Eastern Conference Finals Preview: Rangers vs Devils

Hockey fans are in for a real treat in the Eastern Conference Final this year. The battle of the Hudson River, a heated rivavlry between the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils is taking center stage, one step away from the Stanley Cup Finals. The Devils are back in the Conference Finals for the first time since 2003, and the Rangers for the first time since 1997. Ofcourse, everyone remembers the epic clash between the two teams in the 1994 Conference Final, when the Rangers won in 7 games. That series included two double overtime winners and one of the most historic calls in overtime history, when Stefan Matteau scored for the blueshirts. However, since that magical 1994 season, the Devils have won three Stanley Cups, and the Rangers have won none. Since the 2004-2005 lockout, the Rangers have been the more succesful organization and have finally made their mark on the league this season. So now the stage is set, Brodeur vs Lundqvist, New York vs New Jersey...so who has the upper hand?

First we will tackle the forwards. The Devils are led by Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise, both can score at will and have played two-way hockey throughout the season. Ofcourse you cannot forget Travis Zajac and Patrick Elias, who continue to be succesful for the Devils, and have playoff experience. Yet, so far this playoffs, the Devils faced two teams with very weak goaltending and average defense, they will be tested vs the Rangers number one playoff defense. The Rangers are led by Brad Richards and Ryan Callahan, yet there are certaintly plenty of threats for the offense that has struggled with consistency all season and throughout the playoffs. The Rangers top line will be a matchup problem for the Devils, the speed of Carl Hagelin and Marian Gaborik has worked through the first two rounds, and past Stanley Cup MVP Brad Richards is the glue that holds it together. On the second line, rookie Chris Kreider will get his first taste of the rivalry, playing with Derek Stepan and Ryan Callahan, this will provide the Rangers with two potent lines. The grinders round out the bottom two lines, and will play an important role in the physical play. I give the forward edge to the Rangers, who are a better balanced team through all four lines. Now the Defense. The Devils are a physical team, but rely heavily on Marek Zidlicky, Andy Greene and Bryce Salavador. They also have rookie Adam Larsson in the lineup with Anton Volchenkov. They are not the most talented defense, and lack depth and experience beyond the top pair, but they play solid hockey. Also the Devils defense relies heavily on a strong backcheck from the forwards helping out...they will need it for the Rangers forcheck.

The Rangers defense has been the best in the playoffs. The set an NHL record for goals allowed in the first two rounds of the playoffs. They block shots and hit hard, as well as being very disciplined. The Blueshirts are led by Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh and Marc Staal, who are three all-star caliber defensemen who earn a lot of icetime. They are shutdown defensemen who will be on the ice everytime Ilya Kovalchuk is. Along with those three, Anton Stralman and Michael Del Zotto have made great strides this playoff, and add an offensive touch from the blue line, as well as sound defense. It is with no question the Rangers are the better defensive team. Finally Goaltending. Martin Brodeur is one of the greatest goalies of all time, he holds every regular season and playoff record conceivable, as well as three Stanley Cup victories. Though, there has been much talk that he is not the Marty of old and now that he has turned 40, his skills have diminished. However he has shown glimpses of the old Vezina winner during this postseason, and his experience will play a strong role. He has a 2.0 goals against average and a .920 save percentage, fourth best out of the remaining four goalies in the playoffs. Henrik Lundqvist on the other hand put together a magical season. Widely considered to be the greatest goalie in the world, Lundqvist was nominated for the MVP Trophy (Hart) and Best Goaltender trophy (Vezina) this season. He has put the team on his back at times, and especially during the playoffs. He has a 1.73 goals against average and a .943 save percentage during the playoffs. He finally got the monkey off his back and reached the Conference Finals, now it is time to see if he can continue to silence his critics and lead the Blueshirts to the Stanley Cup. Five years ago, experts would have given the edge to Brodeur, but in 2012, Lundqvist is the better goalie. So, The Rangers are stronger in all three categories. They should win right? Not so fast, because special teams play a strong role in the playoffs, where there is very little margin for error. The Devils set a league record with the best penalty kill in regular season NHL history this year. It proved weak in the first round, but shut down the high powered Philadelphia offense in the second round. The Rangers already have an abysmal power play, so it will be nearly impossible to score any power play goals for the blueshirts. Special Teams goes to the Devils. My prediction: Rangers in 6. They are the better team, better coached team, and have a great balance of experience and hardworking young talent. They have fought through adversity the entire season and continue to quite the critics, but this round will be the series where the Rangers show the country they are for real.

NYR vs NJD - how to create a free slideshow

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Round 2

Tonight's matchups in the Stanley Cup Playoffs are extremely important to both home teams. First, the Washington Capitals return home looking to build off their victory over the Rangers Monday night. The Caps have been outplayed by the Rangers during the first two games, but remain to be a dangerous team. The verizon center is always a loud arena, and the fans will be behind them. Over the last two seasons, the Rangers havent had much success there, but this is a different team now. If the Rangers win tonight, this series could definitely be closed out in 5, but if Washington wins, we will have a long series on our hands. Onto the second matchup tonight, the Phoenix Coyotes at the Nashville Predators. The coyotes took care of business at home, taking both games pretty handedly vs the predators. Nashville will be without Alex Radulov and Andre Kostitsyn, who they suspended for game 3 for violating team rules. This could be a big blow to the predators, who are already struggling to find a little offense. Their hopes lie in Vezina finalist Pekka Rinne in net, who had a terrible outing in Game 2. If Rinne can steal this one, the Predators have a real chance to tie it in game 4, but if the Coyotes dominate again, this series is all but over. I think the Rangers will eventually win their series, but tonight im going with the Capitals in DC. In Nashville, im sticking with the Coyotes, I think they are confident and have played consistent and well-balanced hockey throughout the playoffs.

Rangers Try to Ride Momentum into Game 2

Saturday afternoon marked a typical Rangers win, but in April, the wins count for much more. The blueshirts 3-1 victory over the Washington Capitals gave them a 1-0 series lead in the the Eastern Conference Semifinals, and set the tone for Monday's game 2 tilt. Despite only getting 14 shots on net, the Rangers capitilized when it counted, largely in part to veteran leadership, as well as the newest star on Broadway. Through the first round of the playoffs, Capitals goalie Braden Holtby virtually shut down the defending champion Boston Bruins, and carried the Caps into round 2. Yet, the rookie/late season fill-in was anything but remarkable on saturday. It has been said that he possibly could not find a rhythm, since he only faced 14 shots, but Holtby seemed shaky during the Rangers hot start. The blueshirts came out of the gates with their best start of the playoffs, but Washington took a page out of the Rangers books, and blocked a ton of shots. It was an Artem Anisimov wraparound in the 2nd period that give the Rangers a lead. Only to be erased with four seconds left in the 2nd by a great saucer pass from Brooks Laich to Jason Chimera that notched the game at one. Though things could have gotten much worse for the Rangers if it was not for the great job on the penalty kill by veteran Ruslan Fedotokeno. Fedotenko, a two-time Stanley Cup Winner, made three game changing plays during a 5-3 penalty, that kept the Rangers in the lead, and the Garden Crowd to their feet. The tension in the garden finally erupted seven minutes into the third, when rookie Chris Kreider bursted through the neutral zone and fired a rocket slapshot past Holtby. Kreider, six games into his NHL career, and two weeks removed from an NCAA National Championship, scored his second goal of the playoffs, and took New York City by storm. Kreider could possibily go on to be the "x-factor" in this series, as coach John Tortorella said he is the fastest player on the ice. Ninety seconds after Kreider's goal, it was the young gun making a play again, only this time with a strong pass along the boards to Brad Richards, who patiently skated in and scored between Holtby's pads. "Broadway" Brad proved once again why he was worth all the money the Rangers spent on him during free agency, as the former Conn Symthe winner is a playoff tested winner. The Rangers will need to come out with the same intenity again on Monday night, especially if they want to take a 2-0 advantage into Washington, something they could not do againt Ottawa. They must improve on their offense though, as 14 shots will not cut it in the NHL playoffs.

Boyle and Dubinsky - slideshow with music

Here is a clip of the Chris Neil hit on Brian Boyle that gave him a concussion.

What It All Comes Down To: Game 7

Game 7 is the highlight of any playoff, it is the end, win or go home as they say. Thursday night marks a crucial game seven matchup between the New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers were already down 3-2 in the series, but won Game 6 on Monday night in Ottawa, after trailing a goal for half the game. The return of Carl Hagelin to the lineup, and the solid play by rookie Chris Kreider made a difference for the blueshirts, who are looking to advance to the second round for the first time in four seasons. The Rangers will have to do it without arguably their best skater of the series, Brian Boyle, who is still suffering from a concussion caused by a hit to the head from Chris Neil on Saturday night. Captain Ryan Callahan is also a little banged up, as he is not skating today after taking a puck to his hand Monday. He stayed in the game, but there was some swelling, and I’m sure it is nothing to worry about as Callahan would not miss a game 7. Of course game 6 with some controversy, with a questionable goal call reviewed and judged good at the end. Postgame comments from Rangers goalie Henrik Lundvqist expressed outrage with the officials and the league for allowing it to happen. Yet, Hank wasn’t the only one who disagreed with the call, as almost every hockey commentator and analysts also said that it was a terrible call that was blatantly wrong. Today, Lundqvist was nominated for his fourth Vezina Trophy, for the NHL’s best goaltender. Lundqvist will have to be on his game Thursday night with a series on the line, but many will agree that he is the last person to question competitiveness. On the other hand, the Senators seemed to be completely frustrated on Monday night, evident by Captain Daniel Alfredsson breaking his stick over the bench in anger. Though the officiating was atrocious, it was equal for both teams; the Rangers just capitalized at the right time and came out on top. Look for the Rangers fans to be loud on Thursday night, and create an intimidating atmosphere for the Senators. Momentum is on the Rangers side, as well as confidence; if they continue to play strong defense and Henrik Lundqvist continues to excel between the pipes, I think the Rangers should pull game 7 out. Although, scoring has been their problem during the series, but Monday night might have been the touch to bring them out of their funk, and create a little confidence. Either way, should be an entertaining game, always exciting in the garden.

Do or Die: Rangers must win Monday night

After a dissappointing effort on saturday night, the Rangers find themselves on the brink of elimination in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Since the top seeded rangers gained a 2-1 series lead last monday, they have fallen apart and have been unable to score against Ottawa Senators goaltender Craig Anderson. Anderson, who is an average goaltender at best, made 41 saves saturday night to defeat the Rangers. Though Anderson shutout the blueshirts, he was never tested throughout the game. The Rangers get their rookie winger Carl Hagelin back in the lineup monday night, after serving his questionable three game suspension. Coach John Tortorella has also said that rookie Chris Kreider will also recieve more minutes. The big question is who will replace Brian Boyle, who apparently suffered a concussion saturday night, and will probably miss the game 6 tilt. The Rangers lost more than 2 consecutive games only twice this season, one of which was the first three games of the season. They have arguably been the best team in the league when responding to adversity, and tomorrow provides no greater chance. It will certaintly be a do or die matchup, but I expect the Rangers to follow in the Boston Bruins footsteps, as the Bruins won sunday on the road to force a game 7. With Richards and Gaborik reunited with Carl Hagelin, the top line will spark and the Rangers will rally around their teammates to force Game 7 back at MSG on thursday.

Carl Hagelin Suspended 3 games

http://nyc.podcast.play.it/media/d0/d0/d1/d0/dA/dJ/d5/10AJ5_3.MP3 Here is the 22 minute interview with Brendan Shannhan.

Here is an interview this morning on the WFAN Boomer and Carton show with Brendan Shannahan. Shannhan is the NHL executuve who provides the discipline hearings for possible suspensions and fines. Rangers rookie Hagelin was suspended 3 games for a hit to the head saturday night on Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredson. The hit was not malicious, nor is Hagelin a repeat offender. Many NHL and Rangers fans have legitimate gripes with the ruling, considering there is no consistency amongst the suspensions for different players. Alfredson could be in the lineup tonight for the Senators, which would make the suspension look even worse, as it seems the NHL levy's their suspensions based on how hurt the player is, which is wrong. That being said, tonight will be a hard hitting chippy game, and nobody would be surprised if the bad blood carries over from saturday. This is has been a tough fought playoffs within the first week, across the entire NHL.

10 games Left: Rangers Stretch Run

Tonight the Rangers will face off against the Detroit Red Wings (44-25-4 92 pts) in an Original Six Matchup at Madison Square Garden.  The Blueshirts are one point up on the Pittsburgh Penguins, with 10 games remaining on the season.  The battle between these two teams will determine who has the number 1 overall seed in the Eastern Conference, and possibly the NHL. Henrik Lundqvist is expected to be in net tonight, possibily with Artem Anisimov returning to the Rangers lineup after missing a couple of games.  Nick Lidstrom will be out again for the Red Wings, who will also have Ty Conklin in goal. The game kicks off at 730pm on NBC sports network.

Rangers vs Red Wings Pregame Podcast

MSG Transformation

View from the current 400s goal end on the 8th avenue side of the arena.  These seats will be the only 400's seats or "blue seats" remaining in the newly transformed Madison Square Garden.  They are located behind the goal the Rangers shoot twice on, and below the new West End Balcony.  They consist of several sections wide and seven rows deep, with the last two rows being obstructed seats that will be discounted.  They will be one of the least expensive seats in the new arena, with a great view for all the on-the-ice action.  

MSG Transformation

Pictured above is the current scorboard or "Garden Vision" of MSG.  During the final phase of the Transformaton process in 2013, it will be replaced with a brand new scoreboard that will be in the center of the arena.  There will also be new ribbon scoreboards that will wrap around the arena, as well as on the sides of the new Chase Bridges.  

MSG Transformation

Above is the luxury suites and banners of retired Rangers players.  Next season those luxury suites will be removed and the banners will also be in a different location.  The banners will be located further towards the center of the iconic MSG ceiling.  In 2013, during the final phase of the transformation process, two Chase Bridges will span across the arena in the place of those suites and banners.  They will connect the two tenth floor fan decks, the West End Balcony and the Budweiser Fan Deck.  

MSG Transformation:Upper Bowl

View of Madison Square Garden Bowl seating.  During the summer of 2012, MSG will be in the undergoing phase two of the three year renovation process.  The lower bowl shown above was completed as a part of year one.  Seperated by the walkway is the current 300s and 400s (upper bowl seating), next season they will be combined to form the new 200s (upper bowl).  Also, the suites located on the 10th floor of MSG, near the ceiling will be taken out.  In the place of that walkway will be brand new luxury suites that will wrap around the entire arena.  The upper bowl will be much more steeper, as it will be built on top of the luxury suites, creating a seating bowl closer to the ice surface. Ticket prices in the new upper bowl range from $150-$50 dollars for season ticket holders. All the seats will have increased pricing for next season. 

Overtime Winner Snaps Rangers 3-game slide

The Rangers received a huge boost last night with a win over the Islanders at Madison Square Garden.

In the midst of their first 3-game losing streak of the season, the Rangers scored three power play goals for the second time this season to defeat the New York Islanders.  It also doesn’t help that the Pittsburgh Penguins have won nine in a row to shrink the Rangers division lead to four points.

It took a Marian Gaborik 4 on 3 power play goal with five seconds remaining in overtime, for the Rangers to regain some momentum on the first night of a seven game homestand.  It was Gaborik’s team-leading 33^rd goal of the season, of an assist from Brad Richards.  Richards also added two power play goals on the evening, as well as the game winning assist, earning him the first star of the game.

The Rangers outshot the Islanders 36-19, but never held a clear advantage in the game.  The Isles scored first, and continued to regain the lead every time the Rangers tied it.  Of course as always, Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist kept the blueshirts in the game.  His biggest save came in overtime against Frans Nielsen.

The three power play goals came at a time where the entire team was struggling, not only the power play, which has become a significant weakness of the team.  The call up of second-year forward Mats Zuccarello could be helpful, as he was on the ice for all three power play goals.  After the game coach John Tortorella said that Zuccarello added passing on the power play that has been lacking.

The blueshirts were without their Captain Ryan Callahan who is suffering from a lingering bruised foot issue.  Defensemen Michael Del Zotto also missed the Sunday night tilt.  They are two players who have a big impact on both sides of the puck for the Rangers. The blueshirts will need both players healthy if they want to make a long run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, beginning next month.

The Rangers next game is Tuesday night vs. Carolina.  It will be the second of seven straight games at home.  They are now 43-18-7 with 93 points on the season.  The Rangers had 93 points all of last year.  They need 10 more wins to break the franchise record, and 20 more points.  They can clinch a playoff birth with 6 more points. 

Rangers Outlast Bruins 4-3: Begin to Pull Away

In one of the most hard-fought, hard-hitting games of the season, The Rangers proved once again why they are on top of the NHL’s Eastern Conference.

Sunday’s matinee between the top two teams in the East lived up to the hype, as the Rangers beat the Bruins on a late third period goal by Derek Stepan.  The blueshirts got off to one of their fastest starts of the season, scoring two goals in the first six minutes.  After that, it was a Boston controlled game as the Bruins were consistent on the forcheck in the Rangers zone. 

Rangers celebrate game winning goal vs Bruins

The Bruins capitalized on two uncommon defensive lapses by the Rangers.  First was a Benoit Pouliot goal in the first period off of an Anton Stralman turnover.  Early in the second, a rare mistake by Rangers defensive iron man Dan Girardi, led to a slapshot goal by Jordan Caron. It was a dogfight for the rest of the second period, and the Rangers were fortunate to come out unscathed.

A few heavyweight bouts also made their way onto the Garden ice Sunday, as there were three separate fights within the first two periods.  Mike Rupp, Brandon Prust, and Stu Bickel each received fighting majors for the blueshirts, with Rupp and Bickel respectively getting the nods in their tilt.  Prust on the other hand took on Bruins notorious winger Milan Lucic, which didn’t go so well for Prust, and probably swung momentum in the favor of Boston. 

An early third period goal by Rangers leading scorer Marian Gaborik put the blueshirts up one.  Half way through the period, the Bruins high-powered top line tied the game at three, on a goal by David Krejci.  The resilient Rangers dug deep, and answered back a minute later.  On a beautiful feed from defensemen Michael Del Zotto, Derek Stepan ripped a shot past Bruins goalie Tim Thomas for the game-winning goal.

As always, Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist was great in net for the blueshirts, with thirty saves on the day.  He is continuing to build his case for a unanimous vote for the Vezina trophy as the NHL’s best goaltender.  The Rangers were also without their captain Ryan Callahan, who missed his third straight game with a bone bruise in his foot.  Callahan, who is the core and identity of this team, was definitely missed, but the outlook is optimistic as he skated over the weekend. 

Rangers Forward Derek Stepan

The Rangers are now 42-15-7 with 91 points on the season.  They are first overall in the NHL, and 10 points ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Atlantic Division.  They are also 12 points up on the Bruins now in the conference, with 18 games remaining.  Last season, the Rangers did not reach 91 points until the 80^th game of the season.  They can clinch a playoff birth with 12 more points, and the conference with 27 more.  The Blueshirts also need 11 more wins to set a franchise record for most wins in a season, and 22 more points for the franchise record for points in a season. 

The next game is Tuesday night in Newark vs. the New Jersey Devils.  

No to Nash

A Rick Nash trade would cripple the Rangers.

The Rangers are the best team in the Eastern conference through two-thirds of the season.  They have been relentless in their will to win and ability to hold a lead.  Led by Vezina frontrunner Henrik Lundqvist, the Rangers defense and goaltending has been arguably the best in the league. 

Unfortunately their demise and weakness comes at a crucial point, the power play and goal scoring.  The Rangers have gone stretches where the power play has been successful, but there have been some large inconsistencies in the last month. This is where big Rick Nash comes in.  Arguably one of the best and most talented goal scorers in the game, Nash is currently playing on the worst team in the NHL.  He would be a huge asset to the team, and let me make it clear, I would LOVE Rick Nash in blue. Especially since he played on a line with Brad Richards for Canada, the two could be a lethal combination.

Rick Nash

Yet, we have to play The Price is Right now, and Bob Barker is no longer around to make it entertaining.  For Rangers fans like myself, it is nauseating. 

The first price is Brandon Dubinsky; he will definitely be a part of this trade if it happens.  After signing a new contract last year, Duby has not lived up to the expectations, with just six goals on the season.  As one of the most beloved Rangers, it will be tough to see him go, but he is expendable with Nash coming in. Personally I would send Anisimov instead of Duby, but its what Columbus asks for.

The next step is the prospects, a big concern in my book.   It was said that Columbus wants Chris Kreider, Tim Erixon, and JT Miller.  Those are three guys who cannot be touched, unless it was Steven Stamkos or Evgeni Malkin who were coming back.  I would send a package of Dubinsky, Wojtek, Wolski, Mats Zuccarello, Christian Thomas, Pavel Valentenko and a 1^st round pick.  If that doesn’t get the job done, then walk away Glen Sather.

Rangers Prospect Chris Kreider

Nash’s contract is one of the most expensive in the NHL, with a cap hit at  $7.8 million per year.  Combine that with the large contracts of Marian Gaborik, Brad Richards, and Henrik Lundqvist, the Rangers would be devoting over 40% of their cap to four players.  That is an insane number to deal with, considering several important young players will need contracts in the next two years.  Some of those players include Derek Stepan, Ryan McDonagh, Michael Del Zotto, and Carl Hagelin.

If Sather can work his magic and pull the trigger on this deal with the players mentioned in my trade, then go right ahead, we’ll figure out the cap trouble.  Under no circumstances do you trade Kreider, Erixon or JT Miller.

The Beasts of the East: Rangers win 3-0

The New York Rangers made a statement to the NHL on Tuesday night in Boston.

Henrik Lundqvist made 42 saves and notched his NHL-leading sevent shutout of the season as the Rangers defeated the Bruins 3-0.  Proving to the rest of the league why they are on top of the Eastern Conference, the Rangers pulled nine points ahead of the second place Bruins for the conference lead.

Led by the MVP play of Lundqvist, the Rangers also continued to get production from their Captain Ryan Callahan, who scored a power play goal in the first period for his sixth goal in four games.  Callahan tied his career high in goals at twenty-three.  Last season, Callahan scored the twenty-three in sixty games; the Rangers are only through fifty-five games this year. 

Ryan McDonagh added the second goal with 11.8 seconds remaining in the first period, and Artem Anisimov scored on a 2 on 1 for his 100^th career NHL point in the second.  Aside from that, much of the second and third period was played in the Rangers zone with Lundqvist and the defense coming up clutch. 

The Bruins outshout the Rangers 42-20 in the game, but couldn’t find the net. “Lundsanity” took over as the blueshirts netminder made saves in every important situation, including a late break in by David Kreijci.  Lundqvist is top five in every goalie statistic, and many consider him as the frontrunner for the Vezina Trophy. (NHL’s best goaltender)   There has also been some talk of Lundqvist being in the running for the Hart Trophy for the NHL MVP.

The Rangers have won four in a row, and are now 8-1-1 in their last 10 games, while continuing to spread themselves apart from the rest of the Atlantic Division.  The Flyers are now 10 points back, as well as having one more game played.   The blueshirts are now 2-0 vs. the Bruins this season, and will face them two more times, both at MSG. 

Brandon Dubinsky left the game late in the third period after getting hit in the face with the puck.  He needed ten stiches and has a couple of chipped teeth, but nothing that should keep him out of the lineup going forward. 

The Rangers are now 37-13-5 with 79 points on the season.   With 27 games left in the regular season, the Rangers could go 13-14 the rest of the way and still finish with at least 105 points on the season.  They haven’t broken the 100-point barrier since their 93-94 Stanley Cup Season.

The Rangers are back at it Thursday night vs. the Chicago Blackhawks in an original six matchup at MSG.