Marian Gaborik's favorite bands are Metallica, Obituary, and Pantera.
If Sean Avery plays like Birdo, he will be nothing more then a level 1 boss.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Marian gaborik Shredding in Goals and on Bass
Marian Gaborik's favorite bands are Metallica, Obituary, and Pantera.
If Sean Avery plays like Birdo, he will be nothing more then a level 1 boss.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Rangers Winning Again
Two Heads are Better Then One!
Avery is amazing when he keeps his eyes open!!
The Rangers are finally winning again! For the first time since the end of their 7-1 start of the season they have pulled together a 3-game-winning streak.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Rangers and Islanders Split Home-and-Home, Dec. 16th, 17 '09
Game Highlights of Islanders 2-1 win, Dec 16th '09:
Perhaps there were two important highlights for the Rangers in the first game and one important lesson. The first of these highlights is the Sean Avery scrum with Islanders goaltender Dwayne Roloson (video below). The second of these was the Rangers battle they showed towards the very end, featuring a goal by Enver Lisin and some close opportunities that would have tied it up.
* Henrik Lundqvist made a lot of huge saves that kept the score margin low for a lot of th game. It is good to see him back to form, maybe we'll see Chad Johnson start against the Flyers for those crucial division points.
* Sean Avery played his game, and very effectively at that!
* Enver Lisin's goal was his first in 16 games. He received under 10 minutes of ice time but got his nose into the play when he was out there. Hope Tortorella uses him more.
* Ales Kotalik (who fell down and let Frans Nielsen skate in uncontested for a breakaway shot on Lundqvist) received 3:39 ice time on the power play, and only 3:27 at even strength. He ended up getting scratched for the Rangers followup win.
* Wade Redden simply let Blake Comeau skate past him in the 3rd period and as a result was also a healthy scratch for the Rangers followup victory.
John Tortorella cursing post-game:
Chris Drury, Henrik Lundqvist, Marc Staal Post-Game:
Game Highlights of Rangers 5-2 win, Dec 17th '09:
The Rangers got their revenge a day later, replacing Ales Kotalik and Wade Redden with previously-scratched Erik Christensen and call-up Bobby Sanguinetti. It was Ryan Callahan, however, who was the headline with his first two-goal game of the season.
* Ryan Callahan (2-2-4 tonight) is now 6-3-9 in his last 10 games and is solidifying his spot on the power play - which 3 of his points came on tonight.
* Marian Gaborik was held without a point in the Islanders' win, the third time the opposition has managed to shut him down in 10 games. During this re-match, however, he netted was 1-2-3 and is now 5-7-12 in that 10-game span.
* Artem Anisimov and Chris Drury also scored for the Rangers, ending their scoring droughts. This was Anisimov's first goal in 11 games and Drury's first in 20.
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Henrik Lundqvist, Marc Staal, Ryan Callahan Post-Game
Perhaps there were two important highlights for the Rangers in the first game and one important lesson. The first of these highlights is the Sean Avery scrum with Islanders goaltender Dwayne Roloson (video below). The second of these was the Rangers battle they showed towards the very end, featuring a goal by Enver Lisin and some close opportunities that would have tied it up.
* Henrik Lundqvist made a lot of huge saves that kept the score margin low for a lot of th game. It is good to see him back to form, maybe we'll see Chad Johnson start against the Flyers for those crucial division points.
* Sean Avery played his game, and very effectively at that!
* Enver Lisin's goal was his first in 16 games. He received under 10 minutes of ice time but got his nose into the play when he was out there. Hope Tortorella uses him more.
* Ales Kotalik (who fell down and let Frans Nielsen skate in uncontested for a breakaway shot on Lundqvist) received 3:39 ice time on the power play, and only 3:27 at even strength. He ended up getting scratched for the Rangers followup win.
* Wade Redden simply let Blake Comeau skate past him in the 3rd period and as a result was also a healthy scratch for the Rangers followup victory.
John Tortorella cursing post-game:
Chris Drury, Henrik Lundqvist, Marc Staal Post-Game:
Game Highlights of Rangers 5-2 win, Dec 17th '09:
The Rangers got their revenge a day later, replacing Ales Kotalik and Wade Redden with previously-scratched Erik Christensen and call-up Bobby Sanguinetti. It was Ryan Callahan, however, who was the headline with his first two-goal game of the season.
* Ryan Callahan (2-2-4 tonight) is now 6-3-9 in his last 10 games and is solidifying his spot on the power play - which 3 of his points came on tonight.
* Marian Gaborik was held without a point in the Islanders' win, the third time the opposition has managed to shut him down in 10 games. During this re-match, however, he netted was 1-2-3 and is now 5-7-12 in that 10-game span.
* Artem Anisimov and Chris Drury also scored for the Rangers, ending their scoring droughts. This was Anisimov's first goal in 11 games and Drury's first in 20.
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Henrik Lundqvist, Marc Staal, Ryan Callahan Post-Game
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Thrashers Beat Rangers in Shootout 3-2, Dec. 14th '09
Game Highlights:
Two huge missed chances on open nets by Ales Kotalik and Sean Avery accent a spirited game (minus the first half of the 2nd) and in which the Rangers gave up their 2nd short-handed goal in 2 games, battled back after two one-goal deficits, only to lose in a shootout.
* For the first time this season (except for the games he lost while injured), Chris Drury was finally taken off the power play. Both Rangers' goals were scored on the power-play (Callahan, Gaborik).
* Ryan Callahan had two points (1-1-2) for the second time this season. The first was the November 5th 4-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers (also 1-1-2).
* Brandon Dubinsky returned after a 14-game hiatus with a broken hand, sustained in the November 7th 3-1 loss to the Calgary Flames.
Brandon Dubinsky, Henrik Lundqvist, Michael Del Zotto Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Two huge missed chances on open nets by Ales Kotalik and Sean Avery accent a spirited game (minus the first half of the 2nd) and in which the Rangers gave up their 2nd short-handed goal in 2 games, battled back after two one-goal deficits, only to lose in a shootout.
* For the first time this season (except for the games he lost while injured), Chris Drury was finally taken off the power play. Both Rangers' goals were scored on the power-play (Callahan, Gaborik).
* Ryan Callahan had two points (1-1-2) for the second time this season. The first was the November 5th 4-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers (also 1-1-2).
* Brandon Dubinsky returned after a 14-game hiatus with a broken hand, sustained in the November 7th 3-1 loss to the Calgary Flames.
Brandon Dubinsky, Henrik Lundqvist, Michael Del Zotto Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Monday, December 14, 2009
Slumping Rangers Fall to Sabres 3-2 - Dec. 12th '09
Game Highlights:
John Tortorella continued his line-changing chaos as the Rangers lost to the Sabres in a game that saw all 5-goals scored before the halfway point. Pat Kaleta enjoyed his first professional two-goal game, featuring one short-handed marker, at the expense of Henrik Lundqvist.
The Rangers went 2-for-6 on the power play, but took 5 penalties themselves. Of course the Rangers broadcast team was praising Chris Drury for his penalty killing skills, but having a knack for picking off the oppositions pass isn't really worth $7.05 mil/season to this Blueshirt fan. At least it wasn't worth the league-minimum $0.55 it would of taken to keep Blair Betts.
* John Tortorella continued to force Ryan Callahan into the power-play and he actually scored a goal, but was -3 otherwise. He now has 2 goals in 4 games, and 3 in 7.
* He also continued to force-feed Chris Drury power-play time, who went pointless for his 4th game in a row, and without a goal for his 17th game in a row. Yet, MSG continues to broadcast the Player Profile: Chris Drury special before and after every game. My biggest memory of Chris Drury in this game was his presence on the power play in the final minutes. He passed the puck back and forth with Michael Del Zotto for a few moments until it was poked away. Michael Del Zotto looked like he was dishing 1-timers and Chris Drury just looked lost. John Tortorella said he was 'goin with his gut'. Captain Cluth, my ass.
* PA Parenteau was sent down after this game, in which he went scoreless 9 minutes of ice time and was one of only 8 players who were not a - (minus) in this game. Tortorella continues to demote the kids, but awards players like Drury with crucial power play time.
Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan Callahan Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
John Tortorella continued his line-changing chaos as the Rangers lost to the Sabres in a game that saw all 5-goals scored before the halfway point. Pat Kaleta enjoyed his first professional two-goal game, featuring one short-handed marker, at the expense of Henrik Lundqvist.
The Rangers went 2-for-6 on the power play, but took 5 penalties themselves. Of course the Rangers broadcast team was praising Chris Drury for his penalty killing skills, but having a knack for picking off the oppositions pass isn't really worth $7.05 mil/season to this Blueshirt fan. At least it wasn't worth the league-minimum $0.55 it would of taken to keep Blair Betts.
* John Tortorella continued to force Ryan Callahan into the power-play and he actually scored a goal, but was -3 otherwise. He now has 2 goals in 4 games, and 3 in 7.
* He also continued to force-feed Chris Drury power-play time, who went pointless for his 4th game in a row, and without a goal for his 17th game in a row. Yet, MSG continues to broadcast the Player Profile: Chris Drury special before and after every game. My biggest memory of Chris Drury in this game was his presence on the power play in the final minutes. He passed the puck back and forth with Michael Del Zotto for a few moments until it was poked away. Michael Del Zotto looked like he was dishing 1-timers and Chris Drury just looked lost. John Tortorella said he was 'goin with his gut'. Captain Cluth, my ass.
* PA Parenteau was sent down after this game, in which he went scoreless 9 minutes of ice time and was one of only 8 players who were not a - (minus) in this game. Tortorella continues to demote the kids, but awards players like Drury with crucial power play time.
Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan Callahan Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Matt Gilroy Sent Down After Blackhawks Beat Rangers 2-1 in Overtime - Dec. 12th '09
Game Highlights:
Dustin Byfuglien skated around Matt Gilroy to score the Overtime game-winning goal a few minutes after Matt Gilroy [among others] allowed Jonathan Toews to poke the puck in over a prone Lundqvist to tie a game that had been a Rangers' 1-0 lead for 41:55 of the game. By the way - in moments like this one really misses the presence of a big, physical defender like Paul Mara or Alexei Semenov.
You can assume that John Tortorella's thinking was even quicker than his actions, as Matt Gilroy (the highest +/- rated +2 on the Rangers defense) was promptly sent down to the Hartford Wolfpack. With Ilkka Heikkinen still on the roster [a healthy scratch this game], John Tortorella is able to fill 6 spots with Gilroy gone. It also makes you wonder if Heikkinen's satellite-presence was the pre-cursor to some defensive-discipline - Tortorella Style - of which Gilroy was the unfortunate victim.
That being said, the Rangers stole the 1 point they earned in Chicago almost entirely on the shoulders of Henrik Lundqvist, who made a season-high 39 saves - some of which were highlight-reel caliber against NHL top-ten forwards.
* Chris Higgins scored a goal for his 3rd point in 3 games (2-1-3), which the Rangers ended up clinging to for over 40 minutes.
