Steve Zipay at Blue Notes says that the way things are shaping up for tomorrow's game against Atlanta at the Garden, the Rangers will have more size at center and left wing and probably a little more bulk on defense.
Having Artem Anisimov's 6'3" body at center, while moving Brandon Dubinsky to left wing accomplishes this.
Zipay also adds that Dmitri Kalinin (back strain) is feeling better, but not skating and it appears that Erik Reitz will make his Rangers debut as well, paired with Paul Mara.
Here's Tom Renney on adding more size...
"You want to be a firm, hard-playing team," said Renney after practice. "We’ve lost games to teams that maybe have the advantage on us, but yeah, (this would) give you more size and a physical element."
...the under-sized Prucha and Dawes seem to be the odd men out.
Monday, February 2, 2009
New Lines At Morning Skate
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports from this morning's practice saying Artem Anismov is skating with Aaron Voros and Lauri Korpikoski while Chris Drury was with Brandon Dubinsky and Nik Zherdev.
Zipay also notes that Dmitri Kalinin (back) isn't skating and that Erik Reitz is with Marc Staal; Michal Rozsival is paired with Paul Mara; Redden and Girardi are together.
...would like to see Anisimov on a more offensive line, but I'm not going to complain as I'm just happy he's up with the team.
Zipay also notes that Dmitri Kalinin (back) isn't skating and that Erik Reitz is with Marc Staal; Michal Rozsival is paired with Paul Mara; Redden and Girardi are together.
...would like to see Anisimov on a more offensive line, but I'm not going to complain as I'm just happy he's up with the team.
Rangers Moment of the Week 2/2
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 Lauri Korpikoski's goal vs. Carolina, Brandon Dubinsky's game winner vs. Carolina , and Nikolai Zherdev scores vs. Pittsburgh .
Last week's winner was Henrik Lundqvist robbing Patrick Kane in All Star game.
Anisimov Recalled!!!
According to the AHL Transactions, the Rangers have recalled Hartford forward Artem Anisimov.
Anisimov has 21 goals, 29 assists and is a +4 in 48 games with Hartford this year.
There is no official word from the Rangers.
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has more here.
...it's about time. After another display of the Rangers pop gun offense Saturday afternoon this was a no-brainer.
Anisimov has 21 goals, 29 assists and is a +4 in 48 games with Hartford this year.
There is no official word from the Rangers.
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has more here.
...it's about time. After another display of the Rangers pop gun offense Saturday afternoon this was a no-brainer.
Graves Big Reason for 1994 Cup
Newyorkrangers.com continues their nine-day countdown to Adam Graves Night by recalling Graves' role on the Rangers team that skated off with hockey's biggest prize in 1994.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.
MSG.com - Rangers: Graves and Grave
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Graves Breaks Rangers Scoring Record in Edmonton
Newyorkrangers.com continues their nine-day countdown to Adam Graves Night by taking a look back at March 23, 1994, when Graves scored his 50th and 51st goals of the 1993-94 season.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: In the seventh installment of newyorkran nine-video look back at Adam Graves' career, we revisit some great Graves moments, with the actual call of MSG broadcasters here.
Eklund: Rangers Interested in Morris
Eklund at HockeyBuzz reports...
"Rumours are out there this morning that the NY Rangers are again trying to upgrade their D, and although they are in the Jay Bo sweeps it is somewhat curious that I am hearing all of these Derek Morris rumors this morning from various sources."
Morris has 4 goals, 6 assists and is a -9 this year for Phoenix. He is in the last year of his contract which pays him $3.9 million this year.
...not that I believe anything Eklund says but if the Rangers even think about bringing Morris in I am officially done with this team.
"Rumours are out there this morning that the NY Rangers are again trying to upgrade their D, and although they are in the Jay Bo sweeps it is somewhat curious that I am hearing all of these Derek Morris rumors this morning from various sources."
Morris has 4 goals, 6 assists and is a -9 this year for Phoenix. He is in the last year of his contract which pays him $3.9 million this year.
...not that I believe anything Eklund says but if the Rangers even think about bringing Morris in I am officially done with this team.
Video: Highlights & Reaction to Loss Against Bruins
Sunday Headlines
The Journal News - Bruins' backup shuts out RangersNew York Times - Rangers Show Grit but Can’t Manage to Score
New York Post - BLUESHIRTS HELD SCORELESS IN BOSTON
Daily News - Rangers' offense not up to Rask
The Bergen Record - Rangers shut out by Bruins
The Bergen Record - Notes: Kalinin hurts back
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Bruins 1, Rangers 0
The New York Rangers (29-18-4) lost to the Boston Bruins (38-8-6) by the score of 1-0. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports.
...is there a less entertaining team in hockey right now? They're almost unwatchable. I don't care that they had 35 shots on goal, not a single one of them was a tough chance. No crashing the net, no offensive flow. Just trapping. It wasn't until late in the game when Renney finally abandoned the trap did the Rangers show some offensive ability. But they've got to play the system to win.
...the Rangers went 10-2-1 in the month of September playing a high tempo, fast paced, exciting game. Then the month of November came and it's been trap, trap, trap and the most boring brand of hockey I've ever seen. At least when the Devils were doing it they were winning. Why did the game plan change? Was the coaching staff not happy with the defense despite winning? I'd love to know.
...this team makes it very difficult to recap these games. I feel like I write the same things over and over again. No offense, the power play stinks, why isn't Prucha in the line-up. It's almost like the movie Groundhogs Day. But a least Bill Murray makes me laugh, whereas this team makes me want to cry.
...the Rangers have scored a grand total of one goal in the four afternoon games this year. And are now 28th in the league with 2.43 goals scored a game.
...Anisimov better be on a bus from Hartford after this one.
...next game is Tuesday against the Thrashers on Adam Graves Night. The Rangers organization should do the fans a favor and cancel the game as to not end the night on a sour note.
Rangers @ Bruins (Game 51)
The New York Rangers (29-17-4) visit the Boston Bruins (35-8-6) today at TD Banknorth Garden starting at 1:00 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:
Henrik Lundqvist - 24-14-3, 2.61 gaa, .911 sv%, 2 so.
Tim Thomas - 21-5-5, 2.15 gaa, .932 sv%, 3 so.
Opponent Notes:
- Five of the last six meetings between these two teams have gone to a shootout. Including a 3-2 Ranger win at MSG in November. The Bruins won both shootouts in Boston last year.
- On Tuesday the Bruins got Patrice Bergeron, Andrew Ference and Milan Lucic back from injury and all three will again be in the line-up today.
- The Bruins are 1-0-1 since the All-Star break and 18-2-2 in their last 22 home games.
- Phill Kessel leads the Bruins with 24 goals, while Marc Savard leads the team in assists (41) and points (59).
Opponent Blogs:
Here Come the Bruins!
Stanley Cup of Chowder
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:
Henrik Lundqvist - 24-14-3, 2.61 gaa, .911 sv%, 2 so.
Tim Thomas - 21-5-5, 2.15 gaa, .932 sv%, 3 so.
Opponent Notes:
- Five of the last six meetings between these two teams have gone to a shootout. Including a 3-2 Ranger win at MSG in November. The Bruins won both shootouts in Boston last year.
- On Tuesday the Bruins got Patrice Bergeron, Andrew Ference and Milan Lucic back from injury and all three will again be in the line-up today.
- The Bruins are 1-0-1 since the All-Star break and 18-2-2 in their last 22 home games.
- Phill Kessel leads the Bruins with 24 goals, while Marc Savard leads the team in assists (41) and points (59).
Opponent Blogs:
Here Come the Bruins!
