Rangers Sign Heikkinen

Newyorkrangers.com reports that the Rangers have agreed to terms with Finnish free agent defenseman Ilkka Heikkinen.

Heikkinen, 24, skated in 54 games with HIFK Helsinki of the SM-liiga this past season, registering eight goals and 26 assists for 34 points, along with 22 penalty minutes. His 34 points ranked third among all SM-liiga defensemen. He led all HIFK defensemen in goals (eight), assists (26) and points, while finishing second on the team overall in assists, fourth in points and seventh in goals.

A Fan Reviews Avery's New Bar

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has Ranger season-ticket holder Dave's take on opening night of Sean Avery's new Tribeca nightspot, Warren 77...

"Anyway, so we walk in and the first person, and first cool moment of the night, we see is Shanny standing against a wall talking playoffs with someone. The place was crowded, but not too crowded. So, as we make our way towards the bar, we pass Avery, who was chatting with some of the people. He was all Vogued up with his outfit, too. A nice, button down with a zipper kind of vest. He's about 5-feet-10 but real stocky. We get to the bar and standing right in front of us is Henrik. I didn't notice him at first because he had a black fedora on but my wife, who is madly in love with him and would've left me there for him, noticed him right away. He was talking with Larry "Ratso" Sloman and a few other people about music and hockey. We got there late, so we didn't hear him play. Someone said that he played an acoustic set earlier in the night. So, we bellied up to the bar literally right next to him. He was really nice, talking with everyone, and even signed someone's CD. We introduced ourselves to him and, like I said, was really cool. He's tall, about 6-1. We even met his girlfriend Therese."

...definitely click on the above link to read the entire account. Dave pretty much had a dream night for any Ranger fan.

...photo courtesy of New York Magazine. Which has a review of the bar here.

Matteau's Other Double OT Goal

In honor of the 15th anniversary of the Rangers 1994 Stanley Cup, Newyorkrangers.com continues their series on the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals between the Rangers and Devils with a look at Game 3...

When the words “1994”, “Stephane Matteau”, and “double-overtime” are used in the same sentence, one inevitably thinks of Matteau’s magical goal in Game 7 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals that lifted the Rangers into the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1979.

But that wasn’t Matteau’s only connection to double-overtime magic during that epic series against the New Jersey Devils back in ’94. In fact, on this date 15 years ago, Matteau provided the Rangers with a 2-1 series lead over the Devils when he whipped a backhand shot past Martin Brodeur at 6:13 of the second OT to give the Rangers a 3-2 victory at The Meadowlands.



...it's amazing how overlooked that goal is.

Avery Scores at Scores

Over at the New York Post's Page Six, they report on Sean Avery attending the re-opening of the famed strip club Scores...

"...he enjoyed a lap dance from a busty Brazilian. After Avery exited, the dancer chased him outside and insisted he take her number before the valet retrieved his car."

Page Six also reports on the grand opening of Avery's new TriBeCa bar/restaurant, Warren 77, with Henrik Lundqvist.

TSN has an article on a calmer Avery.

...how can you not love this guy?

...hat tip to Puck Daddy for the links.

'92-'93 Disappointment Led to '94 Cup

Newyorkrangers.com continues their series on the 15th Anniversary of the 1994 Stanley Cup by looking at the reversal of fortune from the disappointment of the 1992-93 season to the jubilation of 1994...

"Regardless of the bigger picture, at least in April 1993, the idea that a Stanley Cup championship year would emerge from the ashes of the previous season’s debacle seemed crazy. Since divisional play had begun in 1967, no NHL team had ever won the Cupone year after finishing last in a division (the Rangers would become the first and only team to do it). In many ways, the most historic aspect of the Rangers’ 1994 Stanley Cup championship was not the fact that it ended 54 years of frustration, but rather than it unfolded in the wake of an unprecedented debacle."

...i think most Ranger fans forget about how bad that '92-'93 season was.

Newyorkrangers.com also a has a recap of Game 2 of the Rangers/Devils 1994 Eastern Conference Finals.

Zherdev Considering KHL

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes says that according to unconfirmed information Nikolai Zherdev could soon move to one of the top clubs of Continental Hockey League.

