The NHL Could Learn from the NFL posted by Jeff Ponder

Did you see that crazy backhand goal by Michael Del Zotto of the Rangers that snuck its way through Boston's Tim Thomas a few weeks ago?  Of course you did, it was the only afternoon game on that Saturday.

Well how about that exciting shootout between Colorado and Buffalo that went through 22 skaters?  Or that great defensive win by the Panthers over the Senators where Tomas Vokoun had an 18-save shutout?  No, you probably missed those because you were watching your favorite team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, get shelled by Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins, 4-1 on home ice.

The Rangers-Bruins game was broadcasted at 1:00 EST on January 9, making it the only game on between the hours of 1:00 and 7:00.  But that is when the NHL flood started; six games were played at 7:00, three games at 8:00 and three more at 10:00 or after.

What can the National Football League teach us?

On December 27 (NFL week 16), NFL fans watched a great game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens at 1:00 in which Steelers' receiver Santonio Holmes got 86 receiving yards against a tough Ravens defense, and Ravens' halfback Ray Rice amassed 141 rushing yards in a 23-20 Steelers victory.  Shortly after that game ended (approximately 4:15), NFL spectators watched in horror as American hero Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts fell to the New York Jets 29-15 to end their perfect season bid.  As if that wasn't enough, the NFL had yet another exciting game start at 8:20 between the surging Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears.  Greg Olsen's brilliant catch in the endzone during the first half led the way as the Bears squeezed out a victory, 36-30.
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8-18 Football News and MLB Waiver Wire Deals posted by Ryan Turner

1. Well, Brett Favre is back. Just as he started to drift out of our minds again, BAM, breaking news on ESPN: "Favre is a Viking." As obnoxious as this story has been for the last three years, it sure will make the Vikings vs. Packers games more interesting, especially the November 1st game when he returns to Lambeau Field. My guess is the reaction will be half cheers, half boos from the fans, all boos from Ted Thompson.

2. Another quarterback who has run rampant through the media lately is Jay Cutler. He needs to shut up right now if he even wants a chance at not topping the "Number One Douche Bag of All-Time" list. His latest remarks were after the Bears' first preseason game in which they played the Buffalo Bills. He criticized wide receiver Devin Hester for not breaking up an interception on an under-thrown pass. How about this Jay? Either make the passes in the first place or be gracious if Hester does break up the interception. If Hester can't fix your screw up, man up and take the blame yourself. That's where it belongs. Peyton Manning doesn't always own the blame after a loss, but the difference between Manning and Cutler is, Manning has the record to back up those types of comments. Cutler needs to earn the right to make those types of comments. He could be in danger of losing that locker room really quickly, if he hasn't already.

3. Marc Bulger broke his pinkie on his throwing hand during Monday's practice on a snap exchange from center Jason Brown. It's not a major injury and it should only keep him out for two weeks. However, this could open the door for backup Kyle Boller. The Ravens had some decent years with a strong defense and Boller managing games. Baltimore went 9-7 in 2004, Boller's only year in which he started all 16 games. 9-7 won the NFC West last year and it could do the same this year. I'm not suggesting the Rams' defense will be anywhere close to Baltimore's, but the NFC West isn't as strong as the AFC North typically is either.

Rangers sign Marian Gaborik to 5-Year, $37.5 Million Contract posted by Jeff Ponder

As expected, the New York Rangers have made a splash in the free-agent sweepstakes.  Rangers GM Glen Sather announced late Wednesday that the club has agreed to terms with star free-agent, Marian Gaborik.  

The Slovakian right-wing had a troubling season in Minnesota last year, playing in only 17 games caused by a nagging hip injury.  Even though his time was limited, he was still able to scrape together 23 points.  Gaborik has had surgery since then and the Rangers are hoping that he can return to his old form.

Gaborik's best year came in 2007-08 when he amassed 42 goals and 83 points in 77 games played.  He was always a bright spot for the Minnesota Wild, until the State of Hockey saw the likes of Mikko Koivu and Pierre-Marc Bouchard.  He will join a Rangers lineup that has been depleted since losing to Washington in the first round of the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs.  Markus Naslund has announced his retirement from the NHL, while Scott Gomez has been traded to the Montreal Canadiens and Nik Antropov is on the free-agent market.

This is a smart move for the Rangers.  Acquiring Gaborik for the top line can only help a struggling Rangers team.  The only downfall is Gaborik's recent injury history.  If Gaborik can stay healthy, this may prove to be one of the best signings of the off-season.Continue reading "Rangers sign Marian Gaborik to 5-Year, ..."

Rangers Trade Scott Gomez, Tom Pyatt and Mike Busto to Canadiens for Chris Higgins, Doug Janik, Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko posted by Jeff Ponder

Analysis:  The biggest name in this deal is obviously 2-time Stanley Cup winner Scott Gomez.  Being signed through 2013-14, this Alaska native has been a slight disappointment for the New York Rangers.  Being signed in the summer of 2007 to a 7-year, $51.5 million deal, Gomez has registered 128 points in two seasons with the Rangers, which is a little lower than the Rangers had originally expected.  In 2005-06, Gomez registered 84 points in 82 games with the New Jersey Devils.  He is still a top-line center, but Montreal will be hoping that he can earn his paycheck with better point totals for the remainder of his contract.

Going with Gomez is 22-year old winger Tom Pyatt.  Being selected in the fourth round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the Rangers, Pyatt is known for his offensive instincts and good hands, but has yet found a way to crack the Rangers' lineup.

Defenseman Mike Busto will also be joining Gomez and Pyatt in the deal.  In 2007, Charlotte Checkers head coach Derek Wilkinson said that Busto's "skill set is getting better, but his intensity level needs to improve, and he has just got to get a little more assertive. The talent is there now, the drive just needs to match it."

Going to New York, Chris Higgins, much like Gomez, had a bit of an off-year in 2008-09.  Higgins registered just 23 points in 57 games for Montreal, while nursing hand and groin injuries throughout parts of the season.  Higgins' best year came in 2007-08 when he notched 27 goals and 25 assists for 52 points.  He can still be a top-6 forward if utilized properly.
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Habs Can Lock Up a Playoff Spot Tonight in New York posted by Julia Borgini

The Montreal Canadiens can lock up a playoff spot tonight with a win against the New York Rangers in New York. They gave away their first chance to lock up the spot last night with a 3-2 loss against the Senators, but can redeem themselves tonight. Gainey is putting in Andrei Kostitsyn and Matt D'Agostini, while sitting Georges Laraque and Gregory Stewart. 

The Habs can also make the playoffs tonight with a bit of outside help, but they would be best served by just winning the game outright and earning the berth directly. They were on a 3-game win streak up until the game against the Senators, so a win tonight would help bolster their confidence going in to the home stretch.

The Canadiens Move Up to Seventh in the Playoff Race posted by Julia Borgini

Saturday night's 6-2 convincing win over the Toronto Maple Leafs provided the Canadiens with a little breathing room in the race for the playoffs. They moved up to seventh in the Easter Conference standings, with 4 games to play.

THE GOOD: Montreal wins 6-2 against Toronto. Three goals scored on the power play. Balanced scoring as Kovalev, Latendresse, Tanguay, Higgins, Gorges, and Lapierre all score. Halak solid in net for a flu-ridden Price, who's also playing well of late.

THE BAD: Tanguay coughing up the puck to Toronto's Boyd Devereaux, who scored a short-handed goal in the third period.

THE UGLY: The blue line took a serious hit when both Schneider AND Markov left the game with 'upper-body injuries'.

THE RESULT: Montreal is in seventh, 3 points ahead of the eighth place Rangers and Panthers (who are now tied.) They still have one game in hand against both of those teams, and sit only 1 point behind the sixth place Penguins. The Canadiens finish off the season with 4 games in 6 nights, with two of those games against the Rangers and the Penguins.

Hold on to your hats everyone, it's going to be a wild finish.

Rangers in a New Era posted by Andy Morris

“It’s the start of a new era. We’re 0-0. It’s a 21-game season,” said team captain Chris Drury about the New York Rangers as they began their “second season” under new Coach John Tortorella.

Their new coach comes to the team with a reputation of breathing fire-and-brimstone, although few of the players have any history with Tortorella. Defenseman Paul Mara played for the coach during three seasons at Tampa Bay.

The Lightning fired the coach at the end of last season. This year he has been working with TSN, the Canadian Television Sports Network, as a hockey commentator.

It’s a safe hockey bet that he added some “color” to that commentary.

Tortorella brings a hard-nosed philosophy to the Rangers at a time when the team is in disarray. The record of his tenure at Tampa reveals that he expects the most from his players… and that he will give his best to them.

He operates on the philosophy that if you can get a player to believe in himself and a team to believe in itself you have won the battle… the rewards will follow. Tampa’s Stanley Cup win is proof that he has the ability to bring out the best in his players. Coaching in New York will put his whole repertoire of talents to the test once again.

New York began the season on top of their division and in control of their own destiny. For unknown reasons, the team began a freefall that has them in jeopardy of not even making the playoffs.

Not sure of all the influences that caused the team to slide, Tortorella said, “Losing knocks you down. I’m going to push them, but as a coach, you also have to understand when to be with them. I think this is a time to try to get them to feel decent about themselves. I think they’re a little bit beat up.”

Phelps is a Hero and A-Rod's a Villain posted by Colin Linneweber

Gamecock Should Be Hung By His Grundle 

Legendary American swimmer Michael Phelps stated Wednesday to The Baltimore Sun that he can not commit to competing in the 2012 Olympic Games in London in wake of British tabloid photos that apparently capture “MP” blazing cannabis from a bong during a party last November at the University of South Carolina.

"This is a decision of mine that I'm not going to make it today and I'm not going to make tomorrow," said Phelps, who won a record eight gold medals last summer at the Beijing Olympics.

The most decorated Olympic athlete ever continued, “It's going to require a lot of time and energy and a lot of thinking for myself - but also talking to [my coach Bob Bowman] and talking to my family and just deciding what I want to do."

Phelps, who was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in his youth and qualified for the 2000 Summer Olympics at the age of 15, seemed genuinely contrite and saddened by his most recent public embarrassment.

"This was stupid, and I know this won't happen again," the former Michigan Wolverine assured. "It's obviously bad judgment, and it's something I'm not proud of at all.”

The 14-time career Olympic gold medalist continued, "I will say that with the mistakes that I've made in my life, I've learned from them. Every one of them. And I've become a better person. That's what I plan to do from here."

“The Baltimore Bullet” said he is particularly disappointed that he again let down his fans and his mother, Debbie, nearly five-years after a drunken-driving arrest in 2004.

Stacked to the Rafters - posted by Jared Trumpetto

Tonight the Rangers will honor long time Ranger great Adam Graves for his role in the 1994 Stanley Cup run as well as his outstanding community service that has endeared him the the City of New York over the past 20 years. Graves scored over thirty goals five times in his ten year career with the Rangers including his memorable 52 tallies in the '94 run to the cup. It wasn't the stat line however that made Graves a revered member of the Blueshirts, rather it was his grit and toughness that the Garden faithful came to expect from the Rangers during those magical runs into the postseason. Graves brought the heart and soul to the once feared ice between 7th and 8th avenue. He helped make the Garden what it is and will always be remembered as a champion on Broadway. 

Unfortunately, the only champions in the Garden tonight will not be wearing skates. Instead they will stand next to Adam and take their rightful place - in history. Hopefully those jerseys can sprinkle some magic on a hapless group of Rangers playing uninspired hockey. Since my last blog post on January 5th the Rangers have played to a 5-5 record including three atrocious losses to the Pittsburgh Penguins and a 1-0 shutout loss to the Bruins giving no-name net-minder Tuukku Rusk his first NHL win. During the Rangers consistent run at mediocrity I have made alot of assertions and predictions but have only come to two incontrovertible facts:

1) A solid team with a speck of offensive consistency would be scary with Henrik Lunqvist

2) The Rangers are stacked to the rafters with more than just legendary jerseys. They are overloaded with expensive contracts that will start to affect more than just this season.

Tkachuk Trade Talk... Again posted by Jeff Ponder

On February 25th 2007, the Atlanta Thrashers made a move that they thought could land them a Stanley Cup in their fair city.  After acquiring Keith Tkachuk for three draft picks and Glen Metropolit, Atlanta General Manager Don Waddell saw his team fall in the playoffs after a 4-0 sweep to the New York Rangers.  Keith Tkachuk then re-signed with the St. Louis Blues, rejoining the rebuilding franchise that following summer.  Well it is February 2009, and we are hearing Tkachuk trade talks yet again.

“Walt,” as he is called by teammates and friends, still has not felt the joy of hoisting the Stanley Cup over his head in front of 20,000 screaming fans.  It is obvious to the near-38 year old that his days are numbered and he needs to think of his future, with his contract being up at the end of the season.  The Blues are still a few pieces away from winning the Stanley Cup, so Tkachuk knows that if he wants to win one before retirement, he will have to do it elsewhere.

“But honestly I don't know what I want to do," Tkachuk said. "That's a boring answer, but it's the truth. I do like it in St. Louis, but I would like to win a Stanley Cup, absolutely."

Recent reports from hockeybuzz.com analyst Rick Eklund suggest that the St. Louis fan-favorite may be heading to the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have not been enjoying a strong season.  With just a 24-22-5 record, Pittsburgh currently sits in tenth place in the Eastern Conference, although that is just two points outside of the last playoff berth.  Tkachuk could add a much-needed tough-presence in front of the opposing net, since the Penguins are currently ranked 24th in the league in power-play percentage.  Adding Tkachuk to the power-play umbrella would be a strong move for Pittsburgh, as it would allow more room for players like Crosby and Malkin to work the puck, and even more room for Sergei Gonchar to blast it from the point.  
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Stars C Ribeiro off IR after tracheotomy (AP)

The Dallas Stars have activated center Mike Ribeiro a month after he injured his throat in a game against the New York Rangers. Ribeiro came off injured reserve Monday while defenseman Mark Fistric went on the list with a knee injury. Forwards Raymond Sawada and Francis Wathier were recalled from the Texas Stars of the AHL. [read full article]

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