The New York Rangers (23-19-7) host the Tampa Bay Lightning (19-19-10) tonight at MSG starting at 7:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.
TV: Versus; Radio: ESPNRadio (1050AM)
Probable Lines:
Prospal-Dubinsky-Gaborik
Drury-Christensen-Callahan
Higgins-Anisimov-Lisin
Avery-Boyle-Voros
Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy
Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 21-15-6, 2.26 gaa, .930 sv%, 2 so.
Antero Niittymaki - 9-8-4, 2.68 gaa, .911 sv%, 0 so.
Opponent Notes:
- Steve Downie has eight goals in the last 24 games.
- Steve Stamkos is on a three-game point drought.
- Vinny Lecavalier has five goals and 13 assists in his last 14 games and has points in six of his past seven games.
- Alex Tanguay has a goal and three assists in the last three games.
- The Lightning defeated the Rangers 5-1 in their only other meeting this season back in November in Tampa.
Opponent Blog:
Raw Charge
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Sykora on Waivers
TSN reports Minnesota Wild have placed Petr Sykora on waivers, meaning any club can claim the veteran forward prior to Noon et on Wednesday.The 33-year old has had an injury-riddled season since signing a one-year $1.6 million contract with the Wild as an unrestricted free agent last summer. In 14 games, he has compiled two goals and one assist but has missed a total of 29 games with groin and concussion issues.
If Sykora is not claimed, Minnesota can send him to the minors or place him on re-entry waivers where he could be claimed at half the price of his contract.
Sykora had 16 goals and 15 assists in 40 games with the Rangers during the 2005-2006 season.
...hey why not? The Rangers need offense, he's relatively cheap and is a proven scorer in the league. Thoughts?
Sanguinetti Wins AHL All-Star Fastest Skater Event
Newyorkrangers.com reports that Rangers prospect Bobby Sanguinetti won the Fastest Skater competition at Monday night's AHL All-Star Skills Competition.His time of 13.677 seconds for a lap around the ice broke the former AHL record.
Sanguinetti also took part in the league's Hardest Shot event, where he registered a top speed of 89.7 mph. Blair Jones of Norfolk won that event at 100.7 mph.
...i actually caught some of the skills competition on television last night and while it was nice to see Sangs win the fastest skate he was the only competitor in the hardest shot event not to break 90 mph. Sort of embarrassing and not exactly what the Rangers need on the point on the power play.
Torts: Drury A Better Winger Than Christensen
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports that John Tortorella said this about his decision to move Chris Dury to the wing while keeping Erik Christensen at center...
“I think Dru can play left wing in a better fashion than Erik,” Tortorella added. “I don’t want to take Erik out of center ice. I think Erik is more of a playmaking guy, he sees all of the ice. It puts Dru in a situation where he’s on his off-side, it gives him a better chance as far as shooting pucks and being more of a straight-line player, which I think he’s been effective at.”
...the move seemed to work for one game we'll have to see how it progresses over time.
Gross also reports that there will be no line-up changes tonight.
...coming off of one of the team's best offensive performances of the year there better not be any changes.
“I think Dru can play left wing in a better fashion than Erik,” Tortorella added. “I don’t want to take Erik out of center ice. I think Erik is more of a playmaking guy, he sees all of the ice. It puts Dru in a situation where he’s on his off-side, it gives him a better chance as far as shooting pucks and being more of a straight-line player, which I think he’s been effective at.”
...the move seemed to work for one game we'll have to see how it progresses over time.
Gross also reports that there will be no line-up changes tonight.
...coming off of one of the team's best offensive performances of the year there better not be any changes.
Zipay Live Chat @ 1pm
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes will host his weekly live chat at 1 p.m. To participate click here.
Blueshirts Off Our Backs
Newyorkrangers.com reports that the Rangers organization is giving fans a chance to nominate themselves or fellow fans to experience the Blueshirts Off Our Backs ceremony – in which Rangers players remove their game-worn jerseys, hand them over to fans and then autograph them.Entries to this unique, upcoming contest will be submitted online at newyorkrangers.com. Each entrant must submit a photo and short essay explaining the reasons for a particular nomination.
