Chris Drury Knows What's Best...

Courtesy of Sam Weinman at LoHud Rangers Blog...

“That could be the point that gets us home-ice advantage,” Drury said. “I’m certainly not going to let it ruin my Christmas and I don’t think anyone here is going to let it ruin their break, either.

“There are 24 others teams in this league who would be dying to have our record, with all the points we’ve accumulated over a tough schedule. It’s certainly not a good way to get a point. But it’s over and done with. It’s already in the garbage can as far as I’m concerned.”

No Chris, the 2nd point you gave away by playing atrocious hockey for the final 36 minutes in last night's game could be point that makes your team MISS the playoffs entirely, forget home-ice advantage. Playing the way did last night for an extended period of time will be their demise. Let's not forget, there are teams below the rangers with anywhere between 3-5 games IN HAND on the Blueshirts.

But, we should be happy we came away with a point. Merry Christmas to you to, Chris. Have fun counting your money...


Until next time...MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

J.W.

Clutch Time

Good road win for the Rangers against a solid NHL team. Rangers continue their Anaheim dominance as they haven't lost a game out there since of March 2000. 

The line of Callahan-Drury-Dawes had a stirling game. I counted at least 4 intercepted passes that lead to direct scoring chances, 2 for goals. Nigel Dawes' clutch goal with 3 minutes to go in a 1-1 tie gave Tom Renney a bit of vindication for sticking with the young forward. Not only did it provide the game winner for the Rangers, it prompted a few ohhs, worthy of ESPN's Top 10 plays.

You still aren't happy with the amount of point blank chances the Rangers D gives up on a nightly basis right now, however, tonight's performance (1 GA, 3-3 PK, 20 SOG ) against a top offensive team is a step in the right direction.

Next up is L.A. Despite being 4th in Pacific, The Kings boast a solid PP and usually play the Rangers tough. We'll see if tonight's game acts as a catalyst.

Until next time...

J.W.

Sundin Saga Revisitied

If you recall, one my first posts on here was in regards to Mats Sundin and why the Rangers should stay away. My basic point was that, besides not having enough cap room, why bring in someone with an apparent lack of desire to play, especially if you're trying to change to your teams identity to a younger, speedier team?

After a quarter plus of the season gone, yes the Rangers are that identity but add another phrase to it; an abysmal offense. Try 28th in the league at a 2.42 GFA.

So while I agree that a Mats Sundin addition would definitely boost a sagging offense and an even worse PP, does that mean he's the missing piece to a Stanley Cup puzzle? My answer is still no. Despite being a physical presence as well as a leader, Sundin cannot fix the slow-footed, often out-of-position, finesse defense the Rangers have.

Also to consider, how can the Rangers afford him? They are right underneath the salary cap for the year. Numerous rumors suggest the Rangers are trying to move Michal Rosival, even Scott Gomezto clear space. While the Gomez rumors have some logic to it; The Rangers would be shedding a 7+ mm contract over the next 4 seasons and adding flexibility for UFA's down the road - I find it highly unlikey it will happen. A trade of Gomez would be percieved as a mistake by Rangers management, and, judging the situation, I think they would much rather admit Rosival's contract was more of a mistake than Gomez'

Until next time...

J.W.

Thrash the Net

No, really I mean thrash. Not crash. Look at the goals scored by Callahan and Gomez tonight. They did a lot more than just simply crash the net for a rebound. They made it their ultimate mission even if it mean gong through innocent bystander Johan Hedberg. 

You had to have liked what you saw from the Rangers on this night to not have much offensive flow yet find a way to put the puck in the net. That is what the Rangers need to do more of on a consistent basis if they want to continue their winning ways.

Post-game thoughts...

- Congrats to Colton Orr on scoring his first goal in 83 games. No confirmation that after the game he texted Wayne Gretzky saying "I'm comin' for your record."

- Despite the win, I have to get on Tom Renney's case. Once again, we saw sloppy changes by the Blueshirts and their bench boss. It lead to a goal in the Calgary game, lead to another goal tonight, and at least 2 prime scoring chances as well. Unacceptable but fixable.

- The newly constructed line of Voros-Dubinsky-Sjostrom had an excellent game; keeping pucks deep and constantly pressuring Atlanta defenders. I will get a petition by tomorrow with 10,000 signatures requesting Tom Renney to keep these lines for more than a game.

Until next time...

J.W.

Hot Stove is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

Not Christmas...Alright I'm lying but there's something about Hot Stove Baseball rumors that makes me feel giddy like a child on Christmas morning. The winter meetings are underway out in Sin City, Las Vegas. Not much action yet (Laird to DET is big news so far) however that will change as time ticks away.

- Looks like the Mets are closing in a deal with K-Rod. I've said numerous times on my radio show that I felt the Mets would end up with Brian Fuentes instead, thinking another team (Indians) might emerge as the dark horse and snatch K-Rod up and that K-Rod's asking price would be too rick for Fred Wilpon's blood. Did not happen, as the Mets played the market brilliantly and now are in a position to choose whomever they want to close games for them.

*How devastating would it be if Fuentes decided he'd like to come to the Mets and be a set-up man and not another team's closer. A 1-2 punch of Fuentes and K-Rod at the end of games would make EVERY Mets fan giddy. We can all dream...

"Sloppy Seconds" Avery and Harris Smith; the Dynamic Duo

What rhymes with Burress? Dumb-ass does, however, it's a stretch. And, if I'm allowed one expletive, I'm taking it here. Not just for the fact that it's considered a harsh word, but, perfectly sums up the actions of Plaxico Burress this past week. To walk in to a public place with a loaded gun and every piece of jewelry you own to not only have the weapon misfire and clip your own leg, but, to then admit yourself to the hospital under the name Harris Smith and say you were shot while at an Applebees' is downright laughable. Despite being a great player, Plaxico deserves everything that happens in the coming months for his foolish off the field actions.

Which leads me to the next character in the media spotlight today, Sean Avery. His comments regarding ex squeeze Elisha Cuthbert (think shes happy she left, or was dumped - who knows the story there) and Flames D Dion Phaneuf have gotten the always interesting Avery in hot water with the NHL, now with an indefinite suspension.

Look, Sean Avery always looks for the opportunity to make his verbal presence known and never shys away from a particular topic. However, his comments while being insensitive should not be punishable by an indefinite suspension by the league. Sean Avery was suspended indefinitely for being Sean Avery; not for his words. If every player was suspended for their comments then the NHL would have no players to present. 

Check out Arthur Staple's article at Newsday.com where he makes a case for the Rangers to bring him back. Highly unlikely but an interesting read to say the least.

Until next time...

J.W.