Rangers Recap, Around the League

The Rangers played good hockey tonight, and still ended up on the short end of a 1-0 score. The defense came to play today, with stellar play from every one of the six blueliners. The offense did not show up. As Kovy noted, the offensive firepower that we invested in over the off season has been a bust so far. There is no way that the talent that we have right now is going to stay this subdued for much longer, however. A few tidbits before the league recap:

- Gomez played well today, and I think he needs to be with Jagr, who was arguably the worst player on the ice tonight. He did very little that was beneficial for the Rangers. Maybe he's trying too hard, or maybe he's not trying hard enough. Whatever it is, he's got to snap out of it quickly.

- Dubinsky with Prucha and Callahan worked wonders. I'm glad Dubinsky got the ice time he deserves. Same with Nigel Dawes. Unfortunately we lost Straka tonight to a broken finger, but when Marcel Hossa is healthy, one has to think he is extremely expendable with the emergence of players like Dawes, Dubinsky, Callahan and even some Hartford players waiting to come up.

- The team should be taking Lundqvist out to dinner tonight. He kept them in it the whole way. No way to fault him, Kessel pulled off a great shootout winner.


Elsewhere:

Toronto leads Montreal 3-1

Mats Sundin has a short handed marker and an even strength goal, and Tomas Kaberle has a tally for Toronto after two periods. Jason Williams has the goal for Chicago.

All tied a 2-2 in Buffalo v. Montreal, going into the third.

Paul Gausted and Derrick Roy have the Sabres' goals, while Bryan Smolinski and Kyle Chipchura have scored for the Canadians.

Ottawa leads Florida 2-1 after 2.

Richard Zednick has Florida's tally. Mike Fisher and Shean Donovan have scored for Ottawa.

Islanders lead the Devils 3-1 after 2.

Not a good start for Weekes. Josef Vasicek, Miroslav Satan and Mike Comrie hit twine for the Islanders, Zach Parise for the Devils.

Carolina up 2-1 over the Flyers, 3rd period.

Eric Staal continues to impress as he and Justin Williams have scored for the 'Canes. Gagne has Philly's goal.

Pittsburgh 2-1 over Washington in the third.

Brother Jordan Staal and Ryan Whitney have goals for the Penguins, Brian Pothier for the Caps.

Tampa Bay Up 3-1 in the second over Atlanta.

Chris Gratton has found a new home and is enjoying it as he, Vinny Lecavlier and Vaclav Prospal have TB's goals, Iyla Kovalchuk for the Thrashers.

End of 1st, Dallas up 1-0 over Anaheim.

Brendon Morrow has the only tally so far.

Detroit vs Phoenix, Edmonton vs Calgary and Nashville vs San Jose all being played later on tonight.