Rangers Improve to 3-0: Lindberg and Lundqvist put on show

Posted on October 10, 2015 by Derek

Award Winning Oscar: Rangers rookie Oscar Lindberg scored twice more in a successful home opening 5-2 win over the Blue Jackets. AP Photo by Kathy Kmonicek/Getty Images

Following a rousing introduction complete with laser lights and robot graphics (or so it seemed), the Rangers went out and took it to the Blue Jackets. In the rematch, it was a Garden party for Oscar Lindberg and Henrik Lundqvist. The Swedes were front and center in a Blueshirts 5-2 win at MSG for a successful home opener. They’re now 3-0 in ’15-16.

It was the brilliant play of 23-year old freshman Lindberg that wowed the crowd. After receiving a nice ovation during player intros that included healthy scratches Emerson Etem, Jesper Fast and Dylan McIlrath along with backup Antti Raanta, Lindberg continued his amazing start scoring the game’s first goal 80 seconds in when he rebounded home a Kevin Hayes shot. Hayes forced Jackets starter Sergei Bobrovsky into a tough save on a backhand deke which allowed Lindberg to bury the loose change.

He wasn’t done. Less than four minutes later, Lindberg buried his second of the game from J.T. Miller and Viktor Stalberg. The early chemistry the new third line trio have is undeniable. So in sync are they that it’s made Rangers coach Alain Vigneault look like a genius. He decided to move Miller down to play with Lindberg and Stalberg while promoting Kevin Hayes to the second line. So far, so good.

Already up 2-0 with the crowd still buzzing following Lindberg’s team-leading fourth in three games, Dominic Moore used some good hand eye coordination batting a Jarret Stoll rebound out of mid-air past Bobrovsky for another goal only 36 seconds later. Dating back to their three goals in 1:17 explosion Friday night, it gave them six goals on Bobrovsky in the last 8:18 spanning the 17:24 mark of the third to the 5:49 mark of the first.

It was Lundqvist’s turn to put on a show. It started with a sprawling save to deny Ryan Johansen of a open net on a Jackets power play. The Blue Jackets top sniper had what looked like a gimme with Lundqvist out of position. But he dove across somehow managing to get Johansen’s shot which went back into him. However, nobody knew where the puck was. Not even the brilliant goalie who was spectacular making 37 saves to earn the game’s number one star. Following video review, eventually he pulled the puck out of his equipment to loud cheers.

With their best player handling the Jackets shooters at one end, the Rangers continued to press the attack against a shaky defense. On a breakaway, Rick Nash was hooked from behind leading to a penalty shot. However, Bobrovsky stoned him in close keeping his team down three.

There was a scare in the first too with Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson catching Hayes with a late hit from behind. Similar to the hit that Chris Kreider delivered on Alex Wennberg, Johnson came late but from the side on Hayes who went to the locker room with Rangers trainer Jim Ramsay. Fortunately, he returned a couple of shifts later and finished the game without a problem. Hayes finished with a assist in 17 shifts (11:54 TOI),

The second period was a better one from the Jackets. Similar to Friday, they used the momentum of a power play on a dubious tripping call on Tanner Glass to control the tempo. They out-shot the Rangers 12-7 and had numerous chances to get back in it.

Lundqvist wouldn’t cooperate. Despite his defense showing a few leaks, he was on top of his game denying the Jackets at every turn. The goaltending from the 33-year old was fitting for a King. He made at least half a dozen highlight reel stops. Thus far, Lundqvist looks very focused and has turned aside 100 of 106 shots in three wins. Statement much? He referenced a Vigneault quote to The Record’s Andrew Gross afterwards.

So, what did the coach who got a nice pop from the crowd during intros think of his star pupil’s performance? Here’s what he told Seth Rothman.

With their goalie stopping the Jackets in their tracks, the Blueshirts put it away with two goals in a 2:14 span between the end of the second and start of the third. On a power play, Derick Brassard finally made an appearance scoring with 48 seconds left in period two off a nice set up from Dan Boyle and Keith Yandle. With Brandon Saad off for holding, the two defensemen worked the puck around before Boyle found a wide open Brassard in the slot. He flubbed the shot but it still went in making it 4-0. After the period, that was all for Bobrovsky who allowed four goals on 22 shots despite making some good saves. It could’ve been much worse.

At the start of the third, Stalberg and Kreider combined to set up Derek Stepan at 1:26 making it 5-0. Off a odd-man rush, Kreider fed a cutting Stepan who fired a wrist shot by Columbus backup Curtis McElhinney.

Afterwards, the Rangers took their foot off the gas petal. The Jackets were thwarted three times by Lundqvist all point blank causing familiar chants of “Hen-rik, Hen-rik!!” from the crowd. His performance was that special.

