So Begins the Annual Scratch and Claw for the Playoffs.

It’s a shame that we generally wait for this point in the season to buckle down and really focus. A few hours to the trade deadline and we’ll frantically gather our spilled box of spare parts and greenhorns, try to assemble them around an injured scorer, a rumored injured goalie, 1 or 2 young charges, the bark from an agitator under duress and start hauling @$$ for the number 8 spot. Looking at the last few seasons, this could be said of almost anyone of them. We succeeded those years (if you ignore the first and second round exits) and it all started with a win. .. Much like last night’s...

Read the official recap here.

For two weeks, players from around the world converged on Vancouver to represent their countries in the Olympics. There was something magical and mystical about those two weeks for the players that participated. The players that left home apparently weren’t left out… as those two weeks seemed to be enough for the Rangers to forget they aren’t destined for the bottom as they thought. .. Unfortunately, for the fans in Ottawa, it was enough for their Senators team to cool off and lose that white hot streak of 11 straight wins. A scoring spurt of 3 goals in 2 minutes was enough to pull the rug out from under a team that had been reduced to a one line + Alex Kovalev. As the Rangers chased Elliot, they barely got a nibble at the fresh meat…err Pascal Leclaire.

As a Rangers fan, I’ll admit that until the final buzzer, it was hard to shake the feeling that this could turn around in a matter of minutes and become another embarrassing comeback loss we would suffer at the hands of a Canadian team. However "The King" held strong and Ryan Callahan had some carry-over momentum from Vancouver and couldn’t let this one slip away. I wish I could say the same for our captain (Chris Drury), who on a shorthanded breakaway, inexplicably wheeled back into anticlimactic mediocrity and lost possession of the puck rather than going for the shorty or at least trying to draw the penalty on a stand out moment. Anyway, before this becomes a “same ole Drury” post, lets keep this about the win and what the days beyond last night hold for the hopes of Ranger fans.

The trade deadline is almost 2 hours away and we appear to be trying to clear some cap space. Its doubtful that Lisin and Voros will really be sought after as teams look to shore up for their post season runs. Voros was placed on waivers last year and made it through without a hitch. Shelley and Prust signed to extensions of old contract terms really preclude Voros' exit. As for Lisin, I would be of the opinioned that he hasn’t really played to his strengths. That kind of goes without saying on this team, but I could imagine him flourishing someplace where he’s not expected to be a pillar of offense. If we did manage to clear space, who could we be chasing? The Souray rumors continue to swirl… as does the Jagr back to the NHL speculation. The general opinion is that Kovalchuk is not staying in Jersey…so is it possible he could be in Rangers Blue next season? Could he survive more than a minute in the same locker room with Avery? All of these thoughts are hardly new and while we all wait for the next “probably stupid move to be covered by 3 smaller stupid moves sometime later next season, we assemble our banners and wait for the rally … with our knuckles tight over what happens the next two hours. For the rest of the season, we have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Lets Go Rangers!

-J_Undisputed

Update:
1:15pm - According to TSN, the New York Rangers added depth at center by acquiring minor-leaguer Kris Newbury from the Detroit Red Wings, in exchange for AHL left wing Jordan Owens.

TDR sidenote:  I am actually impressed that the RANGERS Slats & Co. didn't trade away our future for another undelivering hack that wants a bigger contract this summer.  Perhaps other GM's were fully prepared for the Jedi tricks (i.e. Scott Gomez to Montreal) of 'ole Slats, but maybe --- just maybe --- Blue Management was thinking of future generations of Rangers Blue.  

Portraits in Heroism

As we're back in action, folks, and picking up tonight against the 'were-red-hot-before-the-Olympic-break' Ottawa Senators and as the trade deadline of 3pm tomorrow will further define how Sather & Co. thinks he will get the New York Rangers into the playoffs -- I share with you a celebration of our Commissioner, Gary Bettman.

He is a rock star.

Though strangely unwilling to make an immediate deal for the Olympics four-years from now, please celebrate his heroism as a leader of our dear NHL.

If you've seen the following gallery, then go again..   If not, well.....just enjoy.  Thank Greg Wyshynski of PuckDaddy for posting the gallery -- a display of great work from one of the best hockey bloggers on the planet.

