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Ranger Fan Central | The People of RFC

Mon Feb 6 2012 5:23 am EST

It was interesting to study Philly's PP. Its set up SOLELY around Giroux AND Timmonens ability to play keep away with the puck around the perimeter of the attacking zone. A RH playmaker on the right side and a left handed PPQB. That, or the opposite, is what every good PP is built around these days. You force the box to commit on one side, than takes a shot from the other side and get three players going to the net trying to get a advantage when it comes to picking up a rebound. ALL of our sticks on the PP, if we put our best guys on it, is pointing in the wrong direction. AND, Gabby do NOT have the ability to play that keep away style. If Richards pass the puck to Gabby, the PK box can be sure that they won't have to worry about a shot from the left side. If Timmonen pass the puck to Giroux on the left side, in a blink of an eye, a shot can come from the right side. The reason our PP sucks is that i) we don't have a playmate for Richards and ii) we don't have a RH shot from the blueline to play Richards with. It is as simple as that.

Ola

Mon Feb 6 2012 3:29 am EST

Let's trade Anisimov and Dubinsky right now while their trade value is still high and we can get proven 37 year old veterans who know how to win. Out with the kids who don't show up in the big games. :-)

GermanBlueshirt

Mon Feb 6 2012 12:06 am EST

For as much as Richards is currently struggling, AA was looking for production, Dubinsky MIA, & Boyle returned from space the NYR continue to win. That says an awful lot about the character of this team.

Sun Feb 5 2012 11:30 pm EST

Bob....right on about the Refereeing (sp)...disgraceful. My wife came in and said "I didn't know the Super Bowl has started!!!!". That's how blatantly obvious the Flyer bullshit was.

MelvilleFred

Sun Feb 5 2012 11:28 pm EST

RhetOrick.....Richards needs a replaced for Oliva Munn!!!! He's played with his head up his ass since she dumped him. I'm hoping this guy gets on e-Harmony.com!!!!

MelvilleFred

Sun Feb 5 2012 10:52 pm EST

Somebody pinch me...The Giants are Super Bowl Champs....AGAIN and the Rangers beat those assholes from Philly. Lets go 2-2 this year!!!!!

MelvilleFred

Sun Feb 5 2012 6:56 pm EST

Rangers defeat Flyers ..... http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/rangers/anisimov_helps_rangers_top_flyers_bxb1jwKX9YQbETvlQ94PIJ

Sun Feb 5 2012 5:18 pm EST

Do guys realize AA hadn't scored a point in 17 games until today. Geeeesch....

RF4L

Sun Feb 5 2012 5:17 pm EST

I thought Staal played fine. Agreed he's not where he needs to be but their slow by steady progress in his game. I say give him at least 10 more...

RF4L

Sun Feb 5 2012 5:03 pm EST

Hm, felt like one of those moments when/after Prust fought Sesisto and Rupp and co taunted a scared sheitless Rinaldo. Great stuff by our boys, and it was something else by Dubi to stand up for himself against a real heavy weight. No doubt very impressive stuff from the TEAM. This was the first game I saw after the AS break. I am a tad suprised that Staal looks so far from his 30 minutes per night rock solid D form. He ain't close yet. MCD-Girardi really sucked on the PP. Gabby played like a true franchise player. Gotta love it. Philly really depends on Kimmo Timmonen and his long passes up to Giroux and co. Kimmo is getting really old.

Ola

Sun Feb 5 2012 5:01 pm EST

Flyers suck the Stu Bickel pickle!

TradeStar28

Sun Feb 5 2012 4:59 pm EST

Hard fought game and the best more deserving all around team won. The Flyers are a disgrace, led by that punk Zinaldo, or whatever his name is. That guy needs an eye gouged out so he can't play anymore. Bickel is so refreshing - I cannot recall the last time the Rangers had a d-man who played with an edge and never hesitates to drop the gloves.

RF4L

Sun Feb 5 2012 4:51 pm EST

Always nice to beat the goon squad. The refereeing was again a joke. The Rangers again responded nicely to the challenge from the goons. 5 points ahead of them having played 2 less games is a nice place to be. Anisimov awakened. The D was good again. Nice way to start a big Sunday.

Bob

Sun Feb 5 2012 4:02 pm EST

oh yeah... McDonagh played a GREAT game today.

Rhet0ric

Sun Feb 5 2012 4:01 pm EST

I meant Shootout not penalty shot.

Rhet0ric

Sun Feb 5 2012 3:59 pm EST

PJ... I agree... with Dubi, he doesn't give up he keeps playing hard... Richards... I just don't know what's wrong with the guy... I read an article about him last week which said he was focused on fixing his issues with the penalty shot... he doesn't know what's wrong... really? ...you can't play solidly defensively or offensively for more than a couple of shifts and your focus is the penalty shot? We need to get this guy a scoring wing and quick.

Rhet0ric

Sun Feb 5 2012 3:52 pm EST

Agree on AA as he had his best game in a long time....Also may have been Prust's best game of the season as he was involved in the play way more than he has been....Dubi some bad plays but he showed alot in this game and this is how he needs to play....Stralman quietly had a very strong game also and Gaborik does what he has to do in a big game like this.......They all played their hearts out with the exception of Richards...Don't want to be negative after a big win but this guy needs to refund some of that contract...

Sun Feb 5 2012 3:48 pm EST

Enjoy, Ranger Fans: League Standings: http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?type=lea#&navid=nav-stn-league

Sun Feb 5 2012 3:42 pm EST

Not that it matters, but Anisimov should've had the 3rd star... he played a great game today.

Rhet0ric

Sun Feb 5 2012 3:40 pm EST

The Flygirls are our Bitches

nyfans

Sun Feb 5 2012 3:38 pm EST

FEDOTENKO on the empty netter, 5 - 2 Rangers...... AA, Dubi, Ftank all needed to break the ice & have..... good win..... nerve racking at times, but a good win...... Lets Go Rangers !

Sun Feb 5 2012 3:26 pm EST

Great plays by Prust and Bolye leading to that goal... Hopefully this helps Dubi play with some more confidence...

Rhet0ric

Sun Feb 5 2012 3:25 pm EST

DUBINSKI .............. YEAH BABY !!!!! .......... 4 - 2 RANGERS !!!

Sun Feb 5 2012 3:22 pm EST

The Flyers have the # 2 ranked PP in the League... The Rangers have to stop taking the stupid penalties

Rhet0ric

Sun Feb 5 2012 3:13 pm EST

Why Dubi is on the PP, I have no idea.

Rhet0ric

Sun Feb 5 2012 3:09 pm EST

Nice to see Anisimov play with so much confidence

Rhet0ric

Sun Feb 5 2012 3:06 pm EST

Bickel has to be more disciplined....

Sun Feb 5 2012 3:05 pm EST

Sestito is like 2 feet taller than Prust and Prust gave him a bloody nose

Rhet0ric

Sun Feb 5 2012 3:03 pm EST

the GAS line baby!

Rhet0ric

Sun Feb 5 2012 3:02 pm EST

WTF... Dubinsky you suck!

Rhet0ric

Sun Feb 5 2012 3:01 pm EST

Well that sucks

Sun Feb 5 2012 2:43 pm EST

Absolutely boyz: Gabby after shaking off a big hit, showing the experience to play until the buzzer sounds, scores with 5 seconds left..... Yeah Baby !

Sun Feb 5 2012 2:42 pm EST

Gaborik rules!!!

Rhet0ric

Sun Feb 5 2012 2:41 pm EST

Gaborik has some guts....What a goal that was.......

Sun Feb 5 2012 2:37 pm EST

Richards line has got to do something... we can't keep waiting for the first line to score...

Rhet0ric

Sun Feb 5 2012 2:23 pm EST

I like [putting more guys in front, but I wish those guys werent skill players like AA and Stepan who have little effect there. Most good PP's have a big guy in front to screen the goalie and deflect pucks. We don't have that guy. I guess I'd give Boyle or even (yes Hospo) Rupp more of a shot there then they've gotten, especially if we're just going to throw pucks at the net.

chinstrap

Sun Feb 5 2012 2:23 pm EST

This damn powerplay is going to be our downfall....

Sun Feb 5 2012 2:20 pm EST

Now Richards looking like crap defensively also....

Sun Feb 5 2012 2:16 pm EST

Bickel tangles with Sestito, both 2nd fights for each today..... Bickel bleeds Ranger Blue, I love this kid.....

Sun Feb 5 2012 2:04 pm EST

PJ... He lost a faceoff and had a shot on goal... what more could you want?

Rhet0ric

Sun Feb 5 2012 1:58 pm EST

Still waiting for Richards to do something....We need him in games like this....

Sun Feb 5 2012 1:48 pm EST

Giroux dove after the fact... good non call.

Rhet0ric

Sun Feb 5 2012 1:46 pm EST

We need to park 2 guys in front of the crease

Sun Feb 5 2012 1:36 pm EST

2 SOG during the power play..that's an improvement.

DOUBLEN

Sun Feb 5 2012 1:31 pm EST

We get to see this powerplay that they worked on in practice according to MDZ and Richards.

DOUBLEN

Sun Feb 5 2012 1:30 pm EST

Rhet/Chin/NN...... thank you

Sun Feb 5 2012 1:27 pm EST

First Row in Europe works http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/106138/1/watch-new-york-rangers-vs-philadelphia-flyers.html.

DOUBLEN

Sun Feb 5 2012 1:12 pm EST

Ha. Thanks RHET. Average minds think alike :O

chinstrap

Sun Feb 5 2012 1:12 pm EST

http://hockeynightt.blogspot.com/2011/10/3.html

chinstrap

Sun Feb 5 2012 1:09 pm EST

Chin... This is the only one I could get to work... http://hockeynightt.blogspot.com/2011/10/3.html

Rhet0ric

Sun Feb 5 2012 1:09 pm EST

I hate Time Warner and the Dolan. A lot.

chinstrap

Sun Feb 5 2012 1:07 pm EST

First Row Sports is done..it was in that group of online streams that the Feds got a hold of after Tom Brady said he watched last year's Superbowl on a stream. Still waiting for the exact link for Streamo so in the meantime I have the Center Ice Mosiac channel up.

DOUBLEN

Sun Feb 5 2012 12:57 pm EST

MF... No broken finger is going to keep Rupp out of the lineup... But, it wouldn't surprise me to see the Flyers intentionally slash him on his left hand... Rangers and Flyers will be wearing their Winter Classic uniforms today... Anisimov should see time on Richards LW today... Torts has been toying with putting the GAS line back together... I say, stick Richards on Gaborik's left and put the PACK line back together...

Rhet0ric

Sun Feb 5 2012 12:57 pm EST

Anyone have a link to a good stream for today? FirstRowSports doesn't seem to be loading.

chinstrap

Sun Feb 5 2012 11:31 am EST

Flyers look for first win against Rangers.......http://www.nhl.com/ice/preview.htm?id=2011020781

Sun Feb 5 2012 11:29 am EST

Anyone know if Rupp is in the line-up today?

Sun Feb 5 2012 11:13 am EST

Oh, and we need to step on the neck of the Orange Turds today. Give them nothing. Keep beating them. There will be some of their loser fans in the building. Please treat them appropriately. No physicality, but copious amoiunts of the outrageoulsy priced beer.

Bob

Sun Feb 5 2012 11:08 am EST

RE: Brooks: Whatever your feeling about the man, he is our hometown tool.... Tools are good, and, he has been and will continue to cover topics that are interesting and important to Ranger fans....... "Now how about the welfare money that the Devils are receiving?" Lawrence!

Sun Feb 5 2012 11:01 am EST

AFAIAC, If Brooks peruses this and other Ranger fan blogs, he is doing his job. No problem with it. Does he reach for stuff? Sure. He works for the NY Post. I look forward to reading his Sunday column and his other stories. But....he is absolutely a tool.

Bob

Sun Feb 5 2012 10:59 am EST

Having hockey on Super Bowl Sunday is completely retarded. And then to have teams like Boston, NY, Washington, Pittsburgh, and Philly playing? Of course Bettman, because these are not football towns at all.

Sun Feb 5 2012 10:56 am EST

And they must come out with the urgency that was missing for the first 40 minutes against the Devils. The Rangers lead the Flyers by three points with two games in hand. With 31 games left, this may not be a must-win situation for the Flyers, but it’s awfully close, not only from a standings-purpose, but for their confidence. After this there will only be two more meetings with the Rangers. “We can’t let these points pass away against the Rangers,” Claude Giroux said. In short, the urgency that the Flyers showed the final 20 minutes, but be displayed for the entire 60 for them to have a chance against the Rangers. Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/flyers/138718579.html#ixzz1lWW8nOts Watch sports videos you won't find anywhere else

Sun Feb 5 2012 10:56 am EST

MF: I don't care if the Flyers turn to goonery because that is their MO. They have never hidden that. Its just pushing around the Devils is one thing. Now pushing around the NYR is another thing altogether. Punch the NYR in the mouth and they will wipe the blood from their lip and say, "alright, so thats the way you want to play?" Then watch an onslaught of body checks and physical domination will come the Flyers way. This ain't your Grandma's NYR and you ain't the Broad Street Bullies no more.

Sun Feb 5 2012 10:50 am EST

s/b: 3 days off, not games off

Sun Feb 5 2012 10:49 am EST

Flyers feel they played their best period of hockey against the Debbies, it was a period loaded with "goonery" ...... Typical Flyer mindset..... We need to take advantage of 3 games off & them playing "back to back" (chicken-shack.... couldnt resist that ,for you Deadheads) Flyers Notes: Flyers' Rinaldo fined for actions vs. Devils Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/flyers/20120205_Flyers_Notes___Flyers__Rinaldo_fined_for_actions_vs__Devils.html#ixzz1lWTqqT5j Watch sports videos you won't find anywhere else

Sun Feb 5 2012 10:48 am EST

First, Larry Brooks has been taking "tone & pulse" from this site as well as a few others for a long time. In retrospect, I don't think that this is a bad thing. Why? Some of our assertions and arguments can be answered by him. We are in affect: readers. And he is utilizing his access to expand on topics that we are already debating. And there are occasions that he speculates on ideas and quasi takes credit for them. But honestly, he writes a daily article for a team that doesn't play every single night. And sometimes it has to be hard to get a story. Second, Sometimes on the wall people give themselves too much credit for certain things. There are several folks on this wall who are frankly, "Heroes of the Obvious." In other words, they assert opinions that may even be profound, but they aren't exclusive. And the writer is not Aeschylus. And yes, I do think Larry Brooks is a tool.

Sun Feb 5 2012 10:45 am EST

from the Philthy rags: Inside the Flyers: Flyers fans enjoying Simmonds' style of play Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/flyers/20120205_Inside_the_Flyers___Flyers_fans_enjoying_Simmonds__style_of_play.html#ixzz1lWTBxhPE Watch sports videos you won't find anywhere else

Sun Feb 5 2012 10:41 am EST

E - exactly, for the grind of the next 3-4 months...Doan----SMyth---Rutuu..and who knows what other surprise might become avaialble in the next three weeks

Hospo

Sun Feb 5 2012 9:12 am EST

Yep, Brooks (tool) reads The Wall!

pa.rangersfan

Sun Feb 5 2012 5:26 am EST

I like the St Croix pick alot. No matter what, he got a LONG way still to go. But he have some potential. The biggest issue is that his engine just isn't world class and I guess odds still are that he will follow the route of someone like Robbie Schremp, but he could still add that element of covering all of ice and the ability to keep speed under his skates to his game.

Ola

Sun Feb 5 2012 5:22 am EST

Hohohihi Welfare Lou and Nazi Tim Thomas. Gotta love those nicknames.

Ola

Sun Feb 5 2012 3:23 am EST

NV94: I think that Ruutu is amongst the players that fit the NYR needs right now. Of course my play is Shayne Doan. It's about snarl and goal scoring at this point. Red nosed players on the short term contract.

Sat Feb 4 2012 11:06 pm EST

Sam Gagner continuing tonight, has two goals at the end of the 1st, Edmonton 3 - Redwings 1..... Lets go Oilers..........

Sat Feb 4 2012 10:56 pm EST

I think ruutu would be the best fit under torts system! Am I right??

NV94

Sat Feb 4 2012 9:32 pm EST

The Top Draft Prospects 2012 as of right now... http://thehockeywriters.com/world-juniors-top-10-2012-nhl-draft-eligible-prospect-performances/ ...a guy who may fall to the Rangers is Alex Galchenyuk... just getting back from ACL repair surgery... originally projected to be a Top 10 Pick, it's not sure just how far he'll fall on the board come Draft Day... http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=597271

Rhet0ric

Sat Feb 4 2012 6:59 pm EST

Got to love a prospect that plays with a chip on his shoulder... like he wants to show the team that drafted him that they were right to do so... Maybe I'm just saying that because I was more excited at the draft about the Rangers taking him than I was JT Miller:) ... he's got a long ways to go before he makes it to the NHL, but he's only 18... http://bluelinestation.com/2012/02/04/michael-st-croix-is-setting-records-with-the-edmonton-oil-kings/ ...http://www.snyrangersblog.com/2012/02/04/read-michael-st-croix-drives-his-team/

Rhet0ric

Sat Feb 4 2012 6:24 pm EST

Puck-Yu: spot on brother... NJ should have to shed salary if they're getting welfare...Where does their extended credit line end? Maybe Larry the "Friend of the Devil" Brooks will have the courage to write about this outrage.... Do the "write-thing" Larry

Sat Feb 4 2012 5:31 pm EST

Devils look poised for a run in 2nd half- no way they trade Zack when they are in the middle of the pack- unless owner insists.Frankly though- it's bullshit that Bettman is advancing $$ to them- they should deal away salary to make payroll. We now have too big to fail NHL teams I guess.

puckyou

Sat Feb 4 2012 3:46 pm EST

Pitt wins , Jersey wins, better for us in the standings...... We need to beat Philly but good tomorrow..... Lets go Rangers!!!

Sat Feb 4 2012 3:33 pm EST

mf...You are right but the Flyers have scored 4 goals and are still pressing....Chico beginning to panic.....I just can't stand either team....

Sat Feb 4 2012 3:17 pm EST

PJ, turn off the volume & play some music :-)

Sat Feb 4 2012 3:14 pm EST

As much as I hate the Flyers it is nauseating listening to Chico drone on about the Devils....I hope we crush them on Tuesday....

Sat Feb 4 2012 3:10 pm EST

mf..HATE them both brother! I would have to say though that my hate for the Pens goes deeper. My HATE list as follows: 1.Philly 2.Isles 3.Devils 4.Pitt 5.Washngtn.

pa.rangersfan

Sat Feb 4 2012 3:06 pm EST

3:05 ..... 23 days left until the trade deadline....................

Sat Feb 4 2012 3:02 pm EST

Shitzburg beating Boston 2 -0 with 15 minutes left, and, the Debbies are spanking the living shit out of the Cryers 6 - 0 ..... awesome !

Sat Feb 4 2012 2:55 pm EST

pa/ez: who you rooting for, Shitzburg or the Druids ?

Sat Feb 4 2012 2:17 pm EST

I knew I'd wake up some of you senior citizens from your Saturday afternoon nap! LOL

pa.rangersfan

Sat Feb 4 2012 2:14 pm EST

Smyth said "who is Larry Brooks?" I like Smyth even better now. He is the guy we need to get.

Bob

Sat Feb 4 2012 2:13 pm EST

Morrow's a different story becasue of the extra year left on his contract...So forget him if the neck is an issue...PROSPAL is the 4th Alternative!

Hospo

Sat Feb 4 2012 2:11 pm EST

All media propaganda and doubletalk on both sides...GET SMYTH!!!!...or DOAN or RUTUU.....GO FOR THE CUP SATHER!!! Need vets for the the PO wars....

Hospo

Sat Feb 4 2012 1:59 pm EST

Man what a bum that Smyth is. NO THANKS! He should stay in EDM and loose like he has done all of his career.

Ola

Sat Feb 4 2012 1:53 pm EST

According to Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News, Morrow was bothered by neck pain before playing in back-to-back to games on Wednesday and Thursday. Morrow also acknowledged that he might have surgery in the off-season to fix the issue. Yep, another good idea right? 33 yrs.old with a bum neck. Yep, go get 'em Slats!

pa.rangersfan

Sat Feb 4 2012 1:49 pm EST

EDMONTON - Ryan Smyth says he has not been contacted by the New York Rangers about finishing out the season there and, quite frankly, isn’t all that receptive to the idea. “First I’ve heard of it,” said Smyth, when asked about a report from New York Post writer Larry Brooks suggesting he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause to join Glen Sather’s first-place Rangers. “Who’s Larry Brooks?” “I haven’t even really thought about it to be honest,” he continued. “They would have to approach me first and nobody’s approached me. It’s not something that I’ve thought much about.” Asked if he’d consider joining a contender if asked, the former Islander, Avalanche and LA King said he’s tired of the address changes. “I’ve moved four times in the last five years,” he said. “I wanted to come back here for a reason?” WHO'S LARRY BROOKS?! mwuhahah! Can we now put this senior citizen love-fest to rest PLEASE!!!!!!!

pa.rangersfan

Sat Feb 4 2012 1:28 pm EST

Morrow placed on injured reserve... Saturday's Rumors around the NHL... http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=386911

Rhet0ric

Sat Feb 4 2012 1:17 pm EST

Oilers Smyth not in New York state of mind... http://www.edmontonsun.com/2012/02/03/oilers-smyth-not-in-new-york-state-of-mind

Rhet0ric

Sat Feb 4 2012 1:11 pm EST

St. Croix working to become two-way player... http://www.nyrangersblog.com/2012-articles/february/st-croix-working-to-become-two-way-player.html

Rhet0ric

Sat Feb 4 2012 11:04 am EST

Strålman was a top 4 D in CBJ, but was cut from NJs camp. He is a talented D, seen as one of the top prospects outside the NHL a few years ago (ahead of Edler, Enstrom and co). BUT more than anything I think his inability to get pts on the board has hurt him more than anything else. If you got a D scoring 40 pts, you can live with some flaws. Stralman hasn't gotten it done on the PP point and hence has problems finding a team with a spot for him.

Ola

Sat Feb 4 2012 10:11 am EST

Heavy schedule today in the NHL but one which has me rooting for teams I just despise: for starters, I'm Rooting for Pittsburg over Boston,……. NJ over Philthy.... then it tapers down just because of the standings...... Caps over the Habs, …….the AVs over the Knucks, ……Ott over the Laffs (just to piss off some of the wives of fellow wallsters :>))……. Isle / Beefalo "pick-em", …….Carolina vs Smell-A (Carolina), St. Louis – Nashville (let them kill each other) ….. Minny vs Dallas (pick-em) ……. Phoenix vs San Jose (San-Jose ) Edmonton vs Detroit “Lets go Edmonton!

Sat Feb 4 2012 9:27 am EST

RF: Columbus hasnt exactly been making great executive & coaching decisions... Look at the payroll vs their standings.. I'm happy to have Stralman on out roster......

Sat Feb 4 2012 9:05 am EST

Agreed that the Stralman play is a reflection on the coaching as much as anything else - I mean this guy got cut by Columbus for crying out loud!

RF4L

Sat Feb 4 2012 12:42 am EST

Stralman as good as Marek Malik?

NV94

Fri Feb 3 2012 10:32 pm EST

This may have been posted earlier: Marek Zidlicky....... http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2012/02/02/nhl_trade_deadline_2012_marek_zidlicky/

Fri Feb 3 2012 10:25 pm EST

The National Hockey League's trade deadline is a date set by the NHL league office after which no trades are allowed for the remainder of the season. The deadline for the 2011–12 NHL season is set for February 27, 2012 at 3 pm EST.[1] Prior to the current CBA, the trade deadline date had been in mid-March. Under the current CBA the trade deadline is on the 40th day counting back from the end of the regular season, while previously it had been on the 26th day. The NHL trade deadline, and the weeks prior to it, usually brings a flurry of activity for many teams. Teams that are either making a final push to secure a playoff spot or hoping to go deep into the playoffs attempt to trade to acquire key veterans or proven scorers in order to solidify their rosters. Conversely, teams that are rebuilding with younger players will want to trade away their more expensive players in order to "dump" (reduce) salary and get draft picks in return. Also, players who are about to become unrestricted free agents and have indicated that they do not intend to return to their current teams may be traded away so that those teams will get something in return, instead of seeing such players sign with another team while their former teams receive nothing. The NHL trade deadline also generates a great deal of talk among hockey fans and analysts, with much speculation and discussion about which players will get traded and where they will go. In Canada, the NHL trade deadline is treated with such significance that sports stations such as TSN, Rogers Sportsnet, and The Score devote the entire trade deadline day to analysis of trades. Though popular focus is on general managers and the deals they do and do not make, it is business as usual for the rest of the team, with regularly scheduled games and practices taking place.

Fri Feb 3 2012 10:16 pm EST

"IF" we acquired Ryan Smyth, and "IF" he continued to score at his current pace, he would score approx 21-22 more points... All things being equal, it would be 9-10 goals & 11-12 helpers..... We could deal with that, especially if he's Richards line.... Actually, I dont care which line he's on, as long as its a "Ranger Line"

Fri Feb 3 2012 9:34 pm EST

But is Stralman as good as Dave Karpa? THAT is the big question.

Bob

Fri Feb 3 2012 9:27 pm EST

Scott Gomez coming up on year anniversary without a goal... http://bluelinestation.com/2012/02/03/montreal-fans-are-having-a-party-and-scott-gomez-is-the-guest-of-honor/ ...Deadline Options: Ryan Smyth... http://nyrnation.net/trade-deadline-options-ryan-smyth/ ....

Rhet0ric

Fri Feb 3 2012 9:11 pm EST

Nothing wrong with Strallman...certainly better than Bruce Driver an Roman Ndur........

MelvilleFred

Fri Feb 3 2012 8:31 pm EST

Hospo... The "still in the building phase" thing stuck out like a sore thumb to me too... unless he means we're not done building a contender...The biggest problem I have with Zidlicky is that he has one more year on his deal and I don't want it to affect what we do in the offseason... otherwise, I'd say Wolski straight up... take it or leave it... now if they sent him down to the AHL and then brought him back up so we could get half off, I would do that in an instant :) ...REXI... I too bashed Stralman at first. but I don't think anyone here has trashed him in quite some time... As Hospo said, he's bought in to Torts system and has played rather well... at times his play has been ugly(but got the job done) and other times it's been quite good... he and Eminger provide us with some much needed depth on D.

Rhet0ric

Fri Feb 3 2012 5:27 pm EST

Now it seems that Smyth might or might NOT be willing to come to the Rangers... http://bluelinestation.com/2012/02/03/ryan-smyth-might-or-might-not-be-willing-to-come-to-the-rangers/

Rhet0ric

Fri Feb 3 2012 4:47 pm EST

RExi29 - I ripped into Stralman before he came but, honestly, just about every D-man the Rangers have put back there has done a decent job, him inckludedd...A testament to the coaching, team play and all the players....But again, the POs (and the next two months) get much more intense and physical...We'll see..

Hospo

Fri Feb 3 2012 4:41 pm EST

I know I'm in the minority, but I just can't share in the Stralman bashing. I haven't seen a boatload of miscues. The GA hasn't skyrocketed, and he's even potted a couple lately. I know he doesn't have the size we'd love, but the effort is there, and, for the most part, so is the outcome. Is it the salary? Edumacate me.

Rexi29

Fri Feb 3 2012 4:19 pm EST

RHET - I agree with Dreger, those "big moves" should wait till the off-season...And I chucke when I see him mention that the Rangers are still "in the building phase" ..While part of that is true, isn;t it damn nice to be "in the building phase" and have the best damn record in the NHL???? POs are indeed a different stroy and why moves will have to be made if winning in them is a concern....Interesting that the question after the one on the Rangers was on the Benched Zidlicky......????

Hospo

Fri Feb 3 2012 4:04 pm EST

HOSPO--I like Gill A LOT better than Sutton. I would be interested in Gill.

Bob

Fri Feb 3 2012 3:54 pm EST

Good stuff by Dreger on the Rangers... they have zero interest in Carter and both Parise and Suter will be on their radar come July 1st... http://www.tsn.ca/blogs/darren_dreger/?id=386834 ...MF... That's good... the man needs to eat some crow for bashing on Captain Callahan...

Rhet0ric

Fri Feb 3 2012 3:52 pm EST

BOB - I'll heed your advice on Sutton but Pylons (even Pilons) can be effective during the POs...! I'm curious to see where Gill ends up

Hospo

Fri Feb 3 2012 3:36 pm EST

HOSPO--Sutton sucks. He is a pylon that is good for about nothing but getting himself suspended anymore. But if they will take Wolski, I would consoder taking Sutton. Maybe they will take Stralman.

Bob

Fri Feb 3 2012 3:22 pm EST

Sounds like there make be a "Despo sighting" in the works.............

Fri Feb 3 2012 3:18 pm EST

Bob - And maybe they can get Sutton thrown in for some D depth and PO nastiness! We all might diasagree with the actual players, But i think it's pretty obvious that Sather knows he has to address the top 6 LW spot..I can also see him looking to add depth on D or even the bottom two lines..Just don't know if the defensive depth will be a physical tyype or a PP type..or both...

Hospo

Fri Feb 3 2012 3:08 pm EST

Smyth s a classy player and has always been described as a great teammate. The Sather-Edmonton connection should make this a no-brainer. I think that he would fit in with Richards and Callahan nicely.

Bob

Fri Feb 3 2012 2:58 pm EST

BOB - yep, Smyth's been part of the trioka that has headed my wish list for the past month or two...Not a star, but He can score, he can play the PP,. he goes to the net. He's pretty tough,..has alot of PO expereince where he is just what he is during the season--a 25 goal scorer...Everywhere and every year (inclluding this one) ..Not superfast, but he knows how to play with fast players,,,....The age and "cost" knocks against him mean nothing for a spring rental...

Hospo

Fri Feb 3 2012 2:49 pm EST

Ryan Smyth? Sure. Where do we sign? He would fit in, and can put the puck in the net. He has gits and brings 100% every game.

Bob

Fri Feb 3 2012 2:47 pm EST

Rhet0ric - Agreee with everything you say, was even going to suggest somebody like Valentenko (plus a late pick)...Bottom line, If Satehr and the Rangers want Smyth, I think they get him...Smyth's ties with Sather, his UFA status, his contract terms (MMC or NTC) all point favorably to New York...I don't think it will cost anything like AA given that Smyth can almost call his shots

Hospo

Fri Feb 3 2012 2:44 pm EST

The sad thing about Christensen is that he does have talent, but he doesn't only disppear for entire games, he's disappearing act is so acute that he'll show something impressive for a 1/2 of a shift and then promptly disappear for the rest of the period or game. I must say, I cannot recall ever seeing anyone like that - classic underachievers have stretches of games where they play well followed by longer stretches of games where they don't. This tendency of Christensen to play well for a shift or 2 and done nothing for the rest of period is unique to me. It's one significant reason why, of course, he inevitably ends up with reduced minutes per game. At 28, I cannot see him changing, meaning that 7th rounder is likely gone. I guess Sather likes Wellman or else he simply would have waived Christensen and the Wild could have picked him, costing the Rangers nada.

RF4L

Fri Feb 3 2012 2:35 pm EST

Edmonton Journal take on Smyth Rumors... http://blogs.edmontonjournal.com/2012/02/03/trading-smyth-isnt-the-plan-right-now/ ...http://blogs.edmontonjournal.com/2012/02/03/report-ryan-smyth-would-give-serious-consideration-to-joining-the-new-york-rangers/

Rhet0ric

Fri Feb 3 2012 2:33 pm EST

HOSPO... That's why I said "for now"... this is probably nothing more than posturing by the Oilers... perhaps they don't want to take back Wolski or just don't like what the Rangers are offering... I like Smyth but not at the cost of an Anisimov... I would prefer moving a Bickel or maybe a Valentenko or a pick... I also think part of the posturing here is Smyth is in the driver seat with his NMC... he wont go just anywhere and it limits the Oilers options... Even if we get Smyth, I still want Morrow.

Rhet0ric

Fri Feb 3 2012 2:31 pm EST

td: the sad thing, is all that stuff about EC is true. He just cant put it all together on a regular basis. Everyone has seen the shifts when he has got 'it' going, and you wonder why the guy isn't a 70 point player, than he comes out for the next shift and you go "oh yeah" lol.

Wildcard

Fri Feb 3 2012 2:27 pm EST

Ok so if EC doesn't resign with the wild they get the 7th....I was way off. Still...I would give up a 7th to get a player for the Whale so no loss either way. And if EC gets a real chance to play, and they like him he would be stupid not to sign there.

Wildcard

Fri Feb 3 2012 2:21 pm EST

On WELLMAN - The book is not closed on this kid by any means. Certainly, he's a bit of a longshot to make this team...But this was a kid the Wild held in HIGH regard when they signed him out of college. Thought he had top-line material...in fact, I seem to recall several teams were bidding for his services. I'm somewhat surprised the Wild bailed on him...probably because they needed an "A" (and I use QUOTES here) center while KOIVU is out....I'm taking personal glory in the fact that the Wild morons are gushing over Crusher...LOLOLOL!!! Half tempted to write this moron and ask how he got his job: "I'm excited. He's quality NHL player. He's got elite skill. His hands, passing, his vision, his shot, versatile" Yeah...just wait until that "skill" disappears for 15 games at a clip while he's skating as your top-line center...

tdchi

Fri Feb 3 2012 2:08 pm EST

wild.., 10/4 on Wolski. I don't know the "fine print" in regards to his situation but I am assuming he would have to clear waivers. If that is the case, then I guess Sather let's him go for nothing?

pa.rangersfan

Fri Feb 3 2012 1:58 pm EST

Rhetoric - Smyth will be moved------hopefully to the Rangers...The Oilers would be morons not to deal him..They ain't going anywhere...He's a FA to be....He can get maybe his last shot at the CUp and They can pick up a decent young player/prospect and/or a pick AND resign him in the summer if they want...Helps both parties....And Sather has known Smyth since the kid was 10 years old....And he can deal with buddies in Edmoonton...Honestly, I think Smyth is more reallistic (not saying better than ,say, Doan, Morrow, Rutuu) than all the options out there..And I'm more than fine with it

Hospo

Fri Feb 3 2012 1:54 pm EST

TD; a little pup-tent in the ol'boxers, huh

Fri Feb 3 2012 1:47 pm EST

Forget about Ryan Smyth... for now... http://www.snyrangersblog.com/2012/02/03/buzz-the-oilers-arent-planning-on-moving-ryan-smyth/

Rhet0ric

Fri Feb 3 2012 1:38 pm EST

Per Andrew Gross... Steve Eminger says his shooting is back to 100 percent and strength in right shoulder has improved. Working with heavier weights now off ice... http://www.snyrangersblog.com/2012/02/03/note-steve-eminger-is-ready-to-play/

Rhet0ric

Fri Feb 3 2012 1:28 pm EST

Good News! ...It looks like Emiger will be back for Sunday's game... http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/rangerrants/eminger_ready_to_return_to_lineup_tortorella_gives_a_brief_scouting_report_on_wellman/... ...WILD... Wolski is at least good in a deal for a salary dump... say we deal Bickel and Wolski for Smyth... If he doesn't get moved in a trade, he may probably get waived.

Rhet0ric

Fri Feb 3 2012 1:23 pm EST

I don't see Wolski going anywhere unless we get a legit NHL forward back in a trade. You always need someone that can step in if someone's injured (or not playing well). While Wolski hasn't done anything this year, he's still an NHL Player. TDCHI: This is for you....http://www.snyrangersblog.com/2012/02/03/watch-looking-back-at-some-of-erik-christensens-great-ranger-moments/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

chinstrap

Fri Feb 3 2012 12:19 pm EST

pa.rangersfan: I was thinking earlier, they sent WW for a conditioning stint...the don't seem to want him on the Rangers anymore anyway, so why not waive him...to me that means that Sather is getting some interest, but is trying to get more for him. Maybe if he goes to CT and lights it up a team will give up something, or he will be able to moved in a package. We just have to wait and see I guess, but it seems to me they don't expect him to make it through waivers.

Wildcard

Fri Feb 3 2012 12:14 pm EST

Safe to say Wolski is not far behind???????

pa.rangersfan

Fri Feb 3 2012 12:05 pm EST

From SNYRangersblog a couple interesting thoughts. First, the Wild called this kid a top 6 or nothing player. Cant be a bottom 6 guy I guess. Also, Rotter points out that the Rangers made a trade along these lines for Mitchell, so perhaps there is some good that can come of it...again if it just helps the Whale its OK by me to give a 7th. Also, there is a tweet posted on the blog from Michael Russo "Irony of Wellman deal: When Wellman was up during last stint, former #mnwild GM Doug Risebrough, now working for Slats, followed Wild around" so I am guessing Risebrough saw something he liked.

Wildcard

Fri Feb 3 2012 12:02 pm EST

YEEESSS!!!!!

tdchi

Fri Feb 3 2012 11:53 am EST

We basically traded our Eric Christensen for their Eric Christensen... only theirs doesn't have to clear waivers... Good luck in Minnesota Crusher!!! ...http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/rangerrants/rangers_acquire_wellman_for_christensen/ ....Wild... I hope you're right, but either way, it's only a 7th... I'm sure we can get one back.

Rhet0ric

Fri Feb 3 2012 11:35 am EST

KIS.., can't take the credit. I only expanded on RF's initial bomb. Just remember, "It's a War out there!"

pa.rangersfan

Fri Feb 3 2012 11:31 am EST

RF4L: I am willing to be, like I said, the 7th is tied to NHL games played or something. I bet it stays with the Rangers. And in any case, this kid (only 24) is at or above a PPG in the AHL this year I think, so its will be very good for The Whale...I would have been more than willing to 'let' the Rangers give up a 7th rounder to get some help for the Whale, its better to have a winning atmosphere where the kids are supposed to develop.

Wildcard

Fri Feb 3 2012 11:30 am EST

RF4L... He's not! We basically traded a 7th for some cap space... he's a top scorer at the AHL level, but loses all the physical battles to be effective in the NHL... Torts would love him :) Sather got Gernander a present.

Rhet0ric

Fri Feb 3 2012 11:24 am EST

Is Wellman a valid prospect? Otherwise, the Rangers basically gave away a 7th rounder for the Wild to take Christensen off their hands. If that's the case, Avery you can come back because they didn't even get a bag of pucks for this underachieving dude.

RF4L

Fri Feb 3 2012 11:22 am EST

i'm looking out my window but i don't see any pigs flying. I'll still believe you Pa. that Crusher was traded. You are the man in control of information. Oh happy belated birthday.

KIS

Fri Feb 3 2012 11:15 am EST

That seventh round pick in 2013 is conditional. Per Gross and also Tool(Brooks)

pa.rangersfan

Fri Feb 3 2012 11:14 am EST

Avery: I wonder if the condition is games played in the NHL for the Rangers...and even if he does make it, a 7th rounder is no great shakes. But I bet it doesn't get moved to them if its performance based.

Wildcard

Fri Feb 3 2012 11:13 am EST

Aves.., hang out brother. I may not always agree with you but you do get the "fur" flying around here. This Wall needs that since Yorkie is un-available right now.

pa.rangersfan

Fri Feb 3 2012 11:11 am EST

Can anyone say "bag-o-pucks!?"

pa.rangersfan

Fri Feb 3 2012 11:11 am EST

We had to throw in a conditional 7th round pick for them to take Christensen for a guy who will never make the Rangers. He may however help the depleted and struggling Whale. I did say I would stop posting if we got more than a jock strap for Christensen so see y'all later, have a good one and lets go Rangers.

Avery

Fri Feb 3 2012 11:10 am EST

I guess the trade opens up some space. Kreider has good weekend against New Hampshire in a home and Home. 2 goals and 3 assists. Site says he was a dominant figure. Nice to hear

KIS

Fri Feb 3 2012 11:10 am EST

Casey Wellman #17 - RW/C Minnesota Age: 24 DOB: 1987/10/18 POB: Brentwood, CA Height: 6-0 Weight: 173lbs Shoots: R NHL Seasons: 2 Signed by Minnesota in 2010.

pa.rangersfan

Fri Feb 3 2012 11:10 am EST

So long Crusher. Hartford sure needs some help.

Bob

Fri Feb 3 2012 11:08 am EST

Forgot to mention, a 2013 7th-round pick also going to Minny in Christensen deal.

pa.rangersfan

Fri Feb 3 2012 11:07 am EST

The Rangers have dealt Erik Christensen to Minnesota for forward Casey Wellman, who's headed to AHL CT.

pa.rangersfan

Fri Feb 3 2012 11:01 am EST

Christensen traded!!!!

RF4L

Fri Feb 3 2012 10:49 am EST

Hospo.., who the hell is Prospla??!! Brutal sir, absolutely brutal!

pa.rangersfan

Fri Feb 3 2012 10:21 am EST

Edmonton's Sam Gagner had 8 points against Chicago last night- Impressive win and what's up with Chicago's D?

Brian2d

Fri Feb 3 2012 10:08 am EST

Ryan Smyth would be a nice fit. Send them Wolski.

Bob

Fri Feb 3 2012 9:37 am EST

Smyth in a heartbeat! Get him Sather!..Doan,Smyth,Rutuu, Morrow..all would be perfect...That's if we can't get Prospla!

Hospo

Fri Feb 3 2012 9:36 am EST

RF, I don't even want to give them Borque for Smyth. Thats too much plus the team would take on salary. Give edmonton WW and Wowitka and that maybe too much

KIS

Fri Feb 3 2012 8:54 am EST

Ethan Werek - 3 goals and 6 points and a -15 for the AHL Portland Pirates in 37 games. Off to a rather unimpressive pro career...

RF4L

Fri Feb 3 2012 8:52 am EST

I'd happily take on Smyth, provided he costs basically nothing (ie someone like Ryan Bourque).

RF4L

Fri Feb 3 2012 8:41 am EST

TD: One of your boys - Sam Gagner - 4 goals and 4 assists last night in the Oil's 8 - 4 win over the Hawks. Yikes, guess he's not on the trading block now (if he ever was)!

RF4L

Fri Feb 3 2012 8:40 am EST

Let me be the first to say no thank you to Smyth. I hope that rumor is just Larry trying to be Larry and his help to sell newspapers. I don't want smyth he is old and costs a lot of money. Gagne on the other hand wouldn't be bad. hahahaha

KIS

Fri Feb 3 2012 8:40 am EST

excellent intangibles........

stevielegs

Fri Feb 3 2012 8:31 am EST

E - I think the difference here is that I think its just as healthy if not more healthy to have a good gang of young players knocking on the door. I don't think we disagree, per se. Just I'm more of the philosophy of keeping the guys that already fit with the team and only moving those players that have shown they're really not a good fit with the team concept. I'll give a small example: Ethan WEREK. The kid had a lot of talent and was thought to be a very good prospect up until last year...then on several occasions, he basically thumbed his nose at the Rangers advice...boom...he's moved...With the team and farm system the way it is today, there aren't a lot of gaping holes to fill. Sure it would be nice to get a Shane DOAN type player. But I don't see such an acquisition helping the team much farther down the road beyond this post-season...and therefore, I simply couldn't justify giving the roster player or prospect needed to get him. I think we agree, that today's NHL is a balance. I just err on the side of youth. And I know there are some here who would do all those 1993-1994 deals over if they could turn back the clock. I must say, I'm not one of them. I shudder when I think about what our lineup would have looked like with AMONTE, WEIGHT and NORSTROM in it through the 1990s.

tdchi

Fri Feb 3 2012 8:21 am EST

Ryan Smyth: http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8460496

Fri Feb 3 2012 8:19 am EST

Source: Rangers on Smyth’s radar .... http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/rangers/source_rangers_on_smyth_radar_tnrcx77ovFAzjNpT4SMVIL

Fri Feb 3 2012 1:43 am EST

Re building 94', I don't think it makes sense to only look at what we had in 93' and say that we should have won multiple cups, because the same could have been said regarding the 95' and June 96' team. I think the biggest mistake that should have been avoided took place around those dates. The problem was that Keenan won the Keenan way, and we tried to repeat that year after year instead of looking like 4-5 years ahead and try to build a team that could contend for every one of those years. I mean, sure we moved alot of assets pre-94. But even back after the 95 season, we had Richter and two tremendous offensiveminded Ds in Leetch and Zubov, and Graves and Messier with several clutch years infront of them - and so forth. A team like that should have had the ability to contend atleast until the late 90's.

Ola

Thu Feb 2 2012 9:22 pm EST

Boston losing at home to Carolina.

Bob

Thu Feb 2 2012 9:03 pm EST

E: I'm hearing you loud & clear.... I think its in the way they set up and where they set up, and when they set up the different formations... it may just need time ..... and blah blah blah.... heck, we just want to win & get better in every dept....

Thu Feb 2 2012 8:47 pm EST

MF: I don't see them standing around on the PP. I have seen them try everything going on 3-seasons now. There is nothing that hasn't been tried. At the end of the day I don't see it as a x and o's thing. You can only do that so many different ways before it becomes an issue of execution. And on many a night I see them set it up, pull the trigger and nothing. Its easy for us to sit there and want them to do this and want them to do that but zoom out to the bigger body of work. It just doesn't seem to matter. They simply do not have a PP that works. They go thru these bouts where they fire everything at the net. They go thru bouts where they are looking for the perfect shot and everything in between. It just ain't happening. But you are right, they outwork and put all this sweat equity into drawing penalties and then just piss it away with that flaccid joke of a PP. Its a problem. I am only hoping now that with Del0 becoming such a solid blue liner that some of that awesome offensive skill starts to creep into the equation as well. To date, I have only seen it in small spurts.

Thu Feb 2 2012 8:12 pm EST

Back to the PP: For what ever reason, we stand around during the PP...... We just got through beating up on the other team, or outworking them, or whatever to generate a penalty... We tire them out.... Then when we're man up, we back off.... Its akin to letting a fighter back into the fight, let them catch their wind, and risk they come back to win..... "Go For The Kill" ...... send 2 guys into the fron of the crease and create a wall, shoot the puck low on the ice, bang in rebounds..... We're going to score.... Four guys cannot out muscle our five.... If we're 2 men up, same thing, put two guys infront of the net, if 2 defensemen follow, that leave 1 guy to cove three... Lotsa Luck...... Some mentioned Boston having 5-6 blowout games and this being the reason for the large disparity in +/- goals..... Well heck, I want the Rangers to have that many blowouts... It would enable Torts to rest Girardi and give the Bickels of the team important minutes to mature & gain experience.... Again, I would work out plays where we're crashing the net, we have everything to gain...... Lets Keep Going Rangers! woohoo

Thu Feb 2 2012 5:50 pm EST

tdchi: Excellent post! 1994 was then, today is different. Smart trades that either are a no brainer blockbuster or smaller trades that do not effect the core that we have. To me, the best thing that Sather has done and deserves credit for is that we are drafting SO much better. Does anyone have any insight in the Rangers scouts/player development people/draft executives? Clearly our drafting is now on par with the likes of Detroit and Boston.

SteveCT

Thu Feb 2 2012 5:49 pm EST

mf you are correct, and they need more guys to go to the front. Proust , Rupp, Boyle, et al need to screen and crash the kill zone. They look for the perfect pass and shot, just get dirty, shoot on goal or off the boards, creat havoc not pretty replays.

stevielegs

Thu Feb 2 2012 5:05 pm EST

My .02 cents... The real problem with 1994 wasn't the players we traded, it was the lack of value we got back for many of them... Steve Larmer (who was done as a player)retired a year later... Craig MacTavish and Glenn Anderson did not re-sign with the team,... the below par drafting past 1991... trading the only quality guys we did draft for little in return (Norstrom, Sundstrom, Cloutier and Savard)... trading quality guys from the team for very little (Esa Tikkanen for Nedved, Zubov and Nedved for Robitaille and Samuelsson, etc.)... Success for the Rangers is to continue drafting well and making smart trades for things we lack on the team... that is what the best clubs do and what we failed to do in the 90's.

Rhet0ric

Thu Feb 2 2012 5:04 pm EST

tdchi- Detroit has been sucessful for like 18 years now. Someone should map every move they've made. They don't think 3 month ahead -- but at the same time, theyve signed/traded for "overthehill" 35 y/o's and gotten great value from them for 3-4 years. Thats certainly one side of the game they acknowledge and use tremendously well; determine what exactly you need and get just that. Than you can get use of the Fredrik Olaussons and Dan Clearys of the game.

Ola

Thu Feb 2 2012 4:33 pm EST

TDCHI: I am not sure we are disagreeing. Are we?

