Rangers vs. Thrashers

Tonight the New York Rangers (15-11-2) take on the Atlanta Thrashers (13-13-1). After starting the season with six straight road losses, the Rangers have gone 6-0-1. But they lost for the third time in four home games after falling 6-2 to Toronto on Thursday. The Thrashers are looking to reach .500 at Philips Arena. For a full game preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

...I only have one thing to say "Just win, baby." A little Al Davis for ya.

Where has Prucha's Game Gone?

Sam Weinman discusses this issue at The Rangers Report...

"...If every skater on the Rangers’ roster played with the same urgency as Petr Prucha, this team wouldn’t be accused of such listless performances the last two games. Of course, if every skater on the Rangers’ roster was as productive with the puck on their stick as Prucha has been, there’d be a whole lot of zeroes on the board as well.

It has reached a point where Prucha is not just off to a slow start. He is failing to get shots off he used to bury two seasons ago, and while he’s still been good at carrying the puck deep into the zone, he right now doesn’t seem like the fit for the power play. While Ryan Callahan is still looking for his first goal since coming back from a knee injury, the wing at least is proficient at getting the puck on net, which is what this team needs more than anything. I’d like to see him take Prucha’s spot on the man-advantage..."

...another idea may be to send Prucha down to Hartford to find his shot. This would give Dawes another chance. Which he deserves.

Picking Up the Pieces

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has some next day reaction to last night's embarrassment...

"...Among the surgical options at Dr. Tom Renney's disposal tonight:

1. Leaving Chris Drury between Jagr and Straka, as he did in the third period against the Leafs and moving Brandon Dubinsky between Prucha and Callahan.

2. Getting D Paul Mara back in the lineup to move bodies in front and provide another look on the power-play point.

3. Battle all out for a lead in the first, or come out tied. The Rangers are 12-3-1 when scoring first, but 3-8-1 when allowing the opener.

4. See 3 above. And move the puck out of the defensive zone with one pass if possible.

A loss here would really tighten up the team even further, and could be devastating, especially when the sizzling Devils come to town Sunday at 5 p.m. A four-game losing streak could be in the wings.

Henrik Lundqvist needs to be sharper, much as he did when the offense was in a funk in October. Limiting rebounds is key..."

...I would absolutely love to see Drury continue to play on the first line with Jagr and Straka for the next two weeks. I also like the idea of a kid line with Prucha-Dubinsky-Callahan.

...Renney would be out of his mind not to return Staal with Rozsival and put either Malik or Strudwick with Mara.

...will the real Henrik Lundqvist please stand up.

Don't Drink and Blog

Man I can be venomous when I've had one too many and the Rangers lose. That was some harsh criticism last night. Actually, the only comment I'm going to retract is that Renney should be fired if he doesn't turn this around in a month. With all of the success since he's been here, Renney definitely deserves to be the coach for the rest of the season regardless of the team's play. I also feel that he deserves to start next year as head coach even if they don't make the playoffs or advance far this year. There now I feel better.

Embarrassing

Tonight the New York Rangers (15-11-2) fell to the Toronto Maple Leafs (12-11-6) by a score of 6-2. Nik Antropov had his second NHL hat trick, while the Maple Leafs chased Henrik Lundqvist from the goal. Ranger Defensemen Dan Girardi and Fedor Tyutin scored power-play goals off passing plays by forwards Scott Gomez and Chris Drury. For a full recap go to Yahoo! Sports.

...I can't believe I'm saying this but Lundqvist was awful tonight. He couldn't control a rebound and wasn't very agressive. Like I said before the game Valiquette should have started tonight.

...I wondered how the team was going to react to Monday's dreadful performance and unfortunately they answered with more of the same.

...as much as I love what Renney has done with the Rangers since becoming the head coach a lot of this has to fall at his feet.

...besides starting a tired Lundqvist, Renney must be criticized for playing Malik. This guy should be waived immediately and Pock should be brought up to skate with Mara, with Staal going back on a pair with Rozsival. Not sure why Renney doesn't understand this.

...another month of this uneven play and Renney has to be fired.

...until Avery comes back the lines have to be:

Jagr-Drury-Straka

Callahan-Gomez-Shanahan

Prucha-Dubinsky-Hossa

Orr-Betts-Hollweg

...speaking of Avery, why is this team so terrible without him in the lineup?

Rangers vs. Maple Leafs Preview

Tonight, the New York Rangers (15-10-2) take on the Toronto Maple Leafs (11-11-6) for the third time this season. The Rangers are hoping to rebound from one of their worst games of the season, while the Maple Leafs look to extend a season-high three-game win streak. The teams have split the first two games with each team winning on the road. The Rangers won in a shootout. For a complete preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

...unfortunately, with Avery out of the lineup there won't be as much fireworks, however, after the whole episode I don't think these two teams like each other, so I'm looking forward to a very physical game.

...looks like Lundqvist in goal, which is good since I'm going to the game tonight.

...very interested to see how this team responds to such a dud on Monday. God help the players if they put up a stinker tonight. Renney might start the laps right after the game.

...I'll have a recap after I get home from the game.

Game Day Updates

Sam Weinman of the Rangers Report gives some updates from today's game day practice...

- Paul Mara is still out so you can expect the same lineup tonight against the Leafs. Tom Renney said Mara was more or less fit to play, so the scratch tonight is a coach’s decision. Tomorrow in Atlanta remains a possibility, however.

- Today was an optional skate, so there was only a skeleton crew on the ice. And it again marked the return of Chad Killam, the former Manhattanville College goalie who has been called on to fill the other net when Henrik Lundqvist is absent. “My legs are burning a bit,” Killam said afterward.

- As for Lundqvist, don’t be surprised if you see him playing back-to-back games tonight and tomorrow in Atlanta. Renney sounded like that’s where he was leaning. And you figured if you were going to see Stephen Valiquette, you’d see him tonight against the Leafs, whom he’s already had success against.

...while I'd never complain with Lundqvist between the pipes, I thought tonight might be a good opportunity to give Valiquette a start.

...hoping to see Mara back in the lineup tomorrow. I think Strudwick could use a rest.

How Will Dubinsky React to Stinker?

That's the question Sam Weiman asks in his article today in the New York Journal...

"...The 21-year-old Dubinsky has already offered glimpses of the first part a quarter of the way through his first NHL season, somehow managing to appear unflappable with none other than Jaromir Jagr on his wing. He will have a chance to address the other half tonight, when after his first real dud as an NHLer in Monday's 4-0 loss to Carolina, he steps back into the spotlight tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs....

...Surely, Dubinsky wants to distance himself from Monday, when he was on the ice for all four Carolina goals, and was directly responsible for the first after being stripped of the puck by Carolina's Chad LaRose in the defensive zone. Dubinsky jokingly referred to the night as the ideal golf score - he was minus-4, get it? - and even in allowing himself to laugh about it shows he is approaching the mishap with a healthy perspective.

But that is the maturity the Rangers have come to expect from the player who has surprised everyone by the comfort he's shown playing alongside veterans Jagr and Martin Straka. And it is at least part of the reason Rangers coach Tom Renney felt comfortable throwing Dubinsky back into the fire..."

...should be interesting to see how Dubinsky reacts tonight. I don't think it will be a problem tonight because, as Weinman said, Dubinsky has been unflappable.

...having a stinker ever once in a while is something a fan has to live with when you have a number of rookies in the lineup. I don't mind, and I wasn't upset with Dubinsky at all as I won't be when Staal, Callahan or Girardi have an off game. Which doesn't happen that often.

Ranger Players Fired Up

Over at the New York Post, Howard Kussoy reports that the Ranger players are angry with their effort Monday night and are focused on tonight's game against Toronto...

"...'I think when you lace 'em up for the next game, your focus is on the next game, but I don't think there's anything wrong with going out with a little bit of anger or fear about repeating a past performance,' Brendan Shanahan said yesterday.

'The team is really angry with themselves. I think that's a good way to be. We put a lot of very high expectations on each other and as a group.'...

...its great to see the players angry about the horrible effort on Monday. Looks like Renney's grueling practice has had a positive effect on these guys.

...I'm especially excited, because I'll be at the game tonight and I don't think I could sit through a game like Monday night.

