Blueshirt Banter

New York Rangers Have Held Preliminary Discussions For Rick Nash

2012-02-14T20:08:40Z

According to Larry Brooks of the NY Post, the Rangers have had preliminary discussions with the Columbus Blue Jackets, regarding the services of Rick Nash. Now this doesn't mean that any sort of deal is on the way to bring the winger on the Broadway, but there have been talks.

Brooks goes on to say a package of Brandon Dubinsky, Chris Kreider, and a first overall draft pick will be part of what it takes to acquire Nash. But in my opinion, that deal makes me want to walk away before talks even begin heating up. Chris Kreider has been an up and coming prospect, the type the Rangers haven't had in their organization for quite a while.

Some say that it's not enough to land Nash, but in my honest opinion, it would be overpaying. As I said before with Kreider, the kid has proven himself on both the international level, and with Boston College over the last few years. I'm still on the fence about giving up Brandon Dubinsky as well.

Brandon Dubinsky has been with the organization for quite some time, and you can tell his heart is on Broadway. Despite some scoring issues this season, Dubinsky never gives up heart, and is a workhorse. If Dubinsky goes to Columbus for Nash, I honestly think part of the Rangers identity will disappear. As it stands right now, I would not even consider accepting that deal.

What do you guys think?

Appreciating The New York Rangers

2012-02-14T17:00:24Z

It's Trade Deadline season, and that means a lot (as you can tell from our very own site) of rumors, headlines, tweets, and discussions about who could be traded where.

In past seasons the discussions were about who the New York Rangers needed to trade for, what types of players the Rangers had to have, and the additions the Rangers must make in order to even make the playoffs.

This season is a completely different story. The Rangers are playing their best hockey in perhaps over a decade, and the feeling among many is that this is the type of team that can win a Stanley Cup without any additions.

That feeling does not stop the rumor mill, however, nor should it. The talk of the fans is about the Rangers chemistry, their "identity" of being the "out work you," "out play you," and "all for one one for all" type of team that fans can appreciate more than any other type of team.

The Rangers are in first place, and certain players are still receiving scorn from some fans. Brian Boyle is not producing on the score sheet, but his checking ability and defense has been essential for the Rangers this season. Mike Rupp has not done much, but his fighting, protecting his teammates, and ugly goals have helped the Rangers win games.

Players like Boyle and Rupp are the type that some fans want to replace with the Jeff Carters and Rick Nash's of the NHL, in order to help the Rangers score more. That is completely understandable, and something I will not argue against.

Follow me for more after the jump

My point is, the Rangers identity is not just a narrative. Every single player has contributed towards this terrific season so far, even Brandon Prust, and heck, even Ruslan Fedotenko and Stu Bickel!

Before you say that the Rangers should just ship these players out of town for scorers, think about the state of the team. Will replacing Brandon Dubinsky in the lineup with Jeff Carter help the Rangers that much, to the point that it is worth the blow to the team's chemistry and success?

I don't have the answers to those questions, but I do know one thing. Any deal the Rangers make this Trade Deadline better be made with a LOT of consideration beforehand. This team is not one you want to mess with.

NHL Trade Rumors: The Three New York Rangers Prospects I Wouldn't Trade

2012-02-14T13:39:00Z

As the trade deadline continues to draw near, Glen Sather will need to start sorting through his shelf to see what he is willing and what he isn't willing to make available. For today, we're going to stick with picks and prospects and then move onto actual players on the team later in the week. For now, however, here are the three prospects I wouldn't touch (in no particular order):

1) Chris Kreider: I'll make this simple: the New York Rangers haven't had a prospect like Kreider in their farm system since Alexi Cheraponov. And, if that wasn't enough, when the Rangers drafted Cheraponov they hadn't had a prospect like him in their system for a long time. Simply put, in Kreider the Rangers have a prospect who boasts size, speed and, most importantly, an NHL-ready shot. I'm also not the only one who feels this way. More than a few prospects are drooling over Kreider's ability to find space and snipe goals from anywhere on the ice. Those of you who are disappointed in his numbers (33 points -- 18 goals -- in 29 games for Boston College) need to look past the numbers. Remember, NCAA stats are very hard to read. On Boston College, a team who rolls three offensive lines and doesn't focus on any one offensive player, Kreider's numbers are superb. He steps up in the clutch (Beanpot MVP in 2011, lead the USA World Junior team in goals last year and a goal in Monday's Beanpot victory) and his ability to find space and score no matter who is defending him easily makes him the most exciting prospect the Rangers have boasted in a long, long time.

Join me after the jump for more.

2) Tim Erixon: This past offseason Glen Sather pulled off a brilliant trade with the Calgary Flames. He shipped off two second round picks and Roman Horak for a young defenseman who the Rangers' brass was actually going to take if they didn't go with Kreider. If you don't believe me look back at my interview with Gordie Clark on Kreider. So, in the case of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the Rangers got their cake and ate it too. And what a cake it is. I went over Kreider above, but Erixon is doing just as well, and at a higher level. In 32 games he has 25 points (23 assists) and has been a big force on the power play. Erixon was putting up a point-per-game but needed a few games to get back to himself after a mid-season injury. Either way, he's been more than impressive with the Whale this season.

3) Michael St. Croix: Back on August 26th I wrote this about St. Croix in regard to him being ranked 7th on the Hockey News' Top 10 Prospects for the Rangers:

Michael St. Croix is the seventh prospect on the list. St. Croix represents a high risk, high reward pick better than anyone else within the Rangers farm system. St. Croix put up good offensive numbers in the OHL (75 points in 68 OHL games) but only scored a goal in four playoff appearances. If St. Croix puts his game together (his defensive game needs work and everyone agrees last year was only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his offensive game) he might be the steal of the draft.

I bolded the part I want to focus on. After the Rangers drafted St. Croix I wanted to get a little more information on him. I was shocked he fell to the fourth round with the numbers he put up in the WHL. So I reached out to a couple people in the know to get their opinions, and both said the same thing "if this kid puts his game together he could be a special player." So after my conversation, I was confident enough to write the bolded comment above way back in August. Now he's proving me right. St. Croix is putting up career numbers in every category, and the season isn't even over yet. He has 36 goals, 51 assists and 87 points in 56 games. His playoff performance last year (just one goal in four games) was one of the reasons he might have fallen in the draft. We have to wait and see in that category, but as of right now this kid has put his game together. I'm excited to see what's next for St. Croix, but for now, he's one of the top prospects in the Rangers' farm system.

Those are the three I would keep my hands on if I was Glen Sather. How about you?

Injury Updates: Fedotenko Makes The Trip To Boston; Ryan McDonagh Is Fine

2012-02-13T21:02:00Z

The New York Rangers confirmed this morning that forward, Ruslan Fedotenko has made the trip to Boston with the team. Fedotenko was knocked out of the game in the third period against the Tampa Bay Lightning on February 9th, in which the Rangers won in overtime.

At first the hit that injuried Fedotenko looked to be an intentional head shot by Dominic Moore, but it was later seen as a stick that hit him in the face. However, it is good news to see Fedotenko say that he is doing better, and making the trip up to Boston. In his absence, Stu Bickel has been playing forward the last two games, the first time since High School.

Ryan McDonagh also spoke following the Rangers 3-2 win over the Washington Capitals. He stated that he just tweaked his leg a little bit after scoring the goal that put the Rangers up 2-1. He also says that he has had the same injury in the past, and that he will fine to play against the Bruins on Tuesday.

New York Rangers Noon Number: 4

2012-02-13T17:00:39Z

Today's noon number applies to two different players who impressed in the New York Rangers' two weekend games in which they beat the Philadelphia Flyers and Washington Capitals. During those two wins Ryan Callahan scored four goals (three against Philadelphia) and Brad Richards recorded four assists (three against Philadelphia).

Richards had a hand in two of Callahan's goals against the Flyers and he also assisted on Callahan's first goal against the Capitals.

Both plays have figured to play major roles in the Rangers' offense this season, and both have. Even though Richards isn't putting up the kind of numbers he wants, he still has 39 points (17 goals) in 54 games. Callahan, on the other hand, is having the year he was looking for. A whopping 22 goals and 41 points puts him second on the team in both categories.

Richards is the only other Rangers near 20 goals with 17, the fourth highest goal scorer for New York is Derek Stepan with 11.

Either way, both Callahan and Richards have been a big part of the Rangers' success the past two games, and figure to continue that trend against Boston on Tuesday.

New York Rangers Trade Rumors: Would You Trade For Jeff Carter

2012-02-13T14:00:54Z

Last week we tossed around the idea of the New York Rangers potentially making a move for Rick Nash. But it's actually Nash's teammate, Jeff Carter, who seems destined to be moved from Columbus.

Carter signed an 11-year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers, expecting to finish his career with the team that drafted him in the first round in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. But the Flyers had other plans, and shipped both Carter and Mike Richards off in separate trades to make room for Ilya Bryzgalov.

Richards found his was to Los Angeles, playing for the Kings. Carter, on the other hand, was traded to Columbus, a move he was so unhappy about that it took him a few days to even speak about the trade. There are musings that Carter might want out of Columbus, and if he does should Glen Sather make a play for him?

Join me after the jump for more.

From now until the deadline we're going to grapple with two different ideas: making a big splash at the deadline, or making a few depth moves. If Sather were to make a play at Carter it would certianly be a big splash move, but would it cost as much as a usual blockbuster does?

There is no denying that Carter didn't ever want to leave Philadelphia. And there's also no denying that he's not having a good season so far for Columbus (12 goals and 19 points in just 34 games). That's a far cry from a guy who scored 46 goals in 2008-2009 and has scored 33 and 36 goals the past two seasons.

Maybe it has something to do with the injury (he's missed time this year for a separated right shoulder), or maybe it has to do with the fact that he doesn't want to play in Columbus; but a change of scenery might be just what he needs to get back going.

Although Carter never wanted to leave Philadelphia, getting moved to New York might be just the spark he needs. The Rangers are an original six team, they play in the biggest market in America and they are in the thicket of the Stanley Cup race.

Now, onto the logistics. Carter's cap hit is much more friendly than Nash's, although his contract is also much longer. Carter is signed through 2022, but his cap hit is a reasonable $5.27 million. That means that moving Wolski ($3.8 million hit) would do most of the damage (since the Rangers have $1.5 million in space already).

Just like with our Nash discussions, Wolski would provide the Blue Jackets with a RFA who they either take a risk on if they feel fit to, or let walk if they aren't pleased with what he brings to the table. Prospects and draft picks would also have to be included, but it might be worth it to bring in the goal scorer. Still, Carter might never be cheaper than he is right now.

Of his 193 career goals, 54 have come on the power play. In the past three seasons (not including this year) he has 115 goals in 236 games -- if you add in assists he has 211 points in that timeframe. That's a big boost of offense to a Rangers team that can still use the help on the power play.

The downside? Carter has been known to glide and his attitude in Columbus can't be overlooked. I honestly attribute it to him not wanting to be in Columbus, but it's still a major red flag that needs to be examined before and potential moves are made.

So what are your thoughts on this guys? Would you make a move for Carter if he is available?

Rangers Vs. Capitals: Rangers Hold On For 3-2 Win Over Capitals

2012-02-12T20:15:19Z

The New York Rangers hung on to a 3-2 lead late, and pulled out a victory against the Washington Capitals, on Sunday afternoon. Henrik Lundqvist was a star in net once again this afternoon, turning away some late pressure by the Washington Capitals.

After an even start to the first period, we had the first goal of the game just 11 minutes in. Ryan Callahan shoveled a backhand from the side of the net, over the sprawling Michael Neuvirth to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead. Brad Richards made a great first pass out to Anton Stralman, who later found Callahan to the side of the net. The Rangers have been connecting for some pretty goals over the last two games.

However, the lead only lasted until the 6:31 mark of the second period as Alexander Semin ripped a slap shot over the blocker of Henrik Lundqvist. Jason Chimera used his outside speed to gain the zone on the Rangers, and left a nifty drop pass for Semin.

Follow after the jump for more.

Just seven minutes later, Ryan McDonagh tallied for his fifth goal of the season, with an incredible toe drag move around Troy Brouwer. Although, after McDonagh let the shot go it appeared as if he knee gave out and he fell awkwardly to the ice. He was helped off a short time later by the medical staff.

As NBC went to a TV timeout, the entire Rangers fan base created a prayer circle for McDonagh. However, after returning to action, McDonagh was right back on the ice to take the next face-off. The toughness this team has just amazes me. Dan Girardi also took a hard shot off the side of the helmet earlier in the game, and was unaffected by it.

The Rangers held a 2-1 lead going into the second intermission, courtesy of Ryan McDonagh who scored a pretty goal. At the start of the third period, Artem Anisimov took a lazy neutral zone penalty when he took down one of the Capitals along the bench. On the penalty kill, Brandon Dubinsky made a great effort to chip the puck out and send the Rangers on a 2-on-1.

Alex Ovechkin was the lone defender back for the Capitals as Dubinsky sent the cross-ice pass over the Brandon Prust. Prust finished it off with a beautiful one knee one-timer that found it's way through the five-hole of Neuvirth. That goal was Prust's first since scoring shorthanded against his former team, Calgary, earlier in the season.

However, this game didn't end easily for the Rangers as John Carlson blasted a slap shot past Henrik Lundqvist with under 2:30 to play in the game. The Capitals applied some late pressure with the goaltender pulled, but Lundqvist and Rangers were able to fight off the pressure. They would go on to win 3-2, and sweep the weekend series against the Flyers, and Capitals.

The Rangers will be on Boston on Tuesday to take on the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Boston Bruins. This game will be another big test for the Rangers, as the last game between these two came right down to the wire.

Rangers Vs. Capitals: New York Rangers Look To Stay Hot Against Washington

2012-02-12T17:00:44Z

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Washington Capitals
@ New York Rangers

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Capitals vs Rangers coverage

Sunday, Feb 12, 2012, 12:30 PM EST
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Rangers Vs. Capitals: Keys To The Game

posted by Joe Fortunato about 2 hours ago

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Complete Coverage >

The New York Rangers got a huge 5-2 victory Saturday afternoon, cruising past the Philadelphia Flyers. Today, the Rangers are going to try and sweep their back-to-back series this weekend with a win over the Washington Capitals.

Joe's Player To Watch:

Brad Richards

#19 / Center / New York Rangers

Height: 6-0

Weight: 196

Born: May 02, 1980

Richards had a big game against the Flyers, I don't see any reason why he can't continue it tonight. Have fun in the game thread everyone, let's go Rangers!