Rangers Recap: Islanders May Want Taylor Hall More, Rangers Crush Isles 5-0
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Mar 24, 2010 10:05 PM EDT
in New York Rangers Recaps
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PrintIf the Rangers can just play teams that are worse than them for the rest of the season, the playoffs are a sure bet. Unfortunately, that's a very short list.
But thankfully, the New York Islanders are still on that list, so all is right in the world, and at least for a night, the Rangers were able to take
The Blueshirts had an early offensive outburst, getting goals from Artem Anisimov, Marian Gaborik, and Michael Del Zotto in the first eight and a half minutes of the game, and as he usually does, Henrik Lundqvist made it stand up, not that the Islanders made him work very hard at it. The Isles were never really able to get their game going in this one, mustering only thirteen shots through the first two periods. Rangers were in control in this one from the opening face-off.
Anisimov was one of many Rangers who stood out in this game. Playing on the fourth line with Brandon Prust and Jody Shelley, the line was able to generate offense and get scoring chances all night long. Their strong play did not go unnoticed by the coaching staff, they were given as much ice time John Tortorella will ever give to the fourth line.
Gaborik added a beautiful backhand goal over Dwayne Roloson's shoulder in the third period. For Gabby it was his seventh multi-goal game of the season. He had terrific skating legs in this game, and appears to be close to fully healed from the Pre-Olympic injury.
More after the jump......
What a game tonight for Sean Avery. He was all over the ice, mixing it up, and managed to draw TWO penalties on one play after he threw a hit on John Tavares, resulting in a Rangers five on three power play, and a game misconduct for Trevor Gilles. Avery and Gilles were jawing in pregame warm-ups, and it spilled over into the game. He also led the Rangers with five shots on goal.
Dan Girardi converted on that power play to finish the scoring for the Rangers. It was Girardi's sixth goal of the season.
Final Thoughts:
- Michael Del Zotto played maybe his best game of the season, at both ends of the ice. A goal, an assist, two blocked shots, just an all around terrific game.
- Olli Jokinen, I believe you are now working the door at the Chateau Bow-Wow. Deservedly so, you've been stinkin up the joint.
- Avery drawing that five on three and not getting a penalty himself was amazing. I can't say in my thirty
plus years of watching hockey that I've ever seen a guy draw two penalties on one play. - Many times in sports, a
team comes to the realization that a postseason berth is unlikely, and it takes the pressure off of their play. Has that happened to the Rangers? Can't say for sure, but this was arguably their best game at the season, but perhaps coming a week or two too late. - Thank you for ramming the 3-D thing down my throat, MSG. Made me wish I was listening to the radio. I just knew Sam and Joe would be modeling those glasses at one point, glad they didn't disappoint me. (Thanks for the picture Chris)
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wait, where did Tyler Hall go? I thought it was a somewhat clever play of Tyler Seguin and Taylor Hall.
Now onto one of our other home arenas tomorrow. think they can play as well two nights in a row?
by Michael Gleich on Mar 24, 2010 10:30 PM EDT reply actions
Nice to know that there are some things you can count on even when the Rangers are terrible
Like, you know, the Islanders being worse
Avery
In addition to everything Jim mentioned, Avery also had an incredible offensive outburst — if only his teammates could finish, he should have had two or three assists — some incredible passing plays: one to Callahan in the slot really stands out.
3D
Good point on the 3D promo — meanwhile, I was watching in good ole High Def and the sound quality was totally off during the first period (Time Warner cable).
Sound issue
was all on TWC – ’cause I have DirecTV and there were no sound issues at all.
BlueshirtBanter - beating up reporters at bus stops since 1994
"Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right......"
I hate to say this...
…but the Isles’ broadcast was a lot more enjoyable than the Rangers’ one.
Quite frankly, their broadcasting team – color, in particular – was heads and shoulders above the inane, stating the obvious rambling ours tends to do. They were also very unbiased, and truly knew their stuff.
Without JD there, we’ve almost become unlistenable.
"...also I'll brush my teeth and remember to turn off the stars at night and put the hyena out." ERNEST HEMINGWAY
Typical cowardly Rangers win..
Rangers do this all the time. They play pathetic cowardly hockey for long stretches of time, then come out and pound on a bad hockey team. This franchise has no clue. Instead of bringing up our kids for the rest of the season, losing games which would happen and getting ourselves in a position for a nice early 1st round pick we are instead going to win 5 or 6 games, not make the playoffs and end up outside of the top picks in the draft. Why would this team strive to make the playoffs at this point? I think after 70+ games they should understand they have no shot in the playoffs and need to retool the team. Yea, I can see the Rangers getting the 8th seed and beating the Caps….get a clue. If it happens Caps will probably sweep and outscore us 20-2, that will really help us in the draft.
BTW: did you see the trivia question about the Rangers only #1 overall draft pick in their history? Happened in 1965 and the player they choose never played an NHL game. That about sums it up.
au contaire, mon frere
It’s their job to compete and people would be irate if they tanked. I’m sure that season ticket holders would love to see the hardford wolfpack put on Rangers jerseys and come get blown out every game. Thats what they are paying to see. Then the francise loses money and at the end of the day it’s all about money. They want asses in the seats so they’ll keep playing and hoping to draw as many people as they can. Everyones livelyhood depends on it. The day any athlete/coach/gm says “ok.. lets loose!” is the death of sport as we know it.
Nothing says powerplay like strobe lights and video game music.
by fromthe51hate on Mar 25, 2010 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions
fromthe51hate...
I am not suggesting they throw games. I am saying instead of wasting more time with this team as it is built we should look at what we have in the minors. We are not going to win anything with this group. Give the kids 10 games of NHL experience. Look to the future, the present is not good. If we get Taylor Hall in the draft I think that would put some people in the seats, don’t you?
Don’t get me wrong. I agree with you. Unfortunatly modern team sports are about immediate results. I just don’t see a pro team using a pre season mentality as they are trying to get into the post season. What will our kids learn by getting destroyed as all the other teams we face are making their final push? How to lose gracefully? Plus all the guys that had any shot at this team got a few games here and there i.e. Sangs, Potter, PA, Byers. So the team knows what they have. We all know what they wish they didn’t have…R&R… ha.
Nothing says powerplay like strobe lights and video game music.
by fromthe51hate on Mar 25, 2010 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
I def hoped they would lose last night cuz there is a much bigger picture here but.......
as 51hate said and it’s true……we as fans want the team to lose and go for the highest possible draft pick cuz we will be around to see our picks turn into propects and eventually turn into NHL players. The coach, and (ahem)….GM might not be around if the team tanks and takes a nose dive……and even players for that matter. Every1 is hired to win and nothing else and when that doesnt happen jobs are on the line so you cant ask a team to tank. There will be consequences…….paychecks.
by giantsNYrangers on Mar 25, 2010 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
My thoughts/observations
I watched most of the game “time-shifted” by about a period or so. This gave me the luxury of doing a lot of rewinding and slo-mo replay of various situations.
Avery clearly has found his zone. Too bad it didn’t happen sometime in December or so – instead of fighting for a playoff spot we’d be well ahead of several teams. Hopefully someone can bottle up the “state of mind” for him so that next fall he starts the season this way and maintains it throughout the year.
DelZotto – as we heard almost as many times as the 3D promo – has been working on shooting. Good. Fantastic. Now, if we could get Shoenfeld and Sullivan – the supposed defensive coaches/brain trust, to work with him on DEFENSIVE POSITIONING – yeah, that would be good. Despite his having probably his best overall game in the NHL, he was consistently in poor def. position. The only reason most people would never notice it is because of that big “ZERO” next to the ISLANDERS on the score sheet. I don’t know how to fix this, because I never expected it to last all season – it should have been corrected by the end of November.
Olli – we loved your moustache. It was probably a big mistake to shave. Your mojo went back to the Scandanavian countries – ‘cause it sure ain’t here. We do thank you for being the relief of Ales Kotalik’s horrible contract – but unless you suddenly become Ovechkin for the next 9 games, your time to bask on Broadway is brief.
The combination of Anisimov/Prust/Shelly was pretty darned effective. We must keep Prust. AA was energized – and it was reflected in good play.
Lisin – was noticeable – in a good way, as well. Too bad he can’t finish.
Finally, Gaborik’s second goal. The best view of this is the ‘alternate’ with him skating toward the camera down the left boards. The little “jump step” he did so the puck would miss his skates and carom off the boards is really only visible from this camera angle – and it is a subtle but very remarkable play. I’m cheering for him to score 1+ goal/game in the remaining 9, so he’s back up to the top 3 in the league by season’s end.
BlueshirtBanter - beating up reporters at bus stops since 1994
"Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right......"
to be honest...
I hated the moustache. He looked like a bad 70’s porn star. He got nicknamed ‘Gay Porn Moustache’ by a bunch of Sabres fans I went to school with
On all other points I agree. Gabby’s little hop over the puck was damn impressive.
They really actually looked like a good team yesterday. Hopefully they don’t get powned tonight
by Massi on Mar 25, 2010 10:29 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
IF THE RANGERS DONT RESIGN MARK STAAL...
I’m going to become a Winnepeg Jets or Hartford Whalers fan…
Blunter than Sather's Cigars....
by Jersey BlueshirtFan on Mar 25, 2010 12:33 PM EDT reply actions
Do you really think there’s even a remote possibility that they wouldn’t sign him??
BlueshirtBanter - beating up reporters at bus stops since 1994
"Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right......"
knowing sather
theres the remote possibility that ANYTHING could and would happen
by Kevin Power on Mar 25, 2010 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Sigh
You’re probably right.There’s also a remote possibility that Staal could seek 9mm/year over 10 years for his next contract, I guess.
I guess I just don’t see the re-signing of Staal as in doubt, provided both sides are reasonable in terms of perceived value.
BlueshirtBanter - beating up reporters at bus stops since 1994
"Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right......"
Hopefully it's not Dubinsky Pt. 2
Let’s get that extension done already!
by WalkerNYRanger on Mar 25, 2010 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm assuming he's an RFA right?
Blunter than Sather's Cigars....
by Jersey BlueshirtFan on Mar 25, 2010 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Staal and Girardi are both RFAs.
BlueshirtBanter - beating up reporters at bus stops since 1994
"Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right......"
Hopefully that Sather-proofs things a bit.
Would you keep both? Or sign both and trade Girardi? Or let him go outright?
Blunter than Sather's Cigars....
by Jersey BlueshirtFan on Mar 25, 2010 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions
What was meant to be a reply
is a couple of posts down – sorry.
Another reason to keep both – they’ve now got a season of “Tort’s System” under their belts. I’d rather keep as many players as possible – since we’ve seen that the learning curve is a lot steeper than we thought it would be……
BlueshirtBanter - beating up reporters at bus stops since 1994
"Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right......"
shallower
Steeper would imply they quickly reached a point where they got it. Now that I think about it, it might be more a plateau.
by bleed'n blue on Mar 25, 2010 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions
“The learning curve is steeper” has always meant that it takes a lot longer to learn than expected – and the effort to “climb the curve” is greater.
BlueshirtBanter - beating up reporters at bus stops since 1994
"Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right......"
You can tell we're not a playoff team if ...
we’re spending time debating the finer points of “learning curve” theory.
From Wiki: "Frequently a “learning curve” is used to describe the effort required to acquire a new skill (e.g., expertise with a new tool) over a specific period of time. If it’s a complex task requiring you to reorient your way of thinking as with learning new software, what makes it a “steep learning curve” is the mental strain of comprehending a new language rather than the time or physical effort involved. " Both of us are using this term with time as a variable, which isn’t tecnically correct. The bottom line is our boys in Blue either haven’t grasped Tort’s system, or they have and his system doesn’t really work.
by bleed'n blue on Mar 26, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree on the Sather-proofing. Also hope it doesn’t end up nasty like it did with Dubi last summer.
I sign both.
I said this on the radio show the other night – if you look at some of the statistics – Girardi is having a better season than the latest “rave – we’ve got to get him” guy – Anton Volchenkov.
If you look at how he’s played – even a shift at a time – when paired with Staal – you realize how “off” he looks when he’s not with Staal.
In my perfect world – I resign both. Waive Redden. Draft Fowler.
And next year play
Staal Girardi
Fowler DelZotto
Gilroy Rozsival
(Potter/Sanguinetti)
BlueshirtBanter - beating up reporters at bus stops since 1994
"Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right......"
Oh - and if I can't draft Fowler.....
I bring McDonagh up, presuming he’s NHL ready.
If not ready, I go after Garnet Exelby as a relatively inexpensive crease-clearer on the UFA market.
2-3 years @ 2.5mm or around that.
BlueshirtBanter - beating up reporters at bus stops since 1994
"Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right......"
db, I like your lineup, but still think there is a possibility Rozy gets bought out.
I’m playing Captain Obvious here, but Wade Redden simply cannot be in a Ranger uniform next year,
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Mar 25, 2010 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Jim – I can live with Rozsival being elsewhere – or staying. If he can play the way he has since roughly January (and do it for the whole season) – it’s not bad. If he’s gone, that makes me want Exelby even more. Or I could go for Volchenkov. Nothing against him – I just think he’s overrated by the “casuals” – they’re blinded by his hits.
BlueshirtBanter - beating up reporters at bus stops since 1994
"Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right......"
Not gonna lie...
But Rozy hasn’t ‘played’ a full season in a while. He takes 2-3 month ‘breaks’ and we all want to ship him out.
Precisely
why I can live with him being here in the final year of his contract, IF he can play a full season – or at least most of it – the way he has since January.
My reasoning – it is the last year of his contract. Realistically, we’re not going to be Cup Contenders next year. Let him play out the last year, let the rookies continue to develop.
If we were “that close” to being contenders – my opinion would be “SHIP HIM OUT NOW!!” – he’s holding us back.
BlueshirtBanter - beating up reporters at bus stops since 1994
"Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right......"
Now IM gonna be captain obvious here
Both R&R HAVE TO GO. I dont care how it’s done………….1 makes 5 mill and the other makes 6.5……….i dont care how well Rozsi has played of late he is not worth the money and I dont even have to state what Redden is or isnt worth. But you know what? Even if we did remove both contracts off the books……(which would take a small miracle btw) does anybody have any confidence that Sather would spend that freed up money wisely? I sure as hell dont………….
by giantsNYrangers on Mar 25, 2010 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions
In a perfect world, they’re both gone. After all my posts on the topic, you know I mean that.
I’m trying to be realistic here. If there’s one I want gone more than the other, it’s the one who makes 1.5mm/year more, has 4 more years to go on his contract, and who has been more of a handicap to the rest of the team all season long.
As for spending wisely – 1st he has to have the money to spend. After that – well – we can only hope…..
BlueshirtBanter - beating up reporters at bus stops since 1994
"Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right......"
even if he spends the money stupidly again...
could it be worse than Redden? I’d rather take Chelios and sign him until he collects a social security check.
Blunter than Sather's Cigars....
by Jersey BlueshirtFan on Mar 25, 2010 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions
He (Chelios)
isn’t collecting now ?? ;-)
BlueshirtBanter - beating up reporters at bus stops since 1994
"Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right......"
Deff send Reds packing. Bring up Sangs! Lay off Danny G and Staal and let them stay home and they’ll have crazy amounts of offensive production on the blue line. And Hank will want to kill them all…
Nothing says powerplay like strobe lights and video game music.
by fromthe51hate on Mar 25, 2010 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions
dont know about Sanguinetti............
Prob wind up like alot of other Rangers 1st rounders……………..traded.
by giantsNYrangers on Mar 25, 2010 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions
The only thing I don't get DB is why you wanna draft another defenseman
we have so many in the minors that deserve shots (Sanguinetti, Potter, Sauer) that I would rather have a scoring forward or playmaking center.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
I’ve posted it several times in several places. (You’re not paying attention! ;-) :-D )
Fowler could well be one of those ‘generational’ defensemen. Think of a guy like Beukeboom size and strength-wise, with the same sort of mean streak (or maybe meaner) and better offensive capability.
If I get the #1 pick, I’m taking Seguin.
If I get #2 or #3 – I take Fowler.
My blue line is set (as has been posted in several places) – 3 solid pairs plus spares – for years to come.
In short order you’ve got Stepan, Grachev, maybe Kreider coming up – a maturing Anisimov, Callahan and Dubinsky in their prime, and Gaborik. Plus, you know Sather will pick up something forward-wise in the off-season.
I build from the goaltender out to the blueline, then the forwards.
BlueshirtBanter - beating up reporters at bus stops since 1994
"Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right......"
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Atlantic Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
New York Rangers
|
51 | 33 | 13 | 5 | 71 |
|
Philadelphia
|
53 | 30 | 16 | 7 | 67 |
|
New Jersey
|
53 | 31 | 19 | 3 | 65 |
|
Pittsburgh
|
54 | 30 | 19 | 5 | 65 |
|
New York Islanders
|
52 | 22 | 22 | 8 | 52 |
(updated 2.9.2012 at 9:25 AM EST)
Rangers Schedule
Next 5 Games
|
Tampa Bay
|
Thu 02/09 | 7:00 PM EST |
|
@
Philadelphia
|
Sat 02/11 | 1:00 PM EST |
|
Washington
|
Sun 02/12 | 12:30 PM EST |
|
@
Boston
|
Tue 02/14 | 7:00 PM EST |
|
Chicago
|
Thu 02/16 | 7:00 PM EST |
Last 5 Games
|
New Jersey
|
Tue 02/07 | L 0 - 1 |
|
Philadelphia
|
Sun 02/05 | W 5 - 2 |
|
@
Buffalo
|
Wed 02/01 | SO - W 1 - 0 |
|
@
New Jersey
|
Tue 01/31 | SO - L 3 - 4 |
|
Winnipeg
|
Tue 01/24 | W 3 - 0 |
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