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Kings Bay Hockey "Reapers" Champions!

2010-08-31T18:59:00.001-07:00

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Reapers at it again in the Bay take down another title with a 2-1 series win.

The Lamps Light in Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals!

2010-05-30T20:24:00.000-07:00

Eleven total goals were scored in the game one battle of the Stanley Cup finals between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Chicago Black Hawks. A wild game that saw five lead changes and a 5-5 tie going into the final session.

The Black Hawks Tomas Kopecky would break the 5-5 tie at the 8:25 mark of the third period that would hold up to be the game winner as the Black Hawks took down game one and a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series. Monday night 5/31 the table is set for game two.

The Black Hawks would get goal scoring from five different skaters with Troy Brouwer leading the way with two goals scored. Unbelievably none of the Black Hawks first liners scored. The Black Hawks other goal scorers were Dave Bolland, Patrick Sharp, Kris Versteeg and Tomas Kopecky. Kopecky was originally slated a healthy scratch the last five games and only got the nod to play because of a shoulder injury sustained to Andrew Ladd. Talk about an unlikely hero, but that's what it takes to win playoff hockey games.

In a poorly played defensive game by the Black Hawks the Philadelphia Flyers were able to run and gun with the more talented Hawks as their secondary scoring on both squads got the job done.

The Flyers got goal scoring from Ville Leino, Scott Hartnell, Danny Briere, Blair Betts and Arron Asham. Well at a look at game one of the series it looked like the Flyers were the better team and took the loss. That just shows how good this Black Hawk team really is. They didn't play their best game and still took the win. The Flyers will need to get scoring from their top line to beat this team as they didn't get any goals from that unit in game one. As the Black Hawks did get the job done with out their top line getting involved.

The Flyers pulled Michael Leighton after he let in goal number five, but they will go back to him in game two. Great opening battle for Hockey's biggest prize!

See the Crazy footage of this game here: http://www.puckvideo.com

Orange Crush! The Philadelphia Flyers head to the Stanley Cup Finals!

2010-05-24T20:25:00.000-07:00

With an 8-1 record in their last nine playoff games the Philadelphia Flyers will head into the Stanley Cup finals against the Chicago Black Hawks. The Flyers put away the Montreal Canadians on home ice taking the series down in five games, 4-1.

The Canadians Brian Gionta would open the scoring just :59 into play and get Montreal rolling quickly after not scoring a goal in the previous game.

Up to this point the Canadians have been perfect in games when facing elimination and went on to win the previous two series against the number one seeded Washington Capitals and the defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins. They trailed in both of those series 3-2 before winning games six and seven.

But things would soon change with the Canadians on a power play and with a loose puck heading back into the Montreal zone a foot race was on between a charging forward Mike Richards and defenseman Roman Hamrlik. Richards had a step on Hamrlik and this made Jaroslav Halak come out and try to play the puck before the two reached it. However they all reached the puck at the same time and would collide as the puck would trickle by all of them Richards would be the first to reach it and tuck it into the empty net to tie the game at one.

Period two would see the Philadelphia Flyers best outburst of the game with Arron Asham and Jeff Carter scoring two goals in a span of just 1:24 and a 3-1 Flyers lead.

The 3-1 lead would carry over into the third period and Scotty Gomez would make it a one goal game giving the Canadians some life but that life would soon end with time winding down and Jeff Carter would back hand an empty net goal home and put to bed the eight seeded Montreal Canadians Cinderella playoff run.

So here they are the seventh seeded Philadelphia Flyers who didn't clinch a playoff spot till the last day of the regular season with an overtime shoot out win over the New York Rangers. Then making history becoming only the third NHL team to come from a 0-3 series hole and winning it. Are the Philadelphia Flyers the team of destiny?

It's the Chicago Black Hawks and the Philadelphia Flyers for the 2010 Stanley Cup, two teams who haven't won since 1961 (Black Hawks) and 1975 (Flyers). History will be made!

See video of all NHL playoff games up to this point and much more all right here http://www.puckvideo.com

How Sweep it is! The Chicago Black Hawks head to the Stanley Cup Finals.

2010-05-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

Eighteen years since being in a Stanley Cup Finals and 49 years since winning Lord Stanley the Chicago Black Hawks steam roll into the finals knocking off the number one seeded San Jose Sharks finishing off a four game sweep.

The Black Hawks await the winner of the Eastern Conference finalists which will be either the Philadelphia Flyers or the Montreal Canadians. They should face off against the Flyers who hold a 3-1 series lead and could close out the series at home tomorrow in Philadelphia.

After putting themselves in a two nothing hole the calm and always cool 2010 Chicago Black Hawks would cut the lead in half on a Brent Seabrook goal that was originally waived off but after video review it clearly went over the goal crease and it was a 2-1 game.

With time winding down in the second Dave Bolland would come from behind the net turn around and rip a wrist shot that would go over the shoulder of San Jose Sharks goalie Evgeni Nabokov at the 18:38 mark for a 2-2 game as the Black Hawks fans would erupt in glory, and just like that the game was tied at two going into the final session.

Dustin Byfuglien who was game three's hero scoring the game winning goal would also gain number one star status in game four as he would score the game winning goal again this time on the power play. NHL has made a history will be made of Dustin's Game three winning goal that can be viewed here. http://www.puckvideo.com/history-will-be-made-dustin-byfuglien.htm .

As the San Jose Sharks would try to push for the equalizer Kris Versteeg would ruin any chance of a come back and put an end to the Sharks season as he sailed in an empty net goal and the Chicago party was on.

It's the Chicago Black Hawks heading to the Stanley Cup Finals against the winner of the Flyers Canadians series and this star studded team will be a heavy favorite against either team they will play. These Black Hawks are just four wins away from what hasn't been done in the windy city in forty nine years, win a Stanley Cup. Four more wins, just four more!

See Video highlights of the Black Hawks and Sharks game four here: http://www.puckvideo.com

Hab you heard? Philadelphia Flyers up 3-1!

2010-05-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

In Montreal the Canadians would do just the opposite of what they did in their home opener of the series putting up a performance worth forgetting while putting themselves in a 3-1 whole. In game 3 they came out flying with a barrage of 17 shots in the first period of play while posting 38 total for the game and taking a 5-1 win.

In today's game they only managed to get 17 total shots at Michael Leighton as they were able to only muster a shot on goal in the second. The out come would be a 3-0 loss and down 3-1 in the series. The Canadians will have their backs against the wall yet again, as they did in the pervious two series against the number one seeded Washington Capitals and the defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

Claude Giroux would open the scoring as well as finish it on his second of the day as he sailed one into the empty net. Chris Pronger would tally an assist on a beautiful pass he threw cross rink to catch Ville Leino in stride for a break away as he was able to sneak it by the stretch out pads of Jarsalov Halek for a 2-0 Flyers lead. Pronger raked up the minutes as well putting a total of 31:07 in. His time, awareness and play making ability were good enough to get him number one star of the game honors.

Game five will head back to Philadelphia where the Flyers will have a chance to close the series out and head to the Stanley Cup Finals.
One game can make a world of a difference and the Flyers know that all too good. If they lose that shoot out the last game of the regular season to the New York Rangers, they are watching the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs. If they win one more game they will be playing in the Stanley Cup Finals!

See footage of Game 4 here:http://www.puckvideo.com

Flyers Fans Sing Oh La Oh La!

2010-05-18T20:15:00.000-07:00

In Philadelphia the Montreal Candians showed a better effort in game two out shooting the Flyers 30-23 but still didn't have an answer for Flyer goalie Michael Leighton as he was able to record back to back shut outs in games one and two of the best of seven series.

The last time a Flyer goalie was good for back to back shut outs in the playoffs was 1975, the year Bernie Parnet did it and the Flyers won the Stanley Cup.

The Flyers hot hands with the sick were able to get the team on the board both on the power play. Danny Briere scoring his ninth of the playoffs on the power play in the first period of play as Simon Gagne was also able to connect in the second period also on a power play advantage cashing in on his sixth goal of the playoffs.

The Philadelphia Flyers would get their insurance goal in the third on a snap shot off the stick of Ville Leino that Montreal Canadians goalie Jaroslav Halak wish he could have back as the puck sailed right by him on a shot off the out side of the face off circle on a bad angle with just 9:36 remaining.

The Flyers would shut the door the rest of the way and were able to grab the 2-0 lead in the series. Game three is Thursday night in Montreal where the Canadian crowd will ready to support their team who ousted the first seeded Washington Capitals and defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

See video footage of this game here: http://www.puckvideo.com/

The Eight seed forces a Game Seven! NHL Playoff Updates...

2010-04-26T19:45:00.000-07:00

4/27/10 The eight seed forces a game seven! The eight seeded Montreal Canadians force a game seven against the league's best Washington Capitals. The Caps lead the series 3-1 but a 2-1 loss at home in game 5 and a 4-1 loss in Montreal last night have knotted the series a three. In game six it was all Canadians goalie Jaroslav Halak stopping 53 of 54 Capitals shots. The Caps out shot the Canadians 54-22 but were only able to get one goal by the hot Halak. What can the caps do in game seven? Keep shooting! Elsewhere the Boston Bruins eliminate the Buffalo Sabres. The sixth seeded Boston Bruins take care of the number three seeded Buffalo Sabres in six. Boston's center David Krejci put together a three point night with two goals and an assist as the Bruins were able to get four by Ryan Miller and hold off a late Sabres goal for a 4-3 win. The Bruins move on and will await their next opponent.

See All NHL Playoff Clips here; http://www.puckvideo.com

Coyotes force a game 7!

2010-04-26T19:44:00.000-07:00

The Phoenix Coyotes fight off elimination on the road with a convincing win! There will be a game seven between the Phoenix Coyotes and the Detroit Redwings. The Coyotes forced a game seven getting goal scoring from five different skaters while the Wings were only good for two. Coyotes goalie Ilya Bryzgalov was on his game making 31 saves in the contest. The Phoenix crowd will be pumped for the game seven match and the Coyotes will try to repeat yesterday's outing to move on. LA Kings eliminated! Taking a one goal lead into the final session wasn't good enough for the Kings to hold onto this one. K. Bieksa of the Canucks tied the game at two just 1:57 into the final session and Daniel Sedin would get the go ahead goal with just 2:03 remaining. An empty net goal would seal the deal for the Canucks and break the hearts of most of the 18,247 in attendance.

See Video Clips here http://www.puckvideo.com

Ottawa takes an Exit! Blow three goal lead!

2010-04-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

4/25/10 The Next team to make an exit is the Ottawa Senators. Penguins move on as the Black Hawks pull off a stunner! The Ottawa Senators lead the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-0 in period two with 10:12 remaining. The Penguins would get one back a minute later and would trail by two heading into the final session. The defending champions would never say die and fought back to get the two goals to tie the game at three and send the game into over time. Pascal Dupuis would get the game winner in the first over time to move the Penguins into the next round getting himself into great position and whipping a shot toward the goal. The Black Hawks were looking like they were going to go down 3-2 in the series trailing 3-2 in the game when Marian Hossa would take a five minute major boarding penalty. Being short handed didn't stop the Hawks as Patrick Kane would pick up a rebound and slam it into the goal to send this game into overtime. The Black Hawks would kill off the Major penalty in over time and out the box Marian Hossa would be the one to pick up a deflected puck and sail it into the empty net for the win. Black Hawks go up 3-2 in the series and look to close it out in Nashville.

See all NHL Highlights here: http://www.puckvideo.com

Canadians and Sabres fight off Elimination!

2010-04-26T19:39:00.000-07:00

4/24/10 The Canadians and Sabres fight off elimination while the Redwings and Canucks take a 3-2 series lead. After blowing a two goal lead in the third period in game four the Buffalo Sabres were able to close out the game yesterday. Miller only gave up a goal while the Sabres put up four. The series moves back to Boston on Sunday where the Sabres will be in a do or die situation again. The Canadians were also able to force a game six with with goals in the first they were able hold off 37 Washington shots and Halak would only let one by his goal crease. The Canucks and Redwings would dominate play in game five and will both look to close out the series in game six.

All NHL Highlights http://www.puckvideo.com

Bruins and Caps go up 3-1 as the Kings try to do the same!

2010-04-26T19:37:00.000-07:00

The Boston Bruins and the Washington Capitals both go up 3-1 while the Kings try to do the same. Alex Ovechkin had two goals and an assist while Semyon Varlamov's great play between the pipes continued nailing down the win. The Caps can close out the series at home on Friday night with a win. The Buffalo Sabres would open a 2-0 lead and take it into the final session but the Bruins fought back. Scoring goals at 2:40 and 6:07 of the final session to get the game even as an extra session was needed. Well the first OT session wasn't enough and the second one would come. Sabres would take a too many men penalty and the Bruins would soon make them pay. Miroslav Satan would walk in patiently put the puck on his back hand and slide it by Ryan Miller for the winner. The Bruins now go up 3-1 in series and look to close it out in Buffalo, not going to be an easy task. The King power play continues to be hot! As of this update the Kings added two more power play goals in this game adding up to a 2-1 lead. The game is currently in period two as of this update. The Kings power play is now 9-14 in the series. Just crazy!

See all video highlights of games at http://www.puckvideo.com

The Fight for the Cup Begins!

2010-04-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

The NHL Playoffs are about to kick off, the second season is ready to begin.

The 2009-2010 NHL season started off with 30 teams, we are down to the final 16.

Eight will represent the Western Conference and eight will represent the Eastern Conference.

The Eastern Conference Representatives are as follows, Capitals, Devils, Sabers, Penguins, Canadians, Flyers, Bruins and Ottawa.

The Western Conference boasts the Black Hawks, Sharks, Canucks, Predators, Redwings, Avalanche, Kings and Coyotes.

The Match ups are as follows in the East: The heavy favorites number one seeded Washington Capitals vs the eight seeded Montreal Canadians, Number two seeded New Jersey Devils vs the Number seven seeded Philadelphia Flyers, number three seeded Buffalo Sabers vs the numbers six seeded Boston Bruins and the number four seeded Pittsburgh Penguins vs the number five seeded Ottawa Senators.

Puck Video Predictions in the first round. Washington Capitals in five games, Philadelphia Flyers in seven games, Buffalo Sabers in six games and the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games as well.

Heading off to the west the repeat number one seeded San Jose Sharks will face the Colorado Avalanche, number two Chicago Black Hawks and the number seven seeded Nashville Predators will tangle, the number three seeded Vancouver Cancuks and the sixth seeded Los Angles Kings and the number four seeded Phoenix Coyotes will face the defending Western Conference Champions number five seed the Detroit Redwings.

Some good match ups in the West, But expect the San Jose Sharks to avenge their early check out from last season with a sweep over the Avalanche, Black Hawks will get by the Predators in five games, and now the good ones. The Kings and Cancuks will go to seven games with the home field advantage going the Cancuks way. The Redwings have been the hottest team in the league since the Winter Break, expect them to beat the upbeat Coyotes in six games.

So there you have it the round one match up for the 2009-2010 Stanley Cup playoffs with the predictions. We'll see you in round two but you'll see us before that as we'll have all game highlights posted on puck video.

Check out the featured Stanley Cup Playoff Video here: http://www.puckvideo.com

Holly Wood Script Ending For Rangers and Flyers!

2010-04-12T17:30:00.000-07:00

It all came down to one more game, one more over time and one more shoot out to end the regular seasons of the New York Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers. Unfortunately it was the end of the season for one and moving onto the second season for the other.

With the Flyers controlling most of the play in the shots on goals department and puck possession time the Rangers goalie Hendrik Lundqvist would give his team a chance as he did all season long being voted the team MVP. Regulation and over time would end 1-1 but it was the Flyers who would take a 2-1 advantage in the shoot out and move onto the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Tied at 86 with the Rangers playing playoff hockey for about two weeks keeping their season alive with a 7-1-1 record the Flyers were doing the opposite going 3-7-1, on a downward spiral about to make an exit.

But the Flyers came out with a head full of steam in their would be final game of the season with a loss, out shooting the Rangers 18-4 after one period of play. Only problem was they ran into the King AKA Hendrik Lundqvist 18-18 on shots against after one period of play and holding a 1-0 lead that the Rangers Jody Shelley redirected in off a Michale Rozsival's slot.

A scoreless second period and the Rangers took their one goal lead into the final session. But shot after shot would hit The King and on shot 36 against with 13:06 remaining the game would be tied just like that.

The Flyers kept the pressure on the Rangers from their on in with a flurry of more shots on the King with one bouncing off of him then redirecting off the cross bar. Rangers would settle in from their and it was Brian Brocher who would have to make a huge save and both goalies would end regulation tied at one with their play.

The Rangers controlled puck possession in over time and had the shots on goal advantage even though the Flyers out shot them 47-25 over all in the game. Over time would come to an end and a shoot out would decide who would get into the playoffs.

Yes, I can hear people screaming. How can a shoot out end a game like this? But, it was the only way to end this game as if we were playing under the old rules the game would of ended in a tie and the Rangers would of lost out on a tie breaker to the Flyers.

But Rangers fans were happy going into a shoot out against the Flyers, NO? With Hendrink The King Lundqvist at the helm we were in the drivers seat. The problem here was Lundqvist already faced 47 shots, add some blocked shots in the mix and where asking a little to much from the man.

The Shoot Out would go 2-1 Flyers as the Flyer Celebration begin so did the New York Rangers summer.

See the Video Highlights of the Game here http://www.puckvideo.com

82 Games comes down to 60 minutes! The Rangers Playoff Push moves on!

2010-04-09T21:57:00.000-07:00

One More Game! One More Win the Rangers do need!

The Playoffs have started for the New York Rangers and they head into game seven against the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday afternoon after an impressive 4-3 win at the Garden. A game seven yes because the loser of the game will most likely back their bags for an early summer vacation unless they get help from other teams, which I would say is highly unlikely.

The Rangers started off the game against the Flyers with playoff jitters as Marc Staal would turn the puck over on an attempted pass up the middle early in the game that Flyers Captain Mike Richards would jump on and sail by Hendrik Lundqvist for a 1-0 lead only forty seconds into the game.

In the playoff atmosphere game the Rangers settled in a picked up their play quickly. The Rangers would get the equalizer on the power play when captain Chris Drury stuff home a Erik Christensen feed.

Brandon Prust and Jody Shelly the Rangers forth liners are looking like the best late season pickups as the two hooked up on the next goal giving the Rangers a 2-1 lead. The Rangers totally dominated period one heading into the first intermission up by a goal and out shooting the Flyers 12-4

The Rangers would make it a two goal lead in period two on a beautiful set up from Marion Gaborik. As Gaborik looked like he was rushing around the net with the puck he slid the biscuit back to Brandon Dubinsky as he roofed it in close for a 3-1 Rangers lead.

But here came the Flyers! The shot total would be different in period two as the Flyers would out shoot the Rangers in this session 13-7 that added up to two goals but more important tying the game at three.

Marian Gaborik would get the lead back for the Rangers just over two minutes later with wrist shot that would deflect off the Flyers defensemans stick and sail in. The goal would hold up to be the game winner as Hendrik Lundqvist would hold the Flyers down the rest of the way making many big saves in the final minutes of play notably a toe save he made in close that looked like it was going in.

