I'll save my apologies for not being more active on this site for now, as I hope it doesn't raise any questions about my passion and dedication to the team. While the site is still in its early statges, I will try to make a concerted effort to bring content to it daily.

Now on to the Blueshirts. With over 25% of the season now in the books, the Rangers sit atop the Atlantic Division, however, probably under different circumstances then we originally believed. The Penguins are in last, the Flyers are tied for first and the Islanders seem to have the Rangers number. The Devils seem to have found their game of late but 0-3 against the Rangers this year.

In the East, as expected Ottawa leads the way, it's hard though not to believe the Rangers could be right there with them had a few more pucks bounced our way. The next 59 games will see the Rangers distance themselves from the pack in the Atlantic as they make a serious effort for the top seed in the East.

Where they stand:

GOALTENDING:

What could you say about the King? This season has so far cemented his reputation as perhaps the best goaltender in the league. Personally, I can't see myself ranking any goalie higher then him so far this year, aside for maybe Mr. "DP", head to head against the Isles. All around Lundqvist has been stellar in net, keeping the Rangers in every game and undoubtedly the main reason why the team is in first place, giving up the second fewest goals in the entire league. Not to mention his impressive play in shootouts.

Stephen Valliquette has given the team all it could have ever wanted in the form of a backup. Sure he has only played in two games out of 23, but he's been impressive in both, going 1-0-1 and not sacrificing much when giving the King a rest from the throne he has built himself at the Garden. GRADE: A

DEFENSE:

Much to the bewilderment of the NHL, not Ranger fans, the D has been top class. The Rangers' blue liners have not only played smart in their own end, but have even showed offensive prowess of late which has undoubtedly helped to carry the struggling blueshirt offense. Sure having Lundqvist between the pipes is a great insurance policy for any defense, if you watch Rangers games you know that the relationship between Henk and the D is mutual, both picking each other up.

While Michael Rozsival has been solid, it's the play of the Rangers youngsters that has been impressive. Tyutin, Girardi and rookie Marc Staal have played smart, physical, and have shown a tendency to be able to find the back of the net. Even veteran Jason Strudwick has played a vital role, both with his play and his leadership on the ice. This core will only continue to improve, and when it does look out. GRADE: B

OFFENSE:

So the offense has been a little lack luster, not scoring as much as we originally anticipated. Jagr has often been invisible, and players like Drury, Gomez and Shanahan have not lit the lamp as often as we would have liked. This is all true, but the play has been good. We are not seeing a lack of effort, infact more often then not the Rangers out shoot their opponents by a wide margine, the finnishing is what needs to improve.

While Scott Gomez has not scored much, he has skated and carried the puck flawlessly, he has set up plays collecting assists, and for the most part has come as advertised. His play will only continue to improve as becomes more and more acustomed to linemates Brendan Shanahan and Sean Avery, undoubtedly the best Rangers line to this point.

What could you say about the play of Brandon Dubinsky. The young centerman has worked nicely with Jagr, he's been smart with the puck, he's been physical and has great vision on the ice. He has shown that he belongs in the NHL and with experience I think we will all be surprised with what he brings to the table. As early as July of this year I wrote on this site that the loss of Matt Cullen was a blessing in disquise because it provided Dubi the oppurtunity to make the first squad. With all that said, Chris Drury needs to be the first line center. I think overtime, Jagr now with a healthy Straka on the opposite flank will develop a chemistry with Drury that could develop into a dangerously good scoring line. Jagr has shown that he is more willing to pass and set plays up this year and I think that with Drury going to the net and Jagr deferring to him more often, both could be successful.

This is in no way to take away from the job that Dubinsky has done this year, I just think that up to this point we haven't seen enough of Jagr and Drury on the ice together to make a definitive judgement. Also, I think that when a healthy Ryan Callahan returns to the team, a third line consisting of Callahan, Dubinsky and Prucha could be extremely productive. With the experience Dubinsky has earned playing on the top line, he may be able to turn around and help establish the third line, which isn't short of fire power with Callahan and Prucha, into a force.

The fourth line is everything you want in a true cheching line. Blair Betts makes you feel comfortable when they're out there, and it isn't like they are just killing time or giving their teammates a rest. I've been impressed with Ryan Hollweg and I think he has really stepped up since the departure of Jed Ortmeyer. Even Colton Orr has been solid, although he may be on the bubble once Callahan returns, which may result in Marcel Hossa joining the fourth line. All in all, an excellent foundation that has the potential to be the most dangerous offense in the league. Only improvement from here on in. GRADE: C+

SPECIAL TEAMS:

The special teams has been some what of a double-edged sword so far this year. The penalty kill has been stellar, the committment to defense and the great two-way play by Drury, Gomez and Betts has helped the PK alot this year, even with the losses of Cullen and Ortmeyer. Also the great play of the Rangers defense and circus style saves by Lundqvist has all contributed to one of the top PK's in the league.

The powerplay however has been a different story. Not only have they not been able to finish, but they have surrendered far too many shorthanded oppurtunities against. You would think that the PP would be one of the best when looking at some of the names but this all goes back to the same problem with offense in general. We need some more stability upfront. If the forwards can consistently generate offense, the defense will be able to stay back more and guard the blue line from potentially back breaking break-aways. GRADE: B-


So while overall the Rangers have been a success so far this season, it's good to know that even while in first place, the team has no where else to go but up.

  It's games like the one the Rangers will play Saturday night that veteran centers Chris Drury and Scott Gomez were brought to New York for. There is no question that the reigning Eastern Conference champion Ottawa Senators will be in the mix again this year making this game a major test for the New York Rangers. A battle of perhaps the two best teams in the East, we should see an excellent game, especially if the Rangers show the same form that they had in the third period of last nights game against Florida.

It will be importnt for the defense to make a stand tomorrow, allowing Lundqvist and the offense to do what they do best. It's time for the blueshirts to assume the thrown and make a statement. Prediction: Rangers Win 3-2, Goals by: Gomez, Shanahan and Jagr.

Sorry for the hiatus folks, but with game one now in the books and the season underway, so too has my season begun. On a night far less perfect than we could have hoped for the Rangers managed to stick it out with a gutsy performance in the third. What could you say about Chris Drury? I couldn't help but get flashbacks of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semi-finals after he scored what would become the third and deciding goal for the Rangers tonight. Goals by Michael Rozsival, Petr Prucha, Ryan Callahan and Marty Straka finished off the Panthers giving the Rangers a convincing 5-2 win.

You can't help but be proud of the effort put forth by Callahan and Dan Girardi. Both looked sharp and have certainly solidified their positions with the team. Rookies Marc Staal and Brandon Dubinsky also played fairly strong and responsible games. With the mix of youth and veteran leadership the Rangers provide both a dynamic and highly disciplined game plan that will be very interesting to see as the season progresses.

Between the pipes King Henrik didn't disappoint as he stood on his head in the second period to keep the Rangers in the game. With the Rangers down by one after two, they scored 4 in the third as everything seemed to finally come together for the new look team. Tom Renney believes the team could do better, so do I, and if that comes to fruition for this Rangers team the sky is certainly the limit. Just ask the Rangers fans who chanted "We Want the Cup" following the end of the first period. It may be early to be talking Cup, but that doesn't mean we can't say we want it! Gentelmen, the Rangers are in first place... and with that I say good night and God Bless... Let's Go Rangers!

So I took some time off, and I know I'm posting these signings a few days late but thats the beauty of blogging. As of right now I'm not really competing with ESPN so I could allow myself two days to get my thoughts together...

Avery is back after a drawn out and at times hostile arbitration hearing. We all expected that he'd be a Ranger next season but I don't think anyone really expected the hearing to go the route that it did, with Sather calling Avery a "detriment to the team". But in the end, I think both sides got what they wanted, Sather was doing his part ensuring the Rangers sign Avery to a reasonable contract and in the end thats just what they did. Avery wanted $2.6M, the Rangers came in at $1.3M, in the end they met half way at $1.9. Avery will be back doing what he does best next season. Is he a problem at times? Sure. But his antics are worth putting up with. He backs up his teammates, he knocks opponents off their game, he puts the puck in the net and brings the garden crowd to its feet on a nightly basis.

There's not much to say about the Hossa signing, at $850K you can't really get hurt. He worked well at times last year playing on the top line with Jagr and Nylander and may see some time on the top line again next season, but I doubt he'll see much. I expect him to spend most of his time on the third or fourth line and possibly on the penalty kill as well.

With these two back in blue next year, the roster is taking shape and in all likelihood is complete for next season. The team may still look to trade for a D-Man or possibly a back-up goaltender depending on how confident they are in Stephen Valiquette. Personally I think the defense is set, they played sound defensive hockey last season especially during the playoff push and the duration up through the conference semis against Buffalo. The only addition should be rookie Marc Staal.

Here's how I see the Rangers opening night lines as of now:

Straka - Gomez - Jagr

Shanahan - Drury - Prucha

Avery - Dubinsky - Callahan

Hossa - Betts - Hollweg/Orr

If Dubinsky doesn’t get called up to the big show you might see Avery centering the third line with Callahan and Dawes on his flank.

Roszival - Girardi

Malik - Mara

Tyutin - Staal

Of course, all this is speculation, maybe we'll get Selanne and Forsberg. But if not, we should look a lot like what I've layed out above.

 

According to various sources, including TheFourthPeriod.com, the New York Rangers have both expressed interest and made an offer to the free agent center. TFP reports that while Peca has shown interest in returning to the Buffalo Sabres, Sabres GM Darcy Regier has shown no interest. The Carolina Hurricanes have also shown interest in the 33yr old, however with the acquisition of Matt Cullen, their interest has lessened. Peca would be a perfect fit for the Rangers, filling the void that Matt Cullen has left. He would certainly be a welcome addition to the third line, playing with Avery and Callahan and would also provide grit and defensive prowess on the penalty kill. With the loss of Cullen and Jed Ortmeyer, two key components of the Rangers penalty kill last season, this move would certainly lessen the blow. It would also establish the Rangers as perhaps one of the best face-off taking teams in the league, with Gomez, Drury, Peca and Betts, the Blueshirts would certainly dominate the possession game.

In yesterday's post I suggested that the Rangers bring up rookie center Brandon Dubinsky to fill the void created by trading Matt Cullen back to Carolina. Here's why:

Following the signings of Scott Gomez and Chris Drury, I believe it's important that the Rangers continue to show their committent to youth and the development of their own prospects. So far it has really been working out, as players like Fedor Tyutin, Petr Prucha, Daniel Girardi, Ryan Callahan and of course Henrik Lundqvist have certainly made their mark. Having young, hungry and spirited players helps team chemistry and also helps to motivate veterans, as we've seen last year with Brendan Shanahan and Jaromir Jagr.

Dubinsky, an Anchorage, Alaska native almost won one of the remaining spots on the Rangers roster during training camp last year but in stead went on to play with the Wolfpack in the AHL. There, he has developed into a fine playmaker and worked very well with Rangers forward Ryan Callahan prior to his call up. The 6'-1", 210lb, left shooting, 21 year old center, scored 21 goals and had 22 assists for 43 points in 71 games last season with Hartford.

If he were to win a spot on the Rangers this year it would certainly make for some exciting hockey. He could potentially find himself centering a third line flanked by Ryan Callahan and Nigel Dawes, a line that would exhibit hard nosed and gritty North American style hockey combined with the skill to finish. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it all shakes out.

It's hard to say how I really feel about this move. I was starting to like the look of the Rangers lines with Cullen slated in there as the third line center, but I guess I always kind of had an idea this was coming. It shoudn't be too long now before we hear about the re-signing of Avery and probably Hossa as well. Filling the void at center on the thir line should be interesting. Look to see either Brandon Dubinsky or Jarkko Immonen fill the role.

As far as the acquisition of Hutchinson goes the verdict is still out. I've read in various reportings of the trade that he is forecasted to be a potential "power-play quarterback". If that is the case you could expect either Marek Malik or Paul Mara to be dealt probably closer to the start of the season, freeing up some more cap space for Lundqvists long term deal. However it's really hard to tell at this point, as Hutchinson at 27 still hasn't really found himself at the NHL level. In any event, the move certainly does add depth to the Rangers defense, as rookie Marc Staal will also be looking to break in with the big squad come October.