Gomez signs with the Devils

Posted on December 1, 2014 by hasan4978

Scott Gomez becomes the latest ex-Devil to return to the nest (NJ.com)

Completing a career arc that many ex-Devils have followed where they leave and then inevitably come back later in their careers, Scott Gomez became the latest expatriate to return home, signing a one-year, two-way deal for the vet minimum.  Gomez has been hanging around the team’s practice facility skating with the team for two months waiting for a need to arise, and with Travis Zajac going on IR earlier today that need arose.   Gomez has 116 goals and 334 assists in 548 regular season games with the Devils, but hasn’t played a game for the team since 2006-07.  Ironically, while the team was on the road Gomez was working out in one-on-one practices with Martin Brodeur, who may soon be signing a deal himself (in St. Louis).  Of course Marty will come back to the Devils someday, everyone does – albeit in an off-ice capacity.

There’s definitely going to be a great division in the Devil fanbase over Gomez returning, especially since he went to the rival Rangers and was one of the few guys who left that got to stick it in our face (during the 2008 playoffs).  Personally I’m ambivalent at this point, bemused more than anything over the same inevitable script playing out.  Sadly, Gomez may actually be an improvement offensively over Zajac, even given the fact Gomez has been awful the last couple years – thus the reason he was still unsigned in December and was willing to sign a two-way deal, although I’m not sure he’d ever actually see Albany.  More than likely Damien Brunner or Jordin Tootoo will be the first to go if and when there needs to be room made.

If Gomez’s return somehow felt inevitable to many (me included) since his camp invite, Gomez himself never doubted he would get a chance:

“No, because I wouldn’t be here. I trust (GM) Lou (Lamoriello),” he said. “I didn’t think at all just (from) the fact that I was treated like a part of the team from Day 1. And that was the main thing I was worried about. I didn’t want to be in the way. But, even when team was gone, we were here and everything was available to me. This is where I wanted to be. This is where they know me as a hockey player. You go somewhere else than here, you start all over again. Here they know what I can do. I think that’s the trust I have with Lou.”

Not only has Gomez signed – and with the strange #21 on his helmet (Mike Cammalleri’s wearing #23 now) – but he might actually play on the first line tomorrow night in Pittsburgh, with Jaromir Jagr and Patrik Elias.  Talk about reuniting an 2000 All-Star team!

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The Kids Are Alright: Fast and Miller Spark Rangers Past Stumbling Flyers

Posted on December 1, 2014 by Derek
The Kids Are Alright: Jesper Fast congratulates J.T. Miller on his goal during the Rangers' 5-2 win over the Flyers. AP Photo by Bill Kostroun/Getty Images

The Kids Are Alright: Jesper Fast congratulates J.T. Miller on his goal during the Rangers’ 5-2 win over the Flyers.
AP Photo by Bill Kostroun/Getty Images

Every now and then, you need your kids to contribute. For the Rangers, that came Saturday in a 5-2 home win over the hapless Flyers. With Tanner Glass becoming the latest player to suffer from the mumps and Chris Kreider flying home following the passing of his grandfather, it opened the door for Jesper Fast and J.T. Miller to step up. Each did by scoring their first goals highlighting a sweep of a home-and-home with Philadelphia.

For once, the Rangers got huge contributions from their fourth line. While I’m not going out of my way to bash Glass, it’s no coincidence that the sudden improvement came with him out of the lineup. Give Dominic Moore two younger players who can skate and look what happens. Fast scored the biggest goal getting to a loose puck and surprising Ray Emery with a high riser that tied the score in the second. At that point, his team needed a lift. They’d fallen into a lull and trailed the Flyers 2-1 despite a huge disparity in shots. Jake Voracek had just put them ahead with a power play goal. But Fast responded less than three minutes later.

”It’s great,” praised captain Ryan McDonagh, who had an assist in over 24 minutes in his second game back. ”It’s nice to see that.”

Jesper Fast is mobbed by excited teammates at the Ranger bench following his goal. AP Photo by Bill Kostroun/Getty Images

Jesper Fast is mobbed by excited teammates at the Ranger bench following his goal.
AP Photo by Bill Kostroun/Getty Images

Alain Vigneault has used Fast in eight of the last games keeping him with Moore on the fourth line. He’s liked his defensive awareness and sees a young player improving. Fast even saw time on the penalty kill with Kevin Hayes in Friday’s 3-0 shutout of the Flyers. That Vigneault has shown more trust in younger players is encouraging. He’s finally giving them the chance to grow. It’s had mixed results. However, Hayes has stuck on the third line with Carl Hagelin and Anthony Duclair, who remains here probably until the U-20 World Junior Championship after Christmas.

Also getting a chance to shine was Miller. After struggling mightily in the first four games, he went down to Hartford and found his game. Used on the fourth line in place of Glass, he picked up a goal and assist for his first two points of the season. Aggressive throughout, he paced the Rangers with five shots and delivered two hits in 14 shifts (12:37) with the bulk coming at even strength (11:41). Vigneault gave him a 56-second power play shift. Miller used strong skating to go around the Flyer D and beat Emery on a wrap around that gave his team some insurance.

Derick Brassard provided two goals including a sweet finish of a Hayes feed in front for the game-winner 3:06 into the third. In the first year of a new contract that pays him handsomely, he’s stepped up with eight goals and 11 assists. A bit streaky, it had been a while since he scored. Brassard snapped a seven-game drought by taking a Rick Nash centering feed and beating Emery for a power play goal. Derek Stepan helped set it up.

