2010-11 Preview: Youth the key for Rangers

For years, fans have longed for a youth movement on Broadway. Even with some familiar faces around for the new season which begins in Buffalo Saturday, youth will be served when the puck drops. If it's true that prize free agent Alexander Frolov should relieve pressure from Big Ticket Marian Gaborik, then it's also true that the exuberance of rookies Derek Stepan and Mike Sauer should prove instrumental in what 2010-11 holds for John Tortorella's Blueshirts.

Along with sophomores Mike Del Zotto, Matt Gilroy and Artem Anisimov, how the kids perform could go a long way to whether this new Ranger version is good enough to return to the playoffs. There's also third-year forward Brandon Dubinsky, who's been converted to left wing for increased offense. Alternate captain Ryan Callahan enters Year Four looking to take the next step in his development. The do everything Team MVP had a strong camp and could be in line for 25 goals and close to 50 points. How he and Dubinsky fare along with linemate Anisimov will be vital.

While everyone will be focused on the top line of Frolov, Erik Christensen and Gaborik, it's the secondary scoring that needs to deliver. Last year, they simply weren't good enough. However, early chemistry from the American-Russian Express and the surprise emergence of Tort Tampa student Ruslan Fedotenko has fans excited about this club. In particular, Stepan who looks to make the jump from Wisconsin to the pros. If preseason was any indication, the 20 year-old former second round pick looks ready- playing poised beyond his years. His all around game, vision and smarts reminds us of Devil No.1 pivot Travis Zajac. There's also a slight resemblance to injured captain Chris Drury, who has had a knack for scoring and setting up big goals while doing all the little things which don't show up in boxscores but win games. No wonder he'll trade in the high No.57 for his trademark No.21 likely anchoring a third line between Fedotenko and a motivated Sean Avery, who had a whale of a camp. In order for the Grate One to be effective, he must continue getting underneath opponents' skin while going to the net and playing with the edge which was lacking most of last season.

With both Drury (broken index finger) and Vinny Prospal (knee) sidelined, that should comprise the club's top three lines. Tortorella must also be encouraged by Brian Boyle's improvement. The big forward showed stronger skating and scoring touch in exhibition along with a willingness to get dirty. Can it carry over? Brandon Prust turned out to be better than expected in last year's deal that included failure Olli Jokinen, who reunites with Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay in Alberta. Prust not only can play physical and drop 'em if needed but also is a better skater than given credit for, capable of contributing. With former Gabby Wild teammate Derek Boogaard around to keep opponents honest, figure Prust to do less fighting and more playing. He also can kill penalties. Until Drury and Prospal are back, the club also has former Sabre energizer Tim Kennedy and savvy vet Todd White if there needs to be a shakeup. A marked improvement over last year.

The blueline will also be one of the league's youngest led by 23 year-old Marc Staal and 26 year-old Dan Girardi. Both looked rusty in camp. Hopefully, they got out the cobwebs because if this team is to succeed, that shutdown pair must set the table. Both Del Zotto and Gilroy are still a little green in their end. For all their offensive potential, they can easily hurt the club as well. Both will need to be stronger in Year Two. The good news is they looked potent on a No.1 power play unit featuring the top line. Whether Tortorella pairs them together remains doubtful. Especially with key minute logger Michal Rozsival back. Say what you will about the senior Ranger but he's the second best passer on the back end and plays every situation. If right, he is still an important vet presence on a D that will at times need guidance. As for Sauer, finally the lone holdover from the unpopular Brian Leetch trade gets his shot thanks to an impressive showing. Hard to believe that he's only 23. Something which gets lost when it comes to the development of defensemen. Will Tort show more faith than in that three-game stint two seasons prior? He'll have to unless extra Steve Eminger somehow finds his way in after a shaky exhibition. There are also kids Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko, who both made it a tough decision before being sent down.

Without Henrik Lundqvist, the Blueshirts wouldn't even be mentioned for the postseason. Instead, they'd be in the lottery. Amazingly, King Henrik enters his sixth season having won 30-or-more in all five years, becoming one of the game's elite goalies. Despite little support and a shaky defense that included Hartford deport Wade Redden, Lundqvist managed 35 wins in 72 starts while lowering his GAA from the prior year to 2.38 and improving to a .921 save percentage. His best since the '05-06 rookie season (.922). Even if backup Martin Biron could lighten the load, this team doesn't go anywhere without Henrik. He's the backbone. With a mostly inexperienced blueline in front of him with only Rozsival over 30, the 28 year-old Swede will need to steal some games. This is a prideful man who took last Spring's shootout heartache to heart. He wants to get this team back to the playoffs and surprise some people.

Tortorella gets a second full season to make things right. He has more firepower this time. The fiery former Cup winner has more pressure. How he handles the youth must be watched closely. He doesn't want to lose anyone early. There needs to be trust. If Stepan and Fedotenko get out quick, what happens when Drury and Prospal return? In some aspects, it's a good problem to have. Glen Sather's provided more depth to a team that needed it. So, Tort must show himself capable of getting this club to play firewagon hockey while being more consistent. There can't be anymore winter lulls. Not if they want back in next Spring. It's the coach's job to motivate them.

Prediction: While they should be challenged by improved clubs like the Lightning and Thrashers, this team looks capable of surprising the East. Scoring shouldn't be an issue. They got the goalie. Will the D hold up?


4th in Atlantic, 8th in East, 92 Pts

Rangers-Devils Part Deux Tonight

It's only preseason but try telling that to the Rangers and Devils, who already played one intense exhibition at The Garden the other night with New York prevailing 4-3 on Marian Gaborik's power play overtime winner. The game featured two scraps along with the Devils' unveiling of their Dream Line featuring Zach Parise, Travis Zajac and Ilya Kovalchuk. The lethal trio combined for all three goals with Parise tying it with 1:30 left forcing OT.

On the flip side, Alexander Frolov got off to a good start with his new team, scoring and setting up Gaborik twice. Also impressing was top prospect Derek Stepan, who centered the new Ranger top line for two of three periods and didn't look out of place, notching a helper. The new and improved Brian Boyle fought and also beat Martin Brodeur with a strong power move, boosting his chances. New backup Martin Biron also debuted for the Blueshirts, looking sharp in two periods despite permitting two rockets (Zajac one-timer, Kovalchuk breakaway).

