Around The Horn: Isles, Devils get first wins

Twenty-four hours later, I'm sure panic has been replaced by calm for both Islander and Devil supporters, whose teams each posted their first wins of the new season on Columbus Day. Ironically, the old Patrick rivals each hosted special Columbus matinees at 1 and got the desired result that disappointed fans had anticipated on Saturday. Both clubs were flat in their season debuts each getting shutout. Something you rarely see. How often do two locals open up without scoring even a goal? We'll bet it hasn't happened much if ever.

The Islanders and Devils each responded with stronger performances yesterday. On Long Island, Jack Capuano's bunch made two early goals stand up in a 2-1 win over Minnesota while in Newark, new captain Zach Parise's first two goals along with Ilya Kovalchuk's game decider pushed the Devs past Carolina 4-2- earning new coach Pete DeBoer his first win.

"Winning is always good. It's always a good feeling," noted Parise, who notched his first two goals since last Oct.23, 2010. "I just think you can tell tonight was just a better team effort for us. We were hungry on the puck. We were winning a lot more battles, and by doing that we were able to get a lot more offensive zone time. You can tell when we're playing well, we're doing things right: Our D are jumping in at the right time, our forwards are covering for the D. We're not throwing the puck away. If we can identify that that's when we have all our pressure, we'll be all right."

Twice, the Canes rallied from one-goal deficits to make it anyone's contest after two. Following Parise's first of the season from reunited Czechs Patrik Elias and Petr Sykora, Carolina used a relentless forecheck to draw even when ex-Leaf Alexei Ponikarovsky deflected a Tim Gleason shot off Andy Greene past Johan Hedberg. DeBoer's club quickly replied 40 seconds later when Kovalchuk set up Mark Fayne's first. Undeterred, the Hurricanes tied it again on a fluky Chad LaRose shot from the right circle that fooled Hedberg. Before the period concluded, a Kovalchuk gaffe nearly beat his own goalie when an attacking Cane reached in with the Russian dangerously close to Hedberg. But his long-time 'mate from Atlanta was alert, allowing fans to relax.

Kovalchuk made sure to put the puck in the right net when he cashed his own rebound off a nice combination from Jacob Josefson and Nick Palmeiri. Parise's empty netter salted it away. The stars were the Devs' best players with Parise netting two goals, Kovalchuk finishing with a goal and two helpers while Elias and Sykora each added an assist. Palmeiri also had two helpers and Hedberg made 24 saves.

The Islanders used two first period tallies from Andrew MacDonald (PPG) and Frans Nielsen to even up their record at 1-1. MacDonald slammed home a Travis Hamonic rebound that caromed out to put the Isles on the board. A couple of minutes later, a brilliant pass from new captain Mark Streit allowed Nielsen to neatly deflect home his first. It was the kind of vision that the club missed last year from Streit, who made a great read from the left point, finding Nielsen all alone for what turned out to be the game-winner.

Capuano had to like what he saw from Al Montoya, who made his second consecutive start. The former Ranger No.1 pick was sharp making 20 saves, including a couple of sparklers late in the second when the Wild applied pressure. One-time Blueshirt Matt Cullen broke up the shutout 73 seconds into the third when he beat Montoya high glove thanks to a nice set up from Guillaume Latendresse. A couple of minutes later, Montoya denied new Wild Dany Heatley in front to preserve the lead. The Islander D did the rest, standing up to Minny's tactics, to earn their first 'W.'

"We kept it pretty simple in the first period," pointed out Streit. "We advanced the puck in straight lines, we got it deep and we went to work. That's how we're going to be successful, and we got away from that in the second and third periods. We did what we can't do. … We have to make sure that doesn't happen again."

The Islanders and Devils each have two days off before returning to action. The Isles host Tampa Bay and the Devs take on the Kings, fresh from their Euro invasion on Thursday. The other New York teams who participated overseas play later this week with undefeated Buffalo (2-0-0) hosting the Canes while the winless Rangers (0-0-2) visit Nassau County Saturday.

Who Improved?

Every July, the Free Agent Frenzy creates a circus-like environment with TSN providing the best coverage on Day One. After that, it's fend for yourself especially in The States. I've always been jealous of Canada due to their love and devotion of everything puck. They benefit greatly from CBC, TSN and Sportsnet. I've probably left one out. Hockey is their sport even if our country still comprises a vast majority (23/30) of the league. Winnipeg coming back is positive. There will be a lot of attention for the right reasons.

While hockey is front and center up North, here it's still covered like tennis, which at least has ESPN providing a solid outlet. One of my gripes with Versus is they can't cover the offseason due to other commitments such as the Tour de France. Even NHL Network is reduced to 2011 Playoff Repeats and other stuff we've seen 100 times. If you want your hockey fix locally, there's occasionally the odd Devil game on MSG-Plus which aired New Jersey and Edmonton three times over 24 hours as @voicilizz noted on Twitter. MSG also does a solid job with their Vault, digging out old footage that even dates back to the 50's with Al Rotwig and Stan Fischler providing nostalgia, along with Dave Maloney giving his input. If you love hockey, it's a fun watch.

While it's nice to at least look back and see how different our sport once was with the equipment and size of players most noticeable, there's hardly much to go around on who improved and who hurt themselves. Say what you will. But Larry Brooks is the best reporter in town with his weekly Slap Shots a must for any pucker. You can also find decent coverage in The Boston Globe. The Daily News' Jesse Spector is a solid read and is always on Twitter answering stuff. There are a lot of blogs but most are Ranger themed and don't really examine the league as a whole.

Over the course of the summer, I'll do my best to look at each team's moves and assess how they did. If you noticed over at the top right sidebar, there's a new poll which asks Who Improved The Most? There are a few obvious candidates, including half of BONY represented courtesy of the Sabres and Rangers. I tried to be objective, nominating six other teams along with the always fun Other if you disagree. Whenever we get together for these bar debates, there's bound to be objection. Who knows? Maybe we'll even try a Round Table with our esteemed colleagues Brian and Hasan on who's won and who's lost. ;) We'll give it our best to keep you entertained.

Saw the other day, Tomas Kaberle moved to Raleigh where his brother Frantisek once played. With the Candy Canes moving Joe Corvo to Beantown for a fourth round pick, it's basically a swap. Even though I'm not the biggest Kaberle guy, I'll give Carolina the edge due to Kaberle still being a sound power play option, who should take pressure off Joni Pitkanen and provide more offense from the back end. I also agree with @KevinWeekes that the Canes have a system that works. Even if it doesn't produce playoffs every year, they remain competitive and health withstanding, should be in the mix. Corvo has a cannon and that's never bad for the defending champs, who rely heavily on Zdeno Chara. But his level dropped considerably. Maybe a scenery change will spark the much traveled vet.

I still am a bit perplexed why the Sharks made two trades. Is Martin Havlat really that much better than Dany Heatley for their system? They subtracted Devin Setoguchi, who was a good piece on back-to-back rosters that lost in the Conference Finals. Getting Brent Burns from Minnesota was a wise move but why not have just used Heatley instead of dealing away Setoguchi, Patrick Coyle and a #1 that allowed the Wild to select Zack Phillips. It seems like Doug Wilson parted with more than he had to due to the separate deals. While it still will be odd seeing Heatley in a Wild jersey, he's still a better player than Havlat who can boost hockey in St. Paul.

And finally, if the rumors are true about Michel Therrien to the Devils, I don't get why. Recycling another coach who often has worn thin, just doesn't make a lot of sense. He is a defensive coach who likes to sit back, which fits their system. But shouldn't the playoffs demonstrate that you need to play up-tempo to be successful? Even Claude Julien's Bruins made the necessary adjustment, battering the Canucks which explains why we still haven't found either Sedin. Having a strong D works to a point when you're headlined by a dominant big man like Chara. The Devs boast no such player with Adam Larsson still needing time. The fourth overall gem should make the roster but how well he performs is still a giant question. They must be careful not to expect too much. Is Therrien really the best fit for Zach Parise? TBD.

Thrashing takes destiny out of Rangers hands

Brian used to refer to Atlanta as an automatic loss for Buffalo because everytime they played, the Thrashers took it to his Sabres. I guess the same applies to my team, who last night couldn't get out of their own way- suffering a humiliating 3-0 shutout to a team that's made the playoffs once in their existence. None of that mattered. Not even on an emotional night where former officer Steven McDonald presented Brandon Prust with the Extra Effort Award with two-time recipient Ryan Callahan on crutches showing support to thunderous cheers.

Despite another riveting speech from McDonald that included, "We win. You lose," the Rangers just couldn't. It didn't start out badly by any stretch with their first few shifts pinning the Thrashers deep, generating chances on Ondrej Pavelec. The problem was the young netminder didn't cooperate, stopping all 29 shots en route to his fourth shutout of the season. The Rangers took the first four shots but couldn't get the all important first goal, which may have sent Atlanta in retreat. Instead, they came on following a couple of strong shifts from Prust's line with Brian Boyle and Ruslan Fedotenko. Once the Thrashers began taking the play to us, it was evident that we were in for a long night. A couple of very tough saves from Henrik Lundqvist foreshadowed a heartbreaking script. When he squeezed the pads together to rob Dustin Byfuglien in the second, the look on his face was one of, 'Uh oh. If I give up one, we're going to lose.'

That's how superior the Thrashers were. A team with skill and speed who just aren't a good match-up for our team. No surprise that they felt quite comfortable on the Garden ice, where they've now won five straight. Sadly, the Rangers are 3-13-3 over the last 19 versus Atlanta. Honestly, I think all three wins came via the shootout. I was concerned going in because of this danger. Plus the loss of Callahan was felt with our attack not as strong. Marian Gaborik isn't even an ounce of what Callahan brings, which explained why it didn't take long for John Tortorella to break up Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov and the listless Gaborik, who failed miserably in a big game. If our fate is sealed by two Carolina wins and I see no reason why they'll suffer the same end result in Atlanta tonight, you really have to wonder what's going on inside Gaborik's head. Is it the injuries he had? Is it just mental? Can anyone explain the lack of burst coming from his skates with opponents easily able to recover when he has a step? Between the mind numbing inability to score when our team needs it and the lazy play away from the puck like allowing mere mortal Eric Boulton to escape for the crusher a few minutes into the third, you have to ask if he'll be back. Will anyone take that salary? For some reason, Gabby just doesn't fit the system.

Everyone else gives maximum effort. Even on a night they didn't have it, the try was there. The execution wasn't. Anyone could see how lucky they were not to be down after one. So, when Islander stiff Rob Schremp took full advantage of a dreadful Sean Avery turnover for the game's first goal, it wasn't a surprise. However, seeing Atlanta captain Andrew Ladd split our top pair badly, dusting Dan Girardi before going backhand deke on Lundqvist, was stunning. Both Girardi and Marc Staal had games to forget with each on for two of three goals against. Tortorella's not wrong when he states that nobody played well. Even if Boyle came close, drawing iron before the roof collapsed, our team looked disjointed. You can't tempt fate twice. Against Boston, they got a mulligan. I knew after the second goal, there would be no comeback. Considering that I already wasn't feeling well, I headed for the car and listened to the third where Dave Maloney was beside himself after Gaborik's error.

Maloney questioned Tortorella sitting our most skilled forward out the remaining 15:41 in Game 81 trailing by three. Yes. He made a brutal mistake. But at that point with the team needing him and more shifts for Anisimov, who also found himself on the bench much of the third, they had to play their best. Conversely, Avery wasn't punished for his lazy clear that's been a trait ever since he returned to Broadway. You figure it out. Erik Christensen, who didn't look half bad between Avery and converted right wing Matt Gilroy, received increased minutes. The same player whose role had reduced to almost zilch aside from shootout specialist. Sometimes, the coach's decisions baffle. Especially with one more game to play tomorrow afternoon (12:30 ET) against the Devils.

It might not even matter. If the Canes win out, even if we beat the Devils and finish tied in the standings with 93 points, Carolina gets in by virtue of one more regulation/overtime win (35-34). The only prayer is that the Thrashers somehow summon up the same energy against a rested opponent tonight in a more than half empty building and do us a huge favor. I just can't see that happening. Not the way the battle tested Hurricanes are playing. Cam Ward's on a role and Eric Staal, Erik Cole and Jeff Skinner are carrying them. Their best players are playing like it and that spells doom unfortunately for us.

I can honestly say if they win tonight, I'm not going to bother going tomorrow. For what point? Even if we win, I just can't see the Canes losing at home to Tampa Bay with their season on the line. It's like Hasan says. When they do make it, watch out. Every indication is that Carolina will win out and then eliminate whoever they face. I'd love to be wrong because I could easily that being us. It's too bad they didn't meet the challenge yesterday. Now, it's our of their control.

Hope for a miracle.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (23 saves)
2nd Star-Eric Boulton, Atl (6th of season)
1st Star-Rob Schremp, Atl (GW goal, assist)

Tracking The Race: Perry explosion ousts Iginla's Flames

The playoff races continue to be eye popping, especially in the West. While out East, it's still three teams for two spots with the Canes winning last night over the Red Wings, the West picture got a bit clearer thanks to wins from the Kings, Blackhawks and Ducks last night. LA's 3-2 shootout win over Phoenix clinched a playoff berth- vaulting them to fourth over the Predators with 98 points. The Coyotes need one point or any loss from the Stars or those behind them to wrap up a second straight postseason.

In the game of the night, the Hawks posted a wild 4-3 overtime win over old Norris rival St. Louis, increasing their chances of defending the Cup. Chris Stewart forced OT by powering past Duncan Keith and rifling one upstairs on Calder candidate Corey Crawford. In danger a second consecutive night of losing out on a valuable point, Crawford delivered a couple of money stops and captain Jonathan Toews beat Ty Conklin on a breakaway, lifting his team to the huge triumph. Toews' 32nd goal gave Chicago 95 points, who need just two more to qualify.

The Flames knew they needed help from San Jose even if they won. In the Battle Of Alberta, Calgary took care of business on the strength of captain Jarome Iginla's hat trick in a 6-1 rout of Edmonton. He once again scored 40 in a season, doing so for the fourth time in a brilliant career that's also included a 50 goal campaign in '07-08. Down the stretch the classy superstar was brilliant, putting up 14 points (9-5-14) over the last six games, featuring his second hat trick of the season. Since March 1, Iginla's scored a ridiculous 17 goals along with 10 assists, totaling 27 points- erasing doubts that the 33 year-old was on the downside. It's a shame that we won't get to see one of the game's brightest stars in the playoffs. If only they'd brought in Jay Feaster earlier to replace Daryl Sutter. During the run, Iginla's moved up to third in goals behind Rocket Richard leader Corey Perry (50) and Steven Stamkos (44) while tying Alex Ovechkin for sixth in scoring with 85 points (42-43-85). If not for a torrid pace from Perry, who now is front and center in the Hart discussion with The Sedins, Martin St. Louis, Tim Thomas, Carey Price and Pekka Rinne, Iginla would probably be at the top of the list for rescuing his team. Instead, he won't be part of the playoffs.

Meanwhile at The Pond Honda Center, the Sharks were no match for Perry, who continued his scoring assault by notching his third hat trick of '10-11 along with a helper in a 6-2 demolishing of their close California rival. So spectacular were the first two goals that they'll be replayed for quite a while with one an amazing forehand, triple deke to the backhand, roof job on a helpless Antero Niittymaki, who made his first start in 35 games, finally giving Finnish countryman Antti Niemi a night off. The poor ex-Flyer had no chance.

“Fifty is a huge number,” beamed Perry after increasing the NHL's streak of 50 goal scorers to six post-lockout.  “Everybody talks about it, (but) not a whole lot of people get to do it and be in that category. It hasn’t really sunk in.”

“It’s a tip to all of us when he can get 50, but it still takes a special player to get there,” proud linemate Ryan Getzlaf praised of Perry's work that's seen him rip up NHL goalies for 19 goals over the last 14 games. “He’s one of those guys who rise to the occasion. He plays playoff hockey any time you need him. He has proven time and time again he can play in those big games and have results.”

Perry's recent dominance that features a current 10-game point streak (14-8-22) has elevated the Duck to second in scoring with his 97 points (50-47-97) only trailing Daniel Sedin (41-59-100)
Ironically, the tear has him a point (28-27) better than Iginla since March. Going a step further, Perry is 25-20-45 since the All-Star break. No wonder he's at the top of many MVP lists. The Ducks aren't in yet with Dallas holding an extra game that includes a pivotal home-and-home versus the Avalanche tonight and tomorrow. With a home-and-home against the rival Kings tomorrow and Saturday, the Ducks can punch their playoff ticket by winning. They sit seventh in the West due to more regulation/OT wins than the Hawks, who also have two remaining in a home-and-home traditional theme versus chief rival Detroit Friday and Sunday. If Dallas wins its final three including a visit to Minnesota on the final day of the season, that would put them at 97 points. However, they'd come up short if tied due to the new tiebreaker. So, the Stars still need help. Quite fascinating stuff.

The East race is well documented with the Sabres (92 Pts), Rangers (91) and Hurricanes (89) all battling for the final two spots. For Buffalo, one point will ensure them a second straight postseason. They face the Flyers at home tomorrow and travel to Columbus Saturday. The Rangers need three points. A win tonight versus Atlanta would put them in good shape, forcing the Canes to stave off elimination tomorrow against those same Thrashers in Georgia. They could need to beat the Hudson rival Devils Saturday to wrap up the playoffs for a fifth time in six years. Meanwhile, Carolina will watch the action later and then battle Atlanta and finish with Tampa at home Saturday.

Atl/NYR Preview: Canes put pressure back on Rangers

It's a race to the finish line for both the Rangers and Hurricanes with each doing their part to achieve meaningful hockey this Spring. It's already been interesting with the Rangers rallying from three down to stun the Bruins with five unanswered the other night. The Hurricanes responded with a convincing 3-0 shutout of West powerhouse Detroit in Raleigh on the strength of 42 saves from former Conn Smythe winner Cam Ward, who was at his best in the first period, stopping all 19 shots.

The Canes finally solved Jimmy Howard with a pair in the second off the sticks of Derek Joslin and Calder frontrunner Jeff Skinner, whose wraparound with 1:11 left all but ensured the big win. Detroit generated quality chances but even when Ward wasn't stopping them in their tracks, he had some help from a goalpost, which denied Pavel Datsyuk's tying bid. Datsyuk certainly was dangerous but no Red Wing could solve Ward, who turned it up and looks like he'll be awfully tough to beat in Carolina's final two regular season games at Atlanta tomorrow and home for Tampa Bay Saturday. Ward and a strong Canes' PK held off a Detroit two-man advantage before Eric Staal cruised down the other way and promptly set up sizzling linemate Erik Cole for the final tally. Staal set up all three goals while Ward recorded his fourth shutout (16th career) as Carolina pulled within two of the Blueshirts, who host those Thrashers tonight.

One team can play a huge role in who makes it. Over the next 24 hours (30 for those keeping track), the Thrashers will try to spoil it for either the Rangers or Canes. Both teams must remember to show up to the rink on time because Atlanta is very formidable- boasting dangerous Dustin Byfuglien and Tobias Enstrom on the back end while captain Andrew Ladd leads the offense up front that includes budding sophomore Evander Kane, ex-Bruin Blake Wheeler, Bryan Little, Nik Antropov and grinders Anthony Stewart and Chris Thorburn. Ondrej Pavelec can also be a pain if he gets hot. The Thrashers don't play much D, which explains Pavelec's solid .910 save percentage. By no means will Atlanta roll over for either club. Especially the Rangers, who have to do it without emotional leader Ryan Callahan against a team that owns them. Entering tonight, they have yet to take a game in the season series, dropping two in regulation and one in overtime. In fact, the last four times Atlanta's visited MSG, they've sent the Garden Faithful home unsatisfied. If that happens tonight, it could be fatal. The Rangers are looking to reverse a trend that's seen their opponent go 12-3-3 against them over the last 18 meetings.

Getting off quickly would definitely be a good idea. The Thrashers have nothing to play for outside of pride. Score early and perhaps they'll go away. Minus Callahan, the Rangers will need everyone to step up including MIA Act Marian Gaborik, who should see important minutes possibly with Artem Anisimov and Brandon Dubinsky. Gaborik hasn't scored in seven straight and likely won't play with Vinny Prospal, who should start with Derek Stepan and Wojtek Wolski. It'll be interesting to see what John Tortorella does as far as Gaborik who was shifted to the checking line with Brian Boyle and Brandon Prust, helping set up Mike Sauer's exciting game-winner. Does he keep him on the energy line, hoping it rubs off or will we see Gabby reunited with Erik Christensen? Speaking of vanishing acts, Christy has again disappeared after a great stretch in March before a futile finish. Matt Gilroy is expected to dress as a forward, something the former Hobey Baker winner did in college before making the switch. How much will Tort use a talented player with offensive insincts?

Assuming Gabby starts with Boyle, here's what we see:

Avery-Dubinsky-Anisimov
Prospal-Stepan-Wolski
Prust-Boyle-Gaborik
Fedotenko-Christensen-Gilroy

Staal-Girardi
McDonagh-Sauer
McCabe-Eminger

Lundqvist


You know with Tortorella, nothing's etched in stone. He'll do whatever he can to get the most of a team that's been resilient all year. Now, they face even more adversity with the enemy Devils licking their chops at the prospect of ruining what's been a feel good story. The task is simple. Like Adrienne said to Rocky after giving birth in Rocky II:

"Win! WIN!!!!!"

From #NYR Tweep @BigGun_s: #Rally4Cally

Habs clinch, Sabres inch closer, Canes take on Wings, Wild Wild West Preview

This wild race is winding down. Last night, one of the four teams wrapped up a playoff spot with the Canadiens posting a 2-1 overtime win over the defending champs at The Bell Centre. Controversial rookie defenseman P.K. Subban's power play goal won it for the Habs, allowing them to make the playoffs a second straight season. The lowscoring Original Six club can thank Carey Price, who was outstanding finishing with 42 saves, including a few close calls late in regulation on tricky deflections. It was his goaltending that saved Montreal's bacon and certainly is worthy of a Vezina and Hart candidacy. Though he'll probably get left out of the MVP discussion with frontrunner Daniel Sedin, Corey Perry and Henrik Sedin all in the mix along with darkhorse Jarome Iginla if the Flames somehow sneak in.

While the Habs took care of business to clinch, the Sabres inched closer to a second straight postseason of their own, doubling up the Lightning at home 4-2 on the strength of Thomas Vanek's sixth career hat trick. Following Ryan Malone's early goal for the Bolts, Buffalo responded with three straight including a pair from Vanek that allowed him to reach 30 for the fourth time in his career. Tim Connolly followed with his 13th, which stood up as the winner thanks to Swede rookie Jhonas Enroth, who again was sharp minus Ryan Miller- finishing with 23 saves. Enroth's strong play has allowed the Sabres to win three of four (3-0-1). Who would've thought that a once perceived weakness could be the ticket to meaningful Spring hockey? Credit Lindy Ruff and the organization for entrusting the '06 second round pick with the backup job over vet Patrick Lalime, who drove our Buffalo resident batty. The Lightning didn't even get a look late thanks to stellar D from Ruff's club, who were so good that Guy Boucher's team couldn't even get Dwayne Roloson to the bench. With less than 15 seconds left, Vanek picked Martin St. Louis' pocket and fired into a vacated net as Roloson watched hopelessly, completing the trick. Buffalo is one point away from the playoffs. A Carolina OT or shootout loss would allow them to clinch tonight.

Speaking of the Hurricanes, they face a must win tonight at home versus the Red Wings. So much for the schedule makers doing them any favors. On that note, can anyone explain why such a crucial contest involves the other conference. Echoing Brian's sentiments with his team finishing in Columbus, what the heck? The final week, you should play only your conference. Preferably rivalry games like the Devils visiting the Rangers Saturday. In any event, the Canes trail the Rangers by four with three left. Their extra game is tonight at 7 ET in Raleigh. The tiebreak has the Blueshirts leading Carolina 34-33 in regulation/OT wins. A win puts the pressure back on the Blueshirts, who learned Team MVP Ryan Callahan broke his leg after blocking a Zdeno Chara shot the other night. If the Canes pick up only a point, a Ranger victory tomorrow versus the Thrashers would allow them to wrap it up. Carolina's gotten great play from Erik Cole, Eric Staal, Calder hopeful Jeff Skinner and Cam Ward. The game is meaningful for Detroit only if they want to pass San Jose for the West's second seed. They've already won the Central over Nashville.

As a hockey purist, it'd be more interesting if the Canes won, putting the pressure back on us. As a Ranger fan, I'd certainly welcome a Red Wing win but am not expecting it. If we're going to make it minus our emotional leader, I'd rather earn it. As I've said before, let's win out.

The Western race is much more exciting with only the three division winners in while the Preds, Coyotes, Kings, Ducks, Hawks, Stars and even the Flames scramble for the remaining five spots. In order to have any shot, Calgary must win their remaining two against Alberta rival Edmonton later and at arch enemy Vancouver on Hockey Night In Canada. Assuming the Flames do what must be done, that game should have meaning. But the Flames need plenty of help with Anaheim, Chicago and Dallas all having three left. The Flames cannot catch Nashville (97), Phoenix (96) or LA (96). There are four games of interest for West observers. Chicago hosts the Blues looking to bounce back from a tough OT loss in Montreal, which had Joel Queeneville fuming about the 10 minors his team received. Facing an old Norris rival who'd like nothing better than to play spoiler, is no picnic. Then there's the aforementioned Alberta clash between the Flames and Oilers at The Saddledome. This rivalry is one of the best and is worth watching after Detroit-Carolina. Then you have another intense rivalry California style between the Ducks and Sharks at The Pond. San Jose is still fuming from their first round ouster two years ago as the top seed. Need I say more? And finally, the Yotes and Kings break the tie in the standings at Staples Center. The best aspect is it's all rivalry games. Here's when each plays:

Stl @ Chi 8 ET
Edm @ Cgy 9:30 ET
SJ @ Ana 10 ET
Phx @ LA 10:30 ET

Not this time!

It was all too fitting. The Rangers again in a hostile environment taken to a shootout versus the hated Flyers. Considering what was at stake in Game 79 with Carolina playing Buffalo later, it was easy to flashback to Game 82 a year ago when mere mortal Brian Boucher outdid Henrik Lundqvist in the skill competition, getting his team in the playoffs and soon on a run that didn't end until Game Six of the Stanley Cup to Hawk hero Patrick Kane.

Would the same cruel fate happen again? Luckily, Olli Jokinen wasn't available for Sunday's critical 3-2 shootout triumph that allowed Lundqvist and his Ranger teammates to breathe easier. Most importantly, thanks to Erik Christensen and Wojtek Wolski, who each beat Sergei Bobrovsky in the first two rounds, the Rangers had their revenge- gaining the valuable extra point that puts them at 89 entering another huge match tonight when Boston visits MSG. Coupled with the Sabres' 3-2 overtime win over Carolina, the Rangers are eighth two points clear of the Hurricanes, who also have three games remaining. Both teams have 33 wins in regulation/overtime. However, the Canes own the season series, which becomes the second breaker if they wind up tied at season's conclusion.

Here's the deal. Win tonight and the Blueshirts put immense pressure on Carolina, who will then trail by four. Do it in regulation/OT and they'll also lead the Hurricanes by one under the new format, which would make it even more daunting. Thanks to rookie Marc-Andre Gragnani's first NHL goal that caromed off two Canes past Cam Ward, it prevented Carolina from staying only a point back while keeping the seventh Sabres a point up on us. Well, technically two due to more reg/OT wins.

For John Tortorella's resilient club who erased the lifeless performance in Long Island with a more familiar gritty style that's made them rootable, they can't concern themselves with what the Canadiens, Sabres and Hurricanes do. The focus must be about taking care of business, which includes tough Northeast division winner Boston later on Versus at 7:30 ET. A game that should be no picnic with the Bruins still vying for higher position in the East, trailing the Flyers and Capitals by four with an extra game being played today. The Bruins are difficult anyway with Vezina frontrunner Tim Thomas, former Norris winner Zdeno Chara, power forward Milan Lucic and a bevy of smart forwards who get in on the forecheck and can strike quickly.

Figure it to play out similarly to Lundqvist's league high 11th shutout on March 26 in Beantown. The Rangers could be without goalscorer Ruslan Fedotenko, who only played five minutes in the third after getting banged up. If the undervalued key addition can't go, Whale call up Kris Newbury will replace him, likely on the fourth line with shootout aces Christensen and Wolski. Sean Avery, who only played five minutes, would see more shifts playing with Brandon Prust and Brian Boyle.

The Rangers matched their team record set in '93-94 by recording their 24th road win. They finish the 2010-11 regular season 24-16-1 (24-17), hoping it's not the final time they play away from The Garden. Now, they get the last three at home in a place that hasn't been as easy. Entering tonight, they're 18-16-4 on home ice. In other words, a losing record (18-20). In what's going to be a chaotic week, nothing can be assumed. Even if Carolina gets the Red Wings Wednesday before finishing with Atlanta and Tampa Bay, the goal is simple. Hold serve with the Garden Faithful throwing all their support to get this hard working team in the playoffs. With the basketball tenant, the Knicks clinching their first postseason since '03-04, there's even more scrutiny.

The Rangers have the Bruins, Thrashers Thursday and the Hudson rival Devils Saturday, who you know would love nothing better than to end their season. Here's a noble suggestion. Win the first two to not put themselves in an unenviable position.

Nobody ever said it would be easy. Not with a young roster that's been carried down the stretch by Lundqvist, who will make his record 24th consecutive start. They'll need the same level of sacrifice and commitment to get it done from Staal, Girardi, McDonagh, Sauer, Callahan, Dubinsky, Boyle, Prust, Anisimov and even Prospal who's shown so much coming back from a knee that could end his career. Even Gaborik got the uniform dirty yesterday, coming hard on the backcheck to break up scoring chances. If only No.10 would remember his main duty and score a couple over this do or die stretch.

It's time for the boys to stand up and fight for their right at home. Go all Beastie Boys and defend their turf. Do so and they're back in the postseason for a fifth time in six years since the lockout. Do it not and it will be a long offseason. It's up to them.

Rangers-Sabres Preview: Battle Of New York looms large tonight, Enroth over Miller???

The stakes couldn't be any higher. When the seventh seeded Rangers visit Western New York tonight against the eighth Sabres, two points separate the teams with six games remaining. The Rangers enter with 87 points, winners of eight of 10- bringing a 23-14-1 road record that ranks only behind the Canucks, Flyers, Bruins and Red Wings. The Sabres have 85- their lead over ninth Carolina down to three due to a 4-3 loss in Toronto combined with the Canes' 3-2 shootout triumph in D.C.

Speaking of those Canes, they'll be in Montreal playing at the same time. You can bet there will be some scoreboard watching. Even with the emphasis on what's in front of each, some peeking at the festivities north of the border. It should make for quite a couple of hours if you're a fan of any of these clubs jockeying for playoff position as we count down to the final frantic week.

For Buffalo, they must have short memories after losing to bitter nemesis Toronto in a very exciting game that saw them combine for seven goals. The Sabres fell behind by two twice before rallying to tie it on lightning strikes from Jason Pominville and Rob Niedermayer 30 seconds apart in the third to stun the Leafs. But Toronto leading scorer Mikhail Grabovski shelved his 28th just past Ryan Miller to keep the Leafs alive in the race. With 80 points and only five left, they'll need to keep winning and get help.

It was a blown opportunity for the Sabres to push ahead of the idle Blueshirts due to the shootout tiebreak that puts more of an emphasis on regulation/overtime wins. Instead, Lindy Ruff's club made things more complicated for themselves with Carolina very much in play with a lot depending on what happens a few hours from now.

“I had a chance to set the tone on my end and didn't do it, and it just kind of went from there," lamented losing goalie Miller who wasn't pleased with a goal he allowed to Leaf captain Dion Phaneuf from the blueline that got the ACC jumping. Figure the rating Vezina winner to be locked in after permitting four on 35 shots while rookie James Reimer made some clutch stops late for his 18th victory. It's probably too late for the 23 year-old former '06 fourth round pick to put his name into a packed Calder race that includes headliners Jeff Skinner, Logan Couture, Corey Crawford along with the Islanders' Michael Grabner.

Whenever the Rangers and Sabres meet, the goalie battle is always the main attraction, pitting Henrik Lundqvist against Miller. Though Miller's having a down season, he's fully capable of shutting down the opposition on any night. There's plenty of incentive against his sizzling counterpart who enters 8-1-1 with a 1.67 GAA, .936 save percentage and three of his league-high 11 shutouts coming over the past 10 starts, boosting his Vezina candidacy against stiff competition featuring Tim Thomas (9th SHO in 3-0 win over Hawks), Carey Price (27 saves for 35th W in 3-1 win over Thrashers) and Pekka Rinne. It will be King Henrik's 21st consecutive start.

UPDATE: In a stunner, the Sabres are expected to start Jhonas Enroth. The 22 year-old Swede doesn't have much experience with nine career starts. Eight have come this year with the '06 second round pick 5-2-1 with a 2.77 GAA and .906 save percentage. Respectable numbers but he hasn't started since 3/13, winning a wild 6-4 conventional shootout over Ottawa with 34 saves.The timing seems iffy. Maybe Ruff's trying to send a message to his team that last night was unacceptable. It should be noted that historically, the Rangers don't fare well against unknowns. So, if in fact Enroth is in, who knows.

Both teams know they can't rely on help from the Habs- a team they're still trying to catch. Montreal ended a near record futility of being blanked three straight times by pulling out a 3-1 home win over Atlanta, all but ending the Thrashers' season. Montreal has 89 points but owns the new tiebreak over the Rangers and Sabres. This is the final meeting between the state rivals with the Rangers holding a 2-1 edge. The last time they played at HSBC was the infamous season opener featuring Derek Stepan's hat trick debut, highlighting a 6-3 win. The other two games at MSG both were decided by identical 3-2 margins with the Blueshirts taking the second meeting on an Artem Anisimov OT winner while Buffalo returned the favor in regulation with Jochen Hecht's tally holding up.

“There’s enough there. Doesn’t matter what team,” Tortorella told Jim Cerny on a nyranger.com feature. “I know everybody is concerned about the standings, but we can only worry about us.”

Figure it to be tight.

Lundqvist stakes claim, St. Pat's Looms Large

By show of hands, how many felt confident that the Rangers would go into the Shark Tank and come away with two points the other night? Alright. We're guessing five to 10 percent. Considering how dreadful they looked against Anaheim and with how well San Jose's been going since the break, it looked like doom and gloom. Instead, thanks to a clutch performance by Henrik Lundqvist, the Blueshirts escaped with a 3-2 shootout win, putting them at 76 points with a dozen left.

When his team needed him most in a must win, Lundqvist delivered his best work- making 31 saves including many in a lopsided third when his team hung on. Even better, the King of the shootout sans Martin Brodeur was at his best, turning aside five of six San Jose shooters including the last four. None were bigger than his denial of Ryane Clowe who could've clinched it in Round Three following Dan Boyle's awesome super backhand deke. It allowed Wojtek Wolski a chance to level it and he was money with a quick wrister beating Antti Niemi for sudden death. After Lundqvist stoned Dany Heatley, it was Brandon Dubinsky who channeled Mark Messier with a sneaky wrister five-hole that gave the Blueshirts the all important win.

However, it wouldn't have been possible without the stellar play of the league shutout leader who knows the pressure's on with teams from behind making pushes. Had he allowed one goal late, the Devils would've been six out with the Leafs and Thrashers- miraculous winners in Philly thanks to a dreadful Kris Versteeg error- four behind and slumping Carolina two out.

“We battled the whole night. It was so important for us to get two points tonight, and at least split the road trip," King Henrik said after getting plenty of help from shot blocking domino Dan Girardi, who delivered a season high nine blocks. The Rangers as a team had 27 altogether, sacrificing like they have all season. That's why the stinker in Anaheim was so disappointing because they didn't compete. In particular, Marc Staal and Danny G who both had forgettable nights along with two-way center Brian Boyle. All bounced back with vigor that has defined this meat and potatoes team.

On a night the Draft Line (Anisimov-Dubinsky-Callahan) weren't a factor, John Tortorella guessed right, reinserting Erik Christensen for Sean Avery on the Marian Gaborik line with Vinny Prospal. When they needed a goal already down one thanks to Clowe, some superb work down low by the trio led to Prospal extending to a six-game point streak with a quick dish in front for Christensen, who did the rest for his 10th.

Overlooked rookie D Mike Sauer continued his splendid play with his second goal set up by Brandon Prust and Ruslan Fedotenko. He also continued to deliver big minutes along with fellow freshman Ryan McDonagh with the second pair duo going plus-four Saturday with five blocks. Big time stuff from two players who didn't even start the year on Broadway. It speaks to how well the organization has developed each while remaining patient with Sauer, who's the last link from the unpopular Brian Leetch deal to Toronto pre-lockout. If only Slats would've held onto Lauri Korpikoski (17 goals) instead of shipping him to Rangers West for Enver Lisin. A deal we'll never fully grasp. At least Sauer's still around, proving to be a reliable two-way blueliner who doesn't take crap from anyone. Exactly the kind of defenseman this club's lacked forever.

For the Rangers, who've won three of four, they'll need to keep it going tomorrow night when the archrival Islanders pay a visit to 33rd and Seventh. The Islanders have been playing good hockey, giving the Devils all they could handle twice with each contest going extras before the Devs prevailed. It won't be easy with Calder candidate Michael Grabner, Matt Moulson, John Tavares and Blake Comeau leading a better offense. There's also the subplot of former No.1 pick Al Montoya likely going opposite Lundqvist, who blocked his path. You know Montoya would love nothing better than to outperform our franchise netminder, damaging Ranger playoff hopes. He wasn't that good in the loss to the Devs, giving up a pair of softies including David Clarkson's rebound that allowed New Jersey to keep their dream alive. Montoya's performed well for the Isles. So, it should be interesting.

Tomorrow's a big day with the Devils facing the Thrashers in a rematch at The Rock while the Sabres- 6-4 winners over Ottawa on an emotional day that saw popular French Connection member Rick Martin pass away in a car accident- take on the Canes at the bottom of the hour. There are huge implications for all four clubs, who also will keep a close eye on tonight's Tampa Bay-Toronto match. A Leaf win would move them into a tie with Carolina for ninth with 72 points. Four off the pace. The Devils and Thrashers basically are fighting to stay in tomorrow. If one wins in regulation, it could be a crusher for the loser. Atlanta sits tied for 10th with the Leafs at 70 while the Devils are 12th with 68 and one fewer game played.

So much is riding on the line for everybody. Do the Devils have more magic in their sticks after unclaimed waiver defender Anssi Salmela beat Montoya in overtime? Or can the Thrashers build on an unlikely comeback win against the top seed after a nifty Evander Kane dish for equally unlikely hero Ron Hainsey? Can Tyler Ennis keep it going against the desperate Canes who suffered a bitter defeat 3-2 to Columbus? Or is this the day Eric Staal and Cam Ward deliver? Can Montoya upstage Lundqvist or will the King reign supreme at a place he and teammates haven't performed well in? Stay tuned.

Crack open a Killians and enjoy the puck on St. Pat's.

Spring Puck Saturday

On this eventful Saturday with the weather more Spring-esque with balmy 60+ degree temps reminding us of playoff aspirations, a bevy of action is taking place, including Habs-Pens as we punch away in Huguenot Library. At the end of two, Les Habitants are ahead 3-zip with goals coming off the sticks of Tomas Plekanec, Travis Moen and Mike Cammalleri.  The Canadiens chased emerging MVP candidate Marc-Andre Fleury (3 GA on 12 shots). Vezina hopeful Carey Price has stopped all 17 shots.

Both clubs are comfortably ahead in the playoff chase with the banged up Pens fourth with 86 points- four behind Eastern leader Philadelphia- and the Habs sixth with 81. Seven ahead of seventh Buffalo and eighth New York, who both play later on. Unless Pittsburgh has a furious rally, it looks like the Canadiens will steer within one of fifth Tampa Bay, who have been overtaken by resurgent Washiongton for the Southeast lead. The Caps have quietly been winning regularly with Alex Ovechkin turning it on. His goal in last night's damaging 2-1 comeback win over ninth Carolina was highlight variety. The Caps would win in regulation but not without controversy due to an apparent Canes' goal being wiped out due to a quick whistle. One of those rules you live with when it comes to officials, who are human. So, it kept Carolina at 72 with 14 games left, including a big clash with Columbus in Raleigh.

With 10 games involving 20 teams on Spring Puck Saturday, every team in the chase for seventh and eighth are taking part. Fresh off a point in a tough 3-2 overtime defeat to the Devils, the Thrashers visit the Flyers tonight. Atlanta still sits 11th with 68 points with Game 69 a biggie. The same can be said of the Devils who host the Islanders at The Rock at the same time. With more late heroics coming from Ilya Kovalchuk and Travis Zajac, the Devs are 12th with 66, still eight behind the Rangers but with two more games left. Still, on a day they need two more points to close to six and put the pressure on our team, who faces the Sharks, it's essential they get it done against an Islander team that doesn't lose much these days. Last weekend, they needed a shootout to prevail on Long Island. It should be interesting with the Isles only two back of their state rival.

The teams playing early tonight will have a close eye on Buffalo-Toronto with the Sabres looking to stay hot. Drew Stafford is red hot and Jason Pominville is heating up at the right time. Rookie Tyler Ennis has also stepped up for Lindy Ruff's club that looks to put more distance between them and the pack against 10th Toronto, who tries to bounce back from a tough 3-2 loss to Philly. Big difference between the Leafs climbing to 70 with a regulation win, just four back and a Sabre victory in 60, which would put them eight clear of their archrival. Should be fun to watch.

For John Tortorella's club, they'll already know the results with at least a couple of clubs likely gaining ground. After today, they have only a dozen left. Considering how flat the Rangers were in one of their worst performances Wednesday in Anaheim, expect them to be ready against one of the hottest clubs. The Sharks have gone from outside playoff position pre All-Star Break to sitting third in the crowded West, leading the best division in hockey, the Pacific. The second half performances of Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton and recently re-signed netminder Antti Niemi have sparked the Sharks to 85 points- three ahead of fourth Dallas and four in front of sixth LA and seventh Phoenix. Oh. And the ninth Ducks sit six out, meaning that's all that separates last from first.

Against a team that boasts Calder hopeful Logan Couture (25 goals), Dany Heatley, gritty Ryane Clowe, Joe Pavelski, Dan Boyle and revived Devin Setoguchi, the Blueshirts have their work cut out. It's imperative that they get out quickly with headliners Marian Gaborik, Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan, Brian Boyle, Henrik Lundqvist, Marc Staal and Dan Girardi all on top of their game. Simply put, the Rangers cannot afford a repeat of the other night. Not with fewer games left than anyone else.

It should be interesting to see how they respond to adversity. A lot's on the line today for every playoff chaser. Fasten your seatbelts.

Eastern Race intensifies

Yesterday, both the Sabres and Devils lost while the Leafs picked up a point in an overtime defeat to the pesky Islanders in which Blake Comeau tipped in Radek Martinek's point blast. For idle teams the Rangers and Hurricanes, they loved what they saw. The Rangers in seventh with 74 points and fewer games left, actually rooted for the Pens, who thanks to another splendid outing from emerging MVP candidate Marc-Andre Fleury, silenced the Sabres 3-1.

With a chance to move over the Rangers for seventh, Buffalo got a poor performance from Ryan Miller and zilch from Drew Stafford with Thomas Vanek out. When Rob Niedermayer is your only offense against a team minus its two biggest stars, you should win. Instead, the Sabres remained eighth with 72- one up on Carolina and four ahead of Toronto. The Canes are back in action against 11th Atlanta, who are seven out. One in front of the Devils, who blew a golden opportunity to gain even more ground in what amounted to a costly 2-1 loss to the lowly Senators.

Like most observers, I'd already given the sizzling Devs the two points only to find out after a Mardi Gras gathering that they actually lost with Erik Condra doing them in with just over two minutes remaining. Craig Anderson was equally as responsible, flat out robbing Ilya Kovalchuk en route to 31 saves. Last night was more proof that you can't let down for one second. The Sens have nothing to play for except pride. Condra escaped Nick Palmeiri due to the Devils paying too much attention to Jason Spezza, who threaded the needle for the crusher. When Spezza feels like playing, he's dangerous. The Devil goal came off a nifty set up from Brian Rolston, who circled the net and dished for Patrik Elias, who buried his 15th. Martin Brodeur was superb in defeat, making a few sparklers including a sliding stack followed by extra goalie Anton Volchenkov's own unique stop. Brodeur finished with 19 saves, suffering the hard luck loss.

The good news for Jacques Lemaire's club who've won 20 of 25 (20-3-2) is Buffalo lost. They still have 16 games left and given the way teams have played in front of them, there's reason for optimism. With every game do or die for a franchise that hasn't missed the playoffs since Lemaire I during the club's first Cup defense ('95-96), they must dial it up again Friday in a visit to Atlanta. All too ironic for Kovalchuk that he and teammates must root for his former team to beat the Canes later, which would put them three behind the Thrashers. Then win in regulation.

That's how crazy this Eastern race is. Hell. If the Islanders had beaten the Devils over the weekend, we'd be talking more about their run. Instead, Jack Capuano's surging club continues to lurk in the shadows with 62 points. With three candidates for 30-goal seasons (Moulson-28, Grabner-27, Tavares-24), the Islanders are playing well. They're a team with nothing to lose. Something Leafs' captain Dion Phaneuf made reference to following a costly lost point.

“They are a very different team than they were before Christmas.”

These Isles are finally getting it. What with former Ranger No.1 pick Al Montoya (6-2-2, 2.02 GAA, .930 Save Pct., SHO) supplying steady netminding along with improved play from Comeau (career best 19 goals and 40 points), P.A. Parenteau (15-27-42), Andrew MacDonald (4-22-26, club best 140 blocked shots), Frans Nielsen (career high 29 assists), reemerging Josh Bailey (1-3-4 in last 4), a healthy Kyle Okposo (4-10-14), there's plenty for Islander fans to be excited about. Already rookie blueliner Travis Hamonic has become a steady influence with 20 points (3-17-20) while doing all the little things right (86 hits, 94 blocked shots). Jack Hillen has also been solid, chipping in with 15 points and 112 blocked shots.

So, while Garth Snow foolishly defends the undefendable like repeat offender Trevor Gillies, Capuano has kept his team focused. No longer are the Islanders easy to play against. They're the one team you don't want to face in this race. Even if they don't make it, they'll play spoiler.

A Glance At Tonight: There are two games of interest involving three teams. First, the Thrashers visit Raleigh at 7 to battle the Canes. A regulation win would put Atlanta right back in it, just five out. If Carolina wins, they jump over idle Buffalo into eighth. The way these two clubs play, figure the dreaded three-point game.

Meanwhile, the Rangers are on a vital two-game Pacific swing with stops at Anaheim tonight and San Jose Saturday. Considering how hectic the West is, this is a must for the Ducks, who have slipped to 11th with 75 points. Amazingly, they're only four away from fifth Dallas, sixth Phoenix and seventh Calgary, typifying how wild the West is. The Kings sit in eighth with 77 while Minnesota and Nashville are sandwiched between the Ducks. Anything's possible. John Tortorella's club enters with one less point than their opponent but must contend with the dangerous Ryan-Getzlaf-Perry line not to mention ageless wonder Teemu Selanne (21-39-60), who looks like he could play another five years. There's also the cool subplot of rookie blueliner Cam Fowler (7-22-29, club worst -23, 4 PPG, 16 PP Pts) who the Blueshirts passed on, instead opting for rugged defenseman Dylan McIlrath. The full impact won't be known for years.

It's definitely a compelling match. Can the Ducks bounce back from a 3-0 shutout loss to Vancouver or do the Rangers build on that impressive 7-0 blitz of the Flyers that featured a Ryan Callahan four-goal, five-point game, two Mats Zucarello markers and Henrik Lundqvist's league-leading ninth shutout? For the East coasters, it don't start till 10:30. Stay tuned.


RACE FOR SEVEN AND EIGHT
             GP Record    Pts     GR
7.NYR  68 35-29-4   74      14
8.Buf     66 32-26-8   72      16
9.Car    66  31-26-9   71      16
10.Tor   67 29-28-10  68      15
11.Atl    66 27-28-11  65      16
12.NJD  66 30-32-4   64      16
13.Fla    67  27-31-9   63      15
14.NYI  68  26-32-10 62      14

Vote on our new Devil Poll

Not long ago, the Devils were a laughingstock having won only 10 of their first 41 games. Now, they've won 18 of 22 (18-2-2) climbing within new NHL .500. They still trail the stumbling Rangers by 10 points for the final playoff spot with 19 games remaining. With Carolina defeating the Sabres in one of those dreaded three-point games, the Hurricanes passed the Rangers for seventh with 71 points while Buffalo climbed to 68. The Devils sit 12th and must still quantum leap the slumping Thrashers and sizzling Maple Leafs, who posted a 3-2 overtime win over the Flyers last night to reach 67.

Three of the competing clubs are in action later tonight with the Devils taking on the Penguins while the Rangers visit Ottawa and Carolina tries to cool off Chicago. New Jersey has extra games left, which could allow them to get even closer as the frantic race reaches its final month. They're the subject of our new poll. One we hope you'll vote on. On such an amazing run with the fitting slogan One Game At A Time, who's most responsible for the turnaround? Is it Jacques Lemaire or Ilya Kovalchuk? Perhaps it's Johan Hedberg or even Team MVP Dainius Zubrus. What about the resurgent Brian Rolston, who once again is performing under his favorite coach? Or perhaps it's overlooked rookie Mark Fayne, whose steady D and offensive contributions have made a difference. What about franchise all-time scoring leader Patrik Elias, who's been a model of consistency? Or just maybe it's former captain Jamie Langenbrunner, whose extinction coincided with this run from nowhere. :P

I wonder what our resident Jersey blogger Hasan thinks. Even if you dislike the Devils, you have to admit that this is unprecedented and deserves our attention. So, go vote or even comment below! We dare ya. ;)

Rangers blanked by Cats, send down Del Zotto

The weekend in South Florida wasn't too kind to the Rangers, who fell to the Lightning for the third straight time this time 2-1 in overtime on a Nate Thompson goal 19 seconds in from David Tyrell. Seriously. Thanks to outstanding netminding from Henrik Lundqvist, they shutout Steven Stamkos, Martin St. Louis and Vinny Lecvalier. However, it took a Marian Gaborik goal with the King pulled to finally solve rookie Cedric Desjardins, who was superb in his second career start. The same Gabby then failed to take Thompson for the winner with Matt Gilroy sliding out of position.

A day later, the Blueshirts were blanked by of all teams Florida 3-zip, making it one goal in their last six-plus periods. Something that must change when the red hot Hurricanes come to town Wednesday for a pivotal match. Carolina is making some headway, having reeled off three in a row to climb to 40 points- trailing eighth Montreal by five and us by seven. Boasting a star goalie Cam Ward in net and Eric Staal and hot shot rook Jeff Skinner up front, the Canes are the one team to fear in this playoff race. With Carolina also hosting the Panthers tonight, they could be within five 48 hours from now.

In other words, the Rangers need to buckle down this week with a challenging back-to-back on the road that starts at Dallas and ends in St. Louis, who manhandled them earlier this season. And with the Cats ending the perfect 9-0 mark in the second of back-to-backs, it's time for John Tortorella's group to reestablish the success that's made them road warriors. Perhaps for the first time since he went down, they miss key ingredient Ryan Callahan. Losing Erik Christensen doesn't help either even if he's not steady. Ruslan Fedotenko left nicked up after blocking a shot yesterday. However, a healthy 1-12 up front is a team strength that's now being challenged with Dale Weise getting his second look.

There's no shame in losing to Tomas Vokoun, who plays in obscurity. However, sloppy play has crept up into the club's play and that trend can't continue this week. This is a very tough month ahead with next week proving to be no easier with two games versus the Habs sandwiched around the sizzling Canucks at MSG. In Week 3, they'll see the Canes again with the Flyers, Leafs and Thrashers on the horizon before concluding January with a back-to-back against rejuvenated Washington and Florida. Essentially, these next three weeks could determine what kind of year it will be for a team that's big on heart and low on skill. That means a few more goals off Gabby's stick.

In another piece of news, the Rangers sent down struggling defenseman Mike Del Zotto to Connecticut and recalled Ryan McDonagh. The big part of the Scott Gomez cap relief trade is 1-7-8 with a plus-one rating in 38 contests with the Whale. The 21 year-old defenseman who was originally selected by the Canadiens 12th overall in the '07 Draft gets to reunite with former Badger teammate Derek Stepan. With Gilroy sitting out last night, it looks like McD is set to make his NHL debut against Carolina. Unless Tortorella sits vet Michal Rozsival, Hobey looks to be the odd man out for now. Mike Sauer has gained the trust of the staff, rewarded with more responsibility.

For Del Zotto who a year ago took the city by storm with his electrifying rushes and whirlwind playmaking, it's been a sophomore slump. He's followed a 37-point (9-28-37 in 80 GP) '09-10 with only nine points (2-7-9) over 35 contests often looking timid. On the second Florida tally by one-time Blueshirt Christopher Higgins, he took himself out of the play entirely. Poor reads that have led to odd-man rushes and goals against like a Tyler Seguin crusher earlier have been the trend for a gifted player who must regain his confidence. Down in the 'A,' he'll get the chance to work on breaking the habits that have seen his game slip.

DZ is a big piece of the future. This is an important time in his young career. He's only 20 and we must remember that. Hopefully, the time spent with the Whale will benefit him, making the '08 first round pick a better player. In the mean time, this is a real test for the Rangers. We'll see if a few fresh faces are up to the challenge.

Bye Bye Sangs

Bobby Sanguinetti has found a new home. Maybe Raleigh will treat him better than how our team did. Showing the usual lack of patience after superhyping the kid from Trenton who they once took in the first round a few years ago. Though it may as well seem like a decade the way his stock plummeted in the organization.

Apparently, there was no chance to recover from Michael Del Zotto beating him out at camp last year. And Matt Gilroy impressed, giving Ranger fans false hope only to disappoint during his first NHL season. So, Sangs goes bye bye and hopefully, gets a real shot with the Candy Canes. The deal was consumated a short while ago while I was watching USA trailing Ghana at the half in World Cup play. The particulars:

NYR receive '10 Car 6th Rd Pick, Wsh '11 2nd Rd Pick
Car gets D Bobby Sanguinetti


Can anyone say dump much? To think that yet again, our organization went ga ga over another kid and then soured due largely to Tort to the tune that this was the best they could get back. Simply amazing. What did Sangs play in? All of 2 games? Actually, it's five. Well, that's an improvement over Hugh Specimen. Best of luck to Bobby. Here's hoping his first career goal comes against us at MSG. Oh. And you know it will. It's a Ranger Tradition.

Deadline Day 2010

It's Deadline Day. Thus far, a few deals but nothing earth shattering. We'll just list them and do insight later.

WEDNESDAY 3/3/10 DEADLINE DAY

1.NJD acquire D Martin Skoula from Tor for 2010 5th Rd Pick

2.Phx acquires D Derek Morris from Bos for 2011 4th Rd Pick

3.Mtl trades F Matt D'Agostini to Stl for Aaron Palushaj

4.Bos acquires D Dennis Seidenberg & D Matthew Bartkowski from Fla for F's Byron Bitz, Craig Weller + 2010 2nd Rd Pick

5.Ana acquires D Aaron Ward from Car for G Justin Pogge + 4th Rd Pick ('10 or '11)

6.Car trades F Scott Walker to Wsh for 2010 7th Rd Pick

7.Van acquires F Yan Stastny from Stl for Pierre-Cedric Labrie

8.Phx acquires F Wojtek Wolski from Col for F's Peter Mueller and Kevin Porter

9.NYR acquire F Kris Newbury from Det for F Jordan Owens

10.Phx acquires D Mathieu Schneider from Van for D Sean Zimmerman + Conditional 2010 6th Rd Pick

11.LA acquires F Jeff Halpern from TB for F Teddy Purcell and 2010 3rd Rd Pick

12.Wsh acquires F Eric Belanger from Min for 2010 2nd Rd Pick

13.Ana acquires G Curtis McElhinney from Cgy for Vesa Toskala

14.Buf acquires F Raffi Torres from CBJ for D Nathan Paetsch and 2010 2nd Rd Pick

15.Atl acquires F Clarke MacArthur from Buf for 2010 3rd + 4th Rd Picks

16.Wsh reacquires D Milan Jurcina from CBJ for 2010 6th Rd Pick

17.Tor trades F Lee Stempniak to Phx for D Matt Jones, 2010 4th + 7th Rd Picks

18.Wsh acquires D Joe Corvo from Car for D Brian Pothier, F Oskar Osala + 2011 2nd Rd Pick

19.LA deals for F Freddy Modin from CBJ for Condional Draft Pick

20.Ana acquires G Joey MacDonald from Tor for 2011 7th Rd Pick

21.Van acquires D Andrew Alberts from Car for 2010 3rd Rd Pick

22.Fla trades F Matt Rust to CBJ for D Mathieu Roy

23.Ana acquires D Lubomir Visnovsky from Edm for D Ryan Whitney + 2010 6th Rd Pick

24.Tor gets D Chris Peluso from Pit for 2010 6th Rd Pick

25.Nsh trades for F Dustin Boyd from Cgy for 2010 4th Rd Pick

26.Cgy acquires D Steve Staios from Edm for Aaron Johnson + 3rd Rd Pick in 2010 or 2011

27.Col gets F's Stephane Yelle and Harrison Reed from Car for F Cedric Lalonde-McNicoll + 2010 6th Rd Pick

28.Phx acquires F Alexandre Picard from CBJ for F Chad Kolarik

29.NYR acquire D Anders Eriksson from Phx for G Miika Wiikman + 2011 7th Rd Pick

30.Phx gets F Petteri Nokelainen from Ana for 2011 6th Rd Pick

Cullen to Sens, Olympic Roster Freeze at 3

There's less than three hours until the Olympic Roster freeze. In other words, there should be some activity between now and then. Too bad I'll be on my way to The Slope for some hoops. I'll be able to check for updates on my phone but won't be around to post till later.

Anyway, there was one deal made with the Canes sending Matt Cullen to Ottawa for Alexandre Picard and a second round pick. Wise move for both sides as Carolina continues to sell while remaining competitive (anyone catch their latest win over Buffalo last night???) and the Sens add a solid versatile pivot with Cup experience as they make their push for first in the Northeast. Saw this on Twitter from a great Sabre fan and can't say I blame her:

ShanV11

  

Can someone go wake up Darcy pleeeeaaase? #Sabres #NHLTrade

If Ryan Miller's tirade following the game can't, they're in trouble. As for what else is going on, Donald Brashear, who had the audacity to take a shot at Colton Orr, has cleared waivers. Huggy Bear. If this was 7-8 years ago when you could play, okay. Reality check. And what do you know? The guy he cheapshotted/replaced Blair Betts just re-upped with the Flyers. Irony much?!?!?!?!?!

The following players have been put on waivers:

Jonathan Cheechoo (Ott)
Jamie Lundmark (Cgy)
Brad May (Det)


Florida is still looking to pull something off before the deadline. Will they trade with the Rangers? Alright. I gotta run out. See ya later!

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.

One more for good measure

Just got done watching this debacle. There aren't enough four letter words to describe it. The Canes easily could've put up 10. You know. There's a lot to be said for how hard Paul Maurice's club competes despite playing for nothing but pride. Giving Eric Staal the 'C' was an easy choice. But you watch how hard that team competes and it boggles the mind because we're getting zip from too many guys. No wonder they've exasperated so many fans.

I love the Rangers and always will. But it really drives me crazy when a select number of players aren't giving close to maximum effort. Ally's giveaway for a clear cut shorthanded chance was pathetic. That's what he does in his first game back? Good God. Is anyone home? Seriously.

I am so sick of the damn charity-fest with Dolan's Garden. I love charity as much as anyone. Helping troubled kids, etc is great. But they care so much more about that damn Garden Of Dreams than the teams that play. What about WINNING??? When does that ever matter with this owner? It's such a joke. Between that, the stick kids and the greedy Casino Night even if for a good cause, F it! That's how the diehards feel. They can suck it.

Before I totally lose it, I'll leave ya with this telling quote from Cam Ward, who made every big save unlike our goalie. I know. I am not killing him. This team just doesn't support him. But a couple of those goals were brutal. This is from a Conn Smythe winner who backstopped a good team (not great) to Lord Stanley:

“This just goes to show the character that we have. It has not been an easy season. We’re one of the last-place teams in the league, but guys continue to come to the rink and are willing to work hard to try to better ourselves.”

That's from the 29th overall team that earned points 40 and 41 while our team remains at 55, somehow in eighth 14 better despite players tuning out the coach. I'll leave it for you to discuss. How sad.

Rangers lose to Candy Canes

In a game I didn't care enough to bother with, the Rangers lost to the Canes 2-1 in overtime. The identical score they managed to win by on New Year's Eve in Raleigh. What does it prove that our hapless team can't muster anything against the worst team with a shaky D? That Paul Maurice was dead on about the other night in another game I didn't watch, choosing the USA/Canada classic instead featuring kids who care rather than dead weight just cashing paychecks. Maurice's team was outshot nearly double (63-37) in the home-and-home but still managed a split. This was what he said after Thursday's game after being outshot 35-18:

“I don’t think the Rangers played a real tough game. There wasn’t a lot of momentum to be had in the game either way. It was a slug from one end to the other.”

I think anyone would agree there's nothing tough about this Ranger version. They're a flawed team that was poorly constructed by a GM who continues to keep his job due to some sort of crazy loyalty from Dolan. Or perhaps a wild love affair. Gaborik got the only goal tying it with his league-leading 27th. How must he feel? Erik Christensen is now on the first line. A waiver pickup who has three points in two playing alongside the Great Gabby and Brandon Dubinsky. What does that exactly say?

In other news, the Blues fired Andy Murray today. They had the worst home record and have been in the cellar of the Central, paired with underachievers Anaheim, Columbus and Edmonton. Don't we have like the second worst home record? John Davidson has a pulse and is passionate about his team. He's not resting on laurels. So, he runs St. Louis the right way. For years, many Ranger fans wondered if JD could be our GM and right the ship. Instead, we're stuck with Slats and the garbage contracts that have ruined our cap and destroying the foundation that Tom Renney established. When does it ever end?

New Year's Puck

Tonight, 2009 ends for good. For us East coasters, it's less than seven hours till the ball drops. Apparently, that already has happened for one of our Battle teams.:P There actually is a game between the Habs and Cats now. And for any WJC followers, Tedenby and Josefson scored for Sweden against Finland. The big one takes place at 8 between USA and Canada in Saskatoon. I hope our boys pull it off silencing those nimrods who boo our team. But not holding out much hope there.

Three of four BONY teams do battle tonight. The Rangers visit the Candy Canes at 7:30 while the Islanders are in Ottawa at 7. And a possible Cup preview in the Windy City between the two best teams at present, the Devils and Blackhawks going off half an hour after the big game I'll be locked into. What? You really thought I'd be glued to my pathetic team after last night.


I'd say more but am about to head out and finally sign up for Planet Fitness. Part of my 2010 New Year's Resolutions. I want to thank Hasan, Brian and Underdog for their contributions and of course our fans. Without the readers, this blog would be useless. Thank you to all. Wishing a Happy and healthy New Year!