Christmas Link Dump

Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah. Happy Holidays. All that good stuff. Today’s link dump is the only post for today, enjoy.

Jesse Spector of The Sporting News has some great quotes from Rangers players about how the coaching staff has been instrumental in getting the team past the rash of injuries on the blue line. Hopefully this is another blow to the “Fire Torts” crowd. He’s been fantastic and the team follows him. What more do you need?

Good friend of the blog Chris Peters Of United States of Hockey has a breakdown of Team USA for this year’s World Junior Championships. Rangers 2011 first round pick JT Miller made the squad, which is very strong again this year. Miller follows the likes of Chris Kreider, Ryan McDonagh, and Derek Stepan in representing Team USA.

If you don’t watch ESPN (I don’t blame you), then you missed this hilarious video of Derek Stepan calling in and surprising Linda Cohn (a life long Ranger fan) on the air. Here’s the video.

Sunday Link Dump: The Facebook Fail

It’s Sunday, which means it’s time for the weekly link dump of posts from around the interwebs regarding the Rangers and any other interesting bits of news from around the league.

It’s amazing how little hockey is in the minds of pop culture in this country. This is most evident with Facebook, when people are posting about the New York Rangers, but yet the social media conglomerate assumes they are posting about the Texas Rangers. In November and December. Facebook Fail. Eric at 5-hole blog picked this up, and I have to admit it’s a bit embarassing for both the sport and Facebook itself. Let’s see if we can fix that, mmkay?

Friend of the blog Inferno over at Rangers Review has finally enabled comments on his blog. Inferno does a great job reviewing the x’s and o’s of each game, and you should defintely be reading his blog if you aren’t already.

Another good friend of the blog Cris Cohen of Hockey Independent has her own take on the Derek Boogaard/enforcer situation that is in the forefront of NHL news lately. Whether Gary Bettman wants to admit it or not, this is an issue that the NHL will need to address. The evidence is not “inconclusive” as the good commish stated the other day. This needs to be addressed, and there is no easy answer here. People are dying.

The Rangers organization earned their 2,500th win last night when they beat the Sabres 4-1. The organization was founded in 1926, and last year was the 85th anniversary of the club. That averages out to about 29 wins per season. The numbers themselves look bleak, but let’s remember that the NHL schedule was not always 82 games (it was 44 games when the Rangers were founded).

Sunday Reads

5 in a row, 12 of 14, best record in the league. That there makes pretty reading doesn’t it? With the Rangers on a free day before skating at the Garden Monday morning it figures to be a slow news day so just go and enjoy the adulation you’ll likely read around the World Wide Web. The Rangers go for win number 2500 against the Leafs on Monday and with a 7-1-1 record and a ton of momentum (not to mention the Leafs faltering) there’s a good chance they get it. Let’s hope so. Here’s your Sunday Link Dump.

I don’t usually post the beat writer’s links here because, well, most of you know where to go for those guys’s stuff. That said I want to highlight Andrew Gross’ wrap. Why? Sean Avery. Gross, stating it’s his own opinion indicates a potential lack of trust for the lack of ice time Avery received after two periods. The way he writes it I’m OK with Tort’s decision too. If you’re chasing a game, one in which you need to stay disciplined and get hold of the puck you need your top guys out there. Hey, it paid off.

For your junior fix, Jess at the Prospect Park talks JT Miller and the Rangers prospects right here. I for one think Miller should head to the AHL next year as the way the Rangers are going and with Kreider dominant I don’t see any ice time for the rookie in NY. I think the hysteria wouldn’t do him any good either right now. Let the kid play, absolutely no rush right now.

For a dose of realism (?) or at least tempering some people’s hysteria, Rangers Review looks at the game last night, looking at the good and the bad.

Side note: Anyone that follows me on Twitter and see my Rangers goal tweets; you think Sam Rosen should adopt them? How entertaining would that be? Ok, maybe he’d get sacked. Never mind………

I love reading his mail bag and I’m sure many of you do too, but if not familiar then check out Darren Dreger and his question and answer sessions. If it’s to Canada-centric for you, write in and complain. Or just tell me not to post it again; whatever.

For you Chris Kreider fans, the Boston Globe checks out last night’s revenge win against Boston University. Kreider scored his twelfth goal of the year in the game and keeps on rolling.

Last but certainly not least on this lazy Sunday is news of the latest win for the CT Whale. The PP absolutely exploded for the baby Rangers and was certainly the key to the win. Good to see Andre Devaux take his demotion to the AHL well (also, take note who scored for the Falcons…)

Anyway, that’s your Sunday reads. I’m a Giants fan so anyone on twitter later today that sees me foul mouth and bitch about my NFL team’s latest defeat knows why: Aaron Rodgers and the Packers is why. Pessimistic? Uh-huh. 

Sunday Link Dump: Reviewing The MSG Renovations

Well, the Rangers lost last night and their seven game win streak was snapped, but yet the world did not end and I don’t believe anyone jumped off a cliff yet. That’s always good news. There’s another long layover before the Rangers play Florida this week, but hopefully the Rangers won’t come out too flat against the surprising Panthers.  I have digressed a bit…here’s today’s linkage.

Good friend of the blog Patrick Hoffman asked Rangers bloggers about the new Garden renovations. Myself, Kevin Baumer of Blueshirt Bulletin, Kevin DeLury of NYRangersBlog, and Scotty Hockey all contributed to the piece.

Bruce Berlet, who covers the CT Whale (and one of the men behind Howlings.net), has a great piece about Aaron Voros and his PTO with the CT Whale. It turns out Voros passed on a few opportunities, something he regrets, but made the call to Glen Sather to play for the Whale. Hopefully Voros can do with the forwards what Wade Redden has been able to do with the defensemen with the Whale.

The Islanders, who have a bit of a goaltending issue, have signed former Ranger Steve Valiquette to a PTO with their AHL affiliate Bridgeport Sound Tigers. When Rick DiPietro is their only healthy goalie at the NHL level, you know there is something wrong with them. It’s also kind of ironic.

HockeysFuture has their new organizational rankings, and the Rangers are at #13 this year, down from #8 last year. The biggest “flaw” in the Rangers system is that there are several prospects that are playing professionally and close to “graduating” from the definition of prospect. HF also says that the Rangers don’t have a #1 goalie in the system, but that’s not necessarily a weakness considering the Henrik Lundqvist factor.

Sunday Reads

Morning all, although only just for me as its almost midday here in the UK as I’m typing this… On a relatively quiet weekend for the Rangers (how often does a team get Saturday AND Sunday off?) its time to take a look around the Rangers universe at some of the more interesting reads.

Nick over at Rangers Tribune makes a very valid point (at least in my opinion, as well as his) at how the league doesn’t give enough attention to the Rangers win streak while he also mentions Tortorella’s comments on the disrespect Dan Girardi has received reference all star balloting.  If the Pens were on a 6 game tear or playing great hockey the whole world would hear about if from the leagues marketing department.

Jess at The Prospect Park looks at some of the junior action over the weekend including JT Miller’s 3 point night as his Plymouth side whipped the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

Kevin Delury, on his NY Rangers Blog,  looks at how the Rangers are trying to convince the Great One (obviously I don’t need to write his name) to play in the Alumni game later this season. Number 99 isn’t as opposed as he previously was when he insisted family commitments would be a priority. (Gretz is making me look good as I insisted the Rangers would convince him, eventually).

The CT Whale website  has a very interesting article on the Rangers emphasis on development. Great read and offers some nice insight in to the minor league affiliate as well, for those of you not as familiar with what goes on the level below NY.

I find things like this interesting even when I don’t always agree with TSN. The Canadian site has a look at the top performing free agents so far this season via Scott Cullen. Take note of the top 10: Two former Rangers (one more surprising than the other) and a guy that the Rangers were linked heavily with until he ended up in Dallas.

One more thing: I’m not ashamed to pimp out something deserving. If you like the NFL, are a fantasy geek (like me) and you like hearing a different take or two on subjects then head to Fantasy Pick Six and check out their latest podcast. Yours truly guests starts on it – episode 14 – it’s a great laugh to be involved with. The guys don’t take anything too seriously but offer great insight into the weekly goings on in the NFL. Yes, all the accents you hear are British including my own – British NFL opinion you say? crazy! Go listen.

Anyway, I’m off to the gym to make sure I’m in fighting shape for my next venture to New York in less than two weeks. Wish me luck. 

Sunday Link Dump – The Return

Ok, maybe dubbing this post as “The Return” is a bit overly dramatic. We just didn’t post one last week, so this is the return of the link dump. It’s not as memorable as a few returns in Rangers history, but we will highlight some returns in this edition of the link dump.

If reading player quotes, looking at pictures and game video is your thing, check out Blueshirts United. It’s one of the best news collection sites out there. Plus Jim Cerny always has that insider view of things.

Nick Montemagno of Rangers Tribune states that Avery needs to keep things simple to be successful in his return to the lineup. This is absolutely true, as Avery is definitely under a lot of internal and fan pressure to perform. Keep it simple, do the little things, and you’ll stay on the roster Sean.

Kevin Baumer at Blueshirt Bulletin has a look at some Rangers prospects currently playing around the Canadian Juniors and NCAA.

Jess Rubenstein of Prospect Park has a great quote from Gordie Clark about how to tell if a player is ready: “Dominate at the level you are currently at before moving up to the next level.”  This is the absolute truth, and the reason why you won’t see players like Dylan McIlrath for at least two years. No need to rush these kids.

Finally, if you haven’t been reading Rangers Review, then you are missing out on some quality analysis.

Sunday Link Dump: The King’s Highlight Edition

Today is Sunday, which means it’s time for today’s Link Dump. Let’s call this the Henrik Lundqvist addition, as we found the great saves he has made from the first six games of the year:

First, the miraculous save that Lundqvist made on Magnus Paajarvi last night against the Oilers:

Next up: The King’s save on Bobby Ryan in Sweden:

Finally, the brilliant save on Tom Kostopoulos in Calgary:

Sunday Link Dump – What Do We Have In Woywitka?

It’s Sunday, which means it’s a day of relaxing, football, and the weekly link dump. Enjoy this week’s Rangers reads across the interwebs.

Glen Miller of SNY Rangers Blog has a look at what the Rangers have in Jeff Woywitka, and uses advanced metrics to back it up. Glen has been one of the best int he Rangers blog-o-sphere at analyzing the advanced metrics, so you should go read his stuff.

George Ays of Blueshirt Banter (and Tracking The Rangers) does a great job of tracking the Rangers scoring chances during each game. He even tracks the type of scoring chance it is. It’s great for keeping track of the Rangers offense and how effective it is.

The final chapter in the Aaron Boogaard saga has been written, as USA Today reports that he has pleaded guilty to a gross misdemeanor involving the overdose that caused the death of his brother Derek. The judge called it an “error in judgment”. I call it a love for his brother that desperately needed help.

Short link dump today in an uneventful Rangers week. We could post links to each writer and where they think the Rangers will finish, but let’s be honest, do predictions really matter?

Sunday Link Dump – Kreider Will Amaze; Thomas Has A Concussion?

It’s Sunday, which means it’s link dump time. You get to enjoy other people’s words instead of ours.

If you don’t read Chris Peters’ work on the USA prospects (at UnitedStatesOfHockey.com, then you are missing out. His piece on the All-America team in the NCAA is particularly interesting, because it talks about Chris Kreider:

If there’s a faster player in college hockey than Kreider, I have yet to see him. Kreider’s offensive game continues to improve to match his elite-level skating. The fact that Kreider is still in college is actually quite surprising, but also a very smart move on the player’s part.

So, let’s all be patient with Kreider, mmmkay?

Nick Perri at SNY Rangers blog has a good preview of the CT Whale’s defense. Considering all the prospects the Rangers have in the AHL, you will want to know what to expect from these guys.

It’s a little bit speculative, but Jess Rubenstein of The Prospect Park thinks that Christian Thomas may have suffered a concussion at the Traverse City Tournament:

Traverse City did not go well for Thomas and we kind of suspect that he may have suffered a minor concussion in the Traverse City final. Thomas took a elbow to the head early in that game and barely was a factor after that.

Elbows to the head are a nuisance, and Thomas has been scoreless in his first four games in the OHL.

Sunday Link Dump: Youth Infusion On Hold?

It’s Sunday, so it’s time for today’s link dump.

Steve Zipay at Newsday thinks that the Rangers youth movement is on hold because the Rangers cut Carl Hagelin and Ryan Bourque yesterday.  I am inclined to disagree here.  There is a ton of youth on the team already, and you don’t just put youth on the team just to do it.  The Rangers are adding Mats Zuccarello full time, isn’t that enough for this year on a roster where no one really played themselves on to the team?

Jess Rubenstein at Prospect Park has an update on J.T. Miller, who is currently playing with the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL.  Miller finished with a goal and an assist in his Whalers debut, including scoring the game winner.

This post is a little old, but Michael Gleich of Bleeding All Blue checked out the battle for the final forward spot.  This was obviously written before John Mitchell was cut, but if Mike’s post says anything, it says that even the fans have moved away from Erik Christensen, who is supposedly in the battle for the final roster spot. So long EC, I hope CT treats you well.