Third and Wrong

Smart is a word that is bandied about way too much in the landscape of today’s National Football League. Everytime you watch a game broadcast or read an article about football these days, there is always some commentator or coach going on about how “smart” a player is. What, you might ask, makes a player “smart” in the eyes of these coaches and commentators. For the most part, it is the players ability to learn their offensive or defensive playbooks and how their assignments translate into on-field action. For you see, when it comes to football, “smart” has nothing to do with a players’ intelligence level but more so his ability to understand the X’s and O’s.

It had always struck me as weird how whenever I watched a game involving the Vikings or read an article about their all-pro center Matt Birk, such a big deal was always made about how he went to Harvard. The fan in me wanted to yell out “Who cares…this is football not rocket science”. Would Birk’s degree in economics from Harvard help him block a 350 lb. defensive tackle longer than lets say a guy who went to Weehauken Community College? However, the curious person in me wondered “Why is this the exception and not the rule?”. Yes, Matt Birk is an intelligent man and getting an economics degree from one of the finest institutions of learning in the world is a great accomplishment and should be praised and recognized but how come we don’t hear about more players and their academic accomplishments.

The NFL holds it’s players out to be role models. Pillars of the community who give back and who dont forget where they came from. We have seen numerous examples of this recently in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina with selfless players like Warrick Dunn and Steve McNair setting up charity fund drives, Brett Favre and The Mannings flying food and supplies to the storm ravaged areas and Saints players like Joe Horn visiting refugees left homeless in the Superdome. NFL players are known for their work with the United Way, The United Negro College Fund and various literacy programs for both adults and children. These are wonderful programs and the participation of these players sends a very valuable lesson to the millions of children who look up to them. However, in my opinion the most important lesson they can impart to the youth of our country is the importance of getting an education. This is where I have a bone to pick with the NFL and its players.

In the NFL, unlike other sports, players cannot go directly from High School to the League. Players through this rule are given an incredible opportunity, the opportunity to recieve an education at an institution of learning that for most could be the determining factor in whether they live a succesful life after football and for a much larger number of athletes instead of football. For the lucky few that get drafted to play in the NFL and for the even fewer who actually go on to a career as an NFL player college may seem like a speedbump on the road to riches, a place to bide their time and show scouts their physical talents while not concentrating on the gift of an education they should be focusing on. For every player who makes it to the NFL, there are hundreds who do not , hundreds of young men who may have wasted a once in a lifetime chance to better their lives because it was not imparted to them at the right time that their education is more important to them than their playbooks. I do not blame this solely on the NFL. The blame for this starts much earlier when a parent or a coach first sees a glimpse of what could be a special physical talent emerge and begins to dream of glory in the athletic world for their child and deemphasizes the importance of the intellectual world. I also blame the high school and college ranks who perpetuate this farce by telling young men who have no business believing they are the next Joe Montana or Lawrence Taylor that they might be just to fill up their rosters with enough talent to keep their own jobs safe. However, The most blame for this must go to the NFL. The NFL has the ability to stop this farce if it really wanted to, but because the league is a business first and foremost it believes it cannot afford to. The league could force players to spend a full four years in college before being eligible to be drafted. The league could even set rules in which a player who is drafted could play a year in a developmental league while continuing his education and setting himself up with the chance for a better future. This will not happen because what concerns the NFL more than being smart in life is being “smart”between the lines.

Every year before the NFL draft, prospective draftees of the league are asked to take the Wonderlic test. The Wonderlic test is a series of SAT type questions that is used by teams to rate a players ability to pick up on their systems and on their abilty to learn them in a timely manner thus to the teams making these players “smart”. Wouldnt it be easier and better for all involved if the teams could just look at the players school records and see his degree in molecular chemistry to determine his learning ability. The NFL should do something immediately to ensure that players do not waste their chance at an education and make it a point that players like Matt Birk are the rule not just the exception to it.

Garden Of Dreams

Every year about this time, New York Rangers fans and NHL fans everywhere dream about their teams bringing home a Stanley Cup Championship and for the fans of all but one team those dreams are dashed come playoff time. This season, New York Rangers fans for the first time since 1994 are truly ready to believe that they will be the lucky ones and that this years squad will be that one team left standing above all others.