* Marian Gaborik recorded the assist on the play, after a nice pick-and-roll by Michal Roszival. Although not much effort was made by the Blackhawks' backcheckers at this point in the game to cover Gaborik, their lesson was soon learned.
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Henrik Lundqvist (very emotional), Marc Staal Post-Game:
Dustin Byfuglien skated around Matt Gilroy to score the Overtime game-winning goal a few minutes after Matt Gilroy [among others] allowed Jonathan Toews to poke the puck in over a prone Lundqvist to tie a game that had been a Rangers' 1-0 lead for 41:55 of the game. By the way - in moments like this one really misses the presence of a big, physical defender like Paul Mara or Alexei Semenov.
You can assume that John Tortorella's thinking was even quicker than his actions, as Matt Gilroy (the highest +/- rated +2 on the Rangers defense) was promptly sent down to the Hartford Wolfpack. With Ilkka Heikkinen still on the roster [a healthy scratch this game], John Tortorella is able to fill 6 spots with Gilroy gone. It also makes you wonder if Heikkinen's satellite-presence was the pre-cursor to some defensive-discipline - Tortorella Style - of which Gilroy was the unfortunate victim.
That being said, the Rangers stole the 1 point they earned in Chicago almost entirely on the shoulders of Henrik Lundqvist, who made a season-high 39 saves - some of which were highlight-reel caliber against NHL top-ten forwards.
* Chris Higgins scored a goal for his 3rd point in 3 games (2-1-3), which the Rangers ended up clinging to for over 40 minutes.
* Marian Gaborik recorded the assist on the play, after a nice pick-and-roll by Michal Roszival. Although not much effort was made by the Blackhawks' backcheckers at this point in the game to cover Gaborik, their lesson was soon learned.
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Henrik Lundqvist (very emotional), Marc Staal Post-Game:
Red Wings Drop Rangers 3-1, Dec. 6th '09
Game Highlights:
After putting up a heroic effort, making some brilliant saves in the first two stanzas, it was a goal-line shot from Dan Cleary that put the Red Wings on top.
I can't really blame Henrik Lundqvist for letting in a shot like this after some of the saves he made earlier in the game. The Rangers skated good as a whole, but were maybe a half-a-step behind Detroit for a large part of the beginning of the game. Also look at the power play for blame. The Red Wings gave the Rangers three juicy opportunities in the third period on the power play to make the game 2-1 before Cleary did, but the Rangers just couldn't capitalize.
* Brian Boyle scored a text-book tip-in from Chris Higgins. I had yet to see Tortorella put these two together and hopefully he builds on their speed/creativity.
* Ales Kotalik missed on a wide-open net in the first. Sean Avery missed on a wide-open net in the third. Ryan Callahan missed on a penalty shot. Very hard work but no finishing - sound familiar?
* Overall - an immensely frustrating loss for a team that could keep up with Detroit's battle, miss two open nets, and then lose to a bad goal.
* Kudos to John Tortorella for playing Sean Avery on the Gaborik/Prospal line!
Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan Callahan, Sean Avery Post-game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
After putting up a heroic effort, making some brilliant saves in the first two stanzas, it was a goal-line shot from Dan Cleary that put the Red Wings on top.
I can't really blame Henrik Lundqvist for letting in a shot like this after some of the saves he made earlier in the game. The Rangers skated good as a whole, but were maybe a half-a-step behind Detroit for a large part of the beginning of the game. Also look at the power play for blame. The Red Wings gave the Rangers three juicy opportunities in the third period on the power play to make the game 2-1 before Cleary did, but the Rangers just couldn't capitalize.
* Brian Boyle scored a text-book tip-in from Chris Higgins. I had yet to see Tortorella put these two together and hopefully he builds on their speed/creativity.
* Ales Kotalik missed on a wide-open net in the first. Sean Avery missed on a wide-open net in the third. Ryan Callahan missed on a penalty shot. Very hard work but no finishing - sound familiar?
* Overall - an immensely frustrating loss for a team that could keep up with Detroit's battle, miss two open nets, and then lose to a bad goal.
* Kudos to John Tortorella for playing Sean Avery on the Gaborik/Prospal line!
Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan Callahan, Sean Avery Post-game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Heroic Lundqvist and Rangers Topple Sabres 2-1, Dec. 5th '09
Game Highlights:
Henrik Lundqvist played a really strong game and the Rangers won a game in which they scored 2 goals that weren't from Marian Gaborik or Vaclav Prospal. Thus there is a lot more good the Rangers can take from this game then just 2 road points.
This game's success starts with the goaltending. Henrik Lundqvist flirted with a shutout for 59 minutes; spoiled by Jason Pominville during a 6-on-5 after the Sabres pulled Ryan Miller (who also put up a stellar performance. Henrik stopped 36-of-37 shots, while Ryan Miller stopped 30-of-32.
A spirited effort by the Blueshirts with much fewer penalties. In fact when your team is only taking 2-3 penalties per game they become much more memorable and one of these was the coach's fault: too many men on the ice. Let's not forget the '08-09 campaign when the Rangers led the whole NHL in too many men on the ice penalties as well as shorthanded goals against. If John Tortorella is going to readily switch up the components of his lines, he has to be ready to keep up with the pace and diligence in which they are dispatched.
* Ryan Callahan (his 5th) and Chris Higgins (his 3rd) scored the goals for the Rangers. Ryan Callahan now has 2 goals in 4 games and Higgins broke a 10-game slump.
* Enver Lisin didn't pick up his assignments with much tenacity in the latter stages of the first period. As a result he spent the majority of the remainder on the bench, logging only 5:27 ice time. Further as a result, the rest of his line (Brian Boyle and PA Parenteau) suffered on the bench as well. Hopefully John Tortorella finds a good use for these guys.
* Ilkka Heikkinen made his Rangers debut after Bobby Sanguinetti was sent down to Hartford over the weekend in replacement of an injured Wade Redden. Heikkinen was invisible in just under 10 minutes ice time - which is an A+ game for a defensemen plugging a defensive gap as a rookie. Success is written by the fewest amount of mistakes and he was very successful. Definitely kept up with the pace.
* Erik Christensen made his Rangers debut after being claimed off waivers from the Ducks. He blended in nicely and played 3rd line blue collar hockey - exactly what he was brought here for.
All in all, the team played well together. Ales Kotalik's 'boarding' penalty was questionable at best, but could of been avoided. Regardless, the Rangers are moving in the right direction after a dismal past-couple-weeks.
Henrik Lundqvist Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Henrik Lundqvist played a really strong game and the Rangers won a game in which they scored 2 goals that weren't from Marian Gaborik or Vaclav Prospal. Thus there is a lot more good the Rangers can take from this game then just 2 road points.
This game's success starts with the goaltending. Henrik Lundqvist flirted with a shutout for 59 minutes; spoiled by Jason Pominville during a 6-on-5 after the Sabres pulled Ryan Miller (who also put up a stellar performance. Henrik stopped 36-of-37 shots, while Ryan Miller stopped 30-of-32.
A spirited effort by the Blueshirts with much fewer penalties. In fact when your team is only taking 2-3 penalties per game they become much more memorable and one of these was the coach's fault: too many men on the ice. Let's not forget the '08-09 campaign when the Rangers led the whole NHL in too many men on the ice penalties as well as shorthanded goals against. If John Tortorella is going to readily switch up the components of his lines, he has to be ready to keep up with the pace and diligence in which they are dispatched.
* Ryan Callahan (his 5th) and Chris Higgins (his 3rd) scored the goals for the Rangers. Ryan Callahan now has 2 goals in 4 games and Higgins broke a 10-game slump.
* Enver Lisin didn't pick up his assignments with much tenacity in the latter stages of the first period. As a result he spent the majority of the remainder on the bench, logging only 5:27 ice time. Further as a result, the rest of his line (Brian Boyle and PA Parenteau) suffered on the bench as well. Hopefully John Tortorella finds a good use for these guys.
* Ilkka Heikkinen made his Rangers debut after Bobby Sanguinetti was sent down to Hartford over the weekend in replacement of an injured Wade Redden. Heikkinen was invisible in just under 10 minutes ice time - which is an A+ game for a defensemen plugging a defensive gap as a rookie. Success is written by the fewest amount of mistakes and he was very successful. Definitely kept up with the pace.
* Erik Christensen made his Rangers debut after being claimed off waivers from the Ducks. He blended in nicely and played 3rd line blue collar hockey - exactly what he was brought here for.
All in all, the team played well together. Ales Kotalik's 'boarding' penalty was questionable at best, but could of been avoided. Regardless, the Rangers are moving in the right direction after a dismal past-couple-weeks.
Henrik Lundqvist Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Glaringly Inconsistent Officiating in 5-2 Loss to Penguins, Nov. 30 '09
Game Highlights:
The Rangers' play and defensive coverages seemed about as stable as the Rangers Webpage did today, at least where it counted (on the scoreboard). I notice today that the Rangers launched a new ad-campaign during the 2009 'winter shopping craze' in which an animated Henrik Lundqvist walks over and stands there while the ad takes precedence over the rest of the webpage's navigation. Coincidentally, all of the ads that would normally fit on the right-nav bar, have all overlapped onto the content on the left-nav bar, so as of today - the official Rangers' website is in total, un-navigatable dis-array.
*Updated: The animated Lundqvist ad is now gone from the webpage, and with it the terrible CSS mess-up that ensued. Their problem is probably as simple as moving a block of CSS (ad) below another (main page).
If only a proud and confident Lundqvist could have stood out in the recent 5-3 loss to the Penguins like he now does on the webpage. Henrik Lundqvist's softy to Mike Rupp (his 2nd of 3 in his first career hat-trick), stirs many more recent memories of Lundqist standing out - as a liability.
The officiating in this game, duly noted in title, was atrociously inconsistent showing - AGAIN - huge favoritism towards the Penguins. It's borderline embarassing to call myself a fan of the NHL when their blatant superstars are given outrageous calls again and again.
- Donald Brashear was called for roughing in the first period after taking a few jabs at a Penguin player who grabbed his arm during a post-whistle net scrum. Yet in the second period Marian Gaborik was jabbed at least twice by Sidney Crosby in the face, and another 2-or-3 by Bill Guerin. Neither Penguin was called for a penalty in what was much more blatant then Donald Brashear's actions.
- Bobby Sanguinetti was called for hooking in the second period in a replay that showed Sanguinetti's stick-blade never even making contact with the Penguin.
- Ryan Callahan was blatantly tripped in Pittsburgh's end half-way through the third when the Rangers' were showing desperation. Similarly Sean Avery was nearly body-slammed to the left of the crease in the third - Nothing was called on either blatant penalty.
- Dan Girardi was called for boarding after checking Mike Rupp aside the boards in front of the scorer's table in the third. The video review showed Mike Rupp see Girardi coming, turn, and lift his skate falling into the check. He exited the ice for about 2 minutes - most likely to feign injury and avoid a possible diving call - granting the Penguins yet another sneaky, loose call.
