Nedved Considers Full-Time Beach Bum!

Today New York Rangers Coach Tom Renney announced that the Petr Nedved experiment is over as he was released from training camp today. Thomas Pock also auditioned himself out of a NHL position.

Couldn't be happier with him not on the ice. Couldn't be happier with this babe.

tdr

Another Losing Success

Well, Dark here.

With the pre-season almost behind us, another loss to Tampa last night (now 1-4 in the pre-season) and one more big one to go here in the states (Devils, Sat. 1pm at MSG) you can be sure that we will finally see what will be closer to our starting roster and get a better sense of what this team will look like.

Long gone are the declarations of the "Gomez-Zherdev" chemistry and "this is the year of Prucha", and aside from the Kalinen (Malik) disaster ahead, one thing or another is for sure having watched all of these Renny-pre-season-experiments:

1. We will struggle with the power play again -- maybe cuts need to be made with our special team coaches.

2. We will outshoot every team we play and have difficulty finishing.

3. We will be relying on Henrik Lundqvist to create the wall necessary to solidify our defense.

4. On the positive side -- we are a fast team and with good coaching and hard work, this mix of veterans and youth could chemically become (there I go again with chemistry!!?) a team that can compete on a Cup level. With the perimeter play of Jagr, Straka, and dare I say, Shanny gone -- whatever the squad looks like, Slats and Renney have answered one of the missing links to the Rangers of the least three seasons -- a 'going to the net' offensive mantra. Thank God. With our 'ho-hum' defensive system in place for another season, it appears as though this system will be counter-balanced with potentially explosive front lines. I have to admit this is exciting stuff.

5. Not one Rangers blog has mentioned "Mats Sundin" in the last couple of weeks. I am happy with that.

Some terrific links regarding the roster and last nights game I would recommend, here (Blueshirt Bulletin), or here (Ranger Pundit), or here (Rangers Report).

The Dark Ranger is back with 'loving and hating' the team I always admire -- look out for a swarm of followers and flash-mobs wearing the latest TDR t-shirts at the Garden this season. The spirit of The Dark Ranger will be in Prague looking to diffuse any stormy weather and Lightning ahead. Keep checking in and thanks for the summer time off.

Jagr is gone. A dark tear is running down my cheek.

tdr

Good Vibes

Sitting on my couch watching the Ranger/Senator game with some of my boys, a few guys stood out to me more than anyone else on the ice: Brandon Dubinsky, Nigel Dawes, Michael Del Zotto, Petr Prucha, Ryan Callahan, Corey Potter, and Mika Wikman. Dubinsky scored a pair of beautiful goals (skating with lots of confidence with the puck), Dawes and Prucha's line with Drury in between them seemed to have good chemistry with one another, they just couldn't bury the puck. The rest of the supporting guys all skated hard, hit as often as they could (which really made me jump for joy), and took a lot of shots (even out shooting the Sens, 36-19). I realized that even though my team was losing, I was very pleased with the play of all the guys I listed and for the team as a whole. The Sens dressed pretty much their entire NHL squad (minus Alfredsson and a couple 3rd & 4th line guys) and our young guys and backup goaltenders played a close game with them, even out shooting and outplaying them from the end of the 1st period on. The Rangers and all their fans should be more than pleased that we outplayed a good team without our insane top line of Naslund-Gomez-Zherdev, Redden-Girardi, Lundqvist...Now that is an accomplishment.

Monday should be an interesting game, with the rest of our team and Lundqvist take on the Sens for a rematch. The best we can wish for is that the Blue Team (the name given to this squad during training camp) plays just as well as the White Team did yesterday, and that when they are put together to form the full New York Rangers roster, we can all enjoy a successful Cup Run.

7 more games of this pre season bullshit and then we can finally watch how all of the summer predictions, trades and rumors play out..woo hooo!!

Oh I almost forgot, Blair Betts and Michal Rozsival wore the "A"s and yepp, you guessed it, Number 23, Chris Drury wore the New York Ranger "C". What a surprise..

~syr11

(UPDATED) An Official "Endorsement" for NO POLITICS!

This is a hockey blog. The Dark Ranger officially endorses this "no politics!" Thanks Anonymous!

tdr

The 'Off-Off-Off Season of 2008'. Got Any Rumors?

What? Haven't you heard the latest news? Ovechkin is being traded to Nashville! (or) The Rangers are getting Mats for Rozsival! (or) Peter Forsberg's skates now fit! (or) The entire Nashville team is being traded for Lidstrom! (or better yet) Gary Bettman is suing the New York Rangers and threatening to dismantle them because of a website!

