Blue Notes

On the Monday before a Super Bowl, at least the teams know who they're playing

The Rangers don't, and therefore can only practice---and wait---and strike the "it's all about us" chord, which is about all you can expect.

There's no real controversy on this team, and as Brendan Shanahan said, "There really wasn't a guy in this room that I can't think was not pivotal in that series against Atlanta."

Tonight's Game 5s (Devs-Lightning, Sabres-Isles) will focus the picture a bit. If Buffalo advances and the Devils win to take a 3-2 series edge, it seems more likely that the Rangers will travel to Buffalo next week. But the Devs series could go seven games, whch means that Round 2 would start Thursday. If Tampa wins, the possibility of Rangers-Senators becomes greater.

"We're trying to put some detail together about all of the possibilities, but we love it," said coach Tom Renney. "What else would you rather be doing? Our first couple practices will be as much about staying fit, and then, as we get a little closer to our opponent we'll get a little more precise."

Practice lasted about an hour---"It doesn't have to be long, but it has to be thorough", Renney said.
The team will skate again tomorrow and take Sunday off, before "sharpening our pencil" with specifics on Monday.

More later...