🏒 NHL: What the puck??

[TheBatman22]

I live in Montréal so, yeah, I know what Caufield said to our media. I was at the MTL-MIN game last month and participated in the booing and I will do it again in April when the Panthers come here.

PS: You haven't answered my question so I will not continue this conversation until you do so.

I am an independent voter. While political discussions may not be the most fitting topic during sports events—often serving as an escape from such issues—I feel compelled to share my thoughts on Canada's stance, which I find somewhat excessive. If the 47th President truly intended to annex Canada, he could likely accomplish that within hours, considering the size and capabilities of the U.S. military. His inaction suggests a lack of genuine interest in pursuing such an idea.

That said, there exists a persistent anti-American sentiment in Canada, rooted in historical events dating back to 1812. This sentiment tends to resurface whenever a Republican occupies the White House. For instance, eight years ago, we witnessed instances of U.S. flags being burned during anti-American protests in Canada on Inauguration Day in 2017. This issue extends beyond mere tariffs; Canada has imposed tariffs on American goods for many years, indicating a need for reflection.

It is disheartening to see disrespect toward the American flag, especially when we often emphasize the importance of our friendship. Although I identify as independent, witnessing such disrespect raises concerns that our friendship may not be as strong as some might hope.

 

[blueharvest]

 

[TheBatman22]

 

[Gee]

I am an independent voter. While political discussions may not be the most fitting topic during sports events—often serving as an escape from such issues—I feel compelled to share my thoughts on Canada's stance, which I find somewhat excessive. If the 47th President truly intended to annex Canada, he could likely accomplish that within hours, considering the size and capabilities of the U.S. military. His inaction suggests a lack of genuine interest in pursuing such an idea.

That said, there exists a persistent anti-American sentiment in Canada, rooted in historical events dating back to 1812. This sentiment tends to resurface whenever a Republican occupies the White House. For instance, eight years ago, we witnessed instances of U.S. flags being burned during anti-American protests in Canada on Inauguration Day in 2017. This issue extends beyond mere tariffs; Canada has imposed tariffs on American goods for many years, indicating a need for reflection.

It is disheartening to see disrespect toward the American flag, especially when we often emphasize the importance of our friendship. Although I identify as independent, witnessing such disrespect raises concerns that our friendship may not be as strong as some might hope.

When your leader is threatening our sovereignty, even though he may be trolling, you don't think we should take the threats seriously? On top of that, the tariffs and trade war that can put thousands of people out of job here, we shouldn't show our indignation toward the US government?

"persistent anti-American sentiment in Canada"

Oh please... Our anti-US protests are mild. Anti-Americanism has been around for years now in many countries. Remember when you invaded Iraq?

Oh, and this happened last night. Looking forward to your reaction.

 

[TheBatman22]

When your leader is threatening our sovereignty, even though he may be trolling, you don't think we should take the threats seriously? On top of that, the tariffs and trade war that can put thousands of people out of job here, we shouldn't show our indignation toward the US government?

"persistent anti-American sentiment in Canada"

Oh please... Our anti-US protests are mild. Anti-Americanism has been around for years now in many countries. Remember when you invaded Iraq?

Oh, and this happened last night. Looking forward to your reaction.

I understand why Gary Carter wanted to enter Cooperstown as a Met rather than as an Expo. My comments were specifically directed at your country, rather than others. While many nations may criticize America, they continue to appreciate our financial support. Take, for instance, our seemingly two-faced neighbor to the north: if a tragedy akin to 9/11 were to occur again—heaven forbid—it could very well originate from our northern border. Last year, CBS reported that hundreds of terrorists were apprehended there, and I take immense pride in my identity as an American. Additionally, I hold a deep respect for my fellow Rangers fans who chose to boo the Canadian national anthem in response to Canadians booing Team USA. To my knowledge, no American player has faced sexual assault allegations comparable to those aimed at Carter Hart and the 2018 Team Canada. American athletes strive to uphold a standard of civility that is typically embodied by individuals like Mike Richter, who has consistently maintained an exemplary reputation. Although he is often regarded as one of the greatest goaltenders of all time, he may never be inducted into the Hall of Fame due to the lingering resentment from Canadians over the events of 1994 and 1996. Ironically, they have welcomed Martin Brodeur, affectionately known as Uncle Daddy, into the Hall of Fame, which adds a layer of complexity to the situation.

 

[blueharvest]

 

[blueharvest]

 

[TheBatman22]

 

[TheBatman22]

Igor!

 

[Gee]

I understand why Gary Carter wanted to enter Cooperstown as a Met rather than as an Expo. My comments were specifically directed at your country, rather than others. While many nations may criticize America, they continue to appreciate our financial support. Take, for instance, our seemingly two-faced neighbor to the north: if a tragedy akin to 9/11 were to occur again—heaven forbid—it could very well originate from our northern border. Last year, CBS reported that hundreds of terrorists were apprehended there, and I take immense pride in my identity as an American. Additionally, I hold a deep respect for my fellow Rangers fans who chose to boo the Canadian national anthem in response to Canadians booing Team USA. To my knowledge, no American player has faced sexual assault allegations comparable to those aimed at Carter Hart and the 2018 Team Canada. American athletes strive to uphold a standard of civility that is typically embodied by individuals like Mike Richter, who has consistently maintained an exemplary reputation. Although he is often regarded as one of the greatest goaltenders of all time, he may never be inducted into the Hall of Fame due to the lingering resentment from Canadians over the events of 1994 and 1996. Ironically, they have welcomed Martin Brodeur, affectionately known as Uncle Daddy, into the Hall of Fame, which adds a layer of complexity to the situation.

