GDT: #8 - 02/02/2013 | New York Rangers @ Tampa Bay Lightning | 7:00 PM - MSG PLUS

[ImIdaho]

He can't close his glove hand, so the NHL allowed him to test out an adapted blocker instead. I believe he tried it in the NHL, but it didn't work well so I believe he is officially retired now.

Here he is at the winter classic using two blockers.

That ****ing blows.

 

[Blueshirt Believer]

I believe that the Rangers will probably lose this one.

Tampa's offense, especially the PP, is considerably more lethal then the Pens. They are also not terrible defensively.

If the Rangers are to win this game, they will have to overpower Tampa physically and stay out of the box.

If they even give a hint of the performance like they did against the Pens; they will lose(perhaps embarrassingly so).

 

[Evolved83]

Not even going to waste my time watching this game. I am going out and having a drink instead... I know I am going to need one once I look at the score lol

 

[Fitzy]

Yeah Danny B wasn't able to fully adapt and didn't impress in the ECHL with the two blockers.

It would've been a bigger loss had not we hit a home run with Lundqvist. Still, we wasted a top 10 pick on Al Montoya.

 

[gary laser eyes]

Start Lundqvist 4 times in 6 days to start the season. Sit him against the top offense in the league thus far. Sometimes I don't get Torts.

If anything hopefully it lights a fire under the team's ass. They need to come out strong Tampa played last night will have tired legs.

 

[Maineice11]

last game was the eye opener needed! The rangers are going to come out hard smart and get back to it!

 

[Kershaw]

Start Lundqvist 4 times in 6 days to start the season. Sit him against the top offense in the league thus far. Sometimes I don't get Torts.

If anything hopefully it lights a fire under the team's ass. They need to come out strong Tampa played last night will have tired legs.

Should've started Biron against Pitts, but nope. Torts being Torts.

 

[16 To Stanley*]

Name me one player who scored 50 points on the third line last year. This is not a video game, or the 80's. 3rd liners do not score 51 points.

Ok, Jordan Staal had exactly 50. With Crosby being out for a long time, therefore pushing Staal into the top 6 behind Malkin.

Exactly 100 players scored 50 Pts last season. 95 of those players were forwards. There are 30 teams in the league. 30 teams, times 6, top 6 forwards = 180 positions on the top 2 lines.

So not only are many teams filling there 2nd lines with guys who don't score 50 points, I would argue that Stepan, at the ripe old age of 22, is better than MANY second line players. It really does bother me when people think 50 points is a third liner. Honestly, no third liners score 50 points. You get 20-30 points out of your guys on the third line. Stepan is and will be for years to come a good Second line center for this team.

He's been a little slow this year, but honestly, guys are going to adapt so differently to the way this season is being played. I know this team is a good hockey team and i know that all the other teams are in the same position as us, but the rangers are all about a system. For the first time in years, a system that has proven to work at a high level. I don't care if we get the 8 seed, as long as we make the playoffs, i fully expect the team to be rolling.

People need to step back from the ledge. things are going to be fine and this team is going to be a contender not only this year, but for years to come.

 

[Maineice11]

Should've started Biron against Pitts, but nope. Torts being Torts.

playing biron makes sense for tonight's game in my mind...boston and teams in our division we will be fighting against for top seeding. This is not to say tampa should be taken lightly, they are a great team but our focus has to be on winning our division (in which we are doing a poor job of up until now) and I throw boston in there because they are a team we will be fighting for top placing in the conference.

 

[HAPPY HOUR]

This team has no confidence and looks like many of our fans have even less in them.

4-2 Rangers. 2 for Step and 2 for Hags.

On a negative note. This teams depth is God awful. Mike Rupp on any NHL third line is just asking for trouble. Aaron Asham is a much better hockey player at this point. I actually always liked his game.

 

[NYRangers88]

I have a feeling Nash is going to score 2 tonight. The way he has been playing, he is way overdue to put the puck in the net.

 

[*Bob Richards*]

I have a feeling Nash is going to score 2 tonight. The way he has been playing, he is way overdue to put the puck in the net.

I feel like I've been saying this same thing for the last 5 games lol.

Hope it comes to fruition.

 

[Machinehead]

I have a feeling Nash is going to score 2 tonight. The way he has been playing, he is way overdue to put the puck in the net.

He needs to stop firing the puck right into the goalie's chest. Maybe trying too hard.

I know from experience that putting pressure on yourself deadens your shot.

 

[Kakko]

He needs to stop firing the puck right into the goalie's chest. Maybe trying too hard.

I know from experience that putting pressure on yourself deadens your shot.

As should everyone else. Pittsburgh game? Vokoun didn't have to move. Hank had to move or use his glove almost every shot

 

[Ail]

Expecting zero from this game.

Lightning are going to hand them their *****. I'm not panicking until about 15 games in, however.

 

[NYRangers88]

Looking at this GDT and the Tampa GDT, everyone is expecting the other team to have an easy win. Looks like we have two sets of very unconfident fanbases

 

[*Bob Richards*]

Since Callahan is injured, someone needs to create a photo-shopped picture of McDonagh holding the American flag. Too much negativity in here. I've seen bigger miracles. We will win this game!

 

[LieutenantLackluster]

You know what? I think the sole reason I am watching this game is out of sheer morbid curiosity.

 

[HatTrick Swayze]

Zero expectations for this one.

Could be a confidence builder or the ugliest loss of the year.

 

[Hi ImHFNYR]

The Stepan criticism needs to stop. He is 22 years old. The kid is our 2nd line center because he can produce like one. 51 points is a 2nd liner. What do you want 65-75 points? Because that's a 1st line center on the majority of the teams in this league. Cut the crap.

I have to think being a 2nd liner is about more than points. You have to control play, win battles, take pressure off your team, generate chances. I feel I don't see that much except for our first line and definitely not from Stepan. Also I think it's inaccurate to look at total points to determine a 1st/2nd liner as it's about even strength time so it has to be ES points.

 

[KingP]

You know what? I think the sole reason I am watching this game is out of sheer morbid curiosity.

Im watching because im a fan

 

[Cmox]

Since Callahan is injured, someone needs to create a photo-shopped picture of McDonagh holding the American flag. Too much negativity in here. I've seen bigger miracles. We will win this game!

I'll do one better.

 

[Riverdale]

Im watching because im a fan

I can't help it.


Even if its a train wreck I HAVE to watch.

 

[Maineice11]

I can't help it.


Even if its a train wreck I HAVE to watch.

i'm sure many of us if not all of us stuck by them through the dark ages and here we are, we have a very good team, it will take time to gel, but it's a process and they are getting there!!! I will always have confidence in this team! LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

 

[Synergy27]

playing biron makes sense for tonight's game in my mind...boston and teams in our division we will be fighting against for top seeding. This is not to say tampa should be taken lightly, they are a great team but our focus has to be on winning our division (in which we are doing a poor job of up until now) and I throw boston in there because they are a team we will be fighting for top placing in the conference.

What in God's name has led you to believe that this team will be fighting for top seeding? This is going to be an uphill climb all year and unless something clicks right now they're going to be scratching and clawing just to get to the dance let alone home ice advantage.