Why celebrate the President’s Trophy?

Posted on April 9, 2015 by Derek
The Rangers have done a lot of celebrating this year. The President's Trophy isn't the ultimate goal. AP Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The Rangers have done a lot of celebrating this year. The President’s Trophy isn’t the ultimate goal.
AP Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Before the Rangers take the ice to host the Senators, apparently there’ll be a presentation before puck drop. The official Rangers twitter account teased what it’ll be about.

Obviously, with the franchise clinching the President’s Trophy for the league’s best record on Tuesday, they’re going to honor the team. While it is a nice accomplishment considering the history of the Rangers, it doesn’t mean a whole lot. Unless this season results in a Stanley Cup, nobody will care. As has been the team mantra, it’s championship or bust.

What I don’t get is why they’re making such a big deal out of it. It’s almost as if MSG wants fans to celebrate every win. If you listen to the broadcast tandem of Sam Rosen and Joe Micheletti, everything is blown up. I don’t remember Rosen and former partner John Davidson going gaga over the President’s Trophy in ’93-94. That’s because MSG Network actually used to be down the middle prior to James Dolan. They actually used to have hard hitting shows like SportsDesk hosted by Bob Page and Mike Crispino. It was even okay to criticize the Garden’s own teams.

If there’s one thing I can’t stomach about the social media craze, it’s this waving the pom poms approach. From the way new fans act to the way the Twitter has become, it’s enough to make you sick. The real diehard who sits up in what used to be the Blue Seats doesn’t care about any of this stuff. Believe it or not, there are still passionate fans who bled Blue during the awful years when they missed the playoffs for nearly a decade. We sat through many sleepless nights watching an awful product. The true loyalty and patience paid off. Even if Dolan’s new MSG wants to price us out and cater to the newbies.

I’ll be honest. I hate the new MSG. They have divided the fanbase. It’s not as fun going to games. The atmosphere isn’t the same. It’s been dead ever since the renovation. The place just isn’t as loud. It can still be that way for the big playoff game. Ask any player about why they’ve won the big ones at home and they’ll tell you. Game 6 of the 2014 Eastern Conference Final felt like Game 7 against Montreal. One goal was enough. That team played a perfect game to reach the Stanley Cup Final. That’s how it MUST be this Spring. Home ice can still be an advantage when it’s needed. That’s where the diehards come in.

I tweet with most of them on Twitter. They’re the kind who aren’t making a big deal out of our team clinching the best record. For the 2014-15 Rangers, the journey isn’t over. Far from it. When you hear the players talk, they seem focused on a much bigger goal. That’s because they could care less about a President’s Trophy. The ultimate goal is still ahead. It involves going through four grueling rounds and requires 16 wins. Something they fell three short of doing last year. They tasted bitter defeat against the Kings. This year is about retribution. It’s about winning a championship.

2014-15 has a chance to be a very special season for the New York Rangers. While the organization will recognize what they’ve accomplished so far later tonight, that’s not what their players are thinking about. It all begins for real next week. Whether it’s Wednesday or Thursday, that’s what everyone is waiting for. I’m ready. Are you?

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Oilers put Kings on brink

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Derek
Benoit Pouliot scored a big goal for the Oilers against the Kings putting the defending champs on the brink. They must win at Calgary tomorrow. AP Photo by Jason Franson/The Canadian Press

Benoit Pouliot scored a big goal for the Oilers against the Kings putting the defending champs on the brink. They must win at Calgary tomorrow.
AP Photo by Jason Franson/The Canadian Press

By show of hands, how many had the Kings missing the playoffs? It could become reality by tomorrow. The defending champs had recently destroyed the Oilers 8-2. However, Edmonton exacted revenge with a damaging 4-2 win on home ice to put the Kings on the brink. The last time a defending champion didn’t qualify for the postseason was in ’06-07 when the Hurricanes missed.

Matt Fraser scored twice. Benoit Pouliot scored his career best 18th and set up another. After missing 41 games due to a spleen injury, Tyler Pitlick notched what proved to be the game-winner as the Oilers dealt the Kings a second consecutive loss. LA was coming off a shootout loss at Vancouver. With 93 points and only two games left including a do or die match at Calgary Thursday, they need to win their final two and get help. Their defeat allowed the Canucks to clinch a playoff berth. The Canucks have 97 points. Four better than the Kings but also hold the first tiebreaker with three more regulation/overtime wins (40-37) with two games left.

”We just didn’t have enough energy, enough jump,” Anze Kopitar said. ”We didn’t play our style of game. I don’t know what the reason was. It just wasn’t good enough. That’s the bottom line.”

LA coach Darryl Sutter curiously started backup Martin Jones in a back-to-back. Citing recent success with Jones pitching shutouts against Edmonton, he gave former Conn Smythe winner Jonathan Quick a rare night off. His team wasn’t good enough in front of him. They allowed Pouliot to score on a clean breakaway. Following a Pouliot near miss that needed a brief review in Toronto, the Kings lost a faceoff allowing Pitlick to get to a loose puck and beat Jones making it 3-1 with 14:29 left.

Drew Doughty gave them a chance when he surprised Edmonton starter Richard Bachman with a shot from the red line for a power play goal cutting the deficit to one with 11:22 remaining. But that’s as close as they got. The Oilers were able to protect the lead. Ironically, Doughty got the best chance with two minutes to go but wasn’t able to beat Bachman. He was hooked from behind but there was no call leaving the Kings’ top defenseman irate.

The Kings pulled Jones for the extra attacker. However, they never really threatened. Unable to get the one chance needed to force overtime, they watched hopelessly as Nail Yakupov used his speed to skate the puck out and hand for Fraser, who scored his second of the game into an open net at 19:58.

”We just have to win our next game and go from there,” Marian Gaborik said. ”We are obviously disappointed to be in this position, but we have to go to Calgary (on Thursday) and win. That’s all there is to it.”

With Calgary getting a late Sean Monahan goal and a few clutch stops from Jonas Hiller to hold off Arizona 3-2 at home, the Flames moved up to 95 points with the big home match versus the Kings tomorrow.

With Winnipeg continuing to win thanks Ondrej Pavelec pitching a second straight shutout- this time stopping all 30 in a 1-0 road win over St. Louis- the Jets are up to 96 points with two games remaining. Despite only having 35 ROW, they’re in position to wrap up the final wildcard. The Wild sewed up the first by defeating the Blackhawks 2-1. Devan Dubnyk made 32 saves to get Minnesota in.

The situation is this. Winnipeg has 96 points with two left while Calgary has 95 with two left. But the Flames play the Kings tomorrow. They lead them by two and have three more ROW. LA has two more ROW (37-35) over Winnipeg. If they somehow finish tied, the Kings would get in. At 93 points, the Kings have their work cut out. They must win. Making it more complicated, the Flames and Jets meet Saturday in what could be an elimination game if LA beats Calgary. Here’s how it shakes out for the three teams chasing the final two spots.

Winnipeg 96 Points 35 ROW 4/9 @ Avalanche 4/11 vs Flames

Calgary 95 Points 40 ROW 4/9 vs Kings 4/11 @ Jets

Los Angeles 93 Points 37 ROW 4/9 @ Flames 4/11 vs Sharks

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Wild Tuesday Sets Up Frantic Finish

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Derek
Stone Mountain: Sens rookie sensation Mark Stone is pumped after scoring the overtime winner to stun the Pens. Ottawa rallied from 3-0 down to win 4-3. The Canadian Press by Justin Tang AP

Stone Mountain: Sens rookie sensation Mark Stone is pumped after scoring the overtime winner to stun the Pens. Ottawa rallied from 3-0 down to win 4-3.
The Canadian Press by Justin Tang AP

While the Rangers wrapped up the President’s Trophy last night, a wild Tuesday around the league set up a frantic finish. With playoff spots still up for grabs in both conferences, there’s plenty to follow as the regular season nears conclusion this weekend.

In the East, only four teams have clinched playoff berths. We know the winner of the Atlantic Division will be either Montreal or Tampa Bay. We also know Washington is a playoff team with 99 points. The rest is uncertain. The top three spots in each division guarantee themselves. In the Metro, the Islanders and Penguins are battling for the final spot with a wildcard likely going down to the wire. In the Atlantic, the Red Wings got a big win holding off Carolina 3-2 to move two points up on Boston and Ottawa.

What transpired Tuesday between 9:30 and 10:30 EST was unbelievable. Entering their match at Philadelphia, the Islanders needed one point to clinch the playoffs. However, they fell behind the Flyers 4-1 early in the third. A frantic rally allowed them to tie it. Anders Lee started the comeback by rifling home his 24th from Josh Bailey.

Still trailing by two late, coach Jack Capuano pulled Jaroslav Halak for an extra attacker. After Johnny Boychuk scored from John Tavares, the Flyers blew a few chances at an empty net. An icing led directly to Tavares outsmarting Claude Giroux on an offensive draw, setting up Lee’s tying marker with under 28 seconds left. All they needed was to get to overtime. But the unthinkable happened. With Brayden Schenn tightly guarded by Travis Hamonic, he got off a prayer through Hamonic’s legs that Halak muffed allowing the Flyers to win the game 5-4 with three seconds left.

While that bizarre conclusion happened, the Senators were rallying back from a 3-0 deficit against the Penguins. Pittsburgh started well with captain Sidney Crosby scoring 10 seconds in. Beau Bennett and Patric Hornqvist added goals in a lopsided first that had the Pens in total control leading by three. Needing the game, the Sens never gave up. A Jean-Gabriel Pageau shorthanded goal at 14:41 of the second got them back in it.

When red hot rookie Mark Stone scored his 23rd only 34 seconds into the third, Ottawa fans were back in it. A game they once trailed by three was down to one. Part of the reason was the play of the Hamburglar. Andrew Hammond made several key saves in the second to keep his team in it. He didn’t need to do much in the third. The Pens only took three shots. They were outshot 18-3.

With Pittsburgh nursing a one-goal lead, it came down to the final two minutes of regulation. After several close calls with only Marc-Andre Fleury preventing the inevitable, rookie Mike Hoffman’s seeing eye shot beat the Pittsburgh netminder shortside from Mike Zibanejad. Canadian Tire Centre went wild. After the Pens took a mind boggling bench minor. the Sens nearly won it before the end of regulation but a sprawling Fleury save forced extras.

In overtime, they wouldn’t be denied. A couple of days removed from a gut wrenching shootout loss at Toronto, the Sens made sure to get it done in OT. After Pittsburgh killed a 4-on-3 power play, Erik Karlsson made the biggest play breaking up a pass for Crosby at his own blueline. Earlier, he was on for all three Pens goals against. This time, the former Norris winner came up big making the key defensive play and then setting up Stone’s winner with 2:17 left setting off a celebration.

Had the Pens held on to beat the Sens in regulation, the Islanders would’ve clinched. Instead, the Sens have 95 points and are tied with the Bruins. Boston is locked into a wildcard due to two more regulation and overtime wins (37) and one extra game remaining. They make that up tonight at Washington. With only three games on Wednesday’s schedule, that is the only one with playoff significance. Boston can inch closer to clinching with a win. Washington can close in on second place in the Metro and home ice for the first round.

Whatever happens, Ottawa is still alive with two left. They have the fewest ROW (35) and don’t have the tiebreaker. That means they need to win and get help. They can still finish with more points than the Red Wings, Bruins, Islanders and Penguins. They can get to 99 but can’t be tied because they’ll lose on the first tiebreaker. Their remaining two games are tomorrow at the Rangers and Saturday at the Flyers. In an odd twist, Islander and Penguin fans will be pulling for the Rangers to beat Ottawa Thursday.

If the Sens are able to win tomorrow, that puts them at 97. The Islanders and Pens each have two games remaining. However, they meet Friday in Pittsburgh. A Senators victory would put an enormous amount of pressure on the Isles and Pens. The loser would go into their final game knowing they’ll probably have to win. The Islanders finish with Columbus at Nassau Coliseum Saturday. The Pens finish at Buffalo. Facing a team chasing last overall to give them the highest odds to win the lottery for McEichel. Buffalo needs one more loss or a Coyotes win to clinch 30th.

With so much still at stake, here are the remaining schedules for the five teams broken down further with points and ROW.

