SB Nation - Henrik Lundqvist

From all of us to all of you, Merry Christmas

Jim Schmiedeberg — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 04:00:15 -0000

We're all going to take the day off to spend Christmas with our families, but before we do, we want to wish our Blueshirt Banter family a very Merry Christmas.

If you haven't watched them already this year, here are your "Must-see" movies today:

A Christmas Story: Nothing better than Ralphie and his Old Man.
Miracle on 34th St: (the original)
It's a Wonderful Life.
Christmas Vacation: Tell me you've never uttered the phrase "Merry Christmas! The _______ was full!!!"

On a personal note, I am a little off the grid for the time being. My family and I are currently relocating out of South Florida, so I am in transition until right around New Years Day. Joe, Nick, Rob and the gang will be filling in and making sure you guys are all caught up. I'll be poking my nose in periodically, but until I get my cable and internet going at our new place, I will be somewhat out of touch. Have a great holiday everyone!

Rangers Analysis: Key Players Returning to Form

NYRBlogger — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:31:00 -0000

More photos » by Paul J. Bereswill - AP

Browse more photos »

The current four-game winning streak has seen many of the Rangers top players return to form and begin to play top-notch hockey once again. It is pretty evident that this team does not succeed if the players that are relied on the most do not perform to the best of their ability and get the job done on a consistent basis. That very problem played a big part in the struggles of November and early December, but ever since Coach John Tortorella started enforcing the "no entitlement" policy, it seems like everyone has upped the ante, even if it is only a little bit. That makes the difference between winning and losing in a sport that is so tightly played, and we are seeing that with our Rangers as we speak.

Henrik Lundqvist, undoubtedly the most important player on this club, was one of those individuals not playing like himself in November. The Swedish star was getting criticized for allowing soft goals and not coming up with the big saves when they were needed, something that was pointed out by Tortorella. However, starting with the 2-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres in Buffalo a few weeks back, Henrik Lundqvist has been Henrik Lundqvist, and that consists of amazing saves and standing on his head night in and night out.

Heading into the season, critics were saying that Henrik cannot be the story every night for this team. Well guess what? When he isn’t the story, the team loses, so I think that mentality needs to be rethought. Lundqvist has not had much offensive support, but still manages to hold a 2.41 goals against average and a .923 save percentage. That puts him at eighth in the league in save percentage, a remarkable stat for a goalie on a team that has not been too hot this season. If Henrik is playing well, this does not win. That is the bottom-line and as much as people continue to say Hank cannot be the story every night, he will always be the story if this club is winning.

For example, in the four game winning streak, Lundqvist has faced 141 shots, making saves on 136 of them. That is a .965 save percentage through four games, not something just any goalie can do in this league no matter what team they play on. The Rangers are in the middle of a fight for a playoff spot, but they have a tremendous edge over other teams if they have goaltending like this.

Marc Staal has turned things around on defense, after playing the worst hockey of his career to begin the season. Let’s get something straight about Marc Staal. He is not a flashy defenseman, and not one that is known for his offensive capabilities, but rather a solid blueliner in his own end and in front of his goaltender--Sort of like a Chris Chelios. That being said, I truly believe the thought of having to produce and score goals like Tortorella requested got him off his game, but ever since readjusting his focus, he is looking like the stellar defenseman that is used in crucial situations and put out there against inferior opponents.

Then there is Captain Chris Drury. Drury had a below-par season last year, and started this season off the same way with only two points in the first eighteen games. Within the four game winning streak, Chris has registered three goals and an assist, combining for four points. If the Captain can continue to produce at a pace like this, it will boost the confidence of the entire team. I have always been a Drury supporter and do not feel it is his fault he was handed a $7 million contract. The guy has heart and wants nothing more than for this team to win. I really hope he can continue to play like this and produce on a consistent basis.

