Prospal finds new home in Columbus

It looks like someone else's fans will get to enjoy Vinny Prospal's awesome goal celebrations. After spending two years on Broadway, the 36 year-old crafty veteran forward signed with the Blue Jackets this afternoon for a year, $1.75 million.

"Vinny Prospal is a proven top six forward in the National Hockey League and we look forward to him playing that role for our hockey club," Columbus GM Scott Howson said of his latest acquisition that should help offset the loss of Kristian Huselius while fitting in nicely with Jeff Carter and Rick Nash. "We are very pleased to be able to add a player of his caliber to our team at this late date in the free agency process."

Following a successful debut in the Big Apple where he ranked second in team scoring with 58 points (20-38-58) over 75 games, a bad knee limited the Czech complement to Marian Gaborik to 29 games last season. Despite the injury, one of the Rangers' emotional leaders showed guts returning to help spark the club back into the postseason. His penchant for big goals along with the coolest celebrations you'll ever see often ignited teammates. Never was that more evident during a three-goal comeback against the Bruins in a pivotal match-up at The Garden.

With the team needing to win to keep pace with Carolina, they came out flat and paid dearly falling behind by three against a stingy opponent. When all felt lost, Prosp injected life back into the bench and crowd with two big goals that cut the deficit to 3-2 after two periods. Most noticeable was his reaction after scoring the first one, doing his trademark pump of the fists and then having some pointed words of encouragement for the bench. The response was overwhelming with the Blueshirts continuing to push until Brandon Dubinsky somehow tied it late followed by Mike Sauer's finest rookie moment with under three minutes left. Derek Stepan's empty netter would seal one of the bookmark wins that got our team in.

That's the kinda rugged determination Prospal demonstrated, going to the net for garbage goals. When the Rangers needed him most, he was there on the last day of the season, scoring and setting up another in a do-or-die win over the Devils before an incredible MSG atmosphere. Without his contributions that saw him scratch out nine goals and 14 assists for 23 points over 29 contests, they don't make the playoffs. I can honestly say I never expected him to return. Everything that was said made it sound like we shouldn't count on Prosp. But the prideful man who's had successful runs in five NHL cities (Phi, Ott, TB, Ana, NYR) discounting a spare part with Florida, proved why John Tortorella liked him enough to sign him.

Thank you Prospal for two good years and best wishes in Columbus.

Christensen and Gaborik reunited for Game 2

It didn't take long for John Tortorella to change up his lines. Following last night's crushing Game One loss to the Caps, the fiery Ranger coach sought to spark his team's offense which made life too easy on winning rookie netminder Michal Neuvirth.

Not surprisingly, Tortorella's decided to split up Marian Gaborik and Artem Anisimov, shifting the struggling finisher to cohesive/mystifying Erik Christensen, who took 17 shifts in Wednesday's defeat (10:54). During the ex-Pen's two years on Broadway, he's had chemistry with Gaborik and key complement Vinny Prospal. After being invisible down the stretch, the Slovak showed a pulse yesterday registering four shots while getting a couple of more blocked. He had two glorious chances to be the hero but Neuvirth stoned him twice, including off a nice set up from Brian Boyle in front.

Prior to the first round series, Gaborik indicated that the Caps didn't want to see the Rangers this early, instead mentioning the Hurricanes, who fell short in their bid to make the postseason. Though he was better last night, he must contribute offensively for the Blueshirts to have any hopes of stringing the upset. With Gaborik and Prospal reunited with Christensen, figure Tortorella to reinsert Sean Avery after Norwegian rookie Mats Zuccarello got only a dozen shifts (7:34) with just 1:24 in the third and zero in overtime. Our guess is Avery will start on the fourth line alongside Chris Drury and possibly Ruslan Fedotenko, who didn't have much cohesion with Brandon Dubinsky.

Perhaps we'll see Dubinsky teamed up with Draft Line 'mate Anisimov and possible Stepan shifted to the wing, giving the Rangers a better scoring line to aid Gaborik. That would leave the unit of Brian Boyle, Brandon Prust and Wojtek Wolski intact. Fedotenko also has excellent chemistry with Boyle/Prust but is interchangeable. Our suggested lines for Game Two:

Prospal-Christensen-Gaborik
Dubinsky-Anisimov-Stepan
Prust-Boyle-Wolski
Avery-Drury-Fedotenko

Staal-Girardi
McDonagh-Sauer
McCabe-Gilroy

Lundqvist
Ocho Cinco

Historic comeback rescues Rangers

At 3-0 down, it looked over. In a game they needed, the Rangers were all out of sorts looking up at a huge three-goal hole to a tough Bruins club set on adding another crushing chapter to a classic Original Six rivalry. When Chris Kelly skated untouched and beat Henrik Lundqvist shortside, it seemed insurmountable with less than half of regulation left. At that point, Boston won every battle, earning their big lead by going to the dirty areas to score the first two before Kelly surged past Ruslan Fedotenko and stunned an already antsy Garden crowd, who rained down the home team with more boos.

It would've been easy to say, 'It's just not our night.' On the Bruins' first pair, they scored right after the Rangers blew chances. All season long, that's not what this team is about. There have been few nights where our guys didn't compete with one coming at the hands of the Islanders a few days ago. If it's true they were sluggish in the second of another challenging back-to-back against a top three seed, you wouldn't have known it the way the Blueshirts responded to adversity. Led by Vinny Prospal's two goals, John Tortorella's scrappy bunch put together a historic comeback to stun the B's 5-3 before a raucous atmosphere at MSG. Never before in the unique 85 year history of one of the oldest rivalries, had the Rangers climbed back from a three-goal deficit to defeat the Bruins.

“It’s a feeling that you can’t describe when you hear that many people going crazy,” tying hero Brandon Dubinsky said after scoring the third unanswered goal with 3:48 remaining off a brilliant feed by Ryan Callahan to send the Garden into bedlum. “We fought so hard for so many months and we needed these two points. That part of it makes it even that much more emotional.”

Dubinsky's biggest goal of the season wouldn't have been possible without the heroics of Vinny Prospal. A prideful man who fought tooth and nail to get back in the lineup after so many setbacks with his knee. At one point, there were even rumors that his career might be over. For myself, I never expected him to return because it sounded bad and I wanted to be realistic about the chances. I disagreed with my Dad whenever the topic came up. He maintained that the team would be better off with a more long-term view while I insisted that Prosp was an underrated cog who brings skill along with leadership. Never has that been more evident than in his play down the stretch. The 36 year-old Czech, who Mike Milbury mistakenly thought was part of Tort's '03-04 Bolts' Cup, plays with such enthusiasm that it rubs off on his younger teammates. After he scored off a goalmouth scramble 62 seconds later, steering home Wolski's rebound, he pumped his fists and was telling the guys they're back in it on the bench.

The joy Prospal has when he scores is so positive that it has to inspire the rest of the roster. It doesn't take much to inject life into a team that was skating in quicksand prior. Tortorella tried everything, altering every line in a desperate attempt to awaken his club, who knew full well that a loss would mean scoreboard praying. It would've allowed the Hurricanes to control their destiny.  

“We didn’t want to have to watch and see what Carolina did (Wednesday) night,” Dubinsky said. “We want to keep ourselves in the driver’s seat.”

Instead, Tort found magic in a bottle with reemerging rookie Derek Stepan between Prospal and Wolski. The trio suddenly took over, scoring a huge second goal before the middle stanza ended. The play was made possible by a hustling Stepan, who beat a Boston defenseman to a loose puck, pushing it to Wolski behind the net, who then turned and set up Prospal in front for his second straight in 6:52. Suddenly, the Rangers were very much alive, trailing by only a goal entering the third.

Boston had only lost once in regulation when leading after two periods, bringing a 20-1-2 mark into the fateful final period. None of that meant anything. Even though the Bruins sat back, which drew the ire of coach Claude Julien afterwards, they reestablished their tight defense, keeping the Rangers on the perimeter while also putting together a couple of strong shifts with less than 10 minutes left. As the seconds ticked down, it looked like it would be another heartbreaking defeat on home ice where a poor start cost us. The Bruins even came close to scoring with Michael Ryder driving a long slapper off the crossbar.

Even more daunting was the inept play of Marian Gaborik, who went through the motions on more than one shift. Other than a couple of quality shots that Tim Thomas snuffed out in the first, he was invisible. Something Milbury alluded to on the Versus postgame. He was moved to Brian Boyle's line. Boyle also was having a tough night with his line caught on for Nathan Horton's 25th that saw all five Rangers standing around when the Bruins went in front by two. As fate would have it, the unlikely duo combined for the biggest goal later. Before they could, the Blueshirts still had to get it tied. With seemingly nothing working, Tortorella finally went back to the Draft Line, reuniting Callahan, Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov for a key shift. On a determined shift, they wouldn't be denied with Callahan sending a backhand feed in front for Dubinsky, who outwaited Thomas before tucking home a backhand to miraculously tie it before being mobbed. On the play, Marc Staal kept the play alive with a good pinch. Ironically, it was his great keep and pass that started the comeback. Without those two plays, they're cooked.

With the crowd now in a frenzy, Tortorella cameback with Boyle, Gaborik and Brandon Prust. On what appeared to be a broken play, Boyle took a whale of a hit to get the puck to Gaborik, who finally did something by sending seeing eye backhand pass that somehow went through to a pinching Mike Sauer, whose soft shot went thru Thomas' wickets just enough before Johnny Boychuk could keep the puck out. If they weren't crazy before, you should've heard them now. My Dad who was fortunate enough to go, said it was unbelievable. One can only imagine. Just seeing it on TV was enough to send me into a state of shock. My brother, who I watched a majority of it with had left to see our friend one last time before she flew back to Atlanta. Of course when it ended, I wound up there too. But I just wasn't leaving until I saw the end. Good thing too because I texted him twice and his response was, "Yes!"

"That was unbelievable,” a pumped Sauer expressed. “I never scored a goal and it got that loud, that is for sure. The boys were excited and the fans went nuts.”

Sometimes, it's moments like that that make you a fan for life. This is why we live and die with this T-E-A-M. Once up, they weren't going to allow the Bruins to tie it. Ryan Callahan sacrificed again by making a ridiculous diving block of a dangerous Zdeno Chara shot that unfortunately broke his ankle. Of course, everyone's favorite Ranger earned huge pops. Such a shame that a day later, we find out he's out between six to eight weeks but won't need surgery. If this team gets in and pulls a first round upset, who wants to bet Cally somehow returns if there's a Game Six or Seven in the Eastern Conference Semis? Don't put it past the heart and soul of these Blueshirts.

When Stepan hit the empty net, one of the most memorable regular season comebacks in club history was complete. It came at a price but this team's proven before that they can overcome obstacles. The latest challenge for the Rangers, who'll have to do it without Callahan with Atlanta Thursday and New Jersey Saturday both at home. Forget about what Buffalo does tonight against Tampa or what happens tomorrow between Carolina and Detroit. This win was our 34th in regulation/overtime, giving the Rangers a four point lead over the Hurricanes, who now have immense pressure. In fact, a Sabre win tonight and a Cane loss would clinch for Buffalo, who now trails us by a point for seventh. The Rangers are tied at 91 points with the Canadiens, who hold the tiebreaker and play their extra game tonight against a desperate Chicago team. The only way we finish ahead of them is by winning our last two or a complete collapse by Les Habitants. I'm not counting on anything. Let's just win out and silence the detractors.

Take care of business. It's all in front of them.


BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Brandon Dubinsky, NYR (tying goal-24th w/3:48 left)
2nd Star-Derek Stepan, NYR (ENG, assist, outstanding hustle)
1st Star-Vinny Prospal, NYR (2 goals-7th, 8th and tremendous energy)

Gaborik, Rangers put six on Islanders in early St. Patty's Delight

Call it an early St. Patty's delight. As I erred repeatedly on thinking the fun Irish holiday was yesterday instead of tomorrow (March 17-duh), well the Rangers were ready to get the party started by crushing the Islanders 6-3 for their second straight win at the chaotic World's Most $hameless State Of The Art Arena. Al Rotwig sucks. I digress. :P

Another game they had to win due to Hasan's Devils latest improbable 'W,' which sounds even wackier than we perceived over at 33rd and Seventh. While they cameback from two to prevail over Atlanta, the Rangers took care of business against the pain in the ass Long Island rival in what amounted to an exciting night. Yes, John Tortorella isn't wrong that they got into too much of a run 'n gun with a dangerous opponent who can pick you apart. From that standpoint, I appreciated his Jacques Lemaire-esque warning about the team needing to be more defensive oriented in the final 11 games. The offense was a welcome sight with Marian Gaborik once again beating up his favorite opponent. The Great Gabby reemerged with two power play goals, making him the fourth Ranger to reach 20 this season. All the more amazing since leading scorer Brandon Dubinsky has disappeared.

“It was a big win,” Gaborik said. “We had a tough couple of games on the West Coast so it was nice to come back and score a couple of goals on home ice.”

When you look at our point leader who hasn't hit 50 yet after looking like a lock for 60, it's amazing this team finds itself in an enviable position- two points up on Buffalo for seventh after Cam Ward (40 saves) closed the door in a 1-0 blanking that put the Canes just two back of eighth. The one thing about the Blueshirts is they do it by committee with Gaborik, Dubinsky and Brian Boyle each having 20 goals while new leader Ryan Callahan notched the all important 21st that stemmed the tide after they blew a 2-0 lead. If you count Derek Stepan (18) and Artem Anisimov (16), it's possible we could have half a dozen reach 20 by season's end.

Most impressive was the continued positive play from Erik Christensen, who scored for a second consecutive game and also set up another- giving him five points (3-2-5 in 5 GP) for the month. In fact, if you go back to a 6-0 rout of the Caps in which Christy had a two goal, two assist effort, that's five goals and four helpers including three power play goals along with a plus-six rating during a seven-game span. It speaks to the streakiness of a gifted player who if he showed any consistency, would be a steal. They'll certainly take what they're getting lately as the games become more crucial down the stretch. Christensen is one of eight Rangers with at least 10 goals, which brings me to fan favorite Brandon Prust, who did it again last night. Prusty has been the epitome of this hard working group. A heart and soul guy who never asks out even if he's nicked up like yesterday.

There was our No.8 following up Ryan McDonagh's rush for a huge shorthanded goal to steer his team in front. Nearly half his 11 markers have come while shorthanded. Not bad for a guy who was viewed as a throw in last year with Olli Jokinen in the Ales Kotalik salary dump. Sometimes, it takes a guy a couple of organizations to really get a fair shake. With Phoenix and Calgary, Prust was known as an enforcer who would go with anyone. A winning characteristic we still get to see. Only now, he picks his spots because he has a larger role, playing alongside running mate Boyle and Ruslan Fedotenko on the checking line while also leading the penalty kill. Who knew? Off a nice follow up on a sliding Al Montoya, Prust notched his team-leading fifth shorthanded goal. He is tied for the league lead with Islander Frans Nielsen. Not bad for a guy who always gives an honest effort.

Even though I didn't vote for him for the Steven McDonald Extra Efford Award, it was between Prust and the guy I chose, Boyle as both exemplify what this team is all about. When Callahan went down, the dynamic duo stepped up. Who ever would've thought one would have 20 goals while the other 11. Their season totals are very similar with Boyle tallying 32 points (20-12-32) and Prust notching 25 (11-14-25)- each posting career highs across the board while being the ultimate Rangers. Where would they be without them?

Montoya got a rude welcome by the team that drafted him first round. He was chased before two periods were complete, having allowed five goals on 36 shots. Unfortunately, his team hung him out to dry, getting whistled for several penalties which allowed our power play that scored three times (Irish luck). Al was peppered. Already ahead by one, Christensen took a nice Mats Zuccarello feed and blasted one high stickside for his 11th. Dan Girardi also got an assist. By the end of one, our team had 21 shots. So, Montoya did his best to keep the Islanders in. When Matt Moulson (30th) and P.A. Parenteau (17th) scored 2:29 apart off nice set ups from John Tavares, it could've got ugly. Instead, Henrik Lundqvist responded with some timely stops before Callahan had an easy tap-in courtesy of a beautiful Anisimov backhand pass behind Montoya for No.21. The future captain is one shy of matching his career high established the last time we made the playoffs ('08-09). Callahan is 21-21-42 in only 51 games with nine PPG, two shorties and four game-winners. The two-time Extra Effort recipient is what a Ranger should be.

Following Cally's tally, the Islanders fell apart literally. A penalty fest allowed our team to increase the margin to 5-2. First, Gaborik atoned for an easy miss by taking a Bryan McCabe feed and streaking up ice for a halitzer Montoya had no chance on. Then on a five-on-three, it was the original Islander who got into the act with his first as a Ranger- blasting one through a Callahan screen that ended Montoya's night. Both Callahan and Vinny Prospal drew assists. The play of Prospal can't be understated. In what's been a trying year which could be his last due to his knees, the alternate captain has shown a lot of heart coming back to try to get our team in. His assist gave him points in seven straight (1-7-8). Over the last 10, Mr. Sunshine has two goals and nine helpers along with a plus-four rating. Prospal makes a difference. Gaborik and Christensen are more comfortable.

“We were just getting pucks through,” McCabe said of a power play that's now victimized the Islanders nine times. “Traffic is the key to success.”

“It was against my former team that I started with,” he noted of the goal. “It was nice to get a win here.”

