Free-agent interview period begins pivotal week for the Devils

Posted on June 25, 2014 by hasan4978

Locking up goaltender Cory Schnider is just one of many things GM Lou Lamoriello needs to do over the next few weeks

While NHL free agency begins on July 1 (next Tuesday) as usual, midnight today was the start of what’s called an ‘interview period’ where other teams can talk to UFA’s, but not make any official offers or enter into any binding agreements.  Admittedly I’d forgotten about this new wrinkle, introduced with the last CBA and similar to what exists in the NBA – though it was in place last year when the lines were more blurred as to what was allowed and what wasn’t.  This year both teams and players agreed on the following language:

“Clubs are permitted to discuss their potential interest in, as well as the general parameters of, a potential future contractual relationship with another Club’s pending RFA or UFA during the applicable ‘interview periods,’ but Clubs may not enter into any agreements, or make any binding offers, promises, undertakings, representations, commitments, inducements, assurances of intent, or understandings of any kind, express or implied, oral or written, concerning the terms of a potential SPC with another Club’s pending RFA or UFA.”

Essentially it gives players and teams more than a few hours on July 1 to consider all their options, which is probably a welcome change since in the players’ case you’re deciding where you’re spending up to the next seven-eight years and in teams’ case they have to decide how to allocate millions of dollars.  With the draft around the corner, moves made there will no doubt impact free agency as well.  In the Devils’ case draft day will be vital in terms of what is or isn’t done regarding not only free agency but the compliance buyout window, which closes on Monday.

Particularly on defense, everything – the compliance buyout window, potential draft weekend trades and FA – is intertwined together in terms of importance.  Currently the Devils are $12 million under the cap celing, but that’s with the entire fourth line either UFA or RFA – vets Steven Gionta, Ryan Carter and Steve Bernier are UFA and Jacob Josefson is RFA – while on the defense Mark Fayne’s UFA and youngsters Adam Larsson and Eric Gelinas are RFA’s.  To say nothing of needing a backup goaltender this year with Martin Brodeur assuredly testing free agency.  And oh yes the Devils clearly need at least one or two upgrades at forward in free agency.  Now $12 million doesn’t look like so much.  Hence the speculation on whether the Devils would use their second allowed compliance buyout before free agency on defensemen Bryce Salvador or Anton Volchenkov, if they use it at all.

Salvador’s the team captain but also 38 years old and was hurt for a good chunk of last season, and has one year at just under $3.2 million left on his deal, while Volchenkov is 32 but he has two years left on his deal at $4.25 million per with a no-trade clause as well.  In terms of who the team considers more important it’s clearly Salvador given both his C and the minutes he gets on a nightly basis compared to the minutes Volchenkov gets.  And since Volch has the higher cap hit, you figure he would go before Salvador except for the fact that it would take a few more million dollars to buy out Volch, not to mention there’s no guarantee Sal even makes it through next season anyway given the fact he missed half the year last year with a torn labrum and other nicks that are pretty common for a 38-year old physical defenseman.  Currently Lou Lamoriello has stated it was ‘unlikely…unless circumstances change’ that he would use a buyout.  Of course Lou also said this last year before the big draft-day trade for Cory Schnieder led to us using our first compliance buyout on Johan Hedberg.

Also factoring into whether they buy out one of the two older defensemen are what happens with the younger defensemen already on the roster.  Larsson and Gelinas are RFA’s, and I’m not even going to touch the Internet rumors about Larsson being unhappy over his decreasing playing time and perhaps signing overseas.  Of more immediate concern is Fayne, who’s arguably one of the top UFA defenseman on the market and with him still being unsigned there’s always the possibility he goes the way of so many recent UFA’s and takes an offer he can’t refuse.  Granted, I would understand letting Fayne walk if you were able to reallocate his money into a forward core that desperately needs it…but by the same token if Lou was willing to let him walk then there was no excuse not to trade Fayne at the deadline with the Devils a handful of points out of a playoff spot and having Larsson be stuck in Albany for the second half of the season because of our two year long obsession with hoarding defensemen (that hasn’t exactly helped us reach the playoffs).

I feel like a broken record complaining about the same ol’ problems though so I’ll just let it sit and see what happens by next week before I rant about it again.  It’s not as if defense is our only question mark either.  Part of the reason the buyouts and what happens with Fayne are such a big deal are because the Devils kind of need cap space if they’re going to make at least one significant addition to the forward core in FA – if they don’t trade one of the younger defensemen at the draft to get a forward that way.  They really can’t go to war again with basically the same four lines as last year with a cosmetic change on the fourth line (maybe Mike Sislo over Steve Bernier), especially since Ryane Clowe suffered two more concussions last year and certainly can’t be counted on for anything near an 82-game season.  Yet the Devils have nine forwards signed at significant money – re: $2.5 million and up – and it wouldn’t be ideal to play any of them on the fourth line so perhaps a Michael Ryder or Damien Brunner may have to be traded as well, though it’s likely a spot on the top three lines will open up if Clowe has to start the season on LTIR.

Whatever the contract status is of our forwards though, it isn’t ideal to have a 42-year old Jaromir Jagr be our main source of scoring with really little else behind him.  There has to be at least one significant addition.  Where it comes from is anyone’s guess.  Paul Statsny (the top UFA center) would be nice, but I’d bet on the Blues becoming involved since they also need a top-line player, have more cap space and are closer to a Cup than we are.  If Glen Sather doesn’t get googoo eyes at the biggest FA name again, that is.  Derek knows too well it would be such a Ranger move to buy out Brad Richards, then replace him with Stasny.  Aside from him there are wingers Thomas Vanek – ick if you saw his performance in the playoffs – and Matt Moulson, as well as Michael Cammalleri and Radim Vrbata, among others.  Of course Lou being Lou, the predictable script would have him bringing back Brian Gionta, which wouldn’t be ideal at this point of his career.  Unless he was being signed cheap as a glorified shootout specialist anyway.

And oh yes there’s still the goaltender question which is two-pronged: Will Schnieder sign a long-term extension this offseason – and if not what then…we can’t lose ANOTHER key asset to FA for nothing, can we? – and what will the Devils do at backup with Brodeur determined to try FA and Lou almost as determined to wait out the process?  Brodeur himself said that Lou would probably wait and see what happened with him before moving on a backup goalie.  Which suggests (ack!) that Lou might consider bringing back Marty if there’s no other interest in the legendary goaltender.  While Marty does seem more at peace since the offseason began with how things are here, and said some very nice things about both Cory and Lou recently suggesting no bridges were burned last season, the fact is even if he came back with the understanding he’d be a true backup, there’d always be an undercurrent of public pressure to give Marty more games if he gets off to a good start and/or Cory doesn’t.  That still wouldn’t be an ideal situation, especially if Marty’s play declines another notch the way it has the last couple years.

Pretty much the only thing we know for certain about what the Devils will do this weekend is they’ll be drafting #30 because they have to.  Getting a first-rounder back (though down twenty spots from where it should be at #10) was the final chapter on the long-running Kovalchuk contract penalty saga.  It would be nice if they drafted a forward though it would be again, so Lou-like if he took Brendan Lemieux, a feisty winger whose dad just happened to be a beloved – by the fans anyway – ex-Devil, Claude.  With the first round of the draft less than two nights away, followed by the buyout deadline and the start of FA, the dominoes will finally start to fall soon.

Posted in Devils | 3 Comments

Callahan re-signs with Lightning, Gaborik a Stanley King

Posted on June 25, 2014 by Derek
Ryan Callahan re-signed with the Lightning. www.lohoud.com

Ryan Callahan re-signed with the Lightning.
http://www.lohoud.com

The rumors became official for Ryan Callahan. Less than 24 hours after a report surfaced that the former Ranger was about to stay put with his new team, he re-signed with the Lightning agreeing to a six-year contract worth $34.8 million. It averages out to $5.8 million per season. Slightly less than he asked for here before Glen Sather dealt him for Martin St. Louis in the first ever ‘captain for captain’ deal.

As part of the contract, Callahan gets a full no-trade clause in the first four years with a limited one the final two. The 29-year old got security with a team that should compete moving forward. He posted six goals and five assists in the final 20 regular season games but was shutout in a first round sweep at the hands of the Canadiens.

“I couldn’t be happier to be part of the Tampa Bay Lightning organization for the next six years and I am excited for this new chapter of my career,” Callahan said. “Tampa Bay has been a great place to live and play from the day I got there. As soon as the season ended I knew it was a place I wanted to be.”

Similar to how quickly St. Louis was welcomed with open arms, Callahan was embraced by the Lightning. It isn’t a surprise that he decided to stay. From some of his previous quotes after joining them, you could tell he liked it there. The one thing he was able to get was that NTC. Something Sather balked at. Plus Callahan’s agent drove the price up. The amazing aspect is they had narrowed the gap and were that close. Instead, Slats rolled the dice trading the popular former captain and what amounted to two first round picks for St. Louis and a second. At least, it all worked out. The Rangers made their first Stanley Cup appearance in 20 years and Callahan decided to forgo unrestricted free agency allowing them to retrieve a second round pick.

As to whether he’s worth his new deal, that’s better left unsaid. What Callahan brings is the same gritty style that made him so popular in New York City. He’s a good fit for the Lightning, who boast a strong nucleus featuring Steven Stamkos, Valtteri Filppula, Teddy Purcell, Tyler Johnson, Ondej Palat, Alex Killorn, Victor Hedman, Matt Carle, Ben Bishop and soon 2013 first round pick Jonathan Drouin. If they’re able to improve defensively, the sky’s the limit.

Already I’ve seen our fans critique Callahan for taking less. However, Florida has no state income tax which means he basically got the same money. It’s easy to forget that the agent’s job is to ask for the moon. All part of negotiating tactics. Callahan was never getting the much rumored seven years, $49 million. The number was always gonna come down. Though I’d have been curious to see what the Sabres would’ve offered had he reached July 1.

If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s those fans who are complaining. Get over it. Callahan was a great Ranger who helped lead them to a Conference Final appearance. He had every right to get what he wanted. Sather told him no and went for it with St. Louis getting them within three wins of a Cup. There’s nothing to be upset about. Even if St. Louis decides to hang it up following 2014-15, it’ll open up room if they decide to re-sign Marc Staal. In my book, a big ‘if.’ Let’s see what happens with Anton Stralman.

Gaborik A Stanley King: In related news, Marian Gaborik re-upped with the Kings reaching agreement on a seven-year $34.125 million deal that pays him an average of $4.875 million per season.

For a player of Gaborik’s caliber, it’s a bargain. After coming over from the Blue Jackets, he led the postseason with 14 goals and totaled 22 points helping the Kings win a second Stanley Cup in three years. That included clutch tallies with his goals in the third periods of Game 7 versus Chicago, Games 2 and 5 versus the Rangers leading to LA overtime victories highlighted by Alec Martinez’ Cup clincher.

“I know I could get maybe more money if I would have gone to free agency, but it wasn’t about money,” Gaborik said. “I wanted to stay here and be part of a great team.”

“I knew right away: Great group of guys, great team, great fans, and obviously being in a great environment in terms of lifestyle and everything,” he added. “That made a lot of sense for me. The No. 1 thing is winning a Cup and having a chance year after year, going into these games and having a chance to win every game.”

At 32, Gaborik is in the perfect situation. He can play with one of the premier centers in Anze Kopitar and continue to compete for Cups. He no longer has to be the man. As evidenced this Spring, Gaborik went out and performed. Without him, LA doesn’t win another championship which coach Darryl Sutter alluded to. Obviously, the seven years is a long-term commitment for a player who’s been injury prone. However, he clearly looked the healthiest he’s been since ’11-12 when he led the Rangers in scoring with 41 goals and 76 points.

With the Kings also retaining defenseman Matt Greene and opting not to amnesty Mike Richards, they’re all in. The Stanley Cup champs will be heavy favorites to repeat.

Posted in NY Rangers, Off Season | 2 Comments

Flyers trade Hartnell to Jackets for Umberger

Posted on June 23, 2014 by Derek
Ex-Flyer Scott Hartnell was traded to the Jackets for R.J. Umberger. zimbio.com

Ex-Flyer Scott Hartnell was traded to the Jackets for R.J. Umberger.
zimbio.com

In a bit of a surprising move, the Flyers dealt Scott Hartnell to the Blue Jackets for R.J. Umberger. They also receive a 2015 fourth round pick. The swap sends Umberger home for a second go round with Philadelphia. He spent the past six seasons in Columbus after getting moved by the Flyers for first and third round picks in ’08.

Interestingly, Hartnell requested a trade out of Philly a year after signing a six-year $28.5 million extension. With five years remaining at an average cap hit of $4.75 million, he takes his rugged style to the Blue Jackets which should only make them tougher. Clearly, Hartnell has more left in the tank. Coming off a 20-goal, 52-point season, he’ll certainly help an emerging team looking to follow up a first round appearance with better postseasons. The Jackets core includes Ryan Johansen, Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, Cam Atkinson, Nathan Horton, Matt Calvert and Mark Letestu up front along with defensemen Jack Johnson, Fedor Tyutin, James Wisniewski and Ryan Murray. It hinges on former Vezina winner Sergei Bobrovsky. However, it’s a strong cast that should challenge in the Metropolitan Division.

Given no choice, new Flyers’ GM Ron Hextall traded Hartnell within the division for a player who looks on the downside. Umberger is still a solid two-way forward but basically a third liner whose production has dropped off. After scoring at least 20 goals in four straight seasons between ’08-09 to ’11-12, he struggled mightily in the shortened season posting only eight goals and 10 assists over 48 games. He bounced back with 18 markers and 16 helpers totaling 34 points in 74 contests this past season. That included eight power play goals, a shorthanded goal and three game-winners. In four games against the Penguins, he had one assist during the first round. A series Columbus lost in six.

Umberger’s contract is shorter. He has three years left at a similar cap hit worth $4.6 million per year. Maybe a return to a team he’s familiar with will help. It should certainly motivate him. The Flyers were able to also obtain a fourth round pick in 2015. Given that they’re stuck with Vinny Lecavalier for another four years and $18 million, they really need him and Umberger to produce. More will be expected out of Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier. Two of their emerging players. Schenn is restricted. A core that features captain Claude Giroux, Jake Voracek and Wayne Simmonds must continue to produce. Including Kimmo Timonen who’s back for one more year, the entire defense is signed. That includes former Islander Andrew MacDonald, who was given a ridiculous long-term contract of $30 million over six years. They also have Mark Streit, Luke Schenn and Braydon Coburn signed.

In Philly, it’s the land of unpredictable. Even following a feel good season where they rallied around Craig Berube and made the postseason, no one has any clue what’s going on. This is a franchise that continuously hands out long-term contracts like they’re candy. At least with the Hartnell trade, it was due to the player wanting out. What must irk Flyer fans is that once he was convinced the Blue Jackets were a Cup contender, he agreed to waive his no-trade. Given what direction they’re going in, it isn’t hard to envision.

Posted in NHL, Off Season | Leave a comment

Burns elected to Hockey Hall Of Fame

Posted on June 23, 2014 by Derek

9b32f-gdiprairies-patburnsmemoriesstanleycuppicture

It took long enough but Pat Burns is finally in. The former Devils Stanley Cup winning coach was elected to the Hockey Hall Of Fame earlier today. It comes four years after succumbing to cancer in 2010. A three-time Jack Adams winner, Burns won 501 games coaching four different teams (Montreal, Toronto, Boston, New Jersey).

“Pat Burns should have been in the Hall of Fame this year,” former Stanley Cup-winning coach and incumbent Conservative Senator Jacques Demers said in 2010. “Not because he was dying, but because he was a Hall of Fame coach. Five hundred wins, a Stanley Cup, three times coach of the year – to me it would have been so special for him, before he died, to be in the Hall of Fame.”

That would’ve been the right thing to do. But with the HHOF, they rarely get it right which explains why it took so long to put in Fred Shero, who finally made it last year. Even if it’s long overdue, you know Burns will be watching from upstairs proudly when he goes in during Hall Of Fame weekend in Toronto with the induction ceremony on November 17.

In 14 years behind the bench, the former police officer used his tough cop image to mold four different teams into that image. His rookie year, he guided the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Final in 1988-89 where they lost to the Flames. After four seasons in Montreal, he switched allegiances to Toronto where he led two powerful Maple Leaf teams to consecutive Conference Finals in ’93 and ’94. But they weren’t able to deliver a first Cup since 1967. Burns lasted almost four years before moving onto another original six in Boston. After making the playoffs the first two seasons, they missed in ’99-00. Burns was fired after just eight games the following year.

After spending some time away, he was given another chance by Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello. Hired in 2002, all Burns did was guide them to the Stanley Cup. He took a good team that had disappointed the previous year and made them a champion. The Devils defeated the Senators in an emotional seventh game getting the winner from Jeff Friesen late in enemy territory. That he had deadline pickup Grant Marshall out for what proved to be a great set up for the series clincher was sheer genius. Under Burns, the checking line of Jay Pandolfo, John Madden and Jamie Langenbrunner flourished. So did Scott Niedermayer. Perhaps his best move was dressing Ken Daneyko for Game 7 against the Ducks. Inspired, the Devils played a perfect game winning 3-0 with little known rookie Mike Rupp scoring twice. Burns pushed all the right buttons and finally had his Cup.

It’s great to see him finally get his due. Burns enters as part of a worthy class highlighted by former Sabre Dominik Hasek. A six-time Vezina winner and two-time Hart recipient, the Dominator turned the Sabres into a Cup contender despite little talent. They reached the final in ’99 losing on a controversial goal scored by Brett Hull. His foot was in the crease on the winner in Game 6. But it was too late. The Sabres never had enough talent for Hasek to win. So, he moved onto Detroit and won a Cup in ’02 pitching six shutouts.

The amazing aspect is he was taken by Chicago in the 10th round in 1983. The 207th overall pick from the Czech Republic didn’t debut until ’90-91 when Mike Keenan stuck him in against Pittsburgh. Eventually, the Blackhawks foolishly traded him to the Sabres for Stephane Beauregard and a ’93 fourth round pick that became Eric Daze. At least Daze had some good years before injuries finished him. Hasek went onto become one of the best goalies winning 389 games posting a 2.20 goals-against-average, .920 save percentage and 81 shutouts. His best years came in Buffalo where he won all six Vezinas and two MVPs. There was also that magical moment when he stoned Canada in Nagano en route to Olympic gold leading the Czech Republic past Russia.

After retiring in ’02, he returned for one last go round. Hasek spent a year with Ottawa before coming back to Detroit for the final two years winning another Cup as a backup to Chris Osgood. Amazingly, he kept playing until 2011 after spending a year with Spartak of the KHL putting up respectable numbers. The thing that’s astonishing about him is how he was able to make ridiculous saves playing an unorthodox style throwing around a generously listed 6-1, 166 frame like a slinky. Believe me, he’s no taller than 5-11 and was probably more like 155. I remember when the Sabres visited the Devils for a blizzard game in February 2001. I stood next to him. As it turned out, that was his final season with the Sabres going out in style with another Vezina winning 37 games with a 2.11 GAA, .921 save percentage and 11 shutouts. They lost in epic fashion to the Pens. I can still remember watching it at Brian’s in Sayreville. Darius Kasparaitis. Just one of the many names who drove him over the edge.

Joining Hasek and Burns are Peter Forsberg, Mike Modano, Rob Blake and former referee Bill McCreary. Forsberg makes it in his first try due to having the hardware (2 Cups, Hart, Gold) along with a great points-per-game (885 in 708). I have no qualms here except that Eric Lindros deserves inclusion. He was passed over for Blake, who by all accounts was a very good defenseman who won a Norris and Cup. He wasn’t better than Lindros, who I wonder if he’ll ever get favorable treatment due to all the off ice distractions. Next year, Nick Lidstrom and Sergei Fedorov headline it. Modano is a no-brainer as the highest scoring American with 561 goals and 1,374 points. He led the Stars to a Cup in 1999 and played hurt against the Devils the following year even scoring a triple overtime winner in Game 5. A series New Jersey won in six on Jason Arnott’s double overtime clincher. McCreary was a good official. Not much more to it.