Islanders 98 Pts 39 ROW 4/10 @ Pens 4/11 vs Blue Jackets

Penguins 96 Pts 38 ROW 4/10 vs Isles 4/11 @ Sabres

Red Wings 97 Pts 38 ROW 4/9 @ Habs 4/11 @ Canes

Bruins 95 Pts 37 ROW 4/8 @ Caps 4/9 @ Panthers 4/11 @ Bolts

Senators 95 Pts 35 ROW 4/9 @ NYR 4/11 @ Flyers

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Rangers Defeat Devils 4-2 to clinch President’s Trophy

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Derek
Sheppard's Pie: Rangers' goalscorer James Sheppard is congratulated by Dominic Moore and Dan Boyle. AP Photo by Julio Cortez/Getty Images

Sheppard’s Pie: Rangers’ goalscorer James Sheppard is congratulated by Dominic Moore and Dan Boyle.
AP Photo by Julio Cortez/Getty Images

For the first time since ’93-94, the Rangers won the President’s Trophy clinching the NHL’s best record and home ice advantage by defeating the Devils 4-2 in Newark Tuesday night. Their fifth consecutive win gives them 111 points. It’s the third time in franchise history they’ve won the President’s Trophy also winning it in ’91-92.

Rookie Kevin Hayes led the way with a goal and two assists. Carl Hagelin scored an empty netter with 1:48 left sealing it. Ryan McDonagh and James Sheppard also tallied in the win. Steven McDonald winner Cam Talbot picked up his 21st victory finishing with 19 saves including a few key ones in the third period. A nice reward for the popular backup who’s been a huge part of the Rangers’ run to the NHL’s top spot.

Playing for the second time in two nights, the Blueshirts had enough left to defeat the Devils for the second time in four days. Unlike Saturday’s 6-1 blowout win, this one was closer. It was also a lot more heated. With New Jersey playing with an edge, they were physical from the outset finishing checks legally and illegally. The latter part became a story in the second period when they were whistled for four straight penalties. Some of which included a few extra shots. Eventually, ref Kevin Pollock went over to the Devils bench and gave Lou Lamoriello a warning following an extra Eric Gelinas crosscheck.

Despite playing a more rugged style, the Devils were badly outplayed in the first. They were outscored 2-1 and outshot 19-4. Mike Cammalleri (hi-sticking) and Adam Larsson (phantom elbow) took consecutive minors 33 seconds apart. As usual, the Rangers power play fired blanks failing on a 5-on-3 for the 10th time in 11 tries. It is absolutely mystifying how poorly executed it is. Nobody ever shoots. They force passes and make it easy on opponents. This is an area that needs improvement when the playoffs begin next week.

Following a dominant shift in which the All American Line of J.T. Miller, Derek Stepan and Chris Kreider spent a long time in the Devils end, Hayes scored his 16th thanks to some hustle from wingers Martin St. Louis and Hagelin. Off a faceoff loss, St. Louis and Hagelin forechecked freeing up a loose puck which came to Hayes in front for the game’s first goal at 13:45. On the next shift, Sheppard drew a hooking minor on Josefson. Given their third power play, this time the Rangers wasted no time. Off a Hayes faceoff win, Keith Yandle fed McDonagh for a one-timer that beat Cory Schneider through a double screen for their second goal in 47 seconds.

Trailing by two, the Devils were able to get one back on a power play of their own. Tanner Glass took a ill advised holding minor in the offensive zone. Off some brilliant passing started by Scott Gomez, Steve Bernier fed Patrik Elias for his 12th at 17:44 cutting the deficit in half. A pretty power play goal for the Devils franchise all-time leading scorer.

Following the first, the second became more about the Devils physical play. Playing a bit reckless, they took runs at some Rangers. Whether it be legal like most of Jon Merrill’s hits or illegal such as some of Gelinas’ shenanigans post whistle, it was interesting. They kept handing the Rangers power plays. But if you don’t make them pay, they’ll continue taking liberties. On one shift, Jordin Tootoo actually challenged Matt Hunwick following a clean hit. It was a bit much seeing the noted tough guy go after the veteran defenseman who didn’t oblige.

Not surprisingly, there were no fights. Just a lot of jawing during scrums. Kreider had a few run ins. He didn’t like Larsson’s elbow on St. Louis. Though the MSG replay showed it wasn’t much of a penalty. Kreider was pretty ornery throughout. On a team without much toughness, he’s one of the few skill guys who’s shown a willingness to mix it up.

Due to the penalty fest, there wasn’t much play at even strength. The Devils didn’t get much done. Outshot 14-6, they still trailed 2-1 despite the Rangers holding a healthy 33-10 shots edge. The only reason it was close was the play of Schneider. After being chased Saturday giving up three goals on six shots, he was brilliant. The Devils’ starter played like it making big stops when his team was pinned in. He did all he could making 36 saves in the Devils’ last home game.

As much criticism as the Devils received from the Ranger broadcast of Sam Rosen and Joe Micheletti, they played hockey in the third. It resulted in some good opportunities. In a penalty free period, they generated more outshooting the Rangers 11-7. When challenged, Talbot was up to the task turning aside 10 of 11 helping preserve the lead. His best save was a nice glove stop denying a good opportunity.

Alain Vigneault made it a point to use his fourth line. With Mats Zuccarello resting, Sheppard returned to the lineup. Playing with Glass and Dominic Moore, he paid dividends by scoring a key insurance marker that wound up being the game decider. Off a strong forecheck, Moore fired a shot that a driving Sheppard deflected past Schneider giving the Rangers a 3-1 lead with 9:19 left. Marc Staal drew a helper keeping the play alive on the forecheck. He played a strong game.

But less than a minute later, Bernier scored his 14th from Travis Zajac and Cammalleri. Off a rush, he took a Zajac pass and centered the puck into the crease. It took a funny bounce going off Talbot with Derick Brassard accidentally putting it in his own net. Brassard is the last guy you want preventing a goal. Even on a attempted backcheck, he made the blooper reel. Oops.

Trailing by one, the Devils got a couple of chances but were thwarted by Talbot. Eventually, they pulled Schneider for an extra attacker with two minutes left. A strong defensive play in the neutral zone by Hayes forced a turnover. He passed for hard working linemate Hagelin, who has become a bit of an empty net specialist. He deposited his 17th clinching the win.

