Game Preview: Rangers get Buchnevich and Nash back as Matthews led Leafs visit

Posted on January 13, 2017 by Derek
On an emotional night at MSG in which they'll honor Steven McDonald before the game, the Rangers host Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Maple Leafs.

On an emotional night at MSG in which they’ll honor Steven McDonald before the game, the Rangers host Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Maple Leafs.

As noted in a previous post, tonight will be special. The Rangers will honor the memory of former NYPD officer Steven McDonald in what should be an emotional and stirring ceremony. There won’t be a dry eye in the building. McDonald represented this city as well as anyone. That’s why the Rangers had an award in his honor which continues this season.

There’s still a game to play. Believe it or not, the Maple Leafs and Rangers will actually play hockey after having the last five days off. The last time we saw the Rangers, they were showing the heart that McDonald would’ve been proud of in a gutsy come from behind 5-4 win over the Blue Jackets with Extra Effort candidate Michael Grabner completing a hat trick by scoring with 16.5 seconds left for the game-winner. He leads the team with 19 goals. Who would have ever thought he’d be this good through 42 games?

The thing about this team is they don’t just rely on top players. However, the first line anchored by Derek Stepan with Chris Kreider and Mats Zuccarello carried them for a stretch last month. With Kreider scoring 11 of his 16 goals in December, he looks to be on the fast track to stardom. It’s taken a while for the talented power forward. But his 30 points in in 36 games are the best production on the team. Stepan also had a big month finishing with five goals and 11 assists for 16 points with a plus-11 rating in 15 games to help raise his season total to 31 points. That ties him with Kevin Hayes for tops.

Zuccarello wound up with 14 points with his only goal coming on an empty net. He has an assist in three games this month and his point total is 30 (8-22-30). At some point, they’re gonna need more goal production from last year’s Steven McDonald Award winner. Maybe the time off will help.

The rest allowed the Rangers to get healthier. Both Pavel Buchnevich and Rick Nash return tonight. Buchnevich hasn’t played since 11/12 due to back spasms. The 21-year old Russian was heating up with goals in his last four before the bad back kept him off the ice for over a month. He had to do strengthening exercises before getting into three games with Hartford. In those games, he had a goal and assist. For the season, he is 4-4-8 in 10 contests. The Rangers will play it safe with the rookie by not playing him initially in back-to-backs. Buchnevich will be a scratch tomorrow at Montreal.

Their depth allows them to do that. They also get the ultra talented Nash back. A multidimensional two-way player who plays every situation, he too was hot before a groin injury sidelined him for 10 games. He had four goals and two assists in his last seven games before tweaking his groin in a shootout win over the Devils on 12/18. Nash has 13 goals and seven helpers for 20 points in 30 games.

Coach Alain Vigneault doesn’t want to mess with the chemistry for the Stepan line and the line of Hayes, Grabner and J.T. Miller. So, Nash and Buchnevich will find themselves on another line. They can either play with Oscar Lindberg or Brandon Pirri. Lindberg works so well with Jesper Fast that it’s hard to see him getting the opportunity. But he has been playing better than Pirri, who really needs to get untracked offensively to stay in the lineup. Don’t forget rookie Jimmy Vesey who can complement any line he’s on with his speed and offensive instincts.

Mika Zibanejad is close to returning. When he does, the Rangers will be even stronger. There is nothing new to report on Matt Puempel. He remains out with a concussion. Speaking of which, post-concussion symptoms are what sidelined defenseman Marc Staal prior to the break. He is not ready to return. It is sad that he has to go through another serious injury. Between the freak accident in which brother Eric leveled him during a game for his first concussion and taking a shot to the eye that nearly blinded him, the former 2005 first round pick has been through a lot.

Somewhat ironically, it is Staal’s 30th birthday today. He was having a good bounce back season before the injury. Defensively, he had been solid pairing well with Nick Holden. Staal also contributed three goals and three assists with 22 penalty minutes and a plus-10 rating. With Staal, it’s never been about statistics. But rather the intangibles and leadership he brings. He plays with an edge. Without him, the Rangers don’t come back to beat the Penguins in the second round during their run to a Stanley Cup Final in the 2014 playoffs. His key work on Sidney Crosby was crucial. Here is Vigneault talking about McDonald prior to his first year behind the Ranger bench:

That team went “above and beyond” overcoming a 3-1 series deficit for the first time in franchise history to finally conquer the Pens. They did it in 2015 during the same round by stunning the Caps with heroics coming from Kreider, Stepan and Ryan McDonagh in Games 5 and 7. I’ll never forget what it was like being there.

As for Staal, who knows how good he could’ve been without the injuries. He still has been an All-Star who once was on the top pair with Girardi as shutdown tandem. Like Girardi, he battled through injury to play during a heartbreaking 2015 postseason that ended miserably with the Lightning shutting out the Rangers at MSG in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final. Little did we know half the blue line was hurt. But it goes to show how much they were willing to put their bodies through. Had they won, what would have been left in the tank for the Blackhawks? We’ll never know.

When I think of Staal, I always am reminded of two goals he scored. The first coming during his rookie year when the Devils and Rangers were tied late in regulation during Game 4 of the first round in 2008. Then Staal fired and scored his first career postseason goal with 3;14 left beating hockey legend Martin Brodeur. MSG was a madhouse. The Rangers advanced in five games. The second shall forever be known as The Miracle. Started by Brad Richards when he tied Game 5 with time to spare in regulation, Staal scored off a face-off win in overtime.

All I can say is I hope Staal gets healthy soon and is back to being the player we saw during the first half. He may never be that guy in 2012 who helped the team advance to the Conference Finals. But he’s still a core piece who is instrumental on a defense that doesn’t have much edge without him. Marc will play chippy. He’s shown it by cross checking Crosby and going after players during scrums. That leadership can’t be understated.

Without him, Adam Clendening gets to play in a third consecutive game. Hopefully, he continues to make the most out of the opportunity. It was his big power play goal and shot that got redirected by Grabner which allowed the team to rally past Columbus. As Vigneault likes to say, this is another kick at the can for a player on his fifth NHL team. A good skating right D who is best utilized offensively, the 24-year old Clendening is someone to root for. In 11 games, he has a goal and four assists. When he does play, Vigneault uses him on the left point of the second power play unit. An area he can excel at.

What remains to be seen is what Vigneault will do with McDonagh. He finally tried rookie Brady Skjei with him the previous two games with mixed results. Skjei is a much better skater than Girardi or Kevin Klein. Without Staal, it’s probably the best way to go. We’ll see what the coach decides.

The time off should mean Henrik Lundqvist gets the start. He was heroic in the Columbus win despite allowing four goals. The Swedish King didn’t allow any more following an early Blue Jackets goal in the second period that put them in a 4-1 hole. But Lundqvist finished with 33 saves and was resilient. I’d imagine we will see Antti Raanta tomorrow at Montreal. But they just are coming back from a break. Even though he’s struggled at the annoying Bell Centre, maybe Vigneault will go back to Lundqvist and see if he can deliver in the first look at the Atlantic-leading Canadiens.

Their opponent are the very fast and talented Maple Leafs. Led by rookie Auston Matthews, Toronto is in the hunt for the playoffs in the Atlantic. They are extremely dangerous and can score goals in a bunch. Matthews has fulfilled lofty expectations by leading the Leafs in goals with 21 and points with 35. The 19-year old 2016 first overall pick from Scottsdale, Arizona is amazing. He has it. The game breaking speed and hands. He centers the top line with rookies Connor Brown and Zach Hyman. Brown has done well with nine goals and nine helpers while Hyman is more of a smart unselfish player with 13 assists and five markers. They’re a handful.

