Habs:
According to the Team990 in Montreal, Habs defenseman Mathieu Schneider, who was told by team doctors to get season ending surgery for a partially torn rotator cuff, met with a doctor in New York on Tuesday to get a second opinion. Apparently his equipment was on a plane to Boston late last night. And as per RDS, he is skating with the team this morning.
Now, I have heard many fake rumours on Montreal radio, BUT, they do tend to get the scoop first. This would be a very interesting development if Schneider were to play tonight in Boston. Carey Price and Tim Thomas are the scheduled starters. Just one point for Montreal and they will be secured a spot in the playoffs.
Columbus:
When all the playoff seeding/teams have been decided, I will review my pre-season predictions and give myself some props and some much needed smacks in the head. It should be a good read. In the meantime, however, I can't let the day go by without saying how incredibly happy I am that Columbus is finally going to the playoffs. FINALLY!
If you haven't heard the story yet in my rambling, I was a big Manny Malhotra fan when he was on the Rangers, so when he ended up in Columbus via Dallas I paid a lot more attention to the Blue Jackets than many. I admired how the fans flocked to what I've heard is a beautiful arena in Nationwide and supported their team, and hoped year after year that they'd finally make the playoffs for themselves and their fans. When Ken Hitchcock took over and was set to coach them for a full year (last year), I felt sure they'd get in. Sadly, they did not, and that became the first time a team coached by Hitchcock for a full year failed to make the second season. Thankfully it only took one more year. I, ironically, did not choose Columbus in my Western predictions, but if there is one time I'm happy to be wrong - this is most certainly it. Big Kudos to the Blue Jackets. Looking forward to it.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Ryan Callahan Wins Extra Effort Award. . .
On March 22nd, here at National Hat Trick Productions, I cast my vote for Ryan Callahan.
And tonight, he did indeed win the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award on Garden ice. Very much deserved and I don't think anyone can deny it. The guy has played game in, game out, for the Rangers this year. A spark when they needed it, and never taking a night off.
Any time Steven McDonald is at the Garden, and especially on the nights he's there to give the annual award given in his name, it is special. A man that sacrificed everything for others and yet who still has such a strong spirit, Mr. McDonald is a shining example of what any person - and any Ranger - should be.
A willingness to sacrifice.
A passion for the game.
A strong determination to make it happen.
Congratulations, Ryan. An honor very much deserved.
To flash back, here are some highlights of what I said a few weeks ago on #24:
". . .he is one of perhaps only three - three - players on this team to have played the game with the same exact attitude and energy - the right attitude and the right energy - since game one this season. If this guy took a night off, I didn't see it."
"His linemates may have been switched around constantly, and he may have played on every line this season, but his attitude and work ethic never wavered. He is a great team guy and someone I always noticed and respected on this team."
"That's why guys like Adam Graves, Sandy McCarthy, and Jed Ortmeyer won the award. They did more than what was expected from them. They were guys giving extra, and giving it all the time.
Ryan Callahan is very much in that same mold."
"The Rangers have a few more guys as of late that are playing with energy and enthusiams, joy for a game we all love. But Ryan Callahan did that each and every game, even in the very, very bad ones.
Ryan Callahan for Extra Effort. The guy truly has gone above and beyond."
**Big win for the Rangers. I am still not sure what this all means in "big picture," but they did all they had to do tonight, and did it pretty convincingly. Entertaining game all around.**
And tonight, he did indeed win the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award on Garden ice. Very much deserved and I don't think anyone can deny it. The guy has played game in, game out, for the Rangers this year. A spark when they needed it, and never taking a night off.
Any time Steven McDonald is at the Garden, and especially on the nights he's there to give the annual award given in his name, it is special. A man that sacrificed everything for others and yet who still has such a strong spirit, Mr. McDonald is a shining example of what any person - and any Ranger - should be.
A willingness to sacrifice.
A passion for the game.
A strong determination to make it happen.
Congratulations, Ryan. An honor very much deserved.
To flash back, here are some highlights of what I said a few weeks ago on #24:
". . .he is one of perhaps only three - three - players on this team to have played the game with the same exact attitude and energy - the right attitude and the right energy - since game one this season. If this guy took a night off, I didn't see it."
"His linemates may have been switched around constantly, and he may have played on every line this season, but his attitude and work ethic never wavered. He is a great team guy and someone I always noticed and respected on this team."
"That's why guys like Adam Graves, Sandy McCarthy, and Jed Ortmeyer won the award. They did more than what was expected from them. They were guys giving extra, and giving it all the time.
Ryan Callahan is very much in that same mold."
"The Rangers have a few more guys as of late that are playing with energy and enthusiams, joy for a game we all love. But Ryan Callahan did that each and every game, even in the very, very bad ones.
Ryan Callahan for Extra Effort. The guy truly has gone above and beyond."
**Big win for the Rangers. I am still not sure what this all means in "big picture," but they did all they had to do tonight, and did it pretty convincingly. Entertaining game all around.**
Monday, April 6, 2009
Yotes: An Uncanny Trade Deadline Rarity. . .
Darren Pang: "I've never, in all my hockey years, seen three players that came from three different teams be on the same line and have as much chemistry as those three guys right there: Scottie Upshall, Petr Prucha, and Matthew Lombardi. And they stick up for one another. They battle hard for one another. Their on ice synergy is uncanny. You think about it. You are at trade deadline, you bring in three individuals that are all positions that compliment. A left wing, a center, and a right wing and. . .[good natured laughter].
Strader: "Yeah it's incredible."
Pang: "It's uncanny."
You know, it's funny. In the month I've watched Petr Prucha on his new team, I've had similar thoughts. How odd is it to have one of the most consistent lines for the Phoenix Coyotes, be made up of three guys who all came from different teams? It is odd. It is remarkable.
And it's been a pleasure to watch.
Pang: "You see how fundamentally sound that line is. And Petr Prucha makes such great defensive reads. He's always around the puck, always supporting the puck."
Please, seriously, someone go get Tom Renney - RIGHT NOW - and have him read this blog! (kidding, kidding...)
The three of them do have a ton of synergy. A similar mind set. And they come to each other's defense too.
When Pete got knocked into the boards, Scottie Upshall was after the guy smacking him with his stick.
When Gauthier and Upshall (two former Flyer guys) got into a little tussle, it didn't take long for everyone to see the little fireball, Prucha, skate and throw himself onto the pile of guys, coming away with someone.
Pete's the kind of guy that has always done that for his teammates - any of his teammates. This next statement is not a swipe at any Rangers, BUT, it's nice to see his current teammates do the same for him.
Prucha gets smashed again to the boards.
Pang: "He gets hit hard doesn't he, Prucha? And then he just gets right back up."
"All three of those guys - Upshall, Lombardi, Prucha. They get hit, they get up. They go right back to work."
You may ask why I am writing all this, why I continue to keep track so closely of my favorite Ranger departed and where he is now.
I can say, with absolute certainty, that even in the games that the Coyotes have lost, I have had much more enjoyment from watching their team and their effort than I have from watching the Rangers team and effort this spring.
Look, I am - was, always will be - a Rangers fan, but when pepperpot Prucha became a departed Ranger, I got the opportunity to follow a new team. A team that has a lot of young guys, a lot of spark, and are a lot of fun to watch. And Prucha, along with Lombardi and Upshall, have played a BIG part in that. Not just for me, but for Phoenix. They have, all three of them, put up really nice numbers since trade deadline for their new team. And they've looked like they've been playing together for ages.
Which brings me to my next thought. What does it take to get them all to stay there next year? Prucha and Upshall are both RFAs after this season and made comparable money (1.6 versus 1.23 - apx). Lombardi has one year left on a 1.8 million dollar deal after which he is a UFA.
If you are the Phoenix Coyotes, do you want to keep them there? I say, based on what I've seen so far, you'd have to assume yes. Gretzky loves these type of players and while there is a plethora of extra guys, not one of these guys has seen the press box yet.
It's funny too. Strader pointed out a week or so ago that the Coyotes had some 30+ year old vets - the Doans, Klees, Jovos - and some 19 and 20-year-olds - the Turris, Boedker, Mueller crowd - but they lacked anybody in between. That, he said, was another reason GM Don Maloney went after guys like Upshall (25), Prucha (26), and Lombardi (27 ). To provide that balance between the veterans and the rookies. And biased though you may think I am, I think they've filled the role admirably.
So if I'm the Coyotes, I'm thinking yes. I'm thinking these three guys have the right attitude, the right talent, and the right chemistry. And they will not break the bank.
If I'm the players, I say, why not. You fight perhaps your whole career to find chemistry with players. When you get it, you want to hold on to it. If one player makes the others better, and it goes around full circle, you think they'd want to continue that, even for one year, to see how it goes.
Now, that might not be the way all professional athletes do think or will think, but if I were Coyotes management, I'd work hard to make sure all three of these guys were in the desert next season.
**On edit, I just finished skimming/watching the Coyotes/Kings match from Saturday night. Perhaps the first insight into one of the uncanny three's feelings in Phoenix. In being asked about Phoenix and if he's thinking about if he wants to stay next year, Scottie Upshall said:
"This is a great opportunity for us young guys coming in, with a little different atmosphere, more chances to show what you can do. And right now I'm getting to play with some great players and things are good here. I can only say good things about the opportunity I've had and I'm excited about this."
On playing for Wayne Gretzky:
"It helps to have Gretz on the bench patting you on the back when you make good plays and send you out there in key opportunities. It says a lot. I'm excited. I'm back to having fun and playing good hockey."
And there you have it.
**Author's note: Sorry for this being a few days late. Original quotes above were from Phoenix's 2-1 win versus Los Angeles on April 2nd. Following Upshall quote from 4/4/09.**
Rangers in Brief:
In Rangers news, I agree 1000% percent with all Larry Brook's wrote in today's NY Post. I would comment on it, but you know what, he did it perfectly, so I don't need to just yet. I'll bookmark that article and use it when I analyze the Rangers season in a week (or two, or maybe perhaps even three).
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Where Are Our Game Changers. . .?
I listened to the majority of today's game on the radio not being near a TV, although I did watch the last 8 minutes just now.
I hate to say I'm not surprised, but I am not.
On the radio, Dave Maloney, whose insight and lack of hesitancy to say what is on his mind - popular or not - I applaud, pondered whether the Rangers had a game changer on their team.
He said the Bruins had plenty on the ice, even more on the bench.
What is a game changer?
To me, someone who can take a game over. Someone who when the team is down and needs a goal, that's the guy you can go to and he can get it done.
Goalies, too, can be game changers. But in the case of today, Lundqvist would have had to give up zero goals to be a game changer.
Well, in that case, add Tim Thomas to Boston's ever growing list.
Point is, I agree with Dave Maloney. I sadly agree. The Rangers do not have that guy. If they have a guy that has showed up at times, in certain games, in given situatuations, that's great. But to have someone, or preferably a couple someones, who can be counted on and called upon to get the job done, would be fantastic.
But if you look at this year, collectively, from beginning to end, the Rangers just do not have that guy.
There'll be plenty of time for more thought on this season and this team, but that's what I'm thinking right now.
I was at the 1-0 Rangers loss in Boston in January, where one misplay caused them the game. Boston is not a team you can mess around with. They are lethal at getting one and shutting the door, especially against teams like NY that struggle to score anyway. This has been the Rangers/Bruins track record for the better part of 3 years now. 1-0 games. At least if it was 1-0 in overtime, the Rangers would have gotten a much needed point. As it was, three games to go, all again, must wins.
As for the Sean Avery stunt, that moment was the first time I have been disappointed with him this year since he came back. It was unnecessary and pretty classless to be honest. Would it have "hurt" Thomas? Probably not. But it's that sneaky, behind the back bs that other people hate a guy like Avery for. And honestly, I don't like that. Get in his face, yap at him in the crease, but something like that. . . I think it was badly timed and foolish.
Now, if he got Thomas off his game and garnered the 4 on 4 and the Rangers made something of it, we'd be calling the move smart.