- Sean Avery was called for a goalie interference penalty in the 8-3 loss to the Penguins for clipping Marc-Andre Fleury as Fleury was skating outwards from his crease to draw contact. In this game we saw Henrik Lundqvist get clipped behind his own net from Pascal Dupuis in the first. If there was any consistency in officiating - the Penguins would of gone shorthanded for this.
All over the ice in these games against the Penguins you will notice Rangers getting knocked down, tripped, hooked, punched, or roughed up after the whistle with no calls. The Rangers did make some key mistakes at some key times, but the general protection that the Penguins get, and the liberties they are allowed to take, really suck the credibility right out of the NHL.
* Chris Drury looks and plays like a 3rd or 4th liner. Yet he is receiving about the same paycheck as Marian Gaborik who is on par for 70 goals after netting 2 more tonight while becoming the first player in '09-10 to hit the 20-mark. His 3 assists in his past 3 games have come after squandering several power plays, and exist entirely because of the skill of Gaborik.
* Sean Avery played on the line with Prospal and Gaborik at even strength, finishing the game as the only +1 in the Rangers lineup. We'd been talking about the potential Sean Avery would add to the top-line (like the Jagr era) and it was a great success tonight. The last time they played together was the 7-4 win over the Bluejackets 1 week ago.. hopefully Tortorella sticks with it and maybe replaces Ryan Callahan on the power play with #16.
* If post-hits counted for goals, Chris Higgins would be on par for 70 as well.
* Brian Boyle and Enver Lisin have been both tooted as 'highly coachable' and spent the second game scratched. The Rangers have been outscored 18-6 in the last 3 games. I would say that this problem is clearly not in the 2-or-3 slackers that Tortorella has placed the blame on.
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Marian Gaborik, Henrik Lundqvist, Chris Drury Post-Game:
The Rangers' play and defensive coverages seemed about as stable as the Rangers Webpage did today, at least where it counted (on the scoreboard). I notice today that the Rangers launched a new ad-campaign during the 2009 'winter shopping craze' in which an animated Henrik Lundqvist walks over and stands there while the ad takes precedence over the rest of the webpage's navigation. Coincidentally, all of the ads that would normally fit on the right-nav bar, have all overlapped onto the content on the left-nav bar, so as of today - the official Rangers' website is in total, un-navigatable dis-array.
*Updated: The animated Lundqvist ad is now gone from the webpage, and with it the terrible CSS mess-up that ensued. Their problem is probably as simple as moving a block of CSS (ad) below another (main page).
If only a proud and confident Lundqvist could have stood out in the recent 5-3 loss to the Penguins like he now does on the webpage. Henrik Lundqvist's softy to Mike Rupp (his 2nd of 3 in his first career hat-trick), stirs many more recent memories of Lundqist standing out - as a liability.
The officiating in this game, duly noted in title, was atrociously inconsistent showing - AGAIN - huge favoritism towards the Penguins. It's borderline embarassing to call myself a fan of the NHL when their blatant superstars are given outrageous calls again and again.
- Donald Brashear was called for roughing in the first period after taking a few jabs at a Penguin player who grabbed his arm during a post-whistle net scrum. Yet in the second period Marian Gaborik was jabbed at least twice by Sidney Crosby in the face, and another 2-or-3 by Bill Guerin. Neither Penguin was called for a penalty in what was much more blatant then Donald Brashear's actions.
- Bobby Sanguinetti was called for hooking in the second period in a replay that showed Sanguinetti's stick-blade never even making contact with the Penguin.
- Ryan Callahan was blatantly tripped in Pittsburgh's end half-way through the third when the Rangers' were showing desperation. Similarly Sean Avery was nearly body-slammed to the left of the crease in the third - Nothing was called on either blatant penalty.
- Dan Girardi was called for boarding after checking Mike Rupp aside the boards in front of the scorer's table in the third. The video review showed Mike Rupp see Girardi coming, turn, and lift his skate falling into the check. He exited the ice for about 2 minutes - most likely to feign injury and avoid a possible diving call - granting the Penguins yet another sneaky, loose call.
- Sean Avery was called for a goalie interference penalty in the 8-3 loss to the Penguins for clipping Marc-Andre Fleury as Fleury was skating outwards from his crease to draw contact. In this game we saw Henrik Lundqvist get clipped behind his own net from Pascal Dupuis in the first. If there was any consistency in officiating - the Penguins would of gone shorthanded for this.
All over the ice in these games against the Penguins you will notice Rangers getting knocked down, tripped, hooked, punched, or roughed up after the whistle with no calls. The Rangers did make some key mistakes at some key times, but the general protection that the Penguins get, and the liberties they are allowed to take, really suck the credibility right out of the NHL.
* Chris Drury looks and plays like a 3rd or 4th liner. Yet he is receiving about the same paycheck as Marian Gaborik who is on par for 70 goals after netting 2 more tonight while becoming the first player in '09-10 to hit the 20-mark. His 3 assists in his past 3 games have come after squandering several power plays, and exist entirely because of the skill of Gaborik.
* Sean Avery played on the line with Prospal and Gaborik at even strength, finishing the game as the only +1 in the Rangers lineup. We'd been talking about the potential Sean Avery would add to the top-line (like the Jagr era) and it was a great success tonight. The last time they played together was the 7-4 win over the Bluejackets 1 week ago.. hopefully Tortorella sticks with it and maybe replaces Ryan Callahan on the power play with #16.
* If post-hits counted for goals, Chris Higgins would be on par for 70 as well.
* Brian Boyle and Enver Lisin have been both tooted as 'highly coachable' and spent the second game scratched. The Rangers have been outscored 18-6 in the last 3 games. I would say that this problem is clearly not in the 2-or-3 slackers that Tortorella has placed the blame on.
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Marian Gaborik, Henrik Lundqvist, Chris Drury Post-Game:
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Rangers Obliterated by Penguins 8-3, Nov. 28th '09
Game Highlights:
The Rangers were spanked hard in the third period resulting from double-minor penalties assessed to Donald Brashear for sticking up for his head-hunted team mate. Starting the frame to bring the score to 4-3.. only to have 4 unanswered goals scored on Stephen Valiquette, who has played since Henrik Lundqvist was pulled in Tampa Bay.
Chris Drury was given more power-play time then anyone else (by :31) with 4:01 during which time the Rangers were scoreless and seemingly clueless. He also led the team last night in what Tortorella called 'the worst game we played all year' 5-1 loss to the Panthers. The power-play looked abysmal during both rounds failing to connect or force the goalie into any outrageous saves in either game.
Matt Cooke had vicious blindside hit to the head of Artem Anisimov several minutes into the third period when the Penguins were already up by 3 goals. He was assessed a 2-minute interference call. On Cooke's next shift, John Tortorella unleashed Donald Brashear to do what New York paid him 1.4 million dollars for, but was quickly diffused by swarming refs. Watch the game highlights, Donald Brashear barely got any swings in to a mocking Cooke while the refs immediately jumped all over the situation like they were trying to protect the Penguin. Donald Brashear was given a 4-minute double-minor - which the Penguins scored twice on to put a nail in the coffin.
The maximum penalty one should be able to receive in a game should be on intent-to-injure malicious hits or plays, but knowing the Rangers management - they may throw large contracts at such villains.
* Henrik Lundqvist has shown he is well-capable of rebounding in the past. Playing Steve Valiquette against the Stanley Cup-defending Penguins on the road while the team seems to be struggling is a poor choice by Tortorella. Have some faith in your gold-medal winning #1.
* Marc-Andre Fleury has a tendency to go from the back of his net out to the very top of the crease while players are turning during a high-speed forecheck. After Sean Avery circled a couple times in his first shifts, Fleury moved into a position where he got clipped by Avery skating past. Sean was assessed a 2-minute goalie interference on what was clearly a sneaky draw by the dirty Pittsburgh backstop.
* Ryan Callahan was able to fight Matt Cooke and got the best of him with a couple quick rights after the 8th goal was scored. I suppose the referees would let this one happen because Callahan is significantly smaller and exponentially less notorious then Donald Brashear.
* Brian Boyle was scratched. Enver Lisin was dressed per roster requirements, but did not play a second. Yet Michael Del Zotto didn't miss a second and has been -6 in the past two nights, held without a point. It goes to show how heavy Tortorella will drop the book on the components, rather then addressing the system.
* John Tortorella mixed up lines almost to the point where it was ridiculous. I'm not sure how this fits into the plan of building a team - it seems like this is work that should of been done in the pre-season.
Steve Valiquette was in a total-scramble and gave up soft goals, but John Tortorella was also in a total scramble throwing combinations together (like Voros centering Higgins and Brashear - who were scored on in the first), and even choosing Valiquette to start against the Penguins. Add that to some terribly biased officiating by the referees, where they will go to physical lengths to step between flying-fists of Donald Brashear to protect criminal Matt Cooke, and you get the score of 8-3.
John Tortorella Post-Game:
The Rangers were spanked hard in the third period resulting from double-minor penalties assessed to Donald Brashear for sticking up for his head-hunted team mate. Starting the frame to bring the score to 4-3.. only to have 4 unanswered goals scored on Stephen Valiquette, who has played since Henrik Lundqvist was pulled in Tampa Bay.
Chris Drury was given more power-play time then anyone else (by :31) with 4:01 during which time the Rangers were scoreless and seemingly clueless. He also led the team last night in what Tortorella called 'the worst game we played all year' 5-1 loss to the Panthers. The power-play looked abysmal during both rounds failing to connect or force the goalie into any outrageous saves in either game.
Matt Cooke had vicious blindside hit to the head of Artem Anisimov several minutes into the third period when the Penguins were already up by 3 goals. He was assessed a 2-minute interference call. On Cooke's next shift, John Tortorella unleashed Donald Brashear to do what New York paid him 1.4 million dollars for, but was quickly diffused by swarming refs. Watch the game highlights, Donald Brashear barely got any swings in to a mocking Cooke while the refs immediately jumped all over the situation like they were trying to protect the Penguin. Donald Brashear was given a 4-minute double-minor - which the Penguins scored twice on to put a nail in the coffin.
The maximum penalty one should be able to receive in a game should be on intent-to-injure malicious hits or plays, but knowing the Rangers management - they may throw large contracts at such villains.
* Henrik Lundqvist has shown he is well-capable of rebounding in the past. Playing Steve Valiquette against the Stanley Cup-defending Penguins on the road while the team seems to be struggling is a poor choice by Tortorella. Have some faith in your gold-medal winning #1.
* Marc-Andre Fleury has a tendency to go from the back of his net out to the very top of the crease while players are turning during a high-speed forecheck. After Sean Avery circled a couple times in his first shifts, Fleury moved into a position where he got clipped by Avery skating past. Sean was assessed a 2-minute goalie interference on what was clearly a sneaky draw by the dirty Pittsburgh backstop.