With Stepan's line struggling lately, Tortorella reinserted Sean Avery for Wojtek Wolski, who understood the benching. Unfortunately, Avery was called for three minors with only one questionable. His last came after Gaborik's second, which was off a nifty Christensen feed for another rocket. With the Rangers closing in on an easy win to get back to NHL .500 on home ice (16-16-3), Avery was nabbed for a needless rough. Making it worse, Tavares scored his 26th off it which had the coach fuming. Moulson and Parenteau assisted. Afterwards, when asked about it, Tortorella opted not to discuss it, indicating "That's my business." Uh oh.

Also returning last night was vet Steve Eminger, who gave his usual steady game while paired with McCabe. Eminger knows how to play and did a solid job forcing Tavares wide on one rush where it looked like he had a step. Who knew that he could be such a reliable extra D? To think Slats got him for Aaron Voros, gotta give kudos there. It's not everyday we can praise our GM, who's also made his share of deals that didn't workout (E.G. Korpikoski for Lisin).

What was nice is that the Rangers came home from a split against Anaheim and San Jose and didn't look sluggish. Instead, they were ready from the drop of the puck and when it got a little dicey, responded immediately. They don't play again until Friday against another foe that's given them fits. You know there'll be an infusion of Habs supporters coming in busloads. It's high time our team sends them back to Montreal quiet. If they're serious about making it back, then let's show 'em.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Bryan McCabe, NYR (PPG-1st as a Ranger, assist-1st multi-point game since 12/20 with Fla)
2nd Star-Ryan Callahan, NYR (team-leading 21st, assist-5-2-7 in last 2 MSG games-both wins)
1st Star-Marian Gaborik, NYR (2 PPG-19th, 20th-3-1-4 over last 3)

Bad Hab-it continues for slumping Rangers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


BONY 3 Stars:

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

The home opener from Hell

A day has passed from yesterday's Ranger home opener. As much as I'm not feeling well with perhaps what happened in the game partially why along with a lot of other fun stuff I did, I'm still trying to digest the latest ugly loss- this one a wild one in overtime 4-3 to the undefeated Maple Leafs.

In only their third game while other teams are playing their sixth like the Devils as we type this, the Rangers looked disjointed much like the bizarre pregame festivities that reeked. After a good start that saw the apocalypse strike when Michal Rozsival shot the puck and scored 7:58 in, Toronto methodically took over. Maybe the tide turned when our second power play failed while I was still certain Ruslan Fedotenko tipped home Rozy's blast. Usually when you fail to capitalize on the man-advantage as John Tortorella's club didn't in five chances, it comes back to bite you. Especially with the Leafs' Phil Kessel winning it in overtime on a four-on-three with Marc Staal in the box for a questionable interference call that sent most fans home quietly.

Brandon Prust livened up the first period with an entertaining scrap with Toronto fourth line energizer Mike Brown, getting the takedown. Unfortunately, the main card never took place with Derek Boogaard and Colton Orr deciding to do it another day. After the one fight, the Leafs picked up their game. Using superior speed, they constantly got behind Ranger defenders for odd-man breaks. Henrik Lundqvist, who was sharp turning aside all 16 shots in the first, dealt with all sorts of chaos in one of the worst periods I've seen in quite a while. It was troubling. Ex-Sabre Clarke McCarthur knotted it at 2:04 when he was left all alone in front to steer home a Nikolai Kulemin shot that grazed the post. The Leafs continued to swarm using plenty of ugly turnovers to their advantage. Ironically, it was a softy Lundqvist let in when Mike Komisarek's unscreened bad angle floater snuck through for Toronto's first lead. Whether you want to excuse our franchise netminder who otherwise held up his end of the bargain, it was the kind of goal that can be deflating. He's already given up a few like that. Let's just leave it at that.

The next goal, there was little Lundqvist could do when an awful pinch by Staal led to a three-on-one with Tyler Bozak dishing across for Kessel for three unanswered goals in a 5:46 span. At that point, I would've used a timeout. Why Tort didn't I'll never comprehend. It got even worse when he lost his best player when Colby Armstrong boarded Marian Gaborik, who didn't return due to a separated shoulder which should keep him out between two to four weeks. A devastating blow this early. They also will be without captain Chris Drury, who again reinjured the broken left index finger due to a collision with Rozsival and is expected to miss at least six weeks. Oh. Even Vinny Prospal, who never got into exhibition needs surgery for the knee he had scoped last year. You can't make it up. Well, call it karma because last year's club was relatively healthy. Now, we'll see what they're made of.

Amazingly, the Rangers trailed only by two despite being outshot 30-12. The Leafs blew several power plays, including a dubious full two-minute 5-on-3 that had the crowd up in arms. By that point, Brian Boyle took it upon himself to do his best Superman impersonation. The fourth line center who impressed all camp with improved skating and finishing checks surprised Jean-Sebastien Giguere when his high wrister from 45 feet out eluded the former Duck netminder, making it 3-2 at 2:10. Remarkably, Boogaard assisted along with Steve Eminger with each unlikely contributor notching their first points.

With the Garden Faithful finally back into it, the refs took it upon themselves to try handing the game to Toronto. During a wild scramble for a loose puck that saw players collide with one of the officials who fell down drawing sarcastic cheers, at least two Rangers and Leafs piled up as they blew the play dead. While that madness was going on, behind the play Avery twice chopped Komisarek who dropped to the ice like he was dead yet this faker then skated off with a grin and didn't miss a shift. With Avery losing discipline for a slash combined with a dubious Fedotenko rough where no Leaf got anything, the game hung in the balance thanks to blind mice Chris Rooney and Francois StLaurent who all night missed blatant Leaf infractions. You would've believed the game was played at Air Canada Centre.

Somehow, the Blueshirts got the two-man advantage killed, envigorating The Garden. It didn't take long for Boyle to again play the hero when he picked up a Leaf gift and went five-hole on a stunned Giguere, recording his first multi-goal NHL game. Avery and Mike Del Zotto added helpers. As often happens, the home club took over, nearly going in front a few instances with narrow misses by Artem Anisimov, Ryan Callahan and Avery. With a jittery Derek Stepan struggling in his MSG debut, Tortorella shortened the bench sending out Anisimov's line and Boyle's a ton. Despite a short bench, the Rangers nearly won it late but Prust's redirect bid with seconds to go was cleared away.

Last season, the Rangers were one of the worst four-on-four teams in the league. Minus Gaborik and an MIA Alex Frolov who mailed another game in, they were no match for the Leafs, who really outclassed them most of the game. They still needed help and got it when Staal was sent off for interference. After killing the previous six, the penalty killers were exhausted and it finally resulted in Kessel going shortside for his second of the night on Lundqvist to make his team 4-for-4. Bozak and Tomas Kaberle drew assists.
A disappointing yet predictable ending on a night the Rangers simply weren't good enough. Especially Staal, who had a nightmarish game. He's supposed to be the team's defensive leader. Time to start earning that new paycheck.

The D as a whole stunk with Gilroy showing no impovement from last year in his debut. Dan Girardi's been the best thus far and that's not saying much. Del Zotto has a goal and two assists but has looked shaky defensively. And Rozsival, who scored is what he is. An overlooked booing target who logs important minutes, including some splendid PK work during the big kill in the third. But he can't play the point on the PP because of his reluctancy to shoot. He also is hit or miss defensively as one turnover demonstrated that Lundqvist bailed him out on in the first. As the 85th Anniversary cupcake shows above, the blueline will be the team's weakest link all season. It's going to be up to Henrik to keep them in games. Especially with no Gabby, Dru or Prosp. He's the leader of this team and must show it. So too must Callahan, Dubinsky, Staal and Girardi along with Rozsival. They're the holdovers from the last Ranger club that made the second round. You can't expect much from Avery whose four assists pace the club and somehow avoided suspension for the cheapshots at Komisarek.

Tortorella has indicated there won't be any call-ups from Hartford. Instead, Todd White and Erik Christensen should both be in the lineup Monday versus a good Colorado team that's off to a great start. It won't be no picnic. Boyle said this team won't put up with opponents' antics this time around. Here's their chance to prove it.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Tyler Bozak, Tor (2 assists, 10-5 draws in 20:17)
2nd Star-Brian Boyle, NYR (2 goals-1st two-goal NHL game, 3 SOG, 4 hits, +2 in 11:44)
1st Star-Phil Kessel, Tor (2 goals incl. PP OT winner at 3:08, assist, 7 SOG, +1 in 19:34)

Prospal returns, Drury in limbo

In what's been a mostly positive camp that includes a solid preseason, the Rangers still don't know about captain Chris Drury, who remains saddled with a broken index finger which will likely keep him out of the club's first three games. That has left the Trumbull, Connecticut veteran pivot wondering what his role will be. Especially with Derek Stepan looking like he'll stay put while Artem Anisimov's looked stronger. Also boasting Erik Christensen, Tim Kennedy, Brian Boyle and Todd White, who likely is ticketed for Hartford, the Blueshirts have options.

