Quote(s) Of Day: Joe Thornton/John Tortorella

Our quote of the day belongs to Joe Thornton. Apparently, losing 5-2 to the Rangers Monday was too much for the former No.1 overall pick ('97) who's won exactly no Cups to bare.

"They were probably the softest team we played on the trip. We should have had these two points."

Ah. Perhaps frustration is building for the superstar center who watched former club Boston win its first Stanley Cup since 1972- defeating the same Canucks who ousted Jumbo Joe's team in the Western Conference Final. Whatever the motivation behind such a statement, it comes off as sour grapes and reflects poorly on one of the great playmakers our sport has. Thornton recently eclipsed 1,000 career points. This won't win him any fans. A day after a one word reply of "Wonderful," to Thornton's assessment, John Tortorella didn't mince words following the Blueshirts' morning skate:

"It surprised me, and I've never heard a player say that. Joe's a heck of a player, but here's a player popping off about our team, and Joe hasn't won a god d___ thing in this league. He could go down as a player, being one of the better players in our league never to win anything. So what he should do is just shut up. It was uncalled for, it was classless, and I've never had it happen like that before."

Are the Rangers soft? When they aren't proactive, yes. Last night was the first complete effort of the season. Somewhat taking advantage of San Jose's third in four of a grueling road trip. Albeit all three in the metro area with the teal getting the better of the Devs and Isles prior to the Rangers' three unanswered that broke open a 2-2 game in the second. There's little doubt that this club isn't as physical and lacks enough D minus Marc Staal, which explains why they were outshot in the first nine prior to Monday. The Blueshirts had gotten away from their blue collar, aggressive forechecking style that this city identifies with. It took onto Game 10 for the club to put together a 60 minute effort led by captain Ryan Callahan (2-1-3), Brandon Dubinsky (2 assists) and Dan Girardi (2 assists). Artem Anisimov also scored his first and Martin Biron was stellar in net for the team's first win at the renovated MSG. Even Erik Christensen had two sweet dishes.



The Rangers next host the Ducks Thursday with the Habs visiting Saturday as part of the six-game homestand. It'll be interesting to see how the club responds to the rude criticism from Thornton. Honestly, they shouldn't need any extra incentive.
 
Avery Returns: After predictably going unclaimed on re-entry waivers, Sean Avery returns Thursday. With Tortorella finally icing a lineup that worked, don't expect him to play. May as well go with what worked. It still should be interesting to watch how this plays out. Especially with Andre Deveaux having a solid debut, fulfilling a dream by playing alongside childhood pal Dan Girardi. Pretty cool story.

Royal Suckage: Nothing to celebrate in listless MSG debut

It was supposed to be a huge celebration. Thunderous applause like we heard when MSG didn't drown them out for King Henrik and new captain Ryan Callahan. They were going to dominate no matter what. Nothing could tarnish the moment at a renovated arena that already has inconvenienced paying customers. More on that later.

Sure. The Rangers came out flying against the Leafs, even jumping in front 1-0 when Jonas Gustavsson looked haunted by a harmless Dan Girardi unscreened shot, set up by the best Blueshirt Marian Gaborik. Perhaps it was the ugly memory of last year when our team blitzed the Swedish Monster, who's been anything but since entering the NHL. To say he and Toronto caught a break would be an understatement. Not once, but twice Captain Cally nullified Ranger goals when t\ref tandem Dennis LaRue and Ian Walsh correctly ruled "incidental contact."

Predictably, it drew the ire of a revved up MSG crowd hoping to pile it on with knowledge that this team already is the gang that can't shoot straight- let alone establish a consistent attack. The latter part falls on the so-called genius who is in his third full year on the job. Yes. John Tortorella's rotating circus lines already have to be questioned along with the team's realistic chances minus Marc Staal. Sometimes, it really is a game of bounces. For the Leafs, the turning point really were the two calls in their favor, allowing Gustavsson to tighten the screws and Ron Wilson to regroup after a lopsided first.

For some unknown reason only known to the 18 skaters and two goalies wearing Broadway Blue colors, they disappeared after 20 minutes. Gone was the relentless aggression with Callahan driving the net hard without any breaks. So, too was any form of offense. Yet again, the offense fizzled. At one point, the Rangers were stuck on seven shots while a more inspired Toronto turned it up by firing 16 shots on Henrik Lundqvist, including one off the stick of Matt Lombardi that squeaked by in the first 80 seconds, which demoralized everyone. It was the first softie he'd allowed. But King Henrik would more than atone, flat out robbing Phil Kessel twice on clean breakaways to keep his team afloat. He was spectacular after the Lombardi tally that knotted it, making all sorts of big saves.

The trouble was Lundqvist's teammates bailed on him again. Considering that Brad Richards was brought in to bolster the offense, this wasn't supposed to happen. For the sixth time in their first eight games, the Blueshirts failed to score three. Discounting a four-goal third period explosion in Vancouver and an unbelievable last second OT winner from Ryan McDonagh to stun Calgary, they've totaled 11 goals in the other 25 periods. Simply inexcusable. That can be attributed to Tort's mindless line combos that are starting to emulate former coach Tom Renney. Remember him? I have no love for Renney and the boring style he coached while exiling Petr Prucha in much the same fashion as Tortorella has with Sean Avery. Only difference is the current coach ran his mouth.

Frankly, I'm fed up with it. Especially if Glen Sather handed him the team he wanted, including the addition of Mike Rupp, who already has been so misused that permanent Christmas ornament Erik Christensen started over the enforcer, whose goal helped us to our first win. Considering how dead the Rangers looked, resembling closet skeletons in time for Halloween, wouldn't it have made sense to keep Rupp in for say a scrap that could energize the building. Or is that a thing of the past due to the luxuries rich folks have on the concourse? It also kinda goes against the coach's word of wanting to be tough. What they got was a vanilla effort from a team that looked lost. Even Kris Newbury took a beating from Mike Brown and Brandon Dubinsky got knocked on his kisser courtesy of a clean takeout from Long Island native Mike Komisarek.

You'd think they would've responded with a better third. But it was more of the same with Tortorella finally breaking up the confusing lines that had no semblance of chemistry. Instead of going back to roots, he watched in horror as Joffrey Lupul banged home a rebound of a Jake Gardiner shot Lundqvist couldn't control. It only got worse when Artem Anisimov turned the puck over thanks to a stellar defensive play from Komisarek, who celebrated teammate Clarke MacArthur's left wing blast that eluded Henrik. The first boos rained down in much the same fashion as the old place minus all the fancy food and everything else MSG has built up. Did they really need a blue carpet for tonight's festivities? At least John Amirante was in fine form during the Canadian and American national anthems.

There's plenty to be said about a state of the art updated MSG that won't be completed until 2013. By then, your bank accounts will be running on empty. So, if you still get to go watch the boys a few times the next couple of years, savor it while you can. If we learned anything by the lack of acknowledgment of Derek Boogaard prior to the opening faceoff, it's that the same greedy owner only cares about one thing. Just in case you had your blinders on, it ain't about championships. As long as money's pouring through Dolan's new toy, he won't care. That definitely was the rude message a loyal Section 411 got for still having to watch the game with obstructed views while being charged double what Sec's 412-416 are. This is what you get. Even when complaints are filed and heard, it only results in a $10 food reimbursement for each game. As if that atones for such a foul up. Oh well.

Maybe it's a good thing I wasn't up to it tonight. The team just couldn't summon the energy required to win in this league. Meaning 20 minute efforts gets you very little. Especially at home where they expect you to triumph and build something called a "home ice advantage." Only the Garden Faithful aren't familiar with that since the past couple of years under Tort. Can they really get by on the road when five more are part of this big homestand, including the odd 3 PM Saturday matinee versus Ottawa in two days? Even the Sens have woken up. They're scoring more than us.

By the time Del Zotto got one to count, the same Brown who pounded Newbury into submission, had added insult to injury for 4-1- resulting in a familiar chant that had to turn the coach beet red. Oh. They may have tried to drown it out and dismiss it like an arrogant Sam Rosen did as they went to break. But there it was to be heard from the few diehards that remain in the World's Most Renovated Arena.

"We Want Avery! We Want Avery! We Want Avery! Ave---ry! Ave---ry! Ave---ry!"

Newsflash to Coach Clueless. You can't fool us. Neither can no shows like the last two periods.

BONY 3 Stars: 

3rd Star-Mike Komisarek, Tor (assist, +2 rating, 2 blocked shots, 2 takeaways, big hit on Dubinsky)
2nd Star-Mike Brown, Tor (1st of season, TKO of Newbury)
1st Star-Joffrey Lupul, Tor (GWG, 5th of season, 4 SOG)

Biron, Fedotenko spark Rangers past Jets

Sometimes, when you're not going good, someone steps up and makes a play that lifts a team. Such was the case during last night's Rangers' 2-1 win over the Jets at soldout Winnipeg- finally concluding their crazy seven-game trip around the world at 3-2-2. That they managed to go 3-1 on the Western part speaks volumes about the goaltending they received from Henrik Lundqvist and yesterday's hero Martin Biron, who sparkled with 27 saves in his first start since preseason.

“If you look at it, we’ve played seven road games with a trip to Europe and a Western Canadian trip and we’ve only lost two games in regulation,” Biron said after keeping his team afloat with a series of saves early in the third when the Jets buzzed for 90 seconds. “We got points in five out of the seven. You win three of them, it makes a big difference going home.”

As John Tortorella emphasized, they're ugly. But the bottom line is they survived by gutting out tough road wins in Vancouver, Calgary and Winnipeg and now finally come home for tomorrow's home opener at the newly renovated MSG versus an improved Toronto club. It'll be the first of a six-game homestand. The longest of the season and a chance for the Rangers to take advantage of overwhelming support along with the comfort of their own practice facility in Greenburgh.

Locked in a tie game following ex-Ranger Nik Antropov's blast off a forced Brandon Prust turnover, the Blueshirts were on their heels literally as Winnipeg began to dominate shifts. Despite a huge territorial edge in play, they couldn't get another one past a Biron, who was outstanding making several Lundqvist-esque clutch stops in tight.

While the capable backup got the job done, the Blueshirts had help from Ruslan Fedotenko. The hard working checking wing was the team's best forward, scoring and setting up two actual power play goals. The first came in the second following another meager start in which they had three shots. With nothing working for the top unit, Tortorella sent out Fedotenko, Brian Boyle and Ryan Callahan, who finally played like the captain we love. With Dan Girardi also out, he took a Mike Del Zotto pass and then patiently waited for Fedotenko to flash open in the slot. With Boyle in front screening Chris Mason, the more conventional look worked as Fedotenko neatly tipped Girardi's shot pass past the Winnipeg backup for the lead.

With the team more assertive, it looked like maybe they'd pad the lead. But Mason made a few key stops before his team drew even thanks to their top unit. Trying to get the puck out, Prust was closed off by former Devil Johnny Oduya, forcing him to fumble the puck, eventually turning it over to Evander Kane. Kane and Alex Burmistrov combined to set up Antropov, who blasted one past Biron.

Getting plenty of support from a wild home crowd 15,000+ strong, the Jets made life difficult on the Rangers. They controlled play for the rest of the second and the first part of the third until a hustling Fedotenko got around the D and forced Chris Thorburn to take him down. All night, Tortorella mixed his lines, eventually sliding Artem Anisimov down to the fourth line while shifting Brandon Dubinsky to center Callahan and Wojtek Wolski, who received over 15 minutes in his return. There were some oddities with Marian Gaborik sitting for a long stretch for unknown reasons.

None of that mattered when Girardi and Fedotenko combined to spring Callahan, who was flying down the right wing. With Winnipeg scrambling back, he centered for Fedotenko right off Zach Bogosian's skate and in for the game-winner. A relieved Cally raised his arms in triumph with a wide eyed grin as teammates congratulated him. It snapped a six-game scoreless drought.

From there, the Blueshirts clamped down defensively- not allowing the Jets to generate much. Even if they pulled Mason for an extra late, making it dicey, a couple of clears allowed them to exhale with a nice win.


BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Ryan Callahan, NYR (PP GW- 2nd of season w/11:19 remaining in 3rd)
2nd Star-Ruslan Fedotenko, NYR (PPG, assist, penalty drawn)
1st Star-Martin Biron, NYR (27 saves, 1st win of season)

McDonagh stuns Flames

The super soph was at it again. A game removed from breaking out with a goal and assist, Ryan McDonagh continued his rapid improvement by stunning the Flames at the last split second. After exchanging four goals and fisticuffs in a wildly entertaining first period, the Rangers and Calgary were locked in a defensive battle with a shootout looming.

Even when the Blueshirts carried the four-on-four in overtime, it still seemed destined for the skill competition. But a strange thing happened. Brandon Dubinsky wouldn't give up on a last second play, dropping the puck to Dan Girardi, who intentionally fired wide off the backboards right to a wide open McDonagh, who buried it for an unbelievable 3-2 win with 0.5 seconds left. An unlikely conclusion to a great game.

“Danny’s a smart player, I know he’s just putting it anywhere where it’s not going to get blocked and it was fortunate that it kicked off the boards there,” said McDonagh. “We were talking about how the boards could be used to our advantage and it did there.”

From the outset, Calgary tried to set the tone with physical play. As if on cue, Jarome Iginla challenged Ryan Callahan to no avail. The Calgary franchise scoring leader later nailed Cally with a clean check during a power play. With his team again on the short end of the stick, the Ranger captain took the hit to clear the puck out. That's the kind of play we expect from our team, who despite permitting a power play goal to Mark Giordano, were aggressive- killing off four of five, including a pivotal one down the stretch.

Outstanding were ex-Flame Brandon Prust and Brian Boyle, who combined for a nice shorthanded goal that gave the Rangers their second lead. But Calgary struck back thanks to Giordano, who took an Iginla feed and beat an irate Henrik Lundqvist through a screen. McDonagh accidentally screened our goalie, who picked up Giordano's shot too late. Alex Tanguay added his second helper of the night. He also set up Iginla to level it at 1-1, taking advantage of a rare Dan Girardi miscue that allowed the former Cup winner to find Jarome for an easy redirect. Marian Gaborik started the scoring with his fourth in another bizarre way. Something called a power play goal. Typically, the Rangers were the last team to connect on the power play. Of course, it was only our fifth game with every single one on the road. No wonder we haven't been getting the benefit of whistles. Perhaps that'll change once they host the Leafs next Thursday (10/27).

Gaborik's back to form, skating with purpose and being dangerous. It's safe to say he and Brad Richards have found chemistry along with key complement Derek Stepan, who threaded the needle to Gabby for a tap-in. It was his club-leading fourth goal with Richards also earning an assist. Richy Rich has a point in all five games (1-4-5). Stepan, who deserved a helper versus the Islanders, got his first point of the season. He really has looked good, making outstanding defensive plays while taking the body. The Wisconsin product brings that same intangible that Chris Drury did. High skill set. It's amazing how good our two Badgers look. D-Step fitting in on the top line with Wojtek Wolski still nursing a groin injury, and McDonagh smoothly transitioning to top pair with Girardi while showing off improved offense.

There's a lot to be said for McD and how quick a learner he is. The skating, shot and instincts get better all the time. He definitely looks like our most talented blueliner with no disrespect shown to Marc Staal. It just seems that he has a higher ceiling in that he can contribute more offensively while continuing stellar defensive work. Though last night wasn't one of his best. It's exciting to see the development of him and budding rookie Tim Erixon, who played his best game despite plenty of boos whenever he touched the puck. Calgary fans let him know how they feel about the 20-year old Swede not signing. However, it didn't faze him. Instead, Erixon made sound reads and smart defensive plays while teamed with adventurous partner Mike Del Zotto, whose offense is coming. DZ has been a bit more aggressive as evidenced by Mike Rupp's goal he set up the other day. John Tortorella's confidence has grown, rewarding the former first rounder with 22 shifts (18:12).

“It’s a great experience for him because there has been some struggles with his play but he stays with it,” Tortorella pointed out. “As we go through here, some of those guys that are in spots that they didn’t expect to be in, it’s going to help our team in the long run.”

There also were teammates standing up for each other like when Kris Newbury didn't take kindly to Cory Sarich's hit from behind on Richards, quickly coming to Brad's aid. Though he got the extra for instigating (this while the blind mice turned a blind eye to Sarich's boarding) and Calgary converted, it was a good penalty to take. You can't get pushed around. Rupp also dropped the gloves with Tim Jackman early on before things settled down.

It was a fun game. Eventually, the radar shifted to Lundqvist (33 saves, 157-166 over 5 GP) and second-year man Henrik Karlsson, who gave a good account of himself with 26 stops, including some close calls. Meanwhile, Lundqvist was again outstanding- flat out robbing Iginla by somehow stacking the pad on a gimme. Once he let in the second, he wasn't going to give up anything else. King Henrik is just so on right now. He is playing the best hockey of his already brilliant career. With great rebound control and so technically sound, could this be the year he finally wins a Vezina? Keep your fingers crossed.

“I was getting ready for it, so I was really happy to see the puck go in because they have some skilled guys to send out for a shootout,” Lundqvist noted of the unpredictable finish.


BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Marian Gaborik, (PPG-fourth of season, 8 SOG)
2nd Star-Jarome Iginla, Cgy (goal, assist)
1st Star-Ryan McDonagh, NYR (game-winner w/1.3 secs left)

Game Preview: Rangers at Canucks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rangers drop opener, look to rebound today

It wasn't exactly the script they had in mind. When Marian Gaborik cashed in on a goal mouth scramble to steer the Rangers ahead 2-1 in yesterday's big Euro opener at The Globe, it looked like Henrik Lundqvist would win in his return home. Instead, Mike Richards had other ideas, netting the equalizer and setting up Jack Johnson's power play winner for a Kings' 3-2 overtime win.

For a first game, it was pretty good. Once the Blueshirts got the rust out and probably screamed at by John Tortorella following a pedestrian opening stanza, they were on even ground with a superb skating LA club that could be in contention in '11-12. The addition of Richards paid dividends with the ex-Flyer burning his former Patrick foe late- helping the Kings steal a point. His chemistry with LA captain Dustin Brown was evident as their aggressive cycle gave the Rangers problems early on. That along with only four shots was hardly the recipe for success. Still, following the only miscue from the 26th captain in Rangers history that led to Anze Kopitar's first, Ryan Callahan atoned when he snuck a shot from a bad angle through Jon Quick. It was just the beginning for the do everything Blueshirt who finished with a game high 11 shots. He was a one man wrecking crew, nearly setting up Mike Sauer in a better second for a potential go-ahead if the sophomore didn't shank it.

How dominant was Callahan? Perhaps he should be renamed SuperCally because on every shift with linemates Artem Anisimov and Ruslan Fedotenko, who supplanted the moved up Brandon Dubinsky, they created something. If Dubinsky is staying with Gaborik and freshly minted No.1 center Brad Richards, who came on late, then the pseudo second line must continue to have chemistry. Fortunately, they have SuperCally, who never takes a shift off. Even if his turnover on a shaky ice led to Justin Williams dishing across for Kopitar who easily beat Lundqvist. But there was Callahan responding less than five minutes later thanks to splendid work from Anisimov and Fedotenko along with a little luck.

Envigorated, the Rangers took the play to the Kings in the second, outshooting them 8-6. Callahan had nine of his club's dozen shots thru 40. The man just doesn't know the word quit. Tortorella also had to be pleased with a penalty killing unit that killed off the first four, including a pressure packed last two minutes to get to OT, following an iffy call on Brian Boyle. Callahan and Dubinsky did most of the work along with rock solid Dan Girardi, who was outstanding working with super soph Ryan McDonagh, who made several big defensive plays.

Earlier in the third, it looked like the Rangers would earn their first win of the new season when Gaborik cashed in thanks to a persistent Dubinsky, who took two hacks at a loose puck before it went to the open Slovak for a gimme. Speaking of Gaborik, he was good, also using his speed to generate quality chances- forcing Quick to make tough saves from in tight. Richards was a bit quiet but his play on the goal was instrumental, finding Dubinsky in the slot that steered the Rangers in front.

However, Mike Richards replied with 4:59 left in regulation when he beat Mike Del Zotto to the spot and neatly deflected home a Brad Richardson feed past Lundqvist. If Thursday was about a couple of former Kings sparking the his ex-team to a win over defending champ Boston, yesterday was all about Richards, who wasn't done, finding Jack Johnson on the doorstep for a power play decider with 52 seconds remaining in OT. McDonagh was off for a trip in the offensive zone. A marginal call at best but had to be made nonetheless cause he could've gotten a scoring chance.

Lundqvist finished with 27 saves in defeat while Quick turned aside 24 of 26. Today, the teams switch up with the Rangers battling the Ducks, who fell 4-1 to an improved Sabre squad, who will take on LA. All part of the NHL's showcase opening weekend. They do it again in less than an hour.

Staal loss showing

Already, the loss of Marc Staal is showing. The Rangers have played three exhibition games and the defense has been dismal minus the 24-year old anchor who didn't accompany the club to Europe due to headaches. Even if Glen Sather's right that it might not be caused by concussions, it's still a lingering issue that must concern the organization as '11-12 approaches.

With the team still carrying 11 defensemen (10 without Staal) including Dylan McIlrath, Stu Bickell, Blake Parlett and ex-Sen Brendan Bell, John Tortorella's still trying to figure out what his blueline will look like when the Rangers take on LA and Anaheim back-to-back at the end of next week. Meanwhile, second-year blueliner Mike Sauer is out at least a week with a shoulder sprain after taking a spill into the boards courtesy a clean check during last night's preseason match at Philadelphia.

"My adrenaline was going so I tried to gather myself," Sauer told Blueshirts United. "But then the pain just kept coming. It's frustrating because you never want to come out of a game like that, especially before this trip we've got going. The good news is that the x-rays came back negative."

Tortorella still hopes to get Sauer into some preliminary games. With Staal's status still uncertain, the Blueshirts can't afford to lose another top four D who logs important minutes. Much depends on the sophomore tandem of Sauer and Ryan McDonagh, who last night paired with Dan Girardi. Meanwhile, Mike Del Zotto and Tim Erixon are competing for a spot while vet Steve Eminger seems a virtual lock despite a poor showing in a loss to the Devils. Brendan Bell helped his case with a good performance that included the decider in a rematch with the Devs at Newark. Tortorella will get more looks at everyone, including McIlrath, Bickell and Parlett before making more cuts.

With the back end uncertain, it's had trouble clearing the puck and failing miserably on the PK, where Rangers have made frequent trips to the box. With the Flyers lighting it up for three more, including a pair from ex-captain Jaromir Jagr, they've allowed at least half a dozen thus far with five all off uncovered one-timers. Areas where Staal excels include getting in the path of shots and making great reads defensively for key clears that allow a penalty killing unit to change and get fresh bodies.

Until Staal's given the okay, the Ranger D is a question mark with everyone except Girardi moving up on the depth chart, which means increased responsibility. When healthy, Staal works well with Danny G as a top pair that sees the league's best- allowing McDonagh and Sauer to face secondary scoring. Subtract Staal and they're broken up, which leaves a bevy of question marks (Eminger, Erixon, Del Zotto, Bell) as to how Tortorella will deploy the remainder. Unless McIlrath surprises, he's going back to Moose Jaw while Bickell and Parlett are ticketed for the Whale.

The Rangers are doing the right thing making sure Staal is 100 percent before allowing him to even have full contact. The season is 82 games. So, if it requires him to miss the crazy first part that has the Original Six club traveling all over, including a three-game Northwestern swing featuring matches in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver before finishing at Winnipeg, they're probably better off being cautious. With stops in Prague (Thu), Gothenburg (Fri), Bratislava (Sun), Zug (Mon) before headed to Stockholm for the opening pair against the Kings and Ducks, the Rangers will be doing a lot of flying before coming back to face the Islanders on Oct.15. Their first seven games are on the road due to the renovation with 10/27 the home opener against the Leafs.

It's still hard to say when Staal will be ready. However, Slats may want to bring in an insurance policy just in case. Much depends on Tortorella, who will make important roster decisions in the next week, finalizing the roster. The Rangers don't want to rely too heavily on their offense even with Brad Richards. Defense and goaltending are what's defined them. It says here that if Staal is out a significant amount of time, the playoffs take a backseat.

Ovechkin and Semin lift Caps past Rangers in overtime

For nearly 54 minutes, the Rangers had it going their way. With Henrik Lundqvist having stoned the top seeded Capitals keeping a tactical Game One scoreless until Matt Gilroy scored in his first postseason game early in the third, it looked like a recipe for success. However, a fluky tying goal from Alex Ovechkin that needed video review and an Alexander Semin appearance doomed the Blueshirts to a cruel 2-1 overtime defeat at Verizon Center last night in D.C.

“Obviously anytime you lose in overtime you feel like it got away because all you have to do is get one goal and you win the game,” main culprit Marc Staal said after his turnover allowed former Devil Cup hero Jason Arnott to set up Semin's OT winner at 18:24 to give the No.1 seed a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Quarterfinal. “It’s disappointing. It’s the playoffs, so we’ll come back and try to win the next one.”

That'll be the mantra the Rangers will adhere to. One they've been familiar with all season, finding ways to bounce back from tough losses. Albeit this one a bit more magnified due to the pressure attached to the first round rematch of two years ago. Staal, who for the most part did a sound job along with partner Dan Girardi stifling Ovechkin- wound up minus-two despite logging nearly 34 minutes while Girardi almost 33. They know what to expect from Ovechkin, dangerous centerman Nicklas Backstrom and gritty ex-Blueshirt Mike Knuble, who was one of three Caps to hit the post in the first two scoreless periods. Outside of one blown coverage that allowed Backstrom to sneak in on Lundqvist, who foiled his backhand five-hole try, they had the upperhand until the oddest of plays allowed Washington to tie it.

In his first game back from a concussion which he missed 20 games prior ironically due to a Derek Stepan collision, offensive defenseman Mike Green factored in on the tying goal. Behind his own net, Green sent a long outlet for Semin, who Cap coach Bruce Boudreau had out in place of Knuble searching for offense. The slippery Russian got away from Staal and Girardi, who collided at the Ranger blueline, allowing Semin to move in. With Rangers scrambling back including Girardi, Semin took a shot that Lundqvist tried to cover. The whistle never came with Ovechkin bulling over Girardi before slipping a stuff-in through Lundqvist. Thinking he scored, the Washington captain celebrated along with teammates while the confused officials never indicated a goal, calling up Toronto. Conclusive replays showed that the puck crossed the goal line. However, you have to wonder if when the ref blew his whistle, he intended to blow it dead. Instead, Ovechkin and the Caps celebrated the tying goal with 6:16 left in regulation.

“I think it’s underneath me and the whistle never comes, so then I move,” Lundqvist noted to no avail. “I think that’s the case. It just crossed the line. Sometimes they’re real fast blowing the whistle, but it is what it is. Me personally, I’m kind of stuck in that position so I have to hope for a whistle or for someone to clear the puck. That didn’t happen.”

Bad break or not, the game was suddenly tied. Four Rangers watched instead of taking Ovechkin, who made a smart play to spark his team. Lundqvist probably should've had it regardless. Regardless, they still had a chance to steal this one against a stingier Capital defense that allowed 11 shots through two periods and finished with 32 blocked shots to the Rangers' 28.

The Blueshirts never established a consistent forecheck with only the line of Brian Boyle, Brandon Prust and Wojtek Wolski effective enough to help get a puck past rookie Michal Neuvirth, who finished with 24 saves in capturing his first playoff win in his debut. That included four stops on Marian Gaborik, who had a great chance to be the early OT hero when Boyle found him in front but Cap rookie who won 27 games during the regular season calmly slid across for the big save. Neuvirth was good, also denying Artem Anisimov's bid and a Gaborik rebound before his teammates seized control to finally pull out the win in sudden death.

"We had to stay the course. We couldn’t get frustrated,” Backstrom said of his team that's trying to avoid a second consecutive first round upset as the conference's top seed. “I think we did a great job with that. Hopefully this can give us a little confidence.”

It didn't come easy for the Caps despite a few chinks in the armor for their Broadway opponent that allowed glorious opportunities only to see pucks from Knuble, Arnott and Semin go off the post. They also had to contend with Lundqvist, who was outstanding in making 31 saves, featuring highway robbery on a Green high labeler along with a pair of sparklers to deny Jeff Schultz and rookie Marcus Johansson in the extra session.

Despite being unable to sustain a consistent attack, the Rangers remained in good position to take Game One. Finally coming on in the final minutes of the second, they carried momentum forward by striking first in the series thanks to some diligent work from Boyle, Prust and Wolski. After Boyle took a hit to work the puck deep, Prust won a board battle and sent it to Wolski who then turned and found a pinching Gilroy for his first playoff goal at 1:56. Consider that it was his first goal since Jan.5 and only in his second straight game including the fateful Game 82 when he replaced Steve Eminger and it speaks volumes about Gilroy's maturity. The former Hobey Baker winner also had a chance late but fired wide.

Part of the problem for the Rangers was the power play, which went 0-for-2 looking all too predictable against one of the league's best penalty killing units. The Caps were aggressive, easily moving the puck out when they had the chance. Meanwhile, our PK blanked the Washington hosts in two opportunities despite some decent chances. But Lundqvist was there to save their bacon.

Nursing a one-goal lead, it looked like they would protect it for the win. Our shifts were stronger following Gilroy's goal with players paying close attention to assignments, working the puck out efficiently and getting it deep to take time off. Particularly effective was the dynamic rookie tandem of Ryan McDonagh and Mike Sauer, who looked unfazed by the circumstances. Each were trusted by John Tortorella, getting 36 shifts apiece averaging a shade under 27 minutes. One shift was impressive with the Caps pressing for the equalizer. They were pinned in for a while but McDonagh made two strong plays to free the puck up behind the goal, which was finally cleared.

Also looking poised was Derek Stepan, who made some nice reads chipping the puck in and using his speed to outhustle Caps behind the net. He was good as was Ruslan Fedotenko but outside of two strong shifts, leading scorer Brandon Dubinsky had a miserable night, losing 13 of 20 faceoffs while registering only a shot with a minus-two rating. He must be better tomorrow if we're going to gain a split.

"We've gotta get the next game from them," Dubinsky said. "I'm sure we'll talk about this one, the positives and the negatives, and just continue to try to get better. With the way we play, we feel like we're going to make it tough on them."

Despite each team going for it with especially ours coming close near the end of regulation, the closely fought contest needed overtime to decide. Both teams nearly ended it with Semin denied by Lundqvist and Backstrom stoned while Neuvirth saved his best for Gaborik, Anisimov and Vinny Prospal. As play continued, it became more apparent the more talented Caps were taking it to us. Eventually, their persistence paid off when Chris Drury failed to clear the zone. After it was pushed back down to Staal, he saw three Caps in his way but instead of reversing to an open Girardi, he tried to lift it past Arnott, who knocked it down. The savvy vet settled the puck before dishing across to Semin for a rocket that finally ended his playoff scoring drought.

"Henrik Lundqvist is a great goalie, and it's very difficult to score an easy one on him," the jubilant Semin told a translator after scoring his first playoff goal in 15 games. "We couldn't get a nice goal on him, so we scored a junk goal - just pushed it in, whatever worked."

“We’re not getting anywhere without Alex Semin scoring,” explained Boudreau. “We need him to go and create that other offensive threat.”

"I tried to move across, and I was probably covering the middle of the net, but I just didn't have time to react on it," lamented Lundqvist, who dropped his fourth consecutive decision in sudden death. "It was a hard one. It was going up and down a little bit - he just fired it real hard. It's tough. Obviously, you want to try to be the difference, and try to help the team to get a win here but you just move on."


Instead, it's onto Game Two. Another chance to take home ice away from the Caps and give themselves a realistic shot at the upset.


BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Henrik Lundqvist, Rangers (31 saves, falls to 1-4 career in playoff OT)
2nd Star-Alex Ovechkin, Caps (1st of playoffs-21st career, 6 hits, block, 6 SOG, +1 in 26:46)
1st Star-Alex Semin, Caps (OT winner at 18:24, assist, 4 SOG, +2 in 22:15)

Callahan leadership one to behold

There he was setting up his Draftmate Brandon Dubinsky for a thrilling tying goal that brought the Garden out of their seats after the Rangers had fought valiantly from a three-goal deficit to tie the Bruins. And when rookie Mike Sauer, who always seems in the right place, snuck a seeing eye shot through Tim Thomas, there was No.24 again in True Blue sacrificing for the good of the team, even if it came at a costly price.

It takes an awful lot of guts and determination to get in front of a Zdeno Chara shot. The league's most feared man who when he's winding up, you fear the worst like a goal being scored. So, Ryan Callahan laid out the body one more time, making a full out dive to block the league's hardest shot that was clocked at nearly 106 MPH at the All-Star Skills Competition in Raleigh back in late January. This is the kind of heart and soul player Callahan has become for the Rangers. Not only does he do all the dirty work, but also is second in team scoring with a career high 23 goals and 25 assists for 48 points. There isn't anything the former fourth rounder won't do. Whether it's throwing a crunching hit- a category he still ranks 12th in with 224 despite missing 19 games, or getting in the path of a shot, Cally does whatever it takes for his team to be successful.

When he returned from a busted hand from what else but blocking a shot, Callahan elevated his play to the best level it's ever been. Since Feb.1, he leads the Blueshirts with 13 goals and 24 points over 27 games while playing the same gritty style that's admired not only by teammates but opponents as well. Even Chara was upset when he learned that Callahan is expected to miss between six to eight weeks for a broken ankle that won't require surgery.

“You watch teams that end up going far in the playoffs, shot-blocking is a must,” prideful coach John Tortorella said on the injury to the Rangers' MVP. “That’s just a given for us in what we have to do.”

Callahan also ranks fifth among all forwards with 77 blocks. Despite playing only 60 games with his regular season done, the recently turned 26 year-old Rochester native achieved new highs not only in goals, assists and points but also in power play goals (10) and game-winners (5), which both pace the club. What else would you expect from a man who gets the most out of his 5-11, 185 pound frame?

"You can’t really say enough good things about him as a player and as a person and as a leader in this organization,” praised captain Chris Drury, who's begun skating and taking part in team practices despite not being ready. “We’re going to miss him, and miss him a lot. He plays in every situation and does all the little things, does all the big things. He’s just been great. He’s going to be a big loss for us.


“As he would want us to do, want the guys to do, is play hard without him, kind of move on, win some games, and put a smile on his face that way.”

Now, the Rangers must go on without him. They have two games left with the Thrashers in town Thursday and the Hudson rival Devils crossing the river Saturday. This team has been resilient all year. It will be up to other players to step up. On a team that boasts five 20-goal scorers with Draft Mate Artem Anisimov one shy of making it six, it's back to work for Tortorella's guys who'll summon whatever energy they have left to play the way their next captain does daily. Now, it's up to Dubinsky, Anisimov, Stepan, Boyle, Prust, Prospal, Gaborik, Staal, Girardi, Sauer, McDonagh, Avery, Fedotenko, Eminger, McCabe, Christensen, Wolski, Gilroy and Lundqvist to do what needs to be done. The situation remains the same. Win and they're in. Don't rely on help.

Something tells us inspiration won't be a problem. Do it for Cally.

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.

King Henrik makes case for Vezina

King Henrik isn't done shutting out opponents. Neither is his run towards a first Vezina, which could finally be in the cards. His 26 saves against a potential first round opponent, the Bruins boosted the Rangers to their eighth win in 10. Lundqvist pitched his career and league leading best 11th shutout, allowing rookie Derek Stepan's 20th goal to stand up in Beantown.

Until a late second period surge that included Patrice Bergeron bumping into Lundqvist shorthanded, his day had been routine thanks to outstanding defensive efforts from everyone. Both the D and forwards were in synch, keeping the Bruins on the perimeter while the Blueshirts forechecked vigorously.

Sean Avery was back in for Mats Zuccarello and had a solid afternoon, playing mostly with Erik Christensen and Wojtek Wolski on the fourth line. When John Tortorella sent the trio out, they did a solid job along the boards, generating a couple of chances including a Marc Staal shot that Tuukka Rask shutdown. Filling in for Tim Thomas, the second-year Finn was outstanding finishing with 22 saves. The only blemish a nifty Stepan redirect of a Mike Sauer shot due to a controversial faceoff. I didn't catch it but apparently the refs screwed up. Guess we'll hear more about this later.

The Rangers misfired on three power plays, including one Marian Gaborik had all day to shoot but remarkably chose a low percentage pass to a covered teammate. That kind of play was particularly frustrating for our star, who after the nice stretch of five goals in five games has cooled off. It would also be his silly boarding penalty that awakened the Bruins from their mid-day nap. Though they didn't capitalize thanks to strong penalty killing with Brian Boyle returning after being hobbled by Ruslan Fedotenko accidentally bumping into him. Boyle and sidekick Brandon Prust didn't miss a beat nor did the rest of a PK that got the job done. In particular, Dan Girardi who was big all game with some outstanding work alongside partner Marc Staal while improving rookie tandem Ryan McDonagh and Mike Sauer stifled the B's.

A Girardi clean freight train on Lucic frustrated the big power forward, who eventually got duped by Brandon Dubinsky into a phantom slash. By then, Boston was finally playing better, ratcheting up their trademark physicality. One reason why I don't want to see them early assuming we make it. With nothing happening on the power play, Staal misjudged a puck, allowing the Bruins to come two-on-one. Brad Marchand got the puck to a streaking Bergeron, who had a step on Staal and crashed into Lundqvist after he denied the centerman's shorthanded bid. In truth, there was nothing Bergeron could've done as his momentum carried him into Henrik, who stayed down for a good minute before looking punch drunk when trainer Jim Ramsay came out. Amazingly, the guy I said is tougher than he looks stayed in and saved his best for last.

While Justin and I searched for birthday cards for a girl's party tonight, Lundqvist was doing his best to stifle an all out Boston assault. At least it wasn't criminal. :P When we got back to the car for the final eight minutes, the Bruins were like bees getting in Lundqvist's path. But he stood up to every challenge, denying the dozen shots sent his way. When he wasn't robbing someone, his hustling Ranger teammates were sacrificing their bodies in full playoff mode, blocking some 16 shots in one period. That's got to be some sort of record for a regular season game.

The last four and a half minutes was all Bruins. They fired from everywhere with a couple of times, it sounding like Kenny Albert was ready to say, "They score." But that moment never came as me and Justin looked at each other. In between all the huge saves Lundqvist made were crucial blocks by Boyle, Girardi, Sauer, Callahan and countless others. That's what's defined this team from Day One. Not the flat account they gave the other night versus Ottawa. It's that kinda resiliency which makes this the most rootable Ranger team I can remember in over a decade. Their work ethic wins you over along with the desire to get it done, which has always been Tortorella's mantra.

The last three games, our offense has cooled considerably, scoring only once in each yet we've come away with five of six points- thanks in large part to Lundqvist who has half his four shutouts over the three since Martin Biron went down. The 28 year-old Swede has started 20 straight and notched four of his league high 11 blankings. The way he has stepped up is what you expect from your best player. Make no mistake about it. It's Lundqvist who's defined this run with some of his finest work during his sixth season. One which started shaky with Biron even giving him a few nights off. There have been peaks and valleys but when the chips are down, Lundqvist's stepped up like a real King.

To win his first Vezina, he'll have to beat out a strong cast that features Tim Thomas, Carey Price and Pekka Rinne. All worthy candidates who have had great seasons. Only Price has been the most valuable, which is why I'd throw him and Marc-Andre Fleury in for the Hart if that's still permitted. In a down year offensively aside from The Sedins, where would the Habs or Pens be without their goalies? Enough of this Corey Perry MVP talk when his team may not even make it. Steven Stamkos still is in the convo as well.

What about Lundqvist, who on a team minus a 60-point scorer, more often than not becomes the story when his team looks in trouble. How about the shots he's taken, which scared the beejesus out of Garden Faithful. I thought he looked woozy after the Bergeron incident. Of course, he stayed in. The same man who responded to his coach's challenge earlier this week following another collision with Benoit Pouliot. The man has so much pride and must do it under the spotlight. Sure. The other candidates are good. But if it really is coming down to goaltending and pressure without much of a security blanket, then it should come down to Lundqvist versus Price. You can make a pretty good case for Price, who's also suffered some pepperings from us and recently these same B's who couldn't solve our goalie.

Counting today's yeoman effort, The King is up to 33 victories, 11 shutouts, 2.24 GAA and what would be a new career best in save percentage (.924). It's all but impossible to ignore how he's performed during this run. Over the last 10 games, Lundqvist's 8-1-1 with a 1.67 GAA, .936 save percentage plus three shutouts. This is the kinda superior goaltending our team's needed just to reach this point. Last year, they fell one point shy with the skill competition doing us in. Today's win matches the points (87) they had last year with six remaining. Now, the Rangers get three days off to rest their franchise netminder, who hopefully will be fresh for a crucial test in Buffalo Wednesday before paying a visit to Long Island the following day.

Ryan Callahan is the heart of this team. Brandon Prust the warrior. Brian Boyle the soul. Brandon Dubinsky the axe. Henrik Lundqvist is the backbone. It's time for him to win the Vezina.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Derek Stepan, NYR (20th goal of season for GW-5 20-goal scorers for NYR-06-07)
2nd Star-Dan Girardi, NYR (outstanding defense, four hits, four blocked shots in 26:24)
1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (26 saves-league leading 11th SHO, career No.35)

Prust sets tone in statement over Habs

#InPrustWeTrust. That's become a familiar rallying cry over on Twitter between Ranger tweeps. It sticks for good reason. Gritty Blueshirt Brandon Prust has been a constant from Day One of the season. When it came to choosing who deserved the Extra Effort Award, there were only two choices for myself between Prusty and running mate Brian Boyle. I voted for Boyle, who carries more responsibilities anchoring our grind line that's back intact with Ruslan Fedotenko finally healthy. It's no secret that this trio has been the club's most valuable due to the relentless forecheck and battles they win, injecting energy.

In a game versus another team we hadn't beaten in God knows how long, John Tortorella started their line against the Canadiens last night. Prior to the final regular season meeting which included a strong contingent of roughly 5,000 screaming Montreal fans (never seen anything like it), the Rangers had dropped the previous three all by a goal. Bad starts were the theme before in each, our team rallied only to fall short. Ironically, that had been an Achilles heel on home ice till blowout wins over the Flyers and Islanders. At the most critical time of year, suddenly our guys are coming out flying. In winning convincingly over the Habs 6-3, the start once again reigned supreme. Not shockingly, Prust got the Original Six contest that was like a playoff atmosphere by challenging Travis Moen off the opening draw. They talked right away with a buzz and then each danced for what felt like forever with Prust landing a couple of better shots before a takedown- setting the tone for the evening.

You had to know Tortorella was in their ear about the other three games. When you see our warrior start off by beating their similar rugged vet, it sends a message. It didn't take long for Prust's teammates to follow suit in what amounted to the best period of the season. The Rangers responded by putting a five spot, chasing Carey Price, who really was blameless in the second of a back-to-back. Our guys came ready and won every single battle. The five-goal explosion happened methodically with the fireworks in the second half, highlighted by an odd Ryan Callahan tally that took several minutes up in Toronto before touching off a three-goal barrage in 67 seconds.

Artem Anisimov has made improvement during this critical stretch. In his second season, the lanky Russian has probably blown almost as many chances as Marian Gaborik. After he missed from 12 feet out, I overheard Anthony and his buddy discussing how Arty could have 30 goals. The talent's there and was on display when minutes later, he broke in on Price and went backhand deke, steering the Rangers ahead. The unassisted tally was his 17th.

But before we could breathe, the Canadiens came right back when loathed rookie defenseman P.K. Subban wisely waited before firing a laser thru a double screen to tie it 1:43 later. The controversial talented blueliner then ran Prust from behind, leading to a scrum post-whistle. They nabbed Prust for a questionable interference taking both players off after Subban refused to fight. Playing four-on-four, the Habs' Roman Hamrlik was taken off for a cross check, handing us an unconventional four-on-three power play. On it, our guys got looks but couldn't beat Price. However, after Prust and Subban returned, they kept the puck alive. After it expired, a mad scramble ensued with Price kicking out an Erik Christensen shot right to Dan Girardi, who made no mistake burying it upstairs as our section was screaming for another penalty for a hit from behind in the corner. No one cared anymore with Christensen and Mats Zuccarello setting it up for 2-1.

Leading by one, the Rangers asked Henrik Lundqvist to make a few important stops, which he obliged. The eerie period got even wilder when Brandon Dubinsky outmuscled Scott Gomez and tried a stuff in which caromed out to Ryan Callahan, who seemed to score through a maze of players only to have the refs blow it dead. They couldn't tell if the puck was in, going upstairs for a lengthy review. From our vantage point, it had to cross the line because the puck bounced and Price was inside his net. As it took longer and longer to determine, I wondered if we'd get the shaft due to no conclusive replay. Instead, they managed to get it right, giving Callahan his career tying 22nd from Anisimov and Dubinsky at 17:09.

That's when the real fun began. With fans mocking "Go Habs Go," Gaborik scored for a second straight off a broken play, taking a Christensen pass and roofing it past Price 32 seconds later. Vinny Prospal also assisted, extending his point streak to eight (2-8-10). Before the Habs could breathe, an odd-man rush led by Prust and Marc Staal allowed Boyle to join the party for his 21st 35 ticks later. Prior to the game, he mentioned to Larry Brooks that he had gotten away from what had worked when he was scoring regularly. It was nice to see one of our hardest working players get rewarded. Price's night was over, allowing five on just 12 shots. He really was hung out to dry as his team fell apart following the Callahan review.

Replacing Price was one-time backup Alex Auld, who played strong finishing with 18 saves including a stone job early in the second that would've made it a laugher. Instead, a sharper Habs team warmed to the task courtesy of former Islander James Wisniewski's right point blast eluding Lundqvist, cutting it to three with plenty of time left for a comeback. Having reminded a few buddies along with a very nice couple from Sudbury, Ontario where Marc Staal starred about the ridiculous five-goal comeback a couple of years back, I didn't like what I was seeing. Montreal was quicker to the puck and forcing Lundqvist to come up big. You knew the Canadiens wouldn't quit because they're a good team. In a period they played better even getting a couple of power plays, they were only able to get one with our goalie and the PK doing the job.

Of course, Subban ran into Lundqvist for an obvious goalie interference, drawing a crowd that included Mike Sauer, who immediately challenged him. In typical punk fashion, Subban skated away hiding behind the refs who didn't want any part of it. Considering that the Pens and another talented douche Kris Letang are next, it felt appropriate. Sauer is the kind of defenseman we haven't had since Jeff Beukeboom. No. I'm not comparing the two as there's only one Beuke and Sauer has a long way to go. But in a year it wasn't even a given he'd become a regular, he's our toughest blueliner, never putting up with any shenanigans. This kid is the most overlooked rookie in the league. Thank God Slats at least held onto him. The last link to the unpopular Brian Leetch deal looks like he'll stick around a while.

In the second, the Rangers didn't play smart with both Christensen and even Callahan taking offensive zone penalties with the latter roughing up a Hab with under a minute left. As predicted, the Canadiens finally made it 5-3 thanks to a nifty tip-in by American captain Brian Gionta off a Wisniewski shot. The little engine that could got position in front and I knew it was coming. He's always killed us since the Devil days. It was his 26th of the season from Wiz and Hamrlik that made it 5-3 with still 19:06 left.

A once potential rout became a hockey game with each team taking turns attacking. Our cycle came back with some effective shifts, stemming the tide. However, Lundqvist flat out robbed a Hab on the doorstep with a sliding glove stop that had everyone chanting, "Hen-rik, Hen-rik, Hen-rik." The biggest save of the night allowed his teammates to breathe easier. When Prospal converted at the doorstep on a late power play for 6-3, the Rangers had their biggest win to date, allowing them to move four points up on both Buffalo and Carolina, who rallied past the Islanders 3-2 to stay in the race.

The reason for the power play was Benoit Pouliot running over Lundqvist, who was shaken up and stayed down for a while before getting up to cheers. For a goalie that is extremely popular and has the GQ look ladies can't get enough of, the King is also tougher than he looks. He stayed in for his record-setting sixth straight season of 30 victories or more to start a career. Even if shootout induced, it's still impressive and speaks to the competitiveness of a guy who was stolen in the seventh round, becoming our franchise netminder. Sometimes, you luck out. Hopefully, he'll be alright.

Lundqvist is usually a regular after each win or loss but suffered from a stiff neck and didn't partake afterwards. Tortorella wouldn't rip the Canadiens for going hard to net, terming it a "hockey play." He's not wrong here. Every team does it. Lundqvist is questionable for tomorrow versus the Pens. If he can't go, former Pittsburgh draft pick Chad Johnson will get the call. A pretty interesting development with 10 games remaining. If it comes to that, it would be nice to see Ocho Cinco stun his former club. We'll just have to wait and see.

PLAYOFF PICTURE: With the Caps shutting out the Devils 3-zip for a crushing defeat Friday, the Devs now need a miraculous 10-1 stretch to reach 90 points. Here's how the race looks.
              
              GP  Pts   GR
*1.Flyers  70   94   12
*2.Caps    73  94    9
*3.Bruins   70  88   12
4.Pens      71  90  11
5.Bolts     71  88   12
6.Habs     72  85   10
7.Rangers 72  80   10
8.Sabres   70  76   12
9.Canes    72  76   10
10.Atlanta 71  72   11
11.Leafs    72  72   10
12.Devils   71  70   11
13.Florida  71  67   11
14.Isles      72  66   10
15.Sens      71  61   11

*Division leaders

Saturday: CBJ 4 Min 3 3rd 
               NYI @ Fla 7 ET
               Atl @ Buf 7 ET
               Bos @ Tor 7 ET
               TB @ Ott 7 ET
               Det @ Nsh 8 ET
               Phi @ Dal 8 ET
               Col @ Edm 10 ET
               Ana @ LA 10:30 ET
               Stl @ SJ 10:30 ET

Forget latest home loss

They again saw their shadow last night on home ice, disappointing Garden Faithful, whose faith is being severely tested. Simply put, these Rangers can't win at MSG. Losers of all three games on what was supposed to be a homestand, the now freefalling club that puts out effort daily but lacks finish is on life support in eighth a point behind the Hurricanes and two up on Buffalo with Toronto lurking right behind. The Devils sit 10 back, believing they can win every game and could get even closer if the Blueshirts don't get a win in Ottawa tonight.

The Rangers have been a better club away from Broadway. Perhaps this is what they need. There's no time to think about the latest loss- 3-1 at the hands of Minnesota despite outshooting them 41-19. But instead of building on Sean Avery's first goal in a lifetime three minutes in, the Rangers made life harder on themselves by repeatedly misfiring on power plays. Yes, Jose Theodore made like Dominik Hasek, sprawling across to rob Ryan Callahan of a would be power play goal on the doorstep for a potential two-goal lead. By that point, it should've been obvious what would happen next.

Missed chances on one end usually come back to haunt you. Especially when you're not scoring and finding new ways to lose. Sure. The effort was there as it always is with this younger rebuilding team chalk full of home grown kids trying to get what last year's team couldn't. A berth into the playoffs. It's slipping away from their grips with other teams around them playing better hockey. Unless they find it tonight in Kanata, Ontario, the odds aren't good. Not with the Flyers next and then San Jose and Anaheim in the Pacific before coming home for the Islanders and Canadiens, who would like nothing better than to further damage their chances.

Erik Christensen, who helped set up Avery's goal for points in three straight, took a lazy offensive zone high-sticking minor that led to the tying goal. That's all it took to stem the tide. In a game Minnesota had no life in following a dreadful performance on Long Island the previous night, suddenly they were tied up with Kyle Brodziak tipping one home. It was enough to cast doubt. The Rangers didn't reply with a goal on Theodore, who looked more like the former Hart/Vezina winner from yesteryear with Montreal pre-lockout. And so instead, here came another first goal for someone with rookie Casey Wellman lighting the lamp with a neat deflection of a Brent Burns point blast. I'll bet that more players get their first against us than any other team in the league. Like clockwork.

Only down one, the Blueshirts got plenty of Bronx jeers after a disappointing second. They weren't coming back. Oh. They tried. Gave every ounce to find the equalizer before a putrid Dan Girardi turnover allowed Martin Havlat to find a wide open Pierre-Marc Bouchard in the slot for a gimme. Just like that, the Wild led 3-1 with 11:45 left. It didn't matter that there was still time as we've heard annoying shill Joe Micheletti do time and time again like a parrot. The game was over. Unless Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan score, there's just not enough. Especially with Marian Gaborik having a setback following a practice with headaches.

On a night Marc Staal returned looking fine, rookie Ryan McDonagh hit a rut in the ice and twisted his ankle. He's day-to-day. Just great with Mike Del Zotto out four to six weeks in what's amounted to a rotten sophomore year from Hell. That's how it's gone for these Blueshirts, who will die trying until there's no more time left in their season.

They must do it again tonight against the rebuilding Senators, who have nothing to gain other than team pride. They just beat the Flyers and won again over Atlanta. It won't be easy. The rest just aren't because that's how this league is. Let's see if the Rangers still remember how to win where they're more comfortable.

86 Years Of Mediocrity

In case you're curious as to where the title is inspired from, that would be courtesy of a good pal of mine who sits one row up in our section. This one's for you Mikey!

Before we examine the statement he made to me as I angrily pushed the exit door with the Sabres closing out a cruel 3-2 win I sadly predicted over our heroes, let's vent a little about what bothered me. Here it came. After blowing choking several opportunities to get this all important game tied, something snapped inside. Perhaps it was the harsh reality that another season's slipping away. I just don't want any part of another gut wrenching conclusion. I'd rather miss completely. Let the Hurricanes and Sabres cruise past us so we can then fully grasp that this REBUILD isn't fooling anybody. I made the mistake of getting my hopes up because the Rangers overachieved when most didn't expect them to be in this position.

Truth be told, I love this team. I enjoy their grit and willingness to compete till the final buzzer. Our guys are never out of a game. Even with all the agitating slow starts which have become increasingly  too common during a stretch that's seen them drop eight of 10 one-goal decisions, coming back to the pack. Heck. It wouldn't be all too surprising if both Toronto and New Jersey finished ahead of us. There's only so much my stomach can handle. The very thought that the Devils, who appeared to be tanking before the craziest role reversal hands down, could wind up with a better record than our team is inconceivable. It defies logic. But then again, when did that ever apply to a league that rewards mediocrity? Maybe all the three-point wins we benefited from have caught up. The Rangers don't win in regulation anymore. So, it was either miraculously beat Ryan Miller and steal the extra point or have nothing to show for their effort.

There's the buzz word Mikey used to describe the New York Rangers history. As I stormed out, he said:

"Why do you even get mad anymore? Eighty-six years of mediocrity."

How could one debate such an accurate statement? When it comes to our franchise, since breaking The Curse in '94, the Blueshirts have been past the second round once when Messier and Gretzky reunited some 14 years ago. In fact, our team has qualified for the postseason seven times total. There was '95-97 and then a giant hole in the middle before returning from '06-09. Horrible would be a way to describe it. At what point do we Garden Faithful finally get fed up? Less and less true fans are showing up lately. Every year starts out the same. With promise like Lindros' first year that had us in first before one phantom hit and a Brian Leetch injury derailed that season. The only time we really could get excited was that little run they made to the Conference Semis, having rallied from 0-2 down and were 3:00 away from bringing it back to MSG for a chance at a dream. Then Tom Renney happened and it fell apart.

So I ask as this 85th Year Anniversary season is in limbo, who thinks this nuts and bolts team is capable of one more push in its final 17 games to become what one Lightning Tweep termed as a "dangerous opponent" come Spring? I wish I had belief. Yesterday was the first time I felt sad walking out of the Garden. Almost resigned to our fate. Sure. As excellent Daily News team reporter Jesse Spector put, it's not about this year. It never has been. I know that. However, there's something cool about this team. Seeing mostly homegrown kids wearing the logo with pride as they try to pull this off. No longer are we fat cat$. A term passed around like a Kick Me sign in grade school. This is bigger than Marian Gaborik feeling better after one practice today.

Instead, it's about Dubinsky. Callahan. Staal. Girardi. Lundqvist. McDonagh. Sauer. Gilroy. Anisimov. Stepan. Zuccarello. Del Zotto whenever he gets back. Count 'em up naysayers. Toss in heart and soul warriors like Boyle and Prust and that's 14. For those that thought it couldn't be done in these parts, that doesn't seem to be the case here. Defiance and resiliency are two terms that have epitomized this 85th Ranger version. They've battled through injuries and beyond to get where they are. In the standings, the 70 points are still good enough for seventh with the Hurricanes right behind with extra games and Buffalo three out with the same edge.

How many games will it take for our guys to get back in? I always believed they'd need 92. But 90 is probably the cutoff. Can a team that's played its butt off for John Tortorella all year win 10 of the final 17? I still think so. There's enough character in that room to get it done. Time to rise up.

Injuries Testing Ranger Character

Meet the walking wounded. Or in the Rangers' case, the skaters who are piling up on the IR. Injuries are part of sports. The Pens are dealing with life without the game's top player Sidney Crosby and finding out it ain't so grand. Yesterday, the Bears had to play the second half without Jay Cutler yet emergency third string QB Caleb Hanie nearly played unlikely hero with Chicago falling just short against archrival Green Bay.

There are always injuries which make life more challenging. Only the really good teams can overcome them and keep winning. Before the Ranger roster resembled the Connecticut Whale with Michael Del Zotto and Evgeny Grachev being summoned the other night with Dan Girardi going down and warrior Brandon Prust nicked up, they already were without key cogs Ryan Callahan and Brandon Dubinsky with spare parts Ruslan Fedotenko and Erik Christensen also out, plus Alex Frolov done. That John Tortorella's club have been able to keep it together is a tribute to this team's character which will keep getting tested with what's sure to be a tough visit to the nation's capital tonight with suddenly surging Alex Ovechkin and the Caps seeking revenge for a 7-0 humiliation last month.

So, it continues for the seventh seeded Blueshirts, who again found a way to win Saturday coming back twice in stunning the Thrashers 3-2 in a shootout with Selke candidate Brian Boyle tying it and shootout sniper Mats Zuccarello playing hero by faking Ondrej Pavelec out for the only goal, which Henrik Lundqvist made stand up. For a team that's scored two-or-less in 11 of their last 12 since the start of the month, the Rangers have managed to survive bringing a 6-5-1 mark into tonight's Versus showdown with the puck drop at 7:30.

“We had many guys out,” Vezina hopeful Lundqvist stated after finishing with 20 saves including a stone job on Atlanta captain Andrew Ladd late in regulation to give his team a shot. “We tried to rebuild the team a little bit. We’re trying to get everybody on the same page.


“We’re not in an easy spot, but we’re doing the best we can now to get points.”

With a lineup that now features former Whale Del Zotto, Ryan McDonagh, Kris Newbury, Chad Kolarik, Jeremy Williams, Brodie Dupont or possibly Grachev who's fresh off a hat trick, these Blueshirts bend but don't break. No matter the adversity, they respond. Especially after a poor defensive effort that saw the Hurricanes blitz them 5-2 last Thursday with All-Star Marc Staal and Danny G with a rare dreadful showing. Not surprisingly, the Rangers were more focused and played with better intensity against another team trailing them in the standings.
 
When you twice battle back from one-goal deficits and allow only 20 shots with dangerous All-Star duo Tobias Enstrom and Dustin Byfuglien hardly factors, it speaks to the committment of your team. One that never quits nor backs down from any challenge. Even if Girardi got tagged by Ladd after stepping in for Staal following a clean hit that caught his partner turned the wrong way stumbling into the boards, it was another team building moment. So, Girardi sits out tonight with bruised ribs and probably a busted nose from his scrap. Just last year, he watched Flyer fodder Daniel Carcillo suck Marian Gaborik into a one-sided fight. A humiliation he took a lot of heat for. Those days are over. These Rangers fight, claw and scrap.
 
With two more huge games before the break including the Caps later with backup Martin Biron getting the call against Braden Holtby before Tortorella comes back with Lundqvist versus the Panthers in a Garden match tomorrow, it's important for the Blueshirts to finish the month strong. They know they're in a heated race with sixth place Montreal, eighth Atlanta who were routed by Tampa Sunday and ninth Carolina who you never can can't out as long as Eric Staal, Cam Ward and Calder frontrunner Jeff Skinner have anything to say about it.
 
Every point is so valuable. The Rangers are finding a way not using the injuries as a crutch. They've rallied around each other to make sure a bitter ending last year doesn't get repeated. So, they'll skate, check and sacrifice until Callahan returns with target date Feb.1 versus the Pens likely. They'll continue to plug away until Dubinsky's ready. Girardi and Prust will be back because they're leaders who exemplify what it is to be a New York Ranger. An identity formed under one of the league's best coaches in Tort who's handled things much better this time. Even he gets it. It's about keeping everyone on the same page and having them ready to work. That's why they're one of the hardest working teams in the NHL despite the lack of finish with Marian Gaborik using most of his ammunition against lesser lites Edmonton, the Islanders and the Leafs.
 
At some point, Gaborik must pick it up and carry the load. Putting it on the shoulders of kids Derek Stepan and Artem Anisimov won't work. Neither should Wojtek Wolski who's been good since he arrived from the Desert going 3-3-6 over seven contests. On this team, everyone contributes. McDonagh already evolving into a steady defenseman since Michal Rozsival exited stage left. Mike Sauer logging big minutes in place of Girardi to get the Rangers a 'W.' Newbury playing gritty bumping into anyone in his way while winning board battles. And Kolarik notching his first NHL point.
 
In every sense, this is a T-E-A-M. Exactly how Tortorella wants it. One True Blue faithful can be proud of. The job isn't done.

Rangers continue to be Road Warriors

They are NHL Road Warriors. How else to explain the Rangers' league best 15 wins away from MSG? After dropping an uncharacteristic two in a row in Florida last week, John Tortorella's resilient bunch again rose up- stringing together back-to-back impressive wins over the Stars and Blues over the weekend.

That they had to fight back twice against one of the West's best teams before prevailing in a shootout and then follow it up by bouncing back from a goal down to edge St. Louis 2-1 is indicative of what this team is all about. No matter who goes down, these Rangers fight and scrap their way to two points. They've already been without emotional leader Ryan Callahan for 10 games. How have they responded since a dissapointing Florida trip? By winning three straight including an equally satisfying overtime win over ninth Carolina. Three consecutive one-goal triumphs puts them at 6-2-2 since Cally went down at Pittsburgh in the first of ironically a character building 4-1 win that saw the club stun the Pens with four unanswered in the final nine-plus minutes.

It's that kind of never say die attitude that has these Blueshirts 25-15-3 with 53 points in sixth knocking on the door behind fourth Pittsburgh and fifth Washington. The 15-7-1 road record demonstrates how closely knit this gritty bunch is. Along with an impressive 10-1 mark in the second of back-to-backs, Tortorella's crew doesn't know the word quit. Are they perfect? Far from it. Aside from struggling finisher Marian Gaborik, the Rangers lack the big play ability of the Crosby Pens, Ovechkin Caps, star studded Flyers and Stamkos/St. Louis Lightning. They get it done as a group through hard work by outhustling opponents and winning all sorts of battles.

If one player epitomizes the yeoman effort, it's Brandon Dubinsky. The fourth-year Alaskan has flourished since being shifted to left wing. Dubi as fans and teammates call him is on pace for a career season with his contract up after the season. While it'd be easy for us to concern ourselves with that, that's for Dubinsky and management to handle. This season, the 24 year-old forward paces the Rangers with 16 goals and 36 points. But it's more than just the numbers with one of the hardest working players who is a PK fixture hounding opponents and always is willing to sacrifice for the good of the team. Lately, it's resulted in defining moments like the one where he came off the wall beating two Blues to set up Sean Avery's winner. Since his running mate Callahan went down, Dubinsky has stepped up contributing nine points (2-7-9) during the latest Ranger run helping put some distance between them and the Hurricanes. Dubinsky is still a little streaky but his constant puck pressure makes him so valuable. It's why he'll definitely get extended by Glen Sather, who'll have to recognize the improvement.

While Dubinsky has led, he's gotten plenty of help from Marc Staal and Dan Girardi, who have fulfilled their new contracts by becoming the shutdown pair the Rangers envisioned. Not only are they limiting scoring chances against but also assuming more responsibility by performing admirably on the power play and also jumping up more when it's needed. Perhaps the best example this season came from Staal, who scored a huge shorthanded goal tying the Pens before Dubinsky set up Callahan in overtime for a huge win. That kind of leadership after how Pittsburgh stunned a frustrated Henrik Lundqvist with two straight cannot be underestimated. It's a play Staal doesn't make last year. Whether it's throwing the body, getting in the path of a big shot or warding off checkers for a huge clear, each has grown in stature.

It's that kind of committment that has this team looking like a dangerous out come Spring. However, they still have plenty of work left with two games against eighth Montreal this week sandwiched around the sizzling Canucks, plus a third meeting against the Flyers. It promises to be tough but one thing about the 2010-11 Rangers. They've met every challenge. Whether it's the constant checking of Brian Boyle and Brandon Prust or the equally surprising Ruslan Fedotenko, they come hard. Rookie Derek Stepan continues to grow all the time, tying the Blues off a nice feed from Mats Zuccarello, who looks like he'll stay on Broadway even when the Rangers get totally healthy.

Of course, they won't be that now that Alex Frolov is done for the season with a torn ACL/MCL suffered in St. Louis the other night. A bitter end to probably his only year in the Big Apple. Say what you will about the lack of production from the former King. But he was still trying. His forecheck had improved leaps and bounds after a stint with Boyle/Prust. From that standpoint, they could miss the enigmatic Russian who finishes with seven goals and nine assists in 43 games. Much like it's been all season, it'll be up to someone else to step up. They'll need more goals off the stick of Artem Anisimov, who when he shoots is dangerous. Just ask Dallas goalie Kari Lehtonen, who had no chance on an absolute ripper that forced extras last Friday. Arty has taken 97 shots thus far. He needs to shoot more. If he does, 20 goals is possible.

Of course, Tortorella needs more from Gaborik who couldn't even get a gimme which looked in to snap a slump. Hell. Even Sam Rosen and Joe Micheletti were convinced it was in only to have replays confirm his one-timer off Dubinsky's brilliant feed went off the cross bar before Avery followed it up. At this critical juncture, it's no longer about who he plays with. I could care less if he doesn't have the marquee center to play with. Gabby has proven he can finish with Erik Christensen. Another injured player who won't be back anytime soon. Simply put. It's time for the Big Ticket to remember who he is. There are no excuses. It looks Avery is finally getting it. Maybe he can rub off on Gabby.

Goaltending has been a strength. When you have Henrik Lundqvist, it should be. He's been more consistent lately and even is contributing offensively. It was his brilliant pass that caught the Stars changing, allowing Anisimov to wire his 10th for the equalizer. As scary as he is playing pucks which led to a goal against over the weekend, believe it or not King Henrik leads all goalies with three assists. Let's just hope he minimizes the adventures. What's even better is the way backup Martin Biron performed Saturday, making key stops in the second to give his teammates a chance. The ex-Sabre has already started 11 games and won seven posting a respectable 2.26 GAA and .920 save percentage. Exactly what Tortorella was looking for to keep Lundqvist fresh down the stretch. Just maybe it'll make a difference.

You can't forget the contributions from Mike Sauer, who's become the team's third best blueliner. Credit goes out to the Sauer Man on persevering despite injuries to finally work his way into our top four. He rarely makes mistakes and is rock solid in his end. The kind of sturdy defender we've always needed. Then there's Matt Gilroy, who has gone long stretches sitting in the press box but never complained. And now, he's being rewarded and rewarded the coach with better play by getting involved offensively while playing stronger defensively. Enough can't be said about both these two who have made a huge impact to boost our back end. Michal Rozsival probably will miss more games this week but the vet's had a better year. And there's not enough praise for Steve Eminger.

It's been an exciting season for our Blueshirts. One which they have earned.