Sean Leahy at Puck Daddy names Marik Malik's between the legs shootout winner against the Capitals in 2005 the best of the decade...
1. Marek Malik goes to the trick bag (Nov. 26, 2005)
The utter disbelief in Mike Crispino of the MSG Network's voice was the universal feeling for the entire Madison Square Garden crowd and, most likely, Olaf Kolzig as well.
It's not often we see such moves from a 6-6, 240-pound defenseman, but his circus act ended a lengthy, 15-round shootout between the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals and gave Blueshirt fans their only favorable memory of Malik.
...way too much ink given to coverage of Marek Malik this week.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
More Holiday Wishes for Rangers
In another of many holiday wish features, Spector at Fox Sports has this Christmas wish for the Rangers...
New York Rangers: Scoring depth. The Rangers have been in free fall in the standings in recent weeks, due in large part to their lack of offensive punch. After superstar Marian Gaborik and linemate Vaclav Prospal, no other Rangers forward has 20 or more points, and if Gaborik should get hurt they’ll be in big trouble. With limited cap space to bolster their ranks more Blueshirts need to step up.
...hey, the Rangers scored three goals last night against the worst team in the NHL. What lack of scoring depth is Spector talking about? Sarcasm folks, sarcasm.
New York Rangers: Scoring depth. The Rangers have been in free fall in the standings in recent weeks, due in large part to their lack of offensive punch. After superstar Marian Gaborik and linemate Vaclav Prospal, no other Rangers forward has 20 or more points, and if Gaborik should get hurt they’ll be in big trouble. With limited cap space to bolster their ranks more Blueshirts need to step up.
...hey, the Rangers scored three goals last night against the worst team in the NHL. What lack of scoring depth is Spector talking about? Sarcasm folks, sarcasm.
Rangers Moving Up in Power Rankings
ESPN.com ranks the Rangers #25 up from #28 last week in their recent Power Rankings...
25. Rangers - John Tortorella ... we hear ya, buddy!
The Hockey News and TSN also have the Rangers moving up in their power rankings.
25. Rangers - John Tortorella ... we hear ya, buddy!
The Hockey News and TSN also have the Rangers moving up in their power rankings.
Rangers Talk Win vs. Hurricanes
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has the below quotes..
Brandon Dubinsky...
“It takes a while to get back into the groove of things and when I first came back my hand wasn’t where I wanted it to be,” said Dubinsky. “Tonight was the first time I was able to play without having my hand covered, not to make excuses, but anytime you’re hindered by anything it makes it harder. I’ve tried hard and worked hard and tonight I took a big step, producing a little bit which, let’s face it, is one of my jobs being on the top line; I’ve gotta get some points.”
Henrik Lundqvist...
"You can see when we’re in the lead, there’s not a lot of odd-man rushes, right now as a team we are playing smarter. When you’re winning, you don’t drain yourself between games. When you’re losing you think a lot, when you’re winning you can relax.”
John Tortorella...
"We're growing, I think the grit of the team is improving...Not just in our own zone but along the boards int he neutral zone to try to get into a forecheck. It was a better game for uis than the Philly game/ I thought we played a better third period. SO as far as the battle level and grind of the game, I think we're improving there."
Brandon Dubinsky...
“It takes a while to get back into the groove of things and when I first came back my hand wasn’t where I wanted it to be,” said Dubinsky. “Tonight was the first time I was able to play without having my hand covered, not to make excuses, but anytime you’re hindered by anything it makes it harder. I’ve tried hard and worked hard and tonight I took a big step, producing a little bit which, let’s face it, is one of my jobs being on the top line; I’ve gotta get some points.”
Henrik Lundqvist...
"You can see when we’re in the lead, there’s not a lot of odd-man rushes, right now as a team we are playing smarter. When you’re winning, you don’t drain yourself between games. When you’re losing you think a lot, when you’re winning you can relax.”
John Tortorella...
"We're growing, I think the grit of the team is improving...Not just in our own zone but along the boards int he neutral zone to try to get into a forecheck. It was a better game for uis than the Philly game/ I thought we played a better third period. SO as far as the battle level and grind of the game, I think we're improving there."
