The first weekend of the hockey season felt like what we could expect in the early part of this season. They seemed like they were on the doorstep at times and were downright dominating at others. But there were other times they felt lost, of which the Penguins took advantage Friday night.
With so many new people here, it’s going to take some time for everyone to adapt to their new teammates and their new linemates. I feel like it’s just a matter of time before we see good things from this team.
Of course, that’s based on two games. Look how optimistic we all were after a month of hockey last season, the best start in franchise history. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Especially with the Devils, Capitals on tap on the road before a three-game homestand with the opener against Anaheim. It should be a tough stretch.
There are also things tucked in the back of my mind that make me worried. I remember how tired this team was last season. And the tempo of how this team plays is no different than it was late last season. But with Torotorella having a full season with the Rangers, he can address those issues. At least I hope.
I can’t help but be a little excited, though. That’s what happens when my team scores five goals.
Some early observations
- Vinny Prospal may be the new Marty Straka on this team. Did you see how he reacted to his goal Saturday night? Vintage Straka.
- Will Prospal and Brandon Dubinsky funny face potential together on one line cause the world to implode?
- Marian Gaborik is a treat to watch. Please, please, please, please don’t get hurt.
- Do the Rangers have another GAG line on their hands? They’re on pace to have one.
- Aaron Voros fought? And won?
- A couple pucks bounce differently and the Rangers are 2-0-0 today.
- Who sits when Sean Avery comes back?
- Maybe MSG listened to us? Two Staal brothers play against each other and we didn’t have to hear about it every 30 seconds.
- Unlike everyone else on the planet, I don’t know what to make of Rozsival and Redden so far. I don’t think they “suck,” but I haven’t been impressed. But Giardi has been far worse.
- If Lundqvist is going to play less this season, why does he play the first three games of the season in four days?
- Would Semenov really make that much of a difference for some fans across the Web to make the sexist comments I’ve read?
- We’ve got to remember having two rookie defensemen means rookie mistakes are bound to happen.
- Those ads on the glass are more annoying than I remember.
Last week
Saturday: Ottawa 2, Rangers 5 (home opener)
Friday: Rangers 2, Penguins 3 (season opener)
This week
Monday: at Devils (Versus)
Thursday: at Capitals (MSGHD)
Sunday: vs. Ducks (MSGHD)
Weekly Poll
Highlights of the Week
Rangers blogs
Blueshirt Bulletin
Rick Carpiniello’s Rangers Report
Andrew Gross’ Rangers Rants (Gross on Twitter)
Hockey Rodent
Michael Obernauer’s Blueshirt Blog
Steve Zipay’s On the Rangers Beat (Zipay on Twitter)
