While You Were BBQing

Here's some of the Ranger related items you may have missed this Memorial Day weekend...

Mark Messier is the Knicks secret weapon for recruiting LeBron James. (Newsday)

Mats Zuccarello Aasen makes Mike Comrie look like Dustin Penner. (Edmonton Journal)

Rangers may be looking to draft Jeff Beukeboom's son Brock. (Edmonton Journal)

Modified "Betts Watch": 1g and the Flyers lost 6-5. Can't beat that for Rangers fans. (ESPN)

Aaron Voros has been tweeting all weekend long from the Hamptons and offers this pic of Henrik Lundqvist watching a three-year-old wash his car...

Enjoy the Weekend

Updates will be scarce at best this Memorial Day weekend so I'll leave you with this pic of Lundqvist hangin' in the Hamptons which was tweeted by Voros...

http://tweetphoto.com/24381870 Henrik asks if any of u r in the Hampton's this weekend to give him a call @ (cont) http://tl.gd/1hr690less than a minute ago via UberTwitterAaron Voros
Voros34

Rangers Could Get Cap Wiggle Room

From Steve Zipay...

If NHLPA takes five percent escalator, salary cap would rise by $2 million, but that is preliminaryless than a minute ago via webSteve Zipay
stevezipay

...with how cap strapped the Rangers are this would be a huge gift from Bettman.

Messier Speechless

Pretty cool NHL Stanely Cup commercial...

TSN Live Blogging NHL Draft Combine

If anyone is interested TSN is live blogging from the NHL Draft combine. To check it out click here.

Like Father, Like Son?

In day two of newyorkrangers.com's '20 Prospects in 20 Days' they take a look at prospect Ryan Bourque son of NHL legend Ray Bourque.

Gordie Clark, Rangers' Director, Player Personnel, says...

"He's capable of scoring and capable of making a play, but he's also very capable of making sure the other team doesn't score...He's out there in the last two minutes if you're down a goal or if your up a goal."

...in his first year in the Rangers organization Bourque showed he could be a top prospect down the road. However, a couple of concussions this season is cause for concern.

Winter Classic Location to Be Announced Tomorrow (Updated)

Update, 6:09 p.m.:
TSN reports the Pittsburgh Penguins will host the Washington Capitals at Heinz Field for the 2011 Winter Classic, while the Montreal Canadiens will travel to Calgary sometime in February to face the Flames at McMahon Stadium.

...hey at least we got the Super Bowl.

Original Post:
A reader just informed me that today on WFAN's Mike Francesa Radio Show, Gary Bettman said the NHL will announce the location of the 2011 Winter Classic tomorrow.

WFAN hasn't uploaded the interview yet. Once they do I'll link to it.

Citi Field has been rumored to be in the running.

...man I'm praying for Citi Field.

New Location for MSG Being Revived

Charles Bagli at the New York Times reports that developer Steven Roth is quietly trying to revive a plan to move Madison Square Garden one block west of its current home atop Pennsylvania Station just as the arena is beginning a major $850 million renovation...

"According to these officials, the developer’s pitch to Mr. Dolan and Mr. Ratner went something like this: The renovation of the 42-year-old arena could be more expensive and more disruptive for the Knicks, the Rangers and the Liberty than anticipated. And in the end, the site would still be inferior to the new arena for the Nets that is under construction in Brooklyn."

Barry Watkins, a spokesman for the Garden, said..

“The process to transform M.S.G. is well under way, and any other option that may or may not be available is not being considered, period.”

...if this guy Roth is pitching that the Dolans could save money with the move you know this idea isn't DOA.

...in my opinion, I don't care where the Garden is as long as it has all the bells and whistles that every modern stadium has.

Niemi Couldn't Be Happier to Be a Ranger

Dan David at newyorkrangers.com talks with one of the newest Rangers defenseman Jyri Niemi about being traded to the Blueshirts from the Islanders...

"This has been a great day for me," Niemi said in a phone interview from Finland on Tuesday night. "This is something that I've been looking forward to for years -- to get a chance to be part of an NHL organization, and I couldn't be more happy right now. I'm just looking forward to joining the team and meeting all the guys."

...Islanders have said Niemi is not an NHL prospect. Which pretty much guarentees this kid is the next Brian Leetch.

Lundy/Voros Switching Positions Next Season

Jim Cerny of newyorkrangers.com tweets this photo of Aaron Voros and Henrik Lundqvist switching equipment...

...that is a scary thought.

Baldwin's An All-Around D-man

In day one of newyorkrangers.com's '20 Prospects in 20 Days' series they take a look at Hartford Wolfpack's towering defenseman Lee Baldwin...

Gordie Clark, the Rangers' Director, Player Personnel says...

"He's an all-around defenseman. He's got the size and he's got the mobility. He's a good puck-mover, and while he may not be a No. 1 power-play guy, he can move it and he can bang it on the net. He can also pop you with a hit."

...a big physical defenseman? What's that?

Poll: How Many Goals for MZA?

With the signing of Mats Zuccarello Aason, I've got to ask the question: How many goals are you expecting from The Frodo from Modo next season? 1-5? 6-10? 11-15? 16-20? 21-25? 26-30? 31-35? 36+?

Assuming he makes the Rangers out of camp. Poll is to the right.

Matteau, Matteau, Matteau!!!

16 years ago tonight...



...i was at a party at my friend's house senior year of high school when Matteau entered his name into Ranger lore. We went freakin' nuts.

...where were you?

Rangers Promised MZA Spot on Top Line With Gaborik

David Jigland at allehanda.se reports that Detroit Red Wings Director of European Scouting Hakan Andersson says the reason the Rangers were able to sign Mats Zuccarella Aason was a promise that he'd play on a line with Marian Gaborik...

"I was hoping he would sign for us but from what I understand he is ready for the New York Rangers. I do not know what it fell on but I know he has good contact with the (New York Rangers scout) Anders Hedberg past and the promise that maybe he would play in the first chain with Marian Gaborik."

...not sure how true this report is but i love the business tactics by the Rangers. Do whatever you need to close the deal. Now that's he's signed, Torts will tell him where to play and he'll have no choice but to be happy.

Ask Zuccarella Aason A Question

Update, 10:30 p.m.:
After submitting my question to Zuccarella Aason a confirmation page came up saying...

Thanks for your question!

We can't promise that your question for Chris Drury, Donald Brashear, Marian Gaborik, Christopher Higgins or Ales Kotalik will be used, since time permits only a small percentage to be asked, but we appreciate your participation.

Thanks again, and "Let's Go Rangers!

...how about updating that guys?

Original Post:
Newyorkrangers.com is giving Ranger fans the opportunity to ask the newest Ranger Mats Zuccarella Aason a question.

A select group of the questions will be passed on to Zuccarello Aasen, and his responses will appear on newyorkrangers.com.

...Here's my question: What do you think will be the biggest adjustment you have to make playing in the NHL?

Zuccarello Aason Plans on Making the Team

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes was able to speak with the newest Ranger Mats Zuccarello Aason after he signed with the Rangers today...

“It just seems like the best opportunity for me,” Zuccarello Aasen told Newsday. “The Rangers told me I would have a good chance to make the team and that’s what I plan to do. I’m going back to Sweden to train with MoDo (his Elite League team) and then come to New York for camp.”

...i like the confidence. The Rangers are going to give him every chance to make the team out of camp. It's going to be up to him to take advantage of the opportunity.

20 Prospects in 20 Days

Beginning tomorrow, and running for the next four weeks leading up to the June 25-26 NHL Entry Draft at Los Angeles, newyorkrangers.com will run a comprehensive look at the highly regarded, Rangers developmental pipeline with an exclusive series titled "20 Prospects in 20 Days".

...great feature. Looking forward to this.

