Anyone who watches the NHL Network particularly late at night has seen the bit about Darryl Sittler's 10 point game. He tells you he usually had a little Bass and Steak as his pregame meal and so on. I found it really cool at first, much happier than the suicide inducing "Don't Give Up" cancer awareness commercial. Don't get me wrong, I fully support cancer awareness, but that tune on that commercial simply has to be the most tear inducing half a bar of music I've ever heard, but seeing it over and over again while watching on the fly has made me think. Wouldn't it be awesome for someone to break Sittler's record? This way they'd stop running that damned piece every 20 minutes. So then inside my little brain, half awake, is what popped into my head. Al Trautwig of MSG Network interviewing Petr Prucha after Prucha not only broke Sittler's record, but also the single game assist and goal records, in the same game.
Al Trautwig: Welcome back everyone to MSG. What a night it was here. Petr Prucha, with his 8 goal and 8 assist night has broken three seemingly unreachable records in one night. He broke Joe Malone's record of 7 goals, Billy Taylor's record of 7 assists and, Darryl Sittler's record for points in a single game. Ah, and here he is joining us in Studio 16, Petr, welcome, quite a game you had.
Petr Prucha: Yah, it was uhh, fun, great night.
AT: I'll say, you gave the Garden crowd quite a thrill. I'm sure you are overcome with excitement right now and it hasn't soaked in yet, but tell me. How huge did Sean Avery come through in helping you achieve what you did tonight?
PP: Whole team was, mmm, great, Aves had goal on power play, I thought was mine but went in off of his helmet, like soccer.
AT: Well yeah and he had an assist on your fifth goal do you remember?
PP: Mmmm not right now.
AT: He had come out of the penalty box and dumped the puck down the ice. Gomez beat out the icing call and found you in the high slot. Anyway, I'm sure you'll remember, as soon as you can sit back and appreciate the moment.
PP: Yah, was great, I always say I not real goal scorer so always is suprise to me when I score goal.
AT: You said that alot during your rookie season and I think people around here are starting to think you were right.
PP: Oh, Ha Ha.
AT: Tell me when Sean Avery came to this team, did you think he would have such a positive effect on your own performance?
PP: Uhh, I don't know, all I really know him from is talking lots of curses and diving from when Jags bump him. Jags had hat trick and two assists tonight and Gomer had goal and 5 assists, G-man and Toots had goals and couple of assists, they play great.
AT: Oh of course they did, and I'll bet you guys are all going out on the town after this one.
PP: Yah, we go to club and have few drinks and dances.
AT: HA! And you know I'll bet if you ask Sean Avery he could get you guys some dates for tonight.
PP: Uhh, maybe, yes.
AT: What did you think, I think it was soon after your tenth point of the night that tied you with Sittler, when the Crowd started the familiar chant of "Ave-Ry Ave-Ry" after he had gotten into the fight he had to complete the Gordie Howe Hat-Trick?
PP: I don't know, we all were suprise he fight with big lead and take instigator too.
AT: Well that is part of his game and these things will happen. As Joe Paterno always says, Boys just being boys.
PP: Joe who?
AT: Haha, doesn't matter, Hey did you ever notice how perfectly Sean Avery's eyes match the home blue of the Rangers jersey?
PP: Umm no have not notice, But I wa...
AT: Sorry to cut you off Peter but John Giannone is standing by down the hall with the man of the hour, Sean Avery. So Peter thank you for joining us here at Studio 16, again congratulations on a great night.
PP: I thought it was studio 11.
AT: We renamed it, cya later.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Is The Paint Dry Yet?
It's bad enough that the Rangers and Devils played their game on a Sunday during the NFL season. And since it was at 5pm of the final week of the regular season for most Fantasy Football leagues it was probably even more of an afterthought for a casual observer. Really the only positive thing that came out of the game was the final result. A 1-0 win for the Rangers in overtime.
Brendan Shanahan scored 30 seconds into OT on a play that simply defied anything the Rangers have shown offensively over the past week/ month/ entire season. A play in which all four Blueshirts on the ice were involved in the play. Crisp, decisive passing. Scott Gomez passes from the right corner to Dan Girardi. Girardi passes to his defense partner Fedor Tyutin, across the ice along the blueline, Tyutin diagonal pass back to Gomez in the right faceoff circle. Gomez passes to Shanahan in the slot for a one-timer that hits the top corner above Martin Brodeur's blocker.
Was it an abberation? Was it luck? Was it because it was four-on-four and the Devils had one less defender on the ice? Was it because it was four-on-four and Shanahan and Gomez were not saddled with their linemate Marcel Hossa? I happen to think it was a combination of all of the above.
Strangely not much has been mentioned about Henrik Lundqvist's performance yesterday. He was not tested often but made 3 or 4 saves that were legit robberies. Aside from that there was not much to discuss. However I am going to harp on the next issue for a while, until the Rangers change their thinking, or until Sean Avery returns. And that issue is toughness, or lack there of.
The softness of this team is beginning to wear on me. During the second period of yesterday's game Zach Parise tried some sort of half gainer-double toe loop-triple lindy combo which he failed to land cleanly. He landed on his shinguards and slid, full speed into Lundqvist, the play was blown dead. Well the tv coverage (for lack of a better word) went to commercial, and I expected to see Parise in the sin bin when the game came back on. Well I was incorrect apparently. Parise was not penalized. Not only was he not sent to do penance for his sins, not one Ranger took it upon himself to distribute any justice for running into the franchise goaltender.
Soon after Brendan Shanahan, while trying to bull rush through a duo of Devil defensemen, while carrying the puck, took a stick to the forehead from Colin White. Again no penalty. No retribution either.
Now I understand that these occurances happened during a 0-0 hockey game where it seemed that one goal could/would win the game. But Come On. Somebody on the Rangers has to stick up for themselves and their teamates. Hell if that isn't what 2/3 of the fourth line isn't in the game for, than what in the hell are they doing in the lineup? This was fourth game in a row where an opponent has started to show that getting rough against the Rangers is something that can be effective and also can be gotten away with. I just hope the Rangers answer before an injury at the hands of an opponent is the result of this Charminism.
Brendan Shanahan scored 30 seconds into OT on a play that simply defied anything the Rangers have shown offensively over the past week/ month/ entire season. A play in which all four Blueshirts on the ice were involved in the play. Crisp, decisive passing. Scott Gomez passes from the right corner to Dan Girardi. Girardi passes to his defense partner Fedor Tyutin, across the ice along the blueline, Tyutin diagonal pass back to Gomez in the right faceoff circle. Gomez passes to Shanahan in the slot for a one-timer that hits the top corner above Martin Brodeur's blocker.
Was it an abberation? Was it luck? Was it because it was four-on-four and the Devils had one less defender on the ice? Was it because it was four-on-four and Shanahan and Gomez were not saddled with their linemate Marcel Hossa? I happen to think it was a combination of all of the above.
Strangely not much has been mentioned about Henrik Lundqvist's performance yesterday. He was not tested often but made 3 or 4 saves that were legit robberies. Aside from that there was not much to discuss. However I am going to harp on the next issue for a while, until the Rangers change their thinking, or until Sean Avery returns. And that issue is toughness, or lack there of.
The softness of this team is beginning to wear on me. During the second period of yesterday's game Zach Parise tried some sort of half gainer-double toe loop-triple lindy combo which he failed to land cleanly. He landed on his shinguards and slid, full speed into Lundqvist, the play was blown dead. Well the tv coverage (for lack of a better word) went to commercial, and I expected to see Parise in the sin bin when the game came back on. Well I was incorrect apparently. Parise was not penalized. Not only was he not sent to do penance for his sins, not one Ranger took it upon himself to distribute any justice for running into the franchise goaltender.
Soon after Brendan Shanahan, while trying to bull rush through a duo of Devil defensemen, while carrying the puck, took a stick to the forehead from Colin White. Again no penalty. No retribution either.
Now I understand that these occurances happened during a 0-0 hockey game where it seemed that one goal could/would win the game. But Come On. Somebody on the Rangers has to stick up for themselves and their teamates. Hell if that isn't what 2/3 of the fourth line isn't in the game for, than what in the hell are they doing in the lineup? This was fourth game in a row where an opponent has started to show that getting rough against the Rangers is something that can be effective and also can be gotten away with. I just hope the Rangers answer before an injury at the hands of an opponent is the result of this Charminism.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Ecstasy & Agony
Two words that could describe the Rangers last two performances. On Saturday afternoon, against the Ottawa Senators, the Blueshirts played possibly their best first 20 minutes of the season en route to building a 3-0 advantage after the first period.
Dan Girardi, Jaromir Jagr and, Brendan Shanahan all lit the lamp in the first period, with Jagr's goal coming on the Power Play. Shanahan also scored a Power Play goal in the second period on a beautiful deflection from the high slot off a feed from Martin Straka.
The first line was dominant in the Ottawa zone throughout the game, playing a puck possesion cycle with Brandon Dubinsky having a strong game. This made the third game in a row that the top line played like a top line. A mere coincidence that Straka returned and Marcel Hossa was moved down the lineup?
After the second Shanahan goal the Rangers seemed to let up a little bit, and the Senators seemed to awaken. The final score ended up being 5-2 with Blair Betts sealing the scoresheet with an empty net goal, his first goal of the season, off of a beautiful pass from Tom Corvo. Unfortunately for Corvo, who scored the first Senator goal, he was not given an assist on the play.
It was a big win for the Rangers. A win that they haven't had many of through the first quarter. A win against a first place team, A win against the Eastern Conference leader. All signs seemed to be pointing upwards for them. It was a game where they could all look around the locker room and say that they took two steps forward. Well, I don't think I need to say the next part of the cliche'. But I will. Because the next game on Monday night was exactly that, well, maybe not exactly, it might have even been two steps back.
Monday night the Rangers had a chance to come back to home ice on a high after a nice road win and put the exclamation point on it. A win against the Southeast Division leading Carolina Hurricanes could have done so.
If the first period on Saturday was the team's best, a frontrunner for the worst would have been Monday night's first frame. The Broadway boys came out slow, they came out flat, they came out unfocussed. And the 2-0 deficit at the end of the first certainly showed it. Marek Malik, playing in his first home game in a month due to a back injury lasted a good shift and a half without being booed for a bad turnover.
Brandon Dubinsky made bad plays that led to both of the 'Canes goals. Jagr looked like his head was still in Ottawa, if not his head than his legs.
For one night Henrik Lundqvist seemed to say, "Hey boys, I don't have it tonight to carry you on my back, how about you guys take this one?" And the rest of the team replied, "Huh". I can't recall a decent scoring chance from the entire game for the Rangers. So Cam Ward got a shutout that may be the easiest shutout I've ever seen.
The final score was 4-0, and I don't think there was a single positive to point out, other than Sean Avery seemed to have a good time up in the Heavenly Blues again. He's out at least another 2-4 weeks after undergoing Arthoscopic Surgery on his wrist.
As he was shown signing autographs up in the rafters I thought, wouldn't it be funny if the Rangers recalled 20 year old defenseman Ivan Baranka and had Malik sit out. Would Avery be able to take Malik on a tour of the blue seats, without a riot ensuing?
The Rangers face Darcy Tucker and the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night and it's a shame we won't see Avery defend his home turf.
Dan Girardi, Jaromir Jagr and, Brendan Shanahan all lit the lamp in the first period, with Jagr's goal coming on the Power Play. Shanahan also scored a Power Play goal in the second period on a beautiful deflection from the high slot off a feed from Martin Straka.
The first line was dominant in the Ottawa zone throughout the game, playing a puck possesion cycle with Brandon Dubinsky having a strong game. This made the third game in a row that the top line played like a top line. A mere coincidence that Straka returned and Marcel Hossa was moved down the lineup?
After the second Shanahan goal the Rangers seemed to let up a little bit, and the Senators seemed to awaken. The final score ended up being 5-2 with Blair Betts sealing the scoresheet with an empty net goal, his first goal of the season, off of a beautiful pass from Tom Corvo. Unfortunately for Corvo, who scored the first Senator goal, he was not given an assist on the play.
It was a big win for the Rangers. A win that they haven't had many of through the first quarter. A win against a first place team, A win against the Eastern Conference leader. All signs seemed to be pointing upwards for them. It was a game where they could all look around the locker room and say that they took two steps forward. Well, I don't think I need to say the next part of the cliche'. But I will. Because the next game on Monday night was exactly that, well, maybe not exactly, it might have even been two steps back.
Monday night the Rangers had a chance to come back to home ice on a high after a nice road win and put the exclamation point on it. A win against the Southeast Division leading Carolina Hurricanes could have done so.
If the first period on Saturday was the team's best, a frontrunner for the worst would have been Monday night's first frame. The Broadway boys came out slow, they came out flat, they came out unfocussed. And the 2-0 deficit at the end of the first certainly showed it. Marek Malik, playing in his first home game in a month due to a back injury lasted a good shift and a half without being booed for a bad turnover.
Brandon Dubinsky made bad plays that led to both of the 'Canes goals. Jagr looked like his head was still in Ottawa, if not his head than his legs.
For one night Henrik Lundqvist seemed to say, "Hey boys, I don't have it tonight to carry you on my back, how about you guys take this one?" And the rest of the team replied, "Huh". I can't recall a decent scoring chance from the entire game for the Rangers. So Cam Ward got a shutout that may be the easiest shutout I've ever seen.
The final score was 4-0, and I don't think there was a single positive to point out, other than Sean Avery seemed to have a good time up in the Heavenly Blues again. He's out at least another 2-4 weeks after undergoing Arthoscopic Surgery on his wrist.
As he was shown signing autographs up in the rafters I thought, wouldn't it be funny if the Rangers recalled 20 year old defenseman Ivan Baranka and had Malik sit out. Would Avery be able to take Malik on a tour of the blue seats, without a riot ensuing?
The Rangers face Darcy Tucker and the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night and it's a shame we won't see Avery defend his home turf.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Let's Get Dirty
There's been alot of talk about the lack of offense coming out of a pretty well pedigreed Rangers group of forwards. The team is still mired in dead last in the NHL in terms of goal production. Many of them seem too gun shy to pull the trigger in prime shooting positions. Is it a lack of skill? I don't think so. Is it a lack of chances? I don't think so.
The biggest problem with the Rangers, offensively right now is the inability to get to the front of the net and create screens and rebound opportunities. There does not seem to be a soul amongst the corps that has any willingness to camp out in front and take the punishment that is distributed while trying to score the "Dirty" goal. The only player on the Rangers that even attempts to "Get Dirty" is the all 4'3" 67lbs of Peter Prucha. And we all know he pays a hefty price when he tries to play like a big boy.
It's not like this team doesn't have a bit of size on it. There are guys, Marcel Hossa 6'3" 220 lbs, Bredan Shanahan 6'3" 220, Jaromir Jagr 6'3" 245lbs, Brandon Dubinsky 6'1" 224lbs and, Blair Betts 6'3" 210lbs, all have the size and save for Betts, the ability to pop home a lose puck in front. So why don't they do it? Let's put aside for a minute that they don't camp out in front in 5 on 5 situations. Why in the hell don't they park someone there on the Power Play? The only players that we see in front of the net, in either situation, are Peter Prucha, Sean Avery and, Chris Drury, all of which are undersized and can't withstand the punishment that is given out for trying to score from the Dirty Zone.
I hear a phrase "The Pussification of America" every now and then. Well I think somehow it has gone from the suburban soccer fields of the U.S. and now I declare that with the lack of cajones shown by the Rangers forwards it is in fact the Pussification of the New York Rangers.
The biggest problem with the Rangers, offensively right now is the inability to get to the front of the net and create screens and rebound opportunities. There does not seem to be a soul amongst the corps that has any willingness to camp out in front and take the punishment that is distributed while trying to score the "Dirty" goal. The only player on the Rangers that even attempts to "Get Dirty" is the all 4'3" 67lbs of Peter Prucha. And we all know he pays a hefty price when he tries to play like a big boy.
It's not like this team doesn't have a bit of size on it. There are guys, Marcel Hossa 6'3" 220 lbs, Bredan Shanahan 6'3" 220, Jaromir Jagr 6'3" 245lbs, Brandon Dubinsky 6'1" 224lbs and, Blair Betts 6'3" 210lbs, all have the size and save for Betts, the ability to pop home a lose puck in front. So why don't they do it? Let's put aside for a minute that they don't camp out in front in 5 on 5 situations. Why in the hell don't they park someone there on the Power Play? The only players that we see in front of the net, in either situation, are Peter Prucha, Sean Avery and, Chris Drury, all of which are undersized and can't withstand the punishment that is given out for trying to score from the Dirty Zone.
I hear a phrase "The Pussification of America" every now and then. Well I think somehow it has gone from the suburban soccer fields of the U.S. and now I declare that with the lack of cajones shown by the Rangers forwards it is in fact the Pussification of the New York Rangers.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Premature ECapulation
In the Wonderful world of the salary capped NHL fans can always point to the future and speculate at what types of decisions management will make because they want to. They can also try to decipher what moves will be made because they have to.
I decided to delve into the New York Rangers cap situation regarding what we may see on the ice in the 2008-2009 season, just for some amusement. As I kept looking over things my mood got even better. The Rangers are in a pretty tight spot this season. However, with a decent amount of largerish contracts coming off of the books, along with an abundance of young talent coming up the ranks, the Rangers cap situation for next season is nowhere near as dire as it is this season.
This may get a bit long winded but well, that's the way cap talk goes.
Forwards under contract for 2008-2009 and their salary cap hit
Scott Gomez, 7.37 million
Chris Drury, 7.05 million
Jaromir Jagr, 4.9 million
Peter Prucha, 1.6 million
Dubinsky, 630 thousand
Blair Betts, 610 thousand
Ryan Callahan, 600 thousand
Colton Orr, 500 thousand
Ryan Hollweg, 500 thousand
Forwards that are Restricted Free Agents for 2008-2009
Marcel Hossa and Nigel Dawes
I'd have to say that with the young forwards with offensive potential in the Rangers system I'd have to say goodbye to Hossa. Hossa aside from the odd shootout goal hasn't shown enough to warrant keeping him on the roster and keeping more talented wingers in the minors. Yes he's been a decent penalty killer, there are other guys in the system that can kill penalties. Hossa has been given so many chances to shine alongside Jagr, and has come up relatively empty. Re-sign Nigel Dawes for 2 years at about 1.25 million. He'd still be arbitration elligible after that contract.
Forwards that are Unrestricted Free Agents for 2008-2009
Sean Avery
Love him or hate him, he brings alot to the table. The Rangers record when he is healthy and in the lineup says all there is to say. He seems to be the straw that stirs the drink. Hopefully another year to mature will help make him realize that being loved in New York is a situation that could only benefit his career. If he can curtail the pregame shenanigans and continue to play his game at a high level there is nothing stopping this guy from becoming a very important building block for the post Jagr Rangers. I'd like to see him re-signed for 3.oo per year for three years.
Forwards rundown: With the players under contract and re-signing Dawes and Avery that would leave the Rangers with 11 forwards on the NHL roster for a total of 28.01 million dollars worth of the cap hit.
Defensemen Under Contract for 2008-2009
Marc Staal, 765 thousand
Thomas Pock, 685 thousand
Defensemen that are Restricted Free Agents for 2008-2009
Fedor Tyutin, Dan Girardi. I'd re-sign them both. And here the Rangers are in a great position. Neither player would get a huge award in arbitration due to limited offensive stats, yet both are very good young defensemen.They would each get a significant raise. I'd give each a three year deal, for Tyutin 2.5 million and for Girardi 1.25 million.
Defensemen that are Unrestricted Free Agents for 2008-2009
Michael Roszival, Marek Malik, Paul Mara, Jason Strudwick. I'd resign Roszival for four years at 4.00 million per year. It should be enough to keep him but it's not so high or long of a contract that he couldn't be traded two years down the road when younger talent is ready to push him aside. As of right now, and not knowing how ready the minor leaguers are, I'd keep Strudwick on a contract just like the current one he is on. 500 thousand for one year. I think it's pretty much safe to say that Malik and Mara will both be shown the door.
Defense Rundown: by re-signing Tyutin, Girardi, Roszival and Strudwick that leaves the Rangers with five legit NHL defensemen and Strudwick as a possible sixth but more likely a seventh Defenseman. The total cap hit for this batch would be a whopping 9.7 million. That would bring the total so far up to 37.71 million dollars.
The Goaltending Situation
Henrik Lundqvist signed a one year 4.5 million dollar deal in the off season. It is expected that he will be resigned long term after January 1,2008. I would think he will get a deal worth, for arguement's sake 6.5 million for 4 or 5 years. As for the backup, well Stephen Valiquette is a true NHL backup. He's good enough to play 8-10 games per season, he's a good locker room guy and he gets along well with Lundqvist. Might as well re-sign him. Two years at 650 thousand or so should get that done. The goaltenders would then count for 7.15 million dollars towards the cap.
If all of that happens: The Rangers would be looking at a cap hit of 44.86 million dollars toward the cap. If the cap doesn't go up again this year from just over 50 million, not likely by the way, the Rangers would have a little over 5 million bucks in cap room to spend. Or keep. They would still need a forward. The answer there could very well come from within in either Artem Anisimov, Alexei Cherepanov, Dane Byers, or Greg Moore. They would also need another defenseman that could also come from within in either Michael Sauer, Bobby Sanguinetti (more likely to be in Hartford though), David Liffiton or Ivan Baranka.
Final thoughts: The firesale of 2004 will have a major imprint on the Rangers for the next few years. The fruits of those trades and draft picks are beginning to ripen. It's very possible that the Rangers average age heading into the 2008-2009 season could be a little under 26 years old. And just think back to when it was a rarity that the Rangers even had a player under the age of 26 on the roster.
The big contracts that Glen Sather shelled out for Chris Drury and Scott Gomez may look like an 800lb gorilla in the room, but by the time those contracts are at their midway point $7million for a center will not be out of the ordinary. True it might be tough to keep all of the younger talent as these kids come into new contracts, but it is a much better situation than it used to be.
Really the main glaring question that pops into my head regarding the future of the Rangers is, "When does Al Montoya get traded?"
I decided to delve into the New York Rangers cap situation regarding what we may see on the ice in the 2008-2009 season, just for some amusement. As I kept looking over things my mood got even better. The Rangers are in a pretty tight spot this season. However, with a decent amount of largerish contracts coming off of the books, along with an abundance of young talent coming up the ranks, the Rangers cap situation for next season is nowhere near as dire as it is this season.
This may get a bit long winded but well, that's the way cap talk goes.
Forwards under contract for 2008-2009 and their salary cap hit
Scott Gomez, 7.37 million
Chris Drury, 7.05 million
Jaromir Jagr, 4.9 million
Peter Prucha, 1.6 million
Dubinsky, 630 thousand
Blair Betts, 610 thousand
Ryan Callahan, 600 thousand
Colton Orr, 500 thousand
Ryan Hollweg, 500 thousand
Forwards that are Restricted Free Agents for 2008-2009
Marcel Hossa and Nigel Dawes
I'd have to say that with the young forwards with offensive potential in the Rangers system I'd have to say goodbye to Hossa. Hossa aside from the odd shootout goal hasn't shown enough to warrant keeping him on the roster and keeping more talented wingers in the minors. Yes he's been a decent penalty killer, there are other guys in the system that can kill penalties. Hossa has been given so many chances to shine alongside Jagr, and has come up relatively empty. Re-sign Nigel Dawes for 2 years at about 1.25 million. He'd still be arbitration elligible after that contract.
Forwards that are Unrestricted Free Agents for 2008-2009
Sean Avery
Love him or hate him, he brings alot to the table. The Rangers record when he is healthy and in the lineup says all there is to say. He seems to be the straw that stirs the drink. Hopefully another year to mature will help make him realize that being loved in New York is a situation that could only benefit his career. If he can curtail the pregame shenanigans and continue to play his game at a high level there is nothing stopping this guy from becoming a very important building block for the post Jagr Rangers. I'd like to see him re-signed for 3.oo per year for three years.
Forwards rundown: With the players under contract and re-signing Dawes and Avery that would leave the Rangers with 11 forwards on the NHL roster for a total of 28.01 million dollars worth of the cap hit.
Defensemen Under Contract for 2008-2009
Marc Staal, 765 thousand
Thomas Pock, 685 thousand
Defensemen that are Restricted Free Agents for 2008-2009
Fedor Tyutin, Dan Girardi. I'd re-sign them both. And here the Rangers are in a great position. Neither player would get a huge award in arbitration due to limited offensive stats, yet both are very good young defensemen.They would each get a significant raise. I'd give each a three year deal, for Tyutin 2.5 million and for Girardi 1.25 million.
Defensemen that are Unrestricted Free Agents for 2008-2009
Michael Roszival, Marek Malik, Paul Mara, Jason Strudwick. I'd resign Roszival for four years at 4.00 million per year. It should be enough to keep him but it's not so high or long of a contract that he couldn't be traded two years down the road when younger talent is ready to push him aside. As of right now, and not knowing how ready the minor leaguers are, I'd keep Strudwick on a contract just like the current one he is on. 500 thousand for one year. I think it's pretty much safe to say that Malik and Mara will both be shown the door.
Defense Rundown: by re-signing Tyutin, Girardi, Roszival and Strudwick that leaves the Rangers with five legit NHL defensemen and Strudwick as a possible sixth but more likely a seventh Defenseman. The total cap hit for this batch would be a whopping 9.7 million. That would bring the total so far up to 37.71 million dollars.
The Goaltending Situation
Henrik Lundqvist signed a one year 4.5 million dollar deal in the off season. It is expected that he will be resigned long term after January 1,2008. I would think he will get a deal worth, for arguement's sake 6.5 million for 4 or 5 years. As for the backup, well Stephen Valiquette is a true NHL backup. He's good enough to play 8-10 games per season, he's a good locker room guy and he gets along well with Lundqvist. Might as well re-sign him. Two years at 650 thousand or so should get that done. The goaltenders would then count for 7.15 million dollars towards the cap.
If all of that happens: The Rangers would be looking at a cap hit of 44.86 million dollars toward the cap. If the cap doesn't go up again this year from just over 50 million, not likely by the way, the Rangers would have a little over 5 million bucks in cap room to spend. Or keep. They would still need a forward. The answer there could very well come from within in either Artem Anisimov, Alexei Cherepanov, Dane Byers, or Greg Moore. They would also need another defenseman that could also come from within in either Michael Sauer, Bobby Sanguinetti (more likely to be in Hartford though), David Liffiton or Ivan Baranka.
Final thoughts: The firesale of 2004 will have a major imprint on the Rangers for the next few years. The fruits of those trades and draft picks are beginning to ripen. It's very possible that the Rangers average age heading into the 2008-2009 season could be a little under 26 years old. And just think back to when it was a rarity that the Rangers even had a player under the age of 26 on the roster.
The big contracts that Glen Sather shelled out for Chris Drury and Scott Gomez may look like an 800lb gorilla in the room, but by the time those contracts are at their midway point $7million for a center will not be out of the ordinary. True it might be tough to keep all of the younger talent as these kids come into new contracts, but it is a much better situation than it used to be.
Really the main glaring question that pops into my head regarding the future of the Rangers is, "When does Al Montoya get traded?"
Sunday, November 11, 2007
The Backup Puts Up a "W"
After over a month of picking up dry cleaning, fetching coffee, and baby-sitting his teamate's offspring, Stephen Valiquette finally got a chance to actually have to add a cup to his gamenight attire on Saturday night in Toronto. Usually one would think that a backup goaltender for the New York Rangers would be getting the short end of the stick by having his only appearence of the first quarter of the season being away from the storied "World's Most Famous Arena". That was not the case for this game.
Valiquette, who last started a non pre-season game on March 3rd, was thrust into the spotlight of his hometown. A Saturday night, Hockey Night In Canada, on Hall of Fame Weekend is indeed a big spot to any hockey player from Canada. The game started a bit late due to a combined ceremony honoring this year's Hall of Fame inductees, along with a Remembrance Day ceremony honoring Canada's fallen soldiers.
So after having a little bit of extra time to soak in the atmosphere how did Valiquette perform between the pipes? I'd say he did pretty well. He stopped 32 of 34 shots and then stopped Nik Antropov and Mats Sundin in a shootout while both Ranger's shooters, Brendan Shanahan and Marcel Hossa, were succesful in their attempts.
Having Valiquette start tonight's game allows Tom Renney to give Henrik Lundqvist a full five days off between starts. With the season that Lundqvist is having, barring injury, these nights for Valiquette will be few and far between. Not that that is a bad thing, providing Lundqvist can keep up his performance there is no reason not to have him get the playing time that he has earned. The only numbers that Lundqvist has put up that are not incredible (W-L) are due to the other members of the team who are still in dead last in goals scored.
Perhaps this win could give Tom Renney a bit of confidence in Valiquette if he notices fatigue creeping into Lundqvist's game. One thing about sports though is that to win you need to have your best players playing. And that is certainly true in the Rangers' case. While the rest of the team takes it's sweet time trying to figure themselves out the one constant so far in the early going is that the Rangers have excellent goaltending. And tonight they got it from their backup.
Sidenote: Sean Avery had himself quite an active first 23 minutes to Saturday night's game in Toronto. He had 7 minutes in penalties in the first period, 2 for getting slapped around by three Maple Leafs, and 5 for having a decent fight with Darcy Tucker. In the second period, in one shift, he set up Brendan Shanahan's goal to make the score 1-0, with a beautiful backhand pass to the slot. 42 seconds later Avery made the score 2-0 with Shanahan getting the assist.
This is all great news, but Avery was a bit invisible after that. Maybe he wore himself out during warmups where he began his agitating of Darcy Tucker, which set off a bit of stick jabbing, pushing and shoving matches between players from both sides.
Valiquette, who last started a non pre-season game on March 3rd, was thrust into the spotlight of his hometown. A Saturday night, Hockey Night In Canada, on Hall of Fame Weekend is indeed a big spot to any hockey player from Canada. The game started a bit late due to a combined ceremony honoring this year's Hall of Fame inductees, along with a Remembrance Day ceremony honoring Canada's fallen soldiers.
So after having a little bit of extra time to soak in the atmosphere how did Valiquette perform between the pipes? I'd say he did pretty well. He stopped 32 of 34 shots and then stopped Nik Antropov and Mats Sundin in a shootout while both Ranger's shooters, Brendan Shanahan and Marcel Hossa, were succesful in their attempts.
Having Valiquette start tonight's game allows Tom Renney to give Henrik Lundqvist a full five days off between starts. With the season that Lundqvist is having, barring injury, these nights for Valiquette will be few and far between. Not that that is a bad thing, providing Lundqvist can keep up his performance there is no reason not to have him get the playing time that he has earned. The only numbers that Lundqvist has put up that are not incredible (W-L) are due to the other members of the team who are still in dead last in goals scored.
Perhaps this win could give Tom Renney a bit of confidence in Valiquette if he notices fatigue creeping into Lundqvist's game. One thing about sports though is that to win you need to have your best players playing. And that is certainly true in the Rangers' case. While the rest of the team takes it's sweet time trying to figure themselves out the one constant so far in the early going is that the Rangers have excellent goaltending. And tonight they got it from their backup.
Sidenote: Sean Avery had himself quite an active first 23 minutes to Saturday night's game in Toronto. He had 7 minutes in penalties in the first period, 2 for getting slapped around by three Maple Leafs, and 5 for having a decent fight with Darcy Tucker. In the second period, in one shift, he set up Brendan Shanahan's goal to make the score 1-0, with a beautiful backhand pass to the slot. 42 seconds later Avery made the score 2-0 with Shanahan getting the assist.
This is all great news, but Avery was a bit invisible after that. Maybe he wore himself out during warmups where he began his agitating of Darcy Tucker, which set off a bit of stick jabbing, pushing and shoving matches between players from both sides.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Postgame comments From Nigel Dawes
Ya know, If I were a foot taller and still had the same athletic ability I'd be raking in so much money that it would make Jaromir Jagr blush. Here I am a little fireplug that can barely touch the top of the doorway when I walk thorough it (yeah I still do it just because I can). And Mr. captain can barely keep up with me in the goal scoring department. I'm gonna call Al Sharpton and see if he can get the goal that Jagr got credit for revoked. It went in off of Shanahan. Meanwhile, hell, the goal I scored tonight, well, all I gotta say is when you are good you are good. Wait till you see what happens when I actually try to shoot a puck on net. I rule. The NHL is mine. Fo Shizzle.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Rangers Looking for First Hat Trick
The New York Rangers season is off to a bit of a rough start. True it is only
nine games old. And, although,with a 3-5-1 record in those nine games all hopes of a
great season are not lost, things need to change.
One thing that really needs to change is the offensive, ummm, offensive production.
For example the Rangers to this date in this infantile season do not have a player whe
has had a hat trick. "Well most teams don't" you might say. But you miss my point(Yes
there is one). The vaunted, heralded, insert other adjectives here, offense isn't as much
as looking for a player to score three goals in a game. They are still waiting for someone,
anyone, to notch his/her third goal of the season. With names like Jagr, Drury, Gomez,
Shanahan, Straka, Avery and, Prucha among the corps of forwards one would think that
at least one of them would put the puck in the net at least once every three games.
Heading into last night's game three Rangers were tied for the team lead in goals scored.
Scott Gomez and Michael Roszival were joined at the top with injured teamate Martin
Straka, all having two goals apiece. Ranger fans were on the edge of their seats, some more
prominent than others, as to who might take a stranglehold on the inter-team goal scoring
lead. Instead of someone among the names up on the marquis taking the lead, another name
joined them. One who nobody outside of the MSG broadcast booth could have even thought
capable of joining this illustrious triumvirate.
Last night's first minute goal by Nigel Dawes was the first goal for the Rangers after being
shutout the previous two games by Boston and Pittsburgh. Dawes repeated his feat roughly
55 minutes later to finalize the scoresheet for the evening. This is where it gets fun though.
Dawes' second goal gave the Rangers 2 goals aggregate in the three games. Henrik Lundqvist
did not allow a goal against Boston for 65 minutes (He gave up one in a shootout), and allowed
a second period powerplay goal against the Penguins. Lundqvist shutout the Devils last night.
So over the course of three games Lundqvist allows one goal and has a 1-2 record to show for his
troubles.
So the Rangers head into a Saturday evening at the Garden that will be brought to you with all the pomp and circumstance with the announcement of, "Madison Square Garden presents the New York Rangers and the Toronto Maple Leafs", with the incredible sub plot of, WHO THE HELL IS GONNA STEP UP AND START PLAYING SOME DAMNED HOCKEY!!1!!!1!
nine games old. And, although,with a 3-5-1 record in those nine games all hopes of a
great season are not lost, things need to change.
One thing that really needs to change is the offensive, ummm, offensive production.
For example the Rangers to this date in this infantile season do not have a player whe
has had a hat trick. "Well most teams don't" you might say. But you miss my point(Yes
there is one). The vaunted, heralded, insert other adjectives here, offense isn't as much
as looking for a player to score three goals in a game. They are still waiting for someone,
anyone, to notch his/her third goal of the season. With names like Jagr, Drury, Gomez,
Shanahan, Straka, Avery and, Prucha among the corps of forwards one would think that
at least one of them would put the puck in the net at least once every three games.
Heading into last night's game three Rangers were tied for the team lead in goals scored.
Scott Gomez and Michael Roszival were joined at the top with injured teamate Martin
Straka, all having two goals apiece. Ranger fans were on the edge of their seats, some more
prominent than others, as to who might take a stranglehold on the inter-team goal scoring
lead. Instead of someone among the names up on the marquis taking the lead, another name
joined them. One who nobody outside of the MSG broadcast booth could have even thought
capable of joining this illustrious triumvirate.
Last night's first minute goal by Nigel Dawes was the first goal for the Rangers after being
shutout the previous two games by Boston and Pittsburgh. Dawes repeated his feat roughly
55 minutes later to finalize the scoresheet for the evening. This is where it gets fun though.
Dawes' second goal gave the Rangers 2 goals aggregate in the three games. Henrik Lundqvist
did not allow a goal against Boston for 65 minutes (He gave up one in a shootout), and allowed
a second period powerplay goal against the Penguins. Lundqvist shutout the Devils last night.
So over the course of three games Lundqvist allows one goal and has a 1-2 record to show for his
troubles.
So the Rangers head into a Saturday evening at the Garden that will be brought to you with all the pomp and circumstance with the announcement of, "Madison Square Garden presents the New York Rangers and the Toronto Maple Leafs", with the incredible sub plot of, WHO THE HELL IS GONNA STEP UP AND START PLAYING SOME DAMNED HOCKEY!!1!!!1!
Shoot the Puck My Brotha
Nigel Dawes was off da hook last night yo. Homie was straight up nasty.
He had that cracka in front of dat cage straight up cumfuddlefuzed fo shizzle.
The Rangers did right by lettin homie get some PT in front of the little brothas
and sistas from Harlem sittin up in the phat crib of a luxury box. Now he be sayin'
"Yo, Prucha, dis is ma spot now."
He had that cracka in front of dat cage straight up cumfuddlefuzed fo shizzle.
The Rangers did right by lettin homie get some PT in front of the little brothas
and sistas from Harlem sittin up in the phat crib of a luxury box. Now he be sayin'
"Yo, Prucha, dis is ma spot now."
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Rutgers Hosts #2 USF Thursday Night
Just over 11 months ago as many would recall, The Rutgers Scarlet Knights defeated the #3 Louisville Cardinals and launched themselves into the national spotlight with the 28-25 upset victory. On this coming Thursday RU will again host a highly ranked opponent but instead of trying to launch themselves onto the scene it's more of a self preservation game for the un-ranked Scarlet Knights.
This year's new kid on the block, The University of South Florida Bulls, come to Piscataway with an unblemished record and a swagger usually reserved for more traditional powerhouses. Sophomore Quaterback Matt Grothe, a dual threat QB , is a true playmaker and can get things done with his arm or by pulling it down and taking off operating out of a spread offense.
On the other side of the ball Senior linebacker Ben Moffitt leads a relentless, speedy, defense that is actually more responsible for USF's so far undefeated season. To beat USF you need to wear this defense down, something that obviously hasn't been done yet this season. At no time yet in this season has Ray Rice been more needed as he will be on Thursday night.
Rice ran for 196 yards and three touchdowns in the Scarlet Knight's 38-14 pasting of the Syracuse Orangemen. If Rice, who goes into this game with 818 rushing yards, can eclipse the 1,000 yard mark for the season on Thursday then RU will be in a great position to win this game. Any success that Rice has will open things up for QB Mike Teel and recievers Tiquan Underwood, Kenny Britt and Timmy Brown.
On the defensive side of the ball the Rutgers young and improving defense will have a good bit of work to do. The secondary will need to account for the 4 and 5 wide reciever sets that Grothe will have at his disposal. If the DB's can force Grothe to try and run the linebackers will have to answer the call. I will keep my eyes on Senior Linebacker and Draddy Award Semi-finalist Brandon Renkart who will likely have the job of spying on Grothe for the duration of the contest.
Although Rutgers will be an underdog heading into this game I would not be in complete shock if they were to pull of the upset. On the other hand I wouldn't be shocked if they get completely blown out. One thing this College Football Season has shown us is that nothing should be shocking anymore.
This year's new kid on the block, The University of South Florida Bulls, come to Piscataway with an unblemished record and a swagger usually reserved for more traditional powerhouses. Sophomore Quaterback Matt Grothe, a dual threat QB , is a true playmaker and can get things done with his arm or by pulling it down and taking off operating out of a spread offense.
On the other side of the ball Senior linebacker Ben Moffitt leads a relentless, speedy, defense that is actually more responsible for USF's so far undefeated season. To beat USF you need to wear this defense down, something that obviously hasn't been done yet this season. At no time yet in this season has Ray Rice been more needed as he will be on Thursday night.
Rice ran for 196 yards and three touchdowns in the Scarlet Knight's 38-14 pasting of the Syracuse Orangemen. If Rice, who goes into this game with 818 rushing yards, can eclipse the 1,000 yard mark for the season on Thursday then RU will be in a great position to win this game. Any success that Rice has will open things up for QB Mike Teel and recievers Tiquan Underwood, Kenny Britt and Timmy Brown.
On the defensive side of the ball the Rutgers young and improving defense will have a good bit of work to do. The secondary will need to account for the 4 and 5 wide reciever sets that Grothe will have at his disposal. If the DB's can force Grothe to try and run the linebackers will have to answer the call. I will keep my eyes on Senior Linebacker and Draddy Award Semi-finalist Brandon Renkart who will likely have the job of spying on Grothe for the duration of the contest.
Although Rutgers will be an underdog heading into this game I would not be in complete shock if they were to pull of the upset. On the other hand I wouldn't be shocked if they get completely blown out. One thing this College Football Season has shown us is that nothing should be shocking anymore.
Here I am
Well after some chiding, here I am with my very own un-sullied little spot on Mr. Gore's internet. I'll basically blog here regarding the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the New York Rangers, I'll also dabble in some baseball and other sports whenever the hell I want to.
Let me know what you think, any requests will probably be denied :P
Let me know what you think, any requests will probably be denied :P
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