next two games against the Boston Bruins back-to-back this Saturday and Sunday. I highly recommend visits to Scotty Hockey, The Ranger Pundit, Pucks on Broadway, Blueshirt Bulletin, or the bias official website NYR. Perhaps one of our guest bloggers will make an appearance on the blog!!?

I will not be posting this weekend as The Dark Ranger will be in Toronto researching and meeting with various hockey spies, seeing family, visiting the Hall of Fame and enjoying the company of certain hockey retirees.

More to come from the Darkest of Hockey Bloggers on the net.

tdr

Their Kids Are Better Than Ours, Rangers 1, Penguins 4

Forget about "my Dad can beat up your Dad" because the Pittsburgh kids took care of it on their own. Not only did the kid-Penguins bitch-slap our rookie-Blueshirts, they virtually immobilized the entire Rangers team, limiting the Rangers to one mercy goal late in the third during last night's meeting. The Rangers have now lost five out of the last six games, including four losses in a row on the road.

Stellar goaltending by newcomer Penguin Ty Conklin and a hat-trick by the amazing 'faster than Scott Gomez' Pittsburgh Penguin rookie Evgeni Malkin handed us another loss on the road, ending our one-game winning streak. "Captain With Training Wheels" Jaromir Jagr scored the only goal in the third period preventing the shutout.

Tom Renney's not happy. Post game he looked spooked. What's next?

Echoing throughout this blog are '500 Ways To Say They Are Bad', and the Blueshirts are on a path of loss, as our coaching staff is back to his old ways: Marek Malik in the starting lineup and a perimeter offense again molded around our crusting and half-speed Captain. Always tough to watch.

The only redemption in the final twenty seconds was seeing Marc Staal stepping up for his team mates and with no reason other than on principle, he launched into retaliation. THIS is a reminder that the team needs to look out for each other and show their strength. We lack 'grit & hit' on the Rangers and if Tom Renney isn't willing to lift their confidence and spirit by coaching, the Rangers may be able to lift it through their fists.

Hit back Blueshirts. The season end point could be near and the 'fight back' might, at least, keep it interesting for the fans.

tdr

What We Expect Of Our Team, Rangers 4, Habs 1

It's too bad every game cannot be against Montreal.

It was a celebratory night as The New York Rangers ended their five-game winless streak, and knocked out the Montreal Habs with four-sucker punches, 4-1. New York is 2-4-1 in its last seven games, with both wins coming against our favorite opponent at the Garden -- four wins in the last four home meetings with the Habs. It was the Canadiens' first regulation loss since Dec. 23 (5-0-2), despite eight power plays.

The system works when you play disciplined hockey.

Similar to the Rangers previous game (and loss) to Philadelphia, it was a game full of penalties by our Blueshirts, including two 5-on-3's, the difference this time our special team built for killing penalties managed the job - all of them. The defense finally played defense for a change, with the exception of a ridiculous Marek Malik turnover that could have changed the tone of the game, had the Canadiens delivered on the shot. Lucky for us.

Despite his -12 for the season, newcomer Chris Drury delivered on the first goal and looked strong as he buried himself into Habs goalkeeper Christobal Huet's far post throughout the game. It is a pleasure to see a consistent player, like Drury, playing the post looking for dirty goals. Jaromir Jagr actually skated hard throughout, Martin Straka, Petr Prucha and Nigel Dawes delivered on excellent goals, and our mentally ailing goalkeeper Henrik Lunqvist looked sharp, focused and unstoppable.

May this all continue 'hopeful Rangers fans' as it feels good seeing the win; it is what we expect of our team when we are on the verge of making/breaking the playoffs.

Currently The Rangers are in last place in the Atlantic Division and ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings (21-19-5). We are four wins away from the top division seed and four losses away from the worst team in the Conference, so needless to say, the race will be a close one. In order to secure and guarantee a spot in the playoffs, the Blueshirts will have to win two of every three games for the remainder of the season - a streak we haven't seen since this time last year.

Can history be repeated? Better yet, can last night be repeated?

tdr

TOUCHDOWN!, Philly 6, NYR 2

It keeps getting worse, now five losses in a row. What could possibly be next? Please hit the panic button now!

The Dark Ranger's nemesis the Flyers spanked The New York Rangers tonight at The Garden, peeling off another layer of the Blueshirt's confidence. It appeared that after Ryan Hollweg (the offensive machine!) scored the first two goals of the game ending the first period, the tide was turning as the fourth HBO-line enforcer was the least likely player on the team to score against our rival Flyers - let alone two of his fifth career goals. This was followed by an onslaught of six Philadelphia goals - the hockey touchdown - shutting down any last drop of hope and ending another horrible loss to the New York Rangers. That leaves our boys with one point in five games. Good grief!

Due to unforgivable consecutive Blueshirt penalties at the end of the first and second (Dan Girardi cries, "Throw me your stick, Chrissy!") the Flyers opened the second and third periods with the power play advantage, flipping Henrik Lundqvist into mediocrity & the Rangers' momentum into a wave of 'orange & black.' Everything went downhill from there. As Mother Theresa would say, "we suck."

