Rangers hang on to beat Pens 2-1 in Game 3

Posted on April 20, 2015 by Derek
Chris Kreider is congratulated by pleased teammates after his goal in the second period. AP Photo by Gene J. Puskar/Getty Images

Chris Kreider is congratulated by pleased teammates after his goal in the second period.
AP Photo by Gene J. Puskar/Getty Images

Talk about hanging on for dear life. The Rangers did it the hard way by literally sitting back the final 10 minutes before edging the Pens 2-1 to take Game 3 of the first round series. This was nerve racking, nail biting and every other two letter adjective you can think of. At least the strategy by coach Tom Renney Alain Vigneault worked.

They can breathe easier knowing they responded after the Game 2 disappointment with a big road win at Consol Energy Center to take back home ice. With this team, it’s never easy. Even in a game they dominated for two and a half periods, they had to dig deep to prevent the desperate Pens from tying it late. And while they never got the look needed to beat Henrik Lundqvist, poll any Ranger fan. It was scary.

I’d love to be a fly on the wall and ask Vigneault why his team sat back when they were the far better team. Playing so conservatively never is the best way to protect leads. Especially when all four of our lines had good games. This was the first game in the series where all 12 forwards played well. The fourth line was superb again and Kevin Hayes’ third unit had a great night with Carl Hagelin scoring on a breakaway and Martin St. Louis a bit more noticeable. It also was the game Chris Kreider finally got untracked scoring what proved to be the game-winner halfway through by using his big body to find a intentional Marc Staal wide carom and steer it past Marc-Andre Fleury. Rick Nash played well recording five shots and generating chances. Mats Zuccarello was superb.

In truth, there was a lot to like about the Rangers’ game tonight. They were more competitive winning puck battles. They defended better and were stronger in the neutral zone. They forechecked well and gave the Pens fits. Too bad they tried to protect the lead. It nearly let Pittsburgh off the hook with Sidney Crosby setting up Patric Hornqvist with 6:48 left to cut it to 2-1.

Needing a better game, the Rangers got it by controlling the first 20 minutes. In fact, the Pens didn’t register a shot until after the 15-minute mark drawing mock cheers from the crowd. By that point, they were behind on the scoreboard. Even though shots weren’t easy to come by, the Blueshirts were able to put the Pens on their heels.

Keith Yandle battles Sidney Crosby during Game 2. AP Photo by Gene J. Puskar/Getty Images

Keith Yandle battles Sidney Crosby during Game 2.
AP Photo by Gene J. Puskar/Getty Images

It was the skill of Keith Yandle that allowed them to go ahead. Catching Pittsburgh in a change, Yandle threaded the needle to Hagelin, who broke in and beat Fleury with a slap shot for his first of the series. After taking a pass from Dan Girardi in his end, Yandle found Hagelin behind the Pens’ D and he did the rest. It was Yandle’s third assist of the playoffs. He really has made a difference. Offensively and defensively, the former Coyote has really come to play. Even with being under the weather, he was superb in 27 shifts going plus-one in 17:17.

Playing as perfect a road period as possible, the Rangers limited the Pens to three shots. Even with Nash taking a ill advised high-sticking minor on Sidney Crosby in the offensive zone, the penalty kill gave them nothing. At least in a game where our power play fired blanks in two chances, the PK held up their end of the bargain killing off both Pens’ man-advantages. That included a late one in the second with Marc Staal off for interference which allowed them to take a 2-0 lead to the locker room.

Interestingly, the second was similar to the first. Entering Game 3, the Rangers had been dominated in the second getting outscored 4-0 by the Pens. This time, they were much better. Aside from one dangerous Crosby chance off a strong Hornqvist forecheck and set up that hit the far post and stayed out, they controlled the action. Neither Crosby nor Evgeni Malkin got much. They were held to one total shot the first two periods. In fact, the Pens’ captain had the only two for the game with Malkin struggling offensively.

After failing to convert on their second power play, it was obvious that if they were going to get insurance, it would have to be a greasy goal. Something I tweeted prior to Kreider getting to Staal’s wise intentional pass off the back boards which he deposited for his 12th career postseason goal. Sometimes you get lucky. The way Fleury was seeing the puck, it was going to take a garbage goal from someone. Good for Kreider, who needed it.

It’s worth noting that prior to Kreider’s goal, the Rangers got away with one. They very easily could’ve been shorthanded but refs Francois Charron and Kelly Sutherland missed a blatant hook on Max Lapierre. I think it was Dan Boyle which figures. He was scary again. If Kevin Klein finally is ready for Game 4, can Vigneault bench Boyle over Matt Hunwick? Seriously. Boyle keeps fumbling pucks and it’s resulting in Pens chances. I know Vigneault won’t sit Boyle because he values his offense. But he really has looked bad.

After two periods, the Rangers held a 19-11 shots edge. Henrik Lundqvist hardly had to break a sweat. The only time he did was when he embellished a Crosby love tap post whistle. That was embarrassingly bad. Who did our goalie think he was? Martin Brodeur. Sadly, some of our fans were whining about Crosby. He did get away with one on Hornqvist’s tally chopping Jesper Fast. The refs let go of a lot and let the teams play.

The third started out okay. After some initial Pens’ pressure, the Rangers spent some shifts in their end with good cycles. In particular, Hagelin who really had a good night. He doesn’t get enough credit. Zuccarello I mentioned before. He was so strong defensively and had a few hits. Dominic Moore was splendid. All he does is win big draws, defend well and forecheck with linemates Fast and Tanner Glass, who had a whale of a game even getting two chances on Fleury with one very tricky shot that his former teammate was able to stick away.

There’s not much to critique. With the exception of the Rangers sitting back, they were the superior team. At some point, they’re going to have to score that big goal that puts the Pens away. It got way too tight late. David Perron of all people had a good opportunity in the slot but fired a backhand wide.

The issue for the Pens is their best players didn’t get those looks. Had they, maybe they’re still playing. Instead, it’s onto Game 4.

Henrik Lundqvist makes a sprawling save in Game 2. He finished with 23 saves in the Rangers' 2-1 win. AP Photo by Gene J. Puskar/Getty Images

Henrik Lundqvist makes a sprawling save in Game 2. He finished with 23 saves in the Rangers’ 2-1 win.
AP Photo by Gene J. Puskar/Getty Images

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (23 saves incl. 12/13 in 3rd)

2nd Star-Carl Hagelin, NYR (1st of playoffs, 2 SOG, 4 hits, +1 in 27 shifts-17:17)

1st Star-Dan Girardi, NYR (2 assists, 2 SOG, 4 hits, 6 blocked shots, +1 in 34 shifts-26:06-Danny G stood out)

Notes: The teams combined for 80 hits with the Pens holding a slight 43-37 edge. Hornqvist had seven and Chris Kunitz had six. Zuccarello led all skaters with eight. Glass had six. … Faceoffs were in favor of the Pens 33-28 led by Crosby, who went 13-and-9. Derick Brassard, who played an intelligent two-way game was 11-for-17. … Rangers won their third straight road playoff game at Consol Energy Center. Game 4 is Wednesday night at 7 PM.

Key Stats

Power Play NYR 0-2 PIT 0-2

Blocked Shots NYR 17 (Girardi 6) PIT 14 (Paul Martin 4)

Shot Attempts NYR 50 (10 missed shots) PIT 55 (14 missed shots)

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Game 2 Review: Penguins outplay Rangers to even series

Posted on April 19, 2015 by Derek
Crosby Gets Last Laugh: Sidney Crosby whose name was chanted celebrates one of his two goals as the Pens took Game 2 4-3 over the Rangers to even the series. AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

Crosby Gets Last Laugh: Sidney Crosby whose name was chanted celebrates one of his two goals as the Pens took Game 2 4-3 over the Rangers to even the series.
AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

In the playoffs, there’s no such thing as a guarantee. Before the series, most prognosticators had the Rangers winning easy over the Penguins in four or five games. Not so fast. It was the underdog who was ready from the start outplaying the top seed en route to a 4-3 Game 2 victory to even the first round series.

Why is it tied headed back to Pittsburgh for what now becomes a vital Game 3 tomorrow night? Because the Pens were the scrappier team. They won most of the board battles and had the better of the play at even strength. They outhustled and outmuscled the Rangers, who were flat. Their passing wasn’t sharp and their defense left too much space to a more determined Pens who were more willing to get the jersey dirty.

All four of Pittsburgh’s goals came from in front including a pair from frequent target Sidney Crosby. Crosby, whose name was chanted even after he got the two goals erasing recent playoff struggles that date back to last year’s second round against the Blueshirts, who played the underdog pulling the upset.

Some of the chants were absurd. But that’s what you get when there aren’t as many real fans at these games. The kind that are just there to be seen and don’t know hockey. Screaming for our players to shoot the puck when there’s no shooting lane or worse, when they’re behind the net. You can’t make it up.

Derick Brassard battles Paul Martin during Game 2 last night. AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

Derick Brassard battles Paul Martin during Game 2 last night.
AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

On a night where Garden favorite John Amirante sang his last national anthem after a memorable 35 years due to a total lack of decency from James Dolan, it was fitting that the Rangers lost. They just didn’t play well enough. Despite the Pens continuing to hand them power plays, it wasn’t good enough. Maybe if they had shown the same gumption they did on Derick Brassard’s power play goal on the sixth opportunity trailing 3-1 early in the third, it might have been a different outcome.

There was so much wrong. Take the first period which the Pens controlled right away by spending time in the Ranger end. Continuing to forecheck and bottle up the neutral zone forcing Ranger mistakes, they were the more desperate team. Of course, it came as no surprise. Going down 0-2 would’ve been a lot to ask from a team still missing half its starting defense.

Most shocking was how much of a snail’s pace the Rangers got sucked into. There were only eight total shots in the first with the home club getting only three. Amazingly, Derek Stepan beat Marc-Andre Fleury with one thanks to a great J.T. Miller cross-ice feed off the rush that caught Fleury moving side to side. Exactly what they have to do because he’s seeing the puck extremely well.

Oh btw Miller’s been their best forward so far with Brassard right behind. Too many key players are missing including Rick Nash, who at least scored with six seconds left for his first of the postseason. To be fair, he did set up Brassard’s series opener in Game 1. Stepan’s been okay but is struggling on key offensive draws that start power plays kills. The Pens are able to get free clears and their penalty kill isn’t respecting a power play that’s 2-for-12 so far. Conversely, Pittsburgh had no trouble converting their first two with Sutter getting to a loose puck that popped up and Chris Kunitz scoring a momentum killer that made it 4-2 with 10:19 left.

If there is an issue with the power play, it’s the lack of urgency. It wasn’t until the third when the Rangers finally started winning the battles up a man. It led to Brassard rebounding home a Mats Zuccarello shot after Keith Yandle set it up. Yandle btw has been good in his first two postseason games for the Blueshirts recording two assists. He missed a couple of shifts in the first with us noticing Matt Hunwick on the power play. Thank God he returned.

When it was 3-2, the crowd was very loud. It was a great atmosphere despite the newbies with the chants and absurdities. The fans tried to rally them. It was a lot of fun. They had the Pens reeling after Brassard’s goal. Sutter, who didn’t do much wrong- took a hooking minor putting Pittsburgh’s most dangerous penalty killer in the box. The Rangers had all sorts of chances to score. Stepan even got help winning an offensive draw. They moved the puck around and were patient. They had a few Pens down and even Fleury on a couple. But Stepan somehow missed and Martin St. Louis fired over the top.

Outside of that glorious chance, St. Louis hasn’t looked good. He has only two shots so far. Both coming last night. Plus those key misses. Playing with Kevin Hayes and Carl Hagelin on the third line, the Rangers need St. Louis to be a factor. He has been too hesitant. Especially on the power play where Alain Vigneault gave the proven performer 7:12 of his 16:34. Marty is best when he is instinctive. If he’s open, he needs to look shot more. Otherwise, it makes him to predictable hurting the power play. If he continues to be passive, I suggest Miller who brings an edge. He makes things happen. He only got 53 seconds on the man-advantage. Hayes saw 1:07.

Speaking of Hayes, he had a bad night. He took a penalty in the offensive zone that led to Kunitz’ key insurance marker. Hayes also failed to clear a puck out. Eventually, Crosby made him pay by converting a rebound to give the Pens the lead. For all the criticism the Pens captain receives, he’s more than capable of playing a chippy game. Following Game 1, he said the Pens must do a better job getting to loose pucks in front of Henrik Lundqvist. They did with their team leader scoring twice including beating Miller for a backhand that made it 3-1 in a disastrous second.

Oddly, the second period has been awful for the Rangers. Normally, they’re a strong team in the middle stanza. Not so far in this series. The Pens have outscored them 4-0. A trend that can’t continue when the series shifts to Consol Energy Arena.

Pittsburgh’s defensemen were better too. In particular, unheralded Ian Cole. He had a nice keep on Crosby’s first. Cole also played strong defensively blocking five shots in 31 shifts (19:13). Paul Martin logged a ton of minutes (25:29) playing solid defensively against our top forwards. Rob Scuderi and Ben Lovejoy had good nights.

The Pens gritty players have been effective so far. Max Lapierre continues to be a pain in the ass with diligent checking and his usual antics. He saw a ton of shifts shorthanded and was one of their best penalty killers. He also won key faceoffs going 13-and-8. Sutter had a big game scoring a power play goal and setting up another. He really has been the Pens’ most effective forward so far. He also rang one off the post shorthanded.

The Rangers need more from Chris Kreider. Outside of one great chance off a rush where he came awfully close to beating Fleury on his patented backhand deke, he was fairly quiet. They were looking for him on that big power play down 3-2. Kreider set up in front but the Pens guarded him tight and took away the passing lanes. Kreider needs more shifts where he uses that combo of speed and size. He can be a difference maker.

Mats Zuccarello has been effective. He does it by mixing it up and creating chances with his sneaky speed and skill. He had one great backcheck stripping a Pen and then firing a wrist shot from the circle on Fleury, who gloved it. Zuccarello was in front causing havoc on Brassard’s PPG. He also factored in on McDonagh’s game-winner in the first game. The Rangers need more aggressive play from other players.

Kind of feel the third line needs a big game tomorrow. They’re a big part of why they had the league’s best record. Hayes, Hagelin and St. Louis need a bounce back. The fourth line was okay. They’ve been responsible so far forechecking when they can. Of course, Tanner Glass was blamed for the loss. Even when he has no impact, he gets criticism from the Corsis. However, it’s time for Vigneault to insert James Sheppard. He’s more effective on the forecheck and a better agitator. Plus he’s shown he can finish. Stick him with Dominic Moore and Jesper Fast, who looked good.

Lundqvist wasn’t good enough. Part of it was the game which was very odd. There were only 48 total shots. The Rangers held a 26-22 edge. The Pens used their strategy perfectly continuing to get low shots on Lundqvist and find rebounds. That’s how they were successful. Either Lundqvist needs to tighten up or the defense must do a better job. The D and forwards weren’t on the same page. Hank knows he can be better. Expect him to be in Pittsburgh.

I also felt Marc Staal didn’t have a strong game. He was on for a goal against. He’s usually so solid this time of year. I’m sure he’ll be better. Dan Boyle remains an adventure in his end. That’s why he must contribute on the power play. He’s still not shooting enough and has had problems keeping the puck in.

One other point on the power play. Unhappy with the first five, Vigneault made one adjustment. He went to four forwards and one D. It looked much better in the third. Maybe that’s how it has to be. Whether it’s Stepan and McDonagh or Brassard and Yandle with Boyle rotating, it must remain aggressive. They moved the puck much faster which is how they got the one PPG and the other great chances.

I almost forgot to mention Evgeni Malkin. While he didn’t score, he made the play of the game saving a shorthanded goal that would’ve tied it. Before Kunitz scored at the end of their power play, the Rangers came shorthanded with Dan Girardi firing a point shot that got through Fleury. The puck was headed in but a diving Malkin made a desperation clear at the last second. If he doesn’t, it’s a tie game with a rocking MSG and the Rangers with all the momentum. I don’t think the Pens recover. We could be looking at a 2-0 series lead instead of 1-1.

