Trade talks seem to be heating up again between the Phoenix Coyotes and NY Rangers. In the beginning of the season, The Coyotes and Rangers almost worked out a deal to send the high priced Jovanovski to MSG. He still has 4 yrs and 23 million remaining on his contract. That is alot of money for a team already near the salary cap as is. Thus enhancing the chances of the Rangers losing Henrik Lundqvist at the end of the season. He is currently signed to a 1 yr 4.25 million dollar deal.
Other noted defenseman, Dick Tarnstrom, may be on the move from the Edmonton Oilers. With the emergence of Ex-Islander Denis Grebeshkov, and Tom Gilbert, Tarnstrom has sat out 2 of the last 3 games. Also, with Joni Pitkanen and Sheldon Souray, on the injured list at the moment, its difficult for Tarnstrom to crack the rotation. Imagine what it will be like when those two sharpshooters return?
The Rangers could use these guys, since the lack of a puck moving defenseman has been noticed this season. My opinion is that the better option is Dick Tarnstrom. He is younger than Jovanovski who is 34, and is only signed to a 1 yr contract, while Jovanovski has 4 more years on his deal. Also the Edmonton Journal writes that the struggling Atlanta Thrashers are interested in Tarnstrom's services as well.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Cold streak ends as Rangers break out scoring 3, beating the Bolts 3-1
On a night, with posts and crossbars hit, a penalty shot, 2 goalies with gold medals, and 3 teeth getting knocked out, amongst all that the Rangers were victorious over the Lightning beating them 3-1. It was another low scoring affair, but the defense held up again and Lundqvist was sharp as usual, only letting in a goal scored on a penalty shot by Vincent Leacavalier. The scoring opened up midway through the first when Nigel Dawes scored deflecting an intended pass-deflection from defenseman Paul Mara. In the second period, Vinny Leacavalier broke through, and had a breakaway, but Marek Malik apparently nudged him enough to get awarded a penalty shot. Bad call in my opinion. Prior to that in the Rangers offensive zone, Jaromir Jagr was hit with the puck, knocking out 3 of his teeth. The gritty captain played through it, scoring the game winning power play goal later in the game in the third period. Brendan Shanahan later tallied a power play goal making it 3-1.
Once again the Rangers outshot the opposition, making this the 11th game in a row doing so to start the season. The Rangers have thrown shots and got bodies in front of the net for the most part this season, but the results havn't come yet, thus making all the Blueshirts faithful restless. That may be coming to an end soon, as Jagr has scored a goal in his 2nd straight game, and Shanahan finally tallied his 2nd of the season, on his 63rd shot on goal this season. Chris Drury also added 2 assists. Their next game is Thursday night, at MSG facing off against the Capitals, making this Michael Nylanders first visit back to the Garden since the Semi-Finals last year versus the Sabres. I'm sure we can all expect a nice cheer for Nylander, and hope for a winning streak for the Rangers to light up the crowd, as they have 2 big games after the Caps game, facing of against the Devils and Flyers respectively.
Tonights Lightning - Rangers boxscore is linked below:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/boxscore?gid=2007102913
Once again the Rangers outshot the opposition, making this the 11th game in a row doing so to start the season. The Rangers have thrown shots and got bodies in front of the net for the most part this season, but the results havn't come yet, thus making all the Blueshirts faithful restless. That may be coming to an end soon, as Jagr has scored a goal in his 2nd straight game, and Shanahan finally tallied his 2nd of the season, on his 63rd shot on goal this season. Chris Drury also added 2 assists. Their next game is Thursday night, at MSG facing off against the Capitals, making this Michael Nylanders first visit back to the Garden since the Semi-Finals last year versus the Sabres. I'm sure we can all expect a nice cheer for Nylander, and hope for a winning streak for the Rangers to light up the crowd, as they have 2 big games after the Caps game, facing of against the Devils and Flyers respectively.
Tonights Lightning - Rangers boxscore is linked below:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/boxscore?gid=2007102913
Lecavalier and Co. make a trip to the Garden for a Monday Night Showdown
Scoring at a 3.5 goal clip, the Tampa Bay Lightning, are making their first of two trips this year to MSG later today. Surprisingly it isn't Vinny Lecavalier leading the team in points and goals, but its his linemate, Vinny Prospal. Prospal comes into this season with 9 goals and 3 assists. This isnt too shocking to me, since I seen this pattern for the last 4 years with Prospal. From 2001-2002 till last season, his points totals are as follows: 55,79,54,80,55, and this year 12 in 9 games. A little inconsistent, eh?. That means nothing though, as this first line of St.Louis, Leacavalier, and Prospal, is very dangerous, as well as their second line of Brad Richards, Ex-Ranger Jan Hlavac, and Michel Ouellet. Tampa is 5-3-1 on the season, and the Rangers have a tough task on hand, as TB is avenging a 4-3 OT loss to the Sabres after leading 2-0 on Saturday.
The so far underachieving NY Rangers are 3-6-1 going into tonight, and seem to have no momentum, as they are coming off a 4-1 loss to the Maple Leafs. The Rangers have scored a league low 16 goals in 10 games. They couldn't even put up a crooked number to the thin Leafs defense. Lundqvist will most likely start his 11th straight game to start the season, against fellow Swede and olympic back-up goalie, Johan Holmqvist. Game time later tonight is 7 PM, and it will air on MSG in NY, and the SUN network in Florida.
Be sure to read my post game wrap-up as always, when the game comes to an end.
The so far underachieving NY Rangers are 3-6-1 going into tonight, and seem to have no momentum, as they are coming off a 4-1 loss to the Maple Leafs. The Rangers have scored a league low 16 goals in 10 games. They couldn't even put up a crooked number to the thin Leafs defense. Lundqvist will most likely start his 11th straight game to start the season, against fellow Swede and olympic back-up goalie, Johan Holmqvist. Game time later tonight is 7 PM, and it will air on MSG in NY, and the SUN network in Florida.
Be sure to read my post game wrap-up as always, when the game comes to an end.
Rangers stumbling through first 10 games of season
Having a spot in the Eastern Conference basement so far with the NJ Devils and the Atlanta Thrashers, isn't something to be too proud of. High expectations have made the Rangers look like the "old" NY Rangers this season. With a 3-6-1 record and last in the league in goals scored, we have to look at a few things that have attributed to this, and not put the blame on anyone quite yet.
-Departure of Michael Nylander: He anchored the first line for the Rangers in the 05-06 and 06-07 seasons, lining up with Jaromir Jagr and Martin Straka. Those 3 had a great chemistry together and knew where each other were on the ice at all times. Now that Nylander's gone, Scotty Gomez is now centering the first line. Two different players, result in a different style of play. Gomez always does elect to pass first, but hes a slasher to the net, while Nylander was a great puck handler who can make a great pass traveling at the speed of a snail. I think that Chris Drury would be a much better fit with Jagr and Straka, when he comes back, and Gomez should be on the line with Shanahan, and Dawes, because the season opener displayed the teammwork that Jagr and Drury and Gomez and Shanahan had.
-Lack of puck handling defenseman: We would all think that this wouldn't be a problem this season, having Rozsival, Tyutin, and Mara on each of the 3 D lines. They have not been getting it done this season, and thats why we aren't seeing the odd man rushes and breaks into the offensive zone. Thus, inhibiting the Rangers to score goals. Other teams like Toronto, and Carolina, and San Jose have the D-Men to handle and skate with the puck, and thus they have scored ALOT more goals than the Rangers this season.
-Tom Renney's shuffling of lines: In order to instill confidence in your players, you have to keep them with their linemates. It seems as if we only see Orr, Betts, and Hollweg as the only definite line staying together. Coach Renney is always shuffling lines around, every game thus diminishing chemistry, and time playing together, and it shows with bad passes, and offsides and icing calls. There has to be set lines soon or this team will continue to struggle scoring goals.
Through 10 games last year and 10 games this year, lets do a little comparing:
Jaromir Jagr:
2006-2007 - 10 GP - 3G - 15A - 18PTS
2007-2008 - 10 GP - 2G - 7A - 9PTS
Brendan Shanahan:
2006-2007: - 10 GP - 9G - 3A - 12PTS
2007-2008: - 10 GP - 1G - 2A - 3PTS
Martin Straka:
2006-2007: - 10 GP - 6G - 7A - 13PTS
2007-2008: - 7 GP - 2G - 1A - 3PTS (missed 3 games so far due to injury)
You can see significant drop-offs in all 3 players so far, thus making us see that the lack of Nylander, a puck handling defenseman, and shuffling of lines have attributed to this, and something has to be done to bolster everything and make a set scheme here or else it will only get worse.
-Departure of Michael Nylander: He anchored the first line for the Rangers in the 05-06 and 06-07 seasons, lining up with Jaromir Jagr and Martin Straka. Those 3 had a great chemistry together and knew where each other were on the ice at all times. Now that Nylander's gone, Scotty Gomez is now centering the first line. Two different players, result in a different style of play. Gomez always does elect to pass first, but hes a slasher to the net, while Nylander was a great puck handler who can make a great pass traveling at the speed of a snail. I think that Chris Drury would be a much better fit with Jagr and Straka, when he comes back, and Gomez should be on the line with Shanahan, and Dawes, because the season opener displayed the teammwork that Jagr and Drury and Gomez and Shanahan had.
-Lack of puck handling defenseman: We would all think that this wouldn't be a problem this season, having Rozsival, Tyutin, and Mara on each of the 3 D lines. They have not been getting it done this season, and thats why we aren't seeing the odd man rushes and breaks into the offensive zone. Thus, inhibiting the Rangers to score goals. Other teams like Toronto, and Carolina, and San Jose have the D-Men to handle and skate with the puck, and thus they have scored ALOT more goals than the Rangers this season.
-Tom Renney's shuffling of lines: In order to instill confidence in your players, you have to keep them with their linemates. It seems as if we only see Orr, Betts, and Hollweg as the only definite line staying together. Coach Renney is always shuffling lines around, every game thus diminishing chemistry, and time playing together, and it shows with bad passes, and offsides and icing calls. There has to be set lines soon or this team will continue to struggle scoring goals.
Through 10 games last year and 10 games this year, lets do a little comparing:
Jaromir Jagr:
2006-2007 - 10 GP - 3G - 15A - 18PTS
2007-2008 - 10 GP - 2G - 7A - 9PTS
Brendan Shanahan:
2006-2007: - 10 GP - 9G - 3A - 12PTS
2007-2008: - 10 GP - 1G - 2A - 3PTS
Martin Straka:
2006-2007: - 10 GP - 6G - 7A - 13PTS
2007-2008: - 7 GP - 2G - 1A - 3PTS (missed 3 games so far due to injury)
You can see significant drop-offs in all 3 players so far, thus making us see that the lack of Nylander, a puck handling defenseman, and shuffling of lines have attributed to this, and something has to be done to bolster everything and make a set scheme here or else it will only get worse.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Restless fans watch another Ranger loss, Leafs 4 Rangers 1
With the Maple Leafs allowing 3.7 goals per game this season, the Rangers and their fans were probably thinking about an offensive outburst tonight. Once again, that didn't happen as the Rangers went down 4-1. The Rangers ended a scoreless tie early in the 2nd when Jaromir Jagr scored on a wrister past Leafs goalie Vesa Toskala. The scoring ended there for the Blueshirts, and Toronto scored 3 unanswered in a 8 minute 31 second span later in the 2nd period. The Leafs later added an empty netter to make it a 4-1 final. That seems to be a little bit of a trend this season, doing it twice to Ottawa and now to Toronto tonight.
Once again the Rangers outshot their opponents, with 33 shots for the Rangers and 23 for the Leafs. It seems when the Rangers are playing against a goalie who hasn't been hot for the season, they seem to right the ship when they play the Rangers. The fans got real restless in the 3rd period, booing every Ranger icing, and getting ancy when the Leafs had the puck. Overall the Rangers played a sound game and Lundqvist was adequate, but the Skilled offense of the Rangers just couldn't get it done again as they have only scored 11 goals in 9 games since the season opener against Florida. Just to put this in perspective, 11 goals in 9 games for the Rangers as a TEAM, LA Kings center Mike Cammalleri, has 10 goals in his 11 games played this year, ouch.
Link for Leafs and Rangers boxscore is below:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/boxscore?gid=2007102713
Once again the Rangers outshot their opponents, with 33 shots for the Rangers and 23 for the Leafs. It seems when the Rangers are playing against a goalie who hasn't been hot for the season, they seem to right the ship when they play the Rangers. The fans got real restless in the 3rd period, booing every Ranger icing, and getting ancy when the Leafs had the puck. Overall the Rangers played a sound game and Lundqvist was adequate, but the Skilled offense of the Rangers just couldn't get it done again as they have only scored 11 goals in 9 games since the season opener against Florida. Just to put this in perspective, 11 goals in 9 games for the Rangers as a TEAM, LA Kings center Mike Cammalleri, has 10 goals in his 11 games played this year, ouch.
Link for Leafs and Rangers boxscore is below:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/boxscore?gid=2007102713
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Rangers VS Leafs tonight at MSG
Later today, the Maple Leafs skate their way into Madison Square Garden, to face off against the Rangers. The Rangers are coming in scoring an NHL low 15 goals this year. No Ranger has scored more than 2 goals this season, and Captain Jaromir Jagr and sharpshooter Brendan Shanahan, have only scored 1 goal each. The Rangers though have a decent chance of improving their offensive output against the Leafs who allow 3.91 GPG, but they also have a potent offense thats scoring 3.67 GPG, headed by Captain Mats Sundin who has 18 PTS (6 G 12 A) to lead the team, while Winger Nik Antropov leads the team with 7 goals.
Henrik Lundqvist may tame the Leafs offense, since he has posted shutouts in 2 of the last 3 games, lowering his GAA to 1.78 for the season, but only posting a 3-5-1 record, due to the lack of offense. He will be tested though, even being without PP sniper Darcy Tucker, and Center Kyle Wellwood.
With the high potent offense and lack of defense from the Leafs, the Rangers have to be on the top of their game to compete, but by judging their style of play for the last 2 games, that should not be a problem, since it looks now, that they are showing what they can do......get to the net and throw a lot of rubber at opposing goalies.
Henrik Lundqvist may tame the Leafs offense, since he has posted shutouts in 2 of the last 3 games, lowering his GAA to 1.78 for the season, but only posting a 3-5-1 record, due to the lack of offense. He will be tested though, even being without PP sniper Darcy Tucker, and Center Kyle Wellwood.
"I like the way the team is playing right now," he said. "We just have to score a little bit more.
"I know we might not score that much, so I have to keep focused and play a very good game to get the win.", says Lundqvist.
