Rangers Show Interest in Souray and Lecavalier

Pierre LeBrun at ESPN.com reports that the Rangers have interest in Oilers defenseman Sheldon Souray, who recently waived his no-trade clause.

Souray, 33-years-old, has 12 points (3-9) is a minus-14 rating in 30 games and is making $5.4 million this season. He has two years left on his contract at $4.5 per.

LeBrun says the Rangers can make cap room for Souray by sending Wade Redden to Hartford.

...while Souray's numbers are hideous, the guy has an absolute bomb from the point. And if Kotalik is going to be sitting in the press box this might not be a bad move. Obviously, I'd have to see who the Oilers want in return.

...h/t to reader Mich for the link.

Meanwhile, Bruce Garrioch at the Ottawa Sun reports Glen Sather has reached out to Lightning GM Brian Lawton to inquire about Vinny Lecavalier.

Garrioch adds that the package Sather offered for Lecavalier included Matt Gilroy, Wade Redden and either Brandon Dubinsky or Ryan Callahan. However Tampa wanted nothing to do with Redden.

...why would Sather even bother throwing Redden in. No one other than himself is stupid enough to pay Redden that amount of money. Especially when Tampa is looking to dump salary by getting rid of Lecavalier.

The Hangover (Updated)

Update, 3:15 p.m.:
Wow, I am hungover I forgot Scott Gomez returns to the Garden tonight with the Montreal Canadiens. I'm going to take a few aspirin and try to get cranking.

Original Post:
Sorry guys, I'm pretty beat-up today after a long night. So I don't expect to post much if anything today. Which I'm sure you're happy about after another clunker from the Blueshirts last night.

Rangers @ Blues (Games 48)

The New York Rangers (22-18-7) visit the St. Louis Blues (20-19-7) tonight at the Scottrade Center starting at 8:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

TV: WPIX 11; Radio: WNYM (770AM)

Probable Lines:
Prospal-Christensen-Gaborik
Dubinsky-Drury-Callahan
Avery-Anisimov-Lisin
Higgins-Boyle-Voros

Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy

Goaltenders:
Chad Johnson - 0-0-1, 2.29 gaa, .920 sv%, 0 so.

Chris Mason - 14-13-6, 2.52 gaa, .911 sv%, 1 so.

Opponent Notes:
- St. Louis owns the worst home record in the NHL at 8-14-3, however, they have won two straight at the Scottrade Center.

- G Chris Mason has won three straight games with a 1.34 GAA.

- RW TJ Oshie has two goals in his last three games.

- LW Andy McDonald leads the Blues with 14 goals.

Opponent Blog:
St. Louis Game Time

...i'm hitting the bars so I won't have a game recap tonight. I'll try to catch-up on everything tomorrow.

Gaborik Would Have Been an All Star Starter

Since there will be no NHL All-Star game this year because of the Olympics, TSN chose who they would select to take the ice on the first line, if there were an All-Star game in 2010...

WESTERN CONFERENCE

G - Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames
LD - Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks
RD - Dan Boyle, San Jose Sharks
LW - Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks
C - Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks
RW - Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
7th - Stephane Robidas, Dallas Stars

EASTERN CONFERENCE

G - Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres
LD - Chris Pronger, Philadelphia Flyers
RD - Tyler Myers, Buffalo Sabres
LW - Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
C - Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
RW - Marian Gaborik, New York Rangers
7th - Tomas Plekanec, Montreal Canadiens

...congrats Marian, I guess.

Johnson to Start; Kotalik, Brashear Out

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports that Chad Johnson will make his second NHL start tonight against the Blues and Ales Kotalik and Donald Brashear (hamstring) will be scratched.

...apparently hamstring is the new word for still woozy from being punched in the face.

Here's Johnson on making his second start...

“I know what to expect now,” Johnson said. “I know the speed, I know the players a little better. I want to go out and continue to improve. It’s kind of like another job. It doesn’t matter what level you’re at, you go through the same routines. Obviously, it’s a different level but the preparation that you need to do stays the same.”

With Kotalik and Brashear sitting, Enver Lisin and Aaron Voros re-enter the line-up.

...happy to see Voros back in there. Maybe now the Rangers will have someone in the line-up who will stick up for his teammates.

Gross also has some quotes from former Rangers player and broadcaster and current Blues GM John Davidson.

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has more here and here.

WJC Gold Medalists Get Back to Work

Jess Rubenstein at The Prospect Park takes a look at a number of Ranger prospects including the first games back for World Junior Championship gold medalists Derek Stepan, Ryan Bourque and Chris Kreider...

Derek Stepan (2008 2nd) has been a player on fire for the last couple of months and Friday evening was no different. Stepan in his first counting game action since winning the gold medal as part of Team USA had a goal as well as 2 assists as 3rd ranked Wisconsin defeated 8th ranked Colorado College on the road 4-0...Stepan has played himself into Hobey Baker consideration as wouldn't it be nice if the Rangers laid claim to back to back Hobey Baker winners?

Ryan Bourque
Like Patrick Roy or not, one has to give him credit for knowing how to use his players. While just about every other coach put their World Under-20 players right back to work; Roy gave Ryan Bourque (2009 3rd) a couple of games off to rest.

It paid dividends as Bourque set up the tying goal and scored one of his own as his Quebec Remparts came from behind to defeat the Gatineau Olympiques 4-3 in the shootout.

Chris Kreider (2009 1st) was scoreless but took 3 shots and was a +1 as the 12th ranked Boston College Eagles had little trouble with the Maine Black Bears 6-1. The name of the game is winning so when your team is 12-6-2 like Boston College is then nobody can complain about the numbers that Kreider is or is not putting up.

...nice to see no World Junior Championship hangover for these guys.

Rangers TV Ratings Down

Neil Best at Watch Dog reports that the Rangers television ratings have dropped this season. Going from a 1.03 last year to a 0.94.

...good I hope some advertisers pull out and the Dolans lose some money. Then maybe the they'll decide to fire Sather as his terrible personnel decisions will finally start hitting them in the wallet. Unfortunately it would probably only mean an increase in ticket prices.

Saturday Headlines

Bergen Record - Rangers hoping to rebound

New York Post - Brashear benefits from Torts' 'numbers' game

Daily News - Torts tries to shut out concerns over Henrik

Newsday - Gaborik an inspiration - for A-Rod

Gaborik to Appear in GEICO Ads

Newyorkrangers.com reports that Marian Gaborik will be featured with the GEICO "Kash" in an upcoming promotion on Gardenvision.

...Gaborik has made scoring look so easy this season a caveman can do it. Sorry I had to.

Brashear Misses Practice

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports that Donald Brashear missed today's practice, which consisted mainly of shooting and rush drills, and is most likely out tomorrow because he was "nicked."

...more like a bruised ego than anything else.

Gross also adds that it's logical that Chad Johnson will get a game this weekend (most likely in St. Louis) and that John Tortorella would like to get Enver Lisin back in the line-up this weekend as well.

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has more.

Carp to Host Live Video Chat at Noon

Rick Carpiniello at the Rangers Report will host live video web chat today at noon. To participate click here.

Friday Headlines

Bergen Record - Rangers beaten by Mike Brodeur and Senators, 2-0

Bergen Record - Rangers notes: Marian Gaborik takes blame for game-winner

New York Post - Nothing doing for Rangers

New York Post - Henrik is due a break

Daily News - Another Brodeur blanks Rangers

New York Times - Senators Slip Late Goal Past Lundqvist to Top the Punchless Rangers

Newsday - The other Brodeur shuts out Rangers, too

Video: Highlights, Torts, Players & Analysis on Loss to Senators

John Tortorella talks about the Rangers effort in the 2-0 loss to Ottawa here.

Post Game crew looks at Rangers 2-0 loss to the Senators here.

Rangers vs. Senators highlights here.

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

Daily News - New York Rangers strive to do better in shootouts, try to spark offense

Newsday - Rangers practice their nemesis - scoring

Bergen Record - Rangers trying to fix power play

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

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