Overall, it’s an excellent class. Congrats to all inductees.

Posted in Battle News, Devils, NHL | Leave a comment

Devils schedule is released, road-heavy early on again

Posted on June 22, 2014 by hasan4978

It seems like just yesterday the Stanley Cup was being awarded and the draft isn’t even upon us quite yet (that’s on Friday and Saturday) but puck fans can already start making their 2014-15 plans with the full release of the NHL’s schedule this afternoon.  Somewhat shrewdly, the NHL has been releasing its schedule in drips and drabs, first finalizing the Winter Classic between – surprise, surprise – Chicago and Washington in the nation’s capital at a venue TBD.  Then after each team released its preseason schedule earlier in the week, yesterday the NHL leaked the home openers.  As Derek alluded to yesterday the Devils’ home opener on October 18 is the latest for any team although at least we only have four road games before that since the NHL season begins on the 8th.

Finally today the NHL released the complete schedule.  What immediately stands out on the Devils’ schedule is once again we’re traveling a lot early with just eleven home games among our first thirty-four contests (although the first month is pretty much even, starting with six home and six road games).  Particularly challenging is a fifteen out of twenty road/home split from early November to mid-December, including the Western Canada swing just before Thanksgiving.  We also start out with the first four on the road, opening our season in Philly on the 9th of October, a day after the NHL season begins proper.  Plus we have eighteen back-to-backs on the season, not much different than our twenty-two in an Olympic year last season.  On the plus side, our West Coast swing is pretty well timed, just before the All-Star break with the three games spread out over a six-day stretch and with a lengthy break before it.  Also a plus from a team perspective, given their usually spotty afternoon record – though maybe not so for fans with kids – is the utter lack of afternoon home games on the schedule.  Among our 41 home games, an incredible 38 have a 7 PM start, with two 7:30 starts and one Sunday 5 PM showdown against the Flyers in March.

A negative from a fan perspective is there only being four games against the Rangers this year in the unbalanced schedule that sees some division foes play each other five times and others four, this is one year we only play the Ranger four.  Not only that but two of the games aren’t till April and a late home-and-home just before the end of the season.  We do get an early home game against them in October (on the 21th, right after our home opener), and they get a home game against us two days after Christmas, on a Saturday which will be a ridiculously hot ticket for a regular season game given that timing.  We also play the Islanders just four times, with the first time being just after Thanksgiving at Nassau – a Saturday game on the 29th.  Our last trip to the dump in Long Island before they move to Brooklyn next season is two weeks after that, on December 15.  Incidentally, the two teams play another sneak preview game at the Barclays Center in the preseason on the 26th of September.

Among other things that stand out are a game ON St. Patrick’s Day against the Penguins, a season-long six-game homestand between the 17th and 27th of February (hopefully the weather doesn’t play havoc as much as it did last year) and the Stanley Cup Champion Kings don’t come in until late March, on Monday the 23rd.  Plus the aformentioned back-to-back with the Rangers includes our final regular season home game.  So perhaps the true Fan Appreciation Day game will be against the Habs the previous Friday, like the last time we closed the home schedule against the Rangers before our ill-fated playoff beatdown in 2008, Fan Appreciation day was the next-to-last home game.

Posted in Devils | 1 Comment

2014-15 schedule released

Posted on June 22, 2014 by Derek

The NHL officially released the 2014-15 schedule. The season begins on Wednesday, October 8 with four games. Montreal will visit Toronto renewing their historic rivalry. The Flyers pay a visit to Boston in another unique rivalry. The Flames will host the Canucks in a unique Western Canadian match-up. In what’s sure to be an emotional scene, the Kings will raise their Stanley Cup banner against archrival San Jose. The Sharks will be seething after blowing a 3-0 first round lead.

On Thursday October 9, three of four Battle Of New York clubs will be in action. The Devils renew acquaintances with the Flyers in Philadelphia. At the same time, the Rangers start at St. Louis against one of the West’s best. While both the Devils and Rangers start on the road, the Sabres are home for the Blue Jackets. All three games are 7 EST. Depending on who you root for, that’s the one you’ll have circled. Well, aside from channel flipping between commercials.

The Islanders kickoff their season in Raleigh Friday, October 10 when they visit the Hurricanes. The two teams will meet on consecutive days in a home-and-home with the Islanders playing host to Carolina on Saturday, October 11 at Nassau Coliseum. The Isles will visit the Rangers at MSG on October 14 at 7 PM. It’ll be their only meeting in the first three months with the remaining four all in 2015. The teams see each other twice in January with the Rangers hosting the Islanders on 1/13 and then visiting Long Island on 1/27. The Islanders have the final three meetings at home including February 16 and March 10.

After starting the season with a four-game road trip including stops in Philadelphia, Florida, Tampa and Washington, the Devils return to Newark for their home opener on Saturday, October 18 against the Sharks. Their first meeting versus the Rangers is Tuesday 10/21 at The Prudential Center at 7 PM. The Hudson rivals play only four times due to the unbalanced schedule. The Devils visit MSG on December 27. The teams don’t meet again until the final week when they play twice in a four-day span. The Rangers host the Devils on April 4 and then visit Newark April 7. Following that game, their final two games are a Florida swing with stops in Tampa 4/9 and the Panthers 4/11.

One of the best aspects of the schedule is all 30 teams will be in action the final day of the season. Unlike past years, everyone will conclude on Saturday, April 11. A new wrinkle that should make playoff races more exciting. Among the match-ups, the Rangers will visit the Caps at 3 PM. The Sabres host the Penguins at 7 PM while the Islanders battle the Blue Jackets in the final game at Nassau Coliseum. The Devils conclude at Florida. Out of Conference, other intriguing match-ups include the Avalanche hosting the Blackhawks, the Wild visiting the Blues, the Predators at the Stars, Ducks visiting the Coyotes and the Sharks reuniting with the Kings at Staples Center for a special 3 PM game on Hockey Night In Canada. The NBC schedule hasn’t been revealed yet.

For the Rangers, they’ll see the Kings in a Stanley Cup rematch on January 8 at Staples Center. That’ll be the middle part of a three-game California swing with stops in Anaheim 1/7 and San Jose 1/10. At the start of the season, the Blueshirts will follow a two-game road trip at St. Louis and Columbus with a four-game homestand against Toronto 10/12, the Islanders 10/14, Carolina 10/17 and San Jose 10/19. Their first game against the Canadiens is 10/25 on HNIC in Bell Centre. Amazingly, Montreal fans are still bitter about Chris Kreider. As if he intentionally hurt Carey Price. Figure that to be a chaotic environment. Eleven of their first 16 games are at home including a four-game homestand versus Minnesota, Winnipeg, St. Louis and Detroit. After a visit a traditional visit in Toronto for Hockey Hall Of Fame weekend November 8, they see Edmonton, Pittsburgh and Colorado at home. Their first game against the Flyers is also at MSG 11/19. The rivals also play a back-to-back after Thanksgiving with the Rangers in Philly on Black Friday and the Flyers at MSG (11/28-29). On Turkey Eve, they’ll be in Tampa.

On Monday, December 8 they host the Penguins on my birthday. Following it, they embark on a four-game road swing including stops in Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary between 12/13-16. The final game is in Raleigh 12/20 followed by a home date 12/21 against the Canes. On New Year’s Eve, the Blueshirts celebrate where else but Florida. At the end of January, Montreal and Carolina invade MSG followed by the Panthers and Bruins at the beginning of February. The Rangers will be away a lot the final part of the season including a challenging five-game road trip between March 4-14 at Detroit, Chicago, Islanders, Washington and Buffalo. Following a Cup rematch on Dad’s birthday March 24 at MSG, six of the remaining 10 will be on the road including an odd two-game trip at Winnipeg and Minnesota before returning home for the Devils and Jackets. Their final three games are at New Jersey, home for Ottawa and at Washington.

Further breaking it down, the Rangers have 13 back-to-backs. They are:

Oct. 11 @ Columbus

Oct. 12 vs Toronto

Nov. 8 @ Toronto

Nov. 9 vs Edmonton

Nov. 28 @ Flyers

Nov. 29 vs Flyers

Dec. 13 @ Vancouver

Dec. 14 @ Edmonton

Dec. 20 @ Carolina

Dec. 21 vs Carolina

Jan. 7 @ Anaheim

Jan. 8 @ LA Kings

Jan. 15 @ Boston

Jan. 16 @ Columbus

Feb. 7 @ Nashville

Feb. 8 vs Dallas

Mar. 10 @ Islanders

Mar. 11 @ Washington

Mar. 14 @ Sabres

Mar. 15 vs Florida

Mar. 21 @ Carolina

Mar. 22 vs Anaheim

Mar. 28 @ Boston

Mar. 29 vs Washington

Apr. 6 vs Columbus

Apr. 7 @ Devils

Posted in Battle News, Devils, NY Islanders, NY Rangers | Leave a comment

Rangers to host Leafs in 2014-15 home opener

Posted on June 21, 2014 by Derek
Moore Goals: Defenseman John Moore celebrates his second period goal with Ryan McDonagh. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Moore Goals: Defenseman John Moore celebrates his second period goal with Ryan McDonagh.
AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Saturday, news leaked out on the beginning of next season. With the league announcing the Blackhawks and Capitals will play in next year’s Winter Classic at Nationals Park Friday, a day later all 30 teams announced their home openers.

The start of 2014-15 will begin on Wednesday, October 8. Two games will be played featuring four Canadian teams. Appropriately, the Leafs will host the Canadiens renewing one of sports best rivalries. The Flames also will host the Canucks.

As for the area locals, the Rangers will play their home opener against those Leafs on Sunday, October 12. An odd day to say the least. I can’t recall them ever starting at MSG on a football Sunday. A day earlier, the Islanders will host the Hurricanes to begin their final season at Nassau Coliseum. They relocate to Barclays Center in 2015-16.

The Sabres first home game will be played on Thursday, October 9 against the Blue Jackets. For the most part, home fans will get to see their teams early. There’s one exception with the Devils not playing their first game in Newark until Saturday, October 18 against the Sharks. Of all 30 teams, their home opener is the latest with the Ducks and Jets hosting theirs a day before.

