For those of you who missed Steve Zipay's live web chat at Blue Notes, you can check out the full transcript here.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Zipay Web Chat Transcript
For those of you who missed Steve Zipay's live web chat at Blue Notes, you can check out the full transcript here.
Chemistry the Key
Ryan Kennedy at The Hockey News has this to say about the Rangers..."If the New York Rangers find chemistry amongst a crop of new faces, including Wade Redden, Nikolai Zherdev and Markus Naslund, the team certainly has the goaltending and depth to go far."
...lack of chemistry seemed to be a problem for the Rangers last year. And with the compacted preseason schedule which will include split squads, I'm concerned about the same problem reoccurring this year.
John Dellapina at the Blueshirt Blog says that Tom Renney will have to do some juggling to get enough veteran NHLers into the road games at Ottawa and Tampa Bay to satisfy league minimums. Dellapina is concerned that this will take away from Renney's ability to test various line combinations.
Rangers Confirm Nedved Coming to Camp to Play
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has this quote from the Rangers...
"He has spoken with Tom and Glen and passed up some other offers in Europe, wanting to come to camp with the opportunity to earn a job here," a Rangers spokesman confirmed a few moments ago. "There is no commitment on our end."
For more on Nedved visit the Blueshirts Blog and Blueshirt Bulletin.
...i heard that if Nedved makes the team he will demand that the Rangers sign Jan Hlavac.
"He has spoken with Tom and Glen and passed up some other offers in Europe, wanting to come to camp with the opportunity to earn a job here," a Rangers spokesman confirmed a few moments ago. "There is no commitment on our end."
For more on Nedved visit the Blueshirts Blog and Blueshirt Bulletin.
...i heard that if Nedved makes the team he will demand that the Rangers sign Jan Hlavac.
Column: Key to Rangers Success Is Letting Lundqvist Rest
Cross posted at The Bleacher Report.
During Mike Richter's bouts with concussions and following his eventual retirement in 2003, the Rangers suffered through sub par goaltending from the likes of Kirk McLean, Guy Herbert and Mike Dunham.
That is until the 2005-2006 season, when a seventh round draft choice named Henrik Lundqvist took Broadway by storm. During his first three seasons in New York, Lundqvist has brought much needed stability in goal, while accomplishing numerous personal achievements including a Vezina Trophy nomination each year.
However, despite his career 2.27 gaa, .917 save percentage and 17 shutouts, Lundqvist has suffered long stretches of average to below average play in all three seasons.
In 2005-2006, Lundqvist came back from the Olympic break to post a 5-5-3 record, including 0-3 with a 4.40 gaa and .835 save percentage in the playoffs.
In 2006-2007, Lundqvist started the season 5-5, with a 3.57 gaa and a .878 save percentage. And finally last year, Lundqvist went through a stretch from mid-December to mid-February going 10-10-4, with a .889 save percentage. Not good.
A logical explanation for those struggles is Lundqvist's work load, which has increased each year peaking with 72 starts in the Rangers 82 games last year. That's almost 90 percent!!!
Now Lundqvist supporters will note that he faded down the stretch in 2006 because of the wear and tear from the Olympics and last year he struggled with a large contract and his father's health hanging over his head. All valid excuses.
However, in my opinion, he would have been better physically and mentally prepared to deal with those factors if he had more rest throughout the season.
Last year, Lundqvist's back-up Steve Valiquette more than proved he could fill-in by posting a 5-3-3 record, with a 2.19 gaa, .916 save percentage and two shutouts.
With the new schedule structure, the Rangers play the Flyers, who Valiquette dominated last year, six times. Valiquette should get four of those games. They play the Maple Leafs in Toronto twice, where Valiquette has a proven success record.
The new schedule also gives the Rangers a chance to play the bottom teams in the West including the Kings, Oilers, Blue Jackets and Blues. All games Valiquette should be starting.
Throw in a couple of games against the lesser teams in the East and the second game of back-to-backs and Valiquette will have a nice little workload of about 20 starts.
By having 20 games to not only rest his body, but also his mind, Lundqvist is going to be better equipped to persevere through the grueling season, leading to more wins for the Rangers. Thoughts?
During Mike Richter's bouts with concussions and following his eventual retirement in 2003, the Rangers suffered through sub par goaltending from the likes of Kirk McLean, Guy Herbert and Mike Dunham.
