I've been meaning to check in recently, but a golf trip and some business got in the way.
But nothing got in the way of me attending the Rangers first home game of the 2008-09 season. Nothing got in the way of several beers. And nothing got in the way of the Rangers going 3-0 to start the season for the first time in a long, long time.
The atmosphere in the Garden was different this year. It was more subdued, a little more cautious than last. Maybe the crisis on Wall Street affected some in the crowd. Maybe the absence of stars and fan favorites like Jagr and Shanahan and Avery tempered the fans' enthusiasm.
But then the team took the ice, and Captain Chris Drury appeared, and all of a sudden, things felt different. There's a confidence in this team. There's a quiet cockiness we haven't seen even among the hall of famers that took the ice over the last three seasons.
Led by the relentless energy of Brandon Dubinsky, the "second" line took over the game. Wade Redden got things started, but Line 2, consisting of Zherdev, Dubinsky, and previously undeserving linemate Aaron Voros shined. Dubinsky ended up with a goal and two assists, Voros earned the first star with a goal and an assist, and Zherdev had a goal and an assist.
The team was tight defensively, yet explosive in transition. They were tough, yet responsible. This is a "team", make no mistake.
Everything wasn't perfect . . . Nigel Dawes was invisible, leaving fans wondering where Petr Prucha or Dan Fritsche were. I would imaging they would still be part of a better fourth line than Betts-Orr-Sjostrom. This forward-glut needs to be resolved soon. But this is minor, for now.
And I don't want to get too crazy about Brandon Dubinsky, but this kid is something special. He hustles, he hits, he scores, he assists, he fights if needed. I've said it before, but if you are shopping for a jersey, this is the one to get.
Please know that this isn't an "I-told-you-so" essay. I was concerned about this team, even after watching their first two games. However, being in the arena, getting the full experience, things feel different.
Three games, three wins. They have a tough schedule coming up, so let's see how we feel this time next week. So far, so good.
Game 3: Rangers 4, Blackhawks 2.
HDH
The above link is required reading. There WILL be a test.
So. Have you seen the spots for the new Bud Ale on TV? I did. I love ales and stouts. The timing of this new brew is interesting to me. Frankly, when I heard that the company was no longer owned by an American interest I was done with them. I'm not really a fan of their products.
I found a six of the new suds at a local market. Damn. I never thought I'd say this about a Bud product.....but I have no choice. Try it, it's excellent.
Also, Versus will be broadcasting in HD Tomorrow. Find a way to tune in.
----}- Bird
Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Yeppers, the Rodent and I discuss the weekend in the Czech Republic where the Rangers beat the Bolts both nights by the score of 2-1. On the recording itself, I have both good and bad news.
The Bad: We had an audio issue with the Rodents mic which I didn't have the time to correct in total during post production. This is a known issue and should be corrected for the next show.
The Good: Since the Rodent moved to the East Coast we have a better connection and the recordings in their basic form are of higher quality. I heard few if any digital anomalies. This means our future shows will be of much better sound quality.
The Ugly: You'll now hear our stuff more clearly.
For those who use I-tunes use this link: Subcribe to the show.
To download in mp3 format use this link.
*****UPDATE**** The I-Tunes link is now fixed. Thanks for your patience.
Have some comments on the show? Post 'em here.
----}- Bird
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One can't argue much with a two and 0 beginning to a season. Sure, I could spend my afternoon pointing out each deficiency the Rangers displayed. I could also point out that the Bolts are not a top level NHL team. But you'll read that elsewhere on this interweb thingee. I'm feeling pretty good after the first two. Not just because they were wins.....but because I'm seeing things rarely seen when observing players wearing Ranger jerseys from year to year.
Speed. Damn these guys are pretty fast eh?
Point shots. Even from Rozy. This bodes well looking to-wards the future.
A good transition. Because of the speed on the ice, the Rangers are able to generate a fast break......and so far the breakout looks pretty damn good.
A real Power Play. 'nuff said. Marcus Matts Naslund is a bit better than I expected.
Yes, there's lots of work to be done.......but it's nice to grab four points and it's nicer looking um, not half bad in the process. Keep the good vibes going. I expect MSG to give the boys a hell of a welcome home. I'll get Jim to work on that ASAP. As 'super dad' he does have special powers.
Beer Me!
----}- Bird
Not a very exciting period for sure. Voros and Malone dropped the gloves but it wasn't much of a fight. The Rangers are out shooting and out skating the Bolts so far.
Henke let one squeeze thru.....that's a shame. 1-0 Bolts.
The Rangers look to be the better team yet trail......with two periods to go, I'm not yet panicked. But the boys will need to keep the pressure on Ollie. I wonder why Smith is sitting. Was it the dinger he took in yesterdays game? Is it Melrose trying to spark his guys? I don't know.
----}- Bird
Still a bit foggy from last night? Yeah, me to.
We just moved into a new place and I'm trying to get it all set up. For instance, I still need to hook up the second monitor to this box and so far, no luck. So I'll try and post during the game.....but we'll see if I can get it in.
Are ya ready? Did you read the game preview at Rangerland? Did you read the Rodent? C'mon, I know it's Sunday....but get it in gear! Jim and I are counting on you.
----}- Bird
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When Brandon was hit with a stick to the face he was clearly pissed. His revenge? A Power play goal......now that's how it's done. I have mentioned this before but it's worth repeating. Dubi is a future NHL captain in my opinion. Your final was 2-1 for the good guys.
A few thoughts.
In our podcasts, the Rodent has mentioned more than once that expectations should not be too high for this Ranger squad during the first third (my time table) of this season. His reason is simple. This team will need time to gel. I concur after watching some pre-season and todays first regular season tilt. The guys didn't seem to click correctly more often than not. It wasn't an effort or talent thing....it was a timing thing. Look, the Rodent opened my eyes to this, I'm just agreeing.
With that in mind let me suggest a different way to watch the first few games. Don't get so hung up on results overall. Look for the glimpses of of what the future might bring. For instance, I expect that this power play will be successful this year. I can't tell you how refreshing it was to see NY Ranger players in front of the net. I was giddy that there was movement of players with and without the puck. And, there were shots from the point. These things will click as the guys play deeper into the season.....and I expect it to improve a lot.
There are also some give-a-way issues that I'd like to see reduced. You can't expect Henke to save our asses every single night. Oh....he sure as hell saved our asses today. His efforts were nothing short of top notch. That's very encouraging for sure. Yet I'm a little concerned about turnovers.
Check out the Rodent and the dudes and dudettes over at Rangerland for more stuff.
Down here in South Florida, the sky has ripped open and the rain is pouring through a gaping wound, pelting the women and children.......pelting the women and children. And we run.....into the arms...... of a celebrating Ranger fan.
It'll be tough to knock the smile off my face tonight. An opening night BEER ME to all!
----}- Bird
