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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Blueshirts stand up to Capitals in wild overtime loss

Posted on February 25, 2019 by Derek

A day following the first domino to fall in popular teammate Mats Zuccarello, the Rangers showed that they wouldn’t be bullied by the Capitals in a wild 6-5 overtime loss in DC. They could’ve rolled over a couple of different times, but refused to.

In what turned out to be a very entertaining game that featured a great third period, and a unbelievable three-on-three in extras, coach David Quinn had to like the passion and resilience his younger team showed. Twice, they rallied from two goal deficits to give the defending champs all they could handle.

It wasn’t for the faint of heart. This was in your face rock ’em sock ’em hockey that the old school fan could get into. Sure. The old Patrick rivals combined for 11 goals. So, there was plenty of offense. There also was nastiness as both teams played with an edge. There were scrums, penalties and rough stuff.

Playing for a second consecutive day in the afternoon, the Blueshirts proved that they’re not going to be an easy mark for opponents. With 20 games left in the regular season, they will more often than not make teams earn what they get. Even though they still commit too many mistakes, which is not uncommon for a rebuilding club.

It’s too bad they couldn’t pull it out for hard luck loser Henrik Lundqvist (6 GA on 35 shots). He can’t seem to catch a break and win two in a row. Since the All-Star break, he’s 1-4-2 in seven starts. It wasn’t that he was awful. However, an emotional Lundqvist lamented the fact he couldn’t come up with a couple of more saves.

Chris Kreider scored for a second straight game. In fact, the power forward tallied his 26th only 21 seconds into the first period. The new top line created early magic with Mika Zibanejad and Jimmy Vesey combining to set up Kreider for an early 1-0 lead.

For most of the period, they played well. However, a momentary lapse in concentration cost them at the conclusion. A great shot pass from John Carlson allowed crafty center Nicklas Backstrom enough time to redirect the puck in at 18:42 to tie the game. Twenty-one seconds later, Michael Kempny got behind the defense and beat Lundqvist through the wickets with 57 seconds left. It was one he should’ve had.

The second didn’t start much better. With Lias Andersson off for holding, a Tom Wilson power play goal made it three consecutive goals for the Caps. But as the period went on, there were more battles after whistles. Andersson and Kempny got into it for matching minors.

Following a Lars Eller slashing minor penalty that expired, Rangers defenseman Brady Skjei made a smart play to get his second goal in two games. On a good shift by the fourth line, Skjei took a Connor Brickley pass and skated to the point and took a innocent looking turnaround shot that had eyes, surprising Washington backup Pheonix Copley for his fifth with 1:42 remaining to cut it to 3-2. Andersson picked up a secondary assist for his first point since returning. That set the stage for a wacky third period.

Twenty-one was the lucky number for the Rangers. In the first, Kreider scored 21 seconds in for the lead. At the start of the third, this time it was Vesey who scored his 15th unassisted at 21 seconds to tie the score. The play was made possible by good sustained pressure. With the defense activated, Vesey stayed high to fill in. Sure enough, a failed Washington clear came to him at the point. He fired a shot that Copley never picked up to make it 3-3.

But before you knew it, the Caps once again struck quickly twice to restore a two-goal lead. First, Brooks Orpik pinched behind the net and had a loose puck bounce off Travis Boyd right to Nic Dowd, who outwaited Lundqvist for a backhand tuck at 2:25. Then, a misplay allowed Backstrom to score unassisted for his second of the game just 36 seconds later.

Playing up front on the fourth line again, Brendan Smith got a step on Carl Hagelin, drawing a hooking minor. Hagelin had just been acquired by the Caps from the Kings. He nearly was reacquired by the Pens, but now will play for their nemesis. With him off, Vladislav Namestnikov made things more interesting when he had a Neal Pionk shot deflect off his skate and in for his eighth on the power play to cut the deficit to 5-4 at 6:01. Tony DeAngelo started the play to earn an assist for the seventh straight game. He’s up to eight helpers over that span.

