It wasn't supposed to happen this way. The Rangers were not going to lose in OT to the Maple Leafs, 3-2. The new guy, Martin St. Louis was supposed to score a late minute goal to win it, or win it in a shootout. But lose? No way! This point a game career guy played a so so game, three shots 20:11 of ice time, playing with ex-line mate Brad Richards and replacing a popular Captain, Ryan Callahan.
The trade, a 38 year old Hart and Lady Byng winner for a 29 year old crunching popular Captain has Ranger fans all abuzz and at odds with their GM and each other. But something had to be done. It's reported that while Callahan said he wanted to stay in New York he kept making demands that kind of pushed him out. His last was a no trade clause. No trade, no way!
St. Louis has 61 points in 63 games. He has 29 goals and 32 assists. Career wise, he has 973 points in 1,042 games. Last year he led the NHL in points scored. He will be here for this year and next year. Callahan will be an unrestricted free agent after this year and what are the odds the Rangers sign him after this year?
The Rangers out shot the Maple Leafs 37-29 and scored both of their goals, McDonagh and Dom Moore, short handed on the same Toronto power play in the third period. The Rangers are now in 3rd in the Metro, a point ahead of Columbus, two ahead of Washington and three ahead of the Devils. They play at Carolina tomorrow and are home Sunday afternoon against Detroit.
There is a possibility that Zuccarello will be back against Carolina and it might be interesting to pair Zuccs with St. Louis. Also, the Rangers picked up Raphael Diaz from the Canucks for a 5th round draft pick in 2015. I guess you never have enough D-men, whether good, bad or indifferent.
NHL OKs Coyotes sale, move to Salt Lake City
13 minutes ago
Mixed emotions here but it comes down to numbers and this is a business. NYR get a better player (for 1 year + 20 games), that costs less than what Callahan was asking (for 6-8 years!)...
IMO, draft picks don't mean much unless there is another Crosby or Stamkos coming up otherwise the pick will play 3-5 years at Hartford anyway. Look at Miller, I would play him over Dorsett right now. We need offense now...
Regards,