Thanks to an offseason which saw the Rangers dip into the free agent pool (more like “cannonball” making a huge splash on opening day) to sign arguably the two best players on the market in former Buffalo captain C Chris Drury and longtime nemesis Devils C Scott Gomez to multiyear mega-contracts, the Rangers entered training camp with renewed vigor and extremely high expectations for the upcoming campaign. Having re-signed key components future HOF sniper Brendan Shanahan, agitator extroardinaire Sean Avery and franchise backstop Henrik Lundqvist, all but a few spots in the lineup had been filled and the ensuing fight for those openings by youngsters in the organization turned out to be an exciting show to tune into throughout the preseason. Now that those battles have been decided and the team made it through the exhibition season relatively unscathed (except for some minor nagging injuries to perennial MVP candidate and team captain Jaromir Jagr and the balky hamstring of the aforementioned Avery) much to the the chagrin of rivals, the Flyers and Islanders who did everything they could to try and derail the team’s run before it even began this preseason, the regular season is only one day away and it’s time to look at the opening night roster and assess whether this team truly possesses the “Spirit of ‘94″ that has all its fans ready and willing to dream of a victory parade down the canyon of heroes once again.

“I said KISS THE STICK!!!”

Offense

First Line: Jaromir Jagr – Chris Drury – Martin Straka

Many believed that when the Rangers signed Scott Gomez, that he would be the natural choice to start the season with Jagr on the top line and Coach Tom Renney began training camp thinking along those lines but after watching practices and a preseason contest or two it became evident that both players played too much of the same puck control style to truly complement each other. For most teams, this would be a huge blow but for the rangers the answer was simple: replace center No.1 with center No.1A. Chris Drury is the kind of player every team covets. A team-first, do anything to win leadership presence who you usually find trolling most teams fourth line as a character guy but what he possesses that most others don’t is great speed, a tremendous scoring touch and a knack for coming through in the big moments that have earned him the nickname “Captain Clutch”. His ability to let the game come to him as well as his ever present defensive conscience make him a perfect complement and clear choice to center the more freewheeling and offensive minded Jagr. Straka was easily the most consistent member of the rangers last season as well as it’s most underrated contributor. Using his speed and seemingly boundless energy, Straka fought through a myriad of nagging injuries to put together one of the best offensive seasons of his career while also excelling on the penalty kill unit which was much improved and only figures to get stronger with the addition of new linemate Drury, one of the league’s best on that detail. What more can you say about Jaromir Jagr? A tremendous competitor, a franchise talent, a surefire hall of famer and perennial scoring leader who added the title of leader to his mantle during last season’s strong playoff run. Jagr brings the same thing to the table each season and will be expected to bring it again this season…..POINTS,POINTS,POINTS….He will be asked to carry the team at times while other times he will just be part of what hopes to be a more balanced scoring attack than in season’s past and even with the arrival of Gomez and Drury the expectation remains the same: the Rangers will go as far as Jagr will take them.

Second Line: Sean Avery – Scott Gomez – Brendan Shanahan

Gomez excelled during his time in Nesw Jersey at getting the puck on the sticks of the teams biggest snipers (Patrik Elias, Brian Gionta, Alexander Mogilny) and once again he will be asked to use his considerable playmaking skills to get the puck to 600 goal scorer Brendan Shanahan. Gomez told reporters upon signing his contract that he wanted the “pressure of playing on the game’s biggest stage” and the expectations that came with it and his contract. Gomez will be counted upon to not only set up Shanahan on a regular basis but to also improve a power play that was more puck possession than pepper the opposing goalie with shots last season. Shanahan is a big part of that power play (and will probably find himself one timing blasts from the circle on the team’s second unit) as well as a huge cog in it’s even strength attack. A leader on and off the ice, Shanahan must bring the same energy he did last season while also realizing that his body cannot take the pounding it once could and making sure Coach Renney doesn’t overplay him like he did in the first half of last season on the penalty kill. If he is fully recovered from his concussion from last season and he is given ample time to rest during games, look for him to have a huge season with Gomez dishing him the puck every night. The other member of this trio brings a different skill to the table. Sean Avery will not be looked upon to score goals or make dazzling passes (but to everyone’s surprise occasionally he will do both), his only responsibility will be to make sure that on each shift the opponent knows he is on the ice. Avery is one of the game’s premier in your face agitators and he will be asked to get under the other team’s skin while also sticking up for his own teammates on a nightly basis (something he loves to do and his teammates love him for). The only question is can he do this without taking bad penalties and putting his team in too many shorthanded situations.

