HARD HITS: A Chaotic Return for Tavares, Sean Avery, and the Islanders

Posted on March 2, 2019 by Derek

Unless you were living in a cave or on vacation without WiFi, Thursday night marked the long anticipated return of John Tavares to Long Island. The former Islanders captain got what was expected from irate fans when the Maple Leafs visited Nassau Coliseum for the game of the week off the Meadowbrook Parkway.

While the end result of the game wasn’t too surprising considering the circumstances- an Islanders 6-1 laugher over the Leafs, who played for the second time in two days, the real laughs began prior to the opening face-off in Uniondale. The festivities included several Islander fans marking the special occasion by burning Tavares number 91 jerseys outside.

Considering how his ninth and final season ended with Tavares taking some time before choosing to come home and play for the home town Maple Leafs, who he grew up idolizing in pajamas, you knew the reaction would be catastrophic for the big game on Feb. 28. Even though I was actually out that way with my Dad not too far from the game to see a terrific show by Procol Harum at the Theatre in Westbury, we still had time to listen to the beginning of the game on Hofstra radio. It didn’t disappoint.

I thought the radio voice of the Islanders, Chris King did a good job of explaining what was going on before and once Tavares stepped on the ice for his first shift at the 18-second mark. It didn’t take long for the boo birds to rain down for Tavares, who said all the right things about his return. Obviously, he didn’t want it to be about him, but it was. The delirious fans made it personal due to feeling the once idolized former 2009 number one overall pick, strung them along before breaking their hearts by choosing Toronto.

For someone like me, it’s a bit different. I have no personal attachment to the team or the player, who’s performed very well in his first year as a Leaf. However, I can see both sides of the heated debate that continues in bars, arenas and on social media. No matter who you root for, everyone has weighed in.

I’ll be perfectly honest. In all my years rooting for the Rangers, I’ve never experienced the kind of hurt Islander and Devil fans have gone through. At least not when it comes to drafting and developing a player who became a fan favorite, only to leave via free agency for another team. As much as losing Mark Messier hurt following ’97, it wasn’t that bad. He wasn’t hated, but revered by the Garden Faithful for delivering a Stanley Cup. He was cheered loudly in his return as a Canuck and cried during a video tribute prior to scoring on close buddy Mike Richter on a breakaway.

The same can be echoed for Brian Leetch and Adam Graves. Both traded with Leetch treated like crap by former GM Glen Sather. He didn’t even have the courage to ask Leetch if he would be open to a deal and then traded him to Toronto on his birthday. He still doesn’t have much of a relationship with Sather, who old school fans like me hate for such disrespect. It should’ve been handled better.

You can’t even compare the recent trades of Mats Zuccarello or Kevin Hayes to that of Tavares leaving the Islanders high and dry. Trades are different. Especially when you know it’s coming. When a star player signs with another team, all bets are off.

I feel strongly that former Islanders Team President and GM Garth Snow is largely responsible for why Tavares decided to leave for a new chapter. Had the organization been run better over the near decade he was there, he could’ve stayed. Without his heroics against the Panthers in an emotional first round win during the 2016 NHL Playoffs, the Islanders would still be without a series victory since their feel good run to the Eastern Conference Final in ’93. He was clutch scoring the game-tying goal and double overtime winner to lead the Isles to the second round.

This is the franchise’s best player since Pierre Turgeon. Sadly, he was never the same following that disgraceful cheap shot by Dale Hunter after he scored. Turgeon didn’t last long eventually winding up in Montreal for Kirk Muller, who held out during a dark era of Islanders hockey that featured some mind boggling decisions by the front office.

At least Tavares was a New York Islander for nine years. In 669 games spent between Long Island and Brooklyn, he produced 272 goals with 349 assists for a total of 621 points as an Islander. The center finished third for the Hart Trophy twice in the MVP race. He was a great player, who scored 30-or-more goals three times while eclipsing 80 points twice. Over a point-per-game in three seasons, he averaged a shade under that (0.93 PPG) for his Islanders career.

Unfortunately, the team didn’t have great success with Tavares, only making the postseason three times. That couldn’t have helped. Even with new boss Lou Lamoriello naming himself the GM and hiring Stanley Cup winning coach Barry Trotz away from the Capitals, it was too late.

Did Tavares lie when he told the media that he wanted to stay? Was he lying to the reporters that covered him and the fans? I don’t think it was intentional. Sometimes, things change. Once you let a player get to unrestricted free agency, anything can happen. Just ask Devils resident Hasan about turncoats Bobby Holik or Scott Gomez deciding to switch allegiances and cross the Hudson rivalry to the Rangers. They certainly heard it from the crowd. Particularly Holik, who was never shy about opening his mouth. Ultimately, the Devils had the last laugh winning the franchise’s third Cup in ’03 while Holik and the Rangers missed the playoffs. He didn’t last long on Broadway, bought out following the lockout.

Scott Niedermayer won three Cups with the Devils. A core piece who eventually replaced Scott Stevens as team captain, the former Norris winner left New Jersey to play with younger brother Rob Niedermayer and the Ducks. That also didn’t sit well with Devil fans due to the 2003 Stanley Cup their team won in seven games, where Jean-Sebastien Giguere was chosen as the Conn Smythe winner despite being from the losing Mighty Ducks. Many Devils fans felt Niedermayer deserved it for an outstanding playoffs. But they had a few candidates, which is probably why Giguere was chosen by the media. It was more a tribute to the team coached by Pat Burns (gone too soon). Zach Parise is just as hated as Tavares in Newark.

I think when you look at it without any bias, you can certainly understand why fans get frustrated when their team loses a special player. My brother was 13 when Messier left. He cried when our father told him he was gone. I was more numb and resigned to the fact he left due to Garden President Dave Checketts, who showed Patrick Ewing the money. When it came to Messier, they weren’t willing to keep paying for past performance. Then GM Neil Smith had a plan all along to sign Joe Sakic by front loading an offer sheet he signed. But the Avalanche matched. The rest is history.

https://twitter.com/JedidahJXH/status/1101781961801154560?s=19

Did Islander fans go too far the other night in how they treated Tavares? When it comes down to a silly few who tossed snakes and even a Tavares Islanders jersey at him as he was coming off following warmups, yes. That’s sheer lunacy. As far as the fans who burned Tavares jerseys on a grill outside, angry Cleveland fans did the same the first time LeBron James left to “take his talents” to South Beach in Miami. He played them, Bulls and Knicks fans for suckers. That was pretty low. I understood the animosity. At least he returned and delivered a championship to the Cavaliers before departing again to destroy the Lakers.