At least we have an idea of what’s ahead. So much will happen in between. With awards still to be handed out next week in Vegas, the NHL Draft and then free agency, every roster will have a different look. Happy Summer!

Posted in Battle News, Devils, NY Islanders, NY Rangers | 1 Comment

Rangers say goodbye to emotional leader

Posted on June 21, 2014 by Derek
Richie Rich: Brad Richards celebrates at the bench with teammates following one of two power play goals. AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

Broadway Brad: Brad Richards should be remembered as a successful Ranger whose leadership was invaluable to the team’s success.
AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

Yesterday, the Rangers used their amnesty clause to buyout Brad Richards. A move that was expected once a great run to the Stanley Cup Final ended. For Glen Sather, it was back to business as usual. In clearing Richards’ $6.67 cap hit, it allows the club much needed cap space to focus on re-signing other key free agents including Brian Boyle, Anton Stralman, Dominic Moore, Benoit Pouliot. Derick Brassard, Mats Zuccarello, Chris Kreider and John Moore are all restricted.

“Tough last few days,” Richards said in a statement released by the team. “I loved being a Ranger and living in New York and playing at MSG in front of great fans. I’ve met many new friends, excellent teammates and staff, and I have memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.

“(General manager) Glen Sather, the management and owner, Mr. Dolan, are all class acts. I want to thank them for letting me be a part of New York life and the Rangers family. With this decision finalized, I can now look forward to starting the next chapter in my career.”

It’s never easy to see a popular player depart. Especially one with Richards’ character. His leadership and intangibles were vital parts of this year’s team that made its first trip to the Cup Final since 1994. He was a driving force helping rally teammates when they trailed the Penguins 3-1 in the second round. It was a closed door meeting he called with Martin St. Louis that reminded them that a series can change instantly. Combined with St. Louis’ sudden loss of Mom France, they made club history by winning from a 3-1 deficit for the first time while also disposing a rival they’d never beaten. Fittingly, Richards scored the series clincher in a panic attack ridden 2-1 Game 7 win with Henrik Lundqvist carrying them to an Eastern Conference Final against the Canadiens.

Ultimately, they rode the wave of momentum in defeating Montreal in six to become Eastern Conference Champions. The best part is they did it in front of delirious Garden Faithful giving us a once in a lifetime experience we won’t soon forget. Even though they fell short against the Kings in a competitive five games that saw three of the five go to overtime, it was a successful year. One where Sather rolled the dice dealing away popular captain Ryan Callahan for St. Louis.

In his place, Richards became the de facto captain always at his locker to answer questions. He had a good bounce back season posting 20 goals and 51 points while adding five goals and seven assists in the postseason. Even though he struggled towards the tail end, his leadership isn’t easily replaced. Neither is his production. He still was a second line center who assumed heavy responsibility manning the point on the power play. And while it hurt seeing him make mistakes, he was a guy you rooted for. Especially with how rudely John Tortorella treated him.

Don’t forget Richards’ first season on Broadway in which he tallied 25 goals and 41 assists for 66 points with seven power play goals and nine game-winners. All that team did was finish with the East’s best record and make their first Conference Final since ’97. Without his Game 5 heroics against the Capitals in Round Two, they probably don’t make it. That was an unreal moment for me as I had journeyed downstairs and wound up at ice level where he scored through a maze sending MSG into jubilation. Marc Staal would later win it.

Richards gave us three pretty good seasons. When Sather signed him for nine years and $60 million, everyone knew there was no chance he’d play out the contract. When you view the team success getting to two Final Fours and finally returning to play for Lord Stanley, Richards signing paid for itself. He leaves a rich man who will receive two-third of the remainder that’ll be delivered over 12 years. It totals out to $12.6 million.

At 34, he isn’t done and can still help someone that’s close. I can easily see a Richards sequel in Tampa. They can use another experienced center with leadership. Columbus would also be a good fit. Where ever he winds up, I’ll support him unless he plays us. Richie is well respected by teammates and management.

“Brad’s leadership and guidance for our young players was invaluable to the organization. We are grateful to have had the professionalism and experience he brought as an example for our team to follow. Brad has been a very good player for us and an even better person. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” Sather praised.

“I am a big fan of Brad Richards,” Alain Vigneault said. “He is a classy, classy individual. If you look at Brad’s overall season he had a real good year.

“I am very happy with what he brought to the table. A veteran player from Day One that was a real good extension of the coaching staff in the dressing room. He should walk away from this season very pleased with how he played and how he contributed to our team.”

Thank you Richie.

 

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Report: Rangers have bought out Richards

Posted on June 20, 2014 by hasan4978

Center Brad Richards, now an ex-Ranger

Well that didn’t take long.  Literally hours after Derek’s offseason post (and just a couple of days into the compliance buyout window) the other shoe has finally dropped vis-a-vis Brad Richards since according to Pierre LeBrun, the decision has been made to buy out the 34-year old center with six years left on the nine-year deal he signed, after an up-and-down three years as a Ranger.

Much was expected of Richards after signing a nine year, $58.5 million contract in the summer of 2011 and for at least a year it seemed as if it was a sound investment as Richards had a 66-point regular season and another 15 in the Rangers’ ECF playoff run.  Unfortunately for the vet center 2013 wasn’t as smooth sailing after the lockout, despite putting up 34 points in a shortened season Richards found himself on the outs with former ally John Tortorella by the end of the playoffs – being demoted to the fourth line and finally, a healthy scratch.  Under new coach Alain Vigneault this year, Richards rebounded to an extent putting up twenty goals and fifty-one points in the regular season and another twelve points during the Rangers’ surprise SCF run.

Still with this being the last chance available to use a compliance buyout (and other key pieces due for raises in the near future) it was in the cards for some time that Richards’ days as a Ranger were numbered, particularly with the cap recapture penalty that the Rangers would have been hit with had he retired before the end of his deal.  Between his three seasons and the buyout, Richards won’t be hurting financially since he’ll eventually be paid $51 million of his $58.5 million deal.  While he may not be the first-line beast he used to be in Tampa and early on as a Ranger, he’s certainly still a useful player and can help another team.  Maybe even my team, who knows.

I’m sure Derek will have more to say on this later.

Posted in NY Rangers | 1 Comment

Eastern Conference Champs Face Tough Offseason

Posted on June 20, 2014 by Derek
Dominic Moore is congratulated by Brian Boyle after his series clinching goal in the second period. AP Photo/Kathy Willens

Brian Boyle and Dominic Moore are two key free agents Glen Sather faces challenging decisions on this offseason.
AP Photo/Kathy Willens

Amazingly, it’s a week since the Rangers lost a classic Game 5 in double overtime to the Stanley Cup champion Kings. Hard as it is to believe, they were one shot away from extending a hard fought series back to Madison Square Garden. Had they been able to, no one knows what might’ve happened. Perhaps they would’ve forced a Game 7 at Staples Center. Instead, unlikely hero Alec Martinez closed it out allowing Los Angeles to win a second Cup in three years.

In the aftermath, a downcast Blueshirts were left to ponder what could’ve been. They gave everything during what was a great run. In delivering the franchise’s first Eastern Conference Championship since 1994, pride was restored. On the strength of Henrik Lundqvist, they now know what it takes to get there. What remains to be seen is who might leave due to free agency and how it will impact them long term.

Over the next two weeks, Rangers architect Glen Sather faces crucial decisions on potential UFA’s Brian Boyle and Anton Stralman. Both had strong postseasons which will result in plenty of suitors on July 1. Each could wind up with big paydays. The question is will either take a home discount to stay? It seems highly unlikely especially for Boyle, who might even command an average of $3 million over three to four years. The hard checker who became a fixture on the penalty kill will want a larger role. If he goes, he’ll be hard to replace.

The same can be echoed for the underrated Stralman, who continued his meteoric rise as a reliable top four defenseman capable of big minutes. One half of a consistent second pair that features potential 2015 unrestricted Marc Staal, Stralman’s steadiness makes him a candidate for teams to offer in the neighborhood of five years for a cap hit of approximately $5 million. Loose translation. Sather will be hard pressed to retain him. If he doesn’t, he’ll have to find a suitable replacement.

The first order of business is whether to use an amnesty buyout on Brad Richards. Richards had a nice bounce back season becoming the de facto captain following the trade of Ryan Callahan for Martin St. Louis. Enough can’t be said about Richards’ leadership. When they trailed the Penguins 3-1, he along with St. Louis held a team meeting reminding them how quickly a series can change. They were able to summon up the energy with fittingly Richards getting the series clincher. Sweet redemption for a prideful veteran who was benched last year.

Sather must also re-sign key Group II’s Derick Brassard, Chris Kreider, John Moore and Mats Zuccarello. He also must decide on Benoit Pouliot, who indicated that he wants to stay after having his best season playing with Brassard and Zuccarello on the third line. Versatile fourth liner Dominic Moore deserves to be rewarded following an inspirational season that will result in winning the Masterton Trophy for his perseverance after losing wife Katie to cancer. At worst, Slats needs to keep one half of Boyle or Moore with the latter being more affordable.

Daniel Carcillo is probably gone after Alain Vigneault didn’t play him following his suspension. He was a solid addition rewarding the Rangers with two goals in the playoffs including a big one against the Flyers. Raphael Diaz could still be brought back as a key extra blueliner. He filled in admirably when called upon. Justin Falk is also restricted.

With so much attention focused on the roster, it doesn’t leave much room to fill other holes. Of course, that hasn’t stopped Joe Thornton from preferring a trade to New York if he is asked to waive his no-trade clause. The playmaking top pivot has three years remaining at a whopping $6.75 million cap hit. Obviously, any potential deal would result in Sather shedding salary. A likely candidate could be Brassard if his demands aren’t met. Figure Slats to squeeze him in arbitration. With Thornton about to turn 35 and not having the best reputation, I’m not too keen on acquiring him. Especially with a potential reunion with Rick Nash. Our $7.8 million headache.

I’d prefer Sather attempt to bring back our core. If he loses key pieces, then let him get creative. It’s sure to be a tumultuous offseason. One which I’m dreading.

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