John Tortorella speaks to reporters after the Blueshirts fell to Carolina 2-1 in overtime here.
Al Trautwig goes to the videotape to recap the Blueshirts' 2-1 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes here.
Rangers vs. Hurricanes highlights here.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Torts: Rangers Organization Treats Players Too Well
Before today's game, Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has this quote from John Tortorella during a discussion on the Rangers struggles on home ice...
“Sometimes too good,” he said when asked if the organization treats the players well. “That’s part of the problem. Sometimes too good. That’s something in the short time I’ve been here ... I think we take too good care of them sometimes. I’ll leave it at that.
“We’re changing our travel into the Island and Jersey, where it’s not going to be 10 freakin’ limos flying in from all over the place and coming in for a morning skate. We’re leaving the night before the game, on a bus, and going as a team to New Jersey and to the Island from now on. There are so many different things that come into play with people spread out all over the city and Westchester County, that I’m just beginning to understand and trying to get a better handle on it to be more team-conducive in the travel that we have here."
...so not only are the Rangers over-paying for players. They're pampering them too!!! No wonder this team is as soft as they are. Wonder if the organization offers manicures and pedicures after each game.
...Torts makes a real good point about it being difficult to come together as a team when they're not even traveling to the games together. I'm in complete shock that the Rangers allow that travel arrangement.
...by the way, how is Torts just beginning to understand this problem. He's been with the team for almost a year.
“Sometimes too good,” he said when asked if the organization treats the players well. “That’s part of the problem. Sometimes too good. That’s something in the short time I’ve been here ... I think we take too good care of them sometimes. I’ll leave it at that.
“We’re changing our travel into the Island and Jersey, where it’s not going to be 10 freakin’ limos flying in from all over the place and coming in for a morning skate. We’re leaving the night before the game, on a bus, and going as a team to New Jersey and to the Island from now on. There are so many different things that come into play with people spread out all over the city and Westchester County, that I’m just beginning to understand and trying to get a better handle on it to be more team-conducive in the travel that we have here."
...so not only are the Rangers over-paying for players. They're pampering them too!!! No wonder this team is as soft as they are. Wonder if the organization offers manicures and pedicures after each game.
...Torts makes a real good point about it being difficult to come together as a team when they're not even traveling to the games together. I'm in complete shock that the Rangers allow that travel arrangement.
...by the way, how is Torts just beginning to understand this problem. He's been with the team for almost a year.
Rangers Talk Loss to Canes
The Rangers released the below quotes after the game...
John Tortorella on getting opportunities…
“I thought we generated offense. I thought some of our best chances we shot wide, let alone the four or five posts we hit. We have to start to…we can’t be satisfied with generating scoring chances. We have to start scoring goals. We defend again. We held them to single digits chances against. It is something we have worked on. We generate some offense but we simply don’t score. You try to stay patient but the bottom line is that we have to start scoring in these type of games. We lose a point because we simply don’t bury a couple of our chances. It shouldn’t be going into overtime.”
Marian Gaborik on today’s game…
“We have to be stronger. We have an edge in every game if it goes to the power play. We played hard, we played physical. We definitely outplayed them. It’s just too bad this was the outcome.”
Henrik Lundqvist on today’s game…
“It’s a fast game and the difference between winning and losing is so small. Today, we could have killed this game but we didn’t. It’s definitely frustrating not to win this hockey game.”
John Tortorella on getting opportunities…
“I thought we generated offense. I thought some of our best chances we shot wide, let alone the four or five posts we hit. We have to start to…we can’t be satisfied with generating scoring chances. We have to start scoring goals. We defend again. We held them to single digits chances against. It is something we have worked on. We generate some offense but we simply don’t score. You try to stay patient but the bottom line is that we have to start scoring in these type of games. We lose a point because we simply don’t bury a couple of our chances. It shouldn’t be going into overtime.”
Marian Gaborik on today’s game…
“We have to be stronger. We have an edge in every game if it goes to the power play. We played hard, we played physical. We definitely outplayed them. It’s just too bad this was the outcome.”
