It is not all that surprising to Rangers fans at this point that Jaromir Jagr will not be returning to the Big Apple in 2008-2009. But one must raise a curious eyebrow at Jagr’s decision early in the AM on America’s birthday.

Jaromir Jagr has reportedly agreed on a two year, $35 million dollar deal with the Avangard Omsk of the Russian CHL league, with an option for a 3rd season. Jagr played with the Omsk during the lockout season in 2004-2005.

Jagr leaves the NHL after amassing clear cut HOF numbers in his NHL career: 646 goals and 963 assists in 1,273 NHL games with Pittsburgh, Washington and the Rangers. While Jagr was a somewhat of an enigma at times, losing a star such as Jaromir to another league overseas is a blow to the NHL and to its fans.

Is this a sign of things to come in the future? With the US dollar fading over the past several years, are other countries just catching up to us and will this trend continue? Time will have to tell regarding this move, but it does make you wonder.

Hockey HOF Bobby Hull spurned the NHL and signed with a new league called the WHA for a five year, $1 million dollar deal, including a $1 million dollar signing bonus. After Hull defected, some other NHL stars followed Hull. What was the result? A creation of some of the NHL teams you see today, such as the Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, and the Quebec Nordiques just to name a few.

For better or worse, Gary Bettman and the NHL seem to have a major interest in playing internationally. With Jagr going to Russia, will other players follow? Could this be the beginning of another NHL type league in Europe, with the NHL Champions facing the Europe league winner for the right to win the Stanley Cup? Could we ever see a team from Sweden, Finland, or Russia on the Stanley Cup someday?

The thought of seeing Russia team name on the Stanley Cup might seem crazy now, but again, in Bobby Hull’s day, the thought of NHL hockey in Florida and Arizona or having a team called the Anaheim Ducks on the Stanley Cup would have sounded crazy as well.

Personally I wish Jagr re-considered and decided to stay in the NHL. But with that insane contract $ wise, can you blame him? Let’s hope this trend does not continue.

Okay. I’m going to make this short and sweet since the last couple of hours out here have been a living hell. Driving around Staten Island sometimes can be a nightmare. Well, that’s true cause now I’m going to be late for the SI Yankee game.

Making matters worse, I flipped on WFAN to hear that the Jaromir Jagr Era in Ranger blue was over. And for what?!?!?!?!?!?! The washed up Markus Naslund, who for whatever reason only known to Glen Sather gave him a two-year deal.

Sure. The money’s about right. Eight million over two years is fine. But wow. If you’re going to spend that on a guy who’s a shell of his former self, then why didn’t he just offer Sean Avery the four million salary he wanted and got from Dallas? Even if he offered less years, perhaps the instigator who got underneath Martin Brodeur’s skin like no one else might have decided to stay. Heck. He said during his conference call how much he loved Manhattan.

I’m just not getting Slats’ logic here saying goodbye to No.68 in disgraceful fashion no matter what he says about it being “respectful.” Bullshit  Baloney!!!!!! What? Did he smoke a few too many Cubans last night after stealing Nikolai Zherdev away yesterday? Perhaps too many bourbons. He had such a good Wednesday. Now this?

It makes no sense. And bringing in Dmitri Kalinin is blah. Just let our Sabres’ blogger tell you why.

I’m extremely disappointed now and am so rooting for a Jagr return to Pittsburgh so he can get back at Sather for how foolish he was. Yes. I’m officially declaring my love for the 36 year-old Czech who put the franchise back on the map and has a lot more left in the tank than Naslund.

Nothing against Markus. I like him as a player but he’s not the same player. I don’t care what John Dellapina said on the radio about Vancouver playing for 1-0 games and the Rangers wanting a more up-tempo style. Huh? Has he watched how Tom Renney coaches?

How does one spell 1-4? Like this:

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE—FOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!

And with that, I’ve said my piece. I am off to catch the last seven innings of minor league ball by the Ferry Terminal. I’ll make the most out of it and try to forget hockey for a while.

I don’t have a lot of time for a post today, but the Rangers had a bunch of newsworthy items today.

-Martin Straka moved on to the Czech League today. He was a solid part of the Rangers, but didn’t fit into the current formula that Glen Sather is apparently trying.

- Markus Naslund and Dmitri Kalinin became the newest Rangers today. No word yet on the contract for Kalinin, but Naslund is said to be for one or two years at $4.5 million per.

- With the signing of Naslund, the Jaromir Jagr era is officially over in New York. Sather confirmed himself that the captain won’t be back. Who wears the “C” next year? My money is on Chris Drury.

- The Rangers also confirmed that they have a preliminary offer on the table for Paul Mara and that the team is open to signing Brendan Shanahan for another year.

That’s it for me today. With the trade of Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman for Nikolai Zherdev and Dan Fritsche, and the signing of Wade Redden, Patrick Rissmiller and Aaron Voros the Rangers will be a completely different team next year. It’ll be interesting if it takes a half year to create new chemistry, or if the team can click earlier in the season. I wouldn’t expect too much more from the Rangers via free agency, even though the need for a big, physical defenseman was never addressed. We have some scorers, some checkers, some role players and a potential power play quarterback. Let’s see if any other holes get plugged.

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.

Copyright Getty Images 

He skated off the ice which once was home in the Steel City. One time as a teenager, Jaromir Jagr teamed up with Mario Lemieux to win back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins. No.66 and No.68 couldn’t be stopped during those special days bringing the franchise their only two championships. Back then, the talented Czech with the long flowing hair not only owned the puck and the game but the place as well.

Back in 1992, it was Jagr who scored on a penalty shot beating John Vanbiesbrouck. The defining moment came ironically enough at Madison Square Garden breaking Ranger fan hearts. The Pens would win the series in six and repeat. Four years later, it was the same No.68 who worked magic with No.66 taking apart the Rangers in another second round this time prevailing in five before bowing out to the Panthers.

It was also Jagr who ended Wayne Gretzky’s career with an amazing overtime goal in which he fought off three Rangers before ripping home the winner at MSG.

When he and the comebacking Super Mario came up short against the Devils in the 2001 Conference Final, it was the last game he’d play in a Penguin uniform. Mario, who owned the franchise at the time couldn’t afford to keep Jagr. So, he was dealt to the Washington Capitals for unheralded prospects who never panned out. Unless you count frequent scratch Kris Beech, who is like on his third tour of duty as a Pen.

Jagr didn’t want the Caps instead desiring to play on the biggest stage in New York City for the New York Rangers. Not surprisingly, an unmotivated and unhappy right wing who already was hated by Washington fans for ripping their hearts out in prior series never performed to the lofty expectations. That Ted Leonsis gave him a ridiculous contract extension (then NHL record 7 years, 77 million) before he even set foot in a Cap uniform was a huge mistake.

Jagr was brutal in his first season in D.C. with a veteran team missing the postseason. Though he bounced back in year two (2002-03) to lead the Caps back to the playoffs, they were once again ousted by the Tampa Bay Lightning with Jagr silenced in the series. Even more humiliating was that they took the first two games on the road only to drop the next four including a crushing triple overtime defeat on home ice.

With Leonsis losing money in 2003-04, they unloaded Jagr finally sending him to Broadway in exchange for original Cap Anson Carter. Sadly, that was all they could get in return due to not much of a market for Jagr’s contract. He was making $11 million-per-year and not playing up to potential. With the impending lockout approaching, it was understandable why there weren’t many suitors. In fact, the Caps agreed to pay four million on average while the superstar also agreed to defer a million bucks on average with interest until the contract expired.

Ranger GM Glen Sather didn’t care. Neither did Garden CEO Jim Dolan. They finally had the player they coveted. Even if the 2003-04 Rangers stunk missing the playoffs for a franchise worst seventh consecutive season, they had a guy who could bring fans back.

Following the lockout, Jagr guaranteed that the struggling Original Six franchise would qualify for the playoffs. Not surprisingly, the Rangers had been picked by many to finish at or near the bottom of the 30 team league. Why would a full year away change anything?

Little did anyone know just how motivated Jagr was. With Mark Messier finally retired, the former 1990 fifth overall pick played his best hockey in several years making even Ranger fans believers again. Playing mostly with Czech buddy and complementary former Pen linemate Martin Straka along with playmaking Swedish pivot Michael Nylander, Jagr flourished breaking several franchise marks including Adam Graves’ 1993-94 regular season record 52 goals with 54. The 123 points (54-69-123) also were a regular season record for most by a Ranger as were the 24 power play goals he scored. It was the most points he tallied since 2000-01 when he topped the league with 121 for a fifth Art Ross.

