Rangers to Host Viewing Party @ Foxwoods

Newyorkrangers.com reports that the Rangers will be hosting a viewing party on January 21, 2010 at Foxwoods to watch the Blueshirts take on the Flyers.

Special packages are available which includes tickets and lodging starting at $125. On hand will be Rangers alumni Adam Graves, Ron Duguay and Nick Fotiu.

Also, Newyorkrangers.com continues with their video feature "Road to the Rangers" with Brian Boyle.

Sather Not Going Anywhere

Despite reports yesterday, Larry Brooks at the New York Post reports that Jim Dolan will be sticking with Glen Sather as the Rangers GM for the foreseeable future...

"There is no indication that Garden CEO Jim Dolan is considering a change in the Blueshirts' hierarchy."

Brooks also says that Sather is not looking to make an immediate change with the Rangers roster...

"Everything has been discussed, and I mean everything, but this is not the time for drastic action," Sather told The Post.

...it really is unfathomable the length of the leash Sather has been given by the Dolans. The Rangers have won two, TWO!!!! playoff series in his over nine seasons as GM with the Rangers.

...i would love just once to hear what it is about Sather that they like so much.

Del Zotto, Kreider Trailing the Play

In the Hockey's Future's monthly look at NHL prospects who are either exceeding expectations or not quite living up to them, Michael Del Zotto and Cris Krieder are said to be struggling and are placed in the "Trailing the Play" category...

Michael Del Zotto, D – New York Rangers

2008, 1st round, 20th overall

A fiery October has led way to a cool November and a cold December for 19-year-old Del Zotto. After posting four goals, 11 assists in his first 20 games, Del Zotto has potted a goal, four helpers, and a minus-10 over the past 12. Head coach John Tortorella’s confidence in the young blueliner has, at least publicly, not wavered as his ice time is 21:44 through the month of December, over two minutes more than his season average of 19:15. The problem for the offensively gifted defender is how opposing teams key in on him. The additional ice time and responsibility is starting to lead to defensive errors.

...i think after some recent struggles, Del Zotto seems to be turning his game back around. He looked real good the other night against Atlanta and last night he played with some snarl I hadn't seen from him all year.

Chris Kreider, LW – Boston College (Hockey East)

New York Rangers, 2009, 1st round, 19th overall

Some adjustments to the NCAA style of play were to be expected for this first-round pick. However, Kreider's offensive production to date, two goals in 14 games, does not even meet modest expectations for a forward who is highly touted for his skill and conditioning. Still, he has managed to at times show good offensive instincts and puck-protection and has two goals and three assists to show for it. Currently mired in a four -game pointless streak, the 18-year-old has seen a decline in ice time recently. There is no reason to push the panic button though. Kreider is still young and raw. Also, as he is just a first-year player, and holdovers from the previous season such as Ben Smith (CHI) and Cam Atkinson (CLB), are given first crack at power-play duties.

...i know there were some concerns about Kreider's lack of competition at prep and he now seems to be struggling against superior opponents in college. But the kid's just a freshman and has plenty of time to figure it out.

Video: Highlights & Torts on Win vs. Islanders

John Tortorella speaks to reporters following the Blueshirts' 5-2 win over the Islanders here.

Rangers @ Islanders highlights here.

Fiday Headlines

The Bergen Record - Rangers respond to Coach Tortorella's shake-up

The Bergen Record - Rangers blue

New York Post - Torts tirade lights fire under Blueshirts

New York Post - Rangers show life (for one game) as crybaby Redden sits

New York Post - Drury snaps scoreless streak

Daily News - Rangers snap skid as angry Redden sits

The Journal News - Rangers beat Isles after shakeup

New York Times - Rangers Reshuffle Lineup and Rout the Islanders

Newsday - Rangers erupt for five goals against Islanders

Rangers Talk Win Against Islanders

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has post game player notes...

Henrik Lundqvist...
"It's hard to be satisfied," said Lundqvist, who finished with 35 saves, "because we're in such a tough spot, but you have to enjoy it. It's been a tough couple weeks."

