Blueshirt Boggle

Blueshirts Batter Brodeur

THURSDAY UPDATE: A look at the trends in the playoff race at Blueshirt Bulletin+ today -- click here to read it and see today's links.

WEDNESDAY UPDATE: Sean Avery 2.0 at Blueshirt Bulletin+ today with extensive quotes from the newly minted zenmaster himself, plus Tortorella, Drury, and Callahan weighing in -- click here to read it, see a full size image of the accompanying photo strip, and access today's handful of links.

The Rangers were desperate for a win, desperate for two points to give them a little bit of cushion in the playoff race after two straight losses and three losses in their last four. Especially going up against the Devils, still a formidable foe despite their four-game losing streak. But if this game was born of desperation, the Rangers never showed it, methodically dismantling their cross-Hudson rivals with one of their best three-zone sixty-minute performances of the season, a 3-0 win that turns the dial back to a probable playoff berth. "We knew we had to go in and play desperate hockey," said Ryan Callahan. "But if you chance it too much," he went on, "you're not gonna win many games. So we controlled our emotions pretty well, stuck to our systems, and got the job done."

Read the rest of our game story at Blueshirt Bulletin+, with extensive quotes from Tortorella, Callahan, Drury, and Dubinsky -- click here to read it and see today's links if you subscribe to Blueshirt Bulletin and have registered for Blueshirt Bulletin+ access. Subscribers who need help accessing BB+ should write to us at [email protected]. E-mail us or click here to learn how to subscribe to the magazine and get quick access to BB+ -- you can be up and running in the time it takes to write an E-mail message if you subscribe via PayPal or credit card.

Blueshirt Bulletin is also available in digital format via Zinio. You can read a single issue or take out an online subscription there. You can read it within your browser or you can download it and read it offline. Click here to subscribe (there is a link on that page for single copies). You can test drive the Zinio reader and read a sampling of the print edition while there. Blueshirt Bulletin+ access comes with all Zinio purchases -- single issue buyers will get access for one month from today, full year subscribers will get access for the duration of your subscription term. While Zinio handles all the logistics for taking out a subscription and delivering each copy, you must contact us directly about accessing BB+ -- E-mail your receipt to [email protected] to get access instructions.

Consider Tonight A Must-Win

Say what you will about point totals, remaining schedules, etc., but tonight's home contest against New Jersey is a must-win for the Rangers.

Why the urgency?

This is a team that is slipping, not gaining momentum.

Unlike the past two seasons where the Rangers were one of the hottest teams in the league entering the playoffs, they now face a tremendous task in just getting to the post-season with a "win a couple, lose a couple" pattern.

One characteristic that is evident under the new regime is that the Rangers (at this new tempo) simply run out of gas come the third period. Call it poor conditioning or the wrong players for this system, but the Rangers can't keep giving up odd-man opportunities and expect to win.

With a mere six games remaining, the Rangers can't afford a third loss in a row, nor can they lose any more ground in the playoff race.

A turnaround must begin tonight and who better to do that against than the Devils?

Henrik Lundqvist is going to have to be sharp and out-duel rival netminder Martin Brodeur. Lundqvist hasn't stolen a game for the Rangers in a while and tonight could see that happen.

Corey Potter will be filling in tonight for Michal Rozsival as Mike Sauer was relieved of his duties following the Pittsburgh game. The rookie came in at a tough time and wasn't really given a fair opportunity, but the Rangers don't have time to play around.

Aside from that, the lines will most likely be the same.

It's do-or-die time and the Rangers will not have an easy opponent the rest of the way. Their power play will have to step up a level as will their play in their own zone.

Strap in because it's about to get bumpy...

Changes Highlight March Issue

SUNDAY UPDATE: This time, the officiating, as bad as it was, was no excuse for losing -- to read more at Blueshirt Bulletin+ and see today's links, click here.

The March issue of Blueshirt Bulletin is now available in both digital format via Zinio and in print. We have extensive coverage in this issue of the changes that took place in the team -- articles on John Tortorella, Glen Sather, and Tom Renney on the coaching change and Sean Avery, Nik Antropov, and Derek Morris on trade deadline moves, including BioFiles of Antropov and Morris. Andrew Gross, Steve Zipay, Bruce Berlet, and Dan Akeson join us in contributing these reports and analyses.

We have our monthly features -- Ranger News & Notes, Ranger Quote Book, Ranger Timeline, Stars & Sticks, Joe Mac's Top 10, View From the Blues, and John Halligan's All Around the Rink With the Rangers. From Hartford, a look at a day in the life of radio broadcaster Bob Crawford and Wolf Pack News & Notes. And Prospect Park interviews Tysen Dowzak. And there is our coverage of Harry Howell and Andy Bathgate Night. The issue is as usual in full color, amply illustrated with great photos -- you can see excerpts from some sample pages in the accompanying image. And in the left sidebar you can see another great cover by art director John Coutihno.

You read a single copy of the digital edition or take out an online subscription at Zinio -- you can read it within your browser or download it and read it offline. Click here to subscribe (there is a link on that page for single copies). You can test drive the Zinio reader and read a sampling of the print edition while there. When you purchase the digital edition, you get access to Blueshirt Bulletin+ -- single issue buyers get access for one month from today, full year subscribers get access for the duration of your subscription term. Zinio handles all the logistics for taking out a subscription and delivering each copy, but you must contact us directly about accessing BB+ -- E-mail your receipt to [email protected] to get access instructions.

Subscribers to the print edition also get access to Blueshirt Bulletin+ for the term of your subscription. Today at BB+ you will find our take on Tortorella's approach to the media and how it affects fans' access to information about the team -- click here to read it and see today's links if you subscribe to Blueshirt Bulletin and have registered for Blueshirt Bulletin+ access. Subscribers who need help accessing BB+ should write to us at [email protected]. E-mail us or click here to learn how to subscribe to the print edition and get quick access to BB+ -- you can be up and running in the time it takes to write an E-mail message if you subscribe via PayPal or credit card. You can get a single copy at Cosby's.

Live Game Blog: Rangers at Atlanta, 7:05 p.m. Start

Welcome Rangers' fans to the Live Game Blog!

The Rangers take on the Thrashers tonight in Atlanta in what needs to be two points for New York.

We're going to get started here in about an hour, but I wanted to drop in early to give you the itinerary for the evening.

I will be updating throughout the game on different events, opinions, and observations.

During stoppages and between periods, I will drop by the comments to address any questions, thoughts, or intuitive debate.

It should be a good time and I am looking forward to interacting with the great readership here at Blueshirt Bulletin.

See you in an hour!

*******************************************************************

7:06 - Valliquette to start tonight as the other lines remain the same. Updates to appear at the bottom.

7:10 - Remember when Avery scored off the boards? Classic Avery. Unfortunately, he disappeared after the Atlanta series.

7:11 - Callahan has established himself as a top forechecker. He always seems to be the first to the puck.

7:12 - Poor plays in his own zone by Nik Zherdev as rookie Mike Sauer and Valliquette bail him out. Penalty on Paul Mara as he took down Colby Armstrong.

7:13 - Atlanta penalty for tripping. Four-on-four. Good play by Lauri Korpikoski to block the pass across.

7:14 - No goal by Atlanta's Zach Bogosian as a quick whistle prevents a rebound goal.

7:15 - Interference on Ilya Kovalchuk as he took down Marc Staal. Rangers will have a 30 second 5-on-3.

7:16 - Another Atlanta penalty as Ron Hainsey shoots the puck out for delay of game. Despite an overwhelming start by Atlanta, Rangers have a tremendous opportunity.

7:17 - A bad penalty by the Rangers on the 5-on-3 for too many men.

7:18 - Possible goal by Chris Drury. It seemed kind of high. Quick poll: goal or no goal?

7:19 - I vote no goal, regrettably.

7:24 - As expected, no goal. A crazy first five minutes.

7:29 - All the penalties end. No goals (surprise, surprise) for the Rangers, but perhaps that lengthy goal review settled them down a bit.

7:31 - No comments yet. A little surprised...

7:33 - Quick poll: Would you trade Zherdev and Rozsival to sign Morris and Gaborik?

7:40 - The game has quieted considerably. 

7:44 - Goaltender interference call on Sean Avery. Bit of a phantom call. These goaltender interference calls need to stop. Lehtonen embellished and it makes the game look amateur. 

7:45 - 2-on-1 for Callahan and Korpikoski, but Callahan gets a little too fancy and results in no shot on net.

7:47 - Good penalty kill. It's amazing that the league's top penalty killing team is also one of the worst on the power play.

7:49 - Goal by Zherdev late in the period. Nice recovery within the period for Zherdev. Once he gets going with the puck, his possession is unmatched.

7:51 - Rangers lead 1 - 0 after one period. Good period by Valliquette and the Rangers settled down after a very rocky start.  Back in the intermission after some dinner. Let's get those comments going!

FIRST INTERMISSION: First, comment responses.

@ Vince, I am looking into it. It was my understanding that the penalty could have been interference for for pushing the defenseman, or perhaps roughing. However, since it happened in the crease, it's possible that that was the reason for the call.

@Ros, it was a hypothetical. Due to the salary cap contraints, it would take about $7.5 million to sign Gaborik and re-sign Morris. Zherdev will be looking in the $2.5 - $3 million range and Rozsival makes $5 million. What are your thoughts?

On the Trivia Quiz: My vote is for Brandon Dubinsky, but Orr is possible as well. Girardi had some injury trouble.

8:09 - For Vince, the following is what I found:

Goaltender interference is a penalty and offensive in ice hockey whereby a player is found in the goal crease when a goalie is establishing their position in the same area.

Under the NHL rule book (# 78), this will result in a minor penalty to the offending player and goal being disallowed if the player a scored upon as a result of being in the goal crease.

Wikipedia is always reliable.

8:10 - Rangers power play as Zherdev draws a hooking call. Hedberg now in net for Atlanta.

8:11 - Another Rangers penalty on their own power play as Callahan is called for tripping. The Rangers are still lacking focus.

8:12 - Cutter's response is a classic!

8:14 - Couple great saves by Valliquette.

8:17 - Atlanta ties it up with a slap shot from the point by Kozlov. Missed coverage by Korpikoski. If you have time, look at the Rangers individual +/-, it's very drastic!

8:18 - Drury comes back with a nice rush and draws a penalty. Now would be a good time to use all of the power play without taking a penalty.

8:19 @ Vince - I agree. Sauer played no specialty teams against Minnesota. It may also be trying to give the defense some rest. Lot of games coming up.

8:22 - Mara cut on a high stick by Reasoner. 4 minutes of power play time, but it only means something if the Rangers capitalize.

8:24 - Rangers can't capitalize on the 5-on-3 and Naslund takes a penalty. Incredibly undisciplined.

8:25 - @Vince - I couldn't agree more. It's a bunch of individual efforts on the PP.

8:26 - Another penalty as Atlanta's Kozlov elbows Callahan. Is it just me or is the NHL turning into the NBA and NFL with all these penalties?

8:29 - Antropov tips in a Drury shot to score on the PP. Rangers lead 2 - 1.

8:31 - The lamp lights again as Drury hits a slapshot low and the Rangers lead 3 - 1. Outstanding assist by Valliquette.

8:36 - Nice couple minutes by Staal. Now that he has some creative license, his real skill and stride is being showcased.

8:37 - @LW3H - Probably. He and Zherdev have done some uncharacteristic things since Tortorella took over.

8:40 - Redden has come along nicely under Torts.

8:41 - Naslund scores on a rebound off a Drury shot. Nice way to follow to the net. It all happened because Redden made an outstanding play in his own end. 4 - 1 Rangers.

8:43 - Final guesses on the trivia quiz?

8:44 - Rangers can't make it easy as Kovalchuk scores late to make it 4 - 2.

8:45 - End of the period. Rangers need to maintain their pace and not let up despite the 2 goal lead.

SECOND INTERMISSION: Enjoyed the comments. Keep em' up. Couple notes: Rangers had some nice offensive opportunities, but I am still not 100% comfortable with their system in their own zone. Maybe it's a new coach thing, maybe it's a learning thing, but they can't be giving up such easy goals at inopportune times. That's critical in the playoffs. It should be an exciting ending.

Predictions?

9:04 - Little with the BIG shot. Sorry, I couldn't resist.

9:07 - Bad goal against by Valliquette. It's not 4 - 3. Complexion of the entire game just changed. Hang on Rangers fans. Just don't think of Toronto. Or Montreal. Or Gaborik in Minnesota...uh oh.

9:08 - The NHL's greatest rivalry : Sean Avery and Ilya Kovalchuk?

9:12 - Bad miss on the high stick on Antropov, but made up on Morris. Rangers have another 5-on-3 to try and do something with.

9:15 - And another bad 2 man advantage. Rather, disadvantage.

9:15 - Vince said it best.

9:19 - Rangers holding on as Atlanta continues to pressure. This is the flaw with the offensive system!

9:24 - The fans of MSG should invest in oxygen and Zanex.

9:25 - @ Vince - Vince, do you feel the 5-on-3 can be changed with this group of players? It's an interesting debate: system or players?

9:26 - Unbelievable. 4 - 4. More poor defensive coverage.

9:28 - @ Ros - Would this be a Torts mistake in not starting Hank?

9:30 - Anyone else hoping to just get a point out of this?

9:34 - 1:14 minutes left. Here's to hoping for a point! Bottoms up!

9:36 - One point secured. The other up for grabs. I am not so confident. With all that open ice in OT, Kovalchuk has some ability to create.

9:39 - Rangers have to pressure Hedberg.

9:40 - Another Callahan-caused turnover.

9:42 - Awful giveaway by Girardi.

9:44 - Important icing.

9:45 - Another shootout. Predictions?

9:47 - The Rangers can't be favored here. Atlanta has some strong offensive and skillful players. Combine that with momentum and the presence of Valliquette instead of Hank, and it's not going to be easy for the Rangers.

9:48 - @ Vince - Agreed. Interesting battle.

9:49 - Save by Valley.

9:50 - Hedberg matches on Naslund. 0 - 0 after one round.

9:50 - Valley strong again. Antropov misses against Hedberg. Still 0 - 0 after two.

9:51 - Kovalchuk hits the post!

9:51 - Drury went too low. Tied after three rounds.

9:51 - Perrin takes a few fancy moves, but Valley stays strong.

9:51 - Callahan hits the post!

9:52 - Another save by Valley!

9:52 - Sjostrom shoots into Hedberg.

9:53 - Todd White scores for Atlanta. The pressure is on.

9:53 - Gomez misses and Atlanta completes the comeback. Despicable result for the Rangers.

POSTGAME:

First, thanks to all who hung out here at Blueshirt Bulletin tonight. It was a lot of fun despite the terribly disappointing result. In all honesty, the Rangers didn't deserve the second point and will now need to work real hard against some division rivals to try and make the playoffs.

The whole team really let down after the three goal lead, coining the phrase "dreaded three-goal lead." At this stage of the season, such a letdown and total lack of focus and concentration is unacceptable.

Not one player stood up (or stood out positively) in the third period. They merely held on and hoped to get to OT. That's not how you win. Not how you win the big ones.

Now the Rangers can look to red-hot Pittsburgh, division-leading New Jersey, two against rival Philadelphia, Eastern Conference leading Boston, streaking Carolina, and unpredictable Montreal.

How good would have two points looked tonight?

A little surprised that Nik Zherdev wasn't chosen for the shootout. Granted, Tortorella wanted to use his veterans, but Zherdev's skill is too strong to overlook.

On the bright side, they got a point, which continues to separate them from the lower teams.

Thanks again for everyone stopping by, hopefully we can do this again before the playoffs(?).

I'll leave the comments open overnight for venting, questions, and debate. Keep it clean and we'll be back for a full recap in the morning once the sting wears off.

As always, feel free to email me at [email protected].

Hot-lanta? Live Game Blog Tonight

The Rangers got little help last night in the standings, which makes tonight even more crucial to keep pace with the pack. Sitting in 7th place, the Rangers head south to face a suddenly hot Thrasher team.

Most will exclaim that the two points are a given considering the lowly Thrashers record. However, Atlanta is 7 - 3 in their last 10 games and any team with nothing to play for (aside from contracts) can be dangerous this time of year.

Last time the two teams met was on Adam Graves Night, a disappointing OT loss after salvaging a point with a few seconds left on a Markus Naslund goal.

However, it is a new era for the Rangers and they are not the same team as they were in February. Can the Rangers continue their "run-and-gun" style while still keeping the likes of Ilya Kovalchuk at bay?

It will be a good test in both ends of the rink.

We'll update after the morning skate, but yesterday the lines remained in tact with Naslund sitting out for some maintenance.

Tonight we will be doing a live game blog here at Blueshirt. (Some may call it a GLOG, but that sounds less attractive) I will be posting throughout the game and providing some analysis, in-sight and different perspectives so be sure to tune in around 7 p.m.

Despite the past follies with the comment section here on the main page, I will be allowing comments for the live blog. We will not be using a moderator so I ask please to keep your comments and questions "within the boundaries of good taste." (A plug for anyone who can tell me where that quote came from)

Any inappropriate conduct will just result in the comments being taken off, but I am confident that we won't encounter any problems.

Be sure to tune in and we'll be back this afternoon...

The March issue of Blueshirt Bulletin is now available in digital format at Zinio. You can read a single issue or take out an online subscription there. You can read it within your browser or you can download it and read it offline. Click here to subscribe (there is a link on that page for single copies). You can test drive the Zinio reader and read a sampling of the print edition while there. Blueshirt Bulletin+ access comes with all Zinio purchases -- single issue buyers will get access for one month from today, full year subscribers will get access for the duration of your subscription term. While Zinio handles all the logistics for taking out a subscription and delivering each copy, you must contact us directly about accessing BB+ -- E-mail your receipt to [email protected] to get access instructions.

Call of the Wild

It took the Rangers a strong forechecking effort and a little bit of luck, but they prevailed 2 - 1 last night against Minnesota to pull even with Pittsburgh in the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference. (Rangers hold the head-to-head tie break)

Unfortunately, a last minute family emergency held me from the Garden last night (very disappointing), but thanks to modern technology I caught the entire game on the old boob tube.

It's fair to say that the Rangers played better than the 2 - 1 score dictates. They held solid offensive zone pressure for much of the game, had a few decent opportunities on the power play, and sustained some fierce offensive zone work along the boards.

Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan seemed to lead the charge, causing several turnovers throughout the game. Nik Antropov continued to battle along the boards and use his size to his advantage.

Much-maligned centers Chris Drury and Scott Gomez had some good hop in their step and have flowed nicely with their linemates.

Nik Zherdev also put forth a decent effort. You can see he is teetering between his old "dipsy-doodle" self and the work ethic that John Tortorella requires. It's still a work in progress, but he is progressing. His game-winning goal was of the highlight variety as he took a near no-angle shot from the goal line into the top opposite corner.

Not even Mommy could hide the cookie jar there.

The main story was really how 21 year-old Mike Sauer would fare in his first NHL game. He played a respectable 13:33 minutes, without any penalty kill or power play time, and was even on the night in +/-.

Nothing flashy, but his game was simple and hardworking on the boards, as any fan could hope of a rookie defenseman. Sauer showed a nice calmness with the puck and saw the outlet pass well, something that the Rangers have struggled with in years past.

Sauer will likely see another four games before Michal Rozsival returns. If he is able to contend at this level, it will give the Rangers another option for next season and perhaps the impetus to consider trading Rozsival for some salary cap relief.

Overall, the team seems to be jelling on the ice. The line combinations are comfortable, particularly the line of Callahan - Dubinsky - Sjostrom. One question that will come into play is the decreased role of Lauri Korpikoski. It's unreasonable to think he is best served in a five minutes per night scenario.

However, you can't risk sending him to Hartford and hoping Aaron Voros can perform. One possibility that does exist is Korpikoski being sent down and Mark Bell being recalled.

The Rangers next game is tomorrow in Atlanta and we will be doing a Live Game Log here at Blueshirt Bulletin. Tune in tomorrow for the details...

Blueshirt Bulletin is also available in digital format at Zinio. You can read a single issue or take out an online subscription there. You can read it within your browser or you can download it and read it offline. Click here to subscribe (there is a link on that page for single copies). You can test drive the Zinio reader and read a sampling of the print edition while there. Blueshirt Bulletin+ access comes with all Zinio purchases -- single issue buyers will get access for one month from today, full year subscribers will get access for the duration of your subscription term. While Zinio handles all the logistics for taking out a subscription and delivering each copy, you must contact us directly about accessing BB+ -- E-mail your receipt to [email protected] to get access instructions. 

Sauer-kraut and Hot Dogs

Michal Rozsival will be taking a few days off ( 7 - 10 days ) to rehab, so in his absence the Rangers have recalled defenseman Mike Sauer from Hartford.

Sauer, at 6' 3" 220 pounds, was very close to making the Rangers roster two seasons ago. You may recall he and Brandon Dubinsky battling to the very end for a roster spot with Dubinsky ultimately taking the cake.

Since then he has had ups-and-downs, playing a good 2007 - 08 season, but suffering a major knee injury towards the end of the season and having to battle back this year. However, he seems to have recovered and regained form as he is once again a force on the Wolf Pack's blueline. In 59 games played this season, Sauer has accrued six goals, 16 assists (22 points) and a +19 rating, tops on the Wolf Pack.

There were heavy expectations for Sauer when he was drafted 40th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

The pick originally belonged to the Toronto Maple Leafs, but was acquired as part of the infamous Brian Leetch trade. Both Sauer and Lauri Korpikoski are the sole Ranger remnants of that trade.

While Sauer hasn't necessarily fallen short of expectations, he has had difficulty maintaining consistency, particularly with his injury troubles. Sauer has a very similar style to current Ranger defenseman Dan Girardi, a very simple, hard-nosed game. If he can continue to keep that simplicity, he will fit nicely in this squad.

Sauer will likely be paired with Paul Mara as Head Coach John Tortorella is more likely to promote Derek Morris with Wade Redden rather than throw Sauer into all those minutes.

In other news, all is quiet as the team readies for Minnesota tonight. Having put forth a disappointing effort against Ottawa, the Rangers need two points tonight, plain and simple.

With the standings continuing to tighten (Rangers sit in 7th place at 84 points), the Rangers have to take points where they're available.

Many will remember the five-goal outburst by Marian Gaborik in Minnesota, and the Rangers will have to contend with his talent once again as he has returned (again) from injury. Top-scorer Miko Koivu, however, seems to be done for the regular season.

Minnesota sits one point out of the playoff picture in the West and are coming off a 3 - 0 shutout against the Edmonton Oilers.

Finally, in regards to the above titled "Hot Dogs," the Rangers can't replicate the lax and listless effort against Ottawa. Chris Drury, Michal Rozsival, the fourth line, and even fan-favorites Henrik Lundqvist and Sean Avery need to pick their games back up.

With so few games remaining, these players are going to be relied on heavily and there is simply no margin for error, let alone lack of effort.

Perhaps Jarkko Ruutu just got the better of them.

More from the Garden tonight...

Senators Filibuster Rangers

The new Rangers looked like the old Rangers in losing to Ottawa last night -- read what Tortorella, Avery, Drury, Lundqvist, and Sjostrom had to say about it at Blueshirt Bulletin+ today. Click here if you subscribe to Blueshirt Bulletin and have registered for Blueshirt Bulletin+ access. Subscribers who need help accessing BB+ should write to us at [email protected]. E-mail us or click here to learn how to subscribe to the magazine and get quick access to BB+ -- you can be up and running in the time it takes to write an E-mail message if you subscribe via PayPal or credit card.

Don't forget -- tonight from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, three of the most popular Rangers -- Sean Avery, Ryan Callahan, and Dan Girardi -- will appear at Last Licks in New York. And in two days, on March 25th, also in Manhattan, three of the most popular Rangers ever -- Brian Leetch, Adam Graves, and Mark Messier -- will be there. The store is located at 245 East 93rd Street -- click here for more information on these and other upcoming signings, or call 914/273-3551 or E-mail [email protected] -- mention Blueshirt Bulletin to be eligible for a bonus gift.

Blueshirt Bulletin is also available in digital format via Zinio. You can read a single issue or take out an online subscription there. You can read it within your browser or you can download it and read it offline. Click here to subscribe (there is a link on that page for single copies). You can test drive the Zinio reader and read a sampling of the print edition while there. Blueshirt Bulletin+ access comes with all Zinio purchases -- single issue buyers will get access for one month from today, full year subscribers will get access for the duration of your subscription term. While Zinio handles all the logistics for taking out a subscription and delivering each copy, you must contact us directly about accessing BB+ -- E-mail your receipt to [email protected] to get access instructions.

Rangers Buffalo Sabres

The mindset has changed. Instead of losing games and trying to find the positives, the Rangers now win games even though they may not believe they played all that well. Building a 4-1 lead through two periods is not exactly the epitome of not playing all that well -- they looked pretty darn good in the process. And unlike some notorious blown leads in recent Ranger history, there wasn't the sense of dread that this one would inevitably evaporate along with the others, even though the Sabres closed to within one with an early goal and a late goal in the third period. Still, the Rangers were giving themselves credit for taking two points from a playoff rival on a night they thought was not their best.

Read the rest of our game story at Blueshirt Bulletin+, with extensive quotes from Tortorella, Callahan, Gomez, Lundqvist, Mara, and Naslund -- click here to read it and see today's links if you subscribe to Blueshirt Bulletin and have registered for Blueshirt Bulletin+ access. Subscribers who need help accessing BB+ should write to us at [email protected]. E-mail us or click here to learn how to subscribe to the magazine and get quick access to BB+ -- you can be up and running in the time it takes to write an E-mail message if you subscribe via PayPal or credit card.

Our friends at Brooklyn Hockey Guy have a contest going for a Blueshirt Bulletin subscription, which would of course include BB+ access for the winner -- click here for details. BHG has also launched another site, The Original NHL Playoff Race Chart, which shows a chart sent out daily by the NHL to hockey professionals.

Blueshirt Bulletin is also available in digital format via Zinio. You can read a single issue or take out an online subscription there. You can read it within your browser or you can download it and read it offline. Click here to subscribe (there is a link on that page for single copies). You can test drive the Zinio reader and read a sampling of the print edition while there. Blueshirt Bulletin+ access comes with all Zinio purchases -- single issue buyers will get access for one month from today, full year subscribers will get access for the duration of your subscription term. While Zinio handles all the logistics for taking out a subscription and delivering each copy, you must contact us directly about accessing BB+ -- E-mail your receipt to [email protected] to get access instructions.

BB+ Service Notice -- Updated 3/20 @ 2:00 AM

IMPORTANT SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: We changed the Blueshirt Bulletin+ URL/link this evening (the old link still works, but each URL will require its own set of logins and passwords, even though they are identical). We also sent out new logins and passwords to all current registrants. Please look for an E-mail with all the relevant information. Please E-mail us at [email protected] if you have not received the notice, as some mail servers sometimes flag the messages as spam. Thanks!

THURSDAY UPDATE: Larry Korpikoski is today's subject at BB+ -- click here to read about him (and why we're calling him "Larry" from now on), as well as access today's links.