Bye Bye Redden

The Wade Redden Era Error is mercifully over. It came to an end today when the Rangers waived the former All-Star defenseman. This move had been expected for a while. Though it's typical of Glen Sather to do it a couple of days after Redden's wife had a child. At least he wasn't revered like Brian Leetch.


Amazingly, Slats signed Tinman two summers ago to a six-year $39 million contract with an astronomical $6.5 million cap hit. That same day, he also re-signed Michal Rozsival for four years, $20 million- easily one of the worst days in Ranger history. Just how out of touch was Sather. He actually believed Redden was this:

"In our opinion he's the best first-passer in the game. He moves the puck up exceptionally. He's somebody that we had targeted immediately. He was our No. 1 guy on defense, as well as Rozsival."

Instead, Redden was a colossal bust, instantly becoming an MSG booing target along with Rozy who at least is still capable of contributing. In two seasons, the former Senator posted five goals and 35 assists for 40 points over 156 contests. He went 3-23-26 in Year One and just 2-12-14 in Year Two with the club missing the postseason for the first time since pre-lockout. If this is the end for him, he registered 106 goals and 344 assists totaling 450 points along with 654 penalty minutes while notching 53 power play goals (NYR-2), 21 game winners along with a solid plus-162 rating in 994 games.

Assuming he clears, the Rangers would finally be free of his hefty salary. Redden will take a few days to decide if he'll accept being designated to AHL Hartford or if he can find a new home. The question is, who'd be interested?


Just remember Garden Faithful. While you're all rejoicing that he's no longer part of the problem, the senile Team President/GM continues to haunt this club from Dolan's perch. It's why I can't get overly enthused despite what's a step in the right direction. Until the stench that is the Cuban smoking son of a gun is gone, it's awfully hard to see this team seriously challenging.

Rangers, Staal agree to 5 years, $19.875 million

They finally got it done. Just two days away from camp, Glen Sather brought back his most vital piece- re-signing top defenseman Marc Staal to a five year, $19.875 million contract. The deal averages $3.975 million, which should be a bargain for the 23 year-old former '05 first round pick who's the glue of the D.

It's a great day for Ranger fans because not only were they able to get Staal at a bargain but locked him up past free agency. Bringing back the younger brother of Eric and older sibling of Jordan was essential for the club to have any season and most importantly, for the future. Now that he's officially back, the Wade Redden watch can begin. Unless he blows away the competition, it looks like the Redden Era Error will mercifully end. Getting that $6.5 M albatross off the cap would be real nice. When it comes to this operation, don't count your chickens before they hatch.

In his first three seasons, Staal's tallied 13 goals and 39 assists for 52 points with a plus-six rating while racking up 144 penalty minutes over 244 games. Outside of missing two contests his rookie year, he's been a rock having played in 202 consecutive games including the playoffs. In '09-10, he established new career highs in goals (8), assists (19), points (27), plus/minus (11) and average ice time per game (23:07). Staal tied with partner Dan Girardi for 12th in the league among defensemen with 178 hits, trailing teammate Ryan Callahan (285) on the club. He also tied for third in blocked shots (97) with captain Chris Drury.

Most exciting is Staal's progression, going from two goals and 10 points in Year One to three goals and 15 points in Year Two to 8-19-27 in Year Three. He's not an offensive blueliner but possesses enough skating and instincts to contribute. Hopefully, we'll finally see Marc net his first power play goal while continuing to improve in all facets.

Look for the future alternate captain to become one of the franchise's leaders moving forward. A great thing for the club and for a fanbase dying for a contender.

Sauer returns

Unlike a Stone Temple Pilots hit song, there was nothing sour the other day for Mike Sauer. The last link to the Brian Leetch trade re-signed with the Rangers Thursday. The 22 year-old St. Cloud, Minnesota native was selected by the club in the 2005 second round 40th overall ahead of Paul Stastny.

For the younger brother of Kurt Sauer, injuries have been the issue. In three pro seasons spent mostly with Hartford, the defenseman's missed 50 games, including 40 in '09-10 which derailed his chances of getting another cameo on Broadway. He previously played three NHL games in 2008-09 registering two shots and posting a minus-one rating before John Tortorella overreacted to a poor second outing. Ironically, that year was his best- going 6-17-23, plus-29 with 35 penalty minutes, 2 PPG and 1 GW in 64 contests for the Wolf Pack.

Despite a strong season, Sauer was passed on the depth chart by impressive rookie Michael Del Zotto, who made the quantum leap from juniors to the NHL. Perhaps he wasn't given a fair shake due to the coach. Aside from that, the issue of Wade Redden didn't help. It looks like the Redden Era Error is about to end. Especially when you consider that the Blueshirts have already taken care of most of the blueline in re-signing Dan Girardi, signing Ryan McDonagh and adding Steve Eminger in the Aaron Voros trade to Anaheim.

With only vital anchor Marc Staal left, it's setting up to be an interesting September. While we're still six and a half weeks away from it, it's never too early to look at where the Rangers are on a D which must improve. Incumbents Michal Rozsival, Staal (once signed), Girardi and Del Zotto are all but assured of the top four. After that, it's anyone's guess as to who makes up the final three. Redden and sophomore Matt Gilroy figure to get  healthy competition from Eminger, McDonagh and Sauer. With overwhelming support for Tinman to be dumped to Hartford, the competition is welcome.

One big question remains. If Staal signs and the kids outshine Redden, does Glen Sather have the guts to finally admit his big error by designating the veteran for assignment? Only time shall tell.

The MSG Blues

Another opportunity wasted. Yet again, the Rangers couldn't take advantage of good fortune. With the hapless Bruins losing in the Matt Cooke Revenge game, our heroes failed by falling to the Blues 4-3 at MSG. Their home record is now 15-23. I don't count OT or gimmick losses. Besides, our team's stunk it up in those instances anyway, further damaging their chances of a fifth consecutive postseason.

How does a team contending for the playoffs have a losing record on home ice? Absolutely brutal. If you check history, the post-lockout Rangers always were reliable at The Garden. Now, we're back to the Dark Ages and it shows. If you can't win at one of the better venues with great support, what does it say about your franchise? There are an awful lot of adjectives I can't use to express my bitter disappointment. Thank God we sold this game and weren't there for another classic tease. A game in which the weakest link Wade Redden actually contributed by tying it. And then in the next breath, one of our better players Ryan Callahan lost his check on Paul Kariya, allowing the vet to score his 400th- further crushing Ranger hopes.

Home Ice Disadvantage: A Closer Look At NYR Post-Lockout

Year         Record at MSG    Without OT/SO Losses
'05-06      25-10-6                25-16
'06-07      21-15-5                21-20
'07-08      25-13-3                25-16

'08-09      26-11-4                26-15 
'09-10      15-17-6                15-23


The last time the Blueshirts were this inept at home, they were finishing up a 69-point season in '03-04. In fact, they won only 13 times back when ties still existed along with the dreaded four column Bettman Era Error. That team went 13-21-3-4 or in more conventional terms, 13-25-3. Coincidence?

In many ways, the way this season's winding up, it eerily reminds us of '02-03 when the Islanders gave the Rangers plenty of chances to comeback and steal the eighth spot. Instead, our hapless team 'led' by Bobby Holik finished five points behind the Isles, whose 83 were enough to lose in the first round to Ottawa. Fast forward seven years later and history is repeating itself with Boston clinging onto the final spot with 74 points. Three better than both the Blueshirts and Thrashers, who doubled up slumping Ottawa to pull into a tie for ninth. Both Beantown and Hotlanta have 12 left to our 11, underlying just how important Sunday's NBC tilt is at TD Northbank.

If only it were that simple. Tampa, who lost tonight is 11th with 68 while the Islanders, who've reeled off three in a row are tied for 12th with the Panthers just six out. Even the Hurricanes, who pulled out an overtime home win over conference leader Washington are at 66 still hanging around. Given how poorly the injury riddled Bruins and Rangers are playing, anything's possible.

That brings us to the latest bad loss for the club that resides on 33rd and 7th. They wasted an inspired effort from Marian Gaborik, who snapped out of it with his club-leading 37th goal while setting up the other two Ranger tallies. Talking head John Tortorella came to his senses and put Erik Christensen back with the Great Gabby while finally demoting lifeless Olli Jokinen to the third line. While the change netted positive results, the team still found a way to lose despite out-shooting St. Louis 29-16.

Unfortunately, Henrik Lundqvist wasn't at the top of his game, permitting a couple he'd like back, including the mystifying unscreened Erik Johnson shot from the right point that left the normally affable 28 year-old Swede waving his arms in disgust. Even if you want to get on Chris Drury for not clearing the puck, it was still inexplicable. Four goals on 16 shots is inexcusable for one of the game's better netminders. He struggled in spurts, letting out bad rebounds off routine shots. This is one of my pet peeves. I can't classify Henrik as elite because he still has areas which need fixing, starting with positioning. He plays too far back. A more aggressive goalie cuts off the angles. Aside from that, the conservative approach makes him vulnerable on breakaways. Something we've seen this season. Everyone knows you can pick high glove. It's the other areas he should focus on with Benoit Allaire during the offseason.

It's not Lundqvist's fault the team is so poorly constructed. Speaking of which, did Matt Gilroy (8:52 TOI) see the ice in the third period? Here we are in Game 70 and the coach doesn't even have enough confidence to play the Hobey winner. What's that thing again about Hobey jinxes? Never mind. Where they lost this one was during the first three critical minutes, failing miserably on an extended five-on-three. So out of sync were they that even blatant homer Joe Micheletti critiqued it by basically saying, 'This is the worst 5-on-3 I've seen.' You know it's bad when such a rare moment happens on Jazzy Jim's Don't Worry Be Happy Network.

Despite not converting with neither point men Gaborik or the Jokester even considering a shot, the Rangers managed to get it tied when an even rarer sight took place in the form of a Redden goal. The play was made possible by Gaborik and Brandon Dubinsky, who Tort stuck out. In this stretch, Dubi's played the best hockey of his career. He won the board battle, freeing the puck to Gabby with the puck eventually coming back to an open Redden, who blasted home his second of the season to loud cheers- snapping a 57-game drought. Hell. He even helped set up Gaborik's 37th back in the first. So, on a night they got three points from their superstar and two from the worst player, they still invented a new way to lose.

One thing we've seen too much of is that this team can't sustain it. How many times have they tied a game just to see an opponent come right back, breaking our hearts? Same losing characteristics the pre-lockout teams had. And coached by the self-proclaimed genius who walks on water and never is accountable. At least Tom Renney always took the blame. The Blues' winner came 73 seconds later with Kariya finishing off a nice play that David Backes and T.J. Oshie combined on. With Jody Shelley making a poor change, Kariya took him off the puck and then made a bee line for the net escaping Callahan while Oshie set him up for the milestone. Congrats to a classy player who would've been a Hall Of Fame lock if not for injuries.


Can anyone please explain to me how it's possible that Shelley overstayed his shift? What was he even doing out there?!?!?!?!?! Hey. This is the same coach who had the audacity to stick out two-thirds of the fourth line in the final shift after Dubinsky tied the Buffalo game, which they predictably lost in overtime 2-1 on 3/7. You gotta be kidding me.

To their credit, the Blueshirts tried everything to get this one tied but couldn't beat backup Ty Conklin. Ser---ious--ly. They couldn't beat the freaking second string goalie, who made 26 saves. In a heated playoff race that's there for the taking, swept by the Blues. There are no words.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Paul Kariya, Stl (game-winner with 11:36 left-400th career goal)
2nd Star-Erik Johnson, Stl (PPG, 4 PIM, SOG, 2 hits in 17:35)
1st Star-Marian Gaborik, NYR (club-leading 37th plus 2 assists, 3 SOG, +1 in 24:09)

Pic of Day: It's A Rozsival PPG

Yesterday's big 3-1 home win over the Flyers was one of the best games this version of the Rangers has played. Their shortcomings have been well documented. For once at least, the guys wearing the Blueshirt logo wore the jersey with pride, outplaying a bitter rival by a country mile. While much of the focus centered around the kinda game Sean Avery had following a seat in the press box, John Tortorella's club stood up to the Broad Street Bullies highlighted by Brandon Dubinsky KO-ing Philly captain Mike Richards. That in itself was something to behold as Richards certainly is honorable. Thanks to the tutelage from former enforcer Colton Orr, Dubi has come a long way.

Even if we didn't go having sold the game a while back, it was nice to see our guys winning every battle while limiting the Flyers to just 18 shots. Yes, they actually made Henrik Lundqvist's day easier with him only required to come up with a couple of large stops including a stone job on Jersey kid James Van Riemsdyk after a minor miracle took place.

Michal Rozsival scored a power play goal. No. Jaromir Jagr didn't return from Russia. Not long ago, it wasn't uncommon to see Rozy contribute offensively using his big one-timer. For as miserable as he was the first three months, the elder statesman has steadied since. He's been more involved in all facets with the familiar nice outlets springing teammates and even more engaged defensively. Granted. He's still prone to mistakes like Atlanta's second goal the other night. However, if you're not judging with bias, the Czech's played with more purpose. On one shift Sunday, he shoved Flyer clown Scott Hartnell down repeatedly. Something that's been happening more frequently. It was nice to see him get rewarded offensively, ripping an Erik Christensen feed off the bar and in. So, without even more discussion since I never got around to a recap, here's the rare sight that saw Rozy congratulated by teammates:

While you let that sink in, a couple of strong quotes from the soft spoken '05-06 mainstay:

"It’s a great feeling to contribute offensively. It’s not something I’ve done so much this year, but I felt that I was open and I got a great pass from Christensen and I just shot it. The main thing is that there was a great screen in front of the net.”

Say what you will about his contract which is our GM's fault but the guy logs important minutes on our blueline without fanfare while being a good teammate. Maybe I'm more forgiving than most but I seem to recall the Rangers taking a waiver on the former Pen post-lockout and he evolved into one of our more valuable players. When push comes to shove, he and former whipping boy Marek Malik weren't that bad. I'd much rather have Big Bird than main culprit Wade Redden. None of this justifies Rozsival's salary ($5 M) which the club is still on the books another two years. The main issue aside from cost is that he's asked to be a top 2-3. If our D was stronger, Rozy as a 4-5 would be much better, speaking to the real problem. Marc Staal is by far the team's best with Dan Girardi and Rozsival taking turns as the second. For a change, all three had strong games with DG chipping in a helper and a few blocked shots. Until rookie Mike Del Zotto matures, it's a work in progress. Whether Girardi's a part of it all depends on what the club chooses to do with upcoming RFA.

One can't illustrate how much Tortorella leans on the top four due to Redden and Matt Gilroy's struggles. Never has a bottom pair more negatively impacted a team's defense. Both are soft. We can no longer give Hobey a free pass. He's a few years older than Del Zotto. If he doesn't show improvement next year, then the $1.659 M they're paying him is a colossal failure that's kept Corey Potter and Bobby Sanguinetti buried in Hartford. Both are cheaper and deserve a chance. Especially Potter, who's done nothing wrong whenever recalled the past year-plus. Furthermore, what was the point of signing Ilkka Heikkinen if he's not going to play? Simply amazing.

I didn't plan to turn this into a rant about our entire D but it just manifested itself. Kudos to Rozy for sticking with it!

Fire Sather Rally Day

The moment has finally arrived. Well, not the one we really dream of. You know. No more Dolanvi$ion milking '94 for all its worth while handing out cushy jobs to Rangers alumni to celebrate the past. Ahh. But I digress.

Today, you can be part of the first ever organized Fire Sather Rally. At 5 PM this afternoon on the East side of 7th Avenue between 31st and 32nd, many Ranger fans will come together for a worthy cause. One which probably won't ever come to fruition due to Jazzy Jim's mancrush for a senile GM who rode the coat tails of Gretzky and Messier. One who once stated that if he ran this franchise with unlimited cash, he'd win a Cup. Well, a decade later the Slats Era Error has been to the postseason four times advancing past Round One twice.

At the moment, there are 1,230 confirmed for today's extravaganza on a wonderful March Sunday afternoon in NYC. This is for the arrogance of a man that disrespects the jersey. Especially the loyal Garden Faithful. A man who destroyed our cap thanks to actually still believing Wade "Tinman" Redden was good. Tragically, he probably still does. The Michal Rozsival contract doesn't help. Neither did overpaying for Chris Drury. While it's easy to site more Sather fallacies, the biggest of all was the ultimate disrespect he showed Brian Leetch, not even having the guts to ask him before trading No.2, who'll always be No.1 in our Blue hearts. This is what you get from someone who thinks he invented hockey.

In two hours, the protest will get underway. Full credit to Mike Zippo for orchestrating this monstrosity. As a long-time Ranger fan, I ask that we all behave properly. Mr. Zippo has encouraged us to keep it clean/respectable. I echo those sentiments. Let's show everyone what makes New Yorkers so special. Be loud but be smart. And have fun.

Three In A Row

Last night, amidst MB30 breaking the shutout record in Pitt, Henrik Lundqvist had a pretty stellar performance along with his team in Raleigh, posting a 3-1 win. Since Mount Tort erupted, the Rangers have won three in a row. Matt Gilroy and Mr. Kleenex returned. Both acquitted themselves well even if Wade Redden was a little too giddy in that postgame interview with Dave Maloney. At least he played more physical using every ounce of tin.

Most notably, the club won to push back over new NHL .500 (17-16-3), remaining two behind eighth Florida, who became the latest team to beat up on the Flyers in a fight marred game. Apparently, the Broad Street Bullies tried their best to thug it up. Too bad we missed it. Heck. We missed a good chunk of the second period that saw Sergei Samsonov and Marian Gaborik exchange goals 27 seconds apart. Both Lundqvist and Cam Ward were good keeping it a predictable lowscoring contest into the final stanza. In it, there was a Brandon Dubinsky sighting. True. He assisted on Gabby's league-leading 25th along but it was refreshing to see the enigmatic third-year Alaskan put a puck in the net thanks to some nifty passing from resurgent Michal Rozsival, Vinny Prospal and the Great Gabby. Dubi went backhand for what proved to be the winner.

Though he stopped all 13 his way en route to 32 altogether, none of them were very tough due to a solid defensive effort from our guys, who all came back. It was great to see the D and forwards in sync. Even Huggy Bear had a few decent shifts. The best aspect was our team continued attacking, getting 14 shots of their own on Ward, who kept his team afloat with a few sparklers. However, the Candy Canes couldn't find the equalizer. With Cam off for an extra attacker, Marc Staal dominated his shift, taking the puck away and then throwing it three quarters of the way down into the open net for a deserved goal that sealed it.

All in all, a well earned 'W' to make it a perfect 3-for-3 on the road. Now, the Blueshirts return home to host the Panthers tomorrow and the slumping Islanders the day after Christmas. Tomorrow will give a better indication of where they are as Florida is playing well. It's one of those swing games. Of course, Saturday will be magnified cause of the opponent. Think of it this way. Last week, the team looked dead. They've at least temporarily revived themselves.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Brandon Dubinsky/Marian Gaborik, NYR (2-2-4, +5, 9 SOG)
2nd Star-Michal Rozsival, NYR (assist, 4 hits, 4 blocked shots, +2 in 24:31)
1st Star-Marc Staal, NYR (ENG, 2 SOG, takeaway, blocked shot, +3 in 24:47)

Gilroy recalled, Sangs/Heineken to Hartford

In more of a cap move than anything due to the holiday roster freeze, the Rangers sent down Bobby Sanguinetti and Ilkka Heikkinen to Hartford following Saturday's win over Philly on Blizzard Day, recalling Matt Gilroy for tonight's game in Raleigh. Sangs and Heineken saw limited minutes in their pair (both NYR wins) as John Tortorella worked each in with effect. Of the two, we liked what we saw from the Finn, who is worth another look. Especially if it means replacing Mr. Kleenex. For at least tonight, looks like Wade Redden gets a reprieve to show Tort what he can do after their well documented shouting match at The Coliseum. Okay Tinman. Prove it on the ice. Hey. Michal Rozsival has lately. Just saying.

For Gilroy, it's an opportunity to get back into the coach's good graces. The last time we saw him, he was getting abused by Dustin Byfuglien for the OT winner in Chicago. In five games with the Wolf Pack, the former Hobey Baker winner tallied four assists in five games. In 30 contests with the Blueshirts, he has four goals and two helpers along with 19 penalty minutes and a plus-two rating.


Following tonight's RBC visit versus the Candy Canes, the Rangers return home to host the Panthers Wednesday and the Islanders Saturday a day after Christmas.

Lundqvist makes statement in badly needed win

Any Ranger fan can tell you who the real leader of this team is. In what's been the most challenging stretch of his career, Henrik Lundqvist manned up after yesterday's no show, taking everyone to task. In backstopping the Rangers to a badly needed 5-2 win over the Islanders in the Coliseum rematch, it was the King who stepped up, finishing with 35 saves- finally snapping the team's five-game winless streak (0-3-2).   On an emotional day that began with a shouting match between healthy scratch Wade Redden and coach John Tortorella, the Rangers got back in the win column thanks to Lundqvist's heroics that included 14 saves in a lopsided first period that saw the host Islanders do everything but finish.

“It is late December and the important thing is for us to become a team and play as a team and play for one another,” a relieved Tortorella said. “I don’t think we’ve gotten there yet.”

Much like last night, they dominated early, outshooting their bitter rival 14-4. The trouble was Henrik wasn't cooperating, stopping the Isles in their tracks. Aided by the game's first two power plays, they built an early 9-zip edge. But a razor sharp Lundqvist wouldn't allow them to get a lead, flat out robbing Rob Schremp with a great leg save. It set the tone for the rest of the night in which his teammates eventually relaxed, even scoring twice in the troublesome first.

The entire first half of the stanza saw the common theme of the Islanders playing solid D while attacking at every opportunity. However, a Mark Streit holding minor handed the Rangers a power play. Though they took the collar in two chances at MSG, the PP had shown some life. A resurgent Ryan Callahan opened the scoring when he buried a Marian Gaborik feed in front with 6:24 left to give his team the lead. At that point, the Islanders held a 12-2 SOG edge but were behind. Amazingly, the Rangers came out with a two-goal lead when a stunning event took place.

Invisible captain Chris Drury- who many including us wanted made an example of along with a furious Tinman- actually showed a pulse by doing something he hadn't done since Oct.19 when things were much better. Yes, he scored a goal. The play was started by Michal Rozsival, who justified Tortorella's faith in him by playing by far his best game of the season. The much maligned defenseman who's the only one along with Lundqvist left from the 2005-06 post lockout team, made a great outlet to setup a two-on-one. Sean Avery's low shot rebounded off Dwayne Roloson right to Drury, who deposited it for just his third 4:50 later, emphatically pumping his fist in a rare show of emotion. At that point, I looked at my Dad and knew they were winning. Even if my brother wanted them to lose to see if the rumor of Slats getting the hook was true. Something I never bought anyway. Especially with the holiday roster freeze.

“It’s happened a lot of times in this building. They come out flying and we have a tough time settling in,” Lundqvist pointed out. “It was important for me personally, and for the team, to stay in there. I don’t know how we had the lead after the first period, but we did.”

Despite three penalties including an undisciplined bench minor which they killed off thanks in large part to Lundqvist, the Rangers led by two into what had to be a much calmer locker room. They had to know they were fortunate to be up. As both astute Islander 'casters Howie Rose and Billy Jaffe alluded to, their team could easily have been up 2 or 3-0. But not today thanks to the goalie, who played like a true captain. His big saves allowed teammates to gain confidence. With them still on a man-advantage, Callahan got his second only 27 seconds in when he took a Gaborik feed and came out of the corner untouched to stuff one past Roloson. It was his fourth in four games and fifth of the month. If there has been one positive, the alternate captain had been steadily improving. Now, he's getting rewarded and actually is up to nine goals. Second behind the Great Gabby.

Trailing by three, the Islanders didn't quit getting one back from Andrew MacDonald, who took a Streit pass and beat Lundqvist high glove for his first career NHL goal, slicing it to 3-1 with still more than half left. But in another good period in which they outshot the Rangers 14-12, the home club couldn't draw any nearer due to the goalie, who was at his best in the late minutes of the second, highlighted by a nice sliding stop of a Trent Hunter tip try from in front. This is what hadn't been happening during this stretch. But it also had to feel nice to actually have three goals on the scoreboard for just the fifth time in the last month.

The Rangers also played with more edge, making Islanders pay for coming near their meal ticket with even Rozsival getting involved. A refreshing change. Dan Girardi threw his weight around nailing Isles every chance he got and even Drury had a good clean hit. The ruggedness led to a five-on-three early in the third which they cashed. Already on the PP, after Lundqvist had closed the door on a Blake Comeau shorthanded bid, there was pushing and shoving. Frans Nielsen didn't like that Rozsival and Vinny Prospal shoved him away from Lundqvist, coming back with a punch with his glove on. It led to a scrum which resulted in one more Islander in the box. Though Rose and Jaffe had a point about how three Isles wound up in against two Rangers with Prospal somehow not while Mike Del Zotto was (huh), the original was going to Nielsen, which is why they came out ahead. On the ensuing PP, Prospal dished across for Gaborik, who buried his league-leading 24th, restoring a three-goal lead. Callahan drew an assist.

Finally in control, the Rangers added one more for insult when rookie Artie Anisimov abused Freddy Meyer and John Tavares for his first goal since Nov.23. The lanky Russian had fallen out of favor and been relegated to fourth line status. But all night, he played hard and finally got rewarded. Off a play started by Girardi, Anisimov took a Callahan drop pass and then went around Meyer powering his way toward the net before stuffing the puck past Roloson with Tavares in the background. A similar highlight reel goal to the two he scored in preseason versus Boston and Detroit. Amazingly, his six markers tie him with Prospal and deserving scratch Ales Kotalik for third most. Makes one wonder what he could do with more minutes.

“We played well, but Lundqvist obviously had one of his better games," a disappointed Tavares lamented after being held off the score sheet. “We played hard. It’s a little frustrating because this one we thought we could’ve had.”

To the Islanders' credit, they didn't give up. A nifty Nielsen redirect of an Andy Sutton shot got them within 5-2 with 4:46 remaining. Despite some solid pressure, it was as close as they got thanks to the game's First Star. Lundqvist. The passionate man who deserves the 'C.'

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Michal Rozsival, NYR (2 assists, 2 hits, 2 blocked shots, takeaway, +1 in game best 26:37)
2nd Star-Ryan Callahan, NYR (2-2-4, 1st career four-pt game, 4 SOG in 20:26)
1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (35 saves incl.14/14 in 1st, 27/28 1st 40 minutes)

Kotalik and Tinman scratched, Christensen/Sangs in

For once, a Ranger coach is following up words with action. Whether it's enough of a message remains to be seen for tonight's Islander rematch at The Coliseum. John Tortorella has made examples of Ales Kotalik and Wade "Tinman" Redden, who both are scratched. In their place will be Erik Christensen and rookie D Bobby Sanguinetti, who actually gets to play and not waste away in this three in four stretch. Does this mean actual ice-time for Heineken? We can only hope.

I'm only wondering why Michal Rozsival and Captain Titanic get a pass. Though you could argue that Wozy actually played harder the past couple of games, earning more ice-time than Tinman. But has he really been worse? Rozsival has sucked this season while Redden improved before missing time. So, you actually have to ask if he's justified in being upset by this move. Regardless, close pal Joe McDonald informs us that MSG Ranger producer Joe Whelan overheard Tort chewing out Tinman during the morning skate.

Did You Know? Kotalik was a good tennis player who nearly went pro. If only he had. Don't worry. He's signed for three years at $3 M per with a no-trade. Pure genius.

Still not buying that Slats rumor. Even if true, they'd probably win to spoil it.

Rangers fall short in Windy City

A bit late to the fray. But also, didn't see much of the Rangers' latest loss- by a count of 2-1 to the Blackhawks in overtime. A game in which they got outshot severely and couldn't nurse a one-goal lead with Jonathan Toews (PPG) and Dustin Byfuglien (OT winner) to make it five losses in six.

Who cares if we got a point? Based on the little we caught, they hardly had the puck with Chicago in an all out attack which led to three power plays that eventually came back to bite the Blueshirts, who basically hoped Henrik Lundqvist would get a shutout because it was the only chance in Hell. Indeed, he was under siege all night and kept the Hawks at bay until he flopped around like a fish, allowing Toews to flip one upstairs with under six minutes left. We're not saying it was his fault but being down doesn't usually help keep the puck out. Especially on a goalmouth scramble with our exhausted penalty killers.

Not surprisingly, the Hawks won it after Vinny Prospal couldn't bury a great chance, which Duncan Keith got a piece of. Keith, who in our view is the best defenseman this season, then passed to an onrushing Byfuglien who did the rest- abusing Matt Gilroy before deking Lundqvist for the decider. Now, Gilroy made an awful read which can sometimes happen for first-year players. Marian Gaborik tried to get back but it was too little too late which leads us to the goalie. Why wasn't Henrik more aggressive there? If he had come out and pokechecked, Byfuglien never scores and the game probably gets to the skill comp. Just saying.

On a night of little positives, Chris Higgins scored the Rangers' lone tally from Gaborik and Michal Rozsival, who had a strong game. Wade Redden was decent in his return after missing six games. The problem was they had no attack with John Tortorella irate. Hell. Even Mike Keenan on MSG supposedly blasted the lack of effort. Pretty sad considering the days off they had. I could care less if they hate the coach. When you wear that jersey, you play for New York and all the legions of Ranger fans, who live and die with this team. One Cup in 69 years. Is it too much to ask these overpaid stiffs to earn their keep? When Donald Brashear gets more shots/chances than most in his return, that speaks volumes.

Also of note, as we were headed back from The Slope, Dave Maloney chewed up Tort for having no center out during a Blackhawk sequence where they had our guys on their heels. Sometimes, I really wonder what the coach is thinking. Why doesn't P.A. Parenteau get more ice-time? And why is Artie Anisimov getting so little along with Erik Christensen? We're not exactly an offensive juggernaut. One word comes to mind. Popgun.

Well, the Sabres visit MSG Saturday and then the Thrashers. Both of who are much better teams. Will it ever end?