With the exception of the latter, 'Welcome to the NHL Off-season of 2008, ladies & gentlemen' where every blogger has a shiny inside seat into Glen Sather's 'strategic war office' - the summer when every blogger has 'an inside source' that you believe or don't believe, but it's worth posting for one reason only.....

You thought of it.

Even here at The Dark Ranger (and later cited on Yahoo Sports) we reported on 'The Bleacher Report post on the imminent Scott Gomez trade rumor' (here) -- because it was credited with, not only one inside source, but TWO INSIDE SOURCES! And - wow- has this poor guy taken the hammer for that one, even to the point of having to defend his position -- for awkward reading go (here) - even after a shit-storm of criticism. This is where it gets tricky as bloggers, and what most don't want to contemplate -- taking such positions anonymously still makes it illegal & libel. You are legally responsible for your words as it may interfere with a hockey agent's ability and leverage to close a deal, cause disruption within a negotiation with a team and affect the desirability of any particular hockey player. Ooohhh, what I meant to say was "rumors are just rumors!" and my inside sources aren't really inside....I'm just a fan writing a blog looking for more traffic! Watch it Bleacher Report --- make sure you are indemnified by your membership!

The number of readable New York Rangers blogs has more than doubled in just a year, everyone looking to break the story, whether going with your gut or posing as some Eklund-insider that is ready to establish a new level of NHL hockey inside credibility. False as it may be.

Not here in Dark-world. We are all "business upfront & party in the back" and The Dark Ranger site remains and claims no more than 'what we think as fans of the Blueshirts.' We should all report on how terrific or horrible our team is during the on & off season and the changes that are taking place, but the business of rumors and these recent conspiracies reminds us that there is more going on than we know - and the reality of these rumors, whether you are Larry Brooks, Eklund, The Bleacher Report or, dare I say, The Dark Ranger, is probably just someone's opinion.

Keep coming for the latest....as we hear Leetch is coming back for one more year to replace Rozsival! (just kidding) ;)

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.

Do We Really Want Sundin?

With all of the Mats Sundin rumors being flown around the past, well...months, I wanted to give my two cents on how the Blueshirts would look like with him and without him. Now there are countless ways that the deal could go down if the Rangers do in fact get Sundin, but the most logical scenario would be something like this: The Rangers would need to trade one of their top defensemen and/or one of their promising youngsters (Prucha most likely, but there has been talk of other players being moved) to clear up enough cap space to acquire Sundin. To gain the appropriate cap space to sign a high caliber player like Sundin, the Rangers would need to get rid of someone like Roszival to use his $5 million towards paying Sundin a contract in the range of $5-$7 million for one year. However, losing Roszival would mean that the Rangers would only have 5 NHL ready defensemen, meaning that even with the increased offensive punch that Sundin would bring, the new system Tom Renney spent all summer putting together would be tarnished. Renney envisioned Roszival being a key component to the puck-moving group of D men that will hopefully feed great first passes to breakout guys like Zherdev, Sjostrom and Drury. Having Sundin on the Rangers would mean that Drury would have to switch to wing due to the abundance of centers that are already on the roster. Sundin would surely add a lot of offensive to the Rangers, but I would rather have the aging veteran sign with Philly then lose any of our defensemen or any of our young forwards. Having Sundin on the Rangers would be like, I don't know, Jeremy Shockey on the Saints? Weird, huh?

Don't get me wrong, it would be wonderful to see Mats Sundin centering Zherdev and Naslund on the first line; especially with such other good players on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th lines, the Rangers would be more than stacked. But do we really want a player of his age taking away playing time and a position of guys like Anisimov and many, many others? I don't think so. I believe that the promising young guys that the Rangers have will, in time, be able to generate enough talent that if Sundin does in fact pass on the Rangers, the move would hardly tarnish anyone in a Rangers uniform. Of course there are players that want him to suit up in a Rangers uniform, however I am willing to bet my ridiculously huge Blog Salary that there are also guys on the team that would love to play alongside the likes of Sundin. What it comes down to is this: Mats Sundin will pick a team to play for this season (retiring at this point should not be on this guys agenda), and if it happens to be the Rangers, than so be it. Our team will be great, for a season or two, and then who knows. If Sundin decides to play for Montreal, Philly, Vancouver or whoever else, then I say congrats to that team with a big smile on my face knowing that the potential young guys who just might be just as good as Mats some day. I know that is a long shot, but I want to see Michael Roszival and every other player on the Rangers roster in the first game in Prague. I think the team we have now is good enough to place atop the Conference this year (I will pray every night for those 23 guys to somehow gel together quickly and efficiently), and the team that Sundin does land on, unless its Philly, I don't really see making the playoffs (but that is another story).

It's virtually impossible to know what exactly would happen as a result of the Rangers landing Sundin, but I am very interested in knowing what the rest of you think, so please comment below and let me and the infamous TDR know where you stand on the Rangers and Sundin next season.

~syr11.

Why Thank You, TDR..

Great post TDR, I am lovin' this guy already. I have probably watched that youtube clip 25 times this summer, sitting and waiting until the start of the season..or pre-season...or even the Traverse City Tourney. I have been hot on the trail of Nikolai Zherdev this summer, gaining as much knowledge on this SUPER talented Russian dangler. Zherdev can straight up play beautifuly, especially with the talented Gomerz/Drury and Dawes/Prucha/Naslund..netting 26 goals with a team that was 24th in the league in total shots on goal is pretty decent in my book. Zherdev is joining the Shootin' Rangers, ranking 3rd last year in total shots fired at those ever-expanding goalie pads. With Zherdev, he has a game that, to work efficiently, must be energetic, fast-paced and jam packed with insane highlights; he's going to have a ball in Manhattan, playing his heart out, for the first time of his career, on one of the biggest screens the NHL has to offer. That is why Zherdev is going to excel as a new comber in our big city; he's a guy that has the ability to ignite entire stadiums and his fellow players, he just hasn't been given the right opportunity to achieve this greatness yet. I believe that this young guys time has come, because when looking at his career stats and watching video on him, you cannot argue that this guy's offensive talent is at the elite level. Hopefully, by the end of this season, he will become a tremendous threat just as Datsyuk or Huselius. Hopefully.

One can only dream about the season beginning and watching some of our new guys mesh with our old guys like Naslund and Betts playing golf in Brooklyn and Redden and Girardi hangin' out at the bar after the game. Ahhhh, I believe that our Rangers squad has the potential to be THE team to beat in the Atlantic, but I can't deny the fact that this years "Sather Experiment" might turn out to be a flop and a huge disappointment. But my gut is telling me otherwise and the Rangers do indeed have all the necessary components to take their game to the next level, possibly the Conference Finals or hey, ya never know, the Cup.

It doesn't hurt to dream..

syr11

Nikolai Zherdev - Just Maybe...

You be the judge as our new recruit, Nikolai Zherdev, is now a Blueshirt. Not only does he come with terrific youthful puck handling, this Russian comes with genuine attitude as well.

This is impressive footage, and with a little lady luck (as evidenced by the poll to the right), this guy will be the surprise of the fall.

Get ready.

TDR

The Habs and the Habs Not!

So The Dark Ranger is vacationing in Habs country throughout the week, staying in a lovely resort on the lake at Mont Tremblant. Subtly, I wear dark vintage clothing with New York Rangers logos carefully printed designs to remind these loyal French Canadiens that it is possible to worship another team. I regret to admit that I am somewhat jealous at the vast Quebec province of hockey followers with this team; now, the Blueshirts have always had/have a strong, loyal and important following - but we are smoked by these hockey fans in how far they are willing to go for their beloved hockey Habs. The fans wears the logos, the fans are everywhere and the province is practically governed by the NHL game of hockey.

Even the nickname "Habs" for the Montreal Canadiens was created to differentiate themselves from the other "secondary" Canadian hockey teams. Why couldn't they simply be called The Canadiens? Well, Habs is derived from "The Habitats du Quebec", that's why! We are French. Not Canadien! Retarded and cliche'.

A side story while here......I spoke with this one French-Canadian Hab lover, kids face painted with the logo, himself wearing the jersey in 75 degree weather on a random day, actually found it insulting that I would wear a blue shirt with a NYR in the middle of Habs country. True story. Why couldn't we all just get along and enjoy that we're both hockey fans and we like to dress our kids up in hockey gear?

Like ex-Ranger Sean Avery, The Dark Ranger is not a fan of the French-Canadien hockey fans as they choose to fit the negative French stereotype. Boo, boo Dark-fella you may say!!?

I personally feel that Habs fans have their heads so far up their French-Canadian arses; in love with their own team. They haven't seen a Cup since 1992 and they carry their French ancestry elitism throughout the entire league. If only non-Hab fans actually listened to them it might mean something to the outsiders. These Montreal hockey lovers hold dear to their hockey superiority like they hold onto their culture and everything else. When their team loses playoff games, these Habs fans destroy their own arena. When they play a non-Canadian team, their commentators remark on how Americans don't care about hockey followed by the redundant speech of how they've won more Cups than anyone else in the history of the NHL. Culture snobs and this level of hockey nationalism (or provincialism in Canada for that matter) creates prejudice in the NHL and life in general. These English-Hooligan-Mirroring Habs destroy their own cars & break into local businesses when they lose. The City of Montreal had to double security throughout the entire season last year in order to deter the fans from creating havoc. One might say this is a minor group of fans that is not representative of the fan base as a whole, and I accept that -- but it is shameful that the authorities, the majority of fans allows this mentality. 'Idiot behavior.' 'Idiot Habs.'

Now come on....did the Quebecios really think St. Hubert could ever truly go head-to-head with Swiss Chalet? HA! Ignorance. (I am obviously spending too much time in Canada these days, especially coming from an American hockey blogger making Province jokes).

I admit to my hockey racism.. I don't like Habs. Note I also don't like Leafs, Flyers and Devils too. I am and will always be a New York Ranger fan, and will celebrate and be critical of my team winning or not -- and I will NOT always love them, kind of like family. So if you are the Montreal Canadiens playing at home and you lose a game, head to the hills up in Mont Tremblant because a little resort on a lake might put things into perspective.

Word.

TDR

Tying Up the Last Loose End

I know this news is a little late, but here’s my take on the Fredrik Sjostrom deal. Freddie was the last Ranger who wasn’t signed, so acquiring him was the last player that the Rangers needed to worry about locking up. Sjostrom signed a one year $840,000 contract, and as I have said in prior posts, I love Sjostrom’s game. Tom Renney and Glen Sather love Sjostrom’s game. Fred plays what I like to call “high-octane hockey”: he hits hard, skates fast, is defensive minded and has a nice scoring touch that I believe is about to burst. Renney said in an interview during last season’s playoffs that he wanted to give Sjostrom more playing time than he was getting, but his main goal was too shift Sjostrom into a Ranger’s role at a slow pace, avoiding any stalls in his New York Ranger development. Sjostrom can play on the second, third or fourth line, and fit very comfortably on each. He has a defensive head on his shoulders much like Jay Pandolfo, he can take the body like Darcy Tucker (circa 2001) and can skate faster and dangle nastier than he is given credit for. When given the necessary time to settle in and develop chemistry with the most likely trio of Dubinsky centering Prucha and Sjostrom (Great 3rd line, so keeping my fingers crossed on this one), don’t be surprised to see him explode to a very attainable 20-25+ goal(s) season. Sjostrom can be used on the penalty kill as well, as we saw the coaching staff utilize his speed and defensive capabilities at the end of the season in 2007, playing with Gomez, Drury and Dubinsky on more than one occasion and killing penalties in vital playoff situations. Especially if our beloved Brendan Shanahan is out the door, Sjostrom is a more than substantial fill-in for the veteran PK killer. There’s a nice piece over at Blue Notes by Steve Zipay who has an e-mail from Sjostrom talking about next season and his signing. A dear journalist friend of mine by the name of Marty “The Moose” Hunter got in contact with me yesterday with interesting tidbits about the summer musings of Scott Gomez and Chris Drury, but I’ll keep that on the DL for now, or at least until my next posting…

~syr11~

Rangers Re-Up Jessiman

Jessiman, 24, skated in 71 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL) this past season, registering 18 goals and 24 assists for 42 points, along with 154 penalty minutes and a plus-10 rating. He established career-highs in goals, assists, points, penalty minutes, and plus/minus rating. The 6-6, 230-pounder has skated in 166 career AHL games in three seasons with Hartford, registering 32 goals and 42 assists for 74 points, along with 299 penalty minutes. In 2006-07, Jessiman notched his first career multiple-goal game on March 4 at Hershey (two goals), and recorded a three-game, goal-streak from February 24 to February 28 (three goals). On January 21, 2006, he tallied his first career AHL points with a two-point effort vs. Providence (one goal and one assist). The New York City native was originally selected as the Rangers’ first round draft choice, 12th overall, in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Hugh Jessiman is a guy that will most likely not come close to cracking the lineup come October. He is one of those players who has the potential to be great, but is yet to take the necessary steps to further his professional hockey career. For Sather and the rest of the Rangers scouts to pick this guy in the first round, they must have seen greatness in him; which leads me to believe that Jessiman is not a lost cause just yet. If he does in fact have a greatly improved season and at least a decent training camp, he can and most likely will be called up for his size (6'6, 230lbs.) in case any injuries occur to Mara or Kalinin (which is a big possibility). If the guys in the front office saw something in that kid, than I will go along and say the potential for him to make the NHL is there. However the task is solely in his hands, and if he wants to pull that Rangers sweater over his head this season, than he better get his game in shape and work his ass off.

Rangers Get Some "Moore"

Restricted free agent--Greg Moore--re-signed with the Rangers today. The right wing scored 26 goals and 40 assists for 66 points, along with 31 penalty minutes and a plus-27 rating. He finished second on the club in goals (26) and points (66), and third in assists (40) and plus/minus rating (plus-27). His 66 points also tied for 18th among all AHL skaters, and his plus-27 rating ranked sixth in the league.The PlanetUSA AHL All-Star posted 17 multiple-point games, including two four-point efforts, and recorded a season-high, seven-game scoring streak from March 19 to March 30 (five goals and seven assists). On December 8 at Worcester, Moore notched his first professional hat trick. In the 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs, Moore tied for the team lead in plus-minus rating (plus-three), tied for second in assists (two), and tied for fourth in goals (one) and points (three) while appearing in five games for Hartford. In addition, he appeared in six games with the Rangers this past season.

Moore is yet another candidate for the 4th line, as his skill has improved over the past few years and being selected as an AHL All Star this past season. We'll definitely see and hear more of this kid during the Rangers training camp.

~syr11~

Rangers in Division of Their Own

As I was walking down 33rd and 7th yesterday, which is right next to the Garden, many thoughts ran through my mind on the upcoming NHL season. The Atlantic Division will be more competitive this year than ever, as each team (Rangers, Devils, Islanders, Philly, Pitt) is uniquely talented in their own way, with the Penguins most likely giving the Rangers the most trouble. When taking an extensive look at the rosters, coaches, stats, etc. of each team, I can confidently say that the Rangers are superior to every team in the Division; while being virtually equal to the Penguins. To most fans of hockey, when speaking about the Rangers, people might say, "Ohh the Rangers? they're not going anywhere next year, that dumb ass GM Sather just pulled another classic Ranger free agency period where he threw tons of money at aging players to try and win, what a joke." Now, to true Ranger fans, we know that the players that Sather pulled in are not lost, aging souls that came for the city and the money. Markus Naslund stated that he wanted to only play for New York even before the signing period began on July 1st, saying how he wanted to play for a true Cup contender. Naslund will come to NY next year and will play with one of the games most skilled center in Scott Gomez. Naslund will have a dynamic scoring forward in either Zherdev, Prucha, Callahan or Dawes..a line that is sure to explode. Naslund wants to start fresh by making a new name for himself in New York, he wants to win a Cup and he wants to revitalize his already stupendous NHL career. There is a great chance that Zherdev will meet his potential playing for the Blueshirts, as he will envision scoring that big goal and having that big celebration inside the packed Garden, quite different from his last arena in Columbus. Redden will play with one of the smartest new defenseman in the game in Marc Staal. Staal made huge leaps last year, impressing all throughout the hockey world. Staal should motivate Redden to play at his very best, and along with Roszival and my personal favorite Dan Girardi, with very sturdy defenseman Paul Mara and Dmitri Kalinin, the Rangers defense is second to none in the Eastern Conference. Oh, having Henrik Lundvqist behind all of them 'ain't too shabby either.

Now you've already heard my beliefs on how good the Rangers will be next season, with some of you saying that "I shouldn't be in love with my team", well I'm here to say I am in love with my team. I am proud to say that I'm a Rangers fan who is confident that the Rangers are far superior to the Devs, Isles and Flyers, as their defensive core is stronger than all three and the forwards in Rangers jerseys have the potential of becoming a seriously high scoring group of guys. With all the young guys on the roster, the will to win is huge. The young, ecstatic, energy packed guys like Callahan and Sjostrom will inspire the like of Gomez, Drury, Naslund to play up to their best potential as well. And vice versa, the poise and leadership that Redden and the rest of the "veterans" have will keep the young guys on their toes. The Rangers have a roster that is full of players that want to win, and want to win together and for each other and for their City. The players on the team came here to play for an organization that is known for its professionalism and its arena-packed with 18,000 screaming New Yorkers--can it get any prettier than that? Fuggetaboutit!! No other Atlantic Division offense has such a dynamic set of four lines of forwards, which has the potential to become one of the best New York Rangers squads in a long time. Except, of course for the Penguins. The Rangers first three centers (Gomez, Drury, Dubinsky) are all slight downgrades from the Penguins first three centers (Crosby, Malkin, Staal). The Penguins are undoubtedly more skilled at the center position, but that's all they have on our Rangers. Satan, Dupuis, Sykora, Fedetenko. Those are the main scoring threat wingers for the Penguins, who match up nicely to those of the Rangers. It is almost inevitable that the Rangers and Pens face off in the playoffs yet again next year, as they are both so similar in many ways, while differing greatly in style of play. In the end, the next time the Rangers face off against the Pens in the playoffs, Ranger fans can look forward to victory, as Lundvqist will lead us past Marc-Andre Fleury, the most overrated goalie in the league. Fleury did play well in the playoffs, but he did not lead the Pens to the finals as Henrik would do for the Rangers. "Sid the Kid" and the ever improving Evgeni Malkin were the catalyst players that played great offense and defense for the Pens, which hugely impacted their Cup Run.

The Rangers will prove to be superior to all their Atlantic rivals next season, just wait and see folks, and even though I am in agreement that it is a little early to make these predictions, I am bored as hell; I can't sit around and wait for the season to start without throwing my take on the Rangers out there for all to ponder, disagree and debate.s

later ~syr11~

2008-2009 Schedule, Sjostrom Close to Signing http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?service=page&page=SubseasonSchedule   The above hyperlink will get you to NHL.com, where the full NHL 2008-2009 Schedule is accessible for all teams.  The Rangers opening home game at the Garden will be against the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday, October 10th.  The Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins will compete in the NHL Premiere on Oct. 4-5 in Prague and Stockholm. The Rangers will also play Russian club Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the IIHF Victoria Cup on Oct. 1 in Bern, Switzerland. Rangers will play back-to-back nights in Prague against the revamped Lightning, who now boast No. 1 draft pick Steven Stamkos.  These games are going to be remembered for a long time to come, and tickets are on sale now at: www.newyorkrangers.com   In other news, Freddie Sjostrom is rumored to be aiding the Rangers financially by taking a pay cut from a reported $800,000, for a two year $650,000 deal.  Nigel Dawes' deal, which I reported earlier at $600,000 was a bit high, as he took the deal he was offered at $587,500, signing on for one year with the Rangers.  That leaves the Rangers with approximately $1.5 million in cap space.  That almost ensures that neither Mats Sundin (or any other high profile player) nor Brendan Shanahan will be able to be signed, unless Shanahan takes a significant cut to remain a Blueshirt.  Signing Shanahan would cause greater harm than good, as having him take up a wing spot on the 3rd or 4th line would just cut back the progress of our young prospects.  Shanhan has done a lot for the Rangers and was a pleasure to have on the team, I just cannot see Tom Renney or Glen Sather giving up much needed cap space to sign a player who in the long run will deter the improvements of young players.   ~syr11~

Dawes Remains a Blueshirt

The infamous NY Rangers GM, Glen Sather, announced today that the Rangers have agreed to terms with restricted free agent forward Nigel Dawes. Nigel skated in 61 games with the Rangers this past season, registering 14 goals and 15 assists for 29 points, along with 10 penalty minutes and a plus-11 rating. He led the club in plus/minus rating (plus-11), ranked second in shootout game-deciding goals (two) and tied for third in game-winning goals (four). His four game-winning goals also tied for second in the NHL among all rookie skaters. Dawes had a productive rookie season with the Rangers, having scored 14 goals playing limited ice time. Dawes should net in at least 20 next season playing regularly with Drury or Dubinsky or whichever center's line he ends up playing on. Dawes signed an alleged one year deal worth somewhere in the $600,000 range. I will follow up later with more info on the Dawes deal and what is going on with Freddie Sjostrom, who is in the midst of getting a two year deal to remain a Blueshirt. ~syr11~

Damn it Feels Good To Be a Ranga' What's up all you Ranger fans out there, I am a band-spankin' new blogger for all us devoted, die hard Blueshirt wearing fans of New York City's finest, NYR(PD).   Next season, the Rangers can look forward to success, that's right, you heard it here on The Dark Ranger first, I am gonna go out on a very, very far limb and say that our beloved New York Rangers will win the Atlantic Division title next season.  I know it's a bit early to say this, but with the players they have, it is simply inevitable to have this group succeed and reign over the teams they will face.  Gomez, Drury, Naslund, Zherdev, Prucha, Dubinsky.  Those are the main scoring threats on the Rangers, and any of the other 29 NHL teams would be more than happy to have them on their first or second lines.  It is imperative that these talented forwards lead the entire team with their goal scoring abilities, as the rest of the bench will simply ride their wave of success.  With all the amassed 3rd and 4th liners on the Rangers roster, it is essential that the main group of guys hustle night in and night out, never leave anything on the ice and always play with heart and desire.  With that being said, the Ranger's will have one of the strongest depth charts in the NHL (especially with all of the prospects in Hartford: Sanguinetti, Grachev, Anisimov, Cherepanov).  Redden, Roszival, Stall, Kalinin, Mara, Girardi.  This is a tough, mobile group that is standing in front of one of the NHL's elite goaltenders in Henrik Lundqvist, who is just beginning his already celebrated NHL career (3 time Vezina finalist in his first 3 seasons!).  Not only do we have the KING, but we have the JOKER as well, as funny-man Stephan Valliquette is more than able to cover for Henrik when he's needed, giving the Rangers yet another piece to an already tastyyyy pie. With a team that packs such a swell 1-2 punch in both offensive scoring threats and defensive coverage, including goaltending, the Rangers should be a shoe-in for the playoffs, TO SAY THE LEAST!!  Of course, there have been Ranger teams in the past who have had such expectations as these and who have crumbled (2000-2004), but with many players on the roster under 25, the will to win is greater than ever.  If all goes to plan and the likes of Dawes, Callahan, Prucha, Zherdev (especially Zherdev) and Naslund find their scoring touch, there's no doubt that the Rangers would be a serious Cup Contender.  That being said, if those players don't in fact mature and score a minimum 20-25+ goals, than New York will be up shit's creek without a paddle.  If Lundqvist plays the way he has been, the defense is just as good if not better than last year's squad, and the players that need to lead (Gomez and Drury) come to play every single night, than the sky is truly the limit for the Rangers.  I am no hockey expert, let me say that.  I am not Larry Brooks or Steve Zipay or Sam Weinman (Even though I am 30 years younger than all of them, at least!)  But I have played competitive ice hockey my whole life, I have coached teams to winning seasons, refereed and even water boyed a few times.  I watch every game, follow every player and know these coaches and GM's better than they know themselves.  I am connected throughout the world of hockey and I know how the system works.  The Rangers WILL be a team to beat next year, you can count on that, and if the magic does in fact exist and the Rangers harness the talent that has been brought together by GM Glen Sather (whom, by the way, I happen to think did a terrific job restructuring this organization) then New Yorkers should look forward to a parade down Broadway soon, and I mean soon.  The time has come for Lundqvist to win his first Stanley Cup, to bring hockey back to the city that bleeds Blue, to believe in our Blueshirt Boys and throw them our full support and to foresee the future:  the future that will have the names of players such as Ryan Callahan, Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, Petr Prucha, Brandon Dubinsky and of course Henrik Lundqvist to have their names etched onto Lord Stanley's Cup.  I believe that time is coming, and it's coming soon. My take on what Tom Renney's lines should look like opening night: O:  Zherdev-Gomez-Naslund Dawes-Drury-Callahan Prucha-Dubinsky-Sjostrom Voros/Rissmiller-Betts-Fritsche/Betts (Dan Fritsche can play either wing or center) D:  Redden-Staal Roszival-Girardi Mara-Kalinin G:  Lundqvist Valliquette             Happy trails.. ~syr11~

I Am A (Dark) Ranger! Revealed.

I am Cindy Schmidt and I am eleven years old. I am a Dark Ranger.

Thanks for visiting my site for up-to-date Rangers news over the last couple of years. It is that time for my loyal devoted readers of Rangers' Darkness to now know my true identity. With over two hundred hits a day, almost 400 posts later - it's time for a break until True Blue hockey season re-emerges come September. I have to go to hockey camp in August and my Dad won't let me take the laptop to Camp Jersey Pucks-n-Stuff, so I'll be without my friends in Blue for a while, surrounded by awful, idiot Jersey Devils fans. God I hate that f*cker Lou!

I know, I know, OMG....all of these signings? And what happened to my team? I miss Sean Avery already- he was the bomb, so..... While I'm determined to be the first professional woman player in the NHL (with the exception of Marty Brodeur or Darcy Tucker), you can get plenty of Blueshirt action from my recommended fellow bloggers - the only true sources of up-to-date Rangerplay:

The Ranger Pundit - give my regards to Mike and gang....realists in the world of Tom Renney and his gang of clueless. Make this a daily...send him cupcakes.