Jagr finished second behind only San Jose’s Joe Thornton for the league scoring lead. Thornton bested him with 125 and edged Jagr out for the Hart Trophy even though the rejuvenated Ranger’s peers voted him as Player of The Year (Lester B. Pearson). Many observers felt he deserved to win his second Hart for taking a team nobody had close to the playoffs back to their first Spring of meaningful hockey since 1996-97.

With the team fizzling down the stretch due to a hip flexor to rookie goalie Henrik Lundqvist, Jagr and the Rangers were swept out of the opening round by the archrival Devils. Adding further insult, he injured himself trying to punch Scott Gomez late in Game One. Having relied on him all season, the thin Blueshirts dropped the next couple of games before a gutsy Jagr dressed for Game Four only to be KO’d by a clean check into the boards. Even with him being helped off the ice, a supportive Garden crowd gave him a rousing ovation.

The team added veteran Brendan Shanahan along with center Matt Cullen from Cup winner Carolina to provide Jagr offensive support for 2006-07. Though his offensive totals dropped to 96 points, he still hit the 30-goal mark for an NHL record 15th consecutive season dating back to his second pro season with the 1991-92 Pens.

Despite not even being in playoff position as late as February, Jagr and an unconscious Lundqvist played their best hockey the final six weeks to finish with 94 points and qualify for a second straight postseason as a dangerous sixth seed. With Jagr elevating his level and a team which experienced a brutal defeat one year prior, the Rangers turned the tables sweeping out the Atlanta Thrashers to easily advance to a Conference Semifinal match-up against the President’s Trophy winning Buffalo Sabres.

After dropping two tough games in Buffalo, the Rangers rallied to tie the series. It was late in Game Five when a seeing eye Straka shot inside the blueline eluded Sabre goalie Ryan Miller giving them a 1-0 lead. With the clock winding down, it looked like they would steal the pivotal game and go back to The Garden with a chance to wrap up the series. Instead, Chris Drury found just enough space to find a rebound and tie it with 7.7 seconds remaining. The exact amount Devil Valerie Zelepukin had when he forced sudden death in the 1994 Conference Final Game Seven before Stephane Matteau rescued the Blueshirts with a wraparound past Martin Brodeur in double overtime.

Unfortunately, this time the hockey Gods worked against the hockey club. Maxim Afinogenov’s power play winner early in sudden death lifted the Sabres to a 2-1 win and 3-2 series lead. In a highscoring affair, Buffalo held on for a one-goal win to clinch the exciting series in six games. Supportive Ranger fans still cheered their team serenading them with traditional, “Let’s Go Rangers” chants.

In his third full season on Broadway, the Rangers’ 24th team captain was expected to lead an upgraded team which included key free agent additions Drury and Gomez deep into the postseason possibly bringing a fifth Cup back to the Canyon of Heroes. Instead, he and the team got off to another slow start. With Jagr unable to mesh with either center, he began receiving heavy criticism. Was the team better off without him? Oddly enough, coach Tom Renney discovered that playing him with promising rookie Brandon Dubinsky worked better helping balance out the team’s scoring.

Still, Jagr went long stretches without scoring. But when his team needed it most, he got hot down the stretch to finish with 25 goals and 71 points, tying with Drury for the club lead in goals and edging Gomez for the lead in scoring. Could he turn it up a notch and lead a low scoring team deep into the Spring? That question was answered quickly as a dominant No.68 emerged destroying the Devils for eight points (2-6-8) including a goal and two helpers to eliminate New Jersey, avenging a first round defeat two postseasons ago.

Jagr was now facing his ex-team where he had his greatest success. With the Pens boasting dynamic young duo Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby, they had a new exciting version of Mario and Jagr except with different numbers (71 and 87) creating puck wizardry. If that wasn’t enough, they also had Marian Hossa.

Still, Jagr and the Rangers came out and got the first three goals of the series but the Pens answered with four straight. Though a Jagr setup tied Game One at four, a debatable call resulted in Malkin’s decider to give the Pens first blood. A great defensive effort and a nifty Malkin setup for Ryan Malone was all Pittsburgh needed to put the Blueshirts in an 0-2 hole.

Despite a great effort from Jagr in Game Three at MSG in which he assisted on a goal and tied the game at three, the Pens got the last two against an unsteady Lundqvist putting them down 0-3 in a series many expected to go six or seven.

Facing the prospect of a sweep on home ice, Jagr and Lundqvist wouldn’t allow it with No.68 turning back the clock for a magical goal in which Brooks Orpik laid him out. He got up to loud cheers and fans chanting his name. With Lundqvist stoning Malone shorthanded and denying Malkin on a penalty shot along with Jagr dominating every shift setting up a Dubinsky power play goal and netting the empty netter with 18 seconds left, the Rangers shutout the Pens 3-0 making fans believe they actually could become the first NHL team in 33 years to bounceback from an 0-3 deficit.

The 1975 New York Islanders had comeback to beat the Penguins. Could another New York team victimize Pittsburgh. Despite a valiant third period effort rallying from two goals down while Jagr was checked tightly without a shot on goal, it wasn’t to be as Hossa notched the series clincher at 7:10 of sudden death.

When it was over, the big question being asked was that the final time the brilliant Jagr would skate in the NHL. Surrounded by reporters, No.68 fielded questions indicating that he would play again but wasn’t sure where. The seriousness in his tone and kind of somber expression made it seem that it just might’ve been Jagr’s final NHL game. If it really was, maybe it was symbolic as he spent many nights being cheered by the same fans who mercifully booed him every shift.

Interestingly enough, Jagr is one point shy of career point No.1,600. In 1,273 career regular season games, he has totaled 646 goals and 953 assists for 1,599 points. Even more special was that the 36 year-old in the twilight of his career was leading the playoffs with 15 points (5-10-15) in just 10 games despite not adding to that total earlier today. Counting this year’s output, Jagr has registered 77 goals and 104 assists for 181 points in 169 postseason games.

Now, the much misunderstood Czech who has been one of the game’s greatest players gets to decide his future. Will he go back home or possibly re-up with Avangard OMSK in Russia as has been rumored? If Jagr does return to play for the Rangers, he’ll do so knowing that the Rangers’ first two games against the Tampa Bay Lightning will be in his home country. That could be appealing. Is that enough along with the prospect of taking another run at a third Cup?

The forecast remains cloudy.

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.

Last night, I was left wondering if I was truly the only believer in a Ranger comeback from 0-3 down. Well, it turns out I’m not as our captain Jaromir Jagr also believes this series against his former team isn’t over.

Here was what No.68 had to say about his team’s chances of becoming the third NHL team to make history 33 years following the Islanders, who in turn followed the 1942 Maple Leafs in the 33 theme:

“I have a very funny feeling about this series. It’s not over. It’s just my feeling. I don’t know how many believe me, but we’ll see.”

“Too bad it’s 3-0, but I’m not going to tell you I’m dead. I think a lot of guys in here believe that, too.”

Jagr wasn’t done. Here’s what else the 36 year-old Czech Ranger captain had to say about this chance to do something special much like the 2004 Boston Red Sox:

“I actually believe we can change this. We have a chance to make history.”

“It might be my last game,” he added. “Let’s make it special.”

Why the heck not? When the Rangers have attacked with vigor in this series, they’ve had success. Come out aggressive and get the first two making themselves and the MSG crowd believe in Blue.

“We are down 3-0. Fine. It’s not where we want to be, but we can’t do anything about that now. We played very well in this game. We can say, ‘We lost again,’ or we can have confidence.”

“Even a great team like the Yankees couldn’t hold a 3-0 lead. They are the best ever. We can make history.”

I believe they should have confidence and even without Sean Avery, Blair Betts and possibly Chris Drury will feed off a crowd which won’t mail it in. I’ll be there cheering our guys as will other loyal Ranger fans.

So let’s do it! Dare to be great! I say hell yeah!

And that guarantee still stands. There will be a Game Six! Tonight’s the first magical step of four.

Who’s with me?

All Photos Copyright Getty Images

Martin Brodeur didn’t have much to say. Aside from the predictable handshake snub of Sean Avery, the normally unflappable Devil franchise netminder handled questions in odd fashion after the Rangers had eliminated his team with a 5-3 Game Five win at The Prudential Center Friday night. 

To say it was awkward would be an understatement. Or maybe as he’d term it, ”Weird.” 

Aside from the unusually brief Brodeur postgame reaction, several other teammates took it in better stride analyzing what went wrong. I watched a vast majority of both sides of the Battle of Hudson MSG postgame coverage and came away impressed with how other Devs handled the crushing defeat. Particularly John Madden, who almost was the hero.

It was a rough night for Brodeur, who didn’t have a good showing allowing another questionable goal in what amounted to another high scoring game. If there was a turning point in this game, it had to be after the Devils got on the board first courtesy of a Brian Gionta goal from Travis Zajac and Dainius Zubrus. Wonder where that line combo came from?

