Pretty interesting news.... just heard this on WFAN on the commute in this morning. If the New York Rangers lose to the New York Islanders tonight (the second of a home and home series, of which the Rangers surrendered the first to the Islanders 2-1 last night) Glen Sather will be fired. This is being reported by Craig Carton of the Boomer and Carton Program.
To respond to this news I would tell the Rangers to throw down their sticks tonite... or just keep playing the way you have. Tomorrow morning will be very interesting indeed.
The high skilled, high profile, and high paid players of the NHL emerged last night in a big way... well most of them did anyway.
In San Jose, the Sharks newest acquisition, super forward Dany Heatley finally delivered for his new club. During the Sharks home opener, Heatley joined the NHL Hat Trick club and helped lift his team to a 6-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Joe Thornton tied a Sharks record by assisting on 4 of those goals.
In New York, the Rangers prized forward Marion Gaborik scored two quick goals and snatch a 4-3 victory from the Washington Capitals. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist also became the first to keep Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin off the score sheet.
The Buffalo Sabres forward Thomas Vanek scored a late power play goal to help his club to a 2-1 victory over the unstoppable Phoenix Coyotes.
In St. Louis, the Blues opened at home for the first time and were defeated by the Atlanta Thrashers 4-2. Thrashers forward Ilya Kovalchuk scored his 300th career NHL goal, then later deposited his 301st. Kovalchuk now has two back to back two goal games to open the season... not bad for a guy in a contract year. Atlanta better lock him up now.
The Calgary Flames remained undefeated last night as they tied the Edmonton Oilers 3-3 with little more than a second remaining in the game, then went on to complete the comeback win 4-3 on an Olli Jokinen shootout goal.
Quick Shave:
The New Jersey Devils and Detroit Red Wings picked up their first victories of the season, and the Pittsburgh Penguins shut down the Philadelphia Flyers handing them their first defeat of the season. The panic around the league, especially in Canada regarding the slow starts that some of their clubs have gotten off to is borderline hilarious. The Canucks, Red Wings, and Sharks all got off to horrendous starts, and many of the NHL's elite goaltenders have had games they'd love to forget. Speculation about what Steve Yzerman will do regarding Team Canada's goaltending because of the awful play of Roberto Luongo, Martin Brodeur and Cam Ward has many leaning towards Steve Mason.
I say to everyone... RELAX. The season is barely a week old. For you fans of teams that have stumbled out of the gate... it's ok... your clubs will get going. On the flip side, you fans of clubs who've rocketed out to a fast start.... don't get overly excited because it could come to a crashing halt. Enjoy your beer, and your hockey my friends, this is just the beginning.
The New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens pulled off a big pre-UFA signing period deal this evening. The Rangers traded center Scott Gomez, winger Tom Pyatt, and defenceman Mike Busto to the Habs in exchange for forward Chris Higgins, and blueliners Doug Janik, Ryan McDonagh, and Pavel Valentenko.
Gomez is coming off a pedestrian season where he scored only 58 points. GM Bob Gainey is looking for him to rebound in Montreal. The Rangers managed to clear considerable cap space ($7.35 million) off of their roster heading into tomorrow's noon unrestricted free agent opening. One can safely assume that they will dive right back in a give some lucky player a contract of ridiculous proportions. Now if Sather could only find someone to want to trade Wade Redden for.
The Calgary Flames who acquired the exclusive negotiating rights to defenceman Jay Bouwmeester from the Florida Panthers several days ago, made the most of the opportunity. The Flames and JB agreed to a 5 year contract worth $6.6 million per year. There have been rumors that the Flames were looking to swap defenceman Dion Phaneuf to the Ottawa Senators straight up for disgruntled winger Dany Heatley. The Bouwmeester signing could be a prelude to that.
Tomorrow at noon the gates and checkbooks will open. Stay tuned!
New York Rangers forward Markus Naslund has informed his club that he intends to retire from the NHL.
Naslund has one year remaining on two year $8 million contract worth $3 million. Apparently Naslund informed the Rangers of his decision to retire during his exit interview, following the Rangers first round loss to the Washington Capitals. Although the Rangers have yet to officially confirm the report from the New York Post.
Naslund recorded 46 points (24 goals, 22 assists) in 82 games with the New York Rangers this season.
No player in the league probably groaned with displeasure more at the return of Sean Avery to the Rangers a few weeks back than New Jersey Devil's goaltender Martin Brodeur did. Brodeur who is usually stoic and unyielding in the face of adversity seems to breakdown and lose his cool when in the presence of Sean Avery.
Tonight the Rangers and Devils square off for the final time of the regular season. Both clubs crawl into the match carrying losing streaks. The pressure is on the Devils to get back in the W-column, while the Rangers are desperately clinging to the playoff lives. Both teams need a win, and this game should be a nasty affair.
No blueline in Tampa? Goaltending controversy in Ottawa?
Thus far, the New York Rangers free agent signings are already paying dividends.
UFA defenceman pickup Wade Redden opened the scoring for the Rangers, and Scott Gomez potted the game winner to complete the 2 game sweep against the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 yesterday afternoon, drawing a close to their European road trip.
The Tampa Bay Lighntning, who were extremely active during the off-season neglected to focus on improving their defense, and most critics pointed out that as a major concern. In their first two matches of the season, the Lightning have allowed nearly 80 shots on net. On the positive side, Tampa has upgraded their goaltending with the tandem of Mike Smith and Olaf Kolzig. The pair allowed only 4 goals over the weekend, however, continuing to face 40 shots an evening will require a Luongian effort...
Speaking of goaltending.... have the Ottawa Senators found a keeper in backup Alex Auld? Auld made 30 saves yesterday to help the Senators to a 3-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins and return from their European trip with a split. Auld's performance may give coach Craig Hartsburg something to think about as he clearly provided better support in net than Martin Gerber did a night earlier. Keep an eye on this one... and you may want to pickup Auld for your fantasy roster. Sens forward Dany Heatley had a great weekend collecting three goals against the Penguins, all on the powerplay.
Markus Naslund scored in his debut as a New York Ranger yesterday, to help lift his new club to a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Ligntning. The game which marked the beginning of the NHL season was played in Prague, Czech Republic.
The Rangers badly outshot the Lightning throughout the game, but were stoned by Tampa Bay netminder Mike Smith (the featured acquisition for the Lightning in the Brad Richards trade last February) who made 39 saves on the game. Rangers forward Brandon Dubinsky scored a power play goal with roughly 5 minutes remaining in the game to seal the victory. The second part of the 2 game set will be played today at noon EST.
While goaltending was the strength for the Tampa Bay Lightning it is still a question mark in Ottawa. The Senators fell 4-3 in overtime to the Pittsburgh Penguins who were playing their opener up North in Stockholm, Sweden. Ottawa goaltender Martin Gerber failed to provide the confidence in net that his club was looking for and let in several soft goals including the overtime winner that was deposited by Penguins forward Tyler Kennedy (worth a fantasy look, as he's riding shotgun to Malkin for the time being... he scored two including the game winner yesterday). The Penguins and Senators will meet again later this afternoon to conclude their two game matchup.
Jaromir Jagr officially signed a two year deal with Avangard Omsk of the Russian CHL today, effectively ending his Hall of Fame NHL career.
As a Ranger fan, all I can do is wish him the best. I want to thank him for his play, his passion, and bringing the New York Rangers back to a place of respectability not only within the NHL, but the entire sports world.
The Jaromir Jagr era appears to be over in New York, as the Rangers have moved on and signed unrestricted free agent winger Markus Naslund to a two year deal worth $8 million. Jagr's inability to make a decision on his playing future and GM Glen Sather's lack of patience to wait for him to make up his mind forced the Rangers to pursue other alternatives. The Rangers also signed defenceman Dmitir Kalinin to a one year deal.
The San Jose Sharks prepared for life after Brian Campbell by signing veteran defenceman Rob Blake to a one year deal worth $5 million.
The Montreal Canadiens signed tough guy Georges Laraque to a three year deal worth $4.5 million. The Habs also signed buy-out casualty goaltender Marc Denis to a one year deal.
July 1st is always a date to look forward to on the NHL calendar as it usually brings with it the feeling of hope, new beginnings and excitement, and after October those same notions more often than not, rapidly become unfulfilled expectations, let-downs, and bitter dissapointment. This summer obviously has brought us more of the same.
The Detroit Red Wings obviously made the biggest news this week, with their short-term marriage with free agent prize Marian Hossa. Hossa who was a singular thorn in their side in the Stanley Cup Final while facing off against them as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins was difficult to overlook. Similarly, Hossa saw the team that dispatched him and his new team mates an easy path to winning and getting his name on the Stanley Cup. The Pittsburgh Penguins are apparently upset with the manner in which Hossa has quickly switched sides and joined the enemy, and one could hardly blame them. However, the Penguins have just finished locking up superstar winger Evgeni Malkin, defenceman Brooks Orpik, and goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury to long-term deals that will keep the franchise moving in the right direction. They also picked up forwards Miroslav Satan, and Ruslan Fedotenko to plug the gaps left by Hossa, Malone, and Ruutu. Wouldn't it be ironic if the Penguins and Red Wings meet once again in the Stanley Cup finals this year... and this time around the Penguins come out on top? Or perhaps it would be poetic.
The Chicago Blackhawks landed defenceman Brian Campbell, the top blueline free agent to a multi-year deal in the $70 million range. They also signed free agent goaltender Cristobal Huet to a long term deal worth roughly $5 million per year. A curious move that could foreshadow the trade of current goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin. Otherwise the Hawks will be carrying over $10 million in salary for their goaltending tandem. Either way the Blackhawks should be fighting for a playoff berth next season, as they had already made tremendous strides last year thanks in large part to the youth of their club, specifically Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews.
The Edmonton Oilers made some big moves that should also have them battling for playoff contention as well. The Oil went the trade route and acquired star winger Erik Cole from the Carolina Hurricanes and defenceman Lubomir Visnovsky. With Visnovsky and Souray on the powerplay, the Edmonton Oilers will be a scary squad to take penalties against... although there have been some Souray trade rumors swirling. Edmonton is also on the Jaromir Jagr watch, and has apparently tendered the big winger a contract offer.
The New York Rangers brought free agent defenceman Wade Redden to the Big Apple for a modest sum of $6.5 million a year over the next years and re-signed defenceman Michal Rosival to a 4 year deal worth $20 million. Redden had an awful season last year in Ottawa, but then again, so did everyone else on the Senators. GM Glen Sather is banking on Redden rediscovering his game... I hope he's right. The Rangers also acquired Nikolai Zherdev and Dan Fritsche from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman. Jackets fans, you will enjoy Tyutin's play, and as for Backman... well you will enjoy Tyutin's play. The Rangers bid farewell to UFA pest Sean Avery who fled South to Dallas where he signed the multi-year deal he was looking for at nearly $4 million a season, and unfortunately may have also disrespected Jaromir Jagr enough to see him in another jersey next year, or maybe even another country.
The Washington Capitals picked up goaltender Jose Theodore for $9 million over the next pair of seasons, and locked up their stud blueliner Mike Green for $21 million over the next 4 years.
The New Jersey Devils welcomed former Devils Bobby Holik and Brian Rolston back into the fold. Holik signed a one year deal worth $2.5 million and Rolston for $20.25 over the next four seasons. The Devils also re-signed Jay Pandolfo for $7.5 million over 3, and defenceman trade deadline pickup Bryce Salvador for $11.6 million for the next 4 years. I like what the Devils have done, and they are apparently still looking for more scoring and testing the waters on a few of the B-list wingers still available.
The Tampa Bay Lightning signed everyone. I kid you not. Forward Ryan Malone signed for $31.5 million for the next 7 years, and former Pens teammates Gary Roberts and Adam Hall followed suit by joining the Lightning. Tampa Bay signed forward Radim Vrbata for $9 million over the next three, and goaltender Olaf Kolzig to a one year deal worth $1.5 million. The new ownership has come out swinging, and stacked the forward lines, but they haven't addressed their blueline yet, and rumors are circling their one big gun in the back Dan Boyle. Regardless of what happens, the offensive corps will be a formidable one and this team doesn't look to be repeating last season where they finished in last place.
For an up to the minute look at all the transactions occurring in the NHL, check out the TSN Free Agent Tracker, as there is certainly much more to come.
The two big fish still remain unsigned. Former Toronto Maple Leaf Mats Sundin, and former New York Ranger Jaromir Jagr. Both have already recieved lucrative deals, but both players have their own sticking points. Jagr is looking for more than one year, and Sundin is not sure if wants to continue playing. Both seem content to wait the summer out now and take time before making a final decision. The Vancouver Canucks reportedly offered Sundin a $20 million contract for 2 years, which would make him the highest paid player in the league, and he is rumored to also have recieved very competitive offers from the Habs and Rangers as well. It is looking more and more like he will either retire, or eventually rejoin the Leafs. As the summer rolls on, most teams will have to make decisions on their rosters long before he makes up his mind. The Leafs will most likely be the only club with the cap space available to sign him in August. For Montreal and Vancouver to gamble on waiting for him, could be disastrous. Jagr has a 3 year deal from a Russian club waiting for him at $35 million tax-free. I could hardly blame him for taking it. There are also reports that the Penguins are trying to lure him back to Steel-town. No matter where they end up, I do hope that both continue to play in the NHL. It would be a shame to see them retire.
Have a Happy 4th of July everyone! Remember to keep your beards away from the fuse.
The Philadelphia Flyers hung on to defeat the Montreal Canadiens last 3-2... barely. The Montreal Canadiens mounted a furious comeback, and in the final moments of the third, pounded the Flyers with shots but were unable to solve goaltender Martin Biron for the second straight game.
Biron helped the Flyers climb back into the series on Saturday and last night helped them take a 2-1 series lead. Unfortunately for Habs goalie Carey Price, for every action there is an equal yet opposite reaction. Price was yanked in favor of back up Jaroslav Halak after surrendering the third goal to the Flyers.
Aside from this series, the rest of the games in this round are very one sided.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have dominated the New York Rangers in the first two games of their series. The Rangers blew a commanding three goal lead Friday night and fell to the Penguins 5-4. On Sunday, they tightened up, and were shutout by Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. I can't say enough good things about this club right now. They overcome adversity, they play good team defense, and they have made Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist look ordinary. They have yet to lose thus far in the post season, and really look like a team of destiny right now.
Now for the bad. While I appreciate the effort, Sidney Crosby's playoff beard (term used very loosely) is undescribable. While teammates Ryan Malone, and Marian Hossa have brought the Beardgame, Crosby.... well he just can't. I will never take anything away from him as a player, but I have found his flaw. Pittsburgh fans.... we have found the new Jeff Friesen. Officer Crosby... the donuts are on us.
I got some crap for my opinion on Joe Thornton last week, and my belief that he is not a big time playoff performer. Two games, 1 assist, two losses. The man has all the skills and tools necessary to carry this club to the promised land, but for some reason fails to do so, or at least has so far. On the positive side, the man does wield a formidable playoff beard... hopefully that facial magnificence will one day translate to Stanley Cup glory. The Dallas Stars look amazing. After knocking of the reigning Stanley Cup Champs, they look poised to easily dispatch the Stanley Cup favorite San Jose Sharks. They bring a 2-0 series lead back to Dallas tomorrow night. Marty Turco is the man.... and he is finally getting his due..... take a page from his playbook Joe.
The sleeping giant has awoken in Detroit. After an amazing regular season, the Detroit Red Wings were tested in round 1 by the Nashville Predators, but now head to Denver with a 2-0 series lead, and look to continue their dominance over an injury depleted Colorado Avalanche lineup. The Red Wings have brought Avs goaltender Jose Theodore back down to earth and have made him look like the Theodore of old (not the MVP old Theodore... last years Rogaine Junkie Theodore). Rumors are abound that back up goaltender (formerly number one) Peter Budaj may start game 3 for the Avs. There is also a chance that Forsberg may return from the groin injury that has hampered him this round. Either way, the Avs better pulll something out of their hats.
The New Jersey Devils got an early 1-0 lead off a Brian Gionta goal early in the first period and looked to take game 6 in commanding fashion. The New York Rangers immediately responded by scoring less than half a minute later to tie it 1-1 on a goal by Michal Rozsival, and captain Jaromir Jagr and Scott Gomez added two more in the first.
Rangers forward Chris Drury added to the lead in the second to give them a 4-1 lead. The Devils rallied to bring the defecit within 1 goal, but the Rangers refused to relinquish the lead. They even survived a John Madden penalty shot that was stopped by Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist.
An empty net insurance score from Brandon Dubinsky and some late game heroics from Ryan Callahan (he single-handedly ate precious time from the clock battling for the puck behind the Devils net against a pair of Devils defencemen) were all the Rangers needed to take the 5-3 win, and close out the round 1 series in 5 games.
The Rangers now wait along with the Pittsburgh Penguins for the outcome of the Montreal / Boston series, and the Washington / Philadelphia series to find out who their second round counterparts will be.
Detroit takes 3-2 series lead
The Detroit Red Wings benched starting goaltender Dominik Hasek in favor of Chris Osgood and the gamble payed off. The Nashville Predators tied the game late on a goal by Radek Bonk to force overtime, however the Wings halted their attempted comeback early in extra time on a game winning goal by Johan Franzen and won the game 2-1. The Red Wings now lead the series 3-2.
Anaheim Ducks stay alive, force game 6
The longer this series goes on, the more it will get into Dallas Stars goaltender Marty Turco. Although I think he shed the monicker of playoff goat last season during their first round playoff exit at the hands of Vancouver ( I know that sounds like an odd declaration, but Turco was amazing in that series, and had 3 shutouts versus the Canucks) I"m sure there is still a small doubt somewhere in his head. The Ducks fired 31 shots at Turco and got goals from Teemu Selanne, Ryan Getzlaf and the returning Corey Perry who started the scoring. The Ducks defeated the Stars 5-2 and prevented Dallas from closing out the series. If Dallas doesn't win game 6, they will lose this series. Dallas currently holds the 3-2 series lead.
Quick Shave:
We could have a very interesting day today. Three series could come to a conclusion today.... or we could have ourselves of handful of game 7's. Nice!
Washington Capitals vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Matinee matchup as the Flyers will look to closeout the Capitals in Washington this afternoon. The Flyers lead the series 3-1.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins
The Montreal Canadiens will look to bounce back after a lopsided loss to the Bruins in game 5, and advance to the second round as they visit the Bruins tonight. The Habs lead the series 3-2.
San Jose Sharks vs. Calgary Flames
The San Jose Sharks finally began showing some playoff chops late in this series and will look to put the Flames out tomorrow in Calgary. The Sharks lead the series 3-2.
Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche
The Wild will look to force a game 7 tonight as they visit the Avalanche at the Pepsi Center this evening. The Avs can finish off the Wild and move onto round 2 with a win. The Avalanche lead the series 3-2.
The NHL deemed New York Rangers forward Sean Avery's actions during their 4-3 overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils to be unsportsmanlike. Thus if he or any other player screen a goaltender in a manner similar to what you see above, they will recieve a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct and enjoy two minutes of luxurious rest and relaxation in the sin bin.
The New Jersey Devils climbed back into the playoffs with a deflected John Madden shot turned game winner last night, and now trail the Rangers 2 -1 in the series.
The Washington Capitals experienced a lot of firsts last night. The franchise first playoff appearance in the post lock-out era and the first playoff game for many of it's participants.
The Capitals enjoyed an early lead, then entered the third period down 4-2 by two goal games from Philadelpia Flyers Daniel Briere, and Vaclav Prospal. For the most part, the Flyers were able to shut down Alexander Ovechkin, keeping him without a shot in the game till the third period. Big players do big things in big spots. With roughly 4 minute remaining in the game, Ovechkin potted the eventual game winner, giving the Capitals the 5-4 win, and the 1-0 series lead over the Philadelphia Flyers.
For the Flyers this loss may be devestating. They did everything right and still couldn't come away with a victory. Keeping Ovechkin from being productive, and also buidling a two goal lead going in to the third period should have been keys to a win. The Flyers should perhaps spend time trying to take Washington Capitals defenceman Mike Green off his game. Green scored twice last night, and was the leading scoring defenceman during the regular season with 18 goals.
New Jersey Devils vs. New York Rangers
The Rangers will return home to Madison Square Garden on Sunday night, and take with them a 2-0 series lead over the New Jersey Devils. The Rangers defeated the Devils 2-1 last night, the second time in a row, and ninth time this season. Another defensive affair, yet with more scoring opportunities and much more spice. These two clubs don't like each other and it really began to show last night. The game really came down to goaltending once again, with Rangers keeper Henrik Lundqvist coming out on top once again. Lundqvist made 26 saves on the night. Brodeur was solved in the third period once again, mostly due to a bump from his own defenceman Colin White which allowed Rangers forward Jaromir Jagr to deposit the puck on the near side. 23 seconds later, Rangers forward Sean Avery sent a wrist shot through traffic which held up as the eventual game winner.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Ottawa Senators
Ottawa Senators goaltender Martin Gerber made 49 saves but even his performance wasn't enough for the Senators to capture a win. Perhaps because the Senators allowed a total of 54 shots to be fired out their goaltender? The Senators did battle back from a 3-0 defecit to tie the game at 3 goals a piece in the third, but Penguins forward Ryan Malone potted the game winner of the with less than 90 seconds to play in the game and sealed the game with an empty netter a minute later. Penguin Evgeni Malkin had three assists on the night and Peter Sykora scored twice. While the Senators were finally able to get a goal past Fleury (as well as two others), the Ottawa defence seems to be completely overwhelmed with the Penguins offensive corps. They stormed the Sens and had it not been for Gerber, the Pens could have finished the game in the first period where they outshot their opponents 20-8. Game 3 comes to Ottawa Monday night, and their are rumors that captain Daniel Alfredsson could make a return. How effective he would be, is hard to say, but I have to imagine an injured Alfredsson is better than no Alfredsson at all?
Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche
The Minnesota Wild evened their series 1-1 thanks to an overtime score by Wild defenceman Keith Carney to give his club the 3-2 win. Colorado Avalanche forward Peter Forsberg scored his 64th career playoff goal and gave the Avs the 1-0 lead in late in the first period. The Miinnesota Wild finally scored on Avs netminder Jose Theodore in the third. Wild forwards Pavol Demitra and Mikko Koivu scored. Koivu's goal came with less than 2 minutes to play in the game, and looked like it would hold up as the game winner till the Avs Miljan Hejduk scored to force overtime with 44 seconds left in the game. Defenceman Keith Carney prevented the Wild from heading to Denver for game 3 down 2-0 in the series.
Game of the Night:
Nashville at Detroit 2:00 PM
Boston at Montreal 7:00 PM
Dallas at Anaheim 10:00 PM
The Ducks, Bruins and Predators will all attempt to rebound today after some rather lopsided losses in game 1. Especially the Ducks. Enjoy the games!
New York Rangers forward Scott Gomez stung his former club the New Jersey Devils last night by setting up three goals enroute to their Game 1 victory.
The game was a tight affair for most of the evening. Scoreless in the first, the Rangers and Devils traded goals in the second and then New York broke it open in the third and won the game 4-1. Rangers forward Ryan Callahan recorded a short handed score midway through the third that would hold up as the eventual game winner. Sean Avery provided some insurance late in the game and Nigel Dawes sealed the win with an empty netter. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist made 26 saves, and a few brilliant ones that kept the Rangers in the game. Game 2 is Friday night.
Quick Shave:
Talk about role reversal! The Pittsburgh Penguins lit up and shut down the Ottawa Senators last night 4-0 and took game 1 of the series convincly. Penguins goaltender Marc Andre Fleury made 26 saves to record his first career playoff shutout. Pens forward Evgeni Malkin scored a goal and added two helpers, and big surprise Gary Roberts returned, fresh from the IR list to score two goals. The Senators looked like the same team that limped into the playoffs. If they don't right the ship soon, the series will be over very quickly.
