Tortorella Speaks

If you missed it and you're reading this post, go here for mandatory reading. Jeff Klein of the New York Times interviewed 'Coach Torts' and we get honesty like we haven't heard since the days of Mike Keenan (the similarities are uncanny).

I do think Tortorella is a 'tone-setter' for training camp, someone who cares about the team as much as we do as die-hard fans. Even during the playoffs, it felt that Jaromir Jagr and Tom Renney left their marks on the franchise -- inconsistent style of play, tired, lazy, 'looking for the perfect shot', horrible power play, etc.

A month from now, these things will be addressed and we can thank the new coach for the attitude change.

Though, we can only hope this season he'll resist throwing chairs at fans that have a quicker wit than he does...

tdr

Should Scott Gomez Be Traded To Allow Mats Sundin In?

So the latest Mats Sundin conspiracy theory is that Slats & Co. are slogging the seven-year Scott Gomez contract (7 mill per year) to more than 10 teams at the last minute in order to make room for a potentially ex-Leaf Swedish-plays-with-Naslund Captain free agent for the same $7 mill per season (though in his case, for a two-year contract).

Michael Stein - Bleacher Report shares the 'pros & cons' of such a move -- and I share it in full glory taking no credit for it. It is worth sharing. What do you think?



Should Scott Gomez Be Traded? Pros and Cons for the Rangers

by Michael Stein

PROS

Trading Gomez is a move that might not just make sense if you're looking to acquire Mats Sundin, but it might make sense in regard to the types of prospects the Rangers have, and are looking to integrate into their team in the next few years.

First of all, Sundin is coming to the team for no less than $5 million to $6 million (and that's being generous on his part). He was, of course, offered $10 million by Vancouver, but the talk is that he'd take less to come to Broadway.

Sundin would be an interesting pickup, not only because he brings a load of experience to a team that let a majority of its players walk away this past summer, but he brings an annual 30 goals to his team. That's a decent amount of goals for a 37-year-old who can still sit in front of the net, and almost certainly have instant chemistry when playing with his good friend, 36-year-old Markus Naslund. Chemistry is hard to find, and Sundin playing with Naslund is almost guaranteed.

What I think is most interesting about this potential move is that Sundin is only going to play, at tops, two more years. Naslund's probably in that same boat. They'd be the new Straka/Jagr combination. However, and more so with Sundin, after he retires, it gives the Rangers' prospect depth, which truly is at center, a chance to shine.

If Gomez stays, with going-to-be-captain Chris Drury and emerging power forward Brandon Dubinsky, where are one of these centers going to play? Where would Artem Anisimov or Greg Moore find a spot in the lineup?

And that's just talking about players who are very close to the callup. In two or three years time, there will definitely be either other players who deserve a second look from Hartford, or free agent centers that are coming off big years and warrant a major look (Matt Cullen two years ago). Having three No. 1 centers under contract makes that impossible. Trading Gomez, as much as it would hurt, gives the team flexibility that was otherwise lost last summer.

Gomez, at this time, is also worth a lot to a team that wants a playmaking center. There are a handful of teams I can think of that would be willing to trade for Gomez, and that could give the cap relief the Rangers need if signing Sundin is truly in the future (I'll address potential trades at the end of this article).

CONS

It baffles me that we're here talking about this. Just a year ago, at this time, signing Gomez and Drury made the Rangers the darling of all free-agent conversation. We fans were supposed to watch the Stanley Cup favorites for the next decade because of that dual move. I saw things occur this year that made me believe, even if for a little while. I saw Ryan Callahan playing great with Chris Drury at his center. I was happy with the way Nigel Dawes and Gomez played with each other. Why interrupt that? Chemistry is not easy to find, and signing Sundin, even though he might have chemistry with countryman Naslund, doesn't guarantee full team chemistry. Even that pair have only played a handful of games with each other on Swedish exhibition teams.

Gomez, for his issues (like being a Devil for the beginning of his career), I believe came to the Rangers with expectations that were too high. However, I believe that almost every free agent has to deal with that. Last season, Gomez scored 16 goals. That's above-average for him, and his third-highest goal total. He posted 54 assists, which was right at his career average. In no way was this past season a disappointment. He played his game last year, and scored what he was expected to. You couldn't ask for more.

