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And the streak continues…

I won’t go too deep into this because I want to see how the Rangers respond today against a beaten up (literally) Pittsburgh team. With that said, Torts has already responded to this 6-game losing streak. Andrew Gross has the latest on the new lines and Eminger back in for MDZ.

Basically, it looks like this:

Brandon Dubinsky-Vinny Prospal-Marian Gaborik
Wojtek Wolski-Brian Boyle-Ryan Callahan
Sean Avery-Artem Anisimov-Derek Stepan
Mats Zuccarello-Erik Christensen-Brandon Prust

The first thing I notice is that this now gives Gaborik no excuse of not having talent on his line. Are Dubi and Vinny as talented? No, but there aren’t many players that work harder than Dubi and Vinny can score too. Also, the dynamic duo of Prust and Boyle has been separated (just before Valentine’s Day, how sad). All in all, this is a very different, and rather large, shakeup. I’m wondering how the lines will gel. At this point, there are no excuses and there is no time to waste.

Simply put, the Rangers need to win tomorrow. It’s a home game and the Pens are playing without Malkin (out for the rest of the year), Sid, Kunitz, just to name a few. One thing that really worries me is the 9-3 thumping they just received from the Islanders. Embarrassing doesn’t even begin to describe that. You know they won’t be very happy and will be out for blood. Things might get a little chippy this afternoon…

More to come after this game, including a podcast which will hopefully have a more positive spin after a W. Otherwise, we’re talking about a 7-game losing streak. Yikes.

…and it will be the only goal he scores the rest of the season…

Okay, busted. It’s a good thing we’re just a fan blog and not a media outlet trying to provide you with all the hard-hitting facts. Eric and I found the timing of the Drury knee injury to be rather coincidental, didn’t you? Yeah, well, it turns out he’s now having surgery on that knee and is expected to miss six weeks.

It makes sense. Guys are coming back from injury and Drury was totally inefficient. Whether he was playing through the pain for a while or not, he should have the surgery now. He is a total non-factor for this Rangers team. If he had been trying to play through the pain all this time because he knew the team was dealing with so many other injuries then kudos to him. He’s an admirable player who has had a fine career. He’s a class act guy who never complains. It is just clear that his best days are behind him and that he is not the best man for the job re: wearing the Rangers “C”.

Couple things:

Eric and I put together a podcast last night. It’s on the site now. Also, while we discussed the increasing struggles for Marian Gaborik and decreasing minutes, Larry Brooks offers a suggestion to get him (and Hank) back on track.

Ruh roh…

Four losses in a row. Only four points away from being on the outside looking in. Have played more games than any other team in the NHL, meaning everyone (except ATL, who has also played 55) else has games in hand. A road trip to Joe Louis Arena on the horizon. Raise your hand if you’re starting to get at least a little worried.

As great as this season has been, and as fun as this team has been to watch, it’s gut check time. Eric and I mentioned in our last podcast that this wasn’t all going to be peaches and cream. The month of February is brutal in terms of opponents. The only two games this month against sub-.500 teams is a pair against the Devils. The Rangers have already dropped that first one in gut-wrenching fashion. A very disappointing start to the month to say the least and it doesn’t get any easier.

Players are starting to come back from injury, which is a good thing, but I was also a little concerned as to what all these players coming back at the same time would do to the chemistry. Throwing Cally-Dubi-Arty out there as a top line wasn’t necessarily going to be an automatic flashback to the beginning of the season. Cally had missed significant time. Dubi had missed a few games. And the three haven’t played together on one line in quite some time. Prospal hadn’t played all season. Christensen hadn’t played since the end of December. I know, Cally and Vinny each have a goal already since returning, but it is apparent that they aren’t quite up to speed just yet. The consequence? Well, I can think of a couple instances, specifically in the Pittsburgh game, where those two would’ve potentially buried a couple pucks in the back of the net, making that game a no contest.

Fact of the matter is when you don’t play for an extended period of time at game speed it will take you at least a couple games to get back in the flow. Unfortunately for the Rangers, they don’t have that kind of time. Don’t get me wrong, I’m by no means blaming these players. It will be important to have these guys down the stretch and you can already start to see glimpses of their effectiveness at full strength.

