Byers Suspended? (Updated)

Update, 3:15 p.m.:
Both Steve Zipay and Andrew Gross, via Twitter, confirm the suspension and fine.

Update, 3:10 p.m.:
Bob McKenzie at TSN reports that because Byers was assessed an instigator penalty in the final five minutes of the game it calls for an automatic one-game suspension and a $10,000 fine for Tortorella.

McKenzie adds that the NHL has the option of rescinding the suspension and fine if it believes the altercation was spontaneous but there is no sense that will happen in this situation.

Original Post:
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes, via Twitter, is trying to confirm that Dane Byers has been suspended for instigating last night's brawl against the Canucks. John Tortorella may be getting fined $10,000 as well.

...costing your coach $10,000 is not a good way to get playing time.

Leetch, Leetch & More Leetch

With Brian Leetch being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday, November 9th, NHL.com has numerous features on the former Rangers defenseman....

Leetch the game changer here.

John Davidson on Leetch here.

Leetch calm, cool and collected here.

To listen to Leetch conference call from yesterday click here. Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has transcript of call here.

A Blueprint to Stop Gaborik?

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants is concerned that the Canucks may have provided the rest of the NHL with a way to stop Marian Gaborik...

"Here’s my concern if I’m the Rangers: Did the Canucks provide other teams with a blueprint for combating Marian Gaborik and, therefore, shutting down the Rangers’ attack? Canucks defenseman Willie Mitchell, a former teammate of Gaborik’s with the Wild, was all over Gaborik on almost every shift Gaborik was on the ice. But it was more than that, Mitchell got great support from his teammates and the Canucks were able to keep the Rangers mainly outside to the boards.

Of course, matching against Gaborik will only be effective with the Rangers on the road, so the home team can match."

...with the Rangers lack of scoring lately this could be a real problem if someone other than Gaborik doesn't step up.

Rangers/Canucks Non-Brawl

Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy takes a look at the scrum during the Rangers/Canucks game last night that ended up with 10 Rangers on the ice, Sean Avery mixing it up with Shane O'Brien from the bench and no punched thrown...

"Terrifically odd scene last night in the third period of the Vancouver Canucks' 4-1 victory over the New York Rangers: Marian Gaborik gives Ryan Kesler the weakest slash to the leg in recent memory, sparking a fight-less melee during a line change that actually had 10 players on the ice for New York.

Once that situation was defused -- and it did look like it was going to boil over a few times into an old school 1970s sprawling slugfest -- the action moved to the benches, where Canucks defenseman Shane O'Brien decided to nudge Sean Avery with his lumber...

...Clearly, the scars of 1994 have yet to heat. Not mentioned by the CBC: Avery snatched the harpoon from O'Brien and tossed it onto the ice while his mouth continued to move at the speed of sound."

Here's video of the scrum from Puck Daddy...



...wow that whole scene looked like a complete over-reaction by the Canucks.

More Rangers Power Rankings

CBS Sports has recently ranked the Rangers #7 in their recent power rankings...

7. Rangers - When you start thinking about MVPs, remember how the Rangers looked last week without Marian Gaborik in the lineup.

While, SI.com dropped the Rangers to #10 from #8...

10. Rangers - The drought continues for Chris Higgins (14 games), Brandon Dubinsky (seven) and Ryan Callahan (nine), among others, but they still can count on Marian Gaborik. After missing two games, one-legged Gabby returned to provide all the offense needed to beat Boston 1-0. No surprise Henrik Lundqvist took care of the other end: he's now 11-3-2 with four shutouts and a 1.31 GAA in 16 starts against them. Last week: 2-2.

...Ranger fans should be happy to see the Blueshirts dropping in the polls as their play seemed to suffer as soon as they where ranked in the Top 5.

Prospal Named Alternate Captain

Before last night's game Vinny Prospal was named the Rangers second alternate Captain.

On the decision John Tortorella said that captain Chris Drury made the suggestion adding...

"I had no idea that he was thinking about it," said Tortorella to Steve Zipay at Blue Notes. "I'm glad he did. I would've gone the whole year (with just Ryan Callahan as the single alternate). We just felt that it was not just his (Vinny's) play on the ice, that's not what was most important; it's his practice habits, preparation and other things that make him most deserving."

