SB Nation - New York Rangers

Familiar Scene for Carolina: Rangers 3, Hurricanes 1

Bob Harwood Waeghe — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 07:13:21 -0000

More photos » by Karl B DeBlaker - AP

about 15 hours ago: New York Rangers' Marian Gaborik (10) battles with Carolina Hurricanes' Eric Staal (12) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, Dec. 21, 2009. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

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Fans of the Carolina Hurricanes have been down this road before. The team played well, was in the game most of the time, made a couple of mistakes which ended up in the back of the net, then failed to capitalize on opportunities in the opponent's zone as an evenly matched game turned into yet another loss last night at the RBC.

The New York Rangers defeated the Hurricanes by a score of 3-1. While the first two periods of the game were almost dead even and the third was very close, the New Yorker's were clutch. The Carolina players were not.

The Canes had three powerplay chances and failed to score. They had numerous odd man advantages and failed to score on them.

Bottom line, Henrik Lundqvist out-played Cam Ward and New York's franchise player out-performed Carolina's. That's not to say Eric Staal had a bad game, he played well. But Marian Gaborik was better.

After a scoreless first period in which the stats were almost dead even, Sergei Samsonov opened the scoring with a wrap around chance just 46 seconds into the second period.

Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, the Rangers answered back almost immediately. Cam Ward aggressively played a puck outside the crease which took an unfavorable bounce and got by him, then Tim Gleason got the puck in front of the open Carolina net, but hit it right to the league's premier sniper, who made no mistake.

The tally was number 25 for Gaborik, which leads the NHL. It took the Rangers just 28 seconds to tie the score.

That would be the end of the scoring for the Hurricanes, although they would have ample opportunities in the game. Later in the second, Scott Walker and Rod Brind`Amour had a tremendous two on one chance, but Walker's pass was a bit off and Brind'Amour could not handle it.

In the third period, Staal got behind the New York defense and had the puck with a point blank chance, but could not lift it past Lundqvist.

On the other side, the Rangers scored on their best chance of the third period as Vinny Prospal passed to Marian Gaborik who fed a wide open Brandon Dubinsky in front of Ward. The forward lifted a perfectly smooth backhander over the unsuspecting Carolina goalie as if he were a 30 goal scorer. It was Dubinsky's fourth goal of the year.

That was the difference in the game. Winners find a way to win. And the Hurricanes are not in last place in the league by accident.

Marc Staal finished up the scoring on a long empty-netter with just 33 clicks left.

Next up will be a rematch with the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday night.

Game Notes:

The Hurricanes powerplay was 0-3 making it three games in a row the team has failed to score with the man advantage, (0-7). Although having just seven powerplay chances in three games is certainly not an over-abundance of opportunity.
Tim Gleason started out with a visor but took it off after the first intermission. The defenseman has had better games as he misplayed the puck on Gaborik's score and was on the ice for all three New York goals. He finished with a -3, but it was his first game back after about a week off due to concussion-like symptoms.
The Hurricanes were credited with 39 hits compared to 20 for the Rangers. Andrew Alberts, Tuomo Ruutu, and Scott Walker led the way with six each.
Carolina had 33 shots on goal led by Staal and Ray Whitney with five each.
Aaron Ward and Ray Whitney had three blocked shots each.
After the game, coach Paul Maurice said that it felt like a playoff game. Neither team made many mistakes. It was a tightly contested affair throughout.
The team won 45% of faceoffs led by Brind'Amour's 83%, (5 of 6). Staal won 33%, (7 of 21).

Rangers withstand storm beat Hurricanes 3-1

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

More photos » by Karl B DeBlaker - AP

about 14 hours 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)

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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 at Hurricanes: Game Day Preview

Bob Harwood Waeghe — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:01:59 -0000

More photos » by Karl B DeBlaker - AP

Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward had his hands full but came up with the win on Saturday night. He will have Marian Gaborik to contend with tonight at the RBC

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Coach John Tortorella and his New York Rangers, (16-16-3) are in town for a game with the Carolina Hurricanes, (9-20-6) tonight at the RBC. This will be the first of two games in Raleigh over the next 10 days for these two teams. They match up again on New Year's Eve, next week Thursday night.

