Six NHL teams have been invited to play in Europe next year for the NHL Premiere 2011.  The Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, Washington Capitals, and the New York Rangers.  While no team has accepted the invitation, apparently the Rangers have decided to explore the KHL's Vityaz for some exhibition games in Russia.  If you don't recall the name, maybe this will jog your memory:

Mass Brawl on Ice: KHL teams fight 6 seconds into game (via RussiaToday)

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This is the current waiver order in the NHL, as of yesterday: 

New Jersey 
Edmonton
NY Islanders
Ottawa
Toronto
Calgary
Buffalo
Florida
Columbus
Los Angeles
San Jose
Carolina
Atlanta
St. Louis
Minnesota
Anaheim
Chicago
Phoenix
Colorado
NY Rangers
Montreal
Nashville
Washington
Tampa Bay
Boston
Pittsburgh
Dallas
Detroit
Philadelphia
Vancouver

(Left Wing Lock)

Nabokov, as you know, signed with Detroit for one year at $250,000.  That, for a goalie of his caliber is unbelievable.  However, Nabokov must pass through waivers.  I don't see a team passing up on him, especially at this price.

Now let me ask, if you had a chance as GM of the Rangers, knowing that we have Lundqvist and Biron, would you take Nabokov at this price?  It's a weird situation.  A star player for barely anything.  Imagine for a moment if this was Jagr, or another star player at this price.  Would you pick him up given the chance?

I see Nabokov getting picked up to one of the first teams who get the chance.  New Jersey to get a Brodeur replacement?  Edmonton to go over Khabby?  The Islanders?  Regardless, I don't see Nabokov as a Red Wing, but things can happen.

You may remember I did a comic post of this kind when it came to the Lauri Korpikoski trade.  Since that got a good review, I hope you all enjoy this.  Here is the exclusive transcript of what transpired behind closed doors in a face to face meeting between Glen Sather and Rick Dudley:

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There is way too much negativity about this Rangers squad.  Too much talk about what they don't have, when there should be talk about what they got - A goaltender that can win any game, a superstar forward, a young exciting defense, and a group of young players that can score and play with effort.  But I'm not going to throw stats out there, because stats don't mean anything.  Last year is over and done with.  So should be all the comparisons to last year's squad.

This year is new.  But what does that mean to you?  You want a high draft pick?  Then don't cheer for this team.  You think this team is going to struggle and won't make the playoffs?  Then don't watch them play.

Why do you watch them play?  Because you think they can win, and above all else, you want to see them win.

If you expect a mediocre team, and a mediocre season, what enjoyment will you get out of watching the team this year?

Let me point out the 05-06 year.  The Rangers were predicted to be a bottom tier team, finishing last in the conference, or finishing last in the NHL.  And I am so positive you all thought the same thing.  What happened?  The team you thought would be mediocre finished with 100 points and was a team to reckoned with.

I'd much rather watch and cheer for the team than hope they do poorly for a "pick".  Enough with the comparisons to other teams in the league.  No more stats about what was.  At the beginning of the season, everyone has the same record.  Why can't the Rangers finish with 100 points again?

I'm not just an optimist.  I'm a realist.  It can happen.  The Rangers are a good team.  They don't need to be lucky to be good.

As per TSN:

The Edmonton Oilers are giving the NHL's 29 other teams a chance at acquiring Sheldon Souray, as the team placed the veteran defenceman on waivers on Friday.

Souray signed a five-year contract in 2007 that was supposed to see him in Edmonton through the end of the 2011-12 season, and the 33-year-old's no-move clause has expired.

Now I have two reactions to this.  Souray has two years remaining on his contract that pays him $5.4 mil per year.  My first thought?  Naturally, don't go after him.  Right now the Rangers have a defense, barring any changes, consisting of Rozsival, Del Zotto, Staal (assuming a deal is agreed upon), Girardi (same), Redden, and Gilroy.  That is six defenseman.  With the defense in the system, if there is ever a need for a 7th defenseman, the option is not Souray.

Looking at this take place, one has to wonder, if Edmonton can waive Souray, why can't the Rangers waive Redden?  Sather has stated that putting Redden in the minors is an option that they will have to consider.  And without rambling further, let's say Redden is put on waivers, clears it and reports to the AHL.  Souray is not an option to fill his spot.  Also, let's imagine another scenario in which a trade involving one of our defenseman occurs.  Souray again, is not an option to fill the hole.

That is my short opinion on the matter.  Thoughts?

As reported by a few members on the Banter, the Rangers have agreed to terms with Derek Stepan.  This seems to have gotten lost among the other signings today, so here are some highlights of the press release:

To read the full press release please go here.

Stepan, 20, served as Captain of Team USA at the 2010 World Junior Championship, leading the United States to just their second Gold Medal (2004) in the elite tournament. He led all skaters in assists and points en route to being named to the tournament All-Star Team, as selected by the media.  Stepan finished the tournament with four goals and 10 assists for 14 points in seven games.

