Okay, so I look like a jerk for slamming Shanny prematurely before he rendered a decision on the Sestito hit. My question is, why did it take Brendan so long to pass judgement when it seems like he jumped all over Wiz and Shelley immediately. After all, Sestito got two five minutes majors and a game misconduct. What was Shanny waiting for, an engraved invitation?

Anyway, Shanny may have taken his sweet time but in the end he did get it right. I concur with his decision. Too bad Campbell didn’t get the Simmonds situation right. Maybe Brendan can slip him a C-note so Colie can go out and hire himself a lip reader.

In the words of Deep Throat on the X-Files, Trust No One!

Posted under New York Rangers

So, Jody Shelley and James Wisnewski receive fines and long suspensions for their “against the new rules” hits but Sesisto gets nothing for driving Deveaux into the boards in Philadelphia on Monday night?

Based upon the video showing the “Shanahan” interpretation of Rule 48, I would say the boarding of Deveaux by Sesisto is a text book example of what the “revised” interpretation of rule 48 is all about. So why no fine or suspension for Sesisto?

Is the whole Simmonds/Avery politically incorrect slur episode that big of a smoke screen to disguise the fact that in the NHL there are two sets of rules, one for the New York Rangers and another for everyone else? They have always treated the Rangers the way they’ve treated Sean Avery. They both get their own set of rules.

And here’s a little thought for the brainless mouthpieces on the NHL on XM. Avery never mentioned anything about Simmonds calling him a faggot until a member of the press asked him in a post game interview. Sean Avery may be a lot of things but he is no fool. Avery lives in a glass house.

He should be and was the last person to complain about being called a name. The press didn’t need Avery’s confirmation about what was said to him. Anyone with eyes could read Simmons lips and make out what he said. I doubt Avery is going to loose any sleep over it.

Shanahan can hand out whatever brand of justice he wants but at the end of the day Campbell and Bettman are still calling the shots. They have just suckered one of the most beloved players in recent NHL history to legitimize their agenda. This is exactly what I feared would happen when I heard Brendan was going to work on Sixth Ave.

Is Shanahan becoming a corporate stooge for Collie, Gary and the Governors. Has our Brendan sold out?

Posted under New York Rangers

As we learned today, Ryan Callahan has been named the 26th Captain in Ranger history. The thought occurred to me that someone in Ranger management must be listening to the fan base. Who knows what convinced the powers that be to honor the wishes of the Garden Faithful and name Cally captain?

It could have been a poll on Blueshirt United. It could have been an opinion voiced on the Blueshirt Underground BlogTalk Radio Show. It could have been a comment on the HockeyRodent message boards. Hell, they might have even got the idea from reading my humble ramblings right here.

But who, as they say, shits a give? Ranger management has gotten it right for a change. They went out on a limb. They made a commitment before the start of training camp. Gasp! Will wonders ever cease? Based on the the decisions made in the past two seasons, to build from within (not overspending on underachieving free agents and being patient with the rebuilding process), Sather and Dolan are finally seeing the light and getting things right.

So here’s to Captain Callahan. Ryan, may you follow in the footsteps of great Ranger Captains of the Past, Bill Cook, Vic Hadfield, Dave Maloney, Barry Beck and oh yeah, that bald guy who captained the Rangers to the Stanley Cup, Mark Messier, to name a few.

Captain Ryan Callahan, the Garden Faithful’s choice. See, sometimes the suits do listen.

Posted under New York Rangers

To the families, friends and fans of all the souls who perished on the Yaroslavl Lokomotiv team, may God give them strength. My thoughts and prayers are with them all.

May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed
through the mercy of God
Rest in Peace
Amen

Posted under New York Rangers