Although not a big hockey fan, I do love when the locals meet for the right to continue the journey for the Stanley Cup. I still believe it is the hardest championship in all of the major sports to win!
Maybe this will bring Bruce, Jackie, and Storch back to the blog! Good luck guys!
I'm still relishing the Giants super win. Eat your heart out Steve!
'Storch's Hockey Central' Is on the air!!!! As I sit in my office with my Easton Synergy stick propped up next to my desk (I'm playing later), wearing my 1994 Brian Leetch Stanley Cup jersey, complete with patch, A and of course, the big number 2, I salivate the puck drop tomorrow night. We have beaten the Devils before and we can and shall do it again! I will say that Marty Brodeur is one of the best between the pipes and they have good players. The Rangers have a good man between the pipes and a good array of key players that can move the puck to the net. We need to generate solid plays in the defensive zone to move out in to the offensive zone and keep Brodeur busy. We have Jagr,Drury, Gomez and Shanahan that are well versed in going head on with Marty. Now that we have been seeded in the playoffs, winning in shootouts is OK although I prefer a clear win without OT.
I say GO RANGERS GO and bring Lord Stanley's Cup back to NY!
Sorry guys--as an ex-Rangers, Ex-Islanders fan, having lived below the Mason-Dixon line longer than above it, all I can say is GO CAPS!!--the most exciting team in hockey right now--last place at Thanksgiving to 3d seed and division leader. With the hottest player, Alex O, and a coach who makes Carroll O'Connor/Archie Bunker look debonair.
I had no idea what Bruce Boudreau looked like. I had to google him. He actually reminds me more of John Houseman. Anyway, are you purchasing your "Rock the Red" gear?...Enjoy the playoffs.
Dave; If I'm in the rink and see a guy like Don Brashear coming at me, I'd move out of his way! I like Tom Poti, Nylander (we should have kept him) and who cannot like Ovey! That guy has a shot I'd love half of! I will be a Blueshirt guy until the end.
Funny thing about hockey...Either you like it or loathe it. Come on Kiv! Football and baseball are great but nothing is tougher than hockey. Every now and again, SNY or ESPN has a good cricket game from Flushing Meadows played between the Corona Guyanan's and the Jackson Heights Bombay Bombers. Only time I have seen curling was on the Olympics. Bowling is more of a sport than that! Actually, how can bowling be a sport? One can drink booze and beer while playing it!
OK Mets fans...You are very quiet. Hopefully the season will not be like the past few games. Yankees fans are also sobbing. Their DL is growing like corn on an Accord farm!
Actually, Storch, Hockey playoffs are really exciting and I do watch them. However I root for any team playing the Rangers. When I was a kid I was a die hard Ranger fan. But when the Blueshirts traded for fat Phil Esposito and made him the captain before he ever even put on a uniform, I gave up. What a slap in the face that was to Rod Gilbert.
And I also agree that hockey players are the best conditioned athletes along with soccer players.
Just my two cents. Jackie....are you still going to the games?
He won't admit it, but Steve is a "closet" Islander fan. He can't bring himself to say it out loud.
I also remember an instance when the Rangers were about to be eliminated from the playoffs when one of Emile Francis's "Fat Cats", namely Vic Hadfield of the famous "G.A.G." Line (GOAL A GAME for you non fans)took a penalty. He was sitting in the box when a fan came down and offered him a beer. Jim Gordon, who was announcing the game on Channel 9! (Wow, free TV what a concept...) was also perturbed as I was seeing Hadfield smiling & guzzling, and caught on camera. But you know what? It is still the same way today. The fans care more about the game than the players. Always did...always will!
Thanks Mitch! My first game at MSG was the Garden on 8th Ave, ca. 1967. Harry Howell was the man along with Eddie Giacomin. Emile was the coach back then. 67 was a good year for them.
Chalk one up for the Rangers beating the Devils 4-1 in regulation. Ryan Callahan scores a wrap around short handed goal the first such goal in many years scored by a Ranger in a playoff game. Brodeur simply lost sight of Callahan and the puck. One blink of an eye is all it takes. I think the Rangers will get three more and take it from the Devils. We now have the psychological edge on them. With Gomez on the line who knows his old teammates skills, the advantage leans toward the Rangers.
Kiv- I agree with you about the Espo/Gilbert deal. That was a lousy move. Rod Gilbert was one of the greatest of the greats. Here was a guy who was written off as a cripple who came back and played better than he ever did. My late Grandfather (may he rest in peace) was a die hard Rangers fan from day one. When that happened he cursed his head off about it. Espo was taken on for "pizzazz". The pretty boy days, if you will. Espo, Duguay and Gresch (love him) doing those cockamamie jeans ads. That was the image they wanted but they did not get the best out of them. Guys like Harry Howell, Gilbert, Hadfield were the greats of the day. I remember Channel 9 games vividly. Sam Rosen, the MSG play by play man was a former neighbor of mine in New City. Nice guy. Sorry for the jabs- I'm just a cantankerous hockey player...
My favorites are Gilbert, Hadfield, Howell, Park, Giacomin, Leetch, Messier (the Messiah) and Greschner. Emile was one of the best coaches they have had. Tom Renney is making a good name for himself too.
Hockey playoffs are the greatest!! Go to a live hockey game and you're hooked. Had hoped the Islanders'd go far this year, ugggh. thought I could root for the Rangers, but found myself hoping the Devils kill em. Am going to Game 5 at the Rock next Friday.
Any sport where there is continuous movement (hockey, basketball, motocross, etc.) has my attention. Baseball is fun when the sun is out, and you are sitting in the park, downing dogs and a cold one (we have a new park--been there twice--not quite getting the same warm vibes as Camden Yards but it is nice. Sorry Kiv--but baseball is basically boring unless you are playing or at the park on a nice day. Then it is a lot of fun.
You guys are such old fogies--yes,Andy Bathgate, Giacomin, Emile Francis, Hatfield, Rod Gilbert, Gump Worsley, Boom Boom Geoffrion, Jacques Plante, Jean Ratelle (broke his ankle stepping off a curb), Brad Park (went to Boston for Espo) etc. were my heroes growing up. Then my dad got rid of his season's tix for the Rangers and bought Islanders tix--what a stretch--drive for five--they were great. But today's players are faster, stronger and frankly, for the most part, better players. I would start the modern era with Gretzky. Ovey is terrific.And what a great stretch drive. And yes I will be at the game tonight in Red--Leonsis has us all psyched--besides its great to hate the Flyers, even if they are not the Broad Street Bullies.
I'm going to try one more time. (Only because of Kup.) First of all,Storch, do you really bring your Synergy to work? You need help. David, there is no such thing as an ex Ranger fan. Do you think that Howie Rose is an ex Ranger fan? Our generation,we're all locked in. If you consider yourself an ex fan for any of your teams,"thanks for coming, arrive home safely". Kiv, you got to be kiddin'. I was not a big fan of the trade,but to call Espo fat???? One of the best.(Think of the trade from the Black Hawks.) I'm reading Espo for Gilbert? I think it was Jean Ratelle and Joe Zannusi. # 7 never left the nest. Kiv, if you want a good curling match, how about you against my grandson Luke? I think he can curl at least 1 lb.Now that Hutt said that you were off the 'roids, he may kick your butt.I'm loving this Lord Stanley talk. Keep 'em coming.
Two periods of hand-to-hand combat that had produced more punches and shoves than scoring chances had given way to yet another eruption of third-period Rangers thunder. Goals 23 seconds apart by Jaromir Jagr and Sean Avery. And the smothering 14 minutes that followed made it look like the Devils had no response, not even to the thousands of Rangers fans mocking them in their own building.
Then came a wild final minute and a half during which the Devils halved the Rangers' lead with a goal and furiously pressed for the second goal that would have tied it. In the end, though, the Rangers hung on Friday night in Newark for a 2-1 victory and a 2-0 lead in the bitter rivals' Eastern Conference quarterfinal.
I promise you the only thing that matches NHL playoff intensity was Makowsky's Sondak softball.
I think what you are seeing is 2 evenly matched but mediocre teams. Either team will have trouble winning round 2.
I was a long long time MSG blue seater, including game 7 in 1994. Somehow I have maintained my sanity.
I still share with two other people two seats in the old yellow seats, 200 series.Price of one seat just about matches season ticket in the good old days.
Add Carol Vadnais to that Espo trade.
I think the next game will be even tougher for the NYR to win as they seem to let down when they don't absolutuely have to win.
Nowadays when the NHL playoffs end it is time to head to Makowsky's.
Hope everyone is doing well and you guys figure out how to do Reunion two.
You misread my post! I remember that Rod Gilbert was still left with the Rangers. He was a greatly respected player and should have been named the captain but was passed over for Esposito. The reason Espo was a good player was the fact that he was so big, that nobody could budge him from the crease. Opposing players would just "bounce off".
AND.....the only curling I do is when I go to bed!!
Hi Bruce! Carol Vadnais is so memorable that the only use for his hockey card is in the spokes of a bicycle to make that "souped up" noise.
And yes I am forced to admit that I have an original Bryan Trottier jersey hanging in my closet. Ah, my secret is out!
Jackie; Call me a dork. I bring the stick to work. I cannot leave it in the car. I'll say that I do have to go to some un-savory neighborhoods in my travels. Not like the residents of such areas are hockey players but I do not want to contribute my stick to their armentarium of weaponry!
Last night's loss was a killer. What a stinky shot. Off the skate of Staal. Well, it happens. When Callahan sailed over Marty Brodeur, I was like wow! Marty may have to take 5. Well, Brodeur is a warrior. He got up, shook it off and went at it like nothing happened.
There is nothing like playoff hockey!
I thought that Majestic games were more playoff like than Sondak. Majestic was a bigger place than Sondak. Then again, if Louis and Morris Sondak's colonies combined for a game,it could rival a Majestic game. Majestic was so snooty. They came in their blue1964 Chevy Suburban to the games like they were royalty!
I still say the Rangers will do it.
BTW- Mets baseball cards made a better sound than hockey cards on bike wheels. I wish I had those cards today! I do have two Brian Leetch cards on my desk as well as a copy of Newsday with the pic of DP smashing his stick. Of course, I took the liberty of editing the headline. Not to be a total dork, I have kid and family pics too!
From my standpoint about last night's game, you can't cry about a shot off a defender's skate. That's hockey! What it does prove is that if you continue to put the puck on net....you never know what will happen.
I think the Rangers are fortunate to be up 2 games to 1. All 3 games that I have watched, the Broadway Blues keep giving up the puck in their own end all night long! You can't do that! But give the Devils some credit here. They forecheck, and they forecheck some more. They are making the Rangers cough it up. And also, the penalties are killing them. But what do I know, I'm just a casual fan, I'm sure you hockey mavens will shoot holes in my theories, but that is just the way I see it.
This is the only posting we've had that has escaped the Ladies out there.
The comments you Moe , Larry & Curleys come up with are worthy of The Hockey Hall of of Fame memoirs, which are presently in Storch's garage, but soon to expand to a new POD in the driveway. I'm sure all are welcome to visit. Bring your stick . LOL
If anyone is ever in Commack, come on by! I'll set up a net and we can pass the puck around. My three and seven year old girls are pretty good with the sticks too! Not only do I have hockey stuff in the garage, I'm probably the only guy around that has a complete set of license plates from every state that issued a 1963 plate which was almost all the states in the union. All I need now is a '63 Bel-Air to go with them.
There are no excuses for the puck sailing off the D-Man's skates. I can attest to that. I think it happens to all of us D-Men a few times in our playing careers. As they say "It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings!" I "ain't" heard the fat lady yet!
Attention: The movie for tonight is 'Slapshot' with Paul Newman. Chilly Willy and Woody Woodpecker will be shown prior to the movie. Flash will make sure that he has Fox's U-Bet on hand for egg creams. I wish!!!!! Only reason 'Slapshot' is showing is because 'Bridge Over The River Kwai' is worn out. I can still hear Milton's voice (may he rest in peace) making the announcement over the PA.
The prospect of seeing Martin Brodeur have to shake Sean Avery's hand sometime after 10 o'clock Friday might prove too tantalizing for most Rangers fans. Let's see if it happens! Hey, where's Jack?
April 19, 2008 -- In the end, the New Jersey Devils' skin turned out to be thinner than even their scoring.
Apparently having seen enough of Sean Avery's face during Game 3's infamous, rule-changing 5-on-3, Martin Brodeur turned away from the Ranger left wing in the handshake line following New Jersey's 5-3 Game 5 elimination last night.
"Everybody talks about how much class I don't have," said Avery. "It's the end of a series and men go to war against each other, and I guess he forgot to shake my hand."
Ah yes! My beloved Blue Shirts have taken round one in a most rousing win. As we were leading, I thought it looked good. Then the Devils caught up and I was biting my fingers to the nubs. As we say, a win, is a win, is a win. I was saying to myself that Avery would be the one to do the snubbing of Marty but the opposite proved to be true. Leave it to Sean to say "I guess he forgot".
The hard part is forthcoming. If we play the Pens it will be a battle. Washington or Monty could go either way. With the Pens, one needs to watch out for Sidney. With Washington, one really needs to watch out for Ovey. I look at it this way: If the Giants can come from behind to win the Bowl, then the Rangers can also pull off the same feat. I'll be glued to the boober watching the whole thing from start to end. There is nothing like playoff hockey. Right now I just want to nurse my side which took a hit from a 245 pound kid in to the boards. Although I returned the favor quite well, I'm feeling my age!
