The New York Rangers Are Without McDonagh

After taking a hit from Max Pacioretty that somehow resulted in no supplementary discipline, Ryan McDonagh is set to sit out his first game tonight with a suspected concussion.

In my eyes, and I'll leave it at this statement, Pacioretty sought revenge on McD after he was "driven" into the boards from behind in front of the Montreal bench. The hit by McD was a hockey play and not malicious at all; the complete opposite of the hit on McD.

Anyways, as the Rangers prepare themselves to be without McD for possibly more than just one game, it is important to understand how important McD has been to the Rangers since his first season in the big leagues. He has been the most consistent on the Rangers, other than Henrik Lundqvist, and I would even say he has been the best player, other than Lundqvist ofcourse.

Both Girardi and Staal are the other cores on defense but McD is the most skilled out of all three. Having said that, it will be important for Girardi and Staal to carry the Rangers D. Especially, Staal, whose place as Girardi's partner was taken last season. Now is his chance to regain his status as the best Rangers defensemen.

Losing McD for any amount of time is critical to the Rangers, but when you see teams like Ottawa losing their top 2 players (on offense and defense) and still winning, you ask yourself "Why can't the Rangers do the same?" They lost their top D and top forward in Nash so the similarities are obvious. What also works in the Rangers favor is that they presumably have more skill than the Senators which might mean that if the Rangers find a way to win without their top 2 guys, imagine how things can pan out when they do finally return.

An important couple of games are coming up for the Rangers and its even more important that they find a way to get points.

A Letter From Buncol

Dear Readers, Loners, Fans, Reader; 

Due to the excessive amount of school-work I have been dealing with this semester, it has been difficult to consistently post and update this blog. Even though I have been dealing with little time to write about  anything sports related, I have still had time to watch games and stay up-to-date with most stories. I am not writing up this post to notify you that I am 'quitting' this blog, I am instead writing up this post to let you know, the reader, that I intend to organize my schedule a little better to make time for at least weekly posts. 

Trying to balance 19.5 credits, two jobs, volunteer work, personal life, and things like that can be difficult. Trying to fit in 'blogging' into all of that (two blogs at that) can be even more difficult (unfortunately) but I intend on making more time for that. As of today, it has been exactly 19 days since I last posted anything. My new goal is to never ever again go 19 days without posting here. Bold, I know.

Thanks for reading and remember, if you enjoy my content, share the blog. If you don't, let me know in the comments or send me an email at micpociask@hotmail.com with some criticism, advice, or tips. 

Sincerely,

Buncol

Controversial Hits Surround Two Western Conference Games

Last night, the top two teams in the Western Conference faced off.

The San Jose Sharks hosted the Chicago Blackhawks in what ended up being a wild game that ended with the Blackhawks winning 5 - 3.

In other action, the defending champions, Los Angeles Kings, visited the Columbus Blue Jackets who have three former Rangers on their team. The Kings squeezed out a 4 - 2 victory with Mike Richards recording a Gordie Howe Hat-trick.

Both games, however, were mired with some controversy. In both games, there were game misconducts with Andrew Desjardins and Brandon Dubinsky getting ejected for dangerous and "illegal" hits.

Follow me after the jump for videos and my opinion on the incidents.

Period By Period Analysis: New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils

This will be a regular feature and it will include me analyzing the particular game period by period, while updating it, period by period. I will comment on the overall gameplay, the refs, obviously the score, and anything else that might be of particular importance. 

Welcome to the Hudson rivalry!

Tonight, straight from the pebble Rock in Newark, NJ, we have one of the fiercest rivalries meeting for the first time this season.

The Rangers, a team who has slowly started finding its groove after a disappointing first few games of the season, will be the look for revenge against the team who knocked them out of the playoffs last season.

The Devils will be looking to gain some room on the team who won the Division and the Conference last season. So far this season, they have looked solid and so far proved the pundits, including myself, that this is not a one man team (they lost Parise).

Key Notes:

- Dan Girardi is not in the line up to do "maintenance"
- Chris Kreider returns to the lineup
- JT Miller will make his Ranger debut

Follow me after the jump for my period by period analysis.

New York Rangers Recall 2011 1st Round Pick, J.T. Miller

After learning that the New York Rangers recalled (finally called up) J.T. Miller, their 2011 1st-round-pick and 15th overall, it seems like the pieces are all falling into place for a team who about three seasons ago was in rebuilding mode.

Miller, who was selected for the AHL All-Star game this season, has the potential to be a big time player in the NHL. He plays a very similar style to Ryan Callahan and that is the type of player NY fans have learned to love.

His future is undoubtedly bright, but what should be expected of him in the near future?

Follow me after the jump for my expectations.