Battle Of Hudson

If one were to judge rookie Derek Stepan’s NHL debut, plenty of adjectives come to mind. Scintillating. Sensational. Historic. That’s how special the 20 year-old former 2008 second round pick was in leading the Rangers past the Sabres 6-3- making history by becoming the first ever Ranger to record a hat trick in his rookie debut.

“I was just kind of getting my feet wet in my first NHL game. And it was a fun process,” a diplomatic Stepan said of his remarkable feat. “I guess for me, it’s just one of those things where you kind of go, ‘I guess I got lucky.'”

Doing it in front of a proud Mom and excited sister, the former Badger standout started his memorable night by redirecting a Dan Girardi right point shot off Tyler Myers and past Ryan Miller for the center’s first career NHL goal 10:53 into the contest. In a hostile place that hasn’t treated them too kindly recently, the Rangers acquitted themselves well against a team playing its second game in two nights. With the top line of Alexander Frolov, Erik Christensen and Marian Gaborik held mostly in check aside from the Big Ticket’s nice setup for Christy’s first 68 seconds into the third, it was the freshman Stepan who led the team to victory with one of the best starts to what hopefully will be a great career. While he scored three of the game’s first five putting the Blueshirts in front by three after 40 minutes, he got help from Brandon Dubinsky (2 goals) and Artem Anisimov (assist).

Now officially a left wing, Dubinsky cashed in his first when Anisimov took advantage of a Myers slip behind the net, quickly dishing across for the third-year Alaskan for 2-zip. After a rough first following their road win over Ottawa, Buffalo responded with a strong middle stanza in which they dictated throughout, outshooting the guests 19-9. A shaky Henrik Lundqvist kept them off the board until a clean Paul Gaustad faceoff win allowed Ranger killer Patrick Kaleta to setup Jordan Leopold’s first as a Sabre. A quick one-timer from the point that went through the Ranger netminder despite no traffic. Indeed, King Henrik wasn’t sharp despite making 33 saves- leaking rebounds while fighting the puck. But on this night, it was enough thanks to the super performance from Stepan, who responded 4:01 later with his second- slamming a Marc Staal rebound home.

Before the period was done, the historic moment came when linemate Sean Avery made a perfect blind pass to the vacated bright eyed kid who deposited his first career hat trick with ease, sending Mom and sis to their feet in astonishment. A night the Stepan family won’t ever forget. It was a smart Girardi dump that got the play started. Then, Avery recovered the puck and whipped it in front for a Stepan one-timer within 10 feet, which left Sam Rosen and Joe Micheletti singing his praises. At least it was justified unlike Micheletti’s lousy excuse for a dreadful Leopold power play goal that eluded Lundqvist later.

“I don’t think we expect him to score three every night,” Lundqvist noted. “But if he does, we’ll take it.”

When Gaborik drew two Sabre defenders including Myers who had a miserable night, the crafty Slovak fed Christensen for his first making it 5-1 with 18:52 remaining. Frolov drew a secondary assist. That’s about all he did in a much quieter Ranger debut that included an unnecessary offensive zone penalty after trying to do too much. No doubt the club will need better from the former King starting this Monday in a Columbus Day showdown with the chief rival Islanders, who fell 5-4 to Dallas in a shootout despite losing John Tavares to a concussion late in the first. A game they fought back in thanks to Matt Moulson’s tying PPG late in regulation before Mike Ribeiro undressed Rick DiPietro.

Stepan nearly made it four when he got behind the D for a clean breakaway but his forehand deke try sailed over Miller. “I couldn’t believe I missed,” he remarked while chuckling. “I just choked under pressure, I guess.”

John Tortorella was pleased with what he saw even if the second was all too emblematic of what we saw last year. This is a young team and there will be some growing pains. Cue the music, Kirk Cameron and Tracey Gold. You just don’t expect mistakes to come from vets like Steve Eminger, who did little to justify being in the lineup over Matt Gilroy. Forget the plus-one. The journeyman who once was a Caps’ No.1 pick took two penalties and didn’t distinguish himself while partner Mike Sauer had no such issues in just his fourth NHL game. With the Ranger power play taking the collar in three chances, it’ll be interesting to see if Tort plays Gilroy over Eminger on Long Island.

For now, the club is one-for-one despite Leopold’s second and Derek Roy’s third in two nights, which made things interesting with 5:37 left. A lazy Staal delay of game minor didn’t make things anymore comfortable with 92 seconds left. But the late Sabre rally was for naught when Ryan Callahan made a strong defensive play off a draw, pushing the puck ahead for Dubinsky who shot it into the empty net for a shorthanded goal that concluded the scoring.

They get to do it again versus their No.1 rival in what should be a chaotic atmosphere at The Coliseum in two days. Don’t blink.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Jordan Leopold, Buf (1st 2 goals as a Sabre, 2-1-3, 4 SOG, +1 in 22:51)
2nd Star-Sean Avery, NYR (2 assists, 2 SOG, 0 PIM, +2 in 14:20)
1st Star-Derek Stepan, NYR (1st career hat trick in 1st NHL game, GW, 3 SOG, +3 in 16:50)

In over an hour, three Battle clubs will be in action. Two of which form one of the best rivalries contrary to what this what have you done for me lately league would have you believe. Rangers-Islanders will always be super intense even if the New York blood brothers aren’t serious Cup challengers this new season. It’s an added bonus that Manhattan meets Long Island on Columbus Day for the traditional Islander matinee. Let’s just skip tonight’s appetizer and go right to the main course.

First things first, both clubs open up the 2010-11 season this evening. The Islanders at home where the Stars- fresh off their 4-3 overtime stunner of the Kovalchuk Devils- aims for two straight against the locals. As of this report, the Islanders were having big sales on the season opener for as much as 40 percent off ticket price. Not exactly the most encouraging development as Year Two of John Tavares is set to commence. They will be under the eight ball with key cogs Mark Streit and Kyle Okposo out a while. Does Rick DiPietro get the nod in goal? How will Nino Niederreiter do? Can Josh Bailey, Frans Nielsen and Blake Comeau continue the upswing? Will Matt Moulson prove last year wasn’t a fluke? And how vital is James Wisniewski now on that blueline? All good questions which will determine if the Islanders can survive.

Meanwhile, the Rangers begin their journey in Western New York against a stingy Sabre team that boasts rating Vezina winner Ryan Miller, who already stifled Ottawa last night in a 2-1 win. Historically, Miller has owned Henrik Lundqvist. Especially at HSBC Arena where the Blueshirts struggle offensively and aren’t a lock in the shootout. Can a new look roster that includes Alexander Frolov added to Marian Gaborik along with Calder hopeful Derek Stepan and rookie Mike Sauer to an even younger blueline work? The Rangers are banking on youth to come through. Especially second line pivot Artem Anisimov, who anchors third-year converted left wing Brandon Dubinsky and alternate captain Ryan Callahan. Can Stepan carry over his success with unlikely linemates Sean Avery and Ruslan Fedotenko? Are Marc Staal and Dan Girardi ready to lead a young D corps? Will Lundqvist disprove the silly theory about it being about his equipment? Some of those answers will start being provided tonight.

Also in action looking to erase yesterday’s ugly home loss are the more offensive-minded Devils, who visit angry Alex Ovechkin and the Caps in D.C. Will it be an offensive extravaganza? Martin Brodeur’s D did him no favors in a game that saw them blow 2-0 and 3-2 leads. Henrik Tallinder was particularly bad. The good news was John MacLean’s Dream Line of Zach Parise, Travis Zajac and Ilya Kovalchuk combined for two of their three goals while Patrik Elias and Jason Arnott turned back the clock on the power play. This Devil team will score. But will the new aggressive style similar to what John Tortorella teaches expose their blueline? That is the only concern for a team expected to challenge for Lord Stanley. We’ll see how they respond in what shapes up to be quite a second game for both teams. The Caps were also 4-2 losers in Atlanta Friday on an emotional night where Ondrej Pavelec passed out a couple of minutes in and was rushed to the hospital. The good news is he’s okay but did suffer a concussion from the fall. Best wishes go out to him.

A busy Day Three on the first of many Super Saturdays. Enjoy the puck!

While the NHL as a whole opened up yesterday – in Finland of all places, one of the most anticipated opening games is tonight as the new-look Devils ice a remodeled roster to take on the Dallas Stars led by pricey free agent signing Ilya Kovalchuk. Tonight isn’t one of those nights to look back on the contreversial deal that hijacked summer break though, and Ilya’s return (for good) isn’t the only reason to be excited about the Devils this season.

For starters, there’s also the return of Jason Arnott after eight years away, following his 2002 trade to Dallas that netted us Joe Nieuwendyk and Jamie Langenbrunner – the latter of whom is still here while the former is now in Dallas as the GM. Arnott’s return has more than sentimental value, for he fills a void we’ve had at second-line center for years, really since the lockout. Also, you have the first-time arrivals of Anton Volchenkov and Henrik Tallinder. Volchenkov should become an instant fan favorite with his propensity to block shots and play a physical game better than just about anyone in the league, while Tallinder fits the Devil mold – another solid, if unspectacular defenseman.

Finally, you have the NHL coaching debut for longtime fan favorite John MacLean, who may well run a more up-tempo style than his predecessors while not completely sacrificing defense and structure. Of course it’s impossible to tell how someone will coach until they have some games under their belt, after all we were promised a more up-tempo style under Brent Sutter and Jacques Lemaire and only when Hall-of-Fame goaltender Martin Brodeur was forced to miss four months of the season two years ago did we see a system that wasn’t totally one-dimensional towards defense. With the returns of Kovalchuk and Arnott, as well as standouts such as Zach Parise, Travis Zajac and Patrik Elias offensively this may well be the best Devils group of forwards since 2000-01.

As much as I’m looking forward to tonight, there is still the specter of cap trouble on the horizon. Somewhat predictably Lou Lamoriello took the ‘let’s worry about that later’ approach the way a teenager does with his or her homework by putting Bryce Salvador on LTIR and sending prospects like Jacob Josefson, Matt Corrente and even Matt Taormina down at the last minute so they could ice a bare bones roster of twenty skaters. Adam Mair‘s still skating with the team, apparently without a contract. Waiting for what, exactly I don’t know. Meanwhile the unknown and faceless Adam Henrique may find himself in the Opening Night lineup without having played a single preseason game.

In any case, I’m gonna have to cut this preview – or more rapid-fire thoughts than anything else – short. Given my tenuous computer situation (not able to use my primary line at home) and upcoming family trip to New Hampshire, I’ll probably be an infrequent blogger for the next week or so, but I’ll be there tonight for our debut and post about it when possible.

For years, fans have longed for a youth movement on Broadway. Even with some familiar faces around for the new season which begins in Buffalo Saturday, youth will be served when the puck drops. If it’s true that prize free agent Alexander Frolov should relieve pressure from Big Ticket Marian Gaborik, then it’s also true that the exuberance of rookies Derek Stepan and Mike Sauer should prove instrumental in what 2010-11 holds for John Tortorella’s Blueshirts.

Along with sophomores Mike Del Zotto, Matt Gilroy and Artem Anisimov, how the kids perform could go a long way to whether this new Ranger version is good enough to return to the playoffs. There’s also third-year forward Brandon Dubinsky, who’s been converted to left wing for increased offense. Alternate captain Ryan Callahan enters Year Four looking to take the next step in his development. The do everything Team MVP had a strong camp and could be in line for 25 goals and close to 50 points. How he and Dubinsky fare along with linemate Anisimov will be vital.

While everyone will be focused on the top line of Frolov, Erik Christensen and Gaborik, it’s the secondary scoring that needs to deliver. Last year, they simply weren’t good enough. However, early chemistry from the American-Russian Express and the surprise emergence of Tort Tampa student Ruslan Fedotenko has fans excited about this club. In particular, Stepan who looks to make the jump from Wisconsin to the pros. If preseason was any indication, the 20 year-old former second round pick looks ready- playing poised beyond his years. His all around game, vision and smarts reminds us of Devil No.1 pivot Travis Zajac. There’s also a slight resemblance to injured captain Chris Drury, who has had a knack for scoring and setting up big goals while doing all the little things which don’t show up in boxscores but win games. No wonder he’ll trade in the high No.57 for his trademark No.21 likely anchoring a third line between Fedotenko and a motivated Sean Avery, who had a whale of a camp. In order for the Grate One to be effective, he must continue getting underneath opponents’ skin while going to the net and playing with the edge which was lacking most of last season.

With both Drury (broken index finger) and Vinny Prospal (knee) sidelined, that should comprise the club’s top three lines. Tortorella must also be encouraged by Brian Boyle’s improvement. The big forward showed stronger skating and scoring touch in exhibition along with a willingness to get dirty. Can it carry over? Brandon Prust turned out to be better than expected in last year’s deal that included failure Olli Jokinen, who reunites with Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay in Alberta. Prust not only can play physical and drop ’em if needed but also is a better skater than given credit for, capable of contributing. With former Gabby Wild teammate Derek Boogaard around to keep opponents honest, figure Prust to do less fighting and more playing. He also can kill penalties. Until Drury and Prospal are back, the club also has former Sabre energizer Tim Kennedy and savvy vet Todd White if there needs to be a shakeup. A marked improvement over last year.

The blueline will also be one of the league’s youngest led by 23 year-old Marc Staal and 26 year-old Dan Girardi. Both looked rusty in camp. Hopefully, they got out the cobwebs because if this team is to succeed, that shutdown pair must set the table. Both Del Zotto and Gilroy are still a little green in their end. For all their offensive potential, they can easily hurt the club as well. Both will need to be stronger in Year Two. The good news is they looked potent on a No.1 power play unit featuring the top line. Whether Tortorella pairs them together remains doubtful. Especially with key minute logger Michal Rozsival back. Say what you will about the senior Ranger but he’s the second best passer on the back end and plays every situation. If right, he is still an important vet presence on a D that will at times need guidance. As for Sauer, finally the lone holdover from the unpopular Brian Leetch trade gets his shot thanks to an impressive showing. Hard to believe that he’s only 23. Something which gets lost when it comes to the development of defensemen. Will Tort show more faith than in that three-game stint two seasons prior? He’ll have to unless extra Steve Eminger somehow finds his way in after a shaky exhibition. There are also kids Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko, who both made it a tough decision before being sent down.

Without Henrik Lundqvist, the Blueshirts wouldn’t even be mentioned for the postseason. Instead, they’d be in the lottery. Amazingly, King Henrik enters his sixth season having won 30-or-more in all five years, becoming one of the game’s elite goalies. Despite little support and a shaky defense that included Hartford deport Wade Redden, Lundqvist managed 35 wins in 72 starts while lowering his GAA from the prior year to 2.38 and improving to a .921 save percentage. His best since the ’05-06 rookie season (.922). Even if backup Martin Biron could lighten the load, this team doesn’t go anywhere without Henrik. He’s the backbone. With a mostly inexperienced blueline in front of him with only Rozsival over 30, the 28 year-old Swede will need to steal some games. This is a prideful man who took last Spring’s shootout heartache to heart. He wants to get this team back to the playoffs and surprise some people.

Tortorella gets a second full season to make things right. He has more firepower this time. The fiery former Cup winner has more pressure. How he handles the youth must be watched closely. He doesn’t want to lose anyone early. There needs to be trust. If Stepan and Fedotenko get out quick, what happens when Drury and Prospal return? In some aspects, it’s a good problem to have. Glen Sather’s provided more depth to a team that needed it. So, Tort must show himself capable of getting this club to play firewagon hockey while being more consistent. There can’t be anymore winter lulls. Not if they want back in next Spring. It’s the coach’s job to motivate them.

Prediction: While they should be challenged by improved clubs like the Lightning and Thrashers, this team looks capable of surprising the East. Scoring shouldn’t be an issue. They got the goalie. Will the D hold up?

4th in Atlantic, 8th in East, 92 Pts

Being that I’m at the library and it’s closing soon, I will just come to the point. Both Mike Sauer and Ruslan Fedotenko made the Rangers. Kudos to both as they each played their asses off in camp and deserved it. Sauer should be the sixth defenseman over Steve Eminger, who stays up while kids Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko go down to Hartford. I have no issue with that since if you kept either up, they’d probably just sit up in the press box. Better off getting them time with the Wolf Pack so they develop.

As for Fedotenko, I was against his tryout but you really gotta hand it to him. He really stepped it up and gets one more chance under Tort to shine. He gets $1 million this year. I’d say more but my time is up.

Last night the Devils concluded their preseason by losing to Rick DiPietro and the Islanders 2-1 in Nassau, dropping their overall exhibition record to 2-1-3. Of course with the actual season starting Friday against the Dallas Stars at the Rock, nobody cares about preseason results now. What does matter – for the moment – is that our cap zero hour is fast approaching – either two or three days away depending on what you believe (right now it looks like the Devils have to be under the cap by Wednesday 3 PM). With the exhibition season finally over, expect to hear something very soon, perhaps later today in fact.

For now though, crickets and tumbleweeds continue to swirl. What do I mean by that? Well all Devil fans like to kid about our GM Lou Lamoriello and his propensity for eliminating leaks better than the government, but in this case we’re all going stir-crazy wondering what’s going to happen next and there hasn’t been a single rumor lately, not even the remote hint of a rumor. Eventually in the next three days something has to break but in the meantime, we’re all left to play a guessing game (no doubt the players themselves are doing the same).

Oh, sure the Post continues to try to intimate that Travis Zajac might be moved but come on, let’s be real. We wouldn’t be playing him with Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk, getting everyone excited about our Fantasy Line if we were just going to trade our number one pivot, and also thereby taking Jason Arnott away from Patrik Elias and moving him up to the top center spot. And the Colorado Avalanche are supposedly interested in captain Jamie Langenbrunner, but there’s hardly any indication over whether Lou would even deal the captain at this point.

What is for certain is that defenseman Bryce Salvador (one of our most likely candidates to be moved) suffered a concussion a few nights ago against the Flyers, and is out indefinitely with no timetable for a return. Although he hasn’t officially been put on LTIR yet that might be inevitable at this point. His $2.9 million salary alone wouldn’t be enough to get us under the cap – unless the Devils decide to go with a bare bones roster and have as many cheap contracts on the team as possible – which means no Alexander Urbom, Matthew Corrente or Jacob Josefson on the team until someone else gets hurt or traded. And no ready replacement in the event of short-term injuries or sickness.

Assuming we don’t go that route, one more player has to go at least. If someone gets traded now, maybe Lou can keep Salvador on LTIR for a while and then take him off when we’ve banked enough cap space to pay for whoever we want on the roster, including said prospects above and maybe whatever vet we sign like ex-Sabre Adam Mair who impressed in camp and is likely to win a job and contract once we clear cap space. Technically going that route might enable us to keep Salvador after all and only send one other player packing.

Who might that player be? Everyone knows the usual suspects by now, headed by Danius Zubrus who only played in two preseason games and as much as I want him around for this year I realize he’s overpaid for his skill set (a good third-line player who scores 40-45 points making $3.4 million is overpaid, heart or not). Given the fact he doesn’t have a no-trade and is signed for multiple years, he looks to be the most likely candidate out the door. Captain Langenbrunner and his $2.9 million salary is another option though he has a partial no-trade. In any case I don’t think Lou will deal his captain on the eve of the season opener, especially given that he has an expiring contract anyway, which will serve us well when we have cap issues next year, after a likely extension for Zach Parise and new deal for defenseman Andy Greene.

Another Lou favorite is gritty David Clarkson, who just got signed to a three year, $8 million deal this offseason and despite the trade rumors that were swirling around him last year I don’t see Lou dealing him off either, especially given he brings an element we don’t have much of on our top three forward lines. Even though Brian Rolston‘s actually scored a couple of goals in the preseason and has seemingly been on showcase for most of the games, I doubt there’s any way we really can move him with two years left at $5 million per. Probably better to ride him out for a year, then trade him next offseason when he becomes more valuable as an expiring contract – especially if he somehow has a rebound year although a long-shot option is to send Rolston down then get him claimed on waivers (thereby eliminating half his cap hit over the next two years) the way the Stars did with Sean Avery.

There’s also defenseman Colin White and his nearly $3 million salary but with Mike Mottau (looked on as a possible fallback if we dealt defensemen) having inked a deal on Long Island, there’s pretty much no way we go into the season with three rookies on defense. Especially with each one having shown they’re not quite a finished product yet – though what young kid is anyway? With Salvador hurt, that’s exactly what we’d be facing if we dealt off White as well so it’s likely he’ll stay at this point – never mind the no-trade even.

So clearly the smart money’s on either a bare bones roster to postpone the inevitable even longer, or Zubrus being on the move – either by waivers or trade, far less likely. As much as I don’t want to see it, if the staff really believes Josefson’s ready to center the third line you could more than get by with having him, Clarkson and Rolston on that line, behind the Parise-Zajac-Kovalchuk and Elias-Arnott-Langs first two lines, with Anton Volchenkov, Henrik Tallinder, Greene and White as your top four on defense.

Whatever happens, expect announcements soon. They can’t come soon enough for me though, I’m going stir-crazy knowing something’s likely to break today in the midst of the Jets playing at one, the MLB playoff races and then Sunday night programming with the Amazing Race and Dexter. Or worse, it’ll break tomorrow while I’m at work then I’ll need a cliff notes version to sort it all out.

The other day, we made an error. Not so much in our Ranger column but in completely forgetting the club’s heart and soul, Ryan Callahan. No doubt Cally should start on the second line with Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov. Now with Vinny Prospal out indefinitely due to his knee, we’re probably looking at these lines for Opening Night.

Frolov-Christensen-Gaborik
Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan
Avery-Stepan-Fedotenko
Boogaard-Boyle-Prust

Tonight didn’t make the decisions any easier with Todd White scoring twice against his former club in a wild 8-5 shootout loss to the Sens. Stepan scored again and by now, it’s apparent that he is what we thought he was. Legit.

More later.

In what’s been a mostly positive camp that includes a solid preseason, the Rangers still don’t know about captain Chris Drury, who remains saddled with a broken index finger which will likely keep him out of the club’s first three games. That has left the Trumbull, Connecticut veteran pivot wondering what his role will be. Especially with Derek Stepan looking like he’ll stay put while Artem Anisimov’s looked stronger. Also boasting Erik Christensen, Tim Kennedy, Brian Boyle and Todd White, who likely is ticketed for Hartford, the Blueshirts have options.

One is versatile forward Vinny Prospal, who returns for a second year on Broadway. A Tort favorite, the alternate captain can double as both a center and a wing if needed. Considering that the club figures to keep Stepan up along with Anisimov and Christensen who should center their top three lines, that leaves Kennedy and Boyle vying for the checking line while both Prospal and Drury could be slated for the wing. Still, on a roster that lacks a go to faceoff guy, Dru’s work in the circle can’t be overlooked. Neither can his intangibles defensively where he’s been a PK fixture along with Ryan Callahan. With him expected to be put on the injured list to start the season, figure Brandon Dubinsky, Anisimov, Boyle and Kennedy to see time shorthanded.

Tonight against Ottawa though, Prospal gets a look in the middle centering Marian Gaborik and Alexander Frolov. John Tortorella gets a chance to see what Prosp can do with the team’s dynamic duo. Last year, Prospal worked with Gaborik for a good chunk before being split up. It’s hard to say where he’ll start but figure at least the second line with possibly Anisimov and Dubinsky.

If we were starting the season, here’s what I’d like to see:

Frolov-Christensen-Gaborik
Dubinsky-Prospal-Anisimov
Avery-Stepan-Fedotenko
Boogard-Kennedy/Boyle-Prust

The blueline’s still undecided but given how Matt Gilroy’s looked, he seems to be back in Tort’s good graces. Along with incumbents Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, Mike Del Zotto and Michal Rozsival, that leaves just two openings for vet Steve Eminger and kids Ryan McDonagh, Mike Sauer and Pavel Valentenko to compete for. We’d love to see them take both McD and Sauer but not expecting it.

How about:

Staal-Girardi
Del Zotto-Rozsival
Gilroy-McDonagh/Sauer

Perhaps Tort will mix it up, helping balance out the back end. We’ll see.

They could be Derek and The Dominoes sooner than expected. Derek Stepan showed off the same skills that helped Team USA win the WJC and lead Wisconsin to the NCAA finals where they fell to Chris Kreider and Boston College. In the Rangers’ fifth preseason game, the 20 year-old center from Hastings, Minnesota made a bid to stay on Broadway- posting his first preseason goal and an assist in a 5-1 win at MSG over the Red Wings.

Also having strong games were Ruslan Fedotenko (2 A), Sean Avery (G, +2), Erik Christensen (A, +2), Mike Sauer (G, +1) and Pavel Valentenko (A, +2). Along with Stepan, each bolstered their cases to make the big club. Marian Gaborik was dominant as well, recording a power play goal and a helper while linemate Alexander Frolov made a sweet dish to a cutting Mike Del Zotto, who finished a give-and-go for the night’s final goal.

All in all, a good night for John Tortorella’s club who continues to show offensive improvement thus far. A trend that must continue if they’re to be taken seriously. Henrik Lundqvist was also sharp, allowing only a deflection to beat him while staying busy with 35 saves.

Earlier in camp, Tort tried Stepan with Gabby and Frolov to some success. Tonight, he played between Avery and Fedotenko with the trio having solid chemistry. They were effective on the forecheck and created all game. No wonder they combined for two goals and three assists, thrilling fans and probably the coaching staff as well. In fact, Avery had drawn praise from the fiery coach for his work in front. He’s been real good the last three games, scoring in a second straight while driving Ilya Kovalchuk and David Clarkson cuckoo. If the instigator can sustain it, then he’ll have a place in the lineup permanently.

Gotta also give due to Fedotenko, who’s really done a solid job showing he still has hands. Granted. He’s on a tryout and it’s his former coach. But he has made the most of it. I see no reason why they can’t start him on say a third line with Avery and Stepan. With Artem Anisimov also looking stronger than last year and Ryan Callahan playing like a beast, this team actually might be exciting. Especially if Vinny Prospal returns healthy.

As for Stepan, he came on late in a second Detroit dominated with ex-Devil Brian Rafalski getting the only goal while outshooting the hosts 14-9. However, a late shift by Stepan exemplified why many are encouraged by him. With over 10 seconds left, he outhustled a Wing to a loose puck and then got around Rafalski, forcing Jimmy Howard to make a tough save. That kinda yeoman effort is what separates Stepan from the pack. He rarely looks lost out there and is a solid all around player. Early in the third, he got rewarded when a Fedotenko kicked a Valentenko rebound right to Stepan, who deposited the loose change.

Even with a crowded position, it’s hard not to see Stepan making the final cut. He obviously has tremendous vision and skill to go with it. If he struggles early, the organization can always send him down to Hartford for seasoning. After all, he’s a first-year pro trying to make the quantum leap straight from college. If he’s in, that leaves plenty of debate between Tim Kennedy and Brian Boyle for the fourth line. With Kennedy having another strong showing and Boyle showing better speed, it’s anyone’s guess who wins out.

The other bright note was the play of Sauer, who’s being given one final long look to make good on that second round pick they took in the Brian Leetch deal. Injuries have been a bugaboo but he’s come in healthy and had an effective game, finishing off a nifty Christensen backhand no-look feed while also playing stellar in his end.

It looks like he’s got stiff competition versus both Ryan McDonagh and Valentenko. The Rangers have to like what they’ve seen. Spots actually could be earned before the October 9 road opener at Buffalo. Never a bad thing.

Call it deja vu. The regular season hasn’t even started and already the Islanders are facing an uphill battle. A couple of days after learning top defender Mark Streit likely will miss six months with a torn labrum and torn rotator cuff suffered in a collision with Matt Moulson during a team practice, third-year right wing Kyle Okposo will also be on the mend also due to a torn labrum in his right shoulder which will require surgery, keeping him out two months.

Hard to believe how much bad luck the club has as last year wasn’t too kind either, placing in the top 10 in man-games lost to injury with 256- just ahead of the Devils (249). The biggest setbacks last season were to captain Doug Weight (46) and franchise netminder Rick DiPietro (74). Now, Scott Gordon’s young club is faced with another challenge having lost its best defenseman and a top six forward 10 days before 2010-11 gets underway at home against Dallas October 9. GM Garth Snow already added ex-Devil Mike Mottau to the blueline with the vet inking a two-way deal per Newsday’s Katie Strang. 

For Okposo, it was expected to be a big Year Three but now he’ll have to wait. Last year, he caught a lethal Dion Phaneuf open ice hit which concussed him yet somehow missed only two games. Not surprisingly, it took a while for the former Islander ’06 seventh overall selection to get untracked. But the 22 year-old from St. Paul finished his second season strong, attaining new career highs in games (80), goals (19), assists (33), points (52) and shots (249). He never takes a shift off, always finishing every check. It’ll be hard to replace that skillset.

More pressure’s on John Tavares, who’ll need Moulson to duplicate last year while teammates Josh Bailey, Frans Nielsen, Blake Comeau and Rob Schremp all are vital to the club’s success. Weight and vet Trent Hunter will be the unquestioned leaders but is JT91 ready to assume a role as well?

As for losing Streit who’s their best scorer from the back end while logging the most minutes, offseason pickup James Wisniewski becomes even more important. He’s capable of stepping up and should have something to prove on his third team in less than three years (Chi, Ana, NYI). The Wiz is a solid puckmover who plays a ferocious style that got him into trouble last season due to this late cheapshot on former Chicago ‘mate Brent Seabrook. He must stay on the ice and help anchor a corps that allowed 40 more goals (254 GA) than the club scored (214). Blocked shot machine Mark Eaton should also provide help as well as experience. He helped the Pens win Lord Stanley.

It’ll take a collective effort. Jack Hillen and Andrew MacDonald are solid skaters who could provide a lift. Adding Mottau to the mix can’t hurt as he fared respectively in the Garden State, reviving his career. There’s also former Cap Milan Jurcina who plays physical but lacks mobility. Figure him to be used sparingly. Does Bruno Gervais get back in Gordon’s good graces? The third-year Islander coach must also decide if either Travis Harmonic or Calvin de Haan are ready. It might be worth taking a look.

Gordon also thinks DiPietro can start 60 games but it’s hard to take seriously. Besides, vet Dwayne Roloson did an admirable job last year. So, they shouldn’t have to rush DP back. Our advice is simple. Work him in slowly. That way his body can recover.

For a team that finished 13th in the East with a 34-37-11 record with 79 points, they hung tough most of last season. They were excellent at home posting a 23-14-4 mark while struggling on the road (11-23-7), which must change. This group is being asked to once again defy the odds. We’ll see if they’re up to the challenge.