Thoughts and Musings

I’m busy so this intro will be brief. Probably how you prefer it. Don’t even get me started on the internet issues I’ve had (again) this week. Blame it on my location… Anyway, welcome to Musings, it’s Thursday!

I hate West Coast trips and it has nothing to do with the strength or depth of the West. I actually think teams should play the entire league more, but being based in the UK, when the Rangers face off against the likes of the Sharks I’m very much in a deep sleep. If I’m not at the start of the game, there’s no chance I’m up until the end. It’s bad enough with East Coast finish times!

That said; I liked the way the Rangers rebounded in San Jose. It showed character and some real determination to gut out a victory against a great team. What made it better is that my friend is a Sharks fan and I won our customary bet. Good times.

I recently criticised Anisimov (to an extent) and he has certainly been much better recently. I still say it’s been an underwhelming second year in NY but if he has a good finish it will be better for him and for the Rangers. He still has a bright future if he’s not used as trade bait.

Ryan Callahan has been absolute dynamite recently. He may will this team into the playoffs on his own. With every additional game he’s played recently, he’s getting pricier. I’m sure I’ve written that a lot recently but it’s true. When he plays like he has recently he’s a genuine top 6 forward.

My life has been devoid of music recently. Too much to do to chillax, but it has been bombarded with sport and that is always a good thing. Dad if you’re reading this (unlikely); I’m sorry for my football team beating your team 6-0. Go Bayern!

He’s looking slow and nearing the end but Prospal is quietly doing more than ok, offensively. If he keeps that up for the rest of the year he may tempt the Rangers to keep him for another year – stranger things have happened. Whether its reduced rate and reduced role who knows; but he’s been a good servant for the Blueshirts.

Mike Sauer: – give him 3 years @ 1m/year and do it now! He’s impressed so much that what may have been seen as a stop gap at the start of the year has to be seen as a core player for the next few years. It allows the Rangers to develop Mcilrath and Kundratek at the right pace. Sauer is the definition of dependable.

I like Bryan McCabe thus far even if the lack of goals (1 in 8 ) has surprised me. That said, for what we have seen I’d imagine he’d need to accept significantly less to come back next year at this stage. For the record, I’m all for a 1 year deal for McCabe at the right price. Veteran experience…

Anyone remember a guy called Alexander Frolov? Didn’t think so. Talk about an NHL career in ruins. I’m stunned if he’s not in the KHL next year. Injury aside – a non factor for 2 years now.

NEXT UP: Montreal, Pittsburgh, Florida and Ottawa: The Rangers need a minimum of 4 points, preferably 6 from this stretch of 4 games; especially with Buffalo and Boston up next after that 4 game spell. Games don’t get any less important from here on in.

I am trying desperately to get to NY between late April – early June. Would be great if the Rangers were still playing hockey! Either way though, I intend to sample my first, live baseball game. Call it a tourist thing!