Battle Of Hudson

As I get ready for some HS playoff hoops tomorrow in Park Slope at The Berkeley Carroll School, here were a few things on my mind. In no particular order:

1.Joe Sakic is the captain of the Avs and has played for one franchise his entire career leading them to two Cups (’96 & ’01). The 600 goal 1500 point member is the epitome of class and never ever says anything stupid. There’s a reason this classy leader is so celebrated. Now compare that to the supertalented Jaromir Jagr. A moody Czech with world class skill and also like Sakic, is a 600 goal 1500 point member. But his 2 Cups came as a teenager with Mario Lemieux in Pittsburgh and since has had his work ethic questioned along with his attitude. Just ask Caps fans about his stint there. Now Ranger fans are finding out about it. The difference between why Sakic is so liked and Jagr isn’t is self explanatory. One other thing:

Sakic- 12 PPG, 32 PP points
Jagr- 4 PPG, 34 PP points

On paper it looks pretty even between the two former Hart winners who oddly enough have the same number of points (73). But one guy is shooting the puck and keeping opponents honest while the other’s reluctance has really hurt his club. And if you look at the two clubs, you’ll notice that Sakic has less to work with compared to Jagr. The rebuilding Avs have remained competitive while giving serious minutes to two rookies. Conversely, in Jagr’s first year as captain, the Rangers have underachieved. Both will miss the playoffs but only one has been led in every sense and has more upside.

2.I’d like to praise the man who had the guts to use an actual dummy in his car to get to work earlier and take advantage of the HOV lane. This is great stuff. Yes, sure he got caught and was ticketed. But watching him and the cop interviewed on NBC news before was classic. You got to love it!

3.Check out Akon’s I Wanna Love You video featuring rapper Snoop Dogg. It’s pretty darn good!

4.If you love music, you’ll also like the new U2 song Window In The Skies featuring past and present artists.

5.The Wild struggled for most of the first half but since star forward Marian Gaborik returned, they have risen in the standings and are battling Vancouver and Calgary for the Northwest. Here’s why:

Gaborik-28 GP, 19 goals, 13 assists, 32 points, 7 PPG, 1 SHG 5 GW (still paces club)

If he ever stayed healthy, he’d be awesome.

6.Trade Update:

Pascal Dupuis- 1 goal in 5 games

Adam Hall- 2-1-3 in 6 games

7.By show of hands, who thought that the Knicks would be the more exciting team at The Garden with the more realistic chance of making the playoffs?

8.Rangers farm club Hartford exacted a little revenge on the Devils farm club Lowell with a 6-1 win in which they got the last six. Jarkko Immonen had three points while Nigel Dawes scored and Ryan Callahan tallied his team leading 32nd. Former first round pick Lauri Korpikoski chipped in with two helpers.

9.Trade Update II:

Sean Avery- 1-4-5, 21 PIM in 8 games

Jason Ward- 0-1-1 in 6 games

10.Nelly Furtado can stay on my TV anyday.

From a good buddy of mine regarding Jagr:

“It is nice to see other people besides myself who feel that this guy has worn out his welcome. What he did last night is inexcusable, How can you be the Captain and not want to take part in the shootout? Did you see him on the bench? It looked like he had just run a marathon. Wiping his face, breathing heavy, he looked wiped out. I hope the fans pick up on this tomorrow night and boo his ass. As stated, there are too many soft , oh please don’t hit me Europeans on this team that look up to Jagr as a god. Well folks the time has come, most of these guys want to return to the motherland when there playing days are over, I say speed up the process. Heave Ho Ship em Out!!! It is a shame for Jagr Was a great player, now he is a disgrace. There is a reason why Pittsburgh and Washington got rid of him, and now We Rangers fans know too.“

And it comes from my brother in response to an angry Blueshirt fan who blamed the officiating for last nite’s predictable choke job:

Hey, Patrick. Normally i’d agree with you about the reffing.
I could complain about the reffing, but you know what?

Did the Rangers take advantage of their opportunities last
night?

Who was up 2-0 in the game and just eased up instead of
going for the kill?

The reffing sucked. But if was any other team up 2-0, they
wouldn’t have sat back.

A caller that called into Somers last night nailed it on the
head when he said “you just knew the Devils would comeback
and win the game. You could take Nylander and Jagr, take
their style of play, their F’N circling, trade them, get
back what you can for them, and get the hell OUTTA HERE. I
feel like i’m watching the ice capades.”

Get some NORTH AMERICAN players on this team in the
off-season. Take the “C” off Jagr and either give it someone
like Jed Ortmeyer, or Brendan Shanahan!!!

Obviously, i’d give it to Shanahan. I was just saying
someone like Ortmeyer.

If half of the Eurowussies played with the same DESIRE,
HEART, DESPERATION, and PASSION this kid played with, we
wouldn’t be having this conversation now.

I hope the Rangers become sellers at the deadline. If they
make the playoffs, then so be it. But making the Playoffs
will probably make them think their on the right track,
which is clearly not the case.

But for now, I hope they succeed despite what I just said.

We couldn’t agree more. No wonder we’re brothers. Nice to see Rob back. I do have a question for you if you read this. Did you go to Vegas for the NBA All Star Weekend? If so, I am curious as to how it went considering the disturbing news which came out of there? We are glad to see you back in one piece contributing here!

Hey all – Sorry for my absence but I was in Vegas baby. Let’s get to it. Trade deadline on Tuesday. All sorts of possibilities for the Isles. The latest rumor, reported by Eklund, has Bill Guerin coming to the Isles. Sounds very interesting, but for what in return? I don’t think Jason Blake is going anywhere, at least until summer when he can walk away. The Isles are hot, and they need Blake down the stretch. So maybe it’s Nilsson. If so, I’ll be interested in seeing how Nilsson pans out in the future. Apparently, Ted Nolan is not very impressed by him else we would have seen him this season.

I love the Bergeron deal. Instantly upgrades the PP, and from what I have seen in just a couple of games, Bergie is not that weak on D. Lacking in size, but fairly strong and has played well positionally. Will Grebs turn into something in EDM, we’ll see, but right now, advantage, Isles. Heck, we don’t even know if Grebs will come back to North America next year.

The Isles have really come on of late. No one has an easy time with them and they are learning what it’s like to come from behind and win. The Isles of the past few years packed it in when down by more than one goal. This team never quits.

How about those whiny Leafs fans. On one of the boards I belong to, they are crying a river over last night’s non-goal. The call was borderline. Was the leaf in the crease? Yes. Did DP keep him there a split second longer by pinning his stick between his legs? Yes, but hey, until DP grabbed the stick, he wasn’t making too much of an effort to leave. And even then the Leafs were still up at the time and proceeded to crumble from then on. To hear the Leafs fans, Kerry Fraser is the only reason they lost and there is a conspiracy against the Leafs. Give me a break.

Carter to the Canes for a 5th round pick? Boy has Carter’s stock fallen. But he was playing on the third line for a non playoff team. He may help the Canes a bit, but as an Islanders fan, I’m not worried about it. I think the Canes have had their moment in the sun, and will fade to non playoff status over the next two weeks.

The Rangers getting Dupuis was a nice move, but Shanny’s injury will put a fork in them. The Habs seem to be hanging in there without Huet. All sorts of trade rumors from Montreal. But if Souray goes, it may hurt them big time for this season. Wouldn’t mind if they traded him before tomorrow’s matinee against the Isles!!

Well, the Isles’ fate is in Garth’s hands ( and probably Wang’s hands, and Milbury’s hands, and Nolan’s hands, and Trots’ hands, and the Zamboni driver’s hands….). I just hope we don’t mortgage the future just to ensure that we make the playoffs only to get eliminated in the first round. It has to be either a blockbuster deal for a star under contract for at least a couple of years, or a small deal that doesn’t get rid of the kids.

Stay tuned.

Rob

The legendary Sabres play-by-play man’s call of the chaos that ensued up in Buffalo is up! Watch it now and grab some popcorn and a brew!

Senators-Sabres Brawl

This is courtesy of today’s NHL Today:

A WILD NIGHT IN THE NHL
Eight of the 12 games played Thursday went to overtime, a League record for most overtime games in one day. The previous record of seven was set on March 27, 2004. Other notes from a remarkable slate:
— Ten of the 12 games were decided by one goal – four in a shootout, four in overtime and two in regulation
— Seven involved game-tying goals in the third period
— Five winners – Buffalo, New Jersey, Tampa Bay, NY Islanders and Montreal – overcame a two-goal deficit

Ottawa 5 at Buffalo 6 (SO)
In a game that featured both clubs surrendering two-goal leads, the Sabres defeated the Senators 6-5 in a shootout. The win kept the Sabres five points ahead of the Devils for the Eastern Conference’s top seed and extended their lead atop the NHL’s overall standings to three points over Detroit and Nashville.

New Jersey 3 at NY Rangers 2 (SO)
The Devils swept a home-and-home series from the New York Rangers, rallying from a 2-0 deficit for a 3-2 shootout victory at Madison Square Garden. Zach Parise scored his 25th goal of the season to tie the game with fewer than eight minutes remaining in regulation.

Tampa Bay 5 at Atlanta 4 (OT)
The Lightning overcame 2-0, 3-1 and 4-3 deficits in a 5-4 overtime victory at Atlanta in a showdown for first place in the Southeast Division. Andre Roy scored his first goal of the season to tie the game 4-4 early in the third period and Martin St. Louis scored his 37th of the campaign in the extra period.

Pittsburgh 2 at Florida 1 (OT)
The Penguins got an overtime goal from Colby Armstrong in a 2-1 victory at Florida, improving to 15-1-2 in their past 18 games. Earlier in the game, the Penguins’ three young superstars clicked on the power play when 18-year-old Jordan Staal scored his 25th goal of the season, assisted by 19-year-old Sidney Crosby and 20-year-old Evgeni Malkin.

Philadelphia 2 at Carolina 3 (OT)
The Hurricanes surrendered a 2-0 lead to the Flyers but got an overtime, shorthanded goal from veteran defenseman Glen Wesley in a 3-2 home win that kept the defending Stanley Cup champions in the Eastern Conference’s eighth seed and just four points behind Tampa Bay in the hunt for the Southeast Division title.

Toronto 2 at NY Islanders 3 (SO)
The Islanders overcame a 2-0 deficit, capped by Trent Hunter’s second goal of the game with fewer than seven minutes remaining, and defeated the Maple Leafs 3-2 in a shootout. The victory kept the Islanders one point behind eighth-seeded Carolina in the tight Eastern Conference playoff race.

Montreal 6 at Nashville 5 (SO)
The Canadiens came back from 2-0, 3-1, 4-2 and 5-4 deficits to defeat the Predators 6-5 in a shootout. Sergei Samsonov scored the game-tying goal with 48 seconds left in regulation and rookie netminder Jaroslav Halak on the bench for a sixth attacker. With the victory, the Canadiens retained the seventh seed in the East; had they lost in regulation, they would have ended the evening 9th.

Vancouver 3 at Los Angeles 2
Defenseman Kevin Bieksa’s goal with less than four minutes remaining gave the Canucks a 3-2 win at Los Angeles, maintaining their three-point lead atop the Northwest Division

Minnesota 4 at Colorado 3
The Wild withstood a three-goal, third-period rally by the Avalanche and claimed a 4-3 road victory, staying three points behind the Northwest Division-leading Canucks.

Calgary 2 at Phoenix 3 (OT)
The Flames, who entered Thursday four points behind the Canucks in the race for first place Northwest, gave up a game-tying goal with fewer than five minutes remaining to Steve Reinprecht and the OT winner to Shane Doan in a 3-2 loss at Phoenix.

Apparently, No.68’s failure to take part in another shootout infuriated longtime Ranger fans today. Many flooded the airwaves of WFAN. Included was a call from my Dad to Benigno and Roberts. I didn’t catch it. But I have a pretty good idea of what was said. Not only was this big news on the mid day show but it also became a huge story on Mike and The Mad Dog where flying solo, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo took many angry calls about Jaromir Jagr wussing out and showing his true colors.

While he might not be very knowledgable, Russo unlike his absent partner Mike Francesa has continued to take hockey calls from fans and has put in a solid effort. He even interviewed ESPN’s Barry Melrose about the whole Jagr fiasco as well as the melee which took place upstate at HSBC Arena between the Senators and Sabres last night. We’ll try to provide the necessary link when it becomes available. Fyi…Russo is 100 percent correct about why the Sabres were justified in retaliating for injured co-captain Chris Drury, who became the latest victim by suffering a concussion on a late hit by Chris Neil. Russo understands the difference between hockey and basketball. You can’t compare the disgusting display which took place in Las Vegas during NBA All Star Weekend to what took place last night in Buffalo. They are very different circumstances.

In discussing last night’s game with Steve, I made it clear to him that I am not using last night’s officiating as the main reason the Rangers lost to the Devils. My main frustration in terms of what was called was the lack of consistency. But that doesn’t take Tom Renney’s club off the hook for blowing a two-goal lead in a game they controlled. This was one they needed. However, they didn’t have what it took to finish off a very good hockey club. One that’s made a living off beating the Rangers in big spots. And since we’re on topic, when exactly was the last time the Rangers needed a win over their archrival and got it? It hasn’t happened since Adam Graves beat Martin Brodeur on a wraparound in a second OT at CAA to eliminate the Devils from the postseason 10 years ago. It speaks volumes.

One other point on Henrik Lundqvist. It is understood that he could’ve kept Jamie Langenbrunner’s shot out after he got a piece of it with his glove. But sometimes, flukey bounces such as that happen. It’s part of hockey. Just look how close Petr Prucha was to forcing a fifth round. Beat the best goalie in the game but off the crossbar. That’s the breaks. If you want to fault the second-year Swedish gold medal winning netminder for anything, go back to the second period when the Rangers came close to making it 3-0. Instead, Langenbrunner found Brian Rafalski, who beat Lundqvist from a sharp angle to cut it to 2-1. That opened the door. Sure, you could argue the shot deflected off Malik and changed direction. But it was one the affable goalie needed to stop. I’ll say this about Henrik’s play. Over the last month, he’s been brilliant. He’s close. He has done his part. It’s that other superstar who hasn’t delivered.

Regarding the bounces, it seems like it also helps explain one of the big differences between the two Hudson rivals. One seems to always get the bounces while the other just doesn’t. You can be very good. But there also is a luck factor involved. It doesn’t just pertain to the puck either. I’ve seen many high school basketball games where a kid takes a shot and it hangs on the rim and either goes down or falls off determining an outcome. That’s sports. It’s the difference between jubilation and disappointment.

When I was walking out of the building last night, I had a debate with a Devil fan about the calls. But it wasn’t heated. We might’ve disagreed but that was all that took place. Instead, I asked where they were from to which they replied Jersey City. And I told them where I was from. End of debate. These rivalry games can bring a lot in terms of intensity. But the fun should never be taken out. Just because you might not agree with an opposing fan doesn’t mean you should take it out on them or vice versa. It’s a game! Not life. I hope some fans remember that in future rivalry games.

Fyi…watching highlights of the Isles’ comeback win over the Leafs, it looks to me like Toronto was robbed. Up 2-1 in the third, an apparent Mats Sundin goal was wiped out. I didn’t see this contest. So I can’t say why it was. But the replay on Yes Network seemed to indicate that Sundin’s shot crossed the goal line and then came out. If anyone has a definitive explanation on this, I’d love to get it. Especially in such a pivotal contest with playoff implications.

But I just want to ask you something. Why was it even necessary for you to say that? Because you know the truth. Game. Set. Match. There is a double standard and that’s all I’m going to say. Nothing further. Despite that, the opportunity was there. One team held a two-goal lead and couldn’t deal with prosperity. They predictably choked.

You think they regret taking Hugh Jessiman over Zach Parise? Just asking. Do you get the feeling that the Devils would be nothing without that kid, Scotty Gomez and Brian Gionta? Cause the more I watched Gomez and Parise in these two games, the more I believe they’re the catalysts along with Gionta. It becomes more clear that the Devils must ante up for Gomez. He was just everywhere. Speed kills.

Where was No.68 during the shootout? I have seen enough! And apparently so have other fans who called into WFAN’s Steve Somers after the game and want him gone. Ship him off to Siberia for all I care. I don’t want this pansy on this team anymore. He is the most gutless captain to ever lace’em up. A disgrace. And if Joe McDonald is on and defends his passionless display next Wednesday, there are going to be fireworks which will make the 4th of July seem secondary.

Btw…you are way off on Girardi. Since his recall, he has exceeded expectations. While it’s true, he’s made a couple of glaring mistakes the past couple of games, that’s going to happen. It’s part of the learning curve. The NHL is the best league in the world. Even Johnny Oduya struggled at adapting and he’s a few years older than Girardi. I’m not overly concerned. You want bad. Karel Rachunek. Marc Staal can’t get here soon enough!

It was nice to see at least one team stick up for a star up in Buffalo where they don’t put up with that garbage. And yes, Chris Neil’s hit was cheap even if it was a shoulder. They can spin it anyway they want. But I must admit I loved every bit of that brawl. Seeing Ray Emery grin while taking on Martin Biron and goon Andrew Peters was classic. That is hockey! And if you don’t believe me, just ask my buddy Nate from Southern California who doesn’t follow the sport much. He basically admitted that if more melees like that broke out, hockey would be much higher on the list here. Fights are great. Brawls are even better even if NHL commish Gary Bettman was pissing his pants probably trying to suck up to some more corporate sponsors who don’t understand what this sport is about and never will.

Thanks to Ottawa and Buffalo for doing their part. The rematch is Saturday in Kanata. Oh baby! Don’t dare miss it!!!!!

Here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVoAOg7_6vo

the trivia question: What was Steve’s favorite part of this?

We here at BoNY from time to time like to give you interviews with the wonderful people who cover our game. Tonight, we had the chance to do this with Lyle Richardson, whom most of you know as Spector from http://Spectorshockey.tripod.com

Here’s our “10 Questions With…” him.

SL: Forget what’s been said in the rumor mills and the angry fighting in the papers, are Bill Guerin and Keith Tkachuk leaving St. Louis? Could one end up a Ranger or an Islander?

LR: I honestly don’t believe the Rangers and Isles are willing to pay the asking price (young player or prospect plus first round pick) for playoff rentals. The Rangers mindset has changed in recent years so I don’t see them parting with Prucha or Staal. Forget Al Montoya as I don’t believe the Blues are interested in him.

SL: Can the Devils do anything at the deadline? Should they?
LR: I don’t believe the Devils will do anything since their team chemistry is tight right now. Naturally, one shouldn’t rule out the possibility when we’re talking about Lou Lamoriello, but I don’t see him wanting to tinker with his club now.

SL: Which team should probably stay where they are at the deadline and not make a move?
LR: If you’re talking the Rangers, Isles, and Devils, I’d say the latter. The Isles also seem to be kicking into an extra gear of late and having just acquired Bergeron they may stand pat now.

SL: Should the Rangers be buyers or sellers at the deadline? Can they afford to be either?
LR: I think they’d like to be buyers but they’re not going to sacrifice the future as in years past. I can see them making an affordable pickup by parting with a second or third round pick, but I don’t expect them to land the “name” talent available.

SL: Should the Islanders be buyers at the deadline?
LR: The Isles are done now, I think.

SL: Will the Devils get rid of Richard Matvichuk at the deadline?
LR: No, I think they’ll retain Matvichuk for the playoffs.

SL: Can San Jose do anything more to help out New Jersey?
LR: Nope, I think that’s about it, especially with tonight’s news that the Korolyuk deal was nullfied.

SL: Name one deal, NY team or not, that you think will come out of nowhere and surprise us all at the deadline…
LR: I wouldn’t rule out the Hurricanes as they’ve got a surplus of blueliners they could shop for help at forward.

SL: Will Mike Sillinger finally be able to stay in the same city after the deadline passes?
LR: I think he’s safe for this season. He won’t be leaving the Island.

SL: Finally, 5 players, will they or won’t they be going:

Sheldon Souray
Rob Blake
Jason Blake
Gary Roberts
Derian Hatcher

As long as the Habs remain in the playoff hunt I don’t see Souray moving. Hatcher’s past it and too expensive so I don’t see anyone wanting him. Teams are keen for Roberts and if they’re willing to give him another season at $2.2 million he’ll be moved. I don’t see the Isles moving Blake, and I don’t see the Kings moving their Blake either.