Rick Carpiniello at the Rangers Report takes a look back at John Tortorella's "enough with the entitlement" quote after the Rangers dreadful 2-1 loss to the Islanders back in December and wonders...
" When, exactly, does the entitlement run out for people not named Redden and Kotalik?"
...great point by Carp. Like I said last night, is benching Redden for half the game really sending a message? How about sitting Callahan, Drury or Higgins? And don't get me started on Girardi whose non-action in the Gaborik fight should have been an automatic seat in the press box.
...this shows that nothing has changed and Torts is all talk. He says he's going to change the culture, but nothing is different. Half-assed efforts are common place and over-paid veterans have an automatic spot in the line-up no matter how ineffective.
...something I forgot to mention in my post game comments last night was how about reuniting the Dubinsky-Christensen-Gaborik line? Does anyone remember how prolific that line was before Torts broke them up when Prospal came back from injury? It's no coincidence that the Rangers goal scoring has suffered since that line was disbanded.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Avery a Tough Guy
Fox Sports names Sean Avery along with Dan Carcillo the #9 tough guys for last week...9. Dan Carcillo and the Flyers vs. Sean Avery and the Rangers
Blood boiled over several times last Thursday night at The Wach when the Rangers rolled into Philly to take on the Flyers. The two rivals squared off four times in the clash, with Broad Street Bully Daniel Carcillo and New York pest Sean Avery each throwing down twice for their respective team.
Blood boiled over several times last Thursday night at The Wach when the Rangers rolled into Philly to take on the Flyers. The two rivals squared off four times in the clash, with Broad Street Bully Daniel Carcillo and New York pest Sean Avery each throwing down twice for their respective team.
...Carcillo has no business being called a tough guy ever again.
Rangers Expected to Be Interested Kovalchuk
Steve Zipay at Newsday expands on his blog post yesterday by stating that if Ilya Kovalchuk is available the Rangers are expected to be interested.Zipay adds that Atlanta will most likely command Brandon Dubinsky, either Chris Higgins or Ales Kotalik, a prospect such as Bobby Sanguinetti and maybe a No. 2 pick. The Flyers, Bruins, Canucks, Flames, Kings and Blackhawks could put together even more attractive packages.
On the monetary aspect Zipay says...
"To rent Kovalchuk, the Rangers, who are owned by Cablevision, which also owns Newsday, would have to clear about $3 million in cap space. A long-term deal, presumably worth $8 million or more per year, could wait until July, when a decision on moving Wade Redden or Michal Rozsival would have to be made."
Finally Zipay says Kovalchuk will help in numerous areas including scoring, ticket sales and appeasing the fans.
...if the Rangers aren't willing to part with Dubinsky (the only real loss in the deal) they could clear some cap space at the trade deadline (Kotalik, Voros & Rozsival), wait till the offseason to see if they can do anything with Redden and make Kovalchuk a big offer.
Thursday Headlines
New York Post - Rangers hit road after awful lossNew York Post - Redden benched after blunder
Daily News - Slumping Rangers can't weather storm
Bergen Record - Rangers drop their fourth straight game
Bergen Record - Rangers notes: Power play cold
New York Times - For Rangers, 38 Shots but More Futility
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Rangers Hold Closed Door Meeting After Loss to Canes
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that the Ranger players held a closed door meeting after tonight's loss to the Hurricanes and has this quote from Marian Gaborik on the meeting...
“overall as a team we’ve been inconsistent, it’s not about one guy….I don’t want to talk about it (the post-game, closed door meeting).It was about the team. We just have to snap out of it. It’s gonna be huge to really stay together and gain some confidence and play how we are capable of playing. We’re better than this."
Here are more quotes from Zipay...
Chris Drury on the state of the team...
“We have a lot of negative stuff coming down on this team right now,” said Chris Drury, who also spoke about the need to “stay together…During the game, after the game, before the game, I think we have to do the best we can to stay together. We got into this little four-game skid together and we are going to get out of it together. It’s probably a good time to go on the road.”
John Tortorella on what's next...
“You have to make your own luck,” Torts said. “It’s an unforgiving week. No one is going to feel sorry for you. The best thing for us is to get out of town. We have to regroup as a hockey club. You can’t be pointing a finger at your teammates. You have to grind through this. Having gone through all this, in the Eastern Conference, we are still right in the middle of it. We will get on the plane and try to regroup here. That’s the key thing, not break apart.”
“overall as a team we’ve been inconsistent, it’s not about one guy….I don’t want to talk about it (the post-game, closed door meeting).It was about the team. We just have to snap out of it. It’s gonna be huge to really stay together and gain some confidence and play how we are capable of playing. We’re better than this."
Here are more quotes from Zipay...
Chris Drury on the state of the team...
“We have a lot of negative stuff coming down on this team right now,” said Chris Drury, who also spoke about the need to “stay together…During the game, after the game, before the game, I think we have to do the best we can to stay together. We got into this little four-game skid together and we are going to get out of it together. It’s probably a good time to go on the road.”
John Tortorella on what's next...
“You have to make your own luck,” Torts said. “It’s an unforgiving week. No one is going to feel sorry for you. The best thing for us is to get out of town. We have to regroup as a hockey club. You can’t be pointing a finger at your teammates. You have to grind through this. Having gone through all this, in the Eastern Conference, we are still right in the middle of it. We will get on the plane and try to regroup here. That’s the key thing, not break apart.”
Hurricanes 5, Rangers 1
The New York Rangers (24-23-7) lost to the Carolina Hurricanes (17-28-7) by the score of 5-1, tonight. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.
...so now what? Anyone?
...how about sitting Higgins, Lisin and Kotalik and bringing up Locke, Grachev and Byers? Why not? Things can't get worse.
...ok I said I would wait till the offseason before taking the 'C' away from Drury. But I'm ready to take it away tonight. Someone has to take the fall for the lack of effort and I'm pointing my finger at an invisible, uninspired captain.
...could be one of Lundqvist's worst games as a Ranger. Can't blame him. The pressure to be perfect every night had to get to him eventually.
...i watched Avery's 1st intermission interview and you can tell something is wrong with this team. I just have no idea what it is. Tuning out the coach? No heart? To much pressure?
...is benching Redden really sending a message when making him a healthy scratch earlier this year didn't do anything? How about a one-way ticket to Hartford?
...good thing the Rangers worked on the power play yesterday. Did I say the Rangers needed to put Kotalik back on the point? Scratch that.
...having said all that I'm not giving up on this team. They're still somehow in playoff position (tied for 6th) and it's only January. Plenty of time to figure this out and get things going in the right direction.
...maybe a trip out west is what this team needs starting on Saturday in Phoenix.
Rangers vs. Hurricanes (Game 54)
The New York Rangers (24-22-7) host the Carolina Hurricanes (16-28-7) tonight at MSG starting at 7:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.
Ranger Pregame Notes
TV: MSG; Radio: ESPNRadio (1050AM)
Probable Lines:
Prospal-Dubinsky-Gaborik
Avery-Drury-Callahan
Higgins-Anisimov-Lisin
Kotalik-Boyle-Voros
Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy
Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 22-18-6, 2.34 gaa, .922 sv%, 2 so.
Cam Ward - 11-19-5, 2.82 gaa, .909 sv%, 0 so.
Opponent Notes:
- Carolina has won two of three and are 7-6-0 in their last 13.
- Eric Staal has scored five goals in three games since being named captain.
- Carolina and the Rangers split a home-and-home series Dec. 31 and Jan. 2, with each road team winning 2-1.
- Carolina is 5-16-4 on the road.
- Chad LaRose has scored two goals in four games since returning from a leg injury.
- Erik Cole has been out indefinately since early December with an upper body injury.
Opponent Blog:
Let's Go Canes
Ranger Pregame Notes
TV: MSG; Radio: ESPNRadio (1050AM)
Probable Lines:
Prospal-Dubinsky-Gaborik
Avery-Drury-Callahan
Higgins-Anisimov-Lisin
Kotalik-Boyle-Voros
Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy
Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 22-18-6, 2.34 gaa, .922 sv%, 2 so.
Cam Ward - 11-19-5, 2.82 gaa, .909 sv%, 0 so.
Opponent Notes:
- Carolina has won two of three and are 7-6-0 in their last 13.
- Eric Staal has scored five goals in three games since being named captain.
- Carolina and the Rangers split a home-and-home series Dec. 31 and Jan. 2, with each road team winning 2-1.
- Carolina is 5-16-4 on the road.
- Chad LaRose has scored two goals in four games since returning from a leg injury.
- Erik Cole has been out indefinately since early December with an upper body injury.
Opponent Blog:
Let's Go Canes
Only 35 Subscribers to Newsday's Website
Forgot to post this yesterday. John Koblin at the New York Observer reports that three months after Newsday turned it's website into a pay site, just 35 people subscribed.The Dolans bought Newsday for $650 million back in October and decided to make its website only available to paid subscribers.
The website redesign and relaunch cost the Dolans $4 million and with those 35 people, they've grossed about $9,000.
The 35 does not include Newsday and Optimum Cable subscribers who have free access to the website.
...Steve Zipay is so pissed.
...h/t to reader James for the link.
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
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
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
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.”
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.
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.
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
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
Monday, January 25, 2010
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.
...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
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
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
Sunday, January 24, 2010
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.
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.
“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
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
Saturday, January 23, 2010
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.”
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.”
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