Thoughts and Musings

Happy Thursday and Happy New Year, BSBers. Hope y’all had a lovely and happy New Year. Happy and healthy to you and yours. We’re coming off a great win against Carolina. So let’s dive right in.

-MZA, you’re here to stay. That was a pretty shot. And what a way to get your first NHL goal.

-Besides the goal, I like his stick work, he’s fearless. He’s not going to be Marty St. Louis, but he looks to be a solid top 6 forward in this league. Which I’ll take any day.

-Dubinsky had a great game. So did Staal. So did Lundqvist. So did Gaborik.

-If Staal is not the upper echelon of defenders, than he will be soon. In fact, he has to be up there. Won’t give you the big offensive numbers, but as a defensive stalwart, man, is he good. Homegrown too.

-This team does not have a lot of skill. But that’s okay. They’re winning on grit and determination and hustle. The way playoff teams succeed. I’m not saying they are a Cup contender. But they are a team you do not want to face in the playoffs.

-Buying into a system, or into a coach is not easy. The trust these guys seem to have in Torts is remarkable.

-I think there are a few things the Rangers need at the deadline: A checking, faceoff specialist, PKing center. A physical defenseman. And maybe, another winger.

-They get those things, they’ll be set up nicely.

-Awesome interlude: Have you guys heard about the homeless guy with the amazing radio voice. Check it here.  It’s incredible. Last I checked, he has offers from the Cavs, from Frosted Flakes to be the new Tony the Tiger and the NFL. Incredible. Power of social media right there.

-Nice to see Ranger prospects having a good WJC. Kreider, Fasth, Bourque. They’re the future.

-Can’t believe Canada lost in that game. Up 3-0? Heading into the 3rd? Jeez.

-I’m starting to really enjoy watching this team play and loving how they’re coming together. Lots of injuries, but they persevere. Lots of no namers, but they play hard and they win. That’s all you can ask for, really.

-I think the players representing the Rangers at the All-Star game should be: Lundqvist, Staal, Girardi, Dubinsky and Boyle

-Brian Boyle has to be this year’s Matt Moulson. I mean, what a steal. You take away his 14 goals, his presence, this team would be a lot worse.

-And Slats was vilified for giving up a 3rd round pick.

-I’m starting to think that, barring injuries with the main club, MDZ should stay with the Whale the rest of the way. It can’t hurt. He can develop, learn, get some more confidence and start next year ready to go. Gilroy and Sauer and Eminger deserve to be up with the big club. And with the fabulous Wade Redden as a mentor, he’ll only get better!