Rangers sign Paille to aid penalty kill

Posted on January 21, 2016 by Derek

In a move that addresses depth, the Rangers signed forward Daniel Paille. The 31-year old veteran agreed to a two-way contract that’ll pay him $575,000 in the NHL and $100,000 in the AHL.

A smart defensive minded fourth liner who excels on the penalty kill, Paille likely will fill that role as a Ranger. Best known for his checking as a Bruin helping them win a Stanley Cup in ’10-11, he also hurt the Rangers in a second round loss in 2013. He excelled on a line with Greg Campbell and Shawn Thornton for Boston tallying four goals and five helpers in a return trip to the Stanley Cup Final against Chicago that same year. The Hawks won the series in six.

Paille will wear number 12. Not the most popular number. Ales Kotalik donned it. Former Black Ace favorite Ed Olczyk also wore it on the ’93-94 championship team. Don Maloney is the best Ranger to wear 12 spending more than a decade on some exciting teams including 1979 when they lost to Montreal for the Cup and again fell to the Canadiens in 1986. He is 11th all-time on the Rangers scoring list with 502 points (195-307-502).

Interestingly, one of Paille’s closest friends is Dan Girardi, who had some nice words for his new teammate. After spending the past six seasons in Boston, he was unsigned. Paille had been playing for Rockford in the AHL with a goal and three helpers in 31 games. If he plays, he won’t provide much offense. But on a team that’s struggled badly on the penalty kill falling all the way down to 25th overall (78.9 percent), the move is understandable. Somewhat curiously, it’s gotten much worse since they let go of Jarret Stoll. This tweet from Andrew Gross.

While others are up in arms over the lack of trust the coaching staff has in rookie Oscar Lindberg, let’s be honest. The penalty kill has been brutal. It’s cost them games. They’ve been giving up way too many power play goals. Whether it be Jesper Fast out of position or the D not covering in front, there are too many gaps. Bringing in a vet on the cheap who at least can fill a role unlike Jayson Megna, who should be going down to Hartford before Friday’s game at Carolina is low risk.

Paille took the morning skate and could be in tomorrow. Chris Kreider didn’t participate with neck spasms. Hopefully, he doesn’t miss a game. He’s been going well with points in four straight including three goals. Derick Brassard practiced. So, he’ll probably be back in. He skated with Rick Nash and Mats Zuccarello. With Kreider out, Fast was with Derek Stepan and J.T. Miller. Kevin Hayes was centering Lindberg and Viktor Stalberg, who has been a solid penalty killer. I wonder why they don’t try Miller on it. He seems like a logical candidate. A tenacious player with decent speed. While it’s true he is still mistake prone, his role has expanded.

Most notable is that the organization doesn’t want to call up anyone. Not even Ryan Bourque, who can kill penalties. Despite his size, I’ve always felt he should be given a shot on the fourth line. Instead, we’re left with Tanner Glass, who Alain Vigneault also uses on the penalty kill. Nothing against Glass. He’s been solid. But he’s not a good skater. It seems like misuse by a coach who loves him. Hopefully, Paille can aid the PK. If he can, maybe he rotates in with Glass.

Posted in Battle News | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Blandisi and Boucher contributions provide rare offensive spark from Devils pipeline

Posted on January 21, 2016 by Pan Karalis

boucher

Reid Boucher tossing a puck to the crowd after being named the first star in New Jersey’s 4-2 win over Calgary on January 19th

Since each has been called up from Albany for their latest stints in the NHL, Devils forwards Joseph Blandisi and Reid Boucher have played a combined seven games for New Jersey and have provided an offensive impact we have not seen from Devils prospects since Adam Henrique debuted in 2012. The two have put up a total of five points since each has come up to the NHL; Boucher found his way back into the lineup after being recalled with Brian O’Neil in time for Saturday’s game in Arizona, and Blandisi was brought back to New Jersey for his second NHL stint a week earlier when Jiri Tlusty went on injured reserve. While this is an extremely small sample size, both have put points on the board, shown the talent in all three zones necessary to compete at the NHL level, and have created a buzz within the Devils community.

Reid Boucher, the 22 year-old Michigan native, has struggled to find his place on a thin Devils roster, and has spent the bulk of his first three full professional seasons with the Albany Devils. After breaking Steve Stamkos’ single season goal record for the Sarnia Sting of the OHL, scoring 62 goals in 68 games, the expectations for the 99th overall pick in 2011 quickly inflated. Before these past two game of his current NHL stint, where he has scored twice and added an assist, Boucher only managed three career goals and eight total points in 34 games at the NHL level. Devils fans had largely given up on a player who started this season for the Senior Devils, only to be sent down by a team in full rebuild to Albany after only a handful of appearances. Boucher has said that he had gained confidence during his time this season with the A-Devils, during which he has scored fourteen goals and totaled 26 points. He has come back to New Jersey a player few Devils fans have seen; his offensive instincts have improved, he has gotten himself more involved in the defensive zone, and seems to be getting to the dirty areas around the net and in the corners. Boucher has long been regarded as a player with not much more than an elite-level shot, but as Reid said himself after playing a complete game in his most recent two appearances and beautifully set up Adam Larsson for New Jersey’s first goal against Calgary, he is not a one-trick pony. Boucher added a goal against the Flames and was named the first star of the game. Boucher has scored twice since returning to New Jersey, and if his production and play remain at the level he has now demonstrated he is capable of playing in the NHL, he could finally earn himself the permanent roster spot that has so far evaded him.

Joseph Blandisi has also impressed Devils fans and coaches during his current stretch in New Jersey, posting two assists in five games since joining the team in Minnesota on January 10th. The Markham, Ontario native made his NHL debut a month earlier in December. While his superficial statistics don’t jump off the page, he certainly passes what people have started to call the “eye test”. Anyone who has watched any of New Jersey’s last five games knows Blandisi is involved in every play in the offensive zone when he is on the ice, he has the instincts and speed to beat NHL defenseman, and his overall offensive skills are phenomenal. You see his number 64 buzzing around every part of the ice, and you are constantly hearing his name coming from Steve Cangialosi, because he is always getting himself into the middle of the play. He has skills on the puck and a shot to match. A major plus to his game is the bite and feistiness he plays with; sometimes it looks like he goes after goaltenders after the whistle so he can mix it up opposing defenseman. Much like his new line-mate Kyle Palmieri, he combines definite offensive skills with hard-nosed toughness, two things this Devils team desperately needs. Those two along with Travis Zajac look like they could form a very effective trio.

Before we let Lou and Conte’s recent draft record off the hook, remember that Joseph Blandisi was not a Devils draft pick. Blandisi, a career underdog, was drafted in the 6th round by Colorado in 2012 after also being a late draft in juniors. He never received a contract from the Avalanche due to a mysterious illness that sidelined him for the better part of 6 months to open the 2014 calendar year. He re-entered the draft in 2014 where he went unselected, and after unsuccessful camps with Buffalo and Winnipeg, he went back to Barrie of the Ontario Hockey League for his over-age season. After putting up impressive numbers upon his return from his illness, he had a few NHL suitors offering contracts, and eventually chose the Devils in January of 2015. He is in his first professional season, and has put up impressive numbers for the Albany Devils, scoring 21 points in 24 games. Blandisi is still looking for his first NHL goal, but it will come sooner rather than later. He has had his chances, none better than when he was stopped on a beautiful save on the door-step by Blues goaltender Brian Elliot.

blandisi

Joseph Blandisi being denied his first NHL goal by Brian Elliot of the St. Louis Blues

The early success of Boucher and Blandisi is a welcome sight for Devils fans who had largely lost hope that anyone from the Devils pipeline would provide an offensive impact before last year’s 6th overall pick Pavel Zacha is ready to take the step to the NHL. When Zach Parise, Ilya Kovalchuk, and David Clarkson all left New Jersey, the Devils had holes in their roster they could not fill though their prospect pool, which was also severely lacking offensive upside. The Devils traded their 9th overall pick in the 2013 draft for Cory Schneider only days before much of that offensive talent left, and their first round draft pick in 2014 ended up being #30 overall as a result of the penalties from Ilya Kovalchuk’s contract negotiation process. Without NHL or prospect-level offensive talent, it appeared the Devils were facing an extreme rebuilding process.

