Friday chat reminder
Happy Friday BSB faithful! Just a friendly reminder, we will be having our weekly chat today at 3pm. Make sure to drop by with questions! See everyone this afternoon.
A preliminary look at a possible Brad Richards buy-out
Great teammate, too many years.
There is nothing more dangerous in sports than a superstar in his early 30’s coming up for free agency. At age 31 or 32, he still shows all the skills that made him a star in his prime and makes GM’s salivate at the thought of that “one final piece”. But we know those skills are fading. If we are really honest with ourselves, we know the fall will come within the first three or four years of that mega-deal. The Yankees are currently paying for it with Alex Rodriguez, and are considering it with Robinson Cano. The Rangers, of course, took the plunge in July 2011, to the tune of nine years, $60 million for Brad Richards. Read more »
Kreider sent to Whale
Per Katie Strang, Chris Kreider has been sent down to the Connecticut Whale. She claims that the organization doesn’t want him sitting in the press box. Looks like J.T. Miller will stay with the big club and see a year burned off his ELC.
The return of the Friday chat this afternoon
This afternoon at 3pm, the Friday chat returns here at BSB! We’re talking Islanders, the scorching hot Carl Hagelin, JT Miller, whatever’s on your mind. On an administrative note, we’re using new chat software, so bear with me if the process isn’t 100% bug free. See everyone this afternoon!
Upcoming stretch of games offers opportunity to get Biron some action
Good goalie, a little suspect in shootouts
Coming into the lockout shortened year, a consensus emerged that due to the abbreviated schedule, Marty Biron was going to play a major role for the Blueshirts this season. Back at the beginning of January, The Suit did a great job highlighting this need. Our sartorially inclined colleague opined that Biron should get at least 12 games this season in order to keep Hank fresh and keep his overall workload reasonable.
So far, this hasn’t exactly gone according to plan. Due to the slow start the Rangers had to the season, our resident Marty has only appeared in three games so far (once in relief and starts against TB and the Isles, last night). This puts him on pace to start well under ten games during the regular season. Obviously not an ideal workload share for a potential long playoff run.
Goal breakdown: Penguins at Rangers
The up and down season continues for the Rangers as they dropped another game to the Penguins, 3-0 at the Garden tonight. This was a frustrating loss, not only because the group’s low scoring ways continued, but because the Rangers did a lot of good things tonight and came up empty handed. Let’s get to the goals…
Pittsburgh 1, Rangers 0
The Pens struck early in this one, just 1:24 into the opening frame. The Rangers got caught running around in their own zone due to some quality puck movement from the Pens. Kris Letang was able to sneak a nice lateral pass down to the back door for Malkin, who ripped a one-timer, short side for the early tally. Read more »
Rangers sign Jason Arnott
Via Darren Dreger, the Rangers have agreed to terms with veteran center Jason Arnott on a one year deal worth between $1.6-$1.7 million. More to come as details become available, but considering the Rangers’ lack of depth at forward and the early season face-off woes, I think this is a great pick up.
The Goal Breakdown: Penguins at Rangers
Ranger fans left The Garden disappointed tonight, as the Blueshirts dropped their home opener to the Penguins, in particularly brutal fashion, 6-3. In a game we saw The King pulled in the second period, Rick Nash’s first Ranger goal, and continued sloppy, disjointed play, the good guys fell to 0-2-0 on the young season. Let’s break down the goals…
Penguins 1, Rangers 0: Only seconds after Aaron Asham kicked the game off with a solid tilt with Tanner Glass, Brad Richards took an undisciplined interference penalty just :37 into the game. On the ensuing Pittsburgh powerplay, after some pressure, Marc Staal failed to the clear the zone as his attempt was picked off by Kris Letang. The Pens continued to move the puck and eventually caught the Rangers running around. James Neal was left alone in the slot, and he rifled a shot low to the glove side and past Lundqvist. There may have been a small screen there, but I think Hank will want that one back.
Penguins 1, Rangers 1: Around the nine minute mark, the Rangers were starting to buzz offensively. An aggressive forecheck lead to a Simon Despres penalty for holding. On the faceoff, Brandon Sutter took a penalty for playing the puck with his glove. Apparently this is a new penalty this year. Just ask Sam, he’ll tell you all about it. This lead to a full two minute 5-on-3 for the Rangers. The Pens decided to play two forwards and one defenseman and collapse the front of the net. This allowed the PP unit the opportunity to move the puck freely around the perimeter and seek openings down low. After alternating the two tactics, Richards drifted down into the high slot and ripped a half slapper toward the net. Tomas Vokoun was unable to control the rebound and Captain Cally banged in the rebound as it was bouncing for the equalizer. Read more »