One is versatile forward Vinny Prospal, who returns for a second year on Broadway. A Tort favorite, the alternate captain can double as both a center and a wing if needed. Considering that the club figures to keep Stepan up along with Anisimov and Christensen who should center their top three lines, that leaves Kennedy and Boyle vying for the checking line while both Prospal and Drury could be slated for the wing. Still, on a roster that lacks a go to faceoff guy, Dru's work in the circle can't be overlooked. Neither can his intangibles defensively where he's been a PK fixture along with Ryan Callahan. With him expected to be put on the injured list to start the season, figure Brandon Dubinsky, Anisimov, Boyle and Kennedy to see time shorthanded.

Tonight against Ottawa though, Prospal gets a look in the middle centering Marian Gaborik and Alexander Frolov. John Tortorella gets a chance to see what Prosp can do with the team's dynamic duo. Last year, Prospal worked with Gaborik for a good chunk before being split up. It's hard to say where he'll start but figure at least the second line with possibly Anisimov and Dubinsky.

If we were starting the season, here's what I'd like to see:

Frolov-Christensen-Gaborik
Dubinsky-Prospal-Anisimov
Avery-Stepan-Fedotenko
Boogard-Kennedy/Boyle-Prust

The blueline's still undecided but given how Matt Gilroy's looked, he seems to be back in Tort's good graces. Along with incumbents Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, Mike Del Zotto and Michal Rozsival, that leaves just two openings for vet Steve Eminger and kids Ryan McDonagh, Mike Sauer and Pavel Valentenko to compete for. We'd love to see them take both McD and Sauer but not expecting it.

How about:

Staal-Girardi
Del Zotto-Rozsival
Gilroy-McDonagh/Sauer

Perhaps Tort will mix it up, helping balance out the back end. We'll see.

Prospal Re-ups

In between all the chaos of Glen Sather's latest folly that left all of TSN's panel throwing darts at our patheticness, it at least ended with some sanity as our teflon GM quietly re-signed Vinny Prospal. Supposedly, the 35 year-old versatile Czech forward who saw time with Marian Gaborik in his first year on Broadway took a discount. He's expected to earn over a million with added bonuses that could put him over two million.

Whatever the case, it's a sound move by Slats bringing back a good team guy who became one of its vocal leaders. Reunited with John Tortorella, he performed admirably finishing second in team scoring with 20 goals and 38 helpers for 58 points over 75 games. The fact he missed only seven speaks to his toughness as he played through pain. Prosp should return as an alternate captain. A spot he earned due to his strong relationship with the media. Win or lose, No.20 was always at his locker to answer questions.

For the Blueshirts, it concluded an interesting first day in July. One that saw Slats do everything right except the giant Derek Boogard blunder, which came in direct response to Jody Shelley bolting for Philly. Even off the ice, the Flyers still somehow push us around. Sad. If you can ignore the Boogard panic move, it actually was a good day with Sather filling a void by getting Martin Biron on the cheap to backup Henrik Lundqvist. He also re-signed Erik Christensen and got top prospect Derek Stepan under contract. A real key to the club's future. Hopefully, they won't put too much pressure on the 20 year-old playmaking pivot out of Wisconsin.

Perhaps it'll convince Stepan's college teammate and blueliner Ryan McDonagh to turn pro. He was the important piece acquired in last summer's Scott Gomez salary dump. It would be nice to get him signed. Sather must still re-sign Dan Girardi and key RFA Marc Staal. Failure to do so would only make things more bleak in what looks to be a strong division again.

There was also talk the Blueshirts may have interest in veteran Bill Guerin, who if he signed here would turn the trick having already played for the Devils and Islanders. If they add him, it wouldn't be bad because he's got plenty of experience and can aid the power play. Especially in front. Something this team's been devoid of for years.

We'll have to see what Day Two brings, including whether Ilya Kovalchuk chooses LA over New Jersey. Well, at least there could be some drama before Fourth of July weekend.

End Of Road: Flyers outshoot Rangers to make playoffs

It would be easy to get on the league for how Game 82 ended between hated rivals. Yes, finally a stinking shootout decided the playoffs at Wachovia Center where the Flyers took advantage in outshooting the Rangers to a 2-1 come from behind win before screaming black and orange. By winning, Philly avoided embarrassment and finished seventh in the East by virtue of more wins than Montreal, who draws Washington. That might be bad news for the Caps. It also could be alarming news for the Devils. If the Flyers play like today, they could be extremely difficult. The Sabres will play old Adams nemesis Boston and Pittsburgh meets Ottawa. The Rangers won't play anyone. The end of the road finally came.

Make no mistake, Peter Laviolette's guys deserved the win that allowed them to edge our guys 88-87 in the standings. They severely outplayed the Rangers most of the day. If not for Henrik Lundqvist, who was brilliant in defeat making 46 saves, it never reaches a glorified skill competition. Enough can't be said about how well Henrik played. He made some great stops, including two in a row from in tight with one stone job on eventual hero Claude Giroux. It's a shame that Henke's best wasn't enough to lift his team into a fifth consecutive postseason. At the end of what feels like an empty day, you really feel for Mr. Lundqvist. Without him, our team would've sucked. Kudos to King Henrik on a great season. You did yourself proud.

The Flyers outshot the Rangers in all three periods of regulation, nearly doubling us in shots (45-23) when it reached sudden death. If only a dumb league would've allowed a game of this magnitude to be decided legitimately. Not saying it changes the outcome. But even some Flyers have to admit how cheesy this was. But hey. That's how the rules are. Both teams knew it and the more skilled home team cashed in even with Brian Boucher manning the net. Speaking of which, can you imagine if it's Flyers-Devils a decade later with Bouch trying to conquer Martin Brodeur? Now that would be quite a storyline.

Philly came out aggressively sustaining their forecheck to generate plenty of shots and quality chances on Lundqvist, who was up to the challenge. In a role reversal from the other night, it was the Flyers who dominated outshooting the Blueshirts 18-4. However, they trailed after one due to Jody Shelley's goal. Yes. In our biggest game of the season, our tough guy who plays on the fourth line scored the only goal. How does that happen? Rather than get into it, the goal itself was off hard work in the corners from Brandon Prust and Artem Anisimov, who worked the puck to Michal Rozsival at the right point. Rozy fired with Shelley redirecting it past Boucher for a 1-0 lead 3:27 into the contest. The goal marked the first time in Shelley's career (538 games) that he scored in consecutive games.

Already with the fans on them, the Flyers picked it up. While they didn't score on a Brandon Dubinsky hook, it helped them control the tempo. Most of the period was spent in the Ranger zone. The strategy was apparent. Work the puck down low and then back to the points and get shots through with traffic. Something they did all day. Flyer captain Mike Richards came oh so close to tying it when off an Anders Eriksson turnover, his high offering drew crossbar. For the game, Philadelphia hit three posts. To put it mildly, Lundqvist saw shots from all angles. He held up his end of the bargain. Unfortunately, the rest of the team couldn't as they just never mustered a consistent attack. The Flyers came with speed through the neutral zone and gained our zone too easily. They also won more puck battles.

That was the kind of day it was. Still leading 1-0, the Rangers got a chance to go up by more when Daniel Briere took an undisciplined minor in the offensive zone, tripping up Marc Staal. However, the Flyer PK dominated the next two minutes hardly allowing any set up time while also attacking shorthanded when possible. In fact, the Rangers went over 13 minutes without a shot. Similar to the Flyers who went over 17 Friday. Despite the offensive struggles, somehow they led after one.

The second was more evenly played with our club getting off to a better start. The fourth line of Shelley, Anisimov and Prust continued to assert themselves. By far they were our best line during a home stretch that saw the team finish 7-1-2 falling a little short of their mantra. If only the Rangers had played like this all season. Our guys got some early pressure on Boucher, who held up well. Though he saw a lot less rubber, Bouch was strong finishing with 24 saves. Give him credit. Too bad they didn't challenge him as much.

Play was more chippy which you'd expect. Finally, Aaron Voros accepted Ian Laperriere's challenge at center ice fighting to a well earned draw to taps of sticks from both sides. Kerry Fraser, who officiated his final game of a long career helped break it up. I know he's gotten beaten up a lot over the years but congrats to a classy guy on a great career. Even if he missed a few Flyer infractions, it's not why the Rangers lost. For the most part, they let the players play. Philly is the more physical team and it definitely benefited the guys in black and orange. It's games like this where heart and soul guys like Ryan Callahan and Sean Avery are missed. It certainly couldn't have hurt our chances. But hey, it is what it is. You play with what you got. We've seen guys like Voros, Prust and Shelley step up along with P.A. Parenteau, who had a game to forget. It was his second penalty that led to the only Flyer goal in the third.


For 40 minutes, our goalie was a brick wall stopping everything in his path. Even a high hard labeler by Simon Gagne off the rush and a Chris Pronger halitzer with players in front. He was magnificent. Between that, you also saw more edge with Rozsival not putting up with Briere's antics near the bench. Nice to see. I've said it before and will stand by it. Rozy played with more purpose the second half. Unless you can get a good return this summer, keep him. It's Wade Redden that must go. Even if I saw him try today, he's still the weakest link. There were still a couple of instances where he got beat. Eriksson was better. How sad is that?

The Rangers maintained their one-goal lead thru two despite a 30-13 Flyer SOG edge. One of the keys was special teams. An area they excelled at Friday. However, that wasn't the case this afternoon with Parenteau's second penalty handing the Flyers a fourth power play. Even though they got through the first three, you just can't hand a skilled bunch like them four. Yeah. The interference on PA was iffy and behind the play. But that's how they call it. Meanwhile, high sticks were let go along with crosschecks with most coming from the home side. Be that as it may, Philly finally got it tied thanks to Matt Carle, who hustled to a Briere rebound and roofed a backhand over Lundqvist at 6:54. Prior to the goal, PK tandem Anisimov and Brian Boyle, who was okay in his return had a chance to clear it down. Instead, Artie tried to thread the needle to Boyle for a shorthanded bid. Trouble was the Flyers were back and quickly intercepted it and went the other way. Our guys never recovered. Sometimes, simple is better. Anisimov's mistake proved costly, allowing the hosts to tie it 1-1 with 13:06 left in regulation.

Forced to come out of their shell, the Rangers got Anisimov's line out and as usual, they had a strong shift. In fact, with under 10 minutes remaining, Shelley nearly had his second but his backhand stuff was held by Boucher. How wild would that have been? It just wasn't meant to be. I called for Olli Jokinen and Vinny Prospal to step up. Neither distinguished themselves with a Brandon Dubinsky perfect set up during a four-on-four fired over the net by Prospal with Boucher down and out. Those are the ones you have to bury. Anisimov also got an opportunity after Shelley forced a turnover but his high riser sailed over the top.

Meanwhile, the Flyers fired from everywhere with even pest Daniel Carcillo trying a couple from the right circle which went wide. Jeff Carter also got some great chances but was thwarted time and again by Lundqvist, including late in the second. Lundqvist also robbed Simon Gagne with his team still up with the attacking Flyer finisher narrowly missing a putback which caused the red light to go on. It was that sorta chaos all game for our poor goalie. In the third, he turned aside 14 of 15 shots with only Carle's power play goal rebound beating him.

The overtime was dreadful. It had to be by far the worst four-on-four ever. Neither team went for it, almost resigned to the gimmick. In fact, the only quality chance belonged to the Blueshirts when Erik Christensen managed to slip a puck to Gaborik, who cut in from the left side but his low shot was kicked out by Boucher late in OT. Each team had two shots before the dreaded shootout decided a playoff spot. The worst case scenario. A total embarrassment. I don't even care that we lost because getting in that way is for sissys. Besides, I have been consistent in not wanting this team to make it due to Jazzy Jim, who had his minions repeatedly send letters begging us to pay 68 a pop for the first round. It's exactly why rooting for this team is so tough. We will always support the players. But the gross mismanagement by Dolan and butt buddy Sather has infuriated the fanbase. The continued increase for a team that even if they'd made it is shameless because it would've taken a miracle for them to beat the Caps. That's why I can't be that upset. Had we won, the only salvation would've been ending the Flyers' season.

As for the skill comp, Briere came in and beat Lundqvist in Round One with a nice forehand deke to give the Flyers a 1-0 lead. After Boucher denied Christensen, Henrik snuffed out Richards giving Parenteau a chance to redeem himself. He did by sneaking one off Boucher's stick upstairs tying it 1-1 at the end of two rounds. But Giroux came in with speed before stopping and surprising Lundqvist five-hole to put all the pressure on Jokinen. It was one Henrik probably should've had but what can you do? Jokinen, who's been a waste went to his forehand backhand trying for Boucher's five-hole but the Flyer goalie wasn't biting, easily turning it aside before pumping his fists and being mobbed by excited teammates.

While Philly celebrated, a bunch of disappointed and angry Rangers including Lundqvist and Jokinen slamming their sticks skated off with their heads down. Who could blame them? It was a garbage way to decide the final playoff spot. But that's the breaks. Bottom line. They didn't play good enough. For the first time since the Dark Ages pre-lockout, it will be a long summer for the organization. There should be a lot of soul searching. Especially with how they ran the operation off the ice, disrespecting one of the most loyal fanbases in the league. At least we won't have to hear Joe Micheletti, Don LaGreca or Al Trautwig or John Giannone spin anymore.

It was a long and frustrating season for Ranger fans. I made a lot of new friends in the Twitter Universe and saw how much passion they had. This team has a way of ripping your heart(s) out. I'm not feeling that way but know a lot of others are. There will be a lot of quick reaction with some of it overreaction on what must happen. To my favorite fans in the world, take a breath. Go outside to a park or beach. Look around and see what's out there. Would they have realistically beaten the Caps? Come on. This is for the best.

A final thought on 2009-10. For over a dozen years, I've had the privilege of being able to go watch our heroes at MSG. Even if it has morphed into Mediocre Square, it's always been fun. From my very first game- an OT win over Detroit on my birthday to Gretzky's last one to Rozsival's triple OT blast in our biggest series this decade to Messier, Richter, Leetch, Graves, Howell and Bathgate, it's always been the same. A blast with some of the best fans who make it fun no matter what. I've been lucky to have such a great Dad and be able to sit next to him for games with my brother and Mike there as well. We've met a lot of great people in Sec.411 including legendary Anthony who holds court with Steve Somers and was there in enemy territory today. He'll be a father soon. Congrats! I can't say enough about our section and the Garden Faithful. Ya 'll rock. I'm not sure if I'll be back. Thanks for the memories.


BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Brian Boucher, Phi (24 saves incl.19/19 in 2nd and 3rd, 2/3 in shootout to get Flyers in playoffs)
2nd Star-Jody Shelley, NYR (2nd as Ranger-1st time in career scored in consecutive games)
1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (season high 46 saves incl.18/18 in 1st and 30/30 thru 2)

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.

Rangers respond to Fly into showdown

Twenty-four hours later, everything was alright. At least that's what a resounding 5-1 rout of the lowly Leafs did for the Rangers, who are very much alive depending on what Boston does versus Northeast rival Buffalo tonight. Indeed, the same Sabres who put a fifth consecutive postseason in jeopardy can help John Tortorella's club, who'll be watching closely to see if a team that clinched the division will give the effort. They are still fighting for second, trailing the Devils by a point with a regular season finale Sunday.

While that takes place in Beantown where the Yanks came back to take two of three from the Red Sox to kickoff the baseball season, all the Blueshirts can do is prepare for the first of the crucial home-and-home with the hated Flyers. It's all on the line. Fate is in their hands. Now, we find out if Tort's bunch can come through. In what's been a challenging season, it's hard to predict what will happen. Is this team good enough to win it's last three, including two straight over a bitter rival with the final verdict if they make it Sunday in Philly? Expect the unexpected.

A day removed from getting exposed as Henrik Lundqvist termed it after getting the hook, the Rangers made quick work of a Toronto club that looks like its tanking. Too bad the Bruins own their pick. Over their last three games including the latest debacle, they've managed only two goals while allowing nine to the trio competing for the final two spots, assuming Montreal gets one point. They play Carolina today.

As for the Rangers, they wasted no time scoring on the first shift 21 seconds in when Erik Christensen responded to Tortorella's challenge by banging home a Brandon Dubinsky feed in front for the first of two on the night. They'd tack on two more in the first but it easily could've been six or seven. If not for Jonas Gustavsson who played well despite an onslaught that saw him give up five on 32 shots, it would've been embarrassing. The Maple Leafs gave zero effort. With the exception of former Ranger Colton Orr instigating a fight versus Jody Shelley dating back to last season, it looked like Brian Burke's guys who have the second worst record mailed it in. Some of the Ranger chances that followed bordered on absurd. The Monster made some great saves, robbing Marc Staal point blank along with a few other close calls.
Another opportunity just missed on a good power play.

Eventually in a period they registered 18 of 32 shots for the game, the Garden hosts tripled their lead when Vinny Prospal and Christensen struck 30 seconds apart. First, Michal Rozsival took a Mike Del Zotto pass behind his net and sprung Olli Jokinen for a breakaway. Gustavsson made the initial save on Jokinen's backhand five-hole attempt but the rebound was slammed home by Prospal, who matched his jersey number becoming the second Ranger to hit 20. Marian Gaborik leads them with 41. As fans were celebrating, Christensen notched his second by converting a similar move off a Gaborik set up. It was Gabby's 84th point of the season, setting a new career high. Brandon Dubinsky netted a secondary helper after forcing a turnover in the neutral zone. He assisted on a pair of goals, establishing a new career best with 43 points (19-24-43 in 67 GP).

After kind of a down second which Wade Redden noted though each netminder shined to keep the clubs off the scoreboard, the Leafs finally made it interesting when there was a Dion Phaneuf sighting. The big defenseman who they acquired from Calgary finally scored his first goal in Toronto colors to cut it to 3-1 with still 11:51 left. On a strong shift, a Phaneuf shot shattered Artem Anisimov's stick resulting in the Rangers scrambling basically a man short. Eventually, Carl Gunnarsson and John Mitchell combined to work the puck to Phaneuf, who fired a halitzer from the right point past Lundqvist breaking the shutout.

With Toronto suddenly alive, the Blueshirts replied in timely fashion thanks to Jokinen, who's looked alive the past few games since being put with Prospal and P.A. Parenteau. The trio were all in on the Jokester's fourth as a Ranger. Parenteau and Prospal set up the wide open Finn, whose one-time slapshot blast went off Gustavsson's glove and in. A jovial Jokinen raised his arms in triumph. And for once, he deserved it finishing with a goal and assist along with a game high eight shots. The second time in five games he had at least two points. If only the headcase was more consistent.

Earlier with the rout on, I told my Dad I wanted Aaron Voros to pop one along with Shelley. Okay. So, I was pushing it. Low and behold, here came Voros flying off the bench while Anisimov and Brandon Prust dominated down low. It was new fan favorite Prust who made a perfect pass to a streaking Voros in the slot and he did the rest, wiring one for his third of the season. Afterwards, he emphatically slammed his stick against the glass getting deserved congrats from excited teammates. As much as I criticized him last year which more had to do with the length of the contract than anything is as much as I've become a big fan of Voros34. The guy has been all heart this year. The goal was his second in four and fourth point in the last five. For the season, he's played in 39 games with three goals and four assists while supplying a spark whenever his number's been called. That deserves respect. Very appropriate that Voros finished it off in style.

Lundqvist bounced back as usual, finishing with 26 saves for win No.34 (176th career). What a great attitude he has. Now, he must give the Blueshirts the decided edge they should have versus Brian Boucher tomorrow and Sunday. Even more, the guys in front of him must play winning hockey. They do that and they're in good shape. Not bad for a dead team.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Vinny Prospal, NYR (20th of season, assist, SOG, +2 in 16:15)
2nd Star-Olli Jokinen, NYR (goal, assist, 8 SOG, +2 in 13:30)
1st Star-Erik Christensen, NYR (2 goals-7, 8, 5 SOG, +2 in 16:48)

Super first real statement

Super and this team don't usually go hand in hand. But you have to tip your cap at what the Rangers were able to do against an invisible opponent in Tampa. At least for 20 minutes, they thoroughly dominated the Lightning, outscoring them 4-zip.
The four-goal barrage was started by constant Brandon Prust who's quickly evolving into a fan favorite. Just his play alone merits the trade with Calgary a success. Since Tort moved Artem Anisimov to the fourth line with Prust and Jody Shelley, who also has played well lately suddenly the Ranger fourth line is effective. On the game's opening tally, a big hit by Shelley led to a turnover in the corner and then Prust came out with the puck and stuffed home his own rebound past Mike Smith to set the tone. Just 25 seconds later, ever improving Marc Staal lit the lamp again for two nil. With a punchless Tampa club going through the motions, former Bolt Vinny Prospal notched his 19th when his backhand went off a Tampa defenseman and in. The exclamation point on the statement period was Brandon Dubinsky scoring a power play goal when his low shot caromed off poor Kurt Foster who was too late with his stick sealing Dubi's career best 19th.

Amazingly, the Rangers only led in shots 7-6 but had the puck plenty and controlled the tempo. Tort also deployed Staal and Dan Girardi against the dangerous scoring line of Martin St. Louis, Steven Stamkos and Steve Downie. Thus far, the trio is without a shot all minuses. Can our club keep it up or will their be a mental lapse? One thing's for sure. Henrik Lundqvist could've spent the first at a beach. We'll see if it continues.

In one game they have an eye on, the Canadiens lead the Flyers 1-0 late in the second. What the Blueshirts hope for is one team wins in regulation, preventing the dreaded three-point game. Second underway. More later!

Rangers awaken in time to edge Islanders

If tonight wasn't a microcosm of what's been a trying season, I don't know what is. The good news is the Rangers won to keep their faint playoff hopes alive. The bad is that neither the Devils nor Leafs cooperated. Notice we didn't mention Boston or Atlanta because they did what they were supposed to. Our team needed help from a loathesome rival and Brian Burke's guys north of the border. Unfortunately, the downside of Ilya Kovalchuk happened along with an ugly Toronto power play, allowing both teams ahead to hold serve. Patrice Bergeron's OT winner with 18.3 seconds left gave the B's 82 points- putting them into a three-way tie with idle Philadelphia and Montreal. Nik Antropov's 24th goal held up giving the Thrashers a 3-2 victory to move up to 80 points with five games left.

As for the Blueshirts, they awakened just in time to comeback and edge the Islanders 4-3 off the Meadowbrook. The club's third win in four (3-0-1) gives them 78 points, remaining two behind ninth Hotlanta and four out with six games to go. Boston's desperation 1-0 shutout OT triumph over New Jersey makes it less likely for John Tortorella's club to qualify for a fifth consecutive postseason. Amazingly, our post-lockout ('05-06 thru '08-09) is one of the longest active streaks, trailing the Red Wings who haven't clinched No.19 along with the Devils (lucky No.13 in a row). Calgary, who also looks like toast- has made the playoffs five straight seasons dating back to their miraculous run to the Cup Final pre-lockout. San Jose made it six. So, that puts us fifth. Correction: Per BroadwayBlue, we were tied with the Ducks. Loose translation: The Bettman dream has come true. P-A-R-I-T-Y

How to describe tonight's unpredictable/chaotic Ranger venture that allowed them to survive with their heads intact? Two words. Roller coaster. As evidenced in our prior rant, they couldn't have sucked any worse during a lifeless opening 20 minutes that were illustration A as to why this team doesn't deserve to make the playoffs. Anything they could do to foul up their situation beyond recovery, they tried. Lack of discipline. Be thy name Wade Redden leading to a fourth bench minor against your biggest rival, who of course were only too glad to cash it in via a seeing eye Mark Streit power play goal that went right past Henrik Lundqvist's glove. Lack of intensity. Allowing a much more determined Islander club hell bent on revenge to win every single battle in the uncompetitive first driving the NYR Twitter Universe mad. If only the nicolewesttts, JPLSs, NYRangerRealitys, carolena10s, howie9416s, antheias, nhenry5s snowkitten35s, EpicKaitlins played. There's only so much they can do. Instead, we watched in horror as a turnover led to Blake Comeau's marshmallow shot fooling Lundqvist. When the puck went off his pads and in off the post, it just screamed 'Classic tease.' Before the madness ended, my quick rant was up, almost daring them to wake up from the mushroom cloud they were stuck in.

Thankfully, Dwayne Roloson cooled off by permitting a Vinny Prospal stinker from a dreadful angle to give the Rangers life. Apparently, it also awoke Olli Jokinen who'd been as much of a help to our Drive For Five as Donald Brashear. The Jokester's first point since he was relevant (okay maybe not quite) got the juices flowing. And for the first time in weeks, he contributed a goal that tied it stunning everyone in the Coliseum. Even all the Ranger fans sitting near the glass had to be in a drunken daze wondering if they'd really witnessed it. He took full advantage of Kyle Okposo breaking his stick, stripping him of the puck before whizzing one upstairs for an unassisted tally.

By that point, the Islanders already blew their opportunity to take command of the game, severely misfiring on a two-man advantage following a brutal Brandon Prust hit from behind on John Tavares. Somehow, it was called just two for cross checking. In our view, it easily could've been five and a game. How they saw fit to call only a minor is beyond me. JT91 had no protection and could've gotten seriously hurt. But because he was able to get up and skate on his own power, a bush league call. Still, the Isles didn't do anything worth a dime with it and it wound up costing them the game. In fact, after outshooting their hated rival 9-4 over a dominant first, they were outshot 15-6 and outscored 3-zip in a dismal second that had to drive Scott Gordon nuts. For everything his club did right early, they reversed. Unable to convert on a couple of odd-man rushes, they watched Jokinen tie it and then left Marian Gaborik wide open for his 40th with 2:45 remaining, putting the guests ahead for good. Chris Drury outhustled an Islander to a loose puck behind the net and Aaron Voros centered it to Gaborik who snapped one through Roloson's wickets.

Gaborik's fourtieth is the second time in three seasons he's hit 40, also doing so in a healthy '07-08 with the Wild in which he established career highs in goals (42), assists (41) and points (83). In Game 70 for the Rangers, he became the 17th player in franchise history to score 40 and first since Jaromir Jagr's club record 54 in '05-06. Even with some of the slumps the Great Gabby's hit on an otherwise offensive starved team, Year One has been pretty good. The goal was his 80th point of the season. He needs three points to match a career best and four in the final half dozen to surpass it. He also played in almost every Olympic game for Slovakia scoring a few more while being hobbled. Not bad for a guy whose durability was severely questioned. The Rangers are going to need more from him if they're to have any chance.

Before the period's conclusion, Trevor Gillies took an ill advised roughing minor on Prust. After initially throwing him down post-whistle and then playing innocent, he twice went after Prust along the boards including a silly punch with his glove on, forcing the refs to call it. I think he saw the ice just once more. A late Islander shot a split second after the buzzer led to pushing and shoving from both sides involving P.A. Parenteau and Okposo. Playing his second game since a recall for injured Sean Avery, Parenteau again was effective in a scoring role for Tortorella. He later set up Marc Staal's decider. Michal Rozsival started it with a solid defensive play in his end before making a perfect outlet to Parenteau, who then cut and dished for Prospal leading to a two-on-one. He quickly moved the puck to an on-rushing Marc Staal, who caught Roloson moving with a quick low wrister that extended to 4-2 with less than 15 minutes left. Staal's sixth was his first since 1/19, ending a 25-game drought. The third-year blueliner was steady along with Rozsival with each logging big minutes throughout.

With nothing going on, the Islanders finally made it interesting when another odd Comeau offering went right past Lundqvist for his third multi-goal game in six weeks. He also had a hat trick on 3/2 vs Chicago and a pair on Valentine's Day vs Ottawa. No question the third-year forward's evolving into a solid player for the Isles. They have to be pleased with what they've gotten from the former '04 second rounder who improved to a career high 14 goals and 30 points tonight. Sean Bergenheim added an assist as did Mark Flood, who recorded his first NHL point. Congrats.

Unfortunately for the home club, Comeau's second of the night which made it 4-3 with still 6:33 remaining was as close as they got. To Lundqvist's credit, he steadied following the poor first turning aside 18 of the last 19- finishing with 25 saves en route to his 31st win. The 3/25 victory over who else but Martin Brodeur and Co. allowed him to make NHL history, becoming the first goalie ever to win 30-or-more in his first five seasons. Even if gimmick induced, major props to Henrik for being the one rock we got. I get on him a lot but he's been essentially naked this season and is poised to finish with the second highest save percentage of his career. No small task.

The Islanders pulled Roloson late but never really threatened as the Blueshirts did a good job in their end, getting a nice clear from Prust who must've had a laugh afterwards due to the Islanders' failure to stick up for Tavares. Inexcusable if you're an Islander fan. For the Rangers, they at least remembered there was a game and saved themselves from humiliation and virtual elimination. But with the teams in front of them four clear and Atlanta showing no indications of collapsing, it looks like they might have to win out. Does even the most homeristic Ranger fan actually believe they can do that?

For now, they'll continue the six-game road swing to Florida with the next one at the Lightning Friday and then to Florida the following day. In desperation mode, they finished March with a 6-5-3 record.
M-E-D-I-O-C-R-I-T-Y.


BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Michal Rozsival, NYR (4 hits, 3 blocked shots, +1 in 27:51)
2nd Star-Blake Comeau, NYI (2 goals-career best 14, 4 SOG, +1 in 17:45)
1st Star-Vinny Prospal, NYR (18th of season, assist, 3 SOG, +3 in 20:28)

On Road To B'ruin

If one were to grade the Rangers' performance in a must win versus a mediocre Bruin team that's hanging on, it would be an F. Once again, they flunked out this time by a score of 2-1 in Beantown. Once, this Original 6 match-up was great with plenty of fanfare. Not anymore. After 20 sloppy minutes, NBC execs had to be shaking their heads in disgust. It had about as much appeal as watching paint dry.

What does it say about this league when this is what you get for the final spot? At least Boston has an excuse. What's the Rangers? Don't answer that. Credit the Bruins for doing what they had to in getting a badly needed win even if it was only their second at TD Northbank since the Winter Classic. Coming off a disgraceful performance in the Matt Cooke game which even drew the ire of Cam Neely, the B's were hungrier winning every battle. They finished every check and forced our Hostess Twinkies lineup into more turnovers than at the bakery I just ordered my Dad's birthday cake from.

Miserable and lifeless would be a good way to describe our heroes, who did their best Invisible Man act in what Garden shill Don LaGreca described as the "biggest game in over 10 years." Apparently, the so-called ESPN 1050 pregame host must've conveniently forgotten Game Five EC Semis at Buffalo 2007. Embarrassing. How much can you insult our intelligence? The Jagr Era at least produced two exciting first round wins, including the five-game revenge that drove the Devils and Marty into early tee times. Say what you will about Tom Renney but those teams cared. The Post No.68 Error has been a disaster. We're not advocating bringing him back as it would probably turn into Messier II. The day Savior cut ties with JJ, that was the end. Back to the Dark Ages of teasing the Garden Faithful.

How hard has it been? Watching this team has turned into a chore. Just like it used to be. A sad tale that's been rearing its ugly head from the ashes as this season's gone on. As we've openly stated in this space, more and more fans aren't opposed to seeing this team go in the tank for a better draft pick. If only Jazzy Jim gave a damn instead of pushing this bogus 3D M$G Extravaganza Wednesday against the Islanders, charging 20 more dollars to con more suckers. Anything to screw over a way too loyal fanbase that will continue to shrink next Fall as more season tix aren't renewed.

Updating my situation, unless something drastically changes this summer, I'm not returning. I've had enough. I'll save my family money and myself some as well since I always donate to the cause. A lost one. I don't see it getting any better next year. Mark it down. 3/21/10 at 6:36 ET. Derek Felix of Battle Of New York guarantees the Rangers miss the playoffs again, finishing even lower. The worst aspect is nothing will even change. Business will go on as usual as if everything's right. M-E-D-I-O-C-R-I-T-Y. Dolan Vision.

While many guys wearing our colors didn't bother to show- a list which is too long for me to bother with- Henrik Lundqvist did everything possible to give his teammates a chance. He made plenty of strong stops keeping it scoreless for more than half the contest, including stoning Daniel Paille's penalty shot following an undisciplined Artem Anisimov wrap job. I've been one of his defenders all year because it's unrealistic to expect him to light it up in Year 1. But there's too many instances where he struggles. The skill is there for the lanky 21 year-old Russian but he needs to seriously bulk up so that he has more of a role next go round.

The Rangers had opportunities thanks to a few ill advised Boston penalties, including an unnecessary Zdeno Chara hi-sticking double minor. Four minutes with their best player off the ice. Leave it to the Booshirts to botch the entire thing, not even registering a shot on Tuukka Rask. I've echoed it many times but you just can't make this stuff up.

When the Bruins stayed out of the box, they were the aggressor banging bodies and generating more off the attack, forcing Lundqvist to be really good. It remained scoreless until another sad reality took place where our boys actually turned immortal Andrew Ference into Bobby Orr- allowing him to set up washed up Miro Satan for the game's first goal with 3:47 left in the second. In a pathetic display, they all went to Ference, who was on a bad angle along the left wall with both Marc Staal and Michal Rozsival forgetting completely about Satan, who snuck in for the easiest goal he's ever scored and relevancy. Unbelievable. That same player who Pierre McGuire trashed accidentally banged into one of our guys for a lazy interference minor with 26.5 seconds left.

Leave it to Olli Jokinen to take a selfish rough before the buzzer, ending a power play in which they wouldn't have scored anyway. Speaking of the Jokester, he is garbage. He has been invisible in these games and hasn't scored since 2/12. Ser---ious---ly. To think I actually thought he'd be important to Calgary this year. What an absolute waste. He took one shot and was in the box three different times. Great job! No wonder the Flames took Chris Higgins and Ally.

Trailing by one, the Rangers had maybe one or two chances to draw even with Rask stifling Marian Gaborik and Sean Avery ringing one off the post. They just didn't create much. Losing Ryan Callahan for the third didn't help. On one shift late in the second, he out-hustled Chara to negate an icing but took a hit, skating off awkwardly. It's being termed a "lower body" injury.

During first intermission, McGuire and Mike Milbury alluded to how much pressure's on Lundqvist to be perfect. He finally succumbed to the pressure permitting Dennis Wideman's backhand from the slot that made it 2-0 with less than 10 minutes left. On the play, the aforementioned Jokinen over skated leaving Wideman vacated where he took a Vladimir Sobotka pass and fooled Henrik for his fourth. Milan Lucic added a helper. Game. Set. Match. So what if Mike Del Zotto got his eighth when his point shot deflected off Lucic to foil Rask's shutout bid with 3:04 to go. The Rangers weren't coming back because they're incapable.

“Sure, this was a team that we’re chasing and we needed those points,” a dejected Vinny Prospal said. “It’s a big loss for us, but, on the other hand, we can’t just say it’s over.”

I'll say it for you. Season over. On the road to B'ruin.


BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Dennis Wideman, Bos (GW w/9:40 left in 3rd, 3 SOG, +1 in 17:24)
2nd Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (29 saves, falls to 28-26-8 w/2.46 GAA, .918 Save .Pct)
1st Star-Tuukka Rask, Bos (23 saves for 17th win in rookie year)

Big second rallies Rangers past Bolts

No Gaborik. No Del Zotto. No problem. In what amounted to a pivotal game before the Olympic Break, the Rangers made their Valentine's Day extra sweet by rallying back to defeat the Bolts 5-2 at The Garden this afternoon. A big second period proved to be the difference in their second consecutive win that moved them into 10th with 63 points, tying Tampa Bay who by virtue of one less game played, is ninth a point behind Montreal.

Following up a great character win in which they lost both Gaborik and Del Zotto with a rare victory on home ice was exactly the recipe. With their next game not till March 2 at Ottawa, the Rangers showed more fight in rebounding from a tough first by exploding for four goals in the second en route to their 28th win of the season. Erik Christensen scored twice and set up another to break out of a slump that saw him enter with only three points (all assists) over the past 14 contests.  The three points matched a career best that came against Boston on Mar.29, 2007, which coincidentally was his last multi-goal game. Nice to see the versatile waiver bargain get rewarded.

"I think it's been a steady climb since I got here," he said after also just missing his first career hat trick when a shot rang off the right post. "I was unsure of myself when I first got here, trying to keep my head down. I didn't know what to expect. Management had been working with me to become a more confident person, and a more confident player."

Christensen atoned for an undisciplined minor that negated a power play midway through the opening 20, stemming the tide. Both clubs came out playing tight defensive hockey with few shots. Following a Zenon Konopka-Aaron Voros scrap, the Rangers blew consecutive man-advantages with Christensen negating the second with a trip. Eventually, the Lightning capitalized on an abbreviated five-on-four when dangerous finisher Steven Stamkos sent a left point shot that changed direction off a sliding Ryan Callahan, fooling Henrik Lundqvist for the game's first goal. After a brief encounter between Matt Walker and Brandon Prust, Tampa kept it going with sustained pressure that led to Steve Downie deflecting home another Stamkos shot for a 2-0 margin 1:40 apart. Alex Tanguay added a secondary assist.

In a two-goal hole minus two top players, the Blueshirts came out flying during a huge middle stanza that saw them connect four times on 10 shots. It started early thanks to an unlikely player doing an unlikely thing. Sean Avery converted a penalty shot just 100 seconds in injecting life on the bench and the building. The oddity took place when off a Downie turnover inside his blueline, Artem Anisimov slipped a pass for Avery, who was hauled down from behind. Thinking penalty shot, he pointed to center ice and then was properly awarded the opportunity. What came next was more shocking with Avery coming in with the puck and going way wide to the left before snapping one past Smith from a tough angle for his seventh of the season. For a guy who hasn't scored much, it was a revelation. The goal was sweet, eerily reminding us of a No.11 that hangs from the rafters. Ser---iou---sly.

"Avery's shot was a great move and a big goal for us," Lundqvist expressed. "I challenged him a couple of times in practice and told him he would never do that move in a game. It was awesome."

Many instances this season, the Rangers have gotten scored on before a goal was announced, sucking the air out of MSG. It nearly reared its ugly head again. Out of all people, Nate Thompson who scored yesterday in a loss to his former team the Islanders, had a glorious chance to make it 3-1. Instead, a sliding Lundqvist stretched over to rob Thompson's point blank backhand, getting the glove out in the nick of time. Before they drew even, the rating Swedish gold medalist who'll hop on a plane with Team USA duo Callahan and Chris Drury stoned Martin St. Louis during a four-on-four. A Dan Girardi turnover led to a two-on-one with Victor Hedman backhanding one across for St. Louis, who was denied by Lundqvist. He kicked it out. With the crowd serenading the popular netminder with familiar "Hen---rik, Hen---rik," chants, the Blueshirts came the other way three-on-two with Christensen and Marc Staal setting up Vinny Prospal in the slot for the equalizer. It was his fifth goal in five games. With an assist later, he went into the break with eight points over that stretch.

Carrying momentum, the Rangers didn't let up. Using a relentless forecheck, they tilted the ice spending extended time in the Bolts' end. One sequence eventually led to Christensen's first of the day. Off some strong defensive work, they worked the puck to an open Michal Rozsival, whose point blast went just wide. But they recovered it and cycled back to Rozsival, who dished to Prospal. Feeling like a power play, he quickly moved it to an isolated Christensen who came out of the right corner and fired thru Smith's five-hole for the lead at 12:06. He wasn't done. On the next shift, an excellent read led to a breakaway. After stealing the puck from Martin St. Louis, he broke away and netted his fourth as a Ranger 1:46 later. Evolving into a three-on-one, the quick skating Christensen felt backcheck pressure and fired upstairs from the right circle for an unassisted tally, suddenly making it 4-2.

Despite being outshot 13-10, the Rangers had superior skill and goaltending. They also played sound two-way hockey, paying attention to every little detail transitioning for offense. As Dave Malonely noted, a page out of the Tom Renney book. Not a bad thing against an offensive-minded Tampa team that was victimized in its end.

A couple of days after standing up to the whiny Crosby Pens, the Rangers didn't back off at any point against a Lightning club that also has quite a few grinders. We already referenced the two fights with Konopka and Walker dropping the gloves against Voros and Prust. Their roster also features Colton Orr victim Todd Fedoruk, who exchanged pleasantries with Avery between benches. Thompson is no stranger to fighting and even slumping Ryan Malone (assist) can scrap. With our lineup more bulked up featuring newest Ranger Jody Shelley (8 shifts-2:51), who debuted donning his trademark No.45, the rough stuff shouldn't be an issue anymore. Not surprisingly, Shelley and Konopka had words following a shift but nothing materialized. A frustrated Downie tried to stir it up at the end of the second with he and Avery each getting matching roughs.

Perhaps that rubbed off on our D with Rozsival finishing every check and pushing guys away from the net while partner Staal had a strong game finishing plus-three. Even Wade Redden played with more edge. Emergency recall Corey Potter (21 shifts-15:37, 2 hits) was fine and Matt Gilroy sufficient.

Echoing Prospal's words about the well earned triumph Thursday, the Rangers finished the job with a workman like third. Out of Tampa's nine offerings, only a couple were dangerous with Lundqvist making a couple of tricky saves off redirects, including one from Downie. Other than two weird goals, he was superb turning aside the last 22 to shut the door. Exactly what they needed and must continue when the season resumes with 20 games left. The guys in blue, red and white also were disciplined, handing the Bolts only three power plays. In the win over Pitt, they permitted two.

Avery came close to scoring his second with Smith just getting a piece of a right circle shot against the grain. It didn't matter. When Drury sealed it with an empty netter for his 10th, it was the vet's 250th goal and 600th career point, getting congrats from an excited bench. Fitting for a guy who's played better with more important games coming for our country in Vancouver. Hopefully, he can help Team USA surprise many and continue the upswing down the stretch.

Notes: Enver Lisin was a healthy scratch again. ... Prospal-Christensen-Callahan were a combined plus-nine. ... Smith permitted four goals on 22 shots. ... Vincent Lecavalier was held off the scoresheet with just one shot and a minus-two rating. ...Only five Rangers didn't register hits (Callahan-5). Callahan also had four takeaways. ... Rangers blocked 15 shots to Tampa's eight with five players all getting in the path of two, including Anisimov, who made a key block during Bolts' power play in third.

... Having played 62 games, the Rangers are 28-27-7 with 63 points sitting in 10th a point behind the Habs. They visit Ottawa 3/2 and return home to host Pittsburgh 3/4 during a tough four in six day stretch that includes a visit to Washington and a second of back-to-back versus Buffalo at MSG.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Sean Avery, NYR (PS goal-7th of season, 4 SOG, 3 hits in 17 shifts-13:38)
2nd Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (27 saves incl. final 22 for 25th win of season-3rd in 4)
1st Star-Erik Christensen, NYR (2 goals incl. GW, assist, 2 takeaways, hit, +3 in 20:42)