Rangers Unveiled 2012 NHL Winter Classic Jersey at Wollman Rink in Central Park Monday

Photo Credit rangers.nhl.com

Yesterday afternoon (11/28/11) at Wollman Rink in Central Park, the New York Rangers unveiled the jersey they’ll wear in the 2012 NHL Winter Classic. The Rangers will play the Winter Classic against the Philadelphia (aka Philthy) Flyers (aka Effers) outdoors at Citizen’s Bank Park on January 2, 2012. The shield is a classic design based on the original shield worn from the 1920s into the 1940s. I have to have one! LET’S GO RANGERS!

UConn Blows Out Rutgers 40-22 at Rentschler Field Today and Chance of BCS Bid Vanishes

Photo Credit AP

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights were blown out by the University of Connecticut today 40-22 on the road and their chances of a BCS Bowl bid have fizzled. Rutgers needed to win their last game of the season today, a Big East Conference game. Uconn came out blazing, scoring 21 points in the 1st half off of 3 Rutgers turnovers and took a commanding 24-3 lead into half time. The Scarlet Knights seemed completely out of it from the beginning and never got into the game. Rutgers finished their season with an 8-4 record, 4-3 in Conference and their changes of sharing a First Place finish in the Big East vanished. Starting QB Chas Dodd was brutal and was benched prior to the start the 4th quarter. Freshman QB Gary Nova came in and threw 2 TDs to Brandon Coleman. This was not the same team I saw last Saturday at home vs. Cincinnati where they won 20-3 on Senior Day. The Scarlet Knights will play in a Bowl Game, just not of the calibre in which they were hoping.

Rangers Defeated Alex Ovechkin and Capitals 6-3 at Verizon Center in Washington Friday

Photo Credit AP

The New York Rangers defeated the Washington Capitals 6-3 Thursday afternoon (11/25/11) by playing an excellent road game. Job One was to slow down Alex Ovechkin and the defensive pairing of Dan Girardi and Ryan McDonagh did just that. Ovechkin was held in check but did score on a fantastic wrist shot from the left side, shooting through Girardi for the goal. The Rangers were held scoreless for the first period but scored 3 goals in the 2nd period in less than five minutes. Marian Gaborik scored his 10th goal of the season to give the Rangers the early 1-0 lead in the 2nd period. Ruslan Fedotenko scored two goals and captain Ryan Callahan had 3 assists to lead the way. The Rangers were able to move the puck well, cycle and generated scoring chances. Brad Richards and Artem Anisimov each scored a goal and added an assist. Girardi added offensively as well with 2 assists. Carl Hagelin played in the the game of his NHL career for the Rangers and scored his first point by adding an assist. The difference is this game compared to the two previous losses was that the Rangers played excellent team defense that lead to the offensive scoring chances. Goalkeeper Henrik Lundqvist made 18-of-21 saves. The three stars of the game were Callahan, Girardi and Capital John Carlson.

Rangers’ Deveaux Suspended Three Games for Illegal Check to the Head of Panthers’ Fleischmann

Photo Credit Getty Images

The National Hockey League announced today that Rangers’ forward Andre Deveaux has been suspended three games for his illegal check to the head of Panthers’ Tomas Fleischmann. The hit came at 10:59 into the 2nd period of Wednesday (11/23/11) nights game at BankAtlantic Center. I watched the game and thought the hit was excessive and knew the League would come down on Deveaux. It was the right call by Brendan Shanahan and the League. The Rangers called up forwards Carl Hagelin and John Mitchell from the Connecticut Whale and are expected to play in the game Friday afternoon at Washington.

