Rangers to Be Buyers After Olympics

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes feels that, barring a major collapse, the Rangers will be buyers after the Olympics.

Zipay says that besides Ilya Kovalchuk there really isn't a "difference maker" available. And adds if the Rangers are interested in Kovalchuk it would most likely cost Brandon Dubinsky, Bobby Sanguinetti, and a No. 2 pick.

...Dubinsky would be a tough loss but if the Rangers can somehow make the numbers work I think you have to pull the triger on a trade to bring in one of the best players in the league.

...however, if the Rangers can't make something work with Kovalchuk, I would like to see them become sellers. I think they could get some good value for Prospal who is a cheap veteran that a young team like the Kings or Senators may be interested in for a playoff push and beyond (See Guerin to the Pens last year). Other players I'd like to see moved that could bring back value are Girardi and Kotalik.

Zipay will be hosting his weekly live webchat today at 1 p.m.

More Souray to Rangers Talk

Last Sunday Pierre LeBrun at ESPN.com reported that the Rangers had interest in Oilers defenseman Sheldon Souray, now Jim Matheson at the Edmonton Journal adds that the Rangers are on Souray's list of possible trade destinations.

Matheson adds that the Rangers are contenders because of the spotlight of playing in New York.

Souray, who recently waived his no-trade clause, has 13 points (4-9) is a minus-17 rating in 35 games and is making $5.4 million this season. He has two years left on his contract at $4.5 per.

...despite his lack of numbers and injury liability, the Rangers power play ineptness makes Souray a player they should inquire about. Obviously, I'd have to hear who the Oilers would want in return, plus the Rangers would need to make a move (Redden to Hartford) to open up cap space.

Wednesday Headlines

New York Post - Rangers look to PP to spark anemic offense

Daily News - Ranger power play resorts to Ales

Newsday - Rangers bring back Kotalik to help power play

Bergen Record - Enter Ales Kotalik, the power Ranger

Torts a Good Communicator

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has numerous quotes from Erik Christensen on being scratched from the line-up yesterday and most likely tomorrow...

“That second goal in Montreal was my mistake and I’m paying for it,” Christensen said of Mike Cammalleri’s first goal. “I don’t have as long a leash as everybody else.”

On John Tortorella's message to him that his absence from the line-up won't be forever...

“He’s a pretty good communicator,” Christensen said. “He’s definitely edgy and he has a temper.”

Citing Torts' dust up with Larry Brooks and the three question press conference last night, Jess Rubenstein at The Prospect Park disagrees with the good communicator comment.

...to me Torts post game antics and timeout tirades are just side show acts. What concerns me is his inability to get this team to compete on a consistent basis. Until this team makes a real dramatic move (ie Redden to Hartford, sit Callahan or strip Drury of the captaincy) I don't see anything changing. Good enough to keep us interested, but not nearly good enough to make a serious run in the playoffs.

Drury Needs to Remain Captain

With the ever increasing calls from Ranger fans for the Blueshirts to strip Chris Drury of the captaincy, Joe Fortunato at Blueshirt Banter gives his reasons why Drury should remain captain...

"And what is truly regretful about this particular situation is that Drury leads every game. Drury is among the top players in the NHL in blocked shots. How many players on the Rangers throw themselves--face first--into an opposing slap shot? There is only one other that I can think of and that player is Ryan Callahan (who, by the way, many of you classify as a leader of this team). Drury does everything he can to keep the penalty kill above water, he does everything he can to score goals (even though he isn't) but most importantly he cares. You tell me the last time Drury has taken a shift off? He might be invisible some games, you might not notice him, but he never was a game-breaker and he never was flashy."

Fortunato also asks who would replace Drury adding that Sean Avery would be a bad candidate.

...this is no knock on Drury as like Fortunato says he never takes a shifft off, but too many other players do. This is where a captain needs to earn his 'C' by setting those players straight. And right now, as far as I can see, Drury is not doing this. And if he is, those players aren't listening which is even worse.