Objective recap here.

Over forty games past the half-way point, last in the Atlantic Division and All-Stars still unable to play with each other (let alone against other teams) this is a professional hockey team on the outside looking in. It is looking grim. Thinking back to the opening of the season, it is ironic that anything short of first in the division and 'top two' in the Conference would have been an utter disappointment. I am embarrassed to have admitted to friends that I believed a Stanley Cup was in our future. I just wish I never said anything, as it's ringing in my head over and over and over....

It especially hurts losing to the Philadelphia Flyers. Tonight we sadly bow our heads, suck up the loss to a 'town known for cheesesteaks' and understand a little better how they might have felt all of last season. (sigh)

tdr

An Open Letter To Tom Renney

After a surprising New York Rangers' loss to the Tampa Bay Horrible-Hockey Team, 5-3 last night, in the spirit of directly speaking with members of the Blueshirts - I offer a personal letter to Tom Renney, coach of The New York Rangers, this time in a language that is 'most-appropriate' to how NYR fans are feeling these days.......in Pig Latin:

==========================

Earday Oachcay Omtay Enneyray,

Asway ethay esteemedway oachcay ofway Ethay Ewnay Orkyay Angersray, ouyay avehay away esponsibilityray otay otnay onlyway ethay eamtay andway anagementmay, utbay alsoway otay ethay ansfay. Ethay 5-3 osslay otay Ampatay Aybay astlay ightnay, ethay econdsay orstway eamtay inway ethay NHLAY, isway agictray. Ouryay oachingcay ethodsmay areway agictray. Ethay onlyway opehay asway ethay irdthay eriodpay, utbay ywhay adn'thay ethay Ueshirtsblay ayedplay atway atthay "irdthay eriodpay" evellay omfray ethay eryvay eginningbay?

Ultimatelyway, anotherway osslay orway otway isthay eekway illway anghay onway ouryay ouldersshay, Omtay -- andway erethay isway onay easonray atthay otway 600-oalgay orersscay, away eamtay ofway Allway-Arsstay, away Ezinavay-ominatednay oalkeepergay, away NHLAY-atedhay instigatorway andway away unchbay ofway alentedtay ookiesray ouldn'tshay ebay ickingclay ogethertay. Ethay "orkingway onway eamtay emistrychay" orway ethay "eway ayedplay away eatgray amegay" oundbitesay isn'tway orkingway orfay ouyay anymoreway.

Isthay illway allway estray onway ouryay ouldersshay ymay iendfray. Oonsay ouyay illway onay ongerlay ebay away iendfray ofway ethay eamtay, ethay ansfay, andway areday Iway aysay, anagementmay?

Etgay itway ogethertay obray, asway ouryay avygray aintray aymay ebay eavinglay ethay ationstay.

Incerelysay,
Ethay Arkday Angerray

(The Dark Ranger)

An Open Letter To Jaromir Jagr

Drahoušek Jaromir,

Proslulý asi člen určitý svět , tebe ar jeden z člen určitý celek prebenda hokej herec. Tebe vŘdŘt tato a majetek ale jděte bezstarostný do tebe , ačkoliv čelit až k jiní aby snažit se až k délat jeden jméno do ona do člen určitý odborný liga. Já , na druhé straně am spravedlivý jeden ohromný fanda of " člen určitý Nový York Hajný " a jeden část - čas hokej blogger krmení má slyšení s jasnozření až k člen určitý četa. Stranout dle člen určitý fyzický příroda of náš dva dotyčný držení , JÁ am skutečně bytost více čestný až k má fans než tebe ar až k tvůj. Ačkoliv notáblové hlavní předmět obchodu of náš četa tebe potřebovat až k být více čestný s tvůj četa kamarád a autokar aby překonat tezaury moderní porážka.

Možná ono is ačkoliv snadné jako facka tato. Struska branka a pomáhat do člen určitý NHL ale jděte s blaho chemie a tvrdý práce a naslouchání poslech až k jeden blaho autokar. JÁ am nejistý tebe souhlasit s Tom Renney do jeho metody a snad to jest having neurč. člen dojem dále tvůj honba. Jakýkoliv člen určitý bedna , tebe musit být zklamat do ty sám ačkoliv those asi tebe ar. Ačkoliv neurč. člen kůň nebo člověk nemající naději na vítězství v závodech hledět do , Dovedu ale doporučit aby tebe opravdu mít na mušce jádro člen určitý C " tebe protahovat se tvůj pletený kabátek a dát spropitné aby tvůj četa is opírat se dále tebe až k hlavní část programu. Tato is člen určitý nejčetnější důležitý majetek. Být člen určitý hlavní předmět obchodu. -li člen určitý fans do téže míry mne pocínovat vidět ne vůdcovství , někdy ono is horší jádro člen určitý úschovna.

Druh of do téže míry aby Nový York Město šváb. -li tebe vidět jeden , někdy tam musit být 10 dozadu člen určitý stěna? My potřebovat tebe Zoubkuje více než jakkoli.

Být příjemný , být příjemný , být příjemný.

Upřímně ,

Člen určitý Chmurný Hajný
(The Dark Ranger)