Why are you mentioning those players? They have nothing to do with the issue at hand here.

I previously asked you a simple question...

Additionally, I hold a deep respect for my fellow Rangers fans who chose to boo the Canadian national anthem in response to Canadians booing Team USA.

Clearly you and the NYR crowd, and anyone who boo the Canadian anthem, do not understand why we are booing the US anthem at sports events. I don't know if it's either a lack of critical thinking or a lack of empathy...

Auston Matthews was specifically booed in Montréal because he is the captain of the Maple Leafs (you've probably heard of our century-old rivalry). If Cole Caufield made the 4 Nations roster, he would have been cheered and applauded here. William Nylander was also booed, and Brad Marchand received some mild booing as well due to being a prominent player on another team with a century-old rivalry. So, the "disrespect" has nothing to do with their respective nationality.

Carter Hart and his teammates that did the SA are pieces of ****. The 2018 incident is disgusting and hopefully, with the new leadership change, Hockey Canada will never let something like this ever happen again. There are garbage human beings across the league. Earlier this week in the PWHL, the Montréal fans booed Minnesota's Britta Curl every time she touched the puck because she openly insulted trans people and liked posts about police killing Black folks.

 

[TheBatman22]

Why are you mentioning those players? They have nothing to do with the issue at hand here.

I previously asked you a simple question...

Clearly you and the NYR crowd, and anyone who boo the Canadian anthem, do not understand why we are booing the US anthem at sports events. I don't know if it's either a lack of critical thinking or a lack of empathy...

Auston Matthews was specifically booed in Montréal because he is the captain of the Maple Leafs (you've probably heard of our century-old rivalry). If Cole Caufield made the 4 Nations roster, he would have been cheered and applauded here. William Nylander was also booed, and Brad Marchand received some mild booing as well due to being a prominent player on another team with a century-old rivalry. So, the "disrespect" has nothing to do with their respective nationality.

Carter Hart and his teammates that did the SA are pieces of ****. The 2018 incident is disgusting and hopefully, with the new leadership change, Hockey Canada will never let something like this ever happen again. There are garbage human beings across the league. Earlier this week in the PWHL, the Montréal fans booed Minnesota's Britta Curl every time she touched the puck because she openly insulted trans people and liked posts about police killing Black folks.

The rivalry between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins is well-documented. During the Four Nations tournament, Team USA played at TD Garden in Boston, where Auston Matthews and his teammates received considerable respect from American hockey fans, who applauded them enthusiastically. It would also be presumptuous to assume that everyone attending the Four Nations event at the Bell Centre identified solely as a die-hard Montreal Canadiens fan.

I mentioned Mike Richter because he is pertinent to this discussion. It seems that lingering anti-American sentiments may be obstructing his induction into the Hall of Fame, as many Canadians continue to harbor resentments originating from events in 1994 and 1996. In contrast, Martin Brodeur has been inducted, despite many regarding him as one of the most overrated goaltenders in history. This perception is further complicated by his controversial personal life, including his divorce and subsequent marriage to his sister-in-law. It's important to note that Mike Richter served as the goaltending coach for the U.S. women's team, which enhances his relevance in this conversation, especially given that he has never faced allegations of misconduct.

Moreover, Britta Curl has expressed regret for her comments. However, it is important to recognize that there is no valid comparison between the Canadian team being accused of sexual assault and a young woman pulling a Trea Turner. The two situations are fundamentally distinct.

 

[TheBatman22]

 

[TheBatman22]

The NYR royalty came together in full force to pay tribute to the legendary Sam Rosen, a true icon in sports broadcasting. The atmosphere was electric as fans and former players united to celebrate his remarkable contributions to the sport. It was an unforgettable afternoon! J.T. Miller scored two goals, and Igor made incredible saves to keep us in the game, even though we were outshot by double digits. We still managed to beat Vancouver!

 

[TheBatman22]

A couple of days ago, I stayed up past 1 AM to watch the New York Rangers play on the West Coast. If there's any doubt about my commitment to the fanbase, let me assure you that I was actively participating in an entertaining group chat on social media. We all shared similar thoughts: we need to stop taking unnecessary penalties. We felt bad for the players who performed exceptionally well, especially the goaltender, who had a remarkable save percentage against the LA Kings, the best home team this year. He gave us a chance and might even be better than the King himself. However, K'Andre Miller and Matt Rempe took costly penalties right after J.T. Miller gave us the lead.

There are several pressing issues to address: we struggle to score during six-on-five situations and when playing shorthanded. This summer, we need to make some strategic changes. I would love to see John Tortorella return as head coach, especially since he was recently let go by the Flyers. If we continue to squander leads in games that we should win, we will find ourselves in serious trouble. It’s crucial that we find a coach who can hold the team accountable. We need someone with the old-school mentality of Herb Brooks, John Tortorella, and Mike Keenan, as many modern coaches tend to be too lenient. While Herb passed away in 2003, I hope Mike Keenan considers coming out of retirement or that Tortorella returns after this season. This team needs a coach like them. If we miss the playoffs, it will be due to our own shortcomings. The players deserve a coach who will push them to reach their full potential.

 

[TheBatman22]

We needed to secure all six points from the California teams; getting only three out of six is unacceptable. It’s also important to note that Jonathan Quick continues to dominate against the San Jose Sharks. Additionally, I believe K'Andre Miller should be benched, as he has become a liability. He cost Quick—a local player who grew up a New York Rangers fan—a shutout during the game.

I've been frustrated for the past couple of days that Quick isn't a Ranger. Given the money he wants to be here, Miller should be performing better in front of him. He also played poorly in front of Igor. I think Miller’s agent is being unreasonable by asking for such a high amount for him to be re-signed.

There’s hope for Matt Rempe; I would keep him and let Miller go. Tortorella would have had a field day with Miller.

 

[TheBatman22]

K'Andre Miller of the New York Rangers should be benched. Although we secured a victory in overtime and he contributed with a goal, his performance in defensive situations is concerning. Players like Brian Leetch have set a high standard for Rangers defensemen, and it is crucial for everyone to meet those expectations.

Essential duties such as blocking shots, managing the puck, and controlling the game are vital. At 6 feet 5 inches tall, Miller has the physical attributes to excel in these areas, so it's disheartening to see him not fully utilize his size. He should take a cue from his current and former teammates, Adam Fox and Jacob Trouba, who consistently do whatever it takes to prevent the puck from entering the net.

Last night’s game should have been a straightforward victory; there was no reason for it to go to overtime. If Miller doesn't elevate his defensive game, he may not be suited to be a New York Ranger.

 

[blueharvest]

 

[blueharvest]

 

[Scarlet Spider]

Congrats to Ovi for breaking the record.

Gretzky will always be my GOAT. Saw him play when I was young. Looked up to him.

History was made today.

 

[lenz]

Well Gretz has 54 records still and his points and assists totals will never be broken. Goal scoring wasn't even his greatest strength and it took the greatest goal scorer ever to beat his record.

Congrats to Ovi, a truly unique specimen. His durability and consistency is remarkable, especially the way he would throw his body around in his heyday.

 

[Gee]

A Putin puppet broke a MAGA's record? Meh.

At least Ovi is loyal to his country...

 

[blueharvest]

 

[TheBatman22]

The New York Rangers are in urgent need of changes. I would welcome the return of John Tortorella, or at least a coach with a similar mindset. Last season, we went from being President's Trophy winners to missing the playoffs, and many fans remember the consequences of a similar downfall in the past. While the current roster may not have the same level of talent as the 1994 team—save for Igor—they should have performed better during the 2024-2025 season. My heartfelt thoughts go out to Sam Rosen as he wrapped up his final year broadcasting for the Rangers, especially given that they missed the playoffs. I also want to extend my sympathies to Jonathan Quick, J.T. Miller, and Igor. Former Rangers captain and current GM Chris Drury must take action; it’s disheartening to witness the team’s decline after a strong start to the season. Struggles in November and December placed us in a challenging position, while the Islanders consistently outperformed us throughout the year. If Barzal hadn’t suffered an injury, they might have claimed a playoff spot. It’s frustrating to see the New Jersey Devils in the playoffs instead of us; their fans can be quite arrogant, much like Yankees fans, but we can certainly take over their arena when we show up.

 

[TheBatman22]

Welcome back to the New York Rangers! Mike Sullivan served as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins for a decade and also led Team USA in the Four Nations tournament. Before his time in Pittsburgh, he was an assistant to John Tortorella at various stops, including New York from 2009 to 2013. His coaching style is reminiscent of John Tortorella, Mike Keenan, and Herb Brooks, as he places a strong emphasis on player accountability.

I am unsure whether family members of the Rangers' ownership are involved in this discussion on shh or if it's Chris Drury himself. Regardless, I genuinely appreciate their consideration of my thoughts. We need a coach with a strong mentality who can challenge these players to reach their full potential. This team has undeniable talent, and everyone must elevate their performance.

I'm glad they reached out to Tortorella about the possibility of rejoining the Rangers, and I understand his reasoning for recommending his close friend, Mike Sullivan. However, I am unsure how Panarin would fit into Sullivan's system. I prefer to trade him during the draft.

Additionally, K'Andre Miller needs to elevate his game and become the defenseman we all believe he can be. He has considerable size and talent, but he played too softly, and when he made costly mistakes, he wasn't benched. Mike Sullivan would likely have taken a different approach.

 

[blueharvest]