4-1-1 Homestand: Great weekend provides home cooking

At the beginning of the newly renovated Garden, it looked like the Rangers would tease us. After dropping one to the improved Leafs, they blew a 4-1 third period lead against the Sens- falling in a shootout. That put our record at a bizarre 3-3-3 with games still against the Sharks, Ducks, Canadiens and newly reformed Winnipeg Jets.

With John Tortorella's continued odd line combos, something finally worked when the Blueshirts responded to two consecutive San Jose goals that tied a pivotal game by getting the next three, including the Goal Of The Week scored by captain Ryan Callahan, recapped on NHL Network yesterday by Kathryn Tappen. Sparkling goaltending by popular backup Martin Biron got the team going. It was followed by a repeat versus Anaheim but this time Henrik Lundqvist prevailed in the shootout thanks to shooting stars Erik Christensen and Marian Gaborik, whose beauty gave them two straight wins.

With the team feeling better about itself thanks to some high character performances from club leaders Callahan, Lundqvist, Gaborik and ultimate warrior Dan Girardi, it set up a big weekend with Les Habitants and their legions of fans invading Manhattan the other night with Winnipeg right behind. In the coolest, most chaotic atmosphere of the season, the Rangers came out strong scoring the first three on Carey Price in a dominant first period that saw them score a power play goal (Christensen) and two others (Girardi & rejuvenated Mike Del Zotto who donned the Broadway Hat afterwards) while outshooting the Habs 16-3. But before you could breathe at the beautifully minted place which happened to be my '11-12 inaugural debut, Montreal reversed momentum with goals from Max Pacioretty and Andrei Kostitsyn much to the delight of a strong Habs contingent that even had fans in our section and 412 with one waving a Montreal towel. Precisely why these games have superceded Isles, Devs, Flyers and Pens as the most entertaining in my view.

The Canadiens were dangerous the rest of the way, outshooting us 25-12. Lundqvist, who fought the puck a bit, had to deal with breakaways and odd-man rushes- making some tough stops while also having his best friends, the crossbar and goalpost at his disposal. Part of the issue for the Rangers was the ejection of Mike Sauer following a wild first period scrum that featured a pair of fights with Captain Cally pummeling Mike Blunden in retaliation for Brandon Dubinsky. With things breaking up, Sauer squared off with Petteri Nokelainen, also getting the decision to loud cheers.

Between the crazy Habitants driving our area nuts and the scraps, it was some kinda time. The predictable "USA, USA" chants were a result of their traditional "Ole, Ole, Ole," led by an energized row in front of us. Real funny kids with one even telling me he went to the same high school as Pacioretty at Taft in Conneticut, referring to the Habs' pest in a way not worth repeating. However, he also added that Patch tore it up and praised his play. We agreed that he's a solid player. One worth keeping an eye on for Montreal. If only they had kept Ryan McDonagh. Thanks again Bob Gainey. Speaking of which, he continues to excel alongside Danny G. The skill the former Badger possesses is something to behold. He makes great reads, anticipates well and is now jumping in offensively. There's a lot to like about this kid, who is really mature and is making a lot of experts look good for ripping the Scott Gomez trade, which was better known for the return of now rejuvenated Canuck Chris Higgins.

With our team on its heels most of the second, Brad Richards stepped up with a momentum swinging goal late in the period by beating Price with a wrister from the left circle, restoring a two-goal lead. With McD, Danny G, MDZ and Steve Eminger logging the bulk of the minutes, it was enough for our team to hang on even though known killer Brian Gionta made things interesting with Price pulled. McDonagh and Dubinsky combined to set up Callahan for his sixth into an open net, sealing it. A fun night. I'll have a review of the building and update on our Section 411 in a latter post.

After coasting to a 5-3 triumph the night before, the Rangers gave a complete team effort in a 3-0 shutout of Winnipeg. Its first game in 16 years at MSG. Only then the names were a lot different with Cup hero Mark Messier still leading us instead of finishing the NYC Marathon yesterday in 4:14:21 at age 50 for a great cause. The man is so admirable. He personifies what our city's all about. Congrats to all the runners who ran, including the champions in the men's and women's field.

Winnipeg didn't have Teemu Selanne, which still even after all these years, doesn't feel right. And there was no Keith Tkachuk, Alexei Zhamnov or Teppo Numminen either with all represented by the now Phoenix Coyotes franchise which is struggling mightily at their fancy arena in the Desert. Instead, a list of former Thrashers led by ever improving '10 first rounder Alex Burmistrov with Dustin Byfuglien, Tobias Enstrom, Andrew Ladd, Evander Kane and overlooked goalie Ondrej Pavelec, who was heroic in defeat much the same way Jonas Hiller was in his visit here. The first was kind of a drag with the teams combining for 13 shots, probably a bit tired from the night before.

However, it picked up the rest of the way with chances for both sides. A lack of discipline on Winnipeg's part allowed our team to go ahead thanks to a wonderful power play goal. Brad Richards started it with Del Zotto dishing across for intended target Gaborik. But the puck went off Gabby right to a wide open Derek Stepan, who buried his second. D-Step was sensational, latter setting up Gaborik's first of two in the third, while earning First Star. Despite all the penalties that allowed the Blueshirts to have back-to-back two-man advantages, they couldn't put another past Pavelec, who other than a stone job on a flubbed Christensen shot, didn't see as much rubber as he should've. Both Richards and Gaborik misfired and also made some poor choices. Fortunately, it didn't cost us.

Despite generating quality chances, it remained a one-goal contest with Pavelec's splendid play allowing his team to stay alive. When they finally tested Marty Biron, the unflappable vet was perfect stopping all 23 in his path, including a few sparklers. I'll tell ya. The former No.1 for Buffalo and Philadelphia was a great move by Slats as was Tort favorite Ruslan Fedotenko. We love to bash the GM and justifiably so for not one advance past the second round during a lengthy tenure. But he's also made some good moves that have worked out. Even if Mike Rupp needs arthroscopic surgery for his knee that will sideline him, there's Crazy One Andre Deveaux making the case to stay, earning his first NHL point the other night.

In the third, our guys didn't sit back, instead forcing Pavelec to be good by firing 14 shots. Okay. Only 13 counted due to the empty net. But you get the point. Artem Anisimov, who's been in Tort's doghouse, was elevated to the top line and didn't disappoint. A day after netting two helpers, the enigmatic Russian made a strong defensive play along the wall that sprung D-Step and Gabby on a two-on-one. Anisimov cleared it to Stepan, who waited and headfaked before dishing across for Gaborik for a lay-up. Gabby's reaction was priceless. D-Step has that knack and more and more reminds me of Chris Drury. A guy with a high IQ who makes the big play when the game's on the line. He's so solid defensively and his physical game is coming. But it's Derek's vision that really stands out. His patience with the puck is fun to watch. Another non-first rounder who we stole in the second round that looks like a keeper. His poise is why I'm genuinely excited about D-Step.

“I guess it’s just an instinct to find the shooter on the line, and Gaby is quite a shooter,” Stepan said. “You look at Step, his game is really stepping out, no pun intended there,” Tortorella added to some chuckles. “The game is clear to him, you can tell. I think he’s allowing himself to play.”

"We showed some resilience, some battle and some heart,” Biron noted after notching first shutout in two years. “It’s hard when you go on the road for that amount of time because sometimes there’s a let-down feeling that we’re home and it’s going to be a lot easier. There was none of that. It was a lot of hard work that has paid off in the end and that has to keep going.”

There's a lot more to be happy about with a team that finally seems to be gelling. Now, they hit the road mostly with a stop in Ottawa Wednesday before a quick return home for the Canes Friday with a visit to Air Canada Centre Saturday. Sure. Brandon Dubinsky remains without a goal but it'll come. Brian Boyle and Brandon Prust were better Sunday too. Another plus. The Rangers should be pleased with reeling off four straight to conclude the big homestand 4-1-1 (4-2 really). Now, comes another challenge.

Gaborik 4 Rangers 3 Leafs 0

If you were playing the lotto, the winning numbers were 43. Well, at least a successful pair that worked its magic for the Marian Gaborik and the Rangers in a game of 7up over a bad Leaf team last night on Broadway. It'd be easy for us to poo poo the offensive explosion 10 games in the making due to the opponent. However, unlike other bloggers I'm going to accentuate the positives of a game the Rangers badly needed to snap a two-game skid.

For starters, Gaborik answered the bell after learning Brandon Dubinsky was out with a stress fracture three to four weeks. It's essential for the Great Gabby to pick it up and by that, I don't mean just the first four-goal game in the league this season. Here's the facts. With his finest outing that also included a helper for a five-point effort since that virtuoso five goal, six point performance victimizing us when he played for Minnesota, that makes it 10 of his 15 goals scored in three games with the other two hat tricks coming against lesser lites Edmonton and the Islanders. One thing I agree with from the cynics is that Gabby must remember to save some ammunition for stiffer competition starting with a visit to ninth Carolina tonight. The Blueshirts need No.10 to be consistent during this pivotal stretch before the break.

Yesterday was a great start with John Tortorella taking our easy advice of moving Sean Avery up with Gabby and Artem Anisimov, who netted a career high four assists, including a pair of beauties right on the Slovakian sniper's stick which was smoking literally. He started quickly thanks to a great Avery feed with Gaborik doing the rest undressing poor Leaf starter Jonas Gustavsson who was without a stick for the first goal.

It began an onslaught of four in a 4:45 span, blitzing a putrid Toronto club that may have been feeling the effects of a recent road swing that includes stops out West. Ironically, Ron Wilson's club laid a smackdown on the Thrashers recently. On this night, they were no match for a determined group of Blueshirts who made a statement after finding out before the game about Dubinsky's injury. Brian Boyle followed up Gaborik with a neat redirect of a Marc Staal shot for a power play goal. Already with a goal and assist, Gabby lit the lamp again courtesy of a brilliant Anisimov backhand feed across the goalmouth for a tap-in 36 seconds later.

“It feels good," Gaborik said after ending an eight-game drought in fine style. “It has been a battle lately. I need to get going. It is always a big relief to get the first one. It just took off from there.”

They weren't done with Ruslan Fedotenko's peculiar shot dipping under temporary reliever J.S. Giguere for 4-zip 2:19 later. Brandon Prust set it up with a nice pass in the neutral zone. His second point in three after going dry the previous seven this month.

With Wilson wanting to save Giguere for his ex-team tonight, Gustavsson mercifully came back in for more punishment. Before Gaborik completed his third hat trick followed by No.4, the Leafs played more physical with Mike Komisarek throwing his weight around. One such hit came after Fedotenko released the puck with the rugged defenseman going shoulder to shoulder KO-ing the ex-Lightning forward for an extended period. Fedotenko suffered a separated shoulder, meaning Brodie Dupont gets recalled from Connecticut. The way things have been going in that department, pretty soon we'll be fielding an AHL roster. I'm not gonna bother listing the guys who are still here for fear of jinxing them.

Rookie Dale Weise lost a fight to Luke Schenn. Kris Newbury would late take on Dion Phaneuf stemming from a hit from boarding the Toronto captain early on. Former Ranger enforcer Colton Orr also got involved, taking a charging minor which Gaborik finished off for his fourth with a laser past a helpless Gustavsson. Prior, Gabby turned the trick when a harmless shot snuck through The Monster. Anisimov and Wojtek Wolski netted helpers.

Up six having allowed just 13 shots with Henrik Lundqvist hardly breaking a sweat, the Rangers made it a touchdown and a PAT when rookies Derek Stepan and Mats Zuccarello worked a give-and-go with MZA finishing off his third 53 seconds into the final stanza. Wolski drew his second assist as well. He's 2-3-5 over five thus far and seems to have good chemistry with D-Step and Zucc. The Rangers will need that trio big time without Dubinsky with Ryan Callahan close to returning. The target date is February 1 versus his favorite opponent Pittsburgh. He began holding a stick the other day.

