Below are quotes released by the Rangers after the game...
John Tortorella on secondary scoring…
“Not only to help us to win but also help guys gain confidence as we talk about more consistent play. Hopefully we keep chipping it in and scoring some goals so it is not 2-1 and every mistake is a determining factor.”
Henrik Lundqvist on back to back wins…
“It’s very important that we get back on track here at home. We have been pretty good and consistent on the road but if we’re going to have a good run here in the next couple of months, we need to start playing a lot better and start winning at home. We’re moving in that direction and it’s a great feeling to win at home.”
Ryan Callahan on the team’s play as of late…
“I thought we have been playing well as of late. Minus that one game at home against Philly, I thought we have been playing good hockey. No matter what people are saying about us, we are playing good hockey and the guys in here know that. I thought we played well tonight.”
For more post game quotes and notes visit Steve Zipay at Blue Notes.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Rangers 5, Stars 2
The New York Rangers (21-17-5) defeated the Dallas Stars (18-14-11) by the score of 5-2, tonight. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.
...the story of tonight's game was obviously Avery. Nice to see him be able to stick it to a lot of the Star players who threw him under the bus last year. Tortorella needs to hypnotize Avery into thinking he's playing the Stars every game.
...two in a row at home. Are the Rangers actually becoming a difficult team to play at the Garden?
...like I said last game, keep on bombing it Ales.
...without Avery, Lundqvist is the story tonight. Huge saves all night. The King has allowed more than two goals only three times in the last 15 games.
...we Rangers fans were worried Gaborik might not play 28 games this year and now he has that many goals half way through the season.
...Drury continues his revival with his seventh point (4g, 3a) in the 10 games since he was demoted to the fourth line.
...Gilroy's best game since returning from Hartford.
...it's gotten so bad for Brashear that he needed Boyle to come to his aid after he was smashed into the boards in the second period.
...right back at it tomorrow night in Atlanta.
Rangers vs. Stars (Game 43)
The New York Rangers (20-17-5) host the Dallas Stars (18-13-11) tonight at MSG starting at 7:00 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
Brashear-Boyle-Lisin
Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy
Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 18-14-5, 2.41 gaa, .920 sv%, 1 so.
Marty Turco - 13-9-8, 2.66 gaa, .910 sv%, 2 so.
Opponent Notes:
- Dallas has lost four straight on the road (0-2-2) and is 1-4-3 in its last eight away games.
- LW James Neal leads the Stars with 18 goals, but hasn't scored in the last five games.
- C Mike Ribeiro has just two goals since late November.
Opponent Blog:
Defending Big D
TV: MSG; 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 - 18-14-5, 2.41 gaa, .920 sv%, 1 so.
Marty Turco - 13-9-8, 2.66 gaa, .910 sv%, 2 so.
Opponent Notes:
- Dallas has lost four straight on the road (0-2-2) and is 1-4-3 in its last eight away games.
- LW James Neal leads the Stars with 18 goals, but hasn't scored in the last five games.
- C Mike Ribeiro has just two goals since late November.
Opponent Blog:
Defending Big D
Roenick Disses Drury Selection to Team USA
Paul Saluma at The Canadien Press reports that Jeremy Roenick says he's baffled by Chris Drury's selection to US Olympic team..."Not to take anything away from the guy because he's had such a great career, but for Chris Drury to be on the team, it baffles me," Roenick told Toronto radio station AM640.
"I know he's a great leader and if he's captain of the team, he'll be a great captain, but I just don't see him being as good for the team as a guy like Gomez would be or T.J. Oshie. Oshie would bring so much energy to this team and this type of format in an international event, that I don't understand how those two guys aren't on the team."
...did Roenick seriously say Gomez?
...as far as I'm concerned Roenick has no credibility when it comes to US Olympic teams after what happened when he was on the team back in 1998.
...h/t to Puck Daddy.
Modano Talks Avery; Del Zotto on Snarl
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has this quote from Dallas Stars forward Mike Modano on former teammate Sean Avery...
“You have expect the unexpected with him,” Modano told the Daily News said after the Stars lost to the Devils, 4-0, last night. “You never know what you are going to get. He’s a real intense guy, he plays hard. He’s found his niche here in New York and it’s good for him. It’s a positive that he’s back in the game and playing. He’s done his due diligence to get back in it.”
...whatever Modano, you totally threw Avery under the bus in Dallas. Don't give me your BS.
On adding snarl to his game Michael Del Zotto noted...
