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 […]
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 […]
Rozsival To Have Surgery
Michal Rozsival will have surgery on his hip to repair a torn labrum. The surgery is being described as “clean-up” work and is expected to have no lasting impact on his play. Rozsival is set to become a UFA on July 1st, with no word on what the Rangers’ strategy might be with their leading scorer from the […]
Baranka Signs In Russia
We’re still in that lull after the end of the season, and there’s been little news from the Rangers. Ivan Baranka signed a contract to play in Russia next season with Moscow Spartak, but the Rangers will retain his rights if they offer him a qualifying contract offer before July 1st. Commentators out there are already pitching […]
Jagr Would Like To Return
Jaromir Jagr wants to extend his tenure on Broadway and has told reproters that the Rangers are his number one choice. Whether he (and Brendan Shanahan) return will be largely up to what Glen Sather wants to do financially and strategically. It’s expected that while Jagr has indicated he’d like to return, there’ll still be competition for Jagr’s services, both in the NHL and […]
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.
Game 5 Is Alive
An independent observer of the Rangers-Penguins Eastern Conference Semifinal series could easily jump to the conclusion that the Rangers have been thoroughly outclassed in this series, and that a win for Pittsburgh on Sunday is all but a foregone conclusion. After all, the Rangers lost an almost unlosable game in Game 1 when they gave […]
Avery Distraction: Good or Bad?
by Mark Owens Avery’s most recent controversy stems from his comical attempt to block Marty Brodeur’s view during Sunday’s 5-on-3 Rangers power play. He succeeded in flustering Brodeur, who should have been assessed a roughing penalty for punching Avery, or a slashing penalty for the stick to Avery’s groin while this happened. He wasn’t, but […]
Gomez and Drury Lead the Way in Total Team Effort
by Mark Owens Gomez assisted on two power play goals and Drury assisted on all three markers to lead the Rangers to a 3-2 win over the Devils. Both teams now have 91 points and five games left. Gomez’s Willis Reed-like appearance despite bruised ribs energized fans and teammates alike. Gomez played with passion all […]