Sweet Home Chicago: Blackhawks Win Stanley Cup

Posted on June 16, 2015 by Derek
Sweet Home Chicago: Hawks captain Jonathan Toews lifts the Stanley Cup following the Blackhawks 2-0 home victory over the Lightning in Game 6 to capture the franchise's third Cup in six years. The first time they clinched on home ice since 1938. AP Photo by Charles Rex Arbogast/Getty Images

Sweet Home Chicago: Hawks captain Jonathan Toews lifts the Stanley Cup following the Blackhawks 2-0 home victory over the Lightning in Game 6 to capture the franchise’s third Cup in six years. The first time they clinched on home ice since 1938.
AP Photo by Charles Rex Arbogast/Getty Images

For the third time in six years, the Blackhawks are Stanley Cup champions. They are officially a modern day dynasty after defeating the Lightning 2-0 in Game 6 at loud United Center where they celebrated their first Cup win on home ice in 77 years. Both 2010 and 2013 came on the road in Philadelphia and Boston. You have to go back all the way to 1938 for the last time they clinched on home ice.

Poetically, all three wins came in six games. I guess that’s the magic number for these Hawks. A team led by captain Jonathan Toews and leading scorer Patrick Kane with a core to die for featuring Conn Smythe winner Duncan Keith, who fittingly scored the Cup clincher late in the second period from Kane and Brad Richards. Richards had a hand in both Hawks’ goals including Kane’s put away with 5:14 left. A play set up by the superb skating of Brandon Saad, who was the Hawks’ best forward in the series. His speed backed up the Tampa D and a great drop to Richards allowed him to dish across for Kane’s first of the series. Of course, Showtime saved his best for last recording a goal and assist after only posting one helper the first five games.

Astonishingly, the Hawks bested the Lightning in six despite only three points apiece from Kane and Toews. However, Toews factored in scoring in Game 4 and setting up Patrick Sharp in Game 5. Both identical 2-1 wins with the more experienced team shining through. Indeed, the championship mettle proved to be the difference with the Hawks holding the high powered Bolts to two goals in the last three games.

Similar to the Rangers, the Lightning didn’t score in a tight checking low scoring game. Tyler Johnson and Nikita Kucherov played hurt and Ben Bishop somehow started with a torn groin. At least it won’t require surgery. How he played after missing the conclusion of Game 2 and sitting out Game 4 for rookie Andrei Vasilevskiy is a wonder. The amazing aspect is he played well the final two games allowing four goals on 61 shots. The only bad goal was Sharp’s in Game 5 when he came out and got run into by Victor Hedman allowing Sharp a freebie. Goaltending wasn’t the issue for Tampa. Offense was. Steven Stamkos didn’t score a goal in the series. Despite some great chances, the Lightning captain was unable to bury any past Corey Crawford including hitting a crossbar with the game still scoreless. He was snake bit.

The Bolts’ most effective line was their checking unit anchored by Craig Paquette with former Ranger Ryan Callahan and J.T. Brown. That line did a solid job throughout blanketing Toews and Kane forcing winning Stanley Cup coach Joel Quenneville to split them up with Kane going back to the second line with Richards and Saad. It worked. He had Marian Hossa play with Toews and Sharp.

A big factor in their third Cup victory was deadline acquisition Antoine Vermette. At one point, Quenneville didn’t play him earlier this postseason. But Vermette came up large scoring two game-winners including Game 5 at Tampa. He also won big faceoffs and anchored a strong third line featuring talented rookie Teuvo Teravainen and Kris Versteeg who returned to Chicago and won his second Cup. He also was part of the 2010 championship team.

The Hawks also got strong contributions from their fourth line with Andrew Shaw proving to be a royal pain in the ass. He produced 12 points during the run and did yeoman work on the forecheck with Andrew Desjardins and Marcus Kruger. They had a tremendous playoff.

There are so many great stories. None were better than Kimmo Timonen with the proud veteran defenseman of 17 years capturing the Stanley Cup in his final game. The 40-year old former All-Star who played mostly with the Predators and Flyers was given one last chance to play on a winner when Philadelphia GM Ron Hextall traded him to Chicago. Timonen overcame blood clots which cost him most of the season before returning to play 16 games for the Hawks. He didn’t play every game during the run but was needed after Michal Rozsival went down. Though Quenneville used him sparingly, it was great to see him skate the Cup with Toews doing the classy thing handing him the hardware after receiving it from commissioner Gary Bettman. You could see how much it meant to him in a emotional interview with NBC rover Pierre McGuire. What a way to go out.

Speaking of Lord Stanley, I enjoyed seeing Timonen hand off to Vermette who won’t be back with the Hawks due to unrestricted free agency. He was a rental and did the job once Quenneville trusted him. Every move they made panned out including the coach benching Crawford in their first round win in favor of hometown backup Scott Darling who got it done against the Predators. Crawford returned and won his second Cup as a starter. Following Vermette was Richards with the elder statesman winning his second Cup and first since 2004 with his former team the Lightning when he won the Conn Smythe. Richards had a impact setting up both goals to finish with 14 points (3-11-14) during the run. Kudos to him. Must feel pretty sweet.

