Lundqvist makes 43 saves in Rangers’ 4-1 win over Ducks

Posted on February 7, 2017 by Derek
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Dan Girardi sports the Broadway Hat after a stellar effort in a Rangers’ 4-1 victory over the Ducks highlighted by a virtuoso performance from Henrik Lundqvist, who made 43 saves to give Alain Vigneault win number 600. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYRangers.

All season long, we’ve been waiting on that one signature performance from Henrik Lundqvist. He certainly has dealt with a lot more criticism. Given the inconsistency and struggles behind not always a strong defense, the affable 34-year old franchise leader in games, wins and shutouts had a night to remember. He finished with 43 saves to highlight a well earned 4-1 Rangers’ win over the Ducks at MSG.

Lundqvist was great all night. He made every big save in a game that saw possession strong Anaheim out-shoot the Rangers 44-20 and out-attempt them 83-40. Many would say how could they have won. If you haven’t paid attention, our team doesn’t need a lot of shots or chances to score. They are supremely skilled and have great speed that can hurt opponents. Their passing was terrific on all four goals.

It’s not always about Corsi or Fenwick. Tonight, the Rangers protected Lundqvist by defending the front of the net well. They didn’t allow the Ducks to run wild. They protected the house and allowed their goalie to see most of the shots. It won’t go down as a virtuoso performance. Obviously, they didn’t have the puck enough. But they made their shots count scoring four on 20 including three on 19 against John Gibson.

When Anaheim didn’t get shots through, there were plenty of Blueshirts paying the price by getting the jersey dirty. They blocked 23 shots. Somehow, Dan Girardi was only credited with two. I could’ve sworn I counted more. But he had a strong game finishing plus-two in 23:09 including 18:32 at even strength going mostly against the top Anaheim line of Ryan Getzlaf, Richard Rakell and Corey Perry. Girardi’s partner Ryan McDonagh was brilliant blocking a team high five shots while going plus-three in a game high 26:13 including 20:33 even strength.

Both were tremendous on the penalty kill each logging an extra 4:37. That included being forced to kill off consecutive Ducks’ power plays. The defense did a great job as did the forwards with usual suspects Kevin Hayes and J.T. Miller leading the way. Despite getting enough shots (8 total), Anaheim went 0-for-4 on the power play. That included a two save sequence from Lundqvist in which he got across to rob Rakell on a great Getzlaf feed and then aggressively challenged Hampus Lindholm knocking the puck out of play to loud cheers and “Hen-rik, Hen-rik!” chants from appreciative home fans.

It was the first time in nearly two months the Blueshirts have won two straight at home. The last came against Carolina on 12/3 and the Devils on 12/11. Maybe this is the stretch where they turn it around. With home dates against Nashville and Colorado on Thursday and Saturday, they can make a statement. Both are winnable.

The game itself demonstrated early that the Ducks would control the possession and shots. They play a tough physical style and are very effective on the forecheck. In the first, Lundqvist faced and stopped all 16 shots fired his way. Anaheim threw them from everywhere. Even though they were out-shot 16-6, it was the Rangers who took a 1-0 lead into the locker room.

Oscar Lindberg got the game’s first goal when he was given a brilliant backhand feed from gifted Russian rookie Pavel Buchnevich in front burying home his second past Gibson at 4:01. Marc Staal picked up a secondary assist. Buchnevich made the play with the no look feed as Lindberg cut to the net for an easy finish.

At the start of the second, the opportunistic Blueshirts got a great shift from Chris Kreider and Mats Zuccarello leading to a goal from the very popular Zuccarello just 66 seconds in for a two-goal lead. Brady Skjei started the play and then Kreider set up Zuccarello twice. On the first one, he missed. But they stayed with it allowing Zuccarello to notch his 11th from Kreider and Skjei. Although he’s still a project defensively, Skjei has been putting up points. He tallied two assists in the victory.

Before the Ducks got back in it, Gibson made a few timely saves to give his team a chance. He didn’t face as much volume but the Rangers generated some high quality chances. One such opportunity coming from Jimmy Vesey on a Derek Stepan set up that had MSG radio analyst Dave Maloney in shock. Gibson kicked it out.

Anaheim was able to finally get on the scoreboard thanks to Jakob Silfverberg, who was able to beat Lundqvist in front off a quick feed from Andrew Cogliano behind the net cutting it to 2-1 at 6:14. On the play, Skjei was separated from the puck allowing Cogliano to feed Silfverberg for his 16th.

From that point, it was mostly Ducks. They continued to get pucks deep and cycle the Rangers to death. One such shift had both McDonagh and Girardi caught out for a long time. But they were able to get out of trouble with McDonagh skating the puck out. The problem for Anaheim was they couldn’t beat Lundqvist. He was making the key stops and his defense cleared the rebounds. Something that also happened against Calgary in their last home win. If the D continues to make a conscious effort to make life harder on opponents in front, that would be a huge plus.

Skjei took an undisciplined double minor for high-sticking Antoine Vermette. This was an egregious stick foul with Skjei basically using his stick to nearly decapitate Vermette, who thankfully had a visor on but still was bloodied which resulted in a four-minute Anaheim power play. This was a pivotal moment in the game. It was Lundqvist and the penalty kill which got the job done. Some great hustle from Hayes nearly led to another Miller shorthanded goal. He just missed.

After they successfully killed the first 3:22 to stay ahead 2-1 after 40 minutes, the Rangers had no trouble finishing off the final 38 seconds at the start of the third. Stellar efforts were also tuned in by Staal, Nick Holden along with penalty killing forwards Stepan, Rick Nash, Mike Zibanejad and the amazing Michael Grabner. I’ve run out of adjectives to describe Grabner. He has been arguably the best free agent signing of last summer.

When general manager Jeff Gorton gave Grabner a two-year contract worth an average of $1.65 million, nobody blinked an eye. The prevailing thought was he would help the penalty kill immensely and be a nice upgrade on the fourth line. If you had Grabner leading this team in goals with 25 at this point with still two months left, you’re either a liar or completely insane. There’s no question that the former Islander and Leaf brings tremendous speed and defensive acumen to the Rangers’ transition game. He’s a perfect fit under Vigneault, helping the coach win number 600 by scoring twice.

Prior to his first goal which increased the lead to 3-1, the game got a little hectic. A big hit by Anaheim forward Logan Shaw caught Stepan straight from behind shoving him right into the boards by the Ducks bench. Incensed, Nash immediately jumped in with Vesey trading punches with Shaw. Somehow, the refs didn’t view the hit as a penalty. So, they gave Shaw and Vesey coincidental minors. It was a total botch job.

While they discussed the play and got it wrong, Getzlaf did a gentlemanly thing by helping Stepan get up and off the ice. He was sitting down on his bench and grabbed a fallen Stepan pulling him away from the scrum. It’s one of the classiest things I’ve ever seen. It was respectful and the way players should treat players even when it gets heated. I can’t say enough for what Getzlaf did there. As for Stepan, he went to the locker room but returned fast. Vigneault said he didn’t think he even had to go through concussion protocol. If true, he’s lucky. Hopefully, nothing else comes of it.

During the four-on-four, as if by a twist of fate, it was the Rangers who benefited with Miller making a terrific pass to lead Grabner for number 24 at 3:45. Skjei started the play to Miller and he just made a perfect pass that allowed Grabner to come in and beat Gibson for a two-goal lead with 16:15 left.

Even in a period where they had to kill consecutive minors from Kreider (holding) and Hayes (delay of game) a few minutes apart, it didn’t matter. The Rangers had their goalie back. Lundqvist stopped 12 more Anaheim shots en route to the game’s first star.

With the Ducks pulling Gibson for an extra attacker, it was Miller again who made a smart play lifting the puck and making a pass in mid-air right to Grabner at center, who was ahead and scored his 25th into an open net with 19 seconds to go. Hayes also got a helper. It was fitting that he was out with his linemates. That cohesive trio have been largely responsible for why this team has been successful. All strong two-way forwards who have been tremendous at even strength. Twenty-three of Grabner’s 25 goals have come at even strength. The other two are shorthanded and now an empty netter five-on-six.

All in all, a good performance even though they were badly outshot. An area Vigneault wants to improve when the Predators are in town Thursday. As for him becoming the second fastest coach to win 600, he emphasized having good players. Without that, you don’t get far. He certainly has had plenty in Vancouver and now New York.

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BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Michael Grabner, NYR (2 goals-team-leading 24th and 25th for a player who scored a combined 17 the last two years-he’d be my second candidate for the Extra Effort behind J.T.)

2nd Star-J.T. Miller, NYR (2 primary assists-up to 26 helpers for J.T. who is my top candidate for the Steven McDonald Award)

1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (43 saves incl. 31/32 first 2 periods-more like the King)

Gif of Game: Grabner celebrating the first of two

Lundqvist On His Game:

Grabner talks about his game:

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Lundqvist to start 15th in row versus Ducks, Julien dumped on Patriots Day

Posted on February 7, 2017 by Derek
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Henrik Lundqvist gets ready for tonight’s match against the Ducks on You Can Play Night at MSG. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYRangers.

Not long ago, Henrik Lundqvist wasn’t getting enough starts. His in season struggles forced Alain Vigneault to go to backup Antti Raanta more than he liked to. When Raanta went down, the coach had to go with Lundqvist exclusively. The results have been mixed. He had a nice stretch before the All-Star break winning three of four while permitting only six goals.

Then came a five day layoff. He wasn’t sharp against Columbus in an ugly 6-4 home loss that saw Raanta replace him and also rudely greeted. He even took the loss due to the Rangers scoring the last four goals. Following another tough home defeat, Lundqvist has bounced back with consecutive wins at Buffalo and over Calgary. So, he has played better in winning five of his last seven which also coincides with the team that sits in the first wildcard with 67 points in 52 games. Eight clear of the Flyers, who have played two more games.

The Rangers are nine ahead of the Bruins, who predictably fired coach Claude Julien on the same day the Patriots were celebrating their miraculous Super Bowl LII comeback from 28-3 down to stun the Falcons 31-28 in the first ever Super Bowl that went to overtime. Unless you really hate football (some hockey fans do) or just don’t care for sports, that’s the all-time greatest comeback I’ve ever seen in sports. I am talking for one game for all the marbles. Not the Red Sox stunning the Yankees from 3-0 down or the Flyers stunning the Bruins from the same deficit.

Considering the situation, it’s pretty remarkable. It certainly resonated with Kevin Hayes, who is from Massachusetts and was seen wearing a Tom Brady jersey in the Rangers locker room at practice on Monday. He returns to the lineup tonight after missing the last five games with a lower body injury. He and fellow Boston College alum Chris Kreider had to be ecstatic over that comeback. Jimmy Vesey is also from the area. My final thought is as great a comeback as it was, it was a total collapse by Atlanta. They really screwed up. I feel bad for my Georgia friend who took it in stride concluding “This is who the Falcons are.”

If that happened to any of our teams, we’d be beside ourselves. Just maybe we need to take a step back after what that Super Bowl. I do. Plenty of Ranger fans do. Even if you disagree with Alain Vigneault on his personnel decisions, do we really have it that bad? I don’t think so. Think of all the Atlanta fans who have seen one Braves World Title and now have to endure a long off-season following that choke job. Or talk to a Buffalo sports fan. Or someone who roots for the Indians or Browns.

I guess it puts things in perspective. It’s sport. Anything can happen. But really. Could anyone else have pulled that off besides Brady and Bill Belichick? You know the answer. I still can’t believe the audacity of the Boston Bruins organization firing Julien today. Everyone knew he was getting fired. It was the worst kept secret. Cam Neely was a heck of a player but is a terrible executive. Do you think Hasan or any Devils fan would take Julien back over John Hynes? There will be a few hot suitors for him including the Las Vegas expansion.

As for tonight, the Rangers host a very good Ducks team. Anaheim has 66 points and enters play second in a much improved Pacific where three total points separate first place San Jose from both the Ducks and Oilers. Anahim sits second by virtue of one fewer game played and one more ROW. After that, the chase is on for the wildcard out West where you have six teams battling for two spots.

Anaheim is a funny team. In a year where Corey Perry only has nine goals but still ranks third in team scoring with 36 points, they’re led by Richard Rakell (21 goals) and Ryan Kesler (18-24-42). Team captain Ryan Getzlaf still is second in points behind Kesler with 39 including a team-leading 31 assists. Whatever the reason, he doesn’t finish anymore. But remains a great set up man on a heck of a line with Perry and Rakell.

But it’s Kesler who has done the heavy lifting. He and Jakob Silfverberg (15-18-33) have had big years. Andrew Cogliano and Antoine Vermette play supporting roles. Nick Ritchie 11 goals) finishes every check pacing the club with 177 hits.

On the blue line, Cam Fowler’s had one of his best years with 11 goals and 16 assists including five power play goals, a shorthanded goal and three game-winners. With Dylan McIlrath now back in the AHL for the Florida affiliate, it’s always going to be what if. That said, I still don’t think McIlrath ever got a fair shake. He wasn’t worse than Dan Girardi last year. With respect to Girardi, who played hurt, I will never fully grasp Vigneault. He’s doing similar to Adam Clendening. Not that he’s the answer. But there are nights where Girardi or Kevin Klein should sit. It makes you wonder what they’ll have left by April.

In fairness, Vigneault has managed their ice-time better. Nick Holden has allowed for that. He micromanages Klein and rookie Brady Skjei especially. They aren’t used as consistently five-on-five. Girardi sometimes fluctuates depending on the match-up. Ryan McDonagh remains the backbone. Holden follows. Marc Staal being healthy again helps immensely.

As for the lineup, it looks like Matt Puempel comes out for Hayes. That means Oscar Lindberg remains in to center the fourth line over Brandon Pirri, who has fallen out of favor. If he’s not scoring on the power play, the more offensive minded Pirri isn’t a good fit at even strength. So, it makes sense. Especially with Hayes back where he can play power play if necessary. So can penalty kill partner J.T. Miller, who has continued his strong play.

The goalie match-up pits the youth of American John Gibson against the experience of Lundqvist. The 23-year old former American World Junior Championship hero is coming into his own. He brings 20 wins with a 2.27 goals-against-average, .921 save percentage and three shutouts in 41 games into tonight’s match. With Anaheim not the most explosive team, Gibson’s play has been crucial. Ex-Leaf Jonathan Bernier backs up.

Lundqvist remains below his career numbers with a 2.74 GAA, .907 save percentage and two shutouts. He’s still allowing a few goals short side. But is trending in the right direction. It should be a good match-up.

The Ducks will be without Sami Vatanen, who will miss a second consecutive game due to a lower body injury. Rookie Brandon Montour will fill in for him on the top pair with Fowler. Here are projected lines via the Ducks website:

ANAHEIM DUCKS

Rakell-Getzlaf-Perry

Cogliano-Kesler-Silfverberg

Ritchie-Vermette-Kase

Cramarossa-Thompson-Shaw

Fowler-Montour

Lindholm-Manson

Theodore-Bieksa

Gibson

Vesey-Stepan-Nash

Kreider-Zibanejad-Zuccarello

Miller-Hayes-Grabner

Buchnevich-Lindberg-Fast

McDonagh-Girardi

Staal-Holden

Skjei-Klein

Lundqvist

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A win is a win Rangers style

Posted on February 5, 2017 by Derek
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A Fast Connection: Teammates J.T. Miller and Michael Grabner congratulate Jesper Fast on his game-winner in a good home win for the Rangers 4-3 over the Flames. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYRangers.

A win is a win. Even if it wasn’t pretty by any stretch, the Rangers found a way to win at home finally. They defeated the Flames 4-3 at Madison Square Garden on Super Bowl Sunday. Why they played hockey today I have no idea. But they did.

You don’t get style points for winning. And when it comes to MSG, they haven’t been all too successful. They entered losers of five out of six at home. It was refreshing just to see them win at 33rd and 7th Avenue. Even if I picked the right period to miss and treat myself at the Mall, it was great to see them score three times in a wild third in which the teams combined for five goals.

In the first, Dougie Hamilton and Rick Nash traded power play goals 1:55 apart for the scoring. Hamilton’s came on a iffy Dan Girardi phantom trip with his right point shot deflecting off Nick Holden past Henrik Lundqvist at 6:59. Not much you could do about that. Nash finally got one on a brilliant pass from Derek Stepan to end a seven-game goal drought. He had been so close last game that it was a matter of time. It was number 16 from Stepan and Ryan McDonagh at 8:54.

I got back just in time to see Michael Grabner score his team-leading 23rd off a great passing play from Brady Skjei and J.T. Miller. It was a wonderfully constructed play with Miller feeding a pinching Skjei, who found Grabner wide open for an easy finish following a sloppy Calgary turnover.

Before they could breathe, Troy Brouwer got to a Johnny Gaudreau errant shot that took a funny hop right to him and tied it up. Just a bad break. Ten seconds later, Pavel Buchnevich got into it with Kris Versteeg in an odd and very quick fight if you could call it that. Versteeg didn’t have his jersey tied down. So, he received an automatic ejection.

The third continued to be wide open. A few minutes later, Chris Kreider matched his career high with his 21st tally off a rush. His shot may have deflected off a Calgary player. Mika Zibanejad and Girardi picked up helpers. A Flames’ miscue led directly to Jesper Fast burying a lay-up from the crafty Miller (24th assist). Grabner also helped set it up giving him a two-point day. It’s always nice to see a hard worker like Fast get rewarded. He never takes a shift off and is responsible defensively. Always hustling.

But with a two-goal lead, the Rangers got too comfortable. Girardi did as did Lundqvist. The two elder statesmen were responsible for Matthew Tkachuk’s tally 61 seconds later which made it 4-3 with 7:27 remaining. Girardi felt forecheck pressure from Mikael Backlund with the puck going right to Tkachuk, who let go of a wrist shot Lundqvist probably should’ve had. It went short side. Something that’s happened too much. Just an ugly play overall by the two Rangers who have been here the longest.

Tkachuk’s 10th came following a near miss by Jimmy Vesey at the other end on a Stepan set up. If he doesn’t miss the net, the Calgary goal doesn’t happen. That’s hockey.

There were a couple of nerve racking moments as the Rangers protected a one-goal lead on home ice. Honestly, when the Flames pulled Brian Elliott for an extra attacker, I thought they would tie it. But Lundqvist made a couple of big saves and his teammates defended well enough to come away with an important victory to start a four-game home stand on the right foot.

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Broadway Hat recipient Jesper Fast following the win is all smiles. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYRangers.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Rick Nash, NYR (goal-16th, 5 shots on 7 attempts, 3 hits, 2 takeaways, 2 blocks, even rating in 27 shifts-18:41-has looked really good last 2 with Stepan and Vesey)

2nd Star-Mikael Backlund, CGY (2 assists, 4 shots on 8 attempts, +1 in 21 shifts-17:59-quietly leads the Flames in scoring and plays a similar style to another Swede Michael Nylander)

1st Star-J.T. Miller, NYR (2 assists, 4 shots on 6 attempts, 2 hits, +1 in 24 shifts-14:35-J.T. makes so many things happen. How did he only get 14:35? He’s tremendous)

Ferland’s response to Klein an overreaction to a clean hit: Prior to Fast scoring to put the Blueshirts ahead by two, Kevin Klein came across the ice with a clean hit on Lance Bouma sending him down. There was nothing wrong with it. It was a good hockey play. Predictably, Micheal Ferland made a bee line for Klein dropping his gloves first and the two fought. Honestly, clean hits shouldn’t prompt such a response. But this is the wussified NHL we get now. It should’ve been an instigator on Ferland. Instead, he and Klein each got five apiece. Alain Vigneault deflected the question letting it speak for itself. The last I checked, hitting is allowed as long as it’s legal. There are too many instances where players overreact to clean checks. That’s my hard hitting take for the day. Enjoy the Super Bowl. Let’s Go Falcons!

Postgame Reaction:

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This is how the Blueshirts must play the rest of the way

Posted on February 2, 2017 by Derek
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Chris Kreider celebrates in style after his 20th goal gave a much better Blueshirts a well deserved 2-1 overtime win over the Sabres in Buffalo. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYRangers.

Mark down Game 51 on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2. This was the kind of hockey the Blueshirts must play the rest of the way. For starters, they played the right way. It kind of reminded me of how they used to play. Playing strong defense and getting great goaltending from a laser focused Henrik Lundqvist while generating quality chances off the D.

Indeed, the Rangers’ well earned 2-1 overtime victory at the Sabres was an eye opener. It was a complete 180 from the incomplete dismal effort the other night in an awfully disappointing 6-4 loss on home ice. All 18 skaters in the old home white, red and blue gave consistent effort shift to shift. The goalie was outstanding.

It was almost letter perfect. Sure. The Sabres found a way to tie it when the Rangers lost track of Cody Franson in the slot with 5:31 left in regulation. But there were plenty of skaters protecting Lundqvist in search of the loose puck. A notable difference from most of the games they’ve played in front of him.

Unlike the previous 50, this was the most enjoyable game I’ve seen from the Rangers. It wasn’t just how they played. But also how the Sabres did. They also played well defensively and got a stellar performance from Robin Lehner, who at times was brilliant in making 42 saves. Between him and elder Swedish statesman Lundqvist, who countered with 36 including his biggest on a Buffalo power play to deny Jack Eichel and Kyle Okposo at the doorstep, it was playoff caliber hockey.

The kind that’s easy to sit back, relax and enjoy on a rare day off from work. You had the Rangers playing a tremendous first by having the better of the puck possession and play to get 14 shots on Lehner. That included some great rushes by Rick Nash, who had a tremendous night even though he didn’t have any puck luck. Michael Grabner was dangerous throughout but also didn’t have any luck hitting a goalpost.

When they took penalties, the team played together killing them off. The Sabres went 0-for-3. The Rangers penalty kill got the job done on the first two by not giving Buffalo’s top players much room. Unlike the last two games- both losses- Eichel didn’t have all sorts of time and space. However, he did get wide open in front on his team’s third power play only to have a razor sharp Lundqvist deny him pointblank with the kind of save he’s spoiled us with the last decade.

The game’s only goal till that point was scored by Mats Zuccarello, who somehow managed to get his stick on a terrific one-timer from captain Ryan McDonagh for a power play goal with 2:10 left in the second.

J.T. Miller set it up because that’s what he can do when he’s used properly by coach Alain Vigneault. Miller doesn’t always get the most ice-time. But when Vigneault uses him in all situations, he makes things happen. There he was again in the middle of something good to set up Chris Kreider perfectly for the overtime winner with 1:04 remaining. That followed a four-on-three power play which never really was in sync.

But Lundqvist made a good play for a change from his net to get the puck to Mika Zibanejad and start a transition for the winner. Zibanejad got the puck to Miller, who drew defenders before making a sweet dish for Kreider’s 20th to make a winner of Lundqvist. A game he deserved. It really should’ve been a shutout. But sometimes, things happen to change that.

The overtime was wonderful. Each team went for it. Buffalo came close to ending it with Evander Kane hitting the far post. Grabner making a bid but unable to come up with the right stuff.

It was likable hockey. You had Zuccarello sticking his nose in and getting dirty during a scrum at a stoppage. Kreider went to bat for him going after Marcus Foligno with each going off for two minutes. Unlike the last game when they were awful on consecutive four-on-four goals from Columbus, there would be no repeat. That’s how much in sync the Rangers were.

If they want to be taken seriously the final 31 games in the regular season and beyond, this is how they must play. With focus, precision and purpose. There won’t be any complaining tomorrow about a lineup that included Oscar Lindberg in for Brandon Pirri and Dan Girardi and Kevin Klein both in with Adam Clendening out as the extra.

A virtuoso performance for a change from the Broadway Blueshirts. One that could be worth remembering if they can do it consistently.

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Groundhog Day: Alain Vigneault is boring

Posted on February 2, 2017 by Derek

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It’s not that he’s not a good coach. In his fourth year behind the bench of the Rangers, Alain Vigneault has already earned a extension with the organization rewarding him with a $2 million raise that would take him through 2020.

Truth be told, he’s done a good job. In his first season, the Blueshirts made their first Stanley Cup Final since that thing happened when I was a teenager in high school. Consecutive comebacks from 3-1 series deficits in tough second rounds and two straight Conference Finals along with a President’s Trophy are the highlights.

The team plays a more exciting style under Vigneault than they did under John Tortorella. A coach I still hold in high regard. He does it differently. They are polar opposites. Both successful at their jobs. One having won a Stanley Cup while the other has come up short twice with two different franchises.

It goes without saying that Vigneault is more buttoned down than Tortorella, who wears his emotions on his sleeves. Full credit to him for toning it down while rebuilding a very good young team in Columbus. Vigneault always talks about sticking to the system and their structure. Here is the latest example before tonight’s game versus Buffalo:

“Execution. One shift at a time. Respecting our structure with or without the puck and we gotta compete every shift. And that’s what we’re gonna do tonight.”

This is basically classic AV. He always says this along with the usual “we got our looks” following a loss. It’s who he is. He’s not gonna deviate from who he is. He loves emphasizing team speed and transitional play leading to offense. It’s worked with the Rangers entering the second highest scoring club behind only the defending champion Pens.

A stronger core up front that now includes top finisher Michael Grabner along with gifted rookies Pavel Buchnevich and Jimmy Vesey have made them deeper. Not having Kevin Hayes for a while hurts. Can anyone explain why Buchnevich finds himself on the fourth line? He’s now basically traded places with Vesey, who went through a rough patch before scoring in the 6-4 loss at home to the Blue Jackets. Trading Places is a classic movie. Who doesn’t love Dan Akroyd as Winthorpe and Eddie Murphy as Valentine in the 1983 comedy?

But for Ranger fans, it’s Groundhog Day literally. It really is today. The groundhog Chuck out here in Staten Island didn’t see his shadow. So at least there’s that. An early Spring would be welcome. Even if winter hasn’t been too bad. Hopefully, that trend continues. We usually get hit hard around this time. So, keep your fingers crossed.

In the postgame the other night, ESPN Radio’s Don LaGreca concluded that the Rangers could use more personality. He feels they’re too businesslike. He might be right. But Vigneault leaves most of it to the locker room. So, when things go bad, he lets leadership handle adversity. That’s why it was so discouraging to see Henrik Lundqvist take only one question before exiting the room after giving up three goals on 16 shots before being replaced by Antti Raanta. The well spoken Finn didn’t have much better luck giving up another three in another Ranger second period implosion.

Congrats to Raanta on the birth of new daughter Evelyn. At least he gets away for a day. That means Magnus Hellberg returns to back up. Good news for Hank? He did play better when Raanta was out.

https://twitter.com/ARaanta31/status/827262250561843200

Raanta probably is glad he didn’t make the trip to Buffalo. The Sabres have already beat the Rangers twice. The last one one of those MSG no shows we’ve grown accustomed to. The Rangers have been very mediocre going 8-8 in the last 16. They still have a nice hold on the first wildcard leading the Flyers by seven with nine more ROW and one game at hand. The Maple Leafs are eight behind with 55 points and still have 34 games left. The Panthers have 54 but don’t look like a threat having given up 20 more goals and played 51 games. The streaking Islanders are the team to watch with 53 points and only 48 games played.

After that, no other team can be looked at as a threat. Not even the schizophrenic Lightning. That’s how bad it’s gone down in Tampa. Maybe they should be sellers. And this sure looks like the year Detroit finally misses.

So, who are the 2016-17 Rangers under the gum chewing stoic Vigneault in Year 4 of now 7 thanks to team brass? Are they capable of being a playoff threat? Or is this who they are? An inconsistent bunch who always say “We’ll get ’em next time” or “We have to be better.” Isn’t it about time someone shows a little bravado? There’s no Sean Avery coming.

Maybe that’s why my father and brother can’t stand watching this team. There isn’t any personality. When players are knocked down, there aren’t going to be many retaliations. It’s not how they’re coached. Nick Holden took up last game going back at Brandon Dubinsky. Kevin Klein will on occasion. J.T. Miller and Chris Kreider are the likeliest candidates of the forwards.

This team is in desperate need of a change. I’m not suggesting blowing it up. I am not even suggesting making a splash before that Feb. 28 deadline. It’s Feb. 2. A short month. A lot can happen in 26 days. Tonight’s the first game of the month for this team. They have a lot of home games before hitting the road. They have to stand up and protect home ice. Now that the Islanders have Doug Weight running it, they are doing that and beating good teams. Even if Barclays Center doesn’t want them. Hypocrites.

Would it kill Jeff Gorton to get a player like Antoine Roussel? Not like the Stars would trade him. But that’s the type of character player this team lacks. I kind of wish Kreider was more like Brad Marchand. Yes. He’s a prick and cheap shot artist who the league again let off the hook. But he is a very good player who makes things hard on opponents and scores big goals. Kreider btw is on pace for 30. He has 19. This could be the breakout year we’ve been waiting for. And he does play tough in front of the net and mix it up.

Rick Nash is a terrific overall two-way player who isn’t going to do that stuff. He’s poetry in motion when on. Scoring some of the prettiest goals. He is defensively responsible. Much more so than when he arrived in a tumultuous Year 1 under angry Torts.

Derek Stepan is always at his locker talking to reporters after bad losses. He talked about how they have to prevent these 10-minute naps. Or was it sleeps. They’re basically the same. He seems like the true leader of this team. Nothing against Ryan McDonagh, who says all the right things at his locker. But I never envisioned him as a captain. He reminds me of Brian Leetch. Some guys just aren’t cut out to be captain.

So, what will change tonight? Will the Rangers remember to skate with the Sabres and not get sucked into a track meet? Will they stop taking chances and leaving the front of the net for target practice for the likes of Eichel, Kane, Okposo and O’Reilly? I already have this game penciled in as a loss. Prove me wrong fellas.

If it gets ugly, you can always flip to AMC and watch Groundhog Day with my favorite Bill Murray as Phil seeing his collective shadow on repeat. Plus the wonderful Andie MacDowell as Rita. ❤

 

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Totally Random: Top 100, All-Star Exhibition, Islanders

Posted on February 1, 2017 by Derek
Nick Bonino, Kris Letang, Carl Hagelin, Evgeni Malkin, Chris Kunitz, Sidney Crosby

Nick Bonino is mobbed by teammates after scoring against the Washington Capitals during overtime of Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference semifinals. Also pictured, number 71 Evgeni Malkin who somehow was omitted from the Top 100. AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar of Getty Images

This is a totally random hockey edition from the mind of the one and only Derek Felix. They are only my opinion. Not anyone else’s on this blog. Here are some hot takes:

-At the All-Star Game in Los Angeles at Staples Center, the NHL unveiled its top 100. While I agreed with most of it, there were a couple of questionable selections. No disrespect. Jonathan Toews is a quality player who’s led the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cups and has one Conn Smythe and Selke on his resume. Excellent accomplishments. But he comes up a bit short to make the top 100. His 592 points in 688 games are solid and the 108 in 124 postseason games proves he can step up. But who is more deserving? Him or Evgeni Malkin. It’s not even close. Malkin has a Calder, two scoring titles, a Hart and Conn Smythe with two Cups and is over a point-per-game with 814 points in 691 games. He also is money for the most part in the postseason totaling 129 points in 124 games including a remarkable 36 (14-22-36) in the Pens’ run to the Cup in 2009.

-Toews is a great two-way center who has never had a minus season. He’s a complete player who is superb on face-offs and can play any situation. But he’s simply not on par with Malkin. Toews’ best season was in ’10-11 when he totaled a career high 76 points in 80 games following his Conn Smythe in the 2010 playoffs. He won it with 29 points (7-22-29) edging Patrick Kane. Both are in the top 100 along with Duncan Keith. Kane is the most deserving with a Calder, Art Ross, Hart, Conn Smythe and over a point-per-game (712 points in 710 games). Keith is a superb defenseman. But he’s not better than Zdeno Chara. Another glaring omission. Keith has two Norris Trophies and a playoff MVP. But he’s not as complete a player as Chara, who led he Bruins to a Cup in 2010-11. He only has one Norris but that’s also because the Professional Hockey Writers would rather select higher scoring defenseman than the best overall blue liners who do everything.

-When Mike Milbury traded Chara as part of that awful package to the Senators which also turned into Jason Spezza for Alexei Yashin, do you think he was thinking clearly? This is the same guy who thought it was a good idea to trade away Roberto Luongo and Olli Jokinen for Mark Parrish and Oleg Kvasha. At least he got one right acquiring Michael Peca from Buffalo for a package headlined by Taylor Pyatt. Those teams made the playoffs but were one and done even after Rick DiPietro took over in net.

–Joe Nieuwendyk’s inclusion in the top 100 is mystifying. It’s not that he wasn’t a very good player. He won a Cup with the Flames and was pivotal to the Stars’ Cup in ’99 a decade later winning playoff MVP with 11 goals and 10 assists. A third Cup came with the ’03 Devils with his injury helping inspire the team to upset the Senators in Game 7 and defeat the Mighty Ducks in seven. His career numbers are excellent with 564 goals and 562 assists for 1126 points in 1257 games. Nieuwendyk was a very good player. Compared to Joe Thornton, who somehow wasn’t “good enough” for this list, he comes up short. Jumbo Joe doesn’t have the Cups finally playing in last year’s Final for the Sharks before losing to the Pens. But he is about to reach 1,000 assists. One of the game’s best passing centers who is very complete, he’s got an Art Ross and Hart coming in ’05-06. After coming over from Boston, he put up a ridiculous 92 points with 72 of them assists to pass Jaromir Jagr and win the MVP. While his postseason history has been criticized, Thornton has 121 points in 156 games. That included 21 last Spring with 18 helpers. Even in the latter stages of his career, he had a huge second half to finish in the top five in scoring with 82 points in ’15-16. A tremendous accomplishment. Yet he’s so disrespected.

-These lists are far from perfect. That’s why you wonder how they decided. Malkin not being in makes no sense. Who approved Toews over him? Don Cherry. I wonder if Ilya Kovalchuk would’ve been considered had he stayed in the NHL. Pavel Datsyuk made it. He never won any major awards but was amazing. He’s one of the best two-way centers I’ve ever seen. Similar to Sergei Fedorov minus an MVP, Datsyuk was magical to watch. A three-time Selke recipient who never stopped skating, he could take the puck away and keep it like it was his before undressing defensemen and goalies with an array of moves that would make Renoir jealous. It’s too bad he went home. He finished with 918 points (314-604-918) and a plus-249 rating while winning two Cups all with the Red Wings. He will make the Hockey Hall of Fame without ever winning a scoring title, Hart or Conn Smythe. That’s how complete he was.

-I only caught a glimpse of the All-Star Game on Sunday. The 3-on-3 tournament is fun to watch for fans but let’s be honest. It’s a glorified exhibition that is hardly what the original game was. I prefer the 5-on-5 format. Switch it back to North America versus the World. And alternate East vs West. Or maybe even do a Young Stars vs All-Stars challenge. That would be way better.

-Ever since Doug Weight replaced Jack Capuano, the Islanders haven’t lost in regulation. In my opinion, what set the tone was a defiant Weight saying they’re a playoff team after a win at the start. I think that was a message the players needed to hear. It certainly wasn’t coming from Capuano, who at one point called out management for the departures of Kyle Okposo, Frans Nielsen and Matt Martin. With the team 5-0-1 since Weight took over, they’re only three out of the the last wildcard. In fact, don’t forget they won Capuano’s final game 4-0 over Boston. So, they’ve gotten 13 of a possible 14 points while impressively beating the Blue Jackets, Canadiens and Capitals in succession. Full marks to Weight and his players for turning it around.

-Who would’ve ever thought Thomas Greiss would be the best goalie in New York?

-When Henrik Lundqvist bails after a 41 second interview in which he again had a rough night getting chased in a home defeat to Columbus, you know it’s bad. Sadly, he’s basically costing my fantasy team a chance at not only winning our league but even finishing in the money. Way to go Derek!

-One thing about this whole Barclays Center thing with the Islanders. Did anyone really expect it to work out? They used them. Plain and simple. Where the Islanders wind up nobody knows. They belong in Long Island. Nassau County kicked them to the curb like a bunch of rats. They were the best thing about that place. What a bunch of egotistic snobs. I don’t like the idea of the Islanders building a new arena adjacent to Citi Field in Queens. It would create too much traffic. Don’t believe me? Try going to Met Life Stadium and getting out of there following a concert or football game.

–Alain Vigneault is a good coach. I just don’t know why the Rangers rushed it. They should’ve waited to see how this year plays out. And with Lundqvist looking like he’s aging right before our very eyes, it could spell doom.

-The Rangers are supposed to be a good team yet they can’t win at home. The Devils are not good but win on the road but stink at home. Why am I confused as to who is better at the moment?

-The dismissal of Ken Hitchcock was predictable. Even though he was gonna be replaced by Mike Yeo in ’17-18, the Blues were such a mess that they got started early. It might not be a coaching thing. But more about personnel. No David Backes. A disappointing roster that doesn’t score consistently and a overrated defense. Maybe the coaching change will work. You can’t lose on home ice to Winnipeg.

-Finally, Dale Hawerchuk was way over a point a game but played in obscurity first with Buffalo and then Winnipeg before finishing with the Flyers and Blues. I’m not saying he belongs in that top 100. But I wonder how much consideration he got. Since the committee seemed to value championships, you better believe he’d have made it if he won one.

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Another MSG debacle for Rangers

Posted on February 1, 2017 by Derek
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Columbus had Henrik Lundqvist and the listless Rangers seeing blue again in another disturbing home loss. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Blue Jackets.

This wasn’t the way to restart the season. Not after a five-day break. Once again, the Rangers stunk on home ice. In falling to the Blue Jackets 6-4, it was another ugly reminder that while this is a good team, it has some big question marks. The first being why can’t they play a 60-minute game and string together wins at MSG. What a debacle.

I could care less that they never gave up. It’s not in their DNA. So, credit them for at least showing some backbone in the third period scoring the last four goals to at least make Columbus sweat. I can’t understand why they can’t be consistent at home. The loss was the fifth in their last six at MSG. That is indescribable. It shouldn’t happen. Not after extending Alain Vigneault.

I will admit I missed the first two periods but caught the third when I got back. I know after Seth Jones’ goal in the first, the Rangers had the better of the play. They had good chances but couldn’t beat Columbus backup Joonas Korpisalo. It all fell apart in an awful second. The Blue Jackets scored four goals including twice during a pair of four-on-four’s to chase Henrik Lundqvist. If this sounds like a broken record, it isn’t. It’s a recording.

Antti Raanta was rudely greeted in his return by two more Columbus goals on four shots in the remainder of the period. To hear Steve Valiquette tell it on MSG, they took too many chances down 3-0. Why? This team is more than capable of coming back from that margin and did so at Columbus. The style Vigneault plays emphasizes more offense. Sometimes, this team takes too many risks and gets burned defensively. So, 3-0 became 5-0 and led to boos.

It’s funny how when you are going bad, it just gets worse. They went from down a goal after one when I picked up some stuff at CVS to down three. Then by the time I got home, it was Zach Werenski having a shot redirected in front by Matt Calvert at the start of the third to make it a touchdown deficit.

Then, Jimmy Vesey scored his first goal in 12 games to break a drought. Following Michael Grabner’s team-leading 22nd on a neat deflection from Brady Skjei, Chris Kreider tallied number 19 making it three goals in 3:21 to suddenly cut it to a field goal. You can’t make it up.

The Blueshirts spent the rest of the third chasing a deficit they couldn’t recover from. Columbus sat back and defended relying on Korpisalo to make the key saves. Even though he allowed four on 19 shots, he made some good stops to give John Tortorella’s club a win. You have to wonder what he was thinking on the bench when Kevin Klein notched his first with 67 seconds left to make it 6-4.

There’s really no explanation for it. The Rangers have to be better at MSG. They fell to 14-11-1. Simply not good enough. When you’re at home, you play in front of your fans. You’re supposed to have more energy and consistency. This team hasn’t been a lock down home team since those nightmarish shutout losses to the Lightning in the Eastern Conference Final. Why is that? They have the last change. Is it complacency? Or is it wanting to put on a show? There’s no rational explanation.

Why does this team implode in second periods? Lundqvist only answered one question in the postgame. Frustration is creeping in. He did allow another bad one which sent him to the bench. Was it the break? He played well prior to it. Is he ever going to be the same goalie? This is a serious question folks. Because if the answer is no, then extending Vigneault is a waste. They can’t win without superior goaltending from Lundqvist.

Following the next game at dreaded Buffalo on Thursday (should we pencil that in as a loss), the next four are all at MSG against Western teams. Calgary, Anaheim, Nashville and Colorado visit. They have to figure it out soon. If not, then they won’t be locked into the first wildcard. But fighting for their playoff livelihood.

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Extending Vigneault now a calculated risk

Posted on January 31, 2017 by Derek

Alain Vigneault

The news came late last night. Somewhat surprisingly, the New York Rangers announced that they have extended coach Alain Vigneault through 2020. Larry Brooks broke the story in the New York Post. Vigneault originally signed a five-year, $10 million contract that would’ve expired after next season. Now, he gets a bump in salary up $2 million and won’t be a lame duck coach.

Is it a good move? I can’t say for sure. However, Vigneault has certainly done well behind the Rangers bench. His 175 wins make the Blueshirts the third winningest team since he took over for John Tortorella in ’13-14. A trip to the 2014 Stanley Cup Final and coming within a period of making it two straight appearances are the highlights. He did a terrific job with those teams. Don’t forget they made franchise history for the first time by rallying from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Penguins in the second round. In 2015, they repeated it against the Capitals in dramatic fashion.

The 55-year old Vigneault has coached over 1,100 NHL games with three franchises. After being an assistant with Ottawa, he got his start in Montreal before going back to coach juniors in the QMJHL. After a successful year with Manitoba in the AHL, he took over the Canucks and turned them into one of the league’s best teams. In ’10-11, they won the President’s Trophy and reached the Stanley Cup Final. But weren’t able to get it done blowing 2-0 and 3-2 series leads by getting shutout by the Bruins on home ice 4-0 in Game 7. They weren’t able to repeat that success getting ousted in the first round in ’11-12 and ’12-13. A sweep at the hands of the Sharks cost him his job.

Vigneault is an offensive minded coach who emphasizes team speed and transition. The Rangers have certainly been exciting under him scoring some of the most beautiful goals. Especially this season with improved depth giving them better balance. They are second in the NHL in scoring behind the Pens averaging 3.37 goals-per-game. They currently sit fourth in the league’s strongest division with 63 points in 49 games- trailing first place Washington by nine and tonight’s opponent Tortorella’s Blue Jackets by five. The Pens are third with 65.

The Rangers are in the first wildcard seven points clear of the Jekyll & Hyde Flyers and eight ahead of the Maple Leafs. They’re in good position. They need to start winning at MSG. After getting off to a great start, they’ve really struggled losing four of their last five. Three of the losses were uncompetitive. With five of the next six at home with only a road match at Buffalo Feb. 2 in between, now is the time to straighten out.

As for my thoughts on extending Vigneault now, it reminds me of the contract extension Glen Sather gave Dan Girardi. With Girardi rumored to be on the trade market with both Anaheim and Florida interested, he chose to keep the gritty veteran defenseman overpaying. In doing so, he decided to trade captain Ryan Callahan for Martin St. Louis. A trade that worked with St. Louis inspiring the team in its comeback against Pittsburgh following the tragic death of his Mom France. The biggest highlight being St. Louis’ goal on Mother’s Day with MSG a madhouse. I’ll never forget it. They gave up first round picks which was too much. But a trip to the Stanley Cup Final was worth it. Unfortunately, the Lightning shut them out 2-0 in Game 7 on home ice.

For as successful as Vigneault has been, his team losing by shutout in the final two home games of the Eastern Conference Final leaves a bitter taste. How can anyone explain it? During those games, he was too hesitant to change lines and adjust strategy. Tampa stood up at the blue line and took away the Rangers’ transition. He should’ve adjusted. Of course, it was still miraculous that they made it that far with most of the defense banged up. So, you certainly give him credit along with the players who gave it everything.

Vigneault is a quality coach who deals with the media well. He is well spoken. However, at times, he won’t always give them answers on some of his moves. He made a big mistake with a clearly not 100 percent Girardi last season playing him too much. By the first round, the writing was on the wall. The Pens exposed a declining defense with both Girardi and Marc Staal not close to past form. They chased Henrik Lundqvist twice including in a lopsided fifth game to prevail easily.

When it comes to how he uses players, it leaves something to be desired. At times, you’re left scratching your head. Especially when J.T. Miller or Kevin Hayes get no power play time in random games. They’ve been terrific. Hayes remains out with an injury. Miller has bounced around and is currently on the third line playing at center. The same applies to youngster Jimmy Vesey, who is a bad fit for the fourth line. How is he supposed to get out of his funk getting so little time?

As for the blue line, it remains a big question. While workhorse Ryan McDonagh has bounced back, he has had to deal with multiple partners. None of who are top right D. Girardi sometimes is still used but is better off on a second pair or third depending on the match-up. Kevin Klein has struggled most of the year. Injuries have finally caught up. He did look a little better before the All-Star break. Thankfully, Staal returns tonight after missing nearly a month with post-concussion symptoms. However, Adam Clendening comes out. He had good chemistry with rookie Brady Skjei on the third pair. While not the best defensively, Clendening is much better skater than either Girardi or Klein and adds offense including on the power play.

You can see the dilemma. Is the coach gonna stay loyal to his vets again by overusing them? Or will he trust Clendening enough to have him fill in occasionally for Girardi or Klein when the situation is called upon. His track record says he won’t. That isn’t a strong suit. If the Rangers are to somehow make a run in the postseason, they must keep their elder statesmen fresh.

Then there’s Lundqvist, who wasn’t allowed to get into a rhythm until capable backup Antti Raanta went down. Vigneault didn’t start him at Pittsburgh following a couple of strong outings which made no sense. It was almost as if he decided he’d rather go with Raanta because he beat the Pens earlier in the season. Naturally, they got smoked. Lundqvist is a workhorse who needs consistent reps. When Raanta made four consecutive starts in December, his confidence was shaken. But he seemed to bounce back only for Vigneault to interrupt the momentum.

Lundqvist then hit a huge slump this month and didn’t get out of it until Vigneault was forced to play him daily. It’s understandable that he wants to keep the soon to be 35-year old fresh for the playoffs. The coach wants to limit Hank to 55 starts. Lundqvist has gotten into 36 games so far with career worsts in goals-against-average (2.73) and save percentage (.907). Can he continue the upswing against a tough Columbus team tonight. I won’t be around to watch it.

My biggest complaint with re-upping Vigneault now is that it comes with uncertainty. What was the big rush? Why not wait to see how this team does in the playoffs? What if they go out in the first round again? Back to back first round exits would certainly raise some eyes.

This is how the Rangers operate. They do things in odd fashion. Even if you like keeping Vigneault around, you have to admit there was no need to rush it. I have faith in GM Jeff Gorton, whose terrific off-season is why the Rangers have improved. The question is can he add the missing pieces to make this team a true contender. They are still a top right defenseman and gritty physical forward in the Antoine Roussel mold away from being legit in my opinion.

Now, we’ll just have to be patient and see how things work out. We won’t know if the extension was the right move for a while.

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Devils crash-land into All-Star break

Posted on January 27, 2017 by hasan4978

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Remember the days when the Devils couldn’t lose at home and couldn’t win on the road?  These days it’s just the inverse, now that the Devils don’t win at home and haven’t lost in regulation on the road since December.  Problem with that is the Devils lost on the road when the majority of their games were on the road and now are losing at home when they’re finally playing more home games.  And not just losing at home, but turning in noncompetitive effort after noncompetitive effort.  Most of these games aren’t even close.  In the Devils’ six-game losing streak at home they’ve been outscored 20-7, culminating in last night’s 5-2 wipeout against the Caps.

Worse from my perspective is I haven’t seen a home win at the Rock since December 6 (I didn’t attend the only two home wins they’ve had since then).  It’ll be nearly two months after that when I go to my next home game, after the All-Star break.  In my last six games attending the Devils have only been outscored 24-8, with two of those goals coming in a too little, too late ‘effort’ against Toronto when they blew up the game in the first period falling in a 0-4 hole.  This is just one of many reasons why I’ve become apathetic about watching this team but after they did legitimately good work on the road going 5-0-1 getting back in the playoff race for a minute and a half, to go 0-5-1 at home to fall back out of it and crash into last in the East is just inexcusable.

Part of me’s just tired of ripping everyone and everything about this team but after this latest stretch they deserve another one.  Let’s start with coach John Hynes, who granted does some good things like the second-period benching of Taylor Hall after a bad turnover in Minnesota, showing that everyone – or almost everyone – can be held accountable.  Some of his decisions are just mind-boggling however, like playing Keith Kinkaid again last night.  Granted starting goalie Cory Schneider was ill, missing two games over the weekend and had a poor first period on Tuesday.  But he’s still your number one goalie and had still improved his play in January, he deserved another crack, especially with the fact the break was coming up and he would have only played that one bad period in two weeks.  Not to mention as well as Keith’s played this season, he’s still a backup for a reason.  The last time Hynes gave him a start over a healthy Cory in a non back-to-back, that didn’t go so well either…also against the Caps on New Year’s Eve.  Predictably Keith got racked last night, and even more annoyingly when Cory did come into the game at 4-1 he played well.  At least the silver lining is he gets to go into the break on that instead.  By all accounts the Devils didn’t play that badly last night so maybe it was a game you could have stolen if you weren’t trying to get blood out of a stone.

Hynes must have ticked off someone in the refs’ union too given all the calls that have gone against us lately, especially the Montreal game which was such an abomination you would have thought the teams were playing at the Bell Centre.  That game was so bad the NHL had to call us Roger Goodell-style to apologize for calling an early third-period boarding against Karl Stollery (admitting it should have been a minor) that led to a five-minute power play where the Habs scored two decisive goals in a 3-1 loss – which by the way I did attend after all, switching around dinner plans with a friend.  Of course that game was another letdown.  Not to mention an obvious missed goal call against the Kings on Tuesday, where LA’s Dwight King clearly pushed the net off its morrings and actually did get called for delay of game, problem is the net was pushed off just as the puck was going into the net.  NHL rules allow for crediting the team with a goal even after the net gets pushed off when it’s intentional, but obviously rules get forgotten or misapplied in games against us.

As far as the players go, the less said the better.  Only if we’re going to hold guys like Cory accountable and bench him because of one bad period or Hall a period for one bad turnover, where’s the benching for Mr. Invisible (Mike Cammalleri)?  One goal in 26 games for a supposed top six winger just isn’t cutting it, albeit he’s had a couple of assists lately but still.  His early season struggles could be excused because of family issues and rust from not having played in several months, but what exactly is the problem now?  Other than a binge week or two in December, he’s been flat awful.   What I fear is the problem is he’s just old and shot, Michael Ryder-style.  Which would be a problem considering Camm’s still under contract for two years after this one, with a NTC.  It would be nice to see a little more effort from one of the supposed leaders of the team though – perimeter players who score are fine, perimeter players who don’t are a problem.  Bad enough Camm’s stinking on my fantasy team too, but the Devils need his goals even more than my fantasy team.  To put it in perspective, recent waiver pickup Stefan Noesen scored last night in his Devils debut, which is as many goals as Camm has scored in nearly two months.

Of course Camm’s far from the only issue on the team but it’s indiciative of the larger issue right now.  When someone I’ve always looked as a leader and an example for younger players is floating around, small wonder just about everyone else is too.  Far too many of these games the team’s come out with a lazy first period that torpedoed the game.  Even last night they were down 0-2 with sloppy defense after the opening twenty minutes.  Against the Kings it was 0-3 before you could blink and nearly caused me to walk out after the first period in exacerbation.  That wasn’t even as bad as the Toronto abomination three weeks ago where they were 0-4 in the hole after fifteen minutes.  And I’m tired of seeing message board lectures that ‘this is what rebuilding is like’.  Rebuilding doesn’t give you license to make amateur hour decisions or excuse bad effort.  Put it this way, I’d gladly take the Brooklyn Nets’ season over our current one.  At least they compete every night, albeit they’re so bad they’re a near-lock to get the most lottery ping-pong balls while we’ll probably get slotted fourth at best in the lottery behind Arizona, Colorado and expansion Vegas.  Of course there’s also a faction of fans who want to tank Sixer-style, trade everyone and bemoan the fact we didn’t tank sooner.  That kind of talk’s beneath a fanbase who used to take the high ground when the Penguins management actively did things to lose games to get Mario Lemieux.

What’s amusing – at least to me – is the fact season ticket renewals are going out next week, right after the All-Star break.  Great timing eh?  Considering the team’s lost six in a row at home with attendance dwindling and eleven of thirteen at the Rock (many blowouts among them) after their illusory unbeaten streak in NJ earlier in the season.  It seems like the worse the team gets, the earlier the renewals come out to attempt to lock you in before the season becomes a total dumpster fire.  It’ll be more amusing to see them pump season ticket sales during February when the team has nine of eleven games at home.  Assuming the team isn’t brazen enough to raise ticket prices – rumor is they’re not – I’ll probably renew at some point given I still love my location and the price isn’t terribad yet, but it doesn’t sound like the benefits are going to improve from this year.  Put it this way, they’re going to have to offer something besides shooting for your season tickets – when I have about as much chance of making that shot as a #16 seed does of winning an NCAA tournament game – for me to go out of my way to renew early.  I would prefer to wait till the offseason and renew then, to see if this team’s going to do anything legitimate to improve or if they’re going to pinch pennies again and in the end it might just be more expedient to pay less for 90% of games on StubHub and ignore going to Ranger games that are becoming more blue by the year anyway, but at a certain point you lose tenure and the few perks left from renewing.

Until then, the less I think about this team the better.  I was personally glad I had other plans and wasn’t able to go last night though I missed getting the retro theme socks, I knew what was in store against a Caps team that’d been killing everyone lately.  At least my friend in 120 couldn’t blame last night’s loss on me being there.

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Rangers shutout by Mason and Flyers 2-0

Posted on January 26, 2017 by Derek
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Derek Stepan checks Wayne Simmonds during the Flyers’ 2-0 shutout of the Rangers at MSG. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYRangers.

Sometimes, you can outplay an opponent and not get the desired result. Such was the case during last night’s 2-0 Rangers loss to the Flyers on Rivalry Night. They just didn’t take advantage of the chances they created in a strong first half. Combined with poor special teams and a scintillating performance from Steve Mason, who made 34 saves for his first shutout of the season, it added up to a disappointing home defeat to enter the All-Star break.

I haven’t attended many games. I believe this was my third of the season and first in 2017. So, naturally I came away disappointed that they couldn’t score one goal on Mason, who entered with a save percentage below .900. That’s hockey. Most notably, it also typifies Mason’s career. At times, he can be really on and at others, he can’t stop a beach ball. He was the difference stopping 27 of the Rangers’ 36 shots in the first two periods.

Some were utterly brilliant with Mason committing highway robbery a couple of times. Michael Grabner was victimized twice point blank. It wasn’t his night. The Rangers’ leading goalscorer also had a breakaway but after struggling to retrieve the puck, he fired a laser off the crossbar. Not only did it go wrong for him offensively. But defensively as well with him messing up on Wayne Simmonds’ power play game-winner with 13:51 left in the third period. He also accidentally kicked in Jakub Voracek’s insurance marker by Henrik Lundqvist. Just from watching from up in 419, I could tell that was a weird one.

To be honest, it was an odd game. There were hardly any whistles in a very fast paced first that saw the Rangers double up the Flyers in shots 16-8. It was entertaining to watch. Plenty of skating and rushes. But it was the home team that controlled puck possession and had the better of the play. Despite Mason leaving some rebounds on long shots, they couldn’t solve him. He was really on.

The first half of the second was similar. Even though they didn’t register as many shots getting to 11 compared to the Flyers’ eight, there were some golden opportunities. They got the only two power plays in the period. The first was decent. But the second was god awful. They kept turning over pucks and losing battles. They made it too easy on the Flyers.

When they did test Mason, he was unreal. He made two terrific stops on deflections with Chris Kreider just missing. The puck hit Mason or missed the net. The Rangers couldn’t finish. It reminded me of the old Stone Hands Line that consisted of Ryan Hollweg and Jed Ortmeyer with Dominic Moore. With apologies to Moore who still plays in Boston, Hollweg and Ortmeyer could sometimes have great chances and fail to score. Ortmeyer still remains one of my favorite Blueshirts. I have his jersey. Maybe if I had worn it instead of the Jaromir Jagr, they might’ve won. Hockey superstitions.

Entering the third, the Flyers played better at the end of the second finally testing Lundqvist, who had another good effort making 24 stops with neither goal his fault. Looking at the game sheet, I figured the Flyers were due for a power play. Given that the Rangers had the only two over the first two periods, you knew it was coming. And the way it had been played, it figured that once they got it, they would score. Sure enough, Simmonds found himself in front of the net to finish off his 20th from Brayden Schenn and Voracek. He’s always killed us. So, it was expected.

The Flyers clogged the neutral zone and forced the Rangers into sloppy turnovers. They never really gave the impression they could beat Mason. With Philadelphia in lock down mode following Voracek’s goal, it was basically over.

If there was a disturbing sign, it was this. It was the Flyers who managed the puck better. They out-hustled, out-muscled and outplayed the Rangers in the third to earn a second consecutive win.

We didn’t leave until Ryan McDonagh took a penalty with 41 seconds left. Mats Zuccarello had taken a silly one for going at a Flyer and delivering a hit into the boards for interference. Zuccarello was ornery. He also got in the face of another Flyer during a scrum challenging him. It’s sad that the little guy is the one to step up.

One Ranger who had a good game was Matt Puempel. Though his penalty led to Simmonds goal which was a total butcher job by the penalty kill. Puempel created chances by using his speed to go to the net and get in position for a couple of redirects. He finished with three shots and five attempts in 19 shifts (13:09). I would’ve loved to see Alain Vigneault give Puempel more than one brief 24-second power play shift in the third. They had nothing going. Jimmy Vesey received 3:05 while J.T. Miller got only two seconds. Inexplicable.

Vesey is clearly struggling. His ice-time has been cut dramatically. Maybe the next few days off will help him refresh for next week’s home match against the Blue Jackets. Oscar Lindberg saw only 11 shifts for 7:11 all at even strength. This despite being one of the few forwards to come back defensively. Why even dress him coach?

It is what it is. It was sad to get shutout by the Flyers. The Rangers had a 34-26 edge in shots and out-attempted them 69-48. None of that mattered. Mason stoned them.

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