While there are a few success stories from the last half-decade of the Lou Lamoriello-David Conte draft era, they are mostly defensemen. Adam Larsson, who the Devils drafted 4th overall in 2011, has emerged as a top pairing defenseman who routinely skates against opponents’ top lines. Jon Merrill and Damon Severson have become serviceable regular NHL defensemen, and while Eric Gelinas’ development has abruptly stalled, he had some success in a Devils uniform. Forward Mattias Tedenby wound up back in Sweden, and Jacob Josefson, although a competent possession player, has barely produced any offensive numbers at the NHL level. Forwards Stefan Matteau and John Quenneville, other recent first round draft choices, are still in their development, but likely do not have an NHL top-6 ceiling. The most recent Devil to have come through New Jersey’s system and have a major offensive impact is Adam Henrique, who joined the Devils during the 2011-12 season (after making his debut playing one game the season before) and played a major role in the Devils’ run to the 2012 Stanley Cup Final as a rookie. That year he recorded 51 points in 74 games and was a Calder Trophy finalist. Henrique was drafted in 2008, and the fact that the most recent offensive contributor from the Devils pipeline has grown into a leadership role, wearing the assistant captain’s “A” and is a seasoned veteran is, at the very least, problematic.

Boucher and Blandisi are not yet regular contributors at the NHL level, and it would be premature to call them tokens of success of the Devils’ prospect pool. Even if they do remain at the NHL level and produce at the levels they have during this brief period, this generation’s Devils’ prospects are weak offensively and are in a major transition process. However, they are showing Devils fans who had largely lost hope that anyone before Zacha would make an impact at the NHL level that there may have been some sleeping talent in the pipeline. Watching Boucher and Blandisi have the success they are experiencing is not only encouraging to Devils fans, but extremely exciting. We are hoping Blandisi proves to the hockey world that he was passed over one too many times, and that Boucher makes Devils fans regret relegating his potential future to a career in the AHL. They have so quickly made us believe that we have two future offensive weapons waiting for their turn to lead an NHL offense.

Posted in Devils, Prospect Watch | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Around The NHL: Mike Rupp still believes in Rangers

Posted on January 20, 2016 by Derek

Former NHLer Mike Rupp still believes in the Rangers come playoff time.

From time to time, I’ll tune into NHL Network to see what the color analysts are saying following a game. In this case, it was former NHL tough guy Mike Rupp, who gave a fresh take on the Rangers. After their come from behind 3-2 overtime win over the Canucks, Rupp stated that he doesn’t see anyone aside from the Caps beating the Rangers in a series. So, I decided to send him a tweet and got this interesting response:

From that standpoint, Rupp has a valid point. In a weak Eastern Conference, the Blueshirts still have the third most points (55) behind conference-leading Washington (73) and Atlantic Division leader Florida (57). Their 23 regulation/overtime wins is tied with the Lightning for second most. Tampa Bay has won six in a row to get back in it. They are tied with the Red Wings for second in the Atlantic with 54 points. The Islanders also have 54- one behind the Rangers. The wildcards are Boston with 53 and New Jersey with 51.

Going further on what Rupp stated, no matter how much the Rangers have struggled their experience can’t be overlooked. Assuming they get in which should be the case in such a mediocre East, they should be a tough out. Henrik Lundqvist gives them a puncher’s chance. There are few goalies I would take over him in a best-of-seven. Even Vezina front runner Braden Holtby hasn’t proven much. The pressure will be immense. Until Carey Price returns, Tuukka Rask is the second most proven goalie, taking the Bruins to a Stanley Cup Final. Marc-Andre Fleury has won a Cup with the Pens. Lundqvist has carried the Rangers to a Stanley Cup Final and guided them to three Final Fours over the last four years. He’s very driven and wants to prove the doubters wrong.

There’s still plenty of proven playoff performers including Derick Brassard, Derek Stepan, Chris Kreider and Ryan McDonagh. All do their best work when it counts. Don’t discount Rick Nash either. Last year’s improvement can certainly help. Obviously, he’s not having a good season with 12 goals and 33 points in 44 games. But Nash is still a possession beast who generates high quality scoring chances. Having Mats Zuccarello back can also help the Blueshirts. On pace for over 20 goals for the first time, he is a strong competitor whose unique blend of skill and will can’t be understated.

Granted. It’s not the same roster. Especially with the struggles of Dan Girardi and Marc Staal. However, both are fully capable of stepping up in the postseason. If Girardi struggles, will Dylan McIlrath play? Right now, the answer is no. Especially with Kevin Klein back and Dan Boyle still on the top power play unit despite defensive deficiencies. Having Keith Yandle for a second run is a must. Otherwise, last year’s trade is a failure. It would be nice if Yandle produced more than two goals. The 22 assists including a brilliant one on Zuccarello’s tying goal are nice. But they can use better production.

The subtraction of speed demon and key penalty killer Carl Hagelin has hurt more than thought. So too has the loss of savvy veteran Martin St. Louis. Like it or not, they lost a lot of production on two lines. The offense has struggled with consistency. J.T. Miller is a player who continues to blossom getting the winner on Tuesday to match his career high of 10 goals from last season. He’s part of the solution. Kevin Hayes remains a question mark. They’ll need better play from him. It would also help if Alain Vigneault trusted Oscar Lindberg. He still prefers vet Dominic Moore down the stretch. Understandable. But Lindberg has 11 goals and needs consistent ice-time. Jesper Fast always gives a honest effort. He’s willing to battle in front screening goalies and deflect pucks like the winner he had in a 1/11 win over Boston. But he’s also blown coverage on the penalty kill.

Much depends on the personnel performing. Having not won two straight since Nov. 21-23, it’s easy to conclude that the Rangers have underachieved. From Nash struggling to finish with only four goals in his last 23 to Lundqvist coming back to earth with arguably the worst stretch of his career which he finally seems recovered from, there hasn’t been any consistency. Top pivots Brassard and Stepan can also be better. Stepan’s game is coming with four points in the last three and a big improvement in faceoffs. Part of it is staying with consistent linemates. Vigneault has mixed and matched searching for the right combos. His top six are Brassard, Nash, Zuccarello, Stepan, Kreider and Miller. Now it’s just about establishing the lines. Considering that Miller had a strong game with Stepan and Kreider, whose confidence is back with points in four straight, Vigneault should put Nash back with Brassard and Zuccarello.

For better or worse, the third line is Lindberg, Hayes and Fast. Unless a trade is made by GM Jeff Gorton to upgrade the roster with limited cap space, they must figure it out. Viktor Stalberg has been much better lately. He can play on the third line when necessary but is a better fit on the fourth line with Moore and energizer Tanner Glass. The fourth line has been the one constant during a odd 6-4-1 stretch. They always battle and forecheck. An area that must improve. They dominated a bad Vancouver team minus Henrik Sedin. That’s a start. Let’s see how they do at Carolina Friday. Ottawa and Buffalo follow before the All-Star break. All are winnable. This is a perfect chance for the Blueshirts to reestablish themselves.

Around The League: If the season ended today, no Canadian team would make the playoffs. Montreal has fallen apart since losing Price. They suffered another loss last night losing 4-1 to the Bruins. They have the least amount of points since Dec. 2. A total of nine. They have 50 points as do the Senators. The Pens would also be out with 49 but have been coming on since Mike Sullivan replaced Mike Johnston. They’re 4-2-3 in the last nine. Not great but getting points and much better production from Sidney Crosby. Since the Johnston firing, he has 18 points (8-10-18) including eight of his 14 total goals. Of the teams on the outside, the Pens are the one to look out for. They just added Hagelin, who should fit in well with Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel. He recorded his first point. A primary assist on a Malkin goal in a 5-2 loss at St. Louis.

Hart Update: 1.Patrick Kane, Chi (30-41-71) 2.Jamie Benn, Dal (26-30-56) 3.Braden Holtby, Wsh (30 W in 38 starts)

Vezina Update: 1.Braden Holtby, Wsh (2.01 GAA, .930 save pct.) 2.Roberto Luongo, Fla (19 W, 2.17, .927) 3.Cory Schneider, NJD (20 W, 2.03, .929) 4.Corey Crawford, Chi (27 W, 2.14, .931, 6 SHO)

Norris Update: 1.Drew Doughty, LAK (8-18-26, +17) 2.Erik Karlsson, Ott (9-38-47) 3.Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Ari (13-20-33) 4.Brent Burns, San (18-23-41)

Selke Update: 1.Anze Kopitar, LAK (13-27-40, +20, 53.2 FO pct.) 2.Patrice Bergeron, Bos (18-23-41, +10, 56.7 FO pct.), 3.Jonathan Toews, Chi (19-16-35, +16, 58.4 FO pct.)

Calder Update: 1.Artemi Panarin, Chi (16-29-45), 2.Dylan Larkin, Det (14-16-30, +22) 3.Max Domi, Ari (13-18-31) 4.Colton Parayko, Stl (6-13-19, +17) 5.Jack Eichel, Buf (14-15-29) 6.Shayne Gostisbere, Phi (8-9-17) 7.Connor Hellebuyck, Wpg (11 W, 2.00, .932) 8.John Gibson, Ana (9 W, 1.90, .923, 4 SHO)

Jack Adams Update: 1.Dave Tippett, Ari (22-18-5, 49 Pts, 3rd Pacific) 2.Barry Trotz, Wsh (35-8-3, 73, 1st overall) 3.John Hynes, NJD (23-19-5, 51, 2nd Wildcard) 4.Gerard Gallant, Fla (26-15-5, 57, 1st Atlantic)

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

Miller Time literally as JT wins it in overtime

Posted on January 19, 2016 by Derek
JT Miller

Miller Time II: It was Miller Time again for J.T. Miller who beat Ryan Miller at 3:54 of 3-on-3 overtime in a Rangers’ 3-2 win over the Canucks. AP Photo by Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press

It was Miller Time literally. J.T. Miller bested Ryan Miller in overtime giving the Rangers a much needed 3-2 win over the Canucks at The Garden. It was the first time they scored during actual 3-on-3 under the new format. The previous OT wins were manufactured on 4-on-3 power plays. Either way, they’ll take it. Especially after a virtuoso performance from Ryan Miller, who made 46 saves. He was hung out to dry by his teammates.

For a while, it looked like Miller would backstop Vancouver to another win in the metropolitan area. They relied heavily on him in a 2-1 shootout triumph over the Islanders in which he had 47 saves. In two straight starts, he’s stopped 93 of 96 shots. Way too many for a club trying to make the playoffs in a awful Pacific Division. The Canucks now have 49 points and are tied with the Coyotes and Sharks for second place. A sad commentary on the current state of hockey.

As for the Rangers, the win moved them back into second ahead of the idle Islanders. They improved to 25-16-5 and now are a point up on the Isles with 55. Most notably, that is their 23rd win in regulation or overtime (ROW). Two more than the Isles and Devils- 4-2 winners at home against the underachieving Flames. New Jersey has 51 points and are in the second wildcard ahead of the idle Penguins.

Lots positive in tonight’s win. Let’s start with the play of Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi, who in my estimation had one of his best games of the season. Repaired together, they were outstanding. Turnovers weren’t a issue for Girardi, who led the defense with five shots while playing better defensively with three blocks and going plus-one in 27 shifts (20:53). McDonagh was stellar dominating play possession wise as well as overall. He set up a changing Miller for the winner with 1:06 left in extras.

The Canucks aren’t good. They really got dominated. If not for the brilliant play of Miller, it could’ve been 5 or 6-2 in regulation. The Rangers also hit at least four goalposts including one by the snake bit Rick Nash and one by Keith Yandle, who so rarely shoots the puck that it’s noteworthy when he does. He hit a post early and then went back to mostly passing. It was his superb pass to a wide open Mats Zuccarello in front that tied the game with 8:14 left in the third period. That broke a seven-game goal drought for Zuccarello who now leads the team with 17 goals.

They also got good play out of Derek Stepan and Chris Kreider again. Stepan had a goal and assist while Kreider notched a helper giving him points in four straight (3-2-5). He helped set up Stepan’s ninth to knot the score at 4:18 of the second. Nash drew the primary with some good work in front on a Kreider one-timer that caromed allowing Stepan to cash in the rebound. The tying goal came on a delayed call which allowed them to take advantage of having the extra man out with a 6-on-5.

Up till that point, Miller had stoned them stopping all 17 shots in a busy first. Only one got by Henrik Lundqvist and he wasn’t at fault on Sven Baertschi’s snipe off a Bo Horvat feed from around the net. An onrushing Horvat went around Dan Boyle and Marc Staal to set up a cutting Baertschi with Nash late covering. Zuccarello also did a poor job allowing Horvat to come out. Horvat stayed hot with his 10th point over the last nine.

Most of the play was 5-on-5 which favored the Rangers. They dominated so much at even strength that it made one wonder how the Canucks even win games. They rely heavily on the goalie which in this case was Miller turning back the clock to his Sabres’ days. Plus plenty of help from Henrik and Daniel Sedin. Without Henrik, their offense was nonexistent. They were outshot 49-20 and rarely had the puck.

However, they still led 2-1 after 40 minutes due to old buddy Emerson Etem setting up Alex Burrows at 16:11 of the second stanza. Jayson Megna got lost in coverage resulting in a 2-on-1 down low with Etem threading the needle to Burrows for his sixth. No coincidence that Etem would play well in his MSG return. Vancouver coach Willie Desjardins played him. He received 15:51 including 15:30 at even strength including a OT shift. Imagine if he had scored. That would’ve been so Rangers.

If our team had actual finishers, it wouldn’t have been a contest. But full credit to Miller for that performance. He was that good. And had it not been for losing his goal stick on Zuccarello’s tying goal, it’s possible the Rangers don’t even get a point. They absolutely dominated outshooting the ‘Nucks 16-2. It was so lopsided, not one Blueshirt finished with a negative Corsi. McDonagh and Girardi were at the top going a combined plus-38 in shot differential prior to 3-on-3 overtime. Unofficial due to war-on-ice not updating properly. But still.

On the Miller winner, smart play by Stepan getting to the bench to allow a fresh Miller to come on and take a McDonagh drop pass. Miller then did the rest firing a low shot on Ryan Miller and got his own rebound and beat the Vancouver goalie with a wrap around to the other post. Outside of that goal, the 3-on-3 was brutal. The Canucks kept resetting and the Rangers weren’t much better. But they were the aggressor and got just reward on the scoreboard. Hooray for no shootout.

There’s really not much to complain about. This was a much more consistent effort. Other than Yandle refusing to shoot on a wide open look and Boyle struggling defensively, I can’t think of much wrong. Megna didn’t get much done and only got 13 shifts going minus-one with the bad mistake in 8:44. Tanner Glass was solid again doing some good things on the forecheck to generate chances. He was even in front on a shot missing a redirect. He only got 12 shifts (7:40) but was caught on for the goal against.

Dominic Moore replaced Oscar Lindberg late with the game tied. I don’t mind that so much due to Moore being a dependable center who can win draws. He also nearly had the game-winner steering a great chance back into Miller and off the outside of the post. With Moore chased late on a defensive draw, Zuccarello stepped in and won a crucial face-off. He actually went 3-for-3 with Moore only 3-and-2. Stepan was strong again going 9-and-7. He continues to inch closer to 50.0 percent for the season. What a turnaround.

I would prefer to see Vigneault trust Lindberg more. It’s not like he doesn’t generate offense. Him receiving 10:22 of ice-time in 16 shifts is unacceptable. Jesper Fast (13:36) had a great chance shorthanded but after making a nice move, he missed on a backhand deke wide. Quickie really works hard.

It wasn’t a hard game for Lundqvist, who finished with 18 saves. But he was sharp when he needed to be getting a piece of a Derek Dorsett chance with the right pad. Speaking of former Rangers, Brandon Prust also suited up. He played with Dorsett on a checking line.

Daniel Sedin was mostly ineffective playing with Jared McCann and Jannik Hansen. They had no impact.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Ryan McDonagh, NYR (assisted on Miller’s winner, 3 SOG, 7 attempts, 2 takeaways, +2 in 28 shifts-24:26-played like a captain)

2nd Star-J.T. Miller, NYR (overtime winner at 3:54-10th of season, 8 SOG, +2 in 27 shifts-20:07-continues to grow)

1st Star-Ryan Miller, Van (46 saves-full beast mode)

Posted in NYRangers | Leave a comment

Etem returns as Canucks visit Blueshirts

Posted on January 19, 2016 by Derek

Tonight is the return of Emerson Etem as the Canucks pay a visit to MSG to face the Blueshirts. Since being dealt for minor league forward Nicklas Jensen and a 2017 third round pick on Jan. 8, Etem has played in four games under former junior hockey coach Willie Desjardins and has no points. Desjardins coached him in Medicine Hat in the WHL.

“They’ve been in the playoffs the past few years, and they got the guys that they stick with,” Etem said regarding his former team where he only got into 19 games and had three assists. “Sometimes you go in there and you just don’t fit in. I think that’s the case. I felt like I brought speed. But (they had) a couple guys with speed, it was almost like, ‘Where do I kind of fit in?’ And I think they felt the same way.”

He did also note that with the Canucks, at least he knows he’s in the lineup which is less of a worry. Kind of a indirect shot at Alain Vigneault, who didn’t give Etem much of a chance. Part of it can be blamed on a poor showing in training camp followed by a preseason which had him as a healthy scratch to start the season. But once he played, he was inconsistent and didn’t distinguish himself. However, he mostly was used on the fourth line. A short stint on the third line resulted in the trade with him responsible for two goals against in a 3-0 shutout loss at Florida on Jan. 2.

As it turned out, that was the final chance. Etem sat out a couple of games before the organization decided to send him down to Hartford on a conditioning assignment. Instead, he was gone on the same day an hour later. So much for truth in advertising. What would you expect from a team still caught up in its recent history celebrating the 1994 Stanley Cup with another pointless documentary following tonight’s game on MSG? I won’t be watching.

For now, the focus is on the current roster which has proven it can’t win consistently. Like a broken record, they haven’t won two in a row since Nov. 21-23. They blew another chance in a disappointing 5-2 loss at first overall Washington on Sunday. A game they were in control of leading 1-0 when Derick Brassard took a ill advised holding the stick penalty off a offensive zone draw which Alex Ovechkin scored on. The Caps got two more goals in the second before Chris Kreider answered with his second of the game and third in two games. It’s been a struggle for him but he’s suddenly heating up with points in the last three. Kreider is a big part of the offense who must continue to perform if the Rangers are to turn it around.

Right now, they find themselves in a tight Eastern playoff race with 37 games remaining. Despite having the second least amount of points (17) since Dec. 2, they still trail the Islanders by only a point for second and sit third in a mediocre Metropolitan Division. The Blueshirts have 53 points and are four ahead of the Pens and Devils with the Flyers and Canes five back. Six total points separate  second from seventh. Pittsburgh is off after losing 5-2 at St. Louis. The Devils host Calgary. The Caps are way up with 71 points and visit last place Columbus. Barring something unforeseen, Washington will win the division and conference. They’re 14 up on Northeast Division leader Florida who have finally hit a slump losing three straight. They’re 17 ahead of the Islanders and 18 up on the Rangers.

The Rangers will be without Brassard, who has the flu. Winter is finally here with frigid temps in the 20’s going down to the teens. There’s also a predicted snowstorm coming Friday evening into Saturday. No Brassard means Jayson Megna slots in on the fourth line with Dominic Moore and Tanner Glass. It also means Vigneault is forced to switch up the other lines. Kevin Hayes will center a line with Rick Nash and Mats Zuccarello. Derek Stepan stays with Kreider and J.T. Miller rejoins them. That leaves Oscar Lindberg anchoring the third line with Viktor Stalberg and Jesper Fast.

Kevin Klein is a game-time decision. If he can’t go, Dylan McIlrath stays in. Otherwise, he sits with Vigneault continuing to stay loyal to Dan Girardi. Even with the blood and guts warrior not 100 percent, he’s being given every chance to find his game. It’s understandable. But at what point is it hurting the team instead of helping? By this point, the consensus is that McIlrath deserves to be in the lineup. But Vigneault refuses to play him even reducing his ice-time the final two periods in Washington. He finished with 13:09. He was on for Ovechkin’s power play goal getting faked out. But that happens. He was plus-one and steadier than Girardi, who had a rough game on for three goals against.

Assuming Klein is back, he’ll stay with Ryan McDonagh on the top pair. That leaves Dan Boyle with Marc Staal. An iffy pair defensively but Vigneault prefers Boyle’s offense and puck possession. So, even with him going cold this month and his defense coming back down, he stays in. Don’t forget he’s a fixture on the top power play unit with McDonagh. Even with the power play struggling 1-for-its-last-26, he stays as the trigger. Boyle had a goal reversed in the final minute of the third due to an offside. He has no points in January.

Girardi would slot in with Keith Yandle, whose play has also slipped. He still remains the team’s best offensive threat from the blue line. The issue is more in his end. He’s been shaky. But that’s no different than the rest. McDonagh hasn’t been the same player either. Klein remains their most consistent.

Henrik Lundqvist returns to the net. Antti Raanta allowed four goals on 23 shots in Sunday’s loss. He only really could’ve had one with Ovechkin sniping past him with Fast possibly screening him out. It would be nice if Raanta was able to give Lundqvist more breaks. Especially when the schedule picks up following the All-Star break. For now, Vigneault will ride Hank.

This is the first of four games left before All-Star weekend in Nashville. The Rangers get two days off before visiting Carolina Friday and Ottawa Sunday. Buffalo visits The Garden on Monday, Jan. 25. Every opponent is beatable. But that all depends on the Rangers’ mindset. Can they find their game and put together a little streak to put themselves in better position?

“I have full confidence in this group that we can hang with any team in the NHL,” Stepan told the AP following the loss to the Caps.

For the Canucks, they go for a three-game win streak. Currently fourth in the Pacific Division with 48 points sitting just a point back of San Jose and Arizona, they’re right in the thick of the race. Only the Kings are comfortably in with 59 points tops in the division. Ten ahead of the Coyotes and Sharks. Then you have Vancouver followed by Anaheim (45) with Calgary and Edmonton (43). Six total points separate second from last. Three teams are gonna make the cut. Sad. Isn’t it? This new playoff format. Someone in a much better Central division could get left out.

Lately, it’s been the play of Jacob Markstrom who’s splitting time with Ryan Miller. At one time, the 25-year old Swede was highly thought of. A former second round pick of the Panthers, he came over to Vancouver in the Roberto Luongo trade on Mar. 4, 2014. Miller recently returned and made 47 saves in a 2-1 shootout win over the Islanders. So, it stands to reason that he’ll get the start. He won the first head-to-head meeting with the Rangers back on 12/9 making 32 saves in a 2-1 Canucks win.

Both Daniel and Henrik Sedin are having good seasons. Henrik won’t play due to getting hit from behind by Islander forward Mikhail Grabovski, who was assessed a five-minute major for boarding and game misconduct. Still no word on whether Grabovski will be disciplined. Daniel will play and leads the Canucks in scoring with 41 points (19-22-41). Henrik is second with 37 including a team best 28 assists.

“Probably a 10-day injury or so,” Desjardins said with Henrik out through the All-Star Game. “We always want protection of our players. I think everybody in the league does. The league reviews a lot so that’s not for me to comment on it. One thing you always want your players to feel is safe.”

Jared McCann will move up to the top line playing with Daniel and Jannik Hansen. Bo Horvat has been hot lately. The former 2013 first round pick who’s best known for being acquired for Devils’ starter Cory Schneider has nine points over the last seven contests. That includes six of his eight total goals. Still only 20, Horvat is a big part of Vancouver’s future along with youngsters Jake Virtanen and Ben Hutton.

There will also be familiar faces returning in ex-Rangers Derek Dorsett and Brandon Prust. However, it looks like Prust could be the odd man out. Both Hutton and journeyman Adam Cracknell are expected to make their first MSG appearances.

Alex Edler is their leading point getter from the back end with 18. He’s one of seven holdovers from Vigneaut’s 2010-11 roster that lost to the Bruins for the Stanley Cup. The others are both Sedins, Hansen, Alex Burrows, Dan Hamhuis and Chris Tanev. Chris Higgins would be eight but he was waived. Current Blueshirt Glass was part of that roster too.

Posted in NYRangers | Leave a comment

Is it time for Rangers to consider breaking it up

Posted on January 17, 2016 by Derek
Alex Ovechkin, Dylan McIlrath

Dylan McIlrath can’t stop Alex Ovechkin from going around him and firing home his 27th past Antti Raanta in another disappointing Rangers’ loss to the Caps. AP Photo by Alex Brandon/Getty Images

It was another roller coaster for the Rangers this weekend. After pulling out a win over the Flyers in the shootout, they were outplayed in a 5-2 defeat to the Eastern heavyweight Capitals. So they concluded a three-game road trip against Metropolitan Division rivals 1-2-0. The one win coming in a skill competition after being unable to protect a one-goal lead after two periods Saturday in Philadelphia.

Frankly, it’s not good enough. Not for a team that had great expectations after falling a period short of consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances. Since winning twice in a row back on Nov. 21 and Nov. 23, the Rangers have been unable to string two straight together. They have become consistently inconsistent. That was never more evident than when they followed up a good first period with a mystifying second in which the more skilled Caps outscored them 2-1 to take a 3-2 lead.

The really galling thing is at any moment, they can implode. For nearly a full 20 minutes, they had the better of play against the league’s best team at least in the regular season. The reemergence of Chris Kreider continued with him getting the first of two goals on a nice redirect from Ryan McDonagh and Mats Zuccarello that gave the Blueshirts their only lead. He also sniped against the Flyers on a Rick Nash rebound giving him three goals in two games. A productive weekend for a inconsistent player who’s finally showing signs. Kreider now has nine goals in 43 games. More was expected for the physically gifted forward in Year 3. He’ll turn restricted this summer.

As we noted, the Rangers had control of the first. Then Dan Boyle took a bad penalty which they killed against a dangerous Washington unit featuring Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. They forced Braden Holtby into tough saves which he made before exiting due to dehydration before the conclusion of the second. However, a lack of discipline was their undoing. Another bad penalty- this time by Derick Brassard resulted in a passive penalty kill backing in which allowed Evgeny Kuznetsov to find Ovechkin, who schooled Dylan McIlrath and beat Antti Raanta for his 27th at 18:01.

Just like that, the game was tied. The momentum was gone. On the next shift, Mike Richards nearly scored off a Ranger turnover. Only Raanta’s goal stick prevented disaster. It was his first start since Dec. 28. It’s still hard to fathom how Richards didn’t finish. He’s getting a second chance with the Caps in a fourth line role under coach Barry Trotz. Does he still have something to contribute positive after battling off-ice demons with substance abuse? That won’t be answered yet.

The real issue for the Rangers is the amount of loyalty coach Alain Vigneault continues to show Dan Girardi and to a lesser extent Marc Staal. Both have been unquestioned leaders who’ve been an integral part of past rosters that made runs in 2012, 2014 and 2015. Each is signed long-term with no-trade clauses and immovable contracts both earned off past performance. Former architect Glen Sather made a choice two years ago when he went with Girardi over Ryan Callahan sending the former captain to the Lightning for Martin St. Louis. He overpaid in draft picks including a conditional with St. Louis helping lead the team to its first Stanley Cup trip since ’94.

It was understandable why Sather chose the defensemen over the blood and guts forward whose role decreased under Vigneault, who preferred speed and skill along with transition. Certainly not Callahan’s strengths. In doing so, the Hall of Fame coach/executive who built a dynasty in Edmonton took huge risks with two core players who play through pain. When they were eliminated by the Lightning in a bitter Game 7 defeat at MSG, it was later revealed that most of the back end played with significant injuries. That included Girardi and Staal, who each required off season surgery. McDonagh had a broken foot. Keith Yandle and Kevin Klein also played hurt with Klein returning after missing the first round.

When it comes down to it, no one would ever question this team’s desire to win. They are a very likable group. One that will do whatever it takes. Unfortunately, the window looks to be closing. Undoubtedly, the Rangers have played a lot of hockey the last four years. They have gone deep in three. One with John Tortorella when they overachieved and the last two with Vigneault, who squeezed as much as he could out of them. As much blame as he shares for his usage this season, he’s also the only coach in franchise history responsible for playoff comebacks from 3-1 down doing it twice in his first two years on the job. Both came in the second round against bitter rivals Pittsburgh and Washington.

From the brilliant play of Henrik Lundqvist out to the leadership of a group featuring McDonagh, Girardi, Staal, St. Louis, Brassard, Nash, Zuccarello, Kreider, Derek Stepan, Dominic Moore and Dan Boyle, who replaced Anton Stralman (that one still hurts), they got it done. With it looking over against the Caps late in Game 5 last year, they could’ve given up. Instead, Stepan set up Kreider and then McDonagh in one of those you had to be there Garden moments. They won Game 6 holding on with Ovechkin guaranteeing a Game 7 win. It looked like he’d be right. Instead, Stepan played the ultimate hero in sudden death. Even when they fell short to Tampa, every Blueshirt did their part. Even if getting shutout twice at home still leaves a bitter taste.

Sometimes, time runs out on teams. This appears to be the case in 2015-16. Since their hot start, the Rangers haven’t been the same. We’ve witnessed the steady decline of Girardi, who’s still willing. A heart and soul type who’s given so much to the organization after he signed as a free agent a decade ago, the prideful 31-year old is an honest type that every team needs. The hitting and shot blocking have taken its toll. It’s amazing that he’s still playing with a bad knee and hand. Know this. If his name is called, it’s the coaching staff who still trusts him. That blind faith has resulted in more goals against including him getting beat badly by Marcus Johansson on another power play goal that put the Caps ahead 2-1 in the second with McIlrath off.

When a player struggles, they are usually more noticeable. Unfortunately, it’s for the wrong reason. Following Johansson’s PPG, Girardi got caught out with Yandle for Justin Williams’ tip in 62 seconds later that made it 3-1 Caps. This one was more on the forwards with Stepan, Kreider and Zuccarello unable to clear the zone. Williams tipped in a Taylor Chorney shot pass.

Kreider got one back by getting to a Nash rebound and rifling one home past Holtby cutting it to 3-2 with 2:32 left in the second. At that exact moment, the Caps’ Vezina front runner skated to the bench and saw the team trainer before headed to the locker room. He didn’t return. Backup Philipp Grubauer relieved him. Logic said if the Rangers could test him early, they could tie or maybe even come back and win. But it didn’t play out that way. The Caps protected Grubauer in a well executed third while finishing the game off.

Williams got his second on a nice feed from Kuznetsov that increased to 4-2 at 4:51. This time, Girardi was caught out with Staal. Neither is a good skater which is why they struggle with speed and heavy forecheck pressure. They never got the puck out. It wasn’t entirely their fault. This one was on J.T. Miller, who gave away the puck to Andre Burakovsky. With Staal and Girardi scrambling, Kuznetsov found Williams in front for a tap in. A frustrated Miller slammed his stick against the net. Brassard and Zuccarello didn’t do the job either but they aren’t known for defense.

To their credit, the Caps played smart defensively. Even when they handed the Rangers a power play, it was mostly kept to the outside. While the Caps’ special teams flourished going 2-for-4 on the man-advantage and a perfect 4-for-4 on the penalty kill aided by an a corrected offside that overturned a Boyle power play tally with 54.6 seconds left, it was a total failure for the Rangers. They just don’t kill penalties consistently. They’re way too passive in the box. A no no against a supremely talented opponent. The penalty kill has suffered without Carl Hagelin, who debuted in the Pens’ 5-0 win over the Canes.

It’s worth noting that they were without Klein, who sat out due to a right thumb injury sustained against the Flyers. Even though he and partner McDonagh had tough games Saturday, Klein has been the team’s most consistent defenseman. He’s a smart, steady puck moving right-handed D who can get the puck out without the issues that plague Girardi. Girardi rotated between Staal, McDonagh and Yandle even though McIlrath mostly worked with Yandle. His struggles have forced the coaching staff to mix and match.

Williams completed his second career hat trick in bizarre fashion. His shot was going wide but took a favorable bounce off Brassard into the open net with 1:51 remaining. Those are the breaks you get when you’re going well. To be blunt, it was the first thing Brassard contributed this weekend. In other words, he might want to turn the page and get ready for Vancouver on Tuesday.

The trouble is the issues plaguing this team aren’t going away. Even in a weak Eastern Conference and mediocre division that has them a point behind the Islanders for second, they don’t have the look of a team that can go on a run. There are too many confusing moments where they lose their discipline or blow an assignment. How about that Girardi clear attempt right to Ovechkin for his 598th goal last week on Jan. 9? Or Kevin Hayes’ reverse to no one which forced McIlrath into a penalty which led directly to Johansson’s goal off a brilliant Backstrom feed. Hayes had two solid games following his benching scoring and setting up goals but s a turnover machine in his second year. His play remains mystifying.

There are many things wrong. Outside of maybe Brassard due to the goal production (15), no Blueshirt has outperformed ’14-15. Not even Lundqvist, who finally got a night off after starting 11 straigh. Even Zuccarello following the hot start has been hit or miss. Stepan’s play has picked up with rapid improvement in the faceoff circle. He went 13-and-10 making it four straight games he’s been over .500. In fact, Stepan is 50-and-27 (64.9 percent) during that span. Over an 11-game stretch dating back to Dec. 20 which also was coincidentally a bad loss to the Caps, Stepan is 118-and-83 (58.7 percent). That’s significant for a two-way center who has never been 50.0 percent in any season. Counting tonight, he’s now 245-and-260 making him 48.5 for the season.

”They’re the best team in the NHL right now, and if you get down a couple goals, defensively they’re so sound it’s tough to come back,” Stepan said. ”We have to find a way to try to climb back into it. We go into a third period down 3-2, but we just can’t find a way to get it done.”

What the Rangers must see from Stepan is more production. He tallied assists in two straight for the first time this season. In 35 contests, he has 16 points (8-8-16). Not enough from a proven performer who is in the first year of a new deal that pays him an average of $6.5 million per season. It would help if he had consistent linemates. For way too long, Vigneault has changed it up. Instead, he should continue to take a look at Stepan with Nash and Kreider. Especially with Kreider awakening. He’s a huge player if they’re to turn it around.

At this point, Miller should stay with Brassard and Zuccarello. Despite the turnover, Miller’s development has been a bright spot. He got his ninth goal on the power play on a perfect McDonagh outlet Saturday. A strong two-way forward who plays with purpose, he still needs to correct mistakes like the one he committed on the back breaking fourth Washington goal. But at this point, Miller is a top six forward.

As for Hayes, he’s the biggest mystery. There’s no denying the big man’s talent for carrying the puck and playing keep away. But it’s his decision making that needs improvement. The seven goals and 13 helpers isn’t what he’s capable of. It would be nice to see the unselfish Hayes shoot more. He must be more decisive. He’s still the key to the third line which for the moment is occupied by Oscar Lindberg (11 goals) and Jesper Fast (7 goals).

The lack of a consistent third line has hurt. It was in 2014 that Vigneault leaned on the cohesive trio of Brassard, Zuccarello and Benoit Pouliot. Back then, they were a deeper team with Brad Richards anchoring Nash and Hagelin while Stepan worked with Kreider and St. Louis. That team also had puck possession penalty kill ace Brian Boyle on the fourth line with Moore and Derek Dorsett/Daniel Carcillo. A much better balance than the current roster or last year’s. Don’t forget the value of puck possession beast Stralman, who was a perfect complement to Staal on the blue line. Had they kept him, he could’ve replaced Girardi on the top pair. Then they could’ve had Klein with Staal.

That’s why it’s imperative to manage the cap. A sore spot for Garden Faithful. With Girardi and Staal now anchors, it’s put Vigneault in a tough spot. He’s decided to go with his guys. Being loyal to a fault could be his downfall. He’s a coach who puts trust the players he likes. As we’ve seen with Tanner Glass, who also was on the Canucks when they lost to the Bruins in the Stanley Cup Final, Vigneault will stick with hard working character types. To Glass’s credit, he’s been better in his second opportunity fitting in with Moore and Viktor Stalberg on the fourth line.

The question for the organization is at what point do they decide that the roster isn’t good enough to go deep. It’s one they’ll struggle with. They know this group is capable of better results. But it’s not on par with the past two rosters. A lot must happen between now and the Feb. 29 trade deadline on Leap Year. There must be more consistency from everyone including Nash, who remains stuck on 12 goals. That’s 30 less than last year. He must start finishing again. Since a four-game spurt where he scored six goals between 11/21-27, he has only four over his last 22. Mind boggling considering the chances he gets nightly.

”It’s up to us players on the ice to figure it out and do the job,” Nash added. ”Us players have got to do a better job.”

If they can’t figure it out over the next few weeks, then new GM Jeff Gorton faces a tough decision. What does he do with the roster? Does Yandle become available a year after Sather threw the gauntlet at the Coyotes giving away Anthony Duclair along with fancy picks sacrificing the future to win at all costs? Yandle is interesting. Clearly their best offensive defenseman, he leads them with 23 points (2-21-23) from the back end. His eight power play points (1-7-8) rank behind McDonagh (2-7-9) and Boyle (2-7-9), whom Vigneault opts to go with on the top unit. Yandle doesn’t see enough power play shifts due to being on the second unit. He also continues to be on the third pairing and never kills penalties. He’s being underutilized. Why would he want to re-sign here?

At some point, Gorton must decide if it’s worth exploring the trade market for Yandle. He can recoup draft picks and prospects if there’s a team willing to rent him with hopes of negotiating an extension. Another intriguing idea is seeing if anyone’s interested in Boyle. Even at 39, he’s still proven capable of quarterbacking a power play. Nine of his 14 points have come on the man-advantage including two PPG’s. He had a third wiped out by a offside. Would the Sharks consider a reunion in hopes of getting in due to a weak Pacific? They have long range bomber Brent Burns (18 goals). But another right shot for the second unit that they’re familiar with is possible but unlikely. He’s earning $4.5 million and unrestricted this summer. San Jose doesn’t have much room.

For now, there’s no help coming on Broadway. With 37 games left, it’s up to the current personnel to figure it out.

Posted in NYRangers | Leave a comment

Should Mackenzie Blackwood’s questionable behavior concern Devils fans?

Posted on January 17, 2016 by Pan Karalis

NHL: JUL 18 New Jersey Devils Development Camp

 

 

During last June’s NHL Entry Draft, the first for general manager Ray Shero’s New Jersey administration, many Devils fans were left scratching their head when New Jersey selected goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood with an early second round selection. The North Bay, Ontario native was the first goaltender to be taken in the draft, but with New Jersey having immediate needs at almost every other position besides in goal, Devils fans were quick to question why another skater was not taken with that selection. However, many came around to Shero’s strategy of grabbing the top goalie in last year’s class. Cory Schneider, while having seen fewer miles than many goalies his age, will be 30 in two months, and the Devils’ goaltending prospects have stagnated in recent years, both in quality and quantity. It is clear Keith Kinkaid’s ceiling is at or around an NHL backup, and his age prevents him from becoming a suitable replacement for Schneider when Cory’s prime begins to wind down. Scott Wedgewood seems poised to become a career AHLer, and Maxime Clermont, who never seemed to have an NHL destiny, has left professional hockey and is heading back to Montreal to play for the Canadian Interuniversity Sport’s Concordia University. Blackwood is more than ten years younger than Schneider, and drafting him could turn out to be a stroke of genius when the Devils are eventually looking for a permanent replacement for Cory Schneider. However, Blackwood has been involved in a few incidents this season, costing him a combined 13 games to this point in suspensions.While his numbers may be reflective of someone who is one of the best at his level, his behavior on and off the ice have raised questions about what his future in hockey holds.

 
Aside from a difficult World Juniors, Blackwood is having a terrific year for the Barrie Colts of the OHL. His .928 save percentage is top of the league, and he sports an impressive 2.48 goals against average. His 18-9-0-0 record have helped the Barrie Colts, a team that includes a few notable prospects like Brandan Lemieux and Rasmus Andersson, pace the Central Division of the OHL’s Eastern Conference with 51 points. He is one of the best goaltenders in the CHL, and his statistical performance and play should certainly get Devils fans excited for the next generation of net minding in New Jersey.

 
What may be concerning to Devils fans is Blackwood’s behavior. He was suspended 8 games in December for a vicious overhand slash on Danny Desrochers of the Sudbury Wolves, and missed the first two games for Canada at the World Juniors in Finland. The dangerous play left many wondering if Blackwood’s reaction was a one-time mistake, or the result of a bad attitude or temperament that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. While I am all about old-time hockey and goaltenders standing up for themselves, Blackwood’s slash was inexcusable, and plays like that have no place in hockey at any level. He put his opponent in physical danger, and put himself and his teammates, both in Barrie and for Team Canada, in a difficult position by earning the suspension he received.

 
I did not have much of a reaction initially to Blackwood’s slash and suspension. I thought he made a mistake, assumed it would blow over, and figured we would not see any more negative headlines with his name attached. The suspension seemed to suit the crime, and nothing more needed to be made of it. I then heard a first-hand account from someone who took the trip to Finland for the World Juniors and had a seat directly behind the suspended Blackwood for the December 26th game against the United States. This person, with whom I communicate on an online hockey community, said that for much of the game, Blackwood was staring at his phone, mostly on Snapchat. The initial story they shared made it sound like Blackwood spent the entire game on his cell phone, but when I approached this person about using the information they shared with us for this piece, he said that yes, Blackwood did spend a lot of time on his phone, more than he should have, but the story was told in an exaggerated tone for the laughs, something we all do and can relate to. So, my initial concern did diminish a bit, but why was Blackwood on his phone at all? When you have already let your teammates and country down by foolishly getting yourself suspended, you should be spending the entire game dialed into the action, taking notes, and making sure you are mentally prepared for when your suspension is completed. It was the first time that team had been competing as a group, and Blackwood should have been making every effort to focus on every turn the puck took, every line combo and defensive pairing that took the ice, and every gear that turned in a system that the team had two weeks to learn and become comfortable with. Is his sitting on his phone during the game an indictment of his character? No. Was it a smart thing to do during the biggest tournament he has ever been involved in? Definitely not, especially considering he would have been between the pipes had he had been able to keep his temper in check a few weeks prior.

MacBlack

Mackenzie Blackwood looking on as the US beat Canada in the World Junior Championship on December 26th

Blackwood has again been suspended, this time for five games, for flipping a puck into the crowd after being scored on in Barrie’s 6-4 loss in Hamilton on Friday night. While this again might seem like a rather benign reaction to a disappointing play for Blackwood, he has now in the last month got himself suspended twice, costing him 13 total games. He seems to display a pattern of poor decision making, and his attitude may need to be addressed before he can succeed at the professional level.


Blackwood is not the first Devils’ prospect in recent memory to have issues with behavior and receive disciplinary penalties. Devils defenseman Jon Merrill was suspended twice during his amateur career, once by the United States National Team Development Program for inappropriate social conduct off the ice, and once more for an astronomical 22 games (initially it was decided he would serve 12 games, but it was extended) by the University of Michigan prior to the 2011-12 season for reportedly “breaking team rules”. The exact reason for the suspension never surfaced, but he certainly did not lose half of that season for being late to practice. Merrill’s off ice issues were well documented before the draft, and he slipped to the second round where New Jersey eventually drafted him. Merrill is of course a success story; Lou Lamoriello reportedly met with Jon after his last suspension with Michigan, and he has not received any other penalties for on or off-ice incidents since. He has said he learned from his mistakes, and has become a regular contributor at the NHL level for the Devils.


Ben Johnson, a Devils third round pick in 2012, has been in the news in the past couple of years over much more serious allegations of sexual assault. He was found not guilty in a Windsor, Ontario court in November, but he still stands accused of another assault that has yet to be heard in court. Both alleged assaults took place in bathrooms of Windsor bars. Guilty or not, Johnson somehow put himself in multiple situations that wound him up in court twice. With some perspective, Blackwood’s behavior does not seem so bad. He has made a few mistakes on the ice that have cost him valuable time during his development, but some fans actually find Blackwood’s edge to be a positive factor for the young goaltender.


The bad temper Blackwood has displayed over the past month has begun earning him comparisons to goalies like Patrick Roy and Ron Hextall, two of the best in their generation. Hextall was notorious for his temperament, and certainly fit the Broad Street Bullies identity his Flyers cultivated through much of the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. Hextall racked up 584 career penalty minutes, most coming in the first three years of his thirteen year playing career. He was involved in too many notable incidents to list here, but they include a double-handed slash he delivered at the legs of Oilers forward Kent Nilsson during the 1987 Stanley Cup Final (Hextall was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy a few days later to go along with his Vezina Trophy he would also win that year), going after Chris Chelios in the 1989 playoffs, and starting a brawl after a Flyers loss to the Devils by going after Devils’ goalie Alain Chevrier. Hextall, even after being disciplined multiple times in his rookie season, said he used to have a much worse temper and had learned to get it under control. The current Flyers general manager holds the record at his position for penalty minutes, followed by Islanders great Billy Smith. Patrick Roy, one of the sports’ goaltending greats, was also often inclined to mix it up with opponents, many times dropping the glove and blocker with opposing goalies, such as all-stars Chris Osgood, Mike Vernon, and Dominik Hasek. He brought that bite with him behind the bench when he became the head coach for the Colorado Avalanche; Roy took down the glass separating his team’s bench with Anaheim’s trying to go after Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau, after having words with Ducks forward Corey Perry immediately following a game between the two clubs a few years ago. Devils great Martin Brodeur, while a bit of a flop-artist at times, was also unafraid to get involved physically with opponents, taking jabs at and going after long-time rival Sean Avery a few times during Avery’s time with the Rangers, including the play in the 2008 playoffs that led to the creation of the “Sean Avery Rule”. Former Devil Johan Hedberg wasn’t shy about fighting either, infamously standing at center ice of then GM Place challenging Avalanche goaltender David Aebischer during the Todd Bertuzzi-Steve Moore incident.


Blackwood is with some notable company with other goaltenders who had strong temperaments and attitudes. Playing with an edge and toughness in goal will not only earn you a reputation with fans and players, but could provide some extra competitiveness and energy for yourself and for your team. While Blackwood needs to figure out how to use this energy in a smart and effective manner, having a goaltender in the system with an edge like that should excite Devils fans. He should be able to mature and learn from his mistakes, just as Jon Merrill did through his development, and come out a tough competitor with the skills to one day tend goal at the NHL level. I hope Queen Hank sticks around long enough to take a Blackwood right-fist to the face.

Posted in Devils, Prospect Watch | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Devils get glimpse of the future in Arizona

Posted on January 17, 2016 by hasan4978

778478c90b68be63

Heading into Arizona yesterday afternoon, the Devils’ season was at a crossroads after going 1-5 in their previous six games with the injury bug suddenly making its way through the lineup, particularly up front with leading scorer Mike Cammaleri still out, Patrik Elias recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery with his future even more cloudy than ever and Jordin Tootoo also out with a whatever body injury to go along with Bobby Farnham’s suspension.  Although John Moore would make it back for the game against the Coyotes at least putting the Devils at full strength on D, he only played about fifteen minutes in the game – perhaps a concession to easing him back in the lineup, not to mention the fact that the Devils contreversially went with an 11 forward, 7 defenseman lineup for the second straight game despite it not going very well in a 3-0 loss in Colorado.  That game the Devils iced a non-competitive lineup that featured recent callup Joe Blandisi with role players Sergey Kalinin and Tyler Kennedy as their only left wings with Reid Boucher still tearing up Albany.

Finally after the lifeless shutout in Denver, the Devils recalled Boucher and restored Eric Gelinas to the lineup, looking for a jumpstart to a lineup that had only scored six goals in their six-game skid out of a playoff spot and onto the bubble.  With Boucher and Blandisi in the top six yesterday and both contributing, the Devils’ eventual 2-0 win may have meant just as much to the team down the road as it did for keeping the team’s fading playoff chances alive for another day.  Leaving aside the fact the Devils were dominated by and large, being outshot 38-16 (inlcuding 28-8 in the final two periods) last night’s game was a showcase for several players including Boucher, who got the first goal less than four minutes into the game firing a wrister past Anders Lindback after a nice give-and-go with Lee Stempniak.  Boucher had scored fourteen goals in thirty AHL games this year, producing nearly a point a game but last night’s goal was just his fourth in 38 NHL games.  Then again Boucher rarely if ever had the chance to actually succeed he did last night, placed on a top line practically out of neccesity.  His goal and nearly sixteen minutes of icetime yesterday hopefully ensures him a longer look in the top six.

After a fairly even first period most of the rest of the night was the Cory Schneider show, as he put on an extraordinary show-stopping (not to mention puck-stopping) performance with a 38-save shutout, holding the fort in the final forty minutes as the play was almost all one-way.  One of the exceptions was Kyle Palmeri who earned special notice being physical, blocking shots and coming back into the game twice after getting banged up.  Between Palmeri and Schneider, they refused to allow the Devils to lose yesterday and Palmeri’s efforts were rewarded on the scoresheet just eighteen seconds into the third when Blandisi won a race to a loose puck – with the help of Adam Henrique finishing off a check – then trickled a pass toward the front that Palmeri stuffed home past Lindback for his eighteenth goal of the season.  Palmeri’s already exceeded his career high in both goals and points as his breakout season continues to pay dividends, and he’s almost assuredly a part of the future I was alluding to before as he won’t be 25 years old until February.  Blandisi’s assist was his second and with any luck he’d already have a goal or two on his ledger after a terrific performance in St. Louis went unrewarded.

Certainly the 2-0 win wasn’t artistic, but it was critical.  Heading into the season this was supposed to be a look toward the future year for GM Ray Shero and coach John Hynes as they figured out who was going to be a part of the team’s future, but a funny thing happened and this team kept staying in the playoff race.  At times management’s seemed to serve cross purposes, professing development in keeping Boucher down in the AHL for half the season and Gelinas off the power play saying he needed to work on his overall game, but being short-sighted enough to scratch Gelinas for AHL defenseman Marc-Andre Gragniani and scratching Stefan Matteau for any number of unimpressive vet forwards including AHL’er Paul Thompson.  Another weird decision came yesterday when they recalled forward Brian O’Neill and put him on the flight from Newark to Arizona, only to scratch him.  New Jersey’s next home game is back in Newark Tuesday, it would have made infinitely more sense to keep O’Neill down for the weekend then recall him Tuesday without needing to get him on a plane.

While the present still looks bleak vis-a-vis the injury report and the playoff hunt (where even the Hurricanes and Flyers have caught and passed us in recent days leaving us only clear of last-place Columbus in the Metro), perhaps the future is now for Boucher and Blandisi though, as each has earned the opportunity to crack a thin and banged-up Devils lineup and get a chance to succeed.  Not only is the more immediate future getting brighter but the distant future is as well with first and second-rounders Pavel Zacha (center/wing) and Mackenzie Blackwood (goalie) tearing up the OHL, though in Blackwood’s case he definitely has some edginess he needs to polish, as he’s been suspended twice this season…once for protecting the crease Billy Smith-style and more recently for shooting a puck into the stands after allowing a goal.  Recent first-rounder John Quenneville is also having a good season in the WHL and made the Canadian WJC team in December, even getting some top-line duty.  Another darkhorse to watch is 2013 fourth-rounder Miles Wood – son of former NHL’er Randy – who’s still 20 years old but doing well in his first college season.

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

Hagelin is now a Pen

Posted on January 16, 2016 by Derek
Carl Hagelin

Carl Hagelin is now a teammate of Marc-Andre Fleury. He was traded to the Pens last night. Getty Images/John Minchillo

When the Rangers dealt Carl Hagelin to the Ducks at last year’s NHL Draft, they probably didn’t expect him to wind up back in the division on a rival chasing them. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened. Less than a year into a four-year contract that pays him $16 million, he was traded by Anaheim this morning to Pittsburgh in exchange for David Perron and Adam Clendening.

Hagelin is a now a Pen. Hard to fathom. It didn’t work out in Anaheim. In only 43 games, he had four goals and eight assists totaling 12 points with 14 penalty minutes and a minus-1o rating. Interestingly, four of those points came in his last four games. After recording a goal and helper in a win over Ottawa, he tallied an assist in another win over Dallas. Just as he may have been figuring it out under Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau, he goes to the Pens where he’ll be coached by former Rangers assistant Mike Sullivan. Someone who knows what he brings.

It’s probably a better fit. The speedy Hagelin improves the Pens’ depth. He is a great skater and strong possession player who plays both ends. A solid penalty killer, the 27-year old Swede should make some new fans in the Steel City. The ironic part is he ended their season last Spring when he beat Marc-Andre Fleury in the first overtime of Game 5 in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal (Metro Division Semifinal). I’m sure there will be some teasing from his new teammates which includes captain Sidney Crosby.

Hagelin in a Pens jersey is kinda sickening. It’s like a nightmare for Blueshirt fans. A guy we loved now plays for the enemy on a team we love to hate. Oddly enough, the teams have yet to face each other this season. They’ll meet four times in February and March. The Rangers visit the Pens next month on Feb. 10. They also visit Pittsburgh on Mar. 5. Having already returned with the Ducks to MSG on Dec. 22, Hagelin will return again as a Pen on 3/13 and 3/27.

With Crosby and the Pens playing better, those four games will be huge. They trail the Blueshirts by four points for third place in the division. If anything, having Hagelin will only spice up the rivalry. The thing is he’s an impossible player to hate. I won’t boo him. Those who do will if he scores against us.

Posted in Battle News | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Vigneault comes to senses, changes lines

Posted on January 15, 2016 by Derek

Following last night’s disappointment in Brooklyn, Alain Vigneault came to his senses by changing the lines. With a visit to the Flyers for a 1 PM Saturday matinee, it looks like he’ll go more conventionally. Here’s what the projected lines look like based on this morning’s practice:

The first noticeable thing is Jayson Megna is rotating with Viktor Stalberg on the fourth line. After getting a extended look on the top line with Derek Stepan and Rick Nash/J.T. Miller, Megna went without a point the last three games. He had that great start with a goal and assist in a win over Dallas. Clearly, he isn’t cut out for a top six role let alone a top nine. With Stalberg going well, the fourth line should remain intact with Megna coming out of the lineup.

What that also means is after two games off, Oscar Lindberg returns tomorrow in Philadelphia. He’s back on the third line with Kevin Hayes and Jesper Fast. At this point, that’s what it should be. Lindberg has 11 goals which ranks fourth on the team. It never made sense for him to come out. But that’s how bad a job Vigneault has done with the lineup this season.

It also means Chris Kreider returns to the top line where he’ll reunite with Stepan and Rick Nash. At this point, it’s either sink or swim for the disappointing third-year forward. In 41 games, he has six goals and 13 assists. There’s no if’s and’s or buts about it. He must be better in the second half. The livelihood of the team depends on it. Ditto for Nash, who despite getting his usual looks didn’t bury any against Jaroslav Halak. He has 12 goals with two empty net and one that didn’t even go in. That means Nash has only beaten goalies nine times. That is unacceptable. Even with time missed, Stepan has eight and he hasn’t been consistent either. No one has.

Vigneault decided to shift Miller back to the second line with Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarello. They looked good when together recently until he had Nash back with them yesterday. Why not keep Miller there and see if he rubs off on them? Brassard is either really good or invisible like Thursday night. He is on pace for over 20 goals with his 15 trailing linemate Zuccarello by one. Speaking of which, he hasn’t been consistent either. After putting up nine points (5-4-9) in December over 13 games, he has only one assist in five contests so far in the new calendar year. The primary helper on Brassard’s tally against Boston. They need the old Zucc back.

Also, the D pairings remain the same. It looks like for now, Kevin Klein will stay with Ryan McDonagh on the top pair which is perfect. He’s been much steadier than Dan Girardi, who was rotating with Dylan McIlrath on the third pair with Keith Yandle. That leaves Marc Staal with Dan Boyle, whose game has slipped after a hot December. So much of it has to do with the power play. It’s 0-for-18 over the past seven games. The last power play goal came in a 3-2 overtime home win over Anaheim on 12/22. Zuccarello tallied on a 4-on-3. Boyle had the last PPG on a 5-on-4 in a blowout loss to Washington 12/20. That has to change. If that means moving Yandle up to the top unit, then do it already. Get the most out of your best offensive defenseman. That would require more ice-time from a stubborn coach who prefers McDonagh and Boyle on the first PP.

The bigger question is does McIlrath sit for Girardi. I’d like to think McIlrath would get another game. Outside of that undisciplined roughing minor that led to Nick Leddy’s game-winner, he was good again despite sitting six consecutive games. There’s clearly a place in the lineup for McIlrath’s combination of size and strength. He also is responsible in front of his net. Why not give him another one and rest Girardi for Washington on Sunday? When it comes to the coach, it’s ultimately his decision whether I agree with it or not. We’ll see.

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