Jabroni of the Week: Zdeno Chara

The Rangers have had more up-and-downs this season than the Great American Scream Machine. They'll beat a team 7-0 and then get shut out. After winning six out of seven games to seemingly seal up their spot in the playoffs, they faltered a bit losing two of three. That combined with hot play by Buffalo and Carolina put them on the brink of missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

With the first place Boston Bruins in town, a lot was on the line. The Blueshirts got off to a slow start (™2011 New York Rangers) and fell behind 3-0. That's when the magic started happening. Vinny Prospal scored twice to close to within a goal. Then with less than four minutes left, Ryan Callahan made a spectacular no-look pass to Brandon Dubinsky, who scored a pretty backhand goal. Michael Sauer followed it up with another tally a minute later and the Rangers had their playoff dreams back in hand.

The Bruins were frantically trying to tie the game up when giant freak Zdeno Chara took a slap shot that was blocked by Ryan Callahan. The Rangers' entire season has been based around grittiness and doing whatever it takes to win. No one epitomized this more than Ryan Callahan. He's been the heart and soul of this team and he's a really talented young player. When Chara's shot broke Callahan's ankle, that's what made it more disheartening.

Zdeno, baby, we beat you guys but now our leader is out for the foreseeable future. The Rangers followed up their incredible victory with a flat 3-0 loss to Atlanta and now need help to make the playoffs. This is all your fault. We know you have the most powerful shot ever and you already broke that kid's neck up in Montreal. Please stop injuring players. You're 6'10". You shouldn't be playing hockey. Why didn't you learn how to shoot hoops when you were a kid? You could have been the next Arvydas Sabonis. Hit the hardwood, kid. Until then, you're a jabroni, brother.