Thank You Captain Cally

Posted on March 5, 2014 by Derek
Dan Girardi and Ryan Callahan are on the trade block. It would be sad to see either go. Getty Images

While Dan Girardi stays, the Rangers forever captain Ryan Callahan has left. It is a sad day.
Getty Images

 

When a player fans idolize is traded, it’s hard to put into words. For the Rangers and their fans, Ryan Callahan epitomized what it means to be a Ranger. Since the day he was drafted, Callahan has been a classic overachiever that’s been easy to root for. Selected in the fourth round of the 2004 Draft 127th overall, the Rochester native has been a joy to watch. As hard working a player as this city has seen, there was a reason he was so popular.

New Yorkers appreciate lunch pail players who bring their hard hats to the court, field, gridiron or in Callahan’s case, the ice. I can remember seeing him play for Team USA at the U-18 World Junior Championship and projecting him as a gritty third liner who could kill penalties. It was obvious early that he would become a fan favorite. It didn’t take long for him to become a regular. There was the memorable St. Patty’s Day 7-0 Boston massacre when he scored twice after being recalled from Hartford in ’07. He was part of a team that advanced to the second round before losing a hard fought six-game battle to the Sabres. Ironically, his hometown club that might come calling this summer if he doesn’t re-sign with the Lightning.

Callahan struggled the following year. He was sent back to the Wolf Pack before finally coming back a different player. He never saw the AHL again. It happened that quickly. In ’08-09, he achieved personal bests with 22 goals, 18 assists and 40 points in what’s still a career high 81 games. Maybe that should’ve been an indicator of what kind of player the Rangers had. It didn’t take long for the Garden Faithful to see that a player listed at 5-11, 190 would play much bigger in stature doing whatever it took to help his team win hockey games. That’s the kind of ultimate warrior he was.

Three times in his eight-year Ranger career Callahan surpassed 20 goals. His best season came when he was named captain. Under coach John Tortorella, he excelled along with former teammates Artem Anisimov and Brandon Dubinsky. The 2011-12 Blueshirts won a division title and finished with the East’s best record. Callahan established career highs in goals (29), points (54), power play goals (13) and game-winners (9). With Captain Cally, it was never about statistics. Rather the ferocity with which he played daily. The reason that team advanced to the Eastern Conference Final was due to how hard they played. The captain was the emotional leader sacrificing his body. Whether it was delivering a big hit or laying out to block a shot, he did whatever it took. That grinding style is what made the Black and Blueshirts such a tough out despite a lack of consistent scoring.

Callahan’s no nonsense approach helps explain why he won four Steven McDonald Extra Effort Awards voted on by fans as Team MVP. He exemplified what fans loved. A passionate team oriented player who accepted whatever role given to him. Predictably, his physical style resulted in injuries. The one that stands out the most was when the Rangers were desperate for a victory against Boston, he dove in front of a Zdeno Chara shot and broke his leg missing the playoffs. That was the price of winning. Not surprisingly, the Rangers were dumped out of the first round by the Capitals. Such bravery is what defined Callahan’s time spent on Broadway. A lasting image that should stick with Rangers fans.

Today, sports have become a business. Unfortunately, we saw the ugly side with the Rangers purposely leaking out negotiations that should’ve stayed behind closed doors. The organization split up a fan base on a beloved player. It’s sad that it had to end this way. Understandably, Callahan’s asking price was high. Given his role and stature, paying such a hefty price would’ve hurt the franchise over the long haul. However, you have to wonder if it would’ve been wiser to just keep him for the season’s duration and then let it reach July 1. Instead, they decided Martin St. Louis was too good to pass up with 20 games remaining. It comes at a heavy price that could hurt the Rangers future even more. Sacrificing draft picks for an older superstar who is signed only through 2014-15.

Whatever happens will determine if the Rangers are winners. They have decided to go for it. It’s just odd that it came at the expense of their former captain. One whose loss can’t be underestimated. The Rangers were already a soft team. They just became even more vanilla. That’s a risk they were willing to take.

