Rangers Finally Return For Final Playoff Push

UPDATE: Marcel Hossa to Hartford on a conditioning assignment.

The Rangers finally get back to it this afternoon, facing the red-hot Buffalo Sabres at the Garden. The Sabres, left for dead the last time they visited after the Rangers extended their losing streak to ten games, have gone 8-0-2 since then to slip one point past the Rangers into seventh place. Ryan Miller has been the key to the resurgence -- he has given up only 15 goals in those ten games, with a save percentage approaching .950. Jason Pominville has been hot, with five goals and eight assists in his last nine games, and Thomas Vanek has scored seven of his twenty goals in his last eight games. Buffalo has also relied heavily on special teams -- their power play is 10-for-32 and their penalty killing 2-for-28 in their last eight, a difference of exactly one goal per game.

Henrik Lundqvist will be the Rangers' key, fresh off a new contract extension that makes him the highest paid goalie in the NHL-elect, a designation he now has to live up to. Tom Renney has suggested that he might start Steve Valiquette tomorrow, but that may just be a motivational tactic to get Lundqvist to make a case for himself today. For more on the Ranger keeper, see the Post and Newsday. Other game previews can be found in the Journal News, NYR.com, and Rangerland. Rangers Report and Blue Notes had news from yesterday's practice. For notes on the Sabres, see the Buffalo News. The Wolf Pack won big last night -- see the Courant and Howlings, where you can also find a preview of tonight's game. Charlotte lost on a late goal against Chris Holt after a good outing. Prospect Park rounds up other Friday night action at the amateur level.

With the trade deadline approaching, speculation abounds even in the near-absence of activity. Slap Shot imagines a trade for Alex Tanguay that Ranger fans might not appreciate, ESPN imagines a trade for Dan Boyle that it comes right out and says Glen Sather might not appreciate. Perhaps most intriguing is the Courant reporting that Edmonton GM Kevin Lowe was at the Wolf Pack's game, though it was not clear which team he was looking at. If he was looking at the Rangers for prospects, he had to be impressed with Al Montoya's performance, and Greg Moore did well too. But even though the conventional wisdom is that the Oilers will be sellers, Slam! Sports suggests a scenario where Lowe may make one last run at the playoffs if he can.

PS Hopefully the Rangers will be "Doing Fine" today, tomorrow, and down the road. But even if they aren't, and it gets you down, check out the link over on the right to a site called DoingFine.org -- a place to go to see that we're all really "Doing Fine" despite it all. And if that sounds a lot like a pitch, well, it kind of is -- they're doing a one-day test of traffic from this site before deciding whether to advertise with us. So check it out -- you'll be doing fine by doing so, and can maybe help us out in the process.

Comments

[Chris]

if amnisov is nhl ready like slap shot sudgests, why havent we seen him?

[MikeA]

He's the youngest player in the AHL and he probably could do fine in the NHL, but he's 19; let him work at his game for a year or two and mature physically. No rush; he's doing just fine in Hartford.

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

As far as im concerned, im looking forward to seeing Jagr play tonight, and the rest of the way. I hope he's reading his trade rumors, cause now's the time to step up. If not then hopefully he's as good as gone. This will be a tough game.

I think Simon is back today, for the Isles.

Why is Hossa in hartford for conditioning, Hollweg should be down there for that. He's not mentally ready for the NHL, thats why he tries to kill people, and screw his team.

I think it would be dumb to play Vally 3 times in the last 4 games. Its stupid. These last games shuld all be Hank's, except maybe 1 or 2.

This is a huge game, and needs to be won. Get revenge for the playoffs.

[Pavel]

Please tell me Hossa has to go through re-entry waivers to come back to the Rangers!

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

That would be a dumb move trading Anisimov. It doesnt matter the fact that people say he's good but he's not in the NHL. Toews was good, but he stayed a year in juniors. Some people need the extra year or two, and he needs to adjust to the north american style of play, either way, he's a centerman, and unless we plan on unloading Betts, i dont see hiim on the team for 2 to 3 seasons, with our top 3 spots taken, unless we move him to the wing.

But if we trade Monty, that would be perfect. We have absolutely no use for the kid, its been obvious since last season if not 05 - 06. He has no place in this organization, unless he wants to be a backup.

[joeymole]

next 5 games are the most important stretch of the season!!! if rangers have any hope of getting into the playoffs then the big push must begin today. i am so tired of all who say "relax", the friggin' season is already drawing closer to ending and that's all they have to say.

enough of that mellow mind set, time to play with some desperation (and confidence)!!

buffalo has been playing great as of late. a fast and physical game, and with great goaltending. rangers need to slow them down a bit and put some pressure on their d-men. and of course, the power play must click today! and hopefully, no phantom penalty call against rangers.

LET'S GO RANGERS!

[rangerbill94]

pavel

Sorry, it's conditioning so there are no waivers at all.

[Adam and his apple]

trade anisimov? NO WAY! everybodys worried that we have too many centers, i would have no problem moving drury to wing, hes more a finisher anyway, and he could always still take faceoffs if you put him with a center who isnt the greatest at takin faceoffs, im not sure if anisimov is any good in that dept, but he is big lanky and is sure to put on lots of muscle just like dooby! why would we trade our future for an inconsistent loser like tanguay?

[oleosmirf]

The Rangers have too many 2nd, 3rd and 4th liners. The Rangers need a 1st line winger. I don't think anyone of that nature is available at the Rangers asking price so the Rangers should just strengthen up the defense.

That means goodbye Mara and Malik. Strudwick gets scratched and there you go. If Prucha, Callahan, Moore, Montoya or another mid-level prospect has to go then so be it.

[Matty]

Hollweg should be down there for that. He's not mentally ready for the NHL, thats why he tries to kill people

This is uncalled for ... he tries to kill people? Were you being serious? Give it a rest

[BlueClue]

Hollweg is not trying to kill people.

But as Stan Fischler just said on MSG, " he takes dumb penalties"

And I also agree with Fischler's recommendation of Strudwick being on the 4th line.

[oleosmirf]

Mara, Malik and Strudwick in the line-up tonight. O boy!

[oleosmirf]

today i should say

[BlueClue]

AllI can say is WOW!!!!

[BlueClue]

Who is this team and what have they done with the Rangers?

[Matty]

LOVE IT!

Straka, Jagr, Callahan, Dubinsky, Avery, all on the scoresheet so far ...

We need to continue to drive to the net .. the pretty goals aren't coming easily so let's get the ugly goals ...

Go Rangers!

[oleosmirf]

where was this all year...

[Matty]

oh and Drury has an assist too

[Matty]

ok dumb penalty but I do not like how the BUF player embellished it ... still Mara should've held up ...

Let's kill this off please! don't let them back in here!

[out0fyourelement]

is it just me or was there a bit of embellishment there?

[Matty]

YEAH! Penalty for BUF so 4 on 4 ... that was a very good job by Malik .. he protected the puck and Vanek held him up ...

[BlueClue]

Paille DID seem really pissed after that hit

[Matty]

OMG!!!!

Dubinsky is on fire!!!

Beautiful pass by Jagr and Dubi just overpowered the BUF dude!!!

[Matty]

I have to say, haha now that Sam mentions it, that I felt that he cursed Ryan Miller by praising him non-stop at the top of the game lol

[BlueClue]

Now if the Rangers were DOWN 3-0 now, what would this place sound like?

This is a strange strange league we have.

[BlueClue]

4-0 BABY!

SHANNY!!!

EAT CROW LINDY-

[Shawn]

Oh man, this is wonderful.

[ANT]

U notice how all the complainers are not posting right now

[Phill]

The Rangers look like a team possessed!

Miller never recovered from the first goal he let in 10 seconds in.

[Matty]

Oh this is beautiful ...

Welcome back Shanny!!!!

[Marc]

i think its all because Ron Duguay is in the house..

4-0!!

[Matty]

U notice how all the complainers are not posting right now

Ant,

Aside from our 4 goal lead what is making me happy is that over the last 2-3 days we've had people posting how dumb Renney is, how horrible Jagr is, how our team as constructed sucks, how overrated Henrik is, how Renney should be fired for his lineup choices ... all this before they played this game ... I mean if you want to complain about the choices the coach makes for the lineup that's great but complain AFTER the game if what the coach did didn't work out ... because right now? Right now they have egg on their faces ...

Still is only the first period but I am pretty certain that Henrik is extremely motivated to get this win and so is the rest of the team ...

[Matty]

The crowd is too quiet ... the building should be buzzing an electric with this 4 goal lead and the team's great play ... I know that the MSG fans don't have the hate for BUF like they do for the Flyers, Isles, Devils, ect but still ... rock the place and get loud!

[Shawn]

I know what it is guys, Strudwick's 'stache. It brings good luck.

[ANT]

Matty i agree with u 100%

[rangerbill94]

I'm not trying to make any kind of projection, but...The Dubinsky backhand thru the 5 hole and his arms raised coming from behind the net...well, Messier vs the Devils...1994.

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

Great period. Everyone is playing good right now, the D is steady, but that can only go so far with that big 3. Hopefully they can continue the success, but so far so good.

Campbell is a minus 4 tonight. San Jose Sharks are at the game tonight to scout him, so thats nt good for Soupy, if he actually wants to get traded.

BTW

I dont follow hokcyebuzz but Blake said he would want to go to the Ducks or Sharks, so i guess its safe to say he wont be coming here. Thank god.

RANGERBILL

Lol, that looks just like it.

[ANT]

Orr Blake said he wont waive his no trade to come to play for Rangers

[Matty]

Newsday is reporting that the Rangers have just extended Dan Girardi(eeeeee) for 2 more years for a total of $3.1 Mil ... I just love him!

[ANT]

YYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[marge]

Booing Malik for getting a point is pretty cold.

[ANT]

JOHNM WHERE ARE YOU?????????I wonna see what u got to say about this

[iceycup]

Great start. Great game.

[Jess]

Yes I am biased as I am protective of the kids but I am so sick and tired of seeing these bad trade offers being suggested by the media.

Odds are none of them take the time to research these deals and if anything they show how little they actually follow the teams they pretend to cover.

Anisimov is not NHL ready, yes he has skills but his body needs to catch up to his skills. Next year most likely but no way do I send him to Calgary for Tanguay who also has another year on his contract.

Adam

Please watch your language, you did not cuss at the New York Times so why do you believe it is acceptable here?

Orr

Your choice of words regarding Hollweg was very poor. Will you give him some credit for his play today?

Matty

Bet someone is happy to see that Girardi has reupped with the Rangers LOL

[Matty]

Booing Malik for getting a point is pretty cold.

Are we surprised?

Afterall, why cheer a player on your team, who is having a very good game when you can boo him just because it's the popular thing to do for some?

[Jess]

Marge

Amen

Ant

You read my mind there LOL

Iceycup

Exactly but what makes this better is that it is an entire team effort here

[Matty]

Bet someone is happy to see that Girardi has reupped with the Rangers LOL

Wait ... did you not see my post and the "EEEEEEEEEEEEEE's" ?????

First Henrik, then Dan, then a 5 goal lead ... I mean ... the team is trying to kill me with happiness

[Jess]

the team is trying to kill me with happiness

But I thought all smurfs lived to be happy?

Boy Matty there is no pleasing you ever LOL

I for one am going to enjoy this game as like I said it is an entire team effort.

[Ted]

What impresses me so much about this game is that, considering the Rangers are coming off a 5 day layoff, against the hottest team in the NHL, with one of their best defensemen (Staal) out, the rangers are playing so strongly on defense and in goal. So much for the disappointment on the "big 3".

Oh and P.S. Malik is a +3 with an assist tonight, instead of rooting for a trade, here's a novel idea, how about we root for him to continue to play at such a high level to help us with our playoff push?

[oleosmirf]

speaking of Malik he threw a hit today!!