The nastiness boiled over on the following shift. Ryan Strome didn’t take too kindly to a Matt Niskanen hit he felt was high. That turned into a fracas with Strome dropping the gloves with Niskanen in a heated fight that saw him get the takedown. As that was unfolding, Wilson got into it with DeAngelo, who never shies away from the rough stuff. When all was said and done, Strome got five for fighting and two for roughing while Niskanen received five for fighting. DeAngelo got two for roughing and Wilson earned four minutes due to jumping in. He got two for roughing and two for unsportsmanlike conduct. There was no loss of man power.

In a period where plenty was happening including the score not changing since Vesey’s early tally, Orpik cross checked a prone Brickley from behind right in the neck with 3:43 remaining. Upset with the cheap shot, Brickley went back at Orpik in another intense battle. It initially looked like they weren’t going to call Orpik for the original cross check. But after getting together with the linesmen, they got it right, giving the Rangers a power play. But the Caps did a good job killing it off by not giving the man-advantage any set up time.

A couple of rushes from Zibanejad resulted in near misses from Kreider and Vesey. The timing was just a little off. With time winding down, it looked like they would lose in regulation. However, the newest scoring sensation Skjei had other ideas. After breaking a 27-game drought on Saturday, he continued his surprising offense when he had a one-timer change direction off Hagelin for the tying goal at 19:29. That gave him three goals in two games. Kevin Shattenkirk and Zibanejad set up the emotional tying marker. They sure deserved it.

If the third period wasn’t enough entertainment, the overtime was even crazier. Both teams looked to end it in the three-on-three madness. It really looked like Namestnikov would get the winner when he went to a backhand in tight on Copley. But the backup was able to stone him. There was another close call where I thought Pavel Buchnevich had the winner with an open side. But he couldn’t find the puck.

Instead, the Caps’ dynamic duo of Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov with Dmitry Orlov tired Zibanejad and Kreider out with Skjei. With Ovechkin all set up to fire away on Lundqvist, he shocked everyone by passing down low for Kuznetsov, whose stuff in try was initially stopped by a sliding Lundqvist. But he never had the rebound, allowing both Ovechkin and Kuznetsov to poke it loose with the Washington center the last to put home the OT winner.

All in all, it was a fun game to watch. Even though they fell short of getting the ‘W,’ I liked what I saw. Of course, Quinn talked about how he’d like the defense to improve. He’s right. They fought the good fight. Now, it’s onto the league best Lightning on Wednesday following today’s fireworks. Where will Kevin Hayes and Adam McQuaid wind up? Stay tuned until 3 PM. I’ll have you covered.

BONY 3 STARS:

3rd 🌟 Jimmy Vesey, NYR (15th of season plus a helper giving him 2-2-4 since moving to top line, career high 17 assists and 32 points)

2nd 🌟 Brady Skjei, NYR (2 goals for #’s 5 & 6 giving him 3 over the past 2 games, 5 shots, +1 in 21:17)

1st 🌟 Nicklas Backstrom, WSH (2 goals for #’s 14 & 15 in 22:33)

Notes: Fifteen Caps had at least a point. Ten Rangers got on the score sheet lead by Vesey (1-1-2) and Zibanejad (2 assists). … After going 10 games without a point, Namestnikov is 4-2-6 with a plus-three over his last six. There could be some interest today. … With a helper, Shattenkirk has six assists over the past seven games. He’s up to 20 points (2-18-20). … Zibanejad recorded four points (all assists) this weekend, giving him a career high 36 along with 62 points in 62 games. … With a goal for the second game in a row, Kreider is up to 26. He’s two off his career high of 28 established in ’16-17. … The Rangers will host the Caps at MSG in a week.

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#ForeverZucc Saying goodbye and good luck to Zuccarello

Posted on February 24, 2019 by Derek

“It’s so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.”-Boyz II Men

How do you say goodbye to someone you love and admire? Many of us are dealing with that the best way we know how. By saluting what Mats Zuccarello brought to the New York Rangers for seven years.

