New York Post - Rangers' blue-liners battle to survive cut
Daily News - Derek Stepan expects to play between Sean Avery and Ruslan Fedotenko Wednesday for Rangers
Bergen Record - Rangers mixing things up in search of best lineup
Newsday - Tortorella impressed with defenseman Valentenko
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Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Zipay Live Chat Replay
Totally forgot to post about Steve Zipay of Blue Notes live chat today that took place at 1:30 p.m.
For a replay click here.
For a replay click here.
Prospal Skates; Christensen Centers Gabby & AFro
Andrew Gross at Rangers Rants reports that Steve Eminger, Vinny Prospal (knee) and D Michal Rozsival (groin) all participated in this morning’s practice.
...for some reason I see Prospal missing a lot of games this year. His age along with the knee surgery may be a problem for him.
Gross also reports that Erik Christensen was back centering Marian Gaborik and Alex Frolov. Here are the lines from practice today...
Frolov-Christensen-Gaborik
Kennedy-Anisimov-Callahan
Avery-Stepan-Fedotenko
Boogaard-White-Prust
Dubinsky-Prospal-Boyle
...to be honest I'm not a big fan of any of these lines. Except for maybe the top line.
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...for some reason I see Prospal missing a lot of games this year. His age along with the knee surgery may be a problem for him.
Gross also reports that Erik Christensen was back centering Marian Gaborik and Alex Frolov. Here are the lines from practice today...
Frolov-Christensen-Gaborik
Kennedy-Anisimov-Callahan
Avery-Stepan-Fedotenko
Boogaard-White-Prust
Dubinsky-Prospal-Boyle
...to be honest I'm not a big fan of any of these lines. Except for maybe the top line.
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Watch Me Participate in Blogger Round Table @ 1pm
Update, 3:17 p.m.:
Sorry everyone, I think they had some computer issues and couldn't stream it live. I'll get the video and post it soon.
My apologies for having endure that terrible ad all afternoon.
Original Post:
Here is the live stream of the blogger round table I will be participating in today at 1pm. The topics will be sports teams prohibiting bloggers from being part of the press box as well as bloggers vs. newspapers.
Sorry everyone, I think they had some computer issues and couldn't stream it live. I'll get the video and post it soon.
My apologies for having endure that terrible ad all afternoon.
Original Post:
Here is the live stream of the blogger round table I will be participating in today at 1pm. The topics will be sports teams prohibiting bloggers from being part of the press box as well as bloggers vs. newspapers.
NHL.com Previews the Rangers
Mike G. Morreale at NHL.com previews the Rangers saying that the Blueshirts hope to have solved the one area that seemed to be their Achilles heel on more than one occasion last season -- depth.
Morreale names Anisimov, Del Zotto and Grachev as players to watch.
...obviously Morreale hasn't been watching the Rangers if he says Grachev is a player to watch.
Morreale also says the Rangers three reasons for optimism are re-signing Staal, Gaborik and signing Biron.
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Morreale names Anisimov, Del Zotto and Grachev as players to watch.
...obviously Morreale hasn't been watching the Rangers if he says Grachev is a player to watch.
Morreale also says the Rangers three reasons for optimism are re-signing Staal, Gaborik and signing Biron.
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Pressure's on Frolov
Wes Goldstein at CBS Sports takes a look at 12 players who will face increased pressure to produce this season, including the Rangers Alex Frolov...Alexander Frolov: He's 28, which means he's in the prime of his career, and Frolov has socred 30 goals twice for Los Angeles and more than 20 three other times. Still, the Kings didn't think he was worth re-signing. Apparently a lot of teams agreed and Frolov lingered on the open market until late July, when the offense-starved Rangers signed him to a one-year deal. Frolov is a talented player but he doesn't always show up and the Kings got tired of his act. New York is desperate so Frolov will get plenty of chances to strut his stuff. If he doesn't, the NHL part of his career could be over.
