Craig Warga/New York Daily News
Mike Holt, the official Stanley Cup handler, brings hockey’s top prize to Times Square Wednesday.
Do not expect to hear much from Brad Richards during the Rangers' Stanley Cup playoff run - at least on Twitter. The Blueshirts' center and several teammates signed off their Twitter accounts Tuesday evening saying they would not be tweeting during the playoffs.
"Gonna tak e a break from Tweeting during playoffs. Hopefully it will be a long break! Can't wit to start!" said Richards, who is @Brichards_1991 on Twitter.
While Rangers coach John Tortorella would not confirm it was a team-mandated Twitter blackout on the eve of their opening-round series against the Ottawa Senators, there was certainly a concerted effort. Within hours on Tuesday night a number of Rangers were signing off and telling their followers it was to focus on the playoffs.
Goalie Henrik Lundqvist, defenseman Michael Del Zotto and forwards Marian Gaborik, Brandon Dubinsky and Carl Hagelin had all signed off on their Twitter accounts.
@HLundqvist30: Hey guys! No twitter during playoffs. Keep voting for the NHL13COVER. http://NHL.com/CoverVote Thanks for all the support! You guys are great!
@MichaelDelZoto: Focussing on playoffs and our team goals. Taking a twitter break. Always appreciate the support from blueshirt fans! therightway
@Mg aborik10: Twitter off for playoffs! Wish us luck. Ttyl therealseasonbegins
@Bdubi17: Alright signing off of twitter for the Playoffs. Thanks for all your support this season. I hope the next tweet will be holding the Cup!
@CarlHagelin: See you later twitter! playoffs
Other Rangers on Twitter, like Mike Rupp, have just maintained radio silence.
The team focus on turning off Twitter is kind of ironic, because for the last two weeks, the Rangers and Tortorella have boasted about how well they have handled distractions this season.
"From going to Europe, to the Winter Classic, to having the HBO cameras around," Tortorella said. "They have been able to put it aside and focus."
Who knew 140-characters or less could be more distracting than having cameras film your every move?
0 comments on Rangers go Twitter silent before playoffs :
Post a Comment