* Ryan Callahan was able to fight Matt Cooke and got the best of him with a couple quick rights after the 8th goal was scored. I suppose the referees would let this one happen because Callahan is significantly smaller and exponentially less notorious then Donald Brashear.
* Brian Boyle was scratched. Enver Lisin was dressed per roster requirements, but did not play a second. Yet Michael Del Zotto didn't miss a second and has been -6 in the past two nights, held without a point. It goes to show how heavy Tortorella will drop the book on the components, rather then addressing the system.
* John Tortorella mixed up lines almost to the point where it was ridiculous. I'm not sure how this fits into the plan of building a team - it seems like this is work that should of been done in the pre-season.
Steve Valiquette was in a total-scramble and gave up soft goals, but John Tortorella was also in a total scramble throwing combinations together (like Voros centering Higgins and Brashear - who were scored on in the first), and even choosing Valiquette to start against the Penguins. Add that to some terribly biased officiating by the referees, where they will go to physical lengths to step between flying-fists of Donald Brashear to protect criminal Matt Cooke, and you get the score of 8-3.
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Rangers Demolished by Lightning 5-1, Nov. 27th '09
Game Highlights:
The Tampa Bay Lightning scored 5 goals (including 2 on the power play as a result of the Rangers taking 7 penalties), and blitzed past a Rangers team that never showed up.
In this game I found myself eagerly awaiting every moment that Donald Brashear took to the ice, who recorded a season-high 8:20 of ice time despite taking 12 minutes in penalties including a 10-minute misconduct.
* Kurtis Foster, who's helped rejuvenate the Lightning's back-line along with Victor Hedman and Andrej Meszaros, scored 2 goals, including one left-point slapper that looks like the old Ales Kotalik.
* Speaking of Meszaros, he had a nice one-timer from the right circle as well and seemed very solid on that point. Gives you an idea of why Wade Redden (who was out with an injury) has some real nice numbers playing with Meszaros during his latter years in Ottawa.
* And speaking of Ales Kotalik, he returned after missing the 2-1 shootout win over the Panthers with shoulder soreness. Kotalik has gone 8 games without a goal and has only netted 1 in his last 13 games. He has also been a -8 over this recent spance.
* Marian Gaborik's 8-game point-scoring streak was cut to a halt as he was held scoreless for only the third time this season.
* Henrik Lundqvist was pulled after letting in 4 goals on 22 shots.
"Probably the worst game we've played all season." -John Tortorella, who was punctual as ever in his post-game.
Marc Staal, Bobby Sanguinetti Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
The Tampa Bay Lightning scored 5 goals (including 2 on the power play as a result of the Rangers taking 7 penalties), and blitzed past a Rangers team that never showed up.
In this game I found myself eagerly awaiting every moment that Donald Brashear took to the ice, who recorded a season-high 8:20 of ice time despite taking 12 minutes in penalties including a 10-minute misconduct.
* Kurtis Foster, who's helped rejuvenate the Lightning's back-line along with Victor Hedman and Andrej Meszaros, scored 2 goals, including one left-point slapper that looks like the old Ales Kotalik.
* Speaking of Meszaros, he had a nice one-timer from the right circle as well and seemed very solid on that point. Gives you an idea of why Wade Redden (who was out with an injury) has some real nice numbers playing with Meszaros during his latter years in Ottawa.
* And speaking of Ales Kotalik, he returned after missing the 2-1 shootout win over the Panthers with shoulder soreness. Kotalik has gone 8 games without a goal and has only netted 1 in his last 13 games. He has also been a -8 over this recent spance.
* Marian Gaborik's 8-game point-scoring streak was cut to a halt as he was held scoreless for only the third time this season.
* Henrik Lundqvist was pulled after letting in 4 goals on 22 shots.
"Probably the worst game we've played all season." -John Tortorella, who was punctual as ever in his post-game.
Marc Staal, Bobby Sanguinetti Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Friday, November 27, 2009
PA Parenteau Rangers Beat Panthers, Lose Redden, in Shootout 2-1, Nov. 25 '09
Game Highlights:
A spirited by performance by P.A. Parenteau, who has made much more of a name for himself then any of the other call-ups this season so far, Marian Gaborik, and the rest of the New York Rangers propelled them past the Panthers. The series between these two teams is now even at 1-1, as the Rangers rebounded from a 3-2 loss to Florida two games ago on Nov. 21st.
It was a hard-hitting (led by Ryan Callahan with 6 hits, currently leading the league), shot-blocking match-up where the Rangers experienced a brutal third period with only 4 defensemen, as Wade Redden injured his shoulder in the first from a fearsome hit by Victor Oreskovich, who Matt Gilroy ended up instigating a fight with in the third after a similar attack on Vaclav Prospal.
It was actually brought to my attention from Hockey Rodent that the reason Gilroy received a 10-minute game misconduct was because he instigated a fight in the third period with a visor. HR goes on to dicsuss the repercussions of this call, the hypothetical repercussions had it been called correctly, and adds a valid point that the instigatee had a visor as well in his very interesting game article.
* PA Parenteau put in a great performance, playing very confident on the puck and backing up defenders. Sean Avery and Artem Anisimov give the line speed and physicality, allowing PA to skate a bit more creatively and he appears to be fully taking advantage of that.
* Chris Drury made his return after being injured in the Rangers'3-1 loss to Calgary (missing 5 games during this span in which the Rangers' were 2-3-0).
* 2 of the last 3 Rangers' wins (over a span of 5 games) have come off the stick of PA Parenteau.
* Chris Higgins played one of his best games of the season, always a clear pivot of the Rangers team whenever he was on the ice - and very successful at both sides of the puck.
* Bobby Sanguinetti (leading the AHL in scoring as a defensemen, 4th overall) was called up for injured Wade Redden.
A spirited by performance by P.A. Parenteau, who has made much more of a name for himself then any of the other call-ups this season so far, Marian Gaborik, and the rest of the New York Rangers propelled them past the Panthers. The series between these two teams is now even at 1-1, as the Rangers rebounded from a 3-2 loss to Florida two games ago on Nov. 21st.
It was a hard-hitting (led by Ryan Callahan with 6 hits, currently leading the league), shot-blocking match-up where the Rangers experienced a brutal third period with only 4 defensemen, as Wade Redden injured his shoulder in the first from a fearsome hit by Victor Oreskovich, who Matt Gilroy ended up instigating a fight with in the third after a similar attack on Vaclav Prospal.
It was actually brought to my attention from Hockey Rodent that the reason Gilroy received a 10-minute game misconduct was because he instigated a fight in the third period with a visor. HR goes on to dicsuss the repercussions of this call, the hypothetical repercussions had it been called correctly, and adds a valid point that the instigatee had a visor as well in his very interesting game article.
* PA Parenteau put in a great performance, playing very confident on the puck and backing up defenders. Sean Avery and Artem Anisimov give the line speed and physicality, allowing PA to skate a bit more creatively and he appears to be fully taking advantage of that.
* Chris Drury made his return after being injured in the Rangers'3-1 loss to Calgary (missing 5 games during this span in which the Rangers' were 2-3-0).
* 2 of the last 3 Rangers' wins (over a span of 5 games) have come off the stick of PA Parenteau.
* Chris Higgins played one of his best games of the season, always a clear pivot of the Rangers team whenever he was on the ice - and very successful at both sides of the puck.
* Bobby Sanguinetti (leading the AHL in scoring as a defensemen, 4th overall) was called up for injured Wade Redden.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Rangers Scorn Blue Jackets 7-4 in Triumphant Turnaround - Nov 23 '09
Game Highlights:
The first period reminded us of the Rangers' 3-2 road win over the Devils back on October 5th, when the Rangers had gone down two goals right away but come back to win after a seemingly crucial time-out by Coach Tortorella. This time the scoreboard was a bit more inflated, as well as the relief adminst the Rangers slump lately (4-8-1 in their last 13 games).
Sean Avery, who was goalless in 16 games, scored 2 goals: one was a sweep-behind-the-net wrap around that, after going under reviewed, was confirmed going in - the other was a nice 2-on-1 one-timer from Marian Gaborik. Speaking of Gaborik, he enjoyed his first 4-point game as a Ranger (2 goals/assists each). Besides Avery and Gaborik, it was a point-scoring Jamboree for the Rangers' rookies.
* Hall-of-Famer Brian Leetch smiling behind the glass when Del Zotto 'saw the opportunity and took it' as he said after Michael scored his 5th (ending a 3-game point drought).
* Rookie Matt Gilroy enjoyed this third goal, while Artem Anisimov (1-2-3) had a career rookie point performance, who is now 5th on the team is scoring as a primarily 3rd line player.
* Former Rangers' 2nd round draft-pick Fedor Tyutin (who was traded for the enigmatic flop Nikolai Zherdev) was held point-less and a -1. Although he has played well for Columbus, putting up career numbers in goals (9) assists (25) and points (34). (+3, +6, +9 his all-time bests as a Ranger).
* Donald Brashear and Aaron Voros fought Jared Boll after Jared Boll scored a goal and threw a massive hit on Marc Staal:
Sean Avery, Henrik Lundqvist, Marian Gaborik Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
The first period reminded us of the Rangers' 3-2 road win over the Devils back on October 5th, when the Rangers had gone down two goals right away but come back to win after a seemingly crucial time-out by Coach Tortorella. This time the scoreboard was a bit more inflated, as well as the relief adminst the Rangers slump lately (4-8-1 in their last 13 games).
Sean Avery, who was goalless in 16 games, scored 2 goals: one was a sweep-behind-the-net wrap around that, after going under reviewed, was confirmed going in - the other was a nice 2-on-1 one-timer from Marian Gaborik. Speaking of Gaborik, he enjoyed his first 4-point game as a Ranger (2 goals/assists each). Besides Avery and Gaborik, it was a point-scoring Jamboree for the Rangers' rookies.
* Hall-of-Famer Brian Leetch smiling behind the glass when Del Zotto 'saw the opportunity and took it' as he said after Michael scored his 5th (ending a 3-game point drought).
* Rookie Matt Gilroy enjoyed this third goal, while Artem Anisimov (1-2-3) had a career rookie point performance, who is now 5th on the team is scoring as a primarily 3rd line player.
* Former Rangers' 2nd round draft-pick Fedor Tyutin (who was traded for the enigmatic flop Nikolai Zherdev) was held point-less and a -1. Although he has played well for Columbus, putting up career numbers in goals (9) assists (25) and points (34). (+3, +6, +9 his all-time bests as a Ranger).
* Donald Brashear and Aaron Voros fought Jared Boll after Jared Boll scored a goal and threw a massive hit on Marc Staal:
Sean Avery, Henrik Lundqvist, Marian Gaborik Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Monday, November 23, 2009
Panthers Trump Rangers 3-2, Nov. 21 '09
Game Highlights:
In the games that the Rangers have lost, (with a now 11-10-1 record sitting barely clinging to 0.500), several have been by a 1-point tally. That means that if the Rangers could score one or two more goals per game, they would have a much hotter record thus far.
