Sunday Party

The Rangers had an easy time last night against a depleted Florida Panther team and skated to a 5-0 victory. The shutout was Lundqvist's 8th of the year tying Eddie Giacomin's 37 year old season record. The win moved the Rangers into sixth place in the Eastern Conference setting off all kinds of six place theorists who somehow figure that six place is the place for the Rangers. The Rangers are 5-0-2 in their last seven with the third period debacle against Montreal being the only flaw in the run.

Gomez (14), Malik (1), Jagr (17), Dawes (10) and Straka (11) were the goal scorers for the Rangers. The three stars were Gomez, three, Malik, two, and Lundqvist one. Malik also had an assist and played well. The timing couldn't be better as the trade deadline is tomorrow. Maybe the Stealth GM could dangle him in a trade to pry Dan Boyle from Tampa. Now that is daydreaming, isn't it?

After the game coach clueless announced that the team is fine and doesn't need additions. They could make the playoffs without any new faces. Make the playoffs? Big deal. This team was supposedly put together to make a run at the Cup. Ask all the MSG talksters and the drive by media experts. This was to be a year we challenge for and win the Cup. Now coach clueless is talking playoffs.

Tomorrow night is the trade deadline and the Rangers have to make some key decisions. As presently equipped this team cannot win the Cup. That is what this is all about. Winning the Cup. It's not just making the playoffs. They need a hard hitting D man who is also a power play specialist and Dan Boyle is the man. They also need to re-sign Sean Avery as he will become a free agent next year.

ICINGS: On this date in 1940 the first televised game in New York City was aired. The Rangers beat Montreal 6-2. The game was televised on station W2XBS. No, I did not see it.

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