Game 6 Recap: Orpik’s Overtime Winner Eliminates Islanders

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Derek
Getty Images/Kathy Willens

They gave it everything they had. But the Islanders couldn’t quite put the Penguins away in Game Six- losing a heartbreaking game 4-3 to the East’s top seed at a packed Nassau Coliseum. It was an unlikely candidate who rescued the Pens. Brooks Orpik scored at 7:49 of the first overtime to help them advance to a second round meeting against Ottawa. The rugged defenseman took a Tyler Kennedy feed and beat Evgeni Nabokov for his first. Evgeni Malkin added the other assist.

It was a similar play by Malkin that allowed the Pens to force OT. He sent a backhand pass out to Paul Martin at the left point. Martin’s try deflected in off Isles’ forward Frans Nielsen‘s stick tying it with 5:16 left in regulation. Pittsburgh rallied from three one-goal deficits to finally prevail over a pesky eighth seeded Islanders who never went away. It was earned. Not given to them like so many prognosticators expected.

If not for coach Dan Bylsma changing goalies to vet backup Tomas Vokoun, the gritty underdogs from Long Island might have prevailed. Vokoun provided the spark the Pens lacked in net, coming up with big saves. After blanking the Isles in Game Five, he stopped 35 shots in Game Six. Many were clutch with a more determined Islanders forcing him to come up with tougher stops than Thursday night. Indeed, the 36-year old Czech delivered for the Pens, which is why they acquired him last off-season. That included 16 saves in a critical second despite his team being severely outplayed. Pittsburgh was out-shot 16-6 but got the lone goal from Pascal Dupuis.

The Islanders went down fighting. MVP candidate John Tavares scored 5:36 into the contest. He finished off a Josh Bailey feed for his third. All three of his goals came on home ice in Games 3-4 and 6. Defenseman Matt Carkner picked up the secondary assist. As they had all series, the Penguins responded quickly when just over two minutes later, Jarome Iginla finished off his second in front. Sidney Crosby was allowed to drive to the net and get a tough backhand which Evgeni Nabokov got a piece of. Nobody picked up Iginla, who tied the game 2:03 later.

Undeterred, the Isles controlled most of the first period. A late one from Colin McDonald with 47 seconds remaining steered them back ahead 2-1. A Michael Grabner check on Martin behind the net forced him to turn over the puck. Grabner freed it up to Keith Aucoin, who passed for McDonald at the side. McDonald flipped his second upstairs.

They had plenty of opportunities to increase their lead. The Pens took three penalties in the second. All three were undisciplined including Brenden Morrow boarding Radek Martinek in the offensive zone. On the ensuing power play, Matt Moulson blew a wide open chance in front off a Tavares set up. He had half the net to shoot at and missed wide. It was a crucial turning point. Following an easy kill of a Martinek crosscheck, the Isles let up emotionally. They fell asleep on Dupuis’ fifth. Joe Vitale cruised down the right side and passed between two Islanders for Dupuis, who deflected home the only goal of the period at 10:59. Travis Hamonic failed to pick him up.

With the game knotted, the Islanders again retook the lead. This time, Grabner was the beneficiary of more hustle. Vokoun misplayed a puck to defenseman Kris Letang, who gave it away with McDonald closing fast. It came right to Aucoin, who faked and dished across for an easy Grabner put away that put them back in front 3-2 with 17:39 left in regulation.

The Isles continued to dictate play, limiting the Pens chances by clogging up the neutral zone and standing up at their blueline. The defensive strategy was working until Malkin finally remembered there was a game. Up till that point, his line was a combined minus-six. On a previous shift, he sent a Matt Cooke pass wide. Off a turnover in the neutral zone, he glided behind the Islander net before sending a backhand saucer pass for Martin, whose one-time blast took an unlucky bounce past Nabokov at 14:44. Unfortunately, Martin’s shot deflected off Nielsen past his own netminder.

After 60 minutes, nothing was decided. It guaranteed that someone would score at least four goals for the fifth time in the series. Both teams went for it in sudden death. Moulson missed on another opportunity firing wide. There were a couple of close calls for the Pens where the Isles had loose pucks in the slot but couldn’t bury one past Vokoun. It was a game of missed opportunities. When Pittsburgh finally settled down, their experience paid off. A hustle play from Kennedy behind the net allowed him to move the puck to Orpik at the left point. He let go of a shot that deflected past Nabokov inside the crossbar for the series clincher.

Following his goal that allowed teammates to congratulate him and breathe a sigh of relief, Islander fans saluted their team one more time chanting, “Let’s Go Islanders, Let’s Go Islanders, Let’s Go Islanders!” It was one of those cool playoff moments you get at this special time of year. Their team hadn’t been here in six years. After the traditional handshake that sets hockey apart from other major sports, the Islanders stayed on the ice and saluted the crowd to cheers. Even if they are a blood rival whose fans can get under our skin, you have to respect how the team played. With passion and resiliency. Make no mistake. They’ll be back.


NY Puck 3 Stars:

3rd Star-John Tavares, NYI (3rd of series, 3 SOG, 16-8 on draws, -1 in 23:51-played well matched up against Crosby)
2nd Star-Tomas Vokoun, Pit (35 saves incl. all 16 in busy 2nd-he saved them)
1st Star-Brooks Orpik, Pit (scored OT winner to clinch series at 7:49, 5 hits, +2 in 27:17)

Notes: Islanders out-shot Penguins 38-21 including 3-2 in OT. … Despite giving up four goals or more for the third consecutive time, Nabokov couldn’t really be faulted. The first two Pens’ goals came on blown assignments and the final two, one was a deflection off his own player and the other he didn’t see. … Faceoffs: NYI 44 Pit 29. Tavares dominated winning 16 of 24 draws and Kyle Okposo went 6 and 2. Casey Cizikas won 7 of 10. For the Pens, Crosby was 12 of 25 and Vitale 5 and 5. … Hits: NYI 31 Pit 23. Matt Martin paced everyone with 11 followed by McDonald’s 6. Cooke and Orpik shared the team lead with 5. … Blocked Shots: NYI 23 Pit 18. Paul Martin had 5 blocks and Lubomir Visnovsky had 4.

… Former Islanders’ 2nd round pick Brock Nelson made his NHL debut taking 12 shifts. In 7:44 of ice-time, he finished minus-one with a hit and takeaway. … Aucoin finished with two assists. It was his first two assist game of the year. … Grabner had a goal and assist. … Carkner returned to the lineup and had a helper with a hit and three blocks in 20:43. … Paul Martin had a goal and helper for the Pens and Malkin added two helpers. … Iginla and Crosby each had nine points while Malkin led all scorers with 11 (2-9-11). He recorded a point in all six games.

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Calling Out Our Captain

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Derek

Nobody is loved more than our captain. Ryan Callahan personifies who the Rangers are. He’s the embodiment of how they play. A tireless worker who competes every shift, Captain Cally is always willing to throw his weight around. Despite being listed at 5-11, 190 he’ll do anything to help this team. 

The 28-year old Rochester native just completed his sixth full season. The former ’04 fourth round steal is the classic overachiever. Not the most skilled, he squeezes every ounce out of his body. When I watched him play for Team USA in the WJC, I thought he’d be a third line energizer who could kill penalties. Even back then, his work ethic was second to none. My second conclusion was that if he improved, maybe he’d become a second liner. Hindsight is 20/20. 
Callahan has turned himself into a pseudo top line player out of necessity. Playing on a line with homegrown products Derek Stepan and Carl Hagelin, he goes out and takes the body ferociously. He’s frequently our leading hitter and always sacrificing to block shots. The chemistry he has with Stepan is often on display on the penalty kill. The dynamic American duo often outwork opponents and create shorthanded opportunities. Their anticipation is tremendous. The Rangers don’t have any shorthanded goals in the first round series against the Caps. But they’ve had their chances. 
In the series, Stepan has scored twice with his goals in Games 3 and 4 game clinchers that sent it back to Washington tied 2-2. He doesn’t have an assist but has been a consistent performer. Hagelin has been the best of the trio posting two goals and two helpers. He’s been involved physically and has taken advantage of his speed to out-hustle the Caps to loose pucks. Callahan has two assists thus far including one out of sheer effort that allowed Stepan and Hagelin to work a give and go for a highlight reel goal that held up as the winner in a 4-3 Game Four victory. However, he doesn’t have any goals.
During the shortened season, Callahan ranked third with 16 markers- trailing only Rick Nash (21) and Stepan (18). In the series, Nash hasn’t scored either. If you’re top scorers don’t produce in the postseason, it’s usually not a winning formula. Ironically, Alex Ovechkin only has one goal but his team is in position to advance following Mike Ribeiro’s overtime winner yesterday. Like the past three series against Washington, it’s been hard fought. Only one game has been decided by more than a goal. These teams know each other well. The trouble for the Rangers is they don’t have as strong a supporting cast. The Caps’ depth is better with Joel Ward, Troy Brouwer, Jason Chimera and Mathieu Perreault among the notables who have come through. 
The Capitals have a dozen players who have at least a goal including two from rover Mike Green. Everyone else has one. In fact, only four skaters have not registered a point. By comparison, seven Rangers have lit the lamp with Hagelin, Brian Boyle and Stepan sharing the team lead. Given some of their injuries, 14 skaters have recorded a point. However, their blueline pales in comparison. All six Washington defenseman are capable of contributing offensively in first-year coach Adam Oates more aggressive system, similar to the one they played under former coach Bruce Boudreau in ’09. On the Broadway side, they don’t always pinch allowing a dangerous transitional team easier outs to go on the attack. That can be attributed to John Tortorella. Granted. His roster isn’t as talented. But in the playoffs, you have to make the opponent play D. Especially the Caps. When they have, the Rangers have had success. 
There’s more of an emphasis on the Blueshirts’ top players to finish. Even much maligned Brad Richards found the back of the net thanks to some hustle from Taylor Pyatt, allowing him to follow up a Hagelin try into an open net. Callahan is relied upon for goal scoring. Even if he’s not a natural finisher, he must contribute. He’s been too much on the perimeter on the power play. A no no for our leading power play man the past three seasons. Six of his 16 goals came on the man-advantage this year. The last time someone other than Callahan led them in PPG’s, it was ’09-10 when ex-Ranger Marian Gaborik had 14 in his first year in Manhattan. Nash was brought in to add an element. Instead, only three of his team best 21 goals came on it. In fact, his power play numbers were way down the past two seasons with Columbus. He netted six in ’10-11 and ’11-12. He did add 13 power play assists last year. Nash finished with nine power play points (3-6-9) in 44 contests in Year One as a Ranger. 
If two of their best finishers aren’t finding twine, it’s awfully tough for them to win consistently. Nash is playing through an injury. But hasn’t shot the puck well enough. He still leads the Rangers with 19 shots. Most have come from the perimeter. Stepan ranks second with 16 and Callahan right behind with 15. Hagelin has 14. Without Ryane Clowe, there aren’t enough support players who can pick up the slack. As it turns out, the development of Chris Kreider was far more important than Tortorella perceived. He’s been wasted this year, which falls squarely on the coach. 
In a series where goals are at a premium, the Rangers need someone to step up. The likeliest is Callahan, who is fully capable of scoring at crucial moments such as his playoff clincher. He had a strong finish but hasn’t carried it over. There are no excuses. Callahan knows that and expects better. If they’re to rally back, they need their captain. Let’s see if he can deliver.
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Around the NHL: Round 1 excitement

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Derek

Everyone around here knows about the two NY series by now, and if you don’t, Derek has some fine recaps up on the site for the Rangers and Islanders (both going back home this weekend down 3-2 in compelling series).  There’s exciting hockey being played outside of NY too, and once again the NHL playoffs is showing it’s must-see TV.  Particularly in the first round, which tends to produce the most exciting series and unpredictable results – much like the first two rounds of March Madness incidentally.  Already two higher seeds in Vancouver and Montreal have gone down, much to the consternation of Canadians all over the Great White North.  Outside of Ottawa, anyway – where the Sens are celebrating an unexpected second-round appearance after a 4-1 series win over the Northeast rival Canadians.

A nice bounceback season for Montreal went down in flames after three straight defeats, including two 6-1 drubbings which sandwiched a devastating Game 4 OT loss where the Habs blew a late 2-0 lead.  Series-ending injuries to captain Brian Gionta and goalie Carey Price (who again didn’t distinguish himself in the postseason) didn’t help, but Montreal had already been fading down the stretch anyway so perhaps this kind of result was inevitable sooner or later.  Especially against an Ottawa team that looks like the early-season juggernaut again with the dynamic Erik Karlsson back in the fold.  Karlsson looks like he hasn’t missed a beat barely ten weeks removed from Achilles surgery.  Memo to the rest of the East: if you dare to call Jack Adams favorite Paul MacLean a big, fat walrus you’d better do it with a smile.  Brandon Prust learned that lesson the hard way after dissing the Ottawa head man early in the series, and Montreal’s theatrics as a team at the end of Game 3 didn’t win them any new friends.

At least Montreal doesn’t face a full-scale rebuild/overhaul the way Vancouver does out West after a shocking sweep by the Sharks.  San Jose proved one goalie is better than two, at least when that one goalie is named Antti Niemi (a Vezina Finalist this year).  Vancouver’s goalie carousel was about as disasterous as the New York Jets’ quarterback follies, with a hurt Cory Schnieder coming in for Games 3 and 4 and laying an egg allowing nine goals after the embattled Roberto Luongo actually played well in his two defeats.  After two straight postseason wipeouts at the hand of California teams, it’s time for ch-ch-changes in Vancouver.  Has Alain Vigneault reached the end after eight seasons as the coach?  That remains to be seen, but GM Mike Gillis needs to clear the goalie traffic jam once and for all this offseason.  Having both guys around benefited neither, though Luongo responded like a trouper all year, aside from his famous – and brutally honest – post-trade deadline press conference where he admitted he wasn’t dealt because his own contract sucks.

Might Niemi face his former team (the Blackhawks) in the next round?  That’d be great theater, especially considering Chicago let Niemi go after winning a Stanley Cup due to cap issues.  Unlike Pittsburgh in the East, the Hawks have responded to the favored tag well, with a convincing five-game triumph over a Wild team that quite frankly looked like it didn’t belong in the postseason after swooning for most of April, putting coach Mike Yeo‘s job in jeopardy.  While Ryan Suter lived up to his contract for most of the season – garnering a Norris nomination and playing well for the most part – the other half of the bromance didn’t fare as well with Zach Parise contributing only a single goal to go along with a -7 in the series.  Can’t say I shed any tears about that, though I did feel a little bad for Josh Harding, who was put in a brutal spot when starting goalie Nicklas Backstrom went down with a sports hernia minutes before the series began.  Harding actually responded well for the most part, holding the mighty Hawks at bay in that Game 1 and winning Game 3 in OT, before his own injury and the Hawks’ talent proved too much to overcome.

Also out West, the Blues and Kings squared off again, a season after the Kings spoiled the Blues’ revival with a shocking second-round sweep.  While it wasn’t as convincing this year, the result ultimately remained the same – and the Kings actually stared down adversity this time, dropping the first two games of the series in St. Louis (including a Game 1 OT loss after a horrendous gaffe by Johnathan Quick behind the net) before winning the next four, all by a single goal.  Those scores will haunt Blues fans all summer…1-0, 4-3, 3-2 (OT), 2-1.  While Brian Elliott was a lot better in goal this year than he was last year against the Kings, the Blues showed they still need at least one top-quality forward and perhaps more.  They scored by committee in the regular season finishing middle of the pack, but when your leading threats up front are Chris Stewart and Alex Steen, that’s not good enough to get goals in the playoffs, as this series showed.  

Most hockey fans (especially in Canada) wanted a Montreal-Toronto series in the worst way, but the Bruins’ April collapse was even worse than the Habs’, so they slipped to the #4 seed and drew the Leafs in the first round.  After a slow start to the series where two ho-hum victories for the Bruins in Games 1 and 3 sandwiched an eyebrow-raising 4-2 Leafs win at Boston in Game 2, that Original Six matchup has proven to be compelling with Toronto missing a big opportunity to tie the series in Game 4, blowing a 3-1 lead at home in a 4-3 OT loss, before rebounding last night with its second road win of the series, a taut 2-1 game that ensured at least one more playoff game in Toronto this Spring.  If there was a player of the series award,  Bruins center David Krejci would be winning it hands down with five goals and eleven points in the five games thus far, including a hat trick in Game 4 that proved decisive in the game if not the series.

Finally, saving the best for last – we have the Anaheim-Detroit series, which for some reason is already in a Game 7 with everyone else playing a Game 6 this weekend.  While the action has flown by, anyone who’s watched the series has had time to savor it with an astounding four OT games including last night’s classic.  Anaheim’s jumped in front three times in the series, and each time the Wings have responded with an OT win.  Last night’s game was a tour de force for stars Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg (see above YouTube), who combined for three of the four goals including Datsyuk’s highlight-reel marker in the first period which saw the skilled Russian put on a puck-handling clinic before firing a sick backhander past Jonas Hiller with his body turned.  Just par for the course for him, as well as captain Zetterberg who scored in the third period to put the Wings back in front, then in OT to keep them in the series after they’d blown their second big late lead of the series.  To the Wings’ credit, they haven’t lost either game after blowing a 4-1 lead late in Game 2 as well as a 3-1 lead in the final four minutes of Game 6.

To the Ducks’ credit, they haven’t wilted against their more playoff-tested opponents and nearly stole the series last night.  Instead, they get a Game 7 back in the Pond – which should be another great show for the fans.  Funny thing about that rally is I was watching a bit of the third period before the Rangers-Caps OT last night, I didn’t turn off the game until there was about four minutes left and it was still 3-1.  When I heard Sam Rosen say during the Rangers’ OT that the Anaheim-Detroit game had also gone to OT I was floored.  After the Ranger game ended, I did turn back in time to see Zetterberg’s goal.  That’s playoff hockey for you, seeing two OT goals in a matter of minutes.

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Deja Vu All Over Again: Overtime loss puts Rangers On Brink

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Derek
Simply put, the Rangers can’t string together consistent offense in Washington. Outside of Marian Gaborik’s triple overtime winner last year, they never play well there. Save me the whole regular season schtick. That counts in horseshoes and grenades. For whatever reason, they turn into pumpkins at Verizon Center. I’m sick of that place from their annoying goal horn to the loathe-some organ and their fans. I’ve had it up to here with the Caps. They lead the first round series 3-2 after defeating the Blueshirts 2-1 in overtime.

Just once, I’d love to see our team show some balls and comeback from a 3-2 deficit to beat that damn team in their building. That is the only way to erase the ridiculous notion that Braden Holtby is good. He isn’t. When the Rangers have shown a pulse offensively, he’s very beatable. They’ve spent too much of the series on their heels. Unable to get pucks out against relentless Cap pressure. That’s why they face elimination Sunday at MSG. I’ll be there for Game Six. I don’t normally do it on the blog. But I’m going to go on record and guarantee victory. There will be a Game Seven. Now, the onus is on our team to prove me right.

If they can’t force a seventh game, then they should hide in shame. I’m looking at you Ryan Callahan. Our captain plays his heart out. But no goals in five games ain’t cutting it. That might be expected from Brad Richards and Rick Nash but Captain Cally must finish. He’s had a disappointing series. Carl Hagelin and Derek Stepan have beaten Holtby. Isn’t it about time Callahan scores one of those extra effort goals they have lacked? I’m calling him out. If they are to comeback, the Rangers leader must step it up.

Why did John Tortorella have Nash with Richards? For what purpose. They stink together. You have to give Nash our best passing center. Anyone can see that he can’t skate. There’s no way he’s 100 percent. It still drives me crazy when he passes up shots for that awful spin-a-rama or dances away from traffic. Shoot the puck. Derick Brassard has been their best forward. He makes things happen. Stick Nash with Brass and Mats Zuccarello. The latter two have played their hearts out. There was MZA at the end of regulation sliding in front of a dangerous John Carlson shot. He makes things happen because he’s willing to get the uniform dirty. So has Brian Boyle, who for a second straight year has played his best hockey when it matters most. A pity that our lone goalscorer took such a selfish penalty, allowing Joel Ward to tie it.

Another thing. Sending out Richards and Nash for the first half of the power play isn’t working. The one unit getting things done is Brassard, Boyle, Zuccarello, John Moore and Mike Del Zotto or Dan Girardi. They didn’t have many chances but you can’t be serious sending Richards out on the point. He stinks. Why give him any PP time? It takes way too long to set up and the Caps always get easy clears. Callahan and Stepan haven’t been much better. That unit lacks cohesion and should’ve been broken up a long time ago.

Hard to believe it even needed overtime. The way the Caps dominated us in the second half, it should’ve ended in regulation. If not for some remarkable play from Henrik Lundqvist, it would’ve. He also made tremendous stops on Alex Ovechkin in sudden death before that pest Mike Ribeiro got to a Karl Alzner rebound. Fitting that he scored a garbage goal. God forbid the Rangers get one before this series ends. Our D never take the man in front and the forwards continue to let their D get shots through due to collapsing- screening Lundqvist. Brilliant.

At least they went for it in OT. Six shots and numerous chances. If only Callahan didn’t choke on one and Stepan the other. You can’t miss the net by that much. The Caps practically dared them to steal it. Those are our top guys and they failed. Hagelin had that one opportunity to put us up two early but John Erskine takes his feet out and forces him wide. I’m not touching that one. Nash did nothing until overtime, getting two great opportunities with Holtby shutting down his wraparound.

Losing Ryane Clowe hurt. Such a shame because in a series where our guys are getting beat up, Clowe’s one of the few who can wreak havoc. He’s good in the corners and really could help. Unfortunate that he takes an elbow and is likely done. Chalk it up to bad luck.

They didn’t do enough things to win. Got killed on face-offs and threw away the puck way too much. If a play isn’t there, hold onto the puck. That’s called puck possession. God forbid they do and are able to generate something off a cycle instead of playing into Washington’s hands. The Caps were good defensively but come on. They aren’t the ’95 Devils or the 70’s Canadiens. By now, our team should know how to attack them. This is the fourth time they’ve met in the last five years. All under Tort. He doesn’t get a pass.

By my calculation, the Rangers are 3-7 3-10 in playoff overtime since ’06. Lundqvist’s been in for every one. I’m not faulting him. Our team simply doesn’t know how to play when things get tight. They freeze up. The two OT wins versus these guys in the Conference Semis was the exception. If I’m also correct, they’re 2-5 2-7 under Tort. Beaten by household names like Chimera, Neil, Turris and now Ribeiro. You can’t make it up. I was off by three. All losses. How bad are they? I didn’t want to watch because I knew it was coming.

I’m no expert. But shouldn’t that awful OT record tell you something? There isn’t enough talent. The three OT heroes are easy: Rozsival ’07 Game 3 Conf. Semis 2 OT vs Buffalo. Gaborik and Staal’12 Games 3 and 5 Conf. Semis vs Washington. Given how great our goalie is, it’s sad that they have fared so poorly. Back in the mid-90’s, Ranger teams thrived on pressure. Not just Matteau. Tikkanen and Graves. They played to win.

Maybe the critics are right about the coach. They didn’t even mount anything the last 30 minutes of regulation. You can’t play that way. In their two wins at MSG, they didn’t. Is it psychological? They came out and controlled the first period. Then went away following Ward’s PPG.

I’m not handing out three stars. This game really frustrated me. It’s up to them to respond.

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Tavares Up For Hart Trophy

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Derek

For the first time in his career, John Tavares is one of three players who is up for the Hart Trophy. In only his fourth season, the 22-year old New York Islander franchise center led his team to the postseason for the first time since ’07. In 48 contests, he led them in goals (28), points (47), power play goals (9), power play points (16) and game-winners (5). He also finished with a 17.3 shooting percentage.

Tavares has strong competition in Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby and Washington’s Alex Ovechkin. Crosby totaled 56 points in 36 games and Ovechkin paced the league with 32 goals and 16 power play goals while netting 56 points in 48 games. 
In his inaugural playoffs, Tavares has two goals and two assists for four points against Crosby and the Pens. The Isles’ former ’09 first overall pick ranks second in team scoring behind captain Mark Streit (2-3-5). He scored the game-winner in their 6-4 win in Game Four that evened the series. Pittsburgh responded by shutting out the Islanders 4-0 to take a 3-2 series lead. Game Six is tomorrow at Nassau Coliseum. 
Though he probably won’t win league MVP, Tavares’ impact on the Islanders is why they’re not only in the playoffs but giving heavily favorite Pittsburgh a tough time. You can make the argument that nobody is more valuable to their team than JT91. However, Ovechkin is the favorite due to an unbelievable finish that included 23 goals in his final 23 games, carrying the Caps to the Southeast Division. Crosby’s year was special before injuries sidetracked him. There’s no telling how many points he would’ve put up if he didn’t miss 12 games. It should be an interesting vote. 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / MAY 10, 2013
CROSBY, OVECHKIN AND TAVARES NAMED HART TROPHY FINALISTS
            NEW YORK (May 10, 2013) – Center Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, right wing Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals and center John Tavares of the New York Islanders are the three finalists for the 2012-13 Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded “to the player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team,” the National Hockey League announced today.
            
Members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association submitted ballots for the Hart Trophy at the conclusion of the regular season, with the top three vote-getters designated as finalists. The winner will be announced during the 2013 Stanley Cup Final, with more detail on format to be released at a later date.
            Following are the finalists for the Hart Trophy, in alphabetical order:

Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
            Although he missed the final 12 games of the regular season due to injury, Crosby still finished fourth in the League with 56 points and second with 41 assists to help the Penguins claim the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. He collected points in 28 of the 36 games he played in (77.8%), including 17 multi-point efforts, and recorded three point streaks of six games or more, including an eight-game stretch Feb. 24-March 10 (5?15—20). Crosby also finished fourth in the NHL with a +26 rating and posted his second career five-assist game March 10 vs. NY Islanders, becoming the only active NHLer with more than one such game in his career. The 25-year-old Cole Harbour, N.S., native previously won the Hart Trophy in 2006-07 and also was a finalist for the award in 2009-10.


Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
            Ovechkin tallied 32 goals in 48 games, including 23 in his final 23 contests, to become the first three-time winner of the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy as the NHL’s goal-scoring leader. He also finished third in the League in points (56), first in power-play goals (16), first in power-play points (27) and first in shots on goal (220), leading the Capitals to an 11-1-1 record in April and their fifth Southeast Division title in the last six years. Ovechkin recorded points in nine straight games March 17-April 2 (10-5—15), including a five-game goal streak March 17-24, and tallied his 30th goal of the year April 20, becoming the ninth player in League history to score 30 or more goals in each of his first eight seasons. The 27-year-old Moscow native is a two-time Hart Trophy winner (2007-08, 2008-09) and also was a finalist for the award in 2009-10.


John Tavares, New York Islanders
            Tavares ranked third in the League with 28 goals and led the Islanders with 47 points in 48 games to propel the team to its first postseason berth since 2006-07. He scored 15 of his goals on the road (third in the NHL), helping the Islanders record their best road winning percentage in franchise history (.667). Tavares also ranked in the top 10 in the League in even-strength goals (19), power-play goals (nine) and game-winning goals (five). He scored in five straight games Feb. 7-16, including his fourth career hat trick Feb. 16 vs. New Jersey, and posted 13 multi-point games. The 22-year-old Mississauga, Ont., native is a first-time finalist for the Hart Trophy.
History
            

The Hart Memorial Trophy was presented by the National Hockey League in 1960 after the original Hart Trophy was retired to the Hockey Hall of Fame. The original Hart Trophy was donated to the NHL in 1924 by Dr. David A. Hart, father of Cecil Hart, former manager-coach of the Montreal Canadiens.
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Penguins Blank Islanders To Take Game Five

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Derek
Sidney Crosby fires a shot for a goal.
Getty Images/Gene J. Puskar

The Penguins got exactly what they needed. Tomas Vokoun stopped all 31 shots to blank the Islanders 4-0 in Game Five. Pittsburgh leads the best-of-seven first round series three games to two. They put the Islanders on the brink thanks to a three-goal explosion in the second period.

The East’s No.1 seed played like it for a change. Following a shaky first period in which they relied on Vokoun (14 saves), the Pens scored three times over a 6:35 span. The first two came 82 seconds apart. With the big contest still scoreless, Norris candidate Kris Letang made a stretch pass that sent Tyler Kennedy in on a breakaway. Kennedy didn’t play the first four games but made his coach look brilliant by scoring his first of the series past Evgeni Nabokov. The goal came at 7:25 of the second. Brandon Sutter also added an assist.

Suddenly feeling better about themselves, the Pens attacked the Islanders vigorously. A strong fore-check from Chris Kunitz led directly to their second goal. A hustling Kennedy kept the play alive by out-hustling an Islander to a loose puck. He played it to Evgeni Malkin, who sent it behind the net to a fore-checking Kunitz. He delivered a check to win the battle and got the puck to defenseman Doug Murray. Murray simply flung a routine wrister which Nabokov stunningly bobbled out of his glove into a gaping net.

The back breaking goal resulted in a 2-0 Pens lead, energizing Consol Energy Center. Prior to the two goals, it was dead silent on pins and needles. The Isles outplayed the Pens till that point. Though they didn’t get many high quality chances like the past three games, they forced Vokoun to make key stops. Unlike Marc-Andre Fleury, he was equal to the challenge with teammates coming back to clear any rebounds. Pittsburgh played a safer and smarter game, helping Vokoun get comfortable. They waited for their chances and pounced. That’s why they’re so dangerous.

Vokoun came up with his biggest save on John Tavares, stoning the Isles’ best despite a brilliant move. Shortly after, the Pens’ best came through with a highlight reel goal. Sidney Crosby struck quickly to put the home team up three. Taking a Jarome Iginla pass through the neutral zone, Sid The Kid overpowered defenseman Thomas Hickey– splitting between him and Lubomir Visnovsky before firing a laser past Nabokov inside the far post. The goal was reminiscent of the kind Mark Messier was known for. He used his strength like Mess, bulled through and then pushed off one leg and in one motion snapped it. That’s why he’s the best player in the world.

Crosby’s third of the series really dejected the Islanders. They were outscored 3-0 and out-shot 18-11 in the middle stanza. Only two penalties were called through the game’s first 40 minutes. In the final period, the Isles lost their discipline. Matt Martin got nabbed for roughing during a post-scrum with Paul Martin. It wasn’t a great call. Regardless, the Pens cashed in when Letang notched his second from Crosby and Martin, who probably should’ve been in the box. With the score 4-0, Jack Capuano replaced Nabokov for the second time in the series with backup Kevin Poulin. He also appeared in the only other un-competitive game back in Game One when the Pens defeated the Isles 5-0.

This one was different. It was more methodical. Pittsburgh wore down the Islanders. The Isles only got six shots on Vokoun in the third. However, they did mix it up with the Pens late. These teams hate each other. At the conclusion of Game Four, it was the higher seed that was angry. This time, the No.8 seed tried to send a message that they aren’t going away. If they are to stay alive, the Islanders will need to rev it up in front of their home crowd one more time on Saturday. Win and they force Game Seven the next day. Lose and they go home.

The Islanders have never lost to the Penguins in the postseason, winning three previous times including their last series when they upset the two-time defending champs in ’93. That team came back from a 3-2 deficit, defeating the Pens in their barn on an overtime goal from David Volek. We’ll see if they can duplicate it this weekend.

NY Puck 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Tomas Vokoun, Pit (31 save shutout incl. 14/14 in busy 1st)
2nd Star-Sidney Crosby, Pit (3rd of series, assist- 8 points in 4 games, +1 in 19:25)
1st Star-Kris Letang, Pit (PPG-2nd of series, assist, 5 SOG, +2 in 24:21-dominated on both ends)

Game Summary: New York Islanders 0 Pittsburgh Penguins 4

Notes: Nabokov was chased early in the third after Letang’s power play goal with 14:17 left. He gave up four goals on 27 shots. Poulin stopped all four in relief. … The teams combined for 60 penalty minutes in the third (NYI 34 Pit 28). Martin, Keith Aucoin, Murray and Craig Adams all were assessed misconducts with 24 seconds remaining. … Each club made lineup changes. For Pittsburgh, Kennedy, Joe Vitale and Simon Despres replaced Jussi Jokinen, Tanner Glass and Mark Eaton. On the Islander side, Jesse Joensuu, Hickey and Radek Martinek were in for David Ullstrom, Andrew MacDonald and Matt Carkner.

… Pittsburgh took control on face-offs winning 37-of-58 (64 percent). Vitale went 9-for-10, Sutter was 8-for-12 and Crosby went 10-for-18. The Isles’ best was Joensuu, who finished 5-for-9 while Nielsen was 6-for-13. Tavares struggled losing 13-of-18 while Casey Cizikas dropped 10-of-14. … Pens out-hit Isles 33-27 led by Matt Cooke (6). Matt Martin had a game high eight. … Pens blocked 14 shots to the Isles’ 9. Brooks Orpik blocked three for the Pens and Hickey rejected four for the Isles. … Game Six is Saturday and expected to be a 7 PM start at Nassau Coliseum due to Ottawa eliminating Montreal in five games tonight. 

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Game 5 Isles/Pens Preview: Vokoun Gets Start For Pens, Martinek Replaces Injured MacDonald

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Derek
The Islanders will see a new goalie between the pipes for the Penguins. Yesterday, Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma announced that he was making a change in net. Stanley Cup winner Marc-Andre Fleury will sit tonight in favor of Czech vet Tomas Vokoun. The 36-year old performed well against the Isles during the regular season, going 3-0-0 while posting a miniscule 0.90 GAA and .970 save percentage in four appearances.

Despite having a respectable NHL career that’s included 700 career games, Vokoun doesn’t have much postseason experience. He’ll be making his 12th appearance tonight in a crucial Game Five with the first round series tied. His previous 11 postseason games came with Nashville where he went 3-8 with a 2.47 GAA and .922 save percentage. Astonishingly, it’ll be his first start since ’07.

“We brought Tomas Vokoun in to play big games for us and be a goaltender we can count on to go in and play big games. He’s done that this year for us,” noted Bylsma following team practice Wednesday.

After spending an injury riddled campaign with rival Washington, Vokoun had solid numbers in his first season in the steel city. Over 20 games, he was 13-4-0 with a 2.45 GAA, .919 save percentage and three shutouts. He’s a two-time All-Star both with the Predators and a bronze medalist (’06 Czech Republic). 
The Islanders come in with the same strategy. They’ve proven they can play with the Pens. An aggressive physical attack has put them in position for a potential upset. All the pressure is on the East’s top seed to hold serve. In tie series, Game Fives are usually vital to who advances. It’ll be interesting to see how both clubs approach it. Each side has won in the opponent’s building. Expect the high powered Pens to come out strong the first 10 minutes. It very well could come down to who can stop the puck. Isles’ starter Evgeni Nabokov hasn’t been strong either but made timely saves to allow his team to even it up. Special teams are crucial. In the games they’ve won, the Isles have stayed out of the penalty box. 

“We’ve got a lot of heart, we’ve got a great group, we never give up, and we’ve got a great goaltender,” Isles’ captain Mark Streit said Tuesday after his two goals and assist led them to a 6-4 victory. “And this place, right now, it’s great to play, and we want to come back here a few more times.“

Considering how Game Four ended, the intensity will be there from the opening shift. These teams have developed a disdain for each other. Discipline remains a key. The Pens lost their heads Tuesday, showing frustration. We’ll see how they respond.

The Islanders will be without top pair defenseman Andrew MacDonald. MacDonald left Game Four with an upper body injury. Unfortunately for his team, he suffered a broken hand and is expected out for the rest of the playoffs. It looks like Islander coach Jack Capurano will insert veteran Radek Martinek. MacDonald teamed with Travis Hamonic and logged the most minutes this season. Replacing him will be challenging. Hamonic dropped the gloves at the end of Game Four with Evgeni Malkin. Malkin was said to be banged up. But we’ll know soon enough.
They drop the puck after 7 PM at Consol Energy Center. 
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Rangers Win Incredible Game Four To Even Series

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Derek
Carl Hagelin celebrates his goal with Derek Stepan and Ryan Callahan
Getty Images/Kathy Willens

They did it again. For a second consecutive game, the Rangers made MSG rock. How I wish I was there. At least Dad, Justin and Mike are leaving the building in great spirits with the rest of our True Believers. Facing another must win, they got the job done by going toe to toe with the Capitals for a second straight game. In each victory, your Broadway Blueshirts scored over three to prevail. The polar opposite of the regular season. They just figured they’d save the best for last.

What a time for it to happen. The Rangers did it by sticking together. They showed tremendous character in taking Game Four 4-3. The first round series is now a best-of-three with Game Five back in Washington. Our team won by out-scoring the Caps 2-1 in the third. That followed a disastrous ending to the second period. The Rangers blew a 2-0 lead. In fact, the Caps had all the momentum following Troy Brouwer’s wicked backhand that tied it with 18 seconds left. They even made Henrik Lundqvist make one more save before the buzzer. However, Jason Chimera pushed Anton Stralman into Lundqvist to give them a power play to start the third.

Previously, they blew a 5-on-3 leading by one. All the power play failures have become comical at this point. Our fans never expect anything. The Caps got better shorthanded chances. Perhaps the intermission gave John Tortorella and top assistant Mike Sullivan a chance to rethink strategy. That’s the only explanation. With the game tied, they sent out the unlikeliest five-man unit and it worked. Derick Brassard, Brian Boyle and Mats Zuccarello were up front while much maligned Mike Del Zotto teamed with Dan Girardi on the points. Amazingly, they scored 59 seconds into the third. A strong play along the board by Zuccarello allowed Brassard to set up a Girardi one-time blast that beat Braden Holtby. It was Girardi’s first of the series.

Back ahead, the Rangers restored a two-goal margin thanks to some good aggressive play from the reformed top unit of Ryan Callahan, Carl Hagelin and Derek Stepan. Callahan finished a check behind the net, freeing the puck to Hagelin. Hagelin walked out and centered for a wide open Stepan, who buried his second in two games. It’s that trio who’s gone above and beyond all year. Fitting that they delivered such a big goal. As it turned out, Stepan’s marker proved to be the game decider a second game in a row. He deserved it.

Before they could get too comfortable, the resilient Caps struck back 1:29 later to slice the deficit to 4-3. A great shift from Mathieu Perreault and Joel Ward allowed defenseman Karl Alzner to step into a shot which changed direction past a surprised Lundqvist. It was credited to Perreault. Oddly enough, the forechecking of Perreault, Ward and Eric Fehr caused fits. They were their best line, dangerous every shift. In particular, Ward came oh so close to tying it on two difference occasions including one that a sprawling Lundqvist just got a piece of to keep it out.

There were plenty of frantic moments where they were on the verge of coming back from two goals down twice. Thankfully, it never came. The defense on Alex Ovechkin was stellar. Both Girardi and Ryan McDonagh stifled the Great 8 for a second straight game. Of his five attempts, only one got through with another three missing completely. Prior to Game Four, he said he liked facing McDonagh and Girardi because ‘they don’t hit much.‘ There was one long shift where the Caps pressed for the equalizer. Ovechkin was out with Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Green. Backstrom and Green had better looks while McDonagh stuck to Ovi like glue. Maybe he should rethink his statement.

The Rangers didn’t sit back either. Even though the more talented Caps attacked at every opportunity, our team went for it when the opportunities presented itself. A key defensive play from Rick Nash and a critical face-off win from goalscorer Brad Richards helped them escape trouble. Neither has been particularly impressive but those kind of hustle plays is why the series is tied. A strong shift from Boyle, Zuccarello and Brassard resulted in a quality chance. Zuccarello fed Boyle, who forced Holtby to make a tough save with under two minutes left. The trio received an ovation.

In another Groundhog Day moment from Game Three this year and in 2011 against this damn team, the final minute was insane. The Caps pulled Holtby for an extra attacker and Ward nearly forced overtime. Fortunately, Lundqvist got enough of the puck to force it wide. An Ovechkin rocket wide and missed pass to the blueline killed valuable seconds. Backstrom got a final shot from inside the blueline that Hank stopped and sticked away into the corner as time expired.

Richards and Hagelin got the first two goals of the game. Richards cashed in a Holtby miscue rebounding home a Hagelin shot into a vacated net. Taylor Pyatt picked up an assist, getting it started by stealing the puck from Holtby. The Rangers had their best period of the series in the first, out-shooting Washington 13-6 and out-chancing them. They easily could’ve been up more if the two-man advantage came through. Hagelin got his second when he finished off a nice passing play from Ryane Clowe and Brassard. Clowe’s first playoff point as a Blueshirt. The Caps stormed back late stunning everyone. Brouwer’s tying goal came due to a bad line change. Green made a great keep and Brouwer blew a backhand past Lundqvist.

The third demonstrated how much character this team has. They played for one another and got the all important ‘W.’ Now, it’s up for grabs.


NY Puck 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Ryan Callahan, NYR (assist, 6 SOG, 7 blocks, 5 hits, +1 in 27 shifts-23:31-Captain Cally is fearless. He led. Plain and simple.)
2nd Star-Carl Hagelin, NYR (2nd of series, 2 assists, 4 SOG, +3 in 22 shifts-16:16-Hags imprints were all over this game.)
1st Star-Dan Girardi, NYR (PPG-1st of series, 5 blocks, 3 hits, +1 in 29:35-without him and McDonagh, they don’t win)


Notes: With two assists, Brassard followed up a three-point Game Three with another great effort. That’s five points in two games (1-4-5). Both wins. He’s been tremendous. … Final shots were Rangers 34, Caps 30. Perreault, Ward and Green combined for 14 for Washington while Stepan, Callahan and Hagelin totaled 16 with Richards adding four. … Hagelin had a career playoff high three points (1-2-3) and went plus-three. … With a helper, Zuccarello has three assists over the last two. … Following the Caps’ second goal, Steve Eminger didn’t take another shift. Partner Del Zotto also got victimized going down to take himself out of the play on Perreault’s goal. Perreault was credited with the Caps third with the puck going off the back of his helmet. … Ward added two assists. … 

The Rangers took only two penalties while the Caps took four. The power play went 1-for-4 while a strong penalty kill blanked Washington in two chances. … Rangers out-hit Caps 38-20 led by Callahan (5). They blocked 33 shots including a ridiculous seven from Captain Cally. Girardi and McDonagh each had five and Del Zotto repelled four. The Caps rejected 20 paced by John Carlson (5) and Jack Hillen had 3. … Lundqvist finished with 27 saves while Holtby stopped 30 of 34. … A key aspect of the win was face-offs. The Rangers dominated in the circle winning 34-of-53 (64 percent). Brassard went 8-for-9 and Boyle was 11-for-16. Stepan went 10-for-18. Backstrom was the Caps’ best going 9-for-16. Teammate Mike Ribeiro lost 9-of-11. … Game Five is Friday at Verizon Center.

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Staal Out For Game Four, Clowe In

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Derek
It’s back to square one for the Rangers. They’ll have to win Game Four without Marc Staal. The 26-year old defenseman returned for Game Three after missing 29 games including the first two games of the series. In Monday’s win over the Capitals, he had 17 shifts and logged 17:17 of ice-time.

After reporting nothing following his first game back, two days later one of the emotional leaders of the Rangers is a late scratch for tonight’s crucial game. Steve Eminger goes back into the lineup. That alters John Tortorella’s plan. Staal allowed him to balance out the blueline. Neither Dan Girardi or Ryan McDonagh played over 23 minutes. With one of our top four D out, Tortorella will lean on his top tandem to neutralize a high flying attack led by Hart candidate Alex Ovechkin. It won’t be easy. 
They need Mike Del Zotto to lift his game. He had a poor outing, looking indecisive with the puck and getting beat outside. Del Zotto is an important part of the back end because he can shift to either side and log big minutes. If the Blueshirts are to get it done and send the series back to Washington even, he’ll need to step up along with Anton Stralman. John Moore has gained the coaching staff’s trust. Look for increased responsibility. Eminger must step up and play physical. Most of all, it will take a total team effort. Forechecking the Caps is essential and minimizing mistakes crucial. 
The Rangers do get Ryane Clowe back after missing the first three games of the first round. He replaces key penalty killer Darroll Powe. Clowe’s grit and intangibles should give the offense a boost. He’s good in the corners and gets the uniform dirty. 
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Lundqvist Nominated For Vezina

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Derek




Henrik Lundqvist is up for the Vezina again. The Swedish King was nominated for the NHL’s top goalie for the fifth time in his eight-year career. The 31-year old Blueshirt won his first Vezina last year. He joins first time nominees Sergei Bobrovsky and Antti Niemi for the award.

Hank’s strong finish to the season helped the Rangers make the playoffs for the seventh time in eight years. Down the stretch, he went 13-5-2 with a 13-5-2 record, 1.77 GAA and .935 save percentage. The backbone of the team, Lundqvist allowed two goals or fewer in 16 of his last 20 contests. Without him, they don’t sniff the postseason. In a year where they struggled offensively, he bailed them out. They’ll need another stellar performance to even the best-of-seven first round series tonight at MSG.

In addition to tying Niemi for the league lead in wins (24), he posted a 2.06 GAA, .926 save percentage and two shutouts in a league best 43 starts. Lundqvist passed Ed Giacomin for second all-time wins for a goalie in franchise history. His 276 trail Mike Richter (301). His 45 shutouts are second behind Giacomin (49).

Though he probably won’t win the Vezina due to Bobrovsky’s standout season, Lundqvist should finish runner-up. He is the best goalie in the sport. Hank’s the most consistent and durable. Without him, our team would be in the lottery. If they are to overcome the high powered Caps, it will fall on the broad shoulders of the King.

BOBROVSKY, LUNDQVIST AND NIEMI NAMED VEZINA TROPHY FINALISTS

    NEW YORK (May 8, 2013) — Sergei Bobrovsky of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers and Antti Niemi of the San Jose Sharks are the three finalists for the 2012-13 Vezina Trophy, which is awarded “to the goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at his position,” the National Hockey League announced today.

    The general managers of the 30 NHL clubs submitted ballots for the Vezina Trophy at the conclusion of the regular season, with the top three vote-getters designated as finalists. The winner will be announced during the 2013 Stanley Cup Final, with more detail on format to be released at a later date.

    Following are the finalists for the Vezina Trophy, in alphabetical order:

Sergei Bobrovsky, Columbus Blue Jackets

    Bobrovsky (21-11-6, 2.00 goals-against average, .932 save percentage, four shutouts) backstopped Columbus’ late-season surge that kept the club in contention for a playoff berth until the final moments of the season. The first-time Vezina finalist appeared in all but one of the Blue Jackets’ franchise-record 12-game point streak (8-0-4) from Feb. 26 through Mar. 22 that spurred the club’s move up the standings. He won eight of his last nine decisions from April 9-27, posting a 1.64 goals-against average and .945 save percentage in that span. He ranked second among NHL goaltenders in save percentage and sixth in goals-against average.

Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers

    Lundqvist, the reigning Vezina winner, tied for the NHL lead in wins, posting a 24-16-3 record with a 2.05 goals-against average and .926 save percentage. He also tied for the League lead in starts (43), ranked fifth in save percentage and seventh in goals-against average. He posted his eighth consecutive 20-win season, the longest current streak among active goaltenders. Lundqvist helped clinch his seventh trip to the playoffs in eight NHL seasons by allowing two goals or fewer in 16 of his last 20 games, going 13-5-2 with a 1.77 GAA and .935 save percentage in that span. He is a Vezina finalist for the fifth time, finishing first in 2012 and third from 2006 through 2008.

Antti Niemi, San Jose Sharks

    Niemi shared the NHL lead in starts (43), saw more ice time than any other goaltender (2,580:46) and ranked third in shots faced (1,220) and saves (1,127). He helped the Sharks post the League’s sixth-best defensive record (2.33 goals-against per game) by going 24-12-6 with a 2.16 goals-against average, .924 save percentage and four shutouts, tying for first place in wins and placing seventh in save percentage. Niemi is a Vezina finalist for the first time and is the fourth Finland native in the past seven seasons to make the top three, joining Calgary’s Miikka Kiprusoff, Minnesota’s Niklas Backstrom and Nashville’s Pekka Rinne.

History

    Leo Dandurand, Louis Letourneau and Joe Cattarinich, former owners of the Montreal Canadiens, presented the trophy to the National Hockey League in 1926-27 in memory of Georges Vezina, the outstanding Canadiens goaltender who collapsed during an NHL game on Nov. 28, 1925, and died of tuberculosis a few months later. Until the 1981-82 season, the goaltender(s) of the team allowing the fewest number of goals during the regular season were awarded the Vezina Trophy.

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