Battle Of Hudson

Henrik Lundqvist isn’t the only one who won’t be playing against the Hurricanes tonight. While John Tortorella opts to rest the Vezina frontrunner, the Rangers will also be without the services of their captain when they face off in Raleigh. Ryan Callahan is nursing a bruised foot and will not suit up.

Our guess is it’s probably from the physical match the Blueshirts prevailed in over the Devils on Monday. Their emotional leader led by example, sacrificing body and spirit for the good of the team. No player better exemplifies why this team leads the East by seven points over Pittsburgh. Callahan’s first year as captain has been a rousing success. The 26-year old Rochester native already has established a new high in goals (25) while ranking second behind Marian Gaborik for the team lead in points (47). His 11 power play goals pace the club and seven game-deciders are tied with Brad Richards for tops.

As usual, Callahan is also among the league leaders in hits with 222, which ranks third overall behind Dustin Brown (225) and Islander human freight train Matt Martin (295). Captain Cally also is tied for third among all forwards with 67 blocked shots. It’s that kind of rambunctious style that’s made him one of the Rangers’ most popular players. New Yorkers appreciate his gritty style. A former fourth round pick who’s the classic overachiever, Callahan needs two points for a new personal best and is on target for his first 30-goal, 50-point campaign.

With Callahan sidelined, newly acquired John Scott will make his Ranger debut on the fourth line. Inexplicably, Brandon Dubinsky remains on the third line with Brian Boyle and Brandon Prust while Ruslan Fedotenko takes Cally’s place alongside Brad Richards and Carl Hagelin. It really is mystifying how John Tortorella refuses to give Dubinsky a chance to get his offense in gear. He’s badly needed the rest of the way, particularly in the playoffs. This is a perfect opportunity. Hopefully, Dubinsky will get some shifts on the second line and see increased power play duty.

During last night’s Penguins/Stars game in Dallas, another dangerous hit came into question. As Pittsburgh defenseman Kris Letang reached down to play a puck, in came Dallas’ forward Eric Nystrom with a big check that injured the Pens’ best blueliner.

On the play, Letang was in a vulnerable position due to where the puck was when he went to move it. However, Nystrom never made an attempt to play it, opting for the kind of hit that the NHL is supposed to be watching intently. The impact of Nystrom’s hit caught both Letang’s shoulder and chin, knocking the All-Star down for several minutes. Unfortunately, he didn’t return and is now suffering post-concussion symptoms 24 hours later. He’d already missed time due to a concussion and recently returned. Since, the Pens have played their best hockey, trailing the Rangers by seven points for tops in the East following last night’s 4-3 shootout win.

As usual, Nystrom’s risky hit came under heavy scrutiny with NBC Sports Network’s Mike Milbury and Jeremy Roenick getting into a shouting match over the severity of the play. Somewhat astonishingly, Milbury came down hard against the hit- choosing player safety while Roenick pleaded for hitting to stay in the game. Roenick didn’t feel it deserved a suspension while Mad Mike, who usually criticizes how soft the league has gotten, wanted Nystrom to get five games. The emphasis of head shots resulting in many concussions after the league said it wanted tougher discipline on such dangerous hits, is one thing Milbury used to support his argument for stiffer penalties.

From watching several replays, our view is similar to Milbury with Nystrom making no attempt for the puck while taking out a player in a prone position. Making it even more daunting was that Letang had just took a clean check when he reached with his stick to move the puck in the corner. Nystrom came straight in with a right shoulder which landed simultaneously to Letang’s upper body and chin, knocking him down. With some help from teammates, he was in obvious pain as he went to the locker room.

The referees called Nystrom for a two-minute interference minor. A penalty that was introduced a few years ago. It’s their judgment on how much the culprit should get. I remember Colton Orr getting the book in a game for us. Could it have been prevented? Yes. Part of the problem is that there’s no respect anymore. Nystrom made no attempt to avoid Letang. Even if he couldn’t get out of the way, the least he could’ve done was try not to inflict so much damage. Instead, he didn’t and was a frequent target for star Evgeni Malkin the rest of the way in a very chippy game. During a shift, the league’s leading scorer tried to elbow Nystrom and slash the Star.

This is what happens when players continue to take liberties, showing blatant disrespect. That League Deputy Brendan Shanahan didn’t even fine Nystrom for the hit is mind boggling. Former official Kerry Fraser criticized the ruling with some excellent observations on TSN. Maybe it’s time for the NHL to reevaluate itself. After a good start by Shanahan, it’s business as usual. Until the league becomes more consistent on such controversial hits, they’ll continue to be their own worst enemy. If you want to protect players, then stop being so hypocritical. Maybe then players will finally get the message.

Former Cup winner Sami Pahlsson could help Canucks win first ever championship.

A second consecutive year saw GMs balk at overwhelming prices. Like 2011, only 16 trades were struck at the NHL Trade Deadline. Whether it be parity or not willing to budge, more executives are playing a game of chess. We might just have to get used to it unless the next CBA makes it easier for big moves to be made.

The big winners for this year are Nashville, Vancouver and Boston. All made solid deals that bolstered their chances of winning it all. Without further notice, let’s break down every trade.

1.Bruins acquire: D Greg Zanon

Wild receive D Steve Kampfer

Breakdown: Boston adds a rugged blueliner who’ll block shots and deliver checks, addressing a need. Minnesota gets a young D who will be part of their rebuild.

2.Bruins acquire: D Mike Mottau and F Brian Rolston

Islanders receive: D Marc Cantin and F Yannick Riendeau

Breakdown: Boston adds depth to back end and up front. Rolston returns home, which should be a boost. The Islanders get what they can for two expendable parts. Don’t know too much about either player.

3.Canucks acquire: F Sami Pahlsson

Blue Jackets receive: D Taylor Ellington + 2 4th Rd Picks (’12)

Breakdown: Vancouver gets another reliable faceoff guy who’s won a Cup. Not bad to send out Pahlsson and fourth ranked Manny Malhotra for defensive draws. Columbus gets decent value in return.

4.Canucks acquire: F Zach Kassian and D Marc-Andrei Gragnani

Sabres receive: F Cody Hodgson and D Alexander Sulzer

Breakdown: By far the most intriguing move with both clubs moving prospects. Canucks add physical wing in Kassian while the Sabres believe Hodgson can be their top center. Gragnani could also provide offense in Vancouver. Great trade.

5.Canucks acquire: F Andrew Gordon

Ducks receive: D Sebastian Erixon

Breakdown: Vancouver adds depth up front while Anaheim hopes Swede can one day crack blueline.

6.Predators acquire: F Paul Gaustad + 4th Rd Pick

Sabres receive: 1st Rd Pick

Breakdown: Nashville gets a physical faceoff guy in Gaustad, who provides depth for push while rebuilding Buffalo does well recouping a first rounder for player who turns unrestricted.

7.Predators acquire: F Andrei Kostitsyn

Canadiens receive: 2nd Rd Pick (’13) + Conditional 5th (’13)

Breakdown: The Preds boost scoring by reuniting the Kostitsyns in Music City. Will it pay off? Gave up good value to Les Habitants.

8.Oilers acquire: D Nick Schultz

Wild receive: D Tom Gilbert

Breakdown: In one of those WTF deals, the Wild give up their emotional leader on the back end for a more offensive minded D in Gilbert, stunning Schultz and even returning Kurt Foster. Looks like steal for Edmonton.

9.Leafs acquire: D Mark Fraser

Ducks receive: F Dale Mitchell

Breakdown: Not exactly what desperate Leaf Nation had in mind although Fraser will play physical. Anaheim got someone back for extra D.

10.Leafs acquire: F Carter Ashton

Lightning receive: D Keith Aulie

Breakdown: Another good trade that could benefit both teams. Toronto gets former first rounder while Tampa adds young D prospect to fill void. Aulie was in Dion Phaneuf trade.

11.Sharks acquire: F Daniel Winnik and F T.J. Galiardi + 7th Rd Pick (’13)

Avs receive: F Jamie McGinn, F Mike Connolly and F Michael Sgarbossa

Breakdown: Short term, it could boost Sharks’ chances. But long-term, McGinn looks to have big future. Plus two other prospects.

12.Lightning acquire: D Mike Commodore

Red Wings receive: Conditional 7th Rd Pick (’13)

Breakdown: Likeable character guy Commodore 64 gets chance to help Bolts try to squeak in. A nice gesture by Ken Holland.

13.Senators acquire: D Matt Gilroy

Lightning receive: D Brian Lee

Breakdown: Solid puck moving Gilroy on third team in a year, who could provide offense for surprising Sens while former first rounder Lee, who went ahead of Marc Staal, gets a scenery change in St. Pete.

14.Blackhawks acquire: D Johnny Oduya

Jets receive: 2nd Rd + 3rd Rd Pick (’13)

Breakdown: Chicago desperate for blueline help add Johnny Five while Winnipeg gets great return for bottom pair D.

15.Rangers acquire: F John Scott

Blackhawks receive: 5th Rd Pick (’12)

Breakdown: Rangers add more toughness with scary Scott while Chicago gets decent value.

16.Senators acquire: G Ben Bishop

Blues receive: 2nd Rd Pick (’13)

Breakdown: Ottawa adds potential No.1 goalie in Bishop who got caught in numbers game with Jaroslav Halak and ex-Sen Brian Elliott, who just re-signed. Now, Sens’ former No.1 Robin Lehner won two straight starts with Craig Anderson hurt. Go figure.

Monday’s trade deadline came and went like a March breeze. Well, relatively speaking. Few teams made a big splash. One that didn’t was the Rangers, who’s last ditch effort to acquire Rick Nash was turned down by Columbus. As we previously noted yesterday, that might not be such a bad thing. Instead, Nash who handled himself well after breaking his silence about why he asked for a trade due to a rebuild, will likely be moved this summer. We can always reexamine that when the time comes.

While Ranger President and GM Glen Sather couldn’t add much needed scoring or a depth defenseman, he did execute one deal to make the club even tougher. With Brandon Prust basically reduced to one arm as evidenced in his scrap the other night with Eric Boulton, Slats traded a fifth round pick to Chicago for big enforcer John Scott. The 29-year old forward/defenseman is as tough as they come, going 6-8, 270. He’s not a guy you want to mess with. As he noted after the trade to his third NHL team, few messed around with former Hawk teammates Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa.

Scott is one tough customer. He was a late bloomer in college, playing all four years with Michigan Tech before Minnesota signed him as a free agent. It took three years in the AHL with the Houston Aeros before the Wild gave him a shot. Scott played parts of two seasons in St. Paul, getting into 71 games while racking up 111 penalty minutes and even scoring his only career NHL goal in ’09-10. The Blackhawks signed him in 2010 and he got into 69 contests. In his Chicago stay, Scott had two assists with 120 PIM while adding a physical element.

“He’s a real good factor to stop the fooling around that happens at this time of year,” Slats said. “[Brandon Prust and Mike Rupp] have done all the heavy lifting this year. If someone gets hurt, he’s another asset.”

Now, he’ll join his third team (2nd Original Six) for tomorrow’s road game at Carolina. While John Tortorella has said he won’t play tomorrow and doesn’t see any lineup changes for now, that can always change. You can bet your bottom dollar Scott will get in for the Hudson rematch next Tuesday. It also may not be a bad idea to play him versus Boston this weekend. Especially given their nasty reputation. With Mike Rupp picking his spots, this move makes sense.

Disappointment was the scene at TSN for a second straight trade deadline. Parity ruled the day.

For a second consecutive year, the NHL Trade Deadline was fairly quiet with only 16 deals struck. Compare that to the 31 made in 2010 and that’s a combined 32 the past two years. Big difference. One of the reasons for the decrease is that GMs are unwilling to cave to high prices. Unless you’re Nashville, Vancouver or Boston, who all paid premium to win now, most organizations stuck to their guns.

Combine the outrageous costs with just about every team still mathematically alive and it’s becoming harder for general managers to sell. Do they really want to be the one to tell fans that they don’t believe their team can make it? With approximately 20 games left, all it’ll take is a good run along with some luck. It’s happened before. Considering all the three-point games due to the shootout, it allows more clubs to compete for the postseason. There’s also the tiebreaker which hurts teams who depend on the shootout, putting more of an emphasis on regulation/overtime wins. For clubs such as the Devils who seem like a lock to make it, they must continue to play well.  The Avs are another team who’ll need more traditional victories to qualify out West.

A look at the standings shows that everyone in the East is still in the hunt, including Montreal, who sits last with 58 points. Eleven total points separates eighth Washington from 15th Montreal, meaning anything’s possible. Even the free falling Leafs are only four back despite a terrible month. After thoughts such as Tampa Bay and Carolina are within striking distance while underachiever Buffalo is a hot stretch away from making a push. The Islanders need to erase last night’s gut wrenching 3-2 overtime loss at Washington from their memory banks and focus on the remaining 19 if they hope to reach their goal.

Even wilder is a five-team Southeast race with the Panthers leading the division with 72 points. Three better than the Caps and four ahead of Winnipeg. The Lightning have ridden the torrid pace of Rocket Richard leader Steven Stamkos (44 goals) to stay eight out of first while the Canes have been carried by rejuvenated star Eric Staal. Eleven is the margin for Carolina with 19 games remaining. But eight is the cutoff if they chase down rival Washington. It’s still not a given Florida wins the division but they’ve been the most consistent.

In the West, 13 teams are vying for eight spots. Excluding last overall Columbus and 14th Edmonton, who must make up 14 points with 20 to go, the other 13 have realistic chances. After the elite four of Vancouver, Detroit, St. Louis and Nashville, eleven points separates Pacific leading Phoenix from 13th Anaheim. Loose translation: Anyone can win that division and clinch a top three seed, plus home ice. After that, there are no guarantees. Even battle tested clubs such as San Jose and Chicago (tied w/73 points), who hold down the sixth and seventh seeds are fighting just to get in. By virtue of one less game played, Dallas sits in eighth with 70 while Colorado and Los Angeles are tied but have 18 games left to the Stars’ 19.

Calgary has dropped four in a row (0-2-2) after playing well. They are three out while the Wild sit five back and the Ducks trail by six. Had Anaheim won the other night in Colorado, they’d have been within two after one of the worst first halves. Similar to last year’s Devils, the Ducks are trying to make up all the ground to qualify. Will they run out of steam?

For the NHL, parity makes for compelling races. Who can be the 2010 Flyers or the 2006 Oilers? There aren’t many locks anymore. Unless you think the Rangers are that much superior to a team that’s ousted them recently. The same goes for Florida and Philly if that’s a first round series. Out West, do any of the top four want to see San Jose or Chicago? Home ice is no longer the same. Anyone can beat anyone. The playoffs are a war of attrition. You’ll get games similar to Devils/Rangers Monday, Canucks/Coyotes and Flyers/Sharks last night.

It’s all about who’s hot. For now, enjoy our own March Madness. It starts tomorrow and doesn’t end till Spring.

Glen Sather’s last attempt to acquire Rick Nash was rebuffed but that might not be such a bad thing.

You just knew Glen Sather had one more trick up his sleeve. Prior to Monday’s 3 PM deadline, the Rangers President and GM took one last crack at Rick Nash. Less than a day after basically telling teflon Columbus GM Scott Howson no, Slats made one last offer to acquire the Blue Jacket sniper.

Predictably, he didn’t offer Ryan McDonagh or Mike Del Zotto. Top prospect Chris Kreider also remained off the table. However, Sather still made a strong bid by including three big prospects along with Brandon Dubinsky and a No.1 pick. The reported deal would’ve sent Dubinsky, defenseman Tim Erixon along with forwards Christian Thomas and J.T. Miller to Columbus for Nash.

To be blunt, that is way too much for Nash. But it only would’ve subtracted one player from a roster that’s been good enough to lead Boston by nine points for the conference lead. The temptation to acquire another big scorer and boost our offense was there for Sather. Even if Nash’s $7.8 million cap hit might’ve hurt our future, Slats was willing to roll the dice. Nash is signed through ’17-18, meaning whoever gets him this summer has the two-time 40-goalscorer for six years. With uncertainty surrounding the CBA, it’s hard to predict what will happen to the cap.

Considering that the Blueshirts must give raises to Del Zotto this summer and key RFA’s McDonagh, Mike Sauer, Carl Hagelin, Artem Anisimov and Derek Stepan following ’12-13, taking on Nash’s contract comes with a risk. The Rangers are already locked into Brad Richards ($6.67 million cap hit) for another eight years. That doesn’t take into account Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan Callahan, Marian Gaborik and Dan Girardi, who are all up in three years.

With John Tortorella publicly supporting the fact all of our kids stayed, perhaps it’s better that Slats’ offer was turned down. Miller impressed at the World Junior Championships and Thomas showed off some skill at last year’s camp. Erixon already has gotten into NHL games and is likely to be a late recall, which could further improve the blueline. It’s unlikely that the Rangers would go to the postseason with Anton Stralman and Stu Bickel as starters. At yesterday’s conference call, Sather also hinted strongly that he’s looking to sign a certain college prospect. Without saying the name, you get the idea.

At present, the Blueshirts’ biggest strengths are in net and on the back end. If they are able to add a kid with scoring touch, it could only bolster their chances. Only time shall tell. For now, they’ll go with a tight knit group that’s gotten them this far. Either way, the present and future look bright.

David Clarkson wasn’t punished for a dangerous run he took at Brandon Dubinsky last night. The fiery Devil forward made a flying elbow attempt at Dubinsky during the second period of the Rangers’ 2-0 win over the Devils Monday. However, he didn’t connect. Clarkson received two minutes for charging on the play.

While Clarkson didn’t injure Dubinsky, it still was the kind of play the league wants to eliminate. Targeting players heads should have a zero tolerance policy regardless of injury. At the very least, blind League VP Brendan Shanahan could’ve fined Clarkson. The 27-year old who is in his sixth year, is having a career season under former junior hockey coach Pete DeBoer. His 24 goals and 34 points are new career bests.

Working in his favor, Clarkson has never been suspended. He will not face any discipline. Perhaps he caught a break. One that remains inexplicable.

Copyright Getty Images

Every time the Devils and Rangers get together, it’s always compelling. The Battle Of Hudson is one of the fiercest rivalries in the league bar none. Especially now that both teams are good. In as odd a game as you’ll ever see between Newark and Broadway, the Blueshirts swarmed their way to a well earned 2-0 shutout last night at The Garden.

For a late February game which oddly enough came on a quiet Deadline Day with only 15 trades made and not one involving Rick Nash, it had all the makings of a playoff match. The intensity was through the roof from the drop of the puck. Every battle won. Every check finished. Every shot contested. Well, even if most had no prayer of getting through to either Martin Brodeur or Henrik Lundqvist. In what became the lowest combined shot total for a regular season game in three years, the Devils and Rangers combined for a meager 28. This isn’t a misprint. The shot totals for each period:

1st  NJD-4  NYR-4  
2nd NJD-10 NYR-10
3rd NJD-13 NYR-15


Combined Total:  28

It’s rare that the number of shots overshadows the actual score. This was throwback hockey played pre-lockout. Tight checking. No space. Forced turnovers. And of course, nastiness that included a pair of fights. Throw in the chaos of David Clarkson and it had a bit of everything to keep eyes glued to the NBC Sports Network Monday night feature.

Rangers-Devils is as good as it gets when it’s hotly contested such as yesterday. Sure. It would’ve been nice if there were more shots but it was like a war of attrition. Ultimately, the difference proved to be rookie Carl Hagelin’s 11th which snuck past Brodeur short side late in the first. If memory serves, that was only the Rangers’ third shot. Like Clarkson’s power play goal in the Devs’ 1-0 shutout here last time, it turned out to be all they needed with Lundqvist needing just 13 saves for his league-leading eighth shutout (43rd career). Perhaps it was appropriate that he’d tie Tony Esposito for the most consecutive seasons (7) of 30 wins to begin a career.

“It means that things have been going well, but it also means that I played for a club that’s given me an opportunity to play a lot,” the NHL leader in goals-against-average said while crediting his teammates. “I have a pretty good team in front of me, as well. I’m happy I reached it again. You always want to improve each year. So far this year it’s been a good ride.”

Lundqvist still made a few clutch stops, including a nice stack to deny Clarkson in tight. His best came late in regulation when a cat-like glove denied Ilya Kovalchuk’s Russian missile from tying it. He had a lot of help from Ryan McDonagh, who was awarded the game’s second star for his shutdown defense on Kovalchuk and Devil captain Zach Parise. Going against the Devils’ two stars flanked by Calder hopeful Adam Henrique, McDonagh’s skating and physicality along with partner Dan Girardi’s usual warrior effort nullified one of the game’s best lines. Outside of a Parise shot that deflected off a sliding Girardi and drew iron, plus Kovalchuk’s great chance with over two minutes left, the cohesive trio were kept to the perimeter. They combined for four of New Jersey’s 13 shots. No Devil had more than two, shared by Kovalchuk and Steve Bernier.

It was that kind of yeoman effort from the Rangers’ best, who each logged over 22 minutes and combined for six hits and five blocked shots. The MSG hosts blocked 18 while their Hudson rivals had just a couple due to the pressure they applied. The Devils pinched every chance but couldn’t find a way to beat Lundqvist. There were a few blown opportunities, including Henrique firing too high off a crazy bounce. Patrik Elias nearly set up former A Line buddy Petr Sykora only to see Lundqvist slide across. There also was another close call created by Clarkson but the rebound never made it.

For once, John Tortorella used everyone, including Anton Stralman (17:13) and Stu Bickel (14:41). Stralman had a few shaky moments but recovered along with help from Marc Staal and Mike Del Zotto depending on who Tort rotated. Even Mike Rupp saw 12 shifts against his former team, delivering five hits. According to the stats, the Rangers outhit the Devils 37-24. But they definitely missed a few for the guests, including Kovalchuk launching himself into Girardi. A play that we’d see again later.

Hagelin’s tally came thanks to a smart pinch by Girardi, who pushed the puck down to Ryan Callahan behind the net with Cally quickly feeding the impressive Swede for the lead. Hagelin got free of Mark Fayne, who went for a fishing expedition, leaving the former Wolverine to cash in on a lazy Brodeur, who didn’t cover the near side.

The second was more chippy thanks to Clarkson, who lost his mind with some undisciplined penalties that only hurt his team. While the teams opened it up with 12 shots (6 each) and better quality chances, the Devil antagonist earned 19 penalty minutes, including a misconduct for shenanigans following a whistle. Continuing to mouth off after vet tandem Stephen Walkom and Brad Watson warned him, they finally had seen enough. In a bizarre sequence, Pete DeBoer refused to put his line out for the next faceoff, nearly resulting in an unsportsmanlike conduct. Eventually, cooler heads prevailed.

“No idea,” Clarkson replied afterwards. “[Brandon] Dubinsky went after [Kovalchuk], and I went out and said something.”

The Rangers were incensed at a Dainius Zubrus elbow to Hagelin, which earned two minutes. Callahan came to his teammate’s aid and there was pushing and shoving. Part of why the game deteriorated was because of the bullish antics of Eric Boulton. Following Hagelin’s goal, DeBoer put the goon out for the faceoff and he shoved Marian Gaborik, drawing Tortorella’s ire. He immediately sent Rupp out but was rebuffed. Such a move by Boulton has no place in hockey. He later goaded Brandon Prust into a scrap. Prust has been playing banged up. Despite not wanting to go, he took one for the team. Once back, Clarkson continued his mindlessness by getting suckered into an unsportsmanlike by Rupp. Astonishingly, Clarkson wasn’t done. With nothing better to do, he took a flying run at Dubinsky. Fortunately, an attempted elbow missed with Clarkson off again for charging. Dubinsky had seen enough, defending himself in an entertaining scrap which the Devil won.

“I knew it was coming,” an incensed Dubinsky said. “It was just a matter of time before somebody was going to fight him. He seems to always turn away the tougher guys—not taking anything away from myself—and go after other guys. It’s just the way he is.”

There were only three power plays. The Rangers’ best chances came in the second thanks to strong work from a grittier Gaborik, who forced Brodeur to scramble. Despite little room, our leading scorer had four shots and a takeaway where he stripped Kovalchuk and nearly cashed in. The Blueshirts also nearly scored a second if not for a sprawling Anton Volchenkov, who prevented a gimme by laying out and wisely freezing the puck with his skates. Tremendous play.

Once the second was over, the teams got back to hockey. There was a game to be decided with two points up for grabs. For the Devils who came in hot with a seven-game road win streak, they were trying to avoid a three-game skid after two disappointing home losses over the weekend. Particularly a 4-3 defeat Sunday to Tampa Bay. They tried their best against our stingy D, which may as well have been the kinda dull hockey the Devils once were known for. There weren’t many clean plays. Henrique was guilty of over passing right into the teeth. Newest Devil Marek Zidlicky also passed up a couple of shots and struggled to keep pucks in.

If the first was hard enough, the Devils only managed three on Lundqvist, who was equal to the task. The Rangers were a shade better with five that Brodeur turned aside, including one big one to give his team a chance. DeBoer pulled him with 75 seconds left. Aside from Kovalchuk’s bomb that Lundqvist handled, they were unable to generate anything. Instead, Hagelin forced Zidlicky at the point and then drew a delayed call. He still slid the puck across to Callahan which sealed it at 18:54. It was his career best 25th.

3rd Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (13 save shutout, league best 8th-43rd career)
2nd Star-Carl Hagelin, NYR (game-winner-11th at 16:59 of 1st, assist, +2 in 16:50)
1st Star-Ryan McDonagh, NYR (25 shifts-22:29, 3 hits, 2 blocks, stifled Kovalchuk)

Notes: The teams combined for 44 penalty minutes. Devils-28 (19 Clarkson, 7 Boulton, Zubrus 2) Rangers-16 (Prust 7, Dubinsky 5, Hagelin 2, Rupp 2). … New Jersey had 32 shots that never reached Lundqvist (18 BS, 14 missed). By contrast, New York had 14, including 12 misses. … After failing to pick up another faceoff guy, Rangers edged the Devils 26-22 led by Brad Richards (8-of-16) and Brian Boyle (7-14). Henrique paced the Devs going 6-of-11 while Zubrus lost 8-of-14. … Rangers (40-15-6, 86 Pts) visit Hurricanes Thursday while Devils (35-23-4, 74) continue a four-game road trip with the next stop at Boston March 1 before returning to The Rock to host the Blueshirts 3/6.

While all the hoopla surrounding Rick Nash continued entering last night’s game versus Buffalo, Ranger GM Glen Sather was able to make one deal. Slats sent forward Wojtek Wolski to the Panthers in exchange for minor league blueliner Michael Vernace and a third round pick in the 2013 Draft.

The 26-year old Wolski was acquired last year from Phoenix for defenseman Michal Rozsival. After a promising start on Broadway, the former ’04 first rounder finished with 19 points (6-13-19) over 37 contests in ’10-11. He had a good camp but a sports hernia limited him to nine games- falling out of favor with John Tortorella. Even after surgery, he only was given three games by our Keenan-esque coach before becoming a healthy scratch following an AHL conditioning stint with Connecticut. Tortorella’s liking to John Mitchell and his continued insistence on playing seven defensemen when Ruslan Fedotenko was out, proved to be the end of the road for Wolly.

Wolski had three helpers in nine games this season, finishing his brief Ranger career with 22 points (6-16-22). The likeable winger never complained and thanked his former teammates on Twitter. The always classy Henrik Lundqvist wished him the best with Florida. In his first game Saturday, Wolski forced OT before the Panthers prevailed in a shootout to remain tops in the Southeast. Following the season, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent. The Polish kid needs to impress and help the Cats make their first postseason since Pavel Bure starred in 2000.

Somewhat fittingly, like all trades with Don Maloney, the player we dealt is still contributing while the guy we got fizzled out. Lauri Korpikoski for Enver Lisin still irks me. 😛 Oh well. Rangers West prevails yet again.