Singing The Blues

Posted on January 24, 2014 by Derek
Alex Steen scores his 26th as Ryan McDonagh, Chris Kreider and Henrik Lundqvist watch helplessly. Getty Images/Kathy Willens

Alex Steen scores his 26th as Ryan McDonagh, Chris Kreider and Henrik Lundqvist watch helplessly.
Getty Images/Kathy Willens

The Rangers lost their second straight game falling to St. Louis 2-1 last night. It definitely looked like a winnable game. Sure. The Blues are one of the league’s best and everyone knew they’d be tough to beat following their mistimed blowout at New Jersey. However, it was their third game in four nights. Our team still should’ve won. Instead, they’ll take a two-game losing streak into the Stadium Series. The first part comes Sunday against the Devils at Yankee Stadium. Part II next Wednesday versus the Islanders.

The trouble with losing games is they didn’t get any brownie points. Even though I’m against the current system, not at least getting this one or a frustrating Islander loss into overtime hurts. It’s stopped their momentum. Even with Rick Nash continuing his hot stretch by extending to a four-game goal streak, it wasn’t enough to win. They wasted three Nash goals in the last two home games. With things so tight, they can ill afford to follow their best play so far with a cold one. Especially with what’s coming up. The Devils and Islanders remain behind in the standings but have more games left. So do the suddenly white hot Blue Jackets- 5-2 winners to pull within a point. At least the Flyers suddenly have cooled off. But the Hurricanes won again and are playing better.

Since I missed this game due to a late shift, I was able to catch the replay on MSG. Costly mistakes were the difference. A blown coverage led to Alex Steen’s 26th in the first. Neither Ryan McDonagh nor Dan Girardi took him in front. Steen was completely forgotten about and Chris Kreider was too late. That allowed a stingy defensive team to grab an early lead. Against a team that had their worst game of the season, that was a bad recipe. Even with them generating chances on Jaroslav Halak, it took a perfect play to beat him late in the second.

On a strong forecheck that McDonagh helped keep alive, he worked the puck to Derek Stepan. Stepan has played much better. He made a great centering feed for a wicked Nash one-timer that blew past Halak for the equalizer. Brad Richards had a golden opportunity to put them in front but his point blank chance went off Halak’s mask with time to spare. There were other opportunities on the power play but the Rangers missed wide a couple of different times. You can’t afford not to cash those.

The Blues made the most of theirs early in the third. With Nash off for a questionable slash, Kevin Shattenkirk’s one-timer thru a perfect David Backes screen beat Henrik Lundqvist. Backes won the faceoff clean and it took only nine seconds for Alex Pietrangelo to set up Shattenkirk’s power play blast. A diehard Ranger fan growing up who idolized Brian Leetch, Shattenkirk had his own cheering section at the game.

Prior to that tally, the Rangers blew a man-advantage. They received one more but couldn’t solve Halak, whose best save of the period came on Ryan Callahan at even strength. After getting 28 shots through on Halak, they only managed seven in the deciding period. Even with Lundqvist pulled, they didn’t get it tied. They applied pressure but were defended well by a Cup contender. After missing consecutive games, Lundqvist returned from illness finishing with 23 saves. Halak had 34.

Notes: Newest Blueshirt Kevin Klein debuted. Wearing number 8, the former Nashville defenseman split time with John Moore and Marc Staal. He took 24 shifts with one shot, takeaway and two blocked shots in 15:46. The player he was traded for, Mike Del Zotto also debuted for Nashville in their 2-1 win at Vancouver. Wearing No.18, he had 17 shifts registering a shot, two blocks, a hit and takeaway. Contrary to Joe Micheletti’s assertion, he didn’t look out of place pairing with rookie Seth Jones.

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Rangers trade Del Zotto to Nashville for Klein

Posted on January 22, 2014 by Derek

23358-delzottogoal

A day after suffering a bad loss to the Islanders, the Rangers made a move sending defenseman Mike Del Zotto to Nashville for Kevin Klein. The timing was a bit surprising considering they had played better. However, it was no secret that Del Zotto was on the block. A scratch a few games earlier this year, he’d played better since returning to the lineup. A point Alain Vigneault emphasized following the deal.

Of course, any time a first round pick is traded it’s sad. Especially one with Del Zotto’s talent. Selected by the club 20th overall in the ’08 Draft, Del Zotto lasted five years on Broadway. He finishes with 26 goals and 95 assists for 121 points in 292 games. Among the highlights was a good rookie year in ’09-10 when he tallied 37 points (9-28-37) as a 19-year old and made the All-Rookie Team. After struggling during a second season in which he split time in New York and Connecticut, Del Zotto put together his best year in ’11-12. He set career bests in goals (10), assists (31), points and plus/minus (20) helping the club win a division, the East’s top seed and advance to the Conference Finals. That included a couple of big goals including the series clincher in a hard fought seven-game second round series against the Caps.

