Straka-Less

Martin Straka is no longer a New York Ranger.

Claiming he has not accepted his new deal (TSN) and will make the decision July 1, last night he apparently signed a deal with his former Czech Republic club, HC Lasselsberger Plzen to leave the NHL entirely - as the free agency deadline approached this coming Tuesday without any offers or consideration from Blueshirt management. Slats and gang were not interested in re-signing the three-year New York Ranger.

How might this effect the re-signing of Jaromir Jagr?

The answer to that will reveal itself no earlier than next Tuesday (July 1), but it sure doesn't bode well for maintaining Jagr's player 'support system.' As Glen Sather and Co. are looking to strengthen and rebuild the NY Rangers this off-season, they have made it clear to Captain Jagr their desire to bring him in under their terms, financially and expectation of play, for one more year. As it stands, Jagr is looking for two years extension.

Marty Straka leaving the Rangers may be revealing a little of how this team is looking to open the season this fall. How do you think Marty will feel watching his former Rangers from the stands opening in his home town of Prague this October?

The heat has been turned on slightly higher....

tdr

Gomez Scores First Goal, Rangers Control Caps 3-1 (UPDATED)

"It was just a matter of time, and we just stuck with the game plan. Jags sets you all up, you get a little lucky and just play good old hockey," stated Scott Gomez immediately after tonight's game, having just scored his first goal as a New York Ranger tonight against the Washington Capitols, demonstrating to the home crowd just what NJ Devils have been cheering about for years. Not to mention the pressure that was just lifted off his shoulders as Gomez was undoubtedly one of the most expensive free agents in the NHL this off-season (who hasn't scored yet - giving NJ Devils delight).

This was a solid game tonight: up-tempo, going to the net, shots on goal, effective power playing and this all had a controlling effect on the Caps, as the Rangers owned most of the game. It felt like the first truly balanced hockey performance of the season - a small foreshadowing of what could become of our Blueshirts in the season ahead. I almost felt bad for former Ranger Michael Nylander as he appeared defeated, disappointed and ineffective playing the first line with Ovechkin. His close friend Jagr was not at all feeling bad as he had three assists, one leading to a goal won by Martin Straka, the other setting up a goal by Michal Rozsival.

In discussing this week's rematch against the Ottawa Senators at MSG Scott Gomez added, "Tomorrow is the one that we really want. We made some mistakes in our loss last week and we're ready to take them. We can definitely take this team."

Famous last words by Mr. Gomez. Until tomorrow. The Rangers replay the Senators tomorrow night, Sat., 7PM EST.

tdr

UPDATE: Still thinking about the game tonight and special kudos and a Blueshirt Salute to Marcel Hossa, Dan Girardi and Staal who all played spectacular hockey -- they supported the team better than most, so this idea of bringing in tired, Islander veterans and new prospects from other teams right now could be a grave error. We have the young talent already playing the AHL ready to play the big leagues, some of those were recently sent back up to Hartford - so Sather and Renney should WAKE THE F&*k UP!