Keep Haggin' away

The Rangers got back in the win column last night with a 4-1 win at Buffalo. They were sparked by Swede rookie Carl Hagelin, whose two goals from identical spots were enough to halt a two-game winless streak (0-1-1). The 23-year old former Wolverine made the most of his shifts by notching his first NHL career shorthanded goal and first ever two-goal game. Not bad for the former sixth rounder who more and more looks like he belongs.

Since being recalled along with partner in crime John Mitchell, Hags has combined with Mitch and Brian Boyle to form a solid energy line. Hags' speed and energy certainly has been an asset. John Tortorella has shown enough confidence already to give Hagelin additional responsibility on the PK. No small task. It already paid dividends in Western New York. Along with a yeoman effort from captain Ryan Callahan, who scored a highlight reel shorthanded goal on struggling Jhonas Enroth, Hags beat the Sabre rookie from the left circle twice with essentially cardinal copies. Both goals were top shelf past Enroth's glove. The Buffalo backup who was so good at the beginning of the season has won once over the past eight starts. Yesterday, he allowed a bad goal to Callahan, who somehow got off a shot while falling after spinning around Christian Ehrhoff. The puck went right through the wickets for a momentum turning goal.

Despite being even in shots (33-33) and creating several opportunities, Buffalo only mustered one past ex-starter Martin Biron, who was stellar. The only goal he permitted was to Thomas Vanek, who beat him five-hole on a nice pass from captain Jason Pominville that tied the game in the second. However, an unreal individual effort from Captain Cally resulted in a huge go-ahead shorty. He somehow spun around Ehrhoff and surprised Enroth with his 12th. He trails leading sniper Marian Gaborik by two with Gabby also netting his 14th on a late power play in the third that iced it.

Steve Eminger and Mike Del Zotto each had two helpers in the win. Brandon Dubinsky was elevated to the second line with Brad Richards and Callahan with Tortorella trying to get him going. He has one goal and 11 assists so far.

The Blueshirts have a quick turnaround tonight with the surprising Panthers coming in for a 7:30 tilt at MSG. Dale Talloon's Hawks South is working out with Kris Versteeg and Brian Campbell looking like All-Stars alongside Tomas Fleischmann and holdover Stephen Weiss. In the first meeting, Florida blanked the Rangers with their superior speed winning out. The Rangers have had issues against fast teams with Toronto beating them twice and the Bolts exacting revenge in comeback fashion in what's now become Artie Gate. It should be interesting to see if our guys adjust against the Southeast division leader.

House Of Horrors kills streak

Alright. By show of hands, who's surprised our seven-game run came to an abrupt halt at the hands of the Canadiens? They don't call it the House Of Horrors for nothing. Let's face it. The Rangers rarely have success when they visit Montreal. If they burned the place down (no offense Habitants), I wouldn't shed a tear the same way I didn't when the Devils moved out of the old Meadowlands for their fancy home in Newark. Another arena that owned us.

Entering Saturday's humiliation, the Blueshirts had run off seven straight and figured to be well rested for what was the Canadiens' third game over four days. Instead, an angry Habs' squad still steaming from a 4-3 loss to the Islanders Thursday handed our team its lunch in a very uncompetitive 4-0 loss. It was over quickly. Oh. Sure. They methodically took the Rangers apart, getting one in the first, one in the second before doubling up in the third for the final margin.

John Tortorella's lackluster club never established a forecheck and allowed the Canadiens to control from start to finish in what amounted to an exhibition. There was no hitting. No checking. No shots even though the scoreboard said that Carey Price stopped 17 for his second consecutive shutout, which was good for my fantasy team. This truly was unwatchable unless you're as diehard as my favorite Habs tweep @vivianmtl, who enjoyed what she saw. And why not? Considering how it was reversed when we beat them at the renovated MSG, it was payback. I honestly thought the rest would be an advantage instead of a hindrance. For whatever reason, our team was flat and paid dearly.

Erik Cole abused Michael Del Zotto by blowing past him and going top shelf on Martin Biron for a power play goal, which took advantage of an atrocious call on Ryan McDonagh. There were at least three others that mystified throughout. Not that the Rangers deserved better. They were listless. Biron allowed a bad second goal to Mr. Hacks, Brian Gionta right through the wickets with no other Hab in sight. The puck seemed to break part of his equipment which was taped. Let's just say it was one of those nights. It was the first of two for the Habs' captain, who later was set up by Scott Gomez for the exclamation point. I wish I was kidding but a scene from Back To The Future actually took place. Yes, even Gomez (2 assists), who was part of a lopsided deal for McDonagh and ex-Blueshirt Chris Higgins, showed up. He still hasn't scored a goal in his last 60 games.

The ice was so tilted that you half wondered if the guys wearing the red, white and blue had switched jerseys with the Blue Jackets. I kid. Hey. They won the other night! Or perhaps it rubbed off on the New York Giants yesterday. :P Biron certainly was forced to make a number of quality stops just to give the Rangers a chance before the roof caved in. Another phantom call on Ryan Callahan that still hasn't been discovered led to the Habs' best forward Tomas Plekanec blasting one thru traffic for 3-zip. Cole and local product Max Pacioretty drew assists.

I don't know why I watched the third, still tired from my shift. I even shaved hoping it would bring luck. Instead, I took the pain as Gomez turned back the clock, hooking up with Gionta for a goal that may as well have been in 2003. It was fitting. Two ex-Devils who gave us nightmares with one bowing out of Manhattan with a forgettable second year. Though some fans would have you believe those teams could score.

And so, ended another trip to Hell. House Of Horrors be damned. No eight-game win streak, which would've been nice. Like Al Pacino's character John Milton character in Devil's Advocate near the end says to Keanu Reeves' Kevin Lomax about his run of trial victories:

"Maybe it was your time to lose."

It was nice while it lasted. Now, the Blueshirts can get back to work at practice for a traditional game Turkey Eve at Florida before a visit to D.C. on Black Friday against struggling Alex Ovechkin and the Caps. Two good tests. The Panthers can skate and score with anyone. Or as I refer to them, Hawks South is getting it done led by Brian Campbell and Kris Versteeg, who have combined with Stephen Weiss to form a dangerous offense. The always overlooked Tomas Fleischmann is also producing. If our team skates in quicksand two days from now, they're screwed. Henrik Lundqvist will be back in. We'll see how they close out a good month.


BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Yanick Weber, Mtl (assist in 21:14- made great pass that led to Cole PPG, solid overall)
2nd Star-Brian Gionta, Mtl (2 goals, 5 SOG, +2 in 19:15, Mr. Hacks tormented us)
1st Star-Erik Cole, Mtl (PPG-sixth for game winner, assist in 17:56, dominant)

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.

Biron, Fedotenko spark Rangers past Jets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


BONY 3 Stars:

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

Game Preview NYR at WPG: Wolski returns

Tonight, the Rangers will visit Winnipeg for the first time since NHL '96 was in stores. Sega Genesis was hot along with Super Nintendo. There were no PS3's, Ipods, Iphones or Ipads.

