The New York Rangers (24-14-3) host the Montreal Canadiens (22-10-6) tonight at MSG starting at 7:30 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.
For last minute news go to The Rangers Report or Blue Notes.
Probable Lines:
Naslund-Gomez-Callahan
Dawes-Drury-Prucha
Voros-Dubinsky-Zherdev
Sjostrom-Betts-Orr
Redden-Girardi
Staal-Rozsival
Kalinin-Mara
Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 20-11-3, 2.59 gaa, .911 sv%, 1 so.
Jaroslav Halak - 6-6-1, 2.72 gaa, .908 sv%, 0 so.
Opponent Notes:
- Montreal has won their last two games against the Rangers but are 0-3-1 in their last four at MSG.
- Montreal has won four of their last five games.
- Montreal's starting goalie Carey Price will be sidelined for the third straight game with an undisclosed lower-body injury.
- Halak is 1-2-0 with a 3.35 GAA in four career starts against the Rangers.
- Robert Lang leads Montreal with 12 goals while Alexei Kovalev leads in total points with 28.
Video:
Rangers head coach Tom Renney speaks with the media following the team's Jan. 7 morning skate as the Blueshirts prepared to face Montreal at MSG here.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Most Wins Since 1996; Staal Speaks
Dan David at newyorkrangers.com reminds Ranger fans that this year's team has the most wins at the mid-way point since the 1995-96 season...
"Since the 82-game schedule became an NHL standard prior to the 1995-96 season, the 24-14-3 Blueshirts have seen their best overall first half in 13 years. Their 51 points matches the total of the 2005-06 season, when Jaromir Jagr broke all of the team's major single-season scoring records. Their 24 wins are the most since the 1995-96 Rangers jumped out to a 25-10-6 record over the first half."
...we can all sit here and criticize Renney's infatuation with changing the lines, all the short-handed goals against and our defensive deficiencies. But one thing you can't complain about is our record. 24-14-3 is pretty darn good. Some times as a fan you need to take a step back and realize hey we're 10 games over .500 and tied for first place. Things could be a lot worse just ask Islander fans.
Newyorkrangers.com also has video of Marc Staal commenting on the bongo beating he took from Alexander Semin here.
"Since the 82-game schedule became an NHL standard prior to the 1995-96 season, the 24-14-3 Blueshirts have seen their best overall first half in 13 years. Their 51 points matches the total of the 2005-06 season, when Jaromir Jagr broke all of the team's major single-season scoring records. Their 24 wins are the most since the 1995-96 Rangers jumped out to a 25-10-6 record over the first half."
...we can all sit here and criticize Renney's infatuation with changing the lines, all the short-handed goals against and our defensive deficiencies. But one thing you can't complain about is our record. 24-14-3 is pretty darn good. Some times as a fan you need to take a step back and realize hey we're 10 games over .500 and tied for first place. Things could be a lot worse just ask Islander fans.
Newyorkrangers.com also has video of Marc Staal commenting on the bongo beating he took from Alexander Semin here.
Grachev Worth Watching
Rory Boylen at The Hockey News gives a list of players who caught his eye during the recent World Junior Championships including Rangers prospect Evgeni Grachev, who Boylen says, has tremendous power and uses it to his advantage...
"Grachev looked like a man playing among boys and steamrolled a number of outmatched opponents on his way to five points in seven games and a plus-3 rating."
...while I don't want to get to crazy over a prospect before he plays a single NHL game. The early returns on Grachev are outstanding.
"Grachev looked like a man playing among boys and steamrolled a number of outmatched opponents on his way to five points in seven games and a plus-3 rating."
...while I don't want to get to crazy over a prospect before he plays a single NHL game. The early returns on Grachev are outstanding.
No Line Changes Tonight!!!
Sam Weinman at The Rangers Report says that, amazingly, Tom Renney will not be changing the line combinations for tonight's game. Meaning Lauri Korpikoski and Dan Fritsche will again be healthy scratches.
