Hockey This Week | By James Wrabel Jr. | NHL This Week | NHL Tickets

Historic Game One Ratings Show Hockey is Still Alive

Game 1 of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final resonated with the fans as a classic!

A triple-OT thriller that needed a double-deflection goal off of Andrew Shaw’s knee to end the fifth-longest Finals contest. It was exhilarating, for the players who played, the fans in the arena and everyone watching at home.

And the numbers at home locally and across the nation are what need to be focused on. It drew a 4.8 overnight rating — best since the 1997 Stanley Cup Final Game 1 between the Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers drew a 5.2 overnight rating on Fox. For some perspective, last year’s Game 1 between the Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils drew a 2.3. Markedly better.

Looking locally, Boston drew a 28.1 while Chicago drew a 25.1. Both cities saw improvements since their last SCF appearance (16.9 for CHI in 2010, 25.5 for BOS in 2011). Bear in mind the NHL is going up against (at various times) the NBA Finals, U.S. Open, and French Open etc.

What does it all mean? Hockey has its place in America still and more are sure to follow suit.

Despite the NHL once again cutting its nose off to spite its face this past year with another lockout (for reasons we’re still collectively trying to figure out), the fans of the sport do eventually come back. The interest in the sport has never been higher, the numbers show it and, if more games turn out like Game 1, the ratings can only improve. The NHL’s partnership with NBC has paid dividends to expose hockey nationally and will continue to with epic Finals games.

It’s what the game needs after taking a step back. It will never contend with powerhouse sports like the NFL and MLB, but it doesn’t have to. It may be a niche sport to some, but it’s also one of the most unique sports as well.

Game 1 was a classic. Here’s hoping the rest of the Stanley Cup Final is just as timeless. Make sure you tune in at home – you just might like what you see on the ice. Judging by the numbers thus far, you do.

James Wrabel, Jr.
Hockey This Week

Follow James on Twitter @theWrage

2013 Stanley Cup Final Preview: Blackhawks vs. Bruins

Snapshot

Two great teams. Two great markets. If anything could finally wash away the aftertaste of the lockout that nearly torpedoed the season, a Stanley Cup Final clash between the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins is it.

Chicago comes into the series as the obvious favorite. The NHL’s best team during the regular campaign, the Blackhawks finished 15 points ahead of Boston in the overall league standings while putting together a season for the ages. They’ve extended their strong play into the postseason, going 12-6, and are coming into the Stanley Cup Final on a 7-1 roll after having eliminated the defending champion Los Angeles Kings in five games.

The Bruins, meanwhile, are proving to be a tough out in the playoffs, having won seven of their last eight series — the one they lost came in overtime of Game 7 against the Capitals last year. They’re on a roll, too, at 9-1 in their last 10 games after sweeping Pittsburgh, the Eastern Conference’s top seed.

The similarities don’t stop there. Both teams survived a brush with adversity that required an overtime win in Game 7 to advance. Both are getting elite goaltending, strong five-on-five play and scoring from across their rosters.

Expect a series that’s low on scoring but high on tension and goes the full seven games.

Control Issues

For Boston: The Bruins’ strength is the ability to overwhelm the opponent in the neutral zone, turn the puck over and attack with numbers. The one game the Kings won in their series against the Hawks was predicated on their control of the neutral zone. You can do the math. If Boston is able to exert its will in the middle, the Hawks will be in trouble.

For Chicago: Boston needs to win at least one game in Chicago to capture the Cup, and that sets up the real challenge of the series. The Hawks are 9-1 at the United Center during the playoffs, scoring 3.3 goals while allowing just 1.7. The Bruins are 5-2 on the road, scoring 3.43 goals and giving up 1.86. Holding serve at home is critical for Chicago.

Regular-season recaps

Teams did not play each other.

Notable injuries

Bruins: C Gregory Campbell (broken leg, out for season)

Blackhawks: none

How the Bruins and Blackhawks were built

Forwards

The first job of Boston’s deep, physical forward corps is clear: do not allow Chicago to score. In the Pittsburgh series, they proved how effectively they can handle that task, throwing Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and crew off their games with heavy checking, a bit of chirping, some after-the-whistle shenanigans, and the occasional cheap shot. It worked brilliantly.

But they’re also fairly adept at putting the puck in the net, leading the postseason with 50 goals. While they lack the high-end skill of Chicago’s forwards, Boston’s group has proven to be opportunistic. They’re good driving the puck deep, winning battles along the boards, and getting it to the net. It’s not usually pretty (outside of the shooting gallery that was Game 2 vs. Pittsburgh, anyway), but it’s brutally effective. Their style doesn’t just put goals on the board, it wears down a defense with its relentless physicality.

David Krejci (21 points) is poised to lead the playoffs in scoring for the second time in three years because he’s doing something that he didn’t do enough of in the regular season: shoot the puck. That’s made his hulking wingers, Nathan Horton (17) and Milan Lucic (13), more effective because it keeps them focused on going to the net. Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand have been off-and-on, but both have a knack for scoring timely goals. Jaromir Jagr and Tyler Seguin are the X-factors. Jagr’s been making plays from along the boards, but he’s yet to score his first playoff goal of the year. Seguin hasn’t been much better, with just one goal in 16 games. Expect one of them to step up in this series.

The group’s depth and chemistry took a hit with the loss of Campbell in Game 4 of the Pittsburgh series. Kaspars Daugavins stepped in for the clincher and showed some jump. He might bring a bit more flourish offensively, but he’s not a face-off or forechecking force like Campbell.

Chicago counters with an offense that seems to be hitting its stride just in time. Bryan Bickell leads the team with eight goals and plays a Bruins-style game. His physicality and net-front presence will pose a challenge. Patrick Kane broke out of a lengthy slump with four goals in the final two games of the L.A. series. He spent a lot of time with the puck in those contests, and seems to have his old swagger back. Jonathan Toews isn’t lighting the lamp, but he’s making plays and keeping defenses honest. Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa (14 points each) provide the secondary scoring. Michal Handzus has excelled since being promoted to the second line, and the easy chemistry he shares with Hossa has made that unit more consistently effective.

What the Hawks need is this series is a more reliable effort from their bottom six. Andrew Shaw and Brandon Saad can be effective in stretches, but they must strike a balance between aggression and smart play in order to counter Boston’s depth. Viktor Stalberg has struggled to find his game, but his speed could be valuable breaking through the Bruins’ defense. He could step up in this round.

Edge: Bruins

Defensemen

The foundation of the Bruins is a defense that’s improved steadily with each series. After allowing 2.57 goals-per-game to the Maple Leafs and 2.00 to the Rangers, this group authored a defensive performance against Pittsburgh that already ranks among the most dominant in playoff history, giving up just two goals in four games.

Zdeno Chara was overlooked for the Norris Trophy this season, but he’s proven during the playoffs that he is the best defenseman in the world. After blanking Evgeni Malkin in the last round, he’ll be under pressure to shut down Toews and Kane. He’ll be paired again with his regular partner, Dennis Seidenberg if Toews and Kane remain on Chicago’s top line, but Boston’s shutdown duo can be equally effective apart as a counter to any line juggling by the Hawks.

Johnny Boychuk and Adam McQuaid play a physical, stay-at-home game that will gain emphasis against Chicago’s big forwards, but both can chip in at the other end as well. Boychuk has five goals in the postseason. McQuaid scored the winner in Game 4 vs. Pittsburgh. In all, Boston’s defense has contributed 15 of their 50 goals, compared to just six from Chicago’s blueline.

Rookie Torey Krug was less obvious against the Pens than in his dynamic debut against the Rangers, but he was a steady presence who helped move the puck out of the zone effectively. He and Andrew Ference will need to be effective in that role to spring Boston’s forwards through the neutral zone.

Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook will do the heavy lifting for the Hawks. They’ll be up against the Krejci line defensively, but it could be their ability to move the puck in transition that defines their success. Niklas Hjalmarsson and Michal Rozsival stepped up in the Kings series, playing heavier minutes and responding with outstanding two-way play. Nick Leddy and Johnny Oduya can move the puck, but they’ll be the two that the Bruins focus on exploiting. They need to stay focused and play within themselves to avoid becoming road kill.

Edge: Bruins

Goaltenders

There’s no bad way to earn a Stanley Cup ring, but it’s nowhere near as much fun to win it while sitting on a bench and watching as someone else does the work.

Both Tuukka Rask and Corey Crawford wore ball caps when their teams last clinched the Cup. Now it is their moment between the pipes.

Rask comes into the final as one of the leading candidates to win the Conn Smythe. His numbers (1.75 GAA and league-leading .943 save percentage) are better than the ones that Tim Thomas rang up after three rounds of Boston’s 2011 Cup run, thanks to the ridiculous 0.44 GAA and .985 save percentage that Rask just posted against Pittsburgh. As reliable as his teammates were during that series, Rask was the ultimate game-changer, routinely making the sort of stops that sent the Pens back to the bench shaking their heads or smashing their sticks in frustration. He proved he could be the best player on the ice in that series. Against a bigger, more physical Chicago team that’s likely to spend a lot more time in his kitchen, he’ll face a completely different challenge. Controlling his rebounds will be key.

Crawford has used the postseason to erase the bitter memories of last spring’s failures, and, with a performance that’s been steady and efficient, to maybe position himself for a role in Sochi with Team Canada. He’s allowed two goals or fewer in 12 games so far, but he hasn’t had to steal any wins the way Rask has because his defense allows just 28 shots per game, mostly from the outside. That’s not to belittle his efforts. Crawford’s already outdueled a pair of high-end stoppers in Jimmy Howard and Jonathan Quick during the past two rounds. Watch his work in OT of Game 5, especially that quick glove hand, and you’ll know why the Hawks believe he can do the same to Rask.

