Blueshirt Boggle

More Prince Than King

UPDATE: More on last night's game in Montreal at BB+ -- click here to read it and see today's links.

Last night may have been the most complete game the Rangers have played since the hiring of John Tortorella. Aside from the power play, the Rangers had a tremendous amount of shots (42 to Montreal's 29) and solid offensive zone puck possession in the 4-3 shootout victory against the Canadiens.

All the lines contributed and their play exhibited that they are finally understanding Tortorella's system.

Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky, the "Nik's," and Freddy Sjostrom all had stand out efforts for the forwards. Their work along the boards was punishing and they helped establish a fierce forecheck for much of the game.

On defense, the group had a solid effort overall. Derek Morris continues to impress while Wade Redden has benefited from having the ability to jump into the play. Dan Girardi and Marc Staal continue to be dominant in their own zone, the first young defensive pairing on the Rangers to do so since...Brian Leetch and Jeff Beukeboom?

All in all, the Rangers deserved two points in regulation, but will take them in a shootout.

One note that will stand out, however, was the play of Henrik Lundqvist. "The King" has been the main reason the Rangers are still in the playoff hunt this season, but last night with a mere few minutes left in the third period, Lundqvist looked more like a Prince than a King.

Nobody can question the outstanding acrobatic saves he made early on or the stellar support he provided on the penalty kill. However, in a critical game late in the third period, he blinked and allowed a flukey goal that ultimately could have cost the Rangers the game (especially given Scott Gomez's awful late penalty).

The shootout was not much better, as he allowed two goals on three shots. This begs the old Marty Brodeur question: Is Lundqvist only as good as the system?

Of course, the goalie is going to benefit from a defensive system, but since Tortorella's hiring, Lundqvist's goals against has risen and without a tremendous amount of shots against.

Is Lundqvist cracking under pressure or is he simply adapting like the rest of the team?

Most would argue that it is an adjustment for him as much as any player. Others could look to last night's faux pas and say that the pressure is getting to him.

Regardless, Lundqvist's mettle is going to be tested down the stretch and it will be intriguing to see how he handles it.

On a positive note, the Rangers were able to bail Henrik out, as he has done for them much of this season.

The Rangers are off until Saturday when they face the Buffalo Sabres at home followed by another Sunday game at MSG against Ottawa.

More this afternoon...

Avery Powers Rangers

TUESDAY UPDATE: Preview of tonight's game in Montreal at BB+ -- click here to read it and see today's links.

With only about twenty hours between games, the Rangers focused on improving in the one area that hurt them the most in Philly on Saturday -- limiting Flyer counterattacks and better defending those they did get. Mission accomplished -- and how! They got a full sixty minute performance, their best since John Tortorella arrived (other than their rout of the lowly Avs). The Rangers simply dominated through the first 48 minutes of play, outshooting the Flyers 34-15 (68-32 in total shots attempts before the Flyers pressed over the final twelve minutes to make it 74-47 in the end). Still unable to score at even strength, the power play finally broke through. It was still spotty enough to draw boos even after scoring twice, but the first two goals were nice.

Read the rest of our game story at Blueshirt Bulletin+, with extensive quotes from Tortorella, Antropov, Gomez, Lundqvist, and a couple of Flyers complaining about Sean Avery -- 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.

Where Have We Seen This Before?

Two goals on 73 shot attemps, 41 of them on net, one of the two goals with just a few minutes left and the score 4-1. Wade Redden trapped inside the offensive zone after two ill-advised pinches on goals against, slow to get back on both. A neat 0-for-4 on the power play, one with a chance to extend a one-goal lead, three with a chance to erase a one-goal deficit, adding up to an ongoing 0-for-13 streak of futility with the man advantage. Making a goalie with a mediocre 2.77 GAA look like a superstar by constantly shooting at his glove (even though he was beaten early and late to the blocker side). Juggling lines all over the place trying to find the right combinations after starting the game with the next great first line, which didn't even make it through sixty consecutive minutes as a unit.

Oh, and we even forgot to mention that old standby -- "We didn't play a full sixty minutes." It's all too familiar at the wrong point in time. More at Blueshirt Bulletin+ -- 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.

It Takes Two

The Rangers have had a lot of important number two's in their history: Brad Park, Brian Leetch, two-times in a Rangers uniform for Sean Avery, 2.32 GAA for Henrik Lundqvist's career, etc.

You get the point.

Now they look to another important two: two games this weekend in a home-at-home with the Philadelphia Flyers. Currently, the Flyers sit at fourth in the Eastern Conference with 82 points. The Rangers are at 78 points in seventh place.

Philadelphia has two games in hand.

The significance of fourth place? Home ice advantage. If the Rangers can build off last night's victory and continue getting superior goaltending from Lundqvist, home ice advantage is very much in sight.

However, if they are unable to muster anything this weekend, not only will home ice be too far out of reach, but they may find themselves out of the playoff hunt.

John Tortorella is still feeling this group out, but seems to have found something last night in the Avery - Gomez - Callahan line. The trio had a lot of good flow and energy once they were united. There was also a lot of puck possession in the offensive zone that led to some good opportunities.

It also appears that the power play is at least on the rise. Puck movement has been stronger and players seem to be playing with some more confidence. If the Rangers can continue their strong special teams play and "The King" stays dominant, New York will have  a distinct advantage over the other bubble teams in the East.

One question that remains is Nik Zherdev. The offensive stud was benched for most of the second and all of the third period. While Tortorella wouldn't elaborate, it appears his work ethic has struggled, something even Tom Renney acknowledged.

Will he be able to turn it around or he is an Alexandre Daigle in the making?

On the defensive front, newcomer Derek Morris has really impressed. Very comfortable, confident, and decisive in his own end has made him a very nice upgrade to Dmitri Kalinin. I wouldn't be surprised if his play sees ice time shoot up very quickly.

More before tomorrow's matinee...

Been There, Done That, Wrote the Rant

John Tortorella has been trying to teach his new team a new system since his arrival in New York. He's learning a few things along the way himself. Like: You can't pair up Redden and Rozsival. And: If your team had a bad first period last game, don't expect them to not have a bad first period in their next game, even if you tell them all the right things in between games to prepare them for a better start. So Tortorella ripped them a new one after the first period, benched Nikolai Zherdev the rest of the game, promoted players who were working their butts off (Ryan Callahan -- when has he not?), and got the job done. That sparked a nice 4-2 win over Nashville that was a huge shot in the arm for their playoff hopes.

All well and good, but we've been down this road before -- will these Rangers listen, or does Torts have to stay on them night and day? More at Blueshirt Bulletin+ -- 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.

Meet Some Grate Ones and Some Great Ones

UPDATE: At Blueshirt Bulletin+ today, a look at how John Tortorella is doing so far in trying to get the best out of his best players -- click here to read it and see today's compilation of links.

UPDATE: Please note the new phone number and E-mail address below for those who want to sign up for the upcoming Ranger signings at Last Licks. Those of you who are Knick fans should also check out the March 19th event in Armonk with Danilo Gallinari -- mention Blueshirt Bulletin to receive a bonus gift when making your reservation.

Our friends over at Last Licks have a couple of great events coming up later this month. On March 23rd from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, three of the most popular Rangers will appear at the New York store -- Sean Avery, Ryan Callahan, and Dan Girardi. And on March 25th, also in Manhattan, three of the most popular Rangers ever -- Brian Leetch, Adam Graves, and Mark Messier. The store is located at 245 East 93rd Street -- click here for more information on these and other upcoming signings.

We have an extra bonus for Blueshirt Bulletin readers who want to attend these shows -- the first twenty people to call in and sign up for the Avery, Callahan, and Girardi show will recieve a $25 gift card good for any Steiner Sports merchandise, and the first twenty people to sign up for the Ranger Greats show will receive the same. Call 914/273-3551 or E-mail [email protected] -- and don't forget to mention Blueshirt Bulletin to be eligible for the bonus gift card.

At Blueshirt Bulletin+ today, a rant about the refs -- not the most original concept, but you may be surprised at what the stats show with respect to bias against the Rangers. 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.

Passengers Starting to Take Their Seats

John Tortorella has dueling tendencies that began to hit each other head on in last night's 3-0 loss in Carolina. On one hand, he wants to place as much of the workload as possible on his best players, saying that they need to be his best players (although interestingly, he noted even before the game that he has thus far been more of four-line guy than he likes to be because he likes the way the third and fourth lines fit into his style). But he also has told everyone -- most importantly his players -- that he will hold underachivers accountable. At what point does the one hand start clashing with the other?

The answer to that last question is last night to a slight degree. Read more at Blueshirt Bulletin+ -- 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.

Bruins Get the Heave Ho as Rangers Win Third in a Row

UPDATE: Follow-up report now available at BB+ -- click here to read what Tortorella, Staal, and Antropov had to say after yesterday's big win.

If fans got the "here we go again" feeling in today's third period, when the Bruins scored two early goals to erase a two-goal Ranger lead and continued to press hard for the winner, don't tell that to the newest Rangers. Nik Antropov, the first star of the game with a goal and an assist didn't even know what the heck he was being asked when that question came up -- this was just his second game, and both have been wins. Coach John Tortorella just said that flat out -- that he hasn't been here long enough to know what that meant.

So begins our recap of today's 4-3 Ranger win over Boston at Blueshirt Bulletin+ -- we'll be back tonight or tomorrow morning with quotes from Tortorella, Staal, and Antropov on the game. 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.

Morrisania

Derek Morris is thrilled to be out of Phoenix and in New York. Actually, thrilled doesn't even begin to describe it. "I'm ecstatic!" he said... He's so happy, he doesn't even mind the fact that John Tortorella is going to yell at him more than Wayne Gretzky did in Phoenix. "Wayne's a little easier on the guys." He's even happy to be playing with Sean Avery, a player he has had a few scraps with along the way back when Avery was in the Western Conference. "I didn't know what to expect, what type of guy he is," Morris said after his first game alongside his former antagonist. Happy to go from "The Great One" to "The Grate One" -- imagine that!

