SB Nation - Ales Kotalik

Rangers GameDay: News and Notes, Scouting the Sabres

Jim Schmiedeberg — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:50:43 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

Here is the latest as the Rangers get ready to take on the Buffalo Sabres tonight.

Stephen Valiquette got shellacked in his first Hartford start last night, gave up 5 goals on 31 shots, and was pulled in the first period. He was sent back in after Matt Zaba was equally ineffective. Thanks to Adam Rotter at SNY for the update.

Andrew Gross from Ranger Rants says the Rangers may have even more trouble scoring tonight:

First off, the Rangers may have tremendous problems scoring goals tonight. Not only have they notched only two or fewer goals in 11 of their last 15 games, but Buffalo goalie Ryan Miller is leading the NHL in both goals-against (1.84) and save percentage (.936). Plus, the Sabres’ penalty kill has killed off 39 of their opponents’ last 42 man-advantage opportunities.

Also, from NorthJersey.com, Gross talks about Ales Kotalik hoping to snap his slump:

"It has nothing to do with the coach," said Kotalik, who has six goals and 12 assists after signing a three-year, $9 million deal with the Rangers, but has gone nine games without a goal. "I’m going through some tough times, like everybody. Hopefully, I come back to Buffalo, or anywhere else, and feel good and get back to my game."

This one is a couple of days old, but Corey Locke was named the AHL Player of the Month for November. His reward is another month in Hartford.

Jim Cerny at Rangers.com looks at the refreshed and (again) reconfigured Rangers.

Ok, more on tonight's game and the Sabres after the jump.......

Buffalo Sabres (16-7-2, 1st Place, Northeast Division)

Head Coach: Lindy Ruff

Leading Scorer:

Derek Roy

#9 / Center / Buffalo Sabres

Height: 5-9

Weight: 188

Born: May 04, 1983

	STATS
27	GP	25
13	W	16
13	L	7
1	OT	2
27	P	34
0.500	P%	0.680
2.89	G/G	2.80
3.11	GA/G	2.28
21.4	PP%	19.5
83.9	PK%	85.4
29.0	S/G	32.4
29.6	SA/G	29.3
47.3	FO%	50.5

Game Notes:

Tonight's game will be televised on MSG. You can also catch the radio broadcast on 1050 ESPN New York and on satellite radio at XM 205.

All Time – Rangers vs. Sabres
Overall: 54-67-25-4
At MSG: 32-25-15-2
At Buffalo: 22-42-10-2

2008-09 Series Recap
New York went 1-2-1 against Buffalo in 2008-09, including an 0-1-1 mark at HSBC Arena. Ryan Callahan tied for the team lead with two goals and three points in the season series.

Sabres right wing Mike Grier has four points in five games since returning from an upper-leg injury. More importantly, they are 4-1 since his return after going 2-3 without him. The first line of Jochen Hecht, Derek Roy and Jason Pominville has 14 points in the past three games. Roy and Pominville have five points and Hecht has four. Thomas Vanek also has five points in three games. Rookie defenseman Tyler Myers has five assists in four games. Swingman Andrej Sekera has four points in three games since a benching.

Before we anoint a forward as the rookie of the year, look at what Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto and Buffalo's Myers are doing.

Among rookie defensemen, Del Zotto, the 20th pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, leads with 17 points and is tied for first with 12 assists. He's also tops with three power-play goals and is one of three rookie defensemen with a game-winning goal. He's fourth with 18:45 minutes of average ice time.

Myers, the 12th overall pick of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, is tied for lead at plus-6; is second with 21:55 minutes of ice time a night; is second with 14 points and third with 11 assists.

Sabres Penalty Killers on a hot streak (Buffalo News)

Sekera proving to be a tough out (Buffalo News)

For more on the Buffalo Sabres, check out our SBNation affiliate for the Sabres: Die By The Blade

Rangers Analysis: Grading the Blueshirts thus far (Update)

Joe Fortunato — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:00:27 -0000

More photos » by Frank Franklin II - AP

10 days ago: New York Rangers' Vaclav Prospal (20) and teammates celebrate after a goal by Marian Gaborik, of Slovakia, as Pittsburgh Penguins' Jay McKee (74) and Marc-Andre Fleury (29) skate away during the second period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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Since we are literally one-third through this season it's about time to grade the Rangers. Here is a list of every player, coach, and general manager of the team; their grade and the reason why (in no particular order):

Marian Gaborik : There isn’t too much more the guy can do aside from pad up and step between the pipes. His 21 goals lead the league and his 37 points are tops among all NHL players (he has only played in 25 games mind you). He is doing everything the Rangers expected him to when they gave him the 7.5 million dollar contract in July. Grade: A+

Vaclav Prospal: When you think about offense on the Rangers two names come to mind and one of them is Prospal’s. His play with Gaborik has been outstanding and his effort on both sides of the puck is commendable. Prospal has also shown up as a leader on this team which is huge since the Rangers have very little leadershipOne of the few bright spots on this suddenly average team I have no problem rewarding Prospal’s play with a good grade. Grade: A.

Brandon Dubinsky: In the time that we got to see him thus far (18 games) he notched 3 goals and 10 points, and really solidified the top line. His penalty killing was fantastic and currently the Rangers are really hurting without his face-off prowess. On my radio show last night Steve Zipay said he should be back in 10-14 games (you can download the podcast here) and the Rangers couldn’t be any happier. Grade: B to B+.

Ryan Callahan: While I am a huge fan of Callahan and he is a huge fan favorite there is no arguing that he is having tons of problems with his game. Thus far through 27 games he has 4 goals and 4 assists and has simply not looked anything like the Ryan Callahan of last year. While he is giving every shift his all and he is leaving his heart on the ice his play is hurting this team. While normally I would give him a pass because of his hear filled play I can’t, he was expected to be an offensive force this year and currently he simply isn’t. Grade: C.

Chris Higgins: Many people (myself included) expected Chris Higgins to be an offensive force this year. Yet again the Ranger faithful found themselves disappointed as Higgins is also having an off year. With just 2 goals and 5 assists in 26 games it seems as though he is playing horrible hockey. He’s not, he is just as snake bitten as I have ever seen a player in my life. Regardless his lack of goals is hurting this team but unlike Callahan he is at least generating scoring chances. Grade: C+.

Join me after the jump.

Ales Kotalik: In the beginning of the year Kotaliklooked like the steal of free agency, now that he has foundlevel ground Ranger fans are pretty sick of him. While his shot from the point is unbelievable and his shootout prowess is invaluable his five on five play is atrocious. He is also a minus 12 on the year and can’t seem to click with any of the line-mates he is paired with; still he makes the power play lethal and without the power play (even if it is bad right now) the Rangers would be much worse than they are now. Grade: C+.

Michael Del Zotto: Michael Del Zotto hit Broadway like a bang and quickly became the Rangers hottest defenseman. Currently he has 5 goals and 12 assist for 17 points and is a monster on the power play. While his numbers have slowed down a little of late he may actually be the hardest hitting D man on the team. Also his defensive game has come along quite nicely. He is another one of those few bright spots on this team; plus he is only 19. Grade: A.

Marc Staal: Usually the backbone of the Rangers defense this is the first year where Staalseems to be finding level ground. He is suddenly making mistakes he never made before, giving the puck away in the defensive zone and losing his control of the neutral zone. While there have been some blemishes he has still been reliable at the back. Grade: B.

Sean Avery: In the beginning of the year he wasn’t playing his normal brand of hockey but currently he is back on track. When he is on he is one of the most effective players in the league. Grade: B to B+.

Dan Girardi: Had an awful start to the year but has shored up his defensive game considerably. While his offensive game isn’t where we want it to be he is playing better. Grade: B-.

Wade Redden: While he will never live up to his contract he has really played very well defensively compared to last year. He is a solid second pairing defensemen who has played pretty well of late. Grade: C+.

Michael Rozsival: I have nothing to say. Grade: F.

Matt Gilroy: Coming straight from the NCAA I was not sure how effective he would be but he is actually playing quite well and has adapted to the NHL game quite nicely. His offensive game is finally starting to catch on and his defense is coming along nicely as well. He has flashes of brilliance and hopefully we will see more of it soon. Grade: B.

Donald Brashear: While I didn’t expect him to be the next coming of Wayne Gretzky I did expect him to be more effective. He is losing pretty much every fight he gets into and when he does fight it is often at inopportune moments that don’t change the momentum of the game. Grade: D.

Aaron Voros: He goes through stretches where he plays really well and then stretches where he is invisible. His fighting has improved though. Grade: C.

