The Czech reporter who Scott Gomez upbraided for saying last night's game was dull was not the only observer who thought so -- some local fans also found the 2-1 affair a bit of a bore. They wanted to see a free-flowing game like they're used to getting here in the Czech Extraliga along with NHL-style hitting and a fight or two. But when they were treated to a pitcher's duel -- a chess match, as Gomez said -- they were left underwhelmed.
In truth, the game story followed the same arc as the exciting Victoria Cup match -- Ranger turnovers early, Ranger domination in the second period along with a growing number of power plays, but not resulting in enough goals, and the Rangers scoring late to win the game. The difference this time was simple -- Henrik Lundqvist didn't give up two bad goals that necessitated a furious comeback. Both goalies kept this game within one goal or less the entire time. The finish may not been quite as electrifying as the four-goal comeback in Bern, yet it was still a nail biter all the way through with lots of good action. But that wasn't good enough. Apparently.
Lots of game-related stories today -- on the scene here in Prague are Newsday here and here, NYR.com, ESPN.com, New York Times, St. Pete Times here and here, and NHL.com here, here, here, here, and here. Back in New York, with help from a Tom Renney conference call -- the Record, Daily News, Post, MSG.com, Ranger Rants, Blueshirts Blog, and Blue Seats. Newsday has a huge season preview here, here, here, and here. Prospect Park has prospect action, Howlings has a Wolf Pack game recap.
I really think Sather is sleeping.
The kid defensemen Nat McIyver is put on waivers by Canucks and we are thin on defense and yet a team like the Ducks pick him up.
The kid has a backbone but we are better off with a $2.2 million Kalin.
Nice going.
Posted by: jack | October 05, 2008 at 12:58 PM
That's some security they have there at the game in the pic. Guy wearing a sleeveless punisher shirt with paint on his face, standing over everyone in the aisles. Try moving down a few rows with him there.
Posted by: Michabenjamin | October 05, 2008 at 01:05 PM
I'm tired of Renney's "defense first" game!
Posted by: rangerbill94 | October 05, 2008 at 01:26 PM
i cant bel;ieve you people still complaining after rangers won 2 in a row and got 4 points.And they won 4 in a row
Posted by: Ant | October 05, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Ant
I'm being sarcastic. What we saw in the first two periods is a "defensively responsable" system. That doesn't mean we don't press in the attacking zone as some negitive folks here cclaim. I'm not sure of the numbers, but I would not be shocked to see that we had the puck in the attacking zone for 12-14 minutes of the second period. I think we let up in the third, even Redden seemed to think so. Renney will fix that.
Poise and control...the only think that kept the Bolts in it were their goalies.
We played a solid game. Way to go Rangers!
Posted by: rangerbill94 | October 05, 2008 at 03:23 PM
o ok :)
Posted by: Ant | October 05, 2008 at 05:52 PM
Certainly the effort can't be faulted in either
game and obviously it's good to come home with the
four points.
It's also really early and it's coming to take time for the team to jell with a lot of new faces.
Nonetheless, they've got to a better job of finishing, which we all know was a problem last year.
Posted by: bob b | October 05, 2008 at 11:57 PM