They don't have Igor Ft. Steve Gelbs
Digest
The Blue Crew podcast dives into the New York Rangers' playoff series against the Florida Panthers, with host Johnny Lazarus and co-host Avery Zaretski expressing their frustration with the team's recent losses. They discuss the team's performance, particularly the lack of forechecking and the struggles of key players like Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin. They also analyze the effectiveness of the Florida Panthers' strategy and their ability to maintain a high level of energy throughout the game. The hosts engage in a lively debate about potential lineup changes for game six, with Lazarus advocating for the inclusion of Zach Jones and Wheeler on the top line, while Zaretski emphasizes the need for faith in the team's core players. They also discuss the possibility of moving Alexis Lafreniere to the top power play unit, citing his recent strong performance and the need for a spark. The episode concludes with an interview with Steve Gelbs, a New York Mets field reporter and postgame host, who shares his insights on the series and offers his own perspective on the Rangers' challenges and potential solutions. Gelbs believes the Rangers need to focus on improving their special teams, particularly the power play. He suggests moving Lafreniere to the top unit, citing his recent strong performance and the need for a change in strategy. The hosts and Gelbs discuss the legacy of a championship in New York for different players, including Artemi Panarin, Aaron Rodgers, and Pete Alonso. They also discuss the importance of leadership and the impact of injuries on the team's performance. The episode ends with a call to action for fans to keep the faith and support the Rangers as they fight for a Stanley Cup championship.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the episode of the Blue Crew podcast, a New York Rangers podcast, hosted by Johnny Lazarus and Avery Zaretski. They discuss the Rangers' recent losses in the playoff series against the Florida Panthers and express their frustration with the team's performance.
Fan Questions and Analysis
This Chapter features a segment where the hosts answer fan questions about the Rangers' performance and potential lineup changes for game six. They discuss the effectiveness of the Florida Panthers' strategy, the struggles of key players, and the need for faith in the team's core players. They also debate the possibility of moving Alexis Lafreniere to the top power play unit.
Interview with Steve Gelbs
This Chapter features an interview with Steve Gelbs, a New York Mets field reporter and postgame host. Gelbs shares his insights on the Rangers' playoff series against the Florida Panthers, discussing the team's challenges and potential solutions. He emphasizes the importance of special teams, particularly the power play, and suggests a strategic move to include Lafreniere on the top unit.
Legacy Talk
This Chapter features a discussion about the legacy of a championship in New York for different players, including Artemi Panarin, Aaron Rodgers, and Pete Alonso. The hosts and Gelbs discuss the importance of leadership and the impact of injuries on the team's performance.
Final Thoughts
This Chapter features the hosts' final thoughts on the Rangers' playoff series and a call to action for fans to keep the faith and support the team as they fight for a Stanley Cup championship.
Keywords
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. They are members of the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Hockey League (NHL). The Rangers have won four Stanley Cup championships, most recently in 1994. They are known for their passionate fan base and their storied history in the NHL.
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Hockey League (NHL). The Panthers have won one Presidents' Trophy and have reached the Stanley Cup Finals once, in 1996. They are known for their fast-paced, offensive style of play.
Mika Zibanejad
Mika Zibanejad is a Swedish professional ice hockey center currently playing for the New York Rangers in the NHL. He is known for his powerful shot, his ability to create scoring chances, and his leadership on the ice. Zibanejad has been a key player for the Rangers since joining the team in 2016.
Artemi Panarin
Artemi Panarin is a Russian professional ice hockey winger currently playing for the New York Rangers in the NHL. He is known for his exceptional puck-handling skills, his playmaking ability, and his scoring prowess. Panarin is considered one of the most talented offensive players in the NHL and has been a key contributor to the Rangers' success in recent years.
Alexis Lafreniere
Alexis Lafreniere is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for the New York Rangers in the NHL. He was selected first overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Lafreniere is known for his size, his skating ability, and his offensive potential. He has shown flashes of brilliance in his NHL career and is expected to be a key player for the Rangers in the future.
Igor Shesterkin
Igor Shesterkin is a Russian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the New York Rangers in the NHL. He is known for his athleticism, his ability to make spectacular saves, and his calm demeanor under pressure. Shesterkin has been a Vezina Trophy finalist and has been a key player in the Rangers' recent playoff success.
Chris Kreider
Chris Kreider is an American professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for the New York Rangers in the NHL. He is known for his physicality, his scoring ability, and his leadership on the ice. Kreider has been a key player for the Rangers since joining the team in 2011.
NHL Playoffs
The NHL Playoffs are the annual postseason tournament in the National Hockey League (NHL). The playoffs feature the top teams from each conference, who compete in a single-elimination format to determine the Stanley Cup champion. The playoffs are known for their intense competition, their high stakes, and their unpredictable nature.
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is the championship trophy awarded annually to the winner of the National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs. It is considered the most prestigious trophy in professional ice hockey. The Stanley Cup is named after Lord Stanley of Preston, the Governor General of Canada from 1888 to 1893, who donated the trophy for the first championship of the Amateur Hockey Association of Canada.
Power Play
A power play in ice hockey occurs when a team has a numerical advantage over the opposing team due to a penalty. The power play is a key offensive strategy in hockey, as it allows the team with the advantage to create more scoring chances. Teams often use specialized power play units with skilled players who can create plays and score goals.
Mark Messier
Mark Messier is a Canadian former professional ice hockey center who played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He is considered one of the greatest players of all time and is known for his leadership, his toughness, and his scoring ability. Messier won six Stanley Cup championships, including one with the New York Rangers in 1994. He is also known for his famous guarantee that the Rangers would win the Stanley Cup in 1994, which he delivered on.
