Rangers Can’t Compete At Home! | Up in the Blue Seats

Rangers Can’t Compete At Home! | Up in the Blue Seats

The Rangers were reportedly in on Quinn Hughes, but to the extent of how legit it was, >> who’s gonna give a package like that? >> Yeah, the great no one >> no one could come. The Rangers certainly couldn’t come close to that. >> Um, but logistically, even if they could, what is up everyone? We are back with another episode of Up in the Blue Seats, your favorite Rangers podcast from the New York Post. It’s Molly Walker and former Ranger Brian Bole as always. And it has been a relatively eventful week in Rangers Land, hasn’t it, Brian? We’ve got a three-goal comeback and an overtime win over Montreal, a special teams disaster against Anaheim, not to mention a couple former blue shirts that were back in the building. What else? Uh, we’ve got a missed team meeting and well, another shutout loss on home ice. >> So, before we dissect this most recent one, I’m just going to tee you up with some stats that we have here, Brian. >> Nice. >> Let’s see. We’ve got a league high seven shutout losses, six at home, three, count them, three losses to teams sitting in last place in the National Hockey League, only four wins at home through 35 games, 05-1 in second games of backtobacks, 30th in the NHL in goals per game at 2.51. And the power play is two for 22 since losing Adam Fox. How do you plead? >> Yeah. Um so it wasn’t perfect before Adam Fox went down. Um terms of offensive output. Obviously I I don’t have an answer for what’s happening at home. I really don’t. Um, but if I’m a player on the team, I’m focusing on trying to get better each day and focusing on how I can perform and whatever environment I’m put in, whatever line I’m on, whatever combinations you have. And it’s it’s an uphill battle and there’s a little bit of a cloud over them right now. And then you go into a game, you’re playing against a team that’s not good. But they don’t know that. They they just traded their captain. It was a a somber, you know, environment on the bus when they found out. >> And they lot of injuries, too. >> A lot of injuries. They injected some youth. The kid looks like he’s >> Yeah. >> Like a good play. I mean, he’s a young kid who’s done well in the American League and now you never know when it’s going to click. And you do it when you’re a Rangers fan. It’s going to click when you play the Rangers. And >> Correct. First game, first goal. >> Yeah. Like I mean, jeez, man. >> Like clockwork. >> I got to say like I don’t know what to do. I think you you have to run over the linesman there. I I don’t know how >> Yeah. >> he doesn’t get out of the way. And that’s early in the game. But that’s what’s h that’s that’s this year. I I >> Yeah. >> How do you blame him? >> I think Robertson I mean Robertson he’s so he’s still a little green too. Like I feel like in that situation >> he’s like what? >> Yeah. Yeah. He like he it was very obvious he quite literally had no idea what to do in that situation. >> It’s a soft chip to speed. The linesman has to get out of the way. He probably feels terrible. But like if that was going to happen once this year, it was going to happen against the Rangers at MSG. That’s just what’s happening. And whatever the reason is, hopefully they’re just exercising all these things. They haven’t unraveled. They had grade A’s. They cannot finish right now. So we need a whole >> The refs tried to make it up for them a little bit though with three power plays. >> I mean, and they feel awful. It’s like you get caught in the train tracks and you just >> you almost freeze up. So like feel terrible for that guy but it’s like >> yeah that was very unfortunate. uh they got to they got to talk to the goalie coach like or I don’t know it’s they can’t finish right now and a lot of it’s luck but a lot of it’s just execution and >> I mean Demco makes a blocker save on on Art in the third that like he he’s looking at his glove >> and it hits him in the blocker and then he was like he does his does a little shake with his blocker like huh how did that hit me and Demco I think when healthy >> he should be on the Olympic roster He’s He’s unbelievable. >> But they made him look even better. I don’t >> They do that often. >> Is it shoot is it shoot more? Cuz like the quality chances they had were quality, but like is it enough? Who knows? I don’t know. So, it’s um Sorry, my little baby’s here. Hi, >> See you in a minute, honey. >> We got We got a guest. >> She wants to get in on the conversation. >> She’s she’s a stubborn little lass. No, I mean I I’m in complete agreement. It’s it’s a lot of shots directly in the middle of the chest, directly into the glove. >> It’s astounding how many times it happens. >> It’s it’s I I I am I am astounded as well. I don’t know. I don’t I don’t know what to It was always the mantra