Frankie Bones from facebook....
"I know Mike Rupp is a big guy but did he punch/shove Fatso or shoot him with an elephant gun"......#stopfloppinfatty
- B2B76

Fixed

Just got through all the comments, some great stuff I will use on the blog. Have lots of thoughts and those who followed me on twitter saw I lot of my comments last night. I will address the MDZ benching, Rupp incident, Gaborik elbow etc and views on yesterday's performance or lack thereof and look forward to Game 6. Lots of videos today as well. Will have it up this afternoon
- airjan23

Game 5 Jan, though I hope we are looking to eliminate in game 6.

Game 5 Jan, though I hope we are looking to eliminate in game 6.
- HankdaTank

Thanks, my bad, did on iPhone and hit wrong key. Yup Game 5 and hope not to be as pissed heading into Game 6

Thanks, my bad, did on iPhone and hit wrong key. Yup Game 5 and hope not to be as pissed heading into Game 6
- airjan23

Hoping to be quite the opposite of pissed...something's gotta give...

Get Ray Lewis in there for a pregame speech.

Hoping to be quite the opposite of pissed...something's gotta give...

Get Ray Lewis in there for a pregame speech.
- synthetic150

God I hope they don't need a pep talk to get motivated.

Hoping to be quite the opposite of pissed...something's gotta give...

Get Ray Lewis in there for a pregame speech.
- synthetic150

Maybe Callahan can do the Ray Lewis pre-game dance before the puck drops. Or, for that matter, the Ray Lewis pre-game "are there any dogs in the house" huddle chant.

God I hope they don't need a pep talk to get motivated.
- Blueshirts4ever

This kind of thought is exactly my thought about Torts and him ripping guys. I am a really competitive guy and no one could be harder on me than myself. So nothing a guy like Torts could say would be worse than what I would say to myself after a bad play. Its gotta be the same for these guys, the criticism should only motivate. Not discourage. But again, everyone is different.

Hey fellas... First time poster.

Devils took us out a little bit early when McD let himself get sucked into Henrique's nonsense. It was already 1-0 at that point, but that turned the tide, put Del Zaster out there with more responsibility than he should be handling, and the 2-0 deficit after Zajac's goal put the Rangers out of reach. Had the McD been out there and kept the game at 1-0, the result would have been much different.

I was very disappointed in McD. You can't let yourself get taken out of a big game like that. It was very uncharacteristic of him, and that it happened so early tells me that the Rangers were not in the right mind frame to win this game. Fortunately, it's only one game and we know the Rangers have the ability to respond to this level of adversity.
- callahank

The one thing that I take issue with in your post is the usage of the "Del Zaster" name. There is no question that he was absolutely terrible last night -- by far the worst outing he has had this year. But, as a general matter, he has been excellent throughout almost the entire year, and IMO, has been very strong defensively. He is neither Dan Girardi or Ryan McDonagh from a defensive perspective, but he has been well above average this year, and these playoffs defensively. If there has been something missing, it's been that his offensive game, with a few notable exceptions, has not been as strong as it was in the regular season.

Terrible, terrible game last night by him, but I think we need to cut him a little slack. It happens to the best of them every once in awhile, and I am willing to give him a pass on last night, because I think he has earned that. I have no doubt that he'll bounce back.

The one thing that I take issue with in your post is the usage of the "Del Zaster" name. There is no question that he was absolutely terrible last night -- by far the worst outing he has had this year. But, as a general matter, he has been excellent throughout almost the entire year, and IMO, has been very strong defensively. He is neither Dan Girardi or Ryan McDonagh from a defensive perspective, but he has been well above average this year, and these playoffs defensively. If there has been something missing, it's been that his offensive game, with a few notable exceptions, has not been as strong as it was in the regular season.

Terrible, terrible game last night by him, but I think we need to cut him a little slack. It happens to the best of them every once in awhile, and I am willing to give him a pass on last night, because I think he has earned that. I have no doubt that he'll bounce back.
- Pete V

He's actually second in overall points in the postseason behind girardi, and is at roughly the same rate per game as he was all season (.55 now vs .53 regular season). We just haven't seen him do it recently.

Edit: For a defensemen

MDZ had a horrible game, but that's in the past, and there is nothing he can do about it but learn from his mistakes. He will be a beast in game 5, I bet on it.

MDZ has excelled when asked to perform in a limited role... A role somewhere between Staal and, say, Stralman. We can all agree that he can make mistakes when too much is expected of him. Like I said with my criticism of McD, it's not to say I hate the guy or don't recognize the potential that he is and will continue to be effective and productive... But McD's lapse in judgment created an open space that Torts looked to MDZ to partially fill. MDZ cannot fill that role... And really, given how good/important McD is... I think very few players in the NHL could have filled that role. McD has to recognize his value and play accordingly.

the 1994 Rangers - Devils series we were worse than we are right now.

Like now, we were up 2 games to 1 in that series, then played two abysmal games, game 4 in the Meadowlands 3-1 and then a horrendous showing in game 5 at MSG where we lost 4-1 and Keenan benched both Messier and Leetch for long stretches in the game.

Some guys have a chance to show what they are made of in these next games, and maybe create a legacy for themselves that gets right up there with what Leetch and Messier did in games 6 and 7.

the 1994 Rangers - Devils series we were worse than we are right now.

Like now, we were up 2 games to 1 in that series, then played two abysmal games, game 4 in the Meadowlands 3-1 and then a horrendous showing in game 5 at MSG where we lost 4-1 and Keenan benched both Messier and Leetch for long stretches in the game.

Some guys have a chance to show what they are made of in these next games, and maybe create a legacy for themselves that gets right up there with what Leetch and Messier did in games 6 and 7.
- jimbro83

Dam straight Jimbo, hate that we have to wait

From SNYrangersblog

Following the game, John Tortorella said on MSG about Del Zotto, “It was a struggle for him.  He hasn’t had many games like that this year.  And we figure‑‑ I have an extra D dressed.  We figured we’d take a little pressure off him, let him‑‑ just let him watch it, and Michael has gone through a great process.  He’s a big part of our club.  He’ll bounce back. ”

If torts thinks he'll bounce back then why shouldn't we?

I'm looking forward to a solid game five not just from him, but the entire team.

the 1994 Rangers - Devils series we were worse than we are right now.

Like now, we were up 2 games to 1 in that series, then played two abysmal games, game 4 in the Meadowlands 3-1 and then a horrendous showing in game 5 at MSG where we lost 4-1 and Keenan benched both Messier and Leetch for long stretches in the game.

Some guys have a chance to show what they are made of in these next games, and maybe create a legacy for themselves that gets right up there with what Leetch and Messier did in games 6 and 7.
- jimbro83

The Gm 5 loss at home in that 94 series was as poor a showing I ever remember the Rangers having in a playoff game. Absolute no show. In fact it all gets forgotten now but prior to the Kovalev goal that made it 2-1 at the end of the 2nd in Gm 6, the Devils had the better of the play since the start of Gm 4. How many Ranger fans jumped ship after that Gm 5?

It can happen, but we can't start like we have throughout most of this series. And GABORIK, Richie, Stepan, all have to get the offense going, getting desperate.

The Gm 5 loss at home in that 94 series was as poor a showing I ever remember the Rangers having in a playoff game. Absolute no show. In fact it all gets forgotten now but prior to the Kovalev goal that made it 2-1 at the end of the 2nd in Gm 6, the Devils had the better of the play since the start of Gm 4. How many Ranger fans jumped ship after that Gm 5?

It can happen, but we can't start like we have throughout most of this series. And GABORIK, Richie, Stepan, all have to get the offense going, getting desperate.
- B2B76

I always thought that was the reason when Messier got the hat trick goal in game 6, he went straight to the bench and hugged Kovalev

I always thought that was the reason when Messier got the hat trick goal in game 6, he went straight to the bench and hugged Kovalev
- jimbro83

I am not ready to jump but they just looked dead last night and the unraveling at the end is what concerns me. They hadn't looked like that one time this past season. However, I stated earlier by 8 pm tomorrow I will be all in, and the loss last night is already starting to wear off...one positive from last night, the 2nd half of the game they finally started to play with a little anger and urgency, not usually a big believer in momentum from game to game but they need to bring the venom, you know the crowd will be ready, that first goal is so vital...would love to see Gabby or Cally get it, both of them need to get their production going...

I always thought that was the reason when Messier got the hat trick goal in game 6, he went straight to the bench and hugged Kovalev
- jimbro83

That was a great goal & crucial in that rally. Mess as humble as he can be always deflets credit in that game to Alex & of course Richter who stopped that gm from being 5 or 6-0 in that 2nd period.

That was a great goal & crucial in that rally. Mess as humble as he can be always deflets credit in that game to Alex & of course Richter who stopped that gm from being 5 or 6-0 in that 2nd period.
- B2B76

Somebody on this team needs to grab the bull by the horns and say enough is enough. Show up ready to play for game 5. Enough screwing around

The Gm 5 loss at home in that 94 series was as poor a showing I ever remember the Rangers having in a playoff game. Absolute no show. In fact it all gets forgotten now but prior to the Kovalev goal that made it 2-1 at the end of the 2nd in Gm 6, the Devils had the better of the play since the start of Gm 4. How many Ranger fans jumped ship after that Gm 5?

It can happen, but we can't start like we have throughout most of this series. And GABORIK, Richie, Stepan, all have to get the offense going, getting desperate.
- B2B76

I can distincly remember telling myself that I will never see a cup, how that team just will forever tease then rip my heart out of my chest...I sat down for Game 6 and remember Bill Clement talking about how playing against the Devils is like wading through thick sea weed and then the 2-0 lead late in the 2nd...slumped in my chair...still thinking its over, just like in 1992, regular season team, not built for the playoffs....then when Kovalev scored it was like a B-12 shot...then the Mess Hatty and 2 weeks later we are parading down the Canyon of Heroes...this team has a chance to sit right next that one and do with just as much drama...who is going ot be Kovalev or Messier...we know Hank has the Richter role down...who is going to be the Leetch...you know sports is funny, watch MDZ be the hero after all this MDZ bashing...OK...screw it....I'm ALL IN LETS GO RANGERS BABY WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

I always thought that was the reason when Messier got the hat trick goal in game 6, he went straight to the bench and hugged Kovalev
- jimbro83

Kovalev's performance in that game is the reason why I will never say a bad word about the guy. He was absolutely clutch, and the Rangers simply don't win that series without his unbelievable performance in that game.

Kovalev's talent and his inconsistencies always left you wanting more, but that performance was one of the best playoff performances I have ever seen a Ranger have, and under the most dire of circumstances.

Kovalev's performance in that game is the reason why I will never say a bad word about the guy. He was absolutely clutch, and the Rangers simply don't win that series without his unbelievable performance in that game.

Kovalev's talent and his inconsistencies always left you wanting more, but that performance was one of the best playoff performances I have ever seen a Ranger have, and under the most dire of circumstances.
- Pete V

He scored a TON of goals in those playoffs, crazy he peaked (playoff performance wise) at 21 yrs old.

Dubi and Zuccs are taking part in full practice, one of those two will be in the line up...maybe they inject a little energy so the Rangers can get their game back a little bit

Dubi and Zuccs are taking part in full practice, one of those two will be in the line up...maybe they inject a little energy so the Rangers can get their game back a little bit
- Blueshirts4ever

How about both? And w Prust back, seriously sit Rupp, Mitch & obviously Stu.

Whether Torts wants to admit it or not, I think the Rangers recent struggles can be traced to the fact that they are the more tired team. They don't have the legs that the Devils do, and as a result, they are losing puck battles, and the Devils have the puck way, way too much. Thus, the Rangers are pinned in the defensive zone to often, and have to resort to good positional play, blocking shots, and hoping that Hank can bail them out.

I totally agree

The Rangers game, when they are on, is forechecking, cycling the puck in the offensive zone, and establishing their offense from behind the opposition's net. How often have we seen long stretches in this series when that has happened?

For the first time in these playoffs, I am really nervous about the Rangers prospects. As much as the Sens and Caps series went to 7 games, and I was obviously nervous about that, in both of those series, I thought the Rangers were the better team. Now, because of fatigue, I don't think that anymore.

The Rangers better find their legs, and they better find them soon, because I don't think that the way they are playing now is sustainable. Sure, Hank can steal games, but how much can we really expect that he can do that, when the Rangers simply aren't getting enough offensive chances to even find the opportunistic goal.

Plain and simple, the Rangers need to get much better. Otherwise, I don't see this ending well.
- Pete V