Henrik Lundqvist on today’s game…
“It’s a fast game and the difference between winning and losing is so small. Today, we could have killed this game but we didn’t. It’s definitely frustrating not to win this hockey game.”
Hurricanes 2, Rangers 1, OT
The New York Rangers (19-17-5) lost to the Carolina Hurricanes (11-23-7) by the score of 2-1 in overtime, today. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.
...the effort has been great the last two games, but this team needs to start scoring. I don't want to hear about how many posts they hit, if the puck doesn't go in it doesn't matter. The schedule picks up a notch in January and the Rangers one or two goals a game isn't going to get the job done.
...and as usual the #1 culprit is Higgins. I'm not sure Torts can keep this guy in the line-up anymore. Avery isn't that far behind.
...who pissed in Del Zotto's lemonade before the game?
...Eric Staal really brings out the best in Marc. The middle Staal was fabulous during the home and home.
...not sure if the pressure to make the Olympic team was getting to Drury but a day after being named to Team USA he played one of his better games of the season.
...c'mon Torts only two minutes for Voros. Besides Avery he is the only potential momentum changer the Rangers have. Give him some more minutes and see if he can't spark the team.
...Dubinsky looks pretty comfortable on the wing.
...off tomorrow then the Winter Classic winning Bruins in town on Monday.
Rangers vs. Hurricanes (Game 41)
The New York Rangers (19-17-4) host the Carolina Hurricanes (10-23-7) today at MSG starting at 1:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.
TV: MSG; Radio: ESPNRadio (1050 AM)
Probable Lines:
Dubinsky-Christensen-Gaborik
Avery-Anisimov-Kotalik
Higgins-Drury-Callahan
Voros-Boyle-Lisin
Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy
Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 17-14-4, 2.44 gaa, .920 sv%, 1 so.
Cam Ward - 5-14-5, 3.12 gaa, .900 sv%, 0 so.
Opponent Notes:
- This is the second game of a home and home between the two teams, with the Rangers winning the first on New Year's Eve 2-1 in Raleigh.
- Eric Staal has two goals and six assists in his last three games.
- Carolina has lost five of six at MSG.
- Cam Ward is 1-3-1 with a 2.54 GAA in six career road games against the Rangers.
- Former Ranger Matt Cullen has eight goals and 14 assists on the season, while another former Blueshirt Aaron Ward has six assists and is a -18.
Opponent Blog:
Let's Go Canes Blog
TV: MSG; Radio: ESPNRadio (1050 AM)
Probable Lines:
Dubinsky-Christensen-Gaborik
Avery-Anisimov-Kotalik
Higgins-Drury-Callahan
Voros-Boyle-Lisin
Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy
Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 17-14-4, 2.44 gaa, .920 sv%, 1 so.
Cam Ward - 5-14-5, 3.12 gaa, .900 sv%, 0 so.
Opponent Notes:
- This is the second game of a home and home between the two teams, with the Rangers winning the first on New Year's Eve 2-1 in Raleigh.
- Eric Staal has two goals and six assists in his last three games.
- Carolina has lost five of six at MSG.
- Cam Ward is 1-3-1 with a 2.54 GAA in six career road games against the Rangers.
- Former Ranger Matt Cullen has eight goals and 14 assists on the season, while another former Blueshirt Aaron Ward has six assists and is a -18.
Opponent Blog:
Let's Go Canes Blog
Saturday Headlines
The Bergen Record - Three Devils, two Rangers are U.S. Olympians
New York Post - Captain, Callahan on U.S. team
Daily News - Drury headlines new-look U.S. roster
New York Times - U.S. Opts for Younger Players Over Veterans for Olympic Team
Newsday - Drury, Callahan selected to U.S. Olympic team
New York Post - Captain, Callahan on U.S. team
Daily News - Drury headlines new-look U.S. roster
New York Times - U.S. Opts for Younger Players Over Veterans for Olympic Team
Newsday - Drury, Callahan selected to U.S. Olympic team
Friday, January 1, 2010
#1 Line to Stay the Same in Canes Rematch
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that John Tortorella will keep together the number one line of Brandon Dubinsky-Erik Christensen-Marian Gaborik for tomorrow's game against the Hurricanes.