Despite postseason success in which he registered two goals and eight assists, Del Zotto has been inconsistent since. During last year’s shortened season, he totaled three goals and 18 assists. He was only able to add a goal and helper in 12 postseason games last Spring. Despite that, there was still optimism with Vigneault replacing John Tortorella behind the bench. The organization was hoping that would result in increased production. Instead, he struggled in Vigneault’s system and became a scapegoat. While more established teammates struggled just as much during a mediocre first half, he found himself a healthy scratch nine times. In the overall landscape, it didn’t make much sense. Especially when the trade rumors started. It only hurt his value.

I guess it’s fitting that all Glen Sather could muster was a solid but unspectacular physical defenseman in Klein. Interestingly enough, he’s 29 and is signed through 2017-18 with an annual cap hit of $2.9 million. While he won’t blow you away in any area, Klein’s a right defenseman who knows how to play his position. He also is a good teammate willing to drop the gloves if needed.

“Ever since we lost (Michael) Sauer we’ve been short right-handed shots,” Sather told Jim Cerny of Blueshirts United. “Right-handed shooting defensemen in the National Hockey League are hard to find. If you look around the league there aren’t many teams that have three or four right-handed shooters. That was one of the goals we were trying to solve by making this kind of a deal.”

By acquiring Klein, it allows Vigneault to balance out the D lines. Both Del Zotto and John Moore are the same age and played the same position. The left side. With Del Zotto earning $2.5 million and set to become restricted this summer, they decided now was the time to move him. Even if it meant not receiving equal value. They have no one to blame but themselves. Especially Vigneault, who didn’t do Sather any favors. At the very least, it allows Moore to shift back to his more familiar side and allows Klein to slide in on the right.

With the Rangers taking on more salary over the long haul, what exactly does it mean for Dan Girardi and Anton Stralman? Both right defensemen are up this July and can leave. Obviously, Girardi will cost more. He currently earns $3.4 million and will likely command nearly double if he hits the market. Given the price with Stralman a cheaper alternative, he could be the odd man out. But if they lose him, what are they going to do? Don’t forget Marc Staal is up in 2015.

Complicating matters, Ryan Callahan also turns unrestricted this summer. He makes $4.875 million and will also command over six million. With Brian Boyle and Derick Brassard also potential UFA’s, it’s anyone’s guess what the roster will look like this Fall. They can amnesty Brad Richards, who ironically leads them in scoring. With Chris Kreider and Mats Zuccarello also key Group II’s along with John Moore, figure that to happen. Even with the salary cap increasing, it’s hard to be optimistic about the team’s future. Expect more changes.

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Devils ambush Blues in a flurry of goals

Posted on January 22, 2014 by hasan4978

Something was clearly in the air last night, and not just the foot plus of snow that was dumped on many parts of New Jersey.  Against a St. Louis team that came into Newark with the third best record and best goal differential in the league, the Devils put together one of their most dominant performances in a long time – scoring twice within the first three minutes and never looking back in a shocking 7-1 rout.  Perhaps it wasn’t a huge surprise the Devils played a great game with a fully healthy lineup, as Patrik Elias was in his third game back from injury and Damien Brunner returned from a monthlong stay on IR last night with dramatic success, earning the game’s first star with a goal and two assists.  Despite the fact the Devils still can’t seem to get back into a playoff position they have played better on the whole with a 9-3-4 record in their last sixteen games, though that gets marred by losses to Buffalo and Phoenix within the last couple weeks.

For Cory Schnieder, seeing a whole seven goals up on the board (after getting just 37 goals of support in his first 23 starts) must have made him feel the way Bubba’s mom did in the movie Forrest Gump when Forrest sent her half the profits from his shrimping company and she fainted.  Schnieder has played well though, particularly since the Christmas break with just eight goals allowed in seven starts and an unreal .960 save percentage.  His overall numbers have improved to 8-9-7 with a 1.88 GAA and .926 save percentage.  And if you want to know how Schnieder has a losing record with splits like that, just refer back to the first part of this paragraph.  Even the wins have finally picked up for Cory though, with a 4-1-2 record in those seven post-holiday starts, and getting the call for five of the last seven games has again put him in the lead jockeying for position to be #1 in the Devils’ net.

While the Devils’ future in net is getting brighter by the day, the Blues’ need for a proven commodity there is intensifying after both Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott allowed multiple goals last night, with the crowd mocking Halak in the third period after Eric Gelinas scored from center ice – see above – for the Devils’ seventh and final goal of the evening.  St. Louis and Philly continue to prove year after year that it’s not always easy finding a true #1, even if you can seemingly plug in guys and get numbers.  Whoever was in goal, scoring seven and rolling four solid lines is certainly encouraging though.  Perhaps it was a sign this game would break the mold of tense, low-scoring affairs when Mark Fayne of all people opened the scoring firing a 5-MPH wrist shot through traffic that deflected past Elliott at 2:27.  Fayne’s goal was helped in no small part by the cycling caused by the newly formed Zubrus-Elias-Brunner line, which was a smashing success last night contributing to two of the seven goals.  With Clowe-Henrique-Ryder a fixture, rookie Reid Boucher has at least temporarily been moved out of purgatory and in a prime spot with Travis Zajac and Jaromir Jagr.  And last but not least, the fourth line of CBGB is now actually a fourth line again.  Each line did their part last night.