growing all the time. >> If you’re getting the chances, it’ll come. If you’re getting chances, it’ll come. Don’t let it affect the rest of your game. Yeah, back to backs is a problem. You need good special teams to win backtobacks because you’re not your agame, your energy level. It’s different. I don’t care. Say whatever. These are high level athletes. It’s different. Especially when you’re playing against a team. It’s not on a backto-back. Um, yeah. What What other stats were you throwing at me? They just don’t score. >> They score even less at home. It’s it’s really back to the word astounding. But for me, it’s starting to all the talk about and I respect it. I really do because I do truly believe that Mike Sullivan, JT Miller believe in this process that they’re trying to stay committed to and sticking with the process and just working through it until they can, you know, put it all together and it all just starts to click. the talk about the process is starting to ring a little hollow when the results just continuously aren’t coming for them. And I I I understand the frustration from I mean the amount of times that people have walked into that building and haven’t heard the goal song at least once >> is pretty pretty wild and and concerning. And I mean they’re just I mean that was the lead of my article today is home ice mice advantage. It’s been non-existent at Madison Square Garden this season. And that’s a that’s a a really concerning aspect of the start of the Rangers season, but it it’s I I don’t really know what else. I mean, we could talk about Connor Sheeri one goal in in 30some games. Lafrrenier and Troche one goal each in their last nine and 10 games respectively, but so much relies on the top six on on these marquee skaters. And if they’re not going, then nobody is. >> Yeah. >> I I feel like I’ve said and written that line so many times in through 35 games. And for the bottom six, it’s kind of like the top six’s not not scoring, but everyone’s sort of playing okay. The game’s still in the balance and is there still, you know, one shot could sort of change the game. What do you do when you’re the coach? And and you got to keep playing the top six more. So then if you’re a bottom six guy, you’re like, “Yeah, I Yeah, I understand. What do you want me to do though? I’m on the bench. I can’t play as much. I’m playing less.” And that’s that’s sort of the you got to play your top guys at the end, the guys that are getting chances with the expectation it’s going to go in. But yeah, this is just like a uh it in it’s infiltrated into the entire locker room and they’re like they’re just not scoring. And the other thing is from a business perspective, you can’t do this at home. >> Yeah. Yeah, like >> it’s one thing to lose and you’re losing like, you know, 6’4, 53, whatever it is at home. You’re like, they defend well. I’m not suggesting they should >> do that, but you get shut out at home this many times and it’s not the turn of the calendar yet. Like, >> yeah, >> it’s not a good product. So, you know, it’s they don’t care about that. It’s not what they talk about in the room, but it is it is understandable for all parties to have their frustrations. >> Whether you’re covering the team or you’re coaching the team or you’re playing on the team or you’re a fan of the team, it it’s it’s because it’s not like why don’t they just do this? Well, they would have tried it and the other things aren’t it’s not a disaster. It’s still not even close to last. >> No, it’s not. That’s the That’s like That’s the weirdest part about it is it doesn’t seem like I I’ll admit right at this very moment in time, I’m probably the least encouraged that I have been about the team the entire season thus far, >> but it still doesn’t feel hopeless. I still don’t even have any semblance of what I felt as early as November in last season, you know. Um, so I think that’s a positive, but it just the the results. I mean, you can’t argue with how many zeros they have on their on their schedule. You just can’t argue with it. >> No. >> I mean, the m the muffled conversation in the lower bowl last night that just kind of culminated into pretty loud booze. I mean, you know, that’s that’s what you get wi with this kind of product. And I mean, it can’t be good for morale. It can’t be good for, you know, the team mentality that they have worked so hard to improve this season and has been so much improved. >> Yeah. It just feels like, you know, waiting for the other shoe to drop where it is all just going to crumble down and and what they have been working toward even the small amount of it that’s there is just going to crater out from underneath them. But let’s let’s not let’s not get there yet. We’re still only what December 17th. >> Yeah. I got a I got a quick suggestion. >> Sure. The save of the game uh was unbelievable, right? On