Zipay also says to expect Henrik Lundqvist to make his 15th consecutive start.
...back on December 15th Michael Obernauer at the Daily News reported that all but one of the Rangers next nine games were against teams below them in the standings. At that time I said the Rangers needed a minimum of 13 of the possible 18 points. Well through eight of those games they've picked up 11 points. So for me to be excited I need a win tomorrow. If the Rangers can't get 13 out of 18 against team's below them how are we expected to believe they can defeat the better teams in the league.
Zipay also says to expect Henrik Lundqvist to make his 15th consecutive start.
...back on December 15th Michael Obernauer at the Daily News reported that all but one of the Rangers next nine games were against teams below them in the standings. At that time I said the Rangers needed a minimum of 13 of the possible 18 points. Well through eight of those games they've picked up 11 points. So for me to be excited I need a win tomorrow. If the Rangers can't get 13 out of 18 against team's below them how are we expected to believe they can defeat the better teams in the league.
Drury, Callahan Named to Team USA
Newyorkrangers.com reports that Chris Drury and Ryan Callahan were among the 23 players named to the Team USA squad following Friday's NHL Winter Classic game between the Bruins and Flyers at Boston's Fenway Park.
Callahan said this to Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants after his selection...
“It is a huge honor to be able to represent my country,” Callahan said in an e-mail to me. “I was not really nervous, just excited to find out if I made the team. Tobe able to have Dru there who has been through it before will definitely make it easier for me and I am excited to be able to go through this with him.”
On the Drury selection, Gross has this quote from Team USA GM Brian Burke...
“We picked Chris Drury because he’s Chris Drury,” Burke said. “We know what he can do. We think he provides essential leadership. We think he’s as good as another coach in the dressing room. He’s one of the first players we reached out to when we put this team together. He’s been involved from the get-go. I don’t have to say anything else about Chris Drury except he’s Chris Drury. He represents a lot of things we need to be successful there.”
...first off congrats to both players for making the team. It's going to be that much more fun to root for Team USA with Drury and Callahan on the team.
Callahan said this to Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants after his selection...
“It is a huge honor to be able to represent my country,” Callahan said in an e-mail to me. “I was not really nervous, just excited to find out if I made the team. Tobe able to have Dru there who has been through it before will definitely make it easier for me and I am excited to be able to go through this with him.”
On the Drury selection, Gross has this quote from Team USA GM Brian Burke...
“We picked Chris Drury because he’s Chris Drury,” Burke said. “We know what he can do. We think he provides essential leadership. We think he’s as good as another coach in the dressing room. He’s one of the first players we reached out to when we put this team together. He’s been involved from the get-go. I don’t have to say anything else about Chris Drury except he’s Chris Drury. He represents a lot of things we need to be successful there.”
...first off congrats to both players for making the team. It's going to be that much more fun to root for Team USA with Drury and Callahan on the team.
...on Callahan, I was worried his long stretches of not scoring were going to hamper his chances, but I think his intangibles (hitting, energy, etc.) were to great to overlook. I've always said you need a player like Callahan on your team to be a winner. And Team USA is lucky to have him.
...as far as Drury goes, I really thought he had played himself off the team. But every team needs a veteran whose been there and Drury certainly fills that roll. Hopefully, he'll recapture some of the clutchness that has eluded him in New York and be a contributor.
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has more.
Ranger Prospects, Team USA Lose to Canada
Derek Stepan was the only Rangers prospect able to crack the scoring sheet during Team USA's 5-4 shootout loss to Team Canada in the World Junior Championships as reported by newyorkrangers.com.
Stepan had an assist on what was almost the game winner. #1 2009 pick Chris Kreider failed on a second period penalty shot.
Team USA now moves on to the quarterfinal round.
For more on the prospects night, visit The Prospect Park.
Stepan had an assist on what was almost the game winner. #1 2009 pick Chris Kreider failed on a second period penalty shot.
