Posts tagged ‘Eric Rothman’

So I know that technically free agency doesn’t start for another twelve hours, but it’s now officially July 1st (despite what it may say to the left of this post) so what the heck, let’s start now!

After months of speculation and plenty of Pepto-Bismal a lot of questions are set to be answered.  It certainly seems as though Sean Avery, Martin Straka and maybe Jaromir Jagr have taken their final broadway bow. Brendan Shanahan, Michael Rozsival and Paul Mara may be out the door as well.  But at this point all we really know is that we know nothing at all.  Agents and GM’s love to posture and leak information in the days before the frenzy and, as Ranger fans, all we can hope for is that much of the information we’ve heard about the Blueshirts is misinformation.

So here’s how this will work.  Anything (fact or rumor) that Eric and I hear or read will be posted here throughout the day in updates on this blog entry.  One or both of us will be here not only to post, but to converse with all of you in the comments section as well.  (Of course there will be a bit of a lull between 3 a.m. and 11ish. Hey, guys have to sleep!)  Anything you hear, feel free to pass along and we’ll try to get confirmation.

It should be a fungut-wrenching day and the NYRangerscast will be with you throughout, so keep it right here.  And don’t forget to take a listen to the most recent episode of the NYRangerscast as you await for the noon bell to ring and free agency to begin!

We’ll kick it off with an update from good friend Sam Weinman of the Journal News.  Sam is reporting the Jagr and the Rangers are still talking.  That could either be a good or a bad thing…depending on whether you want the captain back.  As for this NYRangerscast host, I’m thinking it’s a good thing.  Whether or not the talks mean anything will get done is another story.

Update 12:47 a.m.: Maybe the book on Sean Avery isn’t completely closed after all.  The Fourth Period has quotes from Avery’s agent saying that his number one priority is still to complete a deal with the Rangers.  Not something we haven’t heard before, but I’m a bit suprised to hear that Avery hasn’t essentially told Sather where he can stick it.  So maybe the door is still ajar, but I just don’t get the sense that the Rangers will entice Avery enough.  We’ll see.

Update 11:28 a.m.: Well we’re still about a half an hour away from the opening gun, so here are some things for your reading pleasure as we wait.  Larry Brooks and Steve Zipay basically re-hashes who the Rangers are interested in (which is basically everyone).  Brooks also throws a suprise at us by saying that Brendan Shanahan may cross the river and sign on with the Devils, the place where his hall of fame career began.  Zipay also let’s us knowthat Nigel Dawes and Freddy Sjostrom have been given qualifying offers and we may want to expect a “suprise” before the end of the day.  Sam Weinman reminds us that today really all depends on what happens with Jaromir Jagr.

Update 11:38 a.m: According to Dellapina, Jagr, Avery and Rozsival still badly want to come back to the Rangers and won’t necessarily jump at the first big deal thrown their way.  So that means, even after all of the percieved disrespect felt by these players, the ball is still in Sather’s court.

Update 11:56 a.m.: If Jay Pandalfo was on your list, you can cross him off.  TSN is reporting that he, David Clarkson and Barry Tallackson have re-upped with the Devils.  New Jersey has also declined their option on Sergei Brylin.

Update NOON: GENTLEMEN START YOUR ENGINES!

Update 12:09 p.m.: E.J. Radek is reporting that Joni Pitkanen has been sent to Carolina in exchange for Erik Cole.

Update 12:25 p.m.: Anybody out there hoping for the return of Ranger great Pascal Dupuis?? Well if that was the case for any of you, I’m sorry to dissapoint.  TSN is reporting the winger will be back with the Pens next year.

Update 12:55 p.m.: We have our first free-agent signing with a new team! Radim Vrbata to Tampa Bay

Update 12:57 p.m.: E.J. Radek is reporting Blake Wheeler has signed with the Boston Bruins.  You may remember the Rangers had some interest in the former first round pick a couple weeks ago.

Update 1:19 p.m.: John Dellapina was just on the NHL Network and basically sounds as confused as the rest of us are.  Everything is up in the air still with this team.  Dellapina says he has no idea what Jagr will do, but he badly wants to be a Ranger.  He says Avery will probably be gone despite his desire to stay. And he says he has no idea what Glen Sather is thinking right now.  So what does that all mean? It means that an hour and twenty minutes into free agency, we know just as much as we knew a month ago…NOTHING!

Update 2:04 p.m.: Sam Weinman is reporting that rumblings are indicating Sean Avery is definitely gone and will sign with another team very shortly. 

Update 2:17 p.m.: So we’re over two hours into free agency and I’m wondering if watching paint dry might be a more exciting endeavor than this “frenzy” thus far.

Update 2:21 p.m.: Darren Dreger of TSN is reporting that Mats Sundin is getting some big offers, including an outrageous multi-year deal worth $10 million per season! Rest assured that isn’t from the Rangers…at least it better not be or I’m handing in my fan card.

Update 2:39 p.m.: …and that team is the Vancouver Canucks.  You’ve got to be kidding me! $20 million for two seasons is the offer! Good luck to you Mr. Sundin in the Great Northwest.

Update 2:55 p.m.: Dellapina is saying that the performance bonus cushion is officially unavailable this year.  So it looks like some Charlotte Checkers may have a real shot at making the big club this year!

Update 2:59 p.m.: The FAN590 in Toronto is reporting that the Capitals have signed Jose Theodore to a two year deal. That’s a shocker.  Looks like Huet is on the open market now.  Ottawa anybody?

Update 3:03 p.m.: Sportsnet is reporting that the Penguins have offered Jaromir Jagr a contract.  If #68 was added to that Pittsburgh lineup, the Rangers (and the rest of the Atlantic for that matter) may as well not show up next season

Update 3:10 p.m.: FAN590 now saying that Ty Conklin has signed on with Detroit.  That’s a nice little move for a team that lacks a backup with the Dominator gone.  Pens better hope Fleury stays healthy.

Update 3:16 p.m.: Loyal reader Michael wanted a list of all the FA’s.  Here it is.

Update 3:35 p.m.: Toronto just signed Jeff Finger for 4 years at $3.5 million a year.  JEFF FINGER!? This market is getting absurd.

Update 3:40 p.m.: It looks like Jagr’s gone.  Dellapina talked to him a few minutes ago.  When Jagr says that he thinks the Rangers are “going in a different direction” that means that he’s not feeling the love.  After reading that post, I would now be shocked to see Jagr back.  Dellapina also says that the Rangers may be hot after not just Sundin, but Markus Naslund.  Can you say, building around Lundqvist?  And it really seems as though Avery badly wants to stay a Ranger.  Knowing his personality, I can’t believe he’d even consider still working under Sather.

Update 3:49 p.m.: Stillman to Panthers, Huet to Blackhawks.  A lot of smart signings so far.

Update 3:52 p.m.: TSN reporting that the Rangers have signed Aaron Voros.  Thank God! And I thought Sather didn’t have a plan…

Update 4:05 p.m.: TSN reporting that Darcy Tucker signed with the Avalanche.  Avery to Detroit to keep that rivalry going?

Update 4:48 p.m.:Looks like all the GM’s have gone on a late lunch break.  Small signings to make you aware of…Alex Auld (G) Signs with Senators…Penguins sign Eric Godard (RW)…and accoring to the Columbus Dispatch, Brian Campbell will be getting a deal worth over $60 million.

Update 4:54 p.m.: Welcome Eric Rothman to the live blog.  That update at 4:48 was from the E-man.  I can’t be here every second for a little while so Eric and I will be updating together.

Update 5:13 p.m.: FAN590 saying that Wade Redden is being heavily wooed by Dallas.  They’re reporting a 5 year deal on the table.  The Rangers are still in the sweepstakes but the Stars look like the front runner now.

Update 5:38 p.m.: Since there has been a significant break in action I thought I would pose a question to everyone.  Does the fact that Avery and Jagr have yet to sign elsewhere give you any sort of hope that they may sign with the Rangers after all?  My answer would be no because I figure they have both (or at least Avery) have figured out where they are going to go but just need to sign on the dotted line.  Let me know what you think.

Update 5:43 p.m.: So much for the break. John Dellapina is reporting that the Rangers are close to a deal with Michal Rozsival. No confirmation yet but it looks like the Rangers will at least return one of their UFA’s this year.

Update 5:46 p.m.: The money keeps flowing in the NHL.  TSN is reporting that the Blackhawks have signed Brian Campbell to an 8-year $56.8 million dollar deal. Wow.

Update 6:04 p.m.: Another defenseman off the board.  TSN reports that the Blue Jackets have signed Mike Commodore to a 5 year deal worth $18.75 million dollars.

Update 6:08 p.m.: Another HUGE Rangers signing.  Sam Weinman reports the Rangers have signed Patrick Rissmiller, a left winger from San Jose.  Rissmiller is another big body.  Apparently the Rangers will be trying to push people around this season.  He’s not a scorer or really much of an offensive producer.  Rissmiller had 8 goals and 9 assists in 79 games for San Jose last season.  Also, he is coming off of a sports hernia that he played through in the playoffs.

Update 6:16 p.m.: John Dellapina is reporting that the Devils have signed foward Brian Rolston.  Rolston is a guy that many thought the Rangers were in the bidding war for.  The idea was to put him alongside the speedy Scott Gomez.  So much for that.

Update 6:21 p.m.: As we reported on June 16th, Swedish winger Andreas Jamtin will officially be a Ranger next season.  Also just announced, the Rangers will be petitioning to become the Swedish national team next year.  And just a side note, amid the free agent frenzy, King Henrik has announced plans to buy up properties in Manhattan to open up a “Little Sweden” section of NYC with his Swedish teammates.

Update 6:24 p.m.: It’s Steven here and I just have to jump in with this comment.  What the heck are the Rangers doing?  Are they trying to get a top five pick in next year’s draft or something??

Update 6:49 p.m.: TSN is reporting that the Rangers have officially re-signed Michal Rozsival to a 4 year $20 million dollar deal.  Five million a year for Rozsival and Avery can’t get $3.5? 

Update 7:20 p.m.: Weinman’s reporting the deal for Voros is three years at $1 million a year.

Update 7:46 p.m.: Sorry for the delay in getting this up, but this day has lured me to sleep.  Sam Weinman is reporting that the Rangers have made their first free agent splash of the day and locked up Wade Redden to a six-year deal worth $6.5 per season.  That’s $11.5 million a year in two defensemen, both of whom certainly have their moments.  On the positive side, this is your legitimate power play quarterback.  But on the other hand this now leaves about $10 million left to fill numerous other spots on this team.  We’ll see how it all plays out, but at least it’s something.

Update 8:52 p.m.: Rangers have locked up Stephen Valiquette as well.

No not Carlos Delgado…Michael Del Zotto.

Folks let me ask you a question. What’s better than drafting the best player in the 2008 NHL Draft, Steven Stamkos?

Answer: Draft his best friend!

That is exactly what the Rangers have done with the 20th overall selection in this years draft. Michael Del Zotto from the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League.

Del Zotto is an offensive defenseman who loves to run the power play. In the 2007-2008 season with the Generals, Del Zotto, had 16 goals and 47 assists.

Here’s his profile:

Leave your thoughts on the pick below.

Folks, welcome to middle school bickering…corporate style.

The NHL is filing suit against the Rangers ownership group for breach of contract.  The NHL is seeking disciplinary action against MSG that could result in ownership suspension or termination.

All of this stems from a suit originally filed by MSG against the NHL.  The suit claimed that the NHL was in violation of anti-trust laws because it claimed control of the Rangers team website.  A judge found this to be an illegitimate claim and ruled in favor of the NHL.

The NHL has now countered that argument with a suit of their own.  This suit claims that because MSG accused the NHL of violating anti-trust laws, they were in breach of contract for challenging the leagues rules. 

Now, just how serious is this?

Honestly, I am not too sure.  It’s never good when ownership is feuding with the league.  It’s also never good when the league is threatening to terminate the ownership of the team.

What worries me the most is the timing of this whole thing.  I don’t really think that Rangers ownership is in jeopardy of losing the team.  But, if Dolan is focused on fighting a legal battle instead of spending money on free agents, than it becomes a problem.

Hopefully this whole thing can be resolved quickly…but don’t count on it. 

Well the Rangers have NOT OFFICIALLY made their first off-season acquisition, yet. But, Swedish winger Andreas Jamtin has opted out of his contract with his Swedish team to make another run at the NHL.

Now, Swedish newspapers are reporting that Jamtin has signed with the Rangers. But, this is not official.

Let’s keep the hypothetical points rolling…

If this signing does occur, Jamtin is being described as the Swedish Sean Avery. A guy who apparently doesn’t back down from a challenge.

So, why isn’t he in the NHL?

Well, the Swedish winger was drafted in the fifth round of the 2001 draft by the Detroit Red Wings. They were pretty high on the kid because they gave up two late round picks to move up and get him.

But, Jamtin didn’t pan out the way Detroit had hoped. Billed as the next Tomas Holmstrom, Jamtin never put it all together and the Red Wings cut ties with the winger, allowing him to be a free agent.

Jamtin has been playing for the Swedish team HV71. Apparently, Sweden’s name their teams like the German’s name their U-Boats. But that’s neither here nor there.

The 6 foot, 192 pound Jamtin is billed as intense and aggressive. Two things I think the Rangers need going into next season.

BUT, this all may be useless knowledge if the Rangers don’t sign this guy.

Check out our good friends at Blueshirt Bulletin and The Dark Ranger for more info.

No, unfortunately the Rangers aren’t paying for any new players.  According to Larry Brooks at the NY Post, the Rangers are shelling out dough to former players. 

An arbitrator on Thursday ordered the team to pay the signing bonuses of Bobby Holik and Jed Ortmeyer that were withheld during the 2004-2005 lockout year.

Holik gets the bulk of the settlement.  He will be getting a check for $3.52 million.  Ortmeyer will get significantly less, only $150,000 coming his way.

Regardless of the lockout, it’s a bit ridiculous to not pay a players signing bonus.  It makes the Rangers front office look stingy and disrespectful toward its talent. 

 Paying a player what he is guaranteed in a contract should never have to go to court.  But, for the Rangers and Holik/Ortmeyer it did. 

The Rangers will have to pay up.

…the same.  No big news out of Rangers camp, so let’s keep the e-mails flowing.

From Teresa in Clifton Park, NY

After digesting everything that happened in that series, I still feel unfulfilled and I can’t decide if the season was a disappointment or not.

However, I must say that one thing is abundantly clear.  I know this is nothing new, but the officiating has got to be more consistent.  I know calls will be missed or blown.  It happens to every team and the great teams work through it, but when things are called one way in one game and then called completely different in the next, as a fan, it is frustrating.  I can’t imagine what it is like for the players.  I thought that maybe it was me and my Ranger tinted glasses that were seeing this, but watching the conference finals games, it is not just me.  They put Dallas down 2 men for a roughing call that happens almost after each play at the goal and to send only one guy from one team is just ridiculous.  Tytuin takes down Crosby and it is called; Gil takes down Jagr, looked almost identical and no call.  Make up your mind; is it a panalty or not?  Don’t tell me they missed it; I don’t buy it.

Jagr gets his fair share of time in the box, but the new stars need to be penalized for their actions too.  Malkin can slew foot Mara and elbow Briere and not get a call against him.  I can’t discuss Crosby because until he stands up and plays, who knows what he should get called for.  The NHL is setting themselves up for a league run by spoiled stars who will alienate the fans of the other 29 teams.

From Andy in Nottingham, England

For me we need to resign: Avery, my favourite Rangers player.
Roszival, but I agree with your sentiments $3million is a maximum for me.
Mara, he’ll come pretty cheap I think.

For me if you don’t resign Shanahan, Jagr and Straka, as well as people like Strudwick, Backman etc, we’ll be looking at about $10-15million to spend. That could be used to bring two top end players, a winger like Hossa and the Top line Dman that we lack. I felt it was so obvious that we were poor defensively because we haven’t got that “big name” dman. We need to get either someone like Campbell, if it is him I’ll be happy, who will be great going forward and setting up the transitional play and a quarterback for our PP, or someone in the Boynton mould, doesn’t take up massive amount of cap space and will hit the body hard and just be a stay at home Dman presence. Nick played in Nottingham during the lockout year and was the 2nd best defenceman I have ever seen, behind Jimmy Paek, who also played for Nottingham Panthers.

My personal opinion would be to try and entice the likes of a Malkin, Hossa, Kovalchuk to come to Rangers for a decent, but fair, salary, between $6-9million and use the other on one or two solid Dmen.

Cheers guys, look forward to hearing more from you in the off season.

From Greg in Ridgefield, CT

I know its just after a tough loss but i figure ill look to next season instead of looking back on this one.  I personally think Jags, Avery, Mara and I guess Valiquette should be resigned.  Maybe Straka.  And if Jags doesnt come back, Id like to see Shanny back, even if he is just used for all of 10 minutes a game.

Alright here we go again. I gave a few days to let the last set of e-mails digest, now here come some more. Some of these are older and some more recent.

Chris in Manhasset, NY

The young guys: they are a necessity for a team. You saw the rengers in the early 00’s when we gave up our draft picks for old dudes and we did not function. with them in the lineup we win.

Shanahan: the only player on the rangers to have more goals that assists (besides callahan)

we need players like those who can score and not just pass and sometimes score.

Tom renny: It may seem odd that I chose him. He is still technically a ranger bus wears a suit and tie to work instead of a jersey. If it werent for him some players might not be here today. He stands behind every player. If it were some other coach, they might have gotten rid of Marek Malik when he had is schnanaginns of disrespect. Renny put the perfect lines together, but it came late in the season. The lines work perfectly together.

The rangers will be a dibocale come free agency. We want to resign jagr but he might want a lot and we can not accomidate. we only pay for half of jagr’s salary and the Washington cap’s pay for the other half. When we broke off talks with Avery, his skill improved so much. I think he wanted to show that the team needs him. Shanahan will be a free agent and straka too. Malik will be one to.

We need to resign Kasparitius back. He was a great big defenceman who played the body. he was great! When he started to score goals, he was sent to the minors. He fought which was a positive for morale and he had a mullet which is lacking on Jagr’s end.

Jagr is a goof. He looks stupid with his jersey tucked in, and he also has the biggest hockey pants in the NHL. he is also the fattest player on the rangers.

Prucha was great in his return. He showed that he had speed which most of the players are lacking.

Mike T. in Syracuse, NY

Hey guys. Tough loss on sunday. Looking ahead to the off season. Tht top priority is to get jagr to stay. With that being said I don’t believe the angers should make a big splash this off season in the FA market. Ill tell you why, next year Marain Gaborik becomes a UFA, a year after that Rick Nash, Illy Kovalchuck, and Vincent Lecavier all become free agents. All these players are unlikely to re sign with their respective teams and by just getting one of them will make the rangers cup contenders for years. Signing a Hossa this season will only restrict the rangers chances of getting any of those players down the road

Marc in Oyster Bay, NY

Okay, so season over for our Rangers, plenty more hockey to watch, but without the gut ache this time… I could write 10 pages here but I’ll try to keep it short. We all know the obvious players that have to go, and these changes I believe can only help a core of developing youngsters.

But their are complications and I believe Jaromir Jagr is the biggest one. I heard your comments about him and although in principal I agree, we can’t afford to employ him full time, only for him to play when he wants to. The way we laud him you would believe that JJ has won cups with every team he’s been on or the past 10 years… no. He’s undoubtedly made the Rangers competitive again, he’s also made those around him better, and given invaluable experience to Dubi etc., but it’s time now to lets these kids fly on their own. I can’t say that I have an alternative plan, I can’t say that we’ll undoubtedly be better without him, but I think that while he stays we’ll be stalled at this level. His brand of hockey, the way he plays his position for me is stale, it’s old and although was once creative and still produces to a certain degree, it’s getting less with every year. Let’s take the Pitts series as an example… every time the commentator says Crosby is breaking out of the zone I’m worried… every time the TV says Malkin is on the move I’m worried. When they tell me Jagr is making his way up the wing, I’m confident that most times he’ll be cut off on the boards by the huge dman that’s been assigned to him or he’ll be forced to make a bad puck move just inside the line by the back checker that has caught up with him and his linemates pretty easily. And do we assume that if we resign Jagr, then Straka is an immediate resign? Rosival also? SCARY!!!!

If he does come back, then fine, just remember it’s a full time job Jags, families, kids, supporters everywhere, pay large amounts of their paycheck to see wins every game, not just from March on. The whole “he’ll wake up in February” was the rap I got on Drury in December. I didn’t believe it then and guess what, he slept late. And really, where did it get us? It may have been smart for Jagr to rest his body thru the season doing as little as he could get away with but to no avail and that’s the bottom line.

Now I’m getting upset again… Pitts take chances with their personal. They are letting the young players play, sure they traded some youth to get Hossa, but at this point it looks smart, we’ll see how far they get and they can surely afford to sign him.

It’ll be an interesting off season for sure, but for now I’ll enjoy the hockey we have left.
Keep those e-mails and comments coming.

Well if you haven’t gotten a chance to listen to the final season episode of the NYRangerscast, or just didn’t to the end of the very long episode, than you may have missed some things. First and foremost, Steve and I got a chance to thank all of you for your support this season in our Parting Shots, but in case you haven’t heard that yet…thank you. This season has been tremendous for us and that is all because we have fans like us that care about the team and our show.

Over the off season, Steve and I will be coming out with two podcasts a month. No particular time on when those will be throughout the month, but we will cover big free agent deals, trades, and the draft. The Rangers season is year round and so is your coverage from the NYRangerscast.com.

Now, even with over an hour and a half episode today, we didn’t get a chance to read the many listner e-mails we got after the Rangers got eliminated. Many of these e-mails made very good points about what the Rangers should do and can do this off season. Steve and I expressed our views on these topics in the show, but we wanted to post some of the e-mails right here so we can get the conversation flowing with everyone. So here are some of the e-mails and the points some listeners have made, hopefully the points that are made will make you want to comment in the section below.

From Nick at Colby College

What a devastating way to go out, guess the pep talk I gave Aves and Shanny on the phone didn’t work. I have a few questions about the Rangers blueliners and just wanted to see what you think. First of all who is more important to the team, Mara or Roszival? I would say Mara but with Rozy there is the whole Jagr issue. Secondly what about a player like Andrew Hutchinson, he was solid with the Canes and did a heck of a job down in Hartford, we both know he can do a better job than Strudwick and he’s a tested player. Also Greg Moore traveled between Hartford and the big club all the time, what are the odds that he lands a roster spot out of training camp. If all else fails bring the ironman Darius Kasparaitis back, always a good option.

From Richard S. in Chico, CA

I think the team needs to be blown up in a sense. I dont think they are anywhere near ready to win the cup. Enough talent but not enough drive. I want to say not enough heart, but I think that they have enough veteran players that they can make anyone believe.

I think they need to not resign Straka, Shanahan, Strudwick, Mara, Malik, and Rosival.

They need to try to trade or release Hollweg and maybe even Prucha.

They need to resign Jagr and Avery and give betts a raise with an extension.

The biggest thing, besides resigning Jagr and Avery, that this team can do in the off season is to make a huge push for Brian Campbell if he doesn’t resign with the Sharks.

I think that Baranka and Pock need to be moved up from Hartford, and with the addition of Campbell it would be a pretty young defensive corps, but one that is going to strive and not get tired or out hustled by anyone.

As far as the rest of the front lines,

I like the forth line look of Orr-Betts-Sjostrom. They hustle and they throw pretty big hits. and as long as Avery comes back this team wont have to rely on orr to fight every one in the whole league.

Here is where it gets interesting. The minors for this team is where the future is. With guys like Immonen, Korpikoski, Anisimov, Moore, and Maybe even Cherepanov. That is a lot of potential and when you add in Pock and Baranka I feel ok about it. Like you guys said, every time these guys were pulled up from the minors they didnt look lost, the contributed and looked comfortable.

By saying bye bye to shanahan, straka and adding a couple of guys from harford they have the potential to get 30 years younger in 5 seconds. I know we loose a lot of goals and assists in one fell swoop, but this team isn’t even gonna come close to the cup if it keeps its current makeup.

From Scummy

Well, it was a valiant effort, kind of. With all of the bold garuntee’s by Hank and Paul Mara, all the pre-season chatter, this should be an extremely disappointing season but honestly, I think it was the best yet(since the lockout at least). Think about it, a lot of roster changes, what with Avery playing his first full season as a Ranger, Drury and Gomez playing in their first season(s), Duby, Dawes, and Staal comming up it’s rough having that many different faces… You could really compair this team to the Rangers from last season, but I personally like to look at it more as the Penguins from last season. I mean, let’s face it, unless Philly plays near perfect, Pitt has a real shot at winning the Cup this year. That being said, the Rangers started to show the potential we’ve all expected in that Devil series and at points in that Pitt series, but obviously the Penguins are a stacked bordering dynasty franchise.

Aside from that half rant/wall of text onto the more important issue. All of this pending on, of course, the fact that these guys actually want to come back. I say, keep Shanny in that Selanne role as I believe it was Eric had said. Brendan Shannahan can pick it up, he may be getting old but if he can savor his energy for the 08-09 post season, he can be potent.
Avery goes without saying… as long as he’s not asking some insane ammount, he BELONGS in New York. He’s more than a pest as we all know, much more than a simple pest.
Jagr on the other hand… do we really want another season of Jagr? I mean for sure he absolutely tried willing this team though Pittsburgh but in game 5 he was a non-factor, not a single solitary shot on net. Either due to Rutuu’s harassment or the Pitt fans booing him. He’s an amazing and outstanding player, but he’s possibly the biggest headcase I’ve every seen. Do we really want that dragging us down? Straka is on the same boat, he’s a great player to have but he seems to miss quite a few opportunities, for whatever reason. In my opinion Jagr/Straka are a package deal. And I’m of the firm belief that its all or nothing with those two, I’d rather nothing. Be honest with you, I wouldn’t be surprised to see #68 in a Penguins uniform. Don’t ask why, its just a weird feeling.
Now on the defensive side, it may sound extreme at first but… get rid of them all. Bring in a couple big Jeff Beukeboom esque stay at home knock your teeth into your throat defenseman. And, a quaterback type D man. Sounds easy on paper but its what we need. Keeping Tyutin alone is a big question mark. Maybe keep Mara, but we’ve seen it time and time again as Ranger fans, this team succeeds with a frightning in your face defenseman.

More Of Your E-Mails to Come….But let these digest and have your opinion heard below in the comment section, or e-mail us at hosts@nyrangerscast.com

How are we feeling folks? Rejuvenated? Loose? Petrified? Comatose? I’m alive and ready to go and I believe the Rangers are as well. As reported by our very own Steve Gelbs earlier today, Hollweg returns while Prucha sits. Hey, at least it’s not Malik and Strudwick. No matter who’s in the line up this team needs a win. This is a new series , one that starts tonight at MSG. With a win by the Rangers, it’s anyones ballgame. LET’S GET EXCITED! Rangers fans, Game 3 starts right now…

6:55 pm: Rangers fans holding signs that say “Nice Dive – 8.7″ Must have been the French judges who gave such a low score to Sid.

7:11 pm: Well talk about falling asleep at the wheel from the very beginning. Penguins GOAL. Marian Hossa. Disgusting.

7:13 pm: Shocking that play started when Rozsival tried to go cross ice to Jagr?

7:17 pm: STRAKA! Wide open net can’t finish. Jagr headed to the penalty box along with Hossa. 4 on 4.

7:23 pm: Marc Staal just laid out his brother Jordan. Oh, brotherly love. Rangers are starting to get some great pressure on Fleury but he has made some excellent saves.

7:30 pm: Nice little run by Nigel and Drury. Got to have that line produce on some level tonight.

7:33 pm: THAT’S A GOAL! It will be reviewed after the brawl is over THAT WAS IN! Hit Fleury’s pad while it was in the net, no question.

7:38 pm: Straka GOALLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! New game folks, game tied 1-1. Jagr, Mara, and Dubi celebrate in the penalty box. Can’t doubt the Rangers intensity for this one. LETS GO!

7:43 pm: Defense anyone? Tyutin just watches Laraque put one behind Hank. Pens lead 2-1. Add on top of that the Pens now get a 4 minute PP.

7:46 pm: Well this team really knows how to kill a good feeling. Malkin from the point on the PP. Pens lead 3-1. Unreal.

End of 1st: Rangers down 3-1.

8:11 pm: Rangers start this period well, now they get a chance on the PP. Sykora for holding.

8:13 pm: Jagr draws another penalty. Rangers on the 5 on 3. MUST SCORE. Let me repeat. MUST SCORE.

8:16 pm: How many penalties does it take for the Rangers to score a goal. Another 5 on 3 opportunity. Come On.

8:19 pm: Well even with 9 hours on the PP the Rangers can’t put one in. Unbelievable. On top of that Drury heads to the locker room injured. It just get’s better.

8:29 pm: OK OK OK! Callahan GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That’s a start. Pens still lead 3-2. Great play by Gomez, must have seen Steve’s comment.

8:31 pm: OH CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN!!!!!!!!!!! JAGR GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TIE GAME.

8:37 pm: This is nuts, the Rangers are a completely different team this period. Off the crossbar, off the top of the net, off the post. Intense.

8:39 pm: Ryan Hollweg called for a penalty. Can’t let up, let’s get a short handed goal.

8:40 pm: Rangers were just out on the ice too long. Malkin scores, Pens lead 4-3. All Hollweg there, you can’t take that penalty and kill your teams momentum like that.

End of 2nd: Well there you see the perfect example of a great period being ruined by a stupid mistake. Rangers make up the 2 goal deficit and Ryan Hollweg immediately wipes it out by taking an inexcusable boarding penalty. You can’t let the Pens have a PP. But, the Rangers are still only down one and proved this period that they can score in bunches. One period, two goals to win.

9:06 pm: Instead of coming out intense, Rangers come out flat and suffer. Pens lead 5-3.

9:08 pm: Betts injured and out for the rest of the game.

9:12 pm: Rangers go on the PP. If there is a time for a comeback, this is it.

9:17 pm: Rangers are a mere 2 for 22 on the PP this series. It’s a real exercise in futility with this PP unit. Period’s almost half over and Rangers are giving no sign of a run.

9:20 pm: Another penalty upcoming on the Pens. Rangers should decline this one.

9:33 pm: This team is ready for a summer tee-time folks. You would think down two goals with the season on the line, the Rangers would play with some intensity….not the case.

9:35 pm: Steve mentioned in the comment section but we are doing a show right after the game ends. Any questions or comments you want us to discuss shoot us an email at hosts@nyrangerscast.com

End of Regulation: Ugh. Rangers fall 5-3.  Trail the series 3-0.  Make sure to catch Steve and I’s thoughts on tonights podcast.

So, we didn’t create the Rangers Live Blog but we are continuing it. Rangers try to continue their post season success on the road tonight against the Pens. Folks, I’m nervous. I expect plenty of heart attacks during this series and I think it’s going to be a fun one. The quest for the cup continues. Let’s Go Rangers!

7:09 pm: Well Rangers are going to start a man down. Jagr gets called and is sent to the box. Oh Boy.

7:10 pm: Rangers are wearing white. Pens fans are wearing white. Hmm…opposite day at the Igloo?

7:13 pm: Well some scary chances for Pitt but no goal. Even strength, like to see the Rangers press offensively and slow up the Pens momentum.

7:16 pm: Tyutin with some criminal turnovers in the Rangers zone. This team can’t afford to have Tyutin play the way he did at the beginning of the Devils series.

7:18 pm: Rangers called for another penalty, on Backman. This game has started horribly, Pens have 8 shots – Rangers 0. Luckily the Rangers aren’t down a goal but you can’t keep giving this Pitt team chances.

7:23 pm: Hell of a PK for the Rangers. Almost got a SH goal at the end there. Need to turn that into some offensive momentum.

7:27 pm: Boys in blue look like they have their heads back on their shoulders. Got some nice pressure on the Pens defense but not to many shots got through to Fleury. But, the ones that did get to the net came out for long rebounds, let’s hope Fleury is drinking the same Kool-Aid Marty was in the Devils series.

7:30 pm: Ryan Whitney called for high sticking. Rangers on the PP. Time to quiet the crowd.

7:31 pm: DUBI GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That’s how you take advantage of the other teams mistake. Rangers lead 1-0.

7:37 pm: Rangers are being very physical on Crosby. I like that game plan, force him to adjust and feel uncomfortable.

7:38 pm: Hooking called on Sykora. Rangers go on their second PP of the night. Wouldn’t mind going into the locker room up two.

7:40 pm: Interference called on Shanny. 4 on 4 hockey for about a minute. I didn’t see the penalty but the camera angle was not great.

End of the 1st: Well the Rangers survive playing a bad opening 8 minutes to take a 1-0 lead into the locker room after one. Classic Rangers slow start but they were able to overcome it by killing off a couple of Pens PP and converting on one of their own. Can’t complain about the score.

8:00 pm: Goal has officially been given to Straka. Still 1-0.

8:03 pm: DRURY GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Might get overturned because Drury’s stick was pretty high. For now Rangers lead 2-0.

8:06 pm: GOAL COUNTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rangers lead 2-0. Tough call but Rangers get the benefit of the doubt. Great hand eye coordination by Drury to make the deflection. Fleury was six feet in the air trying to make that save.

8:09 pm: AVERY GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!! Rangers lead 3-0. You gotta be kidding me! Fists pumps of the world unite!

8:15 pm: Rangers doing a nice job winning face-offs. That’s an area they had trouble with against Jersey.

8:18 pm: This is why insurance goals are very important against the Pens. Looks like the goal went of Rozsival’s skate, credited to Ruutu.

8:19 pm: So much for the cushion. Goal by DuPuis. Rangers lead 3-2.

8:23 pm: Well let’s see if a penalty can slow this Pens momentum down. Rangers on the PP.

8:29 pm: PP can’t convert, although they had some nice chances. Backman shot one right into the chest of Fleury, Rangers remain in control with 6 minutes to play in the period.

8:34 pm: Sid the Kid draws the penalty on Dubi. Questionable call to say the least. Pens on the PP.

8:37 pm: Rangers kill of the PP with the help of some great saves by Hank. Got to make it out of this period alive.

End of 2nd: Whew! Well after dominating the first five minutes of this period the Rangers back peddled for the last fifteen. You never want to blow a 3-0 lead to anyone but it just goes to show you how powerful this Penguins offense is. Rangers still lead by one, so after all of that the score remains the same margin. Rangers lead 3-2.

9:00 pm: Here come the heart attacks.

9:04 pm: Pittsburgh goal. This game is tied. That play was allowed to happen because Tyutin decided not to hit someone and cause a disruption at the start. Game tied 3-3.

9:06 pm: You gotta be kidding me. Three on two break away right after they allow the tying goal. Sykora goal. Pens lead 4-3.

9:14 pm: BACK FROM THE DEAD! GOMEZ GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tied 4-4. OK, OK.

9:23 pm: Rangers have definitely stepped up their play after that Gomez goal. Just over four remaining, I don’t want this game to go to OT. I want a quick goal, I’m feeling a young gun like Callahan stepping up here at the end. Call me crazy.

9:27 pm: Rangers called for the penalty. Straka for interference. Oh boy.

9:30 pm: Well I didn’t mean that young gun. Crosby scores. Pens lead 5-4.

End of 3rd: Jagr had a chance to put one home there at the end, instead it goes off the post.  Disappointing loss.