No Kaleta Means No Payback Tonight
Tonight will be the first time the Rangers and Sabres meet since this...
So when Marc Staal says this about the Patrick Kaleta hit...
“It (ticks) you off, it gets you angry. It’s a cheap hit. The biggest thing is you do want to hurt them, you want to make them feel that. We were able to get two, but it doesn’t do that kind of hit any justice.”
...you have to assume it's on like Donkey Kong tonight. Right? Wrong. In case you've forgotten Kaleta was suspended five games for the disgusting board of Brad Richards and tonight is the fourth game of that suspension. So any retribution the Rangers and their fans might have had in mind will have to wait until the two teams meet for the final time on April 19th.
...with Kaleta out of the line-up, I really don't see the Rangers seeking payback on any of his teammates tonight. I mean, it's not Vanek's fault that Kaleta's a douche bag.
Since the Kaleta hit, the Rangers are 4-1-0 and Richards has a goal in both games since returning to the line-up after missing two contests due to the affects from the crosscheck from behind.
...not sure why I'm even talking about retaliation on Kaleta, the Rangers should be thanking him as the hit really seemed to bring the team closer as they rallied around their fallen alternate captain. I've seen more passion and heart from this team in the last five games than I had in the previous 19.
...and apparently near paralysis is what Richards needed to snap out of his slump as he looks like a different player since his return to the line-up. While I am joking, maybe the time off did Richards some good as he was able to evaluate his game and make the proper adjustments. A couple of games off could be what the doctor ordered for Gaborik as well.
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@ShreddyMercury sounds good to me, maybe add a Gabby hat to the mix. With Miller out it could happen
I dont necessarily want "pay back" but I do think the Rangers will be extra physical tonight in Buffalo. I wouldn't be surprised to see some after the whistle stuff early and often tonight.
Yeah Kaleta's an asshole but lets get past this now and just play good hockey - the best revenge for tonight is a W. In April when the 2 teams next meet I'd rather see them ignore that POS than retaliate, but this is Hockey so I guess you have to send a message
who says Kevin has grammar problems? You speak your mind, like your loungin' around in a conversation with all of us, I enjoy reading your thoughts.
It's nice to think of the Kaleta hit as a catalyst for Richards breaking out, but if I remember correctly, it was right around the 20th game last year when he started racking up points. Just because it's a shortened season doesn't mean creatures of habit adjust any faster. I think this is just Brad being Brad.
@TheNYRBlog I love this line, it made me chuckle (cuz its true)-"apparently near paralysis is what Richards needed to snap out of his slump"
@TheNYRBlog Don't anyone dare touch Vanek! He is Austrian born in Graz like I was & one of the best NHL players Would be a shame to hurt him
@TheNYRBlog Especially since his teammates didn't defend the hit...sounded like they did exact opposite actually.
@BlkNBlueShirts @TheNYRBlog Actually, Kaleta skated right to the box with a zebra in tow, another zebra was holding Boyle back.
2 Like
"I mean, it's not Vanek's fault that Kaleta's a douche bag."
Honesty. That's one of the reasons why I frequent this blog.
@KevinDeLury @Beckfan5 -- I thank you both, it's been a pleasure to read this exchange, hahaha
