Gotta Love this guy

Scott Gomez is my favorite player on this team and personalty makes it a lot easier to root for him, another funny interview on MSG after Pens game:

Playoffs Here We Come

Well I guess the current captain is not ready to give up his C just yet. Jaromir Jagr woke up the Rangers and showed exactly what it will be like in Russian Elite League next year. The Islanders are an embarrassment t right now and I think they should have kept with Neil Smith to turn this thing around. If they are going to come near last place every year, at least get a GM that can draft and build a good team.

Quick Notes:

What a boring game- The Rangers can say all they want they did not look past this team, but this was the most boring “rivalry” game I have ever seen. Devils/Flyers are much more of a rival at this point. If the Isles become better the rivalry will grow again. The start of the year when the isles were healthy and playing well you could feel the intensity, last night I could feel nothing.

The King- 10 shutouts the most since (well you look it up) a really long time ago. He made some big saves last night on a couple chances. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come.

Rest- Memo to Renney- Sit Jagr/Gomez/Shanny tonight. Then put them back in the lineup for the last game of the year. There is no need to go for broke to get the 4 seed and a part of me would not love the 5 seed. I would love to beat the Devils do not get me wrong, but those 7 wins this year are deceiving. 3 games went to OT and I am pretty sure they all were 1 goal games. Actually f that- the Devils have no offense and we will destroy them!!!

Player of the Game- Jaromir Jagr- The captain stepped up and buried 2 PP goals. He has actually gotten hot at the right time and the Rangers will need him to keep shooting on the PP as he has the last 4-5 games. PLAYOFF PREVIEW COMING SOON- Once seeds are set. Do not expect a re-cap of tonights game, as I may take a break- 80 straight games on the couch with my funny bones and milk have really affected me. I think I need a one game break!!!

Clinch at the Coliseum does it get any better?

Rangers are in the playoffs with 2 points in the next 3 games. They will clinch vs. the Islanders or (hopefully it does not get to this) vs. the Devils on the last night of the season.

Some quick notes from the Pens series:

I do not want any part of the Penguins in the playoffs and it has nothing to do with the team/talent on the team. It has to do with the love affair the NHL/Refs have with Sidney Crosby. If you breathe on Crosby he seems to try to get a penalty called and the refs seem to call it most of the time. I mean the phantom high stick (rumors are he showed tape mark to Channel 4 showing it hit him, but there are no videos showing Gomez’s stick was anywhere near his face. When the refs let them play and did not call every penalty on the Rangers (in MSG) the game was a battle and the Rangers prevailed in OT.

Ask yourself this….would The Great One dive as much as Sid The Kid (or The baby as I call him) does, would the great one throw his head back like he did when he was NOT hit in the face. No, the great one respected the game and the players he played against. Sidney will get enough calls for him because he deserves them, I mean the guy carries the puck a ton and is strong on his feet, do like Jagr and fall when you have to.

Speaking of strong (or not strong in this case), did anyone notice Evgeni Malkin is weak on his feet? For such a huge guy, every time he is hit he goes down like a sack of potatoes. Rangers scouts better be seeing that and tell the team to hit him often and early to get him off his game. Reports are he is not the same player he was when Crosby was out. He seems to cater to Crosby and he just takes the scraps (although the scrapes are a ton of open nets to shoot into).

Ryan Callahan is becoming a small little wrecking ball. Every shift you know when he is out there. It appears Dawes is following his lead. They are like smaller versions of Hollweg, but they have talent, soft hands, scoing touch etc etc….okay they are nothing like Hollwed THANK GOD.

I would like to introduce you to the new Rangers captain--------CHRIS Drury. This guy is sick in the clutch. Thank god he is on our side this year. I love the way he plays and he seems to lurk around until he can pounce on a puck and bury it when the team needs it most.
Hopefully there will be a welcome to the Playoffs post after the 2 games vs. the Islanders

In Gomez We Trust

What a difference a game and having one player makes. Anyone that thinks Gomez is overpaid just needs to watch the replay of the Flyers game Tuesday and last nights Devils game. This guy is a tempo/game changer. Once he got going, so went the Rangers.

After the first period (which the Devils fore-checked the hell out of the Rangers), Gomez got his legs under him and started to really force the play in the Devils zone. He made 2 great passes to set up the two goals and then Mr. Clutch came through with a game winning assist to Dawes scoring on his back. I will admit though, all I thought when Drury passed was what the hell are you doing, take the shoot. That is why I am on the couch with my Baked Lays and Diet Dr. Pepper and he is known as the best clutch player in the game. Chat of the year- Ranger fans chanting after 3rd goal- “YOU CAN’T BEAT US!!!”

GAME NOTES:

Jagr is done; he will not be back next year. This is no longer his team and you can tell. He just does not have the same jump/desire to carry this team on his back. He needs to be the man to enjoy the game. I am just speculating here, but I think we all can tell the Rangers are transitioning into Gomez and Drury’s team and they will only go as far as these 2 carry them. Jagr most score to have value and he is not. I love him and thank him for the last 3 years and putting the Rangers back on the map, but he will be in the Czech Republic league next year. Hope he finds some fire for the playoffs, but he just does not have that finishing touch anymore.

Drury is showing why every team he plays for loves him. 3 assists last night and every night he seems to be in the right place at the right time. During Hall of Fame weekend Messier was quoted as saying you do not pay Drury and Gomez all that money for the first month of the season, you pay it to watch them at the end of the year and playoffs. Man was he 100% correct on that one.

Gomez post game- Even if you do not watch all of it, you must watch Gomez in the post game interview (when he has a good game he seems to always go in to talk to MSG). He is a natural and will be a TV man after he is done. He said his new nickname is blood and guts, and they call Dawes Black Magic (Al Sharpton on line 1). The best moment was at the very end. John Gianone was about to say thanks for the interview and Gomez says, man John they could not do anything about that on your lip (he had a zit/blemish). Gianone turns red and Gomez says man they could not even get any makeup to stick to that (and makes a great face). Do not know if you had to see it to laugh, but I was dying.

Christian Backman- I do not love this guy and I was ready to throw my remote at the TV on the Paraise give away, but the guy has a ton of talent. If he would limit his mistakes he can be a solid 3rd line d-man with offensive upside. We will see what becomes of him in due time and come playoff time, he will either be a hero or a HUGE Goat.

Player of the Game 1A- Gomez and 1B- Henrik. Tell Martin Broduer to go f-himself. Sports Illustrated article Marty was offended Hank did not say hi to him at Vezina award presentation- Henrik’s response, I had to seek him out, couldn’t he have said hi to me? Then Marty says I just do not like Lundqvist’s style, it is weird. Well if being a finalist every season for the Vezina and winning 30 plus games every season as a goalie is weird then sign me up. I F’ING HATE THE DEVILS!!!!!

Knocking on Top of Eastern Conference Door

You know the king is on when he is dominating in the shootout. He lets in one goal on a wrist shot in the upper corner, but he stopped the first 2 to give the Rangers a chance to win it. Scott Gomez did just that with a nice forehand tuck in the bottom left corner of the net.

Rangers get to 83 points and are tied with Ottwa for 5th place in the East. They are now 3 points out of first place overall in the East (and the Division). I am torn on the 5 or 6 seed. Carolina and there style scares me, but the 4th seed is currently Pitt so no easy matchups in the first round. I love that we are able to talk seed in playoffs now and not will they make it. What a run going 10-0-3 in the last 13 games, This team is really starting to jell and may be ready to make a run.

QUICK NOTES:

Another game for Drury and another stretch where you see why he is the player he is. Rangers go on a 2 minute 5-3 penalty kill and he is just dominate on the PK. He blocks a shot, he dives to clear the puck 2 times and just would not let the point men establish themselves.

2nd goal is another example of why Avery is better then all the press he gets as just a nasty agitator. He absolutely destroys the d-man while fore-checking, gets the puck behind the net and puts the puck right on Jagr’s stick for a top shelf goal. I think Avery celebrated more then Jagr on the goal and he deserved to.

Refs- What happened last night? Was if breath on a Sabre get a penalty night? The Rangers were called for everything last night. Then a Sabre punches Orr after a clean hit near the bench and Orr and Peters each get 10 minutes? HOW IS THAT NOT a 2 minute PP for the Rangers? I mean that is a dangerous precedent to set in the last minute of a tie game. Peters was not going to be sent out there for the OT or shootout so any time a pile up starts in a tie game late he can just punch the guy from the bench? Should Orr have let up with 2 seconds left, yes, but the hit was not late and was prior to the buzzer.

PLAYER OF THE GAME- Overall a solid game by the team (except for the Penalties). I think all the Penalty Kills in the 2nd period were the key to the win. I will give Player of the game to Chris Drury for leading the charge (see his analysis above).

The King Reigns Supreme

I have lost a lot of confidence in the king over the last couple months. He has been back in the net and been giving up a ton of deflection goals and just plan bad goals at the wrong time. Well, last night was the old King and the one the Rangers will need if they have any chance at making a run at the cup. For about 5 minutes in the third period the score was 0-0 and Henrik stood on his head (almost literally) to steal 2 points for the Rangers. Much love for the King and I am hoping he plays again tonight to see if he going to go on a run The diving glove save and then kick up of his pads scenario will be played on NHL.com for a long time.

Quick Notes:

Renney is saying that Backhman is finally getting settled down and playing his game. Well if his game is letting guys blow by him and taking at least 1 penalty a game then man did JD rip the Rangers off. He is actually making Staal look bad as he has to cover for him all game. Last night Backhman did have some moments, but he better be better then this real soon.

The Legend of Nigel Dawes continues to grow. Does anyone see a little Shannahan in him? He has a great shot and some great offensive moves to get him self open. I think his release is a couple notches below Shanny, but he has better play making skills then Shanny.

Love what Shojrstrom is doing for the fourth line. He skates like the wind and is solid in his own end. I know she is not a hockey announcer or understand the game, but middle of the game yesterday Jeannie says “Man that number 20 is all over the place, and is always flying around out there, he is scrappy.” A little tear came to the eye as Jeannie is finally admitting she is now a Ranger fan.

Avery Water Bottle Gate- Sean Avery took 2 water bottles and in anger threw them around the penalty box after his phantom penalty in the second period. You know the one with the pile up in front, he get cross checked in the ribs, then pushes the guy in the chest and he is called for 2 minutes (great job refs). One of them ended up striking a wall in the stands and getting a family of 3 wet. The father walked down and showed Sean the bottle in disgust. At the end of the period Avery sought the family out and gave them signed equipment (sticks). The father was satisfied and moved on. Just another story to add to the Sean Avery resume, those are the things you will deal with, with a player like him.

Side note on Avery, well placed sources stated the Sharks offered Steve Brenier for Avery straight up and the Rangers said no. Brenier was the player they then used to get Brian Campbell and were offering for Marion Hossa. Think this tells you how Sather feels about Avery and tells me he will be a Ranger next year.

Drury- what more can you say. Malik get run and Drury drops the gloves for him. I like to introduce you to the future captain of the NY Rangers.

PLAYER OF THE GAME- Has to be the King. He stole 2 points for the Rangers and keep them in the hunt for top spot in the East. Put them 7 points up on 9th place.
Rangers play 500 hockey (13 points) the 9th place and 10th place teams will have to go around 10-3, or 11-2 to top them or tie them.

3 out of 4 Isn't Bad

When the home and home started, I said to myself if they can get 2 points at home and 1 on the road I will sign up for it now. Well it was the opposite, but the results were the same. Game 1 the Rangers should have won but the King was awful yet again (I mean come on a wrist shot from the point on a 2 on 2 should not go in). Callahan and Gomez hook up for a huge shorthanded goal to get the point. Last night was a dominate effort in periods 1 and 3 with a lull in period 2. Henrik kept them in the game in the second period, so much props to him as he made some huge saves to keep them with a 1 goal lead.

Quick Notes

Jagr MUST be in the shootout!!!!! I mean come on, I have no problem with Shanny, Dawes (he has looked great in shootout), Gomez, Drury types but Micheal Rozival? Hey Renney you are the coach, tell Jagr (even if he says I stink at shoot-outs) you are our best player go out in round 5 and win us a game. I love Jagr but this Shoot-out thing is just comical and frustrating.

Avery must be signed. I can not say it enough. Time to pony up to the table and get this guy paid. I will not enjoy a game as much if he is not there, he has a lot more skill then people give him credit for and he is a proven big game player now. A blog I was forwarded from Bobby (my uncle) was pretty interesting, it states Sather may be leery to sign him long term and then Jagr and Shanny leave. Jagr and Shanny have been able to keep Avery in check as he knows this is there team. I think it is a valid point, but you must sign him, then tell Drury/Gomez this is your team time to step up and one thing you must do is keep Avery in check. They want an average of 7-8 million a year they must do more then just the on ice stuff.

4 points out of first place in the East with a game in hand on the Penguins is a little deceiving as there are 5 teams to jump over but unreal how tight the east is. Rangers better not need 3 of 4 again when they play the isles the last 2 games. I want a cushion.

Thanks to Ted Nolan for playing Dubliewicz, come on Ted, you sign a goalie for that long and you know how up he gets for the Rangers you have to play him. Dipietro is a monster vs. the Rangers and while Dubliewicz had some moments in game one he let in some weak goals and did give up 3 goals. It was not like he had 40 shots against and only let in one or none. Stupid coaching move.

PLAYERS OF THE GAMES:

Tie- Nigel Dawes and Brendan Shannahan. I can not believe I am writing this, but I want Shanny back next year. If Callahan/Gomez continues to kill penalties like this, you can put Betts with Drury and take a lot of ice away from Shanny. He can not re-sign and play as much as he does now. Play him on the 2nd line and PP and watch him shine. His presence in that locker room can not be understated. Nigel Dawes is a great young player and will be a 2nd line winger next year all year.

Another Weekend Victory

I did a little research and the Rangers record since January on the weekend (Saturday/Sunday) is 8-1-3 for a total of 19 out of 24 points. The Rangers played a wide open game in the first period and were able to stay in the game. As much as it was frustrating to watch the Flyers score all those goals at least the offense is at a level where they can win a high scoring game. Shannahan set the tone with a sick top shelf wrist shot in shootout and then Dawes with a sweet backhand in the five hole to clinch the win.

Quick Notes:

Henrik oh Henrik you let up another soft goal to make it 3-3 and take the heart out of the team. I mean Carter had no angle to try and go fore-hand as Malik was coming up the middle to cut that off and you get surprised by a weak floating backhand. I think Renney was correct in pulling The King and with Valiquette’s records against the Flyers he should have started. 20-20 hindsight obviously but Vali was steady and the Rangers d-shored itself up in the last 2 periods.

Backman and Sjostrom score and thank god Backman did, he was one bad play away from being booed every time he touched the puck. Sjostrom’s goal was a thing of beauty and he really has been impressive for the Rangers already. He showed speed to get to the front of the net and then determination by getting 3 shots off without being touched.

No respect for Channel 4’s coverage. Jagr was not playing well last 2 times Rangers were on national tv and the entire broadcast they are trying to show he does not care and is not the same old Jagr. Yesterday when he is back to top form there is not a mention at all by Milbury or highlight reel showing how well he is playing now. Just shows they were all about shock value and wanted to get the press going with does Jagr not care quotes.

Player of the Game:

Martin Straka- Big goal to get the scoring started and then a great rush and feed to Callahan for an easy band in goal. Love the way a different line every night is the big goal scorer for the game.

Rangers newbies one good one…not so good

Well the Sjostrom/Backman era began last night and it was to mixed reviews. This Sjostrom kid looks like he can play all aspects of the game. Orr/Holloweg better not play over this guy the rest of the season. He will bring a nice spark to that last line and when Avery goes off for a fight or a top forward gets banged up he can fill in as a formidable top line winger. The speed he showed on that break-in was nice and he did not make any mistakes when playing with Betts/Hollweg.

Backman on the other hand….Holy Shit he better have been nervous and trying to hard because, he was out of position all night and took 3 penalties (should have been a 4 minute high stick on top of that, but the refs called Staal). I agree with Brendan Shanahan (boy he will sleep well at night now) when he said it is much harder for a d-man to jump in and play over a forward, but this has to be one of the worst Ranger debuts ever. You have to give him a little lee-way but if we are paying 2.3 million next year for this type performance we are in trouble.

Quick Notes

Visions of Montreal were dancing in my head right when Sam Rosen said the same thing on the broadcast. Dawes set up Shanny for a perfect top shelf shot and a game clinching 4th goal. Rangers showed poise and got the job done.

Memo to Glen Sather SIGN AVERY NOW. This is 2 years in a row Avery shows he is not scared to play in big games and the big time of the season. His wrists must have really affected him the first half of the season. He is playing like a man possessed right now and the Rangers need that in a big way.

SIDE NOTE IN PITTSBURGH- Unreal for Marian Hossa and the Pens (not that I am complaining). He suffered a knee injury in there loss to the Bruins (do they ever lose) and early reports are a sprain/strain of the knee and out 1 week. It could be much worse but man that is a downer for the Pens.

PLAYER OF THE GAME: Even though he did not get on the scoreboard last night, this player has been there all year night in and night out. He really is making me believe he deserves # 1 d-man money with his play. Should he shoot more, no doubt, but when the team needed him last night he was a monster on the penalty kill. Michael Rozival gets my player of the game for the 8 plus minutes Backman put them a man down. He intercepted about 2-3 passes and stood up 2-3 players at the blue line. The main reason the Rangers won was they killed off those penalties and allowed Shanny to ice it.

New Guy highlights

Josh Gratton, he does not win them all but man he lasts long (that is not gay is it):




Fredrick Sjostrom first one is all Doan but it was against the Flyers:



NICE SHOT and on the PP

A lot of Talk Not A Lot of Moves for Rangers

Most surprising thing to me was Marek Malik was NOT traded. He has played better over the last 1-2 weeks so maybe Renney told Sather we should keep him. Only reason I am glad they keep him is his salary is off the cap next year, so can slide some of that money to Rozie.

The biggest splash was made at 2:58 PM when the Thrashers traded Marian Hossa and Pascual Dupris to the Penguins for Colby Armstrong, Eric Christenson, 1st round pick and prospect Angelo Esposito. As much as Pens will be a force up front I think Atlanta held out and at least got players that can help them now and in the future. I just do not see how the Penguins will be able to pay Malkin, Crosby and Hossa for the next 5-10 years and still compete. Will the Rangers still have a shot at him next year? If this is a rental the Penguins gave up way to much.

Back to the Rangers and who they acquired. Christian Backman is 6’4” 200 pounds and has no real offensive stats. They say he is very similar to Marek Malik, he is a big man that can move the puck and tends to make the safe play. He does not hit and was actually last in hits on the Blues. I think he is a depth move and will allow the Rangers to sit Strudwick. He is a great team guy but he has played way to much.

The other trade annoys, not for what the trade was, but the fact that the Rangers knew they should trade Montoya and when he had value they did not pull the trigger. They waited until he was the backup goalie at Hartford to dump him. In essence they traded a 4th line (maybe 3rd line) type winger and there 4th best goalie and got something for it.

Fedrik Sjostrom (or however it is spelled) a 3rd-4th line winger right now with upside. Rumors are he was used as a defensive forward in Phoenix but given a little freedom he has the skills to score. The fact that he will break up the HBO line and give a little skill to that line I am happy. Playoffs there is not fighting so Orr just not needed, plus we have Dubi for fight?????

Jason Gratton is a tough guy and that is it. He would fill in for Orr if he went down on nights a fighter is needed. The goalie they received (Levaneau) has a good track record in the AHL and was a former pupil of goaltending coach Benoit Alare (again not idea how to spell our goaltending coaches name).

Overall the key word for the Rangers is Depth. They improved there depth big time and this Sjostrom guy has the potential to play on the 4th line and make them a line that can contribute a goal. I think it was a good day, but not a great day for the Rangers.

The one guy I think they missed the boat on was getting Hal Gill from Toronto for 2 picks. He is a stud stay at home defenseman that shuts down the other team’s top player. He is a thorn in the side of Jagr every time they play Toronto and he did not cost the Pens that much. I would have taken a guy like him over Backman.

Another Weekend Sweep

New York Rangers' Jaromir Jagr, of the Czech Republic, right, finds an opening and scores past Florida Panthers' goalie Tomas Vokoun, of the Czech Republic, during the second period of the NHL hockey game Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008 at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Okay, new rule Rangers play one day during the week and then play 2 games on the weekend and sweep them. They will win 2 out of every 3 games. A clutch goal by Avery to beat Buffalo and avoid the 3 point games we all love. Florida stinks and was a possible trap game, but Rangers put up a 3 spot early and win 5-0.

Quick Notes:

Jagr is making Bryan, sorry Commander B (linger longerrrr), look like a prophet. Putting Dubinky in the middle and Avery on the wing has re-energized Jagr and the # 1 line. Avery looks like he is finnaly healthy and back to being the pest we all know and love. His antics are a lot easier to digest when he scores and makes unreal passes. That goal last night by Jagr was the best goal of the season. Jagr scored from behind the net. SICK.

After Dubinsky gets in a fight I heard some DU-BI…..DU-BI chants going up at the garden. I think this will be the norm for the rest of the season. NY fans love a guy that has skill and is not afraid to mix it up. He will not get the crowd going like Henrik and Avery but the fans are starting to love this kid.

The Kids are alright- Man you can not give enough credit to the draft scouts and Don Maloney for what he did for this team. If he does half of what he did for the Rangers for Coyotes they will be in good shape.


CASINO NIGHT- (thanks to Bob for this). Rumors are and from all the posts about this night the Rangers were all unreal and mingling with the fans….except one. Rumors are that Jagr was the only one with a personal bodyguard and was wisked away when ever the crowd around him got to large. Adam Graves was the best (isn’t he always) and had time for every single person that came over to him. Overall though all the Rangers really showed that Hockey players are by far the easiest guys to root for and be fans of.

Player of the weekend- Sean Avery was the key man this weekend. He waived to all the Buffalo fans after the Game winner and was just an overall pest on the ice. His antics are that much easier to take when he is playing the way he is right now. Memo to Sather lock this guy up right now, he is made for NY and he is a key to this team.

Boyle/Rucinsky Broadway bound????

Love the NY Post for Hockey news, Larry Brooks all over this stuff:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/02212008/sports/rangers/rangers_hot_for_boyle_98556.htm

The age scares me a little(32) and they need to re-sign him. If they do not re-sign him or plan to just rent him they better not give up much. The Rangers have a ton of prospects right now and the rumors are they will not give up a Type A prospect for him, but the Rangers have some of the best Type B prospects out there (Maloney did an unreal job getting this team set in the minors).

Also Boyle has a no trade and is already on record as saying he will waive it to come to NY.

Avery and Sather are talking extension after Girardi/Tyutin and Henrik were locked up.

Even better news John Davidson like Marik Malik and would trade Martin Ruckinsky back for him. Only snag is Rangers need a D man back prior to trading Malik. So Boyle/Ruckinsky would be a great get at deadline and they keep all there top prospects.

We will see.

2 Games For the Price of One

New York Rangers' Jaromir Jagr of the Czech Republic skates past a jubilant Montreal Canadiens' Cristobal Huet, of France, after Huet made the final shoot-out save to win against the New York Rangers during NHL hockey action on Tuesday, Feb 19, 2008 in Montreal

Words can not describe what just happened in Montreal last night. When the score went to 5-1, I thought ok we are fine no way Henrik is giving up 6 goals in one game. When the score went to 5-2 off the next draw, I knew this was going to be a battle. You just got the sense the Habs were not going to go away. Rangers got a much needed point but you can not lose this game, no way. I felt like someone punched me in the stomach when Kovalev scored to tie it. UNREAL!!!

Quick Notes:

Gordie Howe Hat Trick for Dubinsky- He said he would not take Komisarek’s shit and he stepped up and did not back down. On top of the fight he scores a goal and gets an assist. I will say it again we are watching a kid become a potential star in the NHL.

Reason # 1 Rangers lost this game was they decided to play a prevent defense in the third. Joe and Sam said 10 times in the first 5 minutes, great job just dump it in and make Canadians take it all the way up the ice. That is not what got the Rangers a 5-0 lead and it cost them the game. The Canadians have way to much speed and offense to just dump it and change, or dump it and just back out of the zone. I HATE PREVENT DEFENSE Hockey.

Jagr/Avery/Dubinsky- this is some line, it has all the pieces- Speed/Power and grit in Avery, Dubinsky youth/energy/skill and Jagr skill. Jagr is proving the last 2-3 games he is not done. He is not scoring, but he has set up some nice goals and is playing a great give and go game with his line mates. He is not carrying the puck for the entire shift like he used to, are we watching him re-invent his game?

Trade deadline- read an interesting article where they said Rangers should go get Bobby Holik for a discounted price (a pick or a low prospect) and move Drury to Gomez’s wing. I was ready to laugh my ass off, but if Holik is played at # 3 center he fits into a team. Rumors are, if he was not bought out, Holik was going to be named Renney’s captain his first year. Holik is not a # 1 center, but he brings a shut down center to this team and I would love to see a guy like him out there instead of the HBO line against teams # 1 lines. I love Drury on Gomez’s wing. These 2 play a very complimentary game and could be a Drury/Briere type combo that Buffalo had last year. All speculation but I love trade deadline time.

Player of the game (we did get a point no goat) - Brandon Dubinksy and Jaromir Jagr. These 2 have a great chemistry growing and I would love for Jagr to take a NY discount next year to stay and watch these 2 play an entire season together.

Becoming A Favorite Player

A great article in Daily News today. Dubinsky countinues to impress:

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/2008/02/19/2008-02-19_rookie_brandon_dubinsky_ready_to_rumble_.html

Some excerpts:

Helpless to do much about it since he and Jaromir Jagr weren't playing on the same line at the time, Brandon Dubinsky seethed from the bench as he watched Montreal defenseman Mike Komisarek spend shift after shift pounding on the Rangers' captain on Feb.3

"I'm definitely going to be physical on him - I'm not going to let him off the hook ever," Dubinsky said of Komisarek. "I can't say if anything's going to happen. But he's definitely going to be hearing it from me if he's taking any liberties or cheap shots. That's for sure."

_______________________________________________________________

This kid is earning major points and just shows how letting a kid develop is the answer sometimes instead of trading for that veteran. I wanted Peca at start of the year but thank god I am just writting and watching and not running the team. To early for a Dubinsky jersey?

Great Weekend in NY

The Rangers, including goalie Henrik Lundqvist of Sweden, foreground right, celebrate their 3-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks in their hockey game at Madison Square Garden in New York, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

The Rangers finally solve the west with a win against San Jose and started the weekend with a dominate preformance vs. the Sabres, a team they are battling for the final few playoff spots. The Rangers dominated the Sabres, but owe a huge thank you hug to Ryan Miller. He was just awful Saturday. 2 of the 4 goals he gave up were just terrible, a slap shot from the point unscreened can not go in. San Jose was a great Ranger win, with great shut down d by the HBO line. Thorton was no where to be found after his assist in the 1st period.

Quick Notes:

Memo to Tom Renney, when things are going stale for 1 or 2 games, change the lines and see what happens. Every time he changes the lines something happens to get this team on a role.

Dubinsky- Unreal, that is all I can about this kid. He is becoming a star right before our eyes. He is doing so well I actually think (after the million posts saying the opposite) he can be a # 1 center in the future. The confidence he is showing right now is feeding the entire team.

Is the King Back? Henrik did what he needed to do the last 2 games and when the d broke down he made the key save to keep the other team off the scoreboard. Perfect example was the shorthanded breakaway save right before Drury's game winner Sunday. A week ago that goes in and Rangers lose the game. Maybe the contract thing, plus his dad sickness was playing with his head more then he let on. This is the King we will need for the last 20 plus games.

Callahan- I guess that AAAA post got him going or he was just reading to much of his own press at the start of the year. He is fearless and is leading the team in hits in almost every game since he was called up. He has re-energized the # 3 line and Drury/Straka are feeding off that energy. There is a kid on every line right now and it appears the vets are playing off that energy and relentless forecheck.

Player of the weekend- Ryan Callahan. See above he has made the # 3 line a threat and d-men must put there head on a swivel when Callahan is coming in the zone. He owned Brian Campbell Saturday and 2 goals Sunday. How he was not the # 1 star Sunday I have no idea.

Some Scary Moments on Ice

Richard Zednick and a linesman get a skate in the neck and face and it brings back memories of Clint Malarchuck. Do not hit play if you have an empty stomach.


CAN THIS ANNOUCER BE MORE OF A JERK!!! 2 seconds after it happens it says oh it is the carotid artery in his neck with all that blood, oh man I have never seen that much blood. Hey jerk off his family might be watching this, you have no idea what happened. I can not stand announcers sometimes.

RICHARD ZEDNICK





and the worst video ever.....Clint Malarchuck cut by skate and blood everywhere:

Goalie Controversy Brewing!!!

New York Rangers goalie Steve Valiquette stops a puck against the Washington Capitals during the second period of a NHL hockey game, Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008, in Washington.

No way is Stephen Valiquette taking us to the Promised Land, he is a 30 plus year old backup for a reason. I just hope Henrik took some lessons from him over the last 2 games as 3 points out of 4 is not bad on the road. Valiquette made all the saves he was supposed to and then chipped a couple game savers that helped save the defense when they broke down. The problem with Henrik, over the last month, is he is not making those game changing saves (and recently has even been letting in one bad goal a game).

Quick Notes:

Jagr- I am at a loss with this guy right now. He is giving the effort he can just not score. This team will not get anywhere without Jagr stepping up. It is so frustrating to watch him either shoot wide or hit the goalie right in the chest. I am starting to think Bobby was more correct then Bryan when he said in the first month Jagr is done.

Ovechikin is a beast. I said it in an earlier post when they played the Caps that Ovechkin is the total package. I can now see why the Crosby/Ovechkin, Pen/Caps games will be fun to watch for the next 10 plus years. These 2 are a lot closer then people think. Only reason Crosby is propped up as the league savior is the language barrier. Ovechkin Canadian or American he would be a marketing dream come true.

OLD TIME HOCKEY- I know it was after a scary skate to the face on a linesmen so it lost a little luster, but how great was the Orr/Cote fight will all 10 players hooked up and Orr beating the shit out of Cote. I loved the picture of the gloves all over the place, the passion and a Ranger win. Just a fun game to watch old time hockey Flyers/Rangers it does not get much better.

Player of the Weekend- Nigel Dawes. He continues to impress. He scores, he hits, he is good in his own end. I think this Player of the Weekend is more a player of the last couple weeks award. Dawes, Dubinsky and Drury have been top Rangers last 2-3 weeks.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Another boring Ranger game where they dominate the territorial play at the start rack up a ton of shots on net (with no one in front to get rebounds or when they are they miss the puck), but they end up down 1-0 after one period. The Rangers are now winless in 9 games against the West and it is unreal how inconsistent this team. They go on a stretch where they score a ton, play great defense and shut everyone down to not being able to score and not being able to stop anyone else.

Quick Notes:

Ryan Callahan sighting!!!!!! Ryan was expected to be a key third line young player for the Rangers this year. Instead he could not score and is just not big enough to be a great defensive forward. I said last night I just hope he is a not quadruple A player. Meaning he is too good for AAA (minors) but not good enough for the majors, so he needs a new league AAAA. I know it is way too early to judge him, as this was supposed to be his first full season. Just something to think about at deadline time if a teams wants him.

THE KING NO MORE- Bobby and I spoke about it last night and it just seems to be true. The king is just not the same. All of those goals were not his fault, but he is just not the same this year. He is letting in so many deflating goals when Rangers are dominating. They are killing the Ducks all first period and end up down 1-0 at end of one period. Start dominating second and Callahan scores to tie it. Think to yourself OK her we go let’s get that second goal. Corey Perry comes down the right side takes a slap shot from upper face off circle (with no one in front as it was a 2 on 1) and Henrik lets it in. The team was completely deflated at that point and turned out to be turning point of the game. THIS CAN NOT HAPPEN, especially if playing a defensive system.

Rozie off the PP- I am so tired of it, put Staal on # 1 PP with Mara, Straka with Tyutin or Girardi. Renney wants to send a message to Rozie take his ice time away. He just does not want to shoot the puck. When he receives a pass he is not even looking at the net. He just takes the pass and is looking for the next pass. I am done watching the Gomez/Drury unit battle in front get some excitement going and shots to the net, then Jagr unit comes out and get one shot as they are all looking for the pretty perfect goal. Renney has to hit players where it hurts and start playing Gomez/drury unit 1:30 of PP and give other unit the scrapes, that does not wake them up, nothing will.

Goat of the Game

The turning point of the game was that Corey Perry goal. That 2-1 goal deflated the entire team and they did not play the same after that. Henrik gets my vote. The offense did not do much but that was the entire game right there!

Trade Rumors Strating to Fly

There are some major players out there that will be available for trades. I think the Rangers biggest trade chips are Al Montoya, # 1 draft Pick, Petr Prucha (he has struggled but he plays with heart and not making a ton of money). They also have salaries to dump that I am pretty sure are coming off the cap next year (Mara, Malik types).

I will take a look at the prize trade commodities out there.

Brian Campbell- Sabres- He is an unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) next year and has told the Sabres he will test the market. Reports are Sabres want a current player, a # 1 pick and a prospect. Hmmmmm Prucha, Montoya and a # 1 pick…….I would do it in a heartbeat. Campbell is a fast d-man with a shot and a half, Sabres want this for him MUST do it and try to throw them a bad contract back for rest of the season.

Dan Boyle- Lightening- Another UFA and he is a PP specialist with a blast. This is exactly what the Rangers need. I have said it before and will say if again. The Rangers need a respected point man to draw forwards out on the PP. Right now it is collapse and take puck away from Gomez/Jagr and make Mara/Rozie beat you. Boyle would make teams pay for collapsing.

Vinny Lecavalier- Lighting- This is a pipe dream Lighting love this guy he plays a Messier type game (scores, hits, fights if needed) so he will not go anywhere. I would trade anyone for him. I know we are on a youth movement but he is arguably the best player in the game right now and he is not old.

Mats Sundin- Toronto- if he were to waive his no trade he would want to go to an Ottawa, Detroit type team. Maple Leafs will likely send him out West plus with Dubinsky playing the way he is the Rangers have enough Centers.

Marian Hossa- Thrashers- While the Rangers offense has been anemic and the PP needs a boost, I think that boost would need to come from the back line (see my Dan Boyle explanation). If we can not get Campbell or Boyle, I would go for Hossa next. You can never argue with a forward with this kind of scoring touch. If the price is right Glen pull the trigger.


Here is a good link to a breakdown of all the players out there that are being rumored to be traded and the teams interested in getting them:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nhl/features/rumors

Take a peak and let me know what you think is needed to make this team a threat and take that next step?
My prediction Dan Boyle or Brian Campbell will be a Ranger by end of this month.