As the final seconds ticked off, the Ranger contingent cheered. While it is a great team accomplishment, as Talbot noted afterwards it’s just another check mark with a much bigger goal ahead. It’s been a fun regular season. The way they’ve played has been special. There’s still so much left to accomplish.

”We battled hard all season long to get to this point but we know that the job’s not finished yet,” Talbot said.

”It’s not an easy thing to do,” Vigneault said. ”You look at the teams still fighting to get into the playoffs. It’s a challenging thing. For our group, it’s one thing in the direction that we’re looking to get to. I’m very proud of our group but we all know that we are going to be judged by what we do in the playoffs. So this is a first step and we’re going to get ready for the next one.”

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Carl Hagelin, NYR (empty net goal-17th, assist, 7 SOG, +2 in 21 shifts-13:28)

2nd Star-Cory Schneider, NJD (36 saves incl. 31/33 1st 2 periods)

1st Star-Kevin Hayes, NYR (goal-16th, 2 assists, +2 in 23 shifts-14:42)

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Stepan’s late heroics lift Rangers past Blue Jackets 4-3 in overtime, close in on President’s Trophy

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Derek
Stepan Up: Overtime hero Derek Stepan celebrates his winner with Dan Girardi. AP Photo by John Minchillo/Getty Images

Stepan Up: Overtime hero Derek Stepan celebrates his winner with Dan Girardi.
AP Photo by John Minchillo/Getty Images

One thing you can never question about this team. Their heart and character. They never give up. That fighting spirit allowed the Rangers to rally past the Blue Jackets 4-3 in overtime at an electric MSG.

Derek Stepan’s late heroics allowed them to move closer to the President’s Trophy. His goal with 27.7 seconds left in regulation and overtime winner with 49.6 seconds left pulled the Rangers within two points of securing home ice throughout the playoffs.

”It’s a huge accomplishment,” captain Ryan McDonagh said in reference to possibly earning the franchise’s second President’s Trophy. Their first came in ’93-94. ”It’s about us playing to our strengths and giving us a chance to win.”

They’ll get the chance to do it when they visit the Devils later tonight in Newark. If they earn two points, it would give them 111. Anaheim could match that total. However, the Ducks and Blues trail the Rangers in regulation and overtime wins 47-42. In winning their fourth in a row, the Blueshirts improved to 51-21-7. They have three games left with the Devils Tuesday, the Senators Thursday and finish up with the Capitals Saturday. They need at least one point to wrap up home ice in the East. Montreal has 106 points with two left. They can get to 110 but only have 42 ROW.

Facing the hottest team in the league, it was a emotional roller coaster. On a special night in which the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award was given to Cam Talbot, the Blue Jackets and Rangers battled for nearly 65 minutes.

The teams traded goals in each of the first three periods. The Garden hosts led twice on goals by Martin St. Louis and Dan Girardi. But fell behind on consecutive Columbus goals from Marko Dano and former Steven McDonald winner Brandon Dubinsky. Of course, Dubinsky would score to put his team ahead with 11:46 left. It was his second goal against his former team in seven games. That’s when he’s been healthy enough to play.

Seeking their 10th straight victory, the Jackets led until the final frantic minute. With Henrik Lundqvist off for an extra attacker, the Rangers wouldn’t be denied. The newly formed All-American Line delivered the tying goal when Stepan finished off a Chris Kreider drop pass at 19:32 of regulation from Kreider and J.T. Miller. They were pumped.

In what amounted to pond hockey during a rambunctious 4-on-4 that saw each side trade chances, the Rangers won it following a great save from Lundqvist. Moments earlier, he robbed Jack Johnson off a gorgeous rush and set up from Nick Foligno. Then former Blueshirt Artem Anisimov had the game on his stick. Off a faceoff win, he had Lundqvist dead to rights but a Kreider backcheck forced a miss upstairs that left Anisimov shaking his head.

At the opposite end, the Rangers buzzed around Sergei Bobrovsky’s net. He had stopped the first five shots in OT. Then Stepan got free and deposited a Keith Yandle feed past Bobrovsky for the game-winner.

”I think in order to have success in the playoffs, you have to be able to handle ebbs and flows,” an excited Stepan explained after tallying twice and setting up another in the win. ”We’ve been able to find ways to win hockey games.”

They did it because they found a way. That is who they are. It was a good win against a tough opponent that’s been playing lights out. If not for nearly 500 man-games lost, the Blue Jackets could be in the playoffs. Instead, they’re on the outside looking in. A point not lost on Lundqvist.

”It was a good test for me and for us,” the former Vezina winner said after winning his fourth straight decision making 29 saves. ”They’re a really good team. They’re a fast team. If they didn’t have the injuries during the season to key guys, I think they’d be in the playoffs because they play good hockey: physical, good speed, good quality up front, good goaltending.

“It was a great test for us.”

There’ll be a lot more tests forthcoming. We’ll see if they’re ready.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Dan Girardi, NYR (goal-4th of season, 3 blocked shots in 30 shifts-22:11)

2nd Star-Chris Kreider, NYR (2 assists, +3 in 21 shifts-17:41)

1st Star-Derek Stepan, NYR (tying goal and OT winner-15th, 16th, assist, 14-and-6 on faceoffs, +2 in 24 shifts-18:20)

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Devils finish out their season in obscurity

Posted on April 5, 2015 by hasan4978

Divided loyalties for Tuesday’s home finale provide a fitting end to the Devils’ season (NJ.com picture)

It’s one thing for the New Jersey Devils to be eliminated from the playoffs with eight games to go, in what was only news to the media who highlighted the actual elimination as if it wasn’t a fait accompli since the Calgary and Boston losses at the end of the long February homestand.  It’s another to not even be able to play spoiler down the stretch, since our games against Montreal, the Rangers and Tampa in the last two weeks only could affect the top teams’ playoff seeding while the season finale in Florida (and Jaromir Jagr’s first game against the Devils since being traded) next Saturday will be played in front of crickets now that the Panthers have been eliminated from postseason contention themselves.