on Kefir Sherwood. >> Mhm. >> Would he change the dynamic of your roster if you could somehow pry him away from Vancouver? That >> how many deals How many deals are gonna happen between these two clubs? >> He’s a he’s a menace. >> Yeah. And and I say that in that like in these games, regardless of if they can score or not, they play well for all these minutes, this guy’s going to go and be a menace. >> Yeah. >> And I I don’t know. I’m just I’m totally speculating. I haven’t heard Oh my god. I’ve been like for a year and a half though, I’m like this guy’ be great >> on Broadway Anderson. Yeah, he would have been his cap pit so low it would it would cost a ton. >> Um yeah, >> meanwhile I I would have loved to have read a uh a Larry column after after that game. >> I know. Yeah, you were talking about like we were all talking last night like what would what would Larry >> Larry Larry would have went in right now. Larry Larry would have dived in and he just would have he just would have laid down the line. He just would have ripped it to shreds. >> He would. >> All right, let’s let’s He would had some thoughts, that’s for sure. All right, let’s move on. Um the other the other kind of note news of the week, so to say. Um, in a season that was supposed to be headlined about no BS, little little bit of BS. Mik M the managus is a team meeting >> and as a result doesn’t get to get his MSG reunion with his best friend and the best man. Uh, he was the best man in his wedding. Uh, Chris Krider, Jacob Trouba also is back at the garden, but it sounds like it was legit. Um, >> yeah, of course. Sorry for the conspiracy theorists. I know it was very coincidental that it >> was some like hilarious >> I know. Look, I mean I don’t you can’t really blame people coming from where they did last season. I I mean knowing Ma personally, all of it just seemed outrageous to me. I couldn’t even picture him missing the team meeting to begin with, you know? >> Right. Um, but yeah, the conspiracy theories, you know, with Crider coming to town and things like that, it just none of it makes sense. It’s just just not not Ma’s personality, not his way. Um, I heard devastated. Say it again. >> How do you even come up? >> Oh, how do they even come up with this, please? People are very creative. >> Um, I heard >> use that creativity for something positive. That was just ridiculous. He seemed that he was devastated over it when he talked about it last night. He said that he got stuck behind >> an accident. Um, and what’s so, you know, the reason why I for a hot minute thought, is there a conspiracy theory here? Because I, what a coincident coincidence it was that I don’t know if you guys if you watched the Road to the Winter Classic episode, the first one um, on TNT. Like half of Ma’s entire segment was that was about how long his ride is from the city to Westchester. Like what a coincidence that that was highlighted in this behind the scenes show. You know, it showed him getting in the car and he he puts on the the, you know, Google Maps and it says 53 minutes and he looks at the guys, I hope you guys have a lot of questions because it’s such a long commute for him there and back. So, how funny that that was highlighted and then he ends up missing a team meeting because of it. doesn’t get to play in a game where they very much so could have used him. Special teams was the difference. >> Um so it it really did feel like one big coincidence, but um just just a we’ve seen it happen around the league a lot. I feel like you know it happened with Braden Point. >> Yeah. >> Um the Blackhawks just did it on Tuesday um with their 2024 pick. Yeah. >> Or curio. >> Yeah. I was going to say, I’m not I don’t want to butcher it, but the 2024 pick, he was tardy to practice. He was late to practice. >> You can’t be Yeah. missed his turn in the in the drill. >> You can’t be late. >> Mhm. >> And if you’re late, you get benched. If seven guys are late, there might be some leeway there because you can’t bench them, right? >> Um >> that’s funny. I have a story, a couple ones actually. Uh yeah, it took about took about that for me to get to practice and it would take longer to get back home. >> Yep. >> That’s why game days we were at the garden. We had a lot of guys in the city which is the best. I think they should go back to that. >> They’re all married. >> They’re all married with children. That’s why >> I understand. But it’s kids aren’t like, you know, they’re little. But I get it. Um, yeah, if you’re late, if you’re late in the morning, there might be some leeway some teams, but these this precedent, so Sully sets the precedent. That’s the rules. That’s the rules. The rules. And there’s other guys coming from the city that aren’t late, I assume. So, >> leave earlier. >> Uh, you understand the situation. That is >> it’s terrible. It stinks. But it’s not like I’m sure M is embarrassed. I’m sure he feels like he let down. Um, but those are the rules and you have to keep a certain standard. Uh, one time we played at home, I believe it was like December 29th or 30th and there were zero cabs >> and I was out on 60th and 10th. That’s where I lived my first year and we were leaving after the game. So, I had like a roller bag >> and I had to essentially I walk slash ran to the game >> from from there >> from 60th and 10th to the garden. >> No, you’re lying. >> Yeah. With the rolly bag and I get down like through Time Square and I hook a turn. I take a left on a corner. No, cuz I’m on the west side. I got to get I got to work my way over. >> And this dude’s setting up all like this big table with all the streamers and all the crap that they sell and for people that come to Time Square and I like my rolly bag hit some snow >> and like I almost lost it. It goes like kind of flying through the air like dude just >> smashes into this guy’s table. All his setup goes into the street. He starts screaming at me that I owe him money. And I’m like, you know, I said I had some choice words, but I just kept going. >> I’m sure you did. >> I’m like, it’s not even time. Um, I get there at like 5:15. You got to be there at 5. And I was always there, you know, 4:40. >> Yeah. >> 4:30. >> And I’m like the third guy there. >> Anyways, everybody shows up late. There was no, it was snowing. There’s no cabs. There’s no I’m trying to call a car service, nothing. >> So, uh, even Torch was late. So, we just kind of No one said no one said anything. We just put our gear on and had our game. And like after that I was like, “God, that was crazy.” I had shin splints. You’re running in dress shoes for that many blocks. >> No, I I’m sorry. I mean, for those that don’t understand how far away the tent is from Madison Square Garden, like how long did it take you on foot? >> Um, so I mean I’d walk out of my apartment like 420, 425 probably. >> Yeah. just start looking around trying to flag something down. >> Yeah, that’s an hour that’s an hourong excursion. >> It wasn’t that long because I I started hoofing it pretty hard >> and I’m like >> I’m 6′ six >> in a suit. >> Shave off a few. >> Yeah. Well, but I’m in a suit like with a like a long peac coat on and like and I’m like it’s freezing out. I’m kind of running. My hands are freezing. My body’s like sweating. Shirt ruined. We had to go to Carolina after the game. It was probably a good 45 minutes. >> Oh my god. >> They’re like I’m like I don’t need a warmup. >> Yeah. >> Play already got that in. >> That’s hilarious. Brian, I mean I’m sure you’ve seen it around the league, you know, not just you too, right? >> There was one teammate in Tampa. There were flights cancelled coming back after an all-star break and like he got the earliest one he could and he was he missed the morning skate in a meeting. He had to sit out. Um he was supposed to come the the night before. We were all kind of like, you know, an important player for us. We’re all kind of like I mean what’s he supposed to do? And it’s just like uh you’re supposed to be here. Well, that’s, you know, that’s I’m sure how a lot of people looked at the Mika Sabanaged situation because if it was a one-time thing, you know, how do you how do you punish a guy that just gets stuck behind an accident, you know, and the day after a snowstorm, >> the roads are a nightmare. We’re in the middle of December, the most crazy and populated time in New York City. But, you know, going back to the culture that Mike Sullivan is trying to implement here, >> you know, it’s hard to argue with it. You know, you want to talk about players being held accountable and everything. So, you got to pick a lane. But, it was just a really unfortunate situation for a multitude of reasons. I mean, I’m sure there were so many people in the stands that specifically paid to be there to watch Chris Crider and Mikaban Jad go up against each other. So, it’s disappointing, but you know, it is what it is. >> Yeah, >> it is what it is. But >> happens all the time. And no, no, it never happened to me. >> Of course, >> I was in full panic mode after every Allstar R. All those things. Full panic mode. >> I was panic that day. I ran into the garden, too. >> I’d be the same way. I’d be the exact same way. >> Um, all right. Well, Chris Krider did make his return to Madison Square Garden. Jacob Trouba as well. Um, I thought it was I thought they both handled it really well. You know, Chris was clearly not the comfiest, but really funny. It feels Trouba seems just so far removed and unbothered by it naturally. It’s been over a year, so he was completely different demeanor, but um I thought the Rangers did a great tribute um for both of them. amazing standing ovation uh for Chris that would have kept going if if the music didn’t