2013 NHL Playoff Preview: Derek and Hasan Pick The First Round

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Derek
John Tavares and Henrik Lundqvist lead their teams into the first round.
Getty Images

The mad dash of a condensed 48-game schedule is over. Now, comes the hard part for the remaining 16 survivors. Just making the playoffs is an accomplishment in a four month sprint that’s had peaks and valleys. It’s not how you start but how you finish. The Caps, Rangers and Islanders are clear examples in the East while out West, the Red Wings are in the tournament for a 22nd consecutive season. The new look Wild survived with the help of a hideous call edging out a deserving Blue Jackets, who did everything possible to overcome a bad start. They’ll be worth watching next Fall.

Already, last year’s Cup runner-up has booked tee times with the NHL Draft Lottery tonight. Ironically, the Devils host the Draft at the Prudential Center in Newark. The defending champion Kings are a No.5 seed who might have to take a similar path. Road warriors. They start at St. Louis. Is Brian Elliott this year’s Jon Quick with David Backes playing the role of Dustin Brown? Other surprise entries include the rebirth of hockey in Canada with the Canadiens and Maple Leafs both chasing Lord Stanley. Montreal surprised many by capturing the Northeast and No.2 seed. Toronto is back in for the first time since ’04 when Mats Sundin still was prominent. They’ll meet the Bruins in a potential blood bath. The Habs have to contend with Canadian rival Ottawa. A pesky bunch who overachieved without Jason Spezza. Erik Karlsson is back and faces Norris hopeful P.K. Subban. 
The Rangers were picked by many to finish first. Instead, teaming Rick Nash with Marian Gaborik failed, forcing Glen Sather to move Gaborik at the deadline to bolster the lack of depth. Derick Brassard and John Moore have transformed them into a deeper team. They’ll try to do it on the road against Alex Ovechkin and the Caps, who don’t play a dull style anymore. The Islanders are a great story with John Tavares carrying them along with indispensable Evgeni Nabokov. All they have to do is upset the star studded Pens, who loaded up at the deadline and could have Sidney Crosby back for Game One with Evgeni Malkin. 
It was the Blackhawks who were the best team in the regular season featuring dynamic duo Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. They start against Mikko Koivu and Zach Parise. The Canucks gradually improved to win another Northwest led by The Sedins and Cory Schneider, who has the most pressure. Ryan Kesler is back. They draw the Sharks, who could make things interesting. Antti Niemi had a good year and Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Joe Pavelski are dynamic. Also back in are the Ducks, whose great start allowed them to capture the Pacific and No.2 seed. Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Bobby Ryan lead the charge. Is this Teemu Selanne’s final ride with Finn buddy Saku Koivu? Can Viktor Fasth match his big year or does Jonas Hiller relieve him? They start against the dangerous Red Wings, who feature Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen. Jimmy Howard has never been a great postseason netminder but enters hot. Potential upset?
Who’ll survive and advance in the First Round? The West starts up tomorrow while the East begins Wednesday. 
EAST
Derek’s Picks:
(1) Pens over (8) Isles in 6 
(2) Habs over (7) Sens in 7
(6) Rangers over (3) Caps in 6
(4) Bruins over (5) Leafs in 7 
Hasan’s Picks:
(1) Pens over (8) Isles in 5
(7) Sens over (2) Habs in 6
(6) Rangers over (3) Caps in 6
(4) Bruins over (5) Leafs in 7
WEST 
Derek’s Picks:
(1) Hawks over (8) Wild in 5
(7) Wings over (2) Ducks in 6
(3) Canucks over (6) Sharks in 7
(5) Kings over (4) Blues in 6
Hasan’s Picks:
(1) Hawks over (8) Wild in 5
(7) Wings over (2) Ducks in 6
(6) Sharks over (3) Canucks in 6
(5) Kings over (4) Blues in 7
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Senators beat Bruins: NHL Releases Playoff Schedule

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Derek
The Senators used a late goal from Jean-Gabriel Pageau to beat the Bruins in regulation. Kyle Turris added an empty netter in Ottawa’s 4-2 win over Boston at TD Garden. The Sens’ regulation victory did two things.

1.It helped them finish seventh with 56 points to avoid the Pens. Ottawa will play Northeast winner Montreal in an all Canadian first round.

2.They prevented the Bruins from winning the Northeast. By losing their last two, Boston lost the division to the Canadiens by a point. Montreal gained the East’s No.2 seed while the Bruins slipped to No.4. They’ll host nemesis Toronto in an Original Six match-up. There’s no love lost between the two. It should be a great series.

Here are the East First Round Series:

(1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs (8) New York Islanders-Clinching their first playoff berth in six years, the Islanders are hoping to become Spring darlings. They’ll have to deal with the arsenal of the mighty Pens featuring Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, Pascal Dupuis, Chris Kunitz, Matt Cooke, Paul Martin, James Neal, Brandon Sutter along with deadline pick ups Jussi Jokinen, Jarome Iginla, Brenden Morrow and Doug Murray. Marc-Andre Fleury faces Evgeni Nabokov.

The Islanders counter with Hart candidate John Tavares centering Matt Moulson and Brad Boyes. A potent line that’s dangerous on the power play. Second line Josh Bailey, Frans Nielsen and Kyle Okposo have become a solid fore-checking trio. The Isles also feature shorthanded threat Michael Grabner along with bangers Matt Martin and Colin McDonald. Travis Hamonic and Andrew MacDonald will see a lot of Crosby and Malkin. Mark Streit and Lubomir Visnovsky must provide offense. From a physical standpoint, they match up. It’s a tall order.

(2) Montreal Canadiens vs (7) Ottawa Senators-By prevailing over the Bruins, Ottawa avoided Pittsburgh and instead will face Montreal. The Canadiens were consistent most of the year until a late swoon almost cost them the division. They rebounded to beat Toronto and hope that will be a harbinger of things to come. It’s the best team they’ve had in years. Boasting a balanced lineup that includes Tomas Plekanec, Brian Gionta, Michael Ryder, Max Pacioretty, Lars Eller, David Desharnais, Brendan Gallagher, Alex Galchenyuk and Brandon Prust along with blueline tandem P.K. Subban and Andrei Markov, the Habs aren’t reliant on one guy. They rely on Carey Price, who has pressure to deliver. Don’t forget gritty Josh Gorges and rookie defenseman Jared Tinordi who they’re hoping can provide toughness minus Alexei Emelin.

The Senators are here largely on the play of Craig Anderson and backup Robin Lehner, who has provided steadiness in net. Erik Karlsson’s return is heroic. He is such a weapon which can change a series. Karlsson teams with Sergei Gonchar on the power play. Key cog Chris Phillips left tonight with a lower body injury. Jared Cowen just returned and Patrick Wiercioch can contribute. Minus Jason Spezza, the Sens do it by committee led by captain Daniel Alfredsson and Kyle Turris. Mike Zibanejad and Jacob Silfverberg are gifted rookies with game breaking speed. Cory Conacher is too but has struggled since coming from Tampa for Ben Bishop. Ottawa can depend on Chris Neil, Colin Greening and Zach Smith to mix it up. They need offense from Milan Michalek and ex-Hab Guillaume Latendresse. It may very well come down to goaltending.

(3) Washington Capitals vs (6) New York Rangers-The Caps turned around their year due to Alex Ovechkin rediscovering his MVP form. He’s back to sniping and is lethal every shift. Adam Oates deserves credit for turning him loose. Ovechkin has shouldered the burden without Alex Semin. Ovechkin led the league with 32 goals and 16 power play goals. He tied with Crosby for second in scoring behind Marty St. Louis. Washington isn’t just Ovi with center tandem Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Ribeiro dangerous playmakers. The Caps still boast Mike Green and John Carlson along with front man Troy Brouwer. Simple advice. Don’t take penalties. Jason Chimera is a good postseason performer as is Joel Ward and Brooks Laich, who remains questionable. Marcus Johansson and Martin Erat are looked upon for support along with Mathieu Perreault. Ex-Isle Jack Hillen has performed well. It depends on Braden Holtby. Can he repeat last year or will Michal Neuvirth replace him?

Whenever these two teams meet, expect the unexpected. The Rangers are also playing their best hockey. It’s two teams on fire who know each other well. The third consecutive year they face off. Since the deadline, the Rangers have improved dramatically offensively. Their best players are their best including Derek Stepan, who was arguably the best player in April. He centers Carl Hagelin and Ryan Callahan. The top line that never stops skating. They’re the key along with rejuvenated Brad Richards, who has it going with Rick Nash and Mats Zuccarello. Nash gets a taste of playoff hockey for only the second time. Is he ready? Derick Brassard has been a great acquisition, providing offensive depth. If Ryane Clowe can’t go, he’ll have to create with Chris Kreider and Taylor Pyatt. After that, it gets thin. The defense boasts workhorses Dan Girardi and Ryan McDonagh, who’ll see Ovechkin in their sleep. No Marc Staal this time. McDonagh needs a big series and Mike Del Zotto can’t be inconsistent. John Moore has balanced out the back end with great skating and aggressiveness. If the games are tight, Henrik Lundqvist gets the edge in net. Another slug fest.

(4) Boston Bruins vs (5) Toronto Maple Leafs-Original Six. Check. Hated rivals. Check. Former goalie Tuukka Rask facing the team that gave him away for Andrew Raycroft. Check. Shawn Thornton and Colton Orr. Check. Frazer McLaren, Mark Fraser against Milan Lucic and Adam McQuaid. Check. Zdeno Chara versus Dion Phaneuf. Check. Phil Kessel facing his ex-team who won a Cup with replacement Tyler Seguin. Check. You get the picture. The storylines are endless. This will be as good a first round series as there is. If you love hockey, you must watch it. Hopefully, the Rangers and Caps won’t be scheduled at the same time.

Rask is a Vezina candidate while James Reimer has become the go to goalie in Toronto. Reimer doesn’t fare well historically against Boston. Toss that out. The Leafs play a furious physical style which can control the tempo. Kessel rebounded from a poor start to lead them in scoring while Nazem Kadri became a cult hero. Former GM Brian Burke acquired James van Riemsdyk for Luke Schenn. JVR teams with Kessel and under appreciated center Tyler Bozak to form a potent trio. All Joffrey Lupul does is score big goals. Phaneuf was stolen from Calgary by Burke. Clarke MacArthur came from Buffalo. Cody Franson from Nashville. Jay McClement from St. Louis. This is Burke’s team that Randy Carlyle is having success with. The Leafs are fun and in your face. But they need support from Nikolai Kulemin and Mikhail Grabovski. Reimer has never been in the playoffs while Rask has but only behind Tim Thomas. It’s a fascinating match up.

The Bruins are led by Chara and Patrice Bergeron. Both will see a lot of the Leafs’ top line. Bergeron can neutralize Bozak in the faceoff circle. And Chara’s as good as anyone unless he’s tired. Claude Julien doesn’t want to hear it. Boston’s blueline is deeper with Dennis Seidenberg and Andrew Ference and Johnny Boychuk tough comers. Toss in rookie Dougie Hamilton and there’s a lot to get excited about. If the B’s have a distinct advantage on the back end and in net, it’s not as clear up front. Even with the addition of Jaromir Jagr, they’re not scoring. Brad Marchand led them in scoring. He does everything well. A perfect playoff player in the mold of Claude Lemieux. The Bruins are balanced if Bergeron, David Krejci and a motivated Milan Lucic is a factor. Julien can rely on energizers Daniel Paille, Rich Peverley and Greg Campbell. It really could hinge on Nathan Horton, who was sorely missed last year. He’s hurt again. How serious no one knows. This is probably a seven-game series with sudden death determining the outcome.

The Series schedules are finally out. The Rangers don’t start until Thursday against the Capitals. The Islanders face off against the Penguins on Wednesday. Here’s how it all shakes out:

NEW YORK — The National Hockey League today announced the dates, times and national broadcast information for the 2013 Stanley Cup Conference Quarterfinal round, which begins Tuesday, April 30th. Information on the U.S. broadcast networks for games later in the round will be released as it is determined.
All times listed are ET and subject to change.
* – if necessary
2013 EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS
SERIES A TIME (ET) #1  VS.  #8 NETWORKS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 7:30 P.M. NY ISLANDERS AT PITTSBURGH NBCSN, TSN
FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2013 7 P.M. NY ISLANDERS AT PITTSBURGH NBCSN, TSN
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2013 12 P.M. PITTSBURGH AT NY ISLANDERS NBC, TSN
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2013 7 P.M. PITTSBURGH AT NY ISLANDERS NBCSN, TSN
*THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2013 7 P.M. NY ISLANDERS AT PITTSBURGH TSN
*SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2013 TBD PITTSBURGH AT NY ISLANDERS TSN
*SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2013 TBD NY ISLANDERS AT PITTSBURGH TSN
       
SERIES B TIME (ET) #2  VS.  #7 NETWORKS
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2013 7 P.M. OTTAWA AT MONTREAL CNBC, CBC, RDS
FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2013 7 P.M. OTTAWA AT MONTREAL CNBC, CBC, RDS
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2013 7 P.M. MONTREAL AT OTTAWA NBCSN, CBC, RDS
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2013 7 P.M. MONTREAL AT OTTAWA CNBC, CBC, RDS
*THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2013 7 P.M. OTTAWA AT MONTREAL CBC, RDS
*SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2013 TBD MONTREAL AT OTTAWA CBC, RDS
*SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2013 TBD OTTAWA AT MONTREAL CBC, RDS
       
SERIES C TIME (ET) #3  VS.  #6 NETWORKS
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2013 7:30 P.M. NY RANGERS AT WASHINGTON NBCSN, TSN
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2013 12:30 P.M. NY RANGERS AT WASHINGTON NBC, TSN
MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013 7:30 P.M. WASHINGTON AT NY RANGERS NBCSN, TSN
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2013 7:30 P.M. WASHINGTON AT NY RANGERS NBCSN, TSN
*FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013 7:30 P.M. NY RANGERS AT WASHINGTON TSN
*SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2013 TBD WASHINGTON AT NY RANGERS TSN
*MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013 TBD NY RANGERS AT WASHINGTON TSN
       
SERIES D TIME (ET) #4  VS.  #5 NETWORKS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 7 P.M. TORONTO AT BOSTON CNBC, CBC, RDS
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2013 7 P.M. TORONTO AT BOSTON CNBC, CBC, RDS
MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013 7 P.M. BOSTON AT TORONTO NHLN-US, CBC, RDS
*WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2013 7 P.M. TORONTO AT BOSTON NHLN-US, CBC, RDS
*FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013 7 P.M. BOSTON AT TORONTO CBC, RDS
*SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2013 TBD TORONTO AT BOSTON CBC, RDS
MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013 TBD BOSTON AT TORONTO CBC, RDS
       
2013 WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS
SERIES E TIME (ET) #1  VS.  #8 NETWORKS
TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013 8 P.M. MINNESOTA AT CHICAGO NBCSN, CBC
FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2013 9:30 P.M. MINNESOTA AT CHICAGO NBCSN, CBC
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2013 3 P.M. CHICAGO AT MINNESOTA NBC, CBC
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2013 9:30 P.M. CHICAGO AT MINNESOTA NBCSN, CBC
*THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2013 TBD MINNESOTA AT CHICAGO CBC
*SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2013 TBD CHICAGO AT MINNESOTA CBC
*SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2013 TBD MINNESOTA AT CHICAGO CBC
       
SERIES F TIME (ET) #2  VS.  #7 NETWORKS
TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013 10:30 P.M. DETROIT AT ANAHEIM NBCSN, TSN
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2013 10 P.M. DETROIT AT ANAHEIM NBCSN, TSN
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2013 7:30 P.M. ANAHEIM AT DETROIT NBCSN, TSN
MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013 8 P.M. ANAHEIM AT DETROIT CNBC, TSN
*WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2013 10 P.M. DETROIT AT ANAHEIM TSN
*FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013 TBD ANAHEIM AT DETROIT TSN
*SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2013 TBD DETROIT AT ANAHEIM TSN
       
SERIES G TIME (ET) #3  VS.  #6 NETWORKS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 10:30 P.M. SAN JOSE AT VANCOUVER NBCSN, TSN
FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2013 10 P.M. SAN JOSE AT VANCOUVER CNBC, TSN
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2013 10 P.M. VANCOUVER AT SAN JOSE NBCSN, TSN
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2013 10 P.M. VANCOUVER AT SAN JOSE CNBC, TSN
*THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2013 10 P.M. SAN JOSE AT VANCOUVER TSN
*SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2013 TBD VANCOUVER AT SAN JOSE TSN
*MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013 TBD SAN JOSE AT VANCOUVER TSN
       
SERIES H TIME (ET) #4  VS.  #5 NETWORKS
TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013 8 P.M. LOS ANGELES AT ST. LOUIS CNBC, CBC
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2013 9:30 P.M. LOS ANGELES AT ST. LOUIS CNBC, CBC
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2013 10 P.M. ST. LOUIS AT LOS ANGELES NBCSN, CBC
MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013 10 P.M. ST. LOUIS AT LOS ANGELES NBCSN, CBC
*WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2013 TBD LOS ANGELES AT ST. LOUIS CBC
*FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013 TBD ST. LOUIS AT LOS ANGELES CBC
*MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013 TBD LOS ANGELES AT ST. LOUIS CBC

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Rangers Finish Strong: Lundqvist shuts out Devils

Posted on April 28, 2013 by Derek
Cally And Step: Derek Stepan and Ryan Callahan celebrate Callahan’s shorthanded goal.
Copyright Getty Images/Mary Altaffer

The Rangers enter the playoffs playing their best hockey. They continued to trend upwards by winning the final game of the regular season yesterday. A listless Devils club was no match. Henrik Lundqvist stopped all 20 shots for his second shutout in a 4-0 win at MSG. It was his 45th shutout. 


Rick Nash scored twice to reach at least 20 goals for a ninth straight season. Derek Stepan had a goal and assist to edge Nash for the team lead in scoring. He finished with 44 points (18-26-44). In his first season as a Ranger, Nash led them with 21 goals in 44 games. He added 21 helpers totaling 42 points. Brad Richards added two assists in his 900th career game. After struggling, he ends on a six-game point streak tallying 11 points (5-6-11). Richards was third in scoring with 34 points (11-23-34). Ryan Callahan had a shorthanded goal and assist to conclude on a seven-game point streak. Over that span, he has five goals and six helpers for 11 points. That includes the playoff clincher.

”It was big for us,” an excited Nash said after making the postseason for the second time in his career. ”We wanted to ride some momentum going into the playoffs, and I thought the guys had a great effort.”

The Rangers jumped on the Devils early. Stepan scored 2:37 in. He finished off a Callahan set up in front for his 18th. John Moore helped set it up. Stepan had a great April. He recorded points in 12 of 14 games, tallying 19 (8-11-19). Our most consistent player, who somehow lost out to Callahan for the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award, was also plus-14 for the month. He paced the club with a plus-25. That tied him for fifth with defending Selke winner Patrice Bergeron. Stepan’s improvement was on display. He intercepted a Marek Zidlicky pass and then sent Callahan in for a shorthanded breakaway. Captain Cally deked and beat Johan Hedberg five-hole for a 2-0 lead at 19:01.

”It’s been fun so far,” beamed Stepan of the chemistry he has with linemates Callahan and Carl Hagelin. ”Those two guys just work so hard, and when they get on pucks it’s hard to get it off their stick.”

On the play, Callahan drove past Ilya Kovalchuk and Steve Sullivan. Kovalchuk lollygagged back. The game didn’t mean anything for the Devils. But seeing your best player give such a lackadaisical effort is discouraging. Even if he wasn’t close to 100 percent after returning, it was reminiscent of how he played for the Thrashers. Equally mystifying was Pete DeBoer’s choice to sit out Andrei Loktionov and defense prospect Eric Gelinas. The veteran coach said he wanted to use the final few games to evaluate some young talent. So much for that. My Devil buddy Rob didn’t understand the logic of sitting them out for vets. It made about as much sense as benching Adam Henrique for a game for Sullivan. 
The Devils were more competitive in the second even forcing Lundqvist to make a couple of decent saves. But they really couldn’t sustain any pressure. They were shutout for the fourth time in April. The Rangers out-shot them 21-20. The difference was quality. Hedberg had little chance on any of our four goals. New Jersey had numerous defensive breakdowns. A coverage mistake allowed Richards to find Nash wide open in the slot for an easy finish putting the Blueshirts up three. By now, the Garden serenaded favorite target Martin Brodeur with “We Want Marty,” chants. Brodeur admitted that he didn’t want to play due to facing the music for two hours. If the game had playoff significance, he would’ve dressed. Personally, I thought his response was ridiculous. But it was his choice.
All day, Hedberg was hung out to dry by a team that mailed it in. The score could easily have been double if not for some big saves from the Moose. One included a sprawling pad stop on Nash off a great set up from Mats Zuccarello. Zuccarello continues to impress since coming back. Having gained John Tortorella’s trust, MZA was moved up to the Richards line with Nash against Carolina. The trio has found instant chemistry with the right combination of size, speed and skill. Zuccarello’s uncanny ability to back up opposing defenses with his relentless skating has opened up the ice. On Nash’s second, he combined with Richards on a beautiful passing play. Zuccarello worked a give and go with Richards, getting the puck back. He skated out and found Nash, who ripped his 21st past a helpless Hedberg. 
Zuccarello has three goals and five assists for eight points in 15 games. Six of his eight came in the final seven. The Rangers are 10-4-1 since his return. They posted a 10-3-1 record in April and were 9-3-1 following the deadline pick ups of Ryane Clowe, Derick Brassard, John Moore and Derek Dorsett. Dorsett remains out while Clowe missed the season finale with an undisclosed injury after taking an elbow. Kris Newbury played on the fourth line. For our team to be successful in the postseason, they need to get healthy. Clowe is a lunch pail type of player whose energy was a perfect match with Brassard. Chris Kreider took his place taking 15 shifts. He delivered five hits, including an eye opening one that knocked down Adam Larsson. That’s what Kreider has to do to stay in the lineup.
The only area the Rangers were ineffective was the power play. They even allowed a shorthanded bid to Peter Harrold while up two men. Tortorella described it as a battle. Special teams are a key area in the playoffs. They must get better. The penalty kill wasn’t great either, finishing in the middle of the pack. They’ll need to be more consistent when the puck drops either Tuesday or Wednesday against a familiar foe. By winning to reach 56 points and Ottawa falling to Philadelphia in regulation, the Rangers leapfrogged the Islanders and Senators to finish sixth in the East. They’ll take on the Capitals again. It’s the third straight year they’ll face Washington and fourth in the last five. 
Ottawa/Boston To Determine Rest Of First Round: Our match-up is the only one that’s set. The Bruins host the Senators following the Celtics’ Game Four win over the Knicks at TD Garden. 
Boston trails Montreal by a point for the Northeast and No.2 seed. The Habs defeated the Leafs 4-1 Saturday to move up. Boston must win to beat them out.  One point won’t do it with Montreal holding the ROW tiebreaker. 
The game is equally important for the Sens, who enter eighth with 54 points. They trail the Islanders by one for seventh. Each team has 20 ROW. An Ottawa win would vault them over the Isles, allowing them to bypass the Pens in Round One. If they gain a point, they finish seventh due to taking the season series.
NY Puck 3 Stars:
3rd Star-Mats Zuccarello, NYR (assist, +2 in 14:58-his energy has rubbed off)
2nd Star-Rick Nash, NYR (2 goals-20, 21, 7 SOG in 14:29-a confidence builder for our top finisher)
1st Star-Ryan Callahan/Derek Stepan, NYR (2-2-4, SHG, +4-where would they be without them)
Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Super Saturday – where everything is decided (almost)

Posted on April 27, 2013 by Derek

Despite the fact five divisions and fourteen of the sixteen playoff teams have been decided, there still remains plenty of intrigue on the last full day of the 2013 NHL regular season.

In the East, all the playoff teams have clinched berths and Pittsburgh’s locked into the top seed with the Southeast champion Capitals taking the #3 seed.  Just about everything else is fluid though, with Montreal and Boston still fighting for the Northeast crown and the Rangers/Islanders/Senators all jockeying to stay out of the #8 seed and a date with the Penguins in the first round.
Boston needs three points in its final two games to secure the Northeast crown, no matter what Montreal does tonight.  A Habs regulation loss to the Leafs drops the Bruin magic number to one (an OT loss drops it to two).  Of course, the season was supposed to end today, but due to the manhunt in Boston in the wake of the marathon tragedy, they’re playing a makeup game with the Senators tomorrow night that will determine the Northeast champion barring a Boston win and Montreal regulation loss tonight – or vice-versa.
I’m not going to get into all the 6-7-8 scenarios since Ottawa’s extra game complicates it but suffice it to say the Isles get locked into the eight seed with a Ranger point and at least one Ottawa win.  Toronto is all but locked into the #5 seed (barring two Ottawa wins dropping them down to #6) and a trip to either Original Six rival Boston or Montreal in the first round.
East games of importance:
Devils at Rangers 3 PM – NBC
Montreal at Toronto 7 PM – NHLN
Philadelphia at Ottawa 7 PM
Boston at Washington 7 PM 
Ottawa at Boston 7 PM (Sunday) – NBCSN
Out West, the top three seeds are already set with Chicago (President’s Trophy winners), Anaheim and Vancouver 1-2-3 in that order.  St. Louis, the defending champion Kings and San Jose are jockeying for home-ice in the first round in the 4-6 group with the Blues a point ahead of both California teams, who are squaring off against each other.  A Blues win against a Hawks team with nothing to play for would give them the #4 seed.  An OT point would still be good enough for the Blues if the Sharks beat the Kings, but a Blues regulation loss would give first round home-ice to the winner of the California showdown.
And then there’s the super-intriguing 7-8-9 bubble with the proud Wings making a stand (three straight wins going into tonight) to keep their decades-long playoff streak alive, sitting a point ahead of both the Minnesota Mercenaries and a scrappy Blue Jackets team who are coming off a six-game road trip during which they went 5-1 when their clock was supposed to strike midnight.  Minnesota on the other hand, has been sagging going 4-8-1 in the month of April including an embarassing 6-1 home loss to the Oilers last night where they were booed off the ice in their final scheduled home game.
To sum it up, Detroit clinches a playoff spot with a point or more tonight, and Minnesota clinches with a win at Colorado.  Columbus needs to win against Nashville and get help elsewhere with either Detroit (in regulation) or the Wild losing.
West games of importance:
Nashville at Columbus 7 PM
Detroit at Dallas 7 PM – NBCSN
Minnesota at Colorado 7:30 PM
Chicago at St. Louis 8 PM
San Jose at Los Angeles 10:30 PM – NBCSN
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Game Recap: Callahan’s Overtime Winner Wraps It Up

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Derek
It wasn’t easy. Why would it be? If you’ve watched the team this year, that’s how the 2013 NY Rangers play. At times, they dominate and at others, they cause anxiety and frustration. At least the dramatic ending provided relief for #TwitterBlueshirts.

The Rangers defeated the Hurricanes 4-3 in overtime to wrap up a playoff berth. As I noted in a previous post, beloved captain Ryan Callahan played the hero scoring with 2:05 left to deliver the club’s third consecutive postseason. When the chips are down, there’s no other Blueshirt I want with the puck. Captain Cally again demonstrated why he’s a top five captain. He’ll never score the most goals or assists. But nobody has a bigger H-E-A-R-T.

”We know that we’re right there to get that next point and advance in the playoffs,” an excited Callahan said regarding Brad Richards’ power play goal that forced OT with 2:57 left in regulation. Richards got a lucky bounce when his wide shot caromed off Dan Ellis and in.  His 11th extended his point streak to five and gave him nine points. 

”I’m really happy with the way we just stayed with it and found a way to win it,” a relieved John Tortorella remarked to MSG’s Sam Rosen afterwards. It would’ve been a shame to lose to another team playing for pride. As expected, the Canes didn’t quit when our team went up two. Instead, they came back scoring three straight including Jiri Tlusty’s rocket that put them ahead 49 seconds into the third period. Carolina scored on two of four shots to tie it in the second- capitalizing on Ranger mistakes. 

It looked like the Canes would hold on.  Despite having two shots (one of which went in), they were in position to help Winnipeg, who at the time had just gone up 2-1 in their season finale against Montreal. But Tuomu Ruutu took down Derek Stepan with under five minutes remaining. Up till that point, our power play had been awful. In fact, they had nothing going allowing Carolina to easily kill the first half. Tortorella changed forwards, sticking Mats Zuccarello and Taylor Pyatt out. Zuccarello missed a chance earlier. Pyatt recovered the puck and got it to Mike Del Zotto. Del Zotto’s dreadful turnover led to Tlusty’s go-ahead tally. He dished for Richards, who finally pulled the trigger. The puck took a funny hop off the boards and off Ellis for a huge goal. 
The Rangers got one point once regulation ended. They needed two to guarantee the postseason and avoid playing the Devils with Pete DeBoer chomping at the bit. It was pretty nerve racking watching the Canes search for the winner. They controlled the entire four-on-four, forcing Lundqvist to make four tough saves before Callahan delivered. At that point, Montreal and Winnipeg were tied 2-2 early in the third. There was nothing to chance. 
They’d backed off and took Joe Micheletti’s silly advice. Play for the shootout. Plain dumb. Even Jared Staal had a chance before his shot was blocked. As predicted, he received more ice-time than Chris Kreider, who was bumped up following Ryane Clowe taking an elbow from Bobby Sanguinetti that knocked him out of the game in the second. It didn’t look good. Hopefully, Clowe will be okay when the playoffs start. Right now, it’s either Tuesday or Wednesday. That’ll be determined later along with playoff seeding. The Rangers, Senators and Islanders are all tied with 54 points. Ottawa’s OT win sunk Winnipeg. They’re sixth due to holding an extra game. Our team is seventh and the Isles are eighth. 
It took an inspiring play from Captain Cally to put us in. Following a Ryan McDonagh clear, Stepan found Callahan at center ice where he worked puck past Marc-Andre Bergeron catching him. With his momentum carrying forward and nowhere else to go, he took the shot which caught Ellis leaning. The puck rang off the far post and in for Callahan’s dramatic winner. 

”That was just a sick play from start to finish,” a pumped Lundqvist stated while adding, “and it’s a good thing to see your captain put it home and put us in the playoffs.”

Early on, it looked like it would come easier. Some great passing helped set up Stepan’s 17th for a 1-0 lead 3:19 in. Callahan and Carl Hagelin combined to find Stepan, who buried the opportunity. It was Hagelin again who drew the primary helper on Derick Brassard’s 12th which put the Rangers up 2-0. Del Zotto added a secondary assist. Brassard’s play has been a big part of why they’re in the playoffs. He has played well. Since being acquired along with John Moore and Derek Dorsett for Marian Gaborik at the trade deadline, he’s tallied five goals and six assists for 11 points in 12 games. Moore has also contributed with five points (1-4-5) and a plus-seven. The Rangers are 8-3-1 since.
The Canes used a Matt Gilroy minor penalty to get back in it. Tlusty scored the first of two on the power play when he took a Jeff Skinner feed and beat Lundqvist. It was a total breakdown. Speaking of which, another horrible one led directly to Ruutu snapping his third past Hank. Four Rangers were trapped in the neutral zone including Anton Stralman, leaving Del Zotto left to defend a two-on-one. Ruutu’s goal followed Tlusty’s first exactly three minutes later. Ellis made a pair of stops to keep it knotted.
Tlusty steered the Canes in front off a Del Zotto turnover. Taking an Eric Staal pass, he walked in and beat Lundqvist to put the Rangers in trouble. Frustration mounted. Ellis was stopping everything and Rick Nash missed after Zuccarello put him in on a mini-breakaway. Stepan also failed on one with his backhand attempt stuffed. It looked like it was going to be another sleepless night. Thankfully, Richards’ prayer was anwered. Then Callahan did the rest.
NY Puck 3 Stars:
3rd Star-Derek Stepan, NYR (17th of season, set up Cally’s winner-17-25-42 leads team in scoring)
2nd Star-Carl Hagelin, NYR (2 assists, 4 SOG-all over the ice)
1st Star-Ryan Callahan, NYR (playoff clinching goal at 2:55 of OT, assist-Captain Clutch)
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Believe In Blue

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Derek
When you make the playoffs, Twitter is quick. From the official Rangers Instagram:

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Captain Cally Clinches Playoffs

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Derek
CAPTAIN CLUTCH: Ryan Callahan celebrates his overtime winner which clinched the playoffs.
Copyright Getty Images/Gerry Broome

Leave it to the Ranger captain to save his team. With so much riding on the line, Ryan Callahan delivered again. Captain Cally’s overtime winner at 2:55 clinched the playoffs. A fitting conclusion for one of the best leaders in the game. Callahan epitomizes what it means to be a Ranger. If everyone had his heart, there’s no question they wouldn’t have needed OT in Game 47 to edge the Hurricanes 4-3 to make it.

It doesn’t matter now. What’s most important is that when push came to shove, the right players had the puck. Following a Carolina barrage on Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan McDonagh cleared the puck to Derek Stepan, who made a cross ice feed to a streaking Callahan. He chipped the puck past Marc-Andre Bergeron in the neutral zone and ripped his 15th past Dan Ellis from a tough angle. It went far side off the post leading to a big celebration that included a jubilant Lundqvist joining teammates across the ice.

Whenever this team needs a big play, Callahan makes it. Whether it’s a game changing hit, diving block, clear, pass or goal, he is Captain Clutch. There aren’t enough adjectives in the dictionary for what #24 means to the New York Rangers. It couldn’t happen to a better guy. The classic over achiever who’ll be part of Team USA along with Stepan if they’ve watched. Stepan and Callahan have been our heart. Along with the Swedish King and Dan Girardi, they’re why the Rangers are back in the postseason for a third straight year. 

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

A Staal Fest: Canes recall Jared Staal

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Derek

For the Blueshirts, Marc Staal isn’t returning for tomorrow’s big match at Carolina. However, it’ll be a Staal Fest in Raleigh when the Rangers aim to clinch a playoff berth against the Hurricanes.

That’s because the Canes have recalled brother Jared Staal for their final home game. The 22-year old joins elder brothers Eric Staal and Jordan Staal for a family reunion Thursday. Since being taken originally by Phoenix in the second round of the ’08 Draft, Jared has never come close to matching brother trio Eric, Jordan and Marc. In fact, he’ll make his NHL debut when the Hurricanes try to play spoiler against the Rangers.

How ridiculous is this? Jared Staal spent the entire season with AHL Charlotte totaling four goals and three assists for seven points in 52 games. He’s spent parts of four years in the ‘A’ and has never had success. Jared has only 18 points (8-10-18) in 107 career AHL games with San Antonio, Charlotte and Providence.

During that span, he’s been dealt three times. That included a Draft Day trade involving Florida that sent Olli Jokinen to Phoenix for Nick Boynton and Keith Ballard. Twenty-four hours later, the Coyotes reacquired him for a swap of picks. In May 2010, they traded Staal to the Canes for a fifth round pick (Louis Domingue).

Despite not having the success of his three older brothers, Jared will finally get a chance tomorrow. Since it’s basically a publicity stunt by the Canes, you can bet your bottom dollar that he’ll receive more ice-time than Chris Kreider, who’ll never play as long as John Tortorella is here. Chew on that and wonder why the Rangers even brought the poor kid up.

The biggest question isn’t whether our team will wrap it up. It’s not even if they’ll need assistance from the fading Canadiens. Rather will there be a shift where all three Staals play together? Assuming there is, who wants to bet that they’ll factor in on a goal with Jared getting a point? Considering how many instances the Rangers have been victimized by players who scored their first goal, at least it’ll be a recognizable name. 

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Loser’s Lament: Rangers Disgraceful In Loss To Lowly Panthers

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Derek
If ever there was a game which typified this bipolar group, it was a disgraceful 3-2 loss to the last overall Panthers. Playing for a chance at the playoffs, the Rangers failed miserably against a joke of a team. So, what does that make them? Don’t answer that.

I’m not even in the right frame of mind to recap this. I just can’t fathom how a team could lose TWICE to lowly Florida. They again turned Jacob Markstrom into a combination of Dryden, Sawchuk and Roy. In a game they out-shot their opponent 38-16, the Blueshirts forgot what made them successful the past three in which they totaled 18 goals. That included a 6-1 pasting of the same Panthers who started backup Scott Clemmensen. What if they had went with Markstrom? Would our guys have been able to solve him?

At this point, I’m inclined to agree with Scotty Hockey about our team. They drive you nuts. The chemistry that was here a year ago is gone. Our team beat up on the bad teams to put themselves in position to make it. All they had to do was win. Once Winnipeg lost to Washington in regulation, it should’ve been automatic. But not the 2013 New York Rangers. Against a horrible team who played conservatively to aid Markstrom, our coach wouldn’t even give Chris Kreider a lick. When they blew a first period in which they held a 10-2 edge, I knew they were in trouble. Their confidence slipped and they allowed Florida to take the lead.

With nothing happening for every line except the rejuvenated Brad Richards unit with Taylor Pyatt and Mats Zuccarello, who was by far our best player- John Tortorella refused to use his fourth line. In a game where they lacked energy no less. Arron Asham held his own against George Parros, who sought retribution for a hit Asham delivered on Erik Gudbranson at the tail end of last week’s game. They had been okay since Tort rolled four lines with Asham even helping set up a goal. Coaches often go to the fourth line when their team is flat, which was exactly the case here. But not Tort. He didn’t make any changes except playing three lines including Derek Stepan‘s line which was atrocious. And he didn’t adjust until the third, flipping Rick Nash and Ryan Callahan. Neither were particularly good.

The game was so bad I went to pick up my prescription at the start of the third. Lo and behold Pyatt tied it from John Moore and Zuccarello. That’s four straight games with a point for someone another blog ripped despite him having chemistry with Richards and Zuccarello. Obviously, they weren’t paying attention.

Even after they tied it, I never felt they would go ahead. Markstrom was allowed to see the shots and made the saves. Even if our team tried to pick it up in the third. A Richards tripping penalty resulted in the all too predictable Panther power play goal. Immortal Marcel Goc redirected a pass from earlier goal scorer Tomas Fleischmann. Our penalty kill has been inconsistent. They entered ranked a mediocre 15th. And wouldn’t you know it, it reared its ugly head again. One of the biggest issues with this club is their failure to clear the puck. Without Marc Staal and some of our former core guys, they’re inept. They fiddled with the puck until Brian Campbell kept it alive and helped set up  Florida’s second goal.

The Panthers sat back and trapped. And it worked because our team wouldn’t adjust. They turned over the puck and didn’t get shots. It was appalling. Even when Nash was taken down for a power play, the over-passing and lack of killer instinct returned. The best example I can think of is our beloved captain back passing to nobody following a rebound. The puck went out of the zone without a Panther doing anything. When Tortorella pulled Henrik Lundqvist, who still made two ridiculous saves to give us a chance, they threw the puck away and watched as Drew Shore flung it into an empty net from 170 feet.

Of course Derick Brassard scored with 32.3 seconds left after our powerless failure. You can’t make it up. A last ditch effort fell short because whoever had the puck last decided to pass instead of shoot. So, the Rangers now must assume Winnipeg will defeat plunging Montreal, who can’t seem to get out of its own way. They lost to the Devils 3-2. The Jets know if they’re to have any chance, they must win their final game Thursday and hope for help against us and Ottawa.

I’ll end this recap with how I feel as a fan. Watching this team makes me sick. I literally felt sick after they lost. My mood didn’t improve even though the Knicks beat the Celtics. That’s how much I live and die with the Rangers. For better or worse, they are my blood and guts. I’m embarrassed at how dreadful they were tonight. No hunger. No desire. No fire. Maybe Jeremy Roenick’s right:

Rangers at it again. Can’t score a goal against one of the worst teams in the league!!! Do they wanna b in playoffs or what

Heartless. 

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Islanders Clinch

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Derek
With a point in a shootout loss to Carolina combined with Winnipeg’s 5-3 regulation defeat to Washington, the Islanders clinched the playoffs. John Tavares tied the game with over a minute left to earn the Isles a point. It was originally credited to Kyle Okposo but changed.

All year, the Islanders have been a resilient team that’s played desperate hockey. They did it by coming back again. Even if they didn’t pull out the shootout, the 4-3 loss in the skill competition was enough to put them in the playoffs for the first time since 2007. It’s fitting that Tavares would get the goal. All the former No.1 overall pick has done is carry them. His 27th goal should further boost his chances at getting nominated for the Hart Trophy.

They also did it on the road again. While they didn’t win No.15 to extend their recent dominance, it’s where the Isles have played best. They deserve to be congratulated. Their point gives them 54, extending their lead for sixth to two over the Rangers and Senators with two left. Most importantly, Islander fans can rejoice because their team is back. And they did it because of teamwork and consistency. 

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment