Olympic Hockey In Sochi Preview: Part I

Posted on February 11, 2014 by Derek

The anticipation is building. Less than 24 hours from now, men’s Olympic hockey gets going in Sochi, Russia. The possibilities are endless. In total, 12 countries will participate with dreams of gold. Canada aims to defend their big win in Vancouver on an international surface which can alter the way North American teams play. In 2010, a more familiar smaller rink benefited Canada and silver medal runner-up Team USA. A memorable gold medal match that featured then Devil Zach Parise forcing overtime before Sidney Crosby won it in dramatic fashion.

Those hoping for a repeat could come away disappointed. Of course, Canada is loaded front and center with Crosby, Jonathan Toews, Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Patrick Marleau, Martin St. Louis, John Tavares, Patrick Sharp, Shea Weber, P.K. Subban, Duncan Keith and Alex Pietrangelo. If there is a question, it remains in net with Roberto Luongo and Carey Price vying for the top spot. Team USA will have familiar face Ryan Miller, who could be behind Jonathan Quick. The Americans have a strong squad that includes captain Parise, Patrick Kane, Phil Kessel, James van Riemsdyk, Joe Pavelski, T.J. Oshie, Ryan Kesler, Ryan Suter, Ryan McDonagh, Kevin Shattenkirk and Cam Fowler. McDonagh is joined by Ranger teammates Ryan Callahan and Derek Stepan. If you’re looking for a local story, John Carlson played high school hockey in New Jersey. So did Van Riemsdyk.

When it comes to the bigger ice surface, that can aid great skating teams such as host Russia and 2006 gold medal winner Sweden. It’s no secret that both boast talented rosters who can fly. There should be plenty of transition and exciting rushes. While many experts like Sweden due to Henrik Lundqvist regaining form, the Russians will reunite Ilya Kovalchuk with Pavel Datsyuk and Alex Ovechkin. A potent trio that should do damage. Even in a down year, Evgeni Malkin ranks 10th in NHL scoring with 58 points. The feisty Russian has battled injuries. He plays with a nastiness Russia might need. The question for the hosts are how will a mixed roster of NHL and KHLers come together? It didn’t pan out four years ago. Former Predator Alexander Radulov headlines a KHL list that includes Viktor Tikhonov, Alexei Tereshenko, Denis Kokarev and Alexander Popov. Ex-Ranger Artem Anisimov is also up front with Stars rookie Valeri Nichushkin and the Blues’ Vladimir Tarashenko. Andrei Markov and Fedor Tyutin anchor a D that includes Alexei Emelin, Anton Belov, Slava Voynov and prospect Evgeny Medvedev. They boast Vezina winner Sergei Bobrovsky in net and Semyon Varlamov.

As for Sweden, they’ll be minus Henrik Sedin. That means twin brother Daniel Sedin will be separated from his sidekick. However, one look at a roster that features Nicklas Backstrom, Daniel Alfredsson, Henrik Zetterberg, Gabe Landeskog, Alex Steen, Patrik Berglund, Marcus Johansson and Loui Eriksson is enough to make you drool. With Lundqvist in net joined by checker Carl Hagelin, there’s a lot to like. Oliver-Ekman Larsson anchors the blueline with dangerous rover Erik Karlsson. Alex Edler is finally healthy which could only help. Niklas Kronwall and Niklas Hjalmarsson are stalwarts. On paper, this is a gold medal roster even without Henrik Sedin. It all hinges on Lundqvist, who’s come in playing his best hockey. Jonas Gustavsson and Buffalo backup Jhonas Enroth are the second and third options.

Another squad that should be good is Finland. In what’s Teemu Selanne’s final season, he gets to participate in a record sixth Olympics. He also took part in ’92, ’98, ’02, ’06 and ’10. Amazingly, the 43-year old has come full circle 22 years after debuting in Albertville with a tournament leading seven goals. He won’t be teamed with Saku Koivu, who is resting. The Finns have also lost Saku’s brother Mikko Koivu due to injury. It’ll be up to a core that includes Mikael Granlund, Jussi Jokinen, Olli Jokinen, Florida rookie Aleksander Barkov, former Ranger Lauri Korpikoski and Tuomu Ruutu. There’s enough experience and intelligence for them to remain competitive due to the tenacious checking style they employ. Tuukka Rask is as good as any goalie and can certainly get hot. Antti Niemi is capable of starting and Kari Lehtonen is third string despite having Dallas in wildcard position. Kimmo Timonen and Sami Salo are the vets on the back end. Ossi Vaananen is underrated defensively while Pens’ rookie Olli Maatta is a star in the making. Can the 19-year old do it on the world stage? The losses of the Koivu brothers and Valtteri Filppula will be felt. Don’t discount Suomi.

If ever there is a player you’re rooting for, it’s Jaromir Jagr. One final time, one of the game’s all-time greats laces ’em up for The Czech Republic. Jagr continues to defy logic leading the Devils in scoring with 49 points. All the more amazing is his plus/minus (21). He only needs three more goals for 20. Something he’s done forever. Number 68 is a wonder who has two Stanley Cups, a Hart Trophy and Olympic Gold teaming with Dominik Hasek to win the ’98 Nagano Games. For one more time, we get to see Jagr in the Olympics. We should count our blessings. Despite the Czechs not having the strongest roster, at least he gets to team with Devil teammate Patrik Elias, who’s always been a treat to watch. The franchise leading scorer is like an artist. In actuality, both are. Jagr being Picasso while Elias is Renoir. Ironically, Petr Nedved is still playing and will be on a roster that also features underrated Bruins’ Cup champ David Krejci, Tomas Plekanec and Martin Hanzal. All overlooked two-way pivots that can produce at both ends. They’ll win faceoffs which should aid in puck possession. Especially when you have Jagr and Elias. Jakub Voracek is a finisher and Alex Hemsky usually raises his level. Keep an eye on Roman Cervenka. A dangerous playmaker. It really is all about the forwards with Ondrej Palat and Vladimir Sobotka supplying depth. Devil Marek Zidlicky anchors a shaky D that still includes Tomas Kaberle and Lukas Krajicek. Radko Gudkas and Ladislav Smid are probably the best defensively who play physical. Can they make noise with Winnipeg’s Ondrej Pavelec in net? Alexander Salak backs up.

We’ll look at the other countries in our next post.

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Rangers close Olympic break in second

Posted on February 9, 2014 by Derek
Benoit Pouliot (center) is congratulated by Mats Zuccarello (left) and Anton Stralman (right) following his goal. Getty Images/Gene J. Buskar

Benoit Pouliot (center) is congratulated by Mats Zuccarello (left) and Anton Stralman (right) following his goal.
Getty Images/Gene J. Buskar

At times, it’s been an unpredictable season for the Rangers. Perhaps that should’ve been expected with new bench boss Alain Vigneault taking over. Despite first half struggles, they have overcome a rough start and find themselves second in the Metro Division at the Olympic break.

Getting an emotional bounce back win at Eastern Conference leader Pittsburgh was huge. They had been playing excellent hockey before a season best four-game win streak was snapped by of all teams, Edmonton. The Oilers got a late goal from Nail Yakupov to win 2-1 at MSG. It would’ve been easy for them to drop the final two games before Sochi. Especially against the Pens. Instead, they emerged victorious with a 4-3 shootout win in enemy territory to remain in front of the Flyers by a point for second. Each club has 23 games remaining. Our team is 32-24-3 with 67 points. They also hold the all important first tiebreaker with 28 regulation and overtime wins. The Flyers have 27.

With everyone racking up points, it was crucial for the Blueshirts to get a victory against a top team. Three different times, they blew one-goal leads against the Pens. That included James Neal’s tying marker that forced overtime. Luckily, they didn’t lose in OT controlled by Pittsburgh. Henrik Lundqvist made 26 saves and then outdueled Marc-Andre Fleury in four rounds to end the Pens’ shootout mastery at nine. Brad Richards beat Fleury in Round Four allowing teammates to be all smiles.

It’s the kind of character building win that should benefit them the rest of the way. Of course, the two-week break comes at an inconvenient time. But as Vigneault has repeatedly said, it’s the same for all 30 teams. There will be many players in Russia taking part in the Winter Games. Olympic hockey starts Wednesday. That doesn’t give Lundqvist, Carl Hagelin, Rick Nash, Ryan Callahan, Ryan McDonagh, Derek Stepan and Mats Zuccarello much time.

Most notably, the team has played itself into playoff position. At 67 points, they’re second with the Flyers third. The top three in each division automatically qualify. The Metro is far from decided with the Blue Jackets and Capitals each having 63 while the Hurricanes and Devils are tied with 61. Six total points separates second from seventh. Only the Islanders are in dire straits sitting last with 52.

The best aspect for our team is they’ve managed to find the right balance. While no Ranger is even close to the league scoring leaders, they boast nine different players who have at least 10 goals. Nash leads them with 18 followed by Richards and Zuccarello (15 each), Chris Kreider (13), Hagelin (12), Callahan, Derick Brassard and Benoit Pouliot (11 apiece) followed by Stepan (10).

Six Blueshirts have registered at least 30 points including team leader Zuccarello (43), Richards (42), Stepan (35), Brassard (34) followed by McDonagh and Kreider (30 each). Unlike John Tortorella’s teams, this one is a total unit from top to bottom. That isn’t as much a criticism as it is a difference in philosophy. Under the leadership of Vigneault and key assistant Scott Arniel, they have a dependable power play that’s ranked ninth (20.1 percent) which allows them to breathe. There isn’t as much pressure to score at even strength.

With Vigneault able to settle on four lines and three defense pairs, it’s given the team consistency. Five on five, the third line of Brassard, Pouliot and Zuccarello have been the catalyst. In many ways, they’re the top line who have the most cohesiveness. Their ability to combine speed in transition along with strong forechecking has made them a go to line. Where would they be without Zuccarello? The Norwegian dynamo has been brilliant since a benching in Detroit. Ironically, that was the first turning point. For Pouliot, it took longer with a healthy scratch finally awakening the former first round pick. He’s been a different player as has Brassard since Vigneault put the trio together.

For a stretch in January, Nash carried the load with Stepan and Kreider. They cooled off the final week and will have to rediscover the mojo when play resumes. Perhaps the Olympics will get Nash and Stepan back on track. Kreider can use the time off as he had gone cold with no points over his last seven. Outside of a three-point effort (1-2-3) in a win over the Islanders, he’s without a point in 11 of the last 12. Perhaps the rookie has hit a wall. It’s affected his defensive play with him blowing coverage that led to goals against.

Vigneault has also kept Richards intact with Hagelin and Callahan. They were coming on at the break. Hagelin had been more noticeable on the cycle and Callahan silenced trade rumors with a two-goal, assist performance in a recent win. Richards has remained consistent. For all the discussion focused on him being amnestied after the season, he’s let his play do the talking.

Another bright spot has been the emergence of the fourth line. Following Daniel Carcillo’s addition, that line featuring Brian Boyle and Dominic Moore have been reliable enough for Vigneault to send them out without hesitation. A stark contrast from Tortorella. Both Boyle and Moore are solid faceoff men who are integral parts of the penalty kill. Carcillo has done nothing but add a physical element providing energy. He hasn’t taken any foolish penalties and even notched the emotional winner against the Islanders in the Stadium Series. It doesn’t look like Derek Dorsett will replace him if he returns.

A balance on the back end has seen a rejuvenated Dan Girardi round into form in a contract year. Though nothing is done yet, he’s expected to re-sign. Considering what the Maple Leafs gave Dion Phaneuf, it’ll take in excess of $6 million over six years for him to stay. For now, let’s just focus on the hockey end of it. He’s more valuable to the Rangers due to his defensive commitment. There isn’t anything he won’t do to help them win. Whether it’s laying out to block a shot or diving to break up a play, he’ll do it. Finally, his offense has picked up. With four goals and 17 points, he’s even contributed on the power play netting a PPG and assist in the win over the Pens.

McDonagh has been a constant pumping in eight goals and 22 assists while continuing to excel in his end. So dependable is the young American that one day, he could become a Norris contender. For now, Mac Truck remains the club’s best defenseman. Even better, Marc Staal has rediscovered his game following setbacks. Finally playing with confidence, he’s been a stalwart while teamed with overlooked staple Anton Stralman. They’ve been a strong tandem since Tortorella put them together. Even Vigneault has noticed. So, why change what works? Early in the year when Mike Del Zotto was still here, it was more of a mix and match. With Kevin Klein settling into the third pair with John Moore, things are looking up. The only question is what if someone gets hurt. Is Justin Falk really enough? Conor Allen remains in Hartford.

Now that Lundqvist has overcome his worst stretch as a Ranger, the goaltending is as steady as ever. Especially with 26-year old rookie Cam Talbot (10 wins 1.79 GAA .935 Save Percentage) being a large contributor. Look for him to play a role down the stretch.

Overall, there’s much to like about this team. They have come together and don’t panic. Good characteristics. Though you do wonder how far they can go in the playoffs. If it ended today, they’d face the Flyers. A better offensive team with questions in net and on D. I’d take my chances. However, barring a major upset they’ll have to go through the Pens to reach the Conference Final. Right now, at least they’ve put themselves in a good spot. We’ll see where it goes from here.

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Merrill’s first NHL goal gives Devils a crucial OT win

Posted on February 8, 2014 by hasan4978

Describing last night’s game against the Oilers as a must win for the Devils wasn’t too far from the truth, considering we were five points out of a playoff spot and facing the worst team in the West at home after a three-day layoff.  Not to mention we only had four games left until the trade deadline to make up ground in the standings before Lou Lamoriello determines whether we’re a buyer or seller.  As usual nothing came easy for New Jersey last night, and also as usual we blew a lead (though this time quickly in the first period) to get taken into overtime.  However, goals from unlikely sources – rookie Jon Merrill and fourth-liner Andrei Loiktionov – and another sterling performance from Cory Schnieder eventually carried the Devils home with a 2-1 win in OT that pulled New Jersey to within three points of the Flyers for the final automatic playoff spot in the Metro.

Merrill’s overall game was both a source of pride for coach Pete DeBoer – who called the 22-year old ‘maybe the best defenseman tonight through sixty minutes’ – and consternation when he was asked a seemingly innocuous question about whether Merrill was playing it safe earlier in the season (something the rookie himself admitted to) DeBoer snapped back, ‘What do you mean safe…because he’s not going end-to-end?’ and then continued on:

“He’s here because he’s playing smart and he’s picking his spots,” DeBoer said. “He’s not playing safe. He’s a smart defenseman that is picking his spots when to move to puck, when to join the rush. That’s what being an NHL defenseman is. It’s not standing there going end to end every shift.”

Whatever the reason Merrill does have the coach’s trust, becoming one of the few younger players that hasn’t been chained to the doghouse yet under this coach although he was benched for a couple of games last month.  Still, DeBoer never gave him the Loiktionov treatment, which was another source of mini-contreversy in the postgame.  Loiktionov’s eight whole minutes of icetime was doubly puzzling because he scored the Devils’ only goal in regulation – although it took an earth-shattering occurence of Bryce Salvador actually making a nice feed to the open Russian in front for an easy tap-in goal.  Of course his time on the ‘first’ line didn’t last too much longer after that, and DeBoer even had Stephen Gionta centering Jaromir Jagr and Patrik Elias at different times during the game.

Predictably the Devils struggled to score again in spite of the line shifts and machinations, but the one positive constant in the last month has been Schnieder.  If anything’s become obvious these last few weeks, it’s that if the Devils are going to make the playoffs it’s going to be on the back of #35.  With no offense up front outside of an increasingly testy Jagr, and diminishing options on the blueline without Eric Gelinas, the offense isn’t going to win too many games without good goaltending.  For the second consecutive weekend Cory’s starting both ends of a back-to-back, ending any debate on who the #1 is right now.  Not only is he getting most of the starts, but he’s making the most out of them going 7-2-4 in his last 13 games with a 1.43 GAA and .945 save percentage.  Although he earned the game’s second star last night behind Merrill, in many ways he probably had an underrated performance.  Though he didn’t face a lot of shots early, he was forced to make some beauts on one-timers by Sam Gagner and Andrew Ference in the first period before Loiktionov broke the ice and got the Devils on the board against old buddy Ilya Bryzgalov.

Cory’s only blemish last night could hardly be blamed on him as Andy Greene got caught up ice leading to a 2-on-1 the other way, with Nail Yakupov sneaking a pass underneath the stick of Mark Fayne for an easy tap-in goal by Taylor Hall.  Hall’s goal came just twenty-nine seconds after Loiktonov’s goal at 11:01 of the first.  So at least they didn’t wait until the final minute to blow a lead last night.  In fact those two goals would be the only ones of regulation though the Devils hit two more posts last night, bringing their total to five for the week – with another game left in Washington tonight.  And Ryane Clowe shanked yet another breakaway in the second period, bringing back visions of the OT miss in Nashville, while the Devils survived some hair-raising moments of their own, particularly in the final minute where it looked like deja vu all over again with the Oilers bringing pressure.  Fortunately, the Devils did not find a way to blow both points in the final minute this time and went to OT, setting up Merrill’s winner with good boardwork from Adam Henrique to win the puck and Michael Ryder to get the puck to a wide-open Merrill, who fired a rocket past Bryzgalov showing the poise of a veteran goalscorer as opposed to a guy who hadn’t had an NHL goal in his first 30 games:

“I was just looking for an opening and Bryzgalov came out and made himself big and I knew I could beat him blocker side and I just tried to get it on net and give it a chance,” Merrill said. “Blocker side, I knew it was there, but I had to make a good shot and it beat him.”

Aside from maybe scoring it a bit sooner in his season, you couldn’t have scripted Merrill’s first NHL goal any better – a big OT winner at home that kept his team alive in the playoff hunt. Merrill became the first Devil ever to have his first goal be an OT game-winner, and the Devils became only the second team to have a pair of rookie defensemen score OT winners in the same season (Merrill and Gelinas).  Another odd team stat given by Devils Twitter last night:

Merrill slapper wins it in overtime. First time in #NJDevils history that four straight regular-season games have been decided in OT. #NHL

If nothing else, the Devils love to make it exciting, don’t they?  At least last night’s game provided a memorable moment for a sellout crowd last night, which was probably one reason it took me over an hour to get into Newark.  Me and my friend left just after 5:30 and barely got into the Rock at 7, getting to our section during the National Anthem.  Despite the sellout, the building looked half filled for much of the first period in part due to the traffic on the roads and in part due to the traffic in the food lines for dollar hot dog night.  Conversely, it took us about 35 minutes to get home for the same trip.  At least my car started this time, as opposed to after the Stadium Series fiasco.  It’s always nice to go home after a win, and the Devils are 5-0-1 in their last six games at the Prudential Center, though technically 5-1-1 at home during that stretch with the Yankee Stadium game counting as a home game (to be fair it did seem like the Devils had a slight majority in that crowd early, but your perception could be influenced by what section you’re sitting in).  With only tonight left before the Olympics, the Devils can’t afford to toss in another clunker, especially playing a team they’re dead even with in the standings.  A regulation loss for either team at this stage could be deadly given the number of teams they have to jump over to make the playoffs as a Wild Card, although the automatic third berth in the Metro remains in range for the moment.

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Third time’s not the charm as Devils’ late-game struggles continue

Posted on February 5, 2014 by hasan4978

As the Devils pulled a nearly unprecedented feat of blowing a lead in the last two minutes for the third straight game, what came to mind was a scene from The Odd Couple II, the sequel to the hit comedy and play that came out in the late ’90’s with Oscar and Felix still at each other’s throats.  I thought mainly of the scene where they were in jail for the third straight time on the way to their kids’ wedding and when Oscar wanted to know who won the trifecta, the sheriff said ‘Me, you’re my trifecta, you’ve been arrested three different times by my men for three different crimes…you know what the odds on that are?!’.  While I couldn’t find that clip on YouTube, the ending deja vu from the movie will do – since the Devils’ late game struggles represent both deja vu and an odd trifecta of blown leads.

How odd?  According to the Elias Sports Bureau only one other time in history has a team surrendered the game-tying goal in the last two minutes of three straight games…the 1989 Flames.  That number’s actually one higher than I thought to be honest.  Blowing a lead in two straight games in the final minute?  We already did that last year down in Florida.  Three straight games is oddly impressive and inept at the same time.  You have to be playing good enough to get the lead for three straight games – but not too good to run away with the game – and then take a dive off a pier three times in a row.  If it wasn’t for the Devils’ perilous playoff position (13th overall in the East, at least three points behind everyone) it would be comical.  People can harp on the Devils’ 0-8 shootout record all they want but this team continues to shoot itself in the foot time and again.

I get tired of hearing how unlucky we are, even though Monday’s game against the Avs could be classified as one game where fortune didn’t smile on us with three posts hit and a near-goal by Jaromir Jagr in the third period that somehow died in the middle of the goal line without trickling over.  Even coach Pete DeBoer‘s finally getting tired of dismissing our failures as luck, admitting that ‘it’s unlucky until it happens over and over again’.  If our media was more vicious someone would have taken a sarcastic jab asking whether three games could qualify as a trend, after the coach’s mini-rant a few days ago.  Pete has better things to worry about than jabs from the media though, starting with jabs from Jagr himself after the coach broke up the Jagr-Travis Zajac duo despite the fact they’re among the few people producing offensively lately.

Already Jagr was disillusioned after DeBoer took Jacob Josefson off his line despite a very impassioned and public plea to give the kid a chance.  He was set off again yesterday with the move of Zajac off his line, after he’d only put up four goals and nine assists in his last eight games while Travis had two goals and six assists over six games, and really has only produced offensively with Jagr the last two years.   Unconscionably, DeBoer said that having consistent linemates only works ‘if you get consistent production and we haven’t gotten enough there recently’.  That line of reasoning was just as ludicrous to me as it was to the HOF’er to be himself:

“It doesn’t make sense to me and I don’t want to talk about it either,” said Jagr, who lead the Devils with 17 goals, 31 assists and 48 points in 57 games. “I don’t really (care) either.”  So, Jagr’s response to the suggestion that DeBoer made the move in hope of creating more goals, was a sarcastic-sounding, “That makes sense. Me and Travis, we didn’t score many.”

So essentially because the Devils haven’t gotten enough scoring as a team, now the solution is to break up the one line that IS scoring?!  To say this smacks of desperation isn’t entirely accurate, since even desperate moves have some form of logic behind them.  This comes off more as picking lines out of a hat.  Does the coach really think Zajac’s going to produce away from Jagr, when he hasn’t produced with anyone else on the team the last few years?  Or that Jagr’s supposed to score like he did in his prime?

It’s funny how quick DeBoer can be in changing the lines when they’re working but heaven forbid we make changes on a defense that’s been problematic under pressure lately.  Specifically, captain Bryce Salvador who was again on the ice for a crucial goal against – Ryan O’Reilly‘s OT winner.  If you’re a believer in CORSI/Fenwick stats take a look, it isn’t pretty for Sal…but just going by the old-fashioned eye test the captain’s been awful since coming back from injury and really should not be playing (and wouldn’t be playing if it weren’t for the C) over guys like Adam Larsson and even Eric Gelinas, who for all his ills defensively at least adds a lot offensively.  Specifically on the power play which is at 13.6% without Gelinas, and 21.8% with him – a huge reason we’re still sitting at 10th with the man advantage after a miserable start to the season before Gelinas came up in late October.  Gelinas and Larsson were both a fairly significant part of the team in November when the Devils had their one sustained run of excellent play (five wins in six games against tough teams like the Pens, Kings and Ducks) – and yet neither are anywhere to be found now as the slow, unexciting vet brigade is back in full force, including Peter Harrold who’s been restored to the lineup after a return from a broken foot.  With only Andy Greene and a hot-and-cold Marek Zidlicky around to contribute to scoring from the blueline, it only exacerbates the problems up front.

Problems that DeBoer also alluded to in Monday’s postgame when he remarked about having too many players go ten games or more without a goal.  Specifically Michael Ryder, who’s counted on to be the team’s best pure goalscorer aside from Jagr and who also earned the coach’s ire for a careless giveaway toward regulation that nearly cost us both points late, and did set up the game-deciding power play in OT.  That’s another problem with the Devils…too many one-dimensional players.  Ryder and Brunner don’t contribute much back-checking, other forwards don’t contribute much offensively.  Zidlicky and Gelinas are both primarily offensive defensemen, while Sal, Anton Volchenkov and Mark Fayne are clearly one-dimensional at the other end though Volch and Fayne are at least doing their one job better than the captain.  At least goaltending with Cory Schnieder can’t be pointed to as a problem though he didn’t have his best game in Nashville he still had a 2-1 lead late and certainly can’t be faulted for the breakdowns in the other two games.  Schnieder’s frustration nearly boiled over Monday night as he broke his stick on the ice after the game, and you could tell was clearly counting to ten while he was talking to reporters in the postgame:

“We keep saying we have a veteran team and guys who have been there before and a lot of these were on the team that went to the Stanley Cup Finals a couple years ago,” a frustrated Schneider said. “It doesn’t mean anything now, but you’d think we’d have the experience and the knowhow to close out tight games this time of year. Myself too, I’ve got to find a way to finish these off and win these games and come up with that big save in the last two minutes. It’s all of us.

Ironically he’s wrong in one sense though…we were having these problems even in 2012.  Blown leads have been a staple in DeBoer’s tenure.  Just think back to Game 3 against Florida in the first round, or Game 5 against the Rangers where Stephen Gionta and Ryan Carter bailed us out late in what could have been a series-turning game.  Or the twin fiascoes in the final minute against Florida and Tampa Bay last year that sent our season spiraling out of control.  DeBoer’s system does a good job of keeping both teams in the game, but you would have liked to have seen a slightly less agressive (and low-percentage) forecheck from Gionta and Carter late Monday night when they didn’t really need to go after the puck in the Avs’ end, and that set up our ill-fated shift where we got pinned in our own end for a minute and adriotly coach Patrick Roy saw that and pulled the goalie.  With two and a half minutes left.  In a one-goal game pulling a goalie two and a half minutes early is unconventional, and yet smart considering they were putting pressure on one of our weakest lines defensively.  And that pressure paid off when P.A. Parenteau‘s deflection tied the game.

At that point I was glad our umpteenth snowstorm kept me from going to that game.  There’s probably no getting away from Friday’s game though, unless our third snowstorm this week decides to make an earlier than forecasted appearance.  I could certainly use the break.  After all these blown leads I’m sure so could the team, but these two games are absolutely vital in terms of remaining in the playoff race enough for the trade deadline to matter.  Considering we’re playing one of the worst teams in hockey in the Oilers on Friday, that’s a game that needs to be won though I don’t expect it to be easy considering speed kills our fossilized team and that’s the one thing the Oilers do have.  As well as a goalie in Ben Scrivens that already shut us out this year – albeit with the Kings.  And Saturday’s game is against one of our myriad of competitors for a bubble spot, so getting a win out of Washington is vital too.

I might go so far as to say if the Devils do not get four points out of this weekend, Lou Lamoriello seriously needs to consider selling at the deadline.  We may ‘only’ be three points out now but that’s three points out with a number of other teams having games in hand.  And we’re not just behind one team either, we’re behind a bunch.  It’s almost better to be six points behind one team than three behind a multitude of them.  That makes it much harder to gain ground considering usually a couple of them are winning any given night.  Look at 2011, when we got to ten points back in early February and still had a month of great hockey in front of us, we were only able to pick up four points in the standings.

To win however, we have to start holding leads.  Or scoring enough to put games away.  Since we’re clearly lackingin talent for the latter, the former becomes much more imperative.  You have to play to your strength which is defense and goaltending.  But that doesn’t mean you should entirely give up on having any offense or mobility on the blueline.  Whatever happens in the next two games, it’s shameful if Lou doesn’t clear up the defensive logjam one way or another by the deadline.  There’s zero excuse to be wasting Gelinas and Larsson in Albany when you have UFA vets in Zidlicky and Fayne and another vet in Sal that’s playing like crap.  Jon Merrill should be in Albany too, working on his all-around game but since he’s better than Gelinas defensively he’s somehow escaped the Pete doghouse for much of the last few months, despite adding zero offensively and having his own rookie snafus on the back end.  It would be nice to add another scorer up front too but realisticially we have little to trade to get one without a first-round pick this year and with few tradeable assets in the farm.

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Oh Captain My Captain: Callahan’s two goals lead Rangers past Avalanche

Posted on February 5, 2014 by Derek

 

Oh Captain My Captain: Ranger captain Ryan Callahan celebrates one of two goals with Carl Hagelin at the bench. Getty Images/Jim McIsaac

 

For one night at least, Ryan Callahan silenced the rumors that won’t go away. With Colorado in town for a back-to-back following an overtime win at New Jersey, the popular Rangers captain delivered a big performance highlighting a 5-1 win at MSG. His two goals (16th career multi-goal game) and assist led the Rangers to a season high fourth consecutive win.

”I try not to bring that business to the rink,” Callahan said after being selected the game’s number one star and donning the Broadway Hat. ”I try to concentrate on the Rangers and what we’re doing here. That’s my main focus.

”That is where I want to be, on the ice playing for the Rangers.”

Entering the game, he only had two goals over his last 19 games. Much discussion has centered around his future. With GM Glen Sather wanting to have it settled by the end of the week Olympic deadline, some even speculated that he might’ve played his final game last Friday. Instead, that was put to rest when number 24 skated with the rest of his teammates and had his best performance of the season. Always having a flair for the dramatic, Callahan scored twice in a dominant first period which the Rangers controlled by outshooting the Avalanche 20-4.

His first came with 5:44 left thanks to some stellar defensive work from linemate Carl Hagelin. After forcing a turnover, he fed a trailing Callahan on a two on one and watched the captain go to the backhand beating Semyon Varlamov. It only took another 3:19 for him to register his second of the game. Strong back check pressure resulted in a Colorado miscue. The puck came to Brad Richards, who centered for an open Callahan for an easy finish. His 11th proved to be the winner. That line had a great night combining for three goals and four assists along with a plus-nine rating.

”Ryan’s been playing hard since the first game,” Rangers coach Alain Vigneault stated while continuing to roll the same four lines and three D pairs that’s allowed them to find chemistry. ”He’s the captain of the team. He prepares real well and competes every shift.

”Tonight was one of those nights where he did exactly the same thing, except he was able to finish a couple of great setups.”

For once, they were rested coming in. Following three days off, they took full advantage of a weary Colorado club that was on the road playing for the third time over four days. The Avs have been playing great hockey and are even challenging the Blackhawks and Blues for the Central Division. Even with Varlamov getting a rare night off, it didn’t matter.

”Those three days (off) definitely helped us,” Callahan said. ”We jumped out in the first and we get that momentum. We seemed to roll with it and never really gave it back.”

”I don’t think they came out very hard,” third star Henrik Lundqvist pointed out after making 27 saves to continue his roll. ”We set the tone.”

The Avalanche did cut the deficit to 2-1 in the second thanks to some fancy passing for a Gabriel Landeskog power play tally. With Dan Girardi off for holding the stick, a perfectly set up play saw USA Olympian Paul Stastny combine with Calder frontrunner Nathan MacKinnon on a tic-tac-toe feed for a Landeskog one-time blast past Lundqvist at 6:37. It was as close as they got. The Rangers immediately responded when Anton Stralman notched his first 53 seconds later. Off a good cycle from Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarello, the overlooked defenseman wristed one through traffic past Varlamov.

”At 2-1, we came right back and made it 3-1, and we killed off that full 5-on-3,” Vigneault said referring to a late Colorado two-man advantage for 1:50 that they failed to cash in on. ”Those were probably the biggest points.”

”Five-on-three – you don’t get many of those,” Landeskog said. ”We just weren’t good enough.”

Brassard extended to a three-goal lead only 1:58 into the third. Off a strong Zuccarello rush and forecheck, he took a centering feed and got a piece of a shot that trickled past Varlamov for his 10th. The goal gave the Blueshirts seven players (all forwards) with at least 10 goals or more. Let’s just call it one of those lucky bounces that happens when you’re hot. It definitely seemed to finish Colorado, who didn’t give much of an effort down three. Lundqvist stopped all 10 shots in the third but none really were out of the ordinary.

Vigneault gave Callahan every opportunity to get the hat trick. He has two so far. His best chance was a close call in the last few minutes when a wrap around was stopped by Varlamov. Vigneault also sent him back out for the final two shifts including one he recorded his third point on. Off a great cycle from Hagelin behind the net, Callahan centered for an open Richards, who snuck one past Varlamov for his 15th with 1:36 remaining. His two points (1-1-2) kept him tied with Zuccarello (2 A) for the team lead. Each have 41.

This night was about the captain. Even if there’s no guarantee he’ll stay past one of two deadlines, it was nice to see him get the love from a torn crowd. It would be nice if the Garden worried more about the present than trying to save face by leaking out negotiations to win the PR battle. Callahan has always bled Ranger blue. Whatever happens, he deserves our support. Not the attacks he’s getting because Sather can’t help himself. Good for Captain Cally.

BONY 3 STARS:

3rd Star-Anton Stralman, NYR (goal-1st of season, 4 SOG, takeaway, blocked shot, +3 in 20:48-deserves recognition)

2nd Star-Carl Hagelin, NYR (2 assists, SOG, blocked shot, +3 in 13:48-not most skilled but he sure does work)

1st Star-Ryan Callahan, NYR (2 goals-10, 11, assist-game high 6 SOG and 7 hits, block, +3 in 17:05-Oh Captain My Captain)

BATTLE NOTES: With a goal, Stralman erased a 59-game regular season drought. His last one came against the Sabres on Apr. 19, 2013. … Marc Staal missed the morning skate due to wife Lindsay giving birth to a baby girl. They welcomed Anna Veralyn Staal to their family. Despite no sleep, Staal didn’t miss a beat defensively going +3 in 27 shifts (21:25) with 2 shots, 2 blocks and a takeaway. … As a team the Rangers blocked 17 compared to the Avs’ 16. Girardi paced everyone with four. Nick Holden led Colorado with three. … The Rangers lost 30 of 56 faceoffs (46 percent). Derek Stepan was their best going 9 for 17. For the Avs, Matt Duchene went 7 for 8 and Stastny was 11 and 7. … With a PPG, Landeskog extended his point streak to seven (3-6-9).

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Report: Vanek rejects Islanders offer

Posted on February 3, 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

It looks like Thomas Vanek’s days as an Islander are numbered. The 30-year old star left wing Isles’ GM Garth Snow acquired from Buffalo on Oct. 27 in exchange for Matt Moulson, a conditional first and second rejected a recent offer to stay. According to Newsday’s Arthur Staple, Vanek turned down a substantial extension.

Rumored to be seven years $50 million, it appears Vanek plans to test the free agent market on July 1. That leaves Snow with little choice but to make him available. A similar situation to the one the Rangers are dealing with impending free agent Ryan Callahan, who turned down a five-year $30 million offer. With the Olympic roster freeze approaching, time is of the essence for both clubs. While Glen Sather gave a deadline, it’s uncertain whether Snow is under similar orders from Islanders owner Charles Wang.

With the Islanders currently on a five-game losing streak (0-4-1) sitting last in the Metro Division with 50 points, they trail Detroit by 10 points for the last wildcard. With 25 games left, they have to jump over six teams including the Devils, Capitals, Hurricanes and Flyers inside the division. Ten points can be made up. However, it’s unrealistic to think they’ll leapfrog the pack. With the trade deadline set for March 5, Snow can either move Vanek prior to the Olympic break or wait until play resumes.

The sad part is he’s produced playing on one of the league’s most lethal lines. Teamed with John Tavares and Kyle Okposo, Vanek has 15 goals and 23 assists totaling 38 points in 41 games since joining the Islanders. His combined total with the Sabres and Islanders is 19-28-47 over 54 contests. When Snow gambled prior to Halloween, he was banking on Vanek to help guarantee the Isles a top three spot in the Metro and make them playoff contenders. Instead, injuries to Evgeni Nabokov and Lubomir Visnovsky along with disappointing seasons from Josh Bailey (5-14-19) and Michael Grabner (9-11-20) have dampened expectations.

If Vanek is moved, the one saving grace is Snow should be able to recoup part of what he gave up. Nobody told him to risk first round and second round picks for a rental. There was no guarantee Vanek would stay. Unfortunately, where the team currently sits has precedence over Vanek recently expressing enjoyment playing with Tavares and Okposo. It didn’t help that they were swept by the Rangers in two competitive games including a crushing 2-1 defeat at Yankee Stadium.

What does the future hold for the Islanders? They’re still in the same position they started at the beginning of the season. Until Snow addresses goalie depth and team defense, you can’t take them seriously. With Nabokov and Andrew MacDonald unrestricted this summer and Vanek virtually gone, there are a lot of unanswered questions. What will the state of the franchise look like when they arrive in Brooklyn for 2015-16? That remains to be seen.

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Lundqvist backstops Rangers past Islanders on Sam Rosen Night

Posted on February 1, 2014 by Derek
Henrik Lundqvist stops an Islander shot en route to 38 saves highlighting a Rangers 4-1 win over the Islanders. Getty Images/Frank Franklin II

Henrik Lundqvist stops an Islander shot en route to 38 saves highlighting a Rangers 4-1 win over the Islanders.
Getty Images/Frank Franklin II

It was a special night for the Rangers. They honored MSG play by play man Sam Rosen prior to the game against their arch rival. The affable broadcaster is in his 30th year calling Ranger games. He took over for Jim Gordon. As an organization, they always do things first class. Especially when it comes to recognizing players and team personnel. Rosen will always be remembered for his famous line, “This one will last a lifetime,” when the 1993-94 team won the Stanley Cup. He’s someone who bleeds Ranger blue through and through. Listening to him is like hearing myself or any diehard Blueshirt fan. Not only is he a great voice, but one who deserves inclusion in the Hockey Hall Of Fame. His work for NHL radio during the Stanley Cup playoffs is second to none. Isn’t it about time the Foster Hewitt Award goes to Sam? That’s for another day.

The best part is that Rosen’s sidekick John Davidson returned for the festivities. When it comes to Ranger broadcasts, Sam and JD are legendary. As classy a man as there is, Davidson now is Columbus Team President and is rebuilding the Blue Jackets after retooling St. Louis. As usual, he’s doing a wonderful job with the Jackets in the playoff mix. Davidson joined Sam once more on MSG. He also called the second period on ESPN radio with Kenny Albert and Dave Maloney. Returning from Park Slope, I was able to catch him at his best heaping praise on Mats Zuccarello. Zuccarello helped set up Derick Brassard’s game-winner with 7:46 left highlighting an emotional 4-1 win over the Islanders to sweep the final two games of the season series. What would such a special night be without a big win over our biggest rival? Their third consecutive victory moved them up to 63 points. That’s four better than surging Carolina- 3-1 winners over those Blues.

Once again, the Islanders controlled most of the play. They fired 19 shots on Henrik Lundqvist in the second period but were only able to beat him once. Similar to the 2-1 Stadium Series win on Wednesday, Lundqvist was brilliant finishing with 38 saves. He’s making all the key stops. With our goalie back to form, everything is falling into place. Unfortunately, the Ryan Callahan trade rumors won’t end. With Glen Sather giving his agent the okay to talk to other teams if they can’t reach agreement on an extension before the Olympic roster freeze, it’s looking less likely that he’ll stay. It would be sad to see him go. There’s no question the team is playing its best hockey. I remain skeptical about the timing of such a deal. Unless someone is willing to overpay, I prefer to keep him. But if he really is seeking a seven-year deal in the neighborhood of $42 million, the business side might ruin the season. I say that because you can’t account for team chemistry. Trading your captain mid-year is very risky. Even if he will probably bolt this summer.

Playing in possibly his final game, Ryan Callahan battles Isles' rookie defenseman Calvin de Haan last night at MSG. Getty Images/Frank Franklin II

Playing in possibly his final game, Ryan Callahan battles Isles’ rookie defenseman Calvin de Haan last night at MSG.
Getty Images/Frank Franklin II

Ironically, it was a Callahan pass that sprung Brad Richards for an insurance marker with 5:01 remaining. He might not be finishing as much but you can always count on Callahan to make the right play. With so much talk centered around whether he played his final game, it’s definitely emotional. The Rangers don’t play again until Tuesday when they host Colorado. Figure the crazy rumors to intensify. It’s really difficult as a fan right now. I’ve gotten into some debates on Facebook and Twitter over it. Nothing overboard thankfully. My point is as much as the future is being pointed to by everyone, when does it ever become about the present? This is the last time we’ll see this core together. Sather faces his most difficult off season. Something I alluded to in my most recent piece. It won’t only be Callahan who could change rosters. I wish more people realized that.

As for the latest win, Brian Boyle and Marc Staal were factors. Boyle scored his fourth at 3:29 into the first on a neat deflection of a Staal point shot that was headed wide. For all the crap he gets, Boyle is a key contributor. Sure. He won’t blow you away with his skating or shot and can’t fight despite his size. But there’s something to be said for the intangibles he brings to the table. He is a solid checking forward who wins faceoffs and is one of our top penalty killers always willing to lay out the body. The same for Callahan, who’s always been the heart and soul. That’s not easily replaced. Meanwhile, Staal continued his resurgence recording two assists while playing dominant two-way hockey. Whenever I start to doubt him, he always proves me wrong. Take for example a great defensive play he made on one end and then the hockey intelligence to jump into the rush and take Zuccarello’s cross ice pass and center perfectly for Brassard’s ninth. Just awesome.

The Islanders’ only goal came off the hot stick of Kyle Okposo. He scored his 24th after a power play expired, rebounding home a Calvin de Haan shot. Listening to Davidson on the radio, he pointed out that Lundqvist had just made a difficult save but Okposo was able to pounce for his 19th in his last 26 games. The snake bitten Josh Bailey picked up the other assist. From the sound of it, the Islanders had plenty of chances to go ahead. But our goalie wouldn’t allow it. The game remained tied entering the third.

Similar to the last game, it came down to the final 20 minutes. Again, it was the Rangers who stepped up. They outshot the Islanders 16-8 and outscored them 3-0. Before that occurred, there were some fun post scrums which you come to expect in this heated rivalry. That included Chris Kreider going back at Casey Cizikas. I love Kreider’s compete level. He doesn’t back down from anyone. Exactly what you want to see from the first-year forward. They tested Evgeni Nabokov a lot more but didn’t beat him until Zuccarello circled and caught a sliding Cal Clutterbuck which opened a crossing seam. Then Staal pinched down and found a wide open Brassard for the game clincher. The Islanders never recovered. After Lundqvist was bumped, Carl Hagelin made an outlet for Callahan, who then passed for a cutting Richards whose shot went through Nabokov. Ryan McDonagh added an empty netter with one second left.

BATTLE NOTES: With the win, it allowed the Rangers to take the season series 3-2. Hard to fathom that they won’t see the Islanders again unless it’s in the postseason. The Isles have dropped five straight and are last in the Metro with 50 points. They’re still in it but need to put a good stretch together before the break. … Rangers controlled faceoffs winning 36 of 63 including Brassard (10-and-5) and Derek Stepan bouncing back by winning 12 of 18. Cizikas was the Isles’ best going 6 for 10 while John Tavares was held off the score sheet losing 11 of 19 mostly against Stepan. … Both clubs blocked shots combining for 33. The Rangers held a slight edge 18-15 paced by McDonagh and Dan Girardi (4 apiece). Andrew MacDonald led the Islanders with four. … Rick Nash was again held without a goal but recorded seven shots and missed another seven. … Islanders are off also until February 4 when they visit the Caps. Their remaining schedule before Sochi also includes home dates Feb. 6 vs Calgary and Feb. 8 vs Colorado. … Rangers host Colorado 2/4, Edmonton 2/6 and visit Pittsburgh 2/7.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Derick Brassard, NYR (game-winning goal at 12:14 of 3rd-9th of season, game high 8 shots, 10 for 15 on draws, +1 in 14:40)

2nd Star-Marc Staal, NYR (2 assists, takeaway, blocked shot, +2 in 22:43-another stellar game from him and Stalman +3)

1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (38 saves incl. 18/19 in 2nd-best player again)

Posted in NY Islanders, NY Rangers | Leave a comment

Back-to-back blown leads mar end of Devils’ trip

Posted on February 1, 2014 by hasan4978

It seems like every other week we as Devil fans have this debate on whether the glass is half full or half empty with our hockey team.  Never has that been more crystalized than in the last two games, where the Devils held a lead in the final minute of games at Dallas and Nashville, blew both but still wound up with three points out of a possible four at the back end of a four game in six night road trip.  A fact coach Pete DeBoer was eager to harp on in what turned out to be a tense, barely minute long press conference after last night’s OT loss in Nashville.  While correctly pointing out the bad bounce off of Jaromir Jagr‘s stick that caromed right to an open David Legwand in the final ten seconds of regulation last night that resulted in Nashville’s tying goal, he got testy when an unnamed beat writer (it sounded a lot like Tom Gulutti) made a comment about how the puck could have been cleared then, it set the coach off on a mini-Tortsish rant:

http://www.msg.com/videos/index.html?vid=2434270887

At one point, DeBoer told the reporter to ‘apply for a coaching job’, and then ranted on about how these things happen to every team in an 82-game schedule.  While factually correct, these kind of things do seem to happen to the Devils more often than your average team.  Our last two games brought back memories of our ill-fated Florida trip last year, where we also blew leads in the final minute of both games (and wound up losing both in OT, a trip that spiraled our season out of control).  Thankfully the Devils did at least rebound from a blown two-goal lead in Dallas on Thursday to win in OT.  Even in 2012 the Devils made a habit of blowing multi-goal leads but frequently overcame that tick due to heart and talent.  Pete might be tired of hearing the press look for patterns, but it’s hard to miss when a certain pattern – like blowing late leads and not scoring – becomes so prevalent that it stares at you in front of your face.

Speaking of longstanding problems, after a couple of games of goal support it seems as if ‘Goals for Cory’ needs to become a charity again, last night was the first time Cory Schnieder allowed three goals in a game during his last eleven games.  And yet he’s only 6-3-2 in those games. Six wins in eleven games allowing two goals or less in ten of them, and having a 2-1 lead late last night.  While he was certainly culpable on Shea Weber‘s first goal of the game following a puckhandling snafu, he did make 30 saves in the game and nearly carried a tired Devils team over the finish line up 2-1 late.  Of course the offense sputtered as usual, only scoring goals because Predators goalie Carter Hutton is god-awful, allowing weak shots from Patrik Elias and Jaromir Jagr to get past him in the second period.  Even after blowing another lead, the Devils still had a chance to win in OT when Michael Ryder got a breakaway…but someone must have told him it was a shootout because he fired a weak wrister into the glove of Hutton.

Ironically DeBoer was closer to the truth earlier in the week in St. Louis when he admitted the time for moral victories was past.  With every contender around us continuing to win it’s imperative we keep up, especially in winnable games like last night.  While Nashville can be tough they’re certainly not a playoff team without Pekka Rinne.  Hutton was the same goalie we chased in November with four quick early goals in a 5-0 win over the Predators at the Rock. Last night he became the latest in a series of backup goalies to beat us this year…at least eleven by my count.  Ray Emery, Antti Raanta and Curtis McIlhenney all beat us twice, as well as Jonas Gustavsson, Peter Budaj, Ben Scrivens, Josh Harding, Al Montoya, Jason LaBarbara, Joey MacDonald and now Hutton.  That’s fourteen of our thirty-three losses to backup goaltenders this year.  Which makes our scoring woes that much worse.

Like Pete I’m cutting this post short…there isn’t really much to say at this point.  Yeah we’re still in the thick of it and at least the win in Dallas temporarily stemmed the tide of what seemed to be a tsunami of negativity earlier this week.  With three games next week before the break it’s imperative the Devils at least get four points out of them.  Monday against the Avs is going to be a tough challenge at the Rock, but the weekend games – Friday at home against the Oilers and Saturday on the road against a struggling Caps team – are more feasible to hope for a win against.  Still, they need to find a way to overcome their late-game foibles and bizarre roster decisions like sending a clearly in the doghouse Eric Gelinas down a few days after the deadline to where he could have played in the AHL during the Olympic break.  While the staff continues to harp on the mistakes of Gelinas and most of the other young players, somehow the mistakes made by Bryce Salvador continue to escape notice.  Pete’s lucky he’s not coaching in Montreal or Toronto, if he thinks the media here’s being rough on him, the media there would have called him out long ago for his double-standard treatment of the vets compared to the kids.

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Rangers facing tough decisions with Callahan and Girardi

Posted on January 31, 2014 by Derek
Ryan Callahan, Derek Stepan

Ryan Callahan (seen here celebrating last year’s playoff clincher) is one of many players GM Glen Sather must decide on soon.

Ryan Callahan is the heart and soul of the Rangers. Ever since he put on a Blueshirt jersey, the gritty 28-year old captain has been an integral part of the team. Drafted in the fourth round of the ’04 Draft, the Rochester, New York native is the classic overachiever who will do anything to help his team win. It’s no wonder he’s a fan favorite. Whether it’s scoring a big goal like in an overtime win over the Panthers that clinched the playoffs a year ago or going full out to block a shot, his effort can never be questioned.

That’s why the Rangers are facing a tough decision with Callahan. In the final year of a contract that pays him $4.875 million or an average cap hit of $4.3 million, he can become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Given the kind of player he is combined with a market that saw the Leafs overpay David Clarkson and the Devils do the same with Ryane Clowe, he should command at least six years and an average of six million per season. For a franchise that just extended Henrik Lundqvist to a record seven-year extension worth $59.5 million ($8.5 million cap hit), it’s a lot to digest. Not only must general manager Glen Sather decide the fate of Callahan but also defenseman Dan Girardi, who also should be in the same price range. He currently makes $3.4 million and will turn 30. What Callahan brings up front is virtually identical to what Girardi brings to the back end. A smart defensive blueliner who never hesitates to sacrifice for the team concept, he will get a big payday. It remains to be seen if it’ll be here or somewhere else.

One advantage Sather has is the cap is increasing which will allow for more room. However, he also must decide on underrated second pair defenseman Anton Stralman. A cheaper alternative who makes under $2 million, the Swedish Olympic snub will turn 28 on August 1. Once a player capable of contributing offensively, he’s evolved into a poor man’s Girardi, who the coaching staff trusts enough to play big minutes. While Girardi and Ryan McDonagh receive all the press along with Stralman’s partner Marc Staal, he’s been one of Sather’s best signings. After spending time in Toronto and Columbus, nobody wanted him. It was during the ’11-12 season when the Rangers needed a defenseman. So, Slats quietly added Stralman. Thought to be a bottom pair D capable of contributing on the power play, he became a better defensive player under John Tortorella and Mike Sullivan. In fact, you can make the argument that he was their most consistent defenseman during a run to the Conference Finals. He had three goals and three assists with two power play goals, four power play points in 20 postseason games. Staal was superb too. He can become unrestricted in the summer of 2015.

Part of Sather’s reasoning for finally dealing former first round pick Mike Del Zotto to Nashville for Kevin Klein was he liked adding the more defensive oriented vet’s contract. The 29-year old former Predator won’t add much offense but plays a more physical style which should suit coach Alain Vigneault, who wasn’t too fond of Del Zotto. With Klein locked into a four-year deal that pays him an average cap hit of $2.9 million through 2016-17, he’s got three more years left. He’s also a right D which also was a team need. Something Slats cited since the loss of Mike Sauer. Klein is being viewed as insurance in case Girardi leaves. However, let’s not mistake him for Danny G. Having another defenseman who earns less than $3 million is good. There’s little doubt that Del Zotto will likely get more this summer as a Group II. He makes $2.9 million. With it apparent that he needed a change of scenery, getting out of the Big Apple was best for his career. Already he’s played better and received praise from Barry Trotz. It was a trade that had to be made.

What complicates the summer for Sather is he must also make decisions on Brian Boyle, Dan Carcillo, Dominic Moore and Benoit Pouliot. All of which have been key factors in the club’s turnaround. Having a good team isn’t just about your top players but rather your supporting cast. Under Tortorella, the Rangers didn’t have much of a fourth line. Especially in the shortened 2013 after Ruslan Fedotenko, John Mitchell and Brandon Prust bolted. Depth was an issue. However, that’s been fixed by Sather, who subtracted Taylor Pyatt while Arron Asham is in Hartford. He added Carcillo after Derek Dorsett went down. The former Flyers’ pest has been so effective, there might not be a spot for Dorsett if he returns. With all four lines in sync including a resurgent Pouliot meshing well with Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarello, the make up of this team is finally likable. The emergence of the fourth line has allowed the organization to be more patient with J.T. Miller and Jesper Fast. That’s best for their development.

Currently second in the Metro with 61 points, they’re far from out of the woods. Three points separates the Rangers from the Blue Jackets (3rd) and Flyers. The Hurricanes and Devils each have 57 while the struggling Caps have 56. The Islanders are 0-3-1 over their last four and have 50. They need tonight’s MSG rematch in the worst way. Given how our team is playing, you can’t tell me Toronto or Montreal are better. Neither can you convince me that an injury riddled Detroit is. I don’t think the Flyers are as good a team and Columbus and Carolina are just a cut below. The Devils probably don’t have enough offense. You can make the argument that if the playoffs started today, the Rangers are the fourth best team. Of course, there’s a big gap between the Pens and Bruins with the Lightning right behind. Those three have separated themselves from the pack. After that, it’s anyone’s guess. Why not us? The dilemma for Sather is what if Darren Dreger is right about Callahan. If he’s really seeking a seven-year contract in the neighborhood of $49 million, that’s too rich for the Rangers. But would they seriously consider trading their captain?

I’ve always liked Chris Stewart. He’s a similar type player to Callahan. He already makes over $4 million and is only signed through ’14-15. Is that really worth considering? Unless teams are going to sweeten the pot with an A level prospect and first or second round pick. I pass. The enormity of such a deal would break a lot of New York hearts. Call me a sucker. But I say ride it out. As for the summer, Sather also has to re-sign Brassard which probably means amnestying Brad Richards. Amazingly enough, he remains their leading scorer. Chris Kreider and Zuccarello are restricted and will get raises. With the Olympic break approaching, the trade deadline isn’t until March 5. What that day could bring I would rather not think about.

Posted in NY Rangers | 2 Comments

Devils facing potential crisises on multiple fronts

Posted on January 30, 2014 by hasan4978

After Sunday’s blowout loss in Yankee Stadium I had a great (irrational?) fear that it would be a loss that could send our season spiraling out of control, much like blowing a game on Opening Night in 2010 sent our fragile confidence level after a bad second half and playoffs the previous season careening off a cliff.  Especially with the Blues looming on the schedule Tuesday, I figured a trip to St. Louis wouldn’t be a happy one for us after our fluke blowout win over them last week.  As it turned out though, the 3-0 loss was the least of our concerns after that game as cracks have started turning up everywhere in the good ship lollipop that was previously the Devils’ locker room.

One flashpoint is – predictably – Martin Brodeur‘s recent lack of playing time, which is causing the legend a Brett Favre-type angst, despite the fact his play compared to Cory Schnieder‘s play really hasn’t merited more starts this month than he’s gotten.  However, the level to which Brodeur has taken his frustrations the last seventy-two hours is alarming, to the point where he openly wondered about asking for a trade when talking with beat writers this week.

“It’s within the team’s rights to try and make themselves better. The fact is, I have the luxury to decide what I want to do. I hope if he (Lamoriello) is able to help the team, he’ll ask, regardless of what it is. It’s definitely something that is possible.”

“I’m open to anything,” Brodeur told me. “I just want to play. So, like I said in Toronto, if there’s a better situation for me, I’ll take it. If it’s here or somewhere else, it doesn’t matter.”

“I don’t think so unless in the next three weeks it goes worse than (it is),” Brodeur said of whether he’d ask for a trade. “We’ll see. But I don’t think I will ask.”

While to a certain extent it almost seems as if Marty’s thinking out loud here (what does he mean by it getting worse, the team’s situation in the standings or his own playing time?), it’s unseemly for him to be popping off when he’s not playing well and the team’s in a desperate fight to remain in the playoff hunt, and complaining that he’s not used to being a backup and going long stretches without playing.  If he wants to play next season that’s his business and ultimately it might be best for both team and player to move on.  However if he thinks teams are going to beat down his door to have a declining 41-year old legend play 60 games he needs a reality check.  His save percentages from 2006-2010 were still elite-level (.922, .920, .916 and .916) but his save percentages in the last four years have dipped dramatically (.903, .908, .901 and .899) with the .908 and a great playoff performance coming two years ago on the best team the Devils have had in a decade.

Yes, there’s something to be said for loyalty to a guy who in the prime of his career left millions on the table and has given us high-quality goaltending for two decades, and it’s a very tricky thing trying to make Cory the #1 while not appearing to shove Marty out the door…but does that loyalty have to come at the expense of this year’s team on the ice, or potentially compromise re-signing Schnieder this offseason?  Not to mention his teammates can’t be thrilled that he leaves them out to dry in the media by pointing out deflections and mistakes that were made in front of him when his own play’s deteriorated, whereas Cory blames everything on himself practically to a fault.  I don’t want this to turn into a bash Marty post, obviously when the day comes he’s no longer a Devil we’ll all raise a glass and toast the good times, and again when he has his number retired and again when he goes into the Hall of Fame.  Time always marches on though, and time waits for nobody – whatever your name is or accomplishments are.

It’s not as if Marty’s the only Devil to voice public frustrations this week either.  Before Sunday’s game, fellow forty-something legend Jaromir Jagr strongly endorsed having Jacob Josefson play wing on his line after Pete DeBoer finally restored the young Swede to the lineup against the Caps last Friday and vowed to ‘do the maximum’ to keep him on the line.

“I thought he was one of the best players on the ice,” Jagr said. “He didn’t have much ice time, but every time he was on the ice he creates plays.”

“Our line didn’t play very much,” Jagr said. “Hopefully, we can get better and better every game. He’s a good player. People don’t give him enough credit. He’s a lot better than people think.”

Now, who pray tell would he be talking about when he says Josefson isn’t ‘getting enough credit’?  It couldn’t be our esteemed coaching staff who caps his icetime at nine minutes a night most games, plays him sparingly and with pluggers most of the time when he does play, could it?  Hmmm. For the record, I haven’t always been a big believer in Josefson either but to hear such a strong recommendation from Jagr made me smile and gave me hope we might actually get something out of the former first-rounder, if he was actually given a fair chance this time.  So what happened Sunday?  Another sub-ten minute game where he was removed from the line after one lousy period followed by another benching tonight.  Never has GM Lou Lamoriello‘s ‘status quo’ meme seemed more depressingly true.

Both Jagr and Patrik Elias expressed frustration with the constant line-shifting in recent days, with Elias also taking certain unnamed teammates to task for being selfish and trying to do everything themselves.  Perhaps one of Elias’s targets was Eric Gelinas, who’s caused no fewer than three two-on-ones the other way by ill-timed pinches in the last two games alone. While you can’t help but like Gelinas’s offensive talent, it would be nice if he at least tried to play defense once in a while. Apparently he went to the Sheldon Souray school of hockey though, where Souray just wanted to use his big slapshot and occasionally lay a hit on someone when he was within range. Gelinas is going down that same path, and he’s gotten his own ‘benching’ tonight, being the seventh D as DeBoer yet again goes with the 11-7 split.  And you can live with a Souray type, problem is the Devils have another offensive D that’s suspect in his own end in Marek Zidlicky and a defensive D that’s been struggling mightily lately in captain Bryce Salvador.

Of course Pete won’t bench his precious vets, especially team mascot Stephen Gionta who is now playing on the second scoring line between Elias and Damien Brunner.  He won’t play Josefson or Andrei Loiktionov on the fourth line because they’re ill-suited for the role but he will put Gionta in a role he’s ill-suited for as a scoring center, and most likely double-shift him to boot at times since once again we’re only playing three centers.  And god forbid we bench fellow CBGB member Steve Bernier who has immunity from benching in spite of his -15 on the season, compared to Loiktionov’s +1.  And yet Loiktionov’s the one that gets razzed for bad defense.

Pete’s head-scratching lineup decisions have been there all year but the public carping and frustration clearly evident in the closing minutes on Tuesday night is something else.  In spite of all the losing the last couple years, the team’s largely stayed united until recently.  Time is running out and the team knows it, as well as Pete who sounded like a beaten man in Tuesday’s postgame.  This two-game stretch in Dallas tonight and Nashville tomorrow is vital to the team’s chances of staying alive in the playoff hunt, but not only that you have to believe jobs are on the line starting with Pete’s.  When has a Lamoriello team missed the playoffs two straight years?  Never, and that’s in 27 years of GM’ing.  Right now it looks increasingly likely that’ll happen for the first time this year and unconscionably Lou hasn’t made a move yet either to add a scoring winger, shed a defenseman or just do something, anything to shake things up.  The old Lou who fired coaches in first place would never have stood for half this nonsense.  With five vital games before the Olympic break and seven before the trade deadline, this organization needs to take a long, hard look at itself in the mirror and soon.

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