Vinny Prospal and Marian Gaborik both scored, which has been pretty common this season. The rest of the squad, unfortunately common as well, again went scoreless. Like the loss to the Capitals the other night, John Tortorella emphasized the need for secondary scoring and we saw another close 2 points slip away because of it.
* The Rangers took only 2 penalties in the first period - a huge improvement over the 5 calls/game average they had slumped to. Let's hope they continue this in the games to come.
* Wade Redden (a -2 for this game) has looked like he has started to slump again. His play has been much more consistent this year, but he still seems to get lazy and burned in the neutral zone at times or make a lazy pass that leads to a turnover.
* Matt Gilroy on the other hand played fantastic, breaking up several huge opportunities.
* Henrik Lundqvist should of stopped what was the game-winner for the Panthers.
* Sean Avery, continuing his spirited play as of late, had 5 shots on goal and looked good hastling Vokoun.
Vaclav Prospal, Henrik Lundqvist Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
In the games that the Rangers have lost, (with a now 11-10-1 record sitting barely clinging to 0.500), several have been by a 1-point tally. That means that if the Rangers could score one or two more goals per game, they would have a much hotter record thus far.
Vinny Prospal and Marian Gaborik both scored, which has been pretty common this season. The rest of the squad, unfortunately common as well, again went scoreless. Like the loss to the Capitals the other night, John Tortorella emphasized the need for secondary scoring and we saw another close 2 points slip away because of it.
* The Rangers took only 2 penalties in the first period - a huge improvement over the 5 calls/game average they had slumped to. Let's hope they continue this in the games to come.
* Wade Redden (a -2 for this game) has looked like he has started to slump again. His play has been much more consistent this year, but he still seems to get lazy and burned in the neutral zone at times or make a lazy pass that leads to a turnover.
* Matt Gilroy on the other hand played fantastic, breaking up several huge opportunities.
* Henrik Lundqvist should of stopped what was the game-winner for the Panthers.
* Sean Avery, continuing his spirited play as of late, had 5 shots on goal and looked good hastling Vokoun.
Vaclav Prospal, Henrik Lundqvist Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Gaborik Scores Two as the Rangers Fall to the Capitals 4-2, Nov. 17 '09
Game Highlights:
The Rangers losing theme of the season - poor second period play - costs the Blueshirts another 2 points in the East as they fell to the Capitals 4-2 (with an open-netter).
I love how John Tortorella (who correctly said the game was lost because of lack of secondary scoring) becomes more of an asshole to reporters when the Rangers lose. Nothing against Tom Renney, but it is good to see a pissed-off coach after a crumby loss. John Tortorella puts some blame on the 2nd-4th line players lack of scoring, and I kind of agree - seeing how Marian Gaborik (15-12-27) has contributed to 42.86% of the Rangers' 63 goals (nearly half!). He mentions 5-on-5 scoring, and looking at the lowest +/- of the game you can really narrow down who Tortorella is referencing: Chris Higgins, Ryan Callahan (-2), Ales Kotalik, Matt Gilroy, Wade Redden, Michael Del Zotto (-1).
* Speaking of Marian Gaborik, his second goal tonight put him in a tie for the league lead, further advancing the best season thus far of his career.
* Aaron Voros had a nice fight with Matt Bradley, leaving his face dripping with blood. Matt Bradley ended up scoring the game-winning goal in the 3rd period on a breakaway.
* Matt Gilroy, responsible for Matt Bradley's breakaway, caused little pressure chasing the Cap from behind. Definitely a situation I think he should of taken out Bradley's legs and let the team kill the ensuing penalty.
* Chris Higgins lead the team with a whopping 7 hits.
* Sean Avery is playing more and more like Sean Avery and its great to watch!! When there is a situation that the camera is zooming in on Sean Avery - the Rangers are successul.
John Tortorella Post-Game:
The Rangers losing theme of the season - poor second period play - costs the Blueshirts another 2 points in the East as they fell to the Capitals 4-2 (with an open-netter).
I love how John Tortorella (who correctly said the game was lost because of lack of secondary scoring) becomes more of an asshole to reporters when the Rangers lose. Nothing against Tom Renney, but it is good to see a pissed-off coach after a crumby loss. John Tortorella puts some blame on the 2nd-4th line players lack of scoring, and I kind of agree - seeing how Marian Gaborik (15-12-27) has contributed to 42.86% of the Rangers' 63 goals (nearly half!). He mentions 5-on-5 scoring, and looking at the lowest +/- of the game you can really narrow down who Tortorella is referencing: Chris Higgins, Ryan Callahan (-2), Ales Kotalik, Matt Gilroy, Wade Redden, Michael Del Zotto (-1).
* Speaking of Marian Gaborik, his second goal tonight put him in a tie for the league lead, further advancing the best season thus far of his career.
* Aaron Voros had a nice fight with Matt Bradley, leaving his face dripping with blood. Matt Bradley ended up scoring the game-winning goal in the 3rd period on a breakaway.
* Matt Gilroy, responsible for Matt Bradley's breakaway, caused little pressure chasing the Cap from behind. Definitely a situation I think he should of taken out Bradley's legs and let the team kill the ensuing penalty.
* Chris Higgins lead the team with a whopping 7 hits.
* Sean Avery is playing more and more like Sean Avery and its great to watch!! When there is a situation that the camera is zooming in on Sean Avery - the Rangers are successul.
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Monday, November 16, 2009
PA Parenteau Shootout Winner Leads Rangers Over Senators 2-1 - Nov. 14th '09
Game Highlights:
"10 out of 10" as far as how satisfied Henrik Lundqvist was with this win.
It was round 7 in the shootout, Henrik Lundqvist is showing signs of fatigue after a 35-save performance through regulation with an additional 5 minutes of man-down overtime.
The roster is squelched of known scorers, and John Tortorella sends out PA Parenteau (with probably Gilroy and Avery as his only other options) who skates in down the left, and at the last second jerks right firing a shot beating Brian Elliott on the far side. Lundqvist makes one last save on the speedy Milan Michalek and the Rangers collect 2 points on the road - something they have accomplished only 4 other times out of 10 (bringing the Rangers' to the .500 mark of 5-5-1 on the road).
Overall another hard-fought contest by the Rangers. Particularly in the final 1:30 of OT when Ales Kotalik took a tripping penalty - the Rangers PK was exceptional. Ryan Callahan, moving at the same speed of the puck being passed among Sens, looked like Blair Betts getting right in front of the shooters and frustrating some of the league's best. Marc Staal (jumped in front of Daniel Alfredsson's final slapshot from the slot) and Dan Girardi (who led the night with 5) put up stellar performances, blocking several shots each as well.
* PA Parenteau, although scoring the shootout-winner, missed a wide open net in the third that would have won the game. Literally - I could have headbutted that puck into that net.
* Vaclav Prospal scored his first short-handed goal in his highly-exalted career.
* Sean Avery, who'd mentioned been seeming to slump recently, led the team with hits (4) and had some pretty good setups. When he is throwing big hits, it seems to improve his skating and thus overall game.
* Much better job by the defense after the game against the Thrashers. I feel like all our defense needs to do to be successful is have good communication between who's going to skate up and who's going to stay back - it doesn't really matter who as long as they are both aware of what is happening. The key is just to do this consistently and not 1-of-every-4 contests.
* Aaron Voros needs to just hit the puck towards the net when he is as close to the goalie as he gets. It seems the play moves too fast for him and anything then just whacking it on-goal becomes a turnover or a play-killer.
* Daniel Alfredsson, although prolific as he may be, always seems to have Henrik Lundqvist's number.
* 5 penalties is still too many.
Henrik Lundqvist, Vaclav Prospal, PA Parenteau Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
"10 out of 10" as far as how satisfied Henrik Lundqvist was with this win.
It was round 7 in the shootout, Henrik Lundqvist is showing signs of fatigue after a 35-save performance through regulation with an additional 5 minutes of man-down overtime.
The roster is squelched of known scorers, and John Tortorella sends out PA Parenteau (with probably Gilroy and Avery as his only other options) who skates in down the left, and at the last second jerks right firing a shot beating Brian Elliott on the far side. Lundqvist makes one last save on the speedy Milan Michalek and the Rangers collect 2 points on the road - something they have accomplished only 4 other times out of 10 (bringing the Rangers' to the .500 mark of 5-5-1 on the road).
Overall another hard-fought contest by the Rangers. Particularly in the final 1:30 of OT when Ales Kotalik took a tripping penalty - the Rangers PK was exceptional. Ryan Callahan, moving at the same speed of the puck being passed among Sens, looked like Blair Betts getting right in front of the shooters and frustrating some of the league's best. Marc Staal (jumped in front of Daniel Alfredsson's final slapshot from the slot) and Dan Girardi (who led the night with 5) put up stellar performances, blocking several shots each as well.
* PA Parenteau, although scoring the shootout-winner, missed a wide open net in the third that would have won the game. Literally - I could have headbutted that puck into that net.
* Vaclav Prospal scored his first short-handed goal in his highly-exalted career.
* Sean Avery, who'd mentioned been seeming to slump recently, led the team with hits (4) and had some pretty good setups. When he is throwing big hits, it seems to improve his skating and thus overall game.
* Much better job by the defense after the game against the Thrashers. I feel like all our defense needs to do to be successful is have good communication between who's going to skate up and who's going to stay back - it doesn't really matter who as long as they are both aware of what is happening. The key is just to do this consistently and not 1-of-every-4 contests.
* Aaron Voros needs to just hit the puck towards the net when he is as close to the goalie as he gets. It seems the play moves too fast for him and anything then just whacking it on-goal becomes a turnover or a play-killer.
* Daniel Alfredsson, although prolific as he may be, always seems to have Henrik Lundqvist's number.
* 5 penalties is still too many.
Henrik Lundqvist, Vaclav Prospal, PA Parenteau Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Friday, November 13, 2009
Rangers Lose to Thrashers in 25 seconds 5-3, Nov. 13th '09
Game Highlights:
In a span of 25 seconds the Thrashers took a 2-goal lead in the 2nd and never looked back in what was another hard-fought battle. A wide-open game that reflected the absence of checking presences Chris Drury (concussion) and Brandon Dubinsky (hand), the Thrashers wasted no time in attacking Henrik Lundqvist, scoring behind the Rangers' defense in the opening :19.
I do not feel like the Rangers played particularly poor, especially seeing how they mustered 18 shots against to 5 in the third after relatively equal first and second periods. I feel like Atlanta and New York have very similar game plans - have a cherry-picking sniper lurk near the other team's blue line and always force your own defensive into odd-man rushes. The Thrashers seemed like they executed it just a little bit better.
* Centers Artem Anisimov and Brian Boyle were expected to receive more ice time in hopes they would contribute more in the other centers' absences. They both scored a goal!
* Good for Ryan Callahan, dropping the gloves to stick up for himself against Zach Bogosian's borderline charge in the first period.
* The Rangers were in the box 8 times. That equates to at least 16 minutes or one entire period of being short-handed. Not a good way to muster offense.
* Michael Del Zotto (0-2-2), Marian Gaborik (1-1-2), and Ales Kotalik (0-2-2) all put up multi-port performances fo the Rangers.
* Sean Avery, although receiving his first bit of power play time (1:27) in quite a while, seemed to have a couple bad bounces and frustrating play as of late.
* Donald Brashear returned to the line-up tonight for a little over 3 minutes of ice time. Probably spent just as long swinging fists with Atlanta tough-guy Eric Boulton.
* Thrasher Nik Antropov has looked pretty solid as a set-up centerman. Drawing attention to one side and dishing to the slot - such a simple play but so effective.
Henrik Lundqvist, Chris Higgins, Vaclav Prospal Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
In a span of 25 seconds the Thrashers took a 2-goal lead in the 2nd and never looked back in what was another hard-fought battle. A wide-open game that reflected the absence of checking presences Chris Drury (concussion) and Brandon Dubinsky (hand), the Thrashers wasted no time in attacking Henrik Lundqvist, scoring behind the Rangers' defense in the opening :19.
I do not feel like the Rangers played particularly poor, especially seeing how they mustered 18 shots against to 5 in the third after relatively equal first and second periods. I feel like Atlanta and New York have very similar game plans - have a cherry-picking sniper lurk near the other team's blue line and always force your own defensive into odd-man rushes. The Thrashers seemed like they executed it just a little bit better.
* Centers Artem Anisimov and Brian Boyle were expected to receive more ice time in hopes they would contribute more in the other centers' absences. They both scored a goal!
* Good for Ryan Callahan, dropping the gloves to stick up for himself against Zach Bogosian's borderline charge in the first period.
* The Rangers were in the box 8 times. That equates to at least 16 minutes or one entire period of being short-handed. Not a good way to muster offense.
* Michael Del Zotto (0-2-2), Marian Gaborik (1-1-2), and Ales Kotalik (0-2-2) all put up multi-port performances fo the Rangers.
* Sean Avery, although receiving his first bit of power play time (1:27) in quite a while, seemed to have a couple bad bounces and frustrating play as of late.
* Donald Brashear returned to the line-up tonight for a little over 3 minutes of ice time. Probably spent just as long swinging fists with Atlanta tough-guy Eric Boulton.
* Thrasher Nik Antropov has looked pretty solid as a set-up centerman. Drawing attention to one side and dishing to the slot - such a simple play but so effective.
Henrik Lundqvist, Chris Higgins, Vaclav Prospal Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Eddy Curry Practice Video!! A Whole New Man!
http://www.nba.com/knicks/news/currynate091110.html
I got to say, what an amazing transformation!
Pretty much the exercise advise one can extract from this video is:
1) One Day at a Time
2) 2-a days, long workouts
With the Knicks down 1-7 to start the season - their worst since 2002-03's 1-8 - we may see Eddy Curry enter the Knicks lineup as early as this week!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Drury, Dubinsky Injured in Rangers' 3-1 Loss to Flames - Nov. 7th '09
Game Highlights:
What makes 2006 Vezina-winner Miikka Kiprusoff such an outstanding goaltender is not his size or positioning between the pipes, but rather his control and poise in pressure situations. His ability to see and smother pucks, react around traffic, and handle rebounds is what puts the Flames' backstop among the NHL's elite.
Kiprusoff's stellar goal-tending (32 for 33) combined with Calgary's intense, physical play, allowed the Flames to steal a game in which his teammates were outplayed with the puck - a concept that we are extremely familiar with in New York by the heroics of Henrik Lundqvist. However it was Steve Valiquette (now 2-2-0) who played tonight, his second straight, that put up an admirable performance - although the first goal I think he should have stopped. Nevertheless, you cannot expect to win a game with one goal, as noted by Jaromir Jagr sited in the post-game reaction of last year's playoff elimination, 'Baseball Season.'*
* GO YANKEES!! WORLD SERIES BABY!!!
When I use the words 'intense, physical play' above, I am thinking of the starting 50 seconds into the game when Curtis Glencross concussed Chris Drury with an illegal shoulder-to-head blindsided hit away from the puck. Expect him gone for at least 2 weeks. Brandon Dubinsky's right arm was also apparently fractured, resulting from blocking the slap-shot of Dion Phaneuf, count him out for 2-3 as well.
There were some moments where this game could have gone either way, and I would consider this their 2nd best effort thus far behind the previous outing in Edmonton.
* Former Ranger Nigel Dawes assisted on all 3 goals scored against the Rangers.
* Dan Girardi scored a goal (now 4-4-8) and blocked 7 shots.
* The Rangers are now 10-7-1 (4-5-1 on the road, 6-2-0 at home).
* Donald Brashear sat again, missing his 8th game where he could of been valuable.
With Chris Drury and Brandon Dubinsky immediately out of the line-up, we may see huge opportunities for Artem Anisimov and Brian Boyle and perhaps a look at some Hartford Wolfpack players. With less then $0.7 in available cap-space, the Rangers will be heavily-reliant on their prospects.
Luckily, the Rangers have the two top scoring AHL players in center Corey Locke (9-12-21 in 14 games) and right winger PA Parenteau (9-10-19 in 12 games). It will be interesting to see what happens next.
What makes 2006 Vezina-winner Miikka Kiprusoff such an outstanding goaltender is not his size or positioning between the pipes, but rather his control and poise in pressure situations. His ability to see and smother pucks, react around traffic, and handle rebounds is what puts the Flames' backstop among the NHL's elite.
Kiprusoff's stellar goal-tending (32 for 33) combined with Calgary's intense, physical play, allowed the Flames to steal a game in which his teammates were outplayed with the puck - a concept that we are extremely familiar with in New York by the heroics of Henrik Lundqvist. However it was Steve Valiquette (now 2-2-0) who played tonight, his second straight, that put up an admirable performance - although the first goal I think he should have stopped. Nevertheless, you cannot expect to win a game with one goal, as noted by Jaromir Jagr sited in the post-game reaction of last year's playoff elimination, 'Baseball Season.'*
* GO YANKEES!! WORLD SERIES BABY!!!
When I use the words 'intense, physical play' above, I am thinking of the starting 50 seconds into the game when Curtis Glencross concussed Chris Drury with an illegal shoulder-to-head blindsided hit away from the puck. Expect him gone for at least 2 weeks. Brandon Dubinsky's right arm was also apparently fractured, resulting from blocking the slap-shot of Dion Phaneuf, count him out for 2-3 as well.
There were some moments where this game could have gone either way, and I would consider this their 2nd best effort thus far behind the previous outing in Edmonton.
* Former Ranger Nigel Dawes assisted on all 3 goals scored against the Rangers.
* Dan Girardi scored a goal (now 4-4-8) and blocked 7 shots.
* The Rangers are now 10-7-1 (4-5-1 on the road, 6-2-0 at home).
* Donald Brashear sat again, missing his 8th game where he could of been valuable.
With Chris Drury and Brandon Dubinsky immediately out of the line-up, we may see huge opportunities for Artem Anisimov and Brian Boyle and perhaps a look at some Hartford Wolfpack players. With less then $0.7 in available cap-space, the Rangers will be heavily-reliant on their prospects.
Luckily, the Rangers have the two top scoring AHL players in center Corey Locke (9-12-21 in 14 games) and right winger PA Parenteau (9-10-19 in 12 games). It will be interesting to see what happens next.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Rangers Back To Form In 4-2 Win Over Oilers - Nov. 5th '09
Game Highlights:
Aside from some early carelessness that led to 4 Oilers power plays in the opening 26 minutes, the Rangers put on what can be described as their best performance thus far in the season. The Rangers went 3-for-6 on the power play, out-shot their opponents 39-28 (a new season-high), went 4-for-4 on the penalty kill, and blocked 28 shots (led by Marc Staal with 5) in front of a solid performance by Steve Valiquette to play the complete game.
* Chris Higgins scored his 2nd goal in as many games, with several other amazing opportunities/break-ins. Now this is the player I was talking about!
* Matt Gilroy played a much better game after the loss to the Canucks, and added a nice assist on Chris Higgins' marker. In fact, I noticed a couple instances that these two seemed to connect very nicely and I hope they are on the ice together much more in the future.
* Marc Staal, who is trying to become more offensive, has scored points in 3 of his last 4 games, going 1-2-3 over the span - tying Girardi for 2nd on the team (7) behind Del Zotto (13).
* Ales Kotalik (1-2-3), Ryan Callahan (1-1-2), and Michael Del Zotto (0-1-1) ended their scoring woes that we mentioned in last weekend's 1-0 victory over the Bruins.
Chris Higgins, Ryan Callahan, Steve Valiquette Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Aside from some early carelessness that led to 4 Oilers power plays in the opening 26 minutes, the Rangers put on what can be described as their best performance thus far in the season. The Rangers went 3-for-6 on the power play, out-shot their opponents 39-28 (a new season-high), went 4-for-4 on the penalty kill, and blocked 28 shots (led by Marc Staal with 5) in front of a solid performance by Steve Valiquette to play the complete game.
* Chris Higgins scored his 2nd goal in as many games, with several other amazing opportunities/break-ins. Now this is the player I was talking about!
* Matt Gilroy played a much better game after the loss to the Canucks, and added a nice assist on Chris Higgins' marker. In fact, I noticed a couple instances that these two seemed to connect very nicely and I hope they are on the ice together much more in the future.
* Marc Staal, who is trying to become more offensive, has scored points in 3 of his last 4 games, going 1-2-3 over the span - tying Girardi for 2nd on the team (7) behind Del Zotto (13).
* Ales Kotalik (1-2-3), Ryan Callahan (1-1-2), and Michael Del Zotto (0-1-1) ended their scoring woes that we mentioned in last weekend's 1-0 victory over the Bruins.
Chris Higgins, Ryan Callahan, Steve Valiquette Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Rangers Open Road Trip with 4-1 Loss to Vancouver - November 3rd '09
Game Highlights:
A 10:00 pm (EST) game that rolled over well into November 4th, the Rangers lost tonight to the injury-laden (Luongo, Daniel Sedin) Canucks and their strong, simple hockey. Vancouver's defense featured man-to-man coverages, including the Mitchell-Gaborik shutdown pairing, simple offense featuring players taking smart shots that are open and other players passing to their open team mates. Combine strengths in these basics with strong checking and respectable goaltending and you have a formula that the Rangers just could not match.
The Rangers played a very strong second period, featuring their lone tally in 14 shots (after only garnering 4 shots in the first and 5 in the third).
Rebound-control was the catalyst for at least two of the Vancouver goals, although you can not expect to win a hockey game scoring only one goal. It seems to me that Del Zotto and Kotalik are doing their one-timer shotgun blasts to one another much less frequently. In fact I cannot remember a well-executed combo from this pair in quite a while - since we were winning. Note that Del Zotto has also gone pointless in just as long.
* Vaclav Prospal was named the second alternate captain tonight.
* Enver Lisin sat day-to-day with a sore foot suffered from a blocked shot in the 1-0 win over the Bruins.
* Dane Byers - who remains on the lineup instead of PA Parenteau - amassed 29 penalty minutes in 4:47 ice time - including two 10-minute game misconducts. You will notice that John Tortorella was still playing Byers in the final minutes.. possibly to send a message of toughness back to the squad.
* Speaking of toughness, I've also noticed that along with the losing trend this team has developed that the lineup has not featured the presence of Donald Brashear. Maybe opponents take a split-second more of a precaution in some of their actions when Brashear could be lining them up for a blindsided hit. His value might not be immediately reflected on his stat sheet, but that feeling he imposes on the opposition has a value all of its own. It is well-known in New York.
* Chris Higgins, with a "Thank You God" spoken to the rafters, netted his first goal as a Ranger. Could of easily had a second on his breakaway, too.
* Maybe John Tortorella will finally try Sean Avery with Prospal and Gaborik. Sean Avery is like a magnet for the oppositions' checks and if someone strays to hit Sean, who also has skills along the boards and with the puck, it may open up some ice for #20 and #10. Remember Avery playing with Jagr in the '06-07 playoffs/playoff push?!?
A tough defensemen to keep those rebounds away from Henrik was desperately needed in this loss. Although he does make great plays with his stick in skating situations, Matt Gilroy must get tougher around the net.
Chris Higgins, Dan Girardi, Henrik Lundqvist Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
On to Tom Renney in Edmonton..
A 10:00 pm (EST) game that rolled over well into November 4th, the Rangers lost tonight to the injury-laden (Luongo, Daniel Sedin) Canucks and their strong, simple hockey. Vancouver's defense featured man-to-man coverages, including the Mitchell-Gaborik shutdown pairing, simple offense featuring players taking smart shots that are open and other players passing to their open team mates. Combine strengths in these basics with strong checking and respectable goaltending and you have a formula that the Rangers just could not match.
The Rangers played a very strong second period, featuring their lone tally in 14 shots (after only garnering 4 shots in the first and 5 in the third).
Rebound-control was the catalyst for at least two of the Vancouver goals, although you can not expect to win a hockey game scoring only one goal. It seems to me that Del Zotto and Kotalik are doing their one-timer shotgun blasts to one another much less frequently. In fact I cannot remember a well-executed combo from this pair in quite a while - since we were winning. Note that Del Zotto has also gone pointless in just as long.
* Vaclav Prospal was named the second alternate captain tonight.
* Enver Lisin sat day-to-day with a sore foot suffered from a blocked shot in the 1-0 win over the Bruins.
* Dane Byers - who remains on the lineup instead of PA Parenteau - amassed 29 penalty minutes in 4:47 ice time - including two 10-minute game misconducts. You will notice that John Tortorella was still playing Byers in the final minutes.. possibly to send a message of toughness back to the squad.
* Speaking of toughness, I've also noticed that along with the losing trend this team has developed that the lineup has not featured the presence of Donald Brashear. Maybe opponents take a split-second more of a precaution in some of their actions when Brashear could be lining them up for a blindsided hit. His value might not be immediately reflected on his stat sheet, but that feeling he imposes on the opposition has a value all of its own. It is well-known in New York.
* Chris Higgins, with a "Thank You God" spoken to the rafters, netted his first goal as a Ranger. Could of easily had a second on his breakaway, too.
* Maybe John Tortorella will finally try Sean Avery with Prospal and Gaborik. Sean Avery is like a magnet for the oppositions' checks and if someone strays to hit Sean, who also has skills along the boards and with the puck, it may open up some ice for #20 and #10. Remember Avery playing with Jagr in the '06-07 playoffs/playoff push?!?
A tough defensemen to keep those rebounds away from Henrik was desperately needed in this loss. Although he does make great plays with his stick in skating situations, Matt Gilroy must get tougher around the net.
Chris Higgins, Dan Girardi, Henrik Lundqvist Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
On to Tom Renney in Edmonton..
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Lundqvist Shuts Out Bruins, Rangers Win 1-0, November 1st '09
Game Highlights:
A Boston Bruins team featuring 2-time All-Star ('08 and '09) Marc Savard may not have lost to the Rangers 1-0 in today's 1pm matinee - especially with 5 power plays to aid the Bruins' offense. However it was the Rangers' star Marian Gaborik who scored the game's lone goal, returning from a 2-game hiatus with right-leg soreness.
* Sean Avery was called for a boarding penalty in the 2nd period for what was absolutely a shoulder-to-shoulder hit. Later on in the frame, Zdeno Chara crushed Ryan Callahan face-first into the glass, causing the Rangers' assistant captain to slump to the ice, mouth bloodied, without any calls made.
* Henrik Lundqvist recorded his first shutout of the '09-10 campaign.
* Hopefully just an anomaly on the stat sheet, but several of the higher-scoring Rangers through the first 12 games this season have seem to hit a road block.
Brandon Dubinsky, Michael Del Zotto, Ales Kotalik, Enver Lisin ---- 0 points in 3
Chris Drury, Ryan Callahan ---- 0 points in 6
Chris Higgins ---- 0 points in 12
In the past 7 games (including today's win over the Bruins), the Rangers have been outscored 24-15 and gathered 5 out of a possible 14 points in this span. Hopefully today's home win, perhaps coupled with Marian Gaborik's triumphant return, will help jump-start this team into the group that went 7-1 in their first 8 games, outscoring their opponents 32-15 and gathering 14 out of a possible 16 points.
Marian Gaborik, Ales Kotalik, Henrik Lundqvist Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
A Boston Bruins team featuring 2-time All-Star ('08 and '09) Marc Savard may not have lost to the Rangers 1-0 in today's 1pm matinee - especially with 5 power plays to aid the Bruins' offense. However it was the Rangers' star Marian Gaborik who scored the game's lone goal, returning from a 2-game hiatus with right-leg soreness.
* Sean Avery was called for a boarding penalty in the 2nd period for what was absolutely a shoulder-to-shoulder hit. Later on in the frame, Zdeno Chara crushed Ryan Callahan face-first into the glass, causing the Rangers' assistant captain to slump to the ice, mouth bloodied, without any calls made.
* Henrik Lundqvist recorded his first shutout of the '09-10 campaign.
* Hopefully just an anomaly on the stat sheet, but several of the higher-scoring Rangers through the first 12 games this season have seem to hit a road block.
Brandon Dubinsky, Michael Del Zotto, Ales Kotalik, Enver Lisin ---- 0 points in 3
Chris Drury, Ryan Callahan ---- 0 points in 6
Chris Higgins ---- 0 points in 12
In the past 7 games (including today's win over the Bruins), the Rangers have been outscored 24-15 and gathered 5 out of a possible 14 points in this span. Hopefully today's home win, perhaps coupled with Marian Gaborik's triumphant return, will help jump-start this team into the group that went 7-1 in their first 8 games, outscoring their opponents 32-15 and gathering 14 out of a possible 16 points.
Marian Gaborik, Ales Kotalik, Henrik Lundqvist Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Gaborik Out For Reunion with Wild. Rangers Fall 3-2, October 30th '09
Game Highlights:
Dane Byers, recalled from Hartford to join PA Parenteau, scored his first NHL goal with another added by Marc Staal. However the Minnesota Wild switched to lock-down mode and sat on their lead through the third.
The frustrated Rangers played catch-up nearly the entire contest as Marian Gaborik sat with what was called lower-body soreness. The Rangers trailed 1-0, saw a tie game for 2:16 of the middle frame before the Wild netted two more, and could not equalize in the third. Another poor 2nd period in which the Blueshirts were outscored has carried on a dismal theme for the middle frames of this season. Sean Avery and goal-less Chris Higgins also sat out with soreness.
* Wade Redden has been playing more and more methodically this season. Although #6 does have creative potential on the blue-line, his conservative play has been much less mistake-prone and the glaring scape-goat bulls-eye he played with in '08-09 is much less evident.
* Petr Sykora, who opened the scoring in the first and added a helper on the Wild's 2nd mark, along with Mikko Koivu's assists on Sykora's opener and the Wild's game-winner, were the 2-point scoring heroes for Minnesota.
* Kotalik, Dubinsky, Drury, and Callahan were all held without a point and 1 shot on goal each. When Coach Tortorella tells of 'not getting enough out of players we expect to score' - look at these four.
Although Marian Gaborik's status was questionable for the Rangers' 3-2 regulatsean avery, drury, cion loss to the Wild, there is less to be optimistic about as this game may serve as a marker for how New York performs on the road without #10 - outshot 32-20.
Vaclav Prospal, Dan Girardi, Chris Drury Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Dane Byers, recalled from Hartford to join PA Parenteau, scored his first NHL goal with another added by Marc Staal. However the Minnesota Wild switched to lock-down mode and sat on their lead through the third.
The frustrated Rangers played catch-up nearly the entire contest as Marian Gaborik sat with what was called lower-body soreness. The Rangers trailed 1-0, saw a tie game for 2:16 of the middle frame before the Wild netted two more, and could not equalize in the third. Another poor 2nd period in which the Blueshirts were outscored has carried on a dismal theme for the middle frames of this season. Sean Avery and goal-less Chris Higgins also sat out with soreness.
* Wade Redden has been playing more and more methodically this season. Although #6 does have creative potential on the blue-line, his conservative play has been much less mistake-prone and the glaring scape-goat bulls-eye he played with in '08-09 is much less evident.
* Petr Sykora, who opened the scoring in the first and added a helper on the Wild's 2nd mark, along with Mikko Koivu's assists on Sykora's opener and the Wild's game-winner, were the 2-point scoring heroes for Minnesota.
* Kotalik, Dubinsky, Drury, and Callahan were all held without a point and 1 shot on goal each. When Coach Tortorella tells of 'not getting enough out of players we expect to score' - look at these four.
Although Marian Gaborik's status was questionable for the Rangers' 3-2 regulatsean avery, drury, cion loss to the Wild, there is less to be optimistic about as this game may serve as a marker for how New York performs on the road without #10 - outshot 32-20.
Vaclav Prospal, Dan Girardi, Chris Drury Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
No Gaborik Rangers Drop to Desperate Islanders 3-1, October 28th '09
Game Highlights:
The New York Islanders bested the Rangers today 3-1 for their first regulation win (2nd total) this season. The Islanders came off to a fierce start throwing huge hits, a 2-man forecheck, and a lot of pressure on Henrik Lundqvist by out-hitting and out-hustling the Blueshirts for the majority of the contest. I was pondering the possibility of Coach Tortorella selecting Steve Valiquette for tonight's match-up, however it is questionable at how well Spiderman would have fared against the Islanders' early barrage.
By the way, the only MSG feed available to me in HD was that on MSG+ HD - the Islanders feed. The Knicks' season opener was being broadcast on MSG HD, while the Rangers feed was featured on 'Channel 51' which is normally an irrelevant TV Guide ticker channel. The Devils/Buffalo game was also broadcast on another random channel(151). This makes 4 games (out of 5 total - as the Islanders and Rangers could play other opponents) being covered simultaneously by MSG in the NHL and NBA leagues. MSG only has 2 possibilities for HD, however, with the remaining options being indistinguishable rogue channels.
Some notes on the game:
* Marian Gaborik is day-to-day and expected to return Friday to face the Minnesota Wild. His injury is speculated to be discomfort and unrelated with prior injuries from which he has required surgery or time-off.
* Vaclav Prospal and Ryan Callahan's perfect-looking 2-on-1 ended with the first of 5 heartbreaking post-hits. If those 5 shots that hit the post were able to ricochet towards the net, the score would have been 6-3.
* PA Parenteau, summoned to the line-up in Gaborik's absence, scored his first NHL goal on a broken play in front of the net with a nice rising backhander.
* John Tortorella's forward combinations were quite baffling tonight:
Enver Lisin--Vinny Prospal--Ryan Callahan
Sean Avery--Chris Drury--Ales Kotalik
Chris Higgins--Brandon Dubinsky--P.A. Parenteau
Aaron Voros--Artem Anisimov--Brian Boyle
We know that goal-less Chris Higgins can shoot the puck, and do so around the net. He just needs the confidence to shoot the puck and the line mates that can help make that happen. We touted his high-shooting percentage (2.496 shots/game before becoming a Ranger), which has seen an instant decline (1.846) in his first 13 games [back] in New York - a 26% drop. I would have loved to see a line of Higgins--Prospal--Drury.
I include Chris Drury on this line as a winger because he has been playing like one! He may not have the step and the shot that he had earlier in his career that allowed him to become a scoring-success in the middle. It would also make the center position a bit more open for the skilled Artem Anisimov and play Brian Boyle where he belongs - both of whom represent youth. I also have to mention that whenever Brandon Dubinsky and Chris Drury are on the ice together, it seems there is a blown coverage or an out-of-position forward.
Ryan Callahan plays such a hard-checking game - I think his natural position is further down the lines and on special teams. A lot of times I see the fourth line drive the enemy back into the zone, pin them for a few moments before they get gassed, and come in for a line change. I think Callahan may provide the next few steps this line could use to start turning offensive-zone seconds into scoring threats. Callahan could be double-shifted into a lot of tight-checking situations on the right.
Brandon Dubinsky has shown the ability to slow down the play and dish to linemates who are trying to get open, maybe picked up from his time with Jaromir Jagr. With that in mind, Sean Avery and Ales Kotalik have both shown the ability to score one-timed goals between the dots from feeds like this. I think they would make a great trio, as long as they can play with discipline and stay out of the box.
I would of tried a line-up like this with a much more balanced line-rolling:
Chris Higgins--Vinny Prospal--Chris Drury
Sean Avery--Brandon Dubinsky--Ales Kotalik
Enver Lisin--Artem Anisimov--P.A. Parenteau
Aaron Voros--Brian Boyle--Ryan Callahan
Henrik Lundqvist Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
The New York Islanders bested the Rangers today 3-1 for their first regulation win (2nd total) this season. The Islanders came off to a fierce start throwing huge hits, a 2-man forecheck, and a lot of pressure on Henrik Lundqvist by out-hitting and out-hustling the Blueshirts for the majority of the contest. I was pondering the possibility of Coach Tortorella selecting Steve Valiquette for tonight's match-up, however it is questionable at how well Spiderman would have fared against the Islanders' early barrage.
By the way, the only MSG feed available to me in HD was that on MSG+ HD - the Islanders feed. The Knicks' season opener was being broadcast on MSG HD, while the Rangers feed was featured on 'Channel 51' which is normally an irrelevant TV Guide ticker channel. The Devils/Buffalo game was also broadcast on another random channel(151). This makes 4 games (out of 5 total - as the Islanders and Rangers could play other opponents) being covered simultaneously by MSG in the NHL and NBA leagues. MSG only has 2 possibilities for HD, however, with the remaining options being indistinguishable rogue channels.
Some notes on the game:
* Marian Gaborik is day-to-day and expected to return Friday to face the Minnesota Wild. His injury is speculated to be discomfort and unrelated with prior injuries from which he has required surgery or time-off.
* Vaclav Prospal and Ryan Callahan's perfect-looking 2-on-1 ended with the first of 5 heartbreaking post-hits. If those 5 shots that hit the post were able to ricochet towards the net, the score would have been 6-3.
* PA Parenteau, summoned to the line-up in Gaborik's absence, scored his first NHL goal on a broken play in front of the net with a nice rising backhander.
* John Tortorella's forward combinations were quite baffling tonight:
Enver Lisin--Vinny Prospal--Ryan Callahan
Sean Avery--Chris Drury--Ales Kotalik
Chris Higgins--Brandon Dubinsky--P.A. Parenteau
Aaron Voros--Artem Anisimov--Brian Boyle
We know that goal-less Chris Higgins can shoot the puck, and do so around the net. He just needs the confidence to shoot the puck and the line mates that can help make that happen. We touted his high-shooting percentage (2.496 shots/game before becoming a Ranger), which has seen an instant decline (1.846) in his first 13 games [back] in New York - a 26% drop. I would have loved to see a line of Higgins--Prospal--Drury.
I include Chris Drury on this line as a winger because he has been playing like one! He may not have the step and the shot that he had earlier in his career that allowed him to become a scoring-success in the middle. It would also make the center position a bit more open for the skilled Artem Anisimov and play Brian Boyle where he belongs - both of whom represent youth. I also have to mention that whenever Brandon Dubinsky and Chris Drury are on the ice together, it seems there is a blown coverage or an out-of-position forward.
Ryan Callahan plays such a hard-checking game - I think his natural position is further down the lines and on special teams. A lot of times I see the fourth line drive the enemy back into the zone, pin them for a few moments before they get gassed, and come in for a line change. I think Callahan may provide the next few steps this line could use to start turning offensive-zone seconds into scoring threats. Callahan could be double-shifted into a lot of tight-checking situations on the right.
Brandon Dubinsky has shown the ability to slow down the play and dish to linemates who are trying to get open, maybe picked up from his time with Jaromir Jagr. With that in mind, Sean Avery and Ales Kotalik have both shown the ability to score one-timed goals between the dots from feeds like this. I think they would make a great trio, as long as they can play with discipline and stay out of the box.
I would of tried a line-up like this with a much more balanced line-rolling:
Chris Higgins--Vinny Prospal--Chris Drury
Sean Avery--Brandon Dubinsky--Ales Kotalik
Enver Lisin--Artem Anisimov--P.A. Parenteau
Aaron Voros--Brian Boyle--Ryan Callahan
Henrik Lundqvist Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
Monday, October 26, 2009
Gaborik Hurt? Rangers, Lisin End Losing Streak at 3 Against Coyotes 5-2 - October 26th '09
Game Highlights:
A 4-0 lead against the speedy Coyotes was cut in half after the Rangers experienced a dreadful finish to the second period. Enver Lisin scored a goal against his former team and added an assist, bringing him to a notable 3-5-8 over 11 games this season; seeing him climb the lines on the roster as well. The recent 3-game winless streak (0-2-1) was brought to an end.
* Marian Gaborik (2-1-3) left the third period with about 6 minutes remaining flexing his right leg. He was spotted reaching down on his right side and wincing on the bench, having a brief word with medical trainer Jim Ramsay, and then limping to the trainers room.
Marian Gaborik later specified that it was not related to his groin or hip, from which he received season-crippling surgery for last year, but would not elaborate on the precise problem. Joe Micheletti hypothesized that it may have been a twisted ankle suffered after going toe-to-toe with Petr Prucha while heading to the bench at the end of a shift together with the fact that he was seen reaching on the bench before heading to the locker room.
When the press asked Gaborik if he would be participating in the Rangers' 12:00 practice tomorrow, he responded "We'll see how it is in the morning. I collided with one of their players, but it's nothing major. It happened with about five minutes left and the game was pretty much over."
I am not alarmed with the severity of this "injury" and do not expect Gaborik will miss any games. I think he was just leaving the ice as a pre-caution, and it stirs memories of Jaromir Jagr doing the same, if not impulsively. John Tortorella added that the game was in hand when Gaborik went to the locker room.
* Vaclav Prospal (1-2-3) and Michael Del Zotto (0-2-2) continued their stellar scoring performances. Vaclav Prospal's contract and performance analysis will put a lot of pressure on the underachievers, and Del Zotto is already making a bid for a number of records including Rookie of the Year.
* Chris Higgins came up empty handed again, although he did receive 2:16 of power play time. He did have many great opportunities and played a much more spirited game. Seems like he got the message.
* Donald Brashear scored his first point (0-1-1) as a Ranger and played a solid come-back game [except for his last-minute penalty] following his brief absence from the lineup.
Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan, Vaclav Prospal, Henrik Lundqvist Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
A 4-0 lead against the speedy Coyotes was cut in half after the Rangers experienced a dreadful finish to the second period. Enver Lisin scored a goal against his former team and added an assist, bringing him to a notable 3-5-8 over 11 games this season; seeing him climb the lines on the roster as well. The recent 3-game winless streak (0-2-1) was brought to an end.
* Marian Gaborik (2-1-3) left the third period with about 6 minutes remaining flexing his right leg. He was spotted reaching down on his right side and wincing on the bench, having a brief word with medical trainer Jim Ramsay, and then limping to the trainers room.
Marian Gaborik later specified that it was not related to his groin or hip, from which he received season-crippling surgery for last year, but would not elaborate on the precise problem. Joe Micheletti hypothesized that it may have been a twisted ankle suffered after going toe-to-toe with Petr Prucha while heading to the bench at the end of a shift together with the fact that he was seen reaching on the bench before heading to the locker room.
When the press asked Gaborik if he would be participating in the Rangers' 12:00 practice tomorrow, he responded "We'll see how it is in the morning. I collided with one of their players, but it's nothing major. It happened with about five minutes left and the game was pretty much over."
I am not alarmed with the severity of this "injury" and do not expect Gaborik will miss any games. I think he was just leaving the ice as a pre-caution, and it stirs memories of Jaromir Jagr doing the same, if not impulsively. John Tortorella added that the game was in hand when Gaborik went to the locker room.
* Vaclav Prospal (1-2-3) and Michael Del Zotto (0-2-2) continued their stellar scoring performances. Vaclav Prospal's contract and performance analysis will put a lot of pressure on the underachievers, and Del Zotto is already making a bid for a number of records including Rookie of the Year.
* Chris Higgins came up empty handed again, although he did receive 2:16 of power play time. He did have many great opportunities and played a much more spirited game. Seems like he got the message.
* Donald Brashear scored his first point (0-1-1) as a Ranger and played a solid come-back game [except for his last-minute penalty] following his brief absence from the lineup.
Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan, Vaclav Prospal, Henrik Lundqvist Post-Game:
John Tortorella Post-Game:
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