Brian Leetch
Brian Leetch is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman who played 17 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He is considered one of the greatest defensemen of all time and is known for his offensive skills, his skating ability, and his leadership on the ice. Leetch won one Stanley Cup championship with the New York Rangers in 1994. He is also known for his smooth skating style and his ability to create scoring chances from the blue line.
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers is an American professional football quarterback who has played for the Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets. He is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time and is known for his arm strength, his accuracy, and his intelligence. Rodgers has won one Super Bowl championship and has been named the NFL MVP four times. He is also known for his unique personality and his outspoken views on various topics.
Pete Alonso
Pete Alonso is an American professional baseball first baseman who plays for the New York Mets. He is known for his power hitting and his ability to drive in runs. Alonso has won two Home Run Derby championships and has been named an MLB All-Star three times. He is also known for his passionate personality and his love for the city of New York.
Steve Gelbs
Steve Gelbs is a sports reporter and television host who works for the YES Network, the regional sports network for the New York Yankees and the New York Mets. He is known for his knowledge of baseball and his ability to provide insightful commentary on the game. Gelbs has been a popular figure in the New York sports media scene for many years and is known for his passion for the game and his ability to connect with fans.
Q&A
What are some of the key challenges the Rangers are facing in the series against the Florida Panthers?
The Rangers are struggling with forechecking, particularly in the later stages of games. They are also facing fatigue, while the Panthers seem to be a healthier and more energetic team. Additionally, key players like Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin have not been performing at their best, leading to a lack of offensive production.
What are some potential lineup changes the hosts are suggesting for game six?
The hosts are discussing the possibility of including Zach Jones and Wheeler on the top line, as well as moving Alexis Lafreniere to the top power play unit. They believe these changes could provide a spark and improve the team's performance.
What is Steve Gelbs's perspective on the Rangers' challenges and potential solutions?
Gelbs believes the Rangers need to focus on improving their special teams, particularly the power play. He suggests moving Lafreniere to the top unit, citing his recent strong performance and the need for a change in strategy.
What is the significance of the Rangers' reliance on special teams?
The Rangers have been heavily reliant on their special teams throughout the season, particularly the power play. However, their power play has been struggling in the playoffs, which has made them vulnerable to opponents who can capitalize on their weaknesses.
What is the significance of Alexis Lafreniere's recent performance?
Lafreniere has been playing at a high level in the playoffs, showing confidence and skill. The hosts believe he deserves more opportunities to score and make a difference, particularly on the power play.
What is the significance of the Rangers' history and the pressure they face in New York?
The Rangers have a long and storied history in the NHL, with a passionate fan base in New York City. This creates a high level of pressure on the team to perform well, particularly in the playoffs. The hosts acknowledge the challenges of coaching in New York and the intense scrutiny that comes with it.
What is the significance of the Rangers' recent losses and the potential for a comeback?
The Rangers have lost two straight games in the series against the Florida Panthers, putting them in a difficult position. However, the hosts remain optimistic about the team's ability to win game six and force a game seven. They believe the Rangers have the talent and the determination to overcome their challenges.
What is the significance of the interview with Steve Gelbs?
The interview with Steve Gelbs provides valuable insights from a knowledgeable observer of the Rangers and the NHL. Gelbs offers his perspective on the series, the team's challenges, and potential solutions, adding another layer of analysis to the podcast.
What is the significance of the fan questions and the hosts' responses?
The fan questions and the hosts' responses provide a platform for engaging with the Rangers' fan base and discussing the team's performance in detail. The hosts offer their opinions, insights, and analysis, creating a lively and informative discussion.
What is the overall message of the podcast episode?
The overall message of the podcast episode is one of hope and optimism, despite the Rangers' recent struggles. The hosts encourage fans to keep the faith, believe in the team's ability to win, and support them through the challenges they face. They also emphasize the importance of strategic adjustments and the need for key players to step up in order to secure a victory.
How does the podcast compare the legacy of a championship in New York for different players?
The podcast discusses the legacy of a championship in New York for different players, including Artemi Panarin, Aaron Rodgers, and Pete Alonso. They argue that Rodgers would have the biggest legacy due to the long drought the Jets have experienced and the impact he would have on the team. They also acknowledge that Alonso would have a strong legacy as a lifelong Met who would hold many records. Panarin's legacy is less certain, as he has not been as dominant in the playoffs as he has been in the regular season.
What is the significance of the Rangers' lack of a Mark Messier-type player?
The podcast discusses the significance of the Rangers' lack of a Mark Messier-type player, who is known for his leadership and his ability to inspire his teammates. The hosts believe that the Rangers' lack of a dominant leader could be a factor in their struggles in the playoffs. They also acknowledge that Messier's legacy as a Ranger is a result of his ability to lead the team to a Stanley Cup championship in 1994.
What is the significance of the Rangers' injuries and their impact on the team's performance?
The podcast discusses the significance of the Rangers' injuries and their impact on the team's performance. The hosts believe that the Rangers' injuries, particularly to their defensemen, have been a major factor in their struggles in the playoffs. They also acknowledge that the Rangers' injuries are similar to the injuries that the Jets have experienced in recent years, which has contributed to their lack of success.
What is the overall message of the podcast episode?
The overall message of the podcast episode is one of hope and optimism, despite the Rangers' recent struggles. The hosts encourage fans to keep the faith, believe in the team's ability to win, and support them through the challenges they face. They also emphasize the importance of strategic adjustments and the need for key players to step up in order to secure a victory.
Show Notes
Table of contents
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