Steve Zipay at Blue Notes will host another live web chat tomorrow at 1 p.m. To participate click here.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Zipay Live Chat Tomorrow @ 1pm
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes will host another live web chat tomorrow at 1 p.m. To participate click here.
Ranger Prospects Making Impact at WJC
Newyorkrangers.com reports on Derek Stepan, Chris Kreider and Ryan Bourque's performances for Team USA during the World Junior Championships before tonight's gold medal game against Canada...Gordie Clark, the Rangers' Director, Player Personnel, had this to say about 2009 #1 pick Kreider...
"He (Kreider) came from the weakest level of anything we scout in terms of prep-school hockey," said Clark. "And he's gone from that weakest level to playing in the World Junior and he's got five goals, which is right there at the top. He's really paying the price on the power play, and the goal he scored against Finland was just a scary type goal. He blew it over the guy's shoulder before anyone could blink. ... There's no way anyone expected to him do all this. Against Canada, he drew two penalties for people taking him down because he blew by them."
Clark also comments on Stepan, Bourque and another prospect Roman Horak who is playing for the Czech team.
Glen Erikson at Hockey's Future has a podcast with Stepan on his experience as captain of Team USA.
...wish Versus was televising the game as I don't have the NHL network. Should be a great one.
Higgins Gets 2nd Star of the Night
Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy named Chris Higgins NHL's second star last night for scoring the game winning goal against Boston...
No. 2 Star: Christopher Higgins, New York Rangers
The Rangers were tied with the Boston Bruins, 2-2, with less than two minutes to go in regulation when Higgins ended the game on a tricky little move that fooled Tuukka Rask. Flying down the left wing, he appeared headed behind the net with the puck but instead tucked a shot past Rask for the 3-2 win. The other goal-scorers for the Rangers were Erik Christensen and Ales Kotalik.
No. 2 Star: Christopher Higgins, New York Rangers
The Rangers were tied with the Boston Bruins, 2-2, with less than two minutes to go in regulation when Higgins ended the game on a tricky little move that fooled Tuukka Rask. Flying down the left wing, he appeared headed behind the net with the puck but instead tucked a shot past Rask for the 3-2 win. The other goal-scorers for the Rangers were Erik Christensen and Ales Kotalik.
...like I said last night we can only hope a big time goal like that can jump start Higgins for the second half of the season.
For anyone who missed the goal here it is.
Despite Wins Rangers Drop in Power Rankings
ESPN.com drops the Rangers five spots to #22 in their recent power rankings...
22. Rangers - Four games in six days this week, including a pair against Boston. Time to stand up?
While CBS Sports has the Rangers down from #14 to #20...
20. Rangers - Marian Gaborik continues to be a one-man offense for the Rangers. His 27 goals account for 25.6 percent of his team's total, the NHL's highest individual percentage.
The Hockey News and TSN also have their power rankings up.
...i know these rankings were probably done before last night's win vs. Boston, but how can the Rangers drop when they're 6-1-2 in their last nine games?
22. Rangers - Four games in six days this week, including a pair against Boston. Time to stand up?
While CBS Sports has the Rangers down from #14 to #20...
20. Rangers - Marian Gaborik continues to be a one-man offense for the Rangers. His 27 goals account for 25.6 percent of his team's total, the NHL's highest individual percentage.
The Hockey News and TSN also have their power rankings up.
...i know these rankings were probably done before last night's win vs. Boston, but how can the Rangers drop when they're 6-1-2 in their last nine games?
Tuesday Headlines
The Bergen Record - Christopher Higgins lifts Rangers over Bruins, 3-2
The Bergen Record - Ranger Need to Wakeup
New York Post - Rangers' Higgins gets it done vs. Bruins
New York Post - Rangers' Gilroy will be there — at Fenway
Daily News - Higgins' late goal lifts Rangers to win
New York Times - Higgins’s Goal Lifts Rangers at Garden
Newsday - Higgins' late goal lifts Rangers past Bruins
The Bergen Record - Ranger Need to Wakeup
New York Post - Rangers' Higgins gets it done vs. Bruins
New York Post - Rangers' Gilroy will be there — at Fenway
Daily News - Higgins' late goal lifts Rangers to win
New York Times - Higgins’s Goal Lifts Rangers at Garden
Newsday - Higgins' late goal lifts Rangers past Bruins
Monday, January 4, 2010
Video: Highlights; Torts on Win vs. Bruins
John Tortorella speaks to reporters after the Blueshirts' dramatic 3-2 win over Boston here.
Rangers Talk Win vs. Bruins (Updated)
Update, 11:40 a.m.:
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has more quotes here.
Original Post:
Below are quotes released by the Rangers after the game...
John Tortorella on tonight’s game…
“We come back and get a point after being down in the third period the other night. I think we did it against the Islanders, we came back. I thought we played really well in all facets of the game.”
Henrik Lundqvist on other guys scoring tonight …
“Other guys stepping up now is huge for us. It is a big month. We need a lot of guys to step up and score for us.”
Brandon Dubinsky on tonight’s game…
“The bottom line is we found a way to get two points here tonight. I thought we played a solid game. They’re a good team too, they pressured us and they had two opportunities and they found a way to score in the third. But there was a great play by Higgy (Christopher Higgins) to put the puck in the net and two points is two points, especially here at home where we have been struggling.”
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has more quotes here.
Original Post:
Below are quotes released by the Rangers after the game...
John Tortorella on tonight’s game…
“We come back and get a point after being down in the third period the other night. I think we did it against the Islanders, we came back. I thought we played really well in all facets of the game.”
Henrik Lundqvist on other guys scoring tonight …
“Other guys stepping up now is huge for us. It is a big month. We need a lot of guys to step up and score for us.”
Brandon Dubinsky on tonight’s game…
“The bottom line is we found a way to get two points here tonight. I thought we played a solid game. They’re a good team too, they pressured us and they had two opportunities and they found a way to score in the third. But there was a great play by Higgy (Christopher Higgins) to put the puck in the net and two points is two points, especially here at home where we have been struggling.”
Rangers 3, Bruins 2
The New York Rangers (20-17-5) defeated the Boston Bruins (21-13-7) by the score of 3-2, tonight. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.
...that would have been a disaster if the Rangers weren't able to come back and win that game. Minus the 1:26 in third period when the Bruins tied the score that was some of the best overall hockey the Rangers played all season.
...Higgins can't score on the door step with a wide open net, but can score on a move from behind the goal line like that? Hopefully that goal will give him some much needed confidence going into the second half of the season.
...now that's the Kotalik I remember from the first month of the season. Keep on bombing it Ales.
...can Eric Christensen actually be the offensive spark the Rangers have been looking for? Four points in the last three games suggests he might be.
...would you believe me if I told you the Rangers are now 6-1-2 in their last nine games?
...when Prospal comes back Torts might want to think about keeping Dubinsky on the wing. He's got a goal and three assists in the three games since being put there and that touch pass to Christensen was a thing of beauty.
...in the three games since the Rangers worst defensive performance during a 6-0 loss to the Flyers the Blueshirts have allowed just four regulation goals.
...off tomorrow then the Dallas Star invade MSG on Wednesday.
Rangers vs. Bruins (Game 42)
The New York Rangers (19-17-5) host the Boston Bruins (21-12-7) tonight at MSG starting at 7:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.
TV: Versus; Radio: ESPNRadio (1050 AM)
Probable Lines:
Dubinsky-Christensen-Gaborik
Avery-Anisimov-Kotalik
Higgins-Drury-Callahan
Brashear-Boyle-Lisin
Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy
Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 17-14-5, 2.43 gaa, .920 sv%, 1 so.
Tim Thomas - 11-9-5, 2.36 gaa, .920 sv%, 4 so.
Opponent Notes:
- Boston is coming off a 2-1 win in the Winter Classic.
- The Bruins are 1-6-2 at MSG since the start of 2005-06.
- Boston has the third-fewest goals in the league with 105.
- G Tim Thomas is 3-1-1 with a 1.36 GAA and one shutout against the Rangers since the start of 2007-08.
