NHL Playoffs: Flames overcome disallowed goal to win Game 3 in overtime over Ducks

Posted on May 6, 2015 by Derek

The Flames were desperate for a break. Even a disallowed goal didn’t deter them from finding a way to come back and win Game 3 in overtime over the Ducks by a score of 4-3 at a thunderous Saddledome.

The story of the game was the Flames’ resiliency. Like they had done to the Canucks in the first round, they got up off the deck and climbed their way back in a tough second round series with the heavily favored Ducks. Anaheim dominated the first two games outscoring them 9-1 in two home wins.

After falling behind on two straight Anaheim goals including one from Corey Perry, they drew even thanks to a brilliant Joe Colborne shorthanded tally. Taking advantage of Anaheim defenseman Hampus Lindholm falling down at the point, he broke in and deked Frederik Andersen twice before tucking home a forehand to tie it.

But a strong Ryan Kesler forecheck and set up for Matt Beleskey put the Ducks back in front 3-2 after two periods of play. The Flames had to find a way back in the third. They didn’t want to fall behind 3-0 like the Wild did in a 1-0 shutout home defeat to Patrick Kane and the Blackhawks.

The goal controversy came when rookie Sam Bennett appeared to put the puck in past Andersen with 6:22 left. During live play, it was unapparent that he could’ve scored with Andersen kicking his pads out followed by the Ducks icing the puck. Once they showed replays, it was obvious that Toronto would need a lengthy review to decide it.

The crazy aspect is that it was a repeat of current Flames assistant coach Martin Gelinas having a goal wiped out in Game 6 of the 2004 Stanley Cup Final against the Lightning. In that scenario, he looked to have beaten Nikolai Khabibulin, who also made a kick save after the puck seemed across the goal line. Had it stood, Calgary would’ve led with under seven minutes left and would’ve had a chance to win the Cup. Instead, the game went to triple overtime before Martin St. Louis sent the series back to Tampa for Game 7 where they won the Cup 2-1 on two goals from closer Ruslan Fedotenko.

That it basically was identical to the Gelinas no goal at the same end 11 years later is wild. Somehow, Toronto ruled no goal using the lame excuse that it was inconclusive. The reaction on Twitter was priceless. Even the official Anaheim Ducks feed thought it was a goal.

Following the controversy, Calgary got a reprieve when Sami Vatanen was called for delay of game handing the Flames a 5-on-3 with Karri Ramo on the bench. Coincidental minors prior is why it was 5-on-3 and not 6-on-4. Rushing up the ice, Johnny Gaudreau skated to the right circle and released a perfect shot that went short side on Andersen with 19.9 seconds left in regulation.

Johnny Hockey’s miraculous tying goal allowed the Flames to force overtime. In it, there was no doubt that Mikael Backlund scored the winner at 4:24 of sudden death on a delayed penalty. Taking a pass from Dennis Wideman, he patiently waited for traffic to form in front of Andersen and skated to the middle and fired a low shot far side through a screen to win Game 3 touching off a wild celebration.

As the Flames were celebrating, Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf voiced his displeasure to refs Kelly Sutherland and Chris Rooney. Feeling that his team got the short end of the stick after they let go of an apparent trip a minute earlier, he let them know about it. That’s not why Anaheim lost. They made costly mistakes and didn’t bury early chances in OT with Ramo denying Perry and Getzlaf.

With two days off until Friday’s Game 4, it should make for an interesting 48 hours. At the very least, the NHL’s buffoonery in Toronto didn’t cost Calgary. For that, they’re extremely lucky. Anaheim did enough to get the Flames back in the series. They still have looked out of place against the Ducks heavy forecheck and supremely skilled stars. It’ll take a lot for them to even the series.

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Martin St. Louis remains confident despite his struggles

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Derek
Martin St. Louis celebrates his overtime winner that sent the Rangers to a 3-2 Game 4 win over the Canadiens. AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Martin St. Louis celebrates his overtime winner that sent the Rangers to a 3-2 Game 4 win over the Canadiens last year.
AP Photo/Seth Wenig

One of the keys to last year’s run was the clutch play of savvy veteran Martin St. Louis. Acquired by Glen Sather in a captain for captain deal that sent Ryan Callahan plus first round picks to Tampa, the former Hart winner was brought to Broadway for his experience.

In the aftermath of his Mom’s death, St. Louis responded by scoring a goal in the Rangers’ Game 6 win over the Pens on Mother’s Day. He also set up Brad Richards’ series clincher in Game 7 helping his team rally from 3-1 down in advancing to the Conference Finals. In their six-game series win over the Canadiens, he was a factor scoring three goals and setting up two others in the first four games with this money OT clincher putting the Rangers up 3-1.

Even in the five-game Stanley Cup loss to the Kings, he scored twice finishing with 15 points (8-7-15) which tied him with Derek Stepan for second in team scoring behind Ryan McDonagh (4-13-17).

At age 38, St. Louis was a factor during that run. He became one of the team leaders. Following a dismal performance in Game 4 that put them down 3-1 to the Pens, it was St. Louis, Richards and Henrik Lundqvist who closed the door for a players only team meeting. They emphasized that it wasn’t over. A St. Louis Tampa team rallied from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Pens in 2011. That along with the Rangers rallying around St. Louis allowed them to have the right psyche to pull off their first comeback from 3-1 down in franchise history. They never trailed the final three games.

In the final year of his contract, St. Louis has been streaky. Despite the ups and downs, the 39-year old future Hall Of Famer still ranked tied for second in goals (21) and fourth in points (52). He returned from a knee sprain and performed well at the conclusion of the regular season with a goal and four assists the final week.