Rob, thanks for opening up the door for the "girls" to show up on "Hockey Talk". Jodi, who loves you more than me??????? Unlike any other sport, hockey is all about the playoffs. How many times this season have us Ranger fans heard coach say "the boys played well, but we're not where we want to be"? Thanks coach. I think the boys are there. They are playing their best hockey of the season. In every sport you hear about the mix of veterans and young players. I can't remember it being so evident than with this team. Besides the obvious young guys, Jagr, Straka, and Shanny are the players that are making the difference. They are showing our puppies the way. From the first round on, my boys are only going to get better.WHO'S NEXT!!!!!Kiv, what exactly are you curling when you do go to bed? Please don't hurt yourself.
Yep; it is going to be Rangers vs. El-Sid The Kid. I think we were 5-3against them and several games were sans Sid. It will be an interesting round indeed. I guess we will have a hockey Shabbos at my house on Friday!
More of Storch's Hockey Central brought to you by Schaeffer Beer. The one beer to have when you are having more than one! and by Tiparillo-Would you offer a Tiparillo to a lady?
Further thought on the Pens...The Pens have been on hiatus which might be an asset to the Rangers. Perhaps their momentum has been stagnated. We have three and a half maybe four solid lines that can score.We have Jaromir, Gomez, Drury, Dubinsky and Avery to highlight a few. The Rangers need to have solid D to generate plays in the offensive zone. Tom Renney has been preaching that all season. After all, solid O starts with solid D. We also have to include the Henrik factor too. Got to love the King! He is a Vezina Trophy finalist once again and that has to say something about the guy! No one is going to replace an Eddie Giacomin or Mike Richter or a JD for that matter but Hen-rik is certainly becoming legendary too!!!!!! Toss in Emile Francis too. Although he was not stellar between the pipes, he is a legend of the team!
Storch, do I even know you? Whatever. Being a Ranger fan is enough for me. Make mine a Molson. Eddie is my all time favorite, but let's not forget GUMP. He was a piece of work. Time to go to Vs. Sorry Sam.
Love the Molson's! I'll take a Canadian. After all, a Canadian brew and hockey are like two peas in a pod.
How horrific were these first two games? It sounds like Buffalo redux. We better win a few at MSG or our season is toast!!!!
Jackie; I need a few hints. I may know you. I was one of the "younger" incorrigibles of the 70's Makowsky's generation.
Where is Gilbert and Ratelle when we need them!!! Brad Park? Vic Hadfield? Harry Howell? Barry Beck? Don Maloney, Ron Greschner? and my main man, Brian Leetch and of course, The Messiah!!!!!We need those guys!!!
Just when I thought it could not get any worse....I nearly drowned in the porcelain pool last night from that game! The last team to make a comeback from that horror was the Isles v Pitt back in the early 70's. Now Avery winds up in the hospital with a ruptured spleen and is done, Drury gets hurt and well, it all sounds like a nightmare. I have been a Rangers fan all of my life. I've been let down many times before. I guess I can say that I'm used to it. Although it is not over yet, I think the Rangers are cleaning off their golf clubs for the off season. None the less, I still love the team.
Mitch, I think she is about ready to perform and has taken the stage. With Avery gone with a splenic laceration and Drury done, we are as good as toast. I dread watching that game tonight. Avery is a tough guy. He played with that speen lac and kept on going. That's tough! So; no Avery, Drury or Betts. My Betts is on Pitt. Hate to say it. They broke my heart again. At least we made it to round two. The Isles barely finished their season. Had to toss that in there. There is next season. At least I can watch Rangers Classics. I play all year too and I get my fix weekly.
As Paul Harvey says: "And now you know the rest of the story!"
Page 2...NFL and Giants. Forget the Yankees. I've seen better T-ball games!!
The New York Rangers were 60 minutes from extinction when Game 4 of their second-round playoff series began. They knew it. And they played like they knew it.
Good for them, and good for Jack, Storch & Bruce...you all live to fight another day.
Although the Fat Lady had taken the stage, she did not sing. We beat Kid Sid without Avery all thanks to a stellar perf by Jaromir Jagr. Although it is a slim chance, the Rangers might, yes might be able to pull it off. I have not put my jersey away for the season as of yet!
Next game on NBC. I'll be watching and listening to Doc Emrick. We shall overcome!!!!
I'm sure it was an oversight on your part but, it was not only Jaromir Jagr...you can't forget that goaltender Henrik Lundqvist shared the role of hero in staving off elimination.
The only problem with NBC is we all have to be subjected to Mike Milbury!....but I agree Doc is the best!
May 3, 2008 -- This is where we came in, with the Rangers needing a victory in Pittsburgh, and with the Rangers needing the game officials to allow them to play the kind of game that will translate into a victory. None of the Rangers will touch the subject now, and why would they following the storm that was whipped up last week when officiating was front and center among topics of conversation?
It is, however, a fact that the Blueshirts must be allowed to knock down Sidney Crosby, Evegni Malkin and Marian Hossa just as they did in Thursday's playoff deathbed of a 3-0 Game 4 victory at the Garden in order to survive tomorrow afternoon's Game 5 at the Igloo.
Not that Thursday's work by the Bill McCreary-Kevin Pollock referee tandem was worthy of a gold star, not with the bizarre decision by Pollock to award Malkin a penalty shot when he was pushed from behind by Dan Girardi; not with the miss of the Ryan Malone stab to the back of the leg that felled Brandon Dubinsky moments before the fiery kid center jumped up to score the PPG that gave the Rangers a 2-0 lead; and not with the miss of the Malkin slew foot that took down Paul Mara at the end of the game.
Still, all things being equal, the penalties not called against the Penguins were offset by the penalties not called against the Rangers when Crosby, Malkin and Hossa were knocked down, albeit legally.
Penalties were not called in the first when Crosby went hard into the boards after losing an edge with Michal Rozsival on his tail or when Crosby went down after Brendan Shanahan eliminated a scoring chance by leaning hard on No. 87's stick.
Penalties were not called when Girardi rode Malkin hard into the wall in the first or when Girardi - catch a theme here? - caught Hossa in open ice with a thunderous hit that brought an immediate response from Crosby.
Understand. Penalties were not merited on any of the aforementioned plays. But that doesn't mean it should be taken for granted that penalties won't be called under similar circumstances tomorrow.
It's not as if the game has to be called perfectly in order for the Rangers to win. It's that the game has to be called by referees who will not be influenced the names on the back of the jerseys or by the crowd.
The Rangers were in Crosby's face on Thursday as often as No. 87 is in the face of the officials. That didn't start with him. Wayne Gretzky did it in Edmonton. Bobby Orr did it in Boston. Stars work officials. The problem comes when officials are influenced by star power and intimidated into making calls.
Crosby, whose temper flared throughout Thursday's defeat, will no doubt respond tomorrow with a monster effort. It is, however, anyone's guess how Malkin will react to being targeted. And it is worth noting that Hossa disappeared in the 2003 New Jersey-Ottawa Eastern finals after Scott Stevens pounded him early and often.
The Rangers need to play with discipline tomorrow. They need to play the game in the Pittsburgh zone. They need the same kind of puck-possession they displayed on Thursday, the kind that earned them a 7-4 advantage in power plays.
And they'll also need color-blind officials, which is pretty much where we came in last week.
I don't know if you "Hockey Mavens" are reading this but this was in today's paper...do any of you agree with this?... I DO!
NBC letting ‘Stooges’ get in Mike Emrick’s way
Sunday, NBC Sports will air Game 5 of the Rangers-Penguins Eastern Conference semifinal series. Anyone electing to mute the sound and listen on the radio won't get an argument. Taking that route does mean depriving yourself of the premier hockey play-by-play man on the planet, Mike (Doc) Emrick. That's what the brainiacs at NBC Sports are doing already. Anyone who has come to NBC's NHL coverage at playoff time is finding this out.
For reasons known only to them, NBC is basically using a four-man booth. No they don't all sit together. At Emrick's side is Eddie Olczyk, whom the rest of the crew calls "Ed-zo," or something sounding like "Enzo (the baker from Godfather Uno)." Then between the benches there is one of the most annoying, self-promoting mouths (although not nearly as I-me-me as Dick Vitale) on sports television today, Pierre McGuire, who also anchors the between-periods show.
Hovering over all this, somewhere in the arena, is the mysterious voice of Mike Milbury, who is the studio analyst. Nonetheless last week (Rangers-Penguins Game 2) he could be heard during the game, too.
Here's the deal: It's not like this orchestra of voices has nothing to say. They are all, at times, capable of bringing big insights to the telecast. Still, when the conductor goes out and hires a virtuoso soloist such as Emrick, he doesn't need a trio of Tubby the Tubas getting in the way.
More than any other televised sport, hockey is driven by the rhythm of the play-by-play voice. And there is no one who can cook like Emrick. It would be one thing if NBC Sports boss Dick Ebersol hired some NHL ham-and-egger to call the games. Then, NBC might need some backup singers to sweeten the sound.
Now, all they do is distract. Sorry, but to me, Emrick has almost become an afterthought. You hear all these guys yapping as play is going on. Emrick cannot do his thing while they are carrying on a conversation. He must wait until they finally make their point before chiming in.
That's no good. It's a waste of talent, too. NBC's broadcast format does not help Gary Bettman and the NHL's cause, either. The league is banking on the big-time network coverage NBC delivers to bring casual fans into its tent. Making the game harder to follow hinders that effort.
I just have to say this....If you watched this game, then you cannot come out of it saying oh well...That was some HOCKEY GAME! That is why without a doubt there is no sport as riveting as Playoff Hockey. Period.
I do believe the Rangers got jobbed when Drury was cut with a hight stick drew blood and there was "No Double Minor" called. Pittsburgh scored 2 goals right after that and I though it was curtains right there, but the way Rangers fought back in the third was amazing. They just came up a little short and seemed to succomb to the pressure of having to kill off a penalty at the end of the 3rd and then the ensuing overtime.
The future looks bright as this team has a good mix of veterans and youth.
I'm Enzo the Baker, I'm here for your Father, your Father!
Yes, it was a game. A darn good one too. The fact is we lost. Season is over. Now comes the boredom of no Rangers hockey for a while. Well, I still have my league to keep me sane!
It will be interesting to see who goes and who stays and who comes on board.
We got raped on penalties big time. I'm convinced that they give El-Sid an advantage. At least it seems that way.
Hockey is not a Neilsen grabber. never has been. Maybe a 2 rating and a 5 share on a good day. NBC should stick with Doc and a good color guy. Having baldy on the side does nothing as he never seems to be on the same page. MSG does it well. Two solid guys in the booth, then having the Maven on in between.
Rangers on radio are good too. Got Marv, Jr. and Maloney. Maloney knows hockey. He was a 21 year old captain too.
Well; I have to see Philly win. I doubt it but the Pens took the wind out of my sails so I'll root the other way.
If any of the LI crew wants to play,we can always take a few good players on my team. Let me know!
My cup hath runneth over. Runneth over with my tears!!! We are still better than the Isles!!!!!!!!!
41 Comments:
At 4/08/2008 3:30 PM ,
Mitch said...
Although not a big hockey fan, I do love when the locals meet for the right to continue the journey for the Stanley Cup. I still believe it is the hardest championship in all of the major sports to win!
Maybe this will bring Bruce, Jackie, and Storch back to the blog! Good luck guys!
I'm still relishing the Giants super win. Eat your heart out Steve!
At 4/08/2008 4:04 PM ,
Storch said...
'Storch's Hockey Central' Is on the air!!!! As I sit in my office with my Easton Synergy stick propped up next to my desk (I'm playing later), wearing my 1994 Brian Leetch Stanley Cup jersey, complete with patch, A and of course, the big number 2, I salivate the puck drop tomorrow night. We have beaten the Devils before and we can and shall do it again! I will say that Marty Brodeur is one of the best between the pipes and they have good players. The Rangers have a good man between the pipes and a good array of key players that can move the puck to the net. We need to generate solid plays in the defensive zone to move out in to the offensive zone and keep Brodeur busy. We have Jagr,Drury, Gomez and Shanahan that are well versed in going head on with Marty. Now that we have been seeded in the playoffs, winning in shootouts is OK although I prefer a clear win without OT.
I say GO RANGERS GO and bring Lord Stanley's Cup back to NY!
Thanks for the well wishes Mitch!
At 4/08/2008 5:24 PM ,
David said...
Sorry guys--as an ex-Rangers, Ex-Islanders fan, having lived below the Mason-Dixon line longer than above it, all I can say is GO CAPS!!--the most exciting team in hockey right now--last place at Thanksgiving to 3d seed and division leader. With the hottest player, Alex O, and a coach who makes Carroll O'Connor/Archie Bunker look debonair.
At 4/08/2008 6:24 PM ,
Mitch said...
David,
I had no idea what Bruce Boudreau looked like. I had to google him. He actually reminds me more of John Houseman. Anyway, are you purchasing your "Rock the Red" gear?...Enjoy the playoffs.
At 4/08/2008 8:18 PM ,
steve kiv said...
hockey.....HOCKEY!!!
Are you guys crazy? You must be desperate for something to rail about!
I tried to find a good curling match or a good cricket match, but no luck!
I think I'll go back to the History channel.
At 4/09/2008 11:40 AM ,
Storch said...
Dave; If I'm in the rink and see a guy like Don Brashear coming at me, I'd move out of his way! I like Tom Poti, Nylander (we should have kept him) and who cannot like Ovey! That guy has a shot I'd love half of! I will be a Blueshirt guy until the end.
Funny thing about hockey...Either you like it or loathe it. Come on Kiv! Football and baseball are great but nothing is tougher than hockey. Every now and again, SNY or ESPN has a good cricket game from Flushing Meadows played between the Corona Guyanan's and the Jackson Heights Bombay Bombers. Only time I have seen curling was on the Olympics. Bowling is more of a sport than that! Actually, how can bowling be a sport? One can drink booze and beer while playing it!
OK Mets fans...You are very quiet. Hopefully the season will not be like the past few games. Yankees fans are also sobbing. Their DL is growing like corn on an Accord farm!
At 4/09/2008 2:02 PM ,
steve kiv said...
Actually, Storch, Hockey playoffs are really exciting and I do watch them. However I root for any team playing the Rangers. When I was a kid I was a die hard Ranger fan. But when the Blueshirts traded for fat Phil Esposito and made him the captain before he ever even put on a uniform, I gave up. What a slap in the face that was to Rod Gilbert.
And I also agree that hockey players are the best conditioned athletes along with soccer players.
Just my two cents.
Jackie....are you still going to the games?
At 4/09/2008 3:29 PM ,
Mitch said...
Storch...
He won't admit it, but Steve is a "closet" Islander fan. He can't bring himself to say it out loud.
I also remember an instance when the Rangers were about to be eliminated from the playoffs when one of Emile Francis's "Fat Cats", namely Vic Hadfield of the famous "G.A.G." Line (GOAL A GAME for you non fans)took a penalty. He was sitting in the box when a fan came down and offered him a beer. Jim Gordon, who was announcing the game on Channel 9! (Wow, free TV what a concept...) was also perturbed as I was seeing Hadfield smiling & guzzling, and caught on camera. But you know what? It is still the same way today. The fans care more about the game than the players. Always did...always will!
At 4/10/2008 12:15 PM ,
Storch said...
Thanks Mitch! My first game at MSG was the Garden on 8th Ave, ca. 1967. Harry Howell was the man along with Eddie Giacomin. Emile was the coach back then. 67 was a good year for them.
Chalk one up for the Rangers beating the Devils 4-1 in regulation. Ryan Callahan scores a wrap around short handed goal the first such goal in many years scored by a Ranger in a playoff game. Brodeur simply lost sight of Callahan and the puck. One blink of an eye is all it takes. I think the Rangers will get three more and take it from the Devils. We now have the psychological edge on them. With Gomez on the line who knows his old teammates skills, the advantage leans toward the Rangers.
Kiv- I agree with you about the Espo/Gilbert deal. That was a lousy move. Rod Gilbert was one of the greatest of the greats. Here was a guy who was written off as a cripple who came back and played better than he ever did. My late Grandfather (may he rest in peace) was a die hard Rangers fan from day one. When that happened he cursed his head off about it. Espo was taken on for "pizzazz". The pretty boy days, if you will. Espo, Duguay and Gresch (love him) doing those cockamamie jeans ads. That was the image they wanted but they did not get the best out of them. Guys like Harry Howell, Gilbert, Hadfield were the greats of the day. I remember Channel 9 games vividly. Sam Rosen, the MSG play by play man was a former neighbor of mine in New City. Nice guy. Sorry for the jabs- I'm just a cantankerous hockey player...
My favorites are Gilbert, Hadfield, Howell, Park, Giacomin, Leetch, Messier (the Messiah) and Greschner. Emile was one of the best coaches they have had. Tom Renney is making a good name for himself too.
GO RANGERS GO!!!!
At 4/11/2008 12:07 PM ,
Elli said...
Hockey playoffs are the greatest!!
Go to a live hockey game and you're hooked. Had hoped the Islanders'd go far this year, ugggh. thought I could root for the Rangers, but found myself hoping the Devils kill em. Am going to Game 5 at the Rock next Friday.
At 4/11/2008 5:36 PM ,
David said...
Any sport where there is continuous movement (hockey, basketball, motocross, etc.) has my attention. Baseball is fun when the sun is out, and you are sitting in the park, downing dogs and a cold one (we have a new park--been there twice--not quite getting the same warm vibes as Camden Yards but it is nice. Sorry Kiv--but baseball is basically boring unless you are playing or at the park on a nice day. Then it is a lot of fun.
You guys are such old fogies--yes,Andy Bathgate, Giacomin, Emile Francis, Hatfield, Rod Gilbert, Gump Worsley, Boom Boom Geoffrion, Jacques Plante, Jean Ratelle (broke his ankle stepping off a curb), Brad Park (went to Boston for Espo) etc. were my heroes growing up. Then my dad got rid of his season's tix for the Rangers and bought Islanders tix--what a stretch--drive for five--they were great. But today's players are faster, stronger and frankly, for the most part, better players. I would start the modern era with Gretzky. Ovey is terrific.And what a great stretch drive. And yes I will be at the game tonight in Red--Leonsis has us all psyched--besides its great to hate the Flyers, even if they are not the Broad Street Bullies.
At 4/11/2008 11:28 PM ,
jackie said...
I'm going to try one more time. (Only because of Kup.) First of all,Storch, do you really bring your Synergy to work? You need help. David, there is no such thing as an ex Ranger fan. Do you think that Howie Rose is an ex Ranger fan? Our generation,we're all locked in. If you consider yourself an ex fan for any of your teams,"thanks for coming, arrive home safely". Kiv, you got to be kiddin'. I was not a big fan of the trade,but to call Espo fat????
One of the best.(Think of the trade from the Black Hawks.) I'm reading Espo for Gilbert? I think it was Jean Ratelle and Joe Zannusi. # 7 never left the nest. Kiv, if you want a good curling match, how about you against my grandson Luke? I think he can curl at least 1 lb.Now that Hutt said that you were off the 'roids, he may kick your butt.I'm loving this Lord Stanley talk. Keep 'em coming.
At 4/12/2008 7:24 AM ,
Mitch said...
Two periods of hand-to-hand combat that had produced more punches and shoves than scoring chances had given way to yet another eruption of third-period Rangers thunder. Goals 23 seconds apart by Jaromir Jagr and Sean Avery. And the smothering 14 minutes that followed made it look like the Devils had no response, not even to the thousands of Rangers fans mocking them in their own building.
Then came a wild final minute and a half during which the Devils halved the Rangers' lead with a goal and furiously pressed for the second goal that would have tied it. In the end, though, the Rangers hung on Friday night in Newark for a 2-1 victory and a 2-0 lead in the bitter rivals' Eastern Conference quarterfinal.
At 4/12/2008 8:22 AM ,
bfine said...
Hi all,
Thank you Mitch for the Hockey talk.
I promise you the only thing that matches NHL playoff intensity was Makowsky's Sondak softball.
I think what you are seeing is 2 evenly matched but mediocre teams.
Either team will have trouble winning round 2.
I was a long long time MSG blue seater, including game 7 in 1994.
Somehow I have maintained my sanity.
I still share with two other people two seats in the old yellow seats, 200 series.Price of one seat just about matches season ticket in the good old days.
Add Carol Vadnais to that Espo trade.
I think the next game will be even tougher for the NYR to win as they seem to let down when they don't absolutuely have to win.
Nowadays when the NHL playoffs end it is time to head to Makowsky's.
Hope everyone is doing well and you guys figure out how to do Reunion two.
Bruce.
At 4/12/2008 10:22 AM ,
steve kiv said...
Jackie,
You misread my post! I remember that Rod Gilbert was still left with the Rangers. He was a greatly respected player and should have been named the captain but was passed over for Esposito. The reason Espo was a good player was the fact that he was so big, that nobody could budge him from the crease. Opposing players would just "bounce off".
AND.....the only curling I do is when I go to bed!!
Hi Bruce!
Carol Vadnais is so memorable that the only use for his hockey card is in the spokes of a bicycle to make that "souped up" noise.
And yes I am forced to admit that I have an original Bryan Trottier jersey hanging in my closet. Ah, my secret is out!
At 4/14/2008 11:08 AM ,
Storch said...
Jackie; Call me a dork. I bring the stick to work. I cannot leave it in the car. I'll say that I do have to go to some un-savory neighborhoods in my travels. Not like the residents of such areas are hockey players but I do not want to contribute my stick to their armentarium of weaponry!
Last night's loss was a killer. What a stinky shot. Off the skate of Staal. Well, it happens. When Callahan sailed over Marty Brodeur, I was like wow! Marty may have to take 5. Well, Brodeur is a warrior. He got up, shook it off and went at it like nothing happened.
There is nothing like playoff hockey!
I thought that Majestic games were more playoff like than Sondak. Majestic was a bigger place than Sondak. Then again, if Louis and Morris Sondak's colonies combined for a game,it could rival a Majestic game. Majestic was so snooty. They came in their blue1964 Chevy Suburban to the games like they were royalty!
I still say the Rangers will do it.
BTW- Mets baseball cards made a better sound than hockey cards on bike wheels. I wish I had those cards today! I do have two Brian Leetch cards on my desk as well as a copy of Newsday with the pic of DP smashing his stick. Of course, I took the liberty of editing the headline. Not to be a total dork, I have kid and family pics too!
GO RANGERS!
At 4/14/2008 2:20 PM ,
Mitch said...
From my standpoint about last night's game, you can't cry about a shot off a defender's skate. That's hockey! What it does prove is that if you continue to put the puck on net....you never know what will happen.
I think the Rangers are fortunate to be up 2 games to 1. All 3 games that I have watched, the Broadway Blues keep giving up the puck in their own end all night long! You can't do that! But give the Devils some credit here. They forecheck, and they forecheck some more. They are making the Rangers cough it up. And also, the penalties are killing them. But what do I know, I'm just a casual fan, I'm sure you hockey mavens will shoot holes in my theories, but that is just the way I see it.
At 4/14/2008 10:12 PM ,
Rob said...
This is the only posting we've had that has escaped the Ladies out there.
The comments you Moe , Larry & Curleys come up with are worthy of The Hockey Hall of of Fame memoirs, which are presently in Storch's garage, but soon to expand to a new POD in the driveway. I'm sure all are welcome to visit. Bring your stick . LOL
At 4/15/2008 4:15 PM ,
Storch said...
If anyone is ever in Commack, come on by! I'll set up a net and we can pass the puck around. My three and seven year old girls are pretty good with the sticks too! Not only do I have hockey stuff in the garage, I'm probably the only guy around that has a complete set of license plates from every state that issued a 1963 plate which was almost all the states in the union. All I need now is a '63 Bel-Air to go with them.
There are no excuses for the puck sailing off the D-Man's skates. I can attest to that. I think it happens to all of us D-Men a few times in our playing careers. As they say "It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings!" I "ain't" heard the fat lady yet!
Attention: The movie for tonight is 'Slapshot' with Paul Newman. Chilly Willy and Woody Woodpecker will be shown prior to the movie. Flash will make sure that he has Fox's U-Bet on hand for egg creams. I wish!!!!! Only reason 'Slapshot' is showing is because 'Bridge Over The River Kwai' is worn out. I can still hear Milton's voice (may he rest in peace) making the announcement over the PA.
At 4/16/2008 6:55 PM ,
Rob said...
LET'S TAKE A BREAK BETWEEN PERIODS TO WISH MITCH & LINDA A HAPPY BIRTHDAY. YES...THEY CELEBRATE ON THE SAME DAY.
EVERYONE SHOULD GIVE THEM A SUBSTANTIAL YELL.
At 4/17/2008 9:21 AM ,
Jodi said...
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU BOTH,
LOVE YOU............JODI
At 4/18/2008 3:53 PM ,
Storch said...
Happy Birthday Mitch & Linda!
RANGERS IN 5!
At 4/18/2008 4:51 PM ,
Mitch said...
The prospect of seeing Martin Brodeur have to shake Sean Avery's hand sometime after 10 o'clock Friday might prove too tantalizing for most Rangers fans. Let's see if it happens! Hey, where's Jack?
At 4/19/2008 6:47 AM ,
Mitch said...
I should have been a prognosticator.
This was in the NY Post today.
April 19, 2008 -- In the end, the New Jersey Devils' skin turned out to be thinner than even their scoring.
Apparently having seen enough of Sean Avery's face during Game 3's infamous, rule-changing 5-on-3, Martin Brodeur turned away from the Ranger left wing in the handshake line following New Jersey's 5-3 Game 5 elimination last night.
"Everybody talks about how much class I don't have," said Avery. "It's the end of a series and men go to war against each other, and I guess he forgot to shake my hand."
At 4/21/2008 9:20 AM ,
Storch said...
Ah yes! My beloved Blue Shirts have taken round one in a most rousing win. As we were leading, I thought it looked good. Then the Devils caught up and I was biting my fingers to the nubs. As we say, a win, is a win, is a win. I was saying to myself that Avery would be the one to do the snubbing of Marty but the opposite proved to be true. Leave it to Sean to say "I guess he forgot".
The hard part is forthcoming. If we play the Pens it will be a battle. Washington or Monty could go either way. With the Pens, one needs to watch out for Sidney. With Washington, one really needs to watch out for Ovey. I look at it this way: If the Giants can come from behind to win the Bowl, then the Rangers can also pull off the same feat. I'll be glued to the boober watching the whole thing from start to end. There is nothing like playoff hockey. Right now I just want to nurse my side which took a hit from a 245 pound kid in to the boards. Although I returned the favor quite well, I'm feeling my age!
RANGERS IN ANOTHER 5!
At 4/21/2008 6:12 PM ,
jackie said...
Rob, thanks for opening up the door for the "girls" to show up on "Hockey Talk". Jodi, who loves you more than me??????? Unlike any other sport, hockey is all about the playoffs. How many times this season have us Ranger fans heard coach say "the boys played well, but we're not where we want to be"? Thanks coach. I think the boys are there. They are playing their best hockey of the season. In every sport you hear about the mix of veterans and young players. I can't remember it being so evident than with this team. Besides the obvious young guys, Jagr, Straka, and Shanny are the players that are making the difference. They are showing our puppies the way. From the first round on, my boys are only going to get better.WHO'S NEXT!!!!!Kiv, what exactly are you curling when you do go to bed? Please don't hurt yourself.
At 4/23/2008 7:14 AM ,
Mitch said...
It's now official! It is Rangers/Penguins on Friday. Lets hope we hear alot of this.....
Goooal! Gooooal! Goooal! Goooal! Hey! Hey! Hey-Hey-Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey-Hey-Hey!
BTW, Sorry David, Washington had a hell-of-a-run...but it is now time to root for your "old" home town team once again.
At 4/23/2008 10:42 AM ,
Storch said...
Yep; it is going to be Rangers vs. El-Sid The Kid. I think we were 5-3against them and several games were sans Sid. It will be an interesting round indeed. I guess we will have a hockey Shabbos at my house on Friday!
GO RANGERS!
At 4/23/2008 11:03 AM ,
Storch said...
More of Storch's Hockey Central brought to you by Schaeffer Beer. The one beer to have when you are having more than one! and by Tiparillo-Would you offer a Tiparillo to a lady?
Further thought on the Pens...The Pens have been on hiatus which might be an asset to the Rangers. Perhaps their momentum has been stagnated. We have three and a half maybe four solid lines that can score.We have Jaromir, Gomez, Drury, Dubinsky and Avery to highlight a few. The Rangers need to have solid D to generate plays in the offensive zone. Tom Renney has been preaching that all season. After all, solid O starts with solid D. We also have to include the Henrik factor too. Got to love the King! He is a Vezina Trophy finalist once again and that has to say something about the guy! No one is going to replace an Eddie Giacomin or Mike Richter or a JD for that matter but Hen-rik is certainly becoming legendary too!!!!!! Toss in Emile Francis too. Although he was not stellar between the pipes, he is a legend of the team!
At 4/25/2008 7:00 PM ,
jackie said...
Storch, do I even know you? Whatever. Being a Ranger fan is enough for me. Make mine a Molson. Eddie is my all time favorite, but let's not forget GUMP. He was a piece of work. Time to go to Vs. Sorry Sam.
At 4/28/2008 11:55 AM ,
Storch said...
Love the Molson's! I'll take a Canadian. After all, a Canadian brew and hockey are like two peas in a pod.
How horrific were these first two games? It sounds like Buffalo redux. We better win a few at MSG or our season is toast!!!!
Jackie; I need a few hints. I may know you. I was one of the "younger" incorrigibles of the 70's Makowsky's generation.
Where is Gilbert and Ratelle when we need them!!! Brad Park? Vic Hadfield? Harry Howell? Barry Beck? Don Maloney, Ron Greschner? and my main man, Brian Leetch and of course, The Messiah!!!!!We need those guys!!!
At 4/30/2008 12:43 PM ,
Storch said...
Just when I thought it could not get any worse....I nearly drowned in the porcelain pool last night from that game! The last team to make a comeback from that horror was the Isles v Pitt back in the early 70's. Now Avery winds up in the hospital with a ruptured spleen and is done, Drury gets hurt and well, it all sounds like a nightmare. I have been a Rangers fan all of my life. I've been let down many times before. I guess I can say that I'm used to it. Although it is not over yet, I think the Rangers are cleaning off their golf clubs for the off season. None the less, I still love the team.
Pass the Kleenex!
At 4/30/2008 6:09 PM ,
Mitch said...
I hate saying this, but I think the "Fat Lady" is starting to clear her throat!
I never thought going into the series that Fleury would outplay Lundqvist. But that is the difference - Period!
At 5/01/2008 10:08 AM ,
Storch said...
Mitch, I think she is about ready to perform and has taken the stage. With Avery gone with a splenic laceration and Drury done, we are as good as toast. I dread watching that game tonight. Avery is a tough guy. He played with that speen lac and kept on going. That's tough! So; no Avery, Drury or Betts. My Betts is on Pitt. Hate to say it. They broke my heart again. At least we made it to round two. The Isles barely finished their season. Had to toss that in there. There is next season. At least I can watch Rangers Classics. I play all year too and I get my fix weekly.
As Paul Harvey says: "And now you know the rest of the story!"
Page 2...NFL and Giants. Forget the Yankees. I've seen better T-ball games!!
At 5/02/2008 6:52 AM ,
Mitch said...
Hey! Tell the Fat Lady...not just yet....
The New York Rangers were 60 minutes from extinction when Game 4 of their second-round playoff series began. They knew it. And they played like they knew it.
Good for them, and good for Jack, Storch & Bruce...you all live to fight another day.
At 5/02/2008 4:56 PM ,
Storch said...
Although the Fat Lady had taken the stage, she did not sing. We beat Kid Sid without Avery all thanks to a stellar perf by Jaromir Jagr. Although it is a slim chance, the Rangers might, yes might be able to pull it off. I have not put my jersey away for the season as of yet!
Next game on NBC. I'll be watching and listening to Doc Emrick. We shall overcome!!!!
At 5/02/2008 5:57 PM ,
Mitch said...
Storch,
I'm sure it was an oversight on your part but, it was not only Jaromir Jagr...you can't forget that goaltender Henrik Lundqvist shared the role of hero in staving off elimination.
The only problem with NBC is we all have to be subjected to Mike Milbury!....but I agree Doc is the best!
At 5/03/2008 6:57 AM ,
Mitch said...
TOUCHY SUBJECT
By LARRY BROOKS
May 3, 2008 -- This is where we came in, with the Rangers needing a victory in Pittsburgh, and with the Rangers needing the game officials to allow them to play the kind of game that will translate into a victory.
