Blogs: Traverse Roundup, Open Letter, Analyse This, Resigned, Cherepanov Speaks & Poor Economy

Jess Rubenstein at The Prospect Park shares his thoughts from the Traverse City Tournament.

Scotty Hockey has an open letter to the Ranger players at camp.

Pucks on Broadway has started its preseason analysis with Blair Betts here and Ryan Callahan here.

M Hurley at My Blueshirt Heaven says Rangers fans must be resigned to be patient until the Rangers decide what they're doing with Brendan Shanahan.

Beyond the Blueshirts has a great interview with top Ranger prospect Alexei Cherepanov.

NYR Zach at The Rivalry thinks we might see lots of empty seats in NHL arenas this year and wonders why teams don't lower ticket prices and offer food discounts.

So Far So Good For Redden

Sam Weinman at The Rangers Report gives us the early returns on Wade Redden...

"I like Redden’s puck-handling and his ability to make the simple but effective first pass. And I like the fact that he’s willing to absorb a hit—and there have been plenty the first two days—to make a play."

Dubi at the Blueshirt Bulletin has more on Redden's performance here.

...i'm still worried about Redden's ability to deal with the pressure of playing in New York. But as my headline says, so far so good.

Brett Cyrgalis at The Blue Seats also has a report from this morning's scrimmage in which he talks about the stand-out perfromances of Dawes, Korpikoski, Anisimov, Parenteau and Fritsche.

...one name that has been absent from these reports is Freddie Sjostrom. With the way Fritsche and Rissmiller have been playing so far it looks like Sjostrom could be fighting Voros for that last spot on the fourth line.

Rangers Need Size

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants (Bergen Record Rangers Blog) reports that Tom Renney is concerned he won't have enough size on his top three lines...

"I've got to try some size up there, that's the issue I've got now," Renney said when asked about the lack thereof. "Certainly (Aaron) Voros and (Patrick) Rissmiller would love that opportunity. Who knows what they might have to offer with some bigger bodies and some NHL experience. I think the next step is to get those guys into those locations through practices and games moving forward so we give ourselves a chance to assess that."

...with a log jam of wingers, its not going to be easy to get one of the big boys on a top three line.

...not sure I want to see Rissmiller playing with Drury and Prucha, while Dawes is stuck on the fourth line with Betts and Orr.

Gomez or Drury For Captain?

Stan Fischler at MSG.com looks at who should be the next Rangers captain...

"The Maven's choice is Gomer, Alaska's gift to Seventh Avenue. Granted that he's viewed by some as perpetually auditioning for Looney Tunes and Merry Melodies, but who cares what others think. Scotty has matured and wearing the "C" will mature him even more. Of course, his light side ("I like to have fun; it's a fun game.") might cause management to look the other way, and if so, fair enough. But let's be honest, anyone close to the team over the past few seasons knows that there was no bigger clown than Captain (Ahem) Jagr, who had to be coaxed into the role."

...i'm with ya Maven. Here's a post of mine from the other day, click here.

Video: Rangers Talk About Trip to Europe

Eklund: Rangers, Blues & Sundin

Eklund at HockeyBuzz reports on the Rangers contuing efforts to get Mats Sundin...

"I am hearing once again that there is a definite push by the Rangers to make a deal, and the team I am hearing today tied to this is the St. Louis Blues, not the Canucks as was the case with the last round."

...i know its only three days into camp, but I'm very excited with what I'm hearing so far and do not under any circumstances want a trade to mess with the positive vibes.

...especially with Prucha, the player most mentioned in trade rumors, being the best player in camp so far.

Sam Weinman at The Rangers Report has Prucha's reaction to his name being mentioned in so many trade rumors.

Day 2 Scrimmage Updates

Sam Weinman at The Rangers Report updates from today's practice including Naslund-Gomez-Zherdev flying again, Dawes scoring off a Zherdev turnover, Dan Fritsche impressing and fourth round pick Dale Wise scoring.

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has more here.

Naslund a Potential Hart Trophy Candidate?

Sam McCaig at The Hockey News takes a look at potential MVP candidates who you may not see coming...

Rangers

Markus Naslund is born again on Broadway.

...if this comes true we could be in for a special year.

Rangers Look Physical

Brett Cyrgalis at The Blue Seats was impressed with the Rangers physicality during yesterday's scrimmage...

"With all the guys I mentioned in the lead-in – Voros, Rissmiller, Jessiman, etc. – there’s a lot of big hitting going on. Of course no one is dropping the gloves in camp (at least hopefully no one does), but this is something that obviously the team and management is thinking about."

Cyrgalis also looks at Zherdev, Prucha and P.A. Parenteau.

...Ranger management has done a great job putting together a much faster team, while not sacrificing any toughness.

Ranger Prospects Settle for Sixth at Traverse

Newyorkrangers.com reports...

"Hoping to leave the Traverse City Prospects Tournament on a high note, the Rangers prospects were forced to settle for sixth place in the eight-team field on Wednesday when they fell 4-2 to St. Louis in their final game."

...let's hope Rangers management was able to gain some insight on our top prospects from this tournament.

Betts Almost A Lock

Sam Weinman at The Rangers Report says that despite Tom Renney saying he wants more production from the fourth line, Blair Betts is almost a lock for the fourth line center position...

"But my guess is that as much as he wants more goals out of his fourth unit, Tom Renney isn’t willing to sacrifice responsible two-way play. And for all of Betts’ shortcomings, he is still the Ranger’s best defensive forward (and a top penalty killer, another important area now that Martin Straka, and very likely, Brendan Shanahan are gone)."

...Betts, like Callahan, is one of those guys you need on the team. He's great on the PK, blocks shots and does all the little things it takes to win.

...no way Renney could even consider putting Nedved, who has no defensive ability, or Anisimov, not physically ready for the NHL, ahead of Betts.

...put Voros and Rissmiller (who scored two goals yesterday) on Betts' wings and I can see much more offense coming from the fourth line. It can't be worse than last year production wise.

Today's Headlines

New York Post - RANGERS WANT MORE FROM BETTS

Newsday - Rangers expecting a lot from Zherdev

The Journal News - Rangers like Zherdev's potential

Individual Ranger Tickets On Sale Saturday

Newyorkrangers.com reports...

The New York Rangers announced today that tickets for the 2008-09 Rangers season home games will go on-sale on Saturday, September 20 beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Ticketmaster via newyorkrangers.com.

Ticketmaster charge-by-phone, (212) 307-7171, (201) 507-8900, (631) 888-9000, (845) 454-3388, (609) 520-8383 and Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets are limited. Fans will be limited to a maximum of four (4) tickets per game.

Due to high season subscription renewals for the upcoming season, there will be extremely limited individual tickets available for "Adam Graves Night" on Feb. 3 vs. the Atlanta Thrashers.

More Camp Notes

Sam Weinman at The Rangers Report concludes his day long scrimmage blog post with quotes from Zherdev, Renney on the fourth line, an exhibition snafu, players being in-shape and Rozsvial's new number.

Dubi at Blueshirt Bulletin has his own report on the hard hitting first scrimmage including stand-out performers. Photo also courtesy of BB.

...from what I've read today Prucha looks like he's come to camp ready to redeem himself. I'm rooting for ya Pruchs.

Puck Daddy Hockey Rumors Live Chat

Puck Daddy is currently holding a live web chat on hockey rumors. I'm assuming they're going to discuss Shanahan and Sundin. The live chat started at 1pm.

Naslund-Gomez-Zherdev & Prucha Look Great; Kalinin Not So Much

Brett Cyrgalis at The Blue Seats gives his thoughts on the Rangers first practice today including Naslund-Gomez-Zherdev flying and looking fresh, Renney showing confidence in Prucha and Kalinin looking awful.

...ladies and gentleman your 2008-2009 version of Marek Malik...Dmitri Kalinin. Don't worry Dmitri we won't start booing you till at least the first regular season game.

Scrimmage: White 4, Blue 3

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes gives a recap of today's scrimmage...

"Patrick Rissmiller scored the scrimmage-winner for the white squad....Petr Prucha ---on a line with Drury and Dawes---impressed with a goal against Lundqvist on the semi-breakaways awarded after penalties and an assist from behind the cage to Drury...Nikolai Zherdev, skating with Gomez and Makus Naslund, scored after leaving the ice and missing a shift after a shoulder-to-shoulder hit from Dane Byers in the first of the two periods...Other scorers, Ryan Hillier (roofed backhander), Dan Fritsche (high glove side on Valliquette)...Hugh Jessiman and Marc Staal caught sticks in the face...."

...very encouraging to see goals from Prucha, Zherdev and Fritsche. Definitely three players who need a fast start this year.

Practice Update

Sam Weinman at The Rangers Report has updates from this morning's practice including Zherdev scoring his first highlight reel goal after almost being taken out by Dane Byers, Hillier and Prucha scoring on penalty shots, the speed of the Naslund-Gomez-Zherdev line and Rozsival still wearing #3 despite the number being retired later this year.

...great job as always by Weinman. As soon as more updates are available I'll get them to you guys.

Video: Rangers Open Camp

Rangers Prospects Finally Win at Traverse City

Newyorkrangers.com reports that the Rangers prospects won their first game in the Traverse City Tournament 5-3 over Tampa Bay...

"Artem Anisimov and Joe Barnes each scored two goals, and goaltender Matt Zaba was outstanding in net with 27 saves. Dale Weise had the other Rangers tally."

...it's about time.

Drury & Gomez Taking Over

Brett Cyrgalis at The Blue Seats has a great blog post on all of yesterday's activities including Gomez & Drury taking over as leaders, team personnel, and the newest Rangers.

...Cyrgalis says he will be giving live updates from practice today. So as soon as it becomes available, I'll let you know.

First Day Line Combinations

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has line combinations and defensive pairings for today's practice...

WHITE (which will open in Ottawa, possibly with some tweaking, on Saturday)
G---Valiquette, Wiikman
D---Rozsival/Staal, Potter/Mara, Denisov/Kondratiev, DelZotto/Murray.
F---Dawes-Drury-Prucha, Voros-Nedved-Rissmiller, Sjostrom-Anisimov-Parenteau, Byers-Moore-Jessiman

BLUE (home opener vs. Ottawa Monday and NJ)
G---Lundqvist, Lafleur, Mike Brodeur
D---Redden/Girardi, Kalinin/Fahey, Pock/Sanguinetti, Busto.
F---Naslund-Gomez-Zherdev, Fritsche-Dubinsky-Callahan, Korpikoski-Betts-Orr, Dupont-Pyatt-Jamtim

...i'm liking these line combinations. Not sure if these are the ones we'll see on opening night in Prague. But not bad.

First Real Day of Training Camp Links

Lots of storys and blog posts from yesterday's first day of camp...

The Daily News - A clean slate for the Rangers

New York Post - RANGERS BEGIN LONG JOURNEY

Newsday - Hectic schedule for Rangers before Europe

Newsday - Drury and Gomez should share captaincy

The Journal News - Rangers set their eyes on the prize: Stanley Cup

New York Times - Rangers Adjust to Life After Jagr

Blueshirt Bulletin - Young Defensemen on Divergent Paths

Bergen Record - Rangers' Drury feeling at home

...hopefully that's enough to get you guys started this morning.

First Day of Camp: Stanley Cup or Bust

Sam Weinman at the Rangers Report has an update from today's first day of training camp including Gomez saying the Stanley Cup is their goal, Naslund noting he's not here to replace Jagr, possible line combinations, and split squads for road exhibition games.

Dubi at The Blueshirt Bulletin has more from the first day here. Including Chris Drury saying that he tried to do too much too quickly as the "new guy" last year.

...i can't believe the first day of training camp is here. It seemed like only yesterday Marian Hossa was scoring...nevermind let's focus on this year.

Rangers to Appear on NBC Five Times

NHL.com has released NBC's regular season schedule, with the Rangers appearing five times.

For more on NBC's schedule visit Puck Daddy and The NHL Arena Program.

Rangers Awaiting Word from Sundin Today

Spector's Hockey explain's why the Rangers have stalled on signing Brendan Shanahan...

"It's believed the real reason for this is Sather is supposedly awaiting word today from Mats Sundin if he's interested in playing for the Rangers and if Sundin passes then Shanahan will be re-signed."

...it looks like no matter what the Rangers are going to end up with either Sundin or Shanahan. And with the Rangers cap situation another move will have to be made to bring them in. Hey Prucha, coach needs to see ya.

Metallurg Excited to Play Rangers in Victoria Cup

Dan Rosen at NHL.com sits down with Metallurg Magnitogorsk coach Valery Belousov to discuss his team's up-coming match against the Rangers...

NHL.com: How will you go about preparing your team to play the Rangers?

Valery Belousov: "We can't change the tactics and the schemes of our playing fundamentally in two days, of course. So we're going to play mostly the same like we'd play in our home league regular season. But our guys should be ready to constantly pressure, forechecking, etc. Any player should be well-concentrated every second on ice. He shouldn't lose control and relax even after he gets rid of the puck. Good concentration -- that's what we'll try to exhibit."

...from the interview it sounds like Metallurg is going to treat this game like an exhibition which alleviates a lot concerns I had going into this game. I just pray all of our players make it out healthy.

Start of Training Camp Headlines

Newsday - Shanahan awaits call from Rangers GM Sather

Newsday - Rangers will miss Jagr on and off ice

New York Post - BLUESHIRTS REMAIN MUM ON SHANAHAN

Bergen Record - Rangers, Jagr both skating on

The Journal - Rangers look for new identity as camp opens

Redden on the Rebound

Wes Goldstein at CBS Sportsline gives his 12 players that are in desperate need of a turnaround...

3. Wade Redden, New York Rangers: The Ottawa Senators chose to keep Redden rather than Zdeno Chara after the lockout ended and regretted it for the next three seasons. Although he is a decent puck mover, Redden often plays soft and tends to give the puck away at bad times. Still the Senators likely would have hung on to the veteran defenseman had he taken a 50 percent cut from the $6.5 million he made a season. But the Rangers matched his previous salary and gave him a six-year deal, which is a gamble for a 31-year-old whose best days might be behind him.

...Redden more than any other player this off-season has taken a beating from the press. He's like the Sarah Palin of hockey. I hope he can use it as motivation.

Shanahan to Pull A Costanza?

Has anyone ever seen the Seinfeld episode where George Constanza wasn't sure if he got a job he was applying for so he just showed up? Well according to Sam Weinman at the Rangers Report, Brendan Shanahan might pull the same stunt...

"When I asked Curran if Shanahan would show up at the rink tomorrow even if he was unsigned, the agent declined to answer. So did a Rangers spokesman. Again, it could be a moot point if Shanahan and the team come to terms before tomorrow. But if not, there is the chance that A) Shanahan shows up and, like Petr Nedved, agrees to take part in camp without any commitment from the team; or B) he doesn’t show up and waits to see if a deal is struck."

...i've said all off-season that I don't want Shanahan back on this team, but if he shows up for the first day of camp on a tryout basis I might actually change my mind. Anyone of his caliber who is that dedicated to be on the Rangers deserves to be in the line-up.