USA Playing Denmark

Five minutes into the second period Team USA is scoreless against Denmark in their second game of the World Hockey Championships.

Here is today's line-up:

FORWARDS
Foligno-Dubinsky-Okposo
Moss-Galiardi-Oshie
Kennedy-Potulny-Nystrom
Kreider-Carter-Hanson

DEFENSE
Johnson-Yandle
Greene-Greene
Hillen-Lundin
Chorney-Gilroy

GOALTENDERS
Clemmensen
Bishop

...Team USA's offense has sadly been very Rangers-like to start the tournament.

In other World Champioship news Rangers goaltending prospect Chad Johnson is keeping a diary of the tournament at newyorkrangers.com.

Kreider Not Out of Place

Kevin Allen at USA Today says that Rangers prospect Chris Kreider, the only non-NHLer on Team USA, didn't look out of place during the Americans 2-1 OT loss to Germany in the first game of the World Hockey Championships.

On Kreider, USA assistant executive director Jim Johannson said...

"There are some benefits in having a few young guys that don't have much experience, but bring a lot of energy and excitement to being at the championships," Johannson said before the tournament began. "His speed makes him a dangerous player. He can play all situations and can provide a spark, purely from his speed of play."

...kid is having a dream season. Let's just hope he hasn't peaked before his Rangers career even begins.

Brooks: Cap Room, Back-up Goalie & Torts' Hip

Larry Brooks at the New York Post reports that if, as expected, the NHLPA triggers the five-percent inflator the Rangers should have $17 million to play with this summer.

...lots of players to re-sign so it's nice to see the Rangers may get more cap room.

Brooks adds that $1.75-2 million of that could be spent on a back-up goaltender and mentions Martin Biron and Johan Hedberg as the top contenders.

...$2 million is more than I'd like to see the Rangers spend on a back-up goaltender. I was thinking more like $1-1.25 million.

Finally, Brooks notes that John Tortorella returned from the Rangers' organizational meetings to undergo hip replacement surgery on Monday, an operation that necessitated a five-day stay in the hospital.

...hopefully Torts has a speedy recovery.

Anisimov, Rozsival Lead Teams to Wins at Worlds

Newyorkrangers.com reports that Artem Anisimov had four shots on goal during Russia's 3-1 win over Slovakia in the World Hockey Championships.

While Michal Rozsival lead all teammates with 20:59 of ice time and five shots on goal during the Czech Republic's 6-1 win over France.

...nice to see both players looking to shot. Something the Rangers sorely lacked this season.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms who read this blog. Especially my own.

Moore Watch

In what's becoming a trend, Dominic Moore was held scoreless for the fifth straight game as the Canadiens were defeated by the Penguins 2-1 last night to give Pittsburgh a 3-2 lead in their Eastern Conference Semi-Final series.

Moore was 1-for-3 on faceoffs.

Was It Over When the Germans Bombed Pearl Harbor?

A little late on this, but Friday Team USA lost their opener of the World Hockey Championships to host country Germany 2-1 in OT in front of 77,803 fans.

Brandon Dubinsky, Matt Gilroy and Chris Kreider were all held without a point. For more visit USA Hockey.

...so much for all the good feelings coming out of the Olympics. Plenty of tournament left. Not completely down on the team yet.

Marc Staal, Michael Del Zotto and Chad Johnson (didn't play) helped Team Canada win their first game over Italy 5-1.

Rangers Not Interested in Zherdev

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes tweets...

"Rangers source denies any discussions with Nik Zherdev"

Zherdev is said to be interested in making an NHL comeback.

...while the Rangers could use the scoring, what they don't need is a lazy player that will be in Torts' doghouse all season long.

Team USA to Face Germany Today in WC (Updated)

Updated, 11:18 a.m.:
Here is Team USA lineup per U.S. Men's National Team Blog...

FORWARDS
Foligno-Dubinsky-Okposo
Moss-Galiardi-Oshie
Kennedy-Potulny-Nystrom
Kreider-Carter-Hanson

DEFENSE
Johnson-Yandle
Greene-Greene
Hillen-Lundin
Chorney-Gilroy

GOALTENDERS
Clemmensen
Bishop
Leggio

...nice to see Dubinsky on the top line. Not so nice to see Gilroy on the fourth defensive pair. Not sure if that means he's scratched.

Original Post:
Brandon Dubinsky, Matt Gilroy, Chris Kreider and Team USA will play their first game of the World Championships against host country Germany today at 2:15pm (EST).

For game notes click here.

Will be televised on Universal Sports Network. Check your listings.

...good luck boys. Let's bring home the gold.

Moore Watch

Dominic Moore was a +1 and 3-for-5 on faceoffs last night as the Canadiens tied their series with the Penguins at 2-2 with a 3-2 victory.

Moore has 2g and is a +1 in 11 playoff games this postseason.

Highway Robbery as Sather Not Nominated for GM of the Year

TSN reports that Don Maloney of the Phoenix Coyotes, George McPhee of the Washington Capitals and David Poile of the Nashville Predators are the finalists for the inaugural NHL general manager of the year award.

...i'm in a state of shock right now. I thought Sather had it in the bag.

More Quick Hits

Sorry for the second straight day of just links. Yesterday I was running around, today computer issues...

Dale Weise is going to get a long look at camp next season. (Blue Notes)

MSG construction updates at the New York Times and New York Post.

Anisimov makes Russian World Championship team. (Beyond the Blueshirts)

More Ranger prospect awesomeness. (newyorkrangers.com)

More reason for Ranger fans not to be happy with Chris Drury or Scott Gomez for that matter. (The Hockey News)

Young Rangers to Gain Experience at Worlds

Jim Cerny at newyorkrangers.com reports on the valuable experience the young Rangers participating in the World Hockey Championships will receive on the World stage...

"This is the largest group of Blueshirts to compete for a World gold medal since 1993, and the most exciting aspect for the Rangers franchise is that, except for veteran defenseman Michael Rozsival who will play for the Czech Republic, the players taking part range in age from 19-25 and will benefit greatly from this tournament experience. It is also a compliment to the organization that so much of its young talent will be on display in the World Championship this year."

...back in the early 2000s there was no light at the end of the tunnel for the Rangers organization. But now, despite not qualifying for the playoffs this season, I am so pumped for the future of this franchise with young players such as Dubinsky, Callahan, Staal, Anisimov and Del Zotto already on the big club and guys like Kreider, Stepan, McDonagh, Hagelin and Bourque fine tuning their skills in the lower level. I'm not sure if this blog will be around, but mark this down the Rangers will be a Stanley Cup contender within the next five years. Preferably the year after Redden's contract expires.

...did I just somehow compliment Sather with the above statement? Nah, can't be.

Not So Fast on Jokinen to Russia Talk

Earlier today, I posted that Olli Jokinen was close to signing with a KHL team. However, Jokinen's agent is now refuting that report...

O.Jokinen's agent, Todd Diamond refutes Jokinen is close to signing with Minsk. Says Jokinen will play in NHL next yr.less than a minute ago via mobile webDarren Dreger
DarrenDreger

...Jokinen has proven time and time again that he is not a money player and I'm not interested in players that can't get it done in the clutch. Rangers need to take a pass and look for a real play-making center.

...i love the new tweet embed option. Cool stuff.

Quick Hits (Updated)

Update, 3:40pm:
Olli Jokinen close to signing with Dinamo Minsk of the KHL. (Beyond the Blueshirts)

Original Post:
Running around a bit today so here are some quick links for you guys and gals...

- Brandon Dubinsky had two assists in Team USA 3-1 win over France in the team's only warm-up before the World Championships. (USA Hockey)

- Nikolai Zherdev wants to come back to the NHL. (AOL Fanhouse)

- Modified "Moore Watch": third straight game w/o a point, three blocked shots, 1 hit and 1-for-2 on faceoffs in Canadiens 2-0 loss to the Penguins giving the Pens a 2-1 series lead. (ESPN)

Valiquette Signs with KHL Team

Laurie at Beyond the Blueshirts reports that Steve Valiquette has signed with CSKA Moscow of the KHL.

This will be Vally's second go round in Russia.

...good luck we'll always remember your shootout victory back in 2007 against the Blues that propelled the Rangers into an outstanding late season run that ended in the conference semis against the Sabres.

Officially Official that Jagr Signs with Omsk

David Staples at the Edmonton Journal has another confirmation that Jaromir Jagr has signed with Avangard Omsk...

Jagr on the signing...

"If it didn't work out there, I'd have to start looking at other options. But I just didn't want to be engaged in multiple negotiations that would force me eventually to decide which direction to take."

...as I've said, sad he won't be back in the NHL, but I wish him luck.

Dubinsky: I need to find a way to be more consistent

In a feature on Brandon Dubinsky at newyorkrangers.com, Jim Cerny has this quote from the young centerman...

“I need to find a way to be more consistent and not go through some streaks of great play and streaks of not so great play,” said Dubinsky. “That’s something that is important to me and something I have to think about and try and cure for next year.”

...i feel that Dubinsky is on the cusp of becoming a great player for the Rangers. He's gone through some growing pains (sophomore slump) and physical pains (broken hand) the last two years that have kept him from getting to that next level. With next season being his fourth with the Blueshirts I think he will finally put it all together and shine.

...i also like the leadership he shows out on the ice (retaliation on Toronto's Jeff Finger after his hit on Gaborik), so look for him to maybe get an 'A' this season if the Rangers don't re-sign Prospal.

Russian Interest in Vally

Laurie at Beyond the Blueshirts tweets that two KHL teams are interested in Steve Valiquette...

"CSKA Moscow & another KHL team are interested in #NYR goaltender Steve Valiquette, who played in Russia in 05-06. (shaybu-shaybu.ru)"

Valiquette was waived by the Rangers in December after struggling early in the season. He ended up in Hartford when no team claimed him.

...Valiquette is a great team guy, but there is no room for him in the Rangers organization. Torts has no faith in him and the Hartford job is Chad Johnson's. I wish him luck.

Drury Ranked 25th Best Captain

Timo Seppa at Puck Prospectus ranks the captains in the NHL based on a Goals Versus Threshold formula and Chris Drury comes out #25.

The idea behind the ranking is to see if a team can have success while being led––for any extended period of time––by a "character" player without much talent to back his "intangibles."

Three of the top ten captains are on teams that did not make the playoffs, while four of the bottom ten captains made the playoffs.

...not sure what all this means, but Drury is a player that cannot be evaluated as a captain based on offensive output. While I've had my problems with Drury as a captain (not vocal or emotional enough) what I can't deny is his effort every game. Blocking shots, penalty kill and faceoffs.

Zipay Needs Mock Draft Participants

Steve Zipay at Blue Notes is looking for participants to take part in his mock draft which is tentatively scheduled for Thursday.

Available teams include Columbus, Tampa, Carolina, Minny, Dallas, Phoenix (two picks), St. Louis, Vancouver (two picks), Ottawa, Colorado, Buffalo, LA, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Washington, Chicago and San Jose.

...i don't have time, but it looks like it should be fun.

Brooks: Who Would You Give Up for Mike Green?

Yesterday when I posted the New York Post column on Ryan McDonagh possibly bolting the Rangers I missed another item in there in which Larry Brooks asks this question...

"Mike Green, caught in purgatory, is a blue-chip stock who never has traded lower. And OK, here's a two-part question: If McPhee were to come calling tomorrow offering Green and maybe Tomas Fleischmann or Eric Fehr to the Rangers for Marc Staal and, say, Ryan Callahan or Brandon Dubinsky, what would you do and what would you have GM Glen Sather do?"

...while Green's offense would be a major upgrade the Rangers do not need another offensive defenseman. They need a physical, clear-out the front of the net type guy.

...and to give up two of their top three young players for someone who is not needed is just insane.

...h/t to reader Mich for the heads-up.

Anyone Want Theodore?

Jim Matheson at the Edmonton Journal reports that the Washington Capitals will let goaltender Jose Theodore walk this summer.

...with all indications that the Rangers are not re-signing Auld (what's he going to do with that awesome mask?), if Theodore is available I think the Rangers should make a play for him.

...obviously he'd have to take a huge pay cut (he made $4.5 million last season) and a reduction in playing time. But I don't see too many teams who'd be throwing a starting job at a guy who's been yanked after Game 1 of the playoffs two years in a row.

...for the Rangers they'd finally have a back-up they'd feel comfortable giving 30-35 games to rest Lundqvist.

Lisin Cut from Team Russia

Laurie over at Beyond the Blueshirts reports that Enver Lisin was cut from the Russian National Team on Sunday, a few hours after the squad lost its final game at the LG Hockey Games, 4-2 to the Czech Republic.

Artem Anisimov is still on the team.

...doesn't sound like it's going to be a fun summer for Lisin. Cut by team Russia and most likely not being re-signed by the Rangers.

...great job as always by Laurie following the Rangers overseas.

Moment of the Year

Newyorkrangers.com is asking Ranger fans to vote on the "Moment of the Year" from four pre-selected plays that were voted "Moment of the Week" this season.

The four plays are:

1) Del Zotto Scores First NHL Goal for a 3-1 Lead in Oct. 3 Home Opener

2) Dubinsky Goal at 11:49 of Third Beats Carolina 2-1 on New Year's Eve

3) Avery Scores on Penalty Shot vs. Tampa Bay on Valentine's Day at MSG

4) Lundqvist Stops Boston Penalty Shot to Keep March 21 Game Scoreless

...i went with Avery's penalty shot.

Moore Watch

Dominic Moore was held scoreless for the second straight game, but the Montreal Canadiens evened their series with the Pittsburgh Penguins at 1-1 after a 3-1 victory yesterday.

Moore had three shots on goal and was just 1-for-7 on faceoffs.

Johnson Added to Team Canada

TSN reports that GM Mark Messier has added Rangers goaltending prospect Chad Johnson to the Team Canada roster headed to the World Championships in Germany next week.

Johnson will most likely be the back-up to Columbus' Chris Mason.

...wow and I thought Kreider making the US team was a surprise. Good for Johnson. I hope he's able to get some playing time.

D Prospect McDonagh May Bolt Rangers

Larry Brooks at the New York Post reports that if Rangers defensive prospect Ryan McDonagh (U of Wisconsin) does not sign with the Blueshirts this summer, he will not sign with them at all.

McDonagh would then play his senior year for the Badgers. If he remains unsigned through next year, McDonagh would become an unrestricted free agent as of Aug. 15, 2011.

Brooks is hearing that McDonagh will make his decision based less on the contract and more on his perception of the Rangers' program.

...if this kid bolts, it will be another notch on Sather's belt of ineptness.

Rangers Will Not Revamp

Arthur Staple at Newsday says not to expect drastic changes to the Rangers roster this summer...

"But there were no indications heading into the week from people inside the front office that the Rangers are at all tempted to deviate from their plan to stay young and plug holes via free agency rather than remake the roster this summer."

Staple adds that Ranger targets remain the same: a physically imposing defenseman and an offense-minded center. The Senators' Anton Volchenkov and the Predators' Dan Hamhuis top the list of defensemen, while the Canadiens' Tomas Plekanec stands out most at center.

...this is great to hear as one of the biggest problems the last few years with the Rangers has been lack of chemistry due to constant roster turnover.

Moore Watch

After scoring the series clinching goal in his last game, Dominick Moore had a quiet night, scoring no points, as the Canadiens were pounded by the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.

Moore was 3-for-8 on faceoffs and had three hits in 16:02 of ice time.

First round hero Jaroslav Halak came back down to earth stopping just 15 of 20 shots before being pulled.