What this Hawks championship is about is perseverance. Being able to overcome the loss of Rozsival which hurt their blueline. Quenneville leaned heavily on Keith, who was an iron man playing over 30 minutes while not missing a beat. It’s amazing to think what the former Norris winner did carrying the load while pacing all defensemen in scoring with 21 points (3-18-21). That included a beautiful winner when he jumped in off the rush taking a perfect Kane feed and followed up his own rebound past Bishop with 2:47 left in the second. Keith is a magnificent player. He took a pounding against the Ducks logging ridiculous minutes in games that went to sudden death last round. His play was outstanding and made him a unanimous selection for the Conn Smythe becoming just the ninth defenseman to win Playoff MVP. He joined elite company with Bobby Orr heading the list.

The Hawks were able to do it because of a top three that features Keith, Brent Seabrook and underrated Niklas Hjalmarsson who always draws the tough assignments. Along with ex-Devil Johnny Oduya, they logged a ton of minutes carrying the load. Quenneville rotated Timonen and Trevor van Riemsdyk in for shifts. To be able to win that way is amazing. It’s so hard especially in today’s physically taxing game. It really tells us how strong their top four is. Especially Keith, Seabrook and Hjalmarsson who was tremendous in Game 5.

The Lightning’s best player was Victor Hedman who was all over the ice throughout. He was brilliant. His performance during the postseason was outstanding. Had they won, he might’ve beaten out Johnson for the Smythe. Hedman had four points in the Stanley Cup Final- all assists. He finished with 14 points (1-13-14) and was a team best plus-11. Swedish countryman and partner Anton Stralman was also steady throughout finishing with nine points (1-8-9) and going plus-one. It’s that top tandem along with a young nucleus featuring Stamkos, Triplets Johnson, Kucherov, Ondre Palat plus Alex Killorn, Valtteri Filppula and Bishop that should make the Bolts a strong Stanley Cup favorite next year. They’re my early pick to come out of the East. Jonathan Drouin got a taste of it and should be a bigger part.

The only thing I dislike is the coach. I find Jon Cooper to be the most obnoxious coach I’ve ever seen. He just is so arrogant. The way he handles the media is similar to John Tortorella but with more of a smugness that rubs me the wrong way. So when he admitted he’d seen many coaches discuss being on the losing side but never thought it’d be him, it just sealed it. I hope he doesn’t sleep much tonight.

As for our former players, I have nothing but admiration for them. Especially Callahan who gets crapped on by bitter fans. In the end, he had every right to do what he did getting his big payday. He didn’t owe the Rangers anything. Glen Sather had no problem overpaying Dan Girardi or Marc Staal with limited no trades. That was his choice. He sacrificed the future for two years of Martin St. Louis who at least got them close last year. Unfortunately, St. Louis has little left and is moving on. I wish him well. What Slats paid was ridiculous. No way should he have coughed up two first round picks. It’s absurd. But that’s what this GM does. He did similarly for Keith Yandle who probably will bolt the following summer.

Kudos to Richards for proving he still could be an integral part of a championship roster. Big ups to Stralman, Callahan and Brian Boyle who worked their tails off. In the end, they wound up on the better teams. So be it.

Congrats to the Hawks and their fans. They once were Cup starved with nothing since the days of Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita plus Glen Hall way back in 1961. Now, they have three in six years. Pretty remarkable. Unbelievable.

That concludes a great season. It’s officially the offseason with the NHL Draft coming up. Plus your usual wild and crazy rumors such as Rick Nash to Buffalo. Sure thing Elliott Friedman. Cam Talbot to Edmonton. Perhaps. We’ll wait and see. For now, let’s just try to take a deep breath. There are awards finally getting handed out for the season. Then the much anticipated draft with Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel along with some pretty significant prospects who we’ll take a look at. Then July 1. Get ready for the summer!

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That Empty Feeling In June

Posted on June 13, 2015 by Derek
Comeback King: An excited Henrik Lundqvist celebrates the Rangers 3-1 series comeback. He made 35 saves in their 2-1 Game 7 win elimination of the Pens and stopped 102 of the final 105 shots. Associated Press/Getty Images

Henrik Lundqvist
Associated Press/Getty Images

It’s a warm Saturday June evening here in New York. Somewhere else, they’re playing Game 5 of the Stanley Cup. I know what the series is at but it just doesn’t matter. I have no juice.

The Rangers should still be playing hockey. Instead, their season ended 13 days ago with a stinker that is hard to comprehend. I was reminded of that at the gym from a passionate Blueshirts fan who vented his frustration. Of course, I knew he’d mention trading Rick Nash to which I just sat there and shook my head. I understood.

I listened to him rant about how they didn’t show up for Game 7. Don’t tell that to any of the players who wear the jersey. They’re the ones who sacrificed. We aren’t professional athletes and shouldn’t pretend to be. A look at the injuries some of those players had and there’s not a doubt that they gave all they had. Even if it didn’t look like it. Getting shutout at home leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. How do you think they feel?

