Hey guys, this is my second blog of the season, and right now i'm sitting here watching the Rays and Red Sox. Is it just me, or does everyone else want the Red Sox to just go away? And I hate to go on a baseball tangent on a hockey blog, but keep in mind I'm a baseball player haha. Here's how I see it: The Phillies suck; as a mets fan i hate them. and living in florida, I have to deal with a lot of Boston front runners A LOT (did anyone else notice how the red sox nation seemed to explode after they won in 2004? was there even a nation before 2004?). It's not that i hate the Red Sox, because what Mets fans and Red Sox fans have in common is a deep-seeded hate for the Yankees. I just want them to go away. In a perfect world for me, the Rays win tonight and then rape the Phillies of their dignity. Boy do I hate those Phils. Anyway, let's get hockey bloggin'!

First off, I'd just want to send out my condolences to the family and friends of Alexei "Siberian Express" Cherepanov. Rest in Peace big guy, you will always be remembered for being a big time player with big time heart and big time desire. He was someone that all hockey fans could appreciate, with talent that everyone could see and know was there. It's a shame to lose him, so soon, so young, as a player and a person. He'll always be in the hearts of Ranger fans everywhere, not only as a kid who had his life taken away by a twist of cruel fate, but also "what could have been". Just to clear things up, I'm not thinking selfishly about how he could have been one of our greatest players, I feel extremely badly for everyone close to him. We all know what it's like to lose a loved one. We are all part of a big Rangers family, and Monday we lost a loved one. RIP Cheri 1989-2008.

Now, we played 4 games this week I believe, 1 vs. Jersey, 1 vs. Buffalo, 1 vs. Toronto, and 1 vs. Detroit. Lundqvist looked great against jersey, not-so-good against Buffalo, was rested against Toronto (great job by Valli stepping in, I'll talk about that later) and Detroit it was tough to tell. Just about all 5 of Detroit's goals came from great puck movement and laser shots that were absolutely labeled. The play from the D-men against Detroit was sub-par, not too much noticeable physicality, hence 5 goals. A lot of Detroits forwards just walked right in and got some great opportunities, but I'm sure Renney noticed and gave the team a talk about what he saw and what needs to be improved, which is what all good coaches do. That was the only glaring weakness for us that I saw this week, and it only reared its ugly head for about 80 minutes and change (including the overtime against the wings and 3rd period against buffalo). Sometimes I tend to forget that this team only has 1 regulation loss all season! Ladies and Fellas, We are 6-1-1! That's absolutely incredible! Anyone not happy with this start is being unrealistic, no team will thrash everyone game in game out, no matter how skilled. I'm enjoying watching the Blueshirts play this season, new faces are fitting in and we're off to a hot start!

I'm gonna get a little more in depth here, let's start off with someone who is quickly becoming more and more prominent with Rangers fans and hockey folk alike. Let's talk about Mr. Stud Aaron Voros! 5 goals, 2 last night against Detroit. What was Minnesota thinking, letting this guy go? I mean I'm one to talk, as you know I hated this signing when it happened. But Voros just continues to impress, with his hustle, scoring touch, likability as a person in general. Listen to him in an interview; he doesn't forget where he came from. Anyone who doesn't like Voros doesn't respect hockey in general; this might be a stretch, but do I LOOOOOOOOOOVE big 34! For that matter, Drury, two weeks into the season, is still scoreless. No goals yet. I believe I talked to someone on the boards about this, that he is falling in love with his slapshot, as he often does when he goes into a scoring drought. But don't worry guys, he's the captain, and he'll get it going, probably as soon as tomorrow against Dallas. Also, HUGE UPS to Stephen Valliquette, 2 great starts in tight games. He's quickly developing a reputation as having a flair for the dramatic (as much as goalies can, that is). He might not be the most technically sound, or the most talent-blessed, but you have to agree about the fact that he saves them when they count. Maybe a new nickname coming for him, if we see the same Valli after a couple more starts. How does Mr. Big Save sound?

Finally, how about the road ahead? Tomorrow a good friend comes back and pays the Rangers a visit. Along with Dallas, We get to see the return of Sean Avery. Will you cheer or will you boo? I, for one, will cheer. Who could forget some of the best moments and antics of the past 1 and a half seasons provided by the charismatic winger? His battle with Martin Brodeur were hilarious, unless of course you're a devils fan, in which case, just leave right now haha. You just couldn't help but smile when he was out on or off the ice, him and his wacky antics. But the Dallas stars in general, a team still trying to find itself this season. They have the offense, it's just that Marty Turco has been absolutely awful in net, with a goals against average pushing 5, as of tonight (sunday the 19th). Stats should indicate that this win will come easy tomorrow, but stats mean nothing if you don't play the same game you've been playing all year. The Rangers need to come out tomorrow with an intensity that would match a Philadelphia game, or a New Jersey game. I think after that we have a layoff, and face Columbus on Friday? not sure when, but we do play columbus at some point after dallas this coming week.

Well, I'm just about out of thoughts, and it's Sunday night and I'm tired, so I'm gonna wrap up this blog, just as Dustin Pedroia takes second base on a 2 seamer in the dirt by Matt Garza. Go Rays! And Ray-ngers! haha. Hope you enjoyed my second blog (K by Garza to end the inning! :) ) and there will be more next week! For now, this is Drury's Number 1 fan, take care Ranger Nation! Also, be sure to comment and rate, as well as watching my Rangers videos and if you care to, comment and rate those as well. LETS GO RANGERS