I do believe he is overpaid, without question. However, I'll take a guaranteed 50 assists and 70 points for the next few seasons. I definitely don't believe those are the numbers of a solid first-line center, but for a second-line center, that's perfect. Let him play behind Chris Drury or Brandon Dubinsky, and the Rangers, at this moment, have an incredibly solid 1-2-3 punch. I mean, how well spread-out was the Rangers offense last year?

POSSIBLE DEALS

If the Rangers were to trade Gomez, I could see a good group of teams lining up for his services. Here are a few potential trades I came up with, keeping in mind the Rangers are looking to shed salary, as well.

Scott Gomez and a second-round pick to Colorado for David Jones and Kevin Shattenkirk

This trade gives Colorado the No. 1 center it will probably need with the possible retirements of Joe Sakic or Peter Forsberg. If they both retire, this trade becomes nearly mandatory for the Avs. It gives the Rangers two top prospects (a hard-hitting winger and a top mobile puck-moving defenseman for the future), and a ton of cap relief.

Scott Gomez and Petr Prucha to Edmonton for Ales Hemsky and a third-round pick

This trade, makes decent financial sense, giving the Rangers about $4 million back. The Rangers could still possibly squeeze Sundin in with that money. Hemsky would bring about an immediate turnaround for the Rangers group on the wing, and is a huge upgrade there. Gomez brings some experience to that team, and gives some leadership to a squad that certainly needs it.

Scott Gomez and Michal Roszival to Florida for Jay Bouwmeester and Rostislav Olesz

What a blockbuster. The Panthers get rid of their headache and draft pick that hasn't performed as they'd like, and the Rangers trade $12 million for about half that. Even if they sign Bouwmeester for a little more than he's making now, it's a major cut in salary. Olesz will eventually play better, but I think with Nikolai Zherdev, Naslund, Prucha and Dawes, he'll be given a little extra time to develop without the pressure of being that No. 1 guy right away. Bouwmeester will thrive in New York behind Redden, and the Rangers will be able to afford Sundin. To me, on a secondary note, Gomez and David Booth just seems like an unstoppable combination.

Scott Gomez and a third-round pick to LA for Dustin Brown

Adding Dustin Brown to the Rangers lineup is a significant improvement. He's big, strong, mean, a hitter, and a goal-scorer. He's a perfect power forward, and would be solid on the wing of either Dubinsky or Drury. Gomez brings leadership to a team that desperately needs it, and this is a win-win. LA keeps Kopitar, which is most important to them. Kopitar and Gomez could be dynamic.

Scott Gomez and Michal Roszival to Minnesota for Marian Gaborik and Kurtis Foster

Another monster blockbuster. Gomez wouldn't fit better anywhere than in his old system, and here's his chance to play with Jacques Lemaire once again. Roszival continues the trend Minnesota's trying to maintain with puck-moving defenseman. Gaborik has been on the block for the last little while, and really would legitimize the Rangers' core of wingers.

Kurtis Foster might be exactly what the Rangers are lacking: a 6'5" defenseman who doesn't mind using his body, and has a very solid shot to boot. Even if the Rangers give Gaborik $7 million or $8 million, this move saves the Rangers lots of money...until they spend it on Sundin.

Sir Captain Delivers, Rangers 4, Islanders 2 (14-9-2)

Captain Jagr of The New York Rangers must have read my previous posts and decided to do something about it tonight against the NY Islanders. Jags lead and delivered for the Blueshirts tonight punching home his sixth goal of the season and first goal of the game eight minutes into the first period. Chris Drury, Scott Gomez and Brandon "Dubie" Dubinsky scored the subsequent goals, beating our rival New York Islanders 4-2 - the first win of four meetings this season. A pleasant surprise seeing our free agents and veterans dominating the scoring sheet for once. Whew...

Henrik Lundqvist made 22 saves for the Rangers, who closed the season's second month with a strong 10-3-1 record and with this victory moved back into a first-place tie atop the Atlantic Division with Philadelphia. Both are three points ahead of the Islanders.

The Rangers ended with 2 of the 5 power plays, a huge improvement over our dreadful PP record this season.

Huge kudos to Ryan Callahan, though not scoring any points, gave everything he could in his debut return from injury-land setting up plays, taking the hits, crashing the DiPietro head first and getting back up to attempt the rebounds. This kid is the real deal and as long as Slats and Co. can keep him on the roster, our future is going places. Ditto to Dan Girardi and Marc Staal -- a.k.a. Mr. Cool and Mr. Collected -- who have provided those gifts we've asked Santa for this fine holiday season -- Marek Malik, our defensive starter continues to be out on injured reserve, and despite his injuries will be receiving a stocking full of coal. Jason Strudwick deserves special attention as he played a marvelous game of hockey. Impressive.