Also, Nigel Dawes has done all the Rangers scoring in the last 2 games scoring a whopping 2 goals, but it looks like he has alot more confidence lately, as other players should as well, since Marty Straka, Sean Avery and Ryan Callahan are all out with injuries. Renney speaking of Nigel Dawes, "He's a good player," coach Tom Renney told the Rangers' official Web site. "He's got a quick release when he goes to the net, and he's got enough confidence to shoot the puck."With the high potent offense and lack of defense from the Leafs, the Rangers have to be on the top of their game to compete, but by judging their style of play for the last 2 games, that should not be a problem, since it looks now, that they are showing what they can do......get to the net and throw a lot of rubber at opposing goalies.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Winless streak snapped as Rangers play hard for all 60 minutes
Yes. A 60 minute game was played by the Blueshirts tonight. It seemed as if all season the Rangers had not done that, playing hard in spurts in 7 out of 8 games played this season, (Pittsburgh being the exception also). It payed off tonight, as the Rangers snapped their 5 game winless streak to bring them to 3-5-1 on the season, shutting out the Devils tonight 2-0. As expected both goaltenders stopped just about everything shot at them, except for when Nigel Dawes took shots at Brodeur. Dawes scored both goals in tonights game, on 5 shots on goal, followed by his 6 shot game in Pittsburgh Tuesday night. It seems like he is anchoring his spot for the Rangers future as the 22 year old seems more and more comfortable playing each game as it passes.
The Rangers as a whole tonight played marvelous. They backchecked, forechecked, and got to a lot of loose pucks, while holding the devils to only 22 shots on goal, with only a few being high quality chances on Henrik Lundqvist. On the other side of the ice, the Rangers threw a lot of pucks at the net tonight, and had a lot of traffic in front of Marty Brodeur, with him making some highlight reel saves on Chris Drury twice tonight. Nigel Dawes was the only one that could solve Brodeur tonight.
The Rangers next task at hand, will be against the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday night at MSG, whom beat the Penguins tonight 5-2, with 4 of their goals coming in the 3rd period. Mats Sundin leads the team and is tied for first in the league with 18 pts (6 G12 A).
Tonights Devils-Rangers box score is linked below:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/boxscore?gid=2007102513
The Rangers as a whole tonight played marvelous. They backchecked, forechecked, and got to a lot of loose pucks, while holding the devils to only 22 shots on goal, with only a few being high quality chances on Henrik Lundqvist. On the other side of the ice, the Rangers threw a lot of pucks at the net tonight, and had a lot of traffic in front of Marty Brodeur, with him making some highlight reel saves on Chris Drury twice tonight. Nigel Dawes was the only one that could solve Brodeur tonight.
The Rangers next task at hand, will be against the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday night at MSG, whom beat the Penguins tonight 5-2, with 4 of their goals coming in the 3rd period. Mats Sundin leads the team and is tied for first in the league with 18 pts (6 G12 A).
Tonights Devils-Rangers box score is linked below:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/boxscore?gid=2007102513
Metropolitan battle insues tonight at the Garden
An offense starved NY Rangers team faces off against a defensive starved NJ Devils tonight at Madison Square Garden, in their first of 9 matchups this season. The Rangers come into tonights game at 2-5-1, while the Devils come in with a 3-4-1 record. This can possibly be a blessing in disguise in my eyes as I look at this matchup by the way both of these teams have played so far.
The Rangers come in scoring at a last place clip this season, registering 13 goals, in their 8 games this season. The Devils come in allowing an Un-Devil like 28 goals in their 8 games played. Hall of fame bound goalie Martin Brodeur is 2-4 this season with a 3.51 GAA, while Kevin Weekes is 1-1 with a 2.4 GAA. the team most likely will go with Brodeur, hopefully allowing the Rangers to manage even a goal tonight, as he hasn't played well this season. The defense hasn't helped Brodeur all that much either, not helping that high GAA.
It may seem early in the season, but it seems like do or die for the Rangers tonight, as fans as well as coaching are getting restless, watching a highly talented team go over 181 minutes without a goal, but with Brodeur in the net, who knows what defense and what Marty show up tonight, thus being a high energy, very important game for both teams.
The Rangers come in scoring at a last place clip this season, registering 13 goals, in their 8 games this season. The Devils come in allowing an Un-Devil like 28 goals in their 8 games played. Hall of fame bound goalie Martin Brodeur is 2-4 this season with a 3.51 GAA, while Kevin Weekes is 1-1 with a 2.4 GAA. the team most likely will go with Brodeur, hopefully allowing the Rangers to manage even a goal tonight, as he hasn't played well this season. The defense hasn't helped Brodeur all that much either, not helping that high GAA.
It may seem early in the season, but it seems like do or die for the Rangers tonight, as fans as well as coaching are getting restless, watching a highly talented team go over 181 minutes without a goal, but with Brodeur in the net, who knows what defense and what Marty show up tonight, thus being a high energy, very important game for both teams.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Callahan out indefinitley with knee sprain
As if being last in the league for goals scored isn't enough, without Martin Straka and Sean Avery, the gritty and speedy winger Ryan Callahan will be sidelined indefinitely with a grade 2 MCL sprain. An MRI revealed this today as he was hurt in yesterdays game against the Penguins. Along with the Callahan injury, Straka will be sidelined another month with his broken finger, and Sean Avery will be out for atleast the next 7 days, with his injured shoulder.
This is no help for the offense starved Rangers who have only scored 13 goals in the 8 games played this year, and have gone the last 181 minutes and 9 seconds without scoring a goal, despite leading the league in shots on goal.
This is no help for the offense starved Rangers who have only scored 13 goals in the 8 games played this year, and have gone the last 181 minutes and 9 seconds without scoring a goal, despite leading the league in shots on goal.
NY blanked again as snakebit Rangers lose 1-0
In an all around well played game by the Rangers, their season long woes continued last night as the Penguins defeated the Blueshirts 1-0. The Rangers outshot the Pens 36-22, and had great chances but they were one upped by goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. He played great as well as his counterpart Henrik Lundqvist, but the lone goal scored by Evgeni Malkin barely slid past Lundqvist as Marek Malik did his best to try to stop it but it slid past his stick as well.
With their lack of scoring, bad luck attributed to the Rangers loss as well. 3 posts were hit by the Rangers tonight, as Dawes, Callahan, and Jagr hit posts tonight. Also to boot, the great goaltending by Fleury attributed to that as well, as he hasn't done all that well this season. It just seems like the bad luck has followed the Rangers around for the last week or so. They played against Manny Fernandez who came into the game with a 5.01 GAA and he blanks the Rangers Saturday, and Fleury came into tonights game with a GAA of 3, and he, as well as Fernandez blanked the Rangers.
The Rangers havn't helped themselves either in times of scoring goals, as Brendan Shanahan and Chris Drury kind of just hang around on the hash mark and the point on the power play. You couldn't find a Ranger within 20 feet of Fleury tonight when the Rangers were on the PP (Petr Prucha being the exception), except for that one time Drury got in front when Shanahan took a slapshot from the point.
They face another daunting task at Madison Square Garden Thursday night as the NJ Devils skate into town having their own troubles posting a 3-4-1 record and giving up 28 goals in 8 games with Brodeur posting a robust 3.51 GAA, not Brodeur like at all. We all know that the reception at the Garden, will not be a good one and just maybe, the Rangers can feed of the fans displeasure, and just win a game.
With their lack of scoring, bad luck attributed to the Rangers loss as well. 3 posts were hit by the Rangers tonight, as Dawes, Callahan, and Jagr hit posts tonight. Also to boot, the great goaltending by Fleury attributed to that as well, as he hasn't done all that well this season. It just seems like the bad luck has followed the Rangers around for the last week or so. They played against Manny Fernandez who came into the game with a 5.01 GAA and he blanks the Rangers Saturday, and Fleury came into tonights game with a GAA of 3, and he, as well as Fernandez blanked the Rangers.
The Rangers havn't helped themselves either in times of scoring goals, as Brendan Shanahan and Chris Drury kind of just hang around on the hash mark and the point on the power play. You couldn't find a Ranger within 20 feet of Fleury tonight when the Rangers were on the PP (Petr Prucha being the exception), except for that one time Drury got in front when Shanahan took a slapshot from the point.
They face another daunting task at Madison Square Garden Thursday night as the NJ Devils skate into town having their own troubles posting a 3-4-1 record and giving up 28 goals in 8 games with Brodeur posting a robust 3.51 GAA, not Brodeur like at all. We all know that the reception at the Garden, will not be a good one and just maybe, the Rangers can feed of the fans displeasure, and just win a game.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Straka breaks finger in loss to Bruins
The scoring troubles continued for the Rangers in their fifth loss in the last six games Saturday, not even recording a single goal in the game. Even worse news, Martin Straka broke a finger on his right hand blocking a laser slapshot from defenseman Zdeno Chara. After playing another shift after that Straka went to the dressing room and didn't return, and may not for a few games or even a week or two.
This doesn't help at all, since the Rangers are last in the league in goals scored with 13. They trail the Columbus Blue Jackets who tallied only 15 and the Atlanta Thrashers with 16 goals. You can attribute their lack of goal scoring with their style of play so far this season. Obviously the talent is there, but its the way they're using it. It's easy to see they are playing way too fancy and not going back to the basics like they did in the last few years of taking shots and having guys in front. Brendan Shanahan leads the league in shots on goal, but has only 1 goal. He has been an intimidator for the last 15 years, standing in front of goaltenders and slamming home rebounds, but this year majority of his shots have come from the hash marks or the point.
The Penguins host the Blueshirts Tuesday night at Mellon Arena, and who knows what Tom Renney is going to throw together on the 4 line rotation, but it seems like it can only get better because, at this point for Rangers fans it may seem like it cant get any worse in the early stages of the season.
This doesn't help at all, since the Rangers are last in the league in goals scored with 13. They trail the Columbus Blue Jackets who tallied only 15 and the Atlanta Thrashers with 16 goals. You can attribute their lack of goal scoring with their style of play so far this season. Obviously the talent is there, but its the way they're using it. It's easy to see they are playing way too fancy and not going back to the basics like they did in the last few years of taking shots and having guys in front. Brendan Shanahan leads the league in shots on goal, but has only 1 goal. He has been an intimidator for the last 15 years, standing in front of goaltenders and slamming home rebounds, but this year majority of his shots have come from the hash marks or the point.
The Penguins host the Blueshirts Tuesday night at Mellon Arena, and who knows what Tom Renney is going to throw together on the 4 line rotation, but it seems like it can only get better because, at this point for Rangers fans it may seem like it cant get any worse in the early stages of the season.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Scoring struggles continue and Bruins beat Blueshirts 1-0 in OT Shootout
Finesse, finesse, finesse. That seemed to be the game that the Rangers played once again today, as they couldnt even manage a single goal for the third time in 7 games this season, as the Bruins beat the Rangers to keep their home undefeated streak alive. The game was taken into a scoreless tie into overtime, and thats when the game opened up just a little as the Rangers got a few great quality chances against the Manny Fernandez who played the role as the Brick Wall today. The Rangers could have had more great scoring chances as well as the Bruins if it weren't for a lively, jumpy puck today. It didnt matter though, becuase in the end it resulted in a Bruins win as they call him in Boston, "The Thrill From Phil", Phil Kessel scored in the last round of the shootout to defeat the Rangers with the lone goal today, although it being in the shootout.
"Henrik's been great all year. Theres no question about it", said rangers center Scott Gomez. "Thats not the area we have to worry about". That statement is 100% correct beacuse once again the Rangers had a difficult time in just getting in the zone at times today, as sloppy passes and a jumpy puck didn't help at all. The Rangers don't have it any easier for their next game, Tuesday at Mellon Arena against the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have an explosive offense, so the Rangers have to get out of this scoring funk, because its an up and down game when you play the Penguins, and they will have to come prepared to even be able to be in the same league as them when they are in sync.
More bleek news from Rangerville, Left Winger Martin Straka took a booming slapshot off the hand from D-Man Zdeno Chara, and broke his finger on his right hand today while blocking it. It looks like the Rangers will be without Straka for an extended period of time, thus enhancing their lack of scoring being without him.
"Henrik's been great all year. Theres no question about it", said rangers center Scott Gomez. "Thats not the area we have to worry about". That statement is 100% correct beacuse once again the Rangers had a difficult time in just getting in the zone at times today, as sloppy passes and a jumpy puck didn't help at all. The Rangers don't have it any easier for their next game, Tuesday at Mellon Arena against the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have an explosive offense, so the Rangers have to get out of this scoring funk, because its an up and down game when you play the Penguins, and they will have to come prepared to even be able to be in the same league as them when they are in sync.
More bleek news from Rangerville, Left Winger Martin Straka took a booming slapshot off the hand from D-Man Zdeno Chara, and broke his finger on his right hand today while blocking it. It looks like the Rangers will be without Straka for an extended period of time, thus enhancing their lack of scoring being without him.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
NY in Boston to play the Bruins in matinee
Today the Bruins host the slumping NY Rangers in a Saturday matinee at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston. The Bruins have started the season off fairly well, going 4-2-0 in their 6 games played thus far. Although their stats arent eye popping they're getting the job done so far. Ex Ranger Marc Savard leads the team with 8 points (1 G 7A), and they are near the tops of the league with a 28.6% rate on the power play. The biggest asset to the team by far has been their stellar netminder, Tim Thomas. In his 4 games played he posted a 3-1-0 record with a league leading 1.26 GAA and an insane .962 save pct. His backup Manny Fernandez hasn't faired too well going 1-1 with a 5.01 GAA and a horrid .796 save pct.
The Rangers come into this game going 1-4 in their last 5 games with no momentum. They were beat Thursday night in Atlanta to the then 0-6 Thrashers who are now 1-6 thanks to the Rangers practically giving them the game due to the lack of skating and teamwork portrayed. I'm not going to underestimate the goaltending of Johan hedberg last game, he did very well, albeit allowing 3 PP goals in the 3rd period but the numbers showed the Rangers outshot them 35-26, but out of the 26 Thrasher shots on goal, 20 were legitimate scoring oppurtunities, but Henrik did bail them out on numerous occasions.
We will see what game the Rangers bring, but they havn't gotten out to a good start in the beginning of games this season and it has been very evident to the fans and also goalie, Henrik Lundqvist. "It looks like it's impossible for our team to get a fast start. They got momentum. We had to play on our heels." said Lundqvist.
Maybe the team will take what he said and use it to their advantage later today, and hopefully end this losing streak they have had recently. After beating the Panthers 5-2 on Garden ice in the season opener, since then they are 1-4 in the last games and scored only 8 goals and allowed 13.
The Rangers come into this game going 1-4 in their last 5 games with no momentum. They were beat Thursday night in Atlanta to the then 0-6 Thrashers who are now 1-6 thanks to the Rangers practically giving them the game due to the lack of skating and teamwork portrayed. I'm not going to underestimate the goaltending of Johan hedberg last game, he did very well, albeit allowing 3 PP goals in the 3rd period but the numbers showed the Rangers outshot them 35-26, but out of the 26 Thrasher shots on goal, 20 were legitimate scoring oppurtunities, but Henrik did bail them out on numerous occasions.
We will see what game the Rangers bring, but they havn't gotten out to a good start in the beginning of games this season and it has been very evident to the fans and also goalie, Henrik Lundqvist. "It looks like it's impossible for our team to get a fast start. They got momentum. We had to play on our heels." said Lundqvist.
Maybe the team will take what he said and use it to their advantage later today, and hopefully end this losing streak they have had recently. After beating the Panthers 5-2 on Garden ice in the season opener, since then they are 1-4 in the last games and scored only 8 goals and allowed 13.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Rangers no show in Atlanta
On a night where you might have thought the Rangers would get back to .500, on a night where you would see what Gomez and Drury can do to a team that takes penalties and make mistakes, what we seen tonight was a complete mess and lack of coaching.
They lacked speed, they lacked finesse, they lacked guts at some points of the game, and most of all they lacked teamwork. When one guy got beat there was no one to help them out, when the Thrashers dumped a puck in the zone, they were the first to retrieve it, when they attacked the net no one was remotely close to help out poor Henrik who had to make a few outstanding saves to make this everything but a rout.
Onto the good, there wasn't much to say tonight on the positive side of things, except than Dan Girardi scored his first NHL goal, and that he was the only guy to throw his body around until late in the 3rd period.
This part though is going to take a while, the bad. They didn't skate hard for 50 out of the 60 minutes. The Rangers seemed to coast around the ice just passing the puck to whomever they felt, obviously they wanted the Thrashers to have the puck from what I did see tonight. The defense was very porous and just wasnt in position when the Thrashers were in the Rangers zone, especially Thomas Pock and Marc Staal. Them two alone got beat a half dozen times to give the Thrashers a great chance to score but Henrik did bail them out on 4 of the 6 or 7 times they got beat bad.
You can also see that Tom Renneys head wasn't in the game tonight either, along with the players. For one point in the second period for about 20 seconds from the 6:05 mark till the clock ticked to 5:50 or so, the Rangers were only skating with 4 men on the ice. Are you serious? Yes, they almost did get burned on it also, with Atlanta barreling to the net, with Henrik holding the puck, and POOF all of a sudden Jagr makes his way off the bench to get it back at even strength.
It seemed like the Rangers went into tonights game, thinking they had it easy, along with the fans also. What they found out was they were playing a hungry team, looking for its first win of the season, as well showcase what they got in fron of interim head coach and General manager, Don Waddell. Hes the man to show what talent you have since he is the guy that can decide your fate whether you stay or you go.
With the Rangers at 2-4 on the season, its way too early to judge anything at this point, but as of right now the coaching staff has to sit this high paid, high talent team down for a long meeting to discuss what is needed of them to be a contender. If they dont we may have to live with a team that looks like the 2003 Rangers, and as fans we all know we would not want to see a debacle like that again.........ever again.
They lacked speed, they lacked finesse, they lacked guts at some points of the game, and most of all they lacked teamwork. When one guy got beat there was no one to help them out, when the Thrashers dumped a puck in the zone, they were the first to retrieve it, when they attacked the net no one was remotely close to help out poor Henrik who had to make a few outstanding saves to make this everything but a rout.
Onto the good, there wasn't much to say tonight on the positive side of things, except than Dan Girardi scored his first NHL goal, and that he was the only guy to throw his body around until late in the 3rd period.
This part though is going to take a while, the bad. They didn't skate hard for 50 out of the 60 minutes. The Rangers seemed to coast around the ice just passing the puck to whomever they felt, obviously they wanted the Thrashers to have the puck from what I did see tonight. The defense was very porous and just wasnt in position when the Thrashers were in the Rangers zone, especially Thomas Pock and Marc Staal. Them two alone got beat a half dozen times to give the Thrashers a great chance to score but Henrik did bail them out on 4 of the 6 or 7 times they got beat bad.
You can also see that Tom Renneys head wasn't in the game tonight either, along with the players. For one point in the second period for about 20 seconds from the 6:05 mark till the clock ticked to 5:50 or so, the Rangers were only skating with 4 men on the ice. Are you serious? Yes, they almost did get burned on it also, with Atlanta barreling to the net, with Henrik holding the puck, and POOF all of a sudden Jagr makes his way off the bench to get it back at even strength.
It seemed like the Rangers went into tonights game, thinking they had it easy, along with the fans also. What they found out was they were playing a hungry team, looking for its first win of the season, as well showcase what they got in fron of interim head coach and General manager, Don Waddell. Hes the man to show what talent you have since he is the guy that can decide your fate whether you stay or you go.
With the Rangers at 2-4 on the season, its way too early to judge anything at this point, but as of right now the coaching staff has to sit this high paid, high talent team down for a long meeting to discuss what is needed of them to be a contender. If they dont we may have to live with a team that looks like the 2003 Rangers, and as fans we all know we would not want to see a debacle like that again.........ever again.
Pock being patient
The only NY Rangers defenseman not to play a single minute this season, Thomas Pock. Even a guy like Jason Strudwick got a game in this, so far new season, even with a talent level of well, he has no talent. Why, you may ask after this guy played alot better near the end of the season last year, recording 6 pts in his last 11 games, and recording 3 points in the 4 playoff games he played in.
"I really don't know what my role is, to be honest with you," said Pock. "I've done everything I can in practice. It's not something I can change. It's up to the coach." Asked yesterday about the situation, Rangers coach Tom Renney repeated his mantra of patience. He said again that he wants to get every defenseman into a game before long, and was aware of Pock's plight.
"I really don't know what my role is, to be honest with you," said Pock. "I've done everything I can in practice. It's not something I can change. It's up to the coach." Asked yesterday about the situation, Rangers coach Tom Renney repeated his mantra of patience. He said again that he wants to get every defenseman into a game before long, and was aware of Pock's plight.
Marek Malik a healthy scratch?
Ny Rangers top line defenseman Marek Malik may have the night off tonight against the Atlanta Thrashers. With his inconsistent play and lack of using his body to shield opposing players from the puck, NY Rangers coach Tom Renney may have seen enough. Malik and crew costed the Rangers 3 goals in 52 seconds against the Senators last Saturday night, and coach Renney is doing what he can to right the ship they call the Blueshirts.
Wednesday, Renney had Malik practicing with Jason Strudwick in what looked like the defense pairing that will sit out tonight's game in Atlanta against the winless Thrashers, who, having fired Bob Hartley, will be coached by GM Don Waddell.
Source: New York Daily News
Wednesday, Renney had Malik practicing with Jason Strudwick in what looked like the defense pairing that will sit out tonight's game in Atlanta against the winless Thrashers, who, having fired Bob Hartley, will be coached by GM Don Waddell.
Source: New York Daily News
Marcel may miss playing against Marion
The younger of the two Hossa brothers, Marcel will most likely miss tonights game against the winless Atlanta Thrashers. He pulled his groin during a Monday morning practice, which has now evolved into a hip-flexor strain. It looks like Nigel Dawes will take Hossa's spot on the roster for the game. Hossa recorded 3 assists in his 3 games this season. He was playing well with Jagr and Straka before the injury and last season as well when now Washington Capital Micheal Nylander, was sent to the second line. Nigel Dawes will probably get some first line ice time with Jagr and Gomez tonight, hopefully showcasing what he is fully capable of doing, being a succesful NHL player. Last season wasnt so successful for Dawes recording only 1 pt and registering a minus 4 in his 8 games played.
Also, Chris Drury will be paired with Ryan Callahan, and Petr Prucha.......on the 3rd line. Yes, the 3rd line. It seems like this may be the line with the most chemistry come game time, since Drury and Prucha played together in training camp and some of the preseason, and did fairly well according to NY Ranger coach Tom Renney. Gomez will center the line with Jagr and Dawes, which may not be a point productive line, since Scotty hasn't really blown the roof off since signing that rather lucrative 7 yr 51 million dollar contract during the offseason. Jagr also has had trouble finding the back of the net this season with only 1 goal, but it is far too early to be judging the players, or the team.
Also, Chris Drury will be paired with Ryan Callahan, and Petr Prucha.......on the 3rd line. Yes, the 3rd line. It seems like this may be the line with the most chemistry come game time, since Drury and Prucha played together in training camp and some of the preseason, and did fairly well according to NY Ranger coach Tom Renney. Gomez will center the line with Jagr and Dawes, which may not be a point productive line, since Scotty hasn't really blown the roof off since signing that rather lucrative 7 yr 51 million dollar contract during the offseason. Jagr also has had trouble finding the back of the net this season with only 1 goal, but it is far too early to be judging the players, or the team.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Atlanta to Host Ny Rangers Thursday at Philips Arena
A day after the Atlanta Thrashers fired head coach Bob Hartley, they do not have any easy task facing off against the so far, underachieving New York Rangers. The Rangers come in at 2-3 and are not looking good from the offensive aspect of their game. Their defense though, has looked stellar on paper,in all 5 games thanks to Swedish goaltending phenomenon Henrik Lundqvist. Although the defense being a little porous on occasions, Lundqvist has held opponents to a 2.02 GAA. The Rangers though have only scored 10 goals in their first 5 games of the season.
Maybe its breakout time later today for the Blueshirts, who face off against a team who has had shaky goaltending at best, and team with a terrible penalty kill, hopefully helping the NY Rangers power play click on Philips Arena ice. The Thrashers this season are 0-6 and as of right now aren't showing any signs of improving, with only Ilya Kovalchuk as the only offensive threat at the immediate moment, as his teammate and linemate Marian Hossa is ailing an injured groin. With the Thrashers giving up 4.5 goals per game and only scoring 1.5, hopefully we see our Blueshirts set the ice on fire in Atlanta and get back to .500 on the season.
Maybe its breakout time later today for the Blueshirts, who face off against a team who has had shaky goaltending at best, and team with a terrible penalty kill, hopefully helping the NY Rangers power play click on Philips Arena ice. The Thrashers this season are 0-6 and as of right now aren't showing any signs of improving, with only Ilya Kovalchuk as the only offensive threat at the immediate moment, as his teammate and linemate Marian Hossa is ailing an injured groin. With the Thrashers giving up 4.5 goals per game and only scoring 1.5, hopefully we see our Blueshirts set the ice on fire in Atlanta and get back to .500 on the season.
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