There would be no shutout due to poor coverage from Hayes and top D pair Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi failing to take Johansen in front at 4:35 cutting it to 5-1. Fedor Tyutin and Nick Foligno drew assists. If there has been a sore spot, it’s been the play of McDonagh and Girardi. Neither of which are playing well. They’re leaving too many gaps and have been turnover prone. They can be better.

Boone Jenner concluded the scoring with a power play goal with 5:52 left. He got his stick on a David Savard pass and just pushed it past Lundqvist. Despite holding a 13-7 shots edge in the third, Columbus could get no closer.

Welcome Home: The 2015-16 Rangers salute MSG during a rousing introduction. AP Photo by Kathy Kmonicek/Getty Images

Battle Of NY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-J.T. Miller, Rangers (assisted on Lindberg’s 2nd tally-4 assists in 3 games)

2nd Star-Oscar Lindberg, Rangers (2 more goals giving the rookie a team best 4)

1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, Rangers (37 saves-has stopped 100 of 106 in 3 wins)

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

Battle Of NY New Post: Lundqvist robs Johansen (Video)

Posted on October 10, 2015 by Derek

The first period at The Garden just concluded. The Rangers lead the Blue Jackets 3-0 on goals from Oscar Lindberg (2) and Dominic Moore. Lindberg now has 4 goals in 3 games.

After the three-goal lead, Henrik Lundqvist robbed Ryan Johansen on a Columbus power play. Here is the video courtesy Stephanie Vail on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/652996540349444096

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

Rangers make one change: Glass in for Fast

Posted on October 10, 2015 by Derek

When they introduce the players at what should be a loud MSG for the home opener, the Rangers will do so with one change to the lineup. Third-year coach Alain Vigneault has decided to insert forward Tanner Glass for second-year forward Jesper Fast.

The prevailing thought is this is a reaction to the Blue Jackets taking runs at some Blueshirts last night. Particularly Ryan McDonagh, who Rene Bourque came up high on and later caught the Rangers captain with a undetected hi-stick. There’s no question Columbus likes to ramp it up and will take the body with reckless abandon.

So, I can see why Glass is in. He’ll play on the fourth line with Jarrett Stoll and Dominic Moore. The Blueshirts lose some speed by subbing the plodding Glass in for Fast or as AV prefers to call him “Quickie.” Fast was fine in the first two games and made his usual defensive plays off hustle. He is a penalty killer. Something Vigneault is not shy about with Glass, who will see time there. Perhaps with Stoll as an extra, it’ll aid the Rangers on the kill.

The second reason Glass is in is to be a deterrent if anything happens with Chris Kreider. As we know, Kreider’s late hit injured Jackets forward Alex Wennberg concussing him. Columbus wasn’t pleased. They’ll be even less with Kreider not getting any NHL discipline. So, it might not be so much of a question of if but when. Of course, the best way for the Jackets to exact revenge is on the scoreboard. We’ll see what happens.

As for the Jackets, William Karlsson replaces Wennberg. So, each team with one change to the forwards. That’s it. It’s time for Rangers intros and faceoff.

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

No Discipline For Kreider

Posted on October 10, 2015 by Derek

With the home opener just a few hours away, there will be no league discipline for Chris Kreider. His late hit on Blue Jackets forward Alex Wennberg resulted in a concussion in the first period of Friday’s Rangers’ 4-2 win at Columbus. Columbus Dispatch reporter Aaron Portzline tweeted the update.

I devoted a post to the hit last night and gave my take. With Kreider catching Wennberg after he released the puck and making chest and head contact, I thought he would face NHL discipline. Especially with Wennberg sustaining a head injury which will keep him out indefinitely.

Isn’t that what the league wants to prevent? Odd. I guess the league viewed it differently. It was obviously a missed penalty. While the Jackets and their fans cried foul, some of the takes from Rangers reporters was that it was a interference minor at worst. I’m not sure I agree.

In any event, Kreider will be in the lineup for tonight’s MSG rematch. You have to think the Jackets will be seeking retribution. It should be interesting.

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

New-age Devils bust in their opener against Winnipeg

Posted on October 10, 2015 by hasan4978

As much as I’d love to sit here and type about my Mets and the lollipops and gumdrops around LA after a spectacular Game 1 win that kept me up till 1:30…this is a hockey blog and the Devils did play their opening game of the season after all, so as much as I don’t want to this is a must-recap (at this rate there probably won’t be many more this year).  Especially having to sit through live the first of what will probably be many disasters at the Prudential Center in 2015-16.  And no, I wasn’t delusional enough to believe this team was a playoff contender as presently constituted but on Opening Night you always hope for the best, and the best for the Devils this year would be meaningful games in March/April and development from the younger players.  You always want to find a way to have hope at the start of a season – shoot, even an Arizona team that’s expected to be terrible beat the once-mighty Kings in their season opener, on the road no less.

Yes, it’s only one game but boy my hope got shot down pretty quick last night in a 3-1 loss to Winnipeg that probably wasn’t even that close.  Maybe Derek was actually being generous with his 52-point assessment.  I get that Winnipeg’s got a game under their belts and knows their system while neither is true for us, I get that they’re a better team anyway and believe me I get that our offensive lineup is a dumpster fire – much like my fantasy football lineup with Luck, Dez, Marshawn, Davante Adams and Jordan Reed all on the shelf.  All that said, it would have been nice to see a little more urgency and effort the first two periods of a season opener at home.  Not to mention it would have been nice to have good goaltending from Cory Schneider when this team still has some semblance of hope instead of having another awul October showing and piling up the numbers after when the team’s out of it.

I’d love to sit here, wave the pom-poms and go through the positives but there really weren’t a lot out of last night to be honest.  Oh, the power play actually looked somewhat competent (even without one-dimensional Eric Gelinas, one of the healthy scratches last night along with Stefan Matteau) although the goal Jiri Tlusty scored in the second period almost looked like they just lulled the Jets to sleep with Tlusty and David Schlemko (!) just throwing lazy passes back and forth at the side of the net before Tlusty finally jumped toward the front of the net like a coiled snake and stuffed the only goal of the game past Jets backup Michael Hutchinson at 12:53 of the middle frame.  Still, the Devils’ second power play of the game in the third also looked fairly decent.  Even if I don’t completely understand why guys like Schlemko, Jon Merrill and John Moore get power play time over Adam Larsson, who’s a better point producer than any of them.  Aside from the PP though, pretty much the only positive for me was newly minted captain Andy Greene and d-partner Larsson continuing their strong showing as the #1 pair into this season.

Unfortunately the negatives overwhelmed the positives from last night, starting with the fact that recent first-rounder Matteau and blueline weapon Gelinas couldn’t win spots in the Opening Night lineup, while fellow kid Reid Boucher missed a golden opportunity to get on the board early then got benched yet again late in the game and barely had over ten minutes on the night.  And if you thought the overplaying of marginal vets was going to end with the fact that OMG EVERYTHING ELSE IS SO NEW HERE!, think again.  While I admit I thought Schlemko was a solid signing as a #7, it seems obvious he’s the new Peter Harrold – a vet that gets played above his pay grade in a top four role and even gets PP time he has no business getting.  Not as if most of the defense was any good last night though, second-year player Damon Severson had a particularly awful game from where I sat with turnovers and giveaways.

Last night wasn’t just a case of the D leaving Cory out to dry though, which they did to a degree being outshot 12-4 in the first and 23-11 in the first two periods.  Cory himself gave up two bad-angle goals early in the second period that (with our offense) essentially all but ended the game.  First he allowed Mark Schiefele to beat him shortside 73 seconds into the second period, then Blake Wheeler beat him longside from almost an impossible angle, again off the glove side.  I was so down on Cory after that I was bronx cheering saves for most of the period.  If I expect anything out of this season I expect Cory to play well, and when it matters.  Don’t give me a .890 save percentage in October and put the team out of the race then go put up .940’s in January when we’re 25 points back again.  And yes every mistake gets magnified with our horrible, hideous offense but if Cory’s not going to live up to his end what’s the point of keeping him around during an obvious rebuild?  I was really ready to boo the team off the ice after the first two periods for more of the same ol’ crap unti they actually finished the period strong with Kyle Palmeri drawing a shorthanded penalty that canceled out a Jets power play which could really have ended the game with them already up 3-1 after scoring on another power play earlier in the second.

Although the Devils did better in the third it was really far too little and far too late by then, as the four goals in the second period were the entire game’s offensive output for both teams.  Hey, at least our empty-net defense looked good the last two and a half minutes of the game.  I can’t even give a report on most of the changes (there’s that word again) at the Prudential Center since me and my friend got stuck in traffic – on a rainy Friday, big shock there and it took us an hour to get from Madison to our parking lot in Newark.  We barely made it to our seat in time for the 3D intro, the first part of which I wasn’t a huge fan of but really you have to be sitting center ice staring at the logo to do it justice.  That said, the fire around the team logo did look nice while of course the music of choice at the end of the show was ‘Welcome to the New Age’ – hence the YT above.

Look I get there IS change, you’d have to be blind not to see that, and some of the changes I’m fine with (I thought the whole players walking up on the red carpet thing before the game was kind of corny until Palmeri said they did it in Anaheim too, so maybe this organization does need to get into the 21st century in some respects), while others I’m not as crazy about and some seem just change for change’s sake like putting the logo on the helmet instead of the team name and promoting it on Twitter.  Whether you’re behind all the changes, some or none of them the fact is promoting the fact that there’s change at every turn is just setting yourself up for backlash from the diehards who know only success under the changed administration if (when?) the team starts 3-10, or worse.  I mean yeah things were bad the last three years but it’s not as if every single thing needed to be scuttled…clearly that’s the mandate now though.  Change whatever you can, no matter how trivial so you can promote moar change on social media.

Back to the building itself, I did see some of the changes when I was there briefly during one of the preseason games but wanted to walk around last night with everything presumably in working shape for the regular season, that didn’t happen between a missed connection with my friends sitting in section 11 during the first intermission and then going all the way around the arena for a group gettogether with them and another couple during the second intermission.  At least I did get to see everyone I wanted to see, even if some weren’t that long.  Looking at the new food menus during actual regular season games will have to wait till next Friday, but I’ll have plenty of time to use my $260 food card regardless.  With pricing the way it is, it won’t take long for me to get through it.

From the outside I don’t mind the changes to the clubs making them more open and adding a bunch of TV’s so people inside and outside can see them.  It is kind of…telling that basically every TV I saw was tuned to something OTHER than the hockey game.  Whereas in the past you only saw TV’s with the hockey game on, which made it easier to keep track if you happened to be stuck in a food line during play.  Ideally you’d have both, most of the TV’s in all locations outside the clubs turned to the hockey game while most of the TV’s inside the clubs turned to other things since if you’re in the club you’re not that far from a great seat anyway and the lines aren’t as long inside the clubs as they are outside.  I mean do people really need to watch highlights of Washington-Cal or whatever college football highlights were being shown at one point?

I’ll end on a good note though, one change I do like was making Andy Greene the captain.  For where this team is, the choice makes the most sense with Greene mentoring a young D core that’s the future of the franchise.  Not to mention he’s signed long-term (unlike a guy who used to wear #9 before Tlusty) and still has years left as a top contributing player, as opposed to being a captain who’s only in the lineup cause of the letter on his jersey (sorry Bryce, still love ya though).  While he’s clearly the lead behind the scenes type, sometimes that’s still a good thing.  Why try to invent a fiery leader when one doesn’t exist?  Especially with a rebuilding team, you probably need someone cerebral and someone who slowly worked his way up the ranks from UDFA to #1 d-man.  I was kind of worried they’d give the C to Adam Henrique since he’s been the face of seemingly everything on social media this offseason but really he hasn’t quite earned it yet imo.  Not to mention god forbid he has a >40 point season the narrative will be that the C’s weighing him down a la Patty in 2006-07.

Hopefully the new leadership on and off the ice can find a way to get more out of this team before a potentially nightmarish start buries them, starting in Washington tonight.

Posted in Devils, NHL | Tagged | Leave a comment

Kane and Blackhawks spoil Islanders party in Brooklyn

Posted on October 10, 2015 by Derek

The Islanders and Blackhawks stand in unison at center ice for the first game at Barclays Center. Alexa Ray Joel sang the national anthem. AP Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images

They were ready from the start at Barclays Center. Brooklyn was officially hockey crazy when the Islanders finally played their first game at their new home arena on Atlantic Avenue. What the 15,795 got was a entertaining home opener against the defending champs. The Blackhawks spoiled the party winning 3-2 in overtime on frequent target Patrick Kane’s power play goal.

”It would have been nice obviously to get a win but I think we played well,” Islanders forward Matt Martin told the Associated Press. ”Took a little bit to find our legs and get into it, but it’s our first game as a full group, I mean we played a pretty hockey team there tonight who already had a game under their belts.”

Twice, the Islanders fought back from one-goal deficits. Before they dropped the puck, an emotional opening night ceremony included a nice tribute to Al Arbour. The legendary Isles coach passed away on Aug. 28. He coached the franchise to four consecutive Stanley Cups and a NHL playoff record 19 straight series victories. A mark that will never be broken in the salary cap era.

As for the game, it was back and forth. Without starting goalie Jaroslav Halak, who remains day-to-day, the Islanders started new backup Thomas Greiss. The former Pen acquitted himself well finishing with 32 saves. Waiver pick up Jean-Francois Berube backed up.

There was a little trivia in the first period. Artem Anisimov became the answer scoring the first goal at Barclays Center. The ex-Jacket stole the puck from Brock Nelson and walked in and beat Greiss with a nifty backhand top shelf for a unassisted shorthanded goal. Nelson carelessly gave away the puck at center ice allowing Anisimov to break in and score his first as a Blackhawk at 13:28 of the first.

You knew John Tavares would be a factor in the first home game in Brooklyn. With his team still trailing early in the second stanza, the Islanders captain steered home his own rebound with 14:38 left. Taking a Johnny Boychuk pass at the side of the net, he got one low shot on Hawks goalie Corey Crawford and deposited the rebound for his 175th career goal. He has 402 points in 433 games.

Throughout the contest, Islander fans gave it to Kane every time he touched the puck. There were chants of “No Means No,” from the Brooklyn crowd in reference to the controversial Chicago star’s off-ice trouble stemming from a incident this past summer at his home in Western New York. Kane has maintained his innocence after being accused of rape. Following tests that revealed no rape, it’s now a sexual assault case. It still hasn’t been decided if it’ll go to a grand jury.

In the mean time, Kane continues to play hockey at a high level. He scored his first of the game from Hawks captain Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith to put the guests up 2-1 with 4:49 left in the second.

The oldest new Islander came through at the start of the third. Marek Zidlicky scored his first from Nelson and Nikolay Kulemin to tie the score at 1:18. The 38-year old Czech defenseman’s shot from the left point went past a screened Crawford. Credit Mikhail Grabovski for distracting the Hawks starter. Zidlicky paired up with Brian Strait getting 20 shifts (15:16) from Isles coach Jack Capuano.

Neither team sat back. They combined for 22 shots in a entertaining period exchanging chances. On one end, Greiss made some key stops while on the other Crawford stoned Grabovski on a odd-man rush. With less than 20 seconds left, Tavares had a dangerous opportunity to be the hometown hero but missed wide from the right circle.

The first ever game at Barclays Center went to the 3-on-3 roller derby. Unlike the madness that was the Flyers and Lightning on Thursday, the first minute was more tentatively played. That changed when Marian Hossa broke in forcing Nick Leddy to take a slashing penalty. It was the right call.

That gave the Hawks a 4-on-3 power play. It didn’t take long for them to capitalize. On a diagonal play, Keith passed across for Hossa who moved the puck to Kane. Kane centered in front for Toews but the puck deflected off a Islander skate for the winner 1:49 into overtime.

”Good crowd, still a loud building, so it was fun,” Frans Nielsen said afterwards. In a scheduling oddity, the teams will do it again tonight in Chicago for a rare home-and-home despite being in opposite conferences. We like it. So should the fans of both teams.

Battle Of New York 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Jonathan Toews, Blackhawks (assisted on 1st Kane tally and was in front on the second)

2nd Star-John Tavares, Islanders (scored 1st goal for home team in new building)

1st Star-Patrick Kane, Blackhawks (2 goals including the OT winner at 1:49)

Posted in NY Islanders | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Blue Jackets cry foul on Kreider hit that concussed Alex Wennberg

Posted on October 10, 2015 by Derek

The first period of the Rangers’ 4-2 win over the Blue Jackets was very physical. Players from both sides were finishing checks.

Some were borderline. That included Rene Bourque who was penalized for going high on Ryan McDonagh. One hit which wasn’t detected by the refs was Chris Kreider catching Jackets forward Alex Wennberg after he released the puck. It was late and caught a prone Wennberg high knocking him out of the game. It would later be revealed that he suffered a concussion.

Following the game, the Jackets weren’t pleased with Kreider. A third-year player who has had some run ins with goalies and a couple of questionable hits, the 24-year old has never faced any NHL discipline. Even for this hit from behind on Jonas Brodin that got him ejected from a game against the Wild last Oct. 27.

“It was late, yeah,” Scott Hartnell told Rick Gethin of Today’s Slapshot.  “It was real late and high. I saw it on the tape right afterwards. (Kreider) did three crossovers, four crossovers and then he got hit, high.”

“Hopefully the league can address that because if that’s the case, I know (Wennberg) didn’t come back and you want to protect our players,” Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno added.

Somewhat curiously, MSG didn’t show a replay. Normally, they do. The only video was posted by Stephanie Vail on Twitter below:

Chris Kreider catches Alex Wennberg with a late high hit that concussed the Jackets forward late in the first period.

You be the judge. It doesn’t look good. No matter how you slice it, Kreider went for a big hit and caught Wennberg with the right shoulder making head contact. That is grounds for league discipline which could mean a hearing for Kreider. The Rangers host the Jackets in a rematch at MSG Saturday night.

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

Rangers erupt for 3 goals in 1:17 to stun Blue Jackets

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Derek

Kevin Hayes is congratulated by Chris Kreider and Derek Stepan after scoring the game-winner in the Rangers stunning 4-2 comeback win over the Blue Jackets. AP Photo by Jay LaPrete/Getty Images

You could’ve written about three different scripts and wouldn’t have come up with the stunning conclusion the Rangers delivered. Rising from the dead, the Rangers erupted for three goals in a 1:17 span to stun the Blue Jackets 4-2 spoiling their home opener at a loud Nationwide Arena of 19,027.

When Ryan McDonagh took a very bad delay of game penalty, it was shaping up to be a bad loss. New Blue Jacket Brandon Saad took full advantage snapping home his first past a maze in front of Henrik Lundqvist. Off a broken play, Saad took a Ryan Murray pass and beat a screened Lundqvist to give the Columbus hosts their only lead with 3:50 left in the the third period.

One thing about these Blueshirts. They never quit. There’s too much poise and experience on a roster that’s been to the NHL Final Four the past two years. The bigger story is who came through in the clutch. After scoring in the season opener, rookie Oscar Lindberg was at it again tying the score 1:14 later from J.T. Miller. It was the third line that got the job done for a second consecutive game. After Miller forced a turnover, he fed for Lindberg who snapped a low shot far side that beat Sergei Bobrovsky tying the score with 2:36 remaining.

What happened next no one could’ve predicted. Off some good sustained pressure, Kevin Hayes surprised Bobrovsky by throwing the puck from a bad angle short side catching the Columbus goalie napping to give the Blueshirts the lead 17 seconds after Lindberg tied it. Dan Girardi and Derek Stepan picked up assists.

Too stunned to respond, the Jackets got careless in their end. A awful turnover from Ryan Johansen led directly to Mats Zuccarello scoring his second of the night. Pressured by the Rangers top line, Johansen kicked the puck right to Zuccarello who made no mistake beating Bobrovsky for a third time in 1:17.

The wild sequence kept the Rangers perfect on the young season. They’ll try to sweep a home-and-home from the Jackets in the MSG opener Saturday night. They can thank Lundqvist who in his second straight start was outstanding making 31 saves. He faced some tough chances with Columbus attacking the net. The usually unflappable Lundqvist was up to the challenge.

Following player introductions, the Jackets came out like a house on fire in a seek and destroy mission. They forechecked and delivered big hits on the Blueshirts causing some welcome animosity to a fairly new rivalry. Marc Staal had had enough of Blue Jackets enforcer Jared Boll after he delivered a cross check. Staal retaliated punching Boll back and throwing him down. It resulted in an extra roughing minor on Boll as the Columbus bench and crowd protested. In retrospect, it probably should’ve been two apiece.

The Ranger power play was in rare form. I don’t mean that in a good way. They were brutal allowing the aggressive Jackets shorthanded opportunities which Lundqvist snuffed out. Good thing the man-advantage only had two chances with the second coming after Rene Bourque caught McDonagh a little late with a high hit. The Rangers captain didn’t take well to it and neither did his incensed teammates.

Despite having two power plays, the Rangers were only credited with six shots by the Jackets scorekeeper who apparently isn’t a fan of Rick Nash. He had at least one that was missed. When the teams played hockey, the Rangers got on the board first thanks to some hustle from Dominic Moore and skill by Zuccarello. Moore forced a turnover behind the Columbus net allowing Zuccarello to sneak a backhand past Bobrovsky for an unassisted tally at 19:16.

Penalties were the story in an uneven second. The Blueshirts were undisciplined taking three minors which hurt their momentum. Following a successful kill of a Jesper Fast slash that denied a scoring chance, Dan Boyle took a needless tripping minor sending the Jackets back to the power play. But a strong New York penalty kill didn’t give up much. Keeping Columbus to the outside, they allowed one shot to Brandon Dubinsky which Lundqvist got just enough of the pad on to keep it out. Lindberg then made a big clear to save a goal.

To their credit, the Jackets played hockey following the overly physical first that put them behind. They out-shot the Rangers 14-10 in a better second. Midway thru the match, Lundqvist was stopping everything. But a critical mistake by Derick Brassard led to a Cam Atkinson breakaway goal that tied it with 9:01 left in the period. With the Rangers in transition, Keith Yandle made a good pass across to Brassard who mishandled it. With the D changing, Dubinsky made a perfect outlet for Atkinson who cut in on Lundqvist and went forehand deke for his first. Girardi didn’t get there in time after changing for Kevin Klein.

