2017 NHL Playoffs Series Preview: Rangers vs Canadiens

Posted on April 12, 2017 by Derek

 

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Three years ago, the Rangers and Canadiens met in the Eastern Conference Final. A series won by the Blueshirts in six. These are much different circumstances. It’s three years later as New York and Montreal renew a classic Original Six rivalry when they meet in the first round of the 2017 NHL Playoffs. It gets going tomorrow night with Game 1 of the best-of-seven Atlantic series at Bell Centre.

HISTORY MAKING

The Rangers and Canadiens have met 15 times previously. The Rangers lead the all-time series 8-7. After losing to Montreal in ’79 and ’86- both of which they won Stanley Cups- the Rangers have taken the last two match-ups winning each in six games. They also defeated Montreal in the same Conference Quarterfinal round back in ’96. A series they fell behind 2-0 losing the first two games at home before reeling four straight to advance.

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MONTREAL TIES

For Rangers coach Alain Vigneault and team captain Ryan McDonagh, they will face their former team for the second time. It went well the first time around for both with McDonagh the breakout star in a Rangers’ six-game series triumph that sent them to the 2014 Stanley Cup Finals. A former Canadiens first round pick who never played for them after being traded to the Rangers for Scott Gomez, McDonagh crushed Montreal hearts with 10 points (2-8-10). Vigneault looks to make it two for two against the first NHL team he coached. Also of note, Habs backup Al Montoya is a former Rangers first round pick.

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GREAT GOALIES

Whenever these teams get together, goaltending is a key. The match-up features old hat Henrik Lundqvist against the younger and more in prime Carey Price. Having been a huge player since arriving from Sweden, Lundqvist had gotten the Rangers in 11 of the last 12 postseasons. A former Vezina winner and Olympic gold medalist, he’s carried them to three final fours and the franchise’s only Stanley Cup appearance since ’94. He’s facing Price, who has a Vezina and Hart to his credit. He got the Canadiens to that Conference Final in 2014 before his series was cut short due to Chris Kreider colliding into him after being tripped by Alexei Emelin.

While Lundqvist is the current active leader in postseason wins (55) and appearances (116), this will be Price’s 55th appearance starting Wednesday night. He’s 23-27 in his career with a 2.62 goals-against-average, .912 save percentage and five shutouts. Lundqvist is 55-59 with a 2.28 GAA, .921 save percentage and nine shutouts. He’ll want to improve on last year’s first round debacle.

It goes without saying that whoever wins this all important match-up could tilt the series in their team’s favor.

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SPEED vs GRIT

The teams couldn’t be anymore different. Once Claude Julien took over for Michel Therrien, Montreal transformed into a grittier, more physical team. They beefed up at the trade deadline with key additions Dwight King, Steve Ott and Andreas Martinsen added to the skilled scoring of Max Pacioretty, Alex Radulov and Alex Galchenyuk. They also boast pests Brendan Gallagher and Andrew Shaw. Phillip Danault, Paul Byron and Artturi Lehkonen provide secondary help.

The Rangers are reliant on their speed and skill. They boast plenty thanks to key power forward Kreider, who is public enemy number one in Montreal. The media and fans are still sore over his collision that knocked out Price during Game 1. It forced them to turn to little known Dustin Tokarski. Now the team’s top finisher scoring a career best 28 this season, Kreider will be front and center. How he handles the attention will be crucial. Rick Nash supports him as a great three zone player who is playing his best hockey. Is this the series he does damage in? They have plenty of sport from leading scorer Mats Zuccarello, J.T. Miller, Kevin Hayes, Mika Zibanejad and Michael Grabner. Derek Stepan remains a key two-way center who can impact the series.

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TO TANNER OR NOT?

A breaking point for the Rangers in March was their final meeting at home against the Canadiens. They were humiliated 4-1. They were outclassed so badly and out-muscled that many fans had seen enough. Apparently, so did management who immediately recalled Tanner Glass. For his part, Glass played the fourth line energy role well while creating a cycle with Oscar Lindberg and Jesper Fast or Jimmy Vesey when given the opportunity. Look. It’s no secret Glass doesn’t possess the speed or talent of Pavel Buchnevich. However, he is an effective player and can win board battles. Something that could be important against the Habs’ big bruisers. Does Vigneault stick with Glass or do we see Buchnevich make his playoff debut? It could depend on the result of tomorrow’s first game.

War Games

A NICE GAME OF CHESS

In the 1983 hit movie WarGames, the computer Joshua doesn’t realize that Matthew Broderick’s David Lightman character is playing the game for fun. If you’ve ever seen it, then you know what Defcon 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 are. They play a game of global thermonuclear war. It gets very nerve racking near the conclusion with Joshua playing out all the scenarios to try to win the game. Luckily, Joshua realizes the objective isn’t to win and launch World War III. But to not play. Instead, he challenges David to a “nice game of chess.”

So, what does a classic 80’s movie have to do with this series? Plenty. Vigneault must win his game of chess with Julien. If he doesn’t, his team won’t survive. A defensive coach, Julien will have his players standing up at their blue line and taking away the stretch pass in an attempt to force the faster Rangers into turnovers. They can’t play into that trap. In order to be successful, they’ll need to control the puck through the neutral zone and dump it in behind the Montreal D and recover it. With Price one of the better stickhandling goalies, they’ll have to make smart chips to have a chance to generate a consistent forecheck.

The Habs D can be attacked. It’s up to the Rangers to execute. Failing to do so isn’t promising. Whoever can dictate the style will most likely win. They don’t want Montreal controlling the tempo and puck possession. That could be dangerous. Especially with a back end that has some cracks in it. Dan Girardi and Marc Staal have a lot of miles. Nick Holden can be forced into mistakes. If he is in, so can Kevin Klein, who is broken down. The Rangers want to use their speed to put Andrei Markov, Nathan Beaulieu and Emelin on the defensive along with question marks Nikita Nesterov, Brandon Davidson or Jordie Benn. Jeff Petry is their most effective with anchor Shea Weber the workhorse who is lethal on the power play scoring 12 of his 17 goals.

In order for the Rangers to win the battle of the blue lines, it’ll require a lot of a good McDonagh followed by gifted skating rookie Brady Skjei, who can move up if necessary. I would play him and Brendan Smith together as the second pair. But Vigneault has them as the third pair. McDonagh and Girardi will start together. Holden and Staal also are together as the second pair. That one is dicey. Vigneault might want to consider a switch if they struggle five-on-five. Moving Skjei up is the suggestion. Making good use of the physical and better skating Smith is essential. But he must stay away from the bad penalties. That will get them in trouble.

WHO’S SPECIAL?

In case you’ve been living under a rock, special teams were a problem for the Rangers. At least they got the power play figured out. They wound up tied for 10th with Calgary clicking at 20.2 percent, proving more effective on the road going 23.1 compared to 17.2 at home. They allowed five shorthanded goals. A couple late due to laziness. Montreal was 13th overall at 19.6 percent allowing six shorthanded goals. They also did better on the road going 21.1 percent compared to 18.3 at Bell Centre. It must be that fancy dancy show thing.

The penalty kill is another story altogether. In the Rangers’ case, it should be referred to as kill. They were a little better at the end winding up tied for 19th with Pittsburgh and Philadelphia killing off 79.8 percent. Anything under 80.0 isn’t good. They aren’t consistent. Whether it’s over-committing or leaving guys wide open in front, it’s not a strong suit. Perhaps having a healthy Girardi will aid them. He kills penalties well. Just please stay on your feet. The same for Staal. They were 82.4 percent away from MSG while just 76.9 on home ice.

The one thing they can do is score shorthanded tying Anaheim for sixth in the league with nine shorthanded goals. Miller led them with three. He plays with Hayes and sometimes Grabner. Stepan and Nash are solid penalty killers due to smarts and defensive instincts. Zibanejad saw an increase in PK time late in the year. It’s not so much about shorties. But keeping the Habs off the scoreboard. They can set up Weber and Markov at the points. Pacioretty in the slot. They have a playmaker in Radulov and net presence like Gallagher. So, it requires a lot of concentration. Discipline will be important in this series.

Montreal isn’t great on the penalty kill either finishing in the middle of the pack at 81.1 percent with five shorthanded goals. However, they were at the top after Julien took over. They’re also better at home going 85.5 as compared to 76.8 on the road. In other words, they’re more dangerous and feed off the energy of the crowd. Figure those rabid Habs fans to be into it once the puck is dropped. Reliable vet Tomas Plekanec led them with two shorthanded goals. He’s forgotten due to playing a checking role. But is still a good skater who is smart defensively. Pacioretty also plays shorthanded along with the underrated Byron and Lehkonen.

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THE ROAD RUNNER VS WILE E COYOTE

The Rangers want to play smooth transition hockey utilizing their greatest asset. Their team speed. The Canadiens can also play transition due to some of their skill players. But they also can play meat and potatoes. They can be rough throwing the weight around. Emelin loves to hit. He can’t hit what he can’t catch. Petry also can hit. So can Shaw, King, Weber and Ott if he plays. The Rangers don’t want to get sucked into that game.

It’s quite simple. They must be like the funny cartoon. The Road Runner outsmarting Wile E. Coyote. Use their skating. Use their intelligence. Make Montreal chase them. This can’t turn into the 2014 Stanley Cup Final where the Kings ran roughshod with their superior size and strength wearing our players down.

SERIES PREDICTION

Everything points to the Canadiens. They have more balance. Price is the better goalie. Weber is the best defenseman. Pacioretty is the best finisher. They have all kinds of annoying physical players that will drive Lundqvist nuts. Many have pointed to the Rangers’ forward depth. But Vigneault has been hesitant to use it. He will often shorten the bench in third periods. I wouldn’t. I would play Lindberg and Fast because they’re two of our hardest working forwards who can get in on the forecheck. They also can defend. If he shies away from that, it’s possible the top nine could get worn down. The Habs have underrated forwards like Byron, Danault and Lehkonen. They’re not so easy.

They don’t call it the House of Horrors for nothing. Even with the Rangers being road warriors, I just can’t see it. They still got to win at home. Something that’s been a chore the whole second half. It’s not that they’re incapable. They can play with the Canadiens. They have players like Miller, Kreider, Nash and Grabner who can give them fits. But they also need one of Hayes or Zibanejad or one of those kids (Vesey/Buchnevich) along with proud warriors Girardi and Staal to win.

Canadiens in 6

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NHL announces first round schedule: Rangers and Canadiens start Wednesday

Posted on April 10, 2017 by Derek

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The NHL released its first round schedule. The 2017 NHL Playoffs get underway on Wednesday, April 12. Five of eight series will begin with three in the Eastern Conference and two in the Western Conference.

That includes the Rangers and Canadiens, who will start up at 7 PM at Bell Centre. The good news is there doesn’t appear to be any back-to-backs. Every game is two days apart. So, Games 1 and 2 are Wednesday and Friday in Montreal at 7 EST. Games 3 and 4 return to MSG on Sunday, 4/16 and Tuesday, 4/18 also with 7 PM start times. Figure opening face-off to be approximately 7:10 EST. Here’s how it looks:

(WC1) Rangers vs (A1) Canadiens

Wed 4/12 NYR at MTL 7 PM

Fri 4/14   NYR at MTL  7 PM

Sun 4/16  MTL vs NYR 7 PM

Tue 4/18  MTL vs NYR 7 PM

*Thu 4/20 NYR at MTL TBD

*Sat 4/22   MTL vs NYR TBD

*Mon 4/24 NYR at MTL TBD

*if necessary

Other Eastern series which start Wednesday are the Bruins vs Senators and the Blue Jackets vs Penguins. The start times are different. Boston and Ottawa face off at 7 PM while Columbus and Pittsburgh are not till 7:30. So, you do get the half and hour difference for when your game is in intermission to channel flip.

The Capitals and Maple Leafs don’t begin until Thursday due to CBC. Like our series, it’s evenly spread out with each game two days apart. So, it looks like this:

Thu 4/13 TOR vs WSH 7 PM

Sat 4/15 TOR vs WSH 7 PM

Mon 4/17 WSH vs TOR 7 PM

Wed 4/19 WSH vs TOR 7 PM

*Fri 4/21 TOR vs WSH TBD

*Sun 4/23 WSH vs TOR TBD

*Tue 4/25 TOR vs WSH TBD

TBD is To Be Determined.

*if necessary

My only complaint is why is Boston/Ottawa spread out with two different three day layoffs. I guess Canadian TV wins that one along with NBC. Odd that they selected that match-up over Blue Jackets/Penguins. So:

Wed 4/12 BOS vs OTT 7 PM

Sat 4/15 BOS vs OTT 3 PM

Mon 4/17 OTT vs BOS 7 PM

Wed 4/19 OTT vs BOS 7:30 PM

*Fri 4/21 BOS vs OTT TBD

*Sun 4/23 OTT vs BOS TBD

*Wed 4/26 BOS vs OTT TBD

So, if it goes seven, they’re not finishing until 4/26. That day has been slated as the final day of Round 1 for three series including the Predators vs Blackhawks and Blues vs Wild. St. Louis and Minnesota also have two three-day layoffs. Nashville and Chicago have one three-day hiatus between Game 3 and 4 in Music City. There must be some kind of scheduling conflict. Think concerts. The same could be true of the other series that are more spread out.

In one Western series of interest, the Flames battle the Ducks. If it’s anything like their last meeting won by Anaheim big for like the upteenth time at The Pond (I think it’s 25 or 26 in a row in which Calgary has lost there), look out. Here’s their schedule:

Thu 4/13 CGY vs ANA 10:30 PM

Sat 4/15 CGY vs ANA 10:30 PM

Mon 4/17 ANA vs CGY 10 PM

Wed 4/19 ANA vs CGY 10 PM

*Fri 4/21 CGY vs ANA TBD

*Sun 4/23 ANA vs CGY TBD

*Tue 4/25 CGY vs ANA TBD

Nice and evenly spread out. Those are the best series. It allows for rhythm and for lots of other fun stuff. It also depends how it’s officiated and played.

The Oilers return to the postseason for the first time in over a decade since their magical run as an underdog eighth seed that made it all the way to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals in 2006 against the Hurricanes. They will host the Sharks in a match-up featuring former San Jose coach Todd McLellan. Connor McDavid’s baptism comes against the team that made their first Stanley Cup appearance a year ago. But who’s healthy for the Sharks? Logan Couture? Joe Thornton? Wait and see. Here’s how the schedule looks:

Wed 4/12 SJS vs EDM 10 PM

Fri 4/14 SJS vs EDM 10:30 PM

Sun 4/16 EDM vs SJS 10 PM

Tue 4/18 EDM vs SJS 10 PM

*Thu 4/20 SJS vs EDM TBD

*Sat 4/22 EDM vs SJS TBD

*Mon 4/24 SJS vs EDM TBD

Another series that is two days apart. I am pulling hard for my buddy John’s Oilers. Too bad every match-up looks like a late start. I guess there isn’t gonna be many get togethers in South River. Darn it.