While the Hurricanes are in last place in the NHL, they have been playing well at home and currently have an 8-7-2 record with three home wins in a row.

The Rangers have had troubles of their own. Upset with the team's effort after a recent loss to the New York Islanders, Coach John Tortorella had an expletive filled press conference. He later benched highly paid vets Wade Redden and Ales Kotalik, then moved Chris Drury to the fourth line. The team has responded with two straight victories over the Flyers and Islanders, (and Drury scored), but all is not wine and roses in the Big Apple.

Before their last two wins, they had lost five in a row and eight of their last nine.

Redden and Kotalik are expected back in the lineup tonight.

The Canes returned defenseman Bryan Rodney to Albany and sure enough, Tim Gleason attended the morning skate and will be back in tonight's lineup. Niclas Wallin remains out.

Other than the addition of Gleason, look for the same lineup as played in the Florida game on Saturday night.

Cam Ward will be between the pipes, probably facing Henrik Lundqvist.

	GP	MIN	W	L	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2009 - Cam Ward	20	1114	4	11		58	3.12	559	501	.896	0

	GP	MIN	W	L	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2009 - Henrik Lundqvist	31	1800	14	13		75	2.50	935	860	.920	1

Carolina is led in scoring by Ray Whitney, (24 points) and Tuomo Ruutu, (23 points). The Rangers are led by Marian Gaborik, (24 goals and 45 points) and Vinny Prospal, (29 points).

Patrick Dwyer has the longest point streak on the Canes with two goals in the last two games.

For more information about the Rangers, check out the Blueshirt Banter.

The game will be televised by FS Carolinas starting at 7. We will have the game day thread open at 6:30 and will be reporting live from the RBC.

A Special Thanks from All of Us

Jim Schmiedeberg — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:18:32 -0000

Blueshirt Banter hit a very special milestone today. Earlier this morning we registered our 500,000 visit. That is truly
remarkable for a site that started literally from scratch. The early days of this site were literally Ryan McFadden and I putting stories up, and then commenting on them, trying desperately to get people involved in the conversation.

We've come a long way in just 9 months, and we have all of you to thank. Your support of this site and of the radio shows is absolutely amazing, further proof that Ranger fans are the best hockey fans in the world.

So from me, Joe, Rob, Ryan, Eddie, Nick and Laurie, thank you all very very much for the continued success and growth of this site, because without you it wouldn't be possible.

Just an FYI, tomorrow night is our First Annual "Blueshirt Banter Radio Holiday Spectacular", it's just going to be more of a bull session, no guests scheduled, so we'd love to just have you guys join us and call in. Should be a fun show, we'll have some laughs and talk Ranger hockey.

Rangers Analysis: It's Sitting On a Silver Platter, Now Capture It

NYRBlogger — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:00:36 -0000

More photos » by H. Rumph Jr - AP

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The Rangers upcoming pre-Christmas schedule presents them with a golden opportunity to get themselves back in the playoff picture. Tonight, they are in Raleigh taking on the last place, that's right, last place Carolina Hurricanes in a game that the Blueshirts should definitely come out of with two points, as long as the effort is there. So you figure they then have 37 points going into Wednesday's tilt with the Florida Panthers, the team holding onto the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference (8th place).

If New York can somehow tie the Panthers in the standings, they will get the nod over Florida being that they will have several games at hand. If they can come away with wins in both of their next two, it is likely that they will pass the streaky Panthers and grab eighth place for themselves. It sitting there on a silver platter, now it is just a matter of executing.

The Rangers have been playing a better product of hockey since the pathetic 2-1 loss to the Islanders last Wednesday, due in part to the new environment in the locker room with coach Tortorella strictly applying his "darwinistic" policy. Either you play consistently or you are benched. It is as simple as that and we know he means business with veterans Wade Redden and Ales Kotalik watching from the press box for the last two games. I like it, and feel that it is a possibility that Torts was being held back from doing this earlier by management, Glen Sather for example. That is just pure speculation, though.

I truly believe if the Blueshirts can come out with starts like they did in Philadelphia on Saturday, retrieving loose pucks, outskating the opponent, and keeping play in the offensive zone, then they will get two points more frequently than they have in the recent past. If this team allows the opponent to control the tempo from the opening faceoff, which tends to be the case much too often, they never seem to recover from that and the entire contest is one giant struggle. That is not a winning formula by any means.

When matching-up with a team like Carolina, it is crucial to jump on them quickly. Their fans are obviously a bit irritated knowing that their 'Canes were a playoff team just a year ago, and now only have nine wins on the season so far in 09-10. In a relatively low-scoring NHL, that first early goal, especially on the road, can go so far against any team, but it will definitely have a major impact on a club that has struggled since opening night.

The Rangers are 1-1 this season against the Panthers, falling on home ice but winning in the shootout when meeting again in Sunshine, Florida. The Panthers have been up and down the standings for the past month or so, but right now are at an even .500, just like our Blueshirts. This is a team in which the Rangers should defeat if they can capitalize on their scoring chances, but clearly that has not been an easy task for the team this year.

The fact that goaltender Henrik Lundqvist is red-hot and playing out of his mind lately factors into this as well. In the first period on Long Island and in the third period in Philly, Hank took center stage and stood on his head, making saves on just about anything and everything that was thrown his way. When this is the case, the Rangers always have a higher probability of winning than losing. If they can come away with victories in these next two games and re-enter the playoff picture, the entire struggle can be put behind them and they can start fresh after Christmas when they clash with the Islanders at Madison Square Garden on the 26th.

Jon Sim: Your chief penalty drawer

Dominik — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 05:40:56 -0000

I was wondering about the Islanders' struggling penalty kill, and the notion occurred to me that Mark Streit has been taking a lot of penalties this year: Could his presence in the box be hurting the penalty kill? Perhaps. As the team's best overall defenseman, Streit is also the Islanders' best penalty killing blueliner, so putting him in the box is a double-whammy. But in terms of PK time per game, he actually sees less time than Andy Sutton, Brendan Witt, Bruno Gervais and Jack Hillen.

As it turns out, my perception was wrong: Streit isn't taking any more penalties than he took last year: He had 31 minors in 74 games last year; he has 15 in 36 games this year. So that theory dies on the vine. (Incidentally, Streit's penalties taken per 60 minutes (5-on-5) is similar to Hillen's but less than Witt's and Freddy Meyer's. Defensemen inevitably take more penalties; the better ones take fewer of them without giving up goals.)

But what I did notice when checking out Behind the Net's penalties drawn/taken data could be a counter-argument, or at least a bit of explanation, to the Sim-haters: Jon Sim has drawn the most penalties on the team this year (12), and better yet, he's committed only half as many (6) as he's drawn. Which speaks to Scott Gordon's quote after the win over the Rangers:

"It's a rivalry where you want your guys to play hard and play between the whistles, and [Sim] does a great job with that. He certainly draws more penalties than he takes..."

That Behind the Net link is solely for 5-on-5 play, so it doesn't perfectly match what you'll find in the NHL's totals. (For example, that table lists John Tavares as having taken one penalty and drawn eight, while the NHL lists him as having taken four -- at least two of those have been while the Islanders were on the powerplay, 5-on-4.)

Nonetheless, it's worth a look, as it shows some of the Islanders forwards who draw a whole lot more than they commit, including {ahem} Sim. Other Islanders forwards who look good: Sean Bergenheim, taking 3 and drawing 10; Josh Bailey (3-8); and Richard Park (5-9), who's always good in this category.

Dec. 20, 2009	Taken	Drawn	Taken/60 (5-on-5)	Drawn/60
Sim	6	12	1.0	2.0
Okposo	7	10	0.9	1.3
Bergenheim	3	10	0.5	1.6
Park	5	9	0.7	1.3
Bailey	3	8	0.5	1.3

One guy whose ratio doesn't look quite as good is Kyle Okposo (7-10). Players like him and Bergenheim tend to draw more than they take simply because they never stop moving their feet (whereas Tavares draws them because opponents generally crap their pants when he has the puck). But in this category, Okposo was much better last year (11 taken, 20 drawn).

Witt Giveth, Witt Taketh Away

Among defensemen, whose figures here are always lopsided, one guy stands out: Brendan Witt has taken a lot (even more than Streit, per 60 minutes of 5-on-5), but he's also drawn a lot: 10 taken, 8 drawn. That might speak to the physical side Witt brings; he not only crosses the line -- as all defensemen not named Nicklas do -- he also gets other players to cross the line in retaliation.

I'm as concerned about Witt's fit in Scott Gordon's scheme as the next guy, but I do recognize that he along with Sutton, Bergenheim and Sim bring some of the agitation that is needed to make sure other teams don't think you're too easy to play against. That the Islanders employ less-than-ideal options in many of these roles comes with the rebuilding territory, I'm afraid.

Don't Draw, Just Score

Now, there's a bit of luck and automated accounting (dependent on NHL game sheets) involved in this -- not to mention the perils of referees' all-too-human judgment, which has screwed more than a handful of Islanders in the last few games. And this is not exactly a defense of Sim, at least not a defense of him appearing on the powerplay.

But in terms of fourth-liners and agitators, you want guys who can do their jobs without handicapping you by taking penalties. All concerns about Sim's use aside -- sometimes he's not on the fourth line, which is what bugs people -- Sim is doing what Gordon asks of him: Going to the net, ticking opponents off, drawing penalties. That doesn't explain why he sometimes appears on the powerplay or on Josh Bailey's wing. But it just might speak to why Gordon keeps putting him in the lineup for a spot that usually amounts to just 10 minutes per game.

Top 10 New Jersey Devils Moments of the Decade: Part 1, Honorable Mention

Steve Lepore — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 23:00:18 -0000

It's been an eventful decade here in the Garden State when it comes to hockey. Two Stanley Cups, three Prince of Wales trophies, five Atlantic Division titles, seven 100-point seasons. Oh, and the Devils' goalie cemented his name in the conversations of "Greatest to ever play the game". Starting this Tuesday, I will countdown the 10 best moments since 2000, but first, a look at some of the things that didn't make the cut.

Devils Hire Larry Robinson as Head Coach... The First Time (March 23, 2000)

The Devils gave then-future Hockey Hall of Famer Larry Robinson his first shot in the coaching ranks, when former Montreal Canadiens teammate Jacques Lemaire brought him as an assistant coach when he took over the Devils in 1993. Robinson, blessed with a defensive unit that included another future Hall of Famer in Scott Stevens as well as veterans Ken Daneyko and Bruce Driver, helped bring along a budding All-Star in young Scott Niedermayer, and meshed together a defensive unit that helped New Jersey win it's first Stanley Cup in 1995.

From there, Robinson got his first head coaching job with the Los Angeles Kings in the summer of that year. After only four playoff games in the next four years, Robinson left the franchise, only to return to the Devils as an assistant for then coach Robbie Ftorek. Everything seemed to be headed in the right direction for New Jersey toward another playoff run. From December 26, 1999 to February 15, 2000, the Devils went a mind-blowing 17-3-3. But then things took a turn for the downright bizarre.

Starting with a 5-5 tie against the Colorado Avalanche on February 17th, the Devils went 5-10-2, culminating in a 5-0 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Devils GM Lou Lamoriello clearly saw Ftorek as losing the team (no, the bench-throwing thing isn't on this list) and leading it toward another first-round playoff exist (the Devils had exited in Conference Quarterfinals the last two seasons). He fired Ftorek on March 23, 2000, in favor of the assistant Robinson. Larry lead the Devils to an 8-2 win over the Isles and a 4-4 record the rest of the way. However, it'd be the post-season where Robinson would prove why he was fit to run this team.

Devils Trade Brendan Morrison and Denis Pederson to Vancouver for Alexander Mogilny (March 14, 2000)

Looking for some added scoring touch to support the budding A-line of Patrik Elias, Petr Sykora and Jason Arnott, Lou did what was seen as unprecedented at that time in Devils circles: he brought in a bona fide offensive talent during what you'd call arguably the prime of his career (Mogilny was 31 when acquired by New Jersey). The addition of Mogilny did something that no one previously had: He made the Devils a team you feared offensively every night.

Mogilny has also long been credited with making then-rookie centerman Scott Gomez into the player that later bolted for the Rangers, though that can be argued, as Gomez had fewer points in the full season AlMo spent with Jersey (2000-01) than in his 70-point rookie season. That said, despite a sub-par post-season in 1999-00, Mogilny put up points in that 2000-01 season that were almost unheard of previously for a New Jersey team, with 43 goals and 40 assists, second behind Elias' 96 points, giving the Devs unheard of scoring depth.