Scotty Hockey - this guy posts more 'Ranger blogs per day' than the cumulative conversations Slats and Jagr had over three seasons! Known to often bitch about the ticket prices, this Scotty is one hell-of-a Rangers fan and some of the most up-to-date info about our Blueshirts. I wonder if he's cute?

Pucks On Broadway - one of my comrades (I think he's eleven years old too!!?), now a big-shot with The Hockey News -- so only believe half of what he writes. Good stuff though.

Slapshot - can you believe the New York Times has one of the best hockey blogs on the planet. Eat your heart out TSN, and by far blogger extraordinaire Lynn Zinser is now my Hillary of the Hockey World -- go woman power!

Newcomers to The Dark Ranger and special mention go to 5-hole, The Manic Ranger Fan, and the Syracuse boys over at the NYRangerscast podcast (now celebrating the exodus of Jason Strudwick!!!!). Everyone should visit these blogs on my vacation.

So there it is in it's full teenage glory. See you in September ready to jump onboard, so until then...and as MSG would tell us over and over with their new soundbites....

I am a (Dark) Ranger.

So Long Jags! Where Did My Team Go?

I like what I see.

He may not be the presence and comedian of Jaromir Jagr and he may not have the points, goals and assists as our three-year Captain, but one thing is for certain.....our newest New York Ranger, former Vancouver Canuck Captain Marcus Naslund plays his best hockey game EVERY game! This is already an improvement.

Yes....Jags was brilliant in the playoffs and that was reason enough to re-sign the Captain. In both rounds he played hard and it reminded us of what he can/could still be when he wants to.....but do NOT forget that we complained about his will and desire all the way to the playoffs. Not only did Mr. Perimeter (thanks Pundit) hold us in his clutches of lazy, he held back the team with his 'perfect-shot' perimeter play. Enough is enough. Slats gave some of us our wish. Thank you for bringing the Blueshirts back to 'legit' on Broadway, Jags -- but it is time for that Russian contract where you can play half-a-game most of the season and still make the big bucks tax-free. Run with it. Skate with it. Play with it. Gamble it. We love you, Jaromir - but not for another two-years. Love hurts.

Marcus Naslund is our new guy -- Battle of the Potential Captains with Chris Drury (my vote), Scott Gomez and now former Canuck-Captain Naslund, plus a couple of new kids on the block and an actual blue line to support our Hank. Our Staal, Girardi, Callahan and Dubinsky kids aren't babies anymore either.

I think I like this team.

Here's the official Canadian press on Naslund -- and it's worth hitting the Vancouver blogs -- who are very upset over his leaving.
tdr

THE CANADIAN PRESS Thu Jul 3, 6:51 PM ET NEW YORK - Markus Naslund is heading to the Big Apple.The former Vancouver Canucks captain has agreed to an US$8-million, two-year deal with the New York Rangers. "It's not an easy thing," Naslund said on a conference call. "I've been in Vancouver a long time. I've been a captain there for the last eight years. I have very fond memories of playing in that city and all that comes with that. "The fan base that's there, the organization has treated me first-class all the way. It's definitely a big step but it's a step that I'm excited to take." The Canucks released a statement thanking him for his years of service. "As an organization we would like to thank Markus Naslund for his 12 exemplary seasons in a Canucks sweater," said Canucks GM Mike Gillis. "Markus is one of the greatest athletes to ever represent the Canucks both on and off of the ice. His on-ice success sees him leave the organization among the club leaders in almost every offensive category. "We are very grateful for Markus' commitment to our community, our fans and our team over the years. Markus and his wife Lotta have given generously of their time over the years to many worthy causes ..." Naslund's new contract, which includes a $1-million signing bonus, will pay him $4 million next season and $3 million in 2009-10. "I think for anyone who dreams of playing in the NHL, playing for one of the Original Six teams with the history and tradition, it's special," Naslund said. "It was very appealing to me and my family to live in New York and be part of what's going on there. ... The overall picture was very appealing to me." The 34-year-old unrestricted free agent forward had 55 points (25-30) in 82 games with the Canucks last season. Naslund was drafted by Pittsburgh with the 16th overall pick in 1991. He has recorded 823 points (371-452) in 1,035 career games with the Canucks and Penguins.

Trade Confirmed

More updates:
Columbus Blue Jackets Nikolai Zherdev and Dan Fritsche have been traded to the New York Rangers for Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman.