Story #3 Holiday Shopping from a male Kean University student perspective

Phil makes his own Kessel Run against Blueshirts

Toronto Maple Leafs defeat the New York Rangers by a score of 4-3 in Overtime.

Quick Hits:

• Tough game for the Rangers, having a rough 2nd period but found a way to tie it up in the 3rd and steal a point from Toronto.
• Good for Brian Boyle to emerge as the hero tonight, scoring 2 clutch 3rd period goals. It was his 2nd career 2-goal game. 
• Don't be surprised if Sean Avery gets some disiciplinary action for his nasty slash on Mike Komisarek's ankle...after that penalty was killed off Avery seemed to come alive.
• Both Marian Gaborik & Chris Drury left the 2nd period with injuries. Darren Dreger of TSN tweeted that Drury broke his finger & Gaborik injured his shoulder.
• Rangers missed the net on a good amount of scoring chances.
• Did anyone else enjoy Sam Rosen refer to Tyler Bozak as "Ryan" Bozak all night?
• Nice 3-point bounce back game for Phil Kessel, who was benched in Toronto's last game.
• Sort of disappointing Boogaard & Orr didn't drop the gloves tonight. 

Next Game: Monday 10/18 vs. Colorado

Final Thoughts:

The theme for this game is consistency. Playing with a consistent effort for a full 60 minute hockey game would have given the Rangers a better chance to win. Instead, New York completely fell apart defensively in the 2nd period and followed up with a furious 3rd period to tie the game.

Losing your captain and your #1 goal scorer can be devastating for any hockey club. However, the Rangers showed some moxie, rallying to tie the game with their 2 best players out with injuries. This team showed some resiliency during the preseason and they will need every bit of it depending on how long their important players are out for.

Henrik Lundqvist had his first show-stealing effort of the season, almost single-handedly stealing a point away from Toronto along with Brian Boyle's heroic 3rd period effort. Look for Lundqvist to do it more often this year: its the only way the Rangers will make the playoffs. 

Late PP Goals Propel Islanders over Rangers

The New York Islanders defeated the New York Rangers 6-4.

Quick Hits:

• An entertaining, Columbus day matinee game that displayed lots of end-to-end action and numerous lead changes.
• Rangers lost this game because they were simply out-worked by the Islanders. It never helps to take 2 penalties late in the 3rd.
• Del Zotto still needs some serious work in his own end. Him and Girardi got off to rough starts, although they both provided offense. 
• Rangers PP got it going and looked good in the 2nd period, scoring 2 goals. Rangers will live and die by their PP all season.
• Steve Eminger better be playing his way out of the lineup. Matt Gilroy now, please.
• Derek Stepan quiet in his 2nd ever NHL game.
• Artem Anisimov is taking strides at becoming an important piece to the Rangers puzzle. Scored in the 3rd to make it 4-3, could have ended up the game-winner.
• Lundqvist looked a bit average in this game.
• 2 games in and Sean Avery is in mid-season form, being chippy and making plays all over the ice. Plus, James Wisnewski showed everyone at the Coliseum how he feels about Sean Avery.

Final Thoughts:

It's only 2 games into the young season, so the judgment should be reserved. Yet, the Rangers displayed some issues that could plague their team all season long.

All of the positives from the type of win they had against Buffalo will go away with this tough loss. The Rangers D looked looser in this game, scrambling all too much and having difficulty with rebounds in front of Henrik Lundqvist and adequately taking people out of the play. There was no bigger culprit of this than Steve Eminger, who should be on borrowed time.

Despite not matching the Islanders effort stride for stride, the Rangers did show some carryover from the previous game. They fore checked hard again, and their power play showed some good signs as well.

Unfortunately, in today's NHL, referees more often than not can decide the outcome of games. Callahan's "tripping" penalty late in the 3rd could be a "phantom call." Yet, it cannot be used as an excuse and your team has to find a way to overcome them.

Next game: Friday Oct 15th vs Toronto (Home Opener)

Stepan Shines as Rangers Stampede past Buffalo

The New York Rangers defeated the Buffalo Sabres on opening night by a score of 6-3.

Quick Hits:

• Derek Stepan, the boy wonder of the pre-season, made a scintillating debut scoring a HAT TRICK for the Rangers. 
• Brandon Dubinsky had a tremendous game as well, scoring 2 goals of his own. His linemates Callahan and Anisimov both had assists and looked great together, skating hard and making plays.
• Sean Avery had an effective game tonight with 2 assists.
• Buffalo looked like a tired team as the game went along. They were probably in awe of Derek Stepan like the entire HSBC Arena was.
• Ruslan Fedotenko continued his great play from the preseason into opening night. A bargain signing at this point.
• Alex Frolov had a quiet game despite getting an assist.
• I was not impressed with Steve Eminger's debut tonight. Took 2 penalties and didn't stand out. Look for Gilroy to be in the lineup next game.
• Henrik Lundqvist was average tonight; made some saves when called upon but the goals he gave up were questionable. 

Final Thoughts:

The Rangers made an impressive debut, defeating a Sabres team that many feel will go far this season. Rookie Derek Stepan might have become an instant star with his hat-trick debut, becoming the first Ranger in franchise history to score a hat trick in his NHL debut. Time will tell how brightly he'll shine.

The biggest positive to take away from this game was how well the Rangers played AS A TEAM. All 4 lines showed hustle, with the Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan and Avery-Stepan-Fedotenko lines displaying good chemistry and play-making abilities.

The defensive play was just as impressive at times. Forwards were skating hard in the back check, clogging up the neutral zone and defensemen were breaking up plays. The Rangers will have to play this way consistently if they want to be successful this season.

Next Game: Monday 10/11 1:00 PM vs. Islanders

Follow me on Facebook & Twitter

40-36-6

(This picture has nothing to do with the article, but I had to post it.)

That's the record I believe the New York Rangers will end up with. I'm not bashing the team by any means. I'm not disregarding the great training camp they had. I'm not ignoring how rookie C Derek Stepan stepped up, showed amazing poise for a 20 year old rookie, and could potentially end up being the No. 1 Center in a few months. I'm not withholding how good the signing of Alexander Frolov has looked so far and could go down as the best bargain signing of the entire NHL offseason. I'm not forgetting that this team still has arguably the best goalie in Henrik Lundqvist, and best pure sniper in Marian Gaborik.  I'm not intentionally bypassing the young core of Dubinsky, Callahan, Staal, and Girardi, who may be the key to the Rangers season this year. 

But what I am concerned with is, despite the team's improvements, I don't see them THAT MUCH better than last year's squad. Is Steve Eminger the answer to our 7th defenseman prayers? No. If Christensen and Stepan struggle as the No. 1 centers, then  the Rangers will still be without one. Will the defense be more physical, and clear the crease more this year? I'm not sold on that. A lot of pieces will have to fall into place for the Rangers to be successful this season, however any team could make that argument. 

My biggest concern is how other teams in the Eastern Conference and the Atlantic Division have improved MORE, virtually across the board. If the Rangers find a way to get off to a hot start AND stay consistent through the middle part of the season, then their record will be much better. 

Until then, the numbers remain. 

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook

Move on the Horizon?

Jessie Spector tweets...

Glen Sather says White and Kennedy put on waivers to give #NYR flexibility if opportunity presents itself to acquire someone expensive.

less than a minute ago via HootSuiteJesse Spector
NYDNRangers

I'm interested as to what expensive contract the Rangers would want to take back? 


If the name is Sheldon Souray I will be disappointed. I do not think he is the answer for the Rangers and would completely go against the team's self-instituted "youth movement."

Is Sather all that bad?

John Grigg from The Hockey News blog has an interesting article today about the "upside" to having Glen Sather as Rangers' GM.

"The decisions his haters point to other than bad signings include a revolving door of coaches; the selection of Hugh Jessiman 12th overall in 2003 – the only first-rounder from that year who has yet to play an NHL game and those chosen later in Round 1 include 2010 Olympians Brent Seabrook, Zach Parise, Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan Kesler, Mike Richards and Corey Perry; and trading away fan favorites Adam Graves and Brian Leetch. 

But for all his perceived faults, you have to give Sather credit for at least one thing: he’s sly as a fox when it comes to divesting himself of bad contracts."

For the full article, click here

Despite the fact I'd like to see Sather on the first train out of New York, Grigg makes a point here.


Sather's biggest smoke-screen effort as GM was somehow convincing Montreal to take on Scott Gomez' bloated contract, giving us potential blue-line studs in Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko (in camp vying for spots), and parlaying the saved money into Marian Gaborik's new contract. Talk about pulling a rabbit out of a hat. 


Tweet

Podcast Episode 3: Red Wings @ Rangers 9/29/10

Apologies to not doing any podcast for the Rangers game on Sunday, I had some other engagements to attend to...

Here though for your audible delight is the latest podcast. Enjoy!

Podcast Episode 2: Thoughts on Wade Redden, NYR @ NJD 9/25/10 Game

Podcast for Devils vs. Ranger re-cap 9/23/10

Is Sean Avery on borrowed time?

Rick Carpinello from LoHud.com's Rangers Report has an intriguing article today about Sean Avery and his spot on the NY Rangers.

Given how bad he was last year, and how Tortorella might feel about him—not to mention some teammates, although he clearly is on the good side of some of the most important players—do you think he makes it?

Let’s do numbers first: Forwards coming back—Anisimov, Avery, Boyle, Callahan, Christensen, Drury, Dubinsky, Gaborik, Prospal, Prust. That’s 10. Of those, a minimum of eight will definitely be on the team Opening Night (minus one, Drury, who will probably be out injured, but should be back soon).  

Forwards brought in—Boogaard, Fedotenko (a Tortorella favorite on a tryout), Frolov, White, Zuccarello. Boogaard and Frolov are locks to make the team The others sure have a good shot. Prospects knocking on the door—Grachev, Stepan, possibly others.

I am just not sure where No. 16 fits, especially if Tortorella isn’t convinced that Avery had figured out where the line is, and how and when he can cross it. Because if he can’t play that way, then he’s surely expendable.

 After reading the article, I'm really dumbfounded for an answer. When on his game, Sean Avery is the spark to this team. But, more often than not last year, Avery was nowhere to be found. If someone steps up in camp and shows they can play gritty and be productive CONSISTENTLY game in and game out, then Sean Avery could be on the outs.


Good luck finding a home for him. 


Follow me on Twitter &Facebook

Drury breaks finger in scrimmage, Opens the door

Amidst the opening of training camp and the scrimmages that started over the weekend, we learned today that Captain "Clutch" Chris Drury suffered a broken finger this morning and will be out the next 4 weeks, missing the first handful (no pun intended) of regular season games.

Not the way Drury had hoped his season would start, as he's looked impressive in skating & conditioning drills. Plus, you got to have some serious chops & dedication to be putting your body in front of shots in scrimmages. But that's just the way Drury has always been; a warrior.

The intriguing question now is who steps up to fill the void left behind:

1) The Usuals: Guys already slated to be on the opening night roster such as Erik Christensen, Vinny Prospal, and Brian Boyle are more than capable of holding down the fort until Drury returns. In particular, Christensen could you use the extra boost as his career depends on it. The talented center has found a home on Broadway and would love to cement himself here for a few more seasons.

2) Derek Stepan: The Rangers 2008 2nd round pick has had quite a year, leading Team USA to just its 2nd ever gold medal in the 2010 IIHF U20 Championship, not to mention a stellar season at Wisconsin. Stepan has already turned some heads at training camp, centering a line featuring Marian Gaborik and newly acquired Alex Frolov that scored 4 points in the first scrimmage. Could this be the opening he needs to at least crack the opening night roster and, in turn, force a tough decision out of the Rangers brass?

3) Newcomers: Todd White could arguably need this opportunity for him to make the team. His 2.375 mil cap hit could be burdensome and easily sent down to Hartford to make space. While his two-way ability could be an asset, this training camp could me a make-or-break point not only in White's tenure with the Rangers, but his career as well.

4) A Dark Horse: Someone who flys under the radar but could step up big in Drury's brief absence is Artem Anisimov. He seemed to find his niche late last season and could translate that into increased production and ice-time this season. With the Rangers looking for more youth infused in the lineup, Anisimov's time to shine could be now.


Follow me on Twitter 

Marc Staal finally comes home, Reaction

Unless you live under a rock, you've already heard that the Rangers and RFA D Marc Staal have agreed to a new pact, a 5-year, super-saving number just under 20 million. This means the Rangers have committed nearly 14 million on a core duo of Staal and Dan Giardi for the next few seasons, with Del Zotto, Gilroy, Ryan McDonaugh, Dylan McIllrath, and others waiting in the wings. It's safe to say the Blueshirts are building a strong blueline for seasons to come.

There are 2 main things to take away from this contract:

1) This all but signals the end of Wade Redden's tenure as a New York Ranger. His burdening 6.5 million cap hit can, and by all indications, will be sent to the minors, where he can be the best Wolfpack player for the next few seasons. Unless other contracts are moved out (Rozival, Gilroy?) or some trade magic is worked, there's no feasable way to keep Redden on the team and keep the others. Rangers' fans won't shead a tear to see Redden go.

2) In the context of the contract, the Rangers made a spectacular deal. They forego some of Staal's prime free agency seasons, keep the cap hit under 4 million, and do not have a no-trade or no-movement clause attached to it. My fear was that, sensing they needed to make this deal before training camp and how others on the team make a fortune, Staal would be overpaid. Yet, his contract seems fair compared to his abilities right now, and when Staal blossoms over the next few seasons it'll become one of better deals ever consummated by Glen Sather. You have to give credit where it's due, and Sather has earned it here.

Follow me on Twitter

Struck out swinging

So, my bid to speculate & correctly guess something failed a few days back. If you recall a previous post, I suggested the NY Islanders take a run at Antti Niemi to shore up their goaltender situation. Well, that ship has sailed, as Niemi has decided to take his talents to South California on a one-year, $2 million dollar deal.

It's an interesting move for San Jose. They already committed to Antero Nittymaki as their No. 1. However, when someone of the caliber as Niemi is available, it's tough to pass him up. Most likely, up-and-comer Thomas Greiss will play in the AHL and get the bulk of playing time. With this move, the Sharks enter their season with a formidable tandem in between the pipes.


Follow me on Twitter

Looks like the Internet is catching on...

If you recall my last post, I speculated about how the Isles & Antti Niemi are a perfect fit for each other.

Looks like I'm not the only one who thinks so...

Now, Katie Strang, who covers the Islanders on a day-to-day basis would know a heck of a lot more than an internet blogger. But, what if it's just hear say? What if the Islanders are really interested? What if they haven't thought of the idea yet, but would consider it? It's food for thought since the Islanders have some big question marks in between the pipes...

If it happens, I'll be happier than a pig in mud for speculating about something that came true. Until then, it's the waiting game for us.

Follow me on Twitter

Why Annti Niemi & the Islanders are a perfect fit

It's amazing to think about...looking over the extensive list of FA's still available in the NHL, that the goalie of the Stanley Cup winning team is not only ripe for the picking for 30 teams, but won't even be back on his team next season. 

Niemi, still unproven to a degree, and only 26 years old, would be a valuable commodity for any team in need of goaltending help. Would one of those teams be the New York Islanders? Let me tell you why I think the Islanders & Niemi just go together, sort of like Lamb & Tuna Fish.

• Goaltending Uncertainty: Rick DiPietro, one of the crown jewels of CBA circumvention, has a very suspect lower body after surgeries on his hip and knee. He showed, in brief stints last season, that he could still play but can his body handle the rigors of a full NHL schedule? Dwayne Roloson, the Isles saving grace last season, turns 41 in October, and can't be counted on to be that lights out again. Marty Biron, the other goalie in the Fish Sticks' goalie carousel from last year, left for the New York Rangers this off-season. A young, Stanley-cup winning goalie could be the answer.
• Reaching the Salary Cap Floor: The Islanders currently sit just this side of a million short of the $44 million salary floor required by all NHL teams. If GM Garth Snow isn't going to improve his offense or defense, shoring up your goaltending is the next way to go. If Niemi is willing to do a short-term deal (2-3 years), or even a Marian Hossa-eaque 1 year deal, Islanders fans would sign up in a heartbeat.
• Small Market: Since we've seen most teams sign their goalies, and some prominent names bolt to the KHL, there aren't many spots left. Teams that have the cap space, such as the Thrashers and Oilers, have taken care of their goalie situations while teams that needed new net minders, like the Flyers and Sharks, made their decisions already. The Islanders might be the only place for Niemi to go, kinda like going to an island....by himself....to go play for the ISLANDERS...bad joke. 

The only other team that could make sense is the Montreal Canadians. After shipping out playoff savior Jaroslav Halak, much to the dismay of Le Habitants, Carey Price could be given the keys to the kingdom. But, if Montreal brass feels Price needs some healthy competition, Niemi's agent might be getting a phone call or two.

Follow me on Twitter