Rangers Power Past Sabres 6-1

Posted on January 4, 2015 by Derek
Brassy: Derick Brassard celebrates his power play goal with teammates at the bench. AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

Brassy: Derick Brassard celebrates his power play goal with teammates at the bench.
AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

This one was over fast. In a rare display of power, the Rangers scored three power play goals in a 2:32 span to bury the Sabres 6-1 at MSG. Derick Brassard, Chris Kreider and Rick Nash buried their chances to keep the Rangers hot. They won for the 10th time in 11 games moving back ahead of the Capitals for third.

Using a four-goal first period, they took care of business against an opponent who played for a second consecutive night. The Sabres entered having been shutout by the Panthers at home. Initially, they started out okay testing Henrik Lundqvist, who made some key saves early. He stopped 10 shots in the first.

Buffalo lost their discipline. During a Ranger power play, the puck looked like it hit the netting. Play continued allowing Martin St. Louis to execute a perfect shot pass for a Brassard deflection past surprise Buffalo starter Michal Neuvirth. MSG replays sure seemed to indicate that the puck was out of play. Who knows. On Hockey Night Live, they said it never was out but didn’t bother showing a replay. Odd. After the goal was scored, Sabre coach Ted Nolan fumed and got an unsportsmanlike conduct putting the Rangers back on the power play.

It took 1:07 for them to cash in with Kreider beating Neuvirth for his seventh making it two straight games with a goal. Sent in on a breakaway by J.T. Miller, he deked Neuvirth and finished a sweet backhand after getting hooked from behind by Cody McCormick. Since Kreider scored, that put the Rangers on a third consecutive man-advantage. This time, it took 1:25 for Nash to convert his team-leading 24th from St. Louis and Brassard. It marked the first time they had three power play goals in a period since 2/4/10 vs. Washington.

Adding insult to injury, Boyle fired a laser past Neuvirth at even strength 1:16 later chasing him. I felt bad for him. The Sabres have one of the worst penalty kills which didn’t help. Of course, they’re also bad defensively and have allowed the most goals (136). It didn’t make a whole lot of sense starting him over Jhonas Enroth to begin with. Something E.J. Hradek was puzzled by. Enroth has cooled off after a nice stretch. But he’s clearly the number one guy. In a back-to-back situation with Neuvirth starting the night before, I have no clue what Nolan was thinking. It was a recipe for disaster.

”We were probably out of it before it even started,” Nolan said. ”They get one, then all of a sudden they get another one and another one, and then the game is over.”

To their credit, the Sabres didn’t quit. Even after Carl Hagelin had a shot deflect off a Buffalo player making it 5-0, Drew Stafford responded only 22 seconds later with a nice backhand wraparound catching Lundqvist off his goalpost. On the next shift, they nearly made it 5-2 with only a sprawling Lundqvist preventing a three-goal contest. That would’ve been interesting.

”They played last night, and they want to try to get a good game, and that happens to them. I kind of felt for them a little bit,” Lundqvist noted after crediting the Sabres for not giving up.

The final nail in the coffin was a delayed goal for Jesper Fast confirmed by video replay in Toronto. Given a opportunity by coach Alain Vigneault to play on the third line, Fast made the most of it taking a Kevin Hayes feed and firing a low shot that went off Enroth’s pads and back out quickly. It was hard to tell if he scored. But Fast immediately thought so raising his arms. With play still going, a horn blew the play dead. One of the oddest moments you’ll ever see. It had to be a goal. Sure enough, the puck crossed the goal line giving Fast his third of the season for the final margin of victory.

As part of an odd schedule to start the new calendar year, the Rangers get the next three days off before embarking on a crucial three-game Californian trip in four days with stops in Anaheim 1/7, a Stanley Cup rematch at Los Angeles 1/8 and concluding at San Jose 1/10.

”It’s going to be a great test for us,” Lundqvist said. ”Three really good teams, and obviously some memories out there. We’ll see how it feels walking into that building. I think we’re excited to go.”

Obviously, he’s talking about the Kings. It should be a good litmus test to see where they are. They deserve tons of credit for recovering from a tough start and injuries to be 21-11-4 with 46 points in the standings. Amazingly, they can’t seem to gain any ground on the Islanders, who don’t lose. They’re tied with the Penguins for first with each having 53 points. With the Pens losing to the Canadiens, the Isles are in first due to one less game played. They make that up Sunday evening at Edmonton. The Caps host the Panthers this afternoon.