Team USA now moves on to the quarterfinal round.
For more on the prospects night, visit The Prospect Park.
Get Rid of Fat Cats
Larry Brooks at the New York Post says Glen Sather has to make the tough decision of waiving the team's bad contracts or move on...
"Now it's time for Sather to set the example by waiving Redden, by waiving Rozsival, by waiving Brashear -- who embarrassed himself on Wednesday by turning away from Daniel Carcillo -- and replacing them with people who will try their best and whose view of the world isn't through a rear-view mirror.
If Sather is not up to this task, he has outlived his usefulness as Rangers' GM."
Brooks also says that the change in culture effected under Tom Renney following the lockout has dissipated and the fat cats are again ruling the Rangers locker room.
This story comes on the heels of this quote from Sean Avery after the Rangers were pummeled by the Flyers Wednesday...
"It's a privilege to put this jersey on and play in this city, but I don't know if we know that as a team right now," Sean Avery told The Post. "I don't know what to do to try and find that, but that sense of pride has to be found."
...sounds like a lot of negativity surrounding this team right now. While last night's win will help get a positive vibe going in the short term, until this team cleans house as Brooks suggests they're not going anywhere this season or in the immediate future.
...it's a shame to because Renney did come in and change the culture of the team and now it seems, according to Brooks, the Rangers are back at square one.
...bottom line is that Sather is the root of all the Rangers problems and the sooner he is fired the sooner the Rangers can become a premiere franchise in the NHL again.
"Now it's time for Sather to set the example by waiving Redden, by waiving Rozsival, by waiving Brashear -- who embarrassed himself on Wednesday by turning away from Daniel Carcillo -- and replacing them with people who will try their best and whose view of the world isn't through a rear-view mirror.
If Sather is not up to this task, he has outlived his usefulness as Rangers' GM."
Brooks also says that the change in culture effected under Tom Renney following the lockout has dissipated and the fat cats are again ruling the Rangers locker room.
This story comes on the heels of this quote from Sean Avery after the Rangers were pummeled by the Flyers Wednesday...
"It's a privilege to put this jersey on and play in this city, but I don't know if we know that as a team right now," Sean Avery told The Post. "I don't know what to do to try and find that, but that sense of pride has to be found."
...sounds like a lot of negativity surrounding this team right now. While last night's win will help get a positive vibe going in the short term, until this team cleans house as Brooks suggests they're not going anywhere this season or in the immediate future.
...it's a shame to because Renney did come in and change the culture of the team and now it seems, according to Brooks, the Rangers are back at square one.
...bottom line is that Sather is the root of all the Rangers problems and the sooner he is fired the sooner the Rangers can become a premiere franchise in the NHL again.
Rangers 2, Hurricanes 1
The New York Rangers (19-17-4) defeated the Carolina Hurricanes (10-23-7) by the score of 2-1, last night. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.
...as they did after the dreadful loss against the Islanders two weeks ago, the Rangers have a nice bounce back effort last night. Forwards were very aggressive and if it wasn't for Ward the Rangers could have easily won by two or three goals.
...wasn't a big fan of the Christensen pick-up, but if he continues to play like that he's going to be an important part of this team, especially with Prospal out.
...ya think Lundqvist took the goal post out to a New Year's Eve party after the game?
...Dubinsky is really starting to heat up as he now has four goals in his last five games. And all four have been pretty clutch.
...wouldn't mind seeing Brashear sitting in the press box for the rest of the season. Thought Voros brought some much needed snarl and toughness last night.
...off today for the Winter Classic then Carolina in town tomorrow.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Speculation that Drury, Callahan Make Team USA
Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun at ESPN.com take a last-minute look at how Team USA might look when the roster is announced tomorrow during the Winter Classic.
Burnside has both Chris Drury and Ryan Callahan making the team, while LeBrun has just Drury.
...surprised to see Drury's name mentioned by both. Maybe his play of late has gotten him back on the team because I was sure his overall play this season forced Team USA to look somewhere else.
Burnside has both Chris Drury and Ryan Callahan making the team, while LeBrun has just Drury.
...surprised to see Drury's name mentioned by both. Maybe his play of late has gotten him back on the team because I was sure his overall play this season forced Team USA to look somewhere else.
AHL/ECHL prospects update
Leslie Treff at Hockey's Future takes a look at the 17 Ranger prospects playing in either the AHL or ECHL.
Here's what she has to say about top prospect Evgeny Grachev...
"Grachev's effort level has been in question though, and while he does have 17 points (7 goals, 10 assists) in 34 games, only two of those points have been posted in the last 13 games. He is also carrying a -8. Despite Clark's protestations otherwise, Grachev does not appear to be on the fast track to an NHL career. That does not mean that he won't get there within a season or two, but early predictions of a mid to late-season call-up seem unlikely."
...while I'm ok with a young player struggling I hate to hear questions about his effort level. Hopefully, he'll learn from his mistakes and be ready to contribute for the Rangers next season.
Here's what she has to say about top prospect Evgeny Grachev...
"Grachev's effort level has been in question though, and while he does have 17 points (7 goals, 10 assists) in 34 games, only two of those points have been posted in the last 13 games. He is also carrying a -8. Despite Clark's protestations otherwise, Grachev does not appear to be on the fast track to an NHL career. That does not mean that he won't get there within a season or two, but early predictions of a mid to late-season call-up seem unlikely."
...while I'm ok with a young player struggling I hate to hear questions about his effort level. Hopefully, he'll learn from his mistakes and be ready to contribute for the Rangers next season.
New Year's Eve Headlines
New York Post - Flyers dismantle rotten Rangers
New York Post - LARRY BROOKS: Callahan hopes to get Olympic nod
New York Post - Rangers’ rookie goalie makes NHL debut
Daily News - Henrik Lundqvist pulled as Philadelphia Flyers rout New York Rangers, 6-0
Newsday - Careless Rangers routed by Flyers, 6-0
Newsday - ARTHUR STAPLE: Rangers' Johnson gets first taste of NHL
The Bergen Record - Flyers rout Rangers, 6-0, at the Garden
The Bergen Record - Rangers notes: Marc Staal, Michal Rozsival and Vinny Prospal not selected for Olympics
New York Post - LARRY BROOKS: Callahan hopes to get Olympic nod
New York Post - Rangers’ rookie goalie makes NHL debut
Daily News - Henrik Lundqvist pulled as Philadelphia Flyers rout New York Rangers, 6-0
Newsday - Careless Rangers routed by Flyers, 6-0
Newsday - ARTHUR STAPLE: Rangers' Johnson gets first taste of NHL
The Bergen Record - Flyers rout Rangers, 6-0, at the Garden
The Bergen Record - Rangers notes: Marc Staal, Michal Rozsival and Vinny Prospal not selected for Olympics
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Rangers Talk Loss to Flyers
Below are quotes released by the Rangers after the game.
John Tortorella on going forward…
“We start over. That is the best thing for us right now is to get on a plane and play. Some things, obviously, there has to be some discussion on certain situations but we have to start over. We have to start over. The best thing for us is to play right away.”
Henrik Lundqvist on tonight’s game…
“We were into a really nice rhythm before the break. The last two games, I think, our energy was okay but not tonight. In our zone, we have to be ready to battle. We just made it way too easy.”
Marian Gaborik on tonight’s game…
“We weren’t ready. They got three quick goals and then nothing was working out for us. It is obviously unacceptable. The positive thing is that we play tomorrow. We need to redeem ourselves.”
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants and Steve Zipay at Blue Notes have more quotes.
John Tortorella on going forward…
“We start over. That is the best thing for us right now is to get on a plane and play. Some things, obviously, there has to be some discussion on certain situations but we have to start over. We have to start over. The best thing for us is to play right away.”
Henrik Lundqvist on tonight’s game…
“We were into a really nice rhythm before the break. The last two games, I think, our energy was okay but not tonight. In our zone, we have to be ready to battle. We just made it way too easy.”
Marian Gaborik on tonight’s game…
“We weren’t ready. They got three quick goals and then nothing was working out for us. It is obviously unacceptable. The positive thing is that we play tomorrow. We need to redeem ourselves.”
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants and Steve Zipay at Blue Notes have more quotes.
Video: Torts, Players React to Loss to Flyers
...anyone else sick of Torts saying he doesn't have an answer.
Chris Dury, Henrik Lundqvist and Brandon Dubinsky talk about the Rangers' sluggish effort against the Flyers here.
Flyers 6, Rangers 0
The New York Rangers (18-17-4) lost to the Philadelphia Flyers (19-18-2) by the score of 6-0, tonight. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.
...wow, and I thought the effort against the Islanders two weeks ago was the worst since the lock-out. This game trumps that one by ten fold. Can Torts send the whole team to the press box tomorrow and call up the entire Wolf Pack team? Now that would send a message.
...that could have been one of the worst all-time defensive performances. It was like the Rangers were playing man down. Flyer players were routinely open or given two on ones like they were going through drills in practice.
...i knew Prospal was important to the team, but I didn't realize it was this much.
...welcome to the NHL Chad Johnson. Actually, thought the kid held his own after a shaky start.
...once again with the game slipping away, the Rangers so-called game changer Brashear is no where to be found. I guarantee you Orr finds someone to fight with in an effort to flip the momentum.
...Boyle over Betts. Nice decision Slats.
...i still have no idea why the player least likely to score (Higgins) is playing with Gaborik.
...FIRE SATHER!!! Since I wasn't at the game, there's my contribution.
...right back at it tomorrow to hopefully end the year on a good note in Carolina.
Rangers vs. Flyers (Game 39) - Updated
Update, 6:15 p.m.:
Steve Zipay, via Twitter, is reporting that Drury (illness) will dress tonight.
Original Post:
The New York Rangers (18-16-4) host the Philadelphia Flyers (18-18-2) tonight at MSG starting at 7:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.
TV: MSG2; Radio: WNYM (970AM)
Probable Lines:
Higgins-Dubinsky-Gaborik
Avery-Drury-Callahan
Kotalik-Anisimov-Lisin
Brashear-Boyle-Christensen
Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy
Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 16-13-4, 2.42 gaa, .920 sv%, 1 so.
Michael Leighton - 4-4-0, 3.45 gaa, .883 sv%, 0 so.
Opponent Notes:
- The Flyers have won three straight.
- Philadelphia is 5-7-1 under new head coach Peter Laviolette .
- C Jeff Carter has two goals and one assist over the last two games.
- RW Danny Briere has goals in back-to-back games and now has 13 goals in 31 games.
- Former Ranger C Blair Betts has three goals and one assist in 19 games.
Opponent Blog:
Broad Street Hockey
Steve Zipay, via Twitter, is reporting that Drury (illness) will dress tonight.
Original Post:
The New York Rangers (18-16-4) host the Philadelphia Flyers (18-18-2) tonight at MSG starting at 7:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.
TV: MSG2; Radio: WNYM (970AM)
Probable Lines:
Higgins-Dubinsky-Gaborik
Avery-Drury-Callahan
Kotalik-Anisimov-Lisin
Brashear-Boyle-Christensen
Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy
Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 16-13-4, 2.42 gaa, .920 sv%, 1 so.
Michael Leighton - 4-4-0, 3.45 gaa, .883 sv%, 0 so.
Opponent Notes:
- The Flyers have won three straight.
- Philadelphia is 5-7-1 under new head coach Peter Laviolette .
- C Jeff Carter has two goals and one assist over the last two games.
- RW Danny Briere has goals in back-to-back games and now has 13 goals in 31 games.
- Former Ranger C Blair Betts has three goals and one assist in 19 games.
Opponent Blog:
Broad Street Hockey
New Jersey Wants 2011 Winter Classic
Anthony "Fooch" Fucilli at MSG.com reports that New Jersey State officials are sending a letter to the National Hockey League and commissioner, Gary Bettman, requesting that the 2011 Winter Classic be played at the new Giants Stadium.Officials are asking that the annual NHL event match up the host New Jersey Devils with the New York Rangers.
...consider me officially excited.
Yankee Stadium has long been considered the top Metro area site for a Winter Classic but scheduling conflicts have gotten in the way.
Olympic Rejects
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that Vinnie Prospal (Czech Republic), Michal Rozsival (Czech Republic) and Marc Staal (Canada) have all been left off the rosters of their respective countries' Olympic Hockey teams.
...the less players the Rangers have playing in the Olympics the better as far as I'm concerned.
On not making the Czech team Rozsival said...
"Obviously, it's something you'd like to be a part of, but there's nothing I can do about it. Definitely, I’ll be watching and cheering for them. "I’ve got a job to do here. I can’t really worry about that.”
Ryan Callahan is the only possible Ranger Olympic hopeful left and Team USA assistant coach John Tortorella said that Callahan "didn't need any help on my part. People know the kind of player he is."
...seems like Torts is tipping his hand that Callahan has made the Team USA squad.
Henrik Lundqviust (Sweden) and Marian Gaborik (Slovakia) have already been informed that will be representing their countries.
...the less players the Rangers have playing in the Olympics the better as far as I'm concerned.
On not making the Czech team Rozsival said...
"Obviously, it's something you'd like to be a part of, but there's nothing I can do about it. Definitely, I’ll be watching and cheering for them. "I’ve got a job to do here. I can’t really worry about that.”
Ryan Callahan is the only possible Ranger Olympic hopeful left and Team USA assistant coach John Tortorella said that Callahan "didn't need any help on my part. People know the kind of player he is."
...seems like Torts is tipping his hand that Callahan has made the Team USA squad.
Henrik Lundqviust (Sweden) and Marian Gaborik (Slovakia) have already been informed that will be representing their countries.
Drury Questionable for Tonight
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports that Chris Drury is fighting an illness that may keep him from the lineup tonight against the Flyers. If Drury cannot play, Aaron Voros would play for the first time since Nov. 30....oh yeah, Voros is on the team. I forgot.
Gross also notes that John Tortorella has indicated that rookie goaltender Chad Johnson won't get a start until January, meaning he won't make his NHL debut tomorrow in Carolina as many predicted.
...apparently Torts plan to give Lundqvist some rest is to play him until he drops.
Brandon Dubinsky will replace Vinny Prospal on the first power play unit.
Video: Torts, Players Talk Prospal; Gabby, Lundy on Olympics
John Tortorella speaks to reporters after the Blueshirts' practice at the MSG Training Center to prepare for a Dec. 30 game vs. the Flyers here.
Brandon Dubinsky, Marc Staal, Christopher Higgins, Marian Gaborik and Ryan Callahan discuss how the team will handle Vinny Prospal's absence here.
Marian Gaborik and Henrik Lundqvist share their thoughts about the Olympics after both players were named to their nations' respective teams here.
Brandon Dubinsky, Marc Staal, Christopher Higgins, Marian Gaborik and Ryan Callahan discuss how the team will handle Vinny Prospal's absence here.
Marian Gaborik and Henrik Lundqvist share their thoughts about the Olympics after both players were named to their nations' respective teams here.
Jagr Makes Czech Olympic Team
ESPN.com reports that former Ranger Jaromir Jagr was added to the Czech Republic's Olympic squad for February's Vancouver Games....congrats to Jagr. I've missed being able to watch Jagr play hockey, so it will be real nice to be able to see him play during the Olympics.
Ranger Prospects Lead USA Rout of Latvia
Newyorkrangers.com reports that Rangers prospects Chris Kreider, Derek Stepan and Ryan Bourque combined for eight points on Tuesday afternoon, as Team USA routed Latvia 12-1 at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to improve to 3-0 at the 2010 World Junior Championships.Team USA captain Stepan led the way with two goals and two assists. While Kreider had a hat trick and Bourque chipped in an assist.
The Americans next game is against Canada in a New Year's Eve showdown at 8 p.m. ET.
For video highlights click here.
Bruce Peter at Puck Daddy names Kreider third star of the night and gives Stepan an honorable mention.
Wednesday Headlines
The Bergen Record - Rangers lean on depth
New York Post - Rangers bank on Higgins
Daily News - Rangers' Callahan hopes for Olympic nod
Newsday - Rangers still searching for offense
New York Post - Rangers bank on Higgins
Daily News - Rangers' Callahan hopes for Olympic nod
Newsday - Rangers still searching for offense
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Higgins to Top Line; No 7th D-man Coming
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports that Chris Higgins will take the injured Vinny Prospals spot on the top line while Ales Kotalik joins the top nine forwards and Erik Christensen is back in the lineup.
...Higgins deserves a shot on the top line after scoring the game winner in OT...oh wait he fanned on the shot and the Islanders won. No idea why the player least likely to score is on a line with Gaborik.
On the Prospal injury Brandon Dubinsky notes...
“It’s tough to replace that guy,” Dubinsky said. “It just means other guys have to step up to fill that void. Hopefully we come ready to play and we’ll be OK.”
Gross also posts that John Tortorella said the Rangers were going to go with who they had on the roster and not recall either a forward or defenseman from Hartford
...Higgins deserves a shot on the top line after scoring the game winner in OT...oh wait he fanned on the shot and the Islanders won. No idea why the player least likely to score is on a line with Gaborik.
On the Prospal injury Brandon Dubinsky notes...
“It’s tough to replace that guy,” Dubinsky said. “It just means other guys have to step up to fill that void. Hopefully we come ready to play and we’ll be OK.”
Gross also posts that John Tortorella said the Rangers were going to go with who they had on the roster and not recall either a forward or defenseman from Hartford
Rangers Looking to Move Higgins and Kotalik
Bruce Garrioch at the Ottawa Sun, in a story on the Ottawa Senators needing to make a trade after hearing that Daniel Alfredson will be out an extended period of time, says that the Rangers are looking to move Chris Higgins and Ales Kotalik.
Unfortunately, one league executive says the Rangers will have a hard time finding a suitor...
“All these guys can be had pretty easily,” said a league executive. “But there’s a reason they’re available: They make too much money and aren’t playing well.”
...if the Rangers really are looking to dump these two, the Blueshirts need Higgins and Kotalik to catch fire offensively these next two months then hope a team has the need and cap room around the trade deadline.
...unfortunately if the Rangers are willing to trade them at the deadline they're probably out of the playoff hunt.
Unfortunately, one league executive says the Rangers will have a hard time finding a suitor...
“All these guys can be had pretty easily,” said a league executive. “But there’s a reason they’re available: They make too much money and aren’t playing well.”
...if the Rangers really are looking to dump these two, the Blueshirts need Higgins and Kotalik to catch fire offensively these next two months then hope a team has the need and cap room around the trade deadline.
...unfortunately if the Rangers are willing to trade them at the deadline they're probably out of the playoff hunt.
Rangers Movin' On Up in Power Rankings
ESPN.com moves the Rangers up eight spots to #17 in their most recent power rankings...
17. Rangers - The Rangers had a four-game winning streak stopped in overtime by the New York Islanders, but they still look a lot more like the club that started the season with such confidence.
While CBS Sports, which gives John Tortorella credit for the Rangers recent turnaround, bumps the Rangers up to #14...
14. Rangers - Henrik Lundqvist has been better when the workload is heavy. He's 9-0-1 when facing 33 shots or more, but 7-14-4 when facing less.
...uh oh Ranger fans, the so-called experts are back on the Rangers bandwagon. Get ready for a losing streak.
17. Rangers - The Rangers had a four-game winning streak stopped in overtime by the New York Islanders, but they still look a lot more like the club that started the season with such confidence.
While CBS Sports, which gives John Tortorella credit for the Rangers recent turnaround, bumps the Rangers up to #14...
14. Rangers - Henrik Lundqvist has been better when the workload is heavy. He's 9-0-1 when facing 33 shots or more, but 7-14-4 when facing less.
...uh oh Ranger fans, the so-called experts are back on the Rangers bandwagon. Get ready for a losing streak.
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