Now, it’s dead even with three of the next five in Pittsburgh. This will be a good challenge for the Rangers, who won 28 times away from MSG. They’ve been a good road team under Vigneault. Last year, they won three of four in Pittsburgh including Games 5 and 7 to complete a comeback from 3-1 down. We’ll see what they’re made of.

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No changes for Pens and Rangers in Game 2

Posted on April 18, 2015 by Derek

When the puck finally drops at 8:25 PM for Game 2, the Pens and Rangers will have waited long enough. Due to the NHL schedule the Draft Lottery at 8 PM featuring the Sabres, Coyotes, Oilers, Maple Leafs, Devils, Flyers and a host of other teams, all eyes will be on who wins the lottery for Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel. At least Buffalo can only drop down to two. So, they’re guaranteed McDavid or Eichel. Brian’s been eyeing this day.

While that should be a circus, it’s a bit perplexing why the Pens and Rangers have to wait until almost 8:30 EST for the puck drop. But this is the NHL. Where they can schedule two Game 2’s at the same time (3 PM) against each other. At last check, Tampa was up 4-0 on Detroit while St. Louis is shutting out Minnesota 2-0.

As for Game 2 of tonight’s series, there’ll be no changes for either side. The Pens remain without defensemen Christian Ehrhoff and Derrick Pouliot. That means more of Taylor Chorney and Brian Dumoulin on the third pair. For the Rangers, it’s status quo with iron man Dan Girardi fine despite taking a puck to the jaw that cost him the final 9:29 of Game 1. After a dentist examined him, he was actually going to return but by the time he put half his jersey on, there was a minute left.

Kevin Klein remains out which means more of Matt Hunwick paired up with Keith Yandle, who had a good first game assisting on Ryan McDonagh’s power play game-winner. Glen Sather’s big acquisition at the trade deadline for top prospect Anthony Duclair, John Moore and first round picks was solid logging 20:38 in 26 shifts including 6:21 on the power play. Alain Vigneault didn’t hesitate to use Yandle with McDonagh for a critical defensive shift late. He shuffled the deck. Dan Boyle, who struggled much of Game 1, made a good defensive play in crunch time. He still must be better.

Pens’ coach Mike Johnston indicated that his team needs more shots on Henrik Lundqvist. They took 25 in Game 1. Johnston would like that total to increase by 10. Figure Pittsburgh to come harder and start firing away. They also want to stay disciplined. Penalty trouble was the story of the first game. They lost their composure taking four straight minors in the first which cost them. Afterwards, they played better actually outscoring the Rangers 1-0 the last two periods.

Figure Sidney Crosby to be more involved. He had only one shot and played under 20 minutes due to the Pens’ lack of discipline. Evgeni Malkin was more noticeable getting a couple of dangerous chances including a near miss on a strong rush to the net forcing Lundqvist into a difficult save with Marc Staal clearing the rebound. Limiting their space remains a tough assignment that includes attention from the forwards.

The Rangers were happy with most of their play that included 38 shots on Marc-Andre Fleury, who was sharp making 36 saves. He gave his team a chance. However, they want to limit the giveaways. Eleven is too many. The Pens did a good job in the neutral zone bottling the Rangers up. Puck management is essential.

They weren’t able to get to any rebounds the last 40 minutes. It was mostly one and done with the Pens able to clear the puck out of trouble. The Blueshirts want to get back to using their skating legs and applying pressure to a thin Pittsburgh D corps. They also might want to finish more. Create some doubt. Don’t give the Pens any reason to believe they can win.

It would be refreshing to see the power play generate more shots than the six they had in five tries. At least they converted on one to win by the final margin. Pittsburgh does have a good penalty kill and they won a lot of big defensive draws and outhustled the Rangers. However, the home team was a bit too passive. Get traffic in front and shoot more.

Discipline wasn’t an issue with the only penalty called on Rick Nash for boarding in the offensive zone. With Max Lapierre, Steve Downie and Brandon Sutter looking to get underneath their skin, the Rangers must skate away. Play smart hockey. They’re the hunted.

We’ll see what transpires tonight.

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Capitals comeback squares series, defeat Islanders 4-3 to take Game 2

Posted on April 18, 2015 by Derek
Philipp Grubauer receives congrats from Alex Ovechkin and teammates after making 18 saves in the Caps' 4-3 win over the Isles in Game 2. AP Photo by Alex Brandon/Getty Images

Philipp Grubauer receives congrats from Alex Ovechkin and teammates after making 18 saves in the Caps’ 4-3 win over the Isles in Game 2.
AP Photo by Alex Brandon/Getty Images

The Islanders had their chances. They easily could’ve taken a commanding 2-0 series lead on the Capitals with the next two in their barn. Instead, they had to settle for a split in Washington. The Caps rallied from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Islanders 4-3 to take Game 2 Friday night at Verizon Center.

Even with 23-year old Phillip Grubauer recalled as an emergency starter with Braden Holtby unavailable, they were able to respond to square the first round series with a big Game 3 tomorrow afternoon at Nassau Coliseum.

”Stuck with the gameplan,” veteran forward Jason Chimera said after scoring the game-winner with 12:23 left in regulation. ”We wanted to stick with it, no matter what happened.”

That strategy was simple. Get the puck in and attack the Isles’ defense. The Caps out-attempted the Isles 82-51. They also outshot them 35-21. Eventually, their aggressiveness paid off. Forced to play from behind for a second consecutive game, their skill players stepped up. Alex Ovechkin scored his first of the series and Nicklas Backstrom had a big night scoring a highlight reel tying power play goal while setting up two others.

”When we play our game, (when) we stay in their zone, everything can happen,” Ovechkin said.

The Islanders made it difficult early scoring the first goal for the second game in a row. The fourth line continued to excel with Matt Martin setting up Cal Clutterbuck’s first of the series. Despite the Caps firing from everywhere, they were held to just five shots in the first period. They attempted over 30 but many were blocked or missed its target.

”They were shooting from everywhere,” Jaroslav Halak said after finishing with 31 saves.

For a second straight game, Ryan Strome scored. This time, he struck at 3:24 of the second when he one-timed a John Tavares saucer pass past Grubauer to put the Isles ahead by two. Lubomir Visnovsky picked up the other assist.

Not wanting to lose both games on home ice, the Capitals played desperate outshooting the Islanders 18-7 in the second. Once they started dictating play, they got back in the game. Off a sustained forecheck, defenseman Karl Alzner took a Mike Green cross-ice feed and one-timed the puck by Halak through traffic slicing the deficit to 2-1 at 11:26.

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

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

Despite the pressure, the Isles were able to restore a two-goal lead when Kyle Okposo got free in the slot and notched his first from Josh Bailey and Calvin de Haan at 14:09. But before they got comfortable, Ovechkin replied back two minutes later when he buried home a rebound off a Matt Niskanen one-timer set up by Backstrom. That made it 3-2 with a period left.

”Just because it doesn’t work right away, doesn’t mean it’s not working. You’ve just got to keep doing the same things and the right things – and I thought we did,” Washington coach Barry Trotz said. ”You could see it turning.”

There were only two penalties called the entire game. However, Strome picked an inopportune time to take one reacting to Tom Wilson by slashing the Caps’ pest. If there’s one thing you don’t want to do, it’s hand the Caps power plays. All they needed was one to tie the game. Backstrom scored off a beautiful rush surprising the Islander D and Halak by moving in and firing a laser tying it 3-3 with 16:16 left in the third.

”They kind of wanted me to pass, I think,” Backstrom explained after taking a John Carlson pass from his own end and faking out three Isles before scoring. ”I was so far in there, I was like, ‘Might as well give it a try.”’

With all the momentum, the Caps finally took their first lead of the series less than four minutes later thanks to Chimera. A bad giveaway from Nick Leddy led to disaster for the Isles. Niskanen intercepted the pass and Jay Beagle got the puck to Chimera for one shot that was blocked right back to him for a follow up that beat Halak far post.

