Battle Of Hudson

Devils at Penguins– A day removed from a tough 4-3 shootout defeat to San Jose that saw the teal rally in the final minute, the Devils hit the road for a stiff test at Pittsburgh, who don’t seem to mind no Crosby or Malkin. Not with James Neal pacing everyone with seven goals and Jordan Staal, Matt Cooke and Marc-Andre Fleury leading the way. In the league’s most competitive division, the Pens lead everyone with a 5-2-2 mark- good for 12 points. They’ve played more than anyone and done plenty of travel but haven’t been affected. Now, the Devs and Pens meet for the first time. Does Malkin play? Pitt got back bruiser Brooks Orpik and recently suspended Kris Letang returns. For New Jersey, Johan Hedberg will again be in net with Martin Brodeur sidelined another week. The news on Jacob Josefson wasn’t good with the second-year Swede needing surgery which will sideline him a few months. Rookie Adam Henrique was recalled.

Sabres at Lightning– Buffalo looks to keep it going when they visit St. Pete versus a rejuvenated Bolts’ club that snapped a five-game skid with a 4-1 win over the Islanders. Ryan Malone and Steven Stamkos tallied while Mathieu Garon was strong in his second consecutive start. The Lightning will look to end the Sabres’ perfect road start that’s seen them go 4-0, including two-for-two overseas. It’s the first of a home-and-home spread out over three days with the two meeting again in Western New York Tuesday. Buffalo blanked Florida 3-zip thanks to the continued hot play of Thomas Vanek (2 goals) and Jason Pominville. They also could have security blanket Ryan Miller unless Lindy Ruff tabs backup Jhonas Enroth.

Islanders at Panthers– The Islanders look to bounce back from a disappointing 4-1 loss in Tampa by gaining a split in Florida. The Panthers are looking to make it two-for-two versus the Isles- also spoiling the home opener with a 2-0 blanking on the shoulders of vet Jose Theodore. He’s played well thus far along with new faces Kris Versteeg (3-4-7), Brian Campbell (7 assists) and mainstay Stephen Weiss (3-3-6), who have the team off to a .500 start. The Islanders need more from Kyle Okposo, Josh Bailey and Blake Comeau, who have yet to get untracked. John Tavares can only do so much. Does Jack Capuano start Evgeni Nabokov instead of Al Montoya, who was hardly to blame for the other night?

Rangers at Oilers– The Rangers get their first taste of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins tonight. Can they deny the wiz kid along with Taylor Hall and familiar face Ryan Smyth? The Blueshirts look to stay hot behind Henrik Lundqvist, Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards.

Even when the Blueshirts carried the four-on-four in overtime, it still seemed destined for the skill competition. But a strange thing happened. Brandon Dubinsky wouldn’t give up on a last second play, dropping the puck to Dan Girardi, who intentionally fired wide off the backboards right to a wide open McDonagh, who buried it for an unbelievable 3-2 win with 0.5 seconds left. An unlikely conclusion to a great game.

“Danny’s a smart player, I know he’s just putting it anywhere where it’s not going to get blocked and it was fortunate that it kicked off the boards there,” said McDonagh. “We were talking about how the boards could be used to our advantage and it did there.”

From the outset, Calgary tried to set the tone with physical play. As if on cue, Jarome Iginla challenged Ryan Callahan to no avail. The Calgary franchise scoring leader later nailed Cally with a clean check during a power play. With his team again on the short end of the stick, the Ranger captain took the hit to clear the puck out. That’s the kind of play we expect from our team, who despite permitting a power play goal to Mark Giordano, were aggressive- killing off four of five, including a pivotal one down the stretch.

Outstanding were ex-Flame Brandon Prust and Brian Boyle, who combined for a nice shorthanded goal that gave the Rangers their second lead. But Calgary struck back thanks to Giordano, who took an Iginla feed and beat an irate Henrik Lundqvist through a screen. McDonagh accidentally screened our goalie, who picked up Giordano’s shot too late. Alex Tanguay added his second helper of the night. He also set up Iginla to level it at 1-1, taking advantage of a rare Dan Girardi miscue that allowed the former Cup winner to find Jarome for an easy redirect. Marian Gaborik started the scoring with his fourth in another bizarre way. Something called a power play goal. Typically, the Rangers were the last team to connect on the power play. Of course, it was only our fifth game with every single one on the road. No wonder we haven’t been getting the benefit of whistles. Perhaps that’ll change once they host the Leafs next Thursday (10/27).

Gaborik’s back to form, skating with purpose and being dangerous. It’s safe to say he and Brad Richards have found chemistry along with key complement Derek Stepan, who threaded the needle to Gabby for a tap-in. It was his club-leading fourth goal with Richards also earning an assist. Richy Rich has a point in all five games (1-4-5). Stepan, who deserved a helper versus the Islanders, got his first point of the season. He really has looked good, making outstanding defensive plays while taking the body. The Wisconsin product brings that same intangible that Chris Drury did. High skill set. It’s amazing how good our two Badgers look. D-Step fitting in on the top line with Wojtek Wolski still nursing a groin injury, and McDonagh smoothly transitioning to top pair with Girardi while showing off improved offense.

There’s a lot to be said for McD and how quick a learner he is. The skating, shot and instincts get better all the time. He definitely looks like our most talented blueliner with no disrespect shown to Marc Staal. It just seems that he has a higher ceiling in that he can contribute more offensively while continuing stellar defensive work. Though last night wasn’t one of his best. It’s exciting to see the development of him and budding rookie Tim Erixon, who played his best game despite plenty of boos whenever he touched the puck. Calgary fans let him know how they feel about the 20-year old Swede not signing. However, it didn’t faze him. Instead, Erixon made sound reads and smart defensive plays while teamed with adventurous partner Mike Del Zotto, whose offense is coming. DZ has been a bit more aggressive as evidenced by Mike Rupp’s goal he set up the other day. John Tortorella’s confidence has grown, rewarding the former first rounder with 22 shifts (18:12).

“It’s a great experience for him because there has been some struggles with his play but he stays with it,” Tortorella pointed out. “As we go through here, some of those guys that are in spots that they didn’t expect to be in, it’s going to help our team in the long run.”

There also were teammates standing up for each other like when Kris Newbury didn’t take kindly to Cory Sarich’s hit from behind on Richards, quickly coming to Brad’s aid. Though he got the extra for instigating (this while the blind mice turned a blind eye to Sarich’s boarding) and Calgary converted, it was a good penalty to take. You can’t get pushed around. Rupp also dropped the gloves with Tim Jackman early on before things settled down.

It was a fun game. Eventually, the radar shifted to Lundqvist (33 saves, 157-166 over 5 GP) and second-year man Henrik Karlsson, who gave a good account of himself with 26 stops, including some close calls. Meanwhile, Lundqvist was again outstanding- flat out robbing Iginla by somehow stacking the pad on a gimme. Once he let in the second, he wasn’t going to give up anything else. King Henrik is just so on right now. He is playing the best hockey of his already brilliant career. With great rebound control and so technically sound, could this be the year he finally wins a Vezina? Keep your fingers crossed.

“I was getting ready for it, so I was really happy to see the puck go in because they have some skilled guys to send out for a shootout,” Lundqvist noted of the unpredictable finish.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Marian Gaborik, (PPG-fourth of season, 8 SOG)
2nd Star-Jarome Iginla, Cgy (goal, assist)
1st Star-Ryan McDonagh, NYR (game-winner w/1.3 secs left)

Till that point, Henrik Lundqvist had been busy holding them in despite being outshot 28-9. If not for the sensational play from King Henrik, it would’ve been a cake walk for the Canucks, who dominated long stretches while Luongo was on vacation. The Rangers continued a disturbing early trend of taking undisciplined penalties with one in the offensive zone from Brandon Prust landing him on the bench for a while. Ironically, the hard working grinder would factor in despite only 13 shifts (7:12), setting up unlikely goalscorer Mike Rupp while also later finding linemate Brian Boyle for their third straight goal.

None of it would’ve mattered if not for Lundqvist, who arguably played his best game as a Ranger, stoning Canuck after Canuck en route to his 36th career shutout. He led by example, controlling his rebounds with ease despite relentless pressure. It didn’t matter if Henrik Sedin went around Mike Del Zotto like a traffic cone following Rupp’s first as a Blueshirt. There was Henrik turning away four point blank chances in a row to keep his team ahead. Soon after, the coming out party of Ryan McDonagh helped silence Canuckleheads. The sophomore D finished off a textbook give-and-go with Brandon Dubinsky, increasing the lead to two.

Following outstanding work from Prust and Ruslan Fedotenko, who combined to find a cutting Boyle for a wicked shot top shelf, there was McDonagh again making like Brian Leetch, cruising towards Luongo before dishing for Marian Gaborik’s tap-in that put the exclamation point on a big win. They won despite being shorthanded eight times. Vancouver’s dominance didn’t mean a thing due to Lundqvist, who posted back-to-back shutouts on the Western power. It was last year when he turned aside all 38 in a home win. That’s 78 straight if you’re keeping track. It wasn’t long ago when the anticipated Henrik/Louie showdown on Versus was a dud with the King pulling himself. Perhaps he had a message for those foolish GMs who passed on him for the Vezina for Canadian hero Luongo.

“I guess this game he thought I deserved it, so I’m wearing it with a lot of pride,” the elated Swede told reporters after sporting Brad Richards’ winning hat: “And it also looks pretty good.”

“We wanted this one, and it’s a nice feeling when you’ve got him back there,” Richards added after notching a helper on Gaborik’s third. “You could see early on he was in the zone.”

Perhaps the strong third will bring the team together as they prepare for tonight’s match in Alberta versus Calgary. As John Tortorella reminded everyone, they still have some things to work on. It’ll be interesting to see how they deal with chaotic forwards Curtis Glencross and Rene Bourque, who are off to good starts along with Alex Tanguay. They also don’t want to awaken Flames’ franchise leading scorer Jarome Iginla. They’re coming off a come from behind 2-1 win over Edmonton in which consecutive tallies from Jay Bouwmeester and Tanguay rallied them past their nemesis Tuesday.

The Saddledome can be a tough place to play. So, it should be noisy. There’s also the strong play of Miikka Kiprusoff, who’s strung together three good starts in a row. He was outstanding making 24 stops versus Edmonton to preserve their win. Calgary likes to be physical led by Bourque and Glencross, who the Rangers don’t need any reminders on (ie Chris Drury). They also boast ex-Devil heavyweight Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond, who could be an opponent for Rupp tonight. Vet Scott Hannan’s been a solid addition to a blueline led by underrated Mark Giordano, who should see a lot of the Richards line along with Bouwmeester. Cory Sarich is also tough.

There will also be familiar faces Olli Jokinen and probably Roman Horak, who the Rangers parted with to get Tim Erixon. If the ex-Ranger draft pick plays, he’ll center the third line. That would be an intriguing storyline along with the goalie match-up (Lundqvist/Kiprusoff) assuming it comes down. Ironically, Kipper has fared well versus us, winning three of four with a 1.51 GAA. However, they took last year’s lone meeting 2-1 behind 31 saves from backup Martin Biron. Considering that they don’t play Edmonton until Saturday, it makes sense to stick with Lundqvist, who’s repelled 124 of 131 shots thus far. We’ll see what Tort decides.

Wojtek Wolski (groin) is hoping to make his season debut. Otherwise, figure Tortorella to stick with what worked.

Stepan-Richards-Gaborik
Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan
Fedotenko-Boyle-Prust
Christensen-Newbury-Rupp

McDonagh-Girardi
Del Zotto-Erixon
Woywitka-Eminger

At 0-1-2, the Blueshirts aren’t doing themselves any favors in the league’s deepest division. Everyone else has gotten out of the gate fast, putting John Tortorella’s club in an early hole. Forget Europe. Forget the MSG renovation. It’s time for this team to come together and build some momentum for next week’s home opener. Yes, the impact of Marc Staal has been felt. Even if Ryan McDonagh has effectively teamed with Dan Girardi, the trickle down effect has forced Tortorella to trust kids Mike Del Zotto and Tim Erixon while even sprinkling in waiver pickup Jeff Woywitka on the Island due to Mike Sauer’s separated shoulder that’s still nagging him. Brendan Bell should debut, likely replacing Woywitka.

No one ever said it would be easy. However, there’s no excuse for the ineptitude of the Draft Line, who have combined for only three points (1-2-3). That simply won’t get it done. Artem Anisimov has shown improved muscle but needs support from Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan. They’re the glue that makes this team go. And while Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik are finding chemistry, they can’t be asked to carry the load. That’s not how this team was constructed. More is expected of the trio, who need to bring it starting tonight. Especially with Ryan Kesler set to debut for the Canucks, who hardly are lighting it up.

Brian Boyle is off to a poor start, admitting such to the press. Four minors and no production isn’t what he had in mind. The big man is our most versatile forward, who can be shifted to wing and used up front on the power play. He’s also vital for the PK, which is a double whammy when he’s in the box. He, Brandon Prust and Ruslan Fedotenko need to stay together. It’s no time for the coach to mess around. Keep Derek Stepan on the top line after he was our best forward Saturday. As for the fourth line, Kris Newbury was brought up to add some grit. He proved capable last year. Mike Rupp is off to a lousy start. Please tell me Wojtek Wolski replaces team ornament Erik Christensen when he gets healthy.

Prior to Henrik Lundqvist’s shutout last Jan.13,  Vancouver had owned us- winning nine of the previous 10. They also had victimized King Henrik, including a pivotal showdown that turned into a home humiliation on Versus with Henke removing himself. Last year, he bested Cory Schneider. Might we get the match-up everyone wants to see with GM favorite Roberto Luongo? We all know Luongo didn’t deserve to get nominated for the Vezina. Statement game for Henrik? He’ll need some support.

The Rangers must stay disciplined. That means no more silly penalties for the league’s second most penalized team. And for the love of sanity, don’t let Chris Higgins score. It won’t be easy against The Sedins and pest Alex Burrows. McDonagh and Girardi will really be tested. Who takes Kesler? Hope Tort matches the Boyle unit against him.

We’ll see if they’re up to the challenge.

There’s also been the quick adjustment from No.1 overall pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who already recorded his first career hat trick in only the Oilers’ third game. Even if they lost to the Canucks, it certainly left an impression on his linemate Taylor Hall.

“It’s his third NHL game, he got a hat trick against his home town team, and Robert Luongo and guys he’s watched for a long time, it’s great to see.”

It’s always fun to look at the good. Better than viewing the bad and ugly that has the Rangers as one of two clubs (WPG) that have yet to score a power play goal. And you’re thinking, ‘Wasn’t that supposed to be fixed?’ Some old habits die hard. Insert John McClane reference here. Let’s take a closer look at some of these early trends that either have you wowing or pulling out your hair.

-As previously noted, the Rangers’ power play issues continue. Over three games, they’re 0-for-12. Not the kind of baker’s dozen John Tortorella had in mind. The lack of a true point that can mesh with Richards still is missing and could be a problem all season unless Mike Del Zotto regains that spot.

-The Blueshirts have been horrific on special teams, also shorthanded 19 times already. Though the PK had done a fine job, it finally got burnt by John Tavares Saturday. In this league, special teams are essential to a club’s success.

-Conversely, the Islanders have been pretty solid in that facet, killing off 18 of 19 penalties against to rank second overall. The PP had struggled before connecting twice to boost it to 3-of-18. Good for 15th. With a true PP QB in Mark Streit and the skill of Tavares along with Michael Grabner and gritty types Matt Moulson and Kyle Okposo, there’s no reason they shouldn’t be in the top 10.

-The Devils under Pete DeBoer still are struggling on the man-advantage (2-of-17) but finally got a crucial one on a five-on-three from bomber Ilya Kovalchuk to turn around their game in Music City. With captain Zach Parise back along with defensive types Anton Volchenkov, Henrik Tallinder and underrated sophomore Mark Fayne, the Devs rank fourth on the PK, permitting just one in 17 thus far.

-Off to a 3-1 start, the Sabres have connected three times in 15 chances on the PP to place 12th led by Thomas Vanek’s pair. More encouraging is new captain Jason Pominville, who’s okay after taking a clean hit from a Candy Cane in which he was in an awkward position. They ran tests and he was good enough to do a postgame interview. Buffalo is middle of the pack in PK permitting two in 15 against. An area they can improve at with physical element Robyn Regehr.

WHO’S HOT?

Sabres- Luke Adam (3-3-6), Thomas Vanek (3-4-7, 2 PPG), Jason Pominville (1-4-5)

Devils- Zach Parise (2-1-3/2 shootout clinchers), Johan Hedberg (3-0, 1.41 GAA, .950 Save Pct.), Mark Fayne (1-1-2, 5 hits, 5 blocked shots)

Islanders- John Tavares (5-3-8- all 8 Pts last 2 GP, 2 PPG, +4), Al Montoya (2-1, 1.35 GAA, .950 Save Pct.), Mark Streit (3 A, 2 PPA, 6 blocks), P.A. Parenteau (1-6-7)

Rangers- Marian Gaborik (2 goals, 14 SOG), Brad Richards (1-2-3, Pt in each game incl. GTG vs Ducks), Henrik Lundqvist (0-1-2, 7 GA in 3 starts, 2.23 GAA, .920 Save Pct.)

WHO’S NOT?

Rangers- Ryan Callahan (1 A, 0 G, 6 PIM incl. 2 minors vs NYI), Brandon Dubinsky (0-1-1, 20 PIM), Brian Boyle (0 Pts, 8 PIM)

Islanders- Kyle Okposo (0 G, A, 7 SOG), Josh Bailey (0 Pts, 3 SOG), Blake Comeau (0 Pts, SOG in 3 GP)
 
Devils- David Clarkson (G, 26 PIM), Adam Larsson (0 Pts, -2), Jacob Josefson (1 A, 4 SOG)
 
Sabres- Brad Boyes (0 G, A, 6 SOG), Tyler Ennis (0 Pts, 7 SOG), Ville Leino (G, 3 SOG)
 
 
HOT STARTS
 
1.Phil Kessel (Tor) 5-3-8
2.John Tavares (NYI) 5-3-8
3.David Legwand (Nsh) 2-6-8
4.James Neal (Pit) 5-1-6
5.P.A. Parenteau (NYI) 1-6-7
6.Anze Kopitar (LAK) 3-4-7
7.The Sedins (Van) 2-5-7 each = 4-10-14
8.Shane Doan (Phx) 3-4-7
9.Kris Letang (Pit) 1-5-6
10.Chris Pronger (Phi) 1-4-5
11.M.A. Bergeron (TB) 2-3-5
12.Jeff Skinner (Car) 2-4-6)
13.Thomas Vanek (Buf) 3-4-7
14.Claude Giroux (Phi) 3-2-5
15.Sheldon Souray (Dal) 1-3-4
16.Kari Lehtonen (Dal) 4-0, 1.48, .955
17.Jonathan Quick (LAK) 2-0-1, 1.57, .948
18.Johan Hedberg (NJD) 3-0, 1.41, .945
19.Semyon Varlamov (Col) 3-1, 2.17, .938, SHO
20.Ilya Bryzgalov (Phi) 3-0-1, 1.99, .927, SHO
21.Jonas Hiller (Ana) 3-1, 1.71, .931, SHO
22.Jose Theodore (Fla) 2-1, 1.97, .930, SHO
23.Al Montoya (NYI) 2-1, 1.35, .953
24.Jimmy Howard (Det) 3-0, 1.63, .930, SHO
25.Tim Thomas (Bos) 2-2, 1.98, .932
 
ICE COLD
 
1.Craig Anderson (Ott) 1-2, 5.07, .853
2.Ondrej Pavelec (Wpg) 0-2, 4.55, .833
3.Dwayne Roloson (TBL) 1-1-1, 4.35, .883
4.Steve Mason (CBJ) 0-4-1, 3.40, .889
5.Carey Price (Mtl) 1-2-1, 2.96, .880
6.Roberto Luongo (Van) 1-1-1, 3.60, .871
7.Jaroslav Halak (Stl) 1-3, 3.05, .850
8.Cam Ward (Car) 2-2, 3.26, .900
9.Jeff Carter (CBJ) 0 G, 3 A, 20 SOG
10.Dustin Byfuglien (Wpg) 0 Pts, -3, 10 SOG
11.Alex Ovechkin (Wsh) G, A, -2, 15 SOG
12.Kevin Bieksa (Van) 1 A, -3, 11 SOG
13.Nikolai Kulemin (Tor) 0 G, A, -2, 2 SOG
14.Vincent Lecavalier (TBL) G, A, 8 PIM, 18 SOG
15.Steven Stamkos (TBL) G in 5 GP, 15 SOG
16.Logan Couture (SJS) 0 G, A, 8 SOG
17.Daniel Alfredsson (Ott) 2-1-3, -6
18.Dubinsky/Anisimov/Callahan (NYR)  G, 2 A, 26 PIM, 20 SOG
19.Okposo/Grabner/Rolston (NYI) G, 2 A, -3, 22 SOG
20.Mattias Tedenby (NJD) 0 G, A, 2 SOG
21.Cal O’Reilly (Nsh) 0 G, A, SOG
22.Scott Gomez (Mtl) 0 G, A
23.P.K. Subban (Mtl) 0 G, A, -3, 12 SOG
24.Erik Cole (Mtl) 0 G, A, 5 SOG
25.Mikko Koivu (Min) 2 A in 5 GP
26.Dustin Brown (LAK) 0 G, A, -2, 10 SOG
27.David Booth (Fla), 0 G, A, -3, 8 SOG
28.Nick Lidstrom/Henrik Zetterberg (Det) 2 G, 0 A, 27 SOG
29.Eric Staal (Car) 2 G, A, -8
30.Ryan Getzlaf (Ana) 0 G, 2 A, 8 SOG
31.Jarome Iginla (Cgy) G, 0 A, -3, 8 SOG
32.Milan Lucic (Bos) 0 G, A, 2 PIM, 12 SOG
 
 
Storybook Return For Ex-Flyer: In case you were asleep Saturday night, the biggest game on a busy schedule was ex-Flyer captain’s Mike Richards’ return to the City of Brotherly Love with the rest of his King teammates. Thus far, a trade that left many speechless has worked out well for both clubs.
 
However, this one had special meaning for Richards as he and former teammate Jeff Carter were sent packing as part of Paul Holmgren’s overhaul that split a passionate fanbase down the middle. Looking good in his new LA threads, Mr. Richards was right smack in the middle of an emotional game that had a bit of everything, including physicality with Drew Doughty knocked out of the game on a big hit by rookie Zac Rinaldo that drew the ire of Dustin Penner. Later on, Richards got into the act with a clean takeout of a Flyer that immediately got the attention of former King Wayne Simmonds.
 
Cooler heads prevailed as the two teams battled to overtime where an undisciplined trip from James van Riemsdyk allowed Richards, who received a fitting tribute prior to the drop of the puck- to burn his ex-club. During a four-on-three, the skilled center who set up Jack Johnson to beat the Rangers in Stockholm made another spectacular read. This time, from the left point, he faked before sending a perfect shot pass to Johnson, who deflected it home for the OT winner. A great conclusion to a well played game. But definitely an exclamation point for Richards.
 

“It took me a second to realize it went in,” the ex-Flyer said. He finished his career in orange and black with 133 goals and 349 points along with a Cup Finals appearance with a video tribute thanking him for his contributions to Philly. “It was a broken play and I was tying to find a lane to shoot and saw JJ at the last second.”

 
“It was easy once I touched the ice. I felt comfortable out there. I just played hockey.”

–Devils recall G Keith Kinkaid. Due to Martin Brodeur’s right shoulder injury, the kid from Union College gets an emergency call-up. Probably the wise thing considering Marty’s health. Age is finally catching up. Johan Hedberg continues to be a great insurance policy. The team plays well in front of him.

–Devils send down C Adam Henrique to Albany. This was clearly impacted by the play of Petr Sykora, who’s fit in nicely with Parise and Elias. Plus Pete DeBoer is pretty set depth wise with Clarkson, Zubrus, Tedenby, Janssen, Boulton and PK fixture Brad Mills. It’s better for Henrique’s development.

–Islanders send C Ryan Strome back to Niagara (OHL). There’s no denying the No.1 pick’s talent but a numbers game that has reduced Blake Comeau’s role was the icing on the cake. Plus Nino Neiderreiter will return from IR soon. 

–Islander G Rick DiPietro suffered a concussion when he was accidentally hit in the mask by a shot before his scheduled start against Tampa Bay. If DP didn’t have bad luck, he’d have no luck at all. The poor franchise goalie continues to be plagued by injuries. Each one more bizarre. The organization must be careful with the concussed netminder, who has a history. With Al Montoya and Evgeni Nabokov as a security blanket, they can be patient.

–Rangers send RW Mats Zuccarello down to Connecticut Whale and recall C Kris Newbury. Clearly, this is a WTF panic move by Tort. What did MZA even do to deserve the demotion other than be cast aside unlikely linemates Mike Rupp and teacher’s pet extraordinaire Erik Christensen? I’m running out of words here. Sad as it sounds, Wolski’s injury has hurt the depth and Tort’s hypocrisy and Avery hate hasn’t helped. That said, Newbury was a solid contributor last year who adds a physical element.

–Rangers recall D Brendan Bell from Whale. Finally, a rational move following the continued matador D after pseudo top pair Ryan McDonagh/Dan Girardi. Minus Staal and with Sauer still nicked up, it’s about time the coach sees the light. Simply put, Eminger can’t play daily and pairing Del Zotto and Erixon is scary.

–Sabres C Luke Adam scored and set up another in Buffalo’s 3-2 home win over the Pens. The 21-year old former ’08 second rounder continues his hot start with six points (3-3-6) over the club’s first four games (3-1-0). Only Carolina held him off the score sheet. Coincidentally, their only loss. In 19 games last season, Adam had four points (3-1-4). Perhaps he’ll be in the Calder discussion with early candidates Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Adam Larsson. Keep an eye on 18-year old freshman Sean Couturier, (assist) who might stick in Philly.

That wraps up this week’s edition. Happy pucking!

John Tavares’ hat trick victimized Marian Gaborik during the Isles’ 4-2 win.

Round One was a TKO by John Tavares. Led by the third-year star, the Islanders won the first big match-up between blood rivals- doubling up on the Rangers 4-2 last night at energized Nassau Coliseum. In what amounted to an entertaining, rambunctious and in your face brand of hockey one comes to expect when these New York rivals get together, it was Long Island prevailing over Manhattan thanks to another offensive explosion from Tavares. After being shutout the first two games, the blossoming superstar has eight points over the past two, including his first hat trick of the season along with a helper- factoring in on every Islander goal.

“I still see him as a goofy kid. But he’s committed to being one of the best players in the league,” teammate Matt Moulson praised after notching a goal and assist in the Islanders’ third consecutive win. “He’s playing with a lot of confidence. When he does that, he can be a scary player. And he’s only going to get better once he matures and understands what he’s capable of.“

“There were a couple of times where we kind of took over the game, but unfortunately we took a few penalties and it kind of killed that momentum that we had,” an observant Lundqvist noted after playing a third straight solid game but having nothing to show for it. King Henrik finished with 30 saves. “We have to work even harder to be more disciplined out there.”

It’s understandable why the game’s brightest star would be front and center due to post concussion symptoms that have kept the Penguin captain sidelined since early January. Crosby is a ratings bonanza. So, we get to see every little update on the 24-year old center’s condition. Even if status quo as he continues to practice, there’s Versus NBC and NHL Network TSN giving a day to day synopsis of Sid The Kid’s plight. A few nights ago, there was wonderful new anchor Kathryn Tappen interviewing Mr. Crosby about how this experience has changed him. Granted. It was a good piece. It’s just that the continued Sidney stuff is already wavering on insanity.

We get the importance of the former Hart winner. When some of my colleagues in the blogosphere echoed that the game would survive without Crosby, I disagreed from the standpoint that the game couldn’t afford to lose a superstar so young. We need him around. Not to become another Kariya or Lindros. Assuming the worst case scenario, of course hockey would go on with or without Sid. But it still would be a crushing blow. Fortunately, over time Crosby’s condition has improved to where he’s getting close to finally returning. However, you’d think everything stopped the way it’s being covered.

Games are being played. In case TSN/NBC haven’t noticed, Crosby’s teammates are doing just fine without him and banged up Evgeni Malkin. They’re being led by Matt Cooke, who at least so far has decided to play hockey instead of cause chaos which forced the NHL to change Rule 48. Cooke, Kris Letang, Marc-Andre Fleury and the rest of the Pens are unbeaten in four games. With Sidney finally cleared for full contact earlier today, the news is encouraging for our preseason pick to come out of the East.

If only the media would chill a bit on every second of Sid’s life. Pretty soon, they’ll be reporting on what flavor ice cream he had at rival coach Bruce Boudreau’s favorite dessert shop, Haagen Dazs. Just imagine.

BREAKING NEWS: Crosby chooses banana walnut fudge on a waffle cone! Cue cheesy music with Kathryn Tappen doing a voice over. “Another busy day with 20 teams in action including the Caps and Pens renewing pleasantries minus Sidney Crosby. Speaking of which, we have an exclusive! A surprise in store for Pens fans. If you like ice cream, you’re in for a treat! …”

I like ice cream as much as anyone but it was never funnier than when Boudreau wanted to get his day started right with a Mall visit cracking, “It’s never too early for ice cream.” Hopefully, the real 24/7 gives us some of those WTF moments two months from now.

My feeling on Crosby’s recovery is that I’ll be genuinely excited when he finally declares himself ready to make his season debut. It’ll be great for the game regardless of your opinion on Sid. Besides, our games against the Pens wouldn’t be the same. Every fan needs a target even if nobody wants to see his career ruined. I liken it to that friend you playfully clown around with. As someone who’s usually been the victim, I chuckle.

I know I’m not alone in my opinion here. Crosby 24/7 can get a bit tedious. Even if you love him, when does it become about our teams? I applaud Jeremy Roenick for sounding off recently on NBC/Versus. I half wonder if Sid likes seeing himself on TV so much. Leave the kid alone and let him get ready. A little space never hurt.

We don’t want our media morphing into ESPN. Yes. I went there. Do we? Toss as many expletives as you like.