Despite chipping in 16 points in the post-season, the Devils would go on to lose the 2001 Stanley Cup Finals to the Colorado Avalanche in seven games. Mogilny signed with Toronto that off-season, only to return for an aborted, half-season stay with New Jersey in 2005-06. He was sent to Albany to make room for Elias' return from Hepatitis, and for all intents and purposes, never heard from again. Devils fans will always remember Mogilny, however, for once and for all proving that the Devils were no mere defensive juggernaut.

Patrik Elias Signs Seven-Year Contract with Devils (July 2, 2006)

Before the lockout, Patrik Elias was well on his way to becoming the offensive version of Martin Brodeur for New Jersey: putting up terrific numbers every year, but largely being taken for granted by a fanbase that wants to win the Stanley Cup every year, rather than see another 40-goal season. The young winger from the Czech Republic had put up his third 35-goal plus season in 2003-04 (38-43-81) and was one of the few Devils that showed any life in New Jersey's five-game playoff defeat to Philadelphia (3-2-5 in the series).

It was the time during the lockout that gave everyone a scare. While having a good season Mettalurg Magnitigorsk in Russia, Elias contracted Hepatitis A from food eaten in the country. The disease, chronicled largely in an NHL Network special that primarily focused on Elias' UNICEF ambassadorship, severely weakened the then 28-year old forward and kept him out of hockey for a while.

Elias didn't return to the game until January 3, 2006, with the Devils playing the Florida Panthers. Put on a line with Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta (The "Egg" Line), Elias looked as if he hadn't missed a beat. He scored eight points in his first four games, 45 points in 38 games that season, and led the Devils to an unheard of 15-game winning streak, combining the last 11 games of the season and first four of the playoffs, to lead New Jersey to a shocking Atlantic Division title on the campaign's final night in Montreal.

Elias continued a torrid pace in the playoffs. He had two goals and four assists in Game 1 of the Devils series with the New York Rangers, and went on to score 16 points in nine games that post-season. It made people notice Elias as an elite forward in this league. It also certainly drew attention to the fact that his contract was up that summer.

There were a lot of fears in Devils-land the Patrik would sign with another team. The Los Angeles Kings and Chicago Blackhawks were reported to have made serious offers. Though the real fear was that he'd sign with the Rangers. Elias alleviated those fears by agreeing to a 7-year, $42 million deal with the Devs the day after the UFA period began in 2006. He's worth every penny, and put up another 30-goal season just this past campaign. Elias will likely be a Devil for life, and hopefully never taken for granted again.

Brian Gionta Breaks the Devil Record For Goals in a Season, Devils Culminate 11-game Win Streak and Division Title With Shocking, Comeback Victory Over Montreal on the Season's Final Night (April 18, 2006)

Coupled with the 1999-00 season, the 2005-06 campaign has got to go down as one of the strangest of the decade. Head coach Larry Robinson said so himself. Robinson, re-hired by the Devils after it was announced that Pat Burns could no longer continue, had to step down after 32 games (14-13-5) when he told Lou Lamoriello at the team's annual Christmas party that the club was making him ill. Happy holidays, for sure.

More changes still were announced after a December 17, 2005 loss to Carolina. All three of the Devils major acquisitions over the off-season (Alexander Mogilny, Dan McGillis and Vladimir Malakhov) were either sent down to AHL Albany, or "retired" under mysterious circumstances. The Devils were, to put it lightly, kind of a mess. They were still figuring out how to make do with life minus Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer and Ken Daneyko on the backline, so this was sort of the beginning of a "new generation" of Devils, if you will.

After Robinson quit at the halfway point, longtime GM Lou Lamoriello took over as coach. A week or so later, forward Patrik Elias returned from Hepatitis A, and the team caught fire. A nine-game winning streak to start the new year let everyone know that the Devils would not suffer in the post-lockout NHL. It was an 11-game winning streak to end the season, however, that made the Devils onto every hockey writer's shortlist for Stanley Cup contenders.

A young forward named Brian Gionta emerged as the team's top scorer that season with Elias out. A small winger, known mostly up to that point for his willingness to go to the front of the net and personal rivalry with gargantuan and polar opposite on the height scale Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara, Gionta broke out in 2005-06, his style tailor made for the "New NHL". On March 28, 2006, he became the first Devil to hit 40 goals in a season since Elias and Mogilny in 2001. Going into the NHL and the Devils season's final night, he was tied with Pat Verbeek's all-time single-season goal scoring record of 46.

Now, the Devils were in Montreal that night, and could to the surprise of almost everyone, win the division title after struggling so much for the first half of the season. Everything worked out in their favor, as the Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers both lost shortly before. Two points and the Devils get the division over the Flyers (who would have the same amount of points, 101) by virtue of having more wins, as well as #3 seed in the Eastern Conference. The only problem was... well, the Devils didn't show up for the first 40 minutes of that game. The Habs had a 3-0 lead on the Devils at home with three minutes to go in the second period, and only Brodeur keeping things from getting out of hand.

Then, with 2:42 to go, Gionta scored a goal that would personify the type of player he was. A Scott Gomez shot popped high off of Montreal goaltender Cristobal Huet. Gionta gloved the puck out of the air, down onto his stick, and put the puck home to break Verbeek's record, and give the Devils hope going into the third period. Of course, neither the Devils nor Gio were done yet.

Not much was going on early in the third, but nine minutes to go, the Habs took a penalty and the Devils went on the power play. Some slick passing and a Brian Rafalski shot gave Gionta another close-in rebound and a 48th goal that season, just for some distance. All that, and the Devils were within a shot of tying it. Three minutes later, Patrik Elias scored a georgeous goal off a pass from Gomez, who'd made a brilliant rush up the eyes, to tie the game with five minutes left.

With 2:30 to go, Habs forward Alex Kovalev took a shot that Marty Brodeur kicked away, right to a Devil defender, who passed it to Jamie Langenbrunner. He raced it in on a three-on-one against the Canadiens and Huet. Langenbrunner looked over the options, called his own number and ripped a shot by Huet to give the Devils a 4-3 lead. New Jersey hung on and won the division. It was one of the best regular season nights for Jersey's team I've ever seen, and it didn't even make the top 10 list. Ill be back on Monday with part one of that. Meanwhile, leave your own thoughts in the comments and your suggestions for my Top 10.

NJ Devils & Atlantic Division Weekly Snapshot: 12/20 - 12/26

John Fischer — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 16:34:52 -0000

The performances weren't pretty, but in a results-oriented business, there can be no complaints. The New Jersey Devils won all three games last week to now stay at the top of the Eastern Conference. The Pittsburgh Penguins also won all three games, so they share the same amount of points. For a second consecutive week, the Devils lead based on having two games in hand on Pittsburgh. As a whole, the best stay better with the Devils and Penguins expanding the gap over third place New York Rangers to 16 points. The Philadelphia Flyers and New York Islanders had poor weeks and fell further behind - all the better for the Devils and Penguins. Remember all this when those bottom three teams scramble for points in, say, March.

Atlantic Standings

	GP	W	L	OTL	PT
New Jersey	34	25	8	1	51
Pittsburgh	36	25	10	1	51
New York Rangers	35	16	16	3	35
New York Islanders	36	13	16	7	33
Philadelphia	34	15	17	2	32

(updated 12.20.2009 at 8:21 AM EST)

Basically, the Atlantic Division is a two-team race right now: New Jersey and Pittsburgh. They are the hottest teams in the league with a 4 game and 5 game winning streak, respectively. There are only two intra-division games this week and the big one is this Monday when the Devils travel to Pittsburgh. The Devils are in a favorable spot because even if they lose the game, they still have two games on hand to make up the difference. As for the Rangers, Islanders, and Flyers, each plays one more game than the Devils and Penguins this week, so the Devils keep games in hand on everyone by next week. Another advantage for NJ.

	Potential Points	Last Week	Conf. Position
NJD	4	3-0-0	1st
PIT	4	3-0-0	4th
NYR	6	2-1-1	9th
NYI	6	1-3-0	13th
PHI	6	1-2-1	14th

One of the bottom 3 Atlantic teams that could be figuring things out are the Rangers. With an angry coach and a GM who may or may not be on the hot seat, they've clawed back up into ninth place. Good for them, I suppose. But they aren't far ahead of the five teams that make up 10th through 14th so they can't relax. The Islanders and Flyers should follow their lead soon. Here's how the upcoming week looks for the division.

	12/20	12/21	12/22	12/23	12/24	12/25	12/26
NJD		@ PIT					@ WSH
PIT		vs. NJ		vs. OTT
NYR		@ CAR		vs. FLA			vs. NYI
NYI		vs. TB		vs. TOR			@ NYR
PHI		vs. FLA		@ TB			@ CAR

On paper, this week has two pretty tough games for Devils. Then again, who isn't a tough opponent in today's NHL? Even Carolina can "bring it" if given a chance. On the other hand, the Devils have beaten the Penguins twice already and this Saturday could see the Devils sweep the Washington Capitals this season. So this week is a toss up. Depending on how Monday's game goes and how the Penguins do on Wednesday will determine whether the Devils go into the last week of 2009 in first in the Atlantic (and possibly the conference - to that end, cheer on Buffalo on Wednesday to beat the Caps).

Though, to be honest, I am very pleased where the Devils currently are. Even if they drop both games this week, the Devils won't be too far behind Pittsburgh.

Rangers News: Matt Gilroy recalled from Hartford

Jim Schmiedeberg — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 16:29:57 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

I'm back!

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I hope those of you that go to Ranger games are buying programs, can't tell the players without a scorecard:

New York, December 20, 2009 -

New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that defenseman Matt Gilroy has been recalled from the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL).

Gilroy, 25, has recorded four assists in five games with Hartford this season. He made his AHL debut on December 11 against Portland. Gilroy returns to the Rangers where he has skated in 30 games this season, tallying four goals and six points, along with 19 penalty minutes. He ranked second in the NHL among rookie defensemen in goals and was tied for seventh in points at the time of his assignment to Hartford on December 10. He made his NHL debut on October 2 at Pittsburgh, and tallied his first career point with the game-winning goal on October 5 at New Jersey.

The North Bellmore, New York native was originally signed by the Rangers as a free agent on April 17, 2009.

The Blueshirts return to action tomorrow, December 21, when they will face off against the Carolina Hurricanes at RBC Center (7:00 p.m.), to close out their three game road trip. Prior to the game, the team's morning skate is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at RBC Center. This is the first of four meetings with Carolina this season. The Rangers have tallied seven power play goals in their last five games for a 33.3% (7-21) success rate. The game will be televised live on MSG Network and can be heard on 1050 ESPN Radio.

Matt Gilroy

#97 / Defenseman / New York Rangers

Height: 6-2

Weight: 195

Born: Jul 20, 1984

Rangers News: Chris Kreider scores 2 as US Juniors defeat North Dakota

Jim Schmiedeberg — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:11:57 -0000

More photos » by Kathy Willens - AP

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Press Release from USA Hockey:

U.S. Junior Squad Defeats University of North Dakota, 4-2, in Exhibition

Win Marks Conclusion of Pre-IIHF World Junior Championship Camp

GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Chris Kreider (Boxford, Mass./Boston College) scored a pair of goals and Cam Fowler (Farmington Hills, Mich.) logged two assists as a U.S. squad of candidates for the 2010 U.S. National Junior Team defeated the University of North Dakota's men's ice hockey team, 4-2, tonight at Ralph Engelstad Arena.

Tonight's game marked the culmination of a three-day camp in Grand Forks, N.D., designed to prepare the 2010 U.S. National Junior Team for the upcoming 2010 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship. Of the 30 players invited to the pre-tournament camp, 22 will be selected to the final U.S. roster.

"I was really impressed with what I saw tonight," said Dean Blais, head coach of the U.S. National Junior Team. "We played with a lot of energy, which is what you want to see from guys trying to make a team."

A scoreless first period saw Team USA generate a pair of quality scoring chances. Midway through the frame, Jordan Schroeder (Prior Lake, Minn./Univ. of Minnesota) darted around a North Dakota defenseman for a shorthanded breakaway, but his backhand shot was turned aside by goalie Brad Eidsness. Five minutes later, Jason Zucker (Las Vegas, Nev./U.S. National Under-18 Team) launched a snap shot that rang off the near post.

Kreider scored the game's first goal seven minutes into the second period when he redirected a Fowler shot over Eidsness' glove for power-play goal. But North Dakota's Evan Trupp tied the game at 1-1 heading into the third with a power-play goal of his own.

Less than four minutes into the third, Kreider struck again, this time just seconds after another Team USA power play had expired. A hard pass from defenseman Matt Donovan (Edmond, Okla./Univ. of Denver) hit Kreider in the crease, and he slammed the puck under goalie Aaron Dell for his second of the night.

More after the jump, including the boxscore.....

Midway through the third, Zucker made up for his first-period missed opportunity, burying a hard wrist shot from the left circle to give Team USA a 3-1 lead. North Dakota cut Team USA's lead in half with less than a minute remaining in the contest on Trupp's second tally. But Danny Kristo (Eden Prairie, Minn./Univ. of North Dakota) collected an empty net goal against his former teammates just seconds later to solidify the Team USA victory.

Team USA goalies Mike Lee (Roseau, Minn./St. Cloud State Univ.) and Jack Campbell (Port Huron, Mich./U.S. National Under-18 Team) split time between the pipes, combining for 32 saves in the win. Meanwhile, North Dakota goalies Eidsness and Dell turned aside 22 shots in the loss.

NOTES: The 2010 U.S. National Junior Team preliminary roster will be trimmed tomorrow morning before the team travels to Regina, Sask. ... The final 2010 U.S. National Junior Team roster will be announced Wednesday (Dec. 23) following Team USA's exhibition game against the Czech Republic on Tuesday (Dec. 22) ... For a list of the preliminary roster players and their 2009-10 season stats, click here ... Only 23 players skated for Team USA tonight, with Ryan Bourque (Boxford, Mass.), John Carlson (Colonia, N.J./Hershey Bears), Justin Faulk (South St. Paul, Minn./U.S. National Under-18 Team), Jon Merrill (Brighton, Mich./U.S. National Under-18 Team), Kyle Palmieri (Montvale, N.J./Univ. of Notre Dame), Luke Walker (Portland, Ore.) and Dave Wohlberg (South Lyon, Mich./Univ. of Michigan) serving as scratches ... The 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship will run Dec. 26 - Jan. 5 in Regina and Saskatoon, Sask. For Team USA's full schedule, click here ... For full coverage of the 2010 U.S. National Junior Team, including photos, videos and features, click here.

GAME SUMMARY

Scoring By Period

USA	0 -	1 -	3 -	4
UND	0 -	1 -	1 -	2

First Period - Scoring: None. Penalties: UND, Lamoureux (boarding), 5:03; USA, Lashoff (holding), 10:04, UND, Team (too-many men), 15:07, USA, D'Amigo (roughing), 16:17; UND, Hextall (roughing), 16:17.

Second Period - Scoring: 1, USA, Kreider (Fowler, Stepan), 6:51 (pp); 2, UND, Trupp (Malone, Marto, 17:37 (pp). Penalties: UND, Blood (tripping), 6:04; USA, Ramage (hitting after the whistle), 7:03; UND, Knight (hitting after the whistle), 7:03; USA, Brown (interference), 12:59; USA, Morin (holding), 17:06; USA, Johnson (boarding), 18:46; USA, Warsofsky (unsportsmanlike conduct), 19:16; UND, Hextall (unsportsmanlike conduct), 19:16.

Third Period - Scoring: 3, USA, Kreider (Donvan, Fowler), 3:36; 4, USA, Zucker (McRae), 8:57; 5, UND, Trupp (Marto), 19:11; 6, USA, Kristo (Stepan, D'Amigo), 19:44 (eng). Penalties: UND, Blood (contact to the head), 1:35; USA, Brown (hooking), 5:40; USA, Kreider (slashing), 10:58.

Shots by Period	1	2	3	Total
USA	6	11	9	26
UND	7	11	16	34

Goaltenders (SH/SV)	1	2	3	Total
USA, Lee 29:16	7-7	5-5	---	12-12
USA, Campbell 30:44	---	6-5	16-15	22-20
UND, Eidsness 29:52	6-6	8-7	---	14-13
UND, Dell 28:59	---	3-3	8-6	11-9

Power Play: USA 1-4; UND 1-6
Penalties: USA