...i hadn't seen Prospal's name thrown around that much in alternate captain talk on the web. But there is no other player on the Rangers who get more excited when the Rangers score a goal and I'm assuming his veteran leadership and knowledge of Tortorella had been a huge benefit in the lockerroom.

...i'm definitely more than ok with this decision.

Wednesday Headlines

The Journal News - Canucks' furious finish frustrates Rangers, 4-1

Newsday - Rangers struggle to score in 4-1 loss to Canucks

New York Post - Rangers' top unit looks for 3rd skater

Daily News - Late goals lift Canucks over Rangers

The Bergen Record - Rangers falter in third, fall 4-1 to Canucks

Video: Torts, Keenan & Highlights of Loss to Canucks

John Tortorella speaks to reporters following the Blueshirts' 4-1 loss to the Canucks here.

Mike Keenan takes a closer look at the Blueshirts' 4-1 loss to Vancouver here.

Rangers vs. Canucks highlights here.

Canucks 4, Rangers 1

The New York Rangers (9-6-1) lost to the Vancouver Canucks (9-7-0) by the score of 4-1, last night. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.

I missed the game so here are post game notes released by the Rangers...

- The Blueshirts were defeated by the Vancouver Canucks, 4-1, tonight at General Motors Place to fall to 9-6-1 overall, including a 3-4-1 mark on the road.

- Christopher Higgins notched the Rangers only goal of the game, his first as a Ranger, at 6:24 of the third period; he finished the contest with two hits in 19:42 of icetime.

- Rangers Captain Chris Drury collected an assist on Higgins’ goal, and registered four shots in 18:00 of icetime.

- Brandon Dubinsky registered one assist and delivered three hits in 18:36 of icetime.

- Forward Vinny Prospal was named Alternate Captain prior to the game, and finished the contest with a team-high 11 faceoff wins (65%, 11-17).

- Rangers defenseman Matt Gilroy led the team with three blocked shots in the game in 22:49 of icetime.

- Marc Staal led New York with a plus-one rating and 23:58 of icetime.

- The Blueshirts practice schedule for tomorrow, November 4, is 1:00 p.m. at Rexall Place in Edmonton.

- The Rangers return to action on Thursday, November 5, when they will face-off against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place (9:30 p.m.), in the second game of their three-game Western Canadian road trip; the game will be televised live on MSG Network and can be heard on 1050 ESPN Radio.

Del Zotto Named Rookie of the Month

NHL.com reports the Michael Del Zotto was named the NHL's Rookie of the Month for October after posting 12 points in 14 games.

Del Zotto scored 4 goals, including three on the power play, and had 8 assists to lead all rookies in scoring for the first month.

On Del Zotto, John Tortorella said...

"Forget about his skill and all the points he's put on the board, but it's the way he handles himself," Rangers coach John Tortorella said of Del Zotto. "I don't think he's afraid to make mistakes so it allows him to try to make a difference. That's pretty unique for a 19-year-old guy playing the toughest position in the game."

...in a season already filled with pleasant surprises Del Zotto is the biggest.

Tuesday Headlines

Newsday - Tortorella making changes to spark offense

New York Post - LARRY BROOKS: Avery revisits scene of his crime

Daily News - A 'familiar' foe to face New York Rangers

The Bergen Record - Renney set for Rangers' visit

The Bergen Record - Rangers up next

Busy Tomorrow

I'm going to be pretty busy tomorrow so I won't be able to post much throughout the day. I'll try to get as much up as possible.

I'll definitely have a game preview and recap.

And don't forget to sign-up to follow me on Twitter.

Renney Talks Rangers Experience

Former Rangers head coach and current Oilers associate coach Tom Renney spoke with reporters before tonight's Islanders/Oilers game about his new role with Edmonton and his time in New York...

On what he would have done differently:

“I would have rather not gone to Europe, that really accelerated the process. We were in really good shape, that’s what got us our start. We were in excellent shape at the start because of the fitness level. It stunted our ability to grow with being at home and continuing to practice a little bit because we weren’t as tidy as it might have appeared.