That is until the 2005-2006 season, when a seventh round draft choice named Henrik Lundqvist took Broadway by storm. During his first three seasons in New York, Lundqvist has brought much needed stability in goal, while accomplishing numerous personal achievements including a Vezina Trophy nomination each year.
However, despite his career 2.27 gaa, .917 save percentage and 17 shutouts, Lundqvist has suffered long stretches of average to below average play in all three seasons.
In 2005-2006, Lundqvist came back from the Olympic break to post a 5-5-3 record, including 0-3 with a 4.40 gaa and .835 save percentage in the playoffs.
In 2006-2007, Lundqvist started the season 5-5, with a 3.57 gaa and a .878 save percentage. And finally last year, Lundqvist went through a stretch from mid-December to mid-February going 10-10-4, with a .889 save percentage. Not good.
A logical explanation for those struggles is Lundqvist's work load, which has increased each year peaking with 72 starts in the Rangers 82 games last year. That's almost 90 percent!!!
Now Lundqvist supporters will note that he faded down the stretch in 2006 because of the wear and tear from the Olympics and last year he struggled with a large contract and his father's health hanging over his head. All valid excuses.
However, in my opinion, he would have been better physically and mentally prepared to deal with those factors if he had more rest throughout the season.
Last year, Lundqvist's back-up Steve Valiquette more than proved he could fill-in by posting a 5-3-3 record, with a 2.19 gaa, .916 save percentage and two shutouts.
With the new schedule structure, the Rangers play the Flyers, who Valiquette dominated last year, six times. Valiquette should get four of those games. They play the Maple Leafs in Toronto twice, where Valiquette has a proven success record.
The new schedule also gives the Rangers a chance to play the bottom teams in the West including the Kings, Oilers, Blue Jackets and Blues. All games Valiquette should be starting.
Throw in a couple of games against the lesser teams in the East and the second game of back-to-backs and Valiquette will have a nice little workload of about 20 starts.
By having 20 games to not only rest his body, but also his mind, Lundqvist is going to be better equipped to persevere through the grueling season, leading to more wins for the Rangers. Thoughts?
Nedved to Attend Rangers Training Camp
According to hokej.cz, Petr Nedved will be attending Rangers training camp in an effort to make the team...Here is a bad translation from Google...
Third nejproduktivnější Bohemia in the history of NHL hockey Petr Nedvěd after spending a year in the Czech extralize tries to return overseas. Šestatřicetiletý attacker to leave at the end of August at Camp New York Rangers team which will seek to obtain a contract and get into the team. If he engaged in the prestigious league nevyjde, zamíří in breast Liberec. He said the diary Sport.
Nedvěd last year after the operation in Philadelphia went to Prague Sparty, and it appeared that his career in the NHL is coming to an end. Elapsed season, however, a world player nevyšla a Prague club dismissed him in March. When searching for a new engagement, Nedvědův overseas agent negotiated for his client to take part in the Rangers camp.
"We agreed that the Rangers try. (General manager Glen) Sather does not give me any certainty, but here I am after not want to. In America vyrazím that is their place in the group have porvat. I like to do , "Said Sports Nedvěd, for which the Rangers cardiac issues. At the Manhattan worked during two engagements generally seven years and loved club.
He said the arrival of next manager is Sathera coach Tom Renneym. "He confirmed me, that gives me the chance and it is curious to me alone. Know what I did Rangers, and I want to prove to him that they have something I can give. I'm not a fool, I thought about him, that there poison lajnu first cut. Nemíním even play a few minutes in the fourth, but in the third formation, I could get, "said Nedvěd.
Liberec native worked in fifteen NHL seasons, and only 18 matches he lacks the magic limit of 1000 matches played. "When is the possibility that I may have to limit the sáhl, and go after it on the head," he added attacker, who oblékal dress Vancouver, Wed. Louis, Rangers, Pittsburghu, Edmontonu, Phoenix and Philadelphia. In the NHL gathered 717 points (310 +407), which makes it among Czech hokejisty ranks third place in Jaromír Jágrem and Robert Holíkem.
Nedvěd is in her own words domluvený with Liberec club president Peter Syrovátkem, where does the camp Rangers will be in next season to defend the colours White Tigers. "When the Rangers to prove to be mission impossible, come about five to six extra rounds of the first, and then under the Ještědem I reported. I have to rozehrané pleasantly. Either the Rangers or the club where I grew up and where we can prove something big, "Added the owner of the Olympic silver medal in Lillehammer 1994, which represented Canada.