This season, Stepan registered 12 goals and 42 assists for 54 points, along with eight penalty minutes in 41 games with the University of Wisconsin Badgers of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA).  He established career-highs in games played, goals, assists, points and penalty minutes.

Stepan ranked among the NCAA leaders in several scoring categories, finishing tied for first in the nation in assists and ranked second in points. He also led the WCHA in points, assists and power play assists (22), and tied for fifth in power play points (23).  The second-year player led his team in assists and points, tied for third in game-winning goals (three) and seventh in goals while surpassing the 40-assist and 50-point marks for the first time in his collegiate career.

Join me after the jump for more highlights, and some quotes from Stepan and other Rangers prospects.

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NHL's newest commercial is another Homerun.  Featuring players such as Bill Guerin, Chris Osgood, Ray Bourque, Brett Hull, Mark Messier, Glen Wesley, Darren McCarty, Teemu Selanne and Bill Ranford, this commercial epitomizes the feeling players have when winning the Cup.  They all have no words to express their emotion.

According to reports, the commercial will debut Saturday during Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Philadelphia Flyers.

In my opinion, this is a terrific commercial.  The NHL has had lots of success with commercials in the past couple of years, and the trend keeps on rolling.

What do you all think?

(Not sure if it has been posted here, so I'll will go ahead and post this story.  And if it has been posted, sorry in advance, but it has been one month since the rankings came out, so it is due for a follow-up.)

Hockey's Future unvieled it's Organization Rankings in April.  The Rangers, last to have the 2nd spot, have fallen to 12th.  Here is their write up on the Rangers:

Strengths: The Rangers have excellent depth at both center and on defense. New York has been very successful in drafting top talent players in the middle of the first round, and Chris Kreider, who was drafted out of prep school in 2009, looks to be another of those gems. Weaknesses: The Blueshirts biggest organizational weakness is on right wing. There are only two wingers on the right side in the entire organization, and one, David Kveton, may never again play in North America. There is also uncertainty between the pipes. Chad Johnson has played well in his first professional season, but his upside is still uncertain. University of Alabama-Huntsville netminder Cameron Talbot was signed recently. However, it is unclear whether there is a true NHL backup to Henrik Lundqvist within the system, let alone a starter. Top 5 Prospects: 1. Evgeny Grachev, C; 2. Derek Stepan, C; 3. Chris Kreider, LW; 4. Bobby Sanguinetti, D; 5. Ilkka Heikkinen, D.

Alot has changed since these rankings were revealed.  Most Notably, IIkka Heikkinen's departure to Sibir Novosibirsk of the KHL.  The Rangers also signed Mats Zuccarello-Aasen, who certainly in my opinion, should rank in the top 5.

Is it a bad thing that the Rangers have fallen 10 spots since the last ranking?  I'm not going to answer that.  Why?  Because you can look at it from different angles.  Other teams have vastly improved, so you can't expect one team to remain in a certain spot for so long.  On the other hand, the Rangers haven't seen the improvement they were hoping in some players.  A notable player who fits this is Ryan McDonagh, once Montreal's best prospect, was part of the Rangers' top 5 prospects.  The Rangers had hoped McDonagh would fit the bill as an offensive defenseman, but according to Hockey's future, he is "no longer considered as a prospect at the highest level".  They went on to say "McDonagh's first two seasons at the University of Wisconsin showed him to be more of a two-way player than the offensive blueliner that had been hoped for."  This does not mean McDonagh isn't a valuable prospect.  With Heikkinen's departure, McDonagh, who currently sits at the 6 spot in the Rangers' prospect rankings, would move right in to the top 5 once again.  (However, with the addition of MZA, there is an argument there).  He simply just hasn't met expectations.  And that can be said about alot of prospects.  It could be said about Gilroy, Sanguinetti, who according to Hockey's future has been "lackluster, at best" since returning to Hartford from a call-up, and Grachev, who according to Hockey's future has had trouble adjusting to the AHL, with the transition has not being "as smooth as the organization had hoped, and he has not steadily improved either his offensive production or up and down effort."


So being 12 is still better than half the league, and it is something to be proud of.  While it can be viewed at different angles, it is also something worth watching, as prospect rankings are important to the organization.

Treason you say?

Mike Richter was caught "vigorously shaking hands and smiling with Snider immediately following Philly’s win."  (courtesy of Philabright) Snider, is Ed Snider, the owner of the Flyers.  Moments after Philly's big win over the Bruins in game 6, CSN cameras panned over to see the reaction of the Flyers' owner, only to see Mike Richter in this joyful exchange with Mr. Snider.

Richter is a native of the Philadelphia area, and he accepted an invitation from Snider or someone in the organization to watch the game in Mr. Snider's box.  Why is this not treason you say?  Richter very well is a Ranger through and through but what do you think he would do if the Flyers won?  Not go up and congratulate the man who invited him up there in the first place?  Heck, I even rooted for a Flyers win because I am one of the people who want to see a 3-0 series comeback in my lifetime.  And since Richter is from PA, he does not violate anything in my book.

So in the hockey words of Dave Thomas during this classic Richter commercial, we can say this is a "nice goal". eh?

[Note by Jim Schmiedeberg, 05/08/10 12:44 AM EDT Since there was some other stuff going on this week, this terrific story that rmc235 put together deserves a little more time at the top, so I am putting it back there. Great job rmc!]

(Opening in the 2013-14 season are the two spectacular New Bridges that will be suspended above the court/ice for a one-of-a-kind view of the action. )  From MSG.com

As you may know, the Garden will be undergoing a renovation to become "a state of the art" facility.  What you may not know, are some of the new details released regarding the new changes.  For example, the new "bridges" that will span the arena length wise, as shown above.


Join me after the jump for more information, and some new pictures of the renovation.

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By 8 pm tonight?  I know it's past 8, but the game hasn't started yet.  I play on my school's tennis team and we had an away match today, and I just got back.  Damn.  I don't want to be left out.  Well, for the spirit of the games, and well, because I picked in the first round, here are my picks for the second round.

EAST
Montreal over Pittsburgh in 7.
Boston over Philadelphia in 6.

WEST
San Jose over Detroit in 6.
Chicago over Vancouver in 6.

Feel free to use this thread for comments about the games.  In my opinion, I think Montreal is a nice darkhorse to advance.  If Halak plays like he did against Washington, then anything is possible.

For those of you who may not know, Jussi Rynnas is a goalie currently playing for Ässät in the Finnish Elite League SM-Liiga.  You can think of Rynnas as a good goalie, playing for a bad team, as Ässät finished in the bottom portion of the league standings.  Jussi Rynnas is what you call a "late bloomer".  He is around 6-5, and 205 lbs.  At 22 years old, he has been getting a lot of interest from numerous teams including Montreal, Philadelphia, Toronto, Anaheim, Dallas, Phoenix, and Minnesota.  Rynnas has been drawing comparisons to last year's star overseas goaltending prospect Jonas Gustavsson.  Should the Rangers target Jussi Rynnas?

Reports have come out stating Rynnas has returned from a North American tour in which he visited NHL teams.  He is expected to make a decision in coming weeks.

Here are some sites offering analysis, including posts from broadstreethockey, and a recent post from pensionplanpuppets, two sites here on SBNation.

http://www.broadstreethockey.com/2010/3/17/1377270/the-goalie-carousel-continues-is

Rynnäs a rookie of the year candidate in SM-liiga, the top league in Finland. He plays for a poor Ässät club, where in 31 games he's compiled a 2.50 goals against average and a .929 save percentage. He's 6'4", 203 pounds.

http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2010/4/17/1428135/jussi-rynnas-not-coming-to-toronto

Jussi Rynnäs has ended his North American tour. The Pori resident who has attracted great interest among NHL teams was exploring 5 different organisation. During his eight day trip Rynnäs visited Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes, Minnesota Wild andMontreal Canadiens.

http://starsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/03/jussi-rynnas-to-visit-thursday.html

Rynnas does not have the pedigree that Gustavsson did. He played for a team that did not make the playoffs (Gustavsson's team won the Swedish Elite League title) and he is not considered to be the best goalie in the Finnish Elite League at this time (posting a 14-13-1 record, a 2.50 GAA and a .929 save percentage). However, he is 6-5, he will turn 23 on May 22 and he can sign a contract like the one-year $900,000 deal that Gustavsson signed in the summer.

He would definitely be worth the risk.

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=7634

Above is Rynnas' profile at eliteprospects.

The Rangers don't have a backup as of yet, and It seems like Rynnas could be worth a risk and he could play backup and get some experience.  Who knows, if he develops quickly, he gives the Rangers a tradeable asset.  What do you think?

UPDATE-  As you probably know, I wrote this story based purely on speculation about the Rangers' chances to nab a goaltender other teams have been targeting.  Well, as it turns out, the Rangers won't be getting Jussi Rynnas.  I know most of you are in shock so I'll leave it to TSN for more information:

Finnish free agent goaltending prospect Jussi Rynnas, who attracted a lot of interest amongst NHL teams this season, has chosen Toronto as his destination.

The Maple Leafs are waiting to hear back from Rynnas' agent, Allain Roy, to finalize the deal, which is reportedly a two-year, two-way contract.

The 22-year-old Rynnas is slated to play in the Maple Leafs' minor league system next season.

''In situations like this, you tell them about the positives of your organization and you're honest with them and you let them decide,'' Dallas Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk told The Dallas Morning News. ''He decided Toronto was best for him.''