Video: Highlights, Torts & Duguay on Win vs. Hurricanes
Monday, December 21, 2009
Rangers 3, Hurricanes 1
The New York Rangers (17-16-3) defeated the Carolina Hurricanes (9-21-6) by the score of 3-1, tonight. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.
...missed the game tonight too busy watching Giants take it to the Redskins. Here are the post game notes released by the Rangers:
• The Blueshirts defeated the Carolina Hurricanes, 3-1, tonight at the RBC Center to improve to 17-16-3 (37 pts.) overall and 10-7-2 (22 pts.) on the road.
...missed the game tonight too busy watching Giants take it to the Redskins. Here are the post game notes released by the Rangers:
• The Blueshirts defeated the Carolina Hurricanes, 3-1, tonight at the RBC Center to improve to 17-16-3 (37 pts.) overall and 10-7-2 (22 pts.) on the road.
• Henrik Lundqvist made 32 saves, including 13 in the third period, to close out the victory; Lundqvist has held opponents to two or fewer goals in eight of his last nine games.
• Marian Gaborik notched a goal and two assists; Gaborik has now had 15 multiple points games and has scored six goals and seven assists in his last 10 games.
• Brandon Dubisnky scored the game-winning goal and notched an assist; Dubinsky tied for the lead among all skaters with a plus-3 rating.
• Marc Staal tallied a goal and logged a team-high 24:47 of icetime; Staal tied for the lead among all skaters with a plus-3 rating.
• Michal Rozsival recorded an assist and had a plus-two rating for the game; Rozsival logged 24:31 of ice time and led all skaters with 4 blocked shots.
• The Blueshirts’ practice for tomorrow, December 22, is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at the MSG Training Center.
• The Rangers return to action on Wednesday, December 23, when they will face-off against the Florida Panthers at Madison Square Garden (7:00 p.m.); the game will be televised live on MSG Network and can be heard on 1050 ESPN Radio.
Rangers @ Hurricanes (Game 36)
The New York Rangers (16-16-3) visit the Carolina Hurricanes (9-20-6) tonight at the RBC Center starting at 7:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.
TV: MSG; Radio: ESPNRadio (1050AM)
Probable Lines:
Prospal-Dubinsky-Gaborik
Higgins-Anisimov-Callahan
Avery-Drury-Lisin
Brashear-Christensen-Kotalik
Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy
Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 14-13-3, 2.50 gaa, .920 sv%, 1 so.
Cam Ward - 4-11-4, 3.12 gaa, .896 sv%, 0 so.
Opponent Notes:
- Carolina has won two of their last three games.
- Cam Ward is 4-2-0 with a 2.01 GAA and one shutout at home against the Rangers.
- RW Patrick Dwyer has one goal in each of the past two games.
- RW Erik Cole (upper body) is expected to be out for two or three weeks.
- C Eric Staal has just six goals on the season.
Opponent Blog:
Canes Country
TV: MSG; Radio: ESPNRadio (1050AM)
Probable Lines:
Prospal-Dubinsky-Gaborik
Higgins-Anisimov-Callahan
Avery-Drury-Lisin
Brashear-Christensen-Kotalik
Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy
Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 14-13-3, 2.50 gaa, .920 sv%, 1 so.
Cam Ward - 4-11-4, 3.12 gaa, .896 sv%, 0 so.
Opponent Notes:
- Carolina has won two of their last three games.
- Cam Ward is 4-2-0 with a 2.01 GAA and one shutout at home against the Rangers.
- RW Patrick Dwyer has one goal in each of the past two games.
- RW Erik Cole (upper body) is expected to be out for two or three weeks.
- C Eric Staal has just six goals on the season.
Opponent Blog:
Canes Country
Gilroy, Redden, Kotalik Return
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that Matt Gilroy, Wade Redden and Ales Kotalik will all return to the line-up tonight in Carolina.
Brian Boyle (back) and Aaron Voros (healthy scratch) will sit.
Redden on returning to the line-up...
"I know what I have to do to be successful," said Redden. "It's not just one thing, just a certain feeling when things are going well, when you're mentally ready, you read and react, you're not taking that half second extra. I think you've got to have an edge."
...if you know what you have to do to be successful why haven't you been doing it?
Steve Zipay also has quotes from Matt Gilroy who noted that he learned some valuable lessons both one-on-one and watching video with Wolf Pack assistant coach J.J. Daigneault.
While, Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports that with the line-up changes Chris Drury will move off the fourth line...
Prospal-Dubinsky-Gaborik
Higgins-Anisimov-Callahan
Avery-Drury-Lisin
Brashear-Christensen-Kotalik
...the guy is finally scoring with his new role on the fourth line and Torts moves him back up. Unreal.
Brian Boyle (back) and Aaron Voros (healthy scratch) will sit.
Redden on returning to the line-up...
"I know what I have to do to be successful," said Redden. "It's not just one thing, just a certain feeling when things are going well, when you're mentally ready, you read and react, you're not taking that half second extra. I think you've got to have an edge."
...if you know what you have to do to be successful why haven't you been doing it?
Steve Zipay also has quotes from Matt Gilroy who noted that he learned some valuable lessons both one-on-one and watching video with Wolf Pack assistant coach J.J. Daigneault.
While, Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports that with the line-up changes Chris Drury will move off the fourth line...
Prospal-Dubinsky-Gaborik
Higgins-Anisimov-Callahan
Avery-Drury-Lisin
Brashear-Christensen-Kotalik
...the guy is finally scoring with his new role on the fourth line and Torts moves him back up. Unreal.
Rangers Literally a One Man Team
Jeff Klein at Slap Shots reports that Marian Gaborik has the highest percentage of team goals in the NHL..."When you subtract the bookkeeping goals the league awards to teams that win shootouts (in the Rangers’ case, two) and use only those goals scored during regulation and overtime, the Slovakian wingman has accounted for 25.5 percent of all the Rangers’ goals."
Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning is second with 23.3%.
...i can't even imagine the degree of horribleness that would be the New York Rangers offense if Gaborik wasn't on the team. They might have broken records.
Redden Could Be Headed to AHL (Updated)
Update, 12:22:Rick Carpiniello at the Rangers Report has more on the importance of tonight's game for Redden.
Original Post:
In Larry Brooks' article in the New York Post today, he reports that Wade Redden's last chance to impress coach John Tortorella or be sent down to Hartford begins tonight against the Hurricanes.
...wow, that would be an astonishing move by the Rangers. Through all the bad contracts the team has given out to aging, under-performing players, not once have they admitted a mistake by exiling the player to the AHL. I'd be very impressed.
...also think about the cap room it would open up to make a move at the deadline or sooner.
Jagr May Be Back in NHL Next Season
Jim Matheson at the Edmonton Journal reports that Jaromir Jagr still has many connections in the NHL, especially with the Edmonton Oilers..."Former New York Rangers' captain Jaromir Jagr may be toiling away with Avangard Omsk with the Kontinental Hockey League but he's still good enough to play in the NHL, even after turning 38 in February. He has many connections left with the NHL. He has good relationships with the Edmonton Oilers assistant coach Wayne Fleming, who coached in Omsk last season, and Oilers assistant Tom Renney, his head coach in New York. He also has a close friendship with Ales Hemsky from the Czech national team. So don't bet against him being back in North America next year when his contract runs out."
Jagr has 13 goals and 12 assists in 29 games this season for Avangard Omsk.
...Edmonton seems like the obvious destination for Jagr, but I'm sure he still has some good contacts in New York as well. So you never know.
Zipay Live Chat @ 2pm (Updated)
Update, 12:15 p.m.:Zipay has re-scheduled the chat for 2 p.m.
Original Post:
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes will host a live web chat today at 1 p.m. To participate click here.
To Gaborik's Health & Our Happiness
Sam McCaig at The Hockey News has a holiday wish for all 30 NHL teams...NEW YORK RANGERS
A Marian Gaborik Groin Guarantee.
...from your lips to God's ears.
Monday Headlines
The Bergen Record - Michael Rozsival making his case at left point
New York Post - Torts gives Redden one more chance
Daily News - 'Tis the season for Henrik to work
New York Post - Torts gives Redden one more chance
Daily News - 'Tis the season for Henrik to work
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Kreider Stars in Team USA Exhibition Game
Since the Hockey's Future article I posted on Ranger prospect Chris Kreider's struggles created a lot of interest, I thought I'd pass this along from Jess Rubenstein at The Prospect Park..."For those who have been worried about Chris Kreider (2009 1st) not putting up big stats we have been saying all along not to worry. The Boston College freshman has been playing well enough to be the starting left wing all season and that is good enough for us.
