Well done, boys! (Photo: Diana K. Griffin)

Well, the Rangers ended the dismal month of February with a 4-1 win against the Lightning. They also regained some players who had been out due to injuries: Rick Nash, Ryan McDonagh, and Michael Del Zotto. So maybe we’re getting back on track here (knock on wood). But let’s go back and poke at some old wounds…

» Continue reading “The Week In Review: Don’t Stop Believing”

From left to right: Lundqvist, Girardi, Bickel, Asham, Miller & Biron. (Photo: Melissa Andus)

A lot of people say they were born and raised to be a fan of a team. I can absolutely say that as my dad has had season tickets for over 40 years and I promise all of you, I am not near 40 yet

The best part in my mind about having seasons tickets? Sure you get to go to all games but I get more excited about the subscriber events, such as the one last night held at the Beacon Theater. (Side note: There were two, one for long time subscribers and one for families/kids. I was at the first one.) There is always some memorable moment or quote that comes out of these events. Colton Orr asking to be put on the power play, Dan Girardi telling Marcus Naslund he doesn’t have an island, Ryan McDonagh telling Marian Gaborik he used to pay to go to games and watch him…I could go on and on. Last night was no different.

» Continue reading “Lots Of Laughs At Rangers Annual Season Subscriber Event”

Great, kid. Don’t get cocky. (screenshot from Blueshirts United pre-game interview)

Enjoy the Broadway Hat, J.T. Miller. Staal, you better send John Giannone a get well soon card after destroying his face with a stray puck! What a game, what a game. Captain Cally is back, J.T. Miller stole the show, and we’re still missing Dan Girardi. But the Rangers have made it to 7th place in the Eastern Conference. Whoo hoo!

Let’s begin at the beginning. Follow me to the Week In Review: » Continue reading “The Week In Review: Who’s Afraid Of David Clarkson?”

You’re supposed to be making us laugh while “playing the bongos” not scoring goals. (Photo: Bridget Samuels/flickr)

Throughout the lockout, many blogs are doing fake recaps of the games that should’ve been taking place. I’ve decided to go another route by doing real recaps…of the games that happened on that date one year ago.

The Caps had lost four of their past six and were sitting out of a playoff spot this far into the season for the first time since April 2008. The Rangers were on a five game winning streak sitting at the top of the East, with their last loss coming 13 days ago but the signs were there in their last win. So what do you think happened when these two teams met on December 28, 2011? I’ll let Torts tell you:

“I wouldn’t say it’s the defense, I would say it’s some brain-dead plays at our blue line as far as turnovers,” Tortorella said. “It’s unfortunate with Del Z (Michael Del Zotto) — he loses the puck on the first one. But a turnover by Mitch (John Mitchell) and a turnover by Richie (Brad Richards), not against their third or fourth line, but against their top line. It kills us. That’s what’s frustrating. I thought we beat ourselves a little bit there in those situations.”

Yes, it was one of those games.

» Continue reading “One Year Ago Today: Not A Memorable Game”

This was a good night for him. (Photo: Screen Shot from post-game video. Click picture to see video which includes interviews with Dubinsky, Del Zotto & Biron.)

Throughout the lockout, many blogs are doing fake recaps of the games that should’ve been taking place. I’ve decided to go another route by doing real recaps…of the games that happened on that date one year ago.

It wasn’t a pretty game. In fact, it was a game most people probably looked over since the Rangers and Flyers would be playing the next night for first in the Atlantic and possibly Eastern Conference. For once, though, the Rangers didn’t look past a game – against the 14th place Islanders – they would’ve in prior seasons. And in doing so, they got the outcome they wanted…and probably deserved since they were the better team.

» Continue reading “One Year Ago Today: Another Win In The Books”

What do you mean I have to face Steven Stamkos? At least it’s for charity… (Photo: Bridget Samuels/flickr)

Today would normally be when I would do a European update. One problem…there are no Rangers playing in Europe. In fact other than Henrik Lundqvist, who is spending time with family in Sweden, there are no Rangers players even in Europe. So there will be no European update.

Instead, we can tell you about what the guys are doing on the side of the Atlantic. For instance, Michael Del Zotto and Martin Biron will be playing in a NHLPA charity game tonight in Toronto. The good news? It’s going to be streamed live here. Game starts at 7:00pm EST.

The game will also feature ex-Rangers John Mitchell and Wojtek Wolski along with a bunch of other guys you may have heard of (Steven Stamkos, anyone?). You can see the full roster here. Should be a good game since the boys are already talking smack to each other:

» Continue reading “Live Stream For DZ, Biron Charity Game + Other Updates”

I don’t think I will ever witness another goal as closer to the buzzer as the one this man scored a year ago today. (Photo: Robert Kowal/flickr)

Throughout the lockout, many blogs are doing fake recaps of the games that should’ve been taking place. I’ve decided to go another route by doing real recaps…of the games that happened on that date one year ago.

Everyone has certain games they look up when the season schedule comes out in July. For me, it is when will the Rangers be playing the Coyotes and which arena will it be taking place in. If it’s in New York, I need to claim those tickets from my family before anyone else does. In Phoenix and I circle the date on my calendar so I don’t make plans. (Yes, these are my teams and I want to see the game.)

These games are always interesting to watch with me since I root for both teams. But instead of cheering for every goal, I tend to yell at “my boys” for making the mistake that led to every goal. I’m serious. It’s an experience. To give you guys an idea what it’s like I’m going to place in italics my reactions to the Rangers-Coyotes game that took place on December 17th, 2011. It was quite a game to say the least.

» Continue reading “One Year Ago Today: Are You Kidding Me?!?”

I would do anything to see this live again. (Photo: Melissa Andus)

During our update posts on Black & Blueshirts, we’ve focused only on the guys who are currently playing overseas. As there aren’t a lot of them, we haven’t really updated on the bulk of the team in quite some time.

Well that is going to change today as I am giving an update on every player on the Rangers current roster. (Note: Chris Kreider is not currently listed on Rangers roster so he wasn’t included. Plus everyone knows what he is up to.)

But you might ask, if they aren’t playing what update could you possibly have on them? I actually know a lot as I bring to you what we know vs. what each player is actually doing. You will not regret reading this! (Okay, maybe you will but bear with me please.)

» Continue reading “What Are NYR Players Up To During Lockout?”

No Ranger deserves to lead into the post for this game so figured might as well put Cally’s long-time friend instead. He also got two goals in the game. (Photo: Bridget Samuels/flickr)

Throughout the lockout, many blogs are doing fake recaps of the games that should’ve been taking place. I’ve decided to go another route by doing real recaps…of the games that happened on that date one year ago.

The Rangers came into their game against the Canadiens in Montreal on a Saturday night feeling good. They were on a seven game win streak and well rested after playing only once in the past seven days. And while in the past the Bell Centre hadn’t been good to them, particularly Lundqvist, they thought they had a chance.

They were wrong.

» Continue reading “One Year Ago Today: Win Streak Comes To Crashing Halt”

We haven’t led with a picture of McDonagh in awhile so here you go. Hi Mac Truck! (Photo: Bridget Samuels/flickr)

Yes it’s been a week since we updated how the boys are doing in Europe. The good news is we haven’t missed much since they are now are the “national team” break (i.e. break so players can participate in the Karjala Cup). Games don’t start up again until mid next week.

So the question becomes will we be updating on European games again this year? NHL and NHLPA are meeting and it sounds like they may actually be NEGOTIATING so there is a chance. (American Thanksgiving…said it for months people…)

Guess we have to wait and see. In the meantime, we’re going to total each players stats just…to see where they stand

» Continue reading “European Update – Will It Be Last One?”