...while I agree with Fortunato that Avery would not be a good candidate for the 'C'. He egregiously leaves out Marian Gaborik. This guy has been everything and more since becoming a Ranger. He battles in front of the net, he's not afraid to do the dirty work in the corners and finally as seen in his fight against Carcillo he's willing to take on even the toughest opponent. I wouldn't make the change this season, but based on the Carcillo incident alone I'd like to see the Rangers transition this off-season to giving Gaborik the 'C' for next year.

Lack of Scoring a Burden on Gaborik

John Tortorella tells Marc Herrmann at Blue Notes that he's not worried about Marian Gaborik's recent scoring woes...

"It has affected a lot of his game, but one thing I’ll tell you about him, I know he cares. I’ve had a couple meetings with him along the way here, through all this. He knows where he’s at. He knows what he means to the club. He certainly doesn’t hide from some of the deficiencies in his game, and he’ll correct them. He’ll be a big part of this, as far as us trying to find a way. He cares. That’s what I rest on, even through the struggle he’s had for a while here."

...one thing Rangers fans definitely shouldn't worry about is his commitment to winning. Unfortunately, with the Rangers inability to score this season you can tell he's putting way too much pressure on himself to carry the team.

...what Gaborik needs to get out of this scoring slump is for his teammates to start scoring and take the burden off his shoulders.

Kotalik to Return as Rangers Practice Power Play

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports Ales Kotalik was back at the power play point during practice today and should be in the line-up tomorrow night against the Hurricanes.

Gross adds that John Tortorella liked what he saw from his power play at practice today and feels that they need more movement and rotation and more bodies getting to the net.

On being a healthy scratch the last five games Kotalik told Mark Herrmann at Blue Notes...

"We work--sometimes the days you don't play are even harder than the days you do play a game. It wasn't really a pleasant and enjoyable time for me. You try and keep it to yourself, don't bother anybody else with it. Try to be supportive of the guys. And keep yourself ready."

...not sure if this will help the power play as it wasn't exactly clicking on all cylinders before Kotalik was benched. But unless the Rangers can coax Brian Leetch out of retirement they really don't have anywhere else to turn.

Rangers Talk Loss to Pens

Rick Carpiniello at The Rangers Report has numerous post game quotes...

Henrik Lundqvist on tonight’s game…
“This one was painful. We battled back and it was a pretty good game. In the second period we played pretty well and we came out in the third and kept it going. I don’t know what to say. That was bad timing , when we got that penalty, they get a lucky goal on a deflection off our player. We have had a bunch of these games this year. It could be a different story if we manage to win these games. We have a tough time winning games like this but we definitely played a lot better than the last two games. That is a good thing.”

Brandon Dubinsky on the 2nd intermission…
“I thought we were good here in the room and we knew we just had to fight for another 20 minutes out there to try and get 2 points. Arty (Artem Anisimov) scores a big goal there, but we have to respond after that. It starts with my line. We have to make sure we are strong defensively, especially when it’s tough to put pucks in the net. We have to make sure we are doing our jobs and try and keep confident here. From now on we have to try and stay confident and believe in what we got here. We have to believe in what we can do and get over this.”

Marian Gaborik...
“We’ve got to manage to keep the lead if we have it in the third period like that. It happened in the last game against these guys too. We play a good game, but we have to hold onto the lead. … when they tied it, we can’t let them score the go-ahead goal.”

Dubinsky (on the winning goal)...
”I was maybe a little late trying to get there. I’m not going to sit here and say it was my guy or another guy’s. We’ve got to do a better job and make sure we’ve got to make sure we’ve got a high guy and make sure they don’t get an odd-man rush and make sure they don’t even get that opportunity.”

Lundqvist on the winning goal...
"It was just bad positioning. I tried to reach for it on the rebound and I went down to make a block and he just found a hole there above my pad. You know, everything happens so fast. You sit here and maybe think what I would have done differently—maybe not reach for the puck and just get back in position. But I didn’t see the guy coming, I reached for the puck, and then I saw him and I was a little too late there.”

Rangers Drop In Power Rankings

ESPN.com drops the Rangers to #21 from #20 in their latest power rankings...

21. Rangers - They looked absolutely brutal -- and I mean brutal -- in Montreal on Saturday night.

While CBS Sports moves them down five spots to #22...

22. Rangers - Things are getting ugly for the Rangers, who have been shut out four times in the past seven games.

The Hockey News and TSN also released their power rankings.

Video: Torts Talks Loss to Pens

John Tortorella talks loss to Penguins here.

Tuesday Headlines

New York Post - Rangers drop 3rd straight as Pens score late

New York Post - NHL union cuts Kelly deal

Daily News - New York Rangers fall short to Pittsburgh Penguins, 4-2, at Madison Square Garden

Newsday - Slumping Rangers fall to Penguins

Bergen Record - Rangers lose third straight to Penguins, 4-2

Bergen Record - Rangers notes: Brotherly love between Marc Staal and Jordan Staal

New York Times - Anisimov Ends His Slump, but Rangers Can’t Halt Theirs

Journal News - Feast or famine at Garden

Penguins 4, Rangers 2

The New York Rangers (24-22-7) lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins (33-20-1) by the score of 4-2, tonight. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.

...let's see, the Pens played yesterday; Guerin, Talbot and Goligoski are all out; and they pretty much play the entire game with only 11 forwards. Talk about not taking advantage.

...guess I shouldn't complain at least they scored a couple tonight.

...nice to see Anisimov remembered where the net was. 17 games without a point is a long time.

...it may be time to get Kotalik back on the point on the power play because it is putrid right now and the reason why the Blueshirts lost tonight.

...not only is Gaborik not scoring he's also shanking passes and taking penalties. Not a good combination. I'm assuming the guy's pressing knowing he's the only one on the team who can score.

...i hate to criticize Lundqvist when the Rangers are only scoring one goal a night, but he's got to make some of those saves.

...only three shots on goal for the Rangers defensemen tonight. Letang had three by himself for the Pens.

...off tomorrow then the lowly Hurricanes invade MSG.

Rangers vs. Penguins (Game 53)

The New York Rangers (24-21-7) host the Pittsburgh Penguins (32-20-1) 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
Avery-Drury-Callahan
Higgins-Anisimov-Lisin
Brashear-Boyle-Voros

Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy

Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 22-17-6, 2.32 gaa, .923 sv%, 2 so.

Marc-Andre Fleury - 25-14-1, 2.60 gaa, .908 sv%, 0 so.

Opponent Notes:
- The Penguins have won the past six meetings (3-0 this season) against the Rangers, all in regulation, outscoring them 29-12.

- Sidney Crosby, who is tied for the league lead in goals with 33, has eight goals and six assists in the past five meetings against the Rangers.

- Marc-Andre Fleury, who is expected to play after missing the last three games with a broken finger, has a 3-6-3 record and 3.36 GAA at MSG.

- Bill Guerin, Max Talbot and Alex Goligoski are out tonight.

Opponent Blog:
The Pensblog

Lundy to Get Rangers In Playoffs, But Not For Long

Jay Feaster at The Hockey News says with Buffalo, New Jersey, Pittsburgh and Washington assured to make the playoffs the final four spots will be determined by goaltending...

New York Rangers: The Blueshirts have the best goalie of the playoff wannabes, hands down. However, the Rangers risk overworking their starter, as King Henrik rarely gets a breather and will be relied on heavily by Sweden in Vancouver next month. The Rangers will make the dance, but exit early.

...it's like Groundhog Day for Rangers fans thinking about another early exit from the playoffs.

...as its been since Lundqvist became the starter, the Rangers will only go as far as their netminder will take them.

Brashear In, Christensen Out

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes and Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants report that Donal d Brashear will return to the lineup tonight against the Penguins with Erik Christensen headed to the press box.

Zipay adds that Tortorella didn't detail why Christensen is out, simply saying he hasn't been "dead-on" and that he wants Brashear in.

...something had to be done. Not sure this is it. But at least it's something.

Chad Johnson is back from Hartford.

Finally, Gross has this quote from Marc Staal on the Rangers problems...

“I think we’re competing hard,” Staal said. “Mentally, we’re just making mistakes and losing coverage. Maybe that’s a part of getting ready mentally. But we had a good start at Montreal, we were flying all over the place. You just don’t lose that will to win.”

...if making mistakes is part of getting ready mentally the Rangers should be the most mentally prepared team in the league instead of the least.

Monday Headlines

Daily News - New York Rangers take a day off to try and spark struggling offense

New York Post - Rangers rookie Anisimov needs a re-charge

Bergen Record - Rangers' issues more internal than external

Bergen Record - Up next for Rangers: Penguins

Panthers Interested in Kotalik

Bruce Garrioch at the Ottawa Sun reports that the Florida Panthers have shown interest in Ales Kotalik.

Spector over at Spector's Hockey says with Nathan Horton out with a broken leg the Panthers are in need of scoring help.

...Garrioch is 0 for the season on trade rumors so take this with a grain of salt.

...although, if the Panthers are interested I'd trade him for a bag of pucks right now just to get his $3 million per salary off the rolls.

Kotalik Denies Trade Request

Ales Kotalik told both Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants and Steve Zipay at Blue Notes that the rumors of him asking for a trade were false...

“Why would I?” Kotalik said. “I wouldn’t hurt the team. This is the situation. I’m just trying to be a good teammate and support the guys.”

The rumor had started because supposedly Kotalik's agent had canceled a March autograph session and said he was seeking a trade. However to further debunk this rumor the Rangers confirmed that there is a March 1 cutoff for such publicity sessions, something common around the NHL.

...like I said yesterday the guys over at Blueshirt Banter do an outstanding job, but you have to wonder if they should have confirmed things before posting this rumor.

Gross and Zipay also have quotes before last night's game from Donald Brashear on the Gaborik/Carcillo incident. During his quotes Brash actually takes a shot at ex-Ranger Colton Orr.

...don't even go there Brash. You've already made yourself look bad with your play on the ice don't make it worse by criticizing someone who's jock you couldn't hold right now.

Sunday Headlines

Bergen Record - Rangers pounded in Montreal, 6-0

Bergen Record - Rangers notes: No way

New York Post - Avery rips Rangers' efforts in latest shutout

Daily News - Rangers look sloppy in loss to Canadiens

Newsday - Rangers blanked in loss to Canadiens, 6-0

Video: Torts on Loss to Canadiens

John Tortorella and Dan Girardi talk loss to Canadiens here.

Rangers Talk Loss to Canadiens

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has these quotes after tonight's 6-0 loss to Montreal...

Sean Avery on the team's effort tonight...
“No compete,” said Avery. “It’s not about Xs and Os. You’ve gotta play 60 minutes. We’re not working hard enough, not being competitive, not representing your teammates.”

On the teams compete level, coach John Tortorella said...
“At times it was decent, other times it wasn’t there. We beat ourselves a couple times, our spinning in front of our net hurt us. I’m not gonna dissect it.”

On his first NHL action Matt Zaba noted...
“I wasn’t nervous,” said Zaba. “I just wanted to go in and not be scared to make mistakes, just try to give the guys a boost and give the coaches a look. It was kind of like a job interview for me.”

Canadiens 6, Rangers 0

The New York Rangers (24-21-7) lost to the Montreal Canadiens (25-23-5) by the score of 6-0, tonight. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.

...the Rangers 'House of Horrors' continues in Montreal with another offensively challenged effort. You know things are bad when Matt Zaba is the best player on the ice for your team.

...i don't even care anymore that they had numerous scoring opportunities. Someone put the puck in the net!!!

...absolutely shameful officiating takes two power plays away from the Rangers and directly leads to Canadiens goals.

...bad night for Ranger defensemen as Rozsival gets out muscled by Gomez on the first goal, Del Zotto with a bad giveaway at the blueline and Girardi whiffing on the icing. Tough last two games for Girardi.

...the Rangers might want to think about putting someone on Cammallari the next time they face the Canadiens. Six goals in three games.

...on effort alone Voros deserves to be in the line-up for the rest of the season.

...Lundqvist isn't allowed to play in Montreal anymore.

...to tell you the truth, I have no idea what this team can do right now to turn things around. Make a trade, bring up Grachev, re-insert Kotalik & Brashear, ride it out. Something has to happen to shake things up. Because what's been done (ie benchings) just isn't working.

...what was up with the "Na Na Na Good Bye" chant by the Montreal crowd? I thought that was only for when your team was about to eliminate someone from the playoffs. Pretty stupid in my opinion.

...off tomorrow then defending Stanley Cup Champions in town. Just what this team needs.

Same Lineup; Kotalik Not the Type of Player to Request Trade

Steve Zipay, via Twitter, is reporting every Ranger player was on the ice for this morning's pregame practice and that it is likely to be the same line-up for the fourth straight game tonight.

...thought we might see Brashear for obvious reasons, but Montreal just bought out their only enforcer and Ranger/Canadien games in Montreal are usually a high scoring affair. So this makes sense.

While Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants responds to the rumor that Ales Kotalik has requested a trade...

"Also want to check in with Ales Kotalik. Some internet rumblings now that he’s looking to get out. I asked him that question point-blank the other week, when he was first scratched as to whether he would seek a trade or an exit from the Rangers and his direct quote was, “That’s not me,” meaning, he wasn’t the type of player who would try to force a transaction."

...while Kotalik has disappointed of late if he can regain whatever it was he had going early in the year he can still be an important player for the Rangers.

...not sure if I'll have time for a game preview tonight, but "ll try my best.

Gaborik Sets Example With Fight; Carcillo Responds

Allan Muir at SI.com says Marian Gaborik's willingness to drop the gloves against a known enforcer should be something the Rangers rally around...

"And Gaborik, well, he demonstrated his level of commitment to the guys in the room. When the team's leading scorer is willing to answer the bell, that sets the bar for every guy wearing the sweater. This could end up being one of those galvanizing moments that defines the season for the Rangers."

...with all the whining and complaining I've been doing around here I've definitely been remiss in mentioning the props that Gaborik deserves for dropping the gloves with Carcillo. I think a message that was also sent Thursday night, besides the Rangers being soft, is that Gaborik is willing to do whatever it takes to win even if that means taking on one of the better brawlers in the league. If the Rangers can't take motivation from that this team is doomed.

Muir also criticizes Tortorella for matching up Gaborik's line with Carcillo's after the icing leading up to the incident. Going as far as saying in-game management isn't his strongest suit.

...Torts shouldn't be criticized at all for the move. The Rangers were doing absolutely nothing offensively at the time and Torts saw a matchup he could expose. That's a move Torts should make every time.

TSN has numerous quotes from Carcillo on the incident with Gaborik including this one on whether he thought a Ranger player should have stepped in...

"Yes, but I don't know which one of his linemates would have really done much. [Brandon] Dubinsky, we've fought before, he could have jumped in."

Carcillo adds that the only reason he fought was because Gaborik dropped the gloves first and that if a player like Sean Avery was fighting Danny Briere he would have jumped in.

Saturday Headlines

Bergen Record - Battles are galvanizing Rangers

New York Post - Rangers don't seem 'desperate' Phaneuf

Newsday - Canadiens thinking payback against Rangers?

Back to Actual Hockey Talk

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has this quote from John Tortorella on what the Rangers need to improve on hockey wise coming off the 2-0 loss to the Flyers...

“We had a lot of turnovers,” said Tortorella, who kept the team off the ice today. “I don’t think we did a good enough job of trying to chip the puck behind them and try to forecheck. They beat us to pucks. When they pressured, they sustained it. When we had the opportunities, we were late. ”

On the lack of offense in Philly, Vinny Prospal added...

"After two games when we score 14 goals, we’re right back where we were going into St. Louis (after back-to-back shutouts),” said Vinny Prospal. “It just shouldn’t happen. We’re a successful team when we can cycle the puck, but 5 on 5, we just couldn’t do it.”

...the circus surrounding the Philly game has us forgetting that the Rangers were shutout for the third time in five games. This team needs to find consistent scoring and they need to find it fast.

Kotalik Requests Trade?

Jim Schmiedeberg at the Blueshirt Banter has heard from a source that Ales Kotalik has asked for a trade...

"According to the agent, Kotalik has asked for a trade, telling the Rangers he is not happy with the organization, and wants to be traded, released, or he will defect to Russia. Kotalik has allegedly told the Rangers he would like to be traded out west."

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants had this quote from Kotalik last week...

“I scored a couple of goals and I was talking about it with the coaching staff, Schoeney,” Kotalik said. “I was starting to feel better about myself, I thought my game was coming along and would get on a level I’d like and I know I can be. But I was pushed to the fourth line and the minutes weren’t there. It was the same thing. I don’t know. I sure would love to know. But that’s not happening, I don’t know what it is.”

...while you always worry about information coming from "sources," the guys over at Banter are not a rumor mill and I trust that this is accurate information.

...this wouldn't surprise me as I can't imagine Kotalik is exactly excited to be sitting in the press box right now.

Flames Scouting Rangers

Lost in the fireworks last night was Sam Rosen mentioning during the telecast that for the second game in a row the Calgary Flames were scouting the Rangers.

With the Rangers already playing their only game against the Flames back in November, one has to think Calgary is interested in some Rangers personnel.

Not sure who the Flames may be willing to part with, but TSN is reporting that the Flames are going to be active in the Ilya Kovalchuk sweepstakes. This could mean a player like Olli Jokinen could be available. Also a reader commented in my George Laraque post on rumors that the Flames are looking to deal tough guy Brian McGratton to the Blueshirts.

Just an aside, while I was checking out the Flames roster I noticed that Nigel Dawes has 10 goals and 15 assists on the season. Which would put him fourth on the Rangers in goals and fifth in points. Just sayin'.

Girardi Explains Himself

Larry Brooks at the New York Post has this quote from Dan Girardi on why he chose not to jump in during the Marian Gaborik/Daniel Carcillo fight...

"I guess I was overthinking it, Girardi said. "I didn't want to take another penalty, because I knew we already had one there [on Brandon Dubinsky], but I should have gotten involved. I should have jumped in. Maybe it was the wrong decision, but it was the decision I made at the time.

"If there's a next time, I would go."

...i like Girardi. I think he's been a solid defenseman for the Rangers. But I think he deserves to sit the next game for his inaction. If for no other reason than to send a message to the rest of the team to toughen up.

More Reaction to Last Night's Events

Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy gives an extended look at all the excitement on and off the ice from last night's Rangers loss to the Flyers...

On the Tortorella vs. Brooks incident...

"This is John Tortorella. This is what he does. Whether you think this makes the Rangers look petty or whiney, it's part of the package. Just be happy he didn't throw a water bottle at anyone."

...personnally I love Torts post game antics. Much more entertaining then the normal boring Q&A.

On the Gaborik/Carcillo fight...

"Obviously, had Avery been on the ice when Gaborik was jumped, you'd expect the switch to be flipped and Carcillo to face an immediate rebuke. But it wasn't there from Gaborik's teammates at the time of the fight. This actually speaks to something Larry Brooks has often written about, which is how the Rangers need to play with the passion of Sean Avery."

...amen brother.