Battle Of Hudson

Martin Brodeur remains a legend even if it could be the end for the Devil all-time great.

There are a lot of No.30’s in hockey. But none quite like Devil superstar Martin Brodeur. It’s still hard to imagine the former 1990 first round pick stolen by Lou Lamoriello in a swap of picks with Calgary, who took Trevor Kidd instead. We’ll let that sink in for a second.

Years since, the Devils have laughed all the way to the bank to the tune of three Stanley Cups, several division titles and four Cup appearances thanks to their No.30. Once, a 19-year old teenager was introduced to blood rival Rangers in a first round conference quarter that saw Broadway prevail in seven led by Mark Messier. Odd that only two years later, Brodeur was the man following some road heroics from vet backup Chris Terreri that aided the Devils past Boston. Marty opposed Mike Richter in one of the most memorable series when he was still a bright eyed rookie. He just didn’t play like one, going save for save against Richter in a classic Conference Final that nearly didn’t end until Matteau! Matteau! Matteau!

A heartbroken Brodeur cried as the Rangers celebrated their first Finals appearance since ’79, on their way to erasing 54 years of curses in another epic series. But the all-time greats are able to bounce back and Marty soon was a Cup hero for the Devils’ first of three championships, spanning nine years. One of the dominant runs by a franchise with New Jersey’s repeat bid falling just short against boyhood idol Patrick Roy and Colorado. Despite losing out to Jean-Sebastien Giguere for the Conn Smythe, there was the franchise Devil reminding fans that all that mattered was the chalice they would soon drink from. He was right. Why all these years later some fans still get upset over that is befuddling.

That’s the life of a franchise that went from laughingstock to elite when No.30 took over in net. Oh. They had Sean Burke before. He of the miraculous first playoff berth thanks to former franchise scoring leader John MacLean, who victimized Darren Pang (yes, that midget). Burke was eventually dealt to Hartford for Jay Pandolfo and Bobby Holik. One of Lamoriello’s wisest moves along with getting future captain Scott Stevens as compensation for losing Brendan Shanahan to St. Louis. There also was the hoist that sent Tom Kurvers to the Maple Leafs for a first rounder named Scott Niedermayer, who finally had his No.27 retired in a win over Dallas last week.

It’s this type of work that’s made Lamoriello one of the best sports execs. He also had a hand in helping the Nets acquire Jason Kidd, who only led them to their first two NBA Finals appearances. There also was the reacquisition of Conn Smythe winner Claude Lemieux,who helped win a second Cup with as talented a group that included free agent steals Brian Rafalski and John Madden. Staples of two of the club’s three Cups. The trade for Jason Arnott didn’t produce right away but once he teamed with ‘A Line’ members Petr Sykora and Patrik Elias, they were unstoppable.

In the first ever 3-1 comeback versus the Flyers, everyone will remember Larry Robinson’s post-Game Four tirade and Stevens’ big hit on Eric Lindros. But without the clutch netminding of Brodeur, they never come back. He did some of his best work in ’00 and ’01 when the Devils beat the Leafs twice in grueling second rounds. He also was money against defending champ Dallas, who pushed them the limit before Elias to Arnott won Game Six following Mike Modano’s triple OT stunner. Those were the best games the Devils ever played even though Hasan might argue what the ’03 team did was even better.

Under Pat Burns, he squeezed every ounce of energy out of not the most talented squad that still boasted Stevens, Rafalski, Niedermayer and Ken Daneyko on the back end. Madden replaced Holik, who became Benedict Arnold by bolting for Manhattan. A trade for Jamie Langenbrunner a year prior that sent popular Cup heroes Arnott and Randy McKay to Dallas also landed Hall Of Famer Joe Nieuwendyk. Much like Arnott, they didn’t have success right away, getting ousted by the upstart Canes the year before. But Langenbrunner became a fixture on the Madden line with Jay Pandolfo, with the trio stifling the opposition while scoring big goals. Sykora was also dealt to Anaheim for Jeff Friesen and throw in Oleg Tverdovsky.

They made it work with Friesen torching his former club in a topsy turvy final where the home team won every game. Before they reached that glory, there also was deadline pickup Grant Marshall setting up Friesen for one of the greatest goals in franchise history, beating the Sens with two minutes left in a classic series. Wade Redden was victimized but apparently, Glen Sather never noticed. If not for Brodeur, they don’t upset Ottawa. He came up with some monster saves that prevented the Sens from turning the tables on the Devs after they led 3-1. Fans killed him for allowing an OT winner to Chris Phillips, noting Marty’s shaky sudden death record. But the Sens were more dangerous, boasting Marian Hossa, who Brodeur flat out robbed following a softy to Radek Bonk that tied Game Seven.

Sometimes, fans don’t realize how good they had it until a legend’s gone. Even during the post-lockout as Cup pieces have moved on, Brodeur still was the backbone that got the club into the postseason 13 consecutive seasons. Only once (’95-96) had they failed to do so since last missing in ’88-89. Three times since Lamoriello took over, speaking to how consistent the Devils have been. Marty has been front and center. Injuries finally caught up the past couple of years but he still returned during a second half surge, playing outstanding alongside Johan Hedberg, following a dreadful start.

It’s amazing to think Brodeur owns the most ever wins (633) and shutouts (116) in league history, speaking to his durability and competitiveness. The man has a lot of pride, which is on the line in what could be his final season. If it truly is the end, an era will finally be over. One full of records that probably will stand the test of time.

He’s a throwback athlete who won in a more wide open style (’95) even though the Devils get blamed for the neutral zone trap due to Jacques Lemaire. What people conveniently leave out is they had one of the highest scoring teams before becoming more conservative, which spelled the end of Lemaire I.

It’s also easy to leave out Brodeur’s athletic skills which included emulating Ron Hextall by scoring into an open net in a series win over the hometown hero’s Canadiens. His puckhandling was so good, it was like having a third defenseman. No wonder Bobby Clarke helped institute the Brodeur Rule. Whatever you want to call it, it prohibits goalies from playing the puck outside the boundaries behind the net. A silly rule that’s led to defensemen getting creamed. No wonder they must seriously consider taking icings out and switching to hybrid to help eliminate such dangerous collisions. Given the fragile state the game’s in, there’s no other choice.

Brodeur still adjusted by coming out to play pucks before they went in the designated area. He still makes some exciting outlets on the power play but sometimes gets caught due to the unfriendly rule. Even the best can be flawed. Marty will never not play the puck. If he can, he’ll do whatever it takes to help his team gain an edge.

In recent years, with only one memorable series win in exacting revenge on the Rangers with a sweep at the old CAA, Brodeur’s been more scrutinized due to the team’s failures. Devil fans aren’t accustomed to seeing their team out of the playoffs so early. Last Spring was a harsh reality that there are no guarantees anymore. Especially with the new realignment coming next year with the Devils, Rangers and Islanders having to deal with powers Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Washington. It won’t be easy with only four making it. The league did doormat Carolina no favors in the new seven team conference. It’d be peculiar if Brodeur hung it up with the old format returning that includes Conference Playoffs, where you must win two rounds before advancing to the league semis.

He’s been there for all of it. There are some nights where he turns back the clock and makes a jaw dropping save like the one on Phil Kessel that had the prolific Leaf scorer shaking his head in disbelief. Early on last night, he made a strong kick save on a Ryan Callahan shot labeled for far corner. But then there are moments like the odd rebound that went right to Marian Gaborik for the winner along with Carl Hagelin’s shorthanded goal that beat the glove that used to be money. It’s still there in spurts, duping opposing shooters in shootouts. Just not as accurate as we’re accustomed to seeing.

Even from the enemy side, it’s kind of sad to see a legend starting to show that he’s only human. An old 80’s tune from Human League. A man who will always speak up when asked about things such as HBO’s 24/7, where he was opposed to all the expletives due to children who might be watching. We might not always see eye to eye with Brodeur but he’s an influential voice that should be heard even after he retires. But as he warned Larry Brooks in a Sunday Post column, it’ll be up to him.

Do the Devils use Brodeur’s empty slot along with Bryce Salvador to re-sign Zach Parise? Hedberg is also up, meaning it truly could be a changing of the guard in net. The transition’s already taking place. It doesn’t mean Brodeur is finished just yet. He still wants one more chance to shine. Don’t count him out.

Ruslan Fedotenko battles Tim Sestito on the opening faceoff during last night’s Ranger 4-1 win over Hudson rival New Jersey.

“I enjoy playing against this team,” Lundqvist pointed out after diminishing his career GAA to 1.85 versus the Devils. “It’s always a great challenge to play them. There’s a lot of action. We all knew that this was going to be a tough one.”

“We kept on scrapping and fought through it,” Tortorella said. “We started to take over in the second period and then kept on coming in the third. Hank made some key saves at key times and we just tried to stay with it. Eventually, we found a way to score some goals.”

Given a chance to get back in it, the Rangers responded with some strong work from elevated Carl Hagelin, who was bumped up by Tortorella with Brad Richards and Ryan Callahan. Hagelin helped generate chances, including a close call when a Richards shot pass was deflected by Callahan off the right post. Finally moving their legs, the Blueshirts turned the tide thanks to a brilliant rush by Derek Stepan. The second-year forward took a Marian Gaborik feed that saw our top finisher drilled, and then skated around a Devil before firing the puck into the slot off Kurt Foster for Artem Anisimov, who buried his seventh to knot it with 2:32 left in the second.

“That’s how we score,” Gaborik explained after also netting an empty netter in the closing seconds on a special night that saw the Slovak record his 600th career point. “We get a lot of rebound, second-chance goals. I just try to stay in front and be there to lay it in.”

“We had a lot of opportunities, but their guy didn’t allow us to get the second goal,” DeBoer said. “If we got the second goal, we could have taken charge of the game. I thought it was one of our better games, maybe our best 60-minute effort this year.

“We didn’t come out on the right end, but I liked the way we played. Tip the cap to their guy. We have to find a way to solve him because we play them five more times.”

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Marian Gaborik, NYR (2 goals-19 incl. GW for 600th NHL point, assist, +3)
2nd Star-Stepan/Anisimov, NYR (5 Pts: 1-4-5, 7 SOG, +5)
1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (30 saves for 23rd career win vs NJD)

Notes: Henrik Tallinder sat out for the third consecutive game due to back spasms. … Elias still is up in the air for Friday versus Washington. … Larsson will fly home to Sweden for his grandmother’s funeral. He’ll miss the Devs next two games including next Monday at Carolina. The top line of Parise-Henrique-Kovalchuk combined for a dozen of the club’s 31 shots. Each were held off the score sheet due to Lundqvist and the D tandem of Dan Girardi and McDonagh. … Sean Avery sat out a fourth straight game. … Brodeur turned aside 17 of 20 in his second consecutive start, falling below .500 (8-9-0). … Rangers host Islanders tomorrow and Flyers Friday.

The Rangers currently sit third in a crowded Patrick that has the Flyers and Pens just ahead while the Devils have used a four-game win streak to creep within three of the Broadway Blues. It’s New Jersey who should have an edge thanks to the reemergence of captain Zach Parise. Parise is sizzling hot with eight points (3-5-8) over his last four since missing a penalty shot in a loss to the Habs. Exactly the kind of response you’d expect from the Devil leader. Along with Calder hopeful Adam Henrique and Ilya Kovalchuk, he’ll have to shoulder the load with leading scorer Patrik Elias (13-16-29) out due to the flu. In a recent win, Elias surpassed John MacLean to become the Devils’ all-time leading finisher with 348 goals. His club record 845 points (348-497-845) over 993 games all with the black and red are impressive. He needs three assists for 500 and seven more games for 1,000.

New Jersey has also gotten inspired play out of David Clarkson, Dainius Zubrus and Elias’ Czech pal Petr Sykora. That Sykora factored into Elias’ record-breaker was ironic, invoking memories of Cup lore. Without Elias, Pete DeBoer will move Travis Zajac up to center the second line with Zubrus and Clarkson. It’s just Zajac’s third game back. The Rangers will have their work cut out for them with the dangerous top line that includes Devil second third round pick Henrique. The kid is legit placing second in rookie scoring behind leader Ryan Nugent-Hopkins with 25 points. More notable is Henrique’s overall play with a dangerous penalty killer a shorthanded threat with two SHG while Parise paces the club with three. Henrique also leads the Devils with a plus-seven rating.

Martin Brodeur will oppose Henrik Lundqvist in a classic showdown between the two franchise goalies. Even if he’s not what he once was, the 39-year old Brodeur is capable of making the highlight reel save and enjoys playing our team. You know he’ll be up for this one. With Johan Hedberg splitting duty with MB30, it truly is an all-time great’s career that could be coming to a close. But as the controversial all-time winningest goalie with the most shutouts (116) noted, it will be his decision when his contract expires this summer. Brodeur recently had some choice comments about the HBO documentary series 24/7 covering the Winter Classic for a second consecutive year with bitter foes the Rangers and Flyers set to do battle at Citizens Bank Park on January 2 in the City Of Brotherly Love. Never one to shy away from an opinion, Marty doesn’t care for the F bombs that will continue to air for three more weeks every Wednesday, including following the signature event.

While he’s got a point, it doesn’t air till 10 in the evening and kids shouldn’t be allowed to watch. It’s an A-Plus for the sport, which Brodeur made sure to point out. Sometimes, I wonder if he just ran his mouth because it’s our team involved. He hates us and usually times his comments. While not as ornery as his idol Patrick Roy, Marty is becoming more and more like him. Chalk it up to not having the spotlight. Something he’s always coveted. I do agree the Devils deserve the game. Perhaps they should get it and play their emerging rival the Islanders, who also could use a boost. I wonder if the league would allow essentially the same market to split the game.

While Brodeur makes headlines, the Rangers have done their talking with their play, which has leveled off since a great November. After beginning December with two wins, they’re 3-3-1 since with injuries starting to mount. The loss of Mike Sauer, who isn’t close to returning from a concussion, along with Steve Eminger separating his shoulder and being sidelined eight to ten weeks has turned the blueline into shambles. While Marc Staal awaits word for physical contact, John Tortorella will lean heavily on Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh and Mike Del Zotto. Lately, it’s been the strong play of Del Zotto that’s keeping them afloat. After an inconsistent start, MDZ has regained the confidence he had in Year One when he was an offensive threat. Even better, he’s playing more physical in his end and logging big minutes. Tort now trusts him and MDZ is teaming with emerging Derek Stepan to run the power play. While a bit risky, it’s not doing badly. The problem is still consistency with some PP’s abysmal while others click. You never know what to expect.

Brad Richards has been everything advertised. His last second goal to stun Phoenix was a brilliant play by a proven winner. That’s why you get the shot on net. Richie’s 26 points (12-14-26) trail Marian Gaborik by one. Gabby is back with a vengeance, pacing the Blueshirts with 17 goals and 27 points. His two goals in a come from behind win over the ‘Yotes was clutch. No question he is 100 percent, taking the body much more and putting forth an extra effort each shift. Ryan Callahan has been a leader with 12 goals (5 PPG, 3 GW) and over 100 hits. D-Step has emerged with 21 points and some heady play that reminds of a more skilled Drury. Artem Anisimov should be in after missing Saturday with the flu. It’s the play of the top line (Anisimov-Stepan-Gaborik) that the Devils must focus on while Richards anchors Callahan and Brandon Dubinsky, who picked up a big helper in the victory Saturday. Will he ever score again? He usually fares well versus the Devs.

The back end will use Anton Stralman, Stu Bickel and likely Jeff Woywitka. If he can’t go, then Tim Erixon rejoins the lineup. How Tort handles it will be key. Mike Rupp also has a homecoming with the team he played Cup hero for in ’03. Wonder what kind of reaction he’ll get. Oh wait. He sucks now. 😛 It should be interesting.

As the Rangers would attest, they know full well that much of their season depends on if Marc Staal can return from PCS. His is an odd case where the All-Star blueliner returned for the rest of the ’10-11 season, including all five games in a first round defeat to the Caps. He was ‘good enough’ to play but then suffered a setback during the summer that ended his workouts. It still boggles the mind how he was able to play and then the unknown hit, forcing the Blueshirts to shut him down during camp. Finally improving, he could be cleared for contact soon. What that could mean for a suddenly depleted back end is pivotal. The light at the end of the tunnel says perhaps we see Staal debut in the new calendar year. However, we’re still dealing with uncertainty. The organization will take every precaution.

Just a brief look into Sidney Crosby is proof enough how fragile the head can be. What if the Penguins had not brought Sid The Kid back so soon following the first concussion suffered on a David Steckel hit? If only we knew. Crosby is again sidelined due to a hit from David Krejci a couple of weeks ago. He’d returned with a flash pulverizing teams with 12 points in eight games, including the unreal backhand goal on his first shift in a blowout of the Islanders. Now, he is suffering from PCS (post concussion symptoms) again. Not a concussion, which the Pittsburgh captain clarified to the media recently. So, the game’s most dynamic player sits with no time table. Almost like that repeat scene in Ground Hog Day where Bill Murray’s Phil character keeps waking up to that annoying alarm clock with “I Got You Babe” playing. No matter what he does to the clock, it keeps playing. Of course, this harsh reality is sadder and much more daunting.

Already without concussed Mike Sauer, who was KO’d by a clean Dion Phaneuf shoulder, the Rangers lost Steve Eminger to a separated shoulder for eight to ten weeks in their miraculous last second win over Phoenix. In the wake of one of the wildest endings that saw Brad Richards last ditch backhand fling deflect off Keith Yandle past Mike Smith just beating the clock literally (it crossed the goal line with 0.01 forcing a video reversal), the Blueshirts find themselves in dire straits. With tough games beginning tomorrow against division rivals New Jersey, the Islanders and Philadelphia with HBO cameras rolling, they’ll be minus half their starting D. No Staal and no Sauer is bad enough because that’s half their top four. Somehow, John Tortorella has managed to get by by wisely teaming super soph Ryan McDonagh with Team MVP Dan Girardi while recently replacing Sauer with Eminger for emerging Michael Del Zotto.

If only it were that simple. There are so many injuries that you can never have enough players. Especially defensemen. So, here’s what Tort’s left with for tomorrow’s big showdown in Newark against the suddenly red hot Devils, who are blitzing goalies thanks to wiz kid Adam Henrique, Zach Parise, Patrik Elias, Ilya Kovalchuk and yes, David Clarkson. Even Dainius Zubrus has 10 goals. A once weakness is now a team strength, which explains the Devs’ torrid play that suddenly has them just three points behind us and the Pens. While they are clicking on all cylinders, Tortorella will roll out McDonagh and Girardi as much as humanly possible in the blood rivals first of six. Del Zotto likely will play with Anton Stralman while unsung hero Jeff Woywitka if available, should see increased responsibility. Emergency recall Tim Erixon could also return after spending over a month with the Connecticut Whale. In other words, the Rangers are in trouble.

The Devils are hardly All-Star caliber on the blueline. However, at least most of their regulars will be a go with first-year Swede Adam Larsson learning on the job along with second-year man Mark Fayne while vets Bryce Salvador, Henrik Tallinder and Lou Lamoriello steal Kurt Foster supply depth. How the odd GM got Foster from the Ducks for Mark Fraser and immortal Rod Pelley we’ll never comprehend. Yeah. I know they’re character guys but come on. Bob Murray should be investigated for how he’s run a former Cup champ into the ground.

It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out that our team is at a disadvantage tomorrow night. Sure. Marian Gaborik’s playing like an MVP and Richards has proven what a leader he is. Derek Stepan has blossomed along with Artem Anismov while Ryan Callahan has certainly welcomed the challenge of being captain with open arms. After those four, it gets thin with underachieving Brandon Dubinsky still stuck on one goal. That’s four million’s worth. Brian Boyle has not been able to repeat last year’s output and Brandon Prust is more a warrior than scorer who’ll take on all comers despite being nicked up. Carl Hagelin just might be the next most important player with incredible speed and instincts. Ruslan Fedotenko is what he is. A solid checker who can scorer every once in a while.

Something needs to be done. Henrik Lundqvist is going to be peppered given our D issues. How soon before Girardi’s tank runs on empty? He can only do so much. Glen Sather needs to open his eyes and realize this team cannot have another first round flop. That means get on the phone to try to get a character D like Tim Gleason. Our team also lacks enough skill up front. One more scorer and this team could compete with Boston, Pittsburgh and Philly. Even the Panthers boast more talent.

It’s high time Slats gives us a team that can actually win more than two rounds. The pressure’s on.

This time, a blood rivalry is renewed when old Patrick foes, the Rangers and Flyers take to the made up ice at Citizens Bank Park for a unique setting this January 2. There will also be the Legends Game on New Year’s Eve which should energize players from both sides along with each fanbase. There’s just nothing like pond hockey. From the time the Oilers hosted the first one against the Habs pre-lockout in the Hockey Heritage Game, these events have become a league signature. Yes. It’s already become overhyped, especially with astronomical costs pricing most out of even scoring tickets. However, one thing remains the same. The passion on display leading up to the marquee event as depicted by HBO is great theater.

Finally, Part I of IV debuted last night at 10 ET with the repeat at 11 ET. And boy, the amazing backdrop they opened with of both cities was ultra cool. The setting for New York City was classic with closeups of true New Yorkers headed to work with one on the subway. A part of our culture that isn’t as fickle as everyday traffic. Right away, you noticed the hatred between the clubs with noted pest Sean Avery exchanging a classic barb during the first meeting.

“You bleepin’ loser.”

Between the first of many f-bombs with Peter Laviolette getting the ball rolling to John Tortorella’s plea for star Marian Gaborik to get going in a recent win with the potential All-Star responding with a power play goal, HBO Sports had again captivated the Classic participants in rare form. But it wasn’t all fun and laughs. Not when Mike Del Zotto crashed hard into the boards during a race for a puck with Toronto’s David Steckel, that included a loud thud right into the boards with MDZ protecting his head. That he was mic’d up gave viewers more perspective into how dangerous icings can be when two players are neck and neck. It only reaffirms Del Zotto’s point following a tough loss that maybe it’s time to change the rule. Hybrid icing wouldn’t result in such huge risks. I was never a proponent but sometimes, such scary events can change my mind. Listening to MDZ discuss his close call on the way to the rink while getting razzed by Dan Girardi for getting treatment portrayed things in a whole new light. The game of hockey is super fast and we got a taste of the scary aspect up close.

HBO also made sure to include Flyer star Claude Giroux’s recent concussion during a freak incident with teammate Wayne Simmonds, who immediately apologized to ‘G’ after his knee caught the league’s leading scorer. Getting to see Giroux taken to the Flyer locker room for precaution due to any head hit gave us some insight into the safety policy. Of course, we couldn’t see him fully examined with it covered up but it speaks to how dangerous the sport is. Even your own teammates can accidentally hurt you because they can’t get out of the way. It brings to mind how Pat LaFontaine’s career ended when he collided with ex-teammate Mike Keane. Given the PCS Sidney Crosby is again experiencing following a loss to Boston last week, it speaks to the gross nature of the sport. You’re always at risk. Based on the list of players who are mostly stars that’s growing (Crosby, Giroux, Marc Staal, Jeff Skinner, Mike Sauer, etc.), nobody’s safe. Can anything be done to prevent the league wide epidemic?

It’d be easy to forget some of the funny moments Episode I gave us. So, we’ll pick our top five:

1.Ilya Bryzgalov discussing the solar system at length as being humongous along with his keen sense of humor that his coach termed as different than most. He talked about how he was getting into Hell by choosing Philly. Then in the next breath, he’s given a small bottle of alcohol that would kill tigers. “Death penalty,” Bryz pops. Who knew the man was so analytical about the Earth and one of the randomest, insanely funny dudes our league has?

2.Artem Anisimov’s goal celebration, which he later referenced was a tribute to a fallen comrade in the Lokomotiv tragedy. Of course, the Lightning reacted the way any team would thinking he was shooting his stick at them with Vinny Lecavalier and Steve Downie taking exception. We got to hear some of the chaos with Brandon Dubinsky ripping into the ref for the 16 minutes Artie received with Dubi screaming, “[Lecavalier] started the whole bleepin’ thing.”

Even more amusing was Anisimov who asked what he did in that cool Russian accent before skating off to the dressing room to sit by himself until teammates entered. There was Sean Avery with a huge smirk as he passed by while Brandon Prust laughed and Artie said, “I was just reloading my gun.” The only one not laughing was a fuming Tortorella who referenced the incident as idiotic because it put them in a whole heap of trouble. “They’re coming,” he warned. His former team came with Dominic Moore’s tying shorty leaving a grimace on Tort’s face as he talked to assistant Mike Sullivan. They would fall when Moore again picked high glove on Henrik Lundqvist, who then sat by himself at his locker with a pained look as if about to cry. The prideful man hates losing. Especially in a shootout. I was a bit disappointed that we didn’t find out a bit more about our star goalie aside from the comical credit card roulette that we’ll get to.

3.Scott Hartnell/Matt Cooke exchange during the first Battle Of Pennsylvania was priceless. Following a Hartnell hit to a Pen, Cooke called out the orange haired Flyer by saying, “What the bleep are you doing?” But Hartnell deadpanned, “Cooke. You’re the dirtiest player in the league. It was a hit.” Easily one of the laugh out loud moments. Talk about irony. I also liked from before the game when Dan Bylsma visited ex-pupil Max Talbot. Though I’m no fan of Talbot, it was awesome to see Bylsma pay tribute to the former Cup hero by saying: “So now you’re a goalscorer.” Classic.

4.Credit Card Roulette- There are too many words. While captain Ryan Callahan treated his family to dinner that included 95-year old grandma, the rest of the Blueshirts ate out together. Then came the favorite part where someone has to pay for the fancy meal. In an epic game of credit card roulette in which they all tossed their cards into a hat, the unlucky winner was Jeff Woywitka, who had to foot the bill with King Henrik. I hope Lundqvist coughed up a little bit more given the salary difference. Best part was when team clown Brandon Prust remarked: “Thanks for dinner.” A reference to the Mighty Ducks III. Now, everyone wants to emulate the Ranger tradition when they’re out with friends. Nothing like splitting the difference.

5.Garden Of Dreams night out with the Rockettes was interesting as underprivileged kids got the luxury treatment in a huge limo with all the trimmings. A special treat for children who aren’t as fortunate. But it was obvious that Brian Boyle enjoyed staring at those long legs while Prust put some popcorn in Lundqvist’s hair. You can’t make it up.

Honorable Mention would have to be the Flyer dressing room post-win dancing to Mac Miller’s “Knock, Knock” was pretty bleepin’ epic. The scene with Simmonds in the locker room was great. I just hope we don’t hear it following the big game.

Moment Of Episode I: That was stolen by Callahan’s grandma, who was a bundle for everyone watching. From her and Mama Cally upset over a hideous crosschecking call on their kid in Buffalo to the awesome embrace Ryan gave his 95-year old granny following a win in which he scored a highlight reel shorthanded goal to loud cheers from the family, it was easily one of the coolest moments HBO’s ever given us. When you hear Cally talk about her and how he doesn’t know how much longer she’ll be around, it makes you realize how important family is. We all have grandparents. I wish ours were still around. I will never forget those special moments spent with them as long as I live. If only we could go back. Yes. It was touching and tear worthy. I hope we get to see more of her but doubt it considering there won’t be another Buffalo game leading up to January 2nd. It makes you want Captain Cally to bring the Cup back for her. That would be the perfect script.

My only other gripe was not much of Jaromir Jagr other than him explaining how much he’s enjoying life in Philly. As odd as it still seems, No.68 has fit in well, leaving Giroux to praise the future Hall Of Famer. Though it was interesting to hear him say, “Sometimes you think with your heart over your head.” The stuff on going opposite instead of returning for one final sendoff with Pittsburgh where his jersey would hang was compelling. You never know what he’s thinking. But there’s definitely a lot going on.

Since being recalled along with partner in crime John Mitchell, Hags has combined with Mitch and Brian Boyle to form a solid energy line. Hags’ speed and energy certainly has been an asset. John Tortorella has shown enough confidence already to give Hagelin additional responsibility on the PK. No small task. It already paid dividends in Western New York. Along with a yeoman effort from captain Ryan Callahan, who scored a highlight reel shorthanded goal on struggling Jhonas Enroth, Hags beat the Sabre rookie from the left circle twice with essentially cardinal copies. Both goals were top shelf past Enroth’s glove. The Buffalo backup who was so good at the beginning of the season has won once over the past eight starts. Yesterday, he allowed a bad goal to Callahan, who somehow got off a shot while falling after spinning around Christian Ehrhoff. The puck went right through the wickets for a momentum turning goal.

Despite being even in shots (33-33) and creating several opportunities, Buffalo only mustered one past ex-starter Martin Biron, who was stellar. The only goal he permitted was to Thomas Vanek, who beat him five-hole on a nice pass from captain Jason Pominville that tied the game in the second. However, an unreal individual effort from Captain Cally resulted in a huge go-ahead shorty. He somehow spun around Ehrhoff and surprised Enroth with his 12th. He trails leading sniper Marian Gaborik by two with Gabby also netting his 14th on a late power play in the third that iced it.

Steve Eminger and Mike Del Zotto each had two helpers in the win. Brandon Dubinsky was elevated to the second line with Brad Richards and Callahan with Tortorella trying to get him going. He has one goal and 11 assists so far.

The Blueshirts have a quick turnaround tonight with the surprising Panthers coming in for a 7:30 tilt at MSG. Dale Talloon’s Hawks South is working out with Kris Versteeg and Brian Campbell looking like All-Stars alongside Tomas Fleischmann and holdover Stephen Weiss. In the first meeting, Florida blanked the Rangers with their superior speed winning out. The Rangers have had issues against fast teams with Toronto beating them twice and the Bolts exacting revenge in comeback fashion in what’s now become Artie Gate. It should be interesting to see if our guys adjust against the Southeast division leader.

Getting to the game which was bizarre for a whole lot of reasons. Though judging, from the Sens-Devs boxscore, I’ll bet that one brought a smile to Hasan. First, a former Blueshirt was involved before and during the game. Dominic Moore is always someone I liked. He centered the infamous HMO line (Hollweg-Moore-Ortmeyer) in ’05-06 which put us back on the map. I always felt he got a raw deal even if Blair Betts was a solid citizen. Amazing to think a guy with his skill set is now on his seventh NHL roster. Moore has been a frequent flier during the trade deadline. He was instrumental in the Lightning’s run lto the Conference Finals last Spring. No surprise that on my birthday, Dom had plenty of impact.

It was during the morning skate that an accidental backhand caught Marty St. Louis right in the face, bloodying the star to the point where he was held out, ending a consecutive games streak of 500. Albeit he’s always been one of my favorite players. So, while some in the twitterverse reacted with good for us, I was disappointed I wouldn’t get to see him. I just enjoy the game so much and love full rosters with all the stars. Beating the best is what determines who you are. We have a good team and I was hoping he’d sew up. Oh well. Maybe that was an ominous sign of things to come. The traffic we endured coming home was regrettable. Never before had it ever been that bad. Thanks for nothing NYC. It’s nights like this that make me wish I lived elsewhere. Only in dreams.

Anyway, Moore KO’d St. Louis. So, the Lightning were minus one of their Big Three. They still found a way to exact revenge in large part to Moore’s heroics. Combine that with a controversial goal celebration from Artem Anisimov after he put us ahead and Tampa had plenty of incentive to come out with the two points. If you know me, I hate the brownie point for the shootout. A skill competition should never decide anything. And for the love of sanity, they need to ditch it for the latest Bettman Experiment. I was in favor of realignment but came away as baffled as Hasan about the whole conference set up and an unfavorable   schedule. It just is too confusing for words. More on this later.

Many critics will rip Anisimov for his foolish celebration in which he imitated Teemu Selanne by using his stick as a gun to point at Mathieu Garon following a shorthanded goal. It was impossible for us to see due to the overhang but Arty made a huge error in judgment and fired up the opposition. So, I guess it was no shock that Steve Downie came off the bench and jumped him along with Steven Stamkos and Marc-Andre Bergeron, who took a beating from Brandon Dubinsky. Speaking of which, Dubi had a decent night, combining with Mike Del Zotto on Anismov’s shorty. He also saw some time on the top line with Anisimov somehow assessed 16 minutes for getting jumped. The appropriate call would’ve been unsportsmanlike conduct. Instead, the blind mice gave him a double minor and misconduct. So, we lost one of our best forwards for a while, which didn’t help our powerless play. Yes. Even if it connected early with Ryan Callahan scoring his 11th from the left circle, it still doomed us.

If you want to watch how not to run a power play, just try to understand ours. I know I’m not alone on this futile topic in these parts but good God it stinks. There is zero creativity and no fluidity. Watch the Red Wings or Blackhawks for how to score on the PP. Quick passes. Movement and shots. I know. It’s been this way for years no matter what superstar we add. Brad Richards did make a nifty pass to Cally for his PPG but too often it’s not a five man unit. It’s give it to Richy or Marian Gaborik and watch them lug the puck up and try to juke four guys. It’s too predictable. Del Zotto also is the only defenseman who has that capability but he never shoots and when he does, it’s nine feet wide.

The man-advantage cost them big time. What was it? Four consecutive failures including two in crunch time when Tampa tried to hand us the game. One-for-six overall? I am not bothering to check if it’s five or six and could care less if our success rate says otherwise. Our powerless play SUCKS!

Ryan Malone tied the game on a breakaway after a dreadful giveaway from Ryan McDonagh, who had a night to forget. Chalk it up to it being my birthday. They just weren’t sharp after the first and believe me, they started heading downward in the middle of the opening stanza. At least I had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie Maggie and her boyfriend Nick, who ironically enough are from Sayreville. Only where Brian is from! So classic. It really was fun to meet you. Hope to see you again along with some other tweeps next time out.

The Bolts were undisciplined, handing us three early power plays. But we only capitalized on one and then fizzled. Of course, before the chaos that ensued, the Lightning couldn’t handle our top two lines, which generated enough quality chances to beat Garon more than twice. This was a goalie who stunk entering with like eight allowed in his last two starts. But he turned in a good performance and came up with some gems in overtime. Following the Arty nonsense which John Tortorella condoned without going overboard, the Bolts wanted it more. They began carrying the play with Stamkos, Moore and Vinny Lecavalier forcing Henrik Lundqvist to make some tough stops. Even Matt Gilroy had a solid game. The Bolts also benefited from Victor Hedman, who was outstanding defensively. He really is overlooked because he doesn’t do anything flashy. But now I see why they extended him at five a pop. Adam Larsson could learn a thing or two about how to defend by watching his Swedish buddy.

Late in the game, there was our chance to make it easy. Instead, they didn’t even try to get the third goal. No sense of urgency. And boy, did it come back to bite them. Right before the inevitable, I told my brother Justin I thought Moore would tie it. I have no idea why. It just came to me that it would be an ex-Ranger. Gaining steam, Moore skated around two of our guys like they were ghosts before backhanding one upstairs on Lundqvist, who must’ve dozed off from the uninspired play. How else can you explain that going in? And no. I don’t want to hear any spin about it possibly changing direction. He has to stop that. It really wasn’t his fault that our five fell asleep. But come on. The shootout winner to Moore was no better. He again went top shelf for the only goal in the shootout.

Regarding the skill comp, interesting that John Mitchell went first and didn’t shoot. All three (Richy and Gabby) were duped by an aggressive Garon, who challenged while Lundqvist sat back. Quite a contrast. And all three of our shooters went too deep and tried to deke, playing right into his hands. No adjustment. Why not shoot right away for the top part of the net? They got what they deserved.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star: Mathieu Garon, Bolts (29 saves)
2nd Star: Victor Hedman, Bolts (assist, stellar defense)
1st Star: Dominic Moore, Bolts (tying shorthanded goal-2nd of season, shootout winner)