Goodbye to Ryan Callahan. Thank you for eight great years. You’ll never be forgotten.

Signed,

Derek Felix, New York Puck/Battle Of New York

Posted in Battle News, NY Rangers | Leave a comment

Captain for Captain: Rangers trade Callahan for St. Louis

Posted on March 5, 2014 by Derek

 

Captain For Captain: In one of the biggest deals ever, the Rangers and Lightning swapped captains with Ryan Callahan going to Tampa Bay for Martin St. Louis. Getty Images

Captain For Captain: In one of the biggest deals ever, the Rangers and Lightning swapped captains with Ryan Callahan going to Tampa Bay for Martin St. Louis.
Getty Images

In an absolute blockbuster of epic proportions, the Rangers have traded Ryan Callahan to the Lightning for Martin St. Louis. Astonishingly, the much ballyhooed rumor WFAN’s Boomer Esiason first leaked following the Olympic Break has actually happened. The deal became reality less than an hour ago. Of course, it wasn’t straight up. The Rangers threw in a 2014 second round pick and a first round pick in 2015 to complete the stunning transaction that sent Twitter into chaos.

Captain for Captain. There’s probably never been such a deal at the trade deadline. It’s as bold and daring as it gets. When it became official, I sat open mouthed. Apparently, Glen Sather wasn’t bluffing on holding firm to his final offer which was reported to be six years, $36 million for Callahan. Despite the two sides closing in on a new contract, apparently the no movement clause was a huge factor. When they re-signed Dan Girardi, he agreed to a limited no trade clause the first three years. The next three, he can be moved.

With the Rangers deciding they couldn’t afford to pay Callahan what he wanted due to the salary cap, Sather finally pulled the plug. St. Louis had indicated he wanted out of Tampa Bay and would only accept a trade to New York. That made it easier for such a deal to come down. In getting the electrifying 38-year old who’s tied for eighth in scoring with 61 points (29-32-61), the Rangers finally added another scorer to a roster starved for it. Adding him to Rick Nash, former Lightning teammate Brad Richards and Mats Zuccarello changes the dynamic. There’s little doubt that the highly skilled and speedy former Hart winner should fit into Alain Vigneault’s system. The big question is how much of an affect will such a move have on the locker room.

It can work. St. Louis has an incredible work ethic and is very coachable. He wanted a change. Tampa GM Steve Yzerman granted him his wish. It would’ve been easy for both clubs to hold onto their captains and wait till the summer. Unless he re-ups with his new team, Callahan is set to hit the market this summer. St. Louis is signed through next season and has a cap hit of $5.625 million. His 2014-15 salary will decrease from $6.5 million to $5 million. If he reaches free agency the following summer, he’ll be 40. St. Louis turns 39 June 18.

Such a trade is a huge risk. Sather is banking on St. Louis delivering for the short term. On paper, he should make the Rangers better. However, if you’ve followed this team you know how much Callahan meant on and off the ice. It wasn’t just about statistics. Rather intangibles that included his leadership on the bench and in the locker room. By subtracting their captain, the Rangers just became much softer. They weren’t a big or physical group to begin with. Callahan was the key ingredient that made them tough to play against. Now, it’ll be more geared towards offense and relying on Henrik Lundqvist in a run and gun. That style got exposed over the weekend in a 6-3 loss to Boston. A team they still don’t match up against.

Entering tonight’s pivotal home match against the Maple Leafs, the Rangers are clinging onto third in the Metro Division with 69 points. With last night’s win, the Blue Jackets have tied them but are the wildcard due to one fewer ROW (regulation overtime win) with the same amount of games (20) remaining. Both are only one up on the Capitals, who are on Wednesday’s schedule versus the second place Flyers. With their third win in four, the Devils have 67 and are two behind.