Panthers Defeated Rangers 2-1 at BankAtlantic Center Wednesday

Photo Credit AP

The New York Rangers were defeated by the Florida Panthers Wednesday (11/23/11) night 2-1 for the Blueshirts’ second straight loss. The offensive struggles continue for the Rangers who only mustered 20 shots on goal. Jason Garrison and Kris Versteeg scored Florida’s goals and goalkeeper Jose Theodore had 19 saves on the night. Theodore did not live up to his nickname “Jose Three or More” unfortunately. Ranger forward Derek Stepan scored at 4:18 in the 2nd period, his 4th of the season, to narrow the score to 2-1. Ranger goalkeeper Henrik Lundqvist made 36 saves and was easily the best player on the ice. The Blueshirts had their chances but just could not score. The Panthers made major personnel changes this year and they’re a much better club. Midway through the 2nd period the Rangers killed off a 5-minute major penalty called on Andre Deveaux, who skated across center ice and elbowed Fleischmann in the head. Fleischmann left the game but came back later in the period. Deveaux will most like be fined by the NHL for his hit. The three stars of the game were Fleischmann, Lundqvist and Garrison.

Looking Forward to Watching Brooklyn Aviators Hockey Club Play at New Jersey Outlaws Friday

Logo Credit thefederalhockeyleague.com

The Brooklyn Aviators hockey club visit the friendly confines of the Capital One Ice Vault Arena in Wayne, NJ this Friday night, November 25th, for a game against the New Jersey Outlaws. My Wife and I are looking forward to seeing the two clubs play, our first visit. Both clubs are members of the Federal Hockey League which is one level below the ECHL. I’ll post a game recap on Saturday.

Rex Ryan Fined $75,000 Yesterday by NFL for Telling Fan to “Shut the F**k Up!

Photo Credit Reuters

New York Jets’ head coach Rex Ryan was fined yesterday by the NFL $75,000 for yelling at a fan to “Shut the f**k up!”. As the Jet team was walking into the locker room at half time of the Patriots/Jets game on Sunday (11/13/11) a fan, aka “nitwit” barked at Rex as reported by nydailynews.com:

“Hey Rex, Belichick’s better than you.”

Rex then said in Rex Fashion:

“Shut the f**k up!”

The incident was naturally recorded and splattered all over the Internet. The NFL did not think too kindly on this and levied the fine on Rex, his second. The first fine was for flipping the bird to the Dolphin fans attending a mixed martial arts event in Miami, January 2010.

“The commissioner’s got a tough enough job,” Ryan said of not appealing the fine. “I’m an NFL lifer. I know I represent the NFL and I represent the Jets. So I’m accountable for my actions. So I will not appeal.”

“It was a mistake and I’ve owned up to that mistake. There’s no question about it. I’m not going to appeal it, because quite honestly, [Roger Goodell] made a decision. His decision is that I should be fined $75,000, then that’s the way it is. I want to get it behind me. Obviously, it was a mistake that I made. I’m responsible for my actions. I haven’t denied that one bit or slouched on that responsibility. I understand it. And I know to coach in the National Football League is an honor. I don’t want to be a guy that puts a black eye on this or whatever. I just want to get it behind me and move forward.”

I heard Rex say this on tape this morning on WFAN-AM and it totally cracked me up. Now this is Rex Being Rex:

“Sometimes we look like a million dollars. Sometimes we look like $75,000. Sometimes we look like nothing.”

2011 Major League Baseball Free Agents

Logo Credit sportslogos.net

Here is a link to ESPN.com’s 2011 MLB free agents. Jose Reyes is ranked #4 and I hope he remains in New York, but he very well may end up in Miami taking in the sun and the big bucks.

Giants’ Brandon Jacobs Has to Quit Yapping and Run the Ball

Photo Credit Charles
Wenzelberg nypost.com

After the non-existent running game by Jacobs and his Giants' teammates on Sunday night against their hated rival Eagles, he had plenty to share with the beat writers. Here are quotes on ESPNNewYork.com by head coach Tom Coughlin and Jacobs, who was speaking about the fans:

Coughlin: "...as pathetic as it can get.”

Jacobs: "That's the best thing they do here is boo. I've been hearing that for seven years."

That statement by Jacobs is an absolute joke as He’s made it crystal clear that he will be gone next season. If this display of pathetic running is his audition he won’t be a starting running back in the NFL next season. The Giant fans are among the most loyal and passionate in the NFL and they deserve better. Jacobs needs to stop his yapping and just run the ball.