...I'm not sure what to think of this.
How The Rangers Can Get Sundin
Although not endorsing it, Steve Zipay at Blues Notes gives his thoughts on how the Rangers can fit Sundin under the cap...
"Could the Rangers cobble together $3 million or more to clear space?
Purely for speculation: Prucha ($1.6 million), d-men Mara ($1.9), Kalinin ($2.1), Pock ($667,500)---couldn't Corey Potter at $500,000 replace one of 'em?---Rissmiller ($1), Fritsche ($875,000), Sjostrom ($840,000), Betts ($615,000)."
...Zipay will be hosting a live webchat today at 2 p.m. To join the discussion click here.
"Could the Rangers cobble together $3 million or more to clear space?
Purely for speculation: Prucha ($1.6 million), d-men Mara ($1.9), Kalinin ($2.1), Pock ($667,500)---couldn't Corey Potter at $500,000 replace one of 'em?---Rissmiller ($1), Fritsche ($875,000), Sjostrom ($840,000), Betts ($615,000)."
...Zipay will be hosting a live webchat today at 2 p.m. To join the discussion click here.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Rangers a Finalist in Sundin Sweepstakes?; Shanahan Still Waiting
Eklund at HockeyBuzz reports... "A source had told me that the "Mats Domino" looks more and more to be falling to the East...as I have heard, the Canadiens and the Rangers are the finalists."
...i refuse to believe the Rangers are interested in Sundin. No cap room. Too many centers. Enough veteran leadership. I can go on and on. Plus Eklund is reporting it so you know its not true.
Eklund also says that Shanahan is waiting on Sundin as three teams rumored to be in the Sundin sweepstakes (Rangers, Canadiens & Canucks) are also considering Shanahan.
ESPN's Burnside to Hold Chat
Today at 12 p.m., ESPN.com's Scott Burnside will be hosting a webchat about the NHL's offseason. To join the discussion click here.
...sorry guys didn't realize this was an ESPN Insider webchat. Typical ESPN making sports fans pay for information they could probably find with a few clicks of the mouse. Awful.
Thank You & More Love Needed
Because of the outstanding support from the readers of the New York Rangers Blog, my story on who should be the Rangers assistant captains was actually put on the front page of The Bleacher Report, so I got some great exposure. I just uploaded my editorial on true Ranger fans being priced out. You can check it out by clicking here. Thanks again for your support.
Jet Lag
Steve Zipay at Newsday describes the Rangers very busy preseason schedule..."In a crammed preseason schedule unveiled by the team yesterday, the Rangers will play eight games in 12 days in three countries - followed by the NHL regular-season opener in a fourth, the Czech Republic. The unusual campaign will divide the club into two squads and presumably present an added challenge in evaluating players because of the travel."
...not a big fan of this. How is the coaching staff supposed to make decisions on the final few roster spots with a split squad? With all the turnover in the off-season this is especially concerning this year.
...i wouldn't be surprised if this team struggles early due to this grueling travel schedule. Although, it could end up being a great bonding experience for a team with a lot of new players. Only time will tell.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Blogs: Faith, Age Games, Atlantic Division, Key Games, Shanahan Runs & Jagr Speaks
Jess Rubenstein at The Prospect Park says Ranger fans need to keep some faith.Pucks on Broadway feels the Rangers have gotten younger, but not at the expense of success.
Michael M. Ramos at Outside the Garden checks out how the Rangers match-up with the rest of the Atlantic Division.
Kaveh at the Broadway Blues looks ahead to the key games this year.
M hurley at My Blueshirt Heaven wonders what makes Brendan Shanahan run.
Laurie at Beyond the Blueshirts has a great interview with Jaromir Jagr over in Russia.
Need Some Love from My Readers
I'm going to start posting some of my columns over at The Bleacher Report. The more hits my stories get the better exposure they'll give me. If you guys wouldn't mind giving me some love, you can help me out by clicking here. Thanks.
Barnaby to ESPN Gaining Steam
Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy gives numerous news and blog reports on why Matthew Barnaby would work as a roving ESPN hockey analyst not just a talking head..."It's such a simple concept, yet such an untapped idea: The casual sports fan watching ESPN doesn't know jack and squat about a left-handed shot on the power-play point, so why waste an ex-jock with personality as a talking head when an EJ Hradek will suffice? Unleash a guy like Barnaby on-site to offer candid assessments, trade a few war stories, interact with players ... hell, I'd tune in to see him interview that guy with the painted chest in section 417."
