MZA shootout theatrics topple Kings

Just call him the Magician. I've run out of adjectives to describe Rangers' shootout ace Mats Zuccarello, whose latest theatrics helped the Blueshirts topple a hot Kings team 4-3 at an energized Garden last night. In a very entertaining game full of twists and turns, the Rangers had their ace in a hole who ensured a vital second consecutive win with another fantastic move in the shootout- putting some distance between the seventh seeded club on Broadway and the chase for eighth that now includes their next sizzling opponent tonight in Newark, the Devils.

The Rangers came back from a goal down to take the lead twice but a pesky LA club led by USA Olympian Dustin Brown wouldn't go away with the Kings' captain forcing overtime on the craziest of bounces with under three minutes left. While I've seen other bloggers unfairly blame Henrik Lundqvist for Brown's odd equalizer off a carom and LA defenseman Matt Greene's first which Sean Avery screened his own goalie on, give it a rest. Sure, the King faced nine fewer shots than promising rookie Jonathan Bernier. However, on a night he won his 200th career NHL game by once again stymieing stiff competition to preserve the 'W,' it was his stellar play in the first that gave the Rangers a chance.

After a decent start that saw them earn a power play following a strong kill led by Lundqvist, the Rangers fell into a lull- allowing a tough LA club to take control. Despite missing a couple of opportunities on the man-advantage, Lundqvist still had to deal with a two-on-one shorthanded bid with Anze Kopitar working a give-and-go before being perfectly set up for what seemed like a gimme, only to see King Henrik slide across and make an acrobatic stop doing the splits. They were already trailing by one thanks to Brown's first of two on the power play with Brandon Dubinsky in the box. Our PK had a mix up in coverage allowing Jack Johnson and Justin Williams to easily find a wide open Brown in the slot for his 19th.
In a period largely controlled by LA's forecheck, only Lundqvist kept them from extending the lead.

Not surprisingly, the Rangers heard a smattering of boos. Maybe it inspired them because they were a different team in the second. As usual, future captain Ryan Callahan was involved. Having almost pulled off a great individual effort for a near tally, the glue of our gritty team came through thanks to a one-handed attempt by bright rookie Derek Stepan. Off an Artem Anisimov faceoff win, Stepan took the puck hard to the net and got off a tough shot which Bernier kicked out right to Callahan, who deposited his 15th to loud cheers. If not for an injury that kept him out most of last month, he'd have 20 goals and be on target for his first 30-goal campaign. Not bad for the '04 fourth round steal from Rochester. Is it a tad ironic that he hails from the same area as current Montreal captain and ex-Devil Cup winner Brian Gionta? I think not.

Following Callahan's 15th, the Rangers really carried the play using a strong forecheck to pin the Kings deep. They generated several scoring chances including a couple of close calls which Bernier was able to snuff out. Though he's the understudy to Vezina candidate Jon Quick, you can see why he was a first round selection back in '06. Only 22, Bernier definitely has a bright future in Hollywood- giving Los Angeles arguably the strongest goalie tandem in the league with our duo of Lundqvist and vet Martin Biron right behind.

With the game tied at one after 40 minutes, it felt like the next goal would win. Something I remarked to Bob in my section. On this night, I couldn't have been more wrong as it got wild and wacky the rest of the way. It started when Marian Gaborik ended his scoring drought by taking a Mike Sauer outlet and using Drew Doughty as a screen for a knuckler reminiscent of The Mighty Ducks II. Gabby's Knuckle Puck floated past Bernier putting us ahead at 6:10. Before we could get settled and believe me, plenty of Garden Faithful were pumped- the Kings came right back 1:40 later when Greene of all people tied it thanks to some solid work from Kopitar and Brad Richardson. A Ranger turnover at the LA blueline didn't allow our team to change. The Kings wisely got the puck in and Kopitar and Richardson set up Greene, whose routine slapper hopped off one of our players past Lundqvist. It didn't help that Avery dove in front which probably obstructed Lundqvist's view. Naturally, it was Greene's first. A Ranger specialty. :P

Both teams played to win, forcing the goalies to make big saves. It seemed destined for overtime until Dubinsky got a step on LA's D and snuck a wraparound which must've gone off Anisimov because they later changed what would've been Dubi's 20th to Artie's 13th. Callahan also assisted giving him a two-point night. In 39 games this season, he is 15-15-30. With an assist, Dubinsky's 19-24-43 over 54. Those have been our best players. Two home grown kids who continue to evolve.