That’s gonna do it for this one. Well, I’m glad the Habs and Rangers will get going on Wednesday as I thought. It’s good that there’s no long periods between games. I don’t know what that means for the Rangers’ chances. I’m not that confident. I’ll have a preview in a couple of days. Plus some playoff predictions which are always fun. 😀

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2016-17 NHL Leaders: McDavid wins Art Ross in style with 100 points

Posted on April 10, 2017 by Derek
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Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid is mobbed by reporters after becoming one of the youngest players ever to win the Art Ross Trophy finishing with exactly 100 points on the nose to lead the NHL in scoring. He should win the Hart over Rocket Richard winner Sidney Crosby. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Edmonton Oilers.

With the regular season concluding Sunday night, here are your 2016-17 NHL leaders. Connor McDavid indeed hit the 100-point mark recording two assists for numbers 69 and 70 which also paced the league. The 19-year old phenom wins his first Art Ross finishing with 30 goals and 70 assists for 100 points. That’s one prediction I got right. But it wasn’t that hard.

Here are your final three top scorers:

1.Connor McDavid EDM 30-70-100

2.Sidney Crosby      PIT   44-45-89

3.Patrick Kane        CHI   34-55-89

In 75 games, Crosby takes the Rocket Richard leading the league with 44 goals. Here are the top three finishers:

1.Sidney Crosby      PIT  44

2.Nikita Kucherov  TBL 40

3.Auston Matthews TOR 40

Note: Alex Ovechkin finished 14th with 33. His lowest total in a full season since ’10-11 when he had 32.

In a close race, Brent Burns was the NHL’s leading scoring defenseman with 76 including a Sharks’ record 29 goals. He beats out Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson. They’ll also be your three Norris candidates. I would give it to Karlsson, who wasn’t just all offense finishing second in the league in blocked shots with 201.

1.Brent Burns          SJS  29-47-76

2.Victor Hedman    TBL 16-56-72

3.Erik Karlsson       OTT 17-54-71

Auston Matthews wins the rookie scoring race with a league best 40 goals and 69 points. He beats out Patrik Laine along with Leafs teammates William Nylander and Mitchell Marner. It really is great that they’re in the playoffs. But they need a prayer against the Caps.

1.Auston Matthews   TOR 40-29-69

2.Patrik Laine            WPG 36-28-64

3.William Nylander  TOR 22-39-61

3.Mitchell Marner     TOR 19-42-61

Note: Zach Werenski led all first-year D with 47 points and a plus-17 rating. If he is unable to go against the Pens, the Jackets could be out faster. I would still nominate Werenski as the third Calder candidate after Matthews/Laine. Pens rookie Matt Murray won 32 games in 47 starts with a 2.41 GAA, .923 save percentage and four shutouts.

Braden Holtby led all goalies in wins with 42 with former Ranger Cam Talbot tying him. Sergei Bobrovsky had 41. That’s my Vezina three. I would take Talbot over Devan Dubnyk who faded badly down the stretch despite a lower GAA and higher save percentage.

1.Braden Holtby     WSH 42

1.Cam Talbot           EDM 42

3.Sergei Bobrovsky CBJ   41

Here are your GAA leaders:

1.Sergei Bobrovsky CBJ 2.06

2.Braden Holtby      WSH 2.07

3.Peter Budaj     LAK/TBL 2.18

Note: John Gibson (2.22), Carey Price/Tuukka Rask (2.23) are right behind with Dubnyk at 2.25. Henrik Lundqvist finished 56th with a career worst 2.74. Cory Scheider was 2.82. Marc-Andre Fleury was over 3.00. Sad.

Your save percentage leaders:

1.Sergei Bobrovsky   CBJ .931

2.Braden Holtby      WSH .925

3.John Gibson           ANA .924

Note: Price, Dubnyk and Murray each were at .923. Lundqvist finished 55th with a career low .910 followed by Fleury at .909. How the mighty have fallen.

Your overall plus/minus leaders are all Wild led by Ryan Suter.

1.Ryan Suter            MIN +34

1.Jason Zucker        MIN +34

3.Jared Spurgeon    MIN +33

3.David Savard        CBJ  +33

Note: Zucker led all forwards with a +34 followed by T.J. Oshie +28 with McDavid and Mikko Koivu each +27.

There was a three-way tie for power play goals. Ovechkin, Kucherov and Brayden Schenn all paced the league with 17 PPG.

1.Alex Ovechkin      WSH 17

1.Nikita Kucherov   TBL  17

1.Brayden Schenn   PHI  17

Anaheim’s Richard Rakell paced everyone in game-winners with 10.

1.Richard Rakell     ANA 10

2.Jeff Carter             LAK 9

2.Cam Atkinson      CBJ 9

2.Filip Forsberg      NSH 9

Nashville’s Viktor Arvidsson paced all skaters in shorthanded goals (5).

1.Viktor Arvidsson   NSH 5

2.Zach Smith             OTT 4

2.Zach Hyman           TOR 4

2.Joel Armia               WPG 4

Burns led the NHL with 320 shots defeating Ovechkin. The third guy was a surprise.

1.Brent Burns           SJS 320

2.Alex Ovechkin       WSH 313

3.Patrice Bergeron   BOS 302

Note: Tyler Seguin was fourth with 301.

Your penalty minute leaders are:

1.Mark Borowiecki   OTT 154

2.Cody McLeod     COL/NSH 145

3.Tom Wilson            WSH 133

Your ice-time leaders are:

1.Dustin Byfuglien   WPG 27:26

2.Drew Doughty        LAK 27:08

3.Ryan Suter               MIN 26:55

Note: Karlsson was fourth with 26:28.

Bergeron led all centers in face-offs winning just over 60 percent. He also had the most face-off wins with 1089. Here is how it shapes out:

1.Patrice Bergeron     BOS 60.1

2.Ryan O’Reilly            BUF 58.0

3.Ryan Kesler              ANA 57.4

Note: Jonathan Toews was at 54.9. Among locals, Travis Zajac went 54.7. Antoine Vermette won 62.2 percent of draws and Matt Duchene went 62.6 but each took significantly less than the leaders.

Hits Leaders:

1.Mark Borowiecki    OTT 364

2.Matt Martin             TOR 300

3.Luke Schenn            ARI 286

Note: Radko Gudas was fourth with 280. Adam Larsson was sixth with 253.

Blocked Shots Leaders:

1.Kris Russell             EDM 213

2.Erik Karlsson          OTT 201

3.Ian Cole                    PIT 194

Note: Islander Calvin de Haan was fourth with 190. Ranger Dan Girardi finished ninth with 166 despite missing 19 games.

T.J. Oshie had the best shooting percentage in the league beating out opportunistic underrated Habs secondary scorer Paul Byron. Hard to believe they stole him off waivers from Calgary. If you’re the Rangers, beware.

1.T.J. Oshie               WSH 23.1   33 on 143 shots

2.Paul Byron            MTL 22.9   22 on 96 shots

3.Artem Anisimov  CHI  21.0    22 on 105 shots

Note: Anisimov’s status is uncertain for the first round. Mark Scheifele went 32 for 160 at 20.0 followed by Rakell who went 18.9 or 33 for 175.

Auston Matthews led all skaters in even strength goals with 32, meaning 32 of his 40 in Year 1 came either 5-on-5, 4-on-4 or even 3-on-3. Unreal.

1.Auston Matthews   TOR 32

2.Sidney Crosby         PIT  30 (44)

2.Vladimir Tarasenko STL 30 (39)

2.Jeff Skinner              CAR 30 (37)

Note: Rakell scored 28 of his 33 at even strength. Laine had 27 of his 36 at even strength.

Home Goals:

1.Sidney Crosby       PIT 22

2.Vladimir Tarasenko STL 22

2.Nikita Kucherov    TBL 22

2.Jonathan Marchessault FLA 22

Road Goals:

1.Auston Matthews   TOR 24

2.Sidney Crosby         PIT  22

3.Brad Marchand      BOS 22

Note: Atkinson was fourth with 20. Somewhat astonishingly, Burns had 18 of his 29 away from home.

That’s going to do it for the NHL statistical leaders. If you’re looking for Corsi/Fenwick and charts, you’re on the wrong blog. I don’t care about possession. It’s important. But I’m not obsessed with it like some. If you follow the action, you know whether your team and player(s) are dictating play. It’s been around since NHL ’94. The old school people like myself used it to see how we were doing in the classic Sega Genesis video game.

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Zuccarello repeats as Steven McDonald winner on emotional night for Rangers and New Yorkers

Posted on April 10, 2017 by Derek
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In an emotional final home game of the regular season, the Rangers salute the fans at MSG on what shall be known as Steven McDonald Night. Mats Zuccarello won the Extra Effort Award presented by son Conor and Mom Patti-Ann. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYRangers.

On the final night of the regular season, it was emotional for Patti-Ann and her son, Sergeant Conor McDonald. They are the heartbeat of this city. On hand at Madison Square Garden for the last home game the Rangers won over the Penguins 3-2, they were there to honor a loving husband and father. Steven McDonald meant a lot to so many people. He was a true hero fighting crime as a police detective for the NYPD.

It was thirty-one years ago that Mr. McDonald was shot in the line of duty by a teenager paralyzing him from the neck down. He became a quadriplegic. For over 30 years, he valiantly fought for what was right while forgiving Shavod Jones, who would later publicly apologize for the shooting that left Steven McDonald in a wheelchair reliant on a ventilator. He wasn’t only a survivor but a winner. Someone who did so much good for New York City and the community.

It was during the 1987-88 season that the Rangers established the first ever Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award in recognition of the player who goes above and beyond the call of duty. They were presented with a check for $25,000 which went to the Steven McDonald Foundation raising awareness and money for spinal cord injuries.

It has always been the one award that humbled me and gave me chills up and down my neck and spine. Many players have won it. Past recipients include first ever winner Jan Erixon, Tony Granato, John Vanbiesbrouck and Kelly Kisio, Jan Erixon, Adam Graves, Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, Wayne Gretzky, Sandy McCarthy, Matt Barnaby, Jed Ortmeyer, Henrik Lundqvist, Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan, Brandon Prust, Mats Zuccarello and Cam Talbot.

With Steven McDonald no longer around to present the prestigious award, the baton has been passed to son Conor. With an emotional Mom sobbing during a touching pregame ceremony, he spoke from the heart just like his Dad. This year’s winner is Zuccarello. He’s a repeat winner and it’s his third overall in four years.

For the second straight season, the gritty and skilled pint sized Norwegian led the Rangers in scoring finishing with 59 points (15-44-59). When he won, he skated over and gave Patti-Ann a huge hug and then embraced Conor to familiar “Zucc!!!!! Zucc!!!!!” chants from the crowd. The 29-year old is beloved for how hard he plays the game. He has a huge heart. It’s why he’s such a fan favorite. Congrats to Mats on winning.

From a personal standpoint, I voted for J.T. Miller. I felt he was deserving. I am sure he got a lot of votes. I’ll bet Antti Raanta did too. I imagine Jesper Fast got some too. He’ll never win the award but he was recognized by the team as the Player’s Player again. An award he deserved. He’ll never put up the biggest stats. But Fast is more than that. He’s grit and intangibles along with hustle, doing the things that win games. Remember Ryan McDonagh’s overtime winner from Derek Stepan against the Caps in an elimination Game 5 in 2015 second round? It was Fast who got in on the forecheck to force a turnover and get the puck across to Stepan, who dropped for McDonagh’s blast in a series they ultimately came back and won.

Team MVP went to McDonagh, who finally returned for Game 82. He was sharp scoring a goal and assisting on Stepan’s power play goal. A positive development for the Rangers. If they’re to have any chance, they need the captain to deliver against the Canadiens. Lundqvist used to win MVP religiously. It looks like the torch has been passed.

Regarding Zuccarello, I love him. He’s always willing to sacrifice for the team. He plays so much bigger than his generously listed 5-7, 179 frame. Zucc doesn’t back away from anyone and is willing to go to the net. He’ll need to be a royal pain in the butt against Carey Price along with a few other Blueshirts. Most notably Chris Kreider, Rick Nash, Miller and Fast. Tanner Glass does that dirty work too if he is in the lineup.

I have no problem with Zuccarello winning the Extra Effort Award again. I just felt it was Miller’s turn. I remember once thinking Stepan deserved it but they gave it to Callahan. Everyone in our section knew Stepan should’ve won. It doesn’t matter. The fans and players appreciate the award and its significance.

As you may have suspected, there’s no recap. I didn’t really watch. It was just the final game. Even Sidney Crosby was scratched by the Pens and they played their third string goalie. Kreider got a night off as did Kevin Hayes, which hasn’t been much different from how he’s played. I sure hope the switch goes on for Hayes whenever the first round starts. They need him.

Alain Vigneault had McDonagh with Dan Girardi, Marc Staal with Nick Holden while Brady Skjei worked with Kevin Klein. Is this what we’re gonna see in Game 1? I don’t want Brendan Smith sitting for Klein. He should be in. Hopefully, it was just a day off. Nothing more.

Magnus Hellberg made the start and congrats to him on winning his first NHL start. He made 22 saves. Just one other note. The right players showed up on the score sheet. Mika Zibanejad picked up too more assists. He finished strong. That’s a big plus. He’s looking much better. He assisted on Jimmy Vesey’s 16th for the game-winner. Even Michael Grabner had a point, assisting on McDonagh’s goal at even strength.

The good part is it’s finally over. It starts up for real in a couple of days. I’m thinking Wednesday. When the official playoff schedule is released, I’ll post it.

I’ll leave with this great interview with the beautiful Amanda Borges interviewing Conor McDonald during the game. Excellent stuff.

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Devils’ season mercifully ends with a thud

Posted on April 9, 2017 by hasan4978

Perhaps the only good thing about the 2016-17 Devils season is that it’s over, or will be in another hour or so when the last game at Joe Louis Arena concludes, probably with a Red Wing shutout win over our pathetic team as they close an iconic hockey building.  Ironically where once the Devils and Red Wings were the gold standard for success and consistency, both entered today’s play in last place in their respective divisions and the Devils will remain last place in the entire Eastern Conference.  While last year’s surprising 84-point season provided hope in year one of the Ray Shero regime, this year’s 70-point crash and burn was a sobering slap in the face that not only are the Devils firmly entrenched as losers with their fifth straight season out of the playoffs, but they’ll probably remain as such for a while – particularly in a stacked Eastern Conference where it seemed as if everyone else besides the Devils and Wings were in the playoff hunt down the stretch.

This whole weekend has been a sad reminder of glory days past, between the Patrik Elias mini-celebration yesterday at the Rock and today closing the Joe Louis Arena where the Devils had their crowning achievement as a franchise, winning the 1995 Stanley Cup (and likely keeping the team IN New Jersey as a result).  Come to think of it maybe I should have just made this blog a retrospective on the ’95 Finals…but I’m a bit tired of reliving the glory days right now when this team’s present is so dark and the future’s cloudy at best.  Not that I really want to have another post of grievances either, but it’s my last opportunity to do one in the next little while until we cede the stage to actual hockey teams and impatiently wait for the draft lottery before our next step.

What’s worse than being a loser is being a loser with few redeeming qualities or hope for the future.  Even this year’s high draft pick probably won’t be a game changer or come without question marks.  And make no mistake, this team needs talent anywhere and everywhere.  Only one player (Kyle Palmieri) has over 20 goals for the season and only three have more than 14.  Only two players including Palmieri have 50+ points on the season and four players have 40+.  Of everyone on the team only Palmieri and fourth-liner Stefan Noesen who arrived midseason have plus-minuses in the black.  Moral of the story is Palmieri is one of the few Devils I have no complaints about after his second really good season in a row, and signed long-term.  If this team does have a shining light right now it’s #21.

While Shero made a brilliant move trading for Palmieri at the 2016 draft, he’s going to need a lot more like it to steer this ship back in the right direction.  Offensively the Devils are again at or near the bottom of the league (28th) in goalscoring.  It used to be the Devils could at least rely on goaltending and/or defense to compensate for a below average offense – but not this year currently tied for 25th in goals allowed, with formerly solid goaltender Cory Schneider having a nightmare of a season.  If you want to say every goalie’s allowed an off year on a bad team fine, but I’m going to maintain a healthy bit of skepticism about Cory after this year, especially all the soft goals given up and killer momentum-changing goals.  For the most part backup Keith Kinkaid outshined our supposed franchise goalie this year, but to be fair Kinkaid probably would have blown up if he had to start in front of this horrid defense two or three times the amount that he did (23 starts).

Basically any stat you want to use to show how horrible the 2016-17 Devils were, you can use.  Power play?  21st in the league.  Penalty kill?  22nd in the league.  Shots per game?  Tied for dead last with Arizona.  Shots allowed?  21st in the league.  Eleven straight road losses to end the season.  Three wins in their last 24 games overall.  Shero can’t be picky this offseason, this team needs to fill just about every need possible.  A power play QB?  None is currently on the roster unless you want to put your stock in Damon Severson and his -31 with three goals on the season.  Sure John Moore has eleven goals, and on a power play that used its defensemen as shooters and not just distributors he could make some hay there, but like with Severson his defense is lacking too.  Hopefully Andy Greene’s meh year was caused by off-ice factors (his dad passed away recently) and not the beginning of the end for a pretty good Devil.

Up front sure they have Palmieri and Taylor Hall – who was a bit of a dissapointment in the end imo with just 53 points in 71 games and after a hot early start – but they need more, a lot more.  2015 first-rounder Pavel Zacha showed flashes but it might take another year or two before he can really make an impact.  Same with Miles Wood, who probably should have remained in Albany a while longer instead of getting on-the-job training here with very mixed (at best) results.  At times Joseph Blandisi showed flashes of being a third-liner down the road but that’s all they were, flashes.  However other than Palmieri, Hall and perhaps the mercurial Adam Henrique, this team doesn’t have any players that can even masquerade as top six forwards.  Travis Zajac maybe if you look hard enough, but even in a bounceback season he only managed 45 points.  That still beat Henrique who put up a dud of a season with 40 points and a -19.

Whether you believe solutions will be on the way depends on how much faith you have in Shero and new director of scouting Paul Castron (a lot considering how well his former team is playing in Columbus with young players leading the way).  However it seems like rebuilding is a much slower process in the NHL compared to other sports, especially with the new free agency system diluting the available talent and the new draft lottery diluting top teams’ assurances of getting a franchise-changing pick.  Perhaps the only thing I can point to and say ‘yeah I like seeing that’ have to do with some of our non-NHL players – prospects like John Quenneville and Mike McLeod, both recent first-rounders who have had good years in the AHL and OHL respectively.  Along with Zacha and defenseman Steve Santini, who showed flashes of being a solid blueliner.  And Shero’s going to need to pull off another trade or two this offseason, hopefully the upcoming expansion draft and having protected slots available and draft pick currency will give them the ability to do that.

That’s all believing in the hope of a better tomorrow, while the present and immediate future is a lot more murky at best.  And since I’m a fan I do prefer to believe in the best obviously, in spite of everything I wrote I do believe Shero will be able to pull off at least one good trade before the draft to get an NHL player and at least one good trade during the draft to move up for a better prospect.  I do believe that Zacha and Santini will take the next step and guys like McLeod and Quenneville can make an impact next year.  I also think despite the carping about our lottery position that the Devils will get another good prospect.

Until all that happens though, I’ve never been more glad for a season to end to be honest.  Between the bad hockey, bad decision-making from both players and coaches and just plain apathy that the players showed I didn’t really want to go to yesterday’s home finale to celebrate the team.  I wanted to go to (start to) celebrate Patrik Elias’s great career.  For me the only other thing worth celebrating this hockey season was finally winning my roto fantasy hockey league again after four straight second-place finishes.  I did stay till the final horn but for only the second time ever I peeled out at the buzzer.  The 2016-17 Devils quite frankly didn’t deserve a send-off, other than the end of the Lou era in 2015 I’ve never felt that way about another Devils team, even the other non playoff ones of recent vintage.  Hopefully next year’s team will at least be entertaining and worthy of a send-off.

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Maple Leafs clinch, eliminate Islanders on wild Saturday night

Posted on April 9, 2017 by Derek
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Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halak talks after giving his team a chance. His remarkable play kept them alive as long as possible before the Maple Leafs eliminated them. Halak allowed six goals on 155 shots during a five-game win streak. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Islanders.

Even though the Islanders won for the fifth straight time, it wasn’t good enough to prevent the Maple Leafs from eliminating them. They did their part by going into Newark on a special sendoff for all-time Devil Patrik Elias- defeating New Jersey 4-2.

Jaroslav Halak was the story making 37 saves to win for a fourth consecutive start. He was magnificent early with the Devils dominating play in a lopsided first period. If not for Halak, the Islanders would’ve been blown out. He made 14 saves in a scoreless first in which his team only registered four shots on Devils backup Keith Kinkaid.

The Isles turned it around by scoring twice in the second on 10 shots. The first coming from defenseman Adam Pelech, who was left wide open in the slot to finish off a Nikolay Kulemin feed. After a power play expired, leading goalscorer Anders Lee was able to deflect home a Nick Leddy point shot for his 32nd.  Rookie Anthony Beauvillier set it up.

While Halak kept the Devils at bay, the Islanders took advantage of their chances. One such instance came when Devils captain Andy Greene had a perfect laser ticketed for the top part of the net only to see the puck ring off the left crossbar next to Halak. Before you knew it, the Isles trapped pinching Devil defenseman Damon Severson with Alan Quine setting up Jason Chimera’s 19th at 3:52 of the third for a three-goal lead.

Halak finally showed he was human when he accidentally kicked a Beau Bennett loose rebound into his own net 1:08 later to make it 3-1. It was about the only way the Devils could beat him. Halak had not given up a goal in 139:22 before Bennett’s fortunate break at the five-minute mark of period three.

But a ill advised Miles Wood hooking minor resulted in Lee getting his second of the game on a power play for his team-leading 33rd. A great read by leading set up man Josh Bailey, who passed across for an open Lee in front. Kinkaid misread it leaving the net wide open for a Lee backhand from Bailey and Leddy at 8:11 to make it 4-1.

Even though they played a much better game and probably deserved a different result, the Devils were stoned by Halak. Even if a Dalton Prout one-timer was redirected by Bennett with over two seconds remaining to give the home crowd something else to cheer before the players said goodbye in the final game of the season at The Rock. That’s the kind of year it was for them.

When it was over, Halak was congratulated by excited teammates. He was the biggest reason they stayed alive as long as they did. An amazing story considering the Islanders banished him to Bridgeport through waivers after a huge struggle. When they finally woke up and brought him back on loan, he reclaimed his job from an overtaxed Thomas Greiss.

Maybe when the Islanders look back on the season, they’ll wonder why they waited so long to bring Halak back. It was apparent to everybody that Jean-Francois Berube isn’t ready to be an NHL goalie. Due to Berube’s problems when he did play, Greiss was forced back in net on 3/13 at home. A game he was supposed to finally have off following a hectic nine-game road trip which saw the Isles ride Greiss for nearly the entirety. He made all nine starts and was pulled twice during losses in which Berube provided no relief.

Berube was so bad against the Hurricanes that interim coach Doug Weight had no choice. He put Greiss back in during a chaotic second period. He was gassed allowing four goals on 20 shots. Even though he was in for a comeback overtime win at Carolina the next night, Greiss eventually broke down. Following a 3-2 win over the Rangers at MSG on 3/22, he didn’t win another game.

In fact, Halak made the last five starts after replacing Greiss in a crushing 6-3 loss at the Flyers. A game that saw them allow five of the six goals in a awful first. Halak only allowed two but was charged with the loss. The only one he suffered following his return. He won his first game back at Pittsburgh on 3/24 in a shootout making 37 saves while stopping two of three Pittsburgh shooters.

How special was he? Over those five starts (all wins), Halak went 5-0-0 allowing six goals on 155 shots. If you want to compute the numbers, go right ahead. I don’t need to. That is sensational. He did everything he could to give the Islanders a chance.

Unfortunately, their luck ran out last night. In a game full of emotion, the Maple Leafs rallied from a one-goal deficit to beat the Pens 5-3 at Air Canada Centre. A frantic finish in the last three minutes was needed for Toronto to qualify for their first postseason since ’12-13. Coach Mike Babcock was able to do it in Year Two thanks to an array of young talent the likes we haven’t seen in quite a while.

Say this for the Pens. It doesn’t matter who they have out. As long as Sidney Crosby is playing along with Phil Kessel, they’re capable of winning any game. Especially with role players Conor Sheary, Jake Guentzel and underrated defensemen Trevor Daley, Justin Schultz and Ian Cole. They had no Malkin again and Letang, who is done for the year. It doesn’t matter. They play such a tough system under Mike Sullivan that they might be able to defend the Cup.

Toronto fans booed Kessel. He still scored his 23rd to open the scoring. James van Riemsdyk answered right back 29 seconds later to tie it up. A Tyler Bozak power play goal early in the second period on a remarkable pass from rookie William Nylander put the Leafs ahead. But that Crosby guy scored from his knees on a Pens power play to tie it.

By that point, the Leafs were without starting goalie Frederik Andersen, who was knocked out of the game by Tom Sestito on a brutal goaltender interference. Sestito tried to skate through traffic but bumped into Andersen hard knocking him back with his head crashing hard on the ice. It was a scary moment. Andersen got up but was clearly woozy showing concussion symptoms.

In a game they wanted to get it done in and not go to the final day against slumping Columbus, the Leafs needed backup Curtis McElhinney to save them. A veteran goalie who the Rangers lit up in the first half prompting John Tortorella to waive him. The Leafs claimed him and he’s been the Toronto backup ever since. He replaced an ineffective Jhonas Enroth.

McElhinney came into an impossible situation and played admirably. He didn’t have a ton of work but stopped 12 of 14 shots to pick up the biggest win of his career. The final stop being one he’ll remember for the rest of his life. We’ll get to that part in a bit.

With the game tied 2-2 in the third, Crosby had Guentzel all set up with a open side. But Guentzel missed. As fate would have it, Guentzel scored on an excuse me shot that went off Jake Gardiner’s skate slowly past a stunned McElhinney for a Pens’ one-goal lead with 13:09 left. Was it gonna happen again? Another Leafs collapse?

But with the fans urging them on, the Leafs responded. Following a crucial blocked shot by Brian Boyle in his zone, Toronto’s checking line got the puck deep. A big play by former Islander Matt Martin (imagine that) kept the puck in for brilliant rookie Auston Matthews. The 19-year old American made a great play behind the net winning battle to get the puck to a pinching Matt Hunwick. Hunwick then made a brilliant no look feed across to recent call up Kasperi Kapanen for his first career NHL goal which came with 5:30 remaining. The exact prospect Toronto acquired in the Kessel trade tied the game at three.

The Leafs continued to press for more against Marc-Andre Fleury. It was another first-year player who scored the playoff clincher. On sustained pressure, Connor Brown tipped in a Gardiner point shot over Fleury to give the Leafs a 4-3 lead with 2:48 left. Bedlam in Toronto. Brown quietly has 20 goals. He’s been a key cog who’s been overlooked due to Matthews, Nylander and Mitchell Marner.

It wasn’t over. Not as long as Crosby was still out. He nearly tied it on a great set up with time to spare. But McElhinney read it perfectly sliding across to make a remarkable pad stop to rob Crosby. If he doesn’t, who knows what happens.

Instead, it was fittingly Matthews who scored into an open net for his 40th goal of the season. An amazing feat for a remarkable talent. He really is special. He is gonna win the Calder Trophy beating out another unbelievable player in Winnipeg’s Patrik Laine. They went 1-2 in last year’s draft. Matthews has done for Toronto what didn’t seem possible. Get them back in the playoffs in his first year.

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An excited bunch of Maple Leafs celebrate their playoff clinching 5-3 win over the Penguins at Air Canada Centre. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Maple Leafs.

With the Leafs celebrating the win, it eliminated the Islanders and Lightning. They had each hoped it would go to Sunday with more meaningful games. But neither will make the tournament.

For the Islanders, it’s gotta be a question of ‘what if.’ They proved they could win without their captain John Tavares. They got great contributions from everyone including promising former first round pick Joshua Ho-Sang. What if they had called him up sooner? They played a much better brand of hockey under Weight than former coach Jack Capuano. What if they had made the move sooner? But the biggest what if is what if they had brought back Halak sooner to help Greiss out?

Those answers remain cloudy. For the Islanders, they’ll close out the season at home Sunday against the Senators. They will wind up with either 92 or possibly 93 or 94 points. But they won’t be in the playoffs for a second straight year at Barclays Center.

What will happen in the off-season? Does the new management keep GM Garth Snow? What about Weight, who deserves to have the interim tag taken off? Does he want to coach them? He’s certainly good at it. He was also an assistant GM. What’s the story moving forward? It remains to be seen.

Only two playoff match-ups are set in the East. The Pens are the two seed and the Blue Jackets are the three in a 2/3 first round meeting in the Metro Division Quarterfinals. The Canadiens are the Atlantic Division winners while the Rangers are the first wildcard crossing over to face Montreal in the Atlantic Quarters. Depending on what happens Sunday will determine who the Capitals face. It can be either Boston or Toronto. Ottawa is locked into the two seed in the Atlantic and doesn’t know if it’s the Bruins or Leafs.

Out West, it looks like the Blackhawks will take on final wildcard Nashville, The Predators finished with an identical amount of points (94) to the Flames but Calgary had more ROW. The Wild will take on the Blues in a 2/3 battle in the Central Division Quarters. Depending on today’s results,the Ducks could get the Flames in a potential bloodbath. The Oilers would host the Sharks in a 2 vs 3 Pacific quarterfinal match-up. Anaheim needs one point to finish first in the Pacific. The Oilers can win the division if they win their game in regulation or overtime and the Ducks lose in regulation due to the tiebreaker. Each are tied in ROW with 42. Anaheim has 103 points to Edmonton’s 101.

I would like to thank each of my goalies for costing me a top three finish in my fantasy league. Special thanks go out to Henrik Lundqvist, Martin Jones and Corey Crawford. May you never be on my team again. Ditto for Malkin and all the injured players I had. You can’t make it up. 😆

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Brassard and Zibanejad score, Rangers lose 3-1 to Ottawa

Posted on April 8, 2017 by Derek
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Henrik Lundqvist saw plenty of rubber the final two periods in what was another loss in a game they rested seven players. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYRangers.

There was another hockey game for the Rangers today in Ottawa. Not shockingly, they lost 3-1 to the Senators. At least Mika Zibanejad returned back to his former team and got some cheers and a goal in the final minute to prevent consecutive shutouts.

Once again, Alain Vigneault sat plenty of players including Derek Stepan and Marc Staal. Something I suggested in a recent post. The other five were Ryan McDonagh, Nick Holden, Mats Zuccarello, Rick Nash and Jesper Fast. Henrik Lundqvist made his final start of the season. He finished with 30 saves with 24 coming after the first period.

I didn’t watch the first two periods and only caught the last few minutes of the third. When it comes down to it, these games have the meaning of zilch. Vigneault has prioritized resting key cogs for the first round match-up which starts in Montreal some time next week. How healthy is McDonagh? Of course, the coach did hint that he along with the other players resting could play.  We’ll find out soon enough.

I don’t put much stock in these games. As long as they come out injury free, we’re fine. Tanner Glass threw his weight around finishing with five hits in 13:55. He also got into a fight with Ottawa defenseman Mark Borowiecki. The MSG broadcast certainly appreciates what he brings. With the Habs having a few nuisances such as Steve Ott, Andreas Martinsen along with Andrew Shaw, there’s a place in the lineup for Glass. He is a better fit on the fourth line than Pavel Buchnevich, who really hasn’t done anything lately.

Regarding the lineup, I would start with Glass on that line with Oscar Lindberg and Fast. They can be the grinding checking line which could be important against Montreal’s physicality. You know they’re gonna take runs and go after Lundqvist, who depending on who you poll, is ready or maybe isn’t. I can’t say for sure. He certainly had a heavy workload. None of the three goals he gave up were what I would classify bad. Though I’d like to see him on his feet and back in the crease for Mike Hoffman’s empty netter.

Kevin Hayes played. He didn’t do much. You worry about him because the same thing that happened last year is. Hopefully, it doesn’t carry into the first round. The Rangers need him to be a factor. As for Michael Grabner, that ship may have sailed. He can’t score. The effort is unquestioned. Keep him with Hayes and hope he gets some luck. I would pencil in Vesey on that line. That way J.T. Miller stays with Zibanejad and Nash. Obviously, don’t change the top line of Stepan, Kreider and Zuccarello.

So, what’s the plan for tomorrow’s home finale against the Penguins? A game in which the Steven McDonald winner will be revealed. I hope Miller wins. If not him, then Antti Raanta, who I think gets that last start. If he wins, he’ll get a great send off from MSG if it’s the last appearance for the popular backup who probably will be traded in June.

It was fitting that Derick Brassard scored. He was traded for Zibanejad. So, in the final meeting between the teams from different divisions, both centers notched goals. Brassard’s coming from another former Blueshirt Viktor Stalberg. The final Ottawa goal was from Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who’s always around the net. Sure enough, he tipped in a Borowiecki shot with Girardi and whoever his defensive partner was lost. Never what you want to see from Girardi, who is in a battle with Kevin Klein. He also was on for a goal against as was Brendan Smith.

No matter what way you slice it, whatever the top six is, it won’t be a team strength. At least Brady Skjei returned and played over 22 minutes. He left too much gap on Brassard’s one-timer which beat Lundqvist. Only Brassard’s 14th with the Senators. His production has suffered under more defensive oriented coach Guy Boucher. But he has bought in. Will Big Game Brass make a appearance in the playoffs? Ottawa has locked up home ice and second in their division. They just don’t know who they’re playing. Boston blew a chance to lock up third losing to the Caps, who no one wants to face.

Adam Clendening and Steven Kampfer also played. The Clendening contingent is always silent whenever he blows a coverage. He was way out on one of the Sens’ goals. Not that they would ever say anything. There’s a reason he’s not gonna play. He just isn’t an NHL regular. Case closed.

So, it’s still seven D for six spots. I don’t know what Vigneault is thinking. The automatics are McDonagh, Staal, Skjei, Holden and probably Smith. If Smith isn’t a lock, then they have no shot. He plays the hard nosed edgy game they lack. The only drawback is it can lead to undisciplined penalties. He can clear the front and pair up with almost anyone. As for Holden, yikes. I hope he isn’t with Staal. They are brutal together defensively. Holden is good offensively as his 11 goals attest. Use him that way and on the power play.

If you’re asking me, it’s either Girardi or Klein. Being that it’s AV, I have to think he’ll give Girardi the first chance. Especially with the kind of warrior like mentality he plays with. There is always risk. Neither Girardi or Klein are what they once were. But Montreal’s D isn’t lock down by any stretch.

And with that, no more recap. I am gonna go back to watching the Islanders and Devils. A game in which they honored all-time franchise scoring leader Patrik Elias. A beautiful ceremony and cool puck drop with ex-Devil Stephen Gionta out with Elias’ wife and two daughters. The Devils dominated the Islanders in the first. The Isles need to win to stay alive. Only Jaroslav Halak is keeping them in it.

Enjoy the puck tonight.

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Lightning stay alive in wildcard

Posted on April 7, 2017 by Derek
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Andrei Vasilevskiy sprawls to make a great save to deny a Canadien in a 4-2 Lightning win at Montreal which kept them alive in the wildcard race. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Lightning.

The Lightning are still in play for the final wildcard in the East. For a second straight night, they stayed alive by winning on the road against a Canadian team in the Atlantic Division. After beating the Maple Leafs 4-1 Thursday, they went into Montreal and defeated the Canadiens 4-2.

In doing so, Tampa Bay is up to 92 points with one game remaining at home Sunday against the Sabres. In order for it to matter, they need the Leafs to lose at home on Saturday against the Penguins, who could get Evgeni Malkin back. The Lightning were led by who else but Nikita Kucherov. The unreal Russian scored number 40 and set up the first of two goals from unsung hero Yanni Gourde. An undrafted free agent who spent a majority of the season in Syracuse playing in the AHL.

Gourde had a huge tally in the third which was great response to a Artturi Lehkonen shorthanded goal. It came 21 seconds later after a Tampa power play expired. Another AHL recall Cory Conacher set Gourde up backdoor for the huge insurance marker. Jake Dotchin picked up an assist. The same player who was speared by Brad Marchand. Alex Killorn also tallied.

It was Andrei Vasilevskiy’s first win in the second start of a back-to-back this year. He made 27 saves. He has been good down the stretch for the Bolts since they turned over the reigns to him after unloading future UFA Ben Bishop to the Kings.

Tampa trails the Leafs by a point entering the final weekend. All Toronto has to do is win in any fashion and they make it. However, if they lose the door is still open. While Tampa is idle tomorrow, the Islanders visit Newark to battle the Devils. It’s another do or die game for a team minus John Tavares. They’ve been getting it done thanks to Jaroslav Halak along with key contributions from Josh Bailey, Brock Nelson and others.

Obviously, scoreboard watching will be secondary. The Islanders must win and hope the Leafs lose. They have 90 points with two games left. If they do prevail and Toronto cooperates, their final game is at home against the Senators. Ottawa already is in.

Of the three teams, it seems the Lightning are a team of destiny. Given all the injuries with six regulars out including Steven Stamkos, who’s missed virtually the whole season, they are finding ways to win despite a lineup that has AHL players factoring in. They remain without Stamkos and Tyler Johnson. You have Kucherov doing all he can to get them in which has increased his MVP candidacy. At this point, why shouldn’t he be up for the Hart as the third player replacing the idiotic Brad Marchand? Kucherov is a one man wrecking crew.

Tampa has gotten big contributions from rookie Brayden Point. He’s scored and set up some big goals. Victor Hedman is the first Lightning defenseman to hit the 70-point mark putting him in contention with countryman Erik Karlsson and Brent Burns for the Norris. Jonathan Drouin has 21 goals and 32 assists for 53 points.

If they do somehow make the playoffs, that’s not a team I would want a part of. Especially if Johnson or Stamkos can return.

All this could be moot if the Leafs can win one home game. Whether it’s versus the Pens Saturday night or Sunday against the Blue Jackets, they know one more ‘W’ no matter how it is will clinch the postseason.

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Halak keeps Islanders alive while Leafs lose

Posted on April 7, 2017 by Derek
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Led by Jaroslav Halak, the Islanders are still alive for the playoffs after the netminder posted his 41st career shutout in a 3-0 win at Carolina. They need to win out and have the Leafs lose this weekend. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYIslanders.

The Islanders are still alive. Barely. Behind Jaroslav Halak, they shutout the Hurricanes 3-0 in Raleigh Thursday night. The resurgent goalie who replaced Thomas Greiss by regaining his job made 29 saves. If they do somehow make the playoffs, they can thank Halak, who has come back with a vengeance.

Early goals by Brock Nelson (19th) and Scott Mayfield 3:12 apart with the latter off relentless pressure set the tone. Halak was strong in a busy second stopping 15 shots as Carolina tried to come back. His goaltending has been the key with John Tavares out for the rest of the regular season.

Andrew Ladd tacked on his 22nd on the power play 39 seconds into the third from Josh Bailey (41 assists) and Nick Leddy. Ladd’s had a strong second half after doing virtually nothing under former coach Jack Capuano. If he didn’t turn it around, it would’ve been a bust of a first year after signing a long-term deal to replace Kyle Okposo. Speaking of Okposo, our thoughts and prayers are with him. They don’t know what’s wrong. But hopefully, he will make a full recovery in Buffalo. Scary stuff.

The Islanders are still alive due to the Lightning winning in Toronto to stay alive themselves. The Maple Leafs could’ve clinched their first playoff berth in four years at home. Instead, they pissed it away by losing to the desperate Bolts 4-1 at Air Canada Centre. Brayden Point tallied twice and Nikita Kucherov scored his 39th to spoil the party in Toronto.

With two more home games on the final weekend against playoff contenders Pittsburgh and Columbus, it won’t come easy. While neither has anything to play for, don’t expect them to roll over. The way the Pens are playing without Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin is scary. They blitzed the Devils 7-4 with Sidney Crosby and Co. torturing New Jersey, who should wind up with a good draft pick in the top 4 this June.

The pressure is squarely on the young Leafs. They finish the season with four games at home having already dropped the first two in succession 4-1 to the Caps and Lightning. Both Tampa and the Islanders are still in play with two games left. Each have 90 points. The Lightning must stave off elimination Friday at Montreal. If they do, then Sunday’s home game against the Sabres could mean something.

The Islanders will visit the Devils Saturday in an emotional game for Patrik Elias. They then will host the Senators in Brooklyn Sunday. They can’t worry about what happens with the Leafs. Especially with Ottawa clinching last night by posting a 2-1 shootout win at Boston to get to 96 points. The Bruins have 95.

If the Leafs do lose out and the Islanders and Lightning win out, it would be the Isles who make it due to the tiebreak if the ROW holds. New York has 37 ROW to Tampa’s 36. The Leafs have 38 ROW. But that doesn’t matter. A win and they’re in, eliminating the Islanders and Lightning once and for all.

In other news, Brad Marchand was suspended two games for his vicious spearing major on Jake Gotchin, who played Thursday. I kinda knew already from a source that it would only be two games. I guess the NHL just doesn’t have the guts to give Marchand a game off to start the playoffs.

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Islanders try to stay alive

Posted on April 6, 2017 by Derek
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The Islanders are still alive for the wildcard thanks to overtime hero Thomas Hickey and savior Jaroslav Halak. They need to run the table and get help. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Islanders Report.

There is still hope. Thanks to Thomas Hickey’s overtime winner at Nashville the other night, the Islanders are still alive for the playoffs. Barely. They need to win out and get lots of help. That is the situation for a resilient team that’s won three in a row to get to 88 points with three games remaining.

They trail the Maple Leafs by five entering tonight’s road match at Carolina. Toronto needs a win in their final three to qualify for their first postseason since 2012-13. They host the desperate Lightning later. Tampa also can still make it but need to win out. They and the Islanders can still finish with more ROW than the Senators, who need only a point to reach 95 which would put them in. Ottawa is at Boston, who clinched on Tuesday. The Sens are banged up and likely will be without valuable captain Erik Karlsson. It’s been a struggle for them. He left the game they won the other night hurt.

The Islanders can’t worry about the scoreboard. They have to concern themselves with the Hurricanes, who can play spoiler. Carolina played well down the stretch and only recently was eliminated. A very good home team with a record of 23-11-5, they’ll take on the Islanders, who enter 17-17-5 on the road. Eddie Lack will start over Cam Ward. The Isles must key on Jeff Skinner, who has been on fire scoring like crazy since I dropped him. He has 35 goals.

For the Islanders, they must do it without captain John Tavares, who suffered a leg injury at the conclusion of a 2-1 home win over the Devils. They’ve shown heart defeating the Sabres and Predators to keep their hopes alive. It’s been on the back of Jaroslav Halak, who’s regained his job from Thomas Greiss. Hard to believe. But that’s the reality with Halak set to make his fourth consecutive start. He’s been splendid since being an emergency recall on loan.

If they didn’t bury him in Bridgeport and go with unproven Jean-Francois Berube as the backup, the Islanders might already be in the postseason. That decision cost them some games in the standings and forced Greiss to be a workhorse when he’d never been one before. He wore down. So, it’s Halak trying to get the Isles in.

They’ve gotten superb play from Anders Lee, who will lead the team in goals. He has 31 on the season and continues to improve. Brock Nelson scored the tying marker in the third period at Nashville. His 18th. Josh Bailey reached 40 assists for the first time in his career. Bailey has had a breakout year with a new career best 53 points. Joshua Ho-Sang has shown potential with four goals and six assists. He has great wheels and skill, making things happen.

The Isles will look to get a win in Raleigh and help from Boston and Tampa. They know if Boston wins over Ottawa, they would tie them in ROW with 37 and be within four with two remaining. They can still beat the Sens out due to the first tiebreaker. The Leafs just need a victory to make it. If they reach 95 points along with Ottawa, it’s over for both the Islanders and Lightning.

It can either be decided Thursday or go into the final frantic weekend. All the Islanders can do is control their part.

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