Saturday Hockey

November 22, 2008   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

The Rangers (14-6-2, 30 Pts) look to bounce back in Ottawa for a matinee with a special 3 start time at the top of the hour. Scott Gomez remains out but finally practiced following a couple of acupuncture treatments. He did make the trip and was expected to skate prior to the game but won’t play according to Sam Weinman.

In a surprise move, Stephen Valiquette gets the call. He was very sharp in relief of Henrik Lundqvist Wednesday stopping all 15 shots he saw. Maybe that helped influence Tom Renney’s decision to give the veteran backup his first start since that Toronto debacle at the beginning of the month. Whatever the reason, Lundqvist can use a blow. He’s not going to play every game. So, we’ll see how Valiquette does and if his teammates respond to their worst game of the season.

It will be interesting to see if anything develops in today’s rematch with Jarkko Ruutu. The Rangers weren’t happy with his follow-up shot in the shootout and didn’t appreciate his antics during Monday’s tilt which saw him come dangerously close to another head shot on Marc Staal after he released the puck.

Speaking of head shots, the league is supposed to be having a meeting next January about possibly implementing a rule on the dangerous blows which can seriously injure players. Last night, the latest incident took place when Devil defenseman Mike Mottau caught Islander Frans Nielsen up high resulting in Trent Hunter stepping in for his fallen teammate. Typically, due to the instigator, they didn’t even wind up with a power play with Mottau penalized only two minutes for elbowing and each player getting five for fighting while Hunter got an additional misconduct.

Now, I’m no expert. But that decision is ridiculous. In any event, Mottau got a two-game suspension for the high forearm to Nielsen’s head.

I don’t think Mottau intended to lead with the arm like that but it was awkward. However, Chico Resch’s quick defense of him was pathetic referring to him as a “straight up player.”

Just can it Chico! I like the guy but that was hardly the right time to say that. Is two games sufficient? I don’t know. Thomas Pock got five for an elbow major. Meanwhile, Jarkko Ruutu who’s a repeat offender got only two for a more dangerous elbow.

The NHL is so confusing that there’s not much to say. Sometimes, I don’t get this league. This is one of those times.

While the Rangers are playing now, the Pens are also in action versus Vancouver trailing by a goal after one.

Biggest event of the night takes place in Montreal where Patrick Roy gets his No.33 retired on Hockey Night In Canada before the Habs battle the B’s. That should be great.

Congratulations to him!