Battle Of Hudson covers the Rangers and Devils, who's intense rivalry heated up in the 90's. With fresh faces added, they battle for supremacy in NYC and NJ..
John Tavares recorded his sixth career hat trick to reach a milestone with his 500th career NHL point on the second one before scoring into an empty net to highlight an Islanders’ 5-2 win at Florida. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NHL.
It hasn’t been the easiest of seasons for Islanders captain John Tavares. Following last Spring when the former 2009 first overall pick led the Islanders to their first playoff series win since ’93, the 26-year old star center has had to adjust to life without former sidekick Kyle Okposo.
In a year that’s tested everyone’s patience including coach Jack Capuano, who called out some veterans following a third consecutive 2-1 loss at home, Tavares led his team to a bounce back 5-2 win over the Panthers in a rematch at Florida. He also made some history by reaching 500 career points- doing it in style by recording his sixth career hat trick.
He entered the contest with only 11 goals in 39 games. By the end of the night, he had numbers 12, 13 and 14 in a satisfying victory that got the Islanders to 16-16-8 over 40 games. They remain in last place with 40 points in a ultra competitive Metropolitan Division. However, it doesn’t take away from Tavares’ accomplishment. Here are the highlights of his big night with number 500 a classic goal from a very skilled player who deserves better than this:
In the victory, Jason Chimera and Nick Leddy also tallied in support of winning starter Thomas Greiss, who finished with 27 saves. Josh Bailey added two assists including the primary on Tavares’ highlight reel goal in which he juked around a Florida defender and finished in style with a forehand past Roberto Luongo.
The Maple Leafs had plenty to celebrate in a 4-2 win over a listless Rangers on an emotional night in which they said goodbye to Steven McDonald. Henrik Lundqvist had another tough game and it’s becoming a common trend for the franchise goalie. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Maple Leafs.
It’s rare that you point the finger at a player who’s gone above and beyond the call of duty. Henrik Lundqvist has certainly done that for this franchise. For over a decade, he has been the backbone of a team that’s missed the playoffs only once since his rookie season in ’05-06. The franchise leader in wins (392), shutouts (60) and games played (714) as a goalie hasn’t been himself in ’16-17.
One could argue that it isn’t entirely his fault. Lundqvist doesn’t have the All-Star defense he once had. Age is showing on the back end in vets Dan Girardi and Kevin Klein. However, it doesn’t fully explain the up and down play of younger captain Ryan McDonagh, who after a very good start continues to be inconsistent. It’s not easy either when a blood and guts warrior such as Marc Staal goes down to a concussion. However, not everything can be pinned on a D which also has featured bright spot Nick Holden along with emerging rookie Brady Skjei with Adam Clendening filling in nicely for the injured Staal.
Sometimes, you need your goalie to make a key save. More often than not, the 34-year old Lundqvist has bailed out his teammates throughout his career which has included a Vezina along with the franchise’s only two comebacks from 3-1 down, plus a trip to the Stanley Cup Final. Without number 30 in net, it never happens.
This isn’t an indictment on the Rangers’ best player. But rather a disappointment in his substandard play. Entering the season, Lundqvist had a career .920 save percentage. Coming into tonight’s match against a much improved Maple Leafs, it was at .912 with a 2.55 goals-against-average. He’s already been benched once by coach Alain Vigneault, who rode hot hand Antti Raanta in December by giving him four straight starts. He earned it with three consecutive wins including back-to-back shutouts with only three goals allowed.
Some are calling for Raanta to replace Lundqvist again on a temporary basis. He could be in for tomorrow night’s match at Montreal. The House of Horrors. A place Lundqvist has struggled before. But the notion that they should go to Raanta remains problematic. What if he plays well and makes the decision tough? Then what. You risk losing your franchise goalie who’s given everything and is paid $8.5 million thru 2021.
Tonight was not encouraging if you’re a fan of the Blueshirts. On a night they honored Steven McDonald with an emotional tribute during the opening faceoff and then an tear jerking video tribute during a stoppage which saw Patricia Ann and son Conor share an embrace, the Rangers laid a stinker in a listless 4-2 loss at MSG.
Sadly, it started with the guy who patrols the net. While the Leafs are capable of putting anyone on their heels with their dynamic team speed and skill led by brilliant rookies Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, there was no explanation for Lundqvist’s play. At times, he made some big saves. At others, he gave up bad goals at inopportune times. The first was when William Nylander was able to catch Lundqvist off balance to give Toronto a 1-0 lead at 4:49.
The Leafs applied a lot of pressure prior to the goal. Both McDonagh and Skjei struggled to get the puck out. Eventually, Nazem Kadri found Nylander at the right face off circle where he fooled Lundqvist for his ninth of the season.
It wasn’t that the Rangers lacked for chances in a fast paced first period that favored the Leafs. They had just as many shots (11) but were unable to solve Frederik Andersen, who outplayed Lundqvist making 34 saves. There’s been too many nights where we have paid homage to the opposite goalie against our established one. That in itself is alarming.
Special teams also played a role in the two-goal defeat. The Rangers were abysmal going 0-for-6 on the power play while allowing a pair of Leafs’ power play goals in four chances. The latter of which came in only 12 seconds after Klein went to the penalty box for a slash that allowed household name Connor Carrick to score the crushing fourth goal at 13:20 of the third to ice it.
The Leafs are a very skilled team that can make you look silly. The Rangers penalty kill struggled keeping up. With Brandon Pirri off for a needless hook, Marner was able to find enough room and space to thread the needle across to James van Riemsdyk, who beat Lundqvist five-hole for a 2-0 lead at 17:28 of the first. It was another questionable one from a bread and butter player with character. He would be the first to tell you he should’ve had it.
Chris Kreider scored a highlight reel goal when he was able to beat Andersen from his knees on a second attempt with a backhand giving him nine goals in his last 10. Number 17 on the year cut it to 2-1 halfway through the contest. McDonagh and Mats Zuccarello set it up. Speaking of Zuccarello, he was everywhere firing a season best nine shots on net. But on a night he attempted 13 shots, he didn’t have any puck luck. He did pick up an assist and was one of the few consistent Ranger skaters. He’s due for a breakout.
If there was a back breaking goal, it belonged to Leafs rookie Connor Brown. After the Blueshirts failed on a power play, a transition rush started by Jake Gardiner allowed Matthews to feed Brown inside the Rangers blue line. His harmless shot took a bad bounce deflecting off McDonagh in front past Lundqvist for a 3-1 Toronto lead with 5:33 left in the second. This was more of the fluke variety. But had that ‘how did that go in’ look.
The Rangers had enough looks. The Leafs gave them opportunities by taking ill advised penalties. But they weren’t willing to cash in. They fired blanks. Or more to the point, shots wide or into Andersen. Hell. Gardiner got away with three minor penalties. The Rangers didn’t take advantage.
Following a big Lundqvist glove save point blank, the Leafs were only too happy to make Klein pay for his slashing minor. All it took was a dozen seconds with Marner given too much time to set up Tyler Bozak for a one-timer that Lundqvist kicked out right to Carrick, who deposited it for a 4-1 cushion with 6:40 remaining in regulation.
By the time J.T. Miller buried his 13th off a nice rush and set up from talented returning Russian rookie Pavel Buchnevich, it was too late. It came with 1:25 left. At least Vigneault finally got Miller out there. God forbid he get more power play minutes. Why would one of our best shooters deserve more than 25 seconds of power play time over a bunch of passers? A terrible coaching decision by a stubborn guy who while good, is still set in his ways. At least Buchnevich got 4:04 on the man-advantage.
This was a disappointing result on a special night. It didn’t tarnish what it meant. Paying homage to probably the biggest Ranger fan who happened to be one of NYPD’s finest makes it extra special. It would’ve been nice if they didn’t look so disjointed. If they had been sharper and wanted it more than the Leafs. It started with Lundqvist. He wasn’t good enough. No more excuses.
A truly special moment happened during the first period of the Maple Leafs versus Rangers game. Following an emotional tribute to fallen NYPD officer Steven McDonald, the Ranger organization showed a video tribute on the scoreboard at MSG.
Featuring Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh, Derek Stepan along with former Extra Effort winners Mats Zuccarello and Adam Graves, it was the kind of class you have come to expect from the Rangers. Mike Richter was also included and had some pearls of wisdom.
Both Patricia Ann and son Conor were shown on the board during the whole tribute. The reaction was a loud ovation as both hugged several times. At the end, you can hear “Steve McDonald” chants. Though I wish I could have been there and shot it live, I couldn’t. So, I did the best I could recording it on my I-Phone off the TV screen. Here it is in entirety including the emotional cheers and ending:
I can’t help but get emotional thinking about Steven McDonald. He meant so much to so many people. A humble and classy man who did so much for the community. This ceremony is already tear jerking. I have tears. I feel like I am there too.
My family is. I’m glad they could be part of it. We as New York Ranger fans are all part of the Steven McDonald family. This is so beautiful. His son Conor dropped a ceremonial first puck with emotional Mom Patricia Ann McDonald there watching with former Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award winners Mark Messier and Adam Graves on hand at center ice.
Instead of a moment of silence, they asked that the fans cheered because that’s how Steven would’ve wanted it. The connection to our city and the team is unreal. I think what Graves said during his speech at the service rings true. He was truly part of our extended family. Someone who went above and beyond the call of duty. I know he’s smiling down on everyone in the building tonight.
May the Rangers play a great game against the Maple Leafs.
On an emotional night at MSG in which they’ll honor Steven McDonald before the game, the Rangers host Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Maple Leafs.
As noted in a previous post, tonight will be special. The Rangers will honor the memory of former NYPD officer Steven McDonald in what should be an emotional and stirring ceremony. There won’t be a dry eye in the building. McDonald represented this city as well as anyone. That’s why the Rangers had an award in his honor which continues this season.
There’s still a game to play. Believe it or not, the Maple Leafs and Rangers will actually play hockey after having the last five days off. The last time we saw the Rangers, they were showing the heart that McDonald would’ve been proud of in a gutsy come from behind 5-4 win over the Blue Jackets with Extra Effort candidate Michael Grabner completing a hat trick by scoring with 16.5 seconds left for the game-winner. He leads the team with 19 goals. Who would have ever thought he’d be this good through 42 games?
The thing about this team is they don’t just rely on top players. However, the first line anchored by Derek Stepan with Chris Kreider and Mats Zuccarello carried them for a stretch last month. With Kreider scoring 11 of his 16 goals in December, he looks to be on the fast track to stardom. It’s taken a while for the talented power forward. But his 30 points in in 36 games are the best production on the team. Stepan also had a big month finishing with five goals and 11 assists for 16 points with a plus-11 rating in 15 games to help raise his season total to 31 points. That ties him with Kevin Hayes for tops.
Zuccarello wound up with 14 points with his only goal coming on an empty net. He has an assist in three games this month and his point total is 30 (8-22-30). At some point, they’re gonna need more goal production from last year’s Steven McDonald Award winner. Maybe the time off will help.
The rest allowed the Rangers to get healthier. Both Pavel Buchnevich and Rick Nash return tonight. Buchnevich hasn’t played since 11/12 due to back spasms. The 21-year old Russian was heating up with goals in his last four before the bad back kept him off the ice for over a month. He had to do strengthening exercises before getting into three games with Hartford. In those games, he had a goal and assist. For the season, he is 4-4-8 in 10 contests. The Rangers will play it safe with the rookie by not playing him initially in back-to-backs. Buchnevich will be a scratch tomorrow at Montreal.
Their depth allows them to do that. They also get the ultra talented Nash back. A multidimensional two-way player who plays every situation, he too was hot before a groin injury sidelined him for 10 games. He had four goals and two assists in his last seven games before tweaking his groin in a shootout win over the Devils on 12/18. Nash has 13 goals and seven helpers for 20 points in 30 games.
Coach Alain Vigneault doesn’t want to mess with the chemistry for the Stepan line and the line of Hayes, Grabner and J.T. Miller. So, Nash and Buchnevich will find themselves on another line. They can either play with Oscar Lindberg or Brandon Pirri. Lindberg works so well with Jesper Fast that it’s hard to see him getting the opportunity. But he has been playing better than Pirri, who really needs to get untracked offensively to stay in the lineup. Don’t forget rookie Jimmy Vesey who can complement any line he’s on with his speed and offensive instincts.
Mika Zibanejad is close to returning. When he does, the Rangers will be even stronger. There is nothing new to report on Matt Puempel. He remains out with a concussion. Speaking of which, post-concussion symptoms are what sidelined defenseman Marc Staal prior to the break. He is not ready to return. It is sad that he has to go through another serious injury. Between the freak accident in which brother Eric leveled him during a game for his first concussion and taking a shot to the eye that nearly blinded him, the former 2005 first round pick has been through a lot.
Somewhat ironically, it is Staal’s 30th birthday today. He was having a good bounce back season before the injury. Defensively, he had been solid pairing well with Nick Holden. Staal also contributed three goals and three assists with 22 penalty minutes and a plus-10 rating. With Staal, it’s never been about statistics. But rather the intangibles and leadership he brings. He plays with an edge. Without him, the Rangers don’t come back to beat the Penguins in the second round during their run to a Stanley Cup Final in the 2014 playoffs. His key work on Sidney Crosby was crucial. Here is Vigneault talking about McDonald prior to his first year behind the Ranger bench:
That team went “above and beyond” overcoming a 3-1 series deficit for the first time in franchise history to finally conquer the Pens. They did it in 2015 during the same round by stunning the Caps with heroics coming from Kreider, Stepan and Ryan McDonagh in Games 5 and 7. I’ll never forget what it was like being there.
As for Staal, who knows how good he could’ve been without the injuries. He still has been an All-Star who once was on the top pair with Girardi as shutdown tandem. Like Girardi, he battled through injury to play during a heartbreaking 2015 postseason that ended miserably with the Lightning shutting out the Rangers at MSG in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final. Little did we know half the blue line was hurt. But it goes to show how much they were willing to put their bodies through. Had they won, what would have been left in the tank for the Blackhawks? We’ll never know.
When I think of Staal, I always am reminded of two goals he scored. The first coming during his rookie year when the Devils and Rangers were tied late in regulation during Game 4 of the first round in 2008. Then Staal fired and scored his first career postseason goal with 3;14 left beating hockey legend Martin Brodeur. MSG was a madhouse. The Rangers advanced in five games. The second shall forever be known as The Miracle. Started by Brad Richards when he tied Game 5 with time to spare in regulation, Staal scored off a face-off win in overtime.
All I can say is I hope Staal gets healthy soon and is back to being the player we saw during the first half. He may never be that guy in 2012 who helped the team advance to the Conference Finals. But he’s still a core piece who is instrumental on a defense that doesn’t have much edge without him. Marc will play chippy. He’s shown it by cross checking Crosby and going after players during scrums. That leadership can’t be understated.
Without him, Adam Clendening gets to play in a third consecutive game. Hopefully, he continues to make the most out of the opportunity. It was his big power play goal and shot that got redirected by Grabner which allowed the team to rally past Columbus. As Vigneault likes to say, this is another kick at the can for a player on his fifth NHL team. A good skating right D who is best utilized offensively, the 24-year old Clendening is someone to root for. In 11 games, he has a goal and four assists. When he does play, Vigneault uses him on the left point of the second power play unit. An area he can excel at.
What remains to be seen is what Vigneault will do with McDonagh. He finally tried rookie Brady Skjei with him the previous two games with mixed results. Skjei is a much better skater than Girardi or Kevin Klein. Without Staal, it’s probably the best way to go. We’ll see what the coach decides.
The time off should mean Henrik Lundqvist gets the start. He was heroic in the Columbus win despite allowing four goals. The Swedish King didn’t allow any more following an early Blue Jackets goal in the second period that put them in a 4-1 hole. But Lundqvist finished with 33 saves and was resilient. I’d imagine we will see Antti Raanta tomorrow at Montreal. But they just are coming back from a break. Even though he’s struggled at the annoying Bell Centre, maybe Vigneault will go back to Lundqvist and see if he can deliver in the first look at the Atlantic-leading Canadiens.
Their opponent are the very fast and talented Maple Leafs. Led by rookie Auston Matthews, Toronto is in the hunt for the playoffs in the Atlantic. They are extremely dangerous and can score goals in a bunch. Matthews has fulfilled lofty expectations by leading the Leafs in goals with 21 and points with 35. The 19-year old 2016 first overall pick from Scottsdale, Arizona is amazing. He has it. The game breaking speed and hands. He centers the top line with rookies Connor Brown and Zach Hyman. Brown has done well with nine goals and nine helpers while Hyman is more of a smart unselfish player with 13 assists and five markers. They’re a handful.
The Leafs still possess James van Riemsdyk. The Middletown, New Jersey native is quietly having a good year ranking second in points (33) with 14 goals. He still plays with Tyler Bozak. But they now have overlooked Calder candidate Mitch Marner. A great skater with lethal speed and unreal one-on-one skills that can make defenses look silly, he is right there with 32 points (10-22-32). Marner went fourth overall in the 2015 NHL Draft. When he’s in transition, watch out.
Toronto can put out William Nylander with Nazem Kadri and Leo Komarov as a second unit. Kadri’s 16 markers rank second behind Matthews. Nylander has 26 points (8-18-26) and is a very smart playmaking forward like Dad Michael. Komarov plays chippy and hits everything. He is that annoying pest but with more skill than Jarkko Ruutu. He’s real good in front of the net.
The Rangers will also see former Islander Matt Martin. No stranger to the rivalry, he still plays as feisty as ever leading the Leafs in hits with 146. His last big one caused a ruckus with the Canadiens in a 5-3 loss. Here it is:
Martin’s hit on Jeff Petry was clean. He never left his feet but finished his check. A tenacious worker, that is his role. He only has two goals and two helpers but has 77 penalty minutes. The Islanders passed on re-signing him allowing Martin to leave for Toronto where he got a four-year contract that pays him an average of $2.5 million thru 2020. You can understand why they passed but ask any Islander fan and they’ll admit they miss his presence.
On the back end, the Leafs are led by Jake Gardiner and Morgan Rielly. Both are superb left skating defensemen who can start the transition and jump in offensively. Gardiner paces Toronto with 21 points (6-15-21) on the back end while Rielly has a similar line to McDonagh going 1-16-17. Rielly pairs with 25-year old Russian rookie Nikita Zaitsev (1-15-16). A former KHLer who played for CSKA Moscow and fits into Mike Babcock’s system. Gardiner pairs with former Cap Connor Carrick. Another young player who’s only 22. Former Ranger Matt Hunwick is on the third pair with bruiser Roman Polak.
If there is a big difference between these teams aside from the Leafs’ youth, it’s their physicality. They can really hit. So, it’ll be interesting to see how the Rangers deal with that. However, Toronto is known for bad third periods and can implode. For the Blueshirts, it’s about sticking with it. They are a much better third period team.
Toronto’s number one goalie is former Duck Frederik Andersen. He got off to a rough start but has settled down. Even though he has a 2.69 goals-against-average, he also boasts a .918 save percentage with 17 wins in 33 games. The issue for the Leafs has been at backup. They have gone through Jhonas Enroth and don’t want to rush Antoine Bibeau. So they claimed former Jacket Curtis McElhinney. The same guy who got lit up last week.
Updating projected lines, NHL.com’s Dan Rosen has Lindberg playing with Vesey and Nash which leaves Pirri with Buchnevich and Fast if he can go. Fast was sick. So, that will be decided at game time. If he can’t, Marek Hrivik would take his place. Here are the D pairs:
NYPD officers line up at attention to pay tribute to Steven McDonald at 5th Avenue in Manhattan today. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYPD News.
It will be an emotional night at Madison Square Garden. There won’t be a dry eye in the building. On what’s been a roller coaster of emotions since the passing of heroic police officer Steven McDonald, the Rangers will honor his memory before the game.
For 30 years, the former NYPD detective exemplified what fighting was all about. Overcoming the obstacle of being shot three times and paralyzed which forced him into a wheelchair with a respirator due to becoming a quadriplegic, he never gave in. McDonald was very active in the community speaking out at functions and continuing to push his message across.
The New York Rangers organization have honored his name with the prestigious Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award since 1987-88. An award that goes to the one Ranger who goes above and beyond the call of duty. Mr. McDonald would always be on the ice to speak some influential words and present a check for $25,000 which went to his foundation. When he spoke, nobody said a word. There weren’t any whistles or silly chants. This was a man everyone in this city respected.
To be honest, whenever I was in the building for the award, I always got chills up and down my spine when McDonald spoke. He was special and shall remain that way forever. He may be gone from our lives but he will never ever be forgotten. His memory lives on. Today, the NYPD laid to rest McDonald before thousands who attended the ceremony at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan.
Before the puck is dropped for the first time in almost a week between Original Sixes Toronto and New York, there won’t be a dry eye in the house. Tears will be shed. Sticks will be tapped to honor a man who did so much despite his disabilities. He somehow made it until 59 demonstrating tremendous courage, heart and strength.
If you happen to be at MSG tonight, do New Yorkers proud. I know I’ll be emotional watching. Let’s remember someone who was a true hero. Cheer loudly and show what New York City has always been about.
As for the game, that’s secondary. You know both benches will be emotional. Rest In Peace Steven McDonald. You will never be forgotten. 😦 ❤
The NHL revealed the four rosters for the All-Star game in Los Angeles featuring the second annual three-on-three winner take all tournament format. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NHL.com.
Earlier Tuesday afternoon, the NHL announced the official All-Star rosters for its three-on-three format to be played at Staples Center in Hollywood on Jan. 28-29. It will be the second annual three-on-three winner take all tournament featuring All-Stars from each division. Each team features a captain voted in by the fans along with 10 skaters who represent the division. So, that’s 11 skaters per roster and 44 total.