Let’s be perfectly honest. It sucks. Anyone still watching the Stanley Cup Final can’t say with a straight face that they’re enjoying it. I could care less. I refuse to talk about it. It’s just too hard. There’s only so much one can take. I’ve seen plenty of bitter fans on Twitter who don’t want to see our former players win the trophy. I can understand that to a point but those guys were good players here who were part of last year’s run. If they win, so be it. Good for them. It doesn’t matter.

I have a buddy who is a fan of the Lightning. So, he’s very excited and should be. I am friendly with a few Blackhawks fans on social media. For them, they can enjoy this. Their teams are still fighting for the greatest trophy in sports. No disrespect to any of the other major sports. But there’s only one Cup.

It wasn’t supposed to end this way. After a great run last year with the franchise’s first trip to the Stanley Cup Final since 1994, they had their eyes on the ultimate prize. A President’s Trophy gave them home ice. Nobody cared that they set franchise marks in wins and points. It still came down to the playoffs. They were expected to get it done. Even if they were pushed by the Penguins and had to dig deep against the Capitals just to make the Final Four. Their third appearance over the last four years.

Ultimately, they fell short. In what amounted to a Jekyll & Hyde Conference Final, the Rangers played better on the road winning the last two games of the series by outscoring the Lightning 10-4 including a wild and crazy 7-3 win in Game 6 sending it back to MSG for Game 7. A place they’d never lost. But for some reason, they didn’t play well at home dropping the final two games by identical 2-0 scores. It was Tampa that beat them with defense and opportunistic enough to bury their chances even if it came on Henrik Lundqvist in the third period.

It still hurts because it should. It is a empty feeling in June. Sure. We can put on brave faces and still flash that occasional smile letting our friends know everything is okay. We all have our lives to live and work or go to school and hangout. You have to put your best foot forward and move on. But here’s the thing. It still doesn’t take away the sting.

Losing sucks. As sports fans, this is what we signed up for. Especially if you bleed Rangers blue. I’m true blue and have sat in the famed Blue Seats for two decades. Even if it’s not the same due to the renovation, I wouldn’t trade our seats in 419 for anywhere else in the building. Nothing beats the atmosphere. Sitting in our section is like a classic episode of Cheers. “Where everybody knows your name… And they’re always glad you came.”

That’s what it means to be a fan of the Blueshirts. We can all identify with the extreme level of anxiety they give us. The excitement along with the heartache and anguish. One Stanley Cup over the last 75 years will do that. However, I can at least say I saw them win that Cup. There are many older generation who ‘died in peace’ following captain Mark Messier lifting the Cup and celebrating with Conn Smythe winner Brian Leetch, Mike Richter, Adam Graves, etc. In ’94, they partied like it was 1999.

We went to the parade. Still fresh are the “Let’s Go Rangers” chants the Staten Island Ferry. From walking around on a sticky hot 90 degree day just to cheer our heroes. We were the lucky ones. We just didn’t realize it. When your team wins, you always feel they can repeat and have more success like the Yankees. It never happened. Instead, Messier and Wayne Gretzky teamed up with Leetch, Graves and Richter for one more run before getting out-muscled literally by the Legion Of Doom. Who knew at that time that it would be the last taste of playoff hockey for almost a decade?

True enough, the last decade has treated us well. The Lundqvist Era has seen the rebirth of the franchise. The Rangers have made the postseason nine of the past 10 years. We’ve gone from being the underdogs supporting Hart snub Jaromir Jagr to becoming one of the NHL’s best teams. Mostly due to Lundqvist who continues to carry them. Unfortunately, even with improved skill level, he hasn’t gotten enough support. Getting blanked in Games 5 and 7 on home ice is about as despicable as it gets. There are a few expletives I’ll leave out.

Is the window closed? Something the frustrated guy at the gym seemed to think. I don’t know. It largely depends on how much Lundqvist and a core of Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh and Marc Staal have left. Especially King Henrik, Danny G and Staal because they’re getting older. As we discovered, the top three defensemen all played through significant injuries. That is why it’s so difficult. You have to get lucky. The 2014 Blueshirts were.

The positive is Derek Stepan, Derick Brassard, Carl Hagelin, Chris Kreider, J.T. Miller, Kevin Hayes and Jesper Fast are all young enough with the latter four capable of improvement. Particularly Kreider who if he can untap his potential, 30 goals and 60 points are possible. I believe he can max out at 70. Miller and Hayes are breakout candidates with each in the top nine.

Mats Zuccarello is expected to make a full recovery. He’s even playing in a charity game in his home country Norway. Amazing. Hopefully, Zuccarello will still be a big part of the Rangers’ chances. They sorely missed his unique blend of skill and grit. Signed for four more years at a bargain $18 million, Zuccarello is irreplaceable. Keep your fingers crossed.

It’s hard to predict the future. I won’t. I don’t have anyone traded. I hate projecting ahead. Even if some want Nash gone. Do you actually believe they’re a better team without that production? He wasn’t consistent in the postseason but at least showed capable of some big games. The Rangers aren’t a juggernaut. It’s harder to score goals in the Spring. They could use another big body that crashes the net. Given the current state of the cap, it probably must come from Kreider and Miller.

As for Keith Yandle and Dan Boyle, both should return. Yandle a bargain with the troubled Coyotes picking up half the tab for the offensive defenseman, Boyle with a year left after performing better in the postseason despite the criticism. What about moving Kevin Klein? Unlikely. If the rumor about the Oilers considering trading their 16th overall pick for Cam Talbot has legs, it’s a deal they have to make. Even if I hate to worry about who the backup will be.

So many thoughts about the offseason and it’s not officially summer yet. In a perfect world, we would be at The Garden tonight rocking the house supporting our boys. Instead, it’s crickets. On the sad one-year anniversary of the Kings ending the Rangers’ run, it’s more melancholy. We wonder what could’ve been. Why us? Because if you root for this team, they break your heart.

I hope one day the younger generation who missed out on the ’94 fun can finally celebrate a Cup. It better come soon.

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Rangers’ 2013 Draft has potential of big winner

Posted on June 6, 2015 by Derek
Pavel Buchnevich is one of four remaining prospects from a strong 2013 Rangers Draft. Getty Images

Pavel Buchnevich is one of four remaining prospects from a strong 2013 Rangers Draft.
Getty Images

With the season now over a week old, it’s time for Blueshirt fans to move forward. As tough as it is, the Rangers fell short of delivering the franchise’s first Stanley Cup in 21 years.

As we draw closer to the NHL Draft, it’s an unfriendly reminder that current general manager Glen Sather (at least for now) sacrificed our first round pick to the Lightning as part of the Martin St. Louis trade. At least they’ll get a second round pick back due to Tampa re-signing Ryan Callahan. In a deep draft, they can still get someone decent. Even if that pick won’t be until very late in Round 2, the organization has proven it can find steals. They’ll have to do it again.

Editor’s Note: Due to the Keith Yandle trade, it isn’t known which second round pick the Rangers have.

As recently as 2014, they did well selecting American goalie Brandon Halverson in the second round 59th overall. The 19-year old posted a 40-5-2 record with a 2.63 goals-against-average, .913 save percentage and six shutouts playing for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. A talented roster that featured prospects Anthony DeAngelo (Bolts), Sergey Tolchinsky (Canes), Nick Ritchie (Ducks) and Justin Bailey (Sabres). Halverson also represented Team USA at the Under 20 World Junior Championship making one start- a 14-save shutout in a 6-0 win over Germany.

Along with Russian prospect Igor Shestyorkin who the club stole in the fourth round of last year’s draft 118th overall, the future in net looks promising. Shestyorkin was a standout for Russia in the WJC posting a 1.98 GAA and .938 save percentage in five starts. He went 3-0-3 with a 2.33 GAA and .917 save percentage in six games for St. Petersburg SKA of the Kontinental Hockey League.

Shestyorkin is one of two fourth round picks the Rangers selected as part of a trade down with the Capitals for their third round pick (Nathan Walker) last year. They also grabbed defenseman Ryan Mantha. The younger brother of Red Wings’ prospect Anthony Mantha. In his first year with the Niagara Ice Dogs of the Ontario Hockey League, the former USHL prospect registered 10 goals and 15 assists with 45 penalty minutes and a plus-21 rating in 52 contests. He added a goal and five helpers in the playoffs.

Third round pick Keegan Iverson came back in exchange for valuable fourth line winger Derek Dorsett who had a good year with the Canucks helping them return to the postseason. Iverson plays for the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League. His numbers weren’t earth shattering dropping from 22 goals to 15 with 24 helpers and 91 PIM while adding two goals and seven assists in the playoffs. Hopefully, he’ll pan out.

While it doesn’t look like they did too badly last June, the Rangers have to be excited with the 2013 Draft. In a year where they didn’t have a first or second round pick with the Blue Jackets getting the first rounder (Kerby Rychel) as part of a blockbuster deal for Rick Nash, they were able to do well with a third round pick turning into Pavel Buchnevich.

The 75th overall selection recently starred for Russia at the WJC tallying a goal and five assists in seven games. He also had a breakout year for Cherepovets Severstal of the KHL posting 13 goals and 17 assists in 48 contests. A talented forward with great skill, the 20-year old Buchnevich still feels he needs another year before coming over. He re-signed with Cherepovets Severstal agreeing to a one-year deal. Blueshirt fans will have to be patient.

Another third round pick whose stock rose was Anthony Duclair. Selected number 80 by the Rangers, the diminutive forward impressed coach Alain Vigneault enough to keep him up with the big club. A very skilled player who has great offensive instincts, Duclair got into 18 NHL games registering a goal and six helpers before the organization loaned him to Canada for the WJC. Nicknamed Duke, he put on a show tallying four goals and four assists in helping Canada win gold. Playing on a line with Coyotes’ stud prospect Max Domi, Duclair performed well setting the tone in their gold medal win over Russia by scoring on the first shift.

