Battle Of Hudson

The Rangers did what they had to do tonight, taking advantage of a Hurricanes team without Erik Cole and Cory Stillman to post a dominant 4-1 win in Raleigh. Carolina also lost Justin Williams (undisclosed) and Bret Hedican (concussion) during the crucial contest which allowed the Blueshirts to come away victorious there for the first time in five years. The timing was perfect as it bolstered the club’s playoff aspirations, improving their record to 28-24-5, good for 61 points. With 25 games remaining and with Toronto tying Montreal for eighth and the Islanders winning, the Blueshirts know they must continue to pile up the W’s.

And right now, they are as cohesive as they have been all season long. Sean Avery was his usual self, distracting Cam Ward on two power play goals by Karel Rachunek and Brendan Shanahan. New acquisition Pascal Dupuis fit right in on that third line and scored in his Ranger debut off a nifty Matt Cullen feed to give the club some cushion moments after ex-Cane defenseman Aaron Ward blocked an Andrew Ladd shot off a two-on-one. The Canes never recovered from the momentum swinging goal.

A tacky high sticking call on Eric Staal enabled the suddenly revamped Ranger power play to put the contest away. Avery redirected a point shot leaving an easy rebound for a streaking Shanahan to deposit for his team-leading 28th. Avery finished with two assists, pushing his Ranger total to five points (1-4-5) in four games. So not only has he agitated the opposition but he’s putting up points every game.

In a seesaw first, Michael Nylander started the scoring by finishing off a Marcel Hossa pass in the slot for the team’s first PPG of the night. It was his 19th. Jaromir Jagr drew three Canes to him and got the puck to Hossa, who in turn left it for Nylander to bury at 18:47. But a mistake by Karel Rachunek on the next shift allowed the Canes to tie it. A giveaway led to a two-on-one allowing Staal to setup Ladd for the equalizer with 30 seconds left in the stanza.

Rachunek would later atone for his error by blasting home a Nylander feed for another power play marker. He would also notch an assist on Shanahan’s third period tally to make the Rangers a perfect three for three on the man-advantage. It was the second consecutive game they registered three power play goals.

Henrik Lundqvist was sharp again in stopping 23 of 24 shots his way. His D for the most part once again made his job easier. That said, he did make some nice stops in posting his 24th win of the season. The Swede had to like the attention to detail his teammates were displaying in breaking up several Canes’ opportunities.

Though the Rangers failed to pickup any ground on Toronto (4-2 over Forsberg-less Philly), the Islanders (4-1 over hapless Boston) and Tampa Bay (3-2 over Washington in the shootout), they did inch closer to that eight spot which is occupied by three teams (Mtl, Tor and NYI). And the victory also put them just four behind Carolina with three games at hand. Here is the updated playoff picture:

Pts GR
6.Tampa Bay 68 23
7.Carolina 65 22
8.Montreal 64 23
9.Toronto 64 24
10.Islanders 64 24
11.Rangers 61 25

The first place Sabres came from behind to defeat the Oilers 2-1 in overtime. The hero was Daniel Briere, who in one motion during a thrilling two-on-one stopped on a dime and then roofed one past a shocked Dwayne Roloson 1:02 into the extra session to put Buffalo six up on the Devils and one point back in front of Nashville for the Presidents Trophy lead. The call by legendary play-by-play man Rick Jeanneret:

“The cookie monster has struck again!”

A classic quote from Rick in reference to when the puck goes top shelf, where Mom hides the cookies. Most exciting announcer in the NHL. When he retires, it will be a sad day. Hopefully he’ll get to call the Sabres winning the Cup this June. If ever someone deserved it along with a franchise and city, it’s that place.

With Tampa recovering from an awful defensive lapse to allow Washington to tie it with 16.5 seconds left in regulation thanks to a clutch Marty St. Louis shootout tally and big stop from backup Marc Denis on Matt Pettinger, the Lightning have crept within one of slumping Southeast division leader Atlanta. With a game at hand and playing much better, they could pass the Thrashers and wind up atop the division. We’ll find out down the stretch.

Really need to schedule a Preds game. Seriously, this talent cannot be shielded from the public.

Was drafted 18th overall by the Predators in 2005. He is a 19 year-old defenseman and the key aspect of this Forsberg deal for the Flyers. They need someone to anchor their blueline along with first round disappointment Joni Pitkanen. Parent better be some kind of player because Scottie Upshall has not developed the way the Predators thought he would. The former 2002 sixth overall selection has only played in 14 games this season and registered just three points and 18 penalty minutes. The previous season, the Alberta native established career highs in games (48), goals (8), assists (16), points (24), penalty minutes (34) and plus/minus (14). Now 23, the jury is out on him. Maybe the change of scenery will help.

For the Flyers’ sake it better because I don’t see this deal being so great. The first round pick could be 30th overall if Forsberg helps lead Nashville to the Cup. In what’s categorized as not a particularly strong draft, what’s so great about that? And right now, you have to say the Presidents’ Trophy leaders have vaulted ahead of other contenders Anaheim, San Jose, Calgary, Detroit and Vancouver with this move. Especially with Forsberg looking more and more like his old dominant self.