Beyond that, sure you evaluate this thing and that thing. You look at yourself first of all. When I got fired, I don’t think I ever really found myself (ticked) off. We were hurt. My family more than anybody. I took this opportunity to show my wife and my girls what standing tall looks like, what taking the shot looks like and having the dignity to deal with that and not throw people under the bus and deal with it head on. I was a head coach, period. I looked at it as an opportunity to help my kids understand that life isn’t always what appears to be fair and you’ve got to go with it. That was as important to me as anything. I think I was certainly treated fairly here. I love Glen. As much as it’s a great organization to work for…I really wanted Glen to have success and I wanted him to be proud of his team and proud of me. That’s the biggest disappointment of all.”

...i had my problems with Renney, but there is no denying the fact the he was a major reason for the Ranger franchise's turn around. The Rangers are in a much better position now than when he took over. And Renney had a lot to do with it.

For the entire interview go to Rangers Rants.

Lisin Doubtful; Higgins to Top Line

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that Enver Lisin, who was struck in the left foot blocking a shot late in the first period against Boston, didn’t skate at practice today as his instep was swollen and he couldn’t lace up a skate...

“It feels worse today. I’m not sure how it’s going to feel tomorrow,” Lisin said before limping to the bus.

In Lisin's place, Chris Higgins was bumped to the No. 1 line to the left of Vinny Prospal and Marian Gaborik. On giving Higgins a chance on the top line, John Tortorella explained...

“You can complain about production all you want, but we’ve got to try and help guys,” Tortorella said after practice at GM Place. “If Higgy continues to do some other things, he’ll get more ice time.”

Brian Boyle missed today's practice due to family issues.

...tough break for Lisin, who has really stepped up his game since moving to the #1 line. Hopefully Higgins can take advantage of this opportunity.

Avery Should Apologize

Eric Francis at Sun Media feels that with the Rangers scheduled to play Calgary this week Sean Avery should apologize for his 'sloppy seconds' comments from last year...

"If the classless New York Rangers mouthpiece has a shred of decency in him, he'll publicly apologize to Dion Phaneuf and girlfriend Elisha Cuthbert for his stunningly offside comments of a year ago."

...this happened a year ago Francis. Get over it.

...i wonder if this Calgary homer called for Phaneuf to publicly apologize to the Islanders Kyle Okposo for head hunting during a preseason game and then being too much of a coward to fight when challenged afterward.

...if Phaneauf wants to settle the score on the ice then Avery has to take his medicine, but there is absolutely no reason for 'The Grate One' to apologize.

...h/t to Puck Daddy.

Rangers Down to #10 in ESPN Power Rankings

The Rangers have dropped one spot to #10 in the most recent ESPN power ranking...

10. Rangers - It's simple: If Marian Gaborik is in the lineup, as he was in Sunday's 1-0 victory, the Rangers are contenders. If he's not, they're just another bunch of guys in skates.

...amazingly it actually is that simple.

Happy Birthday to The New York Rangers Blog

3,669 posts later, The New York Rangers Blog is two years old.

I can't believe that it's been two years since I created my little spot in cyberspace.

When I first started this thing, there was only one other Rangers blog that provided links to Ranger news on the web (Blueshirt Bulletin). Now it seems like a new "links" Rangers blog pops up every day, including some from major media outlets and blog networks.

Which is why I must thank all of my readers. Despite the crowded neighborhood, you guys have continued to visit the blog and spread the word. I also appreciate all of your e-mails of encouragement and insightful comments.

Through your support, last month The New York Rangers Blog had over 45,000 hits. A record for the blog. To put that in perspective, last October I had just under 8,000. Wow!!!

Throughout the two years, I've thought about trying to take the blog to the next level (obtaining press passes for games, interviewing players and live chats), but unfortunately, with a job and two kids, its not possible. Plus, I enoy the current format and I think the readers agree.

Anyway, I thank you for making The New York Rangers Blog one of your stops while surfing the web and I promise to keep all the Rangers news coming.

Let's Go Rangers!!!

Hulkamania Running Wild on MSG

Newyorkrangers.com reports that professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan will be giving out special Ranger shout-outs on Gardenvision over the next several games.

Prior to his press conference at MSG announcing his new book, the Hulkster donned a Blueshirt and used his trademark voice for some memorable shout-outs that Rangers fans will be able to catch on Gardenvision at an upcoming game.

...not sure the connection here. But I've got to admit I was a full fledged Hulkamaniac back in the day.

Rangers Shopping Higgins?

Bruce Garrioch at the Ottawa Sun reports that the Rangers are shopping Chris Higgins...

"The Rangers are trying to move W Christopher Higgins. Talk about a flop on Broadway. Higgins, who has just two assists in 13 games this season, was the key player New York got back from the Canadiens for C Scott Gomez."

...Garrioch's rumors are known to be Eklund-like, so I'm not going to put too much stock into this.

...however, if true, that would be the shortest leash ever.

Moment of the Week

Each Monday, fans are invited to vote for the newyorkrangers.com Moment of the Week from among three finalists. On Wednesday at noon, the winning moment will be posted along with selected comments from fans who voted for it. Here are this week's finalists...

* Prospal Scores Game-Winner in Second vs. Phoenix
* Byers Scores First NHL Goal for 1-1 Tie in Minnesota
* Gaborik Scores Lone Goal in a 1-0 Win Over Boston

Gaborik's breakaway goal vs. Montreal was last week's winner.

Lundqvist Named Sunday's 1st Star

Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy named Henrik Lundqvist Sunday's first star...

No. 1 Star: Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers
King Henrik earned his 150th NHL victory and 21st career shutout in the Rangers' 1-0 victory over the Boston Bruins, stopping 29 shots. He turned aside 14 shots in the third period, including solid work during a four-minute penalty kill for the Rangers.

...last year Lundqvist was the story every game. I think this might be only the second time this season the Rangers relied on him to win. Which should help Lundqvist mentally as the season drags on.

Marian Gaborik was given an honorable mention for scoring the game's lone goal in his return from injury.

Monday Headlines

The Journal News - Rangers beat Bruins, 1-0

Newsday - Gaborik scores in return as Rangers win, 1-0

New York Times - Lundqvist’s 21st Career Shutout Lifts Rangers Past the Bruins

Daily News - Lundqvist wins 150th, Rangers top Boston

The Bergen Record - Gaborik returns to lift Rangers over Bruins, 1-0

New York Post - Safe play is King for a day

Injuries and Byers

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants fills us in on the numerous Rangers that seemed to get injured during today's victory against the Bruins...

"Another thing to keep an eye on: Enver Lisin. The slick-skating left wing blocked a shot with his foot and was limited afterwards... Didn’t see Michal Rozsival in the room after the game but he played in the third period so, for now, let’s assume whatever happened to right his leg is OK. Did speak briefly with Chris Drury. Now I, based my eyes and television replay, thought he was hit in the left arm. The captain, however, told me he wound up going to the dressing room because he had to take a quick bathroom break. The puck hit him in the kidney? Whatever the case, Drury said he was absolutely fine."

Ryan Callahan also looked shaken up during the game after being boarded (how was that not called?) by Zdeno Chara.

...injury bug seems to be biting a bit. Luckily nothing too serious.

Gross adds that Dane Byers, who feels he can play at the NHL pace, boarded the charter to Vancouver.

...congrats to Byers for sticking around. Hopefully the longer he's with the Blueshirts the more confidence Tortorella will have giving him more minutes. He had a team low 5:57 of ice time today.

Rangers Feel Confident with Gaborik in Line-up

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes had this quote from Henrik Lundqvist on how much Marian Gaborik means to the Rangers after today's 1-0 victory over Boston...

“I think everybody feels a little more confident with a guy like that in the lineup,” said Lundqvist. “He’s been hurt here and there, but he has been very focused when he came back.”

On the injury Gaborik noted...

“Halfway through the warmup, I felt good enough to play,” said Gaborik. “I’m not where I want to be but I will go out there and help anyway. It was a huge team effort and started with Hank. We have a tough road trip coming up, so this was a huge two points.”

...while the Rangers offense was far from clicking on all cylinders, you can just tell a difference in the team's demeanor with Gaborik in the line-up. Just look at the efforts from Callahan and Higgins tonight. Much better with Gaborik back.

Rangers Talk Win vs. Boston

Here are quotes released by the Rangers after the game...

John Tortorella on the team’s effort…
“That is a tough team to play against – the way they play, how strong defensively they are, how they play in the neutral zone. It needed to be a patient, grinding type game. I think if you open yourself up, that is when they counter and that is when they become successful. I thought our decision making was good. I thought our grinding was better. Cally (Ryan Callahan)…I thought (Christopher) Higgins had a good game in the grinding part of it. (Ales) Kotalik, as far as being strong on the puck. We found a way to score a goal and found a way to win.”

