Video Of Day: Jake McCabe hit on Patrick Laine

Posted on January 9, 2017 by Derek
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Sabres defenseman Jake McCabe sports a cut below his right eye from a head on head collision stemming from a clean hit that concussed Winnipeg rookie Patrick Laine during Buffalo’s 4-3 home win on Saturday. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NHL Expert Picks.

On Saturday, the Buffalo Sabres came back to defeat the Winnipeg Jets 4-3 at KeyBank Center in Western New York. It was a very good character win for a rebuilding team that’s struggled. Despite possessing talent, Buffalo ranks seventh out of eight teams in the Atlantic Division with 39 points in 39 games. Only Detroit is worse tied in points but with one more game played.

In a battle of two of the game’s teenage sensations, the biggest story was Buffalo defenseman Jake McCabe delivering a crushing shoulder to chest hit on Jets rookie superstar Patrick Laine at center ice. The American caught the Finnish talent flush with 14:09 remaining in the third period.

Unfortunately, Laine was helped off the ice and didn’t return. Not surprisingly, he suffered a concussion. It’s a real shame because the 2016 second overall pick is a breathtaking player who’s tied with first overall pick Auston Matthews for goals (21) among rookies. He leads all freshmen in scoring with 37 points (21-16-37) to Matthews’ 35 (21-14-35). Mitch Marner is third with 32 (10-22-32).

The 2016-17 rookie class features other talented players including Blue Jackets’ defenseman Zach Werenski, whose 25 points (6-19-25) lead their back end in what’s been a great year for the first place team. A third Maple Leaf William Nylander ranks fourth in rookie scoring with 26 points (8-18-26). Altogether, Toronto boasts five first-year forwards including Zach Hyman (5-13-18) and Connor Brown (9-9-18). They’re challenging for a playoff spot in the Atlantic.

Keep a close eye on Calgary’s Matthew Tkachuk. The son of former NHL All-Star Keith has been hot of late with a nine-game point streak hiking his total to 25 (7-18-25). Like his Dad, he plays with a mean streak. His 74 penalty minutes are among the league leaders.

There are other notables such as the Flyers’ Ivan Provorov and Travis Konecny, Detroit’s Anthony Mantha, Carolina’s Sebastian Aho, the Rangers’ Jimmy Vesey, Brady Skjei and rehabbing Russian Pavel Buchnevich. If Pens’ Stanley Cup hero Matt Murray returned, he would be an interesting case. He was 13-3-1 with a 2.18 goals-against-average, .928 save percentage with two shutouts in 19 appearances (17 starts). Most first-year goalies get the cold shoulder from professional writers. Especially given how strong this year’s class is.

As for McCabe, he had some interesting commentary on the hit. When asked about where the hit ranked he candidly said:

“It takes the cake,” as his biggest this season. Probably not the wisest choice of words. NHL Network analyst Kevin Weekes was highly critical of McCabe. He felt it was disrespectful to characterize such a big hit which injured another player that way. He has a point. However, McCabe was asked a question and answered it honestly.
Naturally, the hit caused quite a reaction from Laine’s teammates. It sparked a line brawl. Given that Laine’s head was on a swivel, the hit was impossible to avoid. McCabe didn’t leave his feet just standing him up. The impact of Laine falling backwards to the ice with his head hitting it hard explains the concussion. Here’s the full video with the call from legendary Buffalo announcer Rick Jeanneret:

Winnipeg coach Paul Maurice had no problem with the hit:

Laine was able to walk out of the arena under his own power following the game. Hopefully, he will not miss too much time. But when it comes to concussion protocol, the Jets will handle it cautiously. The 18-year old has a bright future ahead.
The Sabres were able to complete a three-goal third period thanks to Brian Gionta’s wonderful game-winner. It’s a must listen for Jeanneret’s call of an exciting goal from the savvy vet who showed remarkable patience before beating Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck.

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Grabner steals one for Rangers in best win of season

Posted on January 7, 2017 by Derek
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Adam Clendening dons the Broadway Hat after his two goals helped rally the Rangers past the Blue Jackets 5-4 in their best win of the season. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYRangers.

It’s rare that this team stuns me. Tonight is a prime example. The Rangers showed tremendous heart coming back to shock the Blue Jackets 5-4 in Columbus to enter the mandatory break on a electrifying note.

This is the best win of the season. It probably will be the best of the year unless they can manage to beat the Pens again when the weather warms up over this snow we got. I can’t put into words how great a victory it was. Granted. It came at the expense of Blue Jackets’ backup sieve Curtis McElhinney. Brutal would be an understatement for the goalie John Tortorella hardly uses. Can you blame him?

One wonders what Tortorella said to his very good young team in the locker room following an awful loss. Their second straight after posting a franchise record 16-game win streak which abruptly was halted by the Caps 5-0 in Washington on Thursday. On the other hand, the win had to be very satisfying for Alain Vigneault, who passed Tortorella for fourth most on the Rangers’ all-time coaching list.

Vigneault deserves a lot of credit for tonight’s win. I know I kill him a lot as do many other fans and bloggers who sometimes are puzzled by his in game decisions. But he did a great job adjusting for the deciding third period. With his team fighting an uphill climb after an inauspicious start that saw them fall behind 2-0 in the first five minutes, the fourth-year Rangers coach decided to go with three lines and five defensemen in the third.

The strategy change worked. On a night when the Rangers showed their playoff mettle, they got crucial goals from an unlikely source. Defenseman Adam Clendening scored his first two goals of the season. The 24-year old from Niagara Falls has been an interesting topic for the Ranger blogosphere all year. On his fifth NHL team, he clearly is a better skater than either Dan Girardi or Kevin Klein. Both blood and guts warriors who have struggled mightily. Vigneault hasn’t given Clendening a lot of chances.

But with Marc Staal (upper body) again out, it was the second straight start for the right defenseman who prior to this year had only played in 50 NHL games with Chicago, Vancouver, Pittsburgh and Edmonton. So, Vigneault’s hardly been the only coach who was hesitant to use Clendening. Tonight, he made a big impact scoring a power play goal and game-tying goal in a three-goal third period dominated by the Blueshirts. Without those two shots which beat McElhinney from bad angles, there is no comeback victory. Will Clendening’s third change Vigneault’s mind after the break?

The Rangers were a mess literally at the start. They couldn’t get out of their own way. A ferocious Columbus forecheck led to Clendening turning over the puck on a reverse. Markus Nutivaara benefited when he took a feed from Josh Anderson and beat Henrik Lundqvist at 1:54 through a Matt Calvert screen.

As if that wasn’t messy enough, a very bad cross-checking minor on Ryan McDonagh led directly to the league-leading power play going to work. They used only 10 seconds to make the Ranger penalty kill mince meat. Nick Foligno moved the puck from behind the net to Sam Gagner at the right circle where he quickly fed a wide open Cam Atkinson for his 19th at 4:37. The play was so easy that it looked like they were playing NHL ’17. Atkinson was everywhere. He could’ve had three to four goals if not for Lundqvist.

Lundqvist is the reason they won. He stood tall to a plethora of dangerous scoring chances. It was all of our D too. Not just easy target Girardi, who at times was spun around in circles while on his knees. Klein was brutal again. He didn’t see the ice in the third and was directly responsible for Scott Hartnell’s goal that came in direct response to Oscar Lindberg’s first on a nice snapper high glove. Lindberg had a game finishing with a goal and assist. His line would be the biggest factor late.

The Rangers’ first period was so bad, it bordered on insanity. They got totally out-skated, out-forechecked and out-everything’d. They also took three consecutive penalties mostly due to the faster attacking Jackets. Some of the saves Lundqvist made were unreal. He had to deal with so much pressure. Honestly, he may have given up four goals but the 33 saves he made were gigantic. He was my number one star. The difference in goaltending is the biggest reason they won. McElhinney isn’t no Sergei Bobrovsky.

When Lukas Sedlak made it 4-1 from Hartnell and Jack Johnson three minutes into the second, it looked over. Someone forgot to tell the Blueshirts. Michael Grabner replied back 1:12 later when he took advantage of a Columbus turnover and blew into the offensive zone and ripped a high shot again glove side top shelf. Maybe Vigneault putting him back with Kevin Hayes and J.T. Miller last game sparked the streaky and speedy Grabner. The always entertaining 29-year old Austrian would be the ultimate hero later.

That first goal by Grabs was the turning point. Along with splendid stops from the impenetrable Lundqvist, who would not allow the Jackets another goal following Sedlak’s one that once made it 4-1, the Rangers methodically gained steam. If there was another play I’ll point to where you knew they were never out of it, it would have to be when Chris Kreider shoved Hartnell and then took a crosscheck in front of the Rangers bench. He didn’t back down with each going off for matching roughs. Coincidentally, they didn’t take another penalty.

Still trailing by two entering the third, enter Clendening in his cape. A Foligno trip 13 seconds in put the Rangers on the power play. Taking a feed from J.T. Miller at the left circle, Clendening decided to pull the trigger. His unscreened shot beat McElhinney clean at 1:22 to make it a one-goal contest. Once again, it was upstairs. It also was questionable. But Tortorella stayed with his backup.

Suddenly, it was all Blueshirts. Taking the play to the Jackets, they were the aggressor. For as much as Girardi had all sorts of trouble with the tenacious Columbus speed- especially when the dangerous Atkinson was out- he did make a good read sending a pass off the boards which led Kreider on a breakaway. But his forehand deke was beat by McElhinney, who made a superb pad save to kick it out at the last second.

The thing about this team is its character. They rarely give up. The Buffalo game was the low point. Yes. Lower than the two losses to the Pens and the 7-4 home loss to the Wild because those are quality teams capable of doing that to anyone. A determined bunch of scrappy Rangers were able to get it tied thanks to another goal from Clendening.

This one was due to some unreal work from Jesper Fast. He will never be the most talented. But the gritty Swede never gets out-worked. He battled and battled to keep a play alive along with help from Lindberg. Eventually, Lindberg got the puck to Clendening along the right boards. From a very bad angle, he simply fired a shot that somehow beat McElhinney to the glove on the short side. He got caught off his post. It was a smart shot and made it 4-4 with 7:03 left.

Neither side gave any indication they were playing for the point. Both went for it. But it was the Rangers who would find a way to win it. With Columbus pressing for the go-ahead with less than 25 seconds left, a bad Seth Jones turnover at the Ranger blue line resulted in Grabner taking off like a jet. Shot out of a cannon, he flew in on McElhinney and left his jock strap hanging with a wicked backhand tuck for the coup de grace with 16.5 seconds to go.

Just a tremendous win by a determined group who would not be denied. They sure surprised me. And if you’re not surprised, you should be. This was a late great holiday gift for the New Year. Delivered Rangers style. Vigneault starred as did his goalie along with Clendening, who got the Broadway Hat, and Grabner. So did Lindberg and Fast. What a way to enter the week off.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (33 saves with many spectacular)

2nd Star-Adam Clendening, NYR (first 2 goals of season including PPG and game-tying goal in 3rd, 4 shots, 7 attempts, minus-1 in 22 shifts-15:02)

1st Star-Michael Grabner, NYR (2 goals-team-leading 17th and 18th with game-winner at 19:43 of 3rd,  2 goals on 4 shots, assist giving him 2-1-3 in each of last two games, plus-8 in the two wins)

Notes: Rangers went 35-and-28 on faceoffs led by Derek Stepan (15-and-10) followed by Lindberg (9-and-5). Brandon Dubinsky paced the Jackets going 10-and-7. … Columbus was led by Hartnell (goal, assist) and Gagner (2 assists). … Shots on goal were Columbus 37, Rangers 34. Attempts were 63-60 CBJ. … Brady Skjei paired mostly with McDonagh for a second consecutive game finishing plus-one with two blocked shots in 27 even strength shifts-21:06. … McElhinney allowed five goals on 34 shots. … Rangers (28-13-1) are up to 57 points in 42 games trailing the Blue Jackets by one for first. Columbus has four games at hand. They are two up on idle Penguins (38 GP) and Capitals (39 GP). … NYR next play 1/13 at MSG against Auston Matthews and the improved Maple Leafs. They then visit the Canadiens 1/14 for a tough back-to-back.

Photo Gif: Grabner celebrating his game-winner with teammates.

Key Stat:

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Devils induct McMullen into Ring of Fire

Posted on January 7, 2017 by hasan4978

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Last night at the Prudential Center, the Devils christened the new Ring of Fire – created to honor former team members and executives – by inducting former owner John J. McMullen as the inagural member.  Dr. McMullen was the man who brought pro hockey to New Jersey, moving the then-Colorado Rockies to East Rutherford in 1982 and he owned the franchise for nearly two decades before selling the team to the YankeeNets corporation in 2000 shortly after the team’s second Stanley Cup win.  Ironic that former Yankee owner George Steinbrenner was part of the conglomeration that eventaully bought McMullen out since it was the doctor who once famously said of sports’ King George, ‘There’s nothing more limited than being a limited partner of George Steinbrenner’.

Arguably McMullen’s second greatest contribution to pro hockey in New Jersey besides bringing the team, was hiring the man to his right – Lou Lamoriello, a brilliant then-unproven hockey mind who’d never worked in the NHL but had success with everything he did in college – coach and later athletic director at Providence and later the commissioner of Hockey East.  While McMullen brought hockey to NJ, Lamoriello brought the culture of excellence that defined the Devils for two decades and gave New Jersey its first (and second and third) pro sports champions.  Certainly it was fitting that Dr. McMullen was honored before last night’s game against the Leafs, with Lamoriello in attendance.  Especially since both men had a close relationship and McMullen was hands-off in letting Lou do his thing.

“To me there’s no question or a thought any other way that it shouldn’t be Dr. McMullen,” said Lamoriello, surely bound for the Devils’ Ring of Honor himself. “What he did for hockey in New Jersey by bringing the Colorado Rockies here and then making sure it was named ‘New Jersey,’ and you know I spent a number of years with him and that’s all real. His pride factor in New Jersey was something special. And then wanting to bring a championship here was something that he dreamed about and so it’s more than fitting for this to occur and I know that all the players that played for him and all of us who had the opportunity to work for him and with him will cherish everything that he’s done and how he’s done it. He’s a man’s man. You never had to worry about what was on his mind, there was no gray area. But his honesty and his integrity and his own work ethic was second to none.

Another fitting moment came after last night’s ceremony – which was well-done – when Jersey natives Kyle Palmieri and James Van Riemsdyk met at center ice for the ceremonial opening faceoff.  Ironically the Devils chose to honor Dr. McMullen by playing like the ragtag bunch that first came to Jersey, falling behind 4-0 before the end of an ugly, dreadful first period in an eventual 4-2 loss.  Even Chico Resch said as much during the telecast when he said (paraphrasing) it looked like one of the first periods when he was in net.  I never saw Chico play but somehow I doubt he ever gave up a goal as bad as the second goal last night where Cory Schneider looked drunk or stoned misplaying the puck right into his own net.  Mercifully Cory’s night ended before the first period as coach John Hynes finally figured out it’s okay to pull the goalie.  Of course literally seconds after Keith Kinkaid entered the game the red light went on behind him too.  I was kind of wishing we had Chico – or goalie coach Chris Terreri – in net at that point.

I could go on about how last night’s lack of effort in the opening twenty minutes and the fact this team had a reportedly horse**** practice that led to a few off-color words from the head coach should signal major changes are needed.  When TWO straight wins are enough to get you lazy again, you don’t want to play hockey.  However I’d rather get back to talking about McMullen and his legacy, which I’m the first to admit is extremely mixed.  Especially from my point of view since I wasn’t old enough to appreciate McMullen bringing the Devils to New Jersey.  On the other hand, I’m old enough to know about the Nashville speculation in 1995 and how the team was almost moved as it was winning a Stanley Cup.

Since it was 1995 and not 2017 with a 24-7 news cycle, it’s hard to tell in hindsight how much of the move rumors were real and how much were for show in negotiations.  McMullen himself later said that the reaction from the fans at the team parade for winning the Stanley Cup helped convince him to stay.  Personally I do think winning the Cup had no small part in keeping the Devils in New Jersey, there most likely wouldn’t have been enough pressure from the state or the league or fans to keep the team if they didn’t have their 1994-95 run of success.  Ironically the move rumors led to one of Gary Bettman‘s defining moments as commissioner when he made a comment during that time about how the tri-state area couldn’t support three teams and was promptly booed when he was interviewed on FOX sports during Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals, and booed louder when presenting the Cup, starting a hockey tradition.

There was also the fact that during his tenure McMullen wasn’t very media or fan-friendly.  When asked about the team’s lack of attention and publicity and whether the first Cup win would improve it in 1995 he said dismissively, ‘the team’s the best public relations, there’s nobody better’.  He was also a bit parsimonious in terms of paying the players, but fortunately he had a GM who drafted and traded like a wizard in order to build that great Devils team.  Ultimately, McMullen sold the team when he couldn’t get a new arena built in his hometown of Hoboken.  Ironically the former owner passed away before the Devils’ current arena opened in Newark, after twenty-five years at the Meadowlands where some of the franchise’s best memories – and some of mine as a fan – were formed.

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WJC2017: USA wins gold in a 5-4 shootout win over Canada

Posted on January 6, 2017 by Derek

This is my game story on what was an emotional roller coaster between great rivals. Team USA showed plenty of heart coming back twice from two-goal deficits to pull out a hard fought 5-4 shootout win over host Canada to capture gold at the U20 World Junior Championship in Montreal.

Congrats to the players, coaches and fans of both sides for a game well played. It truly was some of the best hockey. No one was a loser. Everyone was a winner.

Derek's avatarHockey Prospects Plus

c1d1aqpuoai8elp American Glory: Team USA takes the championship photo after edging Canada in a memorable final prevailing 5-4 in a shootout at the IIHF U20 World Junior Championship in Montreal. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy USA Hockey.

What makes the IIHF U20 World Junior Championship so special is what we witnessed tonight in Montreal. Even if it was on NHL Network, it was the kind of championship caliber hockey that makes this tournament so special. There were no losers on the ice at Bell Centre. Only winners.

Just American and Canadian hockey players who gave it everything in another memorable WJC Final. There was plenty of heart shown by both sides. However, there was one gold medal handed out and a silver medal too. The gold went to USA after a gut wrenching 5-4 shootout win over Canada before over 20,000 screaming fans up north.

They did it in…

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A Preview of USA vs Canada

Posted on January 5, 2017 by Derek

Tonight at 8 PM on the East coast up in Montreal, USA takes on Canada in the U20 World Junior Championship for gold. If the past is any indication, it should be memorable. It’s all on the line at Bell Centre.

Here is my preview done over on Hockey Prospects.

They’re both here because they have proven to be the best teams in the IIHF 2017 U20 WJC. Canada got the better of tournament favorite Sweden prevailing 5-2. If it’s anything like previous two championships, look out. Canada is 1-2 against USA in WJC Finals. The lone win came back in 1997. So, these match-ups don’t happen too often. That’s why we should enjoy it.

No matter what side you’re on, it shouldn’t be about smack talk and booing the opposition. But rather enjoying what should be a great game between two prominent countries.

A look back at the last gold medal game between USA and Canada. One of the more memorable games at the IIHF World Juniors:

Over a decade later, tonight USA can again make history when they take on Canada in enemy territory at the Bell Centre in Montreal. Their second championship also went through Canada in memorable fashion prevailing 6-5 in overtime on John Carlson’s golden winner. A two on one odd man rush following a Jack Campbell huge save with Carlson faking pass to Derek Stepan before wiring one upstairs on Canadian replacement Martin Jones for the emotional game-winner. It remains one of the craziest finals ever played. A game where both starters were pulled. One in which Canada rallied from a 5-3 deficit on two clutch Jordan Eberle goals to force sudden death. It’s one of the greatest games in recent memory between North American rivals.

If you root for the Devils or Islanders, there are prospects to watch. Matt Barzal is on Canada as is Blake Speers. Both key forwards for the Canadian side. Isles’ prospect Kiefer Bellows represents USA. It’s a glimpse into the future.

The game is on NHL Network at 8 PM. Don’t miss it.

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Game #41: Rangers respond with 5-2 win over Flyers on Rivalry Night

Posted on January 5, 2017 by Derek
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The trio of Michael Grabner, Kevin Hayes and J.T. Miller were splendid combining for four goals and seven points in a Rangers 5-2 win over the Flyers on Rivalry Night. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYRangers.

If there’s one characteristic to admire about this team, it’s their resiliency. Only once have they lost two straight in regulation. Following a dismal performance in an ugly 4-1 home defeat to Buffalo, the Rangers avoided a two-game losing streak by coming into Philadelphia and defeating the Flyers 5-2 on Rivalry Night.

The win pulled them into a tie for points (55) with idle Pittsburgh, who are technically still in second due to three less games played. Despite that, the Rangers have done well going 27-13-1 at the halfway mark. Following Saturday’s visit at first place Columbus, they’ll get a mandatory week break before returning to action. Something Alain Vigneault isn’t a fan of. At the very least, it’ll give them a chance to recover from a hectic schedule.

Facing a bitter rival that brings out the best in them, the Rangers got back to being the team we saw early on. They weren’t reliant on one line. Even without Rick Nash, Mika Zibanejad, Pavel Buchnevich and the concussed Matt Puempel, their early success came due to being a skating team that had four lines going. In the second meeting at Wells Fargo Center over a month after defeating them 3-2 on Black Friday, they got back to that by using their speed and transition to take advantage of Flyer mistakes.

During the recent stretch which had seen their play slip, they were reliant on the cohesive trio of Chris Kreider, Derek Stepan and Mats Zuccarello along with Nick “Norris” Holden. That won’t work from a consistency standpoint. Last night, a couple of familiar faces got back on the score sheet. Kevin Hayes and Michael Grabner each scored twice. Vigneault made a change reuniting them with J.T. Miller. Long overdue, the line combined for seven points (4-3-7).

That wasn’t the only difference. With an “upper body injury” keeping Marc Staal out, Vigneault summoned Adam Clendening from purgatory. Along with struggling righties Dan Girardi and Kevin Klein, he helped the defense have a good night. For once, there were no gripes about Girardi, who from most accounts had a solid game delivering five hits in 37 shifts (23:22). Klein also responded with a team high seven blocked shots in 27 shifts (18:01). Clendening received 25 shifts (13:19) and Brady Skjei played 19:44 recording an assist with a plus-three rating and four hits in 29 shifts.

There really wasn’t much to complain about. A good thing in Rangerland where sometimes, things get over analyzed. They’re not gonna win every game. However, losses like Tuesday are unacceptable. I’m glad Vigneault called his team out. They usually respond to such challenges. That’s why I wasn’t surprised they came away with two points well earned on the road.

Henrik Lundqvist made his second consecutive start and was good making 30 saves. That included stopping 20 shots the first two periods including a dozen in the second. His best sequence coming when he denied Wayne Simmonds and Jakub Voracek on a Philadelphia power play. From the goal out, the Blueshirts were better. They didn’t resemble whatever that was 24 hours earlier at MSG.

Only one goal was scored in the first 40 minutes. It belonged to Hayes, who was able to beat Steve Mason on a break in by looking pass and then whistling a shot upstairs on a two on one. Grabner was the decoy who got the primary assist with Skjei starting the play for the other helper.

The third period saw things open up. Trailing by one, the Flyers took some chances. That allowed the opportunistic Rangers to use their superior speed and cash in. One such instance saw Kreider score his 16th on a splendid backhand saucer pass from old USA buddy Stepan. On a night where USA edged Russia 4-3 in a shootout at the U20 World Junior Championship in Montreal to advance to the gold medal game against host Canada, it was symbolic. It was seven years ago that Stepan and Kreider teamed up to help USA capture gold at the same tournament. Maybe a bunch of new kids can do the same thing tonight in enemy territory.

For most of the recent stretch, Grabner hasn’t scored. He’s been in a scoring slump. However, he snapped out of it when he took a Miller feed in transition and beat Mason for his 15th to give the Rangers a 3-0 lead. In typical Philly fashion, Flyer fans booed Mason, who only made his 22nd start in the last 24 games. In truth, he only gave up one bad goal with Kreider fanning on his shot from in tight. Classic Flyers. Those fans can be merciless. Though seeing spoiled Canadian fans booing kids at the WJC in Montreal is far worse. Here’s hoping they’ll have more to jeer over in 10 hours.

Over a minute after Grabner’s goal had the Rangers comfortably in front by three, a Stepan high-sticking minor led directly to Voracek breaking the shutout when he had the fortune of having his shot bank in off Ryan McDonagh past Lundqvist. Only down a pair, the Flyers suddenly pressed for another goal and nearly got it from Shayne Gostisbehere. But his miss kinda summed up his second year. He hasn’t been able to follow up his big rookie year.

Following that close call, it was Miller and Hayes teaming up on a two on one with Hayes going top shelf for his second of the game to restore order. So it went from possibly 3-2 to 4-1 in the blink of an eye. Voracek would get his second with under three minutes left when off a clean Flyers faceoff win, his knuckler fooled Lundqvist on a Michael Del Zotto feed to cut it to 4-2 with 2:52 to go.

With coach Dave Hakstol pulling Mason for an extra attacker, it backfired when Grabner was able to get to a loose puck following a draw and sent the puck into a vacated net from the red line for his 16th. With the game over, Brayden Schenn decided to challenge Clendening. Because challenging our seventh defenseman is cool. That is so Flyers. Sore losers.

All in all, a great response from a team that usually can be counted on following bad losses. Now, they have one more game before the silly break at Columbus. They’ll learn later tonight if the Blue Jackets will be going for an NHL record 18 straight wins. They visit the resurgent Caps tonight. If they win, they tie the Pens who own the record set back in ’91-92. It should be a good one.

I’ll mostly be locked into USA-Canada at 8 PM. What better theatre could there be for a gold medal at the WJC. It should be a heck of a game. I would suggest anyone watch it on NHL Network if they get it. Even if it means missing some of your team’s game, don’t forget it’s the beginning of January. There’s still plenty of season left. The World Junior Championship is one of hockey’s best tournaments pitting top prospects against each other. And tonight, The Rivalry returns. It’s on.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Kevin Hayes, NYR (2 goals-12, 13, +3 in 29 shifts-15:56)

2nd Star-Michael Grabner, NYR (2 goals-15, 16, assist, +4 in 29 shifts-15:40)

1st Star-Alain Vigneault, NYR for criticizing his team and making a smart line change that sparked the victory.

Notes: The Rangers improved to 12-1-1 following losses this season. They’re now a perfect 7-for-7 in the second game of back-to-backs. … The win was Vigneault’s 171st as Rangers coach tying former bench boss John Tortorella for fourth all-time. … The Rangers have won five straight against the Flyers.

Gif of Game: Kevin “Purple” Hayes donning the Broadway Hat

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A New Year’s Hangover

Posted on January 4, 2017 by Derek
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Justin Bailey celebrates his first career NHL goal in a Sabres 4-1 win over a lifeless Rangers, who emulated the Knicks after watching them a night earlier. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Buffalo Sabres.

How many people have over celebrated the holidays and then wound up completely hungover? :raises hands: Oh yeah. I’ve been there and done that. Now, I’m just recovering from whatever flu or sinus infection I have. I didn’t even go out on New Year’s Eve. I was stuck home watching hockey and the ball countdown along with my favorite Honeymooners episodes.

For the Rangers, maybe they shouldn’t have bothered with tonight’s match against the Sabres. Technically, they were there for all to see at MSG even on my TV. That much was evident. But if this wasn’t a New Year’s Hangover, then my name isn’t Derek Felix. They were in a word awful. Brutal. Lifeless. It was like they had the blood drained out of them.

Buffalo easily won the second meeting by a count of 4-1. The really sad aspect is I told my Dad I didn’t think they matched up. My score prediction was 5-2, Sabres. So, I was in the right ballpark. What was their excuse? A bunch of Rangers were seen watching the hapless Knicks humiliate themselves against Orlando last night. Maybe they shouldn’t have watched the Knicks. They played like them.

Honestly, fast skating teams who can hit and forecheck give the Rangers problems. So, I had a bad feeling. Buffalo had already beaten them once in come from behind fashion 4-3 on Dec. 1. That was the game where our D fell apart. It was Jack Eichel and Evander Kane who did them in.

The rematch a month later at a different venue was a similar result. Both Eichel and Kane scored as Buffalo only needed 19 shots for four goals past Henrik Lundqvist. That included Justin Bailey’s first career NHL goal on what seemed like the only Buffalo shot in the second period for so long. Of course, it was Bailey’s first NHL point in his 12th game. Gift wrapped by a blatant turnover by Kevin Klein that allowed the Sabres to be in control up 3-0 at 1:03 of the second.

It was the only period the guys in blue jerseys with red and white played well in. In a period in which they out-shot Buffalo 15-4, the best they could muster was a Nick Holden one-time blast past Anders Nilsson on a delayed penalty. The same Holden who has been this team’s most consistent defenseman. He now has eight goals. None of the other Rangers on the blue line even have combined for that many.

That includes Ryan McDonagh, whose game has slipped due to being buried with Dan Girardi or Klein. Turnover machines, it’s even spread to the number one defenseman who is leaned on heavily by Alain Vigneault. McDonagh had a forgettable night finishing with a team worst five giveaways. As a team, the Rangers totaled 19 while the Sabres had only seven. Far too many to win a hockey game against an opponent they are better than.

The problem with that theory is it doesn’t take into account what the Sabres bring. They are really fast and an aggressive skating team who can force mistakes. The Rangers made a bunch which explained away a bitter three-goal home defeat that had Vigneault none too pleased.

“I don’t want to take away anything from the opponent. We didn’t do a good enough job preparing for this game,” the Rangers coach said. “We weren’t ready when the game started. Our execution was nonexistent. We didn’t have the D that could make a pass and our compete level was not good enough.”

Pretty damning assessment from the normally cool demeanor of Vigneault. He’ll never be cut out of the same cloth as John Tortorella. But he doesn’t have to be to evaluate how poorly his team played. They were off from the very beginning. It was ugly.

The Sabres scored twice in a lifeless first period. Buffalo was much more aggressive using their skating and puck possession to carry the play. They really deserved their two-goal lead. Why? Because they earned it. Forget about what the Sabres’ recent record was. They have imposing players who can make life difficult on the Rangers.

It still didn’t excuse some of the lackluster mistakes we saw. For example, Chris Kreider letting his check go and watching Zemgus Girgensons score uncontested at 12:17. Kreider had him and then took a nap. The Sabres outworked the Rangers behind the net. Brian Gionta and household name William Carrier combined to set up Girgensons’ fourth.

Having looked dead for way too long, the Rangers began to come on as the period went on. They put together a couple of good shifts in the offensive zone. But just when it seemed they would take some momentum into the second, an awful turnover resulted in Kane slamming home his ninth from Sam Reinhart and Kyle Okposo at 19:21.

The goal was a direct result of a lousy line change. Mats Zuccarello failed to get the puck in deep. That allowed the fast Sabres to transition quickly with Reinhart getting a tough low shot on Lundqvist that he couldn’t control. Holden was too late to cover Kane, who buried his ninth. After doing virtually nothing before Eichel returned, Kane has been a different player. He was a beast scoring his sixth in the last 10 while later wreaking havoc on Buffalo’s third goal.

Before they got going, the Rangers were guilty of another putrid turnover at the start of the second. A very aggressive Kane forecheck forced Klein to cough up the puck. That allowed Bailey to score unassisted beating Lundqvist at 63 seconds of the second for a 3-0 lead. In a word, embarrassing. I probably would’ve used my timeout there. But Vigneault didn’t. Not only did Klein turn it over but his snow angel only made it worse for Lundqvist on Bailey’s first NHL goal.

Those are still the ones you expect your goalie to stop. Lundqvist used to do it routinely. But he’s 34 now and will turn 35 in March. He’s not always going to be able to bail out his teammates. The signs of old age catching up to a future Hall of Famer who might never win a Stanley Cup. Not with the current state of the defense. Something has to be done and soon. There’s no way they can keep Girardi or Klein with McDonagh. Adam Clendening isn’t a long-term solution.

In a period where they picked up their play, they were only able to solve Nilsson once. It took a perfect shot to beat him. On a delayed call, Oscar Lindberg and J.T. Miller combined to feed Holden at the left point for a nice one-time blast to cut it to 3-1 at 15:55.

That was it. Nilsson didn’t have to work too hard finishing with 24 saves. His best came on Kreider when he stoned him in front on a nifty Zuccarello set up. There just wasn’t enough compete. The Rangers wasted their only power play. Despite holding a 15-4 edge in shots and a significant edge in possession, they couldn’t draw any closer.

A loss of discipline from rookie Jimmy Vesey sealed their fate 18 seconds into the third when he was called for holding. With Vesey in the box, all he could do was watch helplessly as Matt Moulson and Reinhart set up Eichel on the doorstep for his eighth at 1:10 to restore a three-goal lead. In two games versus the Rangers, Eichel has three goals. Two of the three have come on the power play.

The Rangers don’t see the Sabres again for another month until Feb. 2 at Buffalo. Should we just write that down as a loss?

What can’t be explained is the lack of effort from this team in the third. It was like once Eichel scored, they gave up. That isn’t a characteristic of the Rangers. They usually still battle and keep coming. They went a long time without a shot on goal. It was despicable. A totally awful performance.

When Vigneault was asked about Clendening for tomorrow, he said he’d have to watch the tape. His focus was on the Flyers with an NBC exclusive on Rivalry Night. He said the Flyers will be ready. His team better be. Or it will be over fast.

BONY 3 Stars: Do I Have To? They didn’t bother. So why should I. Anyone in a Sabres jersey. No one in a Blueshirt.

Note: Matt Puempel was back out with concussion symptoms. Nicklas Jensen came up from Hartford and skated in his place.

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Kreider hat trick hits Colorado with Avalanche in New Year’s Eve celebration

Posted on January 1, 2017 by Derek
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King of Europe: Henrik Lundqvist is congratulated by backup Antti Raanta after winning number 390 to pass Dominik Hasek for the most NHL wins by a European born goalie. A night highlighted by Chris Kreider’s second career hat trick in a 6-2 win over the Avalanche. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYRangers.

The Rangers got a real treat to end 2016. They had great New Year’s hosts in Colorado. The Avalanche are one of the league’s biggest disappointments. Without top defenseman Erik Johnson and without any defense, they have hung out goalie tandem Semyon Varlamov and Calvin Pickard out to dry.

Patrick Roy knew it. He picked up and left a mess that continues in Denver. Once home to Stanley Cups, they are now an NHL laughingstock. So, it wasn’t a surprise that the Rangers did whatever they wanted in a 6-2 victory on New Year’s Eve to make it two for two against the league’s two worst teams. The other being hapless Arizona who are so bad, Matt Puempel recorded his first career hat trick in an ugly 6-3 win I didn’t bother with since I didn’t see it. Puempel did have a nice redirect for the third goal. At least Anthony Duclair scored his third for the Coyotes.

Tonight was all about the renaissance of Chris Kreider. In his fourth season, the 25-year old former 2009 first round pick is finally developing into the kind of dominant power forward many believed. I was always one of his biggest supporters despite some harsh critiques in this space and on my Twitter account New York Puck. Maybe we were a bit impatient due to Kreider’s amazing run during the 2012 playoffs when he came directly from Boston College winning an NCAA Division I title to the NHL postseason scoring five times in helping the Rangers reach the Eastern Conference Final.

After a disappointing abbreviated ’12-13 where he only had two goals in 23 games before John Tortorella sent him back to Connecticut, he came back and got a goal and assist in eight postseason contests which included a great overtime winner to force a fifth game before losing to Boston in the second round. Following the step back, Tortorella was replaced by Alain Vigneault. They traded places. Ironically, Kreider’s best moment in his true rookie year came at the expense of Tortorella’s Canucks when he recorded his first hat trick in a 5-2 home win on Nov. 30, 2013.

As a 23-year old, Kreider followed up a good rookie season of 17 goals and 20 assists with a big postseason. His five goals and eight assists for 13 points helped the Rangers reach their first Stanley Cup Final since 1994. He was arguably their best forward in a crushing five-game loss to the Kings. I still remember watching him on a breakaway in sudden death thinking he would win it and force Game 6 only to see Jonathan Quick deny him. It didn’t end long after. A long night spent at the bar watching your team lose the Cup 20 years after they won one when I was a senior in high school.

With Kreider, he’s always had the talent. Combining size, strength, speed and skill, it’s all about putting it together. Consistency has always been an issue. However, that clearly isn’t the case in Year 4. He got off to a great start before the neck spasms sidelined him twice. Then went through a stretch where he didn’t score for a while. But since he broke it, he’s playing the best hockey of his young career.

The end result was a nice reward with Kreider notching his second hat trick in the four-goal win which also happened to be Henrik Lundqvist’s 390th career win- allowing him to pass Dominik Hasek for the most NHL victories by a European born goalie. Two of the three goals went off Kreider. The other was in but had to be reviewed with the refs unaware it went in until it was confirmed for a 2-1 lead.

Afterwards, he called it a weird hat trick during a interview with MSG’s John Giannone. He’s been on a tear this month. After scoring four goals during the first two months, he’s exploded with 11 in December. Along with five assists, that gives him 16 points (11-5-16) in 15 games. By far the most consistent he’s been.

That it’s come after signing a long-term contract worth an average of $4.625 million through 2020 is fitting. So many wondered if he would ever figure it out. I never stopped believing because of the player I saw as early as 2010 combining with future Ranger teammate Derek Stepan to help USA win the Under 20 World Junior Championship. It sometimes takes power forwards a little longer. With now a team-leading 15 goals and 14 assists giving him 29 points in 33 games, he’s tied for second with line mate Mats Zuccarello (8-21-29) in scoring. Only one behind team leader Stepan (9-21-30).

Since Vigneault put them together, they have carried the team offensively. Over the last six games, they’ve combined for a impressive 27 points. After back-to-back losses in which they gave up a seven spot to the Pens and Wild before Christmas, the Rangers have won three in a row. The most impressive was the 4-3 comeback win over the Senators on home ice. One in which an irate Stepan got on his teammates at the bench when they quickly behind by two. He then scored twice including the tying goal before Nick Holden’s game-winner in the third. Mark 12/27/16 as an important date if the team doesn’t look back. It was a night they finally stood up for themselves and showed true character.

If they didn’t play well at Arizona, they can be excused. The Coyotes are as bad as it gets. They can only hope Dylan Strome and their other top prospects will help fix things. Maybe Steve Downie was right about how they’re run. They were getting humiliated by the Flames at last check down 4-0.

As for Colorado, they are pretty bad despite some of the game’s best young talents in Matt Duchene, Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog, who has been a shell of himself this season. Why are they so bad? Look at the chaotic state of their blue line. As evidenced tonight, they simply cannot defend. Tyson Barrie is a good offensive defenseman. Defensively, he’s substandard. His careless turnover inside the Ranger blue line led directly to J.T. Miller’s game-winner at 9:30 of the second period. A slap shot rocket that squeaked past Pickard.

The Avs just don’t have enough quality depth. Subtract Johnson and they’re naked on the back end. When your biggest move during the summer is adding aging former Ranger Fedor Tyutin, you’re in trouble. Nothing against Toots. But he’s not the same player at 33 that he was earlier in his career when he once was a top pair guy with former partner and fading Dan Girardi. It’s ironic because they’re almost the same age. Girardi turns 33 on Apr. 29. Neither has ever been the best skater. They’ve gotten by on grit and will.

Colorado also doesn’t boast much scoring depth after their big three. It dramatically falls off with overlooked 19-year old Finn rookie Mikko Rantanen a bright spot with 16 points. Five more than Landeskog. Six better than ex-Bruin Carl Soderberg, who they have locked into a contract that pays him $4.75 million thru 2020. He has four goals and 10 points and makes more than Kreider. Talk about cap mismanagement.

Even former Sabres’ first rounder Mikhail Grigorenko remains a riddle with only 12 points (4-8-12) in 34 contests. He came over from Buffalo with Nikita Zadorov as part of a five-player deal that sent Ryan O’Reilly to the Sabres. Advantage Buffalo even if O’Reilly is severely overpaid for his production (18 points in 27 games). He banks $7.5 million AAV into the next decade.

As for the Blueshirts, they did what they had to sweeping these two games against NHL doormats. Neither win was perfect. Even on New Year’s Eve with the Avs getting the game’s first goal and Lundqvist killer Blake Comeau scoring his 13th career against the Swedish King to tie the game at two after a period.

Afterwards, the Rangers ran off four unanswered with Miller bombing one and Kreider having a Stepan shot go off his body on a power play for the hat trick. Then some hideous Colorado coverage allowed Jesper Fast and Oscar Lindberg to easily set up Miller, who had all night before burying his second (third in two games) past a helpless Pickard. If J.T. is coming out of it, that’s a great sign. He shouldn’t be buried for long. Finally, rookie Jimmy Vesey beat Pickard on a breakaway from Michael Grabner and Kevin Hayes.

All in all, a good end to a very good first part of ’16-17. The Rangers are tied with the first place Blue Jackets for most wins (26), most ROW (24) and rank third in the loaded Metro Division with 53 points. The division that boasts the league’s top three teams with Columbus at 56 after their 15th straight win (4-2 over Wild), Pittsburgh at 55 after a 4-3 overtime win (Malkin winner) over Montreal and the Blueshirts with 53 after the four-goal blowout of hapless Colorado.

There are fireworks going off here in New York City. Even though I have a sore throat and am stuck home for the first time in a while, wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!!!!! Can’t believe it’s officially 2017. Here’s to a great year. 🙂

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (25 saves including last 17 final 2 periods-390 career wins most by European born goalie passes Hasek)

2nd Star-J.T. Miller, NYR (2 goals including game-winner-11, 12,

1st Star-Chris Kreider, NYR (2nd career hat trick-13, 14, 15, 6 shots, 8 attempts, +1 in 22 shifts-16:27)

Interview: Kreider on his weird hat trick.

Photo Gif: Lundqvist with the Broadway Hat

Video Gif: Kreider gets the hat trick:

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Islanders waive Halak

Posted on December 30, 2016 by Derek

Jaroskav Halak, Tanner Glass

In a move that finally came today, the Islanders placed goalie Jaroslav Halak on waivers. The 31-year old veteran struggled in his third year with the club. Following a very good World Cup of Hockey tournament in which he backstopped Team Europe to a surprising run to the Finals before losing to Canada, Halak was inconsistent going 6-8-5 with a 3.23 goals-against-average and .904 save percentage with one shutout.

Signed by general manager Garth Snow in the summer of 2014 after he coughed up a fourth round pick for his exclusive negotiating rights, Halak posted a career best 38 wins with a 2.43 GAA, .914 save percentage and six shutouts in a career high 59 games in ’14-15. He led them to a first round appearance against the Capitals. It was a hard fought series that the Islanders lost in seven games. Halak had a strong series posting a 2.30 GAA and .926 save percentage.

After winning Game 6 which was the final game at Nassau Coliseum, the Isles fell to the Caps 2-1. Halak kept them in it with 24 saves. The Isles only had 11 shots on Braden Holtby. Evgeny Kuznetsov scored the series winner with 7:18 left in regulation.

His second season with the Islanders was cut short due to a lower body injury. In 36 games, he performed admirably winning 18 games with a 2.30 GAA, .919 save percentage and three shutouts. He split duties with Thomas Greiss, who also performed well. The German backup won 23 games and posted a 2.36 GAA, .925 save percentage in 41 games. With Halak out for the postseason, it was Greiss who backstopped the Isles to their first series win since ’93. A thrilling six-game triumph over the Panthers in which captain John Tavares scored the tying and winning goals.

While Halak has been inconsistent in his third year of a four year contract, Greiss has been steadier winning eight of 13 starts with a 2.48 GAA and .922 save percentage. With the organization opting to keep three goalies including Jean-Francois Berube, it became a numbers game. They obviously see something in Berube to believe he could be the goalie of the future. They picked up the 25-year old former Kings’ 2009 fourth round draft pick off waivers last year.

Berube hasn’t gotten into many games allowing eight goals on 81 shots in four appearances with a 0-2-1 record. That should change with Halak gone.

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Game 37: Holden It Down

Posted on December 27, 2016 by Derek
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Holden It Down: Nick Holden celebrates his game-winner in the third period of a Rangers 4-3 comeback win over the Senators at MSG. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYRangers.

It’s not always how you start but rather how you finish. For the Rangers, they showed some resiliency rallying from a 3-1 deficit after a period to pull out a hard fought 4-3 win over the Senators at MSG. Nick Holden and Derek Stepan scored twice and Antti Raanta recovered from a tough first to finish with 33 saves as the Blueshirts snapped their first two-game losing streak in regulation.

I can’t comment on the start. By the time I got home, the Sens had scored twice within a 52-second span on goals from Mark Borowiecki <gulp> and Zack Smith. It wasn’t the best period for Raanta, who gave up three goals on 12 shots. But his defense was pinned in for a vast majority of the first two periods. By night’s end, Raanta could’ve easily been selected by the writers as one of the game’s three stars. But his name isn’t spelled Lundqvist. So, his performance was overlooked.

As for Holden, he continues to be a gem. Stolen by Jeff Gorton from Colorado (they still have hockey???) for a fourth round pick, Holden scored what amounted to a big goal when he beat an off balance Mike Condon from a bad angle from Ryan McDonagh and Kevin Hayes.

Trailing 2-1, the Rangers had a bad shift late in the stanza which allowed Cody Ceci to score his first on a point shot that went off Raanta. On the goal, Tom Pyatt did a good job screening in front. The one-time Ranger who is part of an answer to a trivia question having to do with McDonagh was flying all night. The Sens have a lot of speed and it gave our D fits for stretches.

Down by two, enter Stepan to the rescue. When his team was trailing 2-0, he voiced his displeasure on the bench at teammates. Something he discussed between the second and third with Al Trautwig. Hot of late, Stepan continued his surge with two goals in an inspired second period. The first came after a power play expired on a rebound from Chris Kreider and McDonagh.

Prior to Stepan tying it with a beautiful tip in front of Mats Zuccarello slap pass for a power play tally with McDonagh picking up his third helper, Raanta was the story. He made several outstanding saves with none better than the highway robbery he committed on Ceci. He had a wide open net and somehow managed to get his pad across for a remarkable stop that turned the game around. At times, the popular backup was by himself. Similar to a flu-ridden Lundqvist, who may or may not be back for Thursday at Arizona.

This game had a lot of intensity. Between Zuccarello standing up for Brady Skjei after he was driven hard into the boards on a clean check by Chris Neil and Marc Staal getting into it with public enemy number one Dion Phaneuf on an Ottawa power play, it was nice to see the team push back. At some point, enough’s enough. The Rangers aren’t the toughest group. But they can at least stand up for themselves.

They did benefit from a questionable goalie interference when Jean-Gabriel Pageau went hard to the net and crashed into Raanta while trying to score. It’s one of those where if it were our player, we’d be upset over such a call. Not surprisingly, the Ottawa bench was fuming after Stepan scored an identical goal on a tip in to the one he scored last week to tie the game against the Devils which they won. He’s really good at that. Stepan also won the offensive draw. Eerily similar.

For all the criticism he’s received, here is Stepan playing his best hockey while Hayes and J.T. Miller are going through scoring slumps. It’s been the brilliant play of my favorite Blueshirt along with line mates Zuccarello and Kreider that’s been getting it done. Guess who quietly now leads the team in scoring. None other than Stepan with 28 points (9-19-28). He does it without much fanfare. It’s just who he is.

Stepan may not be the best skater. But he knows how to play and his two-way play has picked up too. He, Zuccarello and Kreider have excellent chemistry. I have to give Alain Vigneault credit there for sticking with them. If that line wasn’t producing, the Rangers would be in trouble. Especially with the Jackets and Pens continuing to roll. It’s such a competitive division that when a team behind you like the Caps loses to the Islanders, you breathe a sigh of relief.

With the game still tied, the edginess between the two teams continued. Rookie Jimmy Vesey caught former Blueshirt Derick Brassard from behind with a tough hit that had him down for a little bit. Mark Stone stood in for Brassard challenging Vesey to his first fight. For a kid who was a Hobey Baker winner at an Ivy League school, he did okay standing in there taking his lumps while throwing back. Even in a game where he wasn’t a factor, Vesey continues to impress.

Thirteen seconds after the scrap, Kyle Turris hooked Miller from behind to hand the Rangers a 5-on-4 power play. Even though they didn’t connect, the momentum from it carried forward. On great hustle from Skjei, who kept a puck in and chipped it down, it led to Holden’s second of the game. He sneaked around the net and slipped a wrap around past an unassuming Condon for the game-winner at 6:31 right after the power play expired. A smart play from a smart player who now is up to six goals which leads all Ranger defensemen.

Ottawa challenged for offside. Thinking Matt Puempel might’ve been off, it was a good challenge from Boucher. They had to go back towards the start of the play to check. Something you’re allowed to do in what’s become an awkward and unpredictable challenge system. Puempel did a great job keeping one skate on the blue paint to stay on. One replay was enough for me to say good goal. It didn’t take long for ref tandem Wes McCauley and Pierre Lambert to agree.

The Sens definitely got their attention. They had the final two power plays on minor penalties from Michael Grabner (hook) and Zuccarello (trip). But the penalty kill came up large. They went four-for-four with Hayes and Miller continuing to do some splendid work shorthanded. Miller had a chance but was stopped by Condon. Miller also tried to back pass to Hayes on another try but missed connection. It wasn’t the smartest of plays.

Raanta made the Rangers’ only lead stand up by making the final 24 saves. He was flawless in the second stopping all 14 and perfect in the third denying 10 more shots. A great response from a team first guy who was called upon after Lundqvist was out sick. Brandon Halverson backed up.

This was a good character win. They proved they could overcome Ottawa’s trap which gave them problems in the first. They overcame mistakes to come back and win. They can thank Raanta for some big time goaltending in the momentum swinging second where Stepan backed up his words. And no. I can’t believe Trautwig compared Stepan to Messier. Holy mackerel.

The game came down to Brassard, who earlier in the period had an unlucky shot ring off the crossbar and goalpost on a power play. He had a great chance to tie it with six seconds left but a diving Jesper Fast blocked his attempt leaving only a second left.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Nick Holden, NYR (2 goals-5th, 6th, 2 shots, 4 attempts, 3 hits, 2 blocks, +1 in 32 shifts-21:23 including 16:36 ES, 3:06 SH, 1:41 PP)

2nd Star-Derek Stepan, NYR (2 goals-8th, 9th, 4 shots, 5 attempts, +1 in 34 shifts-21:36 including 15:09 ES, 4:21 PP, 2:06 SH)

1st Star-Antti Raanta, NYR (33 saves incl. stopping final 24 for big win)

Notes: Smith left the game in the second after scoring a goal. … The difference in the game was between the goalies. Condon gave up some costly goals allowing four on 25 shots. Raanta got stronger and made some momentum turning saves. … Ottawa out-shot the Rangers 36-25 and out-attempted them 60-48. … Key stat: Giveaways Sens 11 Rangers 17. … Ottawa went 41-and-29 on face-offs with Brassard a beastly 18-and-7. Oscar Lindberg went 8-and-7 for the Blueshirts. … Ottawa out-shot the Rangers 27-12 at five-on-five scoring three goals on 27 shots while the Rangers scored twice on 12 shots. The other Rangers’ two goals came on a power play and four-on-four.

GIF of Game: What else but Holden’s winner and the reaction of the crowd.

Media: Raanta discussing the win with reporters.

METRO RACE

1.Blue Jackets 33 GP 24 W 5 L 4 OT 52 Points 22 ROW

2.Penguins      36 GP 23 W 8 L 5 OT 51 Points 21 ROW

3.Rangers         37 GP 24 W 12 L 1 OT 49 Points 22 ROW

*4.Capitals      33 GP 20 W 9 L 4 OT  44 Points 19 ROW

*5.Flyers          36 GP 20 W 12 L 4 OT 44 Points 16 ROW

6.Hurricanes   33 GP 15 W 11 L 7 OT  37 Points 13 ROW

7.Islanders       34 GP 14 W 14 L 6 OT  34 Points 13 ROW

8.Devils             35 GP 13 W 15 L 7 OT   33 Points 11 ROW

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