Rangers Team Mantra Didn’t Change

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Derek
Even when they trailed the latest installment of Rangers/Caps, our team never wavered in philosophy. John Tortorella’s demanding style finally won out over a higher scoring opponent. When it was over, Alex Ovechkin was held to a goal and assist. So was Troy Brouwer along with Game 5 hero Mike Ribeiro and Marcus Johansson.

Only one Capital registered two goals. Rover Mike Green scored a pair, including an OT winner in Game 2 that put his team in the driver’s seat. But a resilient Rangers club rallied back by winning the next two games at MSG by identical 4-3 scores. Each had plenty of suspense up till the final buzzer with Henrik Lundqvist never giving in. Even Riberio’s rebound of a Karl Alzner shot didn’t put them away.

Instead, the Blueshirts fought back harder. Lundqvist was perfect stopping the last 62 shots to post back-to-back shutouts. King Henrik made the clutch saves and teammates chipped in with disciplined play. They only gave Washington two power plays with each coming in tonight’s clincher. They remained poised by paying attention to every detail, which would’ve made former coach Tom Renney proud. It wasn’t just Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi, Ryan Callahan, Derek Stepan and  Brian Boyle stepping up defensively by sacrificing their bodies. Everyone bought in.

All in a night’s work, the Rangers blocked 27 shots and delivered 41 hits. Every skater got the road white, red and blue jersey dirty. Rick Nash was brought in to score goals. He may not have gotten one in his first series as a Blueshirt but set up their third goal and blocked four shots. When a star player who’s been under media scrutiny buys what Tortorella is selling, it’s all you need to know about the team. A look at Mats Zuccarello and the kind of complete player he has become since returning is part of that transformation. Zuccarello scored a goal and had four assists while never shying away from any of the Caps’ big boys.

Chris Kreider played a role in the big win. Last year’s rookie hero played on the fourth line and made a great back pass that allowed Arron Asham to step into one for the Rangers’ first goal. In less than eight minutes, Kreider took the body finishing with five hits and plus-one in 12 shifts. The challenging style hasn’t fazed newcomers Derick Brassard, John Moore and Derek Dorsett, who each came over at the deadline from Columbus for Marian Gaborik. There was Brassard leading the charge again with his two assists adding to a team best nine points (2-7-9) including the only goal the Rangers would need to win Game 6. The development of Moore has allowed Tortorella to trust more of his defense, which could prove pivotal as they move forward. For now, that’s without Marc Staal. Dorsett has fit right in since returning playing the rugged game that made him a solid addition.

A Ranger disadvantage much of the season has become a solution. Suddenly, they possess more depth than first thought with Tortorella able to plug Dorsett and Taylor Pyatt on a checking line with Boyle. Brassard’s offense allowed him to use Brad Richards on the fourth line with Asham and Kreider. They’re still without Ryane Clowe and Darroll Powe with their status uncertain for the second round against Boston. For now, he’ll go with what got them here, including Steve Eminger’s best night as a Ranger. The vet defenseman, who was benched earlier in the series, tallied a pair of assists while making a key block that led to Zuccarello’s goal. It was also his shot which Dorsett got a piece of that Pyatt deposited for a crucial two-goal lead that instilled more confidence. To think that the same player barely saw the ice a couple of games ago wound up getting over 17 minutes, rewarding the coaching staff in 25 shifts.

When it was all over, the Rangers celebrated the comeback by mobbing the focal point Lundqvist. He stood tall, allowing them to play the way they had to in knocking off a higher seed. It’ll be the same mantra against another quality opponent. It doesn’t get any easier. The fun is just starting. 

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History Is Made: Rangers Eliminate Capitals

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Derek
Left: Arron Asham is congratulated after scoring the Rangers first goal. Above: Taylor Pyatt  gets ready to tuck home his first with Derek Dorsett in front of Braden Holtby.
All Photos Copyright Getty Images/Alex Brandon

Before the series, I took them to win in six. So did Hasan. The Rangers decided to do it the hard way. They rallied from an 2-0 deficit and 3-2 down to comeback and eliminate the Capitals. Our team made history by finally getting the monkey off their back. For the first time ever, the Rangers won a Game Seven on the road, clinching the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series in convincing fashion. 

In what was another tight series against a tough opponent, the Rangers pulled away from the Capitals – defeating them 5-0 to advance to a second round Original Six match-up versus the Bruins. If their story was amazing considering how many goals (11) they had entering the deciding game, Boston’s was more memorable rallying from 4-1 down to stun the Leafs 5-4 in sudden death. They became the first team ever to comeback from three down in the third and win Game Seven. It sets up one of hockey’s classic rivalries with the Rangers and Bruins ready to do battle for the first time since ’73. 
As exciting a prospect as that is, I couldn’t be more proud of a group of guys. They showed so much character in defeating the Caps. They methodically took them apart in a house of horrors, Verizon Center. Prior to the opening faceoff, we detailed how dominant Washington had been against us at home in the postseason. By scoring five on Braden Holtby, they made it a lot easier on themselves. The amazing aspect was that it was the supporting cast who came through. Arron Asham and Taylor Pyatt got the first two before Mike Del Zotto, Ryan Callahan and Mats Zuccarello tacked on later.
If there was one area they didn’t have an edge in, it was depth. The Blueshirts got it done minus Marc Staal and Ryane Clowe along with key penalty killer Darroll Powe. They overcame those injuries to prevail, showing playoff mettle. Having Henrik Lundqvist back there helped immensely. He proved why he’s the best goalie in the sport by shutting down one of the best offenses. Lundqvist posted consecutive shutouts against Alex Ovechkin, who tried like hell to spark his team. Astonishingly, he was limited to one shot despite pulverizing our players with a jaw dropping 13 hits including a Russian missile that forced Ryan McDonagh to get stitched up. This was Lundqvist’s best performance. Only one Cap (Mike Green) scored more than a goal. Hank stopped the final 62 shots to lead the Rangers back. 
The play of McDonagh and Dan Girardi can’t be overstated. The job they did against Ovechkin was amazing. Holding the game’s best finisher to one goal and zero points the final five games is unheard of. He was checked tightly throughout and never could escape either. When he broke in, forwards came back and helped. And when he had great opportunities in Game 6, Lundqvist was the last line of defense stifling him. Anyone who still believes Henrik can’t steal a series is delusional. I’ve criticized him in the past but not anymore. He is the man. 
The Caps came out fast, out-shooting the Rangers 9-4. They had 13 shots on Lundqvist in the first but couldn’t solve him. Our team played better too, getting nine on Holtby including Asham’s second. It came following a Lundqvist stop at the other end. Chris Kreider emerged with the puck on an odd-man rush and made a great drop for Asham, who fired upstairs using a Cap defenseman as a screen. The fourth line with Asham, Kreider and Brad Richards played well. Richards made a big defensive play, blocking a Joel Ward point blank chance. Richards was more engaged. Asham did take a high-sticking minor that sent the Caps to the power play with 1:28 left. But thanks to timely stops from Hank and crucial blocks, they escaped unscathed. 
After they killed the rest of the penalty in the second, Pyatt rebounded home a loose puck in front at 3:24 to put them up 2-0. On a relentless forecheck, Steve Eminger’s shot deflected off Derek Dorsett for a rebound chance. Moments earlier, Dorsett hit the crossbar. His hard work in front paid dividends for Pyatt’s first. Pyatt had an underrated series, doing a solid job on the cycle. Dorsett’s presence was felt. His muscle definitely aided our attack. 
Unnerved, the Caps completely fell apart. Over two minutes later, Del Zotto centered a puck for Mats Zuccarello that went in off a Cap for his first. Ironically, he scored the series clincher last year. This time, off some great work from Rick Nash and Zuccarello, Del Zotto took a Brassard cross ice feed and got a lucky bounce. He deserved the break. He played a second straight strong game finishing plus-three in 20:40 of ice-time. Down three, the Caps put some good pressure on for a few minutes. But they couldn’t beat Lundqvist, who for a second consecutive period, stopped 13 shots. Even in a more wide open game, it didn’t matter. 
I was a little concerned entering the third. But any fears I had ended when Callahan broke in on Holtby and beat him with a backhand into an open side at 13 seconds for 4-0. Throughout the hard fought series, he battled John Erskine. This time, it was Erskine who blinked turning over the puck off the opening faceoff, allowing Captain Cally to finally get off the snide. At that point, it was over. The Caps were a beaten team. Zuccarello added his first when he undressed the Cap D and then Holtby with one of his many moves from the shootout reel. Eminger denied a Cap opportunity and passed for Brassard, who sent Zuccarello in on Holtby. A great reward for one of the unsung heroes of this team’s turnaround.
All that was left was whether Lundqvist would get the shutout. He turned aside nine more in the third  as the Rangers finally allowed our fans to breathe easier. No anxiety attacks tonight. Only a sweet series victory without hearing that annoying goal horn.
Onto Round Two.
Henrik Lundqvist is congratulated by Steve Eminger.
Henrik Lundqvist stretches out to make a pad save.
All Photos Copyright Getty Images/Alex Brandon

NY Puck 3 Stars: 
3rd Star-Steve Eminger, NYR (2 assists, 2 blocked shots, 3 hits, +2 in 17:10-unlikeliest hero epitomizes a historic night)
2nd Star-Dan Girardi, NYR (3 blocked shots, 7 hits in 21:08-our defensive catalyst stepped up minus Staal)
1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (35 saves incl. 26/26 1st 2 periods-2nd straight shutout-best goalie on planet stopped final 62 shots) 
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Game 7 Rangers/Caps Preview: Rangers Aim For History

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Derek
Rick Nash screens Braden Holtby on Derick Brassard’s deciding goal that forced tonight’s Game 7.
Getty Images/Kathy Willens

In less than two hours, the Rangers and Caps will take to the ice in Verizon Center for Game 7. One team will advance and the other will have a long summer ahead. For the Blueshirts, it’s a chance to finally make some history. In franchise history, they’ve never won a deciding Game 7 away from MSG. 

Indeed, the Rangers enter tonight’s big game 0-5 in road Game 7’s. Last year, they won two deciding games to advance all the way to the Conference Finals. However, both came in the more friendly setting of The Garden. In his career, Henrik Lundqvist is 2-1 with a 1.33 GAA and .946 save percentage. Hank edged Braden Holtby last year making 22 saves en route to a 2-1 Game 7 victory that helped the Blueshirts advance to the third round. 
Everyone knows what’s at stake. In Game 7, anything can happen. Even in a series where home ice has meant everything. Historically, the Rangers don’t fare well in Washington. In order for them to move on, that must change. Since Marian Gaborik‘s triple overtime winner that won Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semis last year, the Rangers have dropped five straight postseason games in D.C. Dating back to the ’09 first round when the Caps rallied from a 3-1 deficit, they’ve lost seven of their last eight. They’ve been outscored 19-5. 
The theme has been the same. A lack of offense. Unless Lundqvist can duplicate his performance from Sunday, the Rangers need someone to step up offensively. The likely candidates are Ryan Callahan and Rick Nash. Neither have scored in the series. If they are to reverse history, it says here that one must get on the score sheet. On the Washington side, Alex Ovechkin‘s been held to one goal. He’s looked dangerous the last two games but is without a point over the last four. The task doesn’t get any easier for the Ranger D. Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi must continue to limit his time and space with the support of forwards. They also must continue to front Mike Green. 
If they do get the job done, a sustained forecheck similar to last night is imperative. Limiting the Caps’ touches is part of the strategy. The Rangers must remain disciplined. Washington had no power plays in Game 6. Coach Adam Oates complained. It’ll be even more challenging with a revved up Caps crowd ready. The Rangers have had 12 more power plays in the series, only converting 2 of 26. Meanwhile, the Capitals are 3 for 14. In all three of their wins, they scored a power play goal. 

“You make your legacy as a player in these type of situations,” John Tortorella said. “A number of our guys last year had a blast playing in these games. Some guys handle it. Some guys don’t.”

“They play really well at home and they’re confident,” Lundqvist said. “The games we’ve played in that building, special teams have played a big part. We played a really disciplined game, and that’s going to be key for us because they have a really good power play, so you have to respect that.“


The puck drops soon. 
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Video Of Day: Ranger Fans Celebrate Game 6

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Derek

There’s nothing like a home playoff win. At least as seen here filing out of a pumped up MSG yesterday, some of our fans went a little over the top. All in good fun.

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Video Of Day: Islanders Salute Fans

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Derek
A couple of days removed from a bittersweet ending to a great first round series, the Islanders did their fans proud by giving the Penguins all they could handle. Two overtime defeats at home proved to be the different with Brooks Orpik winning Game Six at 7:49 of overtime. 
Here (seen above), the Islanders saluted their fans following the series at Nassau Coliseum. Also below is the best sports tradition that separates hockey. The handshake between the two combatants.
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King Henrik Stands Tall: Rangers Edge Caps 1-0 To Force Game 7

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Derek
A jubilant Henrik Lundqvist acknowledges MSG after shutting out the Caps in Game 6.
Getty Images/Kathy Willens 

At some point, you knew our goalie had to deliver a big performance. He isn’t the best in the sport for nothing. Henrik Lundqvist stood tall, stopped all 27 shots en route to his first shutout of the series. He made Derick Brassard’s second period goal stand up as the Rangers edged the Caps 1-0 to take Game Six- forcing Game Seven Monday night in D.C.

Lundqvist made 12 saves in a frantic third to pitch his sixth career postseason shutout. The Rangers needed every single one to give a pumped up MSG what they wanted on Mother’s Day. A hard fought battle which saw them do some of their best forechecking of the first round series. They also helped Hank out defensively by getting sticks in lanes and breaking up plays. Our Blueshirts back checked efficiently and didn’t take a penalty until a dust up at the final buzzer. The Caps never got one power play. The Rangers had five but predictably couldn’t cash in.

All it took was an odd Brassard shot that snuck past Braden Holtby to take it to seven. For a second straight year, the Rangers and Caps will go the distance. They also went seven in ’09. Washington came back from a 3-1 deficit four years ago. The Rangers prevailed in a seesaw affair in ’12. Now, someone will be the hero. Only one will advance. There’s no rest for the weary. The deciding game is tomorrow at 8 PM.

”We needed it. There was desperation out there,” an appreciative Lundqvist said of his team’s yeoman effort to force a seventh game. ”We showed a lot of character and worked really hard. It was that type of game where you pay the price – big saves, physical. Great win.”

The Rangers did it by winning more battles. They controlled most of the play until the third when Washington finally woke up. It wasn’t one-sided. The Rangers still got seven shots on Holtby, who aside from Brassard’s tally which originally was credited to Rick Nash, was sharp making 28 saves. He was busy in a first period that featured three penalties on the Caps. That included an Eric Fehr elbow to Brassard, giving our team a two-man advantage. In typical Ranger fashion, they didn’t get anything done. Despite out-shooting Washington 12-8, they went into the locker room scoreless.
There were no penalties in the second, which was more entertaining. There weren’t many whistles and each team searched for that elusive goal to take the lead. It finally came thanks to some hustle from Mats Zuccarello. He kept a play alive getting the puck to John Moore. Eventually, Moore pased for Brassard. Encouraged by the fans to shoot, he finally did and it took a good bounce through traffic to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead at 9:39 of the second. It was his second and team leading seventh point of the series. Where would they be without Brass? He came over from Columbus with Moore and Derek Dorsett for Marian Gaborik, who ironically gave his former team some love in a tweet. 

”We are just going to have the same mentality we had coming into this game,” Brassard said. ”We just played our game, had fun. The guys were relaxed, and that’s what we need to do (Monday).”

”There are a lot emotions. You can expect scrums and things like that,” Dorsett pointed out after drawing two penalties and playing a spunky game in 12 minutes. ”You’ve got to play your game. You can’t just go out and think you’re going to scrum it up and win the game.”

They threw hits with none more resounding than Mike Del Zotto’s on Mathieu Perreault early that got the crowd going. Del Zotto has received plenty of deserved criticism but he didn’t let it affect him, playing a physical game with a team best five hits. The Rangers out-hit the Caps 33-28. Another key aspect was their success on faceoffs. They went 27-for-45, allowing them to have more puck possession. Such an important area when you face a dangerous opponent. 
The Caps still got their chances with Lundqvist stifling Alex Ovechkin twice. That included a tricky lacrosse try where the Washington captain batted a backhand out of mid-air with under a minute left and Holtby on the bench. He made the money stops to prevent Ovechkin from scoring. He doesn’t have a goal in five consecutive games and is without a point in four straight. The longest stretch of the season.

”Especially late in the game, he made some great saves,” John Tortorella said. ”Last year, and now he has another Game 7, I think that builds. The ultimate goal for Hank in his mind is to win the Stanley Cup, but you need to go through these types of situations to get there.”

In order for them to win, the Rangers have to do it on the road. The home team has won all six games. Their recent playoff history at Verizon Center isn’t good with only Gaborik’s triple overtime Game Three winner the only success story. 

”They play really well at home and they’re confident,” Lundqvist said. ”The games we’ve played in that building, special teams have played a big part. We played a really disciplined game, and that’s going to be key for us because they have a really good power play, so you have to respect that.”Play hard, but play smart.”

In franchise history, the Rangers have never won Game Seven away from MSG. They’re 0-5 all-time. They’ll look to alter history Monday. 
NY Puck 3 Stars:
3rd Star-Mats Zuccarello, NYR (assist, 2 SOG, 2 hits, +1 in 20:55-does so many things well)
2nd Star-Derick Brassard, NYR (2nd of series-game-winner, 8-for-14 on draws, +1 in 19:48)
1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (27 save shutout-1st of series-6th career postseason)
Notes: Chris Kreider replaced injured Ryane Clowe, receiving five shifts (4:05). He had two hits. … When the game was over, Derek Stepan mixed it up with John Carlson while Dan Girardi went at it with Troy Brouwer. … Stepan led the Rangers on draws finishing 11-for-16. … The Caps held a slight edge with 19 blocked shots to the Rangers’ 17. Steve Olesky had five and Anton Stralman four. 
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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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