WJC2014: Finland vs Sweden for gold in Malmo

Posted on January 4, 2014 by Derek
Finland celebrates a goal in their 5-1 semifinal win over Canada at the 2014 WJC in Malmo, Sweden. They'll face the host Swedes for gold tomorrow. The Canadian Press/Getty Images

Finland celebrates a goal in their 5-1 semifinal win over Canada at the 2014 WJC in Malmo, Sweden. They’ll face the host Swedes for gold tomorrow.
The Canadian Press/Getty Images

The IIHF U20 WJC2014 tournament is coming to a close. The gold medal game won’t feature Team USA or Canada. Not even Russia. All have been eliminated. USA bowed out in disappointing fashion to the Russians in a lopsided quarter. In today’s semifinals, Russia fell to host Sweden 2-1 while Canada was ousted by Finland 5-1.

And so, for a third consecutive year Canada will not play for gold. The repeat broadcast is on TSN at 7:30 tonight. However, it should be blacked out in most parts of the United States for a special NHL Network HNIC Saturday feature of Original Sixes the Rangers and Maple Leafs from Air Canada Centre.

In the first semi, the Swedes prevailed thanks to the goaltending of Oscar Dansk. He made 26 saves including some dandies late to hold off an all out Russian attack. Filip Forsberg scored his tournament leading 12th point and Oskar Sundqvist notched the game-winner. Damir Zhafyarov scored for Russia. A brawl at the end of the game made for an ugly conclusion. Jesper Petterson came out of the box and went after a Russian. Hopefully, there won’t be any suspensions.

The second semi saw the Finns make the most of their chances. Joni Nikko took full advantage of a fortunate bounce off the boards to beat Zachary Fucale. Arturri Lehkonen steered home a rebound off a nice set up from Teuvo Teravainen for a power play goal that made it 2-0 in the second. But Jonathan Drouin came back with a sweet finish thanks to a steal from Anthony Mantha cutting the deficit in half.

However, Canada’s momentum was hurt by a Drouin illegal check to the head minor that also cost him an extra 10. Following a sprawling save by Fucale, Sabres’ prospect Rasmus Ristolainen converted to restore a two-goal lead for Finland. Carefully opting to defend, they let Canada get plenty of attack time. However, they couldn’t beat Juuse Saros, who had help from a maze of defenders.

With a desperate opponent pinching, eventually they caught Canada allowing Julius Honka to get behind for a break. With Honka indicating he injured his hand, the Finns sent out the more dangerous Teravainen. The controversial move led to the gifted Blackhawks’ prospect beating Fucale with a backhand deke upstairs. He added an empty netter for good measure.

It dealt former Devils’ coach Brent Sutter his first regulation loss in WJC play dating back to when he coached Canada to gold in 2005-06. For a second straight year, Canada will play Russia for bronze. Last year, Russia prevailed.

Posted in Prospect Watch, WJC | Leave a comment

Video: Patrick Sharp hat trick

Posted on January 4, 2014 by Derek

During last night’s Devils’ 5-3 defeat to the defending champion Blackhawks, Chicago forward Patrick Sharp recorded his second hat trick in five games. Nothing can stop the 32-year old lately. He’s been on a tear scoring 14 goals and seven assists over his last 13 games.

Now tied with Hart candidate Patrick Kane for first on the Hawks in goals (25), he is on pace for a career season. In nine seasons with Chicago, Sharp is a three-time 30-goal scorer notching a career best 36 in ’07-08. He’s scored at least 20 or better in seven of the last eight. Last year’s lockout shortened season was the exception with him netting just six in 28 games. However, he had 10 in the playoffs to help his team win a second Cup in four years.

“I don’t know numbers-wise,” Sharp said regarding the recent hot streak. “I think I’ve felt like this a few times in my career. It’s the result of the good players I’m out there with making good plays, and all the hard work you put in as an individual. It’s a good run for our team, it’s a good run for me, and hopefully we can keep it going.”

Making it extra special, he turned the trick against Devils legend Martin Brodeur. Sharp beat him once in the first with a laser top shelf and then added two more in a wild third that saw the teams combine for six goals. During a three-goal Hawks explosion, he scored from an almost impossible angle making it 4-1. But Marek Zidlicky tallied twice to pull the Newark hosts within 4-3. They came close to tying it before Sharp erased any doubt by breaking away from Jon Merrill and deking a sliding Brodeur who missed the poke check.

“It’s fun to play against a guy like Marty Brodeur, arguably the best goaltender of all-time,” he added. “You see guys like that on the ice, Jaromir Jagr as well, it’s crazy to line up against those guys.”

What makes Sharp’s story so special is that it didn’t happen right away. Selected by the Flyers in the third round of the ’01 Draft (95th overall), he spent two years with the University Of Vermont before turning pro in ’02-03. After spending a couple of seasons with the Phantoms, he debuted with Philadelphia during ’03-04 tallying five goals and two assists in 41 games. In the lockout year of ’04-05, he posted AHL bests in goals (23), assists (29) and points (52).

But after posting five goals and three helpers in 22 contests, the Flyers dealt him to the Hawks on Dec. 5, 2005. He was traded with Eric Meloche to Chicago for Matt Ellison and an ’06 third round selection (Ryan White). After finishing ’05-06 with nine goals and 14 assists totaling 23 points in 50 games with his new team, he followed it up by scoring 20 with 15 helpers for 35 points. That included three shorthanded goals. Moved into a higher role, he erupted for 36 goals, 26 assists, 62 points, a plus-23 rating with nine power play goals, seven shorthanded goals and seven game-winners. Quite a fantasy year.

You wonder why the Flyers gave up on him. Ellison played seven games for them and registered one assist. His NHL career totals are 43 games and 14 points. White was moved in draft pick swap in ’06 to Montreal for the rights to Jonathan Matsumoto and Jakub Kovar. Matsumoto never played for the Flyers and Kovar spent the past three seasons home in the Czech Republic and currently plays for Yekaterinburg Automobolist of the KHL.

It’s one of the most lopsided trades in recent memory. A Sharp attack that keeps haunting the Flyers.

Posted in NHL, Video Of Day | 2 Comments

Dorsett lost for six weeks

Posted on January 4, 2014 by Derek
Derek Dorsett is pumped after his tying goal in the second of a Rangers' 4-3 win over the Panthers. AP Photo/John Minchillo

Derek Dorsett is expected to miss four to six weeks after breaking a fibula.
AP Photo/John Minchillo

During the first period, Derek Dorsett was injured after sliding to block a shot during a Penguins power play. At the time, it didn’t look good. Somehow, he stayed out for the conclusion of the penalty kill shift. Hockey players are blood and guts. And Dorsett was one of the few Rangers to show a pulse even bugging Marc-Andre Fleury.

Unfortunately, his effort resulted in a painful injury that will require four to six weeks to recover. Dorsett suffered a broken fibula. A valuable energy guy who’s become a fixture on the penalty kill will be missed. Even if he doesn’t put up many points, having an effort guy who hustles is always an important part of a team. Especially one as paper soft as the Blueshirts.

With Dorsett on the mend, expect J.T. Miller to dress for Saturday’s Hockey Night In Canada showdown at Toronto. As was noted by coach Alain Vigneault prior to last night, Miller did nothing wrong. It was strictly a numbers game with Ryan Callahan returning. Look for the 2011 first round pick to get valuable experience. It’s better than sending him back to Hartford where he’s dominated.

Posted in Battle News, NY Rangers | Leave a comment

A New Year’s Debacle

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Derek
Excited Pens celebrate a goal in an easy win over the listless Rangers. Getty Images/Canadian Press

Excited Pens celebrate a goal in an easy win over the listless Rangers.
Getty Images/Canadian Press

Halfway through the 82-game schedule, I was ready to give the Rangers a reprieve. Figuring our best players couldn’t be possibly worse, it had to go up. Following two consecutive wins, they stepped up in class and visited the Penguins at First Consol Energy Center. It wasn’t a pretty sight. Looking hung over, they mailed it in with a listless performance in a 5-2 loss that was much wider than the final margin.

Speaking of which, I feel like mailing in my recap. 😛 But I digress. If that’s the kind of effort they’re going to put into it, what’s the point? Why go through the trouble of blogging about this shameless team? That crappy MSG slogan #ItsDifferentHere sounds vaguely familiar to a similar one they came up with the year they brought in Bobby Holik. Remember those days? Exactly.

This team is a collective embarrassment. On the night Ryan Callahan works so hard to comeback, they give you a stinker. Why does the captain even hustle to get back to such a lifeless unit? It’s broken. Everything John Tortorella did has been destroyed. I’m not throwing the blame directly at Alain Vigneault. They play so passionless that it reflects poorly on the well mannered French Canadian speaking coach. Need I remind you his last two Canucks teams gave up. In fact, they lost 10 of their last 11 postseason games dating back to the 2011 Stanley Cup conclusion against the Bruins. That and not the Cup appearance is what those teams will be remembered for.

I don’t even feel like doing a goal by goal breakdown. What’s the point? There’s no point fooling ourselves into thinking this team will turn it around. You know who I pin most of the blame on. The goalie. Henrik Lundqvist wanted a change and management caved. He opened his mouth and that was enough. Even if more key players wanted a new voice in the locker room, Hank is the one with some pull. What never made sense is Glen Sather waiting until mid-December to give him his extension. He even screwed that up waiting for Vigneault to create odd questions pertaining to Cam Talbot, who even after Lundqvist got his big deal started three in a row before they went back to Hank.

More than anyone, Lundqvist wanted a more wide open style without realizing that the personnel wasn’t cut out for it. What we continue to get is numerous breakdowns and substandard goaltending from the anointed “King.” He entered with a 2.70 GAA and .908 save percentage. It couldn’t possibly get worse, right? Wrong. At some point, you expect an elite goalie to clean up his teammates messes. By allowing the Pens’ second goal to an unchecked Jussi Jokinen with Benoit Pouliot watching, the roof caved in. It isn’t so much that it was a bad goal but for Lundqvist to not even be set was sheer laziness. Especially against a dangerous opponent capable of erupting.

Before you knew it, it was 4-0 Pens after two. The game was over. By that point, we switched to a more competitive Hawks/Devils which showed a rival that fought to the bitter end before Patrick Sharp sealed it with his hat trick. Sure. Mats Zuccarello scored and set up Ryan McDonagh suddenly cutting it to 4-2 with 8:07 left. But any false hope was erased 61 seconds later by Chris Kunitz because our goalie never comes up with the big save. Don’t worry. Win or lose, Hank will get his money for a long time. A King who was outclassed by ageless wonder Martin Brodeur.

Most humiliating was the lack of guts. Nobody stood up for McDonagh or Dan Girardi following tough hits. And McDonagh had to deal with the ever loathsome Sidney Crosby after he finished a clean check. Want the biggest difference between these franchises? Following a scrum, Crosby went out of his way to shove Derick Brassard away from Marc-Andre Fleury’s crease. When’s the last time a Ranger did that for Lundqvist? They’re too busy lying down or not bothering to take the man in front. Maybe they can blame Mike Del Zotto. Or tease another John Moore Beginnings. Or perhaps point to The Lounges. Anything for a spin.

That’s what it’s become. Clown management. It took a while for it to come full circle. I’m most looking forward to the Stadium Series in freezing temps at Yankee Stadium. Then the Olympics will be a nice distraction. After that, I don’t care what happens with this team. If they get eliminated from playoff contention, that’s fine with me. It needs to be dismantled. Here’s to the Draft.

Posted in NY Rangers | Leave a comment

Devils skid off the road against Hawks

Posted on January 3, 2014 by hasan4978

The Hawks’ Patrick Sharp celebrates a hat trick

For forty minutes tonight looked like a classic game between the Devils and the defending Stanley Cup champs with momentum shifts both ways, great saves and up-and-down play.  Unfortunately the Hawks shifted into another gear in the third period, that coupled with some shaky defense and goaltending and voila – you have four goals given up in the final twenty minutes of a 5-3 loss.  Tonight was a classic case of arguing whether the glass is half-full or half-empty, as there were both positives and negatives to come out of tonight’s game.  Ultimately a loss is a loss, and another opportunity to put together an actual winning streak (the Devils had won their prior two games before tonight) went by the boards.  Still, the Devils are a borderline playoff team and the Hawks are the best team in the league who just whipped us ten days ago in Chicago.  You couldn’t reasonably expect a win.

Yet, the opportunity was there to win the game after the teams came out of an even first forty minutes tied at one.  In hindsight, missed opportunities by Stephen Gionta (who was actually one of the two or three best Devils in the game) and Travis Zajac on breakaways in the second period would come back to haunt the team.  On the other hand, after a dominant first ten minutes from the Hawks that saw them get two power plays and the game’s first six shots, it looked like this would be another long night like the 5-2 drubbing in Chi-town just before Christmas.  Surprisingly, the game was still a scoreless tie when the Devils killed off those penalties and responded with a strong final ten minutes in the first.

Chicago came out rolling in the first couple minutes of the second and took advantage of a horrific turnover by Eric Gelinas when Patrick Sharp scored on a wrist shot around traffic and over the glove of Martin Brodeur at 1:34.  Amazingly, the Devils struck back just forty-three seconds later when Gionta sprung Andy Greene on a breakaway and the defenseman patiently put the puck past Antti Raanta for his seventh of the season, tying the game.  On went the ebb and flow, though there were no further goals I was generally happy with the first forty minutes all told.

Within the first 5:34 of the third period all that went out the window and showing off their talent, the Hawks quickly blew up the game.  Brandon Saad‘s goal after ninety seconds was scored after a fortunate series of bounces from an innocous Patrick Kane shot that bounced off Marek Zidlicky and then off Saad past Brodeur to give the Hawks the lead.  Just seventy-four seconds later came arguably a back-breaking goal from Sharp, who beat Brodeur near-side with an unscreened wrister off the boards.  After a Michael Ryder turnover, the Hawks turned it into the third goal of the period with a bang-bang transition game resulting in a Marian Hossa wrister that seemed to settle the issue.  It would have been a shame to have the game end like that after the first forty minutes but I definitely had the sense of ‘oh well, they were just toying with us the first two periods and now the monster is out of the cage’.

While the monster may have been out of the cage, the Devils have shown that for all their ills they won’t give up on a game.  Even without Patrik Elias in the lineup (slated to miss at least two games after getting wasted by Tanner Glass on New Year’s Eve), the Devils fought back.  It was Zidlicky and our fourth line (not CBGB, which was essentially the third line tonight) which put a pulse back in the game, when Reid Boucher caused a turnover by the boards, and Andrei Loiktionov found a wide open Zidlicky streaking to the net.  Zidlicky beat Raanta with a wrister at 7:09.  Taking the initiative once again, it would be Gionta who drew his second penalty of the night, a hooking call on Patrick Kane.  While the Devils’ power play had been powerless to do anything against the Hawks’ penalty kill in their previous five chances, they finally connected at this juncture when Jaromir Jagr and Eric Gelinas began a nice tic-tac-toe play which ended with Zidlicky taking the pass off his skate and calmly settling the puck and firing in his second goal of the period and seventh of the season at 13:37 to pull the Devils within one.

Admittedly I’d kidded around with the guy next to me after Zidlicky’s first goal saying ‘here comes the futile comeback’…but when you’re within a goal for five minutes, you have a chance.  Indeed we did have a chance, until Sharp got a final, fatal breakaway.  Brodeur committed to a blind, kamikaze pokecheck too soon, Sharp skated around him and put it into an open net to seal the game up with eighty-eight seconds left – completing a hat trick to boot.  Showing a presence at the Prudential Center, the Hawk fans in attendance began throwing a decent number of hats onto the ice to commemorate the dirty deed.

Perhaps the best news for the Devils is that they have an opportunity to get back on the beam in Buffalo tomorrow night, although those games are never easy.  Certainly not as easy as they ‘should’ be, given the Sabres’ record.  Still, if you’re going to be a playoff team you have to start making hay with what’s coming up – after tomorrow’s game comes three winnable home games against the Flyers, Stars (though they’re off to a surprisingly strong start under Lindy Ruff) and Senators before the Devils conclude January with seven out of ten road games, plus one ‘home’ game at Yankee Stadium in the first of two local Stadium Series outdoor games.  Certainly for Cory Schnieder tomorrow presents another opportunity to not only state his case to play more games in goal, but also to feel better about his contribution to the team with just five wins in his first eighteen games as a Devil.  I’d like to harp on the positive and say tonight was two steps forward from our prior game against the Hawks and the Devils are playing better, but let’s face it, losing tomorrow night blows up all the progress we’ve made since Christmas.

Posted in Devils | 1 Comment

Video: Rangers sign Anthony Duclair

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Derek

Earlier today, the Rangers agreed to terms on an entry level deal with prospect Anthony Duclair. Taken in the third round 80th overall of last year’s entry draft, the 18-year old forward has starred for the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

In his third season, he’s posted 31 goals and 26 assists totaling 57 points in 37 games. Duclair is tied for third in the QMJHL in points (57) and game-winners (5). His 31 goals also rank third. Named the league’s Second Star for December, he tallied nine goals and 13 helpers for 22 points in 10 contests.

In assessing Duclair, he’s not big in stature. Listed at 5-11, 184 pound forward is a native of Quebec City. From video packages provided by NYR Blog’s Adam Herman, he’s very shifty and has good finishing ability. I went with a Super Series game against Russia. In the above video, he scores the game-winner on Nov. 20 by getting to a loose puck in front and backhanding it past the goalie. Against stronger competition, it shows he’s willing to score a garbage goal. That’s the kind he’ll have to once he matures.

It should also be noted that the QMJHL is a high scoring league with little defense. Herman’s videos did nothing to alter that view. For a good comparable, the league’s leading scorer is noted Canadian standout Anthony Mantha. After getting selected in the first round 20th overall by the Red Wings, he’s tearing it up with 35 goals and 38 assists for 73 points in just 32 games. Mantha has carried over that to the WJC where he’s tied with Nashville Swedish prospect Filip Forsberg for the tournament lead with 11 points (5-6-11). The difference with Mantha is he’s 6-5, 204. A beast who projects as a power forward. It doesn’t mean Duclair won’t be successful. But it’ll get more challenging.

Given the lack of scoring prospects in the Rangers system, one can only hope he’ll develop into one. Encouraging is that he already knows how to finish and has scorer’s instincts. Given the time it’s taking Reid Boucher for the Devils after making the jump, patience will be the key.

Posted in Battle News, NY Rangers, Prospect Watch | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

NHL suspends Derek MacKenzie 3 games

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Derek

The latest suspension victim is Blue Jackets forward Derek MacKenzie. The gritty winger boarded Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson from behind during last night’s game won by Columbus 2-0.

Despite no previous history, MacKenzie gets three games for injuring Ekman-Larsson with a dangerous hit from behind. It was reckless and was an easy call for the NHL Department Of Player Safety. We always emphasize wanting to see them send messages. Certain hits don’t belong in the game.

MacKenzie’s was one we still see too much of. A player using his momentum at a high speed and not letting up. Ekman-Larsson was defenseless. He was simply chipping a puck in and had no time to react. MacKenzie sits out the next three games.

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Callahan returns, Miller scratched

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Derek

Chicago Blackhawks v New York Rangers

The Rangers visit the Penguins tonight in the fourth of a five-game road trip that concludes tomorrow in Toronto. They’ll have captain Ryan Callahan back. After missing nine games, he returns from his latest injury. Fully recovered from a left MCL sprain, Callahan will replace J.T. Miller in the lineup.

Despite playing well, Miller became part of a numbers game according to coach Alain Vigneault. Callahan slides into his spot on a third line with Derick Brassard and Benoit Pouliot. Miller did nothing wrong. But Pouliot’s reemergence combined with what Vigneault cited as an effective fourth line forces him out. That fourth line includes penalty killing trio Brian Boyle, Derek Dorsett and Dominic Moore. Since being put together, they’ve provided energy. With Boyle and Moore Vigneault’s best on faceoffs, it’s understandable. You need them for key draws in the defensive zone and at the start of penalty kills.

It’ll be interesting to see what the organization does with Miller. The Wolf Pack play tonight and tomorrow against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Worcester. Danny Kristo continues to lead them in scoring with 22 points (12-10-22). Oscar Lindberg has 15 points and Marek Hrivik has 11. Jesper Fast is 2-4-6 in 8 GP. For now, Miller is the Rangers’ extra forward. In eight games with Hartford, he dominated scoring seven goals and two assists. There’s not much point of sending him down unless it’s to get game action. Much depends on what happens with the big club.

As for Callahan, who knows what to expect. He’s already missed 17 games in a contract year. The hardnosed style he plays leaves him vulnerable to injuries. The popular 28-year old Rochester native can test the market this summer. He earns $4.875 million in the final year of his contract. Captain Cally is the glue of the team. New Yorkers identify with his balls out style. It’s hard to envision a Ranger team without him. My guess is Glen Sather will bite hard and reward him with a long-term deal in excess of $5 million per season. If he doesn’t, the Sabres will be one of many that come calling.

That character is why he’s part of Team USA for a second straight Olympics. Callahan was an integral part of the Americans’ silver medal in Vancouver. He’s perfect because of his temperament. He doesn’t need to play a big role. Similar to former Rangers captain Chris Drury, he’s team first. That’s why Vigneault doesn’t have to tweak his lines opting to stick him with Brassard and Pouliot. That could be a good third line. Especially if both continue their upswing.

For the season, Callahan has seven goals and six assists over 24 contests. He’ll want to improve on those totals along with a minus-six rating. Even better, he is one of our top penalty killers. Depending on how much Vigneault uses him, he can easily slide next to Derek Stepan. They’ve been a fixture and probably will work together for the stars and stripes under Dan Bylsma. He also is a net presence and has scored four of his six on the power play. It’ll be interesting to see which unit he plays on.

The Rangers are currently tied with the Devils for fourth in the Metro Division with 42 points. They caught a break when the red hot Flyers were cooled off by the Avs last night. Philadelphia is locked into third with 44. The Caps sit second with 46. The Pens lead with 59. With the Islanders on a three-game win streak and the Blue Jackets winning in Nathan Horton’s season debut and the return of Sergei Bobrovsky, it’s important for the Blueshirts to keep pace. The Devils host the Blackhawks.

Henrik Lundqvist makes his third consecutive start. Here’s a chance for him to start the second half the right way. By staying hot against one of the league’s best. The Pens will skate without Evgeni Malkin or Kris Letang. However, that doesn’t matter. Sidney Crosby leads a strong offense that still features Team Canada Olympic candidate Chris Kunitz, James Neal and Jussi Jokinen. In a shootout win at MSG last month, Brandon Sutter beat Lundqvist twice including in the skill competition.

In a subplot, Taylor Pyatt will debut for the Pens. It should be interesting.

Posted in Battle News, NY Rangers | Leave a comment

Okposo Statement Made

Posted on January 2, 2014 by Derek
Thomas Vanek steers in a rebound as snubbed American linemate Kyle Okposo looks on. Getty Images/Kathy Kmonicek

Thomas Vanek steers in a rebound as snubbed American linemate Kyle Okposo looks on.
Getty Images/Kathy Kmonicek

There are statements and then there are STATEMENTS. Judging by Kyle Okposo’s response to being left off Team USA, he sent a loud message to David Poile and Dan Bylsma. They may have made a mistake. Whether that proves to be true remains to be seen. American hockey fans won’t get the answer until next month in Sochi.

For at least one night, Okposo got a hero’s spotlight by scoring the overtime winner at 58 seconds highlighting the Islanders’ 3-2 win over the Blackhawks at Nassau Coliseum. A fitting conclusion to a great game. It was their third consecutive victory. The last two have come over last year’s Stanley Cup finalists. On the heels of a four-point game for star John Tavares in a road win over the Bruins, they started 2014 off the right way by defeating the defending champs.

It was an entertaining game that saw both teams skate up and down the ice. A wide open affair that forced each goalie to be on their toes. Evgeni Nabokov was sensational for the Islanders finishing with 37 saves. In his return, Corey Crawford was just as brilliant turning in 31. There were no easy stops on a snowy January night on Long Island.

Despite Chicago controlling much of the first, Casey Cizikas scored the lone goal. The Blackhawks got tons of pressure outshooting the Islanders 12-5 but couldn’t beat a razor sharp Nabokov. It was a sloppy turnover that resulted in Cizikas beating Crawford on a breakaway for his fifth. Bryan Bickell fumbled a Johnny Oduya outlet allowing Cizikas to get behind and go forehand deke for the opening goal.

Following a couple of strong early shifts in the second, the Islanders responded with some strong play in the Hawks’ end. The hard work paid dividends when Thomas Vanek slammed home a rebound for his 14th to increase to 2-0. Okposo was in front and got a piece of an Andrew MacDonald rebound with his skate freeing the puck to Vanek.

Chicago started to come in waves. MVP candidate Patrick Kane hit the post and also had another shot redirect off the crossbar. The Hawks finally got a power play when Matt Carkner was sent off for a trip late in the stanza. It didn’t take long for them to cash in with Brent Seabrook one-timing a Kris Versteeg diagonal feed through a sliding Nabokov’s five-hole, cutting it to 2-1 with 1:24 left.

Put on a power play with 25 seconds remaining, the Isles failed to capitalize. Instead, a desperate Blackhawks killed Patrick Sharp’s cross-checking minor and got the game tied. Ironically, it was Sharp, who came out of the box that set up Ben Smith’s tying goal at 1:50 of the third. He snuck in from behind the boards and forced Nabokov to kick out a rebound of a stuff attempt. The puck came to Smith, who buried it his fifth to strong support from a Hawk contingent.

Despite blowing a two-goal lead, the Islanders didn’t fold. They kept attacking and easily could’ve won it in regulation. One opportunity saw Okposo dangle around Hawk defenders but pass up a chance to shoot centering for a covered Tavares. A bit later, he had Tavares open on a two on one but the Islander captain pushed the puck back into Crawford. All night, the storyline had been about how Okposo didn’t make Team USA. He was one of a select few who were snubbed. In the final minute, Crawford robbed him.

It was all the more appropriate that in the first shift of OT, Okposo sent Islander fans home happy. With Tavares in shooting position, he drew Duncan Keith and Sharp. His shot was blocked caroming to an isolated Okposo for the game clincher. He celebrated by leaping into the boards and was greeted by chants of, “USA, USA, USA!” Everyone knew how much it meant to him. Fitting he’d win it when he was the best Islander forward.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Andrew MacDonald, NYI (2 assists, 5 blocked shots, +2 in 24:31)

2nd Star-Evgeni Nabokov, NYI (37 saves incl. 12/13 in 3rd)

1st Star-Kyle Okposo, NYI (OT winner at 58 seconds-16th, assist-26th, +2 in 19:43)

Posted in NY Islanders | Leave a comment

NY Puck Poll: Should The Rangers Claim Zenon Konopka?

Posted on January 2, 2014 by Derek

Today’s NY Puck Poll is inspired by an interesting Twitter debate. The Wild have waived forward Zenon Konopka. The 33-year old vet is a solid faceoff guy who can drop the gloves.

Outside of middleweight Derek Dorsett, the Rangers lack toughness. However, is it worth putting in a claim for another older player who basically does the same thing as Brian Boyle? Boyle can’t fight but is a good big body who wins draws and kills penalties. Complicating matters, they also have Dominic Moore. How many checking forwards do they need?

While Konopka could fill a role as an enforcer, that’s not the biggest issue with this team. It’s their inability to score consistently along with down seasons from Henrik Lundqvist and Dan Girardi that have them on the outside of the playoffs halfway through. With Girardi redeeming himself and Lundqvist stopping all three shooters in the club’s 2-1 shootout win over the Panthers on New Year’s Eve, both are capable of turning it around. Most encouraging, Hank’s won two straight starts entering tomorrow’s big test against the Pens. He’s the biggest key to the second half.

As for the offense, the coaching staff has to be encouraged by the improvement of Derick Brassard and Benoit Pouliot. Since Vigneault changed his lines, it’s sparked both. Carl Hagelin is also playing better. When the Rangers are right, all four lines are contributing. They’ve also gotten good energy out of the fourth line which includes both Boyle and Moore along with Dorsett. Where does Konopka fit?

Besides, with Ryan Callahan close to returning, the Rangers should get a boost. The biggest question is who comes out. J.T. Miller has looked good since his recall. He’s one of the few players on the roster who goes to the dirty areas and bangs. You can make an argument they’re a more effective team with Miller. Hopefully, he won’t get penalized.

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