Eagles Defeated Giants 17-10 at MetLife Stadium Sunday and Played Like the Broad Street Bullie

Photo Credit Getty Images

The Philadelphia Eagles played like the second coming of the Broad Street Bullies in their 17-10 victory over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium Sunday night. The Giants’ RB Brandon Jacobs spoke to ESPN Radio on the field during warm-ups and said the Giants were going to put a nail in the Eagles’ coffin. Well that didn’t exactly happen as the Giants came out flat and played uninspired football. The Giants running game never got going and Jacobs had 12 rushes for a pathetic 21 yards, not exactly smashmouth football. Here are the lowlights of the game:

• Eagle backup QB Vince Young went 16-of-19 in passes of 10 yards or less, along with his 3 interceptions. He was able to move the chains
• Eagles were the first team in this NFL season to give up 3 interceptions and win the game
• Giants rushing attack as a team had 17 carries for 29 yards
• Giant G Chris Snee was terrible but I now know why, he was sick last night and threw up multiple times during the game
• Eagles were 9-of-17 in 3rd down conversions
• Justin Tuck was a non-factor in the Giant pass rush
• The Giants best player was P Steve Weatherford who had 9 punts for 463 total yards, 51.4 yard average. Shades of Dave Jennings
• Giant QB Eli Manning was sacked 3 times, Young only once
• For the second game this year vs. Eagles Victor Cruz burned Eagle CB Nnamdi Asomugha for a TD. Cruz made him look dopey, again
• Giants have three very tough road games coming up with stops in New Orleans and Green Bay among them

Brutal 17-14 Loss for Jets at Mile High vs. Broncos Thursday

Photo Credit Getty Images

The New York Jets suffered one of the worst losses in recent memory to the Denver Broncos last Thursday night (11/17/11) 17-13 at Mile High. This was a tough game to watch as it was ugly for both teams on both sides of the ball. The loss brings the Jets’ season record to 5-5, and instead of a race for first in the AFC East it places the Jets in a 4-team race for an AFC Wild Card spot. The Jet defense held the Broncos offense the entire night, forcing 8-straight punts, until of course it was Tebow Time. Nick Folk kicked a go ahead 47-yard field goal early in the 4th quarter that gave the Jets the 13-10 lead. The game looked to be in the Jets’ hands with the way the defense was playing. With just under six minutes left in the 4th quarter Tebow led his team on a 95-yard touchdown drive that stole the game from the Jets. The play that broke the Jets’ backs was on a 3rd-and-4 from the Jets’ 20-yard line. Tebow took the snap and rushed left for the touchdown and I was left speechless. The Jets decided to put another defensive back on the field and come on an all-out blitz. Tebow read it perfectly and sprinted into the end zone. Sanchez got the ball back but had no chance getting into end zone with the way the Jet offensive line had been playing. Sanchez was 24-of-40, 252 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT. Shonn Greene left the game with a rib injury and Joe McKnight took over, with 16 rushes for 59 yards, 6 receptions for 62 yards and lost fumble on special teams. Plaxico Burress had 4 receptions for 64 yards. Sanchez also threw a terrible ball to Burress that was intercepted. He continues to telegraph passes and that has to stop. The Jets are not out of the Playoff race but need to play a full 60 minutes if they want to play serious January football

Rangers Seven-Game Winning Streak Snapped as Canadiens Shut Out Blueshirts 4-0 in Montreal Saturday

Photo Credit AP & Canadian Press

The Montreal Canadiens shut out the New York Rangers 4-0 Saturday night (11/19/11) at the Bell Centre in Montreal. The last Rangers' loss this season was on October 27th, the home opener at which a friend of mine and I attended. The Blueshirts were slow to the puck and chased the Habs all night, mustering only 17 shots on goal. Canadiens' goalie Carey Price was never really tested, to the delight of the home crowd. The last time the Rangers won at the Bell Centre was in 2011 on St. Patrick's Day, a game which my Wife and I attended. That night the game went to a shootout where the Rangers won 4-3. I had always wanted to attend a game in Montreal since I was 8 years old and I finally made the trip. If you haven't been to Montreal for a hockey game I highly recommend it, it's well worth it. From the fans singing the Canadian National Anthem in French and English to the cheering throughout the game, the intensity doesn't let up. Our “LET'S GO RANGERS were squashed with “GO HABS GO!”. Unfortunately last night Marty Biron could not keep the Habs from scoring. Two of his goals were of the soft variety and I'm sure he would have wanted those back. The former NJ Devils Brian Gionta and Scott Gomez were very good last night. Gionta scored two goals and Gomez had two assists. Erik Cole and Tomas Plekanec scored the other two goals for the Canadiens. Ranger head coach John Tortorella does not complain about the refs but I will. They were absolutely pathetic last night calling everything they possibly could on the Rangers. The TV replays showed just how horrible the penalty calling was. On top of that the game was not called evenly either. Two of the Canadiens’ goals came on power-plays. No surprise here that the three stars of the game were Canadiens: Gionta, Cole and Price.

