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:
Sunday, November 29, 2009
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:
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