I Think of Crime When I'm in a New York State of Mind: Rangers at Blackhawks Preview/Thread/Choir Practice
by Killion on Dec 9, 2009 12:00 PM CST
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PrintNew York Rangers at Chicago Blackhawks, Dec 9, 2009 7:30 PM CST
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Game Time: 7:30 Central
TV/Radio: CSN, WGN 720
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When I was a kid, I had a ton of favorite baseball players - so many that it really didn't make sense to call them "favorite" because there were just so damn many. Now, I only have a few players outside of Chicago that I actually pay attention to - and Curtis Granderson was one of those players, and now I have to despise him.. great. I hate New York. This trade obviously means absolutely nothing for today's game and even less for the actual players on either side - but it sure would be nice to see at least one New York team get its ass kicked.
Rangers fans are feeling a bit of deja vu this year - last year the Rangers won 10 of their first 13 games, then they cooled off quite a bit and ended the year 7th in the East and were knocked out in the first round by Washington. This year, the Rags won 7 of their first 8. They've lost 14 of the past 21 though and are actually tied with the Islanders for overall points.
Here's another shocker - the Rangers aren't scoring goals. They're 17th in the league in Goals/Game despite Marian Gaborik's league leading 21 goals. The problem is that once you go beyond their Marian, no one has more than 6 goals. The Blackhawks by comparison have 6 players with 7 or more (though none with a double-digit total). The Rangers haven't been an offensive dynamo team for a while though. The Ranger's plan is to play solid and conservative defensive hockey and simply let Henrik Ludqvist carry them.
That's not exactly happening this year though as Henrik is showing he's mortal. He's 19th overall with 2.64 GAA and 17th in SV% at .914. Granted - that's pretty damn good but it's not enough to overcome the Rangers offensive shortcomings the way it has been in the past. King Henrik had a 6 game stretch where he gave up 3 or more goals 5 times. He's turned things around a bit in the past two games, giving up only 3 goals in two games against the Sabres and Red Wings.
It's an Original Six game, which are always fun, so lets see what type of game the Blackhawks are looking to play. I'd hope to see Tomas Kopecky watch another game in a press box as the fourth line seemed to finally be effective for the first time in a while with him not on it - though Jordan Hendry is hardly a solution. We should also pray to see Buff play on a line with Madden again as the big man only seems to give a damn when playing with a checking center who constantly works his ass off. While we're wishing for things, lets also throw in a new HDTV, Fugazi to go on tour again and a cure for hangovers (that doesn't involve not actually drinking).
From the official site - here are tonight's lines:
VERSTEEG! - Toews - Hossa
Brouwer - Sharp - Kane
Byfuglien - Madden - Ladd
Eager - Fraser - Kopecky
Second City Hockey fully supports these lines
Lets Go Hawks.
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thanks for the kick in the spleen
it’s exactly what we needed to make us feel even worse about our hockey team. (and we’re pretty down on them anyway)
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
Here’s hoping you guys haven’t watched too many hawks games and don’t decide to play the trap tonight.
...Feeding Rene Bourque his own dick since 11/19/09
by Hjammer of the Gods on Dec 9, 2009 2:20 PM CST up reply actions
fugazi...
doesnt tour anymore but theres 40 minutes of hilarious stage banter that just came out that you can listen to…enjoy!
http://pitchfork.com/news/37271-hear-40-minutes-of-fugazi-stage-banter/
yup..
i just listened to all 40 minutes of that. That was awesome. “You ice cream eating motherfuckers” has been one of my favorite insults for a while, glad to hear that it made it on the list.
It seems like...
the Hawks haven’t played in forever. Needless to say I’m looking forward to tonights game.
You couldn't
Find another reason to drink? Sometimes I drink because the Hawks aren’t playing.
wait what?
Oh I don't need a reason
The interim has been so long that I’ve twice had a reason not to. The world shouldn’t work like that.
Granderson isn't really that good
He’s owed a lot of money for someone that can’t hit lefties and doesn’t care enough to play to his potential on the bases or in the field. He’ll hit in new Yankee Stadium but shedding that salary is a godsend to the Tigers
Another thing I should have mentioned – is that my favorite players don’t have to be the most skilled players or the ones with the smartest contracts. He hits a lot of triples, makes some amazing catches and seems to be a great guy off the field.. that’s all I need.
and
he’s from chicago
"...but the devil lives inside this kid, I swear it. It rises out of him in a mist, this baby-faced defiant wrathful version of Pat Kane, escapes his bodily confines to perform satanic miracles all over the offensive zone. The only thing more fearsome than that assist was the keep-in preceding it. The only thing more unholy than his face is his black magic." GMH
He makes highlight reel catches but his routes leave something to be desired.
by Crease Monkey on Dec 9, 2009 4:56 PM CST up reply actions
Curtis Granderson
I went to the same high school as Curtis Granderson (and Pierre Thomas of the Saints), Granderson graduated a year before I got there, but I did see him play alot when he was there. I was a senior in high school and Granderson had just been drafted by the Tigers, and he came and practiced with our Varsity baseball team (which I was a part of). It was awesome to see that kid’s skills up close.
Cool Story, I know, but I figured you’d be interested since he is a favorite of yours.
I am actually enjoying seeing him be so sought after this offseason, he’s headed to the Yanks and Pierre Thomas is a pretty integral part of that undefeated Saints team.
"If you're scared, go buy a dog" - Stacey King
i can't wait for this game
but the hawks do need to step it up with scoring. especially that patrick kane. so lazy….
Actually I think Kane really could be scoring a lot more than he has.
He’s creating many more chances this year than last, but still not finishing them like I think he can (and will).
He starts hitting his spots a bit more often, and we have ourselves a national phenomenon.
And I will cheer him.
I be on my green like Irish Spring.
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!
I would photoshop a kane jersey on him, but I don’t currently have access to it (use your imagination)
"If you're scared, go buy a dog" - Stacey King
Re: Hangover Cure
Hair of the dog always worked for me.
...Feeding Rene Bourque his own dick since 11/19/09
by Hjammer of the Gods on Dec 9, 2009 2:19 PM CST reply actions
that is a sad-looking picture of rangers
interested to see what Sharp-Kane-Brouwer can do offensively tonight.
what the fuck, the weather outside looks like something that came out of god’s asshole.
Have fun...
standing in the shitstorm weather we are supposed to have. But we all know how well Chicago weatherman predict.
Jim Tilmon
IT COLD! WEAR A COAT!
www.secondcityhockey.com
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a goddamn shame.
If I sell all my copies then I can go inside – so make sure you and all your friends buy an issue today
just out of curiousity...
has the golden touch of increased blackhawks popularity helped your circulation much?
You see how many 10 dolla shots they're throwing down
in the 300 level bars?
McDonough like the quid pro quo
I be on my green like Irish Spring.
it may not be ideal
but it’s probably the best option we have now. Better than the faceoff shitshow of Versteeg-Buff-Kane, anyway.
by gmh on Dec 9, 2009 3:28 PM CST up reply actions
Hopefully...
adding Brouwer to the Kane and Sharp line will jumpstart something. His play has seemed to trail off from the begining of the season.
I'm amped up to see that line
Brouwer Sharp Kane, is the line I’ve been calling for (as I’m sure some others have). Obviously Quenneville reads this blog and respects the hell out of my uninformed opinions. Now watch that line fail hard, and then we can all just forget that I thought it was a good idea.
"If you're scared, go buy a dog" - Stacey King
Last year
with Havlat on the 3rd line we had at least one very skilled offensive player on our top three lines, and there were times when Sharp was on the 4th line and we had goal scoring skill on 4 lines. This year our third line has been very good defensively and has earned some goals with hustle, but we have really just isolated the skill players to the top two lines.
I’m not smart enough to say if this approach is better/worse than last year’s or whether it’s a result of injuries and necessity, but it jumps out at you when we’re behind in a tight game in the 3rd period and you’re desperate for a goal.
I conquer..
I think these lines are as good as it gets when you have to exclude bolland and include kopecky.
Just wishful thinking here, but what happens when bolland and burish get back? Obviously (I hope) kopecky becomes a routine healthy scratch to make room for bolland but then what happens to accomodate burish? Platooning of brouwer, eager, and the random player who needs a rest?
Agreed.
These are the lines I thought we’d see when Hossa Za Slav returned.
I be on my green like Irish Spring.
Frazz gets his I-Pass charged up.
www.secondcityhockey.com
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a goddamn shame.
fraser stays cause he's a center
i don’t seem him losing his everyday spot, especially if he continues to perform in the faceoff circle.
If you're thinking about going to the game tonight
I was just looking at the Ticket Exchange and they’ve got the most available tickets I’ve seen all year. But they usually shut if off at 5, so make moves if you’re thinking about it.
love those lines
Besides Kopecky. Sharp with Kane feeding him the puck, get ready for a lot of missed open nets shots. Should be interesting to see what Toews, Versteeg and Hossa can do. And here’s hoping Buff gets his head outta his ass and starts playing like he gives a shit.
Wanted: Offence
With just 79 goals in regulation in 28 games (2.82 GPG) and have scored one goal or less in 5 of their last 7 it’s safe to say that it’s about time this team started on a nice hot streak of goal scoring.
Why Kopecky is back in the line-up is anybody’s guess? I know Hendry isn’t the answer to what ails the 4th line lack of consistancy but at least with him on it on Saturday night it was somewhat effective, which is more than what I can say about Kopecky. If one game sitting in the stands is going to make him play better then Q is going to be very disappointed.
Wonder who will get the start tonight considering Niemi’s previous start and that Huet is 0-4 with a 4.64 GAA in his last 4 starts against ‘Les Rangers’ ?
It's never about the eventual destination, but rather the long journey and its challenging obstacles that are presented and what it takes to overcome them, that makes the taste of success all the more worthwhile!!!
lack of production
You would think with all the money the Hawks have thrown around the forwards we would be a top 5 scoring team. 11th just does not cut it.
Lord knows we need the offense cause the over-paid French dude and the over-paid red-head suck.
And paying Kane all that money now will just make him feel more entitled and lazy
"I fornicate and play hockey, cause ther're the 2 most fun things in cold weather"
It's hard to take that seriously
when the guy’s name is Larouche. Watch out for his deadly purse toss.
he’s as serious as a Jan Erixon cold sore
by Bob MacKenzie on Dec 9, 2009 7:39 PM CST up reply actions
Who's going to take out Avery?
I’m going w/ Eager or Buff.
I'm such a moron!
Game starts and I hit the wrong button for the TV volume. Now I’m waiting for the TV to give me my channel back to watch. Too late to call the Kid over to fix it for me.
If I can't be a good example, I'll just be a horrible warning
well, fuck
That didn’t work… and now I can’t find the remote.
Senility sucks.
If I can't be a good example, I'll just be a horrible warning
No
this is definitely user error.
Found remote.
Called Kid.
Still lost. May need to watch on yahoo. :(
If I can't be a good example, I'll just be a horrible warning
How the hell did Brouwer get called on that?
Lets Go Hawks!
Illegal use
of uh, … hmmm. He must have said something about McCreary’s moustache.
by Scott13 on Dec 9, 2009 8:13 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
The Hawks are doing everything but score. It’s like nothing is ever going in tonight.
Maybe put Ladd and Byfuglien on separate lines?
It's never about the eventual destination, but rather the long journey and its challenging obstacles that are presented and what it takes to overcome them, that makes the taste of success all the more worthwhile!!!
Whatever that goalie's getting paid
it ain’t enough.
by Scott13 on Dec 9, 2009 8:53 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Hawks are gonna have to score on a fluke bounce or deflection tonight.
Lundqivst is stealing this one so far
Lets Go Hawks!
Agreed.
He’s made a couple nice saves – not enough traffic in front.
Keenan's insight
Remarkable. I just can’t take anything that guy says seriously… especially when he’s talking about hockey.
"Call Detroit, tell dem... BULLSHIT!"
This game
Is turning into a shit sandwich.
Fucking dominating and losing (again).
I'm using my Philadelphia mug for hot chocolate right now
Trying to get some anti-NY vibes going. :-)
The power play is still f**king clown shoes
it worked
we got a power play now
"I hate to sound like a broken record, but I guess it's better than sounding like a broken mp3 player because then you would'nt hear anything." - Len Kasper
sigh
Apparently it’s not good enough to make the Hawks play well on the power play.
The power play is still f**king clown shoes
Could be play even WORSE than this? Tonight we look like the 2005-2006 version of the Hawks.
It's never about the eventual destination, but rather the long journey and its challenging obstacles that are presented and what it takes to overcome them, that makes the taste of success all the more worthwhile!!!
I wouldn't say that awful, hell we are outshooting them by like 20
Lundqvist standing on his head, but that last powerplay was complete shit
Lets Go Hawks!
O.K. that's a stretch
But really Lundqvist has had it easy in terms of difficult saves or traffic to contend with.
It's never about the eventual destination, but rather the long journey and its challenging obstacles that are presented and what it takes to overcome them, that makes the taste of success all the more worthwhile!!!
here we go again
we keep the pressure on something good is bound to happen. lotta time boys lotta time
"I hate to sound like a broken record, but I guess it's better than sounding like a broken mp3 player because then you would'nt hear anything." - Len Kasper
hahaha
told ya
"I hate to sound like a broken record, but I guess it's better than sounding like a broken mp3 player because then you would'nt hear anything." - Len Kasper
ooooooo
thought he had it
"I hate to sound like a broken record, but I guess it's better than sounding like a broken mp3 player because then you would'nt hear anything." - Len Kasper
thanks comcast
the only replay we see they cover the puck with the score
This game
is like taking mom to prom.
Again.
by Scott13 on Dec 9, 2009 9:37 PM CST reply actions 3 recs
Interesting how everyone here complains about Madden-Brouwer-Byfuglien on the ice for the PP but they’re the only ones that create any scoring chances when on the PP lately.
It's never about the eventual destination, but rather the long journey and its challenging obstacles that are presented and what it takes to overcome them, that makes the taste of success all the more worthwhile!!!
Who did we have out on that PP?
Campbell, Barker, Madden, Buff, and Brouwer?
Yea for most of it
Kane Toews and Hossa got out there for the end of it
by ChargingMajor on Dec 9, 2009 9:39 PM CST up reply actions
Kane
at least he is drawing the penalties… something must happen. Right? Right???
yahhhhhh
finally
"I hate to sound like a broken record, but I guess it's better than sounding like a broken mp3 player because then you would'nt hear anything." - Len Kasper
HHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSSSAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Holy fuck that was tough!!!
"Call Detroit, tell dem... BULLSHIT!"
Ya, you just knew that’s how it was going to work. I mean, we tried every other fucking play known to mankind.
"Call Detroit, tell dem... BULLSHIT!"
u gotta give it up
to lundquist, his defensemen shoulda been laying people out, good job by hossa to stay with it though
"I hate to sound like a broken record, but I guess it's better than sounding like a broken mp3 player because then you would'nt hear anything." - Len Kasper
nothing he could do. He was the only one that got knocked over
by ChargingMajor on Dec 9, 2009 9:43 PM CST up reply actions
seriously 37-16 in shots?
we deserve this one
pretty awesome thing Sopel and his wife did
for the service men. I saw a thing about it on some CSN sports show.
Cool all the hawks used their own $ to do it too.
Classy fellows this team is
Second City Hockey
Had a holiday party for and gave gifts to some families who have soldiers overseas
The power play is still f**king clown shoes
Those 2
and the Capt too. Nice line on the pp goal
"I fornicate and play hockey, cause ther're the 2 most fun things in cold weather"
Im thinking
Sharp finally gets one
"We hope you enjoyed the broadcast. We know you enjoyed the outcome."
WHAT THE FUCK JUST HAPPENED?????
"We hope you enjoyed the broadcast. We know you enjoyed the outcome."
BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Call Detroit, tell dem... BULLSHIT!"
Fastest Buff ever moved!
by oneminuteremainingintheperiodoneminute on Dec 9, 2009 9:57 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Someone call an ambulance
I think I just took a heartattack!
It's never about the eventual destination, but rather the long journey and its challenging obstacles that are presented and what it takes to overcome them, that makes the taste of success all the more worthwhile!!!
I never thought I would see the day...
…Where big buff speeds down the ice and blows past a guy. Hell yes.
Really
I had no idea he could skate like that.
If I can't be a good example, I'll just be a horrible warning
Trade him now!!
Y’know, while is value is high!!!
"I fornicate and play hockey, cause ther're the 2 most fun things in cold weather"
well look at who decided to give a effort......finally
"Let 'em say all those nice things," he says, "but I know my mistakes, and I make plenty of them.-Bobby Orr
Dear Buff,
Please do that more often. I will stop disliking you. Thanks:)
Why boo Lundqvist?
I mean, he played a hell of a game, and lost anyway.
If I can't be a good example, I'll just be a horrible warning
Holy shit!
There’s that rocket we get to see once every 15 games. It is truly astounding. Was that Gaborik in his dust trail?
"Call Detroit, tell dem... BULLSHIT!"
"Might as well take two points instead of one."
Sage words from Big Buff
"We hope you enjoyed the broadcast. We know you enjoyed the outcome."
by chelseadagger16 on Dec 9, 2009 10:00 PM CST reply actions
i just wish
They’d stop giving 1 pt to their opponents and just do this in the first 60
Second City Hockey
Nahhh
Let’s fuck with all the those teams in the East.
twitter.com/BlackhawksDL
by Original Six on Dec 9, 2009 10:12 PM CST up reply actions
Think thats the fastest Ive ever seen Buff skate.
Rags had no business being within 3 goals of the Hawks. Toews played his heart out tonight, very determined effort.
Lets Go Hawks!
Thats what Buff has been saving his energy for all season
I never saw him move so fast… Now he’s spent for 20 games or so…
2 points !!
It’s 05:05 in Denmark but it was worth it..
i never thought buff could move that fast.
that was amazing. i never thought i’d see the day…..wow.
but sad stat, sharpie had 10 SOG. poor dude. nothing wants to go in for him.
Next up
Kane and the Blackhawks in Buffalo on Friday night. Goalies and cabbies you’re on motherfucking notice.
Remember
The french goalie cabbies don’t pick up swedish people, because they remind them of MATS SUNDIN.
CUIDADO: Estoy Borracho!
Expect the offense to break out on Friday
Lets Go Hawks!
don't know
Miller has been nasty this year, just shut out the Caps tonight. Fleury, Lunquist and Miller all in a row is pretty tough.
I’m with you on that one. That definitely is a tough road of games for the ’Hawks with Miller up next as he has been the best goaltender, in my opinion, in the entire league thus far.
Expect the offence to break out Sunday against Tampa as they can’t play any defence with either Smith or Nittymaki in goal. This smells of a 5-goal game from the boys in red.
It's never about the eventual destination, but rather the long journey and its challenging obstacles that are presented and what it takes to overcome them, that makes the taste of success all the more worthwhile!!!
The Greek chick from CSI NY is hot.
by oneminuteremainingintheperiodoneminute on Dec 9, 2009 10:23 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Bout time
Buff scored a goal, and stopped Bogarting all the Hits
September 26, 2007 The day a Franchise was reborn.
by Roos-34 on Dec 9, 2009 10:41 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
the lines as configured
were solid, maybe the most solid we’ve seen from top to bottom in a few games………despite not scoring, guys were everywhere, and more goals are bound to go in with that kind of effort consistently.
Buff, you big beautiful bastard, nice work.
"If you're scared, go buy a dog" - Stacey King
we already are.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Dec 10, 2009 12:30 AM CST up reply actions
agreed.
At times I wish it had swallowed me up due to the influx of “shoooot!!!!”-ers at the UC tonight.
by ITypedforMiles on Dec 10, 2009 1:24 AM CST up reply actions
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