It looked like the Rangers would hold on until an odd Rob Scuderi wide shot caromed off the back boards right to Brown, who banked the puck off Lundqvist's head for his 20th. The bizarre play also had Anisimov fall down behind the net which allowed Brown to get free.

So after all that, the game went to OT where our team blew a golden opportunity to win it after LA waste Alexei Ponikarovsky took a double minor for hi-sticking at the end of regulation. In typical fashion, our guys couldn't get anything done with the Kings aided by Gaborik's reluctancy to shoot when he was wide open in the slot. When Dubinsky was whistled for a phantom hi-stick, it brought the most dull three-on-three in existence. People who think this is the answer might want to re-think it because it's two D and a forward. Shockingly, it was very conservative forcing the skill comp.

In it, Erik Christensen pulled off his Forsberg imitation steering us in front. After Lundqvist denied Michal Handzus, Zuccarello moved in slowly driving me nuts only to then fake Bernier out completely for an easy goal. But it wasn't over when LA shootout ace Jarrett Stoll picked high glove on Lundqvist making him seven for eight this year. After Wojtek Wolski was pokechecked by an aggressive Bernier, it came down to Kopitar and Lundqvist. Exactly the kind of theatre you'd want. Kopitar tried for high glove but Henrik got a piece to push it over the top, sealing a large win.

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 Clawed Again by Panthers

In Inspector Gadget, Dr. Claw was the evil character who he took on and outwitted in the entertaining cartoon when kids could be kids. These days with what passes for TV during the afternoon, there are no Claws trying to ruin Gadget's day or Lotors seeking to destroy Voltron. Skeletor versus He-Man won't be happening anytime soon but unfortunately for the Rangers, they felt the Claw last night against their kryptonite in the form of the Panthers, who came into MSG and posted a whacky 4-3 win.

For some reason unknown to the universe, the Rangers simply cannot beat Florida. Throw out the shootout win and we'd be 0-for-3. It doesn't matter what the records are. Even if half of Connecticut is on our roster, the bottom line is the Rangers are still sending three All-Stars who are thankfully all healthy. That Marian Gaborik isn't one speaks volumes. Maybe he needs more odd goals like the one that went off his stick and shoulder to tie the Caps, who our team rallied to beat in the skill competition the other day. Where would this team be without Brian Boyle, who will probably get overlooked for the Selke despite leading the team with 18 goals and doing everything the award for game's best defensive forward details? It's Boyle who John Tortorella trusts so much to the point that he stuck Gaborik with him and saw Gabby set up the big man's 18th which tied the game.

In a testament to their character, the Rangers again rallied this time from two down to tie Florida early in the third. One they absolutely owned except for the final tally. Sometimes, you're unlucky. Just ask goat Artem Anisimov who went from shootout hero to No.1 Star for the Cats in 24 hours. Alright, maybe that's a bit unfair. But come on. He had not one but two Panther shots go off him past a stunned Henrik Lundqvist for goals, including the bizarre winner off Mike Santorelli's stick which caromed off No.42's back and bounced over our helpless goalie. You can't make it up.

What is it about Florida that makes them such a thorn in the Rangers' side? Even when we win, it's by the slimmest of margins. Granted. Tomas Vokoun is a good goalie who never gets his due playing in obscurity. Now, he knows how Roberto Luongo felt all those years before forcing a trade to Vancouver. Sometimes, people forget that the former Predator is a top 10 netminder who can steal a game. So, losing to the Panthers isn't as humiliating as our favorite Ranger blogger Scotty Hockey makes it. What can you do when two shots go off a player for goals? What can be done when the Blueshirts dominate the third but the Panthers' only shot resembles Adam Sandler's winning shot in Happy Gilmore? Like all games, hockey's a funny sport. If bounces don't go your way, sometimes you lose.