Go here for the Gary Bettman gallery and a good laugh before the Rangers hit the ice tonight.   Here we go...

tdr

Brodeurs 2, Rangers 0

Stings doesn't it, Ranger brethren. 2 nights a row we were shut out by Brodeurs, first by the flopper and now by an AHL goalie in his second NHL game. While many of us took solace in the effort we put forth against the division/conference leading devils. (and truth be told.... niether goalie deserved to lose that game... ok maybe Marty did because he's a bit of whining d**che.. but anyway I digress.) Either way, from a night where the fans of this team could settle for the point from getting to overtime and the self satisfaction that came with hard work... Last night was a rude awakening and the Ottawa Senators came to town to tell us that our best wasn't good enough. Facing a team that was three points behind us in the standings, we failed to show... and rightfully at the end of the first we should of and could have been down 4-0 if not for the specatcular play of Henrik Lunqvist, who grew eyes in the back of his head and had a full time job just keeping himself aware of the presence of former Ranger, Alex Kovalev.

Read the official recap, here

Perhaps we were just worn out from all that work we did against Jersey... but more over, my logic and history as a Ranger fan, tells me that this team was riding high on the effort... and stumbled into an ambush last night as we prepared to face an Ottawa team that was in the midst of a losing streak and 3 points behind us in the standings. I'm not accusing any of this team with being happy with a loss, but I know if theres one thing that tends to be more consistent on my team, more than anything else, it's playing up or down to the level of competition. We can beat the best of the league on one night and lose to the worst the next. Perhaps it would be best if we kept the schedule a mystery to the team so they would have to prepare for the worst case scenario all the time.

Our boys in blue stunk up the place pretty bad in the first and heads snapped and jerked in different directions trying to catch a glimpes of the Ottawa players whizzing past them with the puck. Bewildered and alone, our blueshirts floated aimlessly hoping for a break. There were faint signs of life after the Ottawa skaters did our job for us and cycled the puck back into their zone and turned it over. We were quick to jump on those wells of opportunity, hacking away in the Ottawa crease only to come up dry. Was it the bizzaro Brodeur in goal for the Sens that turned us away? Nay... In fact, it was hard to find any Rangers shots that made it past the forest of legs gathered in front of the Ottawa net or could be taken before being turned over on an intercepted pass. In essence this was a typical Rangers game vs. the Sens; where the Sens cruised the passing lanes, salivating and waiting for the next pass from a paniced Ranger. Add to that, the typical blindsiding display from Chris Niel as he riccocheted from corner to corner pasting Ranger after Ranger .... after Ranger (Girardi and Anisimov are probably wearing smelling salt necklaces today to stay vertical). Ok I'll admit I'm jealous and wish Niel has taken our offer in the off season. But its ok, because we got Brashear... and he struck fear into to the Ottawa team last night by being powerslammed to the ice in a early scrap with Carker and showed his resiliance by finishing what he started and getting in a few noogies before he was reintroduced to the ice by a Carkner right hand in round 2.... making himself the example of what happens to Rangers that fight back... (a secret that all the other Rangers must have known and kept from Brashear)

Yes the tone was set early in the first, kiddies. As our saving grace in net gave coach Torts enough time to call one of those early time outs to attempt to right the ship.. Tortorella, probably 2 steps from the looney bin after watching the horror unfold in front of him, probably let out a nice.. "WTF?!?!?" and let everyone gathered around the bench, absorb it and take a moment for a self reflection. Really, what else could be said at that point? Even the most elementary of observations would have been helpful, yet so comical. "Get the puck" ... "Hit back" ... "stop turning it over" or maybe just a simple "TRY HARDER!"

Yes in fact, if I had to choose a theme of the night and of the lesson learned from last night's demoralizing brutality... It would be try harder. Because sometimes your best isn't enough. (no matter how many times its claimed and blurted into microphones around the lockeroom after losses like last nights tha the team did it's best.).