...maybe I should take a couple of days off more often as the Rangers put forth one of their best efforts in some time against the fading Pens.
...nice to see Renney stay with the lines.
...maybe I should take a couple of days off more often as the Rangers put forth one of their best efforts in some time against the fading Pens.
...nice to see Renney stay with the lines.
Monday, January 5, 2009
I'm Out
I'll be away from the computer for the next few days, so for the latest on the Rangers visit The Rangers Report and Blue Notes.
Semin on the Bongos
I know this story has gotten way more ink on this blog than it should but here is a great piece of animation that a Capitals fan put together of Alexander Semin playing the bongo's. Photo and animation courtesy of Capitals Kremlin.
...hat tip to Puck Daddy for the link.
Voros In, Korpikoski Out
Sam Weinman at the Rangers Report says that Aaron Voros will return to the line-up tonight with Lauri Korpikoski being the odd-man out. Regarding the reason for the move Renney said...
“Getting Voros back in, getting his game back into the lineup, and his presence at the net to help our power play.”
When asked if Korpikoski's play had anything to do with his scratch Renney explained...
“No. It’s a matter of getting Voros in and I had to move someone. It’s as simple as that.”
...so the moral of the story is to play hard and get a seat in the press box. Got it.
...hey Tom instead of sitting a maximum effort player how about sending a message to our over-paid, under-performing centers Scott Gomez and Chris Drury by sitting one of them.
“Getting Voros back in, getting his game back into the lineup, and his presence at the net to help our power play.”
When asked if Korpikoski's play had anything to do with his scratch Renney explained...
“No. It’s a matter of getting Voros in and I had to move someone. It’s as simple as that.”
...so the moral of the story is to play hard and get a seat in the press box. Got it.
...hey Tom instead of sitting a maximum effort player how about sending a message to our over-paid, under-performing centers Scott Gomez and Chris Drury by sitting one of them.
Rangers Moment of the Week 1/5
Each Monday, newyorkrangers.com's 'Moment of the Week' invites Ranger fans to vote for the top moment from among three finalists. On Wednesday at noon, the winning moment will be posted along with selected comments from fans who voted for it.This week's nominees are Petr Prucha's tying goal vs. the Islanders, Markus Naslund's tie-breaking goal vs. the Islanders and Washington's Alexander Semin getting slap happy with Marc Staal.
Last week's winner was Ryan Callahan's second goal vs. Washington.
Rangers Courting Avery?
Paula Froelich at New York Post's Page Six reports that a few current Rangers were spotted hanging out with Sean Avery on New Year's Eve..."Avery was dumped by the Dallas Stars last month after he made a nasty comment about his ex, Elisha Cuthbert. He tried to make up for lost time at Bungalow 8, flirting with women and hanging with former teammates Scott Gomez, Chris Drury, Nigel Dawes and Marcus Nasland."
...i can't imagine that the idea of an Avery comeback was not discussed.
...hat tip to reader Fleisch for the heads-up on this.
Lundqvist: The World's Sexiest Hockey Player
Kirsten Fleming at the New York Post Page Six Magazine has this great piece on Henrik Lundqvist..."Sean Avery hogged the Rangers' spotlight last year, but now it's goalie Henrik Lundqvist's turn. With his killer saves and the ability to bounce back from frustration, he's poised to capture one of the NHL's top honors. And with his dashing sartorial sense and sex appeal, he's already caught the eyes of the city's fashionistas."
...while I could do without the photos, the article is pretty good.
Wacky 2009 Predictions
Scott Burnside and Pierr LeBrun at ESPN.com make some predictions for 2009 with a few being rather wacky...Mark Messier, inspired by (Claude) Lemieux's improbable comeback at age 43, will announce his return to the NHL during a teary-eyed address on MSG. The Rangers, with no cap room, will be unable to sign the Moose, but the rival Islanders will swoop in and sign him to a four-year contract. Messier will begin the season with Doug Weight and Bill Guerin to form "The Viagra Line."
