The New York Rangers have entered into the “Dog Days” of the NHL Schedule. It is that time just after the Christmas Break until shortly after the NHL All-Star Game, where every day feels like a drag. It is that lull in the NHL season where you must dig deep within yourself just to get out of bed each and every mourning, let alone go play an intense hockey game. Note, I have that lull every day…lol.
That said, the NHL as you know is a marathon, not a sprint. It is built on various levels of intensity, increasing throughout an 82-game schedule and then a 3-month Playoff.
NHL Levels of Intensity
Level 1: Pre-Season.
Level 2: Regular Season until the Christmas Break.
*Level 3: Christmas Break until the All-Star Game. (*NYR…You Are Here)
Level 4: After the All-Star Game until the End of the Season.
Level 5: Round 1 NHL Playoffs.
Level 6: Round 2 NHL Playoffs.
Level 7: Round 3 NHL Playoffs.
**Level 8: Round 4 NHL Playoffs. (Note: the intensity increases within Every Game.)
(**Also Note: We Want the New York Rangers to be Here come June 2024.)
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Level 1: Pre-Season.
This is the First Stage of NHL Intensity. Here you set the tone for how your team will play, develop systems and the establish the “right attitude.”
NYR: Play Fast. Play Hard, Hit Hard. Rock-Solid Team D. No Quit NYR.
Level 2: Regular Season until the Christmas Break.
This is the Second Stage of NHL Intensity. Here you get out of the gates fast. Take some teams by surprise and get as many points as you can.
NYR: Had a great start to the season. Played with Patience and Controlled the Puck. Had an awesome Power Play and played better than expected.
*Level 3: Christmas Break until the All-Star Game. (*NYR…You Are Here)
This is the Third Stage of NHL Intensity. This stage is where you ask yourself… if you really are, who you think you are.
NYR: Came out of the x-mas break feeling good about themselves. Then lost 5 of 6 games to start the New Year off Wrong. Are they the October, November Rangers or are they the December, early January team going forward. Get back to what got you here boys...
Level 4: After the All-Star Game until the End of the Season.
This is the Fourth Stage of NHL Intensity. With the NHL Trade Deadline set for March 08.2024, it is now make or break time in Ranger Land. Play the Right Way or it’s the Highway.
NYR: Like every other team, injuries will determine if the Rangers are replacing or enhancing the roster up until the Trade Deadline. NYR has a tough schedule from March until the end of the season. Oh yes and Turnovers, Speed, and Team D, are the grading system from here on.
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New York Rangers Record as of January 15.2024
27-13-2= 56
1st - in the Metropolitan Division
3rd - in Eastern Conference
4th – Tied - Overall in NHL
My View from the Cheap Seats
Section: TV Row: PVR Seat: The Couch
Can you hear that rumble in the near distance? That is the sound of a Hurricane. As you know, the Canes under-performed until December 27th when they decided to flip the switch, and go on a heater, winning 7 of their last 8 games. Remember how the Rangers had a comfortable lead in the Metro Division? Well, have a look in the rearview mirror and you will notice that a Hurricane is fast approaching.
Ranger Fans, as we enter Level 3 on the NHL Intensity Meter, tighten them laces and buckle up because, “we are in for an interesting ride from here on.” Always remember, Hockey is a game of Puck-Possession and Patience. Oh, that may be true however, but I can’t wait any longer, so Bring on Level 5…
Quote of the Day:
“If you are going to rise, you might as well shine.”
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