Rangers Move Forward Despite Loss

In the final analysis, the overconfident Sabres snuck past the upstart Rangers in their conference semifinal series by their ability to close out three games that the Rangers couldn't. The Rangers outplayed them in Game 2 but a pair of third period errors by Marek Malik and Paul Mara let the Sabres steal a win. On the flip side, the Rangers were poised to steal a win in Game 5 after being outplayed by the Sabres but allowed Buffalo to tie the game with 7.7 seconds left and let them get the overtime power play winner that they could not score themselves. And finally, the Rangers allowed Jochen Hecht, he of the stone hands, to redirect the game winner past Henrik Lundqvist in the third period of the deciding Game 6 to defuse a furious rally, while they themselves were thwarted in the closing seconds by Ryan Miller's fortunate elbow save on a screened Michal Rozsival shot. So in a series the Rangers could have won 4-1 or could have at least taken to a Game 7, the Sabres move on while the Rangers go home.

The Rangers have a lot to be proud of this season despite their second round exit. They overcame early season problems that plagued their two key players, Lundqvist and Jaromir Jagr, to streak into the playoffs and sweep a division winner before battling the President's Cup winners down to the bitter end. And they did it by finally finding the right mix between veteran achievers and young energetic players. Additional young talent is developing at a nice pace in Hartford and will be bolstered by at least two top defensive prospects next year, with Marc Staal a serious threat to be an NHL regular. Meanwhile, the NHL core, while aging rapidly, has at least one season, maybe two left to capitalize on the singular presence of Jagr and his friends, and maybe Brendan Shanahan, before turning things over to the next generation.

Ranger fans have a lot to be proud of too. The vast majority rallied behind their team, recognizing that in-season problems were largely resolved and that their team had jelled into a serious post-season threat and a bona fide contender for next season. For a second straight year, Ranger fans cheered their team at the end of the day, even though there was no Stanley Cup there, knowing that championship teams are not built overnight and that the team took another huge step forward this season and will be better for it when they resume their quest next fall. A handful of fans can hang their heads in shame for whistling about Denis Potvin during a crucial second period penalty kill as the Sabres set up a key goal, for singing "Beat your wife Potvin" instead of "Here we go Rangers" throughout the series, more intent on keeping alive a 28 year old vendetta than in chasing today's dream. But the rest of you, the vast majority, earned the salute you got from the Rangers at the end of the game, series, and season.

Game reports: Daily News, Journal News, Newsday, Times, Post, Star-Ledger, Advance, SNY, AP, and NY Sports Day. More from the columnists in the Daily News, Journal News, Newsday, and Post. On the return of Shanahan and other free agents, see the Daily News, Journal News, Newsday, Post, Ledger, USA Today, and Toronto Star. More from the Times, Newsday, and Ledger. Blueshirts Blog puts the season in perspective and provides extra quotes. Hockey Rodent says that Martin Straka has been playing with a torn biceps that will require surgical repair and will likely delay his start to next season. For the last time, the Buffalo News -- here and here. More out of town takes from the Toronto Sun, Star, Globe and Mail, National Post, USA Today, ESPN.com, and NHL.com. And in a perfect segue to the direction some of our off-season links will take, NHL.com has a historical piece, a look back at Gump Worsley's greatest game. Here is Jess Rubenstein's report on last night's CHL action:

While Ranger fans were getting their hearts broken in the playoffs, they can take a lot of heart knowing that Marc Staal will be heading to the Rangers next season. Staal has gotten 42% of the over 18,000 votes cast so far at the OHL web site as the best player in the playoffs. Last night, Staal captained the Sudbury Wolves as they evened up their OHL final series with Plymouth at 1-1 to steal home ice advantage. When Staal plays an active role at both ends of the ice, the Wolves as a team play that much better. Last night, Staal hit (insert Whaler name here), Staal joined the rush, Staal quarterbacked the power play, Staal led the penalty kill -- it got to the point where one almost expected to see Staal in the stands selling beer and pretzels. He had only one point (an assist) but was +3 (on the ice for five of his team's goals) and was a huge factor in holding the Whalers to 0-for-6 on the power play.

Reports on the game from CP and Sudbury Star. Controversy in the Medicine Hat-Vancouver series. The fight that Jess reported on yesterday that set the tone for the game appears to have been a tad unusual. MH sent out their resident enforcer on defense in place of Mike Sauer. He stepped in to participate in a fight instigated by a teammate. All this was to offset Vancouver's physical play. The Giants are upset at the Tigers' tactics. See reports in the Vancouver Province (here and here) and Sun.

Comments

[lennynyr]

Hey Dubi, even though we don't agree all the time, I've enjoyed this site. Mainly because you don't take it personal when someone disagrees with you. The only time you take anything personal is if someone else gets personal, especially with bad language or in general juvenile behavior.

Anything ever work out with B&N?

[cwgatti]

Gomez & Timmonen. Let god sort out the rest.

[lennynyr]

God help us!!

[Sabres Fan]

First of all, I wanted to say how impressed I was with the Rangers fans throughout the series. Buffalo, NY and Philly have the best fans in the NHL, at least in the states. Now, on to this quote:

"Odd-man rushes," Jagr lamented. "We said that all series long. We just can't give it to them. ... We didn't lose it, we just gave it to them. They are a great team but they aren't better."

All I can say is HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! That Jagr's got a career in standup! What a joke.

[Bones]

Jagr is TOTALLY right, the Sabres wern't better but they are better coached in my opinion. When a team makes so many mental errors it points to a lack of focus, and its the coaches job to see to it. We were 7 seconds from winning this series, so tell me what was Jagr doing on the ice then. To me he looked totally lost in that situation but its too late now. But the Rangers played hard to their credit and its off to next year. BTW, the Sens are playing fabulous hockey right now and will dispatch the Sabres in 6 or less.

[allen]

Jagr is the captain of the team, and that's what leaders say immediately after a tough loss, whether it's true or not. So take your HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA and stick it, moron. Also, don't put Buffalo fans in the same class as Ranger fans. We have lives, and a million other things to do other than watch hockey. You're a bunch of losers with nothing else in your lives. So get lost.

[nyr94]

how about deleting allen's racist rant.

[CzechPosse]

Hey Sabres Fan,

1999 Brett Hull.

1991 Norwood wide right. Not to mention 0-4 and the shellacking by the skins and boys.

Classless Trailer Park Trash!!

[Dubi]

If Sabres fans are so classy, why do I have to keep deleting their childish rants and banning them from this site? Maybe it's apropos to lump Sabres fans with the morons who call themselves Flyers fans, but Ranger fans are in a different class -- one that has class (except for the idiots who won't give up the Potvin chant).

As for Jagr's comments, dream on, dude! Let's see how the Sabres fare against Ottawa before once again anointing them champions prematurely. The Rangers exposed them, and they exposed them good. The Sabres are already done for the season, based on what I've seen from the Sens. The Sabres don't have a hope in hell against that defense -- no Maliks or Rachuneks there.

[nyr94]

it is some of the so-called fans here that are embarrassing. racist, class snobbery, regional snobbery. Imus-style insults with a different target.

[emscam]

Have fun vs Ottawa. Hope that isn't considered racist.

[Kogan]

Dubi don’t delete that post.
That way everybody can see difference between AS and THEM.

[Matty]

"it is some of the so-called fans here that are embarrassing. racist, class snobbery, regional snobbery. Imus-style insults with a different target."

Boy ... now Sabres fans hide as supposed "Rangers fans" ... This is why I will be cheering for Ottawa although I do not like that team ... Because of the lack of class of A LOT of the Sabres fanbase ... they do not deserve to have a winner .... You come here and try to hide yourself being a ranger fan name or try to hide your snarky remarks with false praise to or team and our fans ... go away

[Jess]

BREAKING NEWS

Marc Staal is named the OHL's Best Defenseman

The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Sudbury Wolves Defenceman Marc Staal is the recipient of the Max Kaminsky Trophy as the OHL's Most Outstanding Defenceman for the 2006-07 season.

Staal finished the regular season with five goals and 29 assists for 34 points in 53 games. Staal represented the Eastern Conference All-Stars at this year’s All-Star Classic, in (Saginaw).

A 1st round draft choice of the New York Rangers, Staal captured the Gold Medal with Team Canada at the 2007 World Junior Championships, in Sweden. The 20-year-old native of Thunder Bay, Ontario won his first Gold Medal the previous year representing Team Canada at the 2006 World Junior Championship, in Vancouver where he was named the Top Defenceman of the tournament.

Staal represented the OHL at the 2004, 2005 and 2006 Canada Russia Challenges. Staal was named to the 2003-04 OHL First All-Rookie Team and participated at the 2005 Home Hardware CHL Top Prospects Game. Staal was also named to the OHL First All-Star Team for the 2005-06 season.

The Max Kaminsky Trophy is awarded each year to the Most Outstanding Defenceman as selected by OHL general managers. Teams were not permitted to vote for their own nominee. Players received five points for a first place vote, three points for a second place vote and one point for a third place vote.

Staal received 64 points in the voting process, while runner-up Jakub Kindl of the Kitchener Rangers received 47 points. Drew Doughty of the Guelph storm finished third with 37 points.

Last year’s winner of the Max Kaminsky Trophy as the OHL’s Most Outstanding Defenceman was Andrej Sekera of the Owen Sound Attack. Other previous winners of the Max Kaminsky Trophy include Denis Potvin (Ottawa 1971-72 and 1972-73), Al MacInnis (Kitchener 1982-83), Chris Pronger (Peterborough 1992-93) and Bryan Berard (Detroit 1994-95 and 1995-96).

The award is named in recognition of Max Kaminsky, who enjoyed a 10-year professional playing career that included four years in the NHL with Ottawa, Boston, and Montreal. After he retired from playing, Kaminsky enjoyed a 15-year coaching career that was capped by winning the Memorial Cup with the St. Catherine’s Teepees in 1960.

Our thanks to OHL.com for this report

[Jess]

Speaking of Staal

In addition to defenseman of the year, he also earned OHL Player of the Week honors as well:

Toronto - The Ontario Hockey League today announced that defenceman Marc Staal of the Sudbury Wolves is the OHL Player of the Week for the week ending April 29, 2007. The 20-year-old native of Thunder Bay recorded five assists in three playoff games during the Rogers Eastern Conference Championship Series.

On Monday, April 23rd Staal assisted on the game-winning goal, which led the Wolves to a 3-2 Game 4 overtime victory versus the Belleville Bulls. On Wednesday, April 25th Staal picked up two assists on Sudbury’s opening two goals leading the Wolves to a 4-1 Game 5 victory. On Friday, April 27th Staal had a pair of assists in a 4-3 triple overtime victory to close out the series for Sudbury 4-2.

Tomorrow night Staal and his Sudbury Wolves will be taking on Plymouth in game 3 of their OHL championship finals with the series tied at 1-1.

The game can be heard for free on the web via 790 CIGM at their website http://www.790cigm.com/

Or you can watch a live stream of the game via OHL.com for 6.95 per game or 17.95 for the series. If you have not seen Staal play yourself then here is a great chance to see why I am predicting Staal will be on the Rangers next season.

[Phill]

I fail to see racism anywhere on this entire page. Please, stop the drugs and just stay in school.

[Ted]

Phill i think it's cuz the comment was wisely deleted shortly after it was said

[LI Joe]

Phil - I did not see it either. Probably was deleted before we came on here.

[Jess]

Friends don't let friends be fans of any other team but the Rangers.

Studies show that those who are not Ranger fans tend to be out of work, drug using, alcholics who are fans of teams like the Islanders, Sabres and Flyers.

The preceding was a Public Service announcement from your local Ranger fans of the world chapter.

[jas]

If there is one player I want at no time EVER putting on a Ranger uniform, it is Scott "that F'N punk" Gomez. He be a typical "sign for the money" Ranger UFA of the past move. He's stated how much he hates the Ranger organization. At least Drury admits to being a Ranger fan as a kid, and would wear the jersey with pride. Let him take his smug attitude to the west coast. Personally, I'm hoping the Rangers don't sign ANY UFAs, and make the right deal for a young stud on the outs with his current franchise. If the Rangers bring in a D-man, let it be because they will move Malik. Stall will be here with Roszival, Mara, Tyutin and Girardi.

[jas]

Oh no, I did what I have avowed to NEVER do... I spelled Staal, S-T-A-L-L. Where is that edit button?

[Ros]

pleeeease NO Gomez in NY.

[Ros]

I have a feeling Prucha will be part of some sort of a deal in the summer. I still love 'em.

[Jess]

Jas

Don't feel bad as when I get into writing about the kids I have Sauer, Staal and Sanguinetti to trip myself over. Too many players with the letter "S".

[Ros]

"Sweden's Sportbladet is reporting that Henrik Lundqvist is on the verge of signing a seven-year extension with the Rangers, at an estimated $4-5 million a year."

http://www.msgnetwork.com/rangers2.jsp

Sweet! Why only 7... lets sign him for 27!

[rangerbill94]

Gomez is the best, young center around today. He would be the perfect center for Jagr and Hossa. However, he wants to play out west and all indications are LA. If he signs with LA, then that is a sign that he was not the right guy for us. Why? Because if he wants to win a cup, then VAN is the only place to go. Therefore, if he ends up in LA he would rather play where it fits his personal desire and the winning of another cup is secondary. All great players have only one desire and that is to raise the cup. That is our purpose and ultimate goal. If that isn't his top priority, then we don't want him. Drury on the other hand has that desire. He is a pure winner. The only problem is he is somewhat long in the tooth, but maybe we can get 4 productive years out of him. While he is not considered a superstar or franchise player he is the next best UFA available. The Rangers may decide to trade for an established first line center, but he would have to be under 28, on the verge of a breakout season and viewed as a serious scoring threat. Don't know who that is, but I'm looking!

[Ted]

I dunno why everyone is so gung ho about Chris Drury, a guy who is a hard worker but his career high in points is 69, and that was this season. Plus he's 31 years old. I'd prefer someone like Briere who is at least a 90 point scorer or even Gomez (tho its lookin unlikely he'd come here).

Also thank god if the rumors are true that we're locking up Lundqvist for years

[jas]

"Gomez is the best, young center around today." Er, you don't mean that do you? I mean, there are a couple of young centers in Pittsburgh I'd take over Gomez in a heartbeat. Not to mention a 50 goal scorer AND his teammate, a Conn Smythe Trophy winner in TB. Then, there' a Staal brother in Carolina, Anze Kopitar in LA, Jason Spezza in Ottawa, Marleau and Thornton in SJ, both only a year older than Gomez, and both I'd take over Gomez.

[Matty]

I've never liked Gomez's seemingly "I'm better than you" attitude ... there's something about him, as a person, that just rubs me the wrong way ... I have NO desire to EVER see him in Ranger blue, just like I never wanted to see Bobby Holik in Rangers blue ... I feel that the Rangers will sign a 2nd line Center because it was a big need all season and it was never addressed and I have yet to read of any of our kids in Hartford being ready to step up to that position ...

I don't think the team needs to go and get any D because the youth that we have should be more than enough specially, if as Jess says, Staal is ready to take his place on the Rangers next season

[cwede]

I'd like to see a proven true 2d line Center added, but not Gomez.
And I'd only add a D from the outside if it met our serious missing link - a big, strong, slot-clearing banger, with skills as well.
After this season, some folks may think this thought is as rank as I feel about Gomez, but the guy we needed was out there last summer, and signed with the neighbors - Brendan Witt. I don't know if someone like that is 'free' this summer.

[mshiver77]

I think rangerbill meant that Gomez is the best pivot currently on the FA market. (Otherwise, you're right, the comment didn't make much sense.) If we assume that's what he meant, I still think it's a tossup between Briere and Gomez. It's moot anyways - neither of those two will dress for the Rangers (although I wouldn't mind Briere).

I think Nylander has shown over the last two seasons that he can fill the top-pivot role effectively with a variety of linemates so, again, we're faced with the need for a #2 center and a scoring wing. The problem is, every one else in the NHL wants these things, as well.

Can we dragoon Straka into the #2 role again? Probably. It's a less than ideal solution and a sideways move unless 1) Prucha recaptures his rookie season scoring touch, 2) Callahan catches fire of Dawes REALLY catches fire, or 3) we spend or trade to bring in a sniper on the wing.

Drury would be a good fit at that position, IMO. With Straka's two way play and feather passing, Drury's love of the low slot would come in very handy. Couple that with Staal and/or Mara jacking shots from the blueline, and we may be looking at a very effective line in Straka/Drury/Callahan-Shanahan.

Of course, we're going to have to overpay for Drury, as he's a very good player in a lean FA class.

... why oh why couldn't Immonen have the wheels to go with his smarts and touch ...