The day of Gotham’s reckoning came yesterday when the man forever known by everyone as Zucc was dealt to the Stars for second and third round round picks. Both are conditional picks that can become number ones if the following happens:

A.The Stars advance to the Western Conference Final with help from Zuccarello. It’s a long shot. But I have no clue what’ll happen out West.

B.Zuccarello re-ups with Dallas this summer. This is more possible. Who knows what will happen in two months as a rental.

Let’s forget the overreaction to what GM Jeff Gorton got back in return. It’s time to let things play out and see what happens. He still has some work left with plenty of phone calls the next two days involving Kevin Hayes and Adam McQuaid.

This post isn’t gonna be about either player or any crazy scenario when we have no idea on anything. It’s that simple. Someone had Hayes traded to Nashville Friday night. So yeah. I’m not going to get into all that. We will get a definitive answer soon. Be patient.

What I do know is how I feel about Zuccarello. A prideful small big man who brought everything to the table over the past half a dozen seasons. What I love most is no matter how much smaller he was than much larger opponents, he never backed down from anyone.

That’s a good quality New Yorkers identify with. It’s why we all chanted “Zuuuucccc” when he did something. Whether it be a big goal, assist, hit, block or getting in someone’s face, his willingness to get dirty is what we loved most. We’ve seen him go after Zdeno Chara and nose to nose with former pugilist George Parros. He didn’t care. That’s why he earned respect. They knew he wouldn’t take any crap. I can’t wait to see what he adds to a vanilla Dallas club that badly needs his creativity, determination and grit.

Zuccarello is scrappy as well as skilled. He is the classic overachiever who has done more than anyone thought he was capable of. Discovered during the 2012 Winter Games, the talented Norwegian right wing chose Manhattan when he came to the NHL. At first, he had to make former coach John Tortorella notice the ability he had. He liked what Zucc brought to the power play. An area of exasperation for every Ranger fan during the 2012 Playoffs. He definitely could’ve helped what became known as the power kill during a run to the Eastern Conference Final they lost to the hated Devils.

His time would come under former bench boss Alain Vigneault. For all the gripes about how close they got and the lack of communication at the end, Vigneault knew how to utilize Zuccarello. That became apparent during the 2014 run to the Stanley Cup Final. Without that key ingredient number 36 added to the very effective forechecking line of Derick Brassard and Benoit Pouliot, there is no comeback from 3-1 down against the Penguins in the second round. That third line was so dominant in the offensive zone that they gave the Pens fits. They were a perfect third line that followed the top two which featured the likes of Brad Richards, Martin St. Louis, Carl Hagelin, Derek Stepan, Chris Kreider and Rick Nash. Don’t forget that Brian Boyle combined with Dominic Moore and Derek Dorsett/Daniel Carcillo to form a tough fourth line. Jesper Fast was a rookie who only got into three games.

The unbelievable balance and depth that roster possessed allowed them to advance in seven games past the Flyers and then rally around St. Louis and stun the Penguins, thanks in large part due to Henrik Lundqvist. He never played better. Although you could argue his virtuoso performance in the second round 3-1 comeback versus Braden Holtby and the Ovechkin Capitals the following year in the same round. Wow. What a time to be a Rangers fan. It’s hard to believe only four players are left from 2015. That’s how fast things can change.

Zuccarello was a huge part of those teams. Whether it was in a supporting role like ’13-14 when he put up 13 points (5-8-13) on that cohesive line with Big Game Brass (6-6-12) and Pouliot (5-5-10), or as a top six forward who led the team in scoring four different times, you always knew you could count on him.

I’m still astonished he came all the way back from a career threatening brain contusion and fracture sustained when he took a Ryan McDonagh shot to the helmet knocking him out for the remainder of the 2015 Playoffs. He lost his speech for a few days. It really is crazy how lucky he was. Thank God.