...if used correctly, I guess Barnaby could bring something different to ESPN's minimal hockey coverage. Wyshynski also offers video of Barnaby's reporting skillz. Not bad.
Free Agent Duds
At FoxSports, Kyle "Spector" Richardson gives us some of the biggest free agent busts in recent history including Vancouver signing Mark Messier and the Rangers signing Scott Gomez...
On Messier...
"Mark Messier was already a living legend when the Vancouver Canucks signed him in 1997 to a three-year, $20 million contract, expecting his leadership, skills and experience to lift them into Cup contention.
Alas, Messier by then was becoming a spent force no longer capable of carrying a team as he'd done with the Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers. The Canucks missed the playoffs in each of his three seasons with them."
...unfortunately, Spector could have added Messier's second tour with the Rangers as well.
On Gomez...
"The top free agent signings last summer were Daniel Briere with the Philadelphia Flyers for an average salary of $6.5 million per season over 8 years and Scott Gomez with the N.Y. Rangers for seven seasons averaging $7.37 million per.
While both players finished second in scoring with their respective teams (Briere with 72 points, Gomez 70) and were key factors in the Flyers and Rangers making the playoffs, critics are suggesting they were grossly overpaid.
If Briere and Gomez fail to consistently elevate their production beyond the 70 point mark in the coming years, their hefty contracts could end up doing more harm than good to their respective teams by eating up valuable cap space."
...way too early for a verdict on Gomez signing. Spector will be singing a different tune if Gomez leads the Rangers to a Stanley Cup in the next six years.
On Messier...
"Mark Messier was already a living legend when the Vancouver Canucks signed him in 1997 to a three-year, $20 million contract, expecting his leadership, skills and experience to lift them into Cup contention.
Alas, Messier by then was becoming a spent force no longer capable of carrying a team as he'd done with the Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers. The Canucks missed the playoffs in each of his three seasons with them."
...unfortunately, Spector could have added Messier's second tour with the Rangers as well.
On Gomez...
"The top free agent signings last summer were Daniel Briere with the Philadelphia Flyers for an average salary of $6.5 million per season over 8 years and Scott Gomez with the N.Y. Rangers for seven seasons averaging $7.37 million per.
While both players finished second in scoring with their respective teams (Briere with 72 points, Gomez 70) and were key factors in the Flyers and Rangers making the playoffs, critics are suggesting they were grossly overpaid.
If Briere and Gomez fail to consistently elevate their production beyond the 70 point mark in the coming years, their hefty contracts could end up doing more harm than good to their respective teams by eating up valuable cap space."
...way too early for a verdict on Gomez signing. Spector will be singing a different tune if Gomez leads the Rangers to a Stanley Cup in the next six years.
Rangers Pre-Season Schedule Announced
Newyorkrangers.com is reporting...
"New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced the Rangers 2008 pre-season schedule today, featuring three games at Madison Square Garden and a total of eight games in 12 days. The Blueshirts will conclude their exhibition schedule with a back-to-back set in Bern, Switzerland against SC Bern of the Swiss National League A and reigning European Hockey League champions Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the Kontinental Hockey League."
Sam Weinman at The Rangers Report gives an analysis here. Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has one here.
"New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced the Rangers 2008 pre-season schedule today, featuring three games at Madison Square Garden and a total of eight games in 12 days. The Blueshirts will conclude their exhibition schedule with a back-to-back set in Bern, Switzerland against SC Bern of the Swiss National League A and reigning European Hockey League champions Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the Kontinental Hockey League."
Sam Weinman at The Rangers Report gives an analysis here. Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has one here.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Ranger Fans Never Happy
At least that's what Greg Caggiano at The Bleacher Report thinks..."For once, there will be a Rangers team with no overpaid forward. This is a team that I've been waiting to see for quite some time.
But instead of being happy, fans complain about what we haven't done. They don't appreciate the excellent work Glen Sather has done in putting this team together."
...i don't think this is a Ranger fan problem, I think its a New York fan problem. New York fans are never happy. You just won a championship, good for you, win me another. 10 game winning strike, big deal, I want 11.
...the most recent example is Giants fans. Eli Manning was just named Super Bowl MVP while leading the Giants to one of the greatest upsets in sports history and now just as the Giants start training camp you're actually hearing Giants fans questioning Manning.
