Devils Condemned to Ranger Hell

There was a familiar refrain heard last night after the Rangers survived a tight low-scoring one-goal game to prevail 3-1 after Chris Drury's empty net goal sealed a second win in two nights. There was a coach lamenting at how well his team played, how his team outplayed the opposition, but how they just couldn't score any goals, couldn't get any breaks. And he cautioned that they could not let their need to score more goals tempt them away from playing the sound defense their game plan is based on. Of course, it wasn't Ranger head coach Tom Renney saying those things -- this time. It was Devils' head coach Brent Sutter.

This time, it was not the Rangers piling up shots on goal in the first period that were easily turned aside by the opposing goalie because they were easily-seen and coming from easily-stopped angles. This time, it was not the Rangers stymied by every turn of fortune in the second period as somehow, against all logic, the puck stayed out of the net. This time, it was not the Rangers smothered by an opponent's trap in the third period as they desperately tried to get that one single goal that would tie the game up. No, this time, it was the Rangers bedeviling the Devils in every one of those ways.

Playing their second game in two nights and third road game in four nights, the Rangers extended their season-long mastery over the Devils with a fifth straight win that was, in every way, a good road win -- they took care of business in their own zone, they got superb goaltending from Henrik Lundqvist, they countered early for one goal, and they capitalized on their power play for a second goal. Lundqvist didn't have to make any spectacular saves -- he stopped every shot except one by being positionally sound. The team defense in front of him covered their men and cleared his rebounds.

The Devils got one break when Zach Parise banked a rebound into the net off Lundqvist's skate, and that re-energized the home team, who won every battle and every race for the remainder of the second period. But the Rangers withstood that assualt and made the necessary adjustments between periods. They adjusted well enough to limit the Devils to six third period shots on goal. Drury continued his renaissance with two goals, making it four points and +4 in the past two games (that should go to +3 once the official scorers realize that they erroneously credited his first goal as an even strength goal).

And so, despite the hair pulling that followed their loss in Carolina after the All-Star break, the Rangers have won four of their last five to close within one point of the Devils and three points of the division-leading Flyers (although each has a number of games in hand). They have outscored their opponents 13-5 in those five games, allowing only two goals in the four wins. They are 6-3-1 in ten games since Lundqvist declared that he had regained his focus, with a goals against average of 1.58 and a .932 save percentage. They have only scored 2.4 goals per game themselves during that time, but this is a team that wins with team defense and goaltending.

Game reports: Daily News, Newsday, Times, Post, Record, Star-Ledger, AP, SNY, NYR.com, and NY Sports Day. Pre-game notes from the reporters' blogs at Rangers Report, Blue Notes, and Slap Shot, including Sean Avery crashing Tom Renney's pre-game press conference. More from the Ledger here and here and from Stan Fischler at MSG.com. Blueshirt Scene has the Rangers' Super Bowl predictions -- most of them politically correct, picking the Giants. At NHL.com, a look back at the Phil Esposito trade. Hartford won behind Brodie Dupont's goal and assist -- see the Courant and Howlings -- Howlings also has a preview of the Pack's next game. Charlotte won on the strength of Bruce Graham's goal and three assists. Prospect Park rounds up all of Friday's other action.

Marek Malik missed the game with a swollen knee -- he was seen limping out of the arena after the game. He and Marcel Hossa missed practice today as well, the latter suffering from disk problems in his back. Corey Potter was recalled today from Hartford to help out on defense in practice, but he was immediately reassigned back to the Pack. Curiously, four players were on the ice for more goals than Martin Brodeur last night -- Lundqvist and Parise were on for all four, and Brendan Shanahan and Travis Zajac were on for three goals, while Brodeur was on the bench for two goals, the Devils' only goal during a delayed penalty call and the Rangers' empty netter.

Comments

[i]

Dubi aren't there a limited amount of recalls? How many has Sather used?

[oleosmirf]

rangerbill

Boyle is going to demand more than Montoya and Malik and I think to get any big name, Prucha is going to have to go.

if Brian Campbell is available Sather must take a hard look at him. He is a young, all-star defenseman with tremendous upside

[ORR Says "Trade to get Cheechoo" !!]

Drury - Forsberg - Shanahan

That line would be friggin phenominal................back in 05 - 06 when Shanny scored 40 goals, Drury scored 30 goals, and Foppa was a force.

Its weird, all these mixed rumors....Forsberg hates NYR, now he might sign with NYR. Who knows what will happen, but id love him on this team if he was completely healthy, but these days even when he says he can play, you know it wont take much to get him out of a game.

If there was a part of me or part of any of you that want him, just think of his shootout attempt last season with the preds...Game on his stick, needs to tie it up or they lose, Foppa with the 3:60 and he falls down before taking the shot !

Mighty funny though.

Hopefully this Isles vs Habs game doesnt go to OT. I dont care who wins, as long as NYR wins the next game !

[Matty]

So Oleo you would give up Prucha, Montoya and Malik for Boyle who will be an UFA next year? This team, for all the predictions that the "experts" in newspapers and magazines put them as Stanley Cup contenders have made moves for the long term future of the team ... with that in mind the Rangers future is bright and if they need to fill holes then they can fill them as needed but not just give up a talented young player just because ... now if you are telling me that Dan Boyle will make the difference of the Rangers contending for a Cup or not then yes they should consider that, as much as I would hate to part with Prucha, but Dan Boyle isn't the difference

[czechthemout!!!!!]

The Rangers should try to aquire two of the folowing four dmen if possible.
Brent Seabrooke
Steve Montidor
Garnet Exelbey
Shea Webber
Paul Ranger

I could see giving up any combination of the following to get it done:
Prucha,Montoya,Malik(throw in),Korpikoski,Jessiman,Sauer,Callahan(who I love),Dawes,Hollweg,Draft picks(2nd,3rd Round),And even Pyatt.

[czechthemout!!!!!]

My preference would be Shea Webber and Brent Seabrooke,with Paul Ranger a close third.

[paulf]

Drury had many glorious opportunities he didn't cash in in recent games, then he gets a weak seeing-eye shot go in in Phily, an errant pass to Dawes banks past Broduer and then an empty-netter. So he's playing great. Better to be lucky than good.

Renney raved about Dubinsky after the game, said every minute of ice time is a down payment for the future. Untouchable.

[ORR Says "Trade to get Cheechoo" !!]

JESS

Do you think the Rangers would trade Jessiman ?

LOL

Prucha would NEVER be part of a deal that includes Exelby. He isnt anything special, but Ranger, Webber.

Seabrook isnt that great, he hasnt lived up to expectations to some Hawk fans, and some tell me that he plays like a Czech, which i guess means, he is lazy, we dont want a young Malik, now do we?

Id love to have Boyle, but i wouldnt want to give up Pruchs.

[T_Bird]

Jessiman? If I didn't LOL I'd cry.

If Malik is a throw-in, then Jessiman is a Throw-up. The Rangers will be lucky to get their nickel deposit back for him. A 1st round pick is a terrible thing to waste.

[oleosmirf]

matty

I would trade Montoya, Malik and Prucha for Boyle if Boyle was going is proven not only is he 100% healthy but that he would be signed to an extention.

I would however make that move for Campbell but Montoya's value would not be as high for Buffalo

[Matty]

But why part with him at all when Boyle can be had without giving anyone up in the summer? Unless you think that getting Boyle will make them Stanley Cup contenders this season, because if you don't then there is no reason for that trade

[rangerbill94]

oleo

TB can't demand anything. If they do, then they don't get anything. Boyle will not play in TB next year. With his upcoming UFA status, TB needs to get the best they can. Not saying that will come from NY.

paulf

What games were you watching the last couple of nights? That "seeing-eye shot" was a rope, put exactly where he wanted it. The replay was from almost behind him and EVERYBODY could see a small lane from his spot on the ice to the top corner. And the "errant pass to Dawes" was an intentional shot off Marty's equipment. Lucky? Daryl Royal once said that luck is what happens when opportunity is confronted with preparedness. Even if you were right, why not credit Drury instead of being critical? What is to be gained? Do you have an agenda? Are you a Rangers fan? Well, were back to that, again!!!

Just watched MON and the Isles. Will be a tough game tomorrow. Bot, can MON pass the puck. In the last 5 minutes of a game MON was ahead by 2 goals, DIP made about 5 MAJOR saves. Better be ready. We will need everybody, they can be had with another game in less than 24 hours.

[Jess]

Orr

You are at the site of the 2 writers who were very vocal in not wanting to see Jessiman drafted. Dubi wanted Zach Praise and I (the smarter one LOL) wanted Ryan Getzlaf. So we have a built in bias.

At some point the Rangers are going to have to decide seriously what future Jessiman has for the franchise. Yes Jessiman is having his best year as a pro this season but I think the window is starting to close on him as a possible Ranger.

That being said I believe the Rangers would trade him but they will wait to the off-season where they think the move will be buried and with little notice.

He isnt anything special, but Ranger, Webber.

None of these players are going to be vastly better than what the Rangers already have. Do you see any of these players used as defensive stoppers NO because none of them play that role.

Sure let us trade for players more known for being offensive minded defensemen. The Rangers need defensemen who think defense FIRST.

The idea is to IMPROVE the team DEFENSE not go after players better known for offense from the blueline. Sure let us look at some stats and say "this player is who the team should trade for".

None of those 3 hit, none of those 3 are going to clear the crease or go down to block shots.

Give me an Doug Murray of the Sharks , Kent Huskins of the Ducks, Duncan Keith of the Blackhawks or Kurt Sauer of the Avs. See these are role players who THINK DEFENSE FIRST which is what the Rangers so badly need a stopper on the blueline.

See bet people have no idea who I am talking about because they are not flashy scoring defenders. They are stay at home defensemen who think eat and sleep defense. That is who the Rangers need.

All have size (except Keith who is just 6') but all hit, all play strong defense and all skate well. These are who the Rangers need on the blueline not another Malik (Seabrook) a one year wonder (Weber) or a clone of Mara (Ranger).

Then again realize who it was who posted the original idea in the first place and know that person wants the Rangers to fail, that person is more about thinking he knows more than the rest of us and wants to be proven right. That person is not to be taken seriously anymore because it is that person who lacks hockey sense not Strudwick.

Psst Czech Mr "I forgot more than you" Forgot to ask you how come just about every Ranger says that Strudwick is going to make a great coach one day ? They say that Struds is a great teacher who has helped the younger players develop. How does a person last as a role player for 11 years if he lacks hockey sense?

So who's version should we accept those who actually play the game on the ice or someone who looks for reasons to rip on the Rangers?

Or are you going to dare say that you have forgotten more hockey than any Ranger player?

[rangerbill94]

Matty

I understand what you're saying and basically agree. As I said before, if he will agree to negotiate in good faith with the Rangers before he tries the free agent market, then that may be good enough to sign him now. Here are some of the reasons for signing him now. 1) we get to evaluate him in a Rangers jersey 2) He gets to evaluate us and our commitment to a cup 3) He can help us balance our blue line 4) He could provide the intangable this team needs as we drive for a playoff spot 5) He is a team player with a great attitude and should blend in quickly with our players. 6) He won't be "replacing" anyone we are planning on keeping around.

My only issue is if we trade one of our players, say Prucha or Montoya or Callahan and we don't sign Boyle after July, we paid a high price for a rental. And the only way that could be justified is if we won the cup (a long shot, even with Boyle). That's why I added a draft pick from TB in the deal.

[Jess]

Oleo

Why in the world would the Sabres even want Montoya? The Sabres already have 5 prospect goalies in their system not including JT and Ryan Miller on the Sabre roster.

But the one point where you keep making a mistake at is Montoya's trade value. Montoya has lost his job to an undrafted free agent which makes Montoya look worthless.

If Montoya can not keep his starting job at the AHL level then why would any team want to trade for him?

Can I make a suggestion to you please? Next time you want to suggest trade offers go to the other team's site and see what they have, see how well their minor league team is doing and look at their list of current draft picks.

See what the other team is missing and then think what would help that team the most? That is how the trades work

[joeymole]

dubi - great headline for today's post!!

if it's true that forsberg is leaning towards rangers, per stan fischler, then that's great news. he's a beast on the ice bad foot or no. he would be great with any of the top 2 lines. if that comes to be then rangers will also need to make a move for a solid bruiser d-man, with some offensive skills. per discussion today, there's some available ones out there but probably would have to give up 1 or 2 young guns as part of the deal. i think it's worth it to put together a ranger team that will make a serious cup run. when the ducks got pronger it put them in good position for their cup run.

it is gonna be an interesting month with the trade deadline ending. hope the rangers get the 2 or 3 players they may or may not be going after.

[rangerbill94]

Jess

Have you ever heard the name Jason LaBarbera? You know that you should never count out a developing goalie, especially one who is in a franchise that has a world-class, young goalie already with the big club. I have no idea what other GM's think about Montoya, but I'll bet none of them consider him a bust and therefore not worth going after.

[Matty]

I have no idea what other GM's think about Montoya, but I'll bet none of them consider him a bust and therefore not worth going after.

I don't think that other GM's don't consider going after Montoya, specially if they need a young goaltender, but his trade value right now is just not high so to trade him now would give us minimal return imo

[Jameson]

Rangerbill,
I know LaBabera has proven himself to be a decent NHL level goaltender but it's not like he's turned into anything too special. Between the injuries and losing his job recently, I'd be pretty skeptical of Montoya if I was another team's GM.

[rangerbill94]

Matty, remember my caveat regarding Boyle...he is willing to give us a first shot at signing him. Montoya will never be a #1 in NY, unless Hank just falls totally apart, and I don't see that happening. So minimal trade value may be all we have to get a Boyle. Do you think Feaster would go for Prucha for Boyle, one for one? If so, I'd still ask for a future draft choice. But TB needs some kind of goalie with potential. A move with the Rangers may just get the heat off his back, at least for a while.

[eric]

i will be in MTL for th game tomorrow! cant wait!!!!!!!!!!

[Jameson]

I was going to try and get tickets to the Rangers game in Montreal, I'm an hour away, but gotta watch the Giants...

[czechthemout!!!!!]

Jess-Are you obsessed with me or something?You call Webber a one year wonder.Well this only his second year and even that has been shortened by injury.That's right kill the guy because he doesn't take stupid penalties.I've watched him play some games and I know it's not indicitive of his whole body of work,but he takes the body very well and has a great outlet pass along with very good speed.He also drops the gloves and sticks up for his teamates.Why don't you go on youtube and see for your self Mr.credible,instead of ripping anyone for suggesting a trade.And I also direct you to the nhl website to see more highlights of Shea Weber,we should be so lucky to get him.

Doug Murry,LOL,you call Shea weber a one year wonder even though this his second second year,and he's only 22! while Murray hasn't even played one full year and is a 28year old career minor leaguer.Good work Mr. credible.LOL

Kurt Sauer is a good dman but is very injury prone,if healthy would be a good pickup assuming he doesn't cost much.

Kent Huskins-Another career minor league legend who has yet to play a full year in the league at age 28!
Good job Jess,let's trade some good or decent prospects for scrubs from the scrap heap who've done nothing in ten years in pro hockey.

Paul Ranger -has already played three full years in the NHL and is only 23! Although he's not a big hitter,he does play good defense and we should be so lucky to add him to the lineup along with a Shea Weber,they immidiatley make our defense a force to be reckoned with.Who would you rather have as your third pair Strudwick and Malik/Mara or Ranger/Weber or Staal/Rozy?

[Jess]

Jameson

Montoya has played himself out of his starting job at Hartford to a undrafted UFA. That right there is a red flag for other teams try to consider his trade value.

Montoya has talent but for some reason can not develop the kind of consistency to show he is even close to the NHL which again lowers his trade value.

I do not dislike Montoya but I also remember his coach at Michigan Red Berenson said Montoya was making a mistake leaving school early that he needed more seasoning. Guess he was right as Montoya is close to joining Jessiman on the 1st round bust list

[czechthemout!!!!!]

jess-you said"how does a role player last 11years without any hockey sense"

Easy he plays the role of a tough guy wich he had in chicago,a number 6or7 defenseman on a shitty Vancouver team devoid of any defenseman with talent or injury.

Strudwick has played a total of 475 career NHL games and is a career minus player at -47.That's an average of 46 games a year sure seems like a solid career to me for a player with good hockey sense.LOL

[czechthemout!!!!!]

Montoya is a goalie and as such still has a year or two to develop.If he's not ready at the age of 25 than that train will have left the station.That being said,I've watched him play some games last year and this year and have to say he does show good things but is very inconsistant.His problem may also be mental.He probobly thinks has to show that he is as good as The King to have a chance to play here,and that's alot of pressure on him.A change of orginizations would probobly be best for him.

[czechthemout!!!!!]

By the way,Brent Seabrooke had 104pim last year,hardly a soft player,and he's a career + player on a real bad chicago team.The Human pylon has never had that many pim in a season in his career,he averages about 60+pim per year all of them stupid lazy hooking penalties.

[czechthemout!!!!!]

LET'S GO GIANTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE COULD SHOCK THE WORLD!!!

[Jess]

Czech

Wow now I know why you are so much better than the rest of us as nobody would have ever thought of using youtube as a scouting tool at the NHL level. Yes let us watch youtube which shows ONLY highlights not actual game footage which shows a player under ALL conditions.

And to think I wasted 149 bucks on Center Ice which allows me to see a ton of actual games. Now I know that Youtube eliminates the need for watching actual game action. ROFLMAO Czech you want to use clips of a player instead of using actual game action.

Oh FYI I have known what kind of game Seabrooke plays since his time with Lethbridge. He has always been soft just like Malik but you want him. Weber has to prove the test of time (thus the term "one year wonder") but you want to give a package away for him. And then their is Ranger who I bet you do not realize does not hit any harder than Rozsival.

Oh how come you did not mention anything about Duncan Keith? You say Huskins is a career minor leaguer so tell me who is his defensive partner with the Ducks this season?

However this is about you Czech because it seems you do not like being treated the way I am treating you. See this is exactly how you have been treating other people here this season and you do know the saying "What goes around comes around"

Well I will explain it to you, you want to trash poster who disagree with you then expect me to stand up for them. You want to call people "addicted to Renneyade" because they want to give him a chance to turn the team around then I will stand up for them.

I am going to treat you the way you treat other posters, Ranger players and coaches. You trash others I will trash you and that is the way it you earned it.

You do not want to get into a battle of credibility with me because you will not stand a chance. See to me the only way a person earns real credibility is to be adult enough to say for the world to hear I WAS WRONG .

See that is something you never do, instead you make excuses or still look for ways to trash those you dislike. When Malik hardly played after getting hurt you still trashed the guy who did nothing wrong in that game. You are happy that he is hurt I bet.

You could not say that Tom Renney got the team to perform the way they needed to. You posted what you called an honest assessment of the game which contained insults and negative remarks toward those you dislike.

You keep claiming I am wrong when I say "You Are Not a Ranger fan" but you do not see how your own words hang you. Even Oleo the only person who defended you pointed out that your own words make it hard to defend you. How is that for credibility?

Oh and newsflash Czech, I am not the only one who thinks you are rooting for the Rangers to tank it, several others do as well both here and at other sites you post it.

It is you who has serious credibility issues here, should we ask others if they think you are rooting for the Rangers to fail? Cmon Czech let us see how "credibile you are by taking a poll asking who believe you want to see the Rangers lose.

[craigz]

Dubi you want to ban me go ahead cause the site has degraded to the point of boredom. Czech... you are a schmuck. You argue just to hear yourself talk. you say the same thing over and over again and most of the time it makes no sense. If you hate the rangers that much why root for them. I mean root for Toronto. They love to argue up there. You'd fit right in. I bet you never played a team sport cause nobody would put up with you. sorry Dubi...Z

[Godot]

Czech, how come plus minus doesn't count when you talk about Malik but counts when you talk about Strudwick? I'm confused.

[Sam]

man, I cant wait for tomorrow's game to start already. A long winning streak should calm the trade talks and make rangers fans happy!

And go blueee (Giants)!!

[Jess]

See Czech more excuses, more insults instead of giving someone like Strudwick some credit. Do you see him working in practice, do you see him working with his teammates AFTER practice or do you simply hate because that is all you know how to do.

That is why you are lacking credibility as you ignored that his teammates say he is going to make a good coach.

Are you trying to tell all of us that you know more about hockey sense than actual NHL players? Jagr said it, Shanny said it and so have several others but no Czech you think you know more than anyone else.

So what if Seabrooke had 104 PIMs, that does not mean he is a hitter just that he takes a lot of penalties. Dubinsky had 115 last year in Hartford so are you going to say he is either a fighter or a heavy checker?

As for Montoya, this is his 3rd season with Hartford and he is yet to show forward progress, if anything he is heading BACKWARDS. GGA is up, save % is down and now he is the backup.

As you typically do you think you know what is in Montoya's head, you think it is mental but will not acknowledge it is performance why because others have.

Thanks for proving my points about you.

[Jess]

Hey Craig

Does this mean I can put you down as saying you do not think Czech has credibility?

[jason]

Just saw a very interesting stat on Drury.
He now has 500 points.
175 of them are in the 3rd period but 155 of those 175 are with 5 or less minutes remaining in the 3rd period.

[craigz]

Jess Yes you can. His rants are so boring and so predictable. I would hate to live in his house. Maybe he's (she?) a very nice person who comes to the site to just blow off some steam but he makes lennynyr look like an alter boy unless of course they are one and the same...He just makes it tough to want to read the blogs...At this point in my life I don't need someone screaming the same thing day in and day out in my ear. It's easier to walk away. ASll these people that think they have the inside track on information probably don't know squat. Unless you are involved with the team everything else is just a bunch of crap. The team played very well for 4 out of 5 games. Can't we be happy with that? By the way...during one of the "conference calls' (don't know what else to call it) you guys had before #17 played in N.Y. I asked you if he was the real deal and youn said yes. You were right on as he is quickly becoming one of the Rangers Best players...GO BIG BLUE. Have to work tomorrow but the DVR is locked and loaded...Z

[oleosmirf]

jess

i think you missed the part of my comment where I said Montoya has a much a less value to Buffalo

I know prospects is your thing and all so when you say something i'll take your word for it but I've seen him play a few times and he was great.

Is it that Montoya is playing bad or is that Wiikman is playing that well or a combination of both?

czech

in all honesty i think you should just take a break from posting here for a while...

[czechthemout!!!!!]

Jess-Well well I seem to have struck a nerve.I too have nhl center ice and watch many games.I only used youtube as a suggested QUICK refrence in case some might have wanted see some highlights QUICKLY.Wow what I find amazing is how you like to selectively respond to what I say and try and twist my point of view to justify your hate towards me.And why?because I don't agree with you.I refuse to be one of your lackies.Duncan Kieth is the best defenseman on the Hawks and we have no shot at getting him that's why I didn't mention him.As far as Huskins goes,I gave you facts and stats,he is a career minor leaguer,instead of agreeing with that point wich was backed up with facts or leaving it alone,you ask me who his partner is,thinking that proves your point.Then you attack me,How childish.

This is actually about you Jess.I gave you facts about Strudwick in terms of his stats and yet you again attack me instead of debating me you are using hearsay and trying to present that as fact.Also,are you Strudwicks agent or something?What excuses are you talking about Jess?As for Montoya,I was speculating about him,apparently you don't read my posts completly,you only cut and paste words out of them to support your dislike of me.I don't know,maybe I should be worried Jess,you seem to troll around the bloggosphere looking for my posts and how others respond to them.Well,for your information,I only post here and occaisionaly on Sam's blog as well as on proboards that's it.I find it entertaining.You wan't to take polls, well the majority of people on Sam's blog share my point of view and as far as proboards,the results there would be quite favorable to me and VERY embarassing for you.I don't know if your ego could handle it.By the way,when did you admit you were wrong about the Avery trade,I'm still waiting to for that one.c'mon Jess say it,I WAS WRONG ABOUT THE AVERY TRADE!You can do it,I know you can.

As for your treatment of me,as I've said in the past,In order for you to hurt me I would have to respect you and the truth of the matter is that I don't,because you can't take criticism and you attack every poster who disagrees with you.You have zero respect from me.

GODOT-you're right about my use of the +/-.I don't need it,it's an overrated stat.By the way,I have been hard on you a few times,I wan't to say I'm sorry if I offended you.I meant non.

Craigz-you I have never attacked or insulted,yet you call me a schmuck.Well if having myy own opinion makes me a schmuck than so be it.But I'd rather be a schmuck than an ASS LICKER like you.

[czechthemout!!!!!]

Oleo-I'm getting close to that point.I feel like I have to walk on egg shells on this blog,It's getting annoying.I'll tell you something,when I reach that point,not only will I stop posting here,I'll also stop buying the magazine at Cosby's and urge many of my friends who I turned on to this publication to cancel their subscription/or stop buying it at Cosby's as well.

[Chris]

Chzech are you suggesting that Staal/Rosival is a third dpair?!

All we really need is a solid person who to play the 6th dman role every night becasue strudwick is good/a great leader but he isnt winning playoff games for this team. We need either a pure defensively dman for the 6th spot or a pure offensive dman for the 6th spot and mix and match accordingly.

Personally I would like to see a very Defensive Dman and play him with staal so he can be allowed to shoot/take more offensive chances.

[Jess]

Oleo

i think you missed the part of my comment where I said Montoya has a much a less value to Buffalo

If I did I am sorry for that.

Is it that Montoya is playing bad or is that Wiikman is playing that well or a combination of both?

On the surface it is more that Wilkman has just played lights out as from a stat perspective Montoya's numbers are only down a bit.

I would have to say that it is more that Wilkman gives them a more consistent level of play than Montoya has.

Craigz

I am assure you that Czech is not Lenny as Lenny has much better writing skills and knows more about hockey than Czech ever will.

Despite his bluster Lenny never roots for the team to lose just so he can be right. He has on many occasions said he would rather be wrong something that Czech never does.

Czech

Well we do have one common thing, we both dislike the other whoopee.

So let us skip the rehashing of every post and get right to it.

What I did to you was exactly how you have REPEATEDLY treated people here. Do not deny it because as Craig and others will gladly point out it is the truth.

You have called those who disagreed with you on Tom Renney "addicted to Renneyade" when the team was struggling. That is not someone interested in a debate.

You attacked Godot repeatedly for no valid reason when he disagreed with you. That is not someone who is interested in a debate.

You have done that with so many but it is funny how when you get a dose of your own medicine you claim you are debating. You can rant and rave all you wish but I got a better idea.

We can continue this war OR

If you want a debate then fine put away all the bad behaviors and let us go at it.

I mean no more namecalling of players or posters. Show the same respect you want shown to you to others.

If you are willing to do that then we can have a real debate on Ranger issues, we can take one topic at time as we will have plenty of time coming up.

BUT IT HAS TO BE CLEAN with no name calling or insults.

If you are willing to do that then I am more than willing to debate you.

In return I give my word that I will stop posting that I think you want the Rangers to lose. I will stop trashing you like I have.

So Czech which will it be you acting like a civilized person treating people with common courtesy and decency or should we just keep trashing each other?

Your serve

[Matty]

Well where has all the courtesy and respect gone to?

This goes directly to the heart of the matter ... you want people to treat you with courtesy and respect and yet you don't act accordingly. I don't care if the excuse is "Well he did it first" because that's not an exuse here, are we in grade school? Aren't we all adults here? Must this degenerate into disgusting name calling? I guess so, its really sad ... from all sides

[kogan]

Watch the zebras folks!

[i]

Will Renney rest Shanahan who is admitting to not be 100% with Callihan called up? Is Shanahan allowed to be behind the bench with Renney , Pearn, & Pelino ?

[Matty]

Anyway back to hockey

I was reading The Post today and I had completely forgotten that Shanny had gotten hurt in Edmonton .... I think it explains a lot since he has been playing hurt .... it said that he might take the weekend before the Rangers big break in games(5 days) off so that he can rest up for 7-8 days instead of just 5 ... he has hamstring, leg, and back issues ...

Is Shanny still playing as many minutes as he was prior to that injury? I will have to check when I get home ...

The Habs beat the Islanders 4-1 yesterday so if we can beat Montreal today then we should put some distance between us and the Islanders even though they have 2 games in hand

[czechthemout!!!!!]

Jess-with the exception of Godot who I have appoligized to,I have never been the first one to attack.I've even ignored several attacks from posters like George thinking instead of taking the high road.But they continued so i fired back and will continue to fire back if attacked.But I am willing to move forward and put all the nasty stuff behind us.It seems you are as well so let us shake hands and move on.

[Sam]

Matty

After that Edmonton game, Shanny played only half of a 3rd period the following game and missed an entire 3rd period the game after (a blowout loss, forgot which team). If I recall.

After those games, he played regular minutes and was on the power play and penalty kill.

[Sam]

Matty,

are you working on Ranger's gameday and Super Bowl Sunday??

[czechthemout!!!!!]

Chris-Not at all I was just merely throwing out different combos and who they would be if we aquired any of the players mentioned.Where they play is up to the coaches.I also think that putting bandaid type players in from other teams is not a short term or long term solution.

[craigz]

Well at least people read what I post...Go Giants. I certainly understand team sports from a players perspective since I was a participant from little leqague and pop warner football to and thru many years of roller hockey, ice hockey, adult non-contact hockey and finally just a bunch of old friends rentint the ice once a week. In all my years of playing I found stats as the least important factor in evaluating a teamate. Stats are just one of a number of venues used to evaluate how a person will work for and with your team and teamates... Think about Beukeboom. He couldn't shoot couldn't pass, couldn't skate, his only play was sending the puck around the boards, but he sure did help this team win a cup and helped #2 become the player he became. Stats mean very little. Again...Go Giants...