Stanley Cup of Chowder
Graves Played Through Pain
Newyorkrangers.com continues their nine-day countdown to Adam Graves Night by recalling Graves' willingness to make any sacrifice for the team, including playing through pain.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:
In the sixth installment of newyorkrangers.com's nine-video look back at Adam Graves' career, former teammates and friends discuss Graves' remarkable off-ice work here.
Saturday Headlines
New York Post - RANGERS HOPE REITZ HAS 'D' STUFFNew York Post - 4 MORE RANGERS SHOULD GRACE GARDEN RAFTERS
The Bergen Record - Rangers out to tame Bruins
Friday, January 30, 2009
Graves Answers Questions
Earlier today Ranger great Adam Graves answered fans questions at Newyorkrangers.com. For a recap click here.
Fritsche Was Praying to Get Out of New York
Michael Russo at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune has this quote from Dan Fritsche on being traded from the Rangers...
"I've been hoping and waiting -- no, praying -- for this day to come," said Fritsche, 23. "I don't think excited really even describes it. I can think of a million different things [as to why I didn't play] in New York. Coaches have their guys. It's been a long year for me up to this point."
...i sort of don't blame Fritsche for having that reaction. But he's not on the team anymore so F'em.
"I've been hoping and waiting -- no, praying -- for this day to come," said Fritsche, 23. "I don't think excited really even describes it. I can think of a million different things [as to why I didn't play] in New York. Coaches have their guys. It's been a long year for me up to this point."
...i sort of don't blame Fritsche for having that reaction. But he's not on the team anymore so F'em.
Reitz Speaks
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes spoke with the newest Ranger Erik Reitz today, who had this to say...
"I can bring a physical presence on defense, finish my checks and stick up for my teammates, as Tom already said in the paper," Reitz said after the skate. "With six d, I hope I can work my way into the lineup and show the team what I’ve got."
Reitz also spoke about some familiar faces on the Rangers...
"Girardi played with us (in OHL Barrie) for just one season then burst his spleen, then the next season I was in Houston the AHL," he said "I know Chris Drury, I used to surf with him in LA when I used to go out there and train, and I know Voros from Minny, played with him in Houston too."
Zipay doesn't think Reitz will play tomorrow in Boston.
...i'm of the opinion of getting the new guy right in the line-up. So I'm a little disappointed Reitz won't get a chance tomorrow. Any one of our defensemen could use a much deserved rest right now.
"I can bring a physical presence on defense, finish my checks and stick up for my teammates, as Tom already said in the paper," Reitz said after the skate. "With six d, I hope I can work my way into the lineup and show the team what I’ve got."
Reitz also spoke about some familiar faces on the Rangers...
"Girardi played with us (in OHL Barrie) for just one season then burst his spleen, then the next season I was in Houston the AHL," he said "I know Chris Drury, I used to surf with him in LA when I used to go out there and train, and I know Voros from Minny, played with him in Houston too."
Zipay doesn't think Reitz will play tomorrow in Boston.
...i'm of the opinion of getting the new guy right in the line-up. So I'm a little disappointed Reitz won't get a chance tomorrow. Any one of our defensemen could use a much deserved rest right now.
Graves Delivered in Game 7
Newyorkrangers.com continues their nine-day countdown to Adam Graves Night by recalling Graves' role in the '94 Stanley Cup run and his performance in Game 7 vs. Vancouver.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.
Videos:
In the fifth installment of newyorkrangers.com's nine-video look back at Adam Graves' career, Mark Messier and Stephane Matteau describe what Graves was like as a teammate here.
Watch the complete pregame ceremony in 1994 when Adam Graves was honored for breaking Vic Hadfield's Rangers record for goals in a season here.
Watch Adam Graves' interview following the March 23, 1994, game in Edmonton when he scored his 50th and 51st goals of the 1993-94 season here.
Friday Headlines
Newsday - Rangers trade Fritsche to Wild for ReitzNew York Post - RANGERS OBTAIN REITZ FOR 'LEVERAGE'
Daily News - Rangers trade for defenseman
Daily News - Drury to be inducted into Beanpot Hall of Fame
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Weitz Seventh Defenseman
Katie Strang at Blue Notes says that newly acquired defenseman Erik Reitz won't be heading to Hartford and instead will join the Rangers for their game in Boston. Renney said having Reitz around as a seventh d-man will allow the team more flexibility and that Reitz can bring an element of toughness to the club.
Strang also reports that both Dan Girardi and Aaron Voros have played with Reitz previously and characterized him as a solid, tough defenseman who plays physical, is willing to fight, and has a hard shot.
Finally Strang noted that Wade Redden didn't skate at practice today because of "maintenance issues" but will be able to skate tomorrow.
...did someone say toughness and Rangers defenseman? Nah, couldn't have.
...Reitz might only be with the team as insurance in case Redden's "maintenance issue" is worse than anticipated.
Strang also reports that both Dan Girardi and Aaron Voros have played with Reitz previously and characterized him as a solid, tough defenseman who plays physical, is willing to fight, and has a hard shot.
Finally Strang noted that Wade Redden didn't skate at practice today because of "maintenance issues" but will be able to skate tomorrow.
...did someone say toughness and Rangers defenseman? Nah, couldn't have.
...Reitz might only be with the team as insurance in case Redden's "maintenance issue" is worse than anticipated.
Fritsche Sent to Minnesota
TSN is reporting that the Rangers have sent Dan Fritsche to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenseman Erik Reitz.Reitz, 26, has a goal and an assist in 31 games for Minnesota this season, his third in the NHL.
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes adds that Reitz, a 6-1, 210-pound Detroit native, is a banger who piled up hundreds of penalty minutes in OHL Barrie and with the Houston Aeros. Reitz, an RFA next season, was earning $500,000 this season.
...happy to see Fritsche will get a chance with another team. Wonder why Minnesota didn't just claim him yesterday?
...not sure if Reitz is now our seventh defenseman or will be assigned to Hartford.
Weinman Leaving Journal News
Sam Weinman of the Journal News and The Rangers Report will be leaving the Rangers beat to become senior editor at GolfDigest.com.Rick Carpiniellio who covered the Rangers for years will be taking over for Weinman.
...i don't have to tell you guys what a blow this is for Ranger fans. There's no better source for Rangers news (besides this blog of course) than Weinman's Rangers Report. We will miss you Sam.
Salt in the Wound
As if I didn't feel bad enough this morning after the Ranger's third period meltdown last night, Greg Wyshynski, a Devils fan, at Puck Daddy has a blog post on how Eric Godard finally bested Colton Orr last night and then dropped this bomb on Ranger fans when talking about Sidney Crosby's third period goal...
"While there's no denying the skill and accuracy in pulling off the shot, this really shouldn't make the goal-of-the-year highlight reel when you consider it came at 18:20 of the third, with a three-goal lead and against a goalie in Henrik Lundqvist who probably realized that he had allowed more goals in the last 72 hours (12) than Scott Gomez has scored this season (10)."
...that's not good no matter what angle you look at it.
...in regards to the Orr/Godard fight, I've got agree with reader Fleisch's comment that Orr showed a boatload of toughness by popping right up after being dropped by a right cross that would have put me in the hospital for a month.
"While there's no denying the skill and accuracy in pulling off the shot, this really shouldn't make the goal-of-the-year highlight reel when you consider it came at 18:20 of the third, with a three-goal lead and against a goalie in Henrik Lundqvist who probably realized that he had allowed more goals in the last 72 hours (12) than Scott Gomez has scored this season (10)."
...that's not good no matter what angle you look at it.
...in regards to the Orr/Godard fight, I've got agree with reader Fleisch's comment that Orr showed a boatload of toughness by popping right up after being dropped by a right cross that would have put me in the hospital for a month.
Graves Series Continues With OT Goal in '97 Playoffs
Newyorkrangers.com continues their nine-day countdown to Adam Graves Night by recalling Graves' OT goal against the Devils that put the Rangers in the 1997 Eastern Conference Finals.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: In the fourth installment of their nine-video look back at Adam Graves' career, Newyorkrangers.com returns to the 1994 playoff run that ended with a Stanley Cup championship here.
Eklund: Rangers Could Up Ante In Lecavalier Sweepsteaks
Eklund at HockeyBuzz reports that his "source" says this about the Rangers trying to trade for Vinny Lecavalier...
"I find it hard to believe that the Rangers would not be able and willing to throw more into a deal for Vinny than anyone else. Staal, Dubinsky, Prucha, +"
...i almost have to apologize for posting this one.
"I find it hard to believe that the Rangers would not be able and willing to throw more into a deal for Vinny than anyone else. Staal, Dubinsky, Prucha, +"
...i almost have to apologize for posting this one.
Rangers Are Paper Tigers
Ryan Kennedy at The Hockey News takes a look at which teams have fared well against Division leaders and which have fallen short. I'm sure you can guess where the Rangers stand...
Here are some playoff-bound paper tigers who need some statement wins over the next 30 or so games…
NEW YORK RANGERS (three wins)
They’ve whiffed against the West and haven’t beaten the Caps yet with just one rematch left. Unless the Blueshirts face the Devils (whom they’ve beaten twice so far) in the first round, it could be an early curtain call on Broadway this year.
...i can't image that this Ranger team strikes fear in any team in the league right now.
Here are some playoff-bound paper tigers who need some statement wins over the next 30 or so games…
NEW YORK RANGERS (three wins)
They’ve whiffed against the West and haven’t beaten the Caps yet with just one rematch left. Unless the Blueshirts face the Devils (whom they’ve beaten twice so far) in the first round, it could be an early curtain call on Broadway this year.
...i can't image that this Ranger team strikes fear in any team in the league right now.
Video: Highlights & Reaction to Loss Against Penguins
Thursday Headlines
The Journal News - Rangers crumble in thirdNew York Times - Crosby Is Back as Penguins Pounce on Rangers in Third
New York Post - PENS RIP RANGERS
Daily News - Another Pitt fall for Rangers
The Bergen Record - Rangers not mightier than the Pens
The Bergen Record - Rangers notes: Flu keeps Callahan out
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Penguins 6, Rangers 2
The New York Rangers (29-17-4) lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins (24-21-4) by the score of 6-2, tonight. For a full recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports.
...looks like Lundqvist's All Star performance followed him back from Montreal. That's as bad of a goaltending display as you're going to see from him. Lundqvist's now given up 12 goals in the last four periods. Can anyone say Valiquette on Saturday? Just kidding.
...the game was over after the second goal bounced in off Lundqvist's skate. You could just see the whole team sag and it was all down hill from there. You'd love just once for this team to pick up Lundqvist when he has a bad game. But in Renney's system if Lundqvist gives up more than three goals they lose.
...once again the power play fails us as the Rangers get a golden opportunity in the second period with back-to-back power plays and can't do anything with it.
...not that it mattered but it was nice to see Zherdev get on the score sheet after 13 straight games without a goal. Actually what was even nicer was Zherdev flattening Bissonnette after he whacked at Lundqvist twice in third period. He's played with an edge these last two games.
...probably should have known it was going to be a bad night when Orr took one on the chin from Godard to open the game.
...Lundqvist better find his game quick or it could get ugly when the Rangers take on the Eastern Conference leading Bruins on Saturday in Boston.
Callahan Flu; Prucha In
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that Ryan Callahan will sit out tonight with the flu and Petr Prucha will take his place on the first line with Scott Gomez and Markus Naslund.
...Prucha could score a hat trick tonight and he'd still sit the next game.
...Prucha could score a hat trick tonight and he'd still sit the next game.
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