I can't begin to even speak about the 2nd and 3rd period, though we did seem considerably more concious in the final stanza of the game. I could be guilty of jixing us with remark to the other dark writers about the assignment of covering the game and the all heartstopping moment that occurs whenever Kovalev makes a return to the garden, gets the puck on his stick and we scream NOOOOOOO! in slow motion. I strangely get the feeling though that I am not alone in that sentiment and if its something you were thinking too, its just as much your fault as it is mine.


Your partner in Crime,
J_Undisputed

'The King' Vetoes The Senators

NYR 2, Senators 1 (SO)

With the New York Rangers coming off a two-game losing slump, NYR Goalkeeper Henrik Lundqvist pulled out a win against the Ottawa Senators in the shootout, the game winning goal by 'called up Hartford Wolfpack P.A. Parenteau.'  The Blueshirts are now 2-0 against the scrappy Senators and now look a healthy 11-8-1 this season.  Though not perfect, this afternoon treat provided a crack of optimism after the two day slump I've suffered having witnessed the Rangers loss to Atanta on Thursday night.  But allow me to throw a little DARK into the 'win'.

Official recap here.

With Brandon Dubinsky and Chris Drury out on injured reserve, coach John Tortorella chose to move hardly-scoring Chris Higgins (2 goals, 3 assists) up front to play center with Paranteau (AHL 10 goals, 10 assists) playing to his left on the second line.  I heard today that just under 20% of the NHL is either out on injured reserve or day-to-day.   The league should require the IR-flu vaccine to all eligible players.

It was a blue-collar game full of cheap hits, half-hearted forechecking, scrappy playmaking, evenly matched and questionable defense on both ends.  After some redeeming games, former Senator and now pricey-Ranger-defending Wade Redden was up to his old tricks again.  You 'old dog you!  Thirteen minutes into the first period, the most exciting moment (if you live in Ottawa) was seeing Wade expose the neutral zone allowing an easy Kovalov feed to Jonathan Cheechoo breakaway straight at Henrik Lundqvist.   Blocked!  Thanks to Henrik's demi-God instincts, a goal was denied.  After 240 career games as a Senator, I wonder how Wade Redden felt being invisible on the ice?  That's rhetorical.

"No worries Wade, two baby NHL rookies were there covering our 'Alfredsson and Spezza'-plagued blueline when you and Rozsival realized you were actually wearing ice skates with your pants down."   - TDR

Although I think the neutered Sean Avery is trying to find his new role as part of this bionic Blueshirts squad, he did agitate and play a strong puck-moving game.  More essential, our boys-in-blue defended Avery, multiple Otta-weenie melees against Sean followed by 'Blueshirt Retaliation'.  This is refreshing, especially in light of how Avery has allegedly not been getting along with his locker-room. 

The second period Senators broke through on the scoreboard, Jarkko Ruutu feeding Brian Lee in the slot giving Ottawa the lead and deflating anyone watching the game.   Our fourth line response went sour as Boyle passed to Brashear pass to Voros...nothing.  Crap.    On a side, just watching Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson today makes you appreciate good hockey and how chemistry works.    Though not connecting with the net, they created so many opportunities but were simply denied by our goalkeeper -- simply stunning to watch (thanks again Henrik!).

Despite four second period penalites (too-many for any game), we tied it up with a beautiful Marian Gaborik feed to Vinny Prospal for a shortie!  Ironically, it was Prospal's first short-handed goal.  Who knew?  The game was 1-1.

The third period was gritty and fun to watch.  It was anyone's game to win.  Both teams never resembled anything compared with the first and second period -- another nail biter.  This level of nervous energy led to overtime, which led to the dreaded shootout skills competition.

With more than five failed shootout attempts by both Rangers and Senators, 'commuter' Parenteau was asked by coach John Tortorella whether or not he was any good at the shootout.  What else is the guy going to say?  So with that, P.A. flipped a nice goal in the top right corner and took the deciding goal.  P-A-R-E-N-T-E-A-U!!!!  A good performance by a call-up, despite the game winning goal, no one watching will forgive him for missing the wide open feed with 3 minutes left in the third period, but overall, a solid performance.

So Rangers fans, sleep well knowing that we have three days off before our playoff nemesis steps into the Garden on Tuesday night.  The Big 'O' hopefully will wake up Tuesday morning not feeling up to the challenge which will be fine with all of us.  Sleep well knowing that the team looks the same with Drury and Dubinsky out on injured reserve, so remember that we are a highly coached team with a system that should work - plus an elite goalkeeper who always keeps us in the rankings.

Let's go Rangers fans!  Enjoy the weekend.

tdr

Blueshirts 'Spezza' By Ottawa, NYR 5, Senators 2

Ottawa Senator's Jason Spezza was fast.  Captain Dan Alfredsson was playing his game.   But the Rangers showed up after a disappointing loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins the night earlier, 2-3, and 'wow'ed the Garden faithful with a makeover team and some new shining stars.

The Boys on Broadway failed to disappoint last evening in the home opener at MSG against the Ottawa Senators.  It was a fantastic win, setting the stage to believe in them for the remainder of the season -- always a dangerous precedent.  Despite the win there were unhappy Rangers fans continuing their loser tradition of boo'ing their own players -- which I think is assinine the second game into a new season and new roster -- and this time overpaid Michal Rozsival received as many as Brashear, but I digress....

We won!  Official recap here.

Sounding almost redundant, thank the heavens for Henrik Lundqvist our miracle worker in goal.  After a scoreless and scary first period, he held a brick wall in front of the net, as countless Senators lobby-ed their way into Blueshirt territory, Henrik saving 19 of 20 shots in the second period alone -- and allowing our boys to take a substantial lead 3-1.  

Vinny Prospal appears to be taking his on-again, off-again professional career a bit more seriously as he scored a goal and rotated his shifts like a pro should -- it is certain former Tampa Bay brass are kicking themselves in the pants right at this moment for not renewing his contract.  Former holdout NYR Brandon Dubinsky ended the evening with an impressive 2 goals, 1 assist -- reminding us what he has at stake given his duties in centering super-groinal Marian Gaborik.  Dubie nailed it.   (add him to your fantasy lineup 'cause he's going to deliver points galore).    First-time NHL'er 19-year old Michael Del Zotto scored his first professional goal to open the third period and secure the momentum swing the Blueshirts needed to conquer the game. 

Marian Gaborik.  Wow.  Stay healthy and we might expect that Atlantic division title.

“The excitement was there (Saturday) night with the great fans out there. I got chills when I skated out on the ice. It was great, especially with the win.”

- Right wing Marian Gaborik, who scored his second goal in as many games in the Rangers' 5-2 victory Saturday over Ottawa.

As nostalgic and hopeful we all become after opening night at The Garden, I still remain hesitant to pour my 'Stanley Cup dreams' into this team.  They are quicker, they are a more skilled team and there are moments of greatness.  But the power play remains a zombie, the Blueshirts going 0 for 5 with the advantage (that is now 0-9 over the season on the PP) and I still feel that the roster is missing that 'stay-at-home quarterback' to take the burden off of Henrik.  I trust the power play will improve (it numerically has to) but I cannot say that about our blueline.  We need help on defense, plain & simple.

So with that Rangers fans, it was a good night for The Dark Ranger and his legions of hopeful followers.  We expect more of the same and see you tomorrow night against the Devils of Newark!  M-A-R-TTTTTTTTT-YYYY.....(not so great last night against Philly, Marty!!!!)

tdr

The Rangers Sign Murray Heatley!

New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has agreed to terms with retired and aging WHA free agent Murray Heatley.

Of course this hasn't happened, but maybe Slats & Co. should start thinking about how to truly get the much ridiculed and mocked Ottawa Senator left-winger Dany Heatley in a Rangers uniform this season.

Sign his Dad, Murray Heatley.

What Daddy says, Dany does. Where Daddy says to go, Dany goes (see Eric Lindros). Some suggest that it is Father Heatley that has decided that his ideas of how to play his son conflict with Senator's management, which has led to this cluster-f**k of a negotiation.

While Senators GM Bryan Murray has maintained the price has gone up after the unhappy winger refused to waive his no-movement clause to be dealt to the Edmonton on July 1, Heatley's Calgary-based agent J.P. Barry has said his client hasn't closed the door on playing for the Oilers or the New York Rangers. Receiving more than appropriate criticism for the way things have been handled, J.P. Barry apparently is following the rules of the player's association and they have done nothing wrong.

That is...except, piss off every single ticket buying patron in Ottawa, piss off every player in his own locker room and embarrass the NHLPA.

A trade of Nik Zherdev and Rozsival plus a couple of draft picks for Heatley is probably more attractive now then it was in late June, as Bryan Murray obviously would like to get rid of Heatley and his $7 million a year circus.

My advice: Offer the Senators the above players and draft pick trade. Offer to pay the Senators an additional $4 million to cover the bonus he received on July 1 - and make the deal with (Papa) Murray Heatley first, who will then dictate to agent Barry...and The Dark Ranger guarantees that Dany Heatley will be a Blueshirt.

Slats can send my commission check to the fans.

tdr

In other news:
Christopher Higgins has inked a one-year deal with the New York Rangers. We couldn't be happier, especially for the price ($2.25M). The Manic Ranger says is best.

Need We Say More?

Casually walking through my West Village neighborhood this weekend, I noticed something that I have never seen having walked by it just about every day for ten years. I pulled out my camera and snapped a shot.

The picture has meaning for those that have felt loss in their lives. For others it refers to something they have gained in their lives over the last year.

Don't get your undies in a bunch, I am not suggesting anything bad happen to anyone -- but perhaps this picture and establishment can symbolically represent a certain player's performance of late and the direction of a contract.

(Hurray up Brian Burke....I heard you're interested).

tdr

Scooby 'Dubie' Does, NYR 2, Senators 0

Call it the return to scoring for New York Ranger young'en Brandon "Dubie" Dubinsky, who scored his sixth goal of the season, his first since November 24, as the Blueshirts blanked the struggling Ottawa Senators 2-0 last night in Ottawa. The Rangers are now 25-15-4 for the season sitting in second place in the division, one point behind the raging and rising Philadephia Flyers.

But the highlight of the game was watching a flawless goaltender Henrik "The King" Lundqvist who owned the night. This game was in anyone's corner, but Hank took control in goal and made up for his semi-performing blueline (including 'turn over'er Wade Redden). It wasn't until recently benched Lauri Korpikoski scored the game winner midway through the third period, off of an awe-inspiring feed from Nikolai Zherdev. Even on television, the silent Canadian crowd "oooh'ed and aaawww'ed" when Nicky Z deeked their defense with a behind the back feed. The "Amazing Zherdev" is an appropriate knickname for the Russian as half of the time he is invisible and the other half, well....like last night.

Official recap here.

In other news, to my dismay -- former (2 season) New York Ranger Brendan Shanahan is now officiallly a New Jersey Devil. Last night Lucky Louie of the 'Devils of Newark' finalized Shanny's return, terms not disclosed. Shanny stated again to the press that he wanted up until yesterday to be a NY Ranger, but cap issues got in the way and he had put his trust in NY Ranger GM Glenn Sather to work it out. Not to be. So he comes full circle -- the team that drafted him in 1987 will have another shot with him. Best of luck to you Brendan. I will always be a fan -- you did a lot for the team, but now I have to dislike you. Have fun in Newark!!!

"Omsk My God!" - in other Ranger-related news, Jaromir Jagr publicly admitted yesterday that he wouldn't mind coming back to the NHL next season as a Penguin -- and completely willing to do that under the minimal salary requirements (meaning $350,000 per season) as Mario is his mentor and he owes everything professionally to him. Jags could teach a thing or two to The Diver. He'd also be killer in line with Malkin. Or not.

Tipping the glass for another Hank shutout, another win and the possibility that an offense is emerging.

tdr

Happy Holidays Rangers Fans! Rangers 1, Senators 3

The first period on last night's meeting between the Blueshirts and the Ottawa Senators was solid hockey. Scottie Gomez scored the first goal half way through, and even though speed-demon Jason Spezza scored for Ottawa toward the end of the first period, it appeared our Rangers were tired of the embarrassment and ready to play after a humiliating game against the Minnesota Wild and the OT loss to the Avs all in the same week.

Well, everything fell apart. After a strong first period, the Rangers seemed to magically lose energy, perhaps showing the effects of playing for the fifth time in eight days. Maybe Tom Renney gave them a few motivational tips during the intermission!!? In the end, the Rangers have won only two games in the last ten. Recap here.

The second and third periods, Ottawa proceeded to score twice and shutdown the Garden chants. Senator's Shean Donovan moved up and around Ranger's Marc Staal, forced to dive on his stomach to deny Donovan's progress after his stick broke, and got a shot in on Blueshirt Henrik Lundqvist. The rebound popped out above the crease to Kelly, who shovelled in his seventh goal to make it 2-1 with 7:44 left in the second period. Ottawa's Mike Fisher made it 3-1 when his shot from the right point, after a turnover by New York's Chris Drury, hit Rangers defenceman Marc Staal and caromed in at 9:08 of the third period. Game over.

Ryan Hollweg seemed to be the only player on the ice last night after the first period. He was appropriately forechecking, taking advantage of turnovers, shooting the puck, throwing himself into the goal.....gold stars to Ryan! First time I've ever said that, as I have never understood why Hollweg was essential to the team....until last night. Irony.

To prevent myself from tirelessly repeating the same critiques and comments about our beloved Rangers, I thought I'd give you the most accurate description of last night's performance:

Jaromir Jagr - blah.

Chris Drury - blah.

Brendan Shanahan - who?

Tom Renney - eh?

Malik - yuk.

Hossa - benched, yeah!

Lundqvist - sorry buddy

So with that Ranger's fans, I do think things will turn around in the New Year. One of my New Year's resolutions is for the New York Rangers to start winning games again - and I do believe Tom Renney will not hold a place on this team after February - 'the shake up is near' because things are not getting better.

Happy holidays to all and happy hockey to all!

tdr

Hail, Marek Malik!

Now that I have your attention, prepare for the oncoming 'hail storm' now that Malik is back in the lineup. The first couple of minutes of the New York Rangers vs. Ottawa Senators this afternoon were scary, the 'tall-one' turned over one play to Jason Spezza and a bad pass three minutes into the first period. A foreshadow of what was ahead.

Wrong. New York beat Ottawa 5-2. With the win, the Rangers moved a game behind Ottawa for the conference lead & first place in the Atlantic Division.

Henrik Lundqvist made 32 saves for his league-leading 14th win; he has held opponents to two or fewer goals in 17 of 24 games this season. Brendan Shanahan placed two goals on the board, with Jaromir Jagr, Dan Girardi and Blair Betts also scoring for New York, before Joe Corvo and Dany Heatley scored for Ottawa in the last period.

This afternoon we saw the repeat performance of the New York Rangers that we expect to see -- offensive muscle that shoots the puck often & the Renney defense system that has worked most of the time (and never forget, The King). The combo of both is a winning team model, which is what the Rangers demonstrated today against Ottawa and the Islanders on Thursday. The Senators were stunned the entire game and never had controlled possession. The Ottawaiin' Corvo & Heatley goals were let in by a team that was up 4-0 through the second period - 'let 'em have them' goals, we will call them.

If we can expect this level of game for half of the season, all Rangers fans will be pleased - the playoffs will be a 'shoe-in' and the Men in Blue will be feared.

It is no surprise that the next three to four games are tough ones (Carolina, Toronto, Atlanta & Jersey), but it is thrilling to see Carolina dropped eight goals to Buffalo ending with a 1-8 final score tonight. May their humiliation bleed over this weekend to Monday against The Blueshirts.

See you at The Garden at 7pm on Monday - NY Rangers vs Carolina Hurricanes.

I feel like I'm "Al-Renney' there!

tdr

Call To Action, Public Flogging of Marek Malik

Here ye, Here ye. Tomorrow at The Garden at high noon, Rangers coach Tom Renney invites fans to throw whatever you'd like at Ranger Marek Malik in it's first ever public flogging - season ticket holders get to participate first, so The Dark Ranger will be first in line.

Tonight, the New York Rangers dropped our second meeting this week to the Ottawa Senators 3-1, mostly due to the merits of Marek Malik - our floundering, overpaid, most boo'ed New York Ranger defenseman. The Senators mauled their way through our defensive lines three times in a row during the 2nd period, all within a 52 second window. The first and third goal against the Rangers happened because Malik forgot to play basic zone defense and cover the open man. An over-sized schmuck on ice.

