Islanders Shut Out Rangers 3-0 at The Garden Tuesday

Photo Credit Al Bello Getty Images

The New York Islanders shut out the New York Rangers 3-0 at Madison Square Garden Tuesday night (01/13/15). The Islanders came out flying while the Rangers looked flat with no jump and incredibly slow to the puck. The Rangers hit the post three times including back-to-back right posts by Rick Nash and Derick Brassard late in the first period and so it went. Both clubs went into the first intermission with a scoreless, even game. To start the second the Islanders came out flying putting six shots on goal within the first four minutes of the period. The Rangers were called for icing and head coach Alain Vigneault used their timeout. The onslaught continued and the Islanders scored three unanswered goals in the second. The goal scorers were Anders Lee, Nikolay Kulemin and Frans Nielsen. The Nielsen goal was shorthanded and was a dagger into the Rangers’ hearts. To stir things up Vigneault pulled goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who made 29 saves on 32 shots, to start the third period. Cam Talbot played well and saved all 12 shots. The Rangers did not want this game and clearly the Islanders did. The two New York teams play each other three more times at the Nassau Coliseum this season. The bigger loss for the Blueshirts is Derek Stepan who did not return after the second period due to an upper-body injury. The three stars of the game were Jaroslav Halak (NYI), Frans Nielsen (NYI) and Anders Lee (NYI).

Jets Have their Men and Hire Mike Maccagnan and Todd Bowles as GM & Head Coach

Photo Credit Kevin Terrell AP Photo

Photo Credit
Brett Coomer Houston Chronicle

The New York Jets hired Mike Maccagnan as General Manager (01/13/15) and Todd Bowles as Head Coach (01/14/15). Maccagnan, the only candidate brought back for a second interview, brings expertise in scouting and personnel. This is a huge step forward as the Jets have hired GMs with salary cap experience only in the recent past. New head coach Todd Bowles is the former defensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals. Bowles was the Jets defensive backs coach back in 2000, hired by then GM Bill Parcells. Each will report directly to owner Woody Johnson as opposed to the normal head coach to GM to owner structure. I feel good about the hires and looking forward to the future.

Rex Ryan Shuffles Off to Buffalo and Becomes Head Coach of Bills

Photo Credit Mike Ehrmann Getty Images

Former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan signed a 5-year contract as head coach of the Buffalo Bills on Sunday (01/11/15). Ryan was dismissed as Jets head coach after the Jets went 4-12 in 2014. Rex’s sideline demeanor was embraced after two years of watching Eric Mangini’s stoic puss. Jet fans loved his “Play like a Jet!” The team did by making it to the AFC Championship Game twice in Ryan’s first two seasons. The past four years have been a different story. The Ground and Pound and excellent defenses are long gone. The Rex signing yesterday confused me as the Bills’ quarterback situation is a mess. New York quarterbacks have not exactly have been All-Pro quality and he’s inheriting more of the same in Buffalo. Although Rex’s act wore thin I will miss him, but will not be rooting for him when the Jets play Buffalo twice a year.

Rangers Sweep California Road Trip with 3-1 Victory Over Sharks at SAP Center Saturday

Photo Credit
Don Smith/NHLI via Getty Images

The Rangers swept their West Coast road trip with a 3-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks Saturday night (01/10/15) at SAP Center. Martin St. Louis scored his 14th goal of the season at 10:40 in the first period and Chris Kreider scored his 8th at 15:13. Derek Stepan continued his terrific offensive play with two assists on the night (20, 21). Rick Nash sealed the deal at 19:00 in the third by making a power move with the puck from the Rangers zone and skating it to the low slot to score an empty net goal (26). The Sharks played a video tribute for Rangers defenseman Dan Boyle in the first period as their fans gave a standing ovation to the former Shark. Mats Zuccarello appeared to make it 3-0 Rangers at 4:24 in the third period but the NHL Situation Room ruled the goal review was inconclusive. The puck was in Antti Niemi’s glove, which was in the net, but still said no goal. The Rangers bench was clearly not happy with the call. Dominic Moore was called for a holding penalty against Joe Pavelski and the Sharks scored a power play goal at 7:41 in the third by Melker Karlsson. The fellow Swede was looking forward to playing against Henrik Lundqvist and said scoring against him was unreal. The King was was on his game making 31 saves to earn his 20th win of the year. After the game Lundqvist wore the Broadway Hat as the team star. New York has won 13-of-14 games which is their best winning streak since 1973. On the 3-game road trip the Rangers outscored the California clubs 11-5. Rick Nash scored his NHL lead tying 26th goal which was his goal total all of last season. The Blueshirts come home Tuesday night (01/13/15) for what promises to be a great game against their hated rivals the New York Islanders. The three stars of the game were Henrik Lundqvist, Chris Kreider and Melker Karlsson (SJ).

Mets Avoid Arbitration and Sign Bobby Parnell to a One-Year Contract Wednesday

Photo Credit
Steve Mitchell USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets signed relief pitcher Bobby Parnell to a one-year contract on Wednesday (01/07/15) to avoid arbitration. Last season Parnell pitched one inning before landing on the disabled list and undergoing Tommy John elbow surgery. The righty closer will not be ready for Opening Day but will be in the bullpen as soon as he is 100 percent. Parnell has been a very good relief pitcher with the Mets his entire career beginning in 2008 and especially since 2010. I look forward to seeing #39 come out of the pen and earn his first save of the season.

 

Rangers California Dreamin’ Continues with 4-3 Victory Over Kings Thursday

Photo Credit
Andrew D. Bernstein/NHLI
via Getty Images

The New York Rangers West Coast road trip continued Thursday (01/09/15) in Los Angeles with a solid 4-3 win over the Kings. The Kings hadn’t played since Saturday while the Blueshirts were playing a back-to-back and it showed early on. Cam Talbot started in goal for New York giving Henrik Lundqvist a well deserved rest. LA scored two goals in the first six minutes of the game and the STAPLES Center was rocking but the second period was another story. The Rangers scored four unanswered goals to give them the 4-2 lead. Dan Boyle scored the first goal for NY at 10:27 in the first. Kevin Klein made it 2-2 at 2:31 in the second period and Lee Stempniak made it 3-1 nineteen seconds later on a beautiful move to the the high slot. Martin St. Louis made it 4-2 by scoring a power play goal at 8:17. Kings Anze Kopitar, visibly frustrated all game, embellished late in the third period drawing a bogus tripping call on Rick Nash. Justin Williams scored a power play goal, his second goal of the game to bring the score to 4-3 New York. The Rangers held on tight for the win. Their power play continues to shine going 2-for-4 and Dan Boyle has found his game. The Rangers out hit the Kings 33-24 and did better on faceoffs winning 47%. In the post game Captain Ryan McDonagh said “It was a great comeback win for us.” The Rangers second period was one of the best I have seen all season and the team is rolling. They close out the road trip this Saturday night in San Jose. The three stars of the game were Dan Boyle, Derick Brassard and Alec Martinez (LA).

Rangers West Coast Road Trip Off to Excellent Start with Huge 4-1 Win Over Ducks Wednesday

Photo Credit Harry How, Getty Images

The Rangers were calling this a Yardstick Game, to see exactly where they measure up with the NHL’s best and the results were excellent. The Blueshirts began their 3-game West Coast road trip with a dominating 4-1 victory over the NHL’s top club, the Anaheim Ducks last night (01/07/15). The game was scoreless through the first period and checking hard. The Rangers scored first at 9:10 in the second period as Derick Brassard came flying off the bench and blasted a slap shot past Ducks goalie Ilya Bryzgalov. With Bryz you’ll never know who will show up but he played well in the loss. Rich Nash scored his 25th goal of the season early at 2:32 in the third. It is great to see the Rangers defensemen continue to contribute to the offense as Marc Staal (6) and Kevin Klein (7) tallied assists in the game. Derek Stepan was called for delay of game as he inadvertently shot the puck over the glass from the defensive zone. This game Anaheim’s only goal scored on a power play by Francois Beauchemin at 10:09 in the third. Mats Zuccarello scored on a bad giveaway at 14:27 and Dominic Moore scored an empty net goal to seal the deal at 4-1. This was the Rangers first road win at Anaheim since December 16, 2008 and boy does it feel good. The road trip continues with a visit to the team that defeated the Rangers in the Stanley Cup Final last season the Los Angeles Kings. The three stars of the game were Henrik Lundqvist, Rick Nash and Ilya Bryzgalov.

FINALLY Back on Track with My Blog

After not posting to my Blog in ages, I’ll be back on track with postings tomorrow. I have a lot to post regarding the Rangers, Devils, Islanders and St. John’s Men’s Basketball.

Thoughts on 2014 Super Bowl XLVIII

This game promises to be a good one with Seattle’s terrific defense playing Denver’s equally terrific offense. Weather conditions are a complete non-factor with kickoff temps predicted to be in the low 40s.

Denver will win the game if:

• QB Peyton Manning has time to step-up and throw the ball. By using a combination of crossing patterns and bunching receivers, Manning finds the open man
• Defense stacks the box and slows down Seattle’s stud RB Marshawn Lynch
• Receivers and running backs get separation off the line
• RB Knowshon Moreno rushes for 90+ yards on 18 or more carries
• WR Wes Welker eclipses 100+ yards on 9 or more receptions or TE Julius Thomas has an 80-yard day on 6 or more receptions
• Defense contains Seattle QB Russell Wilson and keeps him from converting 3rd downs using his legs

Seattle will win the game if:

• Defense chucks the Denver receivers at the line and disrupts their timing and rhythm
• They hit Manning early and often
• Lynch rushes for 100+ yards on 25 or more carries. It will be Marshawn all day
• Defense must not commit too early to their coverages and blitzes
• Account for Wes Welker and minimize his yards after the catch (YAC)
• Contain Thomas at all costs

The New York Jets were able to beat Peyton Manning by not showing their hands too early on defense. Their defense did not shift until 8 seconds remained on the play clock. If it becomes a shootout in the second half Denver will hoist the Vince Lomardi Trophy. This game may come down to the final possession and I’m all for that. Enjoy the game! 

Photo Credit nynjsuperbowl.com

 

I’d Like to Wish a Happy St. Patrick’s Day to One and All!

I’d like to wish a Happy St. Patrick’s Day to one and all. Just to get you in the spirit here are a few songs from the Dropkick Murphys and the Wolfe Tones. I remember the Wolfe Tones playing in my backyard 40 years ago! I kicked my Gaelic football around the yard with Derek Warfield. When they would play in Brooklyn they’d call my house looking for my Dad so they could come over and hang out for a few hours to get “tuned up” for the concert. One year my Brother was playing the Wolfe Tones on his boombox and one of the members of the band called on the phone, looking for my Dad! My Wife and I were in Manhattan very early this morning for the NYC Half Marathon as I volunteer for both marathons.

I’m Finally Back on Track with my Blog

Friends and family have suggested I return to my Blog and I’m happy to report that I’ll begin posting later today. I have a lot to post regarding the local NYC area hockey clubs and the lack of a local NFL Playoff team. The NHL hockey season begins tonight!

Yankees Dominated Mets in 2012 Subway Series Taking 5-of-6



Photo Credit NYCSportsFan

In the 2012 Subway Series the New York Mets lost 5-of-6 games at the hands of their crosstown rivals, the New York Yankees. With high hopes my Wife and I went with two friends to see the Mets host the Yankees at Citi Field last Saturday. We took the Seastreak from the Atlantic Highlands, NJ and really enjoyed the 80 minute ride to Citi Field. It was great seeing my old Brooklyn neighborhood from the ferry. We were hoping for a win Saturday after the Mets took Game One on Friday 6-4. In Game Two the Mets were cruising and were shutting out the Yankees for 6 innings and held a 3-0 lead. Terry Collins wanted Met starter Chris Young to pitch through the 7th but that’s where the wheels fell off. Young gave up a walk to Teixeira, a run-scoring double to Swisher then a two-run home run to Ibanez. The shutout was gone and the Yankees tied the game 3-3. Jon Rausch was brought in and promptly game up a solo homer to pinch hitter Chavez. The Yankees won the game 4-3. While sitting in Section 503 it was quite a painful loss to endure. The Mets had their chances, leaving 11 men-on-base with the majority in scoring position. The Yankees took Game 3 by the score of 6-5 that featured less than stellar starting pitching from Sabathia and Dickey. There’s always next year but the local clubs will only play each other four times next season. I like the current format of two 3-game series and wish MLB would keep is this way.

Back on Track with My Blog

After being away from my Blog I’ll be back on track with postings today. I have a lot to post regarding the Mets, Rangers and offseason hockey news.

I’d Like to Wish a Happy St. Patrick’s Day to One and All!

I’d like to wish a Happy St. Patrick’s Day to one and all. Just to get you in the spirit here are a few songs from the Dropkick Murphys and the Wolfe Tones. I remember the Wolfe Tones playing in my backyard 40 years ago! I kicked my Gaelic football around the yard with Derek Warfield. When they would play in Brooklyn they’d call my house looking for my Dad so they could come over and hang out for a few hours to get “tuned up” for the concert. One year my Brother was playing the Wolfe Tones on his boombox and one of the members of the band called on the phone, looking for my Dad! My Wife and I are looking forward to the parade today in NYC with Cousins. We’re then heading to our other Cousin’s house for his party this afternoon. Good times will be had by all. I can’t wait to see my Dad’s old band, the NYPD Emerald Society Pipes & Drums and my high school band as well.

Back on Track with My Blog

I’ll be back on with postings today. I have a lot to post regarding the Giants, Rangers and Mets.

Heading to Brooklyn to See FHL Hockey as Aviators Host the Outlaws

Logo Credit
thefederalhockeyleague.pointstreaksites.com

My Wife and I are heading to Brooklyn to meet friends for dinner in our old stomping grounds before heading to the first game of a home-and-home between the Brooklyn Aviators and New Jersey Outlaws. The Outlaws are in first place in the Federal Hockey League (Class A) with a record of 39-3-1-7, 124 points while the Aviators’ are in fourth place with a record of 23-1-5-19, 76 points. We watched the Aviators hold on for a 3-2 victory last month at Wayne, NJ and will be heading there as well tomorrow for the final game of the year. It will be tough today as our friends are huge New Jersey Devil and Trenton Titan fans, so they’ll be pulling for the Outlaws, the minor league team to the Titans. Let’s Go Aviators!

Yankees Fragrance: What Every True Yankee Fan Needs to Smell Like Going to The Stadium

Photo Credit
nyyankeesfragrance.com

The New York Yankees have private labeled fragrances for men and women named “The Essence of Greatness.” I hope it’s not the essence of pine tar and chewing tobacco. Just think of it: You can wear your Yankee garb and top it all of with a liberal splash of this stuff. Just what the Steinbrenner’s, or as we used to call them in the 70s, the Steingrabbers need, more money.

Red Bulls 2012 Single Match Tickets on Sale Wednesday, February 29th at 9:00 AM

Photo Credit newyorkredbulls.com

The New York Red Bulls 2012 single match tickets go on sale tomorrow morning, Wednesday, February 29th beginning at 9:00 AM. The pricing has changed from the past two seasons at Red Bull Arena but it can still be very affordable. I’m looking forward to the season and Let’s Go Red Bulls!

Rangers Shut Out Hated Devils 2-0 at The Garden Monday

Photo Credit Getty Images

The New York Rangers shut out their hated cross Hudson River rivals, the New Jersey Devils 2-0 on Monday, February 27th at The Garden. The game reminded me of a Devil game from the 90s, with excellent defensive play by both clubs and only a total of 27 shots on goal. Ranger goalkeeper Henrik Lundqvist earned his 30th win of the year making it 7 straight 30-win seasons for The King. One item to note was the dirty play by NJ’s David Clarkson. It pains me to say that Clarkson has actually become a hockey player but he put his team in a hole by taking so many dopey penalties. Here’s the list: 10 minutes misconduct, 2 minutes unsportsmanlike conduct, 2 minutes charging and 5 minutes fighting. Although one of his minors was served by Steve Bernier he was off the ice for quite a while and this no doubt hurt the Devils. A lot of the Devil players stated that they were coming for the Eastern Conference leading Rangers but the Blueshirts didn’t take the bait. The Rangers were able to play excellent team defense once again and clog their defensive zone. This clearly frustrated the Devils who were able to attempt many shots but most of them were blocked and never made it to Lundqvist. Late in the 1st period the Rangers worked the puck deep behind the goal line and the captain Ryan Callahan pushed the puck to Carl Hagelin in the low slot. Hagelin snapped the puck under the cross bar to give the Rangers a 1-0- lead. The scored stayed 1-0 until 18:54 of the 3rd period when the same line scored an empty net goal. The Devils were called for a delayed penalty (hooking or interference) against Hagelin who was taking the puck up the left side into the offensive zone. Hagelin found Callahan in front, who scored the empty netter for his 25th goal of the season. The three stars of the game were all Rangers: Hagelin, McDonagh and Lundqvist.

Devils 5th Annual American Red Cross Blood Drive Saturday, March 31, 2012 at Prudential Center

Photo Credit
redcrossblood.org/devils

I would like to thank my friend for sending this information to me. Although I’m a huge Blueshirts fan I will happily cross party lines and donate blood to the Red Cross, a very worthy organization.

As reported by redcrossblood.org/devils:

The New Jersey Devils are hosting their 5th Annual American Red Cross Blood Drive at the Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, March 31st, 2012.

You can help provide a second chance for a patient in need by donating blood on Saturday March 31, 2012 during the 5th Annual New Jersey Devils American Red Cross Blood Drive from 6:00am – 1:00pm.

New Jersey Devils Fans now is your chance to be a part of the action as the New Jersey Devils and the American Red Cross partner to collect 1,200 units of blood to help safeguard against a blood shortage.

All presenting blood donors will receive a special event vintage NJ Devils ball cap and T-Shirt created only for those that donate blood during this very special life saving event. Randomly selected donors will also have the chance to win autographed merchandise including jerseys, sticks, pucks and much more..

Heading to Madison Square Garden Tonight as Rangers Host Blue Jackets

Logo Credit sportslogos.net

My Wife, friends and I will be heading to Manhattan this afternoon for dinner and then to the Ranger game at the Garden tonight. The Knicks are playing the NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks now, and the Garden staff will remove the floor to make way for the Blueshirts as the Columbus Blue Jackets come into town. Trade rumors are swirling around Blue Jackets’ captain Rick Nash with the Rangers and Flyers (aka Effers) heading up the shortlist. If the Rangers trade for Nash I hope they don’t mortgage the future of the club. Let’s Go Rangers!

Back on Track with My Blog

After being away from my Blog I’ll be back on track with postings today. I have a lot to post regarding the Giants, Rangers and Mets. The Knicks are just painful at this point and there will be a posting on that debacle as well.

Jets Part Ways with Offensive Coaches Schottenheimer, Callahan and Ellard

Photo Credit Weissman
for nydailynews.com

The New York Jets have gone in a completely new direction offensively as three coaches leave the staff. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer “resigned” in a statement released late last night by the team. Offensive line coach Bill Callahan and wide receivers coach Henry Ellard’s contracts have expired and will not return as well. Callahan accepted a job as offensive line coach with the Dallas Cowboys. In Schottenheimer’s six seasons with the Jets he worked with Chad Pennington, Brett Favre and Mark Sanchez at quarterback, but it was the current season of mediocrity that sealed Schotty’s fate. I would like to know if the house cleaning will be continue or if the Jets will keep quarterback’s coach Matt Cavanaugh. Early reports indicate that the Jets will hire former Miami head coach Tony Sparano as offensive coordinator, a run first, ground and pound type coach. I am happy the Jets are making changes but hope they part ways with wide receivers Paxico Burress and Santonio Holmes as well. Burress’ contract may not be extended but the Jets are on the hook to pay Holmes a lot of money. They should take the salary cap hit and get rid of the locker room poison. How many teams have no use for a Super Bowl MVP? Well the Pittsburgh Steelers were that team and traded Holmes to the Jets for a late-round draft pick. I always said it’s easier for a team to change coaches rather than an entire team and sometimes change is necessary. Ellard is a good coach and it’s not his fault that the receivers did not do their job. Watching the games this season I believe the receivers themselves didn’t give it their all, not even close. They never fought for position or came back for the ball, even with Sanchez often running for his life. At times they look disinterested on the bench. Schotty was on the shortlist for the new head coaching job with the Jaguars but didn’t get the offer.

Blueshirts Atop NHL with 56 Points at Midway Point of Season

Photo Credit nydailynews.com

 New York Rangers are atop the NHL with an excellent 26-9-4 record (56 points) but know there’s a long road to the Playoffs. Goalkeepers Henrik Lundqvist and Martin Biron are leading the way for New York. Many teams have a top goalie and a backup but the Rangers have a #1 and a #1A. Lundqvist’s numbers are: GP 29, W 18, L 7, OT 4, SV% .939, GAA 1.89, SO 3 while Biron’s are: GP 11, W 8, L 2, OT 0, SV% .922, GAA 2.06, SO 1. Head coach John Tortorella has wanted to give Henrik rest during the year so he’d be fresh down the stretch and in Torts’ three plus years with the Rangers he’s finally getting the opportunity. Lundqvist wants to play every game but he is aware of the benefits of regular rest throughout the season and is slated to make 65 starts. Marc Staal, making his season debut at the Winter Classic, was a welcome site. His blueline partner Dan Girardi made huge strides in his game and wore Staal’s A (alternate captain) in his absence. Other noteworthy elements to the Rangers’ success had been the play of their young defensemen Ryan McDonagh and Stu Bickel. McDonagh and Girardi have become a shutdown pair and the team will only get better as Staal gets into game shape. Sniper Marian Gaborik is back with 23 goals and playing at a high level with 1st line mates Derek Stepan and Artem Anisimov. Highly sought after free agent centerman Brad Richards has found a home on the 2nd line with Brandon Dubinsky and captain Ryan Callahan. The plan was to have Richards center the top line but Torts will not argue with success. The team is playing as solidly as I’ve seen in many many years and so far it’s been a special season for the Rangers. I’m looking forward to the second half.