...that's not even remotely funny.
Monday Headline
Newsday - Renney tinkers with lines at practiceDaily News - Rangers hope PK unit improves
New York Post - BLUESHIRTS HAVE BIG OPPORTUNITY
The Bergen Record - Rangers face the great playmaker
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Why Wouldn't He Change the Lines?
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports that Tom Renney has once again changed line combinations during practice today. Here are the new pairings with changes in italics...
Markus Naslund-Scott Gomez-Ryan Callahan
Nigel Dawes-Chris Drury-Petr Prucha
Lauri Korpikoski-Brandon Dubinsky-Nikolai Zherdev
Fredrik Sjostrom-Blair Betts-Colton Orr
Gross also reports that Henrik Lundqvist is feeling better and will start tomorrow against the Penguins.
Aaron Voros looks to be the odd man out again. And, today, he continued his trend of almost killing teammates at practice by almost taking Nicolai Zherdev out with an errant shot only a week after nearly decapitating Henrik Lundqvist with another ill advised shot. Not really helping his cause to get back on the ice.
...despite the lack of offense last night I would have liked to see the lines stay in tack for another week or so. But hey what do I know. Maybe Renney should think about changing up the power play lines as well.
Markus Naslund-Scott Gomez-Ryan Callahan
Nigel Dawes-Chris Drury-Petr Prucha
Lauri Korpikoski-Brandon Dubinsky-Nikolai Zherdev
Fredrik Sjostrom-Blair Betts-Colton Orr
Gross also reports that Henrik Lundqvist is feeling better and will start tomorrow against the Penguins.
Aaron Voros looks to be the odd man out again. And, today, he continued his trend of almost killing teammates at practice by almost taking Nicolai Zherdev out with an errant shot only a week after nearly decapitating Henrik Lundqvist with another ill advised shot. Not really helping his cause to get back on the ice.
...despite the lack of offense last night I would have liked to see the lines stay in tack for another week or so. But hey what do I know. Maybe Renney should think about changing up the power play lines as well.
Someone Get Semin Some Fighting Lessons
If you haven't seen Alexander Semin "beatin' the drums" as Sam Rosen called it on Marc Staal last night here you go....
...i have no words.
...i have no words.
Sunday Headlines
The Journal News - Capitals catch Rangers short again
Newsday - CAPITALS 2, RANGERS 1: Ovechkin does it all
Newsday - Rangers' Callahan continues to make strides
New York Times - Capitals Top Rangers; Home Dominance Continues
New York Post - SPECIAL TEAM WOES PLAGUE BLUESHIRTS
New York Post - SERBY'S SUNDAY Q&A WITH... TOM RENNEY
New York Post - FIND A JOB FOR MESSIER
Daily News - Ovechkin, Capitals top Rangers
The Bergen Record - Notes: Stuck in Washington
Newsday - CAPITALS 2, RANGERS 1: Ovechkin does it all
Newsday - Rangers' Callahan continues to make strides
New York Times - Capitals Top Rangers; Home Dominance Continues
New York Post - SPECIAL TEAM WOES PLAGUE BLUESHIRTS
New York Post - SERBY'S SUNDAY Q&A WITH... TOM RENNEY
New York Post - FIND A JOB FOR MESSIER
Daily News - Ovechkin, Capitals top Rangers
The Bergen Record - Notes: Stuck in Washington
Capitals 2, Rangers 1
Tonight the New York rangers (23-14-3) lost to the Washington Capitals (26-11-3) by the score of 2-1. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports.
...how is it possible to hate a team tied for first in their division as much as I hate this team? No scoring, no power play, league leading 12 short handed goals against, and the hardest working player on the team (Prucha) only gets 10 minutes of ice time while the incredible shrinking Gomez gets over 20!!!
...hey at least we found out that Redden is finally good at something. Man what a right hand.