Rangers Predict Future with New MSG Renderings

Melt Your Face Off takes a humerous look at the renderings of the new MSG...

Let's start with the score.

In 2013, the Rangers will be leading the Sabres 4-3 at the end of the second period. This means the following:

• Ryan Miller has been traded, probably to Dallas. Even though he's currently signed through 2014, the 6.25 million cap hit proved to be too much for Buffalo. Otherwise, there is NO way the Blueshirts amass 4 tallies on the American netminder on only 26 shots.
  
  
• Marian Gaborik hasn't died in a freak accident yet. I don't care what shades you wear, the future isn't bright enough to think that Artem Anisimov is doing the heavy lifting.

MYFO also looks at the Rangers personnel, the economy and other renderings.

...very funny stuff.

...h/t to Puck Daddy.

Rangers Sign Zuccarello Aason (Updated)

Update, 1:15 p.m.:
Zuccarello Aason on playing in the NHL per newyorkrangers.com...

"It's a big step up for me, because the level is much higher than what I'm used to," Zuccarello Aasen said of transitioning to a new style of hockey. "Of course, I'm going to need some time to get used to the smaller ice rink and everything around me and how the team plays, but I'm confident that I'm going to be able to do that as quickly as possible."

...while I've been down on the Hobbit, there's no denying the excitement generated by the move. It's nice to post on some meaningful Rangers news again.

The above link also has quotes from former Rangers Niklas Sundstrom and Markus Naslund.

Update, 12:56 p.m.:
Don't forget about Steve Zipay live chat at 1pm. Should be a lot of Hobbit talk. To participate click here.

Update, 12:44 p.m.:
Jim Cerny at newyorkrangers.com tweets that Zuccarello Aason has been coined "The Norwegian Hobbit".

...you think he'll be insulted?

Update, 12:41 p.m.:
This weekend Lary Brooks at the New York Post said the terms are a two-year deal believed worth the Entry Level base cap of $900,000.

Update, 12:35 p.m.:
Here is the official release per newyorkrangers.com.

Update, 12:30 p.m.:
Here's some video on Zuccarello Aason...



...still have my reservations, but there's no denying the talent is there.

Original Post:
New York Rangers tweet...

#NYR sign free agent Mats Zuccarello Aasen; Mats, 22, was Swedish Elite League's top scorer and MVP with 64 points in 55 games this year

...ok Mats prove me wrong.

Rangers Set to Make Another Personnel Announcement Today

Update, 11:22 a.m.:
While I'd love for it to be Redden, I'm assuming this is the signing of my favorite Norwegian Mats Zuccarello-Aasen.

Original Post:
Jim Cerny of newyorkrangers.com sends out this tweet...

#Rangers set to make another announcement today regarding player personnel move; #NYR acquired D Jyri Niemi from Isles yesterdayless than a minute ago via webJim Cerny
JimCerny

Newyorkrangers.com also sent out a tweet.

...please be Redden, please be Redden.

Zipay Live Chat @ 1pm

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes will host another live web chat today at 1pm. To participate click here.

Now Heikkinen Signs with Siber Novosibirsk

Yesterday Blueshirt Bulletin tweeted that Ikka Heikkinen signed with Avangard Omsk, however today, Laurie Carr at Beyond the Blueshirts reports that Heikkinen has actually signed with the KHL's Siber Novosibirsk.

Here is Heikkinen in an interview Carr was able to obtain...

Ilkka, how did the choice of continuing your career with Sibir come about?

- I had before me the choice of playing in the NHL or KHL, but the Rangers only offered me a two-way contract, which means they can send me to play in the AHL at any moment. I decided that the KHL is the best league for me, and Sibir offered the best terms from the KHL.

...with Carr's extensive knowledge of the KHL I'm going to go with her report.

Rangers Get Niemi from Islanders

Update, 4:50 p.m.:
Here is a scouting profile video on Niemi...



Original Post:
Newyorkrangers.com reports that the Rangers have acquired defenseman Jyri Niemi from the New York Islanders in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Niemi, 19, skated in 50 games with the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League (WHL) this past season, registering eight goals and 21 assists for 29 points, along with 67 penalty minutes and a plus-nine rating.

Internationally, Niemi has represented his native country in several international tournaments, most recently serving as Captain for Finland at the 2010 U-20 World Junior Championship. He finished the tournament tied for second among all defensemen and ranked second among Finnish skaters in goals (three), and tied for third on the team in points (five).

The Rangers and Islanders last completed a trade on Nov. 14, 1972, when the Rangers sent right wing Ron Stewart to the Islanders in exchange for cash.

...assuming Niemi makes up for the Rangers losing Heikkinen to the KHL.

Lundy, Avery & Voros @ Pearl Jam Concert

Photo from Friday's Pearl Jam concert at MSG via Aaron Voros' Twitter account...

...i've seen Pearl Jam at the Garden and they were unreal.

Heikkinen Didn't Like Two Way Deal (Updated)

Update, 3:40 p.m.:
The Blueshirt Bulletin tweets that Heikkinen signed with Avangard Omsk this week.

Original Post:
Dmitry Chesnokov of Puck Daddy sends this tweet along regarding former Ranger prospect Ilkka Heikkinen's reason for bolting for the KHL...

Ilkka Heikkinen (who agreed to a contract w/#NYR in '09) said he moved to KHL bc he didn't like having a 2way deal in the NHL.less than a minute ago via Twitter for BlackBerry®Dmitry Chesnokov
dchesnokov

...i understand it's probably not fun being shipped to and from Hartford but it's got to be a heck of a lot better than traveling across Siberia.

Messier Not Being Blamed for Canada's Failure

Chris Johnston at the Canadien Press reports Hockey Canada president Bob Nicholson is not blaming GM Mark Messier for Canada's disappointing seventh place finish at the World Hockey Championship.

"I thought he put everything into this," Nicholson said Saturday after a meeting with the IIHF Congress. "I certainly haven't sat down and had a debrief with Mark, it's not the time to do that (yet). I'm sure he'll be the first to say that he learned a lot. I was really happy with how engaged he was and I felt disappointment for him -- I know how emotional he was when we lost.

"That's why you like having Mark Messier."

...i obviously could care less how Canada did in the Worlds. This was a great learning experience for Messier and can only benefit him and hopefully the Rangers organization down the road.

Further Proof Sather Must Go

Adam Gretz at Fanhouse disagrees that a team can't commit large chunks of money to a few players and still build a competitive team in the salary cap era by stating 11 of the 16 playoff teams had at least 45% of their salary cap commitments tied up in their top-five players.

Unfortunately, the Rangers, who are tied for tops in the league with 58% in their top-five players, are the anomaly...

"The top six includes three of this year's final four (San Jose, Philadelphia and Montreal), as well as the two teams (Pittsburgh and Detroit) that played in the previous two Stanley Cup Final. The New York Rangers, a team that's made some questionable -- and bizarre -- investments the past couple of years, are obviously the outlier of the group."

...if this article isn't example #1 as to why Sather should be fired I don't know what is.

Stanley Cup Finals Schedule

Game 1 Saturday, May 29 at Chicago 8 p.m. ET NBC, CBC

Game 2 Monday, May 31 at Chicago 8 p.m. ET NBC, CBC

Game 3 Wednesday, June 2 at Philadelphia 8 p.m. ET VERSUS, CBC, RDS

Game 4 Friday, June 4 at Philadelphia 8 p.m. ET VERSUS, CBC, RDS

*Game 5 Sunday, June 6 at Chicago 8 p.m. ET NBC, CBC, RDS

*Game 6 Wednesday, June 9 at Philadelphia 8 p.m. ET NBC, CBC, RDS

*Game 7 Friday, June 11 at Chicago 8 p.m. ET NBC, CBC, RDS

*if necessary

The End of Moore Watch

Dominic Moore and the Montreal Canadiens were eliminated from the 2010 playoffs last night with their 4-2 loss to the Flyers. The Flyers advance to the Stanley Cup Finals to face the Chicago Blackhawks.

Moore was held pointless last night, was a -1 and 4-for-7 on faceoffs.

Moore ended the playoffs with 4g, 1a and a +1.

With Moore now out of the playoffs and me wanting to stay dialed into the Stanley Cup Finals, I am now going with the Blair Betts Watch. He's the only former Ranger left (other than Ian Laperriere but he doesn't count).

We'll Win Tonight

16 years ago tonight, Mark Messier made good on his Game 6 guarantee by scoring a hat trick to force a Game 7 against the Devils which eventually led to the Rangers first Stanley Cup in 54 years.

Here it is in all its glory...

...i still get chills watching this. Man I wish the Rangers were good again. Makes me that much more angry with what we have to deal with right now as Ranger fans.

Zuccarello-Aasen Didn't Disappoint Ranger Scouts

In an interview with Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants, Jim Schoenfeld talks about scouting Norwegian phenom and soon to be Ranger Mats Zuccarello-Aasen during his recent trip to Europe for the World Championships...

“I wanted to get a good look at him,” Schoenfeld said. “He didn’t disappoint.”

...i just hope he doesn't disappoint on Broadway.

Schoenfeld also discusses John Tortorella and why a team shouldn't comment on their plans.

No Ticket Increase for Season Ticket Holders

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that according to an e-mail he received from a season ticket owner the Rangers have held the line on season tickets this season.

However, half-plan pricing and 11-packs are several bucks per ticket higher and individual game tickets $20 higher.

...a nice little reprieve, but the Dolans will get everyone back once the Rangers get back into the playoffs.

$1M for New MSG Suites, Who's In?

In a story on the new MSG renovations, Jeremy Olshan at the New York Post reports that the new courtside suites are selling for $1 million.

Prices have not been set for sky bridges.

...maybe we should all pool our money together and purchase one of these bad boys.

MSG Vault Looks at Giacomin, Messier Returns

Newyorkrangers.com reports that MSG's original series “MSG Vault,” hosted by Al Trautwig, returns to the network’s summer programming slate with seven new episodes, starting tonight at 8 p.m.

The Rangers will be featured in tonight's first episode, which will look back at goaltender Eddie Giacomin's Nov. 2, 1975, return to The Garden after being claimed off waivers by Detroit as well as Mark Messier's return with Vancouver on Nov. 25, 1997.

Tonight's special guests and interview subjects include Brian Leetch, Rod Gilbert and Stan Fischler.

Drury's Late Goal Against Devils Wins Play of the Year

Newyorkrangers.com reports Chris Drury's goal with 16.8 seconds remaining that forced overtime on March 25 at the Prudential Center in Newark is the newyorkrangers.com 2009-10 Moment of the Season.



...everyone has to click on the link above to check out the quotes from fans talking about how this goal epitomized the resiliency of the team and how Drury is so clutch. Umm, the Rangers missed the playoffs and Drury hasn't been clutch since he broke Ranger fans hearts in the 2007 Eastern Conference Semis while with Buffalo.

Anisimov Hurts Hand in Worlds Final

Laurie Carr at Beyond the Blueshirts reports that Russian head coach Viatcheslav Bykov revealed that Artem Anisimov was unable to finish Sunday’s gold medal game at the 2010 IIHF World Championship in Germany due to a hand injury suffered in the first period.

Anisimov received pain-killing injections between periods but still wasn’t able to hold a stick. He played only two shifts in the second period before sitting out the third.

...luckily its May and there should be plenty of time for this injury to heal. One of the problems of having your players in the Worlds.

Del Zotto Interview

Laurie Carr at Beyond the Blueshirts has as an Italian interview with Michael Del Zotto. Here is an excerpt...

Q: What’s your favorite NHL team, counting the Rangers out?

Del Zotto: “As I grow up in Toronto, I was a Maple Leafs fan, but many things changed now.”

...not a very ground breaking interview.

Rozsival, Czech Republic Win Gold

Newyorkrangers.com reports that Michal Rozsival earned his first IIHF World Championship gold medal tonight, as the Czech Republic upset Russia 2-1 in the 2010 title game at Cologne, Germany.

"No Czech forward or defenseman saw more action in the tournament than Rozsival, who continued to be a constant presence with 20:30 of ice time in the gold-medal game."

Artem Anisimov will come back to New York with a silver medal.

...first off congrats to Rozsival. It is very encouraging to see him play so well in this tournament. Before the Worlds started I was excited for all the Rangers young players to gain much needed experience, however, in the end it looks like the veteran Rozsival may have benefited the most. Would love to see him come to camp with a renewed sense of confidence. The only negative was his lack of offense. But that's just me being greedy.

...also very excited about Anisimov's tournament performance as well. From what I read and witnessed he seemed a lot more sure of himself and his ability.

Rangers Dropping Wolfpack

Matthew Coller at The Biz of Hockey reports that the Rangers will likely change their AHL affiliation from the Hartford Wolfpack to the Rochester Americans beginning in the 2011-’12 season...

"...the Rangers, who reside approximately six hours from Rochester, are unhappy with their relationship with the Wolfpack and are very interested in becoming the parent club of the Americans."

...not sure how this whole transfer works. Are they moving everyone from Hartford to Rochester except for ownership? But according to Wikipedia, MSG owns the Wolfpack. Then if ownership also stays the only thing that changes is location. How does that change the relationship with the team? Very confused.

...if someone can explain this to me I'd appreciate it.

...h/t to reader Mike for the link.

Zuccarella-Aason, McDonough & Christensen

Larry Brooks at the New York Post reports that the Rangers will announce the signing of free agent Mats Zuccarello-Aasen this week following the conclusion of the World Championship tournament.

The contract is a two-year deal believed worth the Entry Level base cap of $900,000. It's unknown whether it includes bonuses.

...you guys obviously know how I feel about this guy, but at $900,000 definitely worth a shot for a team that lacks offensive fire power.

Brooks also reports that the Blueshirts have initiated contact and discussions with prospect defenseman Ryan McDonough's family advisers that will continue this week.

A few weeks ago Brooks reported that if McDonagh does not sign with the Blueshirts this summer, he will not sign with them at all.

...this kid is supposed to be the real deal and I'd hate to see the Rangers lose him. Especially with Sanguinetti showing that he may not be an NHL player and Heikkinen headed to Russia.

Finally, Brooks says that the Rangers also are expected to begin talks this week with the representatives for Erik Christensen, who apparentky played the final two games of the season with a separated shoulder.

...would love to see the Rangers re-sign Christensen. A play-making center who has chemistry with the Blueshirts top player. As always, I'd have to see numbers but two years, $3.5 million ($1.75 million per) would sound good to me.

Moore Watch

Dominic Moore and the Montreal Canadiens were shutout for the third time in the Eastern Conference Finals as they lost to the Flyers 3-0 last night to go down 3-1 in their best-of-seven series.

Moore was a -1 and 2-for-8 on faceoffs.

Getting to Know Tikkanen

In his "Getting to Know" feature at The Hockey News, Mark Malinowski takes a look at former Ranger Esa Tikkanen. Here's excerpt...

Funniest Players Encountered: "Mike Richter, Tony Amonte. Mike Richter is funny and a good friend, too. When I first came to New York he loaned me his car. He was a great help."

...if you don't know Tikkanen you're not a hockey fan. Huge fan favorite during his time with the Rangers. Lots of big goals.

A Ranger Will Bring Home the Gold

Newyorkrangers.com reports Michal Rozsival will be going up against Artem Anisimov in the Gold Medal game on Sunday at the IIHF World Championship tournament in Cologne, Germany.

Rozsival and the Czech Republic upset Sweden with a 3-2 comeback shootout victory in Saturday's first semifinal. Anisimov and his Russian teammates then held off host Germany 2-1 in the second semifinal.

...nice to see at least two Blueshirts are going to win something this year.

Former Ranger Hardy Arrested

The New York Post reports that former Rangers defenseman Mark Hardy, who is now an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Kings, was arrested this morning in Washington, D.C., for allegedly sexually abusing his 21-year-old daughter, according to reports.

...if this is true, very sad for everyone involved.

Last July, another former Ranger Chris Nilan was arrested on a charge of stealing a bathing suit from a Lord & Taylor store.

Moore Watch

Dominic Moore once again came up big in a pressure situation as he scored a goal and an assist in a must win for the Canadiens as they defeated the Flyers 5-2 last night in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Flyers lead the series 2-1.

Moore had scored a goal in each of the Game 7s played by the Canadiens in the playoffs this year.

Moore was also a +2 and 1-for-4 on faceoffs.

Moore was named last night's 1st star by Puck Daddy.

And the Rangers Best Prospect Is...Ethan Werek?

At least that's what Rangers prospect guru Jess Rubenstein at The Prospect Park says in his latest blog post...

"We like following Werek for a very simple reason; he is going to be a star for the Rangers if he can remain healthy. He may not be as fast as Kreider, not as good a passer as Stepan or as heavy a hitter as McDonagh is but what he might wind up turning out to be is the best overall prospect the Rangers have."

Rubestein adds that Werek has the size of a power forward (6'2 200+) but the hands of a skilled smaller player.

...i am far from being a prospect expert so I'll take Jess' word on this.

...hey, who wouldn't be excited about a big, power forward who can score?

Anisimov Moves on as Staal, Del Zotto & Johnson Head Home

Newyorkrangers.com reports that Team Russia will move on to the medal round as they defeated Canada 5-2 in a World Hockey Championship quarterfinal.

Artem Anisimov was on the ice for the first Russia goal and ended the night with two shots on gaol in 10:34 of action. For Team Canada, Marc Staal was a -2 while Michael Del Zotto was a healthy scratch for the second straight game and Chad Johnson again served as Chris Mason's back-up.

...tough start to Messier's GM career as Team Canada missed out on the Worlds medal round for the first time since 2002. Not his fault as many veterans are either still in the playoffs or chose not to play. Or maybe that is his fault. Isn't he supposed to get the top guys to play? If he can't get guys to play for their country how is he going to convince them to play for the Rangers if he eventually becomes GM?

Watch Canada/Russia Worlds Quarters

To watch Marc Staal, Michael Del Zotto, Chad Johnson and Team Canada take on Artem Anisimov in a World Hockey Championship quarterfinal click here. Currently, Russia leads Canada 2-0 in the second period.

Earlier today, Michal Rozsival and the Czech Republic reached the medal round by defeating Finland 2-1 in a shootout.

Rangers Can't Dump Redden's Salary Until Preseason

In the response section of a blog post at the Rangers Report today, Rick Carpiniello informs Rangers fans that Wade Redden cannot be waived or sent down to Hartford until the preseason meaning they won't be able to open up cap space to make a big splash this off-season.

From the research I've done this has to do with terms under the collective bargaining agreement.

...just when you think it can't get any worse with this guy you find out the Rangers can't even dump his salary when it would be beneficial to them.

Moore Watch

Dominick Moore and the Montreal Canadiens came up empty for the second straight game as they lost to the Flyers 3-0 last night giving Philadelphia a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Moore had one shot on goal and was 2-for-7 on faceoffs.

Rozsival Sets Up Game Winner Against Canada

Newyorkrangers.com reports that Michal Rozsival had the primary assist on the eventual game winner as the Czech Republic defeated Canada 3-2 today.

Both teams will advance to the quarterfinals.

Marc Staal finished with one shot on goal and an assist in 16:34 of ice time for Canada. Michael Del Zotto was a healthy scratch while Chad Johnson served as the backup to Chris Mason.

...from what I've been reading Rozsival has had a real solid Worlds so far. Would be awesome to see him have a comeback season next year.

Meanwhile, Artem Anisimov helped the Russians continue to roll with an assist in their 5-0 win against Finland to remain undefeated in the tournament.

Del Zotto Cheers from Press Box

Michael Del Zotto, who is a healthy scratch for Canada's qualification game against the Czech Republic, sent this tweet out...

Del Zotto scratched. Update from #DZ : Cheering the boys on from the stands tonight #DZless than a minute ago via TweetDeckOfficial NY Rangers
thenyrangers

...wonder what's going on there? Del Zotto hasn't played since he received stitches after a soccer accident. Concussion? Discipline?

Zipay Live Chat at 1pm

Steve Zipay will host a live webchat today at 1pm. To participate click here.

Team USA Ends Relegation Round 3-0

Newyorkrangers.com reports that Team USA defeated Italy in an eight-round overtime shootout 3-2 to ensure that Team USA will be back in the World Championships' elite division next year.

The U.S. squad needed to finish first or second in the four-team relegation round, and it ended up first overall with a perfect 3-0 record and eight of nine possible points, outscoring its opponents 16-2 in regulation.

Brandon Dubinsky, who had a goal and an assist in the game, ended the relegation round with 10 points in three games. Matt Gilroy had four points in the tournament while Chris Kreider ended with two.

...raise your hand if you're excited about Team USA going 3-0 in the relegation round? Anybody?

Michael Del Zotto, Marc Staal, Chad Johnson and Team Canada face Michal Rozsival and the Czechs in a qualification-round game today. Staal was likely to be the only Canadian Ranger in action, since Johnson is the backup goaltender and Del Zotto is a healthy scratch.

...first Del Zotto dresses but doesn't play, now he's a healthy scratch. What's up with that?

While Artem Anisimov and Team Russia meet Finland on tonight in the final qualification-round game before the quarterfinals begin on Thursday.

Gaborik Website

Marian Gaborik has his own website filled with video, photos, news and a cool "Ask Gabby" section.

Check it all out here.

...Gaborik's got a long way to go before his website rivals Avery's but still pretty cool.

Backup Goalie Search Includes Budaj

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that the Rangers search for a back-up goaltender includes Peter Budaj, formerly of Colorado, who made $1.25 mil last season.

Budaj was 5-5-2 with a 2.64 gaa, .917 save% and 1 shutout last season and for his career is 86-71-23, 2.71 gaa, .903 and 8 shutouts.

Martin Biron, Johan Hedberg and Patrick Lalime are also on the Rangers list.

...capable backup who couldn't hold on to the starter role in Colorado.

Del Zotto Sits in Canada Loss

Newyorkrangers.com reports that Michael Del Zotto dressed but did not see a second of ice time during Canada's 3-1 loss to Sweden in a qualification round game yesterday.

Marc Staal had a shot on goal in 15:04 of ice time, while Chad Johnson stopped all nine shots he faced in relief of started Chris Mason.

...wonder if Del Zotto being benched had to do with the stitches he received playing soccer.

TSN Looks at Rangers Off-Season Game Plan

TSN takes a look at what the Rangers need to do this off-season to bounce back...

"With a decent core of young talent, the Rangers will count on internal improvement as part of the reason that they could be better next season, but there will be a temptation for the Rangers to sign proven talent; it's what this franchise seems to do every summer."

...the Rangers no doubt need to bring in a sniper or top line center, but cap restraints are going force the Rangers to look within the organization for help.

Moore Watch

Dominic Moore and the Montreal Canadeins got off to a rough start in the Eastern Conference Finals as they were tattooed by the Flyers 6-0.

Moore was a -1 and 2-for-3 on faceoffs.