Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has this quote from Chris Drury on his broken right hand...
"The good news today is I don't need surgery," said Drury, who will wear a brace for a couple of weeks.
...while I give Drury all the credit in the word for playing with a broken hand, I feel the Rangers should have shut him down for the series. They went 2-0 (1 regular season game) without him and his hand limited his effectiveness. I know he scored the game winner in Game 4, but I think he ended up hurting the Rangers more than helping.
Speaking of not needing surgery Gross also reports that Blair Betts refused to rip Donald Brashear for his blow to the head.
Finally, Gross has Sean Avery heaping praise on John Tortorella.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
RIP 2008-09 Rangers
Over at Puck Daddy, J.P. from Japers' Rink (a Washington Capitals blog) eulogizes the 2008-09 Rangers..."Friends, we gather today as we have 68 times over the last 69 years, to mourn yet another spring without a Stanley Cup championship for our beloved New York Rangers, victims this season of death by asphyxiation; for when their leader, the mighty King Henrik, choked, there was nary a Blueshirt around to perform the Heimlich maneuver."
...this eulogy is brutal. But sadly, I can't refute any of it.
Tortorella's Exit Interview
Arthur Staple at Blue Notes posts John Tortorella's exit interviews with reporters today which ranged from subjects such as Game 7, the direction of the franchise and his suspension...
On whether the team needed better talent, or the talent it has wasn't good enough:
"Both. I'm not the manager of the club, and we're going to have meetings in two weeks to determine what our team is. But I can step out and say I don't think we have it totally, as far as within our team, and I don't think we got it totally from the people on our team."
...wow that's a tough statement. Wonder how the players are going to react?
On whether the team needed better talent, or the talent it has wasn't good enough:
"Both. I'm not the manager of the club, and we're going to have meetings in two weeks to determine what our team is. But I can step out and say I don't think we have it totally, as far as within our team, and I don't think we got it totally from the people on our team."
...wow that's a tough statement. Wonder how the players are going to react?
Thursday Headlines
The Journal News - Bottom line is the Rangers aren't good enough
Newsday - Inevitably, change coming to Rangers in offseason
Newsday - GREG LOGAN: No offense, but offense rules the NHL
New York Times - Fixing the Rangers’ Problems Is Harder Than Masking Them
New York Post - Bring St. Louis to NY
Daily News - Rangers need scoring wings who don't cost a lot
The Bergen Record - Rangers sing the blues
The Bergen Record - Rangers' five questions
Newsday - Inevitably, change coming to Rangers in offseason
Newsday - GREG LOGAN: No offense, but offense rules the NHL
New York Times - Fixing the Rangers’ Problems Is Harder Than Masking Them
New York Post - Bring St. Louis to NY
Daily News - Rangers need scoring wings who don't cost a lot
The Bergen Record - Rangers sing the blues
The Bergen Record - Rangers' five questions
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
No Surgery For Betts
Rick Carpiniello at the Rangers Report says that Blair Betts' fractured orbital bone will not require surgery and he should be fine over time....great to hear as Betts is the most underrated player on the team.
More Offseason Thoughts
Rick Carpiniello at the Rangers Report says the Rangers struggles this year came down to one thing, scoring goals.
While Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants looks at a number of different issues including scoring, Henrik Lundqvist, who to sign and the power play.
Finally Stu Hackel at Slap Shot looks at both the Rangers and Devils collapses last night.
While Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants looks at a number of different issues including scoring, Henrik Lundqvist, who to sign and the power play.
Finally Stu Hackel at Slap Shot looks at both the Rangers and Devils collapses last night.
Zipay's Offseason Game Plan
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes gives his five things that must be addressed this offseason including clearing cap space, fixing the power play, who to keep & who to dump, finding scoring and whether John Tortorella will be around for the entire season next year...
Here's Zipay on the most important thing, cap space...
"This will be one of the trickiest offseasons leaguewide, with 40 percent of players either restricted or unrestricted free agents and the salary cap expected to go down in 2010-11, which will affect long-term contracts. So this is easier said than done. But before any missing pieces can be added, the brass and coach John Tortorella need to create some room. About $41 million of the $56.9- million cap is committed to nine players (Henrik Lundqvist, Scott Gomez, Chris Drury, Wade Redden. Michal Rozsival, Markus Naslund, Sean Avery, Marc Staal and Dan Girardi). One or two for them could be asked to waive a no-trade clause and be sent elsewhere or bought out, with the latter spreading the future cap hit over a number of years. A buyout isn't unprecedented: Think Knicks or Bobby Holik in 2005, who had two years remaining on his contract."
...Sather is going to have to get real creative this offseason if he wants to re-sign our important players (Dubinsky & Callahan) as well as bringing in a much needed sniper.
Here's Zipay on the most important thing, cap space...
"This will be one of the trickiest offseasons leaguewide, with 40 percent of players either restricted or unrestricted free agents and the salary cap expected to go down in 2010-11, which will affect long-term contracts. So this is easier said than done. But before any missing pieces can be added, the brass and coach John Tortorella need to create some room. About $41 million of the $56.9- million cap is committed to nine players (Henrik Lundqvist, Scott Gomez, Chris Drury, Wade Redden. Michal Rozsival, Markus Naslund, Sean Avery, Marc Staal and Dan Girardi). One or two for them could be asked to waive a no-trade clause and be sent elsewhere or bought out, with the latter spreading the future cap hit over a number of years. A buyout isn't unprecedented: Think Knicks or Bobby Holik in 2005, who had two years remaining on his contract."
...Sather is going to have to get real creative this offseason if he wants to re-sign our important players (Dubinsky & Callahan) as well as bringing in a much needed sniper.
Rangers Fans Can Take Solace In Similar Devils Collapse
George Bretherton at Slap Shot says 30 minutes after Ranger fans saw the Blueshirts season end they had reason to rejoice...
"The Devils shocking collapse late in their own Game 7 against Carolina turned what should have been a series-deciding victory into a heartbreaking season-ending defeat. With the fierce rivalry between the Rangers and the Devils, such a loss is sure to have trash-talking value when the teams renew their rivalry next season."
...while the Rangers series collapse was pretty brutal, to lose a Game 7 by surrendering the tying and winning goal inside the final two minutes is on a whole other level. MMMMAAARRRTTTYYY!!!!
"The Devils shocking collapse late in their own Game 7 against Carolina turned what should have been a series-deciding victory into a heartbreaking season-ending defeat. With the fierce rivalry between the Rangers and the Devils, such a loss is sure to have trash-talking value when the teams renew their rivalry next season."
...while the Rangers series collapse was pretty brutal, to lose a Game 7 by surrendering the tying and winning goal inside the final two minutes is on a whole other level. MMMMAAARRRTTTYYY!!!!
Rangers Top 12 Prospects
Shane Molloy at TSN looks at the Rangers top 12 prospects which includes Bobby Sanguinetti (#1), Michael Del Zotto (#3) and Evgeny Grachev (#5).On Grachev, Molloy says...
"This Russian prospect could either tease Ranger fans or bring them out of their seats screaming. He has the tools to produce offence at an NHL, since he has the hockey sense and puck skills to play a high-tempo game. At times, Gratchev (sp)can dominate the offensive zone with his stick-handing ability and poise with the puck. What makes him potentially dangerous is his huge frame and formidable skating ability. To his credit, he does not shy away from the traffic areas and draws defenders to him to open space up for his linemates. His defensive game is improving, as Gratchev (sp) realizes he has to make much quicker decisions on a smaller ice surface. He has garnered good experience playing in the OHL and has adjusted to the North American game. The question remains whether Gratchev (sp) is willing to pay the price long-term to play in the NHL."
...with the Rangers cap situation, young guys like Sanguinetti, Del Zotto and Grachev might actually have the chance to make the team next year.
...and come on Molloy, it's Grachev not Gratchev.
Wednesday Headlines
The Journal News - Rangers sent packing by Caps
Newsday - Rangers eliminated as Caps' Federov scores late
Newsday - Mark Herrmann: Rangers must worry about roster change, not culture
Newsday - Tortorella praises Avery as player on the edge
New York Times - The Rangers See Red as a Series and a Season Melt Away
New York Post - LATE FEDOROV GOAL SINKS RANGERS' DREAM
New York Post - DRURY'S HAND WAS BROKEN
Daily News - Rangers Cap collapse in Game 7
The Bergen Record - Rangers come up short in Game 7
The Bergen Record - Caps' gamesmanship
The Bergen Record - Sullivan: Shared misery as season comes to stunning end
Newsday - Rangers eliminated as Caps' Federov scores late
Newsday - Mark Herrmann: Rangers must worry about roster change, not culture
Newsday - Tortorella praises Avery as player on the edge
New York Times - The Rangers See Red as a Series and a Season Melt Away
New York Post - LATE FEDOROV GOAL SINKS RANGERS' DREAM
New York Post - DRURY'S HAND WAS BROKEN
Daily News - Rangers Cap collapse in Game 7
The Bergen Record - Rangers come up short in Game 7
The Bergen Record - Caps' gamesmanship
The Bergen Record - Sullivan: Shared misery as season comes to stunning end
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Capitals 2, Rangers 1 (Caps win series 4-3)
The New York Rangers lost to the Washington Capitals by the score of 2-1, tonight and lost the series 4-3 in their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal match-up. For a recap and box score go to Yah00! Sports.
...despite the outcome, that was an outstanding Game 7. As was the issue all year, just not enough offense from the Rangers.
...you think Lundqvist needs to work on high glove side this off-season?
...Avery was an absolute beast tonight.
...i don't feel that they lost us the game, but the officiating was atrocious tonight. Too many infractions not called to mention. And that's just on Avery. Bettman wanted Pens/Caps in the second round and I'm sure he let the refs know it.
...if the Rangers played the way they did in the first two periods tonight the entire series they would have won. The puck was in the Caps end more in those two periods than in the last two games combined.
...i'm sure I'll have a lot of season recaps to post over the next few days, but the off-season is officially upon us Ranger fans. So who do you think they'll sign on July 1st?
Rangers @ Capitals (Game 7)
The New York Rangers visit the Washington Capitals in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals match-up tonight at the Verizon Center starting at 7:00 p.m. The series is tied at 3-3. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.
For last minute news go to The Rangers Report or Blue Notes.
Probable Lines:
Avery-Gomez-Callahan
Naslund-Dubinsky-Zherdev
Drury-Korpikoski-Antropov
Sjostrom-Anisimov-Voros
Rozsival-Redden
Staal-Girardi
Mara-Morris
Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 3-3, 3.19 gaa, .907 sv%, 1 so.
Simeon Varlamov - 3-2, 1.21 gaa, .954 sv%, 2 so.
Opponent Notes:
- Alex Ovechkin has scored a goal in each of the past three games.
- Capitals captain Chris Clark could play tonight for the suspended Donald Brashear after being sidelined since January because of wrist surgery.
- The Capitals had a 34-26 edge in face-offs in Game 6.
- The Capitals have scored goals on nine of the 34 shots taken in the last two games on Henrik Lundqvist.
- Tom Poti finished with one goal and three assists in Game 6.
Opponent Blog:
Capitals Kremlin
For last minute news go to The Rangers Report or Blue Notes.
Probable Lines:
Avery-Gomez-Callahan
Naslund-Dubinsky-Zherdev
Drury-Korpikoski-Antropov
Sjostrom-Anisimov-Voros
Rozsival-Redden
Staal-Girardi
Mara-Morris
Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 3-3, 3.19 gaa, .907 sv%, 1 so.
Simeon Varlamov - 3-2, 1.21 gaa, .954 sv%, 2 so.
Opponent Notes:
- Alex Ovechkin has scored a goal in each of the past three games.
- Capitals captain Chris Clark could play tonight for the suspended Donald Brashear after being sidelined since January because of wrist surgery.
- The Capitals had a 34-26 edge in face-offs in Game 6.
- The Capitals have scored goals on nine of the 34 shots taken in the last two games on Henrik Lundqvist.
- Tom Poti finished with one goal and three assists in Game 6.
Opponent Blog:
Capitals Kremlin
Boudreau Can't Figure Out Brashear Suspension
Tarik El-Bashir at the Capitals Insider has this comment from Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau on the Donald Brashear suspension...
"I'm upset -- disappointed is a better word," Boudreau said. "I can't figure it out and I don't think it's best for me to comment on that. It is what it is. As long as [the standard] is the same [for everyone], I guess that's what they're going for. We didn't think it would go that high, and we're disappointed in it, but what are you going to do?"
...is Boudreau kidding me? Avery was suspended for six games for talking earlier this year and he thinks six games for a head shot is excessive?
"I'm upset -- disappointed is a better word," Boudreau said. "I can't figure it out and I don't think it's best for me to comment on that. It is what it is. As long as [the standard] is the same [for everyone], I guess that's what they're going for. We didn't think it would go that high, and we're disappointed in it, but what are you going to do?"
...is Boudreau kidding me? Avery was suspended for six games for talking earlier this year and he thinks six games for a head shot is excessive?
Voros & Anisimov Most Likely In
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that according to coach John Tortorella, he will make a game-time decision of whether to dress rookie Artem Anisimov for his NHL playoff debut or Colton Orr. But without suspended Cap enforcer Donald Brasher and the need for a center without the injured Blair Betts, it appears Anisimov will dress.
While Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has numerous quotes from Tortorella about playing in a Game 7 and the players mindsets.
...when did Voros all of a sudden get an automatic spot in the line-up? Rangers are 1-2 with him in the line-up this post season.
While Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has numerous quotes from Tortorella about playing in a Game 7 and the players mindsets.
...when did Voros all of a sudden get an automatic spot in the line-up? Rangers are 1-2 with him in the line-up this post season.
Antropov A Flop in Playoffs
Damien Cox at the Toronto Star writes that Nik Antrpov's reputation of not being regarded as a big-game player is holding true in this year's playoffs..."He hasn't scored in the last five games, and along with Nikolai Zherdev and Markus Naslund, Antropov is being fingered as one of the offensive culprits behind New York's collapse after once holding a 3-1 lead in this Eastern Conference series with Washington that will conclude with a Game 7 tonight."
Cox adds that Antropov now has only three goals in 34 career playoff games.
...this reputation all goes away if Antropov can get a couple of goals tonight.
Game 7 Viewing Party @ Ziegfeld Theatre
The Rangers will be hosting a Game 7 Viewing Party tonight at Clearview's Ziegfeld Theatre starting at 6pm.Enjoy Game 7 in High Definition on the largest single screen in Manhattan. Meet Rangers legend Adam Graves and longtime Blueshirts star Nick Fotiu, and enjoy a special Rangers party featuring playoff giveaways, autographed prizes.
Admission is free. To RSVP and print out a ticket click here.
It's Been a Circus Lately
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reminds Rangers fans that despite everything going on around the Rangers there is a Game 7 tonight...
"Lost among the time and effort spent reporting on suspensions, crowd control and he said-he saids over biting accusations is the fact that there's a significant hockey game to be played tonight at the Verizon Center. One in which the Rangers may have a puncher's chance if Henrik Lundqvist rediscovers his Superman form and about 50 percent of the team rediscovers the confidence it had through the series' first five games. One in which the Rangers go in knowing all signs point to their season ending, not continuing, after tonight."
Gross also has numerous quotes from players.
...hopefully these guys can start focusing on playing hockey and not everything else surrounding the team.
"Lost among the time and effort spent reporting on suspensions, crowd control and he said-he saids over biting accusations is the fact that there's a significant hockey game to be played tonight at the Verizon Center. One in which the Rangers may have a puncher's chance if Henrik Lundqvist rediscovers his Superman form and about 50 percent of the team rediscovers the confidence it had through the series' first five games. One in which the Rangers go in knowing all signs point to their season ending, not continuing, after tonight."
Gross also has numerous quotes from players.
...hopefully these guys can start focusing on playing hockey and not everything else surrounding the team.
The Bearded Man Speaks
Dan Steinberg at the DC Sports Blog speaks with the bearded Capitals fan who razzed John Tortorella starting the whole incident that lead to Tortorella's suspension..."I leaned in to the little crack [in the glass], and I didn't yell and scream, I just said it very calmly," Ron told me. "I leaned into the crack and I said, 'Nice job coach, your guys put up 15 shots and your [slang term for cats] couldn't even put in a goal.' And then he just went crazy."
From his days in the Cap Centre, Ron said he was accustomed to coaches spritzing rowdy fans with water bottles, and when Tortorella turned, that's what he anticipated. But he said Tortorella crossed a line by soaking him with water.
"If it had been just a little squirt I would have just laughed it off, but he just went crazy and darn near emptied that bottle on me," Ron said. "After he emptied that bottle on me I just threw that beer. Well, it was half a beer....And it just went crazy from there."
Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy has more on the incident.
...Wyshynski brings up a great point in his blog post. How does this guy not get thrown out of the game for dumping a beer on Tortorella?
...everyone always makes a big deal about how classless Rangers fans are. But Capital fans are taking classless to a whole new level.
Tortorella Not to Blame
Adam Proteau at The Hockey News says John Tortorella and his suspension are not to blame for the Rangers being on the verge of blowing a 3-1 series lead to the Capitals..."With the series headed back to Washington – and with the Caps looking like they’re going to rebound from a 3-1 series deficit and move on to the second round – Tortorella’s regrettable Game 5 actions are going to be labeled by some as one of the main reasons the Rangers blew it.
That’s just not the case. As has become clear with every listless on-ice shift by the New Yorkers, this series never has been in the Rangers’ control. It’s been in the control of Lundqvist for three games and out of his control for the other three."
...have to agree with Proteau, the Rangers problem go a lot deeper than Tortorella.
Tuesday Headlines
The Journal News - Despite it all, Rangers aren't done yet
Newsday - Mark Herrmann: Time for accountability from Rangers
Newsday - Tortorella on Game 7: There's no pressure on us
Newsday - Jim Baumbach: Rangers' blame game won't help
Newsday - Capitals' Brashear suspended for six games
New York Times - Caps’ Lose Enforcer Brashear as Rangers’ Tortorella Returns
New York Post - RANGERS, 'KING' HAVE CHANCE TO ADVANCE
New York Post - RANGERS, CAPITALS PREPARE FOR INTRIGUING GAME 7
New York Post - CAPS' GOON SUSPENDED
New York Post - 'TORT' MAKES BAD SITUATION WORSE
Daily News - Torts confident going into Game 7
Daily News - Raissman: Rangers & Devils get cold shoulder
The Bergen Record - Step right up to the sideshow on ice
The Bergen Record - NHL sends Caps’ tough guy packing
Newsday - Mark Herrmann: Time for accountability from Rangers
Newsday - Tortorella on Game 7: There's no pressure on us
Newsday - Jim Baumbach: Rangers' blame game won't help
Newsday - Capitals' Brashear suspended for six games
New York Times - Caps’ Lose Enforcer Brashear as Rangers’ Tortorella Returns
New York Post - RANGERS, 'KING' HAVE CHANCE TO ADVANCE
New York Post - RANGERS, CAPITALS PREPARE FOR INTRIGUING GAME 7
New York Post - CAPS' GOON SUSPENDED
New York Post - 'TORT' MAKES BAD SITUATION WORSE
Daily News - Torts confident going into Game 7
Daily News - Raissman: Rangers & Devils get cold shoulder
The Bergen Record - Step right up to the sideshow on ice
The Bergen Record - NHL sends Caps’ tough guy packing
Brashear Gets Six Games
NHL.com reports that Washington forward Donald Brashear has been suspended for six games by the National Hockey League and will miss Tuesday's Game 7 of the Capitals' Eastern Conference Quarterfinal round series.
Either Chris Clark or Michale Nylander will play in Brashear's spot tonight.
...you might not think losing Brashear is that big a deal for Washington, but they are 3-1 with him in the line-up in the series.
Either Chris Clark or Michale Nylander will play in Brashear's spot tonight.
...you might not think losing Brashear is that big a deal for Washington, but they are 3-1 with him in the line-up in the series.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Morrisonn: 'I Didn't Do That'
Tarik El-Bashir at the Capitals Insider reports that Shaone Morrisonn denied the Rangers' claims that he bit Brandon Dubinsky on the arm saying..."I have no idea," he said. "I have no idea what he's talking about, what that's all about actually. It's weird that they're talking about that."
...obviously I'm partisan, but I can't believe that Dubinsky would lie about this. What would he have to gain from it?
Notes From Practice
Rick Carpiniello at the Rangers Report notes that Blair Betts is out long term with a broken orbital bone in addition to a concussion. Donald Brashear has a hearing with the NHL today regarding the hit—which John Tortorella said was not an elbow, but said it was “a head shot and late.”
Tortorella is not sure if Artem Anisimov will play tomorrow, or if both Colton Orr and Aaron Voros will be in the lineup.
Carpiniello also posts a confrontation between John Tortorella and New York Post Rangers beat writer Larry Brooks.
On the effort of his best players Tortorella says...
“I don’t think it has to do with effort. It’s just simple. We had some chances to finish and we didn’t get it done. I’ll tell you when I watch it, I know it’s not effort. I’m not saying all of them, and I’m not going to give you names, but I most of our guys are trying — our top players. So it’s a matter of feeling the pressure a little bit, to score a big goal at a key time. They care. I’m not going ot say these guys don’t care. They don’t like being embarrassed in their own building … it’s been a fight. I know it’s been a fight prior to when I came here, and it’s been a fight since I came, too.”
...lots going on at practice today. Hopefully they had enough time to focus on tomorrow's game.
Tortorella is not sure if Artem Anisimov will play tomorrow, or if both Colton Orr and Aaron Voros will be in the lineup.
Carpiniello also posts a confrontation between John Tortorella and New York Post Rangers beat writer Larry Brooks.
On the effort of his best players Tortorella says...
“I don’t think it has to do with effort. It’s just simple. We had some chances to finish and we didn’t get it done. I’ll tell you when I watch it, I know it’s not effort. I’m not saying all of them, and I’m not going to give you names, but I most of our guys are trying — our top players. So it’s a matter of feeling the pressure a little bit, to score a big goal at a key time. They care. I’m not going ot say these guys don’t care. They don’t like being embarrassed in their own building … it’s been a fight. I know it’s been a fight prior to when I came here, and it’s been a fight since I came, too.”
...lots going on at practice today. Hopefully they had enough time to focus on tomorrow's game.
Anisimov Called Up
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that the Rangers have called up Artem Anisimov and assumes he'll be in there for Blair Betts tomorrow night.
...Korpikoski was able to come in and score in an elimination game last year, albeit in a losing effort. Let's hope Anisimov can do the same in a winning effort.
...Korpikoski was able to come in and score in an elimination game last year, albeit in a losing effort. Let's hope Anisimov can do the same in a winning effort.
Rangers Go As Lundqvist Goes
Dan Rosen at NHL.com reports that the Rangers struggles in the last two games of their first round match-up with the Capitals have coincided with Henrik Lundqvist's..."The Rangers’ worst nightmare has come true in the last two games against the Washington Capitals. Lundqvist hasn't been there to bail them out like he was through most of the first four games of this best-of-7 Eastern Conference Quarterfinal round series."
...it would be nice to see the team bail Lundqvist out for once.
Capitals Proving They're the Better Team
Wes Goldsteing at CBS Sportsline says that the Capitals last two games proves they are the far superior team to the Rangers...
"Truth is you don't have to scratch deep below the surface to understand why the Caps are one of the league's best teams and the Rangers are not. Washington is bigger, faster, far more skilled and for the most part -- certainly since being pushed to the brink of elimination -- the Caps have played with a level of ferocity that has been too much for New York to handle."
Pierre LeBrun at ESPN.com agrees.
...tough to argue if you're a Rangers fan.
"Truth is you don't have to scratch deep below the surface to understand why the Caps are one of the league's best teams and the Rangers are not. Washington is bigger, faster, far more skilled and for the most part -- certainly since being pushed to the brink of elimination -- the Caps have played with a level of ferocity that has been too much for New York to handle."
Pierre LeBrun at ESPN.com agrees.
...tough to argue if you're a Rangers fan.
Monday Headlines
The Journal News - Rangers have shameful day on, off ice
Newsday - Rangers pushed to the brink after losing Game 6
Newsday - Capitals firing on all cylinders
Newsday - Rangers need Lundqvist to return to form
Newsday - Mark Herrmann: Don't give up, Rangers fans; anything can happen
Newsday - Betts lost to vicious elbow to head by Brashear
New York Times - No Tortorella and No Spark for Rangers in Game 6 Loss
New York Post - WASHINGTON DOMINATES, FORCES GAME 7
New York Post - REALITY SINKS IN FOR BLUESHIRTS
New York Post - BETTS WILL MISS GAME 7
Daily News - Caps rip Rangers, force Game 7
Daily News - Ziegel: Torts all wet, out of options
Daily News - Rangers bite back, want league to hit Caps
The Bergen Record - Rangers forced to Game 7 by Capitals
The Bergen Record - Notes: Wrong kind of shot
The Bergen Record - Sather calls for discipline
The Bergen Record - Rangers/Capitals: Hero, goat, bottom line
Newsday - Rangers pushed to the brink after losing Game 6
Newsday - Capitals firing on all cylinders
Newsday - Rangers need Lundqvist to return to form
Newsday - Mark Herrmann: Don't give up, Rangers fans; anything can happen
Newsday - Betts lost to vicious elbow to head by Brashear
New York Times - No Tortorella and No Spark for Rangers in Game 6 Loss
New York Post - WASHINGTON DOMINATES, FORCES GAME 7
New York Post - REALITY SINKS IN FOR BLUESHIRTS
New York Post - BETTS WILL MISS GAME 7
Daily News - Caps rip Rangers, force Game 7
Daily News - Ziegel: Torts all wet, out of options
Daily News - Rangers bite back, want league to hit Caps
The Bergen Record - Rangers forced to Game 7 by Capitals
The Bergen Record - Notes: Wrong kind of shot
The Bergen Record - Sather calls for discipline
The Bergen Record - Rangers/Capitals: Hero, goat, bottom line
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Betts Significantly Hurt; Dubinsky Receives Tetanus Shot
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports that Jim Schoenfeld said that Blair Betts was "hurt significantly" when Donald Brashear hit him with an elbow to the head.
"It was a late hit to the head," Schoenfield said. "It was pretty vicious. The league will look at it and make their own ruling."
...if Brashear isn't suspended for a vicous blow to the head after Tortorella was suspended for squirting water and Avery for saying "sloppy seconds" I might have to seriously consider not watching hockey anymore.
...huge blow to the Rangers if their best penalty killer and defensive forward can't go in Game 7.
Gross also reports that Capitals defenseman Shaone Morrisonn bit Brandon Dubinsky at 15:03 of the second period, which required Dubinsky to take a tetanus shot after the game.
...is this a joke? Like I said in my game recap, I really didn't watch the game after the first period. Talk about a classless organization. It started with the Caps fans throwing garbage on the ice and dumping beer on Tortorella. Now its trickled down to the players.
"It was a late hit to the head," Schoenfield said. "It was pretty vicious. The league will look at it and make their own ruling."
...if Brashear isn't suspended for a vicous blow to the head after Tortorella was suspended for squirting water and Avery for saying "sloppy seconds" I might have to seriously consider not watching hockey anymore.
...huge blow to the Rangers if their best penalty killer and defensive forward can't go in Game 7.
Gross also reports that Capitals defenseman Shaone Morrisonn bit Brandon Dubinsky at 15:03 of the second period, which required Dubinsky to take a tetanus shot after the game.
...is this a joke? Like I said in my game recap, I really didn't watch the game after the first period. Talk about a classless organization. It started with the Caps fans throwing garbage on the ice and dumping beer on Tortorella. Now its trickled down to the players.
Rangers Request Proper Security for Game 7
Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that the Rangers sent a letter to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman requesting proper security measures for Game 7...
Here's part of the letter...
Dear Gary:
In addition to your suspension of Coach Tortorella for his actions during last night's game, we respectfully request that you consider appropriate discipline in light of Washington's gross negligence in ensuring the safety of the personnel on the Rangers' bench, including Coach Tortorella, in the face of the Rangers' repeated requests for intervention against egregious fan misconduct during Game 5. As importantly, we would like the League's intervention to ensure that there are adequate security measures in place to protect our personnel in the event there is a Game 7 in Washington.
...i think the Rangers need to worry less about security and more about winning games.
Here's part of the letter...
Dear Gary:
In addition to your suspension of Coach Tortorella for his actions during last night's game, we respectfully request that you consider appropriate discipline in light of Washington's gross negligence in ensuring the safety of the personnel on the Rangers' bench, including Coach Tortorella, in the face of the Rangers' repeated requests for intervention against egregious fan misconduct during Game 5. As importantly, we would like the League's intervention to ensure that there are adequate security measures in place to protect our personnel in the event there is a Game 7 in Washington.
...i think the Rangers need to worry less about security and more about winning games.
Capitals 5, Rangers 3 (Tied 3-3)
The New York Rangers lost to the Washington Capitals by the score of 5-3, today and the series is now tied at 3-3 in their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal match-up. For a recap and box score go to Yah00! Sports.
...thankfully it was such a nice day out I was able stop watching another dreadful game and enjoy myself. I only really watched the first period, which was more than enough.
...in the last three years Colton Orr has been a healthy scratch twice and both times the Rangers paid for it. The first one was two years ago when Renney sat Orr for an afternoon game against the Flyers and Philly came out like the old Broad Street Bullies and pounded the Rangers from one end of the ice to the other. Today was the other and I think you all saw what happened. Now I don't want to overstate Orr's importance to the Rangers, but when the opponent has a player like Brashear in the line-up Orr has to be an automatic.
...and by the way how did both refs miss that?
...in the last two games Lundqvist has gone from stealing this series for the Rangers to losing it for them.
...another negative to sitting Avery last game was he came out very tentative today. And a tentative Avery is an ineffective Avery.
...was Antropov suspended for today's game also?
...hopefully, the Rangers two goal third period gives them some confidence going into Game 7.
...this series is almost a microcosm of the Rangers entire season. Shoot out of the gate to a 3-1 lead using smoke and mirrors then struggle mightily to score and win games. Hopefully for the Rangers they end the series on the same high note they ended the regular season with.
...Game 7 on Tuesday. Nothing else to say.
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