Jaromir Jagr scored a pair of power play goals to lead the New York Rangers over the New York Islanders 3-0, and help the club into the post season for the third consecutive season.
Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist made 25 saves to complete his league leading 10th shutout.
Quick Shave:
The Minnesota Wild defeated the Calgary Flames 3-1 on a pair of third period scores from Marion Gaborik to lockup the Northwest Division and third seed in the Western Conference. The Montreal Canadiens ended the Buffalo Sabres playoff hopes by defeating them 3-1 last night. The Washington Capitals defeated Tampa Bay Lightning last night 4-1 and moved into 8th place in the Eastern Conference. Caps forward Alexander Ovechkin had another 2 goal game, scoring his 64th, and 65th of the season, and broke Luc Robataille's single season record for goals by a left wing. The pressure now shifts to the Philadelphia Flyers who sit in 9th place in the Eastern Conference with 2 games remaining. The Caps have one. This should get interesting.
The New York Rangers and their goaltender Henrik Lundqvist have agreed to a long-term contract extension.
The new deal is rumored to be worth $39.5 million over the next 6 years. The Lundqvist signed a one-year contract worth $4.5 million last summer as a bridge till a longer term deal could be reached.
Last year Henrik Lundqvist was a Vezina Trophy finalist, and helped the New York Rangers to the second round of the playoffs where they fell to the Buffalo Sabres. This season he is tied for 6th among goaltender with 24 wins, and is second in the league for shutouts with 8.
The New York Rangers are starting to look pretty good, and I'm actually feeling pretty good about them (granted the last time I rah rah'd them they went on a 4 or 5 game slide). The reason? Larry Brooks is happy.
If you don't know this gentleman, Mr. Brooks is the N.Y. Post's chronicler of all things Rangers, and he has been for eons. His off the wall trade rumors often garner him much publicity around the league, and he is favorite of Lyle Richardson of Spector's Hockey. Larry Brooks is also without a doubt the angriest sports writer in.... well sports. Imagine the nose bleed seats of Madison Square Garden, prior to 1994, populated with a bunch of seniors 50 years of age and up (my father included), and you will not even touch the level of rage Mr. Brooks has for this Rangers team and organization. When they are playing bad, he let's you know it. When they are playing well, he claims that they can do better.... never positive, always negative, that is Larry Brooks.
Until Today. Either Mr. Brooks began celebrating New Years early, or he is genuinely excited about this club. He gushed over their comeback win last night, 4-3 over the Montreal Canadiens where Brendan Shanahan deposited the game winner in overtime. He's pleased with the performance of Chris Drury and Scott Gomez who both seem to be finding chemistry within the club. Perhaps there are good things to come? Or perhaps Larry won't make it to midnight this evening.
Quick Shave:
There's an old samurai tale that says two warriors met on the field of battle, and stood at a distance from one another. Both men had their swords drawn and stood at the ready for a period of time. FInally, one warrior sheathed his sword, bowwed to his opponent and left the pitch. Why? Because the other warrior had one the fight before it began. Such were the presence of these men, that they could achieve victory with but a stare. Why is this so significant? I watched New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur do the very same thing to Buffalo Sabres forward Thomas Vanek in the shootout Friday night. Vanek was so completely psyched out by Brodeur (he completely stoned the previous two shooters) that he misfired on the way down the ice, and really had lost the shootout before he even left mid ice. Game of the Night:
Pittsburgh at Buffalo 1:00 PM
The outdoor game! I've been watching the Pens and Sabres warming up (in frigid windy weather) all day today on the NHL network. This should be really special tomorrow! Enjoy the games, and have a Happy New Year!
Jaromir Jagr asked Santa for a way to break out of his scoring slump. Being that he wasn't on the naughty list, Ole St. Nick rewarded the New York Rangers with not one but a pair of goals in their 4-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes last night.
The Rangers returned from their Christmas breaks with a sense of urgency last night, after going into their vacation on a very low note, dropping their final three games. The second period was especially nasty last night, as Rangers forward Colton Orr, levelled former Ranger Matt Cullen, and then threw down with Hurricanes defenceman Mike Commodore (Playoff Beard of the year runner up).
Scott Gomez assisted on both of Jagr's goals last night, and the reunion of this line after a failed early attempt at the beginning of the season appears to be bearing fruit. Gomez now has a 10 game point scoring streak. Henrik Lundqvist was stingy in net most of the night, especially later in the match, and made 20 saves for the win.
What a difference a week can make. It wasn't long ago that all of Leafs Nation was calling for the head of Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Ferguson (some may be still...) but now the gang up North has reason to celebrate. The Toronto Maple Leafs won their fourth straight game last night over a very sluggish New York Rangers club 6-2.
The Leafs have been offensively gifted all season, but their play on the defensive side of the puck was lacking. In the past 4 games, their goaltender Vesa Toskala who the club acquired from the San Jose Sharks over the summer has been playing like the number one netminder they had hoped he would be. Leafs forward Nik Antropov recorded his second career NHL Hat Trick, and helped chase New York Rangers netminder Henrik Lundqvist. Mats Sundin also scored in the win.
The Rangers after starting the season with great goaltending and stingy defense have now surrendered 10 goals in their last 2 games. I definitely jinxed them after their win over Ottawa last Saturday... but their is a bright side. Toskala and Antropov are on my fantasy team!
Quick Shave: Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vincent Lecavalier scored again... blah blah blah. This guy is definitely making his bid for the NHL Hart Trophy this year. Lecavalier potted his 19th of the year, and helped the Lightning to a 2-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. Newly annointed number one goaltender Carey Price made 24 saves to lift the Montreal Canadiens over the Boston Bruins 4-2 last night. I wonder what kind of goaltending controversy there will be in Montreal if Price goes on a lengthy win streak while incumbent number one Cristobal Huet recovers from his groin pull. Can anyone say trade rumors? Daniel Sedin scored a pair last night as the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Nashville Predators 5-2. The Pittsburgh Penguins tour of Canada continues to roll on with success. The Pens battled back to tie the game late on a short handed goal by Ryan Malone, then went on to defeat the Calgary Flames in an extra round shoot out 3-2. As I write this the Los Angeles Kings have a modest 7-0 lead over the Buffalo Sabres (so far, everyone in a Kings uniform has scored), and my desire to watch the rest of the match.... well it's gone. With my luck, Buffalo will win 8-7.
Statement? Perhaps. However it's no question that both the New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators are travelling in opposite directions since last time they met. Yesterday's meeting however was top to bottom controlled by the New York Rangers. The superstars contributed (Brendan Shanahan - 2 goals, Jaromir Jagr - 1 goal, Marcell Hossa - 2 assists, Martin Straka and Scott Gomez 1 assist each, Henrik Lundqvist - 31 saves), and the role players did their jobs, none more so than Colton Orr, the Rangers tough guy who refused to be baited into a fight by Chris McGrattan, or Dany Heatley. The Rangers are beginning to look like the club that most expected them to be after this past summers free agent spending frenzy.
The Ottawa Senators who came out of the gates in October sharp, have looked anything but dropping their sixth straight 5-2 yesterday to the Rangers. They didn't necessarily look flat yesterday, but they do have the hints of a team that has lost their confidence. This is personified by the fact that their strong goaltending provided by Martin Gerber has all but dried up. The great goalies in this league will often be able to weather the storm for their teams if they start slow, and unfortunately Gerber was unable to answer the call. Ray Emery took over for Gerber in the second after he allowed 3 goals on 12 shots, and allowed a goal himself in the second. Ottawa will certainly be questioning it's goaltending over the coming weeks, and unfortunately will be unable to much about it. Gerber's stock has dropped, and his salary makes him unmovable (however a few weeks ago, there may have been a few takers). The Senators are still an incredibly talented team, and I doubt this current slump will continue much longer. Every team faces adversity, it's how they deal with it that matters.
Game of the Night:
Vancouver at Minnesota 6:00 PM
Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo has not surrendered a goal in over three games, roughly 193 minutes of perfect hockey. Luongo will look to extend his streak against the Minnesota Wild tonight, and a very hot Marion Gaborik who has scored in three straight games. The Wild and Canucks are tied for the Northwest Division lead, so this is definitely your game of the night. Enjoy the games!
Rick DiPietro has been a Ranger killer this season. In their previous 3 meetings the Rangers fell to the New York Islanders and DiPietro afforded his cross town rivals only 4 goals throughout. The Rangers doubled that figure last night.
Jaromir Jagr has begun to rediscover his scoring touch, potting his second goal in as many games. He also added an assist on a sweet tic tac toe pass to Martin Straka who fed Brandon Dubinsky for the insurance score. Chris Drury also scored a goal and an assist in the Rangers 4-2 win over the Islanders. DiPietro made 27 saves in the loss.
The Rangers now have 30 points and are now tied with the Philadelphia Flyers for the Atlantic Division lead. Quick Shave:
Is every Canadian team slumping right now or is it me? The Ottawa Senators, the Calgary Flames, the Toronto Maple Leafs.... what is going on? The Ottawa Senators lost their 5th straight last night in spectacular fashion to the Nashville Predators. The Sens overcame a two goal deficit late in the third period to tie the match 5-5, but got sloppy with less than half a minute to play and allowed Martin Erat to bury the game winner with 22 seconds to play. The Predators won 6-5. The Toronto Maple Leafs managed to take a little heat off of themselves and their highly scrutinized GM John Ferguson (out West currently enjoying the GM meetings) by defeating the Atlanta Thrashers 4-2. The Leafs can be thankful that their win will obviously shift the Canadian media towards their Ottawa neighbors for at least a day.
New York Ranger Scott Gomez visited his old team, in their new building for the first time this season and was greeted.... well, not so warmly. Get used to it. You are going to be hearing that for the next 8 years.
Gomez responded well, scoring two assists, as did the Rangers who won their third game in a row defeating the New Jersey Devils 4-2. Their seventh victory in eight games, and after a sluggish start, have climbed back to within a point of the Atlantic Division leading Philadelphia Flyers.
The Rangers youngsters have been the biggest story so far this season. Rookie defenceman Marc Staal (brother of Eric and Jordan) scored his first NHL goal last night against the Devils. Staal has quickly rounded into form, and as he has matured, the Rangers coaching staff have rewarded him with more ice time. Staal's physical play has also been appearing lately, and although he does make an error from time to time, his confidence is growing. Nigel Dawes and Brandon Dubinsky have also thrived in the lineup. Dubinsky was awarded the golden spot of centering Jaromir Jagr's line, and has two goals since taking the position (worth a fantasy look) including one last night.
New Jersey Devils goalender Martin Brodeur was going for his 500th win for the second time this season last night, and was forced to remain at 499. I find it ironic that he didn't get number 500 last night, as 400 of those 499 wins obviously came at the Rangers expense.
Quick Shave: I used to think Vincent Lecavalier was way overrated. I think I was drunk when I was thinking that, because this guy is special. Lecavalier defeated the Carolina Hurricanes by himself last night (just kidding... kind of) scoring a hat trick and adding to helpers to lift the Tampa Bay Lightning to victory 6-1. Impressive. Most Impressive. The Carolina Hurricanes who lost Erik Cole to another neck injury the other night still have a solid hold on the Southeast Division and are just 3 points behind 1st place Ottawa in the East.
Game of the Night:
Buffalo at Ottawa 7:30 PM
Anyone for a little Eastern Conference Championship rematch? Have these two teams gone in opposite directions since last they've played or what? Ottawa looks unstoppable, and the Sabres... unstartable? This could be the kind of game that snaps them out of the funk. Enjoy the games!
This Thursday, Eric Lindros will make it official and call it a career.
After several injury plagued seasons with the New York Rangers, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Dallas Stars, Lindros will finally hang up his skates. Lindros never truly rediscovered the dominance he once exerted on the ice when centering the top line for the Philadelphia Flyers during the 90's. In his 13 year career he was never able to remain healthy enough to play a full season (he came close in New York), but still managed to capture the Hart Trophy in 1995 as the NHL MVP. Injuries unfortunately, most notably a never ending series of concussions kept Lindros from ever achieving his full potential.
In 760 games played, Eric Lindros amassed 856 points (372 goals, 493 assists) and was a +215. He also collected 1398 minutes in penalties. In his 53 playoff appearances, Lindros collected 57 points (24 goals, and 33 assists). It remains to be seen if his numbers will be good enough to garner him Hall of Fame consideration, but he will be difficult to overlook.
As a Ranger fan, I loved to hate him when he was a Flyer, but always enjoyed watching him play. He was one of the most intimidating forces on the ice in his prime. I honestly will miss the 'E' Train.
Quick Shave:
I wanted to send out my congratulations to Coach Al Arbour for coaching his 1500 game for the New York Islanders Saturday night, as well as picking up his 740th victory with the club as they defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2. Garth Snow, Ted Nolan, the New York Islanders, and their fans deserve a huge amount of credit for what they did in honoring Arbour. Miroslav Satan who scored the game winner Saturday night, repeated the effort last night against the New York Rangers topping of a 3 goal third period to lift his club to a 3-2 win. The Ottawa Senators own the NHL right now, especially the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Sens won their 13 game of the season over the Leafs 5-2 last night. The Atlanta Thrashers continue to roll on the winning side since Waddell became their head coach defeating the Washington Capitals 2-1 last night in the shootout.
Game of the Night:
Philadelphia at Pittsburgh 7:00 PM
Remember how Sidney Crosby and the Penguins owned the Flyers last season? I believe it was a season sweep. Think the Flyers will be looking for some payback? Tune in and enjoy the games!
The New York Rangers found their defense again (after a rough Saturday night bout with the Maple Leafs) and managed to keep the Tampa Bay Lightning's potent offence from taking over. Holding the Lightning to just 4 shots in the final frame of the game the Rangers powered to a 3-1 win.
Rangers captain Jaromir Jagr took a deflected puck to the mouth during the second period, and lost several teeth as a result. During the third, the Rangers captain capitalized on a power play opportunity and one timed the game winner past Tampa Bay keeper Johan Holmqvist (who was outstanding in the loss stopping 32 pucks on the night). Brendan Shanahan also scored and is now 1 point shy of the 1300 mark for his career. Rangers rookie Nigel Dawes potted his third goal in three games, and goaltender Henrik Lundqvist bounced back to make 21 saves for the victory.
Quick Shave:
The Toronto Maple Leafs returned home after a short and successful road trip and resurrected their no-defense style of play dropping a laugher to the Washington Capitals 7-1. Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin scored 2 goals in the win (among many others who potted their first's of the season) and helped chase Leafs starter Vesa Toskala from net after 4 tallies. Backup Andrew Raycroft fared not much better allowing three more goals. The Dallas Stars were looking to wrap up a 2-1 win over the San Jose Sharks before the Sharks scored three goals on three consecutive shots late in the third period (the game tying and game winning goals were scored by rookie Devin Setoguchi) to capture a 4-2 win. The Calgary Flames have locked up their star goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff to a long term contract. Last night the Flames announced they had agreed to terms with Kiprusoff on a 6 year deal worth $35 million.
The New York Rangers finally found some offence to match the defence they've been playing over the past three games. That scoring was provided by Rangers rookie Nigel Dawes who potted his first goal of the year in the opening minute of the game.
Dawes followed with his second goal of the season to give the Rangers the 2-0 win over the New Jersey Devils. Henrik Lundgvist made 22 saves for the shut out win ( technically his second of the season, since they lost to the Bruins three games ago in the shootout 1-0) over the Devils who played their final road game and can now look forward to their home opener Saturday at the Rock in Newark.
Really Quick Shave:
The Columbus Blue Jackets.... this team is looking good. Jackets goaltender Pascal Leclaire made 36 saves last night to help his club to the 3-0 win over the St. Louis Blues and to record his 4th shutout of the season. Fourth shutout of the season! If this guy is available in your fantasy leagues, jump all over him! Blue Jackets forward Rick Nash scored for the fifth straight game. This team is obviously buying into whatever Ken Hitchcock is selling. Anyone catch the Zdeno Chara and David Koci fight last night? WHOAH! I thought I was watching 70s wrestling for a minute. Chicago Blackhawks David Koci who went into the scrum with a broken nose from a previous engagement with the Toronto Maple Leafs Wade Belak a week ago accepted a little in game rhinoplasty from Chara, who rebroke and opened up his face. The Boston Bruins went to take the 3-1 win, thanks to a pair by young gun Phil Kessel (who I intelligently left on the bench last night... ARRRRRGH!!!).
Game of the Night:
Montreal at Carolina 7:00 PM
San Jose at Detroit 7:30 PM
Colorado at Calgary 9:00 PM
Is this an evening worth chilling the Labatt Blue's for or what?! What a lineup! Habs and Canes always deliver. San Jose will get to test their mettle against the team that knocked them out of the post season in the Wings, and Calgary will look to get off to a better start than they did the other night when they throw down with the Avs. Enjoy the games!
Not even for $50 million! Two games, 6 periods, 125 minutes, 2 hot goalies..... and tons of question marks. The New York Rangers are looking for answers, and they haven't found any so far this season.
The Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury stoned the Rangers last night (just a few days after Manny Fernandez of the Bruins did) by stopping all 36 shots he faced. Evgeni Malkin scored the lone goal for the Penguins, helping his club complete the 1-0 shutout victory.
On the positive side (which there are few), the Rangers have tightened up defensively, allowing only 1 goal in regulation over the past two games. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist made 21 saves last night, and has been strong in net for the Rangers this season, but has recieved little to no offensive support..... and before the last two games, little defensive support either. It is probably two early to panic yet, but if things don't turn around dramatically for this club soon, changes will be made, especially for a club that is currently kissing the salary cap ceiling. I'd hate to see it, but with the way things are in professional sports, I find it hard to imagine Coach Tom Renney's job not already being on the clock at this point. Hopefully patience will win out.
The New York Rangers scored on their first shot of the season last night. Rangers defenceman Michal Rozsival scored just 37 seconds into the match against the Florida Panthers.
The Rangers followed that goal by allowing the Florida Panthers to dictate play for the next two periods, and eventually surrendering the lead in the second period on a pair of goals by Panther's Brett McLean, and Nathan Horton (who looked pretty sharp, and should be on your fantasy watch list is he's not already been scooped up).
Seven minutes into the third, the Rangers found their legs again thanks to a goal by forward Petr Prucha, which tied the game at 2 a piece, and minutes later Chris Drury collected a Jagr rebound to pot the eventual game winner. Sophomore Ryan Callahan (although he may still technically be a rookie since he only played a handful of games late last season) scored 12 seconds later, and forward Martin Straka capped the scoring to give the Rangers a 5-2 win.
New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist kept his team in the game by turning aside 27 shots in the game, many coming in the first two periods. The Rangers were actually being outshot 16-6 midway through the second.
Chris Drury had a great debut at the Garden. He scored the game winner and also setup two other scores. The youngsters looked pretty good last night, considering the stage they were on, but for first timers, I would say Brandon Dubinsky, and Marc Staal played well, and with good energy.
Quick Shave:
If you have Daniel Alfredsson, Dany Heatley or Jason Spezza on your fantasy roster this season, you are going to have a great year. Alfredsson, and Heatley both scored (actually Alfie scored two including the game winner) to defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 for the second night in a row. Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Vesa Toskala was just as successful as his predecessor from the evening before in Andrew Raycroft. Neither could find an answer to stop the Ottawa Senators high powered first line. Vincent Lecavalier started right were he left off last season by scoring two for the Tampa Bay Lightning to help his team defeat the New Jersey Devils 3-1 in their home opener last night. Jason Arnott was also a two goal scorer last night potting a pair in the Nashville Predators 4-0 romp over the Colorado Avalanche last night. Game of the Night
San Jose at Vancouver 10:00 PM
A couple of Stanley Cup favorites square off tonight. Are the Sharks worth the press that's been written about them all pre-season? Is EA Games right?
You know it's gonna be a great season, when the New York Islanders and New York Rangers are already hating on one another. Last night's pre-season matchup in Uniondale, so the cross-town rivals battle more with their fists than with the puck. Over 100 minutes in penalties were awarded to the participants including a pair of game misconducts to the goalies.
Yep, former Playoff Beard of the Month winner and Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro dropped the gloves with young Rangers netminder Al Montoya and gave the crowd some old time hockey. This is gonna be a some series this season. Here's the fight for your viewing pleasure (thanks to Stache for digging this up):
According to reports out of this morning's New York Post, the New York Rangers and Michael Peca are hammering out the details on a contract that will bring the two-time Selke Trophy winner to the Blueshirts.
The Rangers have a hole to fill at third line center after moving Matt Cullen back to the Carolina Hurricanes in order to clear cap room necessary to sign forwards Sean Avery, and Marcel Hossa. While the salary issue was somewhat resolved (the Rangers are teetering very close to the cap ceiling now, with roughly $1.5 million left to spend, according to Lyle Richardson of Spector's Hockey) the Rangers found themselves with another roster spot to fill.
Personally, it be nice to see the Rangers go to the farm, and recruit one of their youngsters to do the job. A move that may not be a bad idea, especially since the 33 year old Peca only played 35 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs last season following a leg fracture. However, it appears this Ranger team is gearing up for a run this season, and veteran experience is the theme.
Quick Shave:
The Ottawa Senators have apparently been busy, both internally and externally. New GM Bryan Murray has been inquiring about the status of forward Peter Forsberg through his agent, and has expressed his interest in seeing the Swedish sensation in a Senators uniform next season. Murray has also open the lines of communication with the agent of soon to be UFA forward Dany Heatley. It's in Murray's and the Sens best interest to get Heatley signed prior to next summer, because him hitting the market will be the same as him leaving. Heatley will be a highly sought after commodity especially since he's put together back to back 50 goal seasons. Phoenix Coyotes forward Mike Ricci has decided to retire after 16 years in the NHL. In his 1099 games Ricci amassed 234 goals, 362 assists and 974 minutes in penalties. The Coyotes also signed free agent goaltender Alex Auld to a one year contract yesterday.
The New York Rangers had targeted New Jersey Devils forward Scott Gomez, and Buffalo Sabres forward Chris Drury prior to the free agency period that began yesterday at noon. I guess Bill Clement would say the blue shirts have got tone right now, and are locked on.
Both UFA's agreed to long term deals with the New York Rangers yesterday. Scott Gomez signed a 7 year deal worth $51.5 million dollars. Gomez will earn $10 million next seaon in a contract that is front loaded in much the same way that Briere's new deal from the Flyers is. Chris Drury signed a 5 year deal that will pay him $35.25 million. The signings of both centers will pretty much end forward Michael Nylanders tour of duty as Jaromir Jagr's pivot, which to me is a real dissapointment. Nylander and Jagr were spectacular together, and I hope that Drury or Gomez will be able to find similiar chemisty with the super star right winger.
While I'm excited about the moves the Rangers made, I'm also concerned. The last time the Rangers mined the Devils for free agent talent, the results were less than terrific. In fact they outright sucked. Bobby Holik who was the last hired gun from New Jersey to come to Madison Square Garden was an exclamation point on the decade of underachieving Ranger teams. I can only hope that Gomez can deliver where he could not.
For the Buffalo Sabres and their fans, the last 24 hours have been a bitter pill to swallow. As most expected, and those in Western New York feared, both of their free agent properties have left in favor of big dollars, and larger markets. I think the Sabres will definitely rebound from the loss of Briere, and Drury, and should be able to find suitable replacements from within for those players. I also expect the Sabres to be just a solid as they were last season. This team isn't going anywhere.