...maybe Zherdev should consult with Jagr before going over there as things got so bad for Jagr he actually considered returning to the NHL to play for the Edmonton Oilers.

Re-live 1994 Eastern Conference Finals

If you guys are suffering from Rangers hockey withdrawal, newyorkrangers.com is flashing back to the epic 1994 Eastern Conference finals between the Rangers and Devils starting with Game 1...

"A perfect 6-0-0 record against the Devils during the 1993-94 regular season meant nothing. An 8-1 postseason mark heading into Game 1 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals was irrelevant. Even three one-goal leads in said Game 1 did not guarantee the Rangers a single thing.

All that mattered was that New Jersey’s Stephane Richer scored at 15:23 of the second overtime to hand the Devils a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Rangers in the opener of the Eastern Conference Finals on this date 15 years ago."

...man that Spring of '94 was a fun time to be a Rangers fan.

Avery: Rangers Need Scorer

Katie Strang at Newsday reports that Sean Avery says the Rangers' most glaring need during this offseason is a pure goal-scorer...

"We need scoring, we need that one guy," Avery said. "We're going to need that go-to guy. That was the difference, obviously, in the first round, no question. I didn't score as much as I should have or had the previous year in the playoffs, but you have to have that guy that scores the big goal."

...ya think?

...in the next day or so I'll let you guys know what my off-season plans for the blog are.

Avery & Duguay To Host Radio Show at NHL Store Tomorrow

Sean Avery, Ron Duguay and former NJ Devils defenseman Ken Daneyko will host a special edition of the weekly SIRIUS XM Radio talk show, Ice Breakers from the NHL Powered By Reebok Store, 1185 Ave. of the Americas (@ 47th street), New York, NY, 212-221-6375, on Thursday, May 14, from 5-7pm to discuss the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Fans in attendance will be able to pose questions directly to the hosts live on the air.

For more on Sirius XM NHL Radio click here & here.

Newest Rangers Blogger

I'd like to welcome the newest addition to The New York Rangers Blog Family my second daughter (why does god hate me?) who was born yesterday amazingly on Mother's Day.

Updates will be few and far in between the next couple of days as I teach my newest little Ranger fan how to update the blog. Once she gets the hang of it the blog will be updated more often.

Zherdev Breaks Hand At Worlds

Beyond the Blueshirts is reporting that Rangers restricted free agent Nicholai Zherdev broke his left hand during the World Championships...

“I have a broken bone in my left hand. I’m very upset,” Nikolai told a Gazeta.ru correspondent. “I very much wanted to finish the championship. Now I’ll support the guys.”

BTB adds that Zherdev sustained the injury in his first game of the tournament, last Saturday’s qualification round match-up against the USA. Despite the injury Zherdev played two more games for his country, earning a single assist and finishing a +2.

...wonder if the injury will have any bearing on the Rangers decision making this off-season?

...you'd think a guy who's a free agent might think twice about pushing through an injury at the Worlds.

...hat tip to NYR Blogger for the heads-up.

For more on what should be a very busy off-season for the Rangers go to newyorkrangers.com.

Friday Headlines

Newsday - Cablevision to consider spinning off MSG unit

New York Times - Cablevision to Explore Spinoff of the Garden

New York Post - Cable Splitters

Cablevision to Sell Rangers?

The Hockey News is reporting that Cablevision Systems Corp has said it would “explore the spinoff of its Madison Square Garden business.”

THN adds that companies occasionally announce their intentions to spin off as a way to gauge the company’s market value. However, it's unclear whether Cablevision intends to sell or not. If they do, it could potentially put the Rangers in new hands.

Time Warner Cable is mentioned as a possible buyer.

Another possibility is the Dolan family, Cablevision’s principal owner, selling its cable business and putting its focus on running the Rangers, Knicks, MSG network and its venues.

...the beginning of this report started out so promising with Cablevision possibly selling the Rangers, but ended with a thud with speculation that the Dolan's could decide to drop its cable business to focus soley on running the Rangers and Knicks.

Young Core Leads Way for Rangers

Newyorkrangers.com takes a look at the Rangers four youngsters that make up the core of the Rangers team...

"Forwards Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan, along with defensemen Marc Staal and Dan Girardi, are four key youngsters who were challenged, and ultimately thrived, after Tortorella took over the coaching reigns in late February."

...i find it odd that the Rangers would put out a story like this when both Dubinsky and Callahan aren't under contract and could, theoretically, end up with another team.

Assigment Roster Fix

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes asks Ranger fans to fill out the Rangers roster for next year while staying under the cap.

"So, today’s mission, assignment, puzzle, whatever….
1. Add eight forwards and two D-men for $17 or $18 mil….

2. Sub/add players as need be with numbers, be they fantasy or not: Example: $1.6 mil per for Callahan and Dubinsky, that’s $3.2…Sjostrom for $1, add Sauer for $880, toss in Zherdev and some youngster or free agents (St. Louis? Komisarek? Kovalchuk?) and $$$, shake and stir and come up with a grand ghost design…

3. Keep in mind that 2010-11 looms. Staal, Girardi RFAs, etc...strong possibility the cap goes down, so be careful with long-term deals..."

...the only person's answers I care about are Sather's, but good luck everyone.

Wednesday Headlines

Newsday - Naslund's retirement a truly dignified act

Grachev Excelling In Playoffs

While the Rangers are out of the playoffs, Jess Rubenstein at The Prospect Park continues to follow Ranger prospects in the playoffs including Evgeny Grachev whose inspired play in Game 3 of the OHL Championship helped his Brampton Battalion get back in the series after dropping the first two games...

"Grachev as we said was credited for just one assist as well as a +2 but we wish there was a stat that showed other things such as power plays generated for your team. If that was the case then Grachev was a +2 there as he drew 2 key penalties against the Spitfires."

With that assist Grachev now has 11 goals and 14 assists in 19 playoff games.

Rubenstein also looks at defensive prospect Tysen Dowzak of the Kelowna Rockets.

...unless Sather is able to pull off a cap miracle this off-season the Rangers may have to rely on Grachev to be the team's sniper next year.

Drury for Marleau?

Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy comes up with the thought (not rumor) of San Jose Sharks captain Patrick Marleau being traded to the New York Rangers for center Chris Drury.

On why this makes sense for the Rangers...

"Marleau, 30 next season, has one year left at $6.3 million before becoming a UFA. Drury, 33 next season, is signed through 2012 at a robust $7.05 million cap hit.

The deal would make financial sense for the Rangers, jettisoning a contact that -- in hindsight -- is regrettable, in exchange for a pending UFA. You don't like losing a character guy like Drury; but Marleau in a John Tortorella system could be a revelation, if the pressure of playing in New York doesn't crush his soul."

Marleau had 38 goals, 33 assists and was a +16 last season for the Sharks.

...the only reason this makes sense for the Sharks is if they're trying to shake things up after yet another playoff flop. This is a winning situation for the Rangers cap and personnel wise.

...i hate to say this about Drury because he does play hard every night but his time with the Rangers has been a disappointment. The Rangers haven't gotten out of the second round of the playoffs in his two years, while his clutch goals have been few and far in between. Not to mention his contract. But that's on Sather.

Web Chat with Zipay @ 1:45pm

Steve Zipay over at Blue Notes will hold a live web chat today starting at 1:45pm. To participate click here.

Tuesday Headlines

Newsday - Rangers' Naslund retires

New York Post - Naslund retires with integrity

Daily News - It's official: Rangers forward Markus Naslund retires

The Journal News - Naslund retires after one year with Rangers

New York Times - Classy to His Last Day, Markus Naslund Retires

The Bergen Record - Naslund calls it quits

Naslund Officially Retires

Newyorkrangers.com reports that Markus Naslund announced his retirement today, ending his 15-year National Hockey League career, which included a Lester B. Pearson Award (2003), five NHL All-Star Game appearances (1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004) and three NHL All-Star First Team selections (2002, 2003 and 2004).

"I would like to sincerely thank Glen Sather and the New York Rangers for giving me the opportunity this past season in New York," said Naslund. "I would also like to thank the Vancouver Canucks and all of their fans for their support over the 11-plus seasons I was a part of their organization, as well as to the Pittsburgh Penguins where I began my NHL career."

...unfortunately for the Rangers this was the best move Naslund made all year. I kid Marcus.

Naslund to Retire

Larry Brooks at the New York Post reports that Markus Naslund has told his Rangers teammates he is retiring despite having one season at $3 million remaining on the two-year, $8 million free agent contract he signed last summer.

Brooks also notes, but can't confirm, that Naslund notified GM Glen Sather of his decision at his exit interview on Thursday.

...Naslund definitely wore down as the season progressed and probably realized his best days are behind him. He was a solid signing, who brought veteran leadership to the team, but I'm not crying about his retirement because the Rangers can really use the cap space.

Saturday Headlines

The Journal News - Rangers' gear man changes gears

The Bergen Record - Gross: Sather's to-do list is long

Valiquette Has Deal for Next Year

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes has confirmed that Steve Valiquette is under contract for next year for $725,000.

...seems like this was part of his existing contract. Not sure if this contract has been factored in everyone's salary cap estimates for next year.

The Free Agents Speak

Rick Carpiniello at the Ranger Report was able to catch-up with a number of Ranger free agents including Paul Mara...

“I love New York, I love playing for the Rangers and this is a place where I want to play for, hopefully, the rest if my career. But we’ll see what happens.”

...lot of tough decisions this offseason. Should be interesting.

Game 7 Loss Highest Rated Rangers Game Since 1997

Jeff Z. Klein at Slap Shot reports that Game 7 of the Rangers vs. Capitals first round match-up drew the highest TV ratings since 1997...

"The Rangers’ 2-1 loss in Washington on MSG was the most-watched game of the series, getting a 3.02 rating, which translates to some 225,000 households tuning in. That beat out Game 4 as the highest-rated Rangers telecast since April 22, 1997, when the Blueshirts played the Panthers in a first-round game. Tuesday’s telecast peaked from 9:15 to 9:30 p.m., when 328,575 households were watching."

...don't get too excited hockey fans I guarentee you that rating was still lower than World Series of Poker re-runs on ESPN2.

Jagr: Edmonton Would Be My First Choice

TSN reports that Jaromir Jagr, who plans to play out the final year of his contract with Avangard Omsk of the KHL next season, says he hasn't ruled out a return to the NHL in the future and that the Edmonton Oilers would be his first choice...

"If I ever go to (the NHL), they would be my No. 1 pick because they showed the interest first. I never forget that and I respect that. They would be my first pick."

...doesn't Jagr know that Gretzky and Messier don't play in Edmonton anymore?

Tortorella Should Take Notes from Schoenfeld

Jim Kelley at SI.com says John Tortorella needs to only look at his assistant coach Jim Schoefeld on how to grow up and feels that his apology is a start...

"Jim Schoenfeld came to know that. It's why he moved to rein in Tortorella where years ago he might have actually encouraged him. You can't help but wonder if Tortorella will ever get to that same point. His actions in Washington were wrong and he knows it. Maybe today was the first step toward redemption."

...if Tortorella continues to be involved with incidents involving fans he's going find himself out of hockey real quick.

In the article Kelley mentions the Schoenfeld/Don Koharski incident. Here it is in all its glory...

Rosen on WFAN

Rangers broadcaster Sam Rosen was on WFAN's Steve Somers Radio show last night to discuss the Rangers playoffs and potential offseason moves. To listen click here.

Friday Headlines

The Journal News - Rangers' Tortorella regrets suspension, promises changes

Newsday - Torts admits he was wrong in water bottle incident

Newsday - Avery: Tortorella will make me a better player

New York Post - TORTORELLA APOLOGIZES

New York Post - BLUESHIRTS RUE SERIES, SEASON THAT GOT AWAY

Daily News - Rangers: Keep 'em or dump 'em?

Daily News - Rangers' Avery, Tortorella prove a lot alike

Daily News - Lupica: Sundown on former mecca

The Bergen Record - Rangers back apologetic Tortorella

The Bergen Record - Rangers' free agents