As such, it’s become impossible to blog about – or watch this team – aside from the games I’m actually attending like the home finale on Tuesday.  I don’t really want to watch hoping to lose, especially since is it really that big a deal to pick in the six spot or pick in the eight spot anyway?  Maybe so if you’re a draftnik but it’s still way too far in advance to take most prospect rankings and evaluations seriously.  Skaters rise and fall every year in the weeks before the draft, and there’s a non-zero chance we trade the pick for more immediate scoring help anyway.  Of course, the very idea of trading a top ten pick is anethma to Devils fans who want youth, and confidence in GM Lou Lamoriello is so low among the naysayer fans right now you’d think he was going to trade the pick for Patrick Sharp or another over-the-hill 30+ player (apparently forgetting about the Cory Schneider trade, where Lou traded a top ten pick for an obvious cornerstone to the team’s present and future).

Either way, the painful reality is no singular quick-fix trade is going to be enough to get the Devils out of the mess they’re currently in.  Maybe a series of moves can, but if last night’s embarassment at the Garden proved one thing, it’s that the Devils aren’t on the same planet with a true contender right now.  Despite the fact I didn’t even watch the game, just seeing the score on Twitter after the first period and the fact the game balooned to 6-0 before a practically meaningless late goal from Jacob Josefson (only practically cause Jake kind of needs to continue to prove he should be in the lineup next year) was still annoying.  At that point I was kind of hoping for the shutout, if you’re really going to come out and lay that much of an egg against your biggest rival you deserve all the embarassment you can get.  If it wasn’t for the fact I got hit with cold-like symptoms last night I probably would have ranted although at this point it’s beating a dead horse.  Still, there’s only three games left in the season…can you at least try to be more than just a clown prop for the Rangers on Tuesday?!  Especially in front of what’ll likely be a 50-50 Ranger crowd on our ‘Fan Appreciation Night’, which is actually rant material in itself.

Whatever brainiac in this organization decided it was okay to have Fan Appreciation Night on Tuesday should be fired.  I get it’s tradition to have it the last home game of the year, but to have a team poster giveaway and other fan-themed stuff when you can have a significant opposition fan presence in the building to mock, jeer and do worse to the giveaways is just asking for egg on your face.  Ideally you would have had it on Friday against the Habs, but as it worked out there was a significant Hab fan contingent in the building for that game too – although it might not have been the case if the Devils were actually playing meaningful games.  Montreal fans were bad enough, booing Scott Gomez in our building (which quite possibly annoyed him enough to take a match penalty in the game, much to the delight of the Hab fans in attendance) – I just can’t wait for Tuesday with Ranger fans getting even chestier in our building.

What’s more, I can’t blame a single Devils fan for selling their tickets and cashing out of this mess in the making, particularly when entertainment-wise this team honestly just isn’t worth watching.  Admittedly sometimes I sneer at fans who only sell their tickets to Devil-Ranger games to turn a few bucks on it, but I really can’t blame anyone who just doesn’t want to deal with what’s coming on Tuesday.  Not only is it a glorified preseason game for us but who really wants to go to a home game that’s going to be more like an away game regardless?  I don’t want to deal with it either but me and my friend always go to Fan Appreciation Day for the posters, and so I’ll be forced to watch one more Devil game this year, and that’ll be it for me this season.  Part of me wishes this game wasn’t against the Rangers so if the Devils laid an egg they’d get deserved boos as opposed to hearing the Ranger fans cheer their own team.  Especially since I want to just boo them out of the building if they shame themselves again the way they did last night, it would be a fitting end to what’s been a sorry season for the Devils.

It is what it is at this point though, our last home game was against them in 2008 as well but at least they had the good sense then to make it a ‘Fan Appreciation Week’, spreading out the stuff between our next-to-last home game against the Bruins and the finale.  At least that Devil team was in the playoffs though.  This team is getting further away from even that level every season.

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Rangers Dismantle Devils 6-1

Posted on April 5, 2015 by Derek
Can't Handle Yandle: Keith Yandle celebrates a goal in the first with Chris Kreider and Matt Hunwick. AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

Can’t Handle Yandle: Keith Yandle celebrates a goal in the first with Chris Kreider and Matt Hunwick.
AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

Oh how the mighty have fallen. In this case, that would be the Devils who were badly beaten by the Rangers 6-1 at MSG. Once a proud franchise of three Stanley Cups, they’ll be in the lottery this year with their hopes pinned on the future.

The team with the NHL’s sixth worst record was no match for a first place Blueshirts chasing after the President’s Trophy. Their third straight win tied idle Anaheim for the league lead in points (107). Thirteen different players registered a point. Dominic Moore scored twice. Derek Stepan had a shorthanded goal and assist. Keith Yandle and Rick Nash each had a goal and assist. Ryan McDonagh had two assists. Henrik Lundqvist made 35 saves in winning his third straight.

Despite some early defensive lapses that forced Lundqvist into some key stops, the Rangers were on a different level than their Hudson rival. The combination of speed and skill did in the Devils. A three-goal first period chased Devil starter Cory Schneider. He allowed three goals on six shots before rookie Keith Kinkaid relieved him.

Nash opened the scoring when he steered home a Mats Zuccarello rebound batting it out of mid-air at 5:10. Yandle started the play in transition passing for Zuccarello whose shot Schneider mishandled allowing Nash to cash in his 42nd. He has three goals over his last five and is 2-2-4 in the last three- all wins. A great sign.

Yandle increased it to 2-0 when his right point shot eluded Schneider, who wasn’t set. Off a clean Stepan faceoff win, Chris Kreider won the puck back to Yandle, who fired a laser top shelf for his second goal as a Blueshirt. With the crowd still buzzing, the fourth line struck just 25 seconds later. Off a brilliant feed from Tanner Glass, Moore converted his eighth in front easily beating Schneider sending him to an early exit. Jesper Fast added the secondary helper.

There wasn’t much going on in the second. Zuccarello had a run in with Mike Cammalleri leading to matching minors. When they returned from the box, Cammalleri took a run at Zuccarello nearly injuring him. Fortunately, he was okay. The last thing the Rangers want is to see one of their most consistent forwards suffer an injury in a meaningless game.

I’d say for most of the second, they didn’t try. The Devils were harder on the puck and able to generate a few scoring chances. One of their best saw Lundqvist at his best making a sprawling save on a three-on-one set up by Adam Henrique. I have no idea how he saved it. With Lundqvist down, the Devils had a gaping net but McDonagh made a diving block to deny them. It’s that style that makes this team legit contenders. They compete so well at both ends never giving up.

The Devils did get a power play with under a minute left still down three. But instead of getting back into it, they allowed Stepan to get behind the D for a shorthanded goal with under three seconds left. Following a McDonagh defensive play, he made an outlet for Nash, who found his penalty killing partner at center for a clean breakaway with seven seconds left. Stepan calmly took his time before using the same exact move he did on 12/27 with a deke and backhand tuck five-hole. Ironically, it came against the same opponent. Only this time Kinkaid fell victim.

After two, I talked to my Dad about how sad it was to see the Devils like this. It wasn’t even fun. Sure. Blowout wins are nice. But I prefer closely fought wins even against close rivals. It’s harder earned. Once, the roles were reversed and the Devils came into our barn and won these games with similar ease. It’s odd to see it come full circle. They’re a long way from competing. I can only ponder what Devil blogger Hasan feels watching this.

How bad are the Devils? Handed a two-man advantage in the first minute of the third, they got nothing accomplished. Devils legend Patrik Elias made a blind back pass to no one sending the puck out of the zone. Interestingly, there were some Devil fans who stuck it out around our section. One wearing a red Elias jersey. A good natured fan who had a nice back and forth with our fans. There were no fights between rival fans. Just fun laughs. That’s how it should be.

Off a Dan Girardi cross ice feed, McDonagh fired a laser that Moore somehow deflected home for his second of the night. He has quietly been coming on as the regular season nears conclusion. That gives the overlooked fourth line checking center three goals in the last two. Interesting that Moore now has more goals (9) and points (24) than he had last year playing with better personnel. It says a lot about his character. He’s an important player for the postseason. Though that line still worries me with Alain Vigneault’s loyalty to Glass over James Sheppard. Glass has played better but still.

After Derick Brassard squeaked one through Kinkaid for his third goal in the last four, we stayed until about the six-minute mark. Good thing because we missed the dancing idiot and Jacob Josefson breaking Lundqvist’s shutout.

This was just another win for a team whose ultimate goal doesn’t start until probably a week from this Thursday. They now are three points clear of Montreal with four left. The Rangers have the tiebreaker and also have a game at hand on the Habs and two on Tampa, who with a win tied Montreal in points (104). Columbus visits Tuesday. They keep on winning beating the Pens, who might fall into the wildcard. That should at least be a test.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Derek Stepan, NYR (shorthanded goal-14, assist, 5 SOG, 9-and-9 on faceoffs, +2 in 18:13)

2nd Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (35 saves-King is finding his game)

1st Star-Dominic Moore, NYR (2 goals-8th, 9th, 11-and-6 on faceoffs, +1 in 12:13)

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Devils pay visit to MSG

Posted on April 4, 2015 by Derek

The last time the Rangers saw the Devils, it was a couple of days after Christmas. They prevailed 3-1 highlighted by Derek Stepan’s third career hat trick on 12/27/14. Astonishingly, the close Hudson rivals have only met twice with the Rangers taking both. They defeated the Devils 4-3 in overtime on 10/21. Rick Nash tied it and Kevin Klein got the winner.

In both games, Henrik Lundqvist and Cory Schneider were the goalies as they should be for tonight’s match at MSG. While Lundqvist is rounding into shape having won two straight allowing four goals on the last 60 shots, Schneider has had a fantastic year as the Devils starter. In Year 1 post Brodeur, he’s won 26 games while posting a 2.20 goals-against-average with five shutouts and a .927 save percentage. With his team eliminated from the playoffs, he’s been given some nights off. Having already appeared in a career high 66 games, the 29-year old former Vancouver ’04 first round pick has proven himself as the Devils number one goalie.

In missing the postseason for a third straight time, New Jersey is in a rebuild situation. Gone are Jaromir Jagr and Marek Zidlicky. Both trying to get their new teams in. Zidlicky with the Red Wings and Jagr with the Panthers, who basically need to win out and get help. The development of Adam Larsson under co-coaches Adam Oates and Scott Stevens has been important. At 22, the 2011 first round pick has improved since the dismissal of Pete DeBoer. Now a reliable top four defenseman, his offense has come with a career best 21 assists and 24 points.

Under DeBoer, Larsson struggled mightily. He wasn’t given consistent ice-time and even was scratched. He only played five games in December going minus-two. After DeBoer was let go, Larsson was given a vote of confidence by Stevens. A legendary defenseman who led the Devils to three Stanley Cups, he has helped restore Larsson’s confidence. Consider that he had four points in his first 21 games. Since the new calendar year, Larsson has two goals and 18 assists totaling 20 points with a plus-eight rating in 39 games.

With Larsson finally coming around, the Devils also can take solace knowing they boast young blueliners Damon Severson and Jon Merrill. Both continue to learn on the job. Eric Gelinas remains a project defensively. He of the powerful shot on the power play. With former 2013 first round pick Steven Santini finishing his second year at Boston College, the Devils defense will have a vastly different look. Veteran anchor Andy Greene remains. Clearly, they’re building from the goal out. A similar strategy that worked for the Rangers.

Up front, Mike Cammalleri has been a bright spot pacing them with 27 goals. His 40 points are second behind Adam Henrique, who has 41. Patrik Elias, who turned back the clock in the Devils’ exciting 3-2 shootout win over the Canadiens- with a beautiful forehand deke leaving Dustin Tokarski in the dust- is near the end of a brilliant career. Elias has 11 goals and 32 points. The all-time franchise leader in goals (404) and points (1,015) has been a classy Devil who deserves to finish his career in New Jersey. With only one year remaining on a deal that pays him $5.5 million, 2015-16 could be it for the popular Czech. Unless he wants a more defined role- something he hinted at. Hopefully, it won’t have the same bitter end as John MacLean.

Scott Gomez and Steve Bernier have been bright spots. Gomez with his nice comeback story. A career thought dead, he impressed enough in camp to give Lou Lamoriello something to consider. Even though he didn’t make the roster, Gomez patiently waited for an opportunity. Remarkably, the former Calder winner ranks fourth in team scoring with 31 points (7-24-31) despite missing the first two months. It’s a credit to the 35-year old Alaskan’s desire to prove he still has something left. He was fined by the NHL for elbowing Habs’ defenseman Alexei Emelin. He received a major and game but isn’t suspended for tonight’s Garden return.

As for Bernier, most thought he was done. Instead, the Devils gave him a chance to reclaim a spot. Bernier has repaid them with some of his best hockey scoring 13 goals while adding 15 helpers. He’s always around the net. Jordin Tootoo could’ve signed with anyone. The Devils were most interested giving him a tryout. One of the game’s toughest enforcers, Tootoo has had a special year scoring nine goals. Not bad for a character who plays a honest game while defending teammates.

It’s not all bad. Of course, disappointments still exist like Martin Havlat and Michael Ryder. Both who hardly play. Not every signing works out. Travis Zajac is a good two-way center who wins draws and is a threat shorthanded. But not worth the money they pay him. He’s miscast. Lamoriello gambled giving a gritty player a long-term deal. The average cap hit is $5.75 million. Zajac is earning $6.5 million this season and in each of the next three. It happens. Ryane Clowe remains in limbo. He’s played in 13 games posting a goal and three assists. The concussions have taken a toll. Will he retire? Pretty sad.

The Devils finally recalled prospects Reid Boucher and Stefan Matteau from Albany. Each scored last night and demonstrated two-way games. Something that’s a must for either to succeed. Another former first round pick Jacob Josefson is now a regular in a checking role. He has five goals and five assists. Not exactly big production. But he’s definitely grown into a defensive role playing penalty kill while taking faceoffs. At least they didn’t waste him.

As we get ready to leave for the game, I recall a time when these games used to matter. Devils/Rangers was as good as it got here. Not no more. There’s still hope for a Islanders/Rangers playoff series. If it happens, we likely won’t see it until the second round. The Islanders can clinch with a win over Buffalo and a Ottawa loss in regulation.

It’s funny how time changes things. Once, the Devils owned the metropolitan area winning divisions, conferences and Cups while making other Stanley Cup Final appearances. Now, it’s the Rangers who are the freshly minted Metro champs looking to go back to the Final and deliver the franchise’s first Cup since 1994. All the pressure is on them. None of the final five regular season games have any juice. Even with two against the Devils with a return match Tuesday at The Rock. It’s all about the playoffs. It’s all about Lundqvist getting ready and hopefully Kevin Klein back for Round 1. They’re the ‘favorites.’ A label I despise. That’s what happens when you win as much as they have.

If memory serves, the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award should be given out. Unless they wait till Monday with the Jackets visiting or April 9 with the Senators in town. I voted for Cam Talbot. Without him, there’s no division title and the playoffs aren’t a certainty. It’s amazing to think what he did. Not bad for an undrafted kid out of Alabama-Huntsville.

See you at the Garden.

Posted in Battle Of Hudson, Devils, NYRangers | 2 Comments

Miller gets winner as Rangers clinch Metro in 3-2 win over Wild

Posted on April 3, 2015 by Derek
Metro Champs: Winning netminder Henrik Lundqvist gets congrats from Carl Hagelin (left) and Dominic Moore (right) after the Rangers clinched the Metro Division with a 3-2 win over the Wild Thursday night. AP Photo by Jim Mone/Getty Images

Metro Champs: Winning netminder Henrik Lundqvist gets congrats from Carl Hagelin (left) and Dominic Moore (right) after the Rangers clinched the Metro Division with a 3-2 win over the Wild Thursday night.
AP Photo by Jim Mone/Getty Images

For the second time in four years, the Rangers are division champs. They wrapped up the Metro Division with a hard fought 3-2 road win over the Wild in St. Paul Thursday night. Facing one of the league’s hottest teams, they jumped out to a two-goal lead before a frantic Wild rally tied the game up. Ultimately, J.T. Miller scored the winner on the next shift allowing the Rangers to win their second straight on the road.

Henrik Lundqvist made 26 saves for his second consecutive win. Both coming on the road where the Rangers set a new franchise record with their 26th road win. That eclipsed last year’s mark of 25. Both achieved under coach Alain Vigneault. This season, they’re 26-11-2 away from MSG. That success helped them recover from a slow start to win a competitive Metro. At one point, they trailed the Islanders by 12 points. But they came together with Lundqvist out overtaking their arch rival to win only their second division title since ’95-96.

”You’ve got to play the right way, and we try to do that every time we step on the ice, whether we’re in front of our fans or on the road,” Vigneault said in regards to his team’s consistency.

In ’11-12 under John Tortorella, the Rangers won the Atlantic and finished with the East’s best record. With five games remaining, they’re chasing the top seed and are in the hunt for the President’s Trophy. Entering tomorrow’s home match against the Devils, they lead the Canadiens by two points but hold the first tiebreaker with 45 regulation overtime wins to Montreal’s 41. The Habs must win tonight at New Jersey. The Rangers lead the East with 105 points. Two off NHL leading Anaheim. The Ducks enter their home match against Colorado with 107 but will have only three games left. Basically, if the Rangers take care of business they’ll be able to seal home ice for the entire postseason.

While it is nice to have the division wrapped up, there’s still work to be done. Most notably, they have to be encouraged by the play of Lundqvist. Making his third start since returning, he was sharp throughout. Early on, he thwarted Zach Parise. After getting peppered by Boston for four on 30 shots in a lopsided 4-2 loss last Saturday, the all-time franchise leader in wins (336) and shutouts (55) is looking more like himself. Even before the Wild tied it on a Thomas Vanek rebound of a Matthew Dumba wide shot during a furious assault, Lundqvist made several sprawling saves.

”I feel better and better. Making better reads. I feel more comfortable, and it’s fun to be out there and play,” he said after recording his 27th victory of the season.

It showed especially in the third when the Wild came hard. After a disappointing first that saw them fall behind, Minnesota demonstrated why they should be a tough out in the West. Even though the shots were 9-6 in favor of the hosts after one, the scoreboard said otherwise. It was the Rangers who actually got the good start with Dominic Moore redirecting a Carl Hagelin shot past Devan Dubnyk, who made his 35th straight start. Rick Nash scored his team-leading 41st on the power play when he caught Dubnyk off guard firing from a tough angle to increase to 2-0.

But the Wild came out much better in the second. Upping their attack, they got back in it when off a rush started by Dumba, a Mikael Granlund pass deflected off Jason Pominville’s skate at 5:24. They continued to press but a lack of discipline handed the Rangers opportunities to reclaim momentum. Typically, they couldn’t or wouldn’t. How else to describe four consecutive power plays that included an abbreviated 5-on-3 in the final minute of the second that was so bad, it was like watching Benny Hill. How many times can Vigneault send out Keith Yandle only to see him fake shot and overpass? Yandle’s play remains murky. He so rarely shoots the puck that it’s driving me insane. The lack of killer instinct on the power play is a concern entering the playoffs. It’s way too passive.

Not surprisingly, the Wild figured out a way to tie it. With the Rangers in a predictable defensive shell, Minnesota pounced. On one sequence, it was a shooting gallery at Lundqvist, who robbed them twice before Dumba sent in a wide shot that caromed right to Vanek for his 21st tying it at 5:53.

As if summoning a message, it clicked for Chris Kreider. On with Miller, Derek Stepan, McDonagh and Dan Girardi, he took off like a jet flying past the Wild D. With Dumba trying to stay with him, Kreider passed for an open McDonagh who patiently waited before firing a shot pass to Miller for a neat deflection resulting in his 10th to untie the game just 55 seconds later. It was a couple of nights earlier where Miller set up Kreider victimizing Dustin Byfuglien, who nearly decapitated J.T. The chemistry they have formed with Stepan is undeniable.

Even with Martin St. Louis returning yesterday, Vigneault had him on the third line with Kevin Hayes and Hagelin. At this point, I’d keep it intact. For all of his tough love on Miller, it has worked. Credit Vigneault for that. Miller is a much better player. He’s a key component who isn’t afraid to mix it up. His willingness to get dirty resulted in a high-sticking double minor. And also resulted in Byfuglien’s nonsensical thuggery. Crosschecking him in the neck so hard, he could’ve broken it. Byfuglien’s stupidity continued at the end of that game mugging Mats Zuccarello to take a selfish penalty costing Winnipeg. He’s serving a four-game suspension. The Jets are tied with the Kings for the final wildcard in the West. But LA has the tiebreaker. I used to like Byfuglien. But that respect went out the window when after this, he didn’t reach out to Miller. Miller’s very fortunate to still be playing. So are the Rangers.

Had Byfuglien seriously injured Miller, his suspension would’ve been a lot longer. It does recall the whole controversy surrounding former Winnipeg teammate Evander Kane. Not to take Kane off the hook but didn’t anyone find what Byfuglien did a little over the top? Maybe he has a few screws loose that need checking.

As for the Rangers, that’s not their concern. It’s amazing to think where they came from to win the division. They deserve a ton of credit. There have been doubters even from the beginning. When you have ‘experts’ who actually picked this team out of the playoffs, it makes you wonder about their credibility. At times, I wondered where they’d wind up. But as accurately predicted, they are the Metropolitan Division champs. As cheesy as it sounds with Sam Rosen going gaga with his call. MSG really needs to tone it down.

”It’s a huge accomplishment. There’s a lot of tough teams in there,” McDonagh said.

It’s a nice reward for a team that never gives up. Even when Lundqvist went down. Even without Kevin Klein, who might be a lot more crucial than once thought. Hopefully, he is ready when the puck drops in less than two weeks.

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Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award

Posted on March 31, 2015 by Derek

With just seven games remaining, the Rangers are closing in on a division title while chasing home ice. Currently second in the East with 101 points, they trail Montreal by a point with two games at hand. They enter tonight’s match at Winnipeg on a two-game losing streak. Having been badly outplayed this weekend by Boston and Washington, the Blueshirts look to get back in the win column with Henrik Lundqvist making his second start.

While they continue to battle for the conference’s top seed, it’s time to vote on the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award. Named after former New York City police officer Steven McDonald, who was shot in the line of duty paralyzing him the prestigious award goes to the Ranger who goes above and beyond the call of duty. Last year’s winner was Mats Zuccarello.

This year, there are three candidates. Here are our choices.

Kiss Cam: Chris Kreider kisses Cam Talbot's helmet following his 28-save performance in the Rangers' 3-1 win that moved them into first. AP Photo by Alex Brandon/Getty Images

Kiss Cam: Chris Kreider kisses Cam Talbot’s helmet following his 28-save performance in the Rangers’ 3-1 win that moved them into first.
AP Photo by Alex Brandon/Getty Images

A.Cam Talbot-Forced into the spotlight when Lundqvist went down due to a sprained blood vessel, the league’s best backup stepped up going 16-4-3 with a 2.11 goals-against-average, .931 save percentage and two shutouts vaulting them into first place. Overall, Talbot’s 20-9-4 with a 2.21 GAA, .926 save percentage and five shutouts.

Nashty Boy: Rick Nash (center) is congratulated by J.T. Miller (left) and Mats Zuccarello (right) after scoring another goal. AP Photo by Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press

Nashty Boy: Rick Nash (center) is congratulated by J.T. Miller (left) and Mats Zuccarello (right) after scoring another goal.
AP Photo by Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press

B.Rick Nash-Since the start, he’s been a constant. For the first four months, Nash was unstoppable putting up 37 goals and 58 points in the team’s first 60 games. A neck injury has limited him to three goals and seven points in 14 games this month. The team leader in goals (40), points (65), plus/minus (27), shorthanded goals (4) and game-winners (8) has been tremendous and should be up for the Selke.

Kevin Klein celebrates an overtime goal. Getty Images/nydailynews.com

Kevin Klein celebrates an overtime goal.
Getty Images/nydailynews.com

C.Kevin Klein-When Glen Sather traded Michael Del Zotto for Kevin Klein, no one could’ve predicted how well the former Predator defensive defenseman would play. A steady stay at home type with a low key approach, he’s busted out for a career high nine goals and 26 points while pacing all Blueshirts D in plus/minus (24). It’s no coincidence that the back end has struggled since he broke his arm. Undoubtedly, they’ll need a healthy Klein come postseason.

Honorable Mentions: Carl Hagelin (16-16-32 +22), Kevin Hayes (15-24-39 +15), Marc Staal (5-13-18 +17), Derick Brassard (16-39-55 15 PPP), Derek Stepan (13-36-49 in 61 GP, +20)

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