Alternate Captain Ryan Callahan, who I spoke about yesterday, is yet another player who has turned things around. Expectations were set high for Cally with him coming off of a career year last season. At first, he was not even close to meeting those expectations, but now has six points in his last ten games, four in his last four. This puts the Rochester native on pace for yet another 20-goal season, but I feel he could hit the 25-30 range if he can continue to score goals like he has the past two or three weeks.

In the end, this all adds up and equals to a winning team. The Rangers are not going to win off of Marian Gaborik goals; they need support from all areas and all lines, not just one. There are still several things wrong with this club, and there are gaps that need to be filled as well as problems that need to be fixed, but for now, the Blueshirts are finally looking like a team, and most importantly, one that is winning games. On that note, enjoy your Christmas Eve everyone!

Prospal, Gaborik keep Rangers hot, skin Panthers 4-1

Whale4ever — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 02:51:59 -0000

More photos » by Paul J. Bereswill - AP

1 day ago: New York Rangers' Sean Avery (16) knocks Florida Panthers' Dennis Seidenberg (4) off-balance in the second period of an NHL hockey game at Madison Square Garden in New York on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul J. Bereswill)

Browse more photos »

Final - 12.23.2009	1	2	3	Total
Florida Panthers	1	0	0	1
New York Rangers	1	1	2	4

Complete Coverage >

PP goals. SH goals. Sean Avery's patented yappin'. It all clicked for New York tonight as the Rangers cruised to 4-1 victory at home.

The Panthers, winners of four of their past five, fell quietly in comparison to recent nights: Stephen Weiss, Nathan Horton, and Michael Frolik - a reincarnated Legion of Doom lately - finished with a collective zero points and -6, while goaltender Tomas Vokoun stopped 28 of 32 shots, with relatively little support. Shut down that foursome and the sad conclusion is only a matter of time.

And there, folks, is your game.

The Rangers, still propelled by a John Tortorella vitriol-fueled rant a week ago, won their fourth in a row on the efforts of more than a few: Marian Gaborik's two points, Vinny Prospal's two goals, and of course Henrik Lundqvist's singular brand of magic (33 saves...a few simply outstanding), along with a little Avery ribbing (for his pleasure) kept New York in control.

Florida appeared lost on occassion, seemingly a step (or shot, or pass) behind their hosts most of the evening. Could throw that rap on coach Peter DeBoer, but from a purely personal view, I'm going with fatigue. Doesn't bode well for the road ahead, but whatever.

If you've got to fall, this is the time: heading into a brief Christmas break, the Cats could certainly use some days away from the rink given their schedule over the last eight weeks.

Next up: Boston at the BAC on Sunday.

Ranger Recap: Rangers 4 Panthers 1

Joe Fortunato — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 02:33:45 -0000

More photos » by Paul J. Bereswill - AP

1 day ago: New York Rangers' Vinny Prospal (20) and Marian Gaborik (10) celebrate a goal by Prospal in the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers at Madison Square Garden in New York on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul J. Bereswill)

Browse more photos »

The Rangers—looking to win four games in a row for the first time since the beginning of the season—walked into Madison Square Garden having lost five in a row on home ice. They broke that streak tonight playing an overall great game and winning their 4^th game in a row.

The opening period was, in certain respects, a "regression and redemption" period for a few of the players. In the redemption portion we saw Enver Lisin play one of the best periods of his short Ranger career, hustling to negate an icing and then setting up a Chris Drury goal; he also drew a penalty and was flying all over the ice. Chris Drury also finds himself in the redemption category scoring yet another goal (he seems to be heating up no?) to tie things up for the Rangers.

Michael Rozsival, on the other hand, headlines our regression segment. Dominic Moore was driving hard to the net (covered by Michael Del Zotto) and threw a shot on the net which trickled into the slot, where Rozsival—who wasn’t even watching the play—skated by it (not before slowing it down) and allowed Victor Oreskovich to score his second goal of the year. Rozsival also turned the puck over a few times which lead to Panther scoring chances, overall it was a poor first period for him.