Back on Track with My Blog

After being away from my Blog for many weeks I’ll be back on track with postings today. I have a lot to post regarding the Rangers, Giants, Jets and Mets.

Jets and Giants Playing Today with a Heavy Heart

Ribbon Credit nfl.com

The New York Giants and New York Jets kickoff their NFL 2011 seasons and will play with a heavy heart. The Giants are visiting the Washington Redskins at 4:15 EDT while the Jets host the Dallas Cowboys at 8:20 PM. Jets' head coach Rex Ryan has stated this week that this is the most pressure he's ever experienced to win in his coaching career. That's amazing considering his team has played in the last two AFC Championship Games. The Jets are offering FDNY, NYPD and PAPD September 11th commemorative hats for sale with 100% of the proceeds going to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, FDNY and New York City Police Foundations. I've purchased a four already for my Wife, Brother, friend and myself. It's my sincere hope that the Giants and Jets absolutely kick ass today and win both games. Giant fans will no doubt thank the Jets by berating their most hated rival, the Dallas Cowboys. LET'S GO NEW YORK!

Please Do Not Ever Forget September 11th

Please do not forget September 11th. It was an absolutely terrible day where the pain still remains. I lost friends and was absolutely devastated that morning. I was on the ground on West St. near the entrance to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel just south of the Twin Towers when the second plane flew overhead. I saw the first tower on fire and said a prayer for those in the North Tower. The second plane then flew into the South Tower. Watching that and the North Tower fall broke my heart to no end. I saw terrible things, the worst of man but also the best of man.

I am forever grateful for the firefighters, police officers and medical personnel who so bravely gave their lives to save others. They are the true heroes. I also am very grateful to my Wife, those who ran the ferries, the restaurant in Jersey City that opened their phones, train operators, and other services in NYC and NJ that day, family, friends and Project Liberty. It has taken me a long time to come to terms with the events that Tuesday morning in New York City but I will never forget. It is in my heart forever.

We saw the World Trade Center being built in amazement as kids from our neighborhood in Brooklyn. Please take a moment to reflect and be grateful to those whom you love today. My heart goes out especially to my Cousin and her family.

Wednesday, July 27th Notable Devils, Islanders and Rangers Free Agent Comings and Goings

Logo Credit nhl.com

I’ll keep up with a few of the notable comings and goings of the local NHL teams:

DEVILS
No new updates

ISLANDERS
No new updates

RANGERS
Ryan Callahan – Terrific forward that is staying with club. Cally will prove instrumental in the Blueshirts’ continued success. I would love to see him score 35 goals this season.

Looking Forward to Attending the 2011 MLS All-Star Game at Red Bull Arena Tonight, Televised on ESPN2 at 8:30 PM EDT

Photo Credit mlssoccer.com

I am looking forward to attending the MLS All-Star Game at Red Bull Arena tonight with my friend. Kick off is scheduled to begin shortly after 8:30 PM and will televised on ESPN2. The MLS All-Stars will host the Barclays Premier League Champions Manchester United. The English side is in the middle of their USA summer tour and will hopefully play many of their starting XI in the first half; led by Wayne Rooney, Nani, Ferdinand and Chicharito. I just heard that Chicharito was taken to a New York hospital with concussion symptoms last night. Hopefully he’s doing well and doesn’t have any serious issues. Red Bull Arena is sold out so it should make for an interesting mix of fans. Let’s see Henry score a goal for the MLS side!  Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe will be the MLS All-Star’s head coach tonight.