But if stats are what you want then you will very much like Kreider's performance for Team USA against North Dakota on Saturday night. Kreider led Team USA with 2 goals as they defeated North Dakota 4-2 in exhibition play."
...very encouraging report from Jess.
Malik Shootout Goal a Play of the Decade
Today Newsday featured the top 10 New York sports plays of the decade and Marek Malik's between the legs shootout goal made the list at #8...
No. 8) Marek Malik’s shootout goal, Nov. 26, 2005
NHL shootouts still were a post-lockout novelty when the Rangers and Capitals engaged in an epic, 15-round duel after ending overtime tied at 2 at the Garden.
At last, Marek Malik sent everyone home, drawing the puck between and behind his legs backhand, then flipping it over Caps goaltender Olie Kolzig forehand – with his stick still between his legs.
Malik, a defenseman who would finish that regular season with two goals, waved his arms to encourage the crowd’s cheers.
...we all know the Ranger fans hatred towards Malik for many reasons, mostly his horrific turnovers in Game 5 of the Eastern Semis against the Sabres in 2007, but there is no denying that Malik will always be remembered for that shootout goal.
No. 8) Marek Malik’s shootout goal, Nov. 26, 2005
NHL shootouts still were a post-lockout novelty when the Rangers and Capitals engaged in an epic, 15-round duel after ending overtime tied at 2 at the Garden.
At last, Marek Malik sent everyone home, drawing the puck between and behind his legs backhand, then flipping it over Caps goaltender Olie Kolzig forehand – with his stick still between his legs.
Malik, a defenseman who would finish that regular season with two goals, waved his arms to encourage the crowd’s cheers.
...we all know the Ranger fans hatred towards Malik for many reasons, mostly his horrific turnovers in Game 5 of the Eastern Semis against the Sabres in 2007, but there is no denying that Malik will always be remembered for that shootout goal.
Gilroy Recalled from Hartford
Newyorkrangers.com reports that the Rangers have recalled Matt Gilroy from Hartford.
Gilroy had four assists in five games with the Wolf Pack.
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has more on the recall.
...glad to see Gilroy back so quickly.
...doubt we're going to see Sanguinetti or Heikkinen back tomorrow against the Hurricanes as Larry Brooks explained might happen. Meaning Redden should be back in. Which I still don't like as the Rangers have won two in a row by outscoring their opponents 7-3 with Redden in the press box. Not sure why he deserves to be back in there yet.
Gilroy had four assists in five games with the Wolf Pack.
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has more on the recall.
...glad to see Gilroy back so quickly.
...doubt we're going to see Sanguinetti or Heikkinen back tomorrow against the Hurricanes as Larry Brooks explained might happen. Meaning Redden should be back in. Which I still don't like as the Rangers have won two in a row by outscoring their opponents 7-3 with Redden in the press box. Not sure why he deserves to be back in there yet.
Rangers to Pursue Kovalchuk at Deadline
Bruce Garrioch at the Ottawa Sun reports that if contract negotiations breakdown between Ilya Kovalchuk and the Atlanta Thrashers the Rangers will be one of many teams interested come the trade deadline...
"If Waddell and Kovalchuk can’t come to terms soon, the Thrashers GM will have to consider shopping Kovalchuk at the deadline. Sources say the Kings, Bruins, Capitals, Rangers, Avs and Devils will be among the teams most aggressively pursuing a top-shelf offensive player."
Kovalchuk, who is in the final year of his contract, is said to be looking for a 10-year contract in the range of $11 million.
...i'm assuming the Rangers would be able to fit Kovalchuk under the cap for the rest of the season. But unless the Blueshirts can get rid of some of their huge contracts Kovalchuk would be nothing more than a rental. And I'd hate to see who the Rangers would have to give up to obtain a player they can only retain for two months.
"If Waddell and Kovalchuk can’t come to terms soon, the Thrashers GM will have to consider shopping Kovalchuk at the deadline. Sources say the Kings, Bruins, Capitals, Rangers, Avs and Devils will be among the teams most aggressively pursuing a top-shelf offensive player."
