Rangers keep Rollin

The trade deadline passed, without any major deals for the Rangers. They went out on Monday night and shutdown a very tough Devil team, behind Henrik Lundqvist’s 7^th shutout and 30^th win of the season.  Tonight they went out and beat a surging Carolina Hurricane team, without Captain Ryan Callahan with Brandon Dubinsky benched after taking a bad penalty early in the game, and with Michael Del Zotto leaving the game early after reinjuring his hip. A game like tonight when Marty Biron, who has struggled lately, played a solid game this team showed once again, why they didn’t need to make a big trade. Why Glen Sather didn’t dismantle the roster, and showed why the fans of this team have a reason to believe. They stay the course, just like the coach has taught them, just like the GM showed by not making any trades.

This has become the true identity of this team, they are tough they are gritty and they are blue collar, just like many New Yorkers. Just when you think there could be a letdown, this team steps up, whether its Brandon Prust, or Brian Boyle or new comer John Scott who was picked up at the deadline, someone steps up and helps this team win. As it has been the case all season, this was another team win, a win where not just one player stepped up, but there were contributions up and down the line up. The GAS line of Anisimov, Gaborik and Stepan played big and they needed to, Marc Staal stepped up and played what could have been his best game of the season. Now could that be because he was playing against his brother Eric, for the first time since he gave Marc a concussion, or if it is because he starting to return to form is still to be determined, but he has been playing better as of late. The fact that Staal has been playing better is going to be a big key during this final stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs, especially if players continue to get dinged up. The continued growth of Ryan McDonagh has also started to become evident with each passing game, as he continues to play very well against the opposing team’s top players, another reason why Sather didn’t make the Nash deal because Columbus was asking for the young stud defenseman.

This team is showing that they belong in the top spot in the East and it doesn’t look like they are ready to give it up anytime soon. Tomorrow they play the Tampa Bay before a big home game on Sunday against the Boston Bruins, who are still chasing the Rangers in the East. The Rangers have a tough month ahead but this will be the final hurdle of the regular season, before the playoffs, so it will be a very good test before the playoffs and the drive for the Stanly Cup.  If you don’t think this team has a great chance to take home Lord Stanley’s Cup for the first time since 1994, watch this team play and I’m sure you will become a believer, I’m sure you will see what all the true blue Rangers fans see and love about their New York Rangers.

By Joe Clewell

NYRangers Moving or Staying Put ?

With the trade deadline less than 24 hours away and the Rangers fresh off their 3-2 OT victory over the Sabers, which saw Ryan Callahan score the game winner, the trade rumors continue to swirl. Yesterday the Rangers parted ways with Wojtek Wolski sending him to the Florida Panthers for a 3^rd round pick and defensemen Michael Vernace. A small move but one that rid the Rangers of a little used player that was earning a decent salary, and opened up more cap room for the Rangers GM to make one big move or a few smaller moves. The one big move of course would be the acquisition of Rick Nash from Columbus. Well fans Rick Nash was in the lineup today against the Penguins, where he scored a shorthanded goal. It is still believed that Columbus is asking way too much for Nash, but only time will tell. As I said the other night when there was speculation that Dustin Brown might be available, I would prefer him, but as we all know last night he netted a Hat Trick, which will either drive up the price, or that was just what the Kings had in mind, lighting a fire under Brown. 

As far as the rest of the rumors surrounding the Rangers there are not too many other than Rick Nash. With that last night could have slowed down the trade for Nash because one of the keys to that deal, Tim Erixon, sustained a neck sprain during the Hartford game last night. With that said there are few other players that could be available, that we know of one being Bryan Allen from the Carolina Hurricanes. Now I know most of us are saying who? But here me out, Allen is a defensive minded defensemen who could be available at a low cost and could play 18-20 minutes a game. I know he is not a huge name that everyone is looking for, but the 1^st Place Rangers do not need a big splash. It has become obvious as of late that the Rangers D-men are looking a little run down, so why not get a solid defensive player that could alleviate some minutes from your top guys?

Another Player who might be available from Columbus, but we haven’t heard about because of Nash is Derick Brassard, he is a young playmaking Center which, the Rangers could also use on the 3^rd or 4^th line. Both players could be acquired for much less than Nash, and could fill in the gaps that might be starting to show a little bit in this current Rangers team.  One other player that might be available from the Colorado Avalanche is physical Defenseman Shane O’Brien. He has been on playoff teams and has an expiring contract, which could also be attractive at this time for the Rangers. That would fill a need now, without affecting any moves Sather might make this off season. Hopefully Michael Sauer can return, probably not this season but next season, which will give the Rangers another solid Defenseman, but you don’t know what will happen with Sauer especially after seeing what has happened with Sidney Crosby. All I know is its going to be an interesting 20 plus hours, especially for Rangers fans, which at this point can’t wait for the deadline to end so the rumors will stop.

- Joe Clewell

The Dominos Begin To Fall

On the 23^rd day of February, the Trade Dominos started to fall, as The Columbus Blue Jackets traded Jeff Carter to the L.A Kings for Jack Johnson (not the musician) and a conditional 1^st Round Draft pick. Your move Glen Sather !!

With this move being made the Rick Nash trade rumors have caught fire, but hold on to your skates the name Dustin Brown has now jumped into the conversation. The 27 year old winger has now been made available by The Kings. Brown, this season has 14 Goals and 17 Assists in 61 games. The intrigue with Brown is twofold for the Rangers, he is a cheaper option both money wise and what would be asked for in return, and he is a perfect fit into the Rangers system. This is a player who in 574 career games has 155 goals and 181 assists, and at roughly 4 million dollars till 2013, that is about half of what you would pay Nash. The comparison in the games of Nash and Brown are vastly different. Where Nash is not known to be a very strong two way player, Brown is and to fit into the Rangers system that is key. Nash does not play very often if at all on the PK where Brown would. Overall yes Nash will score more offensively but Brown has scored 20 goals or more 3 times and had a career high, 33 goals in the 07-08 Season.  When you compare the two players, it becomes pretty clear that if Dustin Brown really is available, then Sather should pull the trigger on that deal right away. That deal could also open up a few other options for the Rangers instead of making just one big deal. A deal for Brown, not only can help this team now but with upcoming RFA’s like Brandon Prust, Marty Biron and Ruslan Fedetenko.  It also does not strap the team financially from pursuing big name Free Agents next season such as Alexander Semin, Ryan Suter or Zack Parise. With all this being said, 

Glen Sather knows there is no pressing need to jump the gun on a deal especially for Nash. It’s being said that he is waiting to see if the asking price for Nash comes down. If not then there is no reason to mortgage the future of the franchise for the talents of Rick Nash. Ranger fans need to just be patient and wait to see what happens. Don’t get call up in all the rumors no matter how frustrating they are, especially if your favorite player’s names are involved. No moves have been made to this point and the rumors will fly from now till the deadline passes on Monday at 3pm. It’s going to be an Interesting weekend in the NHL, so let the pieces fall where they may, and bring on the playoffs. 

- Joe Clewell

Panic in New York ?

After a terrible loss to the Penguins where they took 27 shots but couldn’t find the back of the net, New York Ranger fans are left to sit and ponder… What happens next? The most avid fans are ready to jump off the Triborough Bridge, and trade everyone except Henrik Lundqvist.  Some fans say its ok its only 1 game. With the trade deadline slowly approaching, what is the answer for the Eastern Conference Leaders?

Any team would love to get a scoring threat like Rick Nash, but would you give up so much for him? The team is in first place and has gotten this far without him. If the asking price for Nash comes down than pull the trigger on the deal. If not than look for a player that can help on the power play which has been terrible all season.

Does the team need a top 4 defenseman?

I would say for the right price if there is one available yes. Let’s be honest, it is taking Marc Staal a lot longer to find his game than anyone thought. The loss of Michael Sauer to post concussion syndrome, is a bigger loss than anyone expected.  Although Michael Del Zotto is having a bounce back year, and Dan Girardi is continuing to show why he was an All Star, you cannot expect these two guys and Ryan McDonagh to continue to be effective playing as many minutes as they are. It is apparent that Coach Tortorella is losing faith in Stu Bickel and Anton Stralman, who was benched during the game against Pittsburgh. So the best solution would be to find an available Defenseman that will fit into the system.

With all that said, I’m sure Glen Sather has his eyes on the prize and knows what he wants to do. If that’s to stand pat and go to battle with the team that is still #1 in the Eastern Conference or if it’s to pull off a trade or two that will make the team better, that’s what he gets paid for. I mean he is the man that has put this team together and it wasn’t long ago that everyone was talking about what a magical season this is shaping up to be. But after a little bit of a lull and a couple of loses to good teams, it’s not time to hit the panic button just yet. Keep the faith Rangers fans, believe in your coach, your General Manager, and your team, no matter what it looks like after the deadline.

By Joe Clewell

@Blueshirts10

Blue Jackets versus Rangers Recap

It was another edge of your seat kind of game for the Rangers last night against the worst team in the NHL. In a game that the Rangers dominated throughout, 60 minutes was not enough.  It took just 22 seconds into the Overtime for Derek Stepan to net the game winner for the Blueshirts. Of course this game was not without its drama; at the end of the second period Michael Del Zotto scored what appeared to be the Rangers 3^rd goal, at the buzzer. After review by the NHL Office in Toronto, the goal was disallowed because they determined that even though the Arena clock showed that there was 00.1 left, the Official NHL clock showed time had expired. I have worked at MSG and other Arenas throughout the U.S and I can explain why this happens. The NHL has an office in every Arena, in that office there is a computer that is tied to the Scoreboard in the arena, via an internet connection. This connection always has a delay of 1-2 tenths of a second, which would explain why the NHL clock showed 0.00 and the arena clock showed 00.1. After the game coach Torts told the media, between periods he was shown a snapshot of the NHL’s official clock and that the right call was made. That left the game at 2-1 going into the third period.

The third period was much of the same physical play by the Rangers, but they were not able to get the puck past Columbus Goalie Steve Mason who had 32 saves for the game. So with the game still 2-1 and Columbus pulling their goalie for the extra skater with less than 2 minutes left in regulation, there was a faceoff in the Rangers zone. As if it was scripted, who else but Rick Nash, the Captain of Columbus, who has been the talk of Rangers fans all week, scored the game tying goal with 1:33 left in regulation. That goal of course prompted the unhappy MSG crowd to rain down the, “We Don’t Want You” chant towards Nash, who after the game said he understood the chant from the crowed because he is the opposition.

That game tying goal from Nash, led to the OT period, where off of a beautiful pass from Del Zotto, Stepan scored the game winner sending the Rangers to another victory and the MSG faithful home happy. The Rangers are now 19-7-2 good for 40 pts, at home this season which is their best start at home since the 95-96 season. Up next for the Blueshirts is a little road trip to Pittsburgh to take on the Penguins Tuesday night and of course more crazy trade rumors.

By Joe Clewell

@Blueshirts10

The King of New York

Forget about all the LINsanity in New York, there is something more magical going on here in New York. How about a little something called LUNDsanity. That’s right New York Rangers All Star Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. The debate has begun should King Henrik be in the running for the Hart Trophy (MVP) as well as the Vezina (Top Goalie in the NHL). There are some that believe that a goalie should not receive the Hart Trophy because the Vezina is the MVP Trophy for goalies. Well it hasn’t been done since Jose Theodore in the 2001-2002 season, in which he posted 30 wins, 2.11 GAA, .931 SV%, 7 SO . As it stands right now Lundqvist has posted 28 wins, a 1.77 goals-against average, .941 save-percentage, and seven shutouts in 42 starts. He is on the verge of his 7^th straight 30 win season, and proves night in and night out why he is so valuable to his team. 

The early front runner for the Hart was Evgeni Malkin but he has cooled down, while Lundqvist has done nothing but play better and better with each passing game. This season Lundqvist has come in at a lighter weight because he wanted to be quicker in net, and in the offseason worked on his glove side reflexes, which both have attributed to his dominance this season. You can try as hard as you want to find a weakness in his game, but I assure you, you will not find any. This season Lundqvist may see the least amount of regular season starts in his career due to the health and excellent play of his back up Marty Biron. This is going to be a huge key down the stretch as the Rangers make their run for the Franchises first Stanley Cup since 1994. Make no mistake about it, 

The King deserves to be the front runner for both the Hart and Vezina trophies, if you don’t believe me ask his teammates, who have said night in and night out he is the reason they play with as much confidence as they do, knowing he is back there to clean up and keep pucks out of the net. They will tell you they fell that when “Hanky” is in net they feel like they can win every single game. That sounds like the definition of a Most Valuable Player to me. He is a fan favorite and his work in the community should never go unnoticed, so even if the league doesn’t recognize Henrik Lundqvist as the MVP, the city of New York and the Rangers faithful does and will. That is why he is The King of New York.

By Joe Clewell

@Blueshirts10

With Trade Deadline Looming, should the Rangers Make A Big Splash?

With the trade deadline looming, the topic on everyone’s mind is what will the 1^st place New York Rangers do? There has been massive speculation that the Rangers are the front runners to land Rick Nash, from the Columbus Blue Jackets, who the Rangers play this Sunday. With the constant rumors flying, Ranger fans are having debates left and right all over Twitter and Facebook. There are many people who feel that the Rangers will benefit from adding another scorer, the likes of Nash who has been a perennial 30 goal scorer and at age 27 he is still in the prime of his career. This season Nash has 18 G and 21 A in 33 games. The problem with acquiring a player of Nash’s stature is what it will cost your franchise. Some of the names flying around as compensation for Nash are Brandon Dubinsky, Michael DelZotto, prospects Chris Kreider, J.T. Miller and Tim Erixon. Is Nash worth tearing apart the current roster and the future of your organization? Not to mention that Nash’s contract is a very substantial one, in which he is owed 7.8 million dollars a year for the next 4 seasons. That being said the Rangers have players the likes of Marian Gaborik, Ryan Callahan and Vezina and MVP Candidate Henrik Lundqvist that will be free agents after next season, and they will need to have the Cap Space to retain those players. With the current CBA set to expire this September, the uncertainty of the new agreement could also have an effect on the future Cap. For proof of that look at the previous lock outs by the NFL and NBA.

With that being said yes, it would be nice to add a player the caliber of Rick Nash, but it is not worth tearing apart the current roster and the future of your franchise. I know right away fans are going to say, “Well the Rangers made moves in 94 that led to their Stanley Cup Championship”, and believe me I understand that. That was then this is now, that team as great as it was, made those deals and left their franchise barren. The deals the Rangers made in 1994 set them back at least 10 more years, because if you remember, it was all downhill after that. Neil Smith who was heralded a genius for his moves lost his job shortly after, and the Rangers have not won a Stanley Cup since then.  The players they acquired at that time were Veteran players, who were will to put their own statistics aside for the good of the team. They made their big run, won the Stanley Cup and that was it 1 Cup.

Now to the current Ranger team, this team if you have been watching has been developing since the arrival of John Tortorella. It took some time, but now every player on this roster and even the players in Hartford believe in this system. This is a team, that if you watched HBO’s 24/7, you saw that they genuinely care about each other and play for each other. It all starts with the Captain Ryan Callahan, the way he plays the game all around, his grit, and determination and all out style is what personifies this team. Every player from stars like Gaborik and Richards to rookies like Carl Hagelin and Stu Bickel play the same way. Blocking shots, playing disciplined and physical hockey. Everyone has bought in to the system, and it has been successful, as you can see by the Rangers Eastern Conference leading 79 points and top seed. If there is a move that needs to be made, it should not be a move that will disrupt the team chemistry, or the future of this franchise. It should be a small move that would improve an area such as the Power Play, and it should not be at any expense. It’s going to be an interesting few days Ranger fans, hold on tight!!!

By Joe Clewell