By continuing to win, the Rangers have kept pace. They finally passed the slumping Leafs, who fell for the fourth time in five. They can’t afford any slip up out West. Following that trip, the Islanders visit MSG followed by a road match at the Bruins.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Dan Boyle, NYR (goal-3rd of season, assist, 7 shot attempts)

2nd Star-Chris Kreider, NYR (PPG-7th of season, 3 SOG, 4 PIM)

1st Star-Derick Brassard, NYR (PPG-10th of season-2nd in 2 games, assist)

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Video Of The Day: Jagr makes history

Posted on January 3, 2015 by hasan4978

Tonight’s 5-2 Devils win over the rival Flyers saw the ageless Jaromir Jagr make history by becoming the oldest player ever to record a hat trick in the NHL.  At 42 years and 322 days old, Jagr surpassed Gordie Howe’s record by more than a full year since Howe was 41 years and 217 days when he recorded his last hat trick.  In typical Jagr fashion he remarked he didn’t want to be the oldest.

“Gordie Howe didn’t do it. I thought he did it. I was sure he did it,” Jagr said. “I like to score hat trick, but I don’t like (being) the oldest guy (to do it). I don’t want to be the oldest guy, but I’m glad I scored.”

Like Jagr I figured Howe had the record although I was surprised it was broken since Howe was around a long time after his early 40’s.  Interestingly Jagr also admitted he was using a new pair of skates that he hadn’t even practiced in before.  I guess that’s now a lucky pair of skates.

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Being snowed in

Posted on January 3, 2015 by hasan4978

Things aren’t going as planned for either Cory Schneider or Andy Greene after both signed long-term extensions this offseason (picture from NJ.com)

Normally I try to avoid going to three games in a week but given the Devils were playing the Pens and Flyers this week and my friends wanted to go to yesterday’s game against the Habs, I was all set to do it until the snowy/slushy/slippery weather combined with a crappy team kept me home tonight.  Other than a game or two late in the 2013 season I can’t remember a time both the Devils and Flyers met with so little on the line for both teams, but given the fact they’re nine points out of the playoffs (with the Rangers having multiple games in hand) the Flyers are likely to miss the postseason for the second time in three years while we’re in even worse position and it’s a near certainty we’ll miss the postseason for the third straight season.

In fact, both teams’ fans would probably prefer they lose this game to improve their draft position given the balleyhooed anticipated top two picks but for me it’s still too early to look at the standings in an inverse way.  Not that I particularly care about wins and losses at this point – sadly even beating the Flyers tonight would do very little for me given the fact we’d just improve their draft position – but there’s still way too much time left in the season to actively root for the Devils to lose every game.  At a certain point losing becomes counterproductive and just increases the negative vibes (and winning in a near hopeless cause during the spring of 2011 set up the following season, so even that kind of winning can have some benefits).  Not everyone is going to be gone next year, you want guys like goalie Cory Schneider or the young defensemen to gain/increase their confidence, not to mention having some of the vets to pick it up to enhance their trade value since it’s still several weeks to the deadline.  At times like this you start to root for individuals as much as anything else, like the goalies to play well or former #4 overall pick Adam Larsson to finally get a real chance for the first time in three years and respond last night with nearly twenty-eight good minutes.

I did want to go tonight since it’ll be one of the last few games with ‘atmosphere’ in the building this year.  Sadly the Devils’ 3-1 win over Pittsburgh on Monday was the first home win I was in attendance for since November 11.  It might have well been the team’s best game of the season too, but so far the results of the new coaching cerebrus have been mixed at best with the team going 1-3.  Maybe strange decisions can be excused given the team’s current position in the standings, but was there any real reason Andy Greene got barely twenty minutes last night while Marek Zidlicky got twenty-eight?!  Greene got more shorthanded time than Zid had on the power play so the five-on-five time difference was even more stark.  If this were a different organization I’d think some of the things they were trying to do were meant to facilitate losing (playing Steve Bernier and Jordin Tootoo on the power play?  Having Travis Zajac at the point during a third-period man advantage while Patrik Elias lost a key offensive zone draw?).

Yes the team has been compromised I know…between injuries, sicknesses and just plain bad luck every retread short of Cam Janssen and Rod Pelley has been called up to play games by now – and their returns any day wouldn’t surprise me – even one-time Devil Mark Fraser is making his return tonight with a seemingly deep defensive core having been riddled by injuries starting with Damon Severson on the shelf probably till after the All-Star break, Bryce Salvador being in witness protection, Eric Gelinas sick and Peter Harrold out after suffering a facial injury last night.  Things up front aren’t much better though the lineup is mostly healthy save for Ryane Clowe, Steve Bernier and Stephen Gionta.  And whoever else I may be forgetting – at this point you need a gameday program to tell who’s in the lineup on a nightly basis.  I really can’t remember a season anywhere close to this in terms of guys going in and out of the lineup at the drop of a hat.  Ironically one of the oldest players on the team (Zidlicky) is one of only two Devils to have played every game this season with Greene being the other.

Talking about the lineup is depressing but the team’s play itself hasn’t been particularly scintillating.  Granted the effort has been there for the most part in the four games since the coaching changes but of course the team lost at MSG and at Detroit – where they always lose, along with last night’s game where the Habs’ speed and pressure bottled up the Devils for the first two plus periods until Montreal got the ‘worst lead in hockey’ going up 3-0.  After the Habs started to sit back, the Devils surged back with two goals and made a game of it but of course came up short.  At least it was a better showing than the last time my friends came to a game (one of the Washington fiascoes last month).  What’s more after two semi-winnable games at home tonight and against the Sabres on Tuesday, the Devils’ five games before the break are murderous with a trip to Boston, playing the Isles here then going on the West Coast for three games before a lengthy – and needed All-Star break.  In other words it’s almost certainly getting worse before it starts to get better.

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Video Of Day: Troy Brouwer Wins Winter Classic

Posted on January 1, 2015 by Derek

Our Video Of Day is none other than Troy Brouwer’s winning goal with 12.3 seconds left in the Winter Classic. The former Blackhawk burned his ex-team with a power play goal late to lift the host Capitals over the Blackhawks 3-2 at Nationals Park.

This is a unique view of the goal with it coming from the goalie cam with Corey Crawford getting beat with under 13 seconds remaining. Put on a late power play due to a weak call on Chicago captain Jonathan Toews for hooking, the Caps scored on a broken play. Off an Alex Ovechkin rush in which he lost the puck, Brouwer picked it up and surprised Crawford with a turnaround shot that went far side. That set off a great celebration. The game seemed destined for classic pond hockey (4-on-4). Instead, it was a wild ending with the Hawks coming close at the end.

Many were upset about the call on Toews. The officiating towards the end was tight with a couple of iffy calls and a missed one on Andrew Shaw. Maybe it was fitting since Shaw got away with one. Even if you hate seeing games decided that way, it was a pretty cool conclusion to a signature event. Brouwer is one of the most underrated players. A hard worker who does a bit of everything. I loved seeing him play the hero and get the winner’s interview with Pierre McGuire. A memorable moment.

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New Year’s Resolutions 2015

Posted on January 1, 2015 by Derek
Mats Zuccarello gets congrats at the bench following his goal in the first period. AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

Mats Zuccarello gets congrats at the bench following his goal in the first period.
AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

This is going to be pretty random. Especially with me having a couple of tequilas in me. I just want to wish everyone out there a Happy and Healthy New Year!!!!! To Hasan, who does such a outstanding job despite his team’s struggles, you rock. You are a great person. I hope things get better for you and the Devils. Rivalry aside, it’s so much better when both Hudson rivals thrive. Hope they get it fixed.

To anyone who reads us, thank you! We might not have the cult following of other blogs. But to those who do take the time out of their day, I really do appreciate it. I hope you enjoy what we write and it gives you food for thought. I might make some changes for this year to make this blog even better. We shall see what 2015 brings. To Brian, I love your passion. I know it’s been tough the past few years with the Sabres but you are as loyal a fan as there is. With the pool of talent they have and a high lottery pick ahead in a good draft, better days are ahead.

To Islander fans, I really wish we could give you more coverage. We need an Islander blogger because they have the passion and deserve the spotlight. Your team has come a long way. Kudos to Garth Snow doing what he had to do to bolster a roster by bringing in Johnny Boychuk, Nick Leddy and adding much needed depth in ex-Leafs Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin and most notably Jaroslav Halak. He won his 20th last night. Not bad for a guy who had one good run with the Canadiens but never really has been a legit number one. The Isles are more than just John Tavares and Kyle Okposo. Look at the production from super soph Ryan Strome. Kudos to him on his first four-point night. Hell of a player he’s becoming. They are also more than Travis Hamonic, who is the most irreplaceable player in my opinion for what he brings. He’s a heart and soul type in the Dan Girardi mold. Calvin de Haan is definitely a solid shutdown guy who should only get better. I’m happy for Jack Capuano because he really took a lot of heat. But now you see that when he has an actual team, he actually can coach. Good job Isles staying patient and supporting him.

As for the Rangers, I just want to say thank you again for an amazing 2014! To see you in person advance to your first Stanley Cup Final in 20 years was unbelievable. That is the best experience I ever had as a sportsfan. And I know it is the same for my amazing Dad and brother Justin. I can’t thank you enough. It really meant A LOT. We have been going since basically ’96. Former Section 411 ticket holders now in a revamped MSG in Section 419. It is exciting to see a team exceed expectations. It truly was a great run. The way the team rallied around Martin St. Louis after the death of his Mom Frances was amazing. To finally rally from 3-1 down and beat the Pens meant so much. To see how everyone came together and performed was something special for every True Blueshirt. I heart you! I only wish Boyle, Stralman, Pouliot, Carcillo, Richards could still be part of it. Special shout out to Callahan because I will always love him. I’m glad he’s doing well and found a new home in Tampa. Good for him. But if our team plays them with Cally, Stralman and Boyle, we better win next Spring. And that can’t happen unless the teams meet in the Conference Finals. I really want to apologize to Rick Nash because I was really hard on him as were most of us bloggers on Twitter. You probably weren’t 100 percent. I am very proud of you. Keep your amazing season going. And to Henrik Lundqvist. None of this would be remotely possible. I will never question you again. Ryan McDonagh. It’s great to see you returning to elite form. Fill those shoes as our 27th captain. To every diehard Blueshirt, we may not see eye to eye on everything. But we all bleed Blue. Let’s try to enjoy our team including Tanner Glass. To a prosperous 2015!