As it was, he has to be thankful it was only a minor to himself. You can argue that it became 4-3 for the Rangers in the next few seconds when Savard took the penalty. But it very easily could have gone the other way and the Rangers could have been down 3-4 at that key period in the game.
Avery had to have been frustrated, but I think he can do so much else effectively. Today was a rare moment I disagreed with his intentions.
Bruins:
Since I got the radio feed, I heard the Bruins give away their team awards. Chara, Savard, and Thomas got the team 3 star awards, and Savard picked up one for being the best player on home ice.
Maloney speculated that many Rangers fans might not like to think about Marc Savard's success because he was, first and foremost, a Ranger.
I've made no secret here at NHTP that I love Marc Savard. I think he's a funny, likeable guy. And I think he is a hell of a hockey player. The right mix of talent and spunk.
I hate (hate, hate, hate) that the Rangers lost him for nothing, in the end, and that he went on to become one of the hottest point producers in the league, for Atlanta and now for Boston.
But to hate him, the player, because the Rangers got rid of him and he became something of himself? Please. I'm a Rangers fan. They disappoint me on a yearly basis with who they get rid of. Savard is just another one of the many. But a great hockey player I enjoy watching, for sure.
I heard on hockey night in Canada a week ago (?) that his first game as a Ranger was at Maple Leaf Gardens and he got four points.
Gosh I wish ANY Ranger on the team right now could get four points a game.
As for Milan Lucic, who also won an award, he's a fun guy to watch, and I've heard big fan favorite in Boston. What I didn't know until today, and perhaps you didn't either, is he's a saxophone player who went through a lot to make it to the NHL, including overcoming a spinal condition. Check it out here.
I hate to say I'm not surprised, but I am not.
On the radio, Dave Maloney, whose insight and lack of hesitancy to say what is on his mind - popular or not - I applaud, pondered whether the Rangers had a game changer on their team.
He said the Bruins had plenty on the ice, even more on the bench.
What is a game changer?
To me, someone who can take a game over. Someone who when the team is down and needs a goal, that's the guy you can go to and he can get it done.
Goalies, too, can be game changers. But in the case of today, Lundqvist would have had to give up zero goals to be a game changer.
Well, in that case, add Tim Thomas to Boston's ever growing list.
Point is, I agree with Dave Maloney. I sadly agree. The Rangers do not have that guy. If they have a guy that has showed up at times, in certain games, in given situatuations, that's great. But to have someone, or preferably a couple someones, who can be counted on and called upon to get the job done, would be fantastic.
But if you look at this year, collectively, from beginning to end, the Rangers just do not have that guy.
There'll be plenty of time for more thought on this season and this team, but that's what I'm thinking right now.
I was at the 1-0 Rangers loss in Boston in January, where one misplay caused them the game. Boston is not a team you can mess around with. They are lethal at getting one and shutting the door, especially against teams like NY that struggle to score anyway. This has been the Rangers/Bruins track record for the better part of 3 years now. 1-0 games. At least if it was 1-0 in overtime, the Rangers would have gotten a much needed point. As it was, three games to go, all again, must wins.
As for the Sean Avery stunt, that moment was the first time I have been disappointed with him this year since he came back. It was unnecessary and pretty classless to be honest. Would it have "hurt" Thomas? Probably not. But it's that sneaky, behind the back bs that other people hate a guy like Avery for. And honestly, I don't like that. Get in his face, yap at him in the crease, but something like that. . . I think it was badly timed and foolish.
Now, if he got Thomas off his game and garnered the 4 on 4 and the Rangers made something of it, we'd be calling the move smart.
As it was, he has to be thankful it was only a minor to himself. You can argue that it became 4-3 for the Rangers in the next few seconds when Savard took the penalty. But it very easily could have gone the other way and the Rangers could have been down 3-4 at that key period in the game.
Avery had to have been frustrated, but I think he can do so much else effectively. Today was a rare moment I disagreed with his intentions.
Bruins:
Since I got the radio feed, I heard the Bruins give away their team awards. Chara, Savard, and Thomas got the team 3 star awards, and Savard picked up one for being the best player on home ice.
Maloney speculated that many Rangers fans might not like to think about Marc Savard's success because he was, first and foremost, a Ranger.
I've made no secret here at NHTP that I love Marc Savard. I think he's a funny, likeable guy. And I think he is a hell of a hockey player. The right mix of talent and spunk.
I hate (hate, hate, hate) that the Rangers lost him for nothing, in the end, and that he went on to become one of the hottest point producers in the league, for Atlanta and now for Boston.
But to hate him, the player, because the Rangers got rid of him and he became something of himself? Please. I'm a Rangers fan. They disappoint me on a yearly basis with who they get rid of. Savard is just another one of the many. But a great hockey player I enjoy watching, for sure.
I heard on hockey night in Canada a week ago (?) that his first game as a Ranger was at Maple Leaf Gardens and he got four points.
Gosh I wish ANY Ranger on the team right now could get four points a game.
As for Milan Lucic, who also won an award, he's a fun guy to watch, and I've heard big fan favorite in Boston. What I didn't know until today, and perhaps you didn't either, is he's a saxophone player who went through a lot to make it to the NHL, including overcoming a spinal condition. Check it out here.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Four Games (or More) in Rangerland. . .
I am not really sure what to say about tonight's game. I think the game kind of speaks to the season on a whole, no? Lack of powerplay production and brief lapses in judgement come back to cost the team.
The powerplay has been absymal for an entire season, or two, or three. (But who's counting.) It had a short revival under Tortorella but has since slipped back into its Renney-like ways. I don't even know what to do to correct it, but...it's been a problem for too long. And if the Rangers fail to make the second season, it will be a BIG reason why they do not.
I was listening to a Coyotes broadcast (what, who, me?) and they discussed special teams index. How you add a team's PP and PK numbers to get their STI#. The Rangers - last I checked - were 1st on the penalty kill, and 29th on the powerplay. That makes their STI# a 30 and puts them right smack in the middle of the league. The worst score would be 60. And the best would be 2.
Now, I don't know about you, but I think I'd gladly give up the #1 penalty kill unit for some powerplay production and average out around #10 for each, making a STI# of 20. Anything has got to be better than this.
I talked to my father and said the Rangers have the worst schedule to end the season of anyone in the league. He asked who scheduled the games that way. A fair question, but in this case, a mute point. (Come on, who didn't think the home and home against Philly to close the season was a brilliant idea in October? I thought it would be exciting. I now think I'll be physically ill come April 12th.) However brilliant it once seemed, it does not look so nice, however, when this team, I would guess, needs to win 3 out of its four remaining games, and every game looks like the hardest of the year.
Disaster. They are primed for potential disaster.
What's worse - they put themselves there. With a two month mental break in the middle of the season and one too many la-de-da games against teams they could have and should have beaten cleanly.
I'm not going to say this team is done. They probably played the hottest team in the league right now tonight and they remained close to them until the end. They may have lost this game anyway just because Carolina, is indeed, better.
Perhaps they'll get lucky and win big on Saturday. They may yet surprise us all. Or maybe, instead, only 2 wins will be needed to secure a playoff berth.
But, the point remains, that for a team that started as well as they did, they probably never thought this was going to happen. It shouldn't have happened.
Not blowing that 3 goal lead in Atlanta last week would have been good about now, no?
Not blowing that 4-0 lead against Washington before Christmas would have been good now too!
The points all matter!!
But we can't go back. Well, scratch that, we can and certainly will disect this team's many missteps when the season does end, but they can't. They have to look forward, to four of the toughest games of the year. All must wins for them.
Four games (or more) in Rangerland. . .
Around the League/Yotes:
So last night former Rangers first round draft pick, Al Montoya, did something that is rarely done in the NHL. He not only got the win for Phoenix in his first ever NHL start, but he posted his 1st NHL shutout in the process.
Last person to do so - Mike Smith in 2006 when he was with Dallas, against the Coyotes ironically.
But just how rare are shutouts for some? Apparently Coyotes color analyst Darren Pang never had one in his entire career.
It took Al Montoya only 60 minutes.
Congratulations to him. When the players gathered to congratulate him, he got healthy hugs and taps from everyone, but bigger ones from Yandel, Boedker, Bryzgalov, Dawes, and captain Shane Doan.
I paid particular attention to Dawes's reaction because they must have seen a lot of each other in Hartford. Dawes, it looked like, had a lot of things to say to him.
But my favorite was from captain Shane Doan.
Now I have admired that guy for a while, probably since the whole unjustified French-Canadian backlash he saw back in 2007 at the World Championships. The guy is first class - a great hockey player, leader, and captain. I think he's a perfect guy for the young guys on this team to look up to.
His reaction was his typical - good humored laughter and smiles. Montoya must have been tense; he said he didn't relax until 3 seconds to go and the empty net goal that Phoenix was able to secure. But here you have one of the most highly respected captains in the game, giving you hugs and laughing with you like he's your best friend in the world. It was a great thing to see and put a smile on my face too.
Now for those of you that would say, oh well, it's against Colorado and they aren't a good team. Fine. Yes. But they all count and he looked very poised in making his 23 stops. Goalies can get shutouts when teams only get 11 shots on. They all count, folks.
And for those who are like, flash in the pan, he never worked in New York, or whatever else there is to say. Look. There are all types of fans. I choose to be happy for former Rangers who find good elsewhere - unless I never liked them anyway, or they are in direct competition with the Rangers now. Al Montoya ended up behind Hank on the depth chart here. I'd rather have Hank, make that very clear. So why not be happy that a guy that we touted is doing well somewhere else, if he wasn't going to get the chance to play here.
Same reason I am happy to see Jamie Lundmark do well in Calgary. Not everyone progresses at the same pace. Not everyone sees perfect opportunities right away. I'm glad to see them both where they are this year.
Once again. Kudos Al!
The powerplay has been absymal for an entire season, or two, or three. (But who's counting.) It had a short revival under Tortorella but has since slipped back into its Renney-like ways. I don't even know what to do to correct it, but...it's been a problem for too long. And if the Rangers fail to make the second season, it will be a BIG reason why they do not.
I was listening to a Coyotes broadcast (what, who, me?) and they discussed special teams index. How you add a team's PP and PK numbers to get their STI#. The Rangers - last I checked - were 1st on the penalty kill, and 29th on the powerplay. That makes their STI# a 30 and puts them right smack in the middle of the league. The worst score would be 60. And the best would be 2.
Now, I don't know about you, but I think I'd gladly give up the #1 penalty kill unit for some powerplay production and average out around #10 for each, making a STI# of 20. Anything has got to be better than this.
I talked to my father and said the Rangers have the worst schedule to end the season of anyone in the league. He asked who scheduled the games that way. A fair question, but in this case, a mute point. (Come on, who didn't think the home and home against Philly to close the season was a brilliant idea in October? I thought it would be exciting. I now think I'll be physically ill come April 12th.) However brilliant it once seemed, it does not look so nice, however, when this team, I would guess, needs to win 3 out of its four remaining games, and every game looks like the hardest of the year.
Disaster. They are primed for potential disaster.
What's worse - they put themselves there. With a two month mental break in the middle of the season and one too many la-de-da games against teams they could have and should have beaten cleanly.
I'm not going to say this team is done. They probably played the hottest team in the league right now tonight and they remained close to them until the end. They may have lost this game anyway just because Carolina, is indeed, better.
Perhaps they'll get lucky and win big on Saturday. They may yet surprise us all. Or maybe, instead, only 2 wins will be needed to secure a playoff berth.
But, the point remains, that for a team that started as well as they did, they probably never thought this was going to happen. It shouldn't have happened.
Not blowing that 3 goal lead in Atlanta last week would have been good about now, no?
Not blowing that 4-0 lead against Washington before Christmas would have been good now too!
The points all matter!!
But we can't go back. Well, scratch that, we can and certainly will disect this team's many missteps when the season does end, but they can't. They have to look forward, to four of the toughest games of the year. All must wins for them.
Four games (or more) in Rangerland. . .
Around the League/Yotes:
So last night former Rangers first round draft pick, Al Montoya, did something that is rarely done in the NHL. He not only got the win for Phoenix in his first ever NHL start, but he posted his 1st NHL shutout in the process.
Last person to do so - Mike Smith in 2006 when he was with Dallas, against the Coyotes ironically.
But just how rare are shutouts for some? Apparently Coyotes color analyst Darren Pang never had one in his entire career.
It took Al Montoya only 60 minutes.
Congratulations to him. When the players gathered to congratulate him, he got healthy hugs and taps from everyone, but bigger ones from Yandel, Boedker, Bryzgalov, Dawes, and captain Shane Doan.
I paid particular attention to Dawes's reaction because they must have seen a lot of each other in Hartford. Dawes, it looked like, had a lot of things to say to him.
But my favorite was from captain Shane Doan.
Now I have admired that guy for a while, probably since the whole unjustified French-Canadian backlash he saw back in 2007 at the World Championships. The guy is first class - a great hockey player, leader, and captain. I think he's a perfect guy for the young guys on this team to look up to.
His reaction was his typical - good humored laughter and smiles. Montoya must have been tense; he said he didn't relax until 3 seconds to go and the empty net goal that Phoenix was able to secure. But here you have one of the most highly respected captains in the game, giving you hugs and laughing with you like he's your best friend in the world. It was a great thing to see and put a smile on my face too.
Now for those of you that would say, oh well, it's against Colorado and they aren't a good team. Fine. Yes. But they all count and he looked very poised in making his 23 stops. Goalies can get shutouts when teams only get 11 shots on. They all count, folks.
And for those who are like, flash in the pan, he never worked in New York, or whatever else there is to say. Look. There are all types of fans. I choose to be happy for former Rangers who find good elsewhere - unless I never liked them anyway, or they are in direct competition with the Rangers now. Al Montoya ended up behind Hank on the depth chart here. I'd rather have Hank, make that very clear. So why not be happy that a guy that we touted is doing well somewhere else, if he wasn't going to get the chance to play here.
Same reason I am happy to see Jamie Lundmark do well in Calgary. Not everyone progresses at the same pace. Not everyone sees perfect opportunities right away. I'm glad to see them both where they are this year.
Once again. Kudos Al!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Yotes: A Second Life In The Desert. . .
Prucha is merely one of a handful of guys seeing new life in the desert for the Coyotes since trade deadline day, but he is most certainly the player we, as Rangers fans and devote fans of the Ranger departed, are most happy to see succeed.
Last night's telecast of the Stars/Coyotes game on Versus began and ended with discussion on our Petr Prucha. The final notes being one of dramatic fashion.
But before we get there, let's start, as we should, at the beginning.
Dave Strader (Phoenix) and Daryl Reaugh (Dallas) had the call of the game, so that meant perhaps more introspective on Phoenix than may usually happen in a Versus telecast. (Note: Keith Jones in studio said it was a perfect time to get "reaquainted" with the Coyotes; a team you can bet he hasn't watched all that much unless they were on VS in the fall).
Dave and Daryl focused on three Phoenix players to start the game - Scottie Upshall (3-4-7), Matthew Lombardi (5-4-9), and Petr Prucha (1-5-6). Those are their point totals in their 12 games with the Coyotes since trade deadline. That's 9 goals, 22 points, and a combined +3.
Now, those who have been watching the Coyotes from back East - and I am not alone - know that this line, although together for perhaps games three through maybe six of that span, have not played non-stop together. BUT, they have almost always, and from the beginning, looked very much in sync.
The announcing team credits that to the fact that they "play the right way, the way that Wayne Gretzky wants the entire roster to play. They compete hard for pucks and are gritty in the offensive zone."
Tonight Phoenix's uncontested top line played no differently.
Upshall scored two goals, both assisted by Lombardi and Prucha, and both in a similar tic-tac-toe fashion. One a nice passing play in close and the second coming into the zone with Lombardi dropping the puck back for Upshall to take the blast from the point.
Prucha was a main topic of conversation for Daryl and Dave. Here are some highlights.
This has always been a hotly contested battle between Prucha supporters and, well, let's just say those that say he was lucky in who he played with. But I hold true, and goodness knows if I had time I'd review the video tapes I have floating around, to prove my point, but he did not always play with Jagr, certainly not when Nylander and Straka were Jagr's linemates for the majority of that season.
Now Prucha may have scored his powerplay goals with benefit of Jagr, as did many other guys in this league. But he played five on five with guys like Steve Rucchin, Marty Ruchinsky, Petr Sykora. Those are nice players, but Petr paved his own path, make no mistake. It was not without his own talent and effort that he got to 30 goals in this league.
As the game went on, they kept coming back to the top line, calling Prucha "relentless," and saying how its the tenacity of the entire line that makes them tick.
Look, we as fans of Prucha don't need to be told how fantastic he is. We know. We always knew. But it provides insane pleasure for me to hear other people say it.
It was too long in New York between hearing wonderful things about Petr Prucha. His determination and good attitude were never in question and continually lauded by media and teammates alike. But what about the fact that he is a legit and talented hockey player. That got lost, as so much else sometimes does in New York.
But back to the game for a minute.
Dallas, a team desperately trying to make the playoffs, although time nor points are in their favor, continued to come on hard especially in the late stages of the game. They scored first, and Phoenix scored twice to take the lead after one. The teams traded powerplay goals, and both took a few too many penalties. Phoenix appeared to collapse late, causing a 5-3 lead to evaporate and force the game into OT.
Where none other than Petr Prucha stepped on ice for some four on three action, after Dallas was called for a trip in the extra frame.
It took only 53 seconds into overtime when our favorite departed got in a good position after the faceoff, crept up close to the net, and scored the Coyotes first overtime winner of the season.
And the first overtime winner of his career.
Let's watch it again (and again...and again...) :)
For post game interviews, including a short one with a happily, smiling Prucha:
Gretzky said, "The three of them play the game the way the game should be played."
We as fans can't help but nod in agreement.
Here are all game highlights, as Enver Lisin also notched two goals and an assist in the total team effort:
Lastly an official write-up from Coyotes.com:
Petr Prucha: "It's a great feeling."
Petr Prucha is playing hockey again - a game he loves. As fans of his we have to love and embrace that. He's got to be at his happiest when he's playing a game he loves. And playing the game with more poise and confidence than I have seen him play in years.
As much as we all hate to admit it, this resurgence we are seeing - it sadly could not have happened in current day New York, the way things are now.
Instead it had to happen under a different sky, for the color of another team. A second life in the desert, perhaps.
He may be further away, and that's a painful reality, but if anything can help bridge the gap of 3000 miles, it's the joy of seeing our favorite player smile again.
Last night's telecast of the Stars/Coyotes game on Versus began and ended with discussion on our Petr Prucha. The final notes being one of dramatic fashion.
But before we get there, let's start, as we should, at the beginning.
Dave Strader (Phoenix) and Daryl Reaugh (Dallas) had the call of the game, so that meant perhaps more introspective on Phoenix than may usually happen in a Versus telecast. (Note: Keith Jones in studio said it was a perfect time to get "reaquainted" with the Coyotes; a team you can bet he hasn't watched all that much unless they were on VS in the fall).
Dave and Daryl focused on three Phoenix players to start the game - Scottie Upshall (3-4-7), Matthew Lombardi (5-4-9), and Petr Prucha (1-5-6). Those are their point totals in their 12 games with the Coyotes since trade deadline. That's 9 goals, 22 points, and a combined +3.
Now, those who have been watching the Coyotes from back East - and I am not alone - know that this line, although together for perhaps games three through maybe six of that span, have not played non-stop together. BUT, they have almost always, and from the beginning, looked very much in sync.
The announcing team credits that to the fact that they "play the right way, the way that Wayne Gretzky wants the entire roster to play. They compete hard for pucks and are gritty in the offensive zone."
Tonight Phoenix's uncontested top line played no differently.
Upshall scored two goals, both assisted by Lombardi and Prucha, and both in a similar tic-tac-toe fashion. One a nice passing play in close and the second coming into the zone with Lombardi dropping the puck back for Upshall to take the blast from the point.
Prucha was a main topic of conversation for Daryl and Dave. Here are some highlights.
Daryl: "This is one area where Petr Prucha can help the Coyotes. His rookie season with New York, he was dynamic on the powerplay. Obviously [he] has faded in that department and out of favor in New York. But his second life [is] here in the desert."
Dave: "He played a lot of that season with Jaromir Jagr and Marty Straka. When I asked him about scoring the 30 goals, he said, well, you know, it was a lot easier playing with those guys."
This has always been a hotly contested battle between Prucha supporters and, well, let's just say those that say he was lucky in who he played with. But I hold true, and goodness knows if I had time I'd review the video tapes I have floating around, to prove my point, but he did not always play with Jagr, certainly not when Nylander and Straka were Jagr's linemates for the majority of that season.
Now Prucha may have scored his powerplay goals with benefit of Jagr, as did many other guys in this league. But he played five on five with guys like Steve Rucchin, Marty Ruchinsky, Petr Sykora. Those are nice players, but Petr paved his own path, make no mistake. It was not without his own talent and effort that he got to 30 goals in this league.
Daryl: "Good little play by Petr Prucha on that faceoff. He won the draw and then made himself available for the tip in after. Remember back in his rookie year. He was right in the conversation with Crosby and company, scoring goals at similar rates. And then he fell out of favor in New York and could never work his way back up the ladder to be a regular guy with the Rangers."
Dave: "He basically told the New York media that he wasn't very good at English. I did and interview with him last week and he's a wonderful young man with a sense of humor. His English is far better than he would lead you to believe. He just explained to me the biggest problem for a lot of guys like him is being properly understood or understanding the exact question they're being asked. He's always worried about being taken out of context."
Daryl: "You can speak on the ice. You don't need any language down there and he's getting every opportunity here. He's looked good tonight."
As the game went on, they kept coming back to the top line, calling Prucha "relentless," and saying how its the tenacity of the entire line that makes them tick.
Look, we as fans of Prucha don't need to be told how fantastic he is. We know. We always knew. But it provides insane pleasure for me to hear other people say it.
It was too long in New York between hearing wonderful things about Petr Prucha. His determination and good attitude were never in question and continually lauded by media and teammates alike. But what about the fact that he is a legit and talented hockey player. That got lost, as so much else sometimes does in New York.
But back to the game for a minute.
Dallas, a team desperately trying to make the playoffs, although time nor points are in their favor, continued to come on hard especially in the late stages of the game. They scored first, and Phoenix scored twice to take the lead after one. The teams traded powerplay goals, and both took a few too many penalties. Phoenix appeared to collapse late, causing a 5-3 lead to evaporate and force the game into OT.
Where none other than Petr Prucha stepped on ice for some four on three action, after Dallas was called for a trip in the extra frame.
It took only 53 seconds into overtime when our favorite departed got in a good position after the faceoff, crept up close to the net, and scored the Coyotes first overtime winner of the season.
And the first overtime winner of his career.
Let's watch it again (and again...and again...) :)
For post game interviews, including a short one with a happily, smiling Prucha:
Gretzky said, "The three of them play the game the way the game should be played."
We as fans can't help but nod in agreement.
Here are all game highlights, as Enver Lisin also notched two goals and an assist in the total team effort:
Lastly an official write-up from Coyotes.com:
Petr Prucha: "It's a great feeling."
Petr Prucha is playing hockey again - a game he loves. As fans of his we have to love and embrace that. He's got to be at his happiest when he's playing a game he loves. And playing the game with more poise and confidence than I have seen him play in years.
As much as we all hate to admit it, this resurgence we are seeing - it sadly could not have happened in current day New York, the way things are now.
Instead it had to happen under a different sky, for the color of another team. A second life in the desert, perhaps.
He may be further away, and that's a painful reality, but if anything can help bridge the gap of 3000 miles, it's the joy of seeing our favorite player smile again.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Avery Versus The World. . .
Got back from the Rangers/Devils game a little while ago. And I must say, that was certainly an exciting evening. It lived up to the hype, although perhaps not for the reasons most of us originally thought.
For it wasn't Avery and Brodeur.
It was Avery and Clarkson. Avery and, umm, Holik, Shanahan, Zajac, White, Langenbrunner, Rupp. . .need me to continue?
It seemed Avery was more in the heads of the Devils players than they were in his. And that is where Sean has been effective against them and where he can be effective against them going forward.
If I were New Jersey, for that reason alone, I would not want to face New York in the playoffs.
Sean can provide a decided edge. He did again tonight.
If there was a moment that disappointed me it was during the Clarkson/Avery scuffle, and not for Sean. I was not disappointed in Sean. I was disappointed with the refs, I guess much in the same way many Rangers fans have been upset for a while now.
There is no denying that Sean Avery is being looked at differently while he's on the ice by the officials.
No doubt in my mind.
If the media, the other coaches, the other players, if they are all looking at him differently, what makes us think the referees are going to be any different.
The problem with that - the officials are supposed to be impartial. It's their job. But I guess we really don't have to go into a long and drawn out conversation on the overall state of officiating in the league now do we?
But it disapointed me. And if it continues, which I am afraid it might, it will continue to disappoint me.
Sean Avery did all that was asked of him and I personally think has done a very, very good job of holding himself in check since his return to the league earlier this month.
Does that mean he's been a perfect angel?
Please, I wouldn't recognize or want Sean Avery on my team if he were that.
But he's done nothing to warrant any major retribution. AND, he has not gotten the benefit of any calls when something is done to him. And it's the latter that is most disturbing. It is a blatant slap in the face to Sean, and his team. And it takes credibility away from a league that sometimes walks a very fine line in that departmnet already.
If Sean does something warranting a penalty - send him to the box. He'll go. But if someone does something to Sean - they should be sent on that same path. Anything less, is a detriment to the sport of hockey.
Oh, wait, you've heard that one before.
Players that physically hurt their brothers in this league are given endless chances and infinite patience, sometimes to the degree that almost that confounds understanding.
And yet a guy that did nothing, really, except draw some negative attention to a minor moment of bad judgement and make himself look like a moron in the process - he has done the unforgiveable. He can't catch a break.
That is a shame.
And an embarassment.
I think we all as Rangers fans have one plea - let Sean be viewed the same as any player in this league. Let that endless and infinite patience fall on someone that has and can do good for this league on the ice and in the press. Let him play.
Putting him in this no-win situation is just asking for him to eventually snap. Not this year, but if it continues. Maybe that's what they all want. For the great voice to be right. That Avery is not a player in this league and that he's nothing more than a side show to it.
I hope with all I have that they don't get that wish, if that is what they are trying so desperately to do, and I hope that Sean Avery has the will inside him to withstand all that is unfairly being thrown at him.
The league has a lot of villians to contend with. Like it or not, Sean Avery is not one of them.
Other game notes:
Larry Brooks was quoted in today's NY Post as saying:
"But to believe that Avery-Brodeur is somehow just a sideshow is missing the point, which, quite simply, is that Avery the Ranger is as singularly responsible for tilting the rivalry Manhattan's way as anyone since Mark Messier."
I will agree, to the extent that he is one of the two people. Applaud Sean Avery for being a MAJOR reason that New York has once again become a respectible rival to the Devils once again. For he is. He truly, truly is. And not for the antics, if you will. But because he is, and I continue to believe in this, a legit hockey player.
BUT...in applauding Avery, I don't think we should forget about the other guy, Henrik Lundqvist. Including tonight Hank is 14-5-4 versus New Jersey and 14-2-4 against Brodeur. (*I want to confirm those numbers*). And he has an incredible GAA too.
That is domination right there. And - and! - he did it last year when it counted. In the playoffs.
So as much as the world wants to focus on Avery and his play against New Jersey - again, rightfully so - do not lose track of the fact that Hank himself plays masterfully against New Jersey and deserves applause as well.
It is so nice after being on the bad side of a one sided rivalry for seven years, to finally be on an upswing.
Kudos Avery. Kudos Hank.
Lastly, Naslund, in what I saw of him, looked like a much more determined man tonight. It might be a flash in the pan, but it's something to keep an eye on going forward as the season closes out.
Around the League:
Just have to mention this. On my way home I listeded to a bit of Coyotes/Stars and in the first intermission they did a 'Hot Stove Report" of sorts. Now, Dave Strader was on Versus with the Dallas Stars guy, so Darren Pang jumped to Dallas TV. This was the Coyotes radio broadcast team; forgive me for missing names here. The whole segment began and ended with the song "love the one you're with." (Kinda a play on the fact that so many regular broadcast partners were in different places tonight). Anyway, a question is asked and answered by [fill in the blank.]. The announcer then goes, "okay, Panger, you got sloppy seconds."
Yes, you read me right. On air, professional broadcasters used the term that almost had Sean Avery banned from this very league!
Now I am not stupid (at least I try very hard not to be). Granted Avery's context was different and his connotation might have very well been of the negative variety. But who has not - seriously, folks - used the term like the broadcasters did above?
Because, in all honesty here - which I do preach at NHTP - my first thought any time I hear sloppy seconds, and this includes the time Avery said it, is not anything sexual or negative.
I'm thinking the guys above, they probably were not thinking along those lines either.If we are being truly honest here.
Yotes/Stars Notes:
Kudos from the broadcast crew (whose names I will find tomorrow) for the reunited Prucha-Lombardi-Upshall line that combined for a goal - (Just checked the score) - 2 goals so far on the night. It seems the three boys can play in almost any combination with their teammates and they all bring that energy and tenaciousness. That's the word I am going to use to describe the Coyotes in my three weeks watching them. Tenacious. On the puck, on the boards. Tenacious. They might not score a lot(although they are againt Tobias Stephan tonight) yet, but they are punishing other teams with their work ethic and consistent pressure. The goals, I believe, will come. And they did tonight. 5-3 in the 3rd.
**Thanks for reading. Goodnight folks.**
On edit: Prucha just got game winning goal in OT! More tomorrow. :) But to see the jump in his step. Well, well deserved.
For it wasn't Avery and Brodeur.
It was Avery and Clarkson. Avery and, umm, Holik, Shanahan, Zajac, White, Langenbrunner, Rupp. . .need me to continue?
It seemed Avery was more in the heads of the Devils players than they were in his. And that is where Sean has been effective against them and where he can be effective against them going forward.
If I were New Jersey, for that reason alone, I would not want to face New York in the playoffs.
Sean can provide a decided edge. He did again tonight.
If there was a moment that disappointed me it was during the Clarkson/Avery scuffle, and not for Sean. I was not disappointed in Sean. I was disappointed with the refs, I guess much in the same way many Rangers fans have been upset for a while now.
There is no denying that Sean Avery is being looked at differently while he's on the ice by the officials.
No doubt in my mind.
If the media, the other coaches, the other players, if they are all looking at him differently, what makes us think the referees are going to be any different.
The problem with that - the officials are supposed to be impartial. It's their job. But I guess we really don't have to go into a long and drawn out conversation on the overall state of officiating in the league now do we?
But it disapointed me. And if it continues, which I am afraid it might, it will continue to disappoint me.
Sean Avery did all that was asked of him and I personally think has done a very, very good job of holding himself in check since his return to the league earlier this month.
Does that mean he's been a perfect angel?
Please, I wouldn't recognize or want Sean Avery on my team if he were that.
But he's done nothing to warrant any major retribution. AND, he has not gotten the benefit of any calls when something is done to him. And it's the latter that is most disturbing. It is a blatant slap in the face to Sean, and his team. And it takes credibility away from a league that sometimes walks a very fine line in that departmnet already.
If Sean does something warranting a penalty - send him to the box. He'll go. But if someone does something to Sean - they should be sent on that same path. Anything less, is a detriment to the sport of hockey.
Oh, wait, you've heard that one before.
Players that physically hurt their brothers in this league are given endless chances and infinite patience, sometimes to the degree that almost that confounds understanding.
And yet a guy that did nothing, really, except draw some negative attention to a minor moment of bad judgement and make himself look like a moron in the process - he has done the unforgiveable. He can't catch a break.
That is a shame.
And an embarassment.
I think we all as Rangers fans have one plea - let Sean be viewed the same as any player in this league. Let that endless and infinite patience fall on someone that has and can do good for this league on the ice and in the press. Let him play.
Putting him in this no-win situation is just asking for him to eventually snap. Not this year, but if it continues. Maybe that's what they all want. For the great voice to be right. That Avery is not a player in this league and that he's nothing more than a side show to it.
I hope with all I have that they don't get that wish, if that is what they are trying so desperately to do, and I hope that Sean Avery has the will inside him to withstand all that is unfairly being thrown at him.
The league has a lot of villians to contend with. Like it or not, Sean Avery is not one of them.
Other game notes:
Larry Brooks was quoted in today's NY Post as saying:
"But to believe that Avery-Brodeur is somehow just a sideshow is missing the point, which, quite simply, is that Avery the Ranger is as singularly responsible for tilting the rivalry Manhattan's way as anyone since Mark Messier."
I will agree, to the extent that he is one of the two people. Applaud Sean Avery for being a MAJOR reason that New York has once again become a respectible rival to the Devils once again. For he is. He truly, truly is. And not for the antics, if you will. But because he is, and I continue to believe in this, a legit hockey player.
BUT...in applauding Avery, I don't think we should forget about the other guy, Henrik Lundqvist. Including tonight Hank is 14-5-4 versus New Jersey and 14-2-4 against Brodeur. (*I want to confirm those numbers*). And he has an incredible GAA too.
That is domination right there. And - and! - he did it last year when it counted. In the playoffs.
So as much as the world wants to focus on Avery and his play against New Jersey - again, rightfully so - do not lose track of the fact that Hank himself plays masterfully against New Jersey and deserves applause as well.
It is so nice after being on the bad side of a one sided rivalry for seven years, to finally be on an upswing.
Kudos Avery. Kudos Hank.
Lastly, Naslund, in what I saw of him, looked like a much more determined man tonight. It might be a flash in the pan, but it's something to keep an eye on going forward as the season closes out.
Around the League:
Just have to mention this. On my way home I listeded to a bit of Coyotes/Stars and in the first intermission they did a 'Hot Stove Report" of sorts. Now, Dave Strader was on Versus with the Dallas Stars guy, so Darren Pang jumped to Dallas TV. This was the Coyotes radio broadcast team; forgive me for missing names here. The whole segment began and ended with the song "love the one you're with." (Kinda a play on the fact that so many regular broadcast partners were in different places tonight). Anyway, a question is asked and answered by [fill in the blank.]. The announcer then goes, "okay, Panger, you got sloppy seconds."
Yes, you read me right. On air, professional broadcasters used the term that almost had Sean Avery banned from this very league!
Now I am not stupid (at least I try very hard not to be). Granted Avery's context was different and his connotation might have very well been of the negative variety. But who has not - seriously, folks - used the term like the broadcasters did above?
Because, in all honesty here - which I do preach at NHTP - my first thought any time I hear sloppy seconds, and this includes the time Avery said it, is not anything sexual or negative.
I'm thinking the guys above, they probably were not thinking along those lines either.If we are being truly honest here.
Yotes/Stars Notes:
Kudos from the broadcast crew (whose names I will find tomorrow) for the reunited Prucha-Lombardi-Upshall line that combined for a goal - (Just checked the score) - 2 goals so far on the night. It seems the three boys can play in almost any combination with their teammates and they all bring that energy and tenaciousness. That's the word I am going to use to describe the Coyotes in my three weeks watching them. Tenacious. On the puck, on the boards. Tenacious. They might not score a lot(although they are againt Tobias Stephan tonight) yet, but they are punishing other teams with their work ethic and consistent pressure. The goals, I believe, will come. And they did tonight. 5-3 in the 3rd.
**Thanks for reading. Goodnight folks.**
On edit: Prucha just got game winning goal in OT! More tomorrow. :) But to see the jump in his step. Well, well deserved.
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