Getting on in years and celebrating birthdays you accumulate a lot of gifts. I have enough sweaters that if I wore a new one every day it would be over a month before I wore the same sweater again. Books? I'm about five back now and the chances of catching up are nil. CD's and DVDs? I have a ton that are still in the cellophane wrappers, including four of the greatest Westerns ever made.
This morning I opened up my first gift. A package of three beautiful bottles of wine from Peachy Canyon Winery, Paso Robles, California. Needless to say I never tire of the grape. It was from my friend Ken from beautiful Mountain View, California. Everything in California is beautiful except the politicians. Also this morning my first birthday greeting from an old friend Paul from Shirley, Long Island.
However, there is one gift I never tire of and it's when the Rangers beat the Devils and Marty Brodeur. Marty is not as vocal as he once was before Lundqvist came on the scene. Marty is not as vocal or as great as he once was since the departure of the twin rocks, Scott Stevens and Ken Daneyko. Marty, who once said that Lundqvist was weird, should not show up when the Devils play the Rangers and Lundqvist is in the nets.
Marty would be further served by sitting in the luxury boxes. Lifetime Lundqvist has a 21-5-5 record against Marty. Such indignations. Lundqvist is 'only' 23-9-5 against the rest of the Devils. Ah well such is life when you are on the downside.
Another Ranger of note is Marian Gaborik who lit the lamp twice last night and now has 19 goals, one behind leader Steven Stamkos. Gaborik has an excellent year going for him and if he stays clear of buses it may be a record setter. Of course, those buses have been known to get out of hand. What was that old Greyhound slogan? "Take the bus, and leave the driving to us." The Rangers are best served by staying clear of all buses. Now Marty? That's another story.
The Hank Hat
Blueshirt United:
Henrik Lundqvist admitted that the team's Broadway Hat is looking a bit beaten up, and "it seems to have gotten smaller" since he first wore it following the Rangers first win of the season on October 18th out in Vancouver, but it most certainly had to feel good wearing the chapeau Tuesday night in Newark. Lundqvist turned aside 30 of 31 shots in the 4-1 victory over the Devils, and looked to be as sharp as he has been all season---reading the play, anticipating shots, and, when needed, making the sparkling save, as well.
"The boys gave him that ugly hat, and he deserves it because he was the key guy for us in tonight's win," said head coach John Tortorella.
Following the game Lundqvist said that he likes knowing his teammates feed off of his solid play, and play a bit more confident themselves when he is as sharp as he was Tuesday night. "That's what you want to do as a goalie, you want to give your team confidence and let them play their game," explained Lundqvist, who entered play with a 2.07 goals against average and .932 save percentage, impressive numbers that will improve with Tuesday's results.
- NHL.com - 6th - down from 3rd
- TSN - 4th - down from 1st
- CBC - 6th - down from 5th
- ESPN - 8th - down from 4th
- THN - 6th - up from 9th
- FoxSports - 6th - no change
- CBS Sports - 5th - down from 4th
- USA Today - 6th - down from 5th
When the Rangers won back in 93-94, a good friend of mine, no longer with us, told me to savor the moment, it only comes once in a lifetime. He was wrong, as you have seen two. My wish for you is that the next 81 bring you at least one more Cup! Oh, and brings me a second.
Section 335-Thank you my friend. Your thoughts from your mouth to the hockey Gods ears.
Hope springs eternal.
Happy Birthday, Mike.
Once a year I get the chance
To wish you birthday cheer.
It pleases me no end to say,
I wish you another great year.
So happy birthday to you Pundit,
From the bottom of my heart.
And may the Rangers' good times multiply,
Till they’re flying off the chart!
Happy Birthday Mike enjoy the moment
Happiest of Birthdays to you Mike! Did you know that 80 is the new 60?
Seriously, we are only as old as we feel. Having a positive attitude and an adventurous spirit helps keep us young.
Let's Go Rangers!
jb-I didn't know you were a poet. And you didn't know it.
Thanks for the words of 'phrase'.
Prospect Park-One day at a time baby, one day at a time.
mhurley-80 is the new 60 what would 100 be.
Thanks for the good wishes.
As I always toast at the bar - 'to health, happiness and hockey!'
Happy (belated) birthday Mike!!!!!!
Scotty Hockey-I'll drink to that. The three HHH's.
Many thanks Scotty and maybe one day we will hook up.
Have a Merry and a Happy.