The Stars, Flyers, Canadiens, Coyotes and Leafs were all thought to be pursuing the young netminder.

So Toronto missed out on MZA, but finished on top in the competition for Rynnas.  Provided his stay in the AHL is short,  Rynnas can potentially compete for a starting position.  That will be interesting to watch.

(Hello, I am a regular poster on the Rangers blog here at SBNation.  I would like to congratulate the Flyers on a great game Sunday and for making the playoffs.  The reason I am here is because I was disappointed that such a great game Sunday, with playoff births at stake, was decided by a shootout.  In my opinion (as you will read) the shootout was the worst way to end such a game, and it's awful that a team's opportunity to play in the playoffs was decided by one.  I wrote this article on the Rangers blog, and wanted to know what your response is.)  

(Even though the Flyers won the shootout, are you satisfied (happy in how it was ultimately decided) with the ending?)

When it comes to the end of a hockey game in the regular season, we have all asked ourselves if the shootout was the most sensible thing we can do to allow a winner and a loser in every game.  Some agree, some disagree and call it the "charity point" to go along with the point system argument.  I think for now, if a winner and a loser must be determined, the shootout is alright.  But in the back of my mind, although I can come up with plenty of counter arguments, a shootout should not determine any winner when playoff implications are at stake.  This leaves me to my question for all of you:  Is it a good thing or a bad thing that a shootout can determine what team gets into the playoffs?

As I watched the Rangers play the Flyers Sunday, I wanted the game to end sensibly.  I wanted there to be no bad calls, no gimmicks, just a hard fought game, and a winner.  it just pains me to see the Rangers miss the opportunity to play in the playoffs because they lost a shootout.  I am not talking as a Rangers fan, but as a hockey fan.  Should a team's season be decided by a shootout?

As I said, I have many counter arguments.  A team could've clinched a playoff birth before season's end by winning a shootout.  So does every game that could decide a playoff contender have to end differently than every other game?  No.  A team that reaches the playoffs could've won plenty of shootouts in the regular season.  Likewise, a team that reaches the playoffs could've lost plenty of shootouts in the regular season.  The shootout is here to end games before the playoffs begin, and it did just that on Sunday.  No harm, no foul.

But is it really no harm, no foul?  Did the shootout that ended Sunday's game really determine who the better team was?  A game such as the one played on Sunday should have ended differently, just because of the special circumstance the winner goes into the playoffs.  In my opinion, the shootout Sunday was the worst way possible to end the game.  A "special" game like the one on Sunday, if the game is tied through regulation, should go to overtime.  Sudden death.  Golden goal.  Whatever you may want to call it.  It should not be decided through a skills competition.  A gimmick.  A show.

If the Rangers won, would I still have these feelings towards the way the game Sunday was decided?  Yes.  Would I be happy the Rangers won?  Of course.  However the Flyers shouldn't have their season be decided by a shootout.  Neither should the Rangers, nor should any team.  Watching the shootout on Sunday was like watching a shootout decide who wins the Stanley Cup.  There was just too much on the line for a shootout to take place.  Something has to be done to prevent an appalling finish such as the one witnessed Sunday.  The NHL's "show for the fans" just determined who has the privilege of playing for the Stanley Cup.  That is downright awful.

When it comes to the end of a hockey game in the regular season, we have all asked ourselves if the shootout was the most sensible thing we can do to allow a winner and a loser in every game.  Some agree, some disagree and call it the "charity point" to go along with the point system argument.  I think for now, if a winner and a loser must be determined, the shootout is alright.  But in the back of my mind, although I can come up with plenty of counter arguments, a shootout should not determine any winner when playoff implications are at stake.  This leaves me to my question for all of you:  Is it a good thing or a bad thing that a shootout can determine what team gets into the playoffs?

As I watched the Rangers play the Flyers Sunday, I wanted the game to end sensibly.  I wanted there to be no bad calls, no gimmicks, just a hard fought game, and a winner.  it just pains me to see the Rangers miss the opportunity to play in the playoffs because they lost a shootout.  I am not talking as a Rangers fan, but as a hockey fan.  Should a team's season be decided by a shootout?

As I said, I have many counter arguments.  A team could've clinched a playoff birth before season's end by winning a shootout.  So does every game that could decide a playoff contender have to end differently than every other game?  No.  A team that reaches the playoffs could've won plenty of shootouts in the regular season.  Likewise, a team that reaches the playoffs could've lost plenty of shootouts in the regular season.  The shootout is here to end games before the playoffs begin, and it did just that on Sunday.  No harm, no foul.

But is it really no harm, no foul?  Did the shootout that ended Sunday's game really determine who the better team was?  A game such as the one played on Sunday should have ended differently, just because of the special circumstance the winner goes into the playoffs.  In my opinion, the shootout Sunday was the worst way possible to end the game.  A "special" game like the one on Sunday, if the game is tied through regulation, should go to overtime.  Sudden death.  Golden goal.  Whatever you may want to call it.  It should not be decided through a skills competition.  A gimmick.  A show.

If the Rangers won, would I still have these feelings towards the way the game Sunday was decided?  Yes.  Would I be happy the Rangers won?  Of course.  However the Flyers shouldn't have their season be decided by a shootout.  Neither should the Rangers, nor should any team.  Watching the shootout on Sunday was like watching a shootout decide who wins the Stanley Cup.  There was just too much on the line for a shootout to take place.  Something has to be done to prevent an appalling finish such as the one witnessed Sunday.  The NHL's "show for the fans" just determined who has the privilege of playing for the Stanley Cup.  That is downright awful.

The Rangers are one of 11 teams rumored to change or alter their sweaters for the 2010-2011 season.  

Among the Rangers are Anaheim, Buffalo, Calgary, Columbus, Dallas, Nashville, the Islanders, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Toronto.

While there are no details at this time from Reebok as to what this third jersey may be, our friend Greg Caggiano may have some insight.  From him, reportedly, the new jersey will have "NEW YORK" written diagonally across the front, similar to how the Rangers currently wear their sweaters.

For the full article, and information and speculation on the new sweaters for all 11 teams, check Icethetics.

Here is the part from the article about the Rangers' new jersey:

 

NEW ALTERNATE JERSEY Reebok verifies the news we've all been dying to hear. The Rangers will wear an alternate jersey next season. But will it be the Lady Liberty logo make her glorious return?

POSSIBLE RANGERS THIRD?

Reebok doesn't specify, however, Rangers blogger Greg Caggiano recently claimed to have the inside track on the new thirds. He says he's been told they'll be nearly identical to the current home jersey with NEW YORK replacing RANGERS across the front.

Caggiano doesn't specify a source so it could just be guessing. I think it would disappoint a lot of Rangers fans and Icethetics readers. The Rangers arguably had the best third jersey of the '90s with that Statue of Liberty logo emblazoned on the front.

Those navy blue sweaters were so popular that in 1998 the Rangers even added a white version for a short time. They were used up until 2007 when Reebok took over the league.

The Rangers previously wore a blue jersey with NEW YORK on the front from 1978 to 1987. The team's home and road sweaters will not change next season.

Now until Reebok confirms the design, we will keep speculating.  But in my opinion, Lady Liberty all the way.  If there is one great thing we should all take out of this, it is this fact:  The Sabres will no longer wear their hideous "buffaslug" uniforms.

Before you read too much into the title, I'm not about to ramble about the stuff we hear and think about every day.  My main objective is to bring back an argument that hasn't seen the amount of light is should in the past couple of weeks.  That argument is simply, should Torts remain the head coach of the Rangers?  This was discussed early in the year.  Too early in the year.  We were all disappointed at the "tease" the Rangers gave us and we were left wondering how the team is structurally.  In my opinion, every team begins and ends with the coaches.  In the thick middle of this is of course the players.  Since we have discussed the players numerous times, we know exactly who is on the team.  That can't change no matter how hard we express our displeasure.  So players aside, no excuses, how has the coach been doing?

How has Torts' tenure with the Rangers been?  In the words of our friend Greg Caggiano, a joke.  Torts never fit with the team.  He was the wrong coach to begin with.  Media hype had us and the hockey world believing the Rangers needed a coach with "fire".  The only "fire" I have seen is under the boiling pot cooking the Rangers.  Truth is, the Rangers were fine the way they were.  A team that made the playoffs four straight years, playing a winning style of hockey, for a coach that seemed like the perfect fit.  Once you begin questioning the team, you can't look back.  Last year's team was a victim of circumstance, and a bad run had us all confused, demanding for something better.  Changes were made, starting with the coaching staff, and tweaks were made to the roster.  We were given a box of chocolates from the organization with a note promising only the best from the changes.  Well, about a year later, we still demand something better.  If changes were to be made again, let's rinse and repeat, and change the coaching staff, starting with the head coach, John Tortorella.

So why has Torts' tenure been a joke?  To sum it up, he is responsible for the product on the ice, and the product has been a joke.  He made statements proclaiming his extensive conditioning would allow the team to continue running instead of stopping to take a breather.  He said his up-tempo style of play will produce more goals.  He said there will be no excuses, and his implementation of "everyone is accountable" will make the team, play like a team.  So far, I haven't seen anything of the sort that makes me believe Torts is the right guy for the job.  There have been a lot of problems with the way Torts has handled situations.  Unnecessary benchings and playing favorites when it comes to ice-time, to name two, has plagued the team.  Being 67 games into the season, it looks like he is nothing but a bunch of unfulfilled promises.

In my honest opinion, Torts is a good coach... for another team.  He has lost this team.  Nothing he says or does can change this fact.  I've had these feelings for a while, and I still stick with it.  I've been patient, but I'm too much a Rangers fan to continue to be patient.  It is easy to tell in New York when something just isn't working right.  I want the Rangers to make the playoffs.  Very much so.  I am disheartened at the sight of a failed season.  I am also disheartened at the sight of seeing all the respect gained for the Rangers, that took four years to earn, be thrown away in one season.  I am not looking for a change in coach before the season's end.  There is still fifteen games left, and I don't want the organization to make the same mistake it did last season by firing the coach at this time.  But regardless of seeing the playoffs or not, I believe firing John Tortorella is the right thing to do.  The Rangers need someone else at the helm, because the marriage of Torts and the Rangers has been filled with nothing but problems, and it should be heading towards a divorce.

So I say to you, the Rangers should fire Torts.  I believe this is the best thing for the team.  We aren't talking about players, who is on the team, or anything along those lines.  There are no excuses.  The man who supposedly has none, should know.

While we are all scratching our heads, mine included, on the recent roster move by the Rangers to send promising rookie and fan favorite Matt Gilroy to the AHL, some more information on the matter has popped up, including quotes from the ever so popular John Tortorella.

Torts expresses his views on Gilroy and the goaltending situation, and there is a new update from Dubinsky and his closing return to the lineup.

For the complete article head on over here.

Some Highlights:

Torts on Gilroy:

"With Gilly, this is part of the process. Don’t confuse this that he was on the ice for the last goal - honestly, the last goal wasn’t really his fault: we had a horse---- backcheck by one of our top players (Marian Gaborik). Even on the tying goal, we’ve got Boyle and Reds picking their (noses) too on that play. This is a situation where we’ve talked for probably two weeks now on Gilly and what is best for him. There’s one part of his game that we feel he needs to be consistent with, or at least make an effort on it, is the competing part. We’ve explained it to him, we’ve showed it to him; we still don’t think he completely understands."

There is one thing that sticks out to me here.  "There's one part of his game that we feel he needs to be consistent with, or at least make an effort on it, is the competing part.  We've explained it to him, we've showed it to him; we still don't think he completely understands."

With that, I'll respond with a big, emphatic, WHAT?  I don't think Gilroy has been a major concern.  Most of us here, myself included, had no problems with Gilroy's play.  In fact, I think most of us would agree his game has been one of the few better performances around on the team.  He has forechecked, created offense, made terrific defensive plays on some of the better known players in the league, and above all else, has produced - 6 points doesn't seem like alot, but he makes the plays happen.  Sure, there has been some rough patches in the grass, but he is a rookie.  The majority of the mistakes from Gilroy are minor, (and we know the major ones), but it is a result of the system he plays in.

Now take what Torts has said and apply it to, say, Rozsival?  The complaints have been profound in number on this site, and still we are left with no answers.  To the best of our ability, we create the possible answers ourselves and conclude his contract provides him with basically guaranteed play, whether we like it our not.

One of our possible answers to this unexpected roster move was a cap move, in which case is understandable, as a temporary move - and that I can't stress enough - to create opportunities for a Christmas miracle in a deal to shed contract woes.  However, Torts seems to have made it clear this is not the case.  He emphasized "competing".  If Gilroy's competing level has made Torts angry, then the entire team is in trouble.  We here at the Banter witness game in and game out far worse competing levels in multiple players...

"We’re tying to make him a complete player at that position," Torts said. "He can skate, he can get there; we’ve really struggled with Matt in trying to teach him, instead of mirroring, closing, and trying to get people off of pucks, get the stick on the pucks and then closing."

"And listen guys, he’s not the only one on this blue line that struggles with that. … It’s not like the other guys are absolutely dead-on with their game right now."

so why single out Gilroy?  Torts' attitude makes the whole situation seem like a long process to help Gilroy learn.  I completely disagree with Torts and just scream out how wrong of a move this is.  Did Torts have a majority say in this decision?  If so... I, just don't have words to express the matter anymore.  Torts' actions have, in my opinion led the team in the wrong direction.  I hate when he benches players, especially those who don't deserve to be benched.  This sends the wrong message to Gilroy.  He was sent down because he hasn't competed hard enough.  And you heard this right from Torts himself.

Michael Obernauer says it best when he states, "And Gilroy has proven a promising rookie, not a liability, so no, we’re not confusing this with the end of the line for the 25-year-old, just maybe the end of the honeymoon."

That's a real shame.

Torts on Goaltending:

“It’s a mess. Let’s call it what it is, it’s a mess.  Honestly, I talked to Valley at the beginning of the year, we were looking to get him 15, 17 games, that’s what we’d like to do, especially because Hank’s going to be there in the Olympics and all that. Would I still like to do that? I don’t know if I can. Johnson’s going to get a game here along the way, and I think that’s going to determine how we go about this."

“I’m not trying to paint a lousy picture, but that’s the picture it is.”

Currently he sits at an 8.32 GAA in his two appearances for the Pack.  Johnson I don't mind seeing time in net; his play during the pre-season was pretty good, and I believe he is the future back up for Hank, but the fact he was sent down to the minors makes Torts' statement unlikely.  If Johnson was to play in an upcoming game, (we know a goaltender other than Lundqvist will start in one) he would've stayed up with the club, instead of being sent down to start in a game for Hartford.  Pending no changes, it looks as if Zaba gets a nod.  If I were the Rangers, I wouldn't have any trouble starting a rookie netminder soon.

Dubinsky on Himself:

"I’m at a point right now where it’s just a matter of me and the pain: if I can play with it and it feels okay, then I can go, I can go as hard as I want, and if it hurts obviously I’m going to back off a little bit.  But I don’t think I’m at risk of injuring it again - obviously unless I take another slap shot right off the top of it - I don’t think I’m at risk doing what I’m doing. So that’s nice. For me, the X-ray doesn’t mean anything."

The X-ray Dubinsky refers to is an X-ray to be taken at the Garden tomorrow that should provide an update on the healing process, but Dubinsky followed up in saying that "I don’t think that’s going to tell me anything I don’t know already right now."  Right now it looks like a good sign.  He admits he can go as hard as he wants so knowing the injury itself doesn't affect him is a nice update.  The pain understandably hurts still so we'll wait and see the next X-ray and hopefully he'll take it slow from there to be safe.  I personally don't think there is a rush to get him back on skates.  Playing with an injury healed is much better than playing with an injury not healed.  So Dubie, my advice to you is to wait until you're pain free.

--

The last couple of days has included venting out any frustrations with the team.  I personally believe if the Rangers lose against Buffalo, Torts should be fired.  But that's my opinion.  And maybe Gilroy will be called up and apologized to.

Watch as Dubinsky and Drury learn the importance of saving minutes.



Ha, anyone think this was an analysis or comparison post?  Gotcha!

Is it just me or do the kids look a lot like younger versions of Brandon Dubinsky and Chris Drury?  Eh, either way, that's all I see when I watch this commercial (or any of the other AT&T ones for that matter).  I want to know if anyone else here sees what I see too.

Also I have no knowledge of this being up previously on the Banter, and if it was, in advance, I'm sorry.

It's about time.  All that ever has been said can finally be put to rest.  Heatley, according to a report, has been dealt to San Jose, in a 3 way deal, which involves Patrick Marleau going to the Kings and Alexander Frolov and Jarret Stoll going to the Senators.

The report can be found here.

All I can say is I'm glad this saga is over, and the NHL season could actually move into motion.  Heatley's destination doesn't really surprise me, because San Jose has been a favorite team of his to join according to numerous reports.  It is, a kick in the face to Oiler Nation, as I believe the Oilers offer, was, and always has been, the best offer from any team.

Does this deal strike you as interesting?  Did the Kings make the right move here?  My opinion is no.  Why the Kings feel Frolov and Stoll for Marleau improves their team is beyond me.  Frolov (27) and Stoll (27) are due to recieve 2.9 and 3.6 million respectively.  Frolov will become a UFA this summer, and Stoll is signed through 2011/12.  Who the Kings get in return is Marleau (29), who is due to recieve 6.3 million this season, and like Frolov, he will become a UFA this summer.  If the Kings don't sign Marleau, this deal might just be a waste, unless they planned on departing with Frolov, and his expected salary competition, to the market.

The Heatley situation has been a topic beaten up countless times here at the Banter, and all speculation could be put to rest, hopefully.

-UPDATE- the deal might not have gone down (what's new?), as Glen Murray GM of the Senators, GM Doug Wilson of the Sharks, and GM Dean Lombardi of the Kings deny any truth to the deal.  Taken from Yahoo:

Both Sharks GM Doug Wilson and Senators GM Bryan Murray denied the three-way trade when reached by ESPN.com. "It's simply not true," Murray told ESPN.com Thursday night. "I've had conversations with teams today but still I'm not close to a deal [involving Heatley]."

Well, there goes my above comments... damn.

 Bucci's last Twitter report read "Dany Heatley will probably be a Shark tonight or tomorrow." So that's where we are. If this is in fact the deal in place, it's exactly what Bruce Garrioch reported this morning in the Ottawa Sun. 

"Bucci" is John Buccigross over at ESPN, where the report originated.

Kings GM Dean Lombardi to Rich Hammond of Inside The Kings about the Heatley trade report: "Complete bull.''

I don't know what else to say at this point.  Let the drama continue, and look around the NHL, or here, for more updates.