As for the NHL, I love hockey! From Stamkos to Crosby to Malkin to Toews to Kane to Quick…gasp…yes he is clutch…to Ovechkin to the awesome Habs fans who might just see their team raise Lord Stanley honoring Jean Beliveau…to even Pens fans who I have come to respect due to some of my friendships on Twitter…to loyal Diablos who are going through a tough time which I know all too well…to the super skills of PK Subban…that lovable creature who inspires so much…to special talents in the future like Filip Forsberg, Johnny “Hockey” Gaudreau and Aaron Ekblad, the league is in good hands. We should all enjoy every game. Enjoy the Winter Classic. If you are home, watch and just envision your team(s) in it with the game on the line on a pond somewhere in North America. That’ll make you feel better. Even Oilers fans.

I want to end this blog by saying peace, love and harmony to every pucker out there. I love you all! Happy 2015! 🙂

Posted in Battle News, Devils, NHL, NY Islanders, NYRangers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rangers Win ‘Road Game’ Over Panthers On New Year’s Eve

Posted on December 31, 2014 by Derek
Zucc and Mac Truck: Mats Zuccarello congrats Ryan McDonagh on his goal during a Rangers 5-2 win over the Panthers on New Year's Eve. AP Photo by Terry Renna/Getty Images

Zucc and Mac Truck: Mats Zuccarello congrats Ryan McDonagh on his goal during a Rangers 5-2 win over the Panthers on New Year’s Eve.
AP Photo by Terry Renna/Getty Images

For all intent and purposes, the Rangers were victorious in their New Year’s Eve ‘road game’ defeating the Panthers 5-2 for their ninth win in the last 10. To be perfectly blunt, it felt more like a home win over a franchise that shouldn’t be in the NHL. Sadly, Florida can’t even support their own team when it’s competitive. The Panthers entered the game with 41 points trailing the Rangers by a point for the wildcard. That didn’t matter. Half the crowd cheered for our team. The conclusion on the radio was astonishing.

The Rangers took advantage of a team playing its second game in consecutive nights. The Panthers were 2-1 shootout losers to the Canadiens. I can only imagine how loud the Montreal fans were. Playing former failed first round pick Al Montoya, the Panthers were miserable. They constantly turned over the puck and were a horror show defensively. Astonishingly, the statistician only credited them for six giveaways. Either they were drunk early or asleep. Between the “Let’s Go Rangers” and “Hen-rik” chants, it was sickening. I say that because it was a Florida home game. It’s embarrassing.

I don’t see how that franchise can survive. They basically have to give tickets away. No disrespect to any Panthers fans. I’ve seen some of their games and some are passionate about their team. It’s just sad that whenever a popular opposition visits, it’s basically 50/50. How is that beneficial moving forward? I am never in favor of relocation but it has to be considered. Aside from that, the Panthers have made the playoffs only once since 2000 getting ousted by the Devils in 2012. Eventually, they need to break through.

The Panthers have some good talent. 2014 first overall pick Aaron Ekblad is a Calder candidate. The young defenseman is really good already with five goals and 15 assists for 20 points. He definitely is a player to build around. Jonathan Huberdeau has come on after a bad start. He had an assist on one of the Panthers’ two goals. They also boast leading goalscorer Nick Bjugstad- a former first round pick. Aleksander Barkov, Vincent Trocheck, Erik Gudbranson and Dmitri Kulikov are also integral parts of a roster that hinges on Roberto Luongo. Luongo is very quietly having a Vezina type season with 14 wins, a 2.30 GAA and .923 save percentage. When he doesn’t start, they’ve won just twice with Montoya. The future is bright with Ian McCoshen starring on the USA blueline at the 2015 WJC.

At some point, that pool of talent should make a dent in the Atlantic Division. They already are showing improvement. It wasn’t on display tonight. Though they did manage a comeback cutting a three-goal Ranger lead to one when former Hawk Jimmy Hayes tallied his 11th on the power play from Barkov and Dave Bolland with 12:21 left in period 3. But Martin St. Louis restored order when his goal was upheld on video review from Derek Stepan and Chris Kreider less than two minutes later. I was out picking up stuff with my brother for a little New Year’s Eve get together. I heard the call on the radio with Dave Maloney emphasizing how big the goal was. Especially against a team right behind them.

That put the wind out of their sails. Dominic Moore added his second from St. Louis and Stepan for the final margin of victory. Most importantly, they bounced back from a 3-2 disappointment at Dallas. A game they had plenty of chances in but weren’t sound fundamentally. Frequent target Tanner Glass was a healthy scratch with Jesper Fast reinserted in the lineup. Lee Stempniak remained in.

It was a big night for Kreider, who’s been playing better lately. He came very close against Dallas. He’s been using his speed to generate high quality chances. Finally, that effort was rewarded when he steered home a Stepan rebound top shelf on Montoya for just his second goal over 20. Kreider also helped set up St. Louis key insurance marker giving him two points. Without a point in four, he needed a break. If he continues to play consistently, the goals will come.

Ryan McDonagh also had one of his best games so far. The captain was very active during shifts jumping in on the rush whenever possible. That resulted in him setting up and scoring the next two goals in the second. Taking a Carl Hagelin feed, he flew in and dished across for an easy Derick Brassard tap-in. Brassard’s goal was his first in 10 since a two-goal effort in a win over the Flyers on 11/29. McDonagh would score a beautiful power play goal unassisted increasing to 3-0. On the play, he knocked a clearing attempt out of mid-air and fired a bullet through a J.T. Miller screen past Montoya for his third. He’s really begun to assert himself and is once again playing like one of the best defensemen.

A St. Louis rush nearly made it 4-0 but Montoya made a nice top leading to a quick Panther counterattack with Tomas Fleischmann taking a Huberdeau lead and beating Henrik Lundqvist cutting it to 3-1 with 3:22 left in the period.

The Panthers drew within one on Hayes’ PPG. With Marc Staal off for slashing, it only took them 31 seconds to cut a once comfortable three-goal lead to a precarious one. Thankfully, the Rangers finally put it away to improve to 20-11-4 moving them a point up on idle Washington for third in the Metropolitan Division. They now get the first two days of 2015 off before hosting the Sabres Saturday. The way Buffalo has struggled lately, that should be an automatic two. It will be the first meeting. We’ll see what happens.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Derek Stepan, NYR (3 assists, 6-19-25 in 23 GP)

2nd Star-Ryan McDonagh, NYR (3rd of season, assist, 2 blocks, +1 in 22:52)

1st Star-Chris Kreider, NYR (6th of season, assist, 4 hits, +1 in 14:25

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A Message To All Ranger Fans

Posted on December 30, 2014 by Derek
An excited bunch of Rangers celebrate their second round series victory by mobbing Henrik Lundqvist. Associated Press/Getty Images

An excited bunch of Rangers celebrate their second round series victory by mobbing Henrik Lundqvist.
Associated Press/Getty Images

Rather than bore you with a recap of last night’s loss to the Stars, I’ve decided to post about the nonsense that took place on Twitter. The Rangers had their eight-game win streak snapped by Dallas losing 3-2. This didn’t come as a surprise. In fact, a buddy at work asked me what I thought about the game and I told him, ‘It’s a classic trap game.’ Not to toot my own horn, but he took the Stars and listened to me on the Habs and won money.

As a passionate fan of this team, I can’t stand when our fans pin the blame on one player. No matter who you root for, you win and lose as a team. Not according to some sour apples who have an agenda with Tanner Glass. He had a bad game taking two penalties with one leading to a Dallas goal. As usual, most of the tweets centered around him. Rather than notice what else was wrong with top stars Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi and Rick Nash all having off nights, some fans would rather spew nonsense about Glass. Last I checked, he’s a fourth line role player that gets the lowest minutes (7:42 vs Stars).

Every year, a player becomes the new whipping boy. With Michael Del Zotto no longer around, this year it’s Glass, who Glen Sather astonishingly signed for three years. Of course, it was a bad move. But as I’ve echoed throughout, Glass is an Alain Vigneault guy. AV coached him with Vancouver the year they went to the Stanley Cup Final. He actually put up 10 points (3-7-10) with 130 hits and 29 blocks. The best season he ever had came in ’11-12 when he had five goals and 11 assists with 246 hits and 51 blocks. For the Pens last year, he totaled 13 points with 247 hits and 57 blocks in 67 games. For the Corsi folks, he’s not effective due to a penchant to go for the big hit which can result in bad penalties and odd-man rushes. The Rangers are paying him $1.9 million in the first year of a three-year deal that averages out to $1.45 million per season.

The argument has been made that Glass is blocking kids. In particular, Anthony Duclair who currently is starring for Canada at the Under 20 World Junior Championship. However, that argument is flawed. Duclair is a top nine forward. So, he’s not being blocked by a fourth liner but rather veteran Lee Stempniak and rejuvenated former 2011 first round pick J.T. Miller, who scored his fifth goal Monday. If Vigneault chooses to play Glass, it’s on the fourth line with Dominic Moore and either Miller- who belongs on the third line- or Jesper Fast, who is a solid defensive forward. Personally, I don’t get why Fast sat out. AV likes Glass. So, he plays. He also likes Stempniak, whose offense has disappeared after a good start. He has no goals in the last eight. It really should come down to Stempniak versus Glass for 12th forward. But that’s not how AV has coached. As he’s admitted, he likes to play everyone keeping bodies fresh. That might have a long-term benefit. It keeps everyone happy.

As far as I know, Glass is a good team guy. He stepped up for a fallen teammate against Calgary in a 5-1 win taking on Lance Bouma. If Sidney Crosby cares enough to ask about his former teammate, that tells you all you need to know. My contention is that Glass shouldn’t have to play every game. He’s a role guy who brings energy and physicality. Vigneault also trusts him enough to kill penalties. Glass ranks first among forwards with 84 hits and has 17 blocks. The argument against him is he doesn’t have the puck much. The critics fail to acknowledge when he has a good shift. Yes, there are times where our fourth line has been effective even with Glass on the ice. But all they see is number 15 out for a shift and it infuriates them.

I don’t pretend to know more than the average fan. Like everyone else, I’m a fan who bleeds Rangers red, white and blue. At times, I can be as critical of the team as anyone. However, I believe in supporting every player on the roster. Even John Moore, who shouldn’t play over Matt Hunwick. We all have our favorites and guys we don’t like. But we are not in the locker room or at team practice. We have no clue what it takes to play hockey at the highest level. If you want to question personnel decisions, fine. But it’s about time we support every player win or lose.

All the overreaction over one loss is crazy. I’ve been guilty of it too. As fans, we have high expectations. We expect our team to win. Last year’s success has spoiled us. New Yorkers are impatient. It’s all about what you’ve done lately. Maybe we should take a step back and appreciate what the 2013-14 Rangers accomplished. They rallied around Martin St. Louis and made franchise history by coming back from a 3-1 series deficit to finally beat the Pens, eventually ousting the Canadiens for the club’s first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 20 years. They overachieved. Now, everyone expects to win daily. It doesn’t work that way when you subtract key players.

At 19-11-4 with 42 points through 34 games, they are fourth in a competitive Metropolitan Division. The Pens and Islanders each have 49 and are tied for the division lead. By virtue of a point in last night’s 4-3 overtime defeat at the Isles, the Caps are third with 43 having played two more games (36). The Rangers are locked into the wildcard trailing the Leafs by a point and just a point up on the Bruins and two clear of the improved Panthers. It will be harder to make the playoffs. The Eastern Conference is better. However, it’s not panic time. The team is playing good hockey. They should be fine.

Maybe as loyal True Blueshirts, we should try to enjoy each game instead of getting into silly debates over redundant topics. Not every game is life or death. I don’t know about you. But my eyes will be glued to tomorrow’s USA versus Canada New Year’s Eve clash. The Rangers do play early with the 6 PM start at Florida. That’s a game they need. The Panthers are competing with them. We’ll see if they can bounce back and end 2014 on a positive note.

Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year!

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USA defeats Germany 6-0

Posted on December 28, 2014 by Derek

In IIHF U20 World Junior Championship preliminary action at Bell Centre, USA defeated Germany 6-0 improving to 2-0-0. Red Wings prospect Dylan Larkin led the Americans with two goals and an assist. Sabres prospect Hudson Fasching had a goal and assist.

USA placed three other goalscorers including highly touted 2015 Draft Eligible Jack Eichel, who used tremendous reach to score on a wraparound. I’ll try to put up the video later if it becomes available. Sonny Milano and Auston Matthews also sniped as the Americans dominated the Germans outshooting them 53-14.

The beneficiary was Rangers 2014 second round pick Brandon Halverson, who stopped all 14 shots for the shutout. At least he stayed awake. For the day, it was productive for our goalie prospects with Igor Shestyorkin stopping all 32 in a 7-0 Russia shutout of Switzerland. Also of note, Russian forward Pavel Buchnevich tallied a goal and two helpers.

As for USA who followed up a 2-1 shootout win over Finland with a six-goal triumph against Germany, they were all over an overmatched opponent. They all backcheck and forecheck aggressively. The poor Germans struggled to get out of their end. They peppered Ilja Sharipov with 22 shots in a lopsided first period. The 19-year old German who also is Russian was brilliant. If not for him, the score could’ve been 12-0. He made some remarkable saves. Even while allowing six, Sharipov deservedly was selected Player Of The Game getting a standing ovation from the crowd.

The Americans were still able to beat Sharipov twice in the first with Matthews at 4:44 followed by Fasching at 12:30 on a Larkin rebound. They easily could’ve had more. In the second, Milano had a nice move and finish and Larkin scored his first after a power play expired. That was about the only area USA struggled with. Way too much passing and not enough shooting. They had plenty of chances but didn’t score.

