Thursday, January 14, 2010

Rangers Talk Loss to Senators

Below are quotes released by the Rangers after the game...

John Tortorella on tonight’s game…
“We were outworked. That team wanted to play harder than we did tonight. They deserve what they got and we deserve what we got. It is funny what happens. It is simple game of work habit and they simply worked harder.”

Henrik Lundqvist on tonight’s game…
“We played hard for the whole game and then I don’t know what we did in the last minute. When you don’t score, a mistake like that costs you. It is frustrating because, I think, everybody is playing hard and playing solid defensively but it comes down to we need to score goals, too.”

Ryan Callahan on tonight’s game…
“No excuses. I don’t understand why we’re not ready, but we have to start getting prepared to play games. We wanted to make sure there was no let down after the (New) Jersey game, after being such an emotional game, and I thought we did that and tonight we come out and we have a start like that. I don’t know what the explanation is but it definitely has to change.”

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has more quotes including this one from Vinny Prospal..

“I don’t understand,” he said. “It’s a team we’re fighting against for a playoff spot and got spanked the game before. We tried to guard against it…That team wanted to play harder than we did tonight. We deserve what we got. They simply worked harder. We stunk tonight, which is unacceptable.”

Senators 2, Rangers 0


The New York Rangers (22-18-7) lost to the Ottawa Senators (23-21-4) by the score of 2-0, tonight. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.

...you have to wonder how the Rangers can come out with such a poor effort knowing this game had trap written all over it. They were lucky to even be in it as long as they were with all the turnovers and lackluster play. Simply out played tonight.

...one goal against in the last two games and no wins to show for it for Lundqvist. Unreal.

...please tell me the Blues aren't starting a goaltender with the last name Brodeur against the Rangers Saturday night.

...no goals since Torts broke up the Dubinsky-Christensen-Gaborik line. Might be time to put them back together.

...despite being slammed to the ice then dropped by a right hand, I liked Brashear getting int0 some scraps looking to spark the team.

...the power play is officially Perry Pearn-like.

...it seems like Avery needs motivation to play the way the Rangers need him to. Tonight it was Ruutu.

...off tomorrow then on to St. Louis to take on JD's Blues.

Rangers vs. Senators (Game 47)

The New York Rangers (22-17-7) host the Ottawa Senators (22-21-4) tonight at MSG starting at 7:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

TV: MSG; Radio: ESPNRadio (1050 AM)

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

Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy

Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 20-14-6, 2.30 gaa, .924 sv%, 2 so.

Mike Brodeur - 1-0-0, 1.00 gaa, .957 sv%, 0 so.

Opponent Notes:
- Ottawa has been outscored 22-5 in losing five straight games.

- Senators starting goaltender Pascal LeClaire injured himself at practice this morning and with backup Brian Elliot out sick Ottawa had to summon Mike Brodeur from their AHL affiliate in Binghamton to possibly start tonight's game. (Ottawa Sun)

- Daniel Alfredsson (separated shoulder), Jason Spezza (knee) and Jesse Winchester (knee) are all expected to miss tonight's game, but defenseman Filip Kuba could return after missing the last three with an upper body injury.

- The Senators are an NHL-worst 3-12-1 on the road since Oct. 29.

- Former Ranger Alex Kovalev has 11 goals and 18 assists on the season.

Opponent Blog:
Silver Seven

Trap Game?

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports that John Tortorella is concerned that tonight's game against the struggling Senators could be a trap game coming off the intense game vs. the Devils...

“Yesterday was a Jersey-Rangers game,” Tortorella said. “It’s a pretty easy game to get up for and be ready to play. It’s not always going to be Jersey-Rangers at Madison Square Garden. We have an opponent coming in here that’s going to be chomping at the bit. It’s a matter of readiness. And we have no excuse no matter who we play not to be ready to play.”

...i was thinking the same thing earlier today. I'd be real impressed if the Rangers came away with a victory tonight.

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes and Michael Obernauer at the Blueshirts Blog have more.