-UPDATE- TSN's own Bob McKenzie had this to say about the now, rumored deal, from Twitter:

Sources tell TSN Ottawa isn't close to doing a two-team Heatley deal, never mind a three-team transaction.

I don't know if anyone has seen it, but ESPN and ESPNEWS have done short segments on the deal and continue to promote it.  They do say the GM's have denied the deal though.  Heatley was also announced to be on the Senators training camp roster, according to ESPN.

-UPDATE- Heatley has been traded to San Jose.  The Kings are not involved, nor is Patrick Marleau.  Please check here for the story written by KingHenrik, which includes a link directly to the main announcement on TSN, as I did not discover this new story first. (I wanted to follow up the main story, which has been going on for more than a day.)

My final word:  Thank God It's Over.

Evgeny Grachev has opened alot of eyes at this year's prospect's tournament in Traverse City.  Here is an article on NHL.com which showcases the Rangers' future star.

 

Grachev has desire to join his country's elite

 

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- Name a Russian hockey player bursting with energy and possessing a skill set sure to knock your socks off.

Before you answer, keep in mind the player is currently starring at the five-day Prospects Tournament here at Center I.C.E. Arena this week.

He's New York Rangers forward Evgeny Grachev, who has certainly opened some eyes.

While the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Grachev may never reach the level of those Russian superstars of the NHL, it wouldn't come as a shock if the 19-year-old forward is someday linked to his childhood heroes.

"Everybody who plays hockey wants to be the best and not everybody can be, but we all try real hard and I want to be like those Russian players in the League," Grachev told NHL.com. "Those guys are some of the best players in the League and the world."

Fact is, it appears as though Grachev is on a fast track to stardom -- he's certainly mastered the English language pretty well. He never even reported to his Ontario Hockey League team in Brampton for the start of training camp. Instead it's likely he'll begin the 2009-10 campaign in Hartford, the Rangers' American Hockey League affiliate, or else earn a spot right out of the main camp that begins Sept. 12.

"I'm trying to not think about it," Grachev said. "I just want to get ready and work hard in camp and we'll see what happens. When I got here, I saw the guys and how the organization worked. I want this to be a part of my life."

Rangers assistant General Manger Jim Schoenfeld considered Grachev the most improved player within the organization. That's nothing to get too excited about, however, according to the native of Khabarovsk.

"I'm confident," he admitted. "My game changed in confidence a lot because last year, at first, I didn't really know what to do and I think I was going too hard at times. Sometimes, I might not have been going hard enough and then there are times when I needed to stay calmer. Gaining experience like this in Traverse really helps."

Grachev, who was interviewed by 20 teams at the NHL Combine in 2008, was drafted by the Rangers in the third round, with the 75th pick. Not surprisingly, he enjoys the physical side of the game.

"I'm probably not the greatest skater, but when I have a chance to hit a guy, I'm trying to hit him," Grachev said.

In his team's 4-1 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers on Monday, Grachev showcased his muscle and maneuverability with the puck on the way to scoring his first goal of the tournament.

"Once again, he dominated the game with his size and strength, and was rewarded with a well-deserved goal that demonstrated these attributes," Rangers Director of Player Personnel Gordie Clark said.

In his first season with the Brampton Battalion of the OHL in 2008-09, Grachev received the Emms Family Award as the league's Rookie of the Year after finishing with 40 goals and 80 points in 60 games. He also sported a plus-48 rating, the fourth highest total in the league. He also helped Team Russia win a bronze medal at the 2009 World Junior Hockey Championships in Ottawa.

Hartford coach Ken Gernander is getting a look at Grachev while coaching the Rangers' prospects competing in Traverse City, and likes what he sees. He's had the big Russian alongside Kingston'sEthan Werek and Ryan Bourque of the USA National Team Development Program for much of the week.

"I'm not going to tell you where he fits in the system because that'll be determined in the main training camp," Gernander said. "I think he's shown himself very well here in the first two games. Everybody can see he's got size and he's a big guy with some skills. He skates well and I think he's someone who shows a lot of promise. Hopefully, he pushes for a job at training camp."

His initial season in the OHL last year obviously did wonders for his confidence, as evidenced by his play at the prospects tournament.

"He played last year in the Canadian junior leagues, so I don't think rink size has been an issue at all," Gernander said. "I think the North American style of game doesn't affect a guy with his size. In fact, it probably suits his game better than the wide-open Olympic ice back home."

For Grachev, watching his brother play hockey back in his hometown was his calling card to eventually picking up a hockey stick and giving it a go.

"My brother used to bring me over to the rink and I started skating with him," he said. "In America, I really don't feel any pressure -- I feel comfortable here. I hope to use this tournament (in Traverse City) to get into game shape and get ready for main camp. I want to try and help my team win every game by playing my best."

 

Evgeny Grachev isn't only impressing us, but the hockey community as well.