Rangers quiet before roster freeze for Vegas Expansion Draft

Posted on June 17, 2017 by Derek
Jonathan Drouin

Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Jonathan Drouin (27) is congratulated by the bench after scoring a goal during the first period of Game 2 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Islanders, Saturday, April 30, 2016, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

The last two days, plenty of trade rumors were the focus with the roster freeze coming in anticipation of the Las Vegas Expansion Draft. The Golden Knights will begin selecting players from all 30 NHL rosters beginning tomorrow. The expansion draft will last three days with the final Vegas roster to be revealed at the NHL Awards show at T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday.

Among the teams rumored to be in discussions are the Rangers. However, GM Jeff Gorton wasn’t able to finalize anything before today’s 3 PM deadline. There had been talk that Derek Stepan and Antti Raanta could be moving to the Coyotes. But it remains just that for now.

Negotiations take time. Something there wasn’t a lot of entering the trade freeze. So, not many major deals went down. The Canadiens made the biggest splash yesterday landing Jonathan Drouin from the Lightning for Montreal D prospect Mikhail Sergachev with an exchange of a conditional second round pick going to Tampa with the Habs receiving a conditional sixth in 2018.

Montreal stayed busy today sending puck moving left defenseman Nathan Beaulieu to the Sabres for a 2017 third round pick. A nice move by new Buffalo GM Jason Botterill. He gets a solid second pair D who can fly for a third rounder in not a deep draft. Beaulieu should bolster the Sabres’ blueline. Along with the smart hiring of new coach Phil Housley, who was terrific as an assistant with Nashville, it’s been a good week for Buffalo. Things are looking up.

In another deal, Calgary acquired starting goalie Mike Smith from Arizona in exchange for Chad Johnson, Brandon Hickey and a conditional third round pick which can become a second if the Flames make the playoffs next season. The Coyotes did the Flames a favor by retaining 25 percent of Smith’s salary. He is set to earn $6 million in ’17-18 and $5 million in ’18-19 with a cap hit of $5.67 million.

The Ducks bought out defenseman Simon Despres. Acquired from Pittsburgh a couple of years ago for Ben Lovejoy, he was often injured and bitten by the concussion bug. He played in only one game this past season. Despres is 25. Given the state of his health, I wonder if he’ll retire. That would be sad. But it might be best long term.

There really hasn’t been much else going on. Just a lot of talk but little action. Minnesota was in on Drouin but lost out. They were unable to unload any of their defensemen. Both Jonas Brodin and Marco Scandella could be on the move. The Bruins were said to be targeting Brodin, who’s signed thru 2021 to a nice contract. Boston could send the Wild their first pick (18th overall) for Brodin. We’ll see. Supposedly, Montreal had interest in Scandella after dealing Beaulieu.

Also of note, Ottawa didn’t move any defensemen either. The candidates are Cody Ceci and Dion Phaneuf. Ceci has one year remaining while Phaneuf is signed thru 2021.

Aa far as the impatience with the Rangers from some fans, relax. It takes time. I have no idea what this means for Raanta. It’s worth noting soon to be former Pen Marc-Andre Fleury hasn’t moved yet either after waiving his no-trade clause following their repeat. He said he’ll miss everything about Pittsburgh. He sounds like a great teammate and would be a good pickup for anyone.

Las Vegas is going to wind up with a good goalie. It’s just a question of who GM George McPhee wants.

I would like to see Jesper Fast and Oscar Lindberg stay Rangers. Both are key components on the checking line who add depth. I also love Michael Grabner. If you have to follow one current Ranger, follow Grabner’s account. He’s a riot.

https://twitter.com/grabs40/status/875450519262818305

 

 

 

Posted in Off Season | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Goodbye to you: Thank you Dan Girardi!

Posted on June 14, 2017 by Derek
Derek Stepan, Marc Staal, Dan Girardi

New York Rangers’ Derek Stepan, left, is congratulated on his goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets by teammates Marc Staal, center, and Dan Girardi during the third period of an NHL hockey game Monday, April 4, 2016, in Columbus, Ohio. The Rangers beat the Blue Jackets 4-2. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

In sports, we get attached to players as fans. When they leave, it’s always sad and emotional. The news came today that the Rangers bought out Dan Girardi. They made it official on Twitter.

It was a announcement that was expected. Even if for myself and other Girardi supporters, it was bittersweet. When it comes down to it, sports are a business. From a economical standpoint, the Rangers couldn’t afford to keep Girardi anymore. He was still owed $13 million over the remaining three years of his contract at a average cap hit of $5.5 million.

The 33-year old proud veteran gave everything to the franchise. One of Glen Sather’s best moves as GM was signing the undrafted free agent from Welland, Ontario. Nobody knew who he was when he joined the organization in 2005. After spending a year and a half honing his skills in the AHL with Hartford, Girardi got the call to the big club during ’06-07.

In the fun days of the Henrik Lundqvist Era featuring Jaromir Jagr and the cohesive European top line with Michael Nylander and Martin Straka, those teams gave the Garden Faithful hope. In Year 2 of the post-lockout new NHL, the Rangers made the second round of the playoffs for the first time since ’97. A good roster that also featured Brendan Shanahan, Matt Cullen, Ryan Callahan, Pete Prucha, Sean Avery, Marek Malik, Michael Rozsival and Fedor Tyutin swept the Thrashers.

When Straka scored with over two minute shots left to break a scoreless tie in the third period of Game 5 at Buffalo, it looked like the young Rangers were a team of destiny. But Chris Drury’s goal with 7.7 seconds remaining followed by Maxim Afingenov’s power play goal in overtime broke Blueshirt hearts. Despite a heroic performance from Jagr, they fell a goal short in Game 6 to lose the series.

As time went on, Girardi graduated to top pair status with Marc Staal. They formed a good tandem under coach John Tortorella, who eventually moved future captain Ryan McDonagh up while sliding Staal down. Girardi was the one constant. What he lacked in talent he made up for in blood and guts. A warrior who sacrificed for the team by diving to block dangerous shots like one rocket from P.K. Subban in a loss at Montreal, Girardi always brought the lunch pail work ethic to the rink. He could be counted on to log big minutes including on the penalty kill where he became a fixture.

Girardi lasted 11 years due to his will. Without number 5, there are no deep runs in 2012, ’14 and ’15. Eventually, his body broke down from the physical and gritty style he played. It’s still amazing that he returned and played through a messed up knee in ’15-16 when he really needed rest. That was more about Alain Vigneault, who overused him and Staal when they weren’t 100 percent. By the time the playoffs rolled around, they were mince meat against the eventual two-time Stanley Cup champion Pens.

Not much was expected of Girardi this year. Many wondered if he could still survive the grind of a 82-game season and be effective in the postseason. While the cynics cried over spilt milk, Girardi bounced back with a solid year getting into 63 games with a ankle injury keeping him out in March. Of course, he returned to finish the regular season and was penciled in by Vigneault with McDonagh on the top pair against first round opponent Montreal.

c-cvkh9vwaapy1q

It was in that physical series that Girardi excelled. He proved that he still has something left. Playing a very active physical game finishing checks with a few memorable hits while playing responsibly defensively, he was terrific in a six-game series win over the Canadiens. Even the detractors took notice.

In the Rangers’ six-game second round elimination to the Senators, it wasn’t about him. The losses in Games 2 and 5 were self inflicted. Those were games they used to put away. It didn’t matter who Vigneault sent out. They didn’t get the job done blowing a two-goal lead in Game 2 and a one-goal lead in Game 5 to lose in excruciating fashion in sudden death.

The sad part is it was a very winnable series. Maybe the last hurrah with a group that could be losing more core players if the Derek Stepan trade rumors are true as reported by well respected Bob McKenzie. Ditto for Staal, who struggled mightily against Ottawa. If they can’t find a taker for his salary which still has four years remaining at a $5.7 million hit, the other proud elder statesman could become a cap casualty like Girardi.

If general manager Jeff Gorton goes in that direction, the Rangers will have a totally different look on the blueline. The thinking is that they’ll reach agreement with impending UFA Brendan Smith on a new contract. He was very effective after coming over from Detroit. A deal around $4.5 million per year over four should get it done. The development of Brady Skjei will make him a top four defenseman.

With Kevin Klein reportedly retiring from the NHL to pursue other opportunities in Europe, the Rangers save $2.5 million. There will be a complete overhaul if Staal is bought out. I don’t see the point in keeping him. He’s a shell of himself due to the concussions. The sport is very unforgiving.

As for Girardi, he showed why he is one of the classiest players to represent the Broadway Blueshirts. In a press release, he expressed his gratitude to the organization, teammates and of course thanked the loyal fans.

Of course reading it made me sad and want to shed tears for a heart and soul player who loved being a Ranger. Girardi is one of the classic overachievers who worked hard to become a shutdown D who even was an All-Star with his peers showing respect. Claude Giroux called him underrated.

When your opponents respect you, it shows a lot and explains how much true character Girardi had. He competed as hard as anyone that wore the jersey.

I’ll miss him. Whatever happens, I wish him and his family nothing but the best. I hope it’s not the end. I heart Danny G. Thank you for your many sacrifices that made this team a Cup contender and for always being accountable.

Dan Girardi is a winner. Thank you Danny G!!!!!

Posted in Battle News, NYRangers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hard Hits: Why NBC has driven me away

Posted on June 11, 2017 by Derek

c8s1hukuqaap9xe

Normally, I watch the entire NHL playoffs including the Stanley Cup Finals. But tonight, I’m taking a stand. I won’t watch Game 6.

There are many reasons for it. The first being I can’t stand NBC. The way they cover these games is appalling. They’ve become redundant over silly fake storylines that have nothing to do with hockey.

The whole P.K. Subban/Sidney Crosby story about “bad breath” was made up by Subban. The media ran with it treating it as if it were bigger than the two teams competing for the Cup. How many times can we listen to NBC trolls Ed Olczyk, Pierre McGuire and Mike Milbury reference Listerine? It’s sickening.

Then there’s the whole total ignorance when it comes to how Crosby is officiated. The double standard has been well documented. He’s the game’s best player. The marquee superstar who can do no wrong. No disrespect to Crosby the player who competes as hard as anyone. But how much can unbiased fans take of the missed calls on the Pens captain?

He got away with interference back in Game 1 leading to Evgeni Malkin’s power play goal which opened the scoring. The same star player can repeatedly rabbit punch a fallen Subban into the ice before he retaliates and the two get matching minors. Even non entity ESPN was all over that on SportsCenter.

The See No Evil Hear No Evil lazy approach by NBC’s analysts is pathetic. They intentionally avoid criticizing the refs unless it’s when Nashville gets away with rough stuff. Or what Milbury calls “mugging.” It works both ways. But when it comes to Crosby, he is untouchable.

Now mind you I rooted for Mark Messier on the Rangers. He was dirty frequently getting away with cheap shots like the uncalled cross check to Doug Gilmour during the ’97 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Devils. Back then, you could get away with almost anything. They let a lot of stuff go. At least Messier was candid about it. Crosby never admits to anything apologizing even though we know better.

The way the game is called now is much worse. There are too many inconsistencies. The two ref system with two linesmen are programmed to detect any holding or hooking/obstruction even if it’s the phantom variety. They don’t always get the more blatant stick fouls such as errant high-sticks, slashes or cross checks. This has led to dissatisfaction from diehard fans who know the game.

It’s a total insult. When you have inconsistent officiating, it leads to chaos. Nobody knows what’s a penalty on a nightly basis. The refs have a tough job keeping up with a much faster and talented product. They’re gonna miss stuff. You just hope they do a better job in regards to being consistent. The standard has dropped. There’s way too many examples to cite.

Between NBC’s irritating coverage which unfortunately has become slanted despite Doc Emrick’s best effort and the continued fascination with non-hockey stories, it’s become a sideshow.

Hockey is a great sport. Most observers just want the game. Instead, there’s McGuire talking over the broadcast frequently due to being between the benches. Some of the info he passes along is fun. But he definitely should tone it down during the action.

The other issue is the audience the NHL is catering to. Hint: it’s not us. They do this with one thing in mind. The casual fan who can bring RATINGS. In many aspects with the NHL opting to spread out Games 5, 6 and 7 if necessary by giving the teams two days off, it’s no longer hockey. The game has become like the NBA. That is a indictment on everyone involved including Gary Bettman and awful TV partner NBC.

The last thing we want as fans is for the Stanley Cup to become similar to the NBA Finals. It’s fine the way it is. I’ve always said hockey should end earlier. Even if the two leagues don’t schedule their marquee event on the same days, hockey and basketball are too close together. Especially when you consider that the NHL starts in October about three weeks before the NBA.

It doesn’t make any sense. Both sports play 82 games followed by a best-of-seven format in all four rounds. The NBA used to be best three-of-five in the first round before changing it. The NHL is the more entertaining sport due to unpredictable runs by eight seeds such as the Kings and now the Predators. That never happens with the NBA anymore. The lone exception being the ’99 Knicks in a abbreviated season.

Playoff hockey still gives us great theatre like overtime where heroes are made along with Game 7. The question is will Nashville hold serve like the first five games and provide that seventh game in Pittsburgh on Wednesday. I don’t know.

A final point on why my passion has wavered. I’ve been a lot more distracted by the Yankees and the Aaron Judge show. With the Rangers bowing out in excruciating fashion to the Senators, it’s not the same. I refuse to watch the Pens celebrate another Cup. They’ve been spoon fed two of the game’s all-time greats.

Let’s face facts. Tanks are rewarded. The Rangers are the polar opposite. They never tanked hard enough to get a transcendent superstar who could support Henrik Lundqvist- stolen in the seventh round in 2000. What they accomplished should be appreciated more by our spoiled fan base with half measuring everything on a chart.

For those reasons, I will not watch any of Game 6 or Game 7 if there is one. There’s no need.

 

Posted in Column, Stanley Cup | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

HARD HITS: Rookies Guentzel and Murray starring in possible Pens repeat

Posted on June 3, 2017 by Derek
Jake Guentzel, Brian Dumoulin

Rookie Jake Guentzel has been instrumental during the Pens run leading the NHL Playoffs with 12 goals, five game-winners and a new rookie record 19 points. He and Matt Murray are big reasons the Pens are within two wins of a repeat. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Denver Post. 

The Stanley Cup is the hardest trophy to win in sports. It requires teams to go through four grueling rounds and win 16 games. It helps explain why no one has repeated since the Red Wings in ’97 and ’98.

The defending champion Penguins are attempting to accomplish the rare double. Something the same franchise did in ’91 and ’92 led by aces Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr. Twenty-five years later, they’re led by another pair in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The game’s best player and the game’s most overlooked superstar.

Along with lethal sniper Phil Kessel, they have been instrumental during the Pens’ run. Not surprisingly, they are the top three leading scorers in the NHL playoffs. Malkin leads the way with 26 (9-17-26) followed by Crosby (7-15-22) and Kessel (7-13-20).

However, it isn’t only the dynamic Pens trio that has them two wins away from a repeat. Pittsburgh also features a pair of impressive rookies who are a big part of it. In forward Jake Guentzel and goalie Matt Murray, the Pens boast two of the most promising young players in the game.

Murray took center stage last year. After just 13 starts in the regular season, he took the Pens all the way to the franchise’s fourth Cup. The former 2012 third round pick taken 83rd overall was splendid in replacing Marc-Andre Fleury and going 15-6 with a 2.08 goals-against-average with a .923 save percentage and one shutout in 21 appearances.

The 23-year old’s poise under pressure is one of his best characteristics. He rarely panics. Even in a dicey Game 7 against the Senators which required two overtimes, Murray made a few timely stops before Crosby set up Chris Kunitz’s winner in sudden death that sent the Pens to a second consecutive Stanley Cup Final. Since relieving Fleury against Ottawa, he’s 5-1 in six starts with a 1.54 GAA, .943 save percentage and one shutout. For his postseason career, Murray’s 20-7 with a 1.95 GAA, .928 save percentage and two shutouts.

Facing the Predators. the Pens managed to win the first two games on home ice thanks to some crucial play from Murray and new first-year sensation Guentzel. In Game 1, they blew a 3-0 lead due to a Preds onslaught. Nashville was relentless scoring the next three while holding Pittsburgh without a shot in 37 straight minutes. Somehow, the Pens were able to get what they needed from Guentzel, who beat Pekka Rinne on his team’s first shot since the first period with 3:17 remaining. It was his 10th goal of the postseason. Nick Bonino’s empty netter sealed the 5-3 win.

Game 2 was different with the Pens erupting for three goals in a 3:18 span at the start of the third to break open a tie game for a 4-1 victory. Guentzel was again front and center. Having earlier scored the tying goal on a bad rebound short side on a shaky Rinne late in the first, he was again in the right spot to put away a leaky Bryan Rust rebound for the game-winner just 10 seconds into the final stanza. Guentzel has established a new rookie record with 12 goals and 19 points. He leads all skaters with five game-winners.

The 22-year old former Pens 2013 third round pick taken 77th overall is making it look easy. Listed at only 5-11, 180 pounds, you wouldn’t know it by the way he plays. Guentzel uses his speed and quick release to make things happen. He has tremendous skill and is willing to go to the scoring areas. It’s worth noting that in his recall, he put up 16 goals and 17 assists in 40 games. He quietly did it while Crosby got all the ink winning the Rocket Richard with 44 goals. His 89 points tied for second in the league trailing only Hart favorite Connor McDavid.

With injuries limiting Patric Hornqvist and Bonino to seven points with Connor Sheary only contributing a goal and five helpers, they’ve needed Guentzel’s production. Without it, they wouldn’t be in a winning position with the series shifting to Nashville for the next two starting tonight.

You can make a strong case for Guentzel to win the Conn Smythe. His 12 goals lead the postseason as do his five deciding markers. The 19 points rank fourth behind Malkin, Crosby and Kessel. The last rookie to win the Conn Smythe is Cam Ward, who did it in 2006 for the Hurricanes by winning 15 games as a 22-year old. Patrick Roy is the youngest winner doing it as a 20-year old with the Canadiens in 1986.

It’s safe to say that without Guentzel or Murray, the Pens wouldn’t be where they are. Credit also goes to coach Mike Sullivan, who’s pushed the right buttons. Due to the talent he has at his disposal, he doesn’t get enough credit for the tough lineup decisions and hunches he’s played in adjusting his lines during games. He’s willing to move players up and down throughout the lineup and get the desired results.

He also has full command of the bench. Crosby and Malkin have bought in playing more disciplined. They don’t take many frustrating retaliatory penalties anymore as they had under former coach Mike Johnston and even Dan Bylsma. They lead by example. It’s why these Pens under Sullivan are easier to respect.

Henrik Lundqvist, Antti Raanta, Derek Stepan

New York Rangers’ Derek Stepan (21) encourages goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) as goalie Antti Raanta (32) replaces Lundqvist during the second period of the Rangers’ NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, April 2, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

BODY CHECKS:

-The officiating continues to be substandard. They allow blatant stick fouls and mugging but call the obvious hooks and holds even if they’re phantom. If there is one gripe, it’s the inconsistency which has frustrated fans and even NBC analysts Mike Milbury and Keith Jones. They’ve been outspoken as have Pierre McGuire and Ed Olczyk.

-NBC’s coverage remains an eye sore. They’ve clearly shown bias towards the Pens with Milbury ignoring a bad call on Nashville’s Calle Jarnkrok in Game 1 that led to a full two minute Pens five-on-three thanks to a foolish cross check from ex-Pen James Neal. Jarnkrok didn’t take a penalty as the Pen was already on the way down. Something Olczyk noted.

-By the same token, Malkin got a bogus booking minor for a stick on stick with the other Pens penalty a Kunitz cross check giving Nashville a full two-man advantage. So, the refs have been bad for both sides. They missed a mugging on Guentzel from Nashville defenseman Mattias Ekholm. Crosby has certainly been worked over but also got away with interference on a Malkin power play goal in Game 1. No one said anything.

-With the officiating what it is, teams must play through. Though I would expect Nashville to get more calls at home than Game 2 when the Pens got five extra power plays.

-Say this for P.K. Subban. He doesn’t lack confidence. In being one of his team’s most effective players, he guaranteed a Game 3 victory tonight. Given how well the Preds have played on home ice in the loudest environment, why shouldn’t he be confident? They easily could’ve won Game 1 if not for Rinne’s hiccups late. Game 2 fell apart with Guentzel, Scott Wilson and Malkin turning a 1-1 game into 4-1 Pens quickly.

-Who doesn’t like seeing two of the game’s stars in Subban and Malkin going at it? That’s playoff hockey.

-Viktor Arvidsson remains stuck on one goal. Neal hasn’t done much against his former team. These two must pick it up.

-The power plays have been blah. The Pens are 1-for-9 going 0-for-7 in Game 2. The Preds are 2-for-5. They got their two in Game 1 from Ryan Ellis and Colton Sissons, who’s had the hot hand.

-Filip Forsberg has been shutout so far. That can’t continue for Nashville to get back in it. They need to sweep Games 3 and 4 to have a realistic chance. But it all comes down to tonight.

-Rinne was pulled after Malkin blew one by him in the third period for 4-1. He must find whatever mojo he had before and fast.

-Alexander Ovechkin isn’t getting traded. Let’s leave it at that.

-Even with hints he wants to play for the Rangers, no way is Ilya Kovalchuk winding up on Broadway. The Devils would never trade him here.

-Both Matt Duchene and Tyson Barrie are available from Colorado. Figure Duchene to go escaping jail. I have no idea what the plan is for the once proud Avalanche franchise that won a pair of Cups led by Joe Sakic, Roy and a Peter Forsberg.

-All the talk about LeBron James and his place in NBA history. But what about Crosby if he leads the Pens to a repeat for the hardest and most prestigious trophy? It would be three Cups in four Finals appearances along with two Harts, two Art Rosses, a Conn Smythe, two Richards and two Olympic golds including the golden goal in Vancouver. Sid is also classier. He never talks about his legacy and always gives credit to teammates. It’s a hockey thing.

-So Henrik Lundqvist injured his knee while winning gold with twin brother Joel Lundqvist in the Worlds. Maybe if the NHL wasn’t so stubborn, he wouldn’t have played. But no Olympic participation in South Korea next year was too much for Lundqvist to pass up another chance to play with his brother.

-So what if Mika Zibanejad records music in his free time. It’s June. Players are allowed to have fun too. I need to hear it just for kicks. Does DJ ZB have a future after hockey?

-Get rid of the offside challenge. It kills the flow and takes way too long. Sure. They got it right nullifying Subban’s goal which would’ve given the Preds a good start in Game 1. But it was that close with Forsberg’s skate not touching for onside. Such calls were probably missed a lot in previous postseasons. The replay challenge needs to be revamped. Is it really supposed to be used for inches on plays no one can tell?

-I still would take Nico Hischier over Nolan Patrick at number one overall if I were the Devils. Go for the more dynamic scorer. Plus he doesn’t have any injury history.

-It is gonna be odd to see two former perennial playoff rivals picking 1-2 in the NHL Draft with the Flyers getting Hischier or Patrick as a nice consolation prize.

-The expansion draft interests me. Who will Las Vegas take for their goalie? Philipp Grubauer, Antti Raanta, Malcom Subban or  Joonas Korpisalo. The draft takes place between June 18-20. But they won’t reveal the Knights roster until June 21 at the NHL Awards which are appropriately at T-Mobile Arena.

-NHL teams must submit their protect lists by 5 PM on June 17.

 

Posted in Column | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stanley Cup underway: Predators vs Penguins

Posted on May 29, 2017 by Derek

The Stanley Cup gets underway tonight. Game 1 between the host Penguins and visiting Predators starts after 8 PM Eastern Standard Time. It should be a great series. I think it has the potential to go seven.

So, what are my thoughts?

-The Pens aim for the first repeat since the Red Wings (1997, ’98) when they swept the Flyers and Caps for back to back titles with the second emotional for former injured star defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov.

-The Penguins are here due to coach Mike Sullivan pushing the right buttons. Despite a slew of injuries that has excluded ace defenseman Kris Letang and other forwards in and out of the lineup, Sullivan has managed his club well to get them back to this point. He made the right call going to Matt Murray to turn around a closely fought Eastern Conference Final which also featured a classic Game 7 that went to double overtime before 37-year old three-time champ Chris Kunitz became the oldest player to score a OT winner in a deciding seventh game to help the Pens advance to defend their Cup.

-Sullivan moved Kunitz up to the Sidney Crosby line during Game 7 and it paid huge dividends. Kunitz had gone 34 games without a goal. He entered with only two assists in the postseason. So of course, he scored twice and had a assist with the seeing eye fluky one-timer that was more a change up from a great Crosby pass sneaking past heroic Senators goalie Craig Anderson for the emotional winner.

-The Pens got back Justin Schultz who scored a key power play goal on a butchered call in which Phil Kessel embellished to draw a interference minor on Dion Phaneuf. But the Sens showed resilience fighting back to tie it with Ryan Dzingel finishing a Erik Karlsson shot off the goalpost to force sudden death. It was Ottawa’s last stand. They barely got shots on Murray in the two overtimes. The Pens relentlessly attacked with Anderson saving his team several times until finally Kunitz won it.

-Pittsburgh gets former Predator Patric Hornqvist back tonight. That is a good storyline with Hornqvist facing James Neal. They were traded for each other. The biggest storyline is Crosby trying to lead his team to a repeat against the upstarts from Nashville. The third eighth seed to ever reach this stage. Edmonton and Los Angeles the other two.

-P..K. Subban is the larger than life dream that NBC will love. The former Canadien who was traded for Shea Weber straight up helping anchor the league’s best defense against the very high scoring and supremely skilled Pens led by two Conn Smythe winners in Crosby and leading postseason scorer Evgeni Malkin. It should be intriguing to see what wins out. The Nashville top 4 of Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis, Mattias Ekholm, Subban or the Pens dynamic offense of Crosby, Malkin, Kessel with a very balanced core featuring Bryan Rust, Conor Sheary, Hornqvist, Kunitz along with overlooked depth centers Nick Bonino and Mr. Game 7 Matt Cullen.

-Without top pivot Ryan Johansen, the Preds will need continued dominance from Filip Forsberg along with more finishing from Viktor Arvidsson and Neal. They’ve gotten large contributions from Colton Sissons, Austin Watson and Colin Wilson.

-How much impact will a healthy Mike Fisher have for the Preds? He is back in his second SCF in 10 years. Not the same force but still a glue piece who will be important on draws, penalty kill and at 5-on-5. He can help them at the center position.

-The big match up features two Stanley Cup winning coaches with the Pens’ Sullivan winning last year after taking over in December 2015. The Preds will lean on Peter Laviolette, who guided the Hurricanes to victory in ’05-06. He also got the Flyers there in 2010 before they lost in six at home to the Blackhawks.

-Can Pekka Rinne continue his amazing run or will the Pens solve him? He’s the leading playoff MVP candidate. It would be nice to see him win.

-I see it being a long hard fought series. I will take the Pens’ experience in 7. But will pull for the Preds. They must win in 6. It should be fun!

Posted in Stanley Cup | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

HARD HITS: Anderson’s performance forces Game 7

Posted on May 24, 2017 by Derek

For a while, Craig Anderson has been the Senators’ number one goalie. A former Blackhawk, Panther and Avalanche who didn’t really establish himself as a consistent starter until he was acquired by Ottawa on Feb. 18, 2011 from Colorado for Brian Elliott, the admirable 36-year old American has the Senators on the verge of a second ever Stanley Cup appearance in 10 years.

In his first full season as the Ottawa starter, he won 33 games and posted a 2.83 goals-against-average with a .913 save percentage during the ’11-12 season to get them in as an eighth seed. He lifted his play in a tightly contested first round series against the top seeded Rangers. Anderson nearly matched more established Vezina winner Henrik Lundqvist, posting a 2.00 GAA and .933 save percentage with a shutout in a tough seven-game series defeat. Lundqvist shut the door in Games 6 and 7 to help the Rangers advance.

Anderson has always been overlooked. He’s a solid number one who has proven to be reliable for the Senators. Injuries and off ice issues have side tracked him. The latest being wife Nicholle Anderson’s courageous fight with cancer. Her husband took time off to be with her in between playing 40 games for Ottawa. With backup Mike Condon able to fill in admirably, the Sens hung in and made the postseason. Anderson managed to post impressive numbers winning 25 games with a 2.28 GAA, .926 save percentage and five shutouts. Astonishing considering the time he missed.

His uncanny ability to focus during such a tough time is amazing. He helped lead the Sens past the rival Bruins and then avenged the 2012 loss to Lundqvist and the Rangers to get Ottawa into the Eastern Conference Final against the heavily favorite defending champion Penguins. Following a tough six-game series win that included some great comebacks and overtime theatrics in Games 2 and 5, I wondered how much they would have left. Particularly due to Erik Karlsson playing with fractures in his heel.

I figured they would be out of gas, taking the Pens in five. How wrong I was. Instead, it was the Sens who took control early holding the Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel Pens to three goals in the first three games to take a 2-1 series lead. Anderson made timely stops and had help from his team defense. They play a tight 1-3-1 checking system and do a good job taking away the front of the net.

But the Pens rose to the challenge taking Game 4 on Brian Dumoulin’s game-winner and Matt Murray’s goaltending. Then came a dominant Game 5 in which they chased Anderson twice in a 7-0 shellacking on Sunday. The blowout win put the Pens up 3-2 within a game of a second straight Stanley Cup Final where the Predators await after finishing off the Ducks in six.

Questions surrounded the Sens. Were they done? But thanks to a heroic effort from Anderson in which he made 45 saves in a 2-1 Game 6 home victory, Ottawa has forced a Game 7. Without the unflappable netminder, there’s no way they would’ve survived a Pens onslaught that included plenty of territorial play and puck possession in the Sens zone.

They controlled much of the action with their speed and forecheck generating plenty of shots and quality chances. In many aspects, it was similar to what the Pens endured against the Caps last round with Marc-Andre Fleury stealing a couple of games while their talent solved Braden Holtby.

The Pens could’ve led by two. But Trevor Daley had a apparent goal overturned due to goalie interference on a controversial but successful challenge from Ottawa coach Guy Boucher. Daley thought he scored the game’s first goal when he went hard to the net and got to a Anderson rebound and steered it in. But they ruled that he made contact with the Ottawa goalie which kept him from getting back in position for Daley’s shot. Honestly, Ottawa got very lucky. It was one I would’ve let stand.

A great individual effort from Malkin in which he abused Zack Smith led to the remarkably gifted Russian center scoring to put the Pens up 1-0. As NBC’s Doc Emrick noted, that one counted. But in a lopsided second period which saw the Pens pepper Anderson with 23 shots, it was the only time they beat him legally. Not even tough deflections by Crosby and Malkin got by Anderson, who made some huge saves.

Still alive, Ottawa took advantage of a five-on-three to draw even. Following a very iffy interference call on Ron Hainsey, Ian Cole high-sticked Kyle Turris, the struggling Sens power play finally went to work. Karlsson started it by passing across for Turris, who quickly one-timed a pass to Bobby Ryan for a one-timer to the short side top past Murray to tie the game.

Ryan has had a terrific playoffs after a tough regular season. He has two goals and four assists in the series and has been a nightmare for the Pens even getting in the face of Crosby. Both were taken in the 2005 NHL Draft 1-2. It’s the best Ryan has ever played.

The Senators were absolute pests last night. They took liberties with Crosby during and following play. You had Ryan having a running dialogue with the Pens captain. You also had Marc Methot getting some revenge with a tap to Crosby with his stick while Mike Hoffman squirted water on him from the bench. It was all let go.

Ottawa did what it took to win. They played a much better third with Hoffman scoring the only goal off a Pens turnover when he blasted a slap shot high off the goalpost and in to convert a three-on-two from Fredrik Claesson and Clarke MacArthur with 18:26 left in regulation.

 

On a night the Pens outshot the Sens 46-30 and out-attempted them by a wide 75-46 margin, it didn’t matter due in large part to a brilliant Anderson. When he wasn’t turning the Pens aside, he had help from his D who chipped in with 17 blocked shots while Pittsburgh also missed 12 other attempts.

A more inspired third in which the shots were near even favoring the Pens 12-11 was enough for the Sens to prevail. Even with Bryan Rust taking Karlsson with him for matching roughs, the Senators were able to survive a dangerous four-on-four that saw Mike Sullivan try Crosby with Malkin.

Anderson delivered a money performance. The Sens did a great job shutting down the Pens once Murray was lifted for a extra attacker. They didn’t muster much due to Ottawa standing up at their blueline and staying aggressive to force the Pens into several neutral zone turnovers. Following one more big save from Anderson on Kessel with 36.5 seconds left, a pesky Turris clinched the win with a intercept and forecheck as time expired.

Ottawa has proven again that they belong in the conversation. A team that has had to silence doubters in the first two rounds is a game away from reaching the Stanley Cup Final. As unlikely as it would be with them having to play a more complete Game 7 tomorrow in Pittsburgh who will undoubtedly get some of those calls, here they are.

They are not here without the inspirational Anderson, who has one chance to fulfill a childhood dream. It would be storybook. Game 7 is the greatest theatre in sports. When it’s for a place in the Stanley Cup, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Either it’ll be the very determined and resilient Pens led by generational talents minus many regulars. Or a gritty bunch of Sens who have a few key players banged up but have been written off before.

Nick Bonino, Kris Letang, Carl Hagelin, Evgeni Malkin, Chris Kunitz, Sidney Crosby

Has there ever been a more ignored superstar than the Pens Evgeni Malkin (top right)?

BODY CHECKS:

-Why would the Devils fire radio color commentator Sherry Ross with even the equipment manager and video operator going? Is there any sense to anything the new Devils ownership does? So much for class and loyalty.

-I’ve seen way too many critiques of Oscar Lindberg, who was under utilized by Rangers coach Alain Vigneault. Maybe he is a “fourth liner” as he’s been labeled. But it’s not like the gum chewing coach rode his most effective forechecking center in a disappointing second round ouster to the Senators. When he shortened up, he hurt the team’s biggest strength. Coincidentally, also overusing Nick Holden and Marc Staal in the critical Game 2 collapse. What’s going to change in Year 5?

-Do you think Mike Milbury bites his tongue on former Islanders coach Peter Laviolette reaching his third Stanley Cup Final with a third different team? The same Mad Mike who gave up on generational talent Zdeno Chara and a first round pick (Jason Spezza) to Ottawa for overrated Alexei Yashin. The same Milbury who dealt away future Hall of Famer Roberto Luongo with Olli Jokinen to the Panthers for Oleg Kvasha and Mark Parrish.

-ESPN isn’t what it used to be. But the E:60 coming up on P.K. Subban should be worth the watch. Subban even admitted he doesn’t know why he still isn’t a Canadien. They chose former coach Michel Therrien over him. Amazing. Shea Weber is no slouch. It’s just hard to believe how the once proud Canadiens operate under Marc Bergevin.

-Imagine if the Habs kept Ryan McDonagh and Subban. That was Bob Gainey, who must have had one too many Irish whiskeys with Glen Sather.

-At least there won’t be any beloved horse race once the Stanley Cup Final begins. Though we are certain NBC will give so much more attention to the Belmont Stakes a week from this Saturday than the Cup participants. They must be praying for the Pens tomorrow.

-What more does Malkin have to do to prove he was the biggest oversight on the beloved NHL top 100? He has a Conn Smythe, Hart, Art Ross, is way over a point-per-game for his career and leads the postseason with 24 points (7-17-24). If only he were Canadian instead of Russian and playing in Crosby’s shadow.

-Sometimes, I get the distinct impression NBC is paying Pierre McGuire to be Crosby’s PR spokesman. The hockey world knows how special Crosby is. We don’t need daily reminders between the benches. That would annoy me if I were playing the Pens.

-It’s true that the level of substandard officiating has been its usual during the postseason. But they shouldn’t ignore what Crosby has gotten away with either.

-I don’t want a penalty fest in the Cup like Milbury, who made his living beating up players and fans. Pretty hypocritical. I prefer they let them play. Don’t miss the egregious stick infractions or cross checks/boarding.

-Would anyone take playoff Alexander Ovechkin over Filip Forsberg?

-I’m happy for Henrik Lundqvist that he got a chance to win with twin brother Joel besting Canada in the shootout for Sweden to take gold in the World Championships. I just wish I could see him lift Lord Stanley at MSG as a Ranger. A image that’s getting further and further away fading into the sunset.

Posted in Column, NHL Playoffs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Predators make history with 6-3 win over Ducks to reach Stanley Cup Final

Posted on May 23, 2017 by Derek

https://twitter.com/newyorkpuck/status/866851554728476672

They’re celebrating in Music City tonight with good reason. In what’s sure to be a wild scene in Nashville, the Predators made history by reaching the franchise’s first Stanley Cup Final. They earned it by showing true grit and determination to beat the Ducks 6-3 to take Game 6 in front of a rabid home atmosphere to win a hard fought Western Conference Final.

It truly is a special time to be a hockey fan in a unique non-traditional market. In defeating the top seeded Blackhawks, the higher seeded Blues and the second seeded Ducks, the Predators become only the third team to make the Stanley Cup Final as an eight seed. They join the Flyers and Kings. Philadelphia was coached by current Nashville coach Peter Laviolette, who made a bit of history in becoming the fourth coach to guide three different teams to the Final. He won it all with the Hurricanes in ’05-06 while winding up runner up in ’09-10 in a six-game loss to the Blackhawks.

The Preds did it despite being largely outplayed by a relentless Ducks who were playing for their playoff livelihood. They outshot the Predators 41-18 and held them to just eight shots the first two periods. But trailed on the scoreboard 2-1 entering a wild and unpredictable third.

Nashville built a early two-goal lead thanks to goals from unsung heroes Austin Watson and Colton Sissons. Watson got to Ducks Game 6 starter Jonathan Bernier 1:21 in. Subbing for injured starter John Gibson, who coach Randy Carlyle later revealed had a hamstring injury sustained during the first period of Game 5 in which he exited, Bernier wasn’t sharp from the outset. He should’ve had Watson’s goal created off a Nashville face off win.

The Ducks had already come out flying testing Pekka Rinne early and often. But Rinne was sensational throughout stopping all dozen of Anaheim’s shots en route to 38 saves. His superior play in net along with Nashville’s supporting cast was the difference in a ultra competitive physical series that inflicted pain and casualties on both sides.

Nashville was able to win the final two games without top center Ryan Johansen and captain Mike Fisher. Johansen had hip surgery and will not play in the Stanley Cup. He was on crutches during the on ice celebration that include a nice photo op with the Clarence Campbell trophy which a limping Fisher didn’t touch. He remains questionable for next round which starts next Monday, May 29 on Memorial Day.

Anaheim was without Gibson for the last five periods of their season and didn’t have top finisher Rickard Rakell either. They also played the round minus key acquisition Patrick Eaves. Carlyle tried to point to a tough schedule that had his team play seven games over 13 days following a quick turnaround after ousting Edmonton in seven. But that wasn’t the issue. They showed the same resiliency rallying from 2-0 and 3-1 deficits.

It was poor play from Bernier, who wasn’t as steady as he was down the stretch with Gibson out. He allowed four goals on 16 shots while Rinne repelled 38 of 41. It was a weird game that saw Anaheim control large portions with their heavy forecheck. They out-attempted Nashville 63-35. But it meant nothing.

Even without their two best centers, the Predators’ depth shined through to make the difference. Sissons recorded a postseason hat trick including getting the series clincher from Calle Jarnkrok with exactly six minutes left in regulation. Watson scored twice including the second empty netter for the final margin. He also blocked six shots showing tenacity. As a team, the Preds blocked 22 shots. They had to or they wouldn’t have won. That’s how good the Ducks were possession wise.

Sometimes, Corsi doesn’t matter. Not when you have the postseason’s leading Conn Smythe candidate making great save after great save. That’s how special Rinne has been. He finally gets the chance to be in the spotlight. Well deserved for another late draft pick who has been similar to Henrik Lundqvist. Hopefully, fate is on his side.

The Preds have looked like destiny’s darlings since sweeping Chicago. They have not looked like a team that made it as a second wildcard. Not with a top four D featuring unheralded anchor Roman Josi, underrated Ryan Ellis along with overlooked Mattias Ekholm and former Hab P.K. Subban. They’re here due to Johansen having a huge playoffs before being sidelined the rest of the playoffs. They’re here due to the remarkable play of Filip Forsberg, whose empty net goal and key assist on Sissons’ second extended his playoff point streak to seven.

Forsberg’s been tremendous. He really is a star player who the Caps must regret trading for Martin Erat. Imagine if they didn’t. Forsberg competes extremely hard and hustles which led to the Preds’ third goal at the three minute mark of the third to go back up two. He is up to 15 points (8-7-15).

Sissons’ special night started when he took a Pontus Aberg pass and drove a good wrist shot past Bernier low to the blocker side for a two-goal lead at 8:47 of the first. A odd period that also saw Ducks’ youngster Nick Ritchie lose his discipline boarding Viktor Arvidsson from behind hard bloodying him. It resulted in a five-minute major and game misconduct. The appropriate call with Arvidsson going to the locker room for repairs before returning.

But the Preds were dreadful on the power play not even registering a shot. In fact, it was the aggressive Ducks penalty kill which dominated even generating shorthanded chances forcing Rinne to make a pair of timely stops. Had Nashville scored there, they could’ve buried Anaheim.

Instead, the resilient Ducks continued to take it to the Preds who were fortunate to still be up. Anaheim’s hard work finally paid off when following a Nashville icing, Ryan Getzlaf won a offensive draw back to Sami Vatanen, whose low shot rebounded off with Corey Perry in front. Perry helped free the puck to Getzlaf, who found a wide open Ondrej Kase all alone for a tap in at 4:45 cutting the deficit to 2-1.

They were way better. Nashville took two minor penalties giving the Ducks a pair of power plays. But they couldn’t cash in with a strong Preds penalty kill doing the job. Having the front four of Josi, Ellis, Ekholm and Subban serves its purpose. They also got yeoman efforts from guys like Watson, Sissons, Jarnkrok, Arvidsson and checking pivot Vernon Fiddler.

Despite being outshot 25-8, they still led by one entering the final frantic period. When Sissons was able to get to a loose puck after an Aberg whack and beat Bernier five-hole from Forsberg, that made it 3-1 with 17 minutes left. Things looked good. But Chris Wagner was able to get it right back two minutes later with a sweet finish off Rinne and the post from Nic Kerdiles and Antoine Vermette.

The Ducks kept coming. As they have throughout their run, they never quit. A huge Getzlaf face off win led directly to Cam Fowler bombing one from the left point past a screened Rinne to tie the score with still 11:09 remaining. Laviolette challenged for goaltender interference due to Perry contacting Rinne prior to the Fowler goal. But he had enough time to recover. So, they upheld the goal and Nashville lost its timeout.

They really could’ve made the Preds pay for a Josi delay of game that nearly became a two-man advantage with a clear just going off the glass before going out. Maybe that lucky bounce was a sign that the Predators would win. They killed off another ineffective Ducks power play.

This time, it was their aggression that resulted in Sissons’ series clincher with six minutes to go. Sissons forced Fowler into a turnover at the Nashville blueline. He kept puck pursuit and eventually out worked a couple of puck watching Ducks to get the puck to Jarnkrok. The play was a two-on-four with Fowler, Getzlaf, Perry and Ryan Kesler all back. But they were awful allowing Jarnkrok to draw them in and dish across for a unchecked Sissons, who rifled it home top shelf as the power play expired.

Following a stoppage, they announced the hat trick resulting in plenty of hats raining down at Bridgestone Arena. That was due to Sissons’ second goal originally credited to Aberg. But it was clear it was his. It made for a fun and chaotic scene in a very loud arena that would have plenty to celebrate.

Anaheim didn’t give up. But they were unable to get another one past Rinne, who was a brick wall. His defense tightened up down the stretch. Carlyle pulled Bernier early with over two and a half minutes left.

It backfired when Forsberg sent a flip clear from his own blueline that bounced favorably into a vacated Anaheim net with 2:22 left for a 5-3 lead. Less than a minute later, Watson erased any doubt with his second from Ellis into an empty net touching off a celebration at the bench. That included a excited Subban jumping up and down like a kid. Is there a better personality? Good for him.

Even as time wound down, Kevin Bieksa couldn’t resist roughing up a Pred and getting a early shower with a misconduct. That’s who he is. At that point, it was decided. There was no reason for it.

When the buzzer sounded, Nashville mobbed Rinne, who has been electric this postseason. He’ll enter the Stanley Cup Final with a dominant 12-4 record with including a 1.70 goals-against-average, .941 save percentage and two shutouts. He even has three assists demonstrating what a capable puckhandling goalie can do for his defense. Tonight was all about him.

The handshake was good. You saw plenty of mutual respect from the respected leaders of each side. Though it was kinda tough seeing Perry with his face down in tears on the Anaheim bench following Watson’s empty net sealer. That might be his last big run with the Ducks teamed with Getzlaf. They won the franchise’s only Cup in 2007 on a loaded roster that featured Hall of Famer Scott Niedermayer and future Hall of Famer Chris Pronger and Teemu Selanne along with former Conn Smythe winner Jean-Sebastien Giguere.

Kudos to both teams for giving fans a great Western Conference Final. The Predators await the Eastern Conference Final winner between Ottawa and Pittsburgh. The Pens lead the series 3-2 and will look to advance in Game 6 versus the Senators later tonight at 8 PM. They destroyed the Sens 7-0 in Game 5 and have won the last two. We’ll see if the healthier Sens can force a seventh game.

Posted in NHL Playoffs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

HARD HITS: Battle for Stanley Cup a war of attrition

Posted on May 21, 2017 by Derek

As the Conference Finals draw to a conclusion, the battle among the four elite teams left for the Stanley Cup has become a war of attrition.

It’s literally kill or be killed. The Pens, Sens, Ducks and Preds are in survival mode. Do whatever it takes to win each remaining game to reach their goal of 16 wins for the ultimate prize.

The ferocity with which these games are played is like anything ever seen. Sure. It’s always a battle for every inch on the ice at this time of year. But never have there been more players injured due to the intense physicality during play and post whistle.

One look at the defending champion Pens and it’s a miracle they’ve gotten this far. Already without indispensable ace blueliner Kris Letang, they’ve been ravaged by injuries. They still were able to get through the Caps despite missing several regulars. They can thank selfless teammate Marc-Andre Fleury, who was utterly brilliant in the seven-game second round victory over the choking Caps.

Fleury is the biggest reason Pittsburgh is still alive in search of a repeat. Something that hasn’t been done since the Red Wings in 1997 and ’98. With his team falling apart in front of him in a miserable blowout loss to Ottawa in Game 3, coach Mike Sullivan went back to 2016 playoff hero Matt Murray, who replaced Fleury after he allowed four goals. Coming off a groin injury that sidelined him since the start of the postseason, Murray made timely stops in a badly needed 3-2 win in Game 4 that got dicey in the final moments.

c-dxyecxyaazlmv

The pesky Sens nearly pulled off another miraculous comeback after trailing by three. Only a huge Murray save pointblank on Erik Karlsson prevented overtime. A bad reminder for Rangers fans still watching. Their ineptitude protecting leads is why they’re home. Instead, Henrik Lundqvist tries to lead Sweden to gold at the World Championships against Canada.

Of the leftovers, Ottawa is the healthiest. Even with inspirational captain Karlsson at about 65 percent, he’s somehow still able to dominate games. The Sens also still boast all four centers featuring Kyle Turris, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Derick Brassard and Zack Smith. They also have rugged defenseman Dion Phaneuf wrecking opponents with nasty yet clean hits that have a impact. Just ask key Pens forward Bryan Rust, who remains out. You don’t have to remind the Garden Faithful about Phaneuf, who ended Mike Sauer’s promising career.

In Game 4, a controversial big hit by Bobby Ryan concussed Pens defenseman Chad Ruhwedl which forced Sullivan to rely on five D with Trevor Daley, Olli Maatta and Game 4 hero Brian Dumoulin seeing the bulk of the action. Somehow, they had enough to hold on with solid efforts from Ian Cole and Ron Hainsey.

It helps to still have the game’s best in Sidney Crosby, who at less than 100 percent since a concussion last round, elevated his game with a power play goal and assist. Number 87 hasn’t found much room against the airtight Senators. But he did fight through what little space there was to make a difference setting up a pivotal Game 5 this afternoon in Pittsburgh.

Evgeni Malkin has a goal and assist. Phil Kessel had the lone goal in a 1-0 Fleury shutout in Game 2. He’s continued to fire away and look dangerous.

The Pens can thank poised first-year man Jake Guentzel for blossoming into a lethal scorer. He has the look of a future star with nine goals and seven assists including a pair in Game 4. Tied with Anaheim’s Jakob Silfverberg for the postseason lead in goals (9), the 2013 third round pick who went 77th overall ranks fourth in scoring with 16 points. Only Malkin (20), Crosby (18) and Ryan Getzlaf (17) have more. Kessel also has 16 as did Oilers breakout star Leon Draisaitl before the Ducks eliminated them.

Pittsburgh is trying to do this with Justin Schultz out. They don’t get past the Caps without him. They’ve skated the last three minus pest Patric Hornqvist. Following a dismal Game 3, Sullivan pushed the right button moving grizzled vet Chris Kunitz up to the Crosby line. A move that resulted in more Pens attacking Craig Anderson’s crease making it more difficult. It resulted in Anderson leaving the short side post on two goals.

When Sullivan is going with fourth liners Scott Wilson and Carter Rowney more to balance out the lines, it tells you how urgent the situation is.

Given the shape the Pens are in, it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if Ottawa wins Game 5 and takes the series to make the franchise’s second Stanley Cup Final. The first coming exactly 10 years ago before falling to the Anaheim.

As for the Ducks, they are on the brink after losing a home Game 5 to the Predators 3-1. It was another brutal game full of huge hits and rough stuff. Both teams were without key players.  Most notably, Nashville who must do it the rest of the way minus top pivot Ryan Johansen. He was playing his best hockey with a team best 10 assists to go with three goals. Johansen posted four points in the first two games while helping stifle Getzlaf, who remains without a goal in the series despite three assists. He was also winning over 54 percent of draws. Hip surgery finished his season.

Captain Mike Fisher also missed Game 5 due to a upper body injury on a hit that forced the ex-Senator out of Game 4. His status remains uncertain. Even down two centers, the Preds overcame a one-goal deficit to post a hard fought come from behind 3-1 victory to get within one game of their first ever Stanley Cup appearance.

They got a power play goal from veteran Colin Wilson in the final minute of the second period. A goal which was off hard work when he sent a backhand rebound past Anaheim sub Jonathan Bernier. He was pressed into action following the first due to starter John Gibson suffering a lower body injury on a acrobatic but awkward save that hobbled him. Coach Randy Carlyle indicated that Gibson should be good to go for Game 6.

Anaheim also skated without dangerous finisher Rickard Rakell, who was a late scratch. That loss undoubtedly hurt their offense. Rakell has seven goals and six helpers for 13 points with a plus-13 rating. No coincidence considering his skill level and nose for the net.

The Ducks were still in good position when Chris Wagner finished off a rebound from rookie Brandon Montour and Silfverberg to go ahead by one at 12:28 of period two. They were stifling the Preds for most of the second until Josh Manson got nabbed for a crosscheck minor. Manson took a missed high stick prior putting the Preds on the power play. They took full advantage on a play set up by P.K. Subban with depth forward Colton Sissons helping in front before Wilson tied it with 41 seconds left.

In the third, first-year forward Pontus Aberg was able to get to a juicy rebound of a Filip Forsberg shot and bury it past Bernier into a open side with 8:59 remaining in regulation. Underrated top four defenseman Mattias Ekholm set the play up with a huge defensive play to help stop a Anaheim chance with Pekka Rinne in danger. Rinne was fantastic making 32 saves in a huge bounce back victory. A strong performance in response to Corey Perry’s historic overtime winner off Subban that made him the first ever player to score OT winners in each of the first three rounds.

The Preds’ top four D anchored by Roman Josi with Ryan Ellis along with Subban and Ekholm made the one-goal lead stand up. They got strong checking from a supporting cast that included Sissons, who went 8-and-9 on face offs with Frederick Gaudreau stepping into a pressure situation by going 10-and-4 on draws.

With Bernier off for a extra attacker, Silfverberg had the misfortune of his twig breaking on a pass. A Ryan Kesler turnover led directly to Austin Watson scoring an empty netter from his own zone.

That sealed it. Nashville finds themselves one win away from a first ever Stanley Cup Final. Considering how hard fought each game has been, it wouldn’t surprise if Anaheim wins Game 6 in Music City and forcing a do or die seventh game.

The way it finished with Nick Ritchie throwing down with Ekholm, don’t expect the Ducks to go down easily. They’ve been resilient all postseason. Game 6 should be worth the wait Monday night. Especially with the very loud Predators fans breaking records for decibel level. They are a rowdy bunch.

One thing is notable. If you’re unwilling to pay the price, you’re not winning the greatest trophy in sports. Whoever is the last team standing will truly have earned Lord Stanley.

c-cvkh9vwaapy1q

Cross Checks:

-It’s interesting how so many Rangers pundits are so sure they would’ve been able to beat the Pens. Under what pretense? Nobody would’ve injured any Pen like Phaneuf. Not one Ranger on the current roster can really make life miserable on goalies. Chris Kreider isn’t that guy. Rick Nash isn’t equipped. Only Mats Zuccarello plays a big man’s game despite his small stature.

-Imagine Lundqvist after the Pens speed and superior skill and grit chased him. Oh wait. It already happened. The same ‘experts’ who used tired rhetoric to blast Dan Girardi and Tanner Glass. Both were two of the team’s most effective players. It doesn’t say much for the current roster.

-Can you ever picture a fired up captain Ryan McDonagh getting in a teammate’s face on the bench the way Karlsson blasted Turris for some lazy turnovers in Game 4? So much for being that leader.

-The bottom line is the Alain Vigneault Rangers are a great group but way too vanilla. They lack a strong personality who can make a difference.

-Great job by NBC not having a pre or post game for Saturday’s Game 5. As long as the Preakness was over covered front and back with upset winner Cloud Computing stunning those horse experts including Ed Olczyk. He must’ve been Always Dreaming.

-I am no horse expert. But I’ve watched enough Triple Crown races to pick up on a few things. I noticed how well Cloud Computing was running in the first quarter hanging back in the fourth position. Sure enough, it made its charge beating Always Dreaming by a full nose. Maybe I should have been a horse analyst.

-It’s sad that even NBCSN didn’t have a post game of Preds-Ducks. It was only Game 5 of the Western Conference Final. Instead, they had some odd car thing on for two hours. Amazing how reliable the NHL partner is. No different than ESPN/ABC who have fallen apart due to big heads and greed.

-When one sees how good Filip Forsberg is, it’s a wonder Washington gave him away to Nashville for rental Martin Erat. Just imagine the Caps had they kept him. He has a scorer’s instinct and is more complete and younger than Alexander Ovechkin, who sure was a goat in Game 7. I don’t care how hurt he was. He played the whole series and too often wasn’t a factor.

-Nicklas Backstrom blamed the Caps’ early failure in the first four games for another second round ouster. So, after convincingly taking Games 5-6, Game 7 didn’t matter? The way they played, that’s how it looked. Backstrom is a terrific two-way playmaking pivot who had a great year and was his team’s best player in the postseason. But the lack of common sense is a disgrace to Caps fans. Great leadership.

-Barry Trotz has a lot in common with Vigneault. But at least Vigneault has guided two teams to Stanley Cup Finals. Trotz never had great teams in Nashville. What’s his excuse now? He got schooled by Sullivan in Game 7 in his own building. The game reminded me of Rangers and Lightning Game 7 Conference Final 2015. In that one, Jon Cooper outfoxed Vigneault.

-It’s been fun following Canadiens fans on Twitter. Many are supporting Nashville because they still love Subban. Who can blame them? They know the kind of character player he is. Too bad Michel Therrien and Marc Bergevin didn’t appreciate him. Nothing against Shea Weber, who was one of the Habs best players in the first round loss to the Rangers. Montreal’s failure had more to do with Bergevin than anyone. Star for star trades are rare. If Subban wins a Cup this year, it doesn’t determine who won the trade. He plays on a much better roster.

-It’s amazing the Preds are doing this despite Viktor Arvidsson in a scoring slump. If they keep going, he might score a big goal before it’s over.

-Rangers/Sabres Winter Classic is unappealing because they’re not rivals. Buffalo being the home team at Citi Field is asinine. At least Jack Eichel gets center stage. The game should be played in Buffalo at Ralph Wilson Stadium like the first one that remains the best of the lot. Crosby beating Ryan Miller in the shootout under Christmas snow on New Year’s Day.

 

Posted in Column | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rangers fire Gernander, Drury named Hartford GM

Posted on May 16, 2017 by Derek

In a bit of news with the AHL affiliate Hartford, the Rangers fired Wolf Pack coach Ken Gernander. A former Wolf Pack/Ranger, Gernander served as the coach of the Pack for  a decade starting in ’07-08 thru this season when they missed the playoffs. They finished a disappointing 24-46-6. The worst record under Gernander, who also was a AHL assistant for two years before taking over.

Rangers assistant GM Chris Drury will take over as Hartford general manager. He’ll replace Jim Schoenfield who’ll have a different role in the organization. Drury has become a hot commodity drawing interest from the Sabres before they hired Jason Botterill as their new GM.

The Rangers denied Buffalo’s request for a interview, intending to retain Drury for a bigger role. He’ll oversee the Wolf Pack, who have missed the postseason four of the last five years. Hartford clearly needed a change with some prospects struggling to develop consistently.

Part of it is a lack of talent. After leading scorer Nicklas Jensen’s 32 goals and 55 points, Marek Hrivik finished second with 40 points. Then former third round pick Adam Tambellini (13-22-35). Hardly inspiring. Cristoval Nieves wound up with only 18 points in his first pro year after a good training camp.

Only defenseman Ryan Graves remains on track to be a NHL player posting eight goals and 22 assists. With coach Alain Vigneault acknowledging his team is looking to add a young blueliner, Graves could be fighting for a spot this Fall with recently signed former KHL defenseman Alexei Bereglazov. The club also reached agreement with NCAA free agent Neil Pionk. He will get a look as will John Gilmour.

With the change will also come a new AHL coach. Who will it be? Time will tell.

Posted in Battle News | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The cure for Rangers withdrawal

Posted on May 15, 2017 by Derek

c-n9auaumaa3tiu

Playoff hockey continues tonight in Pittsburgh. But a Game 2 between a team the Rangers should’ve beat in the Senators and the always hated Penguins just isn’t doing it for me. It only numbs the pain.

Sure. I’ll watch because it’s the Conference Final and hockey. But it’s very hard for any loyal True Blue fan to get too enthused over the boring Final 4. Yes. I went there. I don’t care for either Ottawa or Pittsburgh. I am pulling for the lesser of two evils. I’m in on Team Karlsson and Craig Anderson.

They only feature three former Rangers. Big Game Brass, Viktor Stalberg and the throw in in the infamous Gomez for McDonagh deal, Tom Pyatt. So I was happy Bobby Ryan scored to win Game 1 on a breakaway with a sweet backhand top finish from guess who. J.G. Pageau. John Druce himself 26 years later. Or is it 27? I lost count.

Isnt that how it works when your team gets eliminated in mind numbing fashion. Was that a week ago? Oh yeah. Once the calendar hits Tuesday. I was there. Many of us were. We were loud and extremely supportive even warn the writing was on the wall.

Has Kreider taken the open shot yet with Hank pulled? Or is he still circling the net taking away the angle and dashing our last hopes? Has anyone discovered the whereabouts of J.T. Miller? What about the always responsible and brutally honest Stepan? If only he Step’ed up like in 2015 doing in the hopeless Caps. At least we don’t root for them. My god.

To be honest, Nashville vs Anaheim is great hockey. I’m going for the Preds and P.K. Subban. Plus Lundqvist lite Rinne. They’re fun to watch. They also have the best 1-4 D in the league with my boy Josi headlining it with Ryan Ellis, P.K. and Ekholm. Plus ex-Cap first rounder Filip Forsberg, Ryan Johansen, Viktor Arvidsson and the pesky James Neal.

The Ducks got Game 2 because they’re resilient. They dug out of a two-goal hole and evened up the series with a 5-3 win. Getzlaf is in beast mode and Kesler is the most loathed American hockey player because he does the dirty work. Rakell finishes and Jakob Silfverberg is on fire. Randy Carlyle has it all working a decade later with Getzlaf and Perry the lone holdovers from that championship team. Cam Fowler and Sami Vatanen are leading a good young D corps and USA hero John Gibson is stopping pucks.

So, it’s compelling hockey. But I can’t help but think it should be us vs Crosby, Malkin and the Pens. They likely would’ve gotten killed by the Pens speed and grit. Guys like Rust, Guentzel and Sheary would’ve driven us batty along with Hornqvist and that pest Kunitz. But with Marc-Andre Fleury in net? How soon does Sullivan pull him for Matt Murray if Ottawa gets the jump?

Missing our favorite Blueshirts? Lundqvist and Lindberg are repping Sweden at The Worlds while Purple Hayes had the good fortune to play with Johnny Hockey and Eichel yesterday.

Rangers withdrawal comes in all forms. Missing MSG’s over dramatic opening with the playoff intro. The pump up music. The players too. Some of who won’t be back in October. We only have to wait five more months. Can I bury myself in a Rangers playoff towel now?

Hockey continues and I am in a bad mood. Cheers guys. Golf or tennis anyone?

Posted in NYRangers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment