Rangers Primed to Streak Past Isles

The Islanders have been as streaky as any team in the Eastern Conference this season. They've lost four of their last five after winning six straight immediately upon the heels of a seven-game (0-6-1) losing streak. But there has been a unifying theme to all but one of their wins and losses in the last two streaks -- every team they beat was in the midst of a bad streak, and every team they lost to (except one) was hot hot hot (the exception was their recent loss to the skidding Panthers). In all, they went 7-1 against teams that were in downswings that added up to a combined 5-31-12 record but were 0-4 against teams on hot streaks that added up to a combined 14-0-5.

So recent performance would suggest that the Isles have no chance of beating a Ranger team on runs of 7-0-2, 10-2-2, and 12-3-2, especially since they've had such a hard time scoring goals -- they have supplanted the Rangers as the league's weakest goal scoring team, this after scoring only five goals in 190 shots on goal in their last four losses. The Rangers' scoring, meanwhile, has risen up to 22nd overall, their revived finishing touch accounting for 30 goals in the last seven games. And that despite a power play that is still struggling, going 5-for-28 in those seven games, with three of the five goals in one game. But throw all of these stats out the window -- it's Rangers vs. Islanders. Anything can happen.

Will anything happen as a result of the Sean Avery contract impasse? We'll find out starting this evening whether the sideshow sidetracks the Rangers. Brendan Shanahan insists that "The Sean Avery Show" (which he compared to Scott Baio) will not distract them from their appointed rounds. Jaromir Jagr, Glen Sather, and Avery himself agreed with that assessment (that it won't be a distraction, not that Avery is Scott Baio reincarnate). Lots to read on the situation -- the latest update today in Blueshirts Blog and reports from yesterday in the Daily News, Journal News, Newsday, Times, Post, Slap Shot, and Rangers Report. Previews of tonight's game can be found in Newsday, the Sun, SNY, NHL.com, NYI.com, and NYR.com -- Henrik Lundqvist will be back in net for the Rangers, but Rick DiPietro is iffy depending on his frame of mind after returning from his grandmother's funeral.

Elsewhere in the news, it was an excellent night for scoreboard watching. Boston was humbled by the Washington Ovechkins, 10-2. Ottawa humbled themselves with unprofessional behavior as their downward spiral continued in Anaheim. And Montreal's rookie goalie experiment took a big hit in San Jose. Back to the Rangers, NHL.com has a rookie feature on Nigel Dawes. In the minors, WP.com has the Wolf Pack's week in review and weekly preview. Prospect Park gets a lot out of a little. More reading: Rangers Report and Blue Notes report from the morning skate that there will be no line-up changes tonight, Kenny Albert at MSG.com writes about Steve Valiquette, and Rangerland has a game preview.

Comments

[Ted]

the inherent problem with avery is explained pretty accurately by sammy weinman
1. Sather has already doled out several expensive contracts
2. Avery is only 5'10" and somewhat injury prone
3. Shanny and Jagr may not be around next year to keep him in check

Considering the plethora of young, and more importantly, CHEAP talent that we have (Anisimov, Cherepanov, Moore, Byers, etc.), re-signing Avery simply isn't as pressing a matter as it was last year. While ideally, I would have no problem with the Rangers bringing him back, i would for $4 million a year. That is what a guy like Parise gets, and he is younger, mobile, and good for 60-70 points a season.

Although waiting until after the season may be painting a bleak picture, let's not forget the advantages of this. We'll have a better idea of whether Jagr, Shanny, and Straka are coming back, and thus can make appropriate adjustments. If all three retire, than it would be wise to give him some of that available money, if not, well....

Also, i'm still not convinced Prucha is done here. He's only gonna be making 1.8 million next year, and Rangers would be wise to hold onto him, see if he can develop any new chemistry with new linemates and increased minutes, and then evaluate from there. If he's still only good for 10 goals, than perhaps trading him for a defenseman might be wise. I for one still think he's more valuable than Callahan and anyone on the fourth line. Although that 30 goal season was 2 years ago, i'm not convinced it was a fluke

[oleosmirf]

i have no problem with the bringing young players up but you cannot replace Shanahan Straka and Jagr with Byers, Anisimov and Moore

Cherepanov is whole key. If he is almost as good as Malkin, Ovechkin and can give a team 30+ goals right off the bat then that's huge but you can't expect Callahan, Prucha and Dawes to all step in and play on the 1st line and 2nd line.

You need balance. Mix some proven players and some young players and thats it but a team of all young guys and Drury and Gomez is stupid unless you don't have Stanley Cup aspirations.

[baals]

dubi, so less of what we see happening in the picture above should do it. that flyers game was about as bad as a team could play defensively and still manage to win. that wont work tonight even if the islanders are slumping.

[Ant]

so whos in a net tonight for the asslanders

[And This One Will Last A Lifetime]

While I don't want to overpay for Avery, it's tough to ignore what he brings to the team. Outside of Callahan, the top 3 lines this year are lacking that "sandpaper" element to their game on a consistent basis. While re-signing him won't off-set potentially losing Jagr, Straka and Shanahan (not to mention half of our defense)it does serve some purpose in that it maintains a bit of continuity.

The team next season will most likely look drastically different than this year and the more holdovers we can keep (unless they're at a cap-crippling price) the better.

Salary cap era or not, the most successful teams of the 90's and 00's - Detroit, Colorado, Devils - kept core components of their team together while smartly adding in complimentary players and youth. Role players are also important to retain if you have the right ones...Kris Draper/Kirk Maltby, John Madden/Jay Pandolfo anyone? Some of them might have hung on to certain players too long, but I'd gladly trade our 1995-2005 for any of those teams.

[ORR Says "Win the Cup" !!]

I love how people say how Avery is injury prone. Lol, this is one of the only seasons where he has been injured for more then one thing. His wrist injury went back to the playoffs. He didnt get the surgery cause he has balls to play through the pain. The shoulder injury, personally i though Neil threw an elbow in there, some may disagree, but thats what i think. He is not injury prone, period.

BTW

Crosby is back in the lineup tonight for the Pens. There next few games are against the Bolts, Cats, Caps, and Flyers. Hopefully they get on a losing streak tonight.

Nyr needs to win these home and homes. Last seasons were amazing. The 1 - 1 game that went to a shootout, and Cullen scoring the game winner, then the Simon 5 minute match penalty that gave Nyr the 2 - 1 lead off Pruchs PP goal, along with a phenominal game saving save by Hank with 20 secs left. Hopefully we get bth wins again.

[Godot]

Hmmm... I don't know what to think about Avery. Can we have a top line next year of Jagr, Dubi and Cheraponov? I think the team needs to think about the status of Jagr, Straka, and Shanahan. If they Rangers win the cup, I can imagine Shanny retiring. If not.... I can't imagine Renney and Slats not wanting to keep Jagr around.

As for tonight: I have a feeling the king is pitching a shut out today. Just have that vibe....

[And This One Will Last A Lifetime]

My bigger hope is that the Pens tinkering with their goaltending knocks Conklin back to earth. Or even better they decide to lean on their former #1 pick who won't be able to get into groove. You can't argue with landing an all-star caliber winger like they did at the deadline, but it's no secret that the Pens season took off when Conklin became their go-to guy.

I'm going to the game tonight and I'm absolutely pumped. I went to the game in early November at Nassau and would love nothing more than to reverse our records in the 2nd half of the season series...and if we're going to go 3-1, let that loss be either in OT or the 2nd to last game of the season after we've already secured a playoff berth. Their current D is half a step up from an AHL team's and they can't score if their lives depended on it. I think their grind it out style of play has finally caught up to them. And someone needs to hit Comrie really really hard.

[pghas]

Believe it or not, tonight is another very important one. The Devils, Pens, and Bruins all have easier opponents (Leafs, Bolts, and Cats) and the Flyers play Buffalo, which unfortunately someone has to win. If the Rangers want to keep pace they need to win these next 2.

[ORR Says "Win the Cup" !!!!!!!!!!]

Avery & Comrie are gonna go tonight. For sure.

[ORR Says "Win the Cup" !!!!!!!!!!]

Witt is in the lineup, but Sutton is still out. I guess that means they'll be less elbows in the game.

[Jess]

First off if the reports are true that Sather offered 2.75 a year and Avery wants 3.75 then sorry even the biggest of Avery supporters has to think very long and hard about giving him that kind of money.

Cherepanov is not going to come in and score 30 goals in his first season, he is good but he still is a work in progress as his body still needs some work.

PGhas

All the divisional games are very important as I have said before win 9 of the 13 and the Rangers will make the playoffs. One down eight to go

[T_Bird]

Since any negotiations have been tabled the only way Avery's contract can be a distraction is if the media keeps harping on it.

Get back to the games at hand. Avery and sather have done so. Let it be.

[stuarta]

dubi is in goal for the fish sticks...

let's worry about Avery in the off season...

[Ant]

stuart how u know

[oleosmirf]

jess

well if that is the case (about Cherepanov) then if Straka and Shanahan are both gone and Jagr scores less and less who is going to pick up the slack??

I'm sorry but I don't see Dawes, Callahan or anyone from inside the system putting up big numbers next season

[Bob Merchant]

One thing to say, it's all about Hank tonight. Maybe seeing Vally shine will inspire him. Getting pulled after one period may be all the inspiration needed after the Philly game.

[Chris]

the FAN is saying dubielewicz is starting

[Jess]

Oleo

No offense but you have been very consistent in being down on Ranger prospects. You have called them mediocre among other things.

Sorry but you have no idea as to the future potential of any of younger players.

Had we listened to you in November then Dubinsky would have been sent to Hartford. Sorry you really are not a good judge of talent

[joeymole]

i hereby declare the rangers are over the (offense) chemistry hump! now the defense, on the other hand, will be a work in progress up to the last game of this quickly ending season. maybe a call-up will figure in at the end like pock did last season?

islanders are hurting bunch and can and WILL BE beaten tonite! especially with 'dubi' in goal. again hoping that dubi gets to score on dubi and will be reported by dubi on wednesday.

(watched the late night game with sharks and campbell scored the montreal back breaker with a spin-a-rama move ala leetch. it was a thing of beauty and he was beaming from ear to ear afterward. hope rangers leave some room to sign this guy in the off-season.)

final point, i think jagr will be back next year, especially with rangers opening season in prague. hopefully, with stanley cup in tow!

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

[angry]

How's Brodie Dupont developing? He hasn't had a terribly noteworthy year statistically, but is he learning the game? Playing responsibly? Using his size?

[Matty is sick and tired of beng SICK!]

I 100% HATE the stinking NY Islanders! I LOATHE that team and take GREAT pleasure in any embarrassment or patheticness that befalls them ... I know bad karma and whatnot but do I care? I freaking don't!!!

It just EATS away at me that we are 1-3 vs this team, it annoys me to no end that they ended up with a winning record against us last season, enough is enough ... that stinking teams LIVES to play us, doesn't matter if they have long time players or new players they all live to play us, it's like their playoffs in a way ...

I need several things tonight ...

I need our team to come out the gates flying and playing poised defense, showing no mercy, and taking the body ... I need Henrik to be Henrik and not give an inch, I need heart, passion, drive, and some nastiness! That jerk, Witt, is playing tonight and I would LOVE it if any of the Rangers got in his stupid face ... he always goes after players smaller than him(like all the elbows he loves throwing at Prucha's head) and when he gets into it with a tough guy he almost always skates away because he's a freaking punk! Did I mention how much I loathe him? So Avery better get all up in Witt's grill since I am sure Witt will be matched against Jags line ... Grrrrr

Go Rangers!

[akayama49]

Jess: Right on for your take on the potential of the Rangers youth corps. I'll take Dawes' projected 8 game winners (on 50 points) next season for starters and Dubi can put up at least sixty points in 2007-8 with a year's experience behind him. Not breathtaking numbers, but solid ones.

[Chris QCT]

I will be very surprised if Dubielewicz starts in goal tonight (no matter who is reporting what). This is a VERY critical week in the Islanders season. If they lose both of these games, it will be hard for them to get back in it. The golden rule is you live and die with your best players.

Given the circumstances, this is also a perfect time for Nolan to lie about his starting goalie tonight. DiPietro is coming back from his grandmother's funeral, these are HUGE games for them, it's Rangers/Islanders to begin with, and make no mistake...Ricky loves playing the NYR and in MSG also. My guess is if they're saying Dubielewicz is in net, it is more of a smokescreen to get Red-Light Ricky some breathing room to get ready.

Ted Nolan is an idiot if he leaves his #1 goalie on the bench for a game like this. I only hope he does. ;-)

[oleosmirf]

jess

you proved me wrong on Dubinsky but just for the record I never wanted him in Hartford.

I have no problem with the prospects we have now its just I have a hard time believing that any other prospect can step in NEXT SEASON and give the Rangers the same production as Shanahan and Jagr.

Its nice to see the young guys come in but only if they are gonna be better then whats out there. You make it seem as if every opening on the team should go to a prospect and you cannot win like that.

[Ant]

We strugled playin against dublie.....

[rangerbill94]

Chris

"The golden rule is you live and die with your best players."

That may be just what they are doing. Last year Dubi got them in the playoffs with some unbelievable goaltending. Don't count out these guys if Dubi starts. Also, Avery will get into Dips head. Love to see that. Avery showing Sather what his REAL value is! Lets get ready to rumble, er...I mean to negotiate!

[Mark W.]

hm..hm..hm..hmhm..hm..hm..hm..hmhm..hm..hm..hm..hmhm..hmhmhm...POTVIN SUCKS!

Ok now I'm ready let's slaughter the fishies tonight!

[ORR Says "Win the Cup" !!]

CHRISQCT

Family is alot more important then the game. If Dipietro was suffering from the loss in his family in any way, then as an Islander, the right decision would be to sit it out. His head might not be in the game. To be honest i hope he's in net, cause Dubi played a pretty good game for the Isles two night ago. He might be trying to do what ever he can to help them out, sometimes thats wicked motivation. He brought them to the playoffs last year when Rick was hurt. So who knows.

Who ever is in net, Nyr needs to win. We need these two win, more then anyone realizes. These home and homes against the Isles are crucial, it can make or break the year for both teams, in my opinion.

[Indy Rangers Fan]

Hey at least Chris Simon won't be in the house!

BEAT THE SNOT OUT OF THE ISLANDERS... CRUSH THEIR HOPES FOR A POST SEASON NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Indy Rangers Fan]

Crosby is expected to be in the penguins lineup tonight... that was quick....
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3276445

[rangerbill94]

I'm sure Sather pointed out to Avery his comments during the arbitration hearings (sometimes he hurts more than he helps) and what his play needs to be like since they cut off talks. Sean is "on stage" now and he better play his hard game but not cost the team. A fine line, but that's what will keep him a NYR. The show starts in 25 minutes.

[LisaMY]

1. Ted Nolan is not an idiot. I really like Tom Renney but if presented with a chance to swap coaches with the Islanders w/o any consequences, I'd do it. Frankly, I don't think he's (Nolan) got much of a team, but he's gotten a heck of a lot out of them considering what he's got to work with. Remember last season when the Islanders were dead in the water? And down the stretch they won enough games to get into the playoffs? Nolan's coaching had a lot to do with that. A confession; a few years back when Nolan was under consideration, I was hoping he'd become the Rangers coach. But Nolan is very strong-willed and a lot of GMs don't want to deal with him. So the Rangers ended up with Bryan Trottier and we saw how well that worked.

2. Dubielewicz is starting because Dipietro is still with his family. One thing you learn about hockey players, is that no matter what's going on on the ice, family comes first. And Dubielewicz has played the Rangers tough. I expect a win for the Rangers, but it will be a battle. This is a playoff game tonight, no question. Still skeptical about that? King Henke has a losing record against the Isles. If anybody needs a big game tonight, it's the King. I love him, but he needs to be super solid tonight, no softies.

[oleosmirf]

say what you want I'll take the backup over DiPietro anyday...

[Chris]

lisa are you serious?
Renny might have one of the best systems ive seen in a while when the players stick to it, and score goals.

[Matty is sick and tired of beng SICK!]

I don't like Ted Nolan, I think he's a hypocrite ...

Anyway, I feel .. all nervous and tingly and like I'm about to hurl, as if it's the playoffs ... in other words, this ROCKS!

Go Rangers!

[Indy Rangers Fan]

UNBELIEVABLE... NYRangers.com's live game feed is the friggin' islander's radio chumps.. Bunch of homers who don't know crap.

[Sam]

darn, Dubinsky hit the post!

[Matty is sick and tired of beng SICK!]

dammit! That was gorgeous damn post!!!

[Indy Rangers Fan]

Sabres up 1-0 already.

[Matty is sick and tired of being SICK!]

is it me or does our team seem more intense in the early going than the Islanders? I hope we keep this up, but I do not like Duble-whateverhisnameis making these saves ... but he did it last season for them so the Rangers need to crash the net and keep doing what they are doing ...

[Sam]

so many near chances for the first line so far!!

[rangerbill94]

Should be 4-0 right now!

[Matty is sick but better]

Jagr almost had that ... just rolled off his stick ... keep plugging away boys, don't get frustrated!

[Sam]

Simple play putting the puck at the net and we just missed that chance..

[Sam]

gorgeous save by henrik!

[Matty is sick but better]

Thank God!

Great Save by Henrik, he needed to save that because after all our good plays for them to score first would suck! >:

[Indy Rangers Fan]

NICE SAVE HANK!!!!!!

[Matty is sick but better]

Henrik seems really focused right about now, love it!

[Sam]

what a save!!!