It took eight years, but Hugh Jessiman, the Rangers 12th overall pick in the 2003, finally made his NHL debut last night with the Florida Panthers in their 2-1 loss to the Devils.

Jessiman had no points, skating 12 shifts for 09:31 of ice time.

Jessiman had the dubious distinction of being the only player picked in the first round of 2003 Draft not to play in the NHL. The Rangers drafted Jessiman ahead of players such as Zach Parise, Ryan Getzlaf, Mike Richards and Ryan Kesler.

H/T to Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy.

Here's post game video of Jessiman...



...one thing I didn't realize about Jessiman that Wyshynski points out is a bad ankle injury the year after the Rangers draft him that sent his career in the wrong direction.

...either way you've got to feel good for the kid for finally making it to the show. Rangers scouts are probably pretty happy about it as well. What were they thinking?

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Arthur Staple at Newsday reports that sources close to the team said last night that there is some feeling the Rangers would want Richards not just for a stretch run this season, but to have the exclusive negotiating window before July 1 to try and sign him to a long-term contract.

From people Staple's talked to, the Rangers' first-round pick would be in play in a possible deal for Richards, who yesterday skated for the fourth straight day as he still recovers from a concussion, but it's doubtful any of the core players currently on the NHL roster would be seriously discussed.

Having said all that, Staple adds the Stars have won two straight to get them back into the Western Conference top eight and may keep Richards for their own stretch run. Also, Richards' agent, Pat Morris, said in an email last night that Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk has still not asked Richards to waive his no-trade clause.

Speaking of Richards and extensions, Bruce Garrioch at the Ottawa Sun says he turned down a "fair market" extension from the Stars as he is looking for a long-term deal in the eight-year range. Garrioch also reports that Nieuwendyk wanted two roster players and a draft pick from the Rangers to open the negotiations for Richards.

Meanwhile, Jesse Spector at the Daily News reported last night that talks were "heating up" between the Rangers and Dallas.

Laurie Carr at Beyond the Blueshirts throws fuel on the fire as she reports the CT Whale released Fs Francis Lemieux & Alexandre Imbeault when they were already short up front meaning Kris Newbury might be coming back down opening up a spot on the Rangers roster.

...not really sure how the Rangers expect to get Richards without giving up any core players. That doesn't seem possible. But I guess if there is one GM who could do it, it would be Sather.

...and if the Rangers do end up giving away some of their core they'd better be looking to sign him to a contract this offseason.

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Bergen Record - Rangers fall to the Lightning 2-1

Bergen Record - Rangers notes: Only move for Bryan McCabe

New York Post - Rangers fall to Tampa Bay once more

New York Post - Blueshirts show 'nothing' vs. highly skilled squad

New York Post - McCabe adjusting to new digs

Daily News - Power outage for Rangers as Lightning hand Blueshirts 2-1 loss at Garden

New York Times - Trade Winds Off Ice, Crucial Loss on It

Newsday - Rangers edged by stingy Lightning, 2-1

Newsday - For Bryan McCabe, it's almost home

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Update, 6:22 p.m.:
Here's video courtesy of Jesse Spector at Blueshirts Blog:



Original Post:
Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants has quotes from John Tortorella's post game press conference in which he rips the refs...

"It's a tough one," Tortorella said. "We gave them *&$)#@ all night long and they beat us five on three on a horse*&$)#@ call to start.

"As the game went on, it was one of those games. Both teams were grinding. I just wish the league would stay the hell out of it and let the teams decide it. It's bull*&$)#@. There's too much at stake here.

"We took some stupid penalties but Danny Girardi's is not a boarding call. It's just a simple guess. We gave them nothing five on four, nothing and we get beat five on three and it starts with a bad call."

...i'm sorry, I know the refs were bad tonight, but Torts can't blame the loss on them while dismissing the fact that the Rangers had just one shot in the first 19 minutes and the only scoring chances, other than the frantic final minute, were on the pk.

...i'll post video once available.

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The New York Rangers (33-27-4) lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning (37-18-7) by the score of 2-1, this afternoon. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports and newyorkrangers.com.

...i know the officiating was brutal but you've got to stay out of the box when you're playing against a team with that fire power. And how about being ready to play for an afternoon game. Tampa was.

...o-for-4 on the power play. This McCabe guy sucks. ;) Actually despite the O'fer, I really liked what he brought. Nice to have a bomb back there for once.

...can someone remind me to get that Prust jersey? Man I love that guy.

...in a game where the Rangers desperately needed a spark how does Avery only get four minutes of ice time?

...you would think with the Rangers finally dominating in the face-off circle (65%) they would have more opportunities to score.

...you know your offense is struggling when you create more scoring chances on the penalty kill than at even strength.

...hate to criticize Hank when he only gives up two goals but he's got to have that first one.

...you know what this team needs? Brad Richards. Still not sure I want them to empty their coffers for him though.

...and the enigmatic EC strikes again. After one of his best games as a Ranger, no shots on goal this afternoon.

...i know the second one was borderline at best, but Dubi's got to cut down on the stupid penalties.

...huge game on Tuesday with the hard charging Sabres in town. Will Richards be as well?

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The New York Rangers (33-26-4, 70 pts.) host the Tampa Bay Lightning (36-18-7, 79 pts.) at MSG today starting at 1:00 p.m. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

Rangers Game Notes

TV: MSG; Radio: 1050AM ESPN Radio, XM205

Probable Lines:
Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan
Prospal-Christensen-Boyle
Wolski-Stepan-Zuccarello
Avery-Newbury-Prust

McDonagh-Girardi
McCabe-Eminger
Gilroy-Sauer

Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 25-20-4, 2.33 gaa, .922 sv%, 8 so.

Dwayne Roloson - 11-6-1, 2.77 gaa, .906 sv%, 4 so  (#s wth Tampa only)

Opponent Notes:
- The Lightning (36-18-7) finished an NHL record-tying 12-game homestand at 7-3-2.

- Tampa Bay is 15-11-3 on the road.

- The Lightning are leading the Southeast Division and are in second place in the East

- Dwayne Roloson has dropped four straight starts against the Rangers - all as a member of the Islanders before he was traded Jan. 1.

- Eric Brewer has yet to collect a point in three games with the Lightning since being acquired from St. Louis.

- Marty St. Louis has points in eight straight games (3g, 8a).

- Simon Gagne scored his first goal since the All-Star break on Friday against New Jersey to give him 10 goals on the season.

- Steven Stamkos has 41g and 37a this season.

- Ryan Malone suffered a significant abdominal area injury on Feb. 8 and is expected to be out from six to eight weeks.

2010-11 Season Series:
Nov. 24 Rangers 3, Lightning 5 at Tampa
Dec. 23 Rangers 3, Lightning 4 (SO) at MSG
Jan. 1 Rangers 1, Lightning 2 (OT) at Tampa
Feb. 27 Rangers vs. Lightning at MSG

Opponent Blog:
Lightning Hockey Blog

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Pierre LeBrun at ESPN.com says that despite Saturday's acquisition of Bryan McCabe, a source told him the Rangers could still swing a deal for Richards, but it would be "tricky" cap-wise.

Jesse Spector at the Daily News says that while Sather is determined to get Richards it will be on his own terms, not surrendering key pieces of the core.

Spector adds that the News has learned that defenseman Matt Gilroy could be part of the package shipped to Dallas, which would help open up the cap space for Richards.

Rangers could also free up $650,000 by putting Alex Frolov on LTIR.

...would hate to literally give up the farm for Richards when they could look to sign him in the off-season. However, if the Rangers do bring Richards in and Gaborik comes back soon they're instantly Stanley Cup contenders in a wide open East in my opinion.

...tough call. Obviously would have to hear what other than Gilroy is sent back to Dallas.

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Larry Brooks at the New York Post reports that at least a dozen teams have called the Rangers attempting to pry Del Zotto away in a trade.

Brooks adds that unless those teams are offering the equivalent of Washington's sure shot 20-year-old center Marcus Johansson (and not one is) there is nothing for Sather to even consider.

Brooks goes on to discuss how the Rangers need to leave Del Zotto in Hartford and is still confused as to why the Rangers never sent him back down when Dan Girardi returned from injury.

...as I'm sure you guys know I've been very critical of the Rangers handling of Del Zotto this season. The mixed messages he's been getting since being recalled due to Girardi's injury is nothing short of ridiculous. You're staying, no you're going, you're in the press box, you're back in the lineup.

...but I do agree that being sent to the CT Whale is where he belongs.

...seen a lot of chatter out there from Rangers fans wanting Del Zotto to be moved. The kid is 20 (which is younger than McD) and has all the tools to be an All Star in this league. As Brooks points out, the Rangers will never get equal value for him. So stick him down in Hartford, let him develop and see what you have in training camp next year. And even if he's still not ready send him back down for the beginning of the year. He'll still only be 21. Some prospects talk longer than others. Just look at what Montoya's doing with the Islanders.

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Bergen Record - Rangers trade for Bryan McCabe from the Panthers

New York Post - Rangers acquire McCabe from Panthers

New York Post - League won't ban Stepan

Daily News - Rangers get McCabe, eye Richards

Daily News - Spector: Kennedy stuck as a minor player

Wall Street Journal - Stamkos's Slap Shot a Show Stopper

Newsday - Rangers acquire former Islander McCabe

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Update, 8:41 p.m.:
Glen Sather did not hold a press conference to announce deal but did issue this statement...

"Bryan McCabe adds an established veteran presence to our young defensive corps," stated Sather. "He can help provide offense with his strong shot on the power play, and his versatility allows him to play either the left or right side effectively. Bryan also brings outstanding leadership qualities, having served as team captain for Florida for the past two seasons."

Update, 3:51 p.m.:
Per Zipay, Del Zotto assigned to CT Whale.

Update, 3:31 p.m.:
Third round pick Rangers giving up is for this year.

Update, 3:29 p.m.:
5g, 17a for McCabe this season. Just came off IR with broken jaw.

Update, 3:17 p.m.:
McCabe in final year of contract that pays him $5.75 million this year.

Updated, 2:49 p.m.:
Darren Dreger also at TSN confirms the deal.

...assuming we'll hear from Sather at some point tonight.

Original Post:
Bob McKenzie at TSN says he is hearing the Panthers have traded Bryan McCabe to the Rangers for Tim Kennedy and 3rd rd pick.

...i knew Sather didn't expose Kennedy to the waiver wire for a reason.

...i'm more than ok with the trade. The question is, when Staal comes back who is the odd man out on defense. Unless Rangers are being quiet on severity of Staal injury.

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