Just twenty-four seconds after Fayne’s goal, Ryan Carter scored off a rebound to give the Devils a two-goal lead that looked like a mistake when I first turned the game on after a few minutes.  One of my only two moments of consternation last night came when Alex Steen of the Blues scored off a rebound to cut the Devils’ lead to 2-1 at 8:47 but just a minute and forty seconds later, the Devils restored their two-goal lead when a Boucher centering pass deflected off Jagr and past Elliott for the Czech legend’s sixteenth goal of the season.  It would be the last shot Elliott saw last night, as he was pulled for Halak – who would fare little better against a suddenly rolling Devils team.  New Jersey’s power play started cranking it up in the second period, with Marek Zidlicky cleverly faking a shot, then dishing off to Ryan Clowe, who fired in a wrister from the side of the net just sixty-three seconds into the second period.

For all the talk about Clowe’s contract, concussion issues and depressed offensive numbers last year, he’s certainly been a force since his return – both physically and on the scoreboard.  If the rout wasn’t on before, it surely was now after Clowe made it 4-1.  Gelinas combined with Henrique for the fifth goal, again on the power play when Gelinas slipped a pass through a defender to Henrique, who beat Halak one-on-one in front of the net.  My second moment of consternation came however when Henrique missed the third period, reportedly after blocking a shot earlier in the second.  Hopefully it’s not serious as it would be nice to see a fully healthy lineup until the Olympic break at least.  Especially with Henrique’s play finally picking up after being paired with Clowe and Michael Ryder.

Brunner scored the Devils’ third straight power play goal at 1:18 of the third, getting a just reward for his return to the lineup after Elias found him wide open to Halak’s right for a one-timer.  Gelinas’s goal set off razzing and chants of ‘Cory’s Better!’ from the 2000 hearty souls that braved the elements to come.  At least they got a two-and-a half hour highlight reel of a game out of it, and Gelinas himself played a strong game finally getting semi-regular minutes again with the return to a 6-D, 12-forward lineup.  Jon Merrill was the odd man out last night, and with defenseman Peter Harrold set to return soon, something’s gotta give with seven defensemen currently on the roster and Adam Larsson still lurking down in Albany.  With the Olympics looming, making sure Merrill and Larsson are able to go down to the AHL during the break and get more playing time is also a consideration since you’re ineligible to be sent down if you play 15 or more of the last 20 games before the break.

Of primary concern right now is the standings though, with the Devils still sitting a point out of the playoffs behind a surging Blue Jackets team that’s won seven in a row and has two games in hand.  Coach Pete DeBoer even referenced that fact when pressed on the fact he hasn’t officially named a Stadium Series goalie for Sunday yet, although he allowed ‘sentimentality’ will be a factor and I’d still be shocked if Martin Brodeur wasn’t in net for that game.  Even if Schnieder plays Friday and wins another crucial game against the Caps before the outdoor show.  It’s a shame that last night’s game was marred by the snow that kept nearly 10000 fans from attending, and only 2000 did make it.  All were invited to sit in the lower bowl from early in the game, and everyone who didn’t attend got the ability to turn their tickets in for vouchers to a later game at least.

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Islanders outclass Rangers in 5-3 win

Posted on January 21, 2014 by Derek
My Favorite Martin: Islander forward Matt Martin celebrates a goal in the club's 5-3 win over the Rangers at MSG. Getty Images/Frank Franklin II

My Favorite Martin: Islander forward Matt Martin celebrates a goal in the club’s 5-3 win over the Rangers at MSG.
Getty Images/Frank Franklin II

There are always going to be nights like this. When it comes down to it, throw everything out when it comes to this rivalry. Despite two highlight reel Rick Nash goals that had them out to a 2-0 start, the Rangers were outclassed by a more determined Islanders, who scored five of the last six to win 5-3 at MSG. The better team won tonight. The Isles were hungrier and won all the battles. Even when they fell behind early, you never felt the Rangers had control. They just made too many mistakes and eventually got burned.

”Division games are huge this time of year. It’s nice to beat these guys,” Islander captain John Tavares said after recording three assists to up his point total to . ”They got those two early goals, but I think for the most part we were the better team. We did a good job … and finished off the game. Big win. Character win.”

The Isles’ best players showed up. In particular, lethal top line trio Tavares, Kyle Okposo and Thomas Vanek ran rampant throughout combining for seven points. Their imprints were all over it. A real turning point came when Kevin Poulin robbed Chris Kreider of a certain goal. Poulin had a strong night finishing with 30 saves. Several were gems that gave his team a chance. Following Kreider’s near miss, the Islanders came the other way and scored thanks to a brilliant no look backhand Tavares feed to a wide open Matt Martin. It was his first goal in 39 games. He came off the bench unchecked and buried his third past Cam Talbot.

Still leading 2-1, the Rangers connected on the power play thanks to some work in front from Kreider. A Derek Stepan wrist shot hit the goal post and caromed off Poulin right to Kreider, who stuffed home his 13th. Brad Richards added a helper. The goal was a direct result of Brian Boyle goading Martin into a silly rough. It was kind of a cheap call but our side took full advantage.

Following a good kill of Benoit Pouliot’s second minor, the Blueshirts got caught napping on the second Isles’ goal. On the first, top pair Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi were the guilty party. Not to sound like a broken record but they again were victimized when neither bothered to take immortal Islander defenseman Thomas Hickey in front. He tapped in a beautiful Okposo centering feed for his third. There was nobody even close. The Ranger coverage was abysmal the entire night. They got into the wrong style game against a dangerously talented opponent who suddenly is up to 49 points. They still trail the final wildcard by five due to Columbus defeating LA. Toronto also won. New Jersey also moved up to 53 points with their stunning blowout of St. Louis. I can’t wait to see Hasan’s recap. Especially with those same Blues next up for us on Thursday.

Continuing a theme, another blown assignment led to Colin McDonald pouncing in front for the tying goal. Talbot made a good save on a Tavares try but left a rebound which McDonald blew past his glove. On the play, it was a defensive breakdown by Mike Del Zotto and Marc Staal. Staal just stood there and Del Zotto fell down in front which allowed McDonald all day. It was indicative of the whole night. One team tried to take shortcuts while the other despite their own defensive deficiencies, were relentless.

Even an early power play in the third couldn’t stem the tide. It wasn’t for lack of chances. They had plenty but couldn’t bury one more past a steady Poulin. Nash had a couple of close calls for a hat trick. On one, he had a step on Vanek, who hustled back to break it up atoning for a turnover. Nash was also set up by Stepan down low but a sliding Poulin came across for a big leg save. Usually, when you blow so many opportunities, it comes back to bite you.

”We wanted the two points, and we put ourselves in a good position to get them,” Nash said. ”We didn’t get the job done.”

”You’re up 3-1 and you think maybe you can get through the period and play a good solid third, but we didn’t,” Richards said. ”We made some mistakes. Some nights other teams will capitalize, and some nights you get away with it. We didn’t get away with it.”

A very undisciplined bench minor that brought back ugly memories from last year was their undoing. Kreider came onto the ice too soon during a regrettable change. In fact, the Rangers had seven out. Even if you’re not a math major, that’s a failing grade. The more opportunistic team made them pay dearly with a great play that resulted in Vanek’s game-winner coming with 4:38 remaining. Frans Nielsen started it with a shot pass to Tavares, who like a lacrosse player one touched it to an open Vanek for a layup. Again, the Rangers overcommitted defensively and were completely fooled.

”The secondary guys came up big,” Jack Capuano said. ”Our top line struggled a little bit in the first, but they came around. Your best players have got to be your best players. We were fortunate with that break with the too many men, but we were able to capitalize.”

They still had plenty of chances in the final frantic minute to force overtime. For a minute and a half, they pressed the Islanders by keeping the puck in. With Talbot off for an extra attacker, they seemed to have the Islanders at their mercy. But their Long Island opponent was grittier diving all over the ice to block shots and break up passes. The Rangers weren’t fast enough in their decision making, allowing the Isles to get set. That passive approach resulted in a deserved fate. They lost because they were outhustled from start to finish. But the Islanders won because they wanted it more. A common theme that always plays out in this rivalry. Maybe next time, they’ll match their intensity. Two more cracks at it next week before January closes.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Rick Nash, NYR (2 goals-team leading 16-9 in last 9 games, Nashty)

2nd Star-Kevin Poulin, NYI (30 saves incl. 13 in busy 3rd-stole it)

1st Star-Kyle Okposo, NYI (2 assists incl. brilliant set up for Hickey, dominant effort)

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

Islanders and Rangers face off for first of three

Posted on January 21, 2014 by Derek

A traditional rivalry will heat up the last 11 days of January. Starting tonight, the Islanders and Rangers will battle each other three different times. The first installment is at Madison Square Garden with heavy snow falling. Part II is slated for next Wednesday in the second part of the highly anticipated Stadium Series in the Bronx. The final part will take place again at MSG on the last day of the month.

For two bitter rivals who hate each other on the ice and in the stands, it could have a huge impact in the standings. Currently, the Blueshirts sit second in the Metro Division with 57 points one ahead of Philadelphia, five on Columbus and Washington, six up on New Jersey and eight on Carolina. The Islanders still have some work to do. They’re 7-2-1 over their last 10 to hike their point total to 47. They trail the Rangers by 10 but are just five off of the wildcard cutoff. The Blue Jackets sit in the final spot breaking a three-way tie due to the ROW tiebreaker with Detroit and Washington.

There’s plenty at stake. In fact, these three games over an 11-day span will conclude the season series. The two Battle Of New York archrivals split the first two with the road team prevailing in each. The Rangers took the first meeting 3-2 at The Coliseum on 10/29 and the Islanders exacted revenge by winning 5-3 at The Garden on 12/20. Given how tight the playoff race is, expect these games to be slugfests. Neither wants to lose ground. At this point, it’s more critical for the Islanders. They’re out of playoff position and must leap over several teams. The Rangers want to ride the momentum that’s seen them win seven of their last nine (7-1-1) and post a 9-2-1 mark over the last dozen.

With Henrik Lundqvist out sick, Cam Talbot gets his second consecutive start. He’ll be opposed by Kevin Poulin. The Islanders have made two changes to their lineup. Forward Peter Regin is in for Eric Boulton and vet defenseman Radek Martinek replaces Matt Carkner. Guess Jack Capuano figures Matt Martin is enough for Dan Carcillo. Alain Vigneault will stay with the same lineup that’s found chemistry. In an intriguing subplot, the Rangers scrambled for a backup signing journeyman David LeNeveu. Here are projected lines.

NY ISLANDERS

Kyle Okposo-John Tavares-Thomas Vanek

Peter-Regin-Frans Nielsen-Cal Clutterbuck

Josh Bailey-Brock Nelson-Michael Grabner

Matt Martin-Casey Cizikas-Colin McDonald

Andrew MacDonald-Brian Strait

Calvin De Haan-Matt Donovan

Thomas Hickey-Radek Martinek

Kevin Poulin

Anders Nilsson

NY RANGERS

Chris Kreider-Derek Stepan-Rick Nash

Carl Hagelin-Brad Richards-Ryan Callahan

Benoit Pouliot-Derick Brassard-Mats Zuccarello

Brian Boyle-Dominic Moore-Dan Carcillo

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi

Marc Staal-Anton Stralman

Mike Del Zotto-John Moore

Cam Talbot

David LeNeveu

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

Devils-Blues: Game on tonight…but why?

Posted on January 21, 2014 by hasan4978

Newark two hours before faceoff

Well, here we go again…yet another winter storm, this time one that is pretty much nonstop throughout the day from early in the morning till late into the night.  Original forecasts had 6-10 inches for northern NJ but it might get worse than that at the rate things are going.  With similar forecasts and issues in Philadelphia, the Flyers postponed their game with the Hurricanes tonight.  New Jersey governor Chris Christie declared a state of emergency in New Jersey, urging all citizens to stay off the roads and many – including yours truly got an early, if hazardous trek home from work.  Despite all that, unconscionably the Devils and the St. Louis Blues are playing a hockey game in Newark tonight.

I realize the NHL’s official rule is that if both teams are in town the game gets played – except in the case of outside pressure like the state or the county urging a cancellation.  However this kind of short-sighted view by the NHL doesn’t take into account fans, media or arena workers…the latter two groups having no choice but to report.  Fans have a choice of course, though with higher prices for tickets every season some just hate to see the money go to waste while others shall we say probably have a screw loose for wanting to come in these conditions.  Well, most fans have a choice anyway…in the case of the Diablos (the fans in 122 who stand the whole game) section it’s a little different.  Since they get season tickets for $100, one of the requirements is that you or someone else you can give the tickets to must attend every game.  If not, your tickets get revoked.  Even on a night like tonight, that draconian policy is being upheld – and that’s clearly shortsighted on the Devils’ part.  You’re either wantonly endangering a good chunk of fans by making them come, or you’re blowing up the fan section in half a season by revoking their tickets since there’s no waiting list for the Diablos.  For whatever issues I have with them and their noisemakers, you shouldn’t have to risk life and limb just to keep your tickets.

I realize there are very real concerns with postponing a game in a shortened season, such as the lack of possible makeup dates and potential travel issues considering St. Louis isn’t exactly around the block from Newark.  However it’s already been done twice this year – obviously the snowstorm in Buffalo that canceled a Sabres game with the Hurricanes a few weeks ago was even more dramatic than the one here in Jersey today.  It’s not as if the NHL is completely inflexible, although they did nix an Islander request to postpone a game in late December 2010. Ironically the Devils themselves seemed less concerned about playing on that same day, which was an even bigger storm than today though not by much.

As a franchise we seem to celebrate a macho version of toughing it out when it comes to the weather.  I don’t remember a Devils home game ever being postponed due to weather and we’ve had some bad days in the Northeast.  To this day the ‘334 club’ remains a lionized event in franchise history, where a Devils-Flames game twenty-seven years ago from tomorrow got played despite a blizzard that caused the start time to be delayed 105 minutes because many of the players couldn’t make it on time.  In spite of the 15 inches of snow and heavy traffic congestion with no mass transit to the Meadowlands at that point, 334 hearty (or insane) souls made it to the arena to see a Devils 7-5 win.  After the game, the Devils sent out a letter to all who attended, giving them a badge, t-shirt and complimentary tickets to a future game.  Would I ever drive in weather that severe?  Heck no, though admittedly the fact I’m a season ticket holder now decreases my need to go to any specific regular season game.  If I was living in California and made it back for a once-a-year trip I’d find it a lot more difficult to not go, but I still couldn’t picture myself making the trip.  Luckily I sold my tickets for tonight a week or so ago since I was supposed to be at another event which was canceled because of the weather, and don’t have to practically give away my seats.

As much enjoyment as we get from hockey it’s still a game, not a neccesity.  I don’t want to disparage those who do go…to each their own.  Fact is though, the Devils and the NHL were and are very fortunate there haven’t been any serious fan, worker, media or player-related accidents after one of these games.  Admittedly it’s somwhat amusing (to me) that Devil players Patrik Elias and Travis Zajac were both stuck in Zajac’s car for the entire night after the aformentioned 2010 blizzard game, but I’m sure it wasn’t funny for them at the time.  Still, it’ll obviously take something more serious than that happening for the NHL and especially the Devils to be a little more reasonable in putting people’s lives at risk during extreme weather.  It shouldn’t have to come to that.

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Tortorella crossed the line

Posted on January 20, 2014 by Derek

If you know me, I’m a staunch supporter of John Tortorella. In his coaching stint on Broadway, the former Lightning Stanley Cup winning coach did a respectable job. Under his guidance, the Rangers became a harder team to play against. The biggest accomplishment was winning the club’s first division title in over a decade. They clinched the East’s top seed in ’11-12 and advanced to the Conference Finals. The franchise’s first trip since 1997.

Despite that success, Glen Sather saw fit to overturn the roster. The rest is history. The team underperformed in the shortened season. They still made the second round but ultimately were ousted by the Bruins. A more complete roster that fell in six games to Chicago for Lord Stanley. Following the Rangers’ elimination, Tortorella was outted. Key players felt his message had grown tired. Once that happens, an organization has no choice. Even though I vehemently disagreed with his dismissal feeling it was unfair, perhaps it was for the best.

Tortorella is easily the most passionate NHL coach. Sometimes, he lets his emotions get the better of him. There was the ridiculous squirt incident with a Cap fan behind the glass that resulted in a one-game suspension during the ’09 playoffs. The Rangers never recovered blowing a 3-1 series lead falling in the first round. That was on the coach, who also benched Sean Avery. His love/hate relationship with Avery was one that eventually forced Avery into retirement. I always felt he got a raw deal. Even if he ran his mouth, not once was Avery ever suspended for anything substantial. The way he was treated by the entire league was a travesty.

While Tortorella was a no nonsense coach who developed a Rangers core that features Ryan Callahan, Mike Del Zotto, Dan Girardi, Carl Hagelin, Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan McDonagh and Marc Staal, his relationship with the media was a circus. The sideshow featured plenty of back and forth battles between frequent target Larry Brooks. Or as he called him “Brooksie.” At times, I have no love either for the controversial New York Post Rangers beat writer. He can be ornery and go overboard. It’s no wonder fans and media were entertained by Tort’s battles with Brooks. Talk about egocentric.

One thing I always admired about Tortorella is he didn’t sugarcoat anything. Too often today, you get clichés which come off tired. Even if you dislike our former coach, he gets it. It’s about winning. But at what cost? There was the infamous line brawl with the Devils at MSG which came in direct response to Tort going with a similar starting lineup in New Jersey. There he was chirping Pete DeBoer as the predictable melee ensued. Maybe DeBoer had a point. Given what happened over the weekend in Vancouver against Calgary, it’s time to take a closer look at him. Tortorella’s new team the Canucks have been involved in some real penalty fests. Following another line brawl in which he lined up defenseman Kevin Bieksa to take the opening faceoff, he was yapping at Flames bench boss Bob Hartley. Only it didn’t stop there.

Under no circumstance can you have an opposing coach attempting to get at another coach in a locker room. This chaotic scene was ironically broken up by noted Flames enforcer Brian McGrattan, who shoved an out of control Tortorella away. This isn’t Slap Shot. Nor is it the right way to go about it. Today, he has a hearing with the NHL and should be suspended. When he took the job with the Canucks, he hinted about being calmer. So much for that.

For better or worse, Tortorella became the Rangers when he was hear. Front and center. It worked to a point because it took the focus off his players. However, one wonders how long it will take for his new team to tune him out. His style isn’t conducive over the long haul. When you see how his former team has responded following a disappointing first half under new coach Alain Vigneault, it’s just about the team. The biggest difference is the power play which no longer is unwatchable. Not even your biggest Tort supporter can ignore that. I wonder about Tortorella. If maybe he should’ve taken a year off. Either way, he’s no longer the Rangers problem. It might be time for him to take a good look in the mirror. He’s not only embarrassed himself but the league.

 

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Video Of Day: Nash lights up Broadway

Posted on January 20, 2014 by Derek

Rick Nash is on a roll. With two goals last night, the Rangers power forward has seven goals in his last eight games. Among the highlights were this gem on Philipp Grubauer 1:10 into a 4-1 home win over the Capitals. A vintage Nash intercepted Dmitry Orlov’s giveaway and walked in and beat Grubauer with a nifty backhand upstairs. Up to 14 goals, he leaped into first past Brad Richards and Mats Zuccarello. Nash admitted his turnaround has to do with getting more to the inside. Before, he observed that he was playing more on the perimeter.

The Big Easy also heaped praise on Chris Kreider. In particular, he referenced Kreider’s speed and size that’s helped provide more time and space. There’s no question they have chemistry along with Derek Stepan, who lit the lamp a second game in a row. Up to 31 points, D-Step ranks third in team scoring trailing Richards (37) and Zuccarello (35). Kreider is fifth behind Ryan McDonagh (28) with 27. Nash ranks seventh with 23 despite missing 17 games.

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Nash’s two goals spark Rangers’ 4-1 win over Caps

Posted on January 20, 2014 by Derek
A Caps fan watches supporting Alex Ovechkin in Section 419. Copyright Derek Felix

A Caps fan watches supporting Alex Ovechkin in Section 419.
Copyright Derek Felix

Rick Nash continued to stay hot. So did the Rangers. Nash’s two goals lifted them to a 4-1 win over the Caps at The Garden. It was a fun game to be at. Our section 419 had a few Caps’ fans which made for entertaining banter. During play, they took on a couple of our loud fans with “Let’s Go Caps” chants to our “Let’s Go Rangers.” It was very entertaining. Especially when you have one guy screaming at the top of his lungs at them which energized the entire section. Honestly, the sideshow made for some good videos. I recorded a few.

On top of the playful back and forth chants, you had our team’s latest assault. A week ago, they victimized the visiting Flyers. This time, the Caps were on the receiving end of a three-goal first period outburst. Playing with so much more confidence, Nash took full advantage of a hard Chris Kreider forecheck that forced a turnover inside the Washington zone. A complete breakdown allowed a flying Nash to cut in and beat Philipp Grubauer with a backhand top shelf just 70 seconds in. The quick start sent our section into madness. We were just getting warmed up.

”It was a tough back-to-back for us,” Nash said referencing a weekend sweep after being named the game’s First Star. ”Traveling (Saturday) and coming home to a team that is right on our heels … it’s a huge four points.”

Henrik Lundqvist was also sharp from the outset stopping 10 Capital shots in the first. I never really felt they were going to score. A strong penalty kill of a Derick Brassard minor combined with some undisciplined play from Washington led to the next two goals. Following a Martin Erat minor, Karl Alzner hooked down Mats Zuccarello to hand us a two-man advantage. The seventh ranked power play cashed in twice. First, Nash took a Brad Richards feed and snuck one through Grubauer for his seventh goal in the last eight. Richards and Ryan McDonagh drew assists. As Alzner’s penalty expired, Derek Stepan scored for a second consecutive game shooting a wrister thru a Kreider screen. That chased Grubauer (3 GA on 8 shots). Mike Del Zotto and Dan Girardi added helpers.

Photo taken by Derek Felix

Photo taken by Derek Felix

Pandemonium in the stands following those two goals. Plenty of sarcastic commentary to a friendly Caps’ contingent. You had to respect them because they never let up. It really was comedy. When you have an entire section involved, it definitely makes it more fun to be a part of. With it being my sixth game, I really enjoyed myself. It was also nice to reach .500. I’m now 3-3. Doubly important, the last two have been great wins over division rivals. It’s always nice when you win those. Especially in a crowded Metro where almost every team is bunched up.

The Caps did get on the board early in the second thanks to their own 5-on-3. Alex Ovechkin scored his league-leading 35th at 59 seconds to cut the deficit to 3-1. Moments earlier, he drew a slash on Carl Hagelin with a bit of embellishment. A good sell job from the Great Eight. You had to figure he’d find a way to get one. Mike Green and Nicklas Backstrom set him up for one of those patented lasers. When it became a two-goal contest, our Capital friends had their fun. My favorite part was when one in a red Caps’ jersey said, “We got our one.”

While that was true, suddenly it was a game. The Rangers really needed the penalty kill to come through on the back end. Not only did they deliver but Ryan Callahan scored a back breaking shorthanded goal at 2:25 to restore order. Dominic Moore took a Girardi outlet and came in on a two on two. He wisely fired a low shot on Caps’ reliever Braden Holtby, who fumbled the puck. With Callahan wisely tracking the puck, he steered home the rebound for his ninth.

”You’re not going out on the PK and thinking, ‘I want to score a goal by any means,”’ Callahan said after earning Second Star. ”I feel like with the guys we have killing, and the speed we have on our killers, if the opportunity presents itself, we are going to go for it.”

They could’ve had more. So much more in sync offensively are they that you no longer feel offense is impossible. That has been erased. With Lundqvist shutting the door en route to the game’s Third Star and 24 saves, it was his fifth win in six. He returned following Cam Talbot’s latest victory.

”Starts are important,” Lundqvist said. ”If you can jump out and start the right way and then get the momentum, then I think you set the tone for the rest of the game and you gain confidence right away.”

The game got chippie with Tom Wilson and Dan Carcillo exchanging matching roughs during a scrum. John Erskine also was involved with Brian Boyle, who of course did nothing. He wouldn’t have thrown down anyway. After that, the game settled down. The only other storyline was Erat’s stupidity. Having already taken a pair of minors, he made it a hat trick with a foolish chop on a fallen Boyle. He lost his footing and the puck was underneath him when Erat got nabbed for slashing. I don’t know how the Caps could’ve dealt away top prospect Filip Forsberg for him. What a disaster. It’s a trade that should come back to haunt them.

An uneventful third saw the Rangers defend well only allowing seven shots. The best part from my perspective is I can’t think of one player on our side who played badly. It was a total team effort. They’re up to 57 points and sit second behind the Pens. Having played two more than the idle Flyers, that could change. As long as they take care of what’s in front of them, it doesn’t matter. There’ll be some good tests this week with the Islanders visiting Tuesday and then one of the league’s best in St. Louis Thursday. That preempts the highly anticipated first game of the Stadium Series next Sunday at Yankee Stadium versus the Devils. They then conclude it with the Islanders Jan. 29 before finishing the season series with a home date Jan. 31. We’ll learn more about where they’re headed.

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Rangers score four unanswered in rare win at Ottawa

Posted on January 19, 2014 by Derek
D-Stepan Up: An excited Derek Stepan is pumped after finally erasing a 13-game drought with his 8th goal. Dan Girardi is just as excited after the Rangers posted a 4-1 win over the Senators to stay hot. Getty Images/Fred Chartrand The Canadian Press

D-Stepan Up: An excited Derek Stepan is pumped after finally erasing a 13-game drought with his 8th goal. Dan Girardi is just as excited after the Rangers posted a 4-1 win over the Senators to stay hot.
Getty Images/Fred Chartrand The Canadian Press

Whenever the Rangers visit Ottawa, it’s usually unpleasant. They so rarely win there that I wasn’t expecting much on Hockey Day In Canada. With a special 2 PM start time, I was already an hour into my shift when already the first text came in that Senator defenseman Marc Methot scored. I rolled my eyes figuring it would be one of those days. But to my astonishment, it wasn’t. The Rangers scored the next four to pick up a big 4-1 road win at Canadian Tire Centre- snapping a five-game winless streak up north. So that’s what the name of their arena now?!?!?!?! Seriously. Thank God our team hasn’t sunk to that level. There’s still hope for some sanity.

Even though I didn’t see it, the latest victory temporarily put us in second in the Metro. That is until the Flyers rallied to beat the Islanders 6-4. Despite our team holding a slight edge in regulation and overtime wins (23-22), Philadelphia is technically still ahead due to one less game played. That won’t change with the Blueshirts coming home for a crucial division match against the Capitals on NFL championship weekend. How the schedule makers decided this was a good idea is about as out as clueless as the referee mess in Detroit that allowed them to score a controversial tying goal off the netting in a stunning shootout comeback. Pure comedy. Or shame. Along with the Flames/Canucks line brawl mess featuring former coach John Tortorella, you be the judge.

Right now, the Rangers are winning consistently. Since losing in a shootout to Columbus, they’ve won five of six and have points over their last eight (6-1-1). Most encouraging is that they’re scoring enough and getting outstanding goaltending. The defense has also settled in not coincidentally after Alain Vigneault reinserted Mike Del Zotto and put him back on the left side. With Del Zotto back to third pair status with John Moore and a healthy Marc Staal once again working well with Anton Stralman, suddenly team D is a strength again as it was under their eccentric predecessor. A lot’s gone right since Henrik Lundqvist’s statement win at Chicago. He’s back to his old self and the team is playing much better. With Washington visiting, Vigneault finally gave his number one a night off. That meant dependable rookie backup Cam Talbot. Even after a two week layoff, the unflappable #CamBot made 29 saves picking up his 10th win.

Another positive has been the power play. Ranked seventh overall, it’s now good enough to expect power play goals. Brad Richards’ netted one halfway thru the first from Derek Stepan and Ryan McDonagh to tie the score. The goal temporarily put Richards into the team lead with 13. While he’s played well enough to pace the team in scoring, much has been made of Stepan’s inconsistency. There’s no question he’s struggled in the first year of a bridge deal that pays him $2.3 million this year and $3.85 the next. He hasn’t produced like you’d expect from basically our top center. Everyone knows he’s not a true number one. The Rangers don’t have that. The trio of Stepan, Richards and the resurgent Derick Brassard are a solid 1-3. When our team is successful, they need all three to contribute. So, when I saw that Stepan scored late in the second following Rick Nash’s game-winner, that made me smile. He’s taken a lot of punishment. “Too weak. Not a good skater. A bad passer. Trade him.”

Basically, your typical message board garbage when a player doesn’t perform. This is why I avoid posting altogether. The best aspect of yesterday’s win is that Stepan not only snapped a 13-game goal drought but also set up the first two goals including Nash’s 12th. A three-point game for a likeable player who badly needed it. That should give him confidence and maybe jumpstart D-Step for the Olympics. Most importantly, maybe it turns his year around. We all know he’s fully capable. I’ve always been a fan of his having followed Stepan since the gold medal WJC team in 2010. He might not be the most talented. But don’t underestimate his importance. He’s a smart two-way player similar to Chris Drury. If he ever improved on faceoffs, we’d have a cardinal copy. His penalty kill work with American sidekick Ryan Callahan is essential.

”It definitely helps with confidence,” Stepan said. ”Confidence is a tricky thing in this sport. When you seem to find a little bit of it you have to try to build off that momentum.

”We’ve been talking about it as a group that points for the rest of the year are huge. This one was no different.”

Too many of today’s fans like to throw players under the bus. I admit I am as harsh as anyone. But let’s not lose perspective. The Rangers don’t have the talent of the Pens or Bruins. They are a team and must play like one working unit to win games. Finally, they’re back to doing that. It just took a little longer under Vigneault. Full credit to him, Scott Arniel and Ulf Samuelsson for staying patient. Every line including the fourth featuring Brian Boyle, Daniel Carcillo and Dominic Moore have chemistry. This doesn’t mean they’re perfect. They still must go out and earn it each night. It just looks a little brighter now.

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