The Rangers Tribune

Postgame: Captain Cally Scores Milestone Goal to Down Sabres in OT

2012-02-25T22:17:07-05:00

There’s no worse feeling for a team in the NHL than losing in overtime or a shootout just as the Rangers did last night against their rivals, the New York Islanders. But there is no better feeling than to come out the very next night and win in overtime or a shootout just as the Rangers did this evening against the Buffalo Sabres in front of their home crowd. In my opinion, it was the perfect bounce-back response that the Blueshirts needed following the loss to the Isles, especially since it prevented a three-game losing streak to develop.

The Rangers had their legs from the start tonight for a change, and they quickly applied pressure on Ryan Miller and the Sabres. Miller, playing in the second of a back-to-back, had an answer for all 14 shots the Blueshirts sent his way in that opening stanza, though. New York even had a partial powerplay to end the first, in which they bombarded Miller’s crease with all sorts of commotion, but Ryan stood strong to weather the storm.

Meanwhile, despite their domination in the first, the Rangers made one defensive error and it ended up costing them. Marc Staal was caught pinching in the offensive zone, none of the forwards on the ice covered for him as they should’ve, and the Sabres came down on an odd-man rush that ended with Paul Gaustad finishing a pass from Tyler Ennis to give the Sabres a 1-0 lead.

The Rangers answered at 7:38 of the second period when rookie Carl Hagelin finally was able to sneak one past Miller with a slick wraparound through traffic. That goal was the tenth of Hagelin’s stellar freshman year in the National Hockey League, and it’s that very “get the puck to the net” mentality that he scored this goal with that’s helped make him so successful this season. That, coupled with his speed, makes him a very effective winger for this team.

Both teams played tight defensively from that point on, and the Rangers also killed off a delay of game penalty on Artem Anisimov. They would again exchange goals in the first half of the third period, however, to get the game to 2-2. First it was Drew Stafford scoring his second of the game at the end of a beautiful passing play by the Sabres as they entered the Rangers’ zone. It’s easy to blame the defense on the first Buffalo goal of the game, but it’s tough to defend the play executed on the second. That was some pretty passing.

Just over five minutes later, Michael Del Zotto gave a cutting Marian Gaborik a perfect pass to send him on a mini-breakaway, which Gaborik converted on with a high backhander over the glove of Miller. It was a great look by Del Zotto to start the play, but an even greater finish by Gabby for his second goal in two games.

The Rangers brought the heat in the final minutes with a powerplay opportunity and following that until the buzzer sounded, but Miller stood on his head for the Sabres and forced this game to overtime.

For the third time this season, captain Ryan Callahan would come through for the Rangers and score the game-winner against the Sabres. This one, which was a walk-off coming in overtime, was set up by a heads-up pass by Ryan McDonagh, and from there Cally burned Patrick Kaleta, cut to the net and beat Miller through the arm for his 100^th career goal. Picture perfect finish, I’d say.

Callahan played a hell of a game for the Rangers tonight, so it was more than fitting that he was the one to win it for them. MSG Network actually had a nice video timeline during the intermission that showed how Callahan was going into the dirty areas of the ice in the first two periods and absorbing all of the bumps and bruises that came along with it. I know I say it all of the time, but that’s why he wears the 'C'.

And not only did Cally score his 100th goal of his career, but it was also his 24th of the season, which is a career-high for him.

I didn’t think goaltender Henrik Lundqvist played his best tonight, but for once, his team came up big for him as they came back and tied and then eventually won. I think Lundqvist could’ve stopped both goals he allowed, and I think he would agree with that statement. He did make a quick robbery save off the faceoff on Derek Roy in the third period when it was 2-1, however, so that was a clutch stop that probably saved the game for his club.

The defense in front of Hank played much better tonight than they did on Friday on Long Island. We saw less turnovers and more ‘neater’ plays, and to further prove that, a defenseman picked up the primary assist on every Ranger goal tonight. John Tortorella’s system, when executed to near perfection, very often includes the defensemen even in the offensive zone, and we saw that tonight much more than we have in recent games. Well, we always see it but it doesn’t always work; tonight it did.

On offense, I think Marian Gaborik and Carl Hagelin were the two main standouts for me. Gaborik’s been heating up lately after going through a slight slump earlier in the month, and Hagelin is really clicking with his linemates, Brad Richards and Ryan Callahan. He’s a depth scorer that can compliment Gabby’s primary scoring well as this season progresses into the playoffs.

Now I called out Brad Richards in my pregame, so I think it’s only fair to follow that up with the credit that is deserved after his play in tonight’s game. He was skating well, he picked up an assist on Hagelin’s goal and, most importantly, he shot the puck on net five times tonight. I have found that Richards is most effective when he looks shot instead of pass, believe it or not, and he had plenty of those in this one. Now he just needs to continue this and something tells me he will if his linemates continue to roll as well as they have.

So the Rangers went 1-for-2 on the weekend and picked up three out of a possible four points in the standings. Earlier in the week we said that these two outings would be the deciding factor for GM Glen Sather regarding the Rick Nash and whether he should pull the trigger on a trade. Well, his club did score six goals in two games and only left one point behind; can Slats be unimpressed with those stats?

Only time will tell.

Rick Nash Wants to be Traded Before Deadline

2012-02-25T16:54:39-05:00

There's been a ton of rumors revolving around Rick Nash and the New York Rangers today. Most of them, however, do not have any validity and therefore disappeared just as quickly as they emerged. The latest on Nash and his future destination, though, is straight up fact, as this time it's his agent, Joe Resnick, speaking out on the situation and how he and his client feel about it with just two days remaining before the trade deadline.

Here's what Resnick had to say, courtesy of Bob McKenzie on Twitter:

Rick Nash's agent Joe Resnick has broken his silence on client's trade situation. Told TSN the following:
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 25, 2012

“We’re hopeful a deal can get done prior to the trade deadline that is fair and equitable for the Blue Jackets...
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 25, 2012

However, if a deal is not reached, then the list of acceptable teams will not change at a later date.” #TradeCentre #tsn
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 25, 2012

The fact that Nash's list of preferred teams will not change if he remains a Blue Jacket going into the summer signifies that he wants a deal done and he wants it done now. As we've seen, the media circus this ordeal has created for two weeks now is spiraling out of control, so you cannot blame the guy for wanting it to finally end.

However, he is basically forcing himself out of Columbus at this point, and maybe putting GM Scott Howson in a pressure situation. Remember, Nash kept quiet prior to today, so it was unclear whether he wanted to remain a part of the Blue Jackets organization or not. But now that he has spoken out through his agent, his feelings (and wants) are out in the public.

This could benefit Rangers GM Glen Sather, who apparently has now put prospect defenseman Tim Erixon on the table for trade, just as I suggested earlier in the week when his counter offer was first released.

RANGERS-SABRES PREGAME

Pregame: Rangers Try to Avoid Third Straight Loss Tonight Against Buffalo

2012-02-25T14:30:00-05:00

Prior to last night's 4-3 shootout loss to the Islanders at Nassau Coliseum, the New York Rangers had not lost back-to-back games since the middle of December. Now, as they enter tonight's contest against the Buffalo Sabres back at Madison Square Garden, they are on the verge of dropping their third straight game, and four out of their last five. This is not a position John Tortorella's squad is accustomed to being in and he acknowledged that in his postgame comments on Friday. The Rangers are not playing the smooth-sailing hockey they were just several weeks ago, and with slightly over a month remaining before the start of the playoffs, this is certainly not the time they want to slack off.

It all comes down to the technicalities of the game with these Rangers, and lately sloppiness, specifically early on in games, has cost them. Missed defensive coverage followed by soft goaltending had the Blueshirts down 2-0 in the first half of the opening period last night against the Islanders. I still cannot put a finger on what it is that causes the Rangers to repeatedly have bad starts each night, but it's getting out of control without a doubt. Even when the wins were coming game after game, still this team struggled to establish their play in the first ten minutes or so. It's baffling at this point.

And the starts are just the beginning of the team's problems. The defense has not been as sharp, the offense has not been as effective on the forecheck and that damned powerplay -- it actually produced two goals against the Isles, but prior to that it was becoming more of a problem than it was a help. These are just a few of the things the first place Rangers will be looking to clean up when they get back at it against the Sabres this evening.

If things don't show signs of fixing themselves tonight at MSG, there's a good chance we see GM Glen Sather go out and acquire some help via trade before the 3 p.m. deadline on Monday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres are coming off a huge shootout win over the Boston Bruins last night and are currently sitting in eleventh place in the Eastern Conference - five points out of a playoff spot. The Sabres have a legitimate chance of pushing for the last seed in the East, so much like the Islanders last night, expect them to come out playing desperate hockey. This time, though, the Rangers need to be ready for it from the start.

Derek Roy will be the player to watch on Buffalo, as he's led the charge in the team's resurgence as of late. He's recorded 7 points in his last five games.

The Rangers are expected to go with the same lineup as they did on Long Island, but Henrik Lundqvist will be returning between the pipes after getting the night off on Friday. Would it have made more sense to start Biron against the non-rival Sabres tonight and Lundqvist against the Isles? Maybe, but here's a few things to consider for those of your who are still complaining about that; Biron was taunted in his last start at MSG, he has an outstanding career record against the Isles and Lundqvist needs rest with a busy month coming up in March. Just sayin’.

Also, I'm getting fed up with Brad Richards and his lackadaisical play. Something needs to change there because he's only hurting the team with this poorly decisive hockey lately. He makes all of these comments in the media about how the team needs to be better... well, he needs to start with himself. I may lose it if I continuously watch him turn the puck over again tonight, but don’t worry, he won’t be penalized because he is one of ‘Tortorella’s guys’.

New York Rangers Lineup

* If you missed it from earlier, the Rangers traded Wojtek Wolski to the Florida Panthers. Details here.

Rangers Trade Wojtek Wolski to Florida

2012-02-25T13:15:10-05:00

The New York Rangers have traded forward Wojtek Wolski (and his $3.8 million cap hit) to the Florida Panthers in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2013 draft and AHL defenseman Mike Vernace, per TSN.

Wolski only played in nine games for the Blueshirts this season due to injuries, and with all of the time he spent on injured reserve, his roster spot on the team quickly vanished into thin air. He doesn't fit head coach John Tortorella's system nor does he fit the personality of the Rangers, so there were no other options here but to let him go. At the same time, it's nice to see him go to a club in which he will likely get an opportunty to play.

Wolski was acquired by the Rangers last season in a deal that sent defenseman Michal Rozsival to the Phoenix Coyotes. He recorded six goals and 22 points in 46 games as a Ranger.

Rangers to Place Sean Avery on Re-Entry Waivers? (Update)

2012-02-25T09:30:00-05:00

We haven't heard Sean Avery's name in a while, which, in a way, is a good thing considering how much of a distraction the saga between him and the New York Rangers can become. Avery was last assigned to the Connecticut Whale of the AHL back on December 31, and since then we've heard all sorts of reports including one that claimed Sean was being scratched due to disciplinary reasons after he apparently spit on a member of the coaching staff. The validity of that rumor is still unknown, but whether saliva was exchanged or not, there's no doubt that there's been come conflict between Sean and the team down in Connecticut.

I was always a supporter of Avery's throughout his career as a Ranger, but as we've spent countless hours discussing, he will never again see a roster spot in the NHL as a member of this hockey club as long as John Tortorella is the head coach. It is clear that their personal relationship has gotten in the way of their professional one, so it is time for both sides to move on.

While no one will be trading for Avery any time soon, there is a chance that several teams out there may be interested if Sean comes up through the waiver wire before Monday's deadline. So, with a 48-hour waiver time frame applied on weekends, the Rangers are expected to place Avery on re-entry waivers today at noon so that he can be claimed and off their hands by that time on Monday, according to the New York Post.

Now back in mid-January there was some talk that a couple general managers had inquired to GM Glen Sather about the possibility of placing Avery back on waivers, but Sather held out so that if Sean is claimed, the charge against the Rangers' cap would be less. At the moment, if Avery was picked up over the next two days, that charge would be exactly $209,640. The Rangers currently have approximately $1.5 million in cap space.

As I've written in the past, it's time to put Avery out of his misery and allow him to get an opportunity to return to the NHL with another organization. His time here in New York is done.

UPDATE (12PM): Sean Avery has not been placed on re-entry waivers by the Rangers today. Slightly surprised as I thought it would've been worth the try.

Postgame: Rangers Fall to Isles Thanks to Slow Start, Coaching Decisions

2012-02-24T22:45:18-05:00

You can say a lot of things about tonight’s loss to the rival New York Islanders, but one thing you cannot say is that Rick Nash or any other offensive addition would’ve made a dramatic difference in the outcome. It was an exciting, hard-fought contest between two teams that came to play, and the Rangers made an impressive comeback before falling short in the shootout. It was the beginning of the first period that cost them, besides John Tortorella’s horrendous shootout decisions.

The Rangers were off to one of their usual slow starts to begin this game, with the Islanders buzzing as you would expect in front of their home crowd after back-to-back losses. Much to the dislike of head coach John Tortorella, the Blueshirts somehow did not tie-up the stick of Matt Moulson positioned in the slot and he would end up finishing a beautiful play set up by John Tavares behind the net. Ryan Callahan, Carl Hagelin and Ryan McDonagh were all in the area, but Moulson was allowed to sit uncontested at the top of the crease – cannot happen.

Just over two minutes later, Marty Biron allowed a very soft goal when P.A. Parenteau’s slapper from the top of the circle hit the back of the net despite no screen or deflection on the shot. So thanks to faulty defensive coverage and ugly goaltending by Biron, the Rangers quickly found themselves in a 2-0 hole.

Marc Staal would come up with a huge goal in the second half of the first period, though, to cut the deficit to just one goal before the buzzer sounded. That goal, actually, would come on the powerplay and it wouldn’t be the only one.

At 8:11 of the middle period, Parenteau would score again on a powerplay that came from a penalty on Michael Del Zotto that I’ve never seen before. Del Zotto attempted to slide a loose stick to Brian Boyle, which apparently is illegal according to the rulebook, and so the Isles went to the powerplay. They then outworked the Rangers, and the result of the play was Parenteau’s goal.

The Rangers battled back to tie the game with back-to-back goals from Marian Gaborik and Derek Stepan within the period. Gaborik’s came on a breakaway off a beautiful headman pass by Artem Anisimov out of the defensive zone. The next was a powerplay tally by Derek Stepan, which was a shot from the circle that went off Isles defenseman Travis Hamonic and into the net. At that point the game was tied at 3, and that tie would hold through the third period, as this one would need extra time to decide.

Despite some powerplay and 3-on-3 time, neither team was able to end the game in overtime, so to a shootout we went, where head coach John Tortorella cost his team the game. I was fine with the choice to shoot Marian Gaborik and Ryan Callahan in the shootout, but Richards was 0-for-7 at the time and John Mitchell has not scored in one of these yet this season. You have Del Zotto, Hagelin, Anisimov and many others still on the bench, but Richards and Mitchell are your choices. I hate to say it, but Tortorella cost his team the game with these shootout decisions.

Frans Nielsen and Matt Moulson both beat Biron low to override Gaborik’s sole tally for the Rangers in the skills competition, to secure the win for the Islanders.

Biron was shaky to open the game, but I think he buckled down a bit and made some important saves as the game went on. Granted the Rangers played some solid defense in front of him in the second and third periods, I did think Biron made some solid stops tonight. As for his performance in the shootout, well, I think the score speaks for itself there.

One thing you cannot pin this loss on is lack of goal scoring, which has been the case in recent losses. There’s not much Rick Nash could’ve done to turn this game around for the Rangers, so I don’t think you can bring that argument into play here.

The powerplay performed well tonight, but it would’ve been nice to see the man advantage last the full two minutes in overtime before Stepan nullified that with a foolish hooking penalty on John Tavares. Is it possible Tortorella held back from using Stepan in the shootout because of that penalty? You bet.

Marian Gaborik had a hell of a night for the Rangers on offense. He finished with a goal and an assist, and also was the only player to score for the good guys in the shootout. In fact, his entire line played well tonight, and I think those three should’ve been the ones to go in the shootout.

Give the Rangers credit for battling back after their slow start in this one and getting a point out of it. They will be right back at it tomorrow against the Sabres at MSG, in a game that they will try to avoid losing four out of their last five. You must wonder what is going through the mind of GM Glen Sather right now, and if tomorrow’s result will force him to pull the trigger on some sort of deal.

We did say that the Rick Nash ordeal would come down to these two games, and so far the team is 0–for-1.

Pregame: Rangers' Response Against Isles Critical as Deadline Approaches

2012-02-24T13:30:00-05:00

Tonight's match-up with the rival New York Islanders at Nassau Coliseum has more meaning to it than just two points and bragging rights. For the New York Rangers, this game, as well as tomorrow's versus the Buffalo Sabres at Madison Square Garden, can very well decide if this team will have a new offensive addition come Monday at 3 p.m. here in the East. With more and more reports being unveiled these past few days, it's become obvious that GM Glen Sather has his sights set on Columbus Blue Jackets captain Rick Nash, and that the continuation of his club's offensive struggles could cause him to enter desperation mode before time runs out to make any additional pre-playoff transactions.

The Rangers are losers of two of their last three games, and in that span have been outscored, 8-5, by their opponents. Their inability to convert on the powerplay has finally caught up to them and is costing them games, and on top of that they've struggled to put the puck in the net at even strength as well. With the playoffs less than two months away, the Blueshirts cannot afford to slump now and lose their scoring touch.

The question, though, is if they can get out of this funk themselves and get back on track to defend the first place spot in the Eastern Conference. They have two games to prove themselves, including tonight, before Slats goes out and acquires help from a source outside of the organization. Should it be coming down to this? No, I truly do not believe so since the team's proven time and time again that they can handle all sorts of adversity and still find ways to win games. However, management may feel otherwise and they more often than not have the final say in these situations.

Sather's Rangers are not the only hockey team slumping in New York right now, though. The Islanders, after going on a streak in which they collected points in six out of eight games following the All-Star break, have now cooled off and lost three out of their last four. Their most recent defeats came earlier in the week when they were first embarrassed on home ice in a 6-0 blowout against the Ottawa Senators, and then were stumped, 2-1, in Buffalo the following night.

For a while there, the John Tavares-led Isles were making a strong push towards the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, along with several other teams that were suddenly emerging out of nowhere. However, their playoff push has recently taken a huge blow during this rough patch that they’ve hit, and now eight points out, what once was looking like a strong possibility is now on the path to becoming a distant dream.

There's still time to turn things around for the Islanders once again, and what better team to get another point streak going against than their biggest rivals in the New York Rangers? After frustrating back-to-back losses, the Isles are expected to come out playing desperate hockey tonight on Long Island, and the Rangers need to be prepared for that despite having a 3-1-0 record against them this season. No game is easy at this point in the season, and the Islanders definitely have plans to put up a fight this evening.

Evgeni Nabokov, returning after missing a few games due to illness, will be back between the pipes for the Islanders tonight. Defenseman Travis Hamonic (nose) will also be back in the lineup, while forward Casey Cizikas will be making his NHL debut up front.

As for the Rangers, they will have a few lineup changes themselves for tonight's game. First and foremost, Marty Biron will be getting his first start in goal since the Chicago game in which he allowed three goals on four shots in the opening period. Biron, however, is 21-4-1 with 2.00 GAA against the Islanders in his career.

Ruslan Fedotenko will also be making his return tonight after sitting out for six games following a high hit to the head he received from Dominic Moore against the Tampa Bay Lightning. That means Stu Bickel, who has been playing forward in Fedotenko's absence, will be moved back to defense and Steve Eminger will be a healthy scratch. Finally, head coach John Tortorella has listened to me.

New York Rangers Lineup