Edge: Bruins

Special teams

Chicago’s top-ranked penalty kill will be a factor in this series. The Hawks are on a 55-of-58 tear in the playoffs, turning opposition power plays into two-minute doses of demoralization. The Hawks take an aggressive approach, led by speedy forwards Marcus Kruger and Michal Frolik, that applies heavy pressure at the points, which is where the Bruins like to set up. They also do a great job of making quick adjustments that allow them to shut down the lanes and keep the puck well to the outside. Boston’s power play, operating at a 15.6 percent success rate, will be lucky to score at one-third of that pace in this series.

But as snappy as their PK has been, Chicago’s power play is a dud, clicking at just 13.7 percent. The Bruins held Pittsburgh scoreless in 15 chances during the last round, but they’ll be missing Campbell, who was always willing to pay the price to make a play. His absence could be an opportunity for the Hawks. If Boston dominates at five-on-five, Chicago has to make hay with special teams.

Edge: Blackhawks

Coaches

It’s tough to overstate Joel Quenneville’s impact on Chicago’s success to this point. He pushed the right button with Brent Seabrook, helping the struggling defender right himself by promoting him to the top pairing in the Detroit series. He lit a fire under Kane by skating him alongside Toews. He rewarded Bickell with more time and responsibility on the first line. He moved Handzus to the second line to replace Dave Bolland. Every key adjustment he’s made along the way has paid off with a superior effort, and the Hawks have been a better team for them.

Boston’s Claude Julien has made his share of savvy moves as well, working players effectively into the lineup to mask injuries, flipping Seguin and Jagr, and trusting the rookie Krug against bigger, more experienced opponents — the last a perfect illustration of his own flexibility. He’s an expert at getting the matchups he wants and has complete buy-in from his team that ensures his tough, defensive-minded scheme will be adhered to.

Both men are at the top of their game.

Edge: Even

The pick

Bruins in seven: I’ve picked against Boston twice before during these playoffs. I can’t do it again. That doesn’t mean this call comes backed with a high-degree of confidence, though. Every one of those edges I’ve given them above comes with the slightest of margins. This series is as tough to suss out as any this spring, but I think the physical play of the Bruins will pay off as it wears on.

Be sure to check out other great articles at PhatzRadio – A New Voice In Sports Talk Radio With Rock, Jazz, Soul, R.

Hockey This Week | By Michael Spinner | New York Rangers Tickets | Rangers RSVP

Missing the Mark Could Present a Whole New ‘Mess’ to the New York Rangers

In life, in business, in sports, and just about anywhere else, a link to the past that is too strong rarely guarantees a solid bridge to the future. If the New York Rangers hire Mark Messier as its next Head Coach, they may ultimately weaken the organization’s most prominent link to the past … and harm what could be a bright future in the process. When it comes to this particular candidacy for this particular Head Coaching position, General Manager Glen Sather has every obligation to overlook the most popular candidate and hire the coach who is the best man for the job. For likely the first time in his career, Mark Messier is not the best man for a hockey job.

The moment John Tortorella was fired as Head Coach of the Rangers last week, the rumor mill began firing out of control regarding whether arguably the most recognizable figure to ever wear a Blueshirt will be the next man behind the bench. With all of the talk about Messier’s qualifications (or lack thereof) to be the Head Coach of the Rangers without benefit of a single day as an NHL or even an AHL Head or Assistant Coach, there is one important question regarding his candidacy … why?

Why Mark Messier as Head Coach of the Rangers? Because he is the greatest Captain in the history of the franchise? Because he willed the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup in 54 years, 20 years ago? Because every time he is seen near the Madison Square Garden ice, he brings the crowd to its feet? How does that make him qualified to succeed in a position that other men who have actually been hockey coaches before have failed?

Messier’s resume is legendary to say the least. Aside from the statistics, which rank him among the greatest players in NHL history, there is one fact regarding Mark Messier that stands out above all as a testimony to his greatness: Mark Messier will always be remembered for leading the Rangers to a Stanley Cup in 1994 … but before that moment, he already had five Stanley Cups to his credit. Think about it – there are likely generations of Rangers fans who will never know that Messier was a five-time Stanley Cup Champion before the waiting ended in New York. The fact that Messier’s career shining moment will be remembered as an event that took place enough times to fill an entire hand with championship rings prior to his career-defining moment is a tribute to the mark he left on this franchise.

But for all of the goals, assists, unforgettable moments, and leadership that transcended the strength of whomever was the coach behind the bench at the time, there is nothing Mark Messