Rangers top Islanders 2-1 to win final regular season meeting at Nassau Coliseum

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Derek
In Cam We Trust: Victorious goalie Cam Talbot is congratulated by Marc Staal and teammates after making 29 saves to lead the Rangers past the Islanders 2-1 in the 126th and final regular season meeting at Nassau Coliseum between bitter rivals. AP Photo by Kathy Kmonicek/Getty Images

In Cam We Trust: Victorious goalie Cam Talbot is congratulated by Marc Staal and teammates after making 29 saves to lead the Rangers past the Islanders 2-1 in the 126th and final regular season meeting at Nassau Coliseum between bitter rivals.
AP Photo by Kathy Kmonicek/Getty Images

Since the Islanders came into the NHL, they’ve played in one barn. That it’s coming to an end is one of sports sad stories. For more than 40 years, Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, Long Island has been home to a proud franchise that won four consecutive Stanley Cups. For the Rangers, they have been part of one of the biggest rivalries spanning four decades. In what was the 126th and final regular season meeting, the Rangers topped the Islanders 2-1 to win in enemy territory. By winning the final two, they finished 54-63-8-2 against their arch rival.

In the latest installment of the Battle Of New York, the story was goaltending and tight checking. Unlike the most recent meeting- a whirlwind 6-5 comeback win on Feb. 16, this one was much lower scoring and more like a playoff series. If there is to be a final act that includes games at the Coliseum, it might not come off until the second round. If it does, it could prove memorable for a rivalry that hasn’t seen a playoff match-up since 1994. A Rangers first round sweep en route to their first Cup in 54 years.

The Rangers are 2-0-1 in their last three yet have only scored four total goals. The biggest reason for it has been the steady play of Cam Talbot. After struggling early replacing injured starter Henrik Lundqvist, Talbot has been at his finest turning aside 86 of 90 shots giving the Rangers five of a possible six points to close within one point of first place. After shutting out Chicago in a 1-0 overtime win, he made 29 saves to put his team in great position to win the Metropolitan Division.

In improving to 41-17-7, the Rangers are up to 89 points in 65 games. They’re now at 38 regulation and overtime wins. Two better than the Islanders, who have played four more games and only have 13 left. By comparison, idle Pittsburgh has 86 and 35 ROW with 16 games remaining. Fourth place Washington is locked into the first wildcard with 82 and 33 ROW with 15 left. Ironically. the Rangers will see the Capitals next in a back-to-back later tonight in D.C.

Rookie Anders Lee celebrates his 23rd goal with Johnny Boychuk during the first period for the Islanders. AP Photo by Kathy Kmonicek/Getty Images

Rookie Anders Lee celebrates his 23rd goal with Johnny Boychuk during the first period for the Islanders.
AP Photo by Kathy Kmonicek/Getty Images

Throughout, Talbot had to be sharp. Especially in a first period controlled by the Islanders. As they’ve done during the season series, they started off well scoring the first goal again. Rookie Anders Lee was able to slip one past Talbot for his 23rd. During a strong forecheck, Brock Nelson and Ryan Strome combined to work the puck to Lee, who escaped Dan Boyle’s check and surprised Talbot with a stuff in at 9:35.

Boosted by the goal, the Islanders carried the play outshooting the Rangers 13-7. They were unable to extend their lead due to Talbot, who kept his team in it. His teammates picked it up in a better second. They were able to get the game tied thanks to another highlight reel goal from wiz kid Kevin Hayes.

Rookie Kevin Hayes is congratulated by Marc Staal and Carl Hagelin after tying the game in the second. AP Photo by Kathy Kmonicek/Getty Images

Rookie Kevin Hayes is congratulated by Marc Staal and Carl Hagelin after tying the game in the second.
AP Photo by Kathy Kmonicek/Getty Images

After a power play expired, Rick Nash made a great defensive play on Lubomir Visnovsky freeing up the puck to Mats Zuccarello. Zuccarello made a great headman feed springing Hayes, who outskated and outmaneuvered Thomas Hickey before turning around and deking Jaroslav Halak with a sweet forehand finish. The play was indescribable. Basically, Hayes used his size, strength and speed to avoid Hickey, who took Halak out allowing Hayes an easy finish for his lucky 13th at 11:35. 

”I wanted to fake backhand to see if he bit on it,” Hayes explained after ending a four-game scoreless drought. ”The defenseman bit on it, and I stopped. He went by and I knew I was one-on-one with the goalie. I just faked one way and went the other.”

Talbot made his biggest save on Josh Bailey with 1:23 left denying him on a breakaway. Bailey forced Marc Staal into a turnover at the Ranger blueline. Breaking in on Talbot, he tried to go five-hole but Talbot patiently outwaited him on his deke and backhand covering up the dangerous chance.

”I was just trying to stay patient,” Talbot said. ”I think he just tried to open me up a little bit. He did, but luckily I had my stick there.”

That kind of patience has resulted in Talbot’s best play as a pro. Over his last four starts, he’s 3-0-1 with a 0.99 goals-against-average, .965 save percentage and a shutout. Since taking over for Lundqvist, he’s 11-2-3. As a team, the Rangers are 12-2-3 without their best player. Talbot’s responsible for keeping them alive for the division and possibly the top seed in the East. Though I’m not exactly fond of finishing first and drawing likely wildcard Boston in the first round. Not that the Caps are any better. The East is much improved and will prove more challenging this Spring.

Ultimately, the difference was a fluky Nash goal less than three minutes into the third. In what can best be described as a lucky bounce, Nash took a Derick Brassard feed and took a shot from the right circle that deflected off Strome’s skate past Halak for his team-leading 39th. It was his first goal against a goalie since Feb. 20. One he’ll take.

”It was a real lucky goal,” Nash said after recording a goal and assist. ”I was thinking about dumping it, and then I saw I could get the blue line.

”I pulled up and I saw three of our guys going to the net. I just shot it anywhere in the direction of the net, and lucky enough it went in.”

Shortly after, the Rangers killed a Brassard holding minor. They also failed on an abbreviated power play midway through the stanza. With Brian Strait off for high-sticking, Keith Yandle took down Frans Nielsen denying a shorthanded opportunity canceling the man-advantage which eventually gave the Islanders a 5-on-4 for 46 seconds. They were unable to capitalize due to strong penalty killing.

The Islanders’ best chance came when Talbot had a mishap behind the net. It led to a great opportunity for Okposo but a diving block by Staal broke it up. Following a couple of aggressive Ranger forechecks killing precious time, Islander coach Jack Capuano pulled Halak for an extra attacker with over a minute left. They had good puck possession for the first half a minute but never got the shot they wanted.

”A tough one to lose like this,” Halak said after making 20 saves. ”We have plenty of hockey left and we need to do a better job. … I thought we played better than them.”

The Rangers were able to keep John Tavares off the board. The league’s leading scorer entered on a tear with seven points over his previous three games. Reunited with sidekick Kyle Okposo, who returned after missing 22 games due to eye surgery, the Isles’ captain only had one shot and lost 9-of-17 faceoffs. Josh Bailey remained on the top line allowing Lee to move down to the second line with Strome and Nelson. Michael Grabner sat out.

”We know we can be better,” Tavares said. ”There’s a lot of areas that we can be better in.”

Notes: For the first time all season, the Islanders were without Nick Leddy. The defenseman suffered an injury in Monday’s win at Toronto. Nothing new has been reported. Brian Strait took his place finishing minus-one with three hits, three blocked shots and two giveaways in 24 shifts (16:57). … The one change for the Rangers was Tanner Glass in for James Sheppard. He took 15 shifts (8:48) and had two more shots than Chris Kreider. Kreider was demoted to the fourth line by Alain Vigneault. J.T. Miller took his place on the second line. Vigneault even trusted Miller in the final minute sending him out. A real eye opener. …

As a team, the Isles blocked 25 shots led by Johnny Boychuk’s five. The Rangers had 14 with ultimate warrior Dan Girardi pacing them with four. … In the final meeting, the teams combined for 63 hits with the Rangers holding a 32-31 edge led by Staal’s four. Matt Martin led the Isles with 5 including a heavy cruncher on Zuccarello. He also collided hard with goalscorer Hayes which looked curious. He made little attempt to stop sending Hayes into the goal. He just shrugged it off celebrating his goal. … Faceoffs were in favor of the Isles 32-23 with Nielsen a dominant 10-and-2. Hayes went 4-and-3. Derek Stepan was .500 (7-for-14). … The Islanders (43-22-4) get two days off before hosting Ottawa Friday and Montreal Saturday.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Anders Lee, NYI (goal-23rd, 3 SOG, +1 in 14:15-bright future)

2nd Star-Rick Nash, NYR (game-winner-39th, assist-23rd, 5 SOG, 8 shot attempts, +1 in 18:34-dominant)

1st Star-Cam Talbot, NYR (29 saves incl. 12/13 in 1st-tremendous)

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Okposo to return versus Rangers, Tavares run at Hart

Posted on March 10, 2015 by Derek
Kyle Okposo (inset) celebrating a 4-goal performance returns tonight after missing six weeks due to a torn retina. Getty Images

Kyle Okposo (inset) celebrating a 4-goal performance returns tonight after missing six weeks due to a torn retina.
Getty Images

When Kyle Okposo went down, it was uncertain when he’d return for the Islanders. After suffering a detached retina, the original expectation is that he’d miss two months. Of course, that was optimistic given how scary an eye injury is. As we know from Marc Staal on the Rangers side, it’s hard to predict when or if a player will be able to come back.

 “It was definitely a scary thing,” Okposo told reporters in an interview on the team site. “The doctor told me my vision wasn’t guaranteed to come back. At that point, you start realizing what’s important, not just hockey, but the rest of my life.”

Thankfully for the Islanders and Okposo, he’s been medically cleared to return after missing six weeks. The ’06 first round pick was on fire when the injury occurred. He had seven points over his last three games including a 4-goal game highlighting a home win over the Penguins. His last game was Jan. 19 against the Flyers.

The 26-year old right wing was almost a point a game with 44 points in 46 games including 14 goals and 30 assists. Teaming with emerging Hart candidate John Tavares, Okposo had formed a 1-2 punch on one of the NHL’s highest scoring teams. Lately, coach Jack Capuano had used Josh Bailey on the top line with rookie Anders Lee. If Okposo goes right back on the line, Capuano can drop Bailey to the second line. Who comes out? Michael Grabner played on the third line and deadline pickup Tyler Kennedy debuted in Monday’s come from behind 4-3 overtime win at Toronto with a goal and assist on the third line.

The Islanders went 12-7-3 without Okposo. Due in large part to Tavares, who scored a highlight reel goal to beat the Leafs the Islanders have remained first in the Metropolitan Division. He enters tonight’s final regular season match-up against the Rangers at Nassau Coliseum red hot with seven points (3-4-7) over the last three taking over the league lead in scoring with 72 points (33-39-72). Tavares has 14 points (5-9-14) in the last 10. In the 22 games Okposo missed, he’s 12-15-27 with two game-winners and a plus-nine rating.

Tavares’ play has been nothing but brilliant. Already having surpassed his previous best of 31 goals in ’11-12, he’s on track to eclipse the 81 points he put up that year. With 14 games remaining, he should get it in his sleep. The way he’s going, 90 points is possible. Don’t forget the Islanders captain had 66 points in 59 games last year before a torn MCL at the Winter Olympics ended his season. At 24, he’s elite and has moved into the MVP race with Alexander Ovechkin. Carey Price remains the front runner. Rick Nash and Pekka Rinne are still candidates but have dropped off.

In what will be the final regular season meeting between the Rangers and Islanders in Uniondale, it should be a barn burner. The Islanders come in with 90 points tied with the Canadiens for most in the East. However, they’ve played two more games and four more than the Rangers, who have 87 and one more regulation and overtime win (37). It’s more important for the Islanders. A win in 60 minutes would give them a five-point cushion and tie them in ROW. A loss and the division is in the Rangers’ hands with the Penguins at 86 points and 16 left lurking behind.

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Devils to honor the 1995 Stanley Cup team

Posted on March 7, 2015 by Derek

Later today, the Devils will honor the 1995 Stanley Cup team. As Hasan previewed, many former players will be back participating in an alumni game prior to hosting the Flyers. The perfect opponent considering that’s who they defeated in a hard fought Eastern Conference Final before sweeping the Red Wings to win the franchise’s first Cup.

The most famous words came from legendary Hall Of Fame broadcaster Mike “Doc” Emrick. It’s pretty cool to think that the former Devils play by play man still had the call with ex-Rangers color analyst John Davidson when the game aired on Fox. For all the complaints about the glow puck era and robots, they still teamed the best tandem possible giving the metropolitan area a leg up when it came to TV broadcasts.

In the video above, you’ll get to relive the final couple of minutes as Devil fans counted down until their team finally delivered a championship. Two things stand out. Former Crash Line member Mike Peluso fighting back tears on the bench as the final moments were realized. And of course, Emrick who got to make the signature call. As the buzzer sounded, Doc said:

“The championship to New Jersey. The Devils have won the Stanley Cup!”

Just recalling it watching downstairs with my family after finishing my first year of college at Fairleigh Dickinson in Madison, New Jersey I was excited for my dorm mates. I didn’t hold anything against the Devils. It was their time to win. They came so close in one of the greatest series against the Rangers a year earlier. That’s why I never bought into the whole Red Wings being overwhelming Cup favorites. It was the Devils who tasted bitter defeat in as well played a Conference Final as there ever has been. They had the experience and it showed.

From the leadership of captain Scott Stevens along with veterans Ken Daneyko, Bruce Driver, Tommy Albelin, Claude Lemieux, John MacLean, Stephane Richer and key additions Neal Broten and Shawn Chambers, it wasn’t surprising that the Devils won. Not with future legend Martin Brodeur along with Scott Niedermayer, who became fixtures on three Stanley Cup winners. And not with Bobby Holik and Randy McKay, who also were integral parts of the first two championship teams. Don’t forget Sergei Brylin also got his start and would become a bigger part of the next two Cups. There also were a couple of USA mainstays in Bill Guerin and Brian Rolston who were key parts of that championship roster. Valeri Zelepukin also was on that team.

Coached by Jacques Lemaire with assistant Larry Robinson, they were a team. Every part was used. Or as Colin Campbell once coined, ‘interchangeable.’ Maybe Davidson summed it up best when he referenced how all 25 players on the roster played a role. That was why the Devils won eventually becoming one of the most successfully run franchises under GM Lou Lamoriello.

Looking back, it’s amazing to think that was so long ago. Sometimes, I still can’t believe it’s been 13 years since I worked for ESPN. But that feels like a lifetime. Just imagine how fun it will be for players, coaches and fans tomorrow when they reunite. Last year, the Rangers celebrated 20 years. However, they really didn’t do anything special to commemorate it. Not with the current team so close to winning. Maybe down the road.

Today is about the 1995 Devils. The first of three championship teams delivered to New Jersey at the old Brendan Byrne Arena in The Meadowlands at Exit 16 W. It may as well have been Championship Plaza.

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Nelson’s late goal lifts Islanders over Predators 4-3

Posted on March 6, 2015 by Derek
Brock Nelson celebrates his game-winner with Michael Grabner in the Islanders' 4-3 win over the Predators AP Photo by Mark Humphrey/Getty Images

Brock Nelson celebrates his game-winner with Michael Grabner in the Islanders’ 4-3 win over the Predators
AP Photo by Mark Humphrey/Getty Images

The Islanders found a way snapping a two-game losing streak to move back into first place. Brock Nelson’s goal with 6:08 left in regulation snapped a 3-3 tie allowing the Islanders to win over the slumping Predators 4-3. His 18th helped them survive a Preds’ third period comeback.

After Nick Leddy restored a two-goal lead thanks to a nice pass from Frans Nielsen at 8:39 of the third, Nashville scored twice within a 31-second span to tie it. Less than two minutes after Leddy’s ninth, Ryan Ellis’ one-timer from the right point deflected off Mike Ribeiro in front past Jaroslav Halak. Due to Ribeiro’s stick being over the crossbar, a video review in Toronto had to determine whether or not his stick made contact. Replays were inconclusive with it appearing to go off Ribeiro’s body allowing the goal to stand up.

With momentum, Nashville followed up Ribeiro’s goal by tying it on the next shift. A brilliant rush and terrific feed from Calder front runner Filip Forsberg allowed an unchecked Craig Smith to finish his 21st at the doorstep tying it 3-3 with 9:13 remaining. The next couple of shifts, the Predators spent time in the Islanders end searching for the go-ahead goal. It never came. When you’re struggling, what usually follows is a goal allowed. Precisely why the Preds dropped a season high fifth straight.

Taking advantage of a Seth Jones neutral zone turnover, Johnny Boychuk found a cutting Michael Grabner, who skated in and fired a wrist shot from the left circle that caromed off Pekka Rinne for a juicy rebound right to Nelson, who buried the opportunity for the game-winner. From that point, the Islanders did an outstanding job defensively blanketing the Preds. They never threatened allowing the Isles to post a key win moving two points up on the idle Rangers despite playing three more games.

”It’s just a good way to come in here on the road against a tough team,” Nelson said. ”It’s tough to beat them twice in a short span here, and we were able to find a way. It’s a good bounce-back game for us.”

A good start keyed the big road win. Captain John Tavares scored his 31st from Josh Bailey and Lubomir Visnovsky at 11:24 of the first matching a career high in goals. Late in the stanza, rookie Anders Lee stayed hot scoring his 22nd on the power play from Leddy and Tavares for a 2-0 lead. But in the closing seconds, the Predators took advantage of an Islander defensive miscue with Colin Wilson able to stuff one past Halak with under two seconds left for a one-goal deficit. Mike Fisher set it up with James Neal in front.

”For the most part after, although with a shaky start, we were the better team, and we created opportunities and got them to pay off,” Tavares said after tallying a goal and assist.

Despite outshooting Nashville 12-5 in the second, the Islanders were unable to increase their lead. After the Predators put on some early pressure in the third, a great shift by the second line increased the Isles’ lead back to two. Off a strong cycle, Boychuk and Nielsen combined to set up Leddy, who came off the bench and had the good fortune of his short side wrister going off Rinne.

But the Predators responded quickly thanks to some luck of their own with Ellis’ shot caroming off Ribeiro making it a one-goal game. Following a video review, Roman Josi picked up the secondary helper. He’s the defenseman who is paired with Shea Weber who doesn’t get any credit. Josi has followed a ’13-14 breakout with a strong ’14-15. A Norris candidate, he could be up for it. It still should go to Mark Giordano even though his season is done.

While Nashville should also have Rinne up for the Vezina which will go to Carey Price barring an investigation, they also boast leading rookie Forsberg. A special talent, the former Caps first round pick they stole for Martin Erat used his speed and vision to set up Smith tying the score.

But the Isles didn’t fold. Instead, they responded thanks to a good defensive play from Boychuk leading to a Grabner rebound that Nelson finished. Boychuk finished with two assists giving him 24 for the season. An unrestricted free agent this summer, it’ll be interesting to see if the Islanders can convince him to stay. The ex-Bruin has been a valuable team leader who anchors the blueline. His role has taken pressure off Travis Hamonic, who has continued to thrive.

”We’ve got a positive group,” coach Jack Capuano said. ”It’s such a different team than we’ve had in the past. I’ve said that. We just wanted to play with poise and confidence moving forward.”

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Johnny Boychuk, NYI (2 assists, 3 SOG, 4 hits, 3 blocked shots, +1 in 19:29)

2nd Star-Nick Leddy, NYI (goal-9th, assist, 4 SOG, 2 blocks, +1 in 21:08)

1st Star-Brock Nelson, NYI (game-winner-18th, 2 SOG, +1 in 17:38)

Notes: Halak finished with 28 saves improving to 33-13-1. Perhaps Capuano gives him Saturday off and starts deadline acquisition Michal Neuvirth versus the Panthers. … With Matt Martin serving a one-game suspension for his kneeing major that injured Stars defenseman Trevor Daley, Capuano inserted Eric Boulton. He took 11 shifts and was minus-one in 7:11. The fourth line struggled. Casey Cizikas only played 12 shifts (7:22) and was minus-two as was Colin McDonald (7:43). … With a helper, Bailey recorded his 20th assist of the season. In more of a support role, he’s performed well tallying 13 goals and 20 assists with a plus-11 rating. … With the victory, the Islanders improved to 42-21-3 in 66 games. They trail the Canadiens by a point for the top seed in the East. Montreal lost 4-3 in a shootout to the Kings for their third consecutive loss.

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Devils ’95 Stanley Cup anniversary culminates this weekend

Posted on March 5, 2015 by hasan4978

If you’ve watched any Devils games at all over the last month you haven’t missed promos for this weekend’s celebration of the franchise’s first-ever Stanley Cup.  There’ll be an on-ice ceremony involving almost every player and coach from that team starting at 4:45 and lasting around a half hour before Sunday’s Devils-Flyers game, but even before then on Saturday there’ll be a bit of a Field of Dreams type moment when players and coaches alike reunite for a 45-minute scrimmage at the AmeriHealth Pavilion practice facility next to the Prudential Center with Jacques Lemaire and Jacques Caron coaching the White team headed by Martin Brodeur and ’95 Conn Smythe winner Claude Lemieux while Larry Robinson is coaching the Red team headed by ’95 captain Scott Stevens and Scott Niedermayer.  Complete details can be found at the end of this blog by The Record’s Tom Gulutti:

http://fireandice.northjersey.com/fire-ice-1.174987/valeri-zelepukin-added-to-roster-for-1995-reunion-game-complete-schedule-and-rosters-included-1.1283460

Unfortunately with a prior commitment (concert) at the main arena and other local arenas unavailable – wouldn’t it really have been something to have this at Izod? – there won’t be much of an audience for this one with the seating capacity at AmeriHealth numbering in the hundreds as opposed to the thousands.  If you are one of the lucky few hundred like me who has a ticket, and lived through ’95, they could be holding this in a park for all I’d care – and in my case it’s reliving my childhood to a degree since I was still in high school during that spring.  Though for anyone who did get shut out of attending the Devils are also streaming this event starting at 3:45 with the intros – the ‘game’ as it were starts at 4 with three 15-minute periods and commentary from Matt Loughlin and Chico Resch, who I’m sure many Devil fans will be happy to hear one more time.  Particuarly assuming the stream is preserved after the game so those of us at the game can hear it.

Of course the headline will be seeing Martin Brodeur in a Devils uniform in full gear, a welcome sight to be sure with the way his career ended – although really the home finale last year was more of a goodbye and whatever cheers he gets this weekend will more or less be an appreciation for his legendary career as a whole.  Still it’ll be nice to see most of the other players as well, starting with the captain, Conn Smythe winner and also special props to Scott Niedermayer among others for coming considering his duties coaching on the Ducks bench.  Pretty much the only big-name players who won’t be attending are Stephane Richer who had a prior commitment, and Neal Broten, who had a well-documented falling out with the organization the following season – though nothing can change his impact on that ’95 team.  Even if we’ll be reminded after a couple minutes that time really has passed since that magical spring, I’m sure a good time will be had by all.

As a relatively new hockey fan in ’95 (I didn’t have SportsChannel till then though I did get a little into the Devils’ playoff run the previous year when the ECF with the Rangers was on MSG), I’m not going to lie – it’s true that you don’t realize how tough it is to win a championship until you’re a fan for a while.  Particuarly after that team blitzed through the playoffs with a 16-4 record, never facing an elimination game in any series.  Still, that playoff run had its share of defining moments and pivotal games.  Even in the first round against Boston after the Devils dominated the first two games at the Boston Garden with runaway shutout wins, a Bruins win in Game 3 and sixty scoreless minutes at the Meadowlands set up a pivotal OT in Game 4.  Win and the Devils would take a commanding 3-1 lead, lose and the series would have been 2-2 heading back to Boston.  On a seemingly innocent play, tenacious forchecking from Randy McKay created the decisive goal, and an iconic celebration of McKay trying to jump the boards.  McKay was part of a line that remains beloved in Devils lore, nicknamed simply the Crash Line by announcer Doc Emrick with McKay, Mike Peluso and Bobby Holik combining physicality with a surprising amount of skill to cause mayhem and chaos in every game they played.

After closing out the Bruins in Boston, the Devils faced another moment of truth against the Penguins following what turned out to be their only road defeat of the playoffs in Game 1 at the Igloo.  Game 2 was tense, and Pittsburgh seemingly grabbed the momentum when a much younger Jaromir Jagr scored the game-tying goal with under two minutes remaining in regulation.  An overtime in that situation might have been dicey but this time it was the captain that responded, firing a slapshot then gathering up his own rebound and deking past Ken Wregget to restore the Devils lead and stun the crowd.  An empty-netter by Lemieux (who would score thirteen goals in that playoff on the way to the Smythe) sealed that game, and the Devils never looked back in that series winning the next three and again closing out an opponent on the road in Game 5.

Throughout that whole playoff run a dark cloud followed them with rumors of an impending move to Nashville.  I figured back then this team might need to win a Cup, since it would be much harder PR-wise for governor Christie Whitman and then-neophyte commissioner Gary Bettman to justify having a defending champion move.  Despite his contreversial quote during the playoffs about how three teams in the area was too many.  Maybe it was best all that backroom haggling took place in the days before Twitter and 24-hour media, it could have proven more of a distraction in 2015 than 1995.  Or maybe it wouldn’t have been, with the single-minded focus this team showed during the playoffs (and with the team staying in hotels even at home, they had little choice but to stay focused).

That team would need every ounce of their focus against Flyers in Game 5, after momentarily losing it during two straight home losses in Games 3 and 4.  As even coach Jacques Lemaire admitted in the team highlight video Heaven, the Devils got overconfident after two easy wins in Philly to open the series.  Losing in OT of Game 3 followed by a desultory Game 4 set up the team’s first pivotal game deep in a series, and Game 5 in Philly proved to be one worthy of being a series-decider.  With the score tied at 2 late in the third period and looking like it was destined for OT, arguably the biggest goal of the playoffs came from – who else? – Lemieux beating Ron Hextall with a long slapshot in the final minute of regulation to stun the Flyers and their fans and give the Devils a 3-2 lead in the series.  Even up 3-2 at home, this team still needed to maintain focus in Game 6, the spot in the mountain where they had stumbled the previous year against the Rangers.  Although the Flyers scored first, the night would ultimately prove to be a Devils celebration as they would win the game comfortably in the end, and celebrate their first trip to the Stanley Cup Finals in style.

Now at hockey’s summit they faced a seeminly superior team, the President’s Trophy winning Detroit Red Wings who won 33 games in the 48-game regular season, and went 12-2 in the Western Conference playoffs to get to the Finals with star-studded names like Yzerman, Federov, Primeau, Coffey and a young Nicklas Lidstrom.  Not to mention arguably the NHL’s greatest coach ever in Scotty Bowman, and the man under whom Lemaire learned quite a bit as a player for Bowman’s Hab dynasty in the ’70’s.  Of course the allegory of the ’95 Finals would strike a blow for the value of team over the individual.  Few could have guessed back then that a largely unheralded second-year goalie on the Devils would prove to be arguably the greatest ever – many favored vet Mike Vernon of the Red Wings in the goalie battle.  While most knew of Scott Stevens’ talent and edge even before he sent Slava Kozlov into never-never land during Game 2, few could have guessed that a third-year defenseman on that team would score the signature goal of the Finals and would have his own HOF career in the making.

Most oddsmakers favored Detroit before the series, some thought it would be decisive.  I thought it would be a hard-fought seven game series that the Wings would win.  Silly me.  If New Jersey’s 2-1 win in Game 1 at the Joe Louis Arena felt like a bit of a house money game, Game 2 would be the calling card for the Devils to stake their claim as an elite team in hockey for the next ten years.  Stevens’ hit on Kozlov in the second period provided the bite but people forget the Devils were still down 2-1 in the third till a great individual effort by Niedermayer changed the entire complexion of the series – skating end-to-end with the puck, and then after missing the net with his initial shot, putting in his own rebound to tie the game.  Arguably it was that double blow that sent the Wings reeling and seeing Paul Coffey writhing on the ice after blocking a shot moments before Jersey native Jim Dowd scored the decisive goal with under two minutes remaining was symbolic of both teams – Detroit’s pain and the Devils’ clutch teamwork.  Dowd would go on to have a decent career in the NHL but this was by far the highlight of it.

Even after the Devils’ two road wins, little did anyone suspect it was over…but after a dominant Game 3 at home where Vernon was pulled in the second period then everyone knew it was over.  I even fell asleep late, feeling comfortable in the Devils’ decisive 5-2 win (really a 5-0 game before a couple of cosmetic goals by the Wings in the final minutes).  Though Game 4 had more drama with the Wings taking a 2-1 lead late in the first, defenseman Shawn Chambers – a crucial deadline acquisition by GM Lou Lamoriello – scored another late-period goal that changed the complexion of a game.  After Neal Broten’s eventual game-clinching goal in the second period, the Devils would win going away with Chambers getting his second of the night and young Sergei Brylin scoring the Devils’ fifth goal of another dominant performance.  Arguably the most-remembered moment of Game 4 came with a few minutes left and the game well in hand when Peluso started sobbing uncontrollably on the bench, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the victory.  Doc’s call of the final seconds ticking down was simple but effective enough…’The championship to New Jersey, the Devils win the Stanley Cup!’.

Thankfully I had the good sense to tape everything from pre to postgame on my VHS and still have all it in very good shape, amazingly enough, including footage from the ensuing parade.  Some may have mocked the Devils for having a parade in the parking lot, but who that was watching (or there that night) could forget the Stanley Cup making a dramatic entrance via helicopter?  Or backup goaltender Chris Terreri holding up a homemade ‘Nashville?  NO WAY!’ sign to the delight of the crowd.  Of course the rest is history, the team didn’t move to Nashville and then-owner John McMullen later credited the response of the fans at the parade of helping to convince him to stay.  While the larger legacy of the win may have been keeping the Devils in New Jersey, the significance on-ice can’t be overlooked either.  It was the first major sports championship by a team calling New Jersey its home, and cemented the Devils as a power for years to come.  Even with a short-term hiccup of missing the playoffs the following year, the Devils would go on to win two more championships in 2000 and 2003.  Although both would have its own special significance – especially as it became more apparent how hard it actually was to win the Cup – it was the first one that forever removed the Mickey Mouse label of the previous generation and gave Devils fans a team to be forever proud of.

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Trade Deadline Highlight: Jordyn Leopold’s heartfelt letter to Minnesota brings Daddy home

Posted on March 5, 2015 by Derek

It’s been three days since the trade deadline ended. As usual, there were plenty of moves. According to media.nhl.com, there were 24 trades involving 43 players on Monday. Even if there really wasn’t a splash due to the Rangers acquiring Keith Yandle from Arizona the night before, there still was one highlight that stands out above the rest.

For 11-year old Jordyn Leopold, she missed her Daddy Jordan so much that she wrote a heartfelt letter to the Minnesota Wild back in January to bring her Dad home. It’s one of those feel good stories that warms our hearts. Family is very important. I’m thankful for my Dad, brother and Mom. I’d be lost without their support.

In sports, players move due to business. Jordan Leopold was spending the winter in Columbus away from his family. The Blue Jackets were expected to contend for the playoffs. Instead, a ridiculous amount of injuries killed their chances. They have 399 man games lost. The 34-year old veteran defenseman hadn’t played regularly after being traded from St. Louis. So, Jordyn penned her letter pleading for the Wild to trade for Daddy. Journalist Chad Graff posted it on Twitter.

Jordyn Leopold

Sometimes, dreams do come true. Jordyn’s wish was granted when the Wild acquired her Dad Jordan from the Jackets for Justin Falk and a 2015 fifth round pick. It made for a sweet homecoming. Leopold is from Golden Valley, Minnesota. Now, he is home and gets to play for the hometown Wild who are locked into the second wildcard with 75 points. He made his Minnesota debut Monday in a 3-2 win.

Once in a while, a story like this can bring smiles to faces even on another snowy day in March. Considering some of the negative stories which have become all too common, it’s good to see a happy ending. God bless the Leopold family.

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Zidlicky’s power play goal gives Red Wings 2-1 overtime win over Rangers

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Derek

In his first game, Marek Zidlicky made a difference. After being dealt by the Devils at the trade deadline for a 2016 third round pick, the veteran defenseman got a piece of a loose puck scoring a power play goal at 1:09 of overtime to lift the Red Wings over the Rangers 2-1 at Joe Louis Arena.

This was one of the most exciting games of the season. Billed as #RivalryNight on NBCSN between Original Sixes, the Rangers and Red Wings skated, forechecked, checked and goaltended for 61 minutes. It truly was a spectacle. Despite the teams combining for 71 shots, only three goals were scored due in large part to the goalies. Jimmy Howard was superb for the Wings making 39 saves. So too was Ranger backup Cam Talbot, who took an unlucky loss stopping 29 of 31.

The Rangers lost despite having the better of the play for a vast majority. In the second game since the Keith Yandle acquisition, they controlled possession for long stretches. There was another long shift where Yandle and Dan Boyle had the Wings pinned in. But they were unable to score due to Howard, who was sensational throughout. Detroit isn’t looked at as a serious contender compared to Atlantic rivals Montreal and Tampa Bay. Maybe they should be. Given the superb skill and goaltending if Howard plays like that, they can beat anyone.

Following a strong push by the Rangers, it was the Wings who drew first blood when Justin Abdelkader was able to legally get a piece of Henrik Zetterberg’s centering pass in front having it go off his skate past Talbot at 6:12 of the first period. The goal was reviewed but it looked like he got part of the stick as well as skate on it. Jonathan Ericsson notched the other assist.

Due in large part to their forecheck, the Rangers drew two penalties on the Wings. After their first power play didn’t get much done, the second one did thanks to an unlikely source. Of all people, Dan Girardi went to the front of the net and steer in a Rick Nash pass for a power play goal to tie it at 17:02. It took till after the period for them to tack on a assist to Derick Brassard, who set the play up.

The second was sheer entertainment. It was mostly Rangers with their combination of team speed and skating giving the Red Wings fits during the long change. It felt like they spent an eternity in the Detroit end. Ultimately, they couldn’t finish. Howard was a big reason for that turning aside all 16 shots. He was at his best stoning Nash and robbing Martin St. Louis.

Every line made it difficult on the Wings including the new fourth line featuring deadline pickup James Sheppard, who took 13 shifts and fit in seamlessly with Dominic Moore and Jesper Fast. Meanwhile, the third line continued to play well with the cohesive trio of J.T. Miller, Kevin Hayes and Carl Hagelin getting some good attack time.

The Red Wings had some push back thanks to Pavel Datsyuk and Czech cardinal copy Tomas Tatar. They spent a shift in the Ranger zone forcing Talbot into some difficult stops. Though he wasn’t as busy, he made timely saves denying all seven in one of the best scoreless periods of the season.

The third was a dogfight. Neither team deviated from strategy. They each took turns attacking. It made for an entertaining period that may as well have been a Conference Final preview. If only that actually came down, I don’t think NBC would mind. The Rangers and Red Wings combined for 25 total shots and five penalties. Each defended scoring chances well and each got splendid goaltending.

The Rangers’ best chance came from Marc Staal, who split the middle and cut in firing a laser off the goalpost. A great move by a very confident player who looked lost a year ago in the same system. Whatever it is, he looks all the way back making Glen Sather look smart for locking him up. I’ll readily admit that Staal has proven me wrong. I’m glad he’s still here and is playing at such a high level.

It got chippy late with Brassard chopping back at Abdelkader following being hooked in the Red Wings end. It was a silly penalty because it canceled a power play with 2:04 left in regulation. On the four-on-four, Gustav Nyquist got a step on Derek Stepan forcing him to grab him for a holding minor with 47 seconds left. While he did hook Stepan in to draw it, it didn’t matter. The Rangers had to kill the remaining 47 to get a point. It was Talbot who made a great glove save on Niklas Kronwall with over 10 seconds left that kept it tied.

In OT, each side got a skater back giving the Wings a 5-on-4. They kept pressuring until a bizarre final sequence resulted in Zidlicky’s winner. A great Zetterberg feed for Datsyuk down low forced Talbot into a difficult save. As the puck caromed in front, Ryan McDonagh fell down and Zidlicky reached in and got a piece of the puck chipping it in through a maze of players.

At first glance, it looked like the Wings got away with a shove which would’ve been goalie interference. But vet ref tandem Paul Devorski and Kevin Pollock were proven right. NBCSN replays clearly showed that no one was pushed into Talbot. Zidlicky just made a good play and scored an odd game-winner. Not bad considering it was his Red Wings’ debut. He definitely seemed excited when he talked to Pierre McGuire afterwards.

Rangers Back In First: For the Rangers, they still earned a point tying the Islanders in points (85) but also moving back into first by virtue of two more regulation overtime wins and two extra games left. Beware of the Penguins, who are at Colorado trailing the Avalanche 1-0 in the second. They’re four back.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Marek Zidlicky, DET (scored at 1:09 of overtime in Wings debut)

2nd Star-Cam Talbot, NYR (29 saves incl. 12/12 in 3rd)

1st Star-Jimmy Howard, DET (38 saves incl. 16/16 in 2nd)

Notes: Fourteen of 18 Ranger skaters registered shots led by Nash’s seven. By comparison, 16 of 18 Red Wings skaters had shots. NYR who didn’t were Stepan, Chris Kreider, Sheppard and Moore. Wings who didn’t were Drew Miller and Luke Glendening. … Red Wings won the faceoff battle going 33-for-58 led by Datsyuk (13-and-7). Brassard was the Rangers’ best going 11-and-6. … Each team had 8 giveaways. … Rangers blocked 14 shots with Girardi pacing them with five compared to the Red Wings’ six. … Rangers (39-17-7) get the next three days off before visiting the Blackhawks Sunday.

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Matt Martin suspended one game

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Derek

The NHL suspended Matt Martin one game for kneeing Stars defenseman Trevor Daley during the first period of Tuesday’s game. He was assessed a kneeing major and game misconduct. He’ll forfeit $5,376.34 to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

It is well explained. Martin went to finish a check after Daley released the puck and saw him. He is allowed to but did stick the leg out injuring Daley. According to Dallas Morning News reporter Mike Heika, the veteran defenseman could be out a while.

The latest update had Dallas coach Lindy Ruff indicating that Daley could miss two weeks. While not intentional, Martin will serve a one-game suspension missing tomorrow’s Islanders game at Nashville.

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Lee’s goal with 1.1 seconds left allows Islanders to escape Dallas with point

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Derek

The Islanders were able to scratch out a point in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Stars thanks to rookie Anders Lee, who tallied with 1.1 seconds left in regulation. Ultimately, Cody Eakin scored from Jamie Benn on an odd-man rush due to a Ryan Strome turnover.

With the point, the Isles move back into first with 85. One up on the Rangers, who are back in action tonight at Detroit. Five total points separate first from fourth in the division. Alex Ovechkin continued his late MVP drive with 2 goals in another Caps win. More in the blog.

Derek's avatarHITTING BACK

Cody Eakin watches his overtime winner get past Jaroslav Halak with Calvin de Haan in the picture. AP Photo by Tim Sharp/Getty Images Cody Eakin watches his overtime winner get past Jaroslav Halak with Calvin de Haan in the picture.
AP Photo by Tim Sharp/Getty Images

The Islanders were able to sneak a point out of Dallas in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Stars. By sneak, they needed a miraculous Anders Lee goal with 1.1 seconds left in regulation to earn a point moving them back ahead of the Rangers by a point into first place. Taking advantage of a Stars turnover, Lee was able to snap one home beating Kari Lehtonen to force overtime.

They came close to winning it but hit the post. Less than a minute later, a turnover at the Stars blueline by Ryan Strome led directly to a two-on-one with Cody Eakin taking a perfect Jamie Benn cross-ice feed for an easy finish into an open side past Jaroslav Halak at 2:18 of OT. Halak finished with…

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Sabres trade Stewart to Wild, Mitchell and Flynn to Canadiens

Posted on March 2, 2015 by Derek

The Sabres continued their overhaul on Deadline Day moving spare parts to contenders. Forward Chris Stewart went to the Wild for a 2017 second round pick. Stewart has 11 goals and 14 assists. Most coming in the past two months following heavy criticism from coach Ted Nolan, who called Stewart ‘lazy.’ Not exactly the kind of label you want to have headed into unrestricted free agency.

Stewart will get a chance to increase his market value with the Wild, who currently are in the second wildcard with 73 points. Three clear of Calgary and Los Angeles, who are battling for third in the Pacific. The Flames were dealt a big blow losing Norris front runner Mark Giordano for the season with a torn biceps.

Buffalo continued to remain active unloading Michal Neuvirth to the Islanders for Chad Johnson and a 2016 third round pick. This from a team that already traded Jhonas Enroth to Dallas for Anders Lindback. So, their goalies are two average backups for the rest of the season as they continue their tank push towards Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel. Is this really good for the NHL? Never mind.

The Sabres kept the wheel going sending Torrey Mitchell to arch rival Montreal for forward Jack Nevins and a 2016 seventh round pick. Who is Nevins and does he have any chance of being a regular? It’s bad enough that Buffalo purged both goalies but they even helped out the hated Canadiens in their Cup chase. Imagine that happening between the Devils and Rangers. The two Hudson rivals have never made a single trade.

They weren’t done also sending character forward Brian Flynn to the Canadiens for a 2016 fifth round pick. So, both Mitchell and Flynn go from the worst team in NHL history to a Stanley Cup contender with the most points in the East. Not bad. If they win a Cup, will Buffalo get a share? Don’t answer that.

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