Disciplinary action to follow? It was a pretty savage hit, and there's no question there was shoulder-to-dome contact, but was it within the rules of the game?

As much as I didnt like the hit, I thought that it was clean. I cringe when I see a hit like that on a Ranger, but as a fan of the game I love that kind of play.

What do you think? Homerisms welcome, all opinions humbly respected. See the video from NHL.com below:

Seems like he's all over the place. Anisimov is in the play a LOT in the offensive zone.

From the New York Daily News:

"ARTE’S ALL ABOUT IT
It’s easy to forget on nights like Wednesday, but Artem Anisimov is just 23 years old, in a foreign country, riding the high of six points in his last three games.

In the Rangers’ postgame locker room, Anisimov tucked the bill of The Broadway Hat low over his tired eyes, tilted his head back and spoke to anyone who would listen - all while wearing an ear-to-ear smile.

“Defense first and go play hockey after, you know?” he said of in-game mindset.

One reporter jokingly asked if Anisimov were mad at the scorekeeper, since he did receive an assist on Marian Gaborik’s first goal even though he had forced the initial turnover by Senators defenseman Sergei Gonchar.

Anisimov shook his head and kept grinning.

“I’d lay down on the ice I’m so tired,” he said. “And there’s the hat. I’m very excited.”"

THN Report:Terry Pegula signs letter of intent to buy Buffalo Sabres for $150 million

Ken Campbell has reported that billionaire Terry Pegula has signed a letter of intent to buy the Buffalo Sabres from Tom Golisano for about $150 million. The Sabres have said it's "simply not true." Who do you believe?

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No, it's not Hank; he's a beast, so don't go jumping down my throat. I'm talking about the backup job.  Even as far back as the 05-06 season the backup goaltending role has often been a one in question.  Out of camp that year Henrik got the job as backup goaltender and eventually became the star we love today.  Since then we've had number of puck stoppers behind him, but never one that could play 20 or 30 games with confidence.  Many people have cited this as part of the reason that the Rangers have made so many early playoff exits.  So with UFA season approaching, and nothing etched in stone by Rangers management what are our options?

Should we give Chad Johnson a shot at proving himself and hope he's our answer? Here are his numbers.

In Hartford his GAA was 2.54 and SV% .911 through 47 games.  But with the weakness at five hole he showed a lot of NHL snipers would pick up on it quick. Let's hope he fixes it.

There are some very good backup goaltenders coming off the books in other cities though, and they may be worth a look.  Especially if it gives the puckstoppers in Hartford one more year to mature. 

Martin Biron has been playing in Nassau at a cap hit of 1.4 million.  He had 9 wins this year but with a GAA of 3.27.  With a GAA like that he may be persuaded into taking a pay cut, and because he wont have to relocate maybe an offer of $1.0 million would temp him. Peter Budaj has a save percentage of .917 through 15 games played and even had a shutout this season at a hit of $1.25mil.  But if I were to spend the money I think I'd spend it on Johan Hedberg.  He's a career backup and hasn't started more than half the season since 01-02, but if he could play like he did this year for Atlanta at around the $1.175 million he made this year he'd be an excellent addition to Lundqvist between the pipes.  He's also Swedish, maybe him and Henrik could form a little chemistry and give each other confidence. Here are his numbers:

Now I know a lot of people aren't hyped about signing free agents this summer but tell me what you think.  Our goaltender is good, but he cant play 82 games a season.  I personally dont have much faith in the kids on the farm, and I'm not sure Johnson is ready to play 20+ games in the NHL. It may do him good to go back down.  What do you think?

Spezza's future in Ottawa in question
TheFourthPeriod.com
 

What do you think.  Would you like to see Spezza a Blueshirt, and do we even have the pieces to acquire him?