Bantering Points: 1/11/17

Here are today's news and links:

Rangers News:

• Brett Cyrgalis heard from Jimmy Vesey about he knows that the "rookie wall" is coming during the second half (NY Post)
• Henrik Lundqvist "writes" a letter to his younger self (The Players Tribune)
• Dave Shapiro releases his report cards for the team's defenseman (Blue Seat Blogs)
• Shapiro also noted that the Rangers are among the league leaders in average shot distance (Blue Seat Blogs)
• Brandon Cohen still thinks that New York could find a suitor for Dan Girardi if they made an attempt to move him (Blue Line Station)
• John Williams argues that the Rangers should look to trade one of their goalie prospects in order to improve their current roster (Blue Line Station)
• Drew McCaffrey breaks down how Pavel Buchnevich's imminent return to the lineup will change New York's situation (Blue Line Station)
• Amanda Borges chatted with Ryan McDonagh about his thoughts on the first half and the team's mindset heading into the stretch run (1:41 Video via Official Team Site)
• Steven McDonald's passing coverage: official team statement, Rangers players and alumnus thoughts, photo gallery, and tribute video (3:16) (Official Team Site)/

Around the NHL:

• Lyle Richardson speculates on possible destinations for St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk as the trade deadline looms (The Hockey News)
• Greg Wyshynski reports that Boston Bruins forward David Backes had an emotional return to the Scottrade Center, including a video tribute and a fight (Puck Daddy)
• Elliotte Friedman authored another edition of 30 Thoughts (Sportsnet)
• The Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs combined for a goalie trade for the third time in seven months last night, as the Ducks acquired Jhonas Enroth in exchange for a 2018 7th Round Pick (TSN)/