Prospects Getting Ready for Traverse

Newyorkrangers.com takes a look at how Ranger prospects have been performing in preseason before they report to the MSG Training Center at the end of this week and fly to Traverse City, Mich., for the annual Traverse City Prospects Tournament, which begins on Saturday...

...really excited to see how well the Rangers team does at Traverse because of the outstanding prospects including Stepan, Bourque, Werek, Horak, McDonagh and McIlrath who will be participating.

Jess Rubenstein at The Prospect Park has more on Ranger prospect preseason performances here and here.

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Just "Zuccarello" on Back of Jersey

Despite wearing a #48 jersey with "Zuccarello Aasen" on the back at the rookie showcase in Toronto last week, Rangers rookie Mats Zuccarello Aasen tells Anders Engeland at NRK Sports that his jersey will look a little different for the season...

"There will be Zuccarello, and number should be 36" says Mats Zuccarello Aasen told NRK.

...got to say I'm a little disappointed. I thought the "Zuccarello Aasen" looked pretty cool.

...however, like reader Kevin stated last week. MZA on the back would look bad ass.

...h/t to @cathybytes for the link.

Breaking Down the Rangers D-Men

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants starts off his series of training camp previews by breaking down the Rangers defensemen...

"The Rangers will enter training camp with seven defensemen listed on their NHL roster: Michael Del Zotto, Steve Eminger, Matt Gilroy, Dan Girardi, Wade Redden, Michal Rozsival and Marc Staal. Right now, Del Zotto and Girardi are the most secure with their positions with Staal unsigned, Eminger and Gilroy fighting for playing time, Rozsival still a candidate to be traded if GM Glen Sather can find a trading partner and Redden’s NHL career possibly in jeopardy if the Rangers need to shed his salary."

For individual breakdowns click the above link.

...great job by Gross but I feel that he completely neglected to mention Del Zotto's -20 last year and says that Eminger doesn't shy away from physical battles meanwhile the Anaheim Ducks beat writer says he was often pushed around last year.

...despite Gross saying that it's not inconceivable the Rangers will look to trade Gilroy before the season begins, my bold prediction for the season is that the former Hobey Baker winner bounces back big time for the Blueshirts.

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Banner Contest Entry #8

The latest banner contest entry comes from Yianni. As always make sure to leave your comments.

I have 12 more banners to post, so this contest will continue into training camp (Sept. 17th). However, I will have a new banner picked by the season opener.

To view previous entries click here.

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Ortmeyer Looking for Work

Fluto Shinzawa at the Boston Globe reports that former Ranger Jed Ortmeyer has yet to find a new team this offseason...

"Ortmeyer, who turned 32 Friday, was one of three finalists for the Masterton Trophy (perseverance and dedication) last season. Ortmeyer suffers from a blood clotting disorder, which requires him to inject himself with an anticoagulant daily. Chicago and Los Angeles have kicked the tires on Ortmeyer, who might have to sign a two-way contract as he did last season with the Sharks."

Lyle Richardson at Spector's Hockey (where I found link) adds that Ortmeyer might also have to consider a training camp tryout.

...the last thing the Rangers need is another 3rd or 4th line player, but man I'd love to see them find a way to get Ortmeyer on the team.

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Callahan on Mike'd Up Tonight @11:30pm

@thenyrangers tweets...

Looking for something to watch on TV tonight? #NYR forward Ryan Callahan will appear on Mike'ed Up w/ Bruce Beck tonight at 11:30pmless than a minute ago via TweetDeckNHL New York Rangers
thenyrangers

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What I Missed While Losing My Shirt in AC

Newyorkrangers.com takes a look at Martin Biron and reviews Friday's 4-on-4 scrimmage where Ryan Callahan and Sean Avery scored hat tricks.

TSN reports that the NHL has approved a 15-year $100 million contract between the Devils and Ilya Kovalchuk.

NHL.com looks at the best players by the numbers they wore which includes numerous Rangers.

Icethetics confirms the New York diagonal third jersey for the Rangers.

Jesse Spector at the Blueshirts Blog recaps the Rangers first week of informal practice.

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I'm Baaaaack!!!!...Sort of

While I am back from Atlantic City (sadly a little bit lighter in the wallet), this Labor Day weekend is a bit hectic for me, so I'll try to catch-up on some of the news I missed tonight.

Big thanks to Gary for picking up some of the slack in my absense. Also love TheNYRBlog Texas Holdem tourney idea!!!

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Rolled Up Aces Over Kings

Posts are going to be few and far in between today and tomorrow as I'm headed down to Atlantic City for a bachelor party.

So in honor of my rare freedom this weekend here is one of the best scenes in cinematic history...



...if that doesn't make you want to jump in your car and drive to Atlantic City I don't know what will.

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Repost: Rangers Preseason TV Special Tomorrow

Just a reminder that tomorrow is the Rangers Preseason TV special. Below is my post on this from August 26th.

Update, 11:14 p.m.:
The Rangers have informed me through Twitter that Bill Pidto & Dave Maloney will be hosting the show.

Original Post:
@MSGnetworks tweets this out...

Just Announced!!!!! @thenyrangers Hockey Night Live Rangers preseason special on Saturday September 4th at 11pm. #NYR, #NHLless than a minute ago via webMSGnetworks
MSGNetworks

...sweet can't wait to watch Butch Goring and Ken Danyko discuss the Rangers. Seriously, can we get a real Rangers hockey show. Awful, just awful.

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Kennedy, Kennedy & More Kennedy

Here is the roundup of Tim Kennedy interviews from yesterday

NHL.com - Tumultuous summer leaves Kennedy motivated

Newyorkrangers.com - Kennedy gets first taste of Rangers

Blue Notes - Buffalo vs. Rangers, Oct. 9, has meaning for Kennedy

...because of the Rangers dire cap situation and Kennedy's meager salary he might find his way into the Rangers opening night lineup.

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Banner Contest Entry #7

The seventh entry in the banner contest is from Patrick, a self proclaimed card carrying member of the Guest Blogger Grammar Nazis.

Just a reminder there will be no new banner entries this weekend including Monday.

Today is the last day I'll be accepting entries. Please e-mail them to nyrfan94@yahoo.com. For banner contest guidelines click here.

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Zipay Fuels Savard to Rangers Speculation

Over at Blue Notes, Steve Zipay wonders what it would take for the Rangers to get the Bruins Marc Savard (32)...

"A second-round pick in 2011, Matt Gilroy (back to Boston and in his final year) and Sean Avery ($1.9 for two years).....I doubt it, but I wonder.....

Bruins will have Tyler Seguin ready at some point, they love picks, could shed Gilroy's $1.75 after this season....

Rangers would clear $3.65 million in the deal, have another second rounder next summer anyway,...."

...Zipay admits in his live chat today that he really didn't look at the math. Which makes sense because while the Rangers would be clearing $3.65 million they'd be taking on $4 million. As well as the remaining seven years (2017) on his contract.

...i know a lot of readers are into bringing Savard in, but I couldn't be more against acquiring an old, expensive, injured player. Big time pass for me.

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Del Zotto: I Want To Be Consistently Tougher In The Defensive End

Michael Del Zotto spoke with Andrew Gross of Ranger Rants today on what he needs to work on...

“A few things,” said Del Zotto, who’s been skating on his own for almost four weeks. “I want to be consistently tougher in the defensive end and keeping the power play consistent. We started out red hot at the beginning of the year. The biggest thing about being the quarterback is taking responsibility for keeping it consistent. It’s a special teams game.”

...working on his defense is the biggest thing for me as he can't be a -20 again this season if the Rangers want to be successful.

...i think just having last year's experience being the pp quarterback will help with his consistency on the man-up this season.

Jesse Spector at the Blueshirts Blog has more from Del Zotto as well as from Tim Kennedy and Artem Anisimov.

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Del Zotto, Kennedy at Informals

Andrew Gross tweets...

Tim Kennedy and Michael Del Zotto arrive at #NYRangers practice. Also Gilroy, Callahan, Anisimov, Eminger, Grachev, Avery, Valentenko.less than a minute ago via webAndrew Gross
AGrossRecord

Steve Zipay adds that not many vets are there today.

...guess they're starting the Labor Day weekend early.

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Torts Feeling the Heat?

Scott Burnside at ESPN.com takes a look at the top five coaches on the hot seat and lists John Tortorella...

John Tortorella, New York Rangers
We start our discussion about Tortorella by suggesting the NHL is always going to be a more interesting place with the combustible bench boss in it. That said, Tortorella will have his hands full on Broadway as the Rangers continue to studiously avoid filling crucial gaps in their lineup, like a top center and power-play quarterback, thanks in large part to the perpetual malaise that afflicts the GM position held apparently for life by Glen Sather...

...To be sure, Tortorella is far more than a fiery glare and a granite jaw. But in the tough Atlantic Division, Tortorella will have to up the ante to get his Rangers back into the postseason.

...the Rangers struggles aren't all Torts' fault but there is no doubt that he is on the hot seat after a first round exit two years ago and last year's debacle. I think he at least gets the first half of the season. But if the Rangers are wallowing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference at the All Star break look for Sather to go in another director.

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Zipay Live Chat at 1pm

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

The Kings

This was posted yesterday at seanavery.com...

...while we all know who the real "King" is, Avery can be a huge fan favorite at MSG again by getting back to his old self.

...h/t to @cathybytes.

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MZA's Got Unbelievable Offensive Skills

Over at the National Post, Michael Traikos spoke with numerous NHL prospects at the prospect showcase in Toronto about Mats Zuccarella Aasen...

“He’s got unbelievable offensive skills,” said Edmonton Oilers’ prospect Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, who played against Zuccarello-Aasen in Sweden. “He wows you a lot of times. Definitely, he’s so little. That’s why you get the wow feeling from him. That’s why he’s so entertaining to look at as well. But when you play against him, you realize how dangerous he is. I don’t see how he wouldn’t succeed over here too.”

...with the Rangers offensive woes, if this kid can live up to the hype the Blueshirts could surprise this year.

Traikos also reports that MZA plays with a stick that it so big you would think it was Zdeno Chara's.

MZA on why he choose the Rangers...

“They really wanted me,” he said. “I talked a lot with [Rangers’ European scout] Anders Hedberg and it sounded like they really believed in me and wanted to give me a great chance to make the team."

...h/t to everyone who posted this on Twitter.

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Expect McDonagh to Work Hard

Ryan Dixon at The Hockey News has a great feature on Ranger prospect Ryan McDonagh including what the young defenseman says Ranger fans should expect from him...

“First, I try to be a good leader, good character guy, someone who works hard,” he said. “On the ice, I want to be solid in my own end for sure, I don’t want to be on for goals-against and then use my skating ability to create some offense and jump up in the play and make something happen.”

...he doesn't want to be someone who's on for goals-against and then creates offense. Is he talking about Del Zotto?

...probably more excited to see McDonagh in camp than any other youngster. He sounds like the real deal.

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Banner Contest Entry #6

The sixth entry in the banner contest is from "seniorpumas38." He said he wanted to do something different and boy did he deliver.

I will be accepting entries until Friday, Sept. 3rd. Please e-mail them to nyrfan94@yahoo.com. For banner contest guidelines click here.

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Video: Eminger Talks Upcoming Season

...thought all you Eminger fans would be pumped to see this interview.

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Avery Has a Different Mentality Going Into Camp This Season

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants was able to sit down with Sean Avery after the third day of informal practices and the pesky winger had this to say about bouncing back from a disappointing season...

“I feel real good,” Avery said. “I certainly have a different mentality going into camp this year than last year. It was a disappointing season for the team and from a personal standpoint. It was not a good year. It’s just focus in a different way, just definitely a different mentality as far as a personal standpoint.”

...not sure why he came into camp last year with a bad mindset, maybe confused about role on the team with Torts. But this is great to hear as a rejuvenated Avery means bad news for the rest of the league. And good news for Ranger fans.

Jesse Spector at the Blueshirts Blog has more from Avery here.

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MZA in Rangers Jersey

Here's a photo of Mats Zuccarella Aasen in a Rangers jersey during rookie showcase in Toronto this morning from Chris Johnson of the Canadien Press....

...MZA rivaling Vanbiesbrouck for longest name on the back of a Rangers jersey.

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Preseason Tickets on Sale

The Rangers have announced that preseason tickets are on sale.

Games are 9/23 vs. Devils, 9/29 vs. Detroit and 10/1 vs. Ottawa.

Individual regular season tickets will go on sale in mid-September.

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Avery Has Helped Create New Breed of Enforcer

Over at Yardbarker, Anthony Curatolo and David Strehle take a look at the NHL’s vanishing true enforcer, and the new breed that is taking their place lead by Sean Avery...

"He knows, perfectly, how to get under the skin and into the mind of his opponents while on the ice. Time after time we have seen Avery yapping away at a player on the opposing team thus creating a stir. Although Sean may not drop the gloves as often as many fans would like to see, there truly isn’t a need for him to do so unless it is called for. Yes, his reputation may create a difficult situation and some questionable calls during a game, but Sean Avery does his job and he does it with perfection."

...the last line should read "when Avery does his job he does it with perfection" because there were too many time last year (whether it was Torts fault or not) when he was invisible. That can't happen if the Rangers expect to make the playoffs this season.

...as far as the vanishing of the true enforcer, the Rangers better hope not after investing all those years and money on Boogaard.

Speaking of Avery, he has joined his teammates at informal practice today.

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Video: Lundqvist Talks Bus, Offseason Moves, Rest & Hair

Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy posts video of Henrik Lundqvist at yesterday's bus event.

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Shocking News of the Day: Still Nothing Going on With Staal

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes adds to the ridiculous amount of nothing going on with Marc Staal negotiations news with this...

"No updates on the Marc Staal situation, but players are paying attention. A couple, requesting anonymity, said they believe a deal will be reached before the season, which is what I believe. Sticking point still appears to be how many UFA years the Rangers will be able to lock in."

...geez this better get done before the season. Don't really think those anonymous players were really going out on a limb there.

...if you're sick of the Staal non-news news raise your hand.

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Boyle Looking to Make More of an Impact

Jim Cerny at newyorkrangers.com spoke with Brian Boyle, who roofed two goals in a three-on-three scrimmage yesterday, about what he expects of himself this season...

“I am not content to just be where I was last year,” said Boyle, who notched four goals over 71 games with the Blueshirts in 2009-10. “I am looking to move up and make more of an impact.”

...i guess he's talking about making an impact in Hartford because that's where he's going to be this season. Unless the Rangers need to keep him on the roster for salary cap reasons ($525,000).

Cerny also spoke with Brandon Dubinsky and Todd White.

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Banner Contest Entry #5

The fifth entry in the banner contest comes from Scott. Please give me feedback in the comments section.

I will be accepting entries until Friday, Sept. 3rd. Please e-mail them to nyrfan94@yahoo.com. For banner contest guidelines click here.

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