We're probably due for a Rangers post right about now. But before we get to that, I just want to point out the sheer absurdity that is the Islanders' 2008-09 schedule. Now, when the schedule came out back in July, I pretty much trashed it. But I actually missed something in my initial run-through. It turns out the Islanders only have one home-and-home this entire year... and it's this weekend. Against Ottawa.
That's right. Islanders-Senators, home-and-home. Because, you know, us Islander fans are still bitter about losing to the Senators in 2003. Oh wait, we're not? Oh yeah! We're not! So why is it that we're deprived a home-and-home with a divisional rival and instead, we get this crap? Great job, NHL. I swear, if the NHL did the opposite of everything they actually end up doing, we'd have a great injury policy and a schedule that makes sense. Go figure.
Anyway. About that Rangers post... the Rangers play Boston in what should be a very good game. The Bruins have played extremely well of late, not just taking the top spot in the Northeast, but moving up to second place in the East... right behind the Rangers. How good are these two teams? They're 1-2 in the conference, but that doesn't tell the story. The Rangers are 2nd in the conference in goals scored; the Bruins are 4th. The Bruins are 1st in the conference in goals allowed; the Rangers are 3rd. And you can say all you want that the Rangers are only first in the East because they've played more games than anyone else, but thar argument holds no water because these Rangers are great. Right now, so are the Bruins. And to be honest, I'm probably more excited about this game than the Islanders game I'm attending tonight. Here's hoping for a good show by both teams.
These are two teams that need to be good all year long for the media to take notice of the NHL. And that's not because ESPN worships Boston, even though it does, but because the Original Six are still the top draws in the league and in a perfect world, they'd be the six best teams in the league. The Bruins and Rangers could be neck-and-neck for the East lead for much of the season. Let's see a good start to what could become a pretty good rivalry.
Canadiens can also be up there for a 1-2-3 Original Six standings. That sentence make sense?
ReplyDeleteBoston is good but I don't think they'll be top of the division at the end of the season. However, I love Tim Thomas, and I love that everyone has crapped on him his whole career and he still is the starter. Boston trusted him so little that they made a big play for Manny Fernandez, and Thomas is STILL starting and playing great. Love that.