There’s no guarantee it’ll work. Given how great a player St. Louis is, you have to think the Rangers should be a playoff lock. If they don’t make it, Sather will have a lot of egg on his face. One of the stipulations for the trade is if the Rangers make the Conference Final in one of the next two years, Tampa sends them a pick back. One fact about the current roster is they are a win now team. At least Sather went for a player who fits that criteria.

Analysis: While it’s hard to argue against trading for a player of St. Louis’ stature, Sather gave up a lot. The 2015 first round pick in a very deep draft could come back to haunt them. I could’ve lived with it being a 2014 first rounder instead. It’s the reverse. The Lightning will get a second round pick this year and a first round pick next year. That’s quite a return for an aging star. If you want to look at the glass half full, I don’t believe St. Louis is close to done. Given the kind of shape he keeps himself in, he could play another five years. Nothing would surprise me.

Unless the Rangers reach a Stanley Cup Final, you have to rule the trade in favor of the Lightning. Sather has forever changed the foundation. It won’t be easy to replace what Callahan brought. Even if it probably was for the best long term. Like many, I will just be a very curious observer.

Posted in Battle News, NY Rangers, Trade Deadline | Leave a comment

Canucks stun hockey world by trading Luongo to Panthers

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Derek
It's Back To The Future for Roberto Luongo. miamiherald.typepad.com

It’s Back To The Future for Roberto Luongo.
miamiherald.typepad.com

Roberto Luongo is finally free from Vancouver. The stunning news just came down that the Canucks have indeed unloaded the 34-year old goalie back to Florida. Astonishingly, Canucks general manager Mike Gillis was able to get a decent return from the Panthers acquiring Swedish goalie prospect Jacob Markstrom and center Shawn Matthias.

Once thought untradeable, Luongo fell out of favor recently under new Canucks bench boss John Tortorella. The controversial former Rangers coach opted to start rookie Eddie Lack in the Hockey Heritage Game which Vancouver lost to Ottawa on Saturday. When Luongo didn’t play, there was an uproar. Maybe they shouldn’t have been surprised considering how much he’d struggled. He dropped his last five decisions posting a 3.48 GAA with a .880 save percentage. In fact, he permitted at least three goals over his final six starts as a Canuck including a 5-4 overtime win over the Coyotes on Jan. 26.

Luongo still posted respectable numbers going 19-16-6 with a 2.38 GAA, .917 save percentage and three shutouts over 42 appearances. Originally an Islanders first round pick in ’97, he was traded to Florida with Olli Jokinen for Oleg Kvasha and Mark Parrish on June 24, 2000. Then Islanders GM Mike Milbury made the move along with taking Rick DiPietro first overall. In Sunrise, Luongo developed into a capable number one goalie but the Panthers were never good enough to make the playoffs.

Almost six years to the day, Florida sent Luongo with Lukas Krajicek and an ’06 sixth round pick to Vancouver in exchange for Todd Bertuzzi, Alex Auld and Bryan Allen. Finally on a better roster, he blossomed into one of the game’s top netminders helping guide the Canucks to six postseasons including a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2011. Unfortunately, Vancouver blew series leads of 2-0 and 3-2 falling in seven games to Boston including a 4-0 Game 7 humiliation at home.

The next two seasons treated Luongo unkindly with then backup Cory Schneider stealing accolades and replacing him in a first round series loss to LA and starting over him in another first round disappointment against San Jose. Ironically, Alain Vigneault was the coach. Following his dismissal, many expected Luongo to finally go last summer. Instead, Gillis shocked everyone by dealing Schneider to the Devils in exchange for a 2013 first round pick (Bo Horvat).

Finally after eight years, he gets his wish. Who would’ve ever believed he’d be headed back to Florida? Luongo finishes his Vancouver Canucks career as the all-time franchise leader in wins (252) and shutouts (38). He also backstopped Canada to Olympic Gold in Vancouver (2010). For all the criticism he received, Luongo was a quality goalie that helped put the Canucks back on the map. Barring something unforeseen, he’ll go down as their best netminder.

Now, he’ll return to the Panthers who never found a suitable replacement. The combination of Jose Theodore and Scott Clemmensen got them to the playoffs two years ago and pushed the Devils to the brink before losing in sudden death. The ’11-12 season is the only one they’ve seen the postseason since 2000. Somewhat ironically, Luongo and Bruins Conn Smythe winner Tim Thomas are reunited after facing each other for Lord Stanley. As odd as it gets.

Posted in Trade Deadline | Leave a comment

Islanders send MacDonald to Flyers

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Derek
Andrew MacDonald has played his final game for the Islanders. The defenseman was dealt to the Flyers. islanders.nhl.com

Andrew MacDonald has played his final game for the Islanders. The defenseman was dealt to the Flyers.
islanders.nhl.com

The Islanders have dealt Andrew MacDonald to the Flyers for a 2014 third round pick and a 2015 second rounder. The 27-year old defenseman tallied four goals and 20 assists with two power play goals and two game-winners in 63 games for the Islanders. Set to become a free agent this summer, MacDonald’s days were numbered. Especially with the development of former first round pick Calvin de Haan.

Originally an Isles sixth round pick in ’06, MacDonald developed into a top four defenseman under coach Jack Capuano. Last year teamed alongside Travis Hamonic, they helped lead the club to the postseason and gave the Pens a series before losing in six. A solid skater who always sacrifices his body, he leads the league in blocked shots (198). The Flyers filled a need adding another defenseman capable of logging key minutes.

Analysis: It was a no brainer for Garth Snow. As poor a job as he’s done with goalie, he always seems to get good returns at the deadline. This is no exception. Now if only he can find a taker for Thomas Vanek and recoup lost assets. The Ducks freed up room by sending Dustin Penner to the Caps. Other potential destinations are Boston, LA and Pittsburgh. We’ll see if anyone bites.

Posted in Battle News, NY Islanders, Trade Deadline | Leave a comment

McKenzie: Callahan and Rangers nearing extension

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Derek

Ryan Callahan could be staying put on Broadway. D Day is fast approaching for Glen Sather. nydailynews.com

It looks like Ryan Callahan could be staying. According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, Callahan and the Rangers are close to reaching agreement on a new deal. In the final year of a contract that pays him $4.275 million, he’ll turn 29 on March 21 and can become unrestricted this summer.

In an injury riddled campaign, Callahan has 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points over 45 games. On a low scoring club, his 11 goals tie him with Benoit Pouliot for seventh. Rick Nash leads them with 19 followed by Brad Richards (16), Mats Zuccarello (15), Chris Kreider (14), Derick Brassard (13) and Carl Hagelin (12). Derek Stepan ranks ninth with 10 giving the Rangers scoring balance.

If Callahan re-signs, it’ll probably mean he finally came down to $6 million over six years. Both parties were able to agree on length but terms were still being worked out. As a staunch supporter of the Rangers captain, I understand the risks. If he signs on the dotted line, it will mean less wiggle room for Glen Sather to add pieces this summer. He must concentrate on signing key Group II’s Brassard, Kreider, Zuccarello and defenseman John Moore. Anton Stralman turns unrestricted July 1. Sather also faces a big decision on Richards, who can be amnestied.

With the cap expected to go up approximately seven million, it gives them more space. Brian Boyle, Dan Carcillo, Dominic Moore and Pouliot are unrestricted. Sather also faces a challenging following season with Marc Staal needing to be re-signed. Stepan and Hagelin will be due raises and Cam Talbot can become a free agent.

In other words, Slats has his work cut out. In between figuring out if Callahan stays or goes, he must upgrade the roster by adding a legit number one center plus more size up front and defensive depth. He might want to see what the Canucks want for Ryan Kesler. Being that Stepan is a John Tortorella favorite, perhaps there could be a match. Of course, that won’t get it done with Vancouver seeking a good prospect and high pick. The Rangers definitely need to upgrade at center.

Stay tuned for more hard hitting analysis as the trade deadline approaches. Follow me @newyorkpuck.

Posted in Battle News, NY Rangers, Trade Deadline | Leave a comment

Wild trade for Bryzgalov

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Derek

The Wild are out on Martin Brodeur. Instead, they have traded for Ilyz Bryzgalov. Searching for insurance to help rookie Darcy Kuemper, Minnesota opted to send a fourth round pick to Edmonton for Bryzgalov.

At 30, Bryzgalov has been a backup since signing with the Oilers. In 20 appearances, he’s 5-8-5 with a 3.01 goals-against-average (GAA), .908 save percentage and one shutout. Over his last three starts, he’s 1-0-2 with a 1.95 GAA and .939 save percentage. It still is an odd choice for Minnesota over Brodeur or rumored Buffalo pickup Jaroslav Halak.

For Devils fans, they can breathe easier knowing those reports that Brodeur was going to the Wild following tonight’s start are false. That’s what they get for jumping the gun. It doesn’t mean he is definitely staying put. However, it’s hard to envision many other suitors. Perhaps Montreal although backup Peter Budaj has been solid.

Regardless, Brodeur will face the Red Wings. The team he defeated for the first Devils Stanley Cup in 1995. A series sweep. The Devils have a crucial home and home with the Wings. The second game is Friday at Detroit. These two games could determine whether New Jersey stays in the race.

Posted in Devils | Leave a comment

The Final Sendoff for Brodeur?

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Derek

Martin Brodeur could be making his final start for the Devils tonight against the Red Wings. snydevils.com

Is this really it? Nobody knows what will happen with Martin Brodeur. The legendary Devils goalie is scheduled to start tonight’s home game against the Red Wings in Newark. It could be the final time he plays for the only franchise he’s known.

Rumors persist that he could possibly land in Minnesota following his 1,250th game. One source all but confirmed that the Devils and Wild have agreed to a deal in principle that would send the 41-year old Brodeur to Minnesota. If he lands there, it would place him close to twin sons Jeremy and William, who currently attend Shattuck-St. Mary’s School.

Not everyone is buying it. Newark Star Ledger beat writer Rich Chere isn’t buying it. He tweeted out a couple of sensible points that dispute the logic of such a potential trade prior to tomorrow’s deadline.

On merit, it’s hard to disagree. Would Lou Lamoriello really allow Brodeur to play a final home game before trading him? What if he got hurt? Would the Wild really agree to that kind of craziness? Of course, Brodeur is the Devils. The all-time leader in wins (683) and shutouts (124) might have some pull. If he is going, why wouldn’t he want a final sendoff in front of the fans who have chanted his name. The three-time Stanley Cup winner has meant everything to the franchise.

The other potential landing spot could be Montreal. With starter Carey Price placed on injured reserve, the Canadiens could place a call to the Devils to acquire Brodeur for insurance. It would be a homecoming for the popular Montreal native who always gets great support when he visits Bell Centre.

Even though he’s no longer the starter, Brodeur ironically has two more wins (14) than Cory Schneider. He’s played in only 29 games and got his first start in a month during Saturday’s win over the Islanders. Afterwards, he pointedly indicated that he plays to start. Being on the bench doesn’t sit well with him.

The Devils have a tough decision to make. Up to 65 points trailing Detroit by three for the final wildcard with 20 games left, they can either keep Brodeur as insurance or trade him. We still don’t even know if he waived his no-trade clause. Would he really be starting tonight if that were the case? The whole scenario is very confusing.

Posted in Battle News, Devils | 2 Comments

Rangers should keep Callahan

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Derek
Ryan Callahan has been the heart and soul of the Rangers. He deserves to stay. Getty Images

Ryan Callahan has been the heart and soul of the Rangers. He deserves to stay.
Getty Images

Following last night’s 6-3 defeat to the Bruins, here came the blame game. If it weren’t so predictable, it would be shocking. Especially when it comes to a split Rangers fan base on whether to keep Ryan Callahan or trade him by Wednesday’s deadline. I’m here to tell you why I would keep him.

Regardless of whether he re-signs, trading the captain makes no sense. What exactly are the short term gains? Risking dropping out of a tight Eastern race without getting close to equal value. For better or worse, Glen Sather owes it to this team to keep them together. It doesn’t mean he has to get a new deal done like he did with Dan Girardi. As I echoed before, Callahan is allowed to test free agency. He has earned it. The soon to be 29-year old from Rochester, New York embodies what the Rangers are. That’s why it’s preposterous to label him just a third liner. I believe the captain deserves a lot more respect than he’s getting. All due to leaks from MSG looking to get people on their side.

Callahan is the same player who’s bled Ranger red, white and blue since being taken in the fourth round of the ’04 Draft. That’s 127th overall for those keeping score at home. Ironically, Sunday’s loss was his 450th career game. All he’s done in that time is been a consistent performer. While he’ll never be confused with some of the other names being tossed around due to the rumored $6 million over six years he might take to stay, Callahan is more than silly statistics. This isn’t about defining his role. Ever since he cracked the lineup, he’s done whatever it took to help them win games. Whether it’s delivering a big hit, laying out to block a shot or scoring a clutch goal like last year’s overtime playoff clincher at Florida that some have forgotten, Callahan has led by example. That’s what you expect from a guy who can be trusted in any situation.

It’s why like Girardi, he should be a special exception. Hockey players aren’t always defined by how many goals they score. Throughout a seven-year career all spent on Broadway, Callahan’s scored 20 or better three times including 29 in ’11-12. That team finished with the East’s best record and advanced to the franchise’s only Conference Final since ’97. Due to his bruising style, he’s played hurt and missed significant time. That speaks to the kind of character player he is. I get the rationale of people who say don’t give him the money. It’s the same one Sather risked when he rewarded Girardi with a six-year $33 million contract that pays him an average of $5.5 million through 2020. Sometimes, it’s justified. Given the core and who exactly can fill Callahan’s big skates, I say keep him. You don’t easily replace all the leadership and intangibles he gives you.

Don’t tell that to the growing legion of Callahan detractors. These are probably the same fans who thought overpaying Brad Richards guaranteed a Cup. The thing about our fans is they can flip flop in a split second. I’ll admit to being a heavy critic at times. However, it’s important not to lose perspective. Trade Callahan and they might not just lose this season. See Mark Messier. Currently, he makes $4.275 million in the final year. Not exactly chunk change. Potential unrestricted free agents always will command more once July 1 hits. Look no further than what Ryane Clowe ($4.75 million) got from the Devils and David Clarkson ($5.25 million) from Toronto. Both are solid players. Neither is comparable to what Callahan means to his current team.

I also seem to recall our fans praising Sather for signing Chris Drury. Callahan is a similar type player except he’s more physical and homegrown. Why must our GM always pay top dollar for other team’s players? Isn’t it about time he did the same for his own? Henrik Lundqvist is overpaid but no one is complaining because Sather had to do it. In no way am I comparing Callahan to the franchise goalie who is among the elite. However, the point is about their value. Like it or not, Callahan is a lot more valuable to the Rangers. Unless they have some alternate plan, it’s not advisable to let him go.

In what’s the 20-Year Cup Anniversary, the Rangers currently sit third in the Metropolitan Division a point behind the Flyers with exactly 20 games left. If the season ended today, they’d be seventh with 69 points. Toronto and Detroit would be the two wildcards while the Caps would miss with 68. When Sather went out and acquired Rick Nash, it was because the bar had been raised. Following last Spring’s second round ouster to Boston, he replaced John Tortorella with Alain Vigneault. Given the way Vigneault has answered questions regarding his captain’s status, doesn’t Slats owe it to his first-year coach to give him the same opportunity Tortorella had? If he gives in either tomorrow or Wednesday, then you have to question what exactly the goal is. To contend or not. Lundqvist turned 32 yesterday. He’s not getting any younger. You don’t rebuild with a number one goalie who only has a few peak years left.

 

The decision on Callahan is the most important move Sather will make. He can either keep the current roster and play it out. Or he can risk it all by trading the team’s biggest leader, which could have a long-term impact. Mats Zuccarello will return soon. If you give up, then what’s the point of playing the rest of the schedule? It’s all on Sather.

 

Posted in NY Rangers | Leave a comment

Happy Birthday Hank: Signed Boston

Posted on March 2, 2014 by Derek

It was the birthday from hell for Henrik Lundqvist. In a second round rematch, the Bruins greeted him rudely scoring six times on 33 shots in a 6-3 trouncing of the Rangers on Hockey Day In America. This was an epic fail of biblical proportions. Boston reminded why they’re the most complete team in the East. Coming off consecutive losses, they came in angry and proved a point. They own the Rangers sweeping the season series.

Matched up against Lundqvist in an Olympic semifinal rematch, Tuukka Rask got revenge by outplaying him. He finished with 39 saves. Despite the final tally, the Bruins needed Rask to make some big ones before Milan Lucic iced it with 1:36 left. For Lundqvist, who turned 32 it wasn’t really his fault. His team played awful in front of him. They tried to play run and gun against one of the league’s most disciplined teams. It was a bad recipe.

In what can best be described as a lost weekend, the Rangers have gotten away from the team defense they played that had them playing their best hockey before the break. After a good start against the Blackhawks, they lost their way against the Flyers and Bruins. Somewhat disturbing, Lundqvist has allowed 10 goals in two starts. It more has to do with how they’re playing. Brutal turnovers and lazy back checks have contributed. Down to third in the division and seventh behind the Flyers with the Caps, Devils and Blue Jackets close behind, they must rebound against the Maple Leafs Wednesday. Ironically, that’s the trade deadline which hopefully won’t include Ryan Callahan. There was an awful lot of negative tweets about the Ranger captain from unrealistic fans who overreacted.

It’s easy to bash him when the team doesn’t win. Like Saturday, he missed some chances. Funny, I didn’t see Rick Nash burying any or our slumping top line center Derek Stepan. Sometimes, fans can be reactionary. With Dan Girardi already done, Callahan’s name is going to be dragged through the mud over the next 48-plus hours. I’ll reiterate this point for Glen Sather. What team trades their captain in a playoff race? The Rangers are better off keeping him. With rumors swirling he might come down to $6 million over six years, naturally fans will blame him. Unfortunately, this is what you get in today’s chaotic social media.

Goal scoring isn’t why they lost. Defense and lack there of was a bigger indicator. After dominating most of the first period, the Rangers only came out tied. Jarome Iginla answered J.T. Miller’s early goal. Miller has played well since returning. At least that decision has worked out for Alain Vigneault. Better than dressing Derek Dorsett for Dominic Moore and seeing him take another mindless penalty that proved costly. Tonight, he decided to keep Anton Stralman with John Moore and play Kevin Klein with suddenly struggling Marc Staal. It didn’t work. Staal had a second straight off game going minus-two. Even their top defensemen had forgettable nights. Ryan McDonagh got caught on a bad pinch on one of Boston’s goals and Girardi was on for three goals against including a backbreaking shorthanded goal from Ranger killer Gregory Campbell. He scored twice in the third.

The Rangers generated plenty of opportunities but couldn’t beat Rask when it counted. Dougie Hamilton and Carl Soderberg each tallied to put the Bruins up 3-1. Nobody took either. Predictably, they played a better second after getting outshot 20-9. Soderberg’s goal came off a dominant cycle that lasted a minute. It was eerily similar to last year’s second round ouster. That was the script throughout. The Rangers never quit. Brad Richards had a sweet finish at 16:53 cutting the deficit to 3-1 late in the second. It was set up by Callahan. He made the play. Saturday victim Stralman started it with a good defensive play.

McDonagh got into it with Brad Marchand, who did what he does best. The Bruins pest took our top defenseman off for two minutes with each getting matching high sticking minors at 19:32. The teams traded chances halfway through the third but the goalies held up their end. Hamilton then took a delay of game. Instead of tying it, the Rangers allowed Campbell to score a shorthanded goal. Caught napping, they watched a hustling Daniel Paille get to a loose puck and then find Campbell wide open in the slot for a lay-up. Chris Kreider was late on the back check. The second time in two games he failed to take a goal scorer. It also occurred with Sean Couturier.

The real crusher was Campbell’s second which made it 5-2 with 6:34 remaining. After coming very close to scoring on the opposite end, they watched Paille center a puck that Campbell redirected with his skate. Video review confirmed it a good goal. I didn’t think it was illegal. Campbell got rewarded. Why shouldn’t an offensive player get just reward when the team defense breaks down that poorly? It was like a mirror image of last Spring.

Daniel Carcillo tried to goon it up with known fighter Torey Krug. Seriously. It was a stupid play that nearly negated a power play. This time, the Rangers capitalized with McDonagh finishing off a Kreider feed for his ninth that made it 5-3 with 4:42 left. Boston coach Claude Julien used his timeout. That’s what it’s there for. Vigneault never uses his.

The Rangers applied a lot of pressure but got no closer. Instead, Lucic tipped in his 19th from Matt Bartkowski and David Krejci at 18:24. That kind of game. That kind of lost weekend. Not exactly reason for Lundqvist to celebrate.

Posted in NY Rangers | Leave a comment

Video Of Day: Jagr scores No. 700

Posted on March 2, 2014 by Derek

During Saturday’s 6-1 Devils win over the Islanders, Jaromir Jagr reached a milestone by scoring his 700th career NHL goal. The special moment came early in the second period when he skated around Kyle Okposo and took a shot that deflected off Andrew MacDonald past Evgeni Nabokov.

At age 42, he became the oldest player to reach 700. Jagr joins an exclusive list that includes Wayne Gretzky (894), Gordie Howe (801), Brett Hull (741), Marcel Dionne (731), Phil Esposito (717) and Mike Gartner (708).

As usual, he joked about not keeping the puck hinting that he’d wait till 800. With Jagr, that’s his personality. Always the kidder. Number 68 is a special kind of player who will go down as one of the all-time best. Imagine if he didn’t miss time due to the lockouts and playing in the KHL. He’d probably have it already.

”Maybe not for Wayne Gretzky, but for the rest of us it’s a very big number – 800 is a little bit better than 700,” he said.

Ironically, No.700 came against his favorite target. Entering the contest, Jagr had scored more goals versus the Islanders than any other opponent. In 101 career games, he now has 61 goals and 88 assists.

”Is it that many? I love this team,” he sarcastically remarked. ”It’s my favorite team. That’s a lot of goals. It’s almost 10 percent.”

Islander fans gave him a nice ovation for the achievement. Jagr was appreciative.

”Well they knew I scored 61 goals against them,” the future Hall Of Famer laughed.

It’s amazing what he can still do. With one more goal, Jagr can reach 20 for the 18th time over 20 NHL seasons. It speaks to the proud Czech’s hard work ethic and consistency. In Year 20, he leads the Devils in scoring with 19 goals, 33 assists and 52 points. Fourteen better than Czech mate Patrik Elias 12-26-38). On just a one-year deal, he shows no signs of slowing down. Most astonishing is that he’s played in all 61 games.

Unbelievable stuff from a hockey legend. Enjoy him while you can.

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