A True Fan

A true hockey fan is loyal in good times and in bad, but one things for sure when it's a bad time all kinds of bad thoughts go through your head about your team. I was having a conversation about my beloved Rangers last night, and I realized that now that they're down 2-0 against the Penguins, I am more poised for another loss tonight than I am to see a Rangers win. All sorts of bad thoughts went through my head and I am already looking forward to another play-off run next year. I'm just waiting and hoping that Jagr goes back to his homeland and that Shanahan finally calls it quits. Both these players I adored a year ago, but they're just not what they used to be and it’s a sad thing to see. Shanahan and Jagr alike dominated the game at one point, but when they were wing men for another perennial superstar. Shanahan was always in the shadow of another great except when for when he played on the Hartford Whalers during the prime of his career when he could handle the heat. Jagr has always needed to be a right-hand man, he had Lemiuex in Pittsburgh and after that he has slowly declined in performance. He's had decent help with slow moving playmakers, such as Nylander, but his style and mental toughness does not give him the capacity to perform under pressure especially in a city like New York. Another thing that really pisses me off about Jagr, is that he gives fans a false hope, through his first six games of this year's play-offs he lead the league with 10 points and actually looked motivated and was skating at both ends of the ice. Last game he just packed it in, he couldn't work the offense he was looking to generate and most likely got discouraged and just stopped playing all together, the Penguins would be running a line rush while Jagr was still in the corner of their zone. It's just a hard thing to comprehend as a fan and a hockey player, when you're a superstar, and especially one that wears the captain "C" you cannot pack it in early during any game. I hope game three tonight brings some different fortunes for New York, but if not I will most likely be writing about off-season acquisitions and signings that the Rangers should make.

Rangers and Avery Sinking Fast!

It was only three days ago when Rangers' fans were on all-time high. The Rangers had just disposed of the New Jersey Devils a long time a rival in just five games, and looked extremely poised going into the second round. It was no different for the drop of the puck on Friday night; the Rangers faced a sea of white in Pittsburgh. They came out strong and with a few bounces and a snipe by Sean Avery and Brandon Dubinsky, they saw themselves off to a 3-0 lead against an Eastern Conference powerhouse. A powerhouse which they proved to be, before New York even knew what was going on the game was 3-2 and they were back on their heels. The Rangers held on however and carried a 3-2 lead into the third period, but the superstars for Pittsburgh would not stop showcasing their skills, and the Rangers defense just had no answer. Two more goals back-to-back early in third put the Rangers from watching the Pens in their rear-view to trying and draft them as though in a drag race. Undisciplined play from both sides gave the game a pond hockey feel with odd-man rushes going both ways and goalies a non-factor for the most part. Gomez scored for the Rangers to make it 4-4, but a questionable call on Martin Straka, eluded to a power play goal game winning goal for the Penguins. The Rangers were a post away with 20 seconds left of forcing an overtime period. However, they did blow a 3-0 lead, in a game which could have stolen home ice advantage. Game two was no different with only a line and a half of Rangers actually coming to play and play hard, along with a stellar performance by Vezina Trophy finalist Henrik Lundqvist. Lundqvist faced 31 shots in which he only let in one power play goal, in which his defense was out worked. His defense left him hung out to dry numerous times in which he came up big. It's not every day when your goalie has a performance in the play offs such as that and the Rangers did not capitalize getting shut-out 2-0 and going down in the series 2-0 as well. The series will head to New York on Tuesday night, where the Rangers will get a chance in front of their fans to prove that this year's hype was not put to waste like last year's.




I would also like to mention at this time that league has made a turn for the worse. The governing body of the NHL and its referees are just not what they used to be. Calls that are being made are extremely questionable at times, and it seems they are only right after being reviewed for 20 minutes in Toronto. Players are embellishing calls, and doing whatever it takes to get the referees attention. Even perennial all-stars and NHL poster child Sidney Crosby is joining in on the fun. I have never seen such a talented player in my life since I have started watching hockey, but the antics must stop. He has his goons to protect him, he does not have to flop around and open his mouth every time he his touched. Play through it all, that's what hockey is all about and let your hired body guards protect you. For as much grief as a player like Sean Avery gets, no one is out there protecting him, he goes and plays hard every game, and just loves to compete. Yes, he may step over the line from time to time, but every great player steps over the line in one way or another, you can't get on a guys case for competing 110% even if it is a little unorthodox from time to time.

Penguins Not Worried about Avery

It seems as though a year of maturity and play-off experience for the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins alike, has made worlds of difference. Last year the Penguins earned a play-off berth, but quickly learned that the play-offs mean you need to bring a whole new level to the ice and were quickly disposed of by the Ottawa Senators. The Rangers on the other hand had enough veteran leadership to earn a sweep against a younger Atlanta Thrashers line up, but didn't really have enough when they came up short against the Buffalo Sabers. This year the Penguins got their revenge against the Sens and look poised for the cup, while the Rangers won another play-off series in their long history with the Devils and are back in the second round. Players like Crosby and Malkin for the Pens are now in their second play-offs and now know what it takes. For the Rangers youngsters such as Brandon Dubinsky, Henrik Lundqvist, and Sean Avery are also now in their second and third play-offs still looking for a crack at the cup. One thing that’s changed this year with Avery is level of play on the ice along with his level off. Avery gave the press a lot to work with last year, which many believe took away from his mental preparation for games. This year he has been smarter and is letting his game speak for himself. It’s no secret that Avery is a skilled hockey player, that knows how to agitate, and it seems as though teams around the league are just trying to ignore him. The Penguins have set out to try and accomplish this goal, but Avery did tally 5 points in 8 games against them this year. Along with a 0-3-1 record at the Garden, those stats are just a little hard to ignore.

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NHL Denied Ovechkin, Crosby Series...Get Avery, Crosby Instead

With most of the hockey world watching the crucial game seven between the Washington Capitals and the Philadelphia Flyers, the league itself was most likely banking on a Caps victory. Not only would the victory for the Caps been apart of NHL history, putting them in rare company of winning a series after trailing three games to one; but it would have also given the league a media field day pitting Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby against each other in the play-offs. Even the casual hockey fan knows these two names, and their dominance in the sport is evident. Ovechkin lead the league in goals with 65 and points with 112, and is the front-runner to win the Heart Memorial trophy as the leagues most valuable player. Crosby already has this piece of hardware in his trophy case, after last year’s brilliance in which he lead the Penguins to a play-off berth with 120 points to his name. Unfortunately, Ovechkin and the Capitals lost in game seven, and Sean Avery accompanied by the rest of the Blue Shirts will be taking their act into town Friday night against Pittsburgh. The Rangers and Avery are no strangers to Crosby and the Penguins, who faced each other eight times this year as in division rivals. During the regular season the Rangers took five out of the eight against the Penguins. But this is the play-offs and both the Rangers and Penguins are playing at an all new level which should create an exciting and long play-off series.

Rangers Pack the Bags for Another Show on the Road

Having the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference this year seemed pretty good for the New York Rangers, who struggled to find their groove until after the All-Star break. They played extremely well for most of the month of February and mid-way into March. Then cooling off slightly before the start of the play-offs the Rangers looked like a team poised for a run. The first-round proved just that, the Rangers stole home ice advantage from the Devils and won all three road games, splitting the two games at Madison Square Garden. They disposed of the Devils quickly in just five games, something that many hockey fans and analysts alike could not have predicted. The Rangers will now look to steal home ice advantage once again; the only question that remains is who they will play. They will either get there passports ready and head into Canadiens territory, or face another in division rival, the Pittsburgh Penguins. Either way they will start the series on the road, either Thursday or Friday. It is no secret that the Penguins and the Canadiens will be keeping their eyes open for a few key components in the Rangers line-up. All-stars Jaromir Jagr and Scott Gomez have been the Rangers top play-off performers posting an eight and seven point series against the Devils, respectively. Rookie Brandon Dubinsky is having a break out play-offs with six points in five games. Lastly, the Penguins and Canadiens will be looking out for one more player, Sean Avery. Avery had five points in five games and closes out the top four players for the New York Rangers. Not only is he getting on the score sheet but he is taking players off their games in the process. No matter who the Rangers get matched up against it should prove to be one fun series to watch with Avery in the line-up.

Brodeur Shows "First-Class" Sportsmanship

Some may consider Avery a no body in the NHL, a player that is purely an agitator and has no skill; or a player that should not be allowed on television because he is a disgrace to the game and has no class. I on the other hand believe that Avery is a player that should be idolized. Yes he may be a bad ass, but he competes extremely hard game in and game out and only wants to win. If those aren't qualities that every player should idolize then I don't really know what should be. O yes on the other hand you could have Martin Brodeur as your role model, a has been goaltender, who is now a "fatso" and just looking to break records such as the loudest cry in the NHL. For all the publicity that Avery received in the first round of the play-offs, the kid let his play speak for himself. Avery had a monster series, scoring three goals in the first three games of the series and adding two helpers for a total of five points in five games. One of his goals was on the power-play and another was a game winner. Avery only had six penalty minutes and was a plus three with nine shots on goal. He played hard and his team won it’s as simple that. In game five with the Rangers being up 4-1 after the first period, Avery drew a lot of attention he was ran all over the ice and was even horse collared by David Clarkson of the Devils after the Rangers had scored a goal. Avery did not retaliate once and continued to play through all of the "first-class" sportsmanship the Devils displayed. The greatest display of sportsmanship came at the end of the game. Traditionally, in the NHL, after a series each team shakes the opposition’s hands as a sign of respect. Avery was going through the line respectfully just like any other player, however, when he got to Mr. Brodeur he was denied a hand shake. Brodeur did not even look at Avery he just moved on to the next player. Analysts love to pick on the players that compete hard game in and game out, but may not have the stats to show for it, but all is good when a supposed "all-star" doesn't carry out his gentlemanly duties for the league. It really makes you think, who the “all-stars” are in this generation of hockey.

The Man, the Myth, the LEGEND

I would like to take this opportunity before game five tonight, to give a little background information on Sean Avery. Sean was born on April 10, 1980 in Pickering, Ontario. Avery was not blessed with the biggest frame only standing at five feet ten inches tall and weighing 195 pounds according to NHL.com. Before his professional debut in Detroit, Avery played for two different junior A teams in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), the Owen Sound Platers and the Kingston Frontenacs. Avery then made the jump to the NHL being signed by the Detroit Red Wings in 1999; Avery was signed as a free agent due to the fact that he was not drafted in the NHL entry draft. He did not see any real action until the 2001-02 season in which he played only 36 games for the Wings. The Wings went on and won the cup that year with Avery watching from home during the play-offs. He did not play in the required 40 games so his name was left off the cup as well. Midway through the following season the Los Angeles Kings traded Mathieu Schneider to the Detroit Red Wings for Avery, Maxim Kuznetsov, a first round selection (Jeff Tambellini) in 2003 and a second round selection in 2004. Sean finished the season with 15 points in 51 games. Avery had a lot of trouble with Kings organization that included fines from the NHL and actual suspension by the Kings organization in 2006 for supposedly not participating in a practice drill. Finally, Avery was traded by the Kings to the New York Rangers on February 5, 2007, together with John Seymour, for players Jason Ward, Jan Marek and Marc-Andre Cliche. Avery recorded a career-high four points in a game against the Boston Bruins on March 17. He notched one goal and added three assists to help the Rangers beat the Bruins 7-0. Avery later played in his first career playoff game on April 12 against the Atlanta Thrashers. He recorded his first playoff points with a goal and an assist in the series against the Thrashers. During the past off-season Avery's contract went into arbitration in which he was awarded a one year, 1.9 million dollar contract in which the Rangers agreed to pay him. Something that all Ranger fans were extremely happy about not only has Avery's game gone to new heights in New York but so has the Rangers record. The Rangers record with Avery in the lineup has been 50-20-16 while their record while Avery has been sidelined with injury has been an unimpressive 9-13-3. At the end of the season the Rangers will be faced with an extremely tough decision with New York fans screaming, "Sign him, sign him." In my opinion, Avery plays an extremely important role on the Rangers, and his combination of quick hands, breakaway speed, and hard shot, along with his tenacity make him a feared player in the NHL. Just ask players like Martin Brodeur and Darcy Tucker and you will understand what I mean.

Avery a Non-Factor in Game 4 of the Rangers-Devils Series

It seemed as though Tom Renney forgot that along with Sean Avery antics, you also get one hell of a hockey player. It was almost as though the Ranger head coach was making a statement to Avery by giving him his smallest amount of ice time in this year's play-offs. Maybe he did not like the fact that Avery's tango session with Brodeur in Game three, brought a lot publicity to the Rangers team as a whole. Renney may have also just been keeping Avery in check who lost mental focus in last year's play-offs after a strong showing in the first round. Whatever the reason, Avery only had a little over twelve minutes of ice time in which he registered two shots on goal. Avery did however, swing momentum in the Rangers favor in the second period. When he drove the puck wide using his speed and drew a tripping penalty, which once again reunited him with Martin Brodeur as he crashed into him as he was tripped. The Rangers had a strong power play with Colin White sitting in the box, and sooner after the penalty was over Chris Drury scored making it a 3-2 game in the Rangers favor. The game was tied up early in the third period, by former Boston College defenseman Mike Mottau. Rookie phenom Marc Staal scored the game-winner for the Rangers, sniping the lower right corner of the net. Scott Gomez added an empty net goal in the Rangers 5-3 victory. The Rangers now have a 3-1 series lead over the Devils. The series will be heading back to New Jersey for game 5 on Friday, puck drop is 7:30pm.

Avery's Antics Cause Brodeur to Cry and the NHL to Make a New Rule Change

After Sunday nights round one game at Madison Square Garden, hockey fans and analysts alike were shocked for two reasons. The first reason was the overtime bounce that gave the New Jersey Devils their first win of the 08' play-offs and only their second win against the Rangers this year. The second was the antics of New York Rangers forward Sean Avery in the second period of the game. The Rangers were on a five on three power play and setting up in the Devils zone, when Avery made his way to the front of the net and decided to "screen" Martin Brodeur. Avery had a new way of screening Brodeur however, actually facing the goalie and moving his hands and stick in the vision of Marty. Whenever Marty moved so did Avery making sure that the goalie could not see a thing. Although, a very effective way of screening, it was ruled an ungentlemanly act by the league. After the game the play went under review and the league instated a new unsportsmanlike conduct rule for any player that would try to duplicate Avery's antics in front of the goal. Avery's Sunday night antics have not been a distraction to the Rangers however, who are trying to keep focused on the series which they currently hold a 2-1 lead. Game four will be held tonight at MSG with Avery looking to score his fourth goal of the play-offs in as many games.