In 509 games as a Blueshirt, he finishes with 113 goals with 239 assists for 352 points and 215 penalty minutes. Like I said, he is scrappy as well as skilled. The fact that he’s 5-8 (ha) and listed at 184 pounds doesn’t stop him from winning battles he has no business winning. More often than not, he comes out with the puck and makes something happen. His former teammates would certainly agree. Look at how he turned his year around by producing 22 points (7-15-22) over a 14 game span to wind up with 37 points in 46 games despite missing time due to a groin strain.

It’s not just what he does on the score sheet. It’s his impact on the bench and in the locker room. For this team, he was like another coach due to his experience and intensity. He understands how to play the game. Hopefully, that’ll rub off on his new Stars teammates. It’s crazy to think the Rangers will actually see him for the first time as an opponent when they visit Dallas on March 5. It’ll be here before you know it.

What will it be like for former teammates, coaches, beat writers and fans? Will we be conflicted? I won’t. But of course I will be rooting for him to score a goal. Imagine if it’s on good pal Lundqvist, who paid tribute to him. Emotions will be running high.

We all are a little sad right now 😢. That’s okay. Zucc is one of our own. It’ll be strange to see him in Stars colors. Just picturing it is weird. That’s the tough part of sports. In the blink of an eye, you’re rooting for your favorite player. The next moment, they’re gone and you’re left wondering where the time went. What happened? It was the same reaction for me with Mark Messier, Alexei Kovalev, Adam Graves, Brian Leetch and Ryan Callahan.

It doesn’t get easier. That doesn’t mean you stop following your favorite player. I own a Kovalev road Pens alternate with an ‘A’ and the familiar number 27. I even wore it once to a game and got interesting comments. Both positive and negative. I never wore it to another game. I’ve also worn a old ’98-99 home white Pens Jaromir Jagr with the number 68. That was before he became a Ranger. I only received compliments and well wishes about if we had him. That era was pretty memorable. At age 47, Jagr is back playing in his home country with Tomas Plekanec. Happy 46th birthday to Kovalev! It is February 24.

I’m sure many of us will be pulling hard for Zucc as a Dallas Star. Just to get the better draft pick alone, it’s worth it. But I’m not expecting it. I will root for him because I love No. 36. I hope he can make magic with Jason Spezza. Maybe he can rub off on the very talented rookie blueliner Miro Heiskanen. I’m sure Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin and Alexander Radulov are excited to have him. Ben Bishop will no longer have to deal with him being a pest in front of the net.

Now, we’ll learn what it’s like to be his opponent. Circle March 5th on your calendar. Maybe if we’re lucky, it’ll go to three-on-three overtime with chaos ensuing. What if it goes to a shootout? Zucc was our Ace in the hole. He was money with his fancy footwork and splendid deke followed by sweet finishes.

I’ll miss him. We all will. He has the heart 💓 of a lion. One you can only love. No matter where he winds up this summer, I’ll always be a big fan of him.

Thank you Mats “Zuuuucccc” Zuccarello for the honest effort and even better person you are away from the rink. Good luck in Dallas!

#ForeverZucc

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On emotional day, Rangers show resolve in convincing win over Devils as Zuccarello says goodbye

Posted on February 24, 2019 by Derek

It’s never easy to say goodbye. Especially to a few teammates you share a locker room and go into battle with. That was clearly the case to everyone during Saturday’s match against the Devils. Aware of the circumstances surrounding Mats Zuccarello, Kevin Hayes and Adam McQuaid, the Rangers showed plenty of resolve in posting a convincing 5-2 win over their blood rival.

Without those key players with one relocating to Dallas for the rest of the season, coach David Quinn was very pleased with his team’s performance. He should be. They came out ready to go scoring three times in a dominant first period that saw them outshoot an unprepared Devils 15-4.

Rearranging the lines, Quinn moved Jimmy Vesey up to the top line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. Ryan Strome centered the second line with Vladislav Namestnikov and Jesper Fast. Lias Andersson centered the Kids Line with Filip Chytil and Pavel Buchnevich. The fourth line was Boo Nieves in the middle flanked by Connor Brickley and forward Brendan Smith. The D pairs were Brady Skjei with Neal Pionk, Marc Staal and Tony DeAngelo, and Fredrik Claesson with Kevin Shattenkirk.

