Lundqvist blanks Islanders

The holiday season has been great for the Rangers. Riding a four-game win streak into the Christmas Break, they weren't about to have it snapped by the Islanders yesterday at MSG. The biggest reason why was Henrik Lundqvist, who turned aside all 28 shots en route to a 3-0 shutout for the club's fifth straight win.

It marked their second win in three games over the Isles, who returned to The Garden a few days after a tough 4-2 loss Thursday. What an odd schedule. In any event, the superb play of Lundqvist along with Mike Del Zotto (2 assists, +3) and budding rookie Carl Hagelin (2 goals) were plenty in improving the Rangers to 22-8-4- vaulting them ahead of the idle Bruins for tops in the East. Their 48 points are one better than Boston, trailing only Chicago, whose 4-1 win over Columbus put them at 50. It's real exciting considering the injuries they've dealt with. With Marc Staal finally cleared for contact, it's anyone's guess when he'll return. In the mean time, John Tortorella continues to take a business-like approach, which should bode well with the new calendar year approaching.

By no means was it easy. The Islanders put up plenty of resistance. Tough guy Michael Haley instigated a fight with Stu Bickel, probably stemming from Bickel's dismantling of teammate Tim Wallace last Thursday. I didn't see any of the first due to visiting my Mom for Christmas. Based on a few of the tweets, it sounded like Jack Capuano's club earned some chances despite being outshot 12-7. I even thought we were down one. As I've stated repeatedly, throw out the records. The Islanders always come to play against the Rangers. No surprise they gave a strong showing in the two periods I caught between dinner and dessert with Lundqvist stifling them. His play has been unreal lately. King Henrik is right there with Jimmy Howard, who should comprise the goalies that challenge Vezina incumbent Tim Thomas. Somehow, our goalie isn't popular enough to be in the top five of All-Star voting. Can someone explain James Reimer first?

All-Star Games are the least of Henke's worries. He just goes about his business quietly and makes the saves. Along with Marty Biron (7-1), you can make an argument that it's the Blueshirts who boast the league's best tandem. While there would be some fun debate with Canuck fans and LA disciples, the most important aspect is that even when our team doesn't play great, they win. That's because players step up each night. Lately, it's been Del Zotto, who continued his amazing turnaround with a couple of brilliant plays for Hagelin's pair. The first saw the third-year pro undress Frans Nielsen with a Leetch-esque move and then fire a shot off Evgeni Nabokov, which Ryan Callahan rebounded right to Hags who deposited his fifth.

Before the same trio combined on an even better goal a period later, Lundqvist bailed out his teammates with sparkling work that included an Isles' flurry. He denied Wallace twice and then a third time with a cat-like glove leaving him befuddled. It's that kind of caliber netminding we're seeing from Henrik, who is a big advantage most nights. Great goaltending can cover a lot up. Especially when our forecheck's not ramping it up. Aside from stopping a dozen shots in the second, he also had plenty of help from top penalty killer Brian Boyle, who emulated a human backboard late to prevent Islander shots from getting through. Boyle and surprise Anton Stralman must've repelled a half dozen in the final minute, frustrating our Long Island rivals. It's that kind of effort that makes our team tough to play against. Boyle's unit with John Mitchell and Brandon Dubinsky were also the most effective on the cycle, energizing the crowd. It looks like for now, Dubinsky will stay put on the third line with the speedier Hagelin meshing with Brad Richards and Callahan.

Another tremendous read by Del Zotto led to some insurance from Hagelin. After a relentless forecheck that had the Isles pinned, he came back in the zone and slid a pass to Callahan, who sent the biscuit back to a cutting Del Zotto. With no hesitation, he centered for Hagelin, who buried his second of the night. Just all around great teamwork started by MDZ with our captain instrumental with Hags finishing. That's the kind of play we used to see religiously from Brian Leetch, who'll be suiting up in the Legends Game on New Year's Eve with Eric Lindros opposing them. Nobody would dare compare Del Zotto to Leetch. But his marked improvement has been a breath of fresh air. Without Del Zotto, no way are we sitting atop the conference.

The Isles didn't quit. Still able to attack with leading finisher Matt Moulson certainly doing his part along with John Tavares and P.A. Parenteau, they were denied by Lundqvist, including a big stop off a three-on-two. Milan Jurcina also tested him with his rocket but was silenced. The effort was there from Capuano's club but the lack of finish was evident. Lundqvist was a big reason along with a sturdy D that blocked 19 shots. How dedicated were they? As many as 15 skaters registered a block with no Blueshirt with more than two. Even Mike Rupp had one. Somewhat astonishingly, Dan Girardi didn't along with Dubinsky and Hagelin.

When Marian Gaborik put the finishing touches on the victory, shooting into a vacated net with 2:28 left, all that was left was that zero thing. They weren't about to allow the Islanders to spoil it. With his third shutout of the season, Lundqvist recorded No.38. He trails all-time franchise leader Ed Giacomin (49) by 11. All this before 30. Maybe the next step's coming.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Carl Hagelin, NYR (2 goals incl. GW, No.'s 5 & 6, 5 SOG, +2 in 13:21)
2nd Star-Mike Del Zotto, NYR (2 assists-17 tied for team lead with Stepan, +3 hikes rating to +25)
1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (28 saves for 3rd shutout, career No.38)


Notes: Rangers (22-8-4) embark on a three-game road trip with stops in Washington Wednesday, Florida Friday before visiting Citizens Bank Park for the much anticipated Winter Classic Jan.2. Early forecasts hint at the possibility of rain, which could affect the start. ... Both teams combined for 62 hits with each having 31, including a game high seven from Isles' bruiser Matt Martin. Stralman paced the Rangers with six. ... Faceoffs were even (25-25). Derek Stepan won eight-of-15 while Tavares went 9-2. ... Islanders (11-17-6) return home to host Calgary Thursday and Edmonton on New Year's Eve.

Lundqvist stands tall in win over Devils

Ruslan Fedotenko battles Tim Sestito on the opening faceoff during last night's Ranger 4-1 win over Hudson rival New Jersey.

They're separated by the Hudson River. Just a Path ride away, the Rangers and Devils renewed allegiances during the first Battle Of Hudson three months in the making. It was the Manhattan side that came out victorious over the Turnpike with headliner Henrik Lundqvist backstopping his team to a 4-1 win at a packed Prudential Center last night. 

In front of a makeshift defense that included emergency recall Tim Erixon, Lundqvist stood tall finishing with a game high 30 saves en route to his 23rd career victory over his favorite opponent. The Rangers needed every single one to get out of Newark with its second consecutive win in direct response to a two-game skid. That's been the story all year for John Tortorella's resilient club who never makes excuses. Even with the blueline battered minus Marc Staal, Mike Sauer and Steve Eminger, they fought back to steal two points thanks to Lundqvist. The scoreboard may have said otherwise but anyone who saw it knows the Devils controlled much of the action only to be denied by King Henrik.

“I enjoy playing against this team,” Lundqvist pointed out after diminishing his career GAA to 1.85 versus the Devils. “It’s always a great challenge to play them. There’s a lot of action. We all knew that this was going to be a tough one.”

Martin Brodeur brings out the best in Lundqvist, who was outstanding in keeping his team afloat despite a strong attack from New Jersey led by the ever dangerous top line of Adam Henrique, Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk. Minus top scorer Patrik Elias (flu), the Devs entered having won four straight and seemed on their way to five when Travis Zajac got to the only bad rebound Lundqvist allowed to put the hosts in front 1-0 15:51 into the first period. In his third game, Zajac won a draw back to Petr Sykora, whose low shot leaked out. A mad scramble ensued with Ryan McDonagh unable to clear it before Zajac deposited his first. Dainius Zubrus helped set it up by crashing the net.

It easily could've been two or three without Lundqvist, who watched his teammates struggle to mount anything the first half. Part of it had to do with how the game began with pushing and shoving between fourth lines. When Cam Janssen asked former teammate Mike Rupp to go, he obliged the smaller foe who showed a lot of guts taking some hard lefts early before coming on late. Only his second game back, Rupp looked weary at the end and asked refs Tim Peel and Justin St.Pierre to step in. Somewhat astonishingly, the officiating was good. Other than Ryan Callahan and instigator Eric Boulton getting misconducts in a heated first, they did a good job letting the teams play.

The rough stuff wasn't done when Brandon Dubinsky and David Clarkson stopped talking and dropped 'em. Dubinsky managed a good left that buckled Clarkson, who fell which was enough for Dubi to stop. Clarkson was involved later when a hit on Erixon prompted a strong reaction from partner Stu Bickel. Bickel acquitted himself well in front of family, who while being interviewed by John Giannone saw Zajac score. I hate when that happens cause it takes away from the game.

The Devils certainly had their chances in a more even second that saw at least four goal posts struck. Derek Stepan had Brodeur beat from 45 feet out when his shot deflected off a Devil and drew iron. Brodeur really didn't see much rubber due to his quicker team having the puck. The Rangers did plenty of chasing, especially when the Parise line was buzzing. Lundqvist robbed Henrique twice, including a nice kick out off a nifty Parise set up. The defense was on its heels. Kovalchuk certainly looked good on the right side, meshing with his cohesive unit. He got off a strong shot that Lundqvist made a head save on. The man can certainly shoot it.

If there was an area which decided it, it was special teams with the Devils unable to cash in on three power plays. Part of it was due to the Ranger penalty kill, which did a solid job getting in the path of shots and making key clears. The Devs still had decent looks but just couldn't get the second on Lundqvist. They also missed the net quite a bit in the second with Clarkson blowing some huge opportunities where he was set up alone but fired high and wide. For a guy having a bounce back season (11 goals vs 12 all last year), he disappointed the home side.

“We kept on scrapping and fought through it,” Tortorella said. “We started to take over in the second period and then kept on coming in the third. Hank made some key saves at key times and we just tried to stay with it. Eventually, we found a way to score some goals.”

Given a chance to get back in it, the Rangers responded with some strong work from elevated Carl Hagelin, who was bumped up by Tortorella with Brad Richards and Ryan Callahan. Hagelin helped generate chances, including a close call when a Richards shot pass was deflected by Callahan off the right post. Finally moving their legs, the Blueshirts turned the tide thanks to a brilliant rush by Derek Stepan. The second-year forward took a Marian Gaborik feed that saw our top finisher drilled, and then skated around a Devil before firing the puck into the slot off Kurt Foster for Artem Anisimov, who buried his seventh to knot it with 2:32 left in the second.

Suddenly with momentum, they nearly went ahead when Anisimov set up Stepan, who was denied by Brodeur on the short side. With it even, it was anyone's game. The first few shifts of the final stanza showed that as each side came close. A couple of more key stops from Lundqvist paid dividends when an unusual play allowed them to go ahead. Stepan started it by backing up the Devil D and then got the puck to Anisimov who methodically skated around to the right before flipping a tricky backhand that trickled off Brodeur right to Gaborik, who deposited his team best 18th at 4:45.

“That’s how we score,” Gaborik explained after also netting an empty netter in the closing seconds on a special night that saw the Slovak record his 600th career point. “We get a lot of rebound, second-chance goals. I just try to stay in front and be there to lay it in.”

The Devils didn't give up, coming back with a couple of strong shifts that eventually landed them a third man-advantage when McDonagh closed his hand on a puck. For whatever reason, they rank dead last at home despite oodles of talent. Even without Elias, the addition of Foster has added another shooter to a top heavy unit which features Kovalchuk, Parise, Henrique and Clarkson. Pete DeBoer can also roll out reemerging Petr Sykora, Zubrus and Zajac on the second one with improving rookie Adam Larsson, who played well defensively. During the PP, Lundqvist made back-to-back stops, including one he deemed 'lucky' on Henrique, whose shot went through the wickets but wide. Perhaps luck was on the Rangers' side with Gabby's odd goal earlier and Step's pass off Foster to Anisimov.

The PK bent but never broke with two big clears, including a yeoman effort from Dubinsky, who played his best game of the season. However, it was a strong clear by Bickel that led to the Coup de grace. Unable to corral the puck at the left point, Kovalchuk fell leading to a two-on-one. The league's most potent shorthanded team is also the worst at permitting shorthanded goals. Here came Hagelin flying down the wing with Brian Boyle as the decoy. The brilliant Swede whipped a shot past Brodeur's glove for his second shorty before an odd celebration saw him fall down and laugh. It's amazing how poised he is. But remember, he spent four years at Michigan and isn't afraid.  

“We had a lot of opportunities, but their guy didn’t allow us to get the second goal,” DeBoer said. “If we got the second goal, we could have taken charge of the game. I thought it was one of our better games, maybe our best 60-minute effort this year.

“We didn’t come out on the right end, but I liked the way we played. Tip the cap to their guy. We have to find a way to solve him because we play them five more times.”


BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Marian Gaborik, NYR (2 goals-19 incl. GW for 600th NHL point, assist, +3)
2nd Star-Stepan/Anisimov, NYR (5 Pts: 1-4-5, 7 SOG, +5)
1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (30 saves for 23rd career win vs NJD)


Notes: Henrik Tallinder sat out for the third consecutive game due to back spasms. ... Elias still is up in the air for Friday versus Washington. ... Larsson will fly home to Sweden for his grandmother's funeral. He'll miss the Devs next two games including next Monday at Carolina. The top line of Parise-Henrique-Kovalchuk combined for a dozen of the club's 31 shots. Each were held off the score sheet due to Lundqvist and the D tandem of Dan Girardi and McDonagh. ... Sean Avery sat out a fourth straight game. ... Brodeur turned aside 17 of 20 in his second consecutive start, falling below .500 (8-9-0). ... Rangers host Islanders tomorrow and Flyers Friday.

The GAS Line burns Senators

Ever since John Tortorella moved Artem Anisimov up with Derek Stepan and Marian Gaborik, the cohesive trio have had something going. An unlikely combo due to three different styles has proven dangerous for opposing goalies. Last night in Kanata proved no different with the newly formed GAS Line burning the Senators for all three goals in the Rangers' fifth consecutive win- a 3-2 count avenging a bad home loss on Oct.29.

The new name which one Ranger tweep came up with looks like it'll stick for at least the time being. Gaborik (2-1-3), Stepan (1-2-3) and Anisimov (2 helpers) combined for eight points, including some magic on one of Gabby's goals where the emerging second-year former Badger made a perfect no-look feed for an easy tap-in. Of course, we're talking about Stepan, who is everything once thought.

"The way we are playing, doing the right things and staying with the details is the biggest thing. We've got to continue to play hard and use our legs to create things," Stepan told Blueshirts United after the three-point outing gave him seven points over the last three.

"First of all we had a good forecheck and kept our legs moving. Second of all, when we get the puck, guys are confident to make a play. We are winning the battles, getting in their first, and I think that's how we created our goals," Gaborik pointed out after notching his team-leading eighth and ninth markers along with an assist. Gaborik is tied with Claude Giroux, Joe Pavelski and James Neal for fifth in goals behind league leader Phil Kessel (11) with Thomas Vanek, Sens' goalscorer Milan Michalek and Steven Stamkos placing second with 10 each.

Considering that I missed the game due to work, it was nice to see our team respond to Michalek's 10th after he dusted Jeff Woywitka to open the scoring early in the second. Jason Spezza and Erik Karlsson drew assists. Less than a minute later, Stepan and Gaborik combined on the aforementioned nice set up with No.10 finishing it off. Not long after that, an aggressive forecheck from Anisimov behind the Sens' net allowed him to steal the puck, walk out in front and force a scrambling Craig Anderson to make a save. With the American vet out of position, Stepan snuck in and backhanded the rebound into an open side for his third.

Despite getting outshot 21-11 through two periods, the Blueshirts led by one entering the third. Back in net, Henrik Lundqvist was sharp finishing with 29 saves for his fifth win of the season. The King got more support when the GAS Line combined for Gaborik's second of the night thanks in large part to ultimate warrior Dan Girardi, who logged 28 big minutes. Enough can't be said about Danny G, who always seems to be in the right spot. If he's not blocking shots, he's making a smart defensive play like the one that turned into an odd-man rush with Anisimov skating it out before getting it to Stepan, who then headmanned Gaborik on a two-on-one. Gabby patiently waited, faked pass and then roofed one top shelf. The great play turned out to be the game-decider with Nick Foligno making it interesting late.