Sanguinetti named to US U-20 National Team

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes, reports that Rangers 2006 1st-round pick Bobby Sanguinetti, a New Jersey native, has been named to the United States Under-20 National Team...

"...Nineteen-year-old Bobby Sanguinetti---who was born in Trenton, and was the team's first-round pick in 2006 (21st overall)---- has been named to the United States Under-20 National Team to play at the 2008 IIHF World Junior Championships in the Czech Republic, which begin Dec. 26.

Sanguinetti has 17 goals and 23 assists in 28 games for the OHL's Brampton Battalion. He leads the league's defensemen in goals and points (40), and is 14th overall in scoring..."

...this kid is absolutely tearing it up in Juniors right now. Not sure how his defensive abilities are, but his offense looks amazing.

...put this kid on a d-pair with a stay at home defenseman and you could have your next Leetch-Beukeboom pairing.

Rangers Refuse Press Box Admittance to Toronto Radio Station

According to William Houston of CTVGlobemedia in Canada, the Rangers have denied Fan 590 reporter Howard Berger access into the Madison Square Garden press box for Thursday's Toronto Maple Leafs-Rangers game...

"The New York Rangers have refused to admit Fan 590 reporter Howard Berger into the Madison Square Garden press box for Thursday's Toronto Maple Leafs-Rangers game. This week, Berger apologized on the air for reporting that Rangers forward Sean Avery needled Leafs winger Jason Blake about his fighting cancer. Berger and The Fan addressed the problem. There's no reason for the Rangers to bar him from the box."

However, Sam Weinman at New York Journal is reporting that the Rangers are denying this report...

"...Berger himself will be back in New York to cover the game, and the Rangers are denying this report that says they are refusing the reporter admission into the press box. The team says Berger might not get a seat in the lower press box, but that, they say, is a numbers issue because there are only a select number of seats...."

...I wish the Rangers did deny this guy and the entire station any access to Madison Square Garden. This guy Berger goes out of his way to slander Avery and thinks he should be able to mosey on into MSG without any repercussions. I don't care that he apologized. Keep him out.

Life After Hockey for Blackburn

Scott Cruickshank of the Calgay Herald, has a great story on what former first round Ranger draft choice Dan Blackburn is up to...

"...Hurtling himself into life after hockey - buoyed by a reported $6-million insurance payout - Blackburn enrolled at Arizona State University.

His 'educational game plan' included studying architecture.

But a year ago, Ian Clark - founder of GDI (and goalie coach of the Vancouver Canucks) - brought Blackburn on board.

An umbrella group for goalie coaches and schools, GDI is building a Calgary training facility, which is set to open next month...

... Despite having come to terms with the reality of an NHL-free existence, Blackburn still misses hockey.

'That satisfaction after a really good game - the big sense of accomplishment after you've had a great game,' he says. 'Obviously, you don't get the same level of excitement out of sitting behind a desk for eight hours a day.'..."

...it's great to see that Blackburn has been able to recover mentally and move on with his life. This really is a sad story as Blackburn could have been an amazing goalie. At the same time, if Blackburn never gets hurt Lundqvist probably doesn't get a chance to shine.

Punishing Practice

Steve Zipay at Newsday, reports that Coach Tom Renney put the team through a grueling practice the day after the ugly 4-0 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes...

"It wasn't punishment, according to Tom Renney, it was conditioning. Well, there wasn't much scolding. But it sure looked punishing.

On the morning after a 4-0 shutout by the Hurricanes at Madison Square Garden in which the Rangers looked complacent at times, the players were pushed hard in a practice that finished with almost a half-hour of tongue-dragging sprints. The skate was described by several players as the toughest that they could remember.

'We've had longer ones, but this was the toughest,' said Henrik Lundqvist, who tossed bottles from an eight-pack of Gatorade across the dressing room to Blair Betts, Ryan Callahan, Dan Girardi, Colton Orr and Ryan Hollweg, who said the session was the longest in years. Orr could only recall one similar skate, earlier this season, when the team was struggling..."

...this is great to see. I'm glad Renney didn't let last game's effort slide by without punishment. This lets me know, as a fan, Renney will not sit by and watch this team loaf through the season. Great job coach.

