Battle Of Hudson

At least it’s only preseason. In their final tune up at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the Rangers were crowned by the Kings 4-1. The same two teams played Vegas in 1991. That was a stark contrast with John Vanbiesbrouck admitting to Al Trautwig that it was so humid out that dehydration was a legit concern in 85 degree temps outside. Good thing the rematch was played inside in front of over 11,000. Even if it was 11 degrees cooler, it didn’t help the Rangers win.

Playing their fourth road game over five days, Alain Vigneault went with a mixed bag. He gave top three defensemen Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi and Marc Staal the night off. It showed right away. Off the opening faceoff, Anze Kopitar went around Anton Stralman beating Henrik Lundqvist 15 seconds in. A night after being chased by Vancouver for five goals, he allowed four over three periods. A blueline that included regulars Stralman, Mike Del Zotto, John Moore along with Conor Allen, Stu Bickel and Justin Falk struggled mightily. The latter three were vying for the seventh D. Bickel showed toughness fighting Jordan Nolan. Falk remains the favorite even though he’s been up and down. Allen likely will start in Hartford.

Special teams weren’t good. The Rangers allowed two power play goals while not getting much accomplished on their own. They gave up dangerous shorthanded chances. A theme throughout a long unorganized road trip. Unorganized because they haven’t looked sharp. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to travel. Unfortunately, the MSG renovation has them on the road for the first nine games. It still doesn’t explain why it was necessary to play the bulk of their exhibition schedule in Western Canada. The charity golf tournament that raised money for Calgary was a noble gesture. I just wonder how quickly they’ll recover. Back home for a few days, they head West again to begin the season.

Jeff Carter and Mike Richards each scored on the power play for the Kings. Carter made it 2-0 when he had all day to deke Lundqvist and slide the puck in an open side. If there was a bright spot, it was the play of J.T. Miller along with kids Jesper Fast, Marek Hrivik and Oscar Lindberg. After being called out by Vigneault along with the ghost of Chris Kreider, Miller redirected a Stralman point shot past Jonathan Quick that cut the deficit to 2-1. A neat deflection by a poised 20-year old who deserves to make the team. The 2011 first round pick has played on the left wing. He’s more active than Kreider, who still has a tendency to disappear. It’s hard to say what they should do with him. The other rookies have been more noticeable. Lindberg was involved picking up an assist on Miller’s tally. He also was part of their best line flanked by Fast and Hrivik. Of the three, Fast is the one who looks most ready. If there’s one positive, it’s that the Rangers have more young talent than previously thought. They’ll have reinforcements at Hartford.

Brandon Mashinter had another scrap but took a costly penalty that led to Richards beating Lundqvist with a clean wrist shot from the point. He’s mighty tough and could be a player Vigneault calls upon at some point this season. But you can’t lose discipline. With Arron Asham showing enough to make the roster, Mashinter will be ticketed for Hartford. What to do with Darroll Powe and Taylor Pyatt? There’s more of a case for Powe, who brings penalty killing and defensive awareness. An area that’s been lacking. Improved strength has helped. He can be a valuable extra forward. With Dominic Moore and Brian Boyle, is there really a need for Pyatt? How many fourth liners can they carry? Assuming Asham makes it along with Powe, Pyatt could be the odd man out. If they want to change the identity, then keep Miller and Fast to start the year. They’ve earned it.

At this point, Ryan Callahan is pushing for Thursday’s season opener at Phoenix. He’s cleared for contact and returns tomorrow along with Derek Stepan. Carl Hagelin is further away. Trying to figure out the 23-man roster is hard because they still need to get back to the cap. They’re $294,167 over. So, it comes down to roster cuts. It will work itself out.

One other note from yesterday. Rick Nash continues to baffle. Whether it’s holding onto the puck looking to go 1 on 4 or failing to hustle back defensively leading to lazy penalties, he isn’t a complete player. Despite oodles of talent, the 40-goal scorer has demonstrated why the Blue Jackets got rid of him. There’s no doubt he’ll produce. He’s the Rangers’ best forward. It would be nice if Vigneault got into his head about the other part of the game. Defense is still important. Even the offensive minded coach has noted that. Similar to not being able to win low scoring contests consistently, you can’t win shootouts nightly. There has to be a balance. I’m not sure I’d play Nash with Brad Richards for too long. At least Richards tries to get back.

The Rangers finished preseason 1-5-0. Their only win came against the Flyers, who have struggled. I’m trying not to put too much stock in it because Vigneault kept a lot of guys around so he can familiarize himself with the organizational depth. There might be a benefit to that. If players struggle, he should have a better idea who to call up. It’s been echoed throughout. The team will become much harder to play against once Callahan, Stepan and Hagelin are part of it. They’re the toughest forwards on the roster. I’d like to see Callahan utilized in a similar role to Kreider on the power play. He’s effective in front and has deft touch. Hopefully, icing a full roster will allow the team to gel.

John Tortorella had reason to smile watching his new team.
Canadian Press/Jonathan Hayward

Tonight sucked. If you were looking for a statement, keep searching. The Rangers were terrible in Vancouver. Score one for John Tortorella, whose new team delivered a 5-0 KO. Playing its third game in four nights, Alain Vigneault’s club started strong carrying the play while out-shooting the Canucks. Roberto Luongo was sharp allowing the home team to get untracked. He finished with 40 saves for the shutout.

Undisciplined play away killed the Rangers. Bad penalties and lackadaisical coverage led to easy pickings for The Sedins. They had a field day. Henrik Sedin scored twice on his 33rd birthday while twin brother Daniel set up an early power play goal. A furious Henrik Lundqvist griped to the refs about goalie interference. He should’ve been upset with his defense. Frank Corrado beat Lundqvist from the blueline making it 2-0. Despite a 17-9 shots edge, the Rangers trailed after the first period.

It only got worse. Henrik Sedin tipped in his second 1:12 into the second from Alex Burrows and Alex Edler. Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi struggled mightily. The normally unflappable tandem were on for three goals against. On each, they were largely responsible. Derick Brassard fell down on one, which didn’t help. Neither did Rick Nash, who never bothers to back check. It’s a bad habit that must change along with the shoddy D we’ve seen so far. It’s still only preseason. Hopefully, once they trim the roster it’ll change. Not having Derek Stepan, Ryan Callahan and Carl Hagelin around hasn’t helped. That’s a gritty trio who make life difficult on opponents. They get in on the forecheck and go to the net. Luongo was able to see every shot.

The Canucks did a better job in front of Lundqvist, who was taken off his game following Sedin’s opening tally when Ryan Kesler and Kevin Bieksa fell on top of him. Lundqvist wasn’t himself allowing five goals in two periods. Marty Biron replaced him in the third and stopped some more dangerous Vancouver chances. A dumb penalty from Derek Dorsett led to Kesler redirecting an Edler drive right through Hank’s five-hole. It was one of those goals he probably doesn’t allow last year due to his equipment. Hopefully, he’ll adjust to smaller pads. Hunter Shinkaruk scored on a rush when his shot from the left faceoff circle deflected by Lundqvist.

There really isn’t much else to say. The effort the Rangers put in was atrocious. They have been porous defensively in all five games. I keep having to remind myself that it’s only preseason. There’s still 31 players in camp which doesn’t make much sense. Encouraging is that Callahan has been cleared for contact. He and Stepan return to the team Sunday following the final exhibition against the Kings in Vegas. It looks like the captain is shooting for the season opener in Phoenix. It sounds like Callahan is rushing back. He’s built similarly to Derek Jeter. I hope he doesn’t have any setbacks.

On a night where there weren’t many positives, here are a few:

Darroll Powe continues to distinguish himself. He’s much more noticeable on the attack registering four shots. He’s definitely a factor shorthanded, always seeming to be in the right spot. He and Dom Moore seem to read off each other well.

Jesper Fast doesn’t look out of place. I can’t think of one good reason not to keep him. This team can use another young player with jam. An old Tort expression that applies to AV’s new system. I find myself wanting to see more of him.

Marc Staal was the best defenseman. That’s not saying much. But he and John Moore weren’t on for any goals against. Staal particularly has looked more confident pinching and taking shots on the power play. If he plays like this during the season, it bodes well.

Mats Zuccarello was active during his shifts because he always is. You notice how hard he battles. That work ethic improved under Tortorella. Look for a good year out of Zucc.

Brad Richards made some good offensive reads in the third leading to chances. He looked better in the third with Zuccarello and Benoit Pouliot. Maybe that’s who he should play with instead of the lazy Nash.

Alain Vigneault and John Tortorella trading places is a unique storyline. How will their new teams do?
sportingnews.com

In the classic 80’s hit movie Trading Places, Eddie Murphy and Dan Akroyd are used by The Dukes. “They used as guinea pigs,” Valentine tells Winthorpe, who is restrained by servant Coleman from strangling him. A classic scene in one of the best 80’s movies. After finding out it was over a bet of one dollar, they team up and put the Dukes out of business.

In the NHL, the stakes are higher. Guide a team within grasp of the Stanley Cup and you can still lose your job. Alain Vigneault can vouch for that. In 2011, his Canucks lost in seven games to the Bruins for Lord Stanley. Following two early exits, he was out of a job. A year later, John Tortorella led the Rangers to their first Conference Final appearance since ’97. After falling to the Devils, high expectations were too much for him to overcome. Following a second round exit, he was dismissed. The locker room had become stale. Tired of the taskmaster, players wanted a fresh face with a different outlook. What they got was Vigneault. A successful coach who plays a higher tempo. The Rangers are hoping he’ll be the right fit. His successor in Vancouver turned out to be Tortorella. The Canucks felt they needed a tougher approach. That’s exactly what they got in the more demanding coach, who fared well in New York.

Now, the two coaches are pitted against each other. Tonight marks the first of three meetings between the Rangers and Canucks. What you’ll get is plenty of talk centered around Tortorella and Vigneault. Both are still adjusting to their new rosters. For Tortorella, he goes from coaching Henrik Lundqvist to the unpredictable Roberto Luongo. A man who thought his days in Vancouver were over. Instead, GM Mike Gillis stunned everyone by dealing Cory Schneider to New Jersey for 2013 first round pick Bo Horvat. Stunned by the move, the normally colorful Luongo went silent. He’s still a Canuck with his new coach praising him. The kind of love he shouldn’t get used to. What’s more intriguing is if Tortorella can get The Sedins to buy into his shot blocking style. He has emotional leader Ryan Kesler, who he’ll love more than Ryan Callahan. Meanwhile, Vigneault is looking to reignite Brad Richards, who was at odds with the coach he teamed with to win a Cup in Tampa. At his arsenal is Rick Nash, who figures to benefit from a more aggressive system. That includes pinching defensemen. Already Marc Staal has demonstrated what Vigneault wants scoring twice.

Interestingly enough, neither team has lit it up. It’s still preseason. The Canucks enter their final exhibition 1-4-0 while the Blueshirts come in 1-3-0. After tonight, the Rangers have one final game against the Kings. A Vegas reunion 23 years later. That should be a treat. For Vigneault’s club, they’ll fly home this weekend and make final preparations. They start with a crucial nine-game road trip that includes stops in LA, San Jose, Anaheim and St. Louis. It’ll be interesting to see how quickly they gel. The coaching staff is still making final decisions on a roster that finally includes re-signed center Derek Stepan. As for Vancouver, they start against the team that eliminated them at San Jose. Four of their first six are at home including visits from the Oilers and Sharks. Tortorella still has to make final cuts. Does he decide to keep Horvat?

The exciting aspect is both coaches get fresh starts along with their teams. Two coaches have never traded places like this. It’s one of the most unique storylines. Who will have more success? We shouldn’t be so quick to judge. There’s no guarantee either club reaches their goal of the Cup. It’s Year One of realignment. Gone are the days of three division winners. Making the playoffs will be more of a grind. Especially in the East where Columbus and Detroit have been added. The Rangers play in the Metropolitan that features Pittsburgh, Washington, New Jersey, Columbus, the Islanders, Philadelphia and Carolina. Even though there are only 14 teams in the West, Vancouver finds itself in a much tougher Pacific that features Los Angeles, San Jose, Anaheim, Edmonton, Phoenix and Calgary.

Each coach is presented with new challenges. It’ll be something to follow. They shouldn’t be compared to each other. Of course, fans and media will because that can’t be helped. But they should only be judged on how their teams perform. Tonight will be fun. The Rangers won’t see the Canucks again until Saturday, Nov. 30 at The Garden. Hopefully, fans will not boo Tortorella. He doesn’t deserve it. Not for developing most of the roster Vigneault takes over. The Rangers improved under him. Expectations are higher with several players believing they’re capable of winning the Cup. What a story that would be on the 20th Anniversary of 1994. Ironically, they beat the Canucks in seven. Vancouver is still searching for its first Cup. Now it falls on Tortorella.

In a bizarre twist, the Rangers don’t return to Vancouver until April 1, 2014. An April Fool’s Day joke showing that the league has a sense of humor. By then, we’ll have a better idea on both teams. The fun starts tonight.

“It’s not unrealistic to think you can win the Stanley Cup. The first step is BELIEVING.”-Glen Sather

In the second part of John Giannone’s MSG exclusive with Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather, he was asked about the difference in philosophy with new coach Alain Vigneault. Slats emphasized a more skating and attacking style without many set break outs. Most notably, he thinks a more aggressive game is better suited for their defensemen. Already we’ve seen a difference with Marc Staal, who’s scored on consecutive nights in Alberta. Staal also jumped in and nearly scored late in the second period in an exhibition Edmonton leads 4-2.

Sather also felt getting on the road for the camp in Banff was good for team chemistry. It’s a chance for players and coaches to get acclimated. All part of gelling. A word he used when pressed further about the 10-11 players he spoke to who felt winning the Stanley Cup is a realistic goal, To summarize, he said a lot of things have to go right including team bonding, playing like one unit and most importantly, health. He was quick to point out that injuries to Staal, Ryan Callahan and Carl Hagelin hindered last year’s team.

It’ll be interesting to watch how this team develops. With Callahan and Hagelin practicing minus contact, we still don’t know if they’ll start the season. There remains a log jam at forward with two preseason games remaining including a Vancouver reunion with former coach John Tortorella. In the first part of Sather’s interview, he had some pointed remarks on unsigned center Derek Stepan. It was basically a message to his agent that he needs to lower his demands. There’s no way he’ll get $3.5 million. However, if it becomes $3 million that’s doable. With the club facing important decisions on vets Arron Asham, Taylor Pyatt and Darroll Powe, much depends on the status of Callahan, Hagelin and Stepan.

Vigneault and the coaching staff must determine which kids might be worth keeping. Jesper Fast and goal scorer J.T. Miller have made strong cases. Miller’s first game has been impressive. He scored a goal by driving the net to finish a play set up by Asham and Chris Kreider, who looks better on the kid line. Kreider’s also been used up front on two power plays. An experiment Vigneault wants to try. A noticeable difference from the last coaching regime. Players are stopping in front while the points are getting shots through. A positive sign.

Another rookie who hasn’t looked out of place is Marek Hrivik. He possesses good speed and plays aggressive. Thus far, he looks more polished than Oscar Lindberg and Danny Kristo with both likely ticketed for Hartford.

As for the D, it’s a work in progress. Vigneault knows what he has in the top six with Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi and Staal the anchors. With Staal showing no ill effects from his eye, that’s very encouraging. Mike Del Zotto remains an enigma but is still vital due to the offensive skill set he possesses. Anton Stralman and the ever improving John Moore round it out. After that, it remains a mystery. Nobody’s stood out. Justin Falk is supposed to be the seventh D but needs to show more. Stu Bickel has played himself off the roster and Tommy Hughes clearly needs work. That leaves Conor Allen, who at times hasn’t looked bad. He’s a better skater than Falk and seems to play with poise. Would they really consider him? We’ll have to wait and see.

Marty Biron made some strong saves early. The Oilers got their first three goals on deflections including two beauties from David Perron. The other came from Taylor Hall after Kreider left the box. None can be considered softies but Ben Eager’s shorthanded goal following another 5 on 3 failure went short side. Not great. Cam Talbot still is getting half a game. Guess they want to take one more look.

A lot remains unsettled. Once we get through the weekend, there should be many questions answered.