Here’s the major concern. The Rangers lost three games in a row way back in the beginning of the season (10/11-10/18) and one of those was in OT. Since then, they have remarkably not lost more than two games in a row. Until now. This is the first time we’ve really seen the team reeling all season. Four losses in a row and only one point out of that bunch. Honestly, given that this is such a young team that has suffered a lot of injuries, I had expected a stretch like this way earlier in the season. A bad game, which turns into a bad week, which turns into a bad month. It has been a staple in the Rangers seasons for as long as I can remember.

So, what’s it gonna be, Rangers?

Here are a couple things that MUST happen if the Rangers are going to be successful down the stretch:

1. King Henrik MUST bounce back. He always does, so I feel good about this one.
2. Marian Gaborik MUST exist. I sound like a broken record. Aside from a 3-4 goal game here or there, I’m not sure…
3. The power play MUST do something besides consistently stink. I know, three games in a row with a PP goal before the debacle at Montreal, but sorry, when you go 0-4 on four consecutive PPs with only one shot in a tie/one goal game it becomes a glaring issue. I’m pretty sure Eric and I, with Rebecca in goal (no offense Rebecca), could’ve killed those PPs.
4. The big players MUST step up and take control. The production and growth from Stepan, Boyle, Zuc, Arty, Prust, etc. cannot be overstated, but if these team is going to make a serious run at it then the key players, and really veterans on this team (Gaborik, Cally, Dubi, Vinny, and of course Hank), are going to have to lead the charge.
5. The Rangers MUST find a way to beat better teams. To be the best, you gotta beat the best. Cliche? Yes, but true. We’ve seen the Rangers do this a number of times this season, but now it’s even more important. It starts Monday at Detroit. Are they expected to win? I would expect not, but it’s time they go out there and play like a hungry and desperate team, and get a result.

There’s my pre-game Super Bowl speech. Who’s pumped now? …or just starting to get in panic mode… Nah, they’ve got this!

Quick update before tonight’s game against Pittsburgh. First, check out our new podcast. Lots of talk about all the returning players and new problem of having to figure out who to play, who to scratch and who to send back to the Whale. Plus, we have another pretty ridiculous ending…hopefully it provides you all some entertainment.

Here are the lines for tonight with Dubinsky, Callahan and Girardi back in the lineup per Andrew Gross’ Rangers Rants:

The Rangers’ combinations:
Brandon Dubinsky-Artem Anisimov-Marian Gaborik
Wojtek Wolski-Brian Boyle-Brandon Prust
Mats Zuccarello-Derek Stepan-Ryan Callahan
Sean Avery-Kris Newbury-Chris Drury
Marc Staal-Dan Girardi
Michael Del Zotto-Matt Gilroy
Ryan McDonagh-Mike Sauer

We have our some of our answers to last night’s podcast. First, MDZ replaces Eminger. It should be interesting to see how long Eminger is out of the lineup. Second, as expected, it appears Avery’s minutes will be significantly reduced as he has been dropped from top line to fourth line with Newbury and Drury. I won’t be surprised if he only sees 8 minutes of ice time tonight. That could be a bad thing for the Rangers… I love lines two and three. Prust and Boyle together as always paired with “Double V”, as Eric likes to say, but my favorite line that I’m most looking forward to watching is “ZukeNukem”, Stepan and Cally. Talk about grit, speed, quickness and youth! That will be a line to watch every time out!

Also, Pens are without Crosby, Malkin and Letestu. Translation: GET A WIN, NO EXCUSES!

I’ll be honest, I just don’t get it.  I look at this Rangers lineup and I try to do the calculations in my head.  Try to find some formulation where this team wins hockey games…and I just can’t find one.

Yet, they continue to prevail. 

The Rangers defied logic yet again last night as they came back in the third period to defeat the mighty Washington Capitals off the leg of Marian Gaborik in regulation and on the backs of Wolski-Zuke Nukem-Artie in the SO.  A Washington team mind you, that was previously a whopping 20-0-1 in games they led after two periods.

Oh, and by the way, not only did they do all this with such star studded names as Newbury, Grachev, and Kolarik; they did it with backup netminder Martin Biron.

Fact is, I don’t get it.  But, you know what, I don’t have to get it.  Because somehow, it works.

Following the December 15th game where Ryan Callahan broke his hand, the Rangers are 10-6-2.  During that stretch, they have beaten top-tier teams in Vancouver, Dallas, and Washington. While simultaneously losing Dubinsky, Fedotenko, Christensen and Frolov to significant injuries.

This team is a train that’s full of misfits, has-beens, reclamation projects, and teenagers.  But, with John Tortorella at the helm, it all stays on track and just keeps plugging away. Win after win.

There is no way not to like this team.  It’s impossible.  Against all odds, they have ridden on the backs of names like Boyle, Stepan, and Prust to playoff contention.

Simply remarkable.

Shout out to Gregg M. for the name that has basically become reality. This team is essentially the CT Whale, shipped down to the Big Apple, and damn are they good! While pretty much all of my focus is on the Rangers for obvious reasons, I often wonder these days who is even left to play for the Whale? Hey Hartford readers, who the heck is dressing for these games outside of Wade Redden?

You can cross off MDZ and Grachev.

Both have been called up from CT as, believe it or not, the Rangers have more injuries to deal with. Dan Girardi and Brandon Prust were injured in Saturday’s tremendous comeback win in Atlanta. It was a must-win game in which who else but Brian Boyle and Mats Zuccarello came up big again. Let this sink in: Brian Boyle is now tied with Dubi for most goals on the team (17)! What?! If you had said that would be the case at this point a few months ago I think we would all agree the Rangers would be in dead last in the NHL, or very close to it. Can’t praise his career year enough.

As for the injuries to Prust and Girardi, the good news is neither seems too serious. They might even be able to play tonight in Washington, but it’s a nagging problem that never seems to end. For now, it could be an opportunity for MDZ to get back on the big stage and see how he responds from the assignment in Hartford. Ice time will likely be limited for both MDZ and Grachev, but the one good thing out of all this is the young guys getting opportunities to play in the NHL.

Another tough back-to-back pair of games tonight (@Washington) and tomorrow (vs. Florida). It would be really nice to see the Rangers pick up two wins and take a three game winning streak into the All-Star break. If there’s a team who needs the break, it’s the Rangers. With so many injuries, it’s finally an opportunity for some of these young guys to get some rest as well as get closer to players returning to the team.

So far the Rangers have gone 6-5-1 in the month of January. A couple wins to close it out would make for one hell of a month considering the opponents and circumstances. At the very least, they need to come up with the win at home tomorrow night against Florida.

Eric and I will get a new podcast up after these two games before the All-Star weekend. We have a number of good e-mails in our mailbag that will be featured in the show. Keep sending them in. One question to keep in mind: Who’s your Rangers All-Star so far this season?. Tell us who and why at hosts@nyrangerscast.com.

***UPDATE: Another One Bites the Dust***

Anyway, let’s take the positive out of this. The penalty kill was good early. It set the tone. The Rangers dominated from there and collected another two points.

**********

So, you thought this team couldn’t suffer any more crippling injuries?  Oh, how foolish of you!

That’s right, it’s injury update time!

Brandon Dubinsky will reportedly miss 3-4 weeks with a stress fracture in his left fibula.  Apparently this injury occurred after the weight Dubinksy was carrying on his shoulders, more commonly known as the New York Rangers, got too heavy. 

Un-freaking-believable.  I would use expletives here, but I’ll keep them to myself.  Every week it seems the deck gets further stacked against the Rangers.  This is truly heart-wrenching.  Tonight against Toronto, or any game for the next month, is no longer a given. 

Who are we left with? 

BRIAN BOYLE TO THE RESCUE! 

But seriously, this sucks.

First off, apologies for the lack of blog posts over the last couple weeks.  Erik and I are both extremely busy with the jobs that are actually accompanied by paychecks, so the blog has taken a backseat for a second.  Podcasts have been up to date and we will have one coming over the next couple of days, TODAY!

Couple of news and notes to chit chat about in the meantime…

-I appreciate all the e-mails over my mispronunciation of Wojtek Wolski’s name.  I apologize that I am an ignorant American who reads names as they are written.  I will send my regards in a personalized floral arrangement to Vojtek Volski. 

-What a let down after the Vancouver game, huh?  Way to lay eggs against Montreal and Philly!  Side note, the Flyers seem to be the one team the Black and Blueshirts can’t muscle out a win against.  But really, I think the inconsistency goes back to the injuries and lack of Gaborik.  You’re going to have a hard time being consistent with that combination.

-All- Star Captains have been announced.  E. Staal and N. Lindstrom will be ro-sham-bowing it for picks.  First off, I love the format.  Don’t knock it.  All-Star games are meaningless and nobody (seriously, check the ratings from the previous years) watches the thing, so why not give it a gimmick?  Anyway, Rangers M. Staal says he would not like to play with his brother.  This is because and I quote, “He’s too mouthy.”  E. Staal has responded by slapping his brother in the back of his head, sticking out his tounge, and yelling nanny nanny boo boo.

-In today’s NY Post, Larry Brooks says Dubinsky is the only one who can bring Gaborik out of his funk.  Thoughts? At this point, I believe the only one who can bring Gaborik out of his funk is Gaborik.

-Over the half way point in the season.  I look around the league and really believe this is the first year in a while where the East has better Top 8 depth than the West.  Do you agree?  We’re so used to the West being the class of the league, but this year, I really like a lot more teams in the East.

QUICK! Get your emails into hosts@nyrangerscast.com!

This is really starting to get old.  What was a very successful week for the Rangers on the ice, ends with yet another debilitating injury. 

Alex Frolov is out for the remainder of the season after tearing up his right knee against St. Louis on Saturday.  Add him to the list of wounded that already includes Ryan Callahan, Erik Christensen, Vinny Prospal, and Derek Boogaard.  The Rangers offense is taking the shape of a MASH unit.

Say what you will about Frolov, but its another experienced member of this teams offense that will have to be replaced with someone (most likely) of lesser skill.  After signing a 1 year/$3 million deal in the offseason, Frolov failed to be the right hand man to Marian Gaborik that he was brought into be. In half a season with the Blueshirts, Frolov managed 7G and 9A.

For the moment, Kris Newbury has been called up from Captain Ahab’s Connecticut crew.  We’ll see what Glen Sather is able to do on the market, if anything to help fill the void left by all the fallen goal scorers.

It’s yet another blow to this gritty team, who so far this season has seen stars like Gaborik, Drury, Callahan, etc. miss significant time due to injury.  The Rangers picked up 4 points against Dallas and St. Louis, yet with another injury, it seems to be 1 step forward, 2 steps back.

Notes from the road trip:

• - Proving that Coach Torts listens to the NYRangerscast, Sean Avery was given a larger role this past week and really shined.  We’ll see how long he stays out of the doghouse. 
• - Cally has begun skating, however, NY Post says he still at least 3 weeks aways from playing
• - Mats Zuccarello continues to impress, netting the game winner in scintillating fashion in the SO against the Stars.

Happy New Year to you all. Eric and I are looking forward to an exciting 2011.

Unfortunately, things aren’t quite as bright in Ranger land. The Rangers have lost four of their last six games (but did manage to get a couple points in those four losses) and injuries are starting to mount. Just prior to the turn of the calendar Erik Christensen went down with a sprained MCL in the Devils game. Diagnosis: Out 4-6 weeks. A few games before that emotional leader Ryan Callahan broke his hand blocking a shot. Diagnosis: Out at least another month. Vinny Prospal still hasn’t seen the ice and Derek Boogard has concussion problems that could keep him out for who knows how long.

Just when you think the injury scenario is getting a little out of hand (no pun intended), 2011 starts off with more bad news. Ruslan Fedotenko goes down with an injured hand while blocking a shot. The silver lining: x-rays were negative and his hand isn’t broken. Instead of the Callahan diagnosis he’s listed as day-to-day.

Okay all this medical talk is making my head spin. The reality is this isn’t an incredibly deep team. We talked about that from day one, especially at the center position. Injuries are inevitable over the course of a year and there’s really not much you can do about it except go out there and continue to grind. That is what I expect this team to do just like it has all year. What this also means is that young players will continue to get chances to step up and have a larger role (ie: Zuccarello and Weise). Those can be positive things for a young group, but the opposite side of the coin is it becomes harder to expect this team to legitimately compete with the likes of the Flyers and Penguins. Don’t get me wrong, I still think the Rangers are in good shape for a postseason berth and are a dangerous matchup in a 7-game series. However, there is a significant difference in talent level between those top tier teams and the Rangers.

This next month is a very crucial, and dangerous, time for the Rangers. Goal production has become sporadic at best over the past few games and the schedule is pretty tough. One thing I think the Rangers have done a really good job of this year is not falling into a slump. This team has responded well to adversity all year and generally does a nice job bouncing back from losses with a couple of wins. However, with these injuries and the schedule over the next month the Rangers could find themselves in a tough spot. Last year’s team in this situation would have me being very pessimistic. This year’s team keeps me optimistic. I still think the ultimate key the rest of the year is to get Gaborik on track, especially when the team is struggling to score goals. What is your key as we head down the stretch in the 2nd half of the season?

Eric and I will have a show up tomorrow, so get your questions in at hosts@nyrangerscast.com.