Staal's Road to the Rangers & More

Newyorkrangers.com continues their "Road to the Rangers" series with Marc Staal. This series gives Blueshirt fans the chance to hear Ranger player's story in their own words, in their own voice, as they look back at all the years leading up to their first NHL game.

Also at newyorkrangers.com is information on the Rangers ultimate fantasy tournament for adult hockey teams, casino night, and viewing party.

Stepan Leading the Rush

Hockey's Future reports that Rangers prospect and gold medal Team USA captain Derek Stepan is exceeding expectations...

Derek Stepan, C – Wisconsin Badgers (WCHA)
New York Rangers, 2008, 2nd round, 51st overall

The talk of the WJC was the United States prevailing over Canada, and at the center of attention was the performance of the tournament’s leading point-getter Derek Stepan. The 19-year-old amassed four goals, 10 assists in only seven games. It should not have come to too much surprise however as Stepan has been among the best players for the Wisconsin Badgers all season long. In 18 games leading up to the tournament, he posted five goals, 17 assists, including a hot streak through November and December that saw him post two goals, 15 assists in 10 games. He has also posted 10 assists on the power play and plays in many key situations. Although he will probably play another year in college, Stepan, along with fellow center Evgeni Grachev, represent a bright future for the Rangers at the center position.


Yesterday The Hockey News named Stepan to their "Hot List."

...i guess when you're the captain of the gold medal winning WJC team you're going to be the talk of the town. Lots to get excited about for Ranger fans.

Grachev a Top AHL Rookie

John Grigg at The Hockey News gives his top 10 AHL rookie prospects...

7. Evgeny Grachev, LW, Hartford Wolf Pack (Rangers)
Grachev could still be playing junior, but the Rangers felt the 6-foot-4, 220-pound, 19-year-old would be better served playing against men his own size. Grachev’s numbers (nine goals and 19 points in 41 games) are not overwhelming, but he’s got great hands and is a north-south type of guy who just needs someone to get him the puck.


...while Grachev may be struggling a bit in the AHL, ultimately this will pay off as he is learning the professional game against bigger, stronger players than he would be seeing in juniors.

Thursday Headlines

New York Post - Torts: SO needs fix



Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Avery Misses Practice; Rangers Work on Shootout & PP

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports that Sean Avery, who blocked a shot with his left skate last night, was not at practice today because of what coach John Tortorella called a “bruise” but added that Avery would be “fine.”

Gross also reports that the Rangers worked on shootouts and the power play today. Adding that Erik Christensen was been so hard on himself for losing the puck on his shootout attempt last night that he actually lost sleep last night.

...i like hearing things like that as it shows the player really cares. Just don't ever do that again Christensen.

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has more.

Ex-Ranger Lundmark Looking to Stick with Flames

Todd Kimberley at NHL.com reports on former Ranger #1 pick Jamie Lundmark, who has had a penchant for timely, important goals when called up by the Flames, attempting to gain a full time spot with Calgary on a line with Jerome Iginla and Olli Jokinen...

"When I've come up (from the AHL) the past couple of years, it's being put into a role where I help the team as much as I can," Lundmark said . "I'm not going to get away from that. If I come up and play well, and fit in and contribute the way I think I can contribute, other things will happen. I can't get frustrated with (being unable to stick). I've just got to keep playing hard, coming out every night, being consistent."

...another one of the many first round draft flops for the Rangers. Glad to see him doing well, but I'd rather see him scoring timely goals for the Rangers.

Stepan Makes THN Hot List

Ryan Kennedy at The Hockey News names Rangers prospect and World Junior Championship gold medalist Derek Stepan to this week's "Hot List,"

5. Derek Stepan, C – University of Wisconsin Badgers (WCHA): Stepan’s play alongside Jerry D’Amigo at the world juniors was exceptional and the Team USA captain’s 14 points in seven games led the tourney. Back in Madison, the speedy Stepan is progressing nicely with 22 points through 18 games. Drafted 51st overall by the New York Rangers in 2008.

...Brooks reported this weekend that the Rangers don't think Stepan will be ready for the NHL (or the AHL for that matter) next year. But be assured this won't be the last we've heard from the Team USA captain.