”We got a little less aggressive,” Tavares said. ”You know, not moving our feet as much.”

They generated a few chances but Grubauer was up to the challenge turning aside all seven Islander shots in the third. The second line of Okposo, Frans Nielsen and Josh Bailey had a couple of strong shifts but weren’t able to beat a goalie who started only once during the regular season.

Isles’ coach Jack Capuano pulled Halak with over a minute left. But despite some good pressure, they never got the shot they wanted. And so, it’s onto Game 3 at what should be a chaotic atmosphere Sunday at 12 PM.

”We’re going to come with some pretty serious intensity in Nassau, so it’ll be up to them to match us,” Clutterbuck said.

Game 2 first star Nicklas Backstrom celebrates his tying goal with teammate Troy Brouwer. AP Photo by Alex Brandon/Getty Images

Game 2 first star Nicklas Backstrom celebrates his tying goal with teammate Troy Brouwer.
AP Photo by Alex Brandon/Getty Images

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Jason Chimera, WSH (game-winner, 3 SOG, 3 hits, +1 in 21 shifts-14:19)

2nd Star-Matt Niskanen, WSH (2 assists, 3 SOG, 7 attempts, 5 hits, +2 in 28 shifts-21:47)

1st Star-Nicklas Backstrom, WSH (game-tying PPG, 2 assists, 4 SOG, +1 in 27 shifts-18:59)

Notes: Making his first postseason start, Grubauer made 18 saves. There’s no update yet on Holtby with only Trotz remarking that “Maybe a little Long Island air and sunshine will do him some good.” … Faceoffs were in favor of the Caps 28-27 led by Backstrom (14-and-7). Nielsen led the Isles going 8-and-5 while Tavares lost 9-of-16.

Hit Me With Your Best Shot: Kyle Okposo takes a hit from Alex Ovechkin. AP Photo by Alex Brandon/Getty Images

Hit Me With Your Best Shot: Kyle Okposo takes a hit from Alex Ovechkin.
AP Photo by Alex Brandon/Getty Images

Key Stats

Hits NYI 38 (Martin, Boychuk 6) WSH 59 (Ovechkin 8)

Blocked Shots NYI 27 (Nielsen 5) WSH 11 (Beagle 4)

Giveaways NYI 14 (Halak 3) WSH 10 (Carlson, Fehr 3)

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Offseason musings – 2015 Draft lottery, coaching vacancies

Posted on April 17, 2015 by hasan4978

Far be it for me to interrupt the playoff mayhem with both NY teams and around the league (has the Ottawa police investigation into Mark Stone’s wrist injury began yet?), but ironically the non-playoff teams will take center stage tomorrow night when the NHL’s draft lottery results will be broadcast on NBC at 8 PM.  No hockey fan needs to be told the stakes of the fourteen-team lottery tomorrow night, which will determine who will get the #1 pick – almost assuredly Canadian phenom Connor McDavid.  Pretty much the only team in the lottery that won’t be too nervous is the Buffalo Sabres, who by finishing with the worst record in the league guaranteed themselves no worse than the #2 pick in the league.  If Buffalo did get bumped out of the McDavid slot by one of the other thirteen teams winning the lottery – which actually has an 80% chance of happening if you add up the odds of the other thirteen teams – they’d merely have to settle for his near-equal in American phenom Jack Eichel of Boston University.  Either way, not a bad deal although Sabres GM Tim Murray admitted to daydreaming over what winning the lottery would mean:

“I watch him too much and I think too much about him…. I wish I could help myself.” – Buffalo Sabres GM Tim Murray on Connor McDavid

While Murray’s honesty may be commendable on some level it still comes off as a bit squirrely given all the Sabres did to ensure finishing with the worst record, including trading both their goaltenders during the season for downgrades at the position, as well as trading Drew Stafford and Tyler Myers in the blockbuster Evander Kane deal.  Kane of course was on IR and wouldn’t play a game for the Sabres last season but that trade was at least justifiable in helping the Sabres down the road (especially considering Stafford’s pending UFA status).  Murray also showed he was a stand-up comic before he was an NHL GM when he said after firing coach Ted Nolan that improved performance would have influenced the decision to bring him back, and felt the Sabres weren’t the 30th most talented team in the league.  Yeeeah, okay.

Anyway, back to the draft lottery – the Sabres under the new setup have a 20% chance to get the top pick.  Each of the fourteen non-playoff teams have varying chances to get the top pick, in a process explained during a crisp, short ninety-second video above so I won’t bore you or myself writing about the thousand different numbered four-ball combinations.  If any team other than the Sabres get the #1 pick, everyone currently above them will move down a spot.  If third-slotted Edmonton wins the lottery for example, Buffalo and Arizona (the two teams sitting in the 1-2 spots) would each get bumped down a spot, Buffalo to two and Arizona to three, which would probably annoy their fans almost as much as the constant move rumors – note to self: yes, it’s Arizona currently slotted at 2, not the Oilers.

Suffice it to say, this draft lottery can be just as unpredictable as the NBA’s (and next year the draft will be even more like the NBA where the top three picks all get determined via lottery), where the team with the worst record hasn’t gotten the top pick in nearly a decade.  And with what’s at stake, tomorrow night will be must-see TV.  My Devils have a 7.5 percent chance to win the lottery (although I still feel it’s more like zero point one) and division rivals Philly and Columbus are just behind that with 6.5 and 6 percent chances, respectively, while another division team (Carolina) has an 8.5 percent chance.  Even perennial powers LA and Boston have a small chance to win the lottery after each shockingly missed the playoffs in the final days of the regular season…just how many fans in the other 29 cities would tear their hair out if that happened?!

Even with all that, the lottery isn’t the only reason non-playoff teams are still in the news given all the coaching changes trickling out left and right with more to come.  Obviously the Devils are one team with a vacancy but far from the only one that will be searching for a new head coach this offseason.  Currently, by my count five teams have a coaching vacancy – including Toronto, Edmonton, Buffalo and Philly after the firing of Craig Berube today – with other teams such as San Jose and Boston in limbo, not to mention the Mike Babcock question mark in Detroit.  Perhaps even Ken Hitchcock becomes a casualty in St. Louis if they go belly-up in the playoffs early again.  With the potential for so many big-name coaches to be available, including Cup winners Babcock and Claude Julien (currently still the coach in Boston but without a GM, after the firing of Peter Chiarelli), this offseason might provide the most intriguing coach merry-go-round the NHL’s seen in quite some time.

Things seem to begin (if not end) with Babcock, a highly respected coach who is becoming a free agent after the season’s over.  He and the Wings haven’t come to an agreement on a new deal yet, but if he’s available you can bet teams will be beating down his door with big-money offers, likely also offering him a lot of personnel say in the organization.  If Babcock makes it to July 1 that could trigger a lot of dominoes with teams that haven’t announced new coaches yet.  I already mentioned the uncertainty with Julien in Boston and potential uncertainty with Hitch – another former Cup winner – in St. Louis.  Even a coach like Todd McLellan who hasn’t won a Cup yet but is highly respected, will probably get multiple offers should he and the Sharks decide to mutually part ways.  Perhaps change would be the best thing for all involved there after the Sharks’ infamous choke to the archrival Kings in the last postseason followed by a dissapointing season out of the money this year…yes they’re in the lottery too.  Captain Joe Thornton gave a tad snippy though perhaps understandable answer when asked about McClellan taking time with his family to decide whether to return or not:

“I have no idea,” Thornton said when asked if a coaching change was needed. “Todd has to talk to his family. Maybe he should talk to this family as well in here. We’ll see what happens.”

With not only big-name coaches but big-name jobs most likely available this offseason it’s small wonder that McLellan or many teams each want to weigh their options.  Boston would certainly be an attractive job with the talent they have there, although captain and defensive anchor Zdeno Chara’s winding down his career.  San Jose’s always had a talented team so that’s an attractive job.  Detroit has the best GM in hockey and still a talented core, they’d be attractive if not for Babcock – who may at this point in his career want more authority in an organization – than someone else.  Whoever is able to draft McDavid or Eichel in late June instantly becomes a more attractive job as well.  Sadly I’m not sure the Devils would be first on anyone’s wish list at this point (although having cap space, a young defensive core and a top goalie in Cory Schneider certainly provides some hope to prospective candidates), and as such it wouldn’t surprise me to see our coaching search last into July again, which wouldn’t be unprecedented for GM Lou Lamoriello.

Given that it wouldn’t shock me if tomorrow’s lottery was the last major news surrounding the Devils for a while, especially with the lack of key FA we need to lose sign this offseason (and the Devils re-upped one of their bigger FA’s right away, inking backup goalie Keith Kinkaid to a well-deserved two year deal just days after the season ended).  Odds are they’ll remain in the #6 spot.  There’s also a nearly thirty percent chance they get bumped down a slot if anyone 7-14 wins the lottery, which would be the least desirable result tomorrow obviously – particularly if the Flyers or the Jackets are the team that wins the lottery and bumps us down a slot.  Then there’s also the ultimate fantasy which best remain a fantasy till tommorow night.

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Quick start propels Rangers past Penguins 2-1 in Game 1

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Derek
Ryan McDonagh celebrates his power play goal with Mats Zuccarello and Keith Yandle. It proved to be the game-winner in the Rangers' 2-1 win over the Pens in Game 1. AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

Ryan McDonagh celebrates his power play goal with Mats Zuccarello and Keith Yandle. It proved to be the game-winner in the Rangers’ 2-1 win over the Pens in Game 1.
AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

By the thunderous sound of the crowd, the fans were ready. They’d been waiting for this. Everyone has. The Rangers didn’t disappoint using a quick start to edge the Penguins 2-1 and take Game 1 of the best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.

Taking advantage of an undisciplined opponent, they pounced on early Pittsburgh mistakes scoring twice in a dominant first period. From the opening faceoff, it was the Rangers who were ready. They only needed 28 seconds to take the lead with Derick Brassard getting to Rick Nash’s rebound of a intentional low shot that Marc-Andre Fleury couldn’t handle sending MSG into a frenzy.

”I give a lot of credit to Rick,” Brassard said. ”He didn’t shoot to score there. He shot for a rebound, he did it on purpose. It was just right there for the rebound.”

Brassard beat Paul Martin to the spot in front with Sidney Crosby trailing for his first of the series. The goal came in transition thanks to a strong defensive play from Dan Girardi. His outlet to Nash trapped a couple of Pens causing a odd-man break. Nash wisely shot from the left circle allowing Brassard to deposit the loose change.

The goal set a tone for the period. One in which the Pens repeatedly lost their cool. They were penalized four straight times giving the Rangers plenty of practice on the power play. After a couple of swings and misses on the first two, they finally made Pittsburgh pay on number three. Following a Blake Comeau roughing minor on Dominic Moore in the offensive zone, it took less than a minute for Mats Zuccarello and Keith Yandle to set up Ryan McDonagh’s power play goal with Brassard parked in front of Fleury. That put them up 2-0 with 4:44 left in the period.

”We put a couple goals there in the first period, and got the crowd and momentum on our side,” McDonagh said after playing a strong game in which the Ranger captain logged 25:36 going plus-one while teaming up with Girardi and later Yandle and Dan Boyle to blanket Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

”You get the nerves out, you get the hits and the bumps going. I thought guys were real good with the puck today for the majority of the game.”

The Rangers didn’t shy away from the challenge. Defensively, they held the Pens’ dangerous tandem off the score sheet with only three shots. It was a team effort with Marc Staal seeing Crosby for quite a few shifts. Coach Alain Vigneault didn’t hesitate to match the fourth line of Moore, Tanner Glass and Jesper Fast against Crosby’s unit with Patric Hornqvist and Daniel Winnik. That line totaled two shots and the Pens captain was visibly frustrated.

One of the big factors for the Rangers’ fast start was the Pens’ penalty troubles. They were extremely undisciplined. Forced to kill penalties, Crosby was glued to the bench for long stretches. First-year Pittsburgh coach Mike Johnston doesn’t use Crosby on the penalty kill. Astonishingly, he saw the fewest minutes of any forward in the first playing a shade over three. Once the Pens controlled themselves, his ice-time increased exponentially. However, he still only saw 19:11 over 22 shifts going minus-one.

Malkin doesn’t kill penalties either but it didn’t prevent the lanky Russian from having a few good shifts after the Pens got back in the game. Due in large part to the outstanding play of Fleury (36 saves), they hung around. After getting outscored 2-0 and outshot 13-5, Pittsburgh settled in playing a chippy game the rest of the way. The final 40 minutes, the play was more even with the Pens getting the lone goal while getting outshot by a much closer margin (25-20).

”Their best defense was puck possession,” Crosby said, ”and holding onto it in our end. You have to get pucks behind them and really work their D.”

After an initial push by the Rangers who threatened to go up by three or four if not for Fleury, the Penguins were able to establish a forecheck. Throughout, they were physical with agitators Steve Downie and Max Lapierre taking liberties. It was Lapierre who was far more effective than Downie, who took two an unnecessary penalty in the third that halted his team’s momentum. Brandon Sutter was also effective doing yeoman work shorthanded.

Following a tough save by Henrik Lundqvist of a tough Blake Comeau shot, the Rangers got caught scrambling around. Eventually, the Pens outhustled them to a loose puck with Nick Spaling and Ben Lovejoy combining to set up Comeau on the doorstep with Lapierre manhandling Boyle. It was Comeau’s first career postseason goal. A forward who’s had a lot of success against Lundqvist scoring 12 regular season goals. Some of those date back to his Islander days.

Once they cut the lead in half, the Pens were better. Continuing to chip pucks in and chase, they were able to finally get consistent pressure. In particular, Malkin who had a close call where he drove hard to the net but his stuff attempt was stopped by Lundqvist and cleared out of harm’s way by Staal. Despite being dangerous, he only had two shots due to the Rangers blocking shots. They blocked 22 including a game high six from Girardi, who missed the final nine minutes due to taking a puck in the jaw. The Rangers’ iron man was examined by a dentist. He still logged 18:37 in 24 shifts and assisted on Brassard’s opening goal.

Girardi was injured when Chris Kunitz attempted a shot that accidentally caught him under the visor. Visibly shaken, he left the game and didn’t return. So used to seeing him come back, it was odd not to see Girardi for the final nine minutes. But his teammates picked him up.

Malkin had one other opportunity on the Pens’ only power play. With Nash off for boarding, a loose puck came to him in the slot but he fanned on the shot as did another teammate. That was a great chance for them to tie the game.

Any chance the Rangers had was eliminated by Fleury, who used his glove to rob Carl Hagelin. He also thwarted Derek Stepan and McDonagh. If he plays like that, it could be a tighter series.

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

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

For the Blueshirts, it’s all about finding a way to win. They won ugly. At this crucial time of year, you don’t get style points. They were able to grab Game 1. Following some close calls where Lundqvist held up his end of the bargain stopping all nine Pens third period shots, they locked down defensively. The fourth line had a good final shift with Vigneault replacing Glass with Hagelin. Brassard also did a good job with Nash on the forecheck killing off precious time.

One forward who really stood out was J.T. Miller. He really played well. In on the forecheck, he finished checks and took Pens off the puck while generating chances for linemates Stepan and Chris Kreider, who had a quiet game. Miller had five hits and was very sound in 20 effective shifts playing exactly 14:00.

Kevin Hayes had a couple of good shifts but also a scary moment where his giveaway led to a Malkin chance with the Rangers protecting the lead in the third. Martin St. Louis was ineffective. They’ll need better games from him and Kreider.

It wasn’t perfect. But it didn’t have to be. Game 2 awaits Saturday night in prime time at 8 PM on NBC. See you there.

