The Curious Case of Paul Ranger

It’s just instinct.  It’s easy to say “I need to do this”, but when you’re actually out there, you’re usually just reacting.  I never played the game at a very high level, but I know I could never just change my instincts, even if it was in my own best interest. 

Good question, has anyone replied to you?

If Disclaimer of Interest isn’t merely a negotiating ploy, then why is it even being suggested by the executive of the NHLPA?  

If I were a judge I could see granting it only on the basis of some sort of non-association order that Fehr could have no further contact with the Union.  Either you’re disinterested or stay the fuck away from those that are interested.

AAAHHHH damn it.  I got tricked. I thought the game was on tonight.  Now, no Knights or Marlies on TV tonight.

Need 5 more for the Rangers record?

Thanks man, I guess its chick flick with the wife again…..I guess it does have its perks lol

It is certainly true that our D does not need a Mike Komisarek type. And as you put it “a clear the front of the net guy” is not what I’m talking about either although it would be good to play better in front of our net. But hockey is a physical game and you need to have necessary size and toughness to win when it matters. If you can’t see that then there is nothing I can say here to convince you otherwise. The last few cup winners and contenders did so with talent and physicality. LA, Boston, Chicago (when they won) have all been very physical teams with key players like Brown, Chara, Lucic, Byflugen etc playing a huge role. The Leafs have major short comings in the physical aspect of the game. If they don’t address it somewhere we will see more games like when we played Boston last year.
I am guessing you are young and maybe haven’t watched hockey for very long…I can assure you that it is very rare for a team to win the cup if they are not one of the toughest teams in the league.

jp arencibia ‏@jparencibia9
Just involved in a huge trade… Traded 4 blue M&M’s and a color to be named, for a Purple G2 Gatorade and cash for a snicker bar!#Rumors

Ricky Romero ‏@RickyRo24
@JoeyBats19 @jparencibia9 Damn son get over the trade rumors. We already know u ain’t going anywhere ur #TheUntouchable Haha.

morgan rielly ‏@mriles4
Off to Europe. See ya later Canada. #goingforgold

Detroit has won it more than anyone over the last 20 years with little if any toughness.  Pittsburgh won with skill….and Orpik.  Chicago won with skill.  Toughness did matter in one series, but they really only had 1 significant player who played that way (and an effective 4th line of goons) – so in my mind, it is a gross exaggeration to attribute Chi-Town’s revival with toughness.  I don’t know who really had it on NJ this year outside of Clarkson and Salvador.  It’s certainly not like they had a ton of toughness.  It’s not hard to imagine Burke adding 1 or 2 guys over the next couple years – you don’t need 12 of them.  In fact, NJ even admitted to trying to avoid toughness altogether and turn their backs on ‘tough’ players as to draw penalties.  And like I said, LA had toughness in the forward group, but not really on the back end.  
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This whole thing is just being blown right out of proportion because of the success Boston had, and the subsequent trouncing they gave us last year.  

Don’t get me wrong, I’d like to add a tough defender, and more toughness to the forwards.  I’m not saying we need all skill and all finesse.  I just think the fan base has become completely obsessed with toughness, and may be making some unrealistic demands based on that obsession.