Rangers Record Routine Shutout Win

UPDATE: DiPietro will play tonight -- Lundqvist for the Rangers, according to Rangers Report. Malik still out, Jagr no doubt will play.

Today is election day, and if Henrik Lundqvist was running for office, he'd win by a landslide -- well, maybe not by a landslide if the Ranger offense was running his campaign, but he'd at least shut out his opponent. Last night, Lundqvist pitched his fourth shutout of the young season, his third during the Rangers' 5-1 homestand that ended with this 2-0 win over the Flyers. It may have seemed easy, but Lundqvist faced thirty shots, some of them difficult, starting with a Flyer three on one in the opening minute, going through a shorthanded breakaway in the second period, and culminating with a game-saving pad save on a Joffrey Lupul rebound with a little over five minutes left in regulation and the Rangers nursing a 1-0 lead (so what else is new?).

But as has been the case throughout the season, Lundqvist got help from his defense -- twenty shots blocked and constant clearing of rebounds. There were a couple of shifts where the Rangers couldn't get the puck out of the zone, trying to be too cute with their breakout (as was often the case vs. Jersey), but otherwise, they did a fine job in their own zone. And they did an even better job in the Flyer zone, despite scoring only twice. Controlling the puck deep for multiple shifts at a time, the Rangers launched 45 shots on goal, 22 in the first period alone -- they took 71 total shots, but missed the net 19 times.

In the end, a highlight reel goal by the hobbled Jaromir Jagr in the final minute of the first period and a bullet by Brendan Shanahan in the closing minutes of the game were all the Rangers needed -- we're getting used to coasting on a 1-0 lead until a late insurance goal seals it (sometimes). The Flyers -- Daniel (call me Danny) Briere in particular -- lost their composure late, taking three penalties (two by Briere) to allow the Rangers to ease through the final minutes (Briere also took the penalty that ended a Flyer power play and created the four on four that Jagr scored on).

And to think that Jagr was close to not playing in this game. Hobbled by some sort of upper leg injury, the Rangers' captain, who has not missed a regular season game since the lockout despite a slew of injuries, had pretty much ruled himself out of the game during a morning skate he could not complete. But he got some effective attention from the Rangers' training staff and felt that he had to go. And go he did -- he flew through 24 minutes of ice time. "I thought I was not gonna be able to play," Jagr said. "A different massage helped. Even this morning, I felt good skating, [but] I couldn't stop and start, that's where it was sore. But later on in the day it got better."

"If he really thinks he can't contribute," Tom Renney said he told Jagr, "I would rather have someone else out there that might be able to. He told me, 'Tommy I have to go.' I said, 'Great!' After a little bit of adjusting this morning with [trainer] Jim [Ramsey], he said it felt much better. After the warm-up, he said, 'Tommy, I have to go.'" And away he went. After the game, Jagr and his new center Brandon Dubinsky created a mutual admiration society across the locker room. The veteran Jagr praised the surprising rookie center's talent, while the young Dubinsky had glowing words about how open and communicative the future Hall of Famer has been with him.

"The kid is great, the kid is good," Jagr said. "Just wait. I'm not gonna guarantee we're gonna score every game three goals, but the kid is great -- I love playing with him. He's more talented than a lot of people thought he is. They know he's talented, but he showed a lot -- he's strong on the puck, not afraid to go to the net, good moves one on one." Dubinsky said of Jagr, "He was really communicating with me. I don't think a lot of people know that about him, how much he communicates with linemates and teammates. With me, it's a constant conversation even since I was put on his line. Tonight I felt more comfortable with him. I adjusted, did some other stuff to complement him better. In turn, we played better. I had chances, right?"

Dubinsky does not see in Jagr an unapproachable superstar who doesn't have time for rookies. Quite the contrary. Last season Jagr developed an unexpected relationship with Sean Avery, this season he has bonded with Dubinsky. "I was on him a little bit this morning that he didn't have a choice to play tonight," the young center said of his new right winger. "He's a competitor. He's gonna play through stuff. In the playoffs he was trying to play through that shoulder. He's unbelievable. He comes off kind of quiet, but he's really got a sense of humor, he cares about each and every one us. Early in the season he was the one who was hardest on himself about how things were going."

Game reports: Daily News, Journal News, Newsday, Times, Post, AP, SNY, NHL.com, and NYR.com -- the best line is from Jay Greenberg of the Post: "The Rangers are winning not because Lundqvist is standing on his head but because he is allowing his teammates to keep theirs." More from the Post: Larry Brooks calls out Sean Avery, says Jagr's injury is his hamstring, not his groin or hip. More from the reporters' blog -- pre-game at Blueshirts Blog, Rangers Report, and Blue Notes, post-game at Rangers Report and Blue Notes. Ranger notes from Newsday and USA Today. Philly area regrets here, here, here, and here. The Daily News and Newsday report that Rick DiPietro may play tonight. Game preview at NYR.com.

Elsewhere, the Journal News has the story of the kid from Westchester who got to hang out all night with Mark Messier, and NHL.com has more on Lundqvist, where he was one of their three stars of the night. In Hartford, the Pack sent Mark Lee and Jordan Owens to Charlotte and called up Bruce Graham and Mike Ouelette -- see WP.com and Howlings. Wolf Pack Weekly at WP.com as well. And from Prospect Park, a Seinfeld episode.

Comments

[ant]

Some have suggested that Avery's collision with DiPietro might have been intentional, but in an interview earlier this season, the goaltender absolved his antagonist. "No, I would hope no one would intentionally take a shot at someone trying to recover from a serious head injury," DiPietro said. "I don't think it was malicious.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Tom]

Why do some stil lthink the D line needs improving with these #s? if its not broke dont fix it

[Z]

Since everyone is lengthing their names and I usually go against the tide I am going to shorten mine...Z

[Chris QCT]

I have to say... Dubinsky has shown probably the most chemistry with Jagr so far. These past few games are the only time so far this season that I have seen some plays similar to last season when they are cycling and working the puck deep.

....still not sure why Hossa is on that line. Aside from a game or two, Hossa has not shown much all season long. I would not say he deserves to be benched. But they have to get him off the top line. Hossa has not really even generated chances for himself. I'd like to see what Prucha could do up there. He has been getting chances all season.

[Matty loves kittens!]

Chris QCT,

I think that when Straka returns he will be on the first line with Jags and Dubinsky unless Hossa somehow breaks out between now and then ... I like Prucha right where he is, with Gomez and Avery, that line is fast and gets scoring chances and I think they will start to consistently score soon

[ledhed]

Tom, I think, as a GM, Sather has to always be looking for ways to improve upon the current product on the ice. The fact is, we have a surplus of serviceable defensemen and forwards... and while depth is a great thing to have over the course of the season and postseason, it is also beneficial to try to find the missing piece to a team that is largely built for a cup run. In my opinion, Sather could package some of the redundant (and I use that work for lack of a better term) pieces to a team in need that might have a piece we need. For example, one of Dawes, Callahan or Prucha could be packaged with Malik to bring back a stout young defenseman, like Brewer (this is just an example... I have not looked at salaries or other considerations).

Simply put, Sather should be hustling to figure out what the market is for the types of players we need. Just because something does not appear broken does not mean it cannot be improved upon... this exactly the approach Smith took when he loaded up at the trading deadline in 1994.

[Pavel]

I think we'll go for Boyle before the season is over.

[Ryan]

Chris

Hossa hasn't been particularly great but he opens up space for Jagr so for now I'd leave it as is. Besides, the Avery-Gomez-Prucha line has looked very good these past 2 games, no reason to mess with what works.

[Godot]

Hossa has been a bit quiet since he got the flu, but he does play the body and open up the ice more for Jagr. And with the new center on that line, it just might be him having a slight learning curve. That said, I think Hossa will replace Hollweg on the 4th line once Straka returns.

G

[stuart]

Malik status tonight??? any other changes such as in goal????

[brian]

the secon anyone knows a definite answer on dipietro, post it here...if he doest play tonight then vally vs dubi would be a good time to give hank a break..hank is so focused that a night off wont break his hot streak

[Jameson]

I agree with Ryan, Hossa's on that line because he uses his size and kind of just fits with that line. I'm sure once Straka and/or Callahan comes back he'll be pushed back to the 4th line and get most of his ice time killing penalties if he's even in the lineup at all.

[Godot]

Just another point about Hossa (or Prucha or whomever) no one has lit it up offensively on this team. Just a point.

[ant]

Ledhed why would you trade one of 3 young promising players for a young Dman if we have atleast 3 of them on Hartford.Dont forget when Jags and Shanny leaves after this season or the season after in Jags case we need those kids to produce

[Z]

Why do all these Islander fans keep coming over to this site and want to trade our young players for another d'man. We've won 4 in a row and 5 of 6. Just leave it alone and things will work out just fine. IF we need to make changes at the trading deadling because we have a legitimate chance to run for the cup I'm sure the Ranger braintrust will do what is needed. Every flippin day someone comes on here and wants to trade a good young player off this team. Let it go. If we were 2 and 24 then we would make changes but now things are starting to work out. Give the kids a break and let them play. They're doing fine and are a lot of fun to watch. Z

[Z]

Got side tracked...I hope we punish the fishsticks tonight.. Both phsically and on the scoreboard...Z

[ant]

PLus who would trade a good dman for Malik lol

[lennynyr who Jess always agree with]

Hossa will most likely be demoted to the 4th line when Straka returns. That's great that Dubinsky and Jagr like playing with each other (clean minds now folks), Jagr never said that about Gomez or Drury. I think now Renney has figured out that these new combos are working fine and the more they play together, the better they'll get. Hope Jagr stays happy all season playing with Dubi, might even score a few goals!!! :)

I can't tell you what some member of this forum said about Jagr's groin. It was hilarious, let's leave it at that. :))

The only complaint I got, which may be justified or not, is that Dawes only got 10 minutes. That could be because his linemates were killing penalties and that kept him off the ice, but with his shot, he has to play more.

[ledhed]

Z, seriously buddy, STFU. My earlier opinion was merely an example of something Sather might try if he were looking to make a move. I realize that there are other options and potential needs once the likes of Shanny and Straka decide to call it a career.

I was in no way indicating that I would want such a move to happen. I also know the Rangers front office will do what is necessary when the time comes (thanks for that incredibly obvious piece of information).

My only point was not to be complacent, either on the ice or in the front office. Again, just becasue something "ain't broke" doesn't mean that it could not be improved upon. And as far as your insinuation as to my allegiance to this team, that was weak and unfounded. But you keep trying to pass along your insights as fact and biblical truth... that is your right on a posting board... but remember, they are simply your opinions devoid of any other insider information... like everyones else's opinions.

[paulf]

We have been playing excellent defensively, in large part because defense is a team effort. Give credit for that to the coaches.

Still, this team would be that much better with a star defenseman in the Neidermeyer-Pronger mold. I don't think we can afford one, given the cap, unless we trade for someone at the deadline.

It's nice to get a few wins -- and I say this as one who hs been consistently optimistic about this team -- but I still don't see the Rangers as a cup favorite at this point. Certainly Ottawa looks to be the best team in the East. So I wouldn't turn down a chance to upgrade, unless it clearly was bad for the long term.

It wasn't all that long ago that people were foaming at the mouth when Dubinsky got 3 minutes one game and accused Renney of hating kids, well, now that he is playing with Jagr, I suppose that demonstrates they were wrong.

[NCSteve]

Ledhed: I was born and raised in New Jersey, so I (and everyone else) know what your acronym means. Z doesn't deserve such harsh treatment. NO ONE on this board does. Give it a rest. Sounds like a Dubi decision. Good luck. And whether you are a Philanderer fan or not, what's the big deal? Go RANGERS!

[Rob]

Anyone think Dubinsky reminds you of Nylander a little? Goes in the corners, digs the puck out, keeps it, makes some good moves to get people open.

Hes a better defensive player also.

LETS GO RANGERS!!!!

[lennynyr who Jess always agree with]

Big difference, Dubi hits, Nylander doesn't. Hopefully by the end of this season we'll all be saying Michael who??

As Ranger fans we got two Dubi's in our life, one hits and the other deletes!!

[ledhed]

Sorry to have offended, NCSteve (and others... I was tyring to keep it tame yet blunt). Not that it is a big deal but I really cannot stand heavy-handed messgage board posters who try to belittle or squelch other people thoughts and opinions. And just for the record, you might not find a more dedicated Rangers fan than me (I will refrain from listing any credentials). I lurk on this, and other Rangers sites, all day out of interest but rarely post... that is why I cannot stand it when someone feels it necessary to chime in and hammer other people... usually drives away potential loyal readers.

Anyway, again, sorry if I offended anyone. I was simply trying to keep this space open for thoughts other than those who post with frequency (and in so doing, going overboard with their own opinions and agendas).

[lennynyr who Jess always agree with]

Like you're doing right now! LMAO!!

[Z]

Sorry born and raised in nyc. I know exactly what that means. Only justifies my position that people come on here once a month and try to trade away everyone on the team that can help us for years to come. If our defense was bad maybe I would agree but our D is excellant. Maybe one of these kids everyone wants to trade away will turn into that superstar point man we need. If Rozival would shoot more we wouldn't even be having this discussion...Z

[joeymole]

another great game and win last nite!! and the jagr goal, man what a heavy shot he has, anyone else hear that THUNK of the puck hitting the net? but oy, those versus announcers, specifically the play-by-play guy, i think at some point he said henrik had a set of "marvelous legs" or something like that. where do they get these guys?? and the lack of replays, especially for the (phantom) penalties are dang frustrating to endure. more silly versus coverage tonite, can't wait. i remember reading nhl going back to espn next season or two, i really hope so....

also, it will be very interesting to see the line changes when straka and cally return. as i've stated before i hope avery gets with drury and shanny and put gomez with prucha and cally. jagr can play with dubinsky and straka or anyone he wants too....

[Ana]

Even making the suggestion to trade those 3 players is ludicrous!!!! Those 3 players are the future. Keep this package in NY where it belongs---THAT'S MY OPINION!!!!

Matty, I love kittens/cats!!!

LET'S GO RANGERS!

[dtaild]

Actually the Versus's guy said on numerous occassions that Lundqvist has marvelous legs...Paired with Dubi and Jagr saying they love each other, one has to think that yesterday was "Man-Love Monday"

[Ryan]

Ah well.. another Versus telecast. Although, as long as we win again, I won't mind terribly. Let's Go Rangers!

[lennynyr who Jess always agree with]

dtaild, sounds like Al Trautwig's brother!

[imitation aka from now on as I]

if I remember correctly JOHN M came here a couple of weeks back & suggested Dubinsky with Jagr & he was attacked as crazy.

[Chris QCT]

Maybe Hossa creates room for Jagr. I'm not really even too sure of that either...only that Tom Renney tells us so. Brad Isbister also used to create room for Jagr. That does not necessarily mean either one of them deserve top line minutes with the guy. I know the whole team has struggled to score goals. But I honestly cannot think of too many instances so far this season where Hossa has provided much of anything. I would think Hossa would be dropped down when Straka comes back. But I'd be willing to bet that Renney somehow finds a way to keep him on the top line.

Now watch as Hossa puts 2 goals in tonight and I look like an idiot..... ;-)

The defense has settled down nicely too lately. Oh wait, that's right, Malik has been out the past two games.

BEAT THE ISLANDERS!!

[Matty loves kittens!]

i>Actually the Versus's guy said on numerous occassions that Lundqvist has marvelous legs...Paired with Dubi and Jagr saying they love each other, one has to think that yesterday was "Man-Love Monday"

That's why I was blushing so much, I can only take so much Man Love without giggling furiously ;))

Ana, kittens/cats rule! My cats are my babies =D

I'm very excited about tonight's game and I seriously want us to beat that team and stop their copycat center ice cheapy salute to their fans that they are doing ... grrrr just thinking on it annoys me but the great thing is that it doesn't truly matter because they can't compare to why we started doing it in November 2005 ...

[alan]

Is anyone else as astounded as I at how seriously good Dan Girardi is?? Last year, I think we were happy just to see him not make mistakes. This year, it seems to me that he's taken his game to a whole new level. Not only is his decision making in his own zone nearly flawless, he's getting involved physically (did you see him level that Flyer that tried to blindside him along the boards in the first period.?), shows great vision, and he made a great little play to spring Jagr in for his goal last night. Between him, Staal, the prospects in the system, and the fact that we lead the league in GA, don't really see the need to package young players for another D-man at this particular point in time.

[joeymole]

wondering, if dipietro can't play and dubielewicz is in the net, can dubi score on dubi?!? i seriously think so. and it will probably screw up the versus announcers. maybe they'll highlight the dubi vs. dubi battle.

seriously, islanders have won 4 out of last 5 and are confident. they need to be taken down a notch or two. feeling like the rangers will break through with an offensive onslaught, and score more than 2 goals tonight!!

GO RANGERS!

[lennynyr who Jess always agree with]

Chris..OUCH!!

From what I heard about the Ranger defensive prospects from Jess and others, we will have a big improvement next season without having to make any deals and give up valuable prospects. Just have to put up with Malik this season. Think this team is good enough to carry Malik as is. Hope he doesn't prove me wrong.

[lennynyr who Jess always agree with]

Joeymole, two Dubi's are enough to contend with, now you are adding a third???

[lennynyr who Jess always agree with]

Alan, Mark (who posts here once in a while) predicted this two years ago. BTW, that's not Colorado Mark although he definitely knows his hockey too.

[adam]

guys cmon, who cares what people say when it comes to trading away our young guys, unless they have revealing photos of glen sather and are going to blackmail him i wouldnt be too worried about it, so i say trade away everybody not named jagr or shanny hahahaha

[LI Joe]

Chris Q - the d has been good for a lot more than 2 games. And Malik was a part of that effort. He was fine since he sat out the one game.

[lennynyr who Jess always agree with]

Thanks Adam, go eat another apple!! LOL

[adam and my apple]

ok i know that for some games we will need orr and hollweg in when we need some sand paper in the lineup, but is it so wrong to have a line up like this

straka dubi jagr
avery gomez prucha
shanny drury dawes
callahan betts hossa

you can interchange callahan or hossa for prucha or dawes, however the chemistry works out, but with all the talent on the rangers its a shame that hollweg and orr are causing a logjam on that 4th line, i know renney likes the current 4th line because of their puck possession game and he likes playing them against other teams 1st lines so as to open up jagr and the other scoring lines, but i think the fourth line i mentioned could easily play a great puck possession game and score the occassional goal here and there, the way our 4th line is goin they might end up with 5 goals the whole year and thats being optimistic, thats insanity folks!

[Matty loves kittens!]

Sam just updated and confirms that Henrik is playing ... as if that's a shocker =P

[GEORGE]

Regarding Hossa. The man is a verry good hockey player.He does everything asked for/ controls the puck well/plays his position well/makes a lot of very good plays with his linemates/is a good pk/uses his body well/What more do you people want from him/Maby you want him to skate standing on his head.SET myself up for a few smart remarks there didnt I.

[oleosmirf says keep Gomez and Jagr seperated!]

Straka-Dubinsky-Jagr
Dawes-Drury-Shanahan
Avery-Gomez-Prucha
Hossa/Hollweg-Betts-Callahan/Orr

The problem is we have 8 wingers who should be on the top 3 lines but 1 will have to sit as hollweg or orr will have to be in lineup. One winger will be traded at one point this season, it is inevitable.

It is still way too early to make trades but Renney will switch the wingers around to see which guys will go and Sather will work his magic and bring somebody whether a top prospect like a Bourret or a defensive upgrade but they will not just make a trade to get rid of someone it will be to make the team better.

[John]

The play-by-play guy last night was John Forslund. He's the pxp guy for the Carolina Hurricanes, so I get to listen to him every night (I live in NC). He and his partner Tripp Tracy are (unintentionally) hilarious!

What I hate about VS: the guys in the studio. They got rid of the one guy I could kind of put up with (Bill Clement), but they kept Mullet Man and Blockhead. What a couple of morons!

[oleosmirf says keep Gomez and Jagr seperated!]

george

just like with Eli Manning he's the younger brother of a far superior player and will never be as good but just b/c his last name his Hossa everyone expects Marcel to be like his brother but he's not.

He doesn't have the shot Marian does so he uses his size to control the puck and cycle it to Jagr. Plus Marcel plays defense and has grown into one of the better Penalty killers in the league.

He plays very well with Jagr and although he doesn't rack up the points he is an important part of Jagr and Dubinsky's game. Straka will take his place when he is healthy but until then I am perfectly happy with Hossa on the first line.

[oleosmirf says keep Gomez and Jagr seperated!]

well not in the league but on the Rangers...

[lennynyr who Jess always agree with]

Vince, root canal?? LMAO

That's a perfect description of Hossa!!