...for Frolov I think the pressure he may feel is for his future not for how far he can carry the Rangers. The offensive load will again be put on Gaborik's shoulder's so he is not being counted on to carry the team. But if he has a season similar to last year, as Goldstein says, his once promising NHL career may be over.
Tuesday Headlines
The Bergen Record - Rangers send Hobbit to Hartford
New York Post - Don't ac-cost Rangers for Redden cut
Newsday - Zuccarello a surprise cuts for Rangers
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New York Post - Don't ac-cost Rangers for Redden cut
Newsday - Zuccarello a surprise cuts for Rangers
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Gaborik's #1 Goal is to Stay Healthy
Nicholas J. Cotsonika at Yahoo! Sports takes a look at the importance of Marian Gaborik's health to the Rangers success...
Gaborik on staying healthy...
“It’s the No. 1 thing for me, personally, to stay healthy,” Gaborik said. “Everything goes from there.”
John Tortorella on managing Gaborik...
“When there’s a little bit of soreness, maybe being a little tired, it’s not about taking a day off,” Tortorella said. “It’s about getting on the ice to get that soreness out. I thought that was very effective for him last year, and I think he believes that now, too. We monitor that every day as far as taking care of him. I thought he did a really good job getting his work in, where I think maybe prior years, maybe it’s a day off. We’re going to keep him on the ice and keep it moving.”
...if Gaborik ends up missing any significant portion of the season, I don't see how the Rangers can be successful. Unless Frolov has a monster year and MZA develops quickly down in Hartford.
...h/t to reader Joe.
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Gaborik on staying healthy...
“It’s the No. 1 thing for me, personally, to stay healthy,” Gaborik said. “Everything goes from there.”
John Tortorella on managing Gaborik...
“When there’s a little bit of soreness, maybe being a little tired, it’s not about taking a day off,” Tortorella said. “It’s about getting on the ice to get that soreness out. I thought that was very effective for him last year, and I think he believes that now, too. We monitor that every day as far as taking care of him. I thought he did a really good job getting his work in, where I think maybe prior years, maybe it’s a day off. We’re going to keep him on the ice and keep it moving.”
...if Gaborik ends up missing any significant portion of the season, I don't see how the Rangers can be successful. Unless Frolov has a monster year and MZA develops quickly down in Hartford.
...h/t to reader Joe.
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Banner Contest Over
Ok boys and girls the banner contest is officially over.
I just want to thank all the participants and everyone who commented on the banners.
It's going to be a very tough decision, but I've been able to narrow it down to two finalists.
I hope to have a decision in the next day or so.
To view all the banners click here.
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I just want to thank all the participants and everyone who commented on the banners.
It's going to be a very tough decision, but I've been able to narrow it down to two finalists.
I hope to have a decision in the next day or so.
To view all the banners click here.
Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook or e-mail me at nyrfan94@yahoo.com.
Monday, September 27, 2010
New Wolfpack/Whale Logo
When the Hartford Wolfpack turn into the Connecticut Whale later this season this will be the new logo...


...whatever.
...h/t to Mitch Beck at Howlings.
Last Few Forward Spots Up for Grabs
Jesse Spector at the Blueshirts Blog takes a look at the position battles going on at camp right now and says this about the forward position...
"That leaves six players - Brian Boyle, Erik Christensen, Ruslan Fedotenko, Tim Kennedy, Derek Stepan and Todd White - for three or four spots.
Right now, it’s a fairly even race, though it’s worth noting that the two players who have drawn the most unsolicited praise from Tortorella in recent days have been Fedotenko and Kennedy. Then there’s the appearance - though it’s not necessarily the case - that Christensen and Stepan are in a battle to either be the top-line center or go to Hartford. Boyle has made great strides to be a more physical player, but he struggled with a fourth-line wing assignment in Detroit. White might be the best two-way center of the group, and might make the most sense as a fill-in for Drury until the final decision has to be made."
...i'd say the two that get cut are Boyle and Fedotenko. And White might just be up until Drury gets back. The Prospal injury may have a lot to do with how the roster turns out as well.
...i know a lot of fans don't like Christensen, but he is really the only play-making center the Rangers have. And while Stepan looks great now (he came back down to earth last night) who knows what's going to happen during the season. He could end up splitting time between New York and Hartford.
...here are my lines...
Frolov-Stepan-Gaborik
Dubinsky-Christensen-Prospal
White-Anisimov-Callahan
Avery-Kennedy-Prust
Boogaard, Drury
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"That leaves six players - Brian Boyle, Erik Christensen, Ruslan Fedotenko, Tim Kennedy, Derek Stepan and Todd White - for three or four spots.
Right now, it’s a fairly even race, though it’s worth noting that the two players who have drawn the most unsolicited praise from Tortorella in recent days have been Fedotenko and Kennedy. Then there’s the appearance - though it’s not necessarily the case - that Christensen and Stepan are in a battle to either be the top-line center or go to Hartford. Boyle has made great strides to be a more physical player, but he struggled with a fourth-line wing assignment in Detroit. White might be the best two-way center of the group, and might make the most sense as a fill-in for Drury until the final decision has to be made."
...i'd say the two that get cut are Boyle and Fedotenko. And White might just be up until Drury gets back. The Prospal injury may have a lot to do with how the roster turns out as well.
...i know a lot of fans don't like Christensen, but he is really the only play-making center the Rangers have. And while Stepan looks great now (he came back down to earth last night) who knows what's going to happen during the season. He could end up splitting time between New York and Hartford.
...here are my lines...
Frolov-Stepan-Gaborik
Dubinsky-Christensen-Prospal
White-Anisimov-Callahan
Avery-Kennedy-Prust
Boogaard, Drury
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Round Table Discussion on Sports Bloggers Tomorrow @ 1pm
Tomorrow at 1pm I will be participating in a round table discussion about sports teams prohibiting bloggers from being part of the press box as well as bloggers vs. newspapers.
I was invited to discuss the Rangers policy not to allow bloggers access to the team, which I posted about last month.
The other bloggers taking part are from SNY and SB Nation. Not sure what teams they cover.
The segment should run for about 10-15 minutes and can be viewed live starting at 1pm here.
It will also be downloaded to YouTube and I will post it when it becomes available.
Because the segment is being taped in Manhattan there will be a lack of updates tomorrow.
Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook or e-mail me at nyrfan94@yahoo.com.
I was invited to discuss the Rangers policy not to allow bloggers access to the team, which I posted about last month.
The other bloggers taking part are from SNY and SB Nation. Not sure what teams they cover.
The segment should run for about 10-15 minutes and can be viewed live starting at 1pm here.
It will also be downloaded to YouTube and I will post it when it becomes available.
Because the segment is being taped in Manhattan there will be a lack of updates tomorrow.
Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook or e-mail me at nyrfan94@yahoo.com.
Former Rangers 1st Round Picks On Waivers
Bob McKenzie tweets...
...sorry to remind everyone of these two forgettable first round busts.
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Two former first-rounders, though, on waivers. Goalie Al Montoya in PHX and Hugh Jessiman in CHI. Montoya and Jessiman were both NYR picks.less than a minute ago via web
Bob McKenzie
TSNBobMcKenzie
...sorry to remind everyone of these two forgettable first round busts.
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Ortmeyer Accepts Tryout from Islanders
The New York Islanders announced today that Jed Ortmeyer has accepted an invitation to Training Camp on a Professional Tryout (PTO)....as Scotty Hockey tweeted. NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
...so the question is, if Jed makes the team is there anyway you can root for him in an Islanders jersey?
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MZA, Grachev Among 5 Sent to Hartford (Updated)
Update, 12:21 p.m.:
I missed this earlier. Forwards Dane Byers, Kris Newbury & Jeremy Williams will continue training camp with Hartford but must clear waivers first.
Update, 12:19 p.m.:
Here's the official announcement of moves.
Update, 12:16 p.m.:
Andrew Gross tweets that there are now 27 players left in camp meaning there will be at least four more cuts.
Fedotenko is the only tryout player left.
Update, 12:12 p.m.:
@thenyrangers also tweets defensemen Alexei Semenov, Garnet Exelby, & Brandon Manning have been released from tryout agreements.
...i thought for sure Semenov was getting that 7th spot. Looks like Gilroy, McDonagh, Valentenko, Sauer, Eminger fighting for final three spots. Assuming Rangers carry 7 defensemen.
Original Post:
@thenyrangers tweets...
...wow I really didn't think those two would be sent down yet when I posted it earlier today.
...having said that, neither earned a spot with their performance this preseason. Assuming we'll see both at some point during the season. Hopefully, neither sulks and they do the right thing and work on their deficiencies.
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I missed this earlier. Forwards Dane Byers, Kris Newbury & Jeremy Williams will continue training camp with Hartford but must clear waivers first.
Update, 12:19 p.m.:
Here's the official announcement of moves.
Update, 12:16 p.m.:
Andrew Gross tweets that there are now 27 players left in camp meaning there will be at least four more cuts.
Fedotenko is the only tryout player left.
Update, 12:12 p.m.:
@thenyrangers also tweets defensemen Alexei Semenov, Garnet Exelby, & Brandon Manning have been released from tryout agreements.
...i thought for sure Semenov was getting that 7th spot. Looks like Gilroy, McDonagh, Valentenko, Sauer, Eminger fighting for final three spots. Assuming Rangers carry 7 defensemen.
Original Post:
@thenyrangers tweets...
5 players assigned to Hartford: Chad Johnson, Wade Redden, Evgeny Grachev, Dale Weise & Mats Zuccarelloless than a minute ago via TweetDeck
NHL New York Rangers
thenyrangers
...wow I really didn't think those two would be sent down yet when I posted it earlier today.
...having said that, neither earned a spot with their performance this preseason. Assuming we'll see both at some point during the season. Hopefully, neither sulks and they do the right thing and work on their deficiencies.
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Redden Waiving to Cause CBA Changes? (Updated)
Update, 4:50 p.m.:
Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy has more on this.
Original Post:
Ken Campbell at The Hockey News thinks that the Wade Redden waiving should lead to new CBA rules...
"The way it stands now, the only salaries that cannot escape the salary cap are for long-term deals for players 35 and older. But if a younger player signs a long-term deal, there is nothing keeping the team from burying his contract in the minors and taking it off the salary cap books the way the Rangers are sure to do with Redden and the Chicago Blackhawks will do this season with Cristobal Huet."
...another Ranger hit piece by the national hockey media. Every dig Campbell takes at the Rangers and Sather makes the article less and less credible.
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Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy has more on this.
Original Post:
Ken Campbell at The Hockey News thinks that the Wade Redden waiving should lead to new CBA rules...
"The way it stands now, the only salaries that cannot escape the salary cap are for long-term deals for players 35 and older. But if a younger player signs a long-term deal, there is nothing keeping the team from burying his contract in the minors and taking it off the salary cap books the way the Rangers are sure to do with Redden and the Chicago Blackhawks will do this season with Cristobal Huet."
...another Ranger hit piece by the national hockey media. Every dig Campbell takes at the Rangers and Sather makes the article less and less credible.
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Redden to Clear Waivers; Cuts Loom
Jesse Spector tweets...
...wonder if they'll be any surprises today. Grachev? MZA?
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A little more than two hours until Wade Redden clears waivers. Rangers also expected to make some cuts today.less than a minute ago via twidroid
Jesse Spector
NYDNRangers
...wonder if they'll be any surprises today. Grachev? MZA?
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My First Rangers Game
Pic from reader Desmond of his son at his first Rangers game last Thursday...
...poor guy doesn't know what his father just got him into. I guess it could be worse, he could be growing up an Islanders fan.
...keep e-mailing (nyrfan94@yahoo.com) me your pics and I'll continue to post them.
See more reader pics here and here.
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...poor guy doesn't know what his father just got him into. I guess it could be worse, he could be growing up an Islanders fan....keep e-mailing (nyrfan94@yahoo.com) me your pics and I'll continue to post them.
See more reader pics here and here.
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Finding a Center for Gabby & AFro "a Process" (Updated)
Update, 9:27 a.m.:
Leslie Treff at the Hockey Future's New York Rangers Blog has more on the Rangers need for a first time center.
Original Post:
Jesse Spector at the Daily News has this quote from Marian Gaborik on finding him and teammate Alex Frolov a center...
"It's a process," Gaborik said. "I think that's what happens during the preseason. I played with Erik last year - he's very talented, good with the puck, and he had a good game. Step was there earlier, and he keeps having a good camp. These exhibition games are to make sure everyone clicks together and gets into game shape."
...i would still love to see Stepan between these two to start the season, but if the chemistry is better with Christensen to start the season I think that's the way Torts has to go. These next two preseason games will determine a lot.
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Leslie Treff at the Hockey Future's New York Rangers Blog has more on the Rangers need for a first time center.
Original Post:
Jesse Spector at the Daily News has this quote from Marian Gaborik on finding him and teammate Alex Frolov a center...
"It's a process," Gaborik said. "I think that's what happens during the preseason. I played with Erik last year - he's very talented, good with the puck, and he had a good game. Step was there earlier, and he keeps having a good camp. These exhibition games are to make sure everyone clicks together and gets into game shape."
...i would still love to see Stepan between these two to start the season, but if the chemistry is better with Christensen to start the season I think that's the way Torts has to go. These next two preseason games will determine a lot.
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Banner Contest Entry #20

Banner contest entry #20 comes from Scott. Just one more banner left.
As always make sure to leave your comments. To view previous entries click here.
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As always make sure to leave your comments. To view previous entries click here.
Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook or e-mail me at nyrfan94@yahoo.com.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Rangers Talk Loss to Red Wings
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has these quotes...
“We have to figure out who we are in the middle of the ice, who we are in the back end,” said Rangers coach John Tortorella after the Wings skated around and past the Blueshirts in a 5-3 win last night, out shooting the visitors 34-21. “It was a struggle, not just our defensemen, but all and all in our end zone. All this circling…you have to stop and start in the end zone, that team over there, you circle, they expose you. And they had the middle of the ice on us all night long.”
“We were a little in awe of them, gave them too much respect at the start of the game,” said Todd White. “All their systems are full go.”
“They’re always moving,” said the 20-year-old who left the University of Wisconsin to turn pro. “They find the open man, they make great three-foot passes.”
Jess Spector at the Blueshirts Blog has more...
“I think you have to be really careful not to fall of the map on guys because they struggled tonight, because this is a really good hockey team that we played, basically with their lineup,” Tortorella said. “You have to use the whole body of work as you go through this, not just knee-jerk on one game. And the same thing goes the other way, when they play well. You can’t knee-jerk because they had one good game. It’s got to be body of work over these next couple of weeks.”
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“We have to figure out who we are in the middle of the ice, who we are in the back end,” said Rangers coach John Tortorella after the Wings skated around and past the Blueshirts in a 5-3 win last night, out shooting the visitors 34-21. “It was a struggle, not just our defensemen, but all and all in our end zone. All this circling…you have to stop and start in the end zone, that team over there, you circle, they expose you. And they had the middle of the ice on us all night long.”
“We were a little in awe of them, gave them too much respect at the start of the game,” said Todd White. “All their systems are full go.”
“They’re always moving,” said the 20-year-old who left the University of Wisconsin to turn pro. “They find the open man, they make great three-foot passes.”
Jess Spector at the Blueshirts Blog has more...
“I think you have to be really careful not to fall of the map on guys because they struggled tonight, because this is a really good hockey team that we played, basically with their lineup,” Tortorella said. “You have to use the whole body of work as you go through this, not just knee-jerk on one game. And the same thing goes the other way, when they play well. You can’t knee-jerk because they had one good game. It’s got to be body of work over these next couple of weeks.”
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Red Wings 5, Rangers 3

The New York Rangers (2-1-0) lost to the Detroit Red Wings (2-2-0) by the score of 5-3, tonight. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.
...i missed the game as I had a wedding tonight so here are the post game notes from the Rangers...
- The New York Rangers were defeated by the Detroit Red Wings, 5-3, tonight at Joe Louis Arena, in the second game of their back-to-back road set. The Blueshirts are now 2-1-0 in pre-season action.
- After allowing two early goals to the Red Wings, the Rangers got on the board with an even strength goal from Sean Avery, his first goal of the pre-season, at 8:35 of the first period. Avery led the team with four shots on goal and logged 13:25 of ice time.
- Forwards Erik Christensen and Artem Anisimov each notched a goal in a span of 27 seconds mid-way through the second period to tie the score at three goals. Christensen’s goal, his first of the pre-season, was unassisted at 11:37 of the middle frame. He finished the contest with four hits and three shots in 17:02 of ice time. Anisimov’s goal was a shorthanded tally at 12:04 of the second, his second goal in as many days, and he is now tied for the team lead with two goals in the pre-season.
- Rangers forward Alex Frolov recorded an assist on Anisimov’s shorthanded goal, and is now tied for the team lead with three assists and four points in two pre-season contests.
- Todd White registered an assist on Avery’s first period goal and won a team-high, five face-offs in 10 attempts (50%). White has recorded an assist in each of his two appearances with the Blueshirts, having tallied an assist in last night’s 5-4 overtime win at New Jersey while making his Rangers debut.
- Martin Biron turned aside 19 of 22 shots in the game’s opening two periods (39:59) in a no decision. Chad Johnson stopped 10 of 12 shots in the third period, and is now 1-1-0 in pre-season action.
- Rookie defenseman Ryan McDonagh led the Rangers with 24:43 of ice time, and registered three blocked shots. Defenseman Pavel Valentenko and forward Brandon Prust tied for the game-high with five hits apiece, while defenseman Dan Girardi led all skaters with four blocked shots in 23:06 of ice time.
- The Rangers do not have practice scheduled for tomorrow, September 27. The Blueshirts next practice is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 28, at the MSG Training Center.
- The Blueshirts will return to action on Wednesday, September 29, when they will face-off against the Detroit Red Wings at Madison Square Garden (7:00 p.m.), in the second game of their home-and-home set. The contest will be broadcast live on MSG Network.
Rangers @ Red Wings (Preseason Game 3)
The New York Rangers (2-0-0) visit the Detroit Red Wings (1-2-0) tonight at Joe Louis Arena starting at 5:00 p.m.
Pregame Notes
TV: MSG
Probable Lineup:
Frolov-Stepan-Gaborik
Dubinsky-Christensen-Zuccarello
Avery-White-Grachev
Boyle-Anisimov-Prust
Girardi-Semenov
McDonagh-Gilroy
Sauer-Valentenko
Biron, Johnson
Opponent Notes:
- Three key offseason Red Wings pickups -- center Mike Modano, defenseman Ruslan Salei and LW Jiri Hudler.
- Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk tallied just 70 points last season after Datsyuk had 97 points in each of his previous two seasons and Zetterberg had 43 goals and 92 points in '07-08.
- Johan Franzen (charley horse) was injured from a knee-on-thigh hit by Pittsburgh's Brooks Orpik on Sept. 22 and was expected to miss at least three exhibition games.
2009-10 - Rangers vs. Red Wings
Dec. 6 - Rangers 1, Red Wings 3 at MSG
Opponent Blog:
Winging It In Motown
Pregame Notes
TV: MSG
Probable Lineup:
Frolov-Stepan-Gaborik
Dubinsky-Christensen-Zuccarello
Avery-White-Grachev
Boyle-Anisimov-Prust
Girardi-Semenov
McDonagh-Gilroy
Sauer-Valentenko
Biron, Johnson
Opponent Notes:
- Three key offseason Red Wings pickups -- center Mike Modano, defenseman Ruslan Salei and LW Jiri Hudler.
- Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk tallied just 70 points last season after Datsyuk had 97 points in each of his previous two seasons and Zetterberg had 43 goals and 92 points in '07-08.
- Johan Franzen (charley horse) was injured from a knee-on-thigh hit by Pittsburgh's Brooks Orpik on Sept. 22 and was expected to miss at least three exhibition games.
2009-10 - Rangers vs. Red Wings
Dec. 6 - Rangers 1, Red Wings 3 at MSG
Opponent Blog:
Winging It In Motown
Prospal to Miss At Least Next Two Preseason Games
In Larry Brooks article on Sean Avery in the New York Post this morning he gives us an update on Vinny Prospal's knee...
"Vinny Prospal will be held out until at least the last two or three exhibition games because of problems with the right knee that was surgically repaired during the middle of last year."
Brooks thinks Prospal's injury could open the door even wider for Fedotenko to make the team.
...when I first heard about the Prospal injury, I didn't realize it might be this serious.
...between the Drury and Prospal injures maybe Brooks is right and Fedotenko could find his way onto the opening night roster.
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"Vinny Prospal will be held out until at least the last two or three exhibition games because of problems with the right knee that was surgically repaired during the middle of last year."
Brooks thinks Prospal's injury could open the door even wider for Fedotenko to make the team.
...when I first heard about the Prospal injury, I didn't realize it might be this serious.
...between the Drury and Prospal injures maybe Brooks is right and Fedotenko could find his way onto the opening night roster.
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Redden Wants to Enjoy the Game Again
Pierre LeBrun at ESPN.com spoke with Wade Redden after being waived today...
"Hopefully I can get somewhere where I can play and enjoy the game again," Redden said.
...yeah, playing a kid's game while getting paid $36 million makes it real difficult to enjoy.
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"Hopefully I can get somewhere where I can play and enjoy the game again," Redden said.
...yeah, playing a kid's game while getting paid $36 million makes it real difficult to enjoy.
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Sather's Not Good at Signing Free Agents
Arthur Staple at Newsday reports on Glen Sather's less than stellar record of signing UFAs to long term deals...Since 2005, Sather has signed 18 unrestricted free agents to contracts of at least two years. With Redden gone, only five still are here...
"The others either were not good enough for long enough, or never were helpful. From Donald Brashear in 2009 to Matt Cullen in 2006 to Marek Malik in 2005, Sather's strategy to add high-priced talent from outside the organization has not panned out well enough. About the only signing of significant length that went well was Michael Nylander (three years, $8.9 million) in 2004, though that turned into a two-year deal because of the lockout."
...to Sather's credit he's somehow been able to get rid of a number of those bad contracts (Gomez, Kotalik, Brashear), but man he has done just an awful job of signing free agents (sans Gaborik & Prospal).
...however, like I said his trades have been unreal (don't forget he also traded Anson Carter for Jaromir Jagr) and recently the team's drafting has been much better. So it's not all terrible with Sather.
...having said that, two playoff round wins in nine years is unacceptable and it baffles me on a daily basis that he is still GM and seems like he will be for life. Unless he decides to step down.
Sunday Headlines
Bergen Record - NY Rangers part ways with Redden
New Yok Post - Rangers waive goodbye to Redden
New York Post - Torts defuses trouble
New York Post - Aggressive Avery makes big impact
Daily News - Blueshirts place Redden on waivers
Newsday - Rangers put Redden on waivers
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New Yok Post - Rangers waive goodbye to Redden
New York Post - Torts defuses trouble
New York Post - Aggressive Avery makes big impact
Daily News - Blueshirts place Redden on waivers
Newsday - Rangers put Redden on waivers
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Rangers Talk Win vs. Devils
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has these quotes...
“He’s utility,” Tortorella said of White. “He can kill some penalties, give us some offense. It’s nice to have that.”
“I put Kennedy on the wing, I thought that line was good,” Tortorella added.
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has more.
Torts on the apparent throat slash gesture by Kovalchuk to Avery...
"There was no (throat) slash, none of that," Tortorella said.
Jesse Spector at the Blueshirts Blog has even more...
On his tough start Lundqvist said...
“Just a little rusty,” Lundqvist said on the way to the team bus. “It was a tough start, but I felt more and more comfortable as the game went on. It feels good to start with a win.”
Del Zotto also talks about his bad start to the game...
“Tough start, tough preseason start,” the 20-year-old defenseman said. “It’s part of the game, we bounced back, and at the end of the day we got the two points. That’s the biggest thing. You learn from your mistakes and move on. I’m glad I got a chance to redeem myself there.”
Tim Kennedy on his first two preseason games...
“It’s been a good first two games,” Kennedy said. “I’ve been playing a lot, and I’m pretty happy with the way things have gone. It happened last year where I started playing center, went to wing and then back to center. I can play both, and I really have no preference where I’m playing.”
Jim Cerny has more on Del Zotto's night at newyorkrangers.com.
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“He’s utility,” Tortorella said of White. “He can kill some penalties, give us some offense. It’s nice to have that.”
“I put Kennedy on the wing, I thought that line was good,” Tortorella added.
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has more.
Torts on the apparent throat slash gesture by Kovalchuk to Avery...
"There was no (throat) slash, none of that," Tortorella said.
Jesse Spector at the Blueshirts Blog has even more...
On his tough start Lundqvist said...
“Just a little rusty,” Lundqvist said on the way to the team bus. “It was a tough start, but I felt more and more comfortable as the game went on. It feels good to start with a win.”
Del Zotto also talks about his bad start to the game...
“Tough start, tough preseason start,” the 20-year-old defenseman said. “It’s part of the game, we bounced back, and at the end of the day we got the two points. That’s the biggest thing. You learn from your mistakes and move on. I’m glad I got a chance to redeem myself there.”
Tim Kennedy on his first two preseason games...
“It’s been a good first two games,” Kennedy said. “I’ve been playing a lot, and I’m pretty happy with the way things have gone. It happened last year where I started playing center, went to wing and then back to center. I can play both, and I really have no preference where I’m playing.”
Jim Cerny has more on Del Zotto's night at newyorkrangers.com.
Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook or e-mail me at nyrfan94@yahoo.com.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Video: Kovalchuk Talks Avery
...it really is baffling to me how Kovalchuk allows Avery to get under his skin like that.
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Rangers 5, Devils 4 (OT)

The New York Rangers (2-0-0) defeated the New Jersey Devils (0-0-3) by the score of 5-4 in OT, tonight. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.
...if this is what preseason games are going to be like, I cannot wait for the regular season.
...Del Zotto is looking more and more Leetch-like on offense every day. On defense? That's a different story. But man that OT goal looked a lot like Leetch's in Game 7.
...4/5 on the power play with that lineup? I'm impressed.
...Gilroy and Anisimov are looking more and more like they'll have breakout seasons.
...Fedotenko is making tough decisions even harder for Torts and company.
...Lundy looked a little off tonight. Assuming nothing to be concerned about.
...i thought Grachev was supposed to be in the lineup tonight. He was?
...great to have the old Avery back. Hopefully he sticks around for the entire season.
...if I didn't think the Ranger brought my boy Voros back after seeing Byers skating around in the #34, I was convinced after watching Byers take a Voros-like beating.
...biggest thing for me tonight was the heart the team showed coming back from two 2-goal deficits to win.
...right back at it in Motown tomorrow.
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