Quick Shave:
While the Sabres fans are shaking their heads, the New York Islanders fans must feel like cutting theirs off. Forward Ryan Smyth, whom the Isles had acquired at the trade deadline from the Edmonton Oilers for a collection of former first round picks and a their first round selection in this year's NHL Entry Draft, agreed to a contract with the Colorado Avalanche yesterday. Smyth signed a 5 year deal worth $31.25 million with the Avs. To make matters worse, Jason Blake, the Islanders other free agent forward fled north to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs for 5 years at $20 million. Former Nashville Predator Paul Kariya agreed to a 3 year deal worth $18 million with the St. Louis Blues yesterday. Early this morning the Pittsburgh Penguins signed forward Petr Sykora to a two year deal, and picked up defenceman Darryl Sydor for two years as well. The Edmonton Oilers made a surprising trade with the Philadelphia Flyers yesterday sending defenceman and captain Jason Smith, and forward Joffrey Lupul to the Flyers in exchange for defenceman Joni Pitkanen and forward Geoff Sanderson. To me the Flyers got the better of this deal. A solid defenceman, and forward with lots of potential. The Oilers lose their captain, and in return get a forward whose best days are behind him, and a defenceman with potential, but shattered confidence.
I love what the Flyers have done so far this off season. It's really hard not to be impressed with their pick-ups so far. This team should return to powerhouse stature very quickly.
The New York Rangers had targeted New Jersey Devils forward Scott Gomez, and Buffalo Sabres forward Chris Drury prior to the free agency period that began yesterday at noon. I guess Bill Clement would say the blue shirts have got tone right now, and are locked on.
Both UFA's agreed to long term deals with the New York Rangers yesterday. Scott Gomez signed a 7 year deal worth $51.5 million dollars. Gomez will earn $10 million next seaon in a contract that is front loaded in much the same way that Briere's new deal from the Flyers is. Chris Drury signed a 5 year deal that will pay him $35.25 million. The signings of both centers will pretty much end forward Michael Nylanders tour of duty as Jaromir Jagr's pivot, which to me is a real dissapointment. Nylander and Jagr were spectacular together, and I hope that Drury or Gomez will be able to find similiar chemisty with the super star right winger.
While I'm excited about the moves the Rangers made, I'm also concerned. The last time the Rangers mined the Devils for free agent talent, the results were less than terrific. In fact they outright sucked. Bobby Holik who was the last hired gun from New Jersey to come to Madison Square Garden was an exclamation point on the decade of underachieving Ranger teams. I can only hope that Gomez can deliver where he could not.
For the Buffalo Sabres and their fans, the last 24 hours have been a bitter pill to swallow. As most expected, and those in Western New York feared, both of their free agent properties have left in favor of big dollars, and larger markets. I think the Sabres will definitely rebound from the loss of Briere, and Drury, and should be able to find suitable replacements from within for those players. I also expect the Sabres to be just a solid as they were last season. This team isn't going anywhere.
Quick Shave:
While the Sabres fans are shaking their heads, the New York Islanders fans must feel like cutting theirs off. Forward Ryan Smyth, whom the Isles had acquired at the trade deadline from the Edmonton Oilers for a collection of former first round picks and a their first round selection in this year's NHL Entry Draft, agreed to a contract with the Colorado Avalanche yesterday. Smyth signed a 5 year deal worth $31.25 million with the Avs. To make matters worse, Jason Blake, the Islanders other free agent forward fled north to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs for 5 years at $20 million. Former Nashville Predator Paul Kariya agreed to a 3 year deal worth $18 million with the St. Louis Blues yesterday. Early this morning the Pittsburgh Penguins signed forward Petr Sykora to a two year deal, and picked up defenceman Darryl Sydor for two years as well. The Edmonton Oilers made a surprising trade with the Philadelphia Flyers yesterday sending defenceman and captain Jason Smith, and forward Joffrey Lupul to the Flyers in exchange for defenceman Joni Pitkanen and forward Geoff Sanderson. To me the Flyers got the better of this deal. A solid defenceman, and forward with lots of potential. The Oilers lose their captain, and in return get a forward whose best days are behind him, and a defenceman with potential, but shattered confidence.
I love what the Flyers have done so far this off season. It's really hard not to be impressed with their pick-ups so far. This team should return to powerhouse stature very quickly.
Even though it was apparent he retired this year, defenceman Brian Leetch made it official and ended an amazing 18 year career.
Brian Leetch spent most of his career with the New York Rangers and helped them to a Stanley Cup Championship in 1994 and became the first American player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy for MVP during the playoffs.
Leetch recorded 1,028 points (247 goals, 781 assists) in 1,205 games played. He will surely be added to the Hall of Fame when the time comes, and see his number 2 jersey hanging from the rafters in Madison Square Garden.
The Buffalo Sabres are truly a gifted group of players. Stacked from top to bottom, and cemented in net. This team has destiny written all over it.
The New York Rangers tried desperately to stave (ahhh our favorite term) off elimination and force a game 7 but it just wasn't to be. Caught in a shootout with Buffalo that saw the Sabre score 4 goals in less than 10 minutes, the Rangers were unable to keep pace and eventually fell 5-4. The Sabres got a big game from Jochen Hecht who scored two including the game winner, Chris Drury scored and added an assist, and Daniel Briere set up three, including the series clincher. The Sabres finished off the Rangers 4-2 in the series.
The New York Rangers took a big step forward again this year, considering they were out of the playoffs by a longshot in February. The team battled hard down the stretch to make the post season, and certainly made their presence felt. Henrik Lundqvist move towards becoming an elite level goaltender and his play late in the season help secure a Vezina Trophy nod. Jaromir Jagr is once again playing some of his best hockey, and has helped Michael Nylander to a pair of career seasons. Rookie Ryan Callahan should be a fun player to watch next year as he blossomed in the post season. Lots to look forward to in the years to come for the boys in blue.
For the Sabres, they once again meet up with the Ottawa Senators which should be an amazing Eastern Conference Final Matchup. The Senators were one of the few teams to give the Sabres difficulty during the regular season (the other being the Habs), and this 7 game series should be a beauty!
Game of the Night:
Detroit at San Jose 9:00 PM
The Red Wings can wrap it all up tonight in San Jose and look forward to taking on the Anaheim Ducks who are already waiting for their opponent. The Sharks will look to do some staving of their own tonight and force a game 7. Enjoy the game!
7 seconds away from taking a 3-2 lead in the series, Buffalo Sabres forward Chris Drury took the wind out of the sails of the New York Rangers.... and made everyone in the NYC area collectively throw up. Drury's goal tied the game 1-1 minutes after Martin Straka beat Ryan Miller for the lone Rangers score. Just minutes into the overtime period Sabres forward Maxim Afinogenov capitalized on a power play opportunity to life the Sabres to the 2-1 win, and a 3-2 series lead.
What a game. Especially by the goaltenders who were beyond brilliant. Henrik Lundqvist, and Ryan Miller strutted their stuff for 56 minutes, not allowing a single goal.
Prior to the game my heart dropped, and I saw a cloud rise over the Rangers, and I'll tell you why. Rangers forward Matt Cullen who was sporting one of this post season's finest playoff beards (so well grown was his face mane that I mentioned on the Face Off Hockey Show just two nights ago) decided to trim said beard into a goatee. Have we learned nothing over the past year folks? Did Michael Peca not teach us that shaving a playoff beard is bad? Well the Playoff Beard curse surfaced last night.... and now the Rangers find themselves in a hole they must climb out of..... otherwise they will be putting little white balls into holes next week.
Quick Shave:
The Anaheim Ducks are back in the Western Conference finals once more after defeating the Vancouver Canucks 2-1 and closing out the series in 5 games (predicted handsomely by the Bosher!). Ducks defenceman Scott Niedermayer scored the game winner and series clincher early in the second overtime period. The Ducks now wait to discover who their foe will be following the Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks series.
Game of the Night:
San Jose at Detroit 2:00 PM
Ottawa at New Jersey 8:00 PM
New Jersey is on the brink and must battle back from a 3-1 series defecit against the Ottawa Senators. The Sens can wrap things up tonight. Detroit has battled back, and look to take a 3-2 series lead against the Sharks today. Enjoy the games!
The New York Rangers defeated the Buffalo Sabres 2-1 last night. Barely.
With 17 seconds remaining, New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist made his biggest save of the night, preventing a shot by Daniel Briere from completely crossing the line. A long video review disallowed the would be tying goal. New York got power play goals from captain Jaromir Jagr and Brendan Shanahan. Henrik Lundqvist made 29 saves to complete the win, and tie the series 2-2.
Home ice advantage has been big for both teams in this series. The Battle for New York returns to Buffalo for a Friday night Game 5 matchup. Could Bosh have actually been right in calling this series in 7 games? Probably not, but it is nice to dream.
Quick Shave:
The Vancouver Canucks spirits may very well have been crushed last night. Leading 2-0 in the third period, they watched the Anaheim Ducks storm back on goals by Chris Pronger, and Teemu Selanne (has this poor guy taken a beaten this post season or what? Selanne caught a stick in the mouth last night, and now has more stitches in his face than his jersey) to force overtime. Ducks Travis Moen deposited the game winner two minutes into the extra period and gave the Ducks the 3-2 win, and the 3-1 series lead. The series returns to Anaheim for game 5 Thursday night.
Vancouver finally got a goal from Brendan Morrison, and some production from Markus Naslund as well, but all in a losing effort. What happened to these guys? Naslund looks like he is barely clinging to his last shred of confidence, and Morrison? Do these guys miss Bertuzzi that much? According to the Hockey News, neither is on the Canucks top power play unit.
Ducks defenceman Scott Niedermayer is certainly sporting a Norris calibre chin right now. Is that a playoff beard or what? He and his brother Rob will be on the Tonight Show this evening with Jay Leno, perhaps to discuss their formidable chin mullets.
Captain Bosh was actually interviewed by the gang over at NBC in Buffalo where playoff beards are growing like the RAGE virus (like that 28 Days Later reference?.... you might even think Bosh is getting kickbacks since the sequel is coming out next week, but you'd be wrong..... I'm just clever, and a big fan of zombies who terrorize London). Josh Boose wrote a lovely article which referenced the playoff beard, and the players and fans who grow them. To check out the story click here!
The NHL Award Nominees were released yesterday, and the list was for the most part free of surprises (well, I guess that's debatable):
Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP)
Sidney Crosby - Pittsburgh Penguins
Martin Brodeur - New Jersey Devils
Roberto Luongo - Vancouver Canucks
No shock here really. Remove these guys from their teams and none of them would have made the post season.
Lester B. Pearson Award (best player voted by the players)
Sidney Crosby - Pittsburgh Penguins
Roberto Luongo - Vancouver Canucks
Vincent Lecavalier - Tampa Bay Lightning
Vezina Tropy (best goaltender)
Martin Brodeur - New Jersey Devils
Roberto Luongo - Vancouver Canucks
Miikka Kiprusoff - Calgary Flames
Henrik Lundqvist - New York Rangers
Yes four options this year, because Kiprusoff and Lundqvist were actually tied for third in voting. I'm actually a little shocked that Hasek didn't get a nod this year. Red Wings look like their old selves with him between the pipes again.
James Norris Memorial Trophy (best defenceman)
Nicklas Lidstrom - Detroit Red Wings
Chris Pronger - Anaheim Ducks
Scott Niedermayer - Anaheim Ducks
Jack Adams Trophy (best coach)
Lindy Ruff - Buffalo Sabres
Michel Therrien - Pittsburgh Penguins
Alain Vigneault - Vancouver Canucks
No love for Ted Nolan? The Islanders were picked to finish 30th in the NHL, and I seem to remember seeing them in the playoffs. Don't worry Teddy, you're back. We know.
Calder Trophy (best rookie)
Evgeni Malkin - Pittsburgh Penguins
Jordan Staal - Pittsburgh Penguins
Paul Stastny - Colorado Avalanche
Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar?
Frank J. Selke Trophy (best defensive forward)
Rod Brind'Amour - Carolina Hurricanes
Samuel Pahlsson - Anaheim Ducks
Jay Pandolfo - New Jersey Devils
Shouldn't their also be an award for the best offensive defensive? Fair is fair.
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (most gentlemanly player)
Three guys who should be ashamed of themselves
Game of the Night:
New Jersey at Ottawa 7:00 PM
Detroit at San Jose 10:00 PM
San Jose and Ottawa are flexing their muscle. Can Detroit and New Jersey flex back, or will they break? Watch the games and find out!!
It took almost 100 minutes yesterday, but the New York Rangers finally found a way to defeat the Buffalo Sabres yesterday afternoon.
Rangers defenceman Michael Rozsival fired a shot from the point late in the second overtime period to lift New York to the 2-1 victory over the Sabres. Jaromir Jagr scored for the Rangers during the second period, but their undisciplined play once again cost them as the Buffalo Sabres capitalized on a power play to tie it in the third (compliments of Daniele Briere).
The Sabres hold a 2-1 series lead, and the Rangers will look to tie it at 2 before travelling back to Western New York for Game 5.
The Playoff Beards in this series are really starting to blossom. Rangers defenceman Michael Rozsival while sporting a fine slap shot, is also sporting a great playoff beard. Rangers forward Matt Cullen is already into the Geico Commercial phase of his beard growth. The Sabres Brian Campbell is looking more and more like GI Joe's favorite arctic trooper Snow Job.
Quick Shave:
The Anahiem Ducks defeated the Vancouver Canucks 3-2 last night and took a 2-1 series lead in Vancouver. Ducks forward Corey Perry scored the game winner and added an assist in the win. Ducks goaltender Jean Sebastien Giguere made 24 saves to complete the win.
Game of the Night:
New Jersey at Ottawa 7:00 PM
Detroit at San Jose 10:00 PM
Both of these series are tied at 1 game a piece. New Jersey heads North to take on the Senators in their backyard, and the Red Wings do likewise as they hit the West coast and the Shark Tank. Enjoy the games!
The New York Rangers completed their 4 game sweep of the Atlanta Thrashers last night with a hard fought 4-2 win. A night after a 7-0 ummm... thrashing, the Thrashers showed up motivated by desperation and once again showcasing a new goaltender as Johan Hedberg once again got the start.
The Thrashers opened the scoring for the first time in the series, and also held the lead for the first time twice, but the Rangers continued to answer back. This Atlanta team was frustrated by their poor showing in the franchise's first playoff appearance.
While a large part of the blame for Atlanta's open and shut playoff run can be put on Bob Hartley for his paranoid goalie changes, really I think the credit should go to the Rangers. They played great team defense, got great goaltending, and their top line of Jaromir Jagr, Michael Nylander, and Marcel Hossa produced at a torrid pace (the three combined for 17 points in the 4 games, Nylander leads all scorers in the playoffs right now.... Jagr is a modest second). While this probably still won't be enough to save Hartley's job, or even GM Don Waddell's, the Thrashers learned like most team's, that initiation into the post season can be an unpleasant one.
The Rangers now have about a week to prepare for their round 2 opponent which could be just about anyone at this point.
Quick Shave: New Jersey Devils forward Scott Gomez scored the biggest goal of the season for himself and his team last night. More than halfway into the overtime period against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Gomez collected the puck after blocking a shot and raced down to score the game winner and help his team to the 4-3 win. The Devils evened the series 2-2 with the Lightning, and breathe life back into the club as they prepare to return home for game 5. The local media has been riding Lou Lamoriello for his late season firing of Claude Julien, calling for his head if the Devils fail to advance in the first round. It will be interesting to see how things proceed in this drama. The San Jose Sharks took a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Nashville Predators last night with a 3-2 win. San Jose Sharks forward Milan Michalek potted two goals including the game winner. During the game I heard an interesting stat, or measurment rather. The Sharks players on average, outweigh the Predators players by 18 pounds. That seems as though it would be a disadvantage to the Sharks, as the Predators would be able to beat them with speed, but that hasn't been the case. The Predators are having difficulty pushing past the larger defenceman (unlike the Flyers d-men, these guys are mobile). The Buffalo Sabres are now one win away from advancing to round 2 after their 4-2 win over the New York Islanders. The Islanders once again had a late would be tying goal disallowed in the third period, and their dissappointment quickly turned to misery as a defensive breakdown turned to a back breaking score by Sabres forward Jason Pominville with two minutes to play. The Islanders and their fans can probably put some of the blame on the refs for the outcome of the last two games. Ted Nolan's expression was priceless last night after the Islanders goal was called off, and he should be commended for not losing cool (he's been a steady presence behind the bench this series) and prepare his team for game 5. The Sabres lead 3-1, but the Islanders have been in every game, they've lost.
Speaking of the Buffalo Sabres, my brothers and sisters of Western New York have been huge supporters of Playoff Beard.com. I've been getting emails on a daily basis from the Sabres faithful about their team, and beard (and pit) growing advice. Sabres super fan Joe has been kind enough to update me daily on his playoff beard progress, so I'd thought I display his efforts here. Thanks again for all the support gang!
Game of the Night:
Pittsburgh at Ottawa 7:00 PM
Detroit at Calgary 9:30 PM
Dallas at Vancouver 10:00 PM
Minnesota at Anaheim 10:30 PM
Do or die for the Pens, Stars and Wild tonight, and to a lesser extent the Flames. The Western Conference can close the doors on two series and the Senators can join the Rangers as the second team to advance in the East. Enjoy the games!
Kari Lehtonen. Then he let 2 in. 3 in. 4 in.... and so on.
Bob Hartley has been the biggest enigma this playoff series. I think he has out-coached himself. Yanking Lehtonen during game 1 in favor of John Hedberg was a dangerous route to take, but it seemed to pay off when Hedberg delivered a terrific effort in game 2. Even though the Thrashers lost a tight one, the foundation for something to build on was there. Hartley however, opted to go back to Lehtonen who until last night had never lost at Madison Square Garden. I can only assume, that Hedberg will get the nod this evening in Game 4.
Whatever the case, the Rangers were ready last night, and the Thrashers were not. Jaromir Jagr setup Michael Nylander for his first goal just 32 seconds into the game and started the bleeding. Nylander scored twice more to join the NHL Playoff Hat Trick Club (the first by a Ranger since Wayne Gretzky almost a decade ago) and the Rangers pelted the Atlanta keeper with 35 shots, 7 of which found the back of the net. Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist made 21 saves to complete the 7-0 win, and his first career playoff shutout. Sean Avery once again doing what he does best pestered Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk throughout the game, till the star forward finally cracked and went after Avery, which brought about their eventual ejections from the game. The Rangers now hold a 3-0 series lead going into Game 4 this evening.
Playoff Beard Alert:
Brendan Shanahan (one of Bosh's picks) is sporting a marvelously sculpted playoff salt and pepper goatee, while New York defenceman Michael Roszival is looking more and more like he belongs in a Geico Caveman Commercial.
Quick Shave:
Canada struck back last night! The Ottawa Senators and Vancouver Canucks both took commanding positions in their series, and the Calgary Flames finally decided to show up, and give Detroit a series. The Ottawa Senators inched by the Pittsburgh Penguins in a close 2-1 win, and moved to within one victory of closing out the series. Sens forward Jason Spezza whose deflected pass opened the scoring in the game is sporting the beginnings of a playoff beard.... however it's looking a little Cliff Claven-ish right now. The sideburns are coming in nice, but the chin.....still needs some work. However, full marks for the effort JaSpez! The Vancouver Canucks defeated the Dallas Stars last night 2-1 thanks to the goaltending of Canucks defenceman Willie Mitchell. Mitchell saved what would have been the game tying goal last night with minutes remaining and helped the Canucks to a 3-0 series lead. The Calgary Flames may have given the Detroit Red Wings something to think about last night. The Flames finally arrived after being completely man-handled in the first two games to take a 3-2 win and perhaps turn the series around (Detroit still leads 2-1). Jarome Iginla scored the game winner midway through the third, and Miikka Kiprusoff was solid in net again making 28 saves for the Flames. The Minnesota Wild finally broke through Anaheim Ducks goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov. The Wild exploded in the third period with three goals to break open the tie game and win 4-1. Ducks Coach Randy Carlyle did his best Bob Hartley impression and yanked Bryzgalov (the same keeper whose carried his team to three straight playoff wins) in favor of Jean Sebastien Giguere. Now what happens in Game 5? Does Carlyle go to Giguere, or back to Bryzgalov? That decision could make this a series. The Ducks lead the series 3-1.
Game of the Night:
Atlanta at NY Rangers 7:00 PM
New Jersey at Tampa Bay 7:00 PM
Buffalo at NY Islanders 7:30 PM
Nashville at San Jose 10:00 PM
Gut check time for everyone tonight! Another superb night of playoff hockey! Enjoy the games!
Big night in the NHL last night! So many storylines that could have written their final chapters yesterday did the opposite and left us with 'to be continued'. Which for most of us is a good thing (difficult to watch your team fighting for a playoff spot on the final game of the season..... I'll get to that shortly).
The New York Rangers clinched a playoff spot last night for the second year in a row with a 3-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens last night. Rangers forward Jaromir Jagr scored the game winner and his 30th goal of the season. Jagr has now scored 30 or more goals in 15 consecutive seasons. The Rangers with one game remaining against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday have a chance to clinch the 6th playoff spot, where they will meet either the Atlanta Thrashers or the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round. If they fall to 7th, they will face the New Jersey Devils.
The New York Islanders kept their playoff hopes by handing the Toronto Maple Leafs their second straight loss 5-2 (Raycroft has been lit up recently eh?). Isles forward Jason Blake scored his career high 40th goal of the season and the game winner, and goaltender Wade Dubielewicz had another huge night in net. Dubie made 28 saves and backstopped the Islanders to their second straight victory. Ryan Smyth started the bleeding with the opening score for the Islanders in the first, and then went back and forth with the Leafs until the wheels came off in the third. The Leafs surrendered three goals in one period again for the second straight game, and will now need to win in regulation on Saturday against the Habs in the final game of the season. The Habs can clinch a playoff spot with a win or overtime loss. If the Islanders win out and Toronto wins, they can steal the final playoff spot. Like I said this weekend will be fun.
The Pittsburgh Penguins stunned the Ottawa Senators with seconds remaining in the third period last night. Pens forward Maxime Talbot late (very late) in the game to give his club the 3-2 win and move them into a fourth place tie with the Senators. Both clubs have a game remaining and will play for home ice advantage. Regardless, the Penguins and Senators are going to meet in the first round of the playoffs, and what a series that should be. Does anyone still think the Penguins are going to be pushovers?
Martin Broduer became the regular season's winningest goaltender record holder last night as he and the New Jersey Devils defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 last night. The record was originally held by Flyers own Bernie Parent with 47. Brodeur made 34 saves for the win and helped the New Jersey Devils clinch their second straight Atlantic Division title.
Milan Hejduk, welcome to the NHL Hat Trick Club! He picked the perfect time to join. The Colorado Avalanche, much like the New York Islanders have kept their playoffs alive as well. The Avs defeated the Vancouver Canucks 3-1 and pulled within 3 points of the Calgary Flames (who were dropped by the San Jose Sharks last night 4-3) and if they win out, can steal the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Calgary needs two points to clinch, and they face the Avs on the final game of the regular season! How sweet is that?! Pretty Sweet Bosh. Pretty Sweet.
Game of the Night:
Atlanta at Carolina 7:00 PM
Florida at Tampa Bay 8:00 PM
Anaheim at Dallas 8:30 PM
All of these are pretty big games, especially the Thrashers and Lightning games. Both teams are battling for the Southeast Division and the 3rd seed overall. The winner gets the third spot, the loser the 6th or 7th in the East, so wins at this point are extremely valuable. Anaheim's Pacific Division cushion has been widdled down to one point by the San Jose Sharks so they need to pad that if they want to remain in second seed. If they lose to Dallas, ans San Jose continues it's climb, they could drop to 5th. Enjoy the games!