Oddly enough, all four of Brent Sutter’s lines were exactly what was written here. Did someone spread the word to the first-year coach? I just found it totally amusing. 

Anyway, Gionta finally solved Henrik Lundqvist and it came early. You had to figure that boded well for the Devs as the team who scored first had won the past four games. Plus the percentage had been fairly high thus far in these playoffs.

Instead of keeping momentum, the Devs allowed the Rangers to come right back 18 seconds later when the series’ best player Jaromir Jagr got to a loose puck behind the net and centered for teammate Michal Rozsival, who beat Brodeur upstairs for his first of the series. Not long after, Jagr notched his second of the series while on the power play when for some reason the Devils backed off allowing him enough time to setup and wrist one five-hole on Marty.

MSG-Plus (that’s the best name they come up with? Geez.) Devil analyst Ken Daneyko had it right when he said that the Devs’ PK needed to be more aggressive there against Jagr. You don’t let a skilled player like that get so much space. It was just way too much time for what was a stoppable shot.

The turnaround continued thanks to a great shift by Avery. With a target on his back all period where Devils hit him often including a few illegally, the Ranger pest took the abuse during one shift coming out with the puck forcing Brodeur to make a save. Instead of taking their former teammate, the Madden line was preoccupied with Avery allowing Scott Gomez an early Christmas present which made it 3-1 Blueshirts with 1:59 left in the first.

That goal really categorized why the Devils came out on the wrong side in this series. There were just too many instances during this heated series where they were going for the big hit and forgot about their defensive assignments. Not the kind of disciplined hockey one would expect from New Jersey.

Another glaring example of this was Chris Drury’s series clincher. The Devils had a solid shift in the Ranger end but couldn’t make a dent on the scoreboard. Somehow, Nigel Dawes came out with the puck during a two-on-three and made a perfect cross feed between Mike Mottau’s legs to a cutting Drury, who buried it for his second in two contests at 5:35.

At the time, it looked like a knockout blow because the Devs didn’t have much life. However, hockey’s a weird game. Sometimes, you’ll get a couple of bounces to get back in it which was precisely what happened when a Bryce Salvador dump-in from his bench deflected off Brandon Dubinsky’s back past a stunned Lundqvist which suddenly cut it to 4-2 with over 30 minutes still left in regulation. Maybe one of the oddest goals I’ve ever seen.

A few minutes later, a loss of discipline from Dubinsky (offensive zone- interference) and Marc Staal (slash) led to a Patrik Elias five-on-three tally at 13:50 making it a one-goal contest. During a siege in front, Elias threw a puck which caromed off a Ranger past Lundqvist. Suddenly, it was the Devils with all the momentum and plenty of time on their side.

Ultimately, the game came down to Madden, who was pulled down by Ranger defenseman Dan Girardi leading to the first ever penalty shot in Stanley Cup playoff history in the third period. He made a strong move opting to go to the backhand but Lundqvist got just enough of a pad on Madden’s five-hole stuff attempt to keep it out with 7:08 remaining.

With the Rangers playing more conservatively (more on this in another column) trapping, the Devs only got one more quality chance to tie it but a wide open Gionta one-timer similar to the one he scored on was foiled by Lundqvist, who got enough of his goalstick to push the puck over the net.

An inspired shift by Ryan Callahan where he controlled the puck deep in Devil territory for roughly 40 seconds seemed to take the wind out of Sutter’s club as they never threatened again.

A Dubinsky empty netter was the final nail in the coffin with exactly a minute to go, allowing the Rangers to become the second team to advance to the Eastern Conference Semis- joining possibly future opponent and division rival Pittsburgh.

That all depends on what happens with the two remaining series. The Flyers will try to wrap up a spot in D.C. later today while the top seeded Canadiens look to do the same tonight in Boston. If the Habs prevail, they’ll get either the Rangers or Flyers. That’s if the Caps don’t mount a 3-1 comeback. There are other scenarios. So we’ll just have to wait and see how it all shakes out.

In the other two Western Conference series, the Red Wings got a Johan Franzen OT goal at 1:48 to edge the Predators 2-1, taking a 3-2 series lead back to Nashville. Meanwhile, the Ducks responded to adversity getting a goal and helper from veteran Teemu Selanne and 42 saves from Jean-Sebastien Giguere while getting the better of the Stars 5-2 to force a Game Six back in Big D.

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.