...i find it amazing that Sather and the Dolans can just watch this sinking ship without doing anything. I would love to hear their rational for keeping Perry Pearn around.
...Renney said this is a team that needs to play 2-1 games, and they didn't disappoint.
...this is a low point for me with this team.
...off tomorrow then the gutless wonder Sidney Crosby comes to town. Check out his latest exploits...
...how is it possible to hate a team tied for first in their division as much as I hate this team? No scoring, no power play, league leading 12 short handed goals against, and the hardest working player on the team (Prucha) only gets 10 minutes of ice time while the incredible shrinking Gomez gets over 20!!!
...hey at least we found out that Redden is finally good at something. Man what a right hand.
...i find it amazing that Sather and the Dolans can just watch this sinking ship without doing anything. I would love to hear their rational for keeping Perry Pearn around.
...Renney said this is a team that needs to play 2-1 games, and they didn't disappoint.
...this is a low point for me with this team.
...off tomorrow then the gutless wonder Sidney Crosby comes to town. Check out his latest exploits...
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Rangers @ Capitals (Game 40)
The New York Rangers (23-13-3) visit the Washington Capitals (25-11-3) tonight at the Verizon Center starting at 7:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.
For last minute news go to The Rangers Report or Blue Notes.
Probable Lines:
Naslund-Gomez-Korpikoski
Dawes-Drury-Callahan
Prucha-Dubinsky-Zherdev
Sjostrom-Betts-Orr
Redden-Girardi
Staal-Rozsival
Kalinin-Mara
Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 19-11-3, 2.67 gaa, .908 sv%, 0 so.
Jose Theodore - 12-6-1, 3.08 gaa, .889 sv%, 1 so.
Opponent Notes:
- The Capitals are 16-1-1 at home.
- The Capitals are looking for their fifth straight win against the Rangers and are 11-1-2 against them at home since 2001.
- Alex Ovechkin has 12 goals and five assists in the last 11 games, and leads the team with 26 goals and 52 points. Ovechkin also has six goals and five assists in seven home meetings against the Rangers.
- Jose Theodore has won four straight overall and boasts a 1.98 GAA in winning seven of his eight home starts. Theodore is 9-2-0 with a tie and a 2.48 GAA in 12 career games against the Rangers.
Exclusive Messier Video:
- Rangers legend Mark Messier describes how he's been spending the 2008-09 season and discusses the upcoming Messier Leadership Camp at the MSG Training Center here.
For last minute news go to The Rangers Report or Blue Notes.
Probable Lines:
Naslund-Gomez-Korpikoski
Dawes-Drury-Callahan
Prucha-Dubinsky-Zherdev
Sjostrom-Betts-Orr
Redden-Girardi
Staal-Rozsival
Kalinin-Mara
Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 19-11-3, 2.67 gaa, .908 sv%, 0 so.
Jose Theodore - 12-6-1, 3.08 gaa, .889 sv%, 1 so.
Opponent Notes:
- The Capitals are 16-1-1 at home.
- The Capitals are looking for their fifth straight win against the Rangers and are 11-1-2 against them at home since 2001.
- Alex Ovechkin has 12 goals and five assists in the last 11 games, and leads the team with 26 goals and 52 points. Ovechkin also has six goals and five assists in seven home meetings against the Rangers.
- Jose Theodore has won four straight overall and boasts a 1.98 GAA in winning seven of his eight home starts. Theodore is 9-2-0 with a tie and a 2.48 GAA in 12 career games against the Rangers.
Exclusive Messier Video:
- Rangers legend Mark Messier describes how he's been spending the 2008-09 season and discusses the upcoming Messier Leadership Camp at the MSG Training Center here.
Capitals News
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes is reporting...
"Jose Theodore will start in goal....Alexander Semin apparently will return from a six-game absence (back) as will Donald Brashear...Beware the first 20. The Caps have outscored opponents 71-37, including 25-9 in the first period at home....Alex Ovechkin has a seven-game goal-scoring streak and a 12-game point streak at home."