Kovalchuk, who is in the final year of his contract, is said to be looking for a 10-year contract in the range of $11 million.
...i'm assuming the Rangers would be able to fit Kovalchuk under the cap for the rest of the season. But unless the Blueshirts can get rid of some of their huge contracts Kovalchuk would be nothing more than a rental. And I'd hate to see who the Rangers would have to give up to obtain a player they can only retain for two months.
Sunday Headlines
The Bergen Record - Henrik Lundqvist stonewalls Flyers
New York Post - Last-period heroics lock up Rangers win
Daily News - Lundqvist's 36 saves foils Flyers in 2-1 win
The Journal News - Rangers' Lundqvist halts Flyers' best shots
New York Times - Lundqvist Helps Rangers Win Second in a Row
Newsday - Lundqvist, Rangers beat Flyers, 2-1
New York Post - Last-period heroics lock up Rangers win
Daily News - Lundqvist's 36 saves foils Flyers in 2-1 win
The Journal News - Rangers' Lundqvist halts Flyers' best shots
New York Times - Lundqvist Helps Rangers Win Second in a Row
Newsday - Lundqvist, Rangers beat Flyers, 2-1
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Sanguinetti, Heikkinen Sent Back to Hartford (Updated)
Update, 11:50 p.m.:
Larry Brooks at the New York Post offers an explanation as to why the Rangers sent Sanguinetti and Heikkinen down...
"The NHL’s eight-day holiday roster freeze goes into effect at midnight tonight and lasts through midnight, Dec. 27, with anyone on the roster at 12 PM ineligible for demotion to the AHL. Thus, absent an injury serious enough to merit time on IR, the Rangers, who were at the 23-player maximum, could not have made a personnel move for the duration of the freeze without these moves to clear roster space.
The team can recall Heikkinen and Sanguinetti tomorrow for Monday’s match in Carolina. Or, they might well recall one or the other plus Matt Gilroy, who is scheduled to play his fifth game for the Wolf Pack tonight since being sent to the AHL on Dec. 10. Players recalled during the freeze can move between the NHL and AHL without restriction."
...smart move by the Rangers. Like I said in the comments section, good thing I didn't overreact to the news without hearing an explanation.
Original Post:
Newyorkrangers.com reports that the Rangers have assigned Bobby Sanguinetti and Ilkka Heikkinen to the Hartford Wolf Pack.
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has more here.
...unreal. Not even 30 hours after Torts says they are going with youth, the Rangers send two rookie defensemen down. Obviously this means Redden will be back in the line-up Monday night.
...how are we ever supposed to believe anything Torts says from now on? I'm guarenteeing a loss Monday night.
Larry Brooks at the New York Post offers an explanation as to why the Rangers sent Sanguinetti and Heikkinen down...
"The NHL’s eight-day holiday roster freeze goes into effect at midnight tonight and lasts through midnight, Dec. 27, with anyone on the roster at 12 PM ineligible for demotion to the AHL. Thus, absent an injury serious enough to merit time on IR, the Rangers, who were at the 23-player maximum, could not have made a personnel move for the duration of the freeze without these moves to clear roster space.
The team can recall Heikkinen and Sanguinetti tomorrow for Monday’s match in Carolina. Or, they might well recall one or the other plus Matt Gilroy, who is scheduled to play his fifth game for the Wolf Pack tonight since being sent to the AHL on Dec. 10. Players recalled during the freeze can move between the NHL and AHL without restriction."
...smart move by the Rangers. Like I said in the comments section, good thing I didn't overreact to the news without hearing an explanation.
Original Post:
Newyorkrangers.com reports that the Rangers have assigned Bobby Sanguinetti and Ilkka Heikkinen to the Hartford Wolf Pack.
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has more here.
...unreal. Not even 30 hours after Torts says they are going with youth, the Rangers send two rookie defensemen down. Obviously this means Redden will be back in the line-up Monday night.
...how are we ever supposed to believe anything Torts says from now on? I'm guarenteeing a loss Monday night.
Rangers 2, Flyers 1
The New York Rangers (16-16-3) defeated the Philadelphia Flyers (15-17-2) by the score of 2-1, today. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.
...for those of you who don't remember because it's been so long two wins in a row is called a winning streak.
