B R O A D W A Y***B L U E S H I R T S

xavier mcdaniel

singularity wrote:

i just don't see them finishing 13th (figure that's about about a 70-75 point season) . lundqvist steals games on his own, there is no way a goalie of his caliber will have his team finish in the basement of the conference.

i wouldn't be too suprised if they finished 8-10 though.

True Lundqvist keeps them in contention most nights, but past the projected first line of Drury, Higgins and Gaborik, there doesn't seem much there. From the projected depth chart on Yahoo:

Avery-Dubinsky-Prospal
Callahan-Ansimov-Kotalik
Lisin-Arnason-Brashear

and plus other than Staal and Girardi, hard to say the defense is solid based on past performances by Redden and Rozsival.

Bathgate66

xavier mcdaniel wrote:

singularity wrote:

i just don't see them finishing 13th (figure that's about about a 70-75 point season) . lundqvist steals games on his own, there is no way a goalie of his caliber will have his team finish in the basement of the conference.

i wouldn't be too suprised if they finished 8-10 though.

True Lundqvist keeps them in contention most nights, but past the projected first line of Drury, Higgins and Gaborik, there doesn't seem much there. From the projected depth chart on Yahoo:

Avery-Dubinsky-Prospal
Callahan-Ansimov-Kotalik
Lisin-Arnason-Brashear

and plus other than Staal and Girardi, hard to say the defense is solid based on past performances by Redden and Rozsival.

higgins shows some possibilities on defense, no ?
plus, i read of numerous signings of European players , lesser known in america .

Hey its a marathon- not a sprint-
i think its way too early to count a team out,....
or to give any team the Conference already at this point in summertime,....

rival.

agree it's a marathon not a sprint, but it is amazing how valuable EACH game is ever since the NHL adopted the point for making it to OT. there are so many 3 point games now. look at last year's eastern conference standings... #4 - #10 were only separated by 8 points, 4 games. there was a point last season when it looked like the penguins were not going to make the playoffs. you really need a winning team/formula from day 1 of the season.

i would like the NHL to have a similar point structure that soccer has. 3 points for a win, and 1 point for a tie.

Bathgate66

wow-that soccer scoring just might do the trick !
3 points for a win?
wow !


http://www.outsidethegarden.com/article ... asp?id=800

Sather Having A Summer To Remember(Updated)


At the start of summer, GM Sather had a gathering of the important management types in the Rangers organization, and it seems that the voice that was heard the loudest was coach Tortorella's. The players added and those either traded away/for and not resigned now fit into the offensive attack type team that Torts has envisioned. When he won the cup in Tampa he had a no name defense, big-fast wings, and great goaltending. Sounds like what the Rangers have buit this offseason.

Gone are Gomez,Antropov,Sjostrom,Orr,Mara,Morris,Korpikoski(who threatened to go to KHL and was sent away for that),and probably Betts and Zherdev(depending on the arbitrator--BUT Zherdev has stated he wants to stay in the NHL). Sather has brought in Gaborik,Kotalik,Brashear,Higgins,Boyle,Lisin,Arnason, along with end of last year Gilroy. Ranger trades of the summer have sent away Gomez to Montreal for Higgins and the Habs#1 prospect McDonaugh(another dman).That trade allowed the Rangers to sign Gaborik so it was really a 3-1 move(other minor players were included).The Rangers also sent defenseman Fahey(who had no chance of making the club this year) to Colorado for the Av's #3 prospect Williams(another dman).
With the Rangers adding two more defensemen prospects to the organization that already boasts Del Zotto,Sanguienetti,Potter,Heikkinan,Sauer,Gilroy,and others; it clearly seems that at least 1 of the top 4 will be on the move before the season starts or some of the bluechip prospects will be sent to bring a top level center into the organization. Look for Heikkinan,Gilroy,and/or Potter(friendly $500,000 cap hit) to have the inside track for the last 2 spots.

The Rangers offensive attack will have a totally new look this season. Gaborik was very well paid to bring the Garden Faithful to their feet as he is a threat to score whenever he touches the puck. Kotalik was brought in to try and re-ignite his old Sabre linemate and captain Drury. Boyle was brought in to stand his 6'7" body to block the goalies view. Brashear will be booed until he destroys an opposing player taking liberties on Lundquist or any teammate.

Although Sather seems to have had a great summer, he still needs to sign Dubinsky(expected to match Callahans 2.3 cap hit) and a experienced #1 center. Dubinsky was capable of playing that role with the offensive star in Jagr and Sather feels as if Dubinsky can do the same with Gaborik. The Zherdev arbitration will also show whether he stays.

With players in the organization pushing to take spots on the NHL level, this years club could add as many as 4-5 Wolfpack players on a bigger, faster, offensive version of Rangers teams past. Fitting under the max cap, the Rangers team could look something like this(if they walk from the zherdev ruling whatever it is): Kotalik-Drury-Gaborik-Higgins-Dubinsky-Callahan-Avery-Anisimov-Grachev-Byers-Boyle-Brashear-Arnason-Redden-Staal-Rozsival-Girardi-Gilroy-Potter-Heikkinan--Lundqvist-Valliquette.
Depending on the often rumored Rozsival trade, Lisin and Sanguienneti could make the team and still have close to 2+ cap space left after giving Dubi the same contract as Callahan.

So far so good Glen, this week will show if it was a total success.
*******************************Updated*****************************************
Sather has signed Prospal(who played on Tort's Stanley Cup team for a VERY reasonable 1.1 1 year deal. That along with Dubinsky aleegedly playing for his qualifier(by Larry Brooks of the Post) at less than $700,000 puts the Rangers in a good cap situation to add someone at the trade deadline.
The Post has also reported with quotes of Mark Messier being back in N.Y. with his family as an assistant to GM Glen Sather. With Messier finally agreeing to become a full-time ront office person, it should only take 1 year as an apprentice to become the fulltime G.M. with Sather taking on the added work now that MSG has been

Bathgate66

OK
todays papaer had a little blip about NYR acquiring Sam Kessel from Boston.
Aparently they cant accomodate him without breaking their whole team apart to keep under cap.

Bathgate66

now the devils are in on it also ,....



Kessel Deadline

RANGERS, DEVILS FACE KESSEL DEADLINE
August 28, 2009
Posted: 2:59 am
August 28, 2009

Time is running short for the Rangers to renew their interest -- and for the Devils to jump into the bidding -- with trade talks said to be heating up elsewhere for Boston's Phil Kessel.

The Bruins have no cap space left to accommodate the $5 million salary their restricted free agent commands, and would have to dismantle their team to fit him by Oct. 1, when all teams must be under the $56.8 million cap.

The Rangers are believed to have talked seriously with the Bruins about trading for Kessel, but not lately. At least two other teams are believed to have stepped up their bidding of late. Kessel is rehabbing from rotator cuff surgery, but may be ready to skate when camps open next month.

A righty center/right wing, Kessel led the Bruins with 36 goals last season, despite missing 12 games, and stood plus-23. He went 6-5-11 and plus-7 in 11 playoff games for Boston. He won't turn 22 until Oct. 2.

Once Oct. 1 passes, the Bruins would be unable to match any Group 2 offer sheets, and would thus receive draft-pick compensation for Kessel. For salaries between $4.520 million and $6.026 million, compensation is a first-, second- and third-round pick. Fifth overall in 2006, Kessel is the Bruins' highest pick since they grabbed Joe Thornton first overall in 1997.

Kessel would fill a major need for either the Rangers or the thus-far uninvolved Devils, both in serious need of a No. 1 center -- one with blazing speed, a major scoring touch and defensive skills, as well.

*

Because of the threat of severe weather, the Rangers have postponed until Sept. 5 their Fan Fest, originally slated for this weekend for season ticket AmEx renewers at their practice rink in Tarrytown. . . . Devils LW Patrik Elias has won the Golden Stick as the Czech Republic's top hockey player, ending the four-year reign of Jaromir Jagr. Elias, who finished second to Zach Parise in goals (31), assists (47) and points (78) for the Devils last season, became the franchise's all-time leading scorer with 706 points.

Bathgate66

UPDATE ON DUBINSKY: Thanks to wolfgaze for the link. Steve Zipay of Newsday had a chance to speak with Brandon Dubinsky and clarify some of the contract confusion. Assistant GM Jim Schoenfeld was on XM Home Ice last week and said that Dubinsky was under contract, though apparently that is not the case. However, Dubinsky is skating with the team and says he wants to be a Rangers and thinks something will get done. More as it's available...

While enjoying one of summer's final Sundays, a few thoughts come to mind about what the next couple of weeks will hold for the New York Rangers.

There are some obvious gaping holes (first line center?) that need to be addressed and it remains to be seen whether those roles will be filled by rookies, a free agent acquisition, or a trade.