P.A Parentenau: Is a monster in the shootout and has been good five on five. Has earned a spot on this team in my opinion and has been solid of late. Grade: B.

Artem Anisimov: Hard to get a good read on him since he sees so little top line (1^st or 2^nd) time. I like what I see thus far though. Grade: B.

Brian Boyle: I expected more scoring out of him and currently he is doing little more than taking the body occasionally. He always talks about how he needs to score / more but he only has 2 goals. Grade C-.

Chris Drury: I honestly don’t know what to say. He is not playing good hockey right now, and seems like he will never break free. Like Jim said "if Drury is not winning face-offs he brings nothing to the table." Let’s just say he isn’t winning face-offs. Grade: D.

Henrik Lundqvist: Lundqvist has not been the Lundqvist of old and maybe he is taking more time to adjust to the Tortorella system than originally thought. He is still an all-world goaltender and although he has let in more soft goals than usual his play has still kept the Rangers in a lot of games. Can’t go too low on him. Grade: B to B+.

Glen Sather: Can’t blame him for Higgins, Drury and Callahan not scoring. The moves for Gaborik, Gilroy and Prospal were nothing short of brilliant. Still he needs to make some moves to fix this team and he hasn’t. Grade: B.

John Tortorella: In my opinion is trying to force feed this system to some players and has not been the fiery coach we expected. I also have a sneaking suspicion that this team is starting to tune him out. I do like him as a coach though so here is to him turning it around and for him to stop being stubborn. Grade: C.

Update: How did I forget Enver Lisin and Stephen Valiquette?

Enver Lisin: Personally I am a pretty big fan of Lisin. Regardless of whether you like him or not you can't deny that he is a huge upgrade over Lauri Korpikoski. Still he hasn't been great offensivley and I think the injury has hurt him more than we thought originally. Grade: B- to B.

Stephen Valiquette: Again I am unsure what to say here. We all epected alot out of him but his skill simply wasn't there this year. He looked out of place most games and gave up more soft goals than I can count. Find your game again Vally hope we see you soon. Grade: D.

Mike Sullivan: As far as I know he is responsible for the penalty kill which is close to tops in the league. Grade: B+.

Rangers Analysis (aka Rant): Seriously, What Now?

Rob Luker — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:00:21 -0000

by Frank Franklin II - AP

I feel for ya, King Henrik. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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Authors Note: Sorry for no attempt at paragraphs and such, but why should I try to write seriously when the team I support, follow, and love can't even complete the simplest of hockey plays (I'M LOOKING AT YOU, ROZIVAL - STEP UP ON YOUR MAN - EVERYONE LEARNS THAT IN PEE-WEES).

"I'm not gonna go into assessment of players right now, thank you." - John Tortorella

This is why, amongst all the BS that is going on right now, John Tortorella deserves to keep his job. Torts gets it, and he puts it so plainly and perfectly that how can you be mad at him? If Tortorella gets fired at any time during this season, the whole front office of the Rangers should be fired with him, including Messier.
I, like Torts, am not going to get into player evaluations either. The locker-room has to be a mess, and I think for the first time in a while Chris Drury doesn't know what to do. I feel especially bad for Henrik Lundqvist, who is giving arguably the most effort of his career and is getting jack for it. If Lundqvist requested a trade tomorrow, I really don't know if I could be mad at him with what has happened recently.
I know I try to be the guy around here who doesn't act like the typical New Yorker where one loss and the sky is falling, but I beg the question of how long does Glen Sather and the Ranger organization sit on their hands and hope for the best? If the Rangers don't turn this around by Christmas, we might as well become sellers at the deadline and dive for the draft (which isn't a sure thing this year, that's for sure). I would rather see a plan presented and implemented then trying to rebuild the team every off-season.

Keep reading for more thoughts I managed to put on paper Monday night.

This leads me to the FUN topic of the Rangers front office. Why are they so invisible from scrutiny and the potential of losing their jobs? I've been saying it for a couple of seasons now to my buddies, but the Rangers need fresh young blood in the office. I would like to find the hockey version of Theo Epstein, to be honest. The Rangers can't try to be the Yankees of the NHL anymore because of how "fair" Bettman has made the league. I want a GM who will use advanced statistics and knows every player inside and out. I want to see bang for the buck players in Ranger blue alongside Gaborik scoring a goal per game or more.
Speaking of Bettman, everyone needs to read this post by Tom Benjamin regarding the salary cap restrictions. I agree with him wholeheartedly that although the salary cap era has made for great parity, I just hate how no team can distinguish itself into a dynasty. Call me crazy, I guess.
Again, off topic, but if anyone feels bad for Alex Ovechkin possibly being injured, I can't really sympathize with you. Check out this screenshot I took about when the Ranger game ended on Monday night. Clearly, he has got his knee out. He has gotten away with some stuff in the past, and I'm not saying this is bad karma, but it is what it is.
Ok, I'm calming down a bit now. The season isn't over, and it's not like the Rangers are moving to Kansas City. I just hate seeing a dejected John Tortorella and Henrik Lundqvist not knowing what to say. No one is to really blame. The boys played a hard game for two and a half periods against one of the best teams in the league, hands down. Poor bounces and poor decisions have plagued the Rangers for almost two weeks now, and we have to wonder how long can it last?
I will say this one last time for the season. The Rangers NEED control the pace and play of the game. This does not mean they don't give up chances, it just means that for every chance the other team gets, the Rangers get at least one if not two. For every minute the Rangers spend in their zone they need to spend two in the opposing teams' zone. Marion Gaborik cannot support this team, as much as he has come damn close to doing so, and the only way for support players like Callahan, Higgins, Avery, Kotalik, and Lisin to start chipping in points is to spend as much possible time in the opposing teams' zone. This sounds so ridiculously simple, but that is what the Rangers built; a simple well-skating team that can be beat on simple plays like odd and even-man rushes that have plagued the Blueshirts all season.

So that's that. Now that everyone has had a full day off to calm down, what are you thinking now? Still stuck on one or two issues? Still dumbfounded and don't know where to start? Talk it out in the comments.

SBNation's 2010 Winter Olympics Coverage: Rangers Edition

Joe Fortunato — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:00:18 -0000

More photos » by Paul Beaty - AP

3 months ago: Chicago Blackhawks player Patrick Kane looks on before reading a statement to the media before the U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Orientation Camp in Woodridge, Il., Monday, Aug. 17, 2009. AP Photo/Paul Beaty)

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Continuing with SBNation's awesome coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver today we bring you the potential Rangers who could find themselves playing for their countries come February.

Pack your bags:

Marian Gaborik: It should be no surprise that Gaborik will represent his native country of Slovokia for the Olympics. He joins a star stuttered cast along with Marian Hossa, Zdeno Chara, Pavol Demitra and Andrej Meszaros although of the entire team he is by far the most productive thus far this year. Gaborik is at the top in the NHL in goals and second in points and the Rangers couldn't be happier; and neither can Slovokia.

Henrik Lundqvist: Again this should be no surprise, especially after Lundqvist back-stopped Sweden to a goal medal four years ago in Italy. Lundqvist isn't having the greatest of starts but that is in no way a reflection of his play. He has been his usual all-world self and has kept the Rangers in nearly every game they play. He has been brilliant (even though his numbers wont attest to it) and will be starting for Team Sweden in 2010.

Chris Drury: Yeah a shocker here but what can you say? Drury is having his worst statistical year ever (by a mile) and is doing few things right for the New York Rangers. But on a personal note his face-off prowess and his defensive game along with the potential for him to score big goals (maybe it's the Rangers) puts him on the roster. Plus he brings much needed leadership to the table and after his performance last year in the Victoria cup I'm not going to argue with his international play.

Nearly a Lock:

Vaclav Prospal: Prospal is having one of the best years of his career in the NHL working with perennial superstar Marian Gaborik. Although this truly is a star stuttered team, including former Ranger superstar Jaromir Jagr, I think Prospal might be playing himself into a spot. Since Prospal is a swing-man, can play both LW and C, I can see him making this team pretty convincingly.

In a Battle:

Ryan Callahan: Although his play isn't much different than last years (his heart and his hustle) his numbers are in severe decline. John Tortorella attests it to him being "snake-bitten" and I hope that's the case but he may actually be playing himself off the American team with his current numbers. Here is one Ranger fan hoping that doesn't happen.

Brandon Dubinsky: Was on pace to break his record for points in a season (barley) before his injury. Currently he has been out for over two weeks and he will probably be out another two weeks before hes playing again. He was being looked at before the injury but he will have to work real hard to make the squad.

Work to do:

Ales Kotalik: On a personal note his five on five play will be the Achilles heel to his chances of making the Czech Republic team. While he is on pace to have one of the best years of his career, and has been a power play monster he has been horrible at even strength. I doubt he makes the team, there is too much talent on that roster to fit him, but he has a chance.

Marc Staal: Was invited to the team Canada's national team try-out. His play has dropped off a little this season (although it is currently on the upswing) and his offensive numbers might hurt his chances. Although at the end of the day, there are simply so many defenseman for team Canada it is difficult for anyone to make the squad. I say in four years he makes the team but right now I don't see it happening.

Chris Higgins: Too bad he is having a rough year stat's wise because his play has been much better than his numbers show. Regardless I don't know if he is even on team U.S.A's radar but if he is he is going to need to start scoring some goals and soon.

Moving up:

Michael Del Zotto: There ~~is no~~ isn't much of a chance that he makes the Canadian team this year although if he keeps up at this pace he might be really considered in four years. Plus he will only be 23 then and will be much more mature. Keep it up Zots!

Moving Down:

Sean Avery: Not for lack of skill (or if you are not a Rangers fan effectiveness) on the ice I doubt Avery ever makes an Olympic team, especially team Canada's. I have always wanted to see him in the Olympics however and I am always disappointed after.

Michal Rozsival: Not sure I need to go too deep into details here. His play has dropped off the map considerably, and has dropped off enough to put him out of contention for the Czech Republic's blueline. Sorry Rozy.

Rangers Recap: Penguins 5 Rangers 2

Joe Fortunato — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 02:49:33 -0000

More photos » by Frank Franklin II - AP

10 days ago: Pittsburgh Penguins' Mike Rupp (17) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers on Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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Same story, same result. No one other than Marian Gaborik scores, John Tortorella benches the wrong players and Michal Rozsival is still finding ways to screw up games.

What are the Rangers going to do? What can the Rangers do? Who is to blame here, Tortorella or Glen Sather? Will the Rangers recover? Are they even a good team? Why isn't Henrik Lundqvist playing his normal "brick wall" style of goaltending? Why can't Chris Higgins or Ryan Callahan score? Why is Michael Rozsival so bad? Why haven't Corey Locke or Dane Byers been called up? Why is Chris Drury so bad this year, what happened to him? Why is Ales Kotalik so bad in five-on-five play? Why is Donald Brashear playing on the third and second lines? What happened to our lethal power play? Would we have been better off with Tom Renney at the helm? Is Glen Sather even paying attention to this season? Does he think everything is okay? Why doesn't Jim Donal fire him? When is Dolan going to start getting involved in this team? Why do I even root for them?

Notice a trend in the above paragraph? Yup all questions, no answers. That's what life is like as a Ranger fan right now, and no one seems to know anything.

The Rangers found a way to blow a 7-1 start to the season to come back to level ground at 13-13-1. The supposed fiery coach that was Tortorella has lost this team, and as a result they are floundering.

It really is no longer debatable this team is tuning out Tortorella. It is no longer debatable that they need a move or a spark or something. I'm not doing my empty netters, the Penguins scored enough goals in the past two games for tonight. I am also not recapping the game, it was awful. Vent here, don't hold back they deserve it!

Rangers News: Lines for tonight, Lisin scratched (as in not in uniform this time)

Jim Schmiedeberg — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:40:03 -0000

by Mike Carlson - AP

This picture says it all, from Prospal's confusion to Tortorella's ire to Drury's indifference.

View full size photo »

From Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants, here are the lines for tonight, subject to change after everyone's first shift:

Sean Avery-Vinny Prospal-Marian Gaborik
Christopher Higgins-Artem Anisimov-P.A. Parenteau
Donald Brashear-Chris Drury-Ryan Callahan
Ales Kotalik-Brian Boyle-Aaron Voros
Matt Gilroy-Bobby Sanguinetti
Marc Staal-Michal Rozsival
Michael Del Zotto-Dan Girardi

Can't wait to see Drury and Callahan get it going with Brashear on their line.

Also, Enver Lisin will be scratched this evening, I guess at this point we can call him "Enver Lesson" (ba-dum-bump)

Henrik Lundqvist in goal, in case you had any doubt, and if you did, why?

Be here all week folks........

Rangers Recap: Lighting 5 Rangers 1 the "we still have no secondary scoring" edition

Joe Fortunato — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 03:13:50 -0000

More photos » by Mike Carlson - AP

13 days ago: New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30), of Sweden, is replaced by teammate Steve Valiquette after giving up his fourth goal of the game during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Friday, Nov. 27, 2009, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)

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Except this time it did matter. The Rangers had no heart, they had no passion, they didn't care and it showed. John Tortorella's return to Tampa Bay was ruined, and good; Tortorella deserved to get nothing from this one. His boys came out flat and he did nothing to change them. Few Rangers came out to play tonight and I include Tortorella in that category.

The first period was all Lightning, aside from a secluded minute where the Rangers moved the puck well and Sean Avery took a perfect feed from Marian Gaborik and rang his shot off the post. Steve Stamkos snapped home his 16th of the year finishing a pretty pass from Martin St. Louis and as the period drew to a close Kurtis Foster scored a power play goal with Ales Kotalik sitting in the box. The Rangers were outplayed all period and I was actually quite surprised that John Tortorella didn't call a time out, especially in the beginning moments of the first when the Rangers were getting completely dominated. Regardless hats off to Tampa Bay who came out firing and had the Rangers on their heels the entire period.

The second period continued to be bad for the Rangers. With Artem Anisimov sitting in the box for a high sticking penalty the Lightning went on yet another power play. It was there that Stamkos took the puck all the way from the point to the slot with Michael Rozsival just backing up and giving him space. Rozsival then let Stamkos pass the puck to St. Louis and then stand there as Steve Downie banged the puck home. You may not blame Rozsival here but I do, play the man with the puck or if you do decide to hang back don’t let the puck get past you.

I'm sorry but here is yet another gripe I have with Tortorella, Rozsival is playing horrible hockey right now; why is he on the ice in key moments? I know that Wade Redden is out but Michael Rozsival is just a waste of a hockey player right now.

Shortly following that goal Lighting scored again after Bobby Sanguinetti couldn't keep Paul Szczechura off the puck and he banked the puck in to make it 4-0. That goal chased Henrik Lundqvist, who didn't play as horrible as the score line would indicate but he didn't play a good game.

The third period was basically an encore of the other two, from all respects. The Lightning continued to dominate the play and scored their fifth goal (Foster scored his second, another rocket this time right off the faceoff). Nothing changed, including the Rangers play.

I’m going to put this here because it is way too important for the empty netters section below. I fully believe that John Tortorella has lost or is losing this team. No John Tortorella team should come out and play like this consistently, which they have been. As Jim said to me during the game "this nice little two game winning streak will probably turn into a three game losing streak." If the Rangers keep playing like this who can blame us for the thought?

Empty Netters:

If I hear Sam Rosen or Joe Micheletti say the phrase "The Rangers need to generate some scoring chances" or "The Rangers need a spark right now" I am going to punch a baby. We know boys, shut up and call the game, we are irritable as is.
Jim mentioned this during the game but big props to Brian Boyle for taking one for the team and fighting in the second period. He isn't a fighter and got the crap kicked out of him to try and spark the team. Good for you Boyle, the boys let you down tonight.
After a fantastic game against the Florida Panthers Chris Drury was invisible tonight. Sorry Chris but you need to start stepping up.
Look Chris Higgins might be playing really well but if he doesn’t start scoring I say relegate him to the 3^rd or even 4^th line. I know he makes the moves and gets some shots but he simply isn’t scoring and it’s hurting this team, period. He needs to step it up big time.
The same goes for Ryan Callahan who is not scoring goals and unlike Higgins is not getting many chances. He had a few tonight and didn’t bury them, of course. (I wrote this recap before the game was over and don't feel like changing it. He scored to make it 5-1 (congrats) but the point still stands, where was that for the past 16 games? I don't want to be too hard on him because he works his ass off and is one of the few Rangers who I really think cares but the point has to be made.)
On the bright side if Tortorella does make the call to go with Lundqvist tomorrow against the Penguins he has half a game off. Personally if I were a betting man I would say that Steve Valiquette starts tomorrow, just a hunch.

Won’t have to sit on this one for long as the Rangers play the Penguins in Pittsburgh tomorrow. Vent here my friends, the floor is yours.

Rangers Pregame: Tortorella returns, Sanguinetti arrives, Scouting the Bolts

Jim Schmiedeberg — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:30:11 -0000

The Rangers have won two in a row. If they win tonight, in the immortal words of Lou Brown in Major League 2: "That's called a winning streak, it has happened before."

It won't be an easy task against the Lightning, who have a 5-1-4 record at home this year, and are 5-2-3 in their last ten games.

As we told you yesterday, Bobby Sanguinetti was brought up from the Hartford Wolfpack, and will make his NHL debut tonight in place of Wade Redden, who is expected to miss a week with an apparent shoulder injury. Looks like Sangs will pair with Gilroy, with Gilroy moving to the left side.

Bobby Sanguinetti

#54 / Defenseman / New York Rangers

Height: 6-3

Weight: 190

Born: Feb 29, 1988

Ales Kotalik and Henrik Lundqvist are playing tonight, according to Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants.

Lines for tonight are about the same as Wednesday night, with Kotalik sliding into Voros' spot probably:

Christopher Higgins-Vinny Prospal-Marian Gaborik
Sean Avery-Artem Anisimov-P.A. Parenteau
Enver Lisin-Chris Drury-Ryan Callahan
Donald Brashear-Brian Boyle-Ales Kotalik/Aaron Voros

The Tampa Tribune has a story on John Tortorella that shows his other side.

Don't forget, while the focus has been on Torts' coming back to Tampa, Vinny Prospal will also be returning to the St. Pete Times Forum for the first time since the Lightning bought out his contract. I think we can expect him to play with a big chip on his shoulder tonight as well.

Ok. let's take a look at the Bolts after the jump.......

Lightning Leading Scorer:

Steven Stamkos

#91 / Center / Tampa Bay Lightning

Height: 6-1

Weight: 196

Born: Feb 07, 1990

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Steven Stamkos	22	15	11	26	4	10	6	1	2	0	69	21.7

Lightning Record: 9-6-7 (3rd place, Southeast Division)

Head Coach: Rick Tocchet

SBNation home of the Tampa Bay Lightning: Raw Charge

Notes from Yahoo Sports:

After making his season debut on Sunday in Atlanta, defenseman Mike Lundin was sent back to AHL Norfolk on Monday, only to be recalled to Tampa on Wednesday to play against Toronto. Because of his contract status, Ludin is not subject to waivers until he either spends 30 days with Tampa or appears in 10 games.
Tampa Bay suffered its first regulation loss in 10 homes games at the hands of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Lightning are the last team in the Eastern conference to suffer a home loss in regulation.
A 4-3 loss to Toronto is the first time Tampa Bay has lost in regulation to the Leafs in 11 games. The Lightning had been 8-0-2 in the previous 10 meetings.
The four goals allowed by goaltender Antero Niittymaki against Toronto matched a season high Niittymaki had done one other time on Oct. 17 in Pittsburgh. The loss was also the second this season suffered in regulation by Niittymaki in 11 starts.

Lightning co-owner subject to probe. (Toronto Globe and Mail)

The Lightning are coming off a loss at home to the Toronto Maple Leafs, 4-3 on Wednesday night (yikes). Cassie over at Raw Charge has the full recap.

Things to watch for:

The Rangers penalty kill is now first overall, which will make it tough on Tampa's struggling power play.

The Lightning's penalty has also been bad, they are 25th overall in the league. Rangers power play is 8th overall. Rangers look to have a big edge on special teams.

Rangers are 9-3-0 when they score first, Tampa is 6-1-2 when they get on the board before their opponent.

The Lightning have three different players averaging better than a point a game: Ryan Malone, Martin St.Louis, and Steven Stamkos. And oh yeah, Vincent Lecavalier is pretty good too.

Mike Smith is 0-2-1 lifetime against the Rangers, with a GAA of 2.92. Henrik Lundqvist is 4-0 for his career vs. Tampa with an astounding GAA of 1.48.

Rangers Recap: 2-1 Rangers (SO) the "we don't need no secondary scoring edition"

Joe Fortunato — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:15:08 -0000

More photos » by J Pat Carter - AP

15 days ago: Florida Panthers' Dominic Moore (19) misses a chance at goal as New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, of Sweden, defends during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Sunrise, Fla., on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

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Well at least not tonight, but it continues to be a problem that we will have to keep an eye on. The Gaborik's blew a 1-0 lead late in the third but won it in the shootout starting off their three game road trip on the proper notes. Say what you will, this was a gut check win for the Rangers; a win you can build on. The story of the night for MSG was the return of Rangers captian Chris Drury, who actually played a pretty brilliant game.

Wade Redden was injured in the first half of the first period, leaving the Rangers with five defensemen for the rest of the game. Then in the third period Matt Gilroy got into a fight to defend Vaclav Prospal and took a misconduct removing him from the game. As a result Michael Del Zotto, Marc Staal, Dan Girardi (who had a great game), and even Michael Rozsival played over 20 minutes each.

Henrik Lundqvist was brilliant throughout the game, making big stops when the Rangers needed him to; especially in the third period when the Rangers took back to back penalties. He helped the Rangers win this game, especially in the third period when the Rangers D was tired and overworked. The only goal he gave up was to former Ranger Dominic Moore,and he was screened pretty bad by Girardi.

Marian Gaborik extended his 7 game point scoring streak to 8 games, scoring his 19th goal of the year off of an unbelievable pass from Drury. Gaborik took the NHL lead in goals away from Dany Heatley, and continued helping the New York Rangers offensively. Its games like this when you really wish Higgins would score some goals, the Rangers have lost a bunch of one goal games this year and any contributions from Higgins (or Callahan) would be nice.

Now time for your empty netters:

Man Chris Higgins simply cannot score. He hit two posts tonight and had multiple scoring chances. If he keeps playing like this the goals will come in bunches.
I think today was Michael Rozsival's best day defensively, that's not to say he didn't make the occasional horrific "I wouldn't have even made that" play.
I also thought that Artem Anisimov and Sean Avery played awesome games.
I was one of the first people to say that I was not excited about Chris Drury coming back tonight, but if he plays like this every night I will be eating my words very soon. Here's to hoping that I eat my words.
After the end of regulation John Tortorella patted Sean Avery on the back, which drew some ire from a few Rangers fans I know. The Florida goal wasn't his fault, the pass handcuffed him and Lundqvist was screened.
Michael Del Zotto is the real deal, his power play prowess is just awesome to watch.
The power play did look a little de-fanged if you will without Ales Kotalik. He might be pretty bad five on five but he helps make that power play dangerous.
P.A Parenteau had his best game as a pro. He has earned a roster spot in my eyes, although it's not my eyes that matter. And boy does he have a set of hands on him, did you see that shootout goal? It was sick. He has become a bit of a shootout specialist going 2 for 2 in his career thus far.
Henrik Lundqvist has the twin towers on the back of his helmet. Maybe it's just me but I love that he embraces New York City, classy move in my eyes.

Rangers Gameday: News and Notes, Scouting the Blue Jackets

Jim Schmiedeberg — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:06:32 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

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As the Rangers get ready for the BJ's tonight at the Garden, here is what's going on today:

Andrew Gross has a lot of info today. First off, the line combos for tonight:

Higgins-Prospal-Gaborik
Sean Avery-Artem Anisimov-P.A. Parenteau
Enver Lisin-Callahan-Ales Kotalik
Donald Brashear-Brian Boyle-Aaron Voros
Marc Staal-Dan Girardi
Michael Del Zotto-Michal Rozsival
Wade Redden-Matt Gilroy

Henrik Lundqvist will make his 5th straight start.

Meanwhile, Chris Drury skated for the third straight day and, for the first time since suffering a concussion he went through contact drills after Tortorella put his team through a non-optional morning skate (typically Tortorella prefers optional morning skates, particularly as the season progresses).

Pregame notes from the Rangers:

Marian Gaborik leads the Rangers with 11 goals and 18 points in 22 career regular season games against Columbus; Michal Rozsival leads all Ranger defensemen with five assists and six points in seven career appearences vs. the Blue Jackets.

All Time – Rangers vs. Blue Jackets
Overall: 3-5-1-0
At MSG: 1-1-1-0
At Columbus: 2-4-0-0

More after the jump..................

Jeff Rimer's Blue Jackets blog from BlueJacket.com

Blue Jackets F Dorsett on IR after Neal boarding (AP)

For more on the Blue Jackets, check out their SBNation home at The Cannon

Blue Jackets Leading Scorer:

Rick Nash

#61 / Left Wing / Columbus Blue Jackets

Height: 6-4

Weight: 218

Born: Jun 16, 1984

	G	A	P	+/-	PIM
2009 - Rick Nash	14	11	25	-7	16

Blue Jackets vs Rangers preview