"Our team this year is about scoring a lot of goals, rather than building veteran defensive lines. We are a team unit."
- Anonymous current NY Rangers coach

Rangers fans and beat writers were always worried about the lack of defensive veterans in the roster during the off-season, something never addressed by management (giving them the benefit of the doubt that they knew something we didn't) - and now we might be witnessing a weakness greater than anyone anticipated. The defense was not alone in their performance tonight. Even the experience of our superstar front lines couldn't overcome Ottawa's defense; Senator replacement goalkeeper Martin Gerber was remarkable tonight as the Rangers could not take advantage of any power plays, including a 5 on 3 with 11 minutes left in the third period, our first line pounding their defense - and nothing connecting and no dirty goals to claim.

Though the Blueshirts are 2-3-0, it is early and it's obvious they haven't found their game. I believe in the New York Rangers, I believe in Tom Renney. I believe in Jagr motivating his teammates to play better hockey. The night was not a complete disaster and honorable mention goes to "The King" Henrik Lundquist for preventing more goals, having saved 20+ real scoring opportunities for Ottawa (and unable to make up for the complete breakdown of our defense).

I do not believe in Marek Malik. He must have secret pictures of Tom Renney with farm animals or something similar that keeps him in the game.

I also want to acknowledge the efforts of Brandon Dubinsky who played hard, threw some punches and, hopefully, proved to Coach Renney that former Islander David Scatchard is not a good replacement for our rookie known as 'Dubie'. Taking a cue from Colton Orr, our resident Blueshirt enforcer, rookie Dubinsky attempted to challenge veteran Luke Richardson to a fight. Poor kid absorbed a devastating right hook: he earned a "10" on effort, "2" for ugly-ness.

..and so I digress, canned goods and previous New York Rangers' paraphernalia from the 1995-2003 seasons will be perfect for the flogging of Marek Malik. Known to take a lot of abuse from the fans and press, after tonight's game the coaching staff and management upstairs are finally acknowledging that he is unreliable, not worth the $3 million per season and are prepared to trade and dump him from the roster in order to rebuild our defense. That's a nice wish.

tdr

A Disappointing Loss to the Senators

It is a silent night for the New York Rangers, taking a 2-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators in the second game of the regulation season (1-1-0). Martin Gerber, replacement goaltender to Ray Emery of the Senators, out shined our own Henrik Lundqvist and we are left scratching our heads.

After giving up 2 goals in the first period, one thanks to our 'booing wonder' on-off-off defenseman Marek Malik, the defense and Henrik Lundqvist played a marvelous game holding off any additional goals. Though, with 35 saves credited to Ottawa this evening, the Senators played better and shutout the Blueshirts.

Too disappointed to continue writing, you can read more here, here and here.

The Real Thing Tonight

Tonight's game against the Ottawa Senators, 7pm EST, will be a true test for the New York Rangers. The obvious question is will we be watching the Rangers that played the third period two nights ago against the Florida Panthers or is this the Rangers that couldn't get their act together the first and second period against the Florida Panthers?

Already the Senators are 2-0-0 in their two first outings and the Rangers are 1-0-0, so if the Rangers pull-out a win this evening, then it will be the first time in over forty years they have won the first two games in a season.

Looking forward to seeing a little of that chemistry on the Straka-Drury-Jags veteran line, followed by another aggressive and gritty performance by my favorites Brandon Dubinsky, Blair Betts and Ryan Callahan. Henrik Lundqvist will be the key this evening, with Ottawa All-Stars Alfredsson, Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza looking to de-throne "The King." Good news is Ray Emery, goaltender for Ottawa, remains out on injury and replacement Martin Gerber is in the net for Ottawa for the third-game in a row. The bad news is that he is playing exceptional well with two wins opening their season. Damn him.

This is no doubt a crucial game for the Blueshirts, while many have speculated that these two teams appear on paper to be the top two contenders in the Eastern Conference. It's early and The Dark Ranger's expectations are low, but I do want to see a solid match up and good team chemistry. Tonight is supposed to be a good game.

You never know. I smell a win.

tdr