The Rangers came out flat in the second period, allowing the Panthers to cycle the puck at will in their defensive zone. For anyone who was listening to the Blueshirt Banter Radio Holiday Show, please remember what me and DBMaven (2 mentions in one day!) were saying about the need for defense instead of offense to stop those types of issues. Just call it Joe and DBmaven 1 Mandar 0, for those of you who are keeping score. Regardless the Rangers found their game in the middle of the period taking over the game and being rewarded when Vaclav Prospal scored his 7^th on the power play. It should also be noted that Henrik Lundqvist had to make some absolutely jaw-dropping saves in order to keep the Rangers in this one.

You really can’t start off a period better than the way the Rangers started the third, with Prospal scoring his second of the game just 23 second into the period. Brandon Dubinsky continued his great play adding an assist on the goal, giving him three points in the last two games. It’s pretty amazing how much Dubinsky solidifies this line-up.

Shortly after the midway mark of the third Chris Drury (who had one of the best games I can remember) made some brilliant plays shorthanded before leading Marian Gaborik who buried his 26^th goal of the year.

Empty Netters:

Although Rozsival had an awful first period he tightened up from the second period on. Nice to see him playing at least relatively well.
I don’t think you can say enough about Marian Gaborik, and to be honest nothing I say here will give what he does for this team any justice, so I will just say that he is a God and leave it at that.
Christopher Higgins is simply becoming frustrating to watch. He works himself into open space, he maneuvers himself into a shooting lane and he either fans on the shot or shoots it into the goalies chest. I’m getting sick of him.
Michael Del Zotto had a solid game offensively but my goodness does he lay the lumber. On two or three occasions he threw a Panther to the ice with some awesome hits.
Sean Avery had a brilliant game tonight. He has shaken off the rust since the start of the year and has turned into the Avery of old. He has been one of the few sparks on this team from the get-go.
Matt Gilroy has answered his five game stint in Hartford with two very solid games for the Rangers, he wants to be here and deserves to be here.
By the way what was the infatuation by Sam and Joe with Michael Del Zotto’s family holiday dinner? They talked about it every five minutes. What guys, you two don’t make enough money to scrape up some cash for a pasta dinner in New York?
Ryan Callahan and Artem Anisimov both had very solid games for the Rangers without hitting the score sheet.
Also how good has Henrik Lundqvist been these past 10 games? The Rangers might not have won all of them but Lundqvist has had a sub 2 GAA in the past 10 game and was once again brilliant tonight.

Okay boys another good one tonight, have at it!

Remembering the Caps' Miracle On 34th Street

Stephen Pepper — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:30:14 -0000

More photos » by Frank Franklin II - AP

Browse more photos »

As many of our readers prepare for the Christmas holiday, we thought to add to the holiday cheer in the memory of an instant classic in Washington Capitals lore -- today marks the one year anniversary of the improbable comeback at Madison Square Garden. Call it the Miracle on 34th Street, or Alex Ovechkin's first great performance on Broadway. Or just call it tear-jerking beautiful.

On December 23, 2008, the Caps found themselves down 4-0 early in the second period. Then, we saw a singular performance from the Great Eight to spirit the rest of the team to ultimate, overtime victory.

As J.P. observed post-game on the magical night:

Ovechkin potted a fluke goal more than half way through the game to cut the lead to 4-1, then had one of those shifts that teammates rally behind and opponents fear. At the time, it was mentioned in the Open Thread [ ], that "the shift was great, but you kind of hate to waste one like that especially down three," to which I responded, "Setting an example is never a waste." And it wasn't.

The comeback was on, culminating in a dramatic third period performance by Ovechkin, whose unassisted, breakaway goal (second on the night), victimized Henrik Lundqvist, and concluding with "zero-to-hero" Shaone Morrisonn potting his first goal of the season. In overtime. On his birthday. Dogpile at center ice ensued.

And in the goaltending department alone, this game was one for the ages. I wrote adoringly on a Christmas Eve morning:

Early on, Jose Theodore looked far from recovered from his earlier hip flexor injury. He was simply unable to get over to stop Ryan Callahan’s shot, the latter’s first goal of the evening. It looked as if his hip just buckled, and he physically could not avoid over-committing to a first attempt and move left to right into the crease, though his mind willed it so.

Then Brent Johnson takes a turn, the team already blitzed for three against, but finds himself too ill to go on. Sweating, visibly suffering an apparent fever on the bench.

Theo in again. Already under considerable pressure, simmering on a bed of scalding coal briquettes, goes from getting a humiliating hook at the Garden to suddenly holding a teetering ship steady in the third, and finishing up with 19 of 20 shots stopped.

Before that game, the Caps were 0-5-1 at the Garden, since 2004. The Great Eight himself had struggled in his six games played in Manhattan prior to the epic match:

GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	SOG
6	1	1	2	-7	4	27

Since then (including playoffs), the team's gone 3-1-1 under the bright lights of the City, and Ovechkin's shone brighter as well:

GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	SOG
5	3	2	5	3	4	28

Here's hoping for another great Christmas gift tonight for Caps fans this season.

Rangers Analysis: Links, quotes and fights!

Joe Fortunato — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:02:43 -0000

More photos » by Karl B DeBlaker - AP

3 days ago: New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) blocks a shot from the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, Dec. 21, 2009. The Rangers won 3-1. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

Browse more photos »

The Rangers look to go for four wins in a row tonight, when they host the Florida Panthers at Madison Square Garden. Here are some links for you all.

Andrew Gross over at Rangers Rants takes a quick look at the Brandon Dubinsky Brian Boyle heavyweight fight that occurred in practice last night. Here are some highlights from the full story:

One thing to remember: hockey players fighting is not like you fighting with somebody, even a friend. For the most part, it’s a very swift current taking the water under the bridge. So Brian Boyle and Brandon Dubinsky lobbing a couple of punches at each other at today’s optional skate is not headline material. The two were quickly separated, even as Aaron Voros tried to get in on the action, and joked about it together soon after in the dressing room.

"We’re giving you stuff to write about," Dubinsky told the media as he passed by Boyle’s stall. "The stuff you write is so stale."

Not a big deal, this happens all the time. Literally nothing to look into or analyze, best to forget that it even happened.

Andrew Gross also has a nice quote from Tortorella about what he expects from his team:

"I think sometimes it’s a misconception on the team concept," Tortorella said. "We want to forecheck. But when we talk about it as far as getting up the ice and forechecking and pressuring, people say they just want to go. That certainly hasn’t been our philosophy from Day 1 because you have to play defense in this league. We have changed a little bit in the neutral zone where it’s kind of a hybrid right now. When we have chances to go, we’re going. When we’re not, we’re going to be a little bit smarter as far as filling the middle. That was probably a couple of weeks ago we changed into that. But I think we’ve gotten better defensively, too. When you’re having problems scoring goals, you fall into that trap of just scoring goals and you forget about the details of playing defense. We have always talked about playing defense first and when we say defense first, it doesn’t mean we’re falling back and playing in our end zone. Defense is when you don’t have the puck, just being on the right side of the puck. We’ve gotten better and better on the odd man rushes and that’s just being cognizant of being on the right side of the puck."

Again not sure I can add too much here. Join me after the jump.

Should be a fun one tonight where the Rangers take on the 8th place in the East Panthers. The Panthers are two points ahead of the Rangers with one less win--so a win tonight propels the Rangers to a playoff spot. The last time these two teams met the Rangers beat the Panters 2-1 in the skills competition in Florida.

On some personal notes I would expect the line-up to stay the same as it did against the Hurricanes. Expect Henrik Lundqvist in goal and both Wade Redden and Ales Kotalik in the line-up. The Rangers are going to have to play a very solid gae to be the Panthers, who are a very good team this year.

Prediction time here but I have a gut feeling that Michael Del Zotto has a huge game tonight. Just a thought. What are your thoughts on all of this?

