HARD HITS: Snow to blame for Islanders mess

Posted on January 17, 2017 by Derek
c2akvtducaaan6c

With Jack Capuano finally relieved of his coaching duties, the focus is on GM Garth Snow for this Islanders mess. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NBC Sports.

It only took 42 games. But the Islanders finally fired coach Jack Capuano. A day after the team went into Boston and shut the Bruins out 4-0, they decided to send Capuano his walking papers. So after nearly seven years behind the bench, the embattled coach is finally out. In a way, it’s kind of a relief. His press conferences were tough to watch after losses. At least he can have some peace.

As for the team performance, let’s just say it’s not all Capuano’s fault. It starts at the top. It would be an understatement to conclude that Islanders Team President and GM Garth Snow has had a lousy year. Stemming from a terrible off-season in which he and new ownership let Kyle Okposo, Frans Nielsen and Matt Martin go, his replacements have been underwhelming. The Islanders currently sit dead last with 42 points in the Metropolitan Division. The worst total in the East trailing the rebuilding Sabres by one.

Jason Chimera and most notably Andrew Ladd have been big disappointments. While Chimera’s totals of eight goals and eight assists aren’t bad for his age, it in no way makes up for the departure of Nielsen to Detroit. He hasn’t lit the world on fire either with 25 points (9-16-25) on a low scoring Red Wings roster that seems destined to finally miss the playoffs. But the two-way pivot was a great fit on the Islanders. He could be counted on to play any situation and provided solid scoring behind captain John Tavares and Okposo.

Regarding Okposo, he has fit in well with Buffalo pacing them in goals (12) and tied for the team lead in points (28). That he got the same length in contract as Ladd and was paid just a tad more with an average cap hit of $6 million per year compared to $5.5 million shows Snow’s ineptitude. You’re telling me they couldn’t just keep a cohesive player who was a splendid fit with Tavares? No one expected Ladd to have only eight goals and four assists with just 64 shots and a minus-10 rating at the halfway point of the season. He’s a better player than that. If he doesn’t improve, that contract could be an albatross over the next six years.

Anytime you commit that many years and salary to a player who’s entering their 30’s, there’s a risk factor. I’m no fan of long-term contracts. All one has to do is look on the Manhattan side of New York City to see why. Ladd is 31. He has won two Stanley Cups and has a good resume. How he performs under interim coach Doug Weight in the second half could determine if he can turn it around. For whatever reason, he didn’t mesh with Tavares. Capuano instead found that Josh Bailey and Brock Nelson were better fits. Bailey is second in team scoring with a club best 23 assists and trails Tavares by three points with 29. Nelson ranks third with 23 (9-14-23).

Capuano tried different combos. He was desperate to find the right one. It was like throwing a square peg in a round hole. Sometimes, when a team makes changes to a roster that finally won their first playoff series since ’93, it’s a huge miscalculation. By not keeping core guys who fit the system, they took a risk. So far, the results have been disappointing. The Islanders are currently 17-17-8 and sit eight points behind second wildcard Philadelphia. They’ll have to climb over so many teams and do so in the league’s toughest division.

No one expected Snow to retain Martin, who got four years and an AAV of $2.5 million from the Maple Leafs. For the season, he has two goals and two assists with 154 hits which ranks second in the NHL. His 77 penalty minutes lead Toronto. The 27-year old is a nuts and bolts guy who drives the opposition nuts with his physicality. In a recent win over the Rangers, he certainly got under their skin. Even if it’s hard to justify his contract, Islander fans would agree that Martin, Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck were a tough checking line that injected energy into the team and building. That in your face style is gone.

The Isles have changed in ’16-17. And not for the better. They aren’t as hard to play against. How inconsistent have they been? This is a team that can beat quality opponents such as the Capitals, Rangers, Bruins and even the Penguins. But they’re also the same team that scored one goal in frustrating consecutive losses to the lowly Avalanche and Coyotes. They then lost at home by an identical 2-1 score to the Panthers. Right there is where I would’ve pulled the plug on Capuano.

Prior to recording his sixth career hat trick to reach 501 career points in a 5-2 win at Florida, Tavares had only 11 goals in his first 39 games. That right there tells the story. Snow has failed to provide one of the game’s premier scorers with a strong supporting cast. He deserves the blame for this mess. He made some horrible decisions. How much of a role new owners Jon Ledecky and Scott Malkin have is hard to say. Former owner Charles Wang was more hands on. But he let Snow run the team.

Aside from Tavares who is up to a team best 16 goals and 32 points along with Bailey (6-23-29), Anders Lee has 15 goals. It took him a while to get going. But he’s been finishing. The 26-year old former ’09 sixth round pick is a key piece of the future. What it comes down to for players such as Lee and Nelson is consistency. Finding it will help the team grow.

Ryan Strome is perhaps the club’s biggest disappointment. In his third full season, he’s regressed. When Snow took him fifth overall in the 2011 NHL Draft, more was expected. In ’14-15, he looked to be on track posting career highs in goals (17), assists (33), points (50) and games played (81) while contributing two goals and two assists in the first round. But he struggled mightily last season scoring just eight times with 20 helpers in 71 contests. The Isles even sent him down to Bridgeport for a stint. Strome totaled a goal and three assists in eight postseason games last year. Not the most reliable defensive player, he’s continued to struggle offensively with only six goals and eight assists in 39 contests.

Maybe the coaching change will help. It’s odd because the Islanders offense currently ranks eighth in the league averaging 2.83 goals-per-game. A big reason for that is the balanced scoring from the blue line with Nick Leddy leading the way with 21 points including seven goals. Under Capuano, that was one of the team strengths. The back end has a combined 25 goals. That includes Johnny Boychuk with five and the one good Snow move Dennis Seidenberg with four while leading the team in plus/minus (17). Calvin de Haan is a good defensive defenseman whose nine points, plus-seven and 111 blocked shots are solid numbers. Travis Hamonic has been the biggest disappointment with a team worst minus-14 rating.

The biggest issue for the Islanders is their team defense which has nights where they give up too many scoring chances and shots leading to games where they’ve allowed six to seven goals. It happened as recently as 1/14 in a 7-4 loss at Carolina following the 5-2 win at Florida. There’s no consistency. How else to explain chasing Tuukka Rask on Martin Luther King Day in a 4-0 shutout? The first of the season for starter Thomas Greiss. Speaking of him he’s had a good year with 11 wins in 21 games with a 2.41 goals-against-average and .925 save percentage.

