Blues and Bruins set for Stanley Cup rematch 49 years later

Posted on May 27, 2019 by Derek

Tuukka Rask and the Bruins are on a mission. They’re the favorites to win the Stanley Cup versus the storybook Blues. AP Photo via Getty Images.

In less than two hours, the puck will drop on another Stanley Cup. On Memorial Day when we honor and remember veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, the Blues and Bruins get going tonight in Game One up in Boston.

Yes, it’s once again another Boston team chasing a championship. Haven’t they won enough recently? The Red Sox dominated 2018 by winning a fourth World Series in 14 years. The Patriots just won another Super Bowl in February led by the game’s greatest quarterback, Tom Brady. I know I’ll catch flak for that. Go right ahead. Who’s better?

Now, here are the Boston Bruins aiming to add a second Cup after winning it eight years ago. They could be going for number three this decade if not for a wild finish to an epic Game Six won by the Blackhawks in 2013. Let’s just say the name Dave Bolland is one that probably is cursed in Quincy Market. If [insert Yankees] sucks along with anything New York in this town, just imagine the intense disdain they have for Bolland and Aaron Bleeping Boone, who replaced Bucky Bleeping Dent following his game-winning walk off home run in Game Seven of the 2003 ALCS.

As dominant as the Bruins have been in sweeping the Hurricanes (that happened some time this month), the Blues are here due to their grit and tenacity. After getting one of the worst missed calls in an exasperating Game Three overtime loss to the Sharks, they responded like champions by winning the next three games to take the Western Conference Final in six.

Leading goalscorer Jaden Schwartz and dangerous finisher Vladimir Tarasenko have had help thanks to a strong supporting cast. Hometown hero Pat Maroon was responsible for sending them to the Conference Finals with his goal in sudden death that beat the Stars. He’s been one of a few Blues that have supplied scoring depth.

Tyler Bozak, Oskar Sundqvist and promising rookie Robert Thomas have all provided offense at key moments. Veteran Alex Steen now plays a fourth line supporting role along with Ivan Barbashev and Sammy Blais. Even Robert Bortuzzo scored a huge goal for a game-winner against San Jose during the run.

Rookie Jordan Binnington has held it together in net for Coach Of The Year candidate Craig Berube, who never ever panics. That much was evident following the bad break when the four officials somehow didn’t see a hand pass by Timo Meier that allowed Erik Karlsson to score the OT winner in Game Three last round. It typifies how poor the officiating has been this postseason.

St. Louis moved on and won Game Four by hanging on despite a couple of icings from captain Alex Pietrangelo. After that victory, they dominated the final two games against a wounded Sharks, who were without Karlsson and Tomas Hertl in Game Six. Neither lasted a one-sided Game Five.

The Blues do it by pounding the opposition with a relentless forecheck. They’re very physical. The fourth line set the tone in the series turning Game Four when Barbashev scored in the first minute on a forced Brent Burns turnover.

They also boast one of the game’s best two-way centers in Ryan O’Reilly. His 14 points include 11 assists, which is tied with Pietrangelo for first on the team. He takes most of the key face-offs, and is a key penalty killer. David Perron lends support behind the trio of Schwartz, O’Reilly and Tarasenko.

The St. Louis blueline is led by Pietrangelo and Colton Parayko. Both are right defensemen who are good at keeping pucks in. They each boast big shots. They get the bulk of the minutes followed by vet Jay Bouwmeester, who is playing in his first Stanley Cup. Joel Edmundson, Bortuzzo and Carl Gunnarson receive secondary minutes based on match-ups. Having Vince Dunn available would really boost their chances. He’s a superb left skating defenseman with offensive capability. A very good transition player.

How do these Blues compare with the Bruins? Boston boasts one of the best scoring lines in hockey. The cohesive trio of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak (Pasta) are a nightmare for opponents due to their lethal combination of skill, grit and speed. They can beat you in transition due to being defensively responsible, or they can hurt you on the forecheck.

Particularly Marchand, who’s everyone’s favorite super pest. The Rat leads Boston in scoring with 18 points (7-11-18). After posting his first ever 100-point season, which was ignored by biased writers due to his antics, Marchand is proving he’s a top 10 player who should be up for the Hart. They may not like him. But he is relentless. The game’s best shorthanded player (26 shorthanded goals since ’10-11) is out to prove something. On Media Day, he admitted that the pain of losing in ’13 still lingers.

The Bruins have more scoring balance than the Blues. Entering this round, six different Boston players have at least 12 points. Following Marchand is emerging star Pastrnak. He has seven goals and right assists in his first deep playoff run. Just 22, he’s already established himself as one of the premier forwards in the league. Combining his skill with Marchand’s tenacity gives Boston a lethal 1-2 punch on the power play. Watch out for the playmaking of Marchand. He can set up either Pastrnak or Bergeron (8 goals) for power play goals. That’s if he’s not doing the finishing himself.

Bergeron has been one of the best players in hockey for over a decade. Stolen by Boston with the 45th pick in the famed ’03 Draft, he is a true three zone player. A multiple Selke winner who can do damage five-on-five, power play or shorthanded, he’s as good as it gets in clutch situations. Just ask Maple Leaf fans. Mention 2013.

It’s up to O’Reilly to stifle the Bergeron line. He’s younger and certainly capable. If his line can limit their attack while playing in the Boston zone, then the Blues have a chance. But they better get something from Brayden Schenn. He’s been almost invisible so far. He’s too good a player to not do anything.

The dilemma for St. Louis is the Bruins also have one of the best playoff performers in underrated pivot David Krejci. Like Bergeron, he can take and win big draws. He’s also very tough on the cycle. So far, he’s been healthy. Unlike past years, Krejci is playing excellent hockey. After only missing a game in a 73-point season, the veteran pivot has 14 points during this run. He and speedster Jake Debrusk have good chemistry. Even though he only has three goals in the postseason, don’t let that fool you. He’s one of the fastest skaters, who can get breakaways due to his explosiveness. Keep an eye on Debrusk this series.

Boston seems to have pushed the right buttons. Both Charlie Coyle and Marcus Johansson have been great pick ups. Coyle was their best center in the seven-game triumph over Toronto. He also killed Columbus with a game-tying and game-winning goal in a comeback victory.

Coach Bruce Cassidy seems to push all the right buttons. When his team needed a physical lift, he reinserted veteran David Backes. Ironically the former Blues captain, that’s a huge subplot. How will he perform against his former team? They let him go where he signed a big contract with Boston. He’s not the same player due to the physical style he plays. I think he’ll be highly motivated.

It would be a oversight if I don’t mention the impact of Sean Kuraly. Ever since the fourth line pivot returned to finish off the Leafs, he’s made a difference. He isn’t a sexy name in this series. But the relentless checking he brings along with his speed and defensive acumen on the penalty kill are important to Boston. Kuraly gives the Bruins a decided edge at the center position with Coyle. I’m not sure the Blues can match them. It’ll depend on Schenn and Bozak.

For all the hoopla surrounding Zdeno Chara and Charlie McAvoy on the Boston back end, it’s the supporting cast that’s stepped up. Torey Krug is the offensive defenseman who can step up. But Matt Grzelcyk and Connor Clifton are overlooked. Brandon Carlo gets heavy minutes without any fanfare. He’s a physical presence who defends well. It was his big defensive play that forced Artemi Panarin into a gigantic turnover that resulted in a crushing Pastrnak goal that Columbus never recovered from.

There are some questions surrounding Chara’s health. He missed Game Four last round. But has had plenty of time to recover. McAvoy is the key to that top pair. As experienced as Chara is, McAvoy covers up a lot of the future Hall of Famer’s mistakes. Chara is arguably the best leader in hockey. He’ll make the subtle plays. The Blues want to apply pressure on him.

If there’s a big contrast, it’s in goal. While Binnington has come out of nowhere to get the Blues to their first Stanley Cup Final since 1970 when they were swept by the Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito Bruins, Tuukka Rask is as good as it gets. He’s having the best postseason by a goalie since former teammate Tim Thomas backstopped the Bruins to its first Cup since ’72. Thomas won the Conn Smythe. He wouldn’t allow them to lose to the Canucks despite trailing 2-0 and 3-2 in a memorable seven-game series.

Rask was unbelievable in the last two rounds. After stoning the Blue Jackets by winning three straight, he was a brick wall in Boston’s sweep of the Hurricanes. They only scored five times on him. In his last seven games (all wins), Rask has allowed nine goals. He’s never played better. How will the long layoff affect him?