Rangers Analysis: Tortorella's changes sparks Rangers

Joe Fortunato — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:00:41 -0000

More photos » by Karl B DeBlaker - AP

3 days ago: New York Rangers' Marian Gaborik (10) celebrates his goal with teammates Vaclav Prospal (20) and Marc Staal (18) with Brandon Dubinsky (17) nearby during the second period of an NHL hockey against the Carolina Hurricanes game in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, Dec. 21, 2009. Rangers won 3-1.(AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

Browse more photos »

The Rangers had just lost 2-1 against the Islanders, with their record falling to 14-16-3. John Tortorella tried to keep his calm with the press—which lasted about as long as Bobby Sanguinetti call-up—and Tortorella had his first meltdown in New York. He vowed that he was okay with hitting "bumps in the road with kids but not underachieving vets," and that "changes would be made." And it started the very next day.

Wade Redden and Ales Kotalik were benched and the message was crystal clear: "play my kind of hockey, or you won’t be playing hockey here at all." It was indicative of old school John Tortorella hockey, the kind of mentality that earned him that ring that he wears. And you know what? It worked.

Michael Rozsival has responded and is playing his best hockey of the year, plus he is hitting the score sheet with four assists in 7 games. All of a sudden Rozsival is starting to look like the Rozsival of old, shoot cannons from the point (that actually hit the net!) and playing solid defense. Don’t forget that last night Rozsival saved that game by putting the brakes on Eric Staal’s wrap around attempt.

Wade Redden also responded coming back from his benching last night to play his best game as a Ranger. Like DBMaven said in the recap, if he keeps playing like this then we won’t be hearing much complaining coming out of the Ranger faithful.

And all of a sudden the Rangers have won three in a row. They look good they look composed and as I said on my radio show last night this is the time to make some momoentum.

Join me after the jump for more.

But probably the most important difference is the play of the team. If you can, try to remember way back when to the 7-1 streak that the Rangers went on. They back checked as a team, played solid defense, they cycled well, they got pucks to the net and most importantly they had guys parked in front of the net. That was the New York Rangers that I have seen play since Tortorella’s meltdown.

A few players in particular have stood out to me during this "safe is death" three game winning streak. Artem Anisimov has played great, and he has been rewarded with more ice time which has allowed him to begin to blossom. He shields the puck well, takes great shots, has nice vision and just looks awesome out there.

Ryan Callahan continues to play like a man on fire—and although he didn’t get a goal last night—he is making his chances and now is actually burying a few of them. And speaking of home grown talent Brandon Dubinsky also seems to have shaken the rust off since his injury and looks really good. His presence along has allowed John Tortorella to leave the top line intact which has rewarded the Rangers with plenty of goals.

And probably the most important improvement has been the defense as a whole. Suddenly they are all coming back to protect Henrik Lundqvist, they are keeping the crease and the slot clean of opposing players and they are taking the body whenever they can. Add that to a suddenly back on form Henrik Lundqvist and all of a sudden the Rangers are back in business and are out there looking for blood; which is what we want from them.

Overall Tortorella has made some changes too. He has gone from the docile coach who seemed afraid to speak his mind to the volcano-like coach who seems poised to erupt at any second. This was the John Tortorella I signed up for and this is the Tortorella who can fix this team.

Rangers withstand storm beat Hurricanes 3-1

Joe Fortunato — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 03:16:09 -0000

More photos » by Karl B DeBlaker - AP

3 days ago: Carolina Hurricanes' Brandon Sutter (16) dives for the puck between New York Rangers' Marc Staal (18) and and goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, Dec. 21, 2009. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

Browse more photos »

Coming off their first 2 game winning streak since forever, the New York Rangers walked into North Carolina to take on the last place Carolina Hurricanes. Matt Gilroy was back in the line-up along with Ales Kotalik and Wade Redden who were surprise picks to play tonight to say the least. The Rangers were looking for their first three game winning streak since the 7-1 glory days of the beginning of the season, and they found it.

The Rangers obviously packed the same fire and flare that they brought to Philadelphia and brought it with them to North Carolina. The Rangers came out flying, in a very open, first period which saw the two teams trade odd-man rushes more times then you could count. Marian Gaborik and Brandon Dubinsky both had various chances that were snuffed out by Cam Ward. Chris Higgins also had a notable first period but couldn’t find the net—what a surprise. Henrik Lundqvist continued his magnificent play making some great saves early and often.

The Rangers and Hurricanes traded goals in the second period with Gaborik netting his 25^th off a broken defensive play by the Hurricanes. By the way not is a great time to point out that Gaborik now has more goals in 34 games than any Ranger did all of last year. It’s in bold because it’s pretty important; the man is a God plain and simple. The Rangers got into penalty trouble—and incidentally got no help from the referees—but were able to kill them all off and walk into the third tied at 1.

In the third Brandon Dubinsky found the back of the net for his 4^thgoal of the season, a beautiful one from Gaborik and Vaclav Prospal. Again the Rangers saw themselves trading scoring chances with the Hurricanes but Lundqvist stood on his head and continued keeping the Rangers in the game. Marc Staal accentuated his great game by scoring the empty netter to give the Rangers a 3-1 victory.

Empty Netters:

Michael Rozsival is playing the best hockey of this season. He played a brilliant game and saved what would have been a tying goal for the Hurricanes late in the third.
Marian Gaborik continued his brilliant play with a goal and an assists. I love him.
Henrik Lundqvist has found his game again, and wow is he impressive.
Artem Ansisimov continued his impressive play and like I said on my radio show, he shields the puck and makes space just like Jaromir Jagr.
Like we have been talking about for the past few weeks if the Rangers want momentum now is the best time to get it. Let’s hope this continues.
I think that Wade Redden bounced back from his benching with a solid game. Let's hope to see more of this.
I also think that Matt Gilroy played a great game in his return to Ranger blue. It's nice to see since we all agree that he is a fan favorite.

Well let’s hear your praise in the comments boys!

By the way after Tuesday's radio show Jim won't be around much over the next few days so if you have any questions or concerns please e-mail me at Joe@blueshirtbanter.com. I will get back asap. Thanks guys!

Rangers Recap: Rangers clip Flyers 2-1

Joe Fortunato — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:26:43 -0000

More photos » by Kathy Willens - AP

7 days ago: New York Rangers, including Michal Rozsival (33), congratulate right wing Ryan Callahan (24) after he scored the first of the Rangers goals in their 5-2 victory over the New York Islanders in the first period of their NHL hockey game at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y., Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Browse more photos »

John Tortorella made headlines the other day by making the statement that he would enforce all of the changes that we were promised when he was hired less than a year ago. He employed his new roster two days ago against the Islanders and it resulted in a 5-2 romping, filled with energy and the type of play you hope to see from a good hockey team. That continued last night where the Rangers beat the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1 for their second straight win.

The first period started out well for the Rangers with Chris Drury notching his second goal in two games (2 in his previous 27 games before Thursday). The Rangers surrendered the lead shortly after on a Chris Pronger power play goal after an Enver Lisin boarding penalty. Although the Rangers took four penalties, they played a solid road period and kept the Flyers pretty much in check.

The second period was more of the same from the Rangers, relying on a few great Henrik Lundqvist saves before Artem Anisimov scored his second goal in as many games to give the Rangers a 2-1 lead. Marian Gaborik continued to be kept without much space, mainly due to some fantastic defending from Pronger (who really played a great game). The Rangers had their chances to break this one open in the second but Christopher "fanned on the puck" Higgins, well, fanned on a few scoring opportunities. And Ryan Callahan couldn’t find a way to bang his alone in the slot chance, shooting directly into Brian Boucher’s chest.

The third period was pretty much dedicated to tons of defense from both teams—which incidentally lead to tons of offensive chances. The game went back and forth and if wasn’t for some spectacular Henrik Lundqvist saves this game might have easily gone in a different direction. Overall though the Rangers played a pretty composed, and solid road game.

I would still have to say that the Rangers have been taking too many penalties; they just didn’t pay for it today. And while Marian Gaborik was kept off the score sheet he was still very noticeable. Defensively he broke up Flyers outlet passes, lifted stick to stop scoring chances, and didn’t take any crap from Flyers who were simply looking to get under his skin. Have I mentioned that I love him yet?

Oh by the way Gaborik has 24 goals the same amount that Markus Naslund had all of last year.

Empty netters:

Michael Del Zotto quietly played one of his better games this year. He was very physical against a big and tough Flyers team, plus he was all over the ice offensively and ran the power play pretty effectively.
Henrik Lundqvist played his best game of the year. Good to see him back to his old form.
Artem Anisimov is beginning to blossom before our very eyes. The 21 year-old was spectacular today and really seems to have figured out the speed of the NHL. He physically imposed the Flyers all night and was a monster in the offensive zone. Watch him shield the puck with his body, it’s beautiful to watch.
Drury also had one of his best games of the year. Think that goal against the Islanders boosted is confidence? Good for him we need him to get going.
Man Chris Higgins seems to do everything right. He gets the puck, he shields away defenders, he makes space and then he finds ways not to score. I feel for him but he needs to start scoring, he is starting to hurt this team.
We said it in the live thread but I have Chris Pronger with a fiery passion, and would give up quite a bit to have him in Ranger blue. Great move for the Flyers in my opinion.
As much as I hate to say it Micahel Rozsival played his second consecutive great game. Maybe benching Wade Redden was the right move by Torts.
Speaking of John Tortorella he better continue keeping Ales Kotalik and Wade Redden on the bench, things are working right now no need to rock the ship.
Ryan Callahan also played a great two way game, playing great defense and making a few offensive chances as well.
I also think that Ilkka Heikkinen played a great game tonight. He was solid on his own end, threw a few nice hits and didn’t seem out of place at all. I hate to say it but I think he is making more of a difference right now then Matt Gilroy was.

Also Brian Boyle was injured, we will keep an eye on it and keep you posted when we learn more. The Rangers got a huge win today and are finally playing their brand of hockey. Thoughts guys?

Smurfs 5, Islanders 2: Goaltending, special teams, the end

Dominik — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:52:33 -0000

What a difference 24 hours makes -- though not quite in the "let's get revenge" burst one might have expected to see. The Islanders still got the first nine shots of the game, aided by some merited powerplays. But they exited the first period outshooting the Rangers 14-4, yet behind in goals 2-0. Henrik Lundqvist shut the door; at the other end, Dwayne Roloson didn't bail out the few early Islanders mistakes. A stark disparity in special teams efficiency (which is always strongly tied to goaltending) completed the story.

Game Sum. | Event Sum. | Recaps: nhl.com | Isles | Blueshirt Banter

Final - 12.17.2009	1	2	3	Total
New York Rangers	2	1	2	5
New York Islanders	0	1	1	2

Complete Coverage >

There is a nascent body of evidence that suggests playing the same goalie on back-to-back nights is not the best move if you have a viable alternative. But with Roloson's play and his 2-0 record against the Rangers before Thursday, I was happy to accept this night as an exception. I was probably wrong. Live and learn.

I'm not hanging all of this on Roloson by any means. The Islanders had some rough luck, Lundqvist was sound all night long, and the Isles never really got the in-close high shots and rebounds that are required to beat Lundqvist when he's on his game.

But in clear contrast to the previous night at the Garden, Roloson never looked very sharp, and even on non-goals his side-to-side movements were late or misaligned.

The Rangers certainly played better and more spirited. But the final score flattered them -- again, they got good breaks on Roloson, Vinny Prospal narrowly avoided knocking the Isles net off on their first goal, Chris Drury somehow actually scored, and the 5-on-3 call that put the game out of reach was an embarrassing display of officiating.