Tonight, the bitter Hudson rivals do it again at The Rock. Figure the Devils to have their new A Line with '00 Cup members Patrik Elias and Jason Arnott reunited where they'll team with team captain Jamie Langenbrunner. Perhaps new backup Johan Hedberg will see some action as well. For the Rangers, we could see Artem Anisimov and Evgeny Grachev along with Pavel Valentenko. In their second preseason game, Henrik Lundqvist probably will be in net.

The game can be seen on MSG tonight at 7 ET.

Cup Preview: Someone Has To Win

Tomorrow night, the Stanley Cup Final finally gets going. It'll be a battle between two Cup starved franchises that haven't sipped from Lord Stanley in quite a while.

On one side, you got the surprising Flyers looking to bring the trophy back to Broad Street for the first time since winning their only two back-to-back in 1974 and 1975. The miraculous comeback from 3-0 down stunning Boston has Peter Laviolette's club looking like a team of destiny. Boosted by the return of Jeff Carter and Ian Laperriere, they finished off Montreal in five. Captain Mike Richards has led the charge with 21 points (6-15-21) playing in every key situation. He's gotten plenty of help from Daniel Briere and Claude Giroux, who've combined for 17 goals. Chris Pronger (4-10-14) has been brilliant anchoring the D while actually making Matt Carle into a viable option.

Without Simon Gagne's amazing return (7 G), Ville Leino's (12 Pts in 13 GP) surprising contributions and the goaltending of tandem Brian Boucher and Michael Leighton, the orange and black aren't here. It all makes for a tremendous story. Something a Ranger blogger and Devil blogger hate to admit. If they pull this off, you have to tip your cap. We're sure the Rangers will be the main source of frustration. Damn Olli Jokinen and silly skill comps. At least Blair Betts is vying for the hardware. Silly Tort.

Standing in their way are the Blackhawks, who are searching for the franchise's first Cup since 1961 when Bobby Hull starred. They've made the Final four times since losing every single one. The last in 1992 to the mighty Pens, who swept them. Nearly two decades later, here are a different batch of Hawks focused on making history. Led by Conn Smythe candidate/captain Jonathan Toews (7-19-26, 3 GW), Joel Queeneville's club has backed up last year's run to the Conference Finals by taking the next step. They'll have home ice and face immense pressure in a city that's still haunted by Steve Bartman. Can a talented squad led by Toews and running mate Patrick Kane (7-13-20) deliver a fourth championship to the Windy City? They'll have to overcome the obstacle of Marian Hossa. The gifted Slovak has made it here three consecutive years losing with Pittsburgh and Detroit the past two years. Is the third time the charm for one of the biggest superstar teases? He'll have to do better than two goals in the first three rounds.

While much of the focus is on him, these Hawks boast incredible depth led by money performer Dustin Byfuglien, who's netted half his eight as deciders including two in sudden death. It should be fun to watch Big Buff battle Pronger in front. Patrick Sharp and Dave Bolland have been instrumental with the latter scoring backbreaking goals on breakaways. Kris Versteeg, Troy Brouwer and Cup proven John Madden should give them an edge. Norris hopeful Duncan Keith (1-9-10) anchors the D along with Brent Seabrook (3-6-9 +8) who'll be severely tested by the Flyer forecheck. Brian Campbell could be a key. Meanwhile, Antti Niemi has silenced critics in net keeping Cristobal Huet as far away from ruining it. Can he ace the final test?

It really shapes up to be a good series. Both these teams boast speed and are very effective on the forecheck. The Flyers looking to control the back boards. The Hawks similar but with more skill. Keep an eye on their pinpoint passing. Both teams are effective on special teams. An area that figures to be a real key to who prevails. Of course, whoever can get to the goalie first should have an edge. Boucher returns if Leighton falters. Huet has only seen three shots the whole Spring. Never discount coaching. Laviolette has been here before guiding Carolina to the Cup in 2006. He usually pushes the right buttons and is a master motivator. Queeneville's a good coach but the edge goes to the Flyer bench.

Two big markets battle for the most prestigious trophy in sports. As long as it isn't onesided, figure the series to fare well. I see it going at least six. My heart says Blackhawks but my gut says Flyers. We'll start getting some answers tomorrow on this Memorial Day weekend.

Great Theatre Tonight

If you're a hockey fan, then you're in luck. Tonight promises to be quite interesting. Great theatre is anticipated with the No.8 seeded Canadiens looking to repeat what they did to Ovechkin. This time, they're pitted against the Crosby/Malkin Pens. A larger task for sure.

Taking down the defending champs at what just could be the final game at old Mellon Arena would be astronomical. Les Habitants will need virtuoso performances from all actors led by Jaroslav Halak, series star Mike Cammalleri and Hal Gill. They'll need help from familiar ex-Devil duo Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta. Both have played well. Each has big game experience. Can they put it together in Game Seven? Tomas Plekanec has mostly been absent. If the soon to be FA wants to increase his value, this would be a great start. He was real effective in the Round One upset. Other key components of this improbable Hab run have been antagonist Max Lapierre, ex-Ranger Dominic Moore, former pick Tom Pyatt and Andrei Kostitsyn. Emergency call-up P.K. Subban has been stellar and Josh Gorges instrumental in teaming with Gill to blanker Sidney Crosby. Minus top defender Andrei Markov, do they have one more peak performance in them? Hopefully, it won't be as anticlimatic as last year's Conference Semi Caps dismantling.

While the Habs will still be heavy underdogs against Crosby, Geno, Marc-Andre Fleury, Jordan Staal, Gonchar and Kris Letang, the Flyers are trying to do something that hasn't been done since 1975. Only twice in NHL history have teams rallied from 0-3 down to win series. The 1942 Leafs and most recently, the Islanders did it some 35 years ago, 33 years after Toronto. Is the timing right for the banged up Flyers to stun the Bruins? Simon Gagne has been remarkable coming back from a broken bone in his right foot scoring the sudden death winner to keep his team alive in Game Four and two more goals in a 4-0 Game Five rout.

All of Philadelphia will be behind their Flyers when the puck drops an hour from now at Wachovia. To even sniff the final part of something the Red Sox did to the Yankees in '04, Peter Laviolette's bunch must get off quickly against what should be a more focused and desperate Boston club that wants nothing to do with Game Seven. Even if it's in their own building, the pressure would be gigantic. The Avs tried this a few years ago against the Sharks winning two straight before falling in Game Six. The sixth game AKA third part is usually the biggest hurdle. If Philly can get through it, only then does it become possible. They'll need Michael Leighton to start where he left off in relief of injured Brian Boucher the other night. Remember, it was Leighton who was so brilliant before Boucher got them in. Now, he has a chance to help his team make history. The Flyers are still without Jeff Carter and Ian Laperriere. That doesn't matter. They've shown heart all Spring.

It sets up to be quite the watch. Sit back, relax and crack open a Molson.

Conference Semis start up

Well, after a wild/unpredictable opening round, eight teams are left vying for the prize. The Conference Semis start up tonight with the Red Wings visiting the Sharks with faceoff an hour from now.

Can San Jose finally overcome a huge obstacle or will it be the same old story? They'll need much better production from Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley and Patrick Marleau, who were too silent in the six-game win over the Avs. Joe Pavelski certainly did his part as did Dan Boyle, who atoned for his giant Game 3 gaffe. Evgeni Nabokov was also steady. But if these Sharks are to do damage, their top line must step up.

You know Detroit's best Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, Tomas Holmstrom and Johan Franzen will. The Red Wings look to have a significant edge on the blueline boasting Nicklas Lidstrom, Brian Rafalski and Niklas Kronwall. The Sharks' best is Boyle and vet Rob Blake. They'll need Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Doug Murray to be factors. Grinders Ryane Clowe, Manny Malhotra and Scott Nichol help. Devin Setoguchi had a strong first round scoring the Game Four overtime winner that swung the series. It'll take a team effort against the Cup proven Wings, who boast Calder candidate Jimmy Howard in net. J-How held up well in the seven-game win over Phoenix. The goalie match-up is huge. Is this the year Nabokov conquers the demons? It all begins tonight.

The other three semi match-ups get going this weekend. Chicago and Vancouver don't play till Saturday night on Hockey Night In Canada while NBC opted for Flyers-Bruins, meaning the Canadiens and Penguins kickoff tomorrow on CBC. Not much rest for the weary. It'll be interesting to see what Jaroslav Halak and Co. bring to the table at Mellon Arena. Stopping 131 of the final 134 shots making the Caps the first top seed to ever blow a 3-1 series lead in the first round was off the charts. Can it be duplicated against MVP nominee Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal? On paper, it seems like a mismatch but wasn't the same thing echoed about the Caps? Still, the Pens are defending champs for a reason and play a different style. They're more battle tested. What can Jacques Martin come up with to slow them down?

With it being one of the best opening rounds, the league had some noteworthy info. Here are the highlights courtesy the official media site:


BEST EVER? TAKING STOCK OF AN OUTSTANDING OPENING ROUND


OF THE 2010 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

NEW YORK (April 28, 2010) -- The entertaining and unpredictable opening round of the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs concluded tonight with the Montreal Canadiens defeating the Washington Capitals 2-1, adding the latest chapter in the storied franchise's playoff history by becoming the first #8 seed to win a series from a 3-1 deficit.

For the past 15 days, NHL fans were treated to a roller-coaster ride of eight hotly-contested series in which no outcome was a given, no lead was safe and the margin between winning and losing was razor-thin.

Among the statistical highlights:

* Road teams won 27 games (27-22), the most ever in the first round. Three series tied the NHL playoff record for most road wins (five, Montreal vs. Washington; Pittsburgh vs. Ottawa and Detroit vs. Phoenix). The Boston Bruins were the only of the eight advancing clubs to clinch the series on home ice.

* There were comebacks galore: the winning team in 24 of the 49 games trailed at some point in the contest. Five teams won after trailing by two or more goals. A club trailing in the third period came back to win nine times.

* Teams combined to score an average of 5.90 goals per game, the highest for an opening round since 1996 and a 36% increase over 2004 (4.34), the last playoff year before the adoption of several rule changes designed to limit obstruction. The first-round scoring average also topped that of the 2009-10 regular season (5.53), marking the first time that's happened since 1994-95.

* Twelve of the 49 games were decided in overtime, the most in opening-round play since 2001 (14). Seven of the eight series had at least one game extend to overtime.

* Scoring the game's first goal wasn't as much an advantage as advertised. The teams scoring first lost five of the six games in the Vancouver Canucks-Los Angeles Kings series (VAN 1-2, LA 0-3). The Buffalo Sabres opened the scoring five times against the Boston Bruins, but went 2-3 in those games.

* Adding to the upset-prone lore of the first round, each of the top three Eastern Conference seeds was eliminated: the #1 Washington Capitals (by #8 Montreal Canadiens), #2 New Jersey Devils (by #7 Philadelphia Flyers) and #3 Buffalo Sabres (by #6 Boston Bruins).


Reversal of Fortune

Beyond the statistics, each series provided a compelling narrative. Whether digging out from an early-series deficit or losing key personnel, every club that survived the first round faced adversity over the past two weeks. Their paths to winning the series were punctuated by dramatic, series-changing moments.

* Down 1-0 in the series, the Pittsburgh Penguins were tied 1-1 with Ottawa late in the third period of Game 2 until Penguins captain Sidney Crosby conjured up some playoff magic. His dive through the crease to swat away an Anton Volchenkov shot that had eluded goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury preserved the tie with 9:13 left in regulation. Later, he repeatedly eluded checkers behind the Senators' net before setting up Kris Letang for the game-winning goal with 4:12 left in regulation.

* Down 1-0 in the series, the Boston Bruins surrendered the first two goals of Game 2 and began the third period trailing a Buffalo Sabres team that was 31-0-0 in 2009-10 when leading after two periods. The Bruins rallied for three goals and a 5-3 victory to even the series.

* The Philadelphia Flyers learned after Game 4 of their series against the New Jersey Devils that two of their top forwards, Jeff Carter and Simon Gagne, were headed for foot surgery and sidelined indefinitely. With captain Mike Richards and young star Claude Giroux leading the way, the makeshift Flyers headed up the New Jersey Turnpike and blanked the Devils 3-0 to clinch the series.

