Is Laraque the Answer?

Yesterday, TSN reported that the Montreal Canadiens have decided to buyout enforcer George Laraque saying the team was going in a different direction...

"It's a hockey decision. We felt that he was not helping our team to win games."

Laraque responded with this quote...

"Jacques Martin doesn't like me and doesn't believe in toughness," Laraque told TSN.

Laraque signed a three-year, $4.5 million contract in July of 2008 and has one year remaining on his deal. A lingering back injury limited him to just 61 games with the Canadiens over the last two seasons, as he tallied just five points and 89 penalty minutes.

...obviously with anyone that is bought out there are some major minuses. But this team needs a real enforcer. The Rangers can't allow an incident like last night to happen again to their superstar player.

...i may be making too big a deal out of the whole Gaborik situation as its only one game, but I'm worried that other teams will take Philly's cue and start pounding on the Rangers skilled players knowing there's no real physical threat in the Blueshirts line-up.

...if nothing else maybe we'll get to see another awesome commercial from Laraque.

Rangers Need Better Effort to Make Playoffs

Spector at Fox Sports takes a look at the playoff bubble teams in the Eastern Conference and has this to say about the Rangers chances...

"Inconsistency has plagued the Rangers since November as concerns have centered upon their depth at all positions. A better overall effort will be required for the Blueshirts to make the playoffs. Star goalie Henrik Lundqvist and superstar sniper Marian Gaborik have done their best carrying this club, but they’ll need their teammates to step up down the stretch."

...you can add needing increased team toughness. Don't think teams around the league didn't take notice of the pounding last night. The Rangers were exposed as a soft team.

...sure the Blueshirts have a few players who can fight, but are you telling me teams with legitimate tough guys are going to be scared of Voros, Avery and a washed up Brashear. I think not.

Friday Headlines

New York Post - Blueshirts show little fight in loss

Daily News - What happened? New York Rangers suddenly lacking punch, fall to Philadelphia Flyers, 2-0

Newsday - Rangers shut out by Flyers, 2-0

Bergen Record - Flyers beat up Rangers, 2-0, in Philadelphia

Bergen Record - Rangers notes: John Tortorella fiesty in postgame press conference

Bergen Record - John Halligan, NHL and Rangers publicist

Video: Torts vs. Brooks Post Game Fireworks

Since newyorkrangers.com cut out John Tortorella going at it with the Post's Larry Brooks during Tort's press conference after tonight's loss to the Flyers, here is what I found on YouTube...



...h/t to 5-hole.com for the better quality video.

Licking His Chops & Third Man In

Here's Dan Carcillo's quote on his fight with Gaborik...

“I didn’t really expect to fight who I fought, but it kind of worked out,” Carcillo said. “I don’t know who on that line would have been able to help him though. I wasn’t expecting him to drop his gloves, but when he did, I pretty much was licking my chops.”

...Sunday, March 14th will be Brashear's opportunity to make up for everything gone wrong this season. If I see a thorough beatdown of this guy I will stop all criticisims of Brash.

One issue brough up in the post game presser was that no Ranger jumped in to protect Gaborik. Here is Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants feelings...

"Tortorella would not address whether he thought his players should have stepped in immediately but several players did say that was addressed quickly and that, if a situation like this ever arises again, Tortorella expects somebody else to step in so Gaborik is not taking punches. It’s a fine line with the instigator rule. I was probably a little too hard on Dan Girardi in my early game story because Girardi is in a jam there, standing less than a foot away as Carcillo is punching away at Gaborik. It’s still a 1-0 game with two points on the line that literally could decide whether the Rangers make the playoffs or not. If Girardi gets involved he’s done and the Rangers play the rest of the way with five defensemen.It’s a split-second decision for Girardi, step in or not. Plus, the fight was over quickly. Turns out, the right move there would have been to take the instigator penalty and protect Gaborik, but that’s a lot to process for Girardi in those few seconds."

...i'm sorry nothing to process there. You see someone pounding on your best player and you jump in. Very easy.

Rangers Talk Loss to Flyers

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes and Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants have numerous quotes including these...