It’s been a different story for the elder statesman who’s playing for a contract. The finish hasn’t been there. In eight postseason games, he has two assists and remains without a goal. Goals have been hard to come by lately for St. Louis. He has three goals in his last 24 games. To be fair, he played a good game Monday. More involved, he got one of the Rangers’ best chances after blocking a John Carlson shot. St. Louis broke in on Braden Holtby but a hustling Brooks Orpik forced him to rush his shot which went right into the bread basket.

“You know what, though?” No. 26 asked rhetorically, telling New York Post writer Larry Brooks that he felt good. “I had the puck a lot and I played the game I wanted to. I felt good. It just didn’t happen for me.

“Personally, it was one of my better games in a long time. I’m coming out of this game with confidence going into the next one. I’m going to build off this game.”

He’s right. He was better offensively. Defensively, that remains problematic with St. Louis beat to a loose puck on Jay Beagle’s game-winner. He’s here for one reason. To contribute offensively. He knows this could be his last chance to win another Stanley Cup. So, you know he’s giving it everything.

St. Louis turns 40 on June 18. It would be nice to see him lift the Cup as a Blueshirt. I hate critiquing him because I’ve always been a huge fan of his. The way he responded to tragedy last Spring sealed it.

As a team, the Rangers must all perform better to come back and beat the Caps. That means more from everyone. The biggest game of the season is tomorrow.

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Nassau Coliseum ice removal end of an era for Islanders

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Derek
A truck removes the proud Islanders logo from the ice at Nassau Coliseum. Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

A truck removes the proud Islanders logo from the ice at Nassau Coliseum.
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

On April 25, the Islanders played their final home game at Nassau War Memorial Veteran’s Coliseum. They defeated the Caps 3-1 in Game 6 at least winning one more time in Uniondale. Unfortunately, their season came to an end two days later with Washington prevailing 2-1 to win Game 7 and advance to the second round.

For Islander fans, the end meant the removal of the ice and everything Islanders from the Coliseum. The only arena they’ve ever known for 43 years is no more. At least not in the literal sense. With plans to renovate the arena, it’ll remain for other sporting and music events. The sad part is today the ice removal took place.

The rest of the photos can be viewed here on TSN. I decided not to put any more up out of respect for Islander fans. Old New York Hockey Report pal Gary Harding tweeted Islander fan Paul Kreischer’s take courtesy of Isles Section 317. One worth checking out.

When they relocate to Barclays Center in Brooklyn this Fall, it will represent the start of a new era. An odd one due to the Islanders not calling Long Island home. One that’ll take a while to get used to.

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Rangers Offense Missing Against Tough Capitals

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Derek
Rick Nash and the Rangers offense has gone missing against Braden Holtby and the Caps. AP Photo by Alex Brandon/Getty Images

Rick Nash and the Rangers offense has gone missing against Braden Holtby and the Caps.
AP Photo by Alex Brandon/Getty Images

For most of the season, offense wasn’t a problem for the first overall Blueshirts. They averaged over three goals-per-game finishing in the top five. In the playoffs, things have tightened up as they always do. With officiating going back to pre-lockout with refs swallowing their whistles, it’s allowed teams to get away with more tugging.

Indeed, the Rangers find themselves in a series against a tough opponent. In their two wins, the Capitals have taken away the stretch pass and clogged the neutral zone. They have also stood up at the blueline forcing the Rangers into mistakes. Washington coach Barry Trotz has done a masterful job adjusting his team’s style against Alain Vigneault who must adjust his team’s strategy for tomorrow’s critical Game 4. If that means more short passes and chips and chasing, so be it.

As has been a common theme throughout the playoffs, the Rangers played another one-goal game dropping Game 3 1-0 with Braden Holtby making 30 saves to blank them. All eight games have been decided by one goal. Unlike the first round when they had a distinct advantage on defense and up front, the Rangers don’t. The Caps boast an equally strong blueline and of course are led by the ever dangerous tandem of Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. The difference is their support players have been a factor. Troy Brouwer’s hustle allowed Jay Beagle to score last night’s winner.

Trotz has his team playing a similar style to the one former Rangers coach John Tortorella had the 2012 club playing. Anchored by gritty vet Brooks Orpik, Washington’s D has made life difficult on the speedy Blueshirts. In particular Orpik, Matt Niskanen and John Carlson have been Capital pains. They are playing physical getting in the passing and shooting lanes. In Monday’s win, the Caps blocked 27 shots. Another 12 Ranger attempts missed the net. That means 39 of 69 shots never reached Holtby. Rebounds have been hard to come by. Something a few notable Blueshirts took away from yesterday. 

”We’re just going to have to keep throwing pucks at the net, and getting bodies there. Do our best to make sure he can’t see those shots and make sure we get some of those rebounds in front of the net,” Dan Girardi told reporters in the Rangers locker room following Game 3.

Henrik Lundqvist observed that the Caps have limited their second chances. The Rangers must do a better job getting inside position on Washington’s D. They’re not getting enough bodies in front of Holtby. He’s had it too easy. If there’s a area they can improve upon, it’s skating to the hard areas. Something a determined Caps have been more willing to do against Lundqvist. In both their victories, they outhustled the Rangers and made the most of their own breaks.

Through three games, the Rangers have totaled five goals on 97 shots. In their lone win, they were quicker to the puck and made it tougher on Holtby. On all three goals, there was a Blueshirt in front. Chris Kreider scored on a Jesper Fast rebound. Dan Boyle’s power play goal came due to Rick Nash screening Holtby. Derick Brassard’s game-winner was scored in front on a Martin St. Louis pass.

Without top right wing Mats Zuccarello, the offense is struggling. It can be argued that Zuccarello is their most consistent forward. He brings so much to the table. The Rangers must find a way to overcome his loss. That means better play from Nash, Brassard, St. Louis and Derek Stepan. Despite seven shots, Nash remains without a goal in the series. He has one in eight games. Brassard has been the team’s best source for offense but disappeared last night and took a bad penalty. St. Louis has two assists in the postseason. Hardly worth discussing. Stepan has one assist against the Caps.

The lack of production from the Rangers’ top forwards is killing them. I left out Kreider because he’s been noticeable. He finished in Game 2 and has been a physical force. He also only has one goal. Two points in eight games. Both goals. That doesn’t even take into account Kevin Hayes up and down play. However, he scored and set up Carl Hagelin’s series clincher versus the Pens and his shot banked in off Fast in Game 1. He still is learning in his first year.

Obviously, they’re not gonna get much out of the fourth line. For the most part, Dominic Moore, Tanner Glass and James Sheppard have been effective. However, with his team behind Vigneault shortened the bench in the third sitting Glass and Sheppard while giving Moore some shifts due to his faceoffs (8-and-5). As a team, the Blueshirts were miserable losing 42 of 60 including some key ones in the final minute with Lundqvist pulled for an extra attacker.

Aside from the forwards, Ryan McDonagh hasn’t done enough either. While he’s been splendid against Ovechkin with partner Girardi, he’s not making a difference offensively. The Rangers captain needs to put more shots on Holtby. Through four games, he has four shots and no points. That’s not good enough. He’s the one defenseman they can count on.

Keith Yandle hasn’t made an imprint. On for two goals against including deflecting Beagle’s backhand wrap in past Lundqvist, he hasn’t done enough to justify what Glen Sather gave up for him at the deadline. The power play remains frustrating along with Yandle’s insistence on passing the puck almost every time even when he has a clear look at Holtby.

Remarkably, Boyle was the one offensive threat from the back end in Game 3. He did a better job carrying the puck through the neutral zone and attempted three shots including one opportunity late that was deflected. Vigneault went with him the final minute and a half. He also battled harder in his end one on one. So, he’s not coming out of the lineup.

Since returning, Kevin Klein has been inconsistent. His defense one on one has been fine but he’s had a few shaky turnovers on forced passes. He did try to get more involved offensively in Game 3 but only registered a shot and missed the net three times. There’s no way Yandle and Boyle can play together. Vigneault must have Klein play with Yandle and keep Boyle with Marc Staal. Speaking of which, he also skated the puck up more and took two shots.

Offense from the blueline is important to the Rangers’ attack. Vigneault has them pinching. If they can’t get shots through from the point, it makes it easier on Holtby. Credit the Caps for taking away the shooting lanes. They have forced a lot of misses. Defensemen are hesitating more. There needs to be more decisiveness. Something that’s been missing. Puck possession is nice but if you can’t get good shots through and find the rebounds, it doesn’t matter.

Game 4 is about as must a win scenario as possible. The Rangers don’t want to come back to MSG Friday facing elimination. In past situations, they’ve responded well to adversity. There’s no panic. Unless the offense figures it out, it might fall on Lundqvist to be perfect. He’s yet to be these playoffs. Holtby’s been better. That can’t happen Wednesday. Neither can the Rangers’ best offensive performers being blanketed.

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Quote Of Day

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Derek

Today’s quote comes from Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi following a tough 1-0 Game 3 loss to the Capitals. Braden Holtby stopped all 30 shots for the shutout. Girardi talked about what they must do better to even the second round series.

”We’re just going to have to keep throwing pucks at the net, and getting bodies there. Do our best to make sure he can’t see those shots and make sure we get some of those rebounds in front of the net.”

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Holtby shuts out Rangers, Caps lead 2-1

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Derek
Braden Holtby was the story in Game 3 making 30 saves to shutout the Rangers 1-0. AP Photo by Alex Brandon/Getty Images

Braden Holtby was the story in Game 3 making 30 saves to shutout the Rangers 1-0.
AP Photo by Alex Brandon/Getty Images

It isn’t going to be easy. If they didn’t know by now, the Rangers definitely are in a tough series with the Caps. Braden Holtby stopped all 30 shots to shutout the Rangers 1-0 in Game 3 allowing the Caps to take a 2-1 lead in the second round series.

The difference was a fluke goal coming from third line forward Jay Beagle, who beat Henrik Lundqvist on a backhand wraparound that deflected off Keith Yandle’s stick and in at 7:31 of the second period. That was how tightly played the game was. The teams combined for 52 shots. The Rangers out-attempted Washington 69-59. But it was the Caps defense blocking 27 shots which allowed Holtby to see most of the ones on goal.

It wasn’t that they played badly. The Rangers got off to a good start. Forechecking from the outset, they had the first five shots. However, they failed to take advantage. The early pressure wasn’t enough to get to Holtby, who outplayed Lundqvist for the second game in the series. Similar to Game 1, he made one less mistake. That was enough to put the Rangers down 2-1 facing a big Game 4 Wednesday. They don’t want to fall behind 3-1. Especially the way the Caps are playing.

For the second time, Washington was able to limit the Rangers’ speed. Even though they were outshot, they kept most of the opportunities to the outside and didn’t allow many second chances. Through three games, it’s the Caps’ defense core of Brooks Orpik, John Carlson, Matt Niskanen, Karl Alzner, Mike Green and Tim Gleason that’s outshined the Rangers’ blueline of Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi, Marc Staal, Kevin Klein, Dan Boyle and Yandle.