Ryan Callahan...
"Hank made some key saves for us," said Callahan. "I don't think we were concerned, We were pretty composed on the bench, we talked about it before the game. I thought we played with the lead pretty well...It's nice to see some payoff, some dirty goals to get us over this hump of not putting the puck in the net. That's what we needed."

John Tortorella...
"The power play obviously was a key," said Tortorella. "Cally did a really good job...It was similar to Atlanta when we were putting pucks to the net and looking for rebounds."

Rangers 5, Islanders 2

The New York Rangers (15-16-3) defeated the New York Islanders (13-15-7) by the score of 5-2, tonight. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.

...I'm not going to get too excited about the win, but man did the Rangers and their fans need that one.

...and despite the lop-sided score, that game could have easily went the other way if it wasn't for the heroics of Lundqvist. Especially in the first period. If Torts keeps to his original plan of starting Chad Johnson tonight the Rangers lose. Which is why I'd hate to see the beat writers talk about how Torts move to sit Redden and Kotalik really resonated with the team because if it wasn't for Lundqvist I'd be blogging about Sather being fired right now.

...a combined 3 goals, 2 assists. It's amazing what happens when Drury and Callahan are split up. BTW did you see the huge monkey jump off of Drury's back after he scored.

...unbelievable stat of the night: Gaborik tied a career high with his 12th power play goal of the season. Really? Did Lemaire not use Gaborik on the power play in Minnesota?

...maybe Rozsival's problem is Redden. 2 assists and a +1. Not bad. Having said that I expect to see Redden back in there on Sunday. No way the Rangers defense can last the entire year with Heikkinen and Sanguinetti combining for just 20 minutes a night.

...besides Lundqvist, the next biggest reason for the win was the penalty kill which was 6-for-6.

...nice to see Anisimov bury one as for some reason he's having difficulty finding ice time.

...i thought Brashear was supposed to be in the line-up? Wait...he was?

...i still can't believe that guy Thompson missed the empty net.

...off tomorrow then the Rangers take their new found offense into Philadelphia for an afternoon delight.

Rangers @ Islanders (Game 34)

The New York Rangers (14-16-3) visit the New York Islanders (13-14-7) tonight at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum starting at 7:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

TV: MSG2; Radio: WNYM (970AM)

Probable Lines:
Prospal-Dubinsky-Gaborik
Higgins-Drury-Callahan
Avery-Anisimov-Lisin
Boyle-Christensen-Brashear

Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Heikkinen-Sanguinetti

Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 12-13-3, 2.57 gaa, .920 sv%, 1 so.

Dwayne Roloson - 11-5-5, 2.80 gaa, .910 sv%, 0 so.

Opponent Notes:
- The Islanders are 2-0 against the Rangers this season.

- LW Jon Sim's goal last night was his third of the season and first in 12 games.

- While RW Blake Comeau's goal was his first since Nov. 7.

- The Islanders blocked 28 shots against the Blueshirts last night.

Opponent Blog:
Lighthouse Hockey

Redden Not Pleased to Be Singled Out

Update, 2:50 p.m.:

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has the entire Redden quote...

"I wasn't happy coming in and seeing my name on the scratched list," he said, and a loud, closed-door discussion ensued. "Draw your own conclusions. We haven't gotten things done...Obviously, he wants to shake things up and I'm an example....This kind of lays it all on the table, to be sitting out" said Redden, who addded "I do" when asked if he felt he had more to give. "All I can do is show them I want to be out there and then I've got to deliver. I've got to come back and be ready."

Zipay also has a quote from Captain Chris Drury saying he's confident the Rangers to be hungrier tonight here.

...don't think it's possible to play with less hunger than last night so that's real easy to say.

Original Post:

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants was able to speak with Wade Redden and Ales Kotalik on their benchings for tonight's game against the Islanders...

Gross notes that Redden seemed the angrier of the two saying he was not pleased to be "singled out"...

“Obviously, he wants to shake things up and obviously I’m an example,” Redden said. “I can deal with it.”

...well Rangers fans have not been pleased with your play since joining the team, so now you know how we feel.

Kotalik added...

“I don’t have much to say,” Kotalik said. “Sure, it’s always surprising when you’re not a guy that’s just starting in this league. It’s frustrating. But that’s the reality of things right now. All I can do is go out and work hard in practice.”

Gross adds that Bobby Sanguinetti will be paired with Illka Heikkinen in replace of Redden.

Here are tonight's lines...

Prospal-Dubinsky-Gaborik

Higgins-Drury-Callahan

Avery-Anisimov-Lisin

Boyle-Christensen-Brashear

Redden, Kotalik Scratched, Lundqvist 8th Straight Start Tonight vs. Isles

Larry Brooks of the New York Post, via Twitter, reports that Wade Redden and Ales Kotalik will be healthy scratches tonight vs. the Islanders.

While Andrew Gross of Ranger Rants, also via Twitter, notes that Henrik Lundqvist will get his eighth straight start tonight.

...not exactly the ground breaking changes I was looking for.

Sather May Be Fired Today

ESPN.com Insider reports that Glen Sather may be fired today. I don't subscribe so I can't pass along the story.

...h/t to reader James, who says that the decision will be based on tonight's performance against the Isles.

...i just don't understand how Sather's entire terrible resume with the Rangers can somehow be wiped away with a win tonight against the Islanders. Fire him now!!!

Changes A Comin'

Rick Carpiniello at the Rangers Report wonders what John Tortorella will do today to shake things up and offers up some advice...

"...tonight he should make a major statement. Here’s what I’d do: Put Chris Drury and Michal Rozsival in the pressbox. Maybe one other, too."

While Steve Zipay at Blue Notes chimes in as well saying Tortorella...

"...needs to cut through the weeds in this embarrassingly overgrown Garden of Sleep (not Dreams) today, by benching or waiving either Wade Redden or Michal Rozival to send a message and clear roster space before this tugboat sinks."

Neither think it would be fair to throw Chad Johnson in goal tonight.

...both have great ideas, but I'm sure it will be same old, same old with Torts probably benching Lisin for Voros.

And what's with Ranger beat writers stealing my ideas. Last week Larry Brooks used my idea of Dan Cloutier being the Rangers answer to their back-up goaltending dilemma. Now last night Michael Obernauer at the Blueshirts Blog used my Lundqvist channeling Dennis Green line and even linked to the video. Both without any attributions.

Video: Torts Tirade in All It's Glory

Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy does a great job colaborating the events of the last night and the reaction around the web.

...thanks Greg you saved me a lot of work this morning.

Thursday Headlines

The Journal News - 'Unacceptable' the norm for Rangers

Newsday - Islanders hang on to beat Rangers, 2-1

Newsday - Staple: Rangers' brass needs to make changes

New York Times - Struggling Teams Meet, and Bad Play Happens

Daily News - Tortorella rips into listless Rangers

New York Post - Rangers-Isles rivalry not what it used to be

New York Post - Tortorella must lay down law with fading Rangers

New York Post - Tortorella erupts after Rangers fall to Islanders, 2-1

The Bergen Record - Rangers' 2-1 loss to Islanders has coach John Tortorella fuming

The Bergen Record - Rangers hit brick wall

Torts Tirade; Lundqvist Channels Inner Dennis Green

Rick Carpiniello at the Rangers Report gives the transcript from John Tortorella's post game press conference as we most likely won't see the video at newyorkrangers.com. Here's a snipet...

“I’ll tell you right now, the thing that’s unacceptable about tonight’s game — and we’re trying to stay positive around here, trying to work out way through it — but when we play like (poop) like that for 20 minutes, in a game like this, in a back-to-back situation, it’s unacceptable . .. it is simply unacceptable. And there has to be something done. We’ll see, along the way here, before tomorrow night’s game, where we go with it. It’s simply unacceptable how we start that game. I wish I could give you a (firetruckin’) explanation for it. I can’t.”

...way too many I don't know the answer and I don't have explanations coming from Torts. You're the coach, figure it out!!!!

Carp also has this quote from Henrik Lundqvist who sounded (minus the insanity) like Dennis Green after the Arizona Cardinals blew that Monday night game against the undefeated Chicago Bears in 2006...

“They played exactly the way we thought they would play. No surprise. No excuse there. They played with a lot of energy and they got the job done.

“It’s not acceptable. We’re in a really tough spot here and we have to realize that. To play like that, the first period, not acceptable. We all have to look in the mirror right now and see what we have to do better to help the team. We’re not doing enough right now.”

...sorry Henrik, but nobody does it like Denny Green...

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has more Torts tirade and player quotes here.

Islanders 2, Rangers 1

The New York Rangers (14-16-3) lost to the New York Islanders (13-14-7) by the score of 2-1, tonight. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.

...worst post lock-out performance. Period. Not sure how a team coming off one of their best efforts of the season, desperate for points and playing against a huge rival can come out with such a lack of passion and energy. It's disgraceful.

...i've been very reluctant to say this, but when you see an effort like that in such a big game you have to wonder if Tortorella has lost this team.

...how Avery can get only 13 minutes while a guy like Higgins gets over 20 is unfathomable to me. Avery was the only player, other than Lundqvist & Gaborik, who played with any type of energy and he can't get on the ice? Loved seeing him try to spark this team by going after Roloson. Reminded me of when he did the same to Brodeur when the Rangers first signed him.

...can someone tell me why Torts is so afraid to play Heikkinen? The kid looked real solid tonight, getting shots towards the net and deserved more than nine minutes.

...just watched Torts press conference and he said something was going to happen between now and tomorrow night to send a message that tonight's effort was unacceptable. Stay tuned.

...thought Lisin was flying tonight. Guess that's what happens when you haven't played in two weeks.

...i expect a much better effort from the Rangers tomorrow night on Long Island, but I expected one tonight so I won't hold my breath.

Rangers vs. Islanders (Game 33)

The New York Rangers (14-15-3) host the New York Islanders (12-14-7) tonight at MSG starting at 7:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

TV: MSG; Radio: ESPNRadio (1050AM)

Probable Lines:
Higgins-Dubinsky-Gaborik
Prospal-Drury-Callahan
Avery-Anisimov-Kotalik
Brashear-Boyle-Lisin

Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Heikkinen-Redden

Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 12-12-3, 2.59 gaa, .920 sv%, 1 so.

Dwayne Roloson - 10-5-5, 2.90 gaa, .910 sv%, 0 so.

Opponent Notes:
- The Islanders have lost three times by at least four goals during a 1-4-0 stretch.

- John Tavares has scored at least one point in six of his last nine games.

- The Islanders defeated the Rangers 3-1 back on Oct. 28.

- G Rick DiPietro was scratched from Tuesday's scheduled rehabilitation start for AHL Bridgeport after being removed from his previous appearance Friday because of leg stiffness.

- RW Kyle Okposo has no goals in his last 13 games.

- C Doug Weight suffered an undisclosed upper-body injury Nov. 6 and is expected to be out until late December.

Opponent Blog:
NYI Point Blank

Lecavalier Not Coming to Rangers

Lyle Richardson at Spector's Sports shoots down current trade rumors including this one involving the Rangers...

"Vincent Lecavalier to the Rangers, Canadiens or Kings: If I’ve said it once I’ve said it a hundred times: big-salaries players with multi-year contracts containing movement clauses aren’t traded during the season. Period."

...finally a voice of reason with regard to Lecavalier.

Richardson also denies a Brandon Dubinsky for Edmonton's C Andrew Cogliano rumor.

Scheduling Conflict May Hold Up Yankee Stadium Winter Classic

Sean Leahy at Puck Daddy reports that plans for Yankee Stadium to host a college bowl game until 2013 may hamper the NHL's ability to have a Winter Classic in New York...

"Another question to think about is the chance of double dipping. Is the NHL willing to wait until 2014 before putting a Winter Classic at the home of the reigning World Series champions or would they think about playing at an alternate New York venue in 2011 and then revisit the idea of Yankee Stadium when their bowl game agreement ends? Or if they are hellbent on having the game in the Bronx, does the Winter Classic occur on a day other than New Year's for one year, like say, the weekend between the NFL's conference championship games and the Super Bowl (if it's moved back to its original date of after the season) or maybe a Saturday afternoon in February?"

...it would be a shame for New York hockey fans to wait until after 2013 for a Winter Classic. As Leahy mentions, the new Giants Stadium would be the perfect venue until Yankee Stadium becomes available.

Dubinsky: They Always Play us Tough

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has some post optional practice quotes on tonight's opponent the Islanders...

"They always play us tough", said Dubinsky. "We've got to have a good start. If we get some of the same chances we had the other night and carry them over, we should score some goals."

Vinny Prospal on Isles and moving to wing...

"The last time they beat us and then went off on a winning streak. We want that to happen here....With guys getting healthy there's no need for me to play center. Our line (Chris Drury and Ryan Callahan) had a number of chances to score."

...these next two games against the Islanders are four must have points.

Sanguinetti Recalled

Update, 3:35 p.m.:
Was just given a heads-up that Dandenault has been out since November 28th with an injury, so it would be difficult for the Rangers to call him up.

Original Post:
Newyorkrangers.com reports that the Rangers have recalled D Bobby Sanguinetti from Hartford.

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants says the move was made to give the Rangers some flexibility with three games in four days and four games in six days.

...the Wolf Pack players must have a ridiculous amount of frequent flier miles with all the recalls and reassignments.

...i like the move to give the Rangers an extra body with so many games coming up. Although I would still rather see the veteran Dandenault. Sangs gives the Rangers too many young, offensive-minded players on the blueline.

Same Line-up vs. Fishsticks

In a surprising move, John Tortorella will stay with the same line-up that fired 48 shots on Johan Hedberg Monday night according to Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants.

...did hell just freeze over?

Meaning Erik Christensen and Aaron Voros are again the healthy scratches. Christensen had this to say about his second straight healthy scratch...

“I understand, the team is the most important thing,” said Christensen, who was scoreless in four games after being claimed from the Ducks. “It’s important we start getting points. Every game is so important.”

Gross also reports on Torts over-using his top six forwards and Marian Gaborik's shootout struggles.

Now Zipay Goes All Decade

Yesterday it was SI.com, now Steve Zipay at Blue Notes gives his Rangers All Decade Team as well as the Top 10 NHL Players of the Decade.

Here's his Rangers All Decade Team...

Forwards
Martin Straka-Mark Messier-Jaromir Jagr
Brendan Shanahan-Michal Nylander-Alex Kovalev
Eric Lindros-Petr Nedved-Martin Rucinsky
Matthew Barnaby-Chris Drury-Ryan Callahan

Defense
Brian Leetch-Marc Staal
Michal Rozsival-Tom Poti
Fedor Tyutin-Darius Kasparaitis

Goalies
Henrik Lundqvist
Mike Richter (2000-2003)

Spares
Radek Dvorak, Jan Hlavac (Presumably, Marian Gaborik will be here next time.)

Coach
Tom Renney

...when Rozsival and Poti are on your All Decade Team you know it's been a bad 10 years.

Rangers Searching for Back-up; Halak Available

Jim Matheson at the Edmonton Journal reports that the Rangers are currently searching the league for a back-up goaltender.

The Philadelphia Flyers, who lost starting goaltender Ray Emery for an extended period due to injury, have been gobbling up netminders as they brought former Lightning goalie John Grahame back over from the KHL and claimed Michael Leighton from the Hurricanes.

TSN is also reporting that the Canadiens have offered goaltender Jaroslav Halak to the Flyers. Spector wonders if the Rangers may be interested in Halak as the Blueshirts have nearly $2 million in available cap space and Halak has less than $470K remaining on his current contract.

...doesn't look like the Rangers are doing a very good job of searching for a back-up as Philly seems to be beating them to the punch.

...Halak is very intriguing as he has shown he can play at the NHL level and could possibly push Lundqvist to step-up his game.

...how hard the Rangers look for a back-up will have a lot to do with how Chad Johnson performs in his first start possibly tomorrow against the Isles.

Wednesday Headlines

Daily News - Ranger call-up eyes net result in first start

Newsday - Islanders need to rebound against Rangers

The Bergen Record - Goalie Chad Johnson awaits Rangers' debut

The Bergen Record - Rangers notes: Michael Del Zotto steps up

Video: Torts & Players Post 12/15 Practice

Brandon Dubinsky, Ales Kotalik and Wade Redden look ahead to two games against the Islanders following the team's Dec. 15 practice.

John Tortorella speaks to reporters following his team's Dec. 15 practice at the MSG Training Center to prepare for games vs. the Islanders here.

Dubinsky: We Need Points

Michael Obernauer at the Blueshirts Blog reports that between now and Jan. 2, 2010, the Rangers play only one game against a team with a higher point total. They play three games against the Islanders (31 points), three against Carolina (20 points), two against Philly (31 points), and one against Florida (33 points). Five of those nine games are at home.

...the Rangers need to come out of that stretch with a minimum of 13 of 18 points.

Brandon Dubinsky realizes the importance of the available points in those games...

“We need the points in the worst way,” said Brandon Dubinsky, who took part in an optional practice today a day after returning from a five-week layoff. “We had a good effort last night, and hopefully that makes us hungrier now to go get two points. We need to find a way to turn this thing around.”

On playing an Islanders team who lost to Florida 7-1 last night, John Tortorella said...

“They struggled a little bit in their building (last night), but they’ll be ready to play,” John Tortorella said. “And obviously the Islander-Ranger game, it’s a toe-to-toe tilt. We need to build off this game here and come back into our building and try to find a way.”

The Rangers were defeated by the Islanders back on October 28th by the score of 3-1.

Lundqvist to Start 7th Straight; P.A. Clears Waivers

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports that Henrik Lundqvist will start his seventh straight game (14th of the last 15) tomorrow against the Islanders.

Gross adds it would be logical that Johnson might be in line to start Thursday at Nassau Coliseum but the rookie netminder hasn’t been told yet and he said today he doesn’t feel it’s his place to ask.

...so much for resting Lundqvist in an Olympic year. Since it looks like the Rangers will be battling for a playoff spot during the final month of the season and will need to lean on Lundqvist, I'm worried that 'The King' will break down similar to 2006.

Gross also notes that P.A. Parenteau cleared waivers and was officially assigned to Hartford.

...thank god. (Dripping with sarcasm)

Sather to Blame

Adam Proteau at The Hockey News has a piece on Glen Sather being the architect of Broadway's blues...

"To summarize: Sather no longer can draft, spends free-agent dollars as if he were paid an agent’s commission and hasn’t seen the third round of the playoffs in 10 years. He has become a hidden husk of a fading legend, with a stick of dynamite where a cigar used to be.

With every passing day, the shine on his story dims. However, the more important defacing has happened to the Rangers, who have become the most directionless of the Original Six franchises – and the go-to punch line for forgetful jokesters.

Blueshirts diehards deserve far better than that. But nothing short of the current GM’s removal will reverse their malaise and stop them from believing Dolan wants 10 more years under Sather before giving up on this ghastly vision."

...bravo Mr. Proteau. Bravo.

For more Ranger misery visit NHL.com.

SI.com Goes All Decade

SI.com has a number of all decade lists including an All Decade team which includes former Rangers Jaromir Jagr and Markus Naslund.

Other lists include - Highlights & Lowlights of the decade with Wade Redden as biggest free agent bust and Henrik Lundqvist as biggest draft steal; and Trades, free agents & draft including Bobby Holik as a worst free agent signing and Huge Jessiman and Al Montoya as draft busts.

...way too many worsts and busts for the Rangers.