Tuesday, July 26th Notable Devils, Islanders and Rangers Free Agent Comings and Goings

Logo Credit nhl.com

I’ll keep up with a few of the notable comings and goings of the local NHL teams:

DEVILS
No new updates

ISLANDERS
No new updates

RANGERS
Vinny Prospal – veteran forward leaving Columbus. Good player but doesn’t fit with newer players who signed with the Blueshirts
Steve Eminger – solid defensemen who will play on the third pairing with Michael Del Zotto

Important Message from Jets' Owner Woody Johnson and Head Coach Rex Ryan

Logo Credit New York Jets

From New York Jets via e-mail:

I am pleased to share with you that we have come to terms on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement and the 2011 season is under way. I look forward to welcoming the players back and being with all of you when the team takes the field. Your loyalty and passion help fuel us on a daily basis and drive our pursuit of a championship.

This agreement would not have been possible without a lot of hard work and compromise on both sides. I would like to express my gratitude to all involved, in particular Roger Goodell and DeMaurice Smith as well as the host of owners and players that contributed to this effort.

It all starts now. The players are returning, Mike and Rex have never been more ready, and Jets football is officially back. I hope you're ready for what I'm confident will be a memorable 2011 season.

Go Jets!

Woody Johnson

Video from head coach Rex Ryan, speaking about getting back to football.

Two Things I’m Sick of Hearing About: NFL Lockout and What Teams Beltran Doesn’t Want to be Traded to

Photo Credit cnbc.com

I for one love NFL football and am a huge fan of the Jets and Giants, paradoxically. I’ve gone to Jet games in the 70’s and 80’s while they played at Shea Stadium and have been to many in the last ten years. I’m completely sick of all the nonsense surrounding the NFL Lockout and just want to hear that it’s over. ESPN TV and Radio have “Expert1” speaking to “Insider2”, spewing all kind of nonsense, based on “sources” of course, with all of it going nowhere. Enough already. A few weeks ago I saw Mike DeVito, defensive lineman for the New York Jets enjoying a cup of yogurt. I asked him what he heard about the Lockout and he said he’s hearing the same thing we’re hearing. DeVito also said it’d be a real shame to not play on September 11th and what that would mean to the fans. I wholeheartedly agreed with him and spoke of my personal experiences that terrible day. Mike was exceedingly polite and open with me. Let’s just get the season going, please!

Photo Credit Getty Images

A second item I do not want to delve into any longer is what teams Met center fielder Carlos Beltran does not want to be traded to. Beltran’s 7-year contract expires this season and he should definitely be traded before the July 31st deadline. I get it; he wants to stay in the National League where he knows the pitchers and doesn’t want to be an American League designated hitter. The Mets should be trading Beltran to the highest bidder as soon as possible, period. This is the nature of the sport and since the Mets have no intention of signing him to an extension it makes sense to get something in return now. The Mets should get the best pitching prospects available as that is the area of most concern for the team. Unfortunately the Mets will not catch the Atlanta Braves for the Wild Card in the National League so trading Beltran makes sense. Some fans will see this as throwing the rest of the season away. If it returns good pitching prospects I think it’d be well worth it. Let’s Go Mets and let’s get the deal done, just not to the Phillies (aka Phillthies)!

Red Bulls Tie FC Dallas 2-2 at Red Bull Arena Where Temperature was 100 Degrees Saturday

Photo Credit Star-Ledger

The announced temperature in Red Bull Arena Saturday night was 100 degrees and we were looking forward to victory in the steam bath. The Red Bulls controlled the ball and created scoring scoring chances in the first half and finally broke through late. Dane Richards took the ball, flew down the right side then fed it to Juan Agudelo who chipped it into the left corner of the net over the head of goalkeeper Kevin Hartman. The Red Bulls took the 1-0 lead into the locker room at half time but could have been up 2-0 or 3-0 easily. FC Dallas flopped all over the field in embarrassing fashion and drew three yellow cards from the Red Bulls along with a red card that was issued to Dane Richards in the 80th minute. Richards was carded for the second time in the 80th minute and was sent off. FC Dallas took the lead on two goals scored by Marvin Chavez in the 51st and 78th minutes. Red Bulls' keeper Frank Rost was not to blame. Although Rafa Marquez made his return to the pitch for RBNY the defense broke down on the two goals scored against them. Thierry Henry missed on a golden opportunity to score earlier in the game but did not lose his second chance in the 85th minute. TH14 scored a monster goal where he split two defenders along the left side of the box, took the ball from his right to his left foot and volleyed it into the net for the 2-2 equalizer. It was a thing of beauty and I was glad my Wife, friends and I were there to see it. The Red Bulls will now travel the Atlantic to participate in the Emirates Cup where they will play Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday and Arsenal on Sunday. The latter game marks the return of Thierry Henry to his old club Arsenal where he's their all-time goal scoring leader. Mehdi Ballouchy continues to not impress and I have to wonder how much longer he'll start for RBNY. He was subbed off very late for Chris Albright who's returning from surgery. I'd rather see him start over Ballouchy, but we will see. The Red Bulls remain in 2nd place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 6-5-12 for 30 points. They must make the most of the remaining 11 games meaning winning, not drawing.

Mets Defeated Marlins 7-6 as Sun Life Stadium as Wright Returns to Lineup Friday

Photo Credit Getty Images

The New York Mets defeated the Florida Marlins 7-6 on the road last night in Florida. The game marked the return of David Wright to the Met lineup and he made an immediate impact. Stepping up to the plate in the top of the first inning he hit an RBI double, to the delight of the crowd. Just like that he was back. Batting in the cleanup spot he went 2-for-5, (2) 2B, 2 runs, 2 RBIs with 1 strikeout. Met starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey continues to struggle, giving up 4 earned runs, 5 hits, 2 HRs, with 4 walks and 3 strikeouts in 6.0 innings. He threw 115 pitches with most of them seemingly in the first three innings. The Mets have found their setup man and closer combination in Bobby Parnell and Jason Isringhausen. Both combined for the win and save respectively. The Mets play the Marlins tonight and Chris Capuano get the start for the Mets. He lost to the Marlins last Monday at Citi Field in a rainout makeup game.

Wife, Friends and I Looking Forward to Red Bulls Match vs. FC Dallas at Red Bull Arena Tonight

Photo Credit newyorkredbulls.com

My Wife and I will meet up with friends at Red Bull Arena tonight and are looking forward to the Red Bulls match vs. FC Dallas. The temperature will approach 100 degrees this afternoon and with humidity it will most assuredly be brutal. It will be interesting to see RBNY’s reaction to the Supporters silent treatment they’ll bestow upon them in the first half. What is most important is a win now and especially at home. The Red Bulls have to get back on the winning track and this will hopefully begin tonight. New York stands in second place of the Eastern Conference with 29 points (6-5-11), but played 3 more games than the first place team Philadelphia. Let’s Go Red Bulls!

Doc Emrick Calls it Quits as Devils’ Play-by-Play Announcer After 21 Years

Photo Credit redwings.nhl.com

Doc Emrick, the long time play-by-play announcer with the New Jersey Devils has decided to step down after 21 years in the broadcast booth. Emrick will continue with NBC’s and Versus’ NHL TV broadcasts but felt it was time to lighten his regular season schedule with fewer games. Here is an excerpt from his letter on devils.nhl.com:

Since my contracts with MSG, VERSUS, and NBC all expired late this spring, this was another of those times. I discovered that the birth certificate couldn't be changed and it showed me to be 65 in a few days.

I've been extremely fortunate to have been able to spend 23 incredible years with the MSG Network channels and 21 equally enjoyable years--including 3 Stanley Cup championships--with the New Jersey Devils. However, considering the long-term significance of this decision, I was able to construct a lighter regular season-schedule and the usual complement of Stanley Cup Playoffs and Stanley Cup Final games for NBC and VERSUS.

But that assurance of less travel and fewer games has regrettably led me to end my association with the MSG Network channels and the Devils.