The New York Rangers (29-16-4) visit the Pittsburgh Penguins (23-21-4) tonight at the Igloo 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-Prucha
Dawes-Drury-Korpikoski
Voros-Dubinsky-Zherdev
Sjostrom-Betts-Orr
Redden-Girardi
Staal-Rozsival
Kalinin-Mara
Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 24-13-3, 2.53 gaa, .914 sv%, 2 so.
Marc-Andre Fleury - 15-12-2, 2.81 gaa, .910 sv%, 2 so.
Opponent Notes:
- Sidney Crosby will be in the line-up tonight. However, forward Matt Cooke will miss the game due to a two-game suspension for a blow to the head on Carolina's Scott Walker.
- Pittsburgh is 8-15-0 in their last 23 games.
- Pittsburgh is 6-for-66 (9.1 percent) with the man advantage since Dec. 23.
- The Penguins are 8-0-2 in their last 10 regular-season home games versus the Rangers.
Opponent Blog:
Pensburgh
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Submit Questions for Graves
On Friday, January 28, at 1 p.m., Adam Graves will be responding to questions posted on the New York Rangers Message Board.
Graves will join Rangers fans live at that time, but you can submit questions for him in advance. To post questions click here.
Fans will have to setup an account before they can enter a question.
Crosby Likely to Return Tonight
The National Post is reporting that Penguins center Sidney Crosby practiced for the second straight day Tuesday and hopes to return to the lineup for tonight's game against the Rangers.Crosby missed this past weekend's All-Star Game with an injured left knee.
...what is this, Crosby only decides to play when the Penguins match-up against the Rangers? Good. I hope Orr smacks him around a bit tonight.
Fritsche Fate Sealed at Noon
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that Dan Fritsche will know by noon whether he's been claimed by another team or will be headed to Hartford....either way Fritsche doesn't have a future with this team. He is a RFA at the end of the year and I really don't see the Rangers matching any offer sheets extended to him.
Gomez All Star Break Workouts Payoff
Sam Weinman at The Rangers Report says that while other Rangers headed for warm weather during the All Star break, Scott Gomez stayed at the Rangers practice facility...Here's Steve Valiquette on Gomez...
“He stayed back in New York and trained really hard. I know he came to the rink every day and lifted weights and got on the ice,” said Valiquette. “He was the one guy who used our break to focus on getting stronger for the second half of the year. I know he’s going to be outstanding the rest of the way.”
...hopefully last night was a glimpse of things to come for Gomez. I'm really impressed with his decision to stay in New York and work to get better.
All Graves All the Time
Newyorkrangers.com continues their nine-day countdown to Adam Graves Night with a look back at the off-ice life of Graves.Newyorkrangers.com is devoting a dozen weeks to extensive coverage of Graves' 18-years with the Rangers organization with year-by-year reviews and other features leading up to Graves Night on February 3, 2009.
Other Graves Night Features:
Video: In the third installment of newyorkrangers.com's nine-video look back at Adam Graves' career, they revisit the night of March 23, 1994, when Graves scored goals No. 50 and 51 here.
Radio: Adam Graves joins Boomer & Carton on WFAN to reflect on his time in New York as well as his NHL career here.
Video: Highlights & Reaction to Win Against Hurricanes
Rangers Stay At #10 in Fox Sports Power Rankings
The Rangers stayed at #10 in the Fox Sports Power Rankings for the week of January 26, 2009...
10. Rangers - Rangers rolled into the break by winning four of their last five games. New York won its only Week 16 game 4-2 thanks to two power-play goals and 32 saves by All-Star Henrik Lundqvist.
Gomez Needs to Step It Up
In ESPN.com's 10 Burning Questions for the second half feature, Scott Burnside names Scott Gomez as an underachieving player who needs to step it up in the second half to help his team...7. Which underachieving player needs to step it up in the second half to help his team?
Burnside: Scott Gomez is on pace for about 60 points this season, a 10-point drop from 2007-08 and 24 fewer than he collected in 2005-06. Gomez, who is also minus-9, has yet to find the trigger man for his playmaking skills, but he needs to find a way to produce more. Otherwise, the Rangers will be one-and-done come playoff time.
...so far so good.
Wednesday Headlines
The Journal News - Gomez's hard work pays off for RangersNew York Times - Rangers Pick Up Where They Left Off, With a Victory
New York Post - GOMEZ MAKES IT WORK
Daily News - Blueshirts start with strong one
The Bergen Record - Rangers remain hot, top Hurricanes
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Rangers 3, Hurricanes 2
The New York Rangers (29-16-4) defeated the Carolina Hurricanes (23-21-5) by the score of 3-2, tonight. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports.
...now that's how you come back from the break. Quick start (haven't seen many of those this year) then rely on the defense and a timely goal to win it. Get used to that formula because it's what you're going to be seeing for the rest of the year.
...looks like the break helped someone heal as Gomez was flying tonight. Would love to see that Scotty for the remainder of the season.
...another solid performance by Valiquette. He was especially sharp on deflections tonight. Don't think I remember a game with so many tips on goal.
...i think it's safe to say Dubinsky has rediscovered his scoring touch as he now has three goals in his last six games.
...while Zherdev has now gone 13 games without a goal it looks like Renney's message for him to shoot more sunk in over the break as he had four shots on goal and at least three more that missed the net. Oh yeah and his assist was pretty sweet as well.
...Voros probably played his best game in about two months as he was reeking havoc in front of Cam Ward all night. If he can stay out of the penalty box, he should expect a regular spot in the line-up. Really liking him on the power play.
...another player making a real push for an everyday spot in the line-up is Korpikoski who now has two goals and two assists in the last five games. Lots of confidence from him right now.
...another great game from the league's best penalty kill with a four-for-four.
...right back at it tomorrow night in Pittsburgh.
Rangers vs. Hurricanes (Game 49)
The New York Rangers (28-16-4) host the Carolina Hurricanes (23-20-5) tonight at MSG 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-Callahan
Dawes-Drury-Korpikoski
Voros-Dubinsky-Zherdev
Sjostrom-Betts-Orr
Redden-Girardi
Staal-Rozsival
Kalinin-Mara
Goaltenders:
Steve Valiquette - 4-3-1, 2.19 gaa, .928 sv%, 1 so.
Cam Ward - 18-14-3, 2.57 gaa, .911 sv%, 2 so.
Opponent Notes:
- Carolina won its last two games before the All Star break, but that followed a five-game losing streak - which was preceded by four straight victories.
- Cam Ward has given up one goal in the last two games.
- The Rangers won the first meeting of the season 3-2 in a shootout at MSG.
- Marc Staal leads the Hurricanes in goals with 20. While Ray Witney leads in assists (24) and points (39).
Opponent Blog:
Canes Country
For last minute news go to The Rangers Report or Blue Notes.
Probable Lines:
Naslund-Gomez-Callahan
Dawes-Drury-Korpikoski
Voros-Dubinsky-Zherdev
Sjostrom-Betts-Orr
Redden-Girardi
Staal-Rozsival
Kalinin-Mara
Goaltenders:
Steve Valiquette - 4-3-1, 2.19 gaa, .928 sv%, 1 so.
Cam Ward - 18-14-3, 2.57 gaa, .911 sv%, 2 so.
Opponent Notes:
- Carolina won its last two games before the All Star break, but that followed a five-game losing streak - which was preceded by four straight victories.
- Cam Ward has given up one goal in the last two games.
- The Rangers won the first meeting of the season 3-2 in a shootout at MSG.
- Marc Staal leads the Hurricanes in goals with 20. While Ray Witney leads in assists (24) and points (39).
Opponent Blog:
Canes Country
Fritsche Waived ***UPDATED***
Updated, 3:15 p.m. - Sam Weinman at The Rangers Report says the Rangers are now confirming that they have waived Dan Fritsche.It may be in french, but RDS is reporting that the Rangers have in fact waived Dan Fritsche...
Fritsche au ballottage
Les Rangers de New York ont placé le nom de Dan Fritsche au ballottage mardi.
A couple of reader comments on some Ranger blogs are stating Darren Dreger at AM640 in Toronto is also reporting that the Rangers have waived Fritche. Nothing on the TSN website under transactions.
...we all talk about how Peter Prucha doesn't get a chance on this team. But no one got less of a chance than Fritsche.
...the Rangers open up $875,000 by waiving Fritsche. Unless of course he clears waivers and the Rangers keep him on the roster the way they did with Rissmiller.
Fritsche au ballottage
Les Rangers de New York ont placé le nom de Dan Fritsche au ballottage mardi.
A couple of reader comments on some Ranger blogs are stating Darren Dreger at AM640 in Toronto is also reporting that the Rangers have waived Fritche. Nothing on the TSN website under transactions.
...we all talk about how Peter Prucha doesn't get a chance on this team. But no one got less of a chance than Fritsche.
...the Rangers open up $875,000 by waiving Fritsche. Unless of course he clears waivers and the Rangers keep him on the roster the way they did with Rissmiller.
Anisimov Has Big Night in AHL All Star Game; Sanguinetti Sits
Newyorkrangers.com reports Rangers prospect Artem Anisimov had a goal and two assists in helping the PlanetUSA squad to a 14-11 win over the team of Canadian players in yesterday's AHL All Star game.
His second assist was on the game winning goal.
Wolfpack defenseman Bobby Sanguinetti was supposed to play in the game, but he sat out the game with an injury suffered last week. Sanguinetti did participate in the Skills competition on Sunday night.
...at least we had one All Star play well this weekend. Just kidding Hank.
His second assist was on the game winning goal.
Wolfpack defenseman Bobby Sanguinetti was supposed to play in the game, but he sat out the game with an injury suffered last week. Sanguinetti did participate in the Skills competition on Sunday night.
...at least we had one All Star play well this weekend. Just kidding Hank.
Korpikoski & Voros In Tonight
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that Laurie Korpikoski and Aaron Voros will dress tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes.
On Voros' panache for talking penalties, Tom Renney had this to say...
"I talked to him about it. I thought he had a tough call on one of them; he was doing what he was asked to do, and maybe even a second was a little... it was one of those cantankerous type penalties, that's how he has to contribute to our team, we need that in our lineup. You want to avoid the penalty box when you play that way, but you don't want to stifle a guy from doing what he does best."
...hope the penalty kill is ready to go tonight.
On Voros' panache for talking penalties, Tom Renney had this to say...
"I talked to him about it. I thought he had a tough call on one of them; he was doing what he was asked to do, and maybe even a second was a little... it was one of those cantankerous type penalties, that's how he has to contribute to our team, we need that in our lineup. You want to avoid the penalty box when you play that way, but you don't want to stifle a guy from doing what he does best."
...hope the penalty kill is ready to go tonight.
Graves Mastery of Habs in 1996
Newyorkrangers.com continue their nine-day countdown to Adam Graves Night with a look back to the '96 playoffs, when Graves went on a scoring rampage vs. Montreal.
Newyorkrangers.com is devoting a dozen weeks to extensive coverage of Graves' 18-years with the Rangers organization with year-by-year reviews and other features leading up to Graves Night on February 3, 2009.
VIDEO: As the Adam Graves Night event draws nearer, Rangers broadcaster Sam Rosen and Blueshirts legend Mark Messier recall the way Graves played the game here.
Tuesday Headlines
The Journal News - Rangers know they can't relaxNew York Post - RANGERS HALF 'WORK TO DO'
Daily News - Rangers want more improvements
Monday, January 26, 2009
Video: Graves Viewing Party and First Impressions
Graves Viewing Party Preview: Find out how to be part of the Adam Graves Night event by attending the exclusive Viewing Party at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden here.
In the first of a nine-video look backs at Adam Graves' career, current and former Rangers recall their earliest memories of No. 9 here.
Rangers Moment of the Week 1/26
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 Scott Gomez scores game winner vs. the Ducks, Marc Staal gets two goals in YoungStars Game, and Henrik Lundqvist robs Patrick Kane in NHL All-Star Game.
Last week's winner was Chris Drury's overtime winner vs. the Blackhawks.
Vally In; Line Changes
After speculating earlier today, Steve Zipay at Blue Notes now confirms that Steve Valiquette will start tomorrow against the Carolina Hurricane. With Henrik Lundqvist slated to go Wednesday vs. the Pitssburgh Penguins. Unless, Tom Renney says, ' Vally gets a shutout and stops 45.'
Zipay also reports that based on the lines at practice today Aaron Voros and Laurie Korpikoski will play tomorrow meaning Dan Fritsche and Petr Prucha will be headed upstairs. However, Sam Weinman at the Ranger Report says that Voros and Fritsche were the last two to leave the ice today, signaling they’d be scratches tomorrow. So who knows.
...if Voros could stay out of the penalty box, I'd be advocating for him to be in the line-up because of his presence in front of the net on the power play. But he's taken too many ill-advised penalties to warrent a spot right now.
...i'm hoping for Prucha and Korpikoski, as I feel that line-up gives us the best chance of winning every night.
Zipay also reports that based on the lines at practice today Aaron Voros and Laurie Korpikoski will play tomorrow meaning Dan Fritsche and Petr Prucha will be headed upstairs. However, Sam Weinman at the Ranger Report says that Voros and Fritsche were the last two to leave the ice today, signaling they’d be scratches tomorrow. So who knows.
...if Voros could stay out of the penalty box, I'd be advocating for him to be in the line-up because of his presence in front of the net on the power play. But he's taken too many ill-advised penalties to warrent a spot right now.
...i'm hoping for Prucha and Korpikoski, as I feel that line-up gives us the best chance of winning every night.
Rangers May Be Out of Winter Classic Next Year
Ken Campbell at The Hockey News says to look for next year’s Winter Classic to be played between the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins at the 69,000-seat Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass.There have been rumors of a Rangers/Bruins matchup at the new Yankee Stadium next year, but Campbell adds that the league has come to the conclusion that outdoor games work much better in a football stadium than a baseball venue and a Montreal-Boston game would be great for ratings on both sides of the border.
...man we are totally getting hosed.
Messier to Become Ranger Scout?
The Edmonton Journal has a story on Mark Messier looking to get back into the game of hockey and the Rangers being the most likely destination.The Journal has this quote from Glen Sather saying Messier could start out as a scout with the Rangers before ascending through the ranks to GM...
"A couple of years ago we talked and he wasn't that keen on being a scout, but I think he's refined that," said Sather. "I'm sure this summer Mark and I will have another conversation about it. He's got a good eye for talent. And the scouting, it's not just the NHL, it's going to places like Sudbury (junior) and Hartford (their AHL farm club) and going to meetings and filing reports."
...would love to see Messier come back to the Rangers in some capacity. He's going to have to swallow his pride and start as a lowly scout, but if he wants to become a great GM he has to learn the ropes and his experience as a scout will give him valuable insight that will serve him well down the road.
Valiquette Tomorrow?
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that the Rangers will re-group today at 3 p.m. to prepare for tomorrow's home game against the Carolina Hurricanes.Zipay assumes Steve Valiquette will get the start giving Henrik Lundqvist an extra day to rest before Wednesday's second game of the back-to-back in Pittsburgh.
...Lunqvist might need both games off to rest his ego after yesterday's goal scoring barrage.
Countdown Looks at Day Graves Became a Ranger
Newyorkrangers.com begins their nine-day countdown to Adam Graves Night with a look back to Sept. 3, 1991, the day when Graves began his life as a Blueshirt
Newyorkrangers.com is devoting a dozen weeks to extensive coverage of Graves' 18-years with the Rangers organization with year-by-year reviews and other features leading up to Graves Night on February 3, 2009.
Recap of Lundqvist's All Star Performance
Newyorkrangers.com takes look at Henrik Lundqvist's performance in last night's All Star Game..."...Lundqvist got the full experience of life as an All-Star goalie at the Bell Centre, facing 21 shots in just 20 minutes of work. The Rangers netminder, the first Blueshirts goalie to appear in an All-Star Game since Mike Richter in 2000, played the entire second period. He was impressive in stopping 15 of the Western Conference All-Stars’ shots, but – as is always the case in the All-Star Game – pucks were bound to get by him."
Watch Lundqvist in the highlights from the 2nd period of this years NHL All-Star game here.
Watch Lundqvist's Save on West's Patrick Kane here.
...unfortunately for Lundqvist the best part of his night was the introductions because it was all downhill from there. Not that the six goals he allowed was all his fault as the Eastern team pretty much left Lundqvist out to dry in the second period (You'd think he'd be used to that).
...i thought he finally settled down late and his save on Kane was, in my opinion, the best save of the game.
Monday Headlines
The Journal News - East wins NHL All-Star Game in shootout, 12-11New York Times - Canadiens Fans Cheer on Their Own, and Tampa Bay’s Lecavalier
New York Post - THIS NIGHT NOT FIT FOR A KING
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Rangers Skill Competition Recap
Newyorkrangers.com has a recap of Henrik Lundqvist, Brandon Dubinsky and Marc Staal's performances in yesterday's SuperSkills portion of the NHL All-Star Weekend.Lundqvist stopped 12 of 16 shots in the Elimination Shootout, while Staal had two goals in the YoungStars match. Dubinsky was held scoreless.
...i really enjoyed the Superskills competition last night. The traditional competitions (fastest skater, accuracy shootout and hardest shot) still hold up in my opinion (especially when Chara breaks the record for hardest shot and two players go 4-for-4 in the accuracy) and the YoungStars game is great way to showcase the league's up-and-coming players. While the newest event, the elimination shootout, was outstanding.
...the one negative for me was the free style shootout. I know the NHL is trying to bring in more fans with some flare, but to me it's just not working. Only a small fraction of the moves worked and it turned into a circus when, instead of trying to pull off the puck flip, spin-a-roma that he couldn't complete last year, Ovechkin decided to dress up like a fool and skate around while doing nothing to dazzle me. Don't get me wrong I love Ovechkin's enthusiasm, but I'd much rather see him show off his skill level than his silliness.
Sunday Headlines
New York Post - LUNDQVIST: SLOWING STARS UNLIKELYDaily News - Lundqvist aces report card
Daily News - New goal for ex-Ranger may be congressman
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Anisimov an All Star; Tkachuk Anyone?
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes is reporting that Ranger prospect forward Artem Anisimov (20-26-46) has been added as a replacement player to the Planet USA AHL All Star team. Anisimov will join fellow Harford Wolfpack teammate defenseman Bobby Sanguinetti on the team.
Zipay adds that he may start lobbying for the Rangers to bring aboard Keith Tkachuk (15-16-31) as a rental at the trade deadline.
Tkachuk is in the final year of his $4 million a year contract.
...great to see Anisimov get some much deserved recognition. I'd love to see him get a shot with the big club at some point this season.
...as far as Tkachuk goes, I'd be down with that move. A nice veteran presence in the final year of his contract who can still score. Nothing wrong with that. We would need St. Louis to take a Petr Prucha ($1.6 million) or an Aaron Voros ($1 million) to open up the cap space for Tkachuk though.
Zipay adds that he may start lobbying for the Rangers to bring aboard Keith Tkachuk (15-16-31) as a rental at the trade deadline.
Tkachuk is in the final year of his $4 million a year contract.
...great to see Anisimov get some much deserved recognition. I'd love to see him get a shot with the big club at some point this season.
...as far as Tkachuk goes, I'd be down with that move. A nice veteran presence in the final year of his contract who can still score. Nothing wrong with that. We would need St. Louis to take a Petr Prucha ($1.6 million) or an Aaron Voros ($1 million) to open up the cap space for Tkachuk though.
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