None of the Rangers will touch the subject now, and why would they following the storm that was whipped up last week when officiating was front and center among topics of conversation?
It is, however, a fact that the Blueshirts must be allowed to knock down Sidney Crosby, Evegni Malkin and Marian Hossa just as they did in Thursday's playoff deathbed of a 3-0 Game 4 victory at the Garden in order to survive tomorrow afternoon's Game 5 at the Igloo.
Not that Thursday's work by the Bill McCreary-Kevin Pollock referee tandem was worthy of a gold star, not with the bizarre decision by Pollock to award Malkin a penalty shot when he was pushed from behind by Dan Girardi; not with the miss of the Ryan Malone stab to the back of the leg that felled Brandon Dubinsky moments before the fiery kid center jumped up to score the PPG that gave the Rangers a 2-0 lead; and not with the miss of the Malkin slew foot that took down Paul Mara at the end of the game.
Still, all things being equal, the penalties not called against the Penguins were offset by the penalties not called against the Rangers when Crosby, Malkin and Hossa were knocked down, albeit legally.
Penalties were not called in the first when Crosby went hard into the boards after losing an edge with Michal Rozsival on his tail or when Crosby went down after Brendan Shanahan eliminated a scoring chance by leaning hard on No. 87's stick.
Penalties were not called when Girardi rode Malkin hard into the wall in the first or when Girardi - catch a theme here? - caught Hossa in open ice with a thunderous hit that brought an immediate response from Crosby.
Understand. Penalties were not merited on any of the aforementioned plays. But that doesn't mean it should be taken for granted that penalties won't be called under similar circumstances tomorrow.
It's not as if the game has to be called perfectly in order for the Rangers to win. It's that the game has to be called by referees who will not be influenced the names on the back of the jerseys or by the crowd.
The Rangers were in Crosby's face on Thursday as often as No. 87 is in the face of the officials. That didn't start with him. Wayne Gretzky did it in Edmonton. Bobby Orr did it in Boston. Stars work officials. The problem comes when officials are influenced by star power and intimidated into making calls.
Crosby, whose temper flared throughout Thursday's defeat, will no doubt respond tomorrow with a monster effort. It is, however, anyone's guess how Malkin will react to being targeted. And it is worth noting that Hossa disappeared in the 2003 New Jersey-Ottawa Eastern finals after Scott Stevens pounded him early and often.
The Rangers need to play with discipline tomorrow. They need to play the game in the Pittsburgh zone. They need the same kind of puck-possession they displayed on Thursday, the kind that earned them a 7-4 advantage in power plays.
And they'll also need color-blind officials, which is pretty much where we came in last week.
larry.brooks@nypost.com
At 5/04/2008 7:12 AM ,
Mitch said...
I don't know if you "Hockey Mavens" are reading this but this was in today's paper...do any of you agree with this?... I DO!
NBC letting ‘Stooges’ get in Mike Emrick’s way
Sunday, NBC Sports will air Game 5 of the Rangers-Penguins Eastern Conference semifinal series. Anyone electing to mute the sound and listen on the radio won't get an argument. Taking that route does mean depriving yourself of the premier hockey play-by-play man on the planet, Mike (Doc) Emrick. That's what the brainiacs at NBC Sports are doing already. Anyone who has come to NBC's NHL coverage at playoff time is finding this out.
For reasons known only to them, NBC is basically using a four-man booth. No they don't all sit together. At Emrick's side is Eddie Olczyk, whom the rest of the crew calls "Ed-zo," or something sounding like "Enzo (the baker from Godfather Uno)." Then between the benches there is one of the most annoying, self-promoting mouths (although not nearly as I-me-me as Dick Vitale) on sports television today, Pierre McGuire, who also anchors the between-periods show.
Hovering over all this, somewhere in the arena, is the mysterious voice of Mike Milbury, who is the studio analyst. Nonetheless last week (Rangers-Penguins Game 2) he could be heard during the game, too.
Here's the deal: It's not like this orchestra of voices has nothing to say. They are all, at times, capable of bringing big insights to the telecast. Still, when the conductor goes out and hires a virtuoso soloist such as Emrick, he doesn't need a trio of Tubby the Tubas getting in the way.
More than any other televised sport, hockey is driven by the rhythm of the play-by-play voice. And there is no one who can cook like Emrick. It would be one thing if NBC Sports boss Dick Ebersol hired some NHL ham-and-egger to call the games. Then, NBC might need some backup singers to sweeten the sound.
Now, all they do is distract. Sorry, but to me, Emrick has almost become an afterthought. You hear all these guys yapping as play is going on. Emrick cannot do his thing while they are carrying on a conversation. He must wait until they finally make their point before chiming in.
That's no good. It's a waste of talent, too. NBC's broadcast format does not help Gary Bettman and the NHL's cause, either. The league is banking on the big-time network coverage NBC delivers to bring casual fans into its tent. Making the game harder to follow hinders that effort.
Bob Raissman - NY Daily News
At 5/04/2008 6:22 PM ,
Mitch said...
I just have to say this....If you watched this game, then you cannot come out of it saying oh well...That was some HOCKEY GAME! That is why without a doubt there is no sport as riveting as Playoff Hockey. Period.
I do believe the Rangers got jobbed when Drury was cut with a hight stick drew blood and there was "No Double Minor" called. Pittsburgh scored 2 goals right after that and I though it was curtains right there, but the way Rangers fought back in the third was amazing. They just came up a little short and seemed to succomb to the pressure of having to kill off a penalty at the end of the 3rd and then the ensuing overtime.
The future looks bright as this team has a good mix of veterans and youth.
At 5/05/2008 11:03 AM ,
Storch said...
I'm Enzo the Baker, I'm here for your Father, your Father!
Yes, it was a game. A darn good one too. The fact is we lost. Season is over. Now comes the boredom of no Rangers hockey for a while. Well, I still have my league to keep me sane!
It will be interesting to see who goes and who stays and who comes on board.
We got raped on penalties big time. I'm convinced that they give El-Sid an advantage. At least it seems that way.
Hockey is not a Neilsen grabber. never has been. Maybe a 2 rating and a 5 share on a good day. NBC should stick with Doc and a good color guy. Having baldy on the side does nothing as he never seems to be on the same page. MSG does it well. Two solid guys in the booth, then having the Maven on in between.
Rangers on radio are good too. Got Marv, Jr. and Maloney. Maloney knows hockey. He was a 21 year old captain too.
Well; I have to see Philly win. I doubt it but the Pens took the wind out of my sails so I'll root the other way.
If any of the LI crew wants to play,we can always take a few good players on my team. Let me know!
My cup hath runneth over. Runneth over with my tears!!! We are still better than the Isles!!!!!!!!!
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home