Rangers Talk Loss to Islanders

Rick Carpiniello at the Rangers Report has numerous quotes including these...

Del Zotto on the play where he was stripped by Comeau for a goal:

“I just lost the puck. I went to pull it back to make a play and I just lost the handle on the puck. I couldn’t have put it in a better spot for him. I put it right on his stick and he made the most of it."

Avery On the lewd gesture by the Islanders’ James Wisniewski:

“Imagine if I did that? Heck, they sent me to rehab.”

“But I’m sure nothing will happen, because nothing ever happens.”

Lundqvist on the game:

“It’s a tough one. I think we played really well as a team the whole game. We had a couple of tough bounces along the way. I felt like they didn’t really have to work that hard to get their goals. But overall, as a team, I think we played a great game and we definitely played well enough to win this game. But, it’s a tough one to get down to 5-on-3 late in the game. It’s a big disappointment.”

Torts on the game:

“I thought we forechecked very well. They came at us hard. We know how they’re going play. Both teams played hard. I thought we controlled a lot of the time behind their net. We grinded. We didn’t get down when, I think, we beat ourselves a little bit on a couple of the goals, a couple of crazy goals. So I’m not unhappy with the club. There’s some good things there.”

Torts on the Callahan penalty:

“We beat ourselves early, and it was just, I think, an awful call to start the 5-on-3, on Cally’s penalty. It’s assuming that you trip a guy, and he didn’t trip a guy, and that’s what started the wall falling for us a little bit and we lose the hockey game. It’s just a terrible call.”

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Wisniewski Tells Avery He Blew It

...wonder if a suspension is forth coming for Wisniewski? If it was the other way around Bettman would have already announced a 10-game suspension for Avery.

...h/t to Puck Daddy.

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Islanders 6, Rangers 4

The New York Rangers (1-1-0) lost to the New York Islanders (1-0-1) by the score of 6-4, today. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.

...say it with me Rangers fans: it's only the second, game, it's only the second game, it's only the second game.

...despite the loss I'm loving the offense so far. 10 goals in two games and Gaborik hasn't even scored yet. On another positive note the hard work and heart that the team showed in preseason has carried over to the regular season as the Rangers were able to comeback from adversity a few times today.

...tough call on Callahan, but if you want to win in this league you have to stay out of the box.

...can someone tell Frolov the regular season started?

...it had to be Parenteau who scored the game tying goal didn't it.

...loved the pregame shenanigans. Too bad Torts decided to send a message by playing Boogaard a grand total of 1:34.

...no points for Stepan today? One hit wonder. ;)

...might have found a spot in the lineup for Drury with the Christensen injury.

...the Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan line continues to be the best line. Nice to see Dubinsky answering a lot of the critics.

...ok is it finally time to end the Eminger experiment?

...home opener on Friday night against the Leafs.

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Rangers @ Islanders (Game 2)

The New York Rangers (1-0-0) visit the New York Islanders (0-0-1) today at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum starting at 1:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

Rangers Game Notes

TV: MSG; Radio: 1050AM ESPN, XM204

Probable Lines:
Frolov-Christensen-Gaborik
Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan
Avery-Stepan-Fedotenko
Boogaard-Boyle-Prust

Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Eminger-Sauer

Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 1-0-0, 3.00 gaa, .917 sv%, 0 so.

Rick DiPietro - 0-0-1, 3.69 gaa, .818 sv %, 0 so

Opponent Notes:
- John Tavares had to leave Saturday night's game against Dallas (5-4, SO loss) with a mild concussion he sustained late in the first period.

- Mark Streit and Kyle Okposo are out of the Islanders lineup due to shoulder injuries.

- Former Ranger Doug Weight had a goal and two assists in the opener.

- Another former Ranger P.A. Parenteau hit the pipe during his attempt in Saturday night's shootout.

2010-11 Season Series
Oct. 11 - Rangers vs. Islanders at Coliseum
Dec. 2 - Rangers vs. Islanders at Coliseum
Dec. 3 - Rangers vs. Islanders at MSG
Dec. 27 - Rangers vs. Islanders at MSG
March 15 - Rangers vs. Islanders at MSG
March 31 - Rangers vs. Islanders at Coliseum

Opponent Blog:
Islanders Hockey Blog

Stepan: I Want to Keep Rolling

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has this quote from Derek Stepan on moving past the hat trick...

“I’ll never put it in the past completely, at least not the first couple of weeks,” Stepan said. “It’s something that’s going to help me in the next couple of weeks. I get a hot stick, I get a cold stick. Right now I have a hot stick and I’ll just ride that. I want to keep rolling and playing with confidence. I don’t want to think about it too much and make it seem like it’s something that happens every night. It’s not.”

Gross also has quotes from Ryan Callahan on Artem Anisimov as well as from John Tortorella on Mike Sauer and Steve Eminger.

...unfortunately, Torts has all positive things to say about Eminger.

Finally, Jim Cerny has a great behind the scenes look at Stepan's NHL debut at his blog Rink Rap.

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Columbus Day Headlines

Bergen Record - Rangers hope to start trend

New York Post - Fast start for Rangers' rookie

Daily News - Stepan keeps level head after hat trick

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Del Zotto, Boyle Singing Power Rangers Theme Song

You guys asked for it, so here it is in all it's glory...



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Lines, D Pair Stay the Same

Andrew Gross tweets this from this afternoon's practice...

#NYRangers lines and D-pairs the same from last night. Drury participating again with team, wearing orange spare jersey with White, Kennedy.less than a minute ago via HootSuiteAndrew Gross
AGrossRecord

...no need to mess with success. Even if that does mean Eminger is back in tomorrow afternoon.

...looking more and more like Drury will be back for the home opener. 4th line center?

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Sunday Headlines

Bergen Record - Derek Stepan scores hat trick in Rangers debut in 6-3 win in Buffalo

Bergen Record - Rangers notes: Chris Drury close to return

New York Post - Rookie's historic hat-trick keys Rangers' opening win

New York Post - Rangers scratch D in opener

New York Post - Feeling Blue a good thing

...got to love the return of the blue seats!!!

Daily News - Stepan nets hat trick as Rangers down Sabres

New York Times - Rangers Rookie Has Three Goals in Opener

Newsday - Rangers' Stepan scores hat trick in NHL debut

Newsday - Dubinsky starts season strong with two goals

Newsday - Drury hopes to return Friday

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The Kiss

Apparently people are making a big deal about Brandon Dubinsky giving Derek Stepan a kiss on the visor after the first period. Here's video with some romantic music added...



...i definitely laughed when I saw it happen, but never gave it a second thought until I was reading about it all over Twitter. Relax people, every Ranger fan wanted to give Stepan a kiss after his performance tonight.

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Video: Rangers vs. Sabres Highlights

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Reaction to Stepan Hat Trick (Updated)

Update, 12:45 a.m.:
Jesse Spector at the Blueshirts Blog has more quotes.

Original Post:
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has reaction to Derek Stepan's hat trick...

Ryan Callahan
"I’m happy for him,” Callahan said. “It’s unbelievable. He played a great game. The whole line (also Sean Avery and Ruslan Fedotenko) did. Aves and Feds set him and that’s good to see.”

John Tortorella...
“I haven’t been around it,” said Tortorella when asked if he’d seen a better NHL debut. “I guess he’s the fourth guy to do it. He did a lot of other things than score goals. It was a good line for us offensively and defensively.”

Ruslan Fedotenko...
“I think he’s a pretty humble guy,” Fedotenko said. “I’m very happy for him, how he started. If he keeps improving as a player, it’s going to be great. (Avery) has some good speed and forces the defense to make mistakes and I do the same thing. The defense made a couple of bad decisions and covered the wrong people and Derek was in the right spot.”

Stepan on his hat trick...
“You dream of playing an NHL game,” Stepan said. “But you don’t dream about a game like this.

“It felt great that I got some chances,” he added. “I couldn’t believe I missed (an empty-netter, I choked under pressure. It’s great for me in kind of getting my feet wet in my first NHL game. It was nerve-wracking but I settled in.”

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Rangers 6, Sabres 3

The New York Rangers (1-0-0) defeated the Buffalo Sabres (1-1-0) by the score of 6-3, tonight. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.

...now that's how you start the season. There were times last year when the Rangers didn't score six in a week. And tonight they drop a half dozen on the best goalie (sorry Hank) in the NHL.

...only three goals for Stepan? Send him down to Hartford. Wonder if he actually realizes what he did tonight. Can't wait to hear the ovation for him next Friday.

...nice start for Dubinsky who is going to be counted on this year for secondary scoring.

...wonder if Gaborik knew what was going on tonight. Teammates scoring? What's that?

...big goal for Christensen who is probably still on the bubble.

...seriously, where does Drury fit in this lineup? The only spot I see is fourth line center.

...i killed the Eminger over Gilroy move, but I can't complain about the results. Might as well come back with him on Monday.

...-20 for Del Zotto last year. +3 tonight. Nice flip flop. Plus I loved the Power Rangers song he did with Boyle before the game

...it's amazing what confidence does for a player. Just ask Anisimov.

...you think Avery enjoys playing on a line with Stepan? He look rejuvenated out there.

...we really saw Torts' pressure game plan work to perfection tonight. Big time forecheck that led to lots of turnovers.

...oh yeah Lundqvist just being Lundqvist, although he'd probably like the first two goals back.

...off tomorrow then on Long Island for an afternoon delight on Columbus Day.

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Rangers @ Sabres (Game 1)

The New York Rangers (0-0-0) visit the Buffalo Sabres (1-0-0) tonight at HSBC Arena starting at 7:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

Rangers Game Notes

TV: MSG; Radio: 970AM The Apple, XM205

Probable Lines:
Frolov-Christensen-Gaborik
Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan
Avery-Stepan-Fedotenko
Boogaard-Boyle-Prust

Staal-Girardi
Del Zotto-Rozsival
Eminger-Sauer

Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 0-0-0, 0.00 gaa, 1.000 sv%, 0 so.

Ryan Miller - 1-0-0, 1.00 gaa, .962 sv %, 0 so

Opponent Notes:
- The Sabres defeated the Ottawa Senators 2-1 last night.

- Derek Roy scored twice and rookie Tyler Ennis added a pair of assists last night.

- Roy has four goals and eight assists in his last 12 games against the Rangers.

- Ryan Miller is 11-4-2 with a 2.22 GAA versus New York. He has a 1.65 GAA while winning three in a row against the Rangers.

2010-11 Rangers vs. Buffalo
Oct. 9 - Rangers vs. Sabres at Buffalo
Nov. 11 - Rangers vs. Sabres at MSG
March 1 - Rangers vs. Sabres at MSG
March 30 - Rangers vs. Sabres at Buffalo

Opponent Blog:
Sabre Noise

Stepan More Excited Than Nervous

Newyorkrangers.com has this quote from Derek Stepan on how he's feeling just hours before his first NHL game...

“My mindset is that it’s a hockey a game and I have to prepare myself to play,” said Stepan. “I think I am more excited than nervous.”

...kid's got ice in his veins. Knowing he's going to be making his NHL debut makes me that much more excited for tonight.

Torts on Stepan...

“I think he embraces all of his challenges and looks at it as an opportunity,” Tortorella said of Stepan. “I think he’ll be a good player for us tonight.”

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Carolina Assigns Sanguinetti to AHL Team

Mitch Beck at Howlings reports that the Carolina Hurricanes have assigned former Rangers 2006 first round pick Bobby Sanguinetti to their AHL affiliate the Charlotte Checkers.

Sanguinetti did not play in either of the Hurricanes first two regular season games in Europe against Minnesota.

...i wasn't a big fan of the Rangers trading Sanguinetti but he's looking more and more like a typical Rangers first round bust.

...i know tonight is opening night so who cares, but I saw it and thought you guys might be interested.

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Gilroy Odd Man Out? (Updated)

Update, 2:46 p.m.:
@thenyrangers tweets this quote from Tortorella on why Gilroy is sitting tonight...

"We just felt as coaching staff Sauer had better camp (than Gilroy)...certainly not a negative on Gilly...it's one game."

...hey Torts, no one is complaining that Sauer is in there over Gilroy it's your boy Eminger we're confused about.

...now I really hate the Voros trade.

Update: 11:59 a.m.:
@thenyrangers confirms that Gilroy will be a healthy scratch tonight.

...wow, that really did come out of left field.

Original Post:
Andrew Gross tweets...

Third #NYRangers D-pair looks like Eminger-Sauer with Gilroy out.less than a minute ago via Mobile WebAndrew Gross
AGrossRecord

...what is Torts' infatuation with Eminger? Nice to see Sauer back in, but Gilroy does not deserve to be sitting in the press box.

Jesse Spector tweets that Chris Drury was on the ice for the morning skate.

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TheNYRBlog Meetup in Buffalo

Update, 9:47 a.m.:
Don't forget meetup tonight at Anchor Bar if you're in Buffalo.

Update, 9:45 a.m., Oct. 5th:
I'm going to bump this post up everyday so that anyone who is going to the game on Saturday can see it.

Original Post, Oct. 4th:
Received an e-mail from reader M Budz who will be taking a road trip up to Buffalo for Saturday's season opener with his brother and two buddys and was looking to meetup with fellow TheNYRBlog readers.

They will be going to the Anchor Bar in downtown Buffalo before heading over to the game. I definitely encourage any reader who either lives in Buffalo or will be roadtripping up there to meetup with M Budz at the Anchor Bar before the game.

You guys can setup a meeting spot at the bar in the comments section.

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Video: Torts, Rangers Talk Season, Sabres

John Tortorella speaks to reporters about the upcoming season after the Blueshirts' Oct. 8 practice at the MSG Training Center here.

Henrik Lundqvist talks to reporters after the Blueshirts' last practice at the MSG Training Center before the season-opener at Buffalo here.

Brian Boyle talks to reporters after the team's final practice at the MSG Training Center before leaving for Buffalo to play the season-opener here.

Erik Christensen speaks to reporters at the MSG Training Center shortly before the team left for Buffalo to open the 2010-11 season here.

Opening Night Headlines

Bergen Record - King Henrik Yearns for His Crown

New York Post - Callahan, Girardi, Dubinsky and Staal key to season

Daily News - Rangers, Lundqvist open against Sabres

Journal News - Rangers seek a better middle

New York Times - Optimism for Offense as Rangers Start Anew

Newsday - Tortorella cautiously optimistic about Rangers

...man am I pumped for tonight. It's like Christmas morning for Rangers fans.

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Rangers Ready to Take off

@thenyrangers tweets this picture of the Rangers charter before they depart for Buffalo...

...pretty cool to see what type of plane these guys travel in. Another reason why I love social media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.).

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Torts Thinks Team is Better (Updated)

Update, 1:37 p.m.:
Carpiniello also has quotes from Henrik Lundqvist on the upcoming season.

Original Post:
Rick Carpiniello at Ranger Rants has numerous quotes from John Tortorella's press conference including this one on whether he thinks this team is better than last year's...

“I do. I do. I’m not going to make predictions. I’m not in that part of the business. I just go on as I’ve been talking about the whole camp: I think the group is together, I think we’re familiar. I think the addition of an experienced backup goalie; Frolov, who we’re hoping will score some goals and help Gabby; and Stepan as stepped up; just some additions there—Fedotenko who can give me some utility work.

“And again, the bottom line is that the kids are intact. They’re still here and they’re going to improve as we go along. That’s where I see, I think, we’ll improve as a hockey club.”

...i'm with Torts here. This team is, in my opinion, dramatically better than last year's. Now that doesn't mean they're playoff bound because I feel a few other non-playoff teams have gotten better as well but I think we should be in for an exciting season.

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Hagelin a Potential Hobey Baker Candidate

DJ Powers at Hockey's Future previews the CCHA and says this about Rangers prospect F Carl Hagelin of the University of Michigan...

"Hagelin, a potential candidate for the 2011 Hobey Baker Award, has become one of the nation’s best two-way forwards. He led the CCHA with 50 points (19 goals, 31 assists) playing in all 45 games last season."

...just another reason for Ranger fans to be excited about this team's future.

Powers also looks at Rangers prospect Max Campbell of Western Michigan.

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Torts Will Wait to Name New Captain, Alt. Captain

Rick Carpiniello tweets...

This may change, but Tortorella said he will wait to name another captain or alternate. only 1 will be in lineup tomorrow ... callahanless than a minute ago via Twitbin.comLohud.com staff
rangersreport

...makes sense. If Drury and Prospal are going to be back in two weeks no need to name replacements. Two months than that's a different story.

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Sauer Out; Eminger In (Updated)

Update, 1:33 p.m.:
Gross now posts that Tortorella is saying the defensive pairings aren't set in stone.

Original Post:
Andrew Gross tweets...

Looks like D Mike Sauer and Fs Tim Kennedy and Todd White are the extras at today's #NYRangers skate and the likely scratches vs. #Sabres.less than a minute ago via HootSuiteAndrew Gross
AGrossRecord

Gross also tweets the defensive pairs...

Staal-Girardi
Del Zotto-Rozsival
Eminger-Gilroy

The forward pairs are the same as all week.

...not happy about this at all. If the Rangers don't think Sauer is ready, why didn't they send him back to Hartford. I know he would have had to clear waivers, but putting Eminger out there instead is a joke. He was horrific in the preseason.

...think I'm mad?

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Show Your Ranger Pride, Win Tix

Newyorkrangers.com has a new contest asking fans to wear your Rangers gear to school, work or anywhere in public this weekend and send them a photo of you and your group showing your Blueshirt pride.

The group showing the most True Blue spirit will receive tickets to a future Rangers game at Madison Square Garden.

...who has school on the weekends?

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Rangers Prospects Get Off to Quick Starts

Jess Rubenstein at The Prospect Park tells us that three of the Rangers top Junior prospects are having great starts to their seasons.

2010 second round pick Christian Thomas has 5g, 2a in his first three games this season, while 2009 second round pick Ethen Werek, who had some knee issues this offseason, now has 2g, 3a in two games so far.

And finally, 2009 third round pick Ryan Bourque has 2g, 2a in four games.

...i know performances on the junior level don't always translate into NHL success (see Jamie Lundmark), but I am loving the number of prospects having quick starts to their seasons. And I didn't even mention Chris Kreider's assist in his first exhibition game.

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Friday Headlines

New York Post - Lundqvist eyes Cup

New York Post - 5 questions for... Sam Rosen

New York Times - Rangers’ Tim Kennedy Finds Salary Cap an Unforgiving Opponent

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The Re-Edger Sharpening Tool

I would like to welcome A&R back to The New York Rangers Blog Family.

A&R, who previously advertised their Stick Vault™ hockey stick cover on the blog, has now developed the Re-Edger Sharpening tool, an innovative hand-held multi-function skate sharpener that utilizes the sharpening power of ceramic steel and a replaceable honing stone for de-burring.

For more information on the Re-Edger click here. You can also click on the advertisement to the left.

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Another TheNYRBlog Reader Tattoo

Man you guys love to desecrate your bodies. This latest one comes from TheNYRBlog reader Robert S.

Previously submitted tattoo pics can be seen here and here.

Keep sending pics of your Rangers tats or anything else Rangers related of yourself to my e-mail (nyrfan94@yahoo.com) and I will make sure to post them.

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