The last two times the Rangers returned to action after several days off, they got big wins over Buffalo. But the time before that? Coming out of the All-Star break, they visiting Raleigh and lost to the Hurricanes. And that's where they find themselves again today, playing for the first time since completing their sweep of last weekend's pair with a 5-0 rout of Florida. Even with five regulars on injured reserve and a couple of others possibl out of tonight's game, Carolina has somehow found ways to win, going 6-1-1 in their last eight.
It's hard to figure exactly how they've been doing it. Their special teams haven't been especially good -- their penalty kill has allowed ten goals in 29 times short during the eight games and the power play has been shut out except for two big games. They've allowed nearly three goals per game, so you can't really say their goaltending has been hot (the save percentage is just .906). They've had over 40 shots in half the games, so they're getting good offensive pressure, but have no more than 28 goals to show for all those shots. And while they've had a few hot scorers -- Ray Whitney 4-5 in his last six, Eric Staal 3-7 in seven, and Sergei Samsonov 5-3 in eight -- they just traded the one other player producing points at that clip (Andrew Ladd, 4-5 in his last nine, going to Chicago).
The Rangers, meanwhile, are hot too. They are 5-0-2 in their last seven, 10-3-2 in their last fifteen. They have outscored opponents 41-25 in the last dozen games (8-2-2), 30-13 in the eight wins. And while the power play has been moribund at home, it is 10-for-35 in the last seven on the road. The goaltending has been good -- a .935 save percentage over the seven game point streak, even including the five goals allowed in Montreal, and four shutouts plus four one-goal games in the past fifteen outings. And for the first time all season, Ranger scorers are hot -- six different players are scoring a point per game or better over the past seven (Gomez 2-7, Jagr 2-6, Drury 3-4, Avery 5-2, Straka 1-6, and Shanahan 3-3 in the five games he's played of the seven), another player is at better than a point per game in his last five (Dubinsky 3-4), and Nigel Dawes is a clutch 3-2.
Henrik Lundqvist's friends are likely to make their Ranger debuts tonight. Christian Backman and Freddie Sjostrom will join the third defensive pair and fourth line, respectively. Both hope to play better in New York than they did before. Sjostrom, whom one Phoenix blogger called a camel, going through long droughts between scoring spurts, had five points (4-1) in his first five games this season, including a hat trick vs. Nashville, had only one point (a goal) in his next thirteen, then had eight points (4-4) in his next five, and has since scored five points (1-4) in his last 28, with three of the five points coming in yet another five-game spurt. If there is any pattern to his scoring, he has scored 16 of his 19 points in the 22 games in which he has had more than 14 minutes of ice time, though it's hard to tell which is cause and which is effect between the two stats.
The two players were introduced to the New York media at practice yesterday. Read their comments, as well as what Lundqvist and Jagr had to say about them, in the Daily News, Journal News, Newsday, Post, and the Post's Blue Seats blog. For game previews, see NYR.com, the Raliegh News-Observer, and Rangerland. Stan Fischler's state of the team address can be found at MSG.com. Prospect Park gushes over Zorro Zaborsky.
Heading to Raleigh in a few hours. Only about an hour drive. Looking forward to a great night! Hope the Rangers can stay hot and shrug of this pesky Hurricanes' team. Dubi, you called it: how Carolina is remaining afloat with the injuries and trades is unreal. Matt Cullen is seems to be surging right now, so that helps too. Reminds me of last season when Cullen really picked up his game going into the playoffs. GO RANGERS!
Posted by: NCSteve | February 28, 2008 at 01:03 PM
Marian Hossa Stated today that money will not be the only thing considers when he makes a decision this off season. Did the Rangers blow there chances of getting him by trading Marcel? We really need a scoring winger and he would be perfect to play with Gomez.
Posted by: butch | February 28, 2008 at 01:29 PM
We'd have extreme trouble fitting Marian Hossa under the cap next year; any reasonable number would not be an option. We pretty much blew our chances of signing Hossa when we got Gomez and Drury, and I for one am okay with that. If Marcel attracts him, all the better; it would be great if he signed out west. Besides, players like him traditionally flop on Broadway. We need to look to homegrown scorers.
Posted by: marge | February 28, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Dubi
That's a great question. I don't know either. I watch 'em and then the puck go is...some how? Beats me, but I hope it doesn't beat the Rangers.
I'm looking for only a few things from the new guys. Backman: Hockey sence and poise under pressure. Sjostrom: Simply Hossa with hands.
Posted by: rangerbill94 | February 28, 2008 at 02:35 PM
As a Rangers fan living in North Carolina, here's what I see as contributing to the Canes' ability to stay afloat:
1. The Albany River Rats. Wade Brookbank, Tim Conboy, Casey Borer, and especially Ryan Bayda and Keith Aucoin have all contributed positively when needed. Brandon Nolan was great in the few games he played, as well. The third line of Bayda/Aucoin/Walker has been just a little bundle of energy.
2. Sergei Samsonov. I think Jim Rutherford sent time travelers back to 2001 to bring *that* Sergei Samsonov into the future.
3. Eric Staal. He's really picked up every facet of his game; not only is he scoring, but he's also been making good defensive plays, killing penalties, and winning faceoffs. Rod Brind'Amour must be proud.
4. Joe Corvo. Seriously, Joe Corvo. Their power play looks completely different with uh-oh Corvo directing things back there. He's sure of himself with the puck in his own zone, unlike Frank Kaberle who looks like he wants to get rid of it as quickly as possible.
Finally...
5. The Southeast Division sucks.
Posted by: John | February 28, 2008 at 02:42 PM
Oleo
Point well taken on Backman, I agree. It just seems that many here assume he'll be a bust just because he doesn't hit like Pronger. He hasn't even played for us yet and he's getting bashed for being soft when many here, be honest, haven't seen him play anywhere near enough to make those judgments. Just because you read on some Blues blog that he's a wuss doesn't necessarily make it so. Look at some of the crazy posts on here.
Posted by: Mark W. | February 28, 2008 at 02:48 PM
Backman will present a $3.4MM hit to the cap next year. He better be worth that. Clearly, Malik and Mara need to go to make room for his cap hit.
Posted by: rangerbill94 | February 28, 2008 at 02:58 PM
The cap hit is actually 2.3mil. The average of his contract. 3.4 is what he'll pocket next year.
Posted by: Lumberg | February 28, 2008 at 03:10 PM
john - excellent post. i agree with all your points, and the coaching (team preparedness) is not too shabby either.
and the dubi post was great, thanks man.
clicking on the links was good, especially liked the jagr wisecracks. he's having fun, gaining confidence and that can only make the rangers offense more formidable!! i hope jagr scores a few more tonight! and hope backman gets a power play tally too.
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
Posted by: joeymole | February 28, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Anyone else read the Post article? Is it just me, or does it say that Sjostrom scored 26 points in 10 games at one point this season? He doesn't even have 26 points this year, and 26 in 10 would be 2.6 points/game. I don't think even Ovechkin scores that much. Am I just reading it wrong?
Posted by: K24 | February 28, 2008 at 04:29 PM
He had 26 shots on goal in those ten games, not 26 points -- he did have 9 points. I think the writer looked at the wrong column in compiling his stats.
Posted by: Dubi | February 28, 2008 at 04:42 PM
Things are good when Jagr is joking around.
You really cannot hold anything against Backman yet. Give the guy a chance. He's only played for the Blues and that whole team has not been that great for a few seasons. Just let him play and make judgements at the end of the season. It will probably take all 18 games to get a good impression.
Just think.... What would the blogs have said about Mr. Jagr when we traded for him? Or Sean Avery for that matter?
A change of scenery can make a world of difference...
Posted by: Chris QCT | February 28, 2008 at 04:54 PM
lumberg
Thanks, you're right! That's a little better.
Posted by: rangerbill94 | February 28, 2008 at 04:56 PM
After 2 days the deals feel even better to me.
Yeah the fantasy-hockey types didn't get a big name that pleased them.
But we are a better team this year if these new guys find their game.
If we go into games against some teams with Sjostrom and Prucha skating, while Orr and Hollweg watch, thats 4 talented lines, whatever the combos. And none of Malik, Mara or Strudwick have been excpetional. Backman will very likely be an upgrade. But yeah, I am one of those always optimistic fans.
Posted by: cwede | February 28, 2008 at 05:04 PM
cwede
the only problem with that is if you have Orr and Hollweg both sitting then Dubinsky and Avery have to fight which disrupts the offense.
One of them should always be in the lineup at a time and when we play the Flyers and Islanders both need to be there
Posted by: oleosmirf | February 28, 2008 at 05:09 PM
its amazing I went at looked at the archives to see the response to see how the people here thought about the Avery trade and I just laughed
It was as if Jan Marek and Marc Andre Cliche were top prospects. Sean Avery was considered awful. People were calling for Sather's head.
Jan Marek - never even made it out of Europe
Marc Andre Cliche - 30 games in the AHL, 4 goals 2 assists (very impressive)
The moral of the story is give it some time and if Backman makes Malik look like Leetch then let the ripping begin but let's wait a few weeks ok.
Posted by: oleosmirf | February 28, 2008 at 05:48 PM
I would agree that Orr should be present in the lineup when "throwing down in fisticuffs" is desired, but I think that Hollweg has been made 100% redundant. Between his lack of scoring at the NHL level (which is disappointing, considering his AHL numbers), his middling ability when the gloves come off, and the sign around his neck that says "whistle me every time I hit someone," its tough to find a slot for him in the lineup. If Sjo brings sufficient energy, regardless of his scoring contribution, Hollweg unfortunately is left in the cold.
