Prospal finds new home in Columbus

It looks like someone else's fans will get to enjoy Vinny Prospal's awesome goal celebrations. After spending two years on Broadway, the 36 year-old crafty veteran forward signed with the Blue Jackets this afternoon for a year, $1.75 million.

"Vinny Prospal is a proven top six forward in the National Hockey League and we look forward to him playing that role for our hockey club," Columbus GM Scott Howson said of his latest acquisition that should help offset the loss of Kristian Huselius while fitting in nicely with Jeff Carter and Rick Nash. "We are very pleased to be able to add a player of his caliber to our team at this late date in the free agency process."

Following a successful debut in the Big Apple where he ranked second in team scoring with 58 points (20-38-58) over 75 games, a bad knee limited the Czech complement to Marian Gaborik to 29 games last season. Despite the injury, one of the Rangers' emotional leaders showed guts returning to help spark the club back into the postseason. His penchant for big goals along with the coolest celebrations you'll ever see often ignited teammates. Never was that more evident during a three-goal comeback against the Bruins in a pivotal match-up at The Garden.

With the team needing to win to keep pace with Carolina, they came out flat and paid dearly falling behind by three against a stingy opponent. When all felt lost, Prosp injected life back into the bench and crowd with two big goals that cut the deficit to 3-2 after two periods. Most noticeable was his reaction after scoring the first one, doing his trademark pump of the fists and then having some pointed words of encouragement for the bench. The response was overwhelming with the Blueshirts continuing to push until Brandon Dubinsky somehow tied it late followed by Mike Sauer's finest rookie moment with under three minutes left. Derek Stepan's empty netter would seal one of the bookmark wins that got our team in.

That's the kinda rugged determination Prospal demonstrated, going to the net for garbage goals. When the Rangers needed him most, he was there on the last day of the season, scoring and setting up another in a do-or-die win over the Devils before an incredible MSG atmosphere. Without his contributions that saw him scratch out nine goals and 14 assists for 23 points over 29 contests, they don't make the playoffs. I can honestly say I never expected him to return. Everything that was said made it sound like we shouldn't count on Prosp. But the prideful man who's had successful runs in five NHL cities (Phi, Ott, TB, Ana, NYR) discounting a spare part with Florida, proved why John Tortorella liked him enough to sign him.

Thank you Prospal for two good years and best wishes in Columbus.

Flyer Makeover A Huge Risk

Every so often, the Flyers do an overhaul. After acquiring the free agent rights to Ilya Bryzgalov from the Coyotes, it was obvious that Paul Holmgren was desperate to get the Russian signed, sealed and delivered as their latest No.1 goalie. With speculation that former 40-goal sniper Jeff Carter would move to Columbus, the much discussed trade finally came down today with the center going to the Blue Jackets for forward Jakub Voracek, plus a first (8th overall) and third round pick in this weekend's Draft.

Unloading Carter, who still has 11 years left on his contract worth a cap hit of $5.272 million- made plenty of sense- allowing the Flyers to free up necessary cap space to fit Bryzgalov in. The ex-Coyote netminder agreed in principle to a nine-year $51 million deal that will pay him $5.67 M on average. A huge risk for the just turned 30-year old who rarely has distinguished himself in the playoffs. The lone exception being when he helped the Ducks advance to the second round in place of J.S. Giguere back in '06. Since winning half a dozen with a 1.46 GAA, .944 save percentage and three shutouts, he's gone 6-9 with a 3.33 GAA, .902 save percentage with no shutouts. Hardly what you expect from a guy you're investing nine years in until the age of 40. Discounting part of Anaheim's '07 championship run in which he posted a 3-1 mark with a 2.25 GAA, .925 save percentage over five games before Giguere returned, Brygalov's gone 3-8 with a 3.77 GAA and .896 save percentage. Of course, you can argue that he faced a tough opponent with the 'Yotes unable to match the Red Wings' firepower. After pushing them seven, they were swept this past Spring. The numbers are ugly (4.36 GAA, .876).

So, the Flyers go for a guy who by all accounts is a quality No.1 who's backstopped Phoenix to consecutive postseasons without any real star power. With apologies to Shane Doan, the 'Yotes offense makes ours look Godly. At least they have a legit No.1 defenseman in Keith Yandle, who was snubbed for the Norris. Did he even make one of the All-Star Teams during last night's Awards in Vegas? For Bryzgalov, offense shouldn't be a problem as long as emerging star Claude Giroux, vet Daniel Briere and ready to breakout Jersey kid James van Riemsdyk produce. The Flyers also still have deadline acquisition Kris Versteeg due $3.08 M through '11-12 before the CBA expires. It'll take a balanced effort from the likes of Scott Hartnell, Darroll Powe and newcomers Voracek and Wayne Simmonds, who was added in a stunning blockbuster with the Kings for ex-captain Mike Richards.

Everyone knew Philly needed to shed salary even with the cap increasing to $64 million. Most expected them to move Carter and retain Richards. Instead, both '03 first round gems are gone, stunning the hockey world. Not surprisingly, Flyer fans are up in arms over trading Richards, who was very popular despite rumors he wasn't the right leader in the room- probably losing out to vet Chris Pronger in a power struggle. It was easy to see why they got rid of Carter, who was a poor playoff performer- posting only 21 points (13-8-21) with a glaring minus-14 rating over 47 games. Granted. He fought through injuries the past two playoffs that limited his ability. However, unloading Richards was something unexpected, essentially handing the reigns over to Giroux and Van Riemsdyk, who was remarkable despite his club getting destroyed by eventual champ Boston in the Eastern Semis.

The Kings had a need but I'm not even sure they filled it by trading for Richards with top prospect Brayden Schenn, Simmonds and a second rounder moving to the City Of Brotherly Love. In one aspect, it makes sense for LA by giving top pivot Anze Kopitar some help- allowing Jarrett Stoll to move down to the third line where he belongs. They also now are stuck with the 26 year-old two-way center for the next nine years through '19-20 at an average of $5.75 million. Look. Richards is an outstanding player but it's hard to see him ever reaching his '08-09 career marks of 30 goals, 50 assists and 80 points ever again. The way he plays isn't conducive in a more physical West. His production has gone from 80 to 62 and 65 the past two seasons. He better pan out for a Cup starved franchise or one day, they actually may regret such a move.
How is LA retaining Drew Doughty when they're locked in on Kopitar, Richards, Justin Williams and Jack Johnson? Jon Quick is signed through '12-13 and vets Ryan Smyth, Dustin Penner, Stoll, Willie Mitchell all are up next summer. With Stoll assuming the third line role, perhaps that spells the end of ex-Flyer Michal Handzus, who's been a solid player in Hollywood. It'll be interesting to see what they do with current RFA Doughty. Plus the development of backup goalie Jonathan Bernier will push Quick.

On paper, the Kings look great. Whether they can mesh remains to be seen. Meanwhile, a new Era is underway in Philadelphia with Giroux, JVR and possibly potential UFA Ville Leino leading the way. What gets lost with the two blockbusters is that one of the club's most consistent performers, who they stole off waivers from Detroit- may now re-up. The Flyers still have enough space to possibly fit Leino in with Group II's Voracek, Simmonds, Powe and pest Daniel Carcillo, who could be on the outs. If Holmgren is able to keep Leino, his new look Flyers become a lot more formidable. The wild card is the talented Schenn, who the Kings were never patient with. This is a former fifth overall pick in '09, who could be close to NHL ready. It's not like the Flyers have to rush him with a solid nucleus still in place. Especially on the back end led by Pronger and Kimmo Timonen, who along with Matt Carle, Andrej Meszaros, Braydon Coburn and Matt Walker comprise the top six if Sean O'Donnell isn't back. There's also Oskars Bartulis, who could see more time.

In taking such calculated risks today, it's hard to determine if Holmgren finally constructed the Flyers' third Cup winner since the days of Bobby Clarke, Bernie Parent, Bill Barber and the rest of the Broad Street Bullies. A lot depends on what else they do this July. You know they're not done. Could he even bring in a center to help offset the losses? Who knows. One thing is clear. The Flyers once again are willing to roll the dice, even if the Bryzgalov contract is equally as bad if not worse than the pair of salaries they dumped. If they don't win now, they are set up for the future. No small accomplishment.

The real loser might be Columbus, who gave up a lot for an injury prone Carter who must stay healthy to support Rick Nash. If they are to be successful, he better stay healthy and produce. This is a franchise that's made the playoffs once and hardly have a No.1 goalie or a top flight D. Maybe it will work. However, there are still plenty of questions for the Jackets to answer before we take them seriously.

What a crazy day. It should only get more exciting over the next week.

Nash fluke goal lifts Jackets past Rangers

It was one of those nights where no matter how hard our guys tried, it wasn't going to be enough in what amounted to a frustrating 3-1 loss at Columbus. As expected against a team that doesn't score much, it was a tight checking game which was highly competitive. There were plenty of puck battles in the corners and crunching hits from both sides.

Ultimately, what it came down to was Steve Mason (32 saves) was better than Henrik Lundqvist (20 stops), who allowed a dreadful winner to Rick Nash from an impossible angle with 5:09 left that doomed the Rangers. On the play, Nash got a step on Marc Staal who fell down but still recovered keeping the star Blue Jacket outside where he threw a turnaround prayer that squeaked between Lundqvist and the post. The stunning goal along with a failed power play in which Alex Frolov was inexplicably out along with Erik Christensen instead of Marian Gaborik and Derek Stepan, added up to just the club's fifth road defeat (11-5).

It was a game that made you throw your arms up in the air because we've seen these before. Especially against beatable teams like Columbus. Though the way tweeps make it sound, you'd think the Jackets sucked when they improved to 16-11-1 (33 Pts) which isn't that different from our 17-13-1 mark that now has us in seventh behind the Thrashers, who stunned the Islanders 6-5 in an unusual atmosphere filled with 1,100 Nordique fans who invaded Nassau Coliseum. More on that story later.

For all the good things our team's accomplished, they find themselves with 35 points, one in front of the Lightning and seven ahead of the Sabres, who have recovered nicely up till tonight's predictable loss to the Pens. It won't get any easier with the suddenly struggling Caps invading MSG tomorrow for another crucial back-to-back. Our team has yet to lose the second game in those instances but now must do it on home ice where they bring a dismal 6-8-1 mark into it. Oh. And they see Sid The Kid Wednesday in enemy territory.  This is a tricky part of the schedule where John Tortorella's club must stick with it.

The Rangers controlled much of the first two periods, forcing Mason to be good. He made a few key stops including getting a piece of an Artem Anisimov shot and a Marian Gaborik labeler which gave his team a chance. But perhaps the biggest save came with his team trailing midway through the contest when Gaborik had Derek Stepan set up but the former Calder winner slid across to rob him, keeping the game within reach. Marc Staal had scored on the power play, converting a beautiful backdoor feed from Ruslan Fedotenko breaking the scoreless tie at 9:53 of the second. It was his fifth of the season and third power play goal as he continues to improve offensively. Though he finished minus-two, in no way was it his fault with Lundqvist permitting a bad Nash decider and then later sealing it with our goalie scrambling back with under a minute left. Our D did a good job keeping Nash to the outside. But the stat sheet will say he scored twice and our D were minuses. A bit misleading.

Lundqvist also permitted a fluky tying goal to Antoine Vermette on a busted play in which R.J. Umberger flung a puck towards the net which caromed off Vermette's stick under our goalie. While it did change direction, it was one he could've had. But to be blunt, the Jackets never should've scored because they invented a phantom slash on Erik Christensen, who did nothing wrong other than watch the Jacket deliberately toss his stick to the ice drawing the attention of the two blind mice refs. It worked like a charm and resulted in changing the game. Nash also drew an assist. So, on a night he in no way dominated, the All-Star left wing finished with three points, getting the Ohio hosts a win.

Sometimes, that's how it goes. Just ask Anisimov, who was back with draft 'mates Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan playing his most inspired hockey in weeks. Twice he was thwarted by Mason, who entered with a sub-3.00 GAA. Something other Ranger bloggers alluded to in bashing our team. But if they watched, our guys hustled all game and generated chances. On this night, Mason was strong and even had some help from the crossbar on a Mike Del Zotto power play opportunity off a great Gaborik feed. Del Zotto, who sat out last game was alright in 22:45 taking regular PP shifts with Stepan at the other point. He had chances and played better defensively, teaming well with Michal Rozsival while Matt Gilroy stayed in with Mike Sauer with Steve Eminger day-to-day. The D wasn't the issue. Speaking of which, credit the BJ's with limiting Gaborik's time and space. In particular Rotislav Klesla, who did a great job along with Jan Hejda.

Neither was the work ethic with even Frolov getting chances on Mason while working well with Brian Boyle and Brandon Prust. This was a game where they couldn't beat the goalie despite plenty of opportunities. Callahan was particularly strong around the net forcing Mason to make tough stops. Even Erik Christensen had a great chance but missed wide. Sometimes, you're not going to have luck. Chalk it up to Lundqvist having an off night and our guys not getting the break needed to keep it going. Now, it's onto the Caps where they'll need Henrik to be sharper and find the back of the net against a weaker team defense. We'll see what they're made of.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Brian Boyle, NYR (3 SOG in 13:49, around the puck all night)
2nd Star-Rick Nash, CBJ (2 goals incl. GW w/5:09 left, assist)
1st Star-Steve Mason, CBJ (32 saves incl.22/23 first 2 periods)

Kovalchuk on way out, Canes/Sharks close in on deal

Well, it looks like we shouldn't have to wait too much longer on Ilya Kovalchuk. The electrifying 26 year-old Russian superstar appears to be on his way out of Hotlanta. According to TSN, Thrasher GM Don Waddell told Kovy to expect a trade very soon. Whether it's hours or days, the former 2001 No.1 overall pick who's spent his entire eight-year NHL career in Atlanta looks to be concluding that phase. If you like funny images, be sure to check out this one of the sniper looking over the prospects.

In 594 career games, Kovalchuk has scored 328 goals becoming one of the game's most explosive finishers. The list of accomplishments includes Olympic bronze ('02), Young Stars MVP ('01-02), All-Rookie Team ('01-02), Second All-Star Team along with the Rocket Richard in '03-04 (41 goals) and three All-Star appearances ('03-04, '07-08, '08-09). Along with the 328 markers, he's closing in on 300 assists with his 287 just 13 shy. Earlier this season, he reached a career milestone hitting 600 points. In 49 contests, Kovy ranks fifth in goals (31), 12th in points (58) and tied for sixth in power play goals (10). His 19 power play points and 179 shots on goal pace the Thrashers, putting him at atop five different offensive categories with his 27 helpers tied with Rich Peverley.


There are at least half a dozen clubs interested in the soon to be 27 year-old UFA this summer. Not surprisingly, LA, Chicago and the Flames lead a list that includes the Devils, Rangers, Bruins and Flyers. Does this mean the Caps have dropped out and the Pens aren't in? If they had the resources, Kovalchuk would be perfect for the Islanders, giving them a marquee attraction to help build around. Their system is loaded but given the uncertainty surrounding the arena, figure them to be on the outside. It would be a shock if the Rangers had enough to land him. We'd much rather see Slats chase a crease clearer to bolster a weak D.

If nothing happens tonight and it looks like it may hold off for the time being, at the very least, the Canes and Sharks are closing in on a deal that would send defenseman Niclas Wallin to San Jose. The 34 year-old vet has valuable Cup experience having helped Carolina win it all in 2005-06. He'd have to waive his no-trade which is likely considering he isn't in the Canes' lineup tonight versus Calgary.



Hitchcock Fired: In other news which was expected, the Blue Jackets fired coach Ken Hitchcock, who just a year ago guided the franchise to their first ever postseason. This year, it's all fallen apart under Captain Kangaroo. With little scoring and no goaltending with Steve Mason falling into the dreaded sophomore jinx, it was all too predictable. I wouldn't mind seeing John Tortorella axed given his baffling in-game decisions.

Schremp shoots Islanders past Jackets

It was precisely a moment like this that the Islanders got Rob Schremp for. Scoreless through two rounds of the shootout, the man a million tricks in his magic bag skated from the red line, making a zillion moves before curling and dragging to wire a perfect forehand beyond Steve Mason's outstretched pads.Dwayne Roloson, who was quite busy making 41 saves, had to stop one more shooter. After staying with Rick Nash, he did the same forcing ex-Ranger Fedor Tyutin out of real estate and wide, giving the hosts the final home win of the decade in front of an excited Coliseum.

Islanders 2 Blue Jackets 1

It was the third win in four for the Isles, helping offset an unlucky 13th consecutive defeat to the Flyers.  Despite being outshot 42-25, Scott Gordon's club came out with the 'W', improving to 16-18-7 for 39 points. At exactly the halfway point, they're in a three-way tie for 10th just a point behind Atlanta and the Rangers for the final playoff spot while Montreal is seventh only two points up. Not bad position for a rebuilding club no one gave a chance. Unless you count Stan Fischler. Hey. We know him quite well and he always sees the glass half full. If you're the eternal optimist, you can argue why not based on the fact prize rookie John Tavares was held off the score sheet again, scoring once over the past 10.

The poor stretch by the Isles hasn't cost them due to how much parity there is. If JT91 and Kyle Okposo (assist) get untracked along with Mark Streit (0 G in last 21), why not? As long as Rollie keeps them in games, you never know. When asked to assess the first half, the durable 40 year-old netminder didn't hesitate to say he feels they can aim higher than the eighth seed, going as far as five or six. It's probably unrealistic but making the playoffs no longer is. And wouldn't that be great to achieve? In an Olympic Year, there's still a long way to go. When does Rick DiPietro return? He could be headed for another rehab stint in Bridgeport before the organization reassesses. As long as Roloson and Martin Biron play adequately, there's no reason to rush DP back.

As for the game, they'll take it. The Jackets were coming off a superb effort in a 1-0 OT shutout of Detroit after acquiring Milan Jurcina and Chris Clark from the Caps for Jason Chimera. Both new Jackets debuted, contributing to another solid effort like the one that snapped a nine-game skid. Despite controlling the first with an excellent attack that forced Roloson to make saves from in tight, they fell behind when Steve Mason lost sight of Okposo's 40-footer with the puck caroming high in the air behind him where Josh Bailey finished off his eighth at 10:04. Originally, it was credited to Okposo but later changed to Bailey from Kyle and Andy Sutton, who's played inspired this year.

Despite being doubled up in SOG (14-7), they led after one. The second was similar with the offensively challenged Jackets trying desperately to break the Roloson wall, eerily reminding us of the Rangers. Hey. We can't score either and Rollie has played great against us. Ken Hitchcock's club again registered 14 shots but still hadn't beaten him. They led 28-15 but not on the scoreboard.

It didn't deter them from coming hard where finally, they got the equalizer thanks to a bit of luck. Off a great Rick Nash keep at the left blueline, the puck trickled right to R.J. Umburger, who made a quick move around the net and sent an innocent looking backhand wrap towards the net that might've deflected off someone past a surprised Roloson. As legendary Jiggs McDonald stated on MSG-Plus, "Just like that, we're tied." Umberger's ninth marker in the last 20 came from Nash and Tyutin, tying it 1-1 with 10:13 remaining.

Each club had power play opportunities to surge ahead but couldn't cash it in, including a late Islander one with 1:42 left after Freddy Modin foolishly tossed the puck into the stands. How Team Sweden chose him over an irked Mikael Samuelsson is beyond us. Even if he did score the lone goal Monday, he's not better than Sammy, who ripped his own country that also stuck Peter Forsberg on when he hasn't played in a big game in forever.

The game went to OT where the BJ's killed the remainder. In it, the Islanders got some good chances, forcing Mason to make five saves. That excluded a couple of posts including one from Tavares and another off the stick of Bailey late. It would go to the skill competition. Both goalies were strong with Mason and Roloson denying the first four shooters. That's when Schremp stepped out and put on a great stickhandling display before beating Mason, who never had a chance. Roloson then denied Tyutin, who actually was 2-for-5 entering, to seal the win in front of hockey legend Gordie Howe, who was in the building a night after watching the Devils defeat Atlanta at The Rock. Perhaps he also was on hand for the new Danbury Whalers earlier yesterday.

In any event, he saw an Islander win. Will he also be at The Garden later tonight for Flyers/Rangers? Or are we not worthy?

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Rob Schremp, NYI (SO winner, 2 hits, 3 takeaways, 9-3 draws in 19 shifts-16:26)
2nd Star-Dwayne Roloson, NYI (41 saves incl.28/28 thru 40, 3/3 in shootout)
1st Star-Josh Bailey, NYI (goal, 3 SOG, 2-2 draws, +1 in 15:39)

Caps make deal with Jackets

Updating that rumored trade, the Caps and Jackets have completed it. Washington trades defenseman Milan Jurcina and forward Chris Clark to Columbus for forward Jason Chimera. Looks like a good deal for the struggling BJ's. Jurcina is a physical D with size and Clark adds character to a roster that's dropped nine in a row. Chimera's a decent guy who brings energy and is interchangeable. But he's nothing special.

I'm really not getting this move from the Cap side. Unless Karl Azner is ready to be full-time, eh. I don't get it. Their blueline just got worse. They also dealt away their captain. So, do they hand over the 'C' to Ovechkin? Who knows. Want to give full credit to Bob McKenzie, Elliotte Friedman and Puck Daddy's Dmitry Chesnokov for nailing the player the Caps got. He said either Raffi Torres or Chimera. Good job buddy!

Prospal has scope done, could miss 3 weeks, Caps/BJs talking trade?

Per Jim Cerny on Twitter, Rangers forward Vinny Prospal had a scope done on his knee this morning and is expected out three weeks. This isn't too surprising considering how much he's slowed down since a great start. He hasn't been as visible recently, playing more on the perimeter. The bad knee might explain why. It's still a crucial loss for an offensively challenged team that depends heavily on the league's leading finisher Marian Gaborik.

In 38 games, Prospal has posted eight goals, a club best 24 assists and 32 points, placing second in scoring to the Great Gabby's 49 (26-23-49). The two have played a lot together, teaming up with rookie Michael Del Zotto to form the league's seventh best power play (21.6 percent), including third most potent at home (26.4). Twelve of Prosp's 32 points have come on it. He also has a shorthanded goal and two game-winners. Just how unbalanced is our scoring? Del Zotto's 20 is next trailing the Big Ticket by 29 with Ryan Callahan (9-10-19) and Ally (0 G, 4 A in last 18 GP) next in line. At least Brandon Dubinsky (3-2-5, +5 over past 3) is playing better.

How do they replace that production? Artie Anisimov's (7-8-15) been too streaky in Year 1.Since his fourth line demotion, Chris Drury's (3-2-5 last 5) showed signs. They'll need help from Sean Avery (4-10-14, 63 PIM) and Chris Higgins (4-6-10) with both playing better lately. If only Higgs could get rewarded. Aside from that, do the Blueshirts reinsert Erik Christensen instead of recalling someone from Hartford? It says here Christensen should be playing over Brian Boyle, who is a waste. We traded a third round pick for a guy who has no balance and zero talent. Great job Slats! At least Christy can skate and win faceoffs. He also can kill penalties and be used in the dreaded gimmick if needed.

If someone comes up, is it P.A. Parenteau again or Corey Locke? All indications are Evgeny Grachev (7-10-17 in 34 GP) isn't ready. Hey. He doesn't turn 20 till next February 20. There's plenty of time. I don't view this season as a must to make the postseason. What for? So, we can go out in four? Why not give Grachev a taste to see how he responds? We're not going anywhere.

Caps and Jackets Talking? The big talk on Twitter today is that the Caps and Blue Jackets are in rumored discussions possibly involving Nikita Filatov. Can I just ask why one of the best offensive clubs needs more and would risk dealing away from a suspect blueline that could use another piece? They did just extend Alexander Semin for a year at $6 million. Personally, I'd trade Semin for a shutdown D or a goalie. If the Caps added either, they become the favorites to come out of the East.

Columbus, Edmonton make Moves

Columbus has signed Washington's Jiri Novotny.

Edmonton signed LA's Matheiu Garon.