Preseason Game 4 Notes

I passed out when I got home from the game, and jurgenno is having internet issues, so unfortunately, the recap for last night’s game wasn’t written. I apologize for that. But, from the game, there were a few things of note:

• That was a nifty little kick pass by Ruslan Fedotenko that set up the Derek Stepan goal.
• Speaking of Fedotenko and Stepan, they must be making it very tough on the coaching staff to make the roster decisions for this year. Both are having great preseasons. It’s going to be a shame to see one of them get cut (probably).
• Derek Boogaard had two scoring chances last game. That has to be a record for him. He looked shocked to find the puck on his stick both times. If he continues to play like that, fans are going to like him.
• Speaking of that fourth line, I stand by my original statement that Todd White has not impressed.
• What is with this obsession with Erik Christensen? He made a nice pass, that’s obvious. But the rest of the game he looked out of place.
• Henrik Lundqvist was very sharp, and made some very difficult saves look easy.
• That defensive battle for those final two spots is going to be very interesting. Pavel Valentenko broke his nose after his first shift, and still played the entire game while clearing the crease with a fury like hell hath no. Mike Sauer has been very steady, and contributed offensively, picking up a goal. Matt Gilroy has been superb, and has probably claimed the #5 spot.
• What a pickup Alex Frolov is turning out to be, that was a pretty pass to Michael Del Zotto in the third.
• As good as they looked last night, the Red Wings did not have their top line of Henrik Zetterberg-Pavel Datsyuk-Tomas Holmstrom playing last night.

The Rangers have two preseason games left, both against Ottawa. It is not going to be an easy decision for who to keep and who to cut. But for the first time in a while, there may not be a wrong decision. There will be different opinions, but there may not necessarily be a “wrong” move to make before the season begins.

Prospect Watch

Every week (but usually on a Wednesday evening) here at Blueseatblogs we’ll look at how the Rangers prospects in major junior, NCAA (and where relevant Europe) are doing. At this stage the NCAA are still in the pre season while the CHL’s leagues (WHL, OHL, QMJHL)  have started.

Some players have gotten off to strong starts. Following on from a solid training camp with the Rangers, young center Roman Horak went back to the Chilliwack Bruins of the WHL and made an instant impact. Horak scored 1 and assisted on 3 others to have a 4 point night to kick off his season. If Horak can build on his strong rookie year in the WHL and have nights like this, his development will really kick on. At this early stage the Rangers look like they may have another mid round steal on their hands as Horak was taken 127th overall in 2009.

Another player looking to kick on this year is Ryan Bourque. Like Horak, Ray’s son also had a strong regular season debut back in the QMJHL as he notched 2 assists and was +3 as his Quebec Ramparts beat Halifax 4-1. Bourque is wearing an A this year so it will be worth monitoring how he develops from a leadership point of view.

Another Ranger pick off to a good start is Christian Thomas. Picked 40th overall by the Rangers this summer Thomas made his season debut for the Oshawa Generals as they whipped Peterborough 9-2 last Friday. Thomas scored 2 goals, was a +4 and like Bourque is wearing an A this year. Its good to see so many Rangers prospects in leadership positions. Should they make it to the NHL, you can never have too much leadership. Thomas is looking to build on a 40 goal campaign last year and a 2 goal game to open 10/11 isn’t a bad way to start at all. Thomas looks an exciting prospect.

2010 1st round pick Dylan Mcilrath, Dan Maggio and Randy McNaught have all started their junior seasons as has goalie Scott Stajcer, who deserves a mention after a difficult Rangers camp. Stajcer backstopped Owen Sound to a opening win and gave up just one goal in the game, finishing with a .958 save %. Here’s hoping the talented youngster gets more support this season in Owen Sound.

Several European based players including winger Jesper Fasth and defenceman Mikhail Pashnin have started their seasons in Sweden and Russia respectively. We’ll look into their play in more detail over the coming weeks. At this stage neither player has contributed offensively. Fasth is playing for HV71 in Sweden and Pashnin is at CSKA of Moscow.

At this early stage of the ‘prospect season’ not many players have started as you can see, but many of those who have, have started brightly. The Rangers have drafted pretty well in recent years and that has been reflected in the performances in recent times (think Grachev in Brampton, Kreider, Stepan and Hagelin in the NCAA etc). It should be a fun season to watch ‘the kids’ develop.

Thoughts And Musings

It’s Thursday! You know what that means. It’s Thoughts and Musings day here at BSB. And I, for one, can’t be more excited.

(Note: Wrote this on Tuesday, due to hellacious schedule on Wednesday, when I usually write this column. If something happens in between Tuesday and when the article publishes to make it irrelevant, I apologize. If you saw my calendar, you’d feel my pain.)

-Wade Redden, gone. Never thought it would happen. But it did. The Rangers admitted a mistake. I’m shocked. I mean, they had to do it. But, this a prideful GM with a stubborn owner. Creates a recipe for disaster. But, they did it. Maybe a new leaf has turned in the Rangers organization.

-I’m not surprised to see he reported to Hartford. He had 6.5 million reasons to do so. Plus, a new born baby he probably didn’t want to take to Europe. Still, it’s up to him to be a good locker room presence, not drag guys down. There’s a lot of talented Dmen in Hartford. Maybe Redden can be a bit of a mentor to them.

-D-pairs, as of now, in my mind:

Staal-Girardi

MDZ-Rosival

Gilroy-McDonagh

I think Eminger is the 7th. Valentenko and Sauer have been very good. Gilroy’s been better. I think they’ll try to get rid of Rosy after this year, and place Valentenko or Sauer in there. They’re young, but they are good.

-Agree with Dave. Fedetenko is right for this team. Always thought that. Scoring on the cheap. Can play on first, second or third line. Very valuable.

-I can’t predict lines. Cause I don’t know. With Kennedy, Stepan and Fedetenko playing well, it’s been hard to find room. A good thing, though.

-Don’t think Todd White will make the team. No room. And he hasn’t really impressed

-The Office Interlude: The best opening to any show, ever

-I still can’t believe hockey is so close. Just so excited.

-I may (emphasis on may) be going to Opening Night. If so, I’d be thrilled. But the emphasis on may is there for a reason.

Preseason Game 4: Rangers vs. Red Wings

After sweeping the Devils in the first two games of the preseason, the Rangers lost to the Red Wings in Detroit on Sunday night. In that game, the Rangers looked relatively over matched, as Detroit’s superior skill had the Rangers defense running around like chickens with their heads cut off. Despite that, the Rangers still managed to make a game out of it.

OPPONENT: Detroit Red Wings

2009-2010 RECORD: 44-24-14

2009-2010 LEADING SCORER: Pavel Datsyuk (27-43-70), Henrik Zetterberg (23-47-70)

GOALIE: Jimmy Howard, 2.26 GAA and a .924 save percentage

RANGERS LINES:
Alex Frolov-Erik Christensen-Marian Gaborik
Tim Kennedy-Artem Anisimov-Ryan Callahan
Ruslan Fedotenko-Derek Stepan-Sean Avery
Derek Boogaard-Todd White-Brandon Prust

Matt Gilroy-Pavel Valentenko
Marc Staal-Mike Sauer
Michal Rozsival-Michael Del Zotto

Henrik Lundqvist will play the entire game.

STATE OF THE BLUESHIRTS: The Rangers made their second round of cuts the other day, and are likely to make another round of cuts after tonight’s game as well. One would assume that with both Valentenko and Sauer going today, one will be sent home if those cuts are made. As for the forwards, it could be one last effort to impress the coaching staff for Fedotenko and White, both of whom are on the bubble.

CRAZY THOUGHT: Avery gets a Gordie Howe hat trick.

ON THE iPod:Offspring – The Kids Aren’t Alright

FINAL PREDICTION: Red Wings 3, Rangers 2

The game is at 7pm tonight. I’ll be at the game this time around. Generally I’m section 412, row D, but since it’s preseason, I’m going to move around and get as close as possible before I get booted.

Could Derek Stepan Decide Ruslan Fedotenko’s Fate?

When the Rangers made their second round of cuts, they left 27 players in camp, for what we now know will be 23 (24 if you include Drury on IR) roster spots. Working with the 24 players that will be kept, there are very few spots left on the roster to be had. Of these 24 spots, seven will go to defensemen, and two will go to goaltenders, leaving 15 spots for forwards (including Drury). With what appears to be 11 forward spots locked up, assuming Erik Christensen and Brandon Prust are locks, there are five forwards battling for the final two spots on the roster.

The forward battle is a much more complicated battle than defense because of Chris Drury’s status, and the number of NHL forwards left for so few spots. With five forwards (Brian Boyle, Ruslan Fedotenko, Todd White, Derek Stepan, Tim Kennedy) battling it out for the final two spots, it is likely that the third and final cut won’t occur until Drury returns from his broken finger. Thus, the Rangers will likely make two cuts at forward after tonight’s game, and a third a few games into the season, leaving 14 total forwards once Drury returns. The only forward of that group that simply has not impressed is White. It’s not that he’s playing poorly, it’s just that he seems relatively invisible. If White is one of the cuts, that leaves four guys remaining for that final cut.

I’ve already drawn the ire of a lot of Ranger fans (and a lot of Penguins fans) for my defense of Ruslan Fedotenko, and I’m about to draw this ire again. Personally, I believe Fedotenko has played very well, and has earned a spot on the roster for a year, but that’s not where I’m headed with this. I believe that Fedotenko’s fate is no longer in his own hands. His fate lies in the hands of Derek Stepan, and how well he rebounds after a mediocre game in Detroit on Sunday. Stepan has proved he has top line center potential. Should Stepan rebound and have a stellar game, it looks like he will remain with the club until Drury comes back, and probably longer. If that is the case, then it is likely that Fedotenko will be cut, as he simply would not have a place on the team that already has an abundance of third and fourth line players under contract.

Read more »

Rangers News; Lines, Cuts and Torts’ intentions

Dane Byers, Jeremy Williams and Kris Newbury all cleared waivers today and were clear to go to Hartford as expected. The Hartford side is starting to look quite an impressive collection when you consider some of the talent recently sent down. The Wolf Pack will be able to ice a line up that features forwards Evgeny Grachev, Mats Zuccarello-Aasen, Jeremy Williams (good scorer at the AHL level) Dane Byers, Brodie Dupont as well as Dale Weise and defencemen Wade Redden,  Tomas Kundratek, Sam Klassen, Jyri Niemi and Nigel Williams. All this doesn’t include potential final cuts from the Rangers roster such as Mike Sauer or Pavel Valentenko. Hartford could, should (?) be very strong this year and full of prospects to keep an eye on.

Beat writer Andrew Gross was today reporting ahead of Wednesday’s game against Detroit (at the MSG) that Brandon Dubinsky, Vinny Prospal (no surprise there given his recent injury) and Brian Boyle were not likely to dress for the game.  Centers Derek Stepan, Eric Christensen, Todd White and Artem Anisimov should be those who play against the Wings. The forward lines during today’s practice were as follows; Frolov-Christensen-Gaborik, Kennedy-Anisimov-Callahan, Fedotenko-Stepan-Avery, Dubinsky-Prospal-Boyle, Boogaard-White-Prust. It seems Erik Christensen will get an extended look between Gaborik and Frolov Wednesday night.

It’s also being reported that ex (brief) Ranger Anders Eriksson has accepted a try-out with the Islanders much like Jed Ortmeyer recently did. Rangers appreciation society?

John Tortorella today indicated to the press that the Rangers are likely to start the season with the maximum allowed 23 players (oh, how enjoyable cap space can be?!). This is good news for those scratching and clawing to make the roster out of camp. It makes the regular season that little bit more probable for the likes of Sauer, Valentenko, Boyle and/or try-out Fedotenko.  Having a full compliment is a good thing for the Blueshirts. Competition (as we’ve seen through this year’s camp) means pressure and pressure often leads to better levels of performance. We saw last season when the Rangers dressed just 6 defenceman for most of the year what a lack of pressure can mean. Andrew also indicated this afternoon that both Mike Sauer and Valentenko will play against the Wings. This seems to suggest that Ryan McDonagh has likely made the team and Sauer and Valentenko will face a head to head for the final spot on the blue line to start the year. McDonagh has been steady and physical all camp and deserves a chance to show what he can do. Thank you Bob Gainey, thank you.

What We’ve Learnt So Far?

11 days of camp and 3 games into the pre-season and the Rangers have made two series of roster cuts and have 27 players remaining. So what have we learnt about the state of the Rangers?

Let’s start with the negatives.

Looking at camp it was disappointing to see core players such as Artem Anisimov struggle with the conditioning skates. It was perplexing because it’s been reported that the Russian was training throughout the summer – what gives? Other players who didn’t distinguish themselves during the conditioning included Michael Del Zotto who, like some others, was struggling with cramps and leg pain.

Goaltending beyond that at the NHL level continues to be somewhat of concern. Chad Johnson, who has NHL potential has struggled, letting in soft goals during the exhibition season while Scott Stajcer has let his nerves get to him. Stajcer had a poor first scrimmage including conceding goals on his first three shots faced. Jordan Parise and Cam Talbot didn’t turn heads with their play either. Neither seemed legitimate threats to Johnson for starting/playing time in the AHL.

A sign of a successful NHL team is how a team deals with the opposition’s top lines. The Rangers thus far have struggled to contain the key players during each pre-season contest. The Devils top trio of Parise-Kovalchuk-Zajac scored with ease in both games while the Rangers struggled to keep Zetterberg’s line off the board on Sunday (against Detroit), while Brian Rafalski also did what he wanted offensively in Sunday’s tilt. The Rangers struggled to deal with the puck possession and skill level of the Red Wings.  Although the Rangers haven’t iced a full NHL side yet (it is pre-season after all) they will have to deal with opponents top lines much more effectively when the regular season kicks off.

Drury’s injury is a negative. Drury is on this team regardless and additional offense (compared to last year) from the captain would go a long way in helping the Rangers return to the post season. While conditioning shouldn’t be an issue (he can still bike and do cardio) Drury has missed an opportunity to get in on the scrimmages and pre-season games and re-discover his offensive game. A nice run of pre-season success may have helped Drury’s confidence, however thanks to injury he’s already behind the eight-ball.

So what has gone well?

Read more »

Wade Redden To Report To Hartford

As per Larry Brooks, Wade Redden will report to Hartford to play in the AHL this season. After being waived by the Rangers on Saturday, and clearing this afternoon, Redden had several options for his future. He could report to Hartford, and honor the remaining four years of his deal ($23 million due to him). He could search for a suitable team in Europe or Russia, and have the Rangers agree to a loan, which would again see him get paid as per his contract. Or he could not report to Hartford, giving the Rangers grounds to void his contract, where Redden could seek employment from another NHL team.

At this stage of many player’s lives, family comes before hockey. With a newborn baby, it is safe to assume that Redden simply chose family this year. Hartford is close enough to New York that Redden does not need to uproot his family to continue playing hockey. It’s tough not to feel for Redden, as it was very clear he was trying, and perhaps trying too hard. It is not his fault that GM Glen Sather offered him $6.5 million per year for six years. However, hockey is a business, and for the Rangers to be competitive, Redden had to go. Maybe he can be a mentor to the kids there, like he was to Michael Del Zotto (which few knew about until MDZ spoke about Redden’s departure). At $2 million, he would be a welcome addition to most NHL clubs, just not at $6.5 million. Redden the person is a good man, but Redden the hockey players was just too expensive for minimal production.

Rangers Make Second Round Cuts

The Rangers have made their second round of cuts, and some of the 11 cuts are going to surprise people. Goaltender Chad Johnson, defenseman Wade Redden, and forwards Jeremy Williams, Kris Newbury, Dane Byers, Evgeny Grachev, Dale Weise, and Mats Zuccarello-Aasen have been sent to Hartford. Garnet Exelby, Alexei Semenov, and Brandon Manning have been released from their tryouts. It is surprising to see MZA on that list of cuts, but it appears that the presence of Ruslan Fedotenko has prompted the Rangers not to force the young winger into a situation where he may not succeed or lose confidence.

Evgeny Grachev being cut shouldn’t be taken the wrong way by Ranger fans. Grachev is just 20 years old, and to make the team at 20, you have to really impress the coaching staff. Grachev had a solid camp and preseason, but solid doesn’t get you a roster spot. He needed to be exceptional. Considering the depth the Rangers have at wing, there is no need to rush the young prospect. As for Dale Weise, he is also a product of Fedotenko. Weise is just 22 years old, and although he played well, his spot on the team was going to have to be earned by outplaying Fedotenko, which he did not. Weise is on the final year of his entry level deal, and will be given another shot at earning his spot next year.

Semenov was another who had a good preseason and camp, which may lead to some surprise he was cut. But with Steve Eminger signed, and youngsters Pavel Valentenko and Michael Sauer impressing, there is a bit of a logjam on the blue line. Semenov was in camp as a safety measure, and it appears that safety measure is no longer required. Too bad “domestic issues” forced him to return to Russia last year. Exelby did not impress at all during camp, and played very poorly against New Jersey. It is not a surprise to see him go.

Byers, Williams, and Newbury will have to clear waivers to be sent to Hartford. It is unlikely that any will be claimed, but Byers would be the most likely to be claimed. It’s tough to not feel for Byers, but with Derek Boogaard and Brandon Prust in the fold, Byers no longer has a spot on this team. As for Williams and Newbury, they were destined for Hartford when they were signed.

Perhaps the biggest surprise is that MA as sent to Hartford. MZA had a solid camp, and a good preseason. However, as I predicted, he needs time to adjust to the physical North American style before he is ready to play at the NHL level. With so much NHL depth already on the roster (on short term contracts), there is no need to rush the young Norwegian. He will probably be one of the first call ups should there be an injury or someone forgets how to play hockey.

The race for the Rangers starters has become much clearer. There are five players vying for the final three defensive spots (Valentenko, Sauer, Eminger, Matt Gilroy, Ryan McDonagh). There are now 15 forwards on the roster for 13 spots, and that 15 includes the injured Chris Drury meaning there will be two more forwards cut. With Fedotenko and Tim Kennedy likely to make the team, Brian Boyle could be on his way to Hartford as well, in addition to one more forward. The Rangers have three preseason games left, and the race for the final roster spots just heated up.

Rangers Would Be Foolish To Cut Ruslan Fedotenko Now

When the Rangers invited Ruslan Fedotenko to camp, many thought it would just be to put some pressure on the young kids, and that he would eventually be cut. However, Fedotenko has had a very strong camp, and played very well against the Devils on Saturday night, scoring the game-tying goal on the powerplay and adding another two assists. Fedotenko was clearly one of the Rangers better skaters on Saturday, as he forechecked, backchecked, and scored the way he is capable of. Remember, Fedotenko won coach John Tortorella a Stanley Cup with Tampa Bay, and has a very good shot, as shown on Saturday.

Fedotenko averages 15 goals and 35 points per season, and is only 31 years old. He may not be a long term answer for the Rangers, but he is looking to be an extremely low risk stop-gap for the Rangers, who desperately need scoring while the kids develop in Hartford, the CHL, and college. What intrigues me most about Fedotenko is that his goal on Saturday was scored from the right wing side. I personally don’t know too much about Fedotenko, but if he can play both wings, it makes him that much more valuable to the Rangers, who are very weak on the right side.

Fedotenko has outplayed Dale Weise, Dane Byers, and Mats Zuccarello-Aasen thus far, both in camp scrimmages and in the preseason, and has earned his right to at least continue his tryout. Fedotenko offers something to the Rangers that Byers does not; a scoring touch. Sure Byers is tough, but the Rangers are pretty stacked at the tough guy position with Derek Boogaard and Brandon Prust. Weise is just 22 years old, and is on the final year of his entry level deal. No harm is done by letting him play out one more year in Hartford, especially when the Rangers have some cap room to sign Fedotenko to a slightly more expensive contract (Weise would make $700k if playing in the NHL).

That leaves the competition between Fedotenko and MZA. MZA has shown a relentless forecheck, and has actually out-performed Fedotenko in this regard. However, MZA has yet to show what he can do offensively, save for a great forecheck that led to the Erik Christensen goal last night. MZA might benefit from a year in Hartford, getting acquainted to the physical style of the North American game, and being one of the first call ups should injuries arise.

Some may not like it, but Fedotenko would make the Rangers a better team. He gives the Rangers a bona-fide scoring threat on the second powerplay unit, and a consistent 15 goal guy who will bounce between the second and third lines. In a wide open Eastern Conference, a guaranteed 15 goal performance can be the difference between the seventh place and 10th place. With the second round of cuts looming, Fedotenko has earned his shot to participate in the final three preseason games, and maybe make a difference on the 2010-2011 New York Rangers.