Still, the sum of all parts earned the Smurfs this win. But Lundqvist's was by far the biggest part, and without him they'd probably be stewing over another display of flaws (outshot in every period, and 37-22 overall) rather than celebrating an easy win. In short, that team's going to be in the dirty section of the standings for a while -- and I wouldn't credit tonight to any magical Tortorella Tirade.

We can only hope there isn't another Bob Gainey waiting by the phone to take their cap mistakes off their hands.

After the Garden victory, statman Eric noted how rare the Islanders' intended task was: They have only swept a back-to-back home-and-home with the Rangers two times in history:

The Isles swept the home in home on November 21/22, 1981 (4-3 and 7-2) and on October 19/20, 2005 (3-2 in a shootout, and 5-4).

(Eric also reported that the win at the Garden was just the second road divisional win of Scott Gordon's tenure. Pretty remarkable, albeit reflective of last year's struggles and (much) tougher divisional opponents.)

Goal Scoring, or Lack Thereof

So we know the Islanders are heavily reliant on John Tavares and Matt Moulson for scoring. When those two don't score -- and without Kyle Okposo, that's more often than with him -- the Isles rely on a balance of uncertain secondary scoring. And often, on a shallow-depth team, that secondary scoring goes dark. Which is why they have 12 goals in their last 7 games.

Nate Thompson's open-net miss was stunning, but that's hardly the problem. Maybe it's reflective of part of the problem, which is that this team is simply offensively snakebit right now. But whether your checking line and PK center is getting a couple goals isn't the make-or-break sign of offensive health: No, that's more to do with whether whoever's on JT/Moulson's wing is contributing, whether Frans Nielsen and Josh Bailey and Kyle Okposo are scoring, and whether a Rob Schremp or a Jeff Tambellini is helping the powerplay tick. Tonight the powerplay looked promising at first, but Lundqvist's play -- that early save on Schremp most of all -- seemed to deflate them, and the unit ended up 0 for 7.

Telling individual stats, for me: Kyle Okposo had six shots, Trent Hunter had seven (and some tough luck), and John Tavares had four. Lundqvist stopped them all.

Or, as Scott Gordon put it:

"You're not going to hear any complaints from my side," he said. "I think it's obvious what it was. The guy with the pads on in the other net was pretty good. At the end of the day, had there been another goalie in the net, we might have won this 6-5."

That's probably a little too nice. Even without Lundqvist in net, the Islanders offense has flaws. But yeah, without him it's a different game.

Andrew MacDonald: Keeper

One guy who was a surprise help to the powerplay was Andrew MacDonald on the second unit. Wow. I've been impressed by this guy's quietly solid defensive play all along, but his confidence on the puck with the extra man was a revelation. He looked like a, heh, "young" Jack Hillen. Just reward, then, that he popped his first NHL goal in from the point later on at even strength. Congratulations to #47, who I continue to hope sticks around a while. I can think of three defensemen I'd scratch before him.

The Bailey Project

Some of us talked a few days ago: How long do you run Josh Bailey out at wing? We figured 5-6 games before you reassess and hopefully move him back, unless Rob Schremp is lighting the world on fire. He's been steadily improving his play on the wing, but I can't help mourning his potential at center, where he can be a bigger part of play (on his good nights, which were few this year). Still, keeping him at the wing for a while shouldn't sabotage him: He's got a level head, and it's not unheard of to put a young center at wing to learn the NHL ropes before being set loose. We'll see how this goes.

Faceoffs: No Home Advantage Tonight

Schremp was 1-6 on faceoffs, Nielsen was 4-10, Tavares was 4-9. They had some losses on the powerplay that didn't help the unit. But Nielsen won a big one that led to MacDonald's goal, and his deflection after a nice combo from Blake Comeau to Andy Sutton was a nice subtle touch, albeit after the game was out of reach.

Ahead: Visit from the Habs

Saturday the long December continues. I hope we don't have to talk about a Rangers hangover. The last two home games, for two completely different reasons, have been lopsided losses. I trust Saturday night will be better.