...New York sports fans also have a win now or get out of town mentality. The best example of this are Yankee fans. They're so spoiled from the championships of the late 90's and early 2000, that they actually wanted to get rid of the greatest baseball player of this era, A-Rod, because they haven't won a World Series since his arrival, despite him being a major factor in getting the Yankees into the playoffs every year. Do you know what a Kansas City Royals fan would do just to get his team to finish the year over .500?
Redden a Fantasy Producer
In Sean Allen's Fantasy Hockey Top 75 for ESPN.com, he has this to say about Wade Redden...
Wade Redden, D, Rangers (48): I find it astounding that this guy can get such a bad rap after one bad season. Redden finished last season with 38 points, but the disappointment stems from the fact that he did that while playing in 80 games. The previous season, Redden had 36 points in just 64 games, and in 2005-06, he scored a ridiculous 50 points in only 65 games. While last season a little bit of a let down, the way the Sens let Redden walk after the year was ridiculous. It was just two seasons ago when the brass in Ottawa said the only reason they traded Zdeno Chara was that they knew they needed money to lock up Redden and couldn't afford both. If anything, we should look at last season as a sign of good things to come thanks to Redden playing 80 games for the first time since before the lockout. Bottom line: The Rangers breed good plus/minus, Redden is a lock for 60 penalty minutes and he has a chance to quarterback a very good power play. That makes him a decent No. 1 defenseman in my book.
...Allen makes some great points in his analysis. I can't believe how down Ranger fans are on this guy. I've seen thousands of posts on numerous Ranger message boards killing Redden. While I think a lot of it has to do with the contract, not necessarily his play last year, Ranger fans should start taking it easy on him as he's locked up for six more years.
...one thing Ranger fans might not be aware of is Redden can fight. Check out this video...
Wade Redden, D, Rangers (48): I find it astounding that this guy can get such a bad rap after one bad season. Redden finished last season with 38 points, but the disappointment stems from the fact that he did that while playing in 80 games. The previous season, Redden had 36 points in just 64 games, and in 2005-06, he scored a ridiculous 50 points in only 65 games. While last season a little bit of a let down, the way the Sens let Redden walk after the year was ridiculous. It was just two seasons ago when the brass in Ottawa said the only reason they traded Zdeno Chara was that they knew they needed money to lock up Redden and couldn't afford both. If anything, we should look at last season as a sign of good things to come thanks to Redden playing 80 games for the first time since before the lockout. Bottom line: The Rangers breed good plus/minus, Redden is a lock for 60 penalty minutes and he has a chance to quarterback a very good power play. That makes him a decent No. 1 defenseman in my book.
...Allen makes some great points in his analysis. I can't believe how down Ranger fans are on this guy. I've seen thousands of posts on numerous Ranger message boards killing Redden. While I think a lot of it has to do with the contract, not necessarily his play last year, Ranger fans should start taking it easy on him as he's locked up for six more years.
...one thing Ranger fans might not be aware of is Redden can fight. Check out this video...
Barnaby to Take Over as ESPN Lead Hockey Analyst?
Sean Leahy's Going Five Hole blog reports..."Barnaby, who makes the occasional appearance on TSN, noted he was going to meet with ESPN executives about the open position as lead NHL analyst with the WorldWide Leader."
...just when I thought television couldn't get any worse. Although, Barnaby can't be worse than Melrose.
Rangers, Sjostrom Agree to Terms
Newyorkrangers.com reports..."New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has agreed to terms with restricted free agent forward Fredrik Sjostrom."
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has this on the terms....
"Freddie Sjostrom, the winger who was acquired from Phoenix at the trade deadline last season, has accepted the team's $840,000, 1-year, qualifying offer..."
...nice to have Sjostrom back in the fold. Hopefully he can regain some of the magic that made him a first round draft pick.
In other free agency news, TSN is reporting, the Florida Panthers avoided arbitration by agreeing to terms on a one-year, $4.875 million contract with defenseman Jay Bouwmeester.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Blogs: Chemistry, Killin' Time, Dog Pee, Over the Cap & High or Low?
Jess Rubenstein at The Prospect Park emphasizes that no matter what, chemistry is key. Scotty Hockey kills some time on a Friday night blogging about numerous Ranger issues.
Leedsy99 at Rangersland.net let's his readers know what he'll be drinking if Aaron Voros scores 10 goals for the Rangers this year.