Flyers get:
-1st Rounder
-3rd Rounder
-Scottie Upshall
-Ryan Parent

If you missed it which I unfortunately did, apparently there was a controversy in Columbus last night. With the scored knotted at two between the Blue Jackets and Blues, Columbus forward Anson Carter had an apparent go-ahead goal taken away due to an extreme circumstance. Here is how it was described from an AP article with quotes:

AP recap

With the score tied at 2-2 at the 7:07 mark of the third period, Anson Carter‘s wrist shot from the right wing handcuffed Legace, who fell backward into the net with the puck rolling underneath him and apparently over the goal line. His leg blocked an overhead view of the puck, and after a review, it was ruled it was not a goal.

“You guys should know better than I would. Didn’t you see the replay?” Legace asked reporters. “I had no idea where the puck was. It went to Carter and he threw it at the net. It hit the side of the net. I felt it go under my right leg. I didn’t know where it was.”

When referee Dave Jackson waved off the goal, a sparse crowd because of a snowstorm booed the result.

“We never saw the puck cross the line at any time, which is why we initiated a review,” Jackson said. “The video was inconclusive, so the call stood.”

Not longer after, the Blues went ahead and then added an empty netter to post the win. Good thing it was between two teams not headed for the playoffs. Can you imagine the response? This wasn’t the only controversy last night. There was no excuse for officials to miss an obvious Too Many Men On The Ice against Chicago before Tuomu Ruutu scored to put them ahead 4-3 at Pittsburgh before the Pens rallied to pull out the ‘W.’ Unlike the other teams, the Penguins were playing for something. Had Calder candidate Evgeni Malkin not tied it shortly after, Pittsburgh would’ve been ripped off and lost out on even getting a point. There’s something wrong when this kind of stuff happens. And this is the sort of thing the NHL doesn’t need.

On the plus-side from today, a noteworthy item which will make fans very happy courtesy of The NHL Today:

FROM THE BUSINESS DESK
Upper Deck and the National Hockey League have joined forces to create an All- Star caliber event for fans in 28 arenas – Upper Deck Hockey Card Night. This program squared off at center ice in late January and runs through March. In all, 28 NHL teams will participate in the program. The Hockey Card Night Giveaway will provide the first 10,000 fans in each participating city a complimentary team pack.

I want to commend Upper Deck and the NHL for teaming up to do something really nice for their fans. My only question is why are two teams not participating? Which two aren’t? Because whoever they are, shame on them! If you want to make fans, this is the kind of PR you have to do. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved. It’s too bad they can’t hand out the giveaway to everyone in the arena. But 10,000 is still a very nice gesture. Good stuff!

Puck Talk Tonight: I’ll be on blogtalk radio from 6:30-7 tonight breaking down the Eastern playoff picture as well as previewing the key match-ups and giving my take on the two deals out West, Shane Doan’s contract extension and if there’s time, determining who’s the best out in the ultracompetitive West. To tune in live, go here:

Puck Talk

With 26 games remaining, the 11th seeded Rangers (27-24-5, 59 pts) know they have their work cut out for them. They’ll have to leap over three teams just to qualify for a second consecutive postseason. In order for that to happen, they’ll need to continue to take care of business starting tonight in Raleigh against the defending champs. The seventh seeded Hurricanes (29-23-7, 65 pts) are six points clear of the Blueshirts which makes the third match-up of four this season even more vital. The teams split the first two games back in November. After tonight, the final match-up is set for March 11 at The Garden.

Coming off an impressive weekend with back-to-back road wins in Tampa and Washington, the Rangers are aiming for their third straight win. To say two points is a must would be an understatement. With the Islanders and Leafs also ahead of them, any slip up could prove costly.

The keys for Tom Renney’s club are simple:

1.Continue to get offensive balance and roll four lines
2.New look power play continues production
3.Defense continues to play better
4.Henrik Lundqvist continues to play like a King

Do these things and they’ll have continued success tonight.

Pascal Dupuis will make his Rangers debut tonight on the third line while Petr Prucha shifts to the fourth line in place of Colton Orr.

Meanwhile, the Islanders host the hapless Bruins while the Maple Leafs visit rejuvenated Philly. Sixth seeded Tampa plays host to Washington. Also of note, Eastern leading Buffalo will host Edmonton. They lead the idle Devils by just four points.

As I mentioned last night, the Eastern playoff race covered as well as the Sabres’ injury problems and two trades that went down this past weekend:

NY Hockey Report

Okay puck fans. I know it’s only been two years but I was looking through that draft just now and made an interesting discovery. So let’s get to our 2005 Draft Fact of the Night:

The second round has featured as many players (3) making it to the NHL as the first round so far.

1st Round- Sidney Crosby (1st, Pit), Gilbert Brule (6th, Cbj), Anze Kopitar (11th, LA)

2nd Round- Marc-Edouard Vlasic (35th, SJ), Paul Stastny (44th, Col), Guillaume Latendresse (45th, Mtl)

If you’re wondering about how the locals fared, here’s a synopsis of each team’s picks and their current status:

NYR

Player Overall Current Status
Marc Staal 12th Sudbury
Michael Sauer 40th Portland
Marc-Andre Cliche 56th Lewiston (traded to LA in Sean Avery deal)
Brodie Dupont 66th Calgary
Dalyn Flatt 77th Brampton
Tom Pyatt 107th Saginaw
Trevor Koverko 147th Oshawa
Greg Beller 178th Yale
Ryan Russell 211th Kootenay

Notes: Keep an eye on Pyatt. He was an integral part of Canada’s gold 3-peat at the WJC and should turn pro next year and at least be in Hartford. He could turn out to be a steal. Staal should also be there with him.

NJ

Player Overall Current Status
Nicklas Bergfors 23rd Lowell
Jeff Frazee 38th Minnesota
Mark Fraser 84th Lowell
Patrick Davis 99th Lowell
Mark Fayne 155th Noble & Greenough
Sean Zimmermann 170th Spokane
Alexander Sundstrom 218th IF Bjorkloven

Notes: Frazee helped backstop Canada to the WJC Gold. He came on strong in relief and looks to be the heir apparent to Brodeur if that ever happens. Fraser has played briefly in 4 games with the Devils. The jury is still out on the talented Bergfors.

NYI

Player Overall Current Status
Ryan O’Marra 15th Erie
Dustin Kohn 46th Bridgeport
Shea Guthrie 76th Clarkson
Masi Marjamaki 144th Bridgeport
Tyrell Mason 180th Clarkson
Nicholas Tuzzolino 196th Sarnia
Luciano Aquino 210th Pensacola

Notes: The key to this draft is the American O’Marra. He’s expected to be a big talent and someone Fishstick fans should be extremely excited about. Give it another year.

For doing their part in dealing the Canadiens their fifth consecutive defeat, 5-2 at The Swamp with Steve in attendance. Didn’t you predict 5-1? Not bad.

Was there really any doubt that the Devils would win over Montreal? It’s like Bill Murray seeing his shadow in Groundhog Day. Even without John Madden, they took advantage of a total lack of discipline by the Habs in the second to pull within four of Buffalo for the top overall spot in the East. Brian Rafalski tallied twice on the power play and Patrik Elias actually found the back of the net. The Devs did lose Brian Gionta due to a shoulder injury suffered on a check into the boards late in the second. His status is uncertain.

Meanwhile, at Mellon Arena, the red hot Pens overcame a missed Too Many Men On The Ice call to post a 5-4 shootout win and stay within striking distance of the Devils for the Atlantic- meaning that showdown on Friday will be intriguing. The Pens are seven out but if they find a way to win, it becomes a race again. Should be interesting to see what happens there.

Rangers visit Carolina tomorrow in a huge match-up. Look for Pascal Dupuis to make his Ranger debut on the third line with Matt Cullen and Jed Ortmeyer while Petr Prucha shifts to the fourth line with probably Blair Betts and Ryan Hollweg…Rangers also placed backup Kevin Weekes on the IR and recalled Stephen Valiquette to backup Henrik Lundqvist. There’s little doubt that The King will once again be in net. When does the Broadway version of No.30 start turning into dat other guy who never takes a night off across the river? It’s headed that way.

It comes from former Flyer captain Keith Primeau after being honored by the club the other night during the team’s 6-1 win over Detroit at Wachovia Center:

“I think for me, it was, No. 1, my approach, and No. 2, because I really felt connected with the people in this city,” Primeau was saying, hours before a night in his honor. “I always felt that if you play the way they lived their life — which is with passion and desire and a real blue-collar attitude — they are going to love you. I learned that early in my stay here. I think that’s why I will forever have a fondness for the people in Philadelphia.“

To read more of this story, go here:

Flyer fans realized Primeau was special

Doan Signs Extension: Also, just a note that the Phoenix Coyotes have re-signed right wing Shane Doan. It’s reportedly five years, $23 million.

NY Hockey Report Tonight: Now, for a little reminder. I’ll be hosting tonight’s wintry Valentine’s edition of The NY Hockey Report in the usual 8:05 slot. Among topics covered will be the Islanders and Rangers and their chances of getting in the playoffs, the Devils’ continued chase of Buffalo along with seeing an unlikely team in their rear view mirror for the division, why the loss of Paul Gaustad hurts big time for Sabres and complete breakdown of the two trades made over the weekend (Stuart to Cgy, Nagy to Dal).

I’ll also be taking your calls. The number is 877-913-9739. Hit us up if you’re not busy!

To tune in live, go to the Allinbroadcasting site. Wednesday’s full slate should then come up. Go down to the 8:00 New York Hockey Report official link and click on it.

See ya’ll later.