|
Written by Dan Rakusan on Saturday, 27 February 2010 19:14
|
 I was going to wait until tomorrow to write this, so that the Olympics would in fact be over, but I'm bored and have no kids at home right now, so what the heck! In all, the Rangers sent 5 players to the Vancouver Games, namely Chris Drury, Marian Gaborik, Henrik Lundqvist, Olli Jokinen and Ryan Callahan. Four of them will play for medals tomorrow - Drury, Gaborik, Jokinen and Callahan - a solid ratio! So, at this time, I'd like to evaluate their performances.
Henrik Lundqvist (Sweden) - King Hank came into the games with a title defence in mind. Given that in all likelihood he won't be playing for the Cup this year, it seemed like this could be his "big achievement" of the year. Playing on a deep, experienced Swedish team, it looked like he had a good shot at putting a medal around his neck, and certainly the way things started, it looked almost like a foregone conclusion. Henrik played two games in the round-robin portion of the tourney, with Jonas Gustavsson playing the middle game. Henrik was simply outstanding in his effort, not allowing a single goal through that portion of the games. But the Swedes would run into a pesky underdog team - something quite common at these Olympics - in Slovakia, who upset them 4-3. One can't blame Henrik for the loss, but he was out-duelled by Jaroslav Halak who will play for the Bronze medal tomorrow. Tournament Grade: B+
Olli Jokinen (Finland) - The Joker came into this tournament as part of the most experienced (read: old) team in the Olympics. the Finns are a tough team to figure out. They're chippy, determined, and surprisingly talented. Jokinen was looked at to provide offence, which wasn't the case through the team's first five games. He registered only a goal and an assist, hardly the kind of numbers one might expect from a former 30-goal man in the NHL. Jokinen's problem appeared to be a lack of effort on many shifts, and one has to wonder if perhaps he is nursing some minor injury, as he didn't look at all interested in the games going on around him. Perhaps he was saving himself for the Bronze medal game tomorrow, but my feeling is that Jokinen simply doesn't play with a high passion level, whether in the NHL or Olympics. Hopefully that will change when he returns to the Rangers. Tournament Grade: D
Marian Gaborik (Slovakia) - Gabby came into the games with a big-time injury to his leg, a laceration that took some 50 stitches to close after he accidentally collided with Lundqvist at a Rangers' practice. His participation in the Olympics was in doubt, but he opted to play after a bit of time off prior to the games kicking off. Gaborik was supposed to be Slovakia's biggest offensive weapon, but he ended up with only 3 goals and one assist in his 6 games so far. Several players finished ahead of him in points, but Gaborik was definitely a factor in Slovakia's surprising run to the Bronze medal game, which I predict they'll win. Gabby got better as his leg healed more completely, although the statistical results might not show it. Remember, other teams play their top defensive players against Gabby's line, which included Marian Hossa as well. Overall, I think the Slovaks will be extremely pleased with their Olympics, at least where hockey is concerned, and Gaborik is a big part of that success. Tournament Grade: A-
Chris Drury (USA) - Captain Clutch came into the Olympics as the most frustrating player for the Rangers' faithful. Many questioned his inclusion on the American roster, including Jeremy Roenick. But even JR had to apologize for questioning the decision eventually, as Drury has had a really solid tournament. While his 2 goals are not really numbers to turn any heads, one of them was a game-winner, which I don't think he has scored in a Rangers' uniform all season. But his biggest contribution to the American quest for gold is his penalty killing. Drury is a consumate shot-blocker and solid defensive player. His work in the faceoff circle has often allowed the USA to start with the puck, and he provides a consistent effort in every game. Wish we could see some of this passion in his play with the Rangers, but for now, the USA is benefitting greatly from his inclusion on the team. He will be instrumental in shutting down some of Canada's top talent in the Gold medal game tomorrow, which I predict the USA will win. Tournament Grade: B+
Ryan Callahan (USA) - Cally is a work-horse, no matter what jersey he dons. He hasn't waivered from that in the Olympics either, as he's been a sparkplug player for the States. With only one assist on the stat sheet, Callahan has played a similar role to Drury - checking line specialist. Much as he does for the Rangers, Cally has often been the player to kick off surges in play for the USA, usually in the form of either a big hit, or causing a turnover on the forecheck. This guy has future captaincy written all over him, and he's a big-time benefit for any team he plays for. It's been no different at the games. One thing I would like to see is whether his gritty style of play would go over the same way on bigger ice surfaces, or whether he'd tire out from his relentless effort. We'll likely get to see that in Sochi at the 2014 Olympics. Tournament Grade: B+
|
|
Written by Dan Rakusan on Friday, 12 February 2010 18:35
|
With the mini-deadline passed, we can all breathe a sigh of relief that the Rangers didn't make any major moves. However, one has to wonder at the move we did make: Trading a 6th (or potentially 5th) round pick to San Jose for pugilist Jody Shelley. The pick is contingent on whether or not Shelley re-signs with the Rangers once he becomes a UFA this offseason.
So, it's not much of a pick, right? No cause for concern, right? WRONG.
|
|
Predators' Prey? (Updated) |
 |
 |
 |
|
Written by Dan Rakusan on Tuesday, 09 February 2010 11:30
|
After an inspiring performance against the rival New Jersey Devils, the Rangers have had some time off to gather themselves for the next game, which will be Wednesday against the Nashville Predators at MSG. The question is, which Rangers' team will show up for this important game? Will it be the team that forechecks relentlessly and skates hard for a full 60 minutes? Or, will it be the listless squad that doesn't pay attention to the details and loses all the little battles within the game?
Currently sitting in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, the Rangers need to start collecting points on a regular basis, lest they risk falling further in the standings and out of the playoff picture altogether. Atlanta is nipping at their heels, one point behind with two games in hand, and only two points behind sit the Panthers with one game in hand. Truly, the Rangers are in a precarious position at present.
So, what challenges does Nashville present the Rangers?
|
|
Written by Dan Rakusan on Saturday, 06 February 2010 18:56
|
Sorry Rangers fans for my lack of recent blogging. Lots going on behind the scenes, as well as at home. I promise to be more regular starting now. Before we talk of Gotham's finest, I'd like to take a brief moment to wish my utmost condolences to the Burke family in the wake of the death of Brian's son Brenden. Brenden demonstrated a lot of courage in opening up to his father and the public about his homosexuality, and for that he should have earned everyone's respect. It's always sad when a young life is taken, and this is no different. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Burke clan on this blackest of days...
Now, on to our team.
As everyone likely knows, the Rangers pulled a rabbit out of the hat this past week, acquiring center Olli Jokinen and rugged forward Brandon Prust from the Calgary Flames. Not only did we secure a much-needed trigger man to complement/supplement Marian Gaborik, but along the way we somehow managed to divest ourselves of one of our many albatross contracts by sending Ales Kotalik to Calgary! Also sent to the Flames was under-performing winger Chris Higgins, who while always demonstrating great effort somehow forgot what a net looks like...
|
|
|
