The Breaking Point On Long Island?

Lately, the Islanders have been in a funk. Ever since their win at MSG which drew John Tortorella's ire on the other side of the intense rivalry, they haven't won a game. In fact, Scott Gordon's club has been outscored 12-4 in three straight losses (all on home ice) to the Rangers, Canadiens and the Lightning, who got the last three in a 4-2 win yesterday. If you exclude the Isles' 2-1 Garden triumph, they've dropped the other four by a combined 19-5 with Florida routing them 7-1 eight days ago.

Since returning home where they'll be until New Year's Eve, the Islanders haven't given their fans much to cheer about. Not when you drop four of five and are outscored 20-7, hurting your playoff aspirations in a mediocre bottom half of the East where a couple of wins can leapfrog you over others. At 13-17-7- the low water mark on the Meadowbrook, the Isles suddenly find themselves in 13th with their 33 points only ahead of the dismal Flyers who lost again and the lower than low Candy Canes, who the Rangers beat in Raleigh. Due to the poor stretch, the Islanders trail eighth Florida by six points.

The good news is they have one game at hand. The bad is that there are four other teams in front of them. That doesn't include the Bruins, Thrashers and Senators, who all are separated by one total point from fifth to seventh with the Cats lurking behind. Yep. The Devils, Capitals, Sabres and Penguins should feel pretty good about themselves. All have proven to be good teams who have to be taken seriously. Though we expect Buffalo to get challenged by the B's. If those five make the cut, that leaves 6-8 for the other clubs to scramble for including the Islanders, who must get back on the winning track against the Leafs tomorrow before visiting 33rd and 7th the day after Christmas on Saturday.

Win and it's not all bad. However, you'd have to be locked in a cave to not notice all those Hab fans who turned Nassau Coliseum into their own arena during Saturday's 3-0 shutout of the Isles. A reported 3,000 bused from Montreal to cheer their Canadiens on Blizzard Day. While there was a valid reason for Islander fans not to turn out, it was pretty disturbing to see all the Montreal supporters having their way at a place their team has owned. Only the names were different from Koivu, Kovalev and Higgins with even Scott Gomez joining the fray on a night All-Star defenseman Andrei Markov returned in fine fashion tallying twice. On a night Jaroslav Halak stopped all 40 Islander shots in their tracks, the traditional "Ole, Ole, Ole" chants could be heard along with even "Na Na Na, Na Na Na, Hey Hey, Good---bye" ringing as the final minutes wound down.

How would you feel if you were Charles Wang? Embarrassing stuff. Especially for a franchise that while uncertain off the ice, is on the rise on it featuring wiz kid John Tavares, who paces all rookies in goals (15) and points (27). Four better than Devil Nicklas Bergfors and No.3 overall pick Matt Duchene. When you include the Rangers' Mike Del Zotto, Philly's James Van Riemsdyk and Buffalo's Tyler Myers, there's plenty of local flavor in the Calder discussion. Lots to get excited for.

If only the Islanders had stronger support. Who could blame a fanbase that continues to pay up the nose due to the faulty SMG arrangement in which the organization gets nothing from concessions, helping explain the cost. Still, it doesn't bode well. Especially for Wang's Lighthouse vision. What if he and Nassau County could actually try something called negotiating to reach something that would work for both parties, keeping a team rich in tradition where they belong? On Long Island! While the league continues to be in the Isles' corner, you have to wonder what might happen if something doesn't get done. A scary thought for this Ranger blogger, who enjoys one of the best rivalries in sports. Rangers-Islanders are fun on the ice and in the stands where you can feel the energy and electricity flowing. Whether it's on Broadway or off the Southern State, the games always take on an extra meaning.

I've said it before. I can't imagine life without the classic Battle Of New York. We need the Islanders.

Three In A Row

Last night, amidst MB30 breaking the shutout record in Pitt, Henrik Lundqvist had a pretty stellar performance along with his team in Raleigh, posting a 3-1 win. Since Mount Tort erupted, the Rangers have won three in a row. Matt Gilroy and Mr. Kleenex returned. Both acquitted themselves well even if Wade Redden was a little too giddy in that postgame interview with Dave Maloney. At least he played more physical using every ounce of tin.

Most notably, the club won to push back over new NHL .500 (17-16-3), remaining two behind eighth Florida, who became the latest team to beat up on the Flyers in a fight marred game. Apparently, the Broad Street Bullies tried their best to thug it up. Too bad we missed it. Heck. We missed a good chunk of the second period that saw Sergei Samsonov and Marian Gaborik exchange goals 27 seconds apart. Both Lundqvist and Cam Ward were good keeping it a predictable lowscoring contest into the final stanza. In it, there was a Brandon Dubinsky sighting. True. He assisted on Gabby's league-leading 25th along but it was refreshing to see the enigmatic third-year Alaskan put a puck in the net thanks to some nifty passing from resurgent Michal Rozsival, Vinny Prospal and the Great Gabby. Dubi went backhand for what proved to be the winner.

Though he stopped all 13 his way en route to 32 altogether, none of them were very tough due to a solid defensive effort from our guys, who all came back. It was great to see the D and forwards in sync. Even Huggy Bear had a few decent shifts. The best aspect was our team continued attacking, getting 14 shots of their own on Ward, who kept his team afloat with a few sparklers. However, the Candy Canes couldn't find the equalizer. With Cam off for an extra attacker, Marc Staal dominated his shift, taking the puck away and then throwing it three quarters of the way down into the open net for a deserved goal that sealed it.

All in all, a well earned 'W' to make it a perfect 3-for-3 on the road. Now, the Blueshirts return home to host the Panthers tomorrow and the slumping Islanders the day after Christmas. Tomorrow will give a better indication of where they are as Florida is playing well. It's one of those swing games. Of course, Saturday will be magnified cause of the opponent. Think of it this way. Last week, the team looked dead. They've at least temporarily revived themselves.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Brandon Dubinsky/Marian Gaborik, NYR (2-2-4, +5, 9 SOG)
2nd Star-Michal Rozsival, NYR (assist, 4 hits, 4 blocked shots, +2 in 24:31)
1st Star-Marc Staal, NYR (ENG, 2 SOG, takeaway, blocked shot, +3 in 24:47)

Congratulations Marty

Congratulations go out to the new King of Shutouts, Martin Brodeur who stopped all 35 Penguin shots in a Devil 4-0 victory at tame Mellon Arena, who at least acknowledged one more record for MB30. Kudos go out to Marty on this accomplishment along with all the others throughout an illustrious first ballot Hall Of Fame career. Add breaking Terry Sawchuk's SHO record (103) to a long list of remarkable feats for the career New Jersey Devil. The official Devils site lists every shutout dating back to No.1 on 10/20/93 versus the Mighty Ducks.

CONGRATULATIONS MARTY 

-3 Stanley Cups

-4 Vezinas

-4 Jennings Trophies

-Olympic Gold

-Calder Trophy

-All-Rookie Team

-10-time All-Star

-3 First All-Star Teams

-All-Time Winningest (580)

-Most Appearances By A Goalie (1,032)

-Most Ever Minutes (60,963)

-All-Time Shutout King (104)

Brodeur gets shutout record as Devils destroy Pittsburgh

Going into tonight's game I recall thinking how for once the pregame hype wasn't about Martin Brodeur's pursuit for shutout #104 but instead about a first-place showdown between two teams tied for first in the division, the conference and the entire NHL. With both teams playing well and now reasonably healthy - though the Devils still have three regulars on the shelf - this was going to be an epic showdown, especially with this being the last regular-season trip ever for the Devils to the Igloo.

Being the legend he is though, Brodeur still managed to steal the show in Pittsburgh, getting the shutout that finally broke Terry Sawchuk's record with a spectacular 35-save performance in a 4-0 win that was impressive in many ways.

Before talking about Brodeur more in-depth, the game itself deserves at least a little bit of a recap. And yes, it's true that I said in my last blog that it was unlikely the Devils would repeat their impressive performances on their first two trips into Pittsburgh, both 4-1 victories (though I did add the Devils have been doing the improbable all season). Who could have suspected they would improve on those two games though?

Early on, the Penguins came out determined to get off to a good start after those earlier losses, but while they outshot the Devils 10-5 in the opening twenty minutes a lot of their play seemed desperate and anxious. Yet it would be the Devils again striking first with Bryce Salvador (has he morphed into Mike Green somehow?!) beating Marc-Andre Fleury with a more typical goal than the one he scored two games ago against Ottawa, firing a slapshot through traffic in front. Salvador's second of the season at 4:29 was assisted by Dean McAmmond and Andy Greene, and the Devils maintained that one-goal lead throughout the rest of the period.

Shockingly, the Devils ended the game as a contest within 11:03 of the second period, and Nicklas Bergfors got the team off to a flying start with a power play goal just 23 seconds after the first intermission ended, beating Fleury with a long wrist shot that may have been partially screened. Incredibly the goal was Bergfors' 12th of the young season, with eight of them coming on the man advantage. Greene and Zach Parise got the assists on Bergfors' goal, which started the snowball rolling downhill. At 8:27 Patrik Elias would extend the Devils' lead to three with his eighth goal of the year, using Brooks Orpik as a screen on another wristshot, with McAmmond and Parise notching their second assists of the night.

Finally came the coup de grace, at least as far as the result went when Mark Fraser ironically scored his second of the season at 11:03 with a slapshot through traffic, ironic because his first came in his season debut at the Igloo nearly two months ago. Also it was interesting timing because the pregame did a feature on Fraser, who was leading the defense into plus-minus coming into tonight's game at least. Though you couldn't really blame Fleury for much of went on, clearly it was time to make a change as Doc Emrick noted, and so it went with Brent Johnson relieving him. Johnson would stop all fourteen shots he faced, but by now the Devils had more than enough to feel safe about the win - even against a high-flying Penguins team.

With the outcome decided, the real drama began. Given all the Penguins' pressure, which included double-digit shots in every period and five tense power play chances, #104 still seemed unlikely even as the minutes ticked down. After all, Brodeur had lost one shutout already this season in the final few minutes in one of those earlier games against the Penguins. Certainly the un-superstitious Doc and partner Chico Resch were setting the stage just in case this was the night, though I had to laugh when Doc wondered aloud how the Penguins would approach the final minutes, if they would try a little extra to spoil the moment. Yeah Doc, I think everyone in the building knew what was going on and didn't want to be part of history...the Penguins sure played the last period and a half like it was 4-3 instead of 4-0.

This time would be different however...but not without seemingly inevitable late-game dramatics. Sidney Crosby hit a post with less than three minutes remaining, and Brodeur had to make a sharp glove save on Evgeni Malkin in the final minute to preserve history. All told, a 35-save performance needed every bit of Brodeur's immense skill and focus to achieve the desired result.

When it was over, the classy Penguins acknowledged the achievement on their jumbotron and the fans and players gave Brodeur deserved recognition. And FSNY is still in the midst of a planned hour-long postgame on the night the record was set, with everyone having their say in interviews with Steve Cangelosi, from coach Jacques Lemaire to long-time teammates Elias, Brian Rolston, Colin White and Jamie Langenbrunner as well as Doc and Chico towards the end along with of course Brodeur himself.

As far as my own thoughts, I know one of these days I'll attempt to look up all of the Brodeur wins and shutouts I've been in attendance for. I do actually know the first shutout I was at live, because I marked the puck for some reason - it was maybe the second Devils regular-season game I ever attended and it was a giveaway puck night. A game way back on November 8, 1997 when Brodeur shut out the Bruins in a 2-0 win. In a true oddity, our coach then was Lemaire in his first tour of duty...and the Bruins' coach was none other than Pat Burns.

Certainly the most dramatic of his shutouts that I ever attended was last season, when he returned from a nearly four-month absence to blank the Avalanche by the same 4-0 score he won tonight's history-making game with. At least that was the most dramatic in the regular season anyway. I also attended four in the playoffs that aren't counted towards the official 104 number - the matching 3-0 Game 1 and 7 wins against Anaheim in the 2003 Finals were clearly the most meaningful. Surely the 3-0 blanking of the Leafs in 2000 was the easiest of his career, given the paltry six shots Toronto mustered in an elimination (for them) Game 6. And last season's intense 1-0 playoff win against Cam Ward in Game 5 was certainly the best goaltending duel I've ever seen in a 60-minute game.

Long story short, I've not only been priviledged to see a ton of wins from #30 but pure goaltending excellence to go along with it, wherever I've happened to watch his games. Maybe some people think it's too bad his record-tying and breaking shutouts both came on the road but so be it. You can't always have your cake and eat it too. Besides, today I received a nice little reminder of another record Mr. Brodeur set at the Prudential Center last season when the Devils sent me (and other season ticket holders) a framed picture of Brodeur cutting the net from win #552 last season...and a small piece of the net to go along with it!

I suppose receiving that today proved to be an omen of what was to come tonight.

BoNY Three Stars:

1. Martin Brodeur (35 saves, record-breaking 104th career shutout)
2. Patrik Elias (goal, assist, +3)
3. Zach Parise (three assists, +3, 9 SOG in 18:06)

Gilroy recalled, Sangs/Heineken to Hartford

In more of a cap move than anything due to the holiday roster freeze, the Rangers sent down Bobby Sanguinetti and Ilkka Heikkinen to Hartford following Saturday's win over Philly on Blizzard Day, recalling Matt Gilroy for tonight's game in Raleigh. Sangs and Heineken saw limited minutes in their pair (both NYR wins) as John Tortorella worked each in with effect. Of the two, we liked what we saw from the Finn, who is worth another look. Especially if it means replacing Mr. Kleenex. For at least tonight, looks like Wade Redden gets a reprieve to show Tort what he can do after their well documented shouting match at The Coliseum. Okay Tinman. Prove it on the ice. Hey. Michal Rozsival has lately. Just saying.

For Gilroy, it's an opportunity to get back into the coach's good graces. The last time we saw him, he was getting abused by Dustin Byfuglien for the OT winner in Chicago. In five games with the Wolf Pack, the former Hobey Baker winner tallied four assists in five games. In 30 contests with the Blueshirts, he has four goals and two helpers along with 19 penalty minutes and a plus-two rating.


Following tonight's RBC visit versus the Candy Canes, the Rangers return home to host the Panthers Wednesday and the Islanders Saturday a day after Christmas.

Brodeur pulled, Devils rally back for win in Atlanta

After one period last night, it looked like a typical Devils loss against the Thrashers - a team where no matter how bad or good they are, anything that can go wrong for us usually does. In the first period, the Devils dominated about as convincingly as you can. If you were scoring boxing-style it would have been 10-7 with a knockdown. Yet, the Devils somehow found themselves behind 3-1 and staring at a blowout similar to the one in October when the Thrashers whipped us at home.

Then, Jacques Lemaire changed the script by pulling Martin Brodeur after he allowed those three goals on only six shots, replacing him with Yann Danis - finally seeing game action for the first time in a month. Not only that, he finally split up the disasterous slow and slower defensive pairing of Colin White and Mike Mottau (on ice for all three goals), something I've literally been hoping would happen for years. Both changes provided an impetus for a Devils comeback with three goals in the second period and one in the third, though they withstood a late Thrasher rally, holding on for a rare 5-4 win in Hotlanta.

Before the game Lemaire made a couple of contreversial decisions, first scratching Illka Pikkaranen for Andrew Peters. I get that you want the goon around to keep an eye on Atlanta's Eric Boulton, but it's hard to make a change when your whole lineup is pretty much playing well. And as Derek pointed out in his entry, starting Brodeur once again was a bit ridiculous - but hardly surprising in one respect given that last night was the fifth straight three game in four night stretch where Brodeur started all of them. Still, I was hoping he'd get a rest before what's now become a showdown for first place in the league on Monday at the Igloo and Danis would be freed from jail.

In the end, it worked out that way, but not before a bizarre first period where the Devils threw everything including the kitchen sink at the Thrashers' Ondrej Pavelec, outshooting them 21-3 at one point and 24-6 overall in the period. Yet it was the Thrashers who jumped in front when Ron Hainsey scored on a point shot through traffic at 7:15. Finally,the Devils would break the wall in front of Pavelec's net at 12:55 when Rob Niedermayer took a pass from Jay Pandolfo and scored in close, with the ill-fated Mottau also getting an assist. On their next shift ninety-five seconds later, Mottau and White both got caught up ice when Ilya Kovalchuk's pass found Nik Antropov for a breakaway and he deftly put it in just as Brodeur was beginning a pokecheck. Pavel Kubina added insult to injury with another goal at 17:14, giving the Thrashers a stunning 3-1 lead.

Were the goals Brodeur's fault...not particularly but he didn't look all that comfortable either, a night after tweaking his neck against the Senators. It was something you had to watch the game to notice but he was still concerned with the spasms or whatever happened as a result of Johnathan Cheechoo's shoulder. Finally Lemaire treated MB30 like an actual NHL goaltender and pulled him after the first, ironically enough a similar situation to which Danis played his last game - being pulled after trailing 3-1 in Dallas.

Before Danis even faced a shot, the Devils had already tied the game. Whitey of all people found an open Brian Rolston for a breakaway at 2:46 and Rolston deftly deked and put the puck between Pavelec's legs for his thirteenth goal of the season. Then on a power play at 6:12, Dean McAmmond scored off of feeds from Zach Parise and Andy Greene, giving the veteran winger his second of the year.

Danis would eventually be called upon to do more than stand around as the Devils scored, in fact stopping all twelve Thrasher shots the rest of the period. Maybe realizing the Devils weren't going to give this one away after all finally got Atlanta going. However it was too late for them, as the Devils took the lead on their third weird goal in three games, this time when Rod Pelley's off-balance shot from his back foot near the blueline somehow beat Pavelec through traffic for the winger's first goal of the season at 10:04, with Vladimir Zharkov getting the lone assist on a goal that put the Devils in front for good.

Now in front 4-3, the Devils played a controlled game in the third period and eventually broke the Thrashers down one more time when a Kovalchuk turnover led to McAmmond's second goal of the game at 11:45 off a nice give-and-go with Patrik Elias. Normally mild-mannered Chico Resch ripped into Kovalchuk and rightly so, especially given the rumors that Kovalchuk wants a max contract (20% of the salary cap) for ten years. Well I don't think this is the NBA just yet, you have to play more than one end of the rink to earn a max contract here. Especially if you're going to be the face of the franchise. It was actually amusing to hear Chico - who's never critical of anyone - rip into the Thrashers for their effort level most of the game. If he was that exacerbated you wonder what coach John Anderson was saying to his team during and after the game.

Though Parise also got an assist on McAmmond's goal (his second of the game), his goalscoring drought is now in double-digits, ten games. Yet, given that the Devils' record is 8-2 during that stretch and others have proven they can pick up the slack, my concern is minimal. So long as the winger isn't playing hurt - and there's no evidence of that - the goals should come sooner or later. Better now than in April.

Finally the expected Atlanta rally (they've been a great third period team this year and have the firepower to make comebacks) materialized when Elias took a bad high-sticking penalty and Slava Kozlov's laser went through traffic beating Danis at 16:04, cutting the Devils' lead to one. However there would be no third-period rally for the Thrashers on this night, as Danis shut the door and earned a well-deserved victory.

Although last night's win was another messy one, it was important in that Lemaire once again realized we have two NHL goaltenders, not just one. Not to mention putting White with Mark Fraser - now leading the D in plus-minus! - and Mottau with Johnny Oduya wasn't the end of the world. Obviously he isn't going to split up the number one pairing of Bryce Salvador and Andy Greene, and White with Oduya gave up a goal on their first shift the other night so these are just about the only combinations that can work if you are going to split up White and Mottau with Paul Martin forever on the mend...he was supposed to be out 4-6 weeks, it's now been eight with talk that maybe he'll return after New Year's. Something's rotten in the state of New Jersey.

Surely Brodeur will return for Monday's showdown with the Penguins in the Igloo. It's hard to see the Devils going three for three up there after matching 4-1 wins in their first two trips to Pittsburgh but hey, the Devils have done the improbable already this season.

BoNY Three Stars:

1. Dean McAmmond (two goals, +1)
2. Nik Antropov (goal, assist, +1)
3. Yann Danis (19/20 saves, relief win)

MB30 In Again Tonight

It looks like MB30 is a go for the 13th straight time when the Devils visit the Thrashers in an hour. Will it be a lucky 13 for Marty? You really have to wonder wtf Lemaire is doing? As Hasan continues to reference, giving him this kind of workload at 37 going on 38 is risky. We all know how great he is but how much emphasis are they putting on the regular season in an Olympic Year? They got a good enough team where the backup (in this case Yann Danis) can get in once every blue moon or sky is falling blizzard.

As we've seen, these games don't mean a whole lot as long as you're in the mix. And the way the East is, it's pretty much a given the Devils will be in for a 13th consecutive postseason. So, why continue to overwork the franchise goalie? Do they want a fourth Cup or to set a franchise record for most points and be upset in the first or second round? Color this blogger confused.

Lundqvist strong again in second straight win

Henrik Lundqvist stood up to the challenge again. For a second straight game, the Rangers' emotional leader was strong stopping 36 of 37 shots in backstopping the Rangers to a hard earned 2-1 road win over old Patrick rival Philadelphia at a quiet Wachovia Center on Blizzard Day. Well, at least for Philly and parts of New Jersey, that holds true. But not so much here at the moment.

When you're trying to get out of a slump, they usually don't come easy. In the 5-2 win over the Isles, anyone who caught it knows. Today, it was again the case with it even tougher as Lundqvist made rookie Artie Anisimov's second period goal stand up, giving the Rangers a second win in a row for the first time since Nov.23-25 (CBJ, Fla). That he did so on a day he fought the puck along with a feisty Flyer squad says plenty. In fact, Henrik must've repelled the last 30-something offerings following a Chris Pronger power play tally that tied it. He saved his best work for a busy third in which the Flyers threw the kitchen sink at him, taking 16 shots to just five from the Blueshirts. It didn't matter because our goalie simply refused to allow his team to lose.

Despite being on their heels since late in the second which also saw Lundqvist deny all 12 his way (meaning he made 28 of 36 the final 40 minutes), the Rangers got what they came for ruining the Flyers' day as a foot of snow gets dumped there. Yeah. Our club ain't leaving for Raleigh until later tomorrow when it finally clears. At least they can be happy and should treat Henrik to a steak dinner for his performance. Was it pretty? Absolutely not. Especially with some of the rebounds he allowed off long Flyer shots. However, he still was plenty good getting a piece of a few dangerous Philly chances, including a tricky James Van Riemsdyk attempt thru traffic which he just got a stick on keeping his club ahead with over two minutes left. Though they got a last ditch power play, it was the last quality chance as the hosts dropped a third straight (0-2-1).

Playing with the same lineup as Thursday with Mr. Kleenex and Kota-leak out while an effective Erik Christensen and Bobby Sanguinetti remained in, the Rangers started quickly with four of the first five shots. Chris Drury, who remained on the fourth line at the start- made John Tortorella look smart again when for the second consecutive time he scored off a quick turnaround shot, doubling his goal total to four. It came unassisted but some excellent work was done by Michal Rozsival who started it and Sean Avery, who forced a turnover that allowed Drury to surprise Brian Boucher for the opening tally 5:16 in. Displeased with the fact four of his players simply watched, Peter Laviolette quickly burned a timeout ripping into them.

Continuing to dictate, the Blueshirts were hard on the puck sustaining a forecheck. However, Enver Lisin got nabbed for a late hit on Pronger a half second after they iced the puck. While Joe Micheletti had a point that the team was standing up to the Flyers, it was an undisciplined penalty. Off some nice work down low by returning Simon Gagne, Pronger took a pass at the right point and wristed one past Lundqvist for his fifth, tying it less than three minutes later. Claude Giroux added a helper. With some momentum, the hosts picked it up, coming close to going ahead but ultimately couldn't beat the goalie. It would only foreshadow the rest of a frustrating afternoon for the guys in bright orange.

After splitting 18 shots in a seesaw first, the Blueshirts reestablished themselves thanks to some nice work from Anisimov, Ryan Callahan and Avery. On a good cycle kept alive by Dan Girardi, Anisimov retrieved a puck from Callahan and then came out from the side and flipped a backhand in the vicinity for his teammate which caromed off Flyer defenseman Ryan Parent and in. It was the second straight Anisimov scored, putting him into sole possession of third in the goal department. Despite limited ice-time, the 21 year-old Russian's seven trail only Marian Gaborik (NHL best 24) and Callahan (9), who nearly had hit double digits on the play. Just being in front created the goal. Might explain why the constant has eight points (4-4-8) in his last five. Most notably, the trio of Avery, Anisimov and Cally were our best line on a day the Big Ticket was kept at bay by Pronger. Tort rewarded Artie with more shifts (22).

The Rangers had a chance to increase the margin but the Flyer PK did the job. However, they couldn't find a way to force overtime because of our real captain who stood in there taking every Flyer punch like Ali against Frazier, including a tough stop on the Flyers best forward Jeff Carter (8 SOG). His D also bent but never broke getting good contributions from everyone including Heineken and Sangs. Marc Staal had a standout game and Girardi was terrific. So too was Rozsival, who suddenly looks more confident. He's competing better and also getting more involved offensively. That's the guy who was a bargain on the Czech-Euro squads after the lockout. His partner Mike Del Zotto was brilliant logging big minutes. The Ranger top four all flourished with Tort picking his spots with the other two first-year players getting worked in well.

Even Donald Brashear competed after a few ugly shifts. Perhaps he was inspired facing a former team. In his third game, Brandon Dubinsky was better too, looking a lot more noticeable. Gaborik might not have had a point and just one shot but he played hard, pushing back when Daniel Carcillo tried to start stuff. It all resulted in another win with Lundqvist shining.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Marc Staal, NYR (SOG, 2 takeaways, blocked shot, +1 in 38 shifts-30:45)
2nd Star-Artem Anisimov, NYR (GW-7th goal, 2 SOG, 5-2 draws, +1 in 13:22)

1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (36 saves incl.16/16 in 3rd and final 28 last 40)

Lucky bounces in third prove enough for another Devils win

While many were critical of the lack of action in the Devils-Canadiens game Wednesday, last night's game with Ottawa had two games' worth of wildness in it. Contreversial reffing, another Martin Brodeur record (and an injury scare!), feistiness and weird goals - this game had a little of everything!

Yet when it was all over, the result was the same. Another Devils win, this one by a 4-2 score over an Ottawa team that's played us tough all three times this year but we haven't given them a point in any of the games. New Jersey upped their record to 24-8-1, now leading the entire NHL in points.

Early on, both teams showed us this wouldn't be the same type of game we saw Wednesday night. Actually the fireworks started before the opening whistle when Arlette did a stirring part-French version of 'O, Canada!' before the US National Anthem. After puck drop, it looked like both teams were determined to play pond hockey as there was bad defensive coverage all over the place, particularly by the Devils who gave up a ton of quality chances. Each team registered double-digit shots on goal in the opening frame.

Although the only number the counts changed just once - ironically on a Devils power play, so ineffective the other night. Amazing Andy Greene streaked down the left side past a defender and floated a cross-ice pass to Jamie Langenbrunner for an easy tap-in goal at 11:53. Brodeur was also later given an assist on the goal, his second in about a week. Maybe he can play defense on his off days from the net (whenever they may come)?

While the early action led to few goals, there would be three in the span of the first 6:06 of the second, to go along with said Brodeur injury scare. Just thirty-nine seconds into the period, Alexandre Picard's floater appeared to deflect at least once on its way to the net (maybe off of defenseman Mike Mottau) past Brodeur for a goal that tied the game. After only eighty-four more seconds, the Devils were back in front when Brian Rolston cranked a patented slapshot from the right boards past Brian Elliott for his 12th goal of the season, with assists from Patrik Elias and Mark Fraser.

Then, the officials started to get in the way. True, our first goal came on the power play - but it would be the last real power play until the game was nearly over while Ottawa got six. More galling than the lack of calls in our favor was the ones they missed. To wit, at least a couple of stick-chopping penalties, clear holds along the boards and in a play that provided a frightening flashback to early November last season, Johnathan Cheechoo's careless bull in a china shop routine that resulted in a shoulder to Brodeur's head and the goaltender going prone on the ice.

Worse than even missing what probably should have been a goaltender interference (or roughing) call, the refs didn't blow play dead for several seconds while Brodeur looked down perhaps for the count. I'm the first one to admit that we got lucky on the Illka Pikkaranen goal the other night when after seeing a replay the winger should have been ruled offside but man, there's just no place for some of that stuff the Sens were pulling in the second period. Fortunately Brodeur got up and resumed his customary place between the pipes. Unfortunately, he and the Devils' defense were still seeing stars a couple minutes later when Colin White and Johnny Oduya looked silly getting burned on a long pass by Chris Kelly, and Jarko Ruutu beat Brodeur on a partial breakaway at 6:06 - tying the game once again.

With the score still at 2-2 late, some unlikely heroes would make the difference. Still in the second period but with just 98 seconds remaining, Rob Niedermayer went behind the net and found an open Jay Pandolfo in front for another easy tap-in goal, Pando's second of the season to make the score 3-2. At first I was hoping Vladimir Zharkov got the goal because the winger deserves to be rewarded for his effective play since coming up, but I'm happy for Pando too - who gets trashed on mercilessly by Devils fans at this point when he's done nothing but give his best and help the team (even if most of it's been defensively). Niedermayer and White would get the assists on Pando's tie-breaking goal.

Now with a one-goal lead, the Devils' offense went quiet in the third...how quiet? They didn't even register a shot on net until midway through the period and got only three total. I don't really think the Devils tried to shut it down - with one exception to be discussed later. In a perverse way though, last night proved it's not about how many chances you get it's what you do with them.

Or what kind of voodoo curse you put on the opposing goalie. Whatever afflicted Elliott, last night's goal by Bryce Salvador at 9:52 was perhaps the YouTube moment of the season so far, at least in a comical way. A Salvador shot from beyond the blueline was stopped by Elliott but went up in the air and unbeknownst to the goaltender was in the process of bouncing off his back and in the net for the gritty defenseman's first of the season with the assists going to Rod Pelley and Dean McAmmond. While the comical goal may have been a fitting reward for Salvador's unsung role on this team, it was also perhaps karmic justice after Elliott's whining about the boards after the Sens' last trip into New Jersey when he gave up another goofy goal.

Now up 4-2, the Devils faced another slice of adversity late thanks to back-to-back penalties from McAmmond and Langenbrunner, while Daniel Alfredsson only got a matching roughing after the latter penalty for throwing around sucker punches all night long. Somewhat amusingly, Jacques Lemaire took a little more time arguing after the second penalty - not entirely flying off the handle (though he would have had good reason to), but cagily giving his penalty killers a few extra seconds to rest. Along with a timeout by Cory Clouston called during the 82-second long five-on-three, the Devils' three men did the job and effectively ended the game.

Of course, with just two minutes remaining the Devils finally got another power play. While the boxscore shows six Ottawa power plays to three for New Jersey, one of those lasted just thirteen seconds in the second period as an apparently phantom penalty was called on Niedermayer, ending that power play just before it started. Our crowd was giving it to the refs all night long, with the funniest comment coming from a guy just two seats from me, who said 'Hey ref, we know you're blind, we've seen your wife!'. Now that's an insult!

With a two-goal lead the Devils just tried to run out the clock on the last power play again, a strategy I've noticed three or four times this year. Perhaps last night it was influenced by a comical misplay by Brodeur at the start of the power play when he threw the puck right into Milan Michalek, giving the winger a dangerous attempt at an open net but Oduya came from behind to save the day swatting the puck away at the last possible moment.

Still, I don't like that killing time strategy on late power plays and have said that before. If you want to put two defensemen on the ice instead of rolling with four or five forwards at that point in the game I'm fine with that. But that's just too conservative for my liking. At least the line matching got kept to a minimum last night, though Zach Parise was held goalless for the ninth straight game.

At least the team's winning, even with its star in a goal drought. With the team on the road for a third game in four nights the Yann Danis watch is on again. Will the now little-used backup finally play tonight in Atlanta? I'll bet no until I'm proven wrong, especially after Lemaire's recent comment about how when Marty needs rest, we'll use the 'other goalie'. Haha, on the one hand I feel bad for the kid but geez being a Devils backup is the easiest job in the world (other than last year), you get $500k to hang out with Waldo. And hey, at least he and the rest of the Devils get out of the area before the snowstorm that's supposed to end Western Civilization!

Notes: Brodeur set the all-time record for games played by a goaltender last night. Somewhat interestingly, while there was an announcement over the jumbotron about him tying the record Wednesday, there was no such announcement during Friday's game, at least none that I saw since I got there only about ten minutes before opening faceoff.

BoNY Three Stars:

1. Martin Brodeur (27/29 saves, assist)
2. Bryce Salvador (goal, +1 with 20:39 TOI)
3. Alexandre Picard (goal, +2 with 18:21 TOI)

Battle Preview: Rangers/Flyers clash on Blizzard Day

Later today, a Nor'easter rolls into the metro area, including Pennsylvania which already has to be feeling the affects of the predicted blizzard for the weekend. Yes, they're calling for 6-12 inches of snow in the NY/NJ area with the white stuff expected to begin right around noon and gain steam during what will be a bitter cold winter day. The kind we used to get. Of course, it comes for kids on Winter Break with plenty returning home for the holiday season. Whatever you celebrate (Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanza, Festivus), enjoy it!

That old Patrick rivals the Rangers and Flyers clash in the City of Brotherly Love with a classic 1 PM start at Wachovia makes it that much better. Nothing like taking in some puck between a pair of struggling teams who hate each other. Especially with probably not much else to do unless you gotta shovel which we will and clean/warm up the car. So, we'll be making a few trips back and forth from the TV set while what amounts to an important game with these two first half disappointments fighting tooth and nail just to gain back respectability. The Rangers aim for two in a row with the same lineup that snapped a five-game skid in Long Island, meaning both Mr. Kleenex and Ales remain out. Now why can't we get Huggy Bear out too?

The Flyers haven't really improved under Peter Laviolette, gaining just a point in a home-and-home versus the Mighty Pens. Though they did play better in earning a point in the rematch- a gimmick defeat with Sid The Kid sealing it. Good news is they'll finally get Simon Gagne back. If you're a Blueshirt supporter, just great. A guy who always gives us fits returns and can our popgun offense repeat the breakout they had versus the Islanders? It'd be advisable for them to come out stronger against a hungry opponent desperate for a win. In other words, don't let Henrik fend for himself. He was brilliant the other night but that won't work if they're to take another baby step out of this month long funk. The leaders (Gabby/Cally) must lead and the grinders (Avery/Higgins/Christensen) must grind away. Another '05-07 Rozy showing would help along with the same sturdiness from Girardi. Tort also liked what he saw from Heineken. So, he'll get another whirl as will Sangs.

Regardless, it's vital for the Rangers to get this game, which would boost self esteem. They were still quite shaky the other night. So, they're far from out of it. You know the Flyers will come hard. They must band together and stand up for their emotional leader, whose crease figures to be busy. Thursday was a start. Now, it's time to keep it going.

Make Blizzard Day a forgettable one for the Cheesesteaks.

Bruins Legends Skate At Fenway

In preparation for the 3rd Annual Winter Classic this New Year's Day between the Flyers and Bruins at historic Fenway Park, Bruin greats test the ice in a private skate with lucky fans who got to meet and greet Bobby Orr, Brad Park, Derek Sanderson (guess who was named after him!), Terry O'Reilly, Ray Bourque, Cam Neely, etc. Courtesy of Inside Hockey.

It looks amazing. As great as the first two were, I can't wait to see this. It's quickly becoming the marquee event. One which even regular sports fans notice. Drop the puck!

Lundqvist makes statement in badly needed win

Any Ranger fan can tell you who the real leader of this team is. In what's been the most challenging stretch of his career, Henrik Lundqvist manned up after yesterday's no show, taking everyone to task. In backstopping the Rangers to a badly needed 5-2 win over the Islanders in the Coliseum rematch, it was the King who stepped up, finishing with 35 saves- finally snapping the team's five-game winless streak (0-3-2).   On an emotional day that began with a shouting match between healthy scratch Wade Redden and coach John Tortorella, the Rangers got back in the win column thanks to Lundqvist's heroics that included 14 saves in a lopsided first period that saw the host Islanders do everything but finish.

“It is late December and the important thing is for us to become a team and play as a team and play for one another,” a relieved Tortorella said. “I don’t think we’ve gotten there yet.”

Much like last night, they dominated early, outshooting their bitter rival 14-4. The trouble was Henrik wasn't cooperating, stopping the Isles in their tracks. Aided by the game's first two power plays, they built an early 9-zip edge. But a razor sharp Lundqvist wouldn't allow them to get a lead, flat out robbing Rob Schremp with a great leg save. It set the tone for the rest of the night in which his teammates eventually relaxed, even scoring twice in the troublesome first.

The entire first half of the stanza saw the common theme of the Islanders playing solid D while attacking at every opportunity. However, a Mark Streit holding minor handed the Rangers a power play. Though they took the collar in two chances at MSG, the PP had shown some life. A resurgent Ryan Callahan opened the scoring when he buried a Marian Gaborik feed in front with 6:24 left to give his team the lead. At that point, the Islanders held a 12-2 SOG edge but were behind. Amazingly, the Rangers came out with a two-goal lead when a stunning event took place.

Invisible captain Chris Drury- who many including us wanted made an example of along with a furious Tinman- actually showed a pulse by doing something he hadn't done since Oct.19 when things were much better. Yes, he scored a goal. The play was started by Michal Rozsival, who justified Tortorella's faith in him by playing by far his best game of the season. The much maligned defenseman who's the only one along with Lundqvist left from the 2005-06 post lockout team, made a great outlet to setup a two-on-one. Sean Avery's low shot rebounded off Dwayne Roloson right to Drury, who deposited it for just his third 4:50 later, emphatically pumping his fist in a rare show of emotion. At that point, I looked at my Dad and knew they were winning. Even if my brother wanted them to lose to see if the rumor of Slats getting the hook was true. Something I never bought anyway. Especially with the holiday roster freeze.

“It’s happened a lot of times in this building. They come out flying and we have a tough time settling in,” Lundqvist pointed out. “It was important for me personally, and for the team, to stay in there. I don’t know how we had the lead after the first period, but we did.”

Despite three penalties including an undisciplined bench minor which they killed off thanks in large part to Lundqvist, the Rangers led by two into what had to be a much calmer locker room. They had to know they were fortunate to be up. As both astute Islander 'casters Howie Rose and Billy Jaffe alluded to, their team could easily have been up 2 or 3-0. But not today thanks to the goalie, who played like a true captain. His big saves allowed teammates to gain confidence. With them still on a man-advantage, Callahan got his second only 27 seconds in when he took a Gaborik feed and came out of the corner untouched to stuff one past Roloson. It was his fourth in four games and fifth of the month. If there has been one positive, the alternate captain had been steadily improving. Now, he's getting rewarded and actually is up to nine goals. Second behind the Great Gabby.

Trailing by three, the Islanders didn't quit getting one back from Andrew MacDonald, who took a Streit pass and beat Lundqvist high glove for his first career NHL goal, slicing it to 3-1 with still more than half left. But in another good period in which they outshot the Rangers 14-12, the home club couldn't draw any nearer due to the goalie, who was at his best in the late minutes of the second, highlighted by a nice sliding stop of a Trent Hunter tip try from in front. This is what hadn't been happening during this stretch. But it also had to feel nice to actually have three goals on the scoreboard for just the fifth time in the last month.

The Rangers also played with more edge, making Islanders pay for coming near their meal ticket with even Rozsival getting involved. A refreshing change. Dan Girardi threw his weight around nailing Isles every chance he got and even Drury had a good clean hit. The ruggedness led to a five-on-three early in the third which they cashed. Already on the PP, after Lundqvist had closed the door on a Blake Comeau shorthanded bid, there was pushing and shoving. Frans Nielsen didn't like that Rozsival and Vinny Prospal shoved him away from Lundqvist, coming back with a punch with his glove on. It led to a scrum which resulted in one more Islander in the box. Though Rose and Jaffe had a point about how three Isles wound up in against two Rangers with Prospal somehow not while Mike Del Zotto was (huh), the original was going to Nielsen, which is why they came out ahead. On the ensuing PP, Prospal dished across for Gaborik, who buried his league-leading 24th, restoring a three-goal lead. Callahan drew an assist.

Finally in control, the Rangers added one more for insult when rookie Artie Anisimov abused Freddy Meyer and John Tavares for his first goal since Nov.23. The lanky Russian had fallen out of favor and been relegated to fourth line status. But all night, he played hard and finally got rewarded. Off a play started by Girardi, Anisimov took a Callahan drop pass and then went around Meyer powering his way toward the net before stuffing the puck past Roloson with Tavares in the background. A similar highlight reel goal to the two he scored in preseason versus Boston and Detroit. Amazingly, his six markers tie him with Prospal and deserving scratch Ales Kotalik for third most. Makes one wonder what he could do with more minutes.

“We played well, but Lundqvist obviously had one of his better games," a disappointed Tavares lamented after being held off the score sheet. “We played hard. It’s a little frustrating because this one we thought we could’ve had.”

To the Islanders' credit, they didn't give up. A nifty Nielsen redirect of an Andy Sutton shot got them within 5-2 with 4:46 remaining. Despite some solid pressure, it was as close as they got thanks to the game's First Star. Lundqvist. The passionate man who deserves the 'C.'

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Michal Rozsival, NYR (2 assists, 2 hits, 2 blocked shots, takeaway, +1 in game best 26:37)
2nd Star-Ryan Callahan, NYR (2-2-4, 1st career four-pt game, 4 SOG in 20:26)
1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (35 saves incl.14/14 in 1st, 27/28 1st 40 minutes)

Kotalik and Tinman scratched, Christensen/Sangs in

For once, a Ranger coach is following up words with action. Whether it's enough of a message remains to be seen for tonight's Islander rematch at The Coliseum. John Tortorella has made examples of Ales Kotalik and Wade "Tinman" Redden, who both are scratched. In their place will be Erik Christensen and rookie D Bobby Sanguinetti, who actually gets to play and not waste away in this three in four stretch. Does this mean actual ice-time for Heineken? We can only hope.

I'm only wondering why Michal Rozsival and Captain Titanic get a pass. Though you could argue that Wozy actually played harder the past couple of games, earning more ice-time than Tinman. But has he really been worse? Rozsival has sucked this season while Redden improved before missing time. So, you actually have to ask if he's justified in being upset by this move. Regardless, close pal Joe McDonald informs us that MSG Ranger producer Joe Whelan overheard Tort chewing out Tinman during the morning skate.

Did You Know? Kotalik was a good tennis player who nearly went pro. If only he had. Don't worry. He's signed for three years at $3 M per with a no-trade. Pure genius.

Still not buying that Slats rumor. Even if true, they'd probably win to spoil it.

Jarkko Ruutu Boarding Hit on Patrick Kaleta - Dec 16th 2009 (HD Slow-Mo View)

Jarkko Ruutu is one of the cheapest players in the game. That he victimized another one makes it interesting. The 5:00 boarding was the right call. But you can see Lindy visibly upset wondering why he wasn't tossed.

Of course, Campbell didn't suspend Ruutu.

Tortorella Wears Emotion On Sleeves

If there's one thing we admire about Ranger coach John Tortorella, it's that he really cares. With his team going through the motions during yet another loss- this time 2-1 to the hated Islanders, the fiery coach predictably lost it in the MSG postgame press conference.

On the dreadful first period that saw his team outshot 10-3:

“Absolutely unacceptable. I have no explanation for how we started. I wish I could give you one.”

On the Islander fluky goal which they got off hard work:

“That we don’t get.. It’s horse [crap] coverage around the corners. He just brings it around the net and it’s a fluky goal, but we don’t get them.”

What must be done?

“I’ll tell you right now, the thing that’s unacceptable about tonight’s game- and we’re trying to stay positive around here, trying to work out way through it- but when we play like [garbage] like that for 20 minutes, in a game like this, in a back-to-back situation, it’s unacceptable. ... it is simply unacceptable. And there has to be something done. We’ll see, along the way here, before tomorrow night’s game, where we go with it. It’s simply unacceptable how we start that game. I wish I could give you a ____ explanation for it. I can’t.”

There you have it. The question heading into tonight's rematch over on The Meadowbrook is will Tort back up his strong words? Larry Brooks had a couple of good write ups in today's Post, including one on how the coach must take action. Make examples of underachieving veterans not earning their keep (Drury, Kotalik, Redden, Rozsival). Bobby Sanguinetti is available for the next two games. If he doesn't, then he's just as soft as previous coaches here. With the team going through its worst stretch (17 losses in last 21) since pre-lockout, the coach's ass is on the line. Even if it doesn't seem fair, when a team continues to lose, that's what usually happens.

It's not all Tortorella's fault. Glen Sather set him up to fail. Same theme that finally cost Tom Renney his job. However, the former Lightning Cup winning coach did have a say in the current roster, opting to let key parts like Blair Betts and Freddy Sjostrom go for what's become no fourth line. Did he really want Enver Lisin for Lauri Korpikoski? And what of the deadline deal that got us Derek Morris for Nigel Dawes and Petr Prucha? Both of whom have found themselves. Was it worth it? There's also the line inconsistencies which probably have his own personnel confused. If Artem Anisimov is not going to get decent minutes, send him down. It's not good for his confidence.

There's also the matter of when Henrik Lundqvist will ever get a night off. On a team that's scored two-or-less in 17 of the last 21, he's feeling the pressure. How else to explain some of the clunkers he's permitted? When you have so little support, it tightens the noose. It's clearly getting to him. For all our criticism of Henrik, at least he cares. The man always is accountable and last night, took the entire team to task including himself. Maybe they're right. Perhaps it's our goalie who's the real leader of the room. Why not strip Drury? Of course, goalies usually aren't captains but Roberto Luongo is in Vancouver. On a roster that's had plenty of turnover, Lundqvist has been a constant since the lockout, putting the franchise back on the map. When he talks, people listen. It sure couldn't hurt.

So, what can we expect later? I don't know. It would at least be refreshing to see the Blueshirts wear the jersey with pride and push back against the Islanders, who always bring it in these games. Even if it's lost some of its luster as was evidenced by the lack of passion in the stands, it still means something. Their season is hanging by a thread with it not getting easier this weekend when they visit Philly. Have they given up entirely or will they show some life?


Regarding the rumor on Boomer and Carton that if they lose again, Slats will lose his job. Until there's some credence in other reliable places, we don't buy it. Even if he finally does get the ax, does any Ranger fan really think an inexperienced Mark Messier would be a suitable replacement? He's become just another suit. The Good Old Boys Club never works. If he's hired, then you know who's calling the shots.

Devils squeeze out another late win against Habs

While the Devils are often accused of being boring, last night's game with Montreal was actually one of the quietest games of the season - and that isn't just because of the barely 12,000 plus in attendance. Between Jacques Lemaire's now-obsessive line-matching which has completely made Zach Parise and Travis Zajac dissapear...sigh, and the usual neutral-zone trap (lack of) offense from a Jacques Martin team, perhaps the game's lack of action was inevitable.

True, the Devils did manage to win once again - 2-1 on a late Patrik Elias goal, and at this point of the year you'll still take the two points, but now the way we're winning is bothering me a little. Not so much because of the dissapearance of our former top line but more because of a philosophy that's continually failed in the playoffs post-lockout. While it's true Lemaire has tried to stay aggressive and up-tempo offensively and the power play has been much better this season (until last night anyway), coaching defensively does not work in the post-lockout NHL.

Parise and Zajac more than proved they can handle playing against other top lines early in the season when Jay Pandolfo and Rob Niedermayer were on the shelf, why go back to the old, slow checking line which is so pre-lockout? Don't get me wrong, I like Robbie Nieds and Jamie Langenbrunner being on the third line from time to time at least gives it some hope for offense, but come on.

Anyway, end rant (for now) - especially since it's still only December and I was hoping not to play Parise and Zajac twenty plus minutes a night in the regular season. Just not the way we're going about it. Let's get to some good news, as in the win itself which upped the Devils' record to 23-8-1, moving them back into a tie for the division lead with two games in hand over the Penguins. What's more, the Devils and Penguins are putting some considerable distance between themselves and the other three teams in the division, all struggling to tread water right now. It is still early though, the Devils themselves made up a nineteen-point deficit in January during the '05-06 season.

Early on it seemed as if the story of the game would be the Devils' power play, and not in a good way. With no fewer than four power play chances in the first period (including a minute-long two-man advantage) the Devils not only failed to score but actually fell behind on one of those failed power plays when Langenbrunner couldn't keep a bouncing puck in the zone and Montreal's Travis Moen streaked down the ice on a two-on-one. Instead of passing, Moen snuck a backhand through Martin Brodeur at 12:23, giving Montreal a 1-0 lead.

Despite the fact that the Devils outshot the Canadiens in every period, there was very little in terms of action, especially during the first two periods. I couldn't understand why until I remembered Martin was behind the Montreal bench, then it hit me like a lightbulb. Granted, we have to take some of the blame too for all of our botched power plays (five total on the night), and during the first two periods our fourth line actually looked the best of all of them and were rewarded with a weird goal late in the second.

Illka Pikkaranen took a shot that beat Carey Price two different times - the first going off the post, the second when the puck bounced back toward Price and off his skate, finally going into the net for Pikkaranen's first career NHL goal. To the crowd's credit he got a nice ovation when that fact was announced over the PA at 16:25. Linemates Dean McAmmond and Rod Pelley also appeared on the scoresheet for a rare time with assists.

Now tied after two periods, the Canadiens seemed content to play for overtime and sat back as the Devils outshot them 10-3 in the third, though getting few real eye-popping chances in the process. Inevitably the game slogged on towards overtime - until more Elias magic in the clutch with just 2:36 remaining. After taking a Brian Rolston pass and firing on goal, Elias corraled the rebound and backhanded a second opportunity past Price for his seventh goal of the year, one that proved to be decisive. Fellow linemate Vladimir Zharkov also was credited with an assist on the goal. Finally forced to open it up, the Canadiens provided a couple of anxious moments late but perhaps a barely deserved result was secured when the Devils held on for that 2-1 win.

Given how quiet last night was, I almost forgot to write about the quasi-return of Scott Gomez. True, Gomez has come back to the Rock before - but this was the first time since the Rangers traded him out of the area after just two seasons on a seven-year deal. That actually looks to be one of the few smart moves Glen Sather's made (the trading, not the seven-year deal) for Gomez has been practically useless in his first season as a Hab with sixteen points in 31 games and a -2.

While the uniform has changed, the crowd's venom hasn't, even puzzling Brodeur in the postgame and Brodeur hated Gomez leaving for the Rangers as much as anyone. As far as the other prominent ex-Devil in a Montreal sweater now, Brian Gionta was hurt and not even announced as a scratch, I guess because he got put on long-term IR and we don't have to do that this year because we have cap space. Hopefully Gio will be back for the Habs' other trip here in late January.

BoNY Three Stars:

1. Patrik Elias (goal, +1)
2. Travis Moen (goal, +1)
3. Illka Pikkaranen (goal)

The Buck Stops Here

After tonight, I've had enough. A classic rivalry it wasn't, lacking in intensity on the ice from our flat team and in the stands where I didn't see one fight or heated debate between Ranger and Islander fans. Perhaps that's cause anyone wearing our jersey held their head in shame. I can honestly say this is one of the worst games I've ever attended and am embarrassed to root for this team.

There's zero pride. With only one shot in the first 17 minutes, the players showed that they don't care. To think I actually went in more optimistic than my brother, who didn't have any juice for it which isn't like him. He's usually more enthusiastic. The feeling at least for me was that off the last two games, the Rangers would actually come out and play well against their most bitter rival. Instead, it was not hockey. Oh. One team competed, forechecking with vigor and attacking at will against our putrid D, which looked like they'd never played organized hockey. Or as much as I have. They were dreadful.

Once another garbage player (Jon Sim) banked one in off Henrik Lundqvist, who obviously wasn't paying attention, it didn't take long for fans to turn on the club. The first "Fire Sather" chants of the season came from our Section 411, gaining steam as this debacle went on. Sadly, the Berkeley Carroll girls varsity blowout win we scored in Park Slope had more energy. And it wasn't exactly a barn burner.

The most interesting aspect of going wasn't what was happening on the ice but rather a lengthy chat with an anonymous Garden employee, who's been there 19 years. They talked about how disgusted they were with how the World's Most Shameless arena is run, going into how Dolan destroyed the place and the three franchises. Yes. That includes the Liberty too. According to what they described, it used to be that every MSG employee was happy and getting paid handsomely. But the way its run these days has taken a toll. That's what happens when it goes corporate. I got a little taste of some of the stench between periods, where a scummy loser disagreed that the game was over. They probably couldn't name one player on the roster.
Also worth noting is how they went out of their way to trash Bettman for ruining the game. And like yours truly, they concurred that the lockout, which others blindly praise solely for the cap was a hoax because it just fattened owners' pockets while real fans are routinely shafted these days. It didn't take long for the convo to reach the whole renovation, which will once again phase out diehards. Right now, it's nearly 40 bucks to sit in nosebleeds for a sad sack team that has quit on the coach, who's out to lunch. How else do you explain Huggy Bear seeing second line duty down a goal? Wow.

I hate to say it. But when Dolan's dream is completed, the Garden will become one of the lamest places because they want losers there who couldn't tell the difference between a puck and a basketball. That's who it's geared towards. The suits and leggy Ford Models who get the royal treatment. At least Melissa Joan Hart was sitting downstairs. Sabrina Teenage Witch will always be one of our faves. Still looks great for being a Mom. I might have been the only one to cheer but hey, I have good taste.

By the 11 minute mark of period three, I'd had enough. I kept hoping for a whistle so I could just get up and leave because it was that bad. Full marks to the Isles, who played the way one expected. Like they wanted to get their second win in the last six to move two points up on our sinking ship. At 1-zip, I knew they weren't winning. The players couldn't test Dwayne Roloson at all, turning the Islander D into the Devils. Every Islander hustled, sacrificing to block shots and make it tough on our guys. By the time I got to the car, it was 2-1 with Blake Comeau supposedly victimizing Lundqvist before Enver Lisin actually did something, snapping the shutout. It didn't matter. This team is every bad adjective I can think of. Some which I can't post in this space. It's not worth it anyway.

As I left the building, I decided I don't want to go anymore. If we can sell my seat for next week's Islander game after Christmas and so forth, great. I'll go if I really have to. Let's put it this way. This Ranger team doesn't deserve any support. If we can make money back on this despicable product, no prob. I can catch the games on the tube with usual rose colored Red, White and Blue coming out of the brainwashed announcers. That's what you're dealing with. Bottom line. If my tix sell, I won't be at another hockey game the rest of the season. My stance is simple. Until there are serious changes, I won't voluntarily go. Am considering supporting the alma mater St. John's who takes on Hofstra in an all city ECAC showdown this weekend. Haven't seen the Johnnies in ages. And they're off to a nice start. Granted. Not against stellar comp but still encouraged.

I've seen plenty of hockey games anyway. Tonight wasn't one. The buck stops here!

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Blake Comeau, NYI (GWG-2nd goal of season, 3 SOG, +1 in 13:19)
2nd Star-Jon Sim, NYI (goal, 5 SOG, +1 in 11:20)
1st Star-Dwayne Roloson, NYI (25 saves)

Classic Rivalry Renewed Next Two Days

'Tis the holiday season. If you're a metro area fan, then you're in for a real treat over the next 48 hours. One of the best rivalries renews as the Islanders and Rangers get together for a classic home-and-home series, which starts tonight at MSG with the rematch at The Coliseum tomorrow night.

Both clubs are struggling with the Rangers losers of seven of eight and the Islanders entering having dropped four of five, including a 7-1 home shellacking at the hands of Florida. Ironically, each New York team are virtually tied in a crowded East with 31 points, joining the Flyers, Maple Leafs and Bolts a couple of points behind Montreal and Florida. So, there's plenty at stake when the puck drops. It'll be games 2 and 3 of the six-game season series. The Isles prevailed in the first one 3-1 back on Oct.28 with prize rookie John Tavares finishing off the big win off the Meadowbrook. Dwayne Roloson made 34 stops. How ironic. It was a hint of things to come for the Blueshirts, who have scored two or less 16 of the past 20. Part of the reason for a dreadful slump. Even when they play well as was the case the other night and Saturday, it's not enough.

Who wants it more? Well, these games are certainly important as is this holiday stretch because if one continues the downward spiral, they could play themselves out of the race. We'll be in our Sec.411 Row F seats wearing a blue Ranger Sundstrom. Come by.