Tag Archives: New York Rangers

We Don’t Have to Win Four Games

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We have to win one game – four times.

That is exactly the sentiment we must prove out now starting tonight. Read this blog post, well done.

The NHL Playoffs are psychologically taxing. A team works so hard during the long season; creates a giant body of work; and then the playoffs start and every team goes to 0-0. A team loses two games in a row - no big deal in the regular season - but in the playoffs, yikes! The world could be ending. I have some friends who live in the Silicon Valley area that are “dying inside” over the first two games of the playoffs between the Sharks and the Ducks. The Sharks had the most points in the entire NHL but they are down 2-0 as well. The Sharks lost 5 games all season at home. They are now 0-2 at home in the playoffs. It is the NHL playoffs. Anything can happen and it will.

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Boffo

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Comcast SportsNet ratings were through the roof for Game 1 of the playoffs last night, Capitals vs. Rangers.

The ratings averaged a 3.3 which is bigger than ESPN. That means about 77 thousand households were tuned into the game locally.

At one point during the night, the broadcast received a 4.6 rating which means more than 100 thousand households were tuned into the game.

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Have to Remain Resolute

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It is the playoffs.

It will be a long, tough series. Losing Game 1 at home 4-3 isn’t fun but it isn’t quite the end of the world.

I thought we were the faster and tougher team. I thought we were the more aggressive team. We poured on a lot of shots. We didn’t get rattled. We didn’t get intimidated. Our focus was good. We controlled the pace of play and we exerted our will on the Rangers.

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Don’t Worry About the Last Game – Worry About The Playoffs :-)

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OK. It is time to put the past behind us; forget the regular season; and now get focused on the task ahead. All the points we garnered; all the wins we gained; and all the great plays and personal stats - they are done and forgotten. Don’t even think about them anymore since they don’t matter. We are all at 0-0 right now in the second season.

Welcome to the NHL playoffs. We play the New York Rangers and this will be a tough match-up.

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Phew…

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A good time was had by all last night. Thanks so much for another sellout.

We get another home win. We are a very tough team to play at Verizon Center and we now have a nice five game win streak against the New York Rangers. The game was very close but I am proud to say that our team had more skilled players who delivered than they did, Semin to Green for goal one and Ovechkin shorthanded for goal two. In the past, the roles were reversed. We were the hard working team without the big stars who could deliver in key moments but not anymore. Our skilled players are home grown too.

We now have the franchise’s best record in our history after 40 games. Savor that thought.

Funny thing is that no one – not George McPhee, Dick Patrick, our coaching staff or the players - is satisfied with the way we are playing. We are still shorthanded and we are still a bit sloppy. We still haven’t gelled.

We finally get a day off. Our next game is Tuesday then we play on Friday. Those extra days to heal up and rest can be vital for our team.

As I said before, enjoy the ride. Our goaltending is getting better and better. Our health is starting to return. Fasten your seatbelts!

One Man’s Ceiling is Another Man’s Floor

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Read this piece in the NY Post.

Larry Brooks makes us sound like the old Broad Street Bullies; storming the crease; working hard; winning battles; and playing rough and tumble hockey. :-)

 I thought we played a better forecheck and we scored goals the old fashion way. Our goaltending was sound. We killed off penalties when needed and we beat a very, very good team to get two needed points at home.

We have a very good record of late at home which is vital in this league. The NHL is a great league with real competitive balance. There are no easy wins in this league and to beat the Rangers – with mounting injuries – felt good. Enjoy the win. Onward to Monday night against a division foe.