The Leafs still possess James van Riemsdyk. The Middletown, New Jersey native is quietly having a good year ranking second in points (33) with 14 goals. He still plays with Tyler Bozak. But they now have overlooked Calder candidate Mitch Marner. A great skater with lethal speed and unreal one-on-one skills that can make defenses look silly, he is right there with 32 points (10-22-32). Marner went fourth overall in the 2015 NHL Draft. When he’s in transition, watch out.

Toronto can put out William Nylander with Nazem Kadri and Leo Komarov as a second unit. Kadri’s 16 markers rank second behind Matthews. Nylander has 26 points (8-18-26) and is a very smart playmaking forward like Dad Michael. Komarov plays chippy and hits everything. He is that annoying pest but with more skill than Jarkko Ruutu. He’s real good in front of the net.

The Rangers will also see former Islander Matt Martin. No stranger to the rivalry, he still plays as feisty as ever leading the Leafs in hits with 146. His last big one caused a ruckus with the Canadiens in a 5-3 loss. Here it is:

Martin’s hit on Jeff Petry was clean. He never left his feet but finished his check. A tenacious worker, that is his role. He only has two goals and two helpers but has 77 penalty minutes. The Islanders passed on re-signing him allowing Martin to leave for Toronto where he got a four-year contract that pays him an average of $2.5 million thru 2020. You can understand why they passed but ask any Islander fan and they’ll admit they miss his presence.

On the back end, the Leafs are led by Jake Gardiner and Morgan Rielly. Both are superb left skating defensemen who can start the transition and jump in offensively. Gardiner paces Toronto with 21 points (6-15-21) on the back end while Rielly has a similar line to McDonagh going 1-16-17. Rielly pairs with 25-year old Russian rookie Nikita Zaitsev (1-15-16). A former KHLer who played for CSKA Moscow and fits into Mike Babcock’s system. Gardiner pairs with former Cap Connor Carrick. Another young player who’s only 22. Former Ranger Matt Hunwick is on the third pair with bruiser Roman Polak.

If there is a big difference between these teams aside from the Leafs’ youth, it’s their physicality. They can really hit. So, it’ll be interesting to see how the Rangers deal with that. However, Toronto is known for bad third periods and can implode. For the Blueshirts, it’s about sticking with it. They are a much better third period team.

Toronto’s number one goalie is former Duck Frederik Andersen. He got off to a rough start but has settled down. Even though he has a 2.69 goals-against-average, he also boasts a .918 save percentage with 17 wins in 33 games. The issue for the Leafs has been at backup. They have gone through Jhonas Enroth and don’t want to rush Antoine Bibeau. So they claimed former Jacket Curtis McElhinney. The same guy who got lit up last week.

Updating projected lines, NHL.com’s Dan Rosen has Lindberg playing with Vesey and Nash which leaves Pirri with Buchnevich and Fast if he can go. Fast was sick. So, that will be decided at game time. If he can’t, Marek Hrivik would take his place. Here are the D pairs:

McDonagh-Skjei

Holden-Girardi

Clendening-Klein

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Rangers to honor Steven McDonald before game

Posted on January 13, 2017 by Derek
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NYPD officers line up at attention to pay tribute to Steven McDonald at 5th Avenue in Manhattan today. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYPD News.

It will be an emotional night at Madison Square Garden. There won’t be a dry eye in the building. On what’s been a roller coaster of emotions since the passing of heroic police officer Steven McDonald, the Rangers will honor his memory before the game.

For 30 years, the former NYPD detective exemplified what fighting was all about. Overcoming the obstacle of being shot three times and paralyzed which forced him into a wheelchair with a respirator due to becoming a quadriplegic, he never gave in. McDonald was very active in the community speaking out at functions and continuing to push his message across.

The New York Rangers organization have honored his name with the prestigious Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award since 1987-88. An award that goes to the one Ranger who goes above and beyond the call of duty. Mr. McDonald would always be on the ice to speak some influential words and present a check for $25,000 which went to his foundation. When he spoke, nobody said a word. There weren’t any whistles or silly chants. This was a man everyone in this city respected.

To be honest, whenever I was in the building for the award, I always got chills up and down my spine when McDonald spoke. He was special and shall remain that way forever. He may be gone from our lives but he will never ever be forgotten. His memory lives on. Today, the NYPD laid to rest McDonald before thousands who attended the ceremony at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan.

Before the puck is dropped for the first time in almost a week between Original Sixes Toronto and New York, there won’t be a dry eye in the house. Tears will be shed. Sticks will be tapped to honor a man who did so much despite his disabilities. He somehow made it until 59 demonstrating tremendous courage, heart and strength.

If you happen to be at MSG tonight, do New Yorkers proud. I know I’ll be emotional watching. Let’s remember someone who was a true hero. Cheer loudly and show what New York City has always been about.

As for the game, that’s secondary. You know both benches will be emotional. Rest In Peace Steven McDonald. You will never be forgotten. 😦 ❤

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Hall, McDonagh, Tavares tabbed for Metro All-Star Team

Posted on January 11, 2017 by Derek
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The NHL revealed the four rosters for the All-Star game in Los Angeles featuring the second annual three-on-three winner take all tournament format. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NHL.com. 

Earlier Tuesday afternoon, the NHL announced the official All-Star rosters for its three-on-three format to be played at Staples Center in Hollywood on Jan. 28-29. It will be the second annual three-on-three winner take all tournament featuring All-Stars from each division. Each team features a captain voted in by the fans along with 10 skaters who represent the division. So, that’s 11 skaters per roster and 44 total.

In the Metro Division, Pens’ superstar Sidney Crosby will captain the team. The league’s leading goalscorer whose 26 are four ahead of Jeff Carter and five up on rookie All-Stars Patrik Laine and Auston Matthews, is third in scoring with 44 points despite only playing 33 games.

The Devils, Islanders and Rangers will each have one representative on a Metro team featuring Evgeni Malkin, Alex Ovechkin, Wayne Simmonds, Justin Faulk, Seth Jones, Sergei Bobrovsky and Braden Holtby. Joining them in Los Angeles is Devils forward Taylor Hall, Islanders center John Tavares and Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh.

With a 11-man roster featuring some of the game’s premier superstars including Crosby, Ovechkin and Malkin, the Metro Division is loaded. Both Hall and Tavares are superb skaters who can be dangerous in transition while Simmonds is the net front presence who can make opponents miserable. In a deep division, the NHL went with three D featuring Canes’ rover Faulk, the Jackets’ Jones and Rangers’ McDonagh.

For McDonagh, he’ll appear in his second consecutive All-Star Game. He becomes the first Rangers defenseman to appear in back-to-back All-Star Games since Brian Leetch (’01-03). The captain is also the first to make consecutive appearances from the Blueshirts since Mark Messier (’92-97).

McDonagh’s 25 points pace all Ranger defensemen. His 23 assists lead the team. His 15 even strength helpers are third among NHL defensemen. His 13 primary helpers are tied for fourth among D.

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In his first season with the Devils, Hall is tied for the team lead in scoring with 25 points (9-16-25). His nine goals and 16 assists for 25 points have come in 32 contests. Seven of Hall’s nine markers have come at home. He’s tied for the team lead with P.A. Parenteau in power play goals (4). His 105 shots pace the Devils.

Acquired from the Oilers last summer in exchange for defenseman Adam Larsson, the 25-year old Hall has been as advertised. An exciting offensive player with tremendous wheels and hands, it’s a matter of staying healthy. If the former first overall pick of the 2010 NHL Draft can, he should have a big second half.

For Tavares, the Islanders’ captain will make his fourth All-Star appearance. On a day off in preparation for a home game against the Panthers Wednesday, he sported his very own Starting Lineup sports figurine in the locker room. It’s been a challenging year for Tavares. The 26-year old hasn’t finished as much as he’d like on a lower scoring team that’s near the bottom of the division. However, he still paces the Islanders with 27 points (11-16-27). His four power play goals and 114 shots lead the club.

Tavares has scored nine of his 11 goals at home which also paces the Islanders. His 16 assists are the most on the team. A special player, he needs two points to reach 500 for his career. In 548 career games, he’s totaled 218 goals and 280 assists for 498 points.

Former Tavares’ teammate Kyle Okposo will be the lone Sabres representative on the Atlantic roster. Ironically, the former linemate has the same amount of points (27) with his new team in Buffalo. He is 12-15-27. The rest of the Atlantic features captain Carey Price along with Tuukka Rask followed by Matthews, Brad Marchand, Nikita Kucherov, Vincent Trocheck and ex-Islander Frans Nielsen up front. The three defensemen are Victor Hedman, Erik Karlsson and Shea Weber.

The West is represented by the Central Division captained by former Canadien P.K. Subban. With an injury keeping him sidelined, it doesn’t look like he’ll participate. If he’s replaced, perhaps by the Blues’ Kevin Shattenkirk, whose 26 points (10-16-26) are hard to overlook. Laine was selected. The rookie leader in points (37), power play goals (7), is tied with Matthews for game-winning goals (4) among freshmen. Whether he plays depends on concussion protocol. He’s still recovering from a big open ice hit from Buffalo’s Jake McCabe. Here’s what the Central 11-man roster would look like if healthy:

F Patrick Kane

F Jonathan Toews

F Patrick Laine

F Nathan MacKinnon

F Tyler Seguin

F Vladimir Tarasenko

D P.K. Subban*

D Duncan Keith

D Ryan Suter

G Corey Crawford

G Devan Dubnyk

The Pacific roster features captain Oilers’ phenom Connor McDavid. His 48 points (14-34-48) lead the league in scoring. That includes an NHL-leading 34 helpers. McDavid headlines a talented team that includes Johnny Gaudreau and first time selection Bo Horvat. Remember him? Horvat went ninth overall to the Canucks after they parted with Cory Schneider to the Devils for that pick in the 2013 NHL Draft. Horvat is quietly leading the Canucks in scoring with 13 goals, 29 points and a team-leading two shorthanded tallies. The only mystifying part was the NHL’s selection of Arizona goalie Mike Smith. Nothing against the veteran who’s been under siege. But how did he make it over Cam Talbot? I guess Oliver Ekman-Larsson wasn’t deemed good enough. Here is what the 11-man Pacific looks like:

F Connor McDavid*

F Jeff Carter

F Johnny Gaudreau

F Bo Horvat

F Ryan Kesler

F Joe Pavelski

D Brent Burns

D Drew Doughty

D Cam Fowler

G Martin Jones

G Mike Smith

Part of the problem with this format is they still have to have at least one player represented from each team. And with it down to divisions for the three-on-three tournament, there’s only so many players they can take.

So, what you get are a lot of deserving guys who won’t be part of it. Hell. I would’ve taken Nick “Norris” Holden over McDonagh. No Phil Kessel from the Pens. Justin Schultz could’ve made the cut but again, they only can choose three D. Among the biggest omissions are Cam Atkinson (20 goals) and rookie Zachary Werenski from the Blue Jackets. But Columbus already has Bobrovsky and Jones on the Metro roster.

How about no Artemi Panarin for the Central? They chose Toews over him. I love Toews and unlike the charts crowd, I don’t consider him ‘overrated.’ He is the leader of the Blackhawks and always steps it up. But over Panarin, who’s an electrifying player with 42 points? That’s insanity. No Jakub Voracek from the Flyers either. This is what happens when you can only pick six forwards and must represent every team. Neither Mark Scheifele nor Nikolaj Ehlers made it either. But figure Scheifele to replace Laine. That trio all have identical points (37) playing together. Too bad Winnipeg is so disrespected. Maybe if they were higher in the standings.

Anyway, that’s it for this All-Star post. The game will be fun. It might not be like last year with John Scott pulling off the unlikeliest All-Star Game MVP as captain basically riding off into the sunset. But it’ll be an exciting watch.

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Tributes to Steven McDonald

Posted on January 10, 2017 by Derek

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With the passing of former NYPD officer Steven McDonald earlier today after succumbing to complications from a heart attack suffered on Jan. 6, tributes poured in from people who knew him.

A courageous detective who was shot in the line of duty while preventing a robbery, McDonald was paralyzed from the neck down becoming a quadriplegic who needed a wheelchair and ventilator to survive daily. His story is an inspiration to New Yorkers.

Former peers as well as former winners of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award honoring the Rangers player who went above and beyond the call of duty.

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Former NYPD hero Steven McDonald passes away at 59

Posted on January 10, 2017 by Derek
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Former NYPD detective Steven McDonald passed away at age 59 on Tuesday, January 10, 2017. We honor his memory. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYRangers.

Sad news to report. Former New York police officer Steven McDonald passed away today. The former NYPD detective who was shot in the line of duty and paralyzed lost his battle following a heart attack suffered on Jan. 6. He was 59.

For 30 years, McDonald was a hero who exemplified what it meant to wear a badge. He was shot on July 12, 1986 by 15-year old Shavod Jones. While preventing a robbery with his partner in Central Park, he was shot three times by Jones including the head, throat and spine which paralyzed him from the neck down causing him to become a quadriplegic. The severe injuries forced him into a wheelchair where he needed ventilator.

Despite that disability, McDonald lived his life like it never changed. He became a symbol of New York City. Someone that was looked up to for his heroism. A true role model who was honored by the New York Rangers. After the 1987-88 season, the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award was named in his honor. A passionate Ranger fan, he would come to MSG and present the award to the player who best exemplifies going above and beyond the call of duty. A check of $25,000 in that player’s name is presented and made out to the Steven McDonald Foundation.

Prominent winners have included Adam Graves who holds the record with five. Former Ranger Ryan Callahan won the away four times. Jed Ortmeyer and Mats Zuccarello have also won the prestigious award twice. When I think of the award, I’m reminded of everything good that this town stands for. It’s hard working and appreciative of players who become unsung heroes for their yeoman effort. That’s what the award stands for.

It’s hard to believe he’s really gone. But for three decades, McDonald personified what it meant to keep fighting. His spirit was always on display when he presented the award to thunderous ovations from appreciate fans who identified with him. This man always spoke with such emotion. His words meant a lot. When he spoke, there was total silence. That’s how much he was respected.

One special moment for Steven McDonald that was really great is he got to see son Conor become a NYPD sergeant following in his father’s footsteps. You better believe the Rangers will dedicate the rest of the season to Conor’s Dad. When the award is presented before the final home game, it will be extra special. Some tears could be shed.

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It’s going to be different without him around. He was that former cop who you could always count on for inspiring words. No matter how tough our lives are, all one needs to do is look at Steven McDonald for proof that you can overcome any obstacle and enjoy life. Live it to the fullest.

I may never have met Mr. McDonald. But I felt like I knew him. He made everyone feel that way. He was our friend. Thank you for being the bravest person I know.

Rest In Peace Steven McDonald. We’ll never forget you. 😦 ❤

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Key addition Grabner credited with hat trick

Posted on January 9, 2017 by Derek
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Adam Clendening and Michael Grabner celebrate a goal in the Rangers’ stirring comeback win over the Blue Jackets 5-4. Grabner was credited with his second hat trick of the season. He leads all NHL players with 19 even strength goals and is a big reason for the Rangers’ big first half. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Zesty Rangers.

In the Rangers’ 5-4 dramatic win over the Blue Jackets, Michael Grabner scored the game-winner with 16.5 seconds left on Saturday. Originally, the team’s leading goalscorer had two goals and an assist in the come from behind victory at Columbus.

However, that was changed. The NHL has credited him with a hat trick. His second of the season and first since 10/30 against Tampa. As it turned out, Adam Clendening’s second of the game which tied it was changed. He fired a shot from a bad angle past now waived Columbus backup Curtis McElhinney which tied the contest at four with 6:03 left in regulation. However, the replay showed that Grabner got a piece of it while in front of McElhinney.

So, the Rangers’ fourth goal of that game now reads Grabner from Clendening and Oscar Lindberg. Jesper Fast lost an assist. The play wouldn’t have been possible without Fast’s hard work along the boards keeping the puck alive on a sustained forecheck. Unfortunate for him that he loses a point. No one works harder.

Instead of leading the team with 18 goals, the streaky Grabner is now up to 19 thru the first 42 games. An astonishing number when you consider that he totaled 17 over the last two seasons with the Islanders and Maple Leafs. His next goal would give him 20. A mark he hasn’t reached since his second seasons with the Islanders in ’11-12.

It was during his rookie year with the Islanders after they claimed him off waivers from the Panthers that the speedy Grabner stunned the hockey world by scoring a career high 34 goals and 52 points in ’10-11. He did it by using his blazing speed to score in transition. He also was lethal shorthanded scoring six times on the penalty kill. His penalty kill work has continued to be superb for the Blueshirts who rank 10th in the NHL at 83.0 percent which is tied with San Jose. A marked improvement from last season.

When general manager Jeff Gorton signed him, it was with the idea that Grabner could help give the penalty kill a boost while supplying much needed depth on the fourth line. He’s exceeded expectations by sometimes getting time on the top line. However, he’s mostly been used on the third or fourth line by Alain Vigneault depending on how he’s going. Prior to his two goals in a win over the Flyers, he had only scored twice since 11/21.

In consecutive road victories over Philadelphia and Columbus, Grabner went 5-2-7 with a plus-eight rating. Astonishingly, all 19 of his goals have come at even strength which lead the league. One more than rookie Auston Matthews and two better than Sidney Crosby. For his effort, Grabner was named the First Star of the Week beating out Patrick Maroon and Braden Holtby.

If we were to grade Grabner, it would be the highest mark of A-plus. A credit to Gorton for a strong off-season that included also stealing top three defenseman Nick Holden from the Avalanche for just a fourth round pick. Along with signing free agent rookie Jimmy Vesey and trading Derick Brassard to the Senators in exchange for Mika Zibanejad, it’s been a banner year for Gorton. Brandon Pirri was a key factor early too.

Without the additions which bolstered their depth, the Rangers aren’t locked in a tight battle for first in the Metro Division with division-leading Columbus (60 points), defending champ Pittsburgh (57) and Washington (55). At the break, their 28 victories are tied with the Blue Jackets for the most in the NHL. Their 57 points tie them with the Penguins despite playing three more games. The Caps also have three extra games left. So, the Rangers could be in fourth by the time they resume play Friday at MSG when they host Toronto.

Regardless, it’s been a superb first half. They’ve managed to do it even with Dan Girardi and Kevin Klein struggling and Henrik Lundqvist even having an un-King like .912 save percentage. The Blueshirts rank second in offense behind the Pens averaging 3.43 goals-per-game. Not coincidentally, Pittsburgh, New York and Columbus are the league’s highest scoring teams.

We’ll leave you with this awesome call from ESPN Radio’s Don LaGreca of Grabner’s exciting winner with Dave Maloney cheer leading in the background. Pretty amusing. 😉

 

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Video Of Day: Jake McCabe hit on Patrick Laine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winnipeg coach Paul Maurice had no problem with the hit:

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

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Grabner steals one for Rangers in best win of season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BONY 3 Stars:

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

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

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

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

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

Key Stat:

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Devils induct McMullen into Ring of Fire

Posted on January 7, 2017 by hasan4978

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on January 6, 2017 by Derek

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

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

Derek's avatarHockey Prospects Plus

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

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

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

They did it in…

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