Finally a victory over a Western Conference team. And what a win. This time we had to come from behind when Lundqvist was victimized by Jonathan Cheechoo and Marek Malik as Cheechoo banked one off of Malik to give the Sharks an early lead. But Callahan tied it right after a Ranger power play expired and Drury (19) scored the game winner on a PP. However, it was a nail biter down to the end and was finally over when Callahan netted his second (4,5) goal, an empty netter with 1.6 seconds to go in the game. So the Rangers are off the schneid against the West finishing with 1-7-2. More important the Rangers moved into sixth place in the Eastern Conference, two points ahead of Philadelphia who have three games in hand. The Rangers are two points behind Pittsburgh which also has three games in hand. Pittsburgh is at Buffalo tonight and the Flyers are hosting the Canadiens tonight.
Hen-"Rich" Lundqvist outdueled Evgeni Nabokov by making 29 saves and has been near perfect since signing his new contract. The Rangers also resigned Girardi and Tyutin to multi year deals. Is there going to be any money left to make a bid for Vincent Lecavalier who wants out of Tampa Bay? Rumor has it that Vinnie wants Montreal, Rangers or a West Coast team. It's not a money issue, the guy wants fame and a Cup. Think about it. The guy wants a Cup and he is considering the Rangers. Tampa Bay needs a goalie and Montoya would look good in Tampa. However, it will take more than Montoya to get Vinnie. That's why GM's are paid the big bucks. Will the Stealth GM come out in the open over this one? Stay tuned.
Lundqvist was the third star, Callahan was number two and Chris Drury with the game winner and an assist was the number one star. Lundqvist looks like he is ready to return to early season form. Jaromir Jagr's goal scoring slump has now reached eleven straight games. He had two wonderful scoring opportunities with wide open nets and couldn't cash in. The Rangers desperately need the big guy to start putting some puck into the nets if they expect to make the playoffs and if they want to make some noise in the playoffs.
The loss was only the sixth loss for San Jose on the road. Actually they have nine losses but three were in OT. Their road record is now 17-6-3. The good news for the Rangers is that the Sharks go to the Island, New Jersey and Philadelphia for the next three games. A sweep of the three would be great. The Rangers next stop is Montreal on Tuesday where they will try to complete a four game sweep of Le Habs. The Rocket will turn over in his grave if that happens.
ICINGS: Brendan Shanahan's assist was his 683rd of his career tying him for 51st place all time with Brad Park. He is only three behind Jeremy Roenick and five behind the fabled Henri Richard.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Finalmente
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A great win. The last two games have been awesome. Jagr does need to start scoring. Everyone played solid, but will Malik ever get a shot from the point all the way to the net without getting it blocked or deflected?
dear rp,
montoya for dan boyle...
prucha callahan and betts for vinnie lacavale? sorry for the spelling..but thoughts?
great weekend for ranger hockey!
james
Maybe our power play special team needs to be Malik, Hossa, Hollweg, Jagr and Orr? Leave it to Tom Renney, Pundit, who ever would have imagined Dubie playing the first line with Avery and Jagr....AND IT WORKING.
You told me before the five-day break not to believe yet....is it time, Mike? Can I believe once again in these Rangers?
They looked better than good this weekend. I am right about the resurgence of Chris Drury...
tdr
Observations from being there:
1. Jagr is a very nice man, who tries very hard for this team. I was very impressed with his DEFENSE! At the end of the game he was trying to stop the Shark breakouts!! He is doing everything he can to help this team. Unfortunately, he has lost the ability to shoot the puck hard, fast and accurately. He is strong with and without the puck and passes well. Someone in contention could use that. The change would do him good too.
2. Prucha, Callahan and Betts for Vinnie. I wish. Three B forwards will not get you a franchise player. Now, if we were to trade Jagr for someone that Tampa wants, and make a package for Tampa that includes Montoya we might have something.
3. Yes, I would love to add Boyle for Montoya, if that were possible. However, getting someone like LeCavalier is more important. If you can get a franchise player you go for it. You win a Cup with a great Goalie and franchise player or two (or three if you are really lucky) - filling in the rest.
wes-Maybe with a little luck one of the shots will come back and hit him in the head and put him out of action for a while. It was a great win.
blueknight5754-Both deals are not strong enough to get either player. Put Montoya in the Vinnie package and add Thomas Pock and then, who knows.
the dark ranger-This is Dubies second shot with Jags. Jags isn't working but Dubs is.
You can believe but asking me if this is the time is like asking me who Liz Taylor will be marrying next.
You are right on target about Drury. He seems to have found a groove.
section 335-You are right on target on your three points.I want Vinnie more than Boyle. Maybe Montoya, Prucha, Pock and some draft picks and/or prospects can get Vinnie. I would give up Girardi if I thought it would close the deal.