Marian Gaborik on Vinny Prospal…
“His work ethic is unbelievable. He is a great playmaker. He goes there and works hard. He sees the ice, you can see that every night out there. He is looking to pass and he did tonight.”

Henrik Lundqvist on today’s game…
“It was a fun game. This is what I was used to last year…low scoring and tight. I got a little spoiled this year. We have been scoring a lot. The feeling was one mistake could cost us big time. I like that feeling. I have to be on my toes all of the time.”

Vinny Prospal on today’s game…
“Obviously Hank (Henrik Lundqvist) was great for us in net. He made some huge saves throughout the whole hockey game. We were able to score the goal and it proved to be the winner. They are a really good hockey team. They have everything that a hockey team needs. They have the playmakers. They have the goal scorers and they have a great goalie as well.”

Video: Highlights & Torts After Win vs. Bruins

Rangers vs. Bruins highlights here.

John Tortorella talks to reporters following the Blueshirts' 1-0 shutout victory over Boston here.

...nice shirt Torts!!!

Rangers 1, Bruins 0

The New York Rangers (9-5-1) defeated the Boston Bruins (6-6-1) by the score of 1-0, today. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.

...that's a nice hard nose, tough win for the Rangers. Not every victory is going to be pretty. The good teams can win 1-0 and 2-1 games also.

...Gaborik has to have the quickest release in the history of the NHL. The shot he scored on wasn't even that hard but because he shot it so fast Thomas didn't have a chance to get over.

...so much for Lundqvist getting more rest this season. This obviously has to do with Tortorella's lack of confidence in Valiquette. Which I don't mind because the Rangers lose that game without Lundqvist's heroics.

...nice to see Callahan find his game again.

...and speaking of Callahan how was that not a penalty?

...excited to see Byers get the call over Voros and Brashear tonight. If he keeps this up, its going to be real hard for Torts to take him out.

...better get your rest tonight and tomorrow Ranger fans as the Blueshirts head out to the Northwest starting Tuesday night in Vancouver starting at 10 p.m.

Rangers vs. Bruins (Game 15)

The New York Rangers (8-5-1) host the Boston Bruins (6-5-1) today at MSG starting at 1:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

TV: MSG; Radio: WABC (770AM)

Probable Lines:
Not even going to try

Staal-Girardi
Del Zotto-Rozsival
Redden-Gilroy

Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 7-4-1, 2.68 gaa, .914 sv%, 0 so.

Tim Thomas - 4-4-0, 2.86 gaa, .906 sv%, 1 so.

Opponent Notes:
- Boston is 3-1-1 since Marc Savard went down with a broken foot.

- Thomas is 3-0-1 with a 1.44 goals-against average in his last four starts versus the Rangers.

- Patrice Bergeron leads Boston in goals (4) and points (8).

- Milan Lucic is out 4-6 weeks with a broken finger.

- Zdeno Chara has yet to score this season.

Opponent Blog:
Stanley Cup of Chowder

Gaborik Injury a NHL Scary Story

Fox Sports lists the Top 10 Scary NHL Stories This Season including Marian Gaborik's injury woes...

6. Gaborik's injury woes
Rangers GM Glen Sather raised eyebrows this summer when he signed talented but injury-prone winger Marian Gaborik to an expensive contract, making him the centerpiece of the Rangers offensive attack. The gamble paid off in his first dozen games as Gaborik notched 18 points to lead the Rangers and rank amongst the league's top 10 scorers. But soon the risk factor kicked in as Gaborik — who has a history of groin and hip injuries — suffered yet another leg injury. Although it's reportedly unrelated to his previous injuries and he's not expected to be sidelined for long, Gaborik's latest injury serves as a constant reminder the Blueshirts might have built their offensive house upon a fragile foundation.

...i wouldn't call it woes yet. Right now its just an injury woe.

Sunday Headlines

Newsday - Gaborik practices, might be ready against Boston

Daily News - Jacques planted seed for all goaltenders

New York Post - It's possibly NHL's Greatest disgrace yet

The Bergen Record - Gaborik, Higgins, Avery questionable