Let's examine a few of these things:

Dany Heatley: So much of a media-circus has been made with the Heatley rumors. If Ottawa is looking for Marc Staal or Brandon Dubinsky, as reported, then there isn't much interest on the Rangers end. While it appears that San Jose is the most likely destination, I wouldn't count out the Rangers at the 11th hour. However, that doesn't address their need for a center to play with all of these wingers.

Speaking of Dubinsky: As I understand it, Dubinsky is under contract for the upcoming season as he accepted the Rangers meager qualifying offer. So no worries about him going elsewhere. However, it is still likely that he signs a larger contract at some point soon.

Is Kessel possible: A report or two broke mid-week that the Rangers were seriously considering an offer sheet or trade with the Boston Bruins for center Phil Kessel. While it would definitely fill the first line center role, I can't see the Rangers and Bruins swapping talent.

Nearing the cap: While the Rangers are nearing the cap as they get closer to filling their roster, is anyone else still angered by the Donald Brashear $1.6 million contract? How can you justify that much money when Vinny Prospal gets $1.1 million. Very poor signing.

Speaking of roster, is anyone else having trouble with line combinations? How's this for a start:

Vaclav Prospal - Brandon Dubinsky - Marian Gaborik

Chris Higgins - Chris Drury - Ales Kotalik

Sean Avery - Artem Anisimov - Ryan Callahan

Donald Brashear - Brian Boyle - Aaron Voros

Could Enver Lisin find a spot on the final roster? How about Tyler Arnason or Evgeny Grachev? Lots of questions, but what it is for certain is that the Rangers have some assets and a lot of similar talent so perhaps that can be packaged for a player like Heatley, Brad Richards, or Kessel.

More this week including some exciting announcements here with Blueshirt Bulletin...

Gary Carter

xavier mcdaniel wrote:

Flipping through the Hockey News preview magazine last night at one of the Penn Station newsstands and they have the Rangers finishing 13th in the East.

god i can't stop laughing bout this

xavier mcdaniel

metsfan wrote:

xavier mcdaniel wrote:

Flipping through the Hockey News preview magazine last night at one of the Penn Station newsstands and they have the Rangers finishing 13th in the East.

god i can't stop laughing bout this

I'm sure the Islanders are right there below the top eight as well..

Songburst

xavier mcdaniel wrote:

singularity wrote:

xavier mcdaniel wrote:

Flipping through the Hockey News preview magazine last night at one of the Penn Station newsstands and they have the Rangers finishing 13th in the East.

13th? thats a joke. are you sure it didn't say islanders?

Not a joke, cited the severe drop in talent past Lundqvist and Gaborik.

13th seems about right for the Rags this year (after 9th what difference does it make?). Sather really needs to get out of Dodge I think. I will say this though: when he is playing, Gaborik is by far the most entertaining player in the league to watch. You guys are lucky that you get to watch him (even though he only plays 50 or so games per year at best). He's always a step or two ahead of everybody else on the ice -- it's super fun to watch him play.

Bathgate66

worst signing of the summer :

how do you justify Brashears $1.6 million contract ?
How can you justify that much money when Vinny Prospal gets $1.1 million.

Very poor signing.

rival.

Bathgate66 wrote:

worst signing of the summer :

how do you justify Brashears $1.6 million contract ?
How can you justify that much money when Vinny Prospal gets $1.1 million.

Very poor signing.

while it is alot of money, i do like brashear on the team. mainly because, when was the last time the rangers had a player in the locker room that can intimiate his own teammates? messier was the last guy maybe?

Bathgate66

Brashear meets NYR Fans

Fanfest Photos

Bathgate66

The New Team

:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

whoa !

this is a whole lot of new names and numbers.!!!
its so drastic !

Forwards
# Player Height Weight DOB Age Birthplace

75 Andres Ambuhl 5' 10" 190 Sep 14, 1983 25 Davos, CHE
42 Artem Anisimov 6' 4" 194 May 24, 1988 21 Yaroslavl, RUS
39 Tyler Arnason 5' 11" 204 Mar 16, 1979 30 Oklahoma City, OK, USA
16 Sean Avery 5' 10" 195 Apr 10, 1980 29 North York, ON, CAN
22 Brian Boyle 6' 7" 252 Dec 18, 1984 24 Hingham, MA, USA
87 Donald Brashear 6' 3" 234 Jan 7, 1972 37 Bedford, IN, USA
36 Dane Byers 6' 3" 195 Feb 21, 1986 23 Nipawin, SK, CAN
24 Ryan Callahan 5' 11" 188 Mar 21, 1985 24 Rochester, NY, USA
79 Devin Didiomete 5' 11" 200 May 9, 1988 21 Stratford, ON, CAN
23 Chris Drury "C" 5' 10" 190 Aug 20, 1976 33 Trumbull, CT, USA
17 Brandon Dubinsky 6' 1" 205 Apr 29, 1986 23 Anchorage, AK, USA
41 Brodie Dupont 6' 2" 210 Feb 17, 1987 22 Russell, MB, CAN
10 Marian Gaborik 6' 1" 199 Feb 14, 1982 27 Trencin, SVK
21 Christopher Higgins 6' 0" 203 Jun 2, 1983 26 Smithtown, NY, USA
12 Ales Kotalik 6' 1" 227 Dec 23, 1978 30 Jindr Hradec, CZE
81 Enver Lisin 6' 1" 190 Apr 22, 1986 23 Moscow, RUS
73 Corey Locke 5' 9" 169 May 8, 1984 25 Toronto, ON, CAN
50 Jordan Owens 6' 0" 166 May 1, 1986 23 Niagara Falls, ON, CAN
38 Pierre Parenteau 5' 11" 195 Mar 24, 1983 26 Hull, QC, CAN
20 Vinny Prospal 6' 2" 198 Feb 17, 1975 34 Ceske Budejovice, CZE
19 Patrick Rissmiller 6' 4" 215 Oct 26, 1978 30 Belmont, MA, USA
34 Aaron Voros 6' 4" 215 Jul 2, 1981 28 Vancouver, BC, CAN


Defensemen
# Player Height Weight DOB Age Birthplace

97 Matt Gilroy 6' 2" 205 Jul 20, 1984 25 North Bellmore, NY, USA
5 Dan Girardi 6' 2" 210 Apr 29, 1984 25 Welland, ON, CAN
49 Ilkka Heikkinen 6' 2" 200 Nov 13, 1984 24 Rauma, FIN
44 Corey Potter 6' 3" 200 Jan 5, 1984 25 Lansing, MI, USA
6 Wade Redden 6' 2" 212 Jun 12, 1977 32 Lloydminster, SK, CAN
33 Michal Rozsival 6' 2" 205 Sep 3, 1978 31 Vlasim, CZE
54 Bobby Sanguinetti 6' 3" 190 Feb 29, 1988 21 Trenton, NJ, USA
32 Mike Sauer 6' 3" 220 Aug 7, 1987 22 St. Cloud, MN, USA
18 Marc Staal 6' 4" 209 Jan 13, 1987 22 Thunder Bay, ON, CAN
62 Nigel Williams 6' 4" 226 Apr 18, 1988 21 Aurora, IL, USA


Goalies

# Player Height Weight DOB Age Birthplace

30 Henrik Lundqvist 6' 1" 195 Mar 2, 1982 27 Are, SWE
40 Stephen Valiquette 6' 6" 210 Aug 20, 1977 32 Etobicoke, ON, CAN
71 Miika Wiikman 6' 0" 180 Oct 17, 1984 24 Mariestad, SWE
31 Matt Zaba 6' 1" 185 Jul 14, 1983 26 Yorkton, SK, CAN

rival.

it will be an interesting year. i am very close to scoring tickets for opening night. hope that comes through.

sept. 15, preseason starts against the devs.

smarchee

42 Artem Anisimov 6' 4" 194 May 24, 1988 21 Yaroslavl, RUS

this guy looked really good in the World Juniors

Bathgate66

the ( shoots ) lefties heavily outweigh the righties

i hope those lefties can cover that opposite side of the ice, thats for sure.

torts gonna whip these boys into shape at camp ( starting sept 12 th )

Bathgate66

it still makes me chuckle thinking of any given pregame warmup skate
and the NYRs opposing team looking across the other side &
seeing Sean Avery & Donald Brashear waiting to go against them ,....

smarchee

Bathgate66 wrote:

it still makes me chuckle thinking of any given pregame warmup skate
and the NYRs opposing team looking across the other side &
seeing Sean Avery & Donald Brashear waiting to go against them ,....

Brashear yes, but I dont think any player is intimidated by Sean Avery, he is a joke

Bathgate66

smarchee wrote:

Bathgate66 wrote:

it still makes me chuckle thinking of any given pregame warmup skate
and the NYRs opposing team looking across the other side &
seeing Sean Avery & Donald Brashear waiting to go against them ,....

Brashear yes, but I dont think any player is intimidated by Sean Avery, he is a joke

say what you will about his skill or skating or finesse , ect,..
but 1 thing about avery is that he will throw even the most stoic player off their game
( ask marty brodeur )