Newyorkrangers.com announced that voting is open for the 2010-11 Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award presented by Lightspeed Trading. From now through April 4th, you can cast your vote for the Rangers player that you feel "goes above and beyond the call of duty."

Following the 1987-88 season, the Rangers established the award dedicated to paralyzed New York City police officer Steven McDonald, who was shot in the line of duty.

When you cast your vote, you will automatically be entered into a sweepstakes as well, with the Grand Prize winner receiving an autographed jersey from the player who is selected to receive the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award presented by Lightspeed Trading!

To vote click here.

...just voted for Prust. I think Callahan's two year rein may be over. Not for a lack of trying on his end though.

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In this week's Fox Sports "Tough Guy" tracker Brandon Prust is placed at #10 for holding his own against the much bigger Ben Eager...

10. Brandon Prust vs. Ben Eager
Rangers pest Brandon Prust gets credit for taking on and hanging in there against a much bigger opponent in the Sharks' Ben Eager. In 71 games this year, Prust has dropped the mitts 15 times.

...this is the #1 reason why Boogaard still has a place on the Rangers. No way Prust should be taking on these heavy weights night in and night out. Although, he has been holding his own.

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Steve Zipay will host his weekly live chat today at 1pm. Newsday Islanders beat writer Katie Strang will also be participating. To join the party click here.

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Happy 27th birthday to Brandon Prust. How ridiculous is this pic that @thenyrangers tweeted out?...


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Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that renovations to Madison Square Garden will force the Rangers on the road to start the 2011-12 season...

"With Garden renovations underway, there is increasing chatter that the Rangers will open next season, not in Russia, but with two games in Stockholm against either the Los Angeles Kings or Calgary Flames. Those games would be preceded by exhibition games in Prague and Budapest and three road exhibition games in the U.S. After Europe, the Rangers would play a number of games on the West Coast of either the U.S. or Canada before returning for the home opener around Oct. 30. A NHL spokesman last night said that no contracts have been signed and declined further comment."

For more here's Zipay's article in today's Newsday.

...so not only are season ticket prices going up we're going to lose a game as well? Nice.

...man how burned out are those guys going to be when that road trip is over. Geez.

For the latest on the renovation click here.

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Larry Brooks at the New York Post reports that the Rangers are expected to sign prospect Carl Hagelin (2007 - 6th) once the Michigan Wolverines' season ends.

If Hagelin completes his season before the CT Whale is eliminated from the playoffs, the plan would be for him to join the AHL club.

Hagelin would become eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer if he does not sign with the Rangers by Aug. 15, but according to Brooks that is not his intention.

Hagelin has 17g, 30a this season.

...you guys know how pumped I am for Hagelin so this is awesome news.

...should be an interesting camp next year with guys like Thomas, Hagelin and possibly McIlrath pushing for spots on the roster.

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Bergen Record - Marian Gaborik scores twice as Rangers slam the Islanders, 6-3

Bergen Record - Rangers notes: Bryan McCabe scores first Ranger goal

New York Post - Rangers regaining control of fate with win over Islanders

New York Post - If King falls off throne, there's no backup plan

Daily News - Gabs, Rangers pound Montoya, Isles

New York Times - Scoring Outburst Powers Rangers

Newsday - McCabe sparks Rangers to key win over Isles

Newsday - Staple: Rangers' best offense is defense

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Updated, 11:43 p.m.:

Rangers head coach John Tortorella speaks with reporters after the Blueshirts defeated the Islanders 6-3 on March 15 at Madison Square Garden.


Rangers vs. Islanders highlights

Original Post:
Rick Carpiniello at the Rangers Report has these post game quotes after the Rangers 6-3 win over the Islanders...

Marian Gaborik:

"It's always nice to score, definitely. But big win. We didn't have a lot of games lately. But we've got Montreal coming up an that's going to be another huge game. It's going to be a big stretch for us. It's a big challenge."

Vinny Prospal:

"We managed to score on (our power plays) and any time you get a chance to get a 5-on-3, you should be able to score, or at least get a lot of chances. And we did that. I think at that time, that was the turnaround in the game. We swung the momentum on our side again.

Henrik Lundqvist:

"Right now, it's fun. Every game is so important, and mentally I try to see it as the playoffs. I think a lot of guys do, and a lot of teams do. So you have to be so careful that you do the right things in practice and between games and be ready for each game. Because I know from last year, one point could be the difference. You want to do everything you can here to play your best and help the team get points."

Erik Christensen on Brandon Prust:

"He's made of steel. He is one of the toughest guys who I have played with, especially being his size. He is not a big guy out there. He blocks shots, finishes his check and he fights. He has more skill than people think he does. He's a big part of the team."

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The New York Rangers (37-30-4) defeated the New York Islanders (27-33-11) by the score of 6-3, tonight. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.

...it wasn't always pretty, especially to start the second, but the Ranger persevered and came away with a huge win against one of the hottest teams in the league.

...have I mentioned I need to buy a Prust jersey.

...if only the Rangers could play the Islanders every game Gaborik would be approaching 50 this season. Great job by my Twitter followers before the game calling a big performance from Gaborik tonight.

...sometimes you need a little luck and with the Rangers struggling mightily in the second Anisimov's centering pass somehow got through Montoya and Callahan has a tap in on the biggest goal of the game.

...speaking of Montoya not exactly the performance he wanted against the team that gave up on him.

...Rangers power play couldn't complete a pass before McCabe came on board now they look like fine oiled machine out there.

...first period was a lot closer than the score indicated as Hank made some ridiculous saves.

...just an awful game from Avery tonight. Undisciplined and nothing doing on the offensive end. With Torts looking for any reason to bench the pest, not a good time for a performance like that.

...lots of fans wanted EC to be the odd man out when everyone came back from injury, but he's been one of the best Rangers the last two games and could be a mainstay in the lineup down the stretch. Having said that, expect a zero shot effort from EC Friday night.

...can someone tell Sauer to stop fighting Martin.

...did anyone else not realize the Rangers have now won 4 of 5.

...off until Friday when Scott Gomez and the Habs invade MSG.

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The New York Rangers (36-30-4, 76 pts., 8th in East) host the New York Islanders (27-32-11, 65 pts., 14th in East) at MSG tonight starting at 7:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

Rangers Game Notes

TV: MSG+; Radio: 970AM The Apple, XM 205

Probable Lines:
Gaborik-Christensen-Prospal
Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan
Avery-Stepan-Zuccarello
Fedotenko-Boyle-Prust

Staal-Girardi
McDonagh-Sauer
McCabe-Eminger

Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 28-24-4, 2.33 gaa, .921 sv%, 9 so.

Al Montoya - 7-2-3, 2.09 gaa, .926 sv%, 1 so.

Opponent Notes:
- The Islanders are 4-0-2 in their last six and 22-14-6 in their last 42.

- Blake Comeau, who has three goals and three assists against the Rangers this season, has three goals in his last four games overall.

- John Tavares has just two goals in his last 10 games.

- Al Montoya is 4-0-2 with a 2.10 GAA in his last six games.

- Tavares (25), Matt Moulson (29) and rookie Michael Grabner (28) have all surpassed the 25 goal mark this season. The Rangers have zero 25 goal scorers.

- Rick DiPietro (facial fractures, knee swelling) has resumed practicing and hopes to return this season after being injured in a fight with Pittsburgh goalie Brent Johnson on Feb. 2.

- Mark Streit (left-shoulder surgery) has resumed practicing but will be out until at least mid-March after having a torn labrum and a torn rotator cuff repaired on Oct. 1.

2010-11 Season Series:
Oct. 11 Rangers 4, Islanders 6 at Uniondale
Dec. 2 Rangers 6, Islanders 5 at Uniondale
Dec. 3 Rangers 2, Islanders 0 at MSG
Dec. 27 Rangers 7, Islanders 2 at MSG
March 15 Rangers vs. Islanders at MSG
March 31 Rangers vs. Islanders at Uniondale

Opponent Blog:
Islanders Hockey Blog

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