...man it's nice to have the King back there to make everything alright.
...is it me or has Laviolette turned the Flyers into a soft team? I thought for sure they'd come out looking to pound the Rangers from one end of the ice to the other. Instead it was the Rangers who were the aggressors.
...Torts better not move Drury back up in the line-up now that he's scored in two straight. Keep him where he's successful.
...reward Anisimov with ice time and he will reward you with goals.
...not sure Lisin did it on purpose but I loved him burying Pronger into the boards on the icing. And I don't care that Pronger then scored on the ensuing power play.
...big time pk at the end of the game.
...why does Heikkinen only get six minutes? Torts I thought you were going with the kids?
...2 assists, +2, 4 shots on goal in 32 minutes the last two games. Looks like Rozsival got the message.
...30 minutes of ice time for Staal!!!
...off tomorrow then the Rangers head to Raleigh to play the lowly Hurricanes.
Rangers @ Flyers (Game 35)
The New York Rangers (15-16-3) visit the Philadelphia Flyers (15-16-2) today at the Wachovia Center starting at 1:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.
TV: MSG; Radio: ESPNRadio (1050AM)
Probable Lines:
Prospal-Dubinsky-Gaborik
Higgins-Christensen-Callahan
Avery-Anisimov-Lisin
Boyle-Drury-Brashear
Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Heikkinen-Sanguinetti
Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 13-13-3, 2.55 gaa, .920 sv%, 1 so.
Brian Boucher - 4-8-1, 2.62 gaa, .903 sv%, 0 so.
Opponent Notes:
- The Flyers have dropped 12 of 15 games (3-11-1). Including 2-5-1 under their new coach Peter Laviolette.
- Mike Richards leads the Flyers with 13 goals and 27 points, but has been held to two assists in his last five games.
- The Flyers have allowed seven power-play goals in their last six games.
- Former Ranger C Blair Betts returned to the Flyers lineup last game after missing 12 games with a seperated shoulder.
- Flyers starting G Ray Emery (abdominal surgery) is out until mid-January.
Opponent Blog:
Broad Street Hockey
TV: MSG; Radio: ESPNRadio (1050AM)
Probable Lines:
Prospal-Dubinsky-Gaborik
Higgins-Christensen-Callahan
Avery-Anisimov-Lisin
Boyle-Drury-Brashear
Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Heikkinen-Sanguinetti
Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 13-13-3, 2.55 gaa, .920 sv%, 1 so.
Brian Boucher - 4-8-1, 2.62 gaa, .903 sv%, 0 so.
Opponent Notes:
- The Flyers have dropped 12 of 15 games (3-11-1). Including 2-5-1 under their new coach Peter Laviolette.
- Mike Richards leads the Flyers with 13 goals and 27 points, but has been held to two assists in his last five games.
- The Flyers have allowed seven power-play goals in their last six games.
- Former Ranger C Blair Betts returned to the Flyers lineup last game after missing 12 games with a seperated shoulder.
- Flyers starting G Ray Emery (abdominal surgery) is out until mid-January.
Opponent Blog:
Broad Street Hockey
Time for Brashear to Earn His Keep
Today's game against the Flyers is one of the reasons the Rangers brought in Donald Brashear. Despite Philly's struggles, they're a tough team that can run the Rangers right out of the building. A story we've all seen before.Brashear's toughness hasn't materialized for the Rangers and he's become a Blueshirt Faithful wipping boy. But this afternoon he has a real opportunity to finally start earning his money.
I'd love for John Tortorella to send the fourth line out to start the game and Brashear drop the gloves with whoever he is lined-up against to send a message that if the Flyers want to pound on the Rangers they will have to go through him.
No Significant Changes Coming for Rangers
Lyle Richardson (Spector) at Fox Sports speculates on which teams will be making moves to upgrade their team and doesn't think the Rangers will be one of them...
"With only $2 million available cap space and too many players on big contracts there might not be any significant changes coming for the Blueshirts."
...exhibit "A" as to why Glen Sather should be fired.
While Alan Muir over at SI.com in a Q&A says he doesn't expect the Rangers to cut their dead weight similar to the way the Capitals did with Michael Nylander...