Wednesday Headlines

Bergen Record - Devils edge Rangers, 1-0, behind Patrik Elias in shootout

Bergen Record - Rangers notes: Extra forwards

New York Post - Brodeur shuts out Rangers; Devils take SO

New York Post - Blueshirts' top guns flunk shootout test

New York Post - Classic full of zeroes, heroes

Daily News - Elias saves Devils in goalie duel

New York Times - Goalies Show Top Form as Devils Edge Rangers

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Video: Highlights, Torts on Loss to Devils

John Tortorella speaks to reporters after the Blueshirts fell 1-0 to New Jersey in a thrilling game that ended with an OT shootout here.

Rangers vs. Devils highlights here.

Rangers Talk Loss to Devils

Below are quotes released by the Rangers after the game...

Brandon Dubinsky on Henrik Lundqvist…
“He played phenomenally. He gave us a chance to win. Obviously Marty is a great goalie and played well, but we have to just stay on it. We played a good game tonight against a good team. We just have to continue to work and find ways to bury a few of our chances and not let it get to those shootouts and overtimes.”

Ryan Callahan on tonight’s game…
“Obviously, we wanted to get pucks on the net. I thought we had traffic there. We had our chances. I think tonight’s game was the night of the goalies. Hank (Henrik Lundqvist) played great for us. Marty (Martin Brodeur) played great for them. They showed it in the shootout too, they both played good in the shootout. It’s tough not to get a win when you get that many shots, but at the same time you have to tip your hat to Marty there, he played a great game.”

Rick Carpiniello at the Rangers Report has more quotes including this one from Callahan...

“One of the more fun games I’ve played in in a long time. It had a playoff type atmosphere out there. I felt right from the get-go both teams were flying out there, taking the body, taking chances on net, and the crowd was into it. So it was an enjoyable game to play in.”

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has more post game.

Devils 1, Rangers 0, SO


The New York Rangers (22-17-7) lost to the New Jersey Devils (32-11-1) by the score of 1-0 in a shootout, tonight. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.

...am I allowed to say a loss was the most entertaining game of the season? Back and forth all night long and you can't get better goaltending. If the Rangers can play the way they did tonight for the rest of the season they're going to win a lot of games.

...shootout practice starts at 9 a.m. tomorrow. God the Rangers are atrocious in the skills competition right now (one for their last nine).

...with the way Marty was playing tonight the Rangers can thank Lundqvist for matching him save for save and at least getting the team a point.

...best game in two years for Rozsival. Maybe Sather can trade him now.

...speaking of best game, Brashear actually looked like he belonged in the NHL tonight.

...the Rangers power play is really struggling right now (two for their last 20).

...off tomorrow then Ottawa in town on Thursday.

Rangers vs. Devils (Game 46)

The New York Rangers (22-17-6) host the New Jersey Devils (31-11-1) tonight at MSG starting at 7:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

TV: Versus; Radio: ESPNRadio (1050 AM)

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

Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy

Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 20-14-5, 2.37 gaa, .920 sv%, 1 so.

Martin Brodeur - 28-11-1, 2.16 gaa, .920 sv%, 5 so.

Opponent Notes:
- Tonight is the Devils fourth game in five nights.

- Zach Parise has a goal in three straight games leads New Jersey with 20 goals and 46 points..

- Martin Brodeur leads the league in wins (28) and is tied for shutouts with five.

- The Devils are 2-4-2 in their last eight at MSG.

Opponent Blog:
In Lou We Trust

Video: Prospal on Returning to the Line-up

Why Drury Deserves to Be on Team USA

Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy gives five reasons why Chris Drury deserves to be on the United States Olympic team.

Wyshynski's reasons include leadership, his salary not counting in the Olympics, more than numbers, versatility and pissing off Jeremy Roenick.

...not sure why there is so much vengeance towards Drury. As seen with U.S. Olympic basketball teams, to be successful you can't just have a group of superstars and expect to win. You need versatile players who can fill certain roles. And Drury can play a huge role on the pk and in the locker room. As Team USA GM Brian Burke said you don't need to be wearing a letter to show leadership.

Zipay Live Chat @ 1pm

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes will host his weekly live web chat today at 1 p.m. To participate click here.

Rangers Shoot Up in Power Rankings

ESPN.com bumps the Rangers up eight spots to #14 in their latest Power Rankings...

14. Rangers - The Rangers are finding their groove and have collected points in 11 of their past 12 games, including a solid 3-1 win in Boston on Saturday. New York still can't score, but maybe it doesn't matter.

CBS Sports, The Hockey News, and TSN also have the Rangers climbing in their rankings.

Tuesday Headlines

New York Post - Prospal's back for streaking Rangers



Monday, January 11, 2010

No Letter for Drury (Updated)


Update, 4:55 p.m.:
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has this quote from Team USA GM Brian Burke on why Drury didn't get a letter...

“Leaders lead,” Burke said. “Leaders don’t need letters to lead. Ron Wilson and I were co-captains together in college and it didn’t change one thing on how we acted when they put a C on us. So, to me leaders lead. If you need a letter to lead, then you’re not a leader anyhow. We know what Chris Drury can bring. He doesn’t need a letter. We’ve got a number of guys who are wearing letters in the NHL that aren’t going to wear a letter on this team. I wasn’t defensive at all about picking Chris Drury. In fact, every single guy — this will be illuminating for the people in the media that are skeptical about Chris Drury — every single guy on the selection committee had him on the team. So, I wasn’t defensive at all."

Original Post:
Mike G. Morreale at NHL.com reports that New Jersey Devils forward Jamie Langenbrunner has been named captain for the U.S. Olympic Team headed to Vancouver next month.

Langenbrunner will be assisted by alternate captains Zach Parise, Dustin Brown, Ryan Suter and Brian Rafalski. Meaning Chris Drury will not be wearing a letter during the Olympics.

...a bit surprising as you figured Drury was brought on for his leadership. God knows it's not for his scoring.

...while I'm sure he's disappointed, you have to assume Drury's going to have a leadership role on the team regardless.

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has Team USA roster with jersey numbers.

Prospal Returns Tomorrow; Dubinsky to 2nd Line

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports that Vinny Prospal will return to the Rangers line-up tomorrow night against the Devils on the left wing of the first line.

Prospal's return means that Brandon Dubinsky has been dropped to the second line with Drury and Callahan.

Kotalik, Lisin and Brashear seem to be the likely candidates to be the healthy scratch with Prospal back in the lineup.

...hate to see Torts mess with the top line, but Prospal played so well wih Gaborik at the beginning the season it's hard to criticize the move.

Gross also reports that Chad Johnson lead the Hartford Wolfpack to a 2-1 overtime victory last night and should return to back-up Henrik Lundqvist tomorrow night.

Gaborik Contender for Rocket Richard Trophy

Sam McCaig at The Hockey News takes a look at the competition for the Rocket Richard Trophy for most goals in a season...

1. Marian Gaborik, NY Rangers (28 goals in 42 games)
He’s missed two games due to injury, but that was back at the end of October. Along with goalie Henrik Lundqvist, Gaborik has been the main reason why the Rangers remain in the playoff conversation. The blazing left winger has goals in 23 games – he’s scored in more contests than any other NHLer this season – including five two-goal games. His longest scoring drought this season is three games (twice) and Gaborik is on pace for his first 50-goal season (he had 42 goals in 77 games in 2007-08). Rangers coach John Tortorella likes to ride his star players, so Gaborik will be expected to continue carrying the offense. Not that that’s anything new to the former Wild lone gunner.

Rocket Richard outlook: As always, it’s all about his health. If he stays groin-strong, Gaborik will remain in the trophy hunt to the end.

...in my opinion this is Gaborik's to lose. Like McCaig points out Tortorella is going to ride Gaborik giving him ample opportunity to win the crown.

Christensen Getting a Chance with Rangers

Michael Obernauer at the Daily News has this quote from Erik Christensen on getting a chance with the Rangers...

"I think my opportunity here has been different than anywhere else I have played - getting a chance to play the last minute of the game (on Saturday), protecting the lead," said Christensen, who is a plus-5 over the last six games. "Anyone who plays for a coach who is confident with you on the ice, it's a great feeling. I know I'm not the best defensive player in the league, but to be given a chance in those types of situations feels good. I haven't had that anywhere else. I've had a lot a fun so far."

...like I said after the Bruins game Christensen has earned a spot on this team, if not on the top line, for the rest of the season.

Brooks: Rangers Need to be Sellers at Deadline

Larry Brooks at the New York Post pleads for Glen Sather to be a seller at the trade deadline...

"Because even though the Blueshirts seem to be a playoff caliber team in a conference overloaded with deficient squads, this run against a succession of terrible opponents should not and must not interfere with the real business at hand of constructing a Stanley Cup contender.

To that end, no matter the standings, no matter the "game with points streak," no matter the revenue the Garden would stand to derive from a few playoff home dates, Sather has the responsibility to be a seller rather than a buyer as the trade deadline approaches."

...no matter how smart selling players at the deadline is for the Rangers future there is no way the Dolans would be willing to give up the extra revenue from a possible playoff birth to improve the team. Period.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Lost Weekend for The New York Rangers Blog

Between my house issue, football and taking down my Christmas decorations the blog was majorly neglected this weekend. So here are some quick updates:

- Chris Drury will be an alternate captain of Team USA. (I wonder what Roenick thinks about this).

- Rangers attendance is up this season.

- The Rangers feel prospect & WJC gold medalist Derek Stepan needs another year of development before he's ready to turn pro, but want Ryan McDonagh -- acquired from Montreal in the Scott Gomez deal -- into the organization following at the end of this his junior season at Wisconsin.

- Chad Johnson back down, Matt Zaba back up.

- I guess John Tortorella didn't get the no profanity memo.

Rangers to Send Redden to Hartford?

Bruce Garrioch at the Ottawa Sun reports that Wade Redden could be on his way to Hartford soon...

"There has been talk the Rangers are going to place D Wade Redden on waivers and then send him to the their AHL affiliate in Hartford. There is nothing to stop the Rangers from doing that because Redden has a limited no-trade clause, but he doesn’t have a restrictive no-movement clause. Signed to a six-year, $39-million deal on July 1, 2007, the Rangers have tried to deal Redden, but haven’t been able to find any takers. Even if New York GM Glen Sather did want to deal Redden, he’d have to get a list from the defenceman of eight teams where he doesn’t want to go."

...while Redden is never going to be worth his contract, he has been solid since returning to the line-up after being a healthy scratch and the Rangers are playing too well to think Sather is going to shake-up the roster like that.

...the only way I see this happening is if the Rangers go into another tailspin.

Sunday Headlines

New York Post - Rangers continue domination on road

New York Post - Prospal making progress

Daily News - New York Rangers ride Henrik Lundqvist, Brandon Dubinsky to 3-1 drubbing of Boston Bruins

The Bergen Record - Rangers stay hot with 3-1 win over Bruins

The Bergen Record - Ranger notes: Prospal making progress

Newsday - Lundqvist, Rangers stop Bruins, 3-1

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Rangers Talk Win vs. Bruins

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has these post game quotes...

Eric Christensen...
“I’m getting chances to play in the last minutes of the game, that’s an opportunity I never had anywhere else.”

Ales Kotalik on the penalty shot call...
“It was a little hook, just a little one. He embellished it.”

Michael Del Zotto on getting his first goal in 21 games...
“I’m not one to talk about it but it is frustrating,” Del Zotto said. “Especially with the power play not clicking right now. It definitely feels good to get one. I have a bit more confidence now. I think that as the game went on I felt better with the puck. Hopefully that helps me out.”

Michael Obernauer at the Blueshirts Blog has more quotes including this one from Henrik Lundqvist...

“That extra goal was huge,” Henrik Lundqvist said. “You’re going to win a lot of games if you can score three goals. It’s such a huge difference, two vs. three goals. A lot of games as we’ve gone along, we’ve lost 2-1 or 3-2, but lately we’ve been able to squeeze in an extra one.”