Score: 4-3 Islanders (SO)
The Rangers controlled play again in overtime, but after a plethora of missed chances, including a crossbar by Shanahan, the game went to the shootout. Shanahan shot first for the the Rangers, and missed. Next was Richard Park for the Islanders, who also missed. Nigel Dawes scored for the Rangers, and Billy Guerin tied things on the next shot. After that, the scoring drought began, and Scott Gomez, Trent Hunter, Brandon Dubinsky, Miroslav Satan, Michal Rozsival, Mike Comrie, and Martin Straka all failed to score. Jeff Tambellini finally ended the shootout in its 6th round.
I blame this shootout on Tom Renney. Why is Michal Rozsival shooting 5th in the shootout?!?! Why is he shooting at all in the shootout!?!?! Also, I can understand not using Jagr in the first 3 rounds of the shootout, but to not use him in 6 rounds? And to use Rozsival before him? This didn't make sense to me at all, and this game ended with me screaming at my television.
If there is a silver lining in this game, it is the fact that Jagr had a phenomenal game, and the Rangers managed to come away with a point, which they desperately needed as they continue to climb the Eastern Conference standings.
Two points are a necessity Thursday night on the Island, so lets hope the Rangers can get the job done.
March 4, 2008
Islanders @ Rangers - Third Period Thoughts
Score: Islanders- 3 Rangers- 3
Well, the Rangers did what they needed to do, and they did it with some flair, as Ryan Callahan scored shorthanded on the rebound of a Scott Gomez shot.
I'm going to keep this post short, because overtime is going to start momentarily, but here are some observations from the third period:
Jagr looks possessed out there, and looks like the Jagr of the Pittsburgh Penguins so many years ago. You can see that he is starting to get frustrated with the fact that he can't put one in though.
The Rangers controlled play late in the period, and looked like they did early in the first, lets hope it can continue into overtime.
Well, the Rangers did what they needed to do, and they did it with some flair, as Ryan Callahan scored shorthanded on the rebound of a Scott Gomez shot.
I'm going to keep this post short, because overtime is going to start momentarily, but here are some observations from the third period:
Jagr looks possessed out there, and looks like the Jagr of the Pittsburgh Penguins so many years ago. You can see that he is starting to get frustrated with the fact that he can't put one in though.
The Rangers controlled play late in the period, and looked like they did early in the first, lets hope it can continue into overtime.
Islanders @ Rangers - Second Period Thoughts
Score: 3-2 Islanders
Well, if nothing else, that was an exciting period. The Rangers scored first this period, with a beautiful power play goal goal by Nigel Dawes to tie the game at 1. This fresh start didn't last long for the Rangers though, as the Islanders retook the lead only 41 seconds later, with a wrist shot by Sean Bergenheim from the top of the key. The Islanders scored another 2 minutes later, when Trent Hunter tipped a slap shot from the point past Lundqvist. What started out as a dominating performance by the Rangers had quickly turned into a routing by the Islanders. Although the Rangers added another with a Chris Drury slap shot from the point, the Islanders controlled the play for most of the second period. The story for the Rangers continues to be their inability to finish, although they have gotten their fair share of chances.
Lets hope they can get back in this one, more later...
Well, if nothing else, that was an exciting period. The Rangers scored first this period, with a beautiful power play goal goal by Nigel Dawes to tie the game at 1. This fresh start didn't last long for the Rangers though, as the Islanders retook the lead only 41 seconds later, with a wrist shot by Sean Bergenheim from the top of the key. The Islanders scored another 2 minutes later, when Trent Hunter tipped a slap shot from the point past Lundqvist. What started out as a dominating performance by the Rangers had quickly turned into a routing by the Islanders. Although the Rangers added another with a Chris Drury slap shot from the point, the Islanders controlled the play for most of the second period. The story for the Rangers continues to be their inability to finish, although they have gotten their fair share of chances.
Lets hope they can get back in this one, more later...
Islanders @ Rangers - First Period Thoughts
Score: 1-0 Islanders
The Rangers came out of the locker room on fire to start this one, and kept the intensity up for most of the period, but as we all know, unless you put pucks in the net, it doesn't matter how much pressure you put on your opponent.
The Islander's got a fluke goal with about 2 minutes left in the period that came from behind the net and went off of Rozsival's skate. Lundqvist didn't have a chance to stop it because he had no idea where it was. The blame for this goal goes to Marek Malik, who yet again, gave the put away behind the Rangers net. Malik has picked up his game of late, but this play reminded Ranger fans of how Malik has played for most of the season.
To look on the brighter side of this period, the Rangers dominated the first period, keeping the puck in the offensive end for most of the period. The Rangers first line of Avery, Dubinsky, and Jagr was absolutely flying, and looked terrific.
The Rangers need to keep the intensity up in the second, and if they do, this one goal deficit should not stand to be more of an obstacle, but again, the key is finishing.
Notable Scores throughout the East:
Florida- 0 Boston- 0 End 1st
Pittsburgh - 0 Tampa Bay- 0 Mid 1st
Buffalo - 2 Philadelphia- 1 End 1st
New Jersey- 1 Toronto- 0 Mid 1st
More later...
The Rangers came out of the locker room on fire to start this one, and kept the intensity up for most of the period, but as we all know, unless you put pucks in the net, it doesn't matter how much pressure you put on your opponent.
The Islander's got a fluke goal with about 2 minutes left in the period that came from behind the net and went off of Rozsival's skate. Lundqvist didn't have a chance to stop it because he had no idea where it was. The blame for this goal goes to Marek Malik, who yet again, gave the put away behind the Rangers net. Malik has picked up his game of late, but this play reminded Ranger fans of how Malik has played for most of the season.
To look on the brighter side of this period, the Rangers dominated the first period, keeping the puck in the offensive end for most of the period. The Rangers first line of Avery, Dubinsky, and Jagr was absolutely flying, and looked terrific.
The Rangers need to keep the intensity up in the second, and if they do, this one goal deficit should not stand to be more of an obstacle, but again, the key is finishing.
Notable Scores throughout the East:
Florida- 0 Boston- 0 End 1st
Pittsburgh - 0 Tampa Bay- 0 Mid 1st
Buffalo - 2 Philadelphia- 1 End 1st
New Jersey- 1 Toronto- 0 Mid 1st
More later...
More Backman?
Even after receiving boos only ten minutes into his Garden debut, Tom Renney said today that Christian Backman will get some time as a pointman on the power play. Oh you all must love hearing this.
Interesting philosophy here by Renney...Typically when a team is on a power play the goal is to keep the power play for the full two minutes or until a goal is scored. But, this is now unlikely since Backman is incapable of being on the ice without taking some sort of ridiculous and unnecessary penalty. Although maybe this is what Renney is looking for since the Rangers have been a better team 5 on 5 this season then when on the power play. Now, whenever the opposition takes a penalty, giving the Rangers the power play, Backman will always be there to negate it. I kid.
In all seriousness, this just might be the answer to the power play troubles the Rangers have had, well, for the entire season. They haven't had that big shot or the great passer on the point since the retirement of Brian Leetch. Although Backman has had his troubles in his first two games, I kind of like his skills and he has shown some signs of being an offensive threat from the blueline. Just look at the goal he scored. Although it was a softie, he was able to find some open ice in a good scoring position and he did what all good scorers do, put the puck in the back of the net. The only thing holding this Ranger team from becoming a great one is the power play. Hopefully this move will work and the power play will click...
And maybe the Rangers will actually beat the DiPietro-less Ice-landers for once.
Interesting philosophy here by Renney...Typically when a team is on a power play the goal is to keep the power play for the full two minutes or until a goal is scored. But, this is now unlikely since Backman is incapable of being on the ice without taking some sort of ridiculous and unnecessary penalty. Although maybe this is what Renney is looking for since the Rangers have been a better team 5 on 5 this season then when on the power play. Now, whenever the opposition takes a penalty, giving the Rangers the power play, Backman will always be there to negate it. I kid.
In all seriousness, this just might be the answer to the power play troubles the Rangers have had, well, for the entire season. They haven't had that big shot or the great passer on the point since the retirement of Brian Leetch. Although Backman has had his troubles in his first two games, I kind of like his skills and he has shown some signs of being an offensive threat from the blueline. Just look at the goal he scored. Although it was a softie, he was able to find some open ice in a good scoring position and he did what all good scorers do, put the puck in the back of the net. The only thing holding this Ranger team from becoming a great one is the power play. Hopefully this move will work and the power play will click...
And maybe the Rangers will actually beat the DiPietro-less Ice-landers for once.
DiPietro Out, Dubielewicz In
According to the Associated Press, Rick DiPietro will miss his second straight game tonight, following the death of his grandmother, which he attended yesterday.
My condolences, and the condolences of all the Ranger's Blog writers go out to Rick, and the whole DiPietro family.
From a hockey perspective, this means that Wade Dubielewicz will make his second career start against the Rangers. Dubielewicz won his first start against the Rangers, by the score of 3-2 in a shootout.
I'm sure the idea of facing Dubielewicz, and not DiPietro will be more than welcomed by the Rangers, despite the outcome the last time they faced him.
In other Ranger's news, Henrik Lundqvist is starting in net for the Rangers, and Tom Renney is sticking with the same lineup that he has used in the past few games, leaving Ryan Hollweg, Petr Prucha, and Jason Strudwick as scratches. With the current points streak the Rangers are on, I dont see Renney shaking things up until the team loses.
More later during the game...
My condolences, and the condolences of all the Ranger's Blog writers go out to Rick, and the whole DiPietro family.
From a hockey perspective, this means that Wade Dubielewicz will make his second career start against the Rangers. Dubielewicz won his first start against the Rangers, by the score of 3-2 in a shootout.
I'm sure the idea of facing Dubielewicz, and not DiPietro will be more than welcomed by the Rangers, despite the outcome the last time they faced him.
In other Ranger's news, Henrik Lundqvist is starting in net for the Rangers, and Tom Renney is sticking with the same lineup that he has used in the past few games, leaving Ryan Hollweg, Petr Prucha, and Jason Strudwick as scratches. With the current points streak the Rangers are on, I dont see Renney shaking things up until the team loses.
More later during the game...
March 3, 2008
Will He Stay or Will He Go?
As fixated as we all are on the standings, the upcoming schedule, and the trials and tribulations of Christian Backman being on our blueline, there is always the idea of next year in the back of all our minds. Apparently, next year has also been on the minds of our General Manager Glen Sather and one of our most exciting forwards, Sean Avery. These two have been negotiating a contract extension for some time now, but can't seem to reach an agreement. Today, Sather released this statement concerning his negotiations with Avery:
“Sean is an important part of our team. His focus and ours right now is finishing as high as we can in the standings and then going as far as we can in the playoffs. We value his contribution and at the appropriate time we’ll continue discussions with his agent.”
This is very discouraging, and makes me wonder if a deal will ever get done, or if Avery will test the free agent market on July 1st. I feel that he is a very important part of our team, he is a spark plug, and is very good at getting in the heads of our opponents, throwing them off their game. Since Avery's arrival in New York, the Ranger's have a sub-.500 winning percentage when he is out of the lineup. He should be a top priority as the season continues, and I hope he and Sather can come to some sort of an agreement.
“Sean is an important part of our team. His focus and ours right now is finishing as high as we can in the standings and then going as far as we can in the playoffs. We value his contribution and at the appropriate time we’ll continue discussions with his agent.”
This is very discouraging, and makes me wonder if a deal will ever get done, or if Avery will test the free agent market on July 1st. I feel that he is a very important part of our team, he is a spark plug, and is very good at getting in the heads of our opponents, throwing them off their game. Since Avery's arrival in New York, the Ranger's have a sub-.500 winning percentage when he is out of the lineup. He should be a top priority as the season continues, and I hope he and Sather can come to some sort of an agreement.
March 2, 2008
Flyers At Rangers - Post Game
More significant in this game than the Rangers 2 points is the realization that the top 8 teams in the East are starting to pull away. With the Islanders, Buffalo and Washington losing of late it is becoming apparent that the top 8 in the East right now will most likely be the top 8 going into the playoffs. What does this mean? It means that a hot Rangers team can set their sights on Pitt and NJ. It also means that these next two games against the Islanders can go a long way to securing a playoff spot.
While definitely a good win for the Rangers, perhaps an even better point gained by Philadelphia. The Rangers outplayed the Flyers for most of this game and Philly should feel very fortunate to come out of this game with points. I thought the Rangers played well enough to win in regulation but a win is a win. Points in 9 straight games...yes yes this is a hot streak.
Rangers Stars Of The Game:
Stephen Valiquette: Vally made some saves but for the most part didn't really have to come up big. The goal was an absolute great play by Carter and he stayed strong in the shootout. Vally is a star of this game because of what he has done for this team so far this season. As I said earlier...unsung hero.
Marek Malik: Malik has elevated his play over the past 6-7 games to that of two seasons ago. He has been a stabilizing force on the blue line, once again pairing with Rozsival to form a solid D-line. Another good defensive game by Malik in addition to 2 assists.
Freddy Sjostrom: As I said earlier this guy is going to be so important to his team because of his ability to play on the 4th line. When he was acquired I questioned where he would fit in the lineup. Next to Betts and Orr he has added a scoring touch to a line that until now has been useful but very frustrating to watch on a nightly basis.
Honorable Mention: Colton Orr, Jaromir Jagr, Shanny/Nigel
Christian Backman has got to get his game straightened out. Big goal today but he has been a huge discipline and defensive liability thus far.
Great win, big 2 points. Rest up and get ready for the classic home and home on the Island.
Flyers At Rangers - Second Period Thoughts - Unsung Hero
In a period that I expected to be disciplined and low scoring you have to be happy with the Rangers getting the only goal. Backman has been iffy in this game thus far but came through big with the tie-breaking goal early.
Stephen Valiquette is an unsung hero of this team. Henrik's long string of starts early in the season has made people think that this guy hasn't contributed. Including this game he has made 10 starts this season. In those starts he has better numbers than Hank including 2 shutouts. Listen...he's not better than Hank but he has been a significant contributor to his team. He has proven not only a serviceable backup but also a goalie who can come up big in the big game, something the Rangers haven't had in a long time. I have no problem giving Vally some starts down the stretch.
The Flyers played better that period and the Rangers responded nicely. Vally made some big saves and they were much more sound defensively. The powerplay to start the 3rd is important for 2 reason. First, it is a chance to open up a two goal lead. Second, it's a chance to build momentum for the period. Big period, big 2 points up for grabs.
Flyers At Rangers - First Period Thoughts - Scores Can Be Deceiving
If there were some way to watch a tape of this first period without seeing any of the goals, I would call this one of the best Rangers periods of the season. They were absolutely dominant, swarming the net, pouncing on rebounds, controlling the puck and capitalizing on chances.
The Flyers made three good plays that period and every single one ended up in the net. Henrik's fault? Maybe the third one. But overall the goals were a product of defensive breakdowns. That's what happens in hockey. You can play great for an entire period but one, two, three mistakes end up in your net.
Lucky for the Rangers the offense showed up today. Congrats to Freddy Sjostrom with his first goal as a NYR. I hope this guy realizes how important he is going to be to this team. Yes he is going to lose minutes playing on the 4th line but he is going to make that 4th line a scoring threat. He is a young, exciting player who is sound defensively and as shown can put the puck in the net (sorry Hollweg).
I truly do think the Rangers need to continue playing the way they are. Keep going to the net and just don't hang Henry out to dry.
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