An exciting player who concluded the year with the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey league tallying 26 points in 22 postseason contests while going 2-2-4 in the Memorial Cup, Duclair was dealt to the Coyotes along with John Moore, a 2015 second round pick and a lottery protected 2016 first round pick for Keith Yandle, Chris Summers and a 2016 fourth round pick. The rationale behind the trade was simple. The Rangers were going for it and needed a offensive defenseman who could aid the power play. The 28-year old Yandle tallied seven of his 11 points in the third round against Tampa. He’s signed one more year with the Coyotes picking up $3 million of his remaining salary ($5.75 million). Whoever is GM, there’ll be pressure to re-sign him the following summer. Otherwise, they’ll have nothing to show for Duclair, who could be a future star. It would help if they won a championship.

Even with Duclair gone, the remaining four players they took in 2013 make it a strong draft. Third round pick Adam Tambellini had a big year for the Calgary Hitmen (WHL) scoring 47 goals with 39 assists along with a plus-43 in 71 games. The 20-year old Edmonton native followed that up with a big postseason registering 13 goals and 13 helpers in 16 games. Listed at 6-3, 191 pounds, Tambellini is a left-handed center with size. With the team already locked into Derick Brassard and getting ready to re-sign Derek Stepan while getting a good first year out of Kevin Hayes, perhaps he shifts to the wing. Hayes isn’t a natural center either. Tambellini is signed and probably will start in Hartford this Fall.

The remaining two picks from that draft also are worth following. Already, we got a taste of sixth round pick Mackenzie Skapski with the 20-year old posting two wins in two starts allowing just one goal against the Sabres. Unfortunately, he’ll be out for the start of the AHL season recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his right hip due to a labral tear. He had a good first pro season with the Wolf Pack winning 15 games with a 2.40 GAA, .914 save percentage and three shutouts in 28 contests. Ironically, he was born a day after the Rangers last won the Cup. If the club does move backup Cam Talbot at some point, Skapski could find himself on Broadway. However, who knows when especially after surgery.

Defenseman Ryan Graves was taken in the fourth round 110th overall. He’s the other D prospect in the system. With much of the discussion centered around Brady Skjei who finally turned pro debuting with the Wolf Pack, the recently turned 20-year old Graves has flown under the radar. The 6-5, 215 pound blueliner put together a big season playing alongside Duclair for the Remparts posting 15 goals and 24 assists in 50 games. Graves also was productive in the postseason with five goals and six helpers in 21 games. For his size, he’s a solid skater who can also defend well. It’s nice to know that the Rangers have another defenseman who could be part of the future.

Overall, the 2013 Draft has the potential of a big winner. Even after parting with Duclair, the Blueshirts should be pleased with the progress of remaining four prospects Buchnevich, Tambellini, Skapski and Graves. Indeed, there’s a lot to look forward to.

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Sather not certain to return as Rangers GM

Posted on June 5, 2015 by Derek

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According to a exclusive report from New York Post’s Larry Brooks, Rangers GM Glen Sather is uncertain about returning as team general manager.

Asked whether he would be returning for his 16th year as GM, or whether he had yet to make that decision, Sather replied: “Sorry, I don’t have anything to tell you.”

It was an email between Brooks and Sather regarding his future. The 71-year old just completed his 15th year as Rangers GM. He denied the Bruins and Maple Leafs interview requests for assistant general manager Jeff Gorton who has been with the organization the last four years. If Sather decides to move upstairs and become the full-time President, Gorton would be the number one candidate to replace him in the day-to-day operations.

Sather is one of three candidates nominated for General Manager Of The Year along with Tampa’s Steve Yzerman and Anaheim’s Bob Murray. Despite the team falling short a second consecutive year of winning the Stanley Cup, Slats has put together a good roster. Built around Henrik Lundqvist along with core members Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi, Marc Staal, Derek Stepan, Rick Nash, Mats Zuccarello, Chris Kreider, Derick Brassard, the Blueshirts boast a bright future thanks to graduating prospects J.T. Miller, Kevin Hayes and Jesper Fast.

Slats also added Keith Yandle to bolster the blueline at the deadline risking top prospect Anthony Duclair and more draft picks. That’s how he’s gone about it. With the window still open for Lundqvist and the team to win a Cup, he’s gambled rolling the dice by dealing Ryan Callahan and two first round picks for Martin St. Louis and a second round pick now that the Bolts have made the Stanley Cup Final. Unfortunately, it came at the Rangers’ expense after they reached it last year. Things changed dramatically with St. Louis not the same only recording one goal and six assists. He’s unlikely to re-sign.

Of course, Sather also made a bad decision letting valuable defenseman Anton Stralman leave for Tampa for the same cost he signed aging vet Dan Boyle for. Boyle did perform in the postseason after a tough regular season but he has a year left while the younger Stralman is a fixture on the Bolts’ top pair with Victor Hedman. Slats also watched Brian Boyle go to Tampa and replaced him with Tanner Glass, who scored one goal. Even with a more inspired postseason, he had one assist and is signed another two years. Alain Vigneault gets blame too for that one.

Sather did make two good moves at the deadline sending Duclair to the Coyotes with John Moore and a 2016 first round pick and 2015 second round pick for Yandle while also parting with a fourth rounder to Minnesota for James Sheppard. If only Vigneault had dressed Sheppard for Game 7. But he opted for Matt Hunwick due to Ryan McDonagh’s broken foot going with seven defensemen and playing Glass instead after Sheppard scored a big goal in Game 6. The unrestricted free agent will probably leave due to limited cap space.

The offseason will be focused on locking up Derek Stepan and re-signing key restricted’s Carl Hagelin, Miller and Fast. Sather also gets credit for signing backup Cam Talbot for another year. Talbot was largely responsible for the Blueshirts winning the President’s Trophy. He is good trade bait. Though it’s advisable to retain him so Lundqvist isn’t overworked. Talbot could be dealt next March. That largely depends on what happens.

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Girardi and Staal have successful surgery

Posted on June 5, 2015 by Derek
Close Call: The Pens nearly tie it but Marc Staal denies the opportunity in front of Henrik Lundqvist who made the big save on Evgeni Malkin in the second period. AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

Marc Staal had a bone chip removed from his ankle. Dan Girardi underwent a successful procedure for bursa in his ankle.
AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

The Rangers announced today that both Dan Girardi and Marc Staal had successful surgery Thursday. Girardi underwent a procedure for a bursa excision on his ankle and Staal had a bone chip removed from his ankle. Both defensemen are expected to have a full recovery and be ready for training camp.

It just confirms how injured they were during the postseason. It’s why I don’t jump to conclusions and make blanket statements. Anyone who followed them closely knew something was wrong. Neither Girardi nor Staal had particularly good series against the Lightning with the latter struggling most of the playoffs. Girardi was a standout against the Capitals. Both top three D saw their minutes managed by coach Alain Vigneault who went with healthier options Keith Yandle and Dan Boyle.

Of course, injuries are part of sport. I’m sure both the Lightning and Blackhawks are playing through pain in their chase for the Stanley Cup. A series Chicago leads 1-0 entering tomorrow’s critical Game 2 for Tampa after blowing Game 1 literally. During last year’s run, the Rangers were luckier. They didn’t have as many players banged up. You have to have some luck to win. It just wasn’t their time.

In other news, twenty-year old goalie prospect Mackenzie Skapski is out four to five months due to arthroscopic surgery on right hip to repair a labral tear. Skapski debuted on Feb. 20 making 24 saves in a 3-1 win over the Sabres. The ‘Buffalo Killer’ also won his second start on Mar. 20 stopping all 20 shots for his first NHL shutout in his MSG debut over the Sabres.

A sixth round pick in 2013, Skapski appeared in 28 games in his first pro season for the Wolf Pack going 15-8-3 with a 2.40 goals-against-average and .914 save percentage plus three shutouts. He only got into two playoff games during Hartford’s run to the AHL Conference Finals before Yann Danis replaced him.

The Wolf Pack advanced to the third round with wins over Providence and Hershey before getting swept by Manchester. They were led by vet Chris Bourque in scoring with 17 points. Forward prospect Oscar Lindberg was second with 16 points including 13 assists. The 23-year old center who made his NHL debut could vie for a roster spot in September.

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Lundqvist Tweets On Postseason, Thanks Fans

Posted on June 4, 2015 by Derek
Bishop gets congrats from Lundqvist: A defeated Henrik Lundqvist congrats Ben Bishop following a heartbreaking 2-0 home loss in Game 7. AP Photo by Kathy Willens/Getty Images

Henrik Lundqvist broke his silence on Twitter tweeting about the postseason while thanking the fans. 
AP Photo by Kathy Willens/Getty Images

Six days following a disappointing ending to the season, Henrik Lundqvist tweeted his thoughts on the postseason which didn’t result in a Stanley Cup. As usual, the classy 33-year old Rangers netminder expressed how fans are feeling.

Obviously, the all-time winningest goalie in Rangers franchise history sounds as empty as we feel. I’m still not over it completely. I could barely watch last night’s game opting to flip between Law and Order SUV repeats on USA Network and the third period on NBC. This one hurts more due to the team having a better regular season and higher expectations. I’m admittedly not myself and not into the Stanley Cup Final.

I’m sure this is a sentiment shared by many loyal and passionate #Blueshirts. We live and die with our team. I know we’re not alone. I’m sure Ducks fans are feeling similar frustration over their team falling short again. At least their championship came in the past decade. It’s now 20 seasons in the books since that one Cup making it 75 years. For the older generation, at least we got to see them win. It doesn’t take away the pain. Seeing our Dad cry afterwards was depressing. He’s an emotional sort.

For myself, I can express my thoughts clearly via social media or through our blog. As Rangers fans, we’re used to disappointment. Something I wish wasn’t true. When you have as special a athlete as Lundqvist, it kills you inside to see him still without a championship. Will he become another Patrick Ewing? I still believe he’ll get one on Broadway but it’ll only get harder.

While other teams should improve this offseason, GM Glen Sather will likely have mostly the same roster unless he buys out Dan Boyle or makes a unpredictable trade for cap relief. We’ve probably seen the last of Martin St. Louis. Slats will give a big raise to Derek Stepan and have to dole out for Carl Hagelin while penny pinching Jesper Fast and J.T. Miller.

In a nutshell, the off-season sucks. Especially when they came so close. I still keep expecting there to be a big Game 2 at MSG Saturday following the Belmont Stakes. Instead, it’s back to reality. A long summer awaits.

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Devils announce Hynes as new head coach

Posted on June 1, 2015 by hasan4978

New coach John Hynes (NJ.com)

With almost every other head coaching vacancy filled up (and Detroit expected to hire its own AHL coach), the Devils had their pick of what was remaining out on the head coach market and GM Ray Shero unsurprisingly chose to hire someone familar for his first big move with the Devils, with word leaking out the team will name Wilkes-Barre coach John Hynes as the new head coach in a noon presser tomorrow.  Also not surprisingly, Pittsburgh will receive compensation for this hire, most likely in the form of one of our three third-round picks next season.

Make no mistake though, nepotism aside Hynes is a worthy candidate in his own right given his excellent record in five seasons with Pittsburgh’s AHL affiliate (231-126-27), making the playoffs every season despite having largely questionable young talent.  And in what’s music to Devil fan purists’s ears, WBS was #1 in the AHL four out of his five seasons in lowest GAA.  Clearly with where this team is at they need to get back to accentuating defense first although his system isn’t entirely one-dimensional given their +49 goal differential this season.  By all accounts Hynes is also highly regarded in terms of his communication skills and hockey acumen, according to this blog from a Pittsburgh newspaper:

http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/8482001-74/hynes-penguins-coach#axzz3bqrbX8Lt

Hynes will also become the youngest head coach in the NHL, at 40 years old he’s barely older than current franchise mainstay Patrik Elias.

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Battle Of New York Poll: Do You Agree With Vigneault’s Game 7 Lineup?

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Derek

In light of the criticism coach Alain Vigneault has received since the Rangers were eliminated by the Lightning 2-0 in Game 7 Friday, I’ve put up a little interactive poll. It’s simply stated. Did he put the best lineup out for Game 7? I’m on record as saying I didn’t like reinserting Matt Hunwick as a seventh defenseman because it shortchanged the bench going against what Vigneault believes in. He contradicted himself by going with seven D and 11 forwards which hurt the rotation.

What made it worse was once Ryan McDonagh returned, Hunwick was never heard from again after taking six shifts and logging four-plus minutes. Basically, Vigneault shorted his bench by sitting effective physical forward James Sheppard. A move which made no sense especially coming off a 7-3 Game 6 win where Sheppard scored his first career postseason goal which was a big one that saw the fourth line all involved. Rather than keep him in with Dominic Moore and Tanner Glass, Vigneault risked losing that energy in a do or die Game 7.

With scoring chances tough to come by, it led to a emotionless display from the Blueshirts. The Lightning played with more passion and took the crowd out of it. Vigneault’s odd decision wasn’t the only thing off. His lack of in game adjustments hurt too. They allowed the Bolts to take away the neutral zone and keep them to the perimeter. There wasn’t enough sustained forecheck nor any Ranger willing to get their nose dirty in front of Ben Bishop. That lack of edge played right into Tampa who did what it took to win the series posting a second consecutive road shutout at The Garden.

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Injuries rocked Blueshirts with Zuccarello suffering a small fracture and brain contusion

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Derek

On breakup day, the biggest news came from Mats Zuccarello who revealed that he suffered a brain contusion and small head fracture after taking a Ryan McDonagh shot to the helmet in the third period of Game 5 against the Penguins in the first round. As it turned out, the rumors were true. The severity of the injury even prevented him from speaking for a while.

“I had a small fracture in my head,” Zuccarello told the media at the Rangers practice facility in Greenburgh. “I lost my talking and some feeling in my arm. I was in the hospital for three days. I couldn’t talk for a while, there was some blood on my brain. That affects a lot.

“I feel much better and I’m going to be getting better and better,” he said. “It will still take longer to recover but, come the season time next time, I should be ready to go.”

Prior to their elimination, Zuccarello was skating with the team but hadn’t been cleared for physical contact. He said it was unlikely he would’ve been able to return had they advanced to the Stanley Cup Final. Had they made it, that’s the last thing I would’ve wanted. His long-term health is a lot more important. That you even had fans asking if he’d be back was unrealistic. I was told by a little birdie of the seriousness of his injury. So, I never expected him back.

Encouraging is that it looks like Zuccarello should make a full recovery. There were even doubts that he’d ever play again. Thankfully, it doesn’t sound like we’ve seen the last of him. Don’t forget Zuccarello re-signed before the deadline. He’ll earn an average cap hit of $4.5 million over the next four years. If he were done, that would’ve been a huge blow. Assuming he’s back at 100 percent, he moves right back into the top six.

“You wanted to try to communicate with him but it was a challenge for him,” hobbled captain Ryan McDonagh said who was in a walking boot on crutches due to a broken right foot. “It was tough to see a very close friend and a big part of our team go down that way, in that fashion. We sorely missed him for sure in the playoffs.”

McDonagh is expected to be in a boot for four weeks. One wonders what he would’ve had left to contribute if the team had made it. Considering how banged up the blueline was, it’s hard to have seen them having much left against the Blackhawks.

It was revealed that Marc Staal played with a hairline fracture in his ankle which was sustained at the end of the regular season. That better explains why he struggled mightily. The key second pair shutdown defenseman wasn’t the same getting victimized often and falling down. How he even played is beyond me. His ice-time was cut down by coach Alain Vigneault.

So too was Dan Girardi’s and for good reason. He played the final three games with a Grade 1 MCL strain. There was no question he wasn’t as effective. The previous round during the comeback against Washington, he was brilliant. Of course, you had ‘experts’ suggesting trading him. If you unloaded his contract, who exactly slots in next to McDonagh? It is puzzling how Danny G always gets bashed. The Rangers’ Iron Man is so vital. He’s a first pair right-handed shutdown D. Those don’t grow on trees.

Keith Yandle admitted that he suffered a shoulder AC joint injury in the first round on Blake Comeau’s hard hit in Game 2. Remember how much he struggled? Clearly, he improved leaps and bounds in the Conference Final becoming the team’s most consistent D. Yandle led the blueline with seven points (1-6-7) against the Lightning and went 2-9-11 plus-seven in 19 postseason games.

What does it all mean? Just that the Blueshirts weren’t as lucky this Spring. Last year, they were mostly healthy with Chris Kreider returning for Game 4 of the second round against the Penguins. They weren’t as banged around rallying from a 3-1 deficit and then ousting the Canadiens in six in advancing to their first Stanley Cup Final in 20 years.

Henrik Lundqvist always talks about how you have to get the bounces and have luck during the postseason. Despite winning the President’s Trophy and setting team records in wins (53) and points (113), they fell short of their ultimate goal. Derick Brassard admitted that it was “a ___ way” to end the year getting shutout at MSG.

Lundqvist reiterated that. The 33-year old franchise netminder finished five wins short with the team of winning that elusive Cup. Aside from Martin St. Louis who probably will be a cap casualty, they should have most of the roster back.

That’s gonna do it. Another year ends for the Blueshirts. One that was still pretty special. When you think about what they accomplished following Lundqvist’s scary injury, they achieved plenty. The team rallied around great backup Cam Talbot coming back to win a division and finish with the league’s best record for the first time since ’93-94.

They fought hard showing the resiliency that’s made them one of the toughest outs in rallying from a 3-1 deficit against the Capitals which included Kreider’s tying goal and McDonagh’s Game 5 winner along with Derek Stepan’s overtime clincher in Game 7. They didn’t quite have enough to beat the Lightning who now will play the Blackhawks. It’s still an empty feeling. But just think how the players and coaches feel. They’ll have to live with it and prepare even harder for 2015-16. The goal remains the same.

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Hawks and Lightning for the Stanley Cup

Posted on May 31, 2015 by Derek

So, it’s Hawks and Lightning for the Stanley Cup. The Blackhawks prevailed over the Ducks 5-3 in Game 7 last night allowing another road team to prevail. So much for home ice.

As it turned out, Chicago’s championship experience and will to win was enough to make Anaheim a loser at home in a Game 7 for the third straight time. They also blew a 3-2 lead to the Kings in last year’s second round losing 6-2 in the seventh game. When it comes down to it, the Hawks’ dynamic duo of Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane are better in big games than the Ducks’ tandem of Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. Toews scored twice in the first period and Kane recorded three assists.

Before the Ducks knew what hit them, they fell behind 4-0 on second period goals from Brandon Saad and Marian Hossa. Hossa’s goal the back breaker counting when video review confirmed that he didn’t kick the puck in. Brad Richards set it up. He had a good night tallying two assists. For the series, the former Blueshirt registered a goal and six helpers. Not bad for a guy who once was benched by John Tortorella in an elimination game.

At least to their credit Anaheim still competed with consecutive goals from Ryan Kesler and Perry cutting the deficit to two with 8:24 left in the third. They gave their fans something to get excited about until Cam Fowler took a dumb penalty over a minute later that led directly to Brent Seabrook’s power play goal from Kane and iron horse Duncan Keith. Keith who is probably their leading candidate for Conn Smythe with his three assist game in their Game 6 win and all the ridiculous minutes he played in sudden death. He’s a warrior.

Despite Richards missing an empty net, Matt Beleskey’s power play goal at 19:18 was too late. There would be no miraculous finish like in the Mighty Ducks. Perhaps they could’ve used Charlie Conway, Adam Banks, Fulton Reed and Coach Gordon Bombay. Instead, they’re left to ponder what could’ve been. Similar to the Rangers who’ll have break up day at noon tomorrow.

For the losers, there’s emptiness. They’ll both be left to reflect this summer before the returning in mid-September for another long season. When the Hawks and Lightning drop the puck Wednesday in Tampa, only one team will win the Cup. The loser will join the Ducks and Rangers. That’s the cruel part of the playoffs which are unforgiving. The Rangers know it having made it to the Final Four three of the last four years. They still haven’t changed the ending.

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