Lecavalier to Rangers Rumor False
Erik Erlendsson at the Tampa Tribune reports that Lightning GM Brian Lawton dismissed the recent Ottawa Sun report that Glen Sather reached out to him regarding a deal for Vinny Lecavalier..."It's complete B.S. and nobody ever calls me or even asks me," Lawton said. "I haven't talked to Glen Sather in weeks, so that is completely false that he contacted me to inquire about that. It absolutely did not happen."
...what I've come to realize is the Ottawa Sun is becoming or already is very Eklund-like.
...the most interesting part of Lawton's quote is that he admitted he spoke with Sather a few weeks ago. Wonder what that was about?
Rangers Continue Power Rankings Roller Coaster
After moving up in the power rankings last week the Rangers again took a dip. ESPN.com has the Rangers at #20 down from #14...
20. Rangers - Big win over Montreal on Sunday caps a disappointing week.
While CBS Sports drops the Rangers from #12 down to #17...
17. Rangers - The scoring outburst against Montreal was much-needed, but one of those every couple of weeks isn't going to do it for the Rangers.
The Hockey News and TSN also have their power rankings out.
20. Rangers - Big win over Montreal on Sunday caps a disappointing week.
While CBS Sports drops the Rangers from #12 down to #17...
17. Rangers - The scoring outburst against Montreal was much-needed, but one of those every couple of weeks isn't going to do it for the Rangers.
The Hockey News and TSN also have their power rankings out.
What to do with Redden
Spector over at Fox Sports looks at the options the Rangers have to get Wade Redden's salary off the books..."They could buy him out at season's end but the buyout formula would result in an expensive cap hit of just over $1.916 million per season for the first two years, just over $3.416 million per season in years 3 and 4, followed by four more years at just over $1.916 million."
Spector adds that the Rangers could also send Redden down to Hartford meaning they'd still have to pay his salary but it wouldn't count against the remainder of their salary cap for this season, thus freeing up cap room to perhaps add another player or two via trades.
However, Spector says if demoting Redden was an option the Rangers would have done it already.
...let's hope that Redden's emotional performance against the Canadiens Sunday night jump starts his season.
Tuesday Headlines
Bergen Record - Rangers look to follow through
New York Post - Rangers should say no to quick fix with Lecavalier
New York Post - Rangers should say no to quick fix with Lecavalier
Monday, January 18, 2010
Deja Vu
For the second straight Martin Luther King Day, I'm stuck in bed with the stomach flu. unreal.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets
While I'm not a Gang Green fan I've got to give my congrats on the big win to all the long suffering Jets fans.
Video: Highlights, Torts & Analysis of Win vs. Canadiens
Rangers Talk Win vs. Canadiens
Below are quotes released by the Rangers after the game...
John Tortorella on the team…
“After the first period, they kept themselves together. Even during the first period, although we were down 2-0, I thought we had some good minutes there as far as our forecheck was concerned. Everybody played. I think they played for one another, they stuck up for one another.”
Ryan Callahan on the team’s confidence…
“It’s a big character game for us, not only to score six goals but to come back from a 2-0 deficit at home where we’ve been struggling of late. So it was a good game for us goal-wise but also we showed some character in the room.”
Henrik Lundqvist on the team’s scoring…
“We score some goals. We feel the energy in the building, on the ice, on the bench and you get confidence. Sometimes you try and try and there is no result. It is tough to stay on the course. Sometimes you try to do too much. When it pays off like that you can feel the energy on the ice. We know we can score. It has just been a couple of games here where we have had a tough time doing it.”
Rangers Report and Blue Notes have more quotes.
John Tortorella on the team…
“After the first period, they kept themselves together. Even during the first period, although we were down 2-0, I thought we had some good minutes there as far as our forecheck was concerned. Everybody played. I think they played for one another, they stuck up for one another.”
Ryan Callahan on the team’s confidence…
“It’s a big character game for us, not only to score six goals but to come back from a 2-0 deficit at home where we’ve been struggling of late. So it was a good game for us goal-wise but also we showed some character in the room.”
Henrik Lundqvist on the team’s scoring…
“We score some goals. We feel the energy in the building, on the ice, on the bench and you get confidence. Sometimes you try and try and there is no result. It is tough to stay on the course. Sometimes you try to do too much. When it pays off like that you can feel the energy on the ice. We know we can score. It has just been a couple of games here where we have had a tough time doing it.”
Rangers Report and Blue Notes have more quotes.
Rangers 6, Canadiens 2
The New York Rangers (23-19-7) defeated the Montreal Canadiens (23-23-4) by the score of 6-2, tonight. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.
...who were those guys and what did they do with our offensively inept Rangers?
...until the Ranger can string together a few more of these games I'm not going to get too excited.
...great to see two young leaders like Callahan and Dubinsky step-up in a game the Rangers really needed to have.
...nice to see Gaborik get off the schnide.
...not sure what I was more amazed at tonight that the Rangers actually stood up for one another or Redden finally showed some emotion.
...nice move by Torts reuniting the Prospal-Dubinsky-Gaborik line. A combined eight points (3 goals, 6 assists) and a +9.
...Lundqvist must have thought he was playing for the wrong team tonight with only 20 shots against.
...Gomez scoreless in a big game, sounds about right.
...off tomorrow then Tampa in town on Tuesday.
Rangers vs. Canadiens (Game 49)
The New York Rangers (22-19-7) host the Montreal Canadiens (23-22-4) tonight at the MSG starting at 7:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.
TV: MSG; Radio: WNYM (970AM)
Probable Lines:
Prospal-Christensen-Gaborik
Dubinsky-Drury-Callahan
Avery-Anisimov-Lisin
Higgins-Boyle-Voros
Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy
Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 20-15-6, 2.27 gaa, .930 sv%, 2 so.
Jaroslav Halak - 12-6-1, 2.46 gaa, .927 sv%, 2 so.
Opponent Notes:
- The Canadiens have scored two goals or fewer in five of six games (2-3-1).
- Michael Cammalleri has just one goal and one assist in the last six games.
- The line of Benoit Pouliot, former Ranger Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta has produced 12 goals and 14 assists in nine games.
- Tomas Plekanec is the Canadiens' leading scorer with 47 points.
- Pouliot has scored four goals in the past four games. He has a career-high eight goals in 25 games.
- Gomez has 6 goals and 26 assists on the season.
Opponent Blog:
Habs Eyes on the Prize
TV: MSG; Radio: WNYM (970AM)
Probable Lines:
Prospal-Christensen-Gaborik
Dubinsky-Drury-Callahan
Avery-Anisimov-Lisin
Higgins-Boyle-Voros
Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy
Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 20-15-6, 2.27 gaa, .930 sv%, 2 so.
Jaroslav Halak - 12-6-1, 2.46 gaa, .927 sv%, 2 so.
Opponent Notes:
- The Canadiens have scored two goals or fewer in five of six games (2-3-1).
- Michael Cammalleri has just one goal and one assist in the last six games.
- The line of Benoit Pouliot, former Ranger Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta has produced 12 goals and 14 assists in nine games.
- Tomas Plekanec is the Canadiens' leading scorer with 47 points.
- Pouliot has scored four goals in the past four games. He has a career-high eight goals in 25 games.
- Gomez has 6 goals and 26 assists on the season.
Opponent Blog:
Habs Eyes on the Prize
Grachev Scores Twice in Wolf Pack Win
Beyond the Blueshirts reports that Evgeny Grachev scored a pair of goals, including the game-winner in overtime, to give the Hartford Wolf Pack their second consecutive overtime victory over the Providence Bruins, 3-2.It was Grachev's first career overtime winner and 11th goal of the season.
...i know Grachev hasn't had the best season so far in Hartford, but with the way the Rangers have been struggling to score goals, why not call the kid up?
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.
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.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
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.
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.
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
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
Friday, January 15, 2010
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
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
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Video: Highlights, Torts, Players & Analysis on Loss to Senators
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