Henrik Lundqvist makes a glove save in Game 1 against the Pens. He finished with 24 saves in the Rangers' 2-1 win. AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

Henrik Lundqvist makes a glove save in Game 1 against the Pens. He finished with 24 saves in the Rangers’ 2-1 win.
AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Ryan McDonagh, NYR (PPG-1st, 4 SOG, 2 takeaways, 3 blocks, +1 in 32 shifts-25:36)

2nd Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (24 saves incl. 9/9 in 3rd)

1st Star-Marc-Andre Fleury, PIT (36 saves incl. 25/25 the final 2 periods)

Notes: Hits were dead even 32-32. Four Pens had four including Hornqvist, Kunitz, Sutter and David Perron. Miller led the Rangers with five followed by Fast and Hagelin, who each had four. … The Rangers won despite losing the faceoff battle 38-28. Crosby led the Pens going 15-for-20 followed by Lapierre (9-and-6). Moore was .500 (6-and-6) and Brassard was 12-and-13. Stepan went 8-and-11. … Lundqvist tied Walt Tkachuk for the team record with 93 playoff appearances. A record he’ll break tomorrow.

Key Stats

Power Play PIT 0-1 NYR 1-5 (6 shots)

Giveaways PIT 7 NYR 11

Shot Attempts PIT 51 NYR 55

Blocked Shots PIT 11 NYR 22

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NHL Playoffs: Rangers and Penguins ready for Game 1

Posted on April 16, 2015 by Derek
Thanks Mom: Martin St. Louis scores in the first period for his Mom France in Game 6 last year. The Rangers face the Penguins again in the first round with greater expectations. . AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Thanks Mom: Martin St. Louis scores in the first period for his Mom France in Game 6 last year. The Rangers face the Penguins again in the first round with greater expectations. .
AP Photo/Seth Wenig

It starts all over again for the Rangers. After setting franchise marks in wins (53) and points (113), they must turn the page. The NHL Playoffs are a different animal. Ask any player who still remains from last year’s roster how hard it is to win four series and earn 16 victories to win the Stanley Cup and they’ll tell you.

It’s all about this Spring for the President’s Trophy winners. It starts tonight against the Penguins for a Game 1 at what should be a wild environment at Madison Square Garden. A rematch of last year’s entertaining Eastern Conference Semifinal that went seven games before the Rangers came back from a 3-1 series deficit to advance past the Penguins, this time they’re overwhelming favorites. With high expectations comes a lot of pressure. We’ll see if they’re up to the challenge.

Entering the first round, the Pens are a mess defensively. They’re without Kris Letang, Olli Maatta and at least to start, Christian Ehrhoff and rookie Derrick Pouliot. That means first-year coach Mike Johnston will lean heavily on vets Paul Martin and Rob Scuderi. Ben Lovejoy and Ian Cole will see big minutes. Taylor Chorney and Brian Dumoulin? Who? Exactly. Scott Harrington was recalled as an extra.

The Rangers should be able to exploit the Pens lack of quality defensive depth. They boast three scoring lines led by the cohesive trio of Rick Nash, Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarello. For Nash, it’s all about the postseason. He scored a career high 42 goals and had 69 points. He’s been brilliant. It’s time to rewrite a playoff script that’s seen him score four goals in 37 games on Broadway. He’s healthy and motivated. Brassard is a great setup man who had a career high 60 points and Zuccarello is a perfect complement with a blend of skill, creativity and willingness to mix it up.

That Alain Vigneault can send out the All-American line of Chris Kreider, Derek Stepan and J.T. Miller gives him two number one lines. While Kreider and Stepan have been streaky, they can step it up. Kreider has 22 points (11-11-22) in 41 postseason games including 13 (5-8-13) in 15 games last year. Stepan had 15 points (5-10-15) last year proving capable. Miller got into four games and tallied two assists. He’s improved enough to become a top six forward who brings a physical element and complements Stepan and Kreider.

The third line of speedster Carl Hagelin, breakout candidate Kevin Hayes and proven vet Martin St. Louis has solid chemistry. In particular, Hayes’ rapid development makes the Blueshirts dangerous. He is very poised using his size well. Very patient with the puck, he can be a match-up nightmare for a opponent short on D. If he performs and there’s no reason to believe he won’t, they can go far. St. Louis must finish. Hagelin is a consistent two-way threat whose speed can become a factor.

To start, the fourth line will be Tanner Glass, Dominic Moore and Jesper Fast. Right now, there are no issues. Glass played his best hockey the final month adding the physical element and energy Vigneault expected. Is he scary? Sure. He must pick his spots when going for hits. It can’t come at the expense of putting himself out of position causing odd-man rushes for Pens’ stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Vigneault should make sure to limit Glass’ shifts against such world class players. Moore is a smart checking player who wins faceoffs, can chip in the occasional goal and plays penalty kill. Fast is sorta like his name in that he’s a good skater who can kill penalties and plays disciplined. If he or Glass falter, James Sheppard will be in.

If the Rangers have a huge edge, it’s on the blueline. Led by Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi, they are deep thanks to Marc Staal returning and Glen Sather’s wise addition of Keith Yandle at the deadline. When you can have Yandle on your third pair and also quarterback your power play and make good reads that lead to offense at 5-on-5, you have to feel pretty good about your chances. Dan Boyle can be adventurous in his end and the Pens will try to take advantage of that. But he’s experienced enough and is an asset in the offensive zone. Matt Hunwick has done all that’s been asked. He is the sixth defenseman until Kevin Klein is ready. When that is could depend upon how this series goes.

The goalie match-up pits Henrik Lundqvist against Marc-Andre Fleury. Before everyone dismisses Fleury, he’s had a good year. He led the league with 10 shutouts and posted a 2.32 goals-against-average and .920 save percentage while winning 34 of the Pens’ 43 games. Yes, he can be moved side to side. The Rangers have enough skill to do it. But Fleury is capable. Lundqvist is 100 percent and looked sharp after his return from a sprained blood vessel. That he still won 30 in 46 games is impressive. But as he knows, it’s all about the postseason. Can he duplicate last year and get the final three wins required for 16? Cam Talbot is a quality back-up who can start. He’ll only get in if the Rangers are really bad in a period or Lundqvist is off.

Can the Pens pull the upset? While many have written them off, they still possess two of the game’s biggest stars. Crosby and Malkin can take over series. You have to be blind not to give them a chance. Is the deck stacked against them? Absolutely. But it’s not like they don’t have forwards capable of factoring in. Patric Hornqvist can snipe and is always in front of the net. The Rangers must pay attention to him and box out. Chris Kunitz is proven.

David Perron is the wildcard. Oh. He’s skilled but finished ice cold with no goals over his last 12. He’s on a line with Malkin and Kunitz. Crosby centers Hornqvist and Daniel Winnik. Blake Comeau was good in the first half but starts on the fourth line with antagonist Max Lapierre and Nick Spaling. Brandon Sutter is a underrated third line two-way center who’s dangerous shorthanded. He anchors Beau Bennett and pest Steve Downie.

If I were the Pens, I’d try to get the Rangers off their game. Figure Downie and Lapierre to mix it up during and after shifts. Last year, the Rangers succeeded agitating Crosby and Malkin, who was the Pens’ most dangerous forward. He steps up and never backs off. There’ll probably be plenty of rough stuff.

Pittsburgh might try to slow down the tempo. Try to lull the Rangers to sleep. They might play more deliberate turning the series into a tight checking lower scoring affair. The Rangers want to push the pace and forecheck the Pens to death. Try to wear them out. They have superior depth.

It’s worth noting that the Pens are 9-3 all-time in the playoffs at MSG. The Rangers took last year’s series by winning the final three including Games 5 and 7 on the road. If they lose at home, don’t forget they set a franchise mark for a second straight year under Vigneault winning 28 road games. They won’t panic.

Keys To A Ranger Win

1.Score Early-create some doubt. The Pens are fragile.

2.Discipline-don’t give the Pens power plays. They still ranked in the top 10 at 19.3 percent. Crosby and Malkin excel on the man-advantage. Of Crosby’s 84 points, 31 came on the power play (10-21-31). Malkin had 26 (9-17-26) of his 70 on it. Take their space away. Hornqvist had 6 power play goals and Kunitz had 9.

3.Special Teams-sticking with the theme, the Rangers power play ranked in the bottom third at 16.8 percent. It showed signs the final week with McDonagh and Brassard tallying. To succeed, it has to be better. The penalty kill ranked sixth killing 84.3 percent. Nash and Stepan combined for six shorthanded goals. The Pens ranked third best at 84.6 percent with Sutter scoring four shorthanded goals.

4.Puck Possession-while I’m not a big Corsi/Fenwick guy, being able to control puck possession is important. It’s no secret the Rangers aren’t a great faceoff team. They ranked second to last in faceoff percentage (46.7 percent). Surprisingly, the Pens weren’t great either going 49.1 percent. Crosby actually lost three more draws and Sutter was slightly over 50 percent. Moore is the only Ranger who was over 50 percent. Brassard was okay while Stepan struggled but he is capable of winning key ones. As long as the Rangers drive possession and dictate, they should be okay.

5.Goaltending and D-Bottom line. Lundqvist is the better goalie and the Rangers have the better D. That must play out. If Fleury is able to match him and the D shows leaks, all bets are off.

Series Prediction: Rangers in 6

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Islanders get off to good start in Game 1 win over Capitals

Posted on April 16, 2015 by Derek
Strome Celebrates: Ryan Strome celebrates his game-winner in the Islanders' 4-1 win over the Capitals in Game 1. AP Photo by Alex Brandon/Getty Images

Strome Celebrates: Ryan Strome celebrates his game-winner in the Islanders’ 4-1 win over the Capitals in Game 1.
AP Photo by Alex Brandon/Getty Images

If the start was any indication, the Islanders have erased the end of the regular season from their memory banks. They convincingly took Game 1 over the Capitals 4-1 at a very quiet Verizon Center on the first night of the NHL Playoffs. Just like that, they took home ice away from Washington. You can bet when the series shifts to Nassau Coliseum, it will be rocking.

The best aspect of the Islanders victory was it was their inexperienced players who came to the forefront. Three of their four goals were scored by players making their NHL playoff debuts. Brock Nelson scored twice and Ryan Strome notched the game-winner. Josh Bailey had a key insurance marker and assist as the Isles established themselves in a well played 60-minute effort against a surprisingly listless Caps.

On a night where captain John Tavares had an assist, it was the trio of Nelson, Strome and Bailey who did all the scoring. Interestingly, they entered last night with seven combined postseason games and zero goals. That didn’t stop them from being huge factors.

”I liked their composure, the way they held their emotions in check, and they came up big for us tonight,” Isles’ coach Jack Capuano said. ”They skated. And, you know, they played with confidence and poise. And they’ve done that all year.”

Capuano also had to like that Jaroslav Halak was solid finishing with 24 saves. The only goal he allowed was to Marcus Johansson in the final minute of the first period allowing the Caps to tie it 1-1. He was an adventure coming out of the net turning over the puck and never got set for Johansson’s tally from Brooks Laich. Outside of another puck adventure that almost allowed Washington to get within one with Braden Holtby on the bench for an extra attacker, Halak was steady.

”Any time they were able to get some quality chances, (Halak) was there to shut the door,” Bailey said.

The Islanders did a good job blanketing Alex Ovechkin. Even though the league’s leading goalscorer got eight shots through which Halak handled, they made him work for it. During most shifts, he was surrounded by two Islanders. Even when Washington coach Barry Trotz flipped Nicklas Backstrom with Evgeny Kuznetsov for a few shifts with Ovechkin, the Isles were able to defend well. They also were disciplined only taking two penalties. The improved penalty kill was perfect doing a solid job limiting Ovechkin’s time and space.

From the outset, the Isles were sharp. Even with the Caps trying to establish their physicality, it didn’t stop the Islanders from hitting back. Capuano’s fourth line of Matt Martin, Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck cycled effectively while finishing checks. They are the kind of line that can succeed in the playoffs. Able to bring energy and generate scoring chances, that trio can’t be overlooked if the Isles advance.

One area they were better at was taking advantage of their chances. Nelson scored his first career playoff goal in transition from Bailey and Johnny Boychuk at 6:06. Troy Brouwer turned over the puck in the neutral zone. Boychuk moved the puck to Bailey, who gained the Caps zone and dished for Nelson, whose unscreened shot from the right circle eluded Holtby. It wasn’t a good goal for the Caps’ netminder to allow.

For a majority of the first, the Islanders controlled the play. They played a smart road period taking the crowd out of it. Even with Ovechkin and Brooks Orpik delivering big hits, the Isles were able to outshoot the Caps 11-7. They really were in control until Halak’s mistake in the final minute which allowed Johansson to tie it at 19:03.

Despite that, they retook the lead early in the second. Following an icing, Tavares won a clean draw to Strome, who stepped to the right and fired a quick wrister that surprised Holtby beating him short side. It was the second bad goal he allowed. Judging from the fan reaction, it was deflating. A notorious loud crowd never really got into it. Their team didn’t respond well.

Josh Bailey beats Braden Holtby for his first of the playoffs. AP Photo by Alex Brandon/Getty Images

Josh Bailey beats Braden Holtby for his first of the playoffs.
AP Photo by Alex Brandon/Getty Images

Bailey was able to increase the Isles’ lead to 3-1 when he got to a Kyle Okposo rebound and chipped the puck over Holtby at 10:36. Frans Nielsen, who started the play, picked up the secondary helper.

”There might have been question marks outside of the dressing room. I think us guys in here believe in one another, believe in what we have, and I think that tonight was an example of that,” Bailey added.

The Islanders were able to shutdown the Capitals. There was no comeback. When they needed a big save, Halak was there. That’s a big positive. He’ll need to be at his best. In Game 1, he outplayed Holtby who permitted three goals on 26 shots.

”We’re going to have to be a lot sharper. That goes right through the whole lineup,” Trotz said. ”I thought from our top guys to our role players, there wasn’t too many sharp guys.”

”Our desperation level could be a little bit better than it was tonight,” Orpik added. ”They looked like they had a little more urgency than we did.”

Even better, they won without Travis Hamonic. Thomas Hickey gave them valuable minutes combining with Lubomir Visnovsky to finish plus-four. Boychuk handled the big shifts logging 23:05 with four shots, three blocked shots and a plus-one rating teamed with Nick Leddy. Calvin de Haan and Brian Strait were fine.

With his team still down two with two minutes left, Trotz sent Holtby to the bench for a 6-on-5. The Caps had a couple of keeps but weren’t able to get much aside from a Halak misplay that almost led to a goal. Maybe he should stay in the net instead of giving Islander fans panic attacks.

Eventually, a good defensive play by Michael Grabner allowed rookie Anders Lee to clear the puck down the ice. Nelson outraced a Cap and scored into an empty net for the final margin.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Ryan Strome, NYI (game-winning goal, 2 SOG in 23 shifts-15:51)

2nd Star-Josh Bailey, NYI (goal, assist, 3 SOG, +2 in 23 shifts-15:11)

1st Star-Brock Nelson, NYI (2 goals, 5 SOG, +2 in 22 shifts-13:17)

Notes: The teams combined for 82 hits with the Caps holding a 46-36 edge. Orpik paced everyone with nine while Martin led the Isles with eight. … Despite losing the faceoff battle 39-23, Tavares had a huge win that resulted in Strome’s game-winner. He went 9-and-11. Nielsen was 7-and-6. Backstrom led the Caps finishing 14-and-6. Michael Latta was 7-and-2. … Ovechkin, Backstrom and Joel Ward were each minus-two. Karl Alzner went minus-three and Matt Niskanen was on for all four goals against. … Game 2 is Friday at 7 PM.

Key Stats

Blocked shots NYI 19 (Boychuk, Strait 3 each) WSH 17 (Orpik, Karl Alzner 4 each)

Giveaways NYI 5 WSH 11

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Playoffs Day One

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Derek
When the Blues host the Wild for Game 1 of their first round series, rookie Jake Allen gets the call in net. That's not the only surprise starter in Round 1. AP Photo by Jeff Roberson/Getty Images

When the Blues host the Wild for Game 1 of their first round series, rookie Jake Allen gets the call in net. That’s not the only surprise starter in Round 1.
AP Photo by Jeff Roberson/Getty Images

The countdown is on. In a few hours, there’ll be playoff hockey. Finally, the 16-team NHL tournament starts for the Stanley Cup. Tonight, half the eight series get underway.

Two in the East will begin at 7 PM. As we previewed, the Islanders are in the nation’s capital to face the Capitals for Game 1. The other match-up features Canadian rivals the Senators and Canadiens meeting at Bell Centre in Montreal. What’s better than that?!?!?! Too bad both start around the same time. There’ll be plenty of channel flipping unless you’re at a sports bar.

Out West, the Blackhawks and Predators do battle in Music City at 8:30 PM. Is this the year Nashville figures out Chicago? Patrick Kane is back for Game 1. The final game of the night features another thrilling all-Canadian match-up. Indeed, the Flames are in Vancouver to renew acquaintances with the Canucks. It’s been 11 years since they did battle in a wild seven-game series that went to Calgary on current assistant Martin Gelinas’ overtime winner. Gone are Jarome Iginla and Markus Naslund. The Sedins are still around. But it’s mostly fresh faces we’ll get including Johnny Gaudreau, Jiri Hudler and Sean Monahan on the Alberta side.

It should be exciting. The playoffs always are as well as unpredictable. Already, two participants will be sitting starters in favor of hot backups. When the Red Wings visit the Lightning tomorrow night, it’ll be Petr Mrazek in net over Jimmy Howard. He won 16 games and posted a 2.38 goals-against-average with a .918 save percentage and three shutouts including a 2-0 blanking at Carolina on the final day of the regular season.

When the Blues host the Wild in St. Louis, they’ll go with rookie Jake Allen over veteran Brian Elliott. Coach Ken Hitchcock changed his mind deciding to ride the hot hand. Allen finished the season strong going 5-1-1 with a 1.32 GAA and .950 save percentage over his last eight appearances. The 24-year old won 22 games posting a 2.28 GAA, .913 save percentage with four shutouts. He allowed two goals-or-less in his last eight. Elliott was 26-14-3 with a 2.26 GAA, ,917 save percentage and five shutouts. He started just twice in the Blues’ last six.

Both Hitchcock and potential top coaching free agent Mike Babcock are gambling that their younger netminders can carry them through Round 1 and go on a run. While I’m not sure how the Red Wings will respond facing a lethal offense like Tampa’s, the Blues should be ready to go against the Wild, who feature Devan Dubnyk. After coming over from Arizona, Dubnyk went 27-9-2 with a 1.78 GAA, .936 save percentage and five shutouts in 39 starts. An amazing run that lifted Minnesota into the first wildcard. They should give St. Louis all they can handle.

Both series get underway tomorrow as do the Penguins versus Rangers and Jets versus Ducks. For more on the first round, see our Playoff Preview.

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Series Preview: Islanders ready to do battle against Capitals

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Derek
John Tavares and Kyle Okposo look to lead the Islanders past Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and the Capitals. Getty Images

John Tavares and Kyle Okposo look to lead the Islanders past Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and the Capitals.
Getty Images

Tonight’s the night for the Islanders and their fans. They return to the playoffs following a disappointing ’13-14. During the first half, coach Jack Capuano’s club was the story vaulting into first in the Metropolitan Division and at one point atop the league standings.

Everything went right. GM Garth Snow’s new additions worked. Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy stabilized the blueline. Jaroslav Halak strengthened their Achilles heel in net. Nikolay Kulemin and Mikhail Grabovski improved the Isles’ forward depth. The development of young guns Anders Lee, Brock Nelson and Ryan Strome are a big reason they’re here. The play of the fourth line led by Matt Martin, Cal Clutterbuck and Casey Cizikas made them hard to play against.

It isn’t just about talented captain John Tavares, who finished second in scoring with 86 points (38-48-86). Kyle Okposo was able to return from a torn retina and scored in the final regular season game. Josh Bailey and Frans Nielsen have been frequent contributors. Without Grabovski (concussion), Snow added Tyler Kennedy and recalled Colin McDonald. Even Eric Boulton got in. When they start, dangerous penalty killer Michael Grabovski will be in the lineup.

These Islanders have plenty of depth. However, they won’t have defenseman Travis Hamonic available for Game 1 tonight against the Capitals. One of the keys to their back end, Hamonic had an excellent season tallying five goals and 28 assists for 33 points with a plus-15 rating in 71 games. He’s a strong defensive player who Capuano trusts. Still nursing a injury sustained in last Friday’s loss to the Penguins, his status is uncertain for the first round. If he’s unable to return, it’s a huge hit.

Facing the game’s top sniper Alex Ovechkin, who again led the league in goals (53) and power play goals (25), it puts more pressure on Leddy and Boychuk to stifle the Great Eight. They not only have to contend with Ovechkin but one of the game’s best passers in Nicklas Backstrom, whose 60 assists led the league. It’ll be interesting to see how Calvin de Haan fares in his NHL playoff debut. A solid skating defensive defenseman, the 23-year old former ’09 first round pick is a smart player who makes good reads. Along with vet Lubomir Visnovsky, they’ll be keys to the Isles’ success. Thomas Hickey and Brian Strait are in the top six with Hamonic out. The team recalled Griffin Reinhart but it looks like he’s a healthy scratch along with Matt Donovan.

How will Capuano use his D? His top pair of Leddy-Boychuk should see plenty of Ovechkin. Interestingly, he’s not playing on the same line as Backstrom. Rookie Evgeny Kuznetsov will center Ovechkin and Joel Ward. Backstrom anchors Marcus Johansson and Troy Brouwer. The Isles’ second pair is Hickey-Visnovsky and their third pair will be de Haan-Strait.

While the Isles’ lines are uncertain, here are the Caps:

Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-Ward

Johansson-Backstrom-Brouwer

Laich-Fehr-Beagle

Glencross-Latta-Chimera

Orpik-Carlson

Alzner-Niskanen

Gleason-Green

Holtby

Peters

Scratches: Orlov, Burakovsky

*Injured-Wilson

If there’s a determining factor, it could be special teams. The Capitals boast the league’s top ranked power play converting 25.3 percent. Led by Ovechkin with top set up man Backstrom and trigger Carlson, they are dangerous. The Caps also use Brouwer in front giving them a net presence. Johansson, Kuznetsov, Ward, Green and Niskanen are also key components.

For most of the season, the Islanders penalty kill struggled. However, they improved to 26th at 78.0 percent. While not earth shattering, they only allowed three power play goals over the last 18 games going 39 for 42 (92.9 percent). They’ll have to be at their best to win the series. That includes getting some big saves from Halak. Staying disciplined will be huge.

It’ll be a fun and exciting series. One that should feature both scoring and physicality. Even with the Caps minus Tom Wilson, they’ll mix it up. Ovechkin is like a runaway locomotive and Orpik hits everything. Brouwer never shies away from the rough stuff. The Isles have the NHL version of the Bash Brothers in bruisers Martin and Clutterbuck. If they are back together with Cizikas, that gives Capuano a crash line that gave opponents fits in the first half. It’ll be interesting to see what he decides with his bottom lines.

It shapes up to be a very competitive series. Nothing separated these teams in the standings except for a silly tiebreaker that gave the Caps home ice. If they do have an edge, it’s in net with Holtby. He had a great year winning 41 games with a 2.22 goals-against-average, .923 save percentage and nine shutouts. The only thing is he played every single game down the stretch. Can the Isles wear him out?

Will Halak perform? He won 38 games but was not the same in the second half. He is capable of making big saves but also can give up the crusher as seen in a befuddling loss to the Flyers with Brayden Schenn beating him with under three seconds to spare.

The offense is almost even with the Isles holding a slight edge. The defense points towards the Caps due to former Pens Orpik and Niskanen. The goaltending points towards Washington. The coaching I’m not sure about. I get that Capuano gets a lot of criticism for some of his decisions. Barry Trotz is one of the best and has turned around the Caps with Ovechkin buying in. This is a whale of a series. Possibly the best.

As much as I would love an Islanders/Rangers second round series, I see the Capitals as an improved team that’s deeper than years past. Tougher D and stronger in goal.

Series Prediction: Capitals in 6

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