I think it's safe to say that Henrik Lundqvist is going to love Dylan McIlrath after seeing this video of the 2010 first round pick pounding Swift Current's Jordan Peddle  as payback for plowing his goalie Thomas Heemskerk....



Video and recap courtesy of Buzzing the Net.

...don't think I've once seen a Ranger go after an opponent who's run Lundqvist. This type of retribution will be a welcome change.

...h/t to @CanyonofBlues

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In a feature on the top eight deals that helped teams win the Stanley Cup in the past 30 years, John Kreiser at NHL.com takes a look at Neil Smith's deals in 1994...

Here's Smith's take on the deals...

"I liked Amonte and Mike Gartner, but I wound up moving Gartner for Glenn Anderson because we wanted another experienced playoff guy," Smith said. "We used Amonte to get Noonan and Matteau. I didn't like the trade at the time, but it gave us some experienced, veteran guys that Keenan liked.

"I also wanted MacTavish because I didn't think we were strong on faceoffs. We sent Marchant (to Edmonton) for him."

...it's hard to criticize these deals as it brought an end to the 54-year drought, but I've always hated that Gartner missed out on the Cup that year. It also would have been nice to have Amonte around when things got ugly after 1997. But 1994 was pretty much the best year of my life, so who am I to complain?

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Yesterday I had the extreme honor and pleasure of interviewing Rangers legend Rod Gilbert.

We talked about his new invention The Power Arm, the state of the Rangers as well as his thoughts on the controversial Park/Ratelle for Esposito trade and much more.

Every question I asked was submitted by a TheNYRBlog reader.

Just a quick note that my recording device gave me a little trouble in the beginning of the interview so you don't hear my first question which is asking Gilbert about his invention. Apparently my recorder has an inferiority complex (thanks for the excuse TJ).



...i'd like to thank Mr. Gilbert for giving me the opportunity as well as the readers for all their questions.

...never in a million years did I think when I started this blog that I'd have a chance to speak with a Hall of Famer. Unreal.

...let me hear your thoughts on the interview in the comments section.

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Larry Brooks at the New York Post reports that Joe Nieuwendyk, GM of the Stars, told Rangers GM Glen Sather on Tuesday that it would cost the Blueshirts Marc Staal, Brandon Dubinsky and Derek Stepan, for the privilege of renting Brad Richards.

Richards, who has a no-move clause in his contract, has not yet been asked for a list of clubs for which he would be willing to waive it.

...anyone still want Richards now? Didn't think so.

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Bergen Record - Wojtek Wolski fits the bill for Rangers

New York Post - Proposal for Richards laughable

Daily News - Richards not bound for Broadway yet

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Steve Zipay at Blue Notes reports that Marc Staal accompanied the team on their flight to Washington DC this morning meaning he hasn't exhibited any concussion symptoms from the borderline dirty hit he received from his brother Eric last night.

Zipay adds that Staal also apparently wasn't limping on the twisted knee that he injured in the first period.

It's unclear whether he'll practice tomorrow in advance of Friday's game against the Caps.

...so far so good. Hope to see him back in there chasing Ovechkin around the ice Friday night.

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Casandra Pagni at The Michigan Daily has an outstanding feature on Rangers 2007 draft pick Carl Hagelin...

Legendary Michigan coach Red Berenson said this about Hagelin after he scored the game tying goal in regulation and winning goal in overtime, both with just seconds left, on senior day last week....

"I just told him, 'Aren't you glad you came to Michigan', and 'Aren't we glad that you came,' " Berenson said. "He's set a standard here. He's been a terrific kid, student, player, teammate, just a terrific kid. He's the first Swedish player we've had, and we'll always remember him."

...as if I wasn't already excited about this kid. The article is a bit long but definitely worth the read.

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Update, 2:02 p.m.:
Arthur Staple of Newsday says Rangers would be willing to part with their 2011 first round pick for Richards.

Meanwhile, Jesse Spector tweets that he is hearing that Dallas will be buyers at the deadline, not sellers.

Original Post:
Darren Dreger in his "Dreger Report" says that Dallas Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk is exploring interest in Brad Richards and the Rangers are believed to be among as many as six teams who have recently discussed the star center's potential availability.

...Richards is an amazing talent, but it will cost a whole host of young talent to get him. Rangers should absolutely pass now, then make an inquiry in the off-season when he becomes a UFA. And even then, with the Rangers needing to re-sign so many RFAs, I'd really hate to see them overpay for Richards who just recently suffered a concussion.

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I waited to post this until I saw an actual post from @imseanavery and last night it came...


...got to assume this is him as he links back to his website that is also back after being down for construction. Would have liked a cooler first tweet back.

...still some doubt this is him as first tweet comes just hours after last night's game. Assume he'd be doing something else rather than re-joining Twitter.

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Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports that the Rangers did not offer any further updates on MArian Gaborik following his doctor's visit today.

Gross adds that it's now just a matter of when Gaborik feels symptom free before he can resume workouts.

...hope the Rangers are very careful here. Would hate to see them rush Gaborik back if he's not ready. We've seen too many players suffer from concussions (Lindros, LaFontaine) to not take every precaution possible with Gabby.

As far as Derek Boogaard goes his agent Tobin Wright tweeted yesterday that the enforcer is feeling better everyday and should resume skating very soon.

...even if Boogaard is somehow ready to go before the end of the season or in the playoffs I don't see him getting back in the lineup. Right now the Rangers are proving they can stand-up for themselves and even if they needed an enforcer who sits?

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