Why do we hate this team?

[Callagraves]

On that 2010 team, there were two games in particular that I remember as being completely inspired by this team.

Dubinsky's Gordie Howe vs The capitals



Dubi scores a goal after OV makes a lazy change. That's great. OV gets frustrated and makes a predatory hit on Girardi. Dubi ends up in a fight with Ovechkin.

I mean, how many players would do that on this team? OV's not exactly a kitten, and Dubi gets the better of him

Top it off, Dubi controls the puck down low, completes a back-door pass to Cally who's alone next to the net (brings to mind the question of why I don't see that pass anymore) for an easy goal.

We blew Washington out that game. I remember how much fun it was.

The other was against the Penguins, and to this day is my favorite Rangers game.



It was a chippy, physical game, and seemingly out of nowhere, we get a fight off a faceoff between Callahan and Comrie. Cally had already had an assist in the game, and in a match where the Rangers were badly outmatched in talent, I just remember actually being inspired with the us-against-the-world attitude the players seemed to come out with. Cally won the fight.

Late in the 3rd, the Rangers are down 2-1 after giving up 2 quick goals, and end up on the penalty kill with less than 2 minutes to go. It seemed like a game they had gutted out against the best around had gotten away from them, and was all but over. With less than a minute and a half remaining, Dubi takes the puck away from Malkin, pushes into the zone, completes a behind the back pass, getting the puck for Staal who scores a shorthanded goal to tie the game.

I remember jumping up and down. I hated the Pens, and it was almost storybook in the underdogs tying the game with just seconds to go. We were PROUD of that team.

The next goal I know you all remember. Callahan manages to take the puck away at the right point, passes the puck to Dubi to create the 2 on 1. Dubi toe-drags around the sliding Penguin, feeds it to Cally for the easiest overtime winner he'll ever score, and possibly Sam Rosen's best call on a play.

I realize that I just indulged my nostalgia and fan-boy side, but that's exactly the point: This team wins more games than that one did. By all definitions, it's better. But you can't tell me for a second you think this Rangers team is as inspiring as that one was. And I think some of us, perhaps fairly, or not, resent some of the players new and old for being unable to recreate that magic.

 

[stan the caddy]

The question after the last coach was fired: Who will you blame now?

The answer: Everyone!

 

[Samuel Culper III]

On that 2010 team, there were two games in particular that I remember as being completely inspired by this team.

Dubinsky's Gordie Howe vs The capitals



Dubi scores a goal after OV makes a lazy change. That's great. OV gets frustrated and makes a predatory hit on Girardi. Dubi ends up in a fight with Ovechkin.

I mean, how many players would do that on this team? OV's not exactly a kitten, and Dubi gets the better of him

Top it off, Dubi controls the puck down low, completes a back-door pass to Cally who's alone next to the net (brings to mind the question of why I don't see that pass anymore) for an easy goal.

We blew Washington out that game. I remember how much fun it was.

The other was against the Penguins, and to this day is my favorite Rangers game.



It was a chippy, physical game, and seemingly out of nowhere, we get a fight off a faceoff between Callahan and Comrie. Cally had already had an assist in the game, and in a match where the Rangers were badly outmatched in talent, I just remember actually being inspired with the us-against-the-world attitude the players seemed to come out with. Cally won the fight.

Late in the 3rd, the Rangers are down 2-1 after giving up 2 quick goals, and end up on the penalty kill with less than 2 minutes to go. It seemed like a game they had gutted out against the best around had gotten away from them, and was all but over. With less than a minute and a half remaining, Dubi takes the puck away from Malkin, pushes into the zone, completes a behind the back pass, getting the puck for Staal who scores a shorthanded goal to tie the game.

I remember jumping up and down. I hated the Pens, and it was almost storybook in the underdogs tying the game with just seconds to go. We were PROUD of that team.