In the Metro Division, Pens’ superstar Sidney Crosby will captain the team. The league’s leading goalscorer whose 26 are four ahead of Jeff Carter and five up on rookie All-Stars Patrik Laine and Auston Matthews, is third in scoring with 44 points despite only playing 33 games.
The Devils, Islanders and Rangers will each have one representative on a Metro team featuring Evgeni Malkin, Alex Ovechkin, Wayne Simmonds, Justin Faulk, Seth Jones, Sergei Bobrovsky and Braden Holtby. Joining them in Los Angeles is Devils forward Taylor Hall, Islanders center John Tavares and Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh.
With a 11-man roster featuring some of the game’s premier superstars including Crosby, Ovechkin and Malkin, the Metro Division is loaded. Both Hall and Tavares are superb skaters who can be dangerous in transition while Simmonds is the net front presence who can make opponents miserable. In a deep division, the NHL went with three D featuring Canes’ rover Faulk, the Jackets’ Jones and Rangers’ McDonagh.
For McDonagh, he’ll appear in his second consecutive All-Star Game. He becomes the first Rangers defenseman to appear in back-to-back All-Star Games since Brian Leetch (’01-03). The captain is also the first to make consecutive appearances from the Blueshirts since Mark Messier (’92-97).
McDonagh’s 25 points pace all Ranger defensemen. His 23 assists lead the team. His 15 even strength helpers are third among NHL defensemen. His 13 primary helpers are tied for fourth among D.
In his first season with the Devils, Hall is tied for the team lead in scoring with 25 points (9-16-25). His nine goals and 16 assists for 25 points have come in 32 contests. Seven of Hall’s nine markers have come at home. He’s tied for the team lead with P.A. Parenteau in power play goals (4). His 105 shots pace the Devils.
Acquired from the Oilers last summer in exchange for defenseman Adam Larsson, the 25-year old Hall has been as advertised. An exciting offensive player with tremendous wheels and hands, it’s a matter of staying healthy. If the former first overall pick of the 2010 NHL Draft can, he should have a big second half.
For Tavares, the Islanders’ captain will make his fourth All-Star appearance. On a day off in preparation for a home game against the Panthers Wednesday, he sported his very own Starting Lineup sports figurine in the locker room. It’s been a challenging year for Tavares. The 26-year old hasn’t finished as much as he’d like on a lower scoring team that’s near the bottom of the division. However, he still paces the Islanders with 27 points (11-16-27). His four power play goals and 114 shots lead the club.
.@91Tavares has his own iconic Starting Lineup sports figurine!
Tavares has scored nine of his 11 goals at home which also paces the Islanders. His 16 assists are the most on the team. A special player, he needs two points to reach 500 for his career. In 548 career games, he’s totaled 218 goals and 280 assists for 498 points.
Former Tavares’ teammate Kyle Okposo will be the lone Sabres representative on the Atlantic roster. Ironically, the former linemate has the same amount of points (27) with his new team in Buffalo. He is 12-15-27. The rest of the Atlantic features captain Carey Price along with Tuukka Rask followed by Matthews, Brad Marchand, Nikita Kucherov, Vincent Trocheck and ex-Islander Frans Nielsen up front. The three defensemen are Victor Hedman, Erik Karlsson and Shea Weber.
The West is represented by the Central Division captained by former Canadien P.K. Subban. With an injury keeping him sidelined, it doesn’t look like he’ll participate. If he’s replaced, perhaps by the Blues’ Kevin Shattenkirk, whose 26 points (10-16-26) are hard to overlook. Laine was selected. The rookie leader in points (37), power play goals (7), is tied with Matthews for game-winning goals (4) among freshmen. Whether he plays depends on concussion protocol. He’s still recovering from a big open ice hit from Buffalo’s Jake McCabe. Here’s what the Central 11-man roster would look like if healthy:
F Patrick Kane
F Jonathan Toews
F Patrick Laine
F Nathan MacKinnon
F Tyler Seguin
F Vladimir Tarasenko
D P.K. Subban*
D Duncan Keith
D Ryan Suter
G Corey Crawford
G Devan Dubnyk
The Pacific roster features captain Oilers’ phenom Connor McDavid. His 48 points (14-34-48) lead the league in scoring. That includes an NHL-leading 34 helpers. McDavid headlines a talented team that includes Johnny Gaudreau and first time selectionBo Horvat. Remember him? Horvat went ninth overall to the Canucks after they parted with Cory Schneider to the Devils for that pick in the 2013 NHL Draft. Horvat is quietly leading the Canucks in scoring with 13 goals, 29 points and a team-leading two shorthanded tallies. The only mystifying part was the NHL’s selection of Arizona goalie Mike Smith. Nothing against the veteran who’s been under siege. But how did he make it over Cam Talbot? I guess Oliver Ekman-Larsson wasn’t deemed good enough. Here is what the 11-man Pacific looks like:
F Connor McDavid*
F Jeff Carter
F Johnny Gaudreau
F Bo Horvat
F Ryan Kesler
F Joe Pavelski
D Brent Burns
D Drew Doughty
D Cam Fowler
G Martin Jones
G Mike Smith
Part of the problem with this format is they still have to have at least one player represented from each team. And with it down to divisions for the three-on-three tournament, there’s only so many players they can take.
So, what you get are a lot of deserving guys who won’t be part of it. Hell. I would’ve taken Nick “Norris” Holden over McDonagh. No Phil Kessel from the Pens. Justin Schultz could’ve made the cut but again, they only can choose three D. Among the biggest omissions are Cam Atkinson (20 goals) and rookie Zachary Werenski from the Blue Jackets. But Columbus already has Bobrovsky and Jones on the Metro roster.
How about no Artemi Panarin for the Central? They chose Toews over him. I love Toews and unlike the charts crowd, I don’t consider him ‘overrated.’ He is the leader of the Blackhawks and always steps it up. But over Panarin, who’s an electrifying player with 42 points? That’s insanity. No Jakub Voracek from the Flyers either. This is what happens when you can only pick six forwards and must represent every team. Neither Mark Scheifele nor Nikolaj Ehlers made it either. But figure Scheifele to replace Laine. That trio all have identical points (37) playing together. Too bad Winnipeg is so disrespected. Maybe if they were higher in the standings.
Anyway, that’s it for this All-Star post. The game will be fun. It might not be like last year with John Scott pulling off the unlikeliest All-Star Game MVP as captain basically riding off into the sunset. But it’ll be an exciting watch.
With the passing of former NYPD officer Steven McDonald earlier today after succumbing to complications from a heart attack suffered on Jan. 6, tributes poured in from people who knew him.
A courageous detective who was shot in the line of duty while preventing a robbery, McDonald was paralyzed from the neck down becoming a quadriplegic who needed a wheelchair and ventilator to survive daily. His story is an inspiration to New Yorkers.
Former peers as well as former winners of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award honoring the Rangers player who went above and beyond the call of duty.
So sad to hear about the passing of Steven McDonald today. Winning the award in his honor is one of my most proud accomplishments…
Former NYPD detective Steven McDonald passed away at age 59 on Tuesday, January 10, 2017. We honor his memory. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYRangers.
Sad news to report. Former New York police officer Steven McDonald passed away today. The former NYPD detective who was shot in the line of duty and paralyzed lost his battle following a heart attack suffered on Jan. 6. He was 59.
For 30 years, McDonald was a hero who exemplified what it meant to wear a badge. He was shot on July 12, 1986 by 15-year old Shavod Jones. While preventing a robbery with his partner in Central Park, he was shot three times by Jones including the head, throat and spine which paralyzed him from the neck down causing him to become a quadriplegic. The severe injuries forced him into a wheelchair where he needed ventilator.
Despite that disability, McDonald lived his life like it never changed. He became a symbol of New York City. Someone that was looked up to for his heroism. A true role model who was honored by the New York Rangers. After the 1987-88 season, the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award was named in his honor. A passionate Ranger fan, he would come to MSG and present the award to the player who best exemplifies going above and beyond the call of duty. A check of $25,000 in that player’s name is presented and made out to the Steven McDonald Foundation.
Prominent winners have included Adam Graves who holds the record with five. Former Ranger Ryan Callahan won the away four times. Jed Ortmeyer and Mats Zuccarello have also won the prestigious award twice. When I think of the award, I’m reminded of everything good that this town stands for. It’s hard working and appreciative of players who become unsung heroes for their yeoman effort. That’s what the award stands for.
It’s hard to believe he’s really gone. But for three decades, McDonald personified what it meant to keep fighting. His spirit was always on display when he presented the award to thunderous ovations from appreciate fans who identified with him. This man always spoke with such emotion. His words meant a lot. When he spoke, there was total silence. That’s how much he was respected.
One special moment for Steven McDonald that was really great is he got to see son Conor become a NYPD sergeant following in his father’s footsteps. You better believe the Rangers will dedicate the rest of the season to Conor’s Dad. When the award is presented before the final home game, it will be extra special. Some tears could be shed.
It’s going to be different without him around. He was that former cop who you could always count on for inspiring words. No matter how tough our lives are, all one needs to do is look at Steven McDonald for proof that you can overcome any obstacle and enjoy life. Live it to the fullest.
I may never have met Mr. McDonald. But I felt like I knew him. He made everyone feel that way. He was our friend. Thank you for being the bravest person I know.
Rest In Peace Steven McDonald. We’ll never forget you. 😦 ❤
Adam Clendening and Michael Grabner celebrate a goal in the Rangers’ stirring comeback win over the Blue Jackets 5-4. Grabner was credited with his second hat trick of the season. He leads all NHL players with 19 even strength goals and is a big reason for the Rangers’ big first half. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Zesty Rangers.
In the Rangers’ 5-4 dramatic win over the Blue Jackets, Michael Grabner scored the game-winner with 16.5 seconds left on Saturday. Originally, the team’s leading goalscorer had two goals and an assist in the come from behind victory at Columbus.
However, that was changed. The NHL has credited him with a hat trick. His second of the season and first since 10/30 against Tampa. As it turned out, Adam Clendening’s second of the game which tied it was changed. He fired a shot from a bad angle past now waived Columbus backup Curtis McElhinney which tied the contest at four with 6:03 left in regulation. However, the replay showed that Grabner got a piece of it while in front of McElhinney.
So, the Rangers’ fourth goal of that game now reads Grabner from Clendening and Oscar Lindberg. Jesper Fast lost an assist. The play wouldn’t have been possible without Fast’s hard work along the boards keeping the puck alive on a sustained forecheck. Unfortunate for him that he loses a point. No one works harder.
Instead of leading the team with 18 goals, the streaky Grabner is now up to 19 thru the first 42 games. An astonishing number when you consider that he totaled 17 over the last two seasons with the Islanders and Maple Leafs. His next goal would give him 20. A mark he hasn’t reached since his second seasons with the Islanders in ’11-12.
It was during his rookie year with the Islanders after they claimed him off waivers from the Panthers that the speedy Grabner stunned the hockey world by scoring a career high 34 goals and 52 points in ’10-11. He did it by using his blazing speed to score in transition. He also was lethal shorthanded scoring six times on the penalty kill. His penalty kill work has continued to be superb for the Blueshirts who rank 10th in the NHL at 83.0 percent which is tied with San Jose. A marked improvement from last season.
When general manager Jeff Gorton signed him, it was with the idea that Grabner could help give the penalty kill a boost while supplying much needed depth on the fourth line. He’s exceeded expectations by sometimes getting time on the top line. However, he’s mostly been used on the third or fourth line by Alain Vigneault depending on how he’s going. Prior to his two goals in a win over the Flyers, he had only scored twice since 11/21.
In consecutive road victories over Philadelphia and Columbus, Grabner went 5-2-7 with a plus-eight rating. Astonishingly, all 19 of his goals have come at even strength which lead the league. One more than rookie Auston Matthews and two better than Sidney Crosby. For his effort, Grabner was named the First Star of the Week beating out Patrick Maroon and Braden Holtby.
If we were to grade Grabner, it would be the highest mark of A-plus. A credit to Gorton for a strong off-season that included also stealing top three defenseman Nick Holden from the Avalanche for just a fourth round pick. Along with signing free agent rookie Jimmy Vesey and trading Derick Brassard to the Senators in exchange for Mika Zibanejad, it’s been a banner year for Gorton. Brandon Pirri was a key factor early too.
Without the additions which bolstered their depth, the Rangers aren’t locked in a tight battle for first in the Metro Division with division-leading Columbus (60 points), defending champ Pittsburgh (57) and Washington (55). At the break, their 28 victories are tied with the Blue Jackets for the most in the NHL. Their 57 points tie them with the Penguins despite playing three more games. The Caps also have three extra games left. So, the Rangers could be in fourth by the time they resume play Friday at MSG when they host Toronto.
Regardless, it’s been a superb first half. They’ve managed to do it even with Dan Girardi and Kevin Klein struggling and Henrik Lundqvist even having an un-King like .912 save percentage. The Blueshirts rank second in offense behind the Pens averaging 3.43 goals-per-game. Not coincidentally, Pittsburgh, New York and Columbus are the league’s highest scoring teams.
We’ll leave you with this awesome call from ESPN Radio’s Don LaGreca of Grabner’s exciting winner with Dave Maloney cheer leading in the background. Pretty amusing. 😉
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