Battle Of Hudson

While the record says the Devils lost two straight games on their mini-road trip through Montreal and Boston, they still gained two points in the standings due to a pair of regulation ties.  Many thanks for that go to our amazing, seemingly ageless goalies – starting on Sunday with Martin Brodeur holding the fort in Montreal (shocker!) and giving the Devils a chance to come back from 3-1 to tie a game they had no business being in before a controversial penalty called on Andy Greene led to a Andrei Markov power play goal in overtime.  And tonight in Boston, Johan Hedberg played his first competitive game in nine months, and responded the way you have come to expect Moose to respond…with a professional, winning effort – making twenty-six saves and allowing only one goal against arguably the East’s top team.

As a team, the Devils played a ‘gutsy, gritty game’ tonight in the words of Pete DeBoer.  Given the caliber of opponent I’m apt to take the coach’s word on this one, since I was stuck going out to a terrible horror movie.  Showing his season last year was not a fluke (and increasing his own payday in FA by the game), David Clarkson‘s first-period power play goal gave the Devils a lead that would hold up until late in the third when Nathan Horton scored a goal that went off the skate of Henrik Tallinder and past Moose, preventing the Devils from getting an improbable 1-0 regulation win.  For all the kvetching about having top prospect Adam Larsson on the bench through the first five games, the defense has responded as a unit, only giving up eight goals during that span.

Still, the utter lack of goals from anyone not named Clarkson or Ilya Kovalchuk is why this team needs to flip one of its assets on D to help get another forward soon.  If our lack of scoring was crystalized at any point this season, it was during tonight’s shootout, which went six rounds.  After Kovalchuk, Patrik Elias, Travis Zajac and Clarkson predictably took the first four attempts, we were reduced to having Jacob Josefson and Marek Zidlicky take our final two shots.  Yes, the talented forward with no offensive touch to this point in his young career and a defenseman were our #5 and #6 shooters, after the only four shooters on our roster – aside from the injured Adam Henrique – who participated in the shootout last year.  Unless the defenseman’s name is Kris Letang (or Marek Malik) usually you have problems when you have defensemen taking shootout attempts.

Predictably, Kovalchuk was the only Devil to score – although the shootout didn’t proceed without controversy.  Boston’s Tuukka Rask tripped up Zajac on the third (and potential winning) attempt without getting a piece of the puck.  That’s something I’d literally never seen in a shootout before.  Obviously during regulation, that’s a penalty but maybe there’s no rule against the goalie tripping up a player in the skills competition.  Even before that, there was another moment of controversy when Tyler Seguin‘s first attempt on Moose was interrupted by a hot dog wrapper flying down from the stands and through the goal crease.  Seguin scored, but the officials had to call a do-over on that – another first for me watching a shootout!.  Ironically, Seguin did do the exact same move over again, and scored again…oh well.  Brad Marchand scored the shootout winner to give the Bruins the extra point – like they need it, as they’ve already stamped themselves as a front-runner in this young season.

At least the Devils managed to keep pace on top of the Atlantic, by getting their eighth point out of a possible ten, with their next matchup at home on Thursday against a suddenly hot Isles team who roasted Pittsburgh tonight after a tough loss in Winnipeg a couple of nights ago.  The Isles’ only regulation defeat after losing to us on Opening Night was in Boston a few days ago.

However, the Devils may have a couple of changes to their lineup Thursday – with Stefan Matteau‘s five-game tryout ending, there’s still no word as to whether he’ll be going back to juniors or not.  Given that he played less than ten minutes in every game so far, my guess is he won’t be here on Thursday – nor should he be.  You can’t burn a year on an ELC for a guy that’s going to be a role player at best.  He has talent and poise, he’ll be back soon enough.  Also, Henrique is scheduled to return within the next week, perhaps as soon as the Isles game.  Roster moves will have to be made both figuring out who replaces Matteau (the ‘unofficial’ member of the team Mathieu Darche), and sending current fill-in forward Matt Anderson down to make room for Henrique.

And there’s the not-so-insignificant matter of Larsson, who’s been told he’ll have a major role on this team, and can’t be allowed to stay in the press box indefinitely.  Larsson had his ups and downs last year, but he proved he can play in the league and his five-game playoff stint showed he belongs in an NHL lineup.  Granted, so do the defensemen currently in our lineup, but something’s gotta give soon.  Especially with our problems up front.  There’s only so long you can go with Kovalchuk, Clarkson and our amazing goalies masking our lack of offense.  In any case, it’ll be interesting to see what happens.

After a couple of days off, the Rangers (2-3-0) return to action at MSG tonight to host the Flyers. They look to even their record in a rematch against a bitter rival who manhandled them during last week’s 2-1 loss in Philly.

Henrik Lundqvist makes his sixth consecutive start. So much for a lighter load for the King Of Manhattan. At least he had two days to recover, which should bode well. Lundqvist has looked much sharper. He’s starting to return to the form that helped him capture a first Vezina. After permitting three-or-more goals the first three starts (10 GA on 81 shots), Henrik’s stopped 46 of the last 50 against the Flyers and Leafs. None of the four he gave up were soft.

If Lundqvist is finally rounding into shape, that is a huge plus for the Blueshirts, who aim for their first winning streak of 2013. The supreme trio of Marian Gaborik, Brad Richards and Rick Nash has found early chemistry. Gaborik has scored a team-leading five goals, including his 14th career hat trick (fifth as a Ranger) highlighting a 4-3 overtime win over the Bruins. Nash has only found twine once but has looked dominant, creating space and finding teammates. Richards scored his second to start the team’s comeback against Toronto. He has two goals and four assists.

Chris Kreider (ankle) remains out. There’s no time table for his return. Our team needs more from Carl Hagelin (no points), who possesses the speed and intangibles to contribute. John Tortorella flipped him and Taylor Pyatt. Hags will play with Derek Stepan (4 assists) and Ryan Callahan while Pyatt works with Brian Boyle and Benn Ferriero, who played nearly 13 minutes in his Ranger debut. The fourth line is Mike Rupp, Jeff Halpern and Arron Asham. Figure Rupp and Asham to be busy in their rare shifts.

Right now, we have a two and a half line team until Kreider returns. Hagelin must step it up. Boyle is coming off a strong effort, which hopefully he can build upon. The bangers rarely play. I kind of wish Slats constructed this roster differently. Other successful coaches in this area trust their fourth line. There are going to be games where our top guns are gassed. That’s when you need your energy guys most.

Stu Bickel replaces Steve Eminger on the blueline. No surprise against the big, bad Broadstreet Bullies. Last year, he was decent when Tort used him regularly. Now, he hardly trusts Stu and isn’t playing Anton Stralman enough. I get why he has Marc Staal and Mike Del Zotto together. Especially off a great effort that saw them respond with big nights. Tortorella wants this team to attack more which allows our D to jump up. Staal and MDZ are our best in that department. But it comes with a risk.

I personally feel Stralman with Staal gives the back end more stability. It’s not like Anton’s a slouch. He shoots the puck and plays power play. If you have Del Zotto with Bickel or Eminger, Tortorella can go with a regular rotation and then double shift late.

I’m not going to be around for tonight’s game. It’d be nice for them to hit the Flyers back. They’re struggling. It’s time for our team to take care of business. Especially with the Penguins coming in for the conclusion of the three-game home stand Thursday.

Last night, the AHL All-Star Game took place at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence. As expected, it was an action packed game featuring the A’s best.

The West outscored the East 7-6 to claim victory. They were led by Ryan Hamilton’s hat trick. The Marlies’ captain scored the deciding goal at 19:48 of the third period, giving his team a thrilling win. Also on the victorious side was Wild prospect Jason Zucker, who notched a goal and helper. Considering their rapid improvement with Zach Parise off to a lightning start, suddenly Minnesota is on the right track.

Drew Shore netted a goal and assist. Marc Acrobello tallied three assists for the West. Carolina prospect Justin Peters stopped 12 of 13 shots to pick up the win. Thirteen players hit the score sheet for the West.

Astonishingly, the East had 15 different players register a point. Kings prospect Tyler Toffoli had a goal and assist while ex-Whale forward Chad Kolarik pumped in two goals. Jonathan Audy-Marchessault also lit the lamp. He was just dealt by the Rangers for center Benn Ferriero.

The East fell behind 4-1 after the first period. But they rallied back thanks to goals from
Toffoli and team captain Trent Whitfield in the third. The former NHLer tied it up with 2:30 left. However, Hamilton was the hero winning it for the West with 12 seconds to spare.

Plenty Of Local Flavor: The East was represented well by the Islanders, Rangers and Devils affiliates. Nino Niederreiter (assist) and Matt Donovan teamed up with J.T. Miller and Bobby Butler (assist).

Considering that Audy Marchessault (JAM), Kolarik and Tim Erixon all once played for Connecticut, there was plenty of familiarity with the roster. Tyler Johnson (assist) was a former member of Team USA’s gold medal in the 2010 WJC.

They seemed to be in control. At least that’s how it looked. Playing in one of the toughest arenas, the Islanders blew a two-goal lead- dropping a tough one to Winnipeg 5-4 in overtime.

Trailing 2-1 entering the third, the Islanders scored three consecutive goals to take a 4-2 lead. John Tavares got it started 22 seconds in when he beat former teammate Al Montoya on a rush. He took a Kyle Okposo feed and broke in and ripped one top shelf for his first to tie it.

Less than five minutes later, another great read by Tavares led to sidekick Matt Moulson scoring his third. Travis Hamonic passed for Tavares, who skated to the blueline and fired for Moulson, who redirected the puck past Montoya for a 3-2 lead. Moulson is basically the Islander version of Adam Graves. A gritty overachiever who’s always parked in front. He and Tavares have become a dynamic duo on Long Island.

A bit later, the Islanders took advantage on the power play. With Chris Thorburn in the box for a trip, Tavares helped set up captain Mark Streit for a power play goal. He worked the puck to Frans Nielsen who centered for Streit, who blasted a one-timer through a Moulson screen to make it 4-2 with 10:07 left.

Everything looked great for them until David Ullstrom took a penalty. Ullstrom, who scored earlier- took a hooking minor handing the Jets an opportunity to get back in the game. At that point, one of the loudest buildings was pretty quiet. However, all it took was a rocket from Dustin Byfuglien to change that. The ex-Hawk stepped into a Blake Wheeler feed and ripped his first off the post and in.

Trailing by one, it didn’t take long for the Jets to tie it. Urged on by the crowd, they pressed for the equalizer. Finally, Alex Burmistrov snapped a wrist shot that went off Evgeni Nabokov’s glove tying it 1:05 later. He must’ve surprised him because it was definitely stoppable. At that point, you wondered if the Islanders would even get a point. They were at least able to get to overtime.

The four-on-four was classic fire wagon hockey. Both teams went for it. An Islander over skated the puck in the Winnipeg end, leading to the winner. Ron Hainsey quickly transitioned to Olli Jokinen, who came in two-on-one with Evander Kane. Jokinen took a shot from the left circle that Nabokov got a piece of. The rebound bounced to Kane, whose first try didn’t go in. But his second attempt just crossed the goal line for the deciding marker at 1:59 of OT.

Video review confirmed the call on the ice, allowing the goal to stand. It was a crushing loss for the Islanders. But one they can learn from.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Evander Kane, WPG (OT winner, assist-emerging power forward)
2nd Star-Matt Moulson, NYI (goal, assist-the energizer)
1st Star-John Tavares, NYI (1st of season, 2 assists-dominant)

Updating yesterday’s story, the Rangers have decided not to sign free agent center Jason Arnott. ESPN’s Katie Strang broke the news earlier.

The 38-year old former Stanley Cup winner met with team doctors, who examined him. He was expected to sign a one-year deal worth a pro-rated $1.6 million. Instead, the team wasn’t comfortable.

Well, that stinks. I am disappointed about this because it’s obvious that this team lacks center depth. Benn Ferriero had one decent game. But it doesn’t solve our secondary scoring. Hopefully, Slats has an alternative plan.

While I was out taking in my friend’s band Breaking Even, another Original Six match-up took place at Madison Square Garden. The Maple Leafs and Rangers renewed a classic rivalry on Hockey Night In Canada. The game also was on MSG for the locals.

It took a while. But the Rangers climbed out of a two-goal hole to win for the second time this year. When it was over, they’d scored five unanswered en route to a satisfying 5-2 victory over the Leafs. A couple of critical mistakes allowed the guests to jump out to a two-goal lead. Despite outshooting them by a wide margin, they fell behind early.

A blown coverage allowed Mikhail Grabovski to have all day to deke Henrik Lundqvist for the game’s first goal. It was our top pair of Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi that got victimized. McDonagh took most of the heat on Twitter, which came in handy along with my Ranger texts. They still trailed by one when James Reimer robbed Rick Nash on a breakaway. Nash went high but Reimer’s cat-like glove denied him.

Another mental mistake led to Toronto’s second of the period. Called for a bench minor (too many men), the Rangers failed to kill it off. Ex-Flyer James van Riemsdyk got to a John-Michael Liles rebound and steered the puck past a flustered Henrik Lundqvist. On the play, Marc Staal went too high leaving Mike Del Zotto to fend for himself. It was easy pickings for JVR, who netted his third.

Judging on the shots, I was frustrated into thinking it was going to be one of those nights when they totally outplay an opponent and might not win. Fortunately, the Rangers were very determined to make tonight a good one. It took a while for them to come back. Brad Richards got it started when he backhanded home a Marian Gaborik rebound past Reimer to pull within 2-1 at 5:43 of the second. Nash started the play by gaining the zone and firing a shot off Reimer. Gaborik poked away with the puck coming to Richards, who put it into an open side for his second.

The Blueshirts continued to pepper Reimer, who kept his team in front until a frantic third. Trailing by one, the Rangers erupted for four goals. Staal started it when he drove the net and finished off a Del Zotto pass for his first. A great play with Gaborik right in the middle. A kid outside told me they tied it. He was a Ranger fan and said, “Let’s Go Rangers.”

As I got in the car and drove back, Gaborik scored the winner with 7:03 left. It was a great passing play that started off a strong fore check. Richards worked the puck back to Staal, who fired for Gaborik in front. He redirected the shot pass past Reimer for his fourth. A great finish with Gabby showing off his skill. Nash didn’t get an assist but helped draw attention away from Gaborik. Exactly what a star power forward can do.

The fourth goal came off some more strong attack time. Brian Boyle has taken some heat for a sluggish start. He entered with no points and a minus-four rating. However, it was his play along the boards that got rewarded. On a night he also was stronger in the faceoff circle going 12-of-20, he drove to the net and had a Del Zotto shot go off him for his first. Del Zotto took a Derek Stepan feed and had a shot carom right back to him. He fired again and Boyle scored the key insurance marker with 2:52 remaining.

With Reimer off for an extra attacker, Nash unselfishly flipped the puck ahead for Gaborik, who scored his fifth in three games.

QUICK HITS

-The Rangers outshot the Leafs 41-17.
-The top line of Gaborik-Richards-Nash combined for three goals, five assists and went a combined plus-12.

-Staal’s goal was the first for a Ranger defenseman. He finished 1-1-2 while partner Del Zotto was 0-2-2. They combined for a plus-eight. On for four goals.

-As predicted, there were two heavyweight bouts. They came two seconds apart in the first. In the undercard, Arron Asham lost to Mike Brown. The main event saw former Ranger Colton Orr knock down Mike Rupp.

-The Rangers went 0-for-4 on the power play. The Leafs converted 1-for-4, cashing in on the bench minor.

-In 24:49 of ice-time, Girardi had an assist with four shots, four blocked shots and three hits.

-Face-offs were Toronto 32, New York 31. Boyle was the Rangers’ best going 12-8 while Richards was 12-for-26. The Leafs’ best was Grabovski (12-8) while Tyler Bozak was 8-for-18.

-The fourth line barely played again with Jeff Halpern only taking 10 shifts (4:16) while Asham played five (1:57) and Rupp six (2:08). One the signing becomes official, Jason Arnott can only help.

–Carl Hagelin was held without a point for the fifth consecutive game.

-Stepan’s assist gives him four for the season.

–Steve Eminger took seven shifts (4:12). Anton Stralman had 22 (13:48).

-In his fifth straight start, Lundqvist made 15 saves to pick up his second win. Counterpart Reimer was far busier turning aside 37 of 41.

–Dion Phaneuf was minus-four.

-Liles finished with two assists.

-Rangers (2-3-0) host the Flyers (2-3-0), who won their second in a row by pasting the Panthers 7-1. The game is Tuesday at MSG.

I am sure a lot of you have heard that song by Don Henley called ‘New York Minute’, which happens to me one of my favorite Don Henley songs. Here is a small snippet:

In a New York minute… Everything can change In a New York minute… Things can get a little strange In a New York minute… Everything can change In a New York minute…

No words can be applied better to the 2013 NHL sprint err, the 48 games in 99 night season that has now completed 1 week of play.  And these words from the Henley song can apply to the Buffalo Sabres.

This past Sunday was a festive day for Sabres fans: Owner Terry Pegula and the players greeted players outside First Niagara Center, with Pegula donning a Sabres logo on his jacket, and the Sabres responded with a 5-2 win over the hated Philadelphia Flyers. 24 hours later, they went up the QEW to Toronto, and held on for a 2-1 win over the rival Leafs. Ticket sales were on fire, and life was grand in Western New York.

Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville were and still are in mid season form. Ryan Miller looked sharp. The Sabres were 2-0 and some were even suggesting ‘maybe the Sabres are a Stanley Cup Finals sleeper in the East’.

The knee jerk reactions were in full effect after just 2 games.

Fast forward to Saturday Night, Jan 27th, 1 week into the short but frenetic NHL season, and my how things changed fast. The Sabres traveled to Carolina Thursday Night as Jhonas Enroth brought back visions of Patrick Lalime, as the Carolina Hurricanes handled the Sabres 6-3. The very next night the scene shifted back to Buffalo, and the results were similar, as the Hurricanes and backup goaltender Dan Ellis stoned the Sabres and won a 3-1 decision.

In a flash, the Sabres went from 1st to now 9th in the conference. The knee jerk reactions bent the other way again. All over twitter, some Sabres fans were groaning about Lindy Ruff and Darcy Regier again after these two losses to Carolina.

Folks, get used to this roller coaster ride. Now that every single game this season for the Sabres is a game within the Eastern Conference, the standings will change quicker. Teams can fall behind fast, but also dig themselves out quicker with a 5-6 game winning streak, as you are directly impacting most of the teams around you on a nightly basis.

So to my fellow Sabres fans: Just remain calm and enjoy the ride for the next few weeks. Things will change in a New York Minute..

NOTES:

Where have you gone Tyler Myers?  Sure, Myers will be only 23 next week and as we all know, defenceman can take a longer time to develop in the National Hockey League. But Myers game has regressed slowly since his breakout 48 point rookie season, and so far in 4 games this year he does have 1 goal, but is a -1 and at times makes mistakes that lead to chances for the opposition. Does Myers need more time? Were we fooled early by his rookie season and the expectations were set too high? Only time will tell…

Steve Ott Fan Club: It only took 1 hour into the NHL season for me to forget about Derek Roy and embrace Steve Ott. Love the edge and physicality that he brings to this hockey team that was so needed, and Ott showed his offensive skills by scoring a PPG in his first game in the opening win against the Flyers, In addition, Ott has 21 hits through his first 4 games as a Sabre.

Zach Who?  This is not a knock against Zach Kassian, who I believe will be a fine player for the Vancouver Canucks. I am just thrilled that Buffalo was able to bring in Cody Hodgson into the fold. Cody has 3 goals in his first 4 games (and he could have more if not for some great plays by various goalies in the first 4 games) and just appears to have that scoring sense to become a top end center in the NHL.  Look at that deal as a win win for both sides….

Upcoming Schedule: The Sabres travel to Washington for a 3PM EST faceoff against a struggling but talented Caps team. This game will make it 5 games in the first 8 nights. And there is no letting up on the sprint schedule: The Sabres host the Toronto Maple Leafs Tuesday Night, and then travel to Boston to battle the red hot Bruins on Thursday Night and then visit Montreal to play the Habs on Saturday Night.

Hot off the presses in Twitter Land, the Rangers have signed Jason Arnott. The free agent center is a former Cup champion who brings necessary experience to our club. His Cup clinching goal in 2000 with the Devils has been replayed on highlight reels over and over.

Now, the Blueshirts turn to an older Arnott for center help. It certainly is low risk. Arnott is an upgrade over Brian Boyle, who should anchor the fourth line. The question is what does he have left? In 72 games last year with the Blues, he tallied 34 points (17-17-34). He has size and playmaking ability along with a top heavy shot that might aid our power play.

Arnott’s 38. He’ll join his seventh NHL team. The previous six are the Oilers, Devils, Stars, Predators, Capitals and Blues. He also had a second stint in New Jersey a couple of years ago. In 1,117 games, he has 417 goals, 521 assists and 938 points.

The Rangers’ newest center won’t play tonight. We should see him Tuesday against the Flyers.

As it turns out, Chris Kreider has an injury. The much discussed rookie who scored five goals last postseason, will miss a second straight game with a bone chip in his ankle. He underwent an MRI yesterday. When did he get hurt?

With Kreider out again, it didn’t take long for the Rangers to recall Benn Ferriero. The former Shark registered an assist in the Whale’s 4-1 win Friday. He was just picked up from the Pens for Chad Kolarik. Looks like that’s the end of the Stu Bickel experiment. Thank God. Bickel is an extra defenseman. Considering the options, Steve Eminger remains our No.6. Bickel and Matt Gilroy are depth on this team.

That’s not exactly encouraging. But this is the roster Glen Sather put together. One reliant on the top four of Del Zotto, Girardi, McDonagh and Staal. Though I’m still wondering why John Tortorella hasn’t used Anton Stralman more. Stralman is capable of logging more minutes and is a viable option on the power play. Hopefully, Tort will come around.

I guess the plan is to pray for our Big Three to carry the offense. I’m not particularly fond of throwing all our eggs in one basket. This team lacks balance. Taylor Pyatt has performed admirably but shouldn’t be on the second line. Brian Boyle’s off to a poor start without Brandon Prust or Ruslan Fedotenko.

The Rangers need more from Carl Hagelin. He must contribute offensively. That means the coach should use him on one of the top two lines. Maybe even on the power play. It can’t hurt to have Hags’ speed and energy.

Tonight, the Leafs visit MSG. They come off a 7-4 drubbing at the hands of the Islanders, who scored six of the last seven at the ACC. It’s no secret Toronto isn’t strong defensively and are suspect in goal. However, they do possess more offensive depth led by Phil Kessel, James van Riemsdyk, Nikolai Kulemin and Mikhail Grabovski. The Rangers must also be aware of former No.1 pick Nazem Kadri, who’s off to a hot start with three goals.

There also could be some fisticuffs between Mike Rupp and Colton Orr. If Arron Asham returns, that adds another potential scrap against pest Mike Brown.

Henrik Lundqvist gets his fifth consecutive start. It could be Ben Scrivens for the Leafs. James Reimer replaced him Thursday. We’ll see.