Its a shame too - I really like Ryan and have since he cracked the lineup.
Posted by: mshiver77 | February 28, 2008 at 05:49 PM
Oh, and again about the Hurricanes...their fans really hate the Rangers now, specifically Colton Orr for his hit on Cullen, which they see as the dirtiest thing since McSorely brained Brashear.
Posted by: John | February 28, 2008 at 06:18 PM
John, what I find funny about that, was the League admitted that he was trying to pull up and rescinded their decision of Orr's hit.
Posted by: Lynkx | February 28, 2008 at 06:57 PM
Why did the Ref blow the whistle there? Grrrrr
Gomer would've scored! >:
Posted by: Matty | February 28, 2008 at 07:11 PM
Where was the quick whistle with 7 some odd seconds in 1994 McCreary?
Posted by: And This One Will Last A Lifetime | February 28, 2008 at 07:12 PM
That was an absolutely HORRIBLE whistle. When did Ward cover that puck? Ridiculous..
Posted by: Ryan | February 28, 2008 at 07:12 PM
woohoo..Great moves by Dubinsky!!!
Posted by: Sam | February 28, 2008 at 07:14 PM
Dubi!!! Great play by everyone on that line!
Posted by: Ryan | February 28, 2008 at 07:15 PM
dubinsky loves that move...
Posted by: oleosmirf | February 28, 2008 at 07:15 PM
Dubinsky is a stud!!!! What a pass by Jarg!
Posted by: Matty | February 28, 2008 at 07:15 PM
wow. gotta give malik that one.
what a great play
Posted by: Chris | February 28, 2008 at 07:17 PM
Drury gets mugged in the slot and they call that on Malik?!?!?
Posted by: And This One Will Last A Lifetime | February 28, 2008 at 07:17 PM
Where was the penalty there? This is going to be a LONG game.
Posted by: Ryan | February 28, 2008 at 07:17 PM
i wasnt being sarcastic, what a horrible call by the ref
Posted by: Chris | February 28, 2008 at 07:18 PM
wow, Bettsie almost got one in..
Posted by: Sam | February 28, 2008 at 07:19 PM
Dubi is the man.Jagr is on the streak and nobody has nothing good to say about him.
Posted by: Ant | February 28, 2008 at 07:22 PM
Why would you expect any different from McQueery? He is one of the worst against the Rangers!!!
Posted by: Laserman | February 28, 2008 at 07:22 PM
Drury gets mugged in the slot and they call that on Malik?!?!?
Carolina is one of those teams that interferes and picks all over the place and the refs hardly ever call them on it ... pisses me off ...
*cough*
Posted by: Matty, still sick btw | February 28, 2008 at 07:22 PM
The Rangers have to bury a few of the chances they're getting. BTW that was a beautiful pass from Jagr on Dubinsky's goal...
Posted by: Laserman | February 28, 2008 at 07:24 PM
Wow what a hit by Malik
Posted by: Ant | February 28, 2008 at 07:26 PM
I wonder if Eric Staal has ever considered taking up acting?
Posted by: Ryan | February 28, 2008 at 07:27 PM
Is anyone elses feed cutting in and out?
Posted by: Laserman | February 28, 2008 at 07:27 PM
refs lose sight of most pucks shot into a goalie, but they are inconsistent whistlers, especially Mc Dreary
Posted by: i | February 28, 2008 at 07:29 PM
Tell me if I'm wrong, but shouldn't that have been a two line pass?
Posted by: Ryan | February 28, 2008 at 07:35 PM
The two line pass is in tact for passes that go past the three right? Or was it completely abolished?
Posted by: Ryan | February 28, 2008 at 07:36 PM
that rule doesnt exist anymore
Posted by: Ant | February 28, 2008 at 07:37 PM
ryan
last time I checked there wasnt a two line pass or a 3 line pass afor that matter
Posted by: oleosmirf | February 28, 2008 at 07:38 PM
first impressions of our new players
they look pretty good, no mistakes.
Sjostrom i saw him get to the net a few times which is always good.
if anything they look a little uneasy but that will get better when they learn the way the rangers play
Posted by: Chris | February 28, 2008 at 07:38 PM
boston'sup 2-0 on Pen's
Posted by: john | February 28, 2008 at 07:40 PM
wow Avery on a roll..what a shot!
Posted by: Sam | February 28, 2008 at 07:41 PM
Ok thanks guys. I'm surprised teams don't try to take advantage of that more then if you can pass through as many lines as you want..
Posted by: Ryan | February 28, 2008 at 07:41 PM
Goal! Avrey
Posted by: john | February 28, 2008 at 07:41 PM
AVERY!
Posted by: Chris | February 28, 2008 at 07:41 PM
Avery! This line is amazing!
Posted by: Ryan | February 28, 2008 at 07:42 PM