I think most of the Islander fans who came up with creative chants such as, “We Don’t Need You,” and “Past Your Bedtime,” made the atmosphere unique. As for the video tribute the Isles did for Tavares at the first stoppage, it was done in good taste. Unfortunately, while former teammates showed respect with stick taps to salute him, boos overwhelmed NYCB Live as the scoreboard showed Tavares’ first NHL goal, 500th career point and dramatic series clincher in sudden death. The highlights included some of Tavares’ community work for local charities.

It was a nice touch by Lamoriello and the organization. He didn’t want it to be personal. When it comes to fandom, that’s out the window. Fans are going to do what they’re going to do. At the end of the day, it is what it is.

The Isles remain a first place hockey club even following a disappointing 3-1 loss to the Caps on Friday night. They have one game at hand while both teams have an identical 81 points. Trotz has done a wonderful job establishing a winning culture on the Island.

A defensive system has resulted in great numbers for both Robin Lehner and Thomas Greiss. One could wind up in the running for the Vezina awarded to the game’s top goalie. Tampa’s Andrei Vasilevskiy is the favorite with Montreal netminder Carey Price and possibly Golden Knight Marc-Andre Fleury in the mix.

The Islanders win games with tenacious checking and timely scoring. They don’t rely on one star player the way they used to with Tavares, who needs three points to set a new career high on the higher scoring Leafs. Mathew Barzal remains the leading scorer despite some inconsistency in his second season. Anders Lee still finishes around the net, but might not even reach 30 goals. Josh Bailey isn’t piling up assists or points the way he did with Tavares last year.

It’s the role of the supporting cast that has made the difference in the standings. Casey Cizikas continues to perform at a high level, getting a shorthanded goal in the 6-1 blowout. Brock Nelson and Valtteri Filppula have supplied center depth with all four pivots scoring in double digits. Matt Martin has been the same effective Islander he was with Cizikas and old Tavares buddy Cal Clutterbuck.

The interesting part is Lamoriello didn’t make a deal at the deadline. Obviously, he didn’t feel there was anyone worth acquiring. The Isles could use some help on the power play. A dicey area. Instead, Lou will go with the roster that’s got them here. Andrew Ladd just returned on Thursday, but missed Friday’s game. Scott Mayfield is back to help a blueline that includes emerging Ryan Pulock along with proven vets Nick Leddy and Johnny Boychuk. Newcomer Devon Toews has fit into the top six along with Adam Pelech.

It’s the depth players such as Jordan Eberle and the streaky Anthony Beauvillier that’ll help determine how far the Islanders go. Grizzled vets like Thomas Hickey and Leo Komarov are just as important. That’s how Lamoriello built the team. It’s how Trotz coaches it. They trust everyone.

That’s what the season is all about. Not the chaos that ensued on Thursday before nearly 14,000 strong full of hatred for a former star player. Should they be that upset with a first place club? Maybe not. However, the reaction was predictable. Even if controversial former Ranger Sean Avery weighed in with some very strong words.

In a way, he’s right. Tavares isn’t a bad guy. He never said or did anything wrong in his nine years as an Islander. I don’t mind Avery sticking up for Tavares. However, let’s be honest. When it comes to the Grate One as Larry Brooks coined in his Blueshirt days, it’s all about Sean Avery. So, while I do agree that the fans who called Tavares a snake and tossed stuff at him were wrong, that wasn’t every Islander fan. I didn’t care for the Dear John video either that was taped last summer. But I understand how upset they were.

I don’t know what Avery’s been up to. But what’s the deal with that hat? He also doesn’t look like the same guy. It looks like he had a facelift. Is he channeling Axl Rose? As much as I love Axl, come on. Come back to us Sean.

I can only imagine what haters are thinking. Avery defending Tavares when we all know he was no angel. As effective as of player as he was in the Big Apple, he was a locker room divider in other places including Hartford after John Tortorella banished him. There’s no love lost between them. I’ll never know the truth on what really happened. But I’ve heard some not so good things about Avery, which includes his strange marriage to model Hilary Rhoda. His relationship with his mother-in-law is estranged, which typifies Avery. That’s my final word on him.

Pro or con, everyone will remain with the same opinion on Thursday night. I actually felt sorry for Tavares. He handled all of it with class and true professionalism, which is what you expect from a well raised Canadian kid from Mississauga, Ontario.

Even if the game turned into a complete dud, it only makes things more interesting for the Spring. Imagine if the Islanders and Leafs were to meet. As it stands, it looks unrealistic with no such chance until the Conference Finals. Unless one of the two teams dropped out of the top three in their division, then they can’t face each other until the weather is nice and warm.

They’ll have one final act on April Fool’s Day at The Coliseum. That might not be as hostile. But can’t you just feel the love.

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Game #64: Bad bounces, Armia’s hat trick overshadow Lemieux’s first goal in 4-2 loss to Canadiens

Posted on March 1, 2019 by Derek

Home ice is supposed to be friendly. Not so much for the Rangers, who had two bad bounces go against them in a 4-2 loss to the Canadiens. Those two bounces resulted in Montreal goals to turn around a second period that once saw the Blueshirts lead in shots 8-0. Carey Price was le magnifique (magnificent) and Joel Armia recorded his first NHL hat trick to get the Habs a huge win. They’re battling the Penguins, Blue Jackets, Hurricanes and Flyers for the playoffs.

It’s amazing how bad luck can change a game. The Rangers were in control leading by a goal while dominating play. Vladislav Namestnikov extended his point streak to four straight by redirecting a Brady Skjei point shot for his ninth back in a good first period. He easily could’ve had a hat trick if not for some splendid netminding by Price, who finished with 28 saves to earn the game’s second star. He robbed Namestnikov point blank on a one-timer and didn’t allow a rebound. Namestnikov was the best skater for the Garden hosts, who probably wish they played on better ice.

The game sure turned around. The first bad bounce saw a innocent looking Jordie Benn dump in take a crazy carom off the back boards right to Tomas Tatar, who quickly centered for a Brendan Gallagher deflection to tie the game. There wasn’t much Henrik Lundqvist could’ve done. The same for his defense.

With the game tied, Montreal used the weird goal and swung the momentum by using their speed to get the puck in deep and create a ton of scoring chances. In fact, they took 18 of the next 19 shots. Lundqvist came up with a couple of dandies on Gallagher in tight. Unfortunately, he couldn’t handle a Christian Folin dump in that took a wacky hop just by his paddle right to Armia. He easily beat Lundqvist, who was down for a 2-1 Habs lead.

The Rangers only wound up with four more shots in the period they once led 8-0 with Price standing on his head. The best shifts came from the new third line of Lias Andersson, Pavel Buchnevich and Brendan Lemieux, who was very active throughout. I’m sure he regrets not shooting the puck on a two-on-one. Instead, he opted for a low percentage pass that missed connection.

Playing his first game since being recalled from Hartford, Libor Hajek was fine. Wearing number 43, the 21-year old left defenseman skated well in taking 23 shifts (17:35). He finished with two shots, two takeaways, a hit and a tacky minor penalty for holding the stick. I liked what I saw. He played poised and looked calm. Exactly the advice veteran Kevin Shattenkirk said he’d give him.

The Rangers didn’t give up following Armia tallying his second by taking advantage of a Skjei turnover to power through the Ranger defenseman’s back check, to beat Lundqvist high glove side for a 3-1 Montreal lead. Skjei looked like he’d recovered by getting back, but was too weak to prevent the unscreened Armia shot. One I felt Lundqvist should’ve had. He played well making 32 saves, but got outplayed by Price. It was another frustrating night for him.

After a TV timeout, coach David Quinn could be seen encouraging the bench. MSG reporter John Giannone informed viewers that the coach told his players they were too slow. It was true. The Habs were outskating them.

They responded as usual. There is no quit in these guys. Even with some good former Rangers gone, they continue to battle hard for Quinn. A good characteristic that wasn’t part of their DNA last year under Alain Vigneault. Some of Mika Zibanejad’s comments following Wednesday’s overtime loss to Tampa were pretty telling. He said if that game was last year, they would’ve lost 6-1. Instead, they played the Lightning tough and took it to the three-on-three garbage.

Zibanejad’s line was shut down by the Habs. Jimmy Vesey had some close calls, but was unable to keep his hot streak going. Tony DeAngelo also had his assist streak end at eight.

I thought the other lines were better. The Andersson line, Ryan Strome line and Boo Nieves line worked hard. The unit of Andersson, Lemieux and Buchnevich mixed it up. Lemieux was certainly running his mouth with Max Domi, who’s no stranger to that stuff. Domi’s line with Jonathan Drouin and Andrew Shaw were a pain in the neck all night. During a scrum, Buchnevich actually chatted with Domi. Did he speak Russian? Buchnevich has played with more of a edge lately. I’d keep him with Andersson and Lemieux for now.

I’m not sure where Filip Chytil will play when he returns. Maybe he can slide into the second line for Fast eventually. Fast did finally get a point when he had a Skjei pass bounce off him right to Lemieux for his first goal as a Blueshirt. That came with 2:32 left. They got the puck for him.

Quinn pulled Lundqvist with over two minutes remaining. But Nate Thompson pushed Buchnevich off the puck leading to Paul Byron passing it to Armia for the hat trick into a open net at 19:23. Lemieux exchanged pleasantries with Domi causing a mini dust up with Frolin, who he had a run in with earlier. It earned Lemieux a misconduct. He’s going to be a popular player in record time.

All in all, a tolerable loss against a better opponent competing for the postseason. But with very competitive players like Lemieux, who doesn’t believe in mailing it in, this team won’t accept defeats. They’ll continue to play hard and try to win as many of the remaining 18 games left.

BONY 3 STARS:

3rd 🌟 Vladislav Namestnikov, NYR (scored his 9th and easily could’ve had more if not for Price)

2nd 🌟 Carey Price, MTL (terrific throughout making 28 saves)

1st 🌟 Joel Armia, MTL (first career hat trick for #’s 8, 9 & 10)

Notes: With two apples, that gives Skjei five points (3-2-5) over the last four. … Shattenkirk recorded an assist for the fourth straight game. His play has quietly steadied. Tonight, he paired up with Skjei. … The top line of Zibanejad, Kreider and Vesey were a combined minus-eight with five shots. … Namestnikov is 5-3-8 in the last eight. … Chytil was a healthy scratch for a second consecutive game. Fredrik Claesson also sat out. … Rangers (27-27-10) remain at 64 points with 18 games left. They’re seventh in the Metro Division and six points ahead of the Devils, who dropped a 6-3 decision to the Flyers on Friday night. … NYR host the Caps on Sunday at 12:30 PM. … With the victory, the Habs are up to 77 points with 17 left. They’re currently in the first wildcard with a big game tomorrow night versus the Penguins.

EAST PLAYOFF RACE

Atlantic

+1.Lightning 65 GP 102 Pts 43 ROW

*2.Bruins 64 GP 85 Pts 36 ROW

*3.Maple Leafs 64 GP 82 Pts 39 ROW

Metro

+1.Islanders 64 GP 81 Pts 34 ROW

*2.Capitals 65 GP 81 Pts 34 ROW

*3.Hurricanes 64 GP 76 Pts 34 ROW

Wildcard

*1.Canadiens 65 GP 77 Pts 33 ROW

*2.Blue Jackets 63 GP 75 Pts 36 ROW

3.Penguins 64 GP 75 Pts 32 ROW

4.Flyers 65 GP 70 Pts 29 ROW

5.Sabres 64 GP 68 Pts 26 ROW

+division leader

*playoffs

ROW is the first tiebreaker.

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Game #65: Fickle Friday – Flyers 6, Devils 3

Posted on March 1, 2019 by hasan4978

Perhaps the only good thing about tonight’s latest Devils disaster is that it’s over. If you’re going to lose, might as well lose by a lot so at least the fans who waste their time and money going to games can peel out early. Many of us did when a 2-2 game late in the second period turned into 5-2 just like that early in the third period thanks to bad bounces, and bad goaltending from Cory Schneider. Maybe I’m the problem…I still haven’t seen a good Cory performance live or even on TV since last year in the playoffs. Of course, I haven’t seen a good Devil performance period at the Rock since the calendar turned to 2019 (the count now is 0-5 for my games attended, being outscored 23-11). So forgive me if I just become less and less willing to not only attend and watch games, but comment on them as well.

This was certainly a one step forward, two steps back game for Cory who’d been better lately in his last few games but reverted back to 2018 form tonight, especially with his (usually) hideous puckhandling on both the second and third goals of the night, followed by a horribly soft goal early in the third period that brought back visions of the Vegas game in December. Even before Cory rode into action the start of the game was frustrating when that annoying clown Kurtis Gabriel made his presence known with a stupid, unneccesary boarding penalty that cost us a five-minute major early in the first period.

Amazingly enough, the Devils managed to kill off the entire five-minute penalty clean. That should have been enough to gain momentum for quite some time…until Drew Stafford struck taking another minor penalty and finally the PK’ers cracked allowing a goal. I almost blame myself in the sense that I usually don’t leave my seat during the game – but because there was no commercial for the first fourteen minutes of play I figured I’d be safe going over to the boardwalk stand to try the funnel cake fries cause there’d be a lot of stoppages coming up, of course I was in the hall when the Flyers did break the deadlock. From there, the rest of the first period was awful and Cory’s pathetic attempt to stickhandle the puck led to him shoveling the puck towards an onrushing Flyer leading to a breakdown in front of the net for goal #2.

However, just when it looked like it was going to be another one of those games, the Devils showed a pulse in the second period and had one of the best twenty minutes I’ve seen from them in weeks – getting rewarded for their good play with two goals from Damon Severson and Jesper Bratt, both off rebounds in front. At least we got to see Bratt again this season, which is probably more than I can say for Taylor Hall at the moment after word came down earlier this week he had arthroscopic knee surgery. Guess that was his ‘day-to-day’ injury for the last two months going on three, eh?

Anyway, the Devils looked to be in good shape – game tied, momentum turning and I didn’t think much of things toward the end of the second period when a nice lady in our section started passing around little mass-produced Devils bags, I guess they’re called drawstring bags. So I was paying attention to the bag and putting my season ticket t-shirt giveaways in them when the crowd roared…for a Flyers goal. Yep there was a definite Flyer fan invasion at the Rock tonight, more than I’ve ever heard here. I never even saw the play until just now. This one seemed a bit more fluky as Cory had to play the puck woth Tomas Konecny bearing down on him and it took multiple deflections before winding up in the net, but it’s the kinds of things that just happen way too often to this star-crossed goaltender.

What a momentum killer that turned out to be. Seemed that Cory was shot for the night after that, as he allowed a Charmin-soft fourth goal and the rout was on, especially after Ivan Provorov’s deflection made it 5-2 and sent many of the Devil fan contingent including me toward the exits. I missed the unneccesary and needless goonery afterward, but a goonfest is the last thing we need right now with our current injury list, which only grew by a handful tonight. Gabriel left after going to the concussion protocol when Nolan Patrick ostensibly cheap-shotted him. I obviously didn’t see that but when you yourself start running people early in the game, you have to expect it’ll come around the other way eventually. Blake Pietila and Nathan Bastian also left with injuries, Bastian’s the most annoying since it came in a collision with teammate Nick Lappin. If that’s not indiciative of the way things have been going lately, nothing is.

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Game #63: Grittier Blueshirts are winners even if refs handed Bolts extra point

Posted on February 27, 2019 by Derek

Sometimes, this game can be very strange. Rare is the occasion where you can feel like your team won even they the end result says they lost. Such was the case during tonight’s match against the league best Lightning.

Even in defeat, it was the grittier Blueshirts who are the true winners. The Bolts might have profited off a terrible missed call for an extra point. But make no mistake that they were outplayed and out hustled by the new look Rangers, who fell to 1-8 in overtime on a controversial Victor Hedman goal in a 4-3 home defeat.

How different are these Blueshirts under coach David Quinn after playing their 63rd game? Let’s just say they gave the league darlings all they could handle in coming back from a 3-1 deficit to battle their way into a competitive three-on-three. One that was taken away from them due to an illegal pick play by the NHL’s leading scorer Nikita Kucherov to free up Hedman for his winner. It certainly drew the ire of several Rangers including Vladislav Namestnikov, who was fouled on the play.

Fans weren’t happy. They were into it. A Bolts trio that included Steven Stamkos, Hedman and a changing Kucherov couldn’t get the look they wanted against a tired Namestnikov, Neal Pionk and newest Ranger Brendan Lemieux, who was very active in his debut. So, a talented team that hasn’t proven they can get over the hump cheated to steal a extra point.

In the regular season where the Bettman system allows artificial hockey such as three-on-three to decide these meaningless games, they can get away with it. When the real season begins in mid-April, there will be no shortcuts for Tampa Bay. They’ll have to beat opponents without the aid of incompetent refs in a format that decides valuable points in OT along with the shootout.

Let’s focus on the positives for the rebuilding club who had the home crowd into it tonight. Following a disappointing first period that saw them outscored 2-0 on goals by Tyler Johnson and old friend J.T. Miller (PPG), the Rangers responded with three goals in a excellent second that saw them outshoot the Lightning 17-8.

It wasn’t only that they outscored the more talented Bolts 3-1. They clawed and scrapped literally. Following a wonderful rush and great pass from Jimmy Vesey to set up leading scorer Mika Zibanejad’s 27th at 56 seconds, Lemieux spiced things up during a scrum that lead to Pavel Buchnevich fighting for just the second time in his career against Yanni Gourde. Buchnevich even landed a couple of punches in the lightweight bout. Lemieux wound up with the extra for roughing. Interestingly, they played well together with a more active Lias Andersson, who is looking more confident.

A Miller slash of that more effective forward Brendan Smith gave Tampa the edge during a four-on-four. Stamkos made a great read to find another ex-Blueshirt Dan Girardi for a short side goal that Alexandar Georgiev should’ve had. It’s ironic that all this time later, the soul of those good Rangers teams remains an effective defenseman with the Lightning despite his age. Funny how that works.

Trailing by two, the Rangers showed a lot of character coming back. Thirty seconds later, a innocent looking Fredrik Claesson pass found a streaking Vesey in the neutral zone for a strong rush. He warded off Hedman to beat Andrei Vasilevskiy for his 16th to make it a one goal game. Just great determination and skill by Vesey, who has continued to excel since replacing Mats Zuccarello on the top line. With a third straight game of a goal and assist, he has six points with Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. He needs four more goals for 20.

The penalties continued. The Lightning gave the Blueshirts some opportunities they were unable to cash in on. Instead, it was another gritty shift from a secondary line that produced the game’s last legit goal. On some good sustained pressure from Namestnikov behind the net, Ryan Strome was able to find an open Boo Nieves for a shot that beat Vasilevskiy for the tying goal at 14:14. It was his fourth goal.

Nieves has been a good player since returning from Hartford. The organization rewarded him for his honest effort with a new one-year contract to prevent him from becoming unrestricted this summer. He deserves it. He should be the fourth line center next season. I wonder where Brett Howden slides in when he returns. Maybe for Connor Brickley, who hasn’t been bad. Unless Smith comes out.

