This Team is Different!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

The Rangers invaded the Washington Ovechkin’s arena- Oops! I mean, the Washington Capitals. For what was to be a great early season test to see how this Rangers team would fair against one of the best teams out there. To me, it’s not so much that the Rangers got the win by a score of 4-3, it’s more so about how they did it.

Starting off… Ryan Callahan. Would he play? Or would he not? Well Rangers fans, not only did he play- but he played his tail off and supplied the Rangers with a huge goal and an all-around outstanding performance. I’ve said it before and I’ll stay it again. Ryan Callahan will someday be “Captain Material”. You can take that to the bank! Next, was “The King”. Henrik Lundqvist totally gaffed on a dump in from near center ice by Nicklas Backstrom which ended up knotting up the game at 2. Shortly thereafter, this Rangers team rallied around their franchise goalie and Lundqvist himself came along for the ride. Lundqvist made many big saves down the stretch. Sure, the Capitals scored on a PP (Bad penalty by Voros) to take the 3-2 lead. I’m also sure there were many Rangers fans thinking, “Here we go again”. Well, that’s when it happened.

Something that Rangers fans have not seen from a Ranger team in years. A quick strike by Marian Gaborik tied up the game at 3-3 just 18 seconds later. A few minutes after that, Gaborik struck again off of a beautiful feed from Michael Del Zotto (Boy can this kid pass!) and the Rangers were now in front 4-3! What? A Comeback after facing adversity? You better believe it.

That’s the difference that I see so far with this Rangers squad. They do not sit back and lay down like dogs. They kept the pressure on the Caps and just continued to play their game. As a result, they were victorious in the hostile Washington arena. I saw a team tonight that cared for each other out there. They bailed out their star goalie by making sure the Voros penalty’s PP goal would not be the lasting impression of the night. That’s what the word “team” means and this win proves that. This Rangers squad is different in more ways than one. You have to like what you see so far! Over and out!

18 comments:

Troublizing said...

Kotsy i have been drinking the Ranger kool aid all off season.

Now I'm not saying there aren't gonna be some bumps in the road and It's wayyy to early to start crowning them division champs but... You are right on when you say this team is different.. they are forward Thinking
and most of all exciting I feel like I;m watching Hockey again.

I met Pete Stemkowski tonight helluva guy still not as cool as you Kotsy but pretty damn close

Kotsy's Korner said...

Troublizing, My man what's going on?
Hey It's obviously early and I'm not crowning anybody in the NHL yet period that's for sure LOL.

It's just great to watch a team trying and fighting through some adversity for once.They could have folded their tents many times but they didn't and that shows me something.

Stemmer's a beauty and a wonderful person. Most Hockey players are...aren't they? LOL.

GENO said...

Hi Chris, I have to admit that I am a little surprised of the play from our boys. I kind of thought that it was going to take a little while to get use to all the new teamates to mesh as a team. But it seems Slats put together a group that has that certain type of chemistry that does not happen all that often. With the right coach steering the ship, I think we are headed for a successful season. They are playing with more heart than any season that I can remember in a long while. I know there is going to be bumps in the road along the way, but I don't think that the bumps are going to become gigantic pot - holes either. Last nights game should be a barometer stick for this Ranger team. They OVERCAME adversisty to tie, then win the game. So far, Gaboric is proving to be a game breaker as advertised when healthy. Del Zotto & Gilroy are keepers, and Rozi played his best game last night (BENCHED) he had a tough time out there for those couple of shifts, Torts had no choice but to bench him. Maybe that was a wake up call for Redden!Lets hope that the boys ride this wave of youthful enthusiasm for the remainder of the season, if so, it will be quite interesting ---- Geno

Kotsy's Korner said...

Geno,It's way too early in the season to anoint them, But you have to like what's happening.

The team showed some grit and resilience last night that Ranger fans haven't seen in a long time.

When the tough times come Tort's won't allow it to last, Example Rozi's benching. Players will be held responsible for their play.

The youth on this team is very good and refreshing, it makes the veterans confident and that's a good thing.

Jim said...

For the first time in a while, the Rangers have a fun team to root for. I love this team's moxie, and their ability to keep coming back.

Great stuff Kotsy!

Jim-Blueshirt Banter

Kotsy's Korner said...

Jim, I Like that word "MOXIE". Might have to steal that one once in awhile LOL.

Yes Jim it is fun to watch this team.

grassrootsconservative said...

I didn't think there was any way we would win that game last night. It seems the calls weren't going our way with the penalty box parade, but I was impressed with that effort. It's so nice to have a team with scorers for a change. It's like night and day from last season. Oh, this should be an interesting year.

Kotsy's Korner said...

Grassrootsconservative, I like the name LOL. It was a game that showed if you play as a team, work hard good things can happen.

You also have to like the determination team wise for picking up the slack for those who were having off nights.

I'm not going to get over zealous with praise because it's a long season, but it's a nice change is it not?

I like what I see!

greg m said...

im looking forward to a nice sunday afternoon duck hunt....but if they dont stop taking bad penaltys,theres only so many 5 on 3my heart can take.and i gota say, year after year (except for one season0, at the end of the year we all say "well theres always next year" well untill i have reason to say other wise, im thinking this is the year.....
i like what i see and im just happy to be here.

Kotsy's Korner said...

Greg M, It's a little to early to think that far ahead. That being said it sure is a nice surprise as to how they have played so far.

There is lots to work on and 78 games left. Time will tell.

JohnM said...

Slat's draft picks are the reason this team is about to shine. He hired Lindros, Jagr,Kovelev, Gaborik etc.. to do the scoring . The missing ingredient has always been a CHAMPION CALIBER COACH. Which we now have. It's great to watch. Really.

Kotsy's Korner said...

JohnM, I couldn't agree with you more. The Ranger's finally have reaped some reward for their drafting the past few years.

They now have have bench strength in the minors who could fill in with the big club nicely.

Tortorella is going to keep the players on their toes. If you perform no problems, but if you don't you will be taken to task. I have no problem with that.

Mr. Hockey said...

Kots---A nice handful of games so far---A nice tight team---and the game game against the Ducks may have been the most exciting game I've seen in a long time---We'll see how things pan out---As a fan you have to like everyones game so far---Besides the usual cast of players, I'm liking Prospal's game alot---It's real early to find any falt,but the reaction of the "Ranger faithful" towards Brashear just pisses me off---You know I've always said that no matter what happens on the ice,you never boo our guys---Thats Dogma--What every body loved Colton???--Sure we did--ALOT--You give him 4 years--for 4 million---when you can't figure a way to get him 4 minutes a night???--COME ON MAN--He did what was right by him---4 YEARS--God Bless him---Thats not the reason???--What was it the Betts hit???---You know I loved Betts, and was bitchin when he took the hit---But now he's a Flyer--fair winds-calm seas,but I gotta turn my back on you---Shanny last year same thing--Loved rooting for you, but then you were a Devil---blue skies-green lights, but I gotta turn my back on you---Brashear???I hated him (just like Avery)---But now he's a Ranger!!!!Welcome aboard my friend---Betts-Orr--Shanny they are gone--history---I doubt very much that Brashear will have the fate as Marik Malik, but it still is has me wondering about the "faithful" this early in the Season--- If only all my problems were that big--eh.

Kotsy's Korner said...

Mr. hockey, There's not much you can do if the fans don't want to see it in the proper perspective.

Most Rangers fans are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about their team. Some I'm afraid don't quite get it and never will.

Brashear is now wearing the Blue that count's in my eyes and that's good enough for me.

Colton Orr while much beloved is now wearing the other Blue and I wish him well except against the Rangers.

You, Mr.Hockey bring up some solid, valid points and hopefully the disgruntled will come to their senses.

Mr.Greek said...

Hi Chris it terrible in Leafland these days. Everybody is calling for Burke and Wilson's heads already. I believe the players have to look at themselves,it is not managements fault. Somebody has to step up and show some character. There were some lean times back in the 1980's but players like you and Rick Vaive, Steve Thomas always took control, that is what this team needs now,someone to step up and be a voice.

Unknown said...

This IS a different team, indeed! So far, in the early going, we have seen something from the Rangers that has been missing for years. As long as they listen to Torts and don't tune him out, they should do okay. I think a few more wins over tough competition should really make the Rangers believe that they can successfully compete against any team in the league. With the right amount of confidence, skill, good coaching, and work ethic, the sky is the limit.

Kotsy's Korner said...

Mr.Greek., It's hard to explain what's going on in TO these days. This team should be better. At least on paper it should.

Is it goal tending? Defense? forwards? coaching? management? plenty to point the fingers at.

In the end the solution is in the dressing room. The players that lace it up night after night have got figure it out some how some way.

Kotsy's Korner said...

Jason, What ever is happening to the Rangers is really quite remarkable. Obviously Tortorella has got them buying in to his way of Hockey.

This team is fast, aggressive, and in shape! A nice mix of youth with experienced veterans have blended well.

The season is in it's early stages and you are correct a few more big name team pelts would go along way towards believing they are a dominant team.

I do know one thing I'm enjoying this team like all Ranger fans. Let it continue.

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