Thu Feb 2 2012 4:21 pm EST

E - That's nice and all, but we're in a different world than 1994. The cap world. You have two choices today...the first is to tank and pray you get a string of guys like Crosby, Malkin and Fleury...the second is to create a team concept and build a strong system around that framework and hope that it's one that is successful. The former, you're rolling the dice and you could be the next Pens or Hawks or you could be the next Jackets or Islanders...in the latter, you're creating a strong core where you can swap players in and out depending on what your cap needs are...a PERFECT example of this is the Red Wings. And frankly, it's pretty much what the Bruins have done as well. Both teams are and will continue to be successful because they made deals and drafted players thinking more than three months down the line...What the Rangers did in 1994 was think three months down the line. They wanted to break the '1940' curse and they were willing to do anything...that meant trading away two guys who were more or less destined to be a stars (Weight and Amonte). I still maintain that they would have had AT LEAST one cup had they simply not done those deals...probably more than one...but we'll never know...anyway...the point is, you start trading away players that were drafted and designed for the system(from their attitude to their attributes) for hired guns recruited for a late-season push, you're going to guide your team right back into the rut the Rangers were in for so long. Not to mention, it today's cap world(and here's the real crux of my argument), you need that steady stream of youth....the home grown players...to replace guys who are getting too old or too expensive. You offset that balance every time you sacrifice a few picks or a prospect for a rental, IMO...WHICH...is why I barf in my mouth every time I hear someone suggest MOEN or WHITNEY or any other aging hack who could be had for a bounty.

tdchi

Thu Feb 2 2012 3:52 pm EST

E: At that time, I think people just wanted a cup....no matter what....for a while and currently it seems more fans want a team that will compete each year, for years and years. Like the Devils did, and the Redwings, and even team like the AVS, didn't always win the cup, but they COULD have any year...rather than get a cup, and HOPE the team will make the playoffs for a few more years until the older guys retire and they start over again.

Wildcard

Thu Feb 2 2012 3:15 pm EST

Wildcard: I agree with you. The next years were terrible. But we were definitely in a completely different mode at that time. The weight of being perennial losers was intolerable. The NYR HAD to win a cup be it the end of the world or otherwise. We are not in that boat any longer. Now, we just want to be a competitive team for the long haul. Next years being terrible or not, none of us would argue that 1994 wasn't worth it. Now the pressure is different. Or maybe a better term for it is that the pressure is more rational.

Thu Feb 2 2012 3:14 pm EST

from twitter...according to the AHL transaction wire, Woywitka and Wolski sent to CT for condition assignments.

Wildcard

Thu Feb 2 2012 2:52 pm EST

E...great post.

bLUEbLOOD

Thu Feb 2 2012 2:33 pm EST

E: I think the PP problem now comes down to a mental thing, if they get 'hot' because of 3 or 4 bad bounces for 3 or 4 games and are 50% or something crazy like that I bet we see it start to work at a 20-25% rate with out bad bounces. It just seems mental when I watch, everyone is waiting to see if what the other player is doing will work, and no one tries to work together.

Wildcard

Thu Feb 2 2012 2:31 pm EST

E: that's great...but point to 1994 and I will point from then till now. How many years were good years? How many were bad? PART of that is BECAUSE they traded their top end youth. I just don't know if I want to try and follow that same plan. Seems to me, you hang onto your top youth, that you have put time and effort into improving, and trade picks or mid level youth. Even if it takes 2 mid level prospects and 2 picks it would be better than giving up that one top young guy.

Wildcard

Thu Feb 2 2012 2:27 pm EST

MF: Give up on the PP. I see the SJ Sharks PP live 20x a season and I'll tell you this: the Sharks do not do one thing different than the NYR do on the PP. The difference: they score and the NYR don't. Ryan Clowe can deflect the same shot that Ryan Callahan does. Callahan is better at redirects. Clowe will score and Callahan will hit Glen Sather in the head while he is pouring a drink. The NYR just suck at it. Don't know why. Ask Boston also. Don't know why. It just is what it is. There is nothing structurally wrong with the NYR and nothing logical about it. There is just no way to explain it.

Thu Feb 2 2012 2:21 pm EST

GermanBlueshirt: on Homegrown: this always drives me crazy. Homegrown is important but if you feel like you are close to a cup you make the moves to get what you need. Ultimately, homegrown talent has a second function: currency. And nowadays we are seeing more and more that we have more then a $.50 in the wallet. The big question is whether or not the price tag is right and of course if its the player that we need. Take the Weight and Esa deal for example. I didn't want to trade Weight. I was there the night the trade was made and no one in the crowd even realized a deal was made until they saw Weight wearing an Edmonton jersey during warmups and Esa wearing a NYR jersey. Weight went on to have the very solid career that we all thought that he would. The NYR went on to win a cup and Esa played a large role in that. I think that we are in a different paradigm now. In 1994, it was get a cup no matter what. I didn't care if Binghamton was signing people from the crowd because their entire roster was used in trades to bring the NYR what they need. In 2011-12 its about navigating salaries while getting what you need. But, the NYR will have to give to get. That also means that there will be players on the roster that won't be here for much longer. And we may feel like the NYR made a mistake by making a move that lost a 'yute. But as much as I like certain players and do not necessarily want to see them go to another team I want to win more. So its a balancing act. But we are soon getting to the point where the depth of the club can absorb short term gains and long term losses. This is just an example and not something that I necessarily think should happen but do any of you think that a player like Hagelin COULD NOT step in and replace Anisimov if he were traded away? And for all of you Kreider jock riders who think he is the second coming: do you think that he could not step in to fill the vacuum left by Hagelin? There, in one moment you subtracted a guy who plays a somewhat significant role with the NYR to get what you feel the team needs, backfilled and gave yourself a better chance to win a cup. This is a concept that NYR fans seem to be missing. Perhaps because they never had a farm team and whatever they did was traded for the next of an endless list of fading stars that did nothing for the NYR. I get it, but this ain't my father's NYR. This is a completely different team, in a different time, with LONG term aspirations to not win A cup but to give their team a chance to win a cup every single season going forward. And there are more NHL potential players on the NYR roster than there are roster spots. We will inevitably have to say bye bye to some. And given the limitations of the roster, some of those will be short term. There is no way around it. And in the end there is one goal: Winning a cup. And I could give a cat's ass in the microwave about feeling such affinity to a player that I wouldn't sell him down the Nile to see it brought back to the canyon of heroes.

Thu Feb 2 2012 2:20 pm EST

You ca't say there one problem with the PP, b/c we suck so bad, but the one area we really need help in is a puck-carrying defenseman or forward who can consistently get he puck into the zone. I watch most games on DVR and usually FF through the PP when the puck is cleared to save some time, and too often, once I start fast forwarding I don't stop unitl the PP ends b/c we can't get it set up again. Also, I don't know why they refuse to move around when they have it setup. They are always stationary, it is real frustrating.

pete

Thu Feb 2 2012 2:08 pm EST

NN & Gents: In my most humble opinion, the problem with our Power Play is not the personel, it is what we are asking them to do when we have the man advantage..... We are NOT the San Jose sharks of last year where they literally were whipping the puck with crisp passing..... "We are built and succeed when we bang and grind.... The Answer is, "CRASH / ATTACK THE NET" We over power teams, thats our M.O., don't deviate from that. We worked hard to draw the paenalty, work hard the same exact way to score on the man advantage..... again, jmho......

Thu Feb 2 2012 1:57 pm EST

The Whale ended Aaron Voros' try out by releasing him.....I can only imagine Voros and Avery's douchebaggery up in Hartford. Prolly contributed to them losing 100 games in a row.

TradeStar28

Thu Feb 2 2012 1:50 pm EST

Rhet0ric: The one thing with Penner as well as he has been been banged WAY down the depth chart. I wouldn't be surprised if he is seeing only 12-14 minutes a night. The guy is just not a good fit in LA. He was far more productive in Edmonton in part because he had the ice time. Now whether or not he deserves the ice time he is getting in LA is a completely different argument.

Thu Feb 2 2012 1:45 pm EST

Penner: I think it is easy to poo-poo this guy since he never lived up to the hype in Edmonton and he is lost in the LAK roster. What people will want out of him is not who he is. He is not a booming PF. That stated though, he is like a piece of granite in front of the net and he has soft hands. I would not be opposed to bringing him. The kicker for me will be what is going the other way. He is not a guy that I spend a lot of assets on.

Thu Feb 2 2012 1:40 pm EST

DOCT: There was some talk about getting a sniper who is good at shootouts and I am under the belief that there is no purpose for this. The playoffs do not have shootouts. If we are to trade assets, I have been very vocal in this area. I do not want to make any moves that causes and wholesale changes to occur. The team is flawed no doubt. Areas that concern me the most is the NYR sudden inability to advance the puck, get pinned in their end of the ice and they cannot get line changes done. This is what the NYR have been doing to other teams all season and now. Against Boston, the NYR while not giving up much in terms of shots were in real danger. And so, for me I don't want to make wholesale changes for snipers. But what I do want is short term contracts with gritty players who know where the net is. This is one of the reasons I have been so vocal about a Shayne Doan, or Rutuu. These are the kinds of guys that will be able to fight their way up the boards and create space. I don't think that you can have too many of this type of player going into the post season.

Thu Feb 2 2012 1:11 pm EST

TD and Wild: LOL...yeah, it's that easy which is why both of those deals are about to happen!!! LOL

RF4L

Thu Feb 2 2012 1:04 pm EST

Rhet0ric: A guy like Penner, well, for a song and a dance you grab him and see if he meshes....I wouldn't make that the only move...but he could have a good post trade run....

Wildcard

Thu Feb 2 2012 12:55 pm EST

"Lundqvist is the calming factor" ...It's funny, I was thinking the exact same thing about him yesterday... http://www.snyrangersblog.com/2012/02/02/read-henrik-lundqvist-is-the-rangers-calming-factor-nd/ ...Rupper is playing with a broken left thumb... http://www.snyrangersblog.com/2012/02/02/buzz-is-mike-rupps-thumb-broken/

Rhet0ric

Thu Feb 2 2012 12:36 pm EST

So now we want to bring in Penner, a guy that is struggling with his scoring to a team that is struggling to score? Does anyone else see a problem with this scenario? I've said it before, target the guys we need not the guys we covet... Smyth would be OK if that's all we could do, but I wouldn't sign him past this year... he's another one that's not much better than what we have... with some of the options out there, we might just be better not making any moves if those are the only ones available to us.

Rhet0ric

Thu Feb 2 2012 12:12 pm EST

I would take a flyer on Penner for a pick...4th rounder maybe...or a lower level prospect...or hell, See if that want a look at MZA, and MZA deserves to get a shot at the NHL, seems like he has worked hard in CT and there really isn't room on the Rangers for him, or at least Torts doesn't think so. Send them MZA, maybe put some conditions on it as well adding a pick if Penner scores a certain amount or something....its not like MZA will want to stick around for next season with Krieder coming out and Hagelin doing so well. a lot of bodies to jump over, so it will not be a 'loss' if Penner runs off to free agency...and unless he does exceedingly well after the trade, he will not be able to demand nearly 4 mill, more like 2.5-3 mil....so it could work out if he does well.

Wildcard

Thu Feb 2 2012 12:01 pm EST

td: I think Smyth could be had for valentenko, the Rumors are that they want a Dman or D prospect for him. I wouldn't mind the rental thing for a little loss....maybe its Valentenko and Strallman for Smyth and a 3rd....that way the Oilers can get a look at a Dman who will be a UFA and if they want him they can offer him a contract. I don't know. But I think he would come cheap only because he has a full NMC, and he will dictate if and where he plays. Right now the Rangers would be a nice place for a guy like him, top of the standings, chance at the cup....as for Morrow and the cost. i agree, it would be high...I would think it would start with AA this years first and next years second rounder. Probably they would ask for a prospect like Kreider, instead of the first, Sather would probably counter with the 1st and Thomas maybe along with MZA. Oh and toss Wolski in so the stars can keep the cap people happy and be above the floor, but that's just a throw away part of the deal. It would cost, BUT it would give the Rangers a player for this year and next since he is signed through next season, after that who knows with the new CBA and such, also there will be more knowledge of how Kreider looks at a pro level, along with other kids. And who knows what players hit the market in 2 years with the new CBA.

Wildcard

Thu Feb 2 2012 11:51 am EST

RF4L - I think you could get PENNER cheaper than that...The guy's got 18 points in the last 50 games or so...and he's got a huge contract....Wolski for him straight up.

tdchi

Thu Feb 2 2012 11:49 am EST

NCRanger - The problem is the Ducks are something like 7-2-1 lately...which means they might have it in mind to make a run at the playoffs. With a team like that, it's hard to see them stinking as bad as they did the first half of the year...and now, seemingly their big guns are waking up...For RYAN, you're either looking at a top prospect, an up-and-coming roster player or, more than likely, both...There was a Toronto writer that was musing about GETZLAF the other day, saying it would cost them BOZAK, KADRI, SCHENN and possibly COLBORNE or a first-rounder...Granted, Ryan isn't nearly as coveted as Getzlaf. But I don't think it would be out of the realm for the Ducks to ask for three of those four pieces in exchange. I don't know how that translates to the Ranger-sphere, but I think it would be a lot more than the guys you listed. Also, I highly doubt they have any intention of trading ERIXON. He's the type of player the Rangers' brass gush over...talented son of a popular player..He represents years of the Ranger announcers doing interviews with Jan Erixon and bringing up how little Timmy used to run around the Garden...blah...blah...blah...GermanBlueshirt - The only other team of concern to me is the Penguins with CROSBY. I don't think they have the mentality or the depth of a winner, but they would be a tough matchup...As a few Bruins fans said to be last month...'see you guys in the conference finals...' Wildcard - SMYTH and MORROW both present issues for me..the main one being cost...for Smyth, I think you could probably dangle VALENTENKO and pluck him from the Oil. He's a solid rental and will probably resign with them next summer...which brings up problem 2: Do you really want a rental here? Then there's problem 3: Smyth ain't no spring chicken and the Rangers play a very uptempo game...could he keep up? As for Marrow, the biggest obstacle is COST. Plain and simple, he's gonna be expensive...I don't even want to venture a guess as to HOW expensive...but expensive. If you're going to pay out the ass for something, it might as well be something you can use for five or six years...Morrow would be a short-term solution...Good lockerroom guy...decent playoff performer...but he's going to cost more than some of the alternatives, such as the guy I continue to plead for: RUUTU.

tdchi

Thu Feb 2 2012 11:42 am EST

If Dustin Penner could be had for say Ryan Bourque and a 4th rounder, would you do it?

RF4L

Thu Feb 2 2012 10:46 am EST

If BRyan is still available I would send erixon,mza, and our #1 for him. Not sure that gets it done. If the want a roster player, I say take your pick between anisimov or dubs(reluctantly) but the player coming back from u now is CPerry in place of Ryan. I prob. Throw in a future 2nd to sweeten the pot. This team desperately needs scoring, but I would be extremely hesitant to move kreider,jt miller(who I think one dat could be our version of r.kesler) or hags. Let's use our roster and prospect depth on d to get this done

NCRanger

Thu Feb 2 2012 10:39 am EST

Calling Colorado Mark: you seem to be the de-facto expert on all things BR. what is going on with him, as you see it? What is the remedy? After a cold start, he heated up and got us all excited, now he is completely MIA. is he always this streaky? the team is finding ways to win, regardless. but if he doesnt find some consistency I cant see this team going very deep.

bLUEbLOOD

Thu Feb 2 2012 10:11 am EST

Thanks RF4L: I had exactly the same expectations as you. But now... Dunno! One things for sure I don't want the Rangers to trade away ANY of our home grown players ie Dubinsky and Anisimov for some rental FA/30+ 'proven performer'. Have seen enough of those already in the past 20 years. Wolski & Crusher can go of course, but what are they gonna fetch? Some DP or third pair D-Men. Let this team play and see how far the journey goes. This team is just entereing it's prime, if not this year, maybe next. Seriously, besides the Bruins, which team should this team be afraid of in the POs?

GermanBlueshirt

Thu Feb 2 2012 10:05 am EST

alot of talk about "picking up a sniper" , that might be good for shoot out's , but, it's the team offensive plan that limits the good scoring chances ! the rangers offense last nite and often is based on "don't let the other team score" more than "go get a goal " . nothing but banging it off the boards coming out of the zone, giving the puck away before you cross your own blueline ! hoping the other team makes a big mistake. once in a while the rangers make that good first pass , or two, to create a nice rush and a scoring chance. most of the time first passes are awful, making it so that the "bang it off the boards" play , becomes their mainstay . i would do nothing but practice full speed passing drills with this team. when they are sharp with their passes they can beat anyone.

doct

Thu Feb 2 2012 9:28 am EST

RF4L: I say a top line LW that will get that line to be more consistently scoring. Morrow would be good, Smyth maybe, that type of guy IMHO would be best, type of player that would mesh well. Not a soft guy or a guy who likes the perimeter. One of those guys would also shake up the PP, would come in and just play the way they do, moving and driving the net, and the other guys will follow I'm sure. Morrow would be a good grab IMHO because he and Richards know each other, and it would probably click back into place for those two, they at least played the PP together, not sure about 5 on 5. Even if Morrow was gotten and placed with Richards, that still leaves the Stepan/Gabby line with out a great LW, HOWEVER, if Richards/Cally get a better LW than it doesn't matter really, since both lines will be dangerous, or at least on any given night there will be a line that the other team will have a hard time containing. I think LW is the biggest problem on the team right now. Not overall, just top 2 LW's offensively. Hagelin is doing very well, but Id like to see him as a 3rd or 2nd line guy, and Dubi while playing a hard nosed game and working very hard, isn't getting it done on the scoreboard, and needs to in order to take some of the D away from Richards and Cally. its like they only have to defend two players when Dubi is on the ice....if he even went on a modest scoring run, lets say, 8 points in 12 games, teams would have to pay attention to what he was doing more, but he just cant seem to catch a break....its like he is cursed, even when he does something good he doesn't get credit, a screen, or he makes a GREAT pass and than the goalie makes a save and a Rangers gets an unassisted rebound goal or something like that, he can only tell himself he is playing well for so long before he gets set back by no points.

Wildcard

Thu Feb 2 2012 9:16 am EST

Wild: Ditto - so what do you think they need to do to have a realistic chance of maintaining their lofty position at the top of the standings (or near the top) and to go at least 3 rounds in the POs? As I stated earlier, I simply don't see them going past the 2nd round with their anemic offense (unless Richards wakes up and even then I maintain PART of the issue with Richards is his linemates).

RF4L

Thu Feb 2 2012 9:10 am EST

RF4L: Even me, Mr optimism, thought that 5th or 6th was as high as they would get, I also thought they would be in 5th or 6th all season...and if the stars aligned and everything went their way MAYBE they could finish 4th but that was a LOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNG shot. SO now I am torn, I was going to be happy to see the second round, now I don't feel like that will be nearly enough.

Wildcard

Thu Feb 2 2012 8:56 am EST

RF4L - If you don't see what DUBINSKY brings to the table then you're not looking hard enough; go back and look again. The guy is clearly not having his best offensive season. But offense is only one part of the game. I'm going to take a guess you didn't see either of the games when he was out of the lineup...that's pretty much all you need to see to gauge Dubinsky's value on the team...I will say there are other guys on the team that are outshining him at the moment and some of those guys aren't making $4.1 million. But to say he's not needed on the team or that other teams wouldn't line up to take him off our hands is simply foolish. Dubinsky has played very big part of the Rangers' game that has lead them to 15 victories in 19 games and propelled them to the top of the conference.

tdchi

Thu Feb 2 2012 8:55 am EST

There, that was for you GBS! LOL...I wouldn't be posting those thoughts if my expectations were the same as they were at the season's start: 6th overall the east AT BEST and maybe 1 PO round win. I'd like more now, so with it comes other worries. What will you be satisfied with?

RF4L

Thu Feb 2 2012 8:53 am EST

The defense overall has been amazing, although with the wall work of the forwards. And the PK...wow...the opposite of the PP's effectiveness.

RF4L

Thu Feb 2 2012 8:43 am EST

Ola, the team has won all big games this season. Against the Bruins, against the Flyers. As long as they keep on winning those, I see them go deep in the POs. They always find a way to win if it matters.

GermanBlueshirt

Thu Feb 2 2012 8:36 am EST

German- You don't win Stanley Cups in Febuary... ;)

Ola

Thu Feb 2 2012 8:33 am EST

RF4L Brad is the coach's boy. And the coach continues to put him out on the SO because no crusher or mza. This TEAM is playing too close to the edge. They rarely dominate. ...trade beeron, it's all his fault at 9-2-1, the other back stop is 23-10-4 ;-)......................but hard to argue with success........

stevielegs

Thu Feb 2 2012 8:26 am EST

We win 15 of the last 19 games and people are still complaining? Unfreakinbelievable.

GermanBlueshirt

Thu Feb 2 2012 8:26 am EST

For those who feel the Rangers can't part with Dubinsky, what's he bringing to the club this year that they'd miss? From where I sit, other than a handful of games, very little. The problem is that the longer this moribund season goes, the harder it will be to trade him (primarily because at $4,100,000 a season, that's too much for a 4th liner).

RF4L

Thu Feb 2 2012 8:17 am EST

BTW, Richards prior to his Ranger tenure, was 0ver 40% on shoot-outs. This year? 0%. Time to give some money back Brad???

RF4L

Thu Feb 2 2012 8:12 am EST

I know it's a tad preposturous to be expressing concern with the Rangers tied for 1st overall in the entire league, but I simply cannot see this team advancing very far in the POs with their offensive woes that have resurfaced over the past month or so. The inept PP has actually gone beyond the point of embarassment - it's now reached the point where I flip the station to another game when the opposition has a man in the box because it's simply too painful to watch. The team's last 9 games (where their record is 5, 3 and 1) they've allowed 16 goals (admirable) but scored only 17. Simply put, that cannot continue. What the hell is with Brad Richards anyways. 1/2 year into his 100+ year contract and he's underachieving already - what's he gonna be like in 3 years? Redden II perhaps? He, for me, is the single biggest disappointment on the club - albeit, we're talking about a club without many disappointments. The King, of course, was magnificent...what a season to date.

RF4L

Thu Feb 2 2012 8:08 am EST

Big game by Hank and McDonut. McDonut has saved about 4 goals the last 2 games himself and that's not counting his blocked shots from the circles out. I like to think of Gomez/McDonut as our revenge for Hodge/Middleton.

Avery

Thu Feb 2 2012 12:59 am EST

NHL Trade Rumors... http://spectorshockey.net/wordpress/2012/02/01/nhl-trade-rumors-february-1-2012/ ...Ryan Smyth available... http://www.snyrangersblog.com/2012/02/01/buzz-could-ryan-smyth-be-an-option/

Rhet0ric

Wed Feb 1 2012 11:53 pm EST

http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?type=lea#&navid=nav-stn-league

Wed Feb 1 2012 11:13 pm EST

Trade Lundqvist

Wed Feb 1 2012 11:12 pm EST

Stevie: don't hate on the iPhone. Both my iPhone and iPad have been routinely butchering my thoughts.

Wed Feb 1 2012 11:09 pm EST

Oh yeah, good thing we didn't trade Hank :-)

RDW

Wed Feb 1 2012 11:08 pm EST

My guess is that we won't see the Staal that we saw last year for at least another month and not having Sauer really hurts. Emminger coming back in place of Bickel will be a nice addition as well. Not much from Richards, Stepan, and Anisimov recently either and it's really showing.

RDW

Wed Feb 1 2012 11:03 pm EST

PJ: Agreed. Staal has been brutal for the most part. Hopefully he comes around. I'd rather see Stralman out there right now. Scary, but true. Great job by Hank tonight. Thought Boyle played pretty well. Interesting to see Dubi moved to the 4th line and Stepan replaced him on the Cally PK unit.

chinstrap

Wed Feb 1 2012 10:42 pm EST

Starting out with two road games and getting 3 points is not bad at all....We definately have Hank to thank for this game and the save on Boyes in the shootout was as good as i have ever seen....Not thrilled with our forecheck tonight and I really hope we are a little rusty....I agree we need a sniper added as we are counting too much on Gabby....I keep hearing people say Staal is getting better but I just don't see it....He appears physically weak to me....Rangers need some good practice and come out strong Sunday against the Cryers....Anybody know if Girardi was injured on that hit?

Wed Feb 1 2012 10:27 pm EST

2 points because of Henrik. The save on Boyes' shootout attempt was amazing. Nice to see Callahan win it in front of his relatives. Hank now has 41 career shutouts and 2 in a row. What an amazing season he is having. He is soon going to be a Hart and Vezina trophy candidate.

Bob

Wed Feb 1 2012 10:26 pm EST

That should've been 34 saves by King... dyslexia kicking in.

Rhet0ric

Wed Feb 1 2012 10:25 pm EST

43 Saves by Lundqvist.... Nice job by Cally and Gabby... It's ironic that the best we've looked on the PP in a while was on a 4 on 3... Gaborik playing the point by himself... Very entertaining...

Rhet0ric

Wed Feb 1 2012 9:05 pm EST

Our team is offensively challenged. We require another sniper.

Bob

Wed Feb 1 2012 8:29 pm EST

Ola Nice try with the iPhone excuse

stevielegs

Wed Feb 1 2012 7:52 pm EST

Ola Nice try with the iPhone excuse

stevielegs

Wed Feb 1 2012 7:42 pm EST

Can't get the streamo link to worko.... anyone else have better luck?

Rhet0ric

Wed Feb 1 2012 7:07 pm EST

Imagine if that was Tortorella. THAT would have made for an entertaining video.

Bob

Wed Feb 1 2012 7:03 pm EST

TD.... I watched the video again and you're right... it looks like he was taking his anger on the glass and didn't realize the coach was there... it also looks like he's apologizing to him after realizing he was there... the Head Coaches reaction makes a lot more sense... good catch... I'd still want him on the team either way... is that bad?

Rhet0ric

Wed Feb 1 2012 6:46 pm EST

If you look at him on the bench he is in psycho mode. Very fidgety and out of control. Could be some sort of roid rage. Either way he has a rep as a loose canon mentally and this doesn't help that at all.

Avery

Wed Feb 1 2012 6:41 pm EST

People are really jumping on this Radulov thing...To me, it looks a little bit like he didn't know the coach was back there and went to mash his stick on the glass after a bad play. But damn, it looks REAL bad...I don't know what's more surprising..the actually stick smacking...or the fact that the coach doesn't even flinch!

tdchi

Wed Feb 1 2012 5:34 pm EST

Boulton was fined for his slash on Rupp that went unpenalized yesterday.

Avery

Wed Feb 1 2012 4:56 pm EST

Btw I am writing alot from my iPhone nowadays which explains why my spelling is more weird than usual... ;)

Ola

Wed Feb 1 2012 4:56 pm EST

REXI... WTF... that was crazy, the Head Coach acted like it was nothing... Here's an article talking about it...Alexander Radulov might have cancelled his ticket back to the NHL... http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/globe-on-hockey/alexander-radulov-might-have-cancelled-his-ticket-back-to-the-nhl/article2322788/?utm_medium=Feeds%3A%20RSS%2FAtom&utm_source=Sports&utm_content=2322788

Rhet0ric

Wed Feb 1 2012 4:55 pm EST

Rhetoric- yeah, you are probably right. But I can't help to be a little intrigued if Zidlicky. He is scored 128 pts over the three seasons prior to this year -- that's top 15 among Ds over that period. BR needs a RH point man to work with on the PP, Zid is like the only one available. Unlike McCabe, he can both shoot, move the puck and pass it. He is also pretty physical and would fit this team well in that sense. Coachable player in general. We haven't seen him much in the East, but he has been a good D in the Wes for quite some time. But then you have his injuries and the summer cap. He don't have a NMC, so we could always dump in the AHL (he would most likely go to the KHL and make more money than play down there). But now is not the time to pick up someone Hal crippled.

Ola

Wed Feb 1 2012 4:48 pm EST

Chin... I don't know, I think we've been winning with smoke and mirrors for a while now... Our offense has been stagnant and our PP non-existant... I am not so concerned about losing a few games, I'm more interested in getting to that next level for the playoffs... right now, I just don't see it... TD... If Minnesota wants to get rid of Zidlicky, they need to take back WOLSKI...Per Zipay, no one wants to take his salary... can't say I blame them... http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/rangers/christensen-wolski-could-be-moved-1.3494342

Rhet0ric

Wed Feb 1 2012 4:47 pm EST

WTF did the Wall's man-crush do this time? http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vn31F-ln1uo

Rexi29

Wed Feb 1 2012 4:37 pm EST

From Gross - " It's that time of the season - 24 scouts have been assigned press box seats for tonight's Rangers-Sabres game."

pa.rangersfan

Wed Feb 1 2012 4:32 pm EST

RF4L: Should be just you. Or maybe it's because the Wall freaks out over every loss, even if its a loss born 100% from a terrible bounce.

chinstrap

Wed Feb 1 2012 4:30 pm EST

I would offer CHRISTENSEN and WOYWITKA(or BICKEL) for ZIDLICKY...He's a low-risk option the Rangers could have to help their PP. Minnesota obviously doesn't think he's worth much. Part of the reason Girardi is logging so many minutes is that Bickel is playing 6 minutes a game. That can't go on much longer. Only problem is I don't think they could fit him under the cap unless Wolski was canned.

tdchi

Wed Feb 1 2012 4:29 pm EST

Why am I feeling a vibe bad right now with the Rangers? Is it just me?

RF4L

Wed Feb 1 2012 4:20 pm EST

OLA... This has all the ear marks of the Bryan McCabe deal... If you go by the premise that Sauer will return some time this season, I am fine with Girardi, Sauer and Stralman on the right side.... plus, we would be stuck with Zidlicky next year at $4 mil as well... If we are going to spend $4 Mil on a player, I'd rather grab a guy like Morrow, at least we know he's had good chemistry with Richards on the PP...

Rhet0ric

Wed Feb 1 2012 3:57 pm EST

WILDCARD: I gave up on the PP a long time ago. It's the price the hockey gods demanded for success everywhere else. The personnel has changed, 100 different plays have been used. They suck at the pp. I wouldn't expect that to change

Wed Feb 1 2012 3:14 pm EST

Avery: Good point...but Staal isn't back 100% into game timing and shape yet, and Bickle has had a step back from his first few games. Emminger will get more ice time so that should bring Giradis down some...unless there is another D injured....god I hope not though!

Wildcard

Wed Feb 1 2012 3:14 pm EST

Rhet- I don't know Zidlicky and I don't know what is happening in Minnesota. But, Zid has played closer to 30 minutes per night for almost a handful of years under Lemiere without ever having any problems. I doubt he has any problems playing a certain style.

Ola

Wed Feb 1 2012 3:13 pm EST

E: thinking about it, that was the wrong term...what I meant was, if the PP sucks, perhaps a Dman slightly out of position will trip Gabby, rather than 'trust' the guy in net, if the PP was dangerous, he might hope his goalie can make the save and just harass Gabby. Dose that make sense?

Wildcard

Wed Feb 1 2012 3:01 pm EST

At least with Staal back in the lineup Girardi only had to play 33:46 last night.

Avery

Wed Feb 1 2012 2:57 pm EST

WILDCARD: while I agree with 90% of what you are stating my one question is on "taking liberties." While not as dirty as Boston, the NYR make just about every team in the NHL accountable. They are in the top 3 in fights. Top 5 in hitting and are just flat out nasty to at against. Watch other teams video feeds and their pregames. So often when they go through the keys to victory part it's terms like: stand up to the NYR, don'tet them dictate the physical play. Don't let them dominate along the boards. It may not be what you meant. The grass may look greener on the other guys lawn but this NYR team is not a team that gets pushed around by anybody

Wed Feb 1 2012 2:54 pm EST

E: Come on! No support. They scored 3 goals, AND when Biron gave up a goal the Rangers got it back 36 seconds later than took the lead. Most of the time you score 3 goals with this team, and its a win.

Wildcard

Wed Feb 1 2012 2:53 pm EST

Then again, he should be draft eligible when Hank is near the end of his rope so we may be in the lottery then.

Avery

Wed Feb 1 2012 2:51 pm EST

Can 11 years olds play in the NHL? Let's sign this kid - http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/hockey-prodigy-oliver-wahlstrom-strikes-again-incredible-lacrosse-040448840.html

Avery

Wed Feb 1 2012 2:47 pm EST

TDCHI: Biron had a lousy game but he received 0 offensive support.

Wed Feb 1 2012 2:44 pm EST

Zidlicky was benched the last three games for not playing the teams' defensive system. That has the makings of a disaster with Torts and not worth the risk.

Avery

Wed Feb 1 2012 2:39 pm EST

TD... Parise does prefer to stay in NJ first and I'm sure the Devil's would love to keep him, but the fact is that the Devil's owner is in debt up to his eyeballs... the League has already bailed him out once... Next year they have to worry about re-signing Elias, Zajac, Zubrus and Clarkson... I think they will need the extra cap space... MAREK ZIDLICKY wants out of Minnesota... I would stay away... he just turned 35 and he looks like he has nothing left in the tank... http://bluelinestation.com/2012/02/01/could-marek-zidlicky-be-an-option-for-new-york/

Rhet0ric

Wed Feb 1 2012 2:31 pm EST

E: that means that the entire team game, from top to bottom is important. If you are weak in one area, you need to be stronger in another. If your PP is bad, your PK and 5 on 5 D needs to be better, and your 5 on 5 scoring needs to be strong enough to overcome any D mistakes you make. Boston proved that there is more than one way to win. SO again...I want the Rangers PP better, at least create sustained pressure, it at least keeps the other team from taking liberties, but I don't want this team to sell the farm to try and make the PP better, than they will, in time, end up weaker in other areas, and the overall change will be zero. For instance, you take a defensive defensemen out of the lineup in order to get a guy in who can get the PP going better, so you score 1 more PP goal per game, but give up one more 5 on 5 goal per game because you loose a little on D. Whats the point...you can say your PP is better, and say the team is better because of it, but its not. its a wash. If the Bruins PP was better, maybe they win easier and play less games...but they won, and that the goal. I don't care if the Rangers don't score another PP goal the rest of the season as long as they win. I hope sather and co don't concentrate on one aspect of the game like the PP...Get a top line LW, if he helps the PP great, but if the 5 on 5 play all around is improved, even better, more of the game is 5 on 5 than PP...but a top line LW is needed in EVERY situation, if they go and get a PP guy, that's it, that's all he brings. Not enough IMHO.

Wildcard

Wed Feb 1 2012 2:16 pm EST

Avery - whatever dude. I'm not going to argue stupid minutia with you. You want to stroke off Biron, fine. I don't care.

tdchi

Wed Feb 1 2012 2:08 pm EST

By that logic...WE WIN THE CUP!!!!!!!!

RF73

Wed Feb 1 2012 2:07 pm EST

WILDCARD: Boston had a deplorable PP last season and they won the Cup so what does that mean?

Wed Feb 1 2012 2:02 pm EST

tdchi - so that would mean that Hank is directly responsible for 14 of our losses this season since he gave up the winning goals?

Avery

Wed Feb 1 2012 2:00 pm EST

The only thing that guarantees winning in the playoffs is winning in the playoffs. Having a better power play gives one a better chance of doing that. If that's me being hopeless then yes, I am beyond hopeless.

Avery

Wed Feb 1 2012 1:59 pm EST

Avery- quit being such an argumentative knob dude. Biron lost the game. He let in the tying and wining goal. No way you can argue that. Second, I never said anything about ditching him. Love the guy as a backup. Just he should have started against the Sabres. As for the Mason thing, I said Mason could help IN HARTFORD. Never said anything about replacing Biron or Hank. That's what you said, once again taking things WAAAAY out of context. As for the Bruins, last I checked they were -1 against the Rangers. That's the only stat I care about, since it's going to be them we're going to face in the conference finals if we get there.

tdchi

Wed Feb 1 2012 1:58 pm EST

You can't compare teams far behind the Rangers to the Rangers in terms of their power play percentage. The Rangers are not going to become a worse team and suddenly become as bad as the teams farther down in the standings if their power play gets better they will improve on their position. To say that having a power play that is 5% higher than ours would not guarantee us as much as one point in the standings over 82 games is being simple minded. You are now somehow assuming that if our power play improves other aspects of our game will become worse.

Avery

Wed Feb 1 2012 1:50 pm EST

Avery...your hopeless....I WANT THE PP BETTER and said MULTIPLE times that it would imporve the team. I am just not willing to sell the farm on something that will not gurantee a single victory, a single point in the standing. I said that a PP that is just better with out scoring will help them...You have this black/white view of everything. its almost amazing that you can think so simple minded. You miss the entire point because you cant see past your simplistic view, you think I don't see a PP makes the team better, again, it will, but it doesn't mean they win more...I know that seems like a contradiction, but there are teams far behind the Rangers in the standing with a much better PP and teams close to the Rangers who also have poor PPs, the Rangers with a better PP would have some more wins, yes, but it doesn't guarantee even one playoff series win. so again, not worth over spending to try to improve.

Wildcard

Wed Feb 1 2012 1:36 pm EST

A better power play will make us a better team. No matter how much bullshit you throw against that argument it will not change that simple fact. My entire goal is for us to improve as a team and yours seems to be to win an argument. How can you possibly argue that having a better power play does not make us a better team? And more to the point why would you even try and make such an argument? I realize you still have quantum physics argument in your back pocket and that you haven't had to pull it out yet but I'm sure it will come sooner or later.

Avery

Wed Feb 1 2012 1:24 pm EST

Avery: Simple is not reality...I live in the real world. You can not say that a bad PP will mean you will not win. In fact...you cant even say having a better PP that the other team means you score more PP goals, or at the right times. Its not simple...there are too many other things involved. You can say I am making things to complex...but that's not true, its reality...we live it every day. Would the PP make the Rangers a better team? You could say that...it would make them more dangerous with the man advantage, and it would make other teams afraid to do things that gave the Rangers a man advantage...but in the playoffs the refs call the game so different. I look at special teams, if the Rangers at a + when it comes to special teams goals for and against that's all I care about...they have a great PK, good enough to hold any PP in check, they don't need to have a great PP to win. I have said it and I will say it again, a better PP will help, but its not so simple to say they cant win with out it, that's why I do NOT advocate selling the farm for the "PP fix" it doesn't guarantee anything because it just not that simple.

Wildcard

Wed Feb 1 2012 1:19 pm EST

OK, so what are you prepared to give up for Ruutu?

RF4L

Wed Feb 1 2012 1:07 pm EST

OLA: I can't dispute how the NYR play all too often in their own end of the ice and are forced to get sticks on pucks while circling the wagons. Case in point was the Boston game where the NYR stood admirably in there while Boston swarmed them. To the NYR benefit, that is the type of cycle that Boston will use to intimidate and it didn't work. The NYR went all boards on them and kept the puck to the outside, but you are right they are put into these scenarios where they cannot advance the puck all too often. I realize Rutuu won't alleviate this but I also am looking at inexpensive (in terms of assets especially existing roster) guys that help muck and grind and play the game in a way that fits the NYR system. If you can address this by adding some guys that get the puck thru the neutral zone so that the NYR can get in and dictate the pace more I am all for it. But I am against any kind of significant change to the current bench. They are still in 1st place and they have arguably the best goalie in the NHL. We'll go into the postseason with what we have and who we are. If the deficiencies that you and I agree on are there after the playoff run, during the summer is when you address these larger issues. This is why I have been advocating the Doan's and Rutuu's of the NHL. Experienced guys who play a rough edged game and do not hamstring the NYR long term. They work out, you re-sign them. They don't then sayonara amigo.

Wed Feb 1 2012 12:51 pm EST

Wild - perhaps you are over complicating the argument. There is a reason why when someone is struggling they try to "keep it simple". Bottom line is if we have a better power play we have a better chance of winning. That is simple and true. I realize that you like to throw in all these arguments about bad bounces and 5-3's and them being almost as good as 5-5 and how many people are in the stands and that they score most goals in blow outs etc etc... Simple is usually better and truer. If we improve our power play we will be a better team, can't get simpler than that and can't get truer than that. Sure we can win the cup without even scoring a power play goal. Hell, Hank may even get 16 shut outs in a row in the playoffs. That still doesn't change the very simple fact that if our power play is better than the crap we have now we will have a better chance of winning in the regular season and in the playoffs regardless of how Boston won last year or regardless of how the Seattle Metropolitans won the Cup in 1917.

Avery

Wed Feb 1 2012 12:40 pm EST

Avery: You look at things with too simplistic view...really you do. NO ONE is saying that the PP wont hurt, not even I, I just pointed out that its not a definite thing to say you cant win in the playoffs with out it...or that you are sure to win with it. The point made about Bostons scoring just points out that the Bruins are NOT on average nights scoring any more that the rangers, or at least not much more. Their differential of goals for/against is offset some by just a handful of games. Head to head the Bruins are not going to have too many chances to put up a 6-0 win against the Rangers, so really, does their goal differential matter in the playoffs? IMHO no. the rangers can go toe to toe with them, and win, because they know how to win games 2-1 and 3-2...the Bruins do as well, but they are even for the most part. That does NOT mean the Rangers cant use another scorer, the top line LW for instance. Its just that pointing to the bruins as proof that the Rangers cant win because of that is not so solid.

Wildcard

Wed Feb 1 2012 12:26 pm EST

The key thing in a PO is to have at least a decent ratio between your PP and your PK. You can pk at 80% and PP at 10-15%. if you go 90:15 you are still on plus and if you go 85:15 the 5 on 5 will decide. Also, special team numbers can alter big time in the PO. Just remember how Pitt went 25% against our league leading PK like 4 years ago. A good PK can be destroyed by a super aggressive PK over 4-5 games.

Ola

Wed Feb 1 2012 12:17 pm EST

OK, you guys got me. Boston's scoring is on par with ours and our power play will not hurt us in the play offs. Whew... there goes a tremendous weight off my shoulders. Now let's get Mason because Biron sucks ass and the cup is ours.

Avery

Wed Feb 1 2012 12:00 pm EST

I would like to see Kara put in a reminder when you post asking the poster if she/he has proposed a trade for a RW, and if so, if the poster really has thought things through since we have Gabby, Cally and Prust at RW already. ;) Semin=RW.

Ola

Wed Feb 1 2012 11:57 am EST

E- The team has played better and better lately, or like more from the WC and thereafter. We have seen some games where we have taken a lead early and been the team carrying the momentum the most from that point of the game and on. Before that, I doubt we played 5 games were we didn't have long strecthes were we basically didn't got out of our own end. In the PO's, a flaw tends to be magnified. We live and die on our ability to make the other team cough up pucks in their own end. Right? I think that's undisputeable. And its possible it could work all the way. BUT, what worry me, and have worry me a long time, is just how deep we fall when the other team don't cough up those pucks. Torts has several times this season said that we lack talent. Torts did NOT lack talent when he won in Tampa. Playing WITHOUT talent is not "Torts hockey". MSL and Dan Boyle was as much Torts players as Fedetenko and Modin. He just won't let the MSL's and Boyle's of his team get away with stuff that Fedetenko or Modin don't get away with if you get what I team. Look, I wouldn't mind Ruutu that much. I've seen this kid since he was 16 y/o, and if not for injuries he would be a much better player, potentially a big start. He got some hockey in him. BUT, in the end I think we have assets to move without hurting our cause -- and instead of going for a half cheap rental I rather see us going for someone who really makes sense and in that regard we have 2-way players and we have snipers -- but we definitely lack the ability to skate the puck up ice that MSL has for example. So I think its pretty legit to look at a player like Ruutu and say that he is alright but still lack what we really could need, i.e. what a young MSL-copy would bring.

Ola

Wed Feb 1 2012 11:48 am EST

td give me a break, biron lost the game......try again to place blame. .....kovalchoke comes in and scores and wayne clarkson gets a puck placed on his stick and nobody covering him to score. and that's beeron's fault?.....surely you are over the top on that opinion, but enjoy it. ......might as well trade him then .great idea huh?.......

stevielegs

Wed Feb 1 2012 11:29 am EST

td: thank you for pointing that out. I am sure there have been games that the Rangers could have kept the 100% pressure on and scored at least once more. I think PART of why Torts backed off was that the D was missing Staal, and there were other injuries, I think he wanted to reduce risk to the players, like it or not, giving 100% effort on both sides of the puck leads to more injuries than 100% on D and 75% on offense. Not that I agree with the idea of that, but the Bruins didn't NEED to keep pressing in those blow outs, In fact I remember one that they scored 2 or 3 times in the last 5 min of the game...the other team just quit trying, and that's +2 or +3 for no reason other than proving you can score on a goalie who is thinking about what TV show he will watch before bed.

Wildcard

Wed Feb 1 2012 11:25 am EST

Avery: Everywhere I looked when they announced the soft tissue injury I saw people writing that they were completely shocked that treatment for that wasn't done FIRST after the initial concussion, AND that they didn't check for that type on injury in the neck. One person ( a tsn guy on twitter cant remember who right now) said he talked to 3 players who had had concussions, the last was 4 years ago, and all of them said the very first test they got, after making sure their brain wasn't bleeding or swelling too badly, was to check the soft tissue of their neck...so how the hell did Crosby go so long, and no one looked into it or treated for it. It just seems shocking...and if Crosby wasn't pissed before he should be now.

Wildcard

Wed Feb 1 2012 11:23 am EST

Avery - Bruins won the cup +27. What's your point? The Rangers and Bruins are almost identical teams. Aside from Chara, you can pretty much match them player-for-player. They're no more potent a team than the Rangers. I'd say the one difference between Julien and Tortorella is that Julien NEVER lets a team that's on the ropes up. He keeps piling on the offense. Tortorella likes to get three up and then play defensive hockey. A lot of those Bruins goals you cite in the +71 stat are from massive blowouts against weaker teams...6-0 vs. the Islanders...9-0 versus Calgary...8-0 versus Florida...That's +23 in three games...And then there was the 6-0 blowout of Philly(which I won't call a weaker team)...Take those four games out and you have Bruins team that doesn't score a hell of a lot more than the Rangers.

tdchi

Wed Feb 1 2012 11:19 am EST

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=ap-penguins-crosby - hmmm, Staal had a shot in the neck ages ago...

Avery

Wed Feb 1 2012 11:18 am EST

At least the power play was awesome.

Avery

Wed Feb 1 2012 11:14 am EST

Whatever dude. Biron in net that's a loss. Hank in net that's a W. He should have saved that goal in the last minute. Clarkson went five-hole and Biron didn't even set up to make the save. I won't even go into the Parise rebound. He didn't play a horrible game, but he sure didn't play a great one.

tdchi

Wed Feb 1 2012 11:02 am EST

stevielegs: Don't get me wrong, I feel it is a big problem, and needs to be fixed. I just don't think you can say that a bad PP will end your playoffs any more than the best PP win you the cup. But really, they need to fix whats wrong...and its not the personnel....I mean its what they are, or rather are NOT doing, but the skill is there. Perhaps a bigger shot from the point, but if the guys down low are not moving, it doesn't matter. If they got their feet moving, and cycled down low with out the puck, than weather a new player would help would be easier to see...but right now, it doesn't matter who is out there I don't think.

Wildcard

Wed Feb 1 2012 10:58 am EST

Avery: I agree....but a 0% pp in the first 3 rounds is a different story...i think that is all about goaltending and D, and controlling the pace of the game. The one thing I want to see is the Rangers PP give them chances, even if it doesn't score, but lately it has gotten even worse in the way it saps their energy. They hang their heads. I was hoping that after the break they would come back with a bit less pressure...it didn't look that way for the most part.. I DO think there was a bit more movement than before...but still not enough. I will also say there were to PK blocks the devils made that stopped a shot from getting to a wide open net, or at least a player shot while looking at a big chunk of empty net, so it still doesn't count as a success really, but at times it looked better, hopefully they can pick it up to at least put pressure...

Wildcard

Wed Feb 1 2012 10:56 am EST

wild believe whst you want to believe, that was an exception to the rule, not the norm. But spin away, it cost them a point last night. A good PP kills other teams, and it cuts down teams taking a penalty so they don't pay the price. Right now teams are happy to up their pk % against the NYR. If you think it's not a major problem, I disagree. ....pick uo the carpet........ask the coach what he thinks...........

stevielegs

Wed Feb 1 2012 10:44 am EST

ton not tome...

Avery

Wed Feb 1 2012 10:44 am EST

Yes well if you have a +51 in gf vs ga then you can get away with not having a power play a lot easier than if it is much lower. This season the Bruins have a differential of +70 so far and we have a +35 so they have more lee way to get by without a PP than we do because they score a tome more goals than they give up and don't have as many games where that 1 goal can make or break you.

Avery

Wed Feb 1 2012 10:39 am EST

stevielegs: My point was that last year the Bruins didn't have a great PP and int he playoffs they didn't score a single PP goal in the first 3 rounds. So saying that a bad PP means you don't go deep was made to be incorrect last year.

Wildcard

Wed Feb 1 2012 10:38 am EST

Wow... Biron was responsible for that loss. That's about as harsh as one can get. I guess his save on the power play on Kovalchuk didn't count either. Blaming a goalie for a bad bounce coming right out into the slot and laying flat on a guys stick with no other defenders around him is really messed up. Callahan was more at fault for not dumping the puck which lead to a goal. And if you are going to blame Biron for the loss, then Stepan deserves more blame because he had Brodeur undressed and an open net and he only managed to slide the puck across the goal line plus he missed in the shoot out along with Gabby and Richards so they deserve the blame for not tying it up either. Our power play and a bad bounce lost that game for us, but primarily our power play.

Avery

Wed Feb 1 2012 10:20 am EST

Young Vinny Prospal? Definitely Kreider ;)

tdchi

Wed Feb 1 2012 10:19 am EST

E - That's my point exactly. When something works, you do more of it. RUUTU hasn't changed a bit. He's the same exact player only more dangerous.

tdchi

Wed Feb 1 2012 10:19 am EST

I just was looking at the free-agent list and there are some players headed for free agency that I would be interested in: Jarret Stoll, I'll go straight up AA for Chris Stewart (ha), Nik Kronwall (ha), Moen, Tootoo, Barret Jackman, Alex Semin. Now why Alex Semin do you ask? Two reasons: 1. he is supremely talented. 2. Tortorella is precisely the kind of coach to squeeze him to utilize those talents. 3. It would be hilarious watching Tortorella beat up on that pussy boy. 4. His talent is light years above anything the NYR have. He could unlock some serious threat on the ice. 5. the PP. This guy scores goals in his sleep. 6. I wouldn't pay big money for the guy because mentally he is the weakest thing to hit the ice in a while. And it will cost big money. Screw it... I'll pass. But what if? Nevermind...

Wed Feb 1 2012 10:15 am EST

Avery - Richards and Marrow are two totally different situations...Marrow is under contract next year and he's the captain of the team...more or less the face of the franchise...Trading him is all but acknowledging a rebuild...Richards was leaving one way or another. They took a gamble hoping that he'd get them to the playoffs and lost...I would actually be surprised if the Stars trade Marrow for anything less than a supreme bounty...stevie - BIRON lost that game for the Rangers. I still don't know how he let CLARKSON'S goal in...Hank in net, that's a Rangers' win. It was a bad decision to start him against the stronger Devils. The Sabres are in a tailspin and they just lost VANEK...Certainly, the PP sucks and I agree, it's a problem. But it's not a problem this team is going to fix through a trade. They've got the pieces there...they just need to put them together...I've backed away from and all but tossed my 'Fire Torts' rant, but this is something that falls DIRECTLY on his shoulders. Gaborik and Richards in the lineup alone should bring a better than 15 percent return...I still, to this day, do NOT understand why BOYLE and DUBINSKY aren't given a shot up front...Move Dubes to the center, Gaborik on his flank and put B-Rich at the point with McDONAGH. Line up Boyler on one side of the net and Dubes on the other. Have Gaborik float the slot are and McDonagh and Richards man the points, quarterbacking. That's what I'd do. But instead, we're now seeing Tortorella's patented musical chairs approach to solving team problems...just try everyone everywhere and rotate them throughout the game. I still can't believe I saw John MITCHELL on the first unit last night.

tdchi

Wed Feb 1 2012 10:06 am EST

I don't get it. Ruutu is more of what we already have so therefore no? What is wrong with our team philosophy? I want MORE of what we have. Rutuu not only fits the NYR philosophy, he was tailor made for it. I don't know about sturdiness or anything like that but whenever he plays the NYR, he seems to be involved in every scuffle and is constantly around the net. Isn't that what we want? More red-noses? A team with Ruutu is a stronger more difficult team to play against. I am not sure about work ethic, character, etc... I don't see enough of the guy but when he was with Chicago some years back I saw him play live and he was a real petulant guy. He kind of reminded me of a young Vinny Prospal. Always stirring the soup. If Ruutu is still that player then he is precisely the kind of player we want.

Wed Feb 1 2012 9:53 am EST

wild tell what to the bruins, and who cares how their pp is? this is about the nyr pp.....without a decent one, decline the pp. ........theirs is pathetic, it cost them last night's game. ...........that's one point down the drain.......blame it on the bossa nova........

stevielegs

Wed Feb 1 2012 9:48 am EST

If Morrow goes nowhere Dallas are a bunch of morons. They held on to Richards when they could have gotten a ton for him last year and lost him for nothing and now they refuse to deal their 3rd line LW who would bring a nice bounty also. Those two could have netted them 2 first rounders and two good young roster players plus a solid prospect or two.

Avery

Wed Feb 1 2012 9:44 am EST

Rhet - he either said it last night or I read it somewhere...PARISE wants to stay in New Jersey. I believe the issue right now is the team's finances...and it's probably why they haven't talked contract extension. They're not trading him before the deadline, considering they're in playoff contention right now...The team's financial problems will only get worse if they DO deal him...He's their most marketable asset. And does anyone really think Sweet Lou is going to allow this kid to cross the river? That would be a nightmare for his franchise. Outside of the Devils franchise folding, I think our one and only chance to land Parise was during the 2004 draft. It's not even worth thinking about, IMO.

tdchi

Wed Feb 1 2012 9:39 am EST

MelvilleFred: No...no more ties. Every game NEEDS an outcome. In reality, each game should be worth 3 points. 3 points for a regulation win. If it goes to OT both team get one point. I agree a second 'level' of OT should be used, than a shoot out. But every game needs to award the same number of points and once a team makes it to OT a point each. I hate, have ALWAYS hates ties in any sport.

Wildcard

Wed Feb 1 2012 9:39 am EST

Wildcard

Wed Feb 1 2012 9:38 am EST

Holy Shit...one loss and we're talking now about bringing in RAY WHITNEY?!? What's next? Seeing if Recchi wants to give it another go? Good god, no...RF4L - Not surprisingly, I totally disagree on RUUTU. He's EXACTLY what the Rangers need. He's a hardnosed player, can skate top-line minutes and has a work ethic that is very complementary of this team. Now at what cost? That's the question. I wouldn't get in a bidding war with the Bruins or the Sharks. And the fact that he's looking for more than $4 million also concerns me...could be that he's just a rental player...Is he super-talented? No. But he's a top-6 player. He always has been...and what he brings to the game --a nasty edge --is exactly what the Rangers need to continue adding. No doubt, this is a tough team. But it's a team that is likely to go head-to-head with either the Bruins or the Penguins if they get to the conference finals. I don't see a player out there the Rangers could add and keep their lineup whole who would rescue the PP...so there's the other way, which is to continue adding gritty players that bruise up teams like Pittsburgh and Philly...and can go head-to-head with a grinder team like the Bruins...Ruutu fits that type of player to a T. And he can score. And he can play left side. And he can play center. Win-win-win, IMO...Word at this point on Suter, Marrow and Doan is that they're going no where. Doan especially.

tdchi

Wed Feb 1 2012 9:36 am EST

RF73: Tell that to the Bruins.

Wildcard

Wed Feb 1 2012 9:34 am EST

#25 NY Rangers 23 for 166 13.9%; #26 Dallas 21 for 154 13.6%; #27 Tampa Bay 22 for 163 13.5%; #28 St. Louis 23 for 171 13.5%; #29 Montreal 24 for 192 12.5%; #29 Phoenix 19 for 152 12.5%... The only thing this statistic gets you is playing golf before the end of April. Lack of a PP cost them a point last night.

RF73

Wed Feb 1 2012 9:00 am EST

I am with RF4L on Rutuu. He is more of what we already have. Bring me Ray Whitney or Brendan Morrow. We need someone who can light the lamp.

Bob

Wed Feb 1 2012 8:45 am EST

The Devils haven’t talked extension with Zach Parise... hopefully this holds true with Parise... he is someone whom we need to consider trading for his rights before UFA... You know Toronto will be thinking the same way... http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/NHL-scoop-du-jour/devils-haven-t-talked-extension-zach-parise-113104615.html;_ylt=A2KJ3CUxQSlPdRYAxWNNbK5_

Rhet0ric

Wed Feb 1 2012 8:41 am EST

Other teams should just opt to put only 4 guys on the ice other than their goalie against the Rangers. They would probably stand a better chance of winning.

Avery

Wed Feb 1 2012 8:38 am EST

RF4L... I highly doubt Nashville would trade Suter anymore for fear of losing Weber, plus they are also rumored to be after Ruutu... IMO, Suter wouldn't fix our power play and he's not that much better than what we already have... I agree with you on Ruutu coming here... we're probably just kicking tires on everyone.

Rhet0ric

Wed Feb 1 2012 8:23 am EST

" The Rangers went 0-for-3 with the man advantage and are 1-for-24 in their last 10 games, 2-for-37 in the last 15 and 4-for-55 in the last 21 matches. The Rangers have failed on their last 26, 5-on-4 advantages covering a stretch of 45:23. Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/rangers/rangers_richards_blanked_again_in_GLhu0XpPXRVdKzSMl8hrUK#ixzz1l8VMx0LV

stevielegs

Wed Feb 1 2012 8:22 am EST

BTW, if this holds true, just say no to Ryan Suter: As a rental only, Preds want a regular roster player (ie AA), an A type prospect (ie Kreider), a B type prospect (ie Thomas) and a first round pick. Ahhh....for a pending UFA? Good suck on a puck Poile....

RF4L

Wed Feb 1 2012 8:20 am EST

While I like his game, I don't really see the point of trading for Ruutu. Earlier in his career he looked like he had the potential to be a legitimate top 6 forward but now at 28, his top 6-ness is, IMO, as a complimentary winger only and the Rangers with Dubi and Cally have enough of that. This is a guy who's never scored 30 goals, never scored 60 points and has but 2 seasons of over 19 goals. And at $4,000,000? No thanks, unless he can be had for something like WW and level B (ie Valentenko) prospect.

RF4L

Wed Feb 1 2012 8:12 am EST

.....I find that hard to believe.....very disturbing indeed. One thing I will say is that the 3 guys shooting forr the Dev's had amazing % for the season of success! No wonder they're 9-2 in the shootout.

MelvilleFred

Wed Feb 1 2012 7:53 am EST

Forget it....Buttman was already quoted [TSN story] in the last few days stating "the fans are overwhelmingly in favor of the shootout"

RF73

Wed Feb 1 2012 7:38 am EST

I'm hoping they eliminate the shootout....this is an aberation in the sports world. Soccer (Football) only uses it in CUP Finals. Play the overtime 3 on 3 and if its a tie its a tie.

MelvilleFred

Wed Feb 1 2012 7:34 am EST

ok...anyone else think that "bouce" right to Clarkson with 47.6 seconds to go is a "sign" of bad things to come in the 2nd half? All I know is tonights game becomes very important. If we get into any sort of loosing streak to start the 2nd half that will not be good. Hopefully they get rid of Christensen this week.

MelvilleFred

Wed Feb 1 2012 12:00 am EST

KIS: Can Obama skate?

Tue Jan 31 2012 11:34 pm EST

Per Pierre LeBrun... the Rangers have contacted the Hurricanes about forward Tuomo Ruutu... Ruutu, 28, is a UFA on July 1 and Darren Dreger said that he is believed to be seeking more than $4 million per season for his new contract... LeBrun says that Boston, San Jose and Detroit are also believed to have called on Ruutu

Rhet0ric

Tue Jan 31 2012 11:32 pm EST

that should've read... it could help to fix

Rhet0ric

Tue Jan 31 2012 11:29 pm EST

I think we will see the Rangers make a strong push for Morrow at the deadline... it should help to fix both Richards and our PP... We have to get both going..

Rhet0ric

Tue Jan 31 2012 11:24 pm EST

KIS... I've got a better idea, put Boyle there... they wont be able to move his ass out of the crease... Dubi gets pushed around way too much down low... I also want to see both MDZ and McDonagh covering the points... MCD has one of the best, if not the best slapshot on the team and nothing against Girardi, I know he's a right handed shot and all, but the PP is just not his strength.... Torts has this aversion to putting his D on the wrong side, but he needs to get over it... whatever we've been doing so far hasn't been working, we might as well try something new... RF4L... You are right... we probably even need two wings... If we don't like what's available come the deadline, we need to target Parise... if Gabby got hurt right now, we probably wouldn't score at all... Every time Gabby hits the ice, MDZ needs to be on his line... at least tomorrow's another day.

Rhet0ric

Tue Jan 31 2012 11:00 pm EST

I thought fuckin Richards was supposed to be good on the PP and in the shoot out. the previous years I've seen him he has been a dominant figure now he doesn't do much at all.

KIS

Tue Jan 31 2012 10:53 pm EST

Why not put Rupp in front of goalie on PP. Staal looks very mediocre right now. I think Richards has forgotten to take his geritol. This team NEEDS a left wing bad(ly).

KIS

Tue Jan 31 2012 10:20 pm EST

Like Torts response in postgame....Very calm and said we were seconds away from a win and got a bad bounce....Take the point and move on to Buffalo....Agree with this and remember we did get another point with our backup in goal...Agree with all on the PP though....Is definately a concern....

Tue Jan 31 2012 10:19 pm EST

RF4L---my thoughts exactly. Chico made Clarkson sound like Steven Stamkos when the puck bounces directly on to his stick with nobody around and Biron out of position. Then they act like the Devils won a playoff series after the shootout was over. Really, they are a bankrupt franchise with few fans and 3 good players. This loss is on Callahan and his inexplicably stupid play on the PK. Why he doesn't shoot it in, change it up and move on is a mystery.

Bob

Tue Jan 31 2012 10:13 pm EST

Gotta add that center ice had the Devils broadcast and my 21 year old son was subjected for the first time to the idiot Reesch's Devil gooing and when Reesch kept orgasming over Clarkson's goal about how that 'might be Clarkson's most important goal in his career' my son said 'wow, that Clarkson dude must have one lousy career'. LOLOLOL...

RF4L

Tue Jan 31 2012 10:09 pm EST

Carrie Esposito Selivanov died today at age 43- she was the daughter of Ranger great Phil Esposito--- God bless the Esposito-Selivanov Family....:(

thedugster

Tue Jan 31 2012 10:09 pm EST

SJW: That's what they've been doing lately and did again tonight. The Stepan line and Richards line were together (with AA in for Hags on one PP) with DZ-Girardi at the points. I just hate not having a big guy to put in front (or a guy like Cally who is used to taking a beating and deflecting/fighting for pucks), its pointless to have a guy like Hagelin standing in front.

chinstrap

Tue Jan 31 2012 10:08 pm EST

Avery: Yep and once again, the lack of top end skill haunts the Rangers. Cannot help but admire this team for their work ethic and willingness to sacrifice their bodies, but IMO, that shortcoming will be their undoing. The question remains: Do you continue the current building process and continue to add the likes of Kreider, Thomas, etc to the roster and hope someone like Parise becomes available, you can fit him in AND he wants to sign or do you use assets to address that very obvious shortcoming??

RF4L

Tue Jan 31 2012 10:07 pm EST

Unfortunate bounce....gonna happen...we stole one in Phoenix and got burned by a lucky bounce tonight ....i think they should just send out a regular line with 2 d on the PP.. I mean nothing else works and it can't be any worse......

sjw

Tue Jan 31 2012 10:03 pm EST

Bottom line is Biron only gave up one goal and we couldn't score in 3 chances. But that would have all been moot if we had anyone who could score a damn power play goal. This is the worst power play I have ever seen in all my years of following the Rangers. If I was Torts I would fine everyone that gets power play time in a game and does not have a shot on goal during the power play $10,000.

Avery

Tue Jan 31 2012 9:52 pm EST

Yeah and Biron looked beyond ridiculous on Kovalchoke's goal...lol...what the heck was he doing anyways???

RF4L

Tue Jan 31 2012 9:50 pm EST

PP sucks and here's a prime example of how, if not corrected, it will come back to bite them. And IT REALLY REALLY REALLY SUCKS!

RF4L

Tue Jan 31 2012 9:45 pm EST

Seemed like Hagelin might of had his ice time cut down throughout the game as well...maybe I'm wrong

RDW

Tue Jan 31 2012 9:42 pm EST

Weak effort in the shootout....Hate not getting the win in this one as the Devils get a very lucky 2 points.....Our PP is beginning to give me anxiety attacks....Richards does absolutely nothing in this game.....One game but just hate losses like this and can't stand the Devils....

Tue Jan 31 2012 9:41 pm EST

Hate to say it but Cally didn't exactly bust it getting back to the defensive zone after that turnover either

RDW

Tue Jan 31 2012 9:40 pm EST

Well that was a total joke. What the hell kind of boards do they have in that rink? Complete and total crap.

Bob

Tue Jan 31 2012 9:39 pm EST

That was pathetic... the shootout it not Biron's forte'...

Rhet0ric

Tue Jan 31 2012 9:34 pm EST

This is going to be ugly...

Rhet0ric

Tue Jan 31 2012 9:22 pm EST

What the hell can you do about that goal....Pure luck....Get a goal in OT...Come on Rangers....

Tue Jan 31 2012 9:13 pm EST

Wow, what a quick response. Love this team's resiliency.

chinstrap

Tue Jan 31 2012 9:12 pm EST

That one's on the Captain. You HAVE to get that puck deep. Can't get fancy at the blue line, shorthanded up a goal late.

chinstrap

Tue Jan 31 2012 8:52 pm EST

Quiet games from Stepan and Richards so far...

RDW

Tue Jan 31 2012 7:39 pm EST

NN... It has the best picture quality too... Thanks again... ...How the heck did Stralman keep up with Gaborik on that goal?

Rhet0ric

Tue Jan 31 2012 7:18 pm EST

I get the link from the Ranger board at Hockey's Future...they list other streams, but this one seems to work the best on my computer.

DOUBLEN

Tue Jan 31 2012 7:16 pm EST

Thanks NN... out of curiosity, where does stream post the links for the games?

Rhet0ric

Tue Jan 31 2012 7:07 pm EST

Tonight's stream: http://streamo.atspace.tv/A87DSF6G7TYUSBJKH3.html

DOUBLEN

Tue Jan 31 2012 7:03 pm EST

ewwww.... devils announcers.

Rhet0ric

Tue Jan 31 2012 6:11 pm EST

Henrique and Zajac out for the Debbies.

Avery

Tue Jan 31 2012 6:01 pm EST

Spoke to soon Hank is getting a rest tonight.

Avery

Tue Jan 31 2012 5:42 pm EST

Good thing Uncle Daddy is in net today. He is finished and Hank owns him.

Avery

Tue Jan 31 2012 5:05 pm EST

Avery, what's more puzzling that we have one of the best back-ups in the game, Biron. Great teammate, top notch back up. Cheap. Helps teammates. I also think he got presence in the locker room. I keep seeing him talking to forwards on the beach during games giving them advice where to shoot, etc. what else do you want from a backup? Got to love Rangers fans. Our priority in the of-season, and even now is to re-sign him. Him and Hank make a nice combo.

andrei

Tue Jan 31 2012 4:21 pm EST

Hank has 6-8 quality years left and we are already looking to replace him. Got to love Ranger fans. No goalie who wants to be a starter and has already been a starter is going to stick around 5 plus years to wait for a number one spot.

Avery

Tue Jan 31 2012 4:15 pm EST

WILD... Mason will have a long wait... Lundqvist is only 30 this March... I'm sure he Mason won't mind waiting until he's in his 30's before he get's his shot.

Rhet0ric

Tue Jan 31 2012 4:02 pm EST

RF4L: that's EXACTLY the kind of trade I would love for a guy like that. Very low risk, and potential high reward. The worst outcomes... they give up a 4th rounder and he never regains form, or he regains form, the Rangers don't want him and cant afford to pay what he wants to be paid and use him as a backup, so they move a good goalie to fill a need. Best case, he is able to take over for Hank in a few years and the Rangers don't miss a beat. i don't really see a downside.

Wildcard

Tue Jan 31 2012 3:50 pm EST

RF4L... I like Mason, but not at the cost... his cap hit is almost $3 Mil and his salary will also go up after next season... Biron will cost a Million plus and win a lot more games... JMO

Rhet0ric

Tue Jan 31 2012 3:43 pm EST

TD... In regard to Kreider, I think he can make this team next season at least as a 3rd or 4th liner... He wins the battles along the boards, he's a good forechecker, a quality penalty killer and he an immovable object in front of the net... like any other young player we need to give him at least 2 seasons to develop his NHL game without the grandiose expectations(even though it is fun to speculate).

Rhet0ric

Tue Jan 31 2012 3:42 pm EST

TD: If Sather is interested, what about this: The Rangers get him for a 7th rounder, waive him and if he clears, it's a 4th rounder. Let him play out the season for the Whale, working with Allaire and come to camp next fall with the intent to win the backup spot. If he rediscovers his game, the Rangers have a bonafide number 1 goalie prospect. I get the concern about taking on too much payroll in terms of what it means from a leverage perspective during the summer, but if that sort of move can be swung, it sure looks to me like a no-brainer.

RF4L

Tue Jan 31 2012 3:27 pm EST

From the Edmonton Journal: "The Columbus Blue Jackets want to unload goalie Steve Mason, but with one more year at $3.2 million and his game in tatters, the market for the former rookie-of-the-year is about .08 on a 1-to-10 scale. A better bet is they put him on waivers and a team gets him at half price on re-entry..." I imagine he could be sent down through waivers without a threat of a claim...he'd be a real asset to the Whale too, though I doubt he'd like the demotion too much...Also, I'd be interested in seeing what impact Allaire would have on a guy like that.

tdchi

Tue Jan 31 2012 3:27 pm EST

OLA... I should also say, I wouldn't touch Kovalchuk's current contract with a 10' pole... If NJ bought him out, that's a totally different story... E... You're right, he'd still probably miss the net... Anyone else notice that Vinnie Prospal is pointless in his last 10 games?

Rhet0ric

Tue Jan 31 2012 3:21 pm EST

Reht: if you gave Dubinsky, Dubinsy's talent he would be a pretty effective player. Alas Dubinsky it seems that Dubinsky has neither.

Tue Jan 31 2012 3:20 pm EST

And IK17? I always crush on prototype Russian wingers. It killed me when he went to NJ. He is one of my favorite players. Just an awesome talent. That stated, I will grieve forever seeing him in a NJD jersey. Its just not fair.

Tue Jan 31 2012 3:19 pm EST

WILD... I look at Carter and I see a guy that's under achieved in his career... If you surround this guy with the right players I think he could achieve more than he has to date... If you gave Dubinsky this guys talent, you'd have an amazing player... No where did I say that if the Rangers bring him here, he'll be a 40-40 guy... I can't really even say I'm a fan of his... but, we can certainly use his 30-35 goals and 25-30 assists a year... of all the guys rumored to be available, he's the only guy we know that actually is available... the thing I like about him most is that he should cost us less... Columbus would like to get rid of his contract and his no trade kicks in July 1st... to me, it seems like they're under the gun a bit... OLA... I said Kovalchuk and NJ would not be a good mix before he ever went there... their system and his style of play are just not conducive of each... there's at least a half dozen teams I could name off the top of my head that you could put him on and he'd return to his old self... TD... Biron is only 34 and we could get at least 3 quality years from him... In that time, why don't we try drafting our own player to be King's eventual backup? Top 6 forwards and goalies have been our biggest draft weaknesses... The Rangers need to get on the ball.

Rhet0ric

Tue Jan 31 2012 3:17 pm EST

...and I don't know about any of you but I am perfectly willing to dump our 1-rounder at this deadline for the right guy. I listened to NHL Network a few weeks ago when they were calling this upcoming draft as not as deep as the last four seasons.

Tue Jan 31 2012 2:27 pm EST

Ola: You're crazy man!

RF4L

Tue Jan 31 2012 2:20 pm EST

Call me crazy, but Kovalchuk is a player I would take a shot on every day! ;) seriously though, I hate to hype a Devil, but that guys carries a big part of that team. Imagine him with Richards and on our PP. Hardworking guy too. Cap hit is manageable, term is horrible.

Ola

Tue Jan 31 2012 2:08 pm EST

Personally, I think the Rangers only make one subtle move this year at or before the trade deadline. Yes, we need a few pieces to the puzzle (top 6 LW, PP QB, defensive zone face off wizard), but the team is right at the top of the NHL for the majority of past few months.....they have some young talent that is coming through the system (Kreider, Thomas, McIlarth, MZA, JT Miller and a few others)........so I think Torts will wanna play his hand that he has right now.....Getting rid of Avery could be addition by subtraction.....Biron playing well gives Henrik more rest heading into playoffs, Gabby picked up his game tremendously, B Richards experience and big time plays, Captain Cally keeps motoring, the emergence of McDonough and Girardi........and the best goalie in the league.......fugg it...why tinker with it unless the deal is too good to pass up.

TradeStar28

Tue Jan 31 2012 2:00 pm EST

Doan coming here would be the sequel to Urban Cowboy......The NHL has its hands in the Coyotes every day affairs and I don't think they would allow there biggest asset go anywhere unless something equal or better was coming back. Ofcourse, many of the Wallsters have Wolski, Christensen, MZA and one of the Dman (woywitka, stralman, mingler) as the equal or better....lol

TradeStar28

Tue Jan 31 2012 1:53 pm EST

All I know today is Phoenix remains 3 points out of playoff position. And so my miracle Doan scenario is more and more (not likely) plausible every day. Yes, the man-crush remains...

Tue Jan 31 2012 1:50 pm EST

Just looking @ B Morrow's stats....the playoffs I was referring to was in 2007-08.....In 18 games , Morrow had 9 goals and 6 assists in 18 games. The series that he was a beast was vs the Sharks in the 2nd round which Dallas won. They eventually lost in 6 games vs. the Wings, who went on to win the Cup.

TradeStar28

Tue Jan 31 2012 1:47 pm EST

If Dallas would go for our first and say MZA and Eminger or Stralman or something maybe a bit more (like maybe out first and Sauer if he passes a physical and comes back strong) I would definitely go for it. It looks like our 1st rounder will most likely be a 25-30 pick so it's not much different from a second rounder.

Avery

Tue Jan 31 2012 1:43 pm EST

If the price is right and we are balls to the wall going for it Morrow is the perfect target. He is much younger than Doan and has played with Richards so that lessens the whole new team impact. He is also a team guy and fits in with what the Rangers have. Add to that that he is a LWer who can score which is our most glaring need atm and you have a winner.

Avery

Tue Jan 31 2012 1:41 pm EST

Remember these guys all count against the summer cap so you can't dump $100 mil of salaries on the Whale and not have it affect the big club. Hell, if that were the case we could have the Whale have a higher team salary than the Rangers.

Avery

Tue Jan 31 2012 1:40 pm EST

Personally, I wouldn't mind if the Rangers traded for Brendan Morrow. I remember a few years ago in the playoffs, he played like a starving grizzly bear looking for food.....It would fit right into our plans to battle teams like the Bruins, Flyers, Ottawa Penguins in the playoffs.....I doubt Dallas would deal him though, since he is the captain. Who knows

TradeStar28

Tue Jan 31 2012 1:39 pm EST

Dumping him in the AHL solves the cap problem very temporarily because it then gives us 10 mil of dead space in the summer between Mason and Redden and could prevent us from making a move like signing Parise or any other moves during the summer.

Avery

Tue Jan 31 2012 1:36 pm EST

Avery: You didn't read all my post then (before you fired off your snot-a-gram - lol): I was musing about acquiring him and getting him to the AHL but not so much as to avoid the cap hit, but because there's currently no place for him on the Ranger roster because of the King and Biron. biron, BTW, is an UFA this summer and there's no guarantee he'll be resigned. Furthermore, the Rangers have zero goaltending prospects in their entire system - the best one (Scott Stajcer) cannot even get a regular turn as an overage goalie in the AHL. Mason was just a couple of short years ago, standing on his head regularly - unlike other flash in the pan goalies, his play was legitimate and did not happen behind a defensively tight team. I'm not saying it's a guarantee he'll regain his form, but because it's likely a shattered confidence thing, it's quite possible he will (he's only 23 after all). For what it's worth, I saw a game earlier this year where he started (and got pulled) and it was beyond obvious he was completely overwhelmed. He couldn't even position himself properly, which is goaltending fundamentals at it basics. The Rangers are rich - they can afford to pay him $2,900,000 to try to find his game in the AHL - the question is how do you get him there without losing him on waivers. My suggestion (a player to be named later) is one way.

RF4L

Tue Jan 31 2012 1:17 pm EST

I'm not getting snotty, everyone keeps coming up with these fantasy acquisitions like Nash and Eric Staal and Weber without any consideration of how they are going to fit under the cap continually. there is absolutely no way we could keep Mason on the NHL roster. You can't spend $10 mil of your cap space on goalies.

Avery

Tue Jan 31 2012 12:57 pm EST

Speaking of the BJ's it just dawned upon me that I am going to see them play live tonight. I suppose I should take my shopping list with me...

Tue Jan 31 2012 12:53 pm EST

TDCHI: I could not agree with you more...

Tue Jan 31 2012 12:50 pm EST

RF4L/Avery - indeed it was...Apparently, the Jackets want nothing to do with MASON anymore...and the idea isn't to bring him into NY. It's to send him to Hartford for a year...maybe longer. It helps the Whale...and it provides much needed relief if either Biron or the King go down...I agree, his confidence is what's shattered. He needs some time in the 'A' to get it back...Mason could probably be had for a mid-round pick at this point...maybe even future considerations.The Jackets are behind Sanford now, and they've got the former RPI goalie Allen York as a future prospect...Would LOVE to get BRASSARD too.

tdchi

Tue Jan 31 2012 12:43 pm EST

No need to get all snotty!

RF4L

Tue Jan 31 2012 12:42 pm EST

Because Mason would automatically become Lundvqist's heir apparent. Just musing is all....

RF4L

Tue Jan 31 2012 12:42 pm EST

Avery...very good point. Also, add to that mason MAY be bought out if that option exists with the new CBA, and the Rangers could try to sign him then if they feel he is a good pick up.

Wildcard

Tue Jan 31 2012 12:24 pm EST

Why the hell would we pay a back up goalie $3 mil when Biron is doing a fantastic job for 900k? It's not like we have a ton of cap space. Or is this along the lines of let's get Carter, Weber, Suter, Mason as a backup, Nash, Iginla and Parise and the cap space will somehow work itself out?

Avery

Tue Jan 31 2012 12:13 pm EST

BTW, was it you TD musing about getting Steve Mason? If so, I like the idea because in his rookie year, he was legimitately phenomenal and I don't think you simply lose that - what he's lost is his confidence - HUGELY - and with work and patience it's very possible he can return to form. However, in NY, where? Obviously with the King and Biron, it would have to be the minors. However, he'd have to be placed on waivers to get him there, but would he pass through? Maybe and if so leave him there for the remainder of the season then have him come to camp next fall with the intention of trying to win the back-up spot. So the question is would he pass thru waivers? His salary is $2,900,000 so that might scare off teams, but I gotta think the Bolts would grab him. Could the Rangers acquire Brassard and 'a player to be named later' and then at season's end Mason is announced as that player? Just musing....

RF4L

Tue Jan 31 2012 11:58 am EST

TD: For the record, I wanted no part of either Heatley or Kovalchoke. I see where the comparisons are coming from, even though I don't necessarily agree. Again, likely moot because he'd cost too much to acquire. I maintain another possible target is Derrick Brassard...

RF4L

Tue Jan 31 2012 11:54 am EST

E - I've got nothing against Carter(like I do with CROSBY...that is on record)...Just it irritates me when people talk like he's the second coming...like the Rangers would be unstoppable if only we had Carter...Personally, I question whether his production was a factor of the team around him...or whether he is a real sniper...Personally, I think RICHARDS was the man in Philly...and he was one of the reasons Carter did as well as he did there. But hey, who cares? He ain't coming here. He doesn't fit the team's makeup or MO..And I highly doubt he'll ever be a fit here. End of subject.

tdchi

Tue Jan 31 2012 11:50 am EST

RF4L - Funny, because we actually agree. But your wrong in the sense that I've got no hatred for Carter. I just think you all have him blown WAAAAY out of proportion. Good player, yes. But not a good fit for the Rangers by any stretch of the imagination...the whole conversation reminds me of when people here were going gaga over HEATLEY...and then KOVALCHUK when he was a free agen... And that's why I'm taking the tone I am...I simply don't understand how anyone could see him as a good fit for a whole litany of reasons, all of which I've listed below. Costs too much contract-wise. Costs too much player wise. Isn't a good fit for the roster. Isn't a good fit for the team...AND he's got a questionable attitude. End of story...That's the kind of player you take on as a reclamation project, not as a deadline deal to propel you to the cup.

tdchi

Tue Jan 31 2012 11:44 am EST

TDCHI: That isn't a slight on you. Some players you just don't like. I happen to not be a fan of Carter as well. He is just kind of a punk. But when people criticized Giroux for being a little arrogant prick my response was, "yeah, but he backs it." But that is two-fold, when Giroux inevitably goes into struggles at some point in his career the line of people looking to take swipes at him will be long. I see this in the same way with Carter. Carter was a little douchy and now that he has been buried in the darkest corner of the NHL and is struggling so badly everyone (especially NYR fans) want to have a field day on the guy. Again, I don't see why the NYR need to get the guy. I don't think he really answers the question for what we need. But I don't think he would dog it in NY.

Tue Jan 31 2012 11:32 am EST

RF4L: First of all, shut up for making sense. I grow tired of people making sense.

Tue Jan 31 2012 11:07 am EST

TD: Your hatred of Carter to me comes across as emotion driven, but so be it. We can agree to disagree. I don't think Carter's coming to NY anyways, but not because of his contract or alledged poor attitude, but because the BJs will ask for too much in return (primarily because of what they gave up to get him) and fortunately, Sather appears reluctant to give up the farm for anyone at this point.

RF4L

Tue Jan 31 2012 10:56 am EST

HBO Winter CLassic. I never had the time to watch the NYR PHL HBO show... and now its pulled off of YOUTUBE.. anybody see a link to the show by any chance? THX!

schneidw

Tue Jan 31 2012 10:54 am EST

NYR BLOG- Just stumbled accross this NYR BLOG.... Its funny, the writer is ultra negative, just like some of our fellow Wallsters, but it is hard to argue with his conclusions.. this guy tells it as he see it and knows ALOT about NYRs and hockey... Finda funny that you can get better writing and more information from a blog than a NY newspaper like the Post.. http://scottyhockey.blogspot.com/

schneidw

Tue Jan 31 2012 10:16 am EST

RF4L - It's not the amount with Carter, its the concept. He has 10-year contract dude! As for Dubinsky...I'd take him any day over Carter at this point. He's at least a complete player that does things on the ice when he's not scoring. I don't see that with Carter. I see a one-dimensional guy who scores goals clips at a time, then disappears when he's most needed...like in the playoffs. And if you really want Carter in the lineup, where do you put him? Answer that question first...And then tell me what the Rangers are going to do when they're locked into four $5 million plus contracts when some of the young players need hefty raises...Look, if he's going to cost Wolski, a second rounder and a prospect from Hartford, fine. I'm on board. But there's not a guy in the current top six or a prospect in the top-10 that I'd move for him...Oh and one other thing: How old was Gomez when he got that career deal? 27? Hmmm...No to Carter. Period. He doesn't belong here.

tdchi

Tue Jan 31 2012 9:34 am EST

RF4L: Not only Parise...but with a new CBA we don't yet know what players may be bought out early by a team. Some GM MIGHT buy out a younger guy that is very good, but the team doesn't 'need' said player because they are deep some place. So lets say the planets align and a top 6 LW is bought out by a team with a young kid who is a top 6 LW ready to step up. The Rangers COULD go and grab a 26 year old LW who wouldn't have been a UFA with out the new CBA. The point is not that something like that WILL happen, but just to illustrate that with so many unknowns going forward, taking on a big contract that has 8-10 years left is just not a really smart move.

Wildcard

Tue Jan 31 2012 9:06 am EST

Story in the Post today that the Devils won't be trading Parise before the deadline - instead, they'll trade his rights after the season ends. How stupid, although I hope that's what transpires - anything to continue to keep the Devils a mediocre club is fine by me!

RF4L

Tue Jan 31 2012 9:04 am EST

And OMG, you wanna talk silly amounts - Carter $5,200,000 and Dubinsky, on pace for a measily 9 goals, $4,100,000.

RF4L

Tue Jan 31 2012 9:02 am EST

BTW, lest we all lose sight, the fly in the ointment here is Zach Parise potentially being an UFA this summer. He'll certainly cost more per year than $5,200,000 but he comes with zero character question marks and won't cost the Rangers anything but $$, assuming of course, he becomes an UFA and is interested in being a Ranger...

RF4L

Tue Jan 31 2012 9:02 am EST

Ola: I saw Fasth at WJC and he was impressive. He showed too much to let him slip . He needs to be signed..

gene_carr

Tue Jan 31 2012 8:50 am EST

Gomez makes $7,300,000 and Carter makes $5,200,000 - nearly 30% less....

RF4L

Tue Jan 31 2012 8:47 am EST

Carter is a goal scorer - kinda what the Rangers could use, I think. I mean, they have Gaborik, who's on pace for 40+ goals, Cally, who's on pace for 30+ and Richards, who's on pace for 25+. No one else, however, is on pace for even 20. Stepan, the number 1 center, is on pace for 18, AA 13, Dubi 9, BB, 5 and so on and so on and so on. Carter just turned 27 and is coming into the prime of his career and while yes, the length of his contract is, the amount per year isn't onerous. If the stories about his partying/sulking/cancer in the room are overblown (and either way, Sather can find and probably already has), then yeah, I think the Rangers could use this guy. Geeesh!

RF4L

Tue Jan 31 2012 8:23 am EST

Ola - You just gave the most compelling reason the Rangers won't go after Carter: They're loaded on the right side! I didn't even realize that...Basically, he creates more problems than he solves. You have three choices when you trade for Carter: You moves Stepan for him and make him your 1B center with Richards, you move the red-hot Gaborik back to left side, or you bump your captain down to third line...I personally don't like ANY of those situations...Also, I'll remind everyone that guys like Stepan and Hagelin and McDonagh aren't going to be on entry level deals forever...I still have a feeling Carter could end up being the next Scott GOMEZ...a guy whose contract is just so massively out of proportion with his value as a player.

tdchi

Tue Jan 31 2012 7:18 am EST

Wild- I agree on Carter as a consistent 40+40 player, that won't happend unless he plays in a extremely productive environment. But Carter makes 5.2m per. A player like Rich Nash who is a 40+40 player to some extent (on a normal team), makes 7.8m per. So will players like Getzlaf and Perry once they hit the UFA market next summer. IMO, I can't say that Carter necessary is overpaid in relation whatever production you will get from him. At the same time i) there is a big risk in his long contract and ii) he can only play as a RW besides as a center and hence just ain't a perfect fit for us.

Ola

Tue Jan 31 2012 6:17 am EST

Rhet: so a guy who has had 35 goals or more twice and 30 or more assists just twice will be a consistent 40-40 guy? Ooooooook. That's the problem with "fangms" they see players as better than they are because they want to improve their team so badly.

Wildcard

Tue Jan 31 2012 2:30 am EST

E and co- I think Fasth suffered exactly the same injury as Jessiman did at exactly the same age. I have some good insiders in his org's, and they are not worried long term. Some have hopes that he like could return if they go deep in the PO's (they really need his speed since their team is kind of on the old side). But it will definitely slow/halt his development for a good while. I worry about a thing like that he has to be signed this spring or he will reenter and stuff like that. There's pro's and con's with this kid. He is coming from a junior system that's been red hot lately (Tedenby, Josefsson, Andre Petersson to name a few), but historically don't have much success with fostering NHLers. You still needs to go over to NA and be dead set to make it no matter what, but at the same time so far he is doing all the right things.

Ola

Tue Jan 31 2012 2:20 am EST

Rhet- Great post! I agree with alot of what you are saying. I think the reason why I am against getting Carter more than anything else is that I am not 100% sold on him as a player. Like that he maybe was a good player in a great environement in Philly and hence put up the numbers he did. AT THE SAME TIME, well nobody has ever said that he is even remotely as good as Getzlaf or Nash or Perry and co. If he were, he wouldn't be making what 5m per, he would be making 8-9m per. I am not scared sheitless of his terms, we will have a slow economy for a couple of more years at the tops, than the cap will start go up again by a pretty big margin (for sure). The "aber" is probably the new CBA. Is it possible that they come up with some kind of mechanism that screw teams with long front loaded contracts? Maybe. ANYWAY, you got a player who is big and perfectly OK on the ice, but no big star really. He is tied up a long time, but to be perfectly honest, odds are that long terms is a positive factor not a negative factor. The risk on the downside goes up alot though I guess. The nail in the coughin for me in the end though is that he is a center/RW, and not a center LW. I mean, Torts loves Callahan and wants to have him on the ice when it matters. Marian Gaborik is red hot. Prust is OK. If we get Carter -- he is looking at 15min per night, AT THE MOST. I mean, sure, we would be better with like; AA-Step-Gabby, Fedetenko-Richards-Carter, Dubi-Boyle-Callahan than without him. But he is still not as important as a LW would be to us.

Ola

Tue Jan 31 2012 2:20 am EST

Ola

Tue Jan 31 2012 12:54 am EST

RF4L/TD/E... Per Darren Dreger Jeff Carter is absolutely 100% available (http://watch.tsn.ca/featured/clip607598#clip607598)... Dreger also says they will have a hard time getting rid of that contract (Toronto has already said they have no interest)... Columbus would like back what they paid for him, but IMO, they will have to accept less to move him... I have gone back and forth on this guy... what if he's a cancer on the team? ...what if he wont back check? ...blah, blah, blah... then I think back to the Yankees when they started putting their team together in the 90's with Torre... more than once they added a guy where his rep was that he would be a cancer in the locker room... the end result was that he became a solid citizen in those surroundings... I think the same thing would happen with this Rangers team, there are so many leaders on this team from top to bottom, I really don't think we'd have to worry... This situation could be the best thing to happen to Carter... perhaps in this environment, he grows up... We need to do our due diligence... if he passes and we can get him inexpensively, we should do it... He should be a consistent 40-40 guy and this might be the right spot him to achieve it... TSN... 2012 NHL Trade Deadline Playbook: Eastern Conference... http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=386424 ...2012 NHL Trade Deadline Playbook: Western Conference... http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=386423 ...FRED... I thought I was seeing things, but I didn't remember Spezza being anywhere near that goal... Maybe Girardi was just being a nice guy... I haven't been able to find the goal video anywhere online.

Rhet0ric

Mon Jan 30 2012 11:39 pm EST

TDCHI: We do have some real good prospects coming up through the pipeline. But again I come back to that forever polarizing topic: trades. I think that some people should probably come to grips that some of these guys are going to hone their craft with another franchise. I am beginning to think that Hagelin is forcing his way up the depth chart into the key roles and ice time. How can you keep this guy on the bench? His game is just played at such a tempo that it creates a lot of space out there. Its edgy, he drives into the dirty areas of the ice. He blocks, and back checks. This is more and more a guy emerging from the Callahan school of hockey. And those wheels... Damn. You now also have additional options with some of the existing roster. His presence is starting to create some serious competition for ice time.

Mon Jan 30 2012 11:21 pm EST

FASTH: That was really unfortunate. Its hard to tell but that looks like a clean break so maybe pins, screws and all that stuff? For those who don't know because they have been suckling too much on Kreider's nipple Fasth is flying under the radar and is a hell of a prospect. One can only hope that the injury sets well and the NYR fans will be seeing Fasth on the MSG ice. Based on some of the upside that I have read about and some of the feedback from OLA it looks like one of our best prospects may have a career in jeopardy.

Mon Jan 30 2012 10:31 pm EST

Hope that Gabby and Henrik are not taking this little rivalry thing to far....don't need problems in th elocker room. What's with Girardi getting an assist!!! Though that was clearly his goal. Did the scibes have it wrong?

MelvilleFred

Mon Jan 30 2012 9:55 pm EST

What a gruesome looking injury. Yikes.

Bob

Mon Jan 30 2012 9:46 pm EST

Here is a link to the Fasth injury..... http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/2011/11/29/2597158/jesper-fasth-new-york-rangers-prospect-seriously-injured

RDW

Mon Jan 30 2012 9:28 pm EST

Fasth broke his leg in the fall and apparently at first there was worry it was a career ending injury. I have read since that this may not be the case, but that was easily 6+ weeks ago - there's been nothing said for quite some time, but that's probably because he's not playing as he recovers. From what I can discern, bottom line is he wasn't targetted to come over for at least another year and with this serious injury, assuming he recovers completely, he's likely a ways off.

RF4L

Mon Jan 30 2012 9:09 pm EST

Hartford should be backfilled w/ some serious talent next year w kreider,it miller, Thomas, and the undertaker coming on board. That's if none of them are traded by the deadline of course or they decide to go pro in jt millers case. Maybe Fasth comes over as well.

NCRanger

Mon Jan 30 2012 8:59 pm EST

E- Like I said, I'm not going to cry if they get CARTER...I don't think it will happen, since the only smoke about it has come from the fans themselves...And while Carter is RUMORED to be on the block, there's been no definitive report that he actually IS on the block...I personally think the Jackets are going to be selling him at a premium if he is on the market and that there are teams far more desperate for a kick start than the Rangers...Really, when you're first in the conference and second in the league, you have the luxury of sitting back and seeing what the market is like...Sather didn't exactly break the bank before last year's deadline(Rozsival and a second rounder), and the Rangers were FAR more desperate then. I imagine he'll do the same wait-and-see schtick this year and see if something falls in his lap...Like I said earlier...the friggin' most awesome part about where the Rangers are is that they've got SOOO much to look forward to next year...Thomas, Kreider, McIlrath...all likely to be in play...Miller...possibly...Erixon challenging for a roster spot...that's a lot of talent...I wouldn't want to part with any of it to land a POS like Carter.

tdchi

Mon Jan 30 2012 7:52 pm EST

TDCHI: I understand your stance re: Carter and just so we are clear, I have no love for the guy. He is but another player out there. My comparison to Hossa was because he had a knock on him that he was a post season choke artist that followed him around. Whether earned or not is another story. I suppose past performances are not always harbinger's of the future when you are discussing a talent on the level of Carter. Who knows? There might be a time in the not so distant future that he will break through. The moons aligned for Hossa and he shook that reputation and now it is a long memory replaced by a guy that no one likes to play against. The best player in the NHL along the boards.

Mon Jan 30 2012 7:09 pm EST

With GERNANDER, the question on whether to keep him or not lies with how well he works with what NHL talent they have...I answer that question by pointing to McDonagh, Sauer, Hagelin, Anisimov, and Mitchell to name a few. I don't see firing him as any solution for a team that wouldn't go anywhere with Herb friggin' Brooks as a coach...rickyo - Expect a call from Hospo ;)

tdchi

Mon Jan 30 2012 6:10 pm EST

Well, Gleason just resigned with a no-trade so our d-men's stock just went up.

Avery

Mon Jan 30 2012 5:54 pm EST

My two worthless cents on K.G. He's been a stalwart member of this organization for years. The question is, as always, what's best for the organization? I'm on the side of keeping him where he is. He has done very well in the past, just doesn't have much talent now and will do well on wins and losses again. Adding that who replaces him, would it do any good and shouldn't the message be about loyalty. You do not fire an employee unless his poor outcomes are clearly his fault, there is a better solution and how does it effect morale. The moral idea is something I'd like to hear some conversation about. Especially from York amoung others. How much does the gung ho - team first - rah, rah go in a profession ice hockey organization. Given that players regularly leave for big bucks and teams will deal ANY player at any time to make the team better. Interesting...

SteveCT

Mon Jan 30 2012 5:34 pm EST

The biggest problem Gernander faces is he has no real NHL talent at the forward position. Avery should net 30 down there but cant stay in the lineup. Their top line consists of not one but two forwards under 5-8. Guys like Voros and Avery should be owning it down there but they aren't. The goaltending is very suspect to say the least and even the D only has like two NHL caliber players. You can't draw blood from a stone. With that said I do think the Whale have started tuning Kenny out like any team on a losing streak. The problem with firing an AHL coach mid season is where do you find a replacement? Newer ones come from Jr and they are mid season as well, so that leaves Schoney coming out of the pressbox to coach? Well here's the problem with that, Schoney chewed them out the other night and it didn't help, so what then? The problem is the skill and talent level of what's currently there Sather has everyone up that had the talent to lead that team.

York18

Mon Jan 30 2012 5:30 pm EST

FEB 22 at Gabbys on the BLVD 191 Valley BLVD Wood-Ridge NJ Mike Rupp will be signing autographs .. 201 939 5951 for details ask for Ricky

rickyo

Mon Jan 30 2012 5:03 pm EST

I don't know how much you can credit GERNANDER with getting guys like MITCHELL and HAGELIN ready for the NHL... I don't think either one of them spent significant time with here with him for him to be credited with that accomplishment. And BICKEL was probably more influenced by JJ DAIGNEAULT - it's no secret that he is really the one working most closely with the D. I know I've been bagging on G a lot, and I really do like the guy, I just don't think he's got good control over this team and I'm ready to see someone new behind the bench. While the team may not be chock full of potential NHL talent - there is enough talent there that they should at least be a competitive AHL team.

Dineen11

Mon Jan 30 2012 4:56 pm EST

RF4L- We'll have to agree to disagree on that one. Firstly, put yourself in an AHLers position. You are a young player who have gone a long way because of your devotion to the game, but you are still on the outside looking in. This is your life, no matter what you do afterwards you wont top a shot at the NHL if you get that close. Secondly, you talk about how the coach job is to motivate his player. I never said anything about that. We are talking about a speech between the first and second period. The players and the coach spend thousands of hrs together per season. That's what two minutes we heard Kenny speak to some kids. These guys are pro's; they know what it is about and they know what it takes. The HBO 24/7 guys can't show the 1000 hrs, but they can show the 1 minute talk. Don't get fooled by that. Do you think Cally would play less hard for a coach that was mute than for a coach that loved to scream between periods? I am just saying.

Ola

Mon Jan 30 2012 4:43 pm EST

RF4L – If you're asking for a smoking gun on Carter, it's his stats. There were plenty of fan reports about him and Richards whooping it up on the Jersey shore over the summer and all over Philadelphia during the season...but seriously. Look at the guy's stats. They're very telling...E – The big difference between HOSSA and CARTER is that Hossa plays in the post season and plays well. Very well. Carter is an absolute zero in the post season...Frankly, I don't know why everyone has such a boner for this guy anyway...he IS soft...he's often injured(usually around the playoffs too)...and talk about streaky...the guy make AK27 seem like a model of consistency. The guy's upside is 30-goal, 60-plus point player, which is fine. I don't even have that much of an issue with his contract...Just for a package of AA and a first for this guy? Hell no.I'd give one or the other...but both? Nope. Carter's best seasons were on dominant teams. Now that he's with a weak one, he can't put the puck in the net. No thanks. The BJ's are going to find a sucker to take this schmuck for a Gomez-like haul, and the team who gets him will regret the move just like Montreal continues to do today.

tdchi

Mon Jan 30 2012 4:41 pm EST

JNYR... I agree with you... the most important thing Gernander brings to the table is that he is able to get these guys NHL ready... the guy is also 176 and 112 going into this season... I wouldn't be shocked to see him turn it around.

Rhet0ric

Mon Jan 30 2012 4:28 pm EST

The 10-game mark... A junior-aged player with a contract can play up to nine NHL games as a trial period. If he is returned to junior before the tenth game, his contract is effectively put on hold: when he goes to training camp the following season, he will be in the first year of his contract... Once the player appears in his tenth NHL game, his contract kicks in. He can still be returned to his junior club after that. But at season's end, a full contract year will expire... The 40-game mark...This is when the clock starts ticking on a player's free agent status. Under the 2005 collective agreement, a player are eligible for unrestricted free agency after seven years in the NHL. But if he returns to junior hockey before playing 40 NHL games, the season does not count as an "accrued season," which means it doesn't count towards free agency eligibility... So an 18-year-old rookie who plays at least 40 NHL games can become an unrestricted free agent at the age of 25. An 18-year-old who is returned to junior hockey before game 40 will not be eligible for free agency until he's 26. (Assuming both go on to become NHL regulars every season after that.)... ***Note also that a junior-aged player with an NHL contract cannot be sent to a minor pro league like the AHL unless he has already played four seasons of junior hockey. He must either stay on the NHL roster or return to junior***

Rhet0ric

Mon Jan 30 2012 4:24 pm EST

You call for Gernander's firing, but Mitchell, Hagelin and Bickell made the seamless transition form CT Whale to NY Rangers. That has to be taken into consideration. Wins and losses in the minors are irrevelant to me. Making these guys NHL ready is whats important.

jnyr

Mon Jan 30 2012 3:14 pm EST

Dineen11: It seems also, from when I followed the AHL more that few coaches are fired mid season, it seems like it was almost always the offseason...I mean it happens, but far less it seems than at the NHL level.

Wildcard

Mon Jan 30 2012 2:42 pm EST

I got called an idiot on another site - by someone from the organization no less - for calling for GERNANDER'S head after two more losses this weekend. While I understand that there are some other factors at play here - like suspect goaltending, lots of injuries and no real quality prospects - 11 straight losses is unacceptable and something needs to be done. Since GERNANDER has had little success when it counts (the playoffs), I have no problem with him being canned. I loved the guy as a player - he was a leader on the ice. But I am not sure that has really translated to leading from behind the bench. So he may not be fully responsible for this horrible stretch, but it is one od the few things they can shake-up. Having said that, though, I don't see it happening. At least not before the end of the season.

Dineen11

Mon Jan 30 2012 1:59 pm EST

I missed the part with the 10 games..here is the part of the CBA regarding ELC's....How does sending a player back to juniors affect his contract situation? [CBA Section 9.1(d)] -- Quoted from CBA Section 9.1(d)(i): In the event that an 18 year old or 19 year old Player signs an SPC with a Club but does not play at least ten (10) NHL Games in the first season under that SPC, the term of his SPC and his number of years in the Entry Level System shall be extended for a period of one (1) year, except that this automatic extension will not apply to a Player who is 19 according to Section 9.2 by virtue of turning 20 between September 16 and December 31 in the year in which he first signs an SPC. -- Summary: any player signing their ELC at age 18 or 19 will have their contract extended a year if they do not play in at least 10 NHL games. Players originally signed at 18 can be extended a 2nd time [at age 19] if they do not play in 10 NHL games again the second year. Once a player reaches the 10 NHL game threshold their contract cannot be extended in a future season. e.g. an 18 year old signs and plays 20 NHL games, then the next season at age 19 he plays zero NHL games: the contract cannot be extended. -- This rule is not restricted to only players returned to the CHL juniors, for example a USHL 18 year old player could be signed and assigned to the AHL. Teams can also use this rule to give draftees a taste of the NHL at the end of the season.

DOUBLEN

Mon Jan 30 2012 1:31 pm EST

The wording is "NHL games" and does not differentiate between regular season or playoffs.

Avery

Mon Jan 30 2012 1:10 pm EST

Avery: that's what I thought as well...but the inner workings of the CBA are so screwy, who knows when it comers to rookies.

Wildcard

Mon Jan 30 2012 1:05 pm EST

Players don't get salaries for the playoffs so I don't think those games count.

Avery

Mon Jan 30 2012 12:44 pm EST

The magic number for rookies to have their the contract year kick in is 10 games, at least for rookies going back to junior (so I'm sure it's applicable to all rookie contracts). Therefore, the Rangers could sign Kreider and manage his games played - unless of course, he was making a difference in a deep PO run and if so, who cares about the burnt year, right?

RF4L

Mon Jan 30 2012 12:04 pm EST

DOUBLEN: Would he play enough games with the Rangers to count as one full year? I just wonder if there would be enough games to play to do that.... because i didn't think playoff games counted...maybe I am wrong. Of course, i think he SHOULD start with the Whale, I mean, unless he is a killer right off the bat there is no need to rush him to the NHL, let him get his feet wet in the AHL than let him compete in camp next year.

Wildcard

Mon Jan 30 2012 11:59 am EST

SCHNEID: I think that you are being a little overblown on Carter. History is what history is but if history is all you went by when it came to top talents then Chicago made a terrible mistake with that choke artist Hossa. I just like to keep it real. I am not suggesting that I am super-high on the guy. I am not sure his salary fits well under the NYR cap structure. But to be sure, a NYR team that had Carter on it would not be weakened with the caveat that you aren't busting up the roster to get him. I would seriously consider a 1 and sniper-boy for him.

Mon Jan 30 2012 11:56 am EST

E: Yes Kreider can join the Whale on one of those tryout contracts; if did sign with the Rangers after college, he would not join the Rangers as that would burn off a year of his ELC.

DOUBLEN

Mon Jan 30 2012 11:55 am EST

schneidw: I wasn't proposing that trade... just using it as an example....I don't want the number 1 going anyplace, UNLESS one of the worst 2 or 3 teams is involved and gives us their second rounder, than it would only be dropping back a few spots...but again, i was just making an example trade.

Wildcard

Mon Jan 30 2012 11:53 am EST

E: I think so...I mean even if they don't need to get rid of the cap hit, he wont be playing, so I would expect he would be waived...and if they needed him no one will claim him on re-entry waivers that late in the season, for a couple reasons, if the team sucks why add anyone that late, and if they are headed to the PO I don't think the rules allow for him to play unless he is on the team BEFORE the deadline passes. So it would be an easy move to make. but if he ends up the only extra forward they might keep him around just for that. I don't foresee that however.

Wildcard

Mon Jan 30 2012 11:52 am EST

Wildcard- you are tossing around #1 draft picks like our old buddy Neil Smith... don't we ever learn?

schneidw

Mon Jan 30 2012 11:50 am EST

Onto another question for you CBA geeks... Kreider can join the Whale at the conclusion of his NCAA obligations right? The seasons should line up for him to do that assuming his classes are finished.

Mon Jan 30 2012 11:47 am EST

WILDCARD: as the hero of the obvious that I am, I think that there is a roughly 85.6% that WW is not on the roster post-deadline. If we could enclose him with something else in order to bring back some serviceable help, it will be done. If not what do they do? Waive him?

Mon Jan 30 2012 11:26 am EST

According to Capgeek, it looks like if the Stars traded Morrow for a pick...or non NHL roster player, they would fall JUST bellow the cap floor, so they would need to take salary back....so WW might be part of a deal like that, along with lets say, a 1st and a 2nd or a prospect and pick, WW is the part of the deal that makes DAL "ok" cap wise per the current rules.

Wildcard

Mon Jan 30 2012 11:24 am EST

schneidw: I am SURE AA still has pretty high value around the NHL...not enough to get a top line guy 1 for 1 mind you, but I don't think the NHL looks at him and sees a player to get for little or nothing. WW has value because his contract is expiring...so a team like Dallas, if they moved a Morrow to free up cap space for the off season, would need to stay above the floor the remainder of this season, so WW would be the ideal guy to go...not so much the value in HIM as his contract that is expiring. But the situation needs to be right. Otherwise, yeah, no one is calling to find out what it will take to pry Wolski away.

Wildcard

Mon Jan 30 2012 11:20 am EST

KIS: Of course I would take OV, but he is a different universe than the other players being discussed. You bring up 3-4 years...that is IF he doesn't party too hard and doesn't have an attitude about playing for Torts, and IF he can get back to the place he was before, and whats happens after 4 years? What if he does have those problems that are rumored? than the Rangers a stuck with a guy for a long time, and with the new CBA it could be worse than it is now with that type of problem. If he is doing oh so well for them, why are they looking to move him less than a season after getting him? AND for seemingly less....they announced pretty much that they would move him for the same return they gave for him, that means they start negotiating at that price, and get less....with a team that seems to be so close in the Rangers, you don't risk a bad apple....not in a million years.

Wildcard

Mon Jan 30 2012 11:19 am EST

Maple Leafs and Nash... that trade rumour absurd... Toronto media at its finest... ...

schneidw

Mon Jan 30 2012 11:16 am EST

Fun Time reading all the NHL trade rumours... I have ZERO idea who SATHER might pursue (if anybody) but I have to guess he will chase after a Shane Doan (PHX trade connection) at the most... Simply because the price is so HIGH at teh trade deadline.... almost all deadline deals are busts... just not worth the price of prospects, lost leverage with teh salary cap... so all you Neil Smith wanna-be GMs calling for Jeff p@ssy Carter.. you can stop the nonesensical banter.... He plays zero defense, is a terrible playmaker (check his assist totals), and has been hurt for every playoff series the past 4 years... I get a laugh reading these trade proposals... like AA, WW have any trade values.. cmon!

schneidw

Mon Jan 30 2012 11:11 am EST

RF4L: Well, NORMALLY I want fact, HOWEVER, it is rumored that he has issues with the Flyers...than with CBJ it seems like it as well and that team already wants to move him. Its one of two things, he has an attitude problem OR he isn't as good as his numbers showed with the Flyers. Either way its a bad idea to add him.

Wildcard

Mon Jan 30 2012 11:10 am EST

Bill Watters via twitter: Watters drops this NHL rumor today …. The Maple Leafs would get Rick Nash and Kristian Huselius from the Blue Jackets for Mikhail Grabovski, Luke Schenn, Nazem Kadri and Mike Komisarek... In other Hockey Rumors... Ruutu will be on the move this week. Carolina is reportedly looking to move him because of how much he is looking for on his next contract (Blackhawks, Senators and Red Wings are supposedly interested).

Rhet0ric

Mon Jan 30 2012 11:03 am EST

so you guys are saying you wouldn't take Ov because he has a long bad contract. I think your crazy. You don't take talent over a guy like Mitchell because mitchell is a hard working guy. CRAZY. You see what bringing in a guy like Richards has done for this team. Even though he hasn't completely dominated he has been a huge help on and off the ice. Watch Richards as this team goes down the stretch and in tough games. He will make a difference. Right now I give Columbus MZA, Sauer and Wolski for Richards. Hell I even drive the 3 to the airport. Mark my words, You bring Carter here and put him with richards and Cally that becomes as tough a line as there is in the NHL. Slot Gabby-Stepan and Hags as line 2 and Gabby scores at a higher rate as well. Rangers becime very tough for 3-4 year period. PLus it still gives them assets to move for a Suter if he does become available.

KIS

Mon Jan 30 2012 10:59 am EST

Wild/TD: Just asking: Is your take on Carter's pouting/sulking/malcontent is based on rumour or facts? Don't get me wrong - I understand the concern and if it's true, then for certain, stay away from him. The good thing is that the truth, be that what it is, wouldn't be hard to discover.

RF4L

Mon Jan 30 2012 10:55 am EST

RF4L: AA & a 1st? Ok by me. I don't buy into this bad seed crap. The behavior of a locker room that was young, and by all accounts a hard partying just showed a collective lack of discipline. But individually? Put these guys in the proper professional structure and I am sure they will all thrive. All together, they were a bad cocktail. I would entire to agree with some that Carter would be a tremendous asset for the NYR. But I'd really hesitate on parting ways with more then one roster player at this time. As Hospodamus states, these are moves that I believe you make during the summer. I am not comfortable with any kind of MAJOR changes to the structure of the team. AA and a first? We are going to be picking at the bottom of the 1st round anyway. Do I make this trade? Yeah, I just don't think you could pass it up. Now salary? That's a different argument.

Mon Jan 30 2012 10:49 am EST

KIS: No...I wouldn't take him either...especially with a new CBA coming. One of the things they MIGHT put in place is stopping teams from burying a contract in the minors to get out of cap hell. Now if that DOES happen the Rangers would be screwed with either of them. Its just too much of a risk taking on such a long contract. The GM's who give those out are the same ones who drove the price tag up for a 4th line goon, it is so stupid to do, but they do it anyway. I will be just fine if the Rangers stayed away from those dumb contracts....the only reason for getting them is to deal with another Drury situation.

Wildcard

Mon Jan 30 2012 10:45 am EST

Bob: i kinda liked the US anthem, of course I love to hear different versions of it...and Drake is a life time hockey fan, and he is from Toronto, so it makes sense that they had him there...why bring in someone who has "seen a hockey game once" just because some would like the performance more?

Wildcard

Mon Jan 30 2012 10:44 am EST

KIS - I know CARTER has talent...no way you go 11th overall and then score 46 goals in the NHL without it. I'm just saying the guy has developed quite a rep for a guy his age. Often injured, hard-partying, overpaid, lack-luster in the post-season. The one way I DO see Carter fitting in here is that he's almost a reclamation project at this point. A high-priced one. And we all know how Sather feels about those...Regarding who you take out of the lineup, you just demonstrated my point about the difficulty of bringing him to New York...You got a guy like MITCHELL who busted his ass to get where he is...in fact, just about everyone on third- and fourth-line did...you sit him to play an overpriced hack like Carter...known for dogging it...who plays his way off a team because he doesn't like the city its in...No matter how good the guy is, that's gonna resonate with the team and not in a good way. They might not say it out loud...but it's gonna be in their minds. And that's even worse. Of course, there's the other part of me that says if he's in a winning environment and on a rival of the Flyers that maybe he turns it up a notch to stick it to Clarke and Holmgren...Still, I'd say my final offer for the brat would be WOLSKI, VALENTENKO and a second rounder. That would assuredly be trumped by another team more desperate for his scoring.

tdchi

Mon Jan 30 2012 10:33 am EST

What was up with the anthems yesterday? We get a lame hippie folk singer singing ours, then the Canadian officer absolutely nails a tremendous anthem performance. That Canadian anthem was the absolute best thing about that game yesterday. The only thing worse was that poor excuse for betweeen periods entertainment Drake? Drake? Reallly? That is the best the NHL can do? Pathetic.

Bob

Mon Jan 30 2012 10:30 am EST

CARTER...the last 3 years of his contract is actualy salary is only $3.0/$2.0/$2.0...so if you need to trade (those years he has a limited NTC) him to one of those teams that need to get to the cap floor, at least his salary won't be a hinderance.

DOUBLEN

Mon Jan 30 2012 10:28 am EST

Just my 2 cents folks. I could care less about Sidney Crosby! Just Sayin.'

pa.rangersfan

Mon Jan 30 2012 10:13 am EST

Wild, I understand your point but who knows what will be in the next CBA and if he stays could always get moved down to the whale in later years. The guy can play. He would be a help. Hell has anybody ever produced in Columbus. Does that mean you wouldn't take Rick Nash either?

KIS

Mon Jan 30 2012 10:09 am EST

should be CANT man up

Wildcard

Mon Jan 30 2012 10:06 am EST

KIS: He is signed at 5.2 mil until he is 37! No way...no how. Not for a guy who at 27 years old can just man up and play...he pouts because he got traded? The Rangers don't need that kind of crap...so what happens if there is a year that the Rangers struggle, will he help pull them out of it, or pout and add to it?

Wildcard

Mon Jan 30 2012 9:58 am EST

td: I don't know if Crosby OR the PENs really see him playing this year, but I think for PR they say they do. In fact Crosby just says he hopes to be able to play this year...to me, the way everyone talks in contrary to what they do, I really think its PR, to keep the fans, who they know only will be around if they have a chance at the cup, thinking he will be back and they will continue to show up and spend money to help support the team until their savior returns. Its the fact that they seem to have missed injuries that is the worrisome part, like I said, Crosby, letang and Staal are 3 big names that they messed up with with an injury...its one of two things, an inept training staff and team doctors, or a decision to push guys too far in order to keep the money flowing no matter what. With how I feel about the PR thing when it comes to crosby this year, I think its the team and trainers and such pushing player back on the ice too soon, or ignoring warning signs of injury.

Wildcard

Mon Jan 30 2012 9:51 am EST

Nyself and Pa have watched a ton of Carter while he was with the flyers. Boys, this guy is the real deal and he would be a 35- 40 goal scorer with Richards. He could be a game changer. If he is available i see no problem in the Rangers going after him. Sit Mitchell or include him in the trade but Carter makes this team much better.

KIS

Mon Jan 30 2012 9:46 am EST

RF4L - Just a thought...but one guy who could be had for nothing is Steve MASON on Columbus. They'd probably take future considerations for the guy. He's only 23. He's a guy who I think is a victim of a very bad team and coaching staff. Either that or he's the next Jim Carey.

tdchi

Mon Jan 30 2012 9:45 am EST

TD: Not sure if I agree on your take that Carter is a bad seed. I see where you're coming from but I wonder if it's a bad rep now. Him alongside Richards would be a huge upgrade to the offense and give the Rangers, IMO, 2 legimiate top offensive lines. IMO, the biggest impediment to acquiring Carter is his contract - it's not so much the amount, but the duration. Then again, the Rangers are rich and unless the next collective agreement has something added to prevent it, the Rangers could always farm him out in 5 or 6 years if he's turned into Redden II by then. What I do believe is that he can be had for less than what the BJs paid to get him - just not sure what that price would be. AA and a first I'd have to give serious thought to if it's realistic.

RF4L

Mon Jan 30 2012 9:45 am EST

i'm not a believer in the chemistry arguement. I believe winning builds chemistry but watching Gabby doing Artie's shotgun at Hank lets me know these guys enjoy playing with each other. It should be very hard to make any trade this year. Be careful. IF a player like Artie is traded it better be for a game changer not just a veteren because he has been through the war.

KIS

Mon Jan 30 2012 9:42 am EST

Wild - something about the whole CROSBY thing stinks to me...Maybe I'm just playing conspiracy theory, but the whole situation sure as hell reminds me of the ending between the Flyers and LINDROS..First...Why the hell didn't they simply shut him down for the year last year? Why did they sit there and drag it on through the post season? Second...if the kid is that messed up, why not simply shut him down for a season? Why not err on the side of caution? That's a hell of a lot more fair to the team than what's going on now...Now back to the point about the Lindros falling out...When I say it seems a lot like his end with the Flyers, I mean it sound TOO MUCH like his end with the Flyers...that maybe some of this is Crosby saying he's done in Pittsburgh and that he's searching for a way to part without making himself look bad...now that's a lot to swallow...but something about this whole nonsense just doesn't add up.

tdchi

Mon Jan 30 2012 9:41 am EST

I do concur with TD's take on things that are wrong in Hartford that are beyond whether or not Gerander can coach, specifically a crappy offense (issues that the Rangers have been suffering from for years due a lack of high end skill up front) and no ace goaltender. Regarding the latter, I've been saying for a couple of years now that the Rangers need to add to their system a legitimate goaltending prospect and with each passing year as that need goes un-addressed, it becomes more acute. Most goalies take a few years in the minor pros before becoming legitimate NHLers - the Rangers are starting to run out of time. I wouldn't be surprised to see them use one of their 2 picks to draft one this June...

RF4L

Mon Jan 30 2012 9:36 am EST

SteveCT - Totally agree. There's a lot of trade talk going on right now, and I foresee a number of teams beneath the Rangers paying a lot to upgrade. I'm just hoping Sather's hand isn't forced by the activity of others...E- totally agree re: the CARTER man-crush...At this point, I just don't see him as a fit on this team in any regard...First and foremost, it's pretty clear to me that he's been moping in Columbus. His stats and the fact that the BJs are talking about trading him tells the whole story. I don't want that piss-poor attitude on my team...I don't care if it changes once he heads to a more desirable city...secondly, I seriously can't think of a guy I'd want to trade off the roster that they Jackets would accept for him....A first and Anisimov? Hell no. Dubinsky? No way. Hagelin? Not gonna happen. I wouldn't even want to move Prust or Boyle...Now if the Jackets would do a cap clear...just cut Carter as a loss...and take...say Wolski and Valentenko for him...I'd be interested...but again...even if they DID fall for that(they wouldn't), you have to pick a hard-working player out of the lineup to bench. The whole notion of bringing him here really seems to go against what they've worked so hard to achieve.

tdchi

Mon Jan 30 2012 9:26 am EST

First in all disclosure, I'm a huge Gernander fan and always though he'd eventually end up in New York...11 loses is ridiculous. But when you look at the Hartford roster...who they have...who they're missing...you can't blame him too much...Hagelin and Zuccarello were their two best players...Marchesault has come back to earth...and the team's been a dumping ground for Rangers who can't hack it with the big club...Not to mention, Johnson and Talbot have been flat-out awful. As we've seen in the NHL...you can have the best team on the planet and if you have a friggin' traffic cone in net, it ain't going to make a difference. A different coach might squeeze a few more wins out of this team...but I doubt he'd turn it around...But who knows? If Gernander gets punted(which I kind of doubt)...maybe this is a good time to rope Adam Graves into a coaching position.

tdchi

Mon Jan 30 2012 9:24 am EST

RF4L: i think even Torts would have a hard time in a locker room with a bunch of players who he knew little if anything about, and how easy is it for a coach to really get into a game when its something like that, were winning isn't the biggest part of it, but to see how players are developing. I wouldn't imagine he is the same way all the time, I mean, do you think Torts would be as good in a locker room like that?

Wildcard

Mon Jan 30 2012 8:55 am EST

Ola: Couldn't disagree more. The best coaches are motivators - their methods may vary but the intent is the same: To get the players to play their best game in and game out, shift after shift. Listening to some dude drone on in a monotone voice is NOT the way to get a team fired up. That has almost the opposite effect. I'm not saying it's the only motivational tactic and I'm not saying Gerander doesn't have other tactics - I'm only going by what I saw in that dressing room (and maybe he was nervous so it wasn't a true reflection of what he's really like) but OMG his delivery was pathetic and reminded so much of a professor I had in college who never had any inflection in his voice and within 15 minutes of any given lecture, 1/3 of the room was nodding off.

RF4L

Mon Jan 30 2012 7:42 am EST

On Gernander, I personally think these inspirational speeches are pretty darn worthless. More often than not, its just the coaches blowing off steam. A player needs to be able to motivate himself, and that work starts in october and needs to be carried forward for the length of the season. If you aren't prepared when the coach steps into the room during the first intermission, you won't be prepaired when you hti the ice for the 2nd period. A coach can natrually effect his player. The two tools a player undoubtedly will react to is 1. directions which 2. is linked to ice time. I think TOrts plays these mental games really well, but I wouldn't draw the conclusion from Gernanders motivation talks that it would hurt his team. I've heard and seen Gerander do stuff that has made me question him in the past. Natrually, a on a "speculation" level, since I don't got a full picture.

Ola

Mon Jan 30 2012 6:20 am EST

td: on crosby, there is so much it seems like they are doing wrong. The one thing I can say is even if they were to thInk about shutting him down for the year, I think they would hold that back for PR reasons. However they have a history over the past couple years of not caring properly for their players. Crosby everyone seemed to know he was cuncussed in the winter classic, but they let him finish that game and play another, someone mentioned letang finishing a game...and overlooked is Staal, he hurt his foot, when he came back they talked about how it wasn't fully healed, since than Staal has missed time twice due to that foot and once to "lower body injury" that they said he couldn't skate for a few days (any bets on if it was that foot?) it seems to me that the NHL and NHLPA should be able to investigate teams to ensure they are treating players properly...because in PIT it seems winning a game is more important than the health of their players.

Wildcard

Sun Jan 29 2012 10:11 pm EST

Dineen: It's funny you mention Gerander perhaps being gone - when I saw his pre-game speech on one of the TCT broadcasts I was appalled at how lame it was. Chalk full of the most routine cliches and delivered in the most monotone style ever. If that's how he behaves all the time, no wonder the team is playing like crap.

RF4L

Sun Jan 29 2012 7:10 pm EST

Trade... You are correct... Mike Richter and Mike Gartner were also Ranger MVP's for the All-Star game... Gabby was flying today, he will be hard to live with on the flight home... Both Lundqvist and Torts were talking up Girardi whenever they got the chance... Torts said if it wasn't for G, he wouldn't be there as a coach...

Rhet0ric

Sun Jan 29 2012 6:58 pm EST

Gabby with the MVP @ all star game! nice work......If i recall when i was a kiddie, Don Maloney won the MVP too....I could be wrong......maybe it was @ MSG too.

TradeStar28

Sun Jan 29 2012 6:34 pm EST

Just a quick CT Whale update for you guys. They dropped their 11 straight last night. It's been really painful to watch. They have been playing horribly. AVERY, after being benched for a few game due to taking dumb penalties and. just playing not so great, finds himself back in the line-up Friday night. So what does he do? Scores a goal on a breakaway and then jumps the guy from behind who took a slash at his ankle. He got a 2, a 2 and a 10 and that was it for AVERY for the night. And he was a healthy scratch last night. ZUCCARELLO is back from his injury, and looking pretty good. I like him on the line with JON AUDY-MARCHESSAULT and ANDRE DEVEAUX. The defense has been struggling...REDDEN still out, VALENTENKO is injured now as well and ERIXON has been playing terribly. Overall, the team has been playing super sloppy, not connecting on passes, turning the puck over a lot and it's just a mess. I was pulling my hair out watching them on the PP last night...they looked like they were playing shorthanded. I'm ready to see GERNANDER gone.

Dineen11

Sun Jan 29 2012 5:41 pm EST

gene.., AA + a 1st for Carter? Damn the contract; and I love Artie. Do it, NOW!!!!

pa.rangersfan

Sun Jan 29 2012 4:51 pm EST

Gaborik did the "Anisimov" shot gun after his 2nd goal, Torts said he will fine him $1,000

Rhet0ric

Sun Jan 29 2012 4:44 pm EST

Girardi scores the 1st goal for Team Alfredsson... Gaborik scored his 2nd... he told King he was going to get a Hat trick on him today... Team Chara winning 3-1.

Rhet0ric

Sun Jan 29 2012 4:32 pm EST

Gaborik scored on Lundqvist.

Rhet0ric

Sun Jan 29 2012 2:58 pm EST

tdchi- Yeah, I don't want to hype him too much now that he broke a leg, but he was looking very good. Make no misstake, the kid do not have star potential and won't become our Parise. But short of that, he was looking awesome. Great attitude, always the hardest working player on the ice (no matter if it's the final of the WJC or the SEL), blocks shots etc. AND he got a ability to make like a top notch offensive move every game atleast. Hagelin has adopted very well to the NA game, Kreider did the right thing and stayed in college and will get a shot with Richards (whom he could be a very good fit with), but I wonder if Fasth overall doesn't beat them out. Anyway, the margins are small for a kid like that with a serious injury like that early in his career and he could bust for all I know...

Ola

Sun Jan 29 2012 2:48 pm EST

tdichi: Thanks for the thoughts. I was unaware of the length of his contract. Turns me off on him right away. "We" should only trade from a position of strength, because that is where we are happily. A second for Prospal sounds high to me. I'm not saying you wrong, JMO. How about a mid-level prospect that we've given up on and a fourth? Just takin' here.

SteveCT

Sun Jan 29 2012 2:27 pm EST

Funny how when we talk about the Rangers' top prospects guys like FASTH don't even make the conversation. Truth is, with the way he played in SEL before his injury, he's probably among the Rangers top-5 prospects...we don't even mention guys like FOGARTY, ST. CROIX(except for RF4L) and McCOLGAN, all of whom stand a good chance of being NHLers...I seriously can't remember a time when the Rangers were as deep as they are now...which should make the trade deadline all the more interesting...with such a full plate, you have to think Sather's itching to trade some of it to improve his hand this spring...I still think I'd keep the guys we have and let everyone else overpay for the pending UFAs...Here's another interesting thought...most of us agree SANGUINETTI was a wasted pick, especially since we could have GIROUX in the lineup...but we ended up with ERIXON and FASTH instead with the deals we did for the picks we got for Sangs...and that could really turn out to be an advantage.

tdchi

Sun Jan 29 2012 12:12 pm EST

Carter is intriguing as a right wing, not a center. E--could be that they did a CT/MRI on Crosby's head but never did one on his spine. Still hard to believe they could miss it.

Bob

Sun Jan 29 2012 12:04 pm EST

Carter or Nash..don't think we need to consider either this season...Summer is another story...Really impressed with Hagelin at the ALl-Star game...On the ice and at the Interview stand....

Hospo

Sun Jan 29 2012 12:01 pm EST

I am not sure why there is a man-crush on Carter around this here parts. The man costs a lot of money to be brought to a team that unless I am mistaken looks pretty solid down the middle (Stepan, Richards, Boyle etc...) If I were going to take on a big contract from Columbus it would be Rick Nash. Why? Because he is a player that fits the NYR MO on the wing. But I am also hesitant to want to spend big money that is long term on anyone right now. I want short term solutions. Short term contracts that can easily be jettisoned. I wrote about the short term and long terms goals of the team as I see it. In the short term I want to win the cup. I see this as surrounding the existing core with a group of savvy veteran group of short term contracts. They would hopefully turn the NYR into a legitimate contender (something that I am not sure they are right now.) Even if the NYR should fall short, the experience would be invaluable for a young team looking to take the next step. In the long term I want to continue to back fill the core of the team with players who in theory would make it increasingly unnecessary to acquire outside talent or serve as the currency to get the NYR what they need. After all, at the end of the day the team is aiming for perennial competitiveness for every season going forward. But the eye should never be taken off of the prize and if they should be close that they can say with certain that this team has the pieces to go all the way then you have to consider a nuclear option and dump whatever you have to land what you need. What the criteria for that is? Frankly, I am not sure...

Sun Jan 29 2012 12:00 pm EST

STEVIELEGS - Wow, The Hollies and BusStop...Impressive...well, at least to a fellow fossil like me....

Hospo

Sun Jan 29 2012 11:53 am EST

tdchi: Carter's stock has fallen. He could be had for AA and a first. His ten year contract is the deal breaker.

gene_carr

Sun Jan 29 2012 11:50 am EST

td i agree with him on the cap crap, not some of his other soap box stuff. And he knows first hand.. It's buttman who's the biggest problem for the nhl, but he has some owners support. The struggling teams should move to Canada, .They probably should try the luxury tax instead.

stevielegs

Sun Jan 29 2012 11:33 am EST

BOB: that was something that I was asking myself when I read that article. How the hell can the medical team that is charged with the biggest player in the NHL miss a fracture in the neck? I speak from complete ignorance here but I just don't understand why it is even possible that they missed this in examination of a guy that has been in treatment for a head related ailment for the past 2-years. With the medical technology available today??? And I am sure they are using all the latest equipment on the guy.

Sun Jan 29 2012 11:27 am EST

OLA: Thanks for the information. I read somewhere (I am not sure where) that Fasth was a prospect that the NYR were very high on and that they were excited to have him make the team. I read that he has the same Callahan MO. High-energy, physical, puck pursuer, with scoring upside. Can never have too many of those types of players.

Sun Jan 29 2012 11:24 am EST

stevie - Don't know what your beef is with what Brooks wrote...I think he's spot on...the only thing I disagree with is that he didn't source the wall for his inspiration.

tdchi

Sun Jan 29 2012 11:05 am EST

The Crosby story is intriguing. Hard to believe that anyone on a professional sports team has doctors that could miss a broken neck

Bob

Sun Jan 29 2012 10:41 am EST

the lb manifesto.......http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/more_sports/diss_parity_9TbOjqKUXbH80iGdA6rorN................hard caps, hard heads, big mouths......hey larry remember when the coach refused your freedom of speech?.......see ya at the bus stop with the hollies........

stevielegs

Sun Jan 29 2012 10:31 am EST

We are winning right now so you really want to be careful about upsetting team chemistry in the dressing room

HamiltonHellhounds

Sun Jan 29 2012 10:23 am EST

Anyone know where I can grab a Hartford Wolfpack XL mens jersey ? E-Bay does not have anything decent. If so let me know at timothy-ford@hotmail.com Thanks

HamiltonHellhounds

Sun Jan 29 2012 10:15 am EST

Don't forget that this season Letang got laid out and broke his nose and clearly was woozy and the Pens sent him out in the third and overtime where he netted the winner. I posted the next day that they were stupid sending him back out there especially after the Crosby incident and lo and behold a couple days later he was out with a concussion for a long stretch.

Avery

Sun Jan 29 2012 9:33 am EST

BTW - What a bizarre f@cking story coming out of Pittsburgh this weekend on CROSBY...so the mystery concussion turns out to be a mystery broken neck(two vertebrae)...which was inexplicably missed by the Pens' medical team...and that has now mysteriously healed itself...but the mystery concussion is still there...and Crosby is still out...nobody is shutting him down for the season...or last season for that matter...not once from the time he got the mystery...well...injury, did the Pens suggest he might be done for the season...Then there was the report in December that this may be Sid's way of saying he's done in Pittsburgh...and that his teammates were razzing him...only to have that stupid "C" display at practice...Now you can look at this in several billion different ways...On the outside, it kind of looks like the Pens are treating Crosby in the same way the Flyers treated Lindros, which was not at all(remember the Lindros-almost-drowning-in-his-bathtub incident?)...or that Skidmark is trying to MAKE it look like the Pens organization is treating him like garbage(which I find hard to believe)...What the f@ck is up with this guy? I mean, I would say this is all wonderfully splendid poetic justice if I didn't have this piece of shit on my fantasy team.

tdchi

Sun Jan 29 2012 9:20 am EST

SteveCT - re: CARTER/PROSPAL...well, think about it this way...the Jackets gave up VORACEK(talented 22-year-old forward with a 50 point season under his belt) and COUTURIER(top-10 pick who could have been a top-three pick) for Carter...So I think that deal starts with ANISIMOV and JT MILLER(he's from that neck of the woods anyway). You'll have to sweeten the pot with VALENTENKO too, since neither AA or Miller aren't exactly the caliber of the players the BJs traded...Then for Prospal, say a second rounder. That also helps compensate a bit for the Carter deal...Interesting thought, but it's a deal that could easily haunt the Rangers, considering that Carter is signed through the next millennium and may never live up to his contract...The guy I was actually thinking would be a great fit here off the Jackets' roster is a former(kind of) Ranger...RJ UMBERGER. Big boy...6'4 and 220 pounds...skilled, fast and American. He's had something to prove ever since Sather shunned him on a contract for the pick that laughably landed us the Korpikoski pick(I think)...Kid plays left side, but can also skate the center position. His down fall is his contract, which is a lot and very long...BUT...if the Jackets are looking to rebuild(I know...they've been rebuilding since they came into existence), the Rangers might be able to deal them something like WOLSKI, V-tank and a second rounder for RJ...only bummer is that he's out with a concussion right now and has been listed as "week to week" whatever that means. I'd take a flier on him though.

tdchi

Sun Jan 29 2012 9:08 am EST

mf - IGINLA is going no where. The Flames just went on record saying they are going for it...and that's why the went after CAMMALLERI...three points separates them from playoff contention...six from seventh place. Unless they tank during the next three weeks, Iggy is in the same boat with DOAN...besides, he's an RW. He doesn't play the left side as far as I know...Bob - I think the SUBBAN rumor is to get the kid to STFU and play the game. Montreal is heading toward a rebuild, and PK is more or less like their Staal, only with a fat-ass mouth. I suspect they'll changed the coaching staff before they move him...Avery/PatrickDiv - The trade I heard was PERRY for Schneider, Raymond and Ballard...Sounds like a bit too little for him...but obviously the goalie is the crucial part of the deal...The Ducks obviously have lost faith in Hiller.There was a rumor last week that he'd be moved for another goalie on the outs: MILLER...at any rate, I don't think the Rangers would be willing to part with Dubinsky or Erixon at this point...and I kind of doubt the Ducks would be asking for either...Perry is one of those players that's going to have a cost that will cut into the current roster...and that's why I don't think he'll be moved here any time soon.

tdchi

Sun Jan 29 2012 3:28 am EST

E- Fasth broke his leg a couple of months ago and is out a year. He visited the rookie camp this summer, and the reports we unanimous -- he was the most impressive kid there. He was a big star at the WJC two years ago and almost got into the men's WCH as a 19 y/o. he is a player in the Hagelin/Callahan mold. But who knows how a broken lev will effect a 20 y/o.

Ola

Sat Jan 28 2012 9:35 pm EST

Most everyone might know this but I think it's worth saying - we have FOUR players over 29 years old! Biron @ 34, Federtenko @ 33, Rupp @ 32 & Richards @ 31. That's frickin' amazing. We could be looking at FIVER GREAT years from this current squad. Wow!

SteveCT

Sat Jan 28 2012 9:03 pm EST

What does Prospal AND Carter cost us? Does Columbus also have a vet d-man on the verge of UFA? What does Columbus need? What are we willing to pay? I'm interested as long as it does not significantly disrupt the current roster AND gut us of prospects which we're already a bit thin on...

SteveCT

Sat Jan 28 2012 8:41 pm EST

Nice Yahoo article on Girardi: http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=Ahdfm5F33oBwLTZbKMO2E_17vLYF?slug=nc-nhl_all_star_game_dan_girardi_rangers012812

Nick

Sat Jan 28 2012 8:39 pm EST

The owner of the Columbus Blue Jackets is promising quick and possibly drastic action. Speaking with the Columbus Dispatch, John P. McConnell wouldn’t get into specifics but predicted significant changes in the coming month........... http://nhltradereport.com/blue-jackets-owner-its-going-to-be-obvious-how-extreme-we-get-421287/ “We’re going to get to a point very quickly where it’s going to be obvious to people how extreme we’re getting,” McConnell said. “Every option you can think of is being considered,” the majority owner added. “When the ‘nuclear’ option is mentioned, I cringe less now than I did two months ago. That doesn’t mean that’s what we’re going to do, but it certainly becomes a more realistic choice.” Ownership, management and the coaching staff will reportedly decide in the next two weeks whether to overhaul or just tweak the roster. Rest assured, changes will be made at the goaltending position either way. It’s no longer a question of whether he’s done in Columbus, but only how the Blue Jackets will manage to rid themselves of Steve Mason. As for other potential trade commodities, Jeff Carter tops a list that includes fellow forwards Vinny Prospal, Antoine Vermette, Derick Brassard, Samuel Pahlsson and defenseman Grant Clitsome.

Sat Jan 28 2012 7:47 pm EST

Damn, faster than Gabby! How about the two of them on the two pk squads? It is good to be a Ranger fan 'bout now. :)

SteveCT

Sat Jan 28 2012 7:43 pm EST

Congrats to Hagelin winning fastest skater.

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 28 2012 7:19 pm EST

And of course there is JT Miller who was very impressive to me with just a tenacity you like to see with some skill and a lot of body banging and soft hands

Sat Jan 28 2012 7:17 pm EST

Wonder if the price tag for Perry could start w/Dubi, Erixon, Wolski & MZA

PatrickDiv

Sat Jan 28 2012 7:13 pm EST

One prospect that there was a lot of hype on and then disappeared is Fasth. He is a European so maybe OLA has some insight. There was huge buzz on him for a NY minute.

Sat Jan 28 2012 7:06 pm EST

STEVECT: there is some debate on his upside like there should be but there are some scouts (Kyle Woodlief) who consider Thomas the jewel of the NYR prospects. In his opinion it isn't if he will be an NHL player but will he reach the heights of his father. A tall task to be sure but he is a sniper and he has a vicious snapshot. His skating is great. He has good vision. He does get knocked around out there but when he fills out he will likely be about the size of his father. He is not as "sexy" a prospect in the NYR system being that Kreider has been anointed the second coming, and the excitement over "the Undertaker." it is hard to project out a prospect but I wouldn't be surprised if Thomas was a 1st line 40+ sniper in 4-5 seasons. But that is a long way off and who knows if Thomas will even be in the NYR system by then.

Sat Jan 28 2012 6:28 pm EST

RF4L: Tx, how is he defensively. I've always really liked the idea of a great pp/pk specialist on what would, in a perfect world, be the offensive threat on a checking line. On the pp he's a sniper who will not be subjected to the same level of body work and if he's good on the pk then he adds that dimension of the shortie. If he were able to screw up the opponents pp then we can be even more physical and chippie. Always lovely to have a perennial Selke candidate on the roster... in a perfect world. :)

SteveCT

Sat Jan 28 2012 4:46 pm EST

TD: I think you know I'm on the get Iggie bus, but I suspect now he's likely not to move. The Flames added Cammileri recently and they are only 3 points off the 8th in the west. If they stay in the hunt, it's highly unlikely Iggie's moved. I think, unless the bottom falls out, Iggie, with 1 year remaining on this contract, gets moved at the draft if the Flames end up not making it or have a quick PO exit if they do. I think Jay Feaster, unless he's been puppeted by ownership, is simply too savvy to left Iggie walk the summer of 13 for nothing.

RF4L

Sat Jan 28 2012 4:41 pm EST

steve: Tons of stuff about Thomas - NHL calibre shot and has good speed and hockey sense. Alas, very small, as you cite. He had a tremendous season last year and some, incredibly enough, were suggesting he could make the team this past October. Foolish thinking (with all due respect) because of his age and size and in the TCT he looked overmatched and a little naive - more than once he left himself open for big hits and took a particularly nasty one early in the final game, rendering himself basically invisible thereafter. He needs to be smarter about that - he's always going to be undersized and simply won't be able to handle many big hits (some of course are unavoidable), so pick your spots when you're going into open ice. For what it's worth, I give his NHL chances of 30/70 NHL/no NHL because from what I can see, whereever he goes, he's a top 6 forward and even in today's more speedy NHL, there aren't many top 6 forward who are 5'9" and 170.

RF4L

Sat Jan 28 2012 4:23 pm EST

Pa.Rangersfan - What I get out of that take from Joe Schmoe is that teams that might want to go for the Cup would be smart to deal for a vet player like Ian White..OK, don't really want Ian White, but I agree with the premise... ......Balls to the Wall Sather, Go For It!!!!

Hospo

Sat Jan 28 2012 4:04 pm EST

All: How about our prospect RW Christian Thomas? (2nd round, 40th overall, 2010, 5-9 & 162 pounds, 2010 with Oshawa he had 54g/45a,+20, 38 pim in 66gp - pretty good but it is the OHL) Has skill and speed but undersized at 5-9 and 162 pounds. His birth date is March of 1992 when makes him soon to be twenty so he's pretty close to his max height/weight. Maybe he'll add 1/2" and fifteen pounds so he'll always be small. BUT this squad does have size all around, a smaller player can be protected and we sure do protect one another. He could be in NY in 14-15. Any stories or thoughts about him?

SteveCT

Sat Jan 28 2012 3:51 pm EST

Wallsters: Apologies to all for posting the AA for Prospal specific post..... I truly believe VinnyP is a perfect addition for this club: He has experience with us (Torts, Gabby, Stepan) The price is right, and, he should be helpful on the PP...... What I had meant at the time of the post (hope you all choose to believe me) was that AA should be included in a package for WinnyPoo's Bifuckenuglyman.... At the time there were articles out of Winnipeg pointing out that Winny just can not score, and perhaps Winny has a positive outlook on AA... Winny must continue their early stages of rebuild, we are past that level, and they just may bite on AA, our 1st for their 2nd, maybe Vtank, a propect not named Kreider, Erixsen or McIlrath, (and for what it is worth, if we had to give up one or the other of Erixsen or McIlrath, I leave it to you guys to hash that one out) ...... Adding Prospal will not hurt the chemistry of this team, "IT Will Help It" ... IMO He is perhaps the leading candidate for our next trade..... Naturally, we dont have to play the "Byfuglien Card"next... We could target someone else such as a top six wing.... I would be fine with this approach, as I have confidence in our defensive corps as is..... The goals against stat should also swing anyone who is on the fence.... "The Kidz Are Alright" (couldn't resist that one :>)) and deserve to experience playing in "Playoff Hockey" they earned it.... Naturally again, we should always let "dressing the best squad to enhance our winning the game" be in the drivers seat, but, I'm cool with what we have..... Which brings us back to that other top 6 forward.... Calgary just made a minor trade for a younger layer... Is this the beginning of a "more to follow" strategy of theirs? (As in rebuild) Lets revisit Iginla for a the time... On a deep team, Cally might be the 3rd line RW, and we have established depth. Adding IGGY, may bump Cally down to 3rd line duty, no problem there because you can already see that the 3rd line is going to be a force to be reckoned with...... SO, If you have: Prospal/Stepan/Gabby on one line (quite frankly I dont care what # line you call it) and Iggy/Richards/ and Dubinsky or Hagelin on another) you have 2 very dominant lines...... There are many pluses to targeting IGGY... Has anyone paid attention to the conditioning this guy puts himself through each & every offseason?? He is also tough as nails, can pass and bury the biscuit, go revsit his stats, (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8462042) he has one more year after this at $&Mill ( http://www.capgeek.com/charts.php?Team=9 ) Also: I bet Iggy has 4-5 solid years in him after this one barring injury, and may be willing to sign for $5mill per which we could get away with stretching until he hits say 42 years of age to soften the cap hit... Barring injury, this guy could probably play for that long too......AND: SOMEONE HELP ME OUT HERE, can he play the LW in a pinch ????? The thing is, IGGY is gonna cost... I'd rather trade AA than Dubi, but IGGY is NOT gonna screw up our team chemistry, IMO he will enhance it just like Vinny Prospal would.... So now that I put this in print, I think it is much better for the NY Rangers Not to play the Byfuglien Card, but to play the Iginla Card.... We already play a TEAM CONCEPT Shut down defense and Vinny P & Iggy would buy in to this from day one......Sather make this happen.... Bring in Vinny P & Iggy, give up as little as possible ............. to be continued ............ :-)

Sat Jan 28 2012 3:48 pm EST

RF4L: Just the kind of guy this TEAM does not need. Let him mature somewhere else at another teams expense.

SteveCT

Sat Jan 28 2012 3:38 pm EST

Bob: PK is an enigma - battles not only with the opposition, but with his own teammates and coaches. He's head strong, arrogant and immature. He had a yelling match in practice this week (after fighting with Kotsiksyn, angering his teammates) over a particular move he kept doing in practice that the coaching staff wants him to stop doing. So what does he do in the next game (against the Wings)? Does exactly what the coaches don't want and he had the fight over. Now you know that's not a case of being stupid and forgetting - that's a case of saying to the coaches 'to hell with you; I'm PK Subban and I'll do what I wanna do'. This happened in the first period and he never saw the ice in the 2nd, but got 7 minutes in the third period. Precisely, in other words, the treatment he deserved and very much what Tortorella would have done if Subban was his player and pulling that crap. If he gets moved, it's for 2 reasons: 1) Montreal management is getting tired of constantly having to battle with this kid and 2) Management thinks they still have a chance at making the POs and want to add something significant to their roster - the only way that's possible is to move 1 of their only 2 real attributes of value: Price or Subban and there is no way the former's going anywhere. Subban would answer the Rangers PP QB issue, but is he worth the headaches? NOt to mention what he'd likely cost.

RF4L

Sat Jan 28 2012 3:07 pm EST

Hi all: I agree with those who feel best to stay with this core and just make a few minor deals, and only if they are cheap and no brainers. Mostly for depth... 1. Prospal for a low pick and a mid minor leaguer who needs a change of pace. 2. A veteran 5-6-7 defender with size and an edge. I don't care about his offensive abilities but a pucker mover with a heavy point shot would be an added bonus. Again, foe about the same price, maybe a mid level pick for the passing/point shot abilities. 3. IF we can find one a the right price, say a top flight prospect and a high pick for the player, a scoring winger. The better the player - the higher the cost. We need help on the power play, a scoring winger and the depth defenseman for the playoff grind. Most of these would not detract from this roster and only a small cost to the system. If we get a prospect for a prospect or a pick for a pick were we come out ahead then even better. But really guys, we're milking mice here. At this point this team is excellent. The lack of a power play is the only real problem I see and that might be boosted by a coaching change, like a PP specialist or a trade deadline deal for a soon to be UFA that we can rent for a pick. As a life long Ranger's and Giant's fan I'm living large right now! Cheers!

SteveCT

Sat Jan 28 2012 2:01 pm EST

Interesting take on the Morrison trade from a TSN poster - "'Yet again I just don't get this trade. I agree with moving an aging UFA that has no further role in Calgary other than perhaps a mentor for the young guys but why for a 25yr old 5'10' d-man? I think we had a pretty good one of those before that is actually playing well in the 'NHL' not AHL. Remember Ian White anyone????????" Be careful what you wish for Wallsters!

pa.rangersfan

Sat Jan 28 2012 1:39 pm EST

New rumors that the Canucks are looking to send Schneider and a couple of other players for Corey Perry. If true then what do the Ducks plan on doing with Hiller who is signed for another two years at 4.5 mil?

Avery

Sat Jan 28 2012 11:02 am EST

Subban? Sure. Playing for Torts, the guy would be very good. Surptised Montreal would consoder moving him. What is the issue that causes them to?

Bob

Sat Jan 28 2012 10:08 am EST

gene_carr - excellent post. I agree 100 percent...Avery - Don't knock the H-Train...he's pulling into the station...JESSIMAN with 20 goals in 40 games...three short of his best CAREER total at any level...Did someone say Anisimov for Jessiman?!?

tdchi

Sat Jan 28 2012 10:05 am EST

Rhet - Totally disagree. Just like Boyle and Prust, I think there are intangibles that Dubes brings to the Rangers...just look at how quickly the crumpled with him out of the lineup for just a few days. He's part of the core of this team...and I've said it before...if he weren't, he would have been dealt before his last contract negotiation...Certainly, Dubinsky isn't have a great offensive season. But that also comes with the territory of bringing RICHARDS in...I agree on SUTER though...As tempting as it might be for Nashville to cash in on him now, why? They're a playoff-bound team that has an outside chance of going to the finals WITH Suter. Without him? I wouldn't be so sure. And with Radulov expected to return next season, there's no reason for them to move him unless it's a ridiculous deal. I'm not sure what Philly would have to trade for him, but it would be more than just Rimmer. Probably Rimmer, a first and maybe Bourdon...Avery - totally agree on KREIDER. I personally believe he's a season away from joining the team full-time. I don't see him replacing anyone in the Rangers' near future...yet I read some places(not here per se) that he's going to come in and be the power forward that jumps up on the Gaborik line for the playoff rush...sheesh...

tdchi

Sat Jan 28 2012 9:59 am EST

Rhet - everyone is replaceable, however saying a proven commodity can be replaced by an unproven commodity is not a very good example and I believe my example explains why. Others like Daigle and Patrick Stefan and Jessiman and many others also show that where you are drafted and how you are hyped means nothing till you get to the NHL and prove you can do it there. To say someone on the roster can be replaced by a prospect who has played only in college is a very poor example in my eyes.

Avery

Sat Jan 28 2012 9:52 am EST

If the Rangers go into the playoffs with no changes they should be a legitimate contender. No reasonable trade can guarantee a cup. This team was put together very carefully and nurtured to be what it is, better that the sum of its parts. Everything I have found out about our prospects indicates the same care and consideration. They were not necessarly the best player available but the best player to mesh with the character of the team that is being constructed.It's fun to speculate about trades but fantasy hockey picks do not necessarily translate into a team concept that produces results. That said, a trade for a play off push can be a good move, but doing nothing may be just as good or better.

gene_carr

Sat Jan 28 2012 9:51 am EST

Three's a possibility Montreal will move PK Subban...anyone interested?

RF4L

Sat Jan 28 2012 9:34 am EST

Ryan Suter has also said his preference is to stay in Nashville... with the team looking like a contender, I doubt he gets moved... http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/20120128_All-star_defenseman_Ryan_Suter_says_he_d_prefer_to_stay_in_Nashville.html ...Avery... It was an example. The point being that he is replaceable... whether it be by Kreider, or someone they trade for.

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 28 2012 9:08 am EST

With Suter saying he will not sign before the deadline I am pretty sure they will have to move him for the best package they can get. Something tells me he will be heading to Philly before the deadline for JVR and change.

Avery

Sat Jan 28 2012 8:00 am EST

Kreider can do everything Dubi can do and more is the same as people saying Brendl can do everything Robitaille can do and more before Brendl got to the NHL.

Avery

Sat Jan 28 2012 3:28 am EST

A couple of things. Pre-lockout it felt like a cup contender could gear up alot more before a PO than what you can do now with the cap. Right? It felt like many contenders added 2-3 pieces during the summer and than like 1-2 more pieces before the PO, and when the puck was dropped in the POs, there were 2-3 teams that were heads and shoulders above the rest. Now, I wonder if you can get that far ahead the rest. I am definitely with Hospo that "time is now". But I think "now" should be this year and the coming 2-3 years.

Ola

Sat Jan 28 2012 3:20 am EST

mf- It's easy. He, she & it = have, and we, they, names, kids & vegetables = has.

Ola

Sat Jan 28 2012 2:56 am EST

What can NHL do about concussion problem? ....... http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/what_can_nhl_do_about_concussion_problem/9624745

Sat Jan 28 2012 2:40 am EST

Blackhawks get Morrison from Flames ........ The Chicago Blackhawks have acquired veteran center Brendan Morrison from the Calgary Flames for minor league defenseman Brian Connelly. The 36-year-old Morrison has 200 goals and 601 points over parts of 15 NHL seasons, the past two with the Flames. He has four goals and seven assists this season. Morrison has also skated for New Jersey, Vancouver, Anaheim, Dallas and Washington. He has eight goals and 21 assists in 58 career playoff games. The 25-year-old Connelly has spent parts of the past four seasons as a member of the AHL's Rockford IceHogs. Original Story: http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/Bl...

Sat Jan 28 2012 12:03 am EST

HOSPO... Ranger fans have this irrational love for certain guys on the team where they can absolutely do no wrong in their eyes and DUBINSKY is the poster child... he is not going to be a consistent 30 goal scorer in his career even though he is being paid like one... the player you see is exactly what you get... he's great when he's on, but when he's not, he's very ordinary... IMO, He can be replaced...Chris Kreider can do everything Dubi does and more... ... he even has the potential to be a consistent 30 goal scorer in the NHL... We have already passed on too many deals because we wouldn't move him... if you look at our team objectively, he is one of the pieces we can afford to give up to make us better... In regard to trades, I believe we both agree but are saying it in different ways. We just need to keep the system stocked to feed the big club and give us ammunition to make deals.

Rhet0ric

Fri Jan 27 2012 10:34 pm EST

Hospo - We've had the go-for-it now versus go-for-the-future discussion before, and frankly, I remain in the latter category. I still maintain the Rangers MIGHT have won the cup and several more had they not moved AMONTE and WEIGHT...but who knows? The interesting thing moving forward is that the Bruins last year did a similar thing with their deadline deals...They gave up A LOT of their future to bring in Peverley, Kaberle and Kelly.They threw out the Blake Wheeler, Marc Stuart, Joe Colburne, a first rounder, and two second rounders...Colburne and Wheeler look like they could be very good NHLers..maybe even stars...and lord knows what happens with those picks...in the end, Kelly and Peverley were solid during the playoffs...nothing spectacular...and Kaberle was a dismal failure. Now the question is, will the feel the pain of losing those players in the not-to-distant future? Obviously they're not feeling it now. It should be interesting to see, IMO.

tdchi

Fri Jan 27 2012 10:24 pm EST

Wildcard - You'd give up THAT much for MARROW? He's good, sure. But damn man. Talk about mortgaging your future. Hell, you could probably throw that at the Ducks and get RYAN. Really right now, there's only a couple deals I would do, and none of them involve moving a guy out of the regular lineup...which pretty much means none of them would get done. Look, the Rangers have one of the best teams in the league right now because WHATEVER THEY'RE DOING IS WORKING. They've taken it to all the best teams in the league even though they've been missing at least one of their top four defensemen all season...is there room for improvement? CERTAINLY...but sheesh...we finally get everything that we've ever wanted in a team and we as fans STILL want to tinker with it!

tdchi

Fri Jan 27 2012 9:31 pm EST

http://webleedblue.net/showthread.php?p=1322648 .......... Link on here: McIlrath was suspended 8 games for high hit to the head

Fri Jan 27 2012 8:25 pm EST

A never ending interchangeable flock of players. Right Soupy??? From Dubinsky to JT Miller and beyond. Keep developing the currency. After all that is what a pipeline is: currency. Whether its more valuable to you or someone else. At some point you have use it or lose it. A problem I look forward to having.

Fri Jan 27 2012 8:19 pm EST

I see Dubinsky very much in the same light as Boitano only moreso. They are guys that are instrumental in setting the tone for the team. Dubinsky obviously is having a tough go in terms of production but that doesn't remove him from the value equation. They create space, and honestly they are just friggin hard guys to play against. I don't believe that Boyle especially, receive the credit for the contributions as they should. Dubinsky, while still snake bit has begun to find his role for now. He crashes and bangs bodies. He keeps moving. He plays at a high tempo. In short, when some fans talk about the "character" of the NYR it's sexy to throw out Callahan or Staal as the guys who set the tone. But when you look at the second level of this team, it's a gritty bunch led by Dubinsky, Boitano up front. The guys who take regular shifts and further define the NYR style of play. Now if only Boitano's production wasn't an aberration and Dubinsky located his offense I would be a lot more confident with what this team will do this spring. Dreams dreams dreams

Fri Jan 27 2012 8:13 pm EST

has = have (I'm typing like a Swede) sheeeet...

Fri Jan 27 2012 8:12 pm EST

Although Detroit has 1 more point in the standings, we has 3 games at hand..... Below: The NHL standings with the Goals Against Column Selected....... For those of you who preach Defense, this is sweet!...... http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?season=20112012&sort=standingsGoalsAgainst&type=LEA

Fri Jan 27 2012 8:09 pm EST

HOSPO---you have been successful in dragging me over to the dark side for many years. You have been successful once again. Here is this season for me: 1. Screw the Flyers, Ed Snider, and the NHL who played for a tie and OT in the WC. 2. Screw Boston, their cheap shot goons, Chara, Marchand and Jack Edwards. 3. I WANT THE CUP, in 2012.

Bob

Fri Jan 27 2012 7:18 pm EST

BOB - "I am all for going for it this year and next. "..Bob, with Gabby, Richards and The King, I 've been saying that since before the season started and the results have done nothing to dissuade me..

Hospo

Fri Jan 27 2012 7:17 pm EST

Amonte was already a good player when we traded him. He had two 30 goal seasons for the Rangers before he was dealt to the Blackhawks. The main reason he was dealt was because he sucked in the playoffs. That never changed throughout his career.

Rhet0ric

Fri Jan 27 2012 7:17 pm EST

RHET - Where i think Dubi is under-rated is in how important he is to the Rangers success the rest of the season..His type of play (along with Cally) really fuels the Rangers..He has had a hard time scoring but the rest of the game has been there (cally had similar problems, was it last year?).....And, now I'm going to be a DINK (DESPO, where are thou?)..."The key to the Rangers success now and in the future is continuing to draft quality players"...how could the key to the Rangers succes NOW be the future drafting of quality players??"..Of course I know what you mean, the team is where it is now becasue of that...but NOW you add to it with smart deals for vets and smart use of the assets you have grown...and then you go back to business as usual in the off-season--development mixed in with the rught veteran aquaisitions..

Hospo

Fri Jan 27 2012 7:10 pm EST

E--very well thought out. In 1994 when we traded Weight and Amonte, we KNEW they were going to be good players. Artie is more of a ?.than they were. We won the cup, so we didn't care. I am all for going for it this year and next.

Bob

Fri Jan 27 2012 7:05 pm EST

Trade Deadline Options: Teemu Selanne... http://nyrnation.net/trade-deadline-options-teemu-selanne/... ...Buzz: Teemu Selanne Has No Interest In Leaving The Ducks... http://www.snyrangersblog.com/2012/01/27/buzz-teemu-selanne-has-no-interest-in-leaving-the-ducks/

Rhet0ric

Fri Jan 27 2012 7:00 pm EST

TD... This article is for you...http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1041827-brandon-dubinsky-the-most-underrated-player-on-the-new-york-rangers... I don't know how you name a guy as underrated when he is having as bad of a season as Dubi is... I like Dubi, but he is not nearly as good as Callahan... IMO, the most underrated Ranger is McDonagh... he doesn't get nearly the love he should get due to being in Staal's shadow.

Rhet0ric

Fri Jan 27 2012 6:57 pm EST

BOB: everybody hopes that they have the next Pavel Datsyuk. He is an anomaly. I don't see AA becoming that guy. I do however see more upside in him then some on this wall see. I am not anxious to move him. But since you brought up Datsyuk, let's look at it another way. If you traded AA and went on to winning the cup, I frankly wouldn't care what happened to AA. Maybe a little sour grapes over it but then again... How many cups does Datsyuk have? He has been the deliverer of 1-cup. If he had been traded by The Wings for a player that helped them win 2-row how much would the sour grapes be then? Regular season accolades are fine. Milestones are nice for the fans but to me? All I care about is the NYR name stamped all over the cup. If AA's name is on it or not. He may be the next Datsyuk but the NYR have the next cup. It's a balance. But not one player is bigger then the jersey. 100's came and went and still the team is all that matters and it's a whole lot better when they win the hardware.

Fri Jan 27 2012 6:52 pm EST

The key to the Rangers success now and in the future is continuing to draft quality players... developing prospects that can eventually replace guys on the roster as they get older and others that can be traded for assets in the present... that's where we failed after the cup in '94... E... I hear Barry Beck's shoulder has finally healed and he too will be trying to make a comeback next year... BOB....If Sather trades any assets for Souray, he is a complete idiot.

Rhet0ric

Fri Jan 27 2012 6:13 pm EST

I have this fear that someday after we have traded him for Sheldon Souray or someone like him, Anisimov turns into Pavel Datsyuk. The kid has a ton of talent. If he ever gains experience and confidence, he will be a very good player. So here are my wish list for additional scoring, trying to keep the price low: 1. Brendan Morrow 2. Ray Whitney 3. Vaclav Prospal. Jeff Carter gets an honorable mention as the winger with Richards. He is not higher on the list becasue he will cost too much.....something like AA, Thomas, at least one #1 pick and a defenseman.

Bob

Fri Jan 27 2012 5:44 pm EST

WILDCARD: I think you misunderstand my thinking. I am not trying to gut the team. Like I stated, I have two primary goals. Short term, winning the cup. Long term? Making the E. Conference Finals and continue to grow the team and address structural problems as they surface. Think about that for a moment. I look am looking out for the long term future of the team. My long term goal this season is to make the E Conference Finals. I see this as the benchmark for a team building for the future, getting experience, and turning into a team that gives itself a shot every season. My short term? Bolster the team with a few veterans. Inexpensive, short term, or cap friendly. Guys that have been there and know what it takes. Nose to the grind guys. Like my coach used to call them, "red-nosed." These guys give the NYR every chance to make it all the way. In short, win a cup. If they don't? Then the team enters the offseason knowing what it takes. I don't get into the hyperbolic argument Yutes vs. Vets. They need pieces. Yutes and draft picks are the currency. I prefer that the NYR avoid big splashes and look to make depth moves. Trades of Yutes to me especially the blue chip guys I am more reluctant to trade unless it is for the proper guy. You find me an elite LW in his prime and there are a Lot of players whether they be on the roster or in the system that I would be willing to part ways with. It's a balance. I have no illusions. I want to win. Isn't that the goal?

Fri Jan 27 2012 5:27 pm EST

wild.., thank you sir, may I have another; post that is. Some people have become seriously delusional!

pa.rangersfan

Fri Jan 27 2012 4:37 pm EST

E - Exactly my man, you can not win if you do not play! or pay!...But the thing is, i don;'t think we have to gut the farm to win now...We can have our cake (the Cup) and eat it (the future) too if done right......WILDCARD - Be objective...Of course the Rangers have done it the right way and built a team from within and some smart FAs...I applaud Mangement for where the team is right now....But now, when you have a chance to win the Cup, things change..You go for it.....Or before you know it, the chance is gone and next year maybe the King is injured...or Gaborik..and the rangers are left holding their junk without a Cup..

Hospo

Fri Jan 27 2012 4:16 pm EST

E: YEAH GREAT! lets trade away all the top prospects...get the cup this year, than go on another 2 decade slump! the Reason the Rangers are in the position they are in is because the DIDN'T trade away top prospects. Its NOT time to start that now. I for one am MORE willing to hang onto the top kids and fail to make it out of the second round this year but have a chance to get better from within, than give up everything for 1 year of glory. I don't WANT to trade AA, but he is the player who seems to struggle the most in the system the Rangers are playing, it may be better for him and the Rangers if he gets a shot in a different system.

Wildcard

Fri Jan 27 2012 4:09 pm EST

You will all regret the day that you trade AA. He is going to be a superstar... BTW I read that Stefan Cherneski is trying to make a comeback. I would trade AA for him. Now that was a bonafide prospect. 50x Kreider, and -20x Gretzky, (+3.78 Richter) = Marwayordie LinorrHowzky. Screw it... I don't care who we trade. I just want to win. The cup is the prize and all else is fodder. You have a winning team. You need to make some improvements. You don't want to gut the team in the process but as for prospects??? Call me a heretic, but there ain't a one of them, I would care about one day after the Canyon of Heroes parade. And that is the truth. I have made my opinions about this team loud and clear. My long term goal is to see them make the E Conference Finals and build from there. My short term is to win the cup. In both situations, I believe that the team is shy on some of the elements needed to get them to either of my goals. Moves have to be made. And prospects are currency. You tell me we need Prospal and he is the answer? I'll pack AA tonight myself. If your wrong? I want you to go to Columbus and apologize to a young and sobbing AA for what you did to him. No guts no glory. Huzzaahh!!!

Fri Jan 27 2012 4:04 pm EST

BOB - he jumps to the top of my list also....RHET - damn straight, isn't it fun to have a team that can be considered a Cup contender and a deadline that is important, divisive and nerve-racking?

Hospo

Fri Jan 27 2012 3:22 pm EST

Touche, I'll be Zeppo though he was the good looking one who always got the girl. AA should be fair game if a good person was available but Vinny won't make a difference. I would trade him in a package for B morrow. I'm not like my narrow minded cousin PA who will only play the Yutes. HAve a good weekend

KIS

Fri Jan 27 2012 3:11 pm EST

For Morrow, I would start with AA, Thomas, Valentenko and a 1st in 2012 and a 2nd in 2013. Actually, if that isnt enough, to hell with it. I dont want to give up more than that.

Wildcard

Fri Jan 27 2012 2:58 pm EST

Brendan Morrow is 33. He is the captain. He has a year left on his contract after this year at $4MM. He is the perfect target for Sather. He could play on either of the first 2 lines. I would prefer this guy over Doan or Rutuu. He is a tough player and a clutch player, and would add some goals to the group.

Bob

Fri Jan 27 2012 2:55 pm EST

Sorry, he's only 33

Rhet0ric

Fri Jan 27 2012 2:54 pm EST

KIS---Vinnys worst year are 2 times better then AA BEST,,,,,What you talking about?

thedugster

Fri Jan 27 2012 2:54 pm EST

I agree with BOB... If he is avilable, Brendan Morrow is the way to go... he and Richards had good chemistry on the PP and he also solves our need on LW... he's only 32 and I think he'd definitely waive his NTC to play with Richards again... that plus I don't think he'll be quite as expensive as Hospo does... Dallas loves trimming payroll... I hate that the Rangers don't play until Tuesday, but I love this time of the year.

Rhet0ric

Fri Jan 27 2012 2:52 pm EST

Hospo--I think you could trade AA for a tree and win. This guy,,not a kid at 23 is what he is and that aint much,,if anybody came to the GM DUGSTER and had a little red maple Id pull the trigger,,,,,,,AA= NOT MUCH,,he dont hit, he dont score, he dont block shots,,,,,what do you all see? He can skate?...ok lets go get Apolo Ohno,,he can really skate...

thedugster

Fri Jan 27 2012 2:34 pm EST

KIS - Tik BECAME part of the CUP team..as did Matteau..as did Noonan...all three deals that were lambasted by many back then for giving up such good young players.,.That was the exaggerated point of my post.......And we desperately need an upgrade on the top 6 for which AA is fair game to me (depending on the return)....I'm not a fan of Prospal, but he's an imoprovement on the To 6 over AA, Hagelin, whoever we have NOW for this season...But AA for Prospal equates to Middleton for Hodge? And Rupp is more effective than Prospal... OK, Zeppo, whatever you say....

Hospo

Fri Jan 27 2012 2:13 pm EST

Hospo, buddy, I'm going to change your name to Harpo ( as in Marx) you're telling so many jokes. IF you think trading AA for Vinny equates to Weight for Tikk, You have been hit by to many waves at the VA or Carolina beach. Tikk was an important part to the cup team. Prospal isn't even as good as AA in any facet of the game. Maybe i did exagerate but it was that far from the truth and people got my point. Vinny Prospal, what a fuckin joke people would even think to bring him back. In what manner can that guy help. He isn't better than Dubi. He isn't more effective than Hagelin nor Rupp.(there's a sticker for you Harpo) and why trade him for AA. The guy is old enough to know about life without a cell phone.

KIS

Fri Jan 27 2012 1:48 pm EST

MORROW: I think he is a good target. That stated, I think he will be the cornerstone of a rebuild in Dallas and like HOSPO states, he wouldn't be cheap. But he fits under that, "what E thinks the NYR need going to need for the post season" shopping list.

Fri Jan 27 2012 1:27 pm EST

Morrow has fallen to 3rd on their depth chart at LW and moving him for a good return is the best thing Dallas could do at his salary.

Avery

Fri Jan 27 2012 1:22 pm EST

On Morrow, I think Benn is the guy the rebuild around....he and Gologoski. Morrow makes $4MM, is getting older, has had a lot of injuries recently and could be expendable. He would cost, for sure but so would anyone that has been mentioned here except for Prospal.

Bob

Fri Jan 27 2012 1:18 pm EST

Fri Jan 27 2012 12:44 pm EST

BOB - Perfect fit but what's the cost? ALOT of teams will be interested in him if availlable...Sather and other GMs will have to decide how much they really want to go for it..Interesting days ahead..

Hospo

Fri Jan 27 2012 12:37 pm EST

Brendan Morrow anyone? He knows Richards, can score and is the type of player that would fit with the Rangers. McKenzie says he might be on the block.

Bob

Fri Jan 27 2012 12:35 pm EST

TDCHI: I have seen MZA as not someone I would consider fast. I am not impressed with his speed at all. But I think he is "darty" for lack of a better term. As far as him being strong on his skates? I disagree. He cannot hold position. Loses body positioning for the puck. He makes his money collecting rebounds and he cannot maintain his position. However, he does have vision and good hockey sense. One thing I think gives him a hard time is his stick length. The guy uses a defenseman's stick on a small frame. That thing is up to his forehead. He gets a lot of torque on it but he doesn't seem to have a great amount control. When he is lugging the puck, he carries the puck way too far out in front of him for my tastes and doesn't protect the puck well enough. I think his style lends itself to bigger rinks more than the NHL. In order for him to be succesful in the NHL??? I'm not sure

Fri Jan 27 2012 12:31 pm EST

Zipay blog's about available Trade options for the Rangers at the deadline... http://www.nyrangersblog.com/2012-articles/january/lots-of-trade-deadline-options-for-the-rangers.html ...A look at the Rangers prospects Part I... http://bluelinestation.com/2012/01/27/a-look-at-the-important-prospects-part-1/#more-5598

Rhet0ric

Fri Jan 27 2012 12:26 pm EST

The Slovak's all wanted to play together... That's the only reason Hank let Gabby be available for so long... Gaborik has also been talking smack about wanting to score on Hank since before they left NY... http://www.snyrangersblog.com/2012/01/27/watch-henrik-lundqvist-and-marian-gaborik-talk-after-the-all-star-draft/ ...King drafts Girardi.... http://nyrnation.net/photo-henrik-lundqvist-drafts-dan-girardi-to-team-alfredsson/ ...Gaborik talks about facing Lundqvist... http://nyrnation.net/video-marian-gaborik-talks-about-facing-henrik-lundqvist-all-star-weekend/ ...Girardi blogs from the All Star Draft... http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=5971

Rhet0ric

Fri Jan 27 2012 11:29 am EST

Gaborik went so low because Chara knew team Alfredson was not going to pick him because Gabby told Hank he wants to play against him.

Avery

Fri Jan 27 2012 11:25 am EST

GABORIK- No respect!! Guy has been unbelievable this year... I can't believe he fell to 16th round in the All Star game draft.. that is BS! No respect I say

schneidw

Fri Jan 27 2012 10:42 am EST

KIS - or as bad as the Weight for Tikanen trade...or the Amonte for Matteau trade...:)...!! I Prospal is not one of my top choices (but I can see it) and I would never deal AA for him, but let's rev down the exaggeration machine!....:)......

Hospo

Fri Jan 27 2012 10:30 am EST

NO WAY do you trade AA for Vinny. That would be known as the worst trade in Ranger history. That would be as bad as when they traded Middleton to Boston

KIS

Fri Jan 27 2012 9:48 am EST

mf.., you're one of my main men on this Wall but; c'mon man! Yeah, bring Vinny back. To be the stick boy! Straight up for Artie? Anytime you get around my way in the Lehigh Valley, hit me up. I want some of the good shit you're puffin' on son!

pa.rangersfan

Fri Jan 27 2012 9:28 am EST

mf - obviously size presents some limitations for Zuccarello. I don't think it presents nearly as many as some would suggest, because the kid is strong on his skates. Likewise, Hagelin carries his weight(or lack there of)well, I believe, largely because he is strong on his skates. He's a tough guy to move in the corner even though he does only weigh about 185 pounds...In Kreider's case, I brought up size because imagine what Hagelin would look like almost a half-foot taller and with more than 40 pounds of weight on his frame. You get a rig like that moving on the ice and it's really tough to stop it. From what I've seen, the kid can take like two strides and he's gone...but lord only knows what that'll mean when he gets to the NHL....On a side note, I had no idea Kreider had grown so much at BC...I thought he was like 6'2, 210...I'm kind of wondering if BC is BSing....although that could explain why so many fans are going apeshit over this guy.

tdchi

Fri Jan 27 2012 12:14 am EST

lol....I think Daniel Goneau had a bigger one if i remember correctly. Couldnt stop staring...

NV94

Thu Jan 26 2012 11:12 pm EST

York was indeed a favorite... As for 1000 point production: Pat Verbeek was also a favorite. (and what a beak on that guy :->>>>) ..... And TD: couple of days ago you were concerned about Hagelins size, that guys were targeting on him.... Talikin size, what about you boy MZA ? .....

Thu Jan 26 2012 11:05 pm EST

RF4L - I don't want to beleaguer the Prospal comparison, but I think we'd all be doing a happy dance if he nails almost 700 points in 1,000 games as a Ranger. Can't cry about that too hard...of course, it'd be better if he had 1,000 in 1,000...

tdchi

Thu Jan 26 2012 11:02 pm EST

Hospo - hahah...I was gonna say...it's not exactly the comparison I'd leap at...but I didn't know hardly anything about Prospal before he came here...other than that the Flyers and Lightning basically passed him back and forth...On YORK/SAVARD...man, that brings up a traumatic time in my Ranger memory...After 1994, it was like Smith KNEW which players I liked...First, it was Norstom...then I started to take a shine to Savard...and I always like Sundstrom(why I don't know) and Cloutier..BAM...all three traded in one day...But at least there was Brendl and Lundmark...how good they'd be. And of course, St. Manny...how good he'd one day be...and Smith was fired...And Yorkie was gonna be the future captain...and we had Sather, who wouldn't make dumb deals, right? Wrong......BAM...York for Pokecheck Poti....BAM...The Lindros deal...BAM...the Lyashenko deal(hated that one too)...and as if to add insult to injury, the Lundmark-for-Taffe deal...ugh...Hated all of those deals, even though the only one two that really sucked for the organization was the Norstrom and Savard deals.

tdchi

Thu Jan 26 2012 11:01 pm EST

random thoughts: Location of a franchise: Milwalkee Wisconsin not GreenBay..... The Islanders are NOT a franchise that should be moved regardless of the condiotion on the Nassau Mauseleum.... Dress a winning team and the fans WILL support that franchise.... which brings me to........ The Isles should call up New Jersey and offer to take Kovalchuk for Rolston, ($5mill this year) and pick up Alexie Yashins cap hit ($2.24 mill this year and 3 more years) and New Jerseys 1st for an Isles 2nd..... The Isles have the cap space, and seem to be close to making an ascent up the standings....Besides, NJ is in budget hell, and then they can sign Parise...... I still think we should place a call to WinnyPoo to see what theyd want for the Buffalo (Weber-light Rhet?) but at a better price...... and pa/ez yep, I would welcome back Prospal....... We have the best record in the league, with the stingiest gaa and as Brooks pointed out 2 days ago we are earning 1.4 points per game tops in the league..... I truly believe that trading for Prospal with AA going the other way is a "safe" trade for us as VinnyP knows Torts, the System, Gabby & Stepan.... Any other acquisition Does Not, and there is a learning curve that may never be learned in time.... Now if the Buff's injury in not too too bad, he could be here & healthy for the playoffs.... Our current defensemen of Bickel, Stralman, are handling third line duty amicably and getting the job done..... To trade with Winny, I'd offer AA, and prospects and picks for the guy.... heck if Winny would trade at the right price and the Byfuglien couldnt play until next year, I might still make a trade for him.......Byfuglien can turn the tempo of a game, he's an impact player.... Run with this a minute: Girardi, Stall, McDonagh, Del Zotto, Byfuglien, thats five top line pairing capable guys, with plenty of young guys fighting for spots #6 & 7.......

Thu Jan 26 2012 10:17 pm EST

TDCHI - always liked York too..gave his all...followed him at MSU...I remember him as a Ranger prospect at the same time of other smurf centers like Savard, Swnason and there was somebody else....Gotta admit though, Savard was my favorite...

Hospo

Thu Jan 26 2012 10:14 pm EST

Ummm...that Kreider-Prospal comp was just a joke for my man ez/pa.

Hospo

Thu Jan 26 2012 10:03 pm EST

TDCHI: so Kreider is Marleau... I have been mocking Kreider on the wall lately. Simply put, some players begin to develop mythical levels of skill long before they ever put on a NYR jersey. Kreider has a lot of tools, but I don't have him pegged as anything right now. I look forward to seeing him play next season whether it be in the NHL or in the Whale. I hope his tools translate. Many a player have come to the show with an unbelievable skill set only to phase themselves out. Recently, I was listening to an old interview of Michael Jordan. He explained that he wasn't most talented guy to ever play the game. But he explained how he had a "feel" for when to elevate his game and that would carry him. That feel is something that so many talents who have come and gone was missing. I hope Kreider has it.

Thu Jan 26 2012 9:45 pm EST

If Kreider ends up being Prospal II, then without a doubt, include him in any deal that brings back a legitimate top 6 youngish forward.

RF4L

Thu Jan 26 2012 8:35 pm EST

The draft tv show is soooooo awarked--the NHL sucks on putting on these type of shows,,,,,,

thedugster

Thu Jan 26 2012 8:31 pm EST

tdichi: I shared your liking of Mike York and was asddened when he was dealt - especially since I had just bought a York jersey (which I still where when I go to the Garden). Just put him on a line with Fleury or Lindros and watch how it improved.....

Ranger47

Thu Jan 26 2012 7:36 pm EST

PatrickDiv -re: CARTER..Maybe...but like I said...his underperformance ain't limited to this year. True, he still had solid seasons. But he's been somewhat of a dog ever since signing his big contract...KIS - I think KREIDER is that he is what he's always been, which is a work in progress...He has all the tools to be an impact player at the NHL level...explosive speed...great and accurate shot and decent hockey sense...but...he's also a kid that played against inferior competition during high schoo...He played prep in Mass, which is nowhere near the level of Junior A, where many of the other first-rounders are playing against each other at a very young age...So you can look at that two ways...either he's a late-bloomer as a result and will eventually pull all his talents together or that he lost years that would have taught him the up-tempo of high-level competition and will end up akin to Hugh Jessiman(who followed a similar path). I trust the former, but until you see him in a professional setting...it's tough to make the call...I will say...the last guy who I saw with his type of speed was HAGELIN...Kreider might even be faster...the big difference is that Hagelin will always be a smaller player. BC's website lists Kreider at 6'3 and 225 pounds. That kind of speed on a kid with that kind of frame and that kind of shot really is what makes fans drool so much...Hospo - PROSPAL v. KREIDER? Not a bad comparison...and frankly, I think we'll all be tickled if we get a young Prospal...I think Kreids is a bigger and faster player though...then again, I can't remember what Vinny looked like when he was a kid...Avery - It makes me sad just reading the name "York"...Mike York was perhaps my favorite Ranger...I was crushed when he was dealt...and those of you who have been here long enough will remember I wanted to bring him back when Philly put him on waivers several years ago...To this day, I wonder what happened to that guy...He was a Callahan-type player...not as skilled, but all heart. I see he's still playing in the German leagues or something...doing pretty good too...re: MARROW...that's an interesting tidbit. I'd see what they'd want.

tdchi

Thu Jan 26 2012 6:23 pm EST

Good Evening Mr.Hospo; are you here for your examination? LOL!!!

pa.rangersfan

Thu Jan 26 2012 6:17 pm EST

Actually, he reminds me of a young Vinny Prospal

Hospo

Thu Jan 26 2012 6:11 pm EST

Aves.., I'm no expert on Kreider, but from what I've seen of the kid, it's safe to say he's no Mike York!

pa.rangersfan

Thu Jan 26 2012 6:09 pm EST

I still see the Prospal love flowing. Some of you seriously need your heads examined!

pa.rangersfan

Thu Jan 26 2012 6:07 pm EST

136 goals...

Avery

Thu Jan 26 2012 6:07 pm EST

My personal take is the kid has a good shot at making it but whether he will be a star or not is anybody's guess. Most guys that are going to be lights out stars are in the NHL at his age. Let's compare him to another college superstar who had better numbers - Mike York. I know he played in a different division in a different era and all that jazz but York's first year in juniors he had 136 and 140 assists in 85 games. That right there was enough to say he was Gretzkyesque.

Avery

Thu Jan 26 2012 6:06 pm EST

KREIDER will be a hybrid of Messier, Graves, and Leetch

Thu Jan 26 2012 5:56 pm EST

I think I have seen kreider twice and what stood out to me was his speed. I didn't think he was very physical. Somebody who has watched this kid many times, is he legit or are we ranger fans being too optimistic. Shit they way some people sound he could lead us to the cup this year after he takes Boston to the NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP

KIS

Thu Jan 26 2012 5:38 pm EST

Jillson is playing in the Czech version of the AHL or the Czech tier 2 league.

Avery

Thu Jan 26 2012 4:52 pm EST

Who could forget Jesus Jillson? Kreider can out hit him.

Thu Jan 26 2012 4:46 pm EST

And yes, they spelt it wrong on the Bumper Sticker!

Hospo

Thu Jan 26 2012 4:45 pm EST

Just wait one year and we can bring out the old Espo bumper sticker, "Jesus Saves, But Kreider puts in the Reboud"...All this has gotme thinking, whatever happened to Jesus Jillson? (I'm sure most don't remeber that Wall 'myth")

Hospo

Thu Jan 26 2012 4:38 pm EST

Word is out that Brenden Morrow may be on the block also.

Avery

Thu Jan 26 2012 4:28 pm EST

DCIGolfer: Jesus couldn't out skate Kreider

Thu Jan 26 2012 4:19 pm EST

Avery-- you got to shoot it man,,,got to shoot it man,,make him understand, the net is where the it needs to land,,,if he get goals on the power play,maybe he will stay....

thedugster

Thu Jan 26 2012 4:14 pm EST

RF4L: I don't know about that....his offensive game hasn't taken off or anything, but when you look at it. In 09-10 he had .36ppg, in 10-11 it was .37ppg and this year so far its .47ppg. .10 ppg might not seem like a lot, but he is out on the ice against the other teams top players, so its less likely to be part of scoring. Also, only one Dman on his team is scoring at a higher pace than he is. the rest of the D are .39 , .37 and than way less...so its not like he is lagging far behind...

Wildcard

Thu Jan 26 2012 3:53 pm EST

Hate to say it, but sometimes I wonder if McIlrath will ever make it, let alone where he'll play next fall. I am certain the Rangers were anticipating the offensive side of his game would develop more than it has. I recall when he was drafted, Gordie Clark gushing over the fact that McIlrath, due to injuries to a primary PP QB, potted a bunch of points in the final 3rd of his draft year, and I'm certain they were expecting/hoping that would evolve. Well, to put it bluntly, it hasn't. That, I'm sure, is disappointing to management. He looks like he's purely a defensive defenseman, which, of course, isn't a bad thing. But 10th overall? For what very well may turn out to be a 5th/6th d-man, at best, isn't what they had in mind when they drafted him. Anyways, it's way too early to make a definitive prediction, but that's what's being going thru my mind lately about the kid.

RF4L

Thu Jan 26 2012 3:50 pm EST

Kreider's on a storm, he's a killer in his mode, when he shoots the net implodes, he takes no holiday, he only wants to play, on the left wing he will slide, with Step and Gabby he will ride.... Kreider's on a storm...

Avery

Thu Jan 26 2012 3:47 pm EST

Kreider sounds like a combination of Jessiman/Brendl/Dube with a splash of Hlavac and a bit of Malhotra. I hope Kreider on the storm gets here soon to lead us to the promised land.

Avery

Thu Jan 26 2012 3:27 pm EST

Carter as a RW....I am interested. As a center. no thanks. My only question is.......will he grind on the boards or will Torts plant his arse on the bench? If he buys in.........he could be the goal scorer we need. I could care less about the contract.....that is what Hartford is for. I would much rather have Parise though ;)

Bob

Thu Jan 26 2012 3:25 pm EST

RHET - OK, I'm getting it, you sure do get a Rutuu/Doan/Smyth THIS SEASON instead of a Nash/Ryan becasue of two reason...Cost and keeping the chemistry....The former, I think will improve the team, and keep the great chemistry, and at a fraction of the cost (roster players) of the latter..And I'm mainly for dealing prospects and picks......

Hospo

Thu Jan 26 2012 3:21 pm EST

RHET - I'm not saying RUTUU is an improvemnt over Dubinsky, but having them BOTH (or SMyth, Selanne, Doan instead) on the Top 2 lines improves the team a good deal IMO...Hagelin just slides down to a bottom two line.....As for the chemistry of the bottom lines, I've said many times, I'm fine with it as is (with a new LW on the 1st line) but don't think an extra forward (just say Moen for exaample) will alter the chemistry of the team and will rather make the team better (depth)..I guess my wording was just to reflect that I want winning the cup this year to be the priority and not seeing how individual players do..Ino ther word, if Rupp gives us the best chance to win, he plays!

Hospo

Thu Jan 26 2012 3:21 pm EST

Jesus H Kreider this kid is being hyped!

DCIGolfer

Thu Jan 26 2012 3:12 pm EST

E: I don't really think that Mcilrath will make the jump, probably at elast one full season in the AHL. HOWEVER, lets say at teh draft someone comes calling for Sauer, if he is 'relegated' to the third pair, maybe they look at valentenko as a guy that can do that and get some good value for Sauer....again, its all throwing darts at a wall with a blindfold trying to hit a poker chip....but its still fun to think about. But hell, next season if the Rangers can start with a D of Giradi/McD, Staal/MDZ, Sauer/Erixon I would be pleased as punch. I mean, talk about a solid group....Erixon is labeled as a top 4 guy, sauer has played like a top 4 guy for a bit now, the other 4 are top 4 guys...how many teams have 6 guys capable of being top 4? Or even 4 guys who are top 4 and two guy who are very good top 6? Many teams have 3 top 4 guys and 2 guys who are ok 3rd pairs and a guy who should be in the AHL

Wildcard

Thu Jan 26 2012 3:05 pm EST

WILDCARD: I would be very happy if McIlrath could make the NYR next season but I do not honestly see it. Assuming Erixon stays on the current development track I think there is a strong chance that he will be on the starting roster next season. The NYR will have some pleasant options coming up in the near future. They have some guys coming up that can push their way on to the roster sooner than later. And Kreider is the second coming of Gordie Howe. The upside is incredible. Hands of Gretzky, skating of Bure, physicality of Lindros. He is going to be amazing. So sayith the Shepard, so sayith the flock.

Thu Jan 26 2012 2:59 pm EST

KIS: No way would that work. Toss in the Rangers first rounder and MAYBE you'd get Howson's attention. Maybe....

RF4L

Thu Jan 26 2012 2:58 pm EST

Bowman says ‘Hawks open for business: “We’re looking to improve our team through trades" ...http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/26/bowman-says-hawks-open-for-business-were-looking-to-improve-our-team-through-trades/ ....Breaking Down Possible NHL Trade Bait (Milbury warning)... http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/26/breaking-down-possible-nhl-trade-bait/

Rhet0ric

Thu Jan 26 2012 2:57 pm EST

The only thing WW and MZA are going to get you from Columbus is Prospal.

Avery

Thu Jan 26 2012 2:57 pm EST

Avery: Good point about the Carter/Nash chemistry in that they are both goal scorers. I didn't understand that move either from that perspective, especially when you consider that from the day that franchise was born they've been searching for a valid number 1 center (Brule, Brassard, etc). They do potentially have one in Ryan Johanson, but he's only 19 and needs lots of development (and playing on that moribund team certainly can't be helping). I maintain Carter would line-up beside Richards quite nicely and I also think the worries about him being a party animal are probably overblown (but if they aren't then everyone knows anyways and the Rangers wouldn't pursue him). To me, other than the concern about what he'd cost, I think the biggest drawback is his contract. It's not the amount, but the length.

RF4L

Thu Jan 26 2012 2:40 pm EST

I would not be afraid and would be for a trade with columbus for Carter. I don't care about the contract either. After the next CBA things can change big time. Imagine putting Carter with Richards and Cally and leave Hagelin with Step and Gabby. 2 Very good lines. Dubi can play with Boyle and Prust. Or you could then use Dubi in a trade for Suter if he really is available. For Carter they should offer Wolski and MZA. WW value being the expering contract.

KIS

Thu Jan 26 2012 2:23 pm EST

The other thing about Carter is that he is a sniper and not a set up guy. Columbus was foolish to think that he and Nash would mesh. While carter is listed as a center he would be much more of a threat on the wing with a playmaker. It's quite amusing since LA could use Carter more than Richards and Columbus could use Richards more than Carter. They should just swap the two of them.

Avery

Thu Jan 26 2012 2:19 pm EST

Re: Carter, Imagine you get traded out of a town like Philly (a team that contends each year) to CBS who is absolutely putrid. I think your production would go down as well. That team is crap and his heart is not in it. Say what you will about that but I am sure whomever picks him up will get a higher level pf production (and a longer cap hit!).

PatrickDiv

Thu Jan 26 2012 2:18 pm EST

Rhet - re: CARTER...Bigtime...My relatively-uneducated take on Carter is that there's a reason he's underachieving in Columbus and a reason why he's rumored to be on the move...and it's not because he wants to be there. Certainly, he's had his injury issues. But he's also had a really bad start...the worst of his career...he's under performed in the playoffs...underpeformed in the regular season...just underperformed period for a guy who has a 46-goal season under his belt...The latest rumor I heard is that he's headed back to LA to join his good friend RICHARDS(who was the one I would have taken)...Of course, if Columbus is willing to take a bath on Carter...say a first rounder and V-Tank...I'd take a flyer on that(no pun intended)...And to contradict myself...who knows? Maybe the trip to the rust belt scared this idiot straight.

tdchi

Thu Jan 26 2012 2:13 pm EST

Word is Columbus wants the same type of return for Carter that they gave for him. They are in fantasy land. The guy has done zip all year, has been hurt and appears not to be a team guy. He's got tons of talent but so does Semin.

Avery

Thu Jan 26 2012 1:59 pm EST

Hospo... You're contradicting yourself a bit... you've said in the past that you don't want to make too many trades because you don't want to affect team chemistry... why would we replace guys on the 3rd or 4th lines when they aren't a weakness of this team? What if Hagelin is brilliant in the playoffs or Mitchell is a clutch scorer a la Matteau... But we don't know because we traded them to another team... RUUTU... How is he an improvement over Dubinsky? IMO, he's not a Top 6 guy but he's going to be paid top 6 money... you don't get him in lieu of getting a Ryan, Carter or Parise... SAUER... He suffered a setback, no one's going to touch him, unless we gave him away... TD... I like Schenn too but he'd cost a pretty penny... CARTER... I am intrigued with Carter and think he could be the cheapest option for a player of his caliber, but aren't you concerned at all that Carter might be a cancer in the locker room? It also looks like he's done a bit of sulking since he was traded.

Rhet0ric

Thu Jan 26 2012 12:35 pm EST

Also, I don't want to see him traded, it's just IMHO that of all the Dmen they have, IF Erixon and Mcilrath come in and are good, he would be the odd man out over any others.

Wildcard

Thu Jan 26 2012 12:35 pm EST

SAUER: this is a guy that is currently worth more to the NYR then what he would be worth on the market. He is not an irreplaceable player by any stretch but if he comes back, he is better than several of the current lineup. His absense hurts this team.

Thu Jan 26 2012 12:34 pm EST

Hopso: I agree. I don't think he will be back up and running in time to get anything near he 'true' value at the deadline. But I wouldn't be shocked to see him cleared for contact next week. He said he wasn't feeling well, that doesn't mean it was the head injury, he could just have had the flu, Biron ended up with it, so who knows, the Rangers haven't said enough. And from what it looks like teams are doing, if he said "I'm getting a cold" they may have shut him down just in case. So if he works out over the next few days and is 100%, and he skates on his own and is 100% and gets a practice or two in and is OK I could see things move rapidly. Its all a waiting game of course, but the next week or so will really tell the tale of how he is doing.

Wildcard

Thu Jan 26 2012 12:19 pm EST

WILDCARD - Don't see it, not the way he was just shut down...And, honestly, I'd rather hold onto him (even if questionable) then give him away for a fraction of his healthy value....Throw a pick away instead...

Hospo

Thu Jan 26 2012 12:07 pm EST

HOSPO: I didnt mean RIGHT now...I was tihnking more like, if he is cleared to play right after the break, and steps right back in to what he was doing before within a game or two, that at the deadline he could be moved. AVERY: If you were capable of seeing what I was saying you wouldn't have made such a stupid comment. IF Sauer was a UFA at seasons end, i would say that he had value there to go along with his ability to play, and a team that is rebuilding would give a good return because at the worst they would have cap space. But he isn't, he has a contract through next season. Although, said contract will make him attractive, he makes 1.2 mill per, maybe its 1.25 mill, but either way, not a lot...so if he comes right back to the game he was playing, he will be a nice inexpensive option for a team that is looking to add to their D. Rumors are that multiple teams are looking for D, the Rangers have an excess of D, and at least one will be moved I would guess...maybe that one is Sauer if the return is good enough. But I am under no illusion that a GM would trade for him before he shows he is 'back'

Wildcard

Thu Jan 26 2012 11:51 am EST

Until Sauer comes back and strings together a bunch of solid games no one is going to even make an offer. They may inquire about his health and ask when he is coming back and start discussing possible scenarios if he is healthy and shows no ill effects but that is about all.

Avery

Thu Jan 26 2012 11:49 am EST

Hospo - don't even go there... he's going to tell you how a desperate GM with a hangover and trying to move contracts and create space or get rid of someone they don't want will trade a bunch for him knowing that the Aztec calendar is coming to an end in December. We had this argument about how crusher was worth a 5-6 rounder a couple of days back. So Sauer has got to be worth a solid roster player and a couple of seconds to a drunken GM.

Avery

Thu Jan 26 2012 11:41 am EST

WILDCARD - I'm sorry, no GM in his right mind will touch Sauer right now unless he just basically a throw in...But, I've been wrong befoire

Hospo

Thu Jan 26 2012 11:31 am EST

Re Bosignian (sorry spelling) and Enstrom of the Jets: I suspect either could be had, but offensively skilled forwards have to be going the other way - the Jets single biggest issue is a lack of scoring, which really is unforgivable given the many high end draft picks they've had. Their biggest problem, IMO, from that standpoint, is their stupid practice of keeping teenagers on the team. They've done it year after year after year - only this year did they send their 1st pick back to junior (Mark Schieffle), but kept him for 9 games. Enstrom might be the answer to the inept PP QB issue...

RF4L

Thu Jan 26 2012 11:26 am EST

Hospo: If the Rangers cant trust his health, they COULD move him for a D man....not 1 for 1, but maybe AA and Sauer along with a 3rd rounder for a Dman with a little more experience and a 2nd rounder...or something like that. Maybe said Dman is 27/28 years old vs Sauer and 24 years old. Its all guess work right now...because at least right now he is worth ZERO, as is any player with a bad injury with an unknown return date.

Wildcard

Thu Jan 26 2012 11:23 am EST

Granted Sauer will never be worth what he was before this last injury. However, as I said, you add a pick in and you can get a very good player, or a couple good players back for him. Hell, Sauer straight up would fetch a high 2nd rounder from a team in need of a strong Dman. I think fans are more worried about injury history than most GMs. If a certain type of injury keeps creeping up, multiple concussions is one, having a knee problem re-occur over and over, a shoulder that pops out easy, that type of thing...now Sauer has had shoulder issues, and I guaranty that is a bigger deal to other GMs than a concussion. Yes they have been in the forefront this year, but I still think GMs know any player could get knocked out and forced to retire from one bad hit, so its always a crap shoot. It seems GMs care more about injuries due to a weak body part...like Gabby who has the same groin type injuries...even jagr had/has those. If Sauer comes back and can be a shut down force like he was when he was playing earlier this year, teams would give up a ton to get him. I don't want to see him moved until Erixon and Mcilrath are ready to step up and play very well.

Wildcard

Thu Jan 26 2012 11:18 am EST

On Sauer, I doubt any team would trade anything for him for quite a few months, at the least....Similarly, the Rangers can't count on him either perhapsy adding to thier search for some kind of defenseman...

Hospo

Thu Jan 26 2012 11:08 am EST

Chin - totally agree. SAUER, if healthy, would be a very valuable commodity...BUT...even without his concussion, he's got a long history of injury...And so did his brother...Kurt Sauer was a great defenseman. Solid crease-clearer. But he was dogged by injuries his whole career. Could be a genetic predisposition...could be bad luck...I don't know...bottom line: An injured player isn't worth much even after he comes back. That's especially the case with concussions. Isn't that why the Isles' COMEAU was waived? He suffered a concussion, came back, couldn't score and nobody wanted him?

tdchi

Thu Jan 26 2012 11:07 am EST

TDCHI - we've mauled this dead horse...Agree to disagree....With or without Moen, I like the forward lines for a PO run if they bring in a LW...

Hospo

Thu Jan 26 2012 11:02 am EST

Hospo - I don't think you can over-rate playoff/cup experience. But I think you severely under-rate the availability of it in our current lineup...Gaborik: 34 games..Callahan: 27 games.BRich: 63 games and a cup. Dubinsky: 22 games. Girardi: 32 games. Fedotenko: 88 games and TWO cups. Rupp: 43 games and a cup. Staal: 22 games. And Hank: 33 games...Del Zotto, Hagelin, Mitchell and Bickel are the only guys on the roster without ANY playoff experience(and I have a feeling the latter two won't be along for the ride anyway). The rest of the team has at least one series under their belt...Sure, MOEN has a good deal of PO experience. But enough worth bumping someone out of the lineup? Hells no.

tdchi

Thu Jan 26 2012 11:01 am EST

WILD: Until SAUER comes back and shows he's 100% over the concussion, no team is giving up close to a 'shit ton' for him. Where he sits right now, Mike Sauer has very little value, and he won't until he gets back on the ice and plays consistently at the level he did last year. Unfortunately, given the nature of concussions, none of us know if or when that will happen.

chinstrap

Thu Jan 26 2012 10:59 am EST

TDCHI - As I've said, I'll be fine with Rutuu..But I've heard that many clubs like the Bruins and the FLyers are also interested..A tough get..As for the question of who gets moved, who cares? Your top 6 COULD be Rutuu (or whoever)-Stepan-Gabby, Cally-Richards-Dubi..Then you jsut mix and match with the rest...Boyle,Prust,Fedotenko is a keeper to me ..then you have, AA with Hagelein...andlet the others rotate..and of course there will be injuries to screw everything up.......But healthy, I really like the lineup with a new LW...

Hospo

Thu Jan 26 2012 10:48 am EST

All kinds of trade rumors circulating...Dreger says CARTER is 100 percent available...but with what the BJs gave for him, they're going to want a similar return...also says RUUTU might be traded by next week, which probably means he's gonna go at a premium. I still think he's the Rangers' cheapest option to upgrade(or is it upgrate?) their top-6 lines...Again, the question come, who do you move out of the forward lines to insert a player like Ruutu? For me, it comes down to MITCHELL, RUPP and ANISIMOV. The latter two haven't done much lately...but we all know Rupp ain't going anywhere. Obviously, Ruutu is an upgrade over Mitchell...but the kid has played so good lately, it's tough to justify pine for him either...that leaves us with the thought of Anisimov...and you're not going to bench him(actually, he had a good game against the Jets)...If he's coming out of the lineup, it's to go to another team...On the defense front...Luke SCHENN is now the odd-man-out in Toronto...and he's a righty. I wouldn't want to overpay for him, but he'd make a real nice addition to the blueline.

tdchi

Thu Jan 26 2012 10:45 am EST

RHET - "In Regard to the 3rd and 4th line players, we should at least give them this years playoffs to see what we have in them"..This is where we disagree, the rest of this year is not about expereimenting or seeing what we got, it should only be about one thing, icing the best team to win the CUP (and we'll see what we have anyway!)

Hospo

Thu Jan 26 2012 9:47 am EST

td: The 'problem' coming for the decision on D is such a great thing to see. I could see a team with Giradi, Staal, McD, MDZ, Erixon, and Mcllrath. That means Sauer would be moved, or be the 7th Dman, but probably moved. They could get a S#@T TON for him, especially if they put a pick in a trade with him. Teams are always looking for D. Also, if Erixon and Mcllrath are both as good as everyone hopes, perhaps you keep Sauer and move Giradi, and get even MORE in return. Not that I want to see either moved, but that's what you get when you draft well, and 'collect' solid Dmen. The Rangers may, in a season or two, have 6 or 7 top 4 D, so they could move at least one and get a fill a need some place else. Hopefully the prospects on wing end up just as good as they hope, than they will have 'extra' players at every position, and be able to draft and trade to fill holes when they show up and be a top team for years to come.

Wildcard

Thu Jan 26 2012 8:36 am EST

Ahh..great...more CRUSHER...had two goals and a helper in five games, which is pretty sad for a guy his level playing in the AHL...the weird state I see is that he had EIGHT penalty minutes...four times what he has this year and only 10 less than he had in 63 games last season...could this mean he's playing with an edge?!? Anyway, I see no room on the team for him and he's a UFA in June...just move him for future considerations and get it over with...on ZUCCARELLO...the place he would fit like a glove is the PP. How you get him into the lineup is another thing...but I DID read somewhere that qualifying him won't cost the Rangers much of anything...something like $850,000...which means they'd be fools to NOT give him a QO...but there's been plenty of rumors that Zucc is at the 'play me or trade me' stage with the team...and really, if they don't see him in the lineup next season full-time, there's no sense in holding onto him...Many seem to throw his name around like he's an add-in bonus or a period on the trade talk dujour. I personally think the only thing holding his stock from being high is his ankle injury...As for him getting playing time...really the only solution would be to bench RUPP at this point and move MITCHELL to fourth-line center. Actually, I wouldn't mind seeing Torts roll the following: Hagelin-Stepan-Gaborik, Dubinsky-Richards-Callahan, Anisimov-Mitchell-Zucc and Feds-Boyle-Prust. Then start Zuccarello at the left point during the man-advantage...on ERIXON...I think that article is spot on. I suspect the Rangers view Erixon in the similar vain of Stepan, McDonagh, and Kreider. I don't see him going anywhere...which raises the same question I posed the other day: Then what do you do on the left side of the Ranger defense? Or does Erixon move over to the right? If so...what happens when McILRATH challenges for a spot next season?

tdchi

Thu Jan 26 2012 1:17 am EST

Not Good News... Donald Fehr ready to take on the NHL... http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=Ar4jDvTuDg0JVzmr7MMV2Dh7vLYF?slug=nc-3periods-nhl-nhlpa-cba-don-fehr-power-rankings-012512... ...Is Tim Erixon being underrated by Ranger fans? ....http://www.snyrangersblog.com/2012/01/25/note-tim-erixon-is-one-of-the-top-prospects-in-the-ahl/

Rhet0ric

Thu Jan 26 2012 1:12 am EST

Mike Millbury showing how much of a MORON he truly is... http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/rangers/2012/01/mike-milbury-just-doesnt-get-it-says-to-properly-retaliate-in-an-nhl-game-hit-the-gu

Rhet0ric

Thu Jan 26 2012 1:10 am EST

PA.... I played Street Hockey before in-line skates were invented... and we played up hill both ways!!! ....top that! :) ...Ranger Nation is doing a cool series on Ranger Trade Options... http://nyrnation.net/trade-deadline-options-tuomo-ruutu/

Rhet0ric

Wed Jan 25 2012 11:17 pm EST

MFred, you just made TD's day..... Heres hoping Crusher plays well enough to warrant some team to show an interest.......

Wed Jan 25 2012 11:13 pm EST

Great News.....Christensen is back!!!! He finished his rehab stint with the Whale!!! I can't wait to see him om the ice..........NOT!!!!!! and WW needs to be released, traded, shot, whatever....the definition of useless!!

MelvilleFred

Wed Jan 25 2012 11:08 pm EST

pa.rangersfan....that sounds amazingly like my childhood....we all had "block" teams and things did get nasty.......and as you said some of the best times of my life.....

MelvilleFred

Wed Jan 25 2012 10:32 pm EST

Rhet.., my buddies and I were old-school. We played in sneakers, not in-line skates or what-ever-hell things kids play with these days. We played in enclosed (fenced in) tennis courts and it was FULL contact. There were "gangs" on literally every court around town and we would all play each other. There were fights and shit got nasty. There were some guys that were amazing players, and I can honestly say, those were some of the best times of my life!

pa.rangersfan

Wed Jan 25 2012 10:24 pm EST

mf.., damn brother! I have absolutely no idea what your post is about but I do see some big numbers being thrown around so that works for me!

pa.rangersfan

Wed Jan 25 2012 10:21 pm EST

Hospo... At least you give Rupp some credit, there's plenty of guys that refuse to admit he is of any value... though I think they will change their tune come playoff time... In Regard to the 3rd and 4th line players, we should at least give them this years playoffs to see what we have in them... Andrei... I could see Visnovski if he were cheap. but we would owe him $5.6 Mil next year at age 36... plus, being a lefty we'd have to move McDonagh, Staal or MDZ for him... that being the case, I'd pass... PA... Street Hockey rules! ...My friends hated playing with me because I'd always hit someone in the shins with my stick.

Rhet0ric

Wed Jan 25 2012 9:29 pm EST

HOSPO: one player who I would be surprised to be with the NYR after the deadline is MZA. I just do not see where he fits into the equation at this stage of the game.

Wed Jan 25 2012 9:19 pm EST

Montreal spanking Detroit 6 - Zip, end of 2.... go figure

Wed Jan 25 2012 9:17 pm EST

Andrei: I don't see Anaheim moving into any kind of sell off mode. After an atrocious start the Ducks are now pointed in the right direction. I cannot see any kind of substantial shakeups occurring at least until the draft.

Wed Jan 25 2012 9:10 pm EST

pa/ez: You dope! ;->) With your knees youre not running the PP youre coaching it.... Naturally its an incentive laden deal.... So, we'll pay you $5000 per game for the remaining 35 games... That will get you settled in.... Incentive #1) We start you at a base of $5000, & for the first team we pass in the PP standings, you get $5000. The second team, $10,000, the third team $20,000, and we double this for every notch up you get.... Incentive #2) For every PP "Winning Goal" you will recieve $5000, and we will double that amount as we go along (after all, as we approach season end each game becomes more important) Incentive #3) Playoffs: If & as we get into the playoffs, youre base will start by averaging the highest limits you've attained with incentives #1 & #2..... Each PP goal in a "winning game" doubles the starting base that you entered the playoffs with, so if we score 2 PP goals in a winning PO game, you're cashing in .... (In Losing games in playoffs, you get only your $5000 per game base pay) Naturally, the deeper we go into the Playoffs, the more you earn. If we win the Cup, you get a bonus equal to 50% of all the money you earned..... Now stop selling yourself short ! :-)

Wed Jan 25 2012 7:54 pm EST

Watching the game last night, 2 guys impressed me. Enstrom and Bogosian. Bogosian is a beast. he has a ton of potential. Enstrom is an excellent puck mover. I doubt the Jets will be parting with either.

Bob

Wed Jan 25 2012 5:32 pm EST

Hospo, for the QB d-man, i can think of one name that certainly would be aval for the right price. Lubomir Visnovsky from Anaheim. A year away from allstar team. So far, a bad year on the bad team. 31 points on the PP last season. Better then any d-man on our team in that category. Great shot, good vision. Last time i checked, he got 1 year left on his contract, which means he will play for the contract next season. Always positive in my book. Don't think he will cast a farm to get. Certainly will much cheaper then Webber or Sutter, which for the record, don't think will be available.

andrei

Wed Jan 25 2012 5:17 pm EST

mf.., I was quite the set-up man in my heyday on the soccer field! Played lots of street hockey also back then but NEVER laced 'em up. What's the going rate for a P/P QB these days anyway? I think I might be able to handle it on a modest 6-fig salary!

pa.rangersfan

Wed Jan 25 2012 4:39 pm EST

Unless Buff wants out, I don't think Winnipeg will move him. My understanding is that they like the outlook of their blueline with Enstrom-Buff, and that young former high draft pick kid. But there has also been rumors of him wanting out -- who knows what will happened.

Ola

Wed Jan 25 2012 3:59 pm EST

pa/ez: I hear there's a job opening to run our PP.... submit your resume son! ;-)

Wed Jan 25 2012 3:51 pm EST

I wonder if Winnipeg would be interested in Wolski for Tanner Glass. Glass has a big body and uses it well and is responsible defensively. He is also not afraid to drop them when necessary and would be a pretty good pick up for a cup run as he fits in totally with our style of play. He would also open up some cap space for an addition of a top 6 forward.

Avery

Wed Jan 25 2012 3:21 pm EST

If I wanted to cover every hole and insure depth for a Cup run, hers the wish list - one of Smyth/Doan/Rutuu/Selanne, a PP qb (are there any options?), Hal Gill or a reasonable or better facimilie and, for giggles and grins, Travis Moen.....Going the other way? Who the hell knows! Wolski, MZA Valatenko, Borque Picks and at least one player we don't want to give up....Interesting days ahead to see what Sather does...andwhat the costs are like

Hospo

Wed Jan 25 2012 3:12 pm EST

RHET/pa.rangersfan - Without a doubt, the Rangers need to be thinking first about that top 6 LW and a PP QB..but I'm fine with it if they ALSO (not instead) bring in a guy like MOEN..Shows me they are going balls to the wall for it, and that's what I want...Next year or the year after, who knows if The King, Gabby and Richards all will be healthy at the same time......pa.rangersfan - I don't like RUpp, but he has done his job quite well...Need to keep him..But Moen is a much better player IMO..

Hospo

Wed Jan 25 2012 2:53 pm EST

mf.., my job was "eliminated" in August.

pa.rangersfan

Wed Jan 25 2012 2:52 pm EST

I could definitely see Ruutu or perhaps Boyes(is he soft?) I still don't get the Prospal love? I would not take Rupp, Prust, or Mitchell out of the line-up for him.

pa.rangersfan

Wed Jan 25 2012 2:49 pm EST

Per Darren Dreger via Twitter... More productive trade discussions this week among teams which means next week might see some action. Not surprising..many teams after D-men.

Rhet0ric

Wed Jan 25 2012 2:43 pm EST

Rhet..,once again, correct sir! And for the record, what is Rupp not doing to finally get some respect on this Wall?

pa.rangersfan

Wed Jan 25 2012 2:43 pm EST

Players the Rangers should acquire at the deadline... http://bluelinestation.com/2012/01/25/players-the-rangers-should-try-to-acquire-and-three-things-to-fix/

Rhet0ric

Wed Jan 25 2012 2:36 pm EST

JMO... When looking at what we need to make this team a cup contender, the absolute last thing we need is a 3rd or 4th line forward... we have to address NEEDS not go after guys we covet... although if you can address a need with a guy you covet that's just a plus.

Rhet0ric

Wed Jan 25 2012 2:32 pm EST

According to Boston.com (The Boston Globe), the decision by Tim Thomas to not join his teammates at the White House on Monday may be the first step towards the Stanley Cup champions and their Conn Smythe Trophy winner eventually parting ways. An article on the website notes that both GM Peter Chiarelli and Cam Neely were disappointed in Thomas' decision to decline the invitation in Washington. The 37-year-old's no-movement clause expires at the end of the season, and with the emergence of back-up Tuukka Rask, Thomas could bring a strong return on the trade market.

Rhet0ric

Wed Jan 25 2012 2:31 pm EST

Moen is a good player. The Rangers need someone to play instead of Rupp in the playoffs when fighting goes away. Moen would be the perfect guy. He skates well and was awesome on the Ducks checking line (With Samuel Pahlsson) when they won the cup. He and Gill would be decent additions for the cup run, but neither addresses the finisher we need and are missing.

Bob

Wed Jan 25 2012 1:41 pm EST

Pittsburgh Penguins forward James Neal will replace Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin in the NHL All-Star game on Sunday. Ovechkin backed out of the game after he was issued a three-game suspension from the league for a hit on an opponent.

RF73

Wed Jan 25 2012 1:35 pm EST

Do you guys have jobs ? ;-) Holy Shite the productivity at the worplace is going through the (fill in the blank)

Wed Jan 25 2012 1:34 pm EST

pa.rangersfan - No fever...Nor am I on drugs or taking bodacious bong hits like some around here...:)..I honsetly thougth Moen was a little older, like him even better..and,wow, look at his stats,,,,almost 10 goals by mid season...More goals and better GPG then Boyle, Fedotenko, Prust, Mitchell, and others.. .not bad for a 1-dimensioonal slug 4th liner checker/defender.....Hmm, maybe alot of Rangers are wearing pairs of Dancing Larry's dirty undies...

Hospo

Wed Jan 25 2012 1:16 pm EST

Since everybody is chatting him up. And look at the age. Under 50! Hospo, do you have a fever?Travis Moen #32 - LW/RW Montreal Age: 29 DOB: 1982/04/06 POB: Swift Current, Sask, Canada Height: 6-2 Weight: 215lbs Shoots: L NHL Seasons: 7 Drafted by Calgary in 2000 (5/155).

pa.rangersfan

Wed Jan 25 2012 1:13 pm EST

Some lite reading from TSN - TRADECENTRE: TUESDAY'S RUMOURS FROM AROUND THE NHL

pa.rangersfan

Wed Jan 25 2012 12:42 pm EST

E - Thanks for writing what i didn't feel like on Moen.You just have to remember that age and experience are a bad thing to too many people around here......Anyway,we just agree on way too much..I'd be worried if I was you...

Hospo

Wed Jan 25 2012 12:34 pm EST

if this TEAM can stay healthy and get a pp by the playoffs, they will go far. ....so far good job by alll......( swallow)......

stevielegs

Wed Jan 25 2012 12:27 pm EST

puckyou... I have to say that the last PP looked different to me... Richards was moving around from the point to the like he did in Dallas and I have to say it was the best looking Power Play I have seen in a long time from the Rangers(which doesn't say much)... hopefully he continues it in the 2nd half... Congrats to Hagelin on being selected to the Rookie All Stars... The Rangers are still struggling to score, IMO, they should've had at least 2 more goals last night... The Jets were clearly outmatched last night.

Rhet0ric

Wed Jan 25 2012 12:17 pm EST

Trade Rumors... Erixon for Suter?... http://www.nyrangersblog.com/2012-articles/january/trade-rumors-erixon-for-suter-moving-wolski-a-nhl-interest-in-avery.html... ...NY Ranger Blogger Trade Deadline Round table... http://puckcentral.blogspot.com/2012/01/nyr-blogger-round-table-trade-deadline.html...

Rhet0ric

Wed Jan 25 2012 12:16 pm EST

TDCHI: ok here is my take on Moen. It's the attrition factor and the experience factor. Being that they are such a young team that right now I have some concern going into the playoffs. Guys like Richards and Fedetenko have made deep runs in the playoffs but outside of that? The pickings become slim when it comes to deep playoff runs. Last year in the playoffs a few NYR became vapor locked. They just were behind on the play and were standing around too much. I think that they were overwhelmed by the tempo and their ability to impose their will was offset by a Capitals team that pushed back AND took over the physical aspects of the game. This was to the point that ONLY the Boyle line was going. For whatever reason Boyle was unfazed by the whole thing. He doesn't have talent however. He wins key face offs and takes the play down low to the boards and doesn't produce much at all (even when he draws penalties the PP is a joke.) As we enter the post season, I want a couple of inexpensive, potentially short-term guys who have been there and know what it takes. If the young and inexperienced grinders start to lock up I want some guys who I know can step in and play. They don't have to be awesome but size and physicality is a desirable trait. Someone who can flank Boyle and Fedetenko on short shifts or fill in with Rupp on the 4th. Moen, is no superstar. But he is also serviceable. I do not believe that he should be THE target neccesarily, but he does fit the bill. If the NYR were able to acquire (I still have a man crush on Doan although a long shot) and a player LIKE Moen my post season shopping list would almost be complete.

Wed Jan 25 2012 12:06 pm EST

Dancing Larry's dirty undies are worth less than Crusher.

Avery

Wed Jan 25 2012 11:59 am EST

TDCHI - First off, I have never advocated going after MOEN, but I 'll gladly take him....The POs are a war and there will be injuries,,and players like Mitchell , AA and others MIGHT wilt....,Even if we have Prust, Feds and Boyle I'll take that one dimensional big, physical grinder/checker of yours that has been through long PO wars at least two times..To each their own...

Hospo

Wed Jan 25 2012 11:39 am EST

Hospo - Sorry, I disagree. MOEN is a one-dimensional grinder. His heyday was when he was in the cup finals with the Ducks. He's a fourth liner on a very bad Canadiens team. I wouldn't trade Dancing Larry's dirty undies for him. He does nothing for a team that already has grinders like Boyle, Prust and Fedotenko...all of whom bring more to the table than Moen ever did.

tdchi

Wed Jan 25 2012 10:57 am EST

TDCHI - For the POs, MOEN over MITCHELL any day of the week, despite that all-world goal last night,,, but i still keep Mitchell........REST of THE SEASON - You can't deny the the record and results of the Defense...no matter how much I worry about and would like a 3rd pair Physical D-man (especially given Sauer's condition)...That would purely be a luxury or depth item, as would any 4th line change.......But , in the PO, where goals are at a premium you still can't deny the need for a top 6 winger and a PP QB...Sather must try to address both, but I don't see either being a big kahuina...Anything else would be gravy...In any event, looks like we are in for a hell of a ride the rest of the year

Hospo

Wed Jan 25 2012 10:52 am EST

I didn't say he would ruin the team I said that Torts would not like him coming to camp 30-40 lbs overweight like he did in Winnipeg along with his DUI on a boat. He may change his ways but so far has not given any indication that he would.

Avery

Wed Jan 25 2012 10:40 am EST

Read in todays ny-snoozeday that Byfulien missed his 15th game due to lower body injury, I'd still trade for him, and any deal where I/we give up a 1st round pick, I'd want a 2nd comin back....Avery, I don't buy that a player on this team is going to ruin it partying. There are no shortages of places to get phucked up in nyc... Eventually you're gonna burn out, you can't win partying

Wed Jan 25 2012 10:11 am EST

Hagelin headed to the ASG as a rookie injury replacement.

Wildcard

Wed Jan 25 2012 10:02 am EST

mf - BYFUGLIEN has crossed my mind more than once...IMO, he would be to this Ranger team what CHARA is to the Bruins...maybe not as good defensively, but boy would it be nice to have his blast from the point on the PP...And as we saw in the 2010 Cup finals, Buff is also a great asset to have in front of the net. You could easily move him to a third-line forward spot if need be necessary and simply park him in front of the net...Not sure where his work ethic stands...there have been 'unflattering reports' let's say...but otherwise, he's really the quintessential Tortorella-type player: Aggressive, hard-hitting, American-born with a serious edge to his game. And at 26, he's already got a cup ring...But with all that said, I think the one chance to jump on the Buff Bus was back in 2010 before it departed to Atlanta...The Thrash-Jets basically traded a first rounder, two second rounders, a guy they were never going to sign and a minor league plugger for Byfuglien, Eager, Sopel and a prospect...For the Rangers, that would have meant JT Miller, Werek and Thomas, plus Jokinen and Parenteau for the trio and a minor league plugger.,,But alas, I think even the players you listed probably wouldn't get it done for the Jets...I think they see Buff as a core player...One other minor thing: I don't expect ERIXON to be going anywhere in any deal...Not so soon after they acquired him. Remember, many scouts were regarding him as one of the top Swedish defensmen not in the league...and mentioning him in the same breath as LARSSON on the Devils...he was projected to go 10th overall if he went back into the draft, which would have been right behind Boston's Dougie Hamilton...Avery - I would have the same concerns...but if the Jets showed interest, something could easily be worked out regarding the salary cap. If you throw WOLSKI into that equation instead of Erixon, you basically have a cap-wash...But again, I think there's two chances the Rangers get Buff: Slim and none. Hey, he's a free agent in like half a decade...

tdchi

Wed Jan 25 2012 9:42 am EST

Byfuglien makes too much money and would not be happy under Torts as he likes to eat and party himself into oblivion in the off season.

Avery

Wed Jan 25 2012 9:30 am EST

td: I remember reading something at the time Mitchell was moved, that the leafs were doing it to give him a shot, that they thought he could play in the NHL but was not going to be a top 6 guy, and they had more than enough players for the bottom 6 who they were happy with and were ahead of him on the depth chart. So unless it was just BS PC crap it seems that they liked him, and liked him enough to get him moved to give him a new opportunity.

Wildcard

Wed Jan 25 2012 9:30 am EST

Funny how things go round in circles in this life, so here goes: Our targeted right handed, shoot from the point, menacing defenseman should be Dustin Byfuglien ....... http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8470834 ...... I believe the guy lead all dmen in shots on goal last year and "WE" bang in rebounds as good as anyone. (problem is we dont create enough shots, which in turn leads to rebounds.... A month or so ago I posted an article quoting Blabberrella stating the best pass is a rebound") ..... So hypothetically, we entice WinnyPoo to trade us the big guy, include AA the other way with say Erixsen, VTank, maybe our 1st, through in MZA if it gets the deal done...... We replace AA with Vinny Prospal, and we go the distance with THAT lineup unless something additional falls in our lap along the way..... The Buffalo is signed for four more years after this one at $5.2 which is very in line & manageable for us, and no insult to Staal or any other player currently on our roster..... http://www.capgeek.com/charts.php?Team=7 ........ We are a big squad as it is, we're even bigger with, "The Buffalo!" ......."Take me to, The Cup!"

Wed Jan 25 2012 9:27 am EST

RF4L: I think with Staal it had to do with the other 4 D playing well. The other two pairs were solid, and Bickle didn't play all that well, so he wasn't getting that much ice time, so Staal was held back a bit. However, he looked pretty good when he was out there...I also wonder if Torts was getting a jump on the long break this weekend, to get Staal some rest that he probably needs since he had such a long lay off. I noticed that some forwards didn't play as much as usual either, the 4th line played more, partly because they played well, but I think also, Torts wanted to get guys rest started early since the game was going well.

Wildcard

Wed Jan 25 2012 9:25 am EST

Just some other thoughts on the game...Man, the Jets play physical. I think that was a harder-hitting game than the one against Boston...Does anyone else care to substitute MOEN for MITCHELL yet? I gotta say, for a guy I assumed to be sort of a Newbury-and-or-Deveaux-type fill-in, he's really done everything in his power to carve out a spot on this team. Can't sneeze at 11 points in 29 games for a guy. Kind of surprised the Leafs ditched a strong two-way center like that for next to nothing...Looks like BICKEL isn't going to be around much longer...Or at least not in the lineup...EMINGER taking contact now and expected to be back by next month...Bickel logged a team-low 5:43 yesterday in what wasn't exactly a tight game...anyone else cringe when BOYLE went down? Good to see his mates come over and help him off the ice though.

tdchi

Wed Jan 25 2012 9:13 am EST

Brian2/RF4L - Everything's OK with STAAL healthwise, according to Carp. Sounds like it's a matter of playing the best hand and as some have mentioned here, Staal still doesn't seem like he's 100 percent, whether that's a factor of the concussion or just his overall conditioning. We often forget that everyone on the team has three months of play under their belt, while Staal has about three weeks(not including the two when he started practicing).

tdchi

Wed Jan 25 2012 9:10 am EST

puck - yeah, the man-advantage yesterday was brutal. Positively nothing good to say about it. At 14.1 percent, the Rangers are now in sole ownership of 25th in the league on the PP. Their figures on the road are even worse...in 163 chances, they have 23 goals...Now want to hear something ironic? The third best PP in the league right now is Edmonton under RENNEY!...anyway, I don't know what the solution is...I'd love to see ZUCCARELLO get a recall(if and when he's healthy)...and maybe get a start to try him on the PP. But we have this wonderful conundrum of 'who do you bench' now...And I really can't identify anyone.

tdchi

Wed Jan 25 2012 9:09 am EST

Through nine periods of play this season, the Jets have simply not been able to measure up to the New York Rangers....... Jets Snapshots: Jets, Rangers light-years apart....... http://www.winnipegsun.com/2012/01/24/jets-snapshots---jets-rangers-light-years-apart

Wed Jan 25 2012 9:07 am EST

R4FL: Was at the game. I did notice Stralman played a lot and seemed to be playing very well. Perhaps given that he just kept MDZ-Stralman together and McD-Girardi together. Did not see much of Bickel.

Brian2d

Wed Jan 25 2012 9:02 am EST

Didn't see the game, but sounds like the boys played well and this certainly is the right way to go into the all-star break. Read that Staal played only 12 minutes. Any noticeable reason or was it simply because the team overall played well and Tortorella was simply managing Staal's minutes....

RF4L

Wed Jan 25 2012 7:05 am EST

Would be interesting to see if anyone ever had this record with such an awful power play. Imagine a 25% pp to go with the 5-on-5 and pk NYR have. It's not personnel - I saw Richards QB in Dallas- it needs a reorg over the break. Still- id rather be strong at even strength, but pp is almost embarrassing

puckyou

Wed Jan 25 2012 5:50 am EST

Only downer: The Rangers went 0 for 4 on the power play and are 3 for 42 on the advantage the past 17 games. ... that's 7.1% & that will not get it done during a long playoff run.

RF73

Tue Jan 24 2012 10:51 pm EST

Just back to my hotel from the Garden. Other than the fact that it seemed Winnipeg had the puck an awful lot, nice effort. We sure do block a ton of shots. Callhan had a wide open shot, and instead passed to Richards for the third goal. Richards sure looked relieved. The new parts of the Garden are very nice, including the new West balcony. Nice to see a win, and to go to the break on a positive result.

Bob

Tue Jan 24 2012 10:41 pm EST

Should have destroyed them. Pavelec played pretty big though. Hank was amazing and our power play is horrendous. Everyone who gets the puck seems like they are afraid to do anything with it. Richards made a couple of nice plays but still looks lost for the most part. I hope he gets it together after the all star break.

Avery

Tue Jan 24 2012 9:42 pm EST

Excuse my math: Our Gaa is 2.0425531 per game

Tue Jan 24 2012 9:35 pm EST

BTW: Boston lost to the Craps 5 -3...... yeah baby

Tue Jan 24 2012 9:35 pm EST

Rangers win 3 - zip ! Excellent job, wish I could have seen the game.. Cally/Mitchel/Richards score for the Rangers... We held Winny to 22 shots, got stuff... As Avery pointed out, we now have the lowest GAA's in the league, 2.1087 goals against per game.... Lets Go Defense! Lets Go Rangers! Sweet :-)

Tue Jan 24 2012 8:41 pm EST

The Green Bay team is the Gamblers. I saw them a few times. Just basic minor league hockey, players setting the nets. I'd love a team in Wisconsin but the population in Green Bay is only 100 k / about 250 k in the county. Even pulling from Appleton and surrouning cities (45 minutes away) you are up to 375 k. To fill an arena of prob 20 k + you need 5 percent of the population every night. Easy to do for football for 8 games, not so for hockey. Good thing there isn't a Wisconsin team, because then I'd have to split allegiances. As long as I am posting - I don't think it matters much who we could bring in to help the power play. If everyone stays stationary and putz around with the puck, Gretzky and Orr wouldn't be able to help us.

CHICAGORANGER

Tue Jan 24 2012 8:24 pm EST

anyone have a link to the game?? is it on the tube ?? thank you

Tue Jan 24 2012 8:10 pm EST

Haven't seen this much Wall love since the early 2000s. Appreciate the responses. Back to our guys, I'm a huge fan of what Torts has done this year, one of the few things I can't understand is why he hasn't given the Boyle-Feds-Prust line much of a chance. At the least, BB and Prust seem to feed off each other. They just had a good shift after being thrown together after the PP. Hopefully when Richards gets his stuff together BB can go back to the 3rd line, where he belongs.

chinstrap

Tue Jan 24 2012 8:05 pm EST

We should play a drinking game where we drink every time Boyle hits the crossbar or post.

Rhet0ric

Tue Jan 24 2012 7:42 pm EST

Is it terrible to say I think we should've scored another goal in that period?

Rhet0ric

Tue Jan 24 2012 7:10 pm EST

Chin... Well put, the only thing I will add is that he owed it to the fans. I had a big kick out of the Rangers going to the White House, it's that last hurrah to being champions... I'm sure the younger fans get an even bigger kick out of it... it's a shame that their talking about this instead.

Rhet0ric

Tue Jan 24 2012 6:46 pm EST

Now onto better things: Anyone have a link to tonight's game?

tdchi

Tue Jan 24 2012 6:45 pm EST

chin - Agree 100 percent. My first beef is with the line he drew between himself and the team and my second beef is with the way he did it. I mean, what the hell did he think was going to happen? Had he just shut his trap and gone to the white house...there probably wouldn't have even been a story about it...or better yet...why didn't he go to the WH and state exactly what he posted on Facebook? I just think it was classless all around. And I don't blame the media for picking on him.

tdchi

Tue Jan 24 2012 6:39 pm EST

Aves.., right on brother! If this causes any kind of separation in the Room; keep runnin' it Timmy!

pa.rangersfan

Tue Jan 24 2012 6:36 pm EST

chin.., spot on post! I didn't want to comment on Thomas since I'm such a homer for the Rangers I could care less what anybody on any other Team does tbh. I will say this since it is apparent most of us here are all around the same age and most have participated in some form of "Team" sport at some point. The one thing that we were taught at very young ages was to always be about "Team." No one individual was bigger than the "Team." Sure, their was, and will always be, the "A" list guys but even those players had to stay within the parameters of the "Team" and it's concept. I have not seen or read a single report about the Bruins going to the WH. I think that says it all.

pa.rangersfan

Tue Jan 24 2012 6:25 pm EST

And management has gone on record that Thomas marches to his own drum. The funny thing is that there was a conversation on here a while back where some of the people condemning Thomas' actions made a point to say most goalies in the NHL are batshit crazy and do their own thing and people let it go and ignore them and let them do their thing because they are out there. Yet when it comes to political beliefs all that gets thrown out the window because someone wants to infuse their political beliefs against his. I personally don't see it as a big deal. If his team mates do then great because that means it may cause a rift in the locker room of a rival that we will have to get through to win the cup.

Avery

Tue Jan 24 2012 6:20 pm EST

should have read Thomas did 'not' call the media

Avery

Tue Jan 24 2012 6:20 pm EST

It's a little difficult to compare this to Avery's sloppy seconds comments because Avery while not in uniform called an impromptu press conference with the media specifically with the intent of making a scene and denigrating another player. Thomas did call the media together to make a statement he was pressed about it by them.

Avery

Tue Jan 24 2012 6:17 pm EST

chin - I agree with you completely. What we don't know is if he talked to his team mates about it. The only reason he made a facebook post about it from my understanding is that he was badgered by the media and he finally said I'll let you know how I feel about it personally on my facebook page and not in an interview to the media. Could he have handled it better, maybe, but he probably doesn't have a pr guy running around telling him stuff like that.

Avery

Tue Jan 24 2012 6:12 pm EST

Chinstrap - Bingo...100% ..make us clueless jackasses proud!! Have read a few articles from Boston writers with the same perspective, regardingt the team, Thomas as an individual, etc.. (nothing to do with politics)

Hospo

Tue Jan 24 2012 6:02 pm EST

TDCHI/AVERY: I think both of you are right and wrong. As I'm sure you'll think the same of what I'm about to say. The first point is that its a free country and Thomas can and should say what he wants. I don't necessarily agree that he shouldn't say or do something because he represents the Bruins. Obviously if you go way past the line, then you're in trouble and the team can punish you. But I also don't agree that the reason people are coming down on him is because of politics. I know from the articles I've read and people I've spoken with, a lot of Republicans have condemned what he did. Here's the reason I HATE what he did: he took away from the team. This is a day about what the Bruins did last year, not about politics. What Thomas did completely overshadowed his TEAM on a day when it was all about team. And while the B's knew in advance, it wasn't on them to publicize this. If Thomas wanted to not have Tim Thomas be the main event on the day the B's visited the White House, he had plenty of time to get it all out there before hand, instead of letting it become a circus when he didn't show up. That's on him, not the B's. I just think he drew a line between himself and the team by doing what he did, and I'm sure many don't agree with that. As some have said, if he really wanted to be 'political' or make a stand or do something to affect change, he could've told the President how he felt in person, something 99.9% of Americans never have the chance to do. And if he wanted to tell the public he said it after he left, that's his right. But he'd be doing that while still being a good teammate and not overshadowing his guys on a day that is 100% about team. He made it about Tim Thomas.

chinstrap

Tue Jan 24 2012 5:51 pm EST

Avery - You're not an NHLer. Thomas is...His statements reflect upon the franchise. How do you think they would have gone over with the league if he said "I hate (racial slur)." Yeah. Suspended by the Bruins. Suspended by the league. Doesn't matter if he really hates those people. It matters that he said them and he's a rep of the team...Just like Avery with his 'sloppy seconds' comment. He wasn't wearing a Stars uniform when he said it. But golly, that didn't matter. And I simply don't remember Richter saying anything political as a Ranger. Certainly afterward...but he was retired by then. If you're an athlete, you represent your team 24-7. If you don't like it, quit and become an activist.

tdchi

Tue Jan 24 2012 5:42 pm EST

MF - I think Green Bay has or had a minor league team (the Ramblers??) only becasue I remember the Rangers having a few former famr hands that played there (Jake Taylor, Nate Guenin, Joey Crabb?)--I'm amazed that the latter two have stuck in the NHL al ittle)..

Hospo

Tue Jan 24 2012 5:34 pm EST

Big deal, I have goofy pictures of me on my Facebook page in a Rangers jersey. That doesn't mean I represent the Rangers there. The media is making a big deal about it because they for the most part disagree with his beliefs and not because it was a big deal. The guy has every right to make a statement and stand up for what he believes in whether he is right or wrong, just as you have the right to disagree with his statement. Avery was called New York Rangers' forward because that is exactly what he was at the time. And Richter did make his political beliefs well known on more than one occasion and no one made a huge deal of it. It is only now that the country has become much more partisan and divisive that anything anyone does or says is blown out of proportion and made into an us against them argument.

Avery

Tue Jan 24 2012 5:14 pm EST

Wild: How about Greenbay Wisconsin for a franchise? Doesn't Wisconsin have a well respected collegiate program ? Bet those tough football fans would support an NHL hockey team..... Just playing geography with ya....

Tue Jan 24 2012 5:06 pm EST

Ola – Agree 100 percent on Thomas...Even disregarding what he said, he disrespected his team by not joining them in the White House during a TEAM event. As far as I know, all the other Bruins were there. Thomas sought special approval from Charelli, who is a jackass for giving it too him in the first place...What makes it worse is that Thomas staged a weak-ass “release” of his statement long after the appearance in the WH so he could set the stage for even more political BS. And like I said...if he's going to trump the values of the U.S. Constitution, why doesn't he practice what he preaches and allow his critics to weigh in on his decision? I'll tell you why: Because he's a POS ass-clown who makes statements that generate such a buzz and then hides in a corner refusing to back them up. He's a pansy schmuck who made a political point more important than his team....Avery – So your saying your nomenclature didn't reflect on the Rangers when he came out in favor of gay marriage? Or in his opposition of the west Penn. Pipeline? Did papers just identify him as Sean Avery, or did they call him New York Rangers forward Sean Avery? Bottom line is, if Tim Thomas doesn't have the Bruins, he's a nobody for 90 percent of America excluding Massachusetts. And BTW...if you go on the schmuck's Facebook page, all he has there is goofy pictures of him in Bruins jersesy...so I really don't see how you can possibly make the point that his BS statements don't reflect on the team. The guy needs to deflate his ego and realize that if he wants to go into political activism...maybe he should give up hockey...Another example...You didn't hear Mike Richter stumping for his political causes while he was in net...and yet he's considered someone who will eventually be tapped for congress whenever he's read to run.

tdchi

Tue Jan 24 2012 4:59 pm EST

He also informed the team and ownership 3 months ago that he would not be going so it's not like he woke up and said screw it I'm not going. If they would have had a major problem with it they would have let him know in no uncertain terms that he is obligated to go. Ownership and the GM decided to respect his right not to go.

Avery

Tue Jan 24 2012 4:30 pm EST

Bottom line is the trip was obviously not mandatory and he chose not to go. He did not make an official statement representing the team in any way he made a post on his facebook page which has nothing to do with the Boston Bruins or the NHL. Everyone who happens to disagree with his stance is making a big deal out of it simply because they disagree with his politics.

Avery

Tue Jan 24 2012 4:22 pm EST

Maybe Tim Thomas has strarted something. What would the response be if all the Europeans in the league left the ice when the national anthems were being played as that does not reflect their national origins?

gene_carr

Tue Jan 24 2012 4:20 pm EST

I'll refer from commenting on Thomas since I think it's impossible to do so without putting value on what he said, an that doesnt belong on this board. I know for example that the Swedish coach of the US women soccer team refused to go to meet Bush stating that sports and politics didn't belong together (while being an lesbian and as a Swede (and lesbian) I guess she was pretty left wing) and I didn't mind it then, if I condem Thomas now I do it for his view not his actions. Pia Sundhag, who refused to meet Bush, at least also refused to meet Obama too the last time they won... I want to say this though, I do think it would have been honorable by TT do not go BUT to refer to personal reasons not hold a campaign speech. Because when he speaks he does so as a Bruin, NHLer, member of the PA and what not, not as TT the individual who anyone cares where he stands politically.

Ola

Tue Jan 24 2012 4:14 pm EST

Lets look at another business model. The US Government. They set rules for everyone and don't have to follow them themselves. Can't blame a guy for having an opinion on that. 99% of the team are not American so obviously they couldn't care less about making a statement on the issue.

Avery

Tue Jan 24 2012 4:05 pm EST

YES they should be mandated to go to the all-star game. ABSOLUTELY. They should have no say in it whatsoever. The all-star game is part of their job. You seem to (as do many) confuse playing for a professional sport team and league with their personal lives and agendas. That argument makes no sense to me. They are paid ridiculous amounts of money by their employer to play a game and fulfill the tasks placed upon them. They use the media to publicly piss and moan to the point that it just isn't worth the NHL forcing the issue. Its ridiculous. Political agendas are only within his power because he is hamstringing his team and the league as athletes can in today's day and age. He is the talent. And he is relatively irreplaceable. And that is why he can do this. This is something that the league lost control of a long time ago. Look at another business model: the UFC. They hold their fighters to standards they set. They break them? See ya!!! Go find somewhere else to fight. So sorry.

Tue Jan 24 2012 3:45 pm EST

DUGSTER - Just busting your chops..Think he's a dick for not going for his etated reason, but to each their own...At least Pujlos and LaRussa had pressing matters to attend to when they turned it down..:)

Hospo

Tue Jan 24 2012 3:43 pm EST

RF4L: you know??? I agree with you. It is about winning. But one of the conundrums is, 'the initial placement of a franchise opening or a relocation due to financial reasons, and/or opening of a new market.' Well, when it is not fiscally solvent it is sold to new owners and its been my observation that many of these owners have no idea on how to turn the franchise into a winner. Either they don't have the money or commercial opportunities to attract big name players, or they can't draft to save their lives. When they don't win, they put the team up for sale. It becomes a vicious cycle of impotence year in and out. Fortunately, most of these have a nice arena. But look at a team like the Isles. They lack the arena. They lack the ability to produce a winner. They lack good ownership. By all accounts they would like to get out and cut their losses. Ultimately, their only option is likely to move. And where will they end up going? Likely a new market. And honestly, I don't want the Isles to leave. There is too much tradition to just throw away. And their fans are good fans but even a NY team withers under year after year of impotence. It sucks.

Tue Jan 24 2012 3:42 pm EST

Hospo---I didnt hear him saying anything is he a mime?,,,,but yes and yes to your questions,,,,,,and if you feel strongly about scream louder,,,lol

thedugster

Tue Jan 24 2012 3:40 pm EST

E-Idont think he is the first guy to say no to the WH--seems I remember something like this in the past------If it pisses you off thats kool you have the right to be mad and boo and whatever,,,,its a free country----I dont think people will boo him very much,,,,,but they have a right to BOO HIM......mY POINT IS NOBODY SHOULD BE FORCED TO DO ANYTHING THEY ARE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH,,,......He didnt tell the team not to go,,,he chose his own free will and make a decision for his life,,,I think the guy has balls,,,I want to beat him everytime we play against him but this was a decision he made and he will live with it,,,BUT NOBODY SHOULD BE MANDATED TO GO TO ANYTHING,,I was very upset with the league when they fined guys for not attending the allstar game,,that was their right,,,,,,,,,

thedugster

Tue Jan 24 2012 3:37 pm EST

So everyone in a union is required to vote for who the union wants them to?

Avery

Tue Jan 24 2012 3:37 pm EST

DUGSTER - Wait a minute, I t hought you were saying that as Thomas hs his right to be a dick, we have the right t o say anything we want about him...if we are right or wrong, doens't matter!

Hospo

Tue Jan 24 2012 3:36 pm EST

DUGSTER - Wait a minute, I t hought you were saying that as Thomas hs his right to be a dick, we have the right t o say anything we want about him...if we are right or wrong, doens't matter!

Hospo

Tue Jan 24 2012 3:34 pm EST

E- If his boss is ok---if his teamates are ok,,,NOBODY has any RIGHT to say otherwise,,,,If you want t boo him guess what thats your right and I would defend your rights as well........

thedugster

Tue Jan 24 2012 3:30 pm EST

thedugster: it has nothing to do with his "right" and living in a free country. But look at it from another angle as well. He is employed ultimately by a company (NHL.) He is expected to represent his employer in the best light possible. If part of your employment also implied (required) you to be a good soldier and represent the company in its best light and you defiantly choose not to? Well in most business' you would be shitcanned for it. In the NHL its a little different because there is a public, a union, and a media. This gives him leverage to do these things. Just because you can get away with doing something doesn't mean you should do it. Do you think for one second Thomas' being vocal about not going to the WH is sitting well at the NHL offices right now? You think they wouldn't love to dump this guy and publicly ostracize him for this? Of course they would. But they can't and that is why Thomas got away with it and he knew he could. It doesn't have anything to do with me feeling some kind of sense of piety. It was a dick move. You don't want to go... fine don't go. But he should shut the f' up about it and keep it on the DL. To use it to push a political agenda? What an asshole. And he wraps himself in an American flag and calls himself a patriot?

Tue Jan 24 2012 3:28 pm EST

E: I maintain hockey will sell in any major US market if the team is good, which isn't unusual by any means for most sports in most markets. Look at the teams that are struggling and all by Dallas have never seen any sustained success (and I forgot to add Columbus in that list, meaning there are 7 franchises in trouble in the NHL - nearly 1/4). Columbus had great support for the 1st few years, but have made the POs but once and basically have sucked otherwise. The same with the Panthers. And the Canes have been terrible, save for 1 flukey season (where they hooked and held their way to the cup). And the Yotes. And so on and so on.

RF4L

Tue Jan 24 2012 3:17 pm EST

mf: Yeah but the Rangers are on the hook for only $1,100,000 and I believe when he was on the roster, the same amount. Some feel it will take $8,000,000 a season on a long term deal to land Parise and if so, then I think the Rangers should consider passing on him.

RF4L

Tue Jan 24 2012 3:11 pm EST

MF: I used to think that the talent pool was too thin to support the number of teams in the NHL. I no longer believe that. The number of quality players that are out there are ample. That has nothing to do with whether franchises should live or die. There is a decent amount of parody in the league and the battles for playoff position every season are for the most part competitive. I think what is wrong with the NHL is what you alluded to... Why exactly are there franchises in cities that have clearly never supported it while there are cities that will support a team left out in the cold? Atlanta had an arena that sat perpetually empty with a moribund franchise that was virtually unknown to the public playing in it. Meanwhile, the MTS Centre had a minor league team playing in an arena that had quasi-up to date amenities since 2004 trying to draw an NHL team back. Why? Because their team was moved to Phoenix to play in an arena that sits perpetually empty with a moribund franchise that is virtually unknown to the public playing in it. There are markets in Canada and the US that could/would support a franchise had they been awarded one that sit out there while Columbus, Anaheim, Nashville etc... play to empty houses in the NHL's great experiment in the growing of the game. It may be good for the $$$$ but it ain't good for the fans.

Tue Jan 24 2012 3:06 pm EST

Get off your soap boxes---If his team mates dont care and respect his RIGHT to go or not to go none of you have no right to call him anything other then a FREE AMERICAN using his Rights.....Dems- republicam whatever we were born free with the right to choose,,,,,

thedugster

Tue Jan 24 2012 2:50 pm EST

To make an appearance at the WH when you are a champion is a time honored tradition. It doesn't have anything to do with politics and Thomas' stance is ridiculous and embarrassing. I hate when politics enters sports. Sports should produce unity, and not divisiveness. When I visited Montreal they boo and whistle the US National Anthem. There were even sporadic boo's during the portion of the Canadian National Anthem that was sung in English. That stuff irks me. In the olympics we have athletes boo'd just because of the country that they play for. Athletics is from its most fundamental levels an opportunity to develop camaraderie, friendships, competition etc... I won't get to into it too much but I was a supporter of Obama. I detest George W Bush politically. That stated, if I won the Cup and was invited to the WH to meet President Bush I would be deeply honored. The office transcends politics. I would feel the same if PM Harper invited. We aren't talking about DPRK here. Thomas has the right to do what he did to be sure. It is a free country, but his behavior produces division unnecessarily. Now, everywhere he goes fans will boo him. And they won't be booing him because he is on the Bruins, they will be booing him because of his politics. One of my more innocent loves (sports) will now be infected yet again. Sports to me is an escape from the toils of life. If Thomas has political issues, then let him use other forums.

Tue Jan 24 2012 2:42 pm EST

mf: I agree that the location of some teams is just silly. At the same time however...how many Canadian cities and northern cities could give a team a great fan base with many sell outs that do not have teams and want them? Kansas City could probably do very well, there are at least 1 or 2 Canadian cities that want teams and could support them properly. Hartford MAY be able to (that one is harder to figure out though) Seattle maybe as well. So really, moving the teams from the south who are hurting is one thing, getting rid of them is just not going to happen...the owners don't want that, any of them.

Wildcard

Tue Jan 24 2012 2:27 pm EST

RF: I believe those 3 add up to $6.6375 mill (1.9375 + 3.8 + .9)

Tue Jan 24 2012 2:25 pm EST

Wild: I hear ya, there is plenty of $$$ out there, but the talent level gets diluted with additional franchises.... Contracting 2 teams dispurses 12 additonal top six forwards to the remaining clubs.... Aint I a math major? :>) ..... Anywho, the locations of some of these clubs boggles the mind.... The panthers play quite a distance west of Fort Lauderdale proper.. If they nearer the coast near I-95, I bet theyd get a much better attendance... jmho.... Phoenix?? (why?)

Tue Jan 24 2012 2:23 pm EST

td thanks for your opinion , but you just did the same thing. screw pc.

stevielegs

Tue Jan 24 2012 2:17 pm EST

td: Dont get me wrong...I am not saying I expect him to be anything...I was just pointing out that it seems every scout feels he will be a top 6 player and a good one. To me that means something, its almost like everyone sees him as a top end type talent...I think that makes him worth more...its not like in the past when the Rangers scouts said a guy was a top 6 player, but everyone else said he would top out as a 3rd line player...it seems at times like the OTHER teams and OTHER scouts talk higher of him than the Rangers do....

Wildcard

Tue Jan 24 2012 2:17 pm EST

On Tea Party THOMAS...He's a fucking retard, plain and simply. You don't even have to look at politics or subscribe to left or right to see how lame his statement was...meeting at the White House is a multi-national tradition. It has nothing to do with politics. His 'statement' was a slap in the face to his team and a big lame-ass stroke job to the right wing of the US. The fact that Chiarelli let him do that is about as pathetic as Thomas doing it...And I figured I'd write something to that effect on Tiny Tim's Facebook page. Funny enough, the post was visible for about a minute...then disappeared along with every other one that was critical of his move. Of course, the fucking scumbag left all the ones championing him for 'protecting free speech in America' by refusing to go to the White House. I never like this guy in the past and ranked on him mercilessly for his pathetic display in the Olympics...but gained a bit of respect for his performance in the playoffs. Well, that's gone. I hope his dismal showing against the Flyers is emblematic of the rest of his season. Hopefully someone nails him with a battery. It's the only thing fitting for an athlete dumb enough to turn a non-political pat on the back into a partisan snipe.

tdchi

Tue Jan 24 2012 2:07 pm EST

Wild – I think you're getting WAAAAY too carried away with KREIDER...I do think he's gonna be good...but let's wait until that day. I think the safest bet at this point is to hold onto the kid and not pencil him into any lineup spot or pigeonhole him into any role...Bottom line for me is if he's part of a deal for Ryan, then I ask what are the other parts. If it's Kreids and picks, I'd have a tough time passing it up...still, I'd much rather see what the kid does when he gets here, rather than see him packed off...and I think the team's management is of the same philosophy...there's a common thread between Stepan, McDonagh, Hagelin and Kreider...they're all guys who had predominant/leadership roles on very successful NCAA teams...re: DUBINSKY..I really think people underrate how much the guy does on this team and what he means in the locker room. He's critical component of the Rangers and what they are now. He's one of the few guys who has gone head-to-head with Sather over a contract and still has a job in New York...Trust me when I say he's going nowhere. And rightly so.

tdchi

Tue Jan 24 2012 2:04 pm EST

And do the Rangers want to risk cutting out a piece of their current team for Ryan? I still say quietly gauge what Parise's intentions are in terms UFA and if, as everyone seems to think, he's going there regardless of what happens at the deadline, hold off and pursue him this summer. WW, EC and Avery gone = $6,000,000 of what you'll need to sign him.

RF4L

Tue Jan 24 2012 2:00 pm EST

TDCHI - Especially, since by many accounts, it is Ryan who is propelling the current winning and has been the best Duck on ice...I don't think he goes anywhere unless it's an offer they can't refuse..

Hospo

Tue Jan 24 2012 1:56 pm EST

td: I think with Moen, he would be worth a 4th rounder....he would add depth...what if Mitchell or Hagelin struggle with the extra pressure of the playoffs, or Ftank get hurt, or someone else. He is a 'been there done that' type, and probably wouldn't be phased by the pressure. I think he would be the type of trade made in addition to a top line LW, but it would be a depth move...not a move for replacing someone on the roster right off the bat, only if needed. Better than EC or WW because they are so inconstant.

Wildcard

Tue Jan 24 2012 1:53 pm EST

RF4L: I am looking forward to that as well. Kreider does seem to be highly regarded. The only things I see that differ are the "he will be a 1st line stat" vs the " he will be a good 2nd line power forward" there is very little I have seen, at least over the last year, saying he will not make it, or be a marginal player...that means something, other teams scouts don't artificially talk up a prospect that isn't theirs, nor do Independent scouts out there....they are more likely to qualify things so they never really look wrong....

Wildcard

Tue Jan 24 2012 1:51 pm EST

RF4L – I don't think the Ducks are nearly eager to move RYAN...just when they were heading toward the bottom of the league, he (was)is a guy who is made expendable by having the Perry-Getzlaf duo...You move Ryan(who is...for lack of better term...the most one-dimensional of the three), you get a top young player, a top prospect and at least a first rounder. And that's a trade that could make the bottoming out process much shorter...And if you're bottoming out anyway, you're gonna get another top-5 pick to replace Ryan and open up cap space at the same time. I think it's simple logic. Just now that they're starting to win a bit, that makes trading a player of his caliber all the more difficult.

tdchi

Tue Jan 24 2012 1:47 pm EST

For the POs and for checking, MOEN is easily better than Mitchell.....Ditto for Gill, 3rd pair defensive D-man over any alternative the Rangers have right now...Not even close.....Now, if winning in the POs doesn;'t really matter, no need to get guys that know how to get it done, have gotten it done and can still do it...

Hospo

Tue Jan 24 2012 1:45 pm EST

Kreider, BTW, has been on that list at least the last 2 years (cannot recall if he made it the winter after he was drafted). I cannot recall the highest rated Ranger ever, but it might be Marc Staal.

RF4L

Tue Jan 24 2012 1:44 pm EST

Wild: I'm curious to see where upcoming THN Future Watch places Kreider on their top 50 prospect listing. I realize that publication isn't a guarantee of anything (primarily because prospects are rarely guaranteed) but historically it's one of the best, if not the best, at what it does - rate all players who's rights are owned by NHL clubs not in the league (and under a certain age, I think). They do so by canvassing a series of scouts, having the players scored in terms of potential, then merge those ratings to get the highest to lowest.

RF4L

Tue Jan 24 2012 1:43 pm EST

Re: MOEN...it's the same argument about him as with GILL...Who do you sit? Not Hagelin. Not Fedotenko. Not Boyle or Prust. You're left with Mitchell and Rupp. You know Torts isn't going to bench Rupper...So that leaves Mitchell. Next question: Is Moen better than Mitchell? Nope. Not even close. And I'm not even a big fan of keeping Mitchell(or Rupp for that matter) in the lineup. Moen makes NO sense, I don't care if they trade...er...Dancing Larry for the friggin' guy.

tdchi

Tue Jan 24 2012 1:34 pm EST

Rhet: Kreider is scoring at a point per game pace on a team not known for its players to run away with the points lead. The team plays a roll four lines type game. it doesn't matter if a player is better, all 4 lines go. Its also NCAA, its not 'normal' for players to get mush more than a point per game, I mean yes there are some that get up to that 1.5 ppg mark, but that is more rare than one would think...look at Parise, he is killer in the NHL and he 'only' had about 1.5 ppg in college. He is very much a top line star in the NHL, you could never know, but in the same structure of game that Parise played in, maybe Kreider has more points. Time and time again I hear from independent scouts that you cant really look at points when it comes to BC players or NCAA players in general.

Wildcard

Tue Jan 24 2012 1:32 pm EST

Biron was to start, but now shelved due to the flu. Chad Johnson recalled as the King's backup. Too bad - I'm sure Tort had Biron starting because the King will be busy over the weekend, as goalies are now at the all-star game due to the skills competition. Remember when Mike Richter got hurt at one? For everyone else it's just a cake-walk; not so for goalies - it's a wonder more don't get hurt.

RF4L

Tue Jan 24 2012 1:29 pm EST

RHET - I'd rather not see Dubi moved during the season, but if the catch is Ryan, welll........As for Kreider, I don't have to see one second of him if he is the main piece to get Ryan, something we can only hope that Kreider one day turns into...But I jsut don't see an in-season deal of that magnitude for the Rangers...I'd rather hold on to BOTH Dubi and Kreider

Hospo

Tue Jan 24 2012 1:27 pm EST

Wild: Agreed and another reason I like Mitchell is that he's got some size (6'1"/200), doesn't shy away from the physical play, and most importantly, has some skill. I see no problem acquiring Moen (assuming he costs no more than a 4th rounder) for the PO run because getting him doesn't automatically mean Mitchell goes to the AHL and injuries always play a factor.

RF4L

Tue Jan 24 2012 1:24 pm EST

WILD... I would agree... If Dubi still has enough interest around the League that we could get a scorer like Ryan, you'd have to do it... plus, I really want to get a look at Kreider as a Ranger before we ever deal him... RF4L... I haven't heard negative things about the kid besides his struggle scoring... the Duck rebuilding wouldn't be out of ordinary to me... I don't think he has a dark secret... Per the Daily News, EC will be rejoining the club as his conditioning stint is over...

Rhet0ric

Tue Jan 24 2012 1:24 pm EST

RHET - Agree with you on TOOL Man Tim...Hope some Liberal Left wing nails him in the Adams Apple with a shot the next game...Anyway, and AO not going to the All Star game....I'm a huge AO supporter so I hope it's becasue of what he says (he's suspended, doesn't deserve to be there) and not that he's pissed he's suspended for that hit (as he should be)..Who know, I can't read minds

Hospo

Tue Jan 24 2012 1:21 pm EST

I look at Moen the same way I look at Gill. If he can be had cheap, he could be useful during the long grind of the last part of the season and the playoffs.

Wildcard

Tue Jan 24 2012 1:11 pm EST

JMO, But Tim Thomas is a total tool... he didn't show up to the White House because he's a "Tea Party Patriot" ...he should've been there for his team and their fans... newsflash to athletes and actors... no one cares about your political views... end of rant...

Rhet0ric

Tue Jan 24 2012 1:09 pm EST

RF4L - I would drop Mitchell in a heartbeat for MOEN..Don't get me wrong, Mitchell has done a decent job and earned a spot on the team, but you guys are forgetting that Moen is the type of player that you need and can excell in the PO..big, physical, can skate, check and defend..and why he has been a big part of a CUp winner and two long PO runs....Doesn't mean I would give up alot for him, but wouldn;'t mind having him

Hospo

Tue Jan 24 2012 1:06 pm EST

RF4L: Something you said made me think...Mitchell has earned a right to stay in the lineup....it reminds me that some players, no matter what skill level they have, can not handle the 'bright lights' of NYC and playing for the Rangers. Mitchell seems totally uninfected, in fact it seems his play elevated once he got to NY. That is a quality that is a MUST in NY. Thats part of why going after big players is so hit or miss for the Rangers, the guy may play great in every city save a 2 or 3. So when a player is found that can handle the pressure, they should be looked at as less likely to be moved....its one of the things I worry about with AA, he seems to melt under the pressure. So as a 3rd/4th line guy Mitchell is good to have around.

Wildcard

Tue Jan 24 2012 12:56 pm EST

E: Neither WW or Christensen are playing - the former's been pressboxed and the latter's in the AHL. I don't want Mitchell replaced - he's earned his stay, IMO. I guess, however, I can live with Moen as the 13th forward and WW farmed out/waived/shot.

RF4L

Tue Jan 24 2012 12:55 pm EST

What I don't get is why the Ducks seem so prepared to move Ryan. If he's that good, why???? It's not like he's old and/or a pending UFA....

RF4L

Tue Jan 24 2012 12:44 pm EST

E - I would gladly take Moen as a 4th liner type for a team in PO wars...Don't think we neccessarily need him right now but that could change depending on who gets hurt or traded..If true, glad to see Sather is thinking about this team from head to toe..

Hospo

Tue Jan 24 2012 12:16 pm EST

Rhet: I think I would rather give Dubi...not that I don't like him...but the speed Kreider will bring, even if it is from the 3rd line is so important. Look what hagelin did to the entire team when he started to play...also, Kreider has the potential to be as good as Ryan, and better than Dubi, we know what Dubi is, and he can be replaced...the chemistry issue is there more, but I think the team can over come that.

Wildcard

Tue Jan 24 2012 12:14 pm EST

RF4L... a lot of it is common sense, but I think a lot of the time we as fans loose sight of it... we get emotionally attached to players and can't imagine them being traded... If Ryan is available, we have to get him... He is probably the only player rumored to be available(that I believe may actually be available) that I would deal a Dubinsky or Kreider for... Hopefully neither player stops us from getting him... We talk about not wanting to ruin the chemistry of this team a lot, but look how often this team doesn't show up for periods or even for some games... Torts shouldn't have to work so hard to continually keep these guys focused, maybe it needs to be shaken up a bit... ...MCD... Excellent question asked... if the Officials had called the game the way it should have been called, maybe the hit on McDonagh never happens... http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1035327-nhl-officials-one-sided-calls-a-result-of-ny-rangers-ryan-mcdonaghs-injury... ....McDonagh talks about the hit ... http://www.snyrangersblog.com/2012/01/24/watch-ryan-mcdonagh-talks-about-his-injury/

Rhet0ric

Tue Jan 24 2012 12:10 pm EST

mf: The only changes in number of teams will be an INCREASE in number. There is NO way the league will contract. I foresee the NHL adding 2 teams in order to have an even number in 4 divisions. I also see the Coyotes moving WAY north...but still, there will be no less than 30 teams...there is too much money out there in some markets to contract.

Wildcard

Tue Jan 24 2012 11:59 am EST

2 teams should be contracted.... 4 divisions of 7..... allowing each team to carry an addtional 2 players should soak up the inventory (players) On the scheduling: IMO there is absolutely no reason why each team should not face all the other teams at least 2X per season.... Just look at how infrequently we face Vancouver...... jmho..... the first team to go would be the Yotes..... jmho

Tue Jan 24 2012 11:57 am EST

I wouldn't give a bag of dinged-up pucks for MOEN, much less an actual roster player...He would add positively NOTHING to this team. I mean NOTHING.

tdchi

Tue Jan 24 2012 11:49 am EST

A few years ago Moen was traded to SJ for a while so I got to see him play up close. Here is the deal: He is one of those physical red-nosed players that every team wants going into the playoffs. He is another big body. He throws his weight around. SJ couldn't fit him under the cap and their depth chart was too deep to want him long term but he was serviceable and most of us wanted him to return. He is not a 4th liner. The NYR have room for him in the lineup. Create some competition. Wolski? Mitchell? Christenson? Moen is versatile. He plays a N/S style. He finishes his checks & he pursues the puck. I don't see him as not having a place on the team. He certainly doesn't make the NYR any easier to play against.

Tue Jan 24 2012 10:22 am EST

Who would Moen replace? He's a bottom 6 forward, probably 4th line.

RF4L

Tue Jan 24 2012 10:20 am EST

Avery: Yeah, I heard that, too. The NHL, despite Gary Buttman's sunny words to the contrary, is in big trouble in multiple locations. The Panthers, the Yotes, the Stars, the Islander and the Devils are all losing money bigtime. Carolina isn't making money, either. That's 1/5 of the league. Good job Buttman!

RF4L

Tue Jan 24 2012 10:15 am EST

There are also rumors that the Rangers are inquiring about Travis Moen.

Avery

Tue Jan 24 2012 10:06 am EST

The Devils are in serious trouble money wise. Apparently, the NHL is going to lend them 20 mil for the next two months so they can pay salaries. They have supposedly been losing around 20 mil per and are around 80 mil in the hole. Even if they make the playoffs the revenue will just be a stop gap. There is no way they can sign any long term contracts for the kind of money Parise will command. They would be utterly foolish not to move Parise at the deadline for picks and young cheap prospects. I am pretty sure they will also try and move Kovalchoke but probably won't find any takers.

Avery

Tue Jan 24 2012 9:45 am EST

NJ's in tough with the Parise decision - how can they let him walk in the summer vs getting at least a reasonable bounty for him next month, especially considering their organization isn't exactly brimming with prospects due to the Kovalchoke trade, some shoddy drafting and lots of picks in the bottom third over the past decade? And that's not even beginning to discuss the fact that their average age of their 2 goalies is something like 38 years!!!

RF4L

Tue Jan 24 2012 9:08 am EST

KIS - Hahah...yeah I figured. That's why I left it at the bong! I've been relatively limited in my watching of the Rangers due in part to the TW-MSG standoff; also by a smattering of overconsumption (as was case in point this weekend)...Certainly, the lefty-righty isn't a hard-and-fast rule, but rather a pretty accurate guideline for how Torts is going to make his pairings...Like with Erixon...the kid actually claims to like playing the off-side...but Torts never put him over there...I like JJ too...but alas...he's a lefty...And PARISE - I would just about give the world for the kid...but we're talking a division rival and the fact that the Devils, as lame as they've been lately, are still in the playoff hunt. In fact, I've read that it's even more urgent now because they're in desperate need of the playoff revenue to pay their bills...Rhet - Yeah...all indications out of Colorado are the EJ is a gigantic bust and the Avalanche got taken something fierce in that deal...JOHNSON is an RFA on a team that literally has only eight players signed next year and is nowhere near making the playoffs...I wouldn't be surprised if they shed Johnson for a pair of high picks...Ola - the big problem with ZIDLICKY right now is that he's coming back from a concussion. He's been dreadful since coming back too...He's probably the cheapest option out there. I doubt he'd cost much of anything. But the question is whether his brain is scrambled right now...Not sure if you guys have noticed, but a lot of these guys coming back from head injuries aren't really right for the first 40 or so games back in action...See the Whale signed toughguy Randy McNAUGHT to a contract...I actually liked how he looked in Traverse City...still doubt he'll ever do anything in the NHL...Anyone watching the Whale out there have an update on ZUCCARELLO? ...And for the the quote of the week from a Whale fan: "..so let me get this straight, Avery was a second straight healthy scratch for the Whale's ninth straight loss on Wade Redden bobblehead night. That is just a surreal scenario..." hahahaha.

tdchi

Tue Jan 24 2012 9:01 am EST

McDonagh apparently stated the worse part of the result of that cheap hit by that asshold Bruin was how badly he was winded - he stated he's never been winded for that long before.

RF4L

Tue Jan 24 2012 8:53 am EST

Rhet: That's interesting but certainly not rocket science and in fact, there's some flaws in the author's words, specifically you don't trade a core player or an elite prospect for a rental player. Like hell you don't - if you feel the rental is the missing piece than can get you the cup, you make that trade without a doubt. I maintain all trades are about preparation and research, both about the player(s) you're trying to obtain and the ones you're letting go (obviously, more work is required with the former). Equally crucial is understanding what your roster is missing and what it means to the team if current players are to be moved (especially from a chemistry perspective). It's also important when moving picks and prospects you have a longer term plan to full the hole such a move will make. And finally (and I've been saying this for a while now) trading when you're trying to push your team to the upper echolon is a vastly different animal compared to trading when your team sucks. That's one of the barometers that separates the excellent GMs from the average ones. When is the last time Sather had to consider making a trade under the former conditions? 25 years ago maybe? 30? Ever? The last time he was remotely in a situation like this he made moves like Zidlicki and Kloucek for Mike Dunham (desperate to make the POs) and the most recently dumb moves like a 2nd for Antropov (and even last year's 3rd for McCabe has proven foolish). I cannot deny the good work overall he's done lately, but given deals like that and all the crap we went through with him for his first 6 years, I still wonder/worry about him panicking and making a stupid trade....

RF4L

Tue Jan 24 2012 3:31 am EST

Avery- I would be interested in Zidlicky if he could be had VERY cheap. Over his last 3 years, he has scored 128 pts for almost an avg of 43 pts per season and has had concussion problems this season. He is very good on the point on the PP, and would help Brad Richards alot with getting our PP back on track. I just think it makes alot more sense to carry someone like him as a 6th D instead of Strålma/Emminger, due to the effect he would have on our PP. Also, Zidlicky is small and not the most agile skater. But he is NOT soft. He is actually pretty dirty with low hits and high sticks, a Czech Chris Chelios... ;) In the end, we just need a RH PPQB to make Richards work. The PK box can put so much pressure on him when he does not have a option next to him on the blueline. And there are just very few of them available out there.

Ola

Mon Jan 23 2012 10:59 pm EST

Rhet.., not trying to steal your thunder with your last post, but this article is so spot on, I had to paste it up for the folks.Scouting The Deadline Part 2: Identifying Appropriate Return For Assets Part 1: Identifying Team Needs and Surpluses As we roll into the trade deadline, rumors are going to be appearing from every possible angle. Aside from judging the source (note: HFBoards is not a source), there are a few ways to tell if a rumor is legitimate or if it is just someone blowing hot air. This Scouting The Deadline series is going to be a four part series where identify and analyze the four key steps in the trade process. Today is the second post, and it will address identifying appropriate returns for assets. First things first, let’s define what an asset to the organization is. A player is an asset, and an asset is used to help build a Stanley Cup contending team. Assets can be players in the lineup, assets can be prospects, assets can be picks. Not every draft pick plays for the NHL club, and not every pick is used in the draft. The goal of a general manager in this league is to identify what assets mean to the organization, and what the minimum return for that asset would have to be to be moved. For trade deadline buyers, the return is almost always a player that will serve as an upgrade for the playoffs. For sellers, the return is almost always picks and/or prospects to help build for the future. Regardless of the position a team is in, these are the generalized returns that GM’s look for. Going deeper into this for buyers, the return does change depending on which players are to be dealt. Using Brandon Dubinsky as an example here (hypothetical, not an actual rumor), he is an integral part of the Rangers current structure. The Rangers won’t move him for a rental, nor should they. Dubinsky has tremendous value to the club. However, when referring to what was said above, trading Dubinsky isn’t exactly out of the question if the return is another roster player that serves as an upgrade at the position. This goes hand in hand with identifying team needs and surpluses, the first part of this series. Using the first post, I identified that the Rangers have a need for a top six left wing with proven elite offensive talent. Using the Bobby Ryan example again, Ryan serves as a significant offensive upgrade over Dubinsky. So taking a step back and looping back to the original point of the post: Would Bobby Ryan be an appropriate return for trading Dubinsky? I’d have to think the answer here is yes. But there’s more to it than just roster players. A prospect that most fans think is untouchable is Chris Kreider. First let’s go with one thing: No player, prospect, or draft pick is untouchable. Period. Back to Kreider, his potential is widely known, but it is still just potential. He has not done anything at the NHL level, so while he is considered to be a top prospect, he is not a NHL player yet. At his peak, he actually pans out to be another Bobby Ryan: an elite power forward. When you are given the opportunity to trade potential for the proven talent, and that talent has yet to hit his prime, the deal must be made. Ryan is proven at a young age, Kreider is not. Summing up the last few paragraphs, it makes sense that the Rangers would consider trading Chris Kreider or Brandon Dubinsky for Bobby Ryan. It meets their criteria of what the appropriate return is. That said, appropriate return also addresses overpayment. A deal with both Kreider and Dubinsky for Ryan would be an overpayment. That is not an appropriate return. Getting away from Bobby Ryan for a moment, let’s address another type of player that is usually available: the rental. The rental is a player that fills a hole for the short term, but is unlikely to return following the playoffs. Ray Whitney and Shane Doan fall into the rental category. Would a rental be an appropriate return for a core roster player (Dubinsky) or an elite prospect (Kreider)? Absolutely not. But that doesn’t mean a deal is dead. I identified the surplus for the Rangers to be defensive prospects. Is it really unfathomable that the Rangers would view Whitney as a good return for someone like Pavel Valentenko, who has dropped so far on the depth chart he’s collecting dust? Confused? Think I’m making things too difficult? I might be, but I also might not be. Trades are not made on message boards or in NHL 12. Most trades take weeks of talking and negotiating, and conversations like this one are had on a daily basis. Trading is the science of preparation, negotiation, and sticking to your guns. Preparation includes those surpluses and needs, but it also is about going in knowing what you are willing to give up for a specified return. That is the toughest part of the GM’s job.

pa.rangersfan

Mon Jan 23 2012 10:44 pm EST

TDchi, I'm glad you didn't get upset. I think you understood I was just screwing around. That was the reason for the hahahaha. Didn't Torts put Dz and Staal together in the last game making 2 lefties out at the same time. I'm not usually for old men but I think this years playoffs will be grueling and Gill would be good on our team. I rather him be here than at Pitt. The Johnson you mentioned, shouldn't it be Jack Johnson? I thought I saw on the 4thperiod.com a mention of J Johnson. Still would love to see Parise here. MZA, Thomas and AA should be a good start and I do that in a minute.

KIS

Mon Jan 23 2012 10:38 pm EST

Pretty good two part blog on scouting the NY Rangers needs at the Trade Deadline... http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/scouting_the_deadline_part_2_identifying_appropriate_return_for_assets/9526652 ...http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/scouting_the_deadline_part_2_identifying_appropriate_return_for_assets/9526652

Rhet0ric

Mon Jan 23 2012 10:36 pm EST

TD... Erik Johnson... I remember drooling over the kid 5 years ago when he was picked!!! That's 5 years ago! He is still only 24 this March, but limited success is an understatement... I don't know if he fits on this team, he doesn't like to hit or block shots anymore... though he could also thrive in Torts system... It's a mixed bag, but if we could get him cheap, I'd do it.

Rhet0ric

Mon Jan 23 2012 10:18 pm EST

Evets1980... I think Kane would cost us two out of the following three... Kreider, McDonagh and Stepan... it would still he hard to say no, but that would be too much to spend... as you say, he wont be a Ranger... even if her ever were really available... PA... Sorry, I've been living in Florida (insert joke here) for the past 12 years... being the sarcastic New Yorker I have always been, I've grown quite accustomed to people here looking at me like I have a 3rd eye... Needless to say, I've gotten very used to having to explain my sarcasm to people down here... I really miss New Yorkers!

Rhet0ric

Mon Jan 23 2012 8:50 pm EST

Rhet0ric - I totally agree...And also, I'm really just musing here. I still don't believe Nashville has any intention of trading either SUTER or WEBER... they're going to be before you factor ih the chance RADULOV comes back next season...back to the Rangers though...Frankly, I have NO IDEA why we would want anything less than a Weber-type player, and there aren't too many of them out there other than Weber himself...The other one who might shake free is Erik JOHNSON, who is an RFA and having very limited success lately. But he's a big kid(6'5, 230-plus), an American and a righty who would fit nicely behind Girardi...Even so, with Mac and Erixon waiting in the wings, I simply can't see the justification in moving much of anything for defense...Patrick/evets - I simply don't see the Jets trading KANE...Even if they become sellers and you believe the talk about Kane's off-ice troubles, he's really a centerpiece of that franchise...and he has a concussion now too...Avery - totally agree...that's why I'm a bit confused Brooksie is tossing out that blather. SOURAY would be McCABE Part II.

tdchi

Mon Jan 23 2012 8:22 pm EST

PatrickDiv.....Dancing Larry!!!!!!! That's where I draw the line!

MelvilleFred

Mon Jan 23 2012 7:56 pm EST

Wildcard---Hal is a hell of a man but defense is not the biggest problem on this team...through it all our d has been damn good,,,we need somebody to pick up the slack of-DUBI-BB-AA-...OFFENSIVE NEEDS!!!!!

thedugster

Mon Jan 23 2012 6:55 pm EST

OV suspended 3 games...... http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=60&id=151827

Mon Jan 23 2012 6:35 pm EST

PatDiv... The knock on Kane right now is his conduct off the ice. I would imagine it is similar to Del Zotto's problems last season. If Kane is distracted by off ice things in Winnipeg, imagine how distracted he will be in NYC. That's not to say I wouldn't jump at him if we had the chance, but at this point in his career, he will not put us over the top. That would be more of a future trade. As for what it would take to get him, there is no chance that Zuccarello, Wolski, Erixon, and a first brings him here. I think, from Winnipeg's end, it would cost more like Erixon, Kreider and a pick. Kane is not going to be a Ranger.

evets1980

Mon Jan 23 2012 5:54 pm EST

I am sure most here know the site but for those who do not; thefourthperiod.com is shit-filled with rumors.

pa.rangersfan

Mon Jan 23 2012 5:49 pm EST

Rhet.., I actually was being sarcastic. C'mon man!

pa.rangersfan

Mon Jan 23 2012 5:44 pm EST

I'd give up Erixon, MZA, Wolski & a #1 for Kane. Might say it's too much but we get the best player in the deal. MZA & Wolski can be good players again but not here. Erizon is a blue chip D man. Damn throw in Crusher for all I care! They could even have Dancin Larry!!!!

PatrickDiv

Mon Jan 23 2012 5:38 pm EST

Zidlicky was one of Sather's real big dumb ass stubborn mistakes. He wanted a one way contract at the time which was only play money for Sather as there was no cap and Sather decided to not give in and he eventually wound up being a part of the desperation Dunham trade without ever dressing for the Rangers.

Avery

Mon Jan 23 2012 5:32 pm EST

PA... They were actually talking about Zidlicky... I was just making a bad joke... he was a Lefty and he's also retired... I think he's like 43

Rhet0ric

Mon Jan 23 2012 5:26 pm EST

Is Zalapski a right-handed shot?

pa.rangersfan

Mon Jan 23 2012 5:20 pm EST

Avery... I agree, I don't think most of the guys mentioned in rumors will actually be available at the deadline... they would be nuts to move Kane. If we make any moves, it will probably be of the smaller variety... I can't believe someone mentioned getting Zarley Zalapski and he haven't had a DESPO sighting.

Rhet0ric

Mon Jan 23 2012 5:17 pm EST

TD... Now I get you on the Weber bus? Per my post the other day, Shea Weber has stated that he has every intention of re-signing with the Predators in the off season. He said he likes the direction the team is going in and wants to see them continue to build toward that future... With Weber committing to Nashville, I wouldn't be surprised to see Suter re-sign with the team... If we can't get Weber, you don't move MDZ or MCD... you'd be trading either of our 2 best physical defensemen (top 3 behind Girardi), who are also our 2 best offensive defensemen... for a guy, who IMO, is just not that much better than either of them...more polished maybe... but both of these guys will be as good as or better than him in a couple of years... Not to mention that MDZ's stats match Suter's and McD is on pace for a 35-40 point season after only 86 games in the League... TD, you need to lean some patience and stay the course :)

Rhet0ric

Mon Jan 23 2012 5:15 pm EST

The press may be all over him but they would be nuts to give up Kane. However, if they want to toss him our way for something not to crazy he would fit it real nicely as a 1st or 2nd line LW.

Avery

Mon Jan 23 2012 4:58 pm EST

Pat.Div.., all for going after a player like Kane. What will it take to get him; gotta give to get for that type of quality. I also believe the young man is concussed right now but I could be wrong. Aves.., good post also. I don't disagree with my boy KIS too often, except when he's posting some of his crazy trade scenarios, but Gill does NOTHING for this Club. SteveCT.., let the boys play a little! td..& KIS make up alot of the non-sense that makes this Wall go on a daily basis. That and Hospo's typing!

pa.rangersfan

Mon Jan 23 2012 4:47 pm EST

Of all of the trade targets out there, the one name that is starting to pop up that really intrigues me is Evander Kane. Winnipeg needs young players all over the ice and it seems the local press is all over this kid. He's got all the tools and perhaps in the right environment (he's only 20) with the good yound core we have he will flourish without the spotlight that is currently on him up there.

PatrickDiv

Mon Jan 23 2012 4:35 pm EST

KIS: Uncool. There's no reason to start insulting people. Disagree sure...

SteveCT

Mon Jan 23 2012 4:03 pm EST

I want no part of Hal Gill. Our d is fine and unless there is a deal that is for a franchise d-man then Gill does not solve anything that ails us which is first and foremost a canon from the point on the power play. While Souray has a canon from the point he is also not going to solve any problems just like McCabe didn't last year though I would take Souray as a 3rd pair PP guy before I would take Gill. Our main goal should be to add some scoring and preferably a guy who is not afraid of contact so that he doesn't get benched immediately by Torts.

Avery

Mon Jan 23 2012 4:01 pm EST

One other thing – the reason ERIXON isn't here is listed in the below post. Oddly enough, it's the same reason why we never see Woywitka in the lineup anymore...And why Valentenko doesn't have much of a future in New York: They are a lefties...Erixon has even said he prefers to play on the off-side...and still isn't placed on the right..which is why I think any of you thinking about importing lefty defenseman better start thinking which of the guys on the left deserve a seat, because that's the only way Gill is coming here.

tdchi

Mon Jan 23 2012 3:53 pm EST

KIS – This is coming from someone who suggest the Rangers should trade Wolski, MZA and a minor leaguer for PARISE?!? In the immortal words, keep puffing on the bong...Besides, I think I've made it pretty clear that I DON'T want the Rangers to start trading for a defensemen...Not with Erixon and McIlrath on the way...If they do, then they should get someone who is a game changer. WEBER'S name is at the top of that list...Now a question to you and the others stumping for GILL – WHO DO YOU SIT ON THE LEFT? McDonagh? MDZ? Staal? Do you dress a seventh defender? Do tell, oh wise one. Because Tortorella ain't gonna start a left-handed shot on the right side. He hasn't done it to date. Can't imagine why he'd start now.

tdchi

Mon Jan 23 2012 3:15 pm EST

Oh and another thing, why the hell would Erixon be joining the team? He isn't here and there are how many dmen out now. I should start calling you diarhea because you talk a lot of shit

KIS

Mon Jan 23 2012 3:12 pm EST

TDChi lets see how all that works out for you buddy. No chance in getting Weber. hahahaha those trades are worst than some of the stupid shit I throw out there. Mine are to get people chatting. If thats why you said those things then mission accomplished

KIS

Mon Jan 23 2012 3:10 pm EST

Every team in the NHL needs a guy who plays like Hal Gill. He is just damn had to play against. He is big, strong, keeps you hemmed up along the boards. Very effective player.

Mon Jan 23 2012 2:40 pm EST

+/- is a not so telling stat...I mean it can say some things, but not all. The BEST +/- on the Habs is +9, and -12 is the worst. He is getting 17 min a game right now, if he came to the Rangers it would probably be 12-13, a big difference. He sees some top guys right now some times. They have a top pair, but Gill still gets to see 2nd line guys and sometimes is put out there against top guys for some reason. He also leads them in PK time and they have the best PK in the NHL percentage wise at 89.2%, tied with NJD and above the Rangers 87.3%. So with that, a guy like Gill could give a Rangers top D like Giradi, or Staal, or whoever a bit less PK time, or back to back PKs could be handled easier. That is something important when it comes to ice time.

Wildcard

Mon Jan 23 2012 2:30 pm EST

I've got plenty of misgivings about GILL, but I wouldn't cry if he comes here...I certainly wouldn't pay much for him...maybe even future considerations...a mid-round pick at best...Now I didn't see the game against Montreal...can anyone tell me how he did in that game? I see he's got a -9 +/- so far this season, which is pretty much what he's had the three seasons since leaving Pittsburgh...that's concerning...the fact that he was looking slow WITH Pittburgh is even more concerning...and that they basically let him go is of equal concern...Now here's the other problem: Gill is a lefty...To that end, we have Staal, McDonagh and MDZ...none of whom really deserve a seat on the bench...I'm still very comfortable with where we are defensively...and really think a power forward/top-6 forward is more of a priority...but if we're gonna go for it, then let's see what Nashville wants for WEBER...Start the pot with MDZ, sweeten it with ANISIMOV and top prospect...let's say MILLER for argument's sake...and a first rounder. Weber shoots right. He and Girardi would give the team a 1A and 1B situation on the right...Erixon slides into third-pairing on the left...then see what it's going to take to get the Feisty Finn...Offer Carolina WOLSKI and a second rounder...put Ruutu on the left on Gaborik's like and wait for the cup to come...But if I'm a betting man, I don't think Sather will shake this roster nearly that bad...Not much talk here about PONIKAROVSKY...and perhaps that's because he's flat-out sucked this last few years...but 240...6'4...left wing...kind of sounds like what we should have on the left side of STEPAN...went to the Debbies for an ECHLer.

tdchi

Mon Jan 23 2012 1:45 pm EST

thedugster: The reason you want Hall Gill? Watch tape from the playoffs the last..well almost every year he has been in them. He takes care of his side of the ice and the front of the net. He is good when speed isn't needed, and that's most of the playoffs. The Rangers have a way of forcing teams to play down low, or along the boards, adding a guy like Gill would be a great thing for this team.

Wildcard

Mon Jan 23 2012 1:42 pm EST

Avery -- Captain's Log for yesterday's Flyer/Bruin game registered a total of 63 hits...wow!

RF73

Mon Jan 23 2012 1:36 pm EST

We need a sniper-someody who goes to the net everytime he touches the puck,,,Hal Gill? Slowwwwwwwwwwww ,,,I dont see any reason we would want him.Souray could blast the puck from the point on the PP and that is something we are missing.....

thedugster

Mon Jan 23 2012 1:23 pm EST

WILDCARD - Say what you want about Sather, but he has rarely given up too much in his career as Ranger GM.I'm more afraid of the other side, him not giving up to get what is needed and instead ending up with the likes of Fast Freddy Sjostrom and Christian backman..

Hospo

Mon Jan 23 2012 1:13 pm EST

Hospo: I feel the same way. I really think Gill should be the guy. They can afford to bring in Gill and perhaps another vet. Depth at D is VITAL down the stretch. Even if its a MORE reliable AHL/NHL fringe guy who can be brought up in a pinch. I am not sure if there are many of those out there, but it would be cheap to even go and get 2 of those types. They are always OK for a game or two if a minor injury happens...or just to give a player a day off to heal bumps and bruises. But in any case, a top 6 D is needed, I just dont want TOO much going to other way, I dont want Sather going all stupid with trades.

Wildcard

Mon Jan 23 2012 1:05 pm EST

WIILDCARD - yes, we have to keep our fingers crossed on Sauer but I also don't see how there is any way the Rangers can count on him...Even if they like Emminger/Stralman more than I do, Still think they are going to bring in at least one D-man

Hospo

Mon Jan 23 2012 12:59 pm EST

Bad news via twitter, Sauer has been shut down for a couple days, he wasn't feeling well after the couple days on the ice. Not totally unexpected that there would be a set back of some sort, but still not nice. Lets all hope its a sinus infection and not his concussion still....however unlikely that is!

Wildcard

Mon Jan 23 2012 12:57 pm EST

On GILL, he is slow, and not a mobile guy in any sense of the word. The thing is, he knows it, so that keeps him out of trouble for the most part. He is smart enough to keep his position and doesn't chase the puck around, he knows his limits and stays with in them. Also, as so many have said, once the play offs begin, it can become a grind, and a big body to help grind it out on the back end can not hurt.

Wildcard

Mon Jan 23 2012 12:44 pm EST

Hospo - Count me in on Gill. He is a slow footed pylon, but he can play tough in front of the net, clear the crease and really make other teams forwards pay in the corners. While he can be a liabiilty at times (what D-man really isn't) because of his foot work, I think the upside is worth it. As you said, he is a UFA and he won't cost a ton on the market, although I do hear rumblings in Pitt that he is a player they are targeting between now and the trade deadline.

Tikkanen

Mon Jan 23 2012 12:33 pm EST

KIS - I have mentioned Gill so many times on here and defended him against the youth and speed lovers, but he is the type of D-man that comes up big in the tightend POs..If not GIll, somebody like him...Unfortuantely, there are three areas the Rangers can improve on ifthey have any designs on being the best (not just being good): top 6 LW, a PP quarterback, and Maybe steady tough 3rd pair d-man, especially if Sauer health is a concern (I am not crazy about any of Bickel, Stralman, Woywa, Emminger or hartford kids for the POs...)..Don't think all is doable and I go with the LW first

Hospo

Mon Jan 23 2012 12:21 pm EST

I would like to see Hall Gill come here. Granted he is about 75 years old and doesn't skate well but as a third pair Dman he could real be a help down the stretch and during the playoffs. This guy has experience and size. This team will need somebody like him against Boston, Pens, and the Flyers. They are all big tough and dirty teams. He can knock some bodies around. Plus he is an UFA. Don't be in a rush to get Zdlicky or Gleason they don't add more than what this team has. AS much as I like Jeff Carter the Contract is too big and the Rangers would have to give away too much. I dont think Hemsky is the answer either. Ruutu could be ok but at the right price. Girardi- Mc.D, Staal - Sauer, Dz - Gill. Not bad.

KIS

Mon Jan 23 2012 11:58 am EST

TDCHI - Gleeson's name was being thrown around all weekend by the likes of NHIC and the NHL network...And, of coure, we disagree on the defense..While I'm fine with our defesne (if healthy as is) for most of the regular season...I would like either an offensive D-ma that can help the PP or a soid 3rd pair physical D-man for the PO grind....yes, the team has been a yo-yo lately, but I'm still convinced they can play with (and myabe beat) the best with some tweeking to both up front and the backlien..And, thought Staal seems to be rounding into shape , Sauer worries me and so does every single shot that Girardi blocks! In the POs it's all about dpeth..

Hospo

Mon Jan 23 2012 11:44 am EST

McDonagh on ice at practice and "no apparent injuries" according to Brendan Shanahan. Great news. Also Emminger on ice and cleared for contact and Sauer absent. All this acording to Andrew Gross's twitter.

Brian2d

Mon Jan 23 2012 11:29 am EST

The Bruins and Flyers did their best trying to concuss each others players yesterday.

Avery

Mon Jan 23 2012 10:50 am EST

TDCHI & HOSPO... Yup, I have been seeing the Rangers as what the Bruins were last year. What's so wrong w/ that? Same teams, built from the net out. I like Ranger D better and Bruins F lines better. Also, B's are getting a bit of a rep this year around the league, but that comes from the confidence boost of winning and probably from a drive to smack down all comers. They have been kind of pricks this year and the coach (and guys like Bergeron) will get that under control. Last year in the finals against a team full of pricks I think the Bruins showed what they were. A hard, tough team to play against. Rangers are IMO one power forward away from dominating. Esp. if that PF can help the PP.

Gary

Mon Jan 23 2012 10:46 am EST

BTW...what the hell is Brooks talking about? How can you possibly think SOURAY is the answer to any question except for who NOT to trade for...and I don't know about GLEASON, but he doesn't exactly strike me as the guy the Rangers would target...funny how RF4L mentions the name and it ends up in Brooksie's column the next day...I think if you're gonna tweak this defense, then you've got to go for broke, meaning SUTER...and that pretty much means dealing either MDZ or McDONAGH(presumably Staal or Girardi aren't going anywhere and Sauer is still injured)...I got no problem with the Rangers' D right now...certainly the play of Girardi and McDonagh have elevated it. But so have the forwards...and yes...Tortorella's 'system' if you'd call it that. The Rangers would be a beast of a team with Suter...but how much of the team would you have to dismantle to bring him here? That's the question.

tdchi

Mon Jan 23 2012 10:39 am EST

Hospo - heh...left that out...but totally agree..I was dumbfounded that the Bruins were able to win a cup with as bad of a PP as they have.

tdchi

Mon Jan 23 2012 10:10 am EST

tdchi--Great post and I agree with you the teams are very close----I hope V-TANK gets shot for your sake as you have been this guys #1 supported for a long time. I thought Fed-tank HAS BEEN REALLY PLAYING WELL OVER THE PAST FEW GAMES,,,HE IS SO STRONG ON THE PUCK,,,,,

thedugster

Mon Jan 23 2012 10:03 am EST

TDCHI - The Similarity between the Rangers and the Bruins don't end with their strengths, bith team's PP has sucked for a good portion of the year..although the Bruins do have the personnel to crash the net..You know Boston willl, as they should, mnake improvements before the deadline to defend their championship..and probably a pretty significant addition at that.....Not just to keep up with the Jonses, but, to fortify themsleves for the PO run, the Rangers have to do the same..Of course, it won't jsut be the Rangers and Bruins, the Pens, FLyers and Sen will be huge battles for anybody..

Hospo

Mon Jan 23 2012 9:43 am EST

Several thoughts...The Bruins and the Rangers are VERY similar team...I don't know how anyone can argue otherwise. They're both built from the net out, with a strong defense and PK being essential...They both are lunch pail teams...hard working, hard hitting and with a great deal of emphasis place on the backchecking/forechecking...Both teams have VERY solid lineups, but no real uber-dominant stars along the lines of Malkin or Ovechkin(SEGUIN is starting to make a case for himself however)...I agree, the Bruins are the dirtier team. But I also believe this has a lot to do with their hard-checking style...bottom line is, if we switched these two teams, we'd still love our guys and we'd still be pointing over to Boston calling them a bunch of dirtbags...On the RIVALRY...I took a trip to Boston with a buddy hoping to score tickets after the puck dropped for less than the $150 they've been advertised at since November...No luck at all...zilch. None. The Garden was filled...We're four months away from the playoffs and the consensus EVERYWHERE in Boston Saturday was the same: See you guys in the conference finals. I overheard it at the bar...had it said to me on the train..it was everywhere Saturday...Indeed, Boston is going to be a formidable opponent for years to come...RASK is every bit as capable to lead them into the future...and we're going to see Dougie HAMILTON and SEGUIN make Boston a force for years...This rivalry is going to be MUCH more heated by next year at this time...On the MCDONAGH hit: Andy Brickley is a homer. The guy is flat-out ridiculous with what he was saying...And the only one who is a bigger homer than him is goddamn Milbury...I don't even understand WHY he has a job...You guys know I've been stumping for RUUTU for the past month...but if the cost is ANISIMOV and MZA...no thanks. I'd even have a tough time trading AA straight up for him. I was thinking more along the lines of a pair of second rounders...or maybe a prospect...They Canes just got an ECHLer for PONIKARIVSKY...granted, Pony has sucked balls since leaving Toronto...but he's a good player...if that's the going rate, then I'd offer something to the tune of VALENTENKO and a second rounder for RUUTU...Speaking of which...gotta wonder who the call up is if McDonagh is out for a few games. Doesn't sound like he'll be gone long...but could this be the change V-TANK has been looking for this year?..On Hartford's woes: One word...GOALTENDING. They've got none of it down there. And without MZA, they've got no scoring either. That equals a bad record.

tdchi

Mon Jan 23 2012 9:42 am EST

With Boston giving up 5 goals yesterday we now have the best team GAA per game.

Avery

Mon Jan 23 2012 9:38 am EST

RF4L - I agree on Cally vs. Drury. Don't get me wrong Drury was a solid team guy but not the right captain for a team of checkers and pluggers. While Drury would sacrifice his body blocking shots he would never throw a hit. Cally personifies everything that the coach wants out of the players on this team. He gives 100% every shift in almost every aspect. If Richards would have gotten the C it may have been the same result as Drury as Richards is also a guy who would rather avoid contact and even more so now that he had the concussion last year. Cally may be young nut that also makes him a perfect example for the other kids around him. Having him as Captain also takes pressure off of guys like Gabby and Richards who don't have to deal with all that extra crap.

Avery

Mon Jan 23 2012 8:53 am EST

Great article about Callahan by Carp over the weekend. Check out this quote from it where Cally talks about being captain: “You’re more of the middle man between Torts and the room and how things are going. That’s probably the biggest difference off the ice.” This is a prime example of stuff we've talked about on here in terms of what makes a team successful. It starts with the GM having a vision, hiring the right coach who shares that vision and then having a captain who buys into the whole concept and as a result, leads by example and acts as a conduit for management to help ensure all are onboard. IMO, one of the reasons the Rangers have done so well to date that isn't getting discussed is the change in captaincy. Dreary simply couldn't deliver...

RF4L

Mon Jan 23 2012 7:00 am EST

RF4L, those defending the Bruins appears to be just me. And no, I don't think they are like the Rangers. They are what they are. The Rangers are everything you'd want in a team (less maybe one big, fast winger who can score - hello Kreider?) with a mix of toughness, grit, talent and a brand of hockey you can really get behind. Disagreements aside, I think it is great that Rangers fans feel the way you do, cause Boston fans have taken notice of the Rangers too and an epic rivalry could be getting renewed. This is excellent.

Gary

Mon Jan 23 2012 6:58 am EST

Gary

Mon Jan 23 2012 2:33 am EST

Sign me up for Zidlicky if he is available!!! One of few decent RH PPQB. Playing next to him would be of great help for BR on the PP. Deal Stralman and a prospect for him. McD-Girardi, MDZ-Sauer, Staal-Zid.

Ola

Sun Jan 22 2012 11:46 pm EST

These commercials were worse than I remembered... http://www.snyrangersblog.com/2012/01/22/watch-the-rangers-jeans-commercial/

Rhet0ric

Sun Jan 22 2012 11:25 pm EST

THEDUGSTER: here is the thing with the PP, there is no logical reason why it sucks. I just think it is something in the water. I think that you could have Orr, Bourque, and Leetch and the PP would suck. In response to speed teams? The NYR are who they are. They need to be less aggressive on the forecheck, clog the lanes, force the play to the boards and beat them up. You drag them into the deep end of the pool. Montreal is one of those teams that just have your number. Like NJ. For whatever reason for eons the NYR could not buy a win against them and now them. Montreal just has us by the balls. Go figure

Sun Jan 22 2012 11:11 pm EST

RF4L: let me expand. My point is that perception on intimidation and dirty play are confused with hard work and physicality when you are the victim. You walk a fine line when you are physical. The primary difference between the NYR and Boston is the way they go about it. The Bruins are loaded with more agitating players who work their asses off, get in hard on the forecheck, finish their checks, and then let you know that when you get back up they are going to get you. They use a more thuggish style. Their more skill players are thuggish as well. The NYR have skill players that are not nearly as physical but the red nosed guys are every bit as nasty. But if you are on the receiving end, you aren't going to see the difference. By virtue of the style of play, you will just see your players laying on the ice. You will think that the NYR are thugs. It's just perception. But I do think Boston is "nastier" if that makes sense.

Sun Jan 22 2012 11:11 pm EST

All good points guys-----I was just thinking out loud...We have struggled with fast teams...the habs come to mind...But if we can get some pucks to the net we will be ok,,Sauer back gives us guys to trade,,,,,we need a sniper,,,,,,we also need a power play......its so bad its makes me worry---been 3 years and not much to talk about,,,,

thedugster

Sun Jan 22 2012 10:47 pm EST

dug: I think the Rangers stand a better chance beating the Bruins than the Canucks. Vancouver has more speed and this year it's the speedy teams the Rangers seem to have the most difficulty with...

RF4L

Sun Jan 22 2012 10:46 pm EST

For those defending the Bruins - the Rangers matched their physical play, but surely you don't feel the Rangers and the Bruins have the same approach from a physical standpoint? I mean if you do, then there's no point in discussing this further because you watch the game from a very different perspective than I do....

RF4L

Sun Jan 22 2012 9:16 pm EST

I love the Rangers--have loved them since I was 8,,,,47 years ago...love this team---BUT the question is do I think we can Beat the Bruins in a 7 game series?. Vancouver---YES . Bruins---NOPE,,,We need more scoring,,,,,,,is this the year?...Yep---Should sather toss away the farm to make it happen,,,Yep-----lEtS Go rAnGeRs!!!

thedugster

Sun Jan 22 2012 7:54 pm EST

E...The Rangers are a physical team but in no way are they a dirty team like Boston...If we match them in the hitting department and Hank is on we can beat them....We don't need to add more dirty players to match the Bruins....An effective PP would help much more....

Sun Jan 22 2012 7:03 pm EST

PJ: If you are going to be a seriously physical team you are also going to be a dirty team. Its inevitable. If you want your players to finish their checks every time, they won't always be clean. Its just how it is. I have never seen a very physical team that also was not labeled dirty by a team that was victimized. Your team has to walk that line if you want to be a team that physically imposes their will. I would argue that Boston has quite a few players that routinely are willing to pull some dirty stuff if the refs aren't watching but at the end of the day the NYR are no angels either. The reality is that a big part of Boston's game is intimidation. And the NYR thrive in that type of atmosphere.

Sun Jan 22 2012 6:20 pm EST

PJ - In that regard, the Rangers need more dirty players then...The only one I consistenly seeing being dirty or giving the extra "business" is Del Zorro

Hospo

Sun Jan 22 2012 5:33 pm EST

Gary....Disagree on the Bruins....They cross the line quite often and are a dirty team....Chara and Lucic may be very effective players but make no mistake they are dirty players also....

Sun Jan 22 2012 5:30 pm EST

Avery....Agree on Richards and his passing...Not only is he less accurate he makes blind passes to no one that does nothing but cause turnovers....He played harder yesterday but he is still off....

Sun Jan 22 2012 4:49 pm EST

AVery - Both Vermette and Rutuu would be good options, especially Rutuu IMO....RF4L -Gleeson would indeed be a nice terget but I heaer there are already a few teams going for him...Hopefully, McD and Sauer are healthy within a few weeks and the Rangers can look for a 3rd pair D-man in a trade from a better postition....Three Games? sounds about right given waht has gone on....And, yeah, Gene_Carr, sorry...

Hospo

Sun Jan 22 2012 4:32 pm EST

Ha. Some deterrent. The league is a joke.

Bob

Sun Jan 22 2012 4:20 pm EST

3 it is. http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=385800

cnparda

Sun Jan 22 2012 3:07 pm EST

Rumor has it 3 game suspension to Ference. Espn saying he's suspended- injury details were part of the decision- hopefully McD ok

puckyou

Sun Jan 22 2012 2:43 pm EST

Watched OT again (Boston broadcast repeated today) and it yes it was a dirty hit, whether or not the guy meant it in the heat of the moment. Ference clearly launched at the last split second. Suspension coming.

Gary

Sun Jan 22 2012 2:33 pm EST

Its been rumored in the rags that pretty much everyone is available on Columbus and Minnesota. Zidlicky was a healthy scratch also so he may be the first to go. Not the dollars add up and he is out right now but a Dubinksy, Cally, Carter line would look real good.

cnparda

Sun Jan 22 2012 2:13 pm EST

Is Clutterbuck available? I am not sure where that one gained any traction. Of course we would like to be in play for him but I would think there are a good 20 teams in the NHL who would like a player like him. Relatively inexpensive energy guy who chips in offensively.

Sun Jan 22 2012 2:00 pm EST

Been lurking but have not posted in a while. On the subject of trades- I think Columbus or Minny have some options that would work. If the rangers wanted to open the cupboard Jeff Carter is available, although he has a large contract. More likely smaller deals like Prospal for a little more scoring and Vermette for faceoffs. Personally I'd rather have Dorsett for more jam. Speaking of which in Minny I would target Cal Clutterbuck- another hard working guy who would be instrumental in a Boston or Philly series. Say no to Horcoff.

cnparda

Sun Jan 22 2012 1:06 pm EST

Anyone else notice that Richards passes are not leading people as well or as accurate as they were in the first 20 games of the season?

Avery

Sun Jan 22 2012 1:04 pm EST

And while we finally got lucky and scored a power play goal with 3.6 seconds left we had two chances to end the game in regulation and generated absolutely nothing on those power plays. We continue to have virtually no movement and overpass the puck along the perimeter and wind up getting no shots on goal. One can argue that the refs did us a favor by not calling about 5-6 glaring penalties on the Bruins in the first 2 periods.

Avery

Sun Jan 22 2012 1:04 pm EST

Ruutu is an OK option, has some offense in him and delivers the big hit etc. Still, good players will be moved this deadline. I can't understand the logic for overpaying for mid rental when we got the war chest to go after someone that really would help us. Hospo- we'll agree to disagree for sure. That's what this place is for. But I couldn't disagree more with your arguing. A vet who knows where to be on the ice can score many goals if gets icetime where he can utilize that ability. Smyth did not score more in EDM then Markus Näslund did in NY. And Smyth is a lot slower and older than what Näslund were... That type of player is not what Richards needs next to him.

Ola

Sun Jan 22 2012 12:47 pm EST

I don't see it RF4L, but that's what makes a market I guess. I grew up hating the big bad Bruins. Just being unbiased. The current Bruins in my experience - here in Boston - are just good. Good and tough. They have the swagger they earned last year. Before that they were the Rangers north. I love that the Rangers came in and beat them yesterday. It was a big step.

Gary

Sun Jan 22 2012 12:44 pm EST

BTW, if the Rangers are looking to add a vet d-man, I hope they`re talking with the Canes about Tim Gleason. That dude is as tough as nails and can play, some, too.

RF4L

Sun Jan 22 2012 12:42 pm EST

Avery: I, too, like Ruutu, but the biggest problem with getting him (along with any other top 6 forward) is going to be difficult because there are more teams looking than offering....beware of overpaying. Also, he`s a pending UFA, another reason to be wary, IMO.

RF4L

Sun Jan 22 2012 12:24 pm EST

Gary: I totally disagree - I stand by my belief that they are a bunch of arrogant bullies with a gang-like attitude and get their collective noses out of joint if another team stands up to them. That attitude is personified by ugly as trash Chara.

RF4L

Sun Jan 22 2012 12:12 pm EST

It was also nice to see Boyle throw a nice solid hit on Lucic that put him on his ass. I am sure that doesn't happen to that monster to often.

Avery

Sun Jan 22 2012 12:08 pm EST

NYR-BOS: That was one of the best regular season games I have seen in forever... Only blemish was the Ferrence hit... glad to see the referees fix their blatant one-sided favoritism towards teh end o fthe game... I though Del Zotto, McDonaguah and Girardi were spectacular last night... and the penalty kill was incredible.. I can't believe the ballz that Callahan and Boyle and Girardi were showing blocking point shots whizzing at them over 100 MPH.. INSANE

schneidw

Sun Jan 22 2012 12:05 pm EST

RF4L- I don't follow teh WHALE... any idea where the problems are w the team? Only obvious issue I see is the horrid goaltending... NYRs need to find a good goalie prospect yesterday

schneidw

Sun Jan 22 2012 11:59 am EST

Another interesting pick up may be Vermette from Colombus who are probably going to clean house. I think we should be able to move MZA and Valentenko for him at the deadline. Vermette is good at faceoffs and is sort of a jack of all trades which fits in with what Torts like to do with his lines.

Avery

Sun Jan 22 2012 11:55 am EST

Meanwhile - I know it was 4-on-4 OT, but what the hell was Ference- a defenseman- charging behind our net on a forecheck? Not only should he have held up for the fact that McD was vulnerable- you could argue Ference had no business being there

puckyou

Sun Jan 22 2012 11:50 am EST

I wonder if AA and MZa would be enough to get Ruutu from Carolina.

Avery

Sun Jan 22 2012 11:33 am EST

We as Ranger fans have seen Malkin be enabled by the refs for years starting with his multiple slew foot performance on Mara years ago which went uncalled. Both Malkin and Crosby have been enabled by both Mario and the league and there is no denying that fact.

Avery

Sun Jan 22 2012 11:28 am EST

Good points Avery.

Gary

Sun Jan 22 2012 11:26 am EST

When you have Micheletti saying that the game is being reffed one sided then you know there is a serious problem because he spends 90% of every broadcast blowing, defending and talking about the other team. Any hit of a defenseless player into the boards needs to be a minimum one game suspension. To say Ferrence was not trying to wipe out McDonut into the boards so he doesn't get back up right away with a dirty hit is absolute bs. When you throw a legal check you do it with the intention of it hurting and giving you the advantage on the play and in the game by punishing your opponent. When you throw an illegal hit your intention is to hurt the player and try and knock him out of the game or at the very least make sure he is much less effective the rest of the game. When being on the recieving end of a game like this you can understand Burke's point about goons being able to go over and whack Ferrence in the kisser after a play like that so that he has it in the back of his mind not to do it again. A phone call from the league is much less of a deterrent than a fist to the face from a scary bastard.

Avery

Sun Jan 22 2012 11:22 am EST

lb...."Malkin, meanwhile, continues to be the league’s sneakiest dirtiest player, enabled by officials who continue to allow him to go scot-free for plays such as the one midway through the first period of the match at the Garden on Thursday where he low-bridged Brian Boyle to avoid a check and in doing so sent the Ranger up and over. It was an act distinct from the one that got Brad Marchand suspended for going low on Vancouver’s Sami Salo only by speed, distance and the absence of league discipline. Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/more_sports/say_no_to_escrow_3dYf1LJsUc6hqt5BOJvYuM#ixzz1kClNsAYN

stevielegs

Sun Jan 22 2012 11:01 am EST

That said, I keep thinking about McD. I hope this kid is okay. Never mind the Rangers' defense, I just hope he's okay.

Gary

Sun Jan 22 2012 10:59 am EST

I disagree RF4L. The Bruins are a good hockey club and tough as nails. But outside of Marchand, are not a particularly dirty team, though they are getting that image with a couple high profile issues. They also have a classy coach. I think the extreme Homerism of the Boston media and people like Milbury put a stain on their image. But Chara, Bergeron, Horton, Lucic (admit it, he's just tough and scary, not dirty outside the Ryan Miller hit), Seidenberg and yes, Ference are solid players that generally play the game the right way. That the Rangers beat them at their own game yesterday was a big thing. Ference has expressed his regrets and I believe it was not intentional, even if it was reckless.

Gary

Sun Jan 22 2012 10:47 am EST

Hospo: What, no more oh yeas?

gene_carr

Sun Jan 22 2012 10:45 am EST

Man, do the Whale stink or what....ona 0-5-2-2 streak. Their division must suck because despite those dreary totals, they`re still in first!

RF4L

Sun Jan 22 2012 10:42 am EST

The Bruins, BTW, are like a schoolyard gang, revelling in picking on who they perceive to be weaker in mass and don`t know how to react when they are stood up to. The NHL meanwhile, especially the media, are in collective awe over their physical, intimidating and old style hockey attitude. Bullshit - they`re a bunch of bullies and that Ference crap for me epitomizes who they really are. The Rangers, even with their pathetic PP, truly deserves the win. What`s really nice is that it seems the other teams are waking up to realize what Boston is actually about - they`ve lost 4 games at home since Xmas.

RF4L

Sun Jan 22 2012 10:38 am EST

Rhet: The Bruins make me wanna puke. They skate around all high and mighty with the attitude of `I can cheapshot you but don`t you dare touch me` led by that ugly freakozoid Chara. That ghastly puke is one of the dirtiest players in the league who gets away with all kinds of crap because `he can`t help his size`. Someone should gouge out one his eyes so he has to retire...

RF4L

Sun Jan 22 2012 10:36 am EST

On a more upbeat note, Michael St Croix scored 3 goals and 5 points last night, upping his season totals to 31 and 77 respectively, putting him 3rd overall in the WHL, just 4 points from 1st. Wow, what a season.

RF4L

Sun Jan 22 2012 10:35 am EST

RF4L... Matt Cook should be a Bruin... when is a slew foot not a slew foot? Speaking of the Bruins face more disciplinary hearings than any other NHL team... but they aren't a dirty team.

Rhet0ric

Sun Jan 22 2012 10:31 am EST

And don't forget the NHLPA (ie the idiot players themselves) are loudly silent on this issue, too.

RF4L

Sun Jan 22 2012 10:30 am EST

Bob: Minor hockey in Canada (well Ontario for sure) adopted that rule at least 5 years ago...it's a good one, too.

RF4L

Sun Jan 22 2012 10:29 am EST

So this doesn't warrant any disciplinary action? What a stupid joke of a league: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qza1Tygdx40

RF4L

Sun Jan 22 2012 10:21 am EST

Since the tragic injury to high school player Jablonski in MN, the youth hockey leagues are cracking down. Instead of the 2 minutes for checking from behind and 10 minute misconduct, checking from behind now brings a 5 minute major and game misconduct with the possibility of further discipline if there is video evidence. There is an automatic one game suspension that goes with the ejection. Meanwhile, the mealy-mouthed NHL refuses to sanction its millionaore players to truly get the message

Bob

Sun Jan 22 2012 10:12 am EST

Brendan Cantahan is likely gonna do what he's been doing since the regular season started and hand down a miniscule suspension which is why crap like what happened yesterday keeps happening. I finally agreed with Shitiletti yesterday when he declared, as we watched McDonagh lying still on the ice, 'one of these days one of these guys won't get up'. And it's true and sometimes I wish it would happen - not for the player but for the league so they (and the NHLPA) can get their collective asses sued to the brink. Freakin' idiots....

RF4L

Sun Jan 22 2012 9:59 am EST

The conference call on Ference is 10AM this morning. It's a good thing we'll be going on the All-star break after Tuesdays game, not having McDonagh in the lineup will suck. Who knows how long he will be out, but hopefully he comes back after the break. I would rather bring Erixon back up to replace him, but I'm sure we'll get Woywitka instead.

Rhet0ric

Sun Jan 22 2012 9:42 am EST

And yeah, MZA and his out of position play and huge presence in front of the net and ability to fight in the slot on the PP is exactly what the Rangers need...He's exactly where he belongs right noe, in the AHL..He has been far surpassed by Hagelin, the best thing to do is trade him and maybe get something for him

Hospo

Sun Jan 22 2012 9:30 am EST

Gene_carr - So, what did Smyth do for the KIngs, score 10-15 goals? No wait, for the KIngs he scored 23 goals each year with 10 Power PLay Goals each year....He did that for the AValanche the year before..and 20-35 goals every year for the OIlers...And this year he has 16 GOALS in 47 games...There might be better players out there for the Rangers, but, IMO, it's flat out wrong to say the Rangers can;t use what Ryan Smyrth brings to the table every single year...

Hospo

Sun Jan 22 2012 9:04 am EST

Ryan Smith was brought to LA to add scoring to top lines and he did not. He was shipped back to Edm. at a discount. There is no reason to believe he would add more than MZA. I can't see our scouts signing off on this guy.

gene_carr

Sun Jan 22 2012 8:47 am EST

Watched the replay of the cheap shot .. McMonster hits shoulder first and his head doesn't hit the glass ...hoping his okay .. Hoping the NHL doe sthe right thing here...Back in the day I got hit in the chest ... went down, and couldn't breath cause my diaphram went into some sort of spasm.. I was just a kid at the time, no way was I hit like that though ...

sjw

Sun Jan 22 2012 4:08 am EST

One positive aspect with Smyth is that he would help to take some pressure of Brad Richards. I don't know if Sellanne would do that (he is not a leader in that sense). Truth to be told, Id probably take Smyth over Sellanne. But no matter what, I rather pay a big bounty and get very good player instead of going after a vet close to 40...

Ola

Sun Jan 22 2012 2:55 am EST

Hospo- On Hemsky, natrually you need to have your doctors look at him. He has had double shoulder injuries the last two seasons (one on each shoulder). I don't know what the story is with his shoulders, but if there is a big risk fo them to be a problem in the future he is of course no good option. But I've jot seen any report indicating that...

Ola

Sun Jan 22 2012 2:50 am EST

Prospal- He has done a good job here for sure, and is a Torts guy. But I dont know, I would hope that we could do better. The PO is long too, and Prospal ain't that healthy. Doan- World class PF. Would probably cost as much as any guy moved the last 48 months. Would definitely help us alot, at the same time, he would NOT give us another dimension nor help our PP. Ryan- Same as Doan, more skill but more questionable attitude. Hemsky- High upside high risk. Players like him have had a ton of success and been essential on the lower lines for every cup winner the last while, see Ryder, Veersteg and co. Sellanne- At 41 he is terribly slow, soft and afraid of going into the corners. Half smart and knows were to be on the ice.

Ola

Sun Jan 22 2012 12:45 am EST

Rhet. Kind of like that idiot who plays for the Steelers I think who keeps doing head to head hits. No matter how much they suspend or fine him he seems to be back playing and doing the same dangerous idiotic thing. Big Joke.

NYStranger

Sun Jan 22 2012 12:41 am EST

Looking at the Ference hit on youtube several angles and it looks to me that he sort of slew footed McD with right skate to right skate contact hefore thr final shove into the endboards. McD had no chance...real shitty play and real bad luck for us.

NYStranger

Sat Jan 21 2012 11:13 pm EST

It looks like it will be a phone hearing for Andrew Ference... which carries with it a max five games suspension... this also probably means he will get suspended 1-2 games... this kind of thing is what makes the League look like a joke.

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 21 2012 10:59 pm EST

Hospo/E... I'm sure what's going on now with Sather is a lot of tire kicking... seeing what's actually out there, despite the reports... I wouldn't mind Selanne at all, but I'm not sold he would come here... all the rumor mongers only seem to think he will approve a trade to Winnipeg... I also have little to no interest in Hemsky... he is not better than anything we have (especially looking at his 17 points this season)... if it came down to not making any moves or getting Hemsky... maybe then I take him, but only if it costs us Wolski/Christensen :)

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 21 2012 10:31 pm EST

HOSPO: I am not sure what anybody has ever seen in Hemsky? He has a very high skill level but he has never impressed me very much. He reminds me a little of a Dvorak. Sather has been hitting home runs and then he would crap the bed with Hemsky? Please say it won't be so. Sellane? Now that's another story altogether. He would be a great fit. It would really have to be his choice because he really just as in his words still finds the game fun to play. It has to be about his desire to win a cup if he even has one at this point. At least enough to uproot himself from OC and head across the country to the NYR.

Sat Jan 21 2012 10:29 pm EST

http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/7487217/boston-bruins-marc-savard-dealing-concussion-issues

MelvilleFred

Sat Jan 21 2012 10:07 pm EST

Rhet - Not how I would go, but I could see Selanne...Hemsky is nothing but na injury waiting to happen, won;t help in the tight PO grind, and has disaster written all over him...With apologies to TDCHI and OLA...

Hospo

Sat Jan 21 2012 9:32 pm EST

E...Brickley absolutely was trying to justify the hit as not dirty....I thought they both were fine the first two periods but reverted to their obnoxious ways in the 3rd and OT...Really don't care about them as I rarely listen to them and it was great that we won and shut them all up....

Sat Jan 21 2012 9:24 pm EST

PJ: I think you're being too hard on the Boston announcers. While I will agree they were pretty much homers the whole game I don't think that they were excusing away that nasty hit from behind. I would've liked to see them play it up with the same intensity as some of the other penalties that were called in that game. But they pointed out that you have to be responsible when you're on the ice. Boarding a player like that has absolutely no place in the game today. It put a black eye on what I thought was one of the most competitive and good games I have seen in while. One thing is for certain now if this game was nasty just wait till the next game. Better bring your icepack. And we all hope that McDonagh is okay. That shot made that kid cry so you know it was real painful.

Sat Jan 21 2012 9:16 pm EST

I would not say that Shanahan is running a kangaroo court. To date he's been effective handing down penalties and suspensions when they are warranted. I have not agreed with him 100% but then again who will? But when I look at his body of work I have to say he has not done too bad of a job. Certainly better than soupy. I am fully expecting a suspension to come down if not that would be a travesty. But then again I'm usually wrong.

Sat Jan 21 2012 9:12 pm EST

The Ducks have found their gas pedal. They are playing very well right now. The question is might it be too little too late?

Sat Jan 21 2012 9:08 pm EST

RHET: I call Dubinsky overrated for now in the what have you done for me lately. In this case all season. At some point we have to come to grips that this the player he is. At least for now.

Sat Jan 21 2012 9:05 pm EST

Ya I just heard Milbury on the hit....He also added it isn't even a penalty in his day....What do expect from a guy who smacks kids around...Why he is allowed on a broadcast of anything is beyond me....The guy is a tool and one of the worst GM's ever...They can't find anyone better as an analyst?

Sat Jan 21 2012 8:52 pm EST

Anyone just hear that YUTZ MILLBURY..It was just a shove and McD's leg got caught in a rut.

DOUBLEN

Sat Jan 21 2012 8:47 pm EST

puckyou... I think the Mcdonagh hit should have a penalty of a minimum of 10 games... if the NHL wants to send a message, they should start there.

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 21 2012 8:45 pm EST

According to Bruce Garrioch in the Ottawa Sun, the Rangers are one of four teams that have inquired about acquiring the services of Teemu Selanne... he also postulate's the Rangers will go after Hemsky if they fail to land him... Spector's Lyle Richardson doesn't believe the Ducks big 3 are actually available and the prior comments made by their GM was a ploy to get them to raise their level of play... E... Streakiest scorer in the NHL? What do you call Dubinsky?

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 21 2012 7:47 pm EST

E: Gabby must have read your "Streaky post" from this morning...........Gaborik scores 2 as Rangers beat Bruins 3-2 in OT ........ Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/rangers/gaborik_scores_as_rangers_beat_bruins_inszodsKJhdI8zNOxGm9cK#ixzz1k8xclOw1

Sat Jan 21 2012 6:47 pm EST

McD wad holding his face because he was in such pain he was crying. When he hit the boards on the replay, you can here him scream in pain. This guy is gonna get 2 games I bet- but deserves at least 5. Head shots should be auto 5-10 games, double for 2nd offenses. Enough of Shanny and his kangaroo court.

puckyou

Sat Jan 21 2012 6:26 pm EST

Bruin announcers were their usually obnoxious selves by the time the third period rolled around....Topped off by trying to justify the hit on McD and whining about the penalties called on them at the end of the game....Glad we beat these pricks....

Sat Jan 21 2012 6:09 pm EST

OLA - We'll just agree to disagree..I'll take Shane Smyth, Ryan Doan, Tumuu Prospal or Vaclav Ruutuu any day.....MCD - Difficult to speculate....Doesn;t seem like the head..Could be anything for, wind, collar bone. or even lower body....Lets just keep the fingers crossed...

Hospo

Sat Jan 21 2012 5:52 pm EST

Just watched the McD hit again, it doesn't look like his head hit the boards or ice. Might be a whiplash type concussion, or he may not have one, but he seemed to be holding his head....guess we have to wait and see. But, from what I do know, the whiplash types tend to be less severe than impact types of head injuries. lets hope that continues to be the case...

Wildcard

Sat Jan 21 2012 5:51 pm EST

Mrs. Richards was awful (think Fawlty Towers).......kudos to the guys who went down in front of Chara!!!!!!

MelvilleFred

Sat Jan 21 2012 5:50 pm EST

No update, poss. for a couple days per Andrew Gross.

Gary

Sat Jan 21 2012 5:49 pm EST

Hehe Smyth... ;) Don't get me wrong, I used to like him alot and I am sure he is invaluable for EDM and their process of building their team. But to me getting him sounds like the Knicks trading a PG for stationary SF who hangs on to the ball too much and takes a ton of shots (granted that that SF was of value for someone else and put up decent stats). I just think we need a very good overall hockeyplayer. Our team is fine from top to bottom, but we need a little more elite ability all over the board. Brad Richards needs that next to him. Our PP needs it. Not just someone who has intangibles. Thinking the later is enough is a mistake we have done one to many times by now/

Ola

Sat Jan 21 2012 5:48 pm EST

Too anxious to read down....what's the update on McDonough????

MelvilleFred

Sat Jan 21 2012 5:47 pm EST

HOSPO, I tell you I am a clueless jackass. I can get my wife to post as much. Yes, Jack Edwards was okay today. The Rangers have earned huge respect around here with Mike Felger (excellent sports talk radio guy) calling them legit. He's no homer, but a true hockey guy. Brickley cloaks his Homeritis in good hockey knowledge, but he's still a pom pom waver. I really think Edwards pleasures himself under the console during a game when the B's are doing especially well. To have these guys give the Rangers the level of respect they got today was huge because it is coming from not only unbiased people, but Boston homers to boot. Homers w/ good hockey knowledge. Not clueless jackasses.

Gary

Sat Jan 21 2012 5:25 pm EST

Not just anybody can be a clueless jackass! But most of us here have earned the right one ti,e or another!...CHIN - Ryan Smyth? Maybe not so clueless afterall..:)...GARY - Jack Edwards has always nauseated me, especially when the Bruins fight....But, to tell the truth, he was pretty complimentary of the Rangers today...

Hospo

Sat Jan 21 2012 4:52 pm EST

Rangers matched them in this game. And the B's are tough to beat in any style. Watching Richards I think 'yah but... in playoffs we will see why we got the guy. As for macD, agree w/ the poster that said he was Rangers' best today. Hope he's okay. On B's announcers, the tool was Brickley. The PBP guy, Jack Edwards is such a homer it's comical. Gotta love it. Bruins' announcers have a long history of homeritis. Signed... A clueless jackass.

Gary

Sat Jan 21 2012 4:19 pm EST

I am a proud card carrying member of the "clueless jackass club!". Save me some crow.... Thnx

Sat Jan 21 2012 4:10 pm EST

awwww, I want to be called a clueless jackass too!

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 21 2012 4:07 pm EST

Thanks HOSPO, you clueless jackass. Hey, isn't RYAN SMYTH good on the PP? :)

chinstrap

Sat Jan 21 2012 4:04 pm EST

Add Sauer and a physcal LW who can score a bit..and somehow get the PP going...and I love this team's chances..OTOH, I'm not sure if the PP is fixable with what we have..maybe that LW helps?..There ihas been zero confidence, chemistry, or fight on the PP..Mayeb this goal shows them what they need to do...

Hospo

Sat Jan 21 2012 4:03 pm EST

Couple of observations) mcD was the best Ranger in that game- looked like his shoulder took the brunt of that cheap shot- hope he's ok- hes a stud.) Dubi and Richards sucked ( winning assist aside . Chara let 4 pucks to by him that he could have played that were icings- Prust dive- Officiating embarrassing . Rangers courage blocking pucks amazing.

puckyou

Sat Jan 21 2012 4:01 pm EST

Didn't see it...I liked Richards early on but then saw too many errors and laziness out of him later on...But he helped on the goal...Beggars can't be choosers!

Hospo

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:59 pm EST

And yes, I thought I would make chin feel better with one of my error-free posts!

Hospo

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:59 pm EST

Richards even being a DB when interviewed now...What is this guys problem....Show some class there beaver teeth,,,,

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:57 pm EST

Holy Go to the net bat man....Finally a PP goal and a well deserved win....I was liiterally sick to my stomach and aeyes bulging out watching that disgusting PP until they finally decided to take it to the net.........Other then the PP (actually, bith teams PP sucks)..what a great team game by the Rangers..yeah they made some mistakes but that's what the Stanly Cup Champs make you to...They sowed that they can play physically with the Bruins anb didn't back sown one iota..Still think they need a physical LW for a 7-game series with them...as well as the PP and the PO run.........I rarely get on the refs but fopr about 50 mins I thought they were screwing the Rangers big time..not the calls against the Rangers, but the things they let the Bruins get away with....But the last wo minutes or so, the Rangers got some pay back....

Hospo

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:56 pm EST

Usually I laugh at road announcers but what the fuck? Who is that color man turd with his 'momentum' and 'McDonagh should have 'dug in'' and all the rest? Are you kidding me??? And Ference's hit ... endemic to the league ... is illustrates that too many players just don't give a shit who they hurt. I'd say the same thing if a Ranger had hit him. Concussion injuries all over the damned league and this asshole pulls this play? Full speed right from behind? The NHL is fucked unless they out a stop to this shit. It's disgusting.

Nick

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:55 pm EST

The Bruins are still better than us, but not by much... Rask is every bit as good as Biron... In a seven game series we can beat this team as long as we play our best every single night... we match up so well against them, I think it would frustrate the hell out of them in a series.

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:49 pm EST

We just don't play the points well on the PP....We have the talent....Just don't get it....Maybe this goal will get them going

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:49 pm EST

Bob: Yep, but when you crash the net and fire pucks the goalie ends up giving up rebounds. Most of that 4 on 3 the Rangers had Cally in front and passed the puck around amongst the other 3 players with only 1 or 2 shots attempted. Cally in front is good, but sometimes you move away from there to help spread things out, then go back when an opportunity to shoot is being created.

RF4L

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:45 pm EST

Nice win ....hope McMonster is ok after the hit from behind, I say suspension... We compete hard 5-5 and on the PK .. but are soft as whipped butter on the PP ...I know we aren't deep in high skils but just don't get it....and the goal we scored is what we need to do.. get pucks to the net and create chaos for the other teams PK

sjw

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:45 pm EST

Chin....Agree on McD....Can't afford to lose him....Vicious hit...Just hope he is ok....

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:44 pm EST

Great Win... hopefully the cost isn't too high... the way McDonagh's head snapped it looked like he had whiplash... maybe a neck injury? Guess we'll have to wait and see... I kind of like Cally, Richards and Gabby on the same line...

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:43 pm EST

2 pretty amazing saves by Rask before that goal.

Bob

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:43 pm EST

Well that was some game. Sure hope McD is OK. Ference will enjoy some league-mandated ime off for sure.

Bob

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:42 pm EST

Suck on that Boston....Biggest win of the season by far.......

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:42 pm EST

chin: I don't think it's a concussion - he never hit his head. He looked badly winded to me. Cross your fingers....

RF4L

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:41 pm EST

Good for the boys. Big win. But if McD indeed has a concussion, the price is way too steep.

chinstrap

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:41 pm EST

And guess why they scored: Cuz they were shooting and going to the net for the rebounds instead of being stationary....

RF4L

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:40 pm EST

LOL...anemic PP comes thru - and that is so sweet cuz of that cheapshot on McDonagh....

RF4L

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:40 pm EST

Check that.....WEEEEEEEWIIINNNNN

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:39 pm EST

My God we can't even hit the net....

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:37 pm EST

Get a goal dammit.....

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:36 pm EST

Ha. Holy shiz. Did it again. BROADCASTS. Wow.

chinstrap

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:36 pm EST

McDonagh looked like he had whiplash from the hit.

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:36 pm EST

*broadcastes....Sorry, in my anger, I channeled HOSPO

chinstrap

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:35 pm EST

Bruins announcers now justifying hit....Assholes!

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:35 pm EST

Listening to both broadcastes. Joe rightly talking about what a terrible play that is. Bruins announcers making excuses for Ference. Sickening.

chinstrap

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:35 pm EST

Just take one of these pricks heads off....If McD is hurt we are screwed....

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:28 pm EST

Gross.

chinstrap

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:27 pm EST

This PP is embarassment....ridiculous. You wanna play legitimately with the big boys, you won't with any consistency with this PP.

RF4L

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:26 pm EST

Our powerplay consistently looks like we are pinching in the offensive zone on a penalty kill.

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:24 pm EST

Alright, nice of the refs to listen to the Wall. Time to win a game on the PP.

chinstrap

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:22 pm EST

Next Powerplay just pick 5 names out of a hat and throw them out there..can't be anyworse that we have been seeing lately.

DOUBLEN

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:22 pm EST

RHET: I don't disagree, just meant that there have been a few calls that I think should've been penalties, but nothing as absurd as the McD "delay of game" call or the penalty shot call. We finally get one and have another crappy PP. Gabby can't dance around with the puck in the offensive zone, he needs to shoot or move the puck. And Richards needs to get going. This is supposed to be his time of the game.

chinstrap

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:19 pm EST

we didn't give up a goal... another successful powerplay!

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:15 pm EST

I don't know Chin, this game is heavily lopsided... too many blatant NON-calls against the Bruins. They can basically do whatever they want to to us without recourse.

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:13 pm EST

BOB: It hasn't been close to as blatantly awful as the WC, but its amazing that in a physical game like this we don't have a single power play. A few could've been called. Even Michelletti is commenting on it.

chinstrap

Sat Jan 21 2012 3:08 pm EST

Are these the Winter Classic refs? I mean, really.

Bob

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:58 pm EST

Wow, great equal game so far..great effort by the Rangers.....Marred by a lazy backcheck by Cally and a FO loss by Boyle..Other then that , the team has been playing it's heart out...Hopefully they can hang in there during the 3rd period..

Hospo

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:56 pm EST

I am not surprised with the physical play from Boston but they are quicker than I thought they were...They transition quickly so we have to watch these blind passes in the offensive zone....I agree we can expose some of their D with a strong forecheck....

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:52 pm EST

I thought we played a bit better about ten minutes in to the second. Nice to see! We went D to D a little more, got up ice by our self and forced the Bruins to back down some too. Boston has a very heavy team of course, without being slow or anything. But you can definitely get to them by getting them to move around some. Chara is hard to "expose", but some of the other D's they have aren't the quickest to move around for sure. Also, they are good at getting the puck and they are strong infront of the net. They are also good at those long passes across the zone to get open lanes. But they won't lock you up like say a Malkin-led Pittsburg team. Their PP is decent, but no killer. It definitely don't seem impossible to beat them over 7.

Ola

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:51 pm EST

Well, the Rangers have given Boston everything they could want so far. No lack of effort from any of them.

Bob

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:48 pm EST

geez, Taylor Hall looks like Frankenstein.

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:44 pm EST

Painful allowing that goal with less than a minute left....Faceoff loss an absolute killer....Lucky deflection off Boyle's stick also....Rangers playing a good game today but Girardi has made more bad plays today than he normally makes in a month....Let's win the third and pass the hat......

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:40 pm EST

I wonder if Torts will comment on the officiating after the game?

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:39 pm EST

Hey #5; maybe some effort next time to clear the crease!

pa.rangersfan

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:29 pm EST

Hard work finally paid off, hopefully Gabby get's another... Dubi only has 4 shots on goal in his last 4 games... shoot the damn puck!

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:26 pm EST

Great one-timer by Gaborik!

GermanBlueshirt

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:20 pm EST

Scratch that...thought it was going to be a Ranger Power Play

DOUBLEN

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:19 pm EST

Are you fucking kidding me?

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:19 pm EST

You have got to be kidding me? That is just horrible....

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:19 pm EST

Now is the time to make a snack, go to the bathroom,run down for the mail, etc as it's Ranger Power Play time.

DOUBLEN

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:14 pm EST

Cally seems to consistently not have calls go his way

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:14 pm EST

I didn't know I was working at the Game today as the music man. Maiden. Anthrax. Metallica? At least there playing good tunes; and yes, the Boston homer announcers don't come close to the 2 Pitts. clowns.

pa.rangersfan

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:13 pm EST

Del Zotto is a really strong kid. He 1 armed Horton to the boards and then pinned him like he was a rag doll

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:13 pm EST

Agreed on officiating....Not a penalty on Bruins yet? Give me a break....

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:10 pm EST

The only thing Rupp should get is pats on the back. He handed Thornton his ass!

pa.rangersfan

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:09 pm EST

I don't think we are going to get a call this entire game. Dubinsky was held before the Bruins goal. Callahan just got pulled down after hitting Peverly.

Bob

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:04 pm EST

crap.

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:04 pm EST

Rupp tried to tackle Thorton and missed... think he'll get crap for that in the locker room?

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:03 pm EST

Rangers lead the league in fighting majors. Awesome.

GermanBlueshirt

Sat Jan 21 2012 2:01 pm EST

You're right Bob, so far they have been quite good. Saw the Vancouver - Bruins game two weeks ago and they were absolutely horrific. Calling the Canucks the most unpopular franchise in Canada and some hilarious BS about the refs.

GermanBlueshirt

Sat Jan 21 2012 1:59 pm EST

Way to go Cally!

Bob

Sat Jan 21 2012 1:55 pm EST

Actually, Edwards and Brickley are having a good day so far. Of course, Edwards can go off the reservation any moment but he has been appropriately resoectful of the Rangers so far. Maybe he knows he is on coast to coast on NHL Network and is trying to behave himself.

Bob

Sat Jan 21 2012 1:53 pm EST

I thought Staal, BTW, had an excellent first period...strong on the puck. Is there a consistent nastiness to his play so far this year that we didn't see previously (only in spots)??

RF4L

Sat Jan 21 2012 1:50 pm EST

Dubinsky earned his penalty after he was warned at the opening face off. Calling Callahan? That was just a poor call. The good thing? Outside of the Boston adrenalin filled opening three shifts the NYR have been hammering them right back blow for blow.

Sat Jan 21 2012 1:44 pm EST

OMG, someone needs to kill that asshole Marchand. See that crap in front of the Ranger net? He's digging away at Lundvqist so Staal comes in and shoves him away and how does he respond? By trying to hit Staal in the balls. Of course, it goes totally unnoticed by Shitiletti....

RF4L

Sat Jan 21 2012 1:43 pm EST

Excellent first period by Rangers....They survived the initial onslaught and have had some real good chances....The officiating going against us but PK awesome so far....Some real good forechecking and a shame we couldn't have buried one of the chances we created....Can't overstate how sweet a win today would be....

Sat Jan 21 2012 1:42 pm EST

I can now see why the bruins blow everyone out. They are aloud to do whatever they want on the ice to the other team.

shonuff

Sat Jan 21 2012 1:40 pm EST

I know every fan thinks their team get's the short end of the stick with officiating, but I swear to god the League has it in for the Rangers.

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 21 2012 1:38 pm EST

Apparently, but when they step on your sticks you go off for tripping. What bullshit.

Bob

Sat Jan 21 2012 1:34 pm EST

Jack Edwards and Andy Brickley are the worst commentators in the NHL.

GermanBlueshirt

Sat Jan 21 2012 1:29 pm EST

You can tackle guys in hockey now?

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 21 2012 1:26 pm EST

KIS: Boston has the final line change. Tortorella is spreading the skill during the faceoffs with some toughness. He is quick shifting afterwards. It's just x and o's. He is determined to keep the NYR from getting pushed back off the face off. That is one of the reasons why Boyle is taking so many face offs today.

Sat Jan 21 2012 1:20 pm EST

Why get Richards as a player if u are going to give him shit line mates. What the hell is Callahan and dubi lining up with Boyle. Can't prust and rupp line up with Boyle for toughness and checking. Put cally with bags and Richards and put dubi with gabby and stepan. Torts does some ficked up line combos

KIS

Sat Jan 21 2012 1:17 pm EST

So the Rangers are supposed to let the Bruins take jabs at Hank whenever they want to?

Bob

Sat Jan 21 2012 1:06 pm EST

DOUB: You're a life saver. LIke RHET, I was not happy with the proposition of listening to Jack Edwards go down on the Bruins for 3 straight hours.

chinstrap

Sat Jan 21 2012 1:06 pm EST

Ugh....Jack Edwards and Andy Brickley. Thanks NHL Network. Jerks.

Bob

Sat Jan 21 2012 1:06 pm EST

If King stands on his head and Staal doesn't pinch maybe we can get a tie :)

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 21 2012 1:04 pm EST

Thanks Double N, I was almost condemned to listen to the Bruins announcer... yeck!!

Rhet0ric

Sat Jan 21 2012 1:00 pm EST

Here is the stream: http://streamo.atspace.tv/B98D7FG98YH2JNFG.html

DOUBLEN

Sat Jan 21 2012 12:27 pm EST

I think cash is allowed in a trade but not more than 1 mill. It might be 2 but definitely no more. The Rangers can't trade like the old trades between them and Edmonton.

KIS

Sat Jan 21 2012 12:05 pm EST

So the league is going to prop up the Devils financially......the same Devils who spent $100 Million on Ilya Kovalchuk? Unreal and not good, since it makes it more likely they will trade Parise and they are not trading him to the Rangers. Still, what a goofball group and this Vanderbeek is a knucklehead. Move them to Quebec City.

Bob

Sat Jan 21 2012 10:57 am EST

...big test coming against Boston. This is one of the gauge moments. After the game you will have a much better idea on where the NYR are developmentally because if there is one thing I know: Boston is looking up at the NYR and will look to impose dominance. The NYR will have to elevate to another level.

Sat Jan 21 2012 10:55 am EST

HOSPO: One of the issues that I am noticing about Gaborik is that he has stopped forcing his way to the front of the net. Gaborik makes his money from rebounds, passes in tight, and anywhere he can use that ridiculous and effortless snapshot. I have noticed that at least in the past few games he is no longer paying the price like he was. He looks a lot more like the Gaborik of last season. That stated, we all know he is about the streakiest goal scorer in the NHL. He might go 7-10 games with almost nothing and then snap the funk and score a GAG for the next 7-10. But right now the NYR need him BAD.

Sat Jan 21 2012 10:54 am EST

KIS: are you allowed to include cash in a trade ? thanks buddy

Sat Jan 21 2012 10:53 am EST

Devils trade for Ponikarovsky prior to playing Flyers Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/devils/devils_swing_big_deal_y9pIPA73zmodhv5oSc26qM#ixzz1k6nC4NMO

Sat Jan 21 2012 10:44 am EST

fuckin devils gonna get money from the league. What bullshit. Nobody told them to go and sign a player for 100 mill. Hell I can't by a ferrari and then when I don't have money get the Government to pay for it. If the club needs that much money theyshould have to trade Kovalchuk and or Parise. Hell they even added to payroll by trading a minor leaguer for Panikorovski. If I'm the Rangers I try and trade WW, MZA and a minor leaguer(not somebody like Kreider, etc). If that isn't enough give them Mitchell as well for for Parise. Give them 2million in cash as well. I usually don't like taking on former Devils but in this case I would try. He could cure what ails our offense.

KIS