NY Rangers Blog

Video: Gorton Talks Playoffs, Prospects & More

nyrfan94@yahoo.com (Kevin DeLury) — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:24:16 GMT

Rangers Assistant General Manager Jeff Gorton took time out of his busy schedule to sit down and chat with BlueshirtsUnited.com's Jim Cerny..

To watch on NHL.com, click here.

To watch on NHL.com, click here.

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Kreider Sets Record

nyrfan94@yahoo.com (Kevin DeLury) — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:00:21 GMT

Andrew Gross at the Bergen Record reports that Chris Kreider matched an NHL record last night scoring his fourth playoff goal and sixth playoff point without playing in a regular-season game...

...it is incredible what Kreider is doing. A month ago he was playing in college, now he is quickly becoming the focal point of the Rangers offense. The Rangers are almost relying on him to carry the offense, which, as much as I love it, may not be a good thing. Without others stepping up, I'm not sure the Rangers get out of this round.

...very impressed with how he's able to shoot the puck in stride. Makes it very difficult for the goaltender to anticipate when the puck is coming.

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Devils Wanted It More

nyrfan94@yahoo.com (Kevin DeLury) — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:00:11 GMT

Andrew Gross at the Bergen Record has this quote from Henrik Lundqvist on what went wrong in Game 2...

"In the first period, they were the better team. The second period, we came back and made a little push. Overall, we just have to be better. They wanted it a little more. They were really good around the boards and that's where they set the tone for the whole game. In the first period, they had us and then we came out and started skating a little more and winning more battles."

...i've got to say, I thought this series was going to be a war and while it's tied up at one, I'm beyond disappointed with the lack of passion from both sides. You would think the Rangers are playing the Minnesota Wild not their biggest rivals.

...Torts better figure out how to get his players motivated for Game 3, because being outworked in the Eastern Conferen Finals is unacceptable.

Carl Hagelin adds...

"It's just us. We didn't get the puck as quick as we wanted to, guys were just a step too late."

...not quick enough? We have to be better? They set the tone? Maybe, unlike what Torts' is selling, this Rangers team is breaking down. One look at Callahan and I'm not sure how you can think otherwise.

...the Devils forecheck seemed to wear down the Rangers leading to costly turnovers.

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In Case You Missed Torts' Presser

nyrfan94@yahoo.com (Kevin DeLury) — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:30:53 GMT

In case anyone missed John Tortorella's post game presser last night Chris F. sends me this pictorial highlight...

To watch Torts' presser, click here.

According to Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy, Craig Button of NHL Network was not amused with Torts' press conference calling it a "travesty," saying he shouldn't even come out and adding that "it's a joke, he's making it a joke, it's an unnecessary joke, so stop it."

John Tortorella's playoff non-interviews were amusing shtick for a while. Now they have become annoying and unprofessional.
— Neil Best (@sportswatch) May 17, 2012

...i try not to get too caught up with the brevity of Torts' press conferences, but I would have liked to have heard his reasoning for benching his best offensive player in the third period.

...and if these media types are sick of Torts' act, stop complaining about it your columns, grow a pair and call the Rangers head coach out to his face. If you're not willing to do that then shut up.

...and while Torts is receiving all the criticism today, guess who's not? The players for their poor performance last night. Crazy like a fox this guy.

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The Gaborik Benching

nyrfan94@yahoo.com (Kevin DeLury) — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:07 GMT

Last night John Tortorella decided to send a message to his 11-year veteran Marian Gaborik for not being strong along the boards by playing him just three minutes in the third period including stapling him to the bench in the final minute with Henrik Lundqvist pulled and the Rangers down one.

Here's Gaborik on the benching (via Bergen Record)...

"I mean, for the second goal, I didn't get the puck out I guess. You'll have to ask him (Tortorella)."

No you did not get the puck out Marian as we can all see here...

...similar to the Kreider benching, Torts basically cut off his nose to spite his face by sitting out his best offensive player.

...i can understand sending a message during the regular season, but when it's playoff time, unless it's absolutely egregious, Torts needs to realize that with the Rangers lack of offense the only thing that will be learned is that the Blueshirts can't win with their top players stapled to the bench.

...Torts' stubbornness could be the death of this amazing playoff run.

Gaborik told reporters that Tortorella's issue with his game was wall play.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 17, 2012

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Thursday (5/17/12) Headlines

nyrfan94@yahoo.com (Kevin DeLury) — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:46:26 GMT

Bergen Record - Clarkson's goal in third holds up as Devils beat Rangers to even series

Bergen Record - Rangers notes: Marian Gaborik takes seat

New York Post - Devils rally to hand Rangers another Game 2 loss

New York Post - Lundqvist bemoans traffic in front of net

New York Post - Power play works in Blueshirts’ favor in Game 2

New York Post - Coach won’t open up after team gets shut down

Daily News - Knot again! Rangers suffer another Game 2 letdown, lose 3-2 to Devils at the Garden

Daily News - Bondy: Block and Blue Rangers can't match Devs intensity

Daily News - Rangers' Gaborik not in clear, makes costly mistake

New York Times - It’s Tied. What Did You Expect?

New York Times - Pressuring Lundqvist Pays Off for Devils

Wall Street Journal - Gridlock on the Way to Newark

Newsday - Devils down Rangers in Game 2

Newsday - Rangers stick with familiar route: the hard way

Newsday - Gaborik benched for most of third period

Newsday - Devils shuffled lines pay off

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Devils 3, Rangers 2

nyrfan94@yahoo.com (Kevin DeLury) — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:38:32 GMT

The New York Rangers lost to the New Jersey Devils by the score of 3-2 in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference Finals matchup. The series is tied 1-1. For a recap and box score go to Yahoo! Sports.