The next goal I know you all remember. Callahan manages to take the puck away at the right point, passes the puck to Dubi to create the 2 on 1. Dubi toe-drags around the sliding Penguin, feeds it to Cally for the easiest overtime winner he'll ever score, and possibly Sam Rosen's best call on a play.

I realize that I just indulged my nostalgia and fan-boy side, but that's exactly the point: This team wins more games than that one did. By all definitions, it's better. But you can't tell me for a second you think this Rangers team is as inspiring as that one was. And I think some of us, perhaps fairly, or not, resent some of the players new and old for being unable to recreate that magic.

I don't want to make Dubi out to more than he is, but I noticed he (and Cally) were the common denominators in both stories. Dubinsky has basically been crapped on here as a glorified third liner since leaving but, it's plain as day just watching him play or looking at his numbers in all but that one season before the trade that that isn't true.

Now, I'm not going to get into do you/don't you with Nash. I don't care; it's past. But I have always felt that Ryan Callahan lost his wingman and the guy who had his back, both on the ice and in the room, in that trade. Not saying no one else does, but they were kind of Batman and Robin for a minute there (actually a phenomenal comparison as they weren't star players with "super powers" like Crosby or Malkin but rather our own regular, hard working duo). I still love Cally, but I haven't felt he's been as effective a leader since Dubi left. Dubi was like his go to general. They had a good cop/bad cop kind of yin and yang. I miss Brandon Dubinsky every day that I watch this hockey team. Missed him last year. Miss him this year. He's the kind of player I just love to have.

 

[Raspewtin]

That Rangers-Penguins game is definitely in my top 5 favorite games of the last 5 years. What a game.

 

[Callagraves]

I don't want to make Dubi out to more than he is, but I noticed he (and Cally) were the common denominators in both stories. Dubinsky has basically been crapped on here as a glorified third liner since leaving but, it's plain as day just watching him play or looking at his numbers in all but that one season before the trade that that isn't true.

Now, I'm not going to get into do you/don't you with Nash. I don't care; it's past. But I have always felt that Ryan Callahan lost his wingman and the guy who had his back, both on the ice and in the room, in that trade. Not saying no one else does, but they were kind of Batman and Robin for a minute there (actually a phenomenal comparison as they weren't star players with "super powers" like Crosby or Malkin but rather our own regular, hard working duo). I still love Cally, but I haven't felt he's been as effective a leader since Dubi left. Dubi was like his go to general. They had a good cop/bad cop kind of yin and yang. I miss Brandon Dubinsky every day that I watch this hockey team. Missed him last year. Miss him this year. He's the kind of player I just love to have.

You know, I didn't mention this, but I can't agree hard enough.

I thought those two were the most complimentary linemates I'd ever seen. Similar physicality, forechecking, puck protection, penalty killing, but most of all, their offensive instincts (go to the net) were perfectly synched. They also appeared to be pretty good friends.

Callahan is my favorite athlete. I think everyone here can see that plain as day, and his play is a large reason I went from a casual fan to a more dedicated viewer: I saw an undersized player from New York, who supposedly didn't have enough skill to make up for his size, outwork EVERYONE on the ice to the degree that he was more effective than players who are better than him. He regularly put more effort into a hockey game than I had ever put into anything. That's inspiring

But, when Dubi was traded, that edge seemed to fade, if only a bit. We had always assumed Cally was the sparkplug, but maybe we were wrong.

 

[Leonardo87]

The treatment of Callahan and Lundqvist on these boards this season has been pathetic. Guys who have been terrific night in and night out for years, backbones of the team, struggle for a few months for the first times in their career, and suddenly, they're the scum of the Earth.

But, overall, you just get the same **** from this franchise year in, year out. There's always a Brassard, a Pouliot, a Pyatt, etc. This team always has numerous holes filled by incredibly unlikable, inconsistent players who are filling roles they clearly are not suited for.

Both are playing close to their norms now and have been good in the last 10 games or so, But yeah I guess when the team is struggling the top guys get all the blame and whatnot. It's gonna happen. It's just such a small sample, compared to the last few seasons before both those guys were great. So they hit a little speed bump, so what, they are still in a playoff spot with a winning record.

I also think Stepan has had a good year unlike some people have said. People think 50 points is bad for a full season, that is above average offense and good for most 2nd line forwards. Usually puts a player in the top 70 or 80 in the NHL.

Nash was going to come around soon enough, I knew it was a matter of time.

I also think our D is starting to figure things out, not giving as many chances away.

 

[Cassano]

You know, I didn't mention this, but I can't agree hard enough.

I thought those two were the most complimentary linemates I'd ever seen. Similar physicality, forechecking, puck protection, penalty killing, but most of all, their offensive instincts (go to the net) were perfectly synched. They also appeared to be pretty good friends.

Callahan is my favorite athlete. I think everyone here can see that plain as day, and his play is a large reason I went from a casual fan to a more dedicated viewer: I saw an undersized player from New York, who supposedly didn't have enough skill to make up for his size, outwork EVERYONE on the ice to the degree that he was more effective than players who are better than him. He regularly put more effort into a hockey game than I had ever put into anything. That's inspiring

But, when Dubi was traded, that edge seemed to fade, if only a bit. We had always assumed Cally was the sparkplug, but maybe we were wrong.

Great .gif.

Oh well. We can maybe see Callahan reunite the pack line with the Jackets. Gaborik is a pending FA anyways, 7.5mil off the cap. All three played the best hockey of their careers together, although Dubinsky is having a breakout season this year.

 

[Callagraves]

Great .gif.

Oh well. We can maybe see Callahan reunite the pack line with the Jackets. Gaborik is a pending FA anyways, 7.5mil off the cap. All three played the best hockey of their careers together, although Dubinsky is having a breakout season this year.

If he ends up on another team, it has to be out west. Dubi playing against us hurts enough, but watching Cally play against the Rangers more than a few times a year would STING.

 

[Nightshift]

Damn it, almost made it a whole page before toffness was mentioned.[/QUOTE

But it only took you 1 post to insult someone.

Definitely a certain breed of fan on this board who think their you know what doesn't stink.

 

[Kel Varnsen]

On that 2010 team, there were two games in particular that I remember as being completely inspired by this team.

Dubinsky's Gordie Howe vs The capitals



Dubi scores a goal after OV makes a lazy change. That's great. OV gets frustrated and makes a predatory hit on Girardi. Dubi ends up in a fight with Ovechkin.

I mean, how many players would do that on this team? OV's not exactly a kitten, and Dubi gets the better of him

Top it off, Dubi controls the puck down low, completes a back-door pass to Cally who's alone next to the net (brings to mind the question of why I don't see that pass anymore) for an easy goal.

We blew Washington out that game. I remember how much fun it was.

The other was against the Penguins, and to this day is my favorite Rangers game.



It was a chippy, physical game, and seemingly out of nowhere, we get a fight off a faceoff between Callahan and Comrie. Cally had already had an assist in the game, and in a match where the Rangers were badly outmatched in talent, I just remember actually being inspired with the us-against-the-world attitude the players seemed to come out with. Cally won the fight.

Late in the 3rd, the Rangers are down 2-1 after giving up 2 quick goals, and end up on the penalty kill with less than 2 minutes to go. It seemed like a game they had gutted out against the best around had gotten away from them, and was all but over. With less than a minute and a half remaining, Dubi takes the puck away from Malkin, pushes into the zone, completes a behind the back pass, getting the puck for Staal who scores a shorthanded goal to tie the game.

I remember jumping up and down. I hated the Pens, and it was almost storybook in the underdogs tying the game with just seconds to go. We were PROUD of that team.

The next goal I know you all remember. Callahan manages to take the puck away at the right point, passes the puck to Dubi to create the 2 on 1. Dubi toe-drags around the sliding Penguin, feeds it to Cally for the easiest overtime winner he'll ever score, and possibly Sam Rosen's best call on a play.

I realize that I just indulged my nostalgia and fan-boy side, but that's exactly the point: This team wins more games than that one did. By all definitions, it's better. But you can't tell me for a second you think this Rangers team is as inspiring as that one was. And I think some of us, perhaps fairly, or not, resent some of the players new and old for being unable to recreate that magic.

I almost want to start rewatching the games from that time instead of sitting down to watch this current group play.

 

[PMantis24]

On that 2010 team, there were two games in particular that I remember as being completely inspired by this team.

Dubinsky's Gordie Howe vs The capitals



Dubi scores a goal after OV makes a lazy change. That's great. OV gets frustrated and makes a predatory hit on Girardi. Dubi ends up in a fight with Ovechkin.

I mean, how many players would do that on this team? OV's not exactly a kitten, and Dubi gets the better of him

Top it off, Dubi controls the puck down low, completes a back-door pass to Cally who's alone next to the net (brings to mind the question of why I don't see that pass anymore) for an easy goal.

We blew Washington out that game. I remember how much fun it was.

The other was against the Penguins, and to this day is my favorite Rangers game.



It was a chippy, physical game, and seemingly out of nowhere, we get a fight off a faceoff between Callahan and Comrie. Cally had already had an assist in the game, and in a match where the Rangers were badly outmatched in talent, I just remember actually being inspired with the us-against-the-world attitude the players seemed to come out with. Cally won the fight.

Late in the 3rd, the Rangers are down 2-1 after giving up 2 quick goals, and end up on the penalty kill with less than 2 minutes to go. It seemed like a game they had gutted out against the best around had gotten away from them, and was all but over. With less than a minute and a half remaining, Dubi takes the puck away from Malkin, pushes into the zone, completes a behind the back pass, getting the puck for Staal who scores a shorthanded goal to tie the game.

I remember jumping up and down. I hated the Pens, and it was almost storybook in the underdogs tying the game with just seconds to go. We were PROUD of that team.

The next goal I know you all remember. Callahan manages to take the puck away at the right point, passes the puck to Dubi to create the 2 on 1. Dubi toe-drags around the sliding Penguin, feeds it to Cally for the easiest overtime winner he'll ever score, and possibly Sam Rosen's best call on a play.

I realize that I just indulged my nostalgia and fan-boy side, but that's exactly the point: This team wins more games than that one did. By all definitions, it's better. But you can't tell me for a second you think this Rangers team is as inspiring as that one was. And I think some of us, perhaps fairly, or not, resent some of the players new and old for being unable to recreate that magic.

The game against the Pens is definitely one of my favorite games in recent memory. Hate the Pens so it was just that much sweeter.

I don't hate this team but I definitely don't love it. I would have to agree with you that management's abandonment of homegrown talent is partially to blame for me not being in love with this current team. And it's likely Girardi and/or Cally will be leaving the team this year as well. Well at least there's still a handful of players left that I like. I just don't feel this team has an identity and if it has an identity I don't really like it.

 

[Kel Varnsen]

I don't want to make Dubi out to more than he is, but I noticed he (and Cally) were the common denominators in both stories. Dubinsky has basically been crapped on here as a glorified third liner since leaving but, it's plain as day just watching him play or looking at his numbers in all but that one season before the trade that that isn't true.

Now, I'm not going to get into do you/don't you with Nash. I don't care; it's past. But I have always felt that Ryan Callahan lost his wingman and the guy who had his back, both on the ice and in the room, in that trade. Not saying no one else does, but they were kind of Batman and Robin for a minute there (actually a phenomenal comparison as they weren't star players with "super powers" like Crosby or Malkin but rather our own regular, hard working duo). I still love Cally, but I haven't felt he's been as effective a leader since Dubi left. Dubi was like his go to general. They had a good cop/bad cop kind of yin and yang. I miss Brandon Dubinsky every day that I watch this hockey team. Missed him last year. Miss him this year. He's the kind of player I just love to have.

Dubi definitely was a leader on the team. He would run pregame warm-ups on the ice (If you went to games early enough to watch warm-ups you can confirm this), and he was known as a guy who set the tone in practice (led to a little hockey scrap with Boyle in an optional skate once), and we all know he was vocal (which complements Cally well who doesn't like to talk).

That was by far the most fun time to be a Rangers fan since 94. It's sad to see how far they've fallen so quickly.

 

[94now]

No one hates this team. This team is poorly built in the sense it has no depth in any position except goal. That requires players to play at their best, esp. best players must do that every night. That is not possible. As a result this is a 500 team causing this board to go from maniac to depression.
I like the new coach. I prefer cerebral pros over intuitive ones. This team is suited his predecessor, it will take a few seasons to build a team to AVs liking. So another period of patience is required, whether one likes it or not. It could be a rebuild, but given Lundqvist age, they will probably try another run before he is done. In that regard Torts hiring was a mistake. The sooner Sather retire and JD becomes a new GM, the sooner better times will arrive.

 

[Samuel Culper III]

Dubi definitely was a leader on the team. He would run pregame warm-ups on the ice (If you went to games early enough to watch warm-ups you can confirm this), and he was known as a guy who set the tone in practice (led to a little hockey scrap with Boyle in an optional skate once), and we all know he was vocal (which complements Cally well who doesn't like to talk).

That was by far the most fun time to be a Rangers fan since 94. It's sad to see how far they've fallen so quickly.

Like I said, almost a good cop/bad cop thing. Dubinsky had EVERYONE's back. Nobody but Prust was more willing to drop 'em. Callahan went out, played his tail off and ate an example. Dubi grabbed the megaphone and made sure that example was understood. Without Dubi it's just an example. The combination of a great non-verbal, lead by example, home grown key player and a great fiery, verbal, 'got your back' home grown key player was absolute PB&J. Dubinsky's importance has been vastly underrated and could not be measured in numbers alone, at all. Despite which he's only ever really had one bad year.

 

[trilobyte]

Not sure who 'we' is. I do not hate this team, though I do entertain the possibility of change. I actually like most of the players on this team and I have and will support them through the downtimes too, they are not simply statistics.
The business side of hockey (who gets how much for how long), and the differences in the views of posters here, generates a lot of the discussion that leads to a thread like this.

 

[GarretJoseph*]

Go support another team. I bleed blue with these boys.
National treasures.

 

[LiveLongandProspal]

I hate certain qualities of some players, but I don't hate any of them...well, except Carcilo. The main people who I "hate" are Glen Sather and James Dolan.

 

[True Blue]

Sather has no vision and attempts short term gratification at the expense of taking one step back to take two steps forward.

It all comes down to lack of a long-term plan. The inability to have vision that extends beyond the RIGHT NOW.

We were given a brief respite. And then the reality of being a Rangers fan set in again.

 

[yrrebbor]

Callahan went out, played his tail off and ate an example.

You're right, he's just not hungry anymore.

 

[TheTakedown]

Like I said, almost a good cop/bad cop thing. Dubinsky had EVERYONE's back. Nobody but Prust was more willing to drop 'em. Callahan went out, played his tail off and ate an example. Dubi grabbed the megaphone and made sure that example was understood. Without Dubi it's just an example. The combination of a great non-verbal, lead by example, home grown key player and a great fiery, verbal, 'got your back' home grown key player was absolute PB&J. Dubinsky's importance has been vastly underrated and could not be measured in numbers alone, at all. Despite which he's only ever really had one bad year.

it hurt sending Dubes over to CBJ...The Callahan/Dubinsky duo really makes sense too... Callahan has not been close to the Callahan I saw in 11-12, nowhere in the same universe, and quite frankly he might just resent this team's management over it.
obviously I'm overestimating here, but it makes sense to me.

Now we see this "need" for big-names and high profile players, aka Rich "loser" Nash, and we **** the bed on that trade.

I agree that Torts needed to be fired, and I don't regret the AV hiring (though I would have like Laviolette better), but Dubinsky is not playing in a defensive system at CBJ (from what I know) and he looks the same, if not BETTER than he was on NYR, and there is our problem...
We wrote this guy off after one season, when clearly he was a cog that should have stuck... but hey, maybe it's not only on Sather:
Maybe it is on Torts for getting up his ass about holding out
Maybe it is on Callahan for not stressing the importance of his partner in Dubinsky


Anisimov on the other hand was absolutely replaceable... and that part I don't think anyone really misses.

 

[SingnBluesOnBroadway]

it hurt sending Dubes over to CBJ...The Callahan/Dubinsky duo really makes sense too... Callahan has not been close to the Callahan I saw in 11-12, nowhere in the same universe, and quite frankly he might just resent this team's management over it.
obviously I'm overestimating here, but it makes sense to me.

So much hyperbole. Callahan was on pace for his best season last year.

Now we see this "need" for big-names and high profile players, aka Rich "loser" Nash, and we **** the bed on that trade..

The "need" for big names is new?

I agree that Torts needed to be fired, and I don't regret the AV hiring (though I would have like Laviolette better),

Laviolette wasn't available.

Dubinsky is not playing in a defensive system at CBJ (from what I know) and he looks the same, if not BETTER than he was on NYR, and there is our problem..

He's on pace for a very average season overall. Especially with his cap ggit.

We wrote this guy off after one season, when clearly he was a cog that should have stuck... but hey, maybe it's not only on Sather:

WE didn't do anything. HE made himself expendable. HE never developed into a consistent player. And he got passed over by the likes of Stepan and Hagelin and the organization valued the potential of Kreider over him[/QUOTE]

Maybe it is on Torts for getting up his ass about holding out

Or maybe Torts got on his ass for not being consistent, having no idea what player he was.

Maybe it is on Callahan for not stressing the importance of his partner in Dubinsky

That's not Callahan's job.

 

[Samuel Culper III]

He's on pace for a very average season overall. Especially with his cap ggit.



.

60 points, over 200 hits, 58% faceoff guy who plays top PK is "very average". For 4M these days, you're lucky to get a 50 point one dimensional winger.

 

[Kel Varnsen]

So much hyperbole. Callahan was on pace for his best season last year.



The "need" for big names is new?



Laviolette wasn't available.



He's on pace for a very average season overall. Especially with his cap ggit.



WE didn't do anything. HE made himself expendable. HE never developed into a consistent player. And he got passed over by the likes of Stepan and Hagelin and the organization valued the potential of Kreider over him



Or maybe Torts got on his ass for not being consistent, having no idea what player he was.



That's not Callahan's job.

He's on pace to go 19-39-58 in 76 games, how the hell is that "average"? The answer is it's not. Especially when you add to that that he's a huge leader for the CBJ off and especially on the ice with the energy he brings every shift. If he were on our team that pace would put him one point off of our leading scorer Richards for the team lead in points. Average my ass.

 

[Samuel Culper III]

He's on pace to go 19-39-58 in 76 games, how the hell is that "average"? The answer is it's not. Especially when you add to that that he's a huge leader for the CBJ off and especially on the ice with the energy he brings every shift. If he were on our team that pace would put him one point off of our leading scorer Richards for the team lead in points. Average my ass.

He's also nearly 60% on faceoffs, on pace for well over 200 hits, and is a top PKer and assistant captain. This is exactly what I meant back a few posts when I said Dubi has been crapped on and characterized as a glorified third liner on here since leaving. Nothing really average about his season and with the money Cally is going to get or guys like Clarksson got, how is Dubi making 4M a travesty?