Devils’ D leads the way offensively in wild comeback

Posted on December 22, 2013 by hasan4978

Zajac, Greene and Jagr celebrate the defenseman’s winner (TSN.ca)

Not too long ago, the Devils were hard-pressed to get sixteen goals from their defense in a season, much less the first half of a season the way they have so far this year.  It would take us a month to get three goals from defensemen, if we got that many.  Last night, the Devils got three goals from defensemen in a single game, pacing the way for a wild 5-4 OT comeback win against the Capitals.  Though this doesn’t exactly feel like a hot streak yet, the Devils are 3-0-1 in their last four games now, the only blemish being our usual come-from-ahead loss to the Ducks in OT on Friday night.  Finally the Devils have evened up their record again at NHL .500 (15-15-7) just before the halfway point of the season, which coincidentally for us will take place on New Year’s Eve just before the calendar turns to 2014.

While most of our losses tend to be come-from-ahead, last night was mostly coming from behind although once again we did score first when Marek Zidlicky rifled home a one-timer on the power play after a feed from fellow d-man Andy Greene at 11:26 of the first.  Zidlicky’s shot was actually the first the Devils had put on Braden Holtby all night, as the Caps had the early jump getting the game’s first seven shots.  In a role reversal of what usually happens this time the Devils were the ones who scored against the run of play.  However, for the second straight game the defense started to short-circuit in its own end although Martin Brodeur should have corraled Jason Chimera‘s initial wraparound attempt midway through the second period, he lost sight of the puck and Chimera blasted home a rebound, right in front of an oblivious Mattias Tedenby who didn’t move towards the puck or the player.

Chimera’s goal opened the floodgates for the Caps, who would add two more in the second period.  Mikhail Grabovski scored at 14:38 when our fourth line (really our fifth line cause it has Janssen-Sestito instead of Carter-Bernier) got victimized by some nice tic-tac-toe passing from the Caps in our zone.  And in what could have been a killer sequence Travis Zajac and Jon Merrill each just missed a chance to score at one end, and the Caps gained the zone on an instantenous 3-on-2 and scored themselves at 19:14 when Joel Ward beat a backchecking Jaromir Jagr to a rebound of a Mike Green shot.

Now down 3-1 it looked over…but Jagr and friends took charge in a dynamic third period.  First, Jagr scored on the power play when Greene went behind the net faking a wraparound then found a wide-open Jagr in front for an easy goal at 5:28.  Although the Devils only had two power plays the entire night – and the Caps just one, in a largely clean game – they made each one count.  Even with that the game still looked like it was going to be out of reach all night after Alexander Ovechkin scored his 30th of the season, his unscreened wrister from the blueline somehow eluding Marty’s grasp and restoring the Caps’ two-goal lead at 8:07.  In an interesting turn of events, it was the veteran D that would lead the final push back…a night after the younger defensemen (Eric Gelinas, Jon Merrill) were largely responsible for our loss against the Ducks.  After some more good board work from Zajac and Danius Zubrus behind the Caps’ net, it was Zajac who found a streaking Zidlicky at 9:21 for his second of the night and fifth of the season.  Playing the role of feeder tonight, Zajac also contributed to the tying goal on his next shift, jumping on a weak clearing attempt by Braden Holtby and firing one towards the net that Zubrus tipped home at 11:47.  Although our first forty minutes were spotty at times, the Devils dominated when it mattered most, outshooting the Caps 16-5 in the final twenty-one minutes of the game including a short but sweet OT that ended when a Jagr shot rebounded towards Greene and deflected off the shaft of his stick past Holtby for the winner.

After the game, a big part of the narrative was the fact that Greene (three points in the game, twenty on the season) wasn’t even part of Team USA’s consideration list for the Olympics.  Not the official roster mind you, but the initial pool of players you pick the roster from!  Granted, Andy hasn’t exactly been a points machine before this year, aside from his 37-point breakout year in ’09-10 but he’s always been a steady two-way guy that was the head of our top pairing during the ’11-12 playoff run.

Zajac on Greene: “I can’t believe he’s not even mentioned on the U.S. Olympic team, on the list. That’s their fault as far as I can see.”

Brodeur admitted he didn’t know that Greene isn’t on Team USA long list. Was telling him after game he’d have to cancel his plans for break.

Although a small part of me is glad Greene will get rest during the Olympics that some of his older teammates (Jagr, Elias, Zidlicky) probably won’t, it also gives me less incentive to root for the US team which will not have a single Devil on the roster.  In 2010, two thirds of the first line was on team USA as well as former fav Brian Rafalski on defense.  That team was easier to get into and when you’re talking about a glorified All-Star competition more or less, you need all the incentive to watch you can get.  Although the Czechs will be no worse than my #2 rooting interest and clearly worth watching for the Devil factor, and I definitely hope the Russians go splat at home for obvious reasons as a Devil fan.

Notes: Damien Brunner did not play and will be out a minimum of four weeks after suffering a gruesome-looking right knee injury on Friday night.  Pity, just when he was finally starting to play well.  At least he apparently dodged a bullet not needing surgery, just rehab.  Although Ryane Clowe claims he’s ready to play the Devils have held him out the last couple of nights.  If he doesn’t play Monday in Chicago he’ll almost surely return Friday night against the Blue Jackets after the Christmas break.  Captain Bryce Salvador is also close to being activated but no exact timetable has been provided for his return.  Our attendance for Friday night was 15,723 – easily the highest since the first Devil-Ranger showdown in mid-October.  Perhaps the ‘holiday crowd’ bump (college students, working folk with extended breaks) is underway, as certainly the atmosphere was better Friday than it has been most of the season, aside from the annoying OT loss.

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Rangers lose to Islanders 5-3 in ugly fashion

Posted on December 21, 2013 by Derek
Michael Grabner beats Henrik Lundqvist with a shorthanded goal last night. Getty Images/Kathy Kmonicek

Michael Grabner beats Henrik Lundqvist with a shorthanded goal last night.
Getty Images/Kathy Kmonicek

When you have two teams struggling to win, it’s bound to be a tug of war. The Rangers and Islanders renewed their bitter rivalry last night at the transformed Garden. When it was over, it was the Islanders who came away with their first regulation win in 17 games (11/12 vs Nashville). They defeated the Rangers 5-3. It was just their 10th win but came at the Rangers’ expense on what’s been a dreadful homestand. The Rangers fell to 1-4-2 on a team record nine-game homestand.

”This was definitely a frustrating game. There is no question we beat ourselves,” a dejected Henrik Lundqvist said after allowing four goals on 19 shots. ”We kept making some simple mistakes, and I was not there to clean it up.”

Lundqvist not being able to come up with the big stops has become a disturbing trend. Not to say it was his fault. But he wasn’t blameless. A controversial call led to Cal Clutterbuck scoring on a penalty shot. He got behind the defense and as he was moving in on Lundqvist, Ryan McDonagh attempted to lift his stick. Incredulously, they awarded Clutterbuck the penalty shot. With an aggressive Lundqvist challenging, he put one through him. I’m not even sure how Lundqvist allowed it to go in. We were pretty high up.

”I just felt that I got a little tug,” Clutterbuck said. ”Obviously, it impeded me from making a play. That’s what the ref saw, I guess.”

Already having failed on two power plays, the Rangers complicated things by giving up a shorthanded goal to Michael Grabner. The very guy I warned about in a previous post who hadn’t scored since the Islanders’ season opening win over the Devils had no trouble beating Lundqvist on a breakaway for just his third. McDonagh failed to keep a puck in allowing the dangerous Grabner to break in and go forehand deke on Lundqvist tucking it underneath him.

”I don’t think we had won too many games overall,” Grabner pointed out after doubling his output by also sealing the Rangers’ fate with an empty netter. ”We’ve got to work ourselves back into the playoff picture. Today was a good start, but tomorrow is another test.”

To their credit, the Rangers came back getting the next three. On the same power play, Benoit Pouliot beat Evgeni Nabokov thanks to a nice set up from rookie Chris Kreider. Derick Brassard started it with a pass for Kreider down low. He then turned and found Pouliot in front for his fourth cutting the deficit to 2-1 exactly 30 seconds after Grabner’s shorty. It was a big goal that gave them momentum.

One of the few bright spots last night was the play of the fourth line. Brian Boyle, Derek Dorsett and Dominic Moore put together some good shifts during the second. Their hard work was rewarded when Dorsett took a Moore feed and came out with a wrap around that caromed off Islander defenseman Thomas Hickey past Nabokov to tie it. Boyle was screening in front. Anton Stralman added a helper.

Clutterbuck went to the box for a cross check. The unpredictable Rangers power play came through again. This time, Derek Stepan got to a loose puck in front and whistled home his seventh at 7:58 giving the Rangers their first lead. Rick Nash and Mats Zuccarello combined to find him. But the Islanders got it back when defenseman Brian Strait sailed his first just over Lundqvist’s glove from Josh Bailey and Ryan Strome. It was Strome’s first NHL point. Of course, Strait would score his first. Every player does against this team. Fitting too since I actually saw an Islander fan sporting a Strait autographed jersey. You can’t make it up.

The officiating wasn’t great for either side. There were a number of questionable calls I didn’t agree with. One was to Kreider for interference late in the second. There wasn’t much contact and it looked incidental. That soft call decided the game. Unable to clear the zone, the Rangers watched Kyle Okposo skate towards an open slot and let go of shot pass that an open Thomas Vanek redirected by Lundqvist for his 11th at 1:18 of the third. Andrew MacDonald added a helper on the play after making the keep.

From a Ranger perspective, the breakdown was a clear example of what’s wrong. They still had plenty of time to comeback. The refs tried their best to help them calling a phantom hook on Strome. The ensuing power play was so putrid, boos rained down. They earned it. Typically, they blew two more chances over the final seven minutes. The one that hurt the most came after Bailey went to the box for boarding with 2:52 left. It was a similar opportunity to the one they converted against a much better team the Penguins last game. Of course, they fumbled the puck handling it like a grenade before Grabner scored into an open net.

Leave it to Alain Vigneault to wait too long to pull Lundqvist. We got back to the car so quick that we heard Vigneault’s press conference. What a buffoon. His answers left a lot to be desired. I’ll leave it at that.

”When you outwork teams, you will find the bounces going your way,” Nash said. ”When you get outworked, that’s when they seem to go against you.”

A fitting quote from one of the symbols of what’s gone wrong since Glen Sather overturned the ’11-12 roster. They had their window and blew it.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Benoit Pouliot, NYR (PPG-4th of season, 3 SOG in 16:59)

2nd Star-Travis Hamonic, NYI (assist, 2 PIM, 2 hits, 4 blocked shots, +2 in 25:10)

1st Star-Michael Grabner, NYI (2 goals-3rd, 4th including SHG and empty netter)

Posted in NY Islanders, NY Rangers | Leave a comment

Battle Of NY: Underachieving Rangers host Islanders at MSG

Posted on December 20, 2013 by Derek

Prior to the season, hopes were high for both Battle Of New York teams. The Rangers were moving on from a defensive style under John Tortorella to a higher tempo emphasizing more offense under Alain Vigneault. The Islanders were looking to take the next step after a strong first round against the Penguins.

Instead, both classic rivals have underachieved. The Rangers bring a mediocre 16-7-2 record into tonight’s match at MSG. They are a disappointing fifth in the Metro Division with 34 points outside the playoffs. Remarkably, the Flyers have moved all the way up to third and the Hurricanes sit fourth. Four total points separate third from sixth with the Devils tied with the Blueshirts and the Blue Jackets with 32. Meanwhile, the Islanders have been a train wreck losing 13 of their last 15 including a gut wrenching 3-2 shootout home loss to the Lightning. They’re 9-19-7 with a measly 25 points ranking 15th in the East. Only the Sabres are worse.

Obviously, this game takes on significance for both clubs. The Rangers continue to struggle at the remodeled Garden bringing a 6-9-2 mark into play. That includes a 1-3-2 record on a nine-game home stand. At least they showed signs of life posting a comeback shootout win over the Flames and clawing back from two goals down to earn a point in a shootout loss to the first place Pens. The Islanders are searching for anything. What better way to get out of a funk than by beating their crosstown nemesis. It’s only the second meeting of five. The Rangers took the first on Oct. 29 posting a 3-2 win at Nassau Coliseum. In Carl Hagelin’s return, he set up Benoit Pouliot’s winner at 13:46 of the third period.

The teams will meet three times next month between Jan. 21-31 with the second installment of the Stadium Series hosted by the Islanders at Yankee Stadium on 1/29. The Rangers also host the Islanders on Jan. 21 and 31 with the last day of January marking the final game of the season series. Odd considering it’s an Olympic season with plenty of action in March and April.

Both clubs don’t score much. The Rangers rank 28th in offense with 79 goals while the Islanders enter with 85. If there is a notable difference, it’s the goaltending where the Blueshirts feature Henrik Lundqvist. Even in a down year, he’s more than capable of stealing a game. The Rangers need him to be their best player. He’s coming off a strong performance. The Islanders just got Evgeni Nabokov back. He’s looked better since returning but a shaky defense can break down at any moment.

Offensively, John Tavares is one of the best players in the league. Despite playing on a dreadful team without secondary help, the first-year Islander captain has done his part tied with Alex Ovechkin and Alex Steen for fifth in scoring with 38 points (13-25-38). It always is fun to see him matched up against a Rangers D that features Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi along with underrated Anton Stralman. Tavares centers USA Olympic hopeful Kyle Okposo and Thomas Vanek. The Rangers must key on that line.

Whenever these teams meet, Frans Nielsen and Josh Bailey usually factor in. Nielsen has had a good season while Bailey has disappointed. The Rangers must also beware of Michael Grabner, who’s always a dangerous shorthanded threat. Even in a dreadful year, he has breakaway speed that bares watching.

Brad Richards leads the Rangers with nine goals and 26 points. As expected, he’s bounced back. But his defensive play has slipped. Vigneault has mixed up his lines shifting Richards to a third line with recalled forward J.T. Miller and Pouliot. Their best forward has been Mats Zuccarello, whose 23 points rank second. His willingness to score in front and playmaking skills have been on display. Zuccarello will play on a line with Derek Stepan and slumping forward Rick Nash. Nash is as talented as they get but has been inconsistent. After showing positive signs following his return from a concussion, he’s disappeared for stretches. The Rangers expect a lot better than six goals and six assists in 18 games. Even if the talent isn’t ideal, Nash must raise his level.

The third line will be anchored by Derick Brassard, who plays with Hagelin and Chris Kreider. This line has potential. Brassard has been up and down but is coming off a good game scoring the tying power play goal Wednesday. After struggling mightily, Hagelin has scored in two straight. In his first full season, Kreider has eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points. That puts him in a five-way tie for third in rookie scoring. Injured Sharks freshman Tomas Hertl is the frontrunner pacing all rookies in goals (15) and points (25). He’s expected to miss a month following a knee on knee collision with Dustin Brown. Avs’ number one overall pick Nathan MacKinnon is second with 20 points (7-13-20). Strong competition comes from Torey Krug, Tyler Johnson, Valeri Nichushkin, Alex Chiasson, Tyler Toffoli, Sean Monahan, Aleksander Barkov and Devil defenseman Eric Gelinas.

Brian Boyle, Dominic Moore and Derek Dorsett comprise the fourth line. With Arron Asham going back down to Hartford, that probably makes the most sense. Vigneault has yet to find the right balance offensively. It would be nice to see Miller stick this time. He possesses good playmaking skills and isn’t shy about going to the net. It would help if Pouliot continues his upswing. With Dylan McIlrath sent back for the weekend, the top six are McDonagh, Girardi, Stralman, John Moore, Mike Del Zotto and Justin Falk. As for Marc Staal, there’s still nothing new to report. So much for Vigneault’s assertion that the concussion was “minor.”

An interesting note from Pat Leonard’s Blueshirts Blog. Zuccarello has been moved up to the first power play unit. He flips with Kreider, who will be stationed in front on the second unit. Also, with the change Nash is expected to play in front. That’s how it should be. The full power play units are as follows:

Nash-Stepan-Zuccarello McDonagh-Richards

Brassard-Pouliot-Kreider Del Zotto-Girardi

Taylor Pyatt is a healthy scratch. His days could be numbered. Glen Sather had a chat with him the other day.

For the Islanders, Nabokov opposes Lundqvist in net. Casey Cizikas and Matt Carkner are in for Peter Regin and Aaron Ness. It’s Game 3 for Ryan Strome. He’s without a point so far but makes his Garden debut.

Posted in NY Islanders, NY Rangers | 1 Comment

Did Vigneault make a mistake in overtime?

Posted on December 19, 2013 by Derek

Following last night’s 4-3 shootout defeat to the Pens, Rangers coach Alain Vigneault left himself open to criticism. Though we’re sure the NBCSN Pens crack committee uttered nothing, you have to wonder why Vigneault didn’t try the second power play unit following his timeout in overtime. It featured two of the three goal scorers Mats Zuccarello and Derick Brassard, who connected for the clutch power play goal that earned a point. You can vote on our poll above. It’s rather simple. Yes or No.

Sometimes, you have to go with the hot hand. It was clear to anyone watching that the top unit was stale. Having Derek Stepan, Brad Richards, Rick Nash and Ryan McDonagh pass the puck around on the perimeter looking for the perfect play made no sense. A four on three should be aggressive with each player ready to shoot. Instead, they were too passive allowing Marc-Andre Fleury to get set for each shot. It also allowed the Pens’ PK diamond to keep the first unit to the outside. Not only were they too predictable but no one got in front.

Good power plays are instinctive. At times, the Rangers have had their moments. Look no further than Brassard’s PPG. It came off the rush with Zuccarello feeding Benoit Pouliot, who came in with speed and fired a wide shot that caromed to Brassard for the equalizer. They were more aggressive. In fact, if you look at all three Ranger goals, it was due to a combination of speed and determination. Carl Hagelin beat Fleury on a breakaway set up from John Moore and Richards. Zuccarello scored thanks to a Moore rush and shot that went thru the wickets allowing the gritty winger to deposit the loose change. He went to the dirty area. So did Brassard. A sharp contrast from the vanilla top unit.

Aside from sticking with that first unit too long, Vigneault opted not to give Chris Kreider one shift in OT. How is that possible? Even if he didn’t have a good game, he’s easily the team’s fastest skater who can be an asset during four on four. The idea that he wasn’t out there is ludicrous. Unlike Nash, Kreider uses his size finishing checks and is willing to take punishment in front. You really have to wonder what AV was thinking.

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Thawing out

Posted on December 19, 2013 by hasan4978

After being snowed in figuratively (with losses in their previous two games) and literally on Saturday with the second of three major storms in the area so far, the Devils and the weather both finally seem to be warming up a little.  Last night the Devils won their second in a row, beating a surprisingly inept Ottawa Senators team 5-2 in a game that prompted a stern closed-door meeting from the visiting team after the game.  Things couldn’t have gone much better for the home team though, with Stephen Gionta scoring a shorthanded goal in a triumphant return to the lineup after an eleven-game absence and Reid Boucher getting his first NHL goal, both in the first period.  For a rare time, the Devils got the lead and didn’t look back, never leading by less than two the rest of the night after Boucher scored at 12:08 of the first.  Martin Brodeur made 23 saves for his second consecutive win, and even quipped after the game he allowed Milan Michalek‘s third-period goal so Jaromir Jagr could (finally) pass Gordie Howe to get the game-winning goals record – as Jagr had scored the third goal early in the second period.

Last night was a game you draw up on the blackboard and wish you could bottle and open at will.  Contributions from young and old, along with production from every line.  Only our special teams were substandard last night, allowing both goals on the power play (out of three chances) and going 0-4 on their own power play.  Other than that – and how Mark Fayne and Anton Volcheknov allowed Michalek to hit the turbo button and speed through both of them right down the middle on what essentially became a power play breakaway at 8:35 of the third period – things went well otherwise, in an understatement.  With Bryce Salvador allegedly ticketed to return to the lineup soon…perhaps next week, someone’s going to have to make way for the captain and that someone’ll probably be Fayne who has been uninspiring in recent weeks with a legit chance to earn his way back in the staff’s good graces.  Our walking wounded returned up front too, with Gionta getting a nice ovation before the game when he was announced on the roster, and responding with an early goal after a Volchenkov clear hopped over the stick of Joe Corvo, leading to a two-on-one break with Adam Henrique.  Henrique made the perfect pass past Erik Karlsson over to Gio, who wristed it past Robin Lehner into the open part of the net.

Belying their offensive production so far this season, the Devils offered up highlight goals du jour last night with a vet and two kids combining on the second.  Michael Ryder gained entry into the zone, then teed it up to Eric Gelinas for one of his deadly one-timers, though this one missed the net entirely and hit the boards.  Showing great hand-eye coordination Boucher quickly batted home the rebound from off the board for a highlight-reel first NHL goal.  Jagr’s power play goal at 2:08 of the second was noteworthy because for all his production so far it was his first man advantage goal of the season.  Andy Greene made a nice play on the rush shielding the puck for Travis Zajac who made a move and then found an open Jagr in front for a routine (certainly for him) goal.  After Colin Greening‘s tip-in goal on a power play at 5:32 that gave the Sens their first, it looked as if it would be 3-1 going into the locker room.  Until a suddenly resurgent Damien Brunner struck with one of the highlight-reel goals of the season abusing Jared Cowan by going through and around him to score.  Perhaps somewhat illegally if he knocked the stick out of Cowan’s hand, as Sens coach Paul MacLean bitterly protested he did.  You be the judge (see above).  Either way you can’t let that goal happen if you’re Cowan.

Although Michalek scored his goal at 8:35 of the third period, briefly bringing back flashes of prior Devils collapses with the lead, it was Gelinas who sealed it once and for all just forty-five seconds later with Brunner going behind the net and finding the young defenseman streaking towards the front.  Gelinas calmly gained control with his skate and wristed one past Lehner to restore the Devils’ three-goal cushion, which would be all they needed on the night.  Aside from Clarke MacArthur‘s shenanigans at the end of the second and third periods (jumping Volchenkov at the end of the second and getting matching misconducts with Cam Janssen towards the end of the third) the rest of the game went by without much incident, at least on the ice.

In 208 it was a different story with the entire first row acting like total dirtbags, throwing stuff, standing up, cursing people out.  Amazing it took till the third period for a lax security to throw them out.  I didn’t want to get as involved as my old seatmate and his dad were in showing anger about or towards them since I was an interloper visiting my old section for the night lol.  I was in my normal seat to start the game then saw them in the hall during intermission and figured why not go over there for old time’s sake, with my more recent seatmate not at the game anyway and me being one of the five people sitting in a fifteen-seat row.  Didn’t exactly take much time getting used to the view or the company although there weren’t very many people in 208 left that I really ‘knew’ besides the two of them.  I did notice some people wearing #ThanksHugh shirts with a picture of co-owner Hugh Weber on the front, presumably sarcastic because it is current ownership that took away the goal song.  Always entertaining and loudmouthed Tony Goomba was still there though, amazing his voice hasn’t given out yet though I suppose the same could be said of singers and other entertainers who use their voice for a living.

Clearly even the extreme corners, which couldn’t help but be filled most games a few years ago, are sparsely populated now.  Between season ticket prices jumping from $10 to $18 and fewer game-day tickets being made available in the $11 line the corners are now just as empty as the rest of the upper bowl, sans the center ice sections.  Sad really, for all my complaining about the Diablos’ noise this season I don’t much like the alternative of no noise either.  And ironic that I thought I was at least getting away from the noise for a night and wound up having the mascot beat his drum right in front of me for half the third period.  At least in 120 the mascot’s on a pedastal by the camera and thus safely away from my eardrums.

Speaking of the camera pedastal it was so quiet early in the game when I was in 120 I thought I was going crazy hearing something that sounded like a movie projector.  It turned out it was the camera moving back and forth.  Which is telling because it’s the first time I’ve ever heard that sound before.  Fans can’t even blame the unusually late (7:30) start time though it did seem like a lot of the crowd filed in towards 8 and there was traffic on the road for sure.  Partly because one car was having problems and had to pull over on the exit towards Broad Street, slowing up traffic considerably.  Our 14,000+ total was healthy for a mid-week Sens game, but some of those were probably voucher totals too.  I did actually like the pregame video montage which included some 2003 playoff highlights.  They should do that for Friday’s game too, against the Ducks (who we beat after the Sens in that playoff year) ironically enough.  And the opera singer that did both anthems actually did most of O Canada in French.  I couldn’t figure out what he was even doing at first until it occured to me ‘my god, he’s doing this in French!’.  It was a nice touch although you have the typical yahoos that when it gets to god keep our land shout ‘You can have it!’.

Even going home there was some traffic because of a couple of work zones so I didn’t get back till 11 (left the parking lot at 10:15), which isn’t terrible though on a normal day I can usually make it back in around 35 minutes or so.  At least I finally started to feel a little normal last night after taking a spill – and when I say spill I mean I went flying up in the air – on a patch of black ice last Thursday and fell on my side.  Needless to say I’ve been battling rib pain there for about the last week which made it difficult to sleep and hurt while breathing or pretty much doing any other activity.  If this game had been two days ago I probably wouldn’t have been able to cheer or even jump up to clap after goals, but time’s finally starting to heal this wound a bit.  I’m already sick of this winter and it hasn’t even officially started yet.  At least I was able to see only my second home win in a month since I was snowed in on Saturday.

Whatever winter Mother Nature brings us, hopefully the Devils can continue to burrow their way out of their early-season hole and back into playoff position.

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Valiant comeback earns Rangers point in shootout loss to Pens

Posted on December 19, 2013 by Derek
Carl Hagelin beats Marc-Andre Fleury for his seventh goal. Getty Images/John Minchillo

Carl Hagelin beats Marc-Andre Fleury for his seventh goal.
Getty Images/John Minchillo

If you know me, I’m not a glass full kind of person. However, tonight is an exception. Sure. It’d be easy to kill our four shooters for not getting one past Marc-Andre Fleury. That’s a different story. I came away from the Rangers’ 4-3 shootout loss to the Pens more optimistic than usual. Who knows? That extra point could be a turning point.

It wasn’t the same old script. After Carl Hagelin tied it 1-1 in the second period, the Pens scored two straight to take a 3-1 lead with 13:33 left in regulation. Following Brandon Sutter’s backhand that beat Henrik Lundqvist up high, I was annoyed at the typical banter pinning blame on Mike Del Zotto. True, he was beat to the inside by Sutter but our goalie still should’ve challenged more and stopped it. It seems like there’s always a whipping boy for our fans. Del Zotto admittedly had been playing better hockey since Marc Staal’s injury. Maybe it’s time to look at the whole team.

That was my mini-rant in a tweet before our beloved Blueshirts showed some character on Rivalry Night. Just as I sat down to a late breakfast at the Golden Dove, here were the Pens celebrating Sutter’s goal. I was ticked thinking, ‘Even with them missing so many key players, they’re still going to win in regulation.’ All I wanted to see was some fight from the guys wearing the blue jerseys with red and white. After they failed on a power play, they could’ve packed it in. It would’ve been classified the norm this season. But instead, they showed some passion rallying from two goals down to force overtime.

Mats Zuccarello has the biggest heart on the team. He’s also one of the few players who’s been consistent and flourished under Alain Vigneault. The reason is because the pesky Norwegian always gives max effort and doesn’t back down from anyone. So, it was all the more appropriate that he went to the dirty area in front and got to a John Moore rebound and buried his seventh to make it a one-goal contest with 7:17 remaining. Moore, who hasn’t distinguished himself either- made a great rush out of the Ranger end carrying the puck over the Pittsburgh blueline firing a shot that Fleury mishandled. That allowed the hustling Zuccarello to finish.

Suddenly alive, the Rangers showed some desperation to their game. Something that’s been lacking. Hustle was the word of the night. A hustling Hagelin drove to the Pens’ net drawing a Matt Niskanen hi-sticking minor with 2:43 left. If you’ve watched this team, they aren’t the definition of clutch. Resiliency hasn’t exactly been synonymous with the ’13-14 Rangers. Most were expecting Lundqvist to get pulled and the Pens to score into an empty net. It never materialized. What we got instead was the second power play unit delivering a game-tying goal with 1:46 remaining. Another struggling Blueshirt Derick Brassard used his speed to get to a wide Benoit Pouliot carom firing home his sixth into an open side. Brassard showed emotion raising his arms in the air congratulated by teammates including Pouliot, who’s had a couple of strong games in a row. Zuccarello started the play picking up another point.

That it came from the same supporting cast that’s been a collective disappointment was nice to see. If they’re going to turn it around, the Rangers need that to become a daily occurrence. As for why Vigneault started Hagelin on the fourth line following his best game in weeks, I’ll leave that alone. He scored for the second straight game and drew the penalty that Brassard converted for a huge power play goal. Another rarity. What I do know is it’s refreshing to see others step up. Even if the team didn’t string together their first two-game win streak in a month.

On the first shift of OT, Chris Kunitz broke in on Lundqvist from the right wing snapping a backhand that our goalie stopped. Kunitz’ momentum carried him into Lundqvist leading to a scrum. Every Ranger came to his aid. Replays on NBC Sports Network showed that Kunitz tried to avoid Lundqvist at the last split second. But the collision was unavoidable. Trainer Jim Ramsay treated Hank for over a minute.

Benefitting from a goalie interference call, the Rangers had a perfect opportunity to send MSG home happy. However, the top unit failed to beat Fleury. Derek Stepan came close with a tricky low wrist shot forcing the Pens’ netminder to make a tough save. That it came from the perimeter was disappointing. Vignault even used his timeout to rest his top unit. They never got Rick Nash the right set up. He should’ve been in front. Not on the outside. Brad Richards also forced a shot from a bad angle that missed badly going out of the zone. By the time the second unit got on, there was precious time left.

The final half of the four on four saw our still at times shaky D leave Sidney Crosby wide open in front. One on one with Lundqvist, he was stoned by our sliding goalie who made his best save. How that happens I have no idea. For whatever reason, they still haven’t adjusted to Vigneault’s defensive system that calls for man to man coverage. They played zone under John Tortorella.

After OT settled nothing, it came down to a shootout. For 34 games, they didn’t have one. Following an emotional win over Calgary, the Rangers were in a second straight against a much better opponent. Vigneault went with the same lineup. Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma sent out Jussi Jokinen, Crosby, Kunitz, Pascal Dupuis and Sutter. For four rounds, it was a standoff between Fleury and Lundqvist. Neither budged. When Dominic Moore was stopped at the end of four, I didn’t have a good feeling. They needed to get it done earlier. Of course, Sutter was the first righty Bylsma sent out. Already having beaten him on a backhand, this time he went five-hole to send the Pens to victory.

It was a bitter way for it to end. Especially against that team. All things considered, it was a good comeback that earned a valuable point. It showed that the Rangers are capable of playing better hockey. With three games left on the home stand, they must take that with them. The next three opponents are the Islanders Friday, the Wild Sunday and the Leafs Monday. All are winnable. We’ll see if they finally get it.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-John Moore, NYR (2 assists, 3 SOG, 2 hits, +2 in 24 shifts-20:50)

2nd Star-Brandon Sutter, Pit (7th of season plus shootout winner, +1 in 20:06)

1st Star-Mats Zuccarello, NYR (7th of season, assist, +1 in 24 shifts-18:35)

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Pens’ Engelland latest suspension victim in increased violent sport

Posted on December 18, 2013 by Derek

The NHL announced its latest suspension. The guilty party was Penguins defenseman Deryk Engelland. In the Pens’ win over the Red Wings Saturday 12/14, he made an illegal check to the head on Detroit forward Justin Abdelkader.

Engelland was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct. The appropriate ruling for such a irresponsible hit. It was a battle for a loose puck with both players reaching when Engelland decided to level a prone Abdelkader with a right shoulder making contact with the head. Abdelkader suffered an injury and did not return. He’s listed as day-to-day.

As noted during the video, Engelland is a repeat offender also getting suspended three games for a similar incident. It was an easy call for the NHL. At the very least, that’s one less tough Penguin the Rangers have to worry about.

However, that’s not the main focus. It’s the continued incidents we are seeing throughout the league leading to major discipline that has been a constant negative. Capitals forward Tom Wilson has a phone hearing with the Department of Player Safety tomorrow after receiving a charging major and game ejection during Tuesday’s game at the Flyers. He came at Brayden Schenn with excessive speed sending him flying into the boards. Schenn turned into it which didn’t help. However, there was enough time for Wilson to let up.

In a tweet session with Jamie McLennan, he emphasized that there are too many instances like this where players are disrespecting each other. However, he also told me that victims are sometimes putting themselves in vulnerable positions. Since they took the red line out combined with the quasi Brodeur rule and tag up offsides, it’s resulted in more collisions and injuries.

Perhaps it’s time for the NHL and NHLPA to reassess the rule changes. They’re so busy tweaking it for more offense that they’ve overlooked player safety. Many of these incidents could be avoided if they put the red line back in. The game is too fast.

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Snow to blame for Islanders struggles

Posted on December 18, 2013 by Derek
Calvin de Haan battles Lightning Ondrej Palat for the puck during last night. Getty Images/Kathy Kmonicek

Calvin de Haan battles Lightning Ondrej Palat for the puck during last night.
Getty Images/Kathy Kmonicek

Things continue to be rotten on Long Island. Their latest defeat came last night falling to the Lightning 3-2 in a shootout. It was how they lost that was the story. The Islanders led 2-0 with less than three minutes left. They were poised to for only the second time in over a month when the roof caved in.

USA Olympic hopeful Kyle Okposo scored his 11th on the power play from John Tavares and rookie Brock Nelson 11 seconds into the second period. With the Islanders shutting down a Tampa team minus Steven Stamkos, it looked like they’d prevail when Frans Nielsen converted a breakaway off a feed from Michael Grabner making it a two-goal lead with 9:39 remaining in regulation.

However, a blatant Nielsen giveaway right to Valtteri Filppula allowed the former Red Wing to beat Evgeni Nabokov cutting it to 2-1 with 2:53 left. Notorious for blowing leads, the Islanders suffered a cruel fate when Filppula was able to get to a loose puck during a wild scramble in front tying it with 3.5 seconds to go. It was a classic example of why the Isles have struggled mightily following last year’s postseason appearance. A pile of players couldn’t clear the puck allowing a more determined opponent to force overtime. The play from Martin St. Louis led to a J.T. Brown rebound which Filppula cashed for his second in 2:50. Ultimately, Filppula scored in the shootout which dealt the Islanders another crushing blow.

”It’s unbelievable, it’s frustrating, it’s disappointing,” a disappointed Tavares said after missing his shootout attempt that ended the game. ”We’re not happy with the result.

”I think you earn what you get. ”We left two guys open right in the slot, and they’re going to capitalize when they get their chances.”

Outside of Travis Hamonic and Andrew MacDonald, the Islanders don’t have enough on the blueline. They just got Brian Strait back and Thomas Hickey gets top four minutes. The problem is without Lubomir Visnovsky, there’s not enough depth. He’s been out with a concussion since Oct. 21. Without that experience, the team continues to have break downs. Former ’09 first round pick Calvin de Haan has played nine games since his recall from Bridgeport. He’s yet to record a point but is getting valuable experience under embattled coach Jack Capuano. Capuano has been forced to play a rookie who might not be ready and rotate Matt Carkner and Aaron Ness. Matt Donovan is down in Bridgeport.

”We just don’t know how to win right now,” Nabokov said after finishing with 34 saves in a losing effort.

”It’s important how we respond in our next game after a tough loss like this,” Capuano stated after his team fell to a disappointing 9-19-7. They’re currently last in the Metropolitan Division with 25 points. Despite that, they trail third place Carolina by 10 points with over half the season left.

The trouble for the Islanders is they’re not getting any secondary scoring. Grabner’s assist yesterday was his first point in two months (10/17). After scoring twice in their season opening win over the Devils on Oct. 4, he’s without a goal over 31. Mind boggling even for a streaky scorer who had 54 his first two seasons with the Islanders. During last year’s shortened season, Grabner netted 16. Over a 20-goal pace. He was being counted on for at least that.

Josh Bailey is the other forward who has underachieved. After posting 11 goals and eight assists in 38 games last season, he’s tallied four goals and seven assists in 34 games so far. Eleven points isn’t what they’re looking for from the 24-year old who’s in his sixth year. With an assist Tuesday, it was his first point in 12 games (11/19). Bailey is without a goal since Oct. 25. Ironically, all four came in the Isles’ first 10 games. Their record was 4-3-3 including an emotional 4-3 win at Pittsburgh in which Bailey notched the winner with 1:40 left. Even if he’s not a classic scorer, he should have more by accident.

The lack of production saw the club bring up top prospect Ryan Strome. The 2011 first round pick was leading the AHL in scoring with 33 points. He’s played two games thus far registering three shots. The Islanders are hoping Strome and fellow rookie Nelson (3-6-9 in 25 GP) can give them a jolt. It doesn’t help that a supporting cast that includes Cal Clutterbuck (3 goals), Colin McDonald (2 goals) and Casey Cizikas (3-4-7 in 33 GP) haven’t contributed enough. Enforcer Matt Martin has two goals and two assists with 47 penalty minutes and a league-leading 170 hits. When veteran tough guy Eric Boulton (2-2-4 in 10 GP) has outperformed one of GM Garth Snow’s failed signings Peter Regin (1-3-4 in 31 GP), it speaks volumes.

The organization also recently assigned Pierre-Marc Bouchard to Bridgeport. In 28 games, he had four goals and five assists. Meanwhile, Brad Boyes has nine goals and five helpers for suddenly surging Florida. Apparently, 10 goals and 25 assists including 13 power play points wasn’t enough for Snow to re-sign him. Instead, he decided to give Bouchard $2 million. Boyes wound up signing late with the Panthers for $1 million. A bargain.

Snow’s offseason has to be looked at by owner Charles Wang. That is if he isn’t blinded out of loyalty. He also never addressed the club’s goaltending depth. Nabokov is signed through this season with Kevin Poulin backing up. When Nabokov was down, Anders Nilsson was recalled failing to record a win in five appearances. Meanwhile, Poulin has one less win (4) than Nabokov (5) in the same amount of games (16). That just doesn’t translate.

They can make Capuano the fall guy. But that would be misguided. It’s on Snow. Ironically, his biggest gamble Thomas Vanek for Matt Moulson and two future picks hasn’t worked out. The Isles are 5-15-4 since the trade. The issue isn’t Vanek. Though six goals in 19 games isn’t enough production. He’s 6-7-13 so far. Ironically, Moulson has identical numbers in 21 games with the Sabres. Maybe it’s one of those classic cases where you were better off not doing anything. If Snow is unable to re-sign Vanek, the deal looks terrible. He took a huge risk. Unless they turn their season around starting Friday at MSG against the Rangers, it’s an epic fail.

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Vigneault scratches McIlrath against Pens

Posted on December 18, 2013 by Derek

When the Rangers host the Penguins tonight at 8 PM, Dylan McIlrath won’t be in the lineup. After playing his first two NHL games since being recalled from Hartford, he’ll be a healthy scratch.

Instead, Alain Vigneault has decided to dress Arron Asham. Nothing against Asham, who’s a solid fourth line energizer. But sitting out McIlrath fresh off his first fight that helped spark a win over the Flames doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Granted. The Pens are an explosive opponent that features league-leading scorer Sidney Crosby. Even without Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and suspended forward James Neal, they have capable scorers including Pascal Dupuis, Chris Kunitz and Jussi Jokinen.

Given their penchant for allowing goals to obscure fourth liners, it’s even more reason to question Vigneault’s decision. I get that he isn’t comfortable going with seven defensemen. But why bench the one tough guy they have against a team known for cheap shots? It’s not like the Pens don’t have physical players who can run roughshod. Tanner Glass is their enforcer and Deryk Engelland is a legit heavy. Robert Bortuzzo is also tough.

Why not dress McIlrath? Vigneault praised his courage for battling Brian McGrattan. Big Mac even was rewarded the Broadway Hat recognizing his contribution. So, he’s rewarded by being scratched? If that doesn’t sum up Vigneault’s first year behind the Ranger bench, I don’t know what else to tell you. This is a coach who entering Game 35 has yet to settle on line combinations. A detail that former bench boss John Tortorella was criticized for. Apparently, it’s epidemic.

The Rangers attempt to win two straight for the first time in nearly a month. That came against Dallas and Nashville (11/21-11/23) on the road. They can at least take solace knowing they beat the Pens in the only meeting on 11/6. A 5-1 drubbing. Henrik Lundqvist gets his seventh consecutive start. Figure Marc-Andre Fleury to be in net for the Pens. He’s having a great season boasting a 1.98 GAA. Oddly enough, the Rangers scored five on 25 shots in last month’s win.

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Lucky Seven: Pouliot’s shoots Rangers to big win over Flames

Posted on December 16, 2013 by Derek
Happy Hank: Henrik Lundqvist finally can celebrate after stopping Mikael Backlund in the shootout. Getty Images/Jason DeCrow

Happy Hank: Henrik Lundqvist finally can celebrate after stopping Mikael Backlund in the shootout.
Getty Images/Jason DeCrow

It really had come down to this. Could Benoit Pouliot pick up Henrik Lundqvist in the seventh round of the shootout? The much maligned enigma delivered with a Forsbergian one-hander past Karri Ramo. After failing twice to shutdown Calgary, Lundqvist kicked out a Mikael Backlund try to finally clinch a 4-3 shootout win over the Flames. A relieved Lundqvist raised his arms and looked to the heavens. That’s how challenging it’s been for the Rangers to win on home ice.

”It was just a big relief to get two points,” Lundqvist echoed after clinching the Rangers’ first win at MSG since Nov. 30 against Vancouver. ”I had a chance to close it out twice and I didn’t do it. Finally we ended the game.”

The game was a microcosm of the season. Defensive breakdowns led to the Flames scoring twice before the Rangers got untracked. Following an early power play failure, Chris Kreider was called for a mysterious interference. Off a clean faceoff win, Backlund redirected Kris Russell’s point shot over Lundqvist from Mark Giordano. Following a Giordano penalty, Curtis Glencross steered home a Jiri Hudler feed at the goalmouth for a two-goal Calgary lead at 15:00. Brad Richards failed to take him in front.

With the Garden already in a foul mood, Derek Stepan awoke the crowd when he took a Rick Nash pass and beat Ramo 25 seconds later from Dan Girardi. Girardi made the defensive play clearing the zone for Nash, who dished for Stepan, whose shot went off a Flame skate. It was a huge goal that ended a 10-game drought for the struggling center. Entering the contest, he had only five goals. Oddly enough, when he registers a point, the Rangers boasted a 12-3-0 record. Perhaps it was a good sign.

The game got chippy during the second. John Moore exchanged matching roughs with Lance Bouma. He took exception to a hit post scrum. During the same shift, recently recalled former 2010 first round pick Dylan McIlrath wanted a piece of Calgary veteran enforcer Brian McGrattan. But refs Chris Rooney and Brad Watson stepped in. It would foreshadow what was to come. That kind of edge has been lacking. It was nice to see and brought energy to the building.

Another player who had been noticeably absent is Carl Hagelin. After scoring five goals early following shoulder surgery, the pesky Swede needed one in the worst way. He finally netted his sixth when he stuffed home a wrap around to tie it at 7:29. Pouliot made the play with an aggressive forecheck. Dominic Moore was also instrumental adding a helper. Since being reinserted by Alain Vigneault, he’s been more active scoring his first in the Columbus game. He’d also factor in during the shootout.

With the Rangers finally carrying the play, McGrattan sought out McIlrath. It was a date with destiny. The 21-year old rookie took his lumps against one of the league’s toughest but did alright. He had a bloody right cheek but got kudos from McGrattan when it was over. In his second game, McIlrath took 11 shifts (5:08) while splitting time with Justin Falk. For the first time all season, Vigneault went with seven defensemen. McIlrath received a couple of shifts in the third. He was nabbed for a dubious hi-stick with Mike Cammalleri pulling a classic vet move Jamie Langenbrunner was known for.

The Rangers killed it off to stay in a game they trailed by one. Earlier in the stanza, Calgary 2013 first round pick Sean Monahan chipped home his 10th from Glencross and Hudler. It was a goal that took a funny bounce over Lundqvist’s goal stick. One of those goals that happens when you’re going bad. After killing off McIlrath’s penalty, they badly needed a goal to avoid losing the first five of a record nine-game home stand. Kreider provided the clutch goal when he parked himself in front of Ramo and backhanded a Stepan rebound in for his eighth. It was Stepan’s 100th career assist. Brian Boyle started it with a defensive play working the puck to Stepan, who patiently waited before getting a tricky shot that Ramo couldn’t control- allowing Kreider enough time to finish with 7:53 left in regulation.

Interestingly, the Rangers had a great opportunity to win it. Following a Cammalleri rough of Mats Zuccarello, Ramo batted a rebound over the glass leading to a delay of game. It handed the Blueshirts a five on three for 1:20. But they couldn’t capitalize. Just as Cammalleri’s minor expired, Kreider accidentally hi-sticked Chris Butler. He tried to bat a puck out of mid-air but caught Butler who was bloodied leading to a double minor. A strong penalty kill led by Girardi, Ryan McDonagh (31:01 TOI, 6:51 SH), Hagelin and Moore allowed them to reach overtime.

After nothing was decided, the game went to a shootout. Amazingly, it was the Rangers’ first in Game 34. In Round 1, Zuccarello (high glove) and Joe Colborne (forehand deke) traded goals. Ramo and Lundqvist stifled the shooters the next two rounds. In Round 4, Richards beat Ramo stick side. But Lee Stempniak went high glove on Lundqvist extending it. Following misses from Derick Brassard and Cammalleri, Vigneault selected Dom Moore. An odd choice, he once beat the Rangers as a member of the Lightning to conclude the infamous Anisimov Shotgun game. Moore made him look like a genius also going stick side. But Lundqvist again failed to seal it, allowing Paul Byron’s flub to slip five-hole. Pouliot came out and made a beautiful move pulling Ramo to one side before tucking home the puck in the top of the seventh. This time, Lundqvist was equal to the challenge denying Backlund for the win.

”I just had a feeling that if we don’t win this one, I’m not going to be a happy guy,” he added. ”It’s a big win for us. Right now, you have to look at it as taking baby steps in improving and start winning. You can’t turn this around right away.

”You start with one period, then two periods, then a game. Then you start feeling good about yourself.”

The win was only the Rangers’ second when they allow the first goal. They improved to 2-15.

”That’s a picture we’ve seen,” Vigneault said. ”We stuck with playing a pretty solid defensive game. We weren’t giving them much, and we spent a lot of time in their end.

”We got a couple of goals and just kept plugging away.”

 

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Ryan McDonagh, NYR (SOG, 4 blocked shots, a warrior in 33 shifts-31:01)

2nd Star-Carl Hagelin, NYR (6th of season, 4 SOG, 2 hits, strong PK work in 16:17)

1st Star-Derek Stepan, NYR (6th of season, assist for 100th career helper, 3 SOG, 12 for 23 on draws, +2 in 22:43)

 

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