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.

Red Bulls Introduce New Home Jersey for 2012 Season

Photo Credit
redbullshopusa.com

The New York Red Bulls were selling their 2011 home jerseys at discounted prices as the season came to an end, and all the supporters knew the club would be coming out with a new jersey. Sure enough the Red Bulls have offered a new home jersey for the upcoming 2012 season and I really like the design. The logo on the front is larger and the sleeves have a cleaner look. Buy one and come out to Red Bull Arena in 2012.

Rangers Defenseman Marc Staal Making Strides in His Long Road to Recovery from Concussion

Photo Credit Getty Images

The New York Rangers’ All-Star defenseman Marc Staal in making strides in his long road to recovery from the concussion he suffered from the hit by his brother Eric on February 22, 2011. In the game between Eric’s Hurricanes and Marc’s Rangers Marc moved the puck out of the Rangers’ zone along the left wall and Eric took Marc out. Marc’s stick when flying back, he fell to the ice and has been out of the starting lineup ever since. There are four Staal brothers playing professional hockey and every time they play each other they seem to put a little more into the game. They have been playing that way ever since they were kids. I watched that game on February 22nd and felt Eric came in late and didn’t need to hit Marc that hard. The good news is that Marc has been skating on his own and has begun skating with Mike Rupp, another Ranger on the mend from knee surgery. It will be a long time before Marc is in the starting lineup alongside Dan Girardi but he feels hopeful he’ll be back this season. Ryan McDonagh has stepped up and has been terrific in Marc’s absence. I want to be at The Garden for Marc’s return this season.

Rangers Winning Streak at Four Games with 5-3 Victory Over Hurricanes Thursday

Photo Credit Getty Images

The New York Rangers’ winning ways continued Thursday night (12/01/11) with a 5-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh to run their winning streak to four games. The Blueshirts are playing excellent team defense and among the NHL leaders in blocked shots. In fact as the game wound down John Mitchell took one for the team, blocking a Joni Pitkanen shot with his face that earned him seven stiches above his right eye. Marian Gaborik is on a tear, scoring a goal and adding an assist to once again lead the way for the Rangers. The Rangers tied the game 1-1 on a Ryan Callahan power play goal, his 10th of the season at 1:42 in the 1st period. Jeff Skinner gave the Hurricanes the lead with seconds remaining in the 1st period. The Rangers exploded for 3 goals in the 2nd period within a span of 5 minutes on goals by Ryan McDonagh at 8:54, Gaborik’s at 11:50 and Sean Avery’s at 13:47. Michael Sauer added a goal at 5:42 in the 3rd period to give the Rangers the 5-3 lead. Marty Biron got the start in goal for the Rangers and earned the win, stopping 28-of-31 shots on goal. The Rangers were able to stay out of the penalty box and get the entire team involved in the scoring. The team is playing very well and I hope that they continue to roll. The three stars of the game were Marian Gaborik, Jeff Skinner (Hurricanes) and Ryan McDonagh.

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