Third Line: Ryan Callahan – Brandon Dubinsky – Petr Prucha

When the Rangers signed Gomez and Drury, it left them with little cap room and third line center Matt Cullen was traded to Carolina to free up space. At the same time, the move opened a gaping hole in the team’s lineup at the center position. The Rangers flirted with acquiring veteran gritty forward Mike Peca but decided the better route would be to let the team’s prospects fight it out during camp to see if any would impress enough that the management would have no worries in starting the season with an unproven commodity centering their third line…Brandon Dubinsky did just that.
Dubinsky used his large frame, strength in the corners, ability to play a defensive style and probably a barrage of wild lefts he threw during a scrum in the Rangers second to last preseason game to cement his hold on the job and beat out fellow prospect Artem Anisimov for a spot on opening night. The hope is that Dubinsky will bring the same level of intensity that fellow linemate Ryan Callahan brought last year in his late season call up and impressive postseason run. Callahan is a two way player who has showed an ability to put the puck in the net when given the opportunity to . The Rangers hope he continues his development and along with Prucha can make the third line a legitimate scoring threat whenever they take the ice. Prucha is a fan favorite for his entertaining and spirited style of play. While not a big player, he never backs down and always seems to be first in on the forecheck. His uncanny ability to follow up teammates shots and find open ice for himself on the power play has allowed him to score 50 goals in his first two professional seasons. This line may not be the team’s most experienced or talented but by the end of the season it may be the team’s most important and arguably it’s most enjoyable to watch.

Fourth Line: Marcel Hossa – Blair Betts – Ryan Hollweg- Colton Orr

Nobody would have guessed that during the Rangers veteran salary purge a few seasons ago, the acquisition of Blair Betts would stand out as a phenomenal move for this team. Betts has brought stability to both the checking line and penalty kill that are integral to the success of this team. A very smart defensive player who excels using his speed and reach in shorthanded situations, Betts has proven that hard work can make up for a lack of scoring touch and can make an impact on any organization. Marcel Hossa is a true example of the term “unrealized potential”. The brother of superstar Marian Hossa, Marcel seems to possess neither his brother’s scoring touch or game changing abilities (except for a ten game flash of brilliance last season playing on the top line with Jagr) but what he does bring is a willingless to work hard for the puck in the corners and forecheck strongly on the penalty kill. It would surprise no one (except maybe his biggest fan, Coach Renney) if Hossa loses his job sometime during the season to aspiring sniper Nigel Dawes (currently in Hartford) or gritty prospect Dane Byers, especially if he pouts about being on the fourth line in a checking role. The two headed monster on the other wing is Ryan Hollweg and Colton Orr. Both have limited offensive upside (some would say NO offensive upside) but both bring toughness, energy and a willingness to drop the gloves to a team full of stars and finesse skill players. They are the retaliators and protectors and both relish their roles on this team.

Defense

First Pair: Michal Roszival – Marek Malik

If there is a question mark on this team it is on Defense, and the defense starts with these two veterans. Roszival has been the team’s best and most consistent defenseman the last two seasons. While not overly physical in his own end, he makes smart plays with the puck and is the one who usually starts the move out of the zone and transition into the offense. His biggest asset is his steadiness and his ability to cover up for his partner Malik on the occasions when he gaffes. Malik has become the fan’s new whipping boy due to his sometimes frustrating and uneven play. A huge physical specimen, he refuses to use his size to play a physical game and relies more on positioning and his reach to defend. He has been among the league’s leaders in plus/minus the last 3 years and has been able to stay relatively injury free throughout his tenure. Playing with the first line, this pair will have to step up this year and improve their consistency for this team to make a deep run into the postseason.

Second Pair: Fedor Tyutin – Dan Girardi

When Fedor Tyutin joined the Rangers, many predicted his future as an offensive defenseman in the mold of Rangers all-time great Brian Leetch but time has proven these lofty expectations to be false. Tyutin has battled both inconsistency and injuries throughout his brief career but has proven himself to be a quality young defenseman who may still have some untapped potential to be shown. His offensive game shows flashes but still needs work while his play in his own end has improved with each season as evidenced by any opposing player unfortunate enough to be on the recieving end of one of his perfectly timed hip checks. This could be the year Tyutin puts it all together and takes a big step towards possibly becoming a top pair d-man in the next year or two. Possibly the biggest and most welcome surprise from last season, Dan Girardi followed up his breakout debut with the strongest camp among Ranger blueliners, solidifying his place on the roster and with the second pair. Not flashy or spectacular, the smart and steady Girardi is a perfect match for the sometimes reckless Tyutin, Girardi continues to impress with his ability to stay in position, use his body and keep his poise under pressure. the undrafted youngster who seems to improve nightly is quickly becoming a fan favorite and could someday join Tyutin or youngster Marc Staal as part of the No.1 pairing.

Third Pair: Paul Mara – Marc Staal

Paul Mara came to the Rangers last season from Boston with a big slapshot and even bigger expectations. The young defenseman never realized his potential with his former clubs and was looking for a chance to start again with a new club. Mara was given the chance immediately and showed flashes. His booming shot was a welcome addition to the Power Play and his ability to use his body to move defenders off the puck was a nice surprise but his inconsistency was what most people focused on. If he can improve his consistency and his play with the puck in his own zone on a night by night basis, this could be a breakout season for the big d-man but if he falters high character vet Jason Strudwick and the talented yet frustrating Thomas Pock are waiting in the wings for a chance to take his slot and play with prized prospect Marc Staal. The Rangers drafted Staal with hopes of him becoming the franchises’ Chris Pronger. A stay at home defenseman with good vision, great size and offensive potential. So far while he has played extremely well in juniors and in international competition, he failed to make the big club in his first two attempts (while watching brothers Eric and Jordan both excel at the NHL level). This season he came to camp determined to succeed and did just that in making the opening night roster. If Staal doesn’t try to do to much too soon and just plays his game while being the defensive conscience for the offensive minded Mara his first season will be a resounding success and will go along way in kickstarting his ascent to the top of the team’s defensive depth chart.

Goaltending

Starter – Henrik Lundqvist

After bursting on the scene two seasons ago and giving notice to the league that he was going to be a force in the nets for years to come, Henrik Lundqvist returned last season and served notice once again. After a slow start (which frustrated many including himself and which the Rangers cannot afford to have happen this season) Henrik came on in the second half and was nearly impenetrable during the Rangers run for a playoff berth securing himself a second straight nod as a finalist for the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top netminder. Without the luxury of a proven NHL backup this season (the backup will be Stephen Valiquette)Henrik must get off to good start this year and be prepared to play more games than he has in either of his previous two seasons. One of the most well prepared, competitive and focused players in the NHL, Henrik should have no problem handling the workload and once again securing a spot amongst the league’s elite while backstopping what should be a lenghty playoff run.

Every year Ranger fans want to believe that the names like Lindros, Fleury, Nedved amongst so many others will bring them to the same exhalted heights the legends Messier. Leetch, Graves and Richter brought them to in 1994. They want to believe that with all the talent and hard work that this will be the year the puck bounces their way on a few special nights and they can once again dance in the streets of lower Manhattan. This team is as talented as any which has ever laced up their skates and stepped on the ice at Madison Square Garden donning the blueshirt sweater but what will ultimately decide whether the fans will once again be dreaming of next year or will be planning a parade come season’s end will be how quickly this team can put it all together and realize the kind of fellowship and chemistry that has been the staple of the Rangers since returning from the lockout. If they can mesh the vet stars (Jagr, Shanny) with the new additions (Gomez and Drury) and the precocious youngsters (Dubinsky, Staal, Girardi) can play up to their potential than there is no reason that the fans shouldn’t believe that this year’s team will finally deliver on the promises of team’s past who came up short. Anything can happen in the NHL and nothing is a sure bet but I’ll put my money on this team transforming MSG into a “Garden of Dreams come true” this postseason.