One issue which made no sense was Snow’s insistence on keeping three goalies on the roster. Until December 30 when they waived former starter Jaroslav Halak, they were basically holding onto Jean-Francois Berube despite him barely playing. When they picked him up on waivers from the Kings last year, you figured the 25-year old would be in their future plans. They couldn’t send him down without exposing him. At one point when the team had injuries to its blue line, they went with six D. About as perplexing as how long they waited on former 2015 top pick Mathew Barzal before sending him back to Seattle. He had a good World Junior Championship posting eight points (3-5-8) in seven games for Canada, who fell to USA in the gold medal game.

Speaking of poor decisions, how about the contracts Snow handed out to former Leafs Nikolay Kulemin and Mikhail Grabovski? Kulemin gets over $4 million thru 2018 to be a secondary player. Following a decent ’14-15 in which he registered 15 goals and 16 assists, he dropped down to 9-13-22 in ’15-16. Thus far in Year 3, he’s 7-6-13.

As for Grabovski, it’s a shame what’s happened to him. Post-concussion symptoms have his career in jeopardy. After totaling 44 points in 109 combined games due to injuries, he has yet to play this season. The 32-year old from Belarus is a gifted player with skill who has had a solid career with the Leafs, Capitals and Islanders totaling 296 points in 534 career games. He has one more year left on a deal that pays him an average of $5 million per season. Grabovski is on long-term injured reserve. It remains to be seen if he’ll ever play another game.

Sometimes, injuries do play a role in what happens with players. When Snow signed both Kulemin and Grabovski, it was with good intentions. Thinking they could play together and be on a third line, it wasn’t bad by any stretch. But he overpaid.

Snow gets credit for trading Nino Niederreiter for Clutterbuck. El Nino didn’t want to remain an Islander. So, Snow went out and sent him to the Wild for the gritty Clutterbuck, who’s been a good player for the Islanders. He’s hit double digits in goals twice including 15 last year with 23 points to go with two markers and a helper in the playoffs. He continues to be a big hitter with his 137 pacing the club. However, his production has dropped off. With only two goals and a helper, the 29-year old misses sidekick Martin. Along with Cizikas, they were inseparable.

That’s why we have no idea why Snow decided to extend Clutterbuck for five years, $17.5 million. It seems like a stretch to give a grinder who will be 30 in the Fall five more years at $3.5 million on average. The deal made no sense. While it’s true he could’ve become unrestricted this summer, it looked like a panic move by Snow. Not to take away from Clutterbuck, who’s a team guy with character. But that’s a contract that will probably be a bad one.

If there is a bright spot, it’s been the play of rookie Anthony Beauvillier. Also a first round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, the 19-year old has shown some glimpses. A good player with superb speed and someone they can plug, he’s done okay with four goals and seven assists in 29 games. If there was one bugaboo with Capuano, it’s that he didn’t play him enough. Beauvillier needs consistent ice-time. He was scratched at times which left Islander fans up in arms. We’ll see what Weight’s plan is.

A big part of the team’s struggles is its special teams. The Islanders rank 26th on the power play (13.6 percent) and are 21st on the penalty kill (80.0 percent). Combined with allowing the second most shots per game giving up a whopping 33.2 which is only ahead of the dreadful Coyotes (33.6), it’s no wonder the team is closer to a lottery pick than the playoffs. Only Arizona (32 points) and Colorado (27) have fewer points than the Islanders (42). Their goal differential is minus-eight with 120 goals for and 128 goals allowed.

If you’re big into puck possession, the Isles don’t have the puck enough. As evidenced by the 29.9 shots they average and over 33 given up, it’s not conducive to winning consistently. It further explains why they are where they are. Most of the teams in the negative shots differential column rank near the bottom overall including the Devils, who allow nearly four more shots than they get. Yet they’re up to 45 points and only five out of a wildcard due to mediocrity in a bunched up conference that has an Atlantic Division with only Montreal and Boston ahead of second wildcard Philadelphia. The Leafs, Senators and Panthers are all tied in points (48) with the Lightning at 46 and the Wings at 44. In the Metro, the Hurricanes are at 49 only one behind the Flyers with three games at hand.

Basically, you can go up in the standings very quickly if you put together a winning streak. That was Snow’s reasoning for the coaching change. It still doesn’t fully explain a tenure that’s seen his team advance past the first round once. It doesn’t explain failing to sign 2008 sixth round selection Jared Spurgeon. A good defenseman who has become a staple on the Wild blue line. Minnesota leads the West with 61 points.

If he doesn’t turn it around, Strome will go down as a bust. He was taken before Mika Zibanejad, Mark Scheifele, Sean Couturier, Dougie Hamilton and J.T. Miller. Other notables include Richard Rakell, Boone Jenner, John Gibson, Brandon Saad and Islander killer Nikita Kucherov. If you’re wondering, the last four went after defenseman Scott Mayfield in the second round. Current Islander Shane Prince went number 61 to Ottawa. If you go through the remainder of the 2011 Draft, it doesn’t get any better. They missed out on some good players including Vincent Trocheck and Johnny Gaudreau.

Snow’s best work came in 2009 when he took Tavares first overall and traded up for de Haan. He also grabbed Cizikas and Lee late. It looks like he swung and missed on Josh Ho-Sang, who remains a puzzling player that is late to team meetings at Bridgeport and has only three goals and 13 assists in his first pro season. The jury on Michael Dal Colle remains to be seen. Defenseman Ryan Pulock has potential but must stay healthy. Devon Toews has been good for Bridgeport with 24 points in his first pro year. Unless Berube or Christopher Gibson pan out, the club doesn’t have a goalie for the near future. However, there is 2014 third rounder Ilya Sorokin, who at only 21 has fared well in the KHL with CSKA Moscow posting 21 wins with a 1.54 GAA and .931 save percentage. But how soon will he be ready to come over?

When looking at the Islanders from the outside, it’s hard to believe they’re not further along. Tavares is in his eighth season and has only made the playoffs three times. He’s played in four series posting 11 goals and 11 helpers in 24 games. Coming off last year’s dramatic first round win over the Panthers in which he scored the tying and winning goals at home in an unreal Game 6 at Barclays Center, more was expected from the team. Instead, they have taken a significant step back.

Unless the coaching change works, they’ll miss the postseason for the fifth time in Tavares’ eight-year career. That’s unacceptable. It’s not just the coach here. It’s Snow, who’s been given plenty of time to put together a roster Islander fans could be proud of.

Where’s the identity? Until they clean house entirely, the Islanders remain a franchise in limbo playing in an arena that isn’t great for hockey. Their attendance remains an issue with the team ranking 29th with an 81.1 percentage drawing 12,819 per ESPN.com. Only the Hurricanes rank worse. Moving from Long Island to Brooklyn hasn’t been a smooth transition. The franchise belongs on Long Island.

There is more at stake than just the current roster here. The team’s future remains cloudy. A better product would definitely help. Management must make more changes to restore order.

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

The time is now for Lundqvist

Posted on January 16, 2017 by Derek
Henrik Lundqvist, Dan Boyle

Henrik Lundqvist has never let down the Rangers since assuming the mantle as a 23-year old rookie. Now is the time for him to prove he still has it with Antti Raanta out. AP Photo by Phelan M. Ebenhack/Getty Images

Ever since he entered the NHL as a bright eyed 23-year old who carried Frolunda HC to a championship back home in Sweden, Henrik Lundqvist has been a brilliant goalie for the Rangers. The former 2000 seventh round pick taken number 205 has been the backbone of the franchise. In helping lead a once struggling Original Six outfit out of irrelevancy to 10 of 11 postseasons, the Swedish King made Broadway a big hit.

No longer was MSG an eyesore for the Garden Faithful. But rather a spotlight for its biggest star to shine under the bright lights. Lundqvist has been a model of consistency winning at least 30-or-more games in 10 of 11 seasons. The only year he didn’t was the shortened season of ’12-13 when he won 24 while posting a 2.05 goals-against-average and .926 save percentage with three shutouts in 43 games.

That was the last year under former coach John Tortorella, who emphasized defense first. His volatile personality finally wore out with Lundqvist non-committal to re-signing with the team. He also had some criticism after the team was bounced out of the second round by the Bruins following an appearance in the Conference Finals during Lundqvist’s Vezina season of ’11-12. A year which saw the team gain the East’s top seed and have the franchise netminder achieve career bests in wins (39), GAA (1.97) and save percentage (.929) in 62 contests. He carried that team past Ottawa and Washington before getting outplayed by old rival Martin Brodeur in a six-game series loss to the Devils.

In many ways, that ’11-12 roster overachieved. They weren’t expected to go from a five-game first round exit to the East’s best record and two hard fought seven-game series with their goalie prevailing to help them reach the team’s first Conference Final since ’97 when number 11 and 99 starred along with number 2, 9 and 35 in a classic era of Rangers hockey. As it turned out, they weren’t ready to win. So, after a tumultuous year with Tortorella, whose truthful answer about why he didn’t use Carl Hagelin on the power play caused irreparable damage, then President and GM Glen Sather made a coaching change.

Out was Tortorella and in came Alain Vigneault. Another successful NHL coach who had guided the Canucks to the edge of a Stanley Cup in ’10-11 before losing in awful fashion to the Bruins 4-0 in their own building in Game 7. They won the President’s Trophy with 117 points led by a high scoring offense featuring the Sedin Twins and Ryan Kesler. Roberto Luongo was the star goalie with future Devils starter Cory Schneider the very capable backup. Despite finally edging the Blackhawks in seven games after blowing a 3-0 series lead and besting the Predators and Sharks in easier fashion, Vancouver came up just short of delivering the franchise’s first Cup. They blew series leads of 2-0 and 3-2 to the Bruins.

Following consecutive first round disappointments, Vigneault was dismissed. With both coaches outed, they actually traded places. Vigneault was hired by the Rangers receiving a five-year $10 million contract. Tortorella took the Vancouver job. Ultimately, Vigneault was a lot more successful than Tortorella, who was a bad fit for the Canucks. He lost his job following one season before eventually landing on his feet last year with the now totally rebuild Blue Jackets.

Vigneault took over in ’13-14 for the Rangers. Bringing a more offensive minded approach emphasizing speed, skill and transition, it worked. After defeating the Flyers in seven games thanks to unsung hero Dan Carcillo and the goaltending of Lundqvist, they faced off against the Penguins. A team they’d never beaten in the postseason. When they had two dismal performances at MSG to fall behind 3-1, it looked over.

After learning of emotional leader Martin St. Louis’ Mom France’s death to a heart attack, they went into Pittsburgh and won convincingly. St. Louis played in both Games 5 and 6 scoring the first goal in a Mother’s Day win to even the series. As all this was going on, Lundqvist shut the door allowing just three goals on the final 102 shots- including a gut wrenching 2-1 win in Game 7 with brilliant goalie making Brad Richards’ power play goal in the second period from St. Louis stand up. Without Lundqvist’s performance, the Rangers don’t come back from a 3-1 deficit to win a series for the first time in franchise history. They also don’t beat the Pens again. I remember how emotional I was when they won. It meant everything.

Buoyed by Carey Price’s injury in Game 1 on an accidental collision with Chris Kreider, who was pushed from behind by Alexei Emelin unless you talk to Montreal fans, the Rangers still had to go six to earn their first Stanley Cup trip in 20 years. The only goal came from Dominic Moore on a great set up from Brian Boyle behind the net late in the second. Without a remarkable save from Lundqvist that I still don’t know how he stopped, who knows if they win what still ranks as the best game I’ve ever been to. He only made 18 saves for the shutout but that one save with the game still scoreless before Moore’s series clincher will forever be remembered. Here it is in all its glory called by Doc Emrick:

That team made the Stanley Cup Final due to Lundqvist, who carried them as far as he possibly could. His play against the Pens turned the second round around. Saves like the ridiculous blocker save above were common. Ultimately, they fell short of winning the Cup by falling to the Kings in as close a five-game series as possible. Three sudden death losses all at Staples Center still sting. So too were the blown leads in the third period where Vigneault chose to sit back. Part of it was due to the Kings, whose size and ferocious forecheck turned third periods into nightmares for Blueshirt fans. So lopsided were they that it defied logic. I wish I didn’t have to see Alec Martinez, who continues to score big goals for the Kings to this day.

When I think of Lundqvist’s reaction with him being down and in tears, it still is the saddest sight I’ve ever seen. This guy has meant so much for the Rangers. He has always faced the music win or lose. When they lost in a crushing Game 7 at home to the Lightning in a Conference Final the following year, he was there at his locker responding to reporters’ questions. That loss to Tampa was heartbreaking. Even after we learned of all the injuries key defensemen Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi, Marc Staal and Kevin Klein played through, it still hurt knowing the team scored zero goals in the final six home periods in Game 5 and 7. If you don’t score, how can you win? Yet they crushed Tampa in Game 6 on the road as predicted. Let’s just say it was a very weird series with a cruel ending.

In ’15-16, I predicted Lundqvist to win the Vezina. I figured he’d be super motivated. His start was unreal. Despite a battered D with still a not fully recovered Girardi and Staal struggling mightily, Lundqvist was as good as he’s ever been leading the team to a stunning start. But it all broke down in late December. They were never the same. With more and more breakdowns, Lundqvist had to do too much. Somehow, he still wound up with a .920 save percentage, 35 victories, seven shutouts and a 2.48 GAA. But there were more instances where he was pulled for backup Antti Raanta. A sad trend that continued in a lopsided five-game series defeat to the Pens, who would win the Cup.

Unfortunately, this wonderful player who always exudes class and personifies what it means to be a professional athlete win or lose couldn’t bail out a flawed team. It was tough to watch. Seeing him get pulled in the final two games was not how anyone pictured it. But the writing had been on the wall. With Vigneault stubbornly playing Girardi too much despite a bad knee and Staal struggling along with Klein, who hasn’t been the same since a fractured thumb, the defense remains an issue.

Even with rookie Brady Skjei and ’16-17 revelation Nick Holden helping aid the blue line with improved speed from the left side, the Rangers defensively aren’t the same. Despite darts being tossed at Girardi by redundant bloggers who would probably blame him for ISIS and other worldwide issues, he hasn’t been the worst defenseman. That’s been Klein, who is now painful to watch. He gets beat routinely and turns pucks over. It’s become sad to watch him because he was so good his first two years after being acquired from Nashville for Michael Del Zotto. A trade that actually turned into one of Sather’s best.

Making matters worse, Staal has been out with post-concussion symptoms. He hasn’t played since Jan. 3. With the alternate captain bouncing back with a stronger year due to being healthier, it’s made the Rangers defense an eyesore. There is no timetable for his return. Staal must go through concussion protocol. At last check, he is skating. But who knows when he’ll be cleared for full contact. Unlike the improved forward depth which current general manager Jeff Gorton upgraded, the D remains paper thin. Especially when you subtract Staal.

What’s transpired is more games where Lundqvist hasn’t been up to par. He’s not making the key stops we’re so used to seeing. For over a decade, number 30 spoiled us. The franchise leader in wins (392) and shutouts (60) is down to a career worst 2.72 GAA and .907 save percentage. He’s still won 18 of 31 games due in large part to an improved offense. The Rangers rank first in offense just ahead of Pittsburgh averaging 3.41 goals-per-game. With contributions from Gorton steal Michael Grabner (19 goals), Chris Kreider (17 goals), Rick Nash (14 goals), Kevin Hayes (33 points), Derek Stepan (33 points), J.T. Miller and Mats Zuccarello (32 points each), they are well balanced.

The good news is Pavel Buchnevich is already back and Mika Zibanejad returns for tomorrow’s home match against the Stars after missing two months with a broken leg. Offensively, the Rangers should see continued improvement. Especially with Zibanejad centering Buchnevich and Nash while Stepan remains with Kreider and Zuccarello. That leaves Hayes with Miller and Grabner. A very good third line with solid chemistry. The fourth line for tomorrow will be Brandon Pirri centering rookie Jimmy Vesey and Jesper Fast. Pirri has scored five of his seven goals on the power play. It’s the only reason he stays in the lineup. Oscar Lindberg is a better fit for the fourth line.

Offense isn’t a problem. It’s about the goalie and the defense with the latter having been covered extensively. This defense isn’t gonna prevent quality scoring chances. Especially with Skjei hitting a rookie wall, Girardi up and down and Klein in a funk. Even emotional leader Ryan McDonagh is having trouble. His breakdown which led to Max Pacioretty’s breakaway goal in an awful 5-4 loss to the Canadiens at the House of Horrors was part of a total team breakdown in which the Rangers allowed three straight Montreal goals in 62 seconds.

Lundqvist couldn’t stop the bleeding. Following Pacioretty’s 20th, here came a swarm of Habs undefended as they attacked Lundqvist’s net. Eventually, Paul Byron backhanded a loose puck off Adam Clendening in only 26 seconds later to turn a 3-2 Rangers lead into a 5-3 deficit. A total disaster. Had Lundqvist seen Emelin’s shot from 60 feet which tied the score, maybe they don’t have a meltdown.

In truth, he wasn’t expected to play. Vigneault gave Raanta the start following a very disappointing home loss to the Maple Leafs on an emotional Friday night when the team paid tribute to Steven McDonald. Toronto has improved and their team speed and skill caused problems. But Lundqvist also gave up at least two questionable goals where his positioning was off. When he’s right, he is more aggressive and closes down bad angles.

A visibly shaken Lundqvist following the Montreal misery in which he was forced into action due to a lower body injury to Raanta, showed the 34-year old at a loss for words. He gave up all five goals on 22 shots in the final two periods. How tough was it to watch his post game? He even showed frustration with MSG reporter John Giannone, who asked if he saw Emelin’s shot. He fumed:

“Did it look like I saw it?”

It was not Giannone’s fault. He only asks what the MSG production crew tells him to. Sometimes, the obvious questions can make him look bad. Giannone is a pro. It was not the most comfortable situation for him or Lundqvist, whose confidence is shaken. Following a four-game stretch where Raanta played last month, he returned to form and looked to be back. A 27-save shutout of the Stars followed by 31 saves in a shootout win over Nashville and 29 saves in another shootout win over the Devils seemed to indicate that Lundqvist was seeing the puck better. In the three, he permitted three goals on 90 shots in 190 minutes.

But in a perplexing move, Vigneault went back to Raanta at the Pens. Rather than give a resurgent Lundqvist a fourth straight start, he decided to start Raanta who had won at Pittsburgh in an earlier match-up. He was no match as were the team which played dreadful hockey in a 7-2 blowout loss. The reason I disagreed with the decision was because Lundqvist was playing well and hadn’t won at Pittsburgh in a while. It would’ve been a good opportunity to see if he could stay hot and beat a team that’s given him problems recently.

The Rangers also had two days off before a final home game against the Wild. Vigneault went back to Lundqvist, who wasn’t himself giving up four goals on 13 shots before Raanta replaced him in an embarrassing 7-4 loss to head into the Christmas break. Since then, he’s allowed four goals-or-more in five of his last seven starts counting that game. When Vigneault went back to him following a no show against Buffalo, he was stellar with 30 saves in a back-to-back 5-2 win at the Flyers. He also showed great mental fortitude in a come from behind 5-4 win at Columbus by not allowing anything following an early Blue Jackets goal that put the Rangers in a 4-1 hole before they rallied.

Lundqvist is the type of goalie you have to ride. He prefers a heavy workload. When Vigneault decided to go back to Raanta at Montreal following a 4-2 home defeat to Toronto, it was a mistake. By continuing to do this, it’s not allowing Lundqvist to find a rhythm. He’s been so dependable for so long, he deserves the right to figure it out.

Maybe he isn’t the same goalie. However, he’s never given the Rangers any reason to panic before. He’s been through similar poor stretches with the one in Vignault’s first season forcing him to the bench for three straight while Cam Talbot started. Lundqvist came back and recovered.

Now with Raanta out and the Rangers having five games in the next nine days, this is Lundqvist’s chance to regain his form. There’s no time like the present for him to prove he is still the man. There can’t be any doubt. It’s time to see if he still has it.

Posted in Column | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Lundqvist can’t break Hab-it as Rangers self destruct in loss

Posted on January 15, 2017 by Derek
proxy

Paul Byron scores the game-winner on a stunned Henrik Lundqvist as the Canadiens scored three goals in 62 seconds as the Rangers fell apart in a devastating 5-4 loss at the House of Horrors. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Canadiens Montreal

This one was self inflicted. It wasn’t that they didn’t try hard enough. The effort was there for the most part. But a total meltdown turned what would’ve been a good road win into a brutal 5-4 loss as the Rangers self destructed against the Canadiens at Bell Centre. It was their second straight defeat and now has them clearly in fourth place in the Metro Division. They could be playing for a wildcard instead of a top three spot in a loaded division full of roadblocks.

They don’t call it the House of Horrors for nothing. Montreal has never treated the Rangers kindly. Especially Henrik Lundqvist. On a night he wasn’t supposed to play, a “lower-body” injury to backup Antti Raanta forced him into action at the start of the second period. It was a long two periods for the franchise netminder who let in all five Montreal goals on 22 shots after Raanta stopped all 10 in a perfect first which had the Rangers ahead 1-0 on a Brandon Pirri power play goal.

It’s hard to explain what happened. After the game’s first 20 minutes, the Rangers led by a goal and had played a good road period. They scored on the power play off a draw with Pirri finally finding twine for the first time in 11 games when his one-time blast beat Carey Price far side from Ryan McDonagh and Derek Stepan at 12:24.

But this was a odd game in so many ways. The Habs thought they had the game’s first goal but a good coach’s challenge by Alain Vigneault reversed the call due to goaltender interference on Raanta. To be honest, Andrew Shaw was pushed from behind by Kevin Klein. It easily could’ve been ruled a good goal. However, Toronto found enough conclusive evidence to reverse it which drew boos from the Montreal capacity crowd of 21,288.

Following Pirri’s fifth power play goal (7th overall), Shaw would be involved in a controversial hit on Jesper Fast. With Fast skating through the neutral zone without the puck, he was blindsided by a high hit from Shaw at center ice leaving him down to recover. While refs Dan O’Halloran and Chris Rooney huddled up with the two linesmen, J.T. Miller had seen enough. He challenged Shaw, who obliged. Even though Shaw got the decision, it was nice to see Miller to come to Fast’s aid. The illegal hit was unacceptable. Especially from a guy who returned from a concussion.

Shaw plays a nasty physical game with edge. He is fiery and sometimes, can lose his head. We saw this last year with the Blackhawks when he lost it a couple of times in the penalty box. Maybe that’s why Chicago parted with him to save on the cap. I doubt Joel Quenneville would tolerate his shenanigans. It probably got tired. Under Montreal coach Michel Therrien, Shaw remains an effective player. But an even more dangerous one. Running around like that isn’t smart. It was a dangerous hit that could’ve injured Fast, who fortunately was okay to return.

The officials made the appropriate call assessing a interference major and game misconduct to Shaw. His hit will be subject to an automatic review by the Department of Player Safety. Figure that to happen on Monday where there should be at least a phone hearing. Whether he’s further disciplined remains to be seen.

If there was a turning point, it was the Rangers’ inability to score on the five minute major. They messed around with the puck too much and didn’t make Price work. Credit also goes to the Canadiens’ penalty kill. They didn’t give up a lot and remained only down a goal after one.

When the teams came out for the second, one thing was different. It was Lundqvist entering the cage instead of Raanta, who left the game. Not to speculate. But it could be the groin. If so, that’s not good news on the Ranger front. They’ll have to recall a goalie from Hartford for Tuesday’s home game against Dallas. It will either be Brandon Halverson or Magnus Hellberg.

After failing miserably on the remainder of a five-minute power play, the Rangers decided to let the Canadiens greet Lundqvist with a warm welcome. As is tradition, he got scored on immediately. On a broken coverage with McDonagh and Kevin Klein way too apart, no one took Alex Galchenyuk in front. He had all day to redirect a Mark Barberio shot past Lundqvist for the Habs’ first shot on him to tie the score at 3:08.

Unlike the first, the second was wide open and played more to the Habs’ frenetic pace. They’re a faster skating team than the Rangers. That is probably why they won. The Rangers got into a track meet. They did well initially. On a two on one set up by Pavel Buchnevich, Rick Nash finished off a Kevin Hayes rebound with Price way out of the crease for a 2-1 lead at 6:29.

The Montreal bench challenged for goalie interference due to Hayes’ skate getting caught in Price’s right skate. But it was the definition of continuation and had no impact on Nash’s goal which was a follow up play with Price out of position. After they justifiably upheld it, more boos rained down at Bell Centre. It didn’t last long with Brian Flynn taking advantage of some faulty Ranger defense to beat Lundqvist at 7:58.

With Nick Holden off for slashing after Alex Radulov undressed the entire D, it was the Rangers who struck gold thanks to the unique penalty kill tandem of Hayes and Miller. The Broadway Bandits combined for a shorthanded goal when Hayes led Miller, who got behind Shea Weber and quickly snapped one past Price for his NHL-leading third shorthanded goal- extending his point streak to seven. A well executed play by two smart players with great chemistry.

Things cooled down for a while. The Rangers even protected the 3-2 lead into the third. For the first half, Montreal had nothing going. Locked up by the Blueshirts’ tight checking, they weren’t able to get any good scoring chances.

That changed following an icing. Of all people, Alexei Emelin beat Lundqvist off a clean face-off win to tie the score with 9:07 remaining. The play was set up by Paul Byron and Phillip Danault (3 assists). How Emelin scored was shocking. He let go of a simple wrist shot from way out that Lundqvist never picked up.

Following the game which saw the Canadiens strike for three goals in a 62-second span to go from 3-2 down to 5-3 up, a downcast Lundqvist snapped at MSG reporter John Giannone. He asked him if he saw Emelin’s shot. Lundqvist didn’t mince words replying, “Did it look like I saw it.”

That’s about as irate as I’ve ever seen him. He never does that. But it was a pretty poorly timed question. Blame the MSG truck for feeding poor Giannone a ridiculous question. He’s made to look pretty bad sometimes by some of the obvious questions he asks after bad losses. Giannone is a stand up guy as is Lundqvist, who’s at his locker win or lose. This wasn’t a normal situation. He got called into a game following an injury and never looked comfortable.

With the game tied, what followed was a total breakdown. On just a terrible read by McDonagh in which he got caught pinching, he left way too much gap with partner Dan Girardi. It led directly to an easy transition with Zach Redmond hitting Max Pacioretty in stride for a clean breakaway goal that put Montreal in front only 36 seconds later. Pacioretty’s 20th was a thing of beauty unless you root for the Blueshirts. It was ugly. Totally on McDonagh too because he made a foolish play. Girardi was never catching Pacioretty.

As for Lundqvist, he doesn’t stop breakaways as frequently. He used to be money. But that was a long time ago. He’s clearly fighting the puck and going through a very tough stretch. When you have MSG feeding Giannone questions about his confidence, it’s humiliating. Does he look confident? How bad can they insult his intelligence along with the fans?

As if that wasn’t bad enough, you had Adam Clendening on his knees while Byron stuffed one home on a chaotic scramble where our D checked no one in Habs’ sweaters. The goal came only 26 seconds later and gave Montreal a 5-3 lead with 8:05 left.

Honestly, no Ranger defenseman played well. They all stunk. Holden was probably the best. But he has been most of the season. As if to prove a point, it was his point shot that was double deflected by Mats Zuccarello and Derek Stepan to cut it to 5-4 with 5:07 remaining. Stepan’s 10th was a nice redirect at the side of the net which gave the Rangers four goals on Price. That should’ve been good enough to win.

The 1:02 implosion where the Habs scored three in a row did them in. You knew Price wasn’t gonna allow them to tie it. I said it to my father. About a minute later, he flat out robbed a flying Michael Grabner with a glove save to roaring approval from the crowd.

Ultimately, the Rangers did it to themselves. This could’ve been a feel good win. Instead, as they ran out of time with Chris Kreider forcing Price to make one more save with over three seconds left, it’s an awful loss that will sting. A very winnable game against a team that was struggling and they had a full fledged panic attack on the ice.

As for Lundqvist, it is what it is. He’s going to get the starts now. So, now is the time for him to respond the way he always has. Like a true champion. He will get the repetition. It’s up to him to fight out of this. At 34, he’s not a kid anymore. It’s too early to say he’s done. But the body language hasn’t been good. Neither has the defense, which looks naked without Marc Staal.

It doesn’t matter which 18 skaters Vigneault pencils into his lineup Tuesday. They have to be much better. From the goal out, they have to be. They still remain tied in points (57) with the suddenly slumping Pens. But they remain fourth in the division with two more games played while the Blue Jackets and Capitals continue to win consistently.

Don’t look now. But while the Flyers are nose diving, the Hurricanes are creeping up. Their 7-4 win over the Islanders has them up to 49 points. With the Leafs, Sens and Panthers all tied with 48, the wildcard race could start to get interesting.

For the Rangers, they must get this one off their minds. Maybe a night out on the town is best. Some drinks might do them some good. They weren’t awful by any stretch. But bad enough to fall apart. They do have a practice on Monday and then the Stars visit. We’ll see what they’re made of.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-J.T. Miller, Rangers (shorthanded goal-14th, fought Shaw, somehow only played 13:44 incl. 11:18 ES, 1:19 PP, 1:07 SH-inexplicable.)

2nd Star-Alexei Emelin, Canadiens (tying goal-2nd, assist, 3 shots, 3 blocked shots, +1 in 29 shifts-23:41-I feel sick doing this. But he scored a big one and played well.)

1st Star-Paul Byron, Canadiens (goal-13th for GWG, assist, +1 in 30 shifts-20:02-a very underrated player who really sparked the comeback.)

Notes: This was a wildly entertaining game with the two Original 6’s combining for 65 shots (NYR 33 Habs 32) and 120 attempts (NYR 62 Habs 58). … Six different players recorded at least two points with four Habs and two Blueshirts. Hayes had 2 assists and Stepan had a goal and assist. … Despite struggling, Price got the win finishing with 29 saves. … Aside from Shaw’s shenanigans, the Habs only took one other penalty. There weren’t many power plays with NYR 1-for-3 (Pirri) and MTL 0-for-2. … Key Stat: Giveaways NYR-20 MTL 12 … Montreal controlled draws winning 36-of-59 led by Torrey Mitchell, who went a perfect 7-for-7. Danault also went 9-and-3 while tallying three assists. Stepan was the Rangers’ best going 8-and-9. … With an assist, Buchnevich made it six straight games with a point dating back to Nov. 5. Over that stretch, he’s 4-4-8. Vigneault wasn’t afraid to play him giving Buchnevich 27 shifts (17:39). Oscar Lindberg and Jimmy Vesey struggled each going minus-two with a shade over eight minutes.

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

Game Update: Lundqvist replaces injured Raanta

Posted on January 14, 2017 by Derek

At the start of the second period, Antti Raanta didn’t return to the ice in Montreal. Instead, Henrik Lundqvist replaced him in net. Scheduled for a night off, the 34-year old Rangers starter is back in replacing Raanta, who suffered a “lower-body” injury.

For now, the Rangers are left with only one goalie. Who would become the emergency back up if something were to happen to Lundqvist? I would imagine someone is being rushed to the arena.

Of course, Lundqvist was rudely greeted by the Habs, who scored on their first shot when Alex Galchenyuk was left all alone to deflect a point shot past him to tie the score.

Further updating the game, Rick Nash follows up a Kevin Hayes rush with his 14th past Carey Price to give the Rangers a 2-1 lead in the second period. More to come later. The Habs challenged the call for goalie interference. They had one reversed on them in the first period when it appeared Kevin Klein pushed Andrew Shaw into Raanta.

The Habs lose the challenge because Price was outside the crease and made a kick save to deny Hayes, whose skate got tangled with Price’s right leg outside. That allowed Nash to get the continuation for a good goal at 6:29. It reads Nash (14) from Hayes and Pavel Buchnevich, who for a second consecutive game has an assist. He’s a point machine even when he misses two months.

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

Shaw’s hit on Fast dirt cheap

Posted on January 14, 2017 by Derek

During the first period of the Rangers/Canadiens game at Bell Centre, Montreal forward Andrew Shaw took a run at Rangers forward Jesper Fast. With his team trailing 1-0, Shaw came after Fast with a late high hit that knocked him down. He didn’t get up right away. It was the type of dangerous hit the NHL Department Of Player Safety are trying to get rid of.

That it’s Shaw’s first game back from a concussion speaks volumes. The former Blackhawk obviously has no respect for his peers. I don’t recall him going this far with Chicago where he helped them win Stanley Cups. But this is unacceptable. Judge for yourself:

Fast has returned to the Rangers bench for the second period. As for Shaw, the officials gave him the gate with an interference major penalty and game misconduct. Will he face further supplementary discipline for his actions in his return game? Don’t bet on it.

One other note. Good on Fast’s teammate J.T. Miller for standing up for him. He lost the battle. But won a lot of respect. If they really are considering trading Miller, it would be a grave mistake.

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

Pregame: Vigneault goes to Raanta at Montreal

Posted on January 14, 2017 by Derek
c2k0zzlucaa1end

AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Canadiens Montreal.

In the second game of a back-to-back, coach Alain Vigneault will go to backup Antti Raanta when the Rangers visit Montreal on Hockey Night In Canada. It’ll be his first start since 12/29 when he made 18 saves in a 6-3 win at Arizona. Raanta won his last two starts in December with victories over Ottawa and the Coyotes. In each, he allowed three goals while turning aside 51 of 57 shots.

There’s nothing wrong with having Raanta start against the Canadiens in a building starter Henrik Lundqvist has historically struggled. However, it’s not gonna help Lundqvist’s confidence following Friday’s disappointment. Somewhat curiously, Raanta is 2-0 in 3 appearances (2 starts) with a 2.30 goals-against-average and .927 save percentage (63 saves on 68 shots in 131 minutes).

By comparison, Lundqvist is 14-15-2 with a 2.77 GAA, .900 save percentage and two shutouts in 32 starts against Montreal. His last game at Bell Centre was a nightmare allowing five goals on 24 shots in 49 minutes. Granted. Every Blueshirt fan knows his history at the Canadiens. However, at some point he needs to get consistent playing time. Vigneault is messing around with a star player who has always done well when he gets more starts.

We’re now into mid-January and Lundqvist still is struggling with consistency. The 2.60 GAA and .910 save percentage would be career worsts. The Rangers are playing their 43rd game tonight. Lundqvist has only started 29 and appeared in 30. Vigneault has indicated he wants to keep him under 60 starts. That’s fine. But at what point will he let Hank play his way out of it?

After tonight, the Rangers are off the next two days before returning home to host the disappointing Stars. They will have five games left following Saturday’s big Original Six match-up. That also includes a return trip to Toronto 1/19 followed by a 1/22 visit at Detroit. Then a back-to-back at MSG against the Kings followed by the Flyers coming in on 1/25. Lundqvist needs to get into at least four of the five. The All-Star break follows. The Blueshirts finish the month at home against the Blue Jackets.

Vigneault also did an about face indicating he will play rookie Pavel Buchnevich again in the second game of a back-to-back. He feels the 21-year old Russian forward who returned from a bad back can handle it. His skill level is certainly a boost. Even in a 4-2 defeat, Buchnevich recorded an assist on J.T. Miller’s late goal. He also received over four minutes of power play time while being limited to 10:43 in 17 shifts.

Figure the lines to remain intact as should the defensive pairings. It’ll be interesting to see what former Habs’ first round pick Ryan McDonagh comes up with against the team that gave him away in the infamous Scott Gomez salary dump. The best trade of the Glen Sather era which also involved Chris Higgins, Pavel Valentenko and Tom Pyatt. Only Pyatt still plays in the NHL doing so in a supporting penalty kill role for Ottawa.

The Canadiens got good news with Alex Galchenyuk returning tonight along with pest Andrew Shaw. They have been up and down lately. After outscoring Winnipeg 7-4, they got hammered by the Wild 7-1. A game in which coach Michel Therrien left Carey Price in for all seven goals. Considering that they had a run in earlier this season when Therrien pulled Price at home during a period, I guess you could say that is a sensitive situation.

Known as the House of Horrors to Ranger fans, it has never treated our team kindly. However, Raanta got a win there and former backup now Edmonton starter Cam Talbot had success. It should be interesting to see how both teams respond coming off losses. Don’t forget Price has an amazing record on Saturday night’s on HNIC.

The puck is about to drop. We’ll see how it goes.

 

Posted in Game Preview | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Video of Day: Tavares gets 500 points in style with sixth career hat trick

Posted on January 14, 2017 by Derek
c2ghxlqucaeumrv

John Tavares recorded his sixth career hat trick to reach a milestone with his 500th career NHL point on the second one before scoring into an empty net to highlight an Islanders’ 5-2 win at Florida. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NHL.

It hasn’t been the easiest of seasons for Islanders captain John Tavares. Following last Spring when the former 2009 first overall pick led the Islanders to their first playoff series win since ’93, the 26-year old star center has had to adjust to life without former sidekick Kyle Okposo.

In a year that’s tested everyone’s patience including coach Jack Capuano, who called out some veterans following a third consecutive 2-1 loss at home, Tavares led his team to a bounce back 5-2 win over the Panthers in a rematch at Florida. He also made some history by reaching 500 career points- doing it in style by recording his sixth career hat trick.

He entered the contest with only 11 goals in 39 games. By the end of the night, he had numbers 12, 13 and 14 in a satisfying victory that got the Islanders to 16-16-8 over 40 games. They remain in last place with 40 points in a ultra competitive Metropolitan Division. However, it doesn’t take away from Tavares’ accomplishment. Here are the highlights of his big night with number 500 a classic goal from a very skilled player who deserves better than this:

In the victory, Jason Chimera and Nick Leddy also tallied in support of winning starter Thomas Greiss, who finished with 27 saves. Josh Bailey added two assists including the primary on Tavares’ highlight reel goal in which he juked around a Florida defender and finished in style with a forehand past Roberto Luongo.

Posted in NY Islanders, Video Of Day | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lundqvist to blame for loss on emotional night

Posted on January 13, 2017 by Derek
c2gav-jxeaal0ss

The Maple Leafs had plenty to celebrate in a 4-2 win over a listless Rangers on an emotional night in which they said goodbye to Steven McDonald. Henrik Lundqvist had another tough game and it’s becoming a common trend for the franchise goalie. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Maple Leafs.

It’s rare that you point the finger at a player who’s gone above and beyond the call of duty. Henrik Lundqvist has certainly done that for this franchise. For over a decade, he has been the backbone of a team that’s missed the playoffs only once since his rookie season in ’05-06. The franchise leader in wins (392), shutouts (60) and games played (714) as a goalie hasn’t been himself in ’16-17.

One could argue that it isn’t entirely his fault. Lundqvist doesn’t have the All-Star defense he once had. Age is showing on the back end in vets Dan Girardi and Kevin Klein. However, it doesn’t fully explain the up and down play of younger captain Ryan McDonagh, who after a very good start continues to be inconsistent. It’s not easy either when a blood and guts warrior such as Marc Staal goes down to a concussion. However, not everything can be pinned on a D which also has featured bright spot Nick Holden along with emerging rookie Brady Skjei with Adam Clendening filling in nicely for the injured Staal.

Sometimes, you need your goalie to make a key save. More often than not, the 34-year old Lundqvist has bailed out his teammates throughout his career which has included a Vezina along with the franchise’s only two comebacks from 3-1 down, plus a trip to the Stanley Cup Final. Without number 30 in net, it never happens.

This isn’t an indictment on the Rangers’ best player. But rather a disappointment in his substandard play. Entering the season, Lundqvist had a career .920 save percentage. Coming into tonight’s match against a much improved Maple Leafs, it was at .912 with a 2.55 goals-against-average. He’s already been benched once by coach Alain Vigneault, who rode hot hand Antti Raanta in December by giving him four straight starts. He earned it with three consecutive wins including back-to-back shutouts with only three goals allowed.

Some are calling for Raanta to replace Lundqvist again on a temporary basis. He could be in for tomorrow night’s match at Montreal. The House of Horrors. A place Lundqvist has struggled before. But the notion that they should go to Raanta remains problematic. What if he plays well and makes the decision tough? Then what. You risk losing your franchise goalie who’s given everything and is paid $8.5 million thru 2021.

Tonight was not encouraging if you’re a fan of the Blueshirts. On a night they honored Steven McDonald with an emotional tribute c2gav-jxeaal0ssduring the opening faceoff and then an tear jerking video tribute during a stoppage which saw Patricia Ann and son Conor share an embrace, the Rangers laid a stinker in a listless 4-2 loss at MSG.

Sadly, it started with the guy who patrols the net. While the Leafs are capable of putting anyone on their heels with their dynamic team speed and skill led by brilliant rookies Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, there was no explanation for Lundqvist’s play. At times, he made some big saves. At others, he gave up bad goals at inopportune times. The first was when William Nylander was able to catch Lundqvist off balance to give Toronto a 1-0 lead at 4:49.

The Leafs applied a lot of pressure prior to the goal. Both McDonagh and Skjei struggled to get the puck out. Eventually, Nazem Kadri found Nylander at the right face off circle where he fooled Lundqvist for his ninth of the season.

It wasn’t that the Rangers lacked for chances in a fast paced first period that favored the Leafs. They had just as many shots (11) but were unable to solve Frederik Andersen, who outplayed Lundqvist making 34 saves. There’s been too many nights where we have paid homage to the opposite goalie against our established one. That in itself is alarming.

Special teams also played a role in the two-goal defeat. The Rangers were abysmal going 0-for-6 on the power play while allowing a pair of Leafs’ power play goals in four chances. The latter of which came in only 12 seconds after Klein went to the penalty box for a slash that allowed household name Connor Carrick to score the crushing fourth goal at 13:20 of the third to ice it.

The Leafs are a very skilled team that can make you look silly. The Rangers penalty kill struggled keeping up. With Brandon Pirri off for a needless hook, Marner was able to find enough room and space to thread the needle across to James van Riemsdyk, who beat Lundqvist five-hole for a 2-0 lead at 17:28 of the first. It was another questionable one from a bread and butter player with character. He would be the first to tell you he should’ve had it.

Chris Kreider scored a highlight reel goal when he was able to beat Andersen from his knees on a second attempt with a backhand giving him nine goals in his last 10. Number 17 on the year cut it to 2-1 halfway through the contest. McDonagh and Mats Zuccarello set it up. Speaking of Zuccarello, he was everywhere firing a season best nine shots on net. But on a night he attempted 13 shots, he didn’t have any puck luck. He did pick up an assist and was one of the few consistent Ranger skaters. He’s due for a breakout.

If there was a back breaking goal, it belonged to Leafs rookie Connor Brown. After the Blueshirts failed on a power play, a transition rush started by Jake Gardiner allowed Matthews to feed Brown inside the Rangers blue line. His harmless shot took a bad bounce deflecting off McDonagh in front past Lundqvist for a 3-1 Toronto lead with 5:33 left in the second. This was more of the fluke variety. But had that ‘how did that go in’ look.

The Rangers had enough looks. The Leafs gave them opportunities by taking ill advised penalties. But they weren’t willing to cash in. They fired blanks. Or more to the point, shots wide or into Andersen. Hell. Gardiner got away with three minor penalties. The Rangers didn’t take advantage.

Following a big Lundqvist glove save point blank, the Leafs were only too happy to make Klein pay for his slashing minor. All it took was a dozen seconds with Marner given too much time to set up Tyler Bozak for a one-timer that Lundqvist kicked out right to Carrick, who deposited it for a 4-1 cushion with 6:40 remaining in regulation.

By the time J.T. Miller buried his 13th off a nice rush and set up from talented returning Russian rookie Pavel Buchnevich, it was too late. It came with 1:25 left. At least Vigneault finally got Miller out there. God forbid he get more power play minutes. Why would one of our best shooters deserve more than 25 seconds of power play time over a bunch of passers? A terrible coaching decision by a stubborn guy who while good, is still set in his ways. At least Buchnevich got 4:04 on the man-advantage.

This was a disappointing result on a special night. It didn’t tarnish what it meant. Paying homage to probably the biggest Ranger fan who happened to be one of NYPD’s finest makes it extra special. It would’ve been nice if they didn’t look so disjointed. If they had been sharper and wanted it more than the Leafs. It started with Lundqvist. He wasn’t good enough. No more excuses.

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

Rangers Video Tribute to Steven McDonald special

Posted on January 13, 2017 by Derek

A truly special moment happened during the first period of the Maple Leafs versus Rangers game. Following an emotional tribute to fallen NYPD officer Steven McDonald, the Ranger organization showed a video tribute on the scoreboard at MSG.

Featuring Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh, Derek Stepan along with former Extra Effort winners Mats Zuccarello and Adam Graves, it was the kind of class you have come to expect from the Rangers. Mike Richter was also included and had some pearls of wisdom.

Both Patricia Ann and son Conor were shown on the board during the whole tribute. The reaction was a loud ovation as both hugged several times. At the end, you can hear “Steve McDonald” chants. Though I wish I could have been there and shot it live, I couldn’t. So, I did the best I could recording it on my I-Phone off the TV screen. Here it is in entirety including the emotional cheers and ending:

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

Thinking about tonight

Posted on January 13, 2017 by Derek

zucc-small

I can’t help but get emotional thinking about Steven McDonald. He meant so much to so many people. A humble and classy man who did so much for the community. This ceremony is already tear jerking. I have tears. I feel like I am there too.

My family is. I’m glad they could be part of it. We as New York Ranger fans are all part of the Steven McDonald family. This is so beautiful. His son Conor dropped a ceremonial first puck with emotional Mom Patricia Ann McDonald there watching with former Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award winners Mark Messier and Adam Graves on hand at center ice.

Instead of a moment of silence, they asked that the fans cheered because that’s how Steven would’ve wanted it. The connection to our city and the team is unreal. I think what Graves said during his speech at the service rings true. He was truly part of our extended family. Someone who went above and beyond the call of duty. I know he’s smiling down on everyone in the building tonight.

May the Rangers play a great game against the Maple Leafs.

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