Pucks on Broadway says with the Rangers about $350,000 over the cap they're going to have to make some moves if they want to bring back Shanahan.
Gootzman at the Corner of Section 420 & Glendale feels players' perseverance and determination make low scoring games better than high scoring ones.
Brendl Shining Overseas
Brian Costello at The Hockey News gives his top 10 ex-NHLers shining overseas...8. Pavel Brendl - Multi-time NHL bust was third in Swedish Elite League scoring after a 30-goal season in Brynas.
...maybe we should try signing him. Just kidding.
Shanahan Wants to Return for 1 More Year
Michael Farber at SI.com has this piece on Brendan Shanahan wanting to return to the NHL..."Shanahan, a free agent, is seeking a one-year contract. If a deal with the Rangers can't be worked out -- and currently New York is his only focus -- he would be willing to listen to offers from other teams. He already has deflected off-ice offers, including from media outlets."
York Signed By Columbus
Aaron Portzline at the Columbus Dispatch is reporting..."The Blue Jackets have signed veteran NHL center Mike York to a one-year contract, The Dispatch has learned.
It's a two-way contract that will pay York $750,000 with the Blue Jackets and $100,000 with the minor-league Syracuse Crunch."
...York was a fan favorite at the Garden who couldn't replicate his success on Broadway with any other team. Good luck resurrecting your career Mike.
Renney on WFAN
Tom Renney was on WFAN's Boomer & Carton radio program this morning. For audio click here.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Rangers Release Liffiton
Mitch Beck at Howlings reports...Dave Liffiton's time as a hockey player in Hartford can best be summed up in one word...competitor. However, Liffiton told Howlings in a brief conversation that he will not be coming back to the Wolf Pack.
"The Rangers didn't offer me anything they let me go." The 6'2" 210-pounder from Windsor, Ontario said.
...a pretty bad concussion and other various injuries were Liffiton's downfall. He looked like he was going to be a nice physical defenseman in a couple of years. Too bad.
...although, even without the injuries, there was probably little chance he was ever going to get a legitimate chance with the Rangers with all the defensive depth in the organization.
What No Name?
Here's a picture I found of Jaromir Jagr accepting his new jersey for Avangard Omsk courtesy of Puck Daddy.
More Productive Year for Drury?
Ryan Dixon at The Hockey News has this to say about Chris Drury..."Year 2 on Broadway is going to be more productive for Chris Drury as the Rangers slowly, but surely, become his team…"
...while Drury had a down year numbers wise, I thought he was really good for us in other aspects such as face-offs and penalty killing.
...to me Drury had the typical first year for a big time player coming to New York. Look at A-Rod, Clemens, Beltran and Santana. It takes time to get used to all the media and expectations. Drury should be in for a better year as he'll be more comfortable with his surroundings.
Today's Headline
Here's Steve Zipay's full story at Newsday on Marc Staal being excited about the Rangers off-season moves....
Staal on Michal Rozsival...
"I got pretty comfortable playing with him last year," Staal said, noting that he had no preference for a pairing with either Redden or Rozsival. "It's not up to me, but I want to play as much as I can, so I can probably get the minutes with either of those guys."
...hopefully with a full year under his belt learning the NHL game, Staal will be more confident offensively this year.
Staal on Michal Rozsival...
"I got pretty comfortable playing with him last year," Staal said, noting that he had no preference for a pairing with either Redden or Rozsival. "It's not up to me, but I want to play as much as I can, so I can probably get the minutes with either of those guys."
...hopefully with a full year under his belt learning the NHL game, Staal will be more confident offensively this year.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Blogs: #9 & Are We Better?
Scotty Hockey feels the Rangers should retire #9 in honor of both Adam Graves and Andy Bathgate. While Mike Savino at the Ranger Pundit says the Rangers are definitely different, but wonders if they're better.
NHL.com Interviews Messier
Dan Rosen at NHL.com recently interviewed Mark Messier on topics including free agency, the Detroit Red Wings, the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Winter Classic. Here's an excerpt...NHL.com: And, finally, if you could rewind time and relive one moment of your career — and only one — which of the many would you choose?
MM: Impossible to answer. I have been asked it a lot, but I just can't answer it. The first Stanley Cup was a dream come true. Making the NHL was a dream come true. The Cup in New York was a dream come true. The Canada Cups; to pick one is just impossible.
...c'mon Mark we all know it's the Cup in New York you're not fooling anyone.
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