Unusual Suspects
Before the 2013 playoffs, Derek Stepan and Carl Hagelin had one goal between them in 42 combined playoff games. After four games with the Washington Capitals, the pair have emerged as offensive leaders with two goals each, including both Game Winners by Derek Stepan. Derick Brassard meanwhile had never played a playoff game before joining the Rangers, missing out on the only […]
Home Cooking
Before the lockout, the Rangers were known mostly for one thing: failure. Seven years of playoff futility was highlighted by a stream of aging, high priced veterans, who for the most part failed to perform in the bright spotlight of Broadway. Four and a half years on, and the Rangers have moved on with three […]
Pennywise And Pound Foolish
Going into today’s annual free agency period, I was relatively calm. The Rangers had several key players free to sell their services to the highest bidder, but the Rangers appeared in a relatively decent position cap-wise and had some room to make some deals to improve the team. On top of the wish list was […]
No Such Thing As A ‘Free’ Agent
In a way it’s ironic that the NHL and NHLPA use the terms “Free” Agency. Judging by some of the projected offers for the few marquee players on offer, they’re about as far afield from that designator as you can be and still sign a valid contract. Tampa Bay (complete with new ownership) has gotten […]
Sign Language
While the multiple threads on whether Martin Straka has signed on to play with Plzen in the Czech Republic (announced by the club) or hasn’t signed (announced by his agent) continue, the NY Post reports that Jaromir Jagr has received a three year $35M deal to join Avangard Omsk. Glen Sather tells the post that he’s told Jagr’s agent several times that they […]
Parenteau Returns
Rangers re-sign P.A. Parenteau according to ESPN’s transactions page. ***MEDICINE HAT DRAFTS TOMAS KUNDRATEK*** The Medicine Hat Tiger have selected 2008 3rd round pick (and Rangers draftee) Tomas Kundratek with the 15th overall pick in today’s CHL draft. Evgeny Gravchev has yet to be selected. Martin Straka will not be returning to the Rangers next season. According to reports from the […]
Draft Tonight
Plenty of news today for the Rangers, on account of the NHL entry draft, and of course the counter claim by the NHL that has the potential (albeit unlikely) to take over the Rangers’ franchise from the Dolans. First the Draft. As mentioned yesterday, you catch the first round tonight on Versus in the US […]
Critical Decisions
by Steven Zeltser This offseason is going to be critical for both the organization and Sather himself. There are many decisions to be made. Do they bring back their captain, Jaromir Jagr? If so, who else from the Jagr entourage must be signed? Straka? Rozsival? Malik? Does Shanahan have another year in him and is his […]
Progress Made, Changes Needed
by Mark Owens Despite bowing out in round two again and perhaps wasting their final season with Hall-of-Famers-to-be Jaromir Jagr and Brendan Shanahan, the Rangers’ season was mostly successful, due to the development of rookies Marc Staal, Brandon Dubinsky, Nigel Dawes and Ryan Callahan. Lauri Korpikoski scored a goal in his NHL debut Sunday, and is one of several rookies with a chance to make […]
Season Ends in OT
Well that’s another season in the books my friends. With today’s 3-2 OT loss to the Penguins, the Rangers officially were eliminated and now will turn their attention to retooling over the season. Several key players will be free agents this Summer including: Jaromir Jagr, Brendan Shanahan, Sean Avery, Martin Straka, Michal Rozsival, Marek Malik, Paul Mara, Stephen Valiquette and Jason Strudwick.