Pre Free Agency Musings

Hello everybody. I’ll be in New York in less than two weeks and it will feel odd. It will be the first summer time trip there and the first time outside of hockey season. No Rangers? Not right. I’m sure I’ll cope though. On to the musings

The Montreal Canadiens will be starting next season with Marc Bergevin and Michael Therrien at the helm of the storied franchise. I can’t help feeling that with the return of Therrien that club will be spinning its wheels for a year or two.

Speaking of Canadian teams, good move: the Bob Hartley appointment in Calgary. Bad move: Steve Tambellini getting a new deal in Edmonton. How does a general manager keep his club near the bottom of the league despite lottery pick after lottery pick and get rewarded with a new contract?

So the Rangers are linked heavily to Alexander Radulov. I can’t help thinking about Nikolai Zherdev when I think of Radulov: hugely talented on the ice, hugely problematic off it. If the Rangers get him he’ll cost a lot in dollars because he won’t sign anywhere for pittance. The cost to acquire may be minimal but the commitment to a big (but talented) risk will be significant – for whatever club snag him.

How weak is the free agent class of 2012?

Read more »

Musings After Five

It’s a depressing musing day. It’s the day between games and we’re potentially a day away from the end of the season. If you’re negative that is. Anyway, let’s get on to the musings.

Marian Gaborik scored. Ryan Callahan scored. The offense wasn’t the issue in the game five defeat. The defense was subpar and above all the Rangers couldn’t keep the Devils top players in check.  Kovalchuk, Parise and Zajac combined for 5 points. The Rangers have yet to play a game this series (arguably all playoffs) where every facet of their game – defense, goaltending, offense, special teams – has clicked at the same time.

I read a few things today where people have begun to criticise Lundqvist, because of game five. If I meet any of these people in person I may very well attack them. I loves me a good beat down. I cannot tolerate mindless fools and/or drama queens. Step away from the ledge.

Whether it was injury or not; Ryan Callahan, despite being impressive in game five, hasn’t been the offensive force in these playoffs that he needs to be. That says a lot. Why? The Rangers have one heck of a leader and all rounder hockey player in Cally. However, on offensively strong teams Callahan would be an offensive compliment not a go-to-guy.

I think tiredness is present in the Rangers but it’s maybe overstated. I think sometimes the media create stories and players and teams can often buy into them, believe them. Is that going on here?

Read more »

Goal breakdown ECF Game 3

The Rangers were able to gut out a 3-0 win today against the New Jersey Devils to take a 2-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference Final.  The Blueshirts won despite 40 minutes of sub-par play, due to the absolute brilliance of Henrik Lundqvist, who finished with 36 saves.  In a weird way, this game almost mirrored Game 1 in every way.  A less than spectacular performance through two periods while keeping the game scoreless, followed by a Dan Girardi goal early in third, Chris Kreider giving the Rangers some breathing room and an empty netter.  Let’s break this bad boy down…

1-0 Rangers

• After Marian Gaborik drew a hooking penalty on Bryce Salvador early in the third, the power play went to work.  There really isn’t much to break down on this one.  Brad Richards won the draw in the offensive zone and Girardi slid into the slot to retrieve the puck and fired a laser past Marty Brodeur.  There was very little traffic in front, Girardi just beat Marty clean for a much needed goal after the way the team played for the first two periods.

2-0 Rangers

• John Mitchell started this play off with a fantastic, hard-working shift.  He was able to get the puck deep into the offensive zone and try to kick-start the cycle.  Cally got the puck around the boards up to McDonagh at the point, and McD fired on shot towards the net.  Chris Kreider was in perfect position for a nice little deflection past Brodeur to widen the gap just a bit.  With the way Lundqvist was playing, it seemed like the nail in the coffin for New Jersey.  Read more »

Game Seven Musings

Welcome to the biggest game in the Rangers recent history, well since the lock out. Those of you who disagree, by all means do so but it doesn’t get much bigger than a do or die game 7 on home ice as the conference’s top seed. Especially with the defending champs and possibly biggest threat (Pens) already out. Musings Time.

Marian Gaborik needs to step up yes, but he hasn’t been that bad. We need more of him, but its times like this that attention is given to the guys like Gaborik and depth guys step up. Exhibit A: Brian Boyle. Exhibit B: Chris Kreider.

Brandon Dubinsky has zero points in six games. Would you like me to remind you how much he earns?  What’s the likelihood Dubinsky plays well tonight? I didn’t think so either. See you in a different uniform next October Brandon.

Henrik Lundqvist, Vezina Trophy nominee. Well we’ve heard that before. I just hope the voters take into account the division he played in, his absolute position as most vital Ranger and the fact well, hey… it’s his turn.

The Pens are out. The Bruins are out. The Caps have a goaltending sub plot this April. The Devils and the Panthers aren’t all that scary…. Hey, if this team actually gets past this tricky, awkward Senators team there’s real opportunity to progress. Yes, I am not concerned about the team with Bryzgalov in net.

I wonder how long Brian Boyle is going to be out and how damaging that is to the Rangers (assuming they can squeak past Ottawa).

Respect Time: There is a legitimate chance Daniel Alfredsson, a true modern great of the game, plays his last NHL game tonight at the Garden. Against any other team I’d hope he had a few left in him. Maybe he comes back next year but if he doesn’t…. happy retirement Danny boy.

Read more »

Shortening the bench

The Rangers play their biggest game of the season and perhaps biggest game since the lockout on Thursday night. A win over the Senators and progress to the next round could be the springboard to a successful post season. Or Friday morning could be the start of golf season.

With that said, should John Tortorella shorten his bench in the series finale? Given his tendencies to do so during his tenure with the Rangers will we see the Rangers coach double shift the top lines? This comes back in part, once again, to the potential part Chris Kreider may have to play in this game.

Despite scoring a huge goal in game six, being praised by the coaching staff after the game and generally, playing his best game as a pro Kreider still only played just over ten minutes. With a do-or-die game on Thursday any mistake, any slip in defensive assignments could mean the end of the Rangers season.

This morning Dave discussed Stu Bickel’s declining role and the potential introduction of Steve Eminger. Bickel is another example of Tortorella not wanting certain players in certain situations. The fact that he’s playing 5 blueliners right now is another example of shortening the bench. Given how tightly this series has been played a blow-out victory for either side is unlikely. In part because of the closeness of each game Bickel is routinely playing absoltely minimal ice time right now.

Read more »

No Callahan in Selke finalists; No Rangers in Lady Byng finalists

In what is no surprise to pretty much anyone, Ryan Callahan was not included as a finalist for the Selke Trophy for the NHL’s top defensive forward. The finalists are St. Louis’ David Backes, Boston’s Patrice Bergeron, and Detroit’s Pavel Datsyuk, who has won the award three of the past four years.

Backes finished the season with a line of 20-34-54 while starting just 46% of his shifts in the offensize zone (fewest among Blues forwards). Backes also led the league in Qualcomp this season.

Bergeron finished the year with a line of 22-42-64 with a +36 rating. We don’t generally like the plus/minus stat, but Bergeron’s numbers go beyond that. He is an ace at faceoffs (second in the league), and led Boston in blocked shots and takeaways. What sets Bergeron apart from someone like Ryan Callahan is that Bergeron does all this and still manages to maintain solid puck possession metrics (18.4 RCorsi compared to Cally’s -2.2).

Datsyuk is again a finalist, and finished with a line of 19-48-67 and just 14 PIMs (just seven penalties all year). Datsyuk finished 24th in the league (among forwards) in Qualcomp, and 32nd in RCorsi (13.2). When you look at the Selke, it’s hard not to include Datsyuk every year.

Read more »

Breaking down the goals from Game 4

The Rangers lost a frustrating game to the Ottawa Senators tonight, 3-2 in overtime.  It was frustrating because the Rangers jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead (on two power play goals no less), and then allowed Ottawa to control the play and eventually claw their way back before Kyle Turris ended the game 2:42 into the extra frame.

1-0 Rangers

• The Rangers jumped out to an early lead, just :49 seconds into the game.  Brad Richards won an offensive zone face-off and was able to gain position in the slot.  Marian Gaborik worked the puck off the wall and hit Richards for a nice chance.  Craig Anderson seemed to get handcuffed by the shot and sent a juicy rebound to the weak side.  Anton Stralman jumped up and snapped a shot past Anderson from the slot.  This goal served as a reminder of being able to establish possession in the offensive zone off the draw when your team has the man-advantage.

2-0 Rangers

• The Rangers struck again on the power play just 6 minutes later.  Dan Girardi was able to keep an Ottawa clearing attempt in the zone and made a nifty little behind the back pass to Brad Richards which opened up the ice on the far side.  Richards put a hard, low shot on Anderson, which created a rebound and ensuing scramble in front.  Marian Gaborik had a couple of whacks at the rebound, which eventually found its way onto Ryan Callahan’s stick for an easy tap in.  Good net front presence by the Captain, and solid work by Gaborik staying diligent on the scramble in front. Read more »

Getting by without Hagelin

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past week, you know that Carl Hagelin was suspended (questionably) for 3 games for elbowing Ottawa captain Daniel Alfredsson in the head during game 2 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series.  Due to this turn of events, the Rangers have lost a key cog in their top line, and one of their biggest speed/forechecking threats.

Chris Kreider was inserted into the lineup in Hagelin’s place for game 3 and acquitted himself well for a pro debut in the middle of a playoff series.  By the third period, however, Torts felt that Kreider wasn’t ready to be that guy for the top line and inserted Derek Stepan.  The question remains going into Game 4 on Wednesday, who is the right guy to take Hagelin’s spot on the top unit?

Let’s take a look at some possibilities…

• Ryan Callahan- Captain Cally does just about everything for the Rangers, so why not install him on the top line?  He could be a huge boon to the forecheck and allow for Richards and Gabby a little more room to operate down low.  He also has an unfailing nose for the net, and if those two can generate shots on goal, Cally is a good bet to bang in some rebounds.
• Brandon Dubinsky- Last season’s leading scorer, Dubi would seem to possess the skill set to complement the top line nicely.  He has a decent set of hands and can bring some jam to a finesse unit.  However, he has had trouble finding the back of the net this season, and has often looked lost between passing and shooting.  But, who knows, maybe playing with talent like Gaborik and Richards is just the thing to light the fire under Dubi’s offensive game. Read more »

The Playoff Day Musings

Well today is an interesting day is it not? It’s the opening playoff game day and the first playoff game day starting at home in, oh, only about 15 years…. Let’s hit the musings.

My initial thought as I considered tonight’s game was that I wanted to see the Rangers come out strong, dominate and dictate the tempo. Play their game. If they can do that then force themselves on to Ottawa early it will bode well.

Rangers come in to the series losing two in a row. Ottawa have lost three in a row. Not ideal situations for either team even if the circumstances were different.

I’ve written 107 words before I typed Chris Kreider. That’s impressive, no? I loved listening to him talking to the media. He came across as focussed, within himself and knew how to answer certain questions. He didn’t commit or promise the earth. In all Kreider came across as a mature young man and if he’s mentally ready to go a long with his NHL ready body he could be a great addition.

More on Kreider: I, like Dave, think he plays. I think he’s a player Ottawa won’t have been able to plan for like they can the rest of the Rangers and while they may have seen Frozen Four footage or from the WJC he’s certainly more of a closed book. Could that be an edge?

If I had to pick my round one playoff MVP I’m going with the captain; Mr Callahan. There won’t be a facet of the game in this series that he doesn’t have an influence on.

Of all the other Eastern Series I worry the most for the Panthers and I fear the Bruins more than the Pens based on one thing: There’s a very good chance the Pens (if they even advance at all) get a royal beat down in that series – playoff grind.

I started writing this Wednesday night. I then started watching the Pens game. After the first period I went to bed. It was almost 2 am and I didn’t want to watch the inevitable, at 3-0. Consider me stunned (and highly amused) when I woke to see the final score.

I don’t think the Rangers PP needs to be great to beat the Sens. I do think the penalty kill does however. It’s far more crucial given Spezza and Karlsson’s presence.

Wager Time: I have a Canadian friend I met in New York in November. He’s a Canuck and we have a pretty cool wager: Whoever’s team goes the deepest; the loser must buy the winner an expensive bottle of whisky. Is my faith in the Rangers over the ‘Nucks misplaced? No. I’ve requested a bottle of Blue Label and after the Canucks loss in game one I’m highly excited for my prize!

Why does Torts always have to have an edge in his interviews? I mean, the club just signed a big prospect for the playoffs. I appreciate he wants to avoid distractions, expectations kept to a minimum but one or two short questions isn’t unreasonable. I love Torts for so many reasons but sometimes he’s a little too cranky.

I’m hard on him a lot but I really hope to see a strong response from Dubinsky after his regular season. First of all he needs a great playoff if he’s to remain a Ranger but secondly, an in form Dubinsky makes a deep playoff run much more realistic.

Questions:

• Which center will score more: Brad Richards or Jason Spezza?
• How many points will Erik Karlsson score in the series?
• Which NHL player (either conference) will lead the playoffs in scoring?
• How many games will it take for Chris Kreider to get his chance?
• Cheeky one: Who scores more playoff points this year; Kreider or Dubinsky?

I couldn’t be more excited for tonight’s game one. The playoff atmosphere will be off the charts.

Prediction Time: Rangers 3 Senators 1.

Mailbag: The most under publicized captain

Long time fan of the blog Andy sent me an email this morning with a link to an article put together by Jay Adams of Cave Magazine. The article looks at Rangers captain Ryan Callahan, and how he could be the most under appreciated and under publicized captain in New York sports today:

Knicks captain Carmelo Anthony had a reality show on VH1. Giants captain Eli Manning has been on the cover of every major newspaper twice in the last five years. Jets captain Mark Sanchez was a GQ cover story. And Yankees captain Derek Jeter? Well, we know more about his ex-girlfriends than we do about the entire Yankees outfield.

To be fair, this is true for a reason. Adams points out that Cally is under publicized, but hockey as a sport is under publicized. Is it all that surprising to see that the blue collar captain, the heart and soul of the Rangers, isn’t well known in New York?

Considering his stats this year, which are better than most really give him credit for, it is a bit surprising that mainstream media hasn’t picked up on him the way they have with the aforementioned captains:

Callahan had 29 this season. That’s more than Claude Giroux, Thomas Vanek, Anze Kopitar, Martin St. Louis, Eric Staal, Patrick Kane, Ryan Kesler and Dany Heatley.  For the record, Callahan played fewer games than any of them.

I had to read that twice to really have that sink in. It shocked me. All those players hold such star power in the NHL, but it is Callahan who has more goals than all of them. Perhaps it is the fact that he does it in a blue collar way, and doesn’t flash the skill that any of the above players show. Cally does it by getting to the net and banging home garbage goals.

Callahan is under publicized because he is not the flashy guy on the team. He has a quiet nature about him. He leads by example, but he has the entire locker room following his lead. In fact, Callahan reminds me of another Ranger great. One that was never highly publicized. One that played blue collar hockey and the fans loved him for it.

Read more »