"But this is New York and it would be one of the boldest moves of his career for Slats to walk up to Jim Dolan, tell them he screwed up, and that they need to eat the salary of one (or more) players who no longer deserve a spot on the team. That's why it's not going to happen."
...what I'd like to know is how Dolan doesn't know this already. Is he so far removed from the Rangers that he has no idea about all the over-paid, under-achieving players? By not cutting ties to these players (Redden, Rozsival & Drury) they are just compounding the situation.
"With only $2 million available cap space and too many players on big contracts there might not be any significant changes coming for the Blueshirts."
...exhibit "A" as to why Glen Sather should be fired.
While Alan Muir over at SI.com in a Q&A says he doesn't expect the Rangers to cut their dead weight similar to the way the Capitals did with Michael Nylander...
"But this is New York and it would be one of the boldest moves of his career for Slats to walk up to Jim Dolan, tell them he screwed up, and that they need to eat the salary of one (or more) players who no longer deserve a spot on the team. That's why it's not going to happen."
...what I'd like to know is how Dolan doesn't know this already. Is he so far removed from the Rangers that he has no idea about all the over-paid, under-achieving players? By not cutting ties to these players (Redden, Rozsival & Drury) they are just compounding the situation.
Rangers Need Offense for Christmas
Wes Goldstein at CBS Sports looks at the Eastern Conference Christmas Wish List...
New York Rangers: So much to ask for, they look greedy. But somebody other than Marian Gaborik to provide some offense on a regular basis would do the trick.
...how about a Christmas miracle that some team is willing to take Redden or Rozsival in a trade.
New York Rangers: So much to ask for, they look greedy. But somebody other than Marian Gaborik to provide some offense on a regular basis would do the trick.
...how about a Christmas miracle that some team is willing to take Redden or Rozsival in a trade.
Video: Torts, Players Talk After Dec. 18 Practice
John Tortorella speaks to reporters following the team's Dec. 18 practice to prepare for a Dec. 19 game at Philadelphia here.
...we Ranger fans have been waiting a long time to hear a coach say those things. Now it's about action. Will Torts stick by those comments? I think he will.
Henrik Lundqvist, Dan Girardi and Michael Del Zotto discuss the Dec. 17 victory over the Islanders and look ahead to the game at Philadelphia here.
...we Ranger fans have been waiting a long time to hear a coach say those things. Now it's about action. Will Torts stick by those comments? I think he will.
Henrik Lundqvist, Dan Girardi and Michael Del Zotto discuss the Dec. 17 victory over the Islanders and look ahead to the game at Philadelphia here.
Saturday Headlines
The Bergen Record - Gross: Attention! Tortorella on deck
The Bergen Record - Tortorella: Underachievers will sit
New York Post - Rangers coach says vets' jobs aren't safe
Daily News - For Tortorella, turnaround is kid stuff
Newsday - Redden, Kotalik to be benched again in Philly
The Bergen Record - Tortorella: Underachievers will sit
New York Post - Rangers coach says vets' jobs aren't safe
Daily News - For Tortorella, turnaround is kid stuff
Newsday - Redden, Kotalik to be benched again in Philly
Friday, December 18, 2009
No More Entitlement
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports that John Tortorella put the entire team on notice today...“This isn’t to make an example out of Wade Redden, Wade Redden hasn’t played well enough to be in the lineup,” Tortorella said. “I’m not interested in making examples out of people. A coach’s responsibility is to put the best lineup on the ice. I felt I did that last night. It will be the same lineup going into Philly (tomorrow afternoon). For 25-30 games we tried to stay with him, we tried to bring confidence in with him and go about it that way and it hasn’t worked. It’s still trying to gain confidence but there’s going to be no entitlement around here. I think it kind of stinks of that around here. We’ve got kids and this coaching staff and manager want to infuse some kids into our lineup becase we feel that’s going to be the best way to build it. We’ll go through some bumps in the road with kids but not with underachieving veterans. I just don’t but it and it’s not going to work that way.”
...now we're talking. What took you so long to come around Torts?
Gross also notes Torts confusion with Redden's statements that he was singled out and the coach's conversation with Chris Drury on being demoted to the fourth line.
Line-up will stay the same for tomorrow's game in Philadelphia, meaning Redden and Ales Kotalik will again be healthy scratches.
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