”I felt (my line) needed to step up a little bit,” Brassard said. ”I needed to shoot the puck more to get those scoring chances and that’s (what’s) happening.”

 ”We’re playing the right way. ”Hopefully we’re on the right path and looking ahead.”

For the Blueshirts, that’s what they need. When they win, everyone contributes. Nash has done his part scoring 16 goals including a key one shorthanded that finished the Flyers, who were booed on home ice. They’re a mess. When Michael Del Zotto is your most reliable defenseman and not everyone is pulling their weight, something’s wrong. Will Craig Berube survive?

It really isn’t surprising that the Rangers are 3-0 versus the Flyers who just don’t match up. They aren’t fast enough. Outside of Voracek who is right there with Sidney Crosby for the league lead in scoring, they aren’t getting enough consistency. Claude Giroux has 27 points but he’s seemingly invisible every time he faces us. Whether it’s McDonagh or Marc Staal with Dan Girardi, they blanket him.

”It’s mental,” Berube said of his team’s struggles. ”Every guy has to man up and do their job. ”My job is to get these guys going in the right direction.”

”(Philadelphia is) a team that is struggling a little bit right now,” said Henrik Lundqvist, who had a light workload stopping 21 of 23.

”When you get going against a team like Philly I think you put yourself in a good spot by just working really hard and making it really tough for them.”

The quotes from Lundqvist are pretty accurate. When you face a wounded opponent, you have to attack them. The Flyers were still in a good position tied after two periods. But they wilted. They’ve lost four in a row and are 1-7-1 over their last nine. They’ve dropped to 8-12-3 and are sixth in the Metro. Either they’ll figure it out or spiral out of control and have a new coach by January.

While that plays out, the Rangers must concern themselves with the Lightning later tonight. Having already been victimized twice by former captain Ryan Callahan and dynamic superstar Steven Stamkos, let’s see if they can get it done with McDonagh back in the lineup. The Bolts recently got Victor Hedman back too. So, it should be interesting. Following that one, the Rangers have the rest of the week off until a Saturday visit at Detroit. Then return to MSG for my birthday next Monday against the Pens. The competition is much better. We’ll see what they’re made of.

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My Name Is Jhonas: Enroth sparks Sabres Revival

Posted on December 1, 2014 by Derek
My Name Is Jhonas: Sabres goalie Jhonas Enroth celebrates a win over the Canadiens with Tyler Ennis. AP Photo by Gary Wiepert/Getty Images

My Name Is Jhonas: Sabres goalie Jhonas Enroth celebrates a win over the Canadiens with Tyler Ennis.
AP Photo by Gary Wiepert/Getty Images

“My name is Jonas… I’m carrying the wheel…”

Don’t look now. The Sabres have been playing their best hockey. Led by goalie Jhonas Enroth, they’ve won five of their last six. That included an impressive home-and-home sweep of the Canadiens over the weekend. After stifling Montreal with 30 saves in a 2-1 home win, Enroth followed that up with a 41-save effort while stopping all five Habs’ shooters in Buffalo’s 4-3 shootout win at Bell Centre.

Since relieving injured starter Michael Neuvirth in a Buffalo 4-1 win over San Jose on Nov. 18, Enroth’s posted a 4-1-0 record with a 1.70 goals-against-average and .951 save percentage. A stark contrast from the 16 goals he permitted in his three previous starts (all losses). In fact, the 26-year old former ’06 second round pick had only one win in his first 10 appearances.

 

Enroth’s improvement has allowed the Sabres to feel more comfortable. In fact, he even made a highlight reel back save Dominik Hasek style above in the Sabres’ win over the Sharks. Ironic considering The Dominator just went into the Hockey Hall Of Fame. That about sums up Buffalo’s dominance over San Jose. Of course, he’s seen a lot of rubber turning aside 157 of the last 165 shots. That includes two games of over 40 saves. A Buffalo staple given the state of their defense. So far, they’ve allowed the most shots giving up an average of 36.5 to opponents. Conversely, the Sabres rank dead last in shots-on-goal (23.2 per game).

Despite that, Buffalo was able to get three past Montreal backup Dustin Tokarski. The biggest coming from shootout hero Brian Flynn, whose tying goal less than a minute later was a quick response to Max Pacioretty, who had given the Montreal its only lead. As fate had it, Flynn deked Tokarski tucking in a forehand clinching the Sabres’ fifth win in six.

To their credit, they’ve competed harder. While most of the talk has centered around Buffalo landing the top pick in next year’s draft for prized prospect Connor McDavid, they haven’t quit on coach Ted Nolan. With the development of Enroth, Zemgus Girgensons (7 goals), Rasmus Ristolainen, Nikita Zadorov, Marcus Foligno and Nicolas Deslauriers, they’re building towards the future. That will include 2014 first round pick Sam Reinhart, who went back to Kootenay after nine games. In 10 games since returning to the Western Hockey League, he has 22 points (6-16-22).

That’s what it’s all about in Western New York. Still, it’s a real positive to see the Sabres showing signs of life. They’re learning. It isn’t easy to lose. With five wins in six, Buffalo has improved to 8-14-2. They still are last in the Atlantic. However, they’re no longer 30th overall. Their turnaround has them ahead of Carolina (17 points), Edmonton (16) and Columbus (14). In fact, they can pass Philadelphia (19) this week.

The competition won’t be easy with a home-and-home against the Lightning Tuesday and Thursday. Then they visit Florida Saturday before returning to First Niagara Center to host the Stanley Cup champion Kings on December 9. That starts a four-game homestand next week.

For now, Sabre fans can feel good about Enroth. At 26, there’s still time to find out about the Swede. He’s given them something to cheer.

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Islanders behind Halak hold off Devils

Posted on November 30, 2014 by Derek
Denis Potvin drops the puck between Patrik Elias and John Tavares. Kathy Kmonicek/AP Photo Getty Images

Denis Potvin drops the puck between Patrik Elias and John Tavares.
Kathy Kmonicek/AP Photo Getty Images

With another legend in the house, the Islanders put on a good show. Before a sold out Nassau Coliseum, they held off the Devils 3-1 in front of legendary former captain Denis Potvin. The all-time great defenseman who led the franchise to four consecutive Cups and an NHL record 19 straight series wins was on hand. Similar to Billy Smith last week, he led the Isles onto the ice.

When you have success, everything works. So far, so good for the Islanders who improved to 17-7-0 after winning for the sixth time in their last seven. After controlling most of the first two periods, they sat back and allowed the Devils to form a shooting gallery around Jaroslav Halak. After hardly having to sweat, the Isles’ number one goalie swatted away 16 Devil shots en route to his ninth win in a row. That included a tense 5-on-3 where New Jersey coach Pete DeBoer elected not to pull Cory Schneider. They probably could’ve used a third extra man the way Halak saw the puck.

”I’m not thinking of how many games I’ve won in the past,” said Halak after making 34 saves. ”I’m only as good as my last game.”

”He’s been unbelievable,” teammate Casey Cizikas said after scoring into an open net and also setting up the game-winner. ”He’s kept us in games and he was such a huge part of the win.”

 

The Islanders are getting contributions from everyone. That included the fourth line centered by Cizikas. With the game tied early in the second, Islander coach Jack Capuano sent out his fourth line for an offensive draw. Going against logic, the strategy paid off when defenseman Calvin de Haan had his shot carom off Cal Clutterbuck in front putting the Isles ahead 2-1.

Both teams entered off losses on Black Friday. The Islanders had a five-game win streak snapped at Washington while the Devils blew a three-goal lead in a shootout defeat to Detroit. New Jersey was also without top two centers Travis Zajac and Adam Henrique, who sustained injuries. After struggling early, they battled hard but ultimately fell short against a hot rival.

”We played better in the second and third periods, but we didn’t get the result, and that’s what matters,” Schneider said after finishing with 25 saves including several big ones when his team was under siege. ”We gave them everything we had down the stretch. Sometimes, you just don’t get the bounce to tie things up.

”We played well, but it’s a results-based business, and we’re not getting the results.”

For the majority of the first, it was mostly Islanders. They came out aggressive using their speed and forecheck to pin the Devils in deep. New Jersey spent long stretches in their end but only were victimized once due to Schneider. Ironically, it was a Kyle Okposo shot he mishandled that led to Nikolay Kulemin rebounding home his fifth for the game’s first goal. John Tavares picked up the secondary helper.

”I thought I had it,” Schneider said. ”I didn’t know it got past me.”

The Devils responded well thanks to a strong shift from Adam Larsson. The much maligned former first round pick played a solid game. It was his right point shot that Damien Brunner redirected past Halak to tie it 1:47 later. Michael Ryder drew the other assist.

Clutterbuck parked himself in front of Schneider and had good fortune when de Haan’s shot bounced off him and in at 3:32 of the second. He was in the right spot. Schneider had no chance. Originally credited to de Haan, the goal was changed after the second. Some penalty trouble for the Isles gave the Devils momentum. Even though they were unable to score, it allowed them to tilt the ice.

By the third, it was all Devils. Jaromir Jagr and Mike Cammalleri created chances and rookie Damon Severson pinched along with Larsson. They certainly got their looks but couldn’t solve Halak or a stingy Islander defense that blocked 26 shots. According to the Isles’ broadcast, the Devils attempted 24 shots. Sixteen got through and another eight didn’t. Severson had their best chance but Halak slid across to deny him.

The Devils got a two-man advantage when de Haan hooked down Jagr with 2:04 left. They passed the puck around too much and went for the perfect play instead of shooting. It resulted in sliding Islander penalty killers anticipating one-timers from Patrik Elias and Cammalleri. Not once did it ever look like they’d score. Eventually, Schneider went to the bench after the two-man advantage concluded. Strong work from Thomas Hickey allowed Frans Nielsen to come out with Cizikas, who sealed it.

”When we had to contain, we did,” Capuano said. ”We have a different attitude, and it showed. From top to bottom, we know we’re not going to lose.”

 

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Adam Larsson, Devils (assist, 5 SOG in 26 shifts incl. 14:32 even strength, 5:05 SH)

2nd Star-Cal Clutterbuck, Islanders (GWG-3rd of season, 3 SOG, 2 PIM, +1 in 10:29)

1st Star-Jaroslav Halak, Islanders (34 saves incl. 16/16 in 3rd-9th straight win)

 

 

 

Posted in Devils, NY Islanders | 1 Comment

Devils’ disturbing patterns continue in SO loss to Wings

Posted on November 29, 2014 by hasan4978

One of the reasons I don’t write recaps after every game is because the game summaries have become redundant with this Devils team.  Aside from the occasional regulation or OT win that keeps the Devils close enough to foster the illusion of contending for a playoff spot, most of our games these days are decided in two ways – with a blown multi-goal lead, a shootout loss – or many times both.  On Black Friday, a sellout crowd got both for the price of one.  As I bitterly remarked to a good friend last night who was bringing an out-of-state friend to the game, she got the full experience of being at a Devils game last night with the blown lead and a shootout loss.

Perhaps the only stunner is that I can still be even mildly surprised after games like last night, where the Devils somehow managed to blow a three-goal lead against a Red Wings team playing a backup goalie who played like he didn’t belong in the NHL.  It’s not so much I’m surprised the Devils found yet another way to lose last night – like I told another friend last night when we got to 3-1, I felt we needed two more goals.  At some point however, you’d think the Devils would manage to find a way NOT to blow one of these games.  Really that’s where my remaining surprise comes from, that the Devils literally cannot hold a multi-goal lead ever, even by accident!  Perhaps the only person on the planet who won’t admit there’s a pattern is coach Pete DeBoer.  This quote from our game in Calgary last weekend is worth re-posting:

When I asked DeBoer if the failure to protect a third period lead represents a pattern, he denied that is the case.

“You guys are always looking for patterns,” DeBoer said. “There’s no pattern. This team (Calgary) has come back on lots of teams before. We’ve got some young guys at key positions and we’re learning how to win games.”

So I guess there’s still no pattern when the same thing happens less than a week later.

Last night would have actually been worth it if Rich Chere, Tom Gulutti or any of the other reporters had tweaked Pete by asking him one more time about a pattern existing, hopefully causing the head coach to pull a mini-Tortorella and storm out of the room.  You know if this was Toronto, Montreal or even New York with Larry Brooks, someone would have done it.  Gulutti more or less did do it late last season at one point, but that time was an outlier for our media which is mostly soft compared to other hockey hotbeds.  Also incredibly soft these days is our broadcast – while Doc and Chico were hardly Don Cherry in terms of causing contreversy at least they wouldn’t sugarcoat things after terrible games like last night.  According to a few little birdies, the postgame was awful yesterday with John MacLean and others lobbing up excuses and talking about a moral victory.  Even my friend (the one who I told we needed two more goals) said he was fine with the point cause he didn’t expect one.

I’m almost glad I was at the game cause that kind of talk drives me nuts, especially with the Devils having just nine wins in twenty-three games and facing a division speedbump of games at Long Island tonight and at Pittsburgh Monday, two teams only nine thousand points ahead of us in the standings for automatic playoff berths.  If we were several points in front of a playoff spot that’d be one thing, but if this team wants to continue even an illusion of contending for a playoff berth they can’t afford to continue to just give away points.  At some point this organization and fanbase can’t continue to hold onto the excuses of losing Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise, or wistfully cry for a 42-year old Martin Brodeur to come back as the loons in the stands who were chanting ‘We Want Marty!’ last night did.  Thankfully I didn’t hear those chants in my section but I would have had steam coming out of my ears if I did, especially since last night’s result literally had nothing to do with goaltending, despite the four goals against.

As if the blown leads aren’t bad enough the personnel decisions continue to be baffling.  With Bryce Salvador out of the lineup, the only defenseman on our roster you could describe as a crease-clearing guy is Seth Hegelson.  Yet against a team in Detroit that is expert at crashing the net (not a big surprise considering they have one of the best front of the net presences of the modern era in Johan Franzen), we scratch Hegelson.  Anyone with a brain could have predicted the result – which last night was no fewer than three goals being scored on the Devils because Detroit had an unobstructed skater in front of the net -with the other one being a tip-in from Riley Sheahan, again with position in front.  Not that Hegelson would have played much if he had played judging by Pete’s hierarchy of icetime, which last night reached a nadir even for this organization.

Defensive TOI
Greene 28:26
Severson 26:26
Zidlicky 23:20
Harrold 21:33
Larsson 15:27
Gelinas 12:14
Hegelson – healthy scratch

What was that about having young guys in key positions and trying to win in the above quote?  The ONLY young guy Pete trusts in a key position (not counting Adam Henrique or the injured Jon Merrill) is Severson, who’s being ridiculously overplayed in his first NHL season though he hasn’t shown signs of fatigue yet it’s almost inevitable it’ll come.  And then the D will be really bad because the shots per game are up this year at an alarming rate.  Maybe we all underestimated the importance of Mark Fayne and Anton Volchenkov?  Yet, this head coach continues to go with status quo and default to playing any vet whenever possible.  Even after Larsson finally established a niche playing on the PK he still can’t sniff any time even-strength, getting just over twelve 5-on-5 minutes.  Only in the world of Pete is someone trustworthy enough to play 4-on-5 but not 5-on-5.  While Marek Zidlicky – who is far from a defensive presence – and Peter Harrold who should be a third-pairing d-man at best are getting big minutes.  And we wonder why this team can’t hold leads when Zidlicky and Harrold are both a -3 in the last two games and still being put out in big situations over Larsson and Hegelson.  I’m not crazy about Gelinas at this point but if he’s only going to get ten minutes even strength at home in a 65-minute game then what was the point of putting him back in the lineup?

Pete’s bizarre roster management isn’t just limited to defense…I hate to keep harping on this cause I love the guy, but Danius Zubrus and his two points in twenty-three games shouldn’t be anywhere near a top line and yet Pete still keeps trying to stick him there.  While Tuomo Ruutu has five goals in twenty-two games and still can’t sniff top six icetime, even last night after the Devils lost both Henrique and Travis Zajac to injuries.  Neither Zajac or Henrique are expected to play in tonight’s showdown on Long Island as the good news just continues to multiply.  Also, Martin Havlat played just 7:42 last night (just one 34-second shift early in the third period with no OT time) with no apparent explanation.  Considering he’s made of glass an injury wouldn’t shock me but none was reported, so I have to scratch my head over benching a guy with actual offensive creativity – who actually knows how to be responsible defensively unlike some forwards that are playing.

I don’t want to just blame Pete for the current state of the team, obviously there’s been a talent drain over the last few years and problems above Pete’s paygrade, plus many players need to be playing better but why people including half the fanbase and Lou continue to give Pete a total pass is beyond me.  Saying the roster isn’t great is almost beside the point, coaches get fired because of bad rosters all the time including Pete himself in Florida.  How many coaches even get to survive two straight playoff-less seasons, let alone preside over a third?  Dave Tippett is the only one I can think of offhand and ownership was basically vacated there the last couple of seasons.  Can we actually see this roster under another coach before we know whether it needs to be completely gutted or just partially gutted?  Obviously changes have to be made no matter who the coach is, but can Larsson get a real chance to play 18-20 minute games before that happens?  Can Ruutu actually get out of the doghouse first?  God knows we’re paying him way too much money to be stuck on the fourth line forever.  Are we allowed to see if this team will continue to blow leads with another coach?  We already know they’ll blow them with different players under the same system.  Can we get a coach who knows how to manage a lineup and doesn’t give AHL defensemen 20+ minutes a night?!

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Callahan dooms Rangers spoiling St. Louis’ return

Posted on November 27, 2014 by Derek
Deja Vu: Former Ranger Ryan Callahan celebrates another goal on Henrik Lundqvist. AP Photo by Chris O'Meara/Getty Images

Deja Vu: Former Ranger Ryan Callahan celebrates another goal on Henrik Lundqvist.
AP Photo by Chris O’Meara/Getty Images

The Rangers have plenty to be thankful for. Playing in a mediocre division, they’ve survived without captain Ryan McDonagh. If there’s one thing they won’t appreciate, it’s the way former captain Ryan Callahan has treated them. In two games so far, he’s scored four goals on Henrik Lundqvist. For the season, he has 10. Forty percent have come against his former buddy in two Lightning wins. Tampa Bay defeated the Rangers 4-3 snapping a two-game win streak. So much for winning three straight.

With his team trailing 2-1, Callahan tallied twice putting the Bolts in front for good. For good measure, Nikita Kucherov scored again resulting in the game-winner as Tampa held on. Rick Nash made things interesting notching his team-leading 15th with 7:11 remaining. Ultimately, it wasn’t enough. An ill timed Chris Kreider offensive zone penalty killed their chances with under 30 seconds remaining. So goes the inconsistency for Kreider. The Lightning ran out the clock.

Unfortunately, the Rangers see them again December 1 a week before my birthday. And no. I’m not going. Who wants to see Callahan torch them for two more? Anyone want to take bets? All four of his goals have come from in front. Whether you attribute that to playing with Steven Stamkos or our lack of D without McDonagh, it’s ugly. In two games, Callahan has made a living and probably driven home his point to Alain Vigneault. Vigneault is the coach who took him off the power play and dropped him to the third line.

Thanks Lightning: Former Lightning captain Martin St. Louis acknowledges the crowd after a video tribute in his return. AP Photo by Chris O'Meara/Getty Images

Thanks Lightning: Former Lightning captain Martin St. Louis acknowledges the crowd after a video tribute in his return.
AP Photo by Chris O’Meara/Getty Images

It is what it is. On what was supposed to be Marty St. Louis’ special night, it was again about a former Ranger who came to play. Similar to Callahan, Brian Boyle and Anton Stralman, St. Louis got a video tribute after the first TV timeout. I didn’t see it. I’ll try to catch the replay after work tomorrow in between football. Unlike Callahan’s return, St. Louis was held off the score sheet. It wasn’t for lack of effort. He came very close to tying it following a beauty by Nash. It just wasn’t meant to be.

I’ll be honest and say I missed the first two periods due to work. However, I caught the third. I also saw plenty of angry tweets at Marc Staal, who apparently had a miserable night. He was victimized by Callahan. Tanner Glass also caught the brunt of it for being on for two goals against. It was his giveaway that led directly to Kucherov scoring off a double deflection for the coup de grace.

At this juncture of the season, the Rangers are what they are. An inconsistent puzzle missing its best defenseman. When they play the Flyers twice in a classic home-and-home starting Black Friday and concluding Saturday, will McDonagh make all the difference? Defensively, this team struggles with fast skating teams who play gritty. The Lightning qualify there. The Rangers haven’t figured them out yet. In a week, McDonagh will be back for the next meeting. Will it have a different end result? We’ll have to wait and see.

They have played 21 games and are 9-8-4. That’s still good enough for a share of third with the Capitals, who fell to the red hot Islanders in overtime on a highlight reel goal from John Tavares. Right now, they trail the Islanders and Penguins by 10 points. At a quarter in, there’s a lot of hockey to be played. Once McDonagh returns, the Rangers will be fully healthy. Vigneault faces a decision. Keep Matt Hunwick in or stick with the wildly inconsistent John Moore. He also must decide on Glass, who continues to play. Lee Stempniak was a healthy scratch tonight. That is absurd on so many levels. Vigneault can bench Jesper Fast or finally give Glass a night in the press box.

Scoring isn’t the issue. The Rangers got three past Ben Bishop, who usually owns them. However, they still found a way to lose. There were positives. Dan Boyle had his best game scoring his first on the power play. He was all over the ice jumping in on the rush. Exactly what you want to see. Derek Stepan continued to put up points, assisting on Boyle’s marker. Stepan has been pretty good since returning. Mats Zuccarello scored his fourth. He needs to start finishing. So, that’s also a good sign. Anthony Duclair looks more confident. Maybe it’ll work between him, Kevin Hayes and Carl Hagelin. If it does, then Vigneault must fix the fourth line.

Personally, I feel that they’re missing something. Larry Brooks had a good piece on the potential butchering of J.T. Miller. Miller is playing center for Hartford. But that’s not where he fits here. Especially with Hayes impressing Vigneault. Miller deserves a second chance. He has size and physical tools this team lacks. Subtracting Brian Boyle and Derek Dorsett has taken away some of the edge. Boyle might not have been overly physical but he played with passion and was a PK fixture. Dorsett is much better than Glass. Though I’m told he was never returning.

The current roster isn’t as deep. It’s also weaker defensively. They signed Boyle for his offense and lost Anton Stralman’s defense. Ironically, he continues to produce and play like a top defenseman. In case you hadn’t noticed, the Lightning are also without their top D. Last I checked, Victor Hedman was every bit as good as McDonagh. The difference is the Bolts are way deeper and more talented. They also have Stamkos, who again feasted scoring a power play goal and assisting on two others.

As for Lundqvist, there really wasn’t much he could’ve done. His D did a terrible job in front. That’s been the case far too much. McDonagh or no McDonagh. There’s enough experience to prevent that. Maybe Vigneault needs to spend a bit more time preaching defense. One other point. When does he finally send a message to Kreider? Kreider’s play has been puzzling. He isn’t the same player. He could use a kick in the ass.

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Brodeur getting tryout in St. Louis

Posted on November 26, 2014 by hasan4978

Martin Brodeur saluting the crowd after his last game…or not?

Two months into the season, finally there is some news on the Martin Brodeur front.  Not the retirement announcement some might have expected by now, but in fact a post-Thanksgiving tryout with a Blues team that lost starting goaltender Brian Elliott to a week-to-week injury looking for a vet with experience to fill in.  St. Louis’s current #1 is rookie Jake Allen and their #2 is green AHL goalie Jordan Binnington.  I’m kind of loath to give thoughts on this until and if Brodeur actually signs with the Blues, though the one immediate plus of Marty going there is that the Blues don’t play the Devils the rest of the season.  And quite honestly if any team’s going to make Marty appear better than he is at this point in his career it’s a strong Blues team with Ken Hitchcock’s great defensive system.

However I’ll say this…anyone that’s going to begrudge him going to St. Louis and not finishing his career as a Devil, honestly at this point it really doesn’t matter.  It’s not as if Marty didn’t give us his best hockey while he was here, or that he’s going to a rival to stick it to us a la Brett Favre in Minnesota.  Would it be more asthetically pleasing if his win last April and the crowd applause was his last moment in an NHL uniform?  Sure, but it’s not like we didn’t know in the back of our minds there was the possibility Marty might show up again in an NHL rink this season.  It wasn’t the true sendoff he’ll inevitably get anyway when his number gets raised to the rafters.  Plus, we don’t have the right to tell Marty he can’t play anymore.  If he wants to get every ounce out of his career and let the league tell him he can’t play anymore that’s fine.

In that vein I wouldn’t want to see him getting racked either.  That would be senseless but ultimately forgotten over time.  Who even remembers Joe Namath playing for the Rams, or Bobby Orr’s forgettable time in Chicago?  Everyone associates Namath with the football Jets, Orr with the Bruins and will forever associate Marty with the Devils, however his career ends.  Now if Marty’s career has an unexpected second act and he plays well (assuming he does wind up getting a contract from the Blues) then I admit I’d have mixed feelings about it.  On a personal level I’d be happy for him and I certainly have nothing against the Blues but Marty having a reinassance against the odds would also re-ignite the ridiculous goalie debate among Devil fans, many blind Marty loyalists who begrudge Cory Schnieder taking his spot – thankfully Cory had a good road trip or the boos for him would approach the boos coach Pete DeBoer will no doubt get Friday night – and others who couldn’t wait to kick Marty out the door.

Ultimately however, that’s a long way away from happening.  And even if Marty does sign with the Blues, how long will his stay really be?  Elliott’s signed for three years at $2.5 million per while Allen’s the Blues goalie of the future and St. Louis can no longer send him to the AHL without exposing Allen to waivers.  When Elliott comes back there’ll be no room for Marty and having him be placed on waivers/cut would be a bad way to go out.  But again, that’s also a long way away as evidenced by the mere fact the Blues have reached out to Marty.

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On Turkey Eve, Martin St. Louis returns to Tampa

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Derek
A Louis Louis Louis: Martin St. Louis celebrates one of two goals on a memorable night. The Canadian Press

A Louis Louis Louis: Former Lightning Martin St. Louis celebrates one of two goals on a memorable night one year ago today.
The Canadian Press

Tonight, there will be plenty of emotion for Marty St. Louis who returns to Tampa for the first time since the big trade last March. The former Hart winner who led the Lightning to the franchise’s only Stanley Cup spent 14 years in the Sunshine State before turning heel by requesting a trade to the Rangers. To this day, most observers point to his omission from Canada. Getting passed over by general manager Steve Yzerman hurt his pride.

Whatever the case, the first captain for captain deadline deal saw St. Louis move to Broadway for Ryan Callahan, who drew criticism for his contract demands. As he indicated in a successful MSG return highlighted by two goals in a 5-1 Lightning win, it really boiled down to the no-trade clause. He wound up taking less to stay with Tampa due to getting the NTC until the final couple of years of the contract.

If Nov. 17 was all about Callahan plus former Blueshirts Brian Boyle and Anton Stralman, all the attention will be on St. Louis. In 972 total games with Tampa, he tallied 365 goals and 588 assists for 953 points. That included a memorable 94 points (38-56-94) to win the Hart in ’03-04. He followed it up by notching nine goals and 15 assists in the playoffs- teaming with Brad Richards and Vincent Lecavalier to win the Cup. No moment was bigger than his goal in double overtime at Calgary that sent the series back to Tampa for Game 7. Ruslan Fedotenko scored twice in Game 7 highlighting the Bolts’ only Cup.

Ironically, St. Louis’ return comes exactly a year later when he torched the Rangers for two goals and an assist in a 5-0 Lightning win. That night, he was honored by the franchise for reaching 1,000 points. In typical fashion, he put on a show. Fast forward a year later and he’s already become a fan favorite with his new team. It was during the postseason where the Rangers came together by rallying from a 3-1 deficit to stun the Pens in the second round following the death of St. Louis’ Mom. No moment was more special than St. Louis scoring this goal on Mother’s Day in Game 6. In their run to the Stanley Cup Final, St. Louis had eight goals and seven assists. That included a huge sudden death goal to beat the Canadiens in Game 4 at MSG. The Rangers took the series in six.

After a slow start, he’s been on fire. St. Louis enters tonight with four goals in his last six games. Dating back to Nov. 3, he has 11 points (7-4-11) over the last 10. For the season, he ranks second in team scoring with 17 points (8-9-17). In a lopsided 5-1 loss against his former team, he scored the lone goal but went minus-four. That one stung leading to some strong criticism from St. Louis who wondered how his team could live with the effort they gave. Figure them to be ready from the drop of the puck. It would be fitting if St. Louis scored and led the Rangers to a win. That’s the kind of player he is.

I’m sure he’ll get booed more than Callahan. However, you have to figure the Lightning fans will cheer loudly when they show a video. But once that drama ends, he’ll hear it. It should be quite the appetizer on Turkey Eve. Unfortunately, I won’t be around to see it. But I should catch the ending and replay.

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Schneider’s 34 saves not enough in loss to Canucks

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Derek

Cory Schneider returned to Vancouver. He did his part making 34 saves. His teammates did not. The Devils were shutout by the Canucks 2-0. Ryan Miller made 20 saves to hand them a second straight defeat. They concluded a four-game road trip 1-2-1.In a mediocre division, they’re fifth with 21 points trailing the Rangers by a point for third. With nine wins in their first 22 games, what exactly are they? It’s a point resident Devil blogger Hasan has driven home in this space.

After getting a rare night off in what can be called the Calgary debacle, Schneider made his 21st start. Despite a heavy workload similar to former all-time great Martin Brodeur, he’s performed well lately. Over his last six starts, Schneider is 3-3-0 with a 1.53 goals-against-average, .951 save percentage and two shutouts. He can’t be much better than that.

Clearly, the Devils lack consistency. Offensively challenged, they’ve scored 2 goals-or-fewer in 13 games. Their record is 4-8-1. When they score three-or-more, they’re 5-2-2. Goals have been hard to come by recently. With the lone exception being the four they put against the Flames, they’ve totaled six in five of their last six. During that span, they’re 2-3-1. Since a perfect 3-0-0 start, they’re 6-10-3. That simply won’t cut it.

On a night the Canucks paid tribute to former coach and general manager Pat Quinn who passed away at age 71, they dominated. Only Schneider prevented an onslaught stopping all 17 shots in a lopsided first period. The Devils mustered only five. He couldn’t do anything about Vancouver’s first goal which came 1:14 into the second. A Marek Zidlicky turnover led directly to Alex Burrows redirecting a Kevin Bieksa pass into an open side. After failing to clear the zone, Zidlicky was beaten badly by Burrows in front. It was not his night. The veteran also got victimized on Vancouver’s second goal.

Trailing by one, the Devils picked it up. Jaromir Jagr had a couple of chances along with top center Travis Zajac, who ran out of room with Miller down. Zajac has four goals and four assists so far. He isn’t really a top pivot but is being asked to anchor the number one line. At what point does coach Pete DeBoer consider flipping Zajac with Adam Henrique? In 16 games, Henrique has six goals and six assists. He remains their second center. For the time being, Zajac plays with Jagr and Mike Cammalleri, who’s performed up to expectations. With Patrik Elias not as productive and Michael Ryder ice cold after a good start, DeBoer should think about tweaking his lines.

Astonishingly, the Devils’ best chance came off the stick of Steve Bernier. Perfectly set up, he was robbed by a sprawling Miller, who managed to get a piece of a shot labeled for top shelf. It was the save of the game. A few minutes later, a horrible Zidlicky turnover inside allowed Shawn Matthias to score on a breakaway. Zidlicky mishandled the puck allowing Matthias to get behind him. His backhand went off Schneider and then deflected off Zidlicky and in increasing Vancouver’s lead to 2-0 with 5:23 left in regulation.

Predictably, DeBoer pulled Schneider early with over three minutes remaining. It didn’t matter. The Devils return home on Black Friday to host the Red Wings.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Ryan Miller, Canucks (20 save shutout, 2nd of season)

2nd Star-Alex Burrows, Canucks (GWG-5th of season, 5 SOG, +1 in 14:40)

1st Star-Cory Schneider, Devils (34 saves incl. 17/17 in 1st)

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Rangers dominate Canadiens 5-0

Posted on November 24, 2014 by Derek

This one was one to point to. Playing for the first time since Wednesday due to the cancellation of the Sabres game, the Rangers handled the Canadiens with ease winning 5-0 at MSG. Their second straight win was a repeat in one aspect. It was another shutout. Probably the easiest of Henrik Lundqvist’s career. He only needed 21 saves against a road weary opponent who played the night before defeating the Bruins.

Bottom line. They did what they had to taking full advantage of a tired team who started their backup. Dustin Tokarski couldn’t duplicate his performance in the Conference Final getting lit up for five goals on 34 shots. The first couple were bad. Especially allowing a rebound off a routine Tanner Glass shot that Dominic Moore stuffed in for his first this season. As stunning as that was, both Glass and Jesper Fast picked up assists for their first points. That’ll silence the Glass detractors for the time being.

It wasn’t a perfect start. There were a couple of misplays that led to Montreal chances but Lundqvist stifled them with 11 saves in the first period. One of those came on a John Moore giveaway that nearly allowed Brandon Prust to capitalize. Dan Girardi got very lucky with his customary sliding block. He really shouldn’t do it as it takes him out of position. If the pass gets through, it’s a tap in for Prust.

Lundqvist also was an adventure twice coming out of his net. The first sequence saw him give away the puck and then scramble back. I tweeted that he should be velcro’d to the net. The second instance was much more dangerous. Following a Carl Hagelin goal that put it out of reach, he wandered out to play a puck only to get nailed by Prust, who tried to stop. However, his momentum sent Lundqvist flying leading to Kevin Klein challenging Prust. Another great quality even if Klein bit off more than he could chew. Finally, a defenseman willing to step up.

Once the first concluded, so did the Habs’ chances. The long change in the second doomed them. As if to make a point, Marty St. Louis made a brilliant backhand feed to Derek Stepan, who wristed home his second only 35 seconds in. It literally was a fastball by St. Louis. Just amazing skill from a future Hall Of Famer. He had a wonderful night also scoring a beauty later in the period that increased the Ranger lead to 3-0. St. Louis stripped the puck from a Canadien and broke in and beat Tokarski easily for his eighth. They gave assists to Chris Kreider and John Moore. Kreider had a pair of helpers and had his best game in a while shooting the puck. Tokarski denied him twice.

The Rangers dominated for long stretches. Following 11 shots in the first, the Canadiens only totaled 10 the rest of the match. They really were lethargic and didn’t have their legs. The result was predictable. Sadly, Tokarski was left to fend for himself. He actually made some good saves off point blank chances. Otherwise, it could’ve been uglier.

A bright spot was the play of Anthony Duclair. The 19-year old rookie was active throughout and finally got rewarded. During a strong shift with linemates Kevin Hayes and Hagelin, he set up the Rangers’ fourth goal. Hayes came out with the puck from behind the net and passed for Duclair, who passed in front for a Hagelin finish. It was his fifth. He’s quietly played well despite working with first-year players. A credit to how hard he works. As for Duclair, he also went back at P.K. Subban earning matching slashes following a collision with Tokarski. The kid is feisty.

Throughout, I sat next to three Canadiens fans in the last row of Section 419. I counted seven in our section. Even though their team was outclassed, they stayed and continued showing support. I had a nice dialogue with my Habs contingent on the game, Subban and Prust. One thing about Montreal fans, they are as diehard as it gets. I loved seeing one fan draped in a classic maroon red Canadien flag. Their enthusiasm was a bright spot on an otherwise bad game. Sure. The Rangers won. But it wasn’t competitive. As one fan remarked next to me, “At least lose with dignity.”

For the Rangers, they did what they had to and have outscored opponents 7-0 during the two wins. The next one is a little tougher with a visit to Tampa on Turkey Eve. They owe them one following that no show in Ryan Callahan’s return. Below is a classic scene from Major League II. Win that one and that’s called a winning streak. It has happened before.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Kevin Klein, NYR (4 hits, fight, +3 in 21 shifts-15:39)

2nd Star-Chris Kreider, NYR (2 assists, team-leading 7 SOG, 5 hits, +2 in 16:06)

1st Star-Marty St. Louis, NYR (8th of season, assist, +2 in 16:37)

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