Saturday Matinees for area locals

All three area locals are currently in action on a busy Saturday. The Rangers are visiting the Flyers. At last check, they led 2-1 after one with goals from Ryan Callahan and Marian Gaborik. Wayne Simmonds has the Flyer goal. The Blueshirts lead Philadelphia by six points for the division. So, it's a pretty big game. Our team also has two games in hand but another win would put even more distance between us and the Flyers.

Meanwhile, across the Hudson the Devils are hosting the Panthers, who lead the Southeast over Washington due to one less game played. Both have 61 points while third Winnipeg is three behind following a stunning 3-2 shootout comeback triumph over the Caps the other night. Evander Kane and Dustin Byfuglien scored 12 seconds apart to erase a late two-goal Washington lead. That division may only place one team in. So, whoever wins it is huge. The Devs are trying to bounce back from a tough home shootout loss in which they let a one-goal lead slip to St. Louis with Johan Hedberg victimized by T.J. Oshie for the only shootout goal. Only their third such defeat in 12 tries. Martin Brodeur is back in against former backup Scott Clemmensen. The Cats just surged ahead 2-1 on a goal from Kris Versteeg. Steve Bernier has his first for New Jersey while Sean Bergenheim has the other Florida tally.

On Long Island where they honored the past including former defenseman Kenny Jonsson prior to the start by inducting him into their Hall Of Fame, the Islanders and Kings are tied up at one. Dustin Brown just knotted it in the second. Michael Grabner got his 15th in the first from Mark Eaton and Kyle Okposo. It's Evgeni Nabokov against Jon Quick in net. The Isles need every win while LA's in a tight race with Phoenix, Dallas, Colorado and Minnesota for the final two spots.

Updating the Ranger game, Claude Giroux has tied it with his 22nd from Simmonds and Scott Hartnell. Might it be one of those three-point games later today? They've gotten to Henrik Lundqvist twice, which has to boost their confidence while the Blueshirts have tallied their two against Sergei Bobrovsky. And just as we're typing away, Callahan has his second of the day and third in two games on the Rangers' second power play goal of the game. This isn't a misprint. It actually happened! Stop the presses. Mike Del Zotto and Gaborik set it up. So, the Rangers now lead 3-2 with half of regulation left.

In other action last night, the Sabres earned a big two points by coming back to stun Dallas 3-2 in a skill competition. They rallied from a two-goal third period deficit, including Derek Roy's equalizer at 19:21 with Ryan Miller on the bench for an extra attacker. Nathan Gerbe's backhand top shelf beat Kari Lehtonen and Michael Ryder missed against Miller as Buffalo climbed to 54 points. They still trail Winnipeg by four and eighth Toronto by eight with 28 games remaining. They are hot though and there's still enough time left. Especially with Miller back on and Thomas Vanek scoring last night. Even Ville Leino is contributing. He had two assists in a 6-0 drubbing of Boston earlier this week. Buffalo hosts the Lightning tonight at 7.

The other game of note is Winnipeg visiting Pittsburgh. So far, it's the Jets leading 2-zip on goals from Kyle Wellwood and Alex Burmistrov. What a great story it would be if they somehow won the Southeast in their first year back. It should be some finish. We'll try to have more later.

Dubinsky/Richards Stuff

In case you were on a blue moon, the weekend was full of news off the ice involving Brandon Dubinsky and free agent to be Brad Richards. Before we get into the Dubinsky stuff, let's first address what Mr. Richards is rumored to want this July 1.

Not surprisingly, the 31 year-old former Conn Smythe winner expects to sign a long-term deal for at least five years. Per our favorite Brooksie, the playmaking pivot would like to be paid handsomely with $7 million-per-year floating around. As good as he is, that price is astronomical. Especially for a player whose health could come into question following another concussion that kept him out for a critical stretch when the Stars were pushing for the playoffs. Coincidentally, they played better without their top scorer. Go figure.

Richards is a talented player who certainly makes teammates better with precision passing. With Joe Nieuwendyk already indicating that Dallas is out of the running, B-rad will be on his third team this summer. Both the Kings and Rangers are interested with possibly the Leafs in the mix if Richards decides they're worth pursuing. Of course, he definitely can boost our power play, which again was useless thanks to Marian Gaborik's milk carton showing. In fact, our best performer was Ryan Callahan, who netted a team best 10 power play goals despite missing 22 games. Seven of Gaborik's 22 markers came via the man-advantage, checking in behind Cally. Remarkably, Dubinsky only scored four of his club-leading 24.

I'm on record as being against signing Richards because investing five years in a vet could prove disastrous at such a high cost. The CBA will soon run out next year and nobody knows what to expect. With Dubinsky, Callahan, Artem Anisimov, Mike Sauer and Brian Boyle all potential Group II's along with Ruslan Fedotenko and Matt Gilroy, who likely will be on the market, Glen Sather must turn his attention to getting our core signed before embarking on such chaotic dreams that have backfired (ex.Gomez, Drury, Redden). It's much better to take care of our own for a change instead of nickeling and diming them while catering to guys who have never worn the jersey. How many years has this gone on?

I like Richards but at that price along with the length, forget it. And I'm not high on trading for Jason Spezza, who isn't exactly what he should be and will not come cheap (3 years left at $7 M avg). Larry Brooks also suggested Stephen Weiss, who's solid but unspectacular with NHL Siberia Florida. Weiss is at best a 60-65 point guy who also is a better passer than finisher, which would fit the bill. He'd also come cheaper with just two years left at a more affordable $3.1 million cap hit before turning unrestricted in 2013. I hardly believe he's the solution but Brooks is assuming Weiss will be rejuvenated in a larger market like Nathan Horton is with Boston. Perhaps, but it's hit or miss. What would it cost?