...seriously, why can't this team take a 2-0 lead!!!!

...i actually didn't think the Rangers played all that poorly. The result pretty much came down to Clarkson's shot hitting the pipe and going in while Kreider's bounced out. Did feel the Devils came out much hungrier though.

...not sure trying to teach a veteran, 41-goal scorer a lesson while down one in the third period is the best strategy in the Eastern Conference Finals. But that's just me.

...after tonight's game I'm convinced Callahan is injured. He's not even trying to shoot.

...most impressive part of Kreider's goal is that he proved he's not afraid to park himself in front of the net to make a play.

...EIGHT blocked shots for McDonagh tonight. Nothing gallant about that right Mr. Cambell.

...assuming tonight was the last third period shift Bickel sees for the rest of the playoffs after being on the ice for the Devils game winner.

...two straight games with a power play goal? That's got to be a record for the Rangers.

...terrible ice conditions, penalty box doors that don't open. Didn't exactly look like the World's Most Famous Arena tonight.

...does Barbara Underhill run a faceoff school that Stepan can attend this summer?

...effin' Clarkson.

...tonight was the first time I noticed Prust since his Game 6 fight against Neil in the first round.

...got nervous for a second in the third period when Staal was down on the ice after taking high high from Bernier.

...if players such as Hagelin, Fedotenko, Mitchell and Rupp don't start chipping in some goals soon I can pretty much guarantee the Rangers won't top three goals in this series.

...off until Saturday's Game 3 at MSG South.

For post game video highlights & analysis, click the "Read More" tab below.

Post game highlights & analysis...

John Tortorella post game...

Players post game...

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Rangers vs. Devils (Game 2)

nyrfan94@yahoo.com (Kevin DeLury) — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:00:38 GMT

The New York Rangers host the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden for Game 2 of their Eastern Conference Finals match-up starting at 8:00 p.m. The Rangers lead the series 1-0. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

Rangers Game Notes

TV: NBC Sports Network; Radio: ESPN Radio (98.7 FM), XM 92

Live Stream (Don't click on ads in stream, may download virus):
http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/123044/1/watch-new-jersey-devils-vs-new-york-rangers.html

Probable Lines:
Hagelin-Richards-Gaborik
Kreider-Stepan-Callahan
Anisimov-Boyle-Prust
Rupp-Mitchell-Fedotenko

McDonagh-Girardi
Staal-Stralman
Del Zotto-Bickel

Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 9-6, 1.57 gaa, .940 sv%, 2 so.

Martin Brodeur - 8-4, 2.05 gaa, .921 sv%, 1 so

Opponent Notes:
- Zach Parise had five of New Jersey's 21 shots on goal in Game 1.

For more game notes click the "Read More" tab below.

- Parise, Patrik Elias and Alexei Ponikarovsky have all gone three games without a point.

- Adam Henrique has gone six games without a goal.

- Defenseman Marek Zidlicky was a minus-2 in Game 1.

- David Clarkson was scoreless and a -1 in Game 1.

- The Devils have nine power play goals in 47 opportunities during the playoffs.

Rangers-Devils Series Schedule:
May 14 Rangers 3, Devils 0 at MSG
May 16 Rangers vs. Devils, 8 p.m.
May 19 Rangers at New Jersey, 1 p.m.
May 21 Rangers at New Jersey, 8 p.m.
May 23 Rangers vs. New Jersey, 8 p.m.*
May 25 Rangers at New Jersey, 8 p.m.*
May 27 Rangers vs. New Jersey, 8 p.m.
* -- if necessary

Opponent Blog:
Running With The Devils

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Hagelin Hit on Alfredsson Is 3rd Dirtiest of Playoffs

nyrfan94@yahoo.com (Kevin DeLury) — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:27:17 GMT

And the Canadian media's assault on the New York Rangers continues as Sean Fitz-Gerald at the National Post calls Carl Hagelin's hit on Daniel Alfredsson in round one the third dirtiest hit of the playoffs...

BRONZE
Carl Hagelin, New York Rangers
Hagelin sent a text to his victim, and he said he was sorry. "He's been one of my favourite players," Hagelin told reporters. "I had no intention of hurting him." But Hagelin did hurt Daniel Alfredsson, and replays make a compelling case for intent. Hagelin raised his elbow just before impact, driving it into the head of the Senators captain, who had already been concussed once during the season. The elbow forced Alfredsson from the game with a concussion, and earned Hagelin a three-game suspension from the league. The Rangers went on to win their Eastern Conference quarter-final series.

Arron Asham's cross check to Brayden Schenn received Silver, while Raffi Torres shoulder to face hit on Marian Hossa received the Gold.

...for Hagelin's hit to be even mentioned with those two acts of violence is embarrassing. But that's what happens when a Rangers player takes out the Captain of a Canadian team.

...apparently Fitz-Gerald must have been out of the country this month and missed the much more dangerous infractions by Weber, Giroux, Neil, Carkner, Hanzel and Doan.

H/T to reader John S.

And if this doesn't get you riled up enough, check out this piece by David Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette describing abusive Rangers fans at MSG despite the fact that he's never attended a Rangers game at MSG.

H/t to Scotty Hockey.

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Melrose: Rangers Will Not Tire

nyrfan94@yahoo.com (Kevin DeLury) — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:00:04 GMT

To watch at ESPN.com, click here.

...just had to look out my window to see if pigs were flying because I actually agree with Barry Melrose.

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