Game Preview: Rangers get ready for Flyers

Finally, the schedule picks up. Sure. Yesterday's 6-3 win over a disappointing Washington team was nice. Garden Faithful had to love the balance with just about everyone contributing, including rookie call up Carl Hagelin, who recorded his first NHL point- assisting on Brian Boyle's second of the season. In his NHL debut, Hagelin didn't look out of place alongside Boyle and ex-Leaf John Mitchell. Could this be another classic case of an overachiever? Stay tuned.

Today after 2, the Rangers return home to host the banged up Flyers. Despite injuries to Chris Pronger, Jaromir Jagr (oh well) and James van Riemsdyk, the Broad Street Bullies bring a 13-6-3 record in led by certain All-Star Claude Giroux. The orange and black are still loaded with pain in the ass Danny Briere, Scott Hartnell, Kimmo Timonen, Jakub Voracek and Calder hopeful Matt Read. In stunning news, Ilya Bryzgalov will not start for a second consecutive game with younger Russian Sergei Bobrovsky getting the call following a 3-1 home win over the Habs yesterday. Another overpaid goalie riding the pine and in Philly. Shocking. :P

If the contest spurs out of control, the Rangers don't have anyone to deal with the zany Zac Rinaldo (77 PIM). With crazy guy Andre Deveaux serving the second of a three-game suspension for elbowing Tomas Fleischmann, who thankfully was alright in Florida's 2-1 win over us on Turkey Eve, we really don't have anyone who can take on Rinaldo. That could spell doom because Rinaldo loves to run guys. Brandon Prust is just too banged up. It's a miracle he's even playing. Prusty is our ultimate warrior. I'd rather see him get some time off as he'll be important in the second half. Instead, he continues to play at less than 100 percent. Sean Avery has played well but is no match for Rinaldo. Besides, Avery's days of fighting are behind him. He's always been more of a pest anyway. Sean had a really good game Friday forechecking effectively and drawing a penalty in eight minutes.

John Tortorella plans to stick with a lineup that snapped out of a mini-slump in which it scored only two goals and lost both games. After exploding for half a dozen, who can blame him? Ruslan Fedotenko tallied twice and Artem Anismov also notched a goal as both left Brandon Dubinsky in the lonely '1' department. When will Dubi snap out of it? I know he's trying out there as I saw him working hard during yesterday's game. But he really needs to start earning that fat new paycheck. The difference between him and Ryan Callahan is two-fold as Captain Cally always busts it. In a game he had three assists, second and third efforts allowed him to get the puck to open teammates for big goals. That's why one's a leader and the other doesn't even have an 'A' despite being a key player to our chances. Dubinsky is better than this. It's time to wake up!

While the Dubi Watch continues, he's been passed on the depth chart by Derek Stepan, who more and more reminds of a young Chris Drury. D-Step just has the knack for the clutch play. He set up Marian Gaborik's team-leading 10th with a nice look away pass. The more we see the former Badger, the more it looks like he'll fulfill expectations. As long as Anisimov continues to mesh on that top line, they should remain together.

There are no changes today. Here are the lines that include a third consecutive start for Henrik Lundqvist, who despite allowing three, was on again Friday.

Anisimov-Stepan-Gaborik
Fedotenko-Richards-Callahan
Hagelin-Boyle-Mitchell
Avery-Dubinsky-Prust

McDonagh-Girardi
Del Zotto-Sauer
Woywitka-Eminger

Lundqvist
Biron

Game Preview: Rangers at Canucks

They try again later tonight in British Columbia. A place that once treated them well. It really is imperative that the Rangers get in the 'W' column sometime during this crucial four-game Canadian trip that includes stops at Calgary, Edmonton and concludes in Winnipeg, who finally got their first win last night over the Pens before a hyped crowd.

At 0-1-2, the Blueshirts aren't doing themselves any favors in the league's deepest division. Everyone else has gotten out of the gate fast, putting John Tortorella's club in an early hole. Forget Europe. Forget the MSG renovation. It's time for this team to come together and build some momentum for next week's home opener. Yes, the impact of Marc Staal has been felt. Even if Ryan McDonagh has effectively teamed with Dan Girardi, the trickle down effect has forced Tortorella to trust kids Mike Del Zotto and Tim Erixon while even sprinkling in waiver pickup Jeff Woywitka on the Island due to Mike Sauer's separated shoulder that's still nagging him. Brendan Bell should debut, likely replacing Woywitka.

No one ever said it would be easy. However, there's no excuse for the ineptitude of the Draft Line, who have combined for only three points (1-2-3). That simply won't get it done. Artem Anisimov has shown improved muscle but needs support from Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan. They're the glue that makes this team go. And while Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik are finding chemistry, they can't be asked to carry the load. That's not how this team was constructed. More is expected of the trio, who need to bring it starting tonight. Especially with Ryan Kesler set to debut for the Canucks, who hardly are lighting it up.

Brian Boyle is off to a poor start, admitting such to the press. Four minors and no production isn't what he had in mind. The big man is our most versatile forward, who can be shifted to wing and used up front on the power play. He's also vital for the PK, which is a double whammy when he's in the box. He, Brandon Prust and Ruslan Fedotenko need to stay together. It's no time for the coach to mess around. Keep Derek Stepan on the top line after he was our best forward Saturday. As for the fourth line, Kris Newbury was brought up to add some grit. He proved capable last year. Mike Rupp is off to a lousy start. Please tell me Wojtek Wolski replaces team ornament Erik Christensen when he gets healthy.

Prior to Henrik Lundqvist's shutout last Jan.13,  Vancouver had owned us- winning nine of the previous 10. They also had victimized King Henrik, including a pivotal showdown that turned into a home humiliation on Versus with Henke removing himself. Last year, he bested Cory Schneider. Might we get the match-up everyone wants to see with GM favorite Roberto Luongo? We all know Luongo didn't deserve to get nominated for the Vezina. Statement game for Henrik? He'll need some support.

The Rangers must stay disciplined. That means no more silly penalties for the league's second most penalized team. And for the love of sanity, don't let Chris Higgins score. It won't be easy against The Sedins and pest Alex Burrows. McDonagh and Girardi will really be tested. Who takes Kesler? Hope Tort matches the Boyle unit against him.

We'll see if they're up to the challenge.

Clarkson returns for Devils tonight

The Devils are on a losing streak. Well, if you count one loss as such, which Jacques Lemaire probably does, then yes. Especially off a 4-1 disappointment post-Christmas to Ovechkin and the Caps. All kidding aside, the Devs are atop the Atlantic, trailing only Washington by one for most in the conference with the Blackhawks leading the way with 55. Two ahead of Jersey, San Jose and Pitt. In Good Company was a decent flick starring Dennis Quaid, Topher Grace and stunning Scarlett Johansson. That's the team that plays in Newark tonight versus Kovalchuk and Hotlanta at the top of the hour.

Good news for New Jersey as they get David Clarkson back tonight. He missed a month due to a fractured right leg. Before the third-year right wing went down, he was having a breakout season with seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in 23 games. That includes three power play goals, two deciders along with 39 penalty minutes from the gritty 25 year-old Toronto native. Clarkie is a solid player who adds a physical element to the Devils. The best part is he can play any role. Whether it's second line or checking, the Randy McKay clone who was a huge lacrosse star brings great energy. Now, he returns to a club that boasts an impressive 26-9-1 mark into the final regular season meeting the third meeting versus an unpredictable Thrasher team that's dropped seven of 11, including an ugly 5-4 home defeat to these Devs recently.

Atlanta can score goals as evidenced by Kovalchuk, Nik Antropov, Maxim Afinogenov and Rich Peverley along with dangerous rover Zach Bogosian. You can't get into a run n' gun with them. Something that the Devs kinda did falling behind 3-1 after one in which Hotlanta chased MB30. Figure Marty to be sharp coming off a subpar game in which he permitted an odd softie that deflected off Mike Mottau and his glove.

As for Clarkson, he replaces Russian rook Vladimir Zharkov (6 A in 13 GP) in the lineup with D Matt Corrente back down to Lowell. Lemaire had top freshman Nicklas Bergfors playing with Rob Niedermayer and Jay Pandolfo in an attempt to improve the young Swede's defensive game. Perhaps Clarkson starts with Patrik Elias and resurgent Brian Rolston. Especially if ZZ Popp is back together based on yesterday's practice. Whereever he plays, a good team just got better.

UPDATE: Looks like he'll start on fourth line with Lemaire opting to keep Dean McAmmond between Elias and Rolston.

ZZ Popp
Elias-McAmmond-Rolston
Pandolfo-Niedermayer-Bergfors
Peters-Pelley-Clarkson

Salvador-Greene
White-Oduya
Fraser-Mottau

Brodeur
Danis

Fla-NYR Preview: Panthers visit Garden tonight

In half an hour, the Rangers will skate against the Panthers in what amounts to an important swing game. Florida's been hot lately winning four of five to launch into the eighth spot with 39 points- two ahead of the ninth Blueshirts. After sweeping a three-game road trip against the Islanders, Flyers and Canes, it should be a good measuring stick to see where they are. Especially in a topsy turvy East that changes daily. Indeed, every point counts. Winning's the thing. Can they get it together on home ice where their 7-9-1 mark is second worst in the league. That remains to be seen. Florida isn't a bad road team going 10-9-2 thus far, including a 3-2 win at MSG on Nov.21. The Rangers did take the second one in the gimmick four days later. This is the third of four meetings with the final one coming in Sunrise April 3.

Florida has some good forwards with speed that can make life difficult. Stephen Weiss is following up his best season with an even better one. Though nobody talks about him for Team Canada, which is already stacked to the decks. Weiss has company in Nathan Horton, who finally is shooting the puck and seeing results. He's always had power forward potential but has never been consistent. Is this the year it comes together? A good cast includes second-year Czech Michael Frolik, Rotislav Olesz and savvy vet Steve Reinprecht. Scary aspect is Cory Stillman has been out a month and David Booth has missed almost the whole season due to a concussion.

The Cats also boast an underrated blueline that features Team USA hopeful Keith Ballard, who does a lot of things well. There's also Bryan McCabe to watch on the power play. Dennis Seidenberg has been solid and Russian freshman Dmitry Kulikov is a future star. Tomas Vokoun is healthy again in net and will likely oppose Henrik Lundqvist, who's been much better lately permitting two-or-fewer in eight of his last nine starts. So, it figures to be a good test for the Big Ticket and Co. Brian Boyle returns. Erik Christensen and Aaron Voros are the scratches. Hopefully, these are the lines:

Prospal-Dubinsky-Gaborik
Avery-Anisimov-Callahan
Higgins-Drury-Lisin
Brashear-Boyle-Kotalik

Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy

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.

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.

Battle Preview: Buf-NYR, Bos-NYI, Phi-NJD

It's another busy Saturday for us puckers which means all the Battle teams are in action later. And the best part. All at the same fan friendly time of 7 here on the East coast. Insert random West coast reference from fired up lurking Buffalo blogger in 5...4...3...2...1

Sabres-Rangers, MSG 7 ET: In another Battle Of New York, the Rangers play host to the Sabres at MSG. We all know about their recent struggles that included hypocrite John Tortorella making an example of rookie Matt Gilroy after he blew it against the Hawks in overtime. Perhaps some time in Hartford will be good for him as he's still learning the pro game. Besides, our team blows right now. So, it might be good to get away and fine tune his skills. In the mean time, Heineken is back up. So, guess he plays with Tinman. Still hard to believe we only have six D. Thanks Slats for overcommitting to the cap. Our Sabre blogger warns us that it's his team's third in four. So, he senses bad things. When does he ever not? But seriously, Ryan Miller is rested after his fave backup stoned Chicago. So, it should be a good test for Henrik Lundqvist, who's facing almost 30 shots-per-game. Btw...Miller also sees a lot of rubber but we bet the quality ain't as great due to a better Buffalo D corps. Can Chris Drury muster anything? Marian Gaborik hasn't scored in a couple. Is he due? Find out later.

Bruins-Islanders, MSG+ 7 ET: For much of the year, the Islanders have been a nice surprise, playing solid hockey for second-year man Scott Gordon. However, since a blowout loss to the Devils, they haven't been the same dropping three of four, including the past three- two of which were also not close. While it's true the last five were all on the road, they still need a 'W' to boost confidence. They're now in a much nicer stretch that sees them basically home till after Christmas. The only two road games are at MSG versus the hated Blueshirts. So, it's an opportunity for John Tavares and Co. to make a statement. Play well and they're right there in a subpar bottom of the East for the final couple of spots. At 29 points, they do sit last in the Atlantic but just a three out of the last spot. Even the Rangers, who have stunk are two back of Montreal. The ironic part is the top five or six in the East are virtual locks, who all can go far next Spring. Of the teams near the bottom, the Thrashers are most impressive and a team worth keeping a close eye on. For the Isles, they need more from others as Tavares has scored four in the last two but gotten no support. Kyle Okposo hasn't scored in ages but has four helpers. If they are to beat the resurgent B's who boast two strong goalies and a balanced offense, they'll need to finish and get solid netminding from either Dwayne Roloson or Marty Biron. The good news is they've played the B's tough. The bad is they're playing much better. We'll see if The Coliseum can make life miserable for the guys from Beantown.

Flyers-Devils, MSG++ 7 ET: Anytime these bitter I-95 rivals get together, it's usually interesting. This to us is the Devils' best rivalry. Especially when you factor in their two big series wins over the bad guys from Broad Street en route to two of three Cups. Yes. The Flyers finally got them right before the lockout but it's hardly the same for a team that hasn't won Lord Stanley since before I was born. So far under Lavy, they've continued to struggle dropping three of four to put them at a mediocre 14-14-1. Still, all it would take is a win streak to get it righted. The breakout against the Isles made us think maybe they were ready but then they got shutout by the surprising Sens at home. Now, it doesn't get any easier when they visit an angry Devil team that had a four-game win streak snapped, falling to the Cats 4-2 Friday. MB30 allowed four. Though from the sounds of it, it wasn't his fault as the guys in front had an off night. They have been quite busy lately as Hasan has referenced. Maybe it's finally catching up. Given that they're 0-2 against the despised Cheesesteaks, we'll get a better idea in a few hours. Figure the Devs to be sharper tonight. The Zach Attack hasn't filled the net yet this month (6 games). So, he's due. Patrik Elias and Brian Rolston have been carrying the load and Andy Greene has been a revelation. Nicklas Bergfors is quietly having a good rookie campaign. The Swede is skilled but it helps that Jacques Lemaire puts him out with good players, making the transition smoother. Of course, everyone knows Marty is a shutout away from besting Terry Sawchuk. Can he make history against a team he's had great success against. Even if recent history, suggests otherwise, never bet against Brodeur. As for Philly, figure Brian Boucher to be in net with Ray Emery out a while. How ironic would it be if he outdueled Bouch in a 1-0 game? The Flyers have actually missed Simon Gagne because Jeff Carter hasn't finished as much. Mike Richards has played well as has freshman James Van Riemsdyk. Scott Hartnell always drives the Devs nuts. So tune in.

Battle GameDay: Hudson River Showdown, Part 1, NJ vs. NYR, 7PM, FSNNY/MSG, WFAN/WABC

Stars to Watch:
New Jersey
#26, Patrik Elias


#30, Martin Brodeur




New York
#68, Jaromir Jagr

#23, Scott Gomez


LAST SEASON's BATTLE:

Game 1: 10/16/06, New York, 4-2. GWG: Jason Ward
Game 2: 11/14/06, New York, 3-2. GWG: Brendan Shanahan
Game 3: 12/17/06, Devils, 6-1. GWG: Jamie Langenbrunner
Game 4: 1/2/07, New York, 3-2. GWG: Marcel Hossa
Game 5: 1/16/07, Devils, 1-0. GWG: Brad Lukowich
Game 6: 2/6/07, Devils, 3-2. GWG: Brian Gionta
Game 7: 2/20/07, Devils, 2-1. GWG: Zach Parise
Game 8: 2/22/07, Devils, 3-2. GWG: Jamie Langenbrunner

Final Body Count: Devils - 11 PTS, Rangers - 8 PTS.

LIKELY STARTING LINE COMBOS:

Devils
Elias-Zajac-Asham
Zubrus-Parise-Gionta
Pandolfo-Madden-Clarkson
Rupp-Pelley-Brylin.

Oduya-Martin
Greene-Rachunek
Vishnevski-Brookbank

Brodeur
Weekes

New York
Hossa-Gomez-Jagr
Prucha-Drury-Shanahan
Dawes-Dubinsky-Hollweg
Orr-Betts-Strudwick

Roszival-Malik
Tyutin-Girardi
Mara-Staal

Lundqvist
Weekes

Enjoy the game, see if the Rangers can score tonight. They've been shut out for more than 2 games, so the Devils new style may make them able to open things up tonight. The Devils will look to Sheldon Brookbank, the AHL's Top D-Man last year, for some size and toughness in the back. Above all, Martin Brodeur must play as well as Lundqvist has the past 2 games for the Rangers, or else the Devils will be in trouble. You can't rely on either offense to score a consistent number of goals at this point in the season, so the goalies will be key tonight.

PREDICTION: Devils 3, Rangers 1.