- RW Marco Sturm has a goal in four straight games and five of the last six.
- LW Blake Wheeler hasn't scored a goal in the last 15 games.
Opponent Blog:
Stanley Cup of Chowder
TV: Versus; Radio: ESPNRadio (1050 AM)
Probable Lines:
Dubinsky-Christensen-Gaborik
Avery-Anisimov-Kotalik
Higgins-Drury-Callahan
Brashear-Boyle-Lisin
Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy
Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 17-14-5, 2.43 gaa, .920 sv%, 1 so.
Tim Thomas - 11-9-5, 2.36 gaa, .920 sv%, 4 so.
Opponent Notes:
- Boston is coming off a 2-1 win in the Winter Classic.
- The Bruins are 1-6-2 at MSG since the start of 2005-06.
- Boston has the third-fewest goals in the league with 105.
- G Tim Thomas is 3-1-1 with a 1.36 GAA and one shutout against the Rangers since the start of 2007-08.
- RW Marco Sturm has a goal in four straight games and five of the last six.
- LW Blake Wheeler hasn't scored a goal in the last 15 games.
Opponent Blog:
Stanley Cup of Chowder
Brashear Back In, Voros Out
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports that Donald Brashear will be back in the line-up after being a healthy scratch the last two games. Meaning Aaron Voros is back in the press box.On re-inserting Brashear into the line-up John Tortorella noted...
“I don’t want to sit Brash for five straight and so I’m going to pick and choose some lineups he plays against,” Tortorella said. “But I do want to get A.V. involved.”
...not happy with this decision. I liked what Voros brought on New Year's Eve. Unfortunately, Torts followed that performance up by only giving him 2 minutes on Saturday.
...if Torts doesn't want to sit Brashear maybe he should send him down to Hartford to get some games in.
Tortorella also touched on the back-up goalie situation...
“I got all the travel,” Tortorella said, indicating it was an intricate upcoming schedule in order to ensure Johnson and Zaba ice time. “Zaba backs up tonight and Johnson comes back and practices with us tomorrow and he’ll be with us for a few days there. We want to get him playing.”
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has more.
Rangers Prospects Heading to WJC Finals
Newyorkrangers.com reports that Rangers prospects Derek Stepan, Chris Kreider and Ryan Bourque are going to Tuesday's gold medal game at the World Junior Championship tournament against the five-time defending champion Canada after Team USA upset Sweden 5-2 on Sunday night in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.Stephan recorded an assist in the game to up his tournament leading point total to 12.
Jess Rubenstein at The Prospect Park, as always, has more.
Scoring Woes Could Keep Rangers Out of Playoffs
Over at Fox Sports, Seth Rothman of Inside Hockey says the Rangers inability to score could make them incapable of making the playoffs...
"Except for the Magnificent Marian, no one on this team is scoring, and Tortorella has no idea why. But it’s not his fault. While he had plenty of input on the Rangers' offseason moves, he was hamstrung by GM Glen Sather’s untenable and unmovable contracts. The albatross contracts to Wade Redden, Michal Rozsival and Chris Drury have this team in salary cap purgatory where they will stay for the foreseeable future."
...while there are certainly things to criticize Torts on, you can't criticize him for Higgins not being able to bury the easiest of chances or Avery & Kotalik not scoring in 20 games.
...the players need to look at themselves in the mirror and find a way to fight through this scoring slump. Whether its extra shooting after practice, film, or whatever.
...if they can't start scoring it doesn't matter how well Lundqvist plays they're not going to win and be left out of the playoffs for the first time since the lockout.
"Except for the Magnificent Marian, no one on this team is scoring, and Tortorella has no idea why. But it’s not his fault. While he had plenty of input on the Rangers' offseason moves, he was hamstrung by GM Glen Sather’s untenable and unmovable contracts. The albatross contracts to Wade Redden, Michal Rozsival and Chris Drury have this team in salary cap purgatory where they will stay for the foreseeable future."
...while there are certainly things to criticize Torts on, you can't criticize him for Higgins not being able to bury the easiest of chances or Avery & Kotalik not scoring in 20 games.
...the players need to look at themselves in the mirror and find a way to fight through this scoring slump. Whether its extra shooting after practice, film, or whatever.
...if they can't start scoring it doesn't matter how well Lundqvist plays they're not going to win and be left out of the playoffs for the first time since the lockout.
Monday Headlines
The Bergen Record - First-half grades for Rangers
New York Post - Torts must unleash Avery
New York Post - Rangers' Del Zotto enjoys the hard hits
Newsday - Rangers face stingy Bruins twice this week
New York Post - Torts must unleash Avery
New York Post - Rangers' Del Zotto enjoys the hard hits
Newsday - Rangers face stingy Bruins twice this week
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Zaba to Get a Start
Steve Zipay at Newsday reports goaltender Matt Zaba, who backed up Henrik Lundqvist in yesterday's game to get rookie goalie Chad Johnson a game down in Hartford, might see some NHL ice time.
"We've gotta make sure we don't lose our development," Tortorella said. "There's gonna be a lot of miles going back and forth with those two guys. We've gone through a whole mapping of the schedule to make sure they both get some games here as we go."
...while I'm excited to see the young goaltenders get a chance, can the Rangers, who will be fighting for a playoff spot until the final day of the season, really afford to throw games away for the development of these two?
...i'd much rather they go out and either trade for or sign (KHL?) a veteran goaltender to spell Lundqvist during the final months of the season.
"We've gotta make sure we don't lose our development," Tortorella said. "There's gonna be a lot of miles going back and forth with those two guys. We've gone through a whole mapping of the schedule to make sure they both get some games here as we go."
...while I'm excited to see the young goaltenders get a chance, can the Rangers, who will be fighting for a playoff spot until the final day of the season, really afford to throw games away for the development of these two?
...i'd much rather they go out and either trade for or sign (KHL?) a veteran goaltender to spell Lundqvist during the final months of the season.
Kreider, Stepan Lead Team USA to WJC Semifinals
Newyorkrangers.com reports that Chris Kreider, the Blueshirts' first-round pick last June, scored a goal, and Derek Stepan, the Rangers' 2008 second-rounder, had two assists as Team USA routed Finland 6-2 to set up a semifinal showdown with Sweden on Sunday.Stepan, a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin, leads all scorers at the 2010 World Junior Championships with 11 points.
Jess Rubenstein has more at The Prospect Park.
Mets Want Winter Classic at Citi Field
Larry Brooks at the New York Post reports that New York Mets COO Jeff Wilpon has notified Gary Bettman that the Mets are ready, willing and able to host the Winter Classic at Citi Field..."I've had several conversations with Commissioner Bettman and have informed him that we'd love to have the game," Wilpon, the Mets' COO, told us by phone on Thursday. "Gary has told me that he and his team will come out and do a site visit early in the year, so I know that we are going to be under consideration."
Wilpon is also pushing for the game to match-up the Rangers vs. the Islanders.
Earlier this week, New Jersey officials contacted Bettman about hosting the Winter Classic at the new Giants Stadium.
...this is the first smart decision the Mets have made in years.
...the only question I can see the NHL having is whether the all New York Winter Classic will produce any interest outside the New York Metro area.
Sunday Headlines
The Bergen Record - Rangers are not a hit on Broadway
The Bergen Record - Coach John Tortorella: No more "10 freakin’ limos"
New York Post - Rangers' offense still stuck in mud
Daily News - Whitney's OT goal sinks Blueshirts
The Journal News - New year, same old Rangers
Newsday - Rangers lose, 2-1, in overtime to Carolina
Newsday - Staple: Drury was a sure shot as Olympic pick
The Bergen Record - Coach John Tortorella: No more "10 freakin’ limos"
New York Post - Rangers' offense still stuck in mud
Daily News - Whitney's OT goal sinks Blueshirts
The Journal News - New year, same old Rangers
Newsday - Rangers lose, 2-1, in overtime to Carolina
Newsday - Staple: Drury was a sure shot as Olympic pick
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Video: Highlights, Torts & Analysis of Loss to Canes
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.
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