The Rangers lost to the Islanders 5-4 in overtime last night in what was a rough game. The game was so intense that DiPietro and Montoya actually got in a brawl. Funny stuff.
Darius Kasparitis was waived and passed through due to his ridiculous contract.
The Blueshirts have another game against Detroit tonight, but it is also not televised.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Tale of Two Nights
The Rangers looked pretty impressive against the Devils the other night, but tonight's game against the Flyers was a whole different story. We were all looking forward to the debuts of Jagr, Gomez, and Drury, but what we weren't hoping for was a showcase of how much the Flyers improved their lineup. With most of Philadelphia's starters in the lineup, the Flyers pressured the Rangers all night long... causing turnover after turnover... goal after goal. It is only the preseason and their were still a lot of rookies in the lineup, so I wouldn't look too much into this game.
Here are some of the things that I noticed. Nigel Dawes looked very good throughout the game. He made at least three phenomenal passes to set up point blank scoring chances by his teammates. He also had a few scoring chances of his own, but he could not finish. Gomez and Jagr weren't as dominating as they had been in practice, but it was clear that they will get a lot scoring chances strictly from their speed on the ice. I must say that it was quite weird not to see the usual Jagr/Nylander puck possession game on the ice. Prucha looked just as energetic as he has been in practice and played very well with Drury, who sacrifices his body on shots just as much as Ortmeyer used to. Hossa looked pretty much useless, as he often does some nights. The bottem two lines of Korpikoski, Betts, Jessiman, Byers, Smith, and Orr were pretty much invisible and outplayed by the Flyers bottom two lines. The Rangers defense was like swiss cheese as all six of them made terrible plays the whole night. Mara started the evening off with a point blank giveaway in his own zone. Lundqvist looked fine, but he just didn't have support from his D.
Here are some of the things that I noticed. Nigel Dawes looked very good throughout the game. He made at least three phenomenal passes to set up point blank scoring chances by his teammates. He also had a few scoring chances of his own, but he could not finish. Gomez and Jagr weren't as dominating as they had been in practice, but it was clear that they will get a lot scoring chances strictly from their speed on the ice. I must say that it was quite weird not to see the usual Jagr/Nylander puck possession game on the ice. Prucha looked just as energetic as he has been in practice and played very well with Drury, who sacrifices his body on shots just as much as Ortmeyer used to. Hossa looked pretty much useless, as he often does some nights. The bottem two lines of Korpikoski, Betts, Jessiman, Byers, Smith, and Orr were pretty much invisible and outplayed by the Flyers bottom two lines. The Rangers defense was like swiss cheese as all six of them made terrible plays the whole night. Mara started the evening off with a point blank giveaway in his own zone. Lundqvist looked fine, but he just didn't have support from his D.
Flyers Tonight
It appears (tentatively) that these will be the lines tonight:
Forwards:
Dawes-Gomez-Jagr
Hossa-Drury-Prucha
Korpikoski-Betts-Jessiman
Byers-Smith-Orr
Defense:
Tyutin-Rozsival
Baranka-Mara
Pock-Liffiton
Goal:
Lundqvist
Wiikman
If there are some changes at game time, I will update.
Forwards:
Dawes-Gomez-Jagr
Hossa-Drury-Prucha
Korpikoski-Betts-Jessiman
Byers-Smith-Orr
Defense:
Tyutin-Rozsival
Baranka-Mara
Pock-Liffiton
Goal:
Lundqvist
Wiikman
If there are some changes at game time, I will update.
Rangers Down Devils
Last night, in the first exhibition game of the season, the Rangers topped the Devils 4 to 3. Although most preseason outcomes are far from noteworthy, this one was at least somewhat interesting considering the Rangers had a lineup full of prospects and the Devils had what should amount to be their opening night lineup (sans Brodeur) on the ice. It was clear that besides a few snippets of the game, the Rangers lineup outworked their rivals all over the ice. I just hope that the disciplined play continues, because it reminded me of the team's play at the end of the season last year. The Rangers ran the following lines:
Forwards:
Avery-Anisimov-Shanahan
Straka-Dubinsky-Callahan
Hollweg-Betts-Lessard
Byers-Smith-Jessiman
Defense:
Staal-Girardi
Strudwick-Sauer
Kasparaitis-Hutchinson
Goal: Montoya, Valiquette
Montoya played the first half of the game and looked very solid. He only gave up one goal on a deflection by this own teammate. Valiquette played the second half of the game, making some fantastic saves, but he also let in a couple bad goals. Just of note, Robert Esche is still out there... waiting for a team to sign him. I am sure that the team is considering him as their backup.
The Rangers announcers (and broadcast team) did a good job of taking chunks of time to go through stories about every player on the ice. They players that took up the most air time were Anisimov, Dubinsky, Jessiman, Staal, Sauer, and Strudwick (because he wore a mic). Anisimov looked phenomenal with and without the puck, but I think everyone pretty much knows that he will spend a year in Hartford to adjust to the North American game. Dubinsky was the best Ranger on the ice as he set up two of the goals by his linemates, Straka and Callahan. He also set up a few that other players couldn't finish. He mentioned in the second intermission interview that he is gunning for the third line center job. Well he certainly made a statement tonight. Jessiman also stood out, mainly because he was the player that took up so much broadcast time. To be fair to Hugh, he was on the ice for the first two goals... parked in front of the net like a big rock. The announcers and Rangers brass took a lot of that Jessiman broadcast time to make excuses for why he hasn't developed quicker (injuries). To be honest, I practically vomited in my brain when Zack Parise (taken several spots after Jessiman in the same draft) scored a ridiculously awesome goal on Valiquette late in the game. The broadcast team also talked about Stall and Sauer a lot and how they are so different in their games. My instincts say that neither make the team and that they start the year (possibly paired together) in Hartford.
Some other tidbits of note... Hutchinson looked very slick on the offensive side of the puck and Kaspar looked just plain terrible. He made only one big hit the entire night and constantly passed the puck through the middle of the ice in his own zone. Byers and Lessard are ridiculously large on the ice. Byers scored the first goal and is a monster in front of the net. Lessard, who looks like he is 90 years old, hit anything that moved on the ice. He looks to be Hartford's enforcer again. Former San Jose Shark, Mark Smith, had almost zero air time and was practically invisible on the ice. I don't think he will make the team, but there is a possibility that he makes the team and earns his money in the luxury boxes.
As for the regulars that were playing... Avery, being his usual self, gave Weekes (now a Devil) a concussion, Straka was very good and scored a goal, Callahan was the energizer bunny and scored a goal, Shanny was visible but did little in the game, Betts did well and scored a goal on some hard work, Hollweg hit like crazy but as usual generated zero offense, and Girardi looked like his usual calm and defensively responsible self.
I am looking forward to tonight's game against the revamped Flyers. Even if you hate them, you have to admit they did a pretty awesome job of restocking their team. More importantly though, Gomez, Drury, and Jagr will play tonight. The rest of the players that are still with the team will also get a shot tonight, but a few players from tonight should play (not enough players in camp to fill two lineups). I'll update when I know the definite lines and pairings.
Forwards:
Avery-Anisimov-Shanahan
Straka-Dubinsky-Callahan
Hollweg-Betts-Lessard
Byers-Smith-Jessiman
Defense:
Staal-Girardi
Strudwick-Sauer
Kasparaitis-Hutchinson
Goal: Montoya, Valiquette
Montoya played the first half of the game and looked very solid. He only gave up one goal on a deflection by this own teammate. Valiquette played the second half of the game, making some fantastic saves, but he also let in a couple bad goals. Just of note, Robert Esche is still out there... waiting for a team to sign him. I am sure that the team is considering him as their backup.
The Rangers announcers (and broadcast team) did a good job of taking chunks of time to go through stories about every player on the ice. They players that took up the most air time were Anisimov, Dubinsky, Jessiman, Staal, Sauer, and Strudwick (because he wore a mic). Anisimov looked phenomenal with and without the puck, but I think everyone pretty much knows that he will spend a year in Hartford to adjust to the North American game. Dubinsky was the best Ranger on the ice as he set up two of the goals by his linemates, Straka and Callahan. He also set up a few that other players couldn't finish. He mentioned in the second intermission interview that he is gunning for the third line center job. Well he certainly made a statement tonight. Jessiman also stood out, mainly because he was the player that took up so much broadcast time. To be fair to Hugh, he was on the ice for the first two goals... parked in front of the net like a big rock. The announcers and Rangers brass took a lot of that Jessiman broadcast time to make excuses for why he hasn't developed quicker (injuries). To be honest, I practically vomited in my brain when Zack Parise (taken several spots after Jessiman in the same draft) scored a ridiculously awesome goal on Valiquette late in the game. The broadcast team also talked about Stall and Sauer a lot and how they are so different in their games. My instincts say that neither make the team and that they start the year (possibly paired together) in Hartford.
Some other tidbits of note... Hutchinson looked very slick on the offensive side of the puck and Kaspar looked just plain terrible. He made only one big hit the entire night and constantly passed the puck through the middle of the ice in his own zone. Byers and Lessard are ridiculously large on the ice. Byers scored the first goal and is a monster in front of the net. Lessard, who looks like he is 90 years old, hit anything that moved on the ice. He looks to be Hartford's enforcer again. Former San Jose Shark, Mark Smith, had almost zero air time and was practically invisible on the ice. I don't think he will make the team, but there is a possibility that he makes the team and earns his money in the luxury boxes.
As for the regulars that were playing... Avery, being his usual self, gave Weekes (now a Devil) a concussion, Straka was very good and scored a goal, Callahan was the energizer bunny and scored a goal, Shanny was visible but did little in the game, Betts did well and scored a goal on some hard work, Hollweg hit like crazy but as usual generated zero offense, and Girardi looked like his usual calm and defensively responsible self.
I am looking forward to tonight's game against the revamped Flyers. Even if you hate them, you have to admit they did a pretty awesome job of restocking their team. More importantly though, Gomez, Drury, and Jagr will play tonight. The rest of the players that are still with the team will also get a shot tonight, but a few players from tonight should play (not enough players in camp to fill two lineups). I'll update when I know the definite lines and pairings.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
First Team Cuts; Burke Retires
Twelve players weren't sent to Hartford today. They are:
Goalies: Chris Holt, Matt Zaba
Defensemen: Clayton Barthel, Corey Potter, Jake Taylor
Forwards: Joe Barnes, Alex Bourret, Brodie Dupont, Mitch Fritz, Bruce Graham, Greg Moore, Jordan Owens
The only surprise for me from that list is Bourret. Apparently he has some type of injury though.
----------------
In other news, goaltender Sean Burke has hung up his skates and retired. The list of possible free agent goalies to sign (to backup Henrik) is dwindling.
Goalies: Chris Holt, Matt Zaba
Defensemen: Clayton Barthel, Corey Potter, Jake Taylor
Forwards: Joe Barnes, Alex Bourret, Brodie Dupont, Mitch Fritz, Bruce Graham, Greg Moore, Jordan Owens
The only surprise for me from that list is Bourret. Apparently he has some type of injury though.
----------------
In other news, goaltender Sean Burke has hung up his skates and retired. The list of possible free agent goalies to sign (to backup Henrik) is dwindling.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Lines On The First Day of Camp
It looks like the top 4 forward lines are looking like:
Hossa-Gomez-Jagr
Avery-Drury-Shanahan
Straka-Callahan-Prucha
Hollweg-Betts-Orr
And no, I didn't mistype the order of the third line. Callahan used to play center in juniors and the team is indeed going to see if he can handle that role. I honestly didn't see that coming. But then again, you can't get very carried away with anything that happens in training camp. The whole point is to experiment to see what works and doesn't. I will update you guys on any interesting camp developments as they happen.
Preseason Opener: Next Friday agains the Devils
Regular Season Opener: Thursday, October 4th @ MSG vs Florida
Hossa-Gomez-Jagr
Avery-Drury-Shanahan
Straka-Callahan-Prucha
Hollweg-Betts-Orr
And no, I didn't mistype the order of the third line. Callahan used to play center in juniors and the team is indeed going to see if he can handle that role. I honestly didn't see that coming. But then again, you can't get very carried away with anything that happens in training camp. The whole point is to experiment to see what works and doesn't. I will update you guys on any interesting camp developments as they happen.
Preseason Opener: Next Friday agains the Devils
Regular Season Opener: Thursday, October 4th @ MSG vs Florida
Poll Results
Which forward would you like to stay permanently with the Rangers this season? The following scouting reports are courtesy of hockeysfuture.com.
1) Brandon Dubinsky (46%) - Dubinsky has bulked up, which has accentuated his tough aggressive style of play. He tends to be an agitator, but his offensive game is his best attribute. Dubinsky has become an excellent playmaker.
*My take: He looked good last season, but seemed to be overpowered at times by much stronger NHL players. I still think he might be another year away from making this team full time, but I hope I am wrong.
2) Artem Anisimov (33%) - "A decent skater for a player of his size [who] displays adequate bursts of speed [and] solid balance on his skates." Anisimov displays "nifty stickhandling skills [and] can handle the puck in traffic well." He has "decent vision and hockey sense[, is] a crafty passer who can make long accurate feeds[, and] fires a quick slap shot."
*My take: He has been a hot topic lately after playing very well in the Russian Super Series and the Traverse City Prospects Tournament. It would be terrific for this team if he could play right away, but it might take time for Artem to get used to North American hockey. My guess is that the organization would want him to learn the game and mature in Hartford.
3) Nigel Dawes (13%) - Despite his short stature, Dawes has offensive intangibles that make him a top candidate for an NHL roster spot. He is a prolific goal scorer with incredible hands, who can make some very good moves at top speed. Dawes is also a very hard worker, and he never hesitates to sacrifice his body to make plays in the slot.
*My take: Dawes is without a doubt the most NHL ready prospect the team has. He made the team out of training camp last year and even scored some goals, but the team was struggling badly and the younger inexperienced players are often the first ones to go. He has scored goals (lots of them) at every level he has played at and I am looking forward to him doing the same in New York. Although he is not a center, he is prospect I want to make this team.
4) Alex Bourret (6%) - Bourret is a strong skater , who combines skill with physical play, and is a tireless worker. Beyond his offensive ability, the most dominant aspect of Bourret’s game is his physical play. He is more than willing to get his nose dirty, and stick up for his teammates. What Bourret needs to improve upon is his consistency. Flashes of brilliance were interspersed with poor decision making at times during the 2006-07 season. If Bourret can become a consistent player, he has the potential to be a top-line forward.
*My take: Atlanta gave this kid up to the Rangers for a bag of potatoes. After overcoming a head injury and adjusting to a different style of play with the Wolfpack, Bourret started to show his magic in Hartford. He is one of the few players that are of the 'power forward' variety in the Rangers organization. I have a feeling that the team thinks he is one more year away (similar to Dubinsky) from making the team.
5) Tom Pyatt (0%) - He can bring you out of your seat. He has great abilities and great hands but after making some awesome plays, he’ll disappear for three games. He made some moves with the puck this year that were just outstanding but I just don’t know where his consistency was. He looks smaller than he is; he’s really strong on his skates and when he runs into somebody you realize that he’s not small. There is more here than we saw all year but at the U18’s he was very good.
*My take: His lack of votes is most likely from the fact that nobody knows who he is and there is not a lot of hype surrounding his name. He probably will play in Hartford this year, because he is still very young. I have heard some great things about him. Basically a Jed Ortmeyer that can score.
1) Brandon Dubinsky (46%) - Dubinsky has bulked up, which has accentuated his tough aggressive style of play. He tends to be an agitator, but his offensive game is his best attribute. Dubinsky has become an excellent playmaker.
*My take: He looked good last season, but seemed to be overpowered at times by much stronger NHL players. I still think he might be another year away from making this team full time, but I hope I am wrong.
2) Artem Anisimov (33%) - "A decent skater for a player of his size [who] displays adequate bursts of speed [and] solid balance on his skates." Anisimov displays "nifty stickhandling skills [and] can handle the puck in traffic well." He has "decent vision and hockey sense[, is] a crafty passer who can make long accurate feeds[, and] fires a quick slap shot."
*My take: He has been a hot topic lately after playing very well in the Russian Super Series and the Traverse City Prospects Tournament. It would be terrific for this team if he could play right away, but it might take time for Artem to get used to North American hockey. My guess is that the organization would want him to learn the game and mature in Hartford.
3) Nigel Dawes (13%) - Despite his short stature, Dawes has offensive intangibles that make him a top candidate for an NHL roster spot. He is a prolific goal scorer with incredible hands, who can make some very good moves at top speed. Dawes is also a very hard worker, and he never hesitates to sacrifice his body to make plays in the slot.
*My take: Dawes is without a doubt the most NHL ready prospect the team has. He made the team out of training camp last year and even scored some goals, but the team was struggling badly and the younger inexperienced players are often the first ones to go. He has scored goals (lots of them) at every level he has played at and I am looking forward to him doing the same in New York. Although he is not a center, he is prospect I want to make this team.
4) Alex Bourret (6%) - Bourret is a strong skater , who combines skill with physical play, and is a tireless worker. Beyond his offensive ability, the most dominant aspect of Bourret’s game is his physical play. He is more than willing to get his nose dirty, and stick up for his teammates. What Bourret needs to improve upon is his consistency. Flashes of brilliance were interspersed with poor decision making at times during the 2006-07 season. If Bourret can become a consistent player, he has the potential to be a top-line forward.
*My take: Atlanta gave this kid up to the Rangers for a bag of potatoes. After overcoming a head injury and adjusting to a different style of play with the Wolfpack, Bourret started to show his magic in Hartford. He is one of the few players that are of the 'power forward' variety in the Rangers organization. I have a feeling that the team thinks he is one more year away (similar to Dubinsky) from making the team.
5) Tom Pyatt (0%) - He can bring you out of your seat. He has great abilities and great hands but after making some awesome plays, he’ll disappear for three games. He made some moves with the puck this year that were just outstanding but I just don’t know where his consistency was. He looks smaller than he is; he’s really strong on his skates and when he runs into somebody you realize that he’s not small. There is more here than we saw all year but at the U18’s he was very good.
*My take: His lack of votes is most likely from the fact that nobody knows who he is and there is not a lot of hype surrounding his name. He probably will play in Hartford this year, because he is still very young. I have heard some great things about him. Basically a Jed Ortmeyer that can score.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Camp Opens Tomorrow
Here is a list of players that are invited to camp. Very exciting!
Goalies: Lundqvist, Valiquette, Montoya, Lafleur, Wiikman, Zaba, Chris Holt
Defensemen: Rozsival, Malik, Mara, Tyutin, Girardi, Kasparaitis, Pock, Strudwick, Staal, Sauer, Sanguinetti, Hutchinson, Baranka, Busto, Liffiton, Taylor, Potter, Barthel.
Forwards: Jagr, Shanahan, Drury, Gomez, Avery, Straka, Prucha, Callahan, Betts, Hossa, Hollweg, Orr, Dubinsky, Dawes, Dupont, Bourret, Korpikoski, Anisimov, Pyatt, Jessiman, Byers, Moore, Lessard, Fritz, Barnes, Graham, Owens.
---------------------------------------------------------
The Rangers prospects also won the Traverse City Prospects Tournament that was mentioned here on Saturday. The organization was elated about how well they played.
Goalies: Lundqvist, Valiquette, Montoya, Lafleur, Wiikman, Zaba, Chris Holt
Defensemen: Rozsival, Malik, Mara, Tyutin, Girardi, Kasparaitis, Pock, Strudwick, Staal, Sauer, Sanguinetti, Hutchinson, Baranka, Busto, Liffiton, Taylor, Potter, Barthel.
Forwards: Jagr, Shanahan, Drury, Gomez, Avery, Straka, Prucha, Callahan, Betts, Hossa, Hollweg, Orr, Dubinsky, Dawes, Dupont, Bourret, Korpikoski, Anisimov, Pyatt, Jessiman, Byers, Moore, Lessard, Fritz, Barnes, Graham, Owens.
---------------------------------------------------------
The Rangers prospects also won the Traverse City Prospects Tournament that was mentioned here on Saturday. The organization was elated about how well they played.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Prospects Tournament
The majority of the Rangers top prospects are playing together in the Traverse City Prospects Tournament in Traverse City, Michigan. Here is the team's roster.
http://newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=2997
http://newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=2997
Brian Leetch Night
The Rangers organization have officially announced that their game on January 24th (against Atlanta) will be "Brian Leetch Night". I am very happy for Leetch, who is one of the best defenseman to every play the game. I would expect a teary evening for many, with former teammates such as Messier, Richter, and Graves participating or even making speeches. For me, 1994 seems like yesterday even though it is soooo far away.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Fantasy Insanity
The only thing that matches my love for NY Rangers hockey is fantasy football. I just finished my draft and I am ready for tonight's opening game (Colts vs. Saints). I am also very much ready for the opening of training camp, so that we can see not only see Gomez and Drury in Ranger blue, but some of those talented prospects. It won't be long.
It has been pretty quiet on the Rangers front, as it has for most of the NHL. Most GMs are waiting until training camp to see how the younger players in their respective organizations perform before reaching out to any more free agents or making trades. Teams like the Rangers might have holes (third line center, defenseman, etc.) to fill, but it would be much more cost efficient for them to be filled by a prospect. Interestingly enough, the Devils seem to have a large amount of holes to fill with Gomez and Rafalski gone. I would be really surprised if Lou doesn't pull off some type of trade over the next month to bring in a playmaker.
It has been pretty quiet on the Rangers front, as it has for most of the NHL. Most GMs are waiting until training camp to see how the younger players in their respective organizations perform before reaching out to any more free agents or making trades. Teams like the Rangers might have holes (third line center, defenseman, etc.) to fill, but it would be much more cost efficient for them to be filled by a prospect. Interestingly enough, the Devils seem to have a large amount of holes to fill with Gomez and Rafalski gone. I would be really surprised if Lou doesn't pull off some type of trade over the next month to bring in a playmaker.
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