As for Dubinsky, Brooks states that our leading scorer may want $4.5 million. He's been a good player for us but still hasn't scratched the surface for what his potential could be. The 54 points (24-30-54) over 77 games were all career highs but the '04 second round steal (60th overall behind busts Darin Olver, Dane Byers and Bruce Graham) is capable of at least 30 goals and 30 helpers. His goalscoring leaves something to be desired with a hot start (10 in first 12) nearly half the production. John Tortorella was right that Dubinsky is better suited as a left wing where he can use his size and strength to ward off defenders. His postseason (2-1-3) minus key ingredient Callahan was passable. If that really is the cost following the Sabres' inking Drew Stafford to a four-year $16 million deal, is it really worth it? I'm still not sold.

I really feel both Dubinsky and Callahan should be paid similarly. I wouldn't go higher than what Stafford got, who also has something to prove off his best year statistically. By show of hands, how many Blueshirt fans think that Dubi is more valuable than Cally? One is our next captain while the other is a solid all around player with more ability. Callahan was drafted the same year in Round 4 127th overall. In only 60 games, he was 23-25-48 with 10 PPG and five game-winners. All heart. Had he been healthy, the Rochester native could've made a difference in what was a closer series than the end result against nemesis Washington.

In a perfect world, they both take a little less so it's easier to get everyone else signed and then address the lack of a No.1 center along with a power play quarterback. Why not 3.8 apiece for Dubilan? That would make fiscal sense.

Tracking The Race: Perry explosion ousts Iginla's Flames

The playoff races continue to be eye popping, especially in the West. While out East, it's still three teams for two spots with the Canes winning last night over the Red Wings, the West picture got a bit clearer thanks to wins from the Kings, Blackhawks and Ducks last night. LA's 3-2 shootout win over Phoenix clinched a playoff berth- vaulting them to fourth over the Predators with 98 points. The Coyotes need one point or any loss from the Stars or those behind them to wrap up a second straight postseason.

In the game of the night, the Hawks posted a wild 4-3 overtime win over old Norris rival St. Louis, increasing their chances of defending the Cup. Chris Stewart forced OT by powering past Duncan Keith and rifling one upstairs on Calder candidate Corey Crawford. In danger a second consecutive night of losing out on a valuable point, Crawford delivered a couple of money stops and captain Jonathan Toews beat Ty Conklin on a breakaway, lifting his team to the huge triumph. Toews' 32nd goal gave Chicago 95 points, who need just two more to qualify.

The Flames knew they needed help from San Jose even if they won. In the Battle Of Alberta, Calgary took care of business on the strength of captain Jarome Iginla's hat trick in a 6-1 rout of Edmonton. He once again scored 40 in a season, doing so for the fourth time in a brilliant career that's also included a 50 goal campaign in '07-08. Down the stretch the classy superstar was brilliant, putting up 14 points (9-5-14) over the last six games, featuring his second hat trick of the season. Since March 1, Iginla's scored a ridiculous 17 goals along with 10 assists, totaling 27 points- erasing doubts that the 33 year-old was on the downside. It's a shame that we won't get to see one of the game's brightest stars in the playoffs. If only they'd brought in Jay Feaster earlier to replace Daryl Sutter. During the run, Iginla's moved up to third in goals behind Rocket Richard leader Corey Perry (50) and Steven Stamkos (44) while tying Alex Ovechkin for sixth in scoring with 85 points (42-43-85). If not for a torrid pace from Perry, who now is front and center in the Hart discussion with The Sedins, Martin St. Louis, Tim Thomas, Carey Price and Pekka Rinne, Iginla would probably be at the top of the list for rescuing his team. Instead, he won't be part of the playoffs.

Meanwhile at The Pond Honda Center, the Sharks were no match for Perry, who continued his scoring assault by notching his third hat trick of '10-11 along with a helper in a 6-2 demolishing of their close California rival. So spectacular were the first two goals that they'll be replayed for quite a while with one an amazing forehand, triple deke to the backhand, roof job on a helpless Antero Niittymaki, who made his first start in 35 games, finally giving Finnish countryman Antti Niemi a night off. The poor ex-Flyer had no chance.

“Fifty is a huge number,” beamed Perry after increasing the NHL's streak of 50 goal scorers to six post-lockout.  “Everybody talks about it, (but) not a whole lot of people get to do it and be in that category. It hasn’t really sunk in.”

“It’s a tip to all of us when he can get 50, but it still takes a special player to get there,” proud linemate Ryan Getzlaf praised of Perry's work that's seen him rip up NHL goalies for 19 goals over the last 14 games. “He’s one of those guys who rise to the occasion. He plays playoff hockey any time you need him. He has proven time and time again he can play in those big games and have results.”

Perry's recent dominance that features a current 10-game point streak (14-8-22) has elevated the Duck to second in scoring with his 97 points (50-47-97) only trailing Daniel Sedin (41-59-100)
Ironically, the tear has him a point (28-27) better than Iginla since March. Going a step further, Perry is 25-20-45 since the All-Star break. No wonder he's at the top of many MVP lists. The Ducks aren't in yet with Dallas holding an extra game that includes a pivotal home-and-home versus the Avalanche tonight and tomorrow. With a home-and-home against the rival Kings tomorrow and Saturday, the Ducks can punch their playoff ticket by winning. They sit seventh in the West due to more regulation/OT wins than the Hawks, who also have two remaining in a home-and-home traditional theme versus chief rival Detroit Friday and Sunday. If Dallas wins its final three including a visit to Minnesota on the final day of the season, that would put them at 97 points. However, they'd come up short if tied due to the new tiebreaker. So, the Stars still need help. Quite fascinating stuff.

The East race is well documented with the Sabres (92 Pts), Rangers (91) and Hurricanes (89) all battling for the final two spots. For Buffalo, one point will ensure them a second straight postseason. They face the Flyers at home tomorrow and travel to Columbus Saturday. The Rangers need three points. A win tonight versus Atlanta would put them in good shape, forcing the Canes to stave off elimination tomorrow against those same Thrashers in Georgia. They could need to beat the Hudson rival Devils Saturday to wrap up the playoffs for a fifth time in six years. Meanwhile, Carolina will watch the action later and then battle Atlanta and finish with Tampa at home Saturday.

Stars keep Richards, Rangers add Mitchell on quiet Deadline Day

This deadline was a dud. Perhaps due to so many teams still in contention, there wasn't much activity, disappointing puckers around the stratosphere. With most big deals taking place prior to today with big names Tomas Kaberle (Bruins), Kris Versteeg (Flyers), Erik Johnson (Avs), Chris Stewart/Kevin Shattenkirk (Blues), Francois Beauchemin (Ducks), Bryan McCabe (Rangers), James Wisniewski (Habs), Dwayne Roloson (Bolts) and Brad Boyes (Sabres) all finding new homes, it didn't figure to be that busy.

Instead, calculated trades were the story with the exception of the Kings getting their big forward Dustin Penner for the steep price of D prospect Colten Teubert, a first round pick and a conditional '12 third rounder. A move which they needed once the Stars took big fish Brad Richards off the market, which in our opinion is the right decision for a dangerous club who if B-Rad comes back healthy could make some noise if they get in this Spring. The Kings and Rangers were Richards' chief suitors with Dallas very interested in Artem Anisimov, a 1st round pick and a prospect. Eerily similar to what we proposed the other day. Our guess is they coveted Brayden Schenn from Hollywood. But at the end of the day, with Richards still yet to return from a concussion despite being symptom free for five days, they probably couldn't maximize the potential free agent's value, making the choice very easy. If it works out, they take their best shot which is good news for Star fans like Twitter favorite starsfan10_91 who celebrated by re-changing to richardsfan91. :-) Why else do you go out and trade James Neal and Matt Niskanen for Alex Goligoski?

While the Stars are now all in, it left the Rangers with little alternatives. So, Glen Sather turned to Toronto pal Brian Burke, acquiring forward depth in John Mitchell for a seventh round pick. The 26 year-old was decent his first two seasons used in a checking role, supplying energy for the Leafs. He's a good enough skater if the former '03 fifth round pick actually stays up with his likely destination Hartford. Not much else to say following another nail biting one-goal defeat to Kryptonite Tampa yesterday with two one-timer goals by Martin St. Louis and Vinny Lecavalier the difference- keeping the Rangers from gaining ground and only three up on Carolina, who added blueline help by swapping Sergei Samsonov to the Sunshine State for Bryan Allen.

At least new addition McCabe looked good in his debut, getting better as the game went on with the ex-Panther crunching Steve Downie against the boards and nearly tying it in the waning second with Henrik Lundqvist on the bench. Unlike a Post columnist who doesn't have a clue on why overpaying for a potential rental made no sense, the Rangers are better off waiting to take their shot at B-Rad come July 1. It's nothing like trading for a superstar who wanted New York, with Carmelo Anthony forcing his way out of Denver to come to the Knicks.

So, our team basically stands pat with hopefully Marian Gaborik able to return in a few weeks. Don't bank on it. Ruslan Fedotenko and Marc Staal are close to returning with the team's next big game against the Sabres, who actually made a real trade- sending a second rounder to St. Louis for Brad Boyes. Nice boost for Brian's team and even he was pleased sending me not one but two texts last night just as I was texting him. Haha. Buffalo trails eighth Carolina by two and us by five with games at hand on each. So, tomorrow's contest at MSG looms large.

Biron Done For Year: In the mean time, the Rangers got terrible news when valuable backup Martin Biron was struck by a puck during team practice and broke his collarbone. The former Sabre's been a great addition, providing superb goaltending, allowing John Tortorella to rest Lundqvist. He got into 17 games making 15 starts, posting an 8-6-0 record with a 2.13 GAA and an identical save percentage (.920) to our Vezina candidate.

Ironically, Lundqvist had started the last eight, going 4-4-0 with a 2.22 GAA and .922 save percentage while recording his league-leading eighth shutout in a 6-0 win at Washington Friday. Interestingly, Henrik has permitted three-or-more in eight of his last 11 starts. Encouraging is he gave up only two yesterday following a 35-save shutout. Dating back to Jan.20, he's allowed three+ in 10 of the last 14. All the more reason Biron's injury couldn't be worse timing, with it discovered too late. Unless they are lucky enough to find someone on the waiver wire, unknown Cam Talbot will backup Lundqvist starting tomorrow. In 13 starts with the Connecticut Whale, the 23 year-old undrafted free agent went 8-3-2 with a 2.42 GAA, .919 save percentage and two shutouts. How many starts are you going to trust in a rookie who's never been up before? A potential big problem for the final 18.

Arnott dealt to Caps: In a deal already mentioned in these parts by Hasan, the Devils unloaded Jason Arnott to the Caps for David Steckel and a second round pick in '12. I'm only going to echo what he already said about this move, which is an absolute steal for the Devils. Steckel is a great faceoff guy and will fit right in on a gritty New Jersey club pushing hard for the playoffs. He also is an effective forechecker who Devil fans will take to. That Lou Lamoriello also got a second round pick tossed in like it was Panther-esque speaks volumes. Between the trade for Dennis Wideman and this Arnott one, I frankly don't get what George McPhee's doing. He also gave away Tomas Fleischmann for Scott Hannan. Unfortunately for Fleischmann, he suffered a pulmonary embollism and is done for the year in Colorado.

One other deal of interest was Max Lapierre going to Vancouver along with former teammate Chris Higgins with both now adding character to a serious Cup contender. This is the Canucks' best shot. It's now or never for a team that has everything. The pressure's on.

Finally, Columbus and Phoenix hooked up on a two-for-two with the 'Yotes acquiring original Jacket Rotislav Klesla and ex-Ranger Dane Byers who of course winds up on Rangers West for Scottie Upshall and Sami Lepisto. Looks like a good deal for both clubs with Phoenix adding blueline depth with Ed Jovanovski still sidelined and the Blue Jackets acquiring a guy who can find twine to relieve pressure from Rick Nash, RJ Umberger and rookie Matt Calvert.

Before closing, Niclas Bergfors was packaged with Patrick Rismiller for Radek Dvorak. Guess the key piece to last year's Ilya Kovalchuk deal just didn't fit in Craig Ramsay's system. He was in the doghouse often, scratched several instances despite totaling 11 goals and 29 points. Oddly enough similar to his 13-14-27 output in Newark. So much for the talented Swede becoming an Atlanta fixture.

Rangers add McCabe, Richards next???

Yesterday, the rumors of Bryan McCabe coming to Broadway finally stopped with the Rangers finally acquiring the vet blueliner from the Panthers for a bargain basement price of AHLer Tim Kennedy and a third round pick. Before we add anything on how the 35 year-old can help our power play while adding much needed experience, I am dumbfounded that Dale Tallon, who already made one crazy deal with his former club, could only get that low return for a valuable player who still had something left.

It just absolutely boggles how the Panthers can be so inept. Almost as if they're still in the past trading away Roberto Luongo for a package that included Alex Auld, who was the winning goalie in Montreal's 4-3 home win over Carolina. The lopsided trade then orchestrated by current MSG analyst Mike Keenan also featured Todd Bertuzzi, who then bolted. Oh. And they also gave away Cory Stillman for a song back to the Candy Canes and already he's dialed up the time machine in a familiar setting. Speaking of bargains, the Pens won a wild 6-5 shootout thanks to their own Back To The Future character with Alex Kovalev wiring one past rookie James Reimer in Toronto. A conditional seventh round pick which potentially could turn to a sixth was all he could muster for desperate Ottawa, who wanted him gone.

I guess that makes a pair of teams who will do anything to rebuild. Jarkko Ruutu for a sixth rounder?!?!?!?!?! As much as I hate him, that was an absolute steal for Anaheim, who are locked in a ridiculous playoff chase that includes the Stars, who have been without Brad Richards a couple of weeks. The potential free agent just started skating as he recovers from a concussion. Will he stay or will he go? If I'm the Stars, obviously I don't want to lose such a great player for nothing due to question marks with ownership. Supposedly, that's going to get resolved at some point. The question is with less than 48 hours until Monday's 3 PM deadline, how does it impact the Stars, who have reeled off their last two to hang in a steeple chase of West clubs that even includes the red hot Jackets, who won again Friday.

It's extremely hard to document the West race when so many teams are bunched up with as many as 13 teams still in the hunt, including the defending champion Blackhawks on the outside a point behind. If the season ended today, Dallas would make it with their 72 points good for seventh while the unbelievable Flames would squeak in with 71. The Hawks and Preds each have 70 while the Ducks and Wild are tied with 69 with Columbus at 68 and the Blues creeping in with 65. Would the Avs like a do over on that Erik Johnson trade? Good God.

If you're the Stars, getting in the playoffs should be priority. That's a team that if they make it could be a tough out as long as Kari Lehtonen plays like he's capable of. Plus Jamie Benn is finally back healthy and doing his thing. There's also Mike Ribeiro, the vastly overlooked Loui Eriksson, Brenden Morrow and Jamie Langenbrunner. If Alex Goligoski fits in on a blueline that features vet Stephane Robidas and one of my faves Trevor Daley, who says Dallas can't be a sleeper? However, it all depends on what they do with B-Rad, who's been as much an MVP on any team. Enough can't be said about Mr. Richards' production before he went down that had him pacing the club in points (65), assists (39), power play points (25) and shots on goal (215) despite missing the past six counting Saturday's big win over Nashville. You simply can't replace that type of production along with the leadership the former Conn Smythe winner provides.

Are the Stars really prepared to sell their best player, who loves the area and the fans want more than anything to re-sign? It has a similar feel to Cliff Lee, who bolted Texas and dissed the Yankees for the Phillies. Will it be another bitter conclusion for Texas sports fans?

While Dallas must concern themselves with that dilemma, the Rangers who bolstered their back end for essentially zilch, can turn their attention to Richards. Rumors have circulated that Glen Sather is working the phones in an attempt to deliver the hot commodity to former Lightning Cup coach John Tortorella. While it would be great to bring Richards in, two questions that must be asked:

1.At what cost? If it means Derek Stepan, Mike Del Zotto and say Evgeny Grachev, pass. But if Sather can get them to take Artem Anisimov, Matt Gilroy and another prospect or No.1 pick package, great. With McCabe's $4.5 million salary on the cap, the Rangers must clear room to make such a blockbuster transaction. Is B-Rad merely a rental because if he is, they should stand their ground with July 1 around the bend.

2.Does anyone know when Marian Gaborik will return? He's been a colossal disappointment following a 42-goal, career best 86-point debut season in the Big Apple. Concussions are nothing to mess with. So, if that means holding him out the rest of the year, so be it. Look no further than what's going on with Sidney Crosby in Pittsburgh, who still hasn't returned since being concussed by the combo of David Steckel and Victor Hedman.

These are the questions Sather and his brass must answer before making such a risky move when Richards can walk free. The intriguing aspect is both organizations are faced with tough propositions as neither is a playoff lock. The Rangers bolstered their chances by stringing together consecutive wins, including an impressive 6-0 domination of the Caps with Erik Christensen amassing a career best four points and Brian Boyle notching his team-leading 20th goal while D-Step added his 17th.

With McCabe in and Marc Staal not returning tomorrow for Ranger Kryptonite, Tampa Bay in one of those dreaded Sunday matinees, evolving rookie tandem Ryan McDonagh and Mike Sauer must continue to step up while savvy vet Steve Eminger stays in with McCabe arriving and Del Zotto going down to Connecticut. The Rangers also hope Ruslan Fedotenko is healthy enough to play after leaving in his first game back, possibly re-injuring the same shoulder he separated.

While the team will have its hands full with the first place Lightning who finally halted the Devil win streak at eight, it won't be easy to win three straight against a team they haven't beaten all year- entering 0-1-2. This is the last game before the deadline, which could loom large. Are they all in? Let the chips fall where they may.

Langenbrunner returns to the Stars

It's Back To The Future for Jamie Langenbrunner. The two-time Cup winner who was scratched last night in anticipation of a trade finally got word earlier today that he'd be returning to the Stars. So, the original Star who was drafted in the second round back in '93, comes back to the franchise he helped win its only Stanley Cup with in 1999 on a loaded team that featured Mike Modano, Ed Belfour, Jere Lehtinen, Joe Nieuwendyk, Brett Hull, Sergei Zubov, Derian Hatcher and Richard Matvichuk.

Sometimes, life comes full circle. In Langenbrunner's case, that holds true for the gritty American who's had an outstanding career highlighted by a more prominent role in the Devils '03 championship- scoring 11 goals and seven assists for 18 points on a shutdown line with former Selke winner John Madden and PK fixture Jay Pandolfo. Not only did he achieve ultimate success in New Jersey but also was recognized as one of the best players in our country, captaining Team USA to Olympic silver last year in Vancouver. It's the classic case of an overachiever who got the most of his talent. Just ask former ZZ Popps linemates Zach Parise and Travis Zajac how much No.15 meant to their careers.

And so a solid nine-year career in Jersey comes to an end with them getting a conditional third round pick that might become a second rounder.

Langenbrunner scratched, trade in works???

Word has come down over Twitter that Jamie Langenbrunner is a scratch tonight against the Flyers. The Devil captain who came over from the Stars along with Joe Nieuwendyk in a trade for former Cup hero Jason Arnott and Randy McKay helped lead the franchise to its third Stanley Cup in 2003- stunning the hockey world by upsetting Ottawa in a great Conference Final before taking the Mighty Ducks in seven games.

Langenbrunner teamed with John Madden and Jay Pandolfo to form the top checking line in the game, stifling opponents' best while also contributing offensively. Though none of the trio won the Conn Smythe which was rewarded to losing netminder Jean-Sebastien Giguere, any of the three easily could've won it for their outstanding play. Perhaps a boat load of candidates that included Martin Brodeur, Scott Niedermayer and Scott Stevens worked against the best T-E-A-M, which better explains why Giguere won it. However, it doesn't take away from what made that Devil team so special- only further illustrating why they overcame the odds to lift Lord Stanley for great coach Pat Burns.

It's already been almost a decade since Lou Lamoriello pulled the trigger on the deal which turned his team into one of the NHL's best during this era. Langenbrunner has been an integral part of a run that's seen the Devils qualify for the playoffs 13 consecutive times. He's filled whatever role needed. Whether as a top checker, penalty killer or a scorer teaming alongside Travis Zajac and Zach Parise to form ZZ Popps, the 35 year-old two-time Cup winner has been a good Devil. Even if controversy has surrounded him since last year baffling our chief New Jersey resident Hasan, he'll arguably go down as a better No.15 than recently fired coach John MacLean.

If this is indeed it for Langenbrunner's time in Jersey, he should be remembered for all the good things he did to help make the Devils one of the best teams on the ice.

Back from the Dead

Well, after a few days away, I'm finally back from the dead. Like the classic House Of Pain '94 tune, no pun intended. It's nice to have a funtioning computer again, even if it is psycho. Haha. One of these days, maybe I'll hit the jackpot and finally upgrade to a laptop. God knows I haven't had one since that first ESPN stint in Bristol nine years ago which had a sad ending. Word of friendly advice. Never stay in a Motel 6. :-P

There's so much going through my mind. Been doing lots of stuff here including fixing up the old room. When it's completed (still a long way to go), it'll be more hockey themed with two cool Team USA Olympic banners I picked up at Gerry Cosby's before the Islander destruction last week. Why does that game feel like so long ago already? Go away from here a few days and things sure change. Even if the Rangers' postseason chances continue to hang by a thread with another must win at Nassau Coliseum in a few hours on the second night of Passover. As for the banners, I got Ryan Callahan and Patrick Kane. Unfortunately, Cally's nicked up and might miss another game. How he has 19 goals on this roster minus a No.1 center is a miracle. What if someone could get the puck to him? He's no star but just a solid hockey player who on a good team, would be a tweener who could play third line and moved up if needed. A poor man's Jamie Langenbrunner.

Speaking of which, I was always a huge fan of the Devil captain and pined for us to trade for him back in the Dark Ages. Of course, we wound up with Todd Harvey instead. The Heartbeat was very rootable but just couldn't deal with the physicality which took its toll. While he eventually went elsewhere like they all do, the Devils acquired Langenbrunner and Joe Nieuwendyk from the Stars for '00 Cup hero Jason Arnott and Randy McKay. We all know how that turned out with Langs an integral part of New Jersey's third championship in 2002-03 teaming with John Madden and Jay Pandolfo to form a deadly checking line that produced while limiting opponents. That said, they don't win without Grant Marshall to Jeff Friesen in Game Seven ECF at Senators, signaling the end of Wade Redden's NHL career. Slats?!?!?!?!?! Simply amazing. I can't figure out what's crazier. That that unlikely combo came up roses for Lou or that our senile GM actually signed Tinman and then made that pathetic statement about him being the best first passer. Best first passer my ass! Maybe for opponents who are too busy blowing by him in hysterical laughter.

So, there's an important game tonight. Why am I not talking about it? Well, if you're a suffering Ranger fan because we all know this franchise is going the wrong way like my favorite John Candy character from Planes, Trains and Automobiles, what makes you believe they'll win tonight? This team hasn't been able to get it done. Montreal. Boston. St. Louis. Toronto. Why will it be any different against what figures to be a fired up Islander squad hell bent on putting the final nail in the 2009-10 coffin off last week's stunning no-show at Mediocre Square Garden? For those logical reasons, I just can't get too excited for this. As I've said before, these guys remind me of the sadsack loser teams we had pre-lockout. I already made the '02-03 comparison when the same Isles gave us every chance but our team choked. This time, it's the Flyers who apparently are Devil kryptonite and the Bruins, who get that same team they can't beat making for two must watch games at 7. How many fans will be laughing at the chaos? Hopefully, it won't make us pour more wine.

A few other thoughts:

-Congrats to the Coyotes on making the postseason. What an amazing job Don Maloney's done. Even if he'll always get flak for Hugh Jessiman, the former Ranger assistant GM deserves kudos for helping turn around the troubled franchise in the Desert. It began last year with his deadline deal of Derek Morris here for Petr Prucha and Nigel Dawes (Cgy). Morris returned at this year's deadline and aids a strong blueline led by rejuvenated Ed Jovanovski and emerging Keith Yandle. Adrian Aucoin was a brilliant move. Matt Lombardi's turned Olli Jokinen into a joke. Key pickups Lee Stempniak and Wojtek Wolski have boosted scoring minus Scottie Upshall. Radim Vrbata loves Phoenix and so does expected Jack Adams winner Dave Tippett. Great hire by Maloney, who can thank the NHL for forcing Gretzky out. Sad. Lauri Korpikoski has more of a role than Enver Lisin ever will on Broadway. Then there's Ilya Bryzgalov, whose play is Hart worthy. Where would they be without him? Even Ranger reject Jason LaBarbera has panned out. From risky moves like Stempniak who's pumping in a goal-a-game probably leaving Brian Burke speechless- to underrated signings like Vernon Fiddler and Taylor Pyatt, it's all worked out for the 'Yotes, whose 100 points are a franchise record. Truly a dream season with the first playoffs since '01-02 still to come. We'll also be having a special feature on these Coyotes very soon. Stay tuned.

-It's awfully hard to ignore what Jimmy Howard's doing in Detroit. Even if the just turned 26 year-old rookie netminder looks like he'll edge Tyler Myers and Matt Duchene for the Calder, he's every bit as worthy as chief Vezina contenders Bryzgalov and Ryan Miller. It's hard to ignore the 22 straight starts and amazing post-Olympic stats that have the former University Of Maine star 11-2-1 with a 2.11 GAA, .923 save percentage plus a 33 save shutout in a 1-0 skill competition road win over the Predators Sunday. Not a bad way to celebrate 26 a day later. In his first full season, the former '03 second round gem (64th overall) from Ogdensburgh, New York has gotten into 57 games (55 starts) while posting a 32-15-9 mark with a 2.24 GAA (3rd NHL), .926 save percentage (4th NHL) and two shutouts. His 32 victories rank 10th with unflappable Martin Brodeur pacing the league with 41 wins- one better than Bryzgalov and Evgeni Nabokov. Miller is fifth with 38 wins trailing Jonathan Quick (39).

Aside from Bryzgalov and Miller who both deserve to be nominated for the Vezina, there's not a clearcut third choice. Brodeur's got solid numbers (41 W 2.37 GAA .912 Save Pct 7 SHO) but hasn't been as consistent. Nabokov (40 W 2.39 GAA .923 3 SHO) has had another good season but is supported by one of the league's best offenses. Though many will contend his D isn't as good as years past. What about Craig Anderson (36 W 2.60 GAA .919 7 SHO), who has the Avs on the verge of the playoffs? Neither Miikka Kiprusoff nor Roberto Luongo will be included even if Kipper has had a nice bounce back year while Louie has gone in the tank since winning gold in Vancouver. Jaroslav Halak doesn't have enough starts and Tomas Vokoun plays for Florida. It could be that Howard is the best of the pack, carrying the load in goal with Chris Osgood riding the pine. For a first-year player to perform this well with the team needing every win to keep their playoff streak intact, it speaks to the maturity. Good on Detroit for not rushing J-How.

-Every time the Hart is discussed, it's Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, who are one goal apart in an exciting Rocket Richard race that also includes super soph Steven Stamkos (45 goals). Nobody is more lethal than Ovechkin, whose top seeded Caps have a remarkable record since he became captain. Meanwhile in Pitt, Sid The Kid's putting together his best campaign with a career high 47 markers and 94 points placing third behind Ovie (46-54-100) and Art Ross leader Henrik Sedin (28-73-101). Crosby's had to be better because Evgeni Malkin hasn't been himself. Even if injuries are part of it. AO has overwhelming support on the league's highest scoring team (287 GF) from Nicklas Backstrom (29-61-90), Alex Semin (35 goals), Mike Green (17-54-71) plus strong castmates Brooks Laich, Tomas Fleischmann and Mike Knuble. It's Crosby who's accounted for 20.5 percent of his team's 229 goals while AO counters with 16 percent of the Caps' 287. In games he's missed, they've won still scoring at a rapid rate (53 GF in 10 GP, 7-2-1 record incl. 2 losses to NJD).

What of Sedin's career year that's seen him hit the century mark with a league leading 73 helpers? Impressive stuff while twin brother Daniel missed 18 games but has returned producing ridiculously (75 Pts in 57 GP). Most notable is that neither has done much on the power play, meaning the bulk of it came at even-strength helping support their plus/minuses (Henrik-33 Daniel-32). One could argue Ovie's league-leading plus-43 as evidence of the mighty Russian's improvement. Will the suspensions hurt in the public eye of a player who's won the last two MVPs? Hard to say. It's clear that these are the three top candidates offensively speaking. Where does that leave Bryzgalov and Miller, who are front and center backstopping pedestrian offenses (Phx-198 GF Buf-211 GF)? One could cite similar with Brodeur on a Devil team that's produced 197 goals. The bigger question is has Zach Parise supplanted him as the team's most important player? If Parise went down, it's probable that they'd fall apart speaking to how much the Devil leader in half a dozen offensive categories could be sorely missed. When you look at their offense, a Devil fan can say why isn't Zach Attack a candidate? They wouldn't be wrong either. Good thing they got Ilya Kovalchuk (8-12-20 in 20 GP).

No doubt deciding this year's Hart is tough because all three offensive standouts are worthy as are the aforementioned goalies who give their teams a chance every night. Crazy as it sounds, Duncan Keith would've been a good candidate before Chicago started losing. Perhaps the lack of a No.1 goalie is finally showing. Patrick Kane's had a great season but is he really more valuable than Keith or Jonathan Toews? San Jose trio Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Dany Heatley all play together and boast Nabokov, Dan Boyle, captain Rob Blake along with an overlooked cast of Joe Pavelski, Ryane Clowe, Devin Setoguchi, Manny Malhotra and Jason Demers that get little fanfare. The Sedins have Ryan Kesler, Alex Burrows, Mikael Samuelsson, Mason Raymond along with arguably the best D plus the overrated Luongo.

The Sabres are led by a finally healthy Tim Connolly, Derek Roy, Myers, Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville. Not exactly earth shattering for Miller who gets it done. How do you ignore a .930 save percentage? Two more wins and he reaches 40. Even if shootout induced sans MB30, it's still impressive. Did anyone have Bryzgalov leading the league in shutouts (8) with 40 W's on a franchise minus an owner who's leading scorer Doan has 53 points? In our book, that's the deciding factor. Yep. We say Ilya Bryzgalov deserves the trophy. Even with Tippett behind the bench, it's impossible to ignore the 'Yotes emergence. Buffalo was expected to be good and the Caps, Pens, Canucks and Devils were always going to be there. He deserves to be the first netminder to win the Hart since Jose Theodore swept MVP/Vezina in '01-02 for Montreal. Yep. That guy.

-Norris Race:

1.Duncan Keith
2.Mike Green
3.Drew Doughty

-Selke Race:

1.Ryan Kesler
2.Jordan Staal
3.Mike Fisher

Deadline heating up

One day later with the roster freeze lifted, teams are already quick to make moves. Especially with the chaotic 3 PM Wednesday deadline. There's already been a couple of noteworthy deals.

1.The Pens  acquired D Jordan Leopold from the Panthers for a 2011 2nd Rd pick, bolstering their blueline.

2.The Predators picked up D Denis Grebeshkov from the Oilers for a 2010 2nd rounder. Most expect Nashville to unload future UFA Dan Hamhuis.As for Edmonton, they're in discussions with the Rangers revolving around Sheldon Souray and Wade "Tinman" Redden. The 32 year-old Souray is still hurt and has two years left at $4.5 million per. Tho I'm no fan of his, if Slats can unload one cap headache, fine. But what else would be involved?

Also see the Isles and Jackets swung a "blockbuster" swapping Greg Moore for former Ranger draft pick Dylan Reese.

Other moves of interest included Calgary inexplicably re-signing Matt Stajan for four years at $3.5 per. Yikes. He's a nice player but come on. Likewise, Dallas re-signed Avery clone Steve Ott for four years, $11.8 M. Uh. Almost three million for him? Woh.

A couple of days ago, Glen Sather predictably claimed vet backup Alex Auld from Dallas. So much for Chad Johnson getting to stay up. Typical. In other Battle news, the troubled career of Rick DiPietro is once again in limbo with the career Islander out indefinitely due to knee swelling...Just hot off the press...David Freeman steps down as Nashville Predators chairman. Why exactly remains a question.

And finally, today February 28, 2011 has already been declared National Hate Sidney Crosby Day. Over 27,000 34,000 are already confirmed. We might be the only non-Canadian/Pen fan not to.

Sound Familiar?!?!?!?!?!

So, I was Tweeting lots over on the Twitter and came across this interesting take from Hendricks Hockey on one Calgary Flames, whose struggles even after the Phaneuf/Jokinen deals continue. Tonight, they properly had a goal reversed, falling at home to Dallas 2-1. Maybe the ref who ruled it a goal should take a course or two in non-bias because Curtis Glencoss' celebration duped him. Clearly, the puck never crossed the line even if Marty Turco had it dangerously close on the goal line behind his pads. The ref also could've had a better position but that's a whole other matter.

Anyway, to Randy Workman's accurate assessment of what's wrong in Alberta, we think our Devil contingent will have particular interest. Guess you can't teach an old dog new tricks. In this instance, Brent "Benedict" Sutter.

Stars acquire Lehtonen, Turco Era about to close

Earlier tonight, the rumors that Kari Lehtonen would be coming to Big D finally came to fruition. The Stars acquired the oft-injured Finnish goalie from Atlanta for D prospect Ivan Vishnevskiy and a 2010 fourth round pick. Full credit to Atlanta writer Chris Vivlamore on breaking the story over on Twitter.

As he also noted in a story for AJC, the 26 year-old Lehtonen who Atlanta tabbed with their '02 No.1 pick (2nd overall) was the franchise's all-time leader in wins (94), games played (204) and shutouts (14). In '06-07, he won a career best 34 games in 68 appearances, posting a 2.79 GAA, .912 save percentage and four shutouts helping the Thrashers to their only postseason. However, it was brief as they were swept by the Rangers. Since the breakout season, he's struggled with injuries including back surgery during preseason which sidelined him until a late January conditioning stint in the AHL. With Hotlanta having Johan Hedberg and Ondrej Pavelec, he became the odd man out.

“As the season went on, we had two guys that proved they were capable of carrying the load,” GM Don Waddell explained while also adding,. “ … One hundred percent (Hedberg and Pavelec) are doing a good job for us.”

Vivlamore also notes that combined with the blockbuster trade that sent Ilya Kovalchuk to the Devils, there are only four members left from that playoff team (Hedberg, Slava Kozlov, Jim Slater and Eric Boulton).
While the Thrashers revamp with Niclas Bergfors, Johnny Oduya, Patrice Cormier and Vishnevskiy, it looks like the end of the Marty Turco Era in Dallas.

For almost a decade, the unpredictable yet fun netminder has been with career Star Mike Modano the face of the franchise. The 34 year-old who Dallas selected in the fifth round back in 1994 out of the University of Michigan has had a stellar career establishing franchise marks for games (498), victories (257), shutouts (39), minutes played (28,456) and assists with all three coming this season, which speaks to his uncanny nature to keep play moving turning defense into offense.

Turco supplanted Cup-winning netminder Ed Belfour after sharing duties. In his rookie year of '00-01, Marty posted a 13-6 record, three shutouts with a miniscule 1.90 GAA and .925 save percentage. Two years later in his first full season as starter, his 1.72 GAA became a modern NHL record which Calgary's Miikka Kiprusoff broke the following season ('03-04) by posting a 1.69 GAA. That same year, Turco followed it up by getting into a career best 73 games winning over half (37) while posting a 1.98 GAA, .913 save percentage and recording a career high nine shutouts. However, he lost out on the Vezina to Devil great Martin Brodeur. Despite an impressive resume that also included a 41-win season ('05-06), Turco has never won the award. It could be argued that he could have but the same might be said for San Jose's Evgeni Nabokov, who was edged by Brodeur two years ago.

If this is it for Turco who made 37 saves in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Blackhawks, he's had a tremendous Dallas Star career guiding them to five postseasons including a Western Conference Final six-game defeat to Cup champ Detroit in '07-08. It was that Spring and a gut wrenching seven-game first round loss to Vancouver the year before in which his series record three shutouts weren't enough at least put a halt to the criticism that he couldn't perform when it counted. With Lehtonen coming and Alex Auld also still around to backup, his likely destination is Philadelphia where the Flyers could be pinning their hopes on him with Ray Emery probably requiring hip surgery.

How did his opponent Kris Versteeg, who netted the shootout winner- characterize him?

"Turco, he’s a heck of a goaltender. You don’t want to do too much in the shootout. Go down and keep it simple.”

Including tonight, Turco's appeared in 42 games posting a 17-15-10 mark with a 2.73 GAA, .911 save percentage and three shutouts. The Stars' next game is Thursday in Calgary while the Flyers are scheduled to visit the Devils in the back half of a home-and-home if it's not postponed due to the blizzard. Figure it to get played with not much chance of rescheduling due to the Olympic Break and the remaining hectic sched the rest of the way. If Marty does wind up in the City of Brotherly Love, Scott Hartnell has been mentioned as a possible return. We'll just have to wait and see.

Devils GameDay: DAL vs. NJ, 7PM, MSG/WFAN

Devils take on the Stars for the first time since the 2nd game of '06-'07, when the Stars beat the Devs, 3-1. This is their first venture to the Garden State since 2003.

The Stars come into tonight's game with consecutive one goal wins over teams from New York on goals by Mike Modano. It'll be interesting to see if Marty Turco gets the call over the hot Mike Smith, whom Cat at Untypical Girls loves so much, she got a jersey of him. Not since Patricia from 2MA has there been such backup goaltender love. Anyway, Smith has played well when given a chance and, let's face it...we blow chodes when we take on backups!

DEVILS LAST 10 GAMES vs. BACKUP GOALTENDERS
11/23 at ATL (Johan Hedberg), 3-0 W
11/12 at PIT (Danny Sabourin), 3-2 W
11/5 vs. PIT (Danny Sabourin), 5-0 L
4/8 vs. NYI (Wade Dubieliewicz), 3-2 OTL
3/22 at TB (Marc Denis), 3-1 L
3/17 vs. CAR (John Grahame) 7-2 L
3/14 vs. PIT (Jocelyn Thibault) 3-0 L
2/24 at WSH (Brent Johnson) 3-2 W
2/14 vs. MTL (David Abeischer) 5-2 W
12/22 at WSH (Brent Johnson) 4-3 W

So we'll see how it goes tonight.

Rangers Lose against Dallas

Didn't get a chance to check it out, but Brendan Morrow's goal sunk New York, 3-2.

At this rate, NJD will be in first by New Year's.

Congratulations Mike Modano

With his first of a pair of goals against San Jose tonight, Mike is now the all-time leading American point-getter.

Couldn't happen to a better player.

Wednesday Night Wrap: Three OT's and Three Goals for Stastny

Anaheim 2
Detroit 3 (SO)
ANA: Bertuzzi, Getzlaf
DET: Zetterburg, Holmstrom
SHOOTOUT WINNER: Hudler

Montreal 3 (OT)
Carolina 2
MTL: Streit, Koivu (2)
CAR: Cole, Hedican
OT Winner: Koivu (1:05)

Ottawa 4 (OT)
Toronto 3
OTT: Vermette, Alfredsson, Heatley (2)
TOR: Antropov (2), Stajan
OT Winner: Heatley (2:57)

Dallas 3
Colorado 4
DAL: Halpern, Jokinen, Hagman
COL: Stastny (3), Wolski

NOTES:

-Good work turned in from VERSUS. They're very close to "finely tuned machine" status. The new game recap graphics are ESPN-quality, and Mike Emrick, Bill Patrick, Keith Jones and Daryl Reaugh were stellar in particular.

-This Stastny kid will get 35-40 if he stays healthy this season. He's a "Flash" type of player, he pops in and out of your TV screen.

-Where did the Hnlika come from?

-Anaheim looked a little lagged tonight.

-Rafalski looked like a completely different player in a Detroit uniform.

Devils tomorrow...cannot wait.

Hockey Tonight!

Finally.

Here's VERSUS' schedule for tonight:

5:30 Lord Stanley's Summer - Trivails and Trips over the Ducks' Cup Winning Summer..
6:30 Hockey Central - Pre-Game Show, New Studio, New Host, In HD.
7:00 Anaheim vs. Detroit - Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Chris Simpson
9:30 Dallas vs. Colorado - Joe Beninati, Daryl Reaugh, Bob Harwood
12:00 Hockey Central

Predictions later today.

Dallas adds The Fridge

Todd Fedouruk has signed a 1 year, $875K contract with the Stars.

Meanwhile, the Canucks deal with Aaron Miller was announced at 1 year, $1.5 Mill.