Video: Highlights, Torts & Duguay on Win vs. Bruins

Rangers @ Bruins highlights here.

John Tortorella speaks to reporters after the Blueshirts' 3-1 win over the Bruins here.

Ron Duguay talks about the Blueshirts' impressive 3-1 victory over the Bruins here.

Rangers 3, Bruins 1

The New York Rangers (22-17-6) defeated the Boston Bruins (22-14-7) by the score of 3-1, today. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.

...this nice run is almost good enough for me to forget how bad the Rangers were last month.

...looks like rest suits Lundqvist quite nicely.

...the fact that Del Zotto is only 19 makes his goal today that much more amazing.

...Brashear has basically become that old boxer who hangs on a little too long. It's become embarrassing.

...Christensen has just solidified a spot on this team for the rest of the season.

...Dubinsky is really showing he deserved that nice contract.

...couple days off then the first place Devils are in town on Tuesday.

Home Improvement

Sorry guys, I have some major home improvement issues going on, so I won't be able to post most of the day.

I'm hopeful to have a game recap of today's contest against the Bruins later tonight.

Rangers Denied Chance to Practice @ Fenway

Larry Brooks at the New York Post reports that the Rangers were denied permission to practice on the Winter Classic ice at Fenway Park this afternoon by Hockey East commissioner Joe Bertagna.

Chris Drury, a former Boston University standout, made the request while the Rangers are in Boston preparing to take on the Bruins tomorrow afternoon...

"The Blueshirts, who face the Bruins here tomorrow afternoon, had requested about a half-hour of outdoor ice time early this afternoon, prior to the Hockey East outdoor doubleheader at Fenway commencing at 4 with a women’s game between UNH and Northeastern before the 7:30 men’s nightcap between BU and BC.

But though NHL ice-making specialist and facilities manager Dan Craig had given his approval — the rink originally made for the Jan. 1 Winter Classic has remained in place through the week for a variety of events — Hockey East ultimately was fearful that the practice would damage the ice surface."

...that's a pretty weak move by Hockey East.

Dinner with Ranger Legends

On Dec. 15, 2009, a select group of Rangers fans, including Blueshirts United Legends Club members, were invited to a special dinner with the all-time greats here.

...wow, wonder how you get invited to that?

Avery Just as Important as Gaborik, Lundqvist?

Ryan Dixon at The Hockey News looks at the importance of Sean Avery to the Rangers success...

"Then there’s the wild card behind the wheel, Sean Avery. Can Avery’s impact consistently match that of Gaborik and Lundqvist? Of course not. Still, there’s no denying he can be and has been a difference-maker for the Rangers."

...i've always said that Avery, despite not being an elite player in the NHL, is by far the most important player on the Rangers. The problem this year has been consistancy from Sean. He looked like an MVP candidate Wednesday night then last night he is barely noticable. For the Rangers to be successful he needs to bring his 'A' game every night. And by 'A' game I don't necessarily mean scoring I mean a sandpaper effort that throws the opponent off their game.

Also at The Hockey News, Edward Fraser named Marian Gaborik the midseason Hart Trophy winner.

Friday Headlines

Daily News - Atlanta Thrashers top New York Rangers in shootout in goalie Chad Johnson's first NHL start

Newsday - Rangers fall in shootout to Thrashers, 2-1

Newsday - Rangers' Prospal on solid road to recovery

Bergen Record - Rangers fall to Thrashers, 2-1, in rookie Chad Johnson's first start

Bergen Record - Rangers notes: Vinny Prospal on ice

New York Post - Rookie goalie, Rangers fall in shootout

Video: Highlights & Torts on Loss vs. Thrashers

John Tortorella speaks to reporters after the Blueshirts earned a point with a 2-1 OT shootout loss on Jan. 7 at Atlanta here.

Rangers @ Thrashers highlights here.

Thrashers 2, Rangers 1, SO

The New York Rangers (21-17-6) lost to the Atlanta Thrashers (19-18-6) by the score of 2-1 in a shootout, tonight. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.

...missed opportunity for two points by the Rangers tonight. You get a heck of a game by a rookie goaltender making his first start and can't score more than one goal for the kid.

...speaking of the kid, man did he make even the most difficult saves look easy. Including this one. Valiquette shouldn't be making plans to return any time soon.

...why is Del Zotto going ahead of players such as Anisimov or Dubinsky in the shootout? He shouldn't even be the first defenseman going. Gilroy has that honor.

...can the Rangers please score on Hedberg. In three games against the Blueshirts this season, he's now stopped 108 of the 114 shots against him. All Atlanta wins.

...if anybody is looking for the Rangers to drop Drury just go back and watch the diving block he took off the chest at the buzzer in OT.

...nice to see Lisin use his superior speed to get one tonight. His foot must be getting healthy because he's been much better recently.

...Staal has been a monster lately.

...off tomorrow then a matinee in Boston on Saturday.

Rangers @ Thrashers (Game 44)

The New York Rangers (21-17-5) visit the Atlanta Thrashers (18-18-6) tonight at Philips Arena starting at 7:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

TV: MSG+; Radio: WNYM (970 AM)

Probable Lines:
Dubinsky-Christensen-Gaborik
Avery-Anisimov-Kotalik
Higgins-Drury-Callahan
Brashear-Boyle-Lisin

Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy

Goaltenders:
Chad Johnson - 0-0-0, 4.50 gaa, .850 sv%, 0 so.

Johan Hedberg - 9-6-3, 2.62 gaa, .910 sv%, 1 so.

Opponent Notes:
- Atlanta has lost nine games in a row (0-6-3).

- Ilya Kovalchuk has six goals and six assists during the losing streak, but has 14 goals and 15 assists in 28 games against the Rangers, including two goals and five assists in the last three.

- Johan Hedberg made 46 saves in a 3-2 Thrashers victory against the Rangers at MSG back on December 14.

Opponent Blog:
The Blueland Chronicle

Johnson to Start Tonight vs. Thrashers

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that sources tell him that rookie Chad Johnson will get his first NHL start tonight in Atlanta.

Zipay also reports that Vinny Prospal will test his knee for the first time today.

...Rangers better bring their 'A' game defensively to start the game as I'm sure the kid will have plenty of butterflies in his stomach.

Rangers on PIX11

MSG.com reports that MSG will partner with PIX 11 in New York to air two Rangers games in January.

PIX 11 will televise games against the St. Louis Blues and Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, January 16th and Saturday, January 23rd, respectively.

Avery #1 Star

Sean Leahy at Puck Daddy names Sean Avery as last night's #1 star for his four points (1g, 3a) against the Dallas Stars...

No. 1 star: Sean Avery, New York Rangers
You think Avery as geared up to face his old team? The Rangers agitator stuck it to the Dallas Stars by scoring a goal and assisting on three others during New York's 5-2 win. Aside from torturing Marty Turco, Avery also collected 12 penalty minutes, including a 10-minute misconduct as he mixed things up with Nicklas Grossman, Jere Lehtinen, and Brendan Morrow. A Dallas Star for all of 23 games last season, Avery didn't make many friends in Big D and after the game, Turco had the second best quote of the night: "I would have loved to have seen that delinquent do that for us last year". The quote of the night? That would go to Mr. Avery himself who responded to a question about what was different about tonight's game with, "I was getting paid by two teams".

NHL.com also names Avery #1 Star.

...that Turco quote is f-in' classic.

Voros a Tough Guy

Aaron Voros is #3 in this week's Fox Sports Tough Guy Tracker...

3. Aaron Voros vs. Tom Kostopoulos
Times Square wasn't the only place in New York that was rocking on New Year's Eve. Inside Madison Square Garden, Ranger fans got to watch Carolina's Tom Kostopoulos drop quicker than the New Year's Eve Ball when he got his bell rung by New York's Aaron Voros in the second period.

...maybe Voros should start giving Brashear some lessons.

Yankee Stadium Out for 2011 Winter Classic

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants says with ESPN soon to announce a deal to televise a Yankee Stadium bowl game possibly on Dec. 30 with a 2 p.m. kickoff, the idea for a 2011 Winter Classic at Yankee Stadium is done...

“The Yankees are still telling people it can happen but the NHL knows it can’t happen,” one source said.

Gross adds that Citi Field is the only other New York site that will be considered as the NHL is wary of placing the game in a football stadium and conflicting with the NFL schedule, eliminating the consideration of the new Meadowlands stadium. And even Citi Field poses problems as the NHL has no interest in televising a regional match-up as Rangers-Islanders which would be a likely scenario at the home of the Mets.

...looks like unless the Rangers are going to be the visiting team Ranger fans will be locked out of seeing their team in next year's 'Classic.'

Thursday Headlines

New York Post - 'Delinquent' busts out against his former team

New York Post - Torts has something to shout about

Daily News - Sean Avery gets revenge on old team with four point-game as New York Rangers defeat Dallas Stars

Newsday - Avery helps Rangers top Stars, 5-2

The Bergen Record - Sean Avery's four points lift Rangers

The Bergen Record - Ranger notes: Johnson waiting for his chance

New York Times - Avery Comes Alive Against the Stars, His Ex-Team

The Journal News - Real Avery emerges to annoy, destroy

Video: Highlights, Avery & Torts on Win vs. Stars

John Tortorella speaks about the play of Sean Avery and the Rangers effort against the Dallas Stars here.

Rangers vs. Stars highlights here.

Rangers Talk Win vs. Stars

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.