I'm sure it's been stated by others but I'll say it too. The loss of Pruster was significant. In my opinion, he was our "Tom Sizemore in Saving Private Ryan". You have Captain Cally setting the tone and Pruster making sure all the other troops followed. Every good captain has a chief second. Think about it, how do you not put every ounce of effort into it when a guy like Pruster is out there taking punishment and carrying the flag.

Who's done that so far this year? I'd say Nash, to some degree, but he's not the guy that should be doing that.

Maybe I'm stupid, but that's my opinion. Please don't abuse me.

I'm sure it's been stated by others but I'll say it too. The loss of Pruster was significant. In my opinion, he was our "Tom Sizemore in Saving Private Ryan". You have Captain Cally setting the tone and Pruster making sure all the other troops followed. Every good captain has a chief second. Think about it, how do you not put every ounce of effort into it when a guy like Pruster is out there taking punishment and carrying the flag.

Who's done that so far this year? I'd say Nash, to some degree, but he's not the guy that should be doing that.

Maybe I'm stupid, but that's my opinion. Please don't abuse me.
- jacheech

No you're right. Dubi and Pruster were not the most talent guys on the ice. But both guys were a pain in the ass to play against. Both were physical and both would make sure that the opponent knew they were their.

I'm sure it's been stated by others but I'll say it too. The loss of Pruster was significant. In my opinion, he was our "Tom Sizemore in Saving Private Ryan". You have Captain Cally setting the tone and Pruster making sure all the other troops followed. Every good captain has a chief second. Think about it, how do you not put every ounce of effort into it when a guy like Pruster is out there taking punishment and carrying the flag.

Who's done that so far this year? I'd say Nash, to some degree, but he's not the guy that should be doing that.

Maybe I'm stupid, but that's my opinion. Please don't abuse me.
- jacheech

You're definitely not wrong. We said when he signed with Montreal that we would miss him but also understand why we didn't match that contract. I think it might take time but a guy like Pyatt could help step into that type of role. Also Staal might begin to take on more of a leadership role than he already does. His game seems to be rounding into form for sure.

The blog and comments sound exactly like what's being said and written about the Pens in Pittsburgh.

Ughh, needed some popcorn sutton moonshine to deal with that mess last night. Yup and I figured I would start tonight right where I left off last night. I think some of the fourth liners ( we dress six of them a night now) need some fighting likker.

Jan Levine: Game 6: PIT 3 NYR 0, Blow the Team Up? Fire Torts? Reality Check Time
Panic setting in amongst fan base?
- airjan23

Great write up Jan.

If the Rangers have a .500 record this year, that will bring them in somewhere around 48-50 pts. Will that be enough to make the playoffs? If they don't how long is Torts leash? It's well known around the league that his mangement style has a short shelf life, it worked last year, so far in this shorten season it's not. Pete V. suggested he open it up a little, great idea, problem is Torts is inflexible when it comes to defense first.

Jan, you hit the nail on the head with Stepan. Instead of Europe, he would have been much better served taking power skating lessons, he gets caught from behind almost everytime he starts a rush. It's the #1 reason he will not take the step in his development. Bolyle could use a refresher course as well.

Jan Levine: Game 6: PIT 3 NYR 0, Blow the Team Up? Fire Torts? Reality Check Time
Panic setting in amongst fan base?
- airjan23

Figure they go 8-3-1, end up at 11-7-1 (on pace of 99 points in 82 games) at the end of the month.

Jan, you're right in telling everyone to come in, off the ledge.....way too early for that speak even tho this season will start to get late real early but I'm gonna have to call you out on your Feb prediction of losing only 3 games(+1 OT loss). Your figuring is quite generous. Most of the teams are playing very well and with Cally out for the next few games, minimum, you really only have one line to rely on for scoring. It's strange/interesting to see how the middle-levels players really impact the overall ability/success of the teams. There's a lot of surprises right now, all over the conference. No one would have thought you, Philly & the Caps would be in the lower part of standings, just as the Isles, Ottawa, Tampa TOR & MTL would be in the top 8. This is gonna be a roller coaster ride. Everyone buckle your seat belts.

Great write up Jan.

If the Rangers have a .500 record this year, that will bring them in somewhere around 48-50 pts. Will that be enough to make the playoffs? If they don't how long is Torts leash? It's well known around the league that his mangement style has a short shelf life, it worked last year, so far in this shorten season it's not. Pete V. suggested he open it up a little, great idea, problem is Torts is inflexible when it comes to defense first.

Jan, you hit the nail on the head with Stepan. Instead of Europe, he would have been much better served taking power skating lessons, he gets caught from behind almost everytime he starts a rush. It's the #1 reason he will not take the step in his development. Bolyle could use a refresher course as well.
- OLDSCHOOL#6

Look at the Kings & even the Devils last year, just qualify for the tourny & you have a chance to win the Cup. Rangers team D & Hank + Torts coaching & system are meant for playoff hockey. Once Nash finally gets some of these pucks to go through to the back of the net we'll be ok. But oi vay, that PP.

Look at the Kings & even the Devils last year, just qualify for the tourny & you have a chance to win the Cup. Rangers team D & Hank + Torts coaching & system are meant for playoff hockey. Once Nash finally gets some of these pucks to go through to the back of the net we'll be ok. But oi vay, that PP.
- B2B76

The depth issue still scares me. You can't just ride 7 forwards all season

One thing I really dislike on all the boards is when one fan base calls another team "dirty". I like the Canucks, they are not angels, as are none of the 30 teams in the NHL. As a blogger I would think you would take a more objective view, even as a Rangers fan. Just sayin

One thing I really dislike on all the boards is when one fan base calls another team "dirty". I like the Canucks, they are not angels, as are none of the 30 teams in the NHL. As a blogger I would think you would take a more objective view, even as a Rangers fan. Just sayin
- CanuckYou

You're criticizing Jan about his blogging, when you have Ty Anderson and Garth going tick for tack at each other. You have Ian Esplen trolling his own comment section sometimes. And the cherry on top of this sunday is EK, the anonymous insider who's almost always wrong. So please let's keep the hypocrisy to a minimum.

Tomorrow night needs to be all about Nash, we've seen the talent, gotta see the finish, he starts poppin'em and we won't be down on the fact that Sather continues to suck at plugging 3 rd and 4th line holes, I still think Tampa rolls us tomorrow, things don't seem like an overnight fix with his team, hope Tampa blew their load tonight.

BTW, how good is Tarasenko?

Time for an avatar change to turn things around, any suggestions?

Time for an avatar change to turn things around, any suggestions?
- cranford93

Bruce Campbell

Time for an avatar change to turn things around, any suggestions?
- cranford93

Oscar the Grouch

Tampa with 8 tonight, I'd start Biron and just get it over with.

My concerns with team are Stepan and
Kreider they are being relied on to produce
The secondary scoring. I think hank Had been a little
Rusty but he will find his grove. Not to concerned
About asham will be able to find another 4th line
Cog. As it seems to be for last 5 plus years 2nd tier scoring
Is the problem

Jan Levine: Game 6: PIT 3 NYR 0, Blow the Team Up? Fire Torts? Reality Check Time
Panic setting in amongst fan base?
- airjan23

Stop it already. As much as I hate to say it, you guys are built to win. Missing Callahan hurts, but not time to panic yet. The Flyers on the other hand are in serious trouble. That's at team in disarray. Be happy you aren't them.

Stop it already. As much as I hate to say it, you guys are built to win. Missing Callahan hurts, but not time to panic yet. The Flyers on the other hand are in serious trouble. That's at team in disarray. Be happy you aren't them.
- section32

Flyers are ready to blow, how did the refs miss that elbow by Erskin to Simmonds head last night? Real dirty, that was a busted nose special for Simmonds.

Just need to put together a streak here & get going, we're treading enough water to stay in it right now, but 2 weeks in, almost at the point where we would be on a regualer opening night after a 3 week camp.

Stop it already. As much as I hate to say it, you guys are built to win. Missing Callahan hurts, but not time to panic yet. The Flyers on the other hand are in serious trouble. That's at team in disarray. Be happy you aren't them.
- section32

If the flyers are in disarray then the Rangers have problems, because the Flyers have already beaten the Rangers once so far in this shortened season.

If the flyers are in disarray then the Rangers have problems, because the Flyers have already beaten the Rangers once so far in this shortened season.
- tomburton99

Anyone can beat anyone in 1 game, especially when a rivalry is involved, but Philly is dropping so many points early here & with injuries I CAN SEE that blowing up in another month here.

I can't wait for the game today. Great goalie vs. Great offense. 5-3 Tampa bay. My guess

I don't expect a win tonight but if we are able to beat an offense that his lethal right now it will go a long way for confidence.

I know we all want JT called up but what happened to Haley, I'd like to see what he can do, I hated the Asham signing and hate it even more now.

@NYDNRangers)
2/2/13, 9:55
Best news for Rangers is that TB should be starting backup Mathieu Garon tonight. #NYR AM skate is at 11:30 here in sunny Tampa

Good news? Doesnt matter if they dont shoot the puck.