The troubling aspect for the Blueshirts is how overmatched the third pair of Yandle and Boyle have looked. They have struggled in their end and been victimized by the opportunistic Caps. In Game 1, it was Nicklas Backstrom’s big hit on Boyle that helped Alex Ovechkin set up Joel Ward’s winner with 1.3 seconds left. On that play, McDonagh got beat too. In Game 2, Evgeny Kuznetsov took advantage of Yandle and Boyle to score while Ovechkin victimized McDonagh and Girardi. Monday night was no different with Yandle largely responsible for Beagle’s game-winner. He was out with Girardi when a Troy Brouwer dump turned into a circus.

To be blunt, Lundqvist misplayed it coming out way too far. After Andre Burakovsky recovered the loose puck behind the net for Beagle, Lundqvist never got back to his goalpost. That resulted in Beagle making a smart play just throwing the puck out and banking it in off Yandle and Lundqvist. It’s been that kind of scrappy play which has the Caps only two wins from the Conference Final. They’ve done the little things right.

When it’s played this closely, sometimes lucky bounces are what determine the outcome. However, the Caps have made the most out of those by being in the right place at the right time. They also have done a great job standing up at their blueline forcing the Rangers into mistakes. They haven’t shown enough willingness to adjust to Washington coach Barry Trotz’ strategy. Unless they make smart concise passes and chip pucks behind the Caps D using their speed to recover them, they could be in big trouble.

Another sore spot has been their discipline. Even though the Caps haven’t had many power plays, the Rangers have taken some bad penalties which killed momentum. In the first, Yandle got nabbed for tripping. Once they went to the man-advantage, the first period turned around. Even with Girardi cheating to Ovechkin’s side, he was still able to find room for a lethal one-timer that Lundqvist denied. He would later rob Ovechkin again following an ill timed Derick Brassard hold in the offensive zone. He got just enough of the glove on a tough wrist shot and then was able to stone Joel Ward.

Even though he only made 21 saves, Lundqvist came up with some dandies. The only fault you can find with him is that he’s yet to have that signature game. The Rangers probably need him to be perfect tomorrow and send the series back to MSG even. It’s hard to critique Henrik when he’s hardly getting any support. But he still must be better. If that means having to pitch a shutout, so be it.

When asked to assess his team’s offensive struggles, Lundqvist told MSG’s John Giannone: “We’re having trouble getting shots through,” while also noting that the Caps are doing a good job limiting second chances. Listening to him along with McDonagh and Rick Nash, who despite a team high seven shots was again held off the score sheet, they all emphasized needing to get inside more.

Following the loss, ESPN SportsCenter anchor Linda Cohn summed up the frustration best.

The problem as I see it is they have failed to match the Caps’ lunch pail work ethic. The way they’re playing, it reminds me of a combo of the Bruins and Kings grinding down our D and making life difficult on our smallish forwards. Basically, Trotz has taken a page out of Darryl Sutter’s playbook cutting the rink down to size while slowing the tempo. The Rangers aren’t having much success with those long passes. The Caps are sitting back looking for mistakes so they can counter.

Oddly enough, Washington’s style reminds me of how former coach John Tortorella had our team playing in 2012. They are defending so well in front of Holtby that passes are getting broken up and rebounds are dying in front of diving Caps who are sacrificing their bodies. The Caps had 27 blocks to the Rangers’ 12. They also forced 15 giveaways while dominating on faceoffs 40-18. Washington won every key draw including a couple of big defensive ones in the final minute to protect the lead.

The Rangers’ failure to win offensive draws at the start of power plays is hurting them. While the man-advantage remains a nightmare with Boyle continuing to struggle keeping pucks in while Yandle is a one trick pony, by not winning those faceoffs it’s allowing the Caps free outs which takes away precious set up time. Given how long it takes them to get anything done, it makes their power play so easy to defend against.

Another area that needs fixing is the Rangers reluctance to shoot. They are over thinking. It almost looks like Holtby is in their heads. There are too many instances where our shooters have hesitated. By pausing, it allows Holtby more time to get set along with his defensemen. It needs to be more instinctive. Simplifying their strategy makes sense. If a shot’s available, take it. They should be driving the net more.

It’s not so much a question of Nash struggling. He had seven shots and was more aggressive throughout looking for his shot. His best opportunity came on a cycle where a backhand forced Holtby to kick out a low shot. Nash also was in front on a tough point shot that deflected off his skates into Holtby during a late push. He just needs to find a way to finish. Nash also played with an edge delivering a thunderous check on Orpik that could’ve been penalized. The hit was similar to Backstrom’s on Boyle.

Martin St. Louis had his best game of the postseason registering three shots including a breakaway which Holtby gloved. He wasn’t able to get the shot he wanted with a hustling Orpik getting good back pressure. St. Louis was more involved offensively but also was on for Beagle’s goal.

Chris Kreider was effective again registering five shots while being a physical force delivering six hits including a couple of heavy ones. He is going. The Rangers need to play more like him. Kreider is doing everything. He’s using his speed and size to create havoc. He’s also hustling back defensively.

If there is an issue, it might be time for Rangers coach Alain Vigneault to tweak his lines. He sticks to his guns. Late in the third, he mixed things up sending Kreider out for a shift with Kevin Hayes and Carl Hagelin. To his credit, the changes in Game 2 worked with Jesper Fast setting up Kreider’s goal 38 seconds in. Fast had another effective game on the second line. With offense at a premium, Vigneault might want to consider loading the deck. If that means reuniting Kreider with Nash and Derek Stepan, so be it.

When they play Game 4 at Verizon Center Thursday, the Blueshirts must come with their best effort. It can’t be in spurts. There must be more urgency shown. They’re experienced enough to fight back. We’ll see what they’re made of.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (21 saves)

2nd Star-Jay Beagle, WSH (game-winning goal-1st of playoffs, 10-and-2 on faceoffs, +1 in 12:59)

1st Star-Braden Holtby, WSH (30 saves for shutout)

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Lou Lamoriello relinquishes GM role in NJ after 28 years

Posted on May 4, 2015 by hasan4978

Well I certainly didn’t expect to come home to stunning Devils news on a sunny, hot Monday afternoon.   When I saw the tweet below from Tom Gulutti an hour ago I figured it would probably have something to do with Martin Brodeur returning to the organization now that his contract with the Blues is up, or maybe be about a new contract for Adam Larsson (a RFA this year), something of that nature.  In other words something innocuous and semi-expected…clearly it was neither.

1h1 hour ago

The Devils have scheduled a 4 p.m. conference call with GM Lou Lamoriello. No reason provided.

Obviously all good things must come to an end eventually – and so it was that on May 4, 2015 that Lou Lamoriello’s 28-year tenure as GM came to a sudden end with the announcement that Ray Shero would be the new GM, with Lou remaining upstairs as team president and head of hockey operations.  While Lou will oversee all hockey operations, ultimately Shero will have autonomy on everything from who the new coach will be to the scouting staff.  Even if Lou will still be a part of the organization, today truly is the end of an era in New Jersey.

While Lou is publicly saying the decision was his and his alone, I didn’t think it would be long before speculation came out to the contrary and it was provided by EJ Hradek (and later confirmed by TG):

 · 9m9 minutes ago

Despite Lamoriello’s comments today, new owners Josh Harris & David Blitzer “strongly encouraged” him to move in this direction

Of course if Lou was nudged upstairs, nobody’s going to want to admit it publicly to sully the legacy of a HOF GM (not to mention the new owners don’t want to risk the Jerry Jones firing Tom Landry type publicity).  It does appear that after three straight seasons of missing the playoffs even the job of the most decorated GM in the league was eventually put on the griddle.  While I’ve had many criticisms of Lou’s last several years as a GM I felt with the way he’d remade up our defense and goaltending in recent years that he deserved at least one more year to accellerate the retooling and finally be able to address the offense with three high draft picks this year.  At least new ownership let Lou pick his successor, that much seems to be agreed upon.  And Shero’s a ‘family member’ given his dad once worked for the organization as a color commentator.

Maybe tomorrow or later in the week I’ll have a seperate blog on Shero and my concerns over his hiring, but the story to me today is Lou.  Ever since I first became a casual fan of the Devils during the ’87-88 playoff run, Lou was the GM then and has done things for the organization and pro/college hockey far beyond winning three Stanley Cups.  I won’t speak to his days at Providence College since that was way before my time, though he’s about as respected at the college level as he is at the pro level.

Certainly Lou was a pioneer in helping bring Russian hockey players to the US in the late ’80’s legally with his role in signing Slava Fetisov, Alexei Kasatonov and Sergei Starikov.  Many of Lou’s trades that set up the Devils’ run of success from 1994-2003 are already well-known, like trading defenseman Tom Kurvers for what turned out to be the #3 pick and Scott Niedermayer.  Or trading down in the draft and picking some French-Canadian goaltender named Brodeur.  Lou also had an edge to him that he was going to toe the line for what he wanted, like when he went to court to get an injunction for then-coach Jim Schonfeld to go behind the bench after the infamous shouting match with referee Don Koharski during the 1988 Eastern Conference Finals.  Not to mention holding out for defenseman Scott Stevens as compensation from the Blues when they were found guilty of tampering with Brendan Shanahan.

Despite all of that, perhaps his best move was convincing Jacques Lemaire to come and coach the team in 1994.  And in typical Lou fashion, nobody got wind of Lemaire coming before he was introduced at the presser.  While the Devils had been for the most part a perennial playoff team during the first several years of Lamoriello’s tenure they hadn’t yet come close to matching their Cinderella playoff run of 1988.  During Lemaire’s first season the Devils became a serious contender in 1994, taking the eventual Cup champ Rangers to a Game 7 OT in the Eastern Conference Finals – then won it all in 1995 during a run that arguably saved hockey in New Jersey during the midst of all the rumors of an impending move to Nashville.  That was the team that got me and I’m sure countless others into New Jersey Devils hockey.

By the time the Devils won their second Stanley Cup in 2000, ownership had changed hands for the first of what would be several times during Lamoriello’s last decade and a half but through all of that, and all of his coaching changes – some controversial, some completely out of his hands – he and his beloved goaltender Brodeur remained the constants of the team for an entire generation.  Although the Devils haven’t won the silver chalice since 2003, and defensive mainstays Stevens (retirement) and Niedermayer (FA) both departed the team kept on winning division titles and piling up 100-point seasons.   While the end of 2009-2010 and the beginning of 2010-2011 provided the first blip on Lamoriello’s tenure, the team rebounded to finish strong in 2011 and then made a run all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2012, beating both its bitter rivals in the Flyers and Rangers after squeezing out a Game 7 OT win at Florida in the first round.  It seemed as if Lou had done it again and provided the foundation for the next generation with a deep forward core and a prospect pipeline filled with defensemen.

However, the financial issues under Jeff Vanderbeek’s ownership combined with the sudden dual departures of star wingers Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk crippled the forward core, and while the team has been integrating its young defensemen in the lineup the last couple of seasons – and even found a successor for Marty with the 2013 draft day trade for Cory Schneider – the dual losses of Parise and Kovalchuk (combined with losing many other players to age and attrition) proved to be the straw that broke the camel’s back, and the organization hasn’t made the playoffs since.  The Lou naysayers get to have their day I suppose…if you keep speculating about someone being gone long enough, eventually you’re going to be right.

Certainly Lou wasn’t always fan-friendly with policies that restricted player access and availability (no Twitter, no open practices, being secretive about the most minute details like injuries) and wasn’t always an object of affection by certain jaded members of the fanbase even in the good times because of all that and his gruff nature during the glory days, so when things turned south the last three years those ungrateful fans were the quickest and the loudest to complain about a GM that while he certainly had his issues, also had a record nearly unmatched in the last 25 years of hockey.  To the end Lou was true to his nature:

38m38 minutes ago

Pretty amazing how none of this leaked out. Then again, it would have been amazing if it had.

Yes nobody gets a lifetime pass because this isn’t the Supreme Court, Lou himself proved that with the trade of Schnieder to replace Marty.  Whatever you may think of Lou personally or his last few years though, if you have any soul you’d better give thanks tonight that the man has given our organization 28 years, many of them good-great ones.  For the ones crying for change the last few years, well you got your wish – let’s see how it goes.  If you were hockey fans during the beginning of Lou’s tenure perhaps you’re familiar with how Bill Torrey got forced out on Long Island after his own distinguished HOF career in 1993 after some down seasons.  The Islanders are still looking for their first playoff series win since 1993.  Don’t take any success for granted.  Hopefully the fanbase will be a little less spoiled now, but I’m not counting on it.

Just remember these numbers…3 Stanley Cups, 5 Eastern Conference Championships, 9 division titles and 21 playoff appearances.  If Shero or any other future GM tops those numbers not only will we be incredibly fortunate but I’ll be very old by then.

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Video Of Day: Ovechkin highlight reel goal

Posted on May 2, 2015 by Derek

Our Video Of Day features who else but Alex Ovechkin. In a losing effort, Alexander The Great scored one of the most ridiculous insane goals you’ll ever see. That it came in Game 2 cutting the Caps’ deficit to 3-2 and against the Rangers top tandem of Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi while victimizing Henrik Lundqvist speaks volumes.

What Ovechkin did here was amazing. Using great acceleration and sheer strength, he split McDonagh and Girardi before having enough determination to get off a great shot that had unbelievable velocity on it to beat Lundqvist stunning the Garden. That kind of intensity and passion is what makes the Great 8 so lethal.

Thus far in the second round series, Ovechkin has two goals and an assist factoring in on three of the Caps’ four goals. That included a magnificent rush and release in Game 1 firing a laser by Lundqvist along with a great set up for Joel Ward’s stunning winner with 1.3 seconds left.

The series is all even headed back to Washington for a pivotal Game 3 Monday night at 7:30 PM. Fasten your seat belts.

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Rangers hang on to beat Caps 3-2 in Game 2, even series

Posted on May 2, 2015 by Derek
Henrik Lundqvist is greeted by Kevin Klein and Tanner Glass following the Rangers 3-2 win in Game 2 over the Caps evening the second round series. AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

Henrik Lundqvist is greeted by Kevin Klein and Tanner Glass following the Rangers 3-2 win in Game 2 over the Caps evening the second round series.
AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

The playoffs keep you on the edge of your seat. Sometimes, they make you very nervous. If your team wins, only then can you breathe a sigh of relief. Let’s just say the Rangers gave every fan anxiety in the final minute but ultimately hung on to beat the Caps 3-2 in Game 2 at MSG evening the second round series.

It wasn’t pretty but didn’t have to be. All that matters is they bounced back from the bitter disappointment of Game 1 to send the series back to Washington tied at a game apiece. Facing their first adversity of the playoffs, the Rangers came out more determined. They were ready at the drop of the puck with Chris Kreider burying home a Jesper Fast rebound past Braden Holtby just 38 seconds in to give them an early 1-0 lead. Derek Stepan set up Fast in front forcing Holtby into a difficult save with the rebound caroming right to Kreider who deposited it for his second goal of the postseason.

That it was Fast who was in on the tone setting goal was a credit to Rangers coach Alain Vigneault. Prior to the game, there were no lineup changes as reported by the media. However, that didn’t stop him from flipping Fast with J.T. Miller, who moved down to the third line and responded well. Fast was terrific all day assisting on Kreider’s goal while being a monster on the forecheck along with strong penalty killing on the lone Caps power play early in the third with them trailing by one.

That wasn’t the only adjustment Vigneault made. He also changed his second and third defense pairs moving Kevin Klein back up with Marc Staal while shifting Dan Boyle back with Keith Yandle. Klein and Staal were solid. Especially Staal who had a clean takeout on a charging Alex Ovechkin during the second which drew roars from the crowd. Boyle and Yandle were a bit more of an adventure.

In a game they needed, the Blueshirts played with more urgency. Following up Kreider’s tally with superb puck possession and better chances against Holtby. They took the body and went hard to the net while firing 15 shots in a busy first period, taking the action to the Caps. Washington hardly had any time to make plays. Aside from scoring, Kreider was assertive delivering a thunderous hit on Ovechkin against the glass. It was one of his best games. If not for some big stops from Holtby, he could’ve had a hat trick.

The Rangers’ aggression resulted in consistent forecheck pressure and forced the Caps into penalties. The power play was more simple with players making one or two passes and then firing. Vigneault altered the look moving Martin St. Louis back on the right point with Boyle. Yandle and Ryan McDonagh ran the second unit.

Ironically, it was Boyle who got a nice reward on the second power play. Following ferocious pressure, the Caps attempted clear rolled to the line giving Boyle enough time to skate and recover the puck. With Rick Nash screening Holtby in front, Boyle threw a seeing eye shot that snuck past the Washington goalie for a 2-0 lead with 4:20 left in the first.

Leading by two, the Rangers pressed for more. If not for Holtby, it could’ve been a blowout. A foolish Tom Wilson charge on a double hit with Brooks Orpik on McDonagh handed them a third power play with under two minutes left. Despite some looks, they were unable to take advantage.

All Hail The King: Henrik Lundqvist makes a diving save to rob Alex Ovechkin in the first period. AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

All Hail The King: Henrik Lundqvist makes a diving save to rob Alex Ovechkin in the first period.
AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

After being outshot 15-4, the Caps made a strong push in the second. Harder on the puck and able to sustain consistent pressure, they began generating chances. Finally able to test Henrik Lundqvist, they turned the tables. Even though the Rangers continued to attack, the Caps had the better opportunities. Lundqvist made an acrobatic save on a tricky shot to prevent a goal. He also denied Ovechkin and robbed Evgeny Kuznetsov with a great stack job to keep them off the board.

Eventually, Kuznetsov got one to cut the deficit to 2-1 with 6:01 left in the second. It was a total breakdown by Yandle and Boyle. Following a offensive draw that Miller won, Yandle got caught allowing the speedy Jason Chimera to come the other way on a counter. He was able to get off a tough low shot that Lundqvist couldn’t control allowing Kuznetsov to just beat Boyle to the loose puck for his fourth of the postseason.

Back in it, the Caps got life. They searched for the equalizer and almost had it a couple of times but Lundqvist made some big stops. The Rangers had some chances with a flying Kreider getting two mini-breaks but just missing his patented backhand deke. On the first one, Stepan made a great head man pass off the boards sending him in but Holtby was able to get his pad on it. The second, he didn’t have enough real estate.

The third was intense. The Rangers were a bit tentative early allowing the Caps to have possession. A Brassard interference minor in the offensive zone handed Washington their only power play. It was dangerous. After he had one shot blocked, Ovechkin got to the rebound and fired wide. Eventually, it was killed off with some good work done by Nash.

At the conclusion, Nash found St. Louis open at the Caps blueline. With Brassard out of the box and open calling for the puck, St. Louis’ pass took a favorable hop off a Caps stick right to Brassard who was finally able to beat Holtby through the wickets. That made it 3-1 with 13:53 left in regulation. Brassard’s reaction was priceless. He had a couple of other chances to beat Holtby on point blank rebounds but wasn’t able to. So, he was pumped. With NBC’s Pierre McGuire talking to him, he nodded.

But it wouldn’t be that easy for the Rangers to draw even. An absolutely amazing individual effort from Ovechkin resulted in the top Cap scoring a highlight reel goal that cut it to 3-2 with 9:31 remaining. Following an Orpik outlet for Joel Ward, Ovechkin took a Ward feed in the neutral zone and flew by McDonagh and Dan Girardi and in one motion fired a laser far side past Lundqvist. What made it even more stunning was his momentum carried him to the ice after the goal was scored. Unbelievable.

It’s the best I’ve ever seen Ovechkin play. He has really bought in under Washington coach Barry Trotz. In Game 1, he barked at young Russian Kuznetsov to get to the bench and not overstay his shift. If Ovechkin is going to play like this, it’s gonna be that much harder for the Rangers to win this series. The defense hasn’t been good enough. There were still too many turnovers and clear cases of forwards forgetting to take the man.

Clearly, the defense needs to tighten up. There are still instances where the Caps are getting too much room. They’re also having problems clearing the puck. The final minute and a half reminded me of 2009 against the same team. It was scary. The Caps set up Ovechkin twice but both his one-timers missed. John Carlson also missed wide.

The Rangers really did hang on. They got a bit lucky. At least they did what they had to do to square the series. Now comes the next challenge. Get the next one on Monday. That might mean a vintage Lundqvist performance. He hasn’t delivered one yet. He’s been good but can be better with the rebound control. He made 30 saves. Holtby had 32.

Chris Kreider is pumped after scoring 38 seconds into Game 2. AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

Chris Kreider is pumped after scoring 38 seconds into Game 2.
AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Alex Ovechkin, WSH (highlight reel goal-4th of postseason, 4 SOG, countless others that missed, 9 hits in 22 shifts-19:49)

2nd Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (30 saves incl. 11/12 in 3rd)

1st Star-Chris Kreider, NYR (2nd of postseason, 3 SOG in 7 attempts, 4 hits in 28 shifts-18:27)

Notes: Shots in the third were 12-8 Caps. For the game, it was 35-32 Rangers. After leading 15-4 following the first, they were outshot 28-20. … Rangers out-attempted the Caps 63-60. … With the game-winner, Brassard scored his team-leading fourth. Since 2013, he has 12 goals and 17 assists totaling 29 points in the postseason which leads all Blueshirts. … St. Louis is without a goal in his last eight postseason games. His last one came on 6/11/14 vs the Kings in Game 4. … Game 3 is Monday at Verizon Center with a start time of 7:30 PM. … Ryan Bourque was recalled from Hartford.