Comfortably up 4-0 with under six minutes left, Eichel scored a highlight reel goal. Taking a no look feed from Tyler Motte, in one motion he coolly wrapped the puck around using his reach for a sweet finish. The way he swept the puck in was a thing of beauty. World class skill.

With under a minute to go, Larkin shrugged off an incredible Sharipov save going five-hole from Fasching and Zach Werenski. It looks like the Red Wings got another future star. Selected in the 2014 first round 15th overall, Larkin is a freshman at Michigan who has three goals and 13 assists in 15 games. What else would you expect from a franchise who stole Anthony Mantha in the 2013 Draft 20th overall? They don’t need to draft high. With the next wave featuring Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Tatar, the Winged Wheel is in good shape.

USA next takes on Slovakia tomorrow at 4 PM with coverage on NHL Network. I definitely like the addition of former Pens coach Dan Bylsma to broadcast booth. He teamed with Steve Mears and did a good job. He’s very detail oriented and provides a lot of insight. I wonder how long Bylsma will be in TV. There will be plenty of coaching vacancies.

For any official game summary of #WJC2015, just go to the IIHF site. After tomorrow’s game, the highly anticipated traditional New Year’s Eve game between USA and Canada is Wednesday night. That should be tremendous. It’ll feature the top 2 prospects with Eichel and Connor McDavid going head to head. There’s also a plethora of talent between the two North American rivals. These games have become the pinnacle of the tournament. It should be great.

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Video Of Day: Derek Stepan records 3rd career hat trick

Posted on December 28, 2014 by Derek

Today’s Video Of Day is none other than Derek Stepan’s hat trick against the Devils highlighting the Rangers’ eighth straight win. It was the third of his career.

After missing the first 12 games, Stepan has been quietly putting up points consistently. His three goal barrage gives him 22 (6-16-22) in 21 games. That’s right. He’s over a point-per-game. In fact, during a five-game point streak, he has eight points (4-4-8) and is plus-six.

In his fifth year, this is the best stretch so far. Stepan has been a good performer but never this consistent. Not only is he producing but the 24-year old center has become one of the NHL’s most underrated two-way players. He’s a terror on the penalty kill teaming up with Rick Nash for four shorthanded goals. Stepan has assisted on all three of Nash’s shorties and last night stripped Travis Zajac of the puck and beat Cory Schneider with a backhand five-hole for his first shorthanded goal of the season. Defensively sound, he can be trusted late in games and fittingly was out in the final minute for an empty netter with 54.5 seconds left that sealed the hat trick.

Stepan also has been a factor on the power play. He scored his first power play goal last night when he had the good fortune of a Martin St. Louis one-timer deflect off his upper body and in. A key trigger man, Stepan has six power play assists. Recently, the Rangers have improved on the man-advantage. Over their last five games, they’re 5-for-16 having scored at least one PPG in four.

Every game Stepan tallies a point, he increases his market value. Currently making $3.85 million in the final year of a multi-year deal worth $6.15 million which averages out to $3.075 million, he turns restricted on July 1. It would be wise for Team President and GM Glen Sather to lock him up. The sooner he gets it done, the better. That way Slats can turn his attention to key unrestricted’s Martin St. Louis, Marc Staal and Mats Zuccarello. Carl Hagelin is also restricted.

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Eight Is Great: Stepan’s hat trick gives Rangers eighth straight win

Posted on December 27, 2014 by Derek
Derek's Big Night: Derek Stepan celebrates one of three goals. His hat trick led the Rangers to their eighth straight win. AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

Derek’s Big Night: Derek Stepan celebrates one of three goals. His hat trick led the Rangers to their eighth straight win.
AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

Derek Stepan’s hat trick highlighted the Rangers’ eighth straight win. Stepan scored in each period during a 3-1 win over the Devils at MSG. It’s the first time since 1974-75 that the Rangers have won eight in a row. Their latest victory improved them to 19-10-4 remaining in third over the Caps- 3-0 winners at Pens- due to two less games played. It allowed them to inch closer to the Islanders, who blew a three-goal lead in a 4-3 shootout defeat at the Sabres. With the Rangers having two extra games, five points is all that separates them from second place. They trail first place Pittsburgh by seven.

The game marked the debut of Devils President and GM Lou Lamoriello’s odd coaching experiment with co-coaches Adam Oates and Scott Stevens returning. The results were mixed. The effort was there. But once again, the Devils didn’t score enough or sustain enough offense required to win. They were outscored 3-1 and outshot 28-20 for their third consecutive loss.

It wasn’t the most entertaining game. The first period didn’t have much flow. But both starting goalies were sharp. Henrik Lundqvist made eight saves while Cory Schneider stopped nine of 10. As usual, Schneider was under siege once the Rangers sustained a forecheck. He had a strong start but a miscue allowed Stepan to beat him shorthanded for the game’s first goal at 18:14. Following a Dominic Moore holding minor, Travis Zajac mishandled a puck after being pressured by Stepan at the point. Stepan pushed the puck ahead and then took advantage of a non-committal Schneider who was in no-man’s land. Instead of challenging, he got beat by a Stepan backhand five-hole for the Rangers’ fourth shorthanded goal. Rick Nash has the other three.

The second was mostly Blueshirts. They dominated puck possession and got plenty of rubber on Schneider. Their second goal came in large part to Tanner Glass, who drew an undisciplined Jordin Tootoo holding minor. While the whiners continue to pummel Glass for what he can’t do, he is certainly capable of finishing checks. He delivered a clean hit catching Tootoo against the boards. Tootoo responded by grabbing Glass sending the Rangers on the power play. Some nice passing started by Dan Boyle across for a Martin St. Louis’ one-timer from the right circle caromed off Stepan in front for his second of the game. On the play, St. Louis’ shot appeared to deflect off Andy Greene and then bank off Stepan, who beat Adam Larsson in front.

But before they could get too comfortable, the Rangers saw their two-goal lead sliced in half thanks to some nice teamwork by the Devils resulting in a Steve Bernier finish upstairs. They took advantage of a John Moore pinch. Moore was back in for Matt Hunwick and got victimized. Tuomu Ruutu caught him passing for Eric Gelinas, who dished across for a wide open Bernier for an easy put away cutting the deficit to 2-1 less than three minutes later.

Jacob Josefson and Lee Stempniak each took ill advised minor penalties. But neither side capitalized. Stempniak was reinserted by Rangers coach Alain Vigneault, who scratched J.T. Miller. While I disagree with his decision, he chooses to play everyone keeping bodies fresh. That can have a long-term benefit. The vast majority wants Miller to stay in. Of course, most criticism is pointed at Glass. But he’s a better fit on the fourth line than Stempniak. If Miller plays, he should play over Stempniak. Glass is fine on the fourth line as an energizer. I’m tired of all the anti-Glass tweets. Some Rangers bloggers get carried away with the Glass hate. Get over it.

The Devils had their chances in the third. Most notably with under 10 minutes remaining when Rick Nash took an undisciplined offensive zone minor. But a Gelinas shot hit the crossbar. He also missed on another cannon. Lundqvist was at his best denying Travis Zajac off a Jaromir Jagr feed. Adam Henrique and Scott Gomez also had close calls. But Lundqvist wouldn’t oblige. New Jersey had seven shots in the third and most were quality.

A great shift by Chris Kreider led to a sustained forecheck for a minute pinning the Devils in with under three minutes left. Using his speed, he outraced a couple of Devils to negate an icing. Then he and linemates Stepan and St. Louis went to work. They dominated forcing Schneider into a couple of tough saves. When the shift ended, they got a nice ovation. That’s what you want to see. Our players pressing the action. I’d like to see them get more shots on net when protecting leads. They tend to sit back.

Defensively, they were excellent. Ryan McDonagh had several key defensive plays and Kevin Klein had a couple of nice hits. Marc Staal and Dan Girardi were strong. They really didn’t give the Devils much. With Schneider on the bench for an extra attacker, McDonagh moved the puck around to St. Louis and Carl Hagelin, who eventually got it out after a good effort from Marek Zidlicky. That allowed Stepan the opportunity to shoot into an open net from the red line for his hat trick. Unlike before Christmas in the win over the Caps, hats flew on the ice. They didn’t have to wait a day to announce a hat trick like for Nash.

Notes: Patrik Elias and Michael Ryder sat out with mumps. Scott Clemmensen also has it as the NHL epidemic continues. … St. Louis picked up two assists. … With a helper, that marked the second straight game Dan Boyle recorded a point. … Even though his line got caught out for the goal against, Jesper Fast had a solid defensive game. … Faceoffs were 29-24 in favor of the Devils led by Scott Gomez, who played in his 1,000th career NHL game going 8-and-5. Stephen Gionta went 5-and-2 while Zajac was 6-and-4. Dominic Moore led the Blueshirts finishing 7-and-3 followed by Derick Brassard (7-and-5). Stepan was 7-and-9. … Stat Of Game: Takeaways NYR-10 (Stepan 3, Hayes/McDonagh 2) NJD-2 (Ruutu, Gomez). … Rangers host Stars Monday 12/29 and then are at Panthers on New Year’s Eve. Devils (12-18-7) return home for Pens 12/29. The first game between teams since Robert Bortuzzo’s cheap shot on Jaromir Jagr. Keep an eye on that one. Devils conclude 2014 portion at Detroit on NYE.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Cory Schneider, NJD (25 saves incl. 12/13 in 2nd)

2nd Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (19 saves, 600th career NHL game)

1st Star-Derek Stepan, NYR (hat trick-4, 5, 6, 3 takeaways, +2 in 21:16)

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