Game #4: Islanders Humiliate Rangers 6-3

Posted on October 15, 2014 by Derek

If you thought the home opener was bad, you hadn’t seen nothing yet. Facing their blood rival, the Rangers turned in a pitiful performance. With the game tied up, the Islanders scored four straight goals to humiliate the Rangers 6-3 at a lifeless MSG. Considering that this is their biggest rival who improved to 3-0-0 matching the best start in franchise history, it was mind numbing.

My first game was the worst one I can remember since pre-lockout. Those were during the dark days. In dropping their third straight, the Blueshirts have allowed 17 goals including a dozen over the last two both on Garden ice. For a second consecutive game, Henrik Lundqvist allowed six goals. Only this time, he wasn’t chased serving up half a dozen on 27 shots- making it the first time in his career he’s had back-to-back games of letting in five or more.

It isn’t a goalie problem. The Rangers’ issue is much bigger. Since Dan Boyle went down, the team defense has suffered. Boyle’s loss has exposed their defensive depth. Glen Sather’s replacements Matt Hunwick and Michael Kostka are a huge downgrade from Raphael Diaz. After giving Hunwick the last two, Alain Vigneault dressed Kostka. He was hideous. Blatant turnovers led directly to consecutive Islander goals including John Tavares’ pivotal marker late in the second that swung the momentum.

Marc Staal was no better. Playing his worst game so far, he was shaky throughout. Twice, he was forced into mistakes with one pass handcuffing Kostka which resulted in Kyle Okposo burying his first only 48 seconds into the third giving the Islanders the lead for good. It wasn’t long before it turned into a comedy with Staal liable on Brock Nelson’s put away from Ryan Strome. It’s not just the D. The forwards are doing a lousy job in front. On one goal, Marty St. Louis and Anthony Duclair watched. You expect that from a 19-year old but not a vet twice his age.

Mikhail Grabovski had the good fortune of centering one off Kevin Klein which deflected past a helpless Lundqvist. His goal followed up Nelson’s 30 seconds later pretty much erasing any thoughts of a comeback. Here’s a question for Vigneault. He never uses timeouts. After Nelson made it 4-2 for three consecutive Islander goals, why not take one? There was still enough time to regroup. It’s not his style. He should’ve used one against Toronto. Instead, more lazy play led to Grabovski’s second even if it wasn’t Klein’s fault. He hasn’t done much right getting moved back to third pair with John Moore. Vigneault made a poor choice selecting Kostka to play with Staal. Isn’t it any wonder he wears Michael Del Zotto’s old number 4?

The game wasn’t all bad. Rick Nash continued his torrid start tallying twice. Unfortunately, I didn’t see the second as I had started to head for the exits with three minutes left. At least Duclair got an assist. Nash’s first of the night was just a smart play. Rather than holding onto the puck and going around the net, he fooled Jaroslav Halak with a backhand catching him off the post. It’s all working for Nash, who’s been brilliant scoring a league best six in just four games.

New captain Ryan McDonagh had a bad call go against him that halted momentum. He was nabbed for one of those preposterous “interference” minors following a clean takeout. It was a split second late and a good play. Apparently, good defense isn’t rewarded anymore in this pansy league. Instead, the blind mice gift wrapped a power play to the Islanders which they took full advantage of. Johnny Boychuk continued his unbelievable start with his right slapper sneaking past Lundqvist with traffic in front. It’s amazing how much the ex-Bruin is impacting his new team. Garth Snow should send a postcard to Boston.

Halak struggled early. He was responsible for Nash’s goal. His misread on a Ranger shoot in led to the Islanders icing the puck. On a faceoff win, Derick Brassard finished off a brilliant Chris Kreider backhand feed for his second in two games. Lee Stempniak started it by working the puck to Kreider behind the net, who quickly dished for an open Brassard the sweet finish. At the very least, it looks like Brassard has woken up. No coincidence it’s due to the hard work of Kreider and Stempniak, who continues to pile up points. He’s got four so far. Gotta give credit to Sather there. At least that signing looks good.

Following Brassard’s goal, the Rangers were playing an excellent second period. They were really dictating play. Generating quality chances, they forced Halak into some tough saves. That included a clean breakaway for rookie Kevin Hayes. But his beautiful forehand deke was denied by a sliding Halak. That was the biggest save of the game. Had Hayes converted, it’s 3-1 and who knows what happens. Halak saw a lot of rubber stopping 20 of 21 shots. That caliber of goalkeeping is why Snow got him.

The turning point came when Kostka felt forecheck pressure and coughed up the puck to Nikolai Kulemin, who quickly centered for an easy Tavares finish that made it 2-2 with 4:57 left. That was a huge goal. Even though Ryan McDonagh said afterwards he didn’t sense any panic during intermission, one team came out ready for the third. It was as poor a period as I can remember the Rangers playing. They were dreadful leaving the middle of the ice exposed. Similar to the second against the Maple Leafs, it didn’t take long for the Islanders to pounce.

Following goals from Okposo, Nelson and Grabovski in less than a five-minute span, fans started leaving. The ones who did are probably the bandwagon types who latched on following our run. I don’t want them around. They’re not real fans. Though some of the banter I heard in the third was absurd. One person started ripping Ryan Malone, who was one of our better forwards. He was active on the fourth line and effective on the power play. This is what you get sometimes from fans who’ve had a little too much to drink. Where the heck have Carl Hagelin and Mats Zuccarello been? The scoresheet says they each received over 15 minutes. Neither did much.

As if the game wasn’t over already, Nick Leddy’s slapper from Tavares increased the Islander margin to four with 9:01 remaining. More people left. We hung around. I have seen bad hockey before. I just didn’t feel like leaving. While my family left with about five minutes to go, I stayed till about three and then said my goodbyes to our section.

Right now, the Rangers are a mess. They’re not playing as a team. Until they clean it up defensively, it’s going to be a struggle. With what little Hunwick and Kostka have given them, it’s worrisome. Sure. It’s early. This team seems to always start slowly. But already the Islanders and Devils are 3-0-0 and the Pens are out quickly. The Caps had an inspired comeback before falling in a shootout to San Jose. Columbus is no pushover. You don’t want this to snowball. They can’t dig too big a hole.

For now, they’ll continue to play without Boyle and Derek Stepan. Suddenly, the departures of Tampa duo Anton Stralman and Brian Boyle are being felt. Both have fit in with their new team. They’ve moved on. Like McDonagh said in the post game, it’s up to them to figure it out together. Their next game is tomorrow against Carolina, who lost to Buffalo in a shootout. Right now, no game is easy. We’ll see how they respond.

NY Puck 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Rick Nash, NYR (2 more goals hiking his total to 6-Nashty)

2nd Star-John Tavares, NYI (2nd of season, assist)

1st Star-Jaroslav Halak, NYI (40 saves incl. 20/21 in big 2nd)

Posted in NY Islanders, NY Rangers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Game Preview: Islanders versus Rangers

Posted on October 14, 2014 by Derek

The Battle Of New York renews later tonight when the Islanders pay a visit to MSG against the Rangers. Thus far, it’s Long Island part of the rivalry that’s off to a good start. The Islanders swept a home and home from the Hurricanes posting 5-3 and 4-3 victories. Already, eight different players have goals with sophomore Brock Nelson out quickly with a team-leading three to go with three assists. Playing on the top line with John Tavares and Kyle Okposo, Nelson has benefited.

The Islanders have gotten impressive play from ex-Bruin Johnny Boychuk. The gritty defenseman already is paying dividends with a goal and four helpers. So far, so good for Isles’ general manager Garth Snow, who stole Boychuk from the Bruins in salary dump. New acquisitions Mikhail Grabovski and Cory Conacher each have a goal. Josh Bailey also has tallied. A streaky forward, he’s still a key player capable of contributing. The Islanders are still without Michael Grabner and defensemen Lubomir Visnovsky and Calvin de Haan. New goalie Jaroslav Halak makes his second start. Backup Chad Johnson gave him Saturday off.

While things are looking good for their blood rival, that hasn’t been the case for the Rangers. Losers of two straight, they look to rebound from a nightmarish 6-3 humiliation to Toronto in a forgettable home opener. That followed a disjointed effort at Columbus. Since Dan Boyle went down, the defense has struggled mightily giving up far too many quality chances and turning over pucks. Top tandem Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi are each without points and both minus-three. Typically, convenient Stanley Cup scapegoat Girardi has received ridiculous criticism. Apparently, our fans have very short memories. Granted, Danny G struggled against the Kings. But was far from alone.

Outside of the newly formed top line of new Dad Rick Nash, Marty St. Louis and hotshot rookie Anthony Duclair, there haven’t been many standouts. Nash is off to a great start scoring in each game pacing the Blueshirts with four goals and an assist. St. Louis has three assists since shifting to center with Derek Stepan out. He is also 18-and-18 on faceoffs. Not too shabby for a veteran right wing. With Mats Zuccarello returning to the lineup, coach Alain Vigneault has opted to keep Duclair with St. Louis and Nash. Given his whirlwind talent, I agree completely. After all, I suggested it.

Interestingly, Vigneault will play Zuccarello on the third line with freshman Kevin Hayes and Carl Hagelin. Rather than reuniting him with Derick Brassard, who’ll be flanked by the suggested Chris Kreider and steady vet Lee Stempniak, it looks like Vigneault is searching for balance. I’d love to see what a line of Kreider, Brassard and Zuccarello can do. But that’ll have to wait. With J.T. Miller off to a poor start, he sits tonight. Ryan Malone replaces him on the fourth line and will play with Dominic Moore and Tanner Glass. The Rangers can definitely use his size and grit. Malone had a good camp. Now, he finally gets his chance. With Zuccarello back in, Jesper Fast also sits.

There’s no doubt the defense has struggled. Kevin Klein hasn’t distinguished himself since being moved up with Marc Staal, who’s been their best blueliner so far. Vigneault made one other change dressing Mike Kostka in place of Matt Hunwick. Kostka partners with John Moore, who needs to pick it up.

Whenever these rivals get together, it’s always fun. With the Islanders improved and off to their best start since ’07-08, it should make for an intriguing match-up. They boast improved scoring and defensive depth. Keep an eye on Frans Nielsen and Ryan Strome. Twenty-year old Griffin Reinhart also is worth watching. Of course, most eyes will be on Tavares, who already has five points (1-4-5). He always seems to play well against the Rangers. It should be a good test for McDonagh and Girardi, who need a big game. With Boyle out, there’s even more pressure.

After being chased Sunday, Henrik Lundqvist gets his third start. He’s allowed eight goals on 49 shots with most of the damage the other night. You know he’ll be ready to go. Former BONY blogger Steve Lepore noted that this could be one of the top 20 games of the season. He also couldn’t understand why NBCSN chose Buffalo at Carolina for their game over Islanders/Rangers. Obviously, our game would draw more interest. Instead, MSG has coverage from both ends.

Posted in NY Islanders, NYRangers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rebuilding Sabres Struggling Mightily: Fall To Ducks 5-1

Posted on October 13, 2014 by Derek

Entering the season, Buffalo fans knew it was going to be a challenge for their hockey team. With the Sabres committed to rebuilding, that could mean a very long year in Western New York. So far, that looks to be the case. After falling at home to the Ducks 5-1 in a special Columbus Day matinee at First Niagara Center, they dropped to 0-3-0. In three games, they’ve been outscored 14-4. Even worse, opponents have outshot Buffalo by a combined 131-57. A statistic resident Sabre blogger Brian Sanborn is tracking.

On a dreary holiday, I figured what better way to spend some time off than to finally check out the Sabres. Losers of two straight, they were only trailing 1-0 nearly halfway through on a Corey Perry power play goal. Anaheim rookie William Karlsson increased the deficit to two when he finished off his first of two from Hampus Lindholm and Jakob Silfververg. Moments later, Josh Gorges delivered a big hit on Patrick Maroon, who exited with an apparent left knee injury. Eventually, Tim Jackman sought retribution by fighting Mike Weber.

So in control were the Ducks that the Sabres rarely had the puck. In fact, puck possession for the second period was roughly 80 percent Anaheim to only 20 percent Buffalo. A damning Corsi statistic that MSG’s Sabres telecast referenced during intermission. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure that out. It was all Anaheim. Seemingly every shift Perry took, he was dangerous. He broke in with only Buffalo goalie Michal Neuvirth stopping him. Peppered in his first start, Neuvirth made several big saves including a highlight reel glove stop to keep his team afloat. If not for him, the score could’ve been much worse. He finished with 39 saves.

An early problem for Buffalo is their third periods. They’ve already been outscored 9-1. In fact, in the first two losses to Columbus and Chicago, they were tied entering the third before getting blitzed. The Jackets put up two to post a 3-1 win while the Blackhawks scored four unanswered to pull away 6-2. For a third consecutive game, the Sabres faced a quality opponent who wore them out. They self destructed. In an 18-second span, Matt Beleskey and Karlsson scored early in the third to make it 4-0.

At least, Tyler Ennis notched his second by finishing off a Matt Moulson feed at the goalmouth to beat Frederik Andersen. Ennis was one of the few bright spots. He has two goals so far and made positive things happen. More than you can say for Cody Hodgson, who narrowly missed with a backhand earlier with plenty of real estate. Top pick Sam Reinhart took 14 shifts getting a shade over 11 minutes. The young center lost all 11 faceoffs. He was far from alone. As a team Buffalo lost 45 of 66 draws. No wonder they had so little puck possession. You wonder if this kind of environment is good for Reinhart’s development.

With 8:35 remaining, Ryan Kesler split the D and was taken down from behind. The end result was a penalty shot which he successfully converted by going five-hole on a helpless Neuvirth for the final margin. With Kesler coming over from Vancouver, the Ducks are loaded. They should challenge in the West and could win the Cup.

For the Sabres, they’re at the opposite end of the spectrum. Even with vet additions Gorges, new captain Brian Gionta and Moulson, it promises to be an uphill battle. This season is more about younger players getting their feet wet. Brian isn’t so certain Ted Nolan is the right fit for the roster. Then again, who is? Ironically, Buffalo was rewarded the 2016 NHL Draft. It’ll be their first time hosting since 1998. With one eye towards 2015 where a top 2 pick could land either Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel, the Sabres will try to improve next time out. Next up is Carolina tomorrow in Raleigh. Might that be the first win? One can only hope.

Posted in Battle News | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Game #3: Maple Leafs Humiliate Rangers 6-3 In Ugly Home Opener

Posted on October 12, 2014 by Derek
Leafs Invasion: The Leafs celebrate Tyler Bozak's goal as J.T. Miller can't look. AP Photo Courtesy Getty Images by Kathy Kmonicek

Leafs Invasion: The Leafs celebrate Tyler Bozak’s goal as J.T. Miller can’t look.
AP Photo Courtesy Getty Images by Kathy Kmonicek

Over 82 games, there will be days like this. Hopefully, the Rangers are getting theirs out of the way and fast. A day after a disjointed loss in Columbus, they suffered a 6-3 humiliation at the hands of the Maple Leafs in an ugly home opener.

A game my Dad, Justin and Mike attended was one of the worst at MSG in quite a while invoking memories of Atlanta during the Dark Ages. At least, PA announcer Joe Tolleson introduced Derek Stepan and late scratch Mats Zuccarello during a nice opening ceremony that saw the team gather in a circle at center ice. There also was the rousing ovation for the 27th captain in franchise history Ryan McDonagh and the usual loud reception for Henrik Lundqvist. That turned out to be the highlight.

Fresh off a second consecutive ugly defeat to start the season, the Leafs recovered from a sluggish start to storm our team, which looks out of sorts. There’s no question injuries to Stepan, Zuccarello and especially Dan Boyle are already showing. Defensively, they were abominable. So many blown coverages and even a poor showing by Lundqvist eventually got him a seat on the bench. He was chased after allowing six goals on 24 shots. Like with Cam Talbot Saturday, it’s hard to pin it on him. He wasn’t sharp permitting a couple he normally stops including Cody Franson’s power play goal that opened things up.

If you’re gonna lose, you may as well get blown out. The Rangers stunk and paid dearly stunning everyone. I guess I shouldn’t have jinxed it. I thought for sure they’d win. That’s why they play the games. For whatever reason, they weren’t ready. Even after a good start that saw them generate pressure, a lazy penalty by Dominic Moore resulted in Franson finishing off a beautiful passing play started by Phil Kessel with Tyler Bozak threading the needle which the Toronto defenseman easily finished 17 seconds into the power play.

The Leafs controlled most of the first period thanks to sloppy play from the Rangers. They turned over the puck a lot and by night’s end, were credited with 16 giveaways to the Leafs’ 2. With his wife in labor, Rick Nash scored for a third straight game. Following a successful penalty kill of a Marc Staal minor, Staal made a nice outlet for Martin St. Louis, who centered for a sweet Nash finish at the goalmouth tying it at 17:22. Once the game was out of reach, Nash left to be with his wife.

Even though they were tied, I never had a good feeling. A Matt Hunwick undisciplined hi-sticking minor quickly resulted in Kessel ripping his first past Lundqvist at 5:19 of the second. Franson and Dion Phaneuf perfectly set it up. It was another blown assignment that left one of the game’s best finishers wide open. It got even worse. James van Riemsdyk increased Toronto’s lead to 3-1 when the Rangers’ top tandem of McDonagh and Dan Girardi went towards Leo Komarov behind the net allowing him to pass for a wide open Van Riemsdyk.

Anthony Duclair tried his best drawing the Rangers’ first power play. His skating forced Stephane Robidas to hook him. But the power play was just as atrocious allowing a Nazem Kadri shorthanded goal. J.T. Miller forced a pass to the middle that allowed the Leafs to go the opposite direction. McDonagh compounded it by losing a battle at his own blueline resulting in Kadri going in alone on Lundqvist. He used a nice deke to open up Lundqvist’s legs for a crushing shorty.

Trailing by three, the Rangers got one back after video review confirmed that Lee Stempniak was in the process of shooting when a Leaf pushed the goal off its moorings. It was the second consecutive game Stempniak scored. When he is your best player behind Nash, that’s not a good sign. There were too many passengers.

Following some more pressure, Bozak scored a back breaker 59 seconds later when he used Girardi as a screen and had a stoppable shot go through Lundqvist. At that point, Talbot put his gear on. But before he got in, former Devil David Clarkson rebounded home his first only 48 seconds later making it 6-2. Finally Lundqvist came out probably wondering what happened.

This definitely isn’t the same roster that went to the Stanley Cup Final. Not having Stepan is hurting them. He plays all three zones and can be relied on for power play and penalty kill. Even with St. Louis off to a good start centering the top line, the Rangers’ lack of center depth is exposed. Rookie Kevin Hayes debuted and looked alright. He almost had a goal but James Reimer denied him. Before an injury forced him out, Reimer was good stopping 24 of 26 shots. He made timely saves.

By the third, there really wasn’t much left to see. I didn’t watch much opting to check out the latest ESPN 30 For 30 on Boston College Point Shaving. With the Giants just as abysmal, it was a much more entertaining alternative. While I was away, Derick Brassard got off the snide tallying his first from Chris Kreider and Stempniak against Toronto reliever Jonathan Bernier. Brassard played with Kreider and Stempniak on a new line.

Alain Vigneault kept Duclair with St. Louis and Nash. Hayes played for Zuccarello, who sat out due to a banged up shoulder sustained Saturday. Hopefully, it’s not serious. After Nash departed, Hayes saw some time on the top line. Miller played mostly with Hayes and Carl Hagelin. They went a combined minus-7. J.T. had another poor showing and is really making bad decisions. He might need to sit out for the Islanders on Tuesday. This isn’t the start he needed.

On a brighter note, Jesper Fast looked better. He was more noticeable and did some good things. I don’t know what the infatuation is with Tanner Glass. He did register a big time hit on Clarkson that should’ve been penalized because it came from behind. That hit resulted in a dangerous Leafs chance. Fortunately, Lundqvist stopped it. Glass is a physical player who continues to get penalty kill time playing over two minutes tonight. But he doesn’t have to play every day. Can they please try Ryan Malone Tuesday? This is Vigneault and I have no clue what he’ll decide.

It would be easy to sound the alarms. The Rangers have dropped two straight in awful fashion. Losing to the Jackets is one thing. Getting embarrassed at home by the Leafs is another. However, when you have injuries it hurts. Glen Sather replaced Raphael Diaz with Hunwick and Mike Kostka. That money could’ve been better spent. I’d rather see things break down early. It’s going to be a challenge. Kevin Klein was an adventure again. At least Staal looked good for a second straight night. He has been active in both ends. The Islanders visit next. How will they respond?

NY Puck 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Lee Stempniak, NYR (2nd of season, assist-consistent effort)

2nd Star-Cody Franson, Leafs (PPG, assist in 25 shifts-17:07)

1st Star-Phil Kessel, Leafs (1st of season, 2 assists-backed up his goal guarantee)

Posted in NYRangers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Devils Game #2: A rare laugher in Florida

Posted on October 12, 2014 by hasan4978

Martin Havlat, Mike Cammalleri and Patrik Elias celebrate a goal, while rookie Damon Severson attempts to look nonchalant (TSN.ca)

Despite the Devils’ Opening Night win on Thursday I was prepared for more angst last night.  After all, our trips to Sunrise the last couple years have both led to soul-crushing defeats.  Even in 2012 when we beat the Panthers in the playoffs we played six nip-and-tuck games down there between the regular season and postseason.  Much to my relief however, last night was a extremely rare ‘get ahead and stay ahead’ game as the Devils rode five goals in the first twenty-three minutes to an easy 5-1 win in front of a dissapointing crowd of just over 11,000 for the Panthers’ home opener.  Once again it was a balanced scoring attack as five different players scored, with eleven different Devils putting up at least a point.  While he didn’t need to do much early, Cory Schnieder came up with plenty of strong saves to keep the Panthers at bay and finally get a win over former teammate Roberto Luongo (after three straight losses to Luuu last year).

Other than the fact the Devils took an unseemly amoung of penalties – eight (including five by the fourth line alone), there wasn’t much on the negative side to take out of this game.  Special teams were much better than they were in Philly with the Devils scoring twice on the power play in the first period and killing off seven of those eight penalties, despite many of them occuring in rapid-fire succession between the end of the second period and start of the third.  Cory was certainly better in Florida than he was Thursday night in getting his second win…amazingly he didn’t get his second win last year until just before Thanksgiving, in his tenth game.  Of course part of the reason for that was the team only scored 12 goals in his first 10 games last year, while they’ve already scored 11 in his two starts this year.  You really can’t make this stuff up.

Once again, the young defense was impressive, justifying Pete DeBoer’s decisions on the blueline to this point.  Rookie sensation Damon Severson put up his first NHL points with a goal off a seeing-eye wrister late in the first period, an assist and a +2 last night in nearly nineteen minutes, playing 3:29 on the PP and 3:48 shorthanded.  Jon Merrill logged 20+ minutes of icetime for the second straight game (22:11 last night) with an assist and a +1.  And of course Eric Gelinas was a key cog for the offense getting assists on the first two goals of the night, ironically both off wrist shots and not his patented bomb from the point.  Also, the vets pulled their weight last night as well with Andy Greene and Bryce Salvador logging over twenty minutes of shorthanded time between them last night with the late penalty-fest.

Up front, again the top three lines were all involved with Martin Havlat scoring his first as a Devil off a tip from a Gelinas wrister at 8:46 of the first, Mike Cammalleri getting a piece of Marek Zidlicky’s point bomb on the power play for his third goal of the year at 13:13 and Ryane Clowe scoring off a rebound at 2:59 of the second for the Devils’ fifth goal.  Even fourth-liner Tuomo Ruutu tipped home the first goal of the game at 2:23 off another Gelinas wrister – but the fourth line wound up being a net negative between Ruutu’s two penalties, recent signee Jordin Tootoo’s two penalties and Stephen Gionta adding one for good measure.  It really was inexcusable and the only thing that kept me from staying relaxed in the final two periods of this game when the Devils got out to a lead that even they probably would not blow.  Still you couldn’t ask much more from last night’s game.  I’ll take any game where you can score five in twenty-three minutes and chase Roberto Luongo from the net…why Luongo even came out to start the second was puzzling after already being 0-4 down, but after the quick early fifth goal in the second he was finally given the mercy pull for Al Montoya.

Our only potential issue at the moment – which I don’t even want to address at 2-0 with the team looking impressive – is the Adam Larsson thing, which continues to simmer beneath the surface with HNIC talking head Damien Cox saying the Larsson camp wasn’t happy about his benching but weren’t demanding a trade – yet.  While I’ve been critical of the organization’s handling of Larsson at times I really don’t want to hear this nonsense when the team’s looked as impressive as it has through the first two games.  At some point it just comes off as selfish.  I hope somewhere Larsson was listening to or heard about what Ken Daneyko said on the broadcast last night, about how he was in and out of the lineup his first few years as well and had similar angst.  All that happened was Daneyko wound up being the longest-tenured Devil in history.  Quite honestly these other guys are proving the staff right at the moment, that they all deserve to play.  Larsson will get his chance one way or another down the road (whether it’s here or somewhere else), he just needs to stop making waves while things are otherwise going well for the team.

While the 2-0 start is nice, as coach DeBoer was quick to point out we started off great two years ago as well and then flamed out after that, so a good start isn’t the be-all and end-all, although it certainly beats the alternative (last year’s 0-4-3).  And the competition level only goes up from here with our next game in Tampa against a legit contender.   It would be nice to get a three-game winning streak however, since we had one all of last year and none the last two-thirds of the lockout season.  I don’t expect any changes on D or in net two days from now, but maybe one of the fourth liners will sit after the penalty-fest last night and someone else will get a chance up front.

Posted in Devils | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Game 2: Blue Jackets 5 Rangers 2

Posted on October 11, 2014 by Derek
Mats Zuccarello battles James Wisniewski during Rangers' 5-2 loss to Jackets. AP Photo/Jay LaPrete Getty Images

Mats Zuccarello battles James Wisniewski during Rangers’ 5-2 loss to Jackets.
AP Photo/Jay LaPrete Getty Images

The Rangers were defeated by the Blue Jackets 5-2 at Nationwide Arena. It was every bit as bad as the score indicated. There were only a couple of bright spots. The first being rookie Anthony Duclair, who recorded his first two NHL points- setting up both New York goals. The Duke looks like he’ll stay after assisting on Lee Stempniak and Rick Nash markers. Unfazed, the 19-year old 2013 third round pick also nearly had his first goal when he abused James Wisniewski only to have his shot go off the crossbar.

It was a turning point because had it gone in, that would’ve tied the game. Instead, the Blue Jackets responded minutes later when Cam Atkinson scored putting them up 3-1. Victimized on the play was Kevin Klein, who had a dreadful night. In his first game on the second pair with Marc Staal, he was responsible for two goals against. That included Nick Foligno beating him twice to put Columbus up 2-0 after the first period. A period largely controlled by the more physical hosts who ran roughshod.

Revved up by a sold out arena, the Jackets dominated the Rangers early with tremendous forecheck pressure and puck possession. Eventually, it led to ex-Blueshirt Artem Anisimov rifling home his second in two games past backup Cam Talbot. He came off the bench and no one picked him up. Ex-Flyer pest Scott Hartnell set him up. Hartnell was his usual self mixing it up with Stempniak with a late hit on a delayed Columbus penalty. It easily could’ve been a full two-man advantage but the Rangers got the short end of the stick the entire game. Columbus Day is Monday. Maybe the stripes were in a giving mood.

Not many Blueshirts played well in the first. Stempniak was an exception. He also stood out in the win at St. Louis. It seemed like every time he was on the ice, good things happened. He was later rewarded when off some strong work by Marc Staal and Duclair, Stempniak beat Sergei Bobrovsky top shelf to get the Rangers within 2-1. Afterwards, they had their most sustained pressure coming close to drawing even. Bobrovsky was strong making 24 saves including a highlight reel stone job on Martin St. Louis, who Rick Nash fed on the doorstep only to see the former Vezina winner stack the pads. At the time, they trailed 3-1.

Mats Zuccarello had a rough time. He finished minus-four and struggled mightily along with linemate Derick Brassard. Neither has looked right without departed Oiler Benoit Pouliot. They really haven’t done much so far. Outside of Zuccarello’s surprising scrap with T.J. Oshie, he hasn’t been himself. The Jackets targeted him. Every time they had a chance, they hit him. Even though Jack Skille didn’t mean to run into him. It looked worse than thought with Skille coming high. But he clearly didn’t see him with a minute left in the second. That was enough for Chris Kreider, who finally stepped in for his fallen teammate and drew an instigator, major and misconduct earning 17 penalty minutes.

This could’ve been avoided if Glen Sather had an actual enforcer. Instead, there’s Alain Vigneault Christmas ornament Tanner Glass, who did much of nothing including getting a bizarre roughing minor for sneezing on Dalton Prout following a run-in at the bench. Glass supplied good penalty killing in the first game but was useless tonight. Why he and Jesper Fast played with Dominic Moore is beyond me. Against a physical division rival who didn’t seem to miss three of their toughest forwards (Dubinsky, Horton, Jenner), it was baffling. But that’s Vigneault, who likes to stick with the same lineup after wins. This is a different roster with bigs Ryan Malone and Kevin Hayes more than capable. He’s already hinted a decision on Hayes, which could mean Hartford before he even debuts.

In net, Talbot did his best despite lack of support. In their first game without top four defenseman Dan Boyle, the Rangers struggled mightily. Klein was a Del Zaster hurting Staal, who got victimized on Marko Dano’s goal that made it 4-1 with under seven minutes left. With Zuccarello and Glass standing around watching, Dano spun off Staal and steered in a Prout rebound adding insult to injury. Staal finished with an assist and was minus-two. On for three goals against, he was more the victim of some really poor defensive play. The forwards did a lousy job and Klein I already mentioned.

The third pair of John Moore and Matt Hunwick was an adventure. Hunwick especially looked challenged dealing with the Jackets’ speed. It’s not easy going against the likes of Ryan Johansen, Atkinson and Foligno. It doesn’t help knowing Mike Kostka (Kostco) is the extra. I’d much rather see Dylan McIlrath but doubt the organization wants to rush him. The Wolf Pack season just started. One way or the other, Sather must do something.

With the game seemingly out of reach, great persistence by Duclair resulted in Nash scoring against his former team. Booed all night, he took a great feed by Duke and buried home his third in two games. I really like what I’ve seen from Nash, who looks more confident and is looking to shoot. They need him. I also was impressed with the chemistry he and Duclair had with Martin St. Louis. It’s obvious that Brassard and Zuccarello could use a big body. My suggestion is keep Duke on the top line for tomorrow and start Kreider with Brassard and Zuccarello. The third line should be Carl Hagelin with J.T. Miller and Stempniak. Hagelin btw had a quiet game going minus-two. Miller had a couple of chances but could’ve made better decisions with the puck.

Trailing by two late, Vigneault pulled Talbot with three minutes left. I don’t mind it as long as he sticks offensive guys out. They were down two. So what the heck was Klein doing out there? If anything, put John Moore out. Ryan McDonagh had one noticeable play going end to for a shorthanded attempt. Outside of that, it was a night to forget for him and Dan Girardi. They went a combined minus-three.

There’s not much else left to say. Tomorrow they finally return to MSG for the home opener versus the Maple Leafs. Toronto is already 0-2 and look dreadful. They gotta win that one before the Islanders visit Tuesday. Onto the next one.

New York Puck 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Fedor Tyutin, CBJ (finished +5 in 18:44-strong game for Tyuts)

2nd Star-Anthony Duclair, NYR (2 assists for 1st 2 points, +2-Duke is legit).

1st Star-Cam Atkinson, CBJ (2 goals, 5 SOG for the mighty mite)

Posted in NYRangers | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Shades of 2012 in Devils’ wild season opener at Philly

Posted on October 10, 2014 by hasan4978

Ryder, Clowe and Greene celebrating a Devils goal in their 6-4 win at Philly (NJ.com)

For the first thirty-five minutes of the Devils’ season opener last night, things couldn’t have gone much better on the scoreboard.  Despite being outshot in every period, the Devils jumped out in front 3-0 before disaster struck in the final 4:16 of the second period with a three-goal barrage from the home team.  Like they did in 2012 though, the Devils managed to overcome blowing a huge lead (then blowing another lead in the third period), before finally pulling away late for a wacky 6-4 win.  Compared to last year when the team started 0-4-3, getting in the win column right off the bat is a huge boost.

In the pregame, most of the attention was on the lineup choices, with 20-year old Damon Severson playing in his first NHL game while former #4 overall Adam Larsson was again a healthy scratch, which the Swede admitted was the most dissapointing one of all and saying he didn’t care about hearing a reason why.  While part of me’s sympathetic to the fact that he was probably assured he’d get steady playing time at last this year, it’s also a bad sign when kids younger than you (Severson, Jon Merrill last year, even Eric Gelinas to an extent) keep passing you in the pecking order.  Damien Brunner was also unhappy over being a healthy scratch, wondering out loud why he wasn’t ever given a chance above the fourth line in preseason.  Although it’d be nice to get his speed in the lineup, he’s clearly not a fit for the system or the style of play here and a trade wouldn’t shock me, if his value isn’t already a big fat zero.

I didn’t see the first part of this game and most of my first-period updates were via Twitter.  Michael Ryder carried over a strong preseason by scoring at 12:05 of the first period on his way to a marvelous three-point game.  While there was talk about Ryder being healthier this year than he was last season (when he was plagued by back issues), a new explanation for his struggles last year recently came to light – skates.  Apparently his skate company (Bauer) stopped making the brand he was wearing a year and a half ago and he went through multiple models trying to find the right fit.  Finally he found some old skates at home and was able to get a custom-made brand that suited him.

“I went to my parents’ house this summer and went in the shed and they had four old pairs from (the model) I used to wear,” he said. “So, I took those back to camp with me just in case I didn’t like that skates and (thought), ‘I’ll just wear those (old ones) because they were the same one. And they made a pair and I got them back they made them like my old ones, so it’s pretty neat that way.

“When you’re skating and you feel good on your feet, that makes a big difference confidence-wise in holding onto the puck and you know you can turn, you know you can protect the puck a lot better and move. It makes a big difference.”

Sometimes it’s amazing how seemingly little things can matter so much.  Whether health or skates were the big reason for Ryder’s struggles last year, it’s vital he keep up his good form.  Ryder also contributed to the Devils’ second goal early in the second period when he left a drop pass for Adam Henrique, who fired a wrister past Steve Mason at 2:10 to double the Devils’ lead.  By now I was listening on the radio, where I heard both this goal and the subsequent one by Mike Cammalleri, whose perfect top-shelf deflection of a Jaromir Jagr shot at 5:33 gave the Devils a three-goal lead and annoyed the boobirds in Philly.  Jagr’s assist also moved him past Steve Yzerman for sixth on the all-time points list.  Although the Devils had a scary penalty kill where Dainus Zubrus had to make a couple of great plays to keep the puck out of the net (by now I was watching on TV), things still looked good until Jordin Tootoo got whistled for a questionable penalty and Claude Giroux took advantage, firing a wrister through a Marek Zidlicky leg screen and past Cory Schneider to get the Flyers on the board.

From that point forward the Devils started to lose their poise.  Merrill got caught along the left boards and was out of position when the puck got to a wide-open Wayne Simmonds in front.  Merrill tried a desperate diving play but Simmonds toe-dragged him and beat Schneider with 57 seconds left in the period.  Being at 3-2 was bad enough, but what happened next was truly an unfortunate series of events starting with Ryane Clowe’s dumb penalty with 4.5 seconds left.  For reasons known only to him, coach Pete DeBoer put out our worst faceoff guy (Stephen Gionta) for a faceoff deep in our zone – I guess Travis Zajac couldn’t take a 4.5 second shift?  Predictably Gionta lost the faceoff to Claude Giroux, horrifyingly the puck went to Vincent Lecavalier, who flipped it to Simmonds in front as time was running out and Simmonds got the best of defenseman Bryce Salvador and tipped it home with .6 seconds remaining, tying the game.

At this point I was already beside myself two periods into the season.  How could this be happening already, and again?!  My half-serious prediction was that we’d get the lead again in the third, lose it again and then die in the shootout.  Two thirds of that prediction did come true, in part due to some Czech wizardry on Patrik Elias’s goal at 4:16 when Marek Zidlicky’s touch drop pass to Martin Havlat was followed by a quick cross-ice pass from Havlat to a wide-open Elias for the tiebreaking score.  Just fifteen seconds later, the game was tied yet again when Salvador oddly took Simmonds out of a three-on-two break, making it a straight two-on-one, which Lecavlier took advantage of by beating Schneider with a wrister.  Finally at 7:13 the Devils got one lead too many for the Flyers when Henrique found a wide open Zubrus, and Zubrus beat Mason with a wrister after an initial pass fake.  Not that I was confident in us holding this lead either at the time, but eventually you have to hold a lead by accident, right?  With just one minute left in the game Cammalleri scored an empty-netter for his second goal of the game, finally sealing the deal once and for all.

While the blown leads are clearly an issue that won’t go away (and as last year’s playoffs proved aren’t entirely exclusive to the Devils either), the top concern from last night’s game has to be the penalty kill, which was just 3/5 and could easily have given up three goals instead of two.  Losing Mark Fayne and Anton Volchenkov is clearly creating some flux among the defensive pairings on the PK early on.  Ryan Carter and Steve Bernier were also in the PK rotation up front last year and new guys like Cammalleri and Jordin Tootoo are being worked in this year.  At least the young defensemen held their own for the most part, with Severson having a ‘fantastic’ game according to coach DeBoer and even getting put on the PK himself late in the third.  From Tom Gulutti’s blog:

“I thought he was fantastic, composed, not overwhelmed, made plays,” DeBoer said. “When the game turned and it became 3-3, I thought he got better, which means something for a young guy.”

Severson, the Devils’ 2012 second-round draft pick, correctly took it as a positive sign that his coach had the confidence in him to use him in important situations in the third period of what had been a crazy game at times.

“It shows that he has confidence in me to kill penalties or be on the ice late in the game or anything like that,” he said. “You know, obviously that was my first game so anytime you get thrown out there in situations where your team is up by a goal and you need to play solid defense, it shows that he has confidence in you to really play strong defense really in your own zone.”

– See more at: http://fireandice.northjersey.com/#sthash.yoiO9wDl.dpuf

Clearly our retooled offense was the brightest spot of the opening game however, with five different players scoring the six goals and each of the top three lines contributing.  Granted, this game was against a Flyers team with severe defensive issues following the loss of Kimmo Timonen indefinitely due to blood clots.  Still, six goals are six goals and can only be a confidence-booster going forward to the Florida part of our four-game road trip to start the season.  Since beating the Panthers in the 2012 playoffs, the Panthers-Lightning trip down south has been a dual house of horrors for us the last two years in the regular season, both times at crucial points in the homestretch.  At least this time we’re doing a Florida trip early, playing the Panthers tomorrow night and a strong Lightning team on Tuesday.  Hopefully the team continues its good start tomorrow and starts to bury the ghosts of sunbelt trips past.

Posted in Devils | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Rangers Lose Boyle To Fractured Hand

Posted on October 10, 2014 by Derek

The news wasn’t all positive for the Rangers. Following their 3-2 season opening win over the Blues, they learned that new defenseman Dan Boyle suffered a fractured hand after blocking a shot. He’s expected to be out four to six weeks.

Not exactly what you wanted to hear. With Glen Sather doing the bare minimum to replace Raphael Diaz, that means Matt Hunwick goes into the lineup tomorrow with Michael Kostka recalled from Hartford. An injury to the blueline was the one concern going in. Now, the Rangers will get tested. Boyle was signed to replace Anton Stralman and run the power play. He’s out because he sacrificed for the team.

At the very least, it looks like it will be more of a challenge this year. The Rangers didn’t have many setbacks last season. Now down a top center and a top four D, they’ll have to get by. There’s enough experience to do so. But the power play might be an eye sore. I would venture to guess Kevin Klein slides next to Marc Staal leaving a third pair of John Moore and Hunwick/Kostka. Yikes.

In another move, the Rangers gave Matt Lombardi his unconditional release so he can return to Switzerland. Looks like Sather will try to fill the spot by signing a defenseman.

Posted in Battle News, NYRangers | Tagged | Leave a comment

Game 1: Nash’s Pair Lifts Rangers Past Blues 3-2

Posted on October 10, 2014 by Derek

It couldn’t have been a better start for Rick Nash. His pair of goals including the game decider with 1:50 remaining lifted the Rangers to a season opening 3-2 win on the road over the Blues. After only scoring twice during last year’s run to the Stanley Cup Final, the much ballyhooed scorer made an early statement registering two goals and an assist. He and linemate Chris Kreider combined for five points. Martin St. Louis set up Nash’s winner giving the top line seven points. He also assisted on Kreider’s first.

”I didn’t know I had success against them,” Nash said after finding out he upped his career totals to 23 goals and 43 points in 51 contests against St. Louis. ”It seems like it is one of the toughest places to play. Being in Columbus so long, it was such a tough building to come into and have success. Too bad we don’t play them more.”

It was a better beginning than last year when the Rangers were beaten at Phoenix 4-1. They also were humiliated by San Jose and Anaheim and lost to the Blues 5-3. Without top center Derek Stepan, the newly comprised line of Kreider, St. Louis and Nash had a big night. They were splendid. Especially after Paul Stastny was credited with his first as a Blue helping St. Louis tie the game once more with 9:18 remaining. It appeared to be headed to overtime. Instead, the top trio put together a dominant shift resulting in St. Louis making a behind the back pass for a sweet Nash finish that easily beat Brian Elliott.

The Rangers took advantage of an Alex Pietrangelo clear attempt that took a weird carom off the glass bouncing right to St. Louis, who quickly fed Nash for his second. The Blues didn’t see the puck which allowed New York to capitalize.

”I saw it right away, saw it hit the glass seam and fire back,” Nash said. ”I was yelling at Marty that it stayed in the zone. It was unbelievable. It was a great play by him.”

”I knew exactly where it was,” Elliott said after finishing with 22 saves in defeat. ”You’re in between trying to tell your guys and not tell their guys, so you’re just hoping your guys see it and come back and just be ready for it. (St. Louis) made a pretty slick play to settle it down and get it across crease there for their goal.”

Despite taking too many penalties, the Rangers will take it. They weren’t perfect but found a way to win similar to last Spring. Henrik Lundqvist was sharp making 23 saves including a tough one with the game on the line. He didn’t have to be great but was there when his team needed him.

”It’s not easy to come in here and beat this team,” Lundqvist pointed out. ”They are always good at home. Physical team. Smart team. They made a couple of mistakes in their own end which we took advantage of. They kept coming hard in the third but we responded pretty well.”

The Rangers got off quickly thanks to a yeoman effort from Kreider. Not giving up on the play, he forced a St. Louis turnover inside the blueline and then pushed the puck to Nash, who buried his first from the slot for an early lead 4:01 in. Rookie Anthony Duclair debuted taking 17 shifts (11:12 TOI) while playing with J.T. Miller and former Blue Lee Stempniak, who played a strong game. Only 19, Duclair didn’t look overwhelmed playing aggressively like he had in preseason. But he didn’t register a shot.

For the most part, the Rangers were solid defensively. After outshooting the Blues 16-8 in the first, they were penalized five times in a sloppy second. That included an ill advised Dan Boyle delay of game which handed St. Louis a two-man advantage. However, the three penalty killers did an outstanding job. New captain Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi combined with Dominic Moore to limit the Blues chances. Moore dominated in the faceoff circle winning 12 of 16 draws. Derick Brassard also saw some penalty kill duty with Stepan out and excelled.

Due to the penalty fest, the Blueshirts didn’t have much puck possession. They hardly generated anything. But still led 1-0 after two thanks to Lundqvist and strong team defense. As usual, they sacrificed blocking 18 shots with forwards coming back fast.

The third period was more wide open. Off some strong work in front from captain David Backes, Jaden Schwartz put home a rebound to tie the game at 1:32. With St. Louis pushing for more, St. Louis made a good defensive play getting the puck to Nash, who sent Kreider in on a breakaway. Almost identical to the one he had versus Jonathan Quick in Game 5, this time he finished going short side. I knew he wasn’t missing. The goal put the Rangers back ahead with 13:30 left. Ironically, it followed a bizarre scrap between Mats Zuccarello and T.J. Oshie. Incensed at Zuccarello post whistle, Oshie got the better of him. Even though he barely landed, it just goes to show that Zuccarello won’t back down from anyone. Gotta love it.

The Rangers blew a chance on a power play which kept the Blues alive. The man-advantage didn’t get going taking the collar in three opportunities. Unable to cash in, it nearly bit them when Vladimir Tarashenko had his wrist shot deflect off Stastny for the equalizer with 9:18 left. The fourth line got victimized with Dom Moore unable to get back. Tarashenko made a nice move around Dan Girardi to get the shot and Stastny had good fortune with Dad Peter watching in the stands.

A Zuccarello tripping minor forced them to kill a crucial penalty. In Game 1 without former PK ace Brian Boyle and defensive defenseman Anton Stralman, who debuted with Boyle in the Lightning’s win Thursday night, they didn’t miss a beat going 5-for-5. Marc Staal did some solid work using his reach to break up a play.

Even though St. Louis struggled on draws going 4-for-11, he made the big play finding Nash for the winner. His first game in the middle was a success finishing with two assists. While I don’t think it’s a good idea long-term, you can’t argue with the end result. The Rangers needed their top line to come through because Brassard and Zuccarello were invisible. Carl Hagelin at least showed defensively. It’ll be interesting to see how long Alain Vigneault keeps him on that line. Might he try Duclair with Brassard and Zuccarello? It seems like a natural fit. We’ll have to wait and see.

J.T. Miller was okay offensively but stunk it up losing all eight faceoffs. He can’t do that nightly or Vigneault will change it up. Tanner Glass’ debut was decent. He led the team with six hits and saw a shade under two minutes shorthanded. As long as he provides energy and doesn’t take any silly penalties, we’re good. I would like to see Ryan Malone Saturday at Columbus. With Jesper Fast banged up, he might debut.

NY PUCK 3 STARS:

3rd Star-Jaden Schwartz, Blues (1st of season, assist-future star)

2nd Star-Chris Kreider, NYR (1st of season, assist-Beast Mode)

1st Star-Rick Nash, NYR (2-1-3-Nashty start)

Posted in NYRangers | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

NHL Preview: Season Predictions

Posted on October 8, 2014 by Derek

A new year is upon us and for that, every pucker is eternally grateful. With four games tonight including entertaining rivalries Montreal/Toronto and San Jose and Los Angeles renewing acquaintances for the Kings banner raiser, it should be hectic. Philadelphia visits Boston and Calgary hosts Vancouver. Technically, four rivalry games which is not a bad way to start.

Rather than go into detail on who improved and vice versa, I’ll just get to each division.

EAST

Metropolitan

*1.Rangers

*2.Penguins

*3.Blue Jackets

*4.Devils

*5.Islanders

6.Capitals

7.Flyers

8.Hurricanes

Atlantic

*1.Lightning

*2.Bruins

*3.Canadiens

4.Red Wings

5.Maple Leafs

6.Panthers

7.Sabres

8.Senators

WEST

Central

*1.Blues

*2.Blackhawks

*3.Wild

*4.Stars

*5.Avalanche

6.Predators

7.Jets

Pacific

*1.Kings

*2.Ducks

*3.Sharks

4.Coyotes

5.Flames

6.Oilers

7.Canucks

AWARDS

Hart-Steven Stamkos

Norris-Alex Pietrangelo

Vezina-Henrik Lundqvist

Calder-Johnny Gaudreau

Selke-Anze Kopitar

Art Ross-Sidney Crosby

Rocket Richard-Steven Stamkos

Lady Byng-Ryan O’Reilly

Posted in Devils, NHL, NY Islanders, NYRangers | Tagged | 1 Comment