Jagr, Power Play Clinch It For Rangers

The Rangers got to where they were always expected to end up with a 3-0 win over the Islanders last night, clinching a playoff spot by winning the two points that makes it impossible for any ninth place team to catch them. After struggling to find scoring, chemistry, and consistency through the 20th of January, they have gone 20-6-5 since then, and still had to battle through 80 games to nail down their place in the playoffs.

The Rangers have now served notice that there is another level they can reach beyond what they've done in the past 31 games. Jaromir Jagr's two power play goals add two elements that have been largely missing most of the season, elements that could make a huge difference once the second season starts. This was just a rump Islander team providing minimal opposition, but the Rangers now have seven power play goals in their last four games, winning three of those games on the strength of those goals, and Jagr has five goals in his last six games after getting only one in his prior ten. What's more, Jagr scored three of the seven power play goals and assisted on two others.

In addition to that, Henrik Lundqvist has regained the consistency he lost for a 26-game stretch after Thanksgiving. He has had a couple of blips since then, but he's been able to recover quickly, posting a 2.03 goals against average and .920 save percentage in his last 32 starts. He posted his tenth shutout of the season in defeating the Isles, the first Ranger goalie to do so in the modern era, giving him the league lead. With Lundqvist on top of his game and Jagr showing signs of joining him there, the Rangers may have the pieces in place for a long playoff run -- Scott Gomez has been a consistent point producer since November, Chris Drury has gotten his offensive game in gear since the All-Star break, Sean Avery has been healthy since mid-January, and the emergence of three young forwards has given the Rangers three lines that can score.

But looking forward, the key factor harks back to the speech Brendan Shanahan gave on the day the Rangers turned their season around. After a disheartening 3-1 loss to Boston on January 20th, Shanahan explained exactly how the Rangers were consistently beating themselves. No doubt he gave the same speech to his teammates. Since then, every Ranger loss can be pegged to them beating themselves in one way or another, just as many prior losses were. But the number of losses went down dramatically. How far the Rangers go in the playoffs depends almost wholly on how far they take themselves -- the only team that can beat the New York Rangers is the New York Rangers.

Game reports -- Daily News, Journal News, Newsday, Post, Times, AP, and NYR.com. More from the Post, Newsday, Blueshirts Blog, Blue Notes, and Yahoo! Sports. Pre-game entries in the reporters' blogs -- Rangers Report, Blue Notes, and MSG.com. Lundqvist was the NHL's second star of the night, not Jagr. Islander point of view from the indefatigable Jason Lockhart at NYI.com. The Devils are already looking ahead to meeting the Rangers in the playoffs -- NY Sportscene looks ahead at possible home dates, with Ranger playoff tickets scheduled to go on sale on Tuesday. In Hartford, Andrew Hutchinson and P.A. Parenteau were named AHL All-stars (see the Courant, which also has the Wolf Pack's week ahead -- Howlings also previews the Pack's upcoming schedule). Prospect Park explains how the Rangers have nurtured winners since the lockout.

UPDATE: Taking another page from the Giants' playbook, the Rangers are not going to relax over their last two regular season games, according to dispatches from the morning skate in Rangers Report and Blue Notes -- Brendan Shanahan will be back in action and Henrik Lundqvist will remain in net. Blair Betts needs a couple more days of conditioning before making his return to action. Madison Square Garden will get a major makeover one way or the other -- unless they decide to go back to the plan of building a new Garden across the street as part of the Moynihan Station project, the Garden will get a facelift that will render it unrecognizable. And that's a good thing, especially the part about removing the horizontal aisles, which will improve sightlines dramatically. Read about it and see drawings in the Times, Post, Daily News, Newsday, Sun, and here, here, and here.

Comments

[kogan]

Seems like Vally will start today.

[rangerbill94]

Everything seems to point to the Rangers getting their act together at just the right time. Our defense will be tested by teams that like to play that high energy, in you face, aggressive forechack game. The key is our system and the forwards helping the defense in our zone. As Dubi pointed out, the young kids, Dawes, Callahan, Dubinsky, Girardi and Staal have come into their own and are now a real compliment, both offensively and defensively, to the rest of the team. Sjostrom will be a big plus and Backman seems to be settling into the role Renney wants him to play. He has been impressive in the last 4 or so games on the PP.

We have some work to do in the last 2 games and then...LET THE PLAYOFFS BEGIN!!!

[fran]

Only way they're going to advance anywhere is to get over that pass,pause,pass,look, pass, think,style that they've been burdened by all season. They've got to get into charging the net and playing power hockey, not cutesy Euro/Slavic hockey.

[frohli]

Playoffs!!!!! Let's hope that Jagr and Shanny and everyone else play with desperation. Gomez seems to be showing incredible leadership that I didnt see that he had earlier in the year with his work ethic and results. Drury and the rest of the boys seem to be on a mission to succeed and that's what we need more of plus the usual stinginess from Henrik!! Go Philly tonight boys and let them take a pound of flesh out of the Devils to soften them up for us on Sunday. It's going to be a great weekend for hockey!!!!

[Wicky229 (18 choir boys never won a stanley cup!!!!)]

WOOOOHOOOO!!! Now it really starts!! Thought this wss kind of funny, but has anyone else noticed that ovechkin checks the boards harder in celebrating a goal than jagr has checked anyone all year! Just thought that was humorous, but in all seriousness I hope the big guy is warming it up for the playoffs now. Great win, a few too many turn overs, but all in a very solid and great job guys!!!!

[joeymole]

CONGRATULATIONS to all ranger players, coaches, and staff on making the playoffs!!!

let the SECOND SEASON begin! it's gonna be a fun and wild ride! as jagr said last night every match up will be fairly equal and hard fought and don't be suprised if a few favorites get knocked out in the first round. (no, not our beloved rangers!)

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

[paulinflorida]

I would imagine that the coaching staff will play a similar line-up tonight and go for the two points...or will Hank (and some others) get some rest. If my math is correct (not my best subject in school)to ensure at least the number five spot we will need the two points tonight as Ottawa plays its last game tonight and can max out at 96 points with a win. A Ranger win tonight and a little help from Philly to beat the Devs (tonight) would make Sendays game a showdown for fourth place and home ice advantage. I think if the Devs win tonight they will lock up the number four seed and Sundays game wouldn't mean much (maybe our day to rest)....as long as we get the two points tonight and keep Ottawa below us. Can't wait to be done with the math lessons and move on the next week...LETS GO RANGERS !!

[craigz]

Getting ready to go out the door but don,t misunderstand what I said last night. I would love another cup, I really would but since I have 94 my hockey fan life is complete. Same with the football Giants. This year was so sweet because it was so unexpected but 86 was still the best...Later Z

[oleosmirf]

Rangers playoff scenario.

the rangers have already secured at least a 7 seed. They need to reach 96 points and have boston get 3 points or less in their remaining games to secure the 6 seed. They need 97 points to secure the 5 seed.

The Rangers need to reach 99 points and have the devils only get 1 point or get 98 points and have the devils get 0 points in their last 2 games to secure the 4th seed.

[oleosmirf]

in other words a rangers win tonight or tommorow ensures us of playing the devils.

[oleosmirf]

make that sunday

[Steve Cummings]

Excellent points Dubi. Craigz I second your emotions. In 94 I said to my wife if the Rangers win the cup I'll be pretty satisfied for the rest of my life. What a fool! The shine is wearing of that cup for me. A second cup would be so incredible. That being said. This team reminds me of how the 94 team jelled going into the playoffs. A good mix of veterens, rookies, abilities and focus. They don't mail it any more and only rarely give up the puck to the forecheck. I feel they are ready to contend. Let the games begin!

[paulf]

As a 46-YO Rangers fan since I was a boy in the '60s, I think Jess has the right perspective about success. I watched so many poorly constructed and underachieiving teams over the years, that I just can't find anything major to complain about this team.

Yeah, the team isn't perfect, but there is no problem with effort or discipline and everyone is on the same page.

[paulinflorida]

Thanks Oleosmirf..got it...I guess the point I was trying to make is that tonights two points are real important in the big picture (keeping Ottawa & Boston below us) and Sunday's game may not be...so will Hank & the rest of crew go tonight and use Sunday as a rest day if that game has little meaning. Not trying to take anything away from Steve Valiquette if he gets the nod tonight......he should be able to get the job done.

[laurie]

Hey, one of the things I like best about the Garden are those horizontal aisles!

At least now I know where the exorbitant amount of money we're paying for playoff tickets is going! :-P

[oleosmirf]

if Henrik needs a rest then sit him but if not he's gotta play tonight and if the game against NJ winds up being worthless then Weekes and Vally will get the nod.

[craigz]

Question...After the regular season is over and either before or during the playoffs are teams allowed to make make roster moves without having to expose players to the waiver wire...Z

[oleosmirf]

if Henrik needs a rest then sit him but if not he's gotta play tonight and if the game against NJ winds up being worthless then Weekes and Vally will get the nod.

[Godot]

Can we stop hearing the complaints about the Euro/slavic hockey. Jeez. This team is actually constructed to have both European and American hockey systems in play--The Rangers have great diversity, and it shows. And when the players play Renney's system (defense first, forecheck, drive the net) they do well.

And I don't care if Jagr checks people hard, he almost always has two bodies draped all over him--that make shim plenty tough in my book.

As for the cup--sorry: I'm 39. I felt many disappointements through the late seventies and early 80s. I remember when you could still bribe your way into the Garden with an old ticket and a folded ten dollar bill and then standing in the blue sections. I flew back to NYC for the parade in 94. And I want to do it again!

G

[Matty]

One of the best things about Center Ice is that for the past seasons if the broadcast is the Rangers MSG one then I get to see the entire season home finale shirts off our backs ceremony and the pregamer with the Steven McDonald Award ...

Lets Go Rangers!

[Mark W.]

On the issue of '94...

I remember being 8 and my dad telling me to enjoy them skating around with the cup because you don't know if it'll ever happen again, then telling me about J.P. Parise and the Brad Park trade and other infamous Ranger moments. Being 8, I expected a cup every year after watching '94 but that delusion ended fast. I think when we got swept by Philthy the next year was exactly when.

[Bones]

The most encouraging sign is that JJ is scoring again. To win that damn cup we need him to skate like a man possessed and fill the net.

[Chris QCT]

Jagr is finding his game at just the right time. I'm looking foward to a re-match with the Devils in the Playoffs. We're a much different team now than we were then. More depth, experienced leadership, no longer a rookie goalie, Captain Clutch, Devil-Killer Nigel Dawes, we now have Gomez on our side, and (most important) a healthy Jagr who will be playing for a contract with a clean slate. It took a while, but the team has found chemisrty at last. Bring on the Devils!

Man, the end of the game was priceless. A standing ovation and cheers all around in an opposing team's building. You could even hear the crowd roar when the 3 stars were announced. They might as well went to the middle and raised their sticks.

I really hope Dubinsky takes home the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award. The kid really deserves it. I'm so happy they never signed Peca.

[paulinflorida]

I can remember going to Ranger games with my Dad as a young lad and clearly remember a group of MSG guys (work uniforms and all) coming out and scraping the ice manually with some kind of shovels and then they brought out some kind of little machine with what apperared to be 'wet towels' on the bottom of it to resurface the ice. Saturday nights were games on WOR/TV and always seemed we were playing the Maple Leafs. When that dude held up the "now I can die in piece" sign after we won the '94 Cup that really hit home. Dad had passed (as so many other Rangers fans had) and didn't get to witness that....you gotta treasure winning the Cup cause you don't know when the next time will be.....

[paulinflorida]

Whoops....that's "peace" not "piece"....see how excited I get!!

[paulinflorida]

Thanks for the update Dubi......worked for the Giants and hope it works for us.

[And This One Will Last A Lifetime]

I'm 27, I started getting into hockey in the early 90's a few years before they won the Cup. Neither of my parents and almost nobody in my family watched or cared about the sport and up until then the only sport I cared about was baseball. However as my favorite team, the Mets, started becoming more and more an embarrassment to professional athletes in general I needed something else to watch. I was instantly lured to hockey and the Rangers. Luckily one of my parents through work was able to secure plenty of Rangers tickets throughout the early part of the decade so I got to go to a number of games in 1994 including the 2nd home game of the Capitals series (Glenn Healy gave me his goalie stick that he broke in the pre-game warm up).

I nearly threw my dog out of the way of the tv during game 7 of the Devils series because she was running around the room since there were thunderstorms in tri-state area during that game and I think she was more scared of my reaction after Matteau slipped the puck into the net than the occassional claps of thunder.

I was at my friend's house for game 6 of the finals where his dad was the biggest Rangers fan I know and he I think he nearly threw his beer through the tv when Anderson (?) had his goal disallowed.

I still vividly remember Leetch's first goal of game 7 and was amazed they didn't blow the whistle on Messier's game winner. Even my school at the time recognized the signifiance winning the Cup meant. In my middle school you were not allowed to wear hats in the classrooms, they made an exception in the spring of 94', as long as they were either a Knicks or Rangers hat. Needless to say, if it wasn't for a major objection from my parents, I would have worn my 1994 Stanely Cup Champions hat to my 8th grade graduation.

[Jess]

And this one

I nearly threw my dog out of the way of the tv during game 7 of the Devils series because she was running around the room since there were thunderstorms in tri-state area during that game and I think she was more scared of my reaction after Matteau slipped the puck into the net than the occassional claps of thunder.

My wife left the house totally because she could not stand the way I was "playing the game" via the TV.

I did not even realize that she had left until the game had gone into overtime.

Even today after being together for 24 years she still does not understand how the world must stop and revolve around a Ranger playoff game.

She does not understand how my first wish for my birthday is always for the Rangers to play a playoff game on or near it (birthday is May 1st).

[kc]

When Brian Leetch made his speech at his retirement ceremony this winter, he congratulated Renney, Jagr and Lundqvist for bringing playoff hockey back to New York. I think Brian Leetch knows as much as anyone about who is responsible for the Rangers success.

And maybe the Rangers aren't perfect, but I don't see any other team who is perfect either. That's why they play the games! I just want to enjoy the ride.

[And This One Will Last A Lifetime]

Jess,

I have the same issues with my fiancee, we're just beginning the road to matrimony so nice to know that some things won't change.

Anyway, I'll sheepishly admit I saw the film adaptation of Fever Pitch (the original about English Premiership's Arsenal, not the one about the Red Sox) and this bit of dialogue is what almost any fan should use to explain to his/her significant other if they don't understand why we care:

"Sarah Hughes: Paul, it's only a game!
Paul Ashworth: DON'T SAY THAT! Please! That is the worst, most stupid thing anyone could say! Cause it quite clearly isn't "only a game." I mean if it was do you honestly think I'd care this much? Eh? Eighteen years! Eight-teen years! Do you know what you wanted eighteen years ago? Or ten? Or five? Did you want to be Head of Year at North London Comprehensive, I doubt it. I'd doubt if you wanted anything for that long. And if you had, and if you'd spent three months thinking that finally, FINALLY you were gonna get it and just when you think it's there it's taken away from you... I mean I don't care what it is, a car, a job, an Oscar, the baby... then you'd understand how I was feeling tonight. But there isn't, and you don't, so... "

[Jed Orts]

4 people just walked out of my office saying they are going to the game tonight, rubbing it in... pretty upsetting

what's gotta be more upsetting is that islanders fans (probably the 3,000 that actually went) saw their two biggest rivals clinch a playoffs berth two consecutive games hahaha. love it

hopefully we can take it one step closer to 4th tonight!!

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

my birthday is May 1st

No wonder you annoy me, my Birthday is May 6th ... we are too alike lol

;))

Well I remember in 1994 making sure I had a pillow over my mouth because everyone in the stinking house was sleeping and here I was watching a hockey game and when they won the Devils series I was jumping up and down screaming to the tops of my lungs with a pillow over my mouth so that no one would wake up lol ...

My family knows ... Rangers Playoff Hockey = Matty is not available unless it's an emergency and even then you better be seriously injured or I will make sure you are afterwards

[craigz]

Paulinfla I too remember the 55 gal water drums on a wheelbarrow type setup. That's why 94 will always be so special. It was a long time coming..Z

[LisaMY (leaving work soon)]

Jess

she still does not understand how the world must stop and revolve around a Ranger playoff game.

The only other people I know who understand are other Ranger fans, lol. My friends and family are clueless except for my dad. My dad wasn't a Ranger fan, but he loved his sports and he understood. The year the Rangers won the Cup, for Christmas that year, he bought me a gold necklace with a gold Rangers shield. Best Christmas Gift Ever! Besides the Barbies and the dollhouse.

She does not understand how my first wish for my birthday is always for the Rangers to play a playoff game on or near it (birthday is May 1st).

I always check the Rangers schedule when it comes out to see if they play on my birthday in January. They rarely do. And when they do, it's a road game. :(

Btw, I became a Rangers fan because I had a little girl crush on Ron Duguay. I still have a big girl crush on "Dugie".

[oleosmirf]

anybody know how much playoff tickets are this year???

[LisaMY (leaving work soon)]

You know, me love JJ long time, but what is going on with his face? What is that hairy facial fungus sprouting off his features? I think he should just ditch the, uh, erm, "brazilian" and just grow a 70's style 'stache like Strudwick and Hollweg. Then again, he has been scoring since he grew that chin patch...

There are five seasons in the year: Winter, spring, summer, fall and NHL playoffs. I'm happy, excited, anxious and all that good stuff that goes with the fifth season. If the sub-Islanders thought last night was tough in their own building, wait until they get to MSG. The fans will be in full voice, pumped up and playoff ready! The fans alone might blow the sub-Islanders out the building back to the Mausoleum for safety. Btw, I voted for Dawes for the Extra Effort Award.

And I can't believe I'm saying this but: go Philly. (ouch, that actually hurt). The Debbies are definitely in 4th or 5th. I want the Rangers to reach 4th place. It's all about who gets custody of Game 7. Home ice can make all the difference in a Game 7. It's hard to imagine, I know, but "what if" the Rangers didn't have home ice against the Debs in '94?

[ant]

oleo 50 nd xhange for 400s 1st round

[ant]

oleo dis is from email I got Tickets are extremely limited and will be available in the 300 and 400 levels and start at $84.50 for Round One and $104.50 for Round Two.

[ant]

oleo dis is from email I got Tickets are extremely limited and will be available in the 300 and 400 levels and start at $84.50 for Round One and $104.50 for Round Two.

[Jess]

And Thus

I have the same issues with my fiancee, we're just beginning the road to matrimony so nice to know that some things won't change.

Bet she won't let you were your Ranger stuff at your wedding either. Girls can be really creepy mean that way.

Matty

No wonder you annoy me, my Birthday is May 6th ... we are too alike lol

I annoy you??? See if I post your bail the next time you get arrested for Stalking Henrik and Girardi missy

Lisa

Besides the Barbies and the dollhouse.

Ugh and I had such high hopes for you rookie.

Btw, I became a Rangers fan because I had a little girl crush on Ron Duguay. I still have a big girl crush on "Dugie"

You know I am getting seriously disappointed in you now LOL

Btw, I voted for Dawes for the Extra Effort Award.

Then again the door remains open a crack for you.

As much as I root for Dubinsky, in my eyes the Extra Effort Award is supposed to be for contributions on and OFF the ice. In that area alone, Nigel Dawes could be a clone of Adam Graves** for what he does with his free time to help others just like Gravy did.

Ant

Getting a bit excited aren't you LOL?

[cwede]

Gotta root for the Flyers tonight. Home ice for Round 1 would be nice.
Its amazing to me that, if all the games go fall in line, the Sens could be on the outside, even with 94 pts - the only way is if both Boston and Phila pass the Sens with 95 pts (Ott has 43 wins), AND Carolina beats Fla(94/44), AND Wash beats Fla, tying them at 94/43. Wash SWEPT the Sens this season!

[oleosmirf]

jess

extra effort's will probably go to Shanahan or Henrik but i could definately see Dubinsky or Avery or even Jagr.

but my vote goes to Fedor Tyutin although i dont really know what he has done off the ice but he's a ranger so you know he's involved

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

I voted for Brandon Dubinsky for the Extra Effort Award although I know that Colton Orr does a lot of off-ice things for children ...

[paularensburg]

Jagr's soul patch looks to me like the base of Thee Stanley Cup.

Let's Go Rangers!

[paularensburg]

Jagr was a horse when the Rangers needed it most. After he realized he wasn't getting the auto extend he might have tanked. Instead he carried the team into the playoffs. And, doing it to the Island garbage ders, the flotsam and jetsom of the N, in the way he did it last night should be considered among the epic Ranger performances, all things considered, I think.

Let's Go Rangers!

[angry]

Extra Effort:

Ryan Callahan.

Took his lumps and came back strong.

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

You know Cally does deserve it, I am so very happy he won it ... he had to go through a lot of adversity this season but stayed strong and I am very happy the fans rewarded him ... *clap clap clap*

[oleosmirf]

brandon dubinsky!!!

[Matty "Cute but Psycho, things even out"]

Wait ... it was Brandon Dubinsky who won it ...

Angry!!!

Go Dubi!

[czechthemout!!!!!]

In an earlier post,Godot and a few other posters wanted to know where nay sayers like me were.

Well,let me just say that I am no nay sayer,I am a realist or at least I try to be.If that appears to some
as being a nay sayer,too bad!I am thrilled at the fact that we made the playoffs but isn't that something most of us here thought was a forgone conclusion when the year started?

I don't think making it as a 5th or sixth seed in a very weak conference is any thing to jump for joy at.
My expectations for this team started out high because we were told that this is a stanley cup caliber team.Is there anyone on this board who thinks that this team can beat either the Ducks or the Sharks or even the Red Wings in a playoff series?

In closing I just wan't to say that I am very hopefull and eager to watch this team do well in the playoffs.That being said,any thing less than a semi-final berth will be a disappointment to me and I'm sure many others.

LET"S GO RANGERS!!