A busy Turkey Eve for Rangers, Devils, Sabres and Islanders

Posted on November 23, 2016 by Derek

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With Thanksgiving tomorrow in the States, it’s a usual busy night on Turkey Eve. Twelve games are on tap tonight. That includes the Rangers, Devils, Sabres and Islanders all in action.

The first three all go off at 7 PM. That includes a home-and-home rematch with the Rangers hosting the Penguins at MSG. Sidney Crosby (12 goals) looks to rebound from a rare off night. He went minus-four without a point in the Pens’ 5-2 loss to the Rangers on Monday. The Rangers scored five unanswered including a three-goal second highlighted by J.T. Miller’s shorthanded goal with 49 seconds left. Antti Raanta recovered from an early bad goal to pick up the win. Henrik Lundqvist gets the call tonight.

The Devils are finally back home to host Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs. Toronto is playing its second consecutive game after falling to the suddenly red hot Hurricanes- winners of five straight with Cam Ward turning back the clock. The Leafs lost 2-1 to fall to 8-8-3. They have been competitive despite Matthews being in a scoring slump. He has been stuck on six goals for quite a while. He is 6-7-13. Rookie Mitch Marner has outshone him scoring seven times with nine assists and a team best three game-winners. A very shifty skater with great hands, keep an eye on the 19-year old forward. James van Riemsdyk has been hot of late with a hat trick recently. JVR leads the Leafs with 17 points (8-9-17). They also feature William Nylander (6-8-14), Nazem Kadri (7-7-14), Morgan Rielly (10 assists) and Jake Gardiner (4-5-9). Frederik Andersen is the starter.

For the Devs, losers of three straight all in California, they want to rebound at The Rock and go into the holiday on a more positive note. It’s been tough lately with both Cory Schneider and Keith Kinkaid unable to prevent the Kings, Ducks and Sharks from scoring. They got beat late by Anaheim and were no match for San Jose getting shutout 4-0. They were done in by an early shorthanded goal followed by another goal which set the tone. Without top scorer Taylor Hall (5-7-12) who remains out until next month, scoring has been hard to come by. P.A. Parenteau is stuck on five goals and Adam Henrique is off to a disappointing start with only three markers and five helpers. Kyle Pamieri is also out with an injury. They do get Mike Cammalleri back. He had a family emergency with his daughter suffering from pneumonia. She was hospitalized and needed surgery. Thankfully, everything is okay. Cammalleri skated this morning. Yohann Auvitu returns on the blue line with Jon Merrill a healthy scratch. The Devils will want to succeed on a power play that’s gone 0 for its last 29 over the past nine games.

The Sabres host the Red Wings. Buffalo has been more competitive lately. They had back-to-back wins including an impressive 2-1 shootout victory over the Pens at home. In that one, the three-on-three overtime was priceless with both Marc-Andre Fleury and Buffalo backup Anders Nilsson making ridiculous saves. Nilsson stopped Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang in succession to give them the win. Cal O’Reilly beat Fleury for the winner. Matt Moulson has been rejuvenated with ex-Isles line mate Kyle Okposo. Moulson is up to seven goals which leads the team with most of it on the power play. It just goes to show how foolish the Islanders were letting Okposo go. He leads Buffalo in scoring with 12 points (6-6-12). Being that they don’t score much, they could use more from Sam Reinhart. He’s 3-6-9 thus far. Ditto for Evander Kane, who’s without a goal in eight games with two helpers. His name has been rumored on the block. Vancouver turned Buffalo down due to the high demand.

Buffalo will get back key scorer Ryan O’Reilly. He’s a huge key with nine points (4-5-9) in 13 games. They definitely missed him. He plays all situations and can be counted on. Ditto for offensive defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, who leads the Sabres in assists (9). Robin Lehner has performed well as the starter and Nilsson has been a pleasant surprise.

The Red Wings are struggling lately. After starting off well, they have dropped four in a row and are last in the Atlantic with an 8-10-1 record. They finally got back key scorer and former Sabre Thomas Vanek. He went 4-4-8 in the first seven games before going down. With Henrik Zetterberg and Gustav Nyquist sharing the team lead with 3-9-12 apiece, the Wings don’t score much. Tomas Tatar is only 3-4-7 and Frans Nielsen is 3-5-8. Mike Green has three goals and eight helpers to lead the D. Dylan Larkin is 5-1-6. So, he’s also struggled. Jimmy Howard has been brilliant supplanting Petr Mrazek as Detroit’s number one goalie. If he got goal support, he wouldn’t be 4-5-0 with a 1.85 goals-against-average and .940 save percentage. It’s ironic because this started when he stoned the Rangers at MSG. Howard has kept it up.

The Islanders are the final game on the schedule visiting the Kings, who have gotten surprisingly good play out of veteran netminder Peter Budaj. He’s won 10 games with a 2.11 GAA and .916 save percentage- even beating Schneider. The Kings have injuries with Anze Kopitar out and of course Jonathan Quick. Jeff Carter has been doing his part scoring a team high nine goals with 17 points. Alec Martinez has 3-9-12 to lead a strong blue line featuring Norris winner Drew Doughty (3-6-9). They get contributions throughout the lineup with the ever dangerous shorthanded threat Tyler Toffoli 5-8-13 and Tanner Pearson with seven markers. Even Nic Dowd has 10 points (2-8-10). Darryl Sutter deserves a lot of credit. The Kings are 10-9-1 with 21 points. Not bad considering the division is off to a slow start.

The Islanders have been dreadful. But they caught a break finally winning a wild and crazy shootout 3-2 over the Ducks. It went 14 rounds. They tied it up four different times with Thomas Hickey’s goal in Round 12 leading to a lengthy video review. Most observers felt the league got it wrong. However, that didn’t matter to the Isles, who ended a four-game winless streak with Nick Leddy getting the winner as the 28th shooter.

Adam Pelech and Josh Bailey scored the two goals in regulation. Thomas Greiss made 39 huge saves and was the reason they prevailed. John Tavares remains at 5-9-14. Five goals isn’t enough for the captain. There just isn’t much scoring. Brock Nelson has a solid 5-7-12 line while Bailey is 3-7-10. That’s it for double digit scorers. Unless Andrew Ladd figures it out and Ryan Strome becomes more than a one-year wonder who can’t play defensively, they’re doomed.

I would venture to guess Jack Capuano will go back to Greiss following his big showing. We’ll see.

To all who are watching, enjoy the games. A very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving to everyone out there including contributors Hasan and Pan! Be safe. Enjoy the holiday! 🙂

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Game 20: Strong second period sparks Rangers in comeback 5-2 win over Penguins

Posted on November 21, 2016 by Derek
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It’s Miller Time: J.T. Miller wears the Broadway Hat after his first career shorthanded goal late in the second period helped give the Rangers a nice comeback 5-2 win over the Penguins. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYRangers.

This one was all about character, determination and perseverance as well as resiliency. Facing the defending champion Penguins for the first time since getting dumped out in five games during the first round, these new batch of Rangers showed their mettle in a come from behind 5-2 win at PPG Paints Arena (why is it called that?).

Playing for a second night in a row, it took the Rangers some time to get back in it. Following a disjointed first period that saw them fall behind 2-0 on the first two NHL goals from newest Pen Jake Guentzel, the Blueshirts used a strong second period outscoring Pittsburgh 3-0 to turn it around.

Among the highlights were goals from Rick Nash (first in six), Michael Grabner (tied for league lead with 12 goals) and a backbreaking shorthanded goal from J.T. Miller. In particular, Miller’s goal hurt the Pens, who were put on a power play on a dubious interference call on Brady Skjei. It came with 49 seconds left on kind of a weird play with Kevin Hayes centering the puck off Evgeni Malkin and Miller. I couldn’t even tell how it went in.

This was the kind of bounce back performance the Rangers needed following Sunday’s disappointment in a shootout loss to the Panthers. Plus that forgettable loss at Columbus Friday. Especially in what was the first game minus Mika Zibanejad, who will be out six to eight weeks with a fractured left fibula.

Alain Vigneault shifted Brandon Pirri to center a third line with Miller and Jimmy Vesey. Oscar Lindberg worked with Josh Jooris and Jesper Fast on the fourth line. Hayes centered Chris Kreider and Mats Zuccarello and Derek Stepan anchored Rick Nash and Grabner. The line switches worked. Full credit to the coach who as promised, played everyone.

It didn’t start off well with Guentzel catching Raanta asleep at his near post to score on his first NHL shift for a 1-0 Pens lead 62 seconds in. Phil Kessel, who’s been more playmaker than finisher, picked up the first of two assists. He leads the Pens with 14 helpers. Trevor Daley added a secondary helper.

Even though they fell behind early, the Rangers played the Penguins on even terms. In a speed oriented game, the teams exchanged chances. Marc-Andre Fleury was sharp stopping all 12 shots in the first period. A turnover by Vesey inside the Pittsburgh blue line led directly to a three-on-two odd man rush. On it, Kessel wisely shot low for a rebound with Malkin denied before Guentzel buried the second rebound for goal number two at 13:12.

If there was a turning point, it came a few minutes later. All period, the teams were at each other’s throats. There were battles behind the play and plenty of talking. On one shift, Malkin was taken down by Marc Staal. Near the end of his shift, he was then slashed by Nick Holden before Dan Girardi intercepted him and did similar with the two exchanging whacks. Both went for matching minors to cause a four-on-four with 2:48 left. At the time, I liked it because it showed that the Rangers weren’t going down without a fight. It sent a message. Malkin was a non-factor the rest of the game.

The officiating wasn’t great. You can make the argument they missed one on Staal for his chop on Malkin. But they also missed one on Scott Wilson for boarding. The calls they did make annoyed both teams. Considering what they let go, it was understandable. Before the start of the second, they warned both benches. Prior to the opening draw, Sidney Crosby and Stepan talked trash.

It was that kind of competitive game between two rivals who know each other well. Having met in the playoffs the past three years, it made the game more interesting. Speaking of missed calls, Nash got away with one before scoring his seventh unassisted to cut the deficit to 2-1 at 4:51. He interfered with a Pen but there was no call. He then fired one home to get his team back in it.

The whole period was wild and crazy. With each team playing a fast skating up tempo, there were plenty of rushes and counter attacks. One such play almost resulted in disaster when Crosby came away with a clean strip and broke in two-on-one. But his wicked shot hit the far goalpost keeping it a one-goal contest. A few minutes later, Crosby would go into the box for interference behind the play. Naturally, he and coach Mike Sullivan protested. But it was a valid call.

Even though they didn’t score on the power play, the Rangers generated enough momentum off it to eventually tie the game. In particular, Hayes had some close calls forcing Fleury into a couple of difficult saves. He faced a lot of shots in the second with the Rangers firing 15 on net to the Pens’ nine.

It was actually a mistake by Fleury that led directly to Grabner’s game-tying goal. He got caught in between misplaying a puck in the corner. Ryan McDonagh hustled to the loose puck and sent a nice backhand pass in the slot for an open Grabner, who had Fleury out of position for a sweet backhand finish at 14:23. Astonishingly, Grabner is now tied with Crosby and Winnipeg rookie Patrik Laine for first in goals with a cool dozen. Whatever role Vigneault puts him in, he excels. Amazing.

The game nearly turned again when Skjei was nabbed for a phantom interference. The replay clearly showed two players battling for a loose puck. No wonder Skjei had some words for refs Brad Watson and Tom Kowal. But instead of making the most of it, the Pens made a crucial mistake inside the Ranger blue line. Miller forced a turnover causing a two-on-two rush. With Hayes skating down the right side, he threw the puck in front and got a nice bounce with it first deflecting off a back checking Malkin and then off Miller for his first NHL shorthanded goal at 19:11.

Just like that, the Rangers led after two periods. They earned it. The third period was more defensive by design. They didn’t give the Pens much. Despite Sullivan double shifting Crosby with Matt Cullen and Bryan Rust, the Rangers were more engaged physically and did a better job protecting the net. Raanta also made a couple of nice stops en route to 29 saves.

The Rangers held the Penguins to eight shots. They also didn’t take any silly penalties like they had last night. They stayed disciplined and stuck together. When McDonagh stole the puck at the Pittsburgh blue line and waited patiently before centering off Hayes for his ninth to make it 4-2 with 7:14 left, there was no looking back. Stepan added an excuse me empty netter with 1:23 remaining.

A great response by all 18 skaters and the goalie. Now comes the rematch at MSG on Turkey Eve. It promises to be good.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Jake Guentzel, Pens (2 goals in first NHL game, nearly a hat trick, 5 shots, 6 attempts, 4 hits, +1 in 20 shifts-15:38)

2nd Star-Kevin Hayes, NYR (goal-9th, assist-9rh to tie Miller for team lead with 18 points, 6 shots, +2 in 25 shifts-17:28)

1st Star-Ryan McDonagh, NYR (2 assists-12, 13, 4 shots, 2 blocked shots, +5 in 28 shifts-22:54 against the best player in the world)

Notes: Both Chris Kunitz and Patric Hornqvist did not play for the Pens. Kunitz was put on IR today allowing Guentzel to be recalled and make a memorable NHL debut with two goals. Hornqvist remains out with a concussion. … McDonagh and Girardi went a combined plus-nine. … Crosby finished minus-four with two shots and a minor penalty. … Malkin had an assist with two shots, six attempts and a minus-one. … Kessel tallied two assists giving him 14 which lead the Pens. … Four Blueshirts had two point nights including Hayes (1-1-2), McDonagh (2 assists), Grabner (1-1-2) and Nash (1-1-2). … Lindberg took 16 shifts (10:35) all at even strength with two shots, four attempts with two hits. … Faceoffs were in favor of the Rangers 28-26 thanks to good nights from Stepan (9-and-6), Hayes (9-and-7) and Pirri (8-and-7). Nick Bonino went 5-for-8 for the Pens while Crosby lost 13-of-23. … Shot attempts were close with the Pens holding a slight edge 54-50 despite getting outshot 36-31.

… The game was physical with the Rangers finishing with 35 hits to the Pens’ 25. Kevin Klein led the way with five and Miller had four. Guentzel and Wilson each had four. Only three NYR skaters didn’t register a hit. … It’s the Penguins (11-5-3) and Rangers (14-5-1) from The Garden at 7 PM Wednesday on MSG. Interestingly, NBC Sports Network chose the Flyers and Lightning for Rivalry Night over Penguins/Rangers. What would you expect from a confused network.

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Rangers claim Matt Puempel, Buchnevich update

Posted on November 21, 2016 by Derek

Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images

Prior to tonight’s faceoff between the first place Rangers and second place Penguins in Pittsburgh, I just wanted to update you on a couple of news items.

Rather than recall someone from Hartford, the Rangers put a claim in for forward Matt Puempel. The 23-year old from Essex, Ontario is in his third year. A former standout for the Kitchener Rangers ironically of the Ontario Hockey League, Puempel once pumped home 35 goals and 12 assists in 51 games for Kitchener in ’12-13.

In 2011, Ottawa made him a first round selection taking him number 24 overall. After scoring 30 once for Binghamton in ’13-14, he spent one more year with the AHL affiliate before getting recalled. He went 2-1-3 in both ’14-15 and ’15-16 in 39 NHL games. This season, he went without a point in 13.

So, the Blueshirts take a gamble and see if Puempel can figure it out. He was a first round pick. But it seems he’s more a shoot first mentality. A lefty shot, he has good speed and came from a good junior hockey program. It’s just whether he’ll become someone who can contribute regularly.

The Rangers got good news on Pavel Buchnevich. The 21-year old Russian underwent an MRI for his back. There was no structural damage. Coach Alain Vigneault revealed that Buchnevich should miss another three weeks. He’ll have to strengthen the core before returning. That’s a lot better than I expected. They definitely miss his skill on the power play.

For tonight’s first of two meetings in a home-and-home series with the Pens, Vigneault has gone with four different lines. They are as follows:

Grabner-Stepan-Nash

Kreider-Hayes-Zuccarello

Vesey-Pirri-Miller

Jooris-Lindberg-Fast

It’s the same D. Not sure I agree since it’s a back-to-back. They already got scored on. Jake Guentzel scored his first career NHL goal. It sounded like a bad goal by backup Antti Raanta. He’s going against Marc-Andre Fleury. Henrik Lundqvist returns for Wednesday’s rematch at MSG.

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Game Review: Panthers defeat Rangers 3-2 in shootout

Posted on November 21, 2016 by Derek
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Chris Kreider battles in front with a Panther in a tough 3-2 shootout loss. All Images and Videos courtesy NYRangers via AP Getty Images.

The Rangers dropped their second in a row falling 3-2 to the Panthers in a shootout at MSG. Rather than do a game recap, I’m just gonna do a quick summary and post some observations on why they were unable to beat a team playing for a second consecutive night.

Chris Kreider started the scoring by netting his first goal since Oct. 17 against the Sharks. Neck spasms cost him six games. So, it took a while for Kreider to find the back of the net. On an absolutely perfect feed from USA buddy Derek Stepan, he faked before snapping a laser past Florida backup James Reimer high to the stick side. Just a wonderful shot by a supremely skilled big man. Marc Staal picked up the secondary assist.

Playing in a back-to-back, the Panthers didn’t have much to offer in the first period. Outshot 14-5, they hung around thanks to the goaltending from Reimer. He made some timely saves to give his team a chance. A turning point came when the Rangers failed to capitalize on a abbreviated 23-second two-man advantage. They lost the special teams battle misfiring on three power plays while allowing a power play goal in four chances.

The Panthers got their legs back in the second period. Playing on more even terms, they were helped out by a slew of Ranger penalties. First, rookie Brady Skjei took a minor for covering up the puck. They described it as concealing the puck. Needless to say, the Ranger penalty kill failed.

Former Ranger Keith Yandle obliged by scoring his first goal as a Panther from Vincent Trocheck and Aleksander Barkov at 14:43. His left point shot went through a perfect screen in front past Henrik Lundqvist. Kevin Klein didn’t do a good enough job taking the man. By the time Lundqvist picked it up, it was too late. Maybe it was appropriate that Yandle would score in his return. He was a good Ranger. That some fools booed him was ridiculous. The guy lasted a year and a half and was never going to re-sign. Fair weather fans.

To make matters worse, Kevin Hayes wildly bumped into Reimer for a needless goalie interference minor with 4:11 left in the period. It was a silly penalty to take. Even though he was bailed out by the penalty kill, Lundqvist had to deal with some tough chances in tight. He really played well after his off night on Friday at Columbus. He made a lot of big saves. None better than twice robbing ageless wonder Jaromir Jagr with the game tied with under 10 minutes left in regulation. Lundqvist wasn’t to blame for tonight finishing with 28 saves.

The Rangers came out well in the third and took the lead thanks to some wizardry from Mats Zuccarello and a fortuitous bounce for Mika Zibanejad. On a strong shift down low, Zuccarello had the presence to center a backhand pass across the goalmouth to Zibanejad, who had the puck go off his skate and in. That made it 2-1 at 1:45. The refs delayed due to a video review to see if it was kicked in. Initially, I wondered if Skjei might have interfered with Reimer. But that wasn’t the case. It was a good goal giving Zibanejad goals in two straight and six points over his last six.

But penalty trouble continued. Right after the goal was announced by MSG PA announcer Joe Tolleson, Skjei took his second minor. Even though they survived another dangerous Florida power play, it really killed the momentum. It was all Panthers afterwards. Using their aggressiveness and speed on the cycle, they really punished Nick Holden, who struggled mightily. He and Staal had a tough night.

As Lundqvist noted following the game on MSG Network, he felt that the Panthers really lifted their game following a nothing first. They won a lot of battles. The scary aspect is they’re still without Jonathan Huberdeau and Nick Bjugstad. Right now, they’re just hanging in there on the brilliant play of Roberto Luongo and for one night at least, Reimer who was sensational making 33 saves.

Their relentlessness resulted in Ekblad tying the game with 12:06 remaining in regulation. On a good forecheck from Trocheck, he took a Jakub Kindl pass across the blueline and let go of a wrist shot that took an unlucky bounce off J.T. Miller past Lundqvist. It was one of those plays MSG analyst Steve Valiquette talks about. To block or not block. If Miller gets out of the way, Lundqvist probably gloves it. Maybe the Rangers win. He didn’t and it took a crazy hop resulting in a 2-2 score.

Brandon Pirri took his own bad penalty when he played baseball by swinging and connecting with the puck and hitting it foul. Initially, the refs weren’t going to call it. But after getting together, they determined that it was delay of game. It resulted in some more pressure from the Panthers. Thankfully, the penalty kill got a couple of key clears to keep the game tied.

Jagr had the game on his stick. On a Dan Girardi turnover, the Stepan line got caught napping. Nobody took a wide open Jagr in the slot. He was 15 feet away and had all day to fire that patented wrist shot. Thankfully, Lundqvist got just enough to keep it out. He then had to deny Jagr on the rebound. That was the type of game it was. The Panthers got to loose pucks and made it difficult for Henrik who played his 700th game.

The 3-on-3 overtime can best be summed up in one word. Disaster. It struck literally when 43 seconds in, a backchecking Zibanejad collided with Reilly Smith, sending the center flying into the back boards. What made it worse was how he landed with his leg in a terrible position. Right away, I knew it was a serious injury. He needed help being taken off the ice and couldn’t put any weight on it.

My guess was we wouldn’t see Zibanejad again until next year. How unfortunate I was to be right. Afterwards, the update from the Rangers was that he fractured his fibula and will miss between six to eight weeks. A broken leg. What a shame. He was really starting to heat up. Now, the Rangers will be minus one of their top six forwards. Zibanejad isn’t only one of the top point getters. But he’s also solid on draws. On the night, he dominated going 17-and-7. Now, the big right-handed center with the deadly shot will be sorely missed.

But as Alain Vigneault pointed out in the post game, “Every team has injuries.” He added, “It’s a chance for someone else to step up.”

The overtime only produced three shots with Hayes coming very close to winning it on a wraparound. But Reimer made a sprawling save.

In the shootout, the Panthers outscored the Rangers 2-0 on goals from Trocheck and Barkov. In Round 1, Trocheck waited before picking five-hole on Lundqvist. After Pirri missed against Reimer, Barkov wrapped it up in Round 2 with a highlight reel goal. He has an array of moves and put them on Lundqvist before attempting the Forsberg with Lundqvist getting a piece of it. But the puck had enough momentum to roll past the red line giving the Panthers a well earned win.

Here are some Random Thoughts:

–Sam Rosen was properly recognized by The Garden before the game for his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. He deserved the Foster Hewitt Award and it definitely will last a lifetime. It was nice to see old partner John Davidson on the ice for the pregame ceremony along with Joe Micheletti. Sam and JD were the best in the game for so long. I give Micheletti a lot of crap. But he’s done well in his 11 years.

-In one of the most emotional and touching moments at MSG, the Rangers introduced former FDNY Deputy Chief Michael Fahy’s wife and children who were in attendance to see the game. It was really something. Everyone got up and stood giving her and the kids a standing ovation. Her husband and their father was a true hero. When it comes to these kind of tragedies, nobody rallies around it better than New Yorkers. We appreciate what our firefighters and police officers sacrifice every day. If you didn’t feel something at that moment, you never will. Some things are bigger than the game. This was. A great job by The Garden and Rangers to recognize them.

-Overall, the Rangers just weren’t emotionally invested. They lacked something. I had this pegged as an easy 5-2 win, figuring the tired Panthers would wilt. But they didn’t take advantage of early chances. If you let a team hang around, sometimes you pay for it. At least the football Giants didn’t despite our coach’s predictable fourth quarter offense. Thank god for Landon Collins.

-At five-on-five, the Blueshirts weren’t as effective. When it’s the fourth line that’s generating consistent shifts with reinserted Josh Jooris getting a couple, that just won’t cut it.

-They did have one great chance to go back ahead and win it. Rick Nash had what looked like a wide open net. He patiently waited and seemed to have Reimer down and out. But a desperate Reimer got his goalie stick on Nash’s forehand sending it wide. Ironically, the puck came to Kreider, who was on his backhand. But he was unable to bury it. I thought for sure he would. But it didn’t come.

-My favorite part of the game was sitting next to a fan who doesn’t always get the chance to come. He was there with his family which included three sons including one who was celebrating his 10th birthday. They were a delight to sit next to. The 10-year old almost called the winner taking Nash before the third. If only he could’ve scored. He’s been cold lately. I think he’ll get off the snide soon.

-I mentioned Holden’s struggles. This just wasn’t a good match-up for him. He was forced into turnovers. The Panthers were very physical. Their speed and wall game allows them to get in quickly. That’s the book on the Ranger D. Finish checks and force them into mistakes like the one Girardi made.

-Vigneault leaned heavily on Ryan McDonagh, who logged over 26 minutes with three shots, two hits and two blocks. It’ll be interesting to see how much he has left for the Penguins tonight in the first of a home-and-home series with the rematch at MSG on Rivalry Night.

-Aside from the penalties, I like what I see from Skjei. He was in front creating just enough of a distraction on Zibanejad’s goal. He got 17:35 in 23 shifts. Eventually, his time should go up. There’s no question he’s the second best defenseman behind McDonagh. They trained together in Minnesota over the summer. Just imagine if Vigneault could pair them together. Opponents would never get the puck. But he can’t. Skjei needs to be on the second pair. Especially with Kevin Klein struggling.

-With Zibanejad out, this means Oscar Lindberg returns to the lineup. How much will AV play him? He never gets anything other than shifts at even strength. The coach has been reluctant to use Lindberg more than liberally. He will play on the fourth line. Does Jooris stay in? Is Cristoval Nieves back up tomorrow?

-The loss of Zibanejad means one thing. Stepan must step up his production. The assists are fine. He notched his 10th on Kreider’s tally. But two goals in the first 19 isn’t enough from the top center. Nash has also cooled of late and is stuck on seven markers. Your best players need to be your best.

-I see no other logical solution than to shift Miller to center. He can center the third line. Hayes the second. Maybe have Miller play with Jimmy Vesey and either Michael Grabner or Pirri. In this situation, Vigneault prefers to use Jesper Fast in a top nine role. Or maybe keep Miller with Hayes since they have great chemistry. They could have Pirri center the third unit which would leave Lindberg or Jooris for the fourth line.

-I’m most curious to see the line combinations AV comes up with.

-With the visit to Pittsburgh for the first game and the return match Wednesday, it’ll be interesting to see how they respond to a little adversity. The Pens are playing very well. Sidney Crosby is tied for the league lead in goals (12) despite missing time. He’s been on fire. Evgeni Malkin has also played well as has Phil Kessel.

–Antti Raanta gets the nod in Pittsburgh Monday night. Unless Matt Murray is ready to return, it’ll be Marc-Andre Fleury who gave a great performance in a 2-1 shootout loss at Buffalo. More on that in another post.

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Alain Vigneault is so predictable

Posted on November 20, 2016 by Derek

Before I leave for tonight’s game against the Panthers, I wanted to get a couple of things off my chest.

1.Alain Vigneault demoting leading scorer J.T. Miller to the fourth line is ridiculous. Miller had a bad game the other night. It happens. Funny. I don’t see Jesper Fast suffering the same punishment when he had an equally hideous turnover that also led to a Columbus goal. This is the coach you’re dealing with. One who plays favorites and picks on certain guys. Just ask Chris Kreider.

2.Predictably, Josh Jooris is back in the lineup while Oscar Lindberg sits. After playing 7:25 the other night, the writing was on the wall. When Lindberg takes a penalty, he is severely punished. Even when he doesn’t, AV gives him no chance at succeeding only using him minimally at even strength. Just asinine. How did Lindberg go from his hot start last year to barely playing? Granted. He probably isn’t that offensive minded. But come on. The coach is to blame for his mishandling.

3.Adam Clendening sits again. He has become the new Dylan McIlrath. Speaking of which, he might actually play for Florida tonight in his return. He’s played the last two for them and gotten real ice-time. The kind Vigneault was unwilling to provide after a good cameo his rookie year with once again teammate Keith Yandle.

Vigneault is so frustrating. He is so stubborn, it is sickening. Sure. The team is having success. There’s not much to dislike. A 13-5-0 record and first place so far. But the way he handles certain guys is mind boggling.

So too is the team doctors who butchered Pavel Buchnevich, who now will undergo an MRI for his back. God forbid they get something right.

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Devils weekly recap: California nightmare

Posted on November 19, 2016 by hasan4978

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Just a few days ago things were looking up for the Devils as they won their fifth game in a row in Dallas with a hard-fought 2-1 OT win.  Since then however, the team has hit a collective pothole starting with the Taylor Hall meniscus injury that’s going to shelve the star winger for about a month – somewhat inconveniently the month where the Devils are playing 17 of 21 on the road.  Even without Hall the Devils played well in Anaheim and stormed out to a 2-0 lead looking to get a sixth straight win for the first time since the end of the 2011-12 regular season.

However, the trip if not the season itself changed when the Devils’ lead melted away in seventeen seconds late in the second period and then the game itself was lost late in the third in the team’s second game this season where they turned a 2-0 lead into a game where they got zero points out of.  Perhaps that game carried over to this afternoon’s effort, or lack thereof against the Kings in the first two periods of a rare West Coast matinee.  You name the player, they pretty much didn’t compete – Cory Schneider gave up two bad goals including a disgustingly soft rebound goal by Jeff Carter, captain Andy Greene was culpable on a bad pinch in the third period that started the fatal 2-on-1 which gave the Kings a 3-1 lead in the third period, Kyle Palmieri‘s looking dangerously like a one year wonder and Adam Henrique is well, pulling his usual inconsistent act where he dissapears for two months before racking up points over a two-week stretch.

If this seems like a post veering into unneccesary rant territory well this team can’t take squat for granted.  Especially in a brutally tough Metro division which has three practically sure playoff teams in the Penguins, Capitals and Rangers and a young, dangerous Blue Jackets team that’s beaten some stout competition this year.  When you’re lacking your top offensive player for your biggest travel month you have to bring effort every night and this team looked like it left its heart in Anaheim.  At least until the third period today where the team finally gave a too little, too late rally and Nick Lappin‘s late goal made the game undeservedly close before Jake Muzzin‘s defensive zone clear wound up being an empty-net goal.

Former Devils coach Pete DeBoer used to say that your best players have to be your best players.  This is both true and shows the extent of the problem facing the Devils right now.  Other than Hall their best players have not been their best players for long stretches this season.  Although Cory started out good enough, in the last two games he’s given up backbreaking goals he quite frankly can’t afford to give up with the state of this team right now.  Greene moved to third on the Devils’ all time list for consecutive games played behind Travis Zajac and Ken Daneyko but he certainly needs to be better than he was today.

However, the forwards are a bigger issue now.  Yes, Henrique and Palmieri combined for the winning goal in Dallas but by and large they’ve both been dissapointing this season with a combined six goals and 15 points in 33 games.  From two guys that both scored thirty last year, more was certainly expected.  That’s not even including Mike Cammalleri who played twelve games but only scored in one of them (the hat trick in Carolina before his sabbatical to attend to an unspecified family issue).  Perhaps whatever’s caused Camm to miss the last few games weighed on his mind early in the season?  Doesn’t explain everyone else’s struggles though.  Lappin who’s played eleven games with limited minutes has as many goals as the last three players I mentioned, all thirty-goal scorers in this league.  Ironically one of the few things I DID like about today’s game is coach John Hynes‘ willingness to even punish his best players (Henrique and Palmieri) for lack of effort by benching them for long stretches.  I don’t think I’ve seen that kind of blanket accountability since Jacques Lemaire‘s first tenure, or the late Pat Burns.

Speaking of former coaches, the Devils’ next game involves another reunion with ol’ Pete although with the dramatic turnover in the last eighteen months few players remain even from the end of Pete’s tenure.  With the way things are going I’m fully expecting a California whitewash at this point, especially assuming backup Keith Kinkaid will play since coach Hynes initially said he’d get in one game on this trip.  Even with the defending Western Conference champs struggling I’m fully expecting the Sharks to find their mojo for Tuesday.  As such it’ll be the only game on the trip I probably won’t watch past the first period – I’m still paying for staying up on Thursday to witness the Hindenberg disaster that was our last twenty-five minutes.

On the brighter side at least the Devils will return home for a couple of games next week, where they still haven’t lost a regulation game yet.  It’s not as if the schedule is lightening up all that much though, with the Devils playing at the Rock both before and after Turkey day against an improving Leafs team and the Wings looking to make the playoffs for their 10000th consecutive season.  And that leads right into the Bataan Death March of our next road trip – which starts in Pittsburgh Saturday for our third game in four nights, followed by trips to Winnipeg, Chicago and Nashville.  Yippee.  Hopefully I’ll at least be in a more festive mood after a four-day weekend this week and going to two home games.

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Game 18: Calvert’s emotional shorthanded goal the difference for Blue Jackets in 4-2 win over Rangers

Posted on November 19, 2016 by Derek
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Matt Calvert celebrated an emotional shorthanded goal for the game-winner after taking 36 stitches following a Nick Holden shot to the head in the second period of the Blue Jackets’ 4-2 win over the Rangers, who weren’t at their best Friday night. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NHL.

The Rangers saw blue in Columbus. The Blue Jackets ended their three-game winning streak by getting a big shorthanded goal from Matt Calvert in a 4-2 win over the Blueshirts at Nationwide Arena.

The loss also halted the Rangers’ consecutive streak of scoring three goals or more at nine. It was the first game they failed to reach the magic three since an Oct. 28 3-2 road defeat at Carolina exactly three weeks ago. All good stretches come to an end. The Rangers have been scoring at such a ridiculous clip that eventually they were bound to slip up.

To be honest, I wasn’t surprised they lost this game at Columbus, who have been flying under the radar in a great division. They entered play on a six-game home win streak. Coach John Tortorella’s team has quietly been going about their business playing good hockey. Following a strong start on unassisted tallies from William Karlsson and surprising top finisher veteran Sam Gagner (7th), they recovered from blowing a two-goal lead, improving to 9-4-2 in only 15 games. That gives them 20 points to pull within six of first place.

Having played the fewest games in the league, the Jackets have only lost four times in regulation. It’s easy to forget they dropped their first two both on home ice. Since, they’re 9-2-2 having won seven in a row in Columbus. The reason for the improved play is former Vezina winner Sergei Bobrovsky. Unlike last year where he couldn’t stop anything, he’s been on fire. In improving to 9-4-1, his goals-against-average is down to 2.20 with a save percentage of .932.

The Jackets have also gotten a huge contribution from rookie Zachary Werenski. The 19-year old defenseman who Columbus took in the first round in the ’98 NHL Draft is tied for third in rookie scoring with 13 points (5-8-13). There’s no question he’s legit. Tortorella plays him in every situation. He went plus-two in 32 shifts leading all skaters with 24:46 including 20:02 at even strength.

Interestingly, they haven’t gotten much out of ex-Blueshirt Brandon Dubinsky or Boone Jenner. Brandon Saad hasn’t finished much either. They’re getting contributions throughout the lineup with young players like Karlsson and Alexander Wennberg coming through. Plus captain Nick Foligno is having a bounce back year. Cam Atkinson is also doing his part.

Most impressive is they’re having success without top defenseman Seth Jones. Since he went down, Werenski has carried the blue line with help from partner David Savard (plus-three), Jack Johnson and Ryan Murray. The top four all played over 21 minutes. Bobrovsky made 25 saves including a tough Chris Kreider deflection with 15 seconds remaining to preserve the win. Kreider finally returned from neck spasms and was effective in 24 shifts logging 19:11 with four shots, seven attempts while helping create the Rangers’ second goal off some strong work down low.

Hopefully, Kreider won’t miss anymore time. He has missed six games all due to neck spasms. He got to play with Mika Zibanejad, who was able to score the game-tying goal in the third period off a brilliant feed from budding rookie defenseman Brady Skjei. Skjei continues to excel in an increased role recording his 11th assist. Zibanejad quietly has gone 2-3-5 over the last five. So, it’s not all negative. It’s imperative for the former Senator to become more consistent. He’s headed in the right direction.

The issue for the Rangers in this one was sloppy play. A couple of irresponsible turnovers and shoddy goaltending from the normally reliable Henrik Lundqvist let them down. The first such mistake came when J.T. Miller threw a pass up the middle right to Karlsson, who then beat Lundqvist from distance for the game’s first goal with 3:26 left in the first period. Miller didn’t have his best outing, also partly responsible for Calvert’s shorthanded game-winner.

With Columbus up one, they again took full advantage of another dreadful error. Like Miller, Jesper Fast is normally responsible in his end. However, that wasn’t the case on the Jackets’ second goal. With two Jackets shadowing him, Fast made a very poor choice going up the middle. Unfortunately, the puck found Gagner who let go of a routine wrist shot that went off Lundqvist’s glove and in for a 2-0 Columbus lead at 5:38 of the second.

In both cases, you would expect your goalie to come up with the big save and bail out his teammate. It didn’t happen for Lundqvist on Friday night. He had come in playing very well with his save percentage back up to .920. In this one, he gave up three soft goals on 23 shots. All stoppable. It happens. He just didn’t make the big save we’re so used to seeing.

One thing about this ’16-17 Blueshirts version. They’re never out of a game. Extremely dangerous offensively, they can strike at any moment. Michael Grabner continued his amazing start by getting the Rangers on the board with his team-leading 11th on a clean breakaway. Forcing Murray at the left point into a turnover, Grabner broke away and came in and went forehand deke to beat Bobrovsky, cutting the deficit to 2-1 with 8:56 left in the period.

Still trailing by one in the third, Zibanejad drew them even. Following a big penalty kill of an Oscar Lindberg cross-checking minor, a relentless forecheck led to Nick Holden feeding a pinching Skjei, who skated down drawing Columbus defenders while threading the needle to Zibanejad for his fourth. The goal tied the game with 11:28 remaining.

Listening to it on ESPN Radio, I felt good about their chances. This team has given fans no reason to feel otherwise. When a penalty was drawn on Savard with 9:25 left, I figured they’d either score or it would go to overtime. A win win situation. But as I returned from the bank, I was dead wrong. There you had Don LaGreca and Dave Maloney discussing Calvert’s huge game-turning shorthanded goal. A crusher.

In itself, it was a great story. It was during the middle of the second that the gritty Calvert found himself on the opposite end of an errant Holden shot that cut his face. From the discussion on Twitter, fans were very concerned. I wish this sentiment could be echoed for the state of our country. Fortunately, it wasn’t that serious. He’s a hockey player. So, he got stitched up and returned for the final period. Afterwards, Calvert revealed that he needed over 30 stitches including a bandage he wore to cover his forehead.

”I think when something like this happens emotions just kind of take over,” Calvert said after playing his 200th career game. ”You’re riding on adrenaline. I made a shot and it was great to see it hit the back of the net.”

As fate would have it, a poor Miller back pass resulted in a Blue Jackets odd-man rush. Murray worked the puck to Karlsson, who got it to Calvert. He let go of another shot that Lundqvist normally stops. I don’t know if maybe a sliding Ryan McDonagh fooled him. Regardless, it went through him at 11:35 to give the Jackets a 3-2 lead. A great moment for Calvert. But one the Rangers and particularly Lundqvist would rather forget. Ditto Miller, who missed some shifts due to his off night. He still got nearly 16 minutes but went minus-two.

”You can’t script it any better that he comes back and scores the winner for us,” Gagner pointed out. ”That’s just an unbelievable teammate and it gives every guy on the bench a huge shot when he comes back.”

To their credit, the Rangers didn’t fold. They continued to push the attack. But in a third where they got 11 shots through on Bobrovsky including Zibanejad’s game-tying goal earlier, they were unable to beat the Russian netminder again. A stingy D and one last tough stop with Kreider doing some work in front were enough to give the Jackets a well earned victory.

On a last second face-off, Jenner sent the puck into an open net at the buzzer. It counted for the final margin of 4-2. Window dressing for Columbus, who are proving they could be for real this year. If they are, the Metropolitan Division becomes that much tougher.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Sam Gagner, CBJ (unassisted goal-7th, +1 in 17 shifts-13:02)

2nd Star-William Karlsson, CBJ (goal-3rd, assist, 3 shots, 5 attempts, +1 in 20 shifts-14:34)

1st Star-Matt Calvert, CBJ (game-winning shorthanded goal for successful return, +3 in 17 shifts-12:39)

Notes: After having only one goal in his first 13, Zibanejad has scored twice in his last five. … It’s an odd night when neither Miller nor Kevin Hayes are a factor. Miller going minus-two with two mistakes that led to goals against. Hayes with no points in 18 shifts-16:33. … Mats Zuccarello was held off the score sheet with a minus-two rating. … Grabner scored his team best 11th finishing plus-one in 17 shifts-10:31. … Lindberg barely played logging only 7:25 in 12 shifts. What is the point of playing him if the coach doesn’t like him? … Faceoffs went in favor of Columbus 34-24 with Dubinsky 11-and-7. Derek Stepan was the Rangers’ best going 10-and-11 but losing a big draw late. … A booing target all night, Rick Nash was held without a goal for a fourth straight game. He has one assist over that stretch. Eleven points from Nash and Stepan isn’t enough. They both can be better. … Rangers (13-5-0) remain two points up on the Caps and Pens, who both won. They host the Panthers Sunday night. Dylan McIlrath could play. He went minus-two in a blowout loss the other night.

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Battle News: Hall injured for Devils, Kreider to return for Rangers

Posted on November 17, 2016 by Derek

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On a busy Thursday night in the NHL, here are some news and notes regarding a couple of Battle teams. Injuries have been a hot topic around the league. Some teams have been hit hard.

The biggest one is Tampa captain Steven Stamkos, who is expected to miss two up to four months due to a torn right meniscus in his knee. He has had some awful luck. He already underwent surgery. The latest injury occurred four days prior to the three-year anniversary when he broke his fibula. A freak injury where he collided with the goalpost at Boston. Of course, he also missed significant time last year which kept him out of almost the entire postseason. The Lightning made the Conference Final without him but lost to the Penguins.

The Flames also took a hit with star Johnny Gaudreau, who will be out a while due to a broken finger. He underwent successful surgery. They’re already a bad team. Without Johnny Hockey, yikes.

The Devils have lost leading scorer Taylor Hall for three to four weeks. Fortunately, his meniscus surgery won’t keep him out long term. He was tied for the team lead in scoring with 12 points including five goals, which tie him with P.A. Parenteau. Without him and Mike Cammalleri (personal issues), the red hot Devs will need continued scoring from overtime hero Adam Henrique, Kyle Palmieri, Parenteau, Travis Zajac and Damon Severson. Cory Schneider and Keith Kinkaid have provided quality goaltending.

In the mean time, they recalled forward Blake Pietila. He is a solid energy guy who can play in a supporting role and kill penalties. The Devils also get back defenseman Jon Merrill, who will make his season debut when they visit the Ducks tonight. Yohann Auvitu comes out. The first change to their D this season.

The Rangers got some good news on Chris Kreider, who returned to practice Thursday. After missing the past couple of games with a “secret injury” it looks like he’s good to go for tomorrow night’s road match at Columbus. To make room for him, rookie Cristoval Nieves was sent back to Hartford. Pavel Buchnevich remains day-to-day with back spasms. If he is out for tomorrow, Oscar Lindberg remains in.

With a condensed schedule plus a five-day vacation for the NHLPA, the injuries will continue. It’ll be the teams with the best depth who survive.

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Game Review: Rangers 7 Canucks 2

Posted on November 16, 2016 by Derek
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The Rangers continue to score at a ridiculous clip averaging 4.24 goals-per-game. They defeated the Canucks 7-2 to sweep the Western Canada part of their road trip. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYRangers.

If you stayed up late on the East coast and caught last night’s game, the Rangers avenged last Tuesday’s 5-3 home loss to the Canucks by hammering them 7-2 in Vancouver. Despite the score, they weren’t perfect. But opportunistic enough to continue scoring goals at a ridiculous clip.

They’re averaging 4.24 goals-per-game. Almost a goal higher than their next opponent Columbus (3.36). That’s not a misprint. When you can score at such a high rate, you’re going to win more than you lose. And so, the Rangers so far are three for three on a four-game road trip outscoring Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver 14-4.

Yet they haven’t played their best in each victory. They’ve given up 113 total shots which averages out to over 37 a game. The big difference is the goaltending of both Henrik Lundqvist and Antti Raanta. Similar to last year, they’ve stood on their head during the Western Canadian portion of the trip. After Raanta stoned the Oilers with 38 saves in a 3-1 win, Lundqvist followed suit by making 36 last night.

Honestly, without some remarkable saves in a lopsided first period dominated by the Canucks, we could be discussing an entirely different result. Playing their third in four nights, the Rangers were flat. It resulted in spending long shifts pinned in their end. Both Daniel and Henrik Sedin had their way. The Twins did everything but score along with some of their teammates. Lundqvist wouldn’t allow it. He stopped all 17 shots thrown his way.

That included consecutive penalty kills of two ill advised Oscar Lindberg minor penalties. Given the chance to play with both Pavel Buchnevich and Chris Kreider out, he hasn’t distinguished himself. The second-year Swede’s play has been disappointing. Even though he did pick up an assist in 18 shifts (11:09), Lindberg can play better. Granted. It’s hard to get into a rhythm when you’re the odd man out.

It was also the NHL debut of Cristoval Nieves. He centered the fourth line and looked okay. Boo Nieves took 17 shifts receiving 11:44 of ice-time with it almost exclusively at even strength. He struggled on face-offs losing 7-of-10. He went minus-one and didn’t record a shot. With Buchnevich day-to-day and Alain Vigneault unable to provide any kind of clear update on Kreider, Nieves should be in the lineup again on Friday. Whether he’s still here for Sunday against Florida and a pivotal home-and-home series against the Penguins Monday and next Wednesday remains to be seen.

When you are really struggling and your goalie is bailing you out in a period, usually you wind up scoring on the opposite end. I don’t know what Joe Micheletti had before the game. But coming off Sam Rosen’s Hall of Fame induction in the broadcasters wing, he was on. He called the Rangers’ first goal before it happened. J.T. Miller redirected a Mats Zuccarello feed at 18:42 for the first period’s lone goal. Rosen teased Micheletti about it.

The second period was better. Each team had eight shots. Three goals were scored. The first two off Ranger sticks with Kevin Hayes and Brandon Pirri tallying. As bad as he was last year is as good as Hayes has been this year. Whatever he did in the off-season has paid off. Suddenly, he’s scoring daily and is responsible defensively. With the Canucks backing off, Hayes skated in and did the smart thing firing a slap shot past Jacob Markstrom. I don’t think anyone expected him to shoot. It caught Markstrom off guard. Jesper Fast picked up an assist. He’s really played well in this stretch with five points in the last five games.

Pirri scored on the power play. Off some wonderful passing, he was able to steer in Mika Zibanejad’s rebound for his fifth making it 3-zip. The play was made possible by Ryan McDonagh. He made a great diagonal feed for a Zibanejad one-timer that Markstrom couldn’t control. That led to an easy Pirri tap in. McDonagh now has 11 assists. He continues to play extremely well and is having a big bounce back season. The kind the captain needed.

To their credit, the Canucks kept coming. They finally got on the board when Brandon Sutter’s shot went through a perfect Henrik Sedin screen past Lundqvist to cut it to 3-1 with 41 seconds remaining. It was another relentless shift by the Sedins, who really were tough to defend all night. They’re so fast, elusive and skilled that the puck magically sticks to them like glue. Eventually, Daniel Sedin set up Sutter’s goal which Lundqvist had no chance on. Luca Sbisa drew the secondary assist. He was a pest throughout.

While many Garden faithful worried about that late goal changing the momentum, I didn’t. I was perfectly relaxed. Maybe it’s how this team responds when they’re scored on. Or maybe it was the intermission. I just never felt the Canucks would come back. Sure enough, the Rangers came out like a house on fire with Hayes and Miller each scoring their second of the night on consecutive shifts.

Fast stole the puck at center and sent Hayes in on a clean breakaway. He pump faked and then scored on a forehand deke top shelf for his eighth at 1:49. On the next goal, it looked like the Rangers were on a power play. Only they weren’t. Zibanejad and Mats Zuccarello combined to set up Miller in front for his seventh at 2:31.

With the score 5-1, Nick Holden accidentally sent a clear that banked off Markus Granlund for a very odd redirection goal that made it 5-2 with less than seven minutes remaining. The play was so unpredictable that I still can’t figure out how it took the carom it did. It was just one of those freak occurrences. Derek Dorsett and Sbisa drew helpers.

Holden more than made up for it by setting up the next goal and scoring on the power play. His play has gotten so much better that the #NickHolden hashtag on Twitter has taken a hiatus. This time, some great passing between Kevin Klein and Holden allowed Zuccarello to score a gimme within 10 feet. The goal was so easy that Micheletti defiantly said, “That was not a POWER PLAY GOAL,” which got a chuckle from his partner Rosen. The sad part is it looked like one. That’s how poorly defended it was.

Rosen would get to call a second trademark, “It’s a power play goal” when off a Lindberg face-off win, Klein passed across for a Holden one-timer that caromed off Vancouver defenseman Erik Gudbranson past Markstrom with 1:56 left.

Mercifully, the game finally ended for the Canucks, who gave a better effort than what the final score said. Sometimes, that’s how it goes. Especially with the way things have been going for them while it’s been the opposite end of the spectrum for the Rangers. They upped their mark to 13-4-0. Good for first in the Metropolitan Division with 26 points. Their 13 ROW are tied with the Canadiens (13-2-2) for the most in the league. They’re four up on the Pens and five ahead of the Devils, who got some disappointing news with star forward Taylor Hall having surgery to repair a meniscus which will keep him out three to four weeks.

Some takeaways from the game:

-The Rangers played about as poorly as they have all year. Five-on-five, they were brutal for long stretches. A trend that’s led to more shots against. They definitely need to get back to taking care of business in their end. Better opponents will exploit that.

-With them spending more time in their zone, they are blocking a ton of shots. Three instances saw Blueshirts limp off the ice in pain after sacrificing their bodies. The scariest being Derek Stepan, who was in a lot of pain that he needed help getting over the bench and taken to the locker room. Somehow, he returned for the remainder. Hard to fathom. Both Fast and Hayes also made crucial blocks that saw each hobbled. Neither missed a shift. Overall, the team blocked 21 shots making it the third straight game they have blocked over 20. Eleven players registered at least one with Girardi blocking four.

-They were again outshot with the Canucks holding a 38-25 edge. Vancouver out-attempted the Rangers 72-39. It is a concern. This has been going on for a while. Since they swept that weekend against Boston and Winnipeg, the defense has allowed a lot more shots and quality chances.

-The positive has been that this team continues to score even without key players. Kreider and Buchnevich are two of their best skaters who are superb offensively. Particularly Buchnevich, who had scored in four straight and just had a three-point game before back spasms sidelined him again. As for Kreider, he hasn’t scored a goal since Game 3. Perhaps this “mystery injury” explains why his level had dropped. He did play better in his last one. Hopefully, the injury won’t keep him out too long.

-For all the criticism he received for another slow start, isn’t it about time Lundqvist is left alone? How many times has he come through for this franchise since coming over from Sweden in ’05-06? Without him, they’re not even on the radar. There’s a reason he’s the all-time leader in wins and shutouts. He’s unflappable and has so much character. He’s proving it again. Lundqvist is up to nine wins and has his GAA down to .224 and his save percentage up to his career mark of .920. There’s a reason he’s considered one of the best.

-With 17 points and 16 points respectively, Miller and Hayes are now among the scoring leaders. They are a combined plus-31. Michael Grabner leads the team with 10 goals and his plus-16 makes that trio a combined plus-47. Dominant players five-on-five who play more shorthanded than power play.

-With an assist, rookie Brady Skjei is up to 10 helpers. That leads all rookies. He’s also a plus-four and has taken only one minor penalty.

-Skjei (assist), Pirri (goal) and Fast (2 assists) all became the latest Blueshirts to reach at least 10 points for the season. Astonishingly, 13 players have hit double digits in points. That’s how well balanced the scoring is.

-After a slow start, Klein’s play has picked up. He’s up to six assists and a plus-five with no penalties in 14 games.

-With two power play goals, the Rangers now rank fourth overall clicking at 24.1 percent. They’re 13-for-54. They’re also eighth in penalty kill with an 85.1 percent efficiency. They’ve killed off 40 of 47 so far with two shorthanded goals. A marked improvement from last year.

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Rangers recall Boo Nieves

Posted on November 14, 2016 by Derek
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Cristoval “Boo” Nieves will make his NHL debut for the Rangers Tuesday at Vancouver. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy NYRangers. 

With injuries to forwards Pavel Buchnevich and Chris Kreider, the Rangers have recalled Cristoval “Boo” Nieves from Hartford. He’ll fill in as the 12th forward for tomorrow night’s game at Vancouver.

The 22-year old Baldwinsville, New York native was selected in the second round of the 2012 NHL Draft 59th overall. Nieves spent all four years learning under Red Berenson at Michigan. After finishing with a college best 10 goals and 31 points his senior year in The Big 10, he debuted with Hartford last Spring where he tallied two goals and three assists in eight contests.

Listed at 6-3, 200 pounds, Nieves has the size and skating that coach Alain Vigneault prefers. When he got into preseason games, he impressed the coach enough to consider bringing him back if necessary. Instead, Nieves spent the first month with the Wolf Pack tallying a goal and five helpers in 13 games.

He gets the call over Marek Hrivik, who leads Hartford in scoring with 12 points (6-6-12). The Pack have struggled so far with a 3-8-2 record for last in the Atlantic Division. A bit concerning but it’s early. Hopefully, they improve and continue to develop under coach Ken Gernander.

With Nieves up, Vigneault can comprise four lines instead of mixing and matching like he did in the 3-1 win over Edmonton Sunday night. It also means extra defenseman Adam Clendening won’t dress for no reason. He didn’t get one shift. Vigneault only wanted to use him exclusively on the power play. The Rangers drew none.

For now, he’s satisfied with his top six which have played well. Clendening will continue to spell Dan Girardi when needed. I don’t necessarily agree with what he’s doing to Clendening. But it’s not my call. Dylan McIlrath must be so glad he’s no longer here. He hasn’t gotten into a game yet for the Panthers but is the extra. The Panthers visit MSG this Sunday, Nov. 20.

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