SB Nation - Alexei Semenov

Off the Post - Sunday morning edition

Conico do Mayo Miracle — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 08:12:55 -0000

Super-early Art Ross Watch = Dany Heatley and Joe Thornton are tied with Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom (10 points apiece).
Meanwhile, Joe Thornton stands alone at the top of the assists column (9)... with Matt Carle (!!) glaring up at him from two spots below.
Joe Ike (Sharks PA announcer) was fired - and Danny Miller's an awkward substitute. Conico compels you - bring "I Like Ike" signs to the Tank. /Conico heads to Ebay for vintage Eisenhower gear...
Broad Street Hockey takes a moment to remind SBN users to not act like genitalia.
Because he's still in our hearts (though mercifully off our payroll), here's a great article on Jonathan Cheechoo (H/T to Silver Seven). [UPDATE] - Cheechoo also got his first non-Shark point on Thursday, assisting on former Shark defensemen Matt Carkner's first NHL goal against the Islanders.
NHL referee Dean Warren gets fired, and Paul Devorski gives a money quote.
Edmonton fans call on Yahweh to crush the idolatrous Habs fanbase, and He delivers.
[UPDATE] = The Toronto Oilers? Edmonton Maple Leafs? HUH?!?
You should be very careful about ordering this, especially if the Anaheim Ducks make you a bit nauseous.
YOU USED ME, SKINNER! THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS OTT-TOBERFEST!!!!
Hmmm, fluff banner alert...

Mike Grier pots the game-winner against Nashville for his first goal back with Buffalo.
If only Toronto's top brass would start tampering with their winless streak.
A shutout ruins the whiteout down in Glendale - that'll rev up the fanbase! (note - read to the end of the article for a revealing comment by Ken Hitchcock on Columbus' goaltending)
One half of the Ambiguously Swede Duo is out with a funky injury; in unrelated news, Conico's fantasy team takes a huge hit. [UPDATE] - Daniel's actually going to be out 4-6 weeks.
Speaking of fantasy hockey = Mirtle's team might be interesting in of itself, but it's the league roster that raised my eyebrows (hint - one manager is the editor of the longest running Sharks blog, and another rhymes with "Girl Creek").
NOT HOCKEY (mixed with some hockey) = Top 10 Crazy Bastards, brought to you by the people who did Top 10 Teams with the Most Annoying Fans.
If you're feeling miffed that the Anaheim Ducks beat the Flyers in the shootout last night, this could be the silver lining to your cloud.
Alexei Semenov heads to Moscow Dynamo of the KHL, keeps wife happy.
Brad May gets reacquainted with Todd Bertuzzi in Detroit, in a subtle effort to rekindle the Avs-Wings rivalry... Steve Moore unable to be reached for comment.
If you were wondering, here's the backstory on my surgery (which went really well - thanks for the many well-wishes).
Because I'm a shameless YouTuber that needs hits, here's Dany Heatley's interview for the Three Stars on opening night:

Ranger Analysis: Michael Del Zotto earning the right to stay with the big club

Joe Fortunato — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:15:30 -0000

On Saturday night Michael Del Zotto took another step towards staying with the Rangers past the nine game limit that separates players who have junior eligibility from those who do not. Taking a cross ice feed from Christopher Higgins and using a timely (and perfect) screen from Ryan Callahan, Del Zotto rifled a low hard shot that eluded Pascal Leclaire and hit the back of the cage for his first NHL goal. The Garden went crazy, his mother cried.

Questions have surrounded-and continue to surround-this new-look New York Rangers defense. With two rookies in Del Zotto and Matt Gilroy and questions about the level of play from both Wade Redden and Michael Rozsival; it makes sense that Rangers fans are keeping a close eye on the blue line corps. But no one on this blue line faces more questions-and in the end more uncertainty-than Del Zotto.

Michael Del Zotto

#4 / Defenseman / New York Rangers

Height: 6-1

Weight: 191

Born: Jun 24, 1990

The Ontario native has seven games left to prove to the New York Rangers brass that he is worth the risk of keeping in the NHL. If the Rangers chose to keep him past the nine game limit then Del Zotto loses junior eligibility and has to stay with the big club for the next two years--since he would be too young to play in the AHL. So is he truly worth the risk?

Check after the jump for more analysis on Del Zotto!

Let's forget the goal for a moment.

Yesterday was a great indication of just how much offensive skill this kid truly has. If you watched him on the power play it was beautiful to see him skating low into the slot, taking passes and ripping shots. Any time that Del Zotto had a lane he would take the shot, if he didn't have the lane he would pass the puck it was as simple as that there was no hesitation.

When was the last time there was a defenseman that did that? When was the last time the Rangers had a legitimate threat to shoot the puck from the blueline? A defenseman who has no problem shooting the puck when he has a lane, who actually wants to join the offensive rush and take the shot? It was a long time ago.

Now let's also take the time to realize that he has played in two games in this very young season. Yes, Del Zotto has played well in both of them, and if he plays the same way he has been for the rest of the year we should see some very special things. But that is a long way's away. And while he shows that he has no problem being part of the offensive spectrum his defense will be viewed very carefully by the Rangers coaching staff.

Basically, the next seven games will be very important for the highly touted 19 year-old defenseman; but the decision has probably already been made. The spot is Del Zotto's to lose, as of right now he is--and will be--a New York Ranger for a long time. Put yourself in the New York Rangers shoes, who would you replace Del Zotto with right now?

Alexei Semenov's wife nixed his deal with the Rangers. Bobby Sanguinetti, Corey Potter and Mike Sauer were all analyzed through the pre-season and the Rangers brass deemed that Del Zotto earned a spot over them. And at the end of the day with Del Zotto playing the way he is, his upside far outweighs the questions that revolve around his lack of experience.

He has not made any glaring mistakes yet, but he will, and when he does I urge you all to take it as the necessary evil for starting a 19 year-old on defense--which is arguably the most difficult position for a rookie to acclimate to in the NHL. It is the price of having a potential super-star in the making, and it answers Ranger fans--seemingly never ending--call for youth. This kid will be great, we as Ranger fans just have to be patient. But there is no need to be patient to see him as a New York Ranger, he already has that in the bag.

Ranger Updates: Semenov will not be a Ranger, Callahan only "A" given

Jim Schmiedeberg — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:03:47 -0000

Apparently he isn't, this just off the tweets:

@stevezipay:

Live from Pittsburgh: Alexei Semenov contract status unclear; he's in stands watching Pens skate with GM Glen Sather

Semenov deal uncertain: "I'd love to be here, but don't know if it's going to work out," he told Newsday. Russia is a possibility.

No other defenseman that have been waived look attractive to the Rangers, most likely due to salary cap constraints, could open the door for someone in Hartford, or more likely the Rangers just roll with 6 D-men if this can't be worked out.

UPDATE: 11:33 AM

This is from Andrew Gross, looks like Semenov will NOT be a Ranger:

Alexei Semenov will not be a member of the Rangers this season. Team will still look for a 7th D-man.

UPDATE: 11:36 am

From Andrew Gross:

Ryan Callahan is lone alternate captain for Rangers for now.

UPDATE by Joe Fortunato: 11:42 AM

Talk about being whipped. This from the tweets of Steve Zipay (@stevezipay):

stevezipay Semenov gone; Sather said players and agent agreed but Semenov's wife nixed deal. hunt on for 7th D

UPDATE by Joe Fortunato: 11:48 AM

Andrew Gross just put up on his twitter (@agrossrecord) the D-lines. Warning you are not going to like it:

AGrossRecord #RangersD-pairs: Staal-Girardi Del Zotto-Rozsival Redden-Gilroy

He also put up the Rangers lines for the night (these are a little better to see):

#Rangerslines: Prospal-Dubinsky-Gaborik Higgins-Drury-Callahan Lisin-Anisimov-Kotalik Brashear-Boyle-Voros

UPDATE by Joe Fortunato: 12:25 PM

Well we can cross Schubert off the list as a possible Semenov replacement, as per the tweets of Ben Thrashers.

@BenThrashers: Thrashers have claimed Christoph Schubert off waivers from the Senators.

We'll keep this thread up until the pregame stuff goes up, and we'll update this with any info that comes in throughout the day.

Rangers Notes: Afternoon Updates

Jim Schmiedeberg — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:00:23 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

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From Steve Zipay at Blue Notes:

Sean Avery (knee) will make the trip but not play against the Penguins, head coach John Tortorella said, and defenseman Alexei Semenov may not do either.
The Rangers will watch the Penguins' pre-game banner raising and Cup ceremony from the visiting bench.
Michael Del Zotto has been assigned No. 4, the number he wore in juniors in tribute to Bobby Orr. (Note from Jim: Also following in the steps of a few other Rangers defensemen who wore this number and were pretty damn good: Arnie Brown, Bill Gadsby Ron Greschner, and Kevin Lowe)

From Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants:

Plenty of work on the power play during this morning's skate: Michael Del Zotto-Ales Kotalik, Marian Gaborik-Vinny Prospal-Ryan Callahan comprised the first unit.
Henrik Lundqvist had a good day yesterday, first being part of the 10-man Ranger crew that taped the David Letterman Top 10, then attending Bruce Springsteen's show at Giants Stadium.
Also tomorrow, Tortorella will announce his alternate captains. Tortorella first will tell the team at their morning meeting - the coach does not believe in soliciting player opinion or votes on the matter and the decision has been rendered in conjuction with GM Glen Sather, and assistants Mike Sullivan and Jim Schoenfeld - before telling the media, most likely after tomorrow's morning skate.

I think most of us will agree it will probably be Ryan Callahan and Marian Gaborik getting the "A's" although they could have home and road alternates, teams have done that in the past. Perhaps Marc Staal and Callahan at home, Gaborik and Vinny Prospal on the road?

Don't forget, the season preview continues tonight on Ranger Crisis Radio at 9 PM. Mouth has a few guests lined up, including Leslie Treff from Hockey's Future. She will be providing her expert opinion on Ranger prospects. Make sure you listen in, see you then.

Rangers News: Semenov might not join the team in Pittsburgh due to contract problems (Update)

Joe Fortunato — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:47:01 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

2 months ago: New York Rangers' Alexei Semenov (25) checks Washington Capitals' Jay Beagle during the third period of an NHL preseason hockey game Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Semenov received a two-minute penalty for holding. The Rangers beat the Capitals 3-2. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

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As per the tweets of Andrew gross (@agrossrecord):

Alexei Semenov did not practice today and may not accompany the #Rangers to Pittsburgh. A contract issue has arisen, according to the team.

Even if Alexei Semenov is not with team in Pittsburgh, the #Rangerswill not recall a seventh defenseman from Hartford.

Click after the jump for more analysis!

Well this certainly came out of left field. There is no word yet on what the actual problems are but I can't imagine what they are. Yesterday it was reported, again from our good friend Andrew Gross, that Semenov was pleased that this worked out. Here is a highlight from that story:

"We were talking for a couple of days, just talking about what was better for us, what was better for them," Semenov said by phone tonight. "It's a good thing that we agreed on the contract. We had a couple of more opportunities to go to but I felt like this is one of the best teams out there. I feel that Glen Sather and the head coach (John Tortorella) and the rest of management are just perfect."

After reading that it is rather astounding that there is any kind of prroblem. Obviously the team already has their top 6 with Redden, Rozsival, Gilroy, Girardi, Staal and Del Zotto (in order of salary) so Semenov is the seventh D-man anyway so this really is not a big deal. The only way that this can become a problem is if whatever the problem is removes Semenov from the team. But Tortorella is a big fan of Semenov so I can't see that being the case.

Update by Joe Fortunato: As per the tweets of Andrew Gross:

#Rangers just announced D Alexei Semenov will make the trip to Pittsburgh. Presumably, everything has been worked out.

Okay so that was quick. Nothing to see here, move along people!

Rangers News: Rangers sign Semenov

Jim Schmiedeberg — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:53:12 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

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New York, September 30, 2009 - New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent defenseman Alexei Semenov.

Semenov, 28, skated in 47 games with San Jose last season, registering one goal and eight points, along with 57 penalty minutes. He established career-highs in games played, assists (seven) and points. In addition, Semenov skated in his 200th career NHL game on March 7 at Vancouver.

The 6-6, 245-pounder has skated in 211 career regular season contests with the Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers and San Jose Sharks, recording seven goals and 26 assists for 33 points, along with 249 penalty minutes. In 2003-04, Semenov represented Edmonton at the NHL All-Star Weekend as a participant in the NHL YoungStars Game, registering one assist in the contest. As a rookie in 2002-03, Semenov notched his first NHL assist on January 20 at Calgary and tallied his first NHL goal on February 7 against Calgary.

Prior to joining the professional ranks, Semenov skated in 158 career OHL contests over three seasons with the Sudbury Wolves, registering 30 goals and 80 assists for 110 points, along with 269 penalty minutes. He captured the Max Kaminsky Trophy, as the most outstanding defenseman as voted by the OHL general managers, following the 2000-01 season.

The Murmansk, Russia native was originally Edmonton's second round choice, 36th overall, in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.

Update by Joe Fortunato: As per Andrew Gross the deal is a 1 year 600K deal.

Rangers Recap: Capitals 4 Rangers 3

Jim Schmiedeberg — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 20:32:25 -0000

More photos » by Luis Alvarez - AP

2 months ago: New York Rangers Artem Anisimov, right, of Russia, celebrates with teammate Brandon Dubinsky (17) after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals during the third period of an NHL preseason hockey game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, in Washington. The Capitals won 4-3. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)

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Hi guys

Quick recap, I didn't see the game, and Joe is having technical difficulties. A few notes, and then you can link the game recap below:

From Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants: (click link for full story)

No surprise Tortorella called the first two periods the worst the Rangers have played in the preseason. "It was turnovers, no battles, anything about the game in the first two periods, you could go down the list," Tortorella said.

Tortorella said the plan is to reduce the roster by one by tomorrow, if not tonight, leaving the Rangers with 22 players. Tortorella said, right now, he would include veteran tryout Alexei Semenov within the 22 but the Rangers still need to sign him to a contract. Tortorella said we'd have to talk to GM Glen Sather, then, seeing the looks on our faces, then asked if we ever talked to Sather. Sometimes, he was told. But not often. So if the number is 22 and that includes Semenov, it's down to cutting either a forward (Boyle, Anisimov, Voros, Grachev) or D Michael Del Zotto (presuming Matt Gilroy has made the team and unless the Rangers do something really unexpected like try to send down either Wade Redden or Michal Rozsival, which, personally, I think is kind of doubtful). Under that scenario, I think a forward gets cut because I can't see carrying only six defensemen. Purely on performance, I think Boyle has shown the least of those four, taking the preseason as a whole. Based on salary cap, shedding Voros' $1 million might be appealing. But the fact that Avery isn't available increases the need for wings so maybe they keep Prospal on the wing to start.

I know some of you guys have been down on Girardi, and it sounds like the coach is with you:

Tortorella is not happy with defenseman Dan Girardi. The coach said it wasn't just the "young guys" playing badly, "it starts with the veteran guys." Particularly when asked about Girardi's training camp, Tortorella admitted he was not happy with the way the fourth-year veteran had approached his preseason.

From Steve Zipay at Blue Notes: (click link for full story)

Artem Anisimov (with his team-leading fourth goal), Evgeny Grachev (his first) and Donald Brashear---playing his first game here since leaving the Caps in the summer---scored in the third to provide some semblance of balance.

"If we played like that for the first two, it might have been a different outcome," said Vinny Prospal, who played left wing with Brandon Dubinsky at center and Marian Gaborik on the right. "We didn’t support our goalie and didn’t have enough shots. Then we got our (butts) kicked between periods."

Definitely sounds like I made the right move going to watch the Giants.

Rangers vs Capitals recap

Rangers vs Capitals boxscore

2009-10 NHL Season Preview: San Jose Sharks

James Mirtle — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:00:19 -0000

More photos » by Adrian Wyld - AP

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Who's in: Dany Heatley, Manny Malhotra, Scott Nichol, Jed Ortmeyer
Who's out: Brian Boucher, Jonathan Cheechoo, Christian Ehrhoff, Marcel Goc, Mike Grier, Claude Lemieux, Brad Lukowich, Milan Michalek, Travis Moen, Tomas Plihal, Jeremy Roenick, Alexei Semenov

Outlook: Pressed flush against the salary cap all summer, the Sharks stood pat well into August, adding only checker Scott Nichol via free agency and locking up Rob Blake, Kent Huskins and Ryane Clowe on new contracts. Exiting stage left were really only minor parts, however, with Mike Grier and Travis Moen constituting the biggest losses in the early going.

GM Doug Wilson swung for the fences in September, however, landing sniper Dany Heatley in exchange for similar salaries in Milan Michalek and Jonathan Cheechoo, and his presence up front gives Joe Thornton an elite trigger man. In order to ease the cap crunch, Wilson also dumped some major salary in a deal to Vancouver, shuttling out defencemen Christian Ehrhoff and Brad Lukowich for depth prospects.

A lot went right for San Jose last season, including the fact seven players topped 50 points, so much of coach Todd McLellan's challenge will be in simply getting his troops to perform up to the same level. This is a team down considerable depth throughout the lineup, and injuries to key performers could potentially be devastating given how top heavy this crew is. The signing of Manny Malhotra will help, especially defensively, but how players like Torrey Mitchell and Jamie McGinn fare in much larger roles will be a factor.

(Not having a veteran backup for Evgeni Nabokov could also come back to bite the Sharks, although that's a sacrifice more and more teams are making due to the salary cap.)

Ultimately, because of what's happening with the teams in the Pacific Division, however, San Jose is the easy favourite to again win the division and finish near the top of the Western Conference. Bringing in Heatley could be a home run if he pots 60 goals alongside Thornton, but his salary and recent history brings along with it some cause for concern.

Make no mistake, this is a good team — but one not without some warts.

X-factor: Joe Pavelski

For a more in-depth Sharks preview, visit Fear The Fin
For more NHL analysis, check out the McKeen's Hockey Yearbook

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Rangers Pregame: Lines for tonight

Jim Schmiedeberg — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:00:05 -0000

I think Steve Zipay had these as well, but from Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants, here are the expected lines to start things off tonight:

I figured I would put this in a brand new thread, since it overshadowed poor Bobby Sanguinetti.

Offense

Christopher Higgins-Vinny Prospal-Marian Gaborik

Enver Lisin-Brandon Dubinsky-Ryan Callahan

Evgeny Grachev-Chris Drury-Ales Kotalik

Donald Brashear-Artem Anisimov-Aaron Voros

Defense

Alexei Semenov-Matt Gilroy

Wade Redden-Michal Rozsival

Michael Del Zotto-Dan Girardi

Goaltender:

Henrik Lundqvist (expected to play a full game)

Rangers News: Bobby Sanguinetti Assigned to Hartford

Jim Schmiedeberg — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:08:10 -0000

via bluelinestation.com

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I think most of us knew this was coming, but since he is a Blueshirt Banter favorite, it's still a downer:

New York, September 24, 2009 - New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has assigned defenseman Bobby Sanguinetti to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL). The Rangers now have 23 players remaining in training camp, including two goaltenders, seven defensemen and 14 forwards. The Blueshirts' return to action tonight when they will host the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden (7:00 p.m.), in the final home game of their 2009-10 pre-season schedule.

Bobby Sanguinetti

#54 / Defenseman / New York Rangers

Height: 6-3

Weight: 190

Born: Feb 29, 1988

PLAYERS ASSIGNED TO HARTFORD (AHL) ON 9/24/09:
Defense:           Bobby Sanguinetti

PLAYERS STILL IN NEW YORK RANGERS TRAINING CAMP:

Goal:                 Henrik Lundqvist, Steve Valiquette
Defense:           Michael Del Zotto, Matt Gilroy, Dan Girardi, Wade Redden, Michal Rozsival, Alexei Semenov, Marc Staal
Forwards:         Artem Anisimov, Sean Avery, Brian Boyle, Donald Brashear, Ryan Callahan, Chris Drury, Brandon Dubinsky, Marian Gaborik, Evgeny Grachev, Christopher Higgins, Ales Kotalik, Enver Lisin, Vinny Prospal, Aaron Voros

This leaves the Rangers with 7 defensemen in camp, so unless something changes, it looks as though Gilroy, Del Zotto and Semenov have made the team.