Rangers 4 on 4, Opening Night Edition

Welcome to Blueshirt Bulletin's October opening night edition of Rangers 4 on 4. Mitch Beck is our host, and he has assembled a great line-up tonight: Charlotte Checker head coach Derek Wilkinson, 1994 Stanley Cup alumnus Jay Wells, Wolf Pack announcer Bob Crawford, and two of the leading online voices representing Ranger fans, Hockey Bird and Hockey Rodent. The session is over now, but you can read the transcript by clicking on Comments below. Thanks to everyone for participating!

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[Bird]

Mets winning....um...I mean I'm here.

[DEREK WILKINSON]

CHARLOTTE

[Mitch Beck]

Welcom to another edition of Blueshirt Bulletin’s own Rangers 4 on 4. I am your host, Slappy McGreedy, or as my friends call me Slappy McGreedy. Okay, the ones who really like me call me Mitch Beck.

We have a tremendous show for you tonight as the Rangers get set to start their 81st campaign…that is if I did the math right. This season there are higher expectations than for another Paris Hilton sex tape…and there are some high hopes on that one believe me…It wasn’t too long ago, in fact it was last season that the pundits were talking about the Rangers finishing 30th out of 30. Well the boys certainly made them eat that ball of dump didn’t they? Well this year is an entirely different situation. This year there are some saying the Rangers will win the Stanley Cup…Larry Brooks and just about all of the critics and sportswriters have them winning the division or some say even winning the conference. It’s a different scenario to say the least. There was no pressure on the team last year and this year you could fill a team of tractor trailers with the amount of expectation there is for this team.

There are the young players. The veterans, the guys who surprised to make the team and those who were a surprise that didn’t. no matter how you slice it, this one is going to be one that will keep us all on the edge of our seats for a long time.

There are also VERY high expectations on the prospects in the organization. From Hartford to Charlotte through the juniors and college ranks the Rangers are built for the long haul.

With us tonight to talk about it are some extraordinary people who will be able to give us great insight.

Our first guest tonight is in my opinion one of the funniest blog writers on the internet. He speaks from the gut, which I think he acquired through downing large doses of beer. He also happens to know more about hockey than almost anyone from a fan’s perspective please say hello to Hockey Birds…

Our next guest is a personal friend of mine who has perhaps the most unique perspective of anyone that has ever watched a game. Because of his size and stature he watches from the rink side and fills us all in on the most minute details and he does it with great humor and knowledge matched only by Solomon…okay it’s Solomon Grundy buts it’s a perspective, please say hello to Hockey Rodent….

Our next guest can give us the most detail of anyone in the room based upon knowing these players from practically the birth canal. He will have the best seat in the house in Charlotte because not only does he get to watch the team play, but he gets to pick the players and tell them what to do. He is the Ultimate fantasy player…okay he’s the General Manager and Head Coach of the Charlotte Checkers, please welcome Derek Wilkinson…

Joining us in a little while will be the man they call Hawk. He watches from the rafters of the Hartford Civic Center and can be heard on the internet at the Hartford Wolf Pack’s web site and he has been with the voice of the Pack for all ten of their yearas, he is the one and only Bob Crawford.

Last but certainly not least, he is the only person in the room that can say they don’t need to go to eBay to get a Cup ring because he earned one on the ice with the 94 Rangers and he is one of the best coaches in all of Junior Hockey, and I am happy to say he has been incredibly kind to take the time to join us tonight, he is JAY WELLS…

And here is the first question…

[Neal Carlson]

Derek: What players have you coached in the past that made the NHL and were successful? What players that you've coached recently do you believe will make the NHL and why?

[Bird]

"Our first guest tonight is in my opinion one of the funniest blog writers on the internet. He speaks from the gut, which I think he acquired through downing large doses of beer. He also happens to know more about hockey than almost anyone from a fan’s perspective please say hello to Hockey Bird"

Thanks for the kind words but I did get what I know about hockey from playing the game. Of course I got everything else from beer.

----}-

[DEREK WILKINSON]

I am just getting startied in coaching. Most of the guys that have been here in Charlotte are just now finding their way to the NHL. Guy like Helminen, Falardeau, Pock, Montoya, Liffiton, etc .through the Rangers system. I think you will see guys like Kelly Guard and Jeff Glass play in the NHL soon as well. Brandon Cullen just got a contract from the Islanders so hopefully he will make it.

[Bill Moakler]

Derek: You played hockey at the NHL, 'AAA', and 'AA'levels yourself. Which jump do you think is harder for a player to make: AHL to NHL or ECHL to AHL?

[John, Niles OH]

Bird: Just wondering why the Rangers are keeping Hossa around? What does he bring that can't be filled by a youngster or even another veteran in the NHL?

[Bob Merchant, Atlanta GA]

Jay, I just wanted to let you know I have so many fond memories of the 94 cup team. Of course the 2 famous Matteau goals, The Messier game 6, the penalty shot by Bure on Richter. The list can go on and on. I just wanted you to know you are part of the memory as your nose yielded to Bure's stick and he landed the 5 minute major and game misconduct. Yes Jay, your nose won the game that night and we won't forget. The other memory that I will carry with me is the moment you lifted the cup and yelled out. The camera was right there in your face as Sam Rosen said "oh look at that!" You let out the emotion and for many fans, we did the same. I just wanted to say thank you.

[Bird]

"Just wondering why the Rangers are keeping Hossa around? What does he bring that can't be filled by a youngster or even another veteran in the NHL?"

Well for one he'd have to pass waivers if he was sent down and I think he's got an upside in his speed. Unlike his brother who has a hell of a scoring touch, our Hossa has yet to find it. I'd expect he'll get a chane but I won't be surprised to see him moved or sent down if he can't get to the next level in 10 or so games. I did like his work on the penalty kill in the playoffs last year and that's a need for the Blueshirts right now.

----}-

[Neal]

For everyone: Do you think we'll see Marc Staal again in a Rangers uniform this year? If so, when and for how long?

[DEREK WILKINSON]

Both are difficult but I think going from the AHL to the NHL is the hardest. Most kids that have the ability at the "AA" level really just need time and experience. But to get to the NHL you need a little bit of everything as well as the right situation alot of times.

[Bill]

Coach Wilkinson: Checkers fans seem very happy to have goalie Alex Westlund back in Charlotte. I'd heard the team was interested in having him return, but ECHL salaries just aren't competitive with what he could demand in Europe. Did you have any influence on the Pack's decision to sign him to an AHL contract?

[Jay Wells]

Bob, I remember that game well. And Bure's stick, I should have won an Academy Award for that performance. 15 years it took me to get close to that Stanley Cup, and after winning it and touching it, my emotions, no questions, got a hold of me. What a thrill for me to be part of such a great team and to be blessed enough to have my name enscribed on the Stanley Cup!

[Mitch Beck]

Jay:

I know that you've spent a ton of time coaching young kids. Can you describe what it's like making the transition from a player who has been to the pinnacle of the sport and then trying to teach that to very young children?

[Rodent]

Marc Staal would be ineligible to be returned to Broadway once he goes back to Juniors.

[DEREK WILKINSON]

Bill,

With regard to Alex Westlund. When the Rangers needed to find another goalie I did suggest Alex to Don and Jim but they made the final call. Alex is alot like Steve Valiquette in terms of leadership and should be a great mentor for the the young guys to learn from.

[Chris QCT]

Why can't the Rangers send a junior-eligible player like Marc Staal to the AHL? Why do they have to go back to Junior hockey?

I admit that I don't really know anything about this and that's why I am asking. The only conclusion I can come up with is that Junior hockey made this agreement to keep their competition level high and keep butts in the seats....(but to the detriment of the players themselves). This topic has been discussed lately with the whole Marc Staal situation and I'm wondering if someone can shed some light on this....

[Rodent]

Correction on my previous Staal comment:

He'd be ineligible to return until his season in Juniors has finished. Then the Rangers can bring him back up.

[Mitch Beck]

Rodent;

You and I have talked privately about Lou Lamerillo and what I would describe as an escape that would make Houdini proud. People are calling him a "genius" I think as much of a genius, he was also as crazy for geting himself in that position in the first place. What do you think are going to be the long term and short term ramifications of his "getting away with it..."

[Rodent]

Chris,

The reason why Staal cannot be sent to Hartford is this: It's protection for the Junior circuits to prevent the minor leagues from raiding Juniors for talent.

[Neal]

For Derek or anyone else really: What are the top three ways you believe Hugh Jessiman needs to improve in order to make the NHL and be successful there?

[Mitch Beck]

Chris:

It has nothing to do with your reasoning although it does make sense from a business point of view. From a Hockey point of view it's a rule that is in place in the CBA I believe, but I know it's one that Tom Renny is not too pleased aobut and I'm certain that just about every team in the NHL has a guy they would love to exclude from that rule...

[john]

sent a question in yesterday
but i forgot to say this.

i wanted to send a special thanks to Jay Wells.
i happened to meet him as he was leaving the Aud in Buffalo and told him he was the Best Dman on the ice that night.
he thanked me but mainly shrugged me off. i took as a sign of humility.
but the truth is. He WAS the best Dman that night. period.
i always appreciated his steadiness and he was his usual steady self. and it was a pleasure to be able to watch that in a live situation.
thanks Jay!
also,
my Stanley Cup shirt has his autograph on it!!

[John, Niles OH]

Rodent, I had a similar question to Mitch's, and I know you've written a lot about this subject. II haven't seen league-wide reaction to Lou Lamoriello getting around the salary cap. Will there be any sort of backlash? Since bettman looked the other way for poor Lou, there will be more of this? I'm guessing that the loophole may be closed in the future, but Lou gets away with it.

[Mitch Beck]

Jay...

As aa follow-up to the question of coaching kids, as much as hockey has always been almost a religion in Canada, have you had to deal with out of control "Hockey Dads, and Hockey Moms.." How do you handle stuff when they do act up?

[Jay Wells]

Mitch, It was quite a transition for me. Being a player who was not highly skilled on the finese side of the game made it hard to show young players that part of the game. I had to use different avenues of teaching to get through to the kids. It is more Do as i say instead of do as I did. But when you see kids growing and improving through your work, its very satisfying and I've learned more as coaching than I ever did playing the game.

[Mitch Beck]

Neal:

I think that Hugh really has to get deeper into the game mentally. he has the skills that's pretty obviosu if you've ever seen him play, but he never seems to push himself that hard. I think that's the single greatest thing that he needs to do. Once he gets that all the other things will fall in to place...

[Rodent]

Mitch, Lou's manipulations certainly work to the advantage of labor, by helping 35-Y/O players get contracts longer than one year knowing that (under the right circumstances) they can end up being paid for watching television. NOt only are Lou's peer G/Ms upset. You can bet NHL HQ is not happy.

[DEREK WILKINSON]

Neal,

With regard to Hugh..I think he just needs time and experience. He has improved alot in the past 12 months or so not only on the ice but also his conditioning. Hugh is a great kid who will do absolutely everything he can to be an Ranger.

[Mitch Beck]

Bird:

I love your style...always have and always will. Do you feel like your background as a radio personality has helped you in any way in the way that you look at hockey and it's obvious that it comes across in the way you write...

[Jay Wells]

John, I'm sorry if I shrugged you off that night. I took every game very seriously and sometimes if we didn't do well, whether I played good or not, I still was disappointed. I tried my whole career to never offend any fan, no matter what they thought, good or bad. So again I apologize. those were good years in Buffalo.

[Dubi]

Rodent, I think at the end of the day, NHL HQ asked themselves, do we really want to screw Lou, one of the bright lights of management, when it's really the rest of the players who will end up subsidizing Mogilny and Malakhov through the escrow and the 54% rule? That was an easy answer for them -- the 54% ultimately protects them, until rival GMs start getting up in arms because Lou's cap is actually higher than theirs.

[Jay Wells]

Mitch, That's easy. Here in Canada, we host a parent meeting before the season. And we tell them what we expect to accomplish and how we are going to achieve it. Most of the time, the parents are quite interested in being a part of it and tend to allow us as coaches to take care of the players and refs for that matter. It's all about good communication and being able to take criticism sometimes, as a coach.

[Rodent]

John, TSN posted a geat piece indicating the irritation across the league. My personal interpretation is that Gary has allowed Lou to live by the letter of the CBA rather than the "spirit" of the agreement itself which (in my opinion) should have been blocked per the Article concerning "circumvention".

[Bird]

Mitch, I have been very lucky to have had a career in radio and a chance to play the game I love. The website is an outlet that I can use now that I no longer can play of work in radio.

I'm not sure how it helps...I think the time I spent doing stand up helped as much as anything else. To combine media, hockey and comedy all in one....it doesn't get any better than that. Unless you add beer. :-)

----}-

[john]

jay
no problem. no apology necessary.
i wasn't offended.
just felt at the time that you didn't believe me.
that's the only reason i brought up because you were the best Dman for the Rangers that night. i think it was in '95 during the shortened season.

[Mitch Beck]

Jay,

Jim Schoenfeld as I'm sure you know is the GM in Hartofrd with the Wolf Pack. He alwasy imnpressed me as a player you wouldn't want to get into a scrap with...not that you weren't exactly Tom Thumb yourself. Did you guys ever scrap? How did it go?

Also, as a guy who would protect his teammates, how does one mentally prepare for a game knowing that in all likely hood you are going to be called on in that manner? In other words, civilians usually have to be either pretty mad or pretty drunk to wind up in a fight. How does one soberly and without the anger get there?

[Rodent]

Dubi, it is my opinion that if were any other G/M, Gary would have invoked the "circumvention" clause (it's actually several pages) to block the LTI application in the case of Mogilny. But if anyone ever needed proof that politics rules in the NHL, ask yourself why it was necessary to hold the 2005 Entry Draft drawing in secrecy.

[bmoak]

Coach Wilkinson: Having seen the young players at both the Rangers and Wolf Pack camp, could you tell us something about any of the young players off Rangers fans' radar (i.e. players not drafted by the Rangers) that will start in Charlotte but might end up in Hartford?

[Mitch Beck]

Derek:

With a Goalie Tandem of Chris Holt and Alex Westlund, how do you decide who gets the most playing time? Chirs is still seen as an asset that the club would like to be able to cash in while in all liklyhood Alex will never get into an NHL game but is extremly popular in Charlotte. How do you balance what is in the best interest of the franchise, Westlund, versus what's in the best interest of your Rangers/Wolf Pack relationship?

[Dubi]

Politics in the case of Lou, yes. In re: the draft, I don't know -- they would have placed Crosby in an big market if they wanted to fix it, not in Pitt where even Mario Lemieux couldn't ensure the franchise's viability.

[Jay Wells]

Mitch, Schoenfeld and I never fought. We never played his team much(Twice a Year). I'd like to think that I played my whole career and never instigated a fight, but that's not really true. There was always a time when someone had done something to me previously that I hadn't forgotten and would gun for them. It was quite simple to get angry after you've been hit in the nose once or twice. Your anger eventually takes over. if your not mad, you'll lose most of the time.

[Mitch Beck]

Folks, we know there are a lot of you out there reading the conversation. We would love to hear questions and comments from all of you. That's the reason that we put on these things to give you the opportunity to ask questions of folks in the know...There's no need to be shy or afraid that someone is goign to make fun of you or shut you out. That will never happen. If you have something you'd like to say, feel free to let'er rip...

[john]

speaking of pittsburgh.
it seems outrageous that a professional franchise would be so closely associated with gambling. yet last i heard a casino was in the running to either buy the pens and/or put up a new building that would next to a casino.

why is the nhl so desperate to keep a franchise in pittsburgh and why does it seem willing to do what every other franchise seems to steer away from -- gambling?

[Mitch Beck]

Bird:

You've mentioned in one of your recent commentaries that you weren't ver yimpressed with this linie up of Ranger players and basically think the hype is not well placed. Could you elaborate for us what you really think the shortcomings are of this team and why you feel they will struggle to even make the play-offs?

[Rodent]

That's the difference 'tween us, Dubi.... You've got press credentials you could lose. I've got nothing to lose, so I can call 'em precisely a as I smell 'em. Gary Bettman is as political as they come. It's not just a matter of him moving Crosby into a bigger market. He rewards those owners who support him. Jagr going to Broadway wasn't a case of rewarding the Dolans. It was a case of rewarding Ted Leonsis by allowing the Cap owner to extract himself from that humongous mistake of a contract.

[Dubi]

Jay, how was it for you and others last season when the 1994 team reunited for Messier's jersey retirement? Who were you most happy to see again? Do you stay in touch with any of the guys on a regular basis?

[Mitch Beck]

John:

You took the words right out of my mouth. I couldn't agree with you more. I think it's a terrible idea especially if Pete Rose attempts to come play in the NHL...

[Dubi]

My credentials are with the Rangers, not the NHL, and they respect my independence. I certainly haven't held back in criticizing the NHL over the CBA and the lockout. But I get your point -- I just figureed they'd be more interested in maximizing their profits rather than cronyism, but for a league to lose a year just to allow a guy like Lou to turn their CBA into a joke so quickly, I guess anything is possible.