If he remains as calm and as locked in as he’s been, the Blues have no chance. Rask enters the Stanley Cup with a 1.84 GAA and .942 save percentage with two shutouts. It’s easy to forget that he’s a former Vezina winner who’s taken some ridiculous criticism from unappreciative Boston fans. Shocking. He looks like he’s on a mission. A Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe would vault him into some serious conversation.

The pick is the Bruins. They have the home ice which could be huge if it goes seven. I am not big on home ice. But in a Stanley Cup high pressure situation, that matters. It helped the Devils win in ’03. Of course, the ’09 Penguins and ’11 Bruins are proof that the road team can win Game Seven.

If you’re asking me who has better fans, it’s the Blues. Those fans have waited a long time for this moment. Forty nine years for this rematch. When St. Louis came in during Expansion, they reached the Stanley Cup Final in their first three years. They’ve never won a Stanley Cup game. One win and they make franchise history. But they’re here for a different reason with something bigger in mind.

I’ll be rooting for the Blues. They’re likable and I’m sick and tired of Boston winning everything. With the exception of a few I know, most of their fans are annoying. Maybe it’s the stench of the Red Sox and Patriots.

Asked how many games, I actually took Boston in 5. I was told I’m disrespecting St. Louis. Maybe. I think the Bruins match up better at every position. Binnington will need to stand on his head and outplay Rask. I’m not saying it isn’t possible. I just wonder if Tarasenko will disappear against the tenacious checking of the Bruins. Is Schwartz going to continue to score?

The Bruins have more scoring threats. That concerns me. Here’s hoping I’m wrong and we get a classic series. Let’s Go Blues!

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Led by Kevin Lankinen, Finland takes gold at World Championships

Posted on May 27, 2019 by Derek

Gold medal winner Finland was led by Kevin Lankinen at the World Championships. AP Photo courtesy Detroit News.

As it turned out, nobody had better team chemistry than Finland. It didn’t matter that they lacked proven NHL stars. Suomi more than made up for it with good overall play and stellar goaltending from hero Kevin Lankinen.

That was enough to take gold at the 2019 World Championships in Bratislava. After shutting out the powerful Russians in the semifinals, Lankinen allowed one goal to runner up Canada in a 3-1 victory on Sunday. He was tremendous for Finland throughout the tournament, finishing with a World Championship best 1.50 GAA (goals-against-average) and .942 save percentage.

Facing the two winners of each Group in the single elimination round, Lankinen stopped 75 of 76 total shots to backstop Finland to the gold medal at the Worlds. That included a 32 save shutout in a 1-0 upset of Russia. Marko Anttila scored the only goal with 9:42 left in regulation. The 24-year old Lankinen made it stand up by thwarting the likes of Nikita Kucherov, Evgeni Malkin, Alex Ovechkin, Evgeni Kuznetsov, Evgeni Dadonov, Kirill Kaprizov and Nikita Gusev.

After beating one of the best teams Russia had ever sent, for an encore, he held Canada to one goal on 44 shots yesterday. The only tally came from defenseman Shea Theodore at 10:02 of the first period on a breakaway. Canada led until Anttila tied it up with a power play goal at 22:35 of the second period. The Finland captain also got the tournament winner in the third. Harri Pesonen added the insurance marker with 4:06 left.

Finland was led by 18-year old forward Kaapo Kakko. The big right wing scored six goals and added a helper in the preliminary stage. Even though the teenager didn’t register a point in the knockout stage, he certainly established himself. Kakko’s combination of size, speed, skill and strength were on display in the tournament. Whether he goes first or second in next June’s NHL Draft, Kakko is ready.

Canada had a good roster that took silver. It wasn’t on par with Russia, who settled for the bronze by posting a 3-2 shootout win over the Czech Republic. The Canadians were led by Tournament MVP Mark Stone. He paced all skaters in goals (8) including the clutch overtime winner to stun Switzerland in the quarters. That came following Damon Severson’s miraculous tying goal with 0.4 seconds left.

Stone was great on the big stage adding a goal and assist in Canada’s 5-1 semifinal win over the Czech Republic. He tied with teammate Anthony Mantha for fifth in scoring with 14 points (8-6-14). Along with tournament leader William Nylander (5-13-18), Mantha was a breakout star finishing with seven goals and seven assists.

For Russia, both Kucherov (6-10-16) and Gusev (4-12-16) tied for the team lead in scoring. Gusev will likely play for the Golden Knights this Fall. If he does, adding him to a nucleus that includes Stone, Jonathan Marchessault, Max Pacioretty, Paul Stastny and key RFA William Karlsson will make them even more formidable.

Team USA was led by Patrick Kane. His dozen points (2-10-12) paced a roster that never showed enough consistency to contend for a medal. Kane’s Blackhawks teammate Alex DeBrincat potted seven goals while adding two assists. The 40-goal man will be heard from for years on an aging Chicago roster that’ll need more youth to stay competitive.

As brilliant as Kane and Jonathan Toews are, they’re getting older. Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook are near the end and Corey Crawford has battled concussions the past two years. He turns 35 on New Year’s Eve.

Is it possible that one day Lankinen supplants Crawford as the Blackhawks starter? They signed the Finn last year. A proven performer for HIFK Helsinki of the SM-liiga, winning gold for his country could give him the confidence boost as he enters his second pro season in North America. In 19 games for Rockford of the AHL, he went 7-12-1 with a 2.50 GAA and .910 save percentage.

Collin Delia and Anton Forsberg have NHL experience. But neither is overwhelming. Former Stanley Cup champion Cam Ward was the Chicago backup in 18-19. He’s unrestricted this summer.

Maybe we see Lankinen in the future for the Hawks. Who knows? It’s happened before. You never know when a unknown player who stars on the international stage will get enough recognition to finally make it to the NHL. Mats Zuccarello, anyone? Artemi Panarin? Time will tell.

Congrats to Finland!

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Disappointing tournament for Lundqvist worrisome for Rangers

Posted on May 26, 2019 by Derek

Nobody likes to be the harbinger of bad news. Especially when it comes to a star player who’s clearly seen their better days.

Great players break down. It’s a hard reality for fans to accept. Even the legendary Willie Mays struggled in center field when he concluded his career with the Mets. Martin Brodeur ended his career in obscurity with the Blues. Hardly the way any Devil fans envisioned.

The Rangers are facing a similar situation with Henrik Lundqvist. A future Hall of Famer, the affable 37-year old franchise goalie has been a Broadway staple. Since he entered the NHL as a bright eyed rookie in ’05-06, the 2000 seventh round gem has been brilliant for the Blueshirts. He backstopped three very good teams to the Conference Finals and a Stanley Cup Final.

The ’11-12 Vezina winner has won a franchise record 449 games including a team record 63 shutouts. In 857 career games, he’s 449-298-93 with a 2.41 GAA and .918 save percentage. After leading the Rangers to the postseason in 11 of his first 12 years, Lundqvist has slowed down the past two frustrating seasons. Following putting up a respectable .915 save percentage in 63 games during a playoff less ’17-18, he slipped to a career worst .907 in 52 starts this past season. That included an 18-23-10 record with a 3.07 GAA and no shutouts. The first time in his career he didn’t record one during a season.

Rebuilding is a long process. It has to be especially tough on a prideful man who demands the very best out of himself and the team. Following the All-Star break, he didn’t play as much due to rookie Alexandar Georgiev. In his first season, the 23-year old from Bulgaria finished strong. He won 14 games in 30 starts while putting up a 2.91 GAA, .914 save percentage and two shutouts.

Georgiev’s good finish opened eyes. With top prospect Igor Shesterkin signed, Rangers brass will have a close eye on both young netminders with the future in mind.

Where does that leave Lundqvist? He could’ve accepted a trade over a year ago to go to a contender. But he wanted to stay. He’s a very loyal player, who loves being a Ranger. Signed through 2021, it’s coming to an end soon. With a hefty cap hit of $8.5 million AAV, it’s hard to see new Team President John Davidson and GM Jeff Gorton keeping him. Once the contract expires, it’s anyone’s guess what will happen.

The discouraging thing is Lundqvist did nothing to help himself in the IIHF World Championships. Playing for a loaded Sweden that featured Elias Pettersson, William Nylander, Gabriel Landeskog, Patric Hornqvist, Elias Lindholm, Alex Wennberg, John Klingberg and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, the veteran goaltender struggled in the tournament.

In a crushing 5-4 overtime defeat to Finland in the quarterfinals, he allowed some bad goals. Sweden blew leads of 3-1 and 4-3 in the disappointing loss. A Finland team without an NHL player advanced when Sakari Manninen beat Lundqvist from the left circle with a unscreened shot that went high glove. It wasn’t the worst goal he let in. The game’s first goal to Niko Mikkola was a routine shot from distance that eluded him.

It wasn’t a good tournament for Lundqvist. He finished with a 2.84 GAA and subpar .887 save percentage. In a tourney where lesser known goalies such as Finland’s Kevin Lankinen, Swiss netminder Leonardo Genoni and Germany’s Mathias Niederberger shined, Lundqvist was one of the worst goalies in the big event.

What does it mean? It’s hard to say. What I do know is he’ll have to look a lot better following the summer vacation. If it doesn’t change, I can’t think of a good reason he should be the full time starter. His workload should continue to be micromanaged. At this point, 40-45 starts seems realistic.

Unless he rediscovers the form that made him one of the game’s best at the position, Georgiev and eventually Shesterkin should have every chance to show what they can do.

This isn’t to say it’s over for Lundqvist. There are still two years left to play. It’s getting increasingly hard to see where he fits in.

The good news is that whoever they wind up with as a consolation prize between Jack Hughes and Kaapo Kakko, that’ll kickstart the rebuild in the right direction. It’s too early to get into what will happen this July. We’ll leave that for JD and Gorton.

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Jack Hughes has best game in Team USA elimination at Worlds

Posted on May 23, 2019 by Derek

It was quarterfinal day at the World Championships in Slovakia. Two of the four games went to overtime. Three were decided by a goal.

That included Team USA against Russia. A game won by the more skilled Russians, 4-3. It’s not surprising that they lost the quarter.

Russia was stacked. They boast elite talent including Nikita Kucherov, Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, Evgeni Kuznetsov, Evgeni Dadonov and Andrei Vasilevskiy. Not to mention two of the best non NHLers in Nikita Gusev and Karill Kaprizov.

Gusev had a goal and two assists while Kaprizov notched a goal in the win. Mikhail Sergachev also went 1-2-3. Mikhail Grigorenko tallied.

In a losing effort, Jack Hughes had his best game of the tournament. He picked up two assists, finishing plus-2 with two shots and a takeaway in 12:52 of ice-time. He set up Noah Hanifin for one American goal. Ranger defenseman Brady Skjei had the other goal for Team USA.

https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1131591362162380801?s=19

The projected top pick also was involved in leading USA sniper Alex DeBrincat’s seventh that cut the deficit to 4-3 with 2:50 left in regulation. He fed Patrick Kane, who threaded the needle across for a perfect DeBrincat one-timer past Vasilevskiy to give the Americans a chance late. Hughes was in the right place looking for a deflection on the goal. For his effort, he was awarded with Player of the Game.

Team USA was unable to tie the game in the closing moments, allowing Russia to hold on. They advanced to the semifinals where they’ll meet Finland. They were 5-4 overtime winners over rival Sweden in come from behind fashion.

The other semifinal will feature Canada against Czech Republic. It almost didn’t happen. The Canadians needed a last second tying goal from Damon Severson to force overtime against pesky Switzerland. After having his first shot blocked, the Devil defenseman had the puck come right back to him for a shot that trickled past Swiss netminder Leonardo Genoni with only 0.4 seconds remaining.

In the new three-on-three format that lasts 10 minutes, Mark Stone won it when he tipped in a brilliant Pierre-Luc Dubois pass into an open net to convert a two-on-one. That gave Canada a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over a heartbroken Switzerland. They’ll next face the Czech Republic, who ousted Germany 5-1.

Most encouraging is how Hughes performed against tough competition. He received lots of praise for how he played in an elimination game.

The knock on the smaller Hughes is that he could be pushed around. That wasn’t the case today. He was very good and definitely helped himself. It’ll be interesting to see what the Devils decide next month. They can fill the center slot with Hughes or go with size and strength in Kaapo Kakko.

Whoever they choose will give the Hudson rival Rangers a good consolation prize. See you at the Draft.

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Oh Baby! Rangers introduce Davidson as new Team President

Posted on May 22, 2019 by Derek

The Rangers made it official. Earlier today, they introduced John Davidson as new Team President. Davidson takes over the day to day operations from recently retired Glen Sather. With it comes a lot of responsibility.

Having necessary experience with Columbus and St. Louis should help. Davidson made the smooth transition from the broadcast booth to the front office. He helped rebuild the Blues and more recently, the Blue Jackets. Even though neither organization achieved ultimate success resulting in a championship, they both improved under him.

Something he noted was that seeing the current Blues finally return to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1970, he was partially responsible for. Though many names have changed, he was there when they drafted Vladimir Tarasenko in 2010. The star Blues forward has eight goals and five assists during their playoff run. He’s scored 30 or more goals the last five seasons.

Leading goalscorer Jaden Schwartz is right behind Boston netminder Tuukka Rask for the Conn Smythe. He will enter the Stanley Cup round with 12 goals and four helpers. St. Louis captain Alex Pietrangelo has been there for a decade after he was taken third overall in ’08. Colton Parayko also was one of the last draft picks that Davidson was involved in. He went number 86 in the 2012 Draft. So, their two best defensemen and two best finishers are staples of the current group aiming to make history.

One thing I like about JD is his sincerity. When speaking about what the Rangers have done since last year, he emphasized that he’ll have to be patient. Something that is a good message to the fans. Some of who might be getting ahead of themselves as far as building a championship contender is concerned. It takes some time.

That’s even true if Davidson convinces Artemi Panarin to come to the Big Apple in July. That’s why I’m against temporary solutions like Erik Karlsson, who finally broke down in the Conference Final when the Sharks needed him most. I like him as a player, but the multiple injuries he’s played through in runs with Ottawa and San Jose, make him a huge long-term risk for any team that signs him.

Panarin isn’t that big a risk due to having just completed his fourth NHL season. He should have a lot of peak years left. That’s why I’ve changed my mind on signing him. I’ll lay that out in another post. When asked by a reporter about Panarin, Davidson wisely didn’t comment. By NHL rule, he can’t. That’s what I was trying to tell excellent NHL.com writer Dan Rosen.

At the top of the hour, Davidson will join former broadcast partner Sam Rosen on MSG 150. OH BABY! That’ll be a must watch for any Ranger fan. Sam and JD have given us so many memories including that special hot summer night on June 14, 1994.

It’s a very exciting day. Especially when you think of what JD has meant to the organization first as a player, and then as the best color analyst in hockey. Ask Doc Emrick about that. Both he and Rosen know how special Davidson was in the booth. They’re all Hall of Famers.

Now, it’s a new challenge. Bringing respectability back to the franchise while continuing to mold it into a team we can be proud of for years to come. The work has just begun.

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Rangers boost D prospect depth by signing Yegor Rykov to entry level contract

Posted on May 20, 2019 by Derek

Earlier today, the Rangers made it official. They signed defenseman Yegor Rykov to an entry level contract.

Acquired from the Devils as part of the Michael Grabner trade that also fetched a 2018 second round pick last year, the 22-year old Russian will make the transition from the KHL to North America this Fall. Whether it starts in the AHL or NHL depends on how he does in training camp.

Originally a Devils fifth round pick in 2016, Rykov spent the past few years in Russia where he played mostly with St. Petersburg SKA before moving to Sochi HC last season. In 47 games, he had three goals and six assists with 19 penalty minutes and a minus-4 rating. He added three helpers in six postseason contests. His best output came with SKA in ’17-18 when he posted 12 helpers and 14 points over 53 games.

A left skating defenseman, he’s listed at 6-3, 225 pounds by the Rangers website. Interestingly, Rykov paced HC Sochi skaters in ice-time averaging 21:36 during the 2019 Gagarin Cup Playoffs. His three assists paced all defensemen on the club. The three points tied for third overall on the team.

Due to his age, the ELC is only for two years. So, we’ll see how the Rangers manage him. Given the depth they boast in the system due to adding Hobey Baker finalist Adam Fox to a prospect pool that includes Libor Hajek, Ryan Lindgren, K’Andre Miller, Nils Lundkvist among the notables, it gives the organization with another young player to look at. A surplus of D is never a bad thing.

Currently, the Rangers still have veterans Kevin Shattenkirk, Brendan Smith and Marc Staal. The younger blueliners include Tony DeAngelo, Neal Pionk and Brady Skjei. Both DeAngelo and Pionk are Group II free agents this summer. If they make changes, Pionk could be moved. That largely could depend on what happens this offseason and September. Fredrik Claesson is unrestricted. John Gilmour will leave following a career year with the Wolf Pack.

Both Hajek and Lindgren should have the inside track to making the NHL roster due to each playing five games for the Blueshirts in ’18-19. They’ll likely compete with Fox and Pionk (assuming he’s still here) in camp.

I’ll wait and see before drawing any conclusions on Rykov.

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John Davidson is coming home! Rangers hire JD as new Team President

Posted on May 17, 2019 by Derek

Oh Baby! John Davidson is the new Rangers Team President. AP Photo courtesy Getty Images.

Welcome back JD! After spending 13 years away from MSG, John Davidson is coming home. He was officially named the new Team President of the Rangers today.

A move that had been anticipated once Glen Sather stepped down, Davidson will now assume the role for the team he carried to the 1979 Stanley Cup Final. He served as President of the Blues and Blue Jackets. He helped rebuild both clubs in the front office.

First, he returned to St. Louis, where he started his NHL career. Following a very successful stint as a color analyst for the Rangers from 1986-87 through ’05-06, Davidson took over as Team President for the Blues. A role he served until October 2012.

After helping rebuild St. Louis, he was hired by the Blue Jackets the same month. He did a good job with Columbus too. He hired current GM Jarmo Kekalainen in January 2013. A move that helped stabilize the franchise. It was also under Davidson that former Rangers coach John Tortorella was brought in to replace Todd Richards due to a poor start in October 2015.

They’ve made three consecutive postseasons for the first time, and recently won their first series in a huge upset of the Lightning. They stunned the President’s Trophy winners by sweeping them to advance to the second round for the first time in franchise history. After taking a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference Semifinal, they lost three in a row to the Bruins to lose the Atlantic Division Final in six. Boston has been on a roll ever since, sweeping the Hurricanes last night to reach the Stanley Cup Final.

With the future in Columbus looking bleak due to the expected departure of Russian stars Sergei Bobrovsky and Artemi Panarin, Davidson left his post earlier today to take the job with the Rangers.

A huge fan favorite, JD as he’s known received some of the loudest cheers when he was announced during the emotional 25-Year Anniversary of the ’93-94 Rangers. This time, he’s back in a much more important role that’ll help determine the future of the club.

It’ll be up to Davidson and current GM Jeff Gorton to continue to make wise moves that’ll bring the Rangers back to respectability. Having the second pick in the Draft definitely helps a lot. Especially when you have two franchise players going 1-2. Whether it’s Jack Hughes or Kaapo Kakko, it’ll set them up for the future.

How much of an impact will JD have if any on whether Panarin chooses the Rangers or the rumored Panthers, who are expected to go hard after Bobrovsky and the Bread Man? That remains to be seen.

If you’re not excited about the return of Davidson, then you might want to lock yourself in a cave. It’s better following what the Blueshirts do than the unmitigated disaster going on in the NHL Playoffs.

Oh Baby!!!!!

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Kaapo Kakko leads Finland to 3-1 win over Denmark

Posted on May 16, 2019 by Derek

Kaapo Kakko continues to roll in the IIHF World Championships. The 18-year old right wing led Finland to a 3-1 win over Denmark in Slovakia earlier today.

He was involved in all three goals. After Mortin Madsen put Denmark ahead early in the second period, Kakko scored his sixth of the tournament to tie the game four minutes later. As the highlights show below, it was a brilliant goal in which Kakko used his speed and patience to maneuver around the Denmark defense and tuck the puck in around Dane goalie Sebastian Dahm.

Kakko helped set up Suomi’s second of the day. He dropped the puck for Mikko Lehtonen, who skated in creating two chances for Toni Rajala and goalscorer Sakari Manninen to convert on the rebound for a 2-1 lead.

With less than nine minutes left in the third period, Finland put it away. Pulling up at the circle, Kaako waited before firing a wrist shot that Harri Pesonen tipped in for the insurance marker. It was a well executed play.

Kakko finished with a goal and assist with two shots and a plus-three rating in 14:02. In four games, he leads Finland with seven points (6-1-7). That’s tied for sixth in scoring. His six goals are tied for first with Evgeni Dadonov of Russia.

The only game he didn’t hit the score sheet was in an overtime loss to Team USA. It wasn’t for lack of effort. A dominant OT shift during a three-on-one nearly produced the winner if not for Devils goalie Cory Schneider. Dylan Larkin won it.

USA has also played four times so far. Still no points for Jack Hughes. He had six shots in yesterday’s 6-3 victory over Great Britain. It’s again worth repeating that his role is very different from Kakko, who’s the Finnish headliner.

Tomorrow, Finland faces the British. The Americans have the day off to prepare for Denmark on Saturday. Games can be seen on NHL Network.

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Kaapo Kakko shows off skills in Finland overtime loss to USA

Posted on May 13, 2019 by Derek

Earlier today in Slovakia, Team USA defeated Finland 3-2 in overtime at the IIHF World Championships.

Dylan Larkin got the winner with a nice snipe from the right circle during three-on-three. He took full advantage of a missed interference call on linemate Clayton Keller, who knocked down a Finland defenseman at the blueline.

Even though the Americans pulled out the win to earn two points in Group play, most of the discussion centered around Kaapo Kakko. The hot teenage prospect continues to demonstrate why so many experts, scouts and fans are drooling over him.

He might not have registered a point unlike the five goals he had in the first two games (both wins). But 1B had a overtime shift that was flat out dominant. None of the three USA players could get the puck from him. He was so strong on his skates that he created a couple of dangerous scoring chances off a hard forecheck around the net.

https://twitter.com/aj_ranger/status/1127975096994320384?s=19

It’s astonishing to watch Kakko use his size, strength and speed at only 18 against grown men. Sure. There was some hype surrounding the match with 1A Jack Hughes playing in a lesser role due to USA’s depth. But they only faced each other once during a shift. It was a solid battle even if the bigger player protected the puck.

Wearing number 24, Kakko led Finland with six shots in a team high 18:46. He was on the ice for a goal in front that got the game even. Suomi rallied from an early two goal deficit to tie it up. He takes up a lot of space.

This is the exact type of winger the Rangers need. The growing question is will the Devils be convinced by Kakko’s strong showing to select him first over Hughes. He received only 9:24 while playing mostly with Frank Vatrano, Luke Glendening and Derek Ryan.

Playing a lesser role has to be hard for the American teenager. But it’s due to USA being top heavy with Jack Eichel, Patrick Kane, Johnny Gaudreau, Chris Kreider and Alex DeBrincat having significant roles. Ditto for Larkin, Keller and James van Riemsdyk.

Ranger defenseman Brady Skjei scored the game’s first goal and was named USA’s Star of the Game. He logged 21:48 overall. That trailed only Ryan Suter and Noah Hanifin.

Rangers D prospect Adam Fox received 11:50 with one shot on a crowded D corps that also features Quinn Hughes. The older brother picked up an assist on Larkin’s overtime winner. He has two helpers so far. Fox has a power play point thus far.

USA next takes on Great Britain Wednesday. As for Finland, they have off until Thursday when they face Denmark. So, the Kakko Kraze can relax for the next 48 hours. That’s a good thing.

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Kaapo Kakko is lighting up the Worlds

Posted on May 11, 2019 by Derek

The World Championships is only two days old. Already, Kaapo Kakko is taking it by storm. The projected number two pick has scored five goals in two Finland wins. He followed up a two goal performance in a 3-1 Suomi victory over Canada with a hat trick to highlight a 4-2 win over Slovakia today.

If Kakko keeps this act up, he will vault over American top prospect Jack Hughes and go number one to the Devils next month in Vancouver. He is the bigger player that plays a power forward type game. He should score more goals than Hughes, who is the prototypical playmaking center.

https://twitter.com/AcrossTLeagues/status/1126872820955451395?s=19

They play different positions. Hughes is a center while Kakko is a right wing. Both have unique styles that’ll be successful in the NHL which is why there’s so much debate over who the Devils will take.

Either way, the Rangers will come out with a great consolation prize. The two Hudson rivals are set up to improve leaps and bounds for the future. That should take the Hudson Rivalry back to new heights like we saw in the 90’s and post lockout between ’06-12.

This is a time for excitement for fans on both sides. It shouldn’t be a reason to panic. It also shouldn’t cause overly optimistic fans to jump the gun. Check the Twitter handle below.

Yikes. What if Kakko isn’t a Ranger? That would look pretty bad. Oh well. I’m sure they won’t mind the alternative. This is a classic case of a win win situation. Nobody loses. Let’s try to remember that.

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