start playing truly felt that way. Um what were you thinking when you watched those guys return to the garden? >> Yeah, I assumed as much and you saw Chris, this is his first, you know, this is his team that he was on. This is his only team that he’s played on. >> After you gone through it once, it is a little easier. So for Jacob Trouba and I know he was a captain but he’s gone through it so and maybe more time has passed or it’s not >> yeah he had Winnipeg >> so it’s hard I know Chris was t he was quoted saying when they were giving him the tribute coach Quenville was talking to him about the neutral zone and I’m like no he wasn’t Chris you know what the neutral zone is you’ve played forever and he just wanted to deflect or he didn’t want to and he doesn’t want to talk about himself he doesn’t want to do it. It’s uncomfortable for him. >> And you know, that’s why, you know, he’s the way he is. He’s definitely um so I I like I love Chris Crider. I’ve I’ve always loved him. He came to our team. He was a little kid. Tried to look out for him and I just love how well he’s done. I root for him all the time. He’s he’s quirky though. He’s not >> He is >> He’s much different personality than I am. So, >> um >> than anybody. I like to see him I like to see him square him a little bit and then do well. Um cuz he’s he’s a good person and you know he works hard and gave you everything he had. So I think the fans noticed that appreciated that and it was just a good moment and then you you move on and same for Trouba. Like it’s not easy having to answer every day. Never mind if you’re the captain. It’s it’s not easy. and >> yeah, >> they got in a spot where they a business decision had to be made. Didn’t affect uh his professionalism and I think people respected that as well. Plus, he played hard. He had uh had that one outburst that I’ll always remember. He threw his helmet and they kind of went on a bit of a tear. >> Helmet toss. >> Yeah. I mean, >> iconic. >> Cool stuff like that. You try to remember when the players are getting recognized because they pour everything. They pour everything they have into this and it consumes them 24 hours a day. >> I mean, not that anybody, you know, had any doubt or needed confirmation because the duck shaped clogs I think that the ducks posted that one time of both Trouba and Crider wearing them said it all. But I was catching up with Ryan Stro and just people that I’ve talked to and and Crider’s circle. Anybody that has been with him out out west can see how much he’s enjoying himself >> and how happy he is. SoCal has very much so agreed with Chris Krider. So um for the Ranger fans that love him, don’t worry. He he’s in good hands and seems to be very happy in the California sunshine. So >> all right. >> Good team. Good team, too. Yeah, please. Who Who would have thought that they would be leading the Pacific the start of this season? >> I thought they’d be all right. I didn’t think they’d be that good. >> No, but you know, I think a guy like Crider, especially with what he’s brought, I mean, last I looked at it, he was third on the team and in points or or goals. And yeah, he’s >> he came out of the gates hot. >> Yeah, he’s he’s brought a lot to that group. And I think it’s so great for a young team to have a guy like that in the locker room. Can’t even imagine to, you know, >> learn how to be a consumate pro and how to be in this league for a long time. So, >> um, in positive news in Rangers land, Matt Rempy >> back in the lineup. He’s back >> finally. Been a bit of a ride for him. It was it was a long time on the sidelines and >> you got to love him. He comes right out, says he broke his thumb in many places and had to undergo surgery. >> Um, he’s got a nasty scar from right here to here. >> And it was so funny when I asked him about the rehab, like if he was not going to tell anybody about it, you ask him about the rehab process and he just immediately goes, “Yeah.” Looks right down at his thumb. Um, no conditioning st needed. goes right right in the lineup. >> Listen, that says a lot about what they think of him and how he’s progressed. >> Just no conditioning st and now you know Edstrom’s out and hopefully they kind of figure that out and it’s nothing too too serious. Um just because that’s an identity line for them and >> yeah I I just yeah he that’s a tough one too because like that is so hard to heal in that spot and so you know the mental part of it is the hardest. He’ll he’s tough enough to kind of handle the rest of it. >> He said he still can’t bend it properly. >> I don’t know that he that’s >> he had to decline a fight. um the other night because he was show there was video of him showing. >> Yeah. >> Uh cuz Yeah. They I and I asked him cuz I was wondering even though I kind of already knew the answer just knowing him if he was deterred from fighting again