Fifteen years later, the rebirth of the Winnipeg Jets has been evident with every seat sold filled with tremendous support. When they defeated the Pens for their first home win last week, it was 15 years in the making. Fans went wild as the final minute wound down. This is the kind of atmosphere the Blueshirts must contend with tonight in their final road game before arriving for Thursday's home opener at the World's Most Renovated Arena.

Known as the former Thrashers, who have made a living tormenting us, Winterpeg hosts the first of four meetings. Last year, they took three of four including a damaging win at MSG that nearly ended our season. Indeed, players like Andrew Ladd, Evander Kane, Dustin Byfuglien, Tobias Enstrom, Alex Burmistrov and Nik Antropov gave us fits. Even Jim Slater did. Don't forget Ondrej Pavelec, who can make the highlight reel save look routine. If only he got more help. Winnipeg plays an exciting style based around their speed and skill. They can really come at you in waves. Given our D issues, this should be a stiff test. Can they prevent the new Jets from dominating down low?

Much depends on the invisible Draft Line of Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov and Ryan Callahan, who really need to get their act together. I already got on Cally and Dubi, who are two of our leaders that haven't been pulling their weight. I realize they have hefty raises. But there are no excuses. Anisimov hasn't been bad but you'd never know it by his statline of just two assists. He hasn't taken foolish penalties and filled in admirably on the PK, which btw needs our top forward American duo out instead of in the box watching teams capitalize. After how John Tortorella erupted in Edmonton, everyone must respond. The slow starts are disturbing. We can't be stuck on 8-9 shots with nearly 40 minutes played.

Henrik Lundqvist cramped up the other night and was replaced by Martin Biron, who at least saw his first action since preseason. I'd hardly call three saves much to go by. But it's a virtual lock that our capable backup will get the call later. At times last year, the team played better in front of him than King Henrik. I'm hoping for a similar game.

I know Tort shook up the lines the other night. With Wojtek Wolski finally returning from a groin injury that caused him to miss the opening six, no more Erik Christensen. Wolski's best assets are his size and forecheck ability. Something that's been lacking. Figure Tort to slot him in on the fourth line with Kris Newbury and Mike Rupp. If Christy plays over Newbury, I might toss an object at the wall. Newbury is a much better fit for that line. EC doesn't fit anymore. He's too perimeter oriented and inconsistent. It's hard to fathom that this waste is still on the roster while Sean Avery is banished to Hartford and Mats Zuccarello the same.

I'd like the coach to keep Derek Stepan with Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik. With Brendan Bell struggling in his Ranger debut, figure Jeff Woywitka to be back in.

Projected Lines:

Stepan-Richards-Gaborik
Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan
Fedotenko-Boyle-Prust
Wolski-Newbury-Rupp

McDonagh-Girardi
Del Zotto-Erixon
Eminger-Woywitka

Biron
Lundqvist

Wolski's late heroics give Rangers a boost

They needed something and fast. With another hard fought game slipping away, Wojtek Wolski came to the rescue by scoring late in regulation and notching the shootout decider in Round Three, pushing the Rangers to a big 4-3 win last night over the Hurricanes in Raleigh. The stirring finish allowed the Rangers to go from falling into a seventh place tie with Carolina holding one game in hand to being three points up with 68 points to the Canes' 65.

Good thing too cause the Devils won again cutting Carolina's lead to nine. The Leafs also got a huge win thanks to a late Phil Kessel tally over the Islanders 2-1. This unpredictable playoff race continues to intensify with anything possible. That's why it was imperative for the Rangers to get this game after dropping two straight to the Devs and Flyers. With the win, they improved to 8-7-0 without Marian Gaborik (concussion). They also pulled it out despite losing Marc Staal to an injury after he took a clean hit from brother Eric Staal, who caught his own flesh and blood with a shoulder knocking our best defenseman to the ice. He got up and went to the bench but didn't return for the third, letting doubts creep in to if his own brother concussed him. As it turned out, it was actually a knee that kept him out, which isn't expected to be serious. We'll see Friday when the Rangers play Washington before facing their Kryptonite Tampa Bay Sunday.

While we'll have an eye on Staal, enough can't be said about the character this team demonstrated after what looked like another gut wrenching loss was in the works, thanks to two Jussi Jokinen third period tallies that put Carolina ahead. The Rangers seemed to be in decent shape thanks to a late second period five-on-three power play goal (not a misprint) by Ryan Callahan, who tipped home a Mats Zuccarello point shot for their second lead of the night. After a bevy of missed infractions on the home team, the Blueshirts finally got a break when a phantom hook on Joni Pitkanen gave them the two-man advantage. Instead of working around the perimeter, they got the puck to Zuccarello at the point, who didn't hesitate finding Callahan in front for the PPG.

Lately, our team has had issues closing out games. They've lost a bunch of tight one-goal decisions lately sans a couple of empty netters. The Canes rallied thanks to Jokinen who twice burned the Rangers with his 13th and 14th goals. How a skilled, gritty player doesn't have more is mind boggling. Anyway, on the first he picked up a loose puck following a Ranger penalty kill and rifled one far side on Henrik Lundqvist, tying it. There was nothing our goalie could do as it just bounced right to him and he made no mistake, firing quickly. The second appeared more damaging with Jokinen getting to a Jay Harrison point shot in front and flipping a backhand past an outstretched Lundqvist. Again, not much he could've done as he was expecting Harrison's shot and then Jokinen in one motion took the puck and steered it home. At that exact moment, I was ready to throw my arms up because our guys had played a good game, forcing Cam Ward to stand on his head. Ward is one of the best goalies and made all kinda of acrobatic saves, imitating Mike Richter. The goalie our Devil blogger Hasan compares him to.

It looked like an effort that saw Ward come up with nearly 40 saves before overtime would doom us. Instead, Wolski combined with Ryan McDonagh for a sweet goal tying it with 1:50 to go. All night, he and linemates Zuccarello and Derek Stepan had been our best line, generating chances off the forecheck. They particularly buzzed a prior shift with Stepan coming close. This time, Wolski got the puck from McDonagh, who played an oustanding game along with Mike Sauer- and went around a Hurricane and then centered a pass for a wide open Sauer at the doorstep which banked in off a Carolina player. If the puck had come to Sauer, he probably puts it home anyway unless Ward does the unthinkable. Considering how he played, maybe it's good it never got to that.

The overtime was one of the best you'll see without someone scoring. Both goalies were superb as they had been. Lundqvist finished with 30 stops and Ward 43. When nothing was decided, it went to a shootout. In it, the two netminders controlled things with each equal to the task. Though Ward a bit more impressive stoning shootout ace Erik Christensen on a tough deke and then forcing Zuccarello wide on another forehand attempt. Lundqvist stayed with Canes' ace Jokinen getting a piece of his backhand deke after thwarting rookie Jeff Skinner. The Canes sent our former Calder winner Sergei Samsonov but Henrik shut the door on the crafty Russian's five-hole attempt, setting the stage for Wolski. Before the skill competition, he sought advice from loquacious backup Martin Biron. A man who has a future in broadcasting must've said the right thing because the move Wolski made was sheer genius. Looking as if he was going to go wide like our first two shooters, Wolski surprised Ward with a quick shot high glove, giving an excited Ranger club its third win in five.

"I was happy to be put in that position, and even more excited that we won,” the late hero said.

“Everybody felt we could come back, and it was nice to finally get that bounce in the third period,” Callahan pointed out after netting his 16th goal. “It’s good for our morale and it shows character to stick with the game plan.”

Rangers-Red Wings Preview: Biron in again tonight

Suddenly, Henrik Lundqvist is riding the pine. The King has slumped since his best game of the year- a 1-0 shutout of the Canucks at MSG last month. Having let in questionable goals in each of his last four starts, John Tortorella has decided to give our franchise netminder a breather by playing Martin Biron a second consecutive game. Since relieving Lundqvist in a 3-2 home loss to the Devils, all Biron has done is allow one goal on 36 shots. Albeit a flukey one by ex-Ranger Scott Gomez, who picked up a hard carom of an Alexandre Picard wide shot and went upstairs during the Canadiens' 2-0 shutout Saturday.

So, Biron gets the call again in Detroit against a very skilled Red Wing team that even minus Pavel Datsyuk and Tomas Holmstrom can score in bunches. They enter having been blanked consecutively. Figure Henrik Zetterberg, Nick Lidstrom, Johan Franzen and Company to play with an edge. Especially with Nashville breathing down their necks. In their proud history, the Red Wings have never been shutout three straight times. I highly expect Biron to keep them off the scoreboard tonight. But that also means this MIA act by Marian Gaborik has to end. There have been too many games where our most dangerous sniper hasn't been noticeable. With his ice-time dwindling including on our dreadful power play that fired blanks on four in a row in en empty second at Molson Centre, it's time for No.10 to resemble the guy who scored 43 goals last year. Tonight is as good a place as any to start.

Hopefully, our guys who are on their first four-game skid of the season will turn it up and snap out of it. They're only making it harder on themselves.

Bad Hab-it continues for slumping Rangers

The bad Hab-it continues. The Canadiens' mastery of the Rangers once again was too much for our team to overcome. Even in a game they deserved a better fate, it didn't matter because Carey Price stood tall turning aside all 35 Ranger shots in a 2-0 win at Bell Centre this afternoon. Not only did they fall short but now have dropped four in a row dating back to that wacky loss to the Panthers where Mike Weaver's shot went in off Artem Anisimov. Three of the losses have come at home with the other against a team they just can't beat. The Habs improved to 3-0 this season winning all tight games.

The 0-2-2 mark has the Blueshirts just four up on both Carolina and Atlanta thanks to the Hurricanes' 4-3 overtime win that just ended. Oh. And the way it's been going, of course the Canes would allow the Thrashers to tie it in the final minute before Erik Cole won it- drawing the Canes even with the slumping Thrahsers for eighth. Each has 58 points but Carolina played only its 53rd game compared to Atlanta's 55th and our 56th. So, they have games in hand as well. With another difficult match coming at Original Six Detroit on dreaded Versus before a few days off with Atlanta next, the sooner the Blueshirts snap out of a funk that's seen them lose seven of 10, the better off for their playoff chances.

This wasn't about a sluggish start as had been the case in recent weeks plaguing our club. It was more about Price, who made some money stops and our anemic offense with again the powerless play the main culprit. How else to explain blowing four consecutive power plays in the second and not even making a dent before of all people, Scott Gomez scored a crusher to snap a scoreless tie late in the stanza? It would figure that a wide Alexandre Picard point shot would carom off the Habs' ridiculous boards right to a vacated Gomez, who patiently took his time before going upstairs on starter Martin Biron. Biron btw was quite good making 27 saves. So, aside from a flukey bounce, since coming in for Henrik Lundqvist, all Marty's done is stop 33 of 34. If your team can't score, you got no shot.

Only this time, it's our steady backup that was victimized by our fading offense. Has anyone seen Marian Gaborik? It's getting to the point where you half expect his mug to be on the back of a milk cartoon with the slogan:

"HAVE YOU SEEN THIS PERSON? IF SO, PLEASE CONTACT THE NYRANGERS AT 2 PENN PLAZA IMMEDIATELY."

Okay. No one is saying he isn't trying. But a couple of days removed from some lazy turnovers in an MIA performance which John Tortorella again called him out, Gabby registered two shots and was minus-one in under 15 minutes. Unless he's finishing, Gaborik is a waste of space, which makes you wonder if maybe our organization would be better off exploring trading the superstar. I know it seems like a stretch because of the hefty price tag and also we're still talking about one of the elite snipers when on. So, what has happened to the Great Gabby??? Outside of lighting up three of the worst teams this season to the tune of 10 goals, he's scored only six in the other 38!!!!!! That is insane. Tort has tried every possible line combo that it makes one ponder if we're gonna have to bring back the Renney shuffle which always had jailed Petr Prucha as a healthy scratch.

Vinny Prospal has already shown more in two games than his more gifted linemate. How much catering can our coach do without screwing with the rest of the chemistry? And Chris Drury wasn't in to critique for this one with his knee being drained. Yep. Another injury for our battered captain who you know will sacrifice even if he couldn't score into a whore house. Does Gaborik ever lay it on the line ever? Maybe I'm overreacting. But it's getting increasingly frustrating watching the rest of our team give it their best while the ghost wearing No.10 resembles Nigel Dawes. At least the ex-Ranger got dirty. I don't have an explanation for Gaborik who should be over his shoulder separation unless it's like Jaromir Jagr after that brutal arm injury at the end of Game One versus the Devils in '06 First Round.

The excuses have to stop. Lundqvist never makes any when he has off nights, always at his locker to discuss what went wrong. I'm not inferring that Gaborik isn't but I just can't make any more excuses for what's supposed to be our best offensive player.

Sean Avery saw increased time with Brian Boyle and Brandon Prust, who were our most effective trio late as Price closed out his fifth shutout of the season (eighth career). They worked the puck down low and generated chances but Price was too strong- stifling a pointblank Avery opportunity with Biron pulled in the final 70 seconds. Eventually, our joke of a power play came back to bite us when Tomas Plekanec erased all doubt, sending the Rangers to their latest loss.

So, what to expect now with what should be an angry Detroit having been shutout two straight by an aggregate 6-0 margin against Columbus and Nashville? Uh. This probably doesn't bode well. Even if Jimmy Howard's having a sophomore slump, even an injury plagued Winged Wheel is much better skilled than our grinders. Just imagine the havoc five-goal scorer Johan Franzen might create. Henrik Zetterberg, Nick Lidstrom, Todd Bertuzzi and Dan Cleary are still healthy along with Brian Rafalski. And if Boyle's suspended for his hit on Jaroslav Spacek who thankfully wasn't hurt, oh joy. :P

Well, I wouldn't worry too much. Lundqvist should be better. So, we at least should have the edge there. Let's hope they carry forward how they played because on most days, it'll be good enough. Just not against Devils North.


BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Scott Gomez, Canadiens (deciding goal at 18:34 of 2nd)
2nd Star-Martin Biron, Rangers (27 saves)
1st Star-Carey Price, Canadiens (35 saves incl. 19/19 in 3rd for 5th SHO)

Lundqvist BeDeviled

Throughout most of his career, Henrik Lundqvist has owned the Devils. However, that certainly wasn't the case last night with a rejuvenated Devil club coming into MSG and chasing him in a satisfying 3-2 win before a sparse crowd. The Devils have been playing much better hockey and continued their hot trend with an eighth win in 10 (8-1-1) to pull out of the cellar and into a tie with the Islanders.

Believe it or not, they trail the eighth Thrashers by 18 points with still plenty of time left. Given that Atlanta's struggled lately and the Hurricanes also lost again, anything's possible. In the mean time, New Jersey is just focused on playing the kind of hockey that's produced the turnaround. Sticking to Jacques Lemaire's strict one-four neutral zone trap, the sharper Devs jumped on the Rangers from the outset with Ilya Kovalchuk wiring one top shelf past Lundqvist's glove only 64 seconds in. A lot went wrong on the play with three Rangers caught deep leading to a seamless transition with No.1 star Dainius Zubrus dropping the puck for Kovalchuk, who surprised Lundqvist from the right circle for his 15th.

Sloppy play would be a theme all night as the Blueshirts failed to get the puck deep, often throwing errant passes right to Devil sticks into the teeth of a stingy trap that forced a bakery dozen of turnovers. Unable to break the defense, a flat Ranger team struggled to generate anything for the first half. In fact, before Ryan Callahan surprised Martin Brodeur with a similar shot high glove answering Brian Rolston's goal which made it 3-zip late in the second, the Rangers had two total chances. Both of which were missed nets with Brandon Dubinsky hitting the post with Brodeur dead to rights and Artem Anisimov missing wildly. As fate would have it, it would foreshadow a cruel ending unless you drink Kool Aid.

For a second consecutive game since the All-Star break, it was evident that Lundqvist was fighting the puck, letting out some juicy rebounds like the one Mike Rupp deposited Tuesday. This time, it was a routine Zubrus shot that squeezed through for an awful second goal following a close call at the other end. Zubrus' ninth from Henrik Tallinder had the Devils in total control. Bottling up the neutral zone, they pounced on every Ranger mistake. Neither team really forechecked, which probably explains a grand total of 19 shots midway through. David Clarkson tried to liven a dead atmosphere by pounding Sean Avery in a anticlimatic fight if you could call it that which lasted 30 seconds. Avery fell down after one punch and it was over. Something tells us those two aren't done. Nothing was settled.

Continuing to have the better of the play, the Devils took full advantage of a lazy Mats Zuccarello pass into no-man's land. After the first-year Norwegian came hard on the backcheck, he simply threw the puck to a blind spot which Patrik Elias was only too glad to dish across for an open Rolston who buried his seventh past Lundqvist- effectively ending his night. The Devils had scored three on a guy they usually struggle just to get to one. Three goals on 12 shots and Martin Biron was in. Right away, he was tested and made an outstanding stop. Though he only faced six shots, at least half were clutch giving his team a chance at another comeback.

Following a timeout in which a furious John Tortorella peppered his team including during a TV break, Anisimov and Callahan hooked up on a nice play, getting one back 81 seconds later. A streaking Anisimov backed up the D before dropping to a cutting Callahan whose slapshot went inside the crossbar past Brodeur's glove. A similar goal to Kovalchuk's but from a sharper angle. Neither goalie could've been pleased on either even if they were rockets. Callahan's second goal in two games since returning gave his team life. They pressured the last few minutes but still trailed 3-1 after two.

The Devils ran into penalty trouble early in the final stanza with Zubrus (goalie interference) and Anton Volchenkov (delay of game) in the box 45 seconds apart. Eventually, even our putrid power play had to score. Thanks to returnee Vinny Prospal, they did with Mr.Suntan centering one off Tallinder's stick for his first of the season. Nice to see him get rewarded in his first game back. Prosp was better than expected taking a team high five shots in 16:33 while nearly setting up Marian Gaborik in the first and narrowly missing a goal earlier. His creativity down low was evident and can only boost our offense. Who knows? Maybe it will rub off on the PP.

Speaking of Gaborik who got a secondary helper on the goal with Zuccarello also assisting, he was invisible. When Kovalchuk who isn't exactly known for defense takes him off the puck and goes the other way, that's pathetic. Maybe it's time for Gabby to play with Brian Boyle and Brandon Prust. Find me one good reason why Zuccarello or Wojtek Wolski should play on the fourth line with Avery and Chris Drury. That's how down I am on Gabby. Start earning your paycheck.

So, with Prospal scoring early to make it one goal, I had to stay just to see our miserable power play fail twice. I needed to catch the local 1 train back to South Ferry for the 10 PM boat. So, when our late man-advantage was about to go empty, I took off for Penn Station hoping I'd make it. As fate had it, I ran into a Devil fan who told me we hit the post with a second left before the train came. Of course, it got to the Ferry terminal with a minute to spare. By the time I and a few others raced upstairs, it was too late. So, I had to settle for the 10:30 boat and didn't get back till after 11. :P

Yeah, I was mad. LOL...but the ferry ride back was nice and there were several fans also on it. If only there'd been some actual noise in the building. I've never seen such a late arriving crowd for a Battle Of Hudson. I don't know if it's the icy weather and all the snow, but it wasn't close to a sellout. There was no energy in the place. It looks like I'm going to go to my first Rangers-Devils game at The Rock when the rematch takes place two weeks from now on February 18. I have a Devil buddy going, another friend who hates hockey but just wants to torment me and two other Ranger fans. So, it should be quite interesting. If anyone else wants to meet up from the njdevs, let me know.


BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Patrik Elias, NJD (assist, +3 with great overall play)
2nd Star-Brian Rolston, NJD (GWG-7th of season)
1st Star-Dainius Zubrus, NJD (9th of season, assist)

Rangers continue to be Road Warriors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Mar--rttty makes it two in a row

They chanted Mar---rrtttyy, Mar---rrtttyy at the Garden tonight. Who says backups don't get love? Make it two in a row for Martin Biron. Indeed, the backup put on a show, making 31 saves in lifting the Rangers to a 2-1 win over the Flames for their second consecutive win.

In a 5-2 win over Minnesota, he got plenty of support. This time, Biron had little margin for error. The 33 year-old from Quebec was strong in netting his third straight victory on home ice. Amazingly, he has three of the five wins at MSG. Think Henrik Lundqvist is jealous? I don't think he cares as long they win and thankfully, John Tortorella made the right decision, giving his starter a couple of extra days to prepare for leading sniper Steven Stamkos, who added to his total with No.20 in Tampa's 21st game. Something tells us Henrik will be on his toes Wednesday in St. Pete.

While Lundqvist got another night off, he watched Biron stand tall against a gritty Calgary team intent on mixing it up with our guys. In the first, rookie defenseman Mike Sauer boarded Stefan Meyer from behind and immediately was challenged by Tom Kostopoulos. A few minutes after matching minors, the two squared off. It was the first of two scraps for Sauer, who also accepted Meyer's challenge and gave as good as he got. He later played another stellar game making some key defensive gems. In between the fisticuffs, the Rangers carried much of the play once leading in shots 8-1 before Calgary found their legs. The game remained scoreless after one.

Matt Gilroy gives kudos to Brian Boyle for his ninth goal.

Brian Boyle snapped the scoreless tie 2:08 into period two when his centering feed for Ruslan Fedotenko banked off Brendan Mikkelson and in past Miikka Kiprusoff. Defensive stalwart Dan Girardi started the play with a good defensive read forcing Calgary into a turnover. He then sprung Boyle and Fedotenko on a two-on-one. Boyle faked shot but his pass turned into goal No.9, ending a four-game drought. Coincidentally, the longest of the season. The look on Fedotenko said it all. That line with former Flame Brandon Prust was tremendous, getting pucks in deep while also being defensively responsible. The scrappy trio really have become a fixture. They all play physical and do little things that win.

Before the crowd could settle in, the Flames assumed control with their tenacious forecheck pinning our D in much of the second. However, it would be off a turnover in the offensive zone that led to Jarome Iginla staying hot, tying things up. The power forward who got off to such a miserable start entered with five goals in the last two including a hat trick in a rout over Detroit. He continued his tear when all three Ranger forwards got caught deep, including Ryan Callahan. Skating three-on-one, Jay Bouwmeester dished across for an Iginla layup, responding 3:08 later to Boyle's tally. Matt Stajan added a helper. Unfortunately, his night ended abruptly later courtesy of a clean Marc Staal hit.

With Calgary continuing to get chances off their cycle, Biron held the Blueshirts in making 10 saves to give his team a chance. The stanza turned when Callahan landed a thunderous check on Bouwmeester that drew the ire of Curtis Glencross. No stranger to rough stuff following last year's dangerous cheapshot that concussed Chris Drury at The Saddledome, he twice went after Callahan. It was the second dopey shenanigans where he crosschecked Cally high from behind that cost his team. Sure. He got two minutes but that was the kind of play that doesn't belong in the game. There was nothing wrong with Ryan's hit. Even Sean Avery had to answer for a similar hit before igniting a brawl against Edmonton. Remember when clean hits were respected? Not anymore.

Callahan, who simply was firing up his team, drew a penalty. On it, the Rangers took full advantage. Off a clean faceoff win (not a misprint) by emerging rookie Derek Stepan, Girardi stepped into a wrist shot which went off Kiprusoff and in for a power play goal. It was Girardi's first PPG and first goal in 19 games. Stepan's assist gives him six points over the last six games. When he came out of the box, Glencross warned to Callahan that it wasn't over. A punk move. He was probably just sulking because his stupidity wound up being the difference.

Nursing a one-goal lead, the Rangers played a spunky third against the feisty Flames who tried virtually everything to tie it. Biron was outstanding, stoning Iginla three separate times on the doorstep leading to chants of his name. The closest Calgary came was a dangerous sequence that saw Biron down and out after a couple of saves. But Brendan Morrison partially fanned on his shot hitting the side of the net to even more cheers. The Flames threw 15 shots at Biron and he got them all. When he wasn't busy, his teammates helped him out with solid defensive plays with both the D- particularly Steve Eminger- and forwards coming back to break up opportunities. The Blueshirts got their sticks in passing lanes and Eminger took a hard Iginla one-timer on a power play by laying out. He really has risen since Michal Rozsival went down.

The highlight of the third though came when Staal absolutely leveled Stajan drawing oooh's and ahhh's. After making a pass, Stajan didn't have his head up and Staal made him pay by coming across with a clean right shoulder knocking the former Leaf to the ice. Prust played peacemaker. The hit wasn't delivered with malicious intent. Staal made sure to direct it from in front and not the side. Not shockingly, Stajan didn't return. Hopefully, he'll be alright. On the next shift, Iginla ran Staal as the physicality increased. Considering that these two teams rarely see each other, there was plenty of intensity making for a chippy and entertaining affair. One of the better 2-1 games you'll see.

With less than nine minutes left, Tortorella sent out Derek Boogaard for one whale of a shift. He was looking to go with Tim Jackman and took and landed some heavy hits. With a buzz in the air, Jackman tried to sucker Boogey into taking a penalty but he only dropped his gloves before retrieving them and backing off. Very sensible by the big man who's gaining notoriety.

The Rangers came close to making it 3-1 but Callahan's wraparound was thwarted by a sliding Kipper. As the final couple of minutes hit, the crowd energized sensing the moment. Their heroes wouldn't break on this night, playing smart defensive hockey. In particular, Brandon Dubinsky helped seal it with some great work and one last break-up at the blueline made it official. A well earned 'W' on home ice.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Jarome Iginla, Cgy (9th of season, 5 SOG, 4 hits, 6-2 draws, +1 in 21:50)
2nd Star-Dan Girardi, NYR (2nd of season-1st PPG, assist, 3 SOG, 2 hits, 3 blocked shots in 24:28)
1st Star-Martin Biron, NYR (31 saves incl. 15/15 in 3rd for 3rd home win, 5th of season)

Ranger Preview: Biron in again tonight versus Flames

Martin Biron gets the nod again in net when the Flames pay a visit to MSG tonight. The vet backup's done an admirable job thus far, allowing John Tortorella to rest Henrik Lundqvist more. As noted, King Henrik wasn't sharp the last two outings letting in a few questionable goals in losses to Boston and Colorado in which he got yanked.

He understands the decision and how he must perform when he gets back in against dangerous leading scorer Steven Stamkos and Tampa Bay when the Rangers hit the road for three games beginning on Turkey Eve.

"I don't want to be selfish. It's about the team. Marty played well the other night and we won. I think I can be more consistent," Lundqvist told The Record's Andrew Gross via Twitter. "It's about making better decisions. It starts in your head.

With Tort going with the hot hand, it allows our franchise netminder to get more rest and also work on technique with goalie coach Benoit Allaire. As Elissa (sarcasmpucktail) alluded to in her post, the last time they rested him two straight he came back with his best effort, stoning the Pens in a wild 3-2 overtime win in which he shut them out for 57 minutes. With the annual Thanksgiving trip to the Sunshine State with stops in Tampa and Florida before traveling to Music City for a date with the Predators, it's understandable why Lundqvist is being saved. The schedule is picking up and we need him to be mentally fresh.

For Biron, it'll be a good test against the inconsistent Flames who can go from blowing out teams like in their 7-2 rout of Detroit to losing games badly. You never can tell with Brent Sutter's club. Jarome Iginla is finally hot scoring five over two games including a hat trick versus the Wings. Alex Tanguay has turned back the clock, putting up points in bunches. So, they present a stiff challenge for Marc Staal and Dan Girardi. How much will Steve Eminger see of the duo?

As for Olli Jokinen and Ales Kotalik, neither will play with the Jokester serving a three-game suspension for a cheapshot while Ally remains sidelined with an injury. But the best player in the trade Brandon Prust, who battled through a charley horse to play a whale of a game the other night, gets to face his former 'mates. The rugged winger called the trade the best thing for his career where he's seen an increased role, also serving as a PK fixture. Good for Prusty.

I'll catch what I can after basketball scrimmages in Park Slope and maybe the gym. See ya later.

Del Zotto, Rangers rebound in win over Wild

Marian Gaborik's return to Minnesota was a success with the former Wild star notching a helper while playing with more edge in the Rangers' 5-2 win at Minnesota, ending a two-game losing streak.

Resilient. That's how I'd describe this team. What we got the night before in Colorado wasn't who these guys are. In John Tortorella's brief postgame in which Dolan crony Sam Rosen kept pushing the envelope, he indicated that they had another game the next day and would try to play much better. That they did with even some improvement from Mike Del Zotto, who actually scored on the power play in a 5-2 over the Wild at Excel Energy Center- making Marian Gaborik and Derek Boogaard's returns a success.

“You’d like to think we’re developing a little bit of mental toughness in trying to grind through and stop the bleeding after a game like last night,” a much happier coach expressed.

“We’ve had tough training camps and it shows,” pointed out Del Zotto who snapped a 19-game drought with his power play goal only his second goal and first since Oct.11. “Our conditioning is at peak level right now, and it’s been working for us.”

What I liked most was that much like the season, many different Rangers contributed with five different scorers and 12 of the 18 players dressed making the score sheet. Quintessential hockey from our team in a game they had to have, ending a two-game skid. Both Gaborik and Boogaard factored in equally. This isn't a misprint. Boogie played an inspired game against his former club, finishing checks and even laying a big hit that set up the first goal by Artem Anisimov. As for Gabby, the former Wild star heard the boos as expected but didn't let it affect him, playing aggressively throughout despite little room. He assisted on Alex Frolov's winner to put an exclamation point on a great second that saw our heroes outscore the Wild 3-zip while outshooting the St. Paul hosts 17-4.

"Great feeling. Now this is kind of over with,” No.10 said after it was over. “I had been thinking about it for a while. Quite frankly, I was nervous to be on the other side.”

 “It was a different kind of nervousness,” he added after hiking his season point total to nine in nine games. “When I got that first shift under my belt it was fine for me.”

Though he didn't score against his former team thanks to Niklas Backstrom making a couple of good saves on half his team-leading four shots, Gaborik played with purpose, landing two hits on former 'mate Greg Zanon while helping out defensively. He also drew plenty of attention at the blueline, which helped Frolov sneak a wraparound by Backstrom with a minute left in the middle frame. That kind of assertiveness helped the Rangers improve to 5-0 in the second of back-to-backs this season.

“We always play well in the second game because I think the will and commitment to stay with the system in how we play remains strong,” noted Boogaard after his physicality resulted in a goal along with three hits in eight shifts along with a plus-one. After a tight first which saw each team test the goalies, the Boogey Man went to work with a clean takeout of Robbie Earl keeping the puck alive for Minnesota native Mike Sauer, who dished across for Matt Gilroy, whose shot rebounded out to Anisimov for a layup. It was his sixth goal and first point in four games with Tort flipping him with Erik Christensen, who actually showed a pulse between Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan.

"Boogey made the play that made the first goal,” said winning netminder Martin Biron who got the start for Henrik Lundqvist, making 26 stops for his third win in four starts . “He crushed that guy [Earl] along the wall and he brought the physicality we were looking for in our game. He might have played one of his best games. It’s great to see.”

Mike Del Zotto receives congrats after scoring on the power play.

In a period they dominated, the Rangers also got an assist from the refs when they wrongly sent Brent Burns off for a phantom trip. The brutal call led to rookie Derek Stepan making two great plays before setting up Del Zotto's goal. With Gaborik on dropping the puck for Dan Girardi at the point, Stepan dragged his skate to stay on-side to collective groans. A play that looked offside initially wasn't with another kid from Minnesota making good in his return home with a great cross-ice feed for an open Del Zotto, who took his time burying it for a two-goal lead at 14:54.

“Not too many times am I going to get back to play in Minnesota and play at the Xcel, so every time I do it will be something special,” the former '08 second round pick mentioned after improving to 2-0 with Mom watching in the stands. “(Tonight) is something I won’t forget.” Of his 10 points, nearly half (1-3-4) have come in front of family with also the memorable NHL debut in which he became the third player to record a hat trick in the season opener at Buffalo. Even more uplifting is that D-Step's got five points in the last five games and is fitting in nicely with Gaborik and Frolov- giving the coach no reason to take him off the top line.

Speaking of Frolov, he finished off his fifth (1st in four games) thanks to Gaborik and Girardi, who combined on the crusher with smart plays. First, Gabby drew three Wild defenders at the blueline. Then Girardi pushed the puck down for the crafty Russian, whose stuff try banked in off a Wild stick.

Dubinsky increased to 4-0 thanks to a great individual effort. The third-year Alaskan blocked a Cal Clutterbuck shot and forced him at the blueline, then slipping through for a clean breakaway in which he deked Backstrom forehand for his team-leading 12th. A good sign as it was just his second over the last eight after starting on fire with 10 in the first 13. He's still managed four points over the past four (2-2-4) for a club best 19 points (12-7-19).

Leading by four and on another power play, the Blueshirts sagged. On a night he mostly stood out for the right reasons, including stronger defensive play even if Joe Micheletti drove us nuts with his banter, Del Zotto made a poor read at the point missing a hip check on attacking Minnesota penalty killer Kyle Brodziak. Brodziak made no mistake centering for one-time Ranger Matt Cullen, who buried his fourth for the first shorthanded goal allowed by our team. Exactly the kind of mistakes Del Zotto must stay away from. Easily correctable in practice. Cullen's fourth from Brodziak and Burns gave the crowd life. But a damaging blow came 80 seconds later when Brandon Prust, Brian Boyle and Ruslan Fedotenko put together an impressive shift leading to Feds' fourth.

Prust, who was a game-time decision following a charlie horse that saw him limping during the morning session- played with vigor all game. He was even struggling in warm-ups but still convinced Tort to play him. The throw in in the Olli Jokinen trade has turned into a player, always working hard and becoming a fixture on the improving PK which blanked the No.1 power play in four chances. He epitomizes what this team is about. On the goal, he worked the puck to Boyle who then got it to Fedotenko, whose quick backhand beat Backstrom, restoring a four-goal lead with 5:52 remaining. Though Martin Havlat got one back from a bad angle on Biron 63 seconds later, there was little doubt about the outcome.

“It was great to get that kind of win for all the guys we have that had ties to this area,” Biron diplomatically said of Gaborik, Boogaard, Stepan, and Sauer with the improving first-year defenseman having as many as 35 supporters in attendance. “And it was good to stop the bleeding after the way we played (Friday) night.”

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Brandon Prust, NYR (assist, 2 hits, +1 in 19 gritty shifts-16:03)
2nd Star-Mike Sauer, NYR (assist, 3 blocked shots, +1 in 22 shifts-15:55)
1st Star-Dan Girardi, NYR (2 assists, 3 blocked shots, 6 hits, +1 in 33 shifts-24:34)

Gaborik hat trick steamrolls Renney Oilers

Marian Gaborik dekes Nikolai Khabibulin on a breakaway for his second goal. His 11th career hat trick led the Rangers past the Oilers 8-2 for their second straight win.

Marian Gaborik's back. If the previous game didn't produce any results, the Big Ticket made sure everyone got their money's worth, posting a hat trick in leading the Rangers past former coach Tom Renney's Oilers 8-2 on Kids' Day at MSG. His first three goals in Game No.5 gave him his second hat trick as a Ranger and 11th career.

“You want to go out there, work hard and be on top of your game. It is definitely good to go out there, score and get one under your belt,” Gabby said after his line with Alex Frolov and Erik Christensen dominated- combining for five goals, six assists with each forward finishing plus-five (+15).

Gaborik and his linemates went to work early with the trio working the puck behind the net until No.10 came out and jammed it past Nikolai Khabibulin at 1:35. While leading in shots 7-4, the Blueshirts killed off a pair of Oiler power plays, holding the 1-0 lead into the locker room. Before they could catch their breath, it was the rebuilding Oilers who grabbed the momentum, scoring twice in a 28-second span. Ryan Jones banged home a Jordan Eberle rebound past Martin Biron 2:45 into the second. On the next shift, Shawn Horcoff's wrister from beyond the right faceoff circle fooled Biron, suddenly steering Edmonton ahead 2-1.

“I felt like I was in the right place at the right time (on Horcoff’s goal), but I got handcuffed on the shot,” the veteran backup noted after settling down to make 19 saves in his second consecutive start and first ever win over Edmonton. “But, to me, the most important thing is how you respond to that. And fortunately I did not have to respond too much, the guys responded for me which gave me the chance to just settle in.”

That they did. Less than four minutes later, Christensen sprung Gaborik on a breakaway. The crafty Slovak beat Khabibulin with a forehand deke before banging into the left post. Teammates and fans breathed a sigh of relief as he was fine. With the game knotted, Brian Boyle again came through. Off an Edmonton turnover forced by Brandon Prust, he slid the puck to Ruslan Fedotenko who came in with Boyle two-on-one. Fedotenko dished across for Boyle who buried his career best eighth only 25 seconds later to give the Rangers the lead for good. Half of Boyle's output have come over the past five games.

Alex Frolov celebrates his first goal of two finally ending a 10-game drought.

It would only get worse for Renney's new club. Less than six minutes later, Artem Anisimov stayed hot when a Derek Stepan centering feed was redirected by his right skate, increasing to 4-2. Sean Avery and Stepan kept the play alive following a sloppy Edmonton turnover with D-Step outmaneuvering an Oiler before setting up Anisimov's sixth. After a nine-game drought, the improving sophomore has three goals over the last two. His Russian comrade Frolov also finally got into the act in the waning seconds, making it a three-goal lead. The former King's struggles have been well documented. He entered having not scored since my brother's birthday (Oct.23 @ Bos). This time, a strong forecheck forced Edmonton into a mistake. Gaborik worked the puck to Christensen, who then perfectly set up Frolov for his first goal in 11 games. His third came with less than five ticks left.

“It’s a great feeling to score, it takes some pressure off,” a pleased Frolov expressed after celebrating like a kid in a candy store. “It was a really good game for our line (Frolov, Christensen, and Gaborik) and now we have to build off this. It was a great two points for the team.”

Following a pair of heavyweight bouts between Derek Boogaard and Steve MacIntyre, it turned ugly when Edmonton took exception to a clean Avery hit on Colin Fraser against the boards. During the momentous shift, his clean check wasn't met with open arms. Instead, Ladislav Smid immediately challenged him. But with a three-goal lead, Avery didn't seem eager to oblige. When Smid dropped the gloves with his visor still on, Avery surprised the defenseman with a quick right taking him down. As MSG went to break, chaos ensued with at least three Oilers getting off the bench to start a brawl. At one point, with a linesman escorting our resident bad boy out, Theo Peckham snapped and tried to chase him before being cut off, only escalating matters. Even Ryan Whitney wanted Avery. Zach Stortini took on Prust for 90 seconds along and Boyle and Peckham squared off. The ugliest aspect was when Fraser tugged at Brandon Dubinsky, who John Tortorella made sure to keep on the bench. Somehow, he got a misconduct. Remarkably, it sounds like the league won't hand out any suspensions. We'll see.

“It’s a sucker punch, and I hope they look at it,” an irate Whitney said. “Smid asked him to fight. (Avery) was saying wait. Then Laddie turned around and all of a sudden he gets suckered. I don’t know what the league can do with that, but it’s pretty obvious.”

"I thought it was pretty gutless,” added MacIntyre of the melee that saw five misconducts, four ejections along with nearly half the 124 penalty minutes (67 PIM) coming during the fracas.. “It just shows you what kind of guy he is. He’ll get his. Somebody who is bigger and tougher … he’ll get what’s coming.”

The Rangers are greeted by lucky kids as they take the Garden ice on Kids' Day. They sent them home happy with an 8-2 win.

When the dust finally settled, Renney's former club responded by scoring three more goals- making it seven unanswered on a football Sunday. Another dreadful Edmonton giveaway led to Frolov scoring his second unassisted when he went high blocker on Khabibulin at 12:14. Forty-five seconds later, Stepan took advantage of another turnover quickly feeding an open Fedotenko for his third, increasing to 7-2. Matt Gilroy also notched an assist for his first point this season. The former Hobey Baker winner also was in on Anisimov's marker. He hasn't looked bad even getting a couple of shifts at forward.

By now, the question was would Gaborik or even Frolov get the hat trick? It didn't take long to answer when Frolov head-manned a flying Gabby who went to his bread and butter, firing low over the blocker as he had against Henrik Lundqvist for his fifth goal in St. Paul a couple of years ago.

"It wasn’t easy,” pointed out Biron of a wild game that saw him make one huge save denying Andrew Cogliano shorthanded in the second with it just a one-goal contest.

“We had a four-game homestand and lost the first two. This could have easily gone south really quickly, but we were able to salvage it with two big wins at the end. Now it’s for us to take that momentum and apply it to our road game which has been really good.”                                                                                                                                 

Arty wins it in overtime

Artem Anisimov's second goal won the game for the Rangers at 1:32 of overtime over the Sabres 3-2.

This time, the Rangers weren't going to allow another blown call to cost them on home ice. Instead, they stuck with it, prevailing over the Sabres 3-2 in overtime thanks to hero Artem Anisimov, who got to a loose puck and wired his second of the night past Jhonas Enroth at 1:32.

Arty's big night along with a strong game from ex-Sabre Martin Biron allowed the Blueshirts to prevail in Marian Gaborik's return. He may not have scored and who could playing with Alex Frolov and Erik Christensen but at least his guarantee was backed up. In his first game back since the third game of the season, Gabby looked decent missing on a couple of chances while showing the acceleration that makes him a threat. He nearly helped setup a goal but as usual, Frolov choked with a gaping net drawing boos. We'll try not to dwell too much on that or Christy's bad turnover that nearly led to Thomas Vanek and Derek Roy sealing it. Why Vanek didn't shoot we'll never know.

At the very least, it allowed the Rangers to come down and score with some good work done by Fedotenko to help keep the play alive following Dan Girardi's shot which was blocked by Buffalo defenseman Jordan Leopold. However, before he recovered the puck Anisimov snuck in and surprised Enroth top shelf for the game-winner. That both Fedotenko and Arty were in on it was well deserved for both as each played excellent games and got rewarded. Nice to see. Especially for Fedotenko who ended a 10-game drought when his hustle allowed him to poke home a loose puck for the lead in the first period. Unfortunately, another inadvertent whistle robbed him of a second which probably would've made things easier.

Instead, it was another one of those seesaw struggles for John Tortorella's club at home. They came out forechecking strong in the first, getting particularly effective play from newly formed checking unit Fedotenko, Brian Boyle and Brandon Prust. Their hard work led to one of two power plays, which both looked good with Gabby back in. The club kept pucks alive and generated chances but couldn't beat Enroth. It was the extra effort of the new grind line that resulted in Fedotenko's first in 11 games. A strong Boyle forecheck kept the play alive and then Prust and Mike Sauer combined to get the puck to the net where Enroth couldn't hold on before Fedotenko chipped it in at 14:04.

After dictating much of the play, the Rangers fell back a little in the second with Sauer pushing pest Patrick Kaleta from behind for a boarding minor, which saw Paul Gaustad come to the aid of his fallen teammate. They gave Gaustad and Fedotenko matching roughs while Sauer served his two. His teammates picked him up with outstanding work done by Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, Mike Del Zotto and Steve Eminger. The forwards also helped with Boyle, Derek Stepan, Callahan and Dubinsky all making good reads, preventing Buffalo from getting a sniff. However, the Sabres gained momentum from it, forcing Biron to make a few tough stops. His rebound control was good. Especially considering that he was not told he was starting until Henrik Lundqvist arrived sick, basically putting it on Marty's shoulders.

Another failed five-on-three kept Buffalo afloat. On it, Tort used his timeout only to see Tyler Myers use his reach to clear the zone. At five-on-four, they didn't get much done, increasing the frustration level. The powerless play went 0-for-5, getting worse as the game progressed. When you blow a big chance like they did, it usually comes back to bite you. A fluky play allowed Buffalo to tie it when on a delayed penalty, rookie Tyler Ennis chipped a loose puck past a protesting Biron, who thought he had possession for a whistle. However, replays showed he never had control which is why Ennis was able to convert at the doorstep. His second in 24 hours. Roy and Vanek drew the helpers.

The second's conclusion was wild. First, following an icing in which Lindy Ruff burned his timeout, Brandon Dubinsky won the draw. The puck eventually came around to Callahan who chipped it back to Dubinsky, who quickly centered for Anisimov in front for a gimme. His third ended a nine-game drought, giving the Rangers back the lead with 48 seconds left. We're safe, right? Not so fast. On the very next shift, the Sabres came right back scoring another weird goal thanks to grunt work from their fourth line. Cody McCormick and Rob Niedermayer combined to get the puck to Mike Grier, who buried it with 2.8 seconds left stunning MSG and sending me into a Tweetfest. :P Here were a couple summing up my thoughts as to how such a play occurred:

Rant One


Rant Two

Rant Three

Yeah. I was not pleased. Staal didn't play poorly by any stretch. But I just can't comprehend what he and Danny G were doing on that play. Callahan was the only guy in front. One concept which has to change for this team is this business with opposing players cruising through our crease and running our goalies. Would it kill one of our D to actually get in front of them and push them out? Rant over.

Early in the third, more controversy happened when Fedotenko looked to have restored our lead. This time, he steered home another loose puck with the whistle coming some five seconds later. Three games in a row, this team loses out on a goal. One because Bill McCreary thought there was a hi-stick on the Blues. Fine. He made an honest mistake. They lost by a goal and had plenty of time to tie it. Then you had the atrocity the other night in which Fedotenko put us ahead only to be called for incidental contact. Perhaps but it seemed pretty shady. Tonight's took the cake. It definitely should've counted. When will this disorganized league change that rule. It's awful.

With the game still up for grabs, Gaustad took a minor with under nine left in regulation. Absolutely zilch got done. Del Zotto in particular stunk, fumbling the puck at the point. Sure. He got one or two shots through but his confidence isn't there. Anyone can see it. Still can't get over Matt Gilroy getting one PP shift. What in God's name does Tort have against Hobey, who actually was solid in his 13+? I just don't get it.

As if the refs weren't bad enough, they invented a call on Boyle for tripping when he did no such thing. I guess aggressiveness isn't allowed in this wussified league! Someone should send 100 copies of Slap Shot to Bettman making him cry in his panties. The game is regressing. Dial up The Beatles HELP! At least the Rangers killed it, forcing OT. The four-on-four was fun with each New York club going for it. First, a lousy turnover by Christy led to a two-on-one for Vanek and Roy. After Vanek faked out our D, he had the puck in the same position as his shootout winner past Johan Hedberg. But he opted not to shoot, instead passing for an open Roy at the side, who never got off a shot. If that epic fail doesn't sum up Vanek's career, my name's not Derek Felix.

The missed opportunity allowed the Rangers to come down and earn the decider off what else but hard work. Fedotenko and Anisimov combined to work the puck to Girardi, whose shot was blocked by a sliding Leopold. But Fedotenko didn't give up and when Leopold missed, Anisimov quickly fired past Enroth for an exciting finish that saw an emotional Tort pump his fist and probably say, "Hell yeah!" Or something to that effect. A much needed home win, ending a two-game skid and putting us back over .500 (8-7-1) with Tom Renney's struggling Oilers visiting Sunday afternoon. Let the ass kissing begin. :P

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Artem Anisimov, NYR (2 goals incl. OT winner at 1:32, 5 SOG, 3-2 draws, +1 in 14:49)
2nd Star-Martin Biron, NYR (29 saves incl. 10/10 in 3rd, 1st win as Ranger-2nd overall at MSG)
1st Star-Ruslan Fedotenko, NYR (2nd of season, assist, 4 SOG, hit, +2 in 15:52)