* After dropping a pair of games at home to land on the brink of elimination, the Montreal Canadiens returned to goaltender Jaroslav Halak to get back in the series. Halak backstopped the Canadiens to three consecutive victories -- two at Verizon Center in Washington -- as Montreal became the first #8 seed to win a playoff series after trailing 3-1. In a performance reminiscent of famous playoff exploits by Canadiens goaltenders like Ken Dryden and Patrick Roy, Halak stopped 131 of 134 shots in the three victories (.978)

* The San Jose Sharks were on the verge of trailing their series with the Colorado Avalanche 2-0 heading to Denver until center Joe Pavelski tallied the game-tying goal with 31.8 seconds remaining in regulation of what became a 6-5 overtime victory at the Shark Tank. "I'm sure a lot of people were going, 'There we go again,'" Sharks goaltender Evgeni Nabokov said. "I hope this will give us momentum. I think we showed the team's spirit." Pavelski didn't stop there -- he notched the overtime winner in Game 4 to square the series 2-2 and tallied the series-clinching goal in Game 6.

* The Chicago Blackhawks were just seconds away from dropping Game 5 of their series against the Nashville Predators to force a must-win Game 6 on the road, but center Patrick Kane scored a shorthanded goal with 13.6 seconds remaining to tie the score. Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa -- who was serving the penalty when Kane scored -- completed the Chicago comeback by scoring early in overtime. "Nothing tops it," Kane said when asked if that was the biggest goal of his young career. "That's why you play the game. From death to the door opening, it's a really good feeling. NBC in Chicago, there's no better place you want to be. That's why hockey's such a great game. You never know what can happen."

* The Vancouver Canucks trailed their series against the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 and fell behind 1-0, 2-1 and then 3-2 entering the third period of Game 4. The Canucks rallied thanks to a brilliant Roberto Luongo save, three assists from Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin's game-winning goal with 2:52 remaining in a 6-4 victory.

* The Detroit Red Wings trailed their series against Phoenix 1-0 and 2-1, and were beaten decisively by the Coyotes 5-2 in Game 6 with a chance to wrap up the series at home. Undaunted, the Red Wings came back two nights later in Phoenix with a flawless performance in capturing their first Game 7 on the road since 1964.

It certainly speaks for itself as to how good most of the games were. Now it's onto Round Two. In the first round, I went 5-for-8 nailing the West while taking it on the chin in the East with the top 3 seeds sent packing, including my roll of the dice on Buffalo. At least my Cup pick remains alive. Let's try our hand at what's left:

EAST

(4) Pens over (8) Habs in 5

(6) Bruins over (7) Flyers in 6

Analysis: Can't see the Canadiens having much left. Pitt has tremendous center edge and Fleury got better versus Sens, showing playoff form. Halak would have to repeat and every Canadien would have to play out of their head. More offense too would help. As for the B's, they're getting healthy with Savard returning. Things seem to be falling into place. Plus if I got a choice, Rask over Boucher, who figures to come down from an inspired first round revenge 10 years in the making. The bluelines are similar but can't see Philly overcoming no Carter, Gagne or Laperriere, who was key penalty killer. Just seems like too much.

WEST

(5) Red Wings over (1) Sharks in 6

(3) Canucks over (2) Blackhawks in 6

Analysis: Both series could go either way. I'm merely sticking with my picks. It will be difficult for San Jose to beat Detroit unless that top trio performs. They cannot have another no show. What they must do is attack Wings, who just went seven and have been playing playoff hockey for a month. Maybe they can wear them down. The Wings know what it takes. They get dirty and boast immense skill. Unless Thornton, Heater and Marleau can match Datsyuk, Zett and Holmstrom/Franzen, it'll be tough for the Sharks to win. You can make the argument Sharks have better depth in Pavelski, Setoguchi and Clowe but guys like Filppula, Helm and Cleary step up. Hard to see the latter getting shutout again. Canucks-Hawks for a second straight year. Last time, Patrick Kane ended their season. Vancouver is improved with best line in game plus Kesler, Raymond and Burrows, who figures to be more a factor. Can Toews/Kane/Hossa match The Sedins and Samuelsson? Patrick Sharp had good first round but Hawks need more from Versteeg and Troy Brouwer. Keep an eye on Pavol Demitra and Steve Bernier, who had good opening rounds. For Chicago, Tomas Kopecky and Dustin Byfuglien. The bluelines are about even but we like Vancouver's balance that includes Ehrhoff, Salo, Edler and Bieksa over Keith/Seabrook, Campbell and Hjalmarsson. Goalie match-up pits Luongo vs Niemi. Can the Finn duplicate Rd.1 success against higher scoring team? The pressure's all on Louie here.

Do or Die: Rangers-Flyers II

One game to decide it all. One which should've been on the Ovechkin/Crosby network that's airing a meaningless game between the Caps and Bruins. Regardless, it doesn't get much better than an intense old time Patrick rivalry. Rangers-Flyers is as good as it gets.

With it all on the line, one team makes it while the other goes home. Who wants it? Forget the crowd which will be chaotic as most Philly ones are. It comes down to the players. Can our guys really deliver the knockout blow in enemy territory against a bitter rival much was expected from? They've earned this showdown by going 7-1-1 to make up seven points in two weeks. Do they want to go all the way and leave every Ranger fan who's had their share of heartache in this tumultuous season with a good taste in our mouths? The other night was electric and worth the price of admission. They left it all out there and came out on top to reach Game 82.

Win and it will be extra sweet. Lose and it will be another disappointment even if we've gotten used to it. They'll have to do it minus Ryan Callahan, who gets replaced by Brian Boyle who should give the PK a boost. Plus he can help on the forecheck. Looks like Chris Drury will have two bangers in Boyle and Aaron Voros to work with. Voros has played well and Dru came through Friday. These are the kind of games he steps up in. The Rangers will need big games from Marian Gaborik, Henrik Lundqvist and Marc Staal along with repeat performances from Shelley, Anisimov, Prust and Brandon Dubinsky and Erik Christensen. A strong game from Rozsival would boost their chances. They'll also need Olli Jokinen and Vinny Prospal to do more than donn their jerseys. It won't be easy. The Flyers boast more weapons. Keeping them on defense and off the power play should benefit us.

The drop of the puck is a little over an hour away. Do or die.

Flyers-Rangers: The Final Countdown

Only one team hasn't officially been eliminated. While the West is all set following the latest Sutter choke job, the East remains unsettled headed into the weekend. The Rangers are that team attempting to squeak in with the Habs, Bruins and Flyers all in limbo. For our club, simply put. Two wins versus Philly starting tonight in a do-or-die scenario at The Garden and they're in for a fifth straight season.

Boston's 3-1 victory over Buffalo tied them for sixth with Montreal, who blew another chance to clinch in a 5-2 loss to Carolina with Eric Staal lighting them up for a hat trick and two assists. The Canadiens finish with nemesis Toronto tomorrow night. Despite two less wins, the B's are sixth due to one game at hand. They host the Canes tomorrow and visit the Caps Sunday on NBC. With 86 points, the Flyers sit eighth two up on the Rangers with the first tiebreaker.

Unless the Rangers win tonight, none of it will mean anything. The Flyers can eliminate them. They should have top scorer Jeff Carter back. He'll wear a protective boot for his left foot that cost him nine games. It's advisable for the MSG hosts to stay out of the box. Aside from staying disciplined, John Tortorella's club will need a fast start. Getting out of the gate quickly like the other night will keep the crowd into it and that should bode well. In what's been a trying season where they've struggled at home, there's simply too much at stake. Turning us against them is the last thing they want.

The Blueshirts should have a decided edge in net in the home-and-home with Henrik Lundqvist going against Brian Boucher. Our bread and butter has been a huge staple of the team's rebirth. He has never missed the playoffs and doesn't intend to now. Even with a flawed roster, Henke's played well- entering his 71st start with a 34-27-9 record with a 2.40 GAA, .920 save percentage and four shutouts. During a stretch that's seen the team go 6-1-1 to reach this point, Lundqvist has posted a 1.87 GAA, .936 save percentage along with two shutouts. Except for the disappointing loss to Buffalo Tuesday in which he was pulled for Alex Auld, the 28 year-old Swede's been in holding up his end of the bargain. Two more strong games and it should be enough.

If they are to make this a successful weekend, the Rangers must play well in all facets. Especially against a hated rival who'd love nothing better than ending their season. It's unique since it's a double edged sword with a great rivalry renewed. There should be plenty of intensity from both sides. Figure spark plugs Brandon Prust and Aaron Voros to be in the middle of it with antagonists Daniel Carcillo and Scott Hartnell. The fourth line of Prust, Artem Anisimov and Jody Shelley have been a constant during the home stretch. Tortorella's been rolling four lines, using the checking line plenty. However, as he stated the other day, they cannot be their best line. Top scorer Marian Gaborik has four goals and four assists over the past eight but has been blanked three times, including both losses. He must deliver along with linemates Erik Christensen and Brandon Dubinsky. They've also gotten inspired play from Olli Jokinen, who had a goal and helper Wednesday while linemates Vinny Prospal (G, A) and P.A. Parenteau (A) chipped in. Chris Drury's played well scoring a couple of big goals. These are the games you expect him to step up in. Ryan Callahan hasn't looked good since returning. So, anything you get from him is a bonus. Might Sean Avery return? Who knows.

Since being reunited, Marc Staal and Dan Girardi have been superb. They'll see plenty of big minutes when the teams faceoff on MSG-Plus. Speaking of which, what an absolute travesty it is that this game has been relegated to MSG's second station with a meaningless Knick game on MSG. I get the whole Friday Knicks but come on. Jazzy Jim is such a joke. He sure doesn't deserve our money. No wonder we didn't send in for the playoffs with a ridiculous cost ($68) for the first round. In the '07 Conference Semi versus Buffalo when our only good team had a shot, the second round was twenty-three bucks cheaper. Unfortunately, this is what you're dealing with.

Michal Rozsival's had a couple of tough games in a row and must be better. He's logged a lot of vital minutes and played better since January. Despite what's said about him in other spaces, the guy's important to our team because he plays every situation. For as much as a headache as he can be with the muffed pucks and penalties, Rozy has been winning a lot of battles, sacrifices the body and is an underrated passer as his perfect outlet to Jokinen demonstrated the other night. I probably am alone in thinking it would be a mistake to get rid of him. Unlike stilt Wade Redden, who at least has been better since being teamed with Anders Eriksson, Rozsival has something left. If you subtract both vets, what will the blueline look like? Especially when both Staal and Girardi are up. Mike Del Zotto must be strong in his end. He's been contributing offensively. How he and Rozy perform will be significant.

Finally, if they are to get the job done, they'll need to come out on top in special teams. I already echoed that it would be wise to stay out of the box with Carter returning. Plus the Flyers boast Mike Richards, Simon Gagne, Chris Pronger, Kimmo Timonen and Matt Carle. Claude Giroux's effective on the man-advantage too. Both teams have good PK units with familiar face Blair Betts leading the charge for the orange and black. How ironic that they face each other with it all on the line.

The teams have split the season series (2-2) with each having won in the other's building. The Rangers took the last meeting at MSG 3-1 on 3/12. Can they deliver? We'll know soon enough.

Quick Preview: Rangers look to tie Flyers

In a few minutes, they'll face it off in Sunrise when the Rangers take on the Panthers, who technically remain alive. Considering that the Cats have given us fits, John Tortorella's club should know what to expect. Games there are never easy. Will Olli Jokinen come back to haunt his former team? Or will guys like Stephen Weiss, Nathan Horton, Michal Frolik, Keith Ballard and Scott Clemmensen damage the Blueshirts' chances?

As expected, Henrik Lundqvist is in again with the coach showing no indication he won't ride his horse the rest of the way. Is he up to the challenge? So much for giving him more rest this season. The team would be nowhere close minus him and 40-goal man Marian Gaborik, who both need to deliver. Might the improved fourth line of Artie, Shelley and Prust provide another strong game? And what about the contributions they've gotten from P.A. Parenteau, Corey Locke and Anders Eriksson, who's supplied steady experience teamed with Wade Redden while Matt Gilroy watches from the press box. Management which includes the Savior and Messiah both on the trip have to have noticed the injection of energy the Hartford call-ups have had. Especially minus Ryan Callahan and Sean Avery. And how could we leave out Aaron Voros, who all he does is provide a lift whenever on for a shift following so much time away. It's a wonder he hasn't played more. Nice to see him get rewarded the other night.

Is this the game Chris Drury steps up? They'll need his leadership along with another strong 60-minute effort to come away with the all important two points. While that's going on, they'll also have an eye on Boston and Toronto. With Atlanta blowing a lead late in regulation to the Pens in falling 4-3 in overtime, the Rangers can leapfrog the Thrashers and tie the Flyers in points. But Philly has more wins. So, it very well may come down to those final two games.

They're set to go. We'll have more later.

Preview: Mtl-NYR + Dubinsky Quote Of Day

Today's comes from Brandon Dubinsky, who's really turned it up lately. He's playing his best hockey of his young career. It's not just about goals and assists but how hard the third-year Alaskan native is competing. Not long ago, I wondered along with many other Ranger tweeps if it would be better to trade him. But since he was shifted to wing, we're starting to see what Dubi's capable of. The win over Mike Richards in one of the better games the club has played Sunday was the icing on the cake, pulling the team within a point of the Bruins.

The Habs visit town tonight having been red hot- winners of five straight. They've played so well that they're now tied for sixth with the Flyers at 76 points. However, Les Habitants have also played two more games. So, they're actually seventh. Meanwhile, Philly takes on Nashville and Boston attempts to bounce back with a visit to Raleigh.

For the Blueshirts, the formula is simple. Like Adrienne said to Rocky in Rocky II, "Win!" They'll need to be at their best against suddenly resurgent Scott Gomez, who's teamed up well with Brian Gionta minus Mike Cammalleri. A credit to Jacques Martin. Despite being hobbled, leading scorer Tomas Plekanec is expected to be in. Andrei Markov has played better lately, notching the winner in their last game. Jaroslav Halak has been tremendous, going five-for-five since his Olympic duty with Marian Gaborik and Team Slovakia. However, he's not had much success at MSG bringing a 1-3-0 mark along with a sub-4.00 GAA. In fact, the Rangers have won six of seven at home against their Original Six rival.

As for Dubinsky's quote, it's one which really applies down this critical stretch:

“We’re not going to back down.  We’re going to continue to fight, scratch and claw each and every game to find a way to get into the playoffs.”

We'll see how they do tonight from our Sec.411 seats.

No Avery tonight

Unless you've been in a box today, the startling news is that coach pet Sean Avery will be a healthy scratch in tonight's game against an Atlanta team that's dropped four straight. Niclas Bergfors is producing and Johnny Oduya has settled in but the Thrashers sit a point behind the ninth seeded Rangers, who trail eighth Boston by five. Seventh seeded Montreal is six clear, meaning that the teams ahead are about to put our fraud of a team in the rear view mirror.

When I said I wasn't looking forward to the restart of the season following splendid Olympic hockey, I wasn't kidding. That's what Ranger hockey has become. The same losing blank identity we had for nearly a decade. It just isn't fun anymore. Sure. The games we go to are but that's because of the close friends we've made in our section. The product stinks. The Post Jagr Era Error has been a huge turning point. Like in the classic scene from Planes, Trains, Automobile's with John Candy's classic Del Griffith babbling on while buddy Steve Martin's character Neal Page warns he's "going the wrong way," it's Glen Sather doing the steering with John Tortorella in the passenger seat.

How did it all go so wrong? Never mind. I am probably not going to watch much of this loser match because I'm fed up. The loser mentality is back. If they just forfeited the rest, it'd make a lot of suffering Blueshirt fans happier. Right now, they have the ninth worst record but a bunch of teams are close which means if they continue to lose, it's possible they could crack the top five in what's a good draft.

As for Avery being made the scapegoat, it's true he's done little this season. This despite Tort's nonsensical claims that he didn't hold him back. Sean was invisible versus his favorite opponent in that 6-3 dismantling in Newark. Speaking of the Devils, they play what amounts to a huge game against the Crosby Pens, who lead the division by four. Everyone knows New Jersey has owned Pittsburgh winning the first four while frustrating Sid The Kid without a point. The Pens have been a very different team lately as have the Devs. Will it translate or is it psychological? We'll get a better answer after today and next week's final regular season meeting also at The Rock. Nice scheduling.

Many Ranger Tweeps are up in arms over Avery being sat out in favor of Enver Lisin. It's not because Lisin doesn't deserve another shot as he's worked when in the lineup but cause Tort only made one defining example back in mid-December, benching Wade Redden. Should Sean be the alibi for a poor coaching job by a man who insisted he was anti-Renney and would hold players accountable and have a fourth line? Anyone who's watched this three ring circus knows what a crock it is.

We'll probably keep a closer eye on the big Atlantic showdown while peaking in on our game. Well, at the very least, they won't risk killing anyone.

NYR at Wsh Preview: Auld in tonight

The Rangers play their third game in five days since the break. With a fourth in six tomorrow versus Buffalo, waiver pickup Alex Auld gets the call giving Henrik Lundqvist a rare day off. It's a tall order as the well traveled 29 year-old vet who's now with his seventh team (Van, Fla, Bos, Phx, Ott, Dal, NYR) has to deal with Alexander Ovechkin and the rest of the explosive East-leading Caps.

This should be fun. A team that boasts Ovie, the most underrated superstar in the game Nicklas Backstrom, Alexander Semin, Mike Knuble, Mike Green, Tom "Orr" Poti, Brooks Laich and Tomas Fleischmann usually gives us fits. Take the wild 6-5 loss a month ago. A game the Rangers led 2-1 and 5-3 before wilting. That also was Olli Jokinen's Ranger debut if memory serves correctly. He had a goal and assist. Since the club acquired him and Brandon Prust from Calgary for rejects Chris Higgins and Ales Kotalik, the Jokester has tallied two goals and five assists over seven games which the Blueshirts have gone 4-2-1 in.

Not bad. By comparison, the Devils are 3-4-1 since acquiring Ilya Kovalchuk (3-5-8) and Anssi Salmela (1-2-3) However, there's a huge difference with the Devs as usual ahead of the Rangers in the standings and a virtual postseason lock depsite their slump. Meanwhile, an inconsistent team that can be dictated to in its end as was the case the other night (55:16) will continue to struggle just to qualify for the Spring a fifth straight time. Hard to believe. They're currently tied with Atlanta and Montreal for the final spot but rank ninth due to more games played than the eighth Thrashers who visit Tampa Bay tonight. Oddly enough, Hotlanta has been fine without Kovy losing just once in regulation (4-1-2) while Niclas Bergfors (4-2-6) and Johnny Oduya (0-3-3, +4) have been fine.

None of that bodes well for the Rangers who at least get back Marian Gaborik (groin). How effective he'll be remains to be seen. They should be careful in terms of overplaying their meal ticket. This isn't exactly a Cup contender. That should be taken into account. Facing the Caps in the nation's capital might be a nightmare. Especially since they were very active at the deadline adding Joe Corvo, Eric Belanger, Scott Walker and reacquiring Milan Jurcina to further bolster the roster. Figure Ovechkin to be fired up with rival Sidney Crosby surpassing him in the goalscoring race with two today (43, 44). In other words, yikes.

We'll see what the Rangers come up with.

Canada vs Slovakia Preview

One more game to decide who will meet Team USA for Olympic gold. Will it be the expected Canadian/American rematch from Salt Lake '02 or can the true underdog Slovakia continue their great run? Few gave them a shot against defending champ Sweden. Hey. That was one we actually had. Go figure.

Obviously, Jaroslav Halak has to be huge for his country to stand a chance tonight. He'll need plenty of help from one of the Games' best Marian Gaborik, who looks all the way back from his bad hip.The Great Gabby has finished all tournament while Marian Hossa along with savvy vets Pavol Demitra, Richard Zednik, Jozef Stumpel and Ziggy Palffy have all played superbly as has two-way pivot Michal Handzus and Miro Satan. As expected, Zdeno Chara has been a tower of strength anchoring an overlooked blueline that includes Lubomir Visnovsky, Andrej Sekera and Milan Jurcina. Hell. Even Andrej Meszaros has been okay. Can they pull another shocker?

It's coming up next.

Olympic Hockey Sunday Preview

If you've been waiting for some big games, then today's terrific trio over in Vancouver should do the trick. Plenty is on the line in each.

First up at 3, Russia and the Czechs do battle with Group B hanging in the balance. A Czech Republic OT win clinches first as they'd be a perfect 3-for-3 in preliminary action. Russia needs it badly due to their shootout loss to Slovakia, who finished with wins in regulation and OT plus a loss to the Czechs for five points. If Russia loses, they finish third in the group and would be in a difficult position. They'll have Malkin reunited with Ovechkin in an attempt to boost offense against sizzling duo Jaromir Jagr and Cze captain Patrik Elias. We'll see if they can slow them down.

At 7:40 tonight, the main event takes place when Team USA takes on host Canada. It's the Americans and not Canada who's in the driver's seat. Ron Wilson's squad looks to make it a perfect 3-for-3 when they step up in competition against Crosby, Iginla, Shark trio Marleau, Jumbo Joe and Heatley, Niedermayer/Pronger and MB30 in net. Thus far, the favorites haven't looked sharp struggling mightily on the power play. Their overpassing almost cost them again against the pesky Swiss, who edged Norway yesterday 5-4 to finish third. If reunited Devil duo Parise and Langenbrunner can spark the offense, USA can win the group outright. However, if they earn only a point, it could come down to goal differential. It should be a thriller with Ryan Miller going face to face against Marty. We'll see if shifting Kane to Ryan Kesler's line gets him going in what will be an unreal atmosphere.

In the finale tonight at 9, a rivalry is renewed when Finland faces nemesis Sweden with Group C up for grabs. Both enter 2-0. So, something has to give. The Finns have been sharper with Teemu Selanne recording an assist for a new Olympic record 37 points (20-17-37). The Finnish Flash has participated in five Winter Games. Congrats to one of the classiest and best finishers the sport's had. Hope you keep playing. It should be great to see him and Saku Koivu team up against The Sedins, Lidstrom, Zetterberg, The Mule and Backstrom. Plus Foppa even if we feel he took Mikael Samuelsson's spot. The Finns will need good performances out of Olli Jokinen, both Ruutus, Joni Pitkanen and Jere Lehtinen. Plus there's the great match-up in net between Miikka Kiprusoff and Henrik Lundqvist.

Is Henrik playing hurt this year? If you go by this article back home, he might still be nursing a bad groin. How does one play 54 games and only miss a couple of starts? Plus play in the Olympics. He did rest for a shaky second game in which they held off Belarus. One thing we've noticed all year is his tendency to flop to the ice whenever the action is near his crease. Imagine if it's true? Yikes.

Anyway, the games should be great. Just one more thing. NBC. Don't screw this up!

Bos/NYR Preview: A Storm Is Bruin

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

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

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

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

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

Clarkson returns for Devils tonight

The Devils are on a losing streak. Well, if you count one loss as such, which Jacques Lemaire probably does, then yes. Especially off a 4-1 disappointment post-Christmas to Ovechkin and the Caps. All kidding aside, the Devs are atop the Atlantic, trailing only Washington by one for most in the conference with the Blackhawks leading the way with 55. Two ahead of Jersey, San Jose and Pitt. In Good Company was a decent flick starring Dennis Quaid, Topher Grace and stunning Scarlett Johansson. That's the team that plays in Newark tonight versus Kovalchuk and Hotlanta at the top of the hour.

Good news for New Jersey as they get David Clarkson back tonight. He missed a month due to a fractured right leg. Before the third-year right wing went down, he was having a breakout season with seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in 23 games. That includes three power play goals, two deciders along with 39 penalty minutes from the gritty 25 year-old Toronto native. Clarkie is a solid player who adds a physical element to the Devils. The best part is he can play any role. Whether it's second line or checking, the Randy McKay clone who was a huge lacrosse star brings great energy. Now, he returns to a club that boasts an impressive 26-9-1 mark into the final regular season meeting the third meeting versus an unpredictable Thrasher team that's dropped seven of 11, including an ugly 5-4 home defeat to these Devs recently.

Atlanta can score goals as evidenced by Kovalchuk, Nik Antropov, Maxim Afinogenov and Rich Peverley along with dangerous rover Zach Bogosian. You can't get into a run n' gun with them. Something that the Devs kinda did falling behind 3-1 after one in which Hotlanta chased MB30. Figure Marty to be sharp coming off a subpar game in which he permitted an odd softie that deflected off Mike Mottau and his glove.

As for Clarkson, he replaces Russian rook Vladimir Zharkov (6 A in 13 GP) in the lineup with D Matt Corrente back down to Lowell. Lemaire had top freshman Nicklas Bergfors playing with Rob Niedermayer and Jay Pandolfo in an attempt to improve the young Swede's defensive game. Perhaps Clarkson starts with Patrik Elias and resurgent Brian Rolston. Especially if ZZ Popp is back together based on yesterday's practice. Whereever he plays, a good team just got better.

UPDATE: Looks like he'll start on fourth line with Lemaire opting to keep Dean McAmmond between Elias and Rolston.

ZZ Popp
Elias-McAmmond-Rolston
Pandolfo-Niedermayer-Bergfors
Peters-Pelley-Clarkson

Salvador-Greene
White-Oduya
Fraser-Mottau

Brodeur
Danis

Fla-NYR Preview: Panthers visit Garden tonight

In half an hour, the Rangers will skate against the Panthers in what amounts to an important swing game. Florida's been hot lately winning four of five to launch into the eighth spot with 39 points- two ahead of the ninth Blueshirts. After sweeping a three-game road trip against the Islanders, Flyers and Canes, it should be a good measuring stick to see where they are. Especially in a topsy turvy East that changes daily. Indeed, every point counts. Winning's the thing. Can they get it together on home ice where their 7-9-1 mark is second worst in the league. That remains to be seen. Florida isn't a bad road team going 10-9-2 thus far, including a 3-2 win at MSG on Nov.21. The Rangers did take the second one in the gimmick four days later. This is the third of four meetings with the final one coming in Sunrise April 3.

Florida has some good forwards with speed that can make life difficult. Stephen Weiss is following up his best season with an even better one. Though nobody talks about him for Team Canada, which is already stacked to the decks. Weiss has company in Nathan Horton, who finally is shooting the puck and seeing results. He's always had power forward potential but has never been consistent. Is this the year it comes together? A good cast includes second-year Czech Michael Frolik, Rotislav Olesz and savvy vet Steve Reinprecht. Scary aspect is Cory Stillman has been out a month and David Booth has missed almost the whole season due to a concussion.

The Cats also boast an underrated blueline that features Team USA hopeful Keith Ballard, who does a lot of things well. There's also Bryan McCabe to watch on the power play. Dennis Seidenberg has been solid and Russian freshman Dmitry Kulikov is a future star. Tomas Vokoun is healthy again in net and will likely oppose Henrik Lundqvist, who's been much better lately permitting two-or-fewer in eight of his last nine starts. So, it figures to be a good test for the Big Ticket and Co. Brian Boyle returns. Erik Christensen and Aaron Voros are the scratches. Hopefully, these are the lines:

Prospal-Dubinsky-Gaborik
Avery-Anisimov-Callahan
Higgins-Drury-Lisin
Brashear-Boyle-Kotalik

Staal-Rozsival
Del Zotto-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy

Battle Preview: Rangers/Flyers clash on Blizzard Day

Later today, a Nor'easter rolls into the metro area, including Pennsylvania which already has to be feeling the affects of the predicted blizzard for the weekend. Yes, they're calling for 6-12 inches of snow in the NY/NJ area with the white stuff expected to begin right around noon and gain steam during what will be a bitter cold winter day. The kind we used to get. Of course, it comes for kids on Winter Break with plenty returning home for the holiday season. Whatever you celebrate (Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanza, Festivus), enjoy it!

That old Patrick rivals the Rangers and Flyers clash in the City of Brotherly Love with a classic 1 PM start at Wachovia makes it that much better. Nothing like taking in some puck between a pair of struggling teams who hate each other. Especially with probably not much else to do unless you gotta shovel which we will and clean/warm up the car. So, we'll be making a few trips back and forth from the TV set while what amounts to an important game with these two first half disappointments fighting tooth and nail just to gain back respectability. The Rangers aim for two in a row with the same lineup that snapped a five-game skid in Long Island, meaning both Mr. Kleenex and Ales remain out. Now why can't we get Huggy Bear out too?

The Flyers haven't really improved under Peter Laviolette, gaining just a point in a home-and-home versus the Mighty Pens. Though they did play better in earning a point in the rematch- a gimmick defeat with Sid The Kid sealing it. Good news is they'll finally get Simon Gagne back. If you're a Blueshirt supporter, just great. A guy who always gives us fits returns and can our popgun offense repeat the breakout they had versus the Islanders? It'd be advisable for them to come out stronger against a hungry opponent desperate for a win. In other words, don't let Henrik fend for himself. He was brilliant the other night but that won't work if they're to take another baby step out of this month long funk. The leaders (Gabby/Cally) must lead and the grinders (Avery/Higgins/Christensen) must grind away. Another '05-07 Rozy showing would help along with the same sturdiness from Girardi. Tort also liked what he saw from Heineken. So, he'll get another whirl as will Sangs.

Regardless, it's vital for the Rangers to get this game, which would boost self esteem. They were still quite shaky the other night. So, they're far from out of it. You know the Flyers will come hard. They must band together and stand up for their emotional leader, whose crease figures to be busy. Thursday was a start. Now, it's time to keep it going.

Make Blizzard Day a forgettable one for the Cheesesteaks.

DEVILS-RANGERS TONIGHT (7PM, FSN 2/MSG, WFAN) (NHL Tonite)

Just so you know, I'll be liveblogging the action over here, see if we can get one of our Ranger friends to join me.

Here are tonight's games:

Toronto-Montreal and Boston-Ottawa will lead off Hockey Night in Canada, while Vancouver-Colorado is the late game. Enjoy it, Center Ice-rs.

HD Net's game tonight is San Jose-Los Angeles.

Congratulations to the Islanders for a gimmick done right, when Al Arbour steps back into Fort Neverlose for a day to coach his 1500th Game against the Penguins. The pomp and circumstance, while it may seem odd to the younger viewers, is a fitting tribute to the man who led the team to four consecutive Stanley Cup Championships.

A note to Devils fans that Doc and Chico will be on FSN NY 2, while Sam and Joe will hold it down on MSG and be in HD (Not sure if the Devs broadcast is as well, will find out soon).

Florida and Carolina and Atlanta and Tampa meet in a pair of Southeast Division showdowns.

The Flames and Wild meet for what seems like the tenth time this year.

MOST INTRIGUING GAME OF THE NIGHT: Blackhawks-Blues at Scottrade. Very curious to see how this one plays out. Also, Eric Johnson could return to the Blues lineup to face Kane and Toews.

Anaheim and Phoenix meet in a Pacific Division battle.

SFM Preview: Los Angeles Kings

Part 2, Rudy Kelly of Battle of Cali previews the Kings:

http://www.sportsfanmagazine.com/sfm/articles.html?id=3522

SFM Preview: Anaheim Ducks

First of a long, long series of previews for Greg Wyshynski's SFM. Derek and Frank will show up soon enough. Enjoy. First of, our friend at the BoC Earl Sleek previews the champion Ducks with me:

http://www.sportsfanmagazine.com/sfm/articles.html?id=3521