Knicks Win After The Bad News on Lin

After discovering that Jeremy Lin will miss the next 6 weeks, the Knicks went out and beat the Cavs to move 2 games over .500 for the first time in some time. Carmelo continues to round into form as he battles small injuries. Tyson Chandler has become our best all around C since Camby, and Iman Shumpert is looking more and more like a future star. Novak continued to be terrific. It will be interesting to see how far they can go, and if they can go far enough to get Lin back, but they really seem to have turned the corner as a team, especially on D.

Rangers Win #50

Michael Del Zotto had two goals, Brad Richards had one, and Marian Gaborik had one as the Rangers beat the Habs 4-1 for a relatively clean and easy win. They seem more like the team we were watching win so consistently earlier in the season. Del Zotto also had an assist and it was his first 3 point game. Brad Richards also had 3 points; and Gabby and Stepan each had 2. The Rangers new magic number for winning the East in 3. Next game is Sunday. Go Rangers!

Knicks Clobber Magic

Melo was hobbled but on fire again, and Steve Novak was deadly as the Knicks romped against the Magic. Minus Lin, Stat and Jefferies, they stuck with their D, and got nice contributions from most. Iman Shumpert is having a strong finish to his rookie season. The Knicks are now over .500 for the first time this late in a season in a long time. Go Knicks!

Rangers Wake Up and Win

The Rangers were down 2-0 in the 2nd when a shorthanded goal set up by Ryan Callahan and knocked in by Michael Del Zotto seemed to wake them up. They ended up scoring 4 unanswered goals and winning easily. Cally and Stepan each scored power play goals. Boyle had the other one and it was his second in two games. They're waking up and just in time. Go Rangers!

Rangers Win Again

Gabby scored his 38th and the Rangers picked up their 102nd and 103rd points as the Rangers went to Minnesota and beat the Wild in regulation. Boyle and Fedotenko had the other goals. McDonagh had two assists and was named first start. Tough game with more defensive lapses, but a big win just the same. Keep adding points! Go Rangers!

I Remember This Guy

With Jeremy Lin and Amar'e Stoudemire sidelined, Carmelo Anthony finally went off, scoring 28 and grabbing 12 boards, to lead the Knicks to a much needed win against the Bucks. They are also back to .500 and looking like a dangerous team under Mike Woodson. Still, they need Lin and Stat if they want to shock the world. Go Knicks!

Knicks Win as Stat and Lin Get Hurt

The Knicks picked it back up tonight as Tyson Chandler had 15 points and 17 boards. The tough news is all on the injury front. Lin left early with a tight knee. Stat left the game with lower back soreness. And Jared Jeffries will reportedly miss the next two weeks. They picked it up, though. Hopefully, Lin and Stat will be back soon. Go Knicks!

Rangers Win Shootout

Captain Cally did it again! This time it was his shootout goal that gave the Rangers the win! Richards had also scored in the shootout. Gaborik had 2 goals and Dubi had 1 in regulation. This seemed like a game they would have won more easily before they clinched it. It just seems like they are a little less physical than they were earlier in the season. Hopefully, they can pick it back up. Chris Kreider had 2 goals in his NCAA playoff game tonight as BC advanced. 101 points for the Rangers, most points since `93-`94. Keep it going, Rangers!

DePaula Gets His Visa

In the first bit of GOOD Yankee news this year, Rafael DePaula finally got his visa and will be coming stateside to pitch. He may or may not have the highest upside in the system as far as pitchers go. Looks the part, and throws smoke. Videos of him show some rawness, but he's been working at the Yankee Academy in the DR for nearly two years, and according to the Yanks has really improved. We'll see, but this is finally some really good news for the Yanks.

Rangers Win in OT!

Ryan Callahan just scored the OT game winner against the Red Wings. The Rangers now have 99 points on the year with about 9 games left. Been awhile. Dubi assisted what was Cally's 27th goal on his 27th birthday. Brad Richards had the only Ranger goal in regulation during a first period power play. Huge win! Go Rangers!

Here Comes Stat!

Knicks just won their 5th in a row, and it looks like Amar'e has rediscovered his hops on both O and D. This is an incredibly good sign, because we assumed he'd play at this level all year. Now he is. Of course, Carmelo Anthony still hasn't found his game, but he is playing some D and contributing some great passes. Jeremy Lin was off most of the game, until the 4th quarter when he was once again instrumental in putting the game away. The Knicks have won 5 in a row, but to keep it going and manifest their destiny, they need more from Carmelo. They can't expect to consistently win defensive games against other good D's. But, what the heck, let's see 6 in a row! Go Knicks!

Four in a Row

Jeremy Lin keeps coming back and the Knicks again played like a team around him as they won their fourth straight, turning it into a blowout by the 4th quarter. Amare Stoutemire continued to show signs of life as Iman Shumpert continued to regain his explosivity. Novak hit a few more bombs and Chandler was consistent. Smith pitched in as did Jeffries. Melo is the lost sheep right now, but he did make some good passes and play D. The Knicks are really starting to gel now - finally - and just in time for the playoffs. Go Knicks!

Rangers Clinch!

Rangers just beat the Devils to clinch a playoff spot earlier than they have in years. The game started with 3 fights off the faceoff. The Rangers got the best of those and the best of the rest of the game. Dubi scored early in the first then assisted later on Stepan's clincher which made it 4-2 with about 90 seconds left. Girardi and Zook had the other two goals. I think Hagelin and Cally both had two assists. It feels like Zook and Erixon are going to help down the stretch as the Rangers go for position rather than struggle for the 8th spot. Great season so far for the Rangers. Go Rags!!!

Andy Returns

I haven't written about the Yanks much this ST period. I fear the stench of the Montero trade has dampened my enthusiasm for them - at least momentarily. I've loved them all my life, and that won't change. I just haven't felt much like writing about them. Anyway, Andy Pettitte ended his retirement and rejoined the Yankees on Friday. Sentimentally, this is nice. Practically, it's ridiculous. Oh yeah, let's get some more pitching! And getting an old one would be great!

The Yanks have gone loco for pitching lately. Partly because their system hasn't produced a consistent starter since Pettitte. Think about that. I think he was a 1991 D and F, he certainly debuted in 1995. That's a long time, and it's not like they haven't had some good raw material, like Hughes and Joba. They just haven't been able to make them into bona fide guys. I have no idea why that is, but they're clearly doing something wrong in either scouting, development or both.

They haven't been good at trading for young starters, either. Weaver and Javy Vazquez (twice) were costly but achieved little in pinstripes. The jury can't be back on Pineda yet, but he cost more than Weaver or Vazquez, and according to Cashman today, showed up 20 pound overweight for ST and is trying to pitch himself into shape now. Campos the other prospect in the Montero trade has looked good against minor leaguers.

So, to cover up a multitude of errors and systemic issues, they keep bringing back Andy. This is round 3. No help for the old, tired offense is anywhere in sight.

Reloaded

Knicks just won their third straight and are 3-0 in the Woodson Era. Jeremy Lin took over in the 4th quarter and finished with 19 points and other goodies. Darrell Walker has joined the staff. Knicks are going old school Knicks on the bench. Go Knicks!

Knicks Win Again, Easily

2 in a row, easily. Keep an eye on them.

Knicks Clobber Blazers

In Mike Woodson't first game as coach of the Knicks, the Knicks blew out the Blazers from the first quarter till the close. This is immediately reminiscent of what would happen when Billy Martin was fired or hired in mid-season. There's been something wrong with the Knicks that wasn't wrong tonight. Amare and Melo looked much better, though Lin is still trying to figure things out with the two of them back. JR Smith hit a ton of 3's and actually the Knicks as a team looked like a D'Antoni team shooting 3's tonight. If they shoot like they did tonight going forward, and play D, they will be very dangerous. Especially if Melo and Stat gel with each other and Lin. Just a total beatdown. Tomorrow is the trade deadline. Will Toney Douglas still be a Knick? Go Knicks!

D'Antoni Resigns

Mike D'Antoni has resigned. Mike Woodson will now coach the Knicks for the rest of the year. It's sad, because when he had players who would run his system, the Knicks would win and be entertaining. I wish him luck. Carmelo better flourish or the wrong guy resigned.

Looking Good-- UPDATE: DONE DEAL

If you consider adding a plus blocking TE with upside in the passing game something that would be good for the champs. We'll probably have an announcement today. Go Giants.

Okay, he is a Giant, but just on a 1 year 2.5M deal. Awesome work by the Giants. This guy will help the run game and could be a factor in the passing game. He has a lot to prove and they're giving him a chance to do so. Unusual circumstance. Go Giants!

Super Line?

3 points for Hagelin, 3 points for Richards and 3 points for Gaborik. Rangers just beat the Canes 4-2 and that very special line had all four goals. Gabby had the first, Richards had the second 2, and Hagelin put it away. What a season he is having, and he seems to be the one who has gotten the Gaborik/Richards teaming to work. In fact, right now it's working bette than anyone thought it could. This is exciting kids. And it means if Kreider joins the team, he can skate with Stepan, and they have tantalized the Rangers as a team in international competition, instructs and camps. Go Rangers!

Bennett to Visit Giants Tonight

Hmm. As these things go, the Giants will probably take him to dinner, show him around the Timex, etc, then, if they can agree on numbers, send him for his physical. When the physical happens, it will be serious. Should be an interesting evening. Go Giants.

Wild Guess

I don't know why, but all of a sudden I think the Giants might surprise us all and sign Martellus Bennett to be our new TE. Sure, he's had some immaturity issues, but he's an actual TE who blocks, can make big plays, and present mismatches. I could see Jerry Reese and Coach Coughlin giving him the big speech -- the same one they gave Bradshaw, Mario and Austin -- and something getting done. He's only 25 and could be a core player for several years. He'd be much more than a bandaid if his attitude is right, and the Giants are good at straightening out guys. Anyway, I just had this feeling today. Could be someone else entirely. Go Giants!

Gabby and Richards Come to Life as Rangers Win in OT!

Marian Gaborik just scored the OT game winner over the Islanders, but Brad Richards had his best game as a Ranger, with two goals in regulation and an assist on the game winner. Brad just won star of the game. Meanwhile, three of the Rangers 4 goals came on the power play! Richards and Gabby are jelling as linemates with Hagelin filling out their line. Mats Z-A was called up today and picked up at least one assist on a power play.

But back to Richards, he played like a superstar, and if this is the real him, we have to ask whether or not he had still been feeling the effects of last year's concussions till now. Huge difference. Big win, and let's hope this is the start of a nice run. Go Rangers!

Guess The New TE

Early next week, the Giants can go FA hunting. The one item they are almost certainly sure to pursue is a TE who can come in and start while Ballard recovers. They're probably hit that again in the draft. Guys like Shank, Carleson and Martellus Bennett (if he can pass the interview) are probably on the short list. We'll see. My guess is Shank and an early round TE in the draft. Go Giants!

See Ya, Jake

Unable to reach a mutually satisfactory restructure, the Giants today said goodbye to one of the greatest running backs in Giants History. Big Jake was considered huge for the position, and many thought he'd end up at fullback or even tight end. But he was a halfback with surprising feet and speed for his size. What's more he was a heart and soul player for 2 Super Bowl winners. That's a nice run. People will look back at those two teams and really appreciate the significance of the 2005 draft. Having no first rounder due to the Eli trade, the Giants took Corey Webster in the 2nd, Justin Tuck in the 3rd and Brandon Jacobs in the 4th. That's a monster hall and the rings prove it. These are the kind of drafts championship teams have to have as they are being developed, and this one was historically good. Those three players were core members of both title teams. It's sad to see one of them moving on. Good luck, Brandon and please return someday and retire as a Giant.

Rangers Beat Bruins AGAIN!

I'm fuming right now because Boston's Milan Lucic cheapshotted Ryan McDonagh as the clock ran down at the end of the game. First, he ran him, then he hit him a few times in a face with a gloved fist. Enjoy your ride home, Milan, you are now 0-3 against the New York Rangers this year. It was a tough game throughout before Derek Stepan broke a 3-3 tie with about 5 minutes left. Gaborik had broken a 2-2 tie earlier, but we gave up a couple of bad goals and had to do it again. Huge win, huge 2 points and none of the Bruins wanted to fight John Scott. I hope he pound Lucic next time. Go Rangers.

1 Point

Rangers just lost in OT 4-3, with Hank in net, which was sort of shocking. But what was more shocking was the fact that the Rangers blew a 2-0 lead over the 20 plus minutes. Cally and Del Zotto didn't play and appeared to be missed. Artie and Gabby had the first two goals, then when the Rangers were down 3-2 with less than 5 minutes to go, Brandon Dubinsky scored to tie it up and force the eventual OT. It was a huge point and the Rangers should never blow a lead like that with Hank in the net. Off night, I guess. Big game Sunday against the Bruins. Toldja this was a tough month. Go Rangers!

2 Points

Rangers just beat the Hurricanes 3-2 in Carolina. It was a 3-1 game from the middle of the second until the final minute when Biron gave up a second goal. Still it was a big win and 2 more points in the bank. Goals were by Artie Anisimov, Marian Gaborik and Brandon Prust. It was Gabby's 30th on the season and all three of them seem to be heating up at the right time. The Rangers have a ton of games this month, and if they can excel now, I think we may be in for a special year. Go Rangers!