“It’s one thing the coaches have been harping on, playing with more of an edge,” Del Zotto said. “I think, especially that Carolina game (a 2-1 overtime loss on Saturday), that was probably the hardest I got hit all year. I went to pinch in and (Tuomo Ruutu) got me pretty good. That kind of woke me up, I just wanted to get some energy. There’s some opportunities for some big hits. Torts was talking to me about knowing when the right time is.”
...i've loved Del Zotto's game of late and glad to see him throwing his body around.
“You have expect the unexpected with him,” Modano told the Daily News said after the Stars lost to the Devils, 4-0, last night. “You never know what you are going to get. He’s a real intense guy, he plays hard. He’s found his niche here in New York and it’s good for him. It’s a positive that he’s back in the game and playing. He’s done his due diligence to get back in it.”
...whatever Modano, you totally threw Avery under the bus in Dallas. Don't give me your BS.
On adding snarl to his game Michael Del Zotto noted...
“It’s one thing the coaches have been harping on, playing with more of an edge,” Del Zotto said. “I think, especially that Carolina game (a 2-1 overtime loss on Saturday), that was probably the hardest I got hit all year. I went to pinch in and (Tuomo Ruutu) got me pretty good. That kind of woke me up, I just wanted to get some energy. There’s some opportunities for some big hits. Torts was talking to me about knowing when the right time is.”
...i've loved Del Zotto's game of late and glad to see him throwing his body around.
Zipay Live Chat at 1pm
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes will host a live web chat today at 1 p.m. To participate click here.
D- for Rangers at Midseason
Wes Goldstein at CBS Sports gives out midseason grades...
New York Rangers: Once in a while, the Rangers can actually hit the jackpot with a free-agent signing. Marian Gaborik has been better than advertised for New York, and along with goalie Henrik Lundqvist, is the reason the Rangers can still think about the postseason. New York had a blazing start and then seemed to fall off the face of the earth quickly. No one has to worry about that now as the Rangers have had some better moments lately. Thing is, Gaborik is a one-man scoring attack, while Lundqvist often plays the role of game savior. That's not enough. Losing either for an extended period would spell disaster for the team loaded with players who seem intent on seeing high-strung coach John Tortorella's blood vessels pop. Grade: D-plus
...D- seems a bit rough as the Rangers are above .500 and about where most of us thought they'd be, which is fighting for a playoff spot. I think because of the blazing start they had, the so-called experts got a false impression of the team leading to this very disappointing midseason grade.
Rick Carpiniello at the Rangers Report has team grades here.
New York Rangers: Once in a while, the Rangers can actually hit the jackpot with a free-agent signing. Marian Gaborik has been better than advertised for New York, and along with goalie Henrik Lundqvist, is the reason the Rangers can still think about the postseason. New York had a blazing start and then seemed to fall off the face of the earth quickly. No one has to worry about that now as the Rangers have had some better moments lately. Thing is, Gaborik is a one-man scoring attack, while Lundqvist often plays the role of game savior. That's not enough. Losing either for an extended period would spell disaster for the team loaded with players who seem intent on seeing high-strung coach John Tortorella's blood vessels pop. Grade: D-plus
...D- seems a bit rough as the Rangers are above .500 and about where most of us thought they'd be, which is fighting for a playoff spot. I think because of the blazing start they had, the so-called experts got a false impression of the team leading to this very disappointing midseason grade.
Rick Carpiniello at the Rangers Report has team grades here.
Gaborik a Midseason Hart Candidate
Pierre LeBrun at ESPN.com gives out his midseason awards and has Marian Gaborik as a Hart Trophy candidate...• Marian Gaborik, New York Rangers: Could the Rangers score a goal if he weren't in the lineup?
However, LeBrun awards the midseason Hart to Sidney Crosby.
...the obvious thing holding Gaborik back from possibly winning the Hart is the Rangers record. If the Rangers heat up and make the playoffs with Gaborik continuing his dominance, I think he's a run away winner.
Ranger Prospects Lead USA to WJC Gold
Newyorkrangers.com reports that Rangers prospects Derek Stepan, Chris Kreider and Ryan Bourque led Team USA to a remarkable 6-5 overtime victory over Canada on Tuesday night in the final of the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.Stepan, the tournament's leading scorer with a remarkable four goals and 10 assists for 14 points in seven games, had a goal and assist in the third period and was part of the 3-on-1 U.S. rush that led to defenseman John Carlson's dramatic winner at 4:31 of overtime.
Kreider, a 2009 first-round pick, tied for the U.S. goal-scoring lead with six tallies in seven games, including the first U.S. goal in Tuesday night's opening period. Bourque, who played a mostly defensive role on the team, assisted on a goal that gave the U.S. its first lead of the gold-medal game in the opening 20 minutes.
Here's the game winner in OT.
...congrats to the Stepan, Kreider and Bourque. Every Ranger fan should be ecstatic about the futures of these three with the Blueshirts organization.
Head over to The Prospect Park for more.
Wednesday Headlines
New York Post - Stars may be spark for Rangers' Avery
Daily News - Rangers' Sean Avery faces off with former team the Stars
Newsday - Tortorella tries to inflate Rangers' self-esteem
The Bergen Record - Rangers' rookie finds edge
Daily News - Rangers' Sean Avery faces off with former team the Stars
Newsday - Tortorella tries to inflate Rangers' self-esteem
The Bergen Record - Rangers' rookie finds edge
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
New York Has Potential Locations for Future Winter Classic Games
Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy lists the top 30 future locations for NHL Winter Classic games.Wyshynski includes four possible New York Metro area locations...
1. Yankee Stadium (New York, NY)
It's the last of the iconic baseball stadiums, even if it's about a year old. It's an instant sell; heck, just plug in Phil Rizzuto's voice where Harry Carey's was for the Wrigley Field promotional spots. The New York Rangers are the obligatory choice; opponents could range from the rival New York Islanders to the rival New Jersey Devils to Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals to a riskier choice for U.S. TV ratings: The Montreal Canadiens, hockey's New York Yankees, playing in the House That Looks Like The House That Ruth Built. The Stadium's college bowl game is a monkey wrench that may delay the game for years; but hey, maybe by 2014 the Islanders won't stink. Or in Brooklyn. One of the two.
4. New Meadowlands Stadium, (East Rutherford, NJ)
This brand-spankin' new facility will have a capacity of 82,500 and would serve as a way to bring the Classic to the New York if Yankee Stadium is unworkable from a scheduling perspective. Rangers vs. Devils in an outdoor game? It would fill the stadium like a Bruce show, if only because Devils fans could tailgate again
13. Central Park (New York, NY)
No, it doesn't work from a capacity or accessibility standpoint. But 5-Hole.net has a passionate response to the dozens of criticisms this venue automatically inspires, and its "getting back to hockey's roots" argument is an interesting one.
30. Citi Field (New York, NY)
If Yankee Stadium. Giants Stadium, Central Park the stadium at Rutgers, all the minor league baseball stadiums, Liberty State Park, a barge on the Hudson and most of the front lawns in North Jersey are booked, there's always the new home of the New York Mets.
...i'm not sure logistically how they'd set it up, but a Winter Classic in Central Park would be sick.
Torts a Realist; Sather Holds Private Summit
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has this quote from John Tortorella on the current state of the team..."I'm a realist. I think when there are tough times and you struggle as a hockey club, maybe some of that needs to be around the team, but when the team starts growing, I'm trying to get rid of that stuff around us. We're trying to keep that locker room in a situation where they feel pretty good about themselves, and they should, no matter what people think or say or write about us, we have to understand what we've done and I think we have rebounded and have played some good hockey here."
...hey Torts, if you're a realist, realize that Redden is killing the Rangers on the ice and in the books and send him down to Hartford.
...i do agree that the Rangers have rebounded, however, this nice streak is against inferior opponents and this week should tell us a lot about where this team is going. Or not going.
Zipay also reports that Glen Sather held a private summit with team consultant Doug Risebrough, who has been scouting teams in the West, halfway thru today's practice.
...unless the Rangers can move a large salary, don't expect the Rangers to be a player come trade deadline time.
Johnson vs. Thrashers?
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants speculates that rookie goaltender Chad Johnson could get his first NHL start in Atlanta on Thursday..."Rookie goalie Chad Johnson was back from Hartford (AHL), where he played two games this weekend. Tortorella confirmed Johnson will take the Atlanta/Boston trip. Speculation here but it wouldn’t be crazy to think Johnson will start Thursday against the Thrashers. The Rangers did get him two games this weekend (as noted in the previous sentence) and Lundqvist is expected to make his 17th straight start against Dallas."
...i know Boston is a much better team than Atlanta, but offensively they are one of the worst in the league. A Johnson start against Boston instead of Kovalchuk's Thrashers might be the better option. Just my two-cents.
Gross also reports on a silent Sean Avery, no line changes and Marian Gaborik taping a Geico commercial.
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
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