For the second consecutive game, Mike Hasenfratz called an absolutely TERRIBLE, BRUTAL, ONE-SIDED and EMBARASSING game, strongly effecting the outcome of the match.
I think it's fairly obvious to anybody with eyes what went down on Sunday afternoon-The Sidney Crosby showcase. And when the Penguins are nationally televised (and competing with a Super Bowl hopeful city), they are not supposed to lose. Bettman mandates that, and Hasenfratz saw it through.
The Rangers were called for EVERYTHING in this game. And by EVERYTHING, I mean mostly things that flat out did not happen- and are not penalties, among the one or two fair calls that were whistled.
The Penguins on the other hand got away with absolute murder. There were cross checks, two-handed slashes, elbows and trips that were overlooked over and over again by the referees.
For Example...
2nd period. Rangers power play (don't worry there weren't many). Puck is centered to Chris Drury in front. Chris gets ready to tap the puck into the open side when BAM! Cross-checked FROM BEHIND by Jordan Staal. And I mean WRECKED. M.A. Fleury pounces on the dormant puck and the pressure is relieved.
Blair Betts comes down the left wing on the forecheck. He's ready to pick up the puck in the O-zone corner when WHACK! He gets two handed on the hands. The slash breaks his stick and leaves Blair hunched over in pain holding his hand. Meanwhile, play continues and the Pens break out of the zone.
Cindy Crosby makes Wade Redden look silly. Goes outside-inside on the defenseman and is almost in on Lundqvist when the stick of a backchecker GRAZES, (DOES NOT TUG OR SLASH) the arm of Cindy. Crosby jumps 3 feet in the air and slides in on Henrik. PENALTY SHOT!!!
For a guy who is "so strong on his skates" as Pierre Mcguire feels the need to tell his audience every 6 seconds, Sid sure goes down on the ice ALOT.
The King makes a great save on a long point shot from a Pens defenseman. The rebound squirts into the high slot where a Pittsburgh forward is charging in to fire it into the open cage. Scott Gomez (who sucks by the way) actually hustles for a second and LIFTS the stick of the Penguin, thus negating the chance. Gomez gets two for hooking. LOL!!!
See the pattern here?
Don't get me wrong. The Rangers were hechting DREADFUL in this game. They were slow, they were sloppy, and they were awful positionally. Nonetheless, the referees need to let the boys play. Or at least be consistent and not so blatantly one-sided. If Crosby is as good as advertised (and we're told), then he will stand out on his own... he wouldn't need so much help.
GAME NOTES
- All that said, how many odd-man rushes did NYR give up tonight?? Pens forwards had acres of room to skate in this game before a Ranger defender was anywhere in sight to heed their progress.
- What the hell is with the dump and chase? When it's not working in a game (which it rarely is for the Rangers) TRY SOMETHING NEW! How about going to the net? Shoot and crash the cage for rebounds. You learn that as a freakin' Mite. I don't know if that's on Tom Renney, but it's on somebody.
- Scott Gomez really sucks.
- Nikolai Zherdev was the lone Ranger who stood out in a positive way in this game. Nikki was creating chances all by his lonesome, and was very impressive despite the negative commentary from Eddie O. and Doc.
- Wade Redden and Michal Rozsival are the best penalty killers... of New York power plays.
-Henrik Lundqvist played extremely well in this game. He was hung out to dry on each and every goal that was scored in this game. This could have been 6-0 if it wasn't for his heroics.
That's all for now. I'm far too angry after watching that debauchery to keep writing. The Rangers played terrible and deserved to lose, but not with the obvious assistance from the men in stripes.
They have one day off before returning home to face a very tough Anaheim (no longer Mighty) Ducks team. 7 of 10 points on a road trip isn't bad by any means... but you'd like to end it on a little more of a high note. Keep in mind that the first game back from a road trip can often be tough on a team.
The Rangers better have a tough practice and bring their legs on Tuesday.
Let's hope Hasenfratz stays home.
-Rif
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