...great job as always by Zip.
"Jose Theodore will start in goal....Alexander Semin apparently will return from a six-game absence (back) as will Donald Brashear...Beware the first 20. The Caps have outscored opponents 71-37, including 25-9 in the first period at home....Alex Ovechkin has a seven-game goal-scoring streak and a 12-game point streak at home."
...great job as always by Zip.
Second Half Road Warrior's
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes points out that the Rangers play 24 of their final 43 games away from the Garden. He breaks it down month by month...
" Eight of 12 in January, 6 of 13 in February, 7 of 13 in March and three of five in April."
...the schedule makers were not very kind to the Rangers this year. After a frantic first half led by the trip to Prague, the Rangers will now be spending the second half of the season on the road. If they're able to hang on to the Division I will be very impressed.
" Eight of 12 in January, 6 of 13 in February, 7 of 13 in March and three of five in April."
...the schedule makers were not very kind to the Rangers this year. After a frantic first half led by the trip to Prague, the Rangers will now be spending the second half of the season on the road. If they're able to hang on to the Division I will be very impressed.
Grachev Betters Kundratek, Heads to World Junior Semis
Newyorkrangers.com reports that Ranger prospect Evgeny Grachev's Russian team defeated follow prospect Tomas Kundratek's Czech squad by the score of 5-1 in the World Junior Championship quarterfinals.Grachev tallied a goal and an assist in the win and now has a goal, two assists and a plus-3 rating for the tournament.
Kundratek failed to register a point in the loss, but has six assists through five tournament games and is a +1.
Gaborik Elects for Surgery
TSN is reporting that Minnesota Wild forward Marian Gaborik has elected to have surgery on his injured hip. The surgery is scheduled for Monday and will keep him out a minimum of 10 weeks.With Gaborik becoming a UFA at the end of the year and speculation that he won't re-sign with the Wild it looks like Minnesota won't be able to get anything for him at the trade deadline.
...if the Rangers aren't able to re-sign both Dubinsky and Zherdev due to their salary cap issues maybe Sather would be able to sign Gaborik on the cheap due to him coming off of surgery.
Saturday Headlines
Newsday - Rangers come off break to face surging CapitalsNew York Post - RANGERS HOPE TO CAPITAL-IZE ON RECENT REST
New York Post - RANGERS DRURY, MARA ON DIFFERENT SIDES OF YANKEES-RED SOX DIVIDE
The Bergen Record - Rangers see room for improvement
Friday, January 2, 2009
Renney: This Is Hockey, You Don't Play Around
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports that Tom Renney scolded the team today during practice because of a mistake in tactics saying...
"This is hockey," Renney said. "You don't play around. Play it firm. Play it decisive."
Gross also reports that Henrik Lundqvist will be in goal tomorrow at Washington and the lines look to be the same as against the Islanders, meaning Dan Fritsche and Aaron Voros will be healthy scratches.
...nice to see Renney get on these guys a little bit.
...these four full days off in-between games this week was a much needed break for the Rangers after a frantic first half of the season.
...the break also gave them plenty of time to work on different elements of their game that may be lacking (cough, power play, cough, cough). Hopefully, the players were able to relax and rejuvenate themselves for the second half as well.
"This is hockey," Renney said. "You don't play around. Play it firm. Play it decisive."
Gross also reports that Henrik Lundqvist will be in goal tomorrow at Washington and the lines look to be the same as against the Islanders, meaning Dan Fritsche and Aaron Voros will be healthy scratches.
...nice to see Renney get on these guys a little bit.
...these four full days off in-between games this week was a much needed break for the Rangers after a frantic first half of the season.
...the break also gave them plenty of time to work on different elements of their game that may be lacking (cough, power play, cough, cough). Hopefully, the players were able to relax and rejuvenate themselves for the second half as well.
Renney's Job Safe for Now
Neil Best at Newsday has a story on which New York coaches are most vulnerable in 2009. Best has Tom Renney in the 'Least Likely' category and says this...Least vulnerable
Tom Renney, Rangers
You've made the Rangers consistent winners after years of floundering, but isn't it about time to get past two playoff rounds, Tom?
You've made the Rangers consistent winners after years of floundering, but isn't it about time to get past two playoff rounds, Tom?
...while Renney will not be on the hot seat this season, if he doesn't get past the second round he will be starting on opening night next year.
Mid-Year Report Card
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes gives his mid-season report card...
A---Marc Staal, Ryan Callahan
B-plus---Markus Naslund, Nik Zherdev, Steve Valiquette
B---Henrik Lundqvist, Paul Mara, Dan Girardi, Blair Betts. (Update: Maybe a shade too hard on Henrik; certainly a A in shootouts and for the early part of the season, but a B for the rest. So, I'll revise to a B-plus.
B-minus---Nigel Dawes
C---Chris Drury, Lauri Korpikoski, Colton Orr, Fredrik Sjostrom, coach Tom Renneyx
C-minus---Scott Gomez, Brandon Dubinsky, Michal Rozsival, Aaron Voros
D to D-minus---Wade Redden, Dmitri Kalinin
Incomplete---Petr Prucha, Corey Potter, Dan Fritsche
...i think Zipay was too kind to Redden and Kalinin.
A---Marc Staal, Ryan Callahan
B-plus---Markus Naslund, Nik Zherdev, Steve Valiquette
B---Henrik Lundqvist, Paul Mara, Dan Girardi, Blair Betts. (Update: Maybe a shade too hard on Henrik; certainly a A in shootouts and for the early part of the season, but a B for the rest. So, I'll revise to a B-plus.
B-minus---Nigel Dawes
C---Chris Drury, Lauri Korpikoski, Colton Orr, Fredrik Sjostrom, coach Tom Renneyx
C-minus---Scott Gomez, Brandon Dubinsky, Michal Rozsival, Aaron Voros
D to D-minus---Wade Redden, Dmitri Kalinin
Incomplete---Petr Prucha, Corey Potter, Dan Fritsche
...i think Zipay was too kind to Redden and Kalinin.
Gaborik May Have Season Ending Surgery
Anyone who was thinking the Rangers should look to trade for Minnesota Wild forward Marian Gaborik, forget about it. Michael Russo at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Star-Tribune reports that Gaborik, who has missed 30 of 36 games this season, might have season-ending surgery to repair a deficiency in his left hip that has been causing him groin pain all season....if the Wild were thinking about trading Gaborik forget about it now. Even if he decides against surgery, who would trade for a forward with a bum hip that becomes a free agent at the end of the year? Hopefully not Sather.
Winter Classic Recaps
ESPN.com - Another successful outdoor tilt gives NHL its signature eventCBS Sports - Winter Classic's only flaw? Should have come sooner
Fox Sports - Winter Classic is loss for 'Hawks, win for city
The Hockey News - THN at the Winter Classic: Great event signifies Chicago's renaissance
NHL.com - A truly great day for hockey
Friday Headlines
Newsday - Korpikoski continues to impressNew York Times - Red Wings Dominate Blackhawks at Frigid Wrigley Field
Daily News - Wings win Winter Classic at Wrigley
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Winter Classic Pre-Game
To get yourself ready for today's Winter Classic between the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks at Wrigley Field head over to NHL.com for all the latest on the game.ESPN has a few videos on the Classic including an all access with former Blackhawk player and coach Denis Savard here. Other videos include updates on the potential sun problem and players wearing eye black.
By the way, the forecast is calling for the possibility of some snow by the third period.
Happy New Year Headlines
New York Post - RANGER HOPE LONGER PRACTICE MAKES PERFECTDaily News - Take me out to the ice rink
The Bergen Record - Working in the Garden
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