Rangers are back in camp...on their third day of practice. Less than three weeks away from the start of the qualifying round! Game dates/times announced for the matchup with the Canes: Saturday, Aug. 1 New York Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes, Game 1, 12 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3 New York Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes, Game 2, 12 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4 Carolina Hurricanes vs. New York Rangers, Game 3, 8 p.m. Not a fan of the early starts in the first two games...Game 1 I'll be driving so won't even be able to watch....prob won't be able to watch Game 2 either. Back-to-back for game 3 but an 8p start. 4 and 5 if Necessary would be on Thursday/Saturday but no start times yet. Starting goalie decision shouldn't be tough (Igor) but, Quinn saying they will evaluate over the next three weeks. The only argument I can make for Hank is that he has been very good against the Canes.
Despite our record against them, Carolina should win this series due to playoff experience. If they don't, they have major changes to do in the off season. This is a wonderful learning experience for the kids. Rangers can win but I think when Kakko becomes a beast which he will, this team will expect to win every series.
If these teams had met in a series when the playoffs were supposed to start originally I would have picked the Rangers but the Canes have had some important players get healthy over the last couple months. Their run in the playoffs last season was unreal.
If Shesterkin picks up where he left off and with Kreider back i think we find a way to get past them. Whether they would get past TB/Wash who knows but things will probably be all over the place in these series. Playing in front of no fans could maybe help a young team like us more than others.
Doug Hamilton left practice with some 'visual discomfort' yesterday. Status for qualifying round in question.
Looks like no Pesce or Hamilton for the Canes. Do we give Lundqvist game 1 and then Shest 2 and 3, or start Shest and give Lundqvist one of the back to backs?
Shest is their #1 so he has to get the start, now's not the time to worry about hurting Hank's feelings especially in a 5 game series. Losing Lemieux is not the end of the world, his style is useful in postseason hockey but the series shouldn't hinge on his presence in the lineup. Excited to get things going Weds. Let's Go Rangers!
Lundqvist gets no starts. You don't send the message to your team that you are playing the worst of your three goalies for sentimental reasons.
Depending on how game 1 and even game 2 go I wouldn't rule anything out but, tough not to go w/ Shesterkin from the start.
World has gotten to a point where you need to go someplace, carry firearms and have attack dogs. I know that is the direction I'm headed. Some fucker comes up to my place I don't know, you're either getting mauled or shot and I won't lose a seconds sleep about it.
Sounds like you already are losing sleep over it. No issues where I live in NJ. But, that is very sad news.
Don't feel too safe in your area. I live in a wealthy area. You are a moron if you think you are invincible because you live in a safe area. Criminals travel. I suggest for starters a couple of German Shepherds who have 238 pounds of bite pressure. That will do nicely to rip the flesh from any intruders. They are also highly intelligent. They tend to go for nut bites as well.