Key Statistics

Power Play WSH 0-1 NYR 1-4

Hits WSH 38 (Ovechkin 9) NYR 30 (Klein, Kreider 4)

Blocked Shots WSH 15 (Orpik 4) NYR 12 (Girardi 5)

Faceoffs WSH 31 (Laich 5-and-1) NYR 27 (Brassard 8-and-5)

Giveaways WSH 12 (Ward 3) NYR 13 (Brassard, Staal 3)

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Rangers best must step up for critical Game 2

Posted on May 1, 2015 by Derek
The Rangers best players must step it up for a critical Game 2 tomorrow. AP Photo by Gene J. Puskar/Getty Images

The Rangers best players must step it up for a critical Game 2 tomorrow.
AP Photo by Gene J. Puskar/Getty Images

Following last night’s stunning 2-1 loss that allowed the Capitals to take Game 1 thanks to Joel Ward’s goal with 1.3 seconds left in regulation, Rangers coach Alain Vigneault called out his best players. When asked to assess Alex Ovechkin’s performance, he heaped praise on the top Capital who scored and set up Ward’s winner.

“He played a great game,” Vigneault said. “There’s no doubt that one of my focuses is going to (be) getting my top players to play at a top level, and Washington obviously had players tonight that played a real strong game. And we’re gonna need to do that.”

When the series continues tomorrow at MSG for a essential Game 2 for the Rangers, they’ll need more from star players. That includes leading regular season scorer Rick Nash. Six games into the postseason, he remains stuck on one goal. The lone goal coming too late in a 4-3 Game 2 home loss to the Penguins last round. Nash had four points in that low scoring series. In Game 1 versus the Caps against Brooks Orpik, he had three shots and drew a penalty on Orpik. However, he was too much on the perimeter. A recurring theme for a player that’s struggled to perform. For his postseason career, he has six goals in 47 games. Five in 43 as a Ranger.

Nash isn’t the only one not producing. In an increased role, 39-year old vet Martin St. Louis was held off the score sheet Thursday night. Thus far, he has only one assist in six games. At least he took four shots and got a quality chance off the rush forcing Braden Holtby to make a tough save on a backhand. With Mats Zuccarello out for the second round, they need more from St. Louis. He and Nash are two-thirds of the top line anchored by Derick Brassard who had the best chance just missing on a Kevin Klein rebound late in the second period. He’s been more noticeable with three goals and a helper.

The second line was no better. Derek Stepan had a tough night. He had issues controlling the puck and wasn’t able to make those tape to tape passes we’re accustomed to. Chris Kreider was up and down. He was more visible in the third when he had a tip try in front of Holtby and later nearly collided with him while driving the net in a battle with Orpik. J.T. Miller was good on the forecheck forcing turnovers and delivered five hits. However, he missed the net on a couple of great chances and was partially to blame for Ward’s game-winner. He also had a bad turnover that almost proved costly.

The turnovers were a common theme. The Rangers had 20 giveaways. Way too many against an aggressive physical opponent who hits hard. The Caps easily could’ve had two or three more goals prior to Jesper Fast’s first career postseason goal that tied it. But Ovechkin and Ward each hit posts and Henrik Lundqvist bailed out teammates with some big glove saves including a strong denial on Nicklas Backstrom in the third with his team still trailing.

Ryan McDonagh didn’t play up to his usual standard passing a puck right to a Cap with Tom Wilson breathing down his neck. He didn’t do a good job closing out Ovechkin, who had enough room to draw both McDonagh and Stepan before threading the needle to Ward for the stunner.

It wasn’t a good game for a team that prides itself on team defense. The Blueshirts gave Ovechkin too much time and space. On the penalty kill, he was allowed easy access with a late coming Dan Boyle unable to deny Ovechkin’s rocket that beat Lundqvist inside the bar. It was curious as to why Boyle was caught out for both Caps goals. That’s not a favorable match-up. Even though he tried to do the right thing killing the clock at the end, he paid dearly with Backstrom’s controversial hit. His teammates stopped playing with McDonagh basically admitting he expected a whistle. Always play till the buzzer.

If they are to even the second round series tomorrow, the Rangers must get a better effort from their top players. That includes Lundqvist, who did all he could making 27 saves to give his team a chance. Obviously, he needs help. The team hasn’t scored enough. Offense wasn’t a problem during the season with the Rangers ranking third in the NHL averaging 3.02 goals-per-game. However, the Islanders were right behind them at 2.99 and are home because the Caps shut them down.

It would be nice if they got off to a quick start Saturday. Beating Holtby early should boost their psyche. Especially after how they lost. The playoffs are unforgiving. As Lundqvist and other Blueshirts, they have to move on. It’ll be interesting to see how they respond.

Vigneault Doesn’t Rip Officiating: Alain Vigneault easily could’ve gone after the refs for not calling Backstrom for a penalty on his tough hit on Boyle. But as they have throughout the playoffs, the officials aren’t making many calls. They’re trying to stay out of the way. Something Vigneault noted to Daily News reporter Pat Leonard.

Updating Boyle’s status, he practiced despite being banged up. So, it looks like he should be good to go for Game 2. Still, when you hear a vet admit he wasn’t all there following such a hit, it’s alarming. Hope he truly is okay. Matt Hunwick can fill in if needed.

One final point. The Rangers who are tweeting in all lowercase avoiding CAPS sent out a tweet on Boyle practicing. As usual, the commentary from a few fans wasn’t too kind.

Judging from some responses, it’s obvious none have ever played organized hockey. I’ll admit to never having done so either. But could our fans at least show some respect here? Granted. Boyle has been a sore spot most of the year. It’s painfully obvious he isn’t Anton Stralman, who actually got a second place vote from a writer for the Norris per NY Post’s Brett Cyrgalis.

Boyle is still a player who provides valuable minutes. Should he have been out over Dan Girardi on that fateful last shift? Probably not. That’s up to the coaching staff. They are the ones who draw the assignments. At times, I have been guilty of killing players too. But we should always support them. They need us. Judging from the lack of energy through the TV last night, MSG wasn’t loud enough. The Rangers need stronger support to draw even tomorrow.

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