Read our exclusive interview with new defenseman Derek Morris in its entirety at Blueshirt Bulletin+ -- 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.

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 Zinio receipt to [email protected] to get access instructions.

By the Numbers and Scenarios

First, I would like to thank all of those who followed us on Twitter on Trade Deadline Day for the latest news, rumors, and updates.

Now, having had some time to allow the moves to sink in, it is clear that salary cap implications were the impetus behind many of these deals.

Before getting into what salaries moved, let's examine the Rangers' salary cap situation following the season's end:

(Note: please understand that these numbers are estimates based on online data compiled from a variety of sources. It is our understanding that the salary cap hit is based on the average of a player's remaining salary)

FORWARDS

• Scott Gomez: $7.355 million
• Chris Drury: $7.05 million
• Markus Naslund: $4 million
• Aaron Voros: $1 million
• Sean Avery: $1.938 million

TOTAL: $21.298 million

UFAs: Blair Betts, Colton Orr, Nik Antropov
RFAs: Nik Zherdev, Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky, Freddy Sjostrom, Lauri Korpikoski

DEFENSE

• Wade Redden: $6.5 million
• Michal Rosival: $5 million
• Dan Girardi : $1.55 million
• Marc Staal: $0.827 million

TOTAL: $13.877

UFAs: Paul Mara, Derek Morris

GOALTENDING

• Henrik Lundqvist: $6.875 million

TOTAL: $6.875 million

UFAs: Steve Valliquette

TOTAL CAP HIT: $42.095 million
TOTAL PLAYERS UNDER CONTRACT: 10
TOTAL CAP SPACE (BASED ON CURRENT $56.7 million): $14.605 million
TOTAL CAP SPACE (BASED ON $52 million est.): $9.905 million

In essence,the Rangers will have options despite having to sign so many players.

First, let's see which forwards the Rangers have to re-sign off their current roster. Dubinsky is a must and will command approximately $3 million. Zherdev will also be seeking money in the same range of $3 million. Callahan may be a bit cheaper, presumably around $2 million. 

If the Rangers sign all three, the remaining cap space would be about $6.5 million and 13 players would be under contract.

The lines would look like this:
Callahan - Gomez - Naslund
Dubinsky - Drury - Zherdev

Avery and Voros would be the only other forwards under contract. Let's assume that Voros and his contract is taken off the roster. That leaves about $7.5 million dollars to fill your remaining five forward and two defensive spots.

This is where a question of philosophy comes in. Do the Rangers pursue a free agent like Jay Bouwmeester, Marian Hossa, or Marian Gaborik? Do they attempt to trade for a Chris Pronger or Martin St. Louis?

The real burdening contract at this point is Michal Rozsival at $5 million per year. If they are able to move him in a trade, then the Rangers can comfortably re-sign Orr, Betts, Sjostrom, Morris, and possibly Antropov.

For example, if the Rangers attempted to trade for St. Louis at $4 million, they could move a player like Rozsival, prospects, and picks and immediately upgrade their roster.

Naslund - Gomez - St. Louis
Dubinsky - Drury - Zherdev
Avery - OPEN - Callahan

And you still have your $7.25 million dollars in cap space. Re-sign Korpikoski at $1.25 million to fill out the third line and Betts, Orr, and Sjostrom at an average of $1 million each.

Naslund - Gomez - St. Louis
Dubinsky - Drury - Zherdev
Avery - Korpikoski - Callahan
Orr - Betts - Sjostrom

A full complement of forwards and $3 million remaining for your defense, but allowing Antropov to walk.

This is where it gets a bit complicated if you trade for a forward as you have to sign three defensemen with limited cap space. If Mara re-signs for $2 million, you have just the minimum salary left for the remaining two defensemen. If the scenario is reversed and you traded for a defenseman, then you would have the same predicament on forward.

Again, these are just some hypothetical situations and there are endless possibilities. However, given the Rangers track record. Here is what is MOST LIKELY to occur:

1. The Rangers waive Voros providing them about $15.5 million in cap space assuming the ceiling stays the same.
2. The Rangers re-sign Dubinsky, Zherdev, and Antropov for an average of $3 million each leaving them $6.5 million.
3. Callahan is re-signed for $2 million leaving $4.5 million.
4. Korpikoski is re-signed for $1.5 million leaving $3 million.
5. Orr is re-signed at $.750 million, Betts at $1 million, and Sjostrom at $1.25 million leaving nothing.
6. Rozsival is traded at the NHL Entry Draft bringing back a $2 million player, restoring the open space to $3 million.
7. Mara is re-signed to a $2 million deal leaving $1 million.
8. Valliquette and a league-minimum defenseman are re-signed with the remaining cap space.

Now, as we are not all "cap-ologists" this is a very crude look at the Rangers cap situation. What is clear is that the Rangers have some work to do, but were able to begin remedying their situation at the trade deadline.

Will all these players be signed to these contracts? No. Some may sign for more, some for less. Some may not sign at all or will be traded. That's why we all follow the team during the off-season.

However, it is clear that if the cap does not increase, the Rangers have some work ahead of them. If it decreases, then get the Metro North ready because the Rangers will be relying heavily on Hartford.