Just about every change worked out. The new top line combined for six points. Both Kreider and Vesey had a goal and assist while Zibanejad tallied two helpers. Strome scored twice with both Namestnikov and Fast each recording an assist. Buchnevich continued his improvement by adding two apples. DeAngelo continued his good run with an assist to extend his point scoring streak to six (0-7-7). Skjei scored his first goal since Dec. 16. Shattenkirk assisted on a goal.

It’s so rare for everything to work out that way in a game. That they did it in such smooth fashion without three regulars who in all likelihood played their final games, shows a lot of mental fortitude.

They laid it all out there against a opponent that clearly was overwhelmed in the early part. Vesey got the scoring started as a power play expired when he steered in a Buchnevich feed past Cory Schneider at 4:48. DeAngelo helped set it up to continue his strong play. He’s really come into his own since Quinn benched him. That trade no longer looks bad anymore.

Penalties really hurt the Devils. Brett Seney was just leaving the penalty box when Vesey got his 14th. A Drew Stafford tripping minor negated a Devil power play. Eventually, it led to Strome tallying a power play goal thanks to a brilliant pass from Kreider. Buchnevich started the play followed by Kreider, who made a no look centering feed that Strome buried for his eighth as a Blueshirt. He would add a empty netter. Since coming over from Edmonton for Ryan Spooner, Strome has scored nine of his 10 goals on Broadway.

On a dominant shift, Kreider snapped an eight game drought with his 25th from Zibanejad and Vesey for a 3-0 lead at 14:23. It was his best game in a while. The best part is it looks like he’s staying put. You need a gritty power forward like Kreider for any rebuild. It took him a while to become a complete player.

Signed through next year, I hope the plan is to extend him this summer. I’d love nothing better than seeing Kreider as the next captain before the ’19-20 season opener. He does so many things well. Just ask Schneider about being unable to pick up a Skjei point shot in the second due to Kreider battling Eric Gryba in front. Schneider mentioned it during his postgame while expressing frustration with the way the Devils played.

Prior to Skjei putting the Rangers back up by three during the third, newcomer Kenny Agostino scored his first goal as a Devil. Claimed off waivers from Montreal, the 26-year old local kid from Morristown was able to beat Alexandar Georgiev with a quick wrist shot from the slot unassisted at 2:20.

https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1099405923628527616?s=19

Following the dreadful start, the Devils played the Rangers on even terms the final two periods. Shots favored the Garden hosts by a slim 19-17 margin. There was no scoring in a second that was even in shots (8-8). Kurtis Gabriel took a unnecessary penalty for cross checking Brickley in the number for no reason. It was senseless. Back in the first, Gabriel fought Smith.

Shattenkirk tripped up Blake Coleman, who had a step and was denied by Georgiev in tight. Not much else happened. Both goalies made the saves to keep it 3-0.

Following Agostino tallying for New Jersey, a great shift by Kreider resulted in Skjei ending a long 27 game drought. On a sustained forecheck, the top line pinned the Devils in. Eventually, Zibanejad and Shattenkirk combine to work the puck over to an open Skjei, who let go of a wrist shot from the point that beat Schneider. As it went in, Gryba cross checked Kreider down in frustration. They had a good battle with Kreider staying just clear of Schneider, who was distracted on the goal. Afterwards, Kreider went back at Gryba resulting in matching roughing minors at 11:08.

A desperate John Hynes challenged for goaltender interference, but it was an easy decision for the officials. The goal was upheld.

Less than two minutes later, Devils captain Andy Greene got a rare goal when he converted a two-on-one from Kyle Palmieri and Nico Hischier at 12:59 to cut the deficit to 4-2. On the play, he got behind Marc Staal to jump into the rush and beat Georgiev for his fourth upstairs.

https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1099407201507176448?s=19

That was as close as the Devils got. With Schneider on the bench for an extra attacker, a hard working play started by Fast got the puck to Namestnikov in the neutral zone. He made the unselfish pass over to Strome for the exclamation mark with 19 seconds remaining.

BONY 3 STARS:

3rd 🌟 Jimmy Vesey, NYR (14th of season, assist, +2 in 20:45)

2nd 🌟 Chris Kreider, NYR (goal for 25th of season, assist, 5 shots, +2 in 19:56)

1st 🌟 Ryan Strome, NYR (2 goals for #’s 8 & 9, 9-and-4 on draws, +2 in 19:09)

Notes: After the game, the Rangers traded Mats Zuccarello to the Stars for a conditional second and conditional third round pick. See the previous post for more on the move that sent the fan favorite to Dallas. … Kevin Hayes and Adam McQuaid remain with the club for now. Neither will play in today’s afternoon match at Washington. … For similar reasons, Marcus Johansson was a healthy scratch for the Devils, who are likely to move him before Monday’s 3 PM deadline. Pavel Zacha and newest Devil Connor Carrick sat out. … The loss snapped a personal three-game winning streak for Schneider, who made 31 saves in defeat. Georgiev only had to stop 19 to pick up his 10th win. He’s won four of his last five decisions.

… In other trade news, Ottawa dealt scoring winger Ryan Dzingel to the Blue Jackets, who are all in. They sent one time Blueshirt Anthony Duclair to the Senators along with second round picks in 2020 and 2021. It’s already the fifth organization for the 23-year old Duclair, who once was packaged by the Blueshirts for Keith Yandle. Columbus also received a seventh round pick.

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Disappointing return for heart and soul Zuccarello won’t satisfy fans

Posted on February 23, 2019 by Derek

Following a well deserved 5-2 home win by the Rangers over an unprepared Devils, cult hero Mats Zuccarello exited Madison Square Garden for the last time in his car waving to fans. Unsurprisingly, the man known to all as “Zuuuucccc” was one of three healthy scratches due to being on the block two days before the deadline.

As expected, the popular 31-year old from Norway who gave the Blueshirts his heart and soul, was dealt later in the day. No. It wasn’t a team that was expected such as Calgary or Nashville. Instead, Rangers GM Jeff Gorton agreed to trade Zuccarello to the Dallas Stars in exchange for two conditional picks that for now are a second and third. Let’s delve more into it.

Getting a second round pick for Zucc was highly anticipated based on his season. However, I’m in the same camp as many confused Garden Faithful who can’t understand why Gorton didn’t get a prospect from Dallas with the second round pick that can become a first if the Stars win two rounds. There’s a better chance of hell freezing over.

Even with the additions of Zuccarello and former Devil Ben Lovejoy, the Stars are still going to be hard pressed to squeak into the playoffs. With 65 points and 30 ROW (regulation + overtime wins), they’re still in the first wildcard despite the Avalanche shutting out the Predators to tie them in points. Colorado has 27 ROW and one less game left. So, they’re the second wildcard in a very weak West where virtually a dozen teams are still alive for the final two spots.

The stipulation on the third round conditional pick is that if Zuccarello decides to re-sign in Big D, that would become a first. The whole thing is puzzling. Is that really the best the Rangers could’ve done for a skilled veteran who brings plenty of grit to the table for a contender capable of making a run? Color me unimpressed.

I highly doubt Zuccarello will stay in Dallas. I don’t feel they’re good enough to seriously compete. Tyler Seguin is the only top forward out of Jamie Been and Alexander Radulov to play up to his potential. The Stars have two good defensemen in John Klingberg and promising rookie Miro Heiskanen, who’ll challenge for the Norris in the future. Unless Ben Bishop can stay healthy, they have no chance of doing anything. Bishop has battled injuries most of the season, which sums up his career. A very good goalie who can steal games, it’s all about being right.

Zuccarello can certainly aid a team that isn’t deep offensively. After Seguin, who paces them with 26 goals and 57 points, Radulov is nearly a point-per-game with 47 points in 50 games. Benn has slowed down with a modest 21-20-41 thus far. After that, the drop off is significant. Klingberg (29 points), Esa Lindell (28) and Heiskanen (26) rank fourth through sixth. They’ll hope Zuccarello can find some chemistry with declining vet Jason Spezza. Hopefully, he does well as a Star. Although I gotta admit I cannot picture our beloved Zucc wearing that number 36 in Stars colors.

It’ll take some getting used to. The question is for how long. For as much as he struggled with the groin strain and then the cold reality that he would no longer be a Blueshirt, Zuccarello came clean and then proved why he was so revered by fans. The strong response in mid-January turned his season around. In his last 16 games as a Ranger, he registered seven goals and 15 assists totaling 22 points. That included a dominant nine-game point scoring streak in which he had 15 points (5-10-15). In fact, all 22 points came over a 14-game run between Jan. 12 thru Feb. 17. Even though he didn’t pick up a point over the final two games, the effort was there. So was the trust from coach David Quinn, who heaped high praise on his now former player.

It’s always sad when a fan favorite leaves. Gorton had little choice with the organization committed to a rebuild that began last year with the auctioning off of Ryan McDonagh, J.T. Miller, Rick Nash and Michael Grabner for a combination of prospects and draft picks. The previous summer, former playoff hero Derek Stepan and Antti Raanta were traded to Arizona for Tony DeAngelo and the 2017 seventh overall pick that became Lias Andersson. So, the proverbial writing on the wall really started back then.

As loyal as Zuccarello was to the only NHL team he’d known, he still wanted five years from the Rangers when Gorton tried to negotiate. It’s understandable. He believes he’s got plenty of good hockey left. He was a bargain making $4.5 million on average. That’ll change this July. Much like former captain Ryan Callahan, he’s entitled to that one payday when the weather heats up. That’s why he had to go. Unless he was willing to take less term, there was no realistic chance of keeping him. The same will be echoed of soon to be gone two-way center Kevin Hayes, who’ll likely command between six to seven years at between six to seven million.

What’s so disappointing is that Gorton took the Dallas offer for the two picks. You’re telling me they couldn’t do better? I was under the impression they would go for a prospect and a second round draft pick.

I’m not going to pretend to be a GM or hockey executive here. That’s their job. I don’t know what was offered. The perception was that they couldn’t get a first back for Zuccarello. Unless the Stars have a miracle run in them, that will remain true. Maybe they can sway him into staying. That would be nice. Just don’t expect it.

As much as I would’ve loved for Gorton to add American prospect Jason Robertson, who helped Team USA win a silver medal at the World Junior Championship, he probably wasn’t available for a potential rental in Zucc. That’s the nature of the business. Maybe a few of us got our hopes up for nothing. When it comes to following this team, Ranger fans can be very unrealistic. I just wish I felt differently about the return.

The good news is Hayes should definitely bring back a good prospect and first round pick. I don’t care if it’s the 31st overall. If he helps say a Calgary, Nashville, or Winnipeg win a Stanley Cup, even better. Especially if it means one of those conditions being met, which most of us expect.

You never know. Don’t forget Mark Stone hasn’t been moved yet. He’ll bring back a bigger return to Ottawa than Hayes. We’ll see what happens over the final 40 hours.

I didn’t watch this video tribute until now. I have tears. I will really miss Mats Zuccarello. I think we can all truly say we love ❤️ you Zucc! Best of luck in Dallas. Thank you No. 36!!!!!

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Deadline day is upon us

Posted on February 23, 2019 by hasan4978

No recap from my end today, for starters I didn’t watch most of the game. First time I turned on Hartford vs. Binghamton it was the middle of the second period, saw 3-0 and laughed – then turned it off again. I only turned it back on in the third period when the Devils finally started playing and got it to 3-1 with ten good minutes before sagging again. Typically when two teams are playing out the string, the team that wanted the game more got it. This afternoon it was the Rangers. I’m sure Derek’ll like doing that recap anyway.

Can’t even blame us trading/sitting everyone since the Rangers did the same thing with their outgoing deadline rentals. For some reason I don’t remember outright scratching players before the deadline as a major deal in prior years. Maybe cause teams either did their business when they could or let things play out. I don’t remember too many cases of guys getting hurt before the deadline costing their teams a big return. Admittedly I did fear that with Marcus Johansson which is why I haven’t minded him sitting the last two games.

With defenseman Ben Lovejoy, he only had to sit one game before finding out his fate – traded to Dallas this morning for a 3rd round pick and defenseman Connor Carrick. Carrick sounds like a depth defenseman, my buddy Rudy called him a Lovejoy-in-training. For the crap Lovejoy got from Devils fans, that would be a good career outcome but he’s an RFA at the end of the season so he’s likely on an audition along with most of the other young guys and role players here down the stretch.

There aren’t a lot of highlight videos of guys like Lovejoy to go back on and remember, he wasn’t a highlight reel type of guy obviously. His impact was more with the guys in the room and on being one of the leaders of a young team. I do remember his seeing eye empty-netter in Game 3 of the playoffs last year to help sew up our lone win against Tampa Bay. While I do want him to have success, the Stars missing the playoffs only helps the value of our third-rounder. I’m not as invested in Lovejoy as I would be in say, Brian Boyle. Who also has a better chance at winning in Nashville anyway.

With two days to go before the deadline GM Ray Shero’s arguably done 2/3 of the heavy lifting (Lovejoy, Boyle) and only Johansson is still in limbo waiting to find out his destination. If I had a prediction I’d say he fetches a 2 and a 4 or a 2 and a meh prospect. Which is actually more than I thought he’d get a month ago before he surged. I still don’t think he gets a first-rounder back though. Centers and defensemen get first rounders back. Maybe the occasional goalie like Dwayne Roloson, which turned out to be a good deadline deal for the Oilers in 2006. Playmaking wingers don’t generally fetch firsts though. It does sound like there’s a lot of interest in MarJo. Too bad he only got going as a Devil after the team fell out of things this year, but at least he got it going soon enough to up his value a little more.

Other than the aformentioned big three there aren’t any other big UFA’s likely to be dealt. Clearly whatever value Keith Kinkaid might have had a couple months ago has evaporated in a string of goals allowed. Might as well keep the emoji-master and have him as a sacrificial lamb to play when Cory Schneider doesn’t, and just keep Mackenzie Blackwood in the minors. Perhaps Shero pulls a rabbit out of a hat and deals someone who’s not a UFA to change things up. Nobody saw the Adam Henrique for Sami Vatanen trade coming last year, and that was back in November. Arguably that trade’s been a draw so far, with both players helping their new teams to the playoffs last year, but falling on hard times this year either struggling (Henrique) or hurt (Vatanen) for teams under the bubble.

Personally I’m hoping Johansson’s traded tonight so I don’t have to pay any more attention to the deadline during work on Monday than need be. Of course I say that and Shero’ll throw something else down the pike at the last minute. Obviously at least ‘something’ (MarJo) will be done then or before, especially judging by John Hynes comment in the wake of the Lovejoy deal hinting that hopefully more was to come. He certainly wasn’t talking about buying for a team that’s nine thousand points out of the playoffs, although with all the picks Shero’s accumulating maybe there’ll be some draft-day buying using those picks as currency at least.

Might just comment on what else happens with the Devils at the deadline during the post-Monday game recap, assuming there’s enough to actually write about after we play the Habs at home in front of about ten thousand people. For those of you that subscribe to the Athletic, they have a couple of nice insider pieces on what goes into the deadline, one of them talking with Devil players that have been traded before to get the player perspective and another talking with a handful of NHL GM’s into what negotiating and prep work goes on behind the scenes before and during the deadline. I swore for months I’d never pay for news, but tried a subscription half off for a year and it’s worth it just for the hockey content considering the lack of hockey news (especially Devils-related) in the mainstream media these days.

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