Tortorella wasn't disappointed with the team's effort mostly because of how they responded after seeing Lundqvist give up a klunker that deflated the building. To those wagoners who gave him a Bronx cheer when it was 3-1, find another team to latch onto. Such childish behavior is inexcusable. You aren't real fans. Anyone who acts like that should be tossed from the building by the dopey Dolan security and never be allowed to attend another game. I've gotten on Lundqvist plenty in this space but without him, we're simply not a playoff team. He's played his ass off and deserves better than that garbage. His team didn't help much either being lazy on a pair with even Boyle's line getting victimized.

Of course, they'd atone later with warrior Brandon Prust igniting a rally and then Boyle depositing loose change in front for a power play goal. See how easy that is? Stick your hardest working player out with size and grit and watch him get dirty to score a PPG. That's how it's done folks.

So, am I upset about the bitter loss ending our team's play prior to the break? Of course. Losing to the Panthers irks me. Especially when they beat us in the flukiest way possible. But hey. Couldn't we say the same thing for Gaborik's goal that allowed us to steal two points in DC? Case closed.

Immediately following the game, the Rangers designated Mike Del Zotto, Kris Newbury, Chad Kolarik, Evgeny Grachev and Brodie Dupont for assignment so they could stay fresh in Connecticut. Enough can't be said about the play of Newbury and Kolarik whose hustle is indicative of what this team is all about. They fit right in. Big kudos to Ken Gernander and Jim Schoenfeld.

Mats Zuccarello and Derek Stepan were bright spots again last night with MZA dishing out three assists and Stepan tallying his 14th and 30th point. Not bad production from the 20 year-old out of Wisconsin. Oh btw, Zuccarello's up to 3-8-11 in 17 games proving he's going to stick. It won't be long before the little engine that could is scoring big goals. He's a keeper.

When they return for the Feb.1 home game against the Pens with probably Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin back, figure Ryan Callahan to be there for his teammates which should be a big lift for a team that's struggling to score goals. Brandon Dubinsky won't be far from behind. All things considered, Tortorella has done a superb job keeping our team in playoff position with a 29-20-3 record for 61 points, good for sixth seed- two ahead of Montreal and two behind Washington.

I'd say you got a Jack Adams candidate there. Hope the break treats our players kindly. They've earned it.

Give MZA an A

Okay, we're kidding with that fancy title. In all seriousness, we like Mats Zuccarello Aasen. Not just because the gifted 23 year-old Norwegian who looks strikingly similar to Marty St. Louis notched an overtime winner in a thrilling Ranger 2-1 home win over the Hurricanes. Sure. It was mighty impressive for the diminutive winger to pull off a tough wrap around finding twine from a small angle over Cam Ward, giving the Rangers a huge victory over a team chasing them.

It's just that there's so much to like about MZA, who also set up Matt Gilroy's third midway through the third in a scoreless tie. The kid who surprised many with a breakout '10 Olympics in Vancouver has plenty of tools. Something our No.1 Star Brandon Dubinsky was quick to point out after being involved directly in both goals, including a yeoman effort that created enough havoc for Zuccarello to score his first career NHL goal in style, touching off a St. Louis-esque celebration on the ice.

“He has so much talent. He is going to be really special for us from his talent alone.”

With emotional leader Ryan Callahan out for at least another three weeks, John Tortorella who knows a thing or two about coaching talented undrafted smallish forwards, wants to find out about Zuccarello. Already we've seen the skills he possesses. The 5-7, 174 pound Nord isn't afraid to go into high traffic areas and will battle anyone as evidenced by his staredown with former Swedish Elite League teammate Victor Hedman. There's a reason he was named League MVP last year. These days, MZA seems more willing to do what it takes than ghost Marian Gaborik. Perhaps that's because of where he's come from. It doesn't excuse the Rangers' most talented player for why he remains stuck on 11 goals, unable to finish plays like the pass Artem Anisimov made in the third.

It's way too early to proclaim Zuccarello a Broadway hero. He's only played six games and is 1-2-3 with 13 shots thus far. As he continues to adjust to the best league along with whatever wrinkles Tortorella throws him, the mature Norway talent should be able to handle it. Especially how modest he was after scoring such a big goal.

“I got lucky,” he chimed before noting the obvious about his size:

“I have been like this for 23 years. I have had a long time to practice being small. I have to use being small to my advantage.”

“I don’t think he lacks confidence,” Tortorella assessed. “Creative people need that.”

In any sport, mental toughness is essential for performing at the highest level. It won't get any easier for MZA or his teammates who now must go to Dallas and St. Louis Friday and Saturday before returning for two big games against Montreal sandwiched around the hottest team in the league Vancouver paying a visit to the Big Apple.

“It’s huge. We wanted to come out and play the way we’re capable of,” leading point getter Dubinsky pointed out after snapping a two-game skid. “We found a way.”

Exactly what epitomizes this scrappy bunch who continue to bounce back from tough defeats and overcome adversity. A huge part of that is their goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who matched save for save with Ward in a highly entertaining affair that wasn't lacking quality scoring chances until Gilroy and Eric Staal exchanged goals, forcing extras. Both were outstanding with King Henrik making 31 stops while the former Conn Smythe winner countered with 33, including a highlight reel glove save on Dubinsky that him and Sean Avery looking skyward. In an important game against one of the league's best, Lundqvist was there for his team until their latest hero won it.

“We’re not the most talented group in the world, but the thing that is going to carry us through is to play as a team,” Tortorella remarked after his team improved to 23-15-3 at the halfway point, which is good for the East's seventh seed one behind Atlanta and just four off fourth Philly despite playing two more games. “That’s what has given us our first-half start.”

“We are halfway through now, and you can see the standings,” Lundqvist added. “It’s getting tighter and tighter. Coming off two losses, it was important to come back with a win.”

Exactly what the doctor ordered with an assist from MZA.

Gaborik out tomorrow, Zuccarello up

Given how Marian Gaborik's played lately, something had to be wrong. Regardless of all the line combinations John Tortorella tried to get the star sniper untracked, he wasn't going. Aside from two hat tricks this season, Gabby's only scored in three other games for his nine goal total. Hardly the kind of consistent production you expect from one of the game's most lethal scorers.

As it turns out, Gaborik may have been playing hurt. He's already been ruled out for tomorrow's pre-Christmas showdown with Steven Stamkos, Martin St. Louis and a Lightning club that's visiting Long Island a couple of hours from now. Taking his place will be Olympic standout Mats Zuccarello-Aasen who the club signed over the summer. The diminitive winger started the year with the new Connecticut Whale (formerly Hartford Wolfpack), getting out slowly. However, he's finally adjusted to the North American style and recently was on a tear, hiking his season totals to 13 goals, 10 assists and 23 points. So, the speedy 23 year-old Norwegian gets his shot. He does resemble St. Louis in size and style. Whether or not he plays like him remains to be seen.

Either way, we're about to find out what MZA can do. Who does Tort start him off with? Alex Frolov has been revitalized since playing with Brian Boyle and Brandon Prust. The enigmatic Russian set up a nice goal off hard work behind the net, dishing off for rookie Derek Stepan's ninth in a 4-1 loss to division rival Philly. Perhaps he sticks with D-Step and say Sean Avery, who needs more ice-time with Ryan Callahan out till February at the earliest. I'd keep Brandon Dubinsky with Artem Anisimov but aren't sure who should join them. If you put Ruslan Fedotenko on the top line, then maybe Avery since he mixes it up. But he plays the left side just like Dubi. So, probably no go. Do they try Zuccarello there? It seems like a risk but that line must produce. There's size, skill and speed.

I wouldn't mind seeing Tort try MZA with Boyle and Prust since their size and strength should benefit him, making it a good fit. Those are our energizers who seem to work well with anyone. Why not give it a shot? But where does that leave Erik Christensen? Simply put, you can't have Christy and D-Step together because they both play the same position. Plus there's also Chris Drury and Christmas ornament Todd White. It wouldn't be fair to either Dru or Christy if their ice-time is reduced. Ditto Avery, who's the whipping boy.

While we're on the subject of our roster, it looks like Mike Del Zotto could be riding the pine Thursday. He had a dreadful showing Saturday, committing two mistakes that led to goals against- finishing minus-three. What has to be remembered is that this is a 20 year-old defenseman in Year Two. As much as I've been on his case, the Blueshirts have to be careful how they handle MDZ. It's been a tough year for the former '08 first rounder, who's registered just two goals and seven assists for nine points but has an Even rating. It's not that he isn't trying. The 71 hits and 58 blocks attest to the young blueliner's competitiveness. He hasn't looked confident with the puck, forcing diagonal passes that get picked off and fumbling the puck at the point leading to shorthanded odd-man rushes.

I've maintained that Matt Gilroy has looked better recently and deserves another chance. Why Tort won't give him a go on at least the second power play unit remains a mystery. Sure. They've gotten surprising results from top tandem Marc Staal and Dan Girardi. But the lack of a true quarterback has haunted this club since Brian Leetch left. Our guess is Michal Rozsival gets first crack with D-Step.

If anything, tomorrow's game should be more interesting. And right before the post-Christmas Garden confrontation with the Islanders.

If only it were true

Sometimes, what's buried deep in your mind can really play tricks on you. Ah. The essence of dreams. We all have them. Most of mine don't make much sense but almost always seem to involve things/people I know. Hence, yesterday when I dreamt that the Rangers won the Stanley Cup.

Okay, I know what you're thinking. How illogical and screwed up my head must've been. But let me preface by admitting earlier this week, I also had one where Ilya Kovalchuk scored off a faceoff from the left point, blasting a rocket in for the Devils. What does it mean? I'd rather not find out. While the prospect of the much debated Russian lingers until tomorrow, the actual deep thoughts that my team could ever win another Cup are as rational as Jim Dolan undermining Donnie Walsh, bringing back Isiah Thomas. This from the same owner who's fascinated by Glen Sather.

That's why we now refer to it as Mediocre Square. Home to mediocrity. Where bloggers such as Scotty Hockey know the deal. Just make the playoffs and it's a success so that crook can boost revenue and rip off more fans. Perhaps that's why I finally told my Dad to not renew my seat. Well, that and also saving money right now takes precedence over donating cash to an evil corporate stench who'll never get it. As long as they got enough boosters who couldn't tell the difference between a basketball and a puck, what does it matter?

Oh btw, something I knew for a while thanks to an "insider" who tipped me off before the Olympic Break. The Play by Play is no more. Gone as part of the beloved Renovation which is geared towards more of the higher ups. What? You really thought it was for us? Nothing about the future of MSG will benefit the diehards. So, savor these final years because if you think it costs a lot now, just wait until you're priced out. That sound you hear is the circus clowns laughing uncontrollably.

So, what could I have been on to have actually believed that our team could win another Cup, ending the Curse of '94? Yes. I already refer to it as that based on how far off they still are while an owner who had nothing to do with it still rides the coat tails of Leetch, Messier, Richter, Zubov, Beukeboom and Graves. Leetch before The Captain because it was No.2 who was No.1 that memorable summer. Only Dolan/Slats act as if Messier was the only reason we won. I'm appreciative of The Guarantee but don't act like he did it alone. A guy by the name of Kovalev scored to swing the momentum and Leetch was instrumental along with Richy, who along with a goalpost kept them alive.

The harsh reality is that 1994 is a long time ago, even if I and other True Blue faithful wish otherwise because of what it meant. In another four years, it'll be 20 years since that team won. And by then, do you think our franchise will have made any significant progress? With apologies to Derek Stepan, Chris Kreider, Evgeny Grachev, Dylan McIlrath, Ryan McDonagh and Tomas Kundratek, there just won't be much belief as long as Sather is still employed.

Every time the senile old man talks up the future, another over the hill vet is brought in to take a roster spot away from a kid. Todd White?!?!?!?!?! Well, considering what they got at center, it's explainable. But come on. Who does Mats Zuccarello Aasen get to play with? Or is the talented soon to be 23 year-old Norwegian, who turned heads at the Olympics, going to be blocked before he even gets a chance? You do the math.

C-Christensen, Anisimov, Drury, White, Boyle
LW-Frolov, Dubinsky, Prospal, Avery, Boogard
RW-Gaborik, Callahan, Prust

Fyi...isn't it a bit odd how the official New York Rangers site fails to list Frolov up front but includes White? Wasn't the enigmatic yet gifted Russian their best addition? Never mind. Why mess with logic? Especially from a GM who again treated complete strangers better than his own. Even a two bit scrub like Boogard who does one thing well gets the royal treatment while our most important player Marc Staal remains in limbo probably till preseason. How would you feel if you were Henrik Lundqvist?

At least in the dream, even though I wasn't in the building, I was genuinely excited/surprised to see the Rangers win the Cup. Of course, I don't know who they beat, which probably explains why it was just my brain teasing me much like the club I root for. If only it were true.

Zuccarello-Aasen to sign with Rangers

It looks like Norway's invading Broadway this Fall. While it may not be a great Spring for the Rangers, they seem to have landed Mats Zuccarello-Aasen. The 22 year-old diminutive winger who's listed at 5-7, 161 pounds was a standout for Modo of the Swedish Elite League the past two seasons. He followed up a 40-point (12-28-40 in 35 GP) debut with 23 goals and 41 assists totaling 64 points over 55 games in 2009-10. 

Not only did Zuccarello-Aasen lead the SEL in scoring, but he also represented his country at the Vancouver Winter Games- tallying a goal and two helpers in four contests. His incredible wheels and skills were on display against the world's best, impressing scouts along with veteran Tore Vikingstad. Vikingstad is a former Blues property who's starred in the DEL over the past decade (Deutsche Eishockey Liga) in Germany. Both certainly did their best in representing Norway, proving that they could compete.

For Zuccarello-Aasen, that meant drawing interest from as many as five NHL teams including the Rangers, Red Wings, Maple Leafs, Blackhawks and Oilers. Per Toronto Stars' Damien Cox, he chose the Rangers, who certainly could use a little more skill and scoring to aid Marian Gaborik. The deal won't get announced until the World Championships conclude, due to the International transfer agreement.

The biggest obstacle for the Nord will be how quickly he adjusts to a more physical style in smaller North American rinks. By no means does his smallish frame mean he'll fail. Martin St. Louis and Brian Gionta are primary examples of small players who've succeeded in the NHL by using their speed and wits. Neither is afraid to mix it up. Zuccarello-Aasen might have to beef up to take the pounding. We'll get a better idea when he's in Ranger colors in camp. He'll turn 23 on September 1.


Video: Mats Zuccarello-Aasen practices with Forsberg and Dan Hinote


This seems like a solid move. Especially for an offensively challenged club that could use a spark. How much did they give him? Toronto offered a two-way deal. I'm guessing Glen Sather gave him a one-way contract, meaning they expect Zuccarello-Aasen to be on the roster. While Larry Brooks alluded to Euro failures Andreas Jamtin and Ilkka Heikkinen, who got screwed a la Jarkko Immonen, MZA sounds like the kinda player John Tortorella uses and comes on Markus Naslund's recommendation. It was under Tort's leadership that St. Louis flourished. I'm not expecting a Hart or Art Ross. Based on what I've seen, he's got some skillz.

Why not? It never hurts to try.