One of the themes entering Friday’s match was Alain Vigneault’s criticism of the top line. He expects them to be consistent. They didn’t accept the challenge with particularly Brassard not sharp. He’ll hear about that turnover. Nash wasn’t great either hearing the boos while registering one shot. On the other hand, Zuccarello was his usual feisty self mixing it up after roughing up Boone Jenner late in the second. Another penalty his teammates killed.

Then there was the third. Not much was happening. The second line of Hayes, Chris Kreider and Derek Stepan created chances but were unable to finish. Especially Kreider, whose speed gave the Jackets fits throughout. He also delivered a late hit in the first that injured Columbus forward Alexander Wennberg who left with a “upper body” injury. MSG didn’t show any replay which was uncharacteristic for even them. I’ll try to find the video.

Late in the contest, both goalies had performed well keeping it tied. But then McDonagh’s delay of game led to Saad’s power play goal which put the Jackets up. Then it came apart for Columbus in epic fashion with Lindberg and Hayes scoring 17 seconds apart. The latter which was just awful. A smart play by Hayes who got the unusual winner in a game that seemed headed to a 3-on-3 roller derby. Instead, Zuccarello padded the lead causing boos from the Jackets crowd.

For their part, the Rangers will take it. They’re 2-for-2 despite playing their best hockey. It allowed Vigneault to win his 100th game as Rangers coach. The home opener is tomorrow.

Battle Of New York 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Brandon Dubinsky, Jackets (set up Atkinson’s tally-easily their best player)

2nd Star-Oscar Lindberg, Rangers (scored tying goal for 2nd in 2 games-he belongs)

1st Star-Mats Zuccarello, Rangers (2 goals on 4 shots-that’ll help your shooting percentage)

Posted in NYRangers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Devils name Andy Greene 11th captain

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Derek

When the Devils kick off the 2015-16 season by hosting the Winnipeg Jets at The Prudential Center tonight, they’ll have a new captain. Earlier today, the Devils announced that Andy Greene will be named the 11th captain in franchise history.

The 32-year old veteran defenseman is an excellent choice to lead the rebuilding Devils. After playing four years at Miami University of Ohio, he was signed as a rookie free agent. Similar to Rangers blueliner Dan Girardi, Greene has developed into a steady top pair defensive defenseman. In nearly a decade, he’s played his entire NHL career with New Jersey tallying 31 goals with 140 assists for 171 points in 559 games. That includes 45 postseason games including the club’s run to the 2012 Stanley Cup Final.

Greene takes over as captain. The Devils also tabbed Patrik Elias, Travis Zajac, Mike Cammalleri and Adam Henrique as alternates. In what could be Elias’ swan song in Newark, the franchise scoring leader starts the season on IR with a knee injury. His 1,017 points (406-611-1017) are the most in Devils history. Elias has also played in 162 playoff games posting 45 goals and 80 assists for 125 points.

The Devils host the Jets in Newark. Cory Schneider gets the start.

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

Brooklyn is ready for Islanders

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Derek

The Islanders prepare for their first game at Barclays Center later tonight against the Blackhawks. islanders.nhl.com/Getty Images

When the puck drops tonight in Brooklyn at Barclays Center, it’ll kick off a new era of Islanders hockey. No longer are they on Long Island. Sadly, their rich history came to an end with the final game at Nassau Coliseum played on April 25, 2015. They won Game 6 of the first round 3-1 over the Capitals with captain John Tavares scoring one of the three goals. The Caps ended their season.

None of that means a thing when curtain drops on Barclays Center. The Islanders play host to the defending champion Blackhawks in the game of the night. All the stars will be out in downtown Brooklyn to see Tavares and Co. do battle against Jonathan Toews and booing target Patrick Kane.

A third place team a year ago after a great start, the Isles return almost everyone including forwards Josh Bailey, Nikolay Kulemin, Mikhail Grabovski, Casey Cizikas, Cal Clutterbuck, Anders Lee, Matt Martin, Brock Nelson, Frans Nielsen, Kyle Okposo, Ryan Strome, Tavares plus defensemen Johnny Boychuk, Calvin de Haan, Travis Hamonic, Nick Leddy, Brian Strait and Thomas Hickey. GM Garth Snow added new faces Steve Bernier and Marek Zidlicky along with Thomas Greiss, who’ll backup starter Jaroslav Halak.

The only real subtraction was Michael Grabner who was expendable due to the Isles’ scoring depth and entering the final year of a contract that pays him $5 million. He’s now a Maple Leaf. Islanders coach Jack Capuano has plenty of options for smart penalty killing forwards. The gritty Bernier could be one when he plays. He’ll fit in well.

What makes the Isles so tough is they have four lines who can fore check and take the body. They also boast young talent in Strome, Lee and Nelson who all are capable of improving. Strome broke out with 17 goals and 50 points while Lee posted 25 goals in his rookie season. Nelson started hot achieving career bests in goals (20), assists (22) and points (42).

Kyle Okposo beats Phillip Grubauer for a goal in the second period with Brooks Orpik down. AP Photo by Alex Brandon/Getty Images

Kyle Okposo beats Phillip Grubauer for a goal in the second period last postseason. 
AP Photo by Alex Brandon/Getty Images

Most intriguing will be Okposo who is in the final year of his contract. His cap hit is $2.8 million but he’ll earn $4.5 and should draw significant interest next July. The 27-year old Okposo has become Tavares’ side kick. After setting career bests with 27 goals, 42 assists and 69 points in ’13-14, he went 18-33-51 in 60 games with a detached retina forcing him to miss 22 games. He returned and had two goals with a helper in the first round. Considering the talent the Isles possess, Okposo could be traded. Personally, I would try to retain him but the cost could be too rich.

Nielsen also is in his last year. With a similar cap hit ($2.75 million), the 31-year old checking pivot will make $3.5 million in what should be his final season with the Islanders. He’s been a dependable player who can play both power play and penalty kill while taking draws. He would be a good addition to any playoff contender depending on where the Isles are next March.

The Isles blueline is virtually the same with one exception. Snow brought in Zidlicky to help aid the power play. At this stage, the 38-year old former Devil is best suited in offensive situations. He can man the point and has a good right-handed shot from the point which the Isles can use.

Johnny Boychuk battles Joel Ward in front of Jaroslav Halak. AP Photo by Alex Brandon/Getty Images

Johnny Boychuk battles Joel Ward in front of Jaroslav Halak.
AP Photo by Alex Brandon/Getty Images

The top four of Boychuk, de Haan, Hamonic and Leddy is solid. Boychuk and Leddy came in and had good first years. Boychuk is the smart, steady two-way type while Leddy is the smooth skating puck moving type. Both contributed offensively with each topping 30 points and combining for 19 goals. Hamonic is probably the club’s best defensive defenseman. A gritty player who will do anything to help the team win, the 24-year old missed the playoffs due to a torn left knee ligament. Had he been healthy, they may have advanced past the first round for the first time since ’93.

De Haan also missed the last two games with a left shoulder sprain. Another smart defender, the 23-year old could take the next step in his third year. Without Hamonic and de Haan, Hickey stepped up as did Strait, who starts the season on IR with an “upper body” injury.

Jaroslav Halak has stopped 39 straight shots posting consecutive shutouts during the Isles' four-game win streak. AP Photo by Kathy Kmonicek/Getty Images

Jaroslav Halak remains the Isles starter in net and one of the keys to 2015-16.
AP Photo by Kathy Kmonicek/Getty Images

In his first season, Halak set a new franchise mark with 38 wins. But he cooled considerably in the second half probably due to the workload. The 59 games was a new career high surpassing 57 with the Blues in ’10-11. In his first postseason appearance since 2012, he was steady posting a 2.30 goals-against-average and .926 save percentage. He wasn’t the reason the Isles lost. But is still considered the biggest question. Can Halak duplicate the first half of ’14-15 or is he somewhere in between? He won’t be the starter against Chicago due to a “upper body” injury. He’s day-to-day.

Greiss replaces Michal Neuvirth as the backup. He’ll get an early cameo with Halak out. The 29-year old isn’t starter material but is capable of filling in. It will basically come down to Halak. If he performs adequately, playoff hockey will come to Brooklyn in 2016. If he doesn’t, maybe Snow deals for a goalie. Jonas Hiller or Jimmy Howard could be available. So could Cam Ward with the Canes former Conn Smythe winner the likeliest target.

Tavares tricks Devils

The Islanders are Tavares’ team. At 25, he is one of the game’s brightest stars. In ’14-15, he set career highs in goals (38), points (86), power play goals (13), power play points (31) and had eight game-winners. It was good enough for a second Hart nomination which went to Carey Price with Alex Ovechkin finishing second.

Tavares has been in the postseason twice losing in the first round both times. In 13 games, he has 11 points (5-6-11). The lone highlight being his overtime winner in Game 3 last Spring that put the Isles up 2-1. In a new building, he has a chance to make it a memorable first season. He should hit 40 goals and top 90 points for the first time in his career.

There’s plenty of talent. Capuano faces pressure. He made some interesting decisions late in the Caps series benching Lee the final two games and sitting Nelson earlier. Even in a tough Metropolitan Division, expectations are high for the Islanders. Another first round exit won’t be acceptable.

Prediction: 4th place Metro Division 98 Points

Posted in NY Islanders | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment