Fool me once. Shame on you. Fool me twice. Shame on me. Like a great Who song, we “Won’t Get Fooled Again.”

In the Rangers’ case, they fooled not only themselves but many as well into believing a team with Chris Drury and Scott Gomez added to a veteran core which included Jaromir Jagr, Brendan Shanahan and Martin Straka would be good enough to contend for a Stanley Cup.

One Spring ago, they were very close to upsetting a more talented Buffalo roster but Drury and 7.7 seconds altered possible history. Having upgraded at center, the Rangers were not only hoping to take that next step but catch lightning in a bottle. Instead, what transpired was another poor start with Jagr unable to find chemistry with either new center. Neither’s style was conducive to the Czech’s East/West game a la Swedish pivot Michael Nylander, who worked well with No.68 and Straka to form a No.1 line the past two seasons before moving on to Washington.

The Rangers also didn’t plan on it taking a month for Gomez to get going and Drury, who grew up idolizing the club to not start playing until mid-January. Perhaps the latter put tremendous pressure on himself. Whatever the reason, he didn’t play to capability until the second half when suddenly the 31 year-old Trumbull, Connecticut native became the team’s most consistent performer tying Jagr for the club lead in goals (25) while pacing them in power play goals (12) and game-winners (7).

With his team’s best offensive player struggling to form chemistry with the top two pivots, Ranger coach Tom Renney tried the 36 year-old captain with promising rookie Brandon Dubinsky. Due to the former 2004 second round pick’s size, speed and strength, he worked much better with Jagr. The Rangers’ version of the Odd Couple which paired up players 15 years apart paid off because each used their size effectively on the forecheck giving opponents fits. It didn’t matter if Renney put the complementary Straka on the unit or deterrent Sean Avery cause both possessed speed and were diligent forecheckers.

One of the reasons the team underachieved in the first half were injuries to Avery and rookie energizer Ryan Callahan. It’s little secret that the Blueshirts were a different team with the 28 year-old Toronto native in the lineup. He not only distracted opponents but produced 15 goals and 18 assists for 33 points in 57 games, making it entirely possible that he could’ve wound up with 25 goals and 50 points if he’d not missed significant time. That certainly might’ve made a difference in the standings.

As for Callahan, the 23 year-old Rochester native wasn’t himself. Probably returning too early, he never resembled the aggressive attacking physical player he was last Spring, forcing the organization to send him back to Hartford where he regained confidence and scoring touch. When he returned, the former 2004 fourth rounder looked more himself earning Renney’s trust and becoming an effective penalty killer even scoring a crushing shorthanded Game One winner against the Devils in Round One.

In the second half, the Rangers also benefited from the surprising play of Nigel Dawes. Following a couple of brief stints, the former 2003 fifth round selection was sent down to Hartford. After tearing it up, he was recalled in January and became a mainstay in the lineup. More confident, the 23 year-old Manitoban began to harness his own talent scoring and setting up key goals. In his first full season, he finished with 14 goals, 15 assists for 29 points along with a club best plus-11 rating in 61 contests.

Another criteria for the club’s up and down first half was Henrik Lundqvist’s unsteady play in net. No doubt the respectable 26 year-old Swede was impacted by his father’s aneurysm last December. He also might’ve been affected by the uncertainty surrounding a new contract. Once both issues clarified, so did his play which resembled more of what a few spoiled Ranger fans had grown accustomed to. After establishing career bests in games played (72), goals against average (2.23) and shutouts (10), the Rangers’ 2000 seventh round steal was once more nominated for the Vezina.

With the team’s playoff status uncertain, Team President and GM Glen Sather didn’t make a big splash at the trade deadline instead unloading former top prospect goalie Al Montoya to ex-assistant GM Don Maloney’s Coyotes for spare part Fredrik Sjostrom. He also didn’t address the team’s glaring need for a power play quarterback opting to acquire defenseman Christian Backman from the Blues.

Though the team played their best hockey after the deals, it was only due to the elite players raising their level. While Sjostrom performed adequately bolstering the fourth line, the same couldn’t be said for Backman, who too often was an adventure in his end. Most disappointing was that after showing some offensive promise down the stretch, the 28 year-old Swede’s game vanished in the playoffs where somehow he didn’t register a point in eight games before Renney scratched him in favor of physical veteran Jason Strudwick.

It also didn’t help that Marek Malik never regained the affable coach’s trust. Even if the lanky defender wasn’t much of a physical detriment, wouldn’t he have been a better choice? He could’ve logged more time than Strudwick relieving pressure from the way overplayed and flawed Michal Rozsival, whose game fell apart against a bigger and faster aggressive Pens team.

Far too much pressure was placed on second-year defenseman Dan Girardi, who wore down. Partner Fedor Tyutin took a step back after a solid 2007 postseason, committing far too many mistakes and losing physical battles. When your best defenseman turns out to be promising rookie Marc Staal, it speaks to what was wrong with the 2007-08 Rangers. One day, the 21 year-old former 2005 first round pick could evolve into a Norris candidate. It speaks to the kid’s maturity and hockey instincts from a family of winners with possibly younger brother Jordan becoming the second sibling to win a Cup.

What must change is the lack of a true power play QB who could effectively run it and take pressure off the forwards. Due to Rozsival’s inability to shoot the puck, opposing penalty killers felt no sense of urgency opting to attack the other Rangers leaving the points open. Girardi was the only willing shooter netting five which was one fewer than the pass happy Rozsival.

Word of friendly advice to the coach. Sending out Tyutin to man a point is not a logical answer. Neither was “solution” Paul Mara, who hadn’t been utilized that way since his days in the Desert. The veteran was a solid soldier who developed into a reliable third pair defenseman but nothing more which is why it makes sense to let him go.

Another thing which became clear was that while the D did an adequate job in their end, they often struggled to get pucks out turning their zone into a Chinese fire drill. This also became evident while killing Pittsburgh power plays. The most defining example was when Jagr had just tied Game Three and Ryan Hollweg took an inexcusable boarding penalty. Close to killing it, a tired Ranger PK unit couldn’t get the puck out. They had ample opportunities but somehow the Pens kept it in which meant no chance to change resulting in a crushing Evgeni Malkin left point blast proving to be too much for them to overcome.

In their Game Five series elimination, the Rangers again failed to clear the puck with a diving Marian Hossa barely keeping it alive. The same end result with the Pens’ superior skill setting up the eventual OT hero with a tap-in.

Renney is a well received coach but one has to question the overall penalty killing strategy. Why did it take Lundqvist to tell his teammates to go after the Pens prior to Game Four, which coincidentally worked out much better? Most of the series, they had way too much space and setup time. Against that caliber talent of Hossa, Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby, you can’t give them room to operate. Secondary scorers Ryan Malone and Petr Sykora are pretty good too as are defensemen Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Whitney.

The Rangers didn’t have the kind of mean defensemen who could clear the front of the net and make life difficult for the Pens’ stars. That also must get addressed. Do they overpay for Rozsival, who’s provided good mileage but isn’t equipped for that kind of yeoman work? Or is it finally time for Sather to take a good hard look and make the necessary changes to take this club to the next level?

The dilemma is that the Rangers have many decisions to make with their own potential free agents which include an uncertain Jagr with a possible return to Europe looming. If their best playoff performer decides not to comeback, who replaces him? Do they take a run after Hossa, who it should be noted has never been a reliable go-to player such as Jagr. Don’t believe us? See his body of work with predecessors Ottawa and Atlanta.

Perhaps the Rangers would be better off trying to get Jagr re-upped for a couple of years. He says he’s not done and believes he’s still got another four productive years left. The question is what does he want? Nobody can tell for certain. Czech buddy Straka’s status largely depends on what he does. The 35 year-old has been a good Ranger but this season missed 17 games and often passed up primary scoring chances.Do they bring him back or elevate a Dawes or Callahan?

One key veteran who probably won’t return is Brendan Shanahan. The classy 39 year-old had a poor second half and only scored one goal in the playoffs. The skating just wasn’t there and often slowed down Gomez, which is why Renney waited too long before elevating Callahan. The future Hall of Famer also was given too much responsibility particularly on a struggling power play where his shot got blocked a lot. It’s never easy to part with such a proud character player. At this juncture, Shanny was uncertain if he wanted to play a 21st NHL season.

What do they do with Avery, who is recovering from a lacerated spleen suffered in the first period of Game Three? Remarkably, the valuable agitator didn’t miss a shift before being rushed to St. Vincent’s Medical Hospital. His condition has since improved. It should take a while to recover but likely won’t impact a busy July where teams will be lining up for his services. It’s expected that he’ll command at least four million a year. The real question is does a player who enjoys the limelight want to stay? All could depend on Sather. He’s a hard negotiator and could use underhanded tactics which might push Avery away.

One player they should bring back is steady backup Stephen Valiquette. The 30 year-old vet performed admirably achieving career bests in games (13), starts (10), wins (5), GAA (2.19) and notching the first two shutouts of his career with both coming in Philadelphia. Re-signing the personable No.2 goalie who takes to his role well is a must.

Depending largely on what happens with Jagr and Avery will determine how much cap space the Rangers have to work with. Adding size and toughness up front and on the blueline are vital. They should go hard after current Pens Malone and Brooks Orpik. As for upgrading on the point, Brian Campbell wouldn’t be a bad option but at what cost? In his brief stint with San Jose, the ex-Sabre proved to be weak in his end. A cheaper alternative would be chasing Mark Streit from Montreal, who was quite productive playing up front while also manning the point. Or does the club re-sign Andrew Hutchinson (64 points in 67 GP with Hartford) and see if he can provide the missing point shot?

There also could be a few Hartford players who might be ready. Lauri Korpikoski’s debut in which he scored his first ever NHL goal Sunday was a look into the future. Figure the Finn to play at least on the fourth line next Fall. Another player the Rangers must look at is former 2003 first round pick Hugh Jessiman. The 24 year-old made strides with the Wolf Pack and should be re-signed. The former Dartmouth product has some of the size (6-6, 231) and toughness the current roster lacks.

On the blueline, both Ivan Baranka and Michael Sauer should get looks. Former 2006 first round pick Bobby Sanguinetti likely needs a season in Hartford. He would have to have a very strong camp to stay up similar to Staal. Other players in the system who could make noise are defenseman Corey Potter, winger Dane Byers along with centers Greg Moore and Artem Anisimov.

There sure is a lot of unfinished business for an organization which thought big. It’s about time they did what it took to take that giant leap forward.

The clock is ticking.

Maybe it was meant this way for Marian Hossa. Redemption is a very strong and symbolic word often used to describe sports. For the Rangers, that was used to describe their five-game first round victory over bitter Hudson rival New Jersey.

I definitely feel the same applies to Hossa and exceptional underrated linemate Pascal Dupuis, who were swept out by a superior Ranger team when they wore Thrasher sweaters one Spring ago. Clearly, the key Pens duo made a difference coming over from Atlanta at the deadline. Yeah. The talent level was much better and allowed them to fit in. That can happen when you play with such skilled centers as Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby.

Perhaps that took some pressure off Hossa, who had disappeared in prior playoff years with those disappointing Ottawa teams and even getting grossly outplayed by younger scrub brother Marcel Hossa. This time around, he was really good playing alongside Crosby and Dupuis. His great hustle to keep a puck alive at the blueline on the power play resulted in the first of two goals on the day when he buried a Ryan Malone feed at the right doorstep to supply the Pens the lead.

For whatever reason, the Rangers really let down. Before that goal, they had played on fairly even terms with the faster and more skilled Penguins. Hockey’s a funny sport. When a team scores, they really get a lot of momentum. I think that really showed in this one and summed up the series. Someone on NBC said it earlier today. Pittsburgh doesn’t need many chances to score. They proved it in that resilient three-goal Game One comeback which really made a difference.

The Pens kept coming. Especially at the shaky Michal Rozsival, who went to the box way too much killing his team’s momentum. The Blueshirts couldn’t afford to lose their discipline if they wanted to get this back to MSG tomorrow. Seven penalties were too much and allowed the Pens to control the puck and flow of the game.

Truthfully, if not for some amazing goaltending from Henrik Lundqvist in that second period, it wouldn’t have even been a contest. The Malkin backhand goal which made it 2-0 Pens was just a great play by a very physically gifted player. It also was a bit fluky as the puck came to him and he stayed with it despite good coverage from Paul Mara zipping it top shelf. That guy is the best player in the game. He’s also a bit cheap. The slewfoot of Mara near the conclusion of Game Four was uncalled for and should’ve warranted at least a fine. No way would our wussy league suspend him.

I also didn’t like Malkin punching his fist almost at Mara after he scored it. Act like you’ve been there before and not like a punk.

At 2-0 down having gotten zero shots the last 14-plus minutes of the second and registering no hits, it looked like the Ranger tank was on empty. Still, I told my angry younger brother Justin that it wasn’t over yet. They just needed to come out better in the third and get an early one.

Sure enough, in his first ever NHL game, rookie Lauri Korpikoski came through. Following relentless pressure from the Pens, the former 2004 first round pick forced a turnover and came in with linemate Fredrik Sjostrom two-on-one. Smartly using Pitt defender Ryan Whitney as a screen, the young Finn whistled a perfect wrister past Marc-Andre Fleury into the top of the net.

Now putting this in proper perspective, Korp had played three or four shifts the first 40 minutes. But oddly enough on his first ever shift, he got a good shot on Fleury forcing him to make a tough save. Should Tom Renney have played the kid more? It’s a tough situation cause he’s coming into a very pressure packed elimination game. Still, Renney’s move of inserting Korpikoski for Colton Orr worked and gave the Blueshirts a much needed lift.

What happened next was so stunning, I had to do a doubletake to realize it. I just didn’t expect them to tie it so soon. The goals were like 1:22 apart. Great play by Scott Gomez drawing two defenders and making a perfect pass to a cutting Nigel Dawes, who snuck a backhand deke thru Fleury’s five-hole to tie the game at two.

At that point, Justin and myself were ecstatic going nuts in the TV room. :D Hey. With it looking so grim and the team not showing much last period with a season on the line, what would ya expect?!?!?!?!?!

Ultimately, they didn’t come out winners today but that’s not how I view it. Bottom line is they showed a lot of mettle in that third coming back against a very good team. A better one.

At the end of the day, sure. There were some missed opportunities including chances by Chris Drury (what a warrior) and Dawes where Fleury held it together with three and change left. It’s ironic that Drury, who was just unreal for a guy with bad ribs was in the sin bin for four minutes high sticking Malone when he got it much worse earlier on and nothing was called. Mike Milbury was right on it and a couple of other missed infractions on the home team which got three more man-advantages.

Not like it would’ve mattered with our popgun PP offense. God. They got only one shot on four chances. Path—et—ic!

I’m glad that the Rangers killed off that penalty cause that would’ve been a sucky way to lose. Especially with Dru in the box after he was wronged. It wouldn’t have felt right.

They did an outstanding job killing the double minor but never were able to generate an attack in sudden death which doomed them. I guess the series hung in the balance on Marc Staal’s shorthanded rush. But as has been a team issue all season, the promising 21 year-old rookie didn’t shoot opting to try for a cutting Martin Straka. The pass never made it getting picked off.

What if he had shot there? I guess we’ll never know. You don’t play would’ve, should’ve, could’ve in these series. The better team found a way to win. That the puck went off Dan Girardi’s skate to Hossa, who admitted to Lundqvist that he missed the shot intending to go high but instead the puck went five-hole was a good bounce for the Pens and an unfortunate one for the Rangers.

At the end of the day, they have nothing to be ashamed of. Many teams would’ve packed it in after such a poor second period. That they didn’t and came so close to making me look like a genius showed a lot of resolve.

I’m extremely proud of how they competed. Now it’s onto the summer and what happens in July. I have some thoughts on that but just don’t feel up to writing them at the moment. Maybe another day.

Congrats to the Pens on winning the series. They’re now 4-0 against the Rangers in playoff series and a ridiculous 16-4. What is it about that damn team? I’m sick of losing to them. Plus Crosby is still a bitch and Michel Therrien can go walk the plank with his underhanded bs complaints. Was very proud of Renney for being so diplomatic about such garbage. Ditto Brendan Shanahan even if he’s washed up.

I can’t believe it’s come to this. But go Flyers! For the love of God and the NHL, please destroy that team! Put Jarkko Ruutu through the glass! Wow. I’m as bad as Brian. Rooting for the Flyers doesn’t feel right but I’ve had enough of the Pens and NBC yucking it up with cheesy Pen promo after Pen promo. That “It’s Our Team” garbage entering the third was a direct slap in the fact and spoke volumes.

Let the Flyers prevail.

King Henrik not only stopped Evgeni Malkin’s weak penalty shot attempt but made some history as well becoming just the fourth goalie to ever see two penalty shots in one postseason.

FROM THE STAT WIZARDS AT ELIAS SPORTS BUREAU
Henrik Lundqvist is the fourth goaltender in NHL history to face two penalty shots in one postseason. Lundqvist stopped Evgeni Malkin last night and John Madden in the Rangers’ first-round series against the Devils. Only three other goaltenders faced two penalty shots in one playoff year: Dominik Hasek (2001), John Vanbiesbrouck (1992) and Grant Fuhr (1985).

Only four goaltenders besides Lundqvist recorded a playoff shutout in a game in which they faced a penalty shot: Tiny Thompson (1937 Bruins), Earl Robertson (1937 Red Wings), Chico Resch (1979 Islanders) and Felix Potvin (1999 Flyers).

With their backs to the wall, the two best Rangers stepped up to deliver a huge 3-0 Game Four shutout win over the Penguins before a very supportive Madison Square Garden earlier tonight.

Jaromir Jagr and Henrik Lundqvist performed the way your best players should play in such a situation. Faced with the prospect of an ugly second round sweep at home, the extremely motivated Ranger captain and a much sharper Lundqvist wouldn’t allow it to happen.

Playing his most inspired hockey since finishing runner-up to Joe Thornton for the 2005-06 Hart Trophy, Jagr again was a one-man wrecking crew in this game notching two goals and an assist to stave off elimination against his former club.

It was the 36 year-old Czech’s highlight reel wrister which broke a scoreless contest with 7:15 remaining in the second period. Taking a pass in front of his bench at the Pens’ blueline, Jagr then skated with purpose using Sergei Gonchar as a screen ripping his fourth home. Vintage No.68. That he took a tough high hit from Gonchar’s partner Brooks Orpik falling flat to the ice was awe inspiring. 

A couple of minutes after he got up under his own power, Jagr received a rousing ovation and deserving chants of, “Ja–gr, Ja–gr, Ja–gr!!!!!”

“It’s great, but we have to make sure we play a little longer,” the determined Czech later told a group of reporters at his locker of the chants.

“Enjoy the moment. It’s too bad that we got into a tough situation. Maybe it’s happening for a reason that we’re down 3-0. You never know. We should just play.”

One thing about the Garden is they know what’s going on and especially when to give a special player overwhelming support. There have been instances where I’ve been on his case but in these playoffs, Jagr has turned back the clock and flat out dominated. He’s trying to will this team right now and it’s really something to watch. Given all the uncertainty on whether he’ll return next season, our fanbase showed him the love and respect he deserves.

When you witness a superstar playing at this level in what’s supposed to be the twilight of his career, it just does something. I can’t remember being so energized. I was practically telling people to stand up at times. That’s how badly I wanted this game.

If Jagr did his thing hiking his total to a postseason best 15 points (5-10-15), then the same could also be said for Lundqvist. A couple of nights removed from a subpar showing, the Vezina candidate bounced back strongly playing to capability by shutting the door on the highly skilled Pens, who for the first half were dictating the action but never could beat the 26 year-old Swedish netminder.

His rebound control was superb. Everytime the Pens threatened, Lundqvist silenced them with timely stops. There weren’t a ton of shots until the Jagr goal. Pittsburgh held an 11-7 edge. Behind following Jagr’s spectacular goal, the Penguins killed off a Ranger power play and then got the kind of chance they’ve been burying.

Here came the game’s most dangerous player Evgeni Malkin in on Lundqvist looking for the tying goal. Did the 21 year-old Russian score? After a lengthy review with Toronto involved, they ruled that Lundqvist was shoved in by Malkin as the net came off.

Still, the refs appropriately rewarded Malkin with a penalty shot because Ranger defenseman Dan Girardi pushed him from behind. So, even if a few of the fans from our section protested, it was a good call. Yet after the game there you had Michel Therrien whining much like his star captain Sidney Crosby. What would you expect? Let him complain when his best player still had the puck one-on-one against Lundqvist with a chance to tie it up and swing the momentum.

Here came Malkin again at a very deliberate pace trying to get Lundqvist to flinch first. Only the Ranger netminder never did instead getting his glove on the shot and turning it aside. By now, a place full of believers were delirious. I knew right then they weren’t going to lose. Not the way Lundqvist was playing.

“Last game was a tough one,” he said. “It’s not a new series, but hopefully we have them thinking. We think we can do it. We’re going to go for it in Pittsburgh. There’s no other way for us.”

Inspired by their teammate’s huge save, the Rangers outworked the Pens on the next shift drawing a hooking penalty. Now, given how inept it had been maybe most didn’t think much of it. Especially when Pittsburgh easily killed off the first 46 seconds as the second expired. It’s usually hard to capitalize when a man-advantage is split up. However, for once the Blueshirts made it work thanks to some excellent puck possession from Jagr, Martin Straka and rookie pivot Brandon Dubinsky.

Keeping the puck down low away from attacking Pens, they finally got it to the net. Even after being illegally taken down by Hal Gill, Dubinsky recovered and drove a turnaround shot past Marc-Andre Fleury for his first of the series 44 seconds into the third.

Humongous lift!

Instead of sitting back as they normally would under Tom Renney, the Rangers kept pushing forward drawing a couple of more penalties with even Crosby and Malkin taking frustration roughs following a clean Girardi takeout of Marian Hossa.

The Rangers played a more physical brand of hockey even without Sean Avery and Blair Betts, finishing checks and getting under the skin of their opponent. They also won the special teams battle effectively killing off all four Pittsburgh power plays while converting twice in seven chances.

Thanks to some diligent work late, Pascal Dupuis went to the sin bin for a high stick with 1:14 remaining. Sixty seconds later, Jagr put the exclamation point on a great Game Four hitting the empty net for his fifth.

When the three stars were announced, the game’s second star got the loudest cheers along with more chants including:

“Jar—o—mir Ja—gr, Jar—o—mir Ja—gr, Jar—o—mir Ja—gr!!!!!”

He might’ve been tabbed second star but everyone knew who the true No.1 star of this game was. Even if Lundqvist had done the job making all 29 saves, it was the Ranger team captain who led by example bringing hope back to his team.

“We have to believe,” No.68 pointed out. “That’s where you start everything. If you don’t believe, you don’t have a chance. You have to believe that anything is possible. Then you have to put the pieces together.”

“He is a driven man right now,” a prideful Renney noted of his superstar. “We are going back to Pittsburgh still in the series, and that is the most important thing. We live to play another day and we intend to win.”

Notes: The Pens were looking to start the playoffs 8-0 which hadn’t happened since the 1985 Edmonton Oilers, who repeated as Stanley Cup champs. … Veteran forward Gary Roberts made his first appearance in the series replacing injured Pen teammate Max Talbot. He played 7:33 finishing without a shot. … Petr Prucha was inserted into the Ranger lineup playing alongside a gritty Chris Drury and Brendan Shanahan. Even with a rib problem, Drury logged nearly 21 minutes and assisted on Jagr’s empty netter. Prucha meanwhile got over 10 minutes and had two SOG. … Ryan Hollweg shifted to center a fourth line of Fredrik Sjostrom and Colton Orr which hardly played with Renney wisely giving more ice-time to his best players. … Veteran D Jason Strudwick (10:15 TOI) dressed in place of Christian Backman teaming effectively with Paul Mara. Rangers outhit the Penguins 40-36 with Girardi leading the charge with six. For Pitt, Orpik paced everyone with eight while Jordan Staal had six. … As has been a theme in the series, the Pens blocked 20 shots to the Blueshirts 12. … Fleury finished with 31 saves. … The teams get an extra day off to recovery with Game Five slated for 2 ET Sunday on NBC. Game Six would be back at MSG the following night with a potential Game Seven Wednesday back in Pittsburgh.

Once again, Martin Brodeur and Henrik Lundqvist’s names are linked. The pair of brilliant opposite No.30’s for their respective metro area clubs were nominated earlier today for the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top goalie, making it the third consecutive year they’re up for the prestigious award. 

It was Brodeur who took home his third Vezina a year prior, edging out Vancouver’s Roberto Luongo with his Ranger adversary finishing third. The New Jersey Devil will try to make it two straight for the second time in his brilliant Hall of Fame career. His first ever Vezina topped off the franchise’s third Cup in 2003. He was a repeat winner the following year before the lockout. 

I just made an interesting discovery. TSN has it wrong in their article. They claim Brodeur’s going for a fifth Vezina but that’s impossible because Calgary’s Miikka Kiprusoff won it in 2005-06.  

Way to go guys! It’s not the first time they’ve screwed up either cause I recall them misspelling a player’s name recently. Keep up the good work.

Anyway, Brodeur had another stellar season winning 44 of the Devs’ 46 games while posting a respectable 2.17 GAA (ranked fifth) and .920 save percentage (tied for sixth). He also posted four shutouts and tied with San Jose’s Evgeni Nabokov for most games played (77).

Copyright Getty Images

Speaking of which, Nabokov will be joining Brodeur and Lundqvist as a nominee. The Sharks’ netminder won 46 of the club’s 49 games while finishing tied for third in GAA (2.14) and shutouts with six. He also had a .910 save percentage.

As for Lundqvist, it’s the third straight season he’s been nominated. Not a bad beginning to a career. The 26 year-old Swede appeared in a career high 72 games matching the amount of victories (37) from last season while achieving a new best in GAA (2.23) along with a .912 save percentage. He also paced the league with 10 shutouts- three better than his first two seasons combined. 

The NHL Awards will be handed out following the Stanley Cup Final on June 12th.

Reaction: No real surprise here as all three were worthy selections. Glad to see Luongo not included as he really fell apart causing Vancouver to miss. There were other good candidates who could’ve been considered such as Jean-Sebastian Giguere, Pascal Leclaire, Chris Osgood, Tim Thomas and Marty Turco, who said he’d give it to Nabokov.

Nabby certainly had a great season. I wouldn’t mind seeing him win it. Figure it to be between him and Brodeur with Lundqvist finishing third despite all the shutouts. I just didn’t think he was consistent enough to win it. Let him win that other priceless hardware with teammates. Hey. I can dream!

Copyright Getty Images 

With Hasan setting up the Devil side of things in the latest installment of the Battle of the Hudson, it’s time to take a look at how the Rangers stack up.

So, let’s take look:

Forwards- Jaromir Jagr struggled much of the season but he sure bounced back this past week putting together his best hockey. A tying goal earlier today made it all 17 seasons of No.68’s brilliant career with at least 25-or-more. The tally also allowed him to surpass former Devil Scott Gomez for the team scoring lead netting 71 points (25-46-71). A hot Jagr is a plus headed into this series. If he’s the most important scorer, then Chris Drury’s the most valuable with his penchant for scoring clutch goals and winning key faceoffs to stellar penalty killing. With a goal today, he tied with Jagr for the most on the club with each getting 25. Gomez is the Rangers’ best passer and has plenty to prove against his former teammates. Brendan Shanahan has lost a step but could prove large in a series where offense should be at a premium. Never underestimate Jagr fixture Marty Straka either.

Grade: B

Defense- With Marek Malik returning to the blueline today to get the rust out, the Blueshirt blueline looks to be well balanced. If there’s an area of concern, it’s that the Czech tandem of Malik and Michal Rozsival can be forechecked. They must remain poised and make smart decisions. Ditto for the improving Christian Backman, who is hot with seven points in his last eight games entering the postseason. Look for solid young pair Fedor Tyutin and Dan Girardi to log important minutes in this series. Both work well together and aren’t afraid to play the body. They’ll be a huge key to who prevails. Rookie Marc Staal continues to improve in his end. Now he’ll really get tested along with partner Backman. He’s the future on the blueline. So it should be interesting to see how he fares.

Grade: C+

Goalies- Henrik Lundqvist played almost as much hockey as adversary Marty Brodeur starting 72 while winning 37 and posting a respectable 2.23 GAA with a .912 save percentage. Two years ago against the same bitter rival, he wasn’t 100 percent and performed miserably. He’s been tough on the Devils all season and has added incentive. The NHL shutout leader (10 SHO) who might once again sneak into the Vezina race due to Roberto Luongo’s meltdown will be under the microscope. The pressure’s on. Solid vet Stephen Valiquette backs up.

Grade: A

Coach- Tom Renney has done a respectable job running the Ranger bench. For the third straight year, the affable man has guided his team to the postseason. However, so much is expected this time around. He must not be afraid to make line changes such as flipping Straka and key antagonist Sean Avery, who’s not been the same since being moved away from Jagr and rookie Brandon Dubinsky. It’s no time to worry about bruising egos. For all my criticism, Renney usually has a good read on his bench. The pressure’s on in this series.

Grade: B

Special Teams- If there’s an area which could help decide this series, it’s here. Neither team takes many penalties. So, when they get their chances, the Rangers need to shoot the puck and bury them. Against Brodeur, every shot counts. Their PP has struggled all year ranking a ridiculous 20th (lower after today). On the other end, the PK has been a bright spot with Renney able to send three sets of forwards out including rookie Ryan Callahan and key fourth line pivot Blair Betts. Drury and Shanahan are also fixtures. Keeping the Devils off the board in this department is a must.

Grade: C (PP-D PK-B)

X-Factor- Normally, you don’t point to rookies as difference makers but the Rangers have a trio up front who could prove large. Dubinsky plays with Jagr and possesses good size, speed and strength. He’s a heady player who is effective in all three zones and knows how to get underneath opponents skin. So while the Devils will be preoccupied with Avery, they might overlook Dubinsky. Callahan is a speedy right wing who brings a lot of energy to his shifts. Extremely aggressive on the forecheck, the Rochester native isn’t shy about throwing big hits and is particularly effective along the walls. Perhaps the most dangerous of the three rookie forwards is Nigel Dawes. Since a second recall in mid-January, the 23 year-old from Manitoba has been a different player scoring and setting up big goals and playing very spunky hockey. He’s not big but uses his 5-8 190 frame well usually beating opponents to loose pucks. Some hustle resulted in Drury’s 25th earlier today. Dawes is also an underrated passer. He’ll be teamed with Callahan and Drury.   

Grade: B+

Analysis: This promises to be a tightly contested battle between the East’s top two defenses with All-Star netminders. As stated 24 hours ago, the team which sets the tone and plays most aggressively should prevail.

Prediction: Like Hasan, I believe this series goes six. However, I won’t pick a winner. I still maintain that whoever comes out will be bruised and battered for the next round probably against top seeded Montreal, who shouldn’t have much trouble with the Bruins.

If our other NY/NJ bloggers want to make a pick or give hard hitting analysis, by all means do.

2:10 PM: I’ll be liveblogging the action today between the Devils and Rangers.  Check back here at 3:00 PM ET for more goodstuffs from myself and hopefully all your Battle friends!  

2:46 PM: Betts and Malik are in for the Rangers, Mara and Hollweg are out.  Devils go with the same lineup as Friday night in Philly.    
 

2:57 PM: It is MSG+ on my TV today.  Game coming up!      

3:07 PM: Zach Parise with a big hit on Christian Backman.  No feeling out stage in this one folks.       

3:08 PM: First big chance to the Rangers as Brodeur stops Jagr from the deep slot.     

3:10 PM: Chico deems Newark, NJ “Hockeytown North America” for the day.  Oh boy.    

3:12 PM: Devils get their first chance of the day as Zach Parise tips a Patrik Elias shot…NEVERMIND THEY SCORE!  John Madden at the side of the net!  1-0 NJ! 

3:14 PM: Big hit from Vishnevski on Sjostrom as Madden gets his 20th for the second time in his career. Gionta and Martin get the assists on the goal from Madden at 4:26.

3:18 PM: Jagr fans on a great chance in front. It’s fairly clear who looks more ready for this one, and it’s a total suprise.

3:20 PM After a great Ranger chance one way, Gionta and Pandolfo fail on a 2-on-the-goalie.

3:21 PM: Drury off for charging. Devils to the power play. Bit of an iffy call, likely one the refs made to get what had become a hard-hitting game from getting nasty.

3:25 PM: Rangers kill it off. Devils continue to struggle on the power play vs. New York.

3:27 PM: SCORE! Rupp sent one to the net that Lundqvist couldn’t get the angle on! 2-0 Devils. Rupp’s 3rd of the year, from Zubrus at 12:57.

3:32 PM: The Devils are, how they say, owning the Rangers at the moment. Being physical and agressive and offensive, strangely enough. I’m having trouble with this software. If Hasan or Lenny or Derek can pick it up for me, let me know while I switch off to some other technology.

3:51 PM: It was mostly Devils in that period as they outscored the Rangers 2-0 and outshot them 11-2. I honestly am not surprised that they came out so strong. Especially after how Sutter ripped them as Hasan referred to about not being ‘professional’ in a bad loss in Philly Friday night which allowed the Flyers to clinch.

3:55 ET: The Flyers and Pens at last check were scoreless. A Pens’ win gives them the No.1 seed and a first round date in the Battle of Pennsylvania. If the Flyers win, they move up to No.6 and play Washington. As Hasan accurately reported yesterday, the other match-up is set between the Canadiens and Bruins in a battle of Original Six. Montreal dominated the season series sweeping all eight games. It wasn’t close. They outscored them by over 20.

Some Ranger thoughts on the opening stanza:

-Malik struggled in his first period back. He needs to get his timing back.

-Loved what Chris Drury did hitting a couple of Devils with clean hits. I didn’t realize that wasn’t allowed as the charging call was another softy in the BHL.

-Someone needs to give David Clarkson a beatdown. That shove on Malik right into Lundqvist was cheap and dangerous. He’s a dirty player. That can’t be tolerated. And his shenanigans after the whistle on Brandon Dubinsky was also idiotic. I really dislike that guy with a passion.

Second period’s apparently on as I heard a roar from my brother. So I’m guessing the Rangers got one to slice it in half. Be back for more later.

4:41 PM: Derek checking in again. The Rangers got a Chris Drury goal 19 seconds into the middle stanza to slice the deficit to one. That’s where we stand with 20 minutes left. His team-leading 25th was made possible by some great hustle from rookie Nigel Dawes, who beat Zach Parise to a loose puck to keep it alive allowing Drury to get to it and fire past the glove of Marty Brodeur.

Maybe it woke up the Rangers cause they played a much better second having the edge in play outshooting the Devs 10-5. Shots are now 16-12 New Jersey with the all important third coming up.

It’s rather simple:

A.If the game gets to OT, the Devils get home ice because of the tiebreakers regardless if the Rangers comeback and win.

B.The Rangers must prevail in regulation to earn home ice and the No.4 seed in the upcoming series.

4:45 PM: Just to update Pens-Flyers, Scottie Upshall’s 14th with 1:30 left in the second has Philly in front with a period to go. Sidney Crosby and Daniel Briere are sitting out.

We’ll have more later.

5:49 PM: It’s all over. The Devils get their first win in eight games in the season series by coming back to take the shootout 2-1 making the final score 3-2. Trailing on “fan fave” Scott Gomez’ sneaky backhand, hexed Zach Parise finally found a way to beat Henrik Lundqvist going to the backhand top shelf to force an extra round.

In it, after Fredrik Sjostrom fanned on his shot, Patrik Elias wired one off the inside of the crossbar and in to give his team a final victory ending the regular season.

5:54 PM: To the Rangers’ credit, they got the game tied when Sean Avery actually did something setting up the resurgent Jaromir Jagr for his 25th early in the third. A couple of highway robberies by Lundqvist on Parise actually allowed his team a chance to steal the home ice when John Madden was sent to the box for a soft hook. Another Bettman special.

5:57 PM: Tom Renney did go for it pulling Lundqvist for the extra attacker for a six-on-four but his team overpassed the puck a little and didn’t get the kind of opportunity needed to beat Brodeur, allowing the Devs to get the one point they needed for home ice and the No.4 seed. 

Both teams wasted four-on-three chances in OT forcing it to a shootout, where this time the Devils finally solved Lundqvist to improve to 1-4-3 in the season series.

That’s now meaningless once the second season begins. Expect Game One at The Rock to take place Wednesday night at 7 PM.

A little note which MSG used. In 4/5 first round history, the No.4 seed has won 19 of the 26 times. Another stat which won’t mean a whole lot once the first puck’s dropped.

6:03 ET: Here are the Eastern Conference match-ups:

(1) Mtl vs (8) Bos

(2) Pit vs (7) Ott

(3) Wsh vs (6) Phi

(4) NJ vs (NYR)

We’ll have much more on all the match-ups.

Copyright Getty Images 

I don’t really have any words at the moment. That’s how disgraceful the Boston Bruins’ performance was against has been Jocelyn Thibault. Getting blanked at home by Ryan Miller is one thing but to not even bother trying against T-Bone is quite another altogether.

It was clear as day what Claude Julien’s strategy was. Don’t go hard into corners. Avoid any human contact. Stay healthy for the postseason. I can’t fault the B’s much here as they had already secured a spot yesterday with a 4-1 road victory over beat up Ottawa, who will not have captain Daniel Alfredsson nor Selke candidate Mike Fisher when the second season begins.

Loose Translation: The defending Eastern champs are cooked. So, whoever gets them should have plenty of fun at their expense.

There’s one thing which I’m not grasping about that lifeless performance which saw $10 million man Thomas Vanek net his fourth hat trick since President’s Day:

Would you chance it if your first round opponent turns out to be Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals? Let’s see here. After tonight’s 3-1 home win over Florida wrapped up their first Southeast Division since 2000, that’s seven in a row and 11 of their last 12.

In recent memory, only the Devils came into the NHL tournament hotter with that ridiculous 11-game win streak which turned into 15 after sweeping out the Rangers.

Which brings us to the second first round Battle of the Hudson in three years. A lot has changed in those 24 months. The cast of characters are different on both sides. Sure. A few of the familiar faces such as the two polar opposite No.30’s in Henrik Lundqvist and Marty Brodeur plus Jaromir Jagr and John Madden are still part of the script.

It’s just that there’s so much more to look at when evaluating the two mirror images who rely on close attention to detail along with their franchise goalies to win.

Tomorrow’s game became more important due to Boston mailing it in. Home ice is now up for grabs. It’s rather simple:

A.If the game reaches OT, the Devils get the No.4 seed and home ice.

B.A Ranger win in regulation pushes them past New Jersey into fourth giving them that extra seventh game at MSG. 

Now, with that at stake, there’s no way either coach will play their backups. For the Devils, even if that weren’t the case, Kevin Weekes would still have a clipboard and a free bag of popcorn complements of Chico Resch. Brodeur always starts and tomorrow will be No.41 in a row unless Hell freezes over. I still plan to be here as does our Devil contingent.

No matter what way you slice it, a loss to a hated rival is out of the question. I tasted that sour feeling two years ago in a series which was over before it began. A total mismatch. I believe this time, it will be different. No. I’m not going to make any predictions for this series. I can’t and won’t. The only thing I expect is that it should be a lot more competitive as both participants are very healthy going in.

The Rangers will get back key fourth line center and top penalty killing forward Blair Betts tomorrow from minor foot surgery. Does Marek Malik also return or does Tom Renney keep it intact? Christian Backman has come around after doing his best Sandis Ozolinsh not too long ago. Paul Mara has filled in admirably. My guess is Renney will reinstall Malik and team him with partner Michal Rozsival, shifting poised rookie Marc Staal to the third pair alongside Backman.

I really don’t have much issue if that’s what happens.

On the Devils’ side, the only question is whether Bryce Salvador will return. Otherwise, they’ll be relying heavily on Paul Martin, Colin White and Johnny Oduya. Don’t underestimate Mike Mottau either as Brent Sutter has gotten a lot of mileage out of the journeyman. He logs important minutes and has handled himself quite well.

If there’s one advantage the Rangers might have on the blueline, it’s the steady pair of Fedor Tyutin and Dan Girardi. They look to have a little more balance 1-6 with the capable Mara if needed. Even the most optimistic Devil fan can’t be overly confident about Vitaly Vishnevski and either Sheldon Brookbank or Andy Greene. Is Karel Rachunek back in or is that experiment over?

The forward match-ups are intriguing. You have the top scoring line of Zach Parise, Patrik Elias and Jamie Langenbrunner who have worked extremely well together to form solid comradery. The Rangers can counter with the solid two-way line anchored by Chris Drury along with rookies Nigel Dawes and Ryan Callahan. They are certainly dangerous enough offensively and terrific on the forecheck.

Is that how Renney will go though? Hard to say. Another question is will Sutter match the Madden line against Scott Gomez or Jaromir Jagr? It’s kind of like picking your poison.

Jagr has really come on strong with points in four straight and five goals including three power play. No.68 is playing his best hockey of the season. His team needs him for this first round and beyond if they’re to have any shot of going deep into the Spring.

Jagr has played lately with Steven McDonald rookie recipient Brandon Dubinsky and complementary wing Marty Straka. Don’t be surprised if Renney flips Straka back to the Gomez line for Sean Avery, who’s been invisible lately. At the moment, Avery’s with the former Devil pivot and 39 year-old vet Brendan Shanahan.

If things go well for Betts Sunday, he’ll center a capable fourth line which Renney can send out more than a few shifts. Figure Fredrik Sjostrom and Petr Prucha to be on it because enforcer Colton Orr is out with a broken foot and it makes little sense to play slow and slower team comedian Ryan Hollweg.

Let’s see if Renney’s sensible enough to do that.

On the Devil side, they’ll need offensive support from the Madden line comprised of John Madden, Jay Pandolfo and at the moment Brian Gionta, who somehow has not gotten on the scoresheet during the regular season series. Something which every Blueshirt fan should be concerned about.

My only question is if Sutter keeps together the suddenly sizable effective trio of Dainius Zubrus, Mike Rupp and rookie banger David Clarkson, then what about who plays with slumping sophomore pivot Travis Zajac? Can Sergei Brylin and Arron Asham teamed with Zajac generate offense?

Maybe that’s a question better left for Hasan or Lepore cause I’m baffled. I think the Devs need to have more offense up front if they want to win this series. The top three Ranger lines are well balanced and can cause problems for that Devil D.

You could also say the same for that Elias top unit which features Parise, who is just awesome along the corners getting to every loose puck and then using his superior speed to get quality chances. He’s the best scorer in this series as the 32 goals, 10 power play goals and eight deciding markers say. Elias might not finish as much these days but he’s always been a money playoff guy. You don’t need to remind any Ranger about that if they were around for two years ago.

So, what should this series come down to aside from airtight battles featuring timely stops from Lundqvist and Brodeur. We’re probably looking at a couple of overtime games where there won’t be any shootout to save Renney.

My gut feeling on this series is whoever comes out more aggressive will win. Simply sitting back and countering won’t win it. The team which is able to sustain a better forecheck should have the advantage and could wear down the opponent.

Figure it to be very physical as these teams absolutely loathe each other as much as the fans. What I believe that means is that whoever wins it will come out bruised and battered and could be easy pickings for somebody in Round Two.

That’s just a gut feeling as I don’t believe either team scores quite enough to make a serious run in this conference. I see it going at least six games.

And now a final thought which I’m sure can be expressed for a lot of fans in this heated rivalry.

Losing is not an option. There are zero excuses as this Ranger team has been expected to get to this point and much more. You don’t bring in Drury and Gomez for a third straight postseason. You get them for this crucial time of year.

And with that, I’ve said my piece. Now let’s hear from the enemy.

Why oh why did you play that puck?!?!?!?!?! You are one of the best goalies in the league but sometimes, I just don’t know what the heck you’re doing out there. Nice job costing your team any chance of having a remote prayer of tying it after that pathetic power play.

Now the playoffs aren’t even a certainty. You better bounceback tomorrow because the Caps aren’t losing.

Take that Martin “Excuse Maker” Brodeur! Even on a night when the Devils severely outplayed the Rangers through the first 40, they still didn’t have what it took to get a win against their bitter Hudson rivals at a fun filled atmosphere in NYC.

Ranger beat writer Larry Brooks of the New York Post had it documented perfectly in his article yesterday which was to the point about the subtle cheapshots Brodeur will stupe to when it comes to the team he’s become envious of. A week after not giving any props to rookie Nigel Dawes for pulling off a great move and shot which wasn’t even close to being “missed”, the future Hall of Fame netminder this time was at it again over the opposite No.30 Henrik Lundqvist when in a recent SI piece, he had some unflattering remarks which didn’t make a whole lot of sense:

“The way he plays is not something I like too much. “Lundqvist is weird.”

Huh? What exactly was Mr. Brodeur talking about? Even the affable 26 year-old who led Sweden to Olympic Gold a couple of years prior was baffled beyond belief:

“I have to tell you, I respect Marty a lot, and it’s always a great challenge for me to play against him, but I don’t know what to say about what he said about me,” a rather bemused Lundqvist told The Post yesterday. “Does he think my style is weird? I don’t think I have a weird style.

“Does he think that I’m weird as person? I don’t think I’m weird. I don’t know what to say.”

It’s probably better off that Lundqvist didn’t make much of an issue of it. The only thing I can think of is Marty can’t like the fact that the third-year Ranger has fared quite well against him in the regular season. As poetic justice had it, in a game where both franchise goalies made terrific highlight reel saves, Lundqvist’s star shined the brightest again in making 32 saves to Brodeur’s 28 in improving to an unheard of 12-2-3 lifetime head-to-head in the regular season. Marty still till this point holds the edge in the playoffs (3-0).

If you liked goaltending, then you got to see another classic turned in as each netminder took turns making ridiculous saves. Brodeur got it started with a right pad kick out of a Marty Straka try off a great backhand Jaromir Jagr pass. Lundqvist turned away Jamie Langenbrunner’s shot labeled for the top of the net with a great glove save. He also robbed Langenbrunner on a tip try from in close with his team leading at that point 1-0.

With the game tied at two late, Brodeur answered with perhaps the finest save of the night imitating Lundqvist with a cat-like glove stop foiling rookie Ryan Callahan’s breakaway try. Unfortunately, he could do very little about Dawes’ latest heroics. Off a quick rush by who else but Chris Drury, the 23 year-old Manitoban drove hard to the net. Drury’s centering feed went off Devil defender Sheldon Brookbank ricocheting at Brodeur, whose clearing attempt hit the driving Dawes as he was being hooked on the unpredictable play by Travis Zajac.

As fate would have it, the puck went off Dawes’ shoulder while flat on the ice into the net along with the spunky player who always seems to be in that area.

“I was just kind of mad I got hooked,” Dawes told the AP. “That’s the craziest goal I’ve probably scored in my career. I’ll take it. It’s a huge two points. Good things happen when you go to the net like that.”

How right he is. From there, the Blueshirts held off a strong Devil attack which finally decided to test Lundqvist, who wasn’t required to do much but made a couple of strong stops including one on Brian Gionta. With Brodeur pulled for an extra attacker, the former Ranger killer was parked right in front and made a nice deflection but Lundqvist was positioned perfectly eating it up.

The Rangers won despite playing two poor periods. Honestly, the game should’ve been over at that point. As I said to one of my buddies up in 411, the Devils probably could’ve been in front 6-1. Only Lundqvist and Dainius Zubrus’ wide shots kept that from happening.

The second started out alright for the Rangers with a miracle taking place in the form of an actual power play goal with Brendan Shanahan netting his 23rd to snap a seven-game drought off a great feed from Scott Gomez. Gomez wasn’t expected to play due to bad ribs but the ex-Devil didn’t seem to care and suited up. To be honest, I didn’t think it was the wisest decision by him and Tom Renney. He could’ve been seriously hurt. The Devils twice took cheapshots at him including an illegal hit by scrub Vitaly Vishnevcrapski at the conclusion of a scoreless first. How in the world wasn’t that an interference call? He freaking crosschecked Gomez down with the puck nowhere in sight.

That was not only dirty but looked intentional. There was also Zubrus doing what he does best wrestling him to the ice. Of course, no call. Just like last year.

I had plenty of reasons to hate the Devils already. It was awfully nice of them to give me a couple of more. Oddly enough, I ran into a Devil fan when I got out of work yesterday. He was sporting his Black and Red Devil hat supporting his team. We talked a little about the game and he mentioned he was from Haslet, New Jersey. Hope I didn’t mess that up. The dude was definitely amped up for the game mentioning how he was going to watch it with plenty of buddies. I wished his team luck.

That’s not the best part of the story though. Ironically enough, we both attended the same exact public schools (P.S.4) and junior high schools (I.S.75). I was like, “Well, no sh*t!”

How cool is that? He also remembered Mr. Glawon. Imo, the best teacher at P.S.4, who later went on to become a principal. It’s just really weird I guess. Especially me being three years older. What were the odds? Probably about as good as the two teams combining to score five total goals in regulation.

When the Devils get to two and the Rangers score not once but twice on the man-advantage, something’s not right. Possibly a full moon?

I just figured at that point, the law of averages would finally catch up and the Devils would come away with their first win of the season series. Instead, Christian “Traffic Cone II” Backman atoned for his Sandis Ozolinsh-esque primary assist on Zach Parise’s go-ahead late in the second by firing past Brodeur over the left shoulder early in the third for a PPG. His third (second as NYR- both at MSG) came 98 seconds into the third from Gomez and Drury.

Speaking of Gomer, he showed a lot of courage playing last night and quite well too in notching two assists continuing to stick it to his former club. He has seven assists against them so far with one more big game left on the final day of the regular season at The Prudential Center next month.

Will Patricia Greuter of 2Man really have to don Ranger blue? We’ll know soon enough.