because of this but he said of course not at all. Not at all. He just he just can’t for a little while because it’s still not bending properly. >> Yeah. You don’t Yeah. Play. Just go play. He can have an impact. He just keeps playing. That would be good. Um, in news around the league and as it pertains to the Canucks that the Rangers played Tuesday night, >> Quinn Hughes >> Delt >> is in Minnesota. Minnesota got Rossi Viv >> um Ogrren all of whom >> were first round picks >> and a 2026 plus another plus a 2026 first rounder. So, I mean, you look at that that hall >> and I I I found I found this entire stretch to be so interesting, especially with the words that Quinn Hughes very specifically chose when he first addressed the media afterward, talking about how Billy Garin was the only one that stacked up, I think, is the exact verbiage that he used >> to go and and get him. I I did too. I found it to be really interesting though because, >> you know, it does seem that everybody was a little conservative about this, but you know, good on Billy Garin for going out and and giving the the the um the Canucks exactly what they needed to make the deal done deal, >> right? >> Um >> yeah, I like I liked it for all parties involved. Oh, it’s a W. I mean, you know what I think is the coolest part. Um, when and you see it a lot. You see it with GMs where it hasn’t maybe gone exactly how you think it’s going and you’ve already changed coaches once and you your runway might be running short. Well, Jim Rutherford steps in and you know Patrick Albine’s the GM, but if you listen to all the quotes and it was it was Jimmy and Billy and they have a relationship. I think Billy has one with Patrick as well, but >> Jim Rutherford Rutherford is is a Hall of Famer. Like this guy’s been he’s won Cops in two places. He’s been an executive in the league for a team for a very long time. and he probably has I don’t know how many years left to be in this position. Obviously clearly loves doing what he’s doing. A lot of GMs would be like, “No, let’s go acquire and see if we can make Quinn happy.” But he made Quinn happy by moving him. He took away his best player for a potential for the future of the team to be better. Not right now. And there’ll be more moves I think Vancouver will make because teams are going to be calling about Kefir Sherwood, about Connor Garland, about different players. And I just it just shows a lot about I think the character of Jimmy Rutherford. And then and Billy Garren on the other hand has some runway. Yes, he’s fired one coach, but he’s had to deal with the cap penalties of making the bold move to buy out Ryan Sudter and Zack Brez >> and he’s been hamstrung and then he’s like, we got this guy number 97 who is an electric factor. He puts the butts in the seats. He is him alone, we won’t be shut out six times at home. Like this guy is that good. We are giving him whatever he wants. Then the owner didn’t give him do him any favors by saying essentially you get a blank check Carrill. He’s built around it. He’s looking at his division and it’s a gauntlet and he’s got to play against you know well Winnipeg now they have Hellabuk back and then you have Colorado and you have Dallas who are two of the top three maybe four cup contenders this season and he’s like we’re pretty good. >> Yeah >> we have Brock Faber, we have Yonas Bro and we have Jared Spurgeon. Z Buham looks like he’s gonna be a pretty good player here. You take the kid and we’ll get the superstar. And how does that set up the pairings when they’re healthy? They’re not done. They get another centerman. >> Yeah. >> Their odds go right to the top and I just >> they’re looking good. >> And it gives us stuff to talk about and then he’ll just and the way what he’s given up like he’s on he’s on other podcasts just kind of walking you through everything. >> Yeah. >> Like this guy’s the man. I want to I want to hang out with Billy. >> Brilliant. Yeah. No. Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. And I think that Quinn Hughes was definitely taken with the way that Billy conducted himself during this. >> Yeah. >> And you know, I you also like to think that if you’re a Minnesota Wild fan, that Billy Garren is is confident that he can get Quinn Hughes to stay. You don’t want to give that up. That was the other thing because, you know, the Rangers were reportedly in on Quinn Hughes, but to the extent of how legit it was. >> Who’s gonna give a package like that? >> Yeah, the great no one >> no one could come the Rangers certainly couldn’t come close to that. >> Um but logistically, even if they could, >> I don’t know how that was going to work out with Adam Fox, you know, locked in here for as long as he is. And you know, what are you going to put Adam Fox on the second power play unit? >> I mean, they’d make it work. I’m sure they would make it work. But I mean, some of the names that I’ve seen out there that made sense that the Canucks were interested in, Alexi Lefrener, his former agent is the assistant GM there, Emily. Braden Schneider, apparently Vancouver has been high on him since the Miller trade. Um, >> yeah, they didn’t want a right shot. They wanted a they really wanted a left shot defenseman. So, you’d think even, you know, across the river, Neich’s name was coming up. Mercer, um, two guys without trade protection, there’s every guy in Jersey pretty much has trade protection, which I didn’t realize. It’s wild. >> That’s been a that’s been a headline. Poor Tom Fitzgerald is his business is getting >> I I’ll defend Fitzy. I mean, every >> thrown out there in plain terms. >> I mean, build whatever team you want. If half of them are hurt, you’re not going to win. So I can’t like he can’t control that. >> Yeah. >> I mean, but yeah, it was it was really wild. I thought >> weeks before any deal would get done and it just got done and I was like, that’s so cool. Friday night. Was it Friday night? >> It was a Friday night. There’s nothing the National Hockey League loves more than a Friday night blockbuster news dump trade. Um, but I also I mean there was there was a ton of uh reports about how you know Hughes and his camp made it very clear that they they weren’t going to give any team an insurance an assurance of of extending. So, you know, for the Rangers to shell out what they would have had to have shelled out to get Quinn Hughes for perhaps a year and a half of of Quinn Hughes where it’s not even 100% sure if they’re going to even make the playoffs right now. just doesn’t make a lot of sense. So >> I think you’re I think you’d be like pro lava first and then Yeah. I mean, >> yeah, that’s the thing. You’re >> you’re quite literally clearing out any sort of positive outlook that you have >> for the Rangers right now. >> And the guy’s unbelievable. He fits like how that trade worked out and what their roster looks like now. I’m like that makes >> so much sense. It was a great deal for both sid just a great hockey deal I think for for all parties involved. So very very entertaining for us hockey fans for sure. >> All righty. >> Molly’s got a pack. So let’s uh let’s let’s stop there. Um thanks all for live listening. As always give us a thumbs up. Comment down below. What do you think about Matt Rempy’s return? Are you freaking out about the Rangers home record yet? Still are. >> Just be happy they’re not be happy. Be happy they’re not in the Central. >> We’ll see what what happens. We’ll see what uh what what what it has for us in St. Louis. All right, we’ll talk to you guys again next week. New York City. In the mecca of basketball, we only care about one team. And in New York Got Game, we’re locked in on everything orange and blue. I’m Dexter Henry, host of New York Got Game, where we break down the biggest Knicks moments, talk to the voices that matter. From beat writers, content creators to super fans like yourself, and of course, former and current players, we’re putting a spotlight on the nicers you need to know. And we’re here live to watch and react to the biggest games of the season. From the legends who built the culture to the stars chasing the next banner. This is the show for real Knicks fans. Knicks basketball’s different. New York games shows you why. We’re coming to you twice a week locked in on the greatest in this city. Be sure to tune in, tap in, and run with us. Subscribe and find us wherever you get your podcast.

The Rangers’ home ice woes continue, and Up In The Blue Seats is back to break it all down! Mollie Walker and Brian Boyle recap a wild stretch for the Blueshirts, including a three-goal comeback and overtime win over Montreal, another shutout loss at Madison Square Garden, and ongoing struggles on special teams. With the Rangers piling up shutouts at home, failing to score consistently, and searching for answers, the frustration is starting to boil over! The crew also dives into Mika Zibanejad’s missed team meeting and benching, the emotional returns of Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba to MSG, and what the fan response said about their legacies. Plus, thoughts on Matt Rempe’s return, and reaction to the Quinn Hughes trade to Minnesota and how involved the Rangers may or may not have been!

All that and more on this week’s episode of ‘Up in the Blue Seats’

Timecodes:
00:00- Intro
1:44: Loss to Canucks/ Home ice struggles
12:55 Mika Zibanejad’s benching
21:31: Kreider & Trouba’s return to MSG
25:46: Matt Rempe’s return to the lineup
27:52: Reaction to Quinn Hughes trade

#nypostsports #nhl #hockey #rangers #newyorkrangers #nhlpodcast #hockeypodcast #rangerspodcast #mikazibanejad #chriskreider #jacobtrouba #mattrempe #quinnhughes

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