What else is there to say? This team was built for the playoffs, and it failed miserably. Don’t get me wrong, making to the second round two years in a row is great, considering we had such a playoff-dry spell up until 3 years ago. Now we want more!
To say we played like a team that lost the series 4 games to 1 doesn’t do the Rangers justice. The first game was ours to win, but we couldn’t hold the lead. This game easily could’ve been ours. Game 1 also had ol’ Sid the Swan diving with under 2 minutes to go in a tied game, which led to Malkins PP goal, and the win. This game should have made it to OT, where it’s anyones guess who would’ve won. Game 2 had the Refs hard at not-working again, with the quick whistle on Straka’s tying goal in the third period. The third game, was a 1-0 game (with an empty netter), this game as well could’ve gone either way. Game 4 we won decidedly (The only game won by either team with decisiveness) . And then there was yesterday’s OT loss. So, on paper it looks like we got whitewashed, but in reality it was a lot closer.
Say goodbye to Malik, Mara, Straka, Jagr, Avery (I hope he resigns), Shanny and Rosival. The announcers must’ve been insane yesterday. I heard them say “Rosival has had a great day”, I guess 3 minor penalties in the first half of the game is considered stellar play…who knew. Tell that to the guys on the bench who are getting cold while the penalty killers are using valuable energy. Good job Rosie! The good news is with all these departures, we have a lot of cap space freed up. As long as Sather doesn’t resort to his old tactics of getting every big name out there, while not worrying about the chemistry of the team, we should get some decent players to fill the voids. Can we please get a quarterback for the pathetic PP?? Maybe a big defenceman who can actually move some bodies out from the front of the net. What has to be addressed more then anything, is once again the POWER-less PLAY. Had we had a decent PP, this series could’ve been won by the blueshirts.
Our goaltending is set for next 6 plus years.
We need to keep Tom Renney. This coach does not get the accolades he deserves. He has been a great coach – dealing with both the youngsters and the superstars. Calm, cool & collected ALWAYS! Keep, Keep, Keep!!!
Oh yeah, if you check my live game report below….I called the Hossa OT goal…yippeee
Also, new items in the Bleedingblue Shop….if there are names you would like, or you have any ideas for a shirt email me at bleedingblue94@yahoo.com and let me know!
Game Reports (Local & P’Burgh)
Newsday - Rangers’ season ended by Hossa’s OT goa
Newsday - What’s next for the Rangers?
Newsday - Jagr says he’ll keep playing, but where?
NY Post - PENS DEAL RANGERS 2ND STRAIGHT 2ND-ROUND LOSS
NY Post - JAGR WON’T PEEK INTO CRYSTAL BALL
Daily News - Marian Hossa’s OT goal gives Penguins 3-2 win, ends Rangers season
Daily News - Jaromir Jagr skates away in unknown direction after Rangers eliminated
NY Times - Rangers’ Season Ends With More Disappointment
Pittsburgh Post Gazette - Hossa improves playoff image with 2-goal game - OT goal sets up Eastern showdown vs. Flyers
Pittsburgh Tribune - Pens win in OT, advance to conference final vs. Flyers