As sometimes happens when you're up big, you let down. That allowed the Leafs to take a few cracks at breaking the shutout. However, Lundqvist wasn't biting. The King made a pair of scintillating stops from in tight late to huge support and the familiar chants of "Hen---rik, Hen---rik, Hen---rik." Even in a rout, the emerging Vezina candidate kept his focus stopping all nine shots in the third (22 overall) for his league high seventh shutout- tying him with frontrunner Tim Thomas.

“They got a couple of chances,” Lundqvist said. “I wanted to get a shutout.”

With the contest winding down, Orr lost his mind intentionally slashing Steve Eminger, earning a major and game misconduct. The kind of ugliness we didn't see when he donned our jersey. I don't know if it's because he's playing for Brian Burke but the way that team plays sometimes leaves something to be desired. Colby Armstrong again tried to pull some shenanigans but Ryan McDonagh wasn't having it. Speaking of McD, he quietly gets better and better combining with Eminger to go plus-six while logging a career best 21:21, including a late power play shift and some PK time as well.

This was one game against inferior competition. The Rangers finished 3-0-1 in the season series against the Leafs. Now, it gets tougher with the Canes tonight, visits to Atlanta and D.C. before returning for the Panthers. Eight points up for grabs. Every single one valuable. Time to put the pedal to the metal.


BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Sean Avery, NYR (3 assists-1st helpers since 12/16 vs Phx)
2nd Star-Artem Anisimov, NYR (career high 4 assists, +3 in 13:56)
1st Star-Marian Gaborik, NYR (4 goals-12, 13, 14, 15/assist, 7 SOG, +3 in 17:28)

Great Gabby's first Ranger hat trick ends misery

For one night at least, the misery ended. The Rangers can thank the Great Gabby as he recorded his first hat trick as a Blueshirt, getting the first three in a stunning 3-1 win over the surprising Avs in Denver.

That they even won against a very good young club challenging for the Northwest while The Sutter Boys blow up Calgary to epic proportions (more on that later) is a revelation. Or perhaps the Earth wasn't rotating properly. Whatever the explanation, unlike the disgrace in The Desert sans the last ditch effort/classic tease, the Rangers actually showed and backed by some Gabby magic, got Chad Johnson his first NHL win. Kudos to Ocho Cinco on bouncing back after that three-goal first period barrage last night, finishing with 34 saves, including more than half the final stanza.

"It’s a boost of energy for this club and myself as well to finally get a win and feel good about ourselves,” the club's leading goals (33), assists (32) and points (65) leader said.

Before last night's third period, the Rangers hadn't scored on the road in over 202 minutes before Gaborik ended a five-game drought reaching 30 in his first season in the Big Apple. Sean Avery also tallied Saturday but their rally fell short with Ryan Callahan hitting a post while skating five-on-five minus Johnson thanks to Petr Prucha drawing his third penalty in a game that saw the Coyotes honor Teppo Numminen with a victory.

Maybe the rust finally came off because they were a different team 24 hours later, taking the middle game of a three-game trip. We'll give credit even if I didn't catch the whole thing due to fixing steak nachos. To my shock when I checked the score early on, they were leading for a change thanks to Marian Gaborik beating Craig Anderson with a wrist shot from the right circle, scoring for a second consecutive night. The first time he's connected in two straight since 12/21-23 in wins over Carolina and Florida. A welcome sight for our anemic offense. Avery and Artem Anisimov notched assists on the lone goal of the first.

During intermission, leading rookie scorer Matt Duchene chatted with John Giannone about how exciting Year One's been. Still can't believe he asked Duchene who his favorite player is. Everyone knows it's Joe Sakic, which must be a thrill getting to see his idol daily. This kid has all the tools. He just might be better than John Tavares. Nothing against JT91 who should be great but there's something about Duchene that we like. He's a little more polished. Granted. He has more to work with at the moment. Tracking both along with Victor Hedman should be fun for years.

Back to the game. As I was chowing down, there was Gaborik making a bee line for the net to slam home Vinny Prospal's perfect feed that caught Anderson leaning the other way for 2-0 at 4:57 into the second. Marc Staal- who was a beast logging over 27 minutes- added the first of two helpers, foreshadowing a lucky combo that went to work once more to salt it away in the third. Whatever the reason, the Avs just couldn't mount an attack getting outshot 12-5 in the second. Coming off two straight losses and an off day, they should've been the more rested club. However, rare attention to detail from the guys in red, white and blue was making Johnson's night easier than expected.

Not surprisingly, the hosts ramped it up in the third, firing 18 shots from all cylinders in an attempt to get back in. But Johnson held up while getting help from the Big Ticket, who put the cherry on top with his 10th career hat trick and first since that epic five-goal masterpiece versus our team on Dec.20, 2007. He got it in fine style. After Prospal served a bogus delay of game minor when he accidentally knocked over Johnson and lost control knocking the net off (seri---ously), the Ranger PK which did the job (6-for-6) led to No.33.With Prosp out of the box, Staal found him and then a quick seam pass sprung a flying Gaborik for a breakaway which he didn't miss, firing a low rocket by Anderson.

"You could tell right from the start that he had that jump, he had that swagger,” explained Ocho Cinco. “He was beating guys wide, having control of the puck. The other guys look up to a guy like him to lead the way and when he’s playing his best hockey, I think other guys pick it up and follow his lead.

“All it takes sometimes is one guy to kind of lead the team, pick’em up and put them on his shoulders, and Gabby was unbelivable tonight. He did that.”

His fourth in two games which also included a milestone back in the first, recording his 500th point gave the Rangers some breathing room. Good thing because Colorado came hard with almost nothing working, speaking to how good Johnson was. Eventually, they broke through when tough guy Cody McLeod, who earlier earned a decision over Aaron Voros, rebounded home a Kyle Quincey shot cutting it to 3-1 with 7:21 left. Rookie Justin Mercier added a secondary assist, registering his first NHL point. Of course on the play, Michal Rozsival stood around and let McLeod get position.

Even in a 3-1 win where Gabby records his first hat trick as a Ranger and Ocho Cinco wins his first game, you can always count on Woh-zy to give the other team life. At least the Avs didn't get any closer with another made up penalty this time on Paul Stastny for "tripping Rozsival" dashing any comeback hopes. For the Ranger fans who made their presence known even tossing a few hats on the ice for Gaborik's trick, they actually got to celebrate. I just don't see what there is to be happy about. Even if Ally Kota-leak could be bye bye with Higgs later today in an agreed to deal with the Flames for Olli Joke-inen and real enforcer Brandon Prust, it's not going to change much. 


On second thought, maybe they were thankful for what they witnessed.


Notes: Kotalik, who still must approve the trade due to a no-trade (only Savior) and per Post's Larry Brooks left the team probably to cry her eyes out- was scratched for the eighth game in nine. Other waste Donald Brashear was the other scratch for the seventh time in eight. ... By reaching 30 the other day in Phoenix, Gaborik's scored at least 30+ in six seasons. ... The Avalanche have dropped three in a row, getting outscored 7-3. Currently sixth in the West with 66 points, they trail Vancouver by four and are three up on seventh Nashville and four better than both Calgary and Detroit. ... Duchene was held without a point but still leads all rookies with 36 points (17-19-36). Three better than Tavares (17-16-33) with Philly's James Van Riemsdyk (12-19-31) and Buffalo's Tyler Myers (7-24-31) tied for third. 

... With seventh Florida posting a 2-0 shutout of the Islanders (5 straight losses), Rangers (25-24-7, 57 Pts) vault over idle Atlanta and Montreal back into eighth, a point up with Boston and Tampa two out while the Isles remain stuck on 54. John Tortorella's club concludes three in four on the road tomorrow night against Kings, who pulled a Canes on the Devils Sunday to win their sixth straight.

BONY 3 STARS:

3rd Star-Cody McLeod, Col (6th goal, 3 SOG, 2 hits, 5 PIM, +1 in 16 shifts-10:07)
2nd Star-Chad Johnson, NYR (34 saves incl.17/18 in 3rd for 1st career NHL victory)
1st Star-Marian Gaborik, NYR (1st Ranger hat trick-goals 31, 32, 33, 6 SOG, 3 hits, +3 in 21:06)

Great take on our pansies

Look. Anyone with a pulse who roots for our beloved team knows how vanilla they are. Sadly, what went down the other night in Filthy was predictable. That toddler Daniel Carcillo could get away with such a bush league move speaks volumes. What if the Great Gabby had been seriously hurt? Reggie Dunlop's rolling over in his grave. Where are The Hansons these days? We need 'em along with Fulton Reed and Dean Portman pronto.

Sad to say but fellow Ranger blogger Scotty Hockey's right. As disgusting as it was, Carcillo was wise to do it because he knew he could get away with it. This was something close Devil The Program buddy Chris Wassel warned about when we signed Marian Gaborik. Who's going to ride shotgun? As much character as he has, you can't stick Aaron Voros out there on our top line. And while Sean Avery beat Carcillo in the fight later where at least the Grade A punk had his visor off unlike clown Scott Hartnell, it was much too late. Besides, we were already down in an important game 1-0. But the way the Flyers played standing up at their blueline and being physical, the score may as well have been 10-zip. Simply put. They weren't tying it.

I said it a while back. But this is the most embarrassing roster that's worn the Ranger logo in years. Even some of the sadsack teams during the Dark Ages mixed it up. Even if we had jokers like Sandy The Sniper and an insane Theo. Where's the beef? Even Marc Staal's been a disappointment in that critical area. Granted. He's only in Year 3 playing a tough position. But I wish Staalsie would play with the same edge he did last year. At least then opponents would have to keep their heads up. How many times have we seen Henrik bowled over without any response? It's just path------etic!

As flawed as this club is and what he has to deal with, it's amazing to think that The King has allowed two or fewer in 10 consecutive starts. With what exactly? There are no crease clearers. And hardly enough grit to make a difference. What the Flyers did was show the book on how to shutdown the Blueshirts. Which speaks to how out to lunch Slats is. But hey. He and Jazzy Jim are buddy buddy. So, he'll continue to steal money until a stroke or something. I know. Bad. But it can't be helped.

Speaking of strong takes on our beloved pansies, The Rodent had a great one yesterday. A few gems:

No Ilya frikkin' anything was gonna change what went down today. Look at that spectacle again and tell me Vincent Lecavalier is gonna solve that vacuum of aggression on that bench.

Give me a few less Enver Lisins and a few more Sean Bergenheims or Ben Eagers to put the fear of god into the opposition rearguard.

The Flyers were pounding, pounding, pounding and the Rangers failed to respond. Ryan Callahan finished an early check in Period 1 and then your heroes pussilatingly pussiated the rest of the way, shying from checks, absorbing punishment without reciprocating.

If this is the first round of the playoffs, the good guys are four and out.

This lineup is composed of pussies! who never finish their checks unless they wear 24

What part of that do you not understand?

Why wasn't Boyle finishing checks and initiating contact?

What about the pussiest pussy of them all, Michal Roszival whose size is utterly useless because he is such a wuss?

 
It's an illusion. Until this locker room is purged of this purrthetic pacivity, they're going nowhere.

Where was Chris Drury leading by example? When... tell me when he stood up to anyone wearing pumpkin and white?

He didn't. He didn't because he is a pussy who doesn't want to muss his coif.

It's the wussiful showing that's so embarrassing to MSG cognoscenti.

It's the wussiful display that portends ouster in the early rounds for this crew.

Couldn't have said it any better myself. The Rodent's one of the best NYR bloggers. Period. And quite entertaining. He's also a huge Petr Prucha backer. Has anyone noticed how he's doing on the surprising 'Yotes? Part of a good third line that injects energy. For as much as he got shafted by Renney here, one thing about Pruuuuuu is he never backed down from anyone. Always getting involved in scrums and throwing players away. The way it's supposed to be done. Now, you have cool bloggers like close Tweep Yotesgurl singing his praises with riveting posts such as "Playoff Prucha Point."


Speaking of Tweeps, a classic one from Ranger buddy Somelikeitblue on former Ranger Paul Mara, who's out for tonight's game in Montreal:

Somelikeitblue

  

So sad Paul Mara's not in tonight! =( He wouldn't have let Gaborik get his faced punched in.

Both Pru and Mara wore the Ranger jersey with pride. Something few manage these days. It speaks to a losing culture that's going nowhere. That's why they should sell. It's high time they make necessary changes moving forward. Will logic prevail or will it fall on dead air?

Fourteen goals in two games

Say it with me slow-----lll-------yyy. The Rangers scored:

FOU-----------RT----------EEN 

over two games!!!!!

Please keep repeating until it sinks in. In two consecutive games, our gang that couldn't shoot straight has finished, finished and finished. Granted. It came at the expense of a pair of suspect defensive clubs in this topsy turvy conference that changes daily. First, they lit the lamp for six unanswered in a 6-2 victory over Les Canadiens. Another game we sold. Given our luck evidenced by the fact that nobody could recall the last time we saw a Ranger win, what transpired tonight was miraculous. They scored 88888888!!!!!!!!

Okay. So the Bolts were running on fumes, still hungover from their win over the Candy Canes the night before. But c'mon! C'mpuckin on! This was bananas. The eight goals were the highest they'd scored since January 2001 during the Dark Ages. That Justin even knew Jeff Toms recorded a hat trick playing with Lindros and Fleury speaks to his insanity. The most I could remember were seven in a St. Patty's Day Massacre of the Bruins during Cally's rookie year. A great memory as our team swept the Kovalchuk/Hossa Thrashers with Marcel outperforming big bro. Hey. We had Buffalo on the ropes before Renney erred. Ah. Didn't they also roast Hotlanta for 7 in Game Three? Good times.

Getting back to this eight goal eruption, meaning the Rangers have scored a month's worth in two consecutive wins, this was about as perfect a dismantling as humanly possible. It was Devil-esque. Hell. Hasan is probably a little envious considering how tough Tampa played them. That's about the only edge we have along with team doctors. Sorry. Couldn't resist. :-P In all seriousness, it's nice to see Tort Reform pay off. Even if it was far from a sellout. Are you listening Jazzy Jim? It was just great to get back on the winning track. Honestly had doubts that we'd ever witness another home win. Haha. Here were the highlights:

-Aaron Voros (yes) stood in there against PIM leader Zenon Konopka and did well 10 seconds in really setting the tone. He had a memorable night later drawing an instigator on Konopka and then scoring on it. A just reward for a great team guy who's not played a whole lot. When he has, he's contributed much more than Huggy Bear. Voros also battled Ryan Malone even having his name chanted. Seri---ous---ly! You deserved it. If anyone wants to follow him, please do so on Twitter. He got plenty of love including from us.


-Sixteen different Rangers recorded a point. Even the rejuvenated Tinman, who notched a helper two days removed from his second fight in Ranger Blue.

-For a second straight game since being reunited, Dubi, Prosp and Great Gabby dominated combining for eight points (2-6-8), plus-nine along with Dubi hammering Jeff Halpern. Gaborik matched a career high with four assists, eclipsing 60 points. He's now up to 61 (29-32-61) or three better than the leading Ranger scorer(s) [Gomez/Zherdev] all last year. So explosive. Before Sunday, Gaborik had just three points this month but in the last two, he has seven (1-6-7). Hope that trend continues Thursday at Philly. In the duh moment of the night, MSG radio announcer Kenny Albert actually asked Prospal what the reason for their line's success was. Hell-o! They played together with similar results earlier this season. Holy cow!

-Prospal had a sweet finish versus his ex-team off a nifty Gabby set up, going backhand deke. He nearly pulled it off again later when he had Antero Niittymaki dead to rights but hit the right post. Just how lethal was our transition? Had they not hit posts and Niitty not prevented a couple of others before getting the hook, they easily could've reached a cool dozen. Also speaking to how inept the Lightning were.

-After an otherwise invisible Vinny Lecavalier banked one in off Henrik to cut it to 2-1, a quick response by the captain Dru, who rebounded home a Cally shot to score for a second straight game only 73 seconds later. Sticking the Team USA PK tandem together with Christy was smart. So was shifting Avery to the fourth line turning it into a crash line with Boyle and Voros, who both were strong. Seems Tort has finally come to his senses, balancing out things with Artie working with a revitalized Enver Lisin and Higgs. Since being reinserted, all Lisin's done is work, work and work, finally getting rewarded with his sixth from Higgins and Matt Gilroy, who jumped up contributing two helpers. Even Higgins finished for just the second time at MSG, putting the cherry on top late.

-Marc Staal had another stellar performance, contributing defensively and offensively, finishing his career best fifth while adding his career best 13th assist for you guessed it. Eighteen points. Also a career high in Year Three with still 32 games left. We'd be remiss if we didn't mention how well he works with Rozy, who looks much more comfortable. He's played better for a while, blocking shots while moving the puck effectively and getting involved offensively. All cause there's less pressure on him.

-Up two in the second, Dan Girardi's right point shot eluded Niitty to match his jersey No.5, ending a long 31-game drought. That it came unscreened from way out should tell you how under siege the poor Tampa netminder was, permitting five on 20 shots before 2008 fifth rounder Dustin Tokarski replaced him faring no better (3 GA on 11 shots). It's awfully hard to win when you don't compete.

-Our club's not known to be tough but the past two games (both convincing wins), they've fought five times. Even when the gloves haven't been dropped, our guys are finally standing up for each other as evidenced by Lisin getting in Maxim Lapierre's face Sunday. A refreshing change for the better!

-Not to sound like a broken record but between all this good stuff, Henrik again was solid, needing just 21 saves after coming off light work (19) the other day. He still made some timely stops before we put it out of reach. That's now nine in a row of two goals-or-less dating back to a New Year's Eve 2-1 triumph at Raleigh. In eight starts this month, The King's 5-1-2 with a miniscule 1.48 GAA, 947 save percentage plus the memorable 0-0 shutout duel with MB30 in a shootout defeat. Not too shabby. How dominant has he been? Lundqvist's now up to 22 wins with a 2.26 GAA and on pace for a career best save percentage (.925). If he continues this upswing, it's going to be hard not to include him in the Vezina talk. Once impossible. Still, with Miller Time, Bryzgalov, Marty, Kipper and fantastic frosh Jimmy Howard, it's going to be awfully tough.

-He had only one assist following a career high four points (2-2-4) but Cally was everywhere. He and Dubi couldn't be stopped, generating shorthanded chance after shorthanded chance. This American duo is quickly becoming one to watch.

-Hey Ally. Keep trying to figure out why you're out of the lineup. Stay in the press box!

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Brandon Dubinsky, NYR (G, A, fight = Gordie Howe Hat Trick, +3 in 25 shifts-18:36)
2nd Star-Enver Lisin, NYR (6th goal of season, 3 hits, 2 takeaways, +1 in 18 shifts-12:58)
1st Star-Aaron Voros, NYR (1st goal of season, 2 fights, major penalty drawn in 13 shifts-8:08)

Hudson Battle renewed tonight

Later tonight at MSG, the Hudson Battle is renewed when the Garden State meets the Big Apple as the top seeded Devils meet the sixth seeded Rangers. Both clubs are playing well. So, it should be quite interesting.

The big question is are the Rangers any test for the Devils. Sure. They've played better to get back in the mix but not many wins have been versus quality competition with a pair over an injury plagued B's club that can't score the best work. Henrik Lundqvist is on fire. Now, he faces the opposite No.30 Martin Brodeur who is having another brilliant season. Thus far, the first two meetings went to the road team. Does that change? Both goalies should have their say.

The Rangers get back Vinny Prospal, who should upgrade their power play. Does he move back to play with Gabby and Erik Christensen? Brandon Dubinsky has been shifted to left wing with success. Who comes out? Hopefully, Huggy Bear.

The Devils are led by Team USA captain Jamie Langenbrunner and alternate Zach Parise. Patrik Elias is playing well and Travis Zajac has scored the past couple after a drought. Nicklas Bergfors is one of the top rookies and particularly lethal on the power play. Andy Greene continues to be brilliant.

It all takes place at 33rd and 7th and we'll be in our Row F 411 seats for the action. Feel free to drop by. I'll be wearing a Lundqvist Sweden gold jersey.

Blueshirt Thoughts

Rather than backtrack of what was 48 productive hours for the Blueshirts in which they earned three of four points (5-2 over Stars and 2-1 shootout loss in Hotlanta), I'm just going to give some quick thoughts on a nice improvement that's suddenly got them back into a sixth place tie with the Sens. A point better than eighth Montreal, who blanked Florida and three ahead of the Flyers, who continued the Pens' troubles by lighting them up for seven in a 7-4 road win. With their first win in 10, the Thrashers are tied with the Islanders for 10th with 44 points, three out.

Our Thoughts:

-Gotta start with Chad Johnson, who was utterly brilliant in his first NHL start making 31 saves against a rested Thrasher club before succumbing in the shootout. Many Ranger tweeps wanted to see what the kid from Calgary could do after a strong showing in camp and a great recovery in Hartford that got him here so quickly. I don't think anyone expected him to be so impressive, stoning Atlanta until Jim Slater slipped behind waste Brian Boyle for a breakaway goal that forced extras. Johnson was very cool making big stops including a couple of highway robberies from in tight, allowing the Rangers to get a point. He didn't hurt himself and John Tortorella hinted the Alaska-Fairbanks product acquired from the Pens for a fifth rounder should get another start this month. It's important to give King Henrik a breather every now and then. Especially with the Olympics around the corner.

-If Ocho Cinco headlines the list, then Sean Avery's monster game a day before in which he tormented his former Star 'mates during a 5-2 MSG win has to be runner-up. It's no great shock that Avery was Avery finally, playing arguably the finest game of his career by scoring a goal and assisting on three others, including a nifty spin-a-rama in which he undressed a poor Dallas D before making a sweet dish for Chris Drury for a huge insurance marker in the club's second consecutive home win. In between, Avery was his agitating best irking Marty Turco to the point where he referred to him as a "twerp" following a game in which he allowed two shortside goals, including a tying PPG to No.16. Maybe Turco should just can it. That was a pathetic statement by Dallas.

-Henrik Lundqvist is third because he's really turned around his season, providing a low scoring Ranger club with the kind of goaltending necessary to make the postseason a fifth straight time in a weak conference. Before Johnson was between the pipes, excluding the appalling 6-0 home rout to Philly in which he was pulled after 20, Lundqvist made 17 straight starts. During the busy stretch, he permitted two goals-or-less in 13, including 10 of the last dozen. Entering last night, the Blueshirts had won seven of 10 (7-1-2) with Lundqvist posting a 1.90 GAA along with a .932 save percentage. The return to form has the 27 year-old Swede gold medalist down to a 2.40 GAA and up to a .920 save pct. His career best is .922 established back in his rookie year. He's facing almost 30 shots-per-start with plenty quality due to a suspect blueline that features freshmen Mike Del Zotto and Matt Gilroy. Not to mention overpaid Wade Redden and Michal Rozsival. For all our harsh criticism of Henrik's faults this year, he must be given a ton of credit for keeping a flawed team in the hunt. Since Tort's blow up following a dreadful shutout 3-0 loss to the Islanders on home ice, he's put them on his back.

-Brandon Dubinsky has quietly played better posting nine points over the past 10. Though he's been held off the score sheet three straight, the third-year Alaskan is playing solid in all facets while anchoring the top line. When he competes, Dubi is an asset. The Rangers must continue to see improvement from the 23 year-old center.

-It would be easy to overlook Chris Drury but he's shown a pulse since Tort's blow out that had the captain centering the fourth line. The 33 year-old vet has turned around his season, posting four goals and three assists with a plus-two rating over the last 11 contests, including a 5-2 win over the Islanders that started the four-game win streak. Anyone can critique Dru for a dismal season that's only seen him light the lamp six times with 10 helpers but the reason Team USA selected him for a third Olympics is the kind of character the man has. Something we've finally seen with Drury doing a fantastic job on one of the best PK units, teaming with Ryan Callahan. You'll see that next month in Vancouver too. Dru looks more confident playing with Cally and Chris Higgins on a checking line while continuing to sacrifice his body blocking plenty of shots. He's also been taking more shots. That must continue.

-Callahan has always been a constant, playing with an edge fans in this area appreciate. Not the most skilled, Cally always comes to work, providing great energy with solid checks where he ranks fourth in the league (152). After a poor start, the 24 year-old Rochester native is up to 10 goals and 12 helpers along with 34 penalty minutes. The alternate captain doesn't back down from anyone and is one of the few on our roster who will go to bat for a fallen teammate. This might seem biased but watching Callahan as much as we do, I feel he's one of the best penalty killers in the game. His hard work is always leading to shorthanded opportunities. He might not have one yet but has been responsible for a couple including a great Marian Gaborik shorty in a win over Florida. One of these days, he'll get rewarded.

-Speaking of the Great Gabby, the Rangers would be nowhere without him. While it's true he's slowed down since Vinny Prospal went down, there is Gaborik still tied for the league lead in goals (28) while his 53 total points have him in a third place tie with Alexander Ovechkin. Nobody has more PPG than the Big Ticket, who's at a cool dozen. Not only has he been money but he's proven to be underrated defensively as evidenced by his PK exploits, including the remarkable backhand finish from a supreme angle on Tomas Vokoun. What else do we like is his willingness to compete. When opponents try to throw him off with physicality, Gaborik goes right back standing up for himself. Earlier this week, he shoved down a player earning cheers from the Garden Faithful. So, whoever thought he was soft didn't ever see him play. It's been a great first season on Broadway for Gabby, who hopefully we'll heat back up.

-Marc Staal is finally playing better. Back in a more shutdown defensive role, the third-year blueliner is playing better in his end, making the kind of reads Ranger fans have become accustomed to. He's been a rock on the PK, getting in the path of shots while using his reach to make some excellent reads and clears like during last night on one dreadful Atlanta PP. Staalsie and Dan Girardi are back together most of the time and playing off each other. It's hard to believe Marc only turns 23 in less than a week. For all the criticism he's received, sometimes we're guilty of forgetting how young he is. Blueliners take time to develop and Staal's still a work in progress. The four goals and 10 assists, including a great set up of Enver Lisin for the team's lone goal last night demonstrate his improvement offensively- already matching his career high of 15 points last year. The more confident he grows, the better for the organization moving forward.

-Ales Kotalik has finally gotten a couple of shots to hit the net. He didn't make it three in a row last night but has been more active. The Rangers really could use Ally to find chemistry with Artie Anisimov, who's had some tough luck lately with goalposts.

-We love Del Zotto's compete. Yes. His scoring has dropped with the power play back to Perry Pearn status. The 19 year-old is the future and is going through offensive struggles with just four assists over a month. In fact, he hasn't scored a goal since Nov.23 versus Columbus. A stretch covering 21 games. DZ is seeing all sorts of time under Tort playing every situation. What we admire most despite predictable mistakes is how hard he plays, throwing his weight around. Amazing to think how mature the kid is. It can't be easy working with Rozsival, who at least has shown more confidence offensively since that Isle debacle (7 A). DZ is going to be a good one. In the words of The Big Whistle:

"Shoot The Puck!"

-And finally, we have to give due to Slats for picking up Erik Christensen, who's found his way onto the top line and played well. The five points (2-3-5) he's put up while playing with Dubi and Gabby is a bonus because nothing was expected. That doesn't mean I didn't like him. Always liked Christy's speed. That's been on display recently along with decent hands that produced a nifty one-handed backhand finish in a 3-2 win over Boston. Good stuff.

It would've been easy to dwell on the negatives. Like Boyle's failure to catch up to Slater, killing Chad's shutout bid and two points against a team we can't beat. But hey. The team's played better and at least is showing signs. Give 'em some credit.

Bos/NYR Preview: A Storm Is Bruin

Tonight, a hot Bruins team visits MSG where our Rangers can't win. It would help if they could put the puck in the net. Right, Chris Higgins? Have you ever seen a guy work as hard and have worse luck than the guy we got just to rid Scott Gomez' contract? Even when Slats does something right, it's like he drank with the Devil, which btw is a good Jack Higgins novel. Oh wait. He does already. Dolan.

You know it's sad when our sad sack team is 5-1-2 in its last eight and still somehow sitting in eighth with 43 points with half a dozen right behind, not playing well enough. Why can't our team tank? Getting a high pick would be the best thing for this roster. At least Gabby and Henrik would get help. Well, Derek Stepan is going to be a good one and Chris Kreider isn't Hugh Specimen. So, there's that. If I sound so unexcited about this game on Versus, it's cause I won't be watching much. Well, I'll see the first and a little of the other two. See. There's actually a reason to watch wrestling with Bret "Hitman" Hart returning to WWE and Hulk Hogan on TNA going head to head. As my brother notes, wrestling sucks. But still, we got rid of our tix to see this. That's when you know your team sucks. I'm sure it will be a "sellout."

Just how pumped am I? A tweet which amused some of the masses who live and die with this team:

@BattleOfNewYork hey #NYR fans remember what it was like to look forward to our games...

Well, there's always next year. Sixteen years and counting.

Rangers lose to Candy Canes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1st Annual All Battle Christmas Team

Getting into the holiday spirit, we want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Channukah, Kwanza and Festivus during the best time of year! Appreciate what you have and celebrate life. Enjoy all that it gives us. I'm very appreciative for a loving Mom, Dad and the best brother anyone could ask for. Plus all my friends who enjoy my chaos. I love being able to have fun and raise the roof and give 'em some proof cause ya 'll know I speak the truth like Babe Ruth! ;-)

Haha. Okay. That crazy ass rhyme was for Channukah Harry and Santa and his little helpers. Now, to other things puck related. So, when we went to Freehold with our quite jovial Buffalo blogger, we hit up Dick's Sporting Goods and I bought an Eric Lindros stick and puck for 17 and change. Yes. I've never played hockey before. However, I am getting fit and want to also get a net and tape for my first ever stick and fire some shots in the back during this icy winter. Maybe me and Just can play catch like the good 'ole days. :) I'm really in a good mood. It all feels right. Speaking of puck, it's time to honor those who haven't been naughty the most through the first chunk of the season. In our first annual All Battle Christmas Team, we're going to select those players who deserve the best this holiday season has to offer. So, get out your Sabre, Devil, Islander and Ranger stockings!

1st Annual All Battle Christmas Team

G-Ryan Miller, Sabres 31 GP 21 Wins 1.99 GAA .935 Save Pct. 4 SHO


D-Andy Greene, Devils 32 GP 5-16-21 4 PIM +11 4 PPG 3 GW 


D-Tyler Myers, Sabres 36 GP 3-16-19 10 PIM +6 PPG 5 PPP 

LW-Zach Parise, Devils 35 GP 15-25-40 8 PIM +20 2 PPG 13 PPP SHG


C-John Tavares, Islanders 38 GP 16-12-28 10 PIM 8 PPG 15 PPP 2 GW

RW-Marian Gaborik, Rangers 35 GP 26-23-49 14 PIM +10 12 PPG 19 PPP SHG 2 GW


Since we were accounting for all four Battle clubs, we did our best to balance it out. Miller over Marty because he's the reason Buffalo is where it is. If it ended today, he'd sweep the Hart and Vezina. Something, sadly Jose Theodore last did. Sabre fans recall a certain Dominator owning the sport a decade ago. Brodeur is having another fantastic season and will be in the hunt. Also tough was taking JT91 over the trio of Prospal, Roy and Zajac. All have had good seasons but the Wiz Kid is pacing his club in key offensive categories as a teenager, keeping them afloat which must be factored in. Greene was a no-brainer for how well he's performed, going from a healthy scratch to the Devs' most valuable player so far, beating out MB30 and The Zach Attack. Myers was a better choice than Del Zotto due to playing on a better team. Plus he's a little better overall. Rounding out our list is the Great Gabby, who's been everything advertised, earning every cent. The Rangers are four over with the Big Ticket in the lineup. Without, they'd be dead last.

Congratulations to all. May they get everything on their Christmas Wish List tomorrow!

Three In A Row

Last night, amidst MB30 breaking the shutout record in Pitt, Henrik Lundqvist had a pretty stellar performance along with his team in Raleigh, posting a 3-1 win. Since Mount Tort erupted, the Rangers have won three in a row. Matt Gilroy and Mr. Kleenex returned. Both acquitted themselves well even if Wade Redden was a little too giddy in that postgame interview with Dave Maloney. At least he played more physical using every ounce of tin.

Most notably, the club won to push back over new NHL .500 (17-16-3), remaining two behind eighth Florida, who became the latest team to beat up on the Flyers in a fight marred game. Apparently, the Broad Street Bullies tried their best to thug it up. Too bad we missed it. Heck. We missed a good chunk of the second period that saw Sergei Samsonov and Marian Gaborik exchange goals 27 seconds apart. Both Lundqvist and Cam Ward were good keeping it a predictable lowscoring contest into the final stanza. In it, there was a Brandon Dubinsky sighting. True. He assisted on Gabby's league-leading 25th along but it was refreshing to see the enigmatic third-year Alaskan put a puck in the net thanks to some nifty passing from resurgent Michal Rozsival, Vinny Prospal and the Great Gabby. Dubi went backhand for what proved to be the winner.

Though he stopped all 13 his way en route to 32 altogether, none of them were very tough due to a solid defensive effort from our guys, who all came back. It was great to see the D and forwards in sync. Even Huggy Bear had a few decent shifts. The best aspect was our team continued attacking, getting 14 shots of their own on Ward, who kept his team afloat with a few sparklers. However, the Candy Canes couldn't find the equalizer. With Cam off for an extra attacker, Marc Staal dominated his shift, taking the puck away and then throwing it three quarters of the way down into the open net for a deserved goal that sealed it.

All in all, a well earned 'W' to make it a perfect 3-for-3 on the road. Now, the Blueshirts return home to host the Panthers tomorrow and the slumping Islanders the day after Christmas. Tomorrow will give a better indication of where they are as Florida is playing well. It's one of those swing games. Of course, Saturday will be magnified cause of the opponent. Think of it this way. Last week, the team looked dead. They've at least temporarily revived themselves.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Brandon Dubinsky/Marian Gaborik, NYR (2-2-4, +5, 9 SOG)
2nd Star-Michal Rozsival, NYR (assist, 4 hits, 4 blocked shots, +2 in 24:31)
1st Star-Marc Staal, NYR (ENG, 2 SOG, takeaway, blocked shot, +3 in 24:47)