On the Gaborik/Carcillo fight...

“We will remember this for sure,” Lundqvist said. “He should be ready for it.”

“There’s no honor in that,” said coach John Tortorella, who was then told of Carcillo’s “licking his chops” comment. “It’s pretty embarrassing…He’s a brave guy.”

“I think there was a little scrum in front and we got caught up and dropped the gloves,” Gaborik said. “That’s what happens. Obviously, he got a few shots in on me but that’s hockey.”

"He got a few shots in on me," said Gaborik. "He's one of those players who runs around and doesn't really care. Avery definitely got back at him. He got me a little bit off my game. We play them six times, every game is a battle against them and that's the way it's going to be the rest of the year."

On the Rangers lack of offense tonight...

"They were sitting on the red line and we couldn't get around them. We just couldn't complete passes," said Marc Staal

Flyers 2, Rangers 0

The New York Rangers (24-20-7) lost to the Philadelphia Flyers (25-21-3) by the score of 2-0, tonight. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.

...got to say this is the angriest I've been after a game in awhile. I'll try to keep my emotions in check while I compile my thoughts on the game.

...tonight was a big test for the Rangers and they failed miserably. They had no answer for the Flyers physical game and were run out of the building.

...and the person I blame for everything that went down in the second period is Glen Sather. By not re-signing Colton Orr the Rangers have no intimidating presence in the line-up which allows a physical team like the Flyers to pound them up and down the ice. I can promise you that if Orr's in the line-up Carcillo doesn't come near Gaborik.

...not that he had any before tonight but I'm sure Carcillo lost a lot of respect around the league.

...speaking of losing some respect. I lost a little for Girardi as he just sat there and watched Gaborik take a beating. Unstead of doing this.

...my biggest disappointment of the night is that the Rangers didn't use the Gaborik fight as a rallying cry to step-up their game. Sure they got into a few scraps afterward, but they didn't toughen up. No forecheck, no hitting, nothing.

...was Callahan a healthy scratch tonight?

...i guess the Rangers scoring barrage the last few games was more of a mirage.

...the Rangers need to lick their wounds quickly as they're back at it Saturday night in Montreal.

Rangers @ Flyers (Game 51)

The New York Rangers (24-19-7) visit the Philadelphia Flyers (24-21-3) tonight at the Wachovia Center starting at 7:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

TV: MSG; Radio: ESPNRadio (1050AM)

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

Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy

Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 22-15-6, 2.26 gaa, .925 sv%, 2 so.

Ray Emery - 12-9-1, 2.94 gaa, .900 sv%, 1 so.

Opponent Notes:
- The Flyers are 9-3-1 in their last 13 games.

- Jeff Carter has seven goals and eight assists over 12 games.

- Ray Emery is 5-1-0 with a 1.66 GAA and a shutout in seven games against the Rangers.

- Danny Briere has eight points in his last seven games.

- Chris Pronger has points in seven of his last eight games (2-8-10).

- James van Riemsdyk has nine points (4-5-9) in his last eight games.

- Arron Asham has eight points in his last eight games (2-6-8).

Opponent Blog:
The Flying P Blog

Same Line-up Tonight

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants anticipates the same line-up that has out-scored opponents 14-4 the last two games tonight vs. the Flyers. Meaning Ales Kotalik and Donald Brashear will again sit.

Gross was able to speak with Marc Staal on the lack of practice due to the heavy schedule caused by the Olympics...

“The games take so much out of you, especially when it’s game/day off, game/day off, game/day off. You need to rest when you can,” Staal said. “We’re putting on the jersey less. Practicing every day wears on you, more mentally than physically. We can come to the rink excited to play again.”

...great job by Torts keeping the players fresh, which could be the reason for the recent success.

Gross also spoke with Brian Boyle about his effectiv play of late.

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes also reports from practice with a quote from Ryan Callahan on the improved play of the fourth line...

"They work hard, take the body and keep it simple and create some momentum for us."

...i've never been a fan of Avery on the fourth line, but if they're going to continue to play like this I'm all for it. Also improved play from the fourth line means an extended stay for Brashear in the press box.

Video: Players, Torts Talk Flyers

Christopher Higgins, Chris Drury, Michael Del Zotto and Brandon Dubinsky discuss the win over Tampa and look ahead to facing the Flyers.

While, Marc Staal, forward Aaron Voros and goaltender Henrik Lundqvist also discuss the win over Tampa and look ahead to facing the Flyers here.

John Tortorella speaks to reporters following the team's Jan. 20 practice at the MSG Training Center here.

Where is Original '94 Stanley Cup Banner?

Joe DeLessio at New York Magazine investigates why the current 1994 Stanley Cup banner hanging in MSG is not the same one raised on January 20, 1995...

"We contacted the Rangers to find out what became of the original banner, and were told at first that they'd look into it. But when we didn't get an immediate answer — which is really pretty understandable; we imagine they don't field a lot of questions about fifteen-year old banners — we began to wonder if perhaps a conspiracy was afoot. Did a bunch of Devils fans sneak into the Garden late one night and steal it in a college rivalry–style prank? What were they hiding?!? But then, after more persistence on our part than the topic probably deserves, an answer: Some of the Garden banners had started to tear, and were replaced in 2009. The original banner? The one being raised in the video below? Now in storage at the Garden. Mystery solved. You may carry on with your day."

...knowing the Dolans they probably sold it to the highest bidder.

...h/t to reader Nick for the link.

Legace May Be Available

TSN reports that as part of an expected fire sale by the last place Carolina Hurricanes, back-up goaltender Manny Legace may be available for a trade.

In 35o career games, Legacy is 181-97-20, 2.40 gaa, .911 save % and 23 shutouts.

Legace signed a one-year, $500,000 contact earlier this year when Canes starting goalie Cam Ward went down with an injury.

...a cheap, reliable, veteran goaltender. Back-up goaltending situation solved.

...while I like Chad Johnson and think he's going to be a solid NHL goaltender he is not ready right now.

Brashear/Carkner Named Tough Guys

Fox Sports names Donald Brashear and Ottawa's Matt Carkner the #8 tough guys for week 16...

8. Three minutes into a game on Jan. 14 at Madison Square Garden, Ottawa's Matt Carkner was looking for a combatant willing to go a few rounds, and he found one in New York's Donald Brashear. The two toughies enjoyed the scrap so much that they went at it again before the period came to a close.

...i would agree that Carkner deserves the tough guy nod but I'm not sure about Brashear. You decide...

Thursday Headlines

New York Post - Lundqvist welcomes Rangers' support

New York Post - Hockey mourns Halligan

Daily News - John Tortorella gives New York Rangers' fourth line well-earned ice

Newsday - Gilroy giving Rangers a more physical style

Bergen Record - Fourth line sparks Rangers

Zaba Back; Prospal Sits; No 7th D-man

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports that the back-up goaltending shuffle continued today with Matt Zaba being recalled from Hartford and Chad Johnson being reassigned.

The plan is for Johnson to start two of Hartfords three games this weekend.

Gross also reports Vinny Prospal did not practice today (Donald Brashear took his spot during practice on the top line) to give his knee a day of rest but Prospal was working out off ice.

Finally Gross says that longtime Rangers PR director John Halligan has passed away at the age of 68.

...smart move to keep Johnson sharp.

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes adds that the Rangers have no plans to bring up a seventh defenseman.

Messier, Richter, Leetch and Graves at Special Event

Newyorkrangers.com reports Rangers fans will get a rare opportunity to meet and greet Blueshirts legends Mark Messier, Mike Richter, Brian Leetch and Adam Graves all at once in a special event presented by Steiner Sports, called "'94 Core 4", planned for next Monday, Jan. 25, from 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

The "'94 Core 4" tickets are being sold in pairs only for $749.99. This includes a panel discussion, questioning and photo session

For more information and to reserve a pair of tickets for the event, call Steiner Sports at 800-759-SCORE. You can also purchase tickets online via Steiner Sports' web site.

...i thought this was pretty cool until I saw the price. Yikes!!!

Video: Torts on Win vs. Lightning

Wednesday Headlines

New York Post - Rangers explode for eight goals in rout of Lightning

New York Post - LARRY BROOKS: King feeling 'fresh' for Philly

Daily News - New York Rangers roll to 8-2 win over Tampa Bay Lightning

Newsday - Rangers dominate Lightning, 8-2

Bergen Record - Eight different Rangers score in rout of Lightning, 8-2

Bergen Record - Rangers notes: Lecavalier report refuted

New York Times - Rangers Go From Punchless to Offensive Force

The Journal News - Voros, Rangers show mean streak

Rangers vs. Lightning Highlights

Rangers vs. Lightning highlights here.

Rangers Talk Win vs. Lightning

The Rangers released the below quotes after the game...

John Tortorella on tonight’s game…
“We are trying to stay consistent with it. We are trying to stay consistent with finishing checks and again defending the proper way. I thought the first period both teams were giving up chances left and right and we are fortunate we score a few goals. I don’t know if it is continuation. We are just trying to stay consistent with it.”

Chris Drury on tonight’s game…
“(We are) just continuing to play the right way and keep moving forward. It was an emotional game playing Montreal, we were obviously energized and we just came back and played hard.”

Henrik Lundqvist on the team crashing the net for goals…
“We’ve been working on it for weeks now. That’s how you score goals; it’s in front of the net, in the blue, you just have to battle. It’s not often when you beat a goalie one-on-one, you have a clear shot. A lot of times, its deflections in front, it’s rebounds. And when you start getting those goals, then you start making nice plays too. The last few games we’ve been doing a good job of coming in front and creating opportunities for rebounds.”

The Rangers Report and Blue Notes have more post game quotes.

Rangers 8, Lightning 2

The New York Rangers (24-17-9) defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning (19-20-10) by the score of 8-2, tonight. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.

...the Rangers are playing Tortorella's system to perfection right now. The forecheck is relentless, the defense is jumping in the play and they're finally starting to stick-up for one another. This was the team I was hoping to see all season.

...while there were many tonight, my #1 star was Aaron Voros. Brashear can sit in the press box for the rest of the season for all I care. Voros set the tone right away with a fight, he knew when to back down and chipped in on the scoreboard. I think I even heard a Vo-ros chant. Wow!!!

...Gaborik showed everyone he's more than just a goal scorer with four assists tonight.

...you know things are going wrong when Higgins scores against you.

...amazing stat of the night, Dubinsky's power play goal was his first of the season.

...two goals and five assists for Ranger defensemen tonight.

...welcome back to the scoring column Vinny Prospal.

...with the way Lisin is playing looks like the Rangers are going to have $9 million (Kotalik) sitting in the press box next to Brashear for a while.

...off tomorrow then off to Philadelphia on Thursday.

Rangers vs. Lightning (Game 50)

The New York Rangers (23-19-7) host the Tampa Bay Lightning (19-19-10) tonight at MSG starting at 7:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

TV: Versus; Radio: ESPNRadio (1050AM)

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

Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy

Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 21-15-6, 2.26 gaa, .930 sv%, 2 so.

Antero Niittymaki - 9-8-4, 2.68 gaa, .911 sv%, 0 so.

Opponent Notes:
- Steve Downie has eight goals in the last 24 games.

- Steve Stamkos is on a three-game point drought.

- Vinny Lecavalier has five goals and 13 assists in his last 14 games and has points in six of his past seven games.

- Alex Tanguay has a goal and three assists in the last three games.

- The Lightning defeated the Rangers 5-1 in their only other meeting this season back in November in Tampa.

Opponent Blog:
Raw Charge

Sykora on Waivers

TSN reports Minnesota Wild have placed Petr Sykora on waivers, meaning any club can claim the veteran forward prior to Noon et on Wednesday.

The 33-year old has had an injury-riddled season since signing a one-year $1.6 million contract with the Wild as an unrestricted free agent last summer. In 14 games, he has compiled two goals and one assist but has missed a total of 29 games with groin and concussion issues.

If Sykora is not claimed, Minnesota can send him to the minors or place him on re-entry waivers where he could be claimed at half the price of his contract.

Sykora had 16 goals and 15 assists in 40 games with the Rangers during the 2005-2006 season.

...hey why not? The Rangers need offense, he's relatively cheap and is a proven scorer in the league. Thoughts?

Sanguinetti Wins AHL All-Star Fastest Skater Event

Newyorkrangers.com reports that Rangers prospect Bobby Sanguinetti won the Fastest Skater competition at Monday night's AHL All-Star Skills Competition.

His time of 13.677 seconds for a lap around the ice broke the former AHL record.

Sanguinetti also took part in the league's Hardest Shot event, where he registered a top speed of 89.7 mph. Blair Jones of Norfolk won that event at 100.7 mph.

...i actually caught some of the skills competition on television last night and while it was nice to see Sangs win the fastest skate he was the only competitor in the hardest shot event not to break 90 mph. Sort of embarrassing and not exactly what the Rangers need on the point on the power play.

Torts: Drury A Better Winger Than Christensen

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports that John Tortorella said this about his decision to move Chris Dury to the wing while keeping Erik Christensen at center...

“I think Dru can play left wing in a better fashion than Erik,” Tortorella added. “I don’t want to take Erik out of center ice. I think Erik is more of a playmaking guy, he sees all of the ice. It puts Dru in a situation where he’s on his off-side, it gives him a better chance as far as shooting pucks and being more of a straight-line player, which I think he’s been effective at.”

...the move seemed to work for one game we'll have to see how it progresses over time.

Gross also reports that there will be no line-up changes tonight.

...coming off of one of the team's best offensive performances of the year there better not be any changes.

Zipay Live Chat @ 1pm

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes will host his weekly live chat at 1 p.m. To participate click here.

Blueshirts Off Our Backs

Newyorkrangers.com reports that the Rangers organization is giving fans a chance to nominate themselves or fellow fans to experience the Blueshirts Off Our Backs ceremony – in which Rangers players remove their game-worn jerseys, hand them over to fans and then autograph them.

Entries to this unique, upcoming contest will be submitted online at newyorkrangers.com. Each entrant must submit a photo and short essay explaining the reasons for a particular nomination.

Lecavalier to Rangers Rumor False

Erik Erlendsson at the Tampa Tribune reports that Lightning GM Brian Lawton dismissed the recent Ottawa Sun report that Glen Sather reached out to him regarding a deal for Vinny Lecavalier...

"It's complete B.S. and nobody ever calls me or even asks me," Lawton said. "I haven't talked to Glen Sather in weeks, so that is completely false that he contacted me to inquire about that. It absolutely did not happen."

...what I've come to realize is the Ottawa Sun is becoming or already is very Eklund-like.

...the most interesting part of Lawton's quote is that he admitted he spoke with Sather a few weeks ago. Wonder what that was about?

Rangers Continue Power Rankings Roller Coaster

After moving up in the power rankings last week the Rangers again took a dip. ESPN.com has the Rangers at #20 down from #14...

20. Rangers - Big win over Montreal on Sunday caps a disappointing week.

While CBS Sports drops the Rangers from #12 down to #17...

17. Rangers - The scoring outburst against Montreal was much-needed, but one of those every couple of weeks isn't going to do it for the Rangers.

The Hockey News and TSN also have their power rankings out.

What to do with Redden

Spector over at Fox Sports looks at the options the Rangers have to get Wade Redden's salary off the books...

"They could buy him out at season's end but the buyout formula would result in an expensive cap hit of just over $1.916 million per season for the first two years, just over $3.416 million per season in years 3 and 4, followed by four more years at just over $1.916 million."

Spector adds that the Rangers could also send Redden down to Hartford meaning they'd still have to pay his salary but it wouldn't count against the remainder of their salary cap for this season, thus freeing up cap room to perhaps add another player or two via trades.

However, Spector says if demoting Redden was an option the Rangers would have done it already.

...let's hope that Redden's emotional performance against the Canadiens Sunday night jump starts his season.