Battle Of Hudson

Thankfully there was no more pain or drama than neccesary involved with Jacques Lemaire stepping away from the Devils’ bench this time. There was no hour-long show to announce his decision, no three-month wait while ESPN reporters camp out on his lawn (well for hockey, maybe it would be CBC) and no waffling. Before the game he announced his decision in the locker room to retire after today’s contest and the Devils sent him out as he deserved to be sent out – as a winner. While their 3-2 win over Boston this afternoon meant nothing in the standings, it was meaningful to a coach who’s all class and got a team who’d lost all pride to play with passion, even with no tangible reward for it other than the respect of its fans.

On Fan Appreciation Day, the Devils put on a good show with some unexpected goalscoring. After Patrik Elias got the team’s first early on in the game, Boston later tied it just after a power play and the game stayed at 1-1 until the third period when of all people Vladimir Zharkov got a breakaway and put the puck past Tukka Rask to give the Devils a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. For Zharkov, it was just his second goal in 78 NHL games between last year and this year. Rookie defenseman Alexander Urbom added another later in the period – his first NHL goal. Urbom rejoined the team just this afternoon, after playing seven games very early in the season but spending most of the year in Albany.

Perhaps fittingly in a bizarre end to a bizarre season, as the Devil fans stood and cheered the end of the game, the lower bowl became packed with visiting Nordiques fans, who were concentrated in the balcony much of the day but were allowed to crowd the steps of the lower bowl as the final buzzer approached. And just as the crowd – Devils and Nords fans alike – was ready to explode, Boston scored with less than four seconds left, delaying the inevitable for a minute or so before finally the Devils sealed their win. Though I didn’t notice this at the time, Lemaire gave hint of his intentions by shaking the officials’ hands after the game.

While I wouldn’t have minded a return by the 66-year old Lemaire, I’m happy that he now gets to enjoy life with his family. Something he was doing before an old friend (Devils GM Lou Lamoriello) asked him for a favor in late December, to see what he could do with a team that was 9-22-2. He didn’t have to come back, but he did – showing the regard he has not only for Lou but for the organization as a whole. Ultimately the Devils’ run for .500 came up one game short, but it’s remarkable that a team which was nineteen under at one point wound up just a single game under by year’s end. Having done all of us proud, he gets to exit in a much better fashion than after last year’s drab second half and playoff exit, with a fanbase’s restored respect and admiration.

Lemaire’s legacy with the Devils is that he gave this franchise credibility and respect twice – the first time in 1994 when they had never really had either to begin with, apart from one Cinderella playoff run in 1988. The second time came this year, when a team who had won for years suddenly became a laughingstock who lost its way, on its way to a historically bad season for a non-expansion team. Once again, Lemaire brought respectability back to the Devils with a 29-17-3 record (which included a league-best 28-10-3 in the second half of the season) and players who had lost their confidence regained their form. His return and experience also proved invaluable to the ten rookies that suited up for at least one game this season. Even if Lemaire will be gone next year, his impact will still be felt.

Upon leaving, he said his only regret on coming back was not making the playoffs. Among anyone associated with the team this year, he’s perhaps the only one who’s blameless in that. My only regret on him leaving is that I don’t get to hear his entertaining press conferences anymore. Usually personable, sometimes funny but always knowledgeable. Perhaps that describes the man as well as his press conferences, along with a word I used in the first paragraph – class.

Thank you once again, Jacques. Enjoy your retirement now.

Through the last couple of weeks I’ve let Derek and Brian have the stage as far as blogging, since after all their teams had playoffs to chase and ultimately attain and ours was just playing out the string for the most part, other than today where they had their one chance to do something to leave a good taste in what’s been a poor season for the most part. With a chance to knock their bitter rival out of the playoffs, all the Devils sans Ilya Kovalchuk came up small in a 5-2 defeat, including Martin Brodeur, whose overall record against the Rangers I don’t want to see ever again. It’s too much of a reminder of what used to be. Before the lockout, Marty was every bit as good against the Rangers as he was against his hometown Canadiens, at least in the regular season. Now, not so much.

Granted, you have to say the Rangers were the healthier, grittier team and there’s a reason they (and the Sabres) are going to the playoffs and we aren’t. In a way it almost makes me feel better that the final playoff number in the East wound up being 93 points. That means the Devils would literally have had to earn 73 of a possible 82 points in the second half to make it. Wouldn’t have mattered how many games we lost to Ottawa, that hole was just too deep to make up. To their credit, the Devils tried and made it fun for two months but ultimately this season will be remembered as one fiasco on top of another, from the Kovalchuk cap saga this offseason to the John MacLean thirty-three game nightmare and now one final letdown in Game #81, where if the Devils had won they would have guaranteed themselves a standing ovation on Fan Appreciation Day tomorrow, as well as a chance to finish over NHL .500.

Unfortunately the possible final game in the great coaching career of Jacques Lemaire will probably see the team get booed, although one has to say at least he’s going out on a better note than last year’s playoff loss would have been. He breathed life back into a corpse and not only gave us two good months of hockey (two more than we had any right to hope for after the first half) but also helped rookies like Nick Palmeri, Mattias Tedenby, Jacob Josefson and Mark Fayne develop as well as brought out the best in $100 million man Kovalchuk, whose 21-goal second half and overall improved play at both ends of the ice proves he can indeed acclimate to the Devils’ system, at least under the right coach.

Really though, I’ve had enough not only with speculating on the Devils’ future, but also with this hockey season in general. Carolina going flat in a must-win game at home against a Tampa team with absolutely nothing to play for is the final insult. You wish they could have thrown up a clunker in the clutch like that against us at least once considering we’ve lost three crushing playoff series to them since 2002. And now the Rangers luck into the one team they have the best shot against – the Caps, who they beat by a touchdown just about every game they’ve played this year and should have beaten them in the playoffs two years ago if not for a couple of unfortunate incidents involving Sean Avery and John Tortorella.

A while back when the Devils were still going well, I thought I’d wind up ending the season with my final blog before Fan Appreciation Night on a happier note. Right now though, there are things in life to be happy about – but my sports teams aren’t among them. Wake me when the NHL playoffs are over, but with our luck this year the Finals will probably be Rangers-Canucks.

Brian used to refer to Atlanta as an automatic loss for Buffalo because everytime they played, the Thrashers took it to his Sabres. I guess the same applies to my team, who last night couldn’t get out of their own way- suffering a humiliating 3-0 shutout to a team that’s made the playoffs once in their existence. None of that mattered. Not even on an emotional night where former officer Steven McDonald presented Brandon Prust with the Extra Effort Award with two-time recipient Ryan Callahan on crutches showing support to thunderous cheers.

Despite another riveting speech from McDonald that included, “We win. You lose,” the Rangers just couldn’t. It didn’t start out badly by any stretch with their first few shifts pinning the Thrashers deep, generating chances on Ondrej Pavelec. The problem was the young netminder didn’t cooperate, stopping all 29 shots en route to his fourth shutout of the season. The Rangers took the first four shots but couldn’t get the all important first goal, which may have sent Atlanta in retreat. Instead, they came on following a couple of strong shifts from Prust’s line with Brian Boyle and Ruslan Fedotenko. Once the Thrashers began taking the play to us, it was evident that we were in for a long night. A couple of very tough saves from Henrik Lundqvist foreshadowed a heartbreaking script. When he squeezed the pads together to rob Dustin Byfuglien in the second, the look on his face was one of, ‘Uh oh. If I give up one, we’re going to lose.’

That’s how superior the Thrashers were. A team with skill and speed who just aren’t a good match-up for our team. No surprise that they felt quite comfortable on the Garden ice, where they’ve now won five straight. Sadly, the Rangers are 3-13-3 over the last 19 versus Atlanta. Honestly, I think all three wins came via the shootout. I was concerned going in because of this danger. Plus the loss of Callahan was felt with our attack not as strong. Marian Gaborik isn’t even an ounce of what Callahan brings, which explained why it didn’t take long for John Tortorella to break up Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov and the listless Gaborik, who failed miserably in a big game. If our fate is sealed by two Carolina wins and I see no reason why they’ll suffer the same end result in Atlanta tonight, you really have to wonder what’s going on inside Gaborik’s head. Is it the injuries he had? Is it just mental? Can anyone explain the lack of burst coming from his skates with opponents easily able to recover when he has a step? Between the mind numbing inability to score when our team needs it and the lazy play away from the puck like allowing mere mortal Eric Boulton to escape for the crusher a few minutes into the third, you have to ask if he’ll be back. Will anyone take that salary? For some reason, Gabby just doesn’t fit the system.

Everyone else gives maximum effort. Even on a night they didn’t have it, the try was there. The execution wasn’t. Anyone could see how lucky they were not to be down after one. So, when Islander stiff Rob Schremp took full advantage of a dreadful Sean Avery turnover for the game’s first goal, it wasn’t a surprise. However, seeing Atlanta captain Andrew Ladd split our top pair badly, dusting Dan Girardi before going backhand deke on Lundqvist, was stunning. Both Girardi and Marc Staal had games to forget with each on for two of three goals against. Tortorella’s not wrong when he states that nobody played well. Even if Boyle came close, drawing iron before the roof collapsed, our team looked disjointed. You can’t tempt fate twice. Against Boston, they got a mulligan. I knew after the second goal, there would be no comeback. Considering that I already wasn’t feeling well, I headed for the car and listened to the third where Dave Maloney was beside himself after Gaborik’s error.

Maloney questioned Tortorella sitting our most skilled forward out the remaining 15:41 in Game 81 trailing by three. Yes. He made a brutal mistake. But at that point with the team needing him and more shifts for Anisimov, who also found himself on the bench much of the third, they had to play their best. Conversely, Avery wasn’t punished for his lazy clear that’s been a trait ever since he returned to Broadway. You figure it out. Erik Christensen, who didn’t look half bad between Avery and converted right wing Matt Gilroy, received increased minutes. The same player whose role had reduced to almost zilch aside from shootout specialist. Sometimes, the coach’s decisions baffle. Especially with one more game to play tomorrow afternoon (12:30 ET) against the Devils.

It might not even matter. If the Canes win out, even if we beat the Devils and finish tied in the standings with 93 points, Carolina gets in by virtue of one more regulation/overtime win (35-34). The only prayer is that the Thrashers somehow summon up the same energy against a rested opponent tonight in a more than half empty building and do us a huge favor. I just can’t see that happening. Not the way the battle tested Hurricanes are playing. Cam Ward’s on a role and Eric Staal, Erik Cole and Jeff Skinner are carrying them. Their best players are playing like it and that spells doom unfortunately for us.

I can honestly say if they win tonight, I’m not going to bother going tomorrow. For what point? Even if we win, I just can’t see the Canes losing at home to Tampa Bay with their season on the line. It’s like Hasan says. When they do make it, watch out. Every indication is that Carolina will win out and then eliminate whoever they face. I’d love to be wrong because I could easily that being us. It’s too bad they didn’t meet the challenge yesterday. Now, it’s our of their control.

Hope for a miracle.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (23 saves)
2nd Star-Eric Boulton, Atl (6th of season)
1st Star-Rob Schremp, Atl (GW goal, assist)

The playoff races continue to be eye popping, especially in the West. While out East, it’s still three teams for two spots with the Canes winning last night over the Red Wings, the West picture got a bit clearer thanks to wins from the Kings, Blackhawks and Ducks last night. LA’s 3-2 shootout win over Phoenix clinched a playoff berth- vaulting them to fourth over the Predators with 98 points. The Coyotes need one point or any loss from the Stars or those behind them to wrap up a second straight postseason.

In the game of the night, the Hawks posted a wild 4-3 overtime win over old Norris rival St. Louis, increasing their chances of defending the Cup. Chris Stewart forced OT by powering past Duncan Keith and rifling one upstairs on Calder candidate Corey Crawford. In danger a second consecutive night of losing out on a valuable point, Crawford delivered a couple of money stops and captain Jonathan Toews beat Ty Conklin on a breakaway, lifting his team to the huge triumph. Toews’ 32nd goal gave Chicago 95 points, who need just two more to qualify.

The Flames knew they needed help from San Jose even if they won. In the Battle Of Alberta, Calgary took care of business on the strength of captain Jarome Iginla’s hat trick in a 6-1 rout of Edmonton. He once again scored 40 in a season, doing so for the fourth time in a brilliant career that’s also included a 50 goal campaign in ’07-08. Down the stretch the classy superstar was brilliant, putting up 14 points (9-5-14) over the last six games, featuring his second hat trick of the season. Since March 1, Iginla’s scored a ridiculous 17 goals along with 10 assists, totaling 27 points- erasing doubts that the 33 year-old was on the downside. It’s a shame that we won’t get to see one of the game’s brightest stars in the playoffs. If only they’d brought in Jay Feaster earlier to replace Daryl Sutter. During the run, Iginla’s moved up to third in goals behind Rocket Richard leader Corey Perry (50) and Steven Stamkos (44) while tying Alex Ovechkin for sixth in scoring with 85 points (42-43-85). If not for a torrid pace from Perry, who now is front and center in the Hart discussion with The Sedins, Martin St. Louis, Tim Thomas, Carey Price and Pekka Rinne, Iginla would probably be at the top of the list for rescuing his team. Instead, he won’t be part of the playoffs.

Meanwhile at The Pond Honda Center, the Sharks were no match for Perry, who continued his scoring assault by notching his third hat trick of ’10-11 along with a helper in a 6-2 demolishing of their close California rival. So spectacular were the first two goals that they’ll be replayed for quite a while with one an amazing forehand, triple deke to the backhand, roof job on a helpless Antero Niittymaki, who made his first start in 35 games, finally giving Finnish countryman Antti Niemi a night off. The poor ex-Flyer had no chance.

“Fifty is a huge number,” beamed Perry after increasing the NHL’s streak of 50 goal scorers to six post-lockout.  “Everybody talks about it, (but) not a whole lot of people get to do it and be in that category. It hasn’t really sunk in.”

“It’s a tip to all of us when he can get 50, but it still takes a special player to get there,” proud linemate Ryan Getzlaf praised of Perry’s work that’s seen him rip up NHL goalies for 19 goals over the last 14 games. “He’s one of those guys who rise to the occasion. He plays playoff hockey any time you need him. He has proven time and time again he can play in those big games and have results.”

Perry’s recent dominance that features a current 10-game point streak (14-8-22) has elevated the Duck to second in scoring with his 97 points (50-47-97) only trailing Daniel Sedin (41-59-100)
Ironically, the tear has him a point (28-27) better than Iginla since March. Going a step further, Perry is 25-20-45 since the All-Star break. No wonder he’s at the top of many MVP lists. The Ducks aren’t in yet with Dallas holding an extra game that includes a pivotal home-and-home versus the Avalanche tonight and tomorrow. With a home-and-home against the rival Kings tomorrow and Saturday, the Ducks can punch their playoff ticket by winning. They sit seventh in the West due to more regulation/OT wins than the Hawks, who also have two remaining in a home-and-home traditional theme versus chief rival Detroit Friday and Sunday. If Dallas wins its final three including a visit to Minnesota on the final day of the season, that would put them at 97 points. However, they’d come up short if tied due to the new tiebreaker. So, the Stars still need help. Quite fascinating stuff.

The East race is well documented with the Sabres (92 Pts), Rangers (91) and Hurricanes (89) all battling for the final two spots. For Buffalo, one point will ensure them a second straight postseason. They face the Flyers at home tomorrow and travel to Columbus Saturday. The Rangers need three points. A win tonight versus Atlanta would put them in good shape, forcing the Canes to stave off elimination tomorrow against those same Thrashers in Georgia. They could need to beat the Hudson rival Devils Saturday to wrap up the playoffs for a fifth time in six years. Meanwhile, Carolina will watch the action later and then battle Atlanta and finish with Tampa at home Saturday.

It’s a race to the finish line for both the Rangers and Hurricanes with each doing their part to achieve meaningful hockey this Spring. It’s already been interesting with the Rangers rallying from three down to stun the Bruins with five unanswered the other night. The Hurricanes responded with a convincing 3-0 shutout of West powerhouse Detroit in Raleigh on the strength of 42 saves from former Conn Smythe winner Cam Ward, who was at his best in the first period, stopping all 19 shots.

The Canes finally solved Jimmy Howard with a pair in the second off the sticks of Derek Joslin and Calder frontrunner Jeff Skinner, whose wraparound with 1:11 left all but ensured the big win. Detroit generated quality chances but even when Ward wasn’t stopping them in their tracks, he had some help from a goalpost, which denied Pavel Datsyuk’s tying bid. Datsyuk certainly was dangerous but no Red Wing could solve Ward, who turned it up and looks like he’ll be awfully tough to beat in Carolina’s final two regular season games at Atlanta tomorrow and home for Tampa Bay Saturday. Ward and a strong Canes’ PK held off a Detroit two-man advantage before Eric Staal cruised down the other way and promptly set up sizzling linemate Erik Cole for the final tally. Staal set up all three goals while Ward recorded his fourth shutout (16th career) as Carolina pulled within two of the Blueshirts, who host those Thrashers tonight.

One team can play a huge role in who makes it. Over the next 24 hours (30 for those keeping track), the Thrashers will try to spoil it for either the Rangers or Canes. Both teams must remember to show up to the rink on time because Atlanta is very formidable- boasting dangerous Dustin Byfuglien and Tobias Enstrom on the back end while captain Andrew Ladd leads the offense up front that includes budding sophomore Evander Kane, ex-Bruin Blake Wheeler, Bryan Little, Nik Antropov and grinders Anthony Stewart and Chris Thorburn. Ondrej Pavelec can also be a pain if he gets hot. The Thrashers don’t play much D, which explains Pavelec’s solid .910 save percentage. By no means will Atlanta roll over for either club. Especially the Rangers, who have to do it without emotional leader Ryan Callahan against a team that owns them. Entering tonight, they have yet to take a game in the season series, dropping two in regulation and one in overtime. In fact, the last four times Atlanta’s visited MSG, they’ve sent the Garden Faithful home unsatisfied. If that happens tonight, it could be fatal. The Rangers are looking to reverse a trend that’s seen their opponent go 12-3-3 against them over the last 18 meetings.

Getting off quickly would definitely be a good idea. The Thrashers have nothing to play for outside of pride. Score early and perhaps they’ll go away. Minus Callahan, the Rangers will need everyone to step up including MIA Act Marian Gaborik, who should see important minutes possibly with Artem Anisimov and Brandon Dubinsky. Gaborik hasn’t scored in seven straight and likely won’t play with Vinny Prospal, who should start with Derek Stepan and Wojtek Wolski. It’ll be interesting to see what John Tortorella does as far as Gaborik who was shifted to the checking line with Brian Boyle and Brandon Prust, helping set up Mike Sauer’s exciting game-winner. Does he keep him on the energy line, hoping it rubs off or will we see Gabby reunited with Erik Christensen? Speaking of vanishing acts, Christy has again disappeared after a great stretch in March before a futile finish. Matt Gilroy is expected to dress as a forward, something the former Hobey Baker winner did in college before making the switch. How much will Tort use a talented player with offensive insincts?

Assuming Gabby starts with Boyle, here’s what we see:

Avery-Dubinsky-Anisimov
Prospal-Stepan-Wolski
Prust-Boyle-Gaborik
Fedotenko-Christensen-Gilroy

Staal-Girardi
McDonagh-Sauer
McCabe-Eminger

Lundqvist

You know with Tortorella, nothing’s etched in stone. He’ll do whatever he can to get the most of a team that’s been resilient all year. Now, they face even more adversity with the enemy Devils licking their chops at the prospect of ruining what’s been a feel good story. The task is simple. Like Adrienne said to Rocky after giving birth in Rocky II:

“Win! WIN!!!!!“

From #NYR Tweep @BigGun_s: #Rally4Cally

This wild race is winding down. Last night, one of the four teams wrapped up a playoff spot with the Canadiens posting a 2-1 overtime win over the defending champs at The Bell Centre. Controversial rookie defenseman P.K. Subban’s power play goal won it for the Habs, allowing them to make the playoffs a second straight season. The lowscoring Original Six club can thank Carey Price, who was outstanding finishing with 42 saves, including a few close calls late in regulation on tricky deflections. It was his goaltending that saved Montreal’s bacon and certainly is worthy of a Vezina and Hart candidacy. Though he’ll probably get left out of the MVP discussion with frontrunner Daniel Sedin, Corey Perry and Henrik Sedin all in the mix along with darkhorse Jarome Iginla if the Flames somehow sneak in.

While the Habs took care of business to clinch, the Sabres inched closer to a second straight postseason of their own, doubling up the Lightning at home 4-2 on the strength of Thomas Vanek’s sixth career hat trick. Following Ryan Malone’s early goal for the Bolts, Buffalo responded with three straight including a pair from Vanek that allowed him to reach 30 for the fourth time in his career. Tim Connolly followed with his 13th, which stood up as the winner thanks to Swede rookie Jhonas Enroth, who again was sharp minus Ryan Miller– finishing with 23 saves. Enroth’s strong play has allowed the Sabres to win three of four (3-0-1). Who would’ve thought that a once perceived weakness could be the ticket to meaningful Spring hockey? Credit Lindy Ruff and the organization for entrusting the ’06 second round pick with the backup job over vet Patrick Lalime, who drove our Buffalo resident batty. The Lightning didn’t even get a look late thanks to stellar D from Ruff’s club, who were so good that Guy Boucher’s team couldn’t even get Dwayne Roloson to the bench. With less than 15 seconds left, Vanek picked Martin St. Louis’ pocket and fired into a vacated net as Roloson watched hopelessly, completing the trick. Buffalo is one point away from the playoffs. A Carolina OT or shootout loss would allow them to clinch tonight.

Speaking of the Hurricanes, they face a must win tonight at home versus the Red Wings. So much for the schedule makers doing them any favors. On that note, can anyone explain why such a crucial contest involves the other conference. Echoing Brian’s sentiments with his team finishing in Columbus, what the heck? The final week, you should play only your conference. Preferably rivalry games like the Devils visiting the Rangers Saturday. In any event, the Canes trail the Rangers by four with three left. Their extra game is tonight at 7 ET in Raleigh. The tiebreak has the Blueshirts leading Carolina 34-33 in regulation/OT wins. A win puts the pressure back on the Blueshirts, who learned Team MVP Ryan Callahan broke his leg after blocking a Zdeno Chara shot the other night. If the Canes pick up only a point, a Ranger victory tomorrow versus the Thrashers would allow them to wrap it up. Carolina’s gotten great play from Erik Cole, Eric Staal, Calder hopeful Jeff Skinner and Cam Ward. The game is meaningful for Detroit only if they want to pass San Jose for the West’s second seed. They’ve already won the Central over Nashville.

As a hockey purist, it’d be more interesting if the Canes won, putting the pressure back on us. As a Ranger fan, I’d certainly welcome a Red Wing win but am not expecting it. If we’re going to make it minus our emotional leader, I’d rather earn it. As I’ve said before, let’s win out.

The Western race is much more exciting with only the three division winners in while the Preds, Coyotes, Kings, Ducks, Hawks, Stars and even the Flames scramble for the remaining five spots. In order to have any shot, Calgary must win their remaining two against Alberta rival Edmonton later and at arch enemy Vancouver on Hockey Night In Canada. Assuming the Flames do what must be done, that game should have meaning. But the Flames need plenty of help with Anaheim, Chicago and Dallas all having three left. The Flames cannot catch Nashville (97), Phoenix (96) or LA (96). There are four games of interest for West observers. Chicago hosts the Blues looking to bounce back from a tough OT loss in Montreal, which had Joel Queeneville fuming about the 10 minors his team received. Facing an old Norris rival who’d like nothing better than to play spoiler, is no picnic. Then there’s the aforementioned Alberta clash between the Flames and Oilers at The Saddledome. This rivalry is one of the best and is worth watching after Detroit-Carolina. Then you have another intense rivalry California style between the Ducks and Sharks at The Pond. San Jose is still fuming from their first round ouster two years ago as the top seed. Need I say more? And finally, the Yotes and Kings break the tie in the standings at Staples Center. The best aspect is it’s all rivalry games. Here’s when each plays:

Stl @ Chi 8 ET
Edm @ Cgy 9:30 ET
SJ @ Ana 10 ET
Phx @ LA 10:30 ET

There he was setting up his Draftmate Brandon Dubinsky for a thrilling tying goal that brought the Garden out of their seats after the Rangers had fought valiantly from a three-goal deficit to tie the Bruins. And when rookie Mike Sauer, who always seems in the right place, snuck a seeing eye shot through Tim Thomas, there was No.24 again in True Blue sacrificing for the good of the team, even if it came at a costly price.

It takes an awful lot of guts and determination to get in front of a Zdeno Chara shot. The league’s most feared man who when he’s winding up, you fear the worst like a goal being scored. So, Ryan Callahan laid out the body one more time, making a full out dive to block the league’s hardest shot that was clocked at nearly 106 MPH at the All-Star Skills Competition in Raleigh back in late January. This is the kind of heart and soul player Callahan has become for the Rangers. Not only does he do all the dirty work, but also is second in team scoring with a career high 23 goals and 25 assists for 48 points. There isn’t anything the former fourth rounder won’t do. Whether it’s throwing a crunching hit- a category he still ranks 12th in with 224 despite missing 19 games, or getting in the path of a shot, Cally does whatever it takes for his team to be successful.

When he returned from a busted hand from what else but blocking a shot, Callahan elevated his play to the best level it’s ever been. Since Feb.1, he leads the Blueshirts with 13 goals and 24 points over 27 games while playing the same gritty style that’s admired not only by teammates but opponents as well. Even Chara was upset when he learned that Callahan is expected to miss between six to eight weeks for a broken ankle that won’t require surgery.

“You watch teams that end up going far in the playoffs, shot-blocking is a must,” prideful coach John Tortorella said on the injury to the Rangers’ MVP. “That’s just a given for us in what we have to do.”

Callahan also ranks fifth among all forwards with 77 blocks. Despite playing only 60 games with his regular season done, the recently turned 26 year-old Rochester native achieved new highs not only in goals, assists and points but also in power play goals (10) and game-winners (5), which both pace the club. What else would you expect from a man who gets the most out of his 5-11, 185 pound frame?

“You can’t really say enough good things about him as a player and as a person and as a leader in this organization,” praised captain Chris Drury, who’s begun skating and taking part in team practices despite not being ready. “We’re going to miss him, and miss him a lot. He plays in every situation and does all the little things, does all the big things. He’s just been great. He’s going to be a big loss for us.

“As he would want us to do, want the guys to do, is play hard without him, kind of move on, win some games, and put a smile on his face that way.”

Now, the Rangers must go on without him. They have two games left with the Thrashers in town Thursday and the Hudson rival Devils crossing the river Saturday. This team has been resilient all year. It will be up to other players to step up. On a team that boasts five 20-goal scorers with Draft Mate Artem Anisimov one shy of making it six, it’s back to work for Tortorella’s guys who’ll summon whatever energy they have left to play the way their next captain does daily. Now, it’s up to Dubinsky, Anisimov, Stepan, Boyle, Prust, Prospal, Gaborik, Staal, Girardi, Sauer, McDonagh, Avery, Fedotenko, Eminger, McCabe, Christensen, Wolski, Gilroy and Lundqvist to do what needs to be done. The situation remains the same. Win and they’re in. Don’t rely on help.

Something tells us inspiration won’t be a problem. Do it for Cally.

At 3-0 down, it looked over. In a game they needed, the Rangers were all out of sorts looking up at a huge three-goal hole to a tough Bruins club set on adding another crushing chapter to a classic Original Six rivalry. When Chris Kelly skated untouched and beat Henrik Lundqvist shortside, it seemed insurmountable with less than half of regulation left. At that point, Boston won every battle, earning their big lead by going to the dirty areas to score the first two before Kelly surged past Ruslan Fedotenko and stunned an already antsy Garden crowd, who rained down the home team with more boos.

It would’ve been easy to say, ‘It’s just not our night.’ On the Bruins’ first pair, they scored right after the Rangers blew chances. All season long, that’s not what this team is about. There have been few nights where our guys didn’t compete with one coming at the hands of the Islanders a few days ago. If it’s true they were sluggish in the second of another challenging back-to-back against a top three seed, you wouldn’t have known it the way the Blueshirts responded to adversity. Led by Vinny Prospal’s two goals, John Tortorella’s scrappy bunch put together a historic comeback to stun the B’s 5-3 before a raucous atmosphere at MSG. Never before in the unique 85 year history of one of the oldest rivalries, had the Rangers climbed back from a three-goal deficit to defeat the Bruins.

“It’s a feeling that you can’t describe when you hear that many people going crazy,” tying hero Brandon Dubinsky said after scoring the third unanswered goal with 3:48 remaining off a brilliant feed by Ryan Callahan to send the Garden into bedlum. “We fought so hard for so many months and we needed these two points. That part of it makes it even that much more emotional.”

Dubinsky’s biggest goal of the season wouldn’t have been possible without the heroics of Vinny Prospal. A prideful man who fought tooth and nail to get back in the lineup after so many setbacks with his knee. At one point, there were even rumors that his career might be over. For myself, I never expected him to return because it sounded bad and I wanted to be realistic about the chances. I disagreed with my Dad whenever the topic came up. He maintained that the team would be better off with a more long-term view while I insisted that Prosp was an underrated cog who brings skill along with leadership. Never has that been more evident than in his play down the stretch. The 36 year-old Czech, who Mike Milbury mistakenly thought was part of Tort’s ’03-04 Bolts’ Cup, plays with such enthusiasm that it rubs off on his younger teammates. After he scored off a goalmouth scramble 62 seconds later, steering home Wolski’s rebound, he pumped his fists and was telling the guys they’re back in it on the bench.

The joy Prospal has when he scores is so positive that it has to inspire the rest of the roster. It doesn’t take much to inject life into a team that was skating in quicksand prior. Tortorella tried everything, altering every line in a desperate attempt to awaken his club, who knew full well that a loss would mean scoreboard praying. It would’ve allowed the Hurricanes to control their destiny.  

“We didn’t want to have to watch and see what Carolina did (Wednesday) night,” Dubinsky said. “We want to keep ourselves in the driver’s seat.”

Instead, Tort found magic in a bottle with reemerging rookie Derek Stepan between Prospal and Wolski. The trio suddenly took over, scoring a huge second goal before the middle stanza ended. The play was made possible by a hustling Stepan, who beat a Boston defenseman to a loose puck, pushing it to Wolski behind the net, who then turned and set up Prospal in front for his second straight in 6:52. Suddenly, the Rangers were very much alive, trailing by only a goal entering the third.

Boston had only lost once in regulation when leading after two periods, bringing a 20-1-2 mark into the fateful final period. None of that meant anything. Even though the Bruins sat back, which drew the ire of coach Claude Julien afterwards, they reestablished their tight defense, keeping the Rangers on the perimeter while also putting together a couple of strong shifts with less than 10 minutes left. As the seconds ticked down, it looked like it would be another heartbreaking defeat on home ice where a poor start cost us. The Bruins even came close to scoring with Michael Ryder driving a long slapper off the crossbar.

Even more daunting was the inept play of Marian Gaborik, who went through the motions on more than one shift. Other than a couple of quality shots that Tim Thomas snuffed out in the first, he was invisible. Something Milbury alluded to on the Versus postgame. He was moved to Brian Boyle’s line. Boyle also was having a tough night with his line caught on for Nathan Horton’s 25th that saw all five Rangers standing around when the Bruins went in front by two. As fate would have it, the unlikely duo combined for the biggest goal later. Before they could, the Blueshirts still had to get it tied. With seemingly nothing working, Tortorella finally went back to the Draft Line, reuniting Callahan, Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov for a key shift. On a determined shift, they wouldn’t be denied with Callahan sending a backhand feed in front for Dubinsky, who outwaited Thomas before tucking home a backhand to miraculously tie it before being mobbed. On the play, Marc Staal kept the play alive with a good pinch. Ironically, it was his great keep and pass that started the comeback. Without those two plays, they’re cooked.

With the crowd now in a frenzy, Tortorella cameback with Boyle, Gaborik and Brandon Prust. On what appeared to be a broken play, Boyle took a whale of a hit to get the puck to Gaborik, who finally did something by sending seeing eye backhand pass that somehow went through to a pinching Mike Sauer, whose soft shot went thru Thomas’ wickets just enough before Johnny Boychuk could keep the puck out. If they weren’t crazy before, you should’ve heard them now. My Dad who was fortunate enough to go, said it was unbelievable. One can only imagine. Just seeing it on TV was enough to send me into a state of shock. My brother, who I watched a majority of it with had left to see our friend one last time before she flew back to Atlanta. Of course when it ended, I wound up there too. But I just wasn’t leaving until I saw the end. Good thing too because I texted him twice and his response was, “Yes!”

“That was unbelievable,” a pumped Sauer expressed. “I never scored a goal and it got that loud, that is for sure. The boys were excited and the fans went nuts.”

Sometimes, it’s moments like that that make you a fan for life. This is why we live and die with this T-E-A-M. Once up, they weren’t going to allow the Bruins to tie it. Ryan Callahan sacrificed again by making a ridiculous diving block of a dangerous Zdeno Chara shot that unfortunately broke his ankle. Of course, everyone’s favorite Ranger earned huge pops. Such a shame that a day later, we find out he’s out between six to eight weeks but won’t need surgery. If this team gets in and pulls a first round upset, who wants to bet Cally somehow returns if there’s a Game Six or Seven in the Eastern Conference Semis? Don’t put it past the heart and soul of these Blueshirts.

When Stepan hit the empty net, one of the most memorable regular season comebacks in club history was complete. It came at a price but this team’s proven before that they can overcome obstacles. The latest challenge for the Rangers, who’ll have to do it without Callahan with Atlanta Thursday and New Jersey Saturday both at home. Forget about what Buffalo does tonight against Tampa or what happens tomorrow between Carolina and Detroit. This win was our 34th in regulation/overtime, giving the Rangers a four point lead over the Hurricanes, who now have immense pressure. In fact, a Sabre win tonight and a Cane loss would clinch for Buffalo, who now trails us by a point for seventh. The Rangers are tied at 91 points with the Canadiens, who hold the tiebreaker and play their extra game tonight against a desperate Chicago team. The only way we finish ahead of them is by winning our last two or a complete collapse by Les Habitants. I’m not counting on anything. Let’s just win out and silence the detractors.

Take care of business. It’s all in front of them.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Brandon Dubinsky, NYR (tying goal-24th w/3:48 left)
2nd Star-Derek Stepan, NYR (ENG, assist, outstanding hustle)
1st Star-Vinny Prospal, NYR (2 goals-7th, 8th and tremendous energy)

As the Buffalo Sabres fans had a day off after the emotional 2-1 win at Carolina on Sunday, the focus was shifted to Madison Square Garden, where the Boston Bruins were in town to play the New York Rangers.

Now granted, the Carolina Hurricanes are the focus for the Sabres right now to ultimately clinch a playoff spot in the 2011 Eastern Conference playoffs, but one couldn’t think it would be nice to have another team behind the Sabres in the standings.

As the game started, the Bruins jumped out to a 3-0 lead, and it appeared that one of the arch rivals of the Swords was actually going to help us on this Monday evening.

But about 2 hrs after this, it was clear as day: Never trust a team from Boston when you can do the work yourself.

In recent vintage Boston Bruins fashion (a trait they have seemed to learn from some Ottawa Senators team of the past), the ‘Ruins’ had an epic collapse yet again, as the Rangers stormed back and won 5-3 in front of a raucous crowd at MSG.

To not give the Rangers credit for crawling back into the game and ultimately winning it is unfair, but Boston showed yet again, they cannot be trusted for help.

Tonight the Buffalo Sabres entertain the Tampa Bay Lightning, in yet another 3rd game in 4 night stretch that seems endless (something this league needs to fix, less games perhaps? Never, that is TOO easy!). Tampa Bay won the first two meetings of the season, and Jhonas Enroth, the hero of the win at Carolina, will be in between the pipes again.

NOTES:

The Sabres are 6-1-2 over their last 9 games.

If the Buffalo Sabres win tonight, and the Carolina Hurricanes lose in regulation in Motown against the Red Wings on Wednesday, the Sabres will clinch a playoff spot.

Ryan Miller remains day-to-day and there appears to be a possibility he can return by the weekend.

The Sabres host the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday and close out the season at Columbus. Strange to see an Eastern Conference team close out a season against a ‘Western’ conference team like Columbus. Hear that Uncle Gary? Change the division and conference names!

It was all too fitting. The Rangers again in a hostile environment taken to a shootout versus the hated Flyers. Considering what was at stake in Game 79 with Carolina playing Buffalo later, it was easy to flashback to Game 82 a year ago when mere mortal Brian Boucher outdid Henrik Lundqvist in the skill competition, getting his team in the playoffs and soon on a run that didn’t end until Game Six of the Stanley Cup to Hawk hero Patrick Kane.

Would the same cruel fate happen again? Luckily, Olli Jokinen wasn’t available for Sunday’s critical 3-2 shootout triumph that allowed Lundqvist and his Ranger teammates to breathe easier. Most importantly, thanks to Erik Christensen and Wojtek Wolski, who each beat Sergei Bobrovsky in the first two rounds, the Rangers had their revenge- gaining the valuable extra point that puts them at 89 entering another huge match tonight when Boston visits MSG. Coupled with the Sabres’ 3-2 overtime win over Carolina, the Rangers are eighth two points clear of the Hurricanes, who also have three games remaining. Both teams have 33 wins in regulation/overtime. However, the Canes own the season series, which becomes the second breaker if they wind up tied at season’s conclusion.

Here’s the deal. Win tonight and the Blueshirts put immense pressure on Carolina, who will then trail by four. Do it in regulation/OT and they’ll also lead the Hurricanes by one under the new format, which would make it even more daunting. Thanks to rookie Marc-Andre Gragnani’s first NHL goal that caromed off two Canes past Cam Ward, it prevented Carolina from staying only a point back while keeping the seventh Sabres a point up on us. Well, technically two due to more reg/OT wins.

For John Tortorella’s resilient club who erased the lifeless performance in Long Island with a more familiar gritty style that’s made them rootable, they can’t concern themselves with what the Canadiens, Sabres and Hurricanes do. The focus must be about taking care of business, which includes tough Northeast division winner Boston later on Versus at 7:30 ET. A game that should be no picnic with the Bruins still vying for higher position in the East, trailing the Flyers and Capitals by four with an extra game being played today. The Bruins are difficult anyway with Vezina frontrunner Tim Thomas, former Norris winner Zdeno Chara, power forward Milan Lucic and a bevy of smart forwards who get in on the forecheck and can strike quickly.

Figure it to play out similarly to Lundqvist’s league high 11th shutout on March 26 in Beantown. The Rangers could be without goalscorer Ruslan Fedotenko, who only played five minutes in the third after getting banged up. If the undervalued key addition can’t go, Whale call up Kris Newbury will replace him, likely on the fourth line with shootout aces Christensen and Wolski. Sean Avery, who only played five minutes, would see more shifts playing with Brandon Prust and Brian Boyle.

The Rangers matched their team record set in ’93-94 by recording their 24th road win. They finish the 2010-11 regular season 24-16-1 (24-17), hoping it’s not the final time they play away from The Garden. Now, they get the last three at home in a place that hasn’t been as easy. Entering tonight, they’re 18-16-4 on home ice. In other words, a losing record (18-20). In what’s going to be a chaotic week, nothing can be assumed. Even if Carolina gets the Red Wings Wednesday before finishing with Atlanta and Tampa Bay, the goal is simple. Hold serve with the Garden Faithful throwing all their support to get this hard working team in the playoffs. With the basketball tenant, the Knicks clinching their first postseason since ’03-04, there’s even more scrutiny.

The Rangers have the Bruins, Thrashers Thursday and the Hudson rival Devils Saturday, who you know would love nothing better than to end their season. Here’s a noble suggestion. Win the first two to not put themselves in an unenviable position.

Nobody ever said it would be easy. Not with a young roster that’s been carried down the stretch by Lundqvist, who will make his record 24th consecutive start. They’ll need the same level of sacrifice and commitment to get it done from Staal, Girardi, McDonagh, Sauer, Callahan, Dubinsky, Boyle, Prust, Anisimov and even Prospal who’s shown so much coming back from a knee that could end his career. Even Gaborik got the uniform dirty yesterday, coming hard on the backcheck to break up scoring chances. If only No.10 would remember his main duty and score a couple over this do or die stretch.

It’s time for the boys to stand up and fight for their right at home. Go all Beastie Boys and defend their turf. Do so and they’re back in the postseason for a fifth time in six years since the lockout. Do it not and it will be a long offseason. It’s up to them.