...since becoming the head coach of the Rangers, Renney had never been afraid to make a statement. See benching Nylander, Poti, Mara and Malik. That's something that never happened before Renney came on board.

Spector's Hockey: Don't Fall into Old Methods

Lyle Richardson, of Spector's Hockey, reacts to New York Post reporter Larry Brooks' recent article on the Rangers having assets to trade...

Spector's Note: The Blueshirts must also be careful not to fall into the old methods of peddling too much young talent for veterans, which is what happened far too often over the past 15 years. Tony Amonte, Doug Weight, Sergei Zubov, Alexei Kovalev, Mattias Norstrom, Todd Marchant, Kim Johnsson, Aaron Miller, Marc Savard, Mike York and Marek Zidlicky were all dealt away, and while some of the returns brought short term fixes it can be argued that over the long run the Rangers would've been a better team if they'd retained most of these player.

...I couldn't agree more. Like I 've been saying, if these prospects are so good, why do we want to trade them?

...just looking at some of those players is enough to make you sick. Although I'm not sure what Kim Johnsson's name is doing on the list.

Prospect Update: Sophomore Slump for Cherepanov?

Over at HockeyFuture.com, Eugene Belashchenko reports on how Alexei Cherepanov, the Ranger's #1 draft pick last year, is doing in the Russian Super League...

Sophomore Slump: Alexei Cherepanov (NYR)

Cherepanov has recovered well from the concussion he suffered during the Super Series against U20 Team Canada, but he has been slow in following up his stellar rookie season. That is not to say that Cherepanov has struggled, but he definitely has not met the high expectations. Partially there is the whole team to blame, since Avangard has struggled mightily early in the season. Fortunately, the club has since recovered and Cherepanov's play has improved. The issue he has battled throughout the season is consistency, as he would follow up an impressive shift with a very quiet one of floating around. Additionally, the young forward has at times been known for his defensive lapses and his lack of determination in his own zone. Still, while it's tough to call this season a smashing success for the young forward, he continues to prove that he belongs as a top player in the Super League. He has immense skill, solid size and sees the ice very well. However, Cherepanov will have a lot to prove, however, at the U20 World Junior Championships.

...its always tough for a young player with high expectations to follow-up a great year, especially early in the season. Sounds like he's righted the ship a bit recently which is a great sign.

...from what I've read it looks like the sky is the limit for this kid, however, it is a bit concerning to hear about his defensive lapses and lack of determination. Did anyone say Kovalev?

...also a bit worried about the concussion. You never like to hear about a concussion early on because it seems like once a player suffers one they haunt them throughout their careers. Just ask Lindros and Richter.

Rangers Ranked #2 in TSN Power Rankings

In TSN's latest poll they have the Rangers ranked #2, up from #3 last week...

2. New York Rangers - A big deal was made about the slow start of C Scott Gomez who was, incidentally, the Rangers' leading scorer in November with 15 points in 14 games. Now it's a matter of waking up Jaromir Jagr who is the team's leading scorer with only 21 points in 26 games. Key Injuries: LW Sean Avery (wrist).

...obviously, this ranking came out before last night's game. If it came out after they might not be in the top 10.

...even without last night's stinker, I still think they have the Rangers ranked a bit high. Only because of their lack of offense.

Day in the Life of a Ranger

Sam Weinman of the New York Journal has an interesting piece on the New York Rangers game day regimen...

"The Rangers' success in a given game hinges on much of what you'd expect: goaltending, hustle, a certain amount of luck. Then there are the factors you might not consider: whether defenseman Jason Strudwick has enough A-1 sauce with his pregame meal; whether or not one of alternate captain Brendan Shanahan's three children disrupts his afternoon nap; or whether left wing Ryan Hollweg has picked out the right new moves for his customary dressing-room dance..."

...great piece by Weinman which really gives the Ranger fan insight into what the players do on game day. A must read.

...also accompanying this article is a video and photos.

Blown Away

The New York Rangers (15-10-2) were shutout tonight by the Carolina Hurricanes (15-10-3) 4-0. Cam Ward earned his second shutout of the season by stopping all 28 Ranger shots. Matt Cullen had two assists in his return to the Garden, while Cory Stillman scored his 14th and 15th of the season. For a full recap go to Yahoo! Sports.

...this was just an awful effort by the Rangers tonight. The players should have been at the exits after the game refunding everyone's money. I don't know how a team could come off such a great win against Ottawa and then just lay an egg at home.

...so much for the goaltending issues I mentioned in my pregame post. Cam Ward was solid but I don't think we ever really tested him.

...to really put a stamp on how much our offense has struggled this year Carolina has four players with double digit goals. The Rangers have none.

...lots of criticism to go around, but this falls on Renney for not having his guys ready to play against a team looking to redeem itself after a brutal 8-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres.

...nothing else to do but forget this one and start thinking about Toronto on Thursday. I wonder if Renney will give Valiquette the start after his outstanding effort in Toronto a few weeks ago?

Hurricane News

For the latest on tonight's opponent the Carolina Hurricanes go to LetsGoCanes.com.

Rangers vs. Canes Preview

Tonight, the Atlantic Division leading New York Rangers (15-9-2) take on the Carolina Hurricanes (14-10-3). The Rangers are 6-1-0 with a tie in its last eight meetings with Carolina at Madison Square Garden, including wins in both matchups there last season. Carolina has lost three of their last four games after absorbing an 8-1 rout at Buffalo on Saturday to open a five-game road trip. For a full preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

...the Rangers will be playing another struggling division leader tonight, so hopefully they come into this game with the same mentality as Saturday's game against Ottawa.

...tonight's game marks the first meeting between Marc and Eric Staal.

...Carolina is having some goaltending issues as they sport a 3.15 GAA to rank among the worst teams in the NHL. The Rangers need to get shots on the net early similar to how they did against Gerber.

...the Ranger offense has been clicking as they have scored 9 goals in the last two games, taking some pressure off the goaltending of Lundqvist. I'm really happy with Jagr and Drury's performances lately. Both of them are finally playing their type of game.

Rangers Have Assets

Over at the New York Post, Larry Brooks reports on the Rangers plethora of prospects which puts them in a great position to make a number of moves...

"...This is the rebuilding of the back of the house while concurrently renovating the marquee of the Garden - uh, 25-year-old Henrik Lundqvist, anyone? - the likes of which the Rangers haven't seen since Neil Smith's early years as Rangers GM.

These are not only many of the pieces that should remain in place for the next five-to-10 years, but these also comprise the best and brightest of the pool of assets - add Alex Bourret, Greg Moore, Brodie Dupont and Al Montoya into the mix - Sather has at his disposal when (not if) veteran difference-makers become available at this year's deadline.

No one is advocating a latter day Rick Middleton for Ken Hodge deal, or a trade as silly as the one Emile Francis made in 1971 when he sent developing stud center Syl Apps, Jr. to Pittsburgh for a little-remembered agitating winger named Glen Sather..."

...for all of the terrible signings Sather made when he first became GM, he has really stocked our farm system with some outstanding prospects. While I feel that without the lockout Sather would still be signing over-the-hill super stars, he has done an outstanding job post lockout.

...I am a bit concerned after reading this article and the HockeyBuzz analysis I posted earlier, that the Rangers might be interested in making a move. I don't think this is necessary. If these prospects are so good, why would we trade them? The team is only two points behind the Ottawa Senators for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Why mess with success?

Welcome Back Matt

With the Rangers taking on the Carolina Hurricanes tonight, Steve Zipay at Newsday gives us a look at what Matt Cullen's been up to this year...

"...Tomorrow, Matt Cullen and the Canes visit the Garden, in the center's first trip since being traded in the offseason. Cullen has denied asking for a trade to unshackle him from the four-year deal that brought him to the Rangers in the summer of '06, but other sources have said he and his family weren't totally comfortable in New York.

Anyway, the move back to Carolina has really worked out for him, if not the Rangers, who shed his $2.8-million annual salary but received only Andrew Hutchinson (minors), Joe Barnes (injured) and a third round pick this summer in the deal. Cullen, 31, a likeable Minnesota native, had 16 goals and 25 assists last season, and this year already has nine goals and 19 assists in 27 games..."

...while Cullen didn't live up to his expectations on Broadway I don't necessarily feel it was all his fault. The Rangers never used him properly on the power play by not putting him on the point until late in the year. They also faltered by thinking he could be a second line center when he clearly is only a third.

...however, like Zipay says, he was likable and I never had any animosity towards him. Glad to see he's playing, but I hope he struggles tonight.

FAN 590 to Broadcast Retraction on Avery

According to the Toronto Sun, The FAN 590 in Toronto plans to issue an on-air retraction Monday and Tuesday for a report that implicated Sean Avery made disparaging remarks about Jason Blake's cancer during a pre-game scrum on Nov. 10...

The FAN 590 plans to issue an on-air retraction Monday and Tuesday for a report that surfaced as a result of the New York Rangers' visit to the Air Canada Centre Nov. 10.

Specifically, the report dealt with Rangers forward Sean Avery and the aftermath of an altercation he had with the Maple Leafs Darcy Tucker during the pre-game warmup.

Avery's lawyers this week served libel notices against The FAN and the Star over the matter.
Nelson Millman, general manager and program director for The FAN, would not elaborate yesterday on recent discussions between lawyers for the two sides.

"It is what it is," said Millman.

"We're going to do the retraction and go from there."

For now, the plan is to run the retraction Monday and Tuesday between noon and 1 p.m. on The FAN's regularly scheduled Hockey Central program.

The retraction will be simulcast on Sportsnet with FAN reporter Howard Berger, who filed the original report, doing the voiceover.

...while its great to see the radio station own up to their mistake, it is a bit alarming that a media outlet would run with a story without checking the facts.

Video of the Week

...if you weren't a big fan of Ryan Hollweg before watching this video you are now.

...Hollweg should have busted some of these moves on Martinek the other night.

HockeyBuzz Analyses the Rangers

Over at HockeyBuzz, Eklund analyses the trade abilities of all 30 teams. Here is what he says about the Rangers...

NYR: The polar opposite of NJ, these fans expect the team to make moves and demand it. They are also run by a guy who is a Tinker guy. The Rangers are in a a spot where they need to win now. They will always spend to the cap, and it doesn't matter that their farm team has a bigger payroll than Phoenix to the Rangers.

...I don't even know why I post anything from HockeyBuzz. I disagree with almost every point in this analysis.

...I don't know any fans that want to see the Rangers make a move right now.

...of course the Rangers are in a spot where they have to win now. They play in New York.

...and who on the Hartford Wolf Pack is making a big salary? Kasper's over in Russia, so what is this guy talking about?

Lundqvist Ranked #12 in ESPN Player Rankings for Week 8

In ESPN.com's weekly Player Power Rankings Herik Lundqvist ranks #12 this week, with Vincent Lecavalier in the #1 spot...

#12 - Henrik Lundqvist - Lundqvist allowed three goals on 18 shots at home vs. the Stars. Think that's a sign the netminder needs more rest?

...I never even noticed this weekly ranking over at ESPN.com. I'll have to keep my eye out for it in the future.

...this list is sort of a joke. This was only the second time all year Lundqvist has been on it. Lundqvist has been mentioned as a Hart Trophy finalist all year and he's only been on this list twice!!!

...with the way the Rangers offense has turned it on the last few games, we might actually see a few Ranger forwards on that list next week.

Shanahan Leading On and Off the Ice

In today's Daily News, John Dellapina reports on how Brendan Shanahan's efforts in the locker room have been invaluable...

"...On Nov. 21 in Tampa, sensing that Henrik Lundqvist was about to blow a gasket over losing a shutout with 16.7 seconds left, partly because coach Tom Renney's end-game personnel choices weren't defensive-minded, Shanahan pulled the goaltender aside for a private chat before he could address reporters.

Later that evening, worried that Jaromir Jagr was slipping into a funk over his lack of production, Shanahan huddled with the Rangers' captain for 20 minutes by the side of the team's bus as it waited to depart for the airport.

Last Sunday afternoon, having scored a goal and engaged in a fight with Dallas toughie Steve Ott, Shanahan completed what should be now be known as a Shanahan Hat Trick. Having overheard Lundqvist discussing the Rangers' lack of scoring with reporters, Shanahan pulled the 25-year-old goalie into the players' lounge for another, sterner heart-to-heart. The topic this time: You worry about stopping the puck (which Lundqvist did only 15 of 18 times in that 3-2 loss) and stop publicly lamenting the lack of scoring by your teammates (who happen to include two 600-goal-scorers who already have wall space cleared for plaques in the Hall of Fame).

Oh yeah, and this past Thursday, with emotions running high as the Rangers attempted to beat the Islanders for the first time in four tries this season, Shanahan sidled down the bench to make sure none of his off-ice teammates drew a penalty for getting involved in a three-on-one dust-up around Colton Orr.

Asked a couple of days later about his Sunday conversation with Shanahan, a smiling Lundqvist said: 'That's between me and Brendan. But the things he says make sense. He always makes sense.'..."

...wow, if you didn't think Shanahan's presence in the locker room has had a positive effect on the team, you do now.

...I didn't realize Lundqvist has been so upset with the team. Great job by Shanahan defusing that situation. Could you imagine how toxic that could have gotten if Lundqvist would have ripped into his teamates? The media would have jumped all over it. You saw a similar situation with the New York Football Giants this week when their GM Reese called Eli Manning skittish.

...and all this time I've been giving Straka credit for revitalizing Jagr, when it was Shanahan all along.

Offensive Fireworks

This afternoon, the New York Rangers (15-9-2) defeated the Ottawa Senators (16-7-2) by a score of 5-2. The Rangers, who had not scored a goal in the last two visits to Ottawa, scored 3 first period goals en route to the victory. The Rangers scored 5 goals for the first time since opening night. Goals were scored by Dan Girardi, Brendan Shanahan 2, Jaromir Jagr and Blair Betts, his first of the season. For a full recap go to Yahoo! Sports.

...I thought the first period was the best period of the season for the Rangers. The entire team was ready for this game from the drop of the puck.

...he's baaaaaack. Jagr is officially on his game again. For the second straight game he went hard to the net and was looking to shoot. I love when he cuts across the middle and rifles that wrist shot. Unstoppable.

....Shanahan has quietly gotten on an offensive roll himself. With two goals today he added to his team leading 9th of the season.

...thankfully for him, Malik had a solid game tonight. After he was benched by Renney earlier in the year he came back with a few solid games before hurting himself. So right now I'm feeling comfortable with Malik in there. However, I'd rather see him on the 3rd D-pairing with Mara.

...got to give credit to the 4th line for another great game. These guys are producing quality shifts night in and night out. No mistakes and Renney has rewarded them with increased ice time and assignments against opponent's top lines. Great job by Orr staying away from Neil and McGrattan when they were trying to get something going in the 1st period.

...I really do think the Ranger players read my blog, because one game after I jokingly congratulated Betts on his first goal of the season when he scored on Lundqvist, he actually scored a real goal tonight. Congrats on the first of the season Blair. Even if it was into the empty night. Just kidding Blair.

...finally, I pride myself on updating this blog as soon as I can, so I must apologize for not getting my game recap up until 11:30pm. Family obligation kept me away from the computer today.

Catching Up with the Senators

For the latest news on the Ottawa Senators check The Battle of Ontario.

...looks like a lot of frustration with their team up in Ontario.

Afternoon Delight

This afternoon the New York Rangers (14-9-2) take on the struggling Ottawa Senators (16-6-2). The Rangers are coming off one of their best efforts of the year in a 4-2 win against the rival Islanders. The Senators will try to snap a five-game skid while continuing their scoreless string over the Rangers at Scotiabank Place, where the teams will meet on Saturday. New York has been shut out in each of its last two visits to Ottawa, including a 2-0 defeat on Oct. 6 as Martin Gerber stopped all 35 shots he faced. Since February 2003, the Senators have outscored the Rangers 32-12 at home en route to an 8-1-0 record. For a full recap go to Yahoo! Sports.

...the Rangers better not be too overconfident going into this game as they will be taking on an Ottawa Senators team looking for anything to get them out of this funk.

...looking for another strong game from Drury. Looks like he has finally gotten comfortable in New York and his play of late shows.

...a little nervous with Malik coming back tonight especially against the offensive fire power of the Senators.

...besides Malik, I'm assuming the lineup will be the same. Why mess with success?