After Henrik Lundqvist let in the bad second Eric Cole goal and the Canes closed the gap to 3-2, I couldn’t help but think of that other “game we shall not mention” from last week. The Rangers had gone out to take an early 3 goal lead tonight only to see it dwindle to a one goal lead 5 minutes into the third period. Faced with the possiblity of another embarrassing collapse, I thought it might be time to pull Lundqvist and shake the Rangers up.

The Canes were coming on strong after Cole scored his second goal on the four minute powerplay, which by the way, was mistakenly called on Mark Staal instead of newbie defenseman Backstrom. Backstrom was whistled for two minutes giving the Canes a one minute 5 on 3 powerplay. The Rangers killed that and the remaining minute to come out of that penalty orgy with the score still at 3-2.

To their credit, The Rangers didn’t fold up like a cheap suitcase. They struggled through adversity and were rewarded with a beautiful goal scored by Brendan Shanahan. It wasn’t as though he did it alone. Some jump and snappy passing by his linemates Nigel Dawes and Scott Gomez  enabled Brendan to break in and score. The Rangers kept playing for the win and didn’t mistakenly try to sit on Carolina. Carolina was in the game and kept up the pressure until Eric Staal was assessed a two minute penalty in the last minute of the game for crosschecking.

Each team was at the mercy of the malfeasance of the Zebras McCreary and Dwyer. While whistles were swallowed for both sides at varying times, two aggregious and potentially dangerous boarding penalites went uncalled against Carolina’ for late hits on Rosival and Callahan. To add insult to injury, these incompetant referrees called the four minute highsticking penalty on the wrong Ranger player. When is the league going to hold these waste of space refs accountable? They let the worst transgressions go by the boards and called the ticky tacky stuff. The officiating in the NHL is a pathetic joke.

All things considered, I thought our new pair of Swedes deported themselves well this evening. They may not be Holmstrom and Lidstrom but, other then Backstrom excessive penalties, I thought Backstrom and Freddie “the Shoe” Sjostrom were decent. As usual, impatient Ranger fans are ready to throw Backstrom under the bus for all the penalties.

I am just happy that the Rangers were able to win the game against a tough Carolina team that is fighting for a playoff spot with the Capitals. All of the Rangers Eastern Conference adversies won tonight. Boston, the Icelanders and the Flyers all won. Every point counts now going down the stretch. We sit in 7th place, with The Flyers, Buffalo and the Fishsticks hot on our heels.

Let’s hope Tom Renney has a curfew for Saturday night. The Rangers have an early call for Sunday against the Flyers at 1230pm. Hey, if I have to show up early for this game the Rangers better damn well show up, too. ; )

Nice job boys! Keeping it moving forward!

Let’s Go Rangers!

The Rangers bounced back after that horrific game in Montreal last week and won both their games this weekend. Now that’s what I call moving on and putting that past behind them. As for the dreaded five goal lead, that game in Montreal was an anomoly. The Rangers didn’t have too much trouble preserving a five goal lead last night. In fact, they shut out Florida 5-0. Not such a great accomplishment, you say? Would you rather the Rangers had taken the Cats lightly and lost? I didn’t think so.  

As I walked into section 409 last night, I thought all the talk would be of the embarrassment in Montreal. I couldn’t have been more mistaken. Everyone I know had put the loss aside and was basking in the defeat of Buffalo the night before and the prospect of two more points on the books yesterday afternoon against the Panthers. The snide remarks and the boos and jeers I was expecting were kept to minimum. In fact, the Section observed the wishes of the Garden brass to desist with the “Homo Larry” chants. Truth be told, it was Larry’s very own Section 407 that initiated and continued the politically incorrect mantra.

As for the game itself, all the Rangers played well.  Marek Malik got a huge ovation for his play last night and it wasn’t tinged with the usual sarcasm. He will never be a fan favorite but he did take a big step away from the boobirds and  being the “whipping boy” with his goal and assist. Jagr, Gomez Dawes and Straka also had goals but they are supposed to score goals. If Jagr and Straka get hot now and start scoring regularly, it will make the stretch run less of a nail-biter. 

The only negative from last night game was the failure of the Rangers powerplay. The Rangers went 0 for 11 over the weekend with the man advantage. For the love of God, can’t the coaches resolve this problem. I hate to harp on this but it is nauseating to watch the ineffectiveness of the Rangers powerplay. Last night they couldn’t break into the offensive zone most times. And as usual, too much passing went on when they did manage to set up.

Lastly, I just have to say once again how much fun I had with my “crew” in 409. Bobby, Ron, Nick, Tim, Kevin, Lou and the whole left side were in rare form last night. Maybe it had to do with the Rangers scoring 5 goals and rolling over the Panthers. Maybe it was because the Garden was full and the mood happy. But game in and game out, win or lose, these guys are a fun group. I wouldn’t trade my seat in 409 for a one right behind the Rangers bench.

After some “fans” and the media blew that shoot out loss in Montreal way out of proportion, the Rangers answered back in Buffalo tonight and secured two more points in their battle to attain a playoff berth for a third straight season. In a game that found the lead change hands a couple of times, the Rangers were able to answer back quickly after Buffalo went up 3-2 and tied the game.

They took the tie into the third period and outshot the Sabres 11 to 6. They were even able to hold off the Sabres powerplay when Michael Rosival was called for interference at 19:37 of the third period. At the beginning of the game, Gomez was blatantly tripped. Nothing was called. Half-way through the third, Avery was hauled down . Once again, nothing was called.  It was only just that Avery scored the winning goal.

Many things went right for the Rangers tonight in the scoring department. Jagr finally got off the schneid with his first goal in 13 games. It was a real skill goal, as Jagr purposefully redirected the puck with his stick blade. Nigel Dawes may be the best speedy little sniper the Rangers have had since Theo Fleury. Scott Lasky on MSGNY has dubbed Brandon Dubinsky the “Alaskan Assassin”. I have every faith this monicker will stick. As this kid matures and fills out physically, he should become a great power forward for the New York Rangers. Lastly, the most hated player in the NHL, Sean Avery sealed the deal for the Rangers with the timely game winner.

If the Rangers lost as a team in Montreal on Tuesday, they won as a team in Buffalo tonight. Good for them. They were able to put it past them and move on. What doesn’t kill you is supposed to make you stronger. At least that’s what they say. The only complaint I have about the Rangers game tonight was their inability to score on the powerplay. Again tonight the Rangers went 0 for 5. They may have had three powerplay goals on Tuesday in Montreal but they need to be more consistent on the powerplay. If the Rangers do make the playoffs, they won’t get too far if their powerplay continues to be ineffective.

I’ll take the hard won two points and move on. One game at a time from here on out.

Let’s Go Rangers!

No , not like Donna Summer, like Dave Maloney. Tomorrow night at 9pm tune in to “The Sports Docket” and hear me, mhurley, spout off about the Rangers in particular and the NHL in general.

 http://www.blogtalkradio.com/docket

The behavior of the fans at the Montreal/Rangers game tonight was inexcusable. Just because your team is having a bad game and they are being soundly outplayed by another team does not give the fans the right to throw objects on the ice. Throwing anything on the ice has the potential to injure a player, either on the opposing team or the home team.

Montreal fans are supposed to be so knowledgeable, such guardians of the game. What a crock. Those people there tonight are spoiled whiners who took their frustrations out by throwing the banners they had received as gifts all over the ice causing a long delay in the game.

Had this incident happened anywhere else, that home team would have received a delay of game penalty. Why wasn’t any penalty given to Montreal? Could it be because the Rangers would have had a 5 on 3? Too bad. Montreal deserved another penalty for their fans behavior.

Nothing will happen. Colin Campbell will do nothing. The incident probably won’t even be mentioned tomorrow in the Canadian press or on the websites. That’s too bad. The NHL will lose more credibility if this incident is allowed to go unpunished. Because the in-game officials took no action, it would behoove the League to fine the Canadiens for their crowds outrageous behavior.

For the record, I wrote this when the score was 5-2 Rangers.

Everyone can breathe a sigh of relief. Henrik Lundqvist will be a New York Ranger for the next 6 years at approximately $6.875 per annum. Glen Sather finally locked up the Swede and not a moment too soon. As Henrik’s GAA has gone up and his save percentage down, so too has his asking price. Had Henrik been able to maintain his early fall record throughout this season, I have no doubt that Henke would have easily commanded $8 million per season.

Actually, based on his play of late, Henrik has done well for himself with his newly inked contract. This contract is a reflection of his past play and the fact that Henrik was a Vezina finalist in his first two seasons in the NHL. He carried this team to the playoffs for two consecutive years post-lockout. Had Henrik and Glen Sather waited any longer, Henrik’s play this season may not have warranted such a high dollar amount. 

Six years seems to be a fair and manageable length. Perhaps the un-DiPietro-like length is due to the up and down season Henrik has had so far. Let’s face it, this is a business decision and Sather is a crafty negotiator. Unlike Charles Wang and Garth Snow, Sather ain’t givin’ away the store. 

So, lady Ranger fan’s may rest easy tonight. Our matinee-idol goaltender will be here for the next six years to make you swoon.  Don’t get me wrong. I love Henrik. He is a very sweet guy and is always attentive and cordial to the fans, win or lose. I just hope Henrik remembers that he is only as good as his last game. New York Ranger fans can turn on a player who is underperforming in a heartbeat.

Lastly, now that Henrik is a multi-millionaire, I hope he doesn’t let it go to his head. I hate to bring up Pelle Lindbergh but he was a classic example of fame and wealth having a deleterious effect on an NHL goaltender. Henrik shows all the promise Pelle did. Almost 25 years later and I will never forget the tragic loss. Let’s hope Henrik stays a pillar of this team and has the success his fellow Swede never got to see.

The Rangers will not play hockey again until Saturday, February 16th, when they meet the Sabres at Madison Square Garden.  By then, even the Ranger’s severest critics will be jonesing for some hockey. They may also be even more manic and critical of every mistake that the Rangers will make on Saturday. By then, those teams in the Eastern Conference that have games in hand may leapfrog the Rangers in the standings.

The Rangers were able to secure the 7th playoff spot last season with a total of 94 points. Right now, the Rangers have 63 points. Let’s assume that 96 points will give the Rangers a guaranteed playoff spot this year. That means that the Rangers must earn 33 points is their 23 remaining games. That tranlates into 16 wins in those 23 games. Anyway you slice it, that’s a tall order.

Last March, the Rangers got it done with their present personal save for Michael Nylander, Matt Cullen and Jed Ortmeyer.  Jaromir Jagr had a meer 7 goals from March 1, 2007 through the last game of the season, some 20 games. Nylander had about 8 goals. The playoff run was not mounted upon their shoulders alone. A key player in last year’s run was Matt Cullen. Matt had 4 goals in regulation time. More importantly, he was responsible for winning two shootouts. Orty even had one goal in those twenty games.

Sean Avery and Ryan Callahan were the key offensive additions that added a spark last season. Let’s hope that they, along with Brandon Dubinsky, Nigel Dawes and Petr Prucha can provide the primary scoring the Rangers need for this stretch run.

It has been made abundantly clear that Jagr and Straka are not going to be providing primary scoring, either at even strength and especially not on the powerplay. They need to sit in favor of the the aforementioned youth. I do not think nor do I care if Jagr makes his contract triggers. Clearly, Shanahan must not be killing penalties and should not be on the ice for more than 15 minutes per game. He has lost more than a step since last season.

Most important of all is the play of Henrik Lundqvist. If Henrik continues to be as inconsistant in this stretch run as he has been for the lionshare of this season, the Ranger will not make the playoffs. Steve Valiquette has been a real feel good story but I wouldn’t take his play to the bank. Stranger things have happened in hockey but I don’t think Vally will be leading us to the promised land.

Regardless of how this season plays out, Tom Renney needs to remain coach of the Rangers for the foreseeable future. He has done a masterful job since the lockout. No one expected the new New York Rangers to make the playoffs right out of the lockout. The success this team has had has been a bonus. Renney has earned the right to take the Rangers youth into the next decade.

The MSG publicity machine is spinning the Malik/Avery fisticuffs at practice yesterday as a good thing. After one of the worst team performances of the season against the 30th place team in the NHL, the LA Kings, tensions were bound to be running a little high. Both Coach Renney and the talking heads on the MSG network are trying to sell yesterday’s incident as a good thing. Avery and Malik were just letting off steam.  Sorry, I’m just not buying that.

Since the departure of Tom Poti, Marek Malik has become the fans “whipping boy”. Let’s not mince any words here. Like Poti, for his size, Marek Malik is one of the softest and slowest defensemen in the NHL. While partnered with Michael Roszival, during his first two seasons in New York Malik had a combined +50. A defenseman with those kind of numbers should be sought out by many a team. Why is Malik persona non grata in New York?

While not injured, Malik has been a healthy scratch more times then not this season. Malik has played 27 games to date and is a +2. This hasn’t sat well with Harry. Unlike 7th defenseman Jason Strudwick who is all about “team”, Marek Malik is more about Malik. Several times this season, Malik has displayed his displeasure at his lack of playing time. So far, he’s walked away from the team on the road, made thinly veiled complalnts to the press and most recently created more controversy with “Handshake Gate”. He refused to shake hands with Tom Renney in the lockerroom after he played in a Ranger victory. Clearly, Malik is not a happy camper.

Now, we hear that at practice yesterday Malik was taking the body on Sean Avery in a scrimmage. Avery took exception to it and things got a little ugly. Punches were thrown. Sam Weinman gave the fight to Malik on a TKO. It makes you wonder what was said to fire up Malik into fighting his own teammate? I don’t think I have ever seen Malik fight an opposing player. I can bearly remember him getting physical with anyone. He’s no Zdeno Chara.

From training camp onward, the coaching staff preaches teambuilding and focuses on creating “chemistry”. I guess Avery and Malik weren’t on the same team pushing that Hummer out of the mud up at West Point. Having said that, if you have 23 people in an office, they are not all going to get along. Some are suck-ups, some are just getting by, some are decent guys and some are just lone wolves. So too with a hockey team.

Business management models often describe employees as part of a ”team” with all the requisite sports analogies. The supervisor is the quarterback, the department head is the coach, yadda, yadda yadda. If sales were down for the quarter and the supervisor and a sales associate started throwing punches at each other, their jobs would be in jeopardy. One or both would be reprimanded or even dismissed for assaulting each other.

I cannot see this latest episode in the “Marek Malik Saga” as being a good thing for this team. I am not giving Avery a free pass here, either. It’s alright for Avery to talk trash and get under the skin of an opponent. It’s another thing to do that to a teammate. Instead of running his mouth at Malik, Avery should look at his own less then stellar play. He may have been the “supposed” spark that lit a fire under the team last spring but lately he’s been a bucket of cold water.   

Whether Marek Malik is considered a valued member of the Rangers by his fellow teammates or by the fans is not germaine. Infighting is not acceptable. I don’t care if it’s Tom Renney or Ron Duguay, no one in the organization should try and spin this into being a good thing. They can’t dismiss this as a ‘boys will be boys” thing with me.

Clearly, a line has been crossed. Malik and Avery must publically put aside their differences in the best interest of the team or one will have to go. The team and the coaching staff cannot make a playoff push if they have to babysit players. Judging by what happened to Aaron Ward last season, someone involved might be going and I would be surprised if it were Avery.

After the Canadians went up 2-0 in the first period, I stopped posting on my favorite Ranger messageboard over at the HockeyRodent. I literally threw in the towel and proceeded to start the three loads of wash waiting for me in my basement laundryroom. The Rangers looked really slow in the first period. After playing 3 games in 4 days this week, a let down seemed to be in the cards.

Shame on me for being so hasty and writing them off after one period. This afternoon’s game brought me back to the HockeyBird Game last January at the Garden. The Rangers were down 5-0 to the Ottawa Senators and came back with four unanswered goals. They pulled to within a goal but lost that game.They went down fighting. 

Whereas earlier in this season (hell earlier in January) if the Rangers were down by a couplathree goals, it was almost a guaranteed loss. Lately, the Rangers they are finding ways to win.  Things are coming together. Icetime is being well managed across four lines. All the players, veterans included, are engaged and focused. They are being responsible with the puck. Maximum effort is being expended at crucial times.

The Rangers have become strong down the middle. Gomez is clicking with Jagr. Dubinsky has been a revelation and Chris Drury has come into his own on the third line with Dawes and Prucha. Blair Betts has been solid centering the fourth line as well as killing penalties all season.

In other words, everyone is doing their job and it’s about time. I remember hearing myself say in the past that the Rangers should conserve their energy for their playoff run. What’s the point of killing yourself early in the season? After all, what benefit do the Red Wings get by busting their ass and winning the President’s Trophy only to be eliminated by an eight place team in the first round? Then, when the Rangers are in the doldrums, I point to the Red Wings winning culture and asking why the Rangers can’t develop a winning culture. I guess you can’t have it both ways.

I prayed that Renney would keep Jagr off the ice at the end of the game.  The Rangers fought back to make it 4-3. This season Jagr has been a defensive liability with the puck late in games and has been too damn slow. This afternoon, that was not the case.  Jagr did no harm.  In fact, he was an assest. Straka got the tip in from Mara, assisted by Gomez but it was kept in by Jagr.

Shanahan has been hurting lately and Renney sat him today and played Callahan. Shanahan turned 39 on January 23 and clearly has slowed down. He needs to be rested for the stretch run. Ryan Callahan deserves another shot at the Big Show. He played well today. He brought his grit, energy and a willingness to go to the net. He was a shot in the arm last season. Let’s hope he can stay up, that Renney can keep rolling four lines and run with six defensemen.

Lastly, despite what a clearly biased panel of commentators on NBC said, Ryan Hollweg does not deserve to be suspended by the NHL. Was it a boarding penalty? Yes. But, Kostitsyn was in possession of the puck, he had his head down and he turned his back at the last minute. Hollweg didn’t leave his feet. Sure, he could have put on the breaks. The fact that he skated away from that check and was surprised at the Montreal retaliation is an indication to me that in his mind, Ryan thought he just simply made a hard check.

Mike Milbury, of all people, is the last person in the world to be part of a panel of commentators calling for Hollweg’s suspension. Afterall, Ryan didn’t go into the stands and beat someone with his shoe. He may be reckless but he isn’t “Mad”. This victory tastes all the more sweet because the Ranger’s got to show their stuff on NBC.

The Rangers won despite the usual ice tilting that goes on when they play in Canada and on National TV. I didn’t hear the NBC commentators heaping ebullient praise on the Rangers for this victory as they usually do for the other teams they televise. They make Barry Melrose look like Edward R Murrow.  Where is John Buccigross, anyway?