Don’t forget Filip Chytil will be back soon. Nobody wants to see Quinn bench the promising 19-year old rookie. However, the no nonsense coach wasn’t happy with Chytil’s game at Washington. Despite a crazy 6-5 score, he wasn’t noticable. It’s a similar reason Buchnevich and others have wound up in the Quinn Bin. Hopefully, he’ll respond the same way Buchnevich, Namestnikov and Tony DeAngelo have.

The third period was evenly played. It felt like a playoff game. For a young team like the Rangers, who won’t see the second season, the dramatic improvement demonstrated that they can play with anyone. They outshot the Bolts 9-6 and gave them fits on the forecheck. That included a great shift from Andersson, Buchnevich and Lemieux where they had the puck deep, creating a few chances. There also was a similar shift from the top line late in regulation. That strong work ethic is what you want to see for the remaining 19 games.

In the three-on-three, Georgiev flat out robbed Hedman on a clean breakaway with a great save. He may not have gotten the win, but the backup continues to be good on breakaways and give the team a chance.

After being unable to penetrate the Rangers defense on a long shift, Kucherov got dirty by picking Namestnikov after setting up Hedman for the open shot that beat Georgiev. It should’ve been a penalty. But the good teams have a way of getting away with that stuff.

That doesn’t matter. The Blueshirts played very well and deserved the two points. The Lightning needed to bend the rules to win. We all know who the real winners were.

BONY 3 STARS:

3rd 🌟 Victor Hedman, TBL (goal and assist in superb performance)

2nd 🌟 Frederick L’Ecuyer and Tim Peel (a bang up job by the refs at the end)

1st 🌟 Jimmy Vesey, NYR (third consecutive game with a goal and assist giving him 16 G and 18 A)

Notes: Georgiev finished with 26 saves for the hard luck OTL. Vasilevskiy made 33 saves to help the Lightning win a franchise record 10th game in a row. … In his Broadway debut, Lemieux finished with seven hits, two blocks, and a minus-one in 18 shifts (15:24) including 5:07 PP while wearing trademark number 48. … DeAngelo increased his point streak to eight adding a ninth assist over that stretch. … Both teams finished their checks with a combined 64 hits (34-30 TBL). Lemieux led everyone with seven while old hat Girardi had five along with Erik Cernak. … Total shots were 36-30 NYR with them leading the Bolts in attempts, 70-64. … NYR won face-offs 33-29 paced by Zibanejad (16-and-11) followed by Strome (12-and-6). Anthony Cirelli went 9-and-1 for Tampa. … Rangers (27-26-10) host the Canadiens on Friday, March 1st.

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Game #64: Weary Wednesday – Flames 2, Devils 1

Posted on February 27, 2019 by hasan4978

In one sense, today’s result was a best-case scenario for the Devils, lose but don’t lose by such a overwhelming margin that it destroys the confidence of your goaltender – tonight being Mackenzie Blackwood, playing for the first time since his post-deadline recall. However, this whole week has been straight out of the Twilight Zone as far as guys getting hurt. Even with the good news of Sami Vatanen returning to the lineup tonight after missing the last several weeks, he was replaced on the injured list by multiple players. To wit:

All within the last few days, all forwards. And that doesn’t include the continued absence of MVP Taylor Hall. Small wonder this forward group has become preseason level bad, especially after dealing off Brian Boyle and Marcus Johansson earlier this month. In theory with Vatanen back the defense was the best on paper it could possibly be, for whatever that’s worth. Predictably for the second straight game the Devils were outshot by a wide margin against a better team (30-10 in the first two periods alone). This time even great goaltending couldn’t save them, as they came out on the short end of a 2-1 score.

To add even more injury to insult, Mirco Mueller fell awkwardly into the boards during the third period, providing a scary few minutes as he lay apparently motionless on the ice before coming to and giving the ol’ thumbs up while being stretchered off. Thankfully it’s nothing more serious than having a second straight season go south after an awkward spill into the boards for Mueller – last year it was his collarbone. Even coach John Hynes narrowly escaped going on IR when he got hit with a puck in the head on the bench later that period.

Overall I can’t even think of much else to say, honestly. I had the game on background noise but can’t say I was really watching, especially fearing a blowout. With all the injuries and trades, is there really a single game left on the schedule where the Devils will be favored to win at this point? Since we’re done playing Ottawa and the Kings (who did just spank us a few weeks back at the Rock themselves), I’d say no.

I’d love to say yeah it’ll be fun, give me some no-pressure hockey to watch the kids but really all it is, is one long, extended preseason. This isn’t exactly the best environment right now for kids to develop. Ironically the most compelling aspect of the season going forward is the one that most worries me because of the state of the team – the goaltenders. Right now it’d just be best to split the workload between Blackwood and Cory, so one doesn’t have to take the brunt of this mess going forward. Especially if you have to see the kids play ‘the system’ and aren’t just going to go with some low-event hockey to protect your goalies.

It’s a good thing the team has a lot of road games coming up, I still won’t have to worry about going to meaningless games for another couple weeks – except Friday. When the Flyers on the fringe of the playoff race come to the Rock to goon it up…oh joy.

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Introducing the newest Ranger: Brendan Lemieux

Posted on February 26, 2019 by Derek

It’s rare that you practically beg your team’s GM to go get a coveted player. That’s precisely what I did just over two weeks ago in a poetic tweet on my Kovy274Hart account on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/Kovy274Hart/status/1094315957953220608?s=19

I knew Winnipeg was a good possibility for Kevin Hayes. While I would’ve preferred a top prospect who’s NHL ready such as Jack Roslovic or Sami Niku, I understood that if Hayes got dealt to the Jets, he was going as a rental with no guarantee of re-signing. That’s always the risk/reward contending teams take when they acquire players, who can become unrestricted free agents in July.

Maybe for that reason, I was hoping for a first round pick and gritty forward Brendan Lemieux. Sometimes, wishes do come true. Unlike one of my favorite scenes from The Goonies, it wasn’t at the bottom of a wishing well. The 22-year old is in his first full NHL season. Thus far, Lemieux has demonstrated that he can become a agitating pest like his more well known father, Claude Lemieux. As much as I despised him, he was a pretty good player who delivered when it counted.

In 44 games this season while carving out a secondary role for Winnipeg, the former Sabres 2014 second round pick taken 31st overall, has nine goals and two assists for 11 points along with 64 penalty minutes and a plus-10 rating. The newest Ranger is already excited to get started.

This is a unique opportunity for him. On a rebuilding team, Lemieux has the chance to make a good first impression. Coach David Quinn said that his newest player will receive more ice time than he did with Winnipeg. He was averaging 7:25 on a deep playoff contender with Stanley Cup aspirations. That’ll increase on a younger roster that’s still being assessed with 20 games left.

I’m excited to see what he can bring. Most of the season, Quinn has stressed the need for his team to play grittier and tougher. That message has gotten through with both Pavel Buchnevich and Tony DeAngelo responding well to criticism. Vladislav Namestnikov has changed his game by becoming more physically involved during shifts. Even if the numbers don’t show it, the former Lightning forward is a better player now compared to last year.

The one thing Lemieux does is keep opponents honest. He has four fights in ’18-19 with his most recent coming against the bigger Ben Harpur of Ottawa. Despite giving away some size, he did okay. He also fought newest Devil Connor Carrick. Maybe they’ll renew acquaintances in the remaining two games.

At least now you won’t have to see some of the other skilled Rangers fend for themselves like Ryan Strome did against Matt Niskanen on Sunday. Lemieux finishes checks and plays that familiar North American game needed to compete on a daily basis. He will drive foes batty.

He’s the exact kind of physical player who can make a difference. If he continues to develop the rest of his game, even better. Think Sean Avery. You need those types around to keep opponents honest.

Avery may not have ended his NHL career the way he had hoped. But he definitely made an impact. Have you ever seen one player take Martin Brodeur off his game more than the Grate One? He definitely helped that ’07-08 team advance past the Devils in a heated first round best remembered for Screen Gate. The Avery Rule became a thing as did a incensed Brodeur not shaking his hand. He was wired differently.

Its funny, but I kinda miss those days. Fun times. Henrik Lundqvist was a lot younger and Marc Staal was a rookie. It’s hard to believe that was so long ago.

I’m looking forward to the Broadway debut of Lemieux tomorrow against the Lightning. So, who will he play with? That’s best left for Quinn to answer.

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Game #63: Movin’ Monday – Devils 2, Habs 1

Posted on February 25, 2019 by hasan4978

Let me start this blog with a thought: There really shouldn’t be any games on deadline day. It’s just too hectic for the teams and the fans to go through the dual emotional roller coaster, it’s another game you lose from your acquired players if you’re a buyer, and one less game you get to see your younger replacements if you’re a seller. True, Trade Deadline 2019 was mostly a yawner till about 2:30 but even with big names such as Mark Stone and Wayne Simmonds moving after that, more of the big trades happened in the days before the actual deadline as it worked out.

Even in the best of times I wouldn’t have really felt like watching tonight’s game after nervously rechecking Twitter and other sources to see if the Devils were able to trade all of their expiring contracts (yes) and whether they’d make any other surprise moves (no). Imagine what it’s like for the players who don’t know who they’re going to be playing with or against on deadline day. Especially given the Devils’ injury issues as of late – Pavel Zacha missed his fourth straight game, Jesper Bratt sat out with an undisclosed injury and both Miles Wood and John Quenneville left tonight’s game with injuries.

Somewhat surprisingly I did actually wind up listening to most of this game, however loosely it may have been. I half thought of making myself get a cheap ticket and go, but I’m a bit gunshy lately after my last few home games have all been fiascoes. Plus I had some errands to run, even more than I thought when I had to get a new printer and install it – which was my excuse for having the game telecast on and listen to it while I put the printer in. If you looked at the lineups, the teams’ respective position in the standings and the shots on goal tonight (35-22 in favor of the Habs) you really would have expected a Montreal romp. Yet somehow thanks to Cory Schneider and contributions from some of the newer and more unheralded Devils, the team completed a shocking sweep of the Habs with an ugly 2-1 win.

Of course in Montreal they are only going to care about a brutal result as they’re dancing on the playoff bubble. Hab fans must think this is the days of Martin Brodeur when we would dominate them in their heyday with the local kid almost always doing well against his boyhood team. Only instead of Brodeur and Scott Stevens it was Nathan Bastian and Kurtis Gabriel who played spoiler scoring the Devils’ only goals of the night, and one of the newest acquisitions (defenseman Connor Carrick) had assists on both goals. Really this is what these games are about now. Kids like Bastian looking to make good, role guys like Gabriel looking to take advantage of a last chance to stick in the league, and a guy like Carrick who fell through the cracks in Dallas trying to make the most of a second chance.

And of course the magical mystery redemption tour of Cory continues, now with his fourth win in five games after another strong game today with 34 saves, only allowing a shorthanded breakaway goal by Paul Byron in the third period which spoiled a potential second straight shutout on home ice. For once however, the team didn’t blow a multi-goal lead or a late third period cushion. By all rights this game probably should have gone the other way, but such is hockey. We’ve been on the other end of this type of game plenty over the years.

However the big news of the night wasn’t the Devils playing spoiler on the ice, it was what happened off the ice with GM Ray Shero continuing to divest expiring contracts for draft picks. Much to this blogger’s surprise he actually found a taker for goalie Keith Kinkaid, albeit Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen was in the middle of a trading orgy and his friendship with Shero probably influenced a back-scratching deal. Surprisingly the Blue Jackets also took on Kinkaid (without trading either of their top two goalies) for a 5th round pick – in 2022. I just couldn’t resist a chuckle over the fact that Keith was traded for a guy in middle school.

It’s no laughing matter for Keith though, and the part of me that will forever appreciate his spring of 2018 that helped will the Devils into the playoffs does feel bad for a guy who came into the year as the #1 guy and a cult hero and will now end it in obscurity as the #3 in Columbus with his NHL prospects after this year very dim. That’s the human side of deadline day. So was the irony of the Johansson trade, as he was flipped to Boston for 2nd and 4th round picks. A fine deal to be sure, but it’s like Shero or the hockey gods were trolling him putting MarJo on the same team with Brad Marchand, after his dirty hit on Johansson caused the winger to miss a ton of time last year. Playoff chases makes strange bedfellows.

Although this isn’t the deadline anyone wanted coming into the season you have to consider it a success for Shero – getting back two additional second-rounders, an extra third, fourth and fifth rounder plus Carrick for four expiring contracts. In a sense it is a win-win for everyone, respected vets get to play meaningful games and contenders get better while the Devils get assets to help down the road. Of course you never know how players and teams will respond to the deadline day chaos, they’re human after all. Just look at last year’s Devils, the afterthought acquisition (Pat Maroon) fit like a glove while the baleyhooed guy who was supposed to fit like a glove (Michael Grabner) didn’t.

Going forward the Devils have another five weeks and nineteen games to show why they should be a part of this team’s future. Guys will get opportunities, just look at tonight’s lineup for proof of that. It probably won’t be pretty most of the time though, unless Cory and the recently returned Mackenzie Blackwood can hold down the fort in goal. Tonight’s game was an example of ugly being masked by good goaltending. Generally this year the ugly’s been exacerbated by bad goaltending but at least unlike the rest of the team, Cory’s stepping up now in possibly a career-saving drive.

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McQuaid goes to Columbus

Posted on February 25, 2019 by Derek

In a deal that was just completed, the Rangers sent defenseman Adam McQuaid to Columbus in exchange for a fourth and seventh round pick. Update: Julius Bergman is also part of the trade. A 23-year old right defenseman, who’s never played in the NHL. So, the Rangers get him as well.

Now, the gritty McQuaid will go try to help coach John Tortorella get the Blue Jackets into the postseason and past the first round. A place they’ve never been before.

An experienced high character players who signed a one-year deal with the Blueshirts, the 32-year old former Stanley Cup champion who helped Boston win it all in 2011, was a good team guy on Broadway. Even after missing time due to an injury, McQuaid got into 36 games and produced two goals and three assists with 33 penalty minutes.

He was a calm influence on Brady Skjei, who previously struggled through a tough first half. Once David Quinn paired them together, McQuaid helped Skjei settle down and play his game. Since then, his confidence has grown. It’s not a coincidence that he started to jump into the rush more and finally got off the schneid with three goals in two games this weekend without his former D partner.

What is admirable about McQuaid is he makes guys accountable. The experienced vet is always willing to stick up for teammates. That should be a good fit in Columbus. Especially for a team that’s decided to go all in despite the potential for free agents Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky to leave this summer. They also traded for star center Matt Duchene and Ryan Dzingel. All for the chance to make the kind of run their franchise has never had. It’s worth the risk for playoff starved fans.

As for the Rangers, they got what they could for McQuaid, who also can hit the market in July. Of course, I would’ve preferred a third round pick. But a four and seven is acceptable.

They may not be done. Toronto remains interested in Chris Kreider. It would have to be overwhelming for Jeff Gorton to deal his best power forward. They also are getting calls already on Brendan Lemieux due to the gritty style he plays. The only way I move him is if it’s a legit prospect. Otherwise, no dice.

Fredrik Claesson is also a candidate to go. He also is unrestricted this summer. I guess we’ll see what the final chaotic hour brings. Where do Mark Stone and Wayne Simmonds wind up? Do the Islanders make a move?

Oh. And here is my tweet from two weeks ago.

https://twitter.com/Kovy274Hart/status/1094315957953220608?s=19

Occasionally, I get one right. Even a blind squirrel does. 😂

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Rangers say goodbye to Hayes by sending him to Winnipeg

Posted on February 25, 2019 by Derek

The second domino fell a little while ago. With over four hours left in today’s NHL Trade Deadline, the Rangers said goodbye to Kevin Hayes by sending him to Winnipeg in exchange for forward Brendan Lemieux, a 2019 first round pick and a conditional fourth round pick.

In his fifth season with the Blueshirts, the 26-year old center was having a good year on the rebuilding club. Despite missing 11 games including the last two this weekend, Hayes ranked third in team scoring with 42 points (14-28-42) in 51 contests.

A good two-way playmaking pivot who can play any situation including power play and penalty kill, the soon to be unrestricted free agent now moves to Winnipeg where he’ll be asked to help the Jets win a Stanley Cup. After setting a career high in goals (25) and power play goals (6) last season, the Dorchester, Massachusetts native continued to excel for the rebuilding Blueshirts as their second line center. Nine of his 14 goals came at even strength with him also notching two shorthanded goals to match a career high set last season. Twenty-eight of his 42 points have come at even strength.

There’s no question that he matured over the past two years following some inconsistency. Not too long ago, he acknowledged that after his rookie year in ’14-15, he slacked off and wasn’t in the best shape. Something changed for the better. It clicked for the former Blackhawks 2010 first round pick, who wound up signing with the Rangers as a college free agent after he couldn’t come to terms with Chicago.

The most points he put up on Broadway came in Year Three when he tallied 49 (17-32-49) over 76 games during ’15-16. Thirty-five of the 49 points came at even strength. In ’17-18, former Rangers coach Alain Vigneault used Hayes in more of a shutdown role as a match-up center. Facing opponents’ top scoring lines, he fared well while taking on more responsibility. A good possession player who makes teammates better, he finished with 44 points (25-19-44) including 34 at even strength with a plus-one rating.

An area Hayes improved on was face-offs. It’s easy to forget that he wasn’t a natural center when he entered the league. After struggling in the circle the first two seasons, he’s become respectable. Last year, he won a career best 50.5 percent on draws. In ’18-19, he’s a bit lower currently at 48.6. He’s still good enough to win key draws when it’s needed.

Winnipeg was searching for a good two-way forward who is capable of adding offense to a nucleus that features Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler, Nikolaj Ehlers, Kyle Connor, Patrik Laine and Bryan Little up front. Hayes can slide into the second line and center Laine, who’s had his difficulties with consistency. He recently snapped a 15-game goal drought with a pair on the power play in a win at Vegas. Laine added his 28th in a 4-1 loss Sunday night at Arizona. He’s a minus-23 despite ranking second on the team in goal scoring.

With Hayes playing for a new contract this summer, he should be in line for a long-term contract in the neighborhood of six to seven million over at least six years. That now becomes Winnipeg’s problem. Not that they’ll care if Hayes can help them win a championship. He was a good player for the Rangers, finishing his career in the Big Apple with 87 goals and 129 assists for a total of 216 points with a plus-31 rating over 361 games. Can he improve on a playoff career total of 10 points (2-8-10) in 34 games? The Jets are banking on it.

From a Rangers perspective, GM Jeff Gorton did good. Sure. He wasn’t able to pry Jack Roslovic. The former 2015 first rounder has 17 points for the Jets in his second year as a 22-year old. But they weren’t getting a player with his upside for a potential rental in Hayes. Hence the conditional fourth round pick in 2022 that was included, which can become a first if he can help Winnipeg win the Cup. I’m okay with that.

Funny enough, I was all over wanting a young, gritty forward like Brendan Lemieux to address the lack of toughness up front. While Lemieux won’t put up the numbers of his Dad Claude, he’s the type of player that is a pain in the butt for opponents to play against. Originally a Sabres second round pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, he was part of a package that sent Evander Kane and Zach Bogosian to Buffalo for Tyler Myers, Drew Stafford, Joel Armia and a St. Louis first round pick that became Roslovic. Buffalo also received Jason Kasdorf (who?). I would say it worked out better for Winnipeg with Kane now starring in San Jose. A team the Jets will be competing with to reach the Cup.

It took a while for the 22-year old Lemieux to establish himself as a NHL regular. After spending some time in the AHL, he got into nine games last season scoring his first NHL goal with 21 penalty minutes. This year, he’s become a pest who’s capable of contributing when he’s not mixing it up. In 44 contests with the Jets, he has nine goals and two assists with a plus-10 and 64 penalty minutes.

The young man can fight like his old man. Something the Blueshirts can use. A deterrent who can be plugged anywhere while standing up for more skilled teammates. Exactly the kind of high character player first-year coach David Quinn has coveted. I’m looking forward to seeing what Lemieux will bring.

Of course, I understand that some fans might be disappointed that they couldn’t get a better young prospect with a higher ceiling. I was in favor of seeing them try for Dillon Dube or Oliver Kylington from Calgary, who was said to be involved in talks along with Nashville. I guess that rumor involving Eeli Tolvanen was just that. Maybe the Predators will set their sights on Mark Stone if he doesn’t reach agreement on a new contract with Ottawa. There are still two hours left before 3 PM hits.

As far as value, a roster player, a first round pick and conditional pick is about right for Hayes. It helps the Rangers continue their path for the future. Now, we’re still waiting on Adam McQuaid. I don’t expect more than a third round pick if they’re lucky. Get what you can.

Wishing Hayes the very best with his new team. Hopefully, he won’t get hurt in his Winnipeg debut like Mats Zuccarello did for Dallas on Sunday.

In other trade news, the Devils sent Keith Kinkaid to Columbus for a fifth round pick. I’m sure Hasan will delve more into the move that allows Mackenzie Blackwood to be recalled. Marcus Johansson took the morning skate. The Devils host the Canadiens tonight.

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A heartbroken Lundqvist showed the human side of sports

Posted on February 25, 2019 by Derek

For thirteen years, Henrik Lundqvist has given the Garden Faithful plenty of reasons to smile and cheer. The franchise leader in wins, shutouts and pretty much every key goalie category for the Rangers, has been here for plenty of good times. Now, he’s here for some tough times.

Seeing your closest friend and teammate traded away can leave you somber with few words. That was how an emotional Lundqvist was following Sunday’s 6-5 overtime defeat to the Capitals in the locker room. He was analytical when speaking about what went wrong on some of the goals he allowed. A unique trait the future Hall of Famer has. He’s very good at breaking down losses and taking responsibility.

When it comes to personal buddy Mats Zuccarello, he broke down literally after MSG broadcaster John Giannone asked him what Zuccarello meant to him. This was not even 24 hours later since the team traded the popular locker room leader to the Stars for conditional second and third round picks. The classy 36-year old netminder put up a very nice post thanking Zuccarello for his time here. It brought tears to many fans, who love what the pint sized Norwegian right wing with the big heart brought to the franchise for seven years.

It wasn’t startling that Lundqvist was basically left speechless while shedding some tears as he couldn’t continue the interview. For better or worse, sports are a business. Sometimes, it can become pretty cold when a team is broken up as the Rangers have been. They went from a Stanley Cup appearance and Eastern Conference Final a few years ago to only four players remaining. It is tough on players, coaches, executives and fans. Here was Lundqvist’s reaction:

This is the human side of sports. We are all a little heartbroken today. That’s how much Zuccarello meant. He wore his emotions on his sleeves, letting you know how he felt. For a while, the Zucc we all knew and loved wasn’t there. It took a face to face meeting with the Rangers hierarchy to settle him down. Afterwards, the fire was back. He finished his Blueshirt career with seven goals and 22 points over the final 16 games, playing the kind of hockey he was best known for.

It made me appreciate him more. For as long as it lasted, I cherished every shift. Not only the goals he scored or set up, but just the raw emotion he played with to make the first line coach David Quinn put together one to enjoy. Even if we knew that it would end for Zuccarello, it made us happy to see him combining with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider to dominate shifts at five-on-five. Listening to Zibanejad and Kreider, you can tell how much having Zuccarello around helped them as players. They’re better for it.

There are a zillion instances like what the Rangers organization faced. The Penguins had to trade Jaromir Jagr because they couldn’t afford him. Wayne Gretzky didn’t last in Edmonton for the same reason. He wound up an LA King, crying at a press his final conference with the Oilers in what is billed as the Trade Of The Century. If the Great One can get traded, anyone can. Or do you not remember a furious Patrick Roy vowing to never play another game for Montreal after dopey coach Mario Tremblay embarrassed him? Some of the younger audience might not. See YouTube.

Did any New Yorker alive think the Knicks should’ve traded Patrick Ewing? It was gut wrenching and set the franchise back a long time.

There are always reasons for trades. For the Blueshirts, Zuccarello didn’t fit into their long term plans. Not after asking for five years. Two too many than GM Jeff Gorton can realistically offer. When Kevin Hayes goes bye bye this afternoon, it’ll be for the same logic. He will command even more on the open market. A valuable commodity, who’s developed into a responsible two-way center, there are plenty of interested suitors. Much depends on what happens with Mark Stone.

The business of sports is one that makes me sick. But like Kreider pointed out, a salary cap forces teams into tough decisions. There’s been a lot of overreaction to the trade that sent Zuccarello to Dallas. Never become too attached to a player. They’re almost all expendable.

I was very happy to hear that Zuccarello scored his first goal and picked up an assist for the Stars in their 4-3 win over the Blackhawks. It’s too bad he suffered an arm injury due to blocking a shot. Of course, the gritty forward would sacrifice for his new team the same way he did on Broadway. If as he believes it is a broken arm that will at least sideline him a month, didn’t he do similar in 2012 wrecking his playoffs? Oh, the irony.

Hopefully, Zucc will get good news and be able to come back and help his new teammates, who already got to see why he’s such a good player. From the little I watched of the game, it was evident that the odd number 36 in green Stars colors can aid a low scoring team looking to get into the playoffs. We now won’t get to see him on March 5 when the Rangers visit Dallas. That’s too bad.

I’m sure there will be more craziness and zaniness later today. Don’t take it to heart.

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