I'm almost loathe to write about this fearing the curse, but holy crap what a game last night! The first period was playoff calibre, the Garden was certainly playoff atmosphere and both teams appeared playoff bound. Toronto opened the scoring early, and the crowd that was fired up minutes earlier silenced (much like Game 3 against the Devils last year.... Elias score less that two minutes into that one, and pulled the plug on the Garden faithful), however Sean Avery tied it up minutes later and jump started the crowd.
The second period the Rangers broke it open in a huge way in the second. Two quick goals saw Andrew Raycroft pulled from the Leafs net less than 5 minutes into the period. Jean-Sebastien Aubin replaced Raycroft and allowed three more goals, including Sean Avery's second of the night. Sean Avery had an amazing game last night. He recorded the Gordie Howe Hatrick (Goal, Assist, Fight), and nearly joined the HTC. Jaromir Jagr had a goal and two helpers, Michael Nylander scored his 25th, and Martin Straka recorded his team leading 29th.
The Rangers went on to take the win and the coveted two points 7-2. They also moved past the Tampa Bay Lightning into 6th place in the Eastern Conference.
Quick Shave:
While the Carolina Hurricanes gained a valuable 2 points last night with their 4-3 overtime win over the Florida Panthers last night, their playoff hopes are fading. They sit two points out in 10th place. If they fail to gain ground in the next 7 days, it will be the first time ever that the two teams that played in the Stanley Cup Finals the season prior didn't make the playoffs the following year. First time ever. That isn't really a benchmark you'd go looking to hit. The Detroit Red Wings took the top spot in the league last night with their 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets..... which by the way, whoever the NBC executive was that thought that matchup should be deemed the game of the week should be beaten. The Red Wings have 108 points and a 1 point cushion over the Eastern Conference leading Buffalo Sabres. San Jose Sharks forward Jonathan Cheechoo scored three goals and joined the NHL Hat Trick Club for the third time this season. The Sharks went on to a 6-2 victory over the coasting Los Angeles Kings. The New Jersey Devils are getting their full compliment of players back into the fold, and are once again returning to their winning ways. Brian Gionta returned to the lineup yesterday after a month of absence due to a groin injury to score the game winner in a 3-1 victory over the Boston Bruins. Devils goaltender Martin Broduer is one victory shy of tying Bernie Parent's 47 win season record.
Game of the Night:
St. Louis at Dallas 8:00 PM
Well not really, but this is it folks. Monday's only game, and the start of the end of the last week in the regular season..... it all wraps up saturday. Enjoy the game!
The best way to avoid the dreaded two goal lead? Don't lead by two goals.
The Rangers and Penguins played a tight game yesterday... and Pittsburgh goalie Jocelyn Thibault was big in net for his team again. Thibault stopped 39 of 40 shots last night keeping the game tied 1-1. The 42nd shot by Jaromir Jagr with less than a minute to play in the game proved to be the back breaker. The shot was actually a feed to Nylander but deflected of a Pens defenceman's stick and went past Thibault. A goal however, is a goal, and the Rangers took the much needed two points in the 2-1 win.
The Rangers are now sitting in 7th place in the Eastern Conference with 81 points, and sit just one point behind 6th place Tampa Bay, and one ahead of 8th place Carolina. The pressure has now shifted to the Islanders, Leafs and Habs who all sit tied in 9th with 78 points.
Game of the Night:
Boston at Montreal 7:00 PM
NY Islanders at Tampa Bay 7:30 PM
New Jersey at Toronto 7:30 PM
Detroit at Calgary 9:00 PM
Lot's of pressure on the bubble boys tonight. Everyone is in control of their own destiny at the moment, so win and you're in. The beard may be 20 days away, but the playoffs are already on! Enjoy the games!
What happened yesterday? Defense was thrown out the window and goaltending..... well there wasn't much of that to be found on the ice either.
Let's start off with the biggest shocker. Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils may have delivered the worst game of his life yesterday afternoon. The Carolina Hurricanes pounded the future Hall of Famer for 4 goals on 12 shots, and he was immediately pulled in favor of backup goaltender Scott Clemmensen, who allowed 3 more. The Hurricanes defeated the Devils 7-2 and moved into sole possession of the 7th seed in the East. The good news for New Jersey is that when Brodeur falters like this, he rebounds rapidly and for lengthy periods of time. Expect several shutouts next week.
Tell me the New York Islanders aren't missing Rick DiPietro. Since he's been out with a neck injury the Islanders have allowed 18 goals in three games. Backup goaltender Mike Dunham gave up 6 goals on 33 shots last night to the Florida Panthers. Panthers keeper Ed Belfour didn't fare much better but fortunately for him, he only allowed 5. The Panthers won the game 8-5, as captain Olli Jokinen scored a pair in the third to break the game open and help his team into 12th place with 73 points, just 6 points out of the playoffs. The Islanders, unable to keep pace are now tied for 9th, with Toronto and Montreal with 78 points.
At Madison Square Garden, the Bruins had a rough evening last night as well. They started off the game looking good, peppering New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist with 13 shots in the first.... till the wheels came flying off in the second. Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas was yanked after giving up three consecutive goals and was replaced by Joey MacDonald..... who let in four more, and was replaced by Thomas..... everyone got that? The Ranger defeated the Bruins 7-0 and took control of the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference. Henrik Lundqvist made 30 saves on the evening for his 6th career shutout.
In Phoenix (thats pronounced PUH - HO - Nixx), Curtis Joseph was lit up for 6 goals as the Colorado Avalanche had their way with him and the Coyotes. Captain Joe Sakic scored two goals, as did rookie Paul Stastny, who is really starting to give Pittsburgh Penguins rookie Evgeni Malkin a run for the Calder Trophy. The Avalanche won the game 6-3 and continued their recent playoff push. They are now 6 points out of the playoffs behind the Calgary Flames.
Dominik Hasek and the Detroit Red Wings had an off evening as well. Usually the Red Wings don't allow more than 20 shots, and in some case less than 15. The rest Hasek takes care of. The Vancouver Canucks launched 38 at the Red Wings keeper, and put three past him (wasnt' there a game earlier in the season where they were only able to put 11 shots in total on net the entire game?). The Canucks won the game 4-1 on a 33 save performance by Roberto Luongo and kept their control of the Northwest Division over Minnesota by 1 point. Detroits loss combined with Nashville's win dropped them back into 4th place in the West but still with the second best record in the League.
Game of the Night:
Ottawa at Pittsburgh 7:30 PM
The last time these two teams faced off it was awesome! Ottawa had the game in hand, so I turned it off. Pittsburgh of course waited till they knew I wasn't watching and came back to win the game in the shootout. I'd expect a similiar offensive treat. Enjoy the games!
The New York Rangers waited till the end of the regular season, but they seem to have finally discovered some fortitude. The Rangers hung on in a tight match against the Carolina Hurricanes who held a one point lead over them in the standings, and managed to leave with the 2 points.
Jaromir Jagr set up defenceman Marek Malik (who really made a sweet play to split Carolina's defence, shoot, collect his rebound and backhand the puck past Cam Ward... who left the game in the second to recieve stitches after being cut over the knee from Isbister (i believe) skate after he was knocked down in the crease), and later in the shootout, potted the game winner past backup netminder John Grahame for the 2-1 win. The Rangers have now won four out of their last five games, and are now tied for 8th with the Carolina Hurricanes. They welcome the Ottawa Senators to the Garden on Tuesday.
Quick Shave:
Teemu's kung fu is strong. Anaheim Ducks forward Teemu Selanne scored twice and an assisted on another (his linemate Andy McDonald did the same thing as well) to help lift his club over the red hot Vancouver Canucks 4-2 last night. Selanne also became the first NHL player over 35 years of age to have consecutive 40 goals seasons. New York Islanders forward Chris Simon finally recieved word on his suspension yesterday, and the news probably anticipated. Simon won't be back on the ice for the Islanders till next season. He is suspended for the remainder of the regular season, and the playoffs. If the Rangers play less than 10 playoff games his suspension will continue into next season. Speaking of suspensions, it appears NHLPA Executive Director Ted Saskin will finally be on his way out. This guy has been under a cloud since he took over for Bob Goodenow and it appears his actions may have finally sealed his fate. To read more about it, visit TSN.ca. San Jose Sharks goaltender Evgeni Nabokov is putting his playoff game on the ice early. Hopefully he will have some left for the post season. The Sharks keeper made 22 saves against the Edmonton Oilers to capture the 3-0 shutout win. The shutout was his third in the last four games.
Fantasy Playoffs Begin!
First off, I'd like to congratulate the Playoff Beard .com Fantasy GM's for a great regular season. Unfortunately for myself, and Stache, we will not be making the post-season dance this year..... the two guys who eat hockey for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7 days a week..... we suck. However, props are due to our top six, and they are as follows:
1- Slue_Foot
2- 6th Degree Assault
3- Pittsburgh Penguins
4- Jacq Wazz
5- It's Not a Toomah
6- FroztFire
For them and everyone else in the Fantasy World the playoffs begin tonight! Goodluck and congratulations again!
Game of the Night:
St. Louis at Calgary 9:00 PM
Most of the games on tonight are pretty weak. Calgary, and Atlanta are the only two playoff bound teams on the card tonight, so that's why I'm picking this one. Really it's more because of St. Louis. They have refused to quit, and have actually played better since the trade deadline when they dumped Tkachuk, and Guerin. Calgary won't have an easy go of it this evening. Enjoy the games!
Why can't the New York Rangers convert a two goal lead going into the final frame of the game into a win? It's mind boggling! As you well know by now, the Rangers let a crucial two points in the standings slip away in the final 20 minutes of the game. The last team they pulled this feat off against was of course the Pittsburgh Penguins. Rather than finishing the win, the Rangers allowed the Penguins to once again, climb back into the game by ladeling powerplay opportunites on their opponents, which they happily converted, and lost the game in overtime 3-2.
Penguins forward Sidney Crosby scored the game tying goal in the third, reaching the 100 point mark for the second straight season. In doing so, Crosby became the youngest player ever to score 100 or more points in two NHL seasons. Good on this guy. Bad on the Rangers.
Quick Shave:
Unfortunately for the Rangers, the Toronto Maple Leafs found a way to win last night against the Ottawa Senators. The Leafs fought back to tie and win the game 4-3 on a two goal evening by forward Darcy Tucker. Tucker scored the game winner in overtime, and helped the Leafs into a two way tie with the Carolina Hurricanes for 8th place in the East. The Florida Panthers, another team in the East in pursuit of one of the much coveted playoff spots continues it's rise. Last night they defeated the Atlanta Thrashers 3-2 and brought themselves within 4 points of the post season. The Montreal Canadiens kept their playoff hopes alive as well last night on a late goal by Alexei Kovalev (who is apparently not a Hab favorite since allegedly speaking openly to a Russian reporter about his club.... although he denies it) to lift them narrowly over the St. Louis Blues 4-3. The New Jersey Devils moved within a point of the Buffalo Sabres for control of the Eastern Conference by defeating them 3-2, on a big 31 save night for Martin Brodeur. The win was Brodeur's 41st victory of the season.... where he goes, so do the Devils.
Game of the Night:
Carolina at NY Rangers 12:30 PM
Vancouver at Anaheim 8:00 PM
A chance for redemption for the Rangers, and an opportunity for the Hurricanes to pad their playoff cushion. The second GOTN is a sweet West Coast matchup between the Northwest leading Canucks, and the Pacific leading Ducks. The Canucks have been so good lately, that they trail the Ducks by only 6 points in the West. Playoff implications are on the line for both games! Enjoy my friends!
And man do I mean inch. Islanders fans, you got robbed. That was a goal last night, at least in my opinion. There is one shot where the puck was standing on edge, clearly over the line, but big brother in Toronto didn't see it that way. The goal would have tied the game 2-2 with less than half a minute to play and most likely forced overtimer for a second straight game. However, rather than being angry with the officials, you should direct your anger towards Chris Simon. He lost that game for you. The referees decided that Lundqvist made that save, along with 29 others to help the Rangers defeat the Islanders 2-1.
Late in the third period, Simon retaliated after being checked by Rangers forward Ryan Hollweg with a stick to his throat. Simon was ejected and the Rangers recieved a 5 minute power play as the result of his stupidity. Petr Prucha slipped an off-speed shot past DiPietro which would stand up as the eventual game winner. I wouldn't be shocked to see Simon suspended for the rest of the regular season, and perhaps the playoffs too. This had Marty McSorley written all over it.
The Rangers managed to sweep the home ane home series (barely) from the Islander with last night's 2-1 victory, and thanks to some help from the rest of the league (Toronto, Montreal, and Boston all lost last night ..... the Leafs and Habs in spectacular fashion as they were spanked last night by the Senators and Thrashers)now sit in the 8th spot in Eastern Conference (tied with Carolina and Toronto). The remainder of the season is going to be wild, as the Florida Panthers have made a late push now, and are now just 4 points from a playoff position as well. Seven teams (Islanders, Rangers, Hurricanes, Leafs, Habs, Bruins, and Panthers) fighting for two playoff spots! Does it get better than that?
Quick Shave:
Penguins, word of advice. On the shootout against Martin Brodeur, if all three of your shooters attempt the same shot, there is a good chance Marty will stop it every time. Not one of the Pittsburgh Penguins deked, or even attempted to deke the New Jersey Devils goaltender, and thus he shut them down in the shootout. Patrik Elias buried the puck past Fluery, and the Devils took the game 4-3. The Devils are now just three points behind the Eastern Conference leading Buffalo Sabres, and have a legitimates shot at taking the President's Trophy this season. The St. Louis Blues should turn their roster over more often. How good has this team been? The Dallas Stars obviously looking for a cake walk, had one smashed in their faces last night instead. The Blues defeated the Stars 5-3 on Doug Weight's two goal night. The Nashville Predators slammed the Calgary Flames 6-3 last night (one of three teams who handed out cans of butt kick). Jason Arnott scored two goals and an assist, to lead his injury depleted team to the win. His second goal was the 300th of his career, yet another milestone achieved in this amazing season.
Game of the Night:
Vancouver at San Jose 10:30 PM
Late Friday night game between to powerhouses. Vancouver has been on fire lately, and waiver pickup Jeff Cowan continues his goal scoring a torrid pace (he has 6 in his last 4 games). Will he score his seventh tonight? Probably not, now that I've called him out and effectively ladeled the curse upon him! Enjoy the games!
First off, I have to acknowledge Rick DiPietro (Playoff Beard of the Month Winner for the Month of December), and tip my beard to the man. Last night's performance has got to be one of the finest I have ever witnessed by a goaltender, and it is a crime that your team couldn't provide you some more support on both the offensive and defensive side of the puck. DiPietro, made a record (Islanders) 56 saves last night. I know it seems ridiculous, but if you watched the game on In the Tent with Clement, you'd know it's true. Unfortunately for DiPietro, and the Islanders they lost. Finally.
The New York Rangers took their first win of the season against the Islanders in a game they needed to have. It took just over 40 minutes for them to solve Rick DiPietro as Petr Prucha buried a juicy rebound off of a Jed Ortmeyer shot early in the third period. The Rangers then assaulted the Islanders' goaltender to try for the win, but could not get another shot past him. The match went to OT, and the eventual shootout where Rangers forward Matt Cullen's lone goal proved to be the game winner. The Rangers won 2-1, and grabbed the second point.
The Rangers victory gives them 71 points which has them tied with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 10th place. They are 1 point behind Montreal in 9th, and now just 2 points out of the final playoff spot held by the Carolina Hurricanes with 73 points. The Boston Bruins are just 4 points out in 12th, and the Florida Panthers actually have a chance to make it in as they sit in 13th with 67 points. Things are going to be very interesting over the next few weeks.
Game of the Night:
Nashville at Detroit 7:30 PM
Tampa Bay at Vancouver 10:00 PM
Stache was raving about the top line of Tampa Bay last week, so I thought it might be fun to watch them tonight. There are is also a battle for the top spot in the West as Nashville and Detroit collide.....you may be interested in that, as well as a variety of playoff hopefuls battling for position as well. Enjoy the games!
What's up Mikey B! We got ourselves a game of the night this evening on Versus.
Another edition of In the Tent with Bill Clement. Old Playoff Chest himself brings us the only the game on the NHL schedule tonight, and it should be a good one. New York Rangers welcome their cross town rivals the New York Islanders to the Garden this evening. The Islanders have defeated the Rangers in the previous matches (i believe four meetings), and in most cases, very handily. The Islanders are also thundering towards the playoffs while currently holding the 7th spot in the East with 75 points. Rather than move their unrestricted free agents at the deadline last week, the Islanders appear to be going for it, after acquiring forward Ryan Smyth from Edmonton. The Rangers on the other hand, are watching their season on life support. Squeaking out a win over St. Louis on Saturday afternoon, the Rangers are tied for 11 with the Boston Bruins and 4 points out of the 8th and final spot owned by the Carolina Hurricanes.
Tonight's matchup is the first of a home and home. The Rangers will visit the Islanders on the Thursday night to complete the series. A huge 4 points is on the board, and important to both clubs.... look for playoff hockey tonight.
Quick Shave:
The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3 last night. The win was the 8th of the season, and it marked the first time they have swept the season series from the Flyers. What a miserable year it's been for the Flyers and their fans...... believe me I know your pain. The Atlanta Thrashers appear to be working to save GM Don Waddell's job, and more importantly hockey in their city. The Thrashers won their 3rd game since the trade deadline defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1 last night. The Thrashers moved into a tie with the Tampa Bay Lightning for first place in the Southeast Division. Keith Tkachuk acquired from the St. Louis Blues (for 85 first round picks) last week recorded his first point as a Thrasher by setting up a Kovalchuk power play goal. The Hurricanes are in danger of joining the exclusive club whose membership requires missing the playoffs the year after winning a Stanley Cup. They would be only the third team in NHL history to pull off such a feat. I believe the Devils were the last to join. The Anaheim Ducks are starting to look like the club that dominated earlier this season. Taking out an injury depleted Nashville Predators (Forsberg sat out hurt.....man who saw that coming) 3-2 by way of shootout, the Ducks moved within 4 points of the Western leading Predators. The Boston Bruins who are currently tied with the Rangers in the East, are making a push for the playoffs as well. They made a big statement last night knocking off the New Jersey Devils 4-1 last night. The Devils will also be without the services of forward Cam Janssen for 3 games after his hit on the Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Tomas Kaberle. Janssen hit Kaberle high (and apparently late, although thats up for debate) and sent the defenceman pin-wheeling into the boards where he lay unconcious for minutes. Evgeni Nabovkov stopped all 26 shots the Dallas Stars sent his way to record the 4-0 shutout win for the San Jose Sharks. It was the 32nd shutout victory for the netminder.
Game of the Night:
See above. Enjoy the game! You too Mike!
Thanks to my heterosexual lifemate Stache for pointing this out to me.
Apparently, GM of the New York Rangers Glen Sather is now fielding offers for Rangers forward and captain Jaromir Jagr. Huge news out of New York.
Jagr has really drawn fire recently (including the radio guys on the FAN) for not wanting to participate during shootouts, most recently against cross river rivals New Jersey Devils. For full details, check out the NY Post article.
New York Rangers forward Brendan Shanahan who was knocked unconcious on Saturday afternoon after a colliding with Flyers forward Mike Knuble dropped by and hour before yesterday's match to wish his teammates well. The brief appearance was not so much to inspire, but as he put it to let them know he was ok, and put their minds' at ease.
The New York Rangers ripped off a 2-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks at the Garden yesterday where they have played terribly all season. Unfortunately, the Rangers' best games have come on the road this season, and home, where they should dominate, is a place where they themselves are dominated. The Rangers prepare themselves now for a home and home with the Devils, that starts in New Jersey on Tuesday night.
Quick Shave:
Unfortunately, I was away for a large part of the weekend, but did witness some of the NHL's highlights on Saturday evening, however, I think the email I received from our friend Jeff says it....so I will give him the floor:
"So...Zetterberg gets his first carrer hat trick--and naturally, Datsyuk gets a playmaker. Brodeur gets his 91st shutout, 10th of the season. Why, you ask? Because he's God between the Pipes. Holmstrom resigns with the Wings. Mike Knuble and Brendon Shannahan--both former Red Wings--have inadvertant mid-ice collision that hospitalizes both of them. Knuble has a fractured orbital, and Shanny...well, aparently they're still not sure.
Man, I can only imagine what tommorow will bring, ay?"
Good stuff, for a good man.
Game of the Night:
Phoenix at Nashville 6:00 PM
The debut of Peter Forsberg for Nashville, was less than stellar, as the lad finished with a humble -1 rating and 1 shot on goal. Perhaps tonight will bring better? Enjoy the games!
The New York Rangers need wins, desperately. The Rangers are at their best when Jaromir Jagr is leading them, and last night he did just that. Jagr not only set up 3 goals to lift the Rangers over the Capitals 5-2, and bring them within 3 points of the final playoff spot in the East, but his production also helped him pass yet another milestone in his Hall of Fame career.
Jaromir Jagr became the 12th player in NHL history tor reach 1,500 points last night. In 1,165 professsional games, Jagr has 612 goals, and 889 assists.
The 2006-2007 season has been loaded with milestone achievements all season. Honestly I can't remember a time when so many players have hit career bench marks in one season. This could be one fore the books. Since the start of the year, Jaromir Jagr, and Brendan Shanahan, both reached 600 goals, Teemu Selanne, Mats Sundin, and Peter Bondra passed the 500 goal mark, and if I remember correctly, on the same evening Bobby Holik got his 300th, Patrick Marleau his 200th, and Ian Laperriere his 100th. Not a bad year for NHL players, and for us as fans.
Game of the Night:
Calgary at Detroit 6:00 PM
This should be a goody. Although, Detroit may not have Dominik Hasek in net due to a wrist injury (he deserves the break anyway, and if you Wings fans want a lenghty playoff run, this should serve as a warning not to overwork this guy) this should still be a great matchup. Zetterberg and Datsyuk have been on fire for the Wings lately, and should be quite a test for Kiiprusoff and Flames. Enjoy the games!
Congratulations Jeff and Paul. The Red Wings are superior.
Yet again, another New York team surrenders a multi-goal lead in the third period to the Detroit Red Wings, and ultimately blows an easy two points. Last week the Red Wings entered the third period down by 3 goals to the New York Islanders.....and well they blew their DiPietro's off and took the game by scoring 65 goals in 3 seconds. I exaggerate slightly. The point is, the Isles were lax, and their complacent play led to a quick turn around by the Wings and an eventual win.
Did the Rangers learn anything from this? Of course not. They carried a very similiar 3-1 lead over the Red Wings into the third, and pretty much followed the Islanders script to the letter. Once Jiri Hudler scored to draw the Red Wings within a goal I knew the game was lost. Hudler hustled to block a clearing attempt by Henrik Lundqvist behind the net, and scored an akward wrap-around goal (wasn't this goal eerily similiar to the one Brind'Amour scored on Ty Conklin and the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of the finals?). Robert Lang tied the match midway through the third, and Henrik Zetterberg potted the game winner roughly two minutes later......and the Red Wings left New York victorious 4-3.
Prior to the game, the Rangers made a deal with the Los Angeles Kings (who are selling everything right now) to acquire forward Sean Avery, and John Seymour for forward Jason Ward and prospects Marc-Andre Cliche, and Jan Marek. I doubt Avery is solution to the center issues the Rangers are trying to solve, and perhaps thought they needed some more enthusiasm.....which I'm sure he will provide. Avery is having a decent season offensively collecting 28 points this season through 55 games.
Game of the Night:
Buffalo at Atlanta 7:00 PM
Anaheim at San Jose 10:30 PM
Clash of the Titans tonight eh? The Best of East meet, and the Best of the West face off tonight. How cool is that? The correct answer is very cool. Enjoy the games!
All it too was one turnover, and Mats Sundin on a breakaway to end the Rangers winning streak.
Tied at 1 goal a peice in the third, Sundin took a pass from Ian White and scored on the breakaway beating countryman Henrik Lundqvist, to give the Leafs the eventual 2-1 win last night at the Garden. The Leafs have now won 5 of their last 6 games and are now tied with the Rangers for 9tth place in the Eastern Conference.
Brendan Shanahan ripped into the referees last night for the lack of calls on the liberties taken on Jaromir Jagr. His response to said action was very passionate, as well as lengthy, and you can read it here. I can't recall anything blatant last night, but from Shanahan's view point, he may see things we don't. Jagr for some reason is hated around the league, at least by the fans, and is booed no matter where he goes. That makes no sense to me, but hey it's your dollar. I'm not sure if the referees have an agenda against him, but there will obviously be a closer watch on the officiating during the next Rangers game.
Quick Shave:
The Phoenix Coyotes almost pulled it off last night, largely in part to their goaltender Curtis Joseph. Cujo kept the Anaheim Ducks off the board till they finally broke through midway through the third period. Moen and McDonald scored two goals less than 2 minutes apart to take the win 2-1. The Coyotes are for real. Yeah, they lost, but they did hang tough with one of the best in the league last night.....and now that I've celebrated their greatness expect them to go on a 9 game losing streak. The Edmonton Oilers stopped the Columbus Blue Jackets winning streak at 4 games last night. The Oilers defeated the Jackets 5-2 last night.
Game of the Night:
Nashville at Phoenix 9:00 PM
Dallas at San Jose 10:30 PM
Go West my friends! Yeah I wanna watch Phoenix do battle again, against the best. This time its' the Western Conference Leading Nashville Predators. The second game is the rematch of the Home and Home between Dallas and San Jose. Dallas stole the game from the Sharks Wednesday night, so look for some retribution from San Jose. Enjoy the games!
According to the New York Daily News the New York Rangers are one of a dozen teams in Philadelphia Flyers center and captain Peter Forsberg. Despite his injury plagued season, Forsberg is surely going to be one of the hottest commodities available at the trade deadline (which is February 27th this year).
Forsberg has a no-trade clause but he would probably waive it for an opportunity to play for the Rangers in the playoffs (if they can make the playoffs). The Flyers are interested in re-signing Forsberg but if they don't have an agreement in place by the deadline, they will attempt to move him rather than lose him as an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. There was a recent rumor on Spector's Hockey that said, had it not been for his foot problems a few weeks ago, Forsberg would be playing for the Montreal Canadiens.
While the Flyers will certainly be dealing from a position of power with so many bidders, Forsberg's injury history can't be ignored, especially this season where he missed more than 20 games. However, when he is healthy, he is one of the most explosive playmakers in the NHL. I think many teams will be willing to take the risk. Expect most deals to include NHL ready youngsters and condiional first round picks (conditional on the amount of time Forsberg can play).
Quick Shave:
Man did I say game of the night or what?! The Pittsburgh Penguins destroyed the Toronto Maple Leafs 8-2 last night! Penguins forward Sidney Crosby had a modest evening with 1 goal and two assists, but his team mates embraced the big stage last night as Mark Recchi joined the NHL HTC with his three scores ( he also added an assist), and Evegni Malkin (as brother Stache mentioned last night) had a solid 5 assist night. The Leafs fans are in a state of pure unrest after that match.....check out the TSN.ca article, and read the posts at the bottom of the page....hilarious. The NHL HTC also welcomed Nashville Predators forward David Legwand who's three scores helped his team defeat the Chicago Blackhawks 6-3, and extend their Western Conference lead over the Ducks by 3 points. Dany Heatley added a pair as he and the Ottawa Senators shut out the Boston Bruins 3-0. Almost made another appearance at the Club de Hat Trick. Sens goalie Ray Emery made 18 saves for his fourth win by shutout this season. Last night was an evening for the goaltenders in fact. St. Louis Blue's netminder Manny Legace stopped all 31 San Jose Sharks shots he faced last night to record the 1-0 shutout win, and Calgary Flames goalie Miika Kiprusoff made 32 saves to lift his team over the Edmonton Oilers 4-0.
So the All Star Break is upon us, and the NHL will resume again on Friday January 26th. Between now and then, the All Star Game festivities will begin on Tuesday and Wednesday night of this week.
Probably the biggest news this week. Playoff Beard. com turns one year old! Yep. January 24th marked the first post and launch of this tragedy of a web site.....and like a fledgling goatee, it has slowly flourished into a fully encompassing chin sweater. We are also rapidly approaching our 500th post, and thanks to my boys (Stache, Jeff, Paul, Scott, the other Jeff....) we are about to hit our 1000 comment. Thanks again for all the support guys!
NY Islanders at NY Rangers 7:00 PM <
Our very own Playoff Beard of the Month Winner for December, Rick DiPietro, puts his perfect record on the line once again as he and the New York Islanders face off against the New York Rangers. The Isles have hit the skids recently dropping 5 in a row (it could be six, but who can count that high) but this season, always bring their best stuff when playing the Blueshirts. Alexei Yashin should be back at full steam after a very public benching by Coach Ted Nolan. For the Rangers, all eyes will be on Jaromir Jagr, who left during the second period of the game against Montreal on Saturday afternoon with a groin pull. Will he be back in the lineup? Will he be able to score (something he hasn't done in several matches)? Will the Rangers be able to beat the Islanders?
Anaheim at Nashville 8:00 PM
The Ducks are injured but they are still good. They ended their losing streak with a solid effort against the Detroit Red Wings and now look to test their mettle against the Nashville Predators. The Predators are without a doubt the most disrespected team in the NHL. They are a dominant force in the WEST, and no one talks about them. Right now they sit atop the Central, and are just 5 points behind Anaheim for the Western Conference lead. Beginning to see why this game is so big? The Predators have an opportunity to make a big push for the top seed and it begins tonight.
Phoenix at Dallas 8:30 PM
The Phoenix Coyotes could be for real after all. Six wins and counting as they visit the Dallas Stars who are fighting through the injury bug as well lately. A win by Phoenix tonight would bring them within 3 points of a playoff spot, and more importantly solidify my respect for them as a team.
Quick Shave:
Everyone should stop and take a look at the current standings in both the Eastern and Western Conferences. Notice anything? Aside from the Philadelphia Flyers, every team in the NHL has a shot to make the playoffs. It's that close. The Florida Panthers (currently 14th in the East with 39 points) are just 5 points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs who hold the 8th and final playoff spot in the East with 44. Between them are the Boston Bruins (43 points), the Pittsburgh Penguins (43 points), the Washington Capitals (43 points), and the Tampa Bay Lightning (41 points). And in the West....its anyone's game as far as I'm concerned. The St. Louis Blues (who hold the 15th spot in the West with 33 points), are 12 points behind the Minnesota Wild who sit in the 8th and final playoff spot with 45 points. Among them are the Colorado Avalanche (44 points), the Edmonton Oilers (44 points, thanks to the 2-1 OT win over the Kings last night), the Phoenix Coyotes (40 points), the Los Angeles Kings (38 points), and the Columbus Blue Jackets (36 points). So what does all of this mean to us? The playoffs will be starting just a little bit early this year.
Until tonight, New York Rangers goaltender was not scored upon in the shootout by the previous 22 shooters....the New Jersey Devils put three past him, but it still wasn't enough. Lundqvist stopped Travis Zajac after Marcel Hossa buried the game winner past Martin Brodeur to defeat the New Jersey Devils in the 8th round of the shootout 3-2. Broduer also allowed goals by Nylander, Shanahan, and Cullen.
The victory moved the Rangers within 4 points of the New Jersey Devils and tied them with the Ottawa Senators for 6th place in the Eastern Conference. The Rangers have now won two straight after dropping 7 in a row.
Rangers grinder Jed Ortmeyer returned to action for the first time this season after suffering from a pulmonary embolism over the summer.
Quick Shave:
Steve Yzerman of the Detroit Red Wings saw his number 19 raised to the rafters of Joe Louis last night. The former Red Wings captain gave a great speech that called out his former teammates for being responsible for his evolution as a player, and marked Scotty Bowman as the man responsible for bringing three Stanley Cup Championships to Detroit. Bowman was recieved a standing ovation. The Detroit Red Wings honored him by defeating the Anaheim Ducks 2-1, in a tight game, that saw Ducks goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov return to action after a long layoff. See you in the Hall Stevie! The Philadelphia Flyers have won three straight and the return of Robert Esche appears to be the catalyst. Esche made 40 saves as the Flyers dumped the New York Islanders 3-2. Captain Peter Forsberg went down in the game and is out with a groin injury. Petr Nedved who probably thought he would be travelling to Ottawa yesterday was grabbed instead by the Edmonton Oilers. Nedved played with the Oilers prior to the lockout after being dealt there by the Rangers before the 2003-04 trade deadline. The Oilers also recorded their 1000th franchise victory last night by defeating the Florida Panthers 4-1. Sidney Crosby had another 3 point (2 goals, 1 assist) for the Pittsburgh Penguins last night as they beat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0. Crosby now leads the NHL with 60 points. Boston Bruins center Phil Kessel who underwent cancer surgery recently is expected to begin skating again this week. Good news. The Minnesota Wild pounded the Atlanta Thrashers 5-1 last night on 2 goal nights by Parrish and Bouchard. Marion Gaborik who has missed more than 30 games this season is expected back in the lineup this week. The Calgary Flames fell to the Vancouver Canucks for the third straight time in two weeks last night by a score of 3-2. The game winner was on a sweet breakaway move by Alex Burrows who deked Miika Kiprusoff and slipped the puck in behind him. Anyone notice that Kipper has shaved off his playoff beard? Hmmmmmm....keep an eye on him.
Game of the Night:
Buffalo at Ottawa 7:30 PM
Dallas at Vancouver 10:00 PM
The last few matchups between these two teams have been great, and Ottawa seems to have the edge on Buffalo....something not many teams in the NHL have. However the Sens are fighting injuries lately, to Spezza, and Fisher and being shorthanded could give Buffalo the advantage they need. Vancouver has suddenly discovered how to score goals, in large part to Daniel Sediin who is playing like a rock star (he had 5 goals for me last week....as I'm sure Stache knows), and facing off against Dallas netminder Marty Turco could be a big test for this ressurgent Canuck offense. Look for Anze Kopitar to join the HTC against Columbus tonight. Enjoy the games!
The Rangers didn't play their best game tonight, but they still pulled off a win against the Dallas Stars last night 5-2. Fortunately for the Rangers, they didn't have to face Dallas' big gun in net Marty Turco.....unfortunate for backup Mike Smith, who started the season well, but has now been torched for 4 goals in two straight outings.
One of the side stories of the evening was the New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist's twin brother, Joel, was called up from the Dallas Stars affiliate club and was in the lineup last night. The big story last night was the play of Henrik Lundqvist. The Rangers committed 11 penalties, of which the Stars converted 2. Lundqvist was shelled throughout the game, making 43 saves on the evening.
The New York Rangers now hold the Atlantic Division lead, and sit third overall in the Eastern Conference.
Quick Shave:
Do the Ottawa Senators know who they are? The look great! They look like crap! They look great! They look like crap! Last night, they looked like crap. Big time. The Nashville Predators shutdown the Senators offence, and Steve Sullivan joined the NHL HTC with his three goals that helped his team take the 6-0 win. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning (the rumors of trades coming to this franchise are beginning to swirl) by coming from behind in the third on pair of Saku Koivu goals to win the game 4-2. Habs keeper Cristobal Huet (who is the man....and on Bosh's fantasy roster) made 41 saves on the night for the win. Roberto Luongo and the Vancouver Canucks took it to the Calgary Flames last night. Luongo redeemed himself after being yanked the last time he faced the Flames by making 20 saves to help the Canucks to the 3-1 win. The Pittsburgh Penguins have officially released forward John LeClair. LeClair's salary will still count against the cap, but the Penguins won't have to pay him the remainder of his contract in lieu of a suspension. LeClair will now be able to sign with another franchise....if there is one out there that might want him. Speaking of suspensions and teams not wanting you....looks like Phoenix Coyotes forward Jeremy Roenick's days are numbered....not just in Phoenix, but in the NHL. Roenick is a shadow of his former self, and it is painfully obvious that this it. Roenick has been a healthy scratch for several games this season, and earlier this week, after being scratched left the game to enjoy the roast duck with the mango salsa at a restaurant and watch the game on the big screen. Wayne Gretzky was a little pissed. Roenick was scratched again last night as punishment for the incident, and they went on to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-4 by shootout. Detroit Red Wings groinly...I mean goalie Dominik Hasek made 29 saves to help the Wings to a 3-2 win over the re-Havlat-ed Chicago Blackhawks.
The Dragons
Well the boys in white (and red, and some blue, and gray, and green) started the season off on a good note. Facing off against last season's champs the Wolfpack, the Dragons played a see-saw match trading the lead several times on multiple goals by Mike Feeney and Mike McCarthy. The Dragons tied the game 6-6 with 18 seconds remaining on a late score by Mike Feeney (who is sporting a handsome playoff beard these days....coincidence?). Goaltender, and slacks model Jose Alicea closed the doors on the Wolfpack during the shootout and Mark Giordano (no not the guy from the Calgary Flames) potted the game winner. Franicis Montalbano cleared waivers yesterday and was sent down to the Dragons minor league affiliate.
Game of the Night:
NY Islanders at Pittsburgh 7:30 PM
The Islanders may have Alexei Yashin back in the lineup, and they will need him and everyone else to stop the NHL's scoring leader Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight. Look for Cory Stillman to join the HTC against the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight. Enjoy the games my bearded friends!
The opening match of the season between two of the greatest rivals in the NHL began last night, and provided lot's of offence, little goaltending, and even less defense.
The Islanders showed up for the first period. The Rangers didn't. The Rangers showed up in the second. The Islanders didn't. The third period became a duel between Islanders forward Vktor Kozlov, and Rangers forward Brendan Shanahan. Both players joined the NHL Hat Trick club. Viktor Kozlov scored 4 goals on the evening, scoring the final two goals of the game, to complete a 7-4 win over the New York Rangers and take sole command of first place Atlantic Place.
Goaltender Rick DiPietro made 39 saves on the evening, although he allowed the Rangers back into the game during the second, the Islanders took the lead late in the second and never looked back. DiPietro is sporting an impressive playoff beard of late and the Islanders have won 5 of their last 7 games. Coincidence? Or Playoff Beard Phenomenon?
The Islanders look outstanding, and for a team that played in Pittsburgh the evening prior really took it to the Rangers. The Rangers appear to be collapsing into that no defensive responsiblity mode they were playing in during the start of the season. They need to protect their end of the ice better and stop allowing so many scoring opportunities. The Islanders and Ted Nolan, should keep doing what they are doing, and Kozlov seems to be thriving in the center position in relief of the injured Alexei Yashin.
Quick Shave:
The Los Angeles Kings defeated the Anaheim Ducks last night 3-2. L.A. forward Alexander Frolov had yet another 2 goal performance, and Dan Cloutier made 27 saves and helped take the second game of the home and home from their state rivals. Anaheim Ducks goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov who just came back from the IR, re-injured himself midway through the 3rd period and was replaced by Giguere.
Game of the Night:
Boston at Montreal 7:00 PM
Let's give Boston a look tonight. The Bruins have played better this season after a dreadful start, and goaltend Tim Thomas is the latest hero between the pipes in Boston. The Habs are playing great, and coming off an emotional come from behind victory over the Leafs. Enjoy the games my friends!
The final match of the season series between the Buffalo Sabres and the New York Rangers was probably the most entertaining to date. The city of Buffalo once again mired in bad weather (along with the most of the country, fought off mother nature throughout the game. Failing lights, and lost broadcasts didn't stop the two squads from putting on another great show.
Unfortunately for the New York Rangers, they weren't able to climb over the hump that is the Buffalo Sabres. Blown out in the first game, the Rangers responded with two great efforts but ended up losing both in overtime. Tonight, the Rangers rallied from a 2 goal defecit provided by Buffalo Sabres Hecht and Campbell to tie the game, and then take the lead on two quick powerplay goals by Nylander and Straka. Martin Straka has been unbelievable this season and a fantasy owner's dream. He has 28 points on the season (14 goals, 14 assists) and is a +13. Not bad for a guy who was considering retirement over the summer. Buffalo Sabres clutch forward Chris Drury tied the game at 3 a piece minutes later, and the game would remain that way till the inevitable shootout.
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller closed the door and stopped all three shooters and Daniel Briere beat Kevin
Weekes to secure the 4-3 win. The next time the two teams will meet will hopefully be in the playoffs. If it does come down to that perhaps the Rangers will finally find a way to beat this team.
Rangers rookie Ryan Callahan made his first ever NHL appearance tonight after making alot of noise with the Hartford Wolfpack of the AHL. Callahan has scored 21 points in 19 games with the Rangers affiliate this season.
Jaromir Jagr had two assists on the evening, and now trails only Marian Hossa of Atlanta for the NHL scoring lead.
Quick Shave:
With all the focus on groin injuries this season, it's amazing that the most fragile groin in the league has quietly moved into a tie for the best GAA in the NHL (according to NHL.com). Detroit Red Wings goalie Dominik Hasek made 20 saves last night to shutout the Minnesota Wild 3-0. The shutout was the 72nd of his career. The Minnesota Wild, much like the Chicago Blackhawks have been hampered by injuries to their star players Marian Gaborik and Pavol Demitra, and have lost 11of their last 15 games. The New Jersey Devils found their scoring touch. Finally! The Devils who couldn't buy a goal out West, lit up the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-2 last night. Pittsburgh rookie Evegeni Malkin was named the Rookie of the Month for November, for the second month in a row. The last time a rookie did pulled that off was by Flyers goalie Ron Hextall in 1986. Malkin had 13 points (7goals, 6 assists) in November. The St. Louis Blues will retire Brett Hull's number 16 next Tuesday night when they face off against the Detroit Red Wings.
Game of the Night:
San Jose at Detroit 7:00 PM
Big night tonight, but these two heavyweights are obviously the special on the menu tonight. May I also suggest a fine aged brew to accompany your game? Enjoy the games my friends!
After two lackluster showings, the New York Rangers top line of Jaromir Jagr, Michael Nylander, and Martin Straka woke up, and decisively defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning. Jagr, Staka, and Nylander each scored a goal, and two assists. Jaromir Jagr opened the scoring for the Rangers early in the first. The goal was the 600th marker of his career.
Brendan Shanahan, also scored for the Rangers, and recorded his 600th goal earlier in the season. It is the first time in NHL history that two teammates have achieved the milestone during the same season. The Rangers beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1.
Quick Shave:
The NHL HTC has been busy this week! This week's newest member, Anaheim Duck's forward Chris Kunitz joins, Staal, and Jokinen. Kunitz scored his first career NHL hat trick, potting three goals, in the Ducks 6-4 win over the Phoenix Coyotes. Yanic Perreault scored again for the Coyotes and has been a solid pickup for the team, already providing 7 points (5 goals, 2 assists), in the 7 games he's appeared in. The Vancouver Canucks defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 for the third game of the night. Even the Hawks lost, they should feel encouraged by the return and play of goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin as of late. He kept the game close for his team, and looks like he has returned to his Stanley Cup winning play of several seasons ago. If they can get Havlat back soon, this team will start to string some victories together.
Let's talk about the upcoming Thanksgiving Day Holiday. While there is a solid match available that evening, Vancouver at Nashville -8:00 PM, it's the day after Thanksgiving I want to bring to your attention. This Friday November 24th, is a day you should mark on the calendar. Take a look at the schedule, starting at Noon (yes Noon!):
Carolina at Boston 12:00 PM
Columbus at Philadelphia 1:00 PM
Phoenix at Minnesota 2:00 PM
Pittsburgh at NY Islanders 2:00 PM
New Jersey at Anaheim 4:00 PM
Toronto at Washington 7:00 PM
St. Louis at Detroit 7:30 PM
Ottawa at Florida 7:30 PM
Montreal at Buffalo 8:00 PM
Atlanta at Tampa Bay 8:00 PM
Los Angeles at Dallas 8:30 PM
Chicago at Edmonton 9:00 PM
Now, if all goes well, we should be wearing nice big smiles by 4:00, just as the Devils and Ducks are getting ready to face off (which is great matchup as if I needed to remind you....), but if not, don't worry....because you aren't even half way through this day on ice. The last face off is at 9:00, and if you aren't face down on the carpet by this point, you should be good to go till 12:00 AM. 12 solid hours of hockey.....and beer! Because of this unprecedented lineup.....I would expect Saturday's article to be just a touch late.....but perhaps not, since most of you will be rising around the same time. Oh and by the way, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is offering a cornacopia of games as well. Really, this is a few days we should all be thankful for.
Game of the Night:
NY Islanders at Toronto 7:30 PM
There's a lot of history between these two teams, and both teams are brimming with confidence, so why not recommend a viewing as they butt heads? Enjoy the games my bearded friends!
The New York Rangers still can't solve the Buffalo Sabres. Almost, but not quite. A Sabres team that not only played the evening prior in Toronto, but 3 games in the their last four nights, and a club that is beginning to feel the sting of the injury bug. That same bug that derailed them from earning a Stanley Cup Championship. Forward Maxim Afinogenov will be on the shelf for ab out 2 weeks, with an undisclosed upper body injury. Rumor has it, that it's a separated shoulder.
Even without their most explosive forward, and with Marty Biron, their backup netminder, manning the the net, the Sabres are still a formidable opponent. The Rangers who have begun to play some of their best hockey of late, with Kevin Weekes starting the last three games (goaltending controversy now? he's secured 5 out of a possible 6 points), the Rangers fell to the Buffalo Sabres in overtime 4-3, on a game winner by Daniel Briere, his second tally of the evening.
Ranger's captain Jaromir Jagr had a goal and two assists on the game and now leads the league in scoring with 23 points.
Game of the Night:
Dallas at Vancouver 10:00 PM
Great goaltending match-up between Turco and Luongo, and two great teams....although Vancouver could step it up a bit, and tonight they have the chance. Enjoy the games!
The Anaheim Ducks still remain unbeaten in regulation, along with the Buffalo Sabres. They did however receive their 4th OT loss at the hands of the New York Rangers, who rebounded from a dreadfull performance against the L.A. Kings two nights ago.
Jaromir Jagr scored his 104th game winner last night against the Ducks to help the Rangers to a 4-3 overtime victory. Jagr tied teammate Brendan Shannahan on the all time game winner list, and the pair sit fourth behind Brett Hull (104), Espo (118), and Gordie Howe (121). The win was certainly a bench test for the Rangers, who defeated one of the premiere teams in the NHL, and showed what they are capable of when consistent, hard working and disciplined. The good teams, always seem to find a way to capitalize on their opponent's mistakes, and Anaheim made Marek Malik pay for two turnovers, on goals by Chris Pronger and Ryan Getzlaf. The Rangers were able to rally, and force OT, where Jagr took care of the rest. The Rangers complete their West Coast road trip against the San Jose Sharks tonight.
Quick Shave:
I think I found out why the Calgary Flames aren't scoring. Because they arent' shooting! 15 shots? Come on guys. Hasek wasn't even on his game last night, but only had to make 13 saves to get the 3-2 win for the Detroit Red Wings. The Flames have now dropped three in a row.....and I believe this is the 4th win in a row for the Wings (jeff correct me if I'm wrong). Evgeni Malkin is the greatest rookie ever! Well, maybe I'm exaggerating, but Malkin tied a rookie record for scoring his sixth goal, in his sixth game to start a career. He ended the evening, but scoring his 7th, and game winner in OT to lift the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 over the L.A. Kings. This kid is awesome....this team is awesome. Crosby had a quiet evening, only assisting on three of the teams goals. The Nashville Predators ended the Oilers unbeaten streak at home by way of a 5-3 win. Paul Kariya had a 3 assist evening. Cam Ward of the Carolina Hurricanes seems to be regaining his Conn Smythe form, as he backstopped his team with 40 saves and helped them defeat the Atlanta Thrashers 5-2. Atlanta has now lost two in a row since handing the Sabres their first loss of the season. The Florida Panthers are going to lose Todd Bertuzzi for about 8 weeks. The big forward needs surgery to repair a herniated disc which has hampered his play.
Game of the Night:
Montreal at Carolina 7:00 PM
NY Rangers at San Jose 10:30 PM
Huet gets the nod to see if he find the fire that helped the Habs into the playoffs last year, against the Canes who knocked them out of the first round last year. If you remember the Canes lost the first two, then responded and won four straight to take the series in 6. The second game is Bosher going homer. I want to see how my boys in blue play against the Sharks who have looked awesome. Playoff Beard of the Month winner for October Joe Thornton will be looking to get his second goal of the season. Enjoy the games!
The New York Rangers hoped for big things from Brendan Shanahan, and he has failed to dissapoint thus far. Shanahan has been the bright spot on a team that is still trying to recover from last seasons free fall and total playoff collapse. In his sixth game as a blue shirt, Brendan Shanahan delivered his league leading seventh goal, and helped the Rangers break free from their 3 game losing streak, and hopefully right the ship.
The Rangers defeated their cross river rival the New Jersey Devils 4-2 last night. In what is usually a game that helps to jump start the Devils, this time the Rangers may have found the launch pad needed to re-discover the discipline that propelled them last year. They face a big test against the re-tooled Nashville Predators who have shown signs of improvement following their sluggish start on Wednesday night. Henrik Lundqvist also found his game last night stopping 34 Devil shots and being named the first star of the game.
Quick Shave: The Stanley Cup Champs are playing like Stanley Cup Champs again. The Carolina Hurricanes playing off another solid outing by goaltender Cam Ward, who made 34 stops, pounded the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-1 last night. Justin Williams joined the ever growing NHL Hat Trick club by putting the lotion in the basket three times. Yes another hat trick! What the heck is going on with Mike Dunham? I have to give this guy credit. After a couple of average season's with the Rangers, and a lackluster year with the Atlanta Thrashers (including the game that he collapsed against the Caps last year that saw the Thrashers miss their first playoff appearance by 2 points), Dunham was floating in limbo uncertain that he would be playing again. After being offered at tryout with the Islanders, making the roster, and taking over for Rick DiPietro with a groin injury, Dunham has shined. In three starts, the New York Islanders remain unbeaten in regulation, 2 wins, and last nights shootout loss to the Preds. Mike Dunham stopped 32 shots, and ensured the Islanders get a point in the standings for their effort. The Chicago Blackhawks look pretty good so far....don't they realize they are supposed to suck? Perhaps Martin Havlat didn't get that memo, because he's leading the league in scoring with 12 points (6 goals, 6 assists).
Game of the Night:
Philadelphia at Buffalo 7:00 PM
Dallas at San Jose 10:30 PM
An early game and a late game, so you can watch both...that is how generous the Bosher is. Philadelphia is off to a very slow start with only 1 win so far, and Buffalo is well....in the words of Ivan Drago's manager from Rocky IV..."whatever they hit....they destroy!" Buffalo took care of the Flyers in the first round of the playoffs last year, and I bet R.J. Umberger is still shuddering from the skull crushing hit he recieved from Brian Campbell. How much you wanna bet his head will be up when enters the neutral zone? This should be a great test for the Flyers, and another chance for the Sabres to show everyone they are the real deal. Dallas and San Jose? Do I really need to explain why this game should be accompanied by a large cooler full of ice cold Labatt Blues? Enjoy the games my razor hating friends!
The reigning Rocket Richard Trophy winner was on his way to making the Edmonton Oilers pay early this morning. Jonathan Cheechoo lit the lamp three times for his first hat trick of the young season. Down 4-2, the Oilers mounted an unlikely comeback in the third period. Powered by Ryan Smyth, and his hat trick, the Oilers scored 4 unanswered goals to beat the San Jose Sharks 6-4.
Ryan Smyth broke Wayne Gretzky's record (set in '88 if I heard correctly), for the fastest three goals by an Edmonton Oilers player. Smyth potted the first two on the power play 14 seconds apart, and nabbed the third less than a minute later.
What a hockey game! It really looked as though the Sharks had this one in the bag, and apparently they did too, and came out way too complacent in the third. The Oilers stormed Sharks goalie Evgeni Nabokov who faced multiple breakaways (one of which Ales Hemsky finished the scoring on) and odd man opportunites, and looked as though he was left to fend for himself. Edmonton looked like the same refuse to die team we all witnessed in last years playoffs. Dwayne Roloson looked like the playoff version of himself, weathering the Sharks attack for the final period with little difficulty. Two Hat Tricks in one game! That's nice.
Quick Shave
Not to be out done, Brian Gionta of the New Jersey Devils joined Mattheiu Schneider, Jonathan Cheechoo, and Ryan Smyth in this week's Hat Trick Club by helping his team climb back into the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs last night. Gionta, just re-signed by the Devils last week, potted three goals in the third to tie the game 6-6, and force overtime, and the eventual shootout where New Jersey won 7-6. The Calgary Flames still can't find the offence they long for, but their opponents aren't able to find any when facing Miikka Kiprusoff. Jarome Iginla scored the only goal of the game, and that was all the Flames needed as Kiprusoff shut the door on the Ottawa Senator, stopping all 33 shots he faced for the 1-0 win. The Pittsburgh Penguins are showing signs of the juggernaut they are destined to become. The Penguins had a back and forth matchup against the New York Rangers that saw Sidney Crosby have a 4 point evening including the game winning power play goal with seconds remaining to give his team the 6-5 win. Jordan Staal, the younger brother of Hurricanes forward Eric Staal potted his first ever NHL goal on a beautiful shorthanded breakway against Rangers keeper Henrik Lundqvist. The second overall pick in this years Entry Draft, had a terrific game and is giving the Penguins all the reason in the world to keep him on the team. The Chicago Blackhawks beat the Nashville Predators for the second time in two weeks, and kept them from finding their first win. Martin Havlat, whom the Blackhawks picked up in a trade from Ottawa, and signed for the long term has really answered the bell. Havlat had a goal last night against the Predators and in 3 games has 8 points (4 goals, 4 assists). The Minnesota Wild are still unbeaten after taking it to the Washington Capitals in a shootout victory 3-2. UFA acquisition defenceman Kim Johnsson potted both goals in regualtion on the powerplay.
Game of the Night:
Buffalo at Detroit 7:00 PM
A Friday the 13th matchup! This one is for you Jeff! The unbeaten Buffalo Sabres storm in to Detroit tonight to face off agains the Red Wings. This is a great test for both teams. The Red Wings have the opportunity to answer the critics against one of the hottest teams in the league. Enjoy the games!
...because I wrap it around your heart....and squeeze off hope.
Peter Forsberg and the Philadelphia Flyers got their revenge last night, after Saturday's 13 round shootout loss. Forsberg had a goal and set up Mike Knuble and Simone Gagne enroute to the Flyers first win of the season. Geoff Sanderson also scored and Antero Nittymaki stopped 25 shots and helped the Flyers defeat the New York Rangers 4-2.
The Flyers forecheck stifled the Rangers and prevented them from creating any sustained attack. The Rangers consistently coughed up the puck in the neutral zone and looked as though they were fighting the puck most of the night. Henrik Lundqvist uncharacteristically let a few soft goals go by and the Rangers weren't able to get back into the game. Thomas Pock and Brendan Shanahan recorded the tallies for the Rangers.
Quick Shave
The new look Minnesota Wild gave Roberto Luongo of the Vancouver Canucks his first introduction to their squad. According to the announcers, Luongo had never faced the Wild before, and he made 34 saves only allowing a Brian Rolston goal during regulation. Minnesota went on to win the game during the shootout on scores by Mikko Koivu and Petteri Nummelin. The Wild are of to a 3-0-0 start, the best in their franchise's history. The Canadiens have announced that David Aebischer will be starting over Cristobal Huet against the Flyers tonight, after a strong outting over the weekend. The Toronto Maple Leafs UFA acquisition Pavel Kubina will be lost to them after spraining an MCL suffered during a collision with Florida's Todd Bertuzzi Monday night. Perhaps this will spur Brian Leetch to the Leafs rumors? Speaking of Leetch, apparently he is weighing choices between playing in the NHL, or becoming a road game broadcaster for the MSG Network. Brian Leetch is an amazing defenceman, but he is one the most wooden interviews I have ever witnessed. I can't imagine him behind a mic and really hope he opts for returning to play, or officially retiring.
Game of the Night:
Boston at Atlanta 7:00 PM
Not much in the way of excitement tonight, so I figured I would go with the return of Marc Savard to Atlanta. It's always fun to watch Ilya Kovalchuk, and perhaps he may put on a show to welcome him his old center. Enjoy the games!
New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, helped the Rangers to a 5-4 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers by way of 13 round shootout. While the Rangers and Flyers both played sloppy in regulation, they still provided a back and forth affair, that went to extra time, and eventually to a shootout tied 4-4.
The Rangers won the game on a goal by Marcel Hossa, the 26th shooter in a 13 round shootout. The next skater for the Rangers would have presumably been Marek Malik, and the announcers could not help themselves pondering whether or not the big blueliner would try another between the legs shot. Hossa's goal ended all speculation and helped the Rangers leave Philadelphia with the win and 2 points. The Nashville Predators offense is on fire! The Predators have scored 11 goals in their first two games. Unfortunately their defence and goaltending is going down in flames. They have surrendered 14 goals. Vokoun...buddy? What's up!
Quick Shave
Can anything stop the Buffalo Sabres? Nope, not even the Ottawa Senators Jason Spezza who finally scored....actually he got two for you Stache! But that wasn't enough to prevent the Sabres from winning 4-3 and starting the season perfect with a 3-0 record. Evgeni Nabokov may have regained his pre-lockout form, as he helped the San Jose Sharks to a 2-0 shutout victory over the New York Islanders. Ovechkin and Semin exploded to defeat Stanley Cup Champs. The Capitals defeated the Hurricanes 5-2, the second one-sided loss in two nights for the Canes. Semin had his first NHL hatrick in his second professsional game. Anaheim defeated the 'Yotes on the heels of Ilya Bryzgalov's 34 save performance 2-1. While the Ducks improved to 2-0 on the season, their new improved defense anchored by Chris Pronger has yielded over 70 shots on net in the first two games. Fantasy owners keep an eye on Anaheim center Ryan Getzlaf. The Calgary Flames still don't have the offensive punch they were seeking so far, but they still have great goaltending. Kiprusoff backstopped the Flames to a 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. The Lindros era has begun in Dallas, and so far so good. Lindros got his first goal for his new team, and new captain Brendan Morrow provided another to help the Stars defeat the Devils 3-1.
Crosby and company came out tonight and made Bosh look pretty good in picking them to make the playoffs this year. Yes Sidney Crosby looked great and scored a goal and an assist in the 4-0 shutout victory, but the real hero of the evening was Marc-Andre Fleury.
The Penguins were outshot 40-21 in the game, but Fleury stopped them all and even killed of two, powerplays where the Flyers carried a two man advantage. I would say this kid thrives on adversity. Having all but lost his starting job to veteran Jocelyn Thibault, Fleury was named the number 1 goalie in the Penguins final pre-season game. Fleury responded with an amazing effort, and his team finished it for him and their new prospective owner, Canadian businessman Jim Balsillie, who was in attendence and had to love what he saw.
Eric Staal's younger brother and Pittsburgh's first round draft pick Jordan Staal made his NHL debut tonight and is expected to remain with the team at least until the return of center Evgeni Malkin is able to return.
Shanahan scores his 600th in Ranger debut
The New York Rangers officially introduced forward Jaromir Jagr as the 24th captain in franchise history, and he responded by opening the scoring 29 seconds into the game. After that Shanahan made his presence known in his New York Ranger debut by potting two goals, his 599th, and 600th of his career. Shanahan becomes the 15th player to join the elite goal scorers club. The Rangers went on to defeat the Washington Capitals 5-2.
Luongo shines for Vancouver
Another debut, and another success. Roberto Luongo played his first game between the pipes for the Vancouver Canucks, stopping 27 shots and helping his new team defeat the Detroit Red Wings 3-1.
Havlat and Chicago defeat Nashville in goalfest
An evening of debuts that for the moment appear to be looking for the teams that have acquired them, continued in Nashville tonight. Chicago's newest forward Martin Havlat scored 2 goals and 2 asssist in his Blackhawks debut, and helped Chicago come from behind twice to defeat the Predators in a wild 8-6 win.
Islanders fall hard in Phoenix
Ok, not all debuts were easy one's tonight. Ted Nolan's return to coaching after nearly a decade is one he would probably like to forget. The Islanders $65 million dollar goalie Rick DiPietro was lit up early and often by the Coyotes who went on to defeat their New York counterparts 6-3. DiPietro was eventually pulled in favor of his backup Mike Dunham who started the third. Wayne Gretzky's team looked good at even strength and on the powerplay, and forwards Doan, Nagy and Reinprecht were all over the scoresheet.
The Late Game!
I don't want you West Coasters not to feel the love from the Bosher, so I stayed up and watched an unbelievable game between the St. Louis Blues and the San Jose Sharks. This match was back and forth with Mark Bell looking like he had sealed the game with a goal to make it 4-3 in the final minutes, but the relentless Blues kept up the attack, pulled Legace from the net, got a fortunate half-man advantage from Ville Nieminen's broken stick and tied the game on a Keith Tkachuk goal with seconds remaining. The match went to OT where Curtis Brown buried the game winner halfway through the extra period! What a game!
The first two nights have come and gone in the NHL, and I feel like the NHL Center Ice package has already paid for itself. If you haven't gotten it yet, they are running a free preview which I'm pretty sure is running till next week. Give it a look. If you are a hockey fan, this is the best investment you can make! If you order early, I think they will knock $20 off the price. Tell them Captain Bosh sent you (just so you can hear them say 'Who?').
Jagr is expected to play again tonight against Boston, the Rangers final pre-season game before they open up their season against the Washington Capitals next Thursday night.
Dragons torch Coyotes
Well, not really. Unfortunately most of the Coyotes were out drinking, and only three of their boys showed and were forced to forfeit. So rather than waste rink time, a few Dragons swapped jerseys and joined the Coyotes for an exhibition match that could only be called the Mark Giordano Highlight Reel Special! Mr. Giordano, suiting up against his own team, scored 19 goals, 23 assists and finished the evening +45 (no penalty minutes as Mark is a perrenial Lady Byng Trophy Winner). Giordano is either the greatest hockey player in New Jersey, or the Dragons play defense like the Penguins last year......which is to say, not so good.
That's the good news. The bad news is that Pittsburgh Penguins rookie Evgeni Malkin will need six weeks to recover from the dislocated shoulder he received after a collision with teammate John LeClair. The young forward is expected to miss as much as 10 of the Penguins first games. Dissapointing yes, but if his shoulder needed to have surgery he could have missed much more, if not all of the season. Sacrificing the month of October at this point, seems a blessing for the Penguins and Malkin.
Steve Yzerman joins Wings management
The Detroit Red Wings announced yesterday that their first ballot hall of famer Steve Yzerman would become it's Vice President. The position would have him working closely with Senior Vice President Jim Devellano, GM Ken Holland and Assistant GM Jim Nill.
Sean Burke waived
The Tampa Bay Lightning have placed their goaltender Sean Burke on waivers. Burke had an awful 2005-2006 campaign and has obviously been outplayed by newly acquired goalie Marc Denis and Johan Holmqvist. Burke's $1.6 million salary will still count against Tampa Bay's cap regardless of whether he plays in the minors or chooses retirement. Unless he is picked up off of waivers by another team.....which will probably be the Red Wings once Hasek's groin detonates on the ice.
Jagr cleared to play
Good news for us! New York Rangers Jaromir Jagr has been cleared to begin full practice with his team. According to Coach Tom Renney Jagr will be included in 'all forms of practice' which includes contact drills. If all goes well perhaps he will see some ice time in the pre-season against the Islanders or Boston later this week.
Philadelphia Flyers Captain Peter Forsberg returned to action last night against the Ottawa Senators. After surgery on his right ankle in May, Forsberg was expected to have the same procedure done on his left, until a doctor declared it uneccessary. Both surgeries would have kept Forsberg out of the lineup till January. Last night's early return is probably a great indication that the bearded one will be ready to play for the Flyers on opening night. Forsberg picked up an assist on a goal by Derian Hatcher last night. Ottawa defeated the Flyers 4-3.
What's Leetch doing?
According to Larry Brooks of the NY Post, Brian Leetch is no closer to making a decision on whether or not to return to the NHL. According to Brooks, Leetch had been working out during August, but has stopped his training over the past few weeks for personal reasons, which is leading many to speculate he may actually retire rather than play one more year.
Brooks points out that Leetch can take his time, and perhaps sign with a team in November, and also says that Leetch has the capability to be a factor into in his forties like fellow blueliner Chris Chelios. To this I agree, and disagree. Yes Leetch is in amazing condition, and his skill has not waned, but unfortunately, over the last several seasons, injuries have taken there toll. His ankle, no pun intended has become his achilles heel. Nothing would make me happier than to see him continue playing, but only if he were doing it a high level, and not sitting on the Injured List. To check out Larry Brooks article click here.
Perhaps one of the greatest playoff beards ever seen in the NHL is on full display at AnaheimDucks.com. Defenseman Scott Niedermayer's playoff beard is on full display in the upper right corner of the page. My hats off to the Anaheim organization for not only recognizing Mr. Neidermayer's greatness, but also his unparalleled facial hair growth. Thanks again to my buddy from Scandanavia, JR for sending this in.
Rangers vs. Panthers in San Juan, Puerto Rico
In attempt to be ambassadors for the sport, the Rangers and Panthers are bringing the NHL to the Islands. I think it's great that these teams are trying to spread the NHL around the world, and get more people into the sport. I've always believed that if you got an individual to go to one game they would be hooked for life. You can watch this Caribbean matchup tonight at 7:30 on MSG.
Tonight's Games:
Boston at NY Islanders 6:00 PM
St. Louis at Atlanta 7:00 PM
Toronto at Montreal 7:00 PM
Ottawa at Philadelphia 7:00 PM
Florida at NY Rangers 7:30 PM
Buffalo at Pittsburgh 7:30 PM
Calgary at Edmonton 8:00 PM
Carolina at Nashville 8:00 PM
Columbus at Chicago 8:30 PM
Colorado at Los Angeles 10:30 PM
Anaheim at San Jose 10:30 PM
The Dallas Stars have re-signed Brendan Morrow to a six year deal worth $24.6 million. The deal keeps Morrow, one of the Stars most consistent forwards in the lineup till he's 33, and prevents the possibility of losing him to Unrestricted Free Agency, which he would have been eligible for next summer.
Brendan Morrow had a career year last season scoring 65 points (23 goals and 42 assists) and still remained devoted to his defensive responsibilities posting a team high +30 rating. This is a great signing for the Stars, they hold on to one of their best home grown players who would most certainly been scooped up in free agency next year.
Malkin's status
Evgenin Malkin suffered a dislocated shoulder last night during the Penguins victory over the Flyers. He sustained the injury while colliding into teammate John LeClair. Malkin attended practice this morning, but did not participate. His team mates said he looked much better than the previous evening as he left the ice clutching his arm. His game ready status is still not known, and wheter or not he will be available for the team's season opener is still undetermined. His shoulder will be re-evaluated next week, and a clearer timeline should be made available.
No Jagr for Rangers opener?
Speaking of shoulder injuries. The New York Rangers MVP forward Jaromir Jagr is still recovering from his off season shoulder surgery and Coach Renney and staff are treating him with kid gloves. While he is being put through a rigorous exercise regimen twice daily, he has been restricted from any on ice contact drills, which include scrimmages and pre-season exhibition matches. The word is still uncertain as to whether Jagr will be activated for the home opener agains the Caps on October 5th.
Red Wings Captain to be announced at Opening Night
The Red Wings still haven't made it official and named the successor to retired Steve Yzerman. Although it's a good bet it will be mainstay blueliner Nicklas Lidstrom who just re-upped with the Red Wings for two more seasons, my boy Jeff has pointed out that Datsyuk, or Zetterberg, two of Detroit's younger and future of the franchise, may get the nod. Looks like we will all have to wait till the 5th.
Tonight's Games:
Boston at NY Islanders 6:00 PM
Nashville at Carolina 7:00 PM
Chicago at Columbus 7:00 PM
Tampa Bay at Detroit 7:30 PM
Buffalo at Ottawa 7:30 PM
Washington at Pittsburgh 7:30 PM
Montreal at Toronto 7:30 PM
Phoenix at Dallas 8:30 PM
Vancouver at Anaheim 10:00 PM
Unreal! After everything this guy went through to get to the NHL he's knocked out in his first game? Not even a regulation match, but a pre-season game, and by his teammate John LeClair?!?
According to reports from TSN.ca suffered an 'upper body injury' which is playoff speak for shoulder, after colliding with his Penguins teammate John LeClair. No official word is being given on the exact nature and status of the injury, but I'm sure all eyes will be on Malkin and the Penguins over the next few days. This is truly a blow the Penguins organization, the fans, and to Evgeni Malkin. Hopefully the kid pulls through.
Rangers roll over Devils again!
I know, I know, it's still pre-season, but my boys are taking it to the Devils, and appear to be coming out strong. Henrik Lundqvist, Vezina finalist, shutout the Devils 2-0. The Rangers out shot the Devils 21-1 in the first period. Greg Moore helped set up Matt Cullen and Petr Prucha for the scores.
Fantasy News
Apparently Fantasy Leagues everywhere have high hopes for Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby, and Washington's Alexander Ovechkin. The Playoff Beard .com League is no different as both guys went in the Top 5. There's a really great Fantasy article on TSN.ca you guys you should have a read through, that offers some obvious picks and a few sleepers. Check it out here!
I know it's early, and I know it's only pre-season, but it's nice to see the Rangers getting off on the right foot after a lackluster finish to their promising season. The Rangers came out blazing and stunned the New Jersey Devil's Martin Brodeur for 3 goals in the first 8 minutes of the game. Blair Betts, recently acquired Adam Hall (traded in a three way deal with Nashville and Pittsburgh for Dominic Moore), and youngster Brandon Dubinsky (who's efforts to make the roster are looking better by the day) recorded the tallies for the New York Rangers. Goaltenders Al Montoya and Stephen Valiquette allowed only one goal on 25 shots.
Koivu's sights are set
Even thought the Habs fell to the Bruins tonight 5-2, the team was apparently thrilled with Saku Koivu who's eye ailment did little to prevent him from playing and assisting on a goal by Michael Ryder. It would seem that Koivu has once again persevered.
Minnesota's offseason already paying dividends
Minnesota Wild forward Marion Gaborik scored two goals including the game winner to help the Wild to a 3-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Draft day trade acquisition, Pavol Demitra scored the other helper.
Penguins Malkin to make debut
With or without the blessing of the Russian hockey federation, Pittsburgh Penguins much travelled forward Evgeni Malkin will make his debut tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers. A lot of eyes will be on this game, and I'm certain it won't be just to check out Malkin's play.
I'm still hearing alot of power play opportunities are being given away. It looks like the clubs with discipline and / or polished special teams are going to be flying out the gates this season. One night after winning with superb power play units, Dallas did the exact opposite, and let the Colorado Avalanche showcase their special teams, scoring three. Every coach in the NHL must be losing his mind right now.
Tonight's Games:
Philadelphia at Pittsburgh 6:30 PM
Florida at Atlanta 7:00 PM
New Jersey at NY Rangers 7:00 PM
Tampa Bay at Washington 7:00 PM
Boston at Montreal 7:30 PM
Toronto at Ottawa 7:30 PM
San Jose at Anaheim 10:00 PM
Dallas at Phoenix 10:00 PM
Blueshirt Bulletin's Rangers Training Camp Coverage
Some of the best coverage, and certainly most honest, is being produced by locals at the
>Blueshirt Bulletin. An independent paper (and great website) that brings us in depth reports on our (my) favorite team, the New York Rangers!
Currently the boys at the Blueshirt Bulletin are covering the Rangers Training Camp (this is really just a taste, because their coverage year round of the Rangers is always top notch) and it's exciting to hear thus far, that a few more of the Rangers youngsters are positioning themselves for a run at the big club. Coach Tom Renney has already commented on the play of Brandon Dubinsky and Nigel Dawes, both who are fighting for only a few available roster spots.
Jagr is being kept on the 'no contact' list for a bit longer. He wasn't allowed to scrimmage with the team over the past few days, and will not being playing in at least the Pre-Season Opener against the New Jersey Devils. Coach Renney is being careful with Jagr's newly reconstructed shoulder. From my point of view....GOOD MOVE! I had the same surgery 2 years ago, and when I tell you it hurt to pick up a cup of coffee 4 months later, I understand Renney's concerns. Jagr's range of motion is apparently good, the strength is something that will take time. Patience Rangers fans....patience!
For more great Rangers training camp news, I highly recommend you visit the boys at Blueshirt Bulletin!
New York Rangers Coach Tom Renney is expected to present Jaromir Jagr with the team's captaincy this season. The team has been without a captain since Mark Messier retired and has since gone with a platoon of three assistant captains. Jagr when asked last year said he would have turned down the honor, but appears ready to accept it this season if is bestowed upon him. Coach Renney is also reportedly considering Brendan Shanahan, and Darius Kasparitus for the role as well. For more on this report from Mark Everson, visit the NY Post.
Where Jagr goes this team follows. After the season he just had, there is little doubt that he is the pulse of this team. He is the clear cut choice and I hope he is named captain. Shanahan does have tremendous playoff beard potential, so you can't overlook that.
According to Larry Brooks of the NY Post, the Rangers are currenlty looking to sign unrestricted free agent forward and former Ranger, Radek Dvorak. Dvorak was traded to Edmonton as part of a package to bring Aanson Carter to the Rangers in 2003. The Rangers are looking to replace the holes left on a diminished penalty kill unit by the departures of Dominic Moore, Steve Rucchin, Martin Rucinsky, and the injury sidelined Jed Ortmeyer. If signed Radek Dvorak would absorb third line duties where Tom Renney believes his speed and skill would help him excel and perhaps move up in the lineup if the situation presented itself.
Dvorak is reportedly also being pursued by Detroit and St. Louis. For more on this article check out the NY Post.
Perhaps. John Dellapina of the New York Daily News is reporting that a possible return to the Blueshirts is not out of the question for Brian Leetch, and although, they are stacked on defense, the Rangers appear to have interest also.
Leetch and his agent Jay Grossman have kept an open dialogue in recent weeks with Rangers GM Glen Sather, and Assistant GM Don Maloney about finding a way to bring the defenseman back home to New York. The Rangers payroll is just over $40 million which does provide them with room to sign Leetch, but the article also mentions that they may be looking for a replacement for Jed Ortmeyer, who may be out for the season with a heart ailment. To read the full article, please click here.
Jaromir Jagr named Czech Republic Player of the Year
For the seventh time Jaromir Jagr has been voted the Czech Republic player of the year. Jagr had an outstanding season for the Rangers, helping them get to the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade, becoming the highest scoring Ranger of all-time, winning the Lester B. Pearson Award, and helping the Czech Republic to a bronze medal in this years Olympics.
Tomas Kaberle and David Vyborny were runner-ups for the award.
Much attention has been given to Carolina Hurricanes superstar forward Eric Staal, and more recently, to his younger brother Jordan Staal, drafted 2nd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins this June. Deservedly so. Eric Staal exploded in his second full NHL season scoring 100 points (45 goals, 55 assists), and during the playoffs led all skaters with 28 points (9 goals, 19 assists) en route to helping the Carolina Hurricanes hoist their first ever Stanley Cup! His brother Jordan, scored 68 points (28 goals, 40 assists) in 68 games for Peterborough of the OHL last season.
If I may quote the immortal words of Jedi Master Yoda...."There is another". Sandwiched between Eric and Jordan is their brother Marc. Yes I'm going homer on you here, because luckily the New York Rangers managed to grab one of the brothers Staal. Drafted in the 1st round, 12th overall, the New York Rangers, and the fans have high hopes for Marc Staal. Unlike his brothers, Marc is a defenceman. In 57 games with Sudbury of the OHL, Marc scored 49 points (11 goals, 38 assists) and was a +12. During the World Junior Championships he had an assist and won the gold medal along with the honor of being named Top Defenseman.
Marc was among the final cuts during the Rangers training camp last season, and he has an excellent shot at making the club this season. Either way this kid will be a cornerstone on the Rangers blue line for years to come. For more on Marc Staal, visit the New York Rangers website.
The Rangers welcomed their newest addition at a press conference yesterday. Brendan Shanahan donned the blue and confirmed that he would like to stay longer than a year if things work out. It appears that the one year contract was a to feel out both the player and the organization for both parties. If things work out the relationship could continue.
Shanahan although on the surface appears to be a move that the same old Rangers would have made, but I think this time it's different. Unlike the Devils, the Rangers have been very stingy regarding the length of contracts they hand out. Shanahan's deal is for one year, and yes is a gamble, but one I think well worth it. The guy is coming off a 40 goal season, and if he can reproduce a season similiar to that this year, I think everyone will be happy. Brendan Shanahan is also not joining a group of mercs that until last season was the bulk of the Rangers team from 1998 to 2004. Shanahan is joining a team. Something we haven't seen in New York in a long time. I think his addition, as well as that of Ward and Cullens will work out well this year. For more on this report check out the NY Post.
Well it's official folks. Brendan Shanahan is the newest New York Ranger. According to the NY Post, Shanahan has signed a one year deal worth $4 million.
Aside from the offensive skill this guy brings the table, Shanahan's greatest contribution to the Rangers will undoubtedly be the depth he will provide for them in the playoff beard department. Welcome to New York Shanny!
The Rangers continued to improve their team by letting Tom Poti hit the free agent market and sign a 1 year deal with the Islanders. Enjoy him Isles fans!
No, not yet, but the NY Post is reporting (I know it's Larry Brooks) that the New York Rangers have made free agent winger Brendan Shanahan a contract offer somewhere in the $3 million range. Granted it would have been nice to have gotten him in blue 10 years ago, but the guy did post some very nice numbers last season (40 goals, 41 assists), and can obviously still produce at a high level. He would also help spread the scoring around, and help take some attention away from Jaromir Jagr on the top line. How great would he look playing with Jagr?
According to the same report the Rangers are also close to re-signing Martin Rucinsky.
Defenceman Chris Pronger got his wish, and was traded from Edmonton to the Anaheim Ducks, in exchange for Joffrey Lupul, prospect Ladislav Smid, and a 1st round pick in 2007. Edmonton gets a forward who is a prototypical Oilers forward, Lupul, and hopefully a can't miss prospect in Smid. Anaheim gets arguably one of the best defenseman in the league and can now boast one of the best pairings with Pronger now complementing Scott Neidermayer. As I said yesterday, Pronger's only achilles' heel is his playoff beard.
Guerin lands in St. Louis
Did I call this one or what? Bill Guerin signed a one year deal with St. Louis less than a week after he was bought out by the Dallas Stars. He joins his Team USA linemates Keith Tkachuk, and Doug Weight.
Brendan Witt signs with Islanders
The Islanders have signed defenceman Brendan Witt to a 3 year deal, and have obtained one of the largest defenceman on the free agent market (after Chara). Great pickup for the Isles, and I really like what Neil Smith is doing so far with this team. No big splashes but solid character guys that will help younger players grow.
Teppo Numminen re-ups with Sabres
If it isn't broken.....Numminen re-signed with the Buffalo Sabres for one more year. Numminen was a big part of their Stanley Cup playoffs run, and when he was injured his loss was one that was glaring.
Thrashers sign Steve Rucchin
Steve Rucchin has just signed a 3 year deal that will grow from $1.85 million the first year to $4.25 million in the final year of the contract.
Rangers continue to mine Stanley Cup Champs
A few days after signing teammate Matt Cullen, the Rangers have signed defenceman Aaron Ward to a 2 year deal worth $5.5 million. Another pivotal player in the Carolina's Stanley Cup run, Ward will definitely be a welcome addition to the Ranger's blueline.
Shark Attack
The San Jose Sharks have added so much needed grit in Mike Grier and Curtis Brown. Mike Grier has signed a three year deal worth $1.775 a season. Nice pickup, Grier is one of those guys you would love to have on your team, and I really hoped the Rangers would grab him. Grier is the second player to leave the Sabres via free agency following Jay Mckee leaving for St. Louis.
Anyone else like what John Davidson is doing to revamp the St. Louis Blues?
It's looking that way! According to reports from New York Newsday, the Rangers and Islanders would play a regular season game outdoors at Yankee Stadium on New Years Day. This would be the second NHL outdoor game in 3 years, following the successful matchup between the Oilers and Canadiens in Edmonton November 2003.
This would be outstanding! The Heritage Classic, which was an old timers game between the Oilers greats and the Canadiens greats preceded the NHL game, and it was a lot of fun. It also gave me an excuse to start pounding Labatt Blue in the early afternoon. A game between these two New York teams would be a great step towards bringing the NHL some more attention! Make it happen Gary!
Just kidding....about that fine Greek liquor....however problems continue to follow the Rangers defenceman Sandis Ozolinsh as he was charged with a DWI this morning at 11AM. Ozolinsh had a pretty good run with the Rangers prior to the playoffs where his play caused his eventual benching in Game 4. Ozo had also spent a stint in the NHL's substance abuse program this year. For more on this story visit TSN.ca.
Devils complete sweep of Rangers, Sens finish off defending champs
The Devils knocked the Rangers out their first playoff appearance since the 1996-97 season in a quick four games. Jaromir Jagr missed game 2, played injured in game 3 but was not really a factor, and was knocked out of game 4 early. The Rangers biggest problems were their carefree taking of penalties. They were way too undisciplined. This first round series was not really about what the Rangers did wrong, rather it is about what New Jersey did right. Their defense is back to its very stingy play, and Martin Brodeur has his game back. The power play unit is incredibly efficient and their top forwards, Elias, Gomez, Gionta and Langenbrunner are hot right now. I still stand by this team as Eastern Conference Champs, and if they continue to play the way they did in the first round it will be hard to argue with me! For more on this game and the series visit TSN.ca.
Martin Havlat did it again. Providing the game winner for the Senators in the 3-2 victory over the Lightning last night and finishing off the defending Stanley Cup Champions in 5 games (i predicted a sweep). Ray Emery seems to have solidified the goaltending questions in Ottawa for now, but I'm wondering what will Coach Murray do if Hasek is cleared to play in the later rounds? That's a tough call. Replace your goalie who has carried you through a month and half of regular season and one round of the playoffs so far, with a world class, fresh of the IR, over 40 goalie who hasn't played since early February? Anyone? For more on this game and the series visit TSN.ca.
Edmonton is one game away from winning the series over Detroit. WHAT? After last night's 3-2 win over Detroit, the Oilers now lead the series 3-2 and can finish off Detroit on Monday (hang in there Jeff, I'm sure Detroit will force a Game 7, and how cool would that be!?). For more on this series visit TSN.ca.
Jarome Iginla scored two goals and carried the Flames to victory over the Ducks 3-2 and helped his team to a 3-2 series lead. Are these two teams evenly matched or what? It's a shame that only one can continue on. For more on this visit TSN.ca.
Last night's scores:
Edmonton 3 Detroit 2 F New Jersey 4 NY Rangers 2 F
Tampa Bay 2 Ottawa 3 F
Anaheim 2 Calgary 3 F
Tonight's games:
Philadelphia at Buffalo 2:00 PM
Colorado at Dallas 2:00 PM
Montreal at Carolina 7:30 PM
San Jose at Nashville 8:30 PM
It's been roughly a decade since an NHL playoff game has been held at Madison Square Garden, and it was obvious that this city missed it. I was fortunate enough to be there last night to welcome back this tradition which has been absent for far too long. I can't remember a time when the Garden was this loud. The stadium was shaking with excitement, with 'Let's Go Rangers!' chants...and one minute and eight seconds into the game there was silence.
The New Jersey Devils did exactly what they needed to do. They removed the crowd from the equation, and played solid, mistake free hockey, capitalized on Ranger mistakes, and calmly sat back as Martin Brodeur brilliantly backstopped them to a 3-0 victory.
Jaromir Jagr did dress last night, but he was more of a symbolic figure on the ice, unable to really produce because of his 'upper body' injury. The Rangers have only been able to score two goals in the 3 games thus far, and have been unable to prevent the Devils from lighting up the scoreboard. Gomez, Elias, Gionta, and Langenbrunner have been outstanding. Matvichuk was outstanding on defense last night, especially down low. He prevented a few Ranger scoring chances last night.
The Rangers and Devils will play again on Saturday, and most likely close out the series. The Devils hold a 3-0 series lead. For more on this visit TSN.ca.
I didn't really see any of the other games, and aside from some scoreboard watching can't really tell you much. It looks like Carolina and Philadelphia finally woke up, and Colorado is getting ready to pull out their brooms on Dallas. Please check out TSN.ca for more on all of these series!
Last night's scores:
Carolina 2 Montreal 1 F (OT) New Jersey 3 NY Rangers 0 F
Buffalo 2 Philadelphia 4 F
Dallas 3 Colorado 4 F (OT)
Tonight's games:
Ottawa at Tampa Bay 7:00 PM
Detroit at Edmonton 9:30 PM
Calgary at Anaheim 10:00 PM
Nashville at San Jose 10:30 PM
The Rangers first playoff game since the spring of 1996-97 was a rough one. The Devils took advantage of a completely undisciplined effort by their New York counterparts, capitalizing on 6 power play opportunities (technically five, but the PP had ended 1 second prior to the third goal). What made things worse, it appeared while trying to shove Patrick Elias, Jaromir Jagr injured his left arm. With less than 5 minutes remaining in the game, Jagr had to be escorted from the ice. If Jagr is out, New York's chances are very slim. If they commit the number of penalties they did yesterday, it will most certainly be a sweep by New Jersey. The Devils did everything right yesterday, their power play unit was outstanding, and their penalty kill was effective in the 6-1 victory. The Devils lead the series 1-0. For more on this visit TSN.ca.
The Rangers werent' the only team mailing in lackluster performances yesterday. The Carolina Hurricanes got crushed by Montreal 6-1 and Dallas was shelled by the Colorado Avalanche 5-2.
The Buffalo Sabres and Philadelphia Flyers gave us a very entertaining game 1 and a prelude of what is obviously going to be one of the best series in this round. The Sabres won the game on a Briere goal in the 2nd OT last night to give his team the 3-2 victory over the Flyers. Let's talk about physicality....if you missed the hit by Campbell on RJ Umberger last night.....wow....talk about a Scott Stevens flashback. Eric Lindros was quoted watching the game last night "You have to be an idiot to skate through the neutral zone with your head down like that....and I think tomato soup is great." This series is going to get ugly.
Last night's scores:
Colorado 5 at Dallas 2 F
NY Rangers 1 at New Jersey 6 F
Philadelphia 2 at Buffalo 3 F/OT Montreal 6 at Carolina 1 F
Today's games:
Edmonton at Detroit 1:00 PM
San Jose at Nashville 1:00
Tampa Bay at Ottawa 6:00
Anaheim at Calgary 9:00 PM
As if this year couldn't get any better for us Ranger fans! Our young stud defenceman, 2005 first round draft pick, and younger brother of sophomore NHL phenom Eric Staal has played himself into the Rangers starting lineup!! We should get a glimpse of our future mainstay on the blue line this Saturday against the Flyers. For more on this story visit TSN.ca.
Jagr becomes Ranger's All time leading Goal Scorer!
Not since Mark Messier has a player come to the Rangers and made himself the face of the team, carried the franchise on his back, and refused to giveup. In doing so, Jaromir Jagr has eclipsed every point mark set by previous New York Rangers forwards, including the goal record of 52 (previously held by Adam Graves) which he finally passed last night with his 53rd in a 4-3 overtime win over the Boston Bruins (that was a record for the longest runon sentence on this website!). Jagr now has 118 points, 53 goals and 65 assists (he got 64 and 65 last night) and is a +35 this season.
The Rangers reached the 100 point mark thanks to last night's win and have added to their lead over the Philadelphia Flyers in the Atlantic Division.
Last night's scores:
NY Rangers 4 Boston 3 F (OT)
St. Louis 2 Colorado 4 F Anaheim 4 Los Angeles 2 F
Carolina 2 Atlanta 5 F Detroit 4 Columbus 2 F New Jersey 3 Montreal 2 F
Washington 0 NY Islanders 5 F Toronto 5 Philadelphia 2 F Buffalo 6 Ottawa 2 F
Pittsburgh 0 Tampa Bay 1 F
Chicago 1 Nashville 2 F (SO) Dallas 3 Phoenix 2 F (SO)
Calgary 2 Vancouver 3 F (OT)
Game of the night:
NY Rangers at New Jersey 7:30 PM
Possible preview of a first round playoff matchup? Could be! Enjoy the games!
Yes my friends! That day has finally arrived, and on the heels of more naysayers and cynics, the likes of which God has never seen (for you Fletcher)! After defeating the Philadelphia Flyers in a 3-2 shootout win, the Atlantic Division leading New York Rangers, clinched their first playoff berth since the 1996-1997 season! Picked to finish dead last, even behind the Capitals, by just about everyone, including John Buccigross (who couldn't stop recommending the trading of Jaromir Jagr) of ESPN, and our own Larry Brooks (who lamented on and on in the off season about what a horrible signing Marek Malik was....good call Larry, you're right he sucked), the Rangers have give everyone the Lou Brown special! Enjoy....it will surely go down smooth.
Kevin Weekes got his chance to shine last night. Although showered with boos in the second period (ummm, jackasses, this guy is as much a part of the revitilization of this franchise as everyone else....will you idiots at the Garden wake up?!?) he held on, making a few huge saves (especially the diving save to stop Jeff Carter) and kept the Rangers in it. He stoned Forsberg, and Handzus in the shootout to close the door on the Flyers, and open the playoff door for the Rangers. This guy is great, and I'm glad he's here.
Regardless of what happens for the rest of the season, I can fold my arms and at the very least enjoy 4 post season contest with my boys in blue. I'm a very happy guy this morning. Thank you Rangers. Thank you for a terrific season!
Last night's scores:
Philadelphia 2 NY Rangers 3 F (SO)
Boston 3 Montreal 5 F
St. Louis 4 Minnesota 5 F (SO)
Los Angeles 2 Anaheim 6 F
Game of the night:
San Jose at Colorado 9:00 PM
Playoffs, playoffs, playoffs. Can San Jose make it in? Should be another great matchup! Enjoy the games!
Jaromir hit the 50 goal mark last night, the first time that has been done in the NHL since 2002-2003. He is the third Ranger to ever hit the mark, and is 2 goals away from tying the mark set by Adam Graves. Jagr now leads all scorers with 105 points (50 goals, 55 Assists). Joe Thorton of the San Jose Bruins, sorry Boston Sharks has 100 points (25 goals, 75 assists) and is Jagr's closest competition (but not really). Jagr has really poured it on during this stretch run, and is truly carrying the Ranger's to the promised land. He had a his second hatrick of the season Wednesday night in a losing effort to Philly. This guy is fun to watch.
PlayoffBeard Breaking News!
Dallas has just won another shootout. No I'm not kidding. If any team has reaped the rewards of the shootout it is Dallas. 11points have been awarded to this team who have simply dominated the shootout. Without those points in the standings, they would have a meager lead over Anaheim in the Pacific division. Texas as you know borders the Pacific Ocean (never been to Dallas Beach and Yacht club? it is so choice). I digress, it will be interesting to see if there is any backlash from the shootout, or if teams will now look at stacking their squads with individuals who excell at it. Good one on one goalies, and dominant breakaway forwards.
Last night's scores:
Calgary 2 Columbus 3 F
NY Rangers 2 Florida 3 F (SO)
Boston 2 New Jersey 4 F
NY Islanders 3 Pittsburgh 4 F (OT)
Ottawa 3 Buffalo 1 F
Chicago 2 Dallas 3 F (SO)
Nashville 3 Anaheim 6 F
Game of the night:
All Canadian tonite kids:
Toronto at Montreal 7:00 PM
Edmonton at Vancouver 10:00 PM
Game 2 of Home and Home with Montral and Toronto, and Game 3 of Home and Home and Home with Edmonton and Vancouver. What could be better? A case of iced down Labatt Blue's, a frosty mug, and some funions. That's what I'm talking about. Enjoy the games! MUCH LOVE!
If there were any doubters out there about the Rangers, their bid to make the playoffs, or the opinion that he was washed up, Jagr shoved it up their collective asses last night with a candle on the end of it ( great scene from Platoon by the way..."The only thing that can kill Barnes, is Barnes."). Jagr will be MVP. Even if he is out duelled by Joe Thorton in the scoring race (which there is little chance of that happening), no single player has meant more to his team this year. He has single-handedly put a team, franchise and city on his back, and carried them to the promise land.
Jagr torched the Toronto Maple Leafs last night with a goal and three assists, and eclipsed the 100 point mark in the process. The first time a Ranger has done so since 1992 when Messier had 107 and Leetch ended the season with 102 . Jaromir Jagr also broke the Rangers franchise record for points by a right winger, held by Ranger favorite Rod Gilbert with 97 points, in 1971 -72 and 1974-75.
The Rangers defeated the Leafs 5-2 last night, ultimately sealing the fate of Toronto. On a side note I'd like to send a big thank you to the NY Post, and the NY Daily News, for still not putting the 1st place New York Rangers on the back cover of your newspapers. It's much more important to be updated on a daily basis what an asshole Stephan Marbury is. Perhaps an expose on Larry Brown's shampoo is in order? Great reporting guys. Sincerely, keep it up.
This just in, Dallas has won another shootout. You think i'm kidding? Check last night's scores! Dallas has now won ten straight shootouts!
Last night's scores:
Carolina 2 Boston 4 F Dallas 4 San Jose 3 F (SO) Philadelphia 4 Atlanta 2 F Pittsburgh 5 Montreal 4 F
Toronto 2 NY Rangers 5 F
Buffalo 2 Ottawa 4 F Florida 4 Washington 3 F (SO)
Calgary 4 Nashville 9 F Detroit 4 Edmonton 3 F (SO)
St. Louis 1 Los Angeles 3 F
Game of the night:
Busy day today, so I'm going to toss you the three that I think will be alot of fun to watch:
The New York Rangers have finally hit their first wall of the season. No one expected what they have produced thus far, so it's hard to really get down on them. The Rangers have had a lot of difficulty finding the net, last night they finally eclipsed the two goal mark. In fairness to this team, they have not stopped working. It isn't as though they have quit. They certainly haven't. They are a very hard working team, and fought all game last night, but were outmatched by a superior team. The Hurricanes are amazing this year by the way. All credit in the world goes to this team and their coach Peter Laviolette for blowing the doors off this league.
The good news is, that everyone else has been sucking it up too. Philadelphia hasn't gained any ground on the Rangers and are still sitting in second place two points behind them with 80. I don't think there is any need to panic. The Rangers have time to find their game again, and get the momentum shifted the other way. Larry Brooks of the New York Post is even surprisingly supportive this morning. Perhaps this team has helped him rediscover his love of hockey?
Regardless, the Rangers are poised to finally reach the playoffs since 1996-97. This team is fun to watch, and should continue to build on what they have done for years to come. Keep your heads up guys, you are still the first place New York Rangers!
Last night's scores:
NY Rangers 3 Carolina 5 F Buffalo 6 Washington 4 F NY Islanders 6 New Jersey 1 F
Tampa Bay 3 Ottawa 4 F
Boston 4 Toronto 5 F (SO) Edmonton 2 Minnesota 1 F
Vancouver 0 Nashville 5 F Phoenix 6 Los Angeles 2 F
Game of the night:
Not much on the card tonite, so I recommend you peruse all three games:
Philadelphia at Florida 7:00 PM
Anaheim at Detroit 7:30 PM
Columbus at Chicago 8:30 PM
As usual there was a ton of action before 3PM yesterday. Perhaps more than expected, due to the new CBA and salary cap restrictions.
The Edmonton Oilers, were among the busiest. They got their number 1 goalie in Dwayne Roloson (although he did little to help against the Sharks last night) and very fast winger in Sergei Samsonov. If he can stay injury free and fullfill some of his potential then Kevin Lowe did a terrific job yesterday.
The Vancouver Canucks were hemorraging defenseman with injuries to Jovanoski, Salo, and Ohlund, so they did a great job in filling that need. Vancouver was probably the busiest team during the last 24 hours acquiring defencemen Ketih Carney, Sean Brown and Eric Weinrich, as well as a support goaltender in Mika Noronen. They definitely addressed their issues.
The Carolina Hurricanes were unfortunately forced to make a deadline move because of a sever and regular season ending injury to star winger Erik Cole. Otherwise I believe they would have stood their ground. However, all things being equal, they went out and acquired Mark Recchi from the Pens. He's definitely not the player that Cole is, but will provide solid second line support.
I absolutely love what the Rangers did. They had a serious hole on the powerplay, and needed a solid puck moving defenceman, and one who could quarterback the powerplay. The Rangers got that and more in Sandis Ozolinsh.
Mike Milbury. Once again you have dismantled and destroyed another team. Well done sir. At least you are consistent. Islander fans, I'm sorry, I really think your team could have made a push for the playoffs. Be thankful that this is the last season Milbury will be driving the train.
We're in the final stretch people....prepare to toss those razors away....the beard is almost upon us.
Last night's scores:
Montreal 3 Boston 0 F
Tampa Bay 5 Buffalo 8 F
Phoenix 4 Columbus 5 F
Los Angeles 3 Detroit 7 F Colorado 2 Chicago 1 F
Dallas 0 Calgary 1 F Nashville 3 Vancouver 2 F (OT)
Edmonton 2 San Jose 5 F
Game of the night:
New Jersey at Washington 7:00 PM
Just watch Ovechkin. He has sublime buttocks....seriously this kid rocks. Get used to hearing his name.
Enjoy the games!
Calgary Flames acquire Jamie Lundmark from the Phoenix Coyotes for a draft pick.
Vancouver Canucks acquire Eric Weinrich from the Blues for a prospect and a pick.
Phoenix Coyotes acquire Oleg Kvasha from the Islanders for a third round pick.
Dallas Stars acquire defenceman Willie Mitchell and a 2007 2nd round pick from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenceman Martin Skoula and Shawne Belle.
Philadelphia Flyers acquire forward Nikos Dimitrakos from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a third round draft pick.
Colorado Avalanche acquire forward Jim Dowd from the Blackhawks in exchange for a fourth round pick.
Ottawa Senators acquire forward Tyler Arnason from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for forward Brandon Bochenski and a pick.
Edmonton Oilers acquire forward Sergei Samsonov from the Boston Bruins in exchange for forward Marty Reasoner, a second round pick and a minor league player.
Atlanta Thrashers acquire defenceman Steve McCarthy from the Canucks in exchange for a condition pick in 2007.
Detroit Red Wings acquire defenceman Cory Cross from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a fourth rounder.
Nashville Predators acquire Brendan Witt from the Caps in exchange for a first round pick and forward Kris Beech.
New York Rangers acquire defenceman Sandis Ozolinsh from the Ducks in exchange for a third round pick.
Phoenix Coyotes acquire defencemen Jamie Rivers from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for a seventh round pick in 2007.
Damn! A whole lotta action! I'll give you guys some breakdowns, plus winners and losers tomorrow!
The San Jose Sharks have acquired forward Ville Niemene from the New York Rangers for a third round pick in the 2006 NHL Draft.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired defenseman Luke Richardson from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a fifth round pick and conditional fourth round pick.
The Los Angeles Kings have acquired forward Mark Parrish and defenceman Brent Sopel from the New York Islanders for defenceman Denis Grebeshkov, and forward Jeff Tambellini and a conditional third round pick.
BREAKING NEWS
Just heard on MSG, that the Colorado Avalanche have traded David Aebischerr to Montreal for Jose Theodore!. More to come on this.
The Capitals are not dressing Brendan Witt this evening. This is almost a certainty that he will be dealt in the coming hours.
Derrick Morris has signed a contract extension with the Phoenix Coyotes.
What a game!! Tight, physical, and loaded with skill! Sweden proved to be dominant in a game that went down to the wire this morning, defeating Finland 3-2. Sweden got the game winner from Nicklas Lidstrom just 10 seconds into the third and hung on to win it. Niklas Kronwall and Henrik Zetterberg also scored for Team Sweden. Kimmo Timonen and Ville Peltonen (why is this guy not playing in the NHL? He's amazing!) provided the two goals for Team Finland.
Henrik Lundqvist made 25 of 27 saves, and as I said over 2 weeks ago (if you don't believe me click here), would be a huge factor in the Olympics. As one of the hottest goalies in the NHL, he continued his magnificent play through the tournament. I hope Henrik continues his outstanding play when he returns to New York this week!
Congratulations go out to Finland, who had an amazing tournament, and have nothing to be ashamed of. Unbeaten till this morning, it is impressive what they pulled of this year, and have won the silver!
Congratulations to Sweden, Finland and the Czech Republic on their medals, and thank you for a terrific tournament (and special thanks to Sweden for making Captain Bosh look like a genius!).
The NHL regular season resumes on Tuesday the 28th, and I know you are as pysched as I am to get going again! More to come!
While the Olympic tournament has been exciting to watch, it has been also a time of concern and potential disaster for a few NHL teams.
The biggest has to be Dominik Hasek. The Ottawa Senators had been riding high on the legs of Hasek all year, and 1 period into the Olympics, he gets injured, or re-injured rather. His groin, which has been suspect for some time has reared its ugly head again, and now has GM John Muckler scrambling with 2 weeks to go before the trade deadline to determine whether to acquire a goaltender or not.
Peter Forsberg, also playing with a sore groin, and the key word is playing....is risking a season ending injury, thus completely destroying the hopes of the Flyers making it to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Patrick Elias was injured early in the tournament, the extent of which I'm not sure of, but he has been kept out since.
Joe Sakic received a fractured cheekbone and lovely beauty mark during a game against Switzerland.
The Canucks have just received word that not only was Mattias Ohlund injured with broken ribs for Sweden, but Sami Salo, another Canucks defenseman, has suffered a shoulder injury.
Jaromir Jagr almost appeared lost for the season after an elbow to the skull.
It's been interesting, and perhaps has changed the scope of this NHL season, not to mention the policies in following seasons. We'll see.
Holy Cow! The Rangers went toe to toe with arguably the best team in the NHL last night and kicked the Molson out of them!! What a show the boys in blue put on for us last night. JJ had another 3 point night (1 goal and 2 assists), the team killed off penalty after penalty, including a 5 on 3 that shouldn't have been called, Ward netted a beautiful short handed goal, and the trade for Sykora continues to pay dividends. While in the nosebleeds last night (nice to see everyone in section 414 again!) we were all obviously thrilled, but stunned at the same time. Who in their right mind would have predicted that going into the Olympic break the Rangers would be in first place in the Atlantic, third place in the East, and the fifth best team in the NHL? Larry? No, I believe you said 31st. So did you Bucci. The Hockey News also had them holding hands with the Capitals.
I did predict they would make the playoffs this year (and was generously assaulted on the FOHS message boards for it) on the back of great goaltending, a lack of mercs, and a surplus of youngsters that really want to play! Never in my wildest dreams did I think they'd be challenging for the Presidents Trophy (which they are only 6 points away from). The Rangers close out the pre-olympic schedule with a home and home with Toronto Friday and Saturday night. Hockey Night in CANADA!!!
Last nights scores:
Ottawa 1 NY Rangers 5 F
NY Islanders 2 Philadelphia 5 F
Los Angeles 4 Columbus 7 F Boston 3 Pittsburgh 1 F
Nashville 0 Detroit 6 F
Anaheim 1 Calgary 3 F St. Louis 4 Vancouver 2 F
Chicago 1 San Jose 2 F
Game of the night:
Carolina at Tampa Bay 7:30 PM
A Southeast Division matchup between the first place Hurricanes (first in the NHL too) against the second place Tampa Bay Lightning. However, second place in the Southeast is only good for sixth place in the Eastern Conference. This should be an exciting game, because these two teams consist of some of the hottest young talent in the league. And really, my Game of the night picks have been pretty solid so far.....so trust me. Enjoy the game gang!
He's back ladies and gentlemen, and back with a vengeance. No longer the Czechoslovakian James Bond, he has stopped laying money down on bad hands of baccarat, retired from his unsuccessful career as a venture capitalist, and returned to his roots. Jaromir Jagr can play hockey, and apparently can still do it better than anyone in the NHL. Sitting atop the NHL lead in scoring, Jagr has 76 points (33 goals and 43 assists) and is a modest +18 through 53 games this year. The old Jagr? Aside from not looking like a Whitesnake roadie, I think it's safe to say yes. He's having fun for the first time in years, and it is showing in his game. Jagr is surrounded by fellow countrymen, Straka, Sykora, Pruccha, and Rucinsky who have all responded well to each other and adapted surprisingly well to the new rules. The Rangers were predicted by everybody (except me) to finish dead last, and were repeatedly advised by the sports writing community to trade JJ. I think Lou Brown from "Major League" said it best:
"...I'm one for wasting sports writers time, so lets say we give them all a nice big $hit-burger to eat!"
Somewhere John Buccigross is enjoying that blue plate special with a side of fries.....Jagr has the Ranger's on the verge of making the playoffs for the first time since the 1996-1997 campaign. If he continues his play, Jagr is sure bet to win the Hart, Lester B. Pearson and Art Ross Trophies......perhaps the Stanley Cup?
Last nights scores:
Pittsburgh 1 NY Rangers 3 F
Ottawa 3 New Jersey 5 F
St. Louis 2 Detroit 3 F
Nashville 1 Dallas 2 F Columbus 2 Calgary 1 F (SO) San Jose 6 Anaheim 4 F
Game of the night:
I'm gonna give you two, because I want to try and shed this East Coast only homer thing I got going on:
Philadelphia at Buffalo 7:00 PM
Colorado at Nashville 8:00 PM
Four of the NHL's hottest teams face off tonite, so both should be good ones. Buffalo is another one of those 'surprise' teams this year and should be a handful for Philly tonite.
At the Garden last night, with my father, watching the Rangers I saw something I hadn't seen in over a decade....and never prior to 1994....satisfaction. In past years happiness on the face of my dad at a Ranger game was as hard to come by as a newspaper without Brad and Angelina on the cover. Frankly, I'm amazed that he came back to watch hockey at all this season after the lock out.
You don't my father, but you know the type. He is from a breed of gentleman who actually waited the 54 years to see the Rangers win that elusive Stanley Cup. These are the men who watched their beloved Brooklyn Dodgers leave for California and never watched baseball again. Men who loved John Davidson when he was between two red steel pipes rather than Sam Rosen and Al Trautwig. Stubborn, angry men, who regardless of deteriorating eyesight continue to sit in the 400's and scream at the revolving door of mercs that have flooded the Garden ice for the past 7 years till they are hoarse. They still scream, but its a different kind of scream. One of approval, for a New York Ranger team that shows up every night, puts forth an effort worthy of support and finally, for the first time in over 10 years, a team that actually cares about the jersey they wear.
Granted, last night, while my dad was happy, (he loves Ville Neimenen, "that son of bitch works his ass off!"), the Rangers fell apart in the final two minutes and gave the game to Philadelphia. In the spirit of so much giving, big Don happily taught the five year old in the row ahead of us a variety of words he probably won't ever hear again, unless he does time. It was good to see the old man back, it reminded me of how far this team really has come.
This New York Ranger team has done a lot to bring hockey back to this city. It's still not recognized by the papers as far as back covers (unless Messier retires), but even Larry Brooks can't be pissed off this year. You've made a lot of old men happy very proud this year guys. Keep up the great work!
In San Jose, the Sharks newest acquisition, super forward Dany Heatley finally delivered for his new club. During the Sharks home opener, Heatley joined the NHL Hat Trick club and helped lift his team to a 6-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Joe Thornton tied a Sharks record by assisting on 4 of those goals.
In St. Louis, the Blues opened at home for the first time and were defeated by the Atlanta Thrashers 4-2. Thrashers forward Ilya Kovalchuk scored his 300th career NHL goal, then later deposited his 301st. Kovalchuk now has two back to back two goal games to open the season... not bad for a guy in a contract year. Atlanta better lock him up now.
The New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens pulled off a big pre-UFA signing period deal this evening. The Rangers traded center Scott Gomez, winger Tom Pyatt, and defenceman Mike Busto to the Habs in exchange for forward Chris Higgins, and blueliners Doug Janik, Ryan McDonagh, and Pavel Valentenko.
New York Rangers forward Markus Naslund has informed his club that he intends to retire from the NHL.
No player in the league probably groaned with displeasure more at the return of Sean Avery to the Rangers a few weeks back than New Jersey Devil's goaltender Martin Brodeur did. Brodeur who is usually stoic and unyielding in the face of adversity seems to breakdown and lose his cool when in the presence of Sean Avery.
Thus far, the New York Rangers free agent signings are already paying dividends.
Jaromir Jagr officially signed a two year deal with Avangard Omsk of the Russian CHL today, effectively ending his Hall of Fame NHL career.
July 1st is always a date to look forward to on the NHL calendar as it usually brings with it the feeling of hope, new beginnings and excitement, and after October those same notions more often than not, rapidly become unfulfilled expectations, let-downs, and bitter dissapointment. This summer obviously has brought us more of the same.
The Chicago Blackhawks landed defenceman Brian Campbell, the top blueline free agent to a multi-year deal in the $70 million range. They also signed free agent goaltender Cristobal Huet to a long term deal worth roughly $5 million per year. A curious move that could foreshadow the trade of current goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin. Otherwise the Hawks will be carrying over $10 million in salary for their goaltending tandem. Either way the Blackhawks should be fighting for a playoff berth next season, as they had already made tremendous strides last year thanks in large part to the youth of their club, specifically Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews.
The New Jersey Devils welcomed former Devils Bobby Holik and Brian Rolston back into the fold. Holik signed a one year deal worth $2.5 million and Rolston for $20.25 over the next four seasons. The Devils also re-signed Jay Pandolfo for $7.5 million over 3, and defenceman trade deadline pickup Bryce Salvador for $11.6 million for the next 4 years. I like what the Devils have done, and they are apparently still looking for more scoring and testing the waters on a few of the B-list wingers still available.
The two big fish still remain unsigned. Former Toronto Maple Leaf Mats Sundin, and former New York Ranger Jaromir Jagr. Both have already recieved lucrative deals, but both players have their own sticking points. Jagr is looking for more than one year, and Sundin is not sure if wants to continue playing. Both seem content to wait the summer out now and take time before making a final decision. The Vancouver Canucks reportedly offered Sundin a $20 million contract for 2 years, which would make him the highest paid player in the league, and he is rumored to also have recieved very competitive offers from the Habs and Rangers as well. It is looking more and more like he will either retire, or eventually rejoin the Leafs. As the summer rolls on, most teams will have to make decisions on their rosters long before he makes up his mind. The Leafs will most likely be the only club with the cap space available to sign him in August. For Montreal and Vancouver to gamble on waiting for him, could be disastrous. Jagr has a 3 year deal from a Russian club waiting for him at $35 million tax-free. I could hardly blame him for taking it. There are also reports that the Penguins are trying to lure him back to Steel-town. No matter where they end up, I do hope that both continue to play in the NHL. It would be a shame to see them retire.
The Philadelphia Flyers hung on to defeat the Montreal Canadiens last 3-2... barely. The Montreal Canadiens mounted a furious comeback, and in the final moments of the third, pounded the Flyers with shots but were unable to solve goaltender Martin Biron for the second straight game.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have dominated the New York Rangers in the first two games of their series. The Rangers blew a commanding three goal lead Friday night and fell to the Penguins 5-4. On Sunday, they tightened up, and were shutout by Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. I can't say enough good things about this club right now. They overcome adversity, they play good team defense, and they have made Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist look ordinary. They have yet to lose thus far in the post season, and really look like a team of destiny right now.
I got some crap for my opinion on Joe Thornton last week, and my belief that he is not a big time playoff performer. Two games, 1 assist, two losses. The man has all the skills and tools necessary to carry this club to the promised land, but for some reason fails to do so, or at least has so far. On the positive side, the man does wield a formidable playoff beard... hopefully that facial magnificence will one day translate to Stanley Cup glory. The Dallas Stars look amazing. After knocking of the reigning Stanley Cup Champs, they look poised to easily dispatch the Stanley Cup favorite San Jose Sharks. They bring a 2-0 series lead back to Dallas tomorrow night. Marty Turco is the man.... and he is finally getting his due..... take a page from his playbook Joe.
The sleeping giant has awoken in Detroit. After an amazing regular season, the Detroit Red Wings were tested in round 1 by the Nashville Predators, but now head to Denver with a 2-0 series lead, and look to continue their dominance over an injury depleted Colorado Avalanche lineup. The Red Wings have brought Avs goaltender Jose Theodore back down to earth and have made him look like the Theodore of old (not the MVP old Theodore... last years Rogaine Junkie Theodore). Rumors are abound that back up goaltender (formerly number one) Peter Budaj may start game 3 for the Avs. There is also a chance that Forsberg may return from the groin injury that has hampered him this round. Either way, the Avs better pulll something out of their hats.
The Washington Capitals experienced a lot of firsts last night. The franchise first playoff appearance in the post lock-out era and the first playoff game for many of it's participants. 
New Jersey Devils vs. New York Rangers
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Ottawa Senators
Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche
The New York Rangers are starting to look pretty good, and I'm actually feeling pretty good about them (granted the last time I rah rah'd them they went on a 4 or 5 game slide). The reason? Larry Brooks is happy.
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Game of the Night: 
This Thursday, Eric Lindros will make it official and call it a career.
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Game of the Night:
The New York Rangers scored on their first shot of the season last night. Rangers defenceman Michal Rozsival scored just 37 seconds into the match against the Florida Panthers. 
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You know it's gonna be a great season, when the New York Islanders and New York Rangers are already hating on one another. Last night's pre-season matchup in Uniondale, so the cross-town rivals battle more with their fists than with the puck. Over 100 minutes in penalties were awarded to the participants including a pair of game misconducts to the goalies. 
According to reports out of this morning's 
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The New York Rangers had targeted New Jersey Devils forward Scott Gomez, and Buffalo Sabres forward Chris Drury prior to the free agency period that began yesterday at noon. I guess Bill Clement would say the blue shirts have got tone right now, and are locked on.
For the Buffalo Sabres and their fans, the last 24 hours have been a bitter pill to swallow. As most expected, and those in Western New York feared, both of their free agent properties have left in favor of big dollars, and larger markets. I think the Sabres will definitely rebound from the loss of Briere, and Drury, and should be able to find suitable replacements from within for those players. I also expect the Sabres to be just a solid as they were last season. This team isn't going anywhere.
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What a great game. What a great series.
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The NHL Award Nominees were released yesterday, and the list was for the most part free of surprises (well, I guess that's debatable):
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n Phoenix (thats pronounced PUH - HO - Nixx), Curtis Joseph was lit up for 6 goals as the Colorado Avalanche had their way with him and the Coyotes. Captain Joe Sakic scored two goals, as did rookie Paul Stastny, who is really starting to give Pittsburgh Penguins rookie Evgeni Malkin a run for the Calder Trophy. The Avalanche won the game 6-3 and continued their recent playoff push. They are now 6 points out of the playoffs behind the Calgary Flames.
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First off, I have to acknowledge Rick DiPietro (
The New York Rangers took their first win of the season against the Islanders in a game they needed to have. It took just over 40 minutes for them to solve Rick DiPietro as Petr Prucha buried a juicy rebound off of a Jed Ortmeyer shot early in the third period. The Rangers then assaulted the Islanders' goaltender to try for the win, but could not get another shot past him. The match went to OT, and the eventual shootout where Rangers forward Matt Cullen's lone goal proved to be the game winner. The Rangers won 2-1, and grabbed the second point.
What's up Mikey B! We got ourselves a game of the night this evening on Versus.
Congratulations Jeff and Paul. The Red Wings are superior.
Phoenix at Dallas 8:30 PM 
The opening match of the season between two of the greatest rivals in the NHL began last night, and provided lot's of offence, little goaltending, and even less defense. 
The final match of the season series between the Buffalo Sabres and the New York Rangers was probably the most entertaining to date. The city of Buffalo once again mired in bad weather (along with the most of the country, fought off mother nature throughout the game. Failing lights, and lost broadcasts didn't stop the two squads from putting on another great show.
The Stanley Cup Champs are playing like Stanley Cup Champs again. The Carolina Hurricanes playing off another solid outing by goaltender Cam Ward, who made 34 stops, pounded the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-1 last night. Justin Williams joined the ever growing NHL Hat Trick club by putting the lotion in the basket three times. Yes another hat trick! What the heck is going on with Mike Dunham? I have to give this guy credit. After a couple of average season's with the Rangers, and a lackluster year with the Atlanta Thrashers (including the game that he collapsed against the Caps last year that saw the Thrashers miss their first playoff appearance by 2 points), Dunham was floating in limbo uncertain that he would be playing again. After being offered at tryout with the Islanders, making the roster, and taking over for Rick DiPietro with a groin injury, Dunham has shined. In three starts, the New York Islanders remain unbeaten in regulation, 2 wins, and last nights shootout loss to the Preds. Mike Dunham stopped 32 shots, and ensured the Islanders get a point in the standings for their effort. The Chicago Blackhawks look pretty good so far....don't they realize they are supposed to suck? Perhaps Martin Havlat didn't get that memo, because he's leading the league in scoring with 12 points (6 goals, 6 assists).
New York Rangers Coach Tom Renney is expected to present Jaromir Jagr with the team's captaincy this season. The team has been without a captain since Mark Messier retired and has since gone with a platoon of three assistant captains. Jagr when asked last year said he would have turned down the honor, but appears ready to accept it this season if is bestowed upon him. Coach Renney is also reportedly considering Brendan Shanahan, and Darius Kasparitus for the role as well. For more on this report from Mark Everson, visit the 
For the seventh time Jaromir Jagr has been voted the Czech Republic player of the year. Jagr had an outstanding season for the Rangers, helping them get to the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade, becoming the highest scoring Ranger of all-time, winning the Lester B. Pearson Award, and helping the Czech Republic to a bronze medal in this years Olympics. 