"I think we have high confidence right now, and we need to grow this confidence every game to play even better as a line," Anisimov explained after his pair of assists improved him to six points in three. The third-year Russian has emerged from a sluggish start to lead the Blueshirts with eight helpers. "We need to keep an eye on the back of each other. If someone makes a mistake let's come back and go hard for him."

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star: Artem Anisimov, NYR (2 assists, plus Broadway Hat)
2nd Star: Derek Stepan, NYR (goal-3rd, 2 helpers)
1st Star: Marian Gaborik, NYR (2 goals-8th/9th, assist)


Notes: There were two scraps with little used Sean Avery battling former Isle Zenon Konopka while Andre Deveaux took on Jared Cowen. We'll try to find video of each and get it up. ... Newest Ranger Anton Stralman skated with the team today at practice. Might he make his debut tomorrow? ... Brandon Dubinsky remains without a goal in the first 14. That along with the lack of finish from Brian Boyle and Brandon Prust remains the only drawback.

This Staal's Clean: The Rangers have won five straight improving to 8-3-3. They return to MSG tomorrow to battle Eric Staal's Hurricanes. Some have discussed it as a revenge game for the hit Eric laid on brother Marc Staal, who remains sidelined with PCS. However, it was clean and at the end of a period. Just from some of the quotes the elder Staal had about his brother the other day, it has really affected him. Though it's hard to explain his minus-16 rating these days. Our team needs to treat it like any other game. Carolina fell to the Devils the other night and aren't playing well. But they still boast hot shot super soph Jeff Skinner along with Staal, plus Cam Ward. At the end of the year, they'll probably be there. The Blueshirts can't take them lightly before traveling north of the border to Toronto for a Saturday Hockey Night In Canada showdown with the Leafs.

Jagr Turns Back The Clock: Tricks USA in Czech win

Special players rise to the occasion. Performing on the big stage has never been a problem for Jaromir Jagr. The former NHL great turned back the clock with a vintage game in today's quarterfinal between Team USA and the Czech Republic at the World's. No.68 dialed it up, notching a hat trick to lead the Czechs past an overmatched young American squad 4-0 in Bratislava- advancing the defending champs to the semifinals before a raucous atmosphere that featured overwhelming support.

As Zach Parise said during intermission on Versus, "What can you say about this guy?" Like many, he's seen it before with Jagr victimizing the Devils a few Springs ago in the last Battle Of Hudson. The speed isn't the same but the instincts along with incredible hockey sense are for the now 39 year-old who the Pens are rumored to have interest in. Could a Pittsburgh reunion be in the works for GM Ray Shero? Jagr's contract with Avangard Omsk ran out but he may stay put. Of course, the wider hockey surface benefits his style- allowing him more room and space to create along the wall.

Personally, I'd love to see Jagr return to the NHL for one more go round. In 1,273 career games, No.68's tallied 646 goals along with 953 assists totaling 1,599. If he came back, a few milestones are attainable with JJ needing one point for 1,600, 47 helpers for 1,000 and 54 goals to join the 700 Goal Club. If he played 27 games, the former Blueshirt would hit 1,300. While the point would be easy, the other two might be more difficult. It's hard to gauge how an older and slower Jagr would do back on the smaller North American ice. With more of an emphasis on speed, could his body hold up over an 82 game schedule? Of course, if he played with say Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby, that would certainly benefit him. Imagine what Pens games would be like. Super Mario II ring a bell? A Pens ticket would become a hot commodity, which would benefit a league where attendance isn't always positive despite what spin the NHL puts out.

Of course, all this is wild speculation. Fun to envision. One thing about Jagr. He's still quite potent on the power play where two of his three markers came, including a familiar 5-on-3 one-timer that deflected off Mike Komisarek's stick past Ty Conklin for the Czechs' second of the day. Jagr started the scoring when he took full advantage of a Kevin Shattenkirk turnover, beating Conklin through the wickets on a mini-break late in a first period controlled by Scott Gordon's younger club.
Our country lost their discipline in a poor middle stanza. James van Riemsdyk's silly elbow handed the Czechs a two-man advantage. After some strong penalty killing along with a couple of big stops by Conklin on Marek Zidlicky, the Czech Republic used a timeout to rest their top unit. It paid dividends when Roman Cervenka dished across for a quick Jagr rocket that Conklin had no chance on. He actually was in good position before the puck changed direction due to Komisarek.

Due in large part to special teams, Team USA never got any quality chances on Thrasher netminder Ondrej Pavelec (29 saves), who denied Nashville prospect Craig Smith in the first. Gordon's club did blow their own abbreviated 5-on-3 prior to Jagr connecting, staking the Czechs to a two-goal lead after 40 minutes. The U.S. effort was better in the third but they never were able to match their more experienced opponents' firepower. Czech Republic had a loaded roster that included Devil Patrik Elias, Tomas Plekanec (Mtl), Michal Frolik (Chi), Jakub Voracek (CBJ), Milan Michalek (Ott), Zbynek Michalek (Pit) along with former NHLers Petr Prucha, Jiri Novotny, Karel Rachunek, Lukas Krajicek and Martin Skoula. Cervenka, former Ranger draft pick Jan Marek and Czech captain Tomas Rolinek are no strangers to international play.

Conversely, Team USA's roster was comprised mostly of kids who didn't represent us in Vancouver when our country was runner-up to Canada in one of the most memorable games ever. It still hurts. Ranger Derek Stepan was held off the scoresheet for the first time along with linemates Blake Wheeler (Atl) and Van Riemsdyk (Phi). In seven games, Stepan paced us with seven points. Others who played well included Smith, Devil Nick Palmieri, Ryan Shannon (Ott), Jack Skille (Fla), Jack Johnson (LA), captain Mark Stuart (Atl), Ryan McDonagh (NYR), Cam Fowler (Ana) and future Blueshirt Chris Kreider. Komisarek (Tor), Shattenkirk (Stl), ex-Blue Yan Stastny , Tim Stapleton (Atl), Paul Gaustad (Buf), Mike Brown (Tor), Chris Porter (Stl) and Clay Wilson (Fla) also rounded out the roster along with Islander Al Montoya.

The difference in skill level was evident on the Czechs' final two tallies. A Stepan mistake in the neutral zone led to a quick set up for Plekanec, who wired one top shelf for 3-zip. A frustrated Stuart slash late allowed Jagr to turn the trick when No.68 worked a textbook give-and-go with Plekanec, who found him for an easy finish to plenty of salutes from a pro-Czech crowd that included painted faces and funky outfits in their flag colors. European fans are classic. One day, I have to go see a game overseas. Just for the atmosphere itself along with a unique culture, it'll be worth it.

While Czech Republic awaits the Germany-Sweden winner, tomorrow features a heavyweight quarter match between Russia and Canada. Versus is airing it live at 2 ET. If you get a chance to tune in, don't miss it! With Detroit and San Jose off after another amazing performance from Pavel Datsyuk, who along with Niklas Kronwall have helped the Red Wings rally from an 0-3 hole to even the series, you can catch an encore of the Jagr Show at 8 tonight.

I was going to do a separate entry on this series, which has become the second this postseason that needs a Game 7 after one team led 3-0. We saw it in Round One when the Blackhawks rallied to not only force a deciding game but got a Jonathan Toews shorthanded goal with two minutes left, taking the Canucks to sudden death before Alex Burrows rescued the city of Vancouver. Now, it's another experienced former champion standing up to make it the kinda series I envisioned. I took the Sharks in seven. So, it's not surprising that tomorrow will see an epic conclusion to a classic Conference Semifinal where basically every game's been decided by a goal sans a late Darren Helm empty netter that sent The Joe into a frenzy.

It's been a hard fought battle all the way with San Jose prevailing by one the first three, including a pair of OT winners from Joe Pavelski and Devin Setoguchi. To Detroit's credit, they fought back with two one-goal triumphs, including a miraculous third period comeback with Jonathan Ericsson, Kronwall and Tomas Holmstrom scoring in succession to stun HP Pavilion in Game 5. Game 6 was incredible with unbelievable netminding from Antti Niemi (42 saves) giving his team a chance to steal it. When Logan Couture nudged Dany Heatley's rebound across the line, the Sharks led with 16:06 left. But Jimmy Howard (24 saves) also made a few clutch stops including a ridiculous glove save off a tricky Heatley deflection. The Wings wouldn't be denied when Valterri Filppula found a pinching Kronwall for a shot Henrik Zetterberg redirected.

They took advantage of a terrible San Jose change with Filppula steering home a ridiculous backhand saucer feed from who else but Datsyuk. Datsyukian as I refer to him on Twitter is amazing. He's playing with a bad wrist and took only one key defensive draw late last night and won it. Whatever pain he's in, you wouldn't know it. I've said it before. Not to sound like an echo, but there's no more complete player than Pavel Datsyuk. The man is a magician with the puck who never takes a shift off. His backchecking is second to none even though I think Ryan Kesler wins his first Selke. I love Kes, who reminds me of Mark Messier. He's having a great playoffs. But if you were to ask me who my favorite player is to watch, it's Datsyuk. The man is all heart. He only got one point last night but it's his constant play with and without the puck that is breathtaking. Take his wizardry that made Jeremy Roenick target Patrick Marleau dizzy before feeding Nick Lidstrom for Holmstrom's decider the other day. It's just remarkable.

The Red Wings will attempt to become the fourth team to make it all the way back from 3-0 behind. Can they join the '42 Maple Leafs, '75 Islanders and last year's Flyers, who went to Game 6 before falling to Chicago in sudden death? It shouldn't be easy at one of the best home ice advantages in the league. It's not like the Sharks have played poorly. Yesterday was their first bad game. Without Niemi, it's not a contest. None of that matters. Something Todd McLellan pointed out in his press conference. Game 7 is about stars. It's where heroes are born. San Jose should have Ryane Clowe back to reunite with Couture and Heatley, who've been their best line. Joe Thornton has played better hockey than any other playoffs. Pavelski is as clutch as it gets and Setoguchi has been everywhere. Is this the game Marleau shows? It's all on the line.

Monday Fun Day: Early 90's Throwback

Hockey's been dead here for a while. To be perfectly blunt, it already feels like months since the Rangers and Sabres lost their first round series. If that's how this blogger feels, I can't imagine how Hasan does or any Islander fan. We live and die with our teams and the fact that once again, no one's playing deep into the nice May weather can totally suck.

For me, I continue to follow the playoffs where you have no clue on what will happen next. Can Nashville force a seventh game tonight? Are the Sharks in trouble after blowing their second chance to put away Detroit? In what looked to be your typical second round following a long, exciting first round with Tampa and Boston sweeping, the Preds and Wings don't want it to be over yet. They continue to fight, forcing the Bolts and Bruins to wait patiently before the Conference Finals can begin. Is it fair? Probably not. But it might help concussed B Patrice Pergeron, who's a vital cog for Claude Julien. You hope he'll be alright following Claude Giroux's clean hit. If not, Tyler Seguin will make his playoff debut under intense scrutiny. It's the Bruins' first appearance in the Final Four since '92 when the Original 6 black and gold featured Ray Bourque, Adam Oates, Cam Neely, Glen Wesley, Joe Juneau and Andy Moog.

To think that back then I was a young, innocent teenager who enjoyed the throwback style we got. Gretzky was King and Super Mario reigned supreme along with a long haired Czech teen phenom named Jagr as his sidekick, going back-to-back in the Steel City. The hockey version of Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, who were supposed to win a lot more before Lemieux's back problems and Hodgkin's. When you look at the point totals of classic scoring races, Mario and the Great One dominated while Oates and Pat Lafontaine along with Stevie Y all did their thing. The excitement dominant finishers like Brett Hull, Alexander Mogilny,The Finnish Flash and The Russian Rocket generated along with a gifted Russian named Fedorov, injected life to a sport that wasn't always about dirty hits and controversial remarks. In the glory days, our heroes were men built like Messier, whose dominance in a series win over Jeremy Roenick and the Blackhawks led Edmonton to another Cup.

Maybe it's me but back then, stars were more celebrated. It wasn't just limited to Sid vs Ovi. American stars like JR, Lafontaine, Brian Leetch, Chris Chelios and Mike Modano transformed the sport- making it more popular in The States. Today, we get emerging young stars Patrick Kane, Bobby Ryan, Zach Parise, Phil Kessel, Paul Stastny, James van Riemsdyk along with black and blue types Ryan Kesler, Joe Pavelski, Ryan Callahan and Dustin Brown, who we identify with. The names on the blueline have changed to Johnson and Johnson, plus Cam Fowler and Kevin Shattenkirk, giving us hopes for the future. Might that include Derek Stepan, Ryan McDonagh and Chris Kreider along with Nick Palmieri and Mark Fayne and Kyle Okposo? Ask the new kids on the block and they'll tell ya who inspired them. The stars of yesteryear's impact can't be forgotten. So, the next time you watch, images of Leetch, Chelios, Modano, Roenick, '96 World Cup hero Tony Amonte, John Leclair, Keith Tkachuk, Bill Guerin, Gary Suter and Mike Richter should all be fresh. With recent Vancouver hero Ryan Miller, Conn Smythe candidate Tim Thomas and rejuvenated Al Montoya, there's much to like. Indeed, The Kids Are Alright.

Speaking of Team USA, they dropped their final preliminary at the World's to the Swiss 5-3 in Slovakia. Ty Conklin allowed all four goals and Andres Ambuhl scored a goal and assist for the pesky country nobody likes facing. Nothing for D-Step or Kreids, who've both been good this tournament along with Palmieri and Blake Wheeler. They failed on two power plays trailing 4-2 before a brilliant feed from Fowler set up a cutting JVR with reliever Montoya pulled for an extra attacker. However, the Swiss held us off by working the puck out and getting an empty netter to clinch the win. Now, it's onto the elimination round with a potential quarterfinal against familiar face Jagr and the Czech Republic. No picnic. The next game features Sweden and Canada with the winner drawing Russia. Yikes. Norway qualified with a 5-2 win over France. Slovakia didn't but won today 4-1 over Denmark. Marian Gaborik had an assist and Marian Hossa tallied while old reliables Miro Satan (1-1-2) and Jozef Stumpel (assist) had strong games.

Kudos to Versus for televising most of our games live. The quarters will be played in Bratislava at Orange Arena. With a secondary helper late, Stepan hiked his team-leading scoring total to seven points (2-5-7). Wisconsin's Craig Smith notched his team best third goal. A breakout tourney for the future Predator who ranks second with half a dozen points (3-3-6). Palmieri has two goals and a helper. We'll see how they fare in crunch time.

Historic comeback rescues Rangers

At 3-0 down, it looked over. In a game they needed, the Rangers were all out of sorts looking up at a huge three-goal hole to a tough Bruins club set on adding another crushing chapter to a classic Original Six rivalry. When Chris Kelly skated untouched and beat Henrik Lundqvist shortside, it seemed insurmountable with less than half of regulation left. At that point, Boston won every battle, earning their big lead by going to the dirty areas to score the first two before Kelly surged past Ruslan Fedotenko and stunned an already antsy Garden crowd, who rained down the home team with more boos.

It would've been easy to say, 'It's just not our night.' On the Bruins' first pair, they scored right after the Rangers blew chances. All season long, that's not what this team is about. There have been few nights where our guys didn't compete with one coming at the hands of the Islanders a few days ago. If it's true they were sluggish in the second of another challenging back-to-back against a top three seed, you wouldn't have known it the way the Blueshirts responded to adversity. Led by Vinny Prospal's two goals, John Tortorella's scrappy bunch put together a historic comeback to stun the B's 5-3 before a raucous atmosphere at MSG. Never before in the unique 85 year history of one of the oldest rivalries, had the Rangers climbed back from a three-goal deficit to defeat the Bruins.

“It’s a feeling that you can’t describe when you hear that many people going crazy,” tying hero Brandon Dubinsky said after scoring the third unanswered goal with 3:48 remaining off a brilliant feed by Ryan Callahan to send the Garden into bedlum. “We fought so hard for so many months and we needed these two points. That part of it makes it even that much more emotional.”

Dubinsky's biggest goal of the season wouldn't have been possible without the heroics of Vinny Prospal. A prideful man who fought tooth and nail to get back in the lineup after so many setbacks with his knee. At one point, there were even rumors that his career might be over. For myself, I never expected him to return because it sounded bad and I wanted to be realistic about the chances. I disagreed with my Dad whenever the topic came up. He maintained that the team would be better off with a more long-term view while I insisted that Prosp was an underrated cog who brings skill along with leadership. Never has that been more evident than in his play down the stretch. The 36 year-old Czech, who Mike Milbury mistakenly thought was part of Tort's '03-04 Bolts' Cup, plays with such enthusiasm that it rubs off on his younger teammates. After he scored off a goalmouth scramble 62 seconds later, steering home Wolski's rebound, he pumped his fists and was telling the guys they're back in it on the bench.

The joy Prospal has when he scores is so positive that it has to inspire the rest of the roster. It doesn't take much to inject life into a team that was skating in quicksand prior. Tortorella tried everything, altering every line in a desperate attempt to awaken his club, who knew full well that a loss would mean scoreboard praying. It would've allowed the Hurricanes to control their destiny.  

“We didn’t want to have to watch and see what Carolina did (Wednesday) night,” Dubinsky said. “We want to keep ourselves in the driver’s seat.”

Instead, Tort found magic in a bottle with reemerging rookie Derek Stepan between Prospal and Wolski. The trio suddenly took over, scoring a huge second goal before the middle stanza ended. The play was made possible by a hustling Stepan, who beat a Boston defenseman to a loose puck, pushing it to Wolski behind the net, who then turned and set up Prospal in front for his second straight in 6:52. Suddenly, the Rangers were very much alive, trailing by only a goal entering the third.

Boston had only lost once in regulation when leading after two periods, bringing a 20-1-2 mark into the fateful final period. None of that meant anything. Even though the Bruins sat back, which drew the ire of coach Claude Julien afterwards, they reestablished their tight defense, keeping the Rangers on the perimeter while also putting together a couple of strong shifts with less than 10 minutes left. As the seconds ticked down, it looked like it would be another heartbreaking defeat on home ice where a poor start cost us. The Bruins even came close to scoring with Michael Ryder driving a long slapper off the crossbar.

Even more daunting was the inept play of Marian Gaborik, who went through the motions on more than one shift. Other than a couple of quality shots that Tim Thomas snuffed out in the first, he was invisible. Something Milbury alluded to on the Versus postgame. He was moved to Brian Boyle's line. Boyle also was having a tough night with his line caught on for Nathan Horton's 25th that saw all five Rangers standing around when the Bruins went in front by two. As fate would have it, the unlikely duo combined for the biggest goal later. Before they could, the Blueshirts still had to get it tied. With seemingly nothing working, Tortorella finally went back to the Draft Line, reuniting Callahan, Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov for a key shift. On a determined shift, they wouldn't be denied with Callahan sending a backhand feed in front for Dubinsky, who outwaited Thomas before tucking home a backhand to miraculously tie it before being mobbed. On the play, Marc Staal kept the play alive with a good pinch. Ironically, it was his great keep and pass that started the comeback. Without those two plays, they're cooked.

With the crowd now in a frenzy, Tortorella cameback with Boyle, Gaborik and Brandon Prust. On what appeared to be a broken play, Boyle took a whale of a hit to get the puck to Gaborik, who finally did something by sending seeing eye backhand pass that somehow went through to a pinching Mike Sauer, whose soft shot went thru Thomas' wickets just enough before Johnny Boychuk could keep the puck out. If they weren't crazy before, you should've heard them now. My Dad who was fortunate enough to go, said it was unbelievable. One can only imagine. Just seeing it on TV was enough to send me into a state of shock. My brother, who I watched a majority of it with had left to see our friend one last time before she flew back to Atlanta. Of course when it ended, I wound up there too. But I just wasn't leaving until I saw the end. Good thing too because I texted him twice and his response was, "Yes!"

"That was unbelievable,” a pumped Sauer expressed. “I never scored a goal and it got that loud, that is for sure. The boys were excited and the fans went nuts.”

Sometimes, it's moments like that that make you a fan for life. This is why we live and die with this T-E-A-M. Once up, they weren't going to allow the Bruins to tie it. Ryan Callahan sacrificed again by making a ridiculous diving block of a dangerous Zdeno Chara shot that unfortunately broke his ankle. Of course, everyone's favorite Ranger earned huge pops. Such a shame that a day later, we find out he's out between six to eight weeks but won't need surgery. If this team gets in and pulls a first round upset, who wants to bet Cally somehow returns if there's a Game Six or Seven in the Eastern Conference Semis? Don't put it past the heart and soul of these Blueshirts.

When Stepan hit the empty net, one of the most memorable regular season comebacks in club history was complete. It came at a price but this team's proven before that they can overcome obstacles. The latest challenge for the Rangers, who'll have to do it without Callahan with Atlanta Thursday and New Jersey Saturday both at home. Forget about what Buffalo does tonight against Tampa or what happens tomorrow between Carolina and Detroit. This win was our 34th in regulation/overtime, giving the Rangers a four point lead over the Hurricanes, who now have immense pressure. In fact, a Sabre win tonight and a Cane loss would clinch for Buffalo, who now trails us by a point for seventh. The Rangers are tied at 91 points with the Canadiens, who hold the tiebreaker and play their extra game tonight against a desperate Chicago team. The only way we finish ahead of them is by winning our last two or a complete collapse by Les Habitants. I'm not counting on anything. Let's just win out and silence the detractors.

Take care of business. It's all in front of them.


BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Brandon Dubinsky, NYR (tying goal-24th w/3:48 left)
2nd Star-Derek Stepan, NYR (ENG, assist, outstanding hustle)
1st Star-Vinny Prospal, NYR (2 goals-7th, 8th and tremendous energy)

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)

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.

Blizzard a cold reminder of what really matters

"I'll be home for Christmas," never seemed more appropriate for most of the Northeast than the day after Santa delivered goodies for everyone. Well, unless you were Jewish. While many of us were celebrating this special time of year at home with family and friends, it was business as usual for our hockey teams.

For the Islanders and Devils, that meant braving the naughty weather to play a game in Newark before many empties on just a brutal Sunday you won't soon forget. Whether it was watching the two New York (New Jersey) football teams drive you nuts though at least for Hasan there was better news on the way, or dealing with the more than predicted snow that dumped over two feet in our area, it wasn't the best of times. Especially for the New York Sanitation department who were blindsided, making it a miserable few days for most. Here in Staten Island, we got 30 inches or roughly an identical amount to the great '96 storm that saw school canceled for a week. What I remember most is having to wake up early the next day with Dad and somehow put together Sunday papers in my old stomping grounds. We managed.

Tell that to the Islanders who had to play consecutive days following the monstrosity- traveling on bus to Madison Square Garden for a Monday game against their archrival Rangers. A night removed from dealing the Devils another forgettable loss, they managed alright playing to a 2-2 tie in a seesaw first which saw Henrik Lundqvist turn into Mister Softee. Never a term any goalie wants to be associated with. Never the less, the franchise Blueshirt netminder recovered, stoning John Tavares with the game still knotted despite a flurry of activity for counterpart Dwayne Roloson. Perhaps the seasoned vet finally succumbed to a 34-8 barrage the final 40 minutes as his weary teammates had, finally losing their legs and wits from a sleepless journey. It probably explained Matt Gilroy's knuckler sinking under Rollie followed by Selke candidate Brian Boyle's harmless backhand that we've seen Lundqvist allow more than he should.

Despite John Tortorella's legit point about his team being sloppy in the middle stanza, the third may as well have been Roloson hit by heavy snow flakes. Rangers drifted everywhere as the poor affable goalie was left to fend for himself. There was little he could do as Derek Stepan improved his Calder candidacy followed by Brandon Dubinsky and Ruslan Fedotenko. It all added up to a 7-2 blowout with the Rangers registering 52 shots to the Isles' 20.

Pretty predictable considering the trying circumstances for a franchise that continues to have bad luck. Even top prospects like Calvin de Haan and Brock Nelson are leaving World Junior games hurt, adding to a list that's seen Mark Streit and Kyle Okposo out all year with franchise goalie Rick DiPietro once again playing Bill Murray's recurring role as Phil in Groundhog Day. Or in this extreme case, Scrooged. Another Murray classic. 'Tis the season.

With the club off, yesterday Garth Snow made a move sending defenseman James Wisniewski to Montreal for an '11 second round pick and conditional sixth. So, the well traveled blueliner moves again with the Islanders getting good value back. At least they got a day off before hosting Sidney Crosby and the Pens tonight at The Coliseum. Not much of a reward with Sid The Kid continuing his assault on the league, extending his point streak to 25 in a row with a two-goal, two assist performance in a 6-3 win over the Thrashers. During the amazing run that's the longest since Mats Sundin hit 30 with Quebec, the league's leading scorer has tallied 26 goals and 22 assists- sparking Pittsburgh to a 19-5-1 record atop the standings with an NHL best 52 points. Mission impossible it would seem for the Islanders.

Considering what they've been through already, at least it will be a return to normalcy. Something we all can relate to with streets finally being cleared. A chance to get back to our busy lives in time for the New Year. It could always be a lot worse. Something Long Island native Matt Gilroy noted in the MSG postgame when asked about how he's handled being out of the Ranger lineup, pointedly remarking how he visited a sick child at a hospital for Christmas. Keeping proper perspective, the former Hobey winner knows he has it good, getting to play the coolest game on Earth.

We aren't sick or cold, have roofs over our heads, food on our plate and also get to watch our favorite teams play hockey, cheering them. Next time, warm the spirit of someone who doesn't have it so good.

Rangers OutBolted in shootout

It took 11 rounds to decide. Unfortunately for the Rangers, they couldn't send the home crowd totally happy for the holidays. Despite a highlight reel game tying goal by impressive rookie Derek Stepan, who somehow managed to tuck a puck past Dan Ellis with little wiggle room, the MSG hosts couldn't get that one big shot or save needed to win the shootout- falling 4-3 to the Bolts.

Their second consecutive loss (0-1-1) against a top eight seed though disappointing, wasn't that bad. Not when you consider that the Blueshirts dictated most of the match with a consistent forecheck, outshooting the Lightning 37-24. Credit Ellis, who outplayed Henrik Lundqvist to the tune of 34 saves and one more stop in the skill competition for giving Tampa Bay their second straight win over Gotham in the season series. Not that it's a rip at our goalie who for the most part, was solid despite just 21 saves, including a few money stops in sudden death on Steven Stamkos, Vinny Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis. Remarkably, it was Victor Hedman, former Ranger Adam Hall and shootout hero Ryan Malone who solved King Henrik in only his second shootout. The club's third this season. A sharp contrast from recent years where they relied too much on it.

The game also marked the debut of 23 year-old Norwegian Mats Zuccarello-Aasen. John Tortorella didn't shy away from playing MZA, starting him on the top line with Stepan and Brandon Dubinsky, who was instrumental in setting up the big goal that earned our club a point. Dubi played a strong game, around the puck on both sides making solid defensive reads against Bolt duo Stamkos and St. Louis late in regulation. As for Zuccarello who got nearly 18 minutes, he drew high marks from a pleased Tort who had a good chuckle when the gifted Olympian pulled off a triple deke to keep the shootout alive. MZA used his superb skating and skill to generate chances, including a shot from the left circle late which Ellis gloved. Despite his St. Louis-esque frame, the mighty mite didn't back down, even having a classic staredown with Hedman, who looked like a giant next to him. That kinda fight will benefit Zucc, who goes back down to Hartford to play the day after Christmas. It isn't known when he'll return due to the roster which largely depends on Marian Gaborik.

The club which has proven they can win without him played well enough to win. But a couple of mistakes wound up in their net from Stamkos and St. Louis. The Blueshirts fought back, scoring their two goals in 12 seconds off the sticks of Ruslan Fedotenko and resurgent Alex Frolov who finally seems to be getting it. With the game still tied late in the second, Lecavalier steered Tampa in front when he escaped a check to put home Pavel Kubina's feed. With Ellis standing tall, it looked like the Lightning would hold on. But Dubinsky and Stepan had other ideas, combining on the tying goal. A Matt Gilroy dump was turned over by a Bolt, allowing Dubi to free the puck and pass across to an open Stepan, who managed to tuck it in using the net and sliding it across the right post just passed the red line. A very poised play by the emerging Calder candidate. Our team doesn't score many great goals but that one should make NHL Network's Plays Of The Week just for the dynamic skill alone. Plus it came at a crucial moment.

Neither team could get another past either netminder with Lundqvist making two strong denials on Teddy Purcell late, forcing overtime. The four-on-four was exciting but both goalies showcased their skills forcing extras. Hedman (hi glove) and Erik Christensen (ridiculous Jussi Jokinen backhand deke tuck assisted by laughing Martin Biron) split a pair early. Then Hall beat Lundqvist stick side. A Stepan miss forced Henrik to keep the Lightning from making it three-for-three, setting the stage for Zuccarello. MZA didn't disappoint coming in fast before deking forehand, backhand, forehand putting it home with little real estate. A tremendous move which had Tort showing a rare grin. The goalies then took over with too many players going for moves instead of shots. Especially our guys who maybe got caught up in what our more skilled shooters did. Even Michal Rozsival tried a backhand deke. Gilroy also did but was rejected. Marc Staal's try was worse. Finally, Malone went conventional taking advantage of Lundqvist hanging in his crease- firing a perfect laser off the crossbar and in, allowing excited teammates to pour off the bench and mob him.

It was a well played game with only two minors. The Rangers see the Lightning again on New Year's Day following the Winter Classic. They'll hope the third time's a charm against the more skilled team they're battling for playoff position.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Artem Anisimov, Rangers (assisted on Frolov goal and played most spirited game)
2nd Star-Derek Stepan, Rangers (tying goal-10th of season forcing extras)
1st Star-Dan Ellis, Bolts (34 saves, 9/11 in shootout)

Calder Hopefuls

As we approach Christmas, there's plenty to be jolly about. Especially when it comes to this year's exciting rookie crop. While all the hype surrounded Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin, some other fresh faces have come in and taken the league by storm. While maybe no one is on last year's level that saw Buffalo blueliner Tyler Myers steal the show away from last year's top three picks John Tavares, Victor Hedman and Matt Duchene, there's probably more depth this season, making for an even more exhilerating race. Who will take home the Calder? Let's look at 10 hopefuls!


BATTLE CALDER TOP 10

1.G Sergei Bobrovsky, Flyers-Seemingly out of nowhere, the 22 year-old undrafted Russian netminder has been a godsend for first overall Philly, posting a 15-5-3 mark with a 2.44 GAA and a .919 save percentage. He's responsible for 68.2 percent of the Flyers' 22 wins which are tied for the league lead with Pennsylvania rival Pittsburgh. If goaltending was a question mark entering due to Michael Leighton on IR and Brian Boucher as the only proven guy, that's no longer the case. Ochenb xoposho to the Pyccku!

2.C Logan Couture, Sharks-While it's true the 21 year-old '07 first rounder got into 25 games last season, fact is he's become one of their most reliable finishers. Not easy to do when you're behind Dany Heatley and Patrick Marleau. Amazingly, it's Couture who's 17 markers pace a club that's underachieved thus far. In fact, the 17 tie him for fifth best in the league. His five game winners lead all rookies. He also has five power play goals (leads rookies) and his plus-eight is second best to teammate Ryane Clowe. It's hard to ignore the rookie scoring leader (17-7-24). If the Sharks make the playoffs, Logan's fingerprints will be all over why.

3.RW Jeff Skinner, Hurricanes-The most daunting thing about the seventh overall pick is that the former figure skater rose up the charts where the Canes scooped him up and haven't regretted it. The 18 year-old Markham, Ontario native has a gift, combining superb skating with a ton of skill. He victimized Henrik Lundqvist already with a highlight reel goal. For so long, it was just Eric Staal that teams had to worry about. Now, there's another talent who looks legit, giving them a nice 1-2 punch. Word of advice to defensemen. Don't get Skinned!

4.RW Jordan Eberle, Oilers-The 20 year-old '08 first rounder who the Oilers stole 20th overall should be quite familiar to puckers. He dominated the WJC scoring big goals for Team Canada, leading them to golds and a silver in last year's championship classic against Team USA. If not for Eberle's late heroics in regulation, current Cap rook John Carlson never gets to play ultimate hero. To think in one game, you also had Ranger freshman Derek Stepan, who led everyone in scoring. That's three top rookies. Keeping with Eberle who scored one of the best goals this season in his NHL debut, the speedy right wing who plays a like ex-Devil Brian Gionta has wheels to burn. His two shorthanded goals rank second to Boston first-year player Brad Marchand (3). For years to come, we'll be talking about Hall to Eberle and also triumverate member Magnus Paajarvi Svensson (4-10-14). Eberle is third in rookie scoring with nine goals and 13 assists with his 22 points right behind club leader Ryan Whitney.

5.D Kevin Shattenkirk, Avalanche-Somewhat under the radar with Cam Fowler getting most of the accolades in Anaheim, the 21 year-old from Greenwich, Connecticut has been one of the biggest reasons why Colorado is proving that last year was no fluke. Selected in the '07 first round 14th overall, Shattenkirk has really emerged since scoring a second straight game against the Rangers in a home win. During a brilliant stretch in which he recorded points in nine consecutive games, Shattenkirk netted 13 points (4-9-13) including four of his five goals. Since, he's been a consistent threat, aiding Norris candidate John-Michael Liles. His 19 points (5-14-19) pace all rookies- two better than Fowler.

6.G Anders Lindback, Predators-With top goalie Pekka Rinne going down, another unheralded Swede who was taken in the seventh round has gotten the chance to shine in Music City. This rags to riches story seems too good to be true for the 22 year-old goalie taken 207th overall two years ago. In his first season, Lindback's been brilliant winning nine of his first 13 starts between the pipes, helping lead Barry Trotz' latest surprise up a crowded West. Their 40 points are tied for fifth with Anaheim while trailing Detroit by four for the division. Lindback is 9-2-2 with a 2.27 GAA, .927 save percentage and two shutouts. That's more than half Nashville's 17 wins for an unknown. Though to hear rookie countryman and Devil Mattias Tedenby tell it, he really impressed at home in the Swedish Elite League. Could we have another Lundqvist? Rinne's hoping not.

7.C Derek Stepan, Rangers- Where would the Rangers be without the heady 20 year-old from Hastings, Minnesota who started with a bang becoming only the third player to post a hat trick in his NHL debut. The gritty American with superb vision and instincts was selected in the '08 second round 51st overall. He starred for both Wisconsin and Team USA, doubling as the captain that led our country to its second WJC. After his hat trick, D-Step hit a rough patch that saw his ice time dwindle under John Tortorella. But he's worked his way back up, earning more responsibility including playing the right point on the power play. Locked in a three-way tie for fourth in rookie scoring with 19 points (9-10-19), Stepan already is his team's best center. Look for him to see more time with struggling star Marian Gaborik. Once USA 'mate Chris Kreider gets here, the Rangers will become a lot more interesting.

8.LW Taylor Hall, Oilers-It's taken some time for the first overall pick to settle in. Once he has, the talented 19 year-old who's living a dream playing in his hometown for the rival Oilers, has been as advertised. His 10 goals trail only Couture with all of them coming since Oct.28 when he finally found twine at Columbus, also recording his first two-point game. Hall owns five multi-point contests including a career high three assists and a plus-three rating in a recent 6-3 home win over the Blue Jackets. He also had his first two-goal game in Toronto. A night he won't soon forget. Four of his 10 have come this month with over half since over the last 13 contests. The top pick will only get better along with a new crop of Oilers who will put the franchise back where it belongs. Beware Colorado and Vancouver!

9.D Cam Fowler, Ducks-When the gifted scoring defenseman was passed over by a slew of teams including the Rangers who went for more rugged Dylan McIlrath, most curious observers couldn't fathom why. After all, this was a player who impressed at the WJC, showing off his gamebreaking speed and playmaking ability on a deep USA roster that won it all. Ironically, gold medal winning teammate and goalie Jack Campbell was taken by Dallas before Anaheim finally allowed the 12th overall pick to exhale. Considering that a great player in Scott Niedermayer who retired that he reminds us of, maybe it was a blessing in disguise, giving Fowler extra incentive. Nobody's saying he'll fill those big shoes but the 17 points (3-14-17) with seven on the power play along with 40 blocked shots is a nice start for the Michigan kid. Imagine what he, Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Bobby Ryan can do. Yikes.

10.G Michal Neuvirth, Capitals-Entering the year, the 22 year-old Czech who was selected in the second round four years ago was expected to split time with incumbent Semyon Varlamov. Having impressed with nine wins and a .914 save percentage in 17 appearances (16 starts) last season with the injury prone Varlamov in the press box, you can't say he's inexperienced. With his teammate again missing significant time, Neuvirth (pronounced New-worth) is largely responsible for the Caps hanging in despite a brutal stretch that was just snapped in Ottawa with the goalie making 24 stops in a comeback win. Of the club's 19 victories, he's won a lucky 13- accounting for 68.4 percent. With Varlamov finally healthy, it'll be interesting to see how Bruce Boudreau uses the young duo. Our guess is he'll go with the hot hand in what's suddenly not a given they'll win the Southeast.

That concludes our first series of rookies. Many other first-year players are deserving of inclusion. So with that, our honorable mentions.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

11.LW Bryan Bickell, Blackhawks-9-9-18, 17 PIM, 17 hits
12.LW Tyler Ennis, Sabres-7-9-16, 16 hits, 78 SOG
13.D P.K. Subban, Canadiens-2-9-11, 2 PPG, 33 PIM, 49 hits, 35 blocked shots
14.D John Carlson, Capitals-3-12-15, +6, 32 PIM, 70 blocks, 32 hits
15.LW Magnus Paajarvi, Oilers-4-10-14, 55 SOG
16.C Alex Burmistrov, Thrashers-5-8-13, +3, 23 PIM, 30 hits, 55 SOG
17.C Jake Dowell, Blackhawks-4-9-13, +8, 40 PIM, 46 hits, 18 blocks
18.C Brad Marchand, Bruins-4-8-12, 3 SHG, +5, 34 hits, 53 SOG
19.C Mark Letestu, Penguins-6-9-15, 2 PPG, 28 hits, 73 SOG
20.C Tyler Seguin, Bruins-5-6-11, +2, PPG, 54 SOG
21.LW Mattias Tedenby, Devils-4-4-8, 2 PPG, 4 PPP, 10.5 Pct.
22.RW Michael Grabner, Islanders-7-3-10, 16 hits, 9 blocks, 47 SOG
23.C Phillippe Dupuis, Avalanche-3-7-10, +6, 19 PIM, 52 hits, 10 blocks
24.C Kyle Wilson, Blue Jackets-4-5-9, 10 PIM, 12 hits
25.RW Evgeny Dadonov, Panthers-2-4-6 in 6 GP, +6, 10 SOG

Big Week concludes tomorrow in Philly

In what's been a big week for the Rangers, they complete it in Philly tomorrow where they'll battle the league's best in an old Patrick showdown. Or shall we say throwdown. The bitter rivals have met once with the Flyers prevailing a month ago. A lot's happened since as both clubs have played good hockey, climbing up the standings.

First overall Philadelphia boasts plenty of scoring led by quartet Jeff Carter, Mike Richards, Claude Giroux and Daniel Briere. There aren't many holes in a well balanced roster that boasts big and mean Chris Pronger anchoring a blueline that includes Kimmo Timonen, Matt Carle and Braydon Coburn. With surprising rookie Sergei Bobrovsky getting the job done in net and Brian Boucher doing his part, these Flyers are a force to be reckoned with. It's no wonder they ended the Penguin win streak at 12 thanks to a late goal from pest Scott Hartnell. They can play you any way, also boasting their own Sean Avery in Daniel Carcillo plus former Rangers Blair Betts and Jody Shelley. Even Nikolay Zherdev's contributed 11 goals, albeit in spurts. James Van Riemsdyk's also been lighting the lamp recently. This is Philly's best team since the '96-97 one that went to the Finals before getting blitzed by Detroit. It's their best chance to end a 36-year drought since the Broadway Bullies dominated in '74 and '75.

So, how will the Rangers deal with it? Nothing seems to faze this pesky bunch. Not after hammering the Caps Monday, then exploding for four goals in the final 10 minutes in a character building win at Pittsburgh, limiting Sidney Crosby to an assist for the second consecutive game. Then there was last night's come from behind 4-3 shootout home win over an angry Coyote team who no showed against the Devils. The perfect streak in second games of back-to-backs was in jeopardy when the Blueshirts came out flat with Martin Biron allowing a pair of softies in the first six minutes. But the backup battled through making big saves to keep his team in it.

That's what we've come to expect from a resilient club that never is out of a game. Never was there a more defining example that in Pittsburgh after losing emotional leader Ryan Callahan for six weeks with a broken left hand from what else but blocking a shot. They fight till the buzzer. Something Brian Boyle alluded to along with mini-Callahan Brandon Prust. Losing Cally stinks. But all year, they've faced obstacles overcoming no Marian Gaborik, Vinny Prospal or Chris Drury and also holding up okay without Michal Rozsival, who's playing some of his best hockey as a Ranger. After setting up two goals including one from Alex Frolov, Rozy set up Derek Stepan's tying goal late that forced only the second skill competition for our heroes. It was the clean faceoff win by a sharp Drury in his second game back that allowed them to tie it. They lost Callahan and Drury replaces him in many facets playing with Artem Anisimov and Brandon Dubinsky while providing great penalty killing and winning faceoffs. Something that's plagued us all year.

I said it the other night when Cally went down. It's an opportunity for other players to step up. Then Erik Christensen displays that skill with a laser over Brent Johnson and also wins the shootout yesterday with a fancy deke. Frolov, who's been much better since being moved to the Boyle/Prust line, gets dirty and notches the winner versus the Pens, setting off an explosion with Anisimov wiring his ninth and Boyle putting the exclamation point on the finest win of the season. There's the dominance of All-Star candidates Marc Staal and Dan Girardi, who are fulfilling expectations since the new contracts. Both adding offense to their game while getting better defensively, limiting time and space from skilled players such as Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Alex Ovechkin. There's Prust outhustling Jason LaBarbera to a loose puck and scoring a gigantic shortie with five seconds left in the second, giving our team momentum they ride into the third. And what about an overtime they dominated, getting numerous chances to end it with Boyle trying to atone for two penalties the 'Yotes scored on. The coach hates the shootout. The improvement in four-on-four has stood out. If only Marian Gaborik would remember that his job is to bury a few.

This is a T-E-A-M. In every sense, they come together standing up for each other with Mike Sauer throwing down and Sean Avery standing in for anyone. How great was it when he pulled Arron Asham away from Henrik Lundqvist after another cheap stick and dropped 'em. Did we mention Prust, who has become so valuable, takes on all comers? This is the kind of team the Garden Faithful have wanted for years. One that bands together and rallies around each other. They've made life easier on Lundqvist, who occasionally has to make big saves like the few he made against the Pens, holding them at one. It's no longer about the goalie but rather centered around a solid mix with a good core featuring home growns Callahan, Staal, Girardi, Brandon Dubinsky, Mike Del Zotto, Sauer, Stepan and Anisimov. Holdovers Rozsival and Lundqvist understand that as does Drury. Where would they be without Boyle and Prust? Remember how much we roasted Slats for that third round pick last year? No more. What Boyle has done is way above anyone's expectations. Hire the figure skating coach. The transformation has a two-way center capable of neutralizing the opposition. Come to think of it, that sounds like exact requirements for the Selke. Forget all the fancy names who will get preferential treatment. Boyle should be up for that award!

When it comes to Extra Effort, Callahan has always gone above and beyond the call of duty making officer Steven McDonald proud. You could say that about many Rangers this time. Boyle and Prust are my top two choices. They really exemplify what this team is all about. When John Tortorella singles out Prust after admitting they didn't know much about the 'throw in' in the Joke-in-en trade, it tells you everything. Sometimes, a player only needs a change of scenery to blossom. Before he arrived on Broadway, Prusty was used primarily on the fourth line by Phoenix and Calgary, playing sparingly as an enforcer. Who knew? You can't make it up.

There's no doubt these Rangers won't be intimidated by what the Flyers bring tomorrow. They'll battle. Compete. Fight. Because that's what they do. A shot at running the table this week against good competition. I've never been prouder to be a Ranger.

Nash fluke goal lifts Jackets past Rangers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BONY 3 Stars:

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

Sauer sweetens Ranger redemption

Simply put, it was redemption for a team that does its best work away from home. By no means was the 5-3 win over the Senators pretty but all things considered, it was the best medicine off that ugly 3-1 loss at MSG to the same foe who for some reason plays us tough. Sometimes, you just gotta find a way and the Rangers did, earning a split of the extended home-and-home.

With a wild game tied at three, rookie defenseman Mike Sauer delivered an unlikely power play goal that made the Rangers winners again on the road- improving to 11-4-0. That it was the forgotten piece of the Brian Leetch trade seemed fitting on a night where you didn't know how it would end. Between the odd combo of Sean Avery and Brandon Prust setting up a wide open Sauer for his first career NHL goal and the alleged Matt Carkner "blood splattering" incident near the Ranger bench after he beat Derek Boogaard in a fight, it was an interesting game to say the least. When it was over, John Tortorella wisely refused comment on the Carkner stuff. I don't even want to speculate let alone picture it.

Early on, it was a Sauer mistake that led to Mike Fisher scoring the first of two which gave Ottawa the lead. His blind giveaway was converted by the Sens' second line center after a sprawling Henrik Lundqvist save. But the Rangers responded thanks to Marian Gaborik setting up rookie Derek Stepan, who took a Gabby deflected shot and beat Brian Elliott for his seventh. An ill advised minor on Brandon Dubinsky late led to Jason Spezza's controversial power play goal 30 seconds into the second when Marc Staal was pushed into Lundqvist, allowing Spezza to steer home the rebound while the Ranger goalie protested. How many instances has this happened to our goalie, who's considered one of the best? What will it take for this circus to get in order? A serious injury.

Instead of letting it get to them, the Blueshirts again fought back with Gaborik setting up Ruslan Fedotenko for his first point in nine games. On the next shift, Fisher appeared to have his second with the ref indicating goal on a long wrister but replays showed it hit the crossbar and never went in. Later in the second, he'd get No.2 when he got a step on Steve Eminger and beat Lundqvist with a nice forehand deke going high glove.

Trailing again, the Rangers caught a break early in the third when Erik Christensen's sharp angle shot surprised Elliott. How it went in I'll never know. Fact is it did and allowed our team to be tied again. Then, Lundqvist came up with the save he was looking for last game, flat out robbing Fisher of a hat trick. With the Sens on the power play having converted twice, they had Fisher all set up but his high labeler was gloved by Henrik's cat-like reflexes keeping it locked at three.

A foolish cheapshot by punk Chris Neil on Ryan Callahan led to the winner. Or justice so to speak. We all know what a low player Neil is. Whether it's challenging Fedotenko or catching someone late, he's a pest. This time, he got burned after nailing Cally from behind. Let's just say it wasn't a safe hit. But what would you expect? As fate had it, the unlikely combo Tort threw out late in the man-advantage paid dividends with Avery digging out a puck and working it to Prust, who found Sauer all alone. Oddly enough, Avery had less than nine minutes of ice or three less than Alex Frolov who whined his way into more PP duty. Think the Russian enigma would've gotten the jersey dirty a la Avery to set up Sauer's decider?

That's what's great about this team. Just about everyone contributes. When Sergei Gonchar, who was abysmal turned the puck over following a timeout, Dubinsky salted it away with his team-leading 13th into an open net.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Marian Gaborik, NYR (2 assists, +2)
2nd Star-Derek Stepan, NYR (7th of season, +2)
1st Star-Mike Fisher, Ott (2 goals incl. PPG, dominant)