http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/searchEverything.kickAction?vars=service/searchEverything.kickAction&as=20434&mediaType=blog&sortType=recent&includeBlog=on&d-7095067-p=1&quantity=25 Most Recent blogs on Blueshirts United Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:25:09 GMT Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:25:09 GMT rangersnet@thegarden.com (msgrangers) rangersnet@thegarden.com (msgrangers) KickApps Feed Builder 2010-02-07T02:25:09Z 950 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/searchEverything.kickAction?as=20434&includeBlog=on&sortType=recent 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Torts-Ties/BLOG/1817330/20434.html MAY NOT BE A BIG DEAL TO MOST, BUT I'M JUST SO TIRED OF LOOKING AT OUR HEAD COACH IN BAD TIES.  GET WITH THE TIMES MAN... 1980'S MAY HAVE ROCKED... BUT FASION HAS PROGRESSED.  GO SHOPPING!!!! MAY NOT BE A BIG DEAL TO MOST, BUT I'M JUST SO TIRED OF LOOKING AT OUR HEAD COACH IN BAD TIES.  GET WITH THE TIMES MAN... 1980'S MAY HAVE ROCKED... BUT FASION HAS PROGRESSED.  GO SHOPPING!!!! Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:25:09 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Torts-Ties/BLOG/1817330/20434.html WheresStanley 2010-02-07T02:25:09Z Blueshirts United MAY NOT BE A BIG DEAL TO MOST, BUT I'M JUST SO TIRED OF LOOKING AT OUR HEAD COACH IN BAD TIES.  GET WITH THE TIMES MAN... 1980'S MAY HAVE ROCKED... BUT FASION HAS PROGRESSED.  GO SHOPPING!!!! nonadult false Tort's Ties text blog 16 0 0.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20360219&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/photos/PHOTO_7721056_20434_20360219_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 1817330 20360219 Member 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Same-old-same-old/BLOG/1809115/20434.html [image]I hate to keep posting negative blogs but this team gives me no choice, plus venting makes me feel better. On the plus side they played hard for almost the entire game. On the negative side thier defense is god awful. Early in the game Ovechkin nearly undressed Roszival and Sam and Joe actually said it was a "good defensive play" He was looking down at the puck the whole time and just got lucky to get a piece of it. Kids are taught at a very young age to TAKE THE MAN. Rosy, Redden, DelZotto, and Girardi must have been absent that day. Granted Ovie is the best there is but he wasnt the only one that was beating the Rangers when they werent taking the man!! And Ovie did beat Rosy 2 other times that resulted in goals. Both times Rosy was looking at the puck and not the man. Later in the game Ovie stopped Gaborik dead when he hit him in the chest knocking him off the puck. Even Joe Mich commented on how Ovie didnt even look at the puck. Maybe Ovie can teach our guys how to play defense. This team is a "poke check at all costs" kind of team and they're easy marks for skilled players. Sather needs to wake up and get some big Dmen that know how to play the game and arent afraid to clear the front of the net. The little timid offensive minded Dmen they have now will get run right out of the building unless they learn how to TAKE THE MAN  [image]I hate to keep posting negative blogs but this team gives me no choice, plus venting makes me feel better. On the plus side they played hard for almost the entire game. On the negative side thier defense is god awful. Early in the game Ovechkin nearly undressed Roszival and Sam and Joe actually said it was a "good defensive play" He was looking down at the puck the whole time and just got lucky to get a piece of it. Kids are taught at a very young age to TAKE THE MAN. Rosy, Redden, DelZotto, and Girardi must have been absent that day. Granted Ovie is the best there is but he wasnt the only one that was beating the Rangers when they werent taking the man!! And Ovie did beat Rosy 2 other times that resulted in goals. Both times Rosy was looking at the puck and not the man. Later in the game Ovie stopped Gaborik dead when he hit him in the chest knocking him off the puck. Even Joe Mich commented on how Ovie didnt even look at the puck. Maybe Ovie can teach our guys how to play defense. This team is a "poke check at all costs" kind of team and they're easy marks for skilled players. Sather needs to wake up and get some big Dmen that know how to play the game and arent afraid to clear the front of the net. The little timid offensive minded Dmen they have now will get run right out of the building unless they learn how to TAKE THE MAN  Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:09:06 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Same-old-same-old/BLOG/1809115/20434.html richterforever 2010-02-05T20:09:06Z Blueshirts United [image]I hate to keep posting negative blogs but this team gives me no choice, plus venting makes me feel better. On the plus side they played hard for almost the entire game. On the negative side thier defense is god awful. Early in the game Ovechkin nearly undressed Roszival and Sam and Joe actually said it was a "good defensive play" He was looking down at the puck the whole time and just got lucky to get a piece of it. Kids are taught at a very young age to TAKE THE MAN. Rosy, Redden, DelZotto, and Girardi must have been absent that day. Granted Ovie is the best there is but he wasnt the only one that was beating the Rangers when they werent taking the man!! And Ovie did beat Rosy 2 other times that resulted in goals. Both times Rosy was looking at the puck and not the man. Later in the game Ovie stopped Gaborik dead when he hit him in the chest knocking him off the puck. Even Joe Mich commented on how Ovie didnt even look at the puck. Maybe Ovie can teach our guys how to play defense. This team is a "poke check at all costs" kind of team and they're easy marks for skilled players. Sather needs to wake up and get some big Dmen that know how to play the game and arent afraid to clear the front of the net. The little timid offensive minded Dmen they have now will get run right out of the building unless they learn how to TAKE THE MAN  nonadult false Same old same old text blog 18 0 0.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20104893&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/photos/PHOTO_2501467_20434_4648716_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 1809115 20104893 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Sweet-Lou/BLOG/1808768/20434.html     Sweet Lou Who would have ever thought a Rangers fan would ever thank Lou Lamoriello for anything. But I woke up this morning, got the shovel and the salt ready, pondered another miserable Rangers loss last night and tried to find a silver lining. After a half hour I gave up trying to find the good in last night's game. Sure, we scored 5 goals, which is almost triple our usual output from the last month, but so what if you don't walk away with two points. And I can't get excited about Jokinene's goal and assist, when he took three penalties that resulted to two of the Washington goals. Granted, it was a horribly called game, but at best he was a wash in my book. So, I was left thinking about Kolvachuk trade. Earlier in the week, the list of possible suitors was a decent list of teams, ranging from the Kings and Sharks in the West, to the Bruins and Rangers in the East. One story had the Thrashers asking for Staal or Del Zotto, Dubinsky or Callahan, one of three top prospects and a first round pick in 2010. All of this for a rental player that the Rangers probably couldn't sign in the off season due to cap issues. Not to mention, Kolvachuk might have been a rental player on a team that doesn't even make the playoffs. So I guess we need to thank Lou Lamoriello for saving Glen Sather from himself. By acting quickly, Lou removed Kolvachuk from the marketplace and ensured that the core group of young Rangers stays put. The Rangers can publicly say, there weren't seriously in the running but we know better. They were thinking about it long and hard. However, we' re not out of the woods yet. With half of Edmonton up for grabs, it may be too hard for Glen to pass up giving up part of our core group. Let's hope reason prevails.       Sweet Lou Who would have ever thought a Rangers fan would ever thank Lou Lamoriello for anything. But I woke up this morning, got the shovel and the salt ready, pondered another miserable Rangers loss last night and tried to find a silver lining. After a half hour I gave up trying to find the good in last night's game. Sure, we scored 5 goals, which is almost triple our usual output from the last month, but so what if you don't walk away with two points. And I can't get excited about Jokinene's goal and assist, when he took three penalties that resulted to two of the Washington goals. Granted, it was a horribly called game, but at best he was a wash in my book. So, I was left thinking about Kolvachuk trade. Earlier in the week, the list of possible suitors was a decent list of teams, ranging from the Kings and Sharks in the West, to the Bruins and Rangers in the East. One story had the Thrashers asking for Staal or Del Zotto, Dubinsky or Callahan, one of three top prospects and a first round pick in 2010. All of this for a rental player that the Rangers probably couldn't sign in the off season due to cap issues. Not to mention, Kolvachuk might have been a rental player on a team that doesn't even make the playoffs. So I guess we need to thank Lou Lamoriello for saving Glen Sather from himself. By acting quickly, Lou removed Kolvachuk from the marketplace and ensured that the core group of young Rangers stays put. The Rangers can publicly say, there weren't seriously in the running but we know better. They were thinking about it long and hard. However, we' re not out of the woods yet. With half of Edmonton up for grabs, it may be too hard for Glen to pass up giving up part of our core group. Let's hope reason prevails.   Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:00:46 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Sweet-Lou/BLOG/1808768/20434.html tigger165 2010-02-05T16:00:46Z Blueshirts United     Sweet Lou Who would have ever thought a Rangers fan would ever thank Lou Lamoriello for anything. But I woke up this morning, got the shovel and the salt ready, pondered another miserable Rangers loss last night and tried to find a silver lining. After a half hour I gave up trying to find the good in last night's game. Sure, we scored 5 goals, which is almost triple our usual output from the last month, but so what if you don't walk away with two points. And I can't get excited about Jokinene's goal and assist, when he took three penalties that resulted to two of the Washington goals. Granted, it was a horribly called game, but at best he was a wash in my book. So, I was left thinking about Kolvachuk trade. Earlier in the week, the list of possible suitors was a decent list of teams, ranging from the Kings and Sharks in the West, to the Bruins and Rangers in the East. One story had the Thrashers asking for Staal or Del Zotto, Dubinsky or Callahan, one of three top prospects and a first round pick in 2010. All of this for a rental player that the Rangers probably couldn't sign in the off season due to cap issues. Not to mention, Kolvachuk might have been a rental player on a team that doesn't even make the playoffs. So I guess we need to thank Lou Lamoriello for saving Glen Sather from himself. By acting quickly, Lou removed Kolvachuk from the marketplace and ensured that the core group of young Rangers stays put. The Rangers can publicly say, there weren't seriously in the running but we know better. They were thinking about it long and hard. However, we' re not out of the woods yet. With half of Edmonton up for grabs, it may be too hard for Glen to pass up giving up part of our core group. Let's hope reason prevails.   nonadult false Sweet Lou text blog 13 0 0.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20054389&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/photos/PHOTO_2502306_20434_2377517_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 0 1808768 20054389 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_MSG-Network/BLOG/1806668/20434.html Can someone out there please explain to me how MSG Network works? I live in upstate NY close to Utica. I have Time Warner crap. If the Sabres, who play at HSBC arena are on I don't see the Rangers. If the Sabres are not on and the Knicks and Islanders or Devils are on I dont see the Rangers. They will show the Devils or Islanders on MSG + and not the Rangers. The only hockey team mentioned above that plays at MSG is the Rangers. However there the last team showed on MSG. I dont get it. I'm forced to watch The Sabres and listen to the most obnoxious announcer in all of sports in Jenneret. I know there are a lot of people out there that like this guy. Personally i cant wait until he retires. With his constant screaming he just gives me a headache. On another note, why is it so far out of the realm of possibility that Messier be offered the coaching position. Does he not want it? The greatest natural leader and motivator in sports?! Someone said he has no experience. The guy has 30 years of experience in being a leader. Can someone out there please explain to me how MSG Network works? I live in upstate NY close to Utica. I have Time Warner crap. If the Sabres, who play at HSBC arena are on I don't see the Rangers. If the Sabres are not on and the Knicks and Islanders or Devils are on I dont see the Rangers. They will show the Devils or Islanders on MSG + and not the Rangers. The only hockey team mentioned above that plays at MSG is the Rangers. However there the last team showed on MSG. I dont get it. I'm forced to watch The Sabres and listen to the most obnoxious announcer in all of sports in Jenneret. I know there are a lot of people out there that like this guy. Personally i cant wait until he retires. With his constant screaming he just gives me a headache. On another note, why is it so far out of the realm of possibility that Messier be offered the coaching position. Does he not want it? The greatest natural leader and motivator in sports?! Someone said he has no experience. The guy has 30 years of experience in being a leader. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:30:05 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_MSG-Network/BLOG/1806668/20434.html richterforever 2010-02-04T13:30:05Z Blueshirts United Can someone out there please explain to me how MSG Network works? I live in upstate NY close to Utica. I have Time Warner crap. If the Sabres, who play at HSBC arena are on I don't see the Rangers. If the Sabres are not on and the Knicks and Islanders or Devils are on I dont see the Rangers. They will show the Devils or Islanders on MSG + and not the Rangers. The only hockey team mentioned above that plays at MSG is the Rangers. However there the last team showed on MSG. I dont get it. I'm forced to watch The Sabres and listen to the most obnoxious announcer in all of sports in Jenneret. I know there are a lot of people out there that like this guy. Personally i cant wait until he retires. With his constant screaming he just gives me a headache. On another note, why is it so far out of the realm of possibility that Messier be offered the coaching position. Does he not want it? The greatest natural leader and motivator in sports?! Someone said he has no experience. The guy has 30 years of experience in being a leader. nonadult false MSG Network text blog 14 0 0.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20104893&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/photos/PHOTO_2501467_20434_4648716_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 1806668 20104893 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_3-4-10-3-18-10-GAMES/BLOG/1802782/20434.html DID ANYONE RECEIVE THE BLUESHIRTS FANATICS OFFER FOR THESE GAMES AND IF SO ARE YOU ATTENDING?  Subject:Come Watch NYR Take on PITT & STL - Blueshirt Fanatics OfferDate:1/7/2010 5:53:19 P.M. Eastern Standard TimeFrom:Members.BlueshirtsUnited@thegarden.comReply To: To:Members.BlueshirtsUnited@thegarden.comCC: BCC: Sent on:     Sent from the Internet (Details)   As a member of the Blueshirt Fanatics Club you are invited to attend an exclusive pre-game meet & greet with Rangers Alumni.  Please see the exclusive ticket offer below.  If you have trouble viewing the information below please open the attached file. DID ANYONE RECEIVE THE BLUESHIRTS FANATICS OFFER FOR THESE GAMES AND IF SO ARE YOU ATTENDING?  Subject:Come Watch NYR Take on PITT & STL - Blueshirt Fanatics OfferDate:1/7/2010 5:53:19 P.M. Eastern Standard TimeFrom:Members.BlueshirtsUnited@thegarden.comReply To: To:Members.BlueshirtsUnited@thegarden.comCC: BCC: Sent on:     Sent from the Internet (Details)   As a member of the Blueshirt Fanatics Club you are invited to attend an exclusive pre-game meet & greet with Rangers Alumni.  Please see the exclusive ticket offer below.  If you have trouble viewing the information below please open the attached file. Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:56:39 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_3-4-10-3-18-10-GAMES/BLOG/1802782/20434.html ram11273 2010-02-02T19:56:39Z Blueshirts United DID ANYONE RECEIVE THE BLUESHIRTS FANATICS OFFER FOR THESE GAMES AND IF SO ARE YOU ATTENDING?  Subject:Come Watch NYR Take on PITT & STL - Blueshirt Fanatics OfferDate:1/7/2010 5:53:19 P.M. Eastern Standard TimeFrom:Members.BlueshirtsUnited@thegarden.comReply To: To:Members.BlueshirtsUnited@thegarden.comCC: BCC: Sent on:     Sent from the Internet (Details)   As a member of the Blueshirt Fanatics Club you are invited to attend an exclusive pre-game meet & greet with Rangers Alumni.  Please see the exclusive ticket offer below.  If you have trouble viewing the information below please open the attached file. nonadult false 3-4-10 3-18-10 GAMES text blog 13 0 0.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20052569&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/photos/PHOTO_2371029_20434_2279976_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 1802782 20052569 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Kotalik-Higgins-Going-Going-Gone/BLOG/1802108/20434.html    TSN is reporting that the Rangers have completed the deal with the Calgary Flames that sends Alex Kotalik and Chris Higgins to the Flames in exchange for Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust. The sticking point on the deal was supposedly Kotalik's approval. The 'complications' referred to on the Rangers broadcast Sunday night, come from the fact that Kotalik had a limited no-trade clause in his contract, that consists of three teams... and Sather managed to find a dance partner that is on that short list. So, Kotalik was sent home to ponder playing every night in Calgary or sitting in street clothes in NY. However, the latest word yesterday was that the trade was hung up on Calgary's end. An additional ESPN rumor had the primary players being Kotalik, Gilroy and Callahan but that turned out to be nothing more than a rumor. (Plus there's no planet where I could see the Rangers doing that deal without facing the unforgiving wrath of the Rangers Nation). The single craziest part of this trade is finding out that Kotalik was given a no-trade clause. The last time I checked, no-trade clauses (even limited ones) were reserved for elite players. I'm not sure if Sather's cigar smoke clouded his vision enough for Kotalik ever to pass for Sidney Crosby or Ovechkin but it does make you wonder. I've heard of some crazy things before but this one ranks pretty high on the list. It wasn't bad enough that Kotalik fleeced the Rangers out of $9 million dollars for his $1 million dollar talent but now he's going to add insult to injury by holding up a trade. If you were Calgary GM Sutter, would you even do this deal, now knowing that the player you're getting in return doesn't even want to be there. Hell, if Kotalik played this bad for the Rangers and he wanted to be in NY, what would he do in Calgary?? Olli Jokinen is set to make $5.25 million and then becomes a UFA at the end of the season. Brandon Prust is another UFA that will make $500,000 this season. Kotalik was set to make $3 million a year for the next three years, so the Rangers get out from under a very bad signing. Higgins, another UFA is on the books for $2.25 million this year. The Rangers from a cap perspective, don't really get any relief this year but it certainly gives them some immediate flexibility for next season. Jokinen, is getting long in the tooth and his best scoring days are behind him. His numbers this year didn't meet up to the expectations of his contract (Gee – where have we heard that before, Drury, Redden, Rozsival), so he should be a perfect fit in NY. His 11 G and 24 A for 35 points should offer some options at Center for the Rangers. If he can click with Gaborik (which he failed to do with Iginla) then maybe the Rangers can come out on the right side of this deal. Fans have seen enough of Jokinen from his years with the Islanders and Panthers to know that if they don't expect too much, then maybe they won't be let down. Bradon Prust ended up in Calgary (twice) by way of the Coyotes. He's a tough winger, that probably plays a little bigger than his 5'11”. He missed some time last season (31 games) due to a broken jaw and a concussion sidelined him for 4 more, but it hasn't changed his game any. With 98 PIM he's not afraid to drop the gloves and he'll fill the role that was supposed to belong to the mistake known as, Donald Brashear. He should liberate Avery to instigate a little more freely, give Gaborik some peace of mind and give the Rangers some insurance for the next Flyers game. He's a cheaper, younger (25), Colton Orr and he's exactly what the Rangers need. (Hell they need a lot of things but at least this is one off of their shopping list). I'm a big fan of the way he plays and he's definitely the big plus in this deal. This deal could be a case of 'addition by subtraction'. Clearly, the Rangers needed to get rid of Kotalik and Higgins and with no long term commitments, this could help Sather sweep two of his big mistakes under the carpet. Higgins is a quality player but for whatever reason it just didn't work for him here in NY. It's questionable if this deal will really help Calgary but they're in free-fall right now and they're definitely not my problem. Here's hoping the deal gets officially announced today. Look for those immediate markdowns at the team store. Although, I'm not really sure who needs a Kotalik or Higgins jersey in their collection.     TSN is reporting that the Rangers have completed the deal with the Calgary Flames that sends Alex Kotalik and Chris Higgins to the Flames in exchange for Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust. The sticking point on the deal was supposedly Kotalik's approval. The 'complications' referred to on the Rangers broadcast Sunday night, come from the fact that Kotalik had a limited no-trade clause in his contract, that consists of three teams... and Sather managed to find a dance partner that is on that short list. So, Kotalik was sent home to ponder playing every night in Calgary or sitting in street clothes in NY. However, the latest word yesterday was that the trade was hung up on Calgary's end. An additional ESPN rumor had the primary players being Kotalik, Gilroy and Callahan but that turned out to be nothing more than a rumor. (Plus there's no planet where I could see the Rangers doing that deal without facing the unforgiving wrath of the Rangers Nation). The single craziest part of this trade is finding out that Kotalik was given a no-trade clause. The last time I checked, no-trade clauses (even limited ones) were reserved for elite players. I'm not sure if Sather's cigar smoke clouded his vision enough for Kotalik ever to pass for Sidney Crosby or Ovechkin but it does make you wonder. I've heard of some crazy things before but this one ranks pretty high on the list. It wasn't bad enough that Kotalik fleeced the Rangers out of $9 million dollars for his $1 million dollar talent but now he's going to add insult to injury by holding up a trade. If you were Calgary GM Sutter, would you even do this deal, now knowing that the player you're getting in return doesn't even want to be there. Hell, if Kotalik played this bad for the Rangers and he wanted to be in NY, what would he do in Calgary?? Olli Jokinen is set to make $5.25 million and then becomes a UFA at the end of the season. Brandon Prust is another UFA that will make $500,000 this season. Kotalik was set to make $3 million a year for the next three years, so the Rangers get out from under a very bad signing. Higgins, another UFA is on the books for $2.25 million this year. The Rangers from a cap perspective, don't really get any relief this year but it certainly gives them some immediate flexibility for next season. Jokinen, is getting long in the tooth and his best scoring days are behind him. His numbers this year didn't meet up to the expectations of his contract (Gee – where have we heard that before, Drury, Redden, Rozsival), so he should be a perfect fit in NY. His 11 G and 24 A for 35 points should offer some options at Center for the Rangers. If he can click with Gaborik (which he failed to do with Iginla) then maybe the Rangers can come out on the right side of this deal. Fans have seen enough of Jokinen from his years with the Islanders and Panthers to know that if they don't expect too much, then maybe they won't be let down. Bradon Prust ended up in Calgary (twice) by way of the Coyotes. He's a tough winger, that probably plays a little bigger than his 5'11”. He missed some time last season (31 games) due to a broken jaw and a concussion sidelined him for 4 more, but it hasn't changed his game any. With 98 PIM he's not afraid to drop the gloves and he'll fill the role that was supposed to belong to the mistake known as, Donald Brashear. He should liberate Avery to instigate a little more freely, give Gaborik some peace of mind and give the Rangers some insurance for the next Flyers game. He's a cheaper, younger (25), Colton Orr and he's exactly what the Rangers need. (Hell they need a lot of things but at least this is one off of their shopping list). I'm a big fan of the way he plays and he's definitely the big plus in this deal. This deal could be a case of 'addition by subtraction'. Clearly, the Rangers needed to get rid of Kotalik and Higgins and with no long term commitments, this could help Sather sweep two of his big mistakes under the carpet. Higgins is a quality player but for whatever reason it just didn't work for him here in NY. It's questionable if this deal will really help Calgary but they're in free-fall right now and they're definitely not my problem. Here's hoping the deal gets officially announced today. Look for those immediate markdowns at the team store. Although, I'm not really sure who needs a Kotalik or Higgins jersey in their collection.  Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:49:22 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Kotalik-Higgins-Going-Going-Gone/BLOG/1802108/20434.html tigger165 2010-02-02T12:49:22Z Blueshirts United    TSN is reporting that the Rangers have completed the deal with the Calgary Flames that sends Alex Kotalik and Chris Higgins to the Flames in exchange for Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust. The sticking point on the deal was supposedly Kotalik's approval. The 'complications' referred to on the Rangers broadcast Sunday night, come from the fact that Kotalik had a limited no-trade clause in his contract, that consists of three teams... and Sather managed to find a dance partner that is on that short list. So, Kotalik was sent home to ponder playing every night in Calgary or sitting in street clothes in NY. However, the latest word yesterday was that the trade was hung up on Calgary's end. An additional ESPN rumor had the primary players being Kotalik, Gilroy and Callahan but that turned out to be nothing more than a rumor. (Plus there's no planet where I could see the Rangers doing that deal without facing the unforgiving wrath of the Rangers Nation). The single craziest part of this trade is finding out that Kotalik was given a no-trade clause. The last time I checked, no-trade clauses (even limited ones) were reserved for elite players. I'm not sure if Sather's cigar smoke clouded his vision enough for Kotalik ever to pass for Sidney Crosby or Ovechkin but it does make you wonder. I've heard of some crazy things before but this one ranks pretty high on the list. It wasn't bad enough that Kotalik fleeced the Rangers out of $9 million dollars for his $1 million dollar talent but now he's going to add insult to injury by holding up a trade. If you were Calgary GM Sutter, would you even do this deal, now knowing that the player you're getting in return doesn't even want to be there. Hell, if Kotalik played this bad for the Rangers and he wanted to be in NY, what would he do in Calgary?? Olli Jokinen is set to make $5.25 million and then becomes a UFA at the end of the season. Brandon Prust is another UFA that will make $500,000 this season. Kotalik was set to make $3 million a year for the next three years, so the Rangers get out from under a very bad signing. Higgins, another UFA is on the books for $2.25 million this year. The Rangers from a cap perspective, don't really get any relief this year but it certainly gives them some immediate flexibility for next season. Jokinen, is getting long in the tooth and his best scoring days are behind him. His numbers this year didn't meet up to the expectations of his contract (Gee – where have we heard that before, Drury, Redden, Rozsival), so he should be a perfect fit in NY. His 11 G and 24 A for 35 points should offer some options at Center for the Rangers. If he can click with Gaborik (which he failed to do with Iginla) then maybe the Rangers can come out on the right side of this deal. Fans have seen enough of Jokinen from his years with the Islanders and Panthers to know that if they don't expect too much, then maybe they won't be let down. Bradon Prust ended up in Calgary (twice) by way of the Coyotes. He's a tough winger, that probably plays a little bigger than his 5'11”. He missed some time last season (31 games) due to a broken jaw and a concussion sidelined him for 4 more, but it hasn't changed his game any. With 98 PIM he's not afraid to drop the gloves and he'll fill the role that was supposed to belong to the mistake known as, Donald Brashear. He should liberate Avery to instigate a little more freely, give Gaborik some peace of mind and give the Rangers some insurance for the next Flyers game. He's a cheaper, younger (25), Colton Orr and he's exactly what the Rangers need. (Hell they need a lot of things but at least this is one off of their shopping list). I'm a big fan of the way he plays and he's definitely the big plus in this deal. This deal could be a case of 'addition by subtraction'. Clearly, the Rangers needed to get rid of Kotalik and Higgins and with no long term commitments, this could help Sather sweep two of his big mistakes under the carpet. Higgins is a quality player but for whatever reason it just didn't work for him here in NY. It's questionable if this deal will really help Calgary but they're in free-fall right now and they're definitely not my problem. Here's hoping the deal gets officially announced today. Look for those immediate markdowns at the team store. Although, I'm not really sure who needs a Kotalik or Higgins jersey in their collection.  nonadult false Kotalik & Higgins Going Going Gone text blog 19 0 0.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20054389&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/photos/PHOTO_2502306_20434_2377517_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 0 1802108 20054389 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_The-Maven-is-finally-catching-on/BLOG/1800197/20434.html I've been saying it for sometime now on various blogs, and until today i've never heard it addressed by any of the Ranger analysts. Michael DelZotto needs defensive training. All the Ranger guys are constantly ranting about this guys offensive abilities but it seems they forgot that he's a DEFENSEMAN and not a very good one. He needs more time in the minors. Stan Finally addressed this in his latest blog. And now it seems all Torts can say is "Well we had a good 3rd period" or "We played better in the 2nd" I have a radical idea, Why don't you play with passion and competitiveness for an entire game!!! Message to Sather, Dump the dead wieght, Roszival, Redden, Drury, Brashear, Kotalik, Girardi, Tortorella and yourself!! I've been saying it for sometime now on various blogs, and until today i've never heard it addressed by any of the Ranger analysts. Michael DelZotto needs defensive training. All the Ranger guys are constantly ranting about this guys offensive abilities but it seems they forgot that he's a DEFENSEMAN and not a very good one. He needs more time in the minors. Stan Finally addressed this in his latest blog. And now it seems all Torts can say is "Well we had a good 3rd period" or "We played better in the 2nd" I have a radical idea, Why don't you play with passion and competitiveness for an entire game!!! Message to Sather, Dump the dead wieght, Roszival, Redden, Drury, Brashear, Kotalik, Girardi, Tortorella and yourself!! Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:58:47 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_The-Maven-is-finally-catching-on/BLOG/1800197/20434.html richterforever 2010-01-31T15:58:47Z Blueshirts United I've been saying it for sometime now on various blogs, and until today i've never heard it addressed by any of the Ranger analysts. Michael DelZotto needs defensive training. All the Ranger guys are constantly ranting about this guys offensive abilities but it seems they forgot that he's a DEFENSEMAN and not a very good one. He needs more time in the minors. Stan Finally addressed this in his latest blog. And now it seems all Torts can say is "Well we had a good 3rd period" or "We played better in the 2nd" I have a radical idea, Why don't you play with passion and competitiveness for an entire game!!! Message to Sather, Dump the dead wieght, Roszival, Redden, Drury, Brashear, Kotalik, Girardi, Tortorella and yourself!! nonadult false The Maven is finally catching on text blog 34 0 0.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20104893&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/photos/PHOTO_2501467_20434_4648716_ap_160X120.jpg false 2 0 1800197 20104893 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Just-Win-Baby/BLOG/1800195/20434.html   As a Rangers fan you get to the point where you start channeling Raiders owner, Al Davis and start chanting, “just win baby”. Like any other fan, I'm tired of the losing but what's even more fatiguing are all the excuses. I am sick of Tortorella's excuses. I don't want to hear how they battled and stayed with it. I want to see 60 minutes of effort from guys that get paid a hell of a lot of money to play a game. If I heard one more time how they couldn't play at home and how much better things would be on the road, I was going to drop kick my TV. I don't want to hear that the team is uptight and squeezing their sticks too hard. The way they've been playing, it looks like they're squeezing something else too hard. This was a team that hadn't scored a goal on the road since the middle of January in St. Louis. Really, how great were things going to be once they hit the desert in Phoenix? Well we got that answer last night – and the answer was – not very. At the least, I expected some added fire out of Lisin against his old team. Instead, all we got to see is how much Petr Prucha has developed into a serious NHL winger and how much the Rangers miss him. Prucha even managed an Olympic worthy dive, as time slipped away in the third, that put Rozsival in the box for a third time. That slick little move ensured that the Rangers could do no more but skate 5 v. 5 with the extra attacker on the ice. Even former Ranger, Jason LaBarbera turned in a solid performance and showed that he's better than anything we have behind King Henrik. Two gaffes by Del Zotto put two quick goals on the board for the Coyotes. Unfortunately, this is what you're going to get with a rookie defenseman. There will be moments of brilliance but also a fair amount of growing pains. But when the rest of your defense is playing like a steaming bag of burning dog excrement, these mistakes look ten times bigger. Torts and Slats have nobody but themselves to blame on this west coast swing. By not bringing an extra defenseman on the trip, they are pretty much stuck with what they got. But by all means, let Rozsival dress for another game after spending most of this one in the penalty box. Lost in this was another solid effort by Sean Avery. Some folks have been hammering him and saying he's not playing his game. However, when your team is taking an insane amount of penalties, Avery can't be Avery. First, he can't afford to push the envelope with something that could put his team in the box when the they're already down by three goals. Second, with seven penalties kills, Avery is hardly on the ice. It's bad enough he's being wasted on the fourth line but when he's averaging four minutes a period, it's hard for him to be effective. Despite all of this, he's still probably the most underrated player on the team, when it comes to delivering a consistent effort. So, I guess the recap is: The Rangers can no longer play at the Garden in front of the best fans in the world, they can't play on the road in front of the other team's fans, they can't come from behind, and they can't score more than 2 goals in a game unless the sun, moon and stars align, and nights that Henrik doesn't play are going to be long ones. Oh, and they expend so much energy on the penalty kill that they have nothing left in the tank to mount a comeback. Can't wait to see the Avalanche game tonight.   As a Rangers fan you get to the point where you start channeling Raiders owner, Al Davis and start chanting, “just win baby”. Like any other fan, I'm tired of the losing but what's even more fatiguing are all the excuses. I am sick of Tortorella's excuses. I don't want to hear how they battled and stayed with it. I want to see 60 minutes of effort from guys that get paid a hell of a lot of money to play a game. If I heard one more time how they couldn't play at home and how much better things would be on the road, I was going to drop kick my TV. I don't want to hear that the team is uptight and squeezing their sticks too hard. The way they've been playing, it looks like they're squeezing something else too hard. This was a team that hadn't scored a goal on the road since the middle of January in St. Louis. Really, how great were things going to be once they hit the desert in Phoenix? Well we got that answer last night – and the answer was – not very. At the least, I expected some added fire out of Lisin against his old team. Instead, all we got to see is how much Petr Prucha has developed into a serious NHL winger and how much the Rangers miss him. Prucha even managed an Olympic worthy dive, as time slipped away in the third, that put Rozsival in the box for a third time. That slick little move ensured that the Rangers could do no more but skate 5 v. 5 with the extra attacker on the ice. Even former Ranger, Jason LaBarbera turned in a solid performance and showed that he's better than anything we have behind King Henrik. Two gaffes by Del Zotto put two quick goals on the board for the Coyotes. Unfortunately, this is what you're going to get with a rookie defenseman. There will be moments of brilliance but also a fair amount of growing pains. But when the rest of your defense is playing like a steaming bag of burning dog excrement, these mistakes look ten times bigger. Torts and Slats have nobody but themselves to blame on this west coast swing. By not bringing an extra defenseman on the trip, they are pretty much stuck with what they got. But by all means, let Rozsival dress for another game after spending most of this one in the penalty box. Lost in this was another solid effort by Sean Avery. Some folks have been hammering him and saying he's not playing his game. However, when your team is taking an insane amount of penalties, Avery can't be Avery. First, he can't afford to push the envelope with something that could put his team in the box when the they're already down by three goals. Second, with seven penalties kills, Avery is hardly on the ice. It's bad enough he's being wasted on the fourth line but when he's averaging four minutes a period, it's hard for him to be effective. Despite all of this, he's still probably the most underrated player on the team, when it comes to delivering a consistent effort. So, I guess the recap is: The Rangers can no longer play at the Garden in front of the best fans in the world, they can't play on the road in front of the other team's fans, they can't come from behind, and they can't score more than 2 goals in a game unless the sun, moon and stars align, and nights that Henrik doesn't play are going to be long ones. Oh, and they expend so much energy on the penalty kill that they have nothing left in the tank to mount a comeback. Can't wait to see the Avalanche game tonight. Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:24:48 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Just-Win-Baby/BLOG/1800195/20434.html tigger165 2010-01-31T12:24:48Z Blueshirts United   As a Rangers fan you get to the point where you start channeling Raiders owner, Al Davis and start chanting, “just win baby”. Like any other fan, I'm tired of the losing but what's even more fatiguing are all the excuses. I am sick of Tortorella's excuses. I don't want to hear how they battled and stayed with it. I want to see 60 minutes of effort from guys that get paid a hell of a lot of money to play a game. If I heard one more time how they couldn't play at home and how much better things would be on the road, I was going to drop kick my TV. I don't want to hear that the team is uptight and squeezing their sticks too hard. The way they've been playing, it looks like they're squeezing something else too hard. This was a team that hadn't scored a goal on the road since the middle of January in St. Louis. Really, how great were things going to be once they hit the desert in Phoenix? Well we got that answer last night – and the answer was – not very. At the least, I expected some added fire out of Lisin against his old team. Instead, all we got to see is how much Petr Prucha has developed into a serious NHL winger and how much the Rangers miss him. Prucha even managed an Olympic worthy dive, as time slipped away in the third, that put Rozsival in the box for a third time. That slick little move ensured that the Rangers could do no more but skate 5 v. 5 with the extra attacker on the ice. Even former Ranger, Jason LaBarbera turned in a solid performance and showed that he's better than anything we have behind King Henrik. Two gaffes by Del Zotto put two quick goals on the board for the Coyotes. Unfortunately, this is what you're going to get with a rookie defenseman. There will be moments of brilliance but also a fair amount of growing pains. But when the rest of your defense is playing like a steaming bag of burning dog excrement, these mistakes look ten times bigger. Torts and Slats have nobody but themselves to blame on this west coast swing. By not bringing an extra defenseman on the trip, they are pretty much stuck with what they got. But by all means, let Rozsival dress for another game after spending most of this one in the penalty box. Lost in this was another solid effort by Sean Avery. Some folks have been hammering him and saying he's not playing his game. However, when your team is taking an insane amount of penalties, Avery can't be Avery. First, he can't afford to push the envelope with something that could put his team in the box when the they're already down by three goals. Second, with seven penalties kills, Avery is hardly on the ice. It's bad enough he's being wasted on the fourth line but when he's averaging four minutes a period, it's hard for him to be effective. Despite all of this, he's still probably the most underrated player on the team, when it comes to delivering a consistent effort. So, I guess the recap is: The Rangers can no longer play at the Garden in front of the best fans in the world, they can't play on the road in front of the other team's fans, they can't come from behind, and they can't score more than 2 goals in a game unless the sun, moon and stars align, and nights that Henrik doesn't play are going to be long ones. Oh, and they expend so much energy on the penalty kill that they have nothing left in the tank to mount a comeback. Can't wait to see the Avalanche game tonight. nonadult false Just Win Baby text blog 25 0 0.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20054389&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/photos/PHOTO_2502306_20434_2377517_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 1800195 20054389 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_where-are-they/BLOG/1800193/20434.html WHO ARE THESE AMATUERS POSING AS MY NY RANGERS?  WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS HOCKEY TEAM?  PASSING STINKS...NOT ENOUGH HITS AT THE BLUE LINE... CAN'T PUT A SHOT ON GOAL!!!!!!!! WHO ARE THESE AMATUERS POSING AS MY NY RANGERS?  WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS HOCKEY TEAM?  PASSING STINKS...NOT ENOUGH HITS AT THE BLUE LINE... CAN'T PUT A SHOT ON GOAL!!!!!!!! Sat, 30 Jan 2010 23:09:27 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_where-are-they/BLOG/1800193/20434.html nyranger651 2010-01-30T23:09:27Z Blueshirts United WHO ARE THESE AMATUERS POSING AS MY NY RANGERS?  WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS HOCKEY TEAM?  PASSING STINKS...NOT ENOUGH HITS AT THE BLUE LINE... CAN'T PUT A SHOT ON GOAL!!!!!!!! nonadult false where are they? text blog 28 0 0.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20106449&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/icons/defaultMember_20434_portrait160X120.jpg false 0 0 1800193 20106449 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_HOPE-IS-GONE/BLOG/1800191/20434.html [image]THE FIRST PERIOD AND IT'S A HORROR..TORT NEEDS TO GO..HE HAS NOT INSTILLED ANY PRIDE INTO THESE PLAYERS.THERE IS ALWAYS NEXT YEAR... [image]THE FIRST PERIOD AND IT'S A HORROR..TORT NEEDS TO GO..HE HAS NOT INSTILLED ANY PRIDE INTO THESE PLAYERS.THERE IS ALWAYS NEXT YEAR... Sat, 30 Jan 2010 22:53:20 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_HOPE-IS-GONE/BLOG/1800191/20434.html scootter 2010-01-30T22:53:20Z Youth Hockey: Long Island Blueshirts United [image]THE FIRST PERIOD AND IT'S A HORROR..TORT NEEDS TO GO..HE HAS NOT INSTILLED ANY PRIDE INTO THESE PLAYERS.THERE IS ALWAYS NEXT YEAR... youth hockey: long island nonadult false HOPE IS GONE text blog youth hockey: long island 31 0 0.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20053739&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/photos/PHOTO_2499921_20434_2332507_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 0 1800191 20053739 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_wrong-coach/BLOG/1800189/20434.html this team has no direction, there passing stinks, there boaring to watch, they dont know how to hit, or prtect each other. i ilke to see jim shoenfeld in there.  this team has no direction, there passing stinks, there boaring to watch, they dont know how to hit, or prtect each other. i ilke to see jim shoenfeld in there.  Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:54:39 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_wrong-coach/BLOG/1800189/20434.html duke0346 2010-01-30T20:54:39Z Youth Hockey: Hudson Valley Blueshirts United this team has no direction, there passing stinks, there boaring to watch, they dont know how to hit, or prtect each other. i ilke to see jim shoenfeld in there.  youth hockey: hudson valley nonadult false wrong coach text blog youth hockey: hudson valley 30 0 0.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20088111&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/icons/defaultMember_20434_portrait160X120.jpg false 0 0 1800189 20088111 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_JAN-30TH/BLOG/1800187/20434.html MY HEART IS ALREADY THINKING ABOUT TONITES GAME..I LIVE FOR HOCKEY AND OF CAUSE THE RANGERS..EVEN IF THEY LOOSE..JUST DO IT WITH HEART!!! MY HEART IS ALREADY THINKING ABOUT TONITES GAME..I LIVE FOR HOCKEY AND OF CAUSE THE RANGERS..EVEN IF THEY LOOSE..JUST DO IT WITH HEART!!! Sat, 30 Jan 2010 18:39:26 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_JAN-30TH/BLOG/1800187/20434.html scootter 2010-01-30T18:39:26Z Blueshirts United MY HEART IS ALREADY THINKING ABOUT TONITES GAME..I LIVE FOR HOCKEY AND OF CAUSE THE RANGERS..EVEN IF THEY LOOSE..JUST DO IT WITH HEART!!! nonadult false JAN. 30TH text blog 31 0 0.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20053739&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/photos/PHOTO_2499921_20434_2332507_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 1800187 20053739 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_FOREVER-FAN/BLOG/1800185/20434.html [image]I WAS BORN A RANGER FAN..I'M ALMOST 62 NOW...ANYONE WHO FOLLOWS THE RANGERS AND WHOSE BLOOD RUNS BLUE...UNFORTUNATELY THIS IS ALL PART OF LOVING A TEAM AND SPORT SO MUCH THAT IT ACTUALLY HURTS TO SEE THEM LOSE OR SKATE AROUND IN CIRCLES, ESP WHEN YOU KNOW IN YOUR HEART THEY CAN DO IT...CAN'T SAY WHAT THE PROBLEM REALLY IS, BUT THEY NEED TO START LOOKING AT THE TOP AND WORKING DOWNWARDS...I COULD GO FOR A REALLY YOUNG GROUP OF PLAYERS WHO NEED SOME TIME TO JELL, BUT PLAY HARD AND LET US ENJOY THE SPORT.  MY GRANDSON WHO IS 7 AND PLAYS HOCKEY WOULD BE AN ASSET TO THE TEAM!!! JUST KEEP THE FAITH RANGER FANS...AT LEAST I DO KNOW WHAT IT FEEELS LIKE TO WIN THE CUP ONCE IN MY LIFE! [image]I WAS BORN A RANGER FAN..I'M ALMOST 62 NOW...ANYONE WHO FOLLOWS THE RANGERS AND WHOSE BLOOD RUNS BLUE...UNFORTUNATELY THIS IS ALL PART OF LOVING A TEAM AND SPORT SO MUCH THAT IT ACTUALLY HURTS TO SEE THEM LOSE OR SKATE AROUND IN CIRCLES, ESP WHEN YOU KNOW IN YOUR HEART THEY CAN DO IT...CAN'T SAY WHAT THE PROBLEM REALLY IS, BUT THEY NEED TO START LOOKING AT THE TOP AND WORKING DOWNWARDS...I COULD GO FOR A REALLY YOUNG GROUP OF PLAYERS WHO NEED SOME TIME TO JELL, BUT PLAY HARD AND LET US ENJOY THE SPORT.  MY GRANDSON WHO IS 7 AND PLAYS HOCKEY WOULD BE AN ASSET TO THE TEAM!!! JUST KEEP THE FAITH RANGER FANS...AT LEAST I DO KNOW WHAT IT FEEELS LIKE TO WIN THE CUP ONCE IN MY LIFE! Sat, 30 Jan 2010 18:05:32 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_FOREVER-FAN/BLOG/1800185/20434.html scootter 2010-01-30T18:05:32Z Blueshirts United [image]I WAS BORN A RANGER FAN..I'M ALMOST 62 NOW...ANYONE WHO FOLLOWS THE RANGERS AND WHOSE BLOOD RUNS BLUE...UNFORTUNATELY THIS IS ALL PART OF LOVING A TEAM AND SPORT SO MUCH THAT IT ACTUALLY HURTS TO SEE THEM LOSE OR SKATE AROUND IN CIRCLES, ESP WHEN YOU KNOW IN YOUR HEART THEY CAN DO IT...CAN'T SAY WHAT THE PROBLEM REALLY IS, BUT THEY NEED TO START LOOKING AT THE TOP AND WORKING DOWNWARDS...I COULD GO FOR A REALLY YOUNG GROUP OF PLAYERS WHO NEED SOME TIME TO JELL, BUT PLAY HARD AND LET US ENJOY THE SPORT.  MY GRANDSON WHO IS 7 AND PLAYS HOCKEY WOULD BE AN ASSET TO THE TEAM!!! JUST KEEP THE FAITH RANGER FANS...AT LEAST I DO KNOW WHAT IT FEEELS LIKE TO WIN THE CUP ONCE IN MY LIFE! nonadult false FOREVER FAN text blog 30 0 0.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20053739&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/photos/PHOTO_2499921_20434_2332507_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 1800185 20053739 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Road-To-Ruin-Part-1/BLOG/1800183/20434.html  NY Rangers – Road To Ruin Part 1 2001-2002 They say you can't evaluate a trade in the NHL until a few years go by. It takes time for the draft picks to pan out, players to develop, etc. So, today I decided to look back at Sather's first season with the Rangers. After nine years, enough time has passed to see how good Glen's moves turned out back then. It will also help to figure out where the Rangers are today and where they are going under Sather's leadership. So as we quickly approach ten years with Glen. Let's start a trip down Memory Lane, or as I like to call it – the Rangers Road To Ruin. I originally started grouping these trades by year but then it became confusing over, who was obtained in the off-season vs. deadline deals vs. deals for the following season. So these aren't exact dates but rather the seasons that they are most associated with. To Edmonton: Mike York & 4th Round Pick 2002 (Ivan Koltsov)To Rangers: Tom Poti & Rem MurrayYork only had two decent post-Rangers years so it wasn't a huge loss. Poti had a career year in 2002-03 but there were some lean times after that. Grade B+ To Dallas: Manny Malhotra & Barrett HeisteinTo Rangers: Martin Rucinsky & Roman LyashenkoConsidering Malhotra had a nice run with Columbus and is still a solid contributor for the Sharks, long after Rucinsky has hung up his skates, makes it tough to give this a passing score. Grade D To Tampa Bay: Zdeno CigerTo Rangers: Matthew BarnabyBarnaby was a fan favorite and he definitely wasn't shy to drop his gloves. He added some much needed toughness to the Rangers and he got the crowds into the game when there wasn't much to cheer about. Ciger played only 27 games for the Lightning before going back to Slovakia. Grade A To Oilers: Radek DvorakTo Rangers: Anson CarterThe Carter deal opened the door for Jaromir Jagr deal so this one isn't a complete bust. However, that wouldn't come for a few more years. Grade B To San Jose: Adam GravesTo Rangers: Mikeal SamuelssonAdam Graves being traded for anyone wasn't a good idea. Even though his goal production was down, he had done enough for the fans and the organization to be kept here. This deal is particularly bad when you consider that Samuelsson was a throw in to Pittsburgh on the Kovalev trade. Samuelsson is currently on the Canucks where he is on pace for a 30 goal season and over 50 points. Grade: F To Flyers: Jan Hlavac, Kim Johnsson, Pavel Brendl & 2003 3rd Round Pick (Stefan Ruzicka)To Rangers: Eric LindrosOne of the most hated Flyers came to NY for a career shortened by injuries and under achievement. At the time the Rangers gave up a king's ransom but since Pavel Brendl never panned out it didn't hurt them as much as it could have. Still, Hlavac going meant the end of the productive Czech Line and Kim Johnsson was a major loss on the blueline. Grade F To Panthers: Flip Novak, Igor Ulanov, 1st, 2nd and 4th Round Picks (Eric Nystrom, Rob Globke)To Rangers: Pavel Bure & Lee FalardeauBesides Trevor Linden, there was no more hated Canuck to Rangers fans, than Pavel Bure. The Russian Rocket was more like a Russian Sparkler by the time he made it to Broadway, and well past his prime. Another injury bust with an overinflated contract. This deal looks even worse in hindsight when you see the player Eric Nystrom has become for Calgary. Grade F Overall Grade: FThe team didn't make the playoffs until 2006 – so none of these moves improved the team in any noticeable way. Also, bringing in players that the fans loathed (Bure & Lindros) really changed not only the culture of the team but the relationship the team had with its fans. To add insult to injury, guys like Samuelsson and Malhotra are still solid contributors on an NHL level for two playoff bound teams. More to come as I look at other 'highlights' from Sather's tenure with the Rangers.  NY Rangers – Road To Ruin Part 1 2001-2002 They say you can't evaluate a trade in the NHL until a few years go by. It takes time for the draft picks to pan out, players to develop, etc. So, today I decided to look back at Sather's first season with the Rangers. After nine years, enough time has passed to see how good Glen's moves turned out back then. It will also help to figure out where the Rangers are today and where they are going under Sather's leadership. So as we quickly approach ten years with Glen. Let's start a trip down Memory Lane, or as I like to call it – the Rangers Road To Ruin. I originally started grouping these trades by year but then it became confusing over, who was obtained in the off-season vs. deadline deals vs. deals for the following season. So these aren't exact dates but rather the seasons that they are most associated with. To Edmonton: Mike York & 4th Round Pick 2002 (Ivan Koltsov)To Rangers: Tom Poti & Rem MurrayYork only had two decent post-Rangers years so it wasn't a huge loss. Poti had a career year in 2002-03 but there were some lean times after that. Grade B+ To Dallas: Manny Malhotra & Barrett HeisteinTo Rangers: Martin Rucinsky & Roman LyashenkoConsidering Malhotra had a nice run with Columbus and is still a solid contributor for the Sharks, long after Rucinsky has hung up his skates, makes it tough to give this a passing score. Grade D To Tampa Bay: Zdeno CigerTo Rangers: Matthew BarnabyBarnaby was a fan favorite and he definitely wasn't shy to drop his gloves. He added some much needed toughness to the Rangers and he got the crowds into the game when there wasn't much to cheer about. Ciger played only 27 games for the Lightning before going back to Slovakia. Grade A To Oilers: Radek DvorakTo Rangers: Anson CarterThe Carter deal opened the door for Jaromir Jagr deal so this one isn't a complete bust. However, that wouldn't come for a few more years. Grade B To San Jose: Adam GravesTo Rangers: Mikeal SamuelssonAdam Graves being traded for anyone wasn't a good idea. Even though his goal production was down, he had done enough for the fans and the organization to be kept here. This deal is particularly bad when you consider that Samuelsson was a throw in to Pittsburgh on the Kovalev trade. Samuelsson is currently on the Canucks where he is on pace for a 30 goal season and over 50 points. Grade: F To Flyers: Jan Hlavac, Kim Johnsson, Pavel Brendl & 2003 3rd Round Pick (Stefan Ruzicka)To Rangers: Eric LindrosOne of the most hated Flyers came to NY for a career shortened by injuries and under achievement. At the time the Rangers gave up a king's ransom but since Pavel Brendl never panned out it didn't hurt them as much as it could have. Still, Hlavac going meant the end of the productive Czech Line and Kim Johnsson was a major loss on the blueline. Grade F To Panthers: Flip Novak, Igor Ulanov, 1st, 2nd and 4th Round Picks (Eric Nystrom, Rob Globke)To Rangers: Pavel Bure & Lee FalardeauBesides Trevor Linden, there was no more hated Canuck to Rangers fans, than Pavel Bure. The Russian Rocket was more like a Russian Sparkler by the time he made it to Broadway, and well past his prime. Another injury bust with an overinflated contract. This deal looks even worse in hindsight when you see the player Eric Nystrom has become for Calgary. Grade F Overall Grade: FThe team didn't make the playoffs until 2006 – so none of these moves improved the team in any noticeable way. Also, bringing in players that the fans loathed (Bure & Lindros) really changed not only the culture of the team but the relationship the team had with its fans. To add insult to injury, guys like Samuelsson and Malhotra are still solid contributors on an NHL level for two playoff bound teams. More to come as I look at other 'highlights' from Sather's tenure with the Rangers. Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:58:59 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Road-To-Ruin-Part-1/BLOG/1800183/20434.html tigger165 2010-01-30T15:58:59Z Blueshirts United  NY Rangers – Road To Ruin Part 1 2001-2002 They say you can't evaluate a trade in the NHL until a few years go by. It takes time for the draft picks to pan out, players to develop, etc. So, today I decided to look back at Sather's first season with the Rangers. After nine years, enough time has passed to see how good Glen's moves turned out back then. It will also help to figure out where the Rangers are today and where they are going under Sather's leadership. So as we quickly approach ten years with Glen. Let's start a trip down Memory Lane, or as I like to call it – the Rangers Road To Ruin. I originally started grouping these trades by year but then it became confusing over, who was obtained in the off-season vs. deadline deals vs. deals for the following season. So these aren't exact dates but rather the seasons that they are most associated with. To Edmonton: Mike York & 4th Round Pick 2002 (Ivan Koltsov)To Rangers: Tom Poti & Rem MurrayYork only had two decent post-Rangers years so it wasn't a huge loss. Poti had a career year in 2002-03 but there were some lean times after that. Grade B+ To Dallas: Manny Malhotra & Barrett HeisteinTo Rangers: Martin Rucinsky & Roman LyashenkoConsidering Malhotra had a nice run with Columbus and is still a solid contributor for the Sharks, long after Rucinsky has hung up his skates, makes it tough to give this a passing score. Grade D To Tampa Bay: Zdeno CigerTo Rangers: Matthew BarnabyBarnaby was a fan favorite and he definitely wasn't shy to drop his gloves. He added some much needed toughness to the Rangers and he got the crowds into the game when there wasn't much to cheer about. Ciger played only 27 games for the Lightning before going back to Slovakia. Grade A To Oilers: Radek DvorakTo Rangers: Anson CarterThe Carter deal opened the door for Jaromir Jagr deal so this one isn't a complete bust. However, that wouldn't come for a few more years. Grade B To San Jose: Adam GravesTo Rangers: Mikeal SamuelssonAdam Graves being traded for anyone wasn't a good idea. Even though his goal production was down, he had done enough for the fans and the organization to be kept here. This deal is particularly bad when you consider that Samuelsson was a throw in to Pittsburgh on the Kovalev trade. Samuelsson is currently on the Canucks where he is on pace for a 30 goal season and over 50 points. Grade: F To Flyers: Jan Hlavac, Kim Johnsson, Pavel Brendl & 2003 3rd Round Pick (Stefan Ruzicka)To Rangers: Eric LindrosOne of the most hated Flyers came to NY for a career shortened by injuries and under achievement. At the time the Rangers gave up a king's ransom but since Pavel Brendl never panned out it didn't hurt them as much as it could have. Still, Hlavac going meant the end of the productive Czech Line and Kim Johnsson was a major loss on the blueline. Grade F To Panthers: Flip Novak, Igor Ulanov, 1st, 2nd and 4th Round Picks (Eric Nystrom, Rob Globke)To Rangers: Pavel Bure & Lee FalardeauBesides Trevor Linden, there was no more hated Canuck to Rangers fans, than Pavel Bure. The Russian Rocket was more like a Russian Sparkler by the time he made it to Broadway, and well past his prime. Another injury bust with an overinflated contract. This deal looks even worse in hindsight when you see the player Eric Nystrom has become for Calgary. Grade F Overall Grade: FThe team didn't make the playoffs until 2006 – so none of these moves improved the team in any noticeable way. Also, bringing in players that the fans loathed (Bure & Lindros) really changed not only the culture of the team but the relationship the team had with its fans. To add insult to injury, guys like Samuelsson and Malhotra are still solid contributors on an NHL level for two playoff bound teams. More to come as I look at other 'highlights' from Sather's tenure with the Rangers. nonadult false Road To Ruin Part 1 text blog 37 1 5.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20054389&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/photos/PHOTO_2502306_20434_2377517_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 0 1800183 20054389 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Worthless-defense/BLOG/1800181/20434.html Can someone please explain to me why Roszival is making 5 million bucks this year? If anyone has been more worthless to a team i would'nt believe it. He is constantly out skated, out played, and out hustled by every player on the opposing team all game long. When he gets the puck he's like a deer caught in the headlights and he could'nt keep a beachball in the zone from the blue line. On the rare occasion that he actually does what he's paid for the announcers praise him like he's the second coming. I know a lot of you are going to disagree but DelZotto needs a couple of more years in the minors. For all his offensive skill he gets burned on defense almost as much as Rosy. On the power play he lazily skates back to the puck like he has all day to make a play!! They're actually saying he's in the running for the Calder. I wouldnt put him in the top 10. Tortorella said this was going to be a tough team to play against. Maybe if your the ladies auxillary!! Can someone please explain to me why Roszival is making 5 million bucks this year? If anyone has been more worthless to a team i would'nt believe it. He is constantly out skated, out played, and out hustled by every player on the opposing team all game long. When he gets the puck he's like a deer caught in the headlights and he could'nt keep a beachball in the zone from the blue line. On the rare occasion that he actually does what he's paid for the announcers praise him like he's the second coming. I know a lot of you are going to disagree but DelZotto needs a couple of more years in the minors. For all his offensive skill he gets burned on defense almost as much as Rosy. On the power play he lazily skates back to the puck like he has all day to make a play!! They're actually saying he's in the running for the Calder. I wouldnt put him in the top 10. Tortorella said this was going to be a tough team to play against. Maybe if your the ladies auxillary!! Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:10:31 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Worthless-defense/BLOG/1800181/20434.html richterforever 2010-01-29T17:10:31Z Blueshirts United Can someone please explain to me why Roszival is making 5 million bucks this year? If anyone has been more worthless to a team i would'nt believe it. He is constantly out skated, out played, and out hustled by every player on the opposing team all game long. When he gets the puck he's like a deer caught in the headlights and he could'nt keep a beachball in the zone from the blue line. On the rare occasion that he actually does what he's paid for the announcers praise him like he's the second coming. I know a lot of you are going to disagree but DelZotto needs a couple of more years in the minors. For all his offensive skill he gets burned on defense almost as much as Rosy. On the power play he lazily skates back to the puck like he has all day to make a play!! They're actually saying he's in the running for the Calder. I wouldnt put him in the top 10. Tortorella said this was going to be a tough team to play against. Maybe if your the ladies auxillary!! nonadult false Worthless defense text blog 36 0 0.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20104893&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/photos/PHOTO_2501467_20434_4648716_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 1800181 20104893 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_miracles-do-happen/BLOG/1800179/20434.html taylor hall !!!  where r u?  taylor hall !!!  where r u?  Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:44:18 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_miracles-do-happen/BLOG/1800179/20434.html laniemagnone 2010-01-29T16:44:18Z Blueshirts United taylor hall !!!  where r u?  nonadult false miracles do happen text blog 32 0 0.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20106371&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/icons/defaultMember_20434_portrait160X120.jpg false 0 0 1800179 20106371 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_A-Case-For-Dan-Girardi/BLOG/1800177/20434.html   A Case For Dan Girardi  In the world of salary caps and numbers, Dan Girardi could find himself on the outside looking in. Whether the Rangers become buyers or sellers (and I'm still pushing for them to be sellers), Girardi remains the most likely Ranger to be moved in a deal. The Rangers will be spitting distance from the cap ceiling next year and their Restricted Free Agents include: Girardi, Staal, Lisin, Christensen, and Zaba. The Unrestricted Free Agents include only Higgins and Prospal. At this point, it's safe to say that Higgins will be moved at the trade deadline, provided someone has a bag of pucks that they're willing to part with. Girardi is a tougher call. If the Rangers are buyers, I can see them packaging Girardi with a contract they're trying to move in order to unload some dead weight. No GM in their right mind would take Rozsival or Redden unless there was a blue chip defenseman coming back in the deal. Also, if the Rangers insist on being buyers, then it means that Prospal won't be traded and he'll be a priority to re-sign next season. That would not bode well for Girardi because both Staal and Prospal would be looking for sizable raises, that would sure to eat up any remaining cap space the Rangers have next season. If Sather gets struck by a lightning bolt of reason and the Rangers become sellers, then Girardi has a slightly better chance at staying with the team. Prospal and Higgins would both be on the move and if the Rangers got draft picks or prospects in return then, they could conceivably have the cap space to keep both Staal and Girardi. However, Dan still remains one of the few moveable Rangers assets (because let's face it – folks aren't lining up for Brashear, Drury, Redden, Kotalik and Rozsival). Also, with Heikkinen, Gilroy, Sanguinetti, Sauer and Potter all having another year of development under their belts, the Rangers feel they have options at the blueline. Giaradi has been residing on the outskirts of Tortorella's doghouse since before the season began. Torts called him out in the press, on more than one occasion, during the pre-season and things never really got better. Things heated up last week, when Girardi was lambasted in articles, citing his failure to protect Gaborik at the hands of Carcillo. As the trade deadline looms near, Girardi has also been attached to various rumors including a package of players that would bring the Rangers players like Lecavalier or Phaneuf. Personally, I like Girardi and I would like to see him remain a Ranger. At this point, I wish the core of Dubinsky, Callahan, Staal, Del Zotto and Girardi would all stay with the team but knowing the way Sather does things, it doesn't seem likely. If someone out of that group had to go then I would have to pick Girardi. However, most of the problems with his game aren't really his fault. I've always contended that young players need role models. Who the hell has Girardi had to learn from? Wade Redden and Michal Rozsival won't exactly be confused with Ray Bourque or Brian Leetch any time soon. When it comes to toughness, sticking up for teammates, a booming shot from the point, work ethic / preparation, playing the angles, etc. have Girardi, Staal, Del Zotto and Gilroy really been given the tools they need to develop and succeed? Yes, they have coaches but the Rangers have lacked an on-ice mentor that could really allow these defensemen to realize their potential. I've never been a fan of bringing in washed up players past their prime but the Rangers need to get a veteran defenseman in a big way (Chelios or Souray come to mind). Not so much for their production on the ice but more for their leadership on the bench and to teach these young players how to grow into their positions. Don't give up on Girardi just yet... just get him some help.   A Case For Dan Girardi  In the world of salary caps and numbers, Dan Girardi could find himself on the outside looking in. Whether the Rangers become buyers or sellers (and I'm still pushing for them to be sellers), Girardi remains the most likely Ranger to be moved in a deal. The Rangers will be spitting distance from the cap ceiling next year and their Restricted Free Agents include: Girardi, Staal, Lisin, Christensen, and Zaba. The Unrestricted Free Agents include only Higgins and Prospal. At this point, it's safe to say that Higgins will be moved at the trade deadline, provided someone has a bag of pucks that they're willing to part with. Girardi is a tougher call. If the Rangers are buyers, I can see them packaging Girardi with a contract they're trying to move in order to unload some dead weight. No GM in their right mind would take Rozsival or Redden unless there was a blue chip defenseman coming back in the deal. Also, if the Rangers insist on being buyers, then it means that Prospal won't be traded and he'll be a priority to re-sign next season. That would not bode well for Girardi because both Staal and Prospal would be looking for sizable raises, that would sure to eat up any remaining cap space the Rangers have next season. If Sather gets struck by a lightning bolt of reason and the Rangers become sellers, then Girardi has a slightly better chance at staying with the team. Prospal and Higgins would both be on the move and if the Rangers got draft picks or prospects in return then, they could conceivably have the cap space to keep both Staal and Girardi. However, Dan still remains one of the few moveable Rangers assets (because let's face it – folks aren't lining up for Brashear, Drury, Redden, Kotalik and Rozsival). Also, with Heikkinen, Gilroy, Sanguinetti, Sauer and Potter all having another year of development under their belts, the Rangers feel they have options at the blueline. Giaradi has been residing on the outskirts of Tortorella's doghouse since before the season began. Torts called him out in the press, on more than one occasion, during the pre-season and things never really got better. Things heated up last week, when Girardi was lambasted in articles, citing his failure to protect Gaborik at the hands of Carcillo. As the trade deadline looms near, Girardi has also been attached to various rumors including a package of players that would bring the Rangers players like Lecavalier or Phaneuf. Personally, I like Girardi and I would like to see him remain a Ranger. At this point, I wish the core of Dubinsky, Callahan, Staal, Del Zotto and Girardi would all stay with the team but knowing the way Sather does things, it doesn't seem likely. If someone out of that group had to go then I would have to pick Girardi. However, most of the problems with his game aren't really his fault. I've always contended that young players need role models. Who the hell has Girardi had to learn from? Wade Redden and Michal Rozsival won't exactly be confused with Ray Bourque or Brian Leetch any time soon. When it comes to toughness, sticking up for teammates, a booming shot from the point, work ethic / preparation, playing the angles, etc. have Girardi, Staal, Del Zotto and Gilroy really been given the tools they need to develop and succeed? Yes, they have coaches but the Rangers have lacked an on-ice mentor that could really allow these defensemen to realize their potential. I've never been a fan of bringing in washed up players past their prime but the Rangers need to get a veteran defenseman in a big way (Chelios or Souray come to mind). Not so much for their production on the ice but more for their leadership on the bench and to teach these young players how to grow into their positions. Don't give up on Girardi just yet... just get him some help. Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:17:58 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_A-Case-For-Dan-Girardi/BLOG/1800177/20434.html tigger165 2010-01-29T13:17:58Z Blueshirts United   A Case For Dan Girardi  In the world of salary caps and numbers, Dan Girardi could find himself on the outside looking in. Whether the Rangers become buyers or sellers (and I'm still pushing for them to be sellers), Girardi remains the most likely Ranger to be moved in a deal. The Rangers will be spitting distance from the cap ceiling next year and their Restricted Free Agents include: Girardi, Staal, Lisin, Christensen, and Zaba. The Unrestricted Free Agents include only Higgins and Prospal. At this point, it's safe to say that Higgins will be moved at the trade deadline, provided someone has a bag of pucks that they're willing to part with. Girardi is a tougher call. If the Rangers are buyers, I can see them packaging Girardi with a contract they're trying to move in order to unload some dead weight. No GM in their right mind would take Rozsival or Redden unless there was a blue chip defenseman coming back in the deal. Also, if the Rangers insist on being buyers, then it means that Prospal won't be traded and he'll be a priority to re-sign next season. That would not bode well for Girardi because both Staal and Prospal would be looking for sizable raises, that would sure to eat up any remaining cap space the Rangers have next season. If Sather gets struck by a lightning bolt of reason and the Rangers become sellers, then Girardi has a slightly better chance at staying with the team. Prospal and Higgins would both be on the move and if the Rangers got draft picks or prospects in return then, they could conceivably have the cap space to keep both Staal and Girardi. However, Dan still remains one of the few moveable Rangers assets (because let's face it – folks aren't lining up for Brashear, Drury, Redden, Kotalik and Rozsival). Also, with Heikkinen, Gilroy, Sanguinetti, Sauer and Potter all having another year of development under their belts, the Rangers feel they have options at the blueline. Giaradi has been residing on the outskirts of Tortorella's doghouse since before the season began. Torts called him out in the press, on more than one occasion, during the pre-season and things never really got better. Things heated up last week, when Girardi was lambasted in articles, citing his failure to protect Gaborik at the hands of Carcillo. As the trade deadline looms near, Girardi has also been attached to various rumors including a package of players that would bring the Rangers players like Lecavalier or Phaneuf. Personally, I like Girardi and I would like to see him remain a Ranger. At this point, I wish the core of Dubinsky, Callahan, Staal, Del Zotto and Girardi would all stay with the team but knowing the way Sather does things, it doesn't seem likely. If someone out of that group had to go then I would have to pick Girardi. However, most of the problems with his game aren't really his fault. I've always contended that young players need role models. Who the hell has Girardi had to learn from? Wade Redden and Michal Rozsival won't exactly be confused with Ray Bourque or Brian Leetch any time soon. When it comes to toughness, sticking up for teammates, a booming shot from the point, work ethic / preparation, playing the angles, etc. have Girardi, Staal, Del Zotto and Gilroy really been given the tools they need to develop and succeed? Yes, they have coaches but the Rangers have lacked an on-ice mentor that could really allow these defensemen to realize their potential. I've never been a fan of bringing in washed up players past their prime but the Rangers need to get a veteran defenseman in a big way (Chelios or Souray come to mind). Not so much for their production on the ice but more for their leadership on the bench and to teach these young players how to grow into their positions. Don't give up on Girardi just yet... just get him some help. nonadult false A Case For Dan Girardi text blog 46 0 0.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20054389&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/photos/PHOTO_2502306_20434_2377517_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 0 1800177 20054389 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Rangers-play-oldtime-hockeyIi/BLOG/1800173/20434.html I've been a Ranger ticket holder for almost 40 years and I can honestly say these current Rangers are playing just like older Ranger teams from the past.You all know the ones who got their asses kicked every night and didnt have a single player ready to defend them or the Ranger uniform.The team that stood around and watched captain Dave Maloney get cold cocked by Curt Bennett,prompting then GM John Ferguson to leave the bench immediately at games end and make the call to trade for Nick Fotiu.The team that stood frozen and watched Dale Rolfe get pummelled by Dave Schultz.The teams that stood silently as their goaltender continually got run over!!!!!!!!..Yes I see alot of those old teams in the present day Rangers.I mean face facts,Drury got a cheapshot that knocked him out for some games...nobody did anything..........Henrik gets knocked over almost every night,nobody does anything, ...Our best player gets Pummelled by the Flyers enforcer and nobody jumps in!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT THE F***!!!!!!!!!  Has anybody else noticed Dan Girardi was on ice for both hits to Drury and Gaborik and he did absolutely nothing.Perhaps Mr.Tortorella should stop preaching team concept to a bunch of Marys who havent got a clue or the desire to step up  and play like teammates that really care about each other. He should have pulled Girardi off the ice and benched him for several games,its not like he is irreplaceable on defense.And while speaking of defense,out of six starting defensemen could we get at least one who can clear the crease!!!!!!!!!! This team is going nowhere until they bring in a few players with backbone and the ability to clear the crease.Mr.Sather....Mr.Sather.....are you awake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I've been a Ranger ticket holder for almost 40 years and I can honestly say these current Rangers are playing just like older Ranger teams from the past.You all know the ones who got their asses kicked every night and didnt have a single player ready to defend them or the Ranger uniform.The team that stood around and watched captain Dave Maloney get cold cocked by Curt Bennett,prompting then GM John Ferguson to leave the bench immediately at games end and make the call to trade for Nick Fotiu.The team that stood frozen and watched Dale Rolfe get pummelled by Dave Schultz.The teams that stood silently as their goaltender continually got run over!!!!!!!!..Yes I see alot of those old teams in the present day Rangers.I mean face facts,Drury got a cheapshot that knocked him out for some games...nobody did anything..........Henrik gets knocked over almost every night,nobody does anything, ...Our best player gets Pummelled by the Flyers enforcer and nobody jumps in!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT THE F***!!!!!!!!!  Has anybody else noticed Dan Girardi was on ice for both hits to Drury and Gaborik and he did absolutely nothing.Perhaps Mr.Tortorella should stop preaching team concept to a bunch of Marys who havent got a clue or the desire to step up  and play like teammates that really care about each other. He should have pulled Girardi off the ice and benched him for several games,its not like he is irreplaceable on defense.And while speaking of defense,out of six starting defensemen could we get at least one who can clear the crease!!!!!!!!!! This team is going nowhere until they bring in a few players with backbone and the ability to clear the crease.Mr.Sather....Mr.Sather.....are you awake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:47:53 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Rangers-play-oldtime-hockeyIi/BLOG/1800173/20434.html bobbyinbellmore 2010-01-28T18:47:53Z Blueshirts United I've been a Ranger ticket holder for almost 40 years and I can honestly say these current Rangers are playing just like older Ranger teams from the past.You all know the ones who got their asses kicked every night and didnt have a single player ready to defend them or the Ranger uniform.The team that stood around and watched captain Dave Maloney get cold cocked by Curt Bennett,prompting then GM John Ferguson to leave the bench immediately at games end and make the call to trade for Nick Fotiu.The team that stood frozen and watched Dale Rolfe get pummelled by Dave Schultz.The teams that stood silently as their goaltender continually got run over!!!!!!!!..Yes I see alot of those old teams in the present day Rangers.I mean face facts,Drury got a cheapshot that knocked him out for some games...nobody did anything..........Henrik gets knocked over almost every night,nobody does anything, ...Our best player gets Pummelled by the Flyers enforcer and nobody jumps in!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT THE F***!!!!!!!!!  Has anybody else noticed Dan Girardi was on ice for both hits to Drury and Gaborik and he did absolutely nothing.Perhaps Mr.Tortorella should stop preaching team concept to a bunch of Marys who havent got a clue or the desire to step up  and play like teammates that really care about each other. He should have pulled Girardi off the ice and benched him for several games,its not like he is irreplaceable on defense.And while speaking of defense,out of six starting defensemen could we get at least one who can clear the crease!!!!!!!!!! This team is going nowhere until they bring in a few players with backbone and the ability to clear the crease.Mr.Sather....Mr.Sather.....are you awake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  nonadult false Rangers play oldtime hockeyIi text blog 36 0 0.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20106393&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/icons/defaultMember_20434_portrait160X120.jpg false 1 0 1800173 20106393 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_A-New-Contract-For-Fans/BLOG/1800171/20434.html As fans, we love and support our team but we also take an honest, critical approach when things go horribly wrong. After this four game slide, I think it's safe to say that things have gone off the rails and we can safely place this team in the 'horribly wrong' category. It always amazes me when people speak out against a team / organization that they are a fan of. It's almost like a segment of the fan nation thinks this is some sort of act of heresy, that is punishable by nothing short of being burned at the nearest stake in Salem, MA. When I became a Rangers fan, I didn't get a contract with the fine print saying that I was to blindly follow the organization off the nearest cliff. If I had gotten such a contract, I would expect the team to have gotten a similar agreement from me in return. In my contract, the organization would have a ethical and moral obligation to the fans. There would be several key points that wouldn't be open to negotiation. The organization agrees to put a competitive team on the ice. Maybe I need to define competitive. This term is thrown around and abused so much it's hard to grasp a universal definition. In a league where half the teams make the playoffs, being a perennial 7 or 8 seed, doesn't mean you're competitive. It really means that you're mediocre and that you'll never be bad enough to get a great impact player in the draft nor great enough to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup.Treat the fans with respect. We aren't a bunch of rubes that walked up on a bad three card monty game. If 99% of us knew that Donald Brashear was a disaster before he was signed, then don't keep trying to force feed us how great a Ranger he is going to be. Sorry, but the fans were right on this one. Which brings us to the next point in my contract.Listen to the fans. If you ignore the fans long enough, they will go away. I understand this is a business and decisions can't be made in a vacuum. I also get that you can't bend to every whim of your fanbase. However, when the wave of public opinion is crashing down on your organization like a public relations tsunami, then it's time to give the people what they want. If people are organizing “Fire Sather” rallies on the steps of MSG, then chances are that you let things go too far.Loyalty + Consistency + Effort = Dedication. If you want us to support you through thick and thin, then develop players in the organization that are brought up on the 'Rangers Way' and keep them there. Guys like Callahan, Dubinsky, Del Zotto and Staal are the core group of this team. To read any of their names in trade rumors is not only a mistake but a slap in the face to the fans.Value for your entertainment dollar. We all know this is a horrible economy – no need to re-hash that. But Dolan needs to look at what it costs fans to go to a game and what they are getting in return. It costs me nearly $500 a game, for 4 tickets, parking and food. $500 may not seem like a lot to a man like Dolan who makes millions but it's a serious commitment by someone to watch his team go through the motions. I dare anyone to say I'm not a Rangers fan because I criticize what I'm seeing this season. For what I've paid to take my family to see a dozen lackluster games, I should get a medal (or be hauled off in a straitjacket). The Rangers organization is failing its fans on so many levels right now. Forget about a host of poor signings/trades that brought us the likes of: Brashear, Redden, Rozsival, Kotalik, Higgins, Drury, Boyle, and Lisin. Things are wrong on a much baser level. Where is the direction? Where is the sacred bond between a team and it's fans? Where is the heart and soul on the ice that makes fans want to bleed Rangers Blue? I love the Blueshirts Off Our Backs program. It's a wonderful idea and it's great to see the team continuing this tradition this year. However, the part of the contest that's a bit of a rub is: “fans who display outstanding Rangers pride, dedication and a commitment to passing their passion for the Rangers on to the next generation.” For the last five years, I have sold anything I had of value so I could afford to bring my family to about a dozen games a year. We started this when my daughter was born because it was important to my family that she be exposed to hockey at a young age and to learn what it means to be a Rangers fan. I have two step-daughters that are 16 and 19 and my wife and I have watched them not only embrace the team but become emotionally invested in the team as well.This year more than ever, I've been forced to ask myself on more than one occasion, doesn't the team have a commitment to the fans; to provide us with a team we can have pride in? How can you be dedicated to a team, when it looks like some of the players don't share your passion on a night in / night out basis? I've done my part to pass my passion onto my 5yr old daughter but the last time I checked, this was a two way street. When are the Rangers going to show her that same passion? When are they going to show her that there's something to believe in? (She's a huge Sean Avery fan, so in that regard I should be thankful that she has someone to watch, who puts in an effort every night). I was already put in the unenviable position of having to explain to her what happened to Blair Betts last season. Now I have to explain why the 'bad guys' keep winning and what's wrong with the Rangers. Unfortunately, as a parent, sometimes there just aren't any easy answers. As fans, we love and support our team but we also take an honest, critical approach when things go horribly wrong. After this four game slide, I think it's safe to say that things have gone off the rails and we can safely place this team in the 'horribly wrong' category. It always amazes me when people speak out against a team / organization that they are a fan of. It's almost like a segment of the fan nation thinks this is some sort of act of heresy, that is punishable by nothing short of being burned at the nearest stake in Salem, MA. When I became a Rangers fan, I didn't get a contract with the fine print saying that I was to blindly follow the organization off the nearest cliff. If I had gotten such a contract, I would expect the team to have gotten a similar agreement from me in return. In my contract, the organization would have a ethical and moral obligation to the fans. There would be several key points that wouldn't be open to negotiation. The organization agrees to put a competitive team on the ice. Maybe I need to define competitive. This term is thrown around and abused so much it's hard to grasp a universal definition. In a league where half the teams make the playoffs, being a perennial 7 or 8 seed, doesn't mean you're competitive. It really means that you're mediocre and that you'll never be bad enough to get a great impact player in the draft nor great enough to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup.Treat the fans with respect. We aren't a bunch of rubes that walked up on a bad three card monty game. If 99% of us knew that Donald Brashear was a disaster before he was signed, then don't keep trying to force feed us how great a Ranger he is going to be. Sorry, but the fans were right on this one. Which brings us to the next point in my contract.Listen to the fans. If you ignore the fans long enough, they will go away. I understand this is a business and decisions can't be made in a vacuum. I also get that you can't bend to every whim of your fanbase. However, when the wave of public opinion is crashing down on your organization like a public relations tsunami, then it's time to give the people what they want. If people are organizing “Fire Sather” rallies on the steps of MSG, then chances are that you let things go too far.Loyalty + Consistency + Effort = Dedication. If you want us to support you through thick and thin, then develop players in the organization that are brought up on the 'Rangers Way' and keep them there. Guys like Callahan, Dubinsky, Del Zotto and Staal are the core group of this team. To read any of their names in trade rumors is not only a mistake but a slap in the face to the fans.Value for your entertainment dollar. We all know this is a horrible economy – no need to re-hash that. But Dolan needs to look at what it costs fans to go to a game and what they are getting in return. It costs me nearly $500 a game, for 4 tickets, parking and food. $500 may not seem like a lot to a man like Dolan who makes millions but it's a serious commitment by someone to watch his team go through the motions. I dare anyone to say I'm not a Rangers fan because I criticize what I'm seeing this season. For what I've paid to take my family to see a dozen lackluster games, I should get a medal (or be hauled off in a straitjacket). The Rangers organization is failing its fans on so many levels right now. Forget about a host of poor signings/trades that brought us the likes of: Brashear, Redden, Rozsival, Kotalik, Higgins, Drury, Boyle, and Lisin. Things are wrong on a much baser level. Where is the direction? Where is the sacred bond between a team and it's fans? Where is the heart and soul on the ice that makes fans want to bleed Rangers Blue? I love the Blueshirts Off Our Backs program. It's a wonderful idea and it's great to see the team continuing this tradition this year. However, the part of the contest that's a bit of a rub is: “fans who display outstanding Rangers pride, dedication and a commitment to passing their passion for the Rangers on to the next generation.” For the last five years, I have sold anything I had of value so I could afford to bring my family to about a dozen games a year. We started this when my daughter was born because it was important to my family that she be exposed to hockey at a young age and to learn what it means to be a Rangers fan. I have two step-daughters that are 16 and 19 and my wife and I have watched them not only embrace the team but become emotionally invested in the team as well.This year more than ever, I've been forced to ask myself on more than one occasion, doesn't the team have a commitment to the fans; to provide us with a team we can have pride in? How can you be dedicated to a team, when it looks like some of the players don't share your passion on a night in / night out basis? I've done my part to pass my passion onto my 5yr old daughter but the last time I checked, this was a two way street. When are the Rangers going to show her that same passion? When are they going to show her that there's something to believe in? (She's a huge Sean Avery fan, so in that regard I should be thankful that she has someone to watch, who puts in an effort every night). I was already put in the unenviable position of having to explain to her what happened to Blair Betts last season. Now I have to explain why the 'bad guys' keep winning and what's wrong with the Rangers. Unfortunately, as a parent, sometimes there just aren't any easy answers. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:00:44 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_A-New-Contract-For-Fans/BLOG/1800171/20434.html tigger165 2010-01-28T11:00:44Z Blueshirts United As fans, we love and support our team but we also take an honest, critical approach when things go horribly wrong. After this four game slide, I think it's safe to say that things have gone off the rails and we can safely place this team in the 'horribly wrong' category. It always amazes me when people speak out against a team / organization that they are a fan of. It's almost like a segment of the fan nation thinks this is some sort of act of heresy, that is punishable by nothing short of being burned at the nearest stake in Salem, MA. When I became a Rangers fan, I didn't get a contract with the fine print saying that I was to blindly follow the organization off the nearest cliff. If I had gotten such a contract, I would expect the team to have gotten a similar agreement from me in return. In my contract, the organization would have a ethical and moral obligation to the fans. There would be several key points that wouldn't be open to negotiation. The organization agrees to put a competitive team on the ice. Maybe I need to define competitive. This term is thrown around and abused so much it's hard to grasp a universal definition. In a league where half the teams make the playoffs, being a perennial 7 or 8 seed, doesn't mean you're competitive. It really means that you're mediocre and that you'll never be bad enough to get a great impact player in the draft nor great enough to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup.Treat the fans with respect. We aren't a bunch of rubes that walked up on a bad three card monty game. If 99% of us knew that Donald Brashear was a disaster before he was signed, then don't keep trying to force feed us how great a Ranger he is going to be. Sorry, but the fans were right on this one. Which brings us to the next point in my contract.Listen to the fans. If you ignore the fans long enough, they will go away. I understand this is a business and decisions can't be made in a vacuum. I also get that you can't bend to every whim of your fanbase. However, when the wave of public opinion is crashing down on your organization like a public relations tsunami, then it's time to give the people what they want. If people are organizing “Fire Sather” rallies on the steps of MSG, then chances are that you let things go too far.Loyalty + Consistency + Effort = Dedication. If you want us to support you through thick and thin, then develop players in the organization that are brought up on the 'Rangers Way' and keep them there. Guys like Callahan, Dubinsky, Del Zotto and Staal are the core group of this team. To read any of their names in trade rumors is not only a mistake but a slap in the face to the fans.Value for your entertainment dollar. We all know this is a horrible economy – no need to re-hash that. But Dolan needs to look at what it costs fans to go to a game and what they are getting in return. It costs me nearly $500 a game, for 4 tickets, parking and food. $500 may not seem like a lot to a man like Dolan who makes millions but it's a serious commitment by someone to watch his team go through the motions. I dare anyone to say I'm not a Rangers fan because I criticize what I'm seeing this season. For what I've paid to take my family to see a dozen lackluster games, I should get a medal (or be hauled off in a straitjacket). The Rangers organization is failing its fans on so many levels right now. Forget about a host of poor signings/trades that brought us the likes of: Brashear, Redden, Rozsival, Kotalik, Higgins, Drury, Boyle, and Lisin. Things are wrong on a much baser level. Where is the direction? Where is the sacred bond between a team and it's fans? Where is the heart and soul on the ice that makes fans want to bleed Rangers Blue? I love the Blueshirts Off Our Backs program. It's a wonderful idea and it's great to see the team continuing this tradition this year. However, the part of the contest that's a bit of a rub is: “fans who display outstanding Rangers pride, dedication and a commitment to passing their passion for the Rangers on to the next generation.” For the last five years, I have sold anything I had of value so I could afford to bring my family to about a dozen games a year. We started this when my daughter was born because it was important to my family that she be exposed to hockey at a young age and to learn what it means to be a Rangers fan. I have two step-daughters that are 16 and 19 and my wife and I have watched them not only embrace the team but become emotionally invested in the team as well.This year more than ever, I've been forced to ask myself on more than one occasion, doesn't the team have a commitment to the fans; to provide us with a team we can have pride in? How can you be dedicated to a team, when it looks like some of the players don't share your passion on a night in / night out basis? I've done my part to pass my passion onto my 5yr old daughter but the last time I checked, this was a two way street. When are the Rangers going to show her that same passion? When are they going to show her that there's something to believe in? (She's a huge Sean Avery fan, so in that regard I should be thankful that she has someone to watch, who puts in an effort every night). I was already put in the unenviable position of having to explain to her what happened to Blair Betts last season. Now I have to explain why the 'bad guys' keep winning and what's wrong with the Rangers. Unfortunately, as a parent, sometimes there just aren't any easy answers. nonadult false A New Contract For... Fans text blog 48 2 5.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20054389&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/photos/PHOTO_2502306_20434_2377517_ap_160X120.jpg false 4 0 1800171 20054389 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_SOS-Means-Someone-Help-This-Team/BLOG/1800169/20434.html It's been almost a month since my last post but let's face it-there was nothing to blog about.  This team is a flat as a piece of paper.  They score 8 goals against Tampa a few nights ago and then blah. Gaborik is the only person that generates offense.  One VS. announcer said it best-w/o Henrik Lundqvist this team is buried in the Eastern Conference abyss.  Everyone who was injured has either returned or close to returning so there is no excuse oh they're injured.  I'm ready for Tortorella to just beat one of them with a stick on the bench because every night it seems like he's yelling at a wall because the team just isn't registering.  Something needs to be done before the Olympic Break at least if they want to maintain a playoff spot.  It's been almost a month since my last post but let's face it-there was nothing to blog about.  This team is a flat as a piece of paper.  They score 8 goals against Tampa a few nights ago and then blah. Gaborik is the only person that generates offense.  One VS. announcer said it best-w/o Henrik Lundqvist this team is buried in the Eastern Conference abyss.  Everyone who was injured has either returned or close to returning so there is no excuse oh they're injured.  I'm ready for Tortorella to just beat one of them with a stick on the bench because every night it seems like he's yelling at a wall because the team just isn't registering.  Something needs to be done before the Olympic Break at least if they want to maintain a playoff spot.  Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:07:16 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_SOS-Means-Someone-Help-This-Team/BLOG/1800169/20434.html JoeRanger92 2010-01-27T23:07:16Z Blueshirts United It's been almost a month since my last post but let's face it-there was nothing to blog about.  This team is a flat as a piece of paper.  They score 8 goals against Tampa a few nights ago and then blah. Gaborik is the only person that generates offense.  One VS. announcer said it best-w/o Henrik Lundqvist this team is buried in the Eastern Conference abyss.  Everyone who was injured has either returned or close to returning so there is no excuse oh they're injured.  I'm ready for Tortorella to just beat one of them with a stick on the bench because every night it seems like he's yelling at a wall because the team just isn't registering.  Something needs to be done before the Olympic Break at least if they want to maintain a playoff spot.  nonadult false S.O.S. Means Someone Help This Team text blog 36 0 0.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20089139&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/photos/PHOTO_2470492_20434_4620579_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 0 1800169 20089139 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Why-The-Rangers-Need-To-Be-Sellers/BLOG/1800167/20434.html Why The Rangers Need To Be SellersHockey is one of the greatest games in the world. There I said it and yes, I am one of those people. The world is clearly divided on this one. Forget about Republicans and Democrats – the most clear cut division between people are hockey fans and non-hockey fans. My entire family are hockey nuts and more importantly, NY Rangers fans. My wife, my step-daughters, my daughter – all love the Rangers. Hell, even our dog is named after Sean Avery. My daughter has skated on the ice at Madison Square Garden, she has ridden the Zamboni between periods and even has a fan video on YouTube (and this was all by the time she was 5 years old). When Blair Betts got hurt in the playoffs last year, she included hopes for him to get better in her prayers every night for four months straight. In hopes of being decent parents, we’ve taught her all the cheers at the game but my wife has convinced her that everyone at the Garden is chanting “Purple Socks” instead of “Potvin Sucks”. We all go to about 12 games a year and it’s something that has really brought us together as a family. In our house, when Springsteen sings about the “Ties That Bind”, he might as well be talking about the laces on skates, or fight straps or those little shoelaces at the top of the jersey, that seem to get lost in the wash at least once a week. You get the picture. I live in a hockey house and I love every minute of it.This year has been exceptionally painful as a Rangers fan. They have been plagued with a lack of secondary scoring and stuck with too many underachievers. Big contracts to players like Drury, Rozsival, Redden, Brashear (the biggest waste on skates), Higgins and Kotalik have made them unmovable as the trade deadline looms near. Despite scoring 14 goals last week, I know it’s just an aberration. It won’t last because it never does. (And the subsequent shutouts prove it). Glen Sather did not build a contending team. At best they’re a #6 seed in the playoffs, waiting to get bounced in the first or second round. Which is why it would be a chase for Fool’s Gold to trade away the core group of young players for a rent-a-player who could score.The Rangers aren’t close to a Stanley Cup team (much to the chagrin of my 5yr old who asks God for the Rangers to win the Stanley Cup in her prayers every night… she wants to see Sean Avery in a parade for some reason). Bringing Lacavalier or Pahneuf (long term) or Kovalchuk to NY for a few months won’t cure what ails the Rangers. The fans have lost faith in Glen Sather and John Tortorella; but Dolan feels no pressing need to make the changes that the fans are crying for. The building remains full every night, money is coming in – why change? Tortorella was a good quick fix to Renney’s laid back style but he has proven to be a poor long term solution. His constant tinkering with lines has made it impossible for players to gel and has greatly contributed to their inconsistency. If you look at any other team in the NHL, they all have at least their top two lines set once they break training camp. The Rangers haven’t been able to keep a single line together for any length of time and it goes beyond the coach wanting to shake things up. The players are getting jerked around and there’s a complete double standard when it comes to accountability. How else can you explain how Wade Redden and Ales Kotalik get benched, while Rozival and Higgins continue to be in the lineup every game.As the trade deadline approaches, it’s important that the Rangers build for the future. Nobody enjoys watching this team lose but we as fans could tolerate it if there was a clear plan moving forward. The wholesale changes the team made in the off season have clearly not worked. Losing players like Dawes, Prucha, Betts, Sjostrom, Orr, etc. have left a huge gaping hole in the character and identity of this team. You can only ask the fans to endure so much before they get fed up. Sure Ranger fans may be fans for life but you can’t abuse that loyalty and reward them with a lackluster team. Sooner or later you will feel the consequences of all these years of mediocrity. Yes, the Rangers need scoring depth and consistent defense but what we don’t need is Sather deciding how to fix it. (*originally posted on my Tumblr blog last week and modified to be included here as well) Why The Rangers Need To Be SellersHockey is one of the greatest games in the world. There I said it and yes, I am one of those people. The world is clearly divided on this one. Forget about Republicans and Democrats – the most clear cut division between people are hockey fans and non-hockey fans. My entire family are hockey nuts and more importantly, NY Rangers fans. My wife, my step-daughters, my daughter – all love the Rangers. Hell, even our dog is named after Sean Avery. My daughter has skated on the ice at Madison Square Garden, she has ridden the Zamboni between periods and even has a fan video on YouTube (and this was all by the time she was 5 years old). When Blair Betts got hurt in the playoffs last year, she included hopes for him to get better in her prayers every night for four months straight. In hopes of being decent parents, we’ve taught her all the cheers at the game but my wife has convinced her that everyone at the Garden is chanting “Purple Socks” instead of “Potvin Sucks”. We all go to about 12 games a year and it’s something that has really brought us together as a family. In our house, when Springsteen sings about the “Ties That Bind”, he might as well be talking about the laces on skates, or fight straps or those little shoelaces at the top of the jersey, that seem to get lost in the wash at least once a week. You get the picture. I live in a hockey house and I love every minute of it.This year has been exceptionally painful as a Rangers fan. They have been plagued with a lack of secondary scoring and stuck with too many underachievers. Big contracts to players like Drury, Rozsival, Redden, Brashear (the biggest waste on skates), Higgins and Kotalik have made them unmovable as the trade deadline looms near. Despite scoring 14 goals last week, I know it’s just an aberration. It won’t last because it never does. (And the subsequent shutouts prove it). Glen Sather did not build a contending team. At best they’re a #6 seed in the playoffs, waiting to get bounced in the first or second round. Which is why it would be a chase for Fool’s Gold to trade away the core group of young players for a rent-a-player who could score.The Rangers aren’t close to a Stanley Cup team (much to the chagrin of my 5yr old who asks God for the Rangers to win the Stanley Cup in her prayers every night… she wants to see Sean Avery in a parade for some reason). Bringing Lacavalier or Pahneuf (long term) or Kovalchuk to NY for a few months won’t cure what ails the Rangers. The fans have lost faith in Glen Sather and John Tortorella; but Dolan feels no pressing need to make the changes that the fans are crying for. The building remains full every night, money is coming in – why change? Tortorella was a good quick fix to Renney’s laid back style but he has proven to be a poor long term solution. His constant tinkering with lines has made it impossible for players to gel and has greatly contributed to their inconsistency. If you look at any other team in the NHL, they all have at least their top two lines set once they break training camp. The Rangers haven’t been able to keep a single line together for any length of time and it goes beyond the coach wanting to shake things up. The players are getting jerked around and there’s a complete double standard when it comes to accountability. How else can you explain how Wade Redden and Ales Kotalik get benched, while Rozival and Higgins continue to be in the lineup every game.As the trade deadline approaches, it’s important that the Rangers build for the future. Nobody enjoys watching this team lose but we as fans could tolerate it if there was a clear plan moving forward. The wholesale changes the team made in the off season have clearly not worked. Losing players like Dawes, Prucha, Betts, Sjostrom, Orr, etc. have left a huge gaping hole in the character and identity of this team. You can only ask the fans to endure so much before they get fed up. Sure Ranger fans may be fans for life but you can’t abuse that loyalty and reward them with a lackluster team. Sooner or later you will feel the consequences of all these years of mediocrity. Yes, the Rangers need scoring depth and consistent defense but what we don’t need is Sather deciding how to fix it. (*originally posted on my Tumblr blog last week and modified to be included here as well) Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:43:21 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Why-The-Rangers-Need-To-Be-Sellers/BLOG/1800167/20434.html tigger165 2010-01-27T12:43:21Z Blueshirts United Why The Rangers Need To Be SellersHockey is one of the greatest games in the world. There I said it and yes, I am one of those people. The world is clearly divided on this one. Forget about Republicans and Democrats – the most clear cut division between people are hockey fans and non-hockey fans. My entire family are hockey nuts and more importantly, NY Rangers fans. My wife, my step-daughters, my daughter – all love the Rangers. Hell, even our dog is named after Sean Avery. My daughter has skated on the ice at Madison Square Garden, she has ridden the Zamboni between periods and even has a fan video on YouTube (and this was all by the time she was 5 years old). When Blair Betts got hurt in the playoffs last year, she included hopes for him to get better in her prayers every night for four months straight. In hopes of being decent parents, we’ve taught her all the cheers at the game but my wife has convinced her that everyone at the Garden is chanting “Purple Socks” instead of “Potvin Sucks”. We all go to about 12 games a year and it’s something that has really brought us together as a family. In our house, when Springsteen sings about the “Ties That Bind”, he might as well be talking about the laces on skates, or fight straps or those little shoelaces at the top of the jersey, that seem to get lost in the wash at least once a week. You get the picture. I live in a hockey house and I love every minute of it.This year has been exceptionally painful as a Rangers fan. They have been plagued with a lack of secondary scoring and stuck with too many underachievers. Big contracts to players like Drury, Rozsival, Redden, Brashear (the biggest waste on skates), Higgins and Kotalik have made them unmovable as the trade deadline looms near. Despite scoring 14 goals last week, I know it’s just an aberration. It won’t last because it never does. (And the subsequent shutouts prove it). Glen Sather did not build a contending team. At best they’re a #6 seed in the playoffs, waiting to get bounced in the first or second round. Which is why it would be a chase for Fool’s Gold to trade away the core group of young players for a rent-a-player who could score.The Rangers aren’t close to a Stanley Cup team (much to the chagrin of my 5yr old who asks God for the Rangers to win the Stanley Cup in her prayers every night… she wants to see Sean Avery in a parade for some reason). Bringing Lacavalier or Pahneuf (long term) or Kovalchuk to NY for a few months won’t cure what ails the Rangers. The fans have lost faith in Glen Sather and John Tortorella; but Dolan feels no pressing need to make the changes that the fans are crying for. The building remains full every night, money is coming in – why change? Tortorella was a good quick fix to Renney’s laid back style but he has proven to be a poor long term solution. His constant tinkering with lines has made it impossible for players to gel and has greatly contributed to their inconsistency. If you look at any other team in the NHL, they all have at least their top two lines set once they break training camp. The Rangers haven’t been able to keep a single line together for any length of time and it goes beyond the coach wanting to shake things up. The players are getting jerked around and there’s a complete double standard when it comes to accountability. How else can you explain how Wade Redden and Ales Kotalik get benched, while Rozival and Higgins continue to be in the lineup every game.As the trade deadline approaches, it’s important that the Rangers build for the future. Nobody enjoys watching this team lose but we as fans could tolerate it if there was a clear plan moving forward. The wholesale changes the team made in the off season have clearly not worked. Losing players like Dawes, Prucha, Betts, Sjostrom, Orr, etc. have left a huge gaping hole in the character and identity of this team. You can only ask the fans to endure so much before they get fed up. Sure Ranger fans may be fans for life but you can’t abuse that loyalty and reward them with a lackluster team. Sooner or later you will feel the consequences of all these years of mediocrity. Yes, the Rangers need scoring depth and consistent defense but what we don’t need is Sather deciding how to fix it. (*originally posted on my Tumblr blog last week and modified to be included here as well) nonadult false Why The Rangers Need To Be Sellers text blog 44 0 0.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20054389&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/photos/PHOTO_2502306_20434_2377517_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 1800167 20054389 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Rangers-play-with-no-passion-or-pride/BLOG/1800165/20434.html Last night I attended the debacle of a game versus the Penquins. I love the NY Rangers although sometimes I wonder why. Lately their play has been anything but inspiring. Obviously, they have forgotten the code of being a Ranger. Mark Messier helped revive that message years ago, resulting in the team's first championship in 54 years. However, the new kids on the block need a refresher course, PRONTO!! We fans are die-hard, loyal, never say die, hockey extremist who want nothing more than for our team to play as hard as it is for us to succeed in New York. DAMN HARD, but WORTH IT! We and our beloved historic franchise deserved no less. The Rangers need more WILL than skill. They are currently not a team full of skillful talent. A few players like Drury, Redden and Brashear had it years ago, but not lately. So in essence, they need to play like construction workers with a deadline. Gritty, sweaty, feel no pain, get it done, no one is gonna beat us kind of hockey!Sadly, this problem starts at the top. GM Glen Sather (God love him for his Oiler days) needs to help this team develop an identity. HIS new coach, Tortorella, still can't find a number one line! The season is half over Torts! The players don't know their role on the ice. Complete confusion and utter chaos was all I saw. The way Torts wants them to play, his "system", isn't working because it can't with the current players on the roster. Gaborik and Lundquist are the only legit World-class players he has, yet they're out there trying drop-passes every time they enter the offensive zone. I think he might want them to be a dump and chase team that grinds it out in the corners, but they're not gritty enough. The best asset Torts has is the one he praises the least: SEAN AVERY!He's the smallest guy on the team, listed at 5'10". Yet he's the most physical Ranger in years! Avery is the Rangers' emotional leader, enforcer, agitator and sports writers' favorite target. Why? Sean gets it: he wants to win and plays like he does, period! In my humble (yeah right) opinion, Tortorella should use Sean as the mold for his team. Did I mention the guy has great hockey-sense and can score too. Sure, Avery takes a penalty once in a while, mostly because the refs are LOOKING to give him one. Not out of spite per say, just because Sean's style is pesty to everyone. But he's effective, just like another historic pest named Claude Lemieux who happens to have FOUR STANLEY CUPS with three teams. Rangers fans hate Lemieux, but he won. Lemieux won with Montreal in 1986, New Jersey in 1995, Colorado in 1996 and again in NJ in 2000!! He was also voted as the Conn Smyth Trophy winner as playoff MVP in 1995 with NJ. So, if Avery plays like him then let him.Once they regain their identity and remember the proud heritage of the Rangers, the team should swell with pride causing them the play their little hearts out. Winning the Cup, not making the playoffs, is what it's all about. This team should do an analysis everyday to determine whether they're getting closer to that goal or not. Sounds simple, but they are playing like they forgot the mission. Slogans in the dressing room are cute, but real passion and pride is tatooed or your soul. Ranger fans know exactly what I mean. We bleed blue because Ranger blue pumps through our hearts. This current roster needs to fall in love with the franchise they play for before they can give it everything they have to give. When that moment happens, the Garden will rock like...well 1994!! Favorite moment from last night: Singing the Rangers chant after they score a goal! HEY, HEY, HEY-HEY-HEY-HEY!! Doing it twice was oh so nice! But win the next one guys! Let's go Rangers!  Last night I attended the debacle of a game versus the Penquins. I love the NY Rangers although sometimes I wonder why. Lately their play has been anything but inspiring. Obviously, they have forgotten the code of being a Ranger. Mark Messier helped revive that message years ago, resulting in the team's first championship in 54 years. However, the new kids on the block need a refresher course, PRONTO!! We fans are die-hard, loyal, never say die, hockey extremist who want nothing more than for our team to play as hard as it is for us to succeed in New York. DAMN HARD, but WORTH IT! We and our beloved historic franchise deserved no less. The Rangers need more WILL than skill. They are currently not a team full of skillful talent. A few players like Drury, Redden and Brashear had it years ago, but not lately. So in essence, they need to play like construction workers with a deadline. Gritty, sweaty, feel no pain, get it done, no one is gonna beat us kind of hockey!Sadly, this problem starts at the top. GM Glen Sather (God love him for his Oiler days) needs to help this team develop an identity. HIS new coach, Tortorella, still can't find a number one line! The season is half over Torts! The players don't know their role on the ice. Complete confusion and utter chaos was all I saw. The way Torts wants them to play, his "system", isn't working because it can't with the current players on the roster. Gaborik and Lundquist are the only legit World-class players he has, yet they're out there trying drop-passes every time they enter the offensive zone. I think he might want them to be a dump and chase team that grinds it out in the corners, but they're not gritty enough. The best asset Torts has is the one he praises the least: SEAN AVERY!He's the smallest guy on the team, listed at 5'10". Yet he's the most physical Ranger in years! Avery is the Rangers' emotional leader, enforcer, agitator and sports writers' favorite target. Why? Sean gets it: he wants to win and plays like he does, period! In my humble (yeah right) opinion, Tortorella should use Sean as the mold for his team. Did I mention the guy has great hockey-sense and can score too. Sure, Avery takes a penalty once in a while, mostly because the refs are LOOKING to give him one. Not out of spite per say, just because Sean's style is pesty to everyone. But he's effective, just like another historic pest named Claude Lemieux who happens to have FOUR STANLEY CUPS with three teams. Rangers fans hate Lemieux, but he won. Lemieux won with Montreal in 1986, New Jersey in 1995, Colorado in 1996 and again in NJ in 2000!! He was also voted as the Conn Smyth Trophy winner as playoff MVP in 1995 with NJ. So, if Avery plays like him then let him.Once they regain their identity and remember the proud heritage of the Rangers, the team should swell with pride causing them the play their little hearts out. Winning the Cup, not making the playoffs, is what it's all about. This team should do an analysis everyday to determine whether they're getting closer to that goal or not. Sounds simple, but they are playing like they forgot the mission. Slogans in the dressing room are cute, but real passion and pride is tatooed or your soul. Ranger fans know exactly what I mean. We bleed blue because Ranger blue pumps through our hearts. This current roster needs to fall in love with the franchise they play for before they can give it everything they have to give. When that moment happens, the Garden will rock like...well 1994!! Favorite moment from last night: Singing the Rangers chant after they score a goal! HEY, HEY, HEY-HEY-HEY-HEY!! Doing it twice was oh so nice! But win the next one guys! Let's go Rangers!  Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:44:48 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Rangers-play-with-no-passion-or-pride/BLOG/1800165/20434.html HarleyD99 2010-01-26T15:44:48Z Blueshirts United Last night I attended the debacle of a game versus the Penquins. I love the NY Rangers although sometimes I wonder why. Lately their play has been anything but inspiring. Obviously, they have forgotten the code of being a Ranger. Mark Messier helped revive that message years ago, resulting in the team's first championship in 54 years. However, the new kids on the block need a refresher course, PRONTO!! We fans are die-hard, loyal, never say die, hockey extremist who want nothing more than for our team to play as hard as it is for us to succeed in New York. DAMN HARD, but WORTH IT! We and our beloved historic franchise deserved no less. The Rangers need more WILL than skill. They are currently not a team full of skillful talent. A few players like Drury, Redden and Brashear had it years ago, but not lately. So in essence, they need to play like construction workers with a deadline. Gritty, sweaty, feel no pain, get it done, no one is gonna beat us kind of hockey!Sadly, this problem starts at the top. GM Glen Sather (God love him for his Oiler days) needs to help this team develop an identity. HIS new coach, Tortorella, still can't find a number one line! The season is half over Torts! The players don't know their role on the ice. Complete confusion and utter chaos was all I saw. The way Torts wants them to play, his "system", isn't working because it can't with the current players on the roster. Gaborik and Lundquist are the only legit World-class players he has, yet they're out there trying drop-passes every time they enter the offensive zone. I think he might want them to be a dump and chase team that grinds it out in the corners, but they're not gritty enough. The best asset Torts has is the one he praises the least: SEAN AVERY!He's the smallest guy on the team, listed at 5'10". Yet he's the most physical Ranger in years! Avery is the Rangers' emotional leader, enforcer, agitator and sports writers' favorite target. Why? Sean gets it: he wants to win and plays like he does, period! In my humble (yeah right) opinion, Tortorella should use Sean as the mold for his team. Did I mention the guy has great hockey-sense and can score too. Sure, Avery takes a penalty once in a while, mostly because the refs are LOOKING to give him one. Not out of spite per say, just because Sean's style is pesty to everyone. But he's effective, just like another historic pest named Claude Lemieux who happens to have FOUR STANLEY CUPS with three teams. Rangers fans hate Lemieux, but he won. Lemieux won with Montreal in 1986, New Jersey in 1995, Colorado in 1996 and again in NJ in 2000!! He was also voted as the Conn Smyth Trophy winner as playoff MVP in 1995 with NJ. So, if Avery plays like him then let him.Once they regain their identity and remember the proud heritage of the Rangers, the team should swell with pride causing them the play their little hearts out. Winning the Cup, not making the playoffs, is what it's all about. This team should do an analysis everyday to determine whether they're getting closer to that goal or not. Sounds simple, but they are playing like they forgot the mission. Slogans in the dressing room are cute, but real passion and pride is tatooed or your soul. Ranger fans know exactly what I mean. We bleed blue because Ranger blue pumps through our hearts. This current roster needs to fall in love with the franchise they play for before they can give it everything they have to give. When that moment happens, the Garden will rock like...well 1994!! Favorite moment from last night: Singing the Rangers chant after they score a goal! HEY, HEY, HEY-HEY-HEY-HEY!! Doing it twice was oh so nice! But win the next one guys! Let's go Rangers!  nonadult false Rangers play with no passion or pride text blog 54 0 0.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20106351&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/icons/defaultMember_20434_portrait160X120.jpg false 1 0 1800165 20106351 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Reunite-the-Staal-brothers-in-NYC/BLOG/1800163/20434.html Here is a suggestion fans...why not make some trades (can it get any worse?) and try to get Eric Staal from Carolina and possibly Jordan from Pittsburgh.  What do they bring?....oh well, 2 Stanley Cups between them, as well as some badly needed scoring and competetiveness.  Why watch the three of these guys beat the crap out of each other for next however many years in the same conference? Here is a suggestion fans...why not make some trades (can it get any worse?) and try to get Eric Staal from Carolina and possibly Jordan from Pittsburgh.  What do they bring?....oh well, 2 Stanley Cups between them, as well as some badly needed scoring and competetiveness.  Why watch the three of these guys beat the crap out of each other for next however many years in the same conference? Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:40:59 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Reunite-the-Staal-brothers-in-NYC/BLOG/1800163/20434.html MikeH7 2010-01-26T14:40:59Z Blueshirts United Here is a suggestion fans...why not make some trades (can it get any worse?) and try to get Eric Staal from Carolina and possibly Jordan from Pittsburgh.  What do they bring?....oh well, 2 Stanley Cups between them, as well as some badly needed scoring and competetiveness.  Why watch the three of these guys beat the crap out of each other for next however many years in the same conference? nonadult false Reunite the Staal brothers in NYC! text blog 39 0 0.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20106347&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/icons/defaultMember_20434_portrait160X120.jpg false 0 0 1800163 20106347 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Do-you-think-Gaborik-is-saying-to-himself-why-did-I-leave-Minnesota-for-this-crap/BLOG/1800161/20434.html I'm really starting to feel sorry for this guy and Henrik...Once again Sather has demonstrated that he does not know how to build a team for the ages...how long is it going to take before someone throws that waste out of the Garden?  The Rangers need "complete" players which is not what they have right now. I'm really starting to feel sorry for this guy and Henrik...Once again Sather has demonstrated that he does not know how to build a team for the ages...how long is it going to take before someone throws that waste out of the Garden?  The Rangers need "complete" players which is not what they have right now. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:24:26 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_Do-you-think-Gaborik-is-saying-to-himself-why-did-I-leave-Minnesota-for-this-crap/BLOG/1800161/20434.html MikeH7 2010-01-26T14:24:26Z Blueshirts United I'm really starting to feel sorry for this guy and Henrik...Once again Sather has demonstrated that he does not know how to build a team for the ages...how long is it going to take before someone throws that waste out of the Garden?  The Rangers need "complete" players which is not what they have right now. nonadult false Do you think Gaborik is saying to himself why did I leave Minnesota for this crap? text blog 55 1 5.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20106347&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/icons/defaultMember_20434_portrait160X120.jpg false 0 0 1800161 20106347 0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_And-Other-Rangers-Truths/BLOG/1800157/20434.html  Why Fans Chant "Fire Sather" And Other Rangers Truths After two dismal back to back shutouts, another loss to Pittsburgh and crazy trade rumors circling every day, it's time to look at the Rangers. Or rather, look at Sather's Rangers v. what Sather let walk out the door (via bad deals and free agency). The team on the ice now is the one that Sather said was a vast improvement over last year's squad. This team could compete with the Washington's and Pittsburgh's of the world. Well, let's be nice and say that old Glen is full of it. While I'm not going to dissect each move based on it's salary cap number (we could be here for weeks but I'll point out some of the big ones), I am going to look at what the real difference is on this team inside the numbers. Let's look at some key positions on the roster and see what the former Rangers are doing in similar positions. I will give Sather the Gaborik signing: 29G 21A 61PT +9 but after that it becomes a slippery slope. Gaborik's twig reputation made him a risky signing but it has paid off nicely for the Rangers. If he can stay healthy over the next few seasons, this could be the one shining moment on Sather's free agent report card. Vinny Prospal: 9 G 27 A 36PT +4 vs. Nik Antropov: 13 G 26 A 39PT +17. Does anyone see a problem that your second leading scorer has almost half the points as Gaborik? There was really nothing wrong with this signing or even Prospal's production. Plus he was a downright bargain when it comes to his salary. Considering Prospal's price tag and the fact that he missed some time with knee surgery, I have to give the advantage to Vinny P. Christopher Higgins: 6 G 7 A 13PT -10 vs. Scott Gomez: 7 G 28 A 35PT 0. Again, these two were the main components in a trade for each other so it's easy to stack them up. Although, you could make the argument that without the Gomez salary dump, the Rangers couldn't afford to bring in Gaborik. That fact makes this comparison a little tougher but just remember that everyone wanted to run Gomez out of town. However, with the Rangers lack of production, Gomez would be in the top 3 of team points right now and second in assists behind Gaborik. Gotta give the edge to Gomez – hands down. Donald Brashear: 0 G 1 A 1PT -8 73PIM vs. Colton Orr: 1G 2 A 3PT -4 112PIM.This one has been written about so much it hardly seems fair to dogpile on anymore. Brashear is one of the worst signings in Rangers history. Forget that he's benched or a healthy scratch most of the time. This is the guy who took out Blair Betts. Brashear had no business being in a Rangers uniform. But remember Sather and Tortorella said Brashear could score more than Orr and he was tougher. Well, at this point Orr is a hell of a lot tougher and has 3 times as many points as Brashear at half the price. This one is a no-brainer. It's Colton Orr by a KO. Wade Redden: 1 G 7A 8PT +1 vs. Paul Mara: 0 G 8 A 8PT -16. Despite Mara's miserable -16, I have to look no further than Redden's 6.5 Million price tag per year. Plus Mara wouldn't let one of his teammates get pummeled while he stood around and watched. No shock here but give me Mara and his 1.6M contact over Redden. I may have to take back what I said about the Brashear signing. This one takes over as the worst Rangers deal of the Sather era. Ales Kotalik: 8 G 14 A 22PT -16. vs. Nigel Dawes: 10 G 15 A 25PT +3. Sather thought Dawes wasn't a major NHL player so he shipped him off to Phoenix. After signing with Calgary in the off season, Dawes is proving to be a major first line contributor and often finds himself paired with Iginla. Sather gave up way too early on Dawes and now Dawes is only too happy to show everyone how wrong Glen was. Plus, Kotalik's $3M salary along with his string of healthy scratches and a horrible plus minus, makes him a certifiable BUST – with a capital 'B'. Advantage – Dawes. Chris Drury: 8 G 11 A 19PT -8 vs. Petr Prucha: 11 G 6 A 17PT +2. Don't talk to me about the intangibles and Drury's great leadership. He is one of the worst captains in team history. Put Drury's $7M up against Prucha's $1.1M and a virtual tie in stats and I'll take Prucha 10 out of 10 times. He's younger with more upside and his work ethic made him a huge fan favorite among the Blueshirts loyal. Enver Lisin: 6G 6A 12PT -1 vs. Lauri Korpikoski: 4 G 3 A 7PT -8. These guys were traded for each other so it's easy to look at this one. Lisin comes out slightly ahead on this one but I wouldn't exactly roll out the victory parade. It's a marginal difference but Sather needs all the help he can get so put this in the win column for now.  Brian Boyle: 4 G 2 A 6PT -3. vs. Frederik Sjostrom: 1 G 5 A 6PT 0. On paper it's a wash but on the ice it's a different story. When you consider the Rangers gave up a third round pick for Boyle and that Sjostrom did a ton of things that don't show up on the stat sheet – it's not as close. Sjostrom was a fan fave that helped anchor the #1 penalty kill in the league last year. Give me Sjostrom any day of the week. Plus he was always a nice surprise in a shootout. Erik Christensen: 3 G 5 A 8PT +1 vs. Blair Betts: 6 G 3 A 9PT +6. You would be hard pressed to find a bigger Blair Betts fan so this probably isn't fair to Christensen. Letting Betts walk was one of the biggest mistakes of Sather's tenure as Rangers GM (and that's saying something because he's had quite a few). Philly loves all the little things that Betts does and the Rangers misses them dearly. Despite two shoulder injuries that kept him out of 22 games, Betts still wins this match-up. While Christensen has been a nice waiver claim, the Rangers miss Betts in the face-off circle and on the Penalty Kill. Michal Rozsival: 1 G 13 A 14PT +2 vs. Derek Morris: 3 G 17 A 20PT -1. (You could argue that Morris shouldn't be on this list since he came over in the Prucha and Dawes deal but I think you still need to look at what his being here and not being here has done to this year's Rangers. Plus it gives me a chance to talk about Rozsival again). Rozsival's $5M per year salary over the next three seasons makes him the albatross that Sather can't run away from. His cap number cripples the Rangers from making any moves and nobody will take on his contract, or his headcase moves on the ice. Morris hasn't exactly put up numbers that equal the expectations of a $3.3M contract but even on his worse day he's not Rozy. I've left Anisimov and Del Zotto out of this comparison because they were Rangers prospects that would have been part of the Rangers/Hartford teams despite any free agent signings. In a nutshell, as fans we're asked to drink the Rangers Kool-Aid and follow this team through thick and thin. However, every now and then you have to look back on what might have been and push the line of BS we've been fed aside. This team wasn't so bad last year that it needed to be dismantled. And the team this year, isn't built to win anything now or later. Changes need to be made. Let's just hope they're the right ones. And I say this Because I'm A Fan.      Why Fans Chant "Fire Sather" And Other Rangers Truths After two dismal back to back shutouts, another loss to Pittsburgh and crazy trade rumors circling every day, it's time to look at the Rangers. Or rather, look at Sather's Rangers v. what Sather let walk out the door (via bad deals and free agency). The team on the ice now is the one that Sather said was a vast improvement over last year's squad. This team could compete with the Washington's and Pittsburgh's of the world. Well, let's be nice and say that old Glen is full of it. While I'm not going to dissect each move based on it's salary cap number (we could be here for weeks but I'll point out some of the big ones), I am going to look at what the real difference is on this team inside the numbers. Let's look at some key positions on the roster and see what the former Rangers are doing in similar positions. I will give Sather the Gaborik signing: 29G 21A 61PT +9 but after that it becomes a slippery slope. Gaborik's twig reputation made him a risky signing but it has paid off nicely for the Rangers. If he can stay healthy over the next few seasons, this could be the one shining moment on Sather's free agent report card. Vinny Prospal: 9 G 27 A 36PT +4 vs. Nik Antropov: 13 G 26 A 39PT +17. Does anyone see a problem that your second leading scorer has almost half the points as Gaborik? There was really nothing wrong with this signing or even Prospal's production. Plus he was a downright bargain when it comes to his salary. Considering Prospal's price tag and the fact that he missed some time with knee surgery, I have to give the advantage to Vinny P. Christopher Higgins: 6 G 7 A 13PT -10 vs. Scott Gomez: 7 G 28 A 35PT 0. Again, these two were the main components in a trade for each other so it's easy to stack them up. Although, you could make the argument that without the Gomez salary dump, the Rangers couldn't afford to bring in Gaborik. That fact makes this comparison a little tougher but just remember that everyone wanted to run Gomez out of town. However, with the Rangers lack of production, Gomez would be in the top 3 of team points right now and second in assists behind Gaborik. Gotta give the edge to Gomez – hands down. Donald Brashear: 0 G 1 A 1PT -8 73PIM vs. Colton Orr: 1G 2 A 3PT -4 112PIM.This one has been written about so much it hardly seems fair to dogpile on anymore. Brashear is one of the worst signings in Rangers history. Forget that he's benched or a healthy scratch most of the time. This is the guy who took out Blair Betts. Brashear had no business being in a Rangers uniform. But remember Sather and Tortorella said Brashear could score more than Orr and he was tougher. Well, at this point Orr is a hell of a lot tougher and has 3 times as many points as Brashear at half the price. This one is a no-brainer. It's Colton Orr by a KO. Wade Redden: 1 G 7A 8PT +1 vs. Paul Mara: 0 G 8 A 8PT -16. Despite Mara's miserable -16, I have to look no further than Redden's 6.5 Million price tag per year. Plus Mara wouldn't let one of his teammates get pummeled while he stood around and watched. No shock here but give me Mara and his 1.6M contact over Redden. I may have to take back what I said about the Brashear signing. This one takes over as the worst Rangers deal of the Sather era. Ales Kotalik: 8 G 14 A 22PT -16. vs. Nigel Dawes: 10 G 15 A 25PT +3. Sather thought Dawes wasn't a major NHL player so he shipped him off to Phoenix. After signing with Calgary in the off season, Dawes is proving to be a major first line contributor and often finds himself paired with Iginla. Sather gave up way too early on Dawes and now Dawes is only too happy to show everyone how wrong Glen was. Plus, Kotalik's $3M salary along with his string of healthy scratches and a horrible plus minus, makes him a certifiable BUST – with a capital 'B'. Advantage – Dawes. Chris Drury: 8 G 11 A 19PT -8 vs. Petr Prucha: 11 G 6 A 17PT +2. Don't talk to me about the intangibles and Drury's great leadership. He is one of the worst captains in team history. Put Drury's $7M up against Prucha's $1.1M and a virtual tie in stats and I'll take Prucha 10 out of 10 times. He's younger with more upside and his work ethic made him a huge fan favorite among the Blueshirts loyal. Enver Lisin: 6G 6A 12PT -1 vs. Lauri Korpikoski: 4 G 3 A 7PT -8. These guys were traded for each other so it's easy to look at this one. Lisin comes out slightly ahead on this one but I wouldn't exactly roll out the victory parade. It's a marginal difference but Sather needs all the help he can get so put this in the win column for now.  Brian Boyle: 4 G 2 A 6PT -3. vs. Frederik Sjostrom: 1 G 5 A 6PT 0. On paper it's a wash but on the ice it's a different story. When you consider the Rangers gave up a third round pick for Boyle and that Sjostrom did a ton of things that don't show up on the stat sheet – it's not as close. Sjostrom was a fan fave that helped anchor the #1 penalty kill in the league last year. Give me Sjostrom any day of the week. Plus he was always a nice surprise in a shootout. Erik Christensen: 3 G 5 A 8PT +1 vs. Blair Betts: 6 G 3 A 9PT +6. You would be hard pressed to find a bigger Blair Betts fan so this probably isn't fair to Christensen. Letting Betts walk was one of the biggest mistakes of Sather's tenure as Rangers GM (and that's saying something because he's had quite a few). Philly loves all the little things that Betts does and the Rangers misses them dearly. Despite two shoulder injuries that kept him out of 22 games, Betts still wins this match-up. While Christensen has been a nice waiver claim, the Rangers miss Betts in the face-off circle and on the Penalty Kill. Michal Rozsival: 1 G 13 A 14PT +2 vs. Derek Morris: 3 G 17 A 20PT -1. (You could argue that Morris shouldn't be on this list since he came over in the Prucha and Dawes deal but I think you still need to look at what his being here and not being here has done to this year's Rangers. Plus it gives me a chance to talk about Rozsival again). Rozsival's $5M per year salary over the next three seasons makes him the albatross that Sather can't run away from. His cap number cripples the Rangers from making any moves and nobody will take on his contract, or his headcase moves on the ice. Morris hasn't exactly put up numbers that equal the expectations of a $3.3M contract but even on his worse day he's not Rozy. I've left Anisimov and Del Zotto out of this comparison because they were Rangers prospects that would have been part of the Rangers/Hartford teams despite any free agent signings. In a nutshell, as fans we're asked to drink the Rangers Kool-Aid and follow this team through thick and thin. However, every now and then you have to look back on what might have been and push the line of BS we've been fed aside. This team wasn't so bad last year that it needed to be dismantled. And the team this year, isn't built to win anything now or later. Changes need to be made. Let's just hope they're the right ones. And I say this Because I'm A Fan.     Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:23:35 GMT http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/_And-Other-Rangers-Truths/BLOG/1800157/20434.html tigger165 2010-01-26T12:23:35Z Blueshirts United  Why Fans Chant "Fire Sather" And Other Rangers Truths After two dismal back to back shutouts, another loss to Pittsburgh and crazy trade rumors circling every day, it's time to look at the Rangers. Or rather, look at Sather's Rangers v. what Sather let walk out the door (via bad deals and free agency). The team on the ice now is the one that Sather said was a vast improvement over last year's squad. This team could compete with the Washington's and Pittsburgh's of the world. Well, let's be nice and say that old Glen is full of it. While I'm not going to dissect each move based on it's salary cap number (we could be here for weeks but I'll point out some of the big ones), I am going to look at what the real difference is on this team inside the numbers. Let's look at some key positions on the roster and see what the former Rangers are doing in similar positions. I will give Sather the Gaborik signing: 29G 21A 61PT +9 but after that it becomes a slippery slope. Gaborik's twig reputation made him a risky signing but it has paid off nicely for the Rangers. If he can stay healthy over the next few seasons, this could be the one shining moment on Sather's free agent report card. Vinny Prospal: 9 G 27 A 36PT +4 vs. Nik Antropov: 13 G 26 A 39PT +17. Does anyone see a problem that your second leading scorer has almost half the points as Gaborik? There was really nothing wrong with this signing or even Prospal's production. Plus he was a downright bargain when it comes to his salary. Considering Prospal's price tag and the fact that he missed some time with knee surgery, I have to give the advantage to Vinny P. Christopher Higgins: 6 G 7 A 13PT -10 vs. Scott Gomez: 7 G 28 A 35PT 0. Again, these two were the main components in a trade for each other so it's easy to stack them up. Although, you could make the argument that without the Gomez salary dump, the Rangers couldn't afford to bring in Gaborik. That fact makes this comparison a little tougher but just remember that everyone wanted to run Gomez out of town. However, with the Rangers lack of production, Gomez would be in the top 3 of team points right now and second in assists behind Gaborik. Gotta give the edge to Gomez – hands down. Donald Brashear: 0 G 1 A 1PT -8 73PIM vs. Colton Orr: 1G 2 A 3PT -4 112PIM.This one has been written about so much it hardly seems fair to dogpile on anymore. Brashear is one of the worst signings in Rangers history. Forget that he's benched or a healthy scratch most of the time. This is the guy who took out Blair Betts. Brashear had no business being in a Rangers uniform. But remember Sather and Tortorella said Brashear could score more than Orr and he was tougher. Well, at this point Orr is a hell of a lot tougher and has 3 times as many points as Brashear at half the price. This one is a no-brainer. It's Colton Orr by a KO. Wade Redden: 1 G 7A 8PT +1 vs. Paul Mara: 0 G 8 A 8PT -16. Despite Mara's miserable -16, I have to look no further than Redden's 6.5 Million price tag per year. Plus Mara wouldn't let one of his teammates get pummeled while he stood around and watched. No shock here but give me Mara and his 1.6M contact over Redden. I may have to take back what I said about the Brashear signing. This one takes over as the worst Rangers deal of the Sather era. Ales Kotalik: 8 G 14 A 22PT -16. vs. Nigel Dawes: 10 G 15 A 25PT +3. Sather thought Dawes wasn't a major NHL player so he shipped him off to Phoenix. After signing with Calgary in the off season, Dawes is proving to be a major first line contributor and often finds himself paired with Iginla. Sather gave up way too early on Dawes and now Dawes is only too happy to show everyone how wrong Glen was. Plus, Kotalik's $3M salary along with his string of healthy scratches and a horrible plus minus, makes him a certifiable BUST – with a capital 'B'. Advantage – Dawes. Chris Drury: 8 G 11 A 19PT -8 vs. Petr Prucha: 11 G 6 A 17PT +2. Don't talk to me about the intangibles and Drury's great leadership. He is one of the worst captains in team history. Put Drury's $7M up against Prucha's $1.1M and a virtual tie in stats and I'll take Prucha 10 out of 10 times. He's younger with more upside and his work ethic made him a huge fan favorite among the Blueshirts loyal. Enver Lisin: 6G 6A 12PT -1 vs. Lauri Korpikoski: 4 G 3 A 7PT -8. These guys were traded for each other so it's easy to look at this one. Lisin comes out slightly ahead on this one but I wouldn't exactly roll out the victory parade. It's a marginal difference but Sather needs all the help he can get so put this in the win column for now.  Brian Boyle: 4 G 2 A 6PT -3. vs. Frederik Sjostrom: 1 G 5 A 6PT 0. On paper it's a wash but on the ice it's a different story. When you consider the Rangers gave up a third round pick for Boyle and that Sjostrom did a ton of things that don't show up on the stat sheet – it's not as close. Sjostrom was a fan fave that helped anchor the #1 penalty kill in the league last year. Give me Sjostrom any day of the week. Plus he was always a nice surprise in a shootout. Erik Christensen: 3 G 5 A 8PT +1 vs. Blair Betts: 6 G 3 A 9PT +6. You would be hard pressed to find a bigger Blair Betts fan so this probably isn't fair to Christensen. Letting Betts walk was one of the biggest mistakes of Sather's tenure as Rangers GM (and that's saying something because he's had quite a few). Philly loves all the little things that Betts does and the Rangers misses them dearly. Despite two shoulder injuries that kept him out of 22 games, Betts still wins this match-up. While Christensen has been a nice waiver claim, the Rangers miss Betts in the face-off circle and on the Penalty Kill. Michal Rozsival: 1 G 13 A 14PT +2 vs. Derek Morris: 3 G 17 A 20PT -1. (You could argue that Morris shouldn't be on this list since he came over in the Prucha and Dawes deal but I think you still need to look at what his being here and not being here has done to this year's Rangers. Plus it gives me a chance to talk about Rozsival again). Rozsival's $5M per year salary over the next three seasons makes him the albatross that Sather can't run away from. His cap number cripples the Rangers from making any moves and nobody will take on his contract, or his headcase moves on the ice. Morris hasn't exactly put up numbers that equal the expectations of a $3.3M contract but even on his worse day he's not Rozy. I've left Anisimov and Del Zotto out of this comparison because they were Rangers prospects that would have been part of the Rangers/Hartford teams despite any free agent signings. In a nutshell, as fans we're asked to drink the Rangers Kool-Aid and follow this team through thick and thin. However, every now and then you have to look back on what might have been and push the line of BS we've been fed aside. This team wasn't so bad last year that it needed to be dismantled. And the team this year, isn't built to win anything now or later. Changes need to be made. Let's just hope they're the right ones. And I say this Because I'm A Fan.     nonadult false And Other Rangers Truths text blog 46 0 0.0 http://media.community.blueshirtsunited.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20054389&as=20434 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/20434/photos/PHOTO_2502306_20434_2377517_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 0 1800157 20054389 0