This Saturday the Blueshirts have our third meeting against the now-semi-struggling Ottawa Senators, the Rangers having lost two close matches earlier this season. New York brings an improved team to the table and we all expect our top game leaving the "Canadian Capital the Blues".

Jaromir Jagr deserves "the most improved player" award from The Dark Ranger, but I wouldn't go as far as saying 'he is back' -- for God's sake, tonights win was only the Islanders!!?

tdr

If You Shoot, Goals Will Come

Home game = Rangers defeat Penguins, 4-2

Since the loss to the New York Islanders, Tom Renney's approach with the locker room has been one of the basics. Shoot the damn puck. It won't always hit the post. You won't always miss. You can only score if you try. Well last night, The New York Rangers scored four goals against the Pittsburgh Penguin's two goals - many shots hitting the post and many missed scoring opportunities excluded. It is sad that my fantasy hockey league doesn't categorize shots taken, because the Blueshirts would own it.

Go here for a recap of the game against Pittsburgh. One special honorable mention goes to "Brilliant Backhander Brandon Dubinsky," whose first NHL goal was like butter.

The Rangers are now 8-7-1, placing second in the Atlantic Division - one point behind the Philadelphia Flyers. Nice to see the Blueshirt front lines working together, with a hint of chemistry. Who would have ever guessed "Dubie the Rookie" would be playing on the same line as Jaromir Jagr?

All is fair in love & hockey, folks -- another win at MSG. Look forward to another out-of-town game this Saturday evening at The Air Canada Centre against the Toronto Maple Leafs; our NY Rangers still haven't won a game on the road. We will probably see the debut of Stephen Valiquette replacing our much-used Henrik Lundqvist as goaltender for the evening - ensuring a disadvantaged evening of hockey.

This Saturday I wanted to see the long awaited rematch fight between Sean Avery and Darcy Tucker, but alas, Mr. Tucker is hurt and on injured reserve -- so instead I will settle for team New York slightly beating on team Toronto.

Away Game = The _______smashes The _______.

Here goes nothing and here's hoping.

tdr

Embrace The Masters, Dear Captain!

Ranger's Captain Jagr has his lowest total in the first seven games of any of his 17 seasons, going into tomorrow nights first meeting this season against his former teammates, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

With the Blueshirts now 2-4-1, having lost in overtime on Saturday to the Boston Bruins, it is time for our Captain to embrace his past and channel 'The Greats' - begin playing hockey like an All-Star should and begin meeting our expectations.

The Penguins open a three-game homestand looking to build on their first back-to-back wins of the season after defeating the Capitals 2-1 on Saturday. Ryan Whitney's fourth career game-winning goal provided the final margin with 2:01 left in the second period.

Tuesday's game will mark the first career meeting between brothers Jordan Staal, the Penguins' 19-year-old center, and Marc Staal, the Rangers' 20-year-old rookie defenseman. Jordan Staal scored his first goal of season Saturday.

Our supposed $80 million dollar free-agent powerhouses, Chris Drury and Scott Gomez have given us no more than 3 goals and 6 assists in seven games, so we hope to see a little more production on the first two lines tomorrow night as well.

Here goes another one. The Dark Ranger awaits.

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!

Slaughterhouse Third & We Win!

"The King" of The Jungle always beats a Panther in a death-match, and it was proven tonight. The New York Rangers took the Florida Panthers for a ride and ate their young, winning 5-2.

The evening began with an unexpected and welcome appearance by our own #2, Brian Leetch - three months earlier than when the Garden will be retiring his number to the rafters on January 24, 2008. The Garden went mad!

The achievements were numerous. Newcomer Chris Drury scored the game-winner and added two assists in his Rangers debut. Defenseman Marek Malik picked up three assists. Petr Prucha indicated there would be no early-season slump like a year ago, rifling home the first of the four-goal outburst. Youngster Ryan Callahan continued to build on his success last season with a beautiful goal, and goaltender Henrik Lundqvist was brilliant with 27 saves, keeping the team in the game until the third-period eruption.

With the victory, the Rangers began a season 1-0-0 for the third straight year heading into Saturday night's first road game at defending Eastern Conference champion Ottawa. The beat writers have predicted the Ottawa Senators against the Rangers will be some of the best hockey this season and the most anticipated race in the Eastern Conference.

Welcome Chris Drury, redemption for our Marek Malik, and our fourth youth-line played hard and proved to all why they were the choice prospects to place in the NHL.

The Dark Ranger salutes. Bring it on, Canada.

tdr

Carnage Tonight at The Garden (UPDATED)

(Pre-game rant)
Tonights rematch against the NY Islanders will again showcase the grudge-holding talents of Ryan Hollweg, Chris Simon, Colton Orr, and perhaps a special goalie-to-goalie brawl between overpaid DiPietro and our very own Ranger Al Montoya.

Hang on to your seats and leave the kids home for this one, because it will be a trip to the old days when Islander hatred at the Garden will be showcased. Some things will never change!This is the last pre-season opportunity for some of the new Rangers prospects to make a starting impression with Coach Renney. Should be a rodeo!

UPDATE: (post-game notes) -
Brendan Shanahan scored twice to lift the New York Rangers to a 5-2 victory over the New York Islanders in a preseason game Friday night that lacked the star power and brawling of their previous matchup.

Many expected characters such as Simon, DiPietro and Montoya did not dress for the game tonight, which is why tonight actually resembled a real hockey game. The Isles came to the Garden with their second stringers while on the Blueshirts end, Jagr is sitting out for injuries (and will potentially be out tomorrow against Philly for the final Rangers pre-season meeting), Sean Avery remains injured and Coach Renney is radically changing up the lines. Henrik Lundquist played the entire game. Brendan Shanahan and Scott Gomez played well together; team chemistry is alive. Expect to see some Jags-Drury line action over the next week or so. (I had to include a picture of Colton Orr - our half-assed, full-heart enforcer - showing some sportsmanlike behavior to an opposing Long Islander)

Tomorrow night the NY Rangers will see their final pre-season opponent - the arch nemesis' bionic Flyers. I expect them to start most of their opening lineup as to put on a good show for the fans. After living through the last dreadful season of last place in the NHL, Flyers GM Paul Holmgren has to do something for the fans pre-season. Oh right, there are the 'all you can eat' hockey seats......brilliance! The Dark Ranger expects nothing of tomorrow night, as we Ranger fans have come to realize that while every team we've played pre-season opened with their starters, while the NY Rangers are experimenting with a catalog of new prospects and first-class veterans.

This does not appear to be the Rangers of old. Six more days. MSG: Rangers vs. Florida.

tdr

The Little-Champs and Only the Beginning

Our determined team of 22 little-Rangers prospects left Traverse City, Mich., last night with a well-deserved championship in the annual Traverse City Prospects Tournament. One year after finishing fourth in their first trip to this event, the Blueshirts were unstoppable, winning four straight games, including a 5-1 win over defending champ Columbus on Tuesday night.

NY Rangers activities began today with Tom Renney talking to reporters about the prospects and training camp which begins tomorrow (press here for a good recap, Blueshirt Bulletin) -- it will be interesting over the next couple of weeks to see who 'makes-the-cut' and who gets sent to Hartford. Sam Weinman of Rangers Report makes a supporting observation that Darius Kasparaitus is looking fit and fancy (press here), which will bring a little $3 million salary cap dilemma if he impresses the coaching staff, questions of whether Marc Staal will be brought up from the minors as part of our much-needed defensive lines, and questions still abound as to what lines Chris Drury and Scotty Gomez will fit into. Apparently, our Boy-Jagr-Wonder is coming off a summer looking fit and ready to play.

The Rangers of the last two seasons, through the impressive coaching of Tom Renney, have been a team built around it's superstar - Jagr (a European style of system). What will be fun to observe in the first half of the season is whether the team remains a Jagr-centric level of perimeter play, with the roster now having more North American-style players on the team willing to throw themselves into the net. The Dark Ranger thinks the latter.

In regards to the roster at the moment, Steve Zipay On The Rangers Beat (press here), shares the roster of today -- this will change day to day.
Goalies---(6)---Lundqvist, Valiquette, Montoya, Wiikman, Zaba and Holt.
Defensemen---(18)---Rozsival, Malik, Mara, Tyutin, Girardi, Kasparaitis, Pock, Strudwick, Staal, Sauer, Sanguinetti, Hutchinson, Baranka, Busto, Liffiton, Taylor, Potter and Clayton Barthel, a 21-year old free agent who made camp off a surprising Traverse City showing, said coach Tom Renney.
Wingers---(18)--- Jagr, Shanahan, Avery, Straka, Prucha, Callahan, Hossa, Hollweg, Orr, Dawes, Dupont, Bourret, Korpikoski, Jessiman, Byers, Moore, Lessard and Fritz.
Centers---(9)----Drury, Gomez, Betts, Dubinsky, Anisimov, Pyatt, Barnes, Graham, and Owens.

tdr

B'Way Bonanza ! Drury and Gomez Both Signed

The Rangers have confirmed that they have signed both Chris Drury and Scott Gomez to free agent contracts. Gomez, formerly of the NJ Devils is now a New York Ranger for seven years at $51.5 million and Chris Drury, former Co-Captain of the Buffalo Sabres, is now a NY Ranger for five years at $35.25 million. Dellapina is also saying now in Blueshirts Blog that the Rangers in the hunt for Sheldon Souray, although a big contract for Drury might make that impossible under the cap.

The Hockey Gods have spoken, um...I mean Glen Sather.

If I have to live with Scott Gomez "the superstar" from New-Jersey throughout the next seven years of contract as a Blueshirt, I will be thrilled. If I have to live with Scott Gomez "the Devils System Player Who Underdelivers" throughout the next seven years as a Blueshirt, I will be one angry Dark(er) Ranger than ever before. Echoes of "Lindros as Philly Flyer" ring in my head over and over. Never thought Gomez was worth this money and, especially a 7-year contract, but...in the spirit of acquiring two of the top three free agents, I am happy and less-Dark for the moment. May I be surprised.

Now Drury on the other hand....welcome! Jed Ortmeyer is now a Nashville Predator. At the time of this writing, all of the following need to stay a NY Ranger -- Henrik "the King" Lundquist is still unsigned, Sean Avery the firecracker is not yet signed, Brendan Shanahan is not signed and then there is Michael.

Poor, poor, Michael Nylander. We needed him as of twelve hours ago. This game of chicken worked in New York's favor, as a five million a year contract is too rich and bad advice given. I am certain Nylander is not happy about any of this knowing a contract was available to him four-weeks ago. He overvalued his stats in a season side-by-side to Jamomir Jagr's first line. The days ahead will show us where Nylander lands, unless he takes a Rangers paycut. This agent is now free....

This team keeps improving...my season tickets are beaming!

tdr

UPDATE: Word is Michael Nylander is heading to Edmonton. (Monday, July 2)

Drury, Briere or Gomez - A New York Ranger?

With trades happening as we sleep, there are plenty of rumors swirling around who will become a Blueshirt and hit training camp this August.

Turns out that Chris Drury has always had a lifelong dream of playing in New York for the Rangers and now that free agency is at hand, rumors say that his wife is not comfortable with a move to the Big Apple and prefers more of a warmer climate team -- Los Angeles or (slightly cooler) San Jose' - more bang for the buck. The Dark Ranger thinks this is a horrible mistake, though being 'Dark' and all......I understand family rules!
PREDICTION: Drury plays for the Kings beginning September.

Daniel Briere is an unknown to The Dark Ranger. Buffalo will spend a lot of money to retain one of the two biggest Sabre free agents this summer, and even with the additional salary cap in the NHL this season, management will need it.
PREDICTION: Briere will be second choice to Buffalo as they heavily weigh on keeping Drury. Drury will jump anyway, drive up a 3-year deal in LA and Buffalo is left with Briere - having to pay him more than they should.

The New Jersey Devils may have a new arena in the heart of beautiful Newark, an easy train ride from Manhattan, a private walkway as to avoid any neighborly carjackings taking place below the train station, but aside from not having any attendance, they will not have their pride-and-joy career-Devil to open the 2007 season. Gomez is testing free agency. His family will never have to move. He will play to sold-out audiences every game. He will play for a winning team 2007-2008.
PREDICTION: The Dark Ranger welcomes Scott Gomez an addition to the Shanahan line. Ahhhh........Gomez a Ranger (beer me!)

Funny and ironic that everyone in free agency wants to be a New York Ranger!!!?

tdr