The New York Rangers are now 7-1-1 making a furious playoff push. One of their best runs of the season will hopefully get them into the second season. Get in, and if they do with their hot momentum anything can happen.

Game 82, the final game of the season now means everything. Game seven of the regular season is this Sunday.

See the Video Highlights of this game here: http://www.puckvideo.com

Alive! Alive! The 2009-10 New York Rangers season is still alive!!

2010-04-08T00:44:00.000-07:00

The heart still beats on the 2009 2010 New York Rangers season with a dominating win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Rangers won period one 3-0, took the same lead into period three and won the third 2-1 adding up to a 5-1 win.

The win sets up a home and home series with the Philadelphia Flyers who the Rangers trail by two points. The Rangers will need to take both games from the Flyers with at least one in regulation to move onto the second season. They can also get in if the Bruins lose their last three games of the regular season and they split with the Flyers.

Bottom line Rangers take care of business against the Flyers and they get into the playoffs and could finish off as high as sixth place. But yet again, take care of your own business.

Round one of the playoffs begins at the garden on Friday night, a must win!

The Rangers wasted no time to let the hockey world know the last two games of the season will count as Erik Christensen scored just 21 seconds into play to pump the team and the garden faithful.

Vinny Prospal would follow up a Olli Jokinen partial breakaway to make it a 2-0 game and then Marian Gaborik would dish off a beauty to Christensen as he would soon have his second of the night for a commanding 3-0 Rangers lead as they took the lead into the first intermission.

Jokinen and Voros would add goals in the final session as Dion Phaneuf would do the same for Toronto breaking Lundqvist's bid for the shutout, but the king was on his game in this one stopping 26 of 27 shots earning himself third star of the game.

Well here we are! After 80 games of play and two more wins away from getting into the playoffs. Will getting into the playoffs salvage a season with many downs? I can tell you this, with two more wins it will add a lot more excitement, hope and a sigh of relief. A loss and not making the Stanley Cup Playoffs as they did the previous four seasons will be a stamp of failure and add misery and pain to the long 82 game season.

See Video of the Rangers dominating the Maple Leafs here and possibly saving their season.http://www.puckvideo.com

NHL Eastern Conference "The Final Stand" Who will get in?

2010-04-05T15:05:00.000-07:00

The Situation at hand, the Rangers have 82 points, the Flyers 84, the Bruins 84, Canadians 86 and the Atlanta Thrashers 81.

Games remaining Rangers 4, Flyers 3, Bruins 4, Canadians 3 and the Atlanta Thrashers 3.

Ok, now we'll go through each teams games left, home and away with the out comes of the matches and see who makes it into the second season. The final standings will be at the end of the article.

Atlanta Thrashers are at ninth place with 81 points and three games remaining. Well Atlanta, it looks like your hill will be the greatest to climb. With only three games left the teams you have to play are the New Jersey Devils at home, on the road against the Washington Capitals and at home again against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Your two home games are going to be ruff one's due to the fact the Penguins and Devils are still playing for something, the division title. Which means home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The Capitals already clinched the President's trophy but I wouldn't expect them to sit back and lose the game on purpose. Prediction Atlanta finishes their last three games at 1-1-1 giving them a total of 84 points.

Next up the New York Rangers with 82 points. The Rangers have been the hottest team of the five teams looking to get into the final three playoff spots, however they are still on the out side looking in at ninth place. They do control their own destiny if they win the rest of their games out right as going four for four will get them in but it won't be easy with a home and home at the end of the season verses the Philadelphia Flyers. The Rangers four remaining games are home games against the Flyers and Maple Leafs and road games against the Buffalo Sabers and Flyers again. Prediction the Rangers will go 2-0-2 in their final four games and finish with 88 points.

The Boston Bruins have four games left and stand at 84 points, hence another team with a tuff schedule. They will have to play two road games against Alex Ovechkin and home games against the Buffalo Sabers and the Carolina Hurricanes. Bruins have been playing decent hockey lately snatching two much needed overtime victories against the Devils and Maple Leafs. Those two extra points could save their bid for the second season but maybe not. I see them going 2-2 in their final four and finishing up with 88 points.

The Philadelphia Flyers have 84 points with three games remaining. The Flyers have been on a downward spiral of late having goalie problems but picked up a huge win against the Detroit Redwings on Easter Sunday. The Redwings have been the hottest team in the league who haven't lost a game in regulation since Philly beat them 4-3. That game will give them motivation in their final three games but I see them going 1-1-1 in those games finishing up with 87 points.

Montreal Canadians have 86 points with three games remaining. They lead the pack and by my predictions so far it looks like they will only need three points out of their three remaining games to get a fresh start. Let see their schedule looks like this on the road against the Islanders, Hurricanes and the season finale at home against the Toronto Maple Leafs. All three of the teams the Canadians will face will not make the playoffs, however they will be trying to play spoiler. And all of these three teams have proved to be tuff opponents of late. Montreal will go 1-1-1 finish with 89 points and make the playoffs.

If my predictions are correct the final standings will go like this: Canadians with 89 points, Bruins with 88 points, Rangers with 88 points, Flyers with 87 points and the Thrashers with 84 points. Flyers and Thrashers miss the playoffs.

Follow all these teams down the stretch with video recaps: http://www.puckvideo.com

Determined to Make the Second Season!

2010-04-04T06:13:00.001-07:00

After heading into the final session 1-0 against the Florida Panthers the Rangers record on the season was 0-24-2 when going into the third period trailing. They could never over come any goal deficit and would take the loss. Two points earned out of 26 games down a goal or more.

That wasn't the case in Florida against the Panthers. Marc Staal wasted no time to even the score at one just :18 into the infamous period for the Rangers when trailing. Staal's goal would be his third straight game he has produced a lamp lighter for the blue shirts. Staal's goal started from the Rangers end when he drove up the rink though traffic gained the zone and released a sharp wrister that beat Panthers goalie Scott Clemmenson.

Brandon Purst would give the Rangers their first lead of the game at 9:36 then the Captain Chris Dury would succeed 1:30 later to give the Rangers a strong 3-1 lead.

Especially the way Hendrik Lundqvist was playing or has been playing the King made many big saves early on in the contest to keep the scoreless until the Panthers got on the board in the second on a defensemans Keith Ballard's slap shot that beat Lundqvist hit the cross bar and dropped in.

Getting goals from Brandon Purst and Staal have really helped the Rangers on this current tear. 5-0-1 in their last six, getting a possible 11 points out of 12.

The play of late has put them in a tie for the final playoff spot with the Philadelphia Flyers. Both teams have 82 points but the Flyers hold the tie breaker because they have more wins. The Rangers are also only two points behind the Boston Bruins and four points behind Montreal Canadians.

The Rangers, Bruins and Flyers all have four games left with Montreal and Atlanta having three. Right don't forget about Atlanta who trials the Rangers only by one but their hill will be the tuffest to climb.

The Rangers next two games are against the Sabers and the Maple Leafs, followed up by the final two games of the regular season round one of the playoffs against the Flyers.

See Video of this game here http://www.puckvideo.com

Rest and Destroy! Ranger playoff push is Alive!

2010-04-02T20:56:00.000-07:00

The well rested New York Rangers brought some fire power to the sunshine state with an out burst of goals in the first adding up to a 4-0 lead after one. The Rangers would get another one by the crease in the final session as Henrik Lundqvist would tally his second shut out in nine game to close out the victory.

Desperate for points with only six games to go heading into the match and now only five the two points earned put the Rangers within two points of the Flyers and Bruins for the final playoff breath.

Trying not to focus on what the other teams are doing and taking care of your own business is what coach John Tortorella stressed in his pre game interview. But what's going on in the Eastern Conference he said it was hard not to look at what was going on around him with the teams the Rangers are chasing.

Taking care of their own business is what the Rangers have been doing of late as they have gotten nine of a possible ten points in their last five games.

Put the puck on goal and good things will happen as the Rangers proved that point in last night's play as two of the Rangers goals went in off of Tampa Bay Lightning players in the first. Vinny Prospal and Brandon Dubinsky were both credited with the Ranger goals that went off of a Lightning skate and stick to give the Rangers a 3 and 4 goal lead.

The other goal scorers were Brandon Purst, Marc Staal and Aaron Voros, unlikely contributors on offense helping the Rangers cause.

Now just five more to play, next up for the Rangers are the Florida Panthers. Another team out of the playoff picture that will try to play spoiler. It's Marian Gaborik's turn to have a big game as the Rangers big boys did it in Tampa.

Anything can happen with only five games to play and with five teams fighting for three playoff spots. Two points out of eight place and the Rangers are playing well with the Flyers and Canadians playing not so well. Let's all not forget who we are playing the last two games of the season.

Mark down the last two games of the season as round one of the playoffs.

For more on the Eastern Conference Playoff race with video hit http://www.puckvideo.com

Two Points earned but times a wasting!

2010-04-02T16:30:00.000-07:00

The New York Rangers keep pace with the Atlanta Thrashers and Boston Bruins with a come from behind win over the New York Islanders. Boston and Atlanta their thing as well as the Eastern Conference Race is winding down.

After being dominated in the first period of play the Rangers would trail 2-0 heading into the second.

Things would change in the second session as it was the Rangers turn to dominate. While the Rangers were out shot 9-4 in the first they would out shoot their rivals 15-6 in period duce. The 15 shots would add up to three goals scored and a 3-2 lead by the time the period would come to a close.

The Rangers fire power kicked off on some puck play by Michael Del Zotto through the neutral zone as he dished it of to Vinny Prospal as he wristed a blazer towards the Iles goal for a 2-1 game. Olli Jokinen would even the game a two when he turned around on a loose puck on the top circle and surprised the Islander goal keep with a quick wrist shot that found all mesh for a 2-2 game.

Then goal number 40 of the season would come for Ranger forward Marian Gaborik. This is the second time Gaborik has hit the mark of 40 goals scored in a season. And just as important it gave the Rangers a 3-2 lead heading into the final session.

The Rangers would strike first in the third when Marc Staal would put home his sixth of the year for a 4-2 Rangers lead. That goal would eventually hold up to be the game winner as the Islanders would get one back with just 6:33 to go.

The Rangers were able to hold the one goal lead the rest of the way and leave the game with the two points.

Well here we are with just six games left in the season and trailing three teams by four points for a pass to the second season. Let's not forget Atlanta who is in ninth place ahead of the Rangers by two. So their are three playoff spots available and five teams fighting for them.

Every game is a must win for the Rangers and the next road stop will be in the sunshine state as the Rangers will meet both the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers. The the Sabers and Maple Leafs, finishing up with a home and home with the Philadelphia Flyers. The Flyers are one of the teams the Rangers trial, the last game of the season could decide who gets in.

See Video of this clip here PUCKVIDEO.COM

NHL's New Hit to the Head Rule Approved!

2010-03-23T18:43:00.000-07:00

NHL's Board of Governors Unanimously Approves Hit to the Head Rule!

The NHL has been being attacked lately for being light on blind side hit's to the head suspensions. Latest case being an 8 game suspension James Wisniewski received for a blind side crushing hit to the head he landed on Chicago Black Hawks defenseman Brent Seabrook.

Seabrook with out the puck and not looking up received a hit from Wisniewski skating full speed then jumped with his elbows up landed the blow on Seabrook. Seabrook's body and facial expression were frozen as he went straight down to the ice.

It's get's better as Wisniewski and Seabrook were teammates for two season in Chicago. Wisniewski said he sent him a text the next day apologizing for the hit and didn't get a reply.

Chicago's head coach Joel Quenneville was furious over the attack and said you can kill a guy when you hit him without the puck, it's the most dangerous hit in the NHL. Also stating that was intent and he wanted to hurt him.

This is not the first time Wisniewski has been charged with this type of hit. A repeat offender and the NHL comes up with an eight game suspension. The Ducks are not going to make the playoffs this season they could of made a better statement with these types of hits by sitting Wisniewski for the rest of the season.

Well it took the NHL a week after the dangerous hit to the head to make up a new rule.

The Board or Governor's unanimously approved a rule prohibiting "a lateral, back-pressure or blind-side hit to an opponent where the head is targeted and/or the principal point of contact." Timing and details of implementation are being worked on by the NHL's Hockey Operations Department in conjunction with representatives of the National Hockey League Players' Association. Source of this info is from nhl.com.

See the hit to the head Wisiewski delivered on Seabrook here: http://www.puckvideo.com/james-wisniewski-suspended-8-games-head-hit.htm

A Funeral is close for the New York Rangers 2009-2010 season!

2010-03-19T16:26:00.000-07:00

Another chance to gain points another wasted opportunity. The Rangers were supposed to go 3-0 on this current home stand but instead went 1-2. The four extra points would of made them an eight seeded team but instead dropped them down to tenth place over all in the conference.

Times a wasting as the exit to this season could be decided for sure on Sunday in Boston, the eight seeded team who the Rangers currently trail by three points. Not mathematically, but trailing by five points with only 11 games to go will be tuff.

The Bruins aren't making things easier on themselves either, they have also just dropped two of their last three games. A 3-0 stretch would of put their trailers away for good. So their is still a race as the Atlanta Thrashers have also got back into the mix taking over the ninth seed in a tie breaker of the Rangers. Both teams trail the Boston Bruins by three points.

The Rangers but up a good effort last night but would fall a goal short in a 4-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues. The effort was there for the Rangers last night, but goalie Hendrik Lundqvist had an unusual off night.

The case was just the opposite in their pervious game against the Montreal Canadians where Lundqvist was on his game but the Rangers were not. So a winning formula isn't rocket science to figure out.

Last night Marian Gaborik would get his scoring touch back having something to do with all the Rangers points posting a goal and two assists on the night earning number two star of the game.

But the game winner would be decided on a milestone goal for Paul Karyia netting his 400th career goal.

Rangers could only muster three more shots on goal trailing 4-3 with over eleven minutes to go and that would end the night for the Blue Shirts and possibly down the road of a disappointing season.

See Paul Karyia 400th career goal and the Rangers loss here:
http://www.puckvideo.com/paul-karyia-400th-career-goal-beats-rangers.htm

Devils over take the Atlantic while the Rangers will be fighting for their Playoff lives!

2010-03-18T03:28:00.001-07:00

In just a span of 24 hours the Cross River Rivals New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers were both involved in two playoff atmosphere type games.

The Rangers facing off against the Hot Montreal Canadians had their hands full but were in the game for the most part because of their goalie Henrik Lundqvist who stopped 32 of 34 shots. The Canadians 35th shot of the game would be an empty net goal and a 3-1 victory over the blue shirts.

The teams were dead locked at one after two periods of play as Montreal peppered Lundqvist in the second out shooting the Rangers 18 to 5. Still it was the Rangers scoring the only goal of the period.

You knew on this night the only way to beat the King would be on a fluke goal as Sergei Kostitsyn pushed a shot towards the Rangers goal and it would redirect off Rangers forward Artem Anisimov and go past the goal crease for a 2-1 Canadians lead.

The loss threw a wrench in the Rangers playoff hopes as the Boston Bruins won their game against the Carolina Hurricanes and opened a three point lead on the Rangers with a game in hand on them as well for the final playoff spot.

As for the Devils their situation is a little different. They were going for the top seed in the Atlantic division trailing the Pittsburgh Penguins by two points going into last nights game.

The Devils have owed the defending Champions this season and this game would be no different as the Devils would win their sixth straight and sweep the season series from the Penguins in a cruising 5-2 win and take over the Atlantic Division.

The two teams have 87 points but the Devils own the tie breaker, they have one more fewer games played and one more win than the Penguins.

A tale of two teams from across the River, one is sailing high while the other is sinking low. How ever there is still time for the Blue Shirts to stick their heads out of the water, but not much.

See footage of these game here: http://www.puckvideo.com

Alex Ovechkin gets a two game suspension for Hit on Brian Campbell!

2010-03-15T21:06:00.000-07:00

The man who not only dazzles when plays is a force on the ice that like's to take runs at opposing players.

The dangerous hit on the boards he left on Brian Campbell will make him watch his team play from the side lines for then next two games as Brian Campbell will miss the rest of the season.

A repeat offender in hit's like this Alex Ovechkin will receive the suspension with out pay, costing him a costly $232,645.40.

The hit slash shove close to the boards left Brian Campbell with a broken clavicle and broken ribs.

The refs handed Ovechkin a five minute major and a game misconduct for the incident.
This is Alex Ovechkin third Game Misconduct of the season.

Ovechkin plays with passion and an edge and is know for hit's like this but a hit that ended a players season should of been more stiffer than a two game suspension, especially being his third offense.

Capitals brass and Vice President George McPhee had no problem with how Ovechkin finished his hit and is upset with the suspension, unfortunately a player was injured on the play he said in a statement.

OK, the hit doesn't look that bad as the player fell off balanced and hit the boards awkwardly I think a three to five game suspension would of been more just and show the league is making a statement on repeat offenders.

Ovechkin will be missed but how deep is this team? After Ovechkin left this game the Chicago Black Hawks would open up a 3-0 lead, but the Capitals fought back to tie the game in regulation and then win it in overtime.

The Capitals are 6-2 without Ovechkin in the line up and have already clinched their division. A 3-5 game suspension would of fit the crime for the injuries occurred.

See footage of the the Ovechkin hit here: http://www.puckvideo.com/alex-ovechkin-gets-two-game-suspention-hit-campbell.htm

A Ve Ry! A Ve Ry!! A Ve Ry!!! A Ve Ry!!!!

2010-03-14T21:25:00.000-07:00

Sean Avery Responds after being benched in Atlanta with one of his most complete games as a Ranger!

He hit people, He drew penalties, got under players skin and oh yeah he scored two goals.

Getting the nod for the number one star of the game Avery also helped his team get within a point of the Boston Bruins who are currently holding down the number eight seed for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

A face off won by the Rangers deep in the Flyers zone Avery charged straight for the Flyers goal and bounced on a loose puck that he back handed home to tie the game at one.

His second goal came off a turn over that Avery originally created that went to Chris Dury as Dury would feed the puck back to Avery he walked into the zone on the boards and made a quick release towards the Flyers goal that caught Philadelphia goalie M. Leighton off guard and sailed home giving the Rangers a much needed two goal lead.

Sam Rosen shouted Sean Avery with a Sunday special after the goal that gave the Rangers a commanding lead with time winding down.

The Rangers would eventually go on to win the game 3-1 and Avery was saluted by his coach and his teammates.

“The thing about his game that I liked is that he let his play do the talking, and I think that’s very important,” is what coach John Torteralla said about Sean also saying “Sean needs to realize that he is a really good player and let his play do the talking.”

Dury, Dubinsky and Lundqvist also praised Sean for his play in a desperate time of the season.

Sean and the Blue Shirts will have to continue their solid play against the Montreal Canadians on Tuesday night. A team that's ahead of them in the standings and with only 13 games left to play this is an almost must win for the team.

Get a closer look at Sean Avery on the piece E:60 did on him here.

http://www.puckvideo.com/sean-avery-e60-evil-genius.htm

Rangers make a case for the second season!

2010-03-14T20:30:00.001-07:00

After being a healthy scratch in Atlanta, Sean Avery came out on fire against the Philadelphia Flyers. Scoring two big goals and helping the Rangers get a much need two points in the standings.

With the win the Rangers now only trial the eight place Boston Bruins by one point for the final playoff spot.

Playing like a team in need of points the Rangers put together back to back wins and were the better team in both games.

Flyers would have a good start to the game and open the scoring on a power play goal off of Danny Briere stick for a 1-0 Flyers lead just 4:13 into the game.

Two big saves by Lundqvist in the remainder of the first and the score would stay the same going into the first intermission.

The Rangers would pick up their play in the second period of play owing the shots on goal total, doubling the Flyers 12-6 but more important took a 2-1 lead into the locker room.

The two goals came on Avery's first of the game a back had and Michal Rozsival slap shot on the power play.

Rangers team defense played a very good well rounded game protecting their one goal lead but then Sean Avery would strike again with a quick unexpected wrist shot that surprised Flyers goalie M. Leighton. As the puck sailed in it gave the Rangers a much needed two goal cushion.

A couple of scrums the rest of the way including a second time around between Brandon Dubinsky and Mike Richards.

Big win for the Rangers who gained ground on the Flyers, Canadians and Bruins. The Rangers now trail the Canadians and Flyers by five points with a game in hand on Montreal. The two teams will face each other on Tuesday night and they will face Bruins next Sunday. Big games ahead that could make or break the season.

For more Rangers articles and Video Clips http://www.puckvideo.com

Did the Rangers save their Season in Atlanta?

2010-03-13T11:55:00.000-08:00

Going into last night's game against the Atlanta Thrashers the Rangers trailed the Boston Bruins by five points. The five points separating the two teams equals an eight place entry to the second season which the Bruins now hold. The second season being the last spot available for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Desperation setting in for New York, they showed and proved in last night's play that they don't want to end the season early.

Vinny Prospal stepped up his game and put home two goals showing his emotion for the game as he sailed his pucks on through. Marian Gaborik broke his five game goal less steak hitting mesh and setting up two for a three point night. Prospal was also good for three points on the evening.

Henrik Lundqvist made the big saves when he had to and the Rangers stayed poised when the Thrashes made it a two goal game twice.

Ryan Callahan would end the game for good when he would toss a puck towards the Atlanta Thrashers empty net that would light the lamp and add up to a 5-2 Rangers victory.

Coach John Torteralla said after the Rangers win, nothing against the Atlanta Thrashers but the Rangers will be facing tuffer teams from hear on in. The Philadelphia Flyers are up next, but the Rangers will have two important games with the Montreal Canadians and the Boston Bruins. Those are the two teams the Rangers are trailing to get into the second season.

Mark those dates on your calendars because those games should decide the Rangers fate the rest of the way of this season. If they will be playing playoff hockey or if they will be heading home for the summer break early will depend what they do in those games.

The Playoff push continues as the NHL season move on.

To see video clips of this Ranges win http://www.puckvideo.com

Will the Red Wings Miss This Year's Playoffs?

2010-03-10T14:13:00.000-08:00

In a game that was very important in the standings with the season winding down the Calgary Flames trailed the Detroit Redwings by a point before last nights game 3/9. The point difference between the two teams made for being an eight seed team and a ninth seeded team in the conference.

In front of 20,066 fans at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit the Redwings would take a 2-1 lead into period three. But Jerome Iginla who has been hot lately would knot the game a two at 5:45 of the third period. Rene Bourque would tally just 91 seconds later to give the Flames a 3-2 lead.

The third period was all Calgary Flames but the Red Wings would get a last chance to get the equalizer with their goalie pulled on the power play for a two man advantage that got spoiled when ex-Rangers Christopher Higgins would put home and empty net goal and a 4-2 Flames win.

After going to the Stanley Cup finals the last two seasons, losing last years cup to the Penguins and winning the season before that to those same Penguins the Detroit Redwings playoffs chances for the 2009-2010 season is in jeopardy.

Now trailing the Calgary Flames by a point in the Western Conference Standings both teams have the same number of games played and sixteen games each remaining.

The Nashville Predators hold down the seventh seed with seventy seven points with the Flames holding down the eight seed with seventy five for the final playoff spot. The Red Wings have seventy four points in ninth place.

Can the Red Wings miss this years second season? The 2009-2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Well if they do it will be the first time this has happened since the 1989-90 season. Wow! 20 years ago, 20 straight years in a row of playoff hockey. What a run! Looking ahead the Red Wings have to play the Flames one more time and the Nashville Predators twice. Those will be very big games indeed. Losses in those game could me an early exit and something the fans of Hockey Town Motor City haven't seen in twenty years.

To see the video recap of this game:
http://www.puckvideo.com

More Cheers for Ryan Miller than Sidney Crosby in Pittsburgh!

2010-03-03T22:00:00.000-08:00

Before the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabers met only two days after the Olympic Games break the Penguins honored all Olympic players and coaches involved in the 2010 Men's Ice Hockey Tournament on both teams rosters.

When they got up to the two Silver Medalist's representing the United States of American the Tournament MVP's name was announced. Ryan Miller!

The opposing teams player on the night of the game received a hefty and long standing ovation as so did Pittsburgh's own Brooks Orpik also representing the US.

When they announced and honored the Gold Medalist's from Canada Pittsburgh's own Marc Andre Fleury, the cheers were much less than Orpik and Miller.

Then they replayed the highlight of the game winning goal in Over Time called by Mike "Doc" Emrick in the Gold Game. Soon after the announcer went crazy announcing Sidneeeey Crosbyyyyyy! It sounded like the announcer was much more excited to say Crosby's name than his own fans were to cheer for him.

Of course you heard some cheers for Crosby showing respect, but Millers were much more louder and longer and I think you can tell by the expression on Crosby's face. See Video here for yourself.

The fans of Pittsburgh did the right thing! No, the only thing that should of been done. When Miller played in the Olympics he was representing his whole country, and last time I checked Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is part of his country. Even if was wearing the enemy's jersey on the night of the game as a Saber, way to go people of Pittsburgh!

See this Video Clip here of the Ovation:

http://www.puckvideo.com/ryan-miller-gets-louder-cheers-than-crosby-in-pittsburgh.htm

Rangers Fly High After the Winter Break!

2010-03-03T03:26:00.000-08:00

After going into the Winter Break on a strong note with a powerful win over the Tampa Bay Lighting the Rangers explode in period two with a four goal out burst and take a 4-1 win over the Ottawa Senators.

With Marian Gaboirk and Michael Del Zotto out of the line up someone had to step up for New York and Silver Medalist Ryan Callahan's name would be mentioned though out the night with his stat sheet reading two goals, six shots, and five hits. Putting up two goals he just missed a hat-trick in the final session as Dubinsky and Avery were the other two lamp lighters in the game.

Rangers scored all their goals in period two and dropped them down like a hammer. After Callahan tied the game at one just :22 into period two they scored three more times in a span of 2:02 taking a four one lead.

Henrik Lundqvist locked down his four straight win at Ottawa with a 24 save outing on the evening only letting in a goal in the first period.

Good road win for the Rangers and with the win the Rangers move into a tie for the eight seed with the Boston Bruins. The Rangers will have to continue to stay hot down the stretch to make it into the playoffs. The schedule don't get any easy from here on in, next up for the blue shirts are the Penguins, Caps, Sabers and Devils. Ouch, all playoff teams ahead the next four games will be big ones.

To view footage of the game and more NY Rangers recaps http://www.puckvideo.com

Team USA Hold Your head up high!

2010-03-01T18:52:00.000-08:00

It's not just your game anymore Canada! Even with the United States loss to the Canadians in yesterday's overtime thriller for Gold, the match could of went either way.

In the highly anticipated game between the two countries the game exceeded it's expectations. Everyone in the two countries wanted this game and they got it! A game that no one who witnessed it will ever forget as they'll also remember where they were.

With my heart racing, stomach in a knot throughout most of the contest but when Zach Parise tied the game at two a burst of emotional joy hit as we celebrated like we scored the goals ourselves and were playing in the game.

The goal pushed the game into overtime where our joyous moment would soon turn to horror and tears as Sidney Crosby became a national hero.

No one gave Team USA a chance in this tournament and there they were in overtime playing for Gold!

Five wins and no losses up to that point in the competition as they never trailed in any of those games. Not bad for a bunch of hard working guys that were wrote off from the beginning.

Trailing for the first time in the Olympics down 2-0 in the Gold game the Americans showed heart, determination and the blue collar U.S. of A way as they battled to tie the game at two.

Just one goal short to a Country that is supposed to dominate the United States in this game. It should be like the US basketball team going against a Canadian basketball team. But it's not, and never will be again!

For more Olympic articles and footage http://www.puckvideo.com

We Want USA! We Want USA!

2010-02-27T19:40:00.000-08:00

That was the Chant in Hockey Palace Area when Team Canada was up 3-0 to the Slovakia club. Those chants quickly disappeared when the Slovaks make it a two goal game with 8:25 remaining on the clock. That three goal lead would quickly evaporate to a one goal lead when the Slovakia's would strike again with 4:53 remaining.

This all Canadian crowd changed their tone and were in total disbelief of what was going on in the game.

With a all out try to get this game even with time winding down the huge underdog Slovaks pressured the hell out the Canadians. And their it was right at the door step a loose puck that would sail wide of the goal and finally ruin the come back. David almost put down the equalizer that could of put Goliath out of the tournament with an extra session if needed.

The Slovakian great Olympic run will still have a shot at a Bronze medal tonight against Finland for their efforts. And if their not burnt out after almost upsetting Canada they will take the Bronze with no problem.

Canada wants USA and now they will get their wish. Well they did have them in the preliminary round but the USA was victorious with a 5-3 win lead by their out standing goalie Ryan Miller.

USA is running on all cylinders now after a slow start that needed some cleaning up after only one practice together.

The two teams met in the 2002 Olympics in Salt lake city and now they'll meet again in Vancouver. One team will go home with Silver one team will take the Gold.

For more Olympic Hockey Articles http://www.puckvideo.com

Team USA Finish off the Finns! Shoot for Gold on Sunday!

2010-02-27T09:21:00.000-08:00

After being held to only two goals scored on 44 shots against Switzerland and one of the two being an empty netter the American's bombard Finland in the first connecting six times on thirteen shots.

The Relentless American attack in the first proved to be their top 15 minutes of the tournament. After their forth straight tally Finland goalie Miikka Kiprusoff pulled himself from the game and Niklas Backstrum came in to relieve him. The results would be the same as Team USA Men's Ice Hockey squad would light the lamp two more times right off the bat.

The first goal of the game would be off a Finland misread as Miikka Kiprusoff would leave his crease to play a puck at the top of the circle their defenseman skated away from the puck. The on coming full speed ahead Phil Kessel made Kiprusoff make a bad decision with the puck that landed on Ryan Malone's stick as he fired into the empty net for a 1-0 US lead.

From their on Kiprusoff seamed rattled as Parise, Johnson and Kane would score. Kane would welcome Niklas Backstrom into the game scoring again only 2:23 later and Paul Stastny would do the same after another 15 tics for the whopping 6-0 lead.

Miller continues to be on his game! After putting all his 18 shots he faced aside US coach Ron Wilson gave his wall a break and let Bruins goal keep get some action. Tim Thomas would get his first action of the tournament and would allow one goal on seven shots. The lone Finland goal came off a shot that deflected off of a defesneman's skate and broke the US shut out streak with only 5:14 left on the clock.

Team USA has not trailed in this tournament and this team has only gotten better since their lone practice before the games started. A great group of guys that are playing for each other and not for themselves team USA captain Jamie Langenbrunner stated. Also stating that this team believed in themselves as no one else did.

It's Canada vs the United States for Gold on Sunday! A rematch of the 2002 Olympics where Canada would win on American soil. What a great way to finish off this Olympic run would be for the Americans to do the same on Canadian grounds.

For more Olympic and NHL articles http://www.puckvideo.com

A let down as the Super Powers Collide at the Olympics!

2010-02-25T21:41:00.000-08:00

The Super Powers of Hockey go at it but there was no signs of a great game.

A clash of the titans was expected in the Canadian Russian battle but only one team showed up to play in this much hyped epic event.

As the all Canadian fan base shouted WE WANT RUSSIA! After a dominating win against the Germans this match was set in stone. And as everyone thought this game would be for GOLD it was an elimination game of who would go home with nothing.

And that team would be the Alex Ovechkin and the Super Russian squad. But kryptonite would be dealt to this All Star squad that's first line boasted Ovechkin, Malkin and Semin.

But this fast and much talented line would look ordinary against this Canadian team.

Did the Americans awake this sleepy Giant? After a dismal preliminary round outing, the Canadians went 1-1-1 while losing to the United Sates this Canadian team has dominated in both their elimination round matches.

Beating Germany 8-2 and the Russians 7-3 this team enters the final four going on all cylinders getting their grind on!

The Canadian team didn't waste no time to get this game in gear scoring only 2:21 into play on a goal off Getzlaf sick for a 1-0 Canada lead. Canada would go up by two on the power play as Boyle would connect on feed from San Jose forward D. Heatley and P. Marleau. Only :46 later Canada would continue their dominance and go up by three on a R. Nash goal. The two teams would trade goals the rest of the way in the first and the Canadians would take a dominating 4-1 lead into the second in front of a much pleased audience.

Period two would see more of the same as Canada would add another three goals to the Russians two for a 7-3 lead going into the final session.

Period three wouldn't see a goal scored and Canada would send the Russians packing in the elimination game to their respective teams in the NHL and KHL.

The defending GOLD Men's Ice Hockey Champions were eliminated by the Finnish team and they are next up for Canada.

Canada has done nothing put focus on their next opponent as questions were asked about GOLD. They will not over look this over achieving Slovakian team lead by New York Rangers scoring leader Marian Gaborik

The Final four is here! USA vs Finland and Canada vs Slovakia. North America is dreaming for another USA CANADA battle for Gold as so is NBC. But today's game brings another short lived test two these two teams facing elimination.

Every Shift, Every Second, Every Play will be important! The call of need is here! Who will rise to the occasion?

For more NHL and Olympic articles and Video http://www.puckvideo.com

Team USA dominate but just get by the Swiss!

2010-02-25T20:39:00.000-08:00

Shots on goal read 18-4 after a period of play, 32-8 after two periods of play in favor of the United States but the score board would still read 0-0. Enter the out standing Mighty Ducks Switzerland goaltender Jonas Hillar.

Usually when an underdog team hangs around with you two long the unthinkable happens. A devastating loss, and in this case a long ride home across the boarder as the US headed into the elimination round with a 3-0 record and the top seed in the tourney.

But 2:08 into period three Zach Parise would relieve a frustrated US squad on the power play when he would deflect a Brian Rafalski slap shot from the point and breath a sigh of relief into his pressuring counter parts. After 33 shots on goal number 34 would find it's way home and make for 1-0 USA lead.

Then the goalie on the other side of the rink wearing red white and blue would have to make his presence know to hold down a lead. After only seeing eight shots though two periods of play, Switzerland would throw eleven shots at him in the final session looking for the equalizer. A few of those eleven were good quality scoring chances with time winding down at the end of the game as Miller would turn them aside in another nerve wrecking ending.

Parise would ruin any chance of this game going past regulation when he would sail an empty net goal home for his second of the night but more important a US win and march his fellow Americans into the final four.

Parise was the best forward for the United States scoring both the teams goals and making his presences know on all parts of the ice. Doing the scrappy work, which he is know for he finishes off his hit's, fore checking and back checking the man is the most complete forward on the squad as he can finish too.

Ryan Miller's 19 saves and no goals allowed were good enough for the first USA shut out since Mike Richter did it in the 2002 games against Germany.

The US are now four wins and zero losses in the tournament as they move into the medal round. They will have at least a shot a bronze being one of the final four teams. Did I just say bronze? Two more wins and they can say GOLD!

For more Olympic articles and Video. http://www.puckvideo.com

Canada Regroups in Ousting Over Germany!

2010-02-23T21:03:00.000-08:00

After taking a 5-3 defeat to the Americans the Canadians avenge their loss at the hands of the over matched Germans. With an 8-2 final, they set up a huge battle on ice between Alex Ovechkin and the Russians.

Canada was all over the German club from the drop of the puck out shooting them 14-4 in the first but would only leave the period with a 1-0 lead on a Joe Thornton goal.

But unlike in the game against the Americans the Canadians would finish their chances in the second. Scoring three straight goals in a span of only 6:18.

Canada's first goal of the period which lead to a 2-0 lead was off the sick of Shea Weber as he unleashed a cannon from the point that would actually go though the mesh of the net and the play would have to be reviewed to see if it did go in. But there was no question to the goal as this blazing shot from the point went right though the netting.

Jerome Iginla would put home the next two Canadian goals that would add up to a 4-0 lead.

The Germans would get one back on a wrap around attempt for a 4-1 game as they started getting some shots on goal. Only being out shot by one in the period they still trailed by three in the game. Down three goals the Germans new it would be a tuff feat to come back from as they haven't scored more than three goals in a game during the tournament.

Crosby, Richards, Niedermayer and Nash would all tally in the third to put this game well away for an 8-2 whipping.

Roberto Luongo made his return between the pipes after Martin Broduer's under par outing to the US. He will be in goal again against the Russians. Luongo faced a total of 23 shots letting in two while Canada put up 39 shots on goal putting home eight.

The Hockey world will all be watching when the two Hockey powers go at it. Who you ask? The Russians and the Canadians. While many expected this game would be for Gold, it comes three rounds early. One of these two teams will go home with nothing.

Weather it's the Penguins and Capitals or the Canadians vs the Russians this is the Super Bowl of Hockey! Crosby vs Ovechkin in a best vs best battle. Winner will move on the Loser goes home or in Canada's case they won't have to travel to far with a loss.

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Twist those Pucks it's Miller Time!

2010-02-22T16:31:00.000-08:00

Team USA beats Canada 5-3 in a edge of your seater, heart skipping, nerve wrecking battle that lived up to it's billing. Or did it? Oh Canada who's supposed to be the favorites in this tournament just got by Switzerland with a shoot-out win and then took an L to the huge underdog Americans.

But you should never under estimate the heart of an American! Period. Via 1980 Olympics, this is far and beyond an 1980 Olympics team. Yes, this is a young American team, but all these American players are professionals who are in the NHL. I am far from shocked that this team won this game and especially when you have a goalie by the name of Ryan Miller who stopped 42 of 45 Canadian shots.

The American NHL'ers not the collage kids got on the board just forty one seconds in on a Brian Rafalski goal deflected off a Canadian skate.

Eric Staal would tie the game at one on a little deflection that Brent Seabrook would wrist towards the American goal that would tie the game at one.

But Rafalski would strike again on an ill advised clear by Marty Broduer who took a baseball like swing at the puck that Rafalski intercepted and buried to give the American team a 2-1 lead. That would be the forth consecutive goal scored by Rafalski for the US of A scoring the last two goals against Norway then the first two against these Canadians.

Canada would get even in the second on an US miss clear attempt and Canada's leading scorer in Olympic play would make them pay as all American eyes were fixated on the puck they left Dany Heatly all alone in front as he banged it home and evened the score.

New York Rangers Captain would give Team USA their goal lead back on with pressure in front of the Canada goal that left Broduer flopping around that Dury pounced on a rebound and threw one into the empty net that lead to a 3-2 American lead going into the final session.

Americans who would start the third on a power play because of a late Canadian penalty at the end of the second weren't able to connect on that power play but they would on their forth power play attempt and third consecutive that Team USA Captain Jamie Langenbrunner would redirect off of, Yes Brian Rafalski's slap shot from the point for a 5-3 USA lead.

Canada would see Power Play opportunities of their own and the Canadian Poster boy Sidney Crosby would
make it a one goal game with time winding down and Canada would keep on pressing from there on in to try and get that equalizer.

As Canada would pull Marty Marty for the extra attacker US would clear the puck and an all out heart play of the game would be made by Livonia, Michigan native Ryan Kesler who would dive for a puck with a Canadian defender ahead of him that he would shoot towards the empty net that would make it past the goal crease for a Team USA 5-3 lead and ultimately the win.

What a great game of hockey displayed tonight in a playoff like atmosphere match between the two rivals.

US Hockey wins the group A division and get's a bye into the Quarter Finals. All I got to say is WOW, but not a 1980 wow!!!

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Two Games Two Wins for the USA Squad!

2010-02-18T23:15:00.000-08:00

Team USA moves to 2-0 in tournament play with a 6-1 win over Norway but there is still a need for this team to improve. With the heavily favored Canadians and Russians they must get better to compete against those teams.

With the final score stating 6-1 you would think the US killed this Norway team. But that wasn't the case as Team USA scored three of those goals in the final six minutes of play. Don't get me wrong the third period was a very good period for the American team out shooting the Norway team 16-2 in the final session as Norway were trying to get back into the game. But turnovers again in periods one and two would make you think the more skilled teams will capitalize on these turnovers.

Then again Ryan Miller will be there to protect and defend as he has been great in the limited work he has seen. With only 26 total shots at him in the two games played he made the big stops in both games that he had too. It will be Miller time on Sunday night as the Canadians will have a test for this man. The winner of the game will get a bye in the second round of play.

The US would jump out to a 3-0 lead on goals by Kessel, Dury and Kane but Norway would get back into it with a Short Handed goal making for a 3-1 game in the second and moving into the third.

A USA dominated third and with coach Ron Wilson's line shake up at the end of the final period the United States put together three quick goals. Did Coach Wilson strike some team chemistry among the bunch? Whatever he did the team responded quickly and put this game away and that's the bottom line.

The US will have a two days off leading up to the big game on Sunday night as they will work on their weak points displayed so far. The power play and transition game as well as being more smarter with the puck will be points needed to be worked on.

It's the home and heavily favored Canadians vs the United States of American for the division on Sunday night! A game not to be missed. I have a feeling the all Canadian crowd will let USA know of their presence.

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OH Canada Hold your Breath!

2010-02-18T23:13:00.000-08:00

Team Canada skated to a 3-2 overtime shoot-out win over the Swiss! Canada's poster boy Sidney Crosby was the hero scoring the lone goal in the shoot-out on his second attempt in the grueling goaltending battle.

Team Switzerland beat Canada in the 2006 Olympics and came very close to repeating the feat again in the 2010 Games. In the best game thus far in Men's Ice Hockey play I have to admit I was on the edge of my seat in this one. Great Hockey Period!

Team Switzerland with only two NHL'ers among their squad and a big underdog in the match, their key to their point earned in the standings was Anaheim Mighty Ducks starting goalie NHLer Jonas Hiller. One of the two NHL players on the Swiss squad. Forget the Shoot-out he was the star of the game keeping his heavily over matched team in this game and giving his countrymen a chance.

Huge saves while the game was tied at two Hiller made. Canada exploded with a of flurry of shots with his catching glove stopping play. Jonas Hiller faced 47 total shots in the memorable game.

Canada built a 2-0 lead on goals by San Jose Sharks Stars Dany Heatley and Patrick Marleau. But the determined Swiss team made it a one goal game at the 8:59 mark and capitalized on a Chris Pronger retaliation hit with the refs arm up for a penalty, the Swiss forward threw the puck at the net and it would deflect off a Canadian skate with only :10 to tie the game at two.

Period three would see a barrage of Canadian shots on goal out shooting their opponents 18-3. Jonas was the difference if I already didn't mention that in this article. Words described BIG BIG BIG.

Switzerland would escape the third period and actually out shoot Canada in the four on four over time session 3-1 and just like in the NHL a shoot out was needed.

Oh did we forget to mention Martin Broduer played goal for Canada tonight? Well if we did he was good for stopping all four of the Swiss shoot-out attempts and stopping 22 of 24 in regulation and overtime.

Did he just get the nod for the huge game against the US of A on Sunday night? Or will Canada go back to Roberto Luongo?

Broduer's play in the game against the Swiss, his seniority, reputation, 3 Stanley Cups and a Gold Medal should get him approved for the game against the Americans.

The winner get's a bye in round two of the Tournament.

Is it Luongo or Broduer? Will Mark Andre Flurey get a start? Canada's goaltending is deep and something to talk about.

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Canada Tee's off in front of home crowd!

2010-02-16T19:54:00.000-08:00

Canada Makes a Statement!

Coming off a disappointing finish in the 2006 Winter Olympics, Team Canada has one agenda on it's mind. And that is GOLD! Anything less would be a another disappointment Olympic outing especially this year because they are in front of their own.

After a scoreless first period team Canada would unleash their weapons. Starting off the onslaught was Jerome Iginla on the power play off a Sidney Crosby feed. Canada's next goal would come off a Chris Pronger blast from the point that Dany Heatley would redirect in for a 2-0 Canadian lead.

Norway's best chance to score a goal would be on a 5-3 power play opportunity where they did move the puck well and the few chances they had Roberto Luongo was there.

Soon after Canada would kill off the two minor power plays and wasted no time to strike again. Mike Richards would fake one way from behind the Norway goal then come back around and slam it home on his second attempt.

Canada was full speed ahead from there on taking a 3-0 lead into the locker room. As they dominated in the second they did the same in the third adding another five goals on their way to a 8-0 win in their opener.

Canada's lamp lighters were Jerome Iginla who was good for a hat-trick while Dany Heatley had two. Richards, Getzlaf and Perry would also put home a goal each in the win.

Roberto Luongo turned away all of Norway's 15 shots on goal getting the shut-out. Luongo got the starting nod as everyone thought it would be Marty Broduer, I think Canada's coaching staff made the right decision going with the younger Luongo who has been on his game of late for the Canucks. But it wouldn't of mattered who Canada placed between the pipes last night as the out come would of been the same.

Canada's speed, size and depth showed in this match as this team did exactly what they wanted to do in their first outing. Come out and dominate! Canada dominated in their opener and the Swiss team is up next who lost to the USA earlier in the day. Another game Canada should roll though as the big one from the preliminary round will be played on Sunday night.

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Sloppy but Team USA take 3-1 Win !

2010-02-16T16:33:00.000-08:00

The Men's Ice Hockey opener for the 2010 Winter Olympics kicked off today and the first match was between the United States and Switzerland. USA were able to jump out to a 1-0 lead in the first add two in the second and skate to a 3-1 win. However the team was sloppy through parts of the game leading to many odd man rushes that the Swiss just didn't hit the net on and couldn't capitalize.

The Americans did it with their big boys in scoring department, not the guys who you expected to score in Zach Parise, Patrick Kane and Peter Stastny but literally their big boys with Bobby Ryan, Ryan Malone and David Backes applying the goals for the American team.

Bobby Ryan got the American squad on the board at the end of first with a blazing wrist shot that sailed by Jonas Hiller, the two are teammates on the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.

USA took the 1-0 lead into the locker room and put together a good second period. Period two David Backes put on a rush of speed flying around the Swiss defenseman and tucked one in past the pads of Hiller that was the highlight goal of the game. Tampa Bay Lightning power forward Ryan Malone would make it a 3-0 game poking in a Suter blast from the point on the power play.

Although Ryan Miller didn't have much work facing a total of 15 shots, he did make a couple of key saves including a big save that lead to the David Backes rush and goal. The one goal he did let in third period was a mistake of his own that he tried to poke check but the puck bounced over his stick and rolled in on his pad to put the Swiss on the board and ruining his bid for the shut out. The last Team USA shut out was in 2002 by Mike Richter against Germany.

Team USA only had one full practice together as a team and at times in this game it showed. Lucky for them they faced off against the Swiss who aren't one of the dominating teams on paper in the tournament. Lack of practice and putting on the Red White and Blue the team showed signs of being nervous. The young USA defense turned the puck over too many times that lead to odd man rushes. Teams like Canada and Russian will turn those mistakes into goals.

Next up for the US is Norway on Thursday, another game they should win and as these games go by I believe this group will get tighter and stronger or trouble lurks ahead. No Olympic games are automatic as every game will be a test, Team USA's biggest test will be Sunday night in the highly anticipated rivalry match against Canada.

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The Rangers are Red Hot and now they have to take a Break!!

2010-02-14T21:02:00.000-08:00

The Olympic break couldn't of come at a more worse time for the Blue Shirts now that this team is moving on all cylinders. This reminds me of the last Olympic break four years ago when the Rangers were playing very well going into the break, came back, stumbled into playoffs and finally checked out in four games to the New Jersey Devils. That season the Rangers had a ton of players going to play in the Olympics and that may of caused fatigue down the stretch of the regular season and the four extra post season games they played.

This years strong finish would start after trailing 2-0 going into period two and it looked like we were due for a big let down. The Rangers would storm back for five unanswered goals, sparked by some big Henrik Lundqvist saves and a beautiful Sean Avery penalty shot goal to get the team on the board as the rest of the team would follow and stepped up as well.

Erik Christensen would score two goals big goals, Prospal keeps scoring and added an assist in his two point game. And finally Captain Chris Dury would finish off the Lightning with an empty net goal, a mile stone point for Chris his 600th total career point!

The Rangers did this without their number one scorer and one of their best defenseman. Both still out with laceration injury's, Gaborik and Del Zotto won't mind the break as it will give their wounds more time to heel. Although Gaborik will be headed for the Olympic tournament his injury is still listed as day to day.

This Ranger team is starting to excel, and to me it seems like it started in the third period against the Phoenix Coyotes. In that game they were down three zip and stormed back for two goals in third and came very close to tying the game. The next night they won a big game in Colorado. Since those games the Rangers haven't lost a game by more than a goal and head into the Olympic break 3-1 in their last four. Beating all three teams that are ahead of them in the standings including the Devils and Penguins.

Don't get me wrong I'm looking very forward to watching the Olympics this year but it's a very tuff time to send key players away in a huge tournament when their regular teams are fighting for their lives to get into second season. The guys not going to play in the tournament now have to stand idle and stop playing.

A great finish for the Blue Shirts, but we'll have to wait till March 2nd to see them play again. With the win the Rangers tie the Lightning for ninth place and have a game in hand on the eight place Canadians who they are only a point behind. I hope the break won't slow this team down when play resumes in March with only 20 more games to go they'll have to stay strong and consistent as they have been of late to make it to the second season.

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Banged up Blue Shirts find a way to win!

2010-02-13T17:40:00.000-08:00

Find a way to win is an under statement with Marian Gaborik not being able to continue in last nights game due to his deep thigh laceration sustained in practice, then Michael Del Zotto going down with the same type of injury with a skate to rib also causing a cut.

The Rangers picked up their game up on every level and they could of clearly won this game in regulation as they were the better team on the ice that night.

Olli Jokenin officially became a Ranger! Stating before last nights game he needed to have a big game and he did just that. Not only did he hook up a secondary assist on Chris Dury feed to Brandon Dubinsky's goal tying the game at one. Olli was good for the game winner in the Over Time session earning the Blue Shirt the much needed two points.

Chris Dury defined the letter C on his chest in this game and showed signs of a legendary former Ranger captain who's number eleven is retired. I'm not by far comparing the two, but when you do the things Chris did last night it made me feel very good who is currently wearing the C on his chest on this team. See this Clip here!

After finishing off his clean check on Matt Cooke making Matt feel the boards hard and as both players fell, Cooke quickly got up and started running his mouth standing over Dury. Dury quickly got up and dropped the gloves with Cooke wasting no time swinging his fists. Dury had the edge in the beginning of the battle but Cooke took it at the end as Michal Rozsival would defend his Captain and pull Cooke off Dury during the end of the fight that lead to a third man in penalty, however the Rangers would still wind up with a man advantage. See this Clip here!

Rangers would get two back to back power play opportunities after the fight and it would be two power plays the team would want to forget. No short handed goals against but the Rangers let the Penguins get some good scoring chances up a man.

Besides the bad power play chances the Rangers second period was a very good one out shooting the Penguins 13-6 in the second and 2-0 in the goals department taking a 2-1 lead into the third.

The Ranger killer this season Sidney Crosby would tie the game in the third for his second of the night scoring goals 40 and 41 his career high.

But Crosby's two goal night would be spoiled by Olli's over time winner and an all out New York team effort. Short on defense and Offense this team stepped up in every way they could and took home two points on the road against the defending champs. See this Clip here!

This Ranger team is playing well even though their record of late don't show for it in the last few battles. They were in all of those games and lost all those games by a goal since playing Phoenix and in most of those games they were the better team.

There is one more game before the Olympic break and it's on home ice against a team that is ahead of the Rangers in the standings. The game against the Lightning will have a playoff atmosphere to it as this Blue Shirt team is playing like they know what's at stake.

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Another Ranger Under Achiever makes an Exit!

2010-02-11T22:05:00.000-08:00

Just about a week ago the Rangers acquired new blood from the Calgary Flames in Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust. The men who made their exits in the exchange were high hopefuls who did nothing on broad way, Ales Kotalik and Christopher Higgens.

Joining the crew of exits is Donald Brashear, not by trade but by wavier's.

Brashear who came to New York on July 1st from Washington in an off season signing when the Rangers lost Colton Orr to Toronto.

Upsetting to most Brashear was finished before he started when he came to New York because of the cheap shot he gave Blair Betts in the seven game series against the Capitals. No one wanted this guy and could understand Sather's move. In my opinion his worst signing.

When Brashear started this season for the Blue Shirts he was getting into a fight almost every game and was losing everyone of them. His best days of throwing punches are way behind him as he stands at the age of 38.

It was more like Aarron Voros was the intimidator for the Rangers this season as he put in his share of fighting majors.

With the signing of Prust the Rangers added another guy who likes to mix it up and that more than likely put an end to Brashear short lived career in New York.

Donald's donning of the Ranger sweater lasted 36 games where he tallied one assist for a point, was a -9 and registered 73 Penalty Minutes.

I'm happy to see Donald make an exit as I was Kotalik and Higgins. But at least Higgins and Kotalik got us something in return. A total waste of money spent and cap space wasted for an over the hill fighter that will probably get paid to sit the rest of the season out.

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Del zotto Penalty Leads to a NY Rangers Loss!

2010-02-11T15:53:00.000-08:00

Two teams in a playoff hunt, two teams needing points, two teams from different conferences and the Road team leaves with two points.

After a game where Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist played a ridiculous game against their arch rivals the New Jersey Devils, Lundqvist would play just as well in a 2-1 loss to the Nashville Predators.

The problem with this game was the Gaborik less Rangers running into a brick wall by the name of Dan Ellis and a rookie defenseman letting his emotions getting the best of him.

Rangers would fall into a 1-0 hole at the 17:45 mark of the first when Jordin Tootoo would find the back of the of the net and take the goal lead into the second.

Vinny Prospal would even the game at one in the second that he would poke home as Jokinen was credited with the assist.

After the Rangers tied the game at one Del Zotto would take a hooking penalty that he didn't agree with and let the referee know. His comments about the call lead to a un-sportsman like penalty and a double minor for the Rangers.

As the Rangers did a great job in killing the penalty the Predators were able to connect on the second penalty to make for a 2-1 lead.

Del Zotto left the penalty box slow heading back to bench and he knew his coach would have words for him as you can see Tortorella's anger, he gave Del Zotto an ear full and benched him the rest of the period although he started him at the beginning of the third. Afterwards Tortorella would say Del Zotto has been one of his best defenseman this season, plus the Rangers needed his offense ability down a goal in the third.

Well the Rangers did come out strong in the final session throwing a barrage of shots at the Predators net minder Dan Ellis equaling 18, but they couldn't find the back of the net on any of those chances.

Another one goal loss for the Blue Shirts, in games I have got to say they have played well in. But as these games are flying by quick the Rangers need to find a way to get points.

The Rangers last four games have all been lost by one goal. The Rangers could of easily of found a way to win some of those games but mistakes lead to losses in a tight playoff hunt where all teams are fighting to either better their positioning or get in.

The Rangers are still on the out side looking in with two more games before the Olympic break. Next up is the defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh, ruff one. Then they finish up at the Garden on Sunday afternoon against the Tampa Bay Lightning a very big game as the two teams are only separated by four points. Tampa Bay holds the eight spot, while the Rangers are in tenth. A very big game indeed.

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The Super Bowl of Hockey!

2010-02-07T13:17:00.000-08:00

Alex Ovechkin Vs Sidney Crosby a 12:00 matinee on the day of the Super Bowl. All I got to say is WOW! I hope the Super Bowl is as good as this game was. The two NHL heavy weights went at it and as the defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins opened up a 4-1 lead with Sidney Crosby having two goals it looked like the Capitals 13 game win streak would come to an end. But no the Washington Capitals rallied back to tie the game powered by an Alex Ovechkin hat-trick. The game would need an extra session and with the Caps on a power play Ovechkin wound up for the blast that beat Marc Andre Fleury hitting the post it came back out and Mike Knuble would poke it in for the game winner.

What a match! It's great that we get to see the best of the best playing each other so many times in a season and last seasons playoff match that went to seven games that the Pens took then went on to the win the Stanley Cup. It's not like when we had Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemiuex in the league and only got to see them play against each other in All Star Games and once during the regular season.

Well now we have it, the two best players in the world and we get to see it more often prime time like today on NBC, on the day of the Super Bowl. Wait this was the Super Bowl, the Super Bowl of hockey when these two teams go at it.

The Penguins took a two nothing lead on two Sidney Crosby goals in period one taking that lead into the second.

The Capitals would counter in the second on an Ovechkin break away goal only to see the Penguins Jordan Stall bang home two straight lamp lighters for a 4-1 Penguins lead.

Under three minutes to go the Washing Capitals Eric Fehr was able to place a wrist shot home and make for a two goal game going into the the final session or was it the final session?

Alex Ovechkin being the first NHL player to reach 40 goals this season with his goal in the second period, would score goal 41 at the 6:51 to make it a one goal game. With under ten minutes to play goal number 42 would come and the game would be even just like that as Ovechkin would finish off his hat-trick.

The game would stay tied at four the rest of the way and OT was need to settle the Hockey Super Bowl.

What a great day for hockey and with the come from behind win the Capitals win their 14th straight game just three games shy of 17, the NHL record.

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New York and Calgary a done deal!

2010-02-02T14:55:00.000-08:00

After trade talks were on hold between the Flames and Rangers the two teams pull the trigger on the deal that could help both teams who have been a struggling of late.

In coming for the New York Rangers are forwards Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust while Forwards Christopher Higgins and Ales Kotalik will be departing.

The Flames have been horrible in their last ten with a record of 1-7-2, the Rangers were just as bad going 3-7. Despite the teams two records in their last ten games both teams are still in the playoff hunt. The Rangers are currently tied for seventh with 57 points in the Eastern Conference as the Flames are tied for eight place with 62 points.

I wouldn't say both teams involved in the trade aren't looking for a quick fix but more of a shake up with players in the deal having under achieving seasons.

Kotalik signed a three year deal with the Rangers last summer for 9 million. He scored just eight goals and fourteen assists in 45 games. Higgins came to New York in deal with the Canadians for Scotty Gomez. Higgins struggled from the start with the Rangers and only registered 14 points in his 55 games played.

Jokinen was good for 35 points with the Flames this season with 11 goals and 24 assists in 56 contests. Jokinen was a 30 goal scorer four times in his 11 year NHL career who is now at the age of 31. Jokinen contract expires at the end of this year.

Prust is know as a bruiser as he led the flames with 98 penalty minutes with 18 fighting majors under his belt.

Rangers look to get some scoring and tuff ness out of the deal while the Flames inherit two good players looking to turn their poor seasons around. With the pressure of playing in New York maybe new threads and a different atmosphere can turn around Higgins and Kotalik's seasons.

I like the deal on both sides of the coin, especially if the Rangers can sign Jokinen after the season ends and maybe Prust can fill the shoes of missing presence of Colton Orr.

Jokinen and Prust learned 15 minutes after their game last night against the Flyers they have been moved, they packed their bags and headed for Los Angeles. Both are expected to play tonight for New York.

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The rookie and the Goal Scorer!

2010-02-01T20:32:00.000-08:00

Marian Gaborik would put home a goal in each period for a hat-trick while rookie goalie Chad Johnson gets his first NHL win coming up big between the pipes beating the Avalanche 3-1. With the win the Rangers snap a five game losing streak and earn an important two points in the standings.

With the Rangers down 3-0 the night before in Phoenix after two periods of play they put together two late goals for an impressive come back that fell short. Marian Gaborik would also hit a post late in the third of that game that kept the Rangers down a goal. A inch shy of a tie game.

Well the tuff play in the last minutes of that game seemed like it carried over into Colorado as the Rangers put together a solid team win.

Johnson getting his second straight start in goal due to the flu stricken Henrik Lundqvist made many big saves on the night and stopped 34 of 35 shots. With the Blue Shirts up 3-0 late into the third Cody McLeod would get the Avalanche their first goal of the night on a back hand at 12:39 of the final session breaking Johnson's bid for the shut-out.

Gaborik who scored his 30th goal of the season in Phoenix scored goals number 31, 32 and 33 in Colorado. Gaborik said you feel better playing with a lead as Tortorella said you can see he was skating well in his first two shifts on the evening.

Rangers special teams have clicked on the Penalty Kill. Going six for six against Colorado they went seven for seven against the Coyotes the night before.

Great game for New York as they get back to that eight spot with the win and are a game over .500. Next up is the tuff Los Angles Kings ending their three game road trip then back home to face the mighty Washington Capitals.

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Rangers and Flames put trade talks on hold!

2010-02-01T20:30:00.000-08:00

As Rangers Forward Ales Kotalik stressed his unhappiness with his club, the Rangers told him to stay home on their road trip and Glen Sather would put him on the trading block.

Calgary who has been struggling of late 1-6-3 in their last 10, but are still in the playoff hunt owning the eight seed made a block buster deal yesterday (1/31/10). Making a seven player deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs sending them their hard hitting defenseman Dion Phaneuf along with Keith Aulie and forward Fredrik Sjostrom while Flames received Nikla Hagman, Matt Stajan, Jamal Mayer and defenseman Ian White.

Both teams seemed they weren't done just yet as the Leafs made another deal with the Ducks and a trade rumor between the Rangers and Flames surfaced.

New York was going to send Ales Kotalik and defenseman Matt Gilroy for Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust. But with the pickup of Ian White in the Toronto deal the Flames no longer had interest in Gilroy so the Rangers put Christopher Higgins in the package.

The deal could benefit both teams as all players involved in the deal have under achieved this season and a new atmosphere could turn things around for these players which all have the ability to be impact players.

But as of now all players are still with their teams as GM's scratch their heads it is unknown if this deal is still alive or still dead. One thing that is certain is Ales Kotalik of the New York Rangers wants to play else where.

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A New Hope and a Fall!

2010-01-25T21:05:00.000-08:00

Rangers would grab a 2-1 lead at the 9:15 mark of the third period only to see E. Malkin score on a power play goal thirty one seconds later. Another minute later penguins would strike again to regain the lead and eventually take the win adding an empty net goal.

Rangers rookie Artem Anisimov would score both New York goals last night and finally get the Rangers back on the board in more than two games. More important the goal tied the game at one 13:04 into the second.

Penguins would get on the board early in the first off of Chris Conner's wrist shot, his first of two on the evening. Conner was called up the same day from the minors and put home two big goals for the pens, his second of the night would prove to be the game winner. Crosby assisted on both Conner's goals and continues to kill the Rangers.

With Malkin scoring the tying goal on the power play to make it 2-2, Conner's game winner would be next exactly a minute later. Pascal Dupuis would add an empty net goal for the Penguins and that my friends would add up to another Rangers loss.

Rangers had their chances in the third period with power play opportunities but couldn't convert. A score less night from their star and that adds up to trouble for the Blue Shirts.

Rangers would out shoot the Penguins 30 to 28 on the night and did play well enough to win but not executing on special teams and scoring chances cost them the game. Although the Rangers played better last night then their pervious two games they have not gained a point in any of the their last three.

Three losses to Eastern Conference teams and the Rangers find themselves in the middle of the pack. Tied for sixth put hold the eight seed, teams six though thirteen are separated by only three points. Very very tight, they need to get out of this funk and hopefully it will begin as their next opponents arrive in New York, the last place Hurricanes.

Wednesday night at the Garden, a very big game that I would have to say the Rangers must get points out of. If not a fall for playoff contention will be near.

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Tortorella Burns as Carcillo licks his chops!

2010-01-24T19:26:00.000-08:00

After a scrum in front of the flyers goal Marion Gaborik and Dan Carcillo got into a pushing a shoving match that lead to the gloves being dropped.

Gaborik a goal scoring non fighter got the worst of the ordeal going against the goon Carcillo who is know for his role, fighting.

Carcillo would pummel Gaborik landing blow after blow as he noted he usually don't fight guys with visors on and his hands were bloodied up because of Gaborik's visor. Showing off his damaged fists because of Gaborik's visor in the video.

Gaborik had one pervious fighting major in his NHL career while Carcillo get's fighting majors on the regular and made NHL history by getting into the first fighting major in this years New Years Day Winter Classic. The only fight ever in the Winter Classic. Tortorella noted that Carcillo was very brave man in his post game comments.

The fight between the two caused the game to get ugly and saw Sean Avery get into a fights with the flyers Hartnell and finally Carcillo at the end of the game.

The featured Video here http://www.puckvideo.com is great! Shows the fight, Tortorella's comments about the fight and then Carcillo defending himself about the fight in an interview.

Tortorella even goes at it with reporter Brooksky and asks him if he's ever been in a fight before and said you must of gotten beat up a lot on the bus stop. Brooksky's said you represent New York good, great footage of this whole incident.

In a whole Carcillo is a real piece of work for going after the non-fighter Gaborik, expect the Rangers to go at Carcillo on the regular now ever time these two teams play.

Gaborik was bumped hard with words in the next game against Montreal and Voros quickly got into a fight with the man on his next shift.

Check out all the footage of this video clip here http://www.puckvideo.com

What goes up, Must Come Down!

2010-01-23T20:19:00.001-08:00

After blasting the Canadians and Lightning on home ice, the Rangers can't muster one goal on the brief road trip in two straight games.

What a turn of events, after leaving the Garden on the highest note of the season with 14 goals for in two games the Rangers couldn't get one by the goal crease again for two straight games.

Last night in Montreal the Canadians Mike Cammalleri had a huge four point night with two goals and two assists as the Canadians put up four goals in period two on their way to a 6-0 win.

Ex Ranger Scotty Gomez would get the party going when he put home a wrist shot at 9:05 of the first. Period one would end with the Canadians up 1-0 while being out shot by the Rangers 13-10.

The Canadians would out shoot the Rangers in the second 11-7 but more important they put home four of those shots on goal. After the third goal scored on the Rangers in the second Lundqvist would be relived by rookie goalie Matt Zabba. Zabba would make his debut in the NHL and after making his first save he would let his first NHL goal by the crease. Zabba would let two goals against on the night but both goals against would be while the Rangers where short handed.

Rangers had some good opportunities to score some goals but goalie Halak of Montreal made some huge saves. Stopping Dury on a one time blast and Vinny Prospal at point blank range. Enver Lisin also would ding a blaze off the pipe to keep the shut out at bay and keep the Rangers score less for two straight games.

The inconsistency of the Rangers this season could cost them a playoff spot as the season moves on and it looks like playoff pictures won't be decided till the last game of play. New York needs to be more consistent if they want insure a spot in the second season.

Next up is Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins, another tuff match up from one of the tuff est teams in the Eastern Conference, at least the Rangers will be on home ice where they put up 14 goals in the last two and should be ready for another out burst without scoring on their brief road trip.

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Can Anyone Figure out this team Yet?

2010-01-20T14:57:00.001-08:00

Rangers explode at the garden!

Last night (1/19) the New York Rangers put up eight goals! Count them 8! Scoring three goals in the first, two in the second and three more in the third. The Garden was rocking like it was a Metallica Concert!

Getting goals from eight different players the party was on! And strangely none of these eight goal scorers were named Marion Gaborik. Although Gaborik tied his career high in assists in a game with four, having something to do with half the Rangers goals on the night he was a big part in the win.

The night began with a Rangers power play and they would capitalize only 1:27 into play on a Brandon Dubinsky goal. Vinny Prospal would be the next goal scorer for the blue shirts tallying at 7:05 giving the Rangers a 2-0 lead. The Lightning would make it a 2-1 game at the 17:51 mark of the first only to see the Rangers strike again on Chris Dury's eight goal of the season. More important they took a two goal lead into the locker room.

The goals kept a coming in the second and third with Tampa Bay's goalie Antero Nittymaki being pulled after goal number five scored against. NY would give Tampa's rookie back up more of the same.

The last two games the Rangers put up 14 goals for, the three previous 1! Talk about a turn around and hence the title of this article.

Even through that three game stretch where they only scored a goal the last two games have been very impressive for the Rangers who are now 6-2-3 over their last eleven.

The next three outings should be a little more complicated with two of the three being on the road against teams who a close to the blue shirts in the standings.

Flyers are next this Thursday, the team that embarrassed us a month ago on home ice, then off to Montreal the team we put up six against at the beginning of this goal scoring onslaught. I have a feeling this game will be in the back of their heads and their fans on Saturday night. These two games are big as all these teams are only within a few points of each other with the Rangers on top of them.

Monday night we'll be back on home ice against the defending champs, talk about two tuff road games then coming home to greet the champs.

The Rangers hands should be full over the next three battles, but maybe not to a team who can put up fourteen goals in two games, Correct?

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"The First Hockey Game That Broke My Heart!"

2010-01-20T14:54:00.000-08:00

The Scene! Under my covers in my room, my Dad sitting next to my bed in a chair, lights out with my little radio on listening to the 1984 New York Rangers New York Islanders game five playoff game. I was eleven years old.

Already knowing the winner of this game would move on and the loser to the golf courses, my heart was in my stomach for most of this match.

With the Rangers trailing 2-1 deep into the third, tears starting to form in my eyes during the last minute of play. Suddenly a light of hope came when Don Maloney would tie the game at the 19:21 mark to even the score 2-2. Only thirty nine seconds left in the game.

I remember the goal being questioned as a high stick, but the goal would stick and regulation would soon end. The final game of this series would need over time to settle it.

As a sixth grader the fear of going to school the next day to see all those Islander fans was just too much. I would have some company though as half my friends in school were Islanders fans, the other half were with me, Rangers fans. Yes it was a school night but I would of stayed up all night listening to this great game at the height of the Rangers Islanders rivalry. As my pops who was sitting next to me on my bed side allowed the late night, he was also a Ranger.

As the Game went on in the extra session, it was just so nerve wrecking I knew that I would bleed blue for life. So much back and forth emotion in a game that stuck till this day.

Glen Hanlon the first huge save on a back hand shot from Bob Bourne. Mike Bossy had a huge chance on a 3 on 1, back the other way Don Maloney came so close to ending it but was robbed by Billy Smith.

Then it would happen, the next goal scored would be the first hockey game to break my heart. Kenny Morrow off a rebound to beat Glen Hanlon.

Well the tears started to flow and my Dad told me don't worry son we'll get them next year. And I would have to face those Islander fans then next day, even though I would have my fun later in the Islander playoff run with all those T-shirts staying Drive for Five. The Islanders who were winners of four straight Stanley Cups would finally come to an end at the hands of Wayne Gretzky and the Oilers.

My Dads words we'll get them next year, but little did I know my next year would come 10 years later and it was well worth the wait.

When I first saw this video again I was surprised of the quality of it on the net for the age of it, 26 years. Enjoy the footage above of this NHL classic game.

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Also to see this video of this heartbreaking game
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The Awakening!

2010-01-20T14:41:00.000-08:00

After being shut-out in their last two of three games and only scoring one goal for over those outings, the Rangers let out a release Sunday night totaling six.

Period one had the looks of another dreadful skate as the Canadians left the first twenty minutes of play up two zip on goals by Cammalleri and Brian Gionta.

It would only take :57-seconds into period two of play for the Rangers to get their legs moving and Mr. Heart and Soul Ryan Callahan would get the Blue shirts within one on a tip-in goal.

The Rangers special teams on the penalty kill would be responsible for their next tally as Callahan would feed Brandon Dubinsky on the shorthand to even the score.

Just 2:36 later the Rangers would have their first lead of the night as Duby's second tally would put his team up for good as he released a blast.

The Rangers would take a 3-2 lead into the third in an important Eastern Conference battle.

Knowing the importance of this big game the Rangers would pick up where they left off in the second and bring more of the same into the third.

Callahan would get his second of the night, Gaborik would end his five game score less drought and finally Chris Dury put up the Rangers sixth goal of the evening in much approval of the Garden Faithful.

They won Battles, worked hard in the corners, finished their checks, got into fights feeding off their emotions and won a hockey game.

Two more points in the tight Eastern Conference. The Rangers are currently in seventh place only a point out of fifth place.The Rangers continue the struggle Tuesday night against Tampa Bay Lightning in New York.

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Help Wanted Goal Scoring Needed!

2010-01-20T14:34:00.001-08:00

The Great start to the New Year has been struck with a drought in goal scoring.

After a beautiful goaltending battle between Henrik Lundqvist and Martin Brodeur in a 0-0 regulation and OT, the Rangers thought they would be able to ride the back of Henrik Lundqvist and get points out of every game like this.

The next game against Ottawa Senators would prove the same for the Rangers in the goal scoring department. But this time it was to a struggling team and a back up goalie. Not the first place Eastern Conference New Jersey Devils. Maybe it had something to do with Ottawa's goalies last name as it was also Broduer, but this was Mike and not Martin. The game in a whole was a let down compared to the way they played against the Devils.

Now we are at six straight periods without a goal for, ouch! Not a good recipe for winning hockey games.

Saturday nights game against the St. Louis Blues after a period of play would make for seven straight periods without a goal scored.

Finally in period two B. Boyle would finally break the drought after stealing a puck from behind the Blues net and put a back hand home to give the Rangers their first goal in 172 minutes of play. A sigh of relief!

Not only did the goal end the Rangers drought it would tie the game at one against the Blues who were the proud owners of three straight wins.

With Chad Johnson getting his second start between the pipes he would have a ruff third period of play. Blues would score only :45 into the third to break the 1-1 tie and then Chad would give up a bad goal not covering the post putting the Blues up 3-1. Blues would add an empty netter and take a 4-1 win while winning their forth straight.

Next up for the Rangers are the Canadians who are right behind them in the standings which makes this a big game, also Scotty Gomez returning to the garden should be a fun or miserable night.

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A NHL Playoff game in Mid-January!

2010-01-14T13:55:00.000-08:00

In an energy filled match up between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers Martin Broduer and Henrik Lundqvist said NO to every shot directed at them in regulation and overtime.

A Shoot Out was needed to settle the 0-0 score.

The two goalies would continue their dominance in the shoot out stopping the first three shooters in rounds one to three and Brouduer would stop the Rangers in round four as P. Elias would beat Lundqvist to end the game in the same round for the 1-0 win.

Both Goalies were credited with the shut out in this classic game.

The Garden would respond all night to the Rangers heart filled game especially when they killed off a 5 on 3 New Jersey power play. You could feel the emotion in the building.

Brouder would make his biggest stop of the night stopping B. Boyle on breakaway in period two.

Coach John Tortorella was proud of his bunch saying we played a hell of a game. Happy with hard earned point we need to start getting the second one soon.

96 total shots were registered in the game with Lundqvist stopping a career high 45 and Broduer turning aside 51.

Broduer added another shut out to his record breaking career now at 107 breaking his own record with every shut out he gets.

With the Devils win they move within two points of the leagues best Chicago Black Hawks while they sit a top the Easter Conference and the Atlantic Division.

The Rangers get a much deserved point in the Over Time loss and proved they can skate with one of the leagues elite teams.

The Ranges are now 8-1-4 over their last 13 games. They have gotten points out of their last seven games and are currently tied for fifth place in the Eastern Conference with 51 points.

The Rangers next match up is tonight against Ottawa in another big game as the two teams are only separated by three points. The Devils head over to Phoenix to play the Coyotes.

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Back and Forth Action in the Bay!

2010-01-09T19:08:00.001-08:00

Click to Play

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The Reaper Dish!

2010-01-09T17:50:00.001-08:00

Click to Play

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Moving up in the Eastern Conference!

2010-01-09T16:45:00.000-08:00

Rangers dominate in Boston!

After a night of rest Henrik Lundqvist responds with a stellar performance in goal stopping 29 of 30 Boston shots as the Rangers added two more points in the standings. Now holding down sole possession of 6th place in the Eastern Conference with 50 points, they are only a point behind the Bruins who now have lost two straight.

Michael Del Zotto would put the Rangers on the board first in the first period of play with a beautiful back hand driving to the net after making a move around S. Chara. Dubinsky and Girardi were the set up men on the play.

Period one was when Lundqvist would be tested and he was there for all eleven of the Bruins shots, sharp and in position the man was on his game. Especially when asked to stop a penalty shot when Marco Sturm was tripped up on a breakaway on a short handed attempt. Even though it looked like Marco took a dive on the replay, from the refs view he saw a take down. No worries Lundqvist was quick to make a pad save on the penalty shot and keep the Bruins off the board.

Period two Lundqvist could of took a nap as the Bruins were only able to get three shots at the Rangers goal in what could of been the teams most solid period of the season. Even though the Rangers would only score one goal in the second period of play they totally dominated. Putting up 21 shots they controlled the tempo and most of the period was in the Bruins zone.

Dubinsky would put the Rangers up two zip in a scramble in front of the Bruins goal gaining his second point of the night. Bruins goalie was exceptionally well in this period stopping the Rangers many times. Notably a big one time drive from Dury when Thomas slid across the crease to make a big save. Dury's game has been on as of late, and I hear he should be named Team USA's Alternate captain for the upcoming Olympics in Vancouver.

Christensen who has been riding his confidence of late would hurt the Bruins hope for any chance of a come back when he would wrist a shot past a diving Thomas for a 3-0 Rangers lead on a feed from Gaborik and Dubinsky only thirty seven seconds into the final session.

The assist on the play was Dubinsky's third point of the night and he matched his career high for points in a game.

The only thing left would be a shutout attempt for the King but the Bruins Wideman finally broke on though this Ranger wall taking a blast inside the blue line that would sail on though with only 3:44 remaining.

The Rangers are now 8-1-3 in their last twelve games getting at least one point in eleven of those matches.

Next up for the Blue Shirts is the first place New Jersey Devils which will be another big test on Tuesday Jan. 12th at MSG.

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Rangers Rookie Impresses!

2010-01-09T07:10:00.000-08:00

Rangers back up goalie C. Johnson got his first start between the pipes getting the nod from coach John Tortorella.

Chad was good enough for 31 saves and only one goal against while he seemed relaxed through out the match.

The 31 stops and one goal against were able to get the Rangers into over time that ultimately led to one point in the standings as they lost in the shoot-out.

After making some highlight reel stops in the first Chad was able to keep the game scoreless, making two huge saves on Atlanta's Bogosian and R. Peverley.

The Rangers would get on the board first early in the second period of play when E. Lisin deflected a M. Staal pass past J. Hedberg for a 1-0 New York lead. Johnson was also credited with an assist on the play when he left the puck behind the Rangers goal for Staal.

Johnson would come up big again while the Rangers were on a power play stopping some good short handed attempts. But the Thrashers would finally get one by the rookie when Slater would connect off dishes from Kubina and Boulton to evened the score at one in period three.

The rest of regulation and Over Time would be a knot at one so the shoot-out was necessary to provide a winner.

S. Kozlov would put the Thrashers up 1-0 in the second round of the shoot-out while M. Gaborik would tie the game in round three. It was Gaborik's first time he scored a shoot-out goal in almost two years. B. Little of Atlanta slipped the puck through Johnson in round five to go up 2-1 and J. Hedberg was able to stop M. Del Zotto that decided the out come.

Great game for Chad Johnson getting his first start for the Rangers, earning the team a point in the standings, an assist for himself, 31 saves on the night, only one goal against and getting Lundqvist some much needed rest.

Next up for NY is Boston, a 1:00 Saturday afternoon game. Boston just came off a loss to Chicago and a 3-2 defeat at MSG. These guys in Boston will be hungry for a win and looking to rebound. Rangers need to stay focused and know that all games are important now and points in the standings are much needed.

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The New York Killers!

2010-01-07T14:14:00.000-08:00

Are the Rangers finally turning things around on home ice?

Let Sean Avery be Sean Avery! After Avery had his best night point wise in the NHL with one goal and three assists he also played his role. The Agitator!

Maybe it had something to do with the team he was playing? The Dallas Stars the team who cut Sean and is still paying 3.875 Mil of his contract through the 2011-2012 season.

What ever it was Avery hasn't played his role since being scratched in last seasons playoffs when J. Torteralla wanted to show him who's the boss. In a deserved but questioned decision Avery has not played the real under your skin in your face type of game since then. Come playoff time and in big games I think you will start seeing this side of him more often.

Last night he let loose getting under the skin of Dallas goalie Marty Turco. Turco was quick to call him a delinquent after the game.

With Avery's big night his team followed. Lundqvist had another only two goals against night. The Penalty kill was awesome! Stopping all six of six chances and even killed off a 5-3 for :54 seconds.

Gabby added another goal to his great season, while Rangers also got scoring from Avery, Dury, Callahan and Kotlik. As Higgins, Kotlik and Christensen regained confidence last game against Boston, I promised confidence was everything in hockey in my last article and stated one of those guys would score in the next game. Kotlik's goal stood up to be the game winner.

Rangers are three for three in getting points in 2010 at home going 2-0-1. Tonight the Rangers face off with a hot team of late the Thrashers in Atlanta who have been 7-1-2 in their last ten. Rangers have a five point lead on Atlanta in the Standings and tonight could provide more of a cushion on them with a win.

With all that said, Will the Real Sean Avery please stand up again!

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Higgins Saves a New York Rangers Debacle!

2010-01-07T14:13:00.001-08:00

After leading 2-0 deep into the third period of play the Rangers managed to squander their two goal lead with less than five minutes to play. But Christopher Higgins who hasn't scored a goal on home ice all season long managed to drive to the net from the side and squeeze one through for a 3-2 Rangers lead with 1:29 left in the contest that proved to be the game winner.

Rangers goal scorers last night (1/4/10) Ales Kotlik, Erik Christensen and Christopher Higgins. Wait! Marain Gaborik didn't get a goal and the Rangers put up three goals at home? Is this a dream? Somebody pinch me! Or was this finally bound to happen?

Try and try again and you will succeed! Higgins who's last game against Carolina was horrible with all the missed chances and who's been working like a horse in practice finally comes on through. Ales Kotlik who hasn't scored a goal in 22 games put the Rangers on the board first in the first on a power play to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead. E. Christensen, could this be the guy that will supply the secondary scoring for the Rangers? Picked up off wavier's from the Ducks, Christensen has scored two big goals in the last three games for the blue shirts. Christensen's goal was a beauty that he one handed to his back hand and poked it through the legs of Rask in the second period.

At this point things were looking great for the Rangers as they took a two goal lead into period three. The Bruins would finally break on though the King with only 5:27 remaining on a broken play while they were short handed to make it a one goal game. It's ruff to break a shut out attempt with only 5:27 left and while being short handed. But this goal got the Bruins going and Blake Wheeler who assisted on the previous goal would tie the score only eighty six tics later. And then you can feel it, that this one might slip away. How could this happen? In a game played very well like the pervious game against the Canes was it possible we would only get a point out of this one as well if were lucky to get out of the 4:01 remaining.

Confidence means a lot in Hockey. Higgins went to the net with the puck and scored with 1:29 remaining that won the game. Three guys who's confidence has been shot in the month of December could finally be restored. Kotlik was benched, Higgins couldn't couldn't finish and Christensen was waived. But i'm sure all three of these guys will be waking up with a smile in the morning. Confidence, i'll bet one of these guys will do something next game.

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Can Team Usa Make an Impact at the Olympics?

2010-01-04T21:02:00.000-08:00

After the new staple in the NHL, the New Years Day Winter Classic Team USA announced it's line up for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

With 1980 Team USA Gold Members in attendance Team USA GM Brian Burke had his roster finalized and surprised many. Leaving out most of the veterans from USA Olympians past including Mike Modano, Billy Guerin, Keith Tkachuk, Scott Gomez, Brian Rolston and Dougie Weight.

Leaving questions he went with NY Rangers captain Chris Dury for leadership. Stating Dury is a big game player and he deserves the big stage. Although Druy's last two seasons have not been up to par he might of been able to choose a better choice from the group above.

Billy Guerin might of been a better choice having the best season of the USA vets. Scoring 12 goals and 16 assists in 41 games while defending his Stanley Cup from a season ago. Guerin could of completed this team in every way. Even though Dury is a great penalty killer and a great face-off man his leadership can go along way with this young USA team. The decision must of been tuff.

Team USA will look for scoring from top forwards Patrick Kane of the Chicago Black Hawks and New Jersey Devils Zach Parise. Kane is currently in sixth place in the NHL scoring race with seventeen goals and thirty one assists for forty eight points while Parise is fourteenth over all having seventeen goals and twenty five assists for a total of forty two points.

Team USA will have a tuff choice between the pipes with Sabers goalie Ryan Miller and Bruins net minder Tim Thomas. My choice would be Miller in my opinion the best NHL goalie this season. First place in Shut outs with 5, second place in save %.934, second in wins with 23 and second in Goals Against with a 2.02 average. As Team USA may lack to the other countries in some positions they are stacked between the pipes and in a short series goal tending could get you deep into the tournament.

The USA went with a very young defense average age 23 and the veteran Brian Rafalski. The mix has size, speed and play makers.

US will be a heavy underdog going into the Olympics while the Russians boast Ovechkin and Malkin with the Canadines having Crosby and Thornton. But I like this team and I think they can surprise and turn some heads as a Medal in Vancouver will be far from a Miracle.

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A Call for Confidence!

2010-01-04T21:00:00.000-08:00

Higgins Saves a New York Debacle!

After leading 2-0 deep into the third period of play the Rangers managed to squander their two goal lead with less than five minutes to play. But Christopher Higgins who hasn't scored a goal on home ice all season long managed to drive to the net from the side and squeeze one through for a 3-2 Rangers lead with 1:29 left in the contest that proved to be the game winner.

Rangers goal scorers last night (1/4/10) Ales Kotlik, Erik Christensen and Christopher Higgins. Wait! Marain Gaborik didn't get a goal and the Rangers put up three goals at home? Is this a dream? Somebody pinch me! Or was this finally bound to happen?

Try and try again and you will succeed! Higgins who's last game against Carolina was horrible with all the missed chances and who's been working like a horse in practice finally comes on through. Ales Kotlik who hasn't scored a goal in 22 games put the Rangers on the board first in the first on a power play to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead. E. Christensen, could this be the guy that will supply the secondary scoring for the Rangers? Picked up off wavier's from the Ducks, Christensen has scored two big goals in the last three games for the blue shirts. Christensen's goal was a beauty that he one handed to his back hand and poked it through the legs of Rask in the second period.

At this point things were looking great for the Rangers as they took a two goal lead into period three. The Bruins would finally break on though the King with only 5:27 remaining on a broken play while they were short handed to make it a one goal game. It's ruff to break a shut out attempt with only 5:27 left and while being short handed. But this goal got the Bruins going and Blake Wheeler who assisted on the previous goal would tie the score only eighty six tics later. And then you can feel it, that this one might slip away. How could this happen? In a game played very well like the pervious game against the Canes was it possible we would only get a point out of this one as well if were lucky to get out of the 4:01 remaining.

Confidence means a lot in Hockey. Higgins went to the net with the puck and scored with 1:29 remaining that won the game. Three guys who's confidence has been shot in the month of December could finally be restored. Kotlik was benched, Higgins couldn't finish and Christensen was waived. But i'm sure all three of these guys will be waking up with a smile in the morning. Confidence, i'll bet one of these guys will do something next game.

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A Bean Town Classic

2010-01-02T15:22:00.000-08:00

Bruins win a Dramatic Game at Fenway!

A New Year and What a way to celebrate it with a hockey game out doors.

In the best weather yet so far in the 3rd annual Winter Classic it was a clear cool 32 degrees. For all those who played hockey out doors, on ponds and street hockey you know it was a perfect atmosphere for the game.

Two Legendary Bobby's from Boston and Philadelphia's past dropped the puck in the ceremonial face-off. Orr and Clarke would also lead the two teams out on the ice.

Moments later the two teams would face off for real in the much anticipated game and Bruins S. Thorton and Flyers D. Carcillo would christen the Classic with the first fight ever during the classic event. Carcillo would get the edge in the fight as he would lift his hands in the penalty box to let the crowd know and he was serenaded with boos from his act.

After a scoreless opening period the Flyers would get on the board first when Bruins goalie T. Thomas took his eyes off the puck to clear away S. Hartnell from the front of the net and D. Syvret took a shot from the point that would sail in. It was Syvret first NHL goal of his career.

The Flyers and their goalie M. Leighton would take that 1-0 lead deep into period three until M. Recchi would redirect a D. Morris pass to the back of the net with only 2:08 remaining in the game. The goal would be Leighton's first goal against in 134:07 of play. The packed Fenway ball park waited a long time for their team to put one past the goal crease and the crowd of 38,000 plus responded with an eruption.

Period three would end tied at one and the Classic needed and extra session to decide this Winter Game.

Marco Strum would feed off the Bruins momentum going into the over time as he deflected a pass from P. Bergeron that would hit mesh and ended the game at the 1:57 mark in the extra session of play.

What a great day for the sport of Hockey in the first Winter Classic that left it's fans leaving with a smile as the Bruins were the first home team to win the game.

Last year Detroit won in Chicago and the inaugural Winter Classic game was won by Pittsburgh Penguins in Buffalo.

New Years Day now belongs to Hockey and makes me wonder which city will be blessed to host this wonderful event in 2011.

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Redemption in Carolina!

2010-01-01T16:37:00.001-08:00

After a disgusting display of hockey on home ice the night before the Rangers played with more urgency in Raleigh. The two points earned them a lone spot in eight place in the wild mix of teams fighting to get into the second season.

The Rangers would trail in this one early on a J. Pitkanen power play goal at the 11:08 mark of the first. The Rangers would get even on a power play goal themselves off of E. Christensen blade assisted from Gaborik and Kotlik.

The Rangers picked up Christensen off of wavier's on DEC. 2nd from Anaheim and he played one of his best games for the Rangers last night in Raleigh.

Period one would end 1-1 even though the Rangers were out shooting the Hurricanes 14-5 and getting better quality chances.

The Rangers would pour more pepper at stingy Canes goalie C. Ward in period two as he said no stopping all 15 shots in his direction. The shots on goal difference in period two was 15-7 and 29-12 overall.

But in period three B. Dubinsky would break on through the C. Ward wall redirecting a M. Gaborik and E. Christensen feed through the legs of C. Ward for a 2-1 Rangers edge with 8:11 remaining.

Rangers would protect that 2-1 lead the rest of the way in a game where the post was their best friend as the Canes hit pipe three times.

The Rangers came out strong in this game following their worst loss of the season in a game they needed in the worst way. Two points earned on the eve of a New Year and a playoff hopes for 2010 as they now own the lone eight seed spot in the standings. With many teams on their tail this was a big win and they will have to continue this into the New Year if they want to be playoff bound.

Next up for the Rangers are the Canes again followed by the Bruins and Stars all on home ice. With a four game consecutive road streak the Rangers need to be able to spark some home cooking and start a streak like this at home.

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One Step Forward Two Steps Back!

2010-01-01T15:55:00.001-08:00

Sleeping at the Garden!

Something is Rotten at the Garden. It's a privilege to put this jersey on and play in this city but I don't know if we know that as a team right now. S. Avery's words to the NY Post following the embarrassing loss to Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden.

Ex Ranger B. Betts would set off the Barrage of goals only :54 seconds into the match before Ranger fans were even comfortable in their seats yet. The first :54 seconds was the beginning to an end of a long ugly night for the New York Rangers and their fans.

Period one would end in a 3-0 hole and a goaltending change at the start of period two. Chad Johnson would make his debut between the pipes for the Blue Shirts only to see his first NHL goal go by him only twenty three ticks in off S. Gange stick. Gange scored his second of the night on the Power Play and it was good for a 5-0 Flyers pounding. Gange would finish off his hat-trick in the final session and 6-0 shut out victory on garden ice was complete.

A disgusting effortless effort from New York in the Ups and Downs month of December. We saw a step forward during the Rangers four game win streak only to see the two steps back in the losses to the Islanders and embarrassment against Philadelphia.

The Rangers have one more game this month on the eve of the New Year and it's against the last place Carolina Hurricanes. The Rangers were victorious last game they played in Raleigh and need to have a game opposite of this one to succeed.

Don't let the Canes record fool you this team is getting healthy and have been playing well of late. And their goalie Cam Ward is always tuff to beat. Will the Champaign taste sweeter on New Years Eve for the Garden faithful with a hope in the New Year? Or will the Rangers continue where they left off in the Flyers game? If they do they will be out of the playoff hunt quicker than the New Year will begin. But if they can get a win in Raleigh they will have sole position of eight place in the Eastern Conference.

For New York Rangers Video Recaps http://www.puckvideo.com/rangers-2009-10-dec-jan.htm

Late Heroics get foiled in OT!

2009-12-26T20:29:00.000-08:00

After trailing 2-0 going into the third period the Rangers were able to rally around two B. Dubinsky goals to even the score. The second goal came with H. Lundqvist pulled from the net and only forty seven seconds left to play.

The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden didn't seem like a regular season game when the puck dropped but more like an old school rivalry renewed. And that's the way the both teams played as S. Avery and B. Gervais mixed it up only 2:28 into the first.

The Islanders were able to get on the board first on a fanned shot attempt by D. Girardi that the Islanders recovered and tried to thread a pass in between two Rangers that went deep into the corner but came out to K. Okposo as he slide one across to F. Nielsen and an empty net on a bang bang play for a 1-0 lead.

Period two would see the Rangers get their chances while throwing 15 shots at D. Roloson but not connecting on one. A good looking power play from the Rangers ended up being a Short Handed conversion by the Islanders when K. Okposo would battle to a puck in the Rangers end and tip a pass to B. Comeau as he was able to squeeze one through Lundqvist's pads for a 2-0 Islander lead.

This deflated the Rockin Garden crowd at this point and it seemed to change the face of the game where the Rangers were out shooting the Islanders 20-14 by period two's end.

The Rangers new this was an important game with three teams all in the mix for that eight spot and the Islanders right on their tail. The Rangers would go on a power play due to a boarding penalty on B.Comeau and would generate some chances that Roloson would turn aside but just as the penalty expired C. Druy would take a low blast that Roloson would make the save but it redirected in front to B. Dubinsky as he pushed the puck to his back hand and sent it home for a one goal game with 13:53 remaining.

This goal got the Garden crowd alive again and Rangers responded by pumping shots at the Islanders goal keep. With time running down the Rangers would get a late power play and although they would come close by hitting a post by the time the penalty expired the Rangers would be up a man again but this time with an empty net and Lundqvist on the bench. Again Dubinsky planting himself in front of the Islanders goal was able to redirect a R. Callahan shot that would hit the back of the mesh that would erupt a Garden crowd on the edge of their seats.

Enter the over time session and the Rangers four game win streak would come to an end when K. Okposo would gain the Rangers zone dish it off to F. Nielsen only to get it back and rip a wrister that was able to beat Lundqvist for an Islanders winner. It was Okposo first goal in 19 games but he played a very good one last night also getting two assists on the Islanders first two goals.

Rangers played a well fought game that earned them a much needed point out of this game while out shooting the Islanders 38-22. Their win streak started against the Islanders and ended with them. The Rangers are 4-0-1 in their last five and can take out a lot of positives from last night's game including coming from behind a two goal deficit in the third and winning a lot of physical one on one battles in the corners, but most of all getting the point out of it.

Next up for the Rangers are the Flyers at the Garden on Wednesday night.

For all Rangers Video Recaps www.puckvideo.com/rangers-2009-10-dec-jan.htm

A Garden of Victory!

2009-12-24T12:12:00.000-08:00

Rangers win forth straight while winning first this month at home.

The Rangers are playing exciting hockey again and after winning their forth straight they were able to get their first win on home ice this month.

I don't know if the Rangers were feeling differently about themselves after the home ice 2-0 shut out loss to the Islanders five games ago, but since then they've been finding a way to win hockey games. Weather it's Lundqvist coming up big between the pipes as he did on the Island following the 2-0 loss game and the following game in Philly as he was a monster in the third or could it be this secondary scoring we've been getting just in time for the holiday season.

Over the past four games the Rangers have put up 15 goals while only giving up 5. Yes, Henrik has been great allowing only one in three of those games but Dury has put up points as so did Prospal and Callahan. With these guys contributing to the offense this Ranger team could make some noise in the Atlantic.

In last night's game the Rangers fell into a 1-0 hole at the 4:09 mark but this lead would only last 2 minutes and 13 seconds as Dury would convert to tie the game at 6:22.

Rangers would move forward from their and connect on their next goal on the power play. V. Prospal first of the night at 4:55 of the second for a 2-1 edge.

The blue shirts would take a 2-1 lead into the third and wasted no time to take a two goal advantage as V. Prospal would do it again only :23 into the final session. Prospals emotions showed scoring as it was the first time he did so in 14 games.

Mr. automatic Mr. leading goals scored in the NHL would stamp this game off with a victory when the Panthers went on the power play and Dury would pressure the puck and was pulled down that lead to the ref raising his arm for an upcoming power play for the Rangers but no need as Gaborik received the push up pass and was able to slide it through Vokoun's legs for a 4-1 lead and wave off the penalty to the Panthers while scoring his first short handed goal of the season.

The eight place NY Rangers put in a complete game at the Garden last night and even in a couple of the team's break downs the King was there to defend for them. An all out team effort supported this win and In a month of ups and downs it's good to see the ups at the end of the month and the downs behind us. The two day NHL Christmas break is a upon us and the Rangers gave their faithful an early gift from their play of late.

Next up is the NY Islanders on Saturday night 12/26 at the Garden, the team that might of awoken a team that was looking to be headed no where fast.

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A Hat Trick for the Blue Shirts!

2009-12-21T21:18:00.000-08:00

After being shut out on home ice against Islanders and it seemed like the Rangers hit rock bottom this team manages to pull out three straight wins and are only two points out of a playoff spot.

A 5-2 win against the Islanders following the home ice shut out loss, a 2-1 win over the Flyers where Lundqvist stood on his head in the third stopping 36 of 37 total shots in the game and last night in Raleigh taking a 3-1 winner over the Canes.

After the Rangers trailed 1-0 early in the second they wasted no time, well twenty eight seconds to be exact to even the score at one when the Leagues leading goals scorer found the puck on his stick in front of an empty net as he slammed it home.

That would be all the scoring in the second as we would see a 1-1 dead lock going into third. Even though the game was tied and Rangers were being out shot 20-16 after two, the Rangers seemed to be the team getting more quality chances. I guess it's quality not quantity and this had the Rangers feeling confident going into the final session.

The top line would get it done again on a beautiful passing play off a turn over that lead to Gaborik hitting Dubinsky that had Cam Ward moving left to right and Gabby would hit Dubby back left as he buried it for a 2-1 edge only 1:21 into the period.

The Rangers put out a solid team effort in the third starting with the back bone Lundqvist in goal and reinstated defensemen Wade Redden and Matt Gilroy who both played well on defense. Redden played aggressive with nothing fancy closing gaps and keeping the puck out while getting two shots on goal. The first line got the job done scoring the two big goals while Marc Staal would seal the deal with an empty netter and a 3-1 Rangers win.

This is the first time the Rangers won three straight since they won the seven straight at the beginning of the season. Yes the three teams they just beat all have their problems of their own but Rangers got the job done. They got their way out of from the bottom pack and now are only two points out of a playoff spot. Their next meeting will be with a team that is right above them in the standings holding down the eight spot, the Florida Panthers. At the moment the Panthers have 39 points and the Rangers 37. This will be a Big one at MSG on Wednesday night as the blue shirts will push for four and try to give their faith full a early Christmas gift.

http://www.puckvideo.com/rangers-2009-10.htm

Two Teams Fight to get to .500!

2009-12-19T21:41:00.000-08:00

Entering yesterday's match up between the NY Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers both teams stood a game under the .500 mark. The winner of this one could say let's start fresh and make up some ground and maybe get back into the playoff mix.

After a huge shake up this month on Broadway with players being sent to the minors and others being benched a message is being sent from J. Tortorella that no one is safe and it don't matter what number is on the back of your jersey. If you don't play up to par you will be benched, demoted or sent to Hartford.

As Captain Chris Dury learned after being dropped down to the fourth line, he awoke in the heat of his demotion. Scoring a goal on the Island the other night in the Rangers 5-2 win, Chris was able to get the Rangers on the board first in Philly on a turn over in the Flyers zone that he turned around and fired for a 1-0 Rangers lead.

A little scrum behind the Flyers goal due to a late hit on Chris Pronger lead to the Flyers first power play of the game and Pronger would make them pay. Scoring on a sharp wrister from the point through traffic the game was quickly tied at one.

The Rangers heart and soul R. Callahan would work hard along the boards to create the Rangers next scoring chance that lead to a goal and a 2-1 Rangers lead. A. Anisimov would come from behind the net and throw a back hand shot towards the net that would deflect off a Flyers defenseman to give the Blue Shirts the lead.

Period three would belong to the Flyers or Henrik Lundqvist depending on how you want to look at it as the Rangers were out shot 16-5 in the final session. Throwing everything at the King in the third he said no to all 16 shots and the Rangers were able to sneak out of Philly with a win. Henrik was definitely the man today in Philadelphia as he was nodded with the number one star of the game stopping 36 of the 37 shots in his direction.

The Rangers have now put together a win streak of two games for the first time since before thanks giving. Rangers next opponent is the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday and if they could get two points there they'll be in striking distance of the other playoff teams.

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Same ole Rangers!

2009-11-30T20:28:00.000-08:00

The Rangers were back home last night but the Garden faithful couldn't help a team in a need of offense. Oh wait the Rangers did manage to score two goals last night but yet again it was by there only offense Marian Gaborik scoring both of the Rangers goals.

Don't let the first paragraph of the article fool you the Rangers were very much in this game up to the last 10 minutes of play in a 2-2 battle. Strong on the puck winning battles but the defending champs know how to win big hockey games. But when Mike Rupp buried his second of the night with 8:46 left with a wrist shot that went over the glove of Lundquist it was good night Garden.

With under five minutes to play Sidney Crosby would deflect a Mark Eaton Slap Shot from the point and it would get by Lundquist for a two goal lead. Mike Rupp would finish off his hat-trick with an empty netter and the Penguins would win both games against the Rangers in the home and home series.

Sidney Crosby totals over the last two games equaled to 8 points with 5 goals and 3 assists. Sid the Kid did his thing to keep this elite team moving and stay atop the Atlantic division.

Last night's game was a good one to watch with Gaborik and Crosby scoring with the two also involved in a shoving match in front of the Penguins goal.

Rangers had deflating moments in this game after Gaborik made it a 1-0 game and the Rangers fans cheering it only took eleven seconds for the game to be tied when Crosby put in a beautiful backhand top shelf goal to even the score.

As bad as the Rangers have been playing lately they are finally a .500 team. 13-13-1. They are currently on a three game losing streak and have been out scored 18-6 in those games. It's been a really pain full last three games to watch as they didn't get a point out of any of them.

The Rangers next game is not until this Saturday night against the tuff Sabers in Buffalo. Then onto Detroit and Chicago. As you can see the schedule isn't getting easier on from here and if anyone don't start scoring besides Gaborik this season will slip away fast.

Rangers have the next four full days off. I would hate to be one of those players at those practices as Tortorella will try to regroup this bunch.

Rangers season recap http://www.puckvideo.com/rangers-2009-10.htm

Hat's Fly For Crosby!

2009-11-28T20:21:00.000-08:00

Well my first thought of a headline after last nights game in Pittsburgh (11/27) was going to be Talbot, Malkin and Crosby Oh My! Talbot, Malkin and Crosby oh my! This was after the Penguins exploded for three straight goals in the first after trailing one zip. Connecting for the three were Talbot, Malkin and Crosby in the span of 3:52.

After feeling much like I felt when they played the Blue Jackets at the Garden a week ago when they were facing a two goal deficit the Rangers came out to play in the second and showed hope as M. Gilroy took a wrist shot from the top circle that sailed home after Marc-Andre Fleury was bumped by his own player and it made for a one goal game. The Rangers were buzzing up to this point as they controlled much of the second period.

As it looked like we had a one goal game going into the third period Pittsburgh had one more rush with :10 left took one shot, it went wide got the puck again and caught a lazy team on their heels that didn't expect the Penguins to get off another shot and one sailed right by Valiquette with under a second to go to make for a 4-2 Penguins lead. The goal had to be reviewed to see if it beat the clock and it clearly did with 0.6 left, ouch.

The Rangers would strike back only :37 into the third to make for a one goal game again when Michael Rozsival slapped one in that came off a beautiful pass from Avery after some tuff work along the boards.

Up to this point I would say it was a good hockey game with that tuff break the Rangers had at the end of the second period, but then the circus came to town. Miss-communication behind the Rangers goal and Valiquette sliding back in front of his goal only to see Crosby put in his second of the night for a two goal Penguin lead. Soon after Pascal Dupuis took a slap shot from the side of the circle that snuck it's way by Valiquette as he made a week swipe at the shot with his glove that I bet he wish he had back.

It was hat night in Pittsburgh and with the Penguins on a Power Play and two already sunk for Sid the Kid he would snipe his third for the trick and you saw the Hat's Fly. 17,000 blue and white hat's made it to ice surface as the pounding was on in a 7-3 game at this point.

The Pens would add another as the gloves would start to drop in the game. Callahan, Avery and Brashear would be the ones the drop the gloves and the reason for the glove dropping was a blind side hit to the head M. Cooke took at Enver Lisin that shook him up well.

The leagues going to have to do something about these hit's to the head but I bet the Rangers hope it's after they play the Penguins on Monday night at the Garden. When Brashear tried to get at Cooke the refs made sure they didn't make it happen. This may not be the case when the Rangers play them again.

All in all the Penguins defense did a good job on the Rangers Gaborik holding him to only a secondary assist while the Rangers couldn't contain the Pens Crosby as he had a five point night with a trick and two assists and Malkin with a goal and an assist. None of the Rangers forwards scored a goal last night as only their Dee-men supplied the offense. Staal, Gilroy and Rozsival. Higgins keeps getting his scoring chances but can't seem to finish, hopefully things will turn around for him soon or his stay in New York will be short. The Rangers are now 6-11-1 in their Last 18. They will try to shake off their two back to back road blunders being out scored 13-4and focus on the rematch with Pittsburgh this Monday night.

For Video Recaps of all Rangers games this season:

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Tortorella Returns to where he was once Glorious!

2009-11-27T20:42:00.000-08:00

Last night John Tortorella returned to where he was once a champion in Tampa Bay with his old team the Lightning. As he said in his pre game interview he had a lot of good memories in Tampa Bay but he was there last night to win a hockey game. He also mentioned he hopes to achieve in New York what he did in Tampa Bay, win a Stanley Cup.

But in his first game coaching against his old team it wouldn't be one to remember. Except for the salute his fans gave him during a TV time out when he was honored for his accomplishments during his seven year stay in the city, including the 2004 trophy as he received a standing ovation.

Well that would be John's only highlight of the night as Tampa Bay was the much better team on the ice. Scoring two goals in the first the second goal Tampa Bay would tally would be with only :35 left to end the period 2-0 Lightning.

The Second period would see the Lightning add two more goals from S. Downie (PPG) and P. Szczechura to build a 4-0 lead on the Rangers. That would be all for Lundquist as Trots made the goalie change and brought in reliever Steve Valiquette. Lundquist allowed four goals on 22 Shots before the pull, but with two tuff games coming up against Pittsburgh the King will have to put this one behind he and move forward.

The Third period would be a draw as the two teams split goals one a piece not before seeing Tampa up 5-0 the Rangers were able to break through Mike Smith's wall after he stopped the first 25 shots. The goal came off of Ryan Callahan's stick with only 2:07 left in the contest to break Smith's bid for the Shut Out.

This is a game the Rangers will want to forget as they get ready for the next two tuff battles in the home and home series against the defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins, Crosby and Malkin oh my. Those two games will be followed by the Sabers.

Tuff stretch coming up for the Rangers and as Gaborik didn't get on the scoreboard the Rangers only supplied a goal. That's two straight game with only scoring a goal in regulation, that's not a positive sign. The next three will be a big test and will be important with the whole Eastern Division battling for position in this tight race.

http://www.puckvideo.com/rangers-2009-10.htm

"Injuries pile up for the Rangers"

2009-11-27T09:40:00.001-08:00

Wade Redden is the latest Ranger to sustain an injury. After being crushed by Florida Panthers Victor Oreskovich in the first period in Wednesday nights game just 4:50 in he'll be out for 5-7 days. Redden's injury was to the right arm shoulder area.

So far this season Rangers had injury's to Marian Gaborik sore hip (2 games), Chris Dury with a concussion (5 games), Ales Kotalik shoulder soreness (1 game), Brandon Dubinsky (Broken wrist) should return in mid December, and after Lundquist was being run every game in the first month he felt the pains but didn't miss any contests as he was dressed when Steve Valiquette got the nod. In total the Rangers have lost 29 manpower games due to illness or injury this season.

Rangers call on Bobby Sanguinetti from Hartford to take place of the injured Redden. Sanguinetti will make his debut tonight in Tampa and the Rangers defense will be full of rookie D men in the line up along with Gilroy and Del Zotto who already have proved they can hang. Sanguinetti lead all AHL defensemen with 22 points six goals and 16 assists before the call.

Torts will have a tuff decision to make tonight weather he will directly put Sanguinetti in the line up with Redden's line mate which is Gilroy that would make for an all rookie pairing or will he shake up the lines. Rangers D men have been nothing put horses this season logging up minutes. When Gilroy went out of last game for fighting and getting the instigator major the Rangers were forced to go with only four defensemen the final 14:20 of play.

Rangers two game win streak will be tested tonight but will be a big game at hand. The Rangers stand at seventh in the Eastern Conference over all with a 13-10-1 record (27 points). Tampa Bay stand at 10th in the Conference with a 9-6-7 (25 points). Even though the point margin is only two with a win in Tampa the Rangers can give themselves a small cushion for the teams looking to get into that top eight for playoff contention. Every game is important with Over time points.

All past NY Rangers game highlights http://www.puckvideo.com/rangers-2009-10.htm

"Rangers Live by Gaborik again!"

2009-11-25T22:40:00.000-08:00

"Rangers Live by Gaborik again!"

Live by the Sword die by the Sword and the Rangers continue to live by a man that goes by the name of Marian.

After the Rangers last game out burst of seven goals they were only limited to one against the Florida Panthers in regulation. Goal scoring supplied by the one and only number 10 Marian Gaborik.

Even though Gaborik was the one to get the lone goal in regulation the Rangers played a well rounded game that earned them a shoot-out victory.

Chris Dury was way back in the lineup last night after being out with a concussion sustained in the Calgary game back on Nov. 7th and played a strong game getting 22 minutes of ice time. Dury got the primary assist on Gaborik's goal in the second period that lead to a 1-0 Rangers lead that carried them into the third.

Although the Rangers had Dury back in the line up they lost Wade Redden in the first period when he was pounded into the boards by Victor Oreskovich only 4:24 into play. Redden went straight to the locker room after the hit and did not return.

The Rangers out shot the Panthers 17 to 12 after two but the Panthers would turn it up in the third as they pushed for the equalizer putting up another 12 shots in the final session. The Panthers would get one though on a costly turn over in the Rangers zone that D. Moore would recover and get it by Ludquist to break the shut out and more important even the score. Even though Ludquist gave up the lone goal he was on his game last night stopping 25 of the 26 shots in regulation and overtime.

As period three would end in a dead lock of one we moved to the extra session.

Rangers would see a power play in the over time but couldn't get nothing by the also hot T. Vokoun who stopped 27 of the 28 in his direction. With both goalies being a wall in this one the OT session still wasn't enough to settle this score and a shoot-out was needed.

Enter rookie P.A. PARENTEAU. After the Panthers shooters missed their first two chances at getting a goal Gaborik missed as well for New York. It was the rookie's turn, and as P.A. did it in the Shoot-Out in Ottawa , he succeed again waiting waiting and putting one over the Waffel of Vokoun to put the Rangers up 1-0 in shoot out attempts. Lundquist would stay perfect stopping the Panthers final attempt and get the Rangers the two points and their second straight win. Coach John Tortarella gave the kid another chance at the shoot-out making him go in round two and it worked and he left the beach with a big smile on his face after the win.

Game positives: Rangers played a great game with puck control and physical play. Christopher Higgins was a beast in this game creating offense opportunities hitting a post and getting robbed while also contributing to the penalty kill. Secondary Scoring... It will happen soon I believe in this game of inches as the Rangers came close many times in this one.

Three stars of the night PA. Parenteau for his Shoot out winner get's the number one with Lundquist the number two and Vokoun the number three. Both goalies got the star nods as it was well deserved.

Next stop for the Rangers is in Tampa Bay Friday with Thanks Giving off then they move onto Pittsburgh.

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What happened at Madison Square Garden last night?

2009-11-23T23:32:00.000-08:00

What happened at Madison Square Garden last night?

After the Rangers fell into a 2-0 hole early in the game it looked like it would be another disappointing night for the team who donned a 4-9 record over the last thirteen. As talked about in my last article ("Rest don't help the Rangers") why don't we ever get the breaks? Did we get breaks in this one? Or were they hard earned goals? I would have to say heard earned goals, wow. We actually worked hard for the puck and put pucks toward the opponents goal. This is something to build one here. But wait let's get back to the game.

After being down two zip only 9:31 into the first John Tortorella quickly called a time out to regroup his team. It was a great time out because what ever he said on the bench to his men the game changed from that moment on. And who do you think would get us on the board first? Hmm let me see, well it was his seventeenth of the year off a V. Prospal feed from behind the goal as M. Gaborik would do it again and cut a disappointing 2-0 deficit start of a game in half at the 11:29 mark. Just 2:08 later as the Rangers were pouring on the pressure as it looked like they had another one with a puck laying on the goal line it wasn't fully in Blue Jackets cleared it off the crease and the Rangers went back to work . A blast from the point came in and A. Anisimov would redirect it in for a tip in goal and all of a sudden were tied at two.

With Brian Leetch in the building the next Ranger goal looked like it was Brian on the ice. But it was Ranger rookie defensenmen Michael Del Zotto. Scoring on a Leetch type rush Del Zotto ripped one home for a 3-2 Ranger lead that made even Brian smile as the camera focused on him after the goal. 3-2 Ranger lead after one.

Heading into the second the Rangers weren't done yet as they went on a power play and Avery would make them pay. Scoring on a wrap around goal that needed to go Toronto before it was official and make for a 4-2 game. Avery would tally again and make it 5-2 another fifty one seconds later on a beautiful feed from Gaborik. On that Rangers goal Gaborik would give the feed but on the next one only twenty one ticks later Marian would get the mesh making the score 6 to 2. I then pinched myself to make sure this wasn't a dream. Well I made sure I wasn't and soon saw the Rangers other first year impressive defenseman on a break away as he wristed a blazer into mesh and the Rangers were up 7-2 just like that.

Seven unanswered goals. The Rangers put up three goals in the first they haven't put up three goals in a game since they played Atlanta Nov. 12th in a losing effort. The last time they put up three in a win was the 4-2 game in Edmonton.

The Blue Jackets would score a late goal at the end of the second and add another in the third for a 7-4 final at the Garden.

Positives to take out of this game? Yes a few. Once again Gaborik did his thing but more important Rangers finally got some secondary scoring. They got scoring from their two young defensemen Del Zotto and Gilroy and that's great if the defense can contribute to a team that is struggling to score besides Marian. It's their forwards that need to score, and Avery got two tonight as Artem Anisimov put home the other. Next game we need Higgins, Callahan or Kotalik to get in the scoring column and Dury and Dubinsky when their back in the line up.

New York Rangers take the much needed win and well deserved two points out of this one and can put a smile on their faces for a change.

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"Rangers long rest don't help!"

2009-11-21T19:30:00.000-08:00

Three Days off for the Rangers and they came out like they played thee games right before this one in the same day. Florida went right to work as they played three in four nights winning a big game in OT the night before in the Detroit. It was Florida's first win in Detroit since 1996.

Lundquist had to make two huge saves early only 1:30 into play to keep the game score less. The Rangers would settle in but the King would soon have to come up big yet again and get a little help from a post. Vinny Prospal would wait at the Panther blue line for an off sides clear walk in and rip a sharp wrister towards Vokoun which he got a piece of but it would trickle through for a 1-0 Rangers lead. That goal added up to be 22 points in 22 games for Prospal. Him and Gaborik are the only two Rangers who've been consistent. Rangers would take a 1-0 lead into the locker room but the Panthers were the ones who looked like the better team. They controlled most of the play with puck possession and out shot the Rangers 12-7.

Enter period two and the Panthers kept up the pressure and at one point out shot the Rangers 14-7 and soon after their efforts would pay off. Steven Reinprecht would put home a back hand beauty in front of the Rangers goal and even the score at one. Then things would just get worse as Jordan Leopold would flip a harm less keep in play from the point as another forward took a swipe at it but missed it made it's way to the back of the net for a 2-1 Panthers lead and period two would come to a close with the Panthers up by a goal.

Period three just 2:35 in the Rangers would turn the puck over in the Florida zone that lead to a 2 on 1 the other way and a Nathan Horton shot made it's way passed Lundquist for a 3-1 lead.

I got to say for me at this point the frustration was setting in and I'm wondering why we can't ever catch a break as of late like the Panther fluke goal in the period before. Any way never say die and faith full the Rangers kept at it and new reliable Gaborik would make it a one goal game again. Sean Avery who played solid in back to back games came close to tie the game but no cigar and soon after the Rangers would find themselves on the losing side again and now are only a 6-5 team at home. Panthers get the two points for the winner and are now 5-0-1 in their last six and position themselves to be right in the mix of the playoff hunt.

Rangers have now lost 4 of their last 5 and are 4-9-1 in their last 13. This Rangers team needs to find a way how to get points out of these games or they will not be competing for a playoff spot. Excuses? Maybe some, did we run into a hot team? Yes. But did we lose back to back games on our own ice? Yes again. Tortorella put it best in his post game interview as he said "This Sucks!" but we got to keep on fighting through this and hopefully we'll work our way out of it. Come to work every day and stay positive.

Hopefully things will turn around soon for the Rangers. Their next game is Monday night at the Garden against R. Nash and the Columbus Blue Jackets.

For Video Blogs and Articles go to www.puckvideo.com

An East vs West Battle!

2009-11-21T11:25:00.000-08:00

Heading into last nights game between the Philadelphia Flyers and the San Jose Sharks the two teams stood at #1 and #2 in goals for to Goals Against. The Flyers held the down the #1 spot with an impressive +20 with the Sharks right behind them at +19.

The two teams are both improved from a season ago with C. Pronger joining the club in Philly and the accusation of Dany Heatley to the Sharks both players have made an impact from the start in their new threads.

The Sharks always have a strong regular season team that can't seem to get the job done in playoff hockey. Last season was no exception as they were the number one seed that got knocked out of the second season in six games to the eight seeded Mighty Ducks in the first round of the playoffs. The Ducks had Pronger on defense last season but now would see him in a Philly uniform. In this early season the Sharks are currently the number one seed again. Can this be the season they finally represent the West? I think yes.

With their new sniper (D. Heatley 17 Goals) and the leagues best set up man (J. Thornton 24 Assists)add in the mix the always reliable goal keep Evgeni Nabokov (2.20 G.A.A). This could be the year the finally make something happen in.

+20. The Leagues best heading into last night's play Goals For to Goals Against. Why? He goes by the name of Chris Pronger. Not only does Chris keep the puck out of his teams defensive zone he attacks the opposing teams. With 4 goals and 14 assists Pronger is a +14. Chirs is the main reason Philly has only given up 45 goals in 18 games played this season before last nights battle.

Last nights bill between the leagues two elite teams stood up to it's expectations till 11:19 of the final session in a one goal game when the set up man (J. Thornton) hit the sniper (D. Heatley) for the second time of the evening on a similar type play as their first hook up. All though it wasn't much of a snip as Thornton hooked up two beautiful passes for the goals that lead to the win. This hook up between the two was when the Sharks were down a man and it made for a 4-2 game. Later on the Sharks would get a power play chance and Heatley would finish off his trick while the Sharks would add another goal take the two points in a 6-3 win.

Check out the video clips of this game at www.puckvideo.com and more Video Blogs.

Who's the Tuffest team in the Atlantic? PT. 1

2009-11-18T21:32:00.000-08:00

With the Devils and Penguins leading the Division with 28 points, the Flyers, Rangers and Islanders are all tied with 23. With that being said the whole division is only separated by five points.

All though we are only a quarter of the way through the NHL season, if it would end today the whole division would make the playoffs along with the North East Division leader Buffalo Sabers and the South East Divisions Washington Capitals.

The Devils are on their game and proved to be a tuff road team with a record of 9-1 away from their building being lead by Z. Parise with 24 points and the legend M. Brodeur between the pipes holding down a 12-5 record and a 2.21 Goals Against Average. With Parise and Brodeur on their game and their great road record you can see why they are tied on top of the Atlantic with the defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Stanley Cup champs picked up where they left off by winning it all last season they started this season off at 9-1. They lost E. Malkin for a few games and hit a skid but got back on the winning track with him back in the lineup winning their last two and hold that top spot with Devils with a 14-7 record.

The Philadelphia Flyers stand at 11-5-1 and were the first team to hand the New Jersey Devils their first road loss of the season. The Flyers also have games in hand on every team in the division with two games in hand on the Devils they have four games in hand on the Penguins, Rangers and Islanders. Flyers are lead by one of the best if not the best defensemen in the league Chris Pronger. Jeff Carter leads the team in scoring with 19 points as Pronger and Mike Richards both have 17.

The Rangers who started off the season hot at 7-1 have cooled off as of late since. Even though the Rangers have been on the losing side of their games of late they've been in all of them. Lead by M. Gaborik with 27 points he is currently in second place in the league lead for points over all with 15 goals and 12 assists. If the Rangers can get the rest of their guys going and stay healthy they will be a threat as well.

The surprise of the division has got the fans excited in Long Island again. Starting the season off they couldn't get a win but they managed to get points in a bunch of games losing in over time. The Islanders started their season off at 1-4-5 getting their first win of the season against the Carolina Hurricanes in a shoot out they finally got their first win on the season in regulation against the NY Rangers and have gone 7-2-2 since that win. The Islanders are getting the job done with their youth explosion of John Tavares number one pick over all in the 2009 draft and with M. Moulson and K. Okposo connecting. Goalie D. Roloson has been getting the nod of late between the pipes and has a 6-1 record in goal with a 2.77 G.A.A. Their captain D. Weight is out of the line up along with goalie R. DiPietro. This team will get some leadership back when those two suit up again and the Islanders kids should only get better.

In a nutshell this division could be up for grabs, but at the moment the Penguins, Flyers and the Devils look to be the tuffest. With the Rangers and Islanders right there this will be an interesting race to watch as it unfolds. It's very tuff to pick one but you really can't deny the debth of the defending champs team.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this article as we hit the mid-way point of the season in early January 2010.

For more hand picked NHL Video, articles and Blogs go to www.puckvideo.com

" A Hall of Famer Retires"

2009-11-18T08:45:00.000-08:00

Brendan Shanahan started his career in New Jersey and also played with the St. Louis Blues, Hartford Whalers, Detroit Redwings and the NY Rangers before returning to Jersey yet again announced his retirement on Nov. 17th.

Shanahan was the Devils first round pick in the 1987 draft and second over all at the very young age of 18. Brendan stayed with New Jersey from 1988 to 1991. In just those three seasons with the Devils he put up 148 points before moving onto St. Louis at the age of 22.

In St. Louis he put up some of his best seasons three over all, his best two were with 51 Goals and 94 points in 92-93 season and 52 goals and 50 assists for an 102 points in the 92-93 season.

Brendan was traded to the Hartford Whalers and enjoyed a short stint of a year with them while recording 44 goals and 78 points before moving onto the Redwings where he spent most of his career.

The Redwings years is where Brendan would lift the Cup. Winning back to back Stanley Cups in 96-97 and 97-98 seasons the 96 Cup was the first the Redwings seen since 1955. The 2001-02 season the Redwings and Shanahan would return to glory again. Picking up Hall of Famers Brett Hull and Luc Robitalle along with future Hall of Famer Dominik Hasek in the off season the team was ready for another run and were glorious as Shanahan lifted the Cup for the third time.

Coming to the New York Rangers as a free agent in the 2005-06 season he recorded mile stone goals 599 and 600 in the same night. Shanahan became only the 15th NHL player to reach the 600 goal mark.

Finishing up in New Jersey where it all started Brendan scored a goal in his first back as a Devil.

Brendan's points totals added up to 1354 points in 1524 games played with 656 goals (11th overall) and 698 assists. Brendan finished his career as the 23rd highest goal scorer in league history. Three Stanley Cups, 8 All Star Games, Gold Medals in 94 World Championships, 2002 Olympics and the 91 Canada Cup his next stop is the Hall of Fame.

For Video Clip on Shanahan's Career check out www.puckvideo.com

"Rangers can't ride Gaborik"

2009-11-17T20:49:00.000-08:00

Another night of Ranger hockey and another night of Marian Gaborik putting points up on the board. Just 1:16 into the hockey game Gaborik's quick release made the back of the net to give the Rangers a quick 1-0 lead.

Alexander Ovechkin making his first game back from injury looked like he didn't miss a beat. Skating hard delivering blows and all though he only had one shot on goal he made that one shot count as he put it home on the power play to even the score at one.

The Caps would turn up the play from the end of the first and all the way through the second out shooting the Rangers 21 to 11 after two periods of play. Capitals were also able to grab a 2-1 edge after two scoring on a another power play goal as B. Laich jumped on a loose puck in front of the Ranger goal and banged it home.

The Rangers would get some chances in the third and this lead to some power play opportunities. M. Gaborik would do it again to tie the score from a sharp angle he was able to hit mesh and even the score at two. The Rangers would pick up their play from there and soon the Caps would swing the momentum back in their favor. Rangers couldn't keep the puck in the Caps zone and a race for a loose puck lead to a partial break for Washington's M. Bradley and he was able to bury one over Lundqvist shoulder for the game winner. Capitals would also add an empty net goal and leave the Garden with a 4-2 win.

2009-10 New York Rangers, A Blue Print of a season ago?

2009-11-16T18:26:00.000-08:00

Last season the Rangers started off 10-2-1 then quickly began to play .500 hockey. Because of their great start all they needed to do was basically stay .500 the rest of the way and they would pretty much be in the playoffs. As the playoffs looked to be at risk because of a horrible month of February the Rangers made a move in coaching releasing Tom Renny and hiring Stanley Cup winning coach tuff J. Tortorella. Tortorella succeeded in getting the Rangers to the second season and they were almost able to sneak out of the first round against a heavy favorite Washington Capital team. Rangers lost in seven games while playing their best game of the series in game seven in a losing effort.

The off season came and Glen Sather brought in some new faces with signings of M. Gaborik, V. Prospal, A. Kotalik, D. Brashear along with some upcoming rookie talent M. Del Zotto and M. Gilroy the Rangers looked improved.

As the Rangers pursued Ottawa's sniper D. Heatly a deal couldn't be reached the Rangers soon scooped up Marion Gaborik. While almost every NHL analyst disagreed with the move saying this was the worst off season signings, they critiqued Gaborik of playing with no heart and spoke of his injury's he sustained in the past. 20 games deep into the NHL season Gaborik has done nothing but impress having points in 16 of his 18 games played with 13 goals and 12 assists for 25 points and is currently number two over all for the league lead.

The Rangers started off this season 7-1 and since have gone 4-7-1 with a big overtime shoot out win in Ottawa on 11/14.

The Rangers got their sniper but the only problem here is the Rangers need to get more offensive production from Dury, Dubinsky, Callahan, Higgins and Avery. While Dury and Dubinsky are currently out of the line up with injuries they need to produce when they get back on the ice. If this team plans on making the playoffs and going deep into the playoffs one man can't hold down the fort like the Jagr years.

However the potential is here for the makings of a good team as long as coach J. Tortorella can get these guys to play they way they are capable of playing and this season won't be a blue print of last.

More on this here: http://www.puckvideo.com

The Shoot Out Why Not?

2009-11-12T21:37:00.000-08:00

“The Shoot Out Why Not?”
The Islanders and the Capitals were involved in a good one the other night and regulation and an extra session weren’t enough to settle this one as the score was still tied 4-4. This shoot out went a little longer than the normal of three rounds and went eleven before the Caps Chris Clark would get the game winner. Before the 2005-2006 season both teams would leave the game with a point each in the standings. But since the 05-06 season if both teams are still tied after a 5 minute sudden death overtime period the game would move to a shoot out where three players would line up and take turns taking penalty shot type mode hacks at the opposing goaltender. If the score is still tied after three rounds both teams would get an extra round till we get a winner. As many hockey enthusiasts were against this, I’m all for it. Skaters and goaltenders get to show case their skills while it leaves the fans on the edge of their seats a little longer. See the drama unfold in the video clip at www.puckvideo.com

The Waiting is Over!

2009-11-10T16:48:00.000-08:00

New York Rangers took home the 1994 Stanley Cup after NY didn't see a Cup since 1940. Although every Ranger played a big part in the 94 Cup run number two was awarded number one earning the award for the Con Smythe Trophy. The first American born player to do so. Many memories from the 94 cup run from Messier's game 6 prediction, Matteau's double overtime goal to send the Rangers into the finals and Richter's play between pipes also stopping Bure on a penalty shot in a pivotal point in the series. But it was Leetch who was a horse bringing it in and out every night while scoring and setting up big goals. Brian finished his beautiful career with 1,028 points in 1,205 regular season games and 97 points in 95 playoff games. Leetch is seventh all time among defensemen in scoring and 65th overall. This year's Hall of Fame inductee's is a good one and Leetch is my favorite out of the class. Watch a great video of the legend here: http://www.puckvideo.com/

"Hull Get's the Call for the Hall"

2009-11-08T19:56:00.001-08:00

Finishing his awesome hockey career with 1,391 points in 1,269 games played Brett was a sure shot. 741 of those points were goals which adds up to being the 3rd best of all time with only Gordie Howe and Wayne Gretzky in front of him. Selected by the Calgary Flames in Round 6, 117 overall in the 1984 draft the Flames didn't think he would be a star as they traded him to the St. Louis Blues where he became one. Hull has won two Stanley Cups winning in Dallas and Detroit he also helped USA win the World Cup in 1996. With his with his father already being in the Hall the two will be the first father and son both selected to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Check out the great video to the left. Check some great video clips of Brett Hull Here www.puckvideo.com

"The Great 8"

2009-11-07T13:14:00.000-08:00

The Human Highlight Reel Alex Ovechkin does it all! Scoring unbelievable goals with over the top goal celebrations, Alex even delivers bone crushing hits on the defensive side. Love him or hate him you have to admit Olie is fun to watch. This video ( www.puckvideo.com ) was done by E:60 and they hit the mark. If you want to get a little deeper and know more about Alex this is a great video clip done in two parts. From his early hockey days in Russia to making it happen in the NHL. One of his goals even put "The Great One" in awe scoring against his Coyote's, Wayne refers to the goal as "The Goal". Check out "The Great 8" clilp here www.puckvideo.com/great8pt1.htm

"The NHL's Rookie of the Month"

2009-11-07T12:56:00.000-08:00

One Month Deep into the 2009-2010 NHL season a Ranger rookie impresses. Defensemen Michael Del Zotto of the NY Rangers out scored all rookies with a 12 paoint start. Four goals and eight assists in only 14 games played. 19 year old Del Zotto was the youngest Ranger to dress in eighteen years since Dave Maloney did it in 1974 as an eighteen year old. Del Zotto was the Rangers first round choice in the 2008 entry draft 20th over all. Check out his first NHL goal in this clip here here www.puckvideo.com/delzotto.1stgoal.htm This goal stood up to be the game winner against Ottawa Sentors in the NY Rangers Home Opener at MSG.

Do You believe in Miracles?

2009-11-07T12:39:00.000-08:00

Do you believe in Miracles? Every time I watch this video and hear Al Michael's say those words I get Chills. The gretest upset in sports history is the first featured video on www.puckvideo.com Lake Placid 1980 in bad times for the US, these collage kids beat the worlds best and gave everyone the feeling of hope. The Movie "Miracle" was great but did you see the HBO documentary on it? In my opinion I think the documentary was a little better. Do to the fact you get to see the Russian perspective on the out come of the game and the feelings of the Russian people. They were asking what were they drunk to lose to a bunch of collage players? Great Documentary and one of my favorite hockey moments in history. Do you beliveve in Miracles? I do! Check out the video clip here: www.puckvideo.com/usa.mir.htm