Giants Tomorrow

Tomorrow the Giants take on the almost as disappointing Redskins.  The Giants will have a lot of players out, like JPP, Webster and McBride.   Hakeem Nicks will return, and maybe, just maybe be able to score a TD this year.  Never, have I seen so much go wrong for a damn good player in his contract year.   This is the time to lowball him and try to get him at a catch price.   In any event, as encouraging as Randle has been, he's not as good, nor will he be as good as a healthy Nicks, so it behooves them to try to keep him.    Maybe his being back will help Eli, who is another great player having a freakishly off year.  Anyway, they should stick with the run game if it's working this week.  They seem to get too anxious/eager with the play calling at times and it's turned into a lot of turnovers.   I'm still comfortable winning of losing tomorrow.  As I don't think this team has a SB run in it, and if it doesn't, I just want to high picks.    I can't help but root for them during games, but it might be best if they didn't win.

Kreider Leads Rangers Past His Old Tormenter

Chris Kreider scored his first career hat trick and literally put an end to any debate about how Tortorella wasted an asset last year.    Kreids now has 6 goals and is second on the team.   What was really interesting was AV juggled lines and put Nash with Kreider and Stepan and they produced!   Nash had a goal and two assists and I think Stepan had one or two assists.   Del Zotto also scored on a  power play slap shot after some pretty passing from Brassard and MZA: perhaps those two should be kept together.   Cam Talbot was once again, calm, cool and competitive as the Rangers won 5-2 and further vanquished the already vanquished.   Huge statement game from Kreider and Talbot.   Big goal for Del Zotto.    LGR!

Rangers Tonight

After a ridiculous collapse yesterday, the Rangers face another tricky assignment against their ex coach, as John Tortorella brings his Canucks to the Garden.    If they have any pride at all they will get up for this one and score some goals.    If they can't, perhaps Torts was right to have them play so safely.   In the meantime, if they were watching yesterday's game, they're gonna try to run people over, just like Boston did, and every team will do until the Rangers stand up and punch back.  It should be a tough game, but c'mon, Rangers, beat this guy.

Rangers Get Roughed Up by Bruins

The Rangers took a 2-1 lead going into the third and ended up losing 3-2.     Lame.   They couldn't muster any O in the final period.   Lucic and company made them look like school kids.   They really do need to add some toughness, as well as teach some of their strong guys to fight.   This is ridiculous, and there's no disincentive to going after Hank or the other stars of the team.   Something's got to change.   Canucks tomorrow.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a great one, everybody.  And thanks for visiting the blog.

Rangers Win!

Rangers didn't look great, but still won tonight.   Hank was better, though in the third he was victimized by yet another Ranger turnover.  This time it was from MZA.   But the game had already been decided, and the Rangers won 3-1.   Brassard scored in the first on a handsy power play goal.  Richards scored in the second, on a seeing eye goal.  And Rick Nash scored on a midrange laser in the third, after stealing the puck and skating it in.   So we're seeing Nash start to emerge, which is great, but still too many mistakes.  At least Hank held up and they get to leave Florida.

UPDATE:  I posted this too soon!   MZA and scored a PP goal in the last 90 seconds and Hagelin scored an empty netter.  Also missed the last Florida goal, because the final was 5-2.  So if a goal, an assist and a fight if a Gordie Howe Hat Trick, what a goal, an assist and a turnover that leads to a goal by the other team?   That's what MZA had tonight?  What's the best name for that?

JT Miller Sent Down

The news has just come that JT Miller has been sent down to Hartford.   He was being scratched by the Rangers, and he has to play, so that's the right move.  However; the thinking behind it is odious.   It was bad enough that they were playing Poulliot over him, but now, it feels like they are making room for Taylor Pyatt, who is just terrible.   This will not make the Rangers better.  I wonder when they're gonna get their heads out of their asses when it comes to the kids?   Let's hope JT tears it up down in Hartford.  They could use his help as they've been scuffling since the hot start.

Knicks Keep Losing

Well, Carmelo played heroically, and the Knicks lost again.  They don't have a first this year, so it's not the intriguing kind of loss that could sorta help, like the Giants are experiencing vis a vis the draft.  No, these are just squandered opportunities that dig a deep hole and will rob the team of energy if they somehow get out of it and make the playoffs.  And how does Mike Woodson still have a job?  I thought Jim Dolan was mercurial.   Get on it, Jimmy.

Rangers Get Blasted in Tampa

Geez.  It was Martin St. Louis Night, both before and during the game, and the Rangers made it a special evening for Marty, allowing him two goals and his team 5, while not scoring one themselves.  It's funny, I root for at least 3 teams that almost always lose on nights when they are honoring their own legacies, but the Lightning played their butts off and won on Martin's big night.    Sheesh.  Play better Hank, and team.

Time Limit for Cano?

Today it's being reported that the Yanks have put a time limit on their best offer to Cano.  We've seen how this works.  The player signs for a little more than the best offer that's been circulated.   I think it's a fine tactic.  And though Cano has long been my favorite Yankee, I wouldn't mind taking the pick if someone beats the Yankee offer.   So, I think this is a fine tactic for the Yanks especially if they are just providing a floor for Cano's advisors to dream from.   So make a time limit and stick to it.   I actually think that's a fine tactic.

Beltran, Next?

Carlos Beltran always wanted to be a Yankee.   Heck, when Bernie was slowing down, I was pretty sure he was going to.  But now?   Yes, I think he will be an improvement over some of the Old Stars we've brought in lately, but I'd prefer Choo.  The key to the Yankee season will be getting Tanaka.   Everything else is secondary.  It seems like Cash is trying to recreate the magic of 2009 when vets like Johnny Damon supplemented big signings like Tex and CC to help get us 27.  There wasn't really a Tex circa 2008 available this time around, though, and Tanaka would have to be great to be what CC was capable of being back then.  I wish they would just allow the collapse to occur.   They might actually make it back quicker if they did.

Rangers Tonight

Hank is back in the net tonight as the Rangers take on the Lightning in Tampa.   Tampa's been rolling at home, but the Rangers are an improving with the call-ups and the returns of injured players.  Nash is rounding into Nash shape and that can only mean good things.  The formula lately has been to get one from the D, so who will it be tonight?  Staal, Stralman, a farewell goal from MDZ?   We'll see.  Should be a fun game.   We won't get to see Stamkos because he has a "leg."  Gotta keep rolling.    LGR!

Giants Play Stupid and Lose

The Giants refused to double Bryant, and players like Kiwi and Rolle committed drive prolonging personal fouls.  Oh and Victor Cruz fumbled to give the Cowboys their first TD.   They still have no red or green zone plays that work, had to settle for FG's twice and in general didn't go much to win.   They did finally tie it with about 4 minutes left.  But the defense did nothing to stop the Cowboys from driving the field and scoring to win it.  This was supposed to be a step up, but it was a step back and the confirmation that the Giants just aren't going anywhere this year.  So let's play Nassib and tank it.   We are otherwise head toward the dangerous no play offs/no good picks spot that keeps teams from reloading or rebuilding.    I really can't believe how dumb they are sometimes.

Giants Today

So much for the top pick.  Let's win them all!  I am actually starting to see some Giant-like signs.   So let's kick the crap out of that team from the city where you can kill beloved Presidents and get away with it for 50 years.    Seriously, GO GIANTS!

Knicks Lose Again

Knicks lost to the Bullets tonight.   Two things are apparent:  they really, really miss Chander; and Woodson cannot be long for his job.   Yikes.  They are bad and Woodson't D does not work, even with Chandler who's a bad fit for it.   Big trouble with the Knicks.

Yanks Make McCann Their Latest Mistake

The Yanks today stunned no one, and confirmed the fears of those hoping to rebuild by signing Catcher/DH Brian McCann to a 5 year 85M deal.  He will hit home runs in Yankee Stadium, but probably as a DH because Girardi loathes below average catchers - and seems to have his own system for determining who is and isn't.   So, McCann, who's on base skills have declined since earlier in his career, will either right off the bat be a DH or will be in a year or so.   Of course, the Braves will now have the Yanks' first rounder.    And watch the Yanks say they knew they would replace it with the pick they get for Grandy and maybe Cano.   The other shoe that could drop is that the Yanks FO might consider McCann the C of the future and not use Murphy and Sanchez in trades.    It's just mind boggling, really.  Let's hope remembers how to work a walk, and doesn't decline too rapidly as a 30 and over catcher.   They tend to go fast. Oh well.  Get Tanaka.

Big Win for the Rangers

Rick Nash scored his first goal of the season, and they got another from Kreider as well as John Moore, plus great keeping by the King.  That looks like it's gonna be the formula.  Goals from their top 6 and offensive contributions from the blue line, plus Hank.  Now they need to get consistent.   Keeping Nash healthy should go a long way toward that goal.   Kreider's shot was a laser from about 35 or 40 feet.   So far he's show he can score from near or far, and skate like no one else his size.  This is why it was important to be patient and the FO knew more than two coaches.

Rangers Tonight

Rangers will play the Stars tonight and  as of right now, Michael Del Zotto is in the lineup.  I think we've seen enough of Falk, and frankly, I'm wondering what else Dylan McIlrath has to do to get a call.  If they play as hard as they did Tuesday, they'll have a great shot at winning.   The pucks have to start going in and some point.   Don't they?   Please?    Also, here's hoping Dan Girardi starts looking more like himself.   He's been nothing short of awful so far.  

Rangers Dominate Bruins, Lose Game

If the Rangers bring this king of intensity every night, they won't be hovering around .500 for long.   Tuukka Rask was just too much for them tonight.    Just great save after great save as he turned back the Rangers relentless attack.    The Big Whistle would say that this team if gonna fill the nets, and that part of the season will start soon if they keep up this kind of pressure.  Nash got off 5 shots and finished the game with no problems.  Onward and upward, this one was frustrating.

Knicks Lose Again

The Knicks just lost to the Detroit Pistons.   The Detroit Pistons just beat the Knicks.   I don't care that the Knicks are missing Chandler and otherwise banged up, they had to beat the Pistons.  I really don't think Woodson can last much longer losing games like this.   They need a more reliable D than the crap that Woodson runs.   I don't think he can afford any more of these and wouldn't be surprised if this turned out to be it.  Just a joke.

Rangers Tonight

Rangers are playing Boston tonight.    Always a tough matchup, and they might really get embarrassed if Hank isn't at the top of his game. Rick Nash could return and that could provide massive help.  He was skating with Boyle and Hagelin in the morning skate, and that could limit him.   He's played best as a Ranger when he's played with a playmaking center, and Boyle is not that.    Perhaps he and Brassard could get each other going.    Anyway, we'll see if the Rangers skill and speed can overcome the Bruins "grit."   I really don't want to see any cheap shots.  Go Rangers!

Knicks Tonight

Raymond Felton wil be a game time decision, presumably, so will playing defense, as the Knicks take on the Pistons tonight in Detroit.   They should win this one, but they should have won a few more ones by now, so who knows?   With no Chandler they will once again have to hit their threes and get a big contribution from Melo to stand a chance.  It would be a nice time for JR Smith's talent to make its season debut.  We'll see what they come up with.    Go Knicks.

Nash Ready?

Today, the Rangers sent Brandon Mashinter to Hartford.  Presumably, that move creates a space for Rick Nash to return tomorrow night against the Bruins.  Personally, I'd prefer that Mashinter stay up because, though he hasn't really fought as a Ranger, he can and someone will need to tomorrow when the Bruins run their program of head hunting illegal hits.   Milan Lucic is a talented player, but he is also a cheap shot artist who should get special attention from the league's department of discipline.  He does not.  So someone will need to make him pay of the ice.  But that guy is not on the Rangers.  Let's hope it's a good clean game and no one gets hurt.  If Lucic tries something, I don't know how the Rangers can respond.   Kreider might have to.  He was tuning Bruins up in the playoffs last year.

Rondo?

So the Knicks really do want Rajon Rondo?  It will be interesting to see what they can send to Boston  to make such a trade happen.   I'd still hate to lose Shumpert, but Rondo is a great PG.  Though he used to really irritate  Doc Rivers, he'd be a big upgrade over Ray Felton and really do wonders for Carmelo and Tyson Chandler, as well as whoever else is left.   As usual, the Knicks don't have have a lot of assets to throw into a trade.  Though this morning reports were that the Celtics have interest in Amare. so who knows?   Rondo would revolutionize the O and is a willing defender.

This brings up another issue.   Why does it take so long for NBA teams to make trades these days?  I couldn't just be cap compliance or teams shopping offers till the deadline, could it?    Seems like they used to happen faster.   They're sort of monotonous, now.

Giants Make it 4 Straight

The Giants looked a little more like themselves today, except for Louis Murphy cutting off a route and causing Eli's int number to go up.   Still, they were a little less sloppy than in their previous three wins.  So let's go ahead a forget the high pick and win the rest.  Dallas is next and let's kick their asses.  Go Giants!

Rangers Today

After last night's rousing shutout by rookie backup Cam Talbot last night, the Rangers will take on the Cup champion Kings.    Hank should be back in the net, and hopefully on fire, cause this will be a tough one.   Rick Nash won't be back yet, but should be back this coming week.   As far as I know Michael Del Zotto is still a Ranger.  We'll see if he's back in the lineup.    Let's win this one!   LGR!

Giants Tomorrow

The Green Bay Packers will be rolling out a third string QB tomorrow.   If the Giants don't throw pick 6's or allow ST TD's they should be able to beat them.    This is sort of the turning point game in the season, if they win, they might as well go on a streak and see what they can do.  If they lose, it's time to fold up the tents, gather the high picks and wait till next year.  I have no interest in 9-7 or worse.   They really should win this one.   And Eli's got to get back to normal and some point, right?  Same with Nicks.

Knicks Tonight

The Knicks will play the Hawks tonight at home.  They beat the Hawks the other night after the famous guarantee, but it was not easy.  What's more, the all the papers are saying Melo and the Knicks want to shorten his minutes.  Good luck with that happening if they can't pull away from the Hawks, and they couldn't the other night.   C'mon, Knicks, win a home game!

Rangers Tonight

Rangers play Montreal tonight, in Montreal.   During the current era where they actually make the playoffs, they have been horrible in Montreal, especially Hank.  Hanks not playing tonight.  Talbot is.  Hopefully that's enough of a change, because Montreal hasn't been much better or even at all better than the Rangers these last several years.  I don't think Nash will be back tonight, but maybe tomorrow.  No news on the Del Zotto front, but he's out and Justin Falk is playing.   Not sure that will  help during the game.

Del Zotto a Healthy Scratch?

After picking up an assist or two this week, Michael Del Zotto has been declared a healthy scratch for tomorrow's game in Montreal.    That's a little odd, given that he was finally starting to adjust to the new system and maybe get his head out of his butt.  Of course, this could well be leading up to a trade, but I would have expected one to happen already if they were gonna use this window, to give the new Ranger time to travel  and practice.   I guess we'll have to see.

In better new Rick Nash practiced today, so he's probably getting close, and I really like the way he'll dimensionalize the O.   I'll talk more about the Montreal game tomorrow morning, unless something comes up in the meantime.

Knicks Lose

Despite a great game from Carmelo, who had 45 and 10, the Knicks just couldn't pull it out tonight against what looked like a better Rockets team.  Jeremy Lin played well, as he tends to at the Garden, and Harden was Harden for 36.   Melo didn't get a call on what looked like a made 3 that LeBron and others always seem to get  Just weird.   Anyway, Melo is heating up, and that's good news for the Knicks.   We'll see if the Woodson watch is on.

Knicks Tonight

Linsanity returns to the Garden tonight, and I still think they blew that.   Meanwhile, the human character question called Dwight Howard should absolutely go off with no one down low for the Knicks.  Unless the threes are on, this could get ugly  Especially since it's the second game in two nights and they've been a bad home team so far.   I guess we'll see.

Shumpert on the Block?

Once again, trade rumors are swirling around Knicks guard Iman Shumpert.   Shumpert is the Knicks only ascendant young player and one of the best defenders in the league.  What's more he's the best defender on a team that can be pretty lax on D.  His offense has also grown and he shows signs of turning into more than just a transition scorer.    Not only can he play D and steal the ball, he's  good rebounder for a guard, and last night added 9 assists.    So why do they want to trade him?  Seems personal, and that is no way to run a basketball team.  If they do move him, it better be for a very good player and a first in the 2014 NBA draft.

Knicks Win, Woodson Lives

Melo had 25 and little else. Shump had 5 points but 9 dimes, 4 steals 6 boards and a block in a nice all around performance.    Bargnani had a pretty good scoring night and so did Tim Hardaway Jr.   The Knicks got killed on the boards, and outscored in the paint and on the break.    They won this one by scoring slightly more than a really bad team.    But they made their owner's prediction come true, so it's unlikely he'll fire Woodson just now.  Even thought they didn't play D well enough  to run away from the Hawks.  

Yanks Want David Freese?

So the Yanks are rumored to want to trade for David Freese, the Cardinal 3b and former WS MVP.   He's not a bad player. in fact, he's had at least one really good season, two years ago.   But he is 30 and coming off an subpar year but not below average.   He could be declining.   So what do you pay for that?    We'll see if they have a match.  The last thing they need to do is restock the Cards farm that churns out guys who can play ever day.

Yanks Get it Wrong

Yesterday in his remarks, Hal Steinbrenner said that the Yanks were giving the Yankee scouts different things to look for in prospects.   Since they made no changes in the player development side of the equation, that would seem to indicate that their poor player development record is a result of the scouts looking for the wrong stuff.   So if that's how it really works, why have a player development program at all?   I mean if it's just a scouting distinction and there's no nurture involved, then why not save money and get rid of it all together?  Of course that's fallacious and there have been plenty of organization that could develop players, including the old Yankees, the old A's and the Cards.  However, the Yanks didn't choose change anything about player development, they chose to blame the scouts.   BTW, the Yanks have spent bucks bringing in better and better scouts lately, which makes the whole story even more incredible.  

Rick Nash Returns to Practice

Having missed the last 15 games due to the concussion he received from Chris Stuart, Rick Nash is finally rejoining the Rangers at practice today.   This is huge for the Rangers, though it will probably mean a demotion for Miller or Mashinter.   Still adding the big power forward will increase the breadth of their scoring, especially now that Kreider and MZA have become regulars on the score sheet.  Hopefully he'll be 100% the rest of the way and we'll see what this team can really do.   Trade watch continues.

Knicks Tonight

The Knicks play Atlanta tonight, and James Dolan has guaranteed a win.   What could go wrong with that?  Ay caramba.    Getting past the hapless Hawks would probably prolong Wooson's tenure, but you have to wonder if losing tonight would end it.  It sure seems set up that.   And Coach Woodson still hasn't found a team D that this teams can play.   All that switching creates open men for their opponents, it doesn't limit them.   We'll see.

Rangers Lose - Early Trade Coming?

The Rangers lost to the Devils tonight and fell back to .500.    Bad showing, but with tonight's game out of the way, the Rangers are off until Saturday.   This looks like the most logical place in the schedule for a trade.   So will Del Zotto still be a Ranger on Saturday. Will Girardi?  Who knows?

Choo Top Target?

Word seems to be getting around the Sin Soo Choo will be the Yanks top target.   He should have been their top trade target for years.   But now he's over 30 and will cost the Yanks first rounder.   As I guessed they will go this way and act like the pick they get for Granderson leaves them in a good position.     Oh well, at least he's an on base machine and will hit more homers at YS.   Love Choo, don't like how long they waited or that he'll cost a first.

Rangers Tonight

The Rangers play the Devils tonight. As always, it is a big rivalry game against a genetically dirty team.  It will be interesting to see how the Devils react to ascendant power forward Chris Kreider.    I hope they don't try any dirty stuff and just play it clean and hard.   Not bloody likely, though.  Nash has skated again, so that's good news, but no clue when he'll be back.  Ads I've been saying for awhile, I think the Rangers early season trade window opens tonight and goes till Saturday.  I still think a trade is unlikely, but with Sather at the GM Meetings in Toronto, anything's possible.

Yankee Stuff: The GM Meetings

Today the annual GM Meeting begin in Orlando, Florida.    Brain Cashman will attend and, no doubt, insist on swimming with Shamu at Sea World.   But when he's not risking his life, the GM Meetings have been a place where Cash has laid the groundwork for trades.  For example, the Granderson  trade a few years ago, was initiated at the GM meetings then completed at the Winter Meetings.   The GM meetings don't usual produce the volume of rumors that Winter Meetings do, when they're good, but there could be some tidbits.  We'll see.  As the pro's say, it's all part of the process.

This Week on the Blog

This week on the blog could be pretty interesting.  

Knicks:  The Mike Woodson watch is on.  A Knick coach cannot get blown out at home much early in the season and survive.   They're just not getting it done on D, and it's easier to change coaches then change all the players.

Rangers:  They have a game Tuesday, then not another one until Saturday.   If there's gonna be an early season trade it will happen in that gap.  We'll also see if Nash continues skating.

Giants:  They'll have to get a lot better to keep winning.  Or stay the same and get a high pick.

Yanks:  They're stove could heat up a bit, and for those who care, there should be ARod news.

In all, it could be eventful.  Have a great one, peeps!

Rangers Win

JT Miller finally scored a goal!  And the Rangers came back to beat the lowly Panthers 4-3 in a game that probably shouldn't have been close.    But the Rangers also got goals from Dorsett on a 4th line hustle tip in, as well as from Richards and MZA. Kreider assisted on JT's goal, and I think that was his 3rd assist on four JT NHL's goals.   Maybe they have a future together.  The Rangers are now 9-8-0, and will play the Dcvils Tuesday.  Look for a trade after that game if there's gonna be an early one.

Giants Win!

In his return, Andre Brown carried the ball around 30 times for over 100 yards, leading the Giants to their third straight victory.   Actually, the defense led them as they played their third good game in a row.    Special teams were once again awful, and so was Eli.  Love him, but he threw another pick 6, missed some open receivers and took a sack or two he didn't have to.  I'd like to see him get back to being the great Eli.  Sheesh.

As far as the win goes.  Meh.  They still make enough dunderheaded mistakes for me to avoid thinking they can go on a magical run.  That said, if Eli just plays like Eli, they probably can.  At least till Andre Brown gets hurt again.   I'm still leaning more to the high pick, then the big run.

Knicks Lose Early and Often

The Knicks fell behind early and never came back.   Now this is sort of understandable without their best big man, but that's not to say Dolan with understand.   Wouldn't surprise me of Woodson's a goner.   You can't keep losing big at home, even if it's sort of understandable.    Yikes.

Giants Today

Giants play the Raiders today, and it is vey windy at MetLife.    This can lead to very bad things in the passing game, and with Jacobs apparently out, the first of Brown, Hillis and Cox will have to get something going.   The Raiders may have an advantage since their QB can run and since their passing game is so simple.   Hope Eli can hit some big ones despite the wind.   Go Giants!

Rangers Tonight

Hank should be in goal.   Turns out Taylor Pyatt does have a concussion, and I wish him a speed recovery.  I prefer him out of the lineup on merit, not by cheap shot.  Nash has started skating again, but no one knows when he'll be cleared for contact.  Rangers will face the lowly Panthers tonight, and hopefully, they can continue to play well and get one game above .500.   LGR.

Knicks Today

JR Smith returns.    However; the Spurs are always a tough matchup, and unless it's a smooth transition it could be an even tougher game that playing the Spurs always is.   Let's hope the Knicks can hit their threes and come up with solutions to some of the Spurs' big players.  Shump and Metta should be solid but we really need a third top defender with Chandler out.   Kenyon Martin need to have a big game.   Let's hope for the best.

Giants Tomorrow

The Giants return from their bye week tomorrow to take on the Raiders.  The Raiders looked horrible agains the Eagles, but that's no guarantee of a win.   The Giants have looked horrible at least 6 times this year.  That said, it wouldn't surprise me if the Giants won.  It's actually the games after this that matter more.   A 3 win season will still get us a high pick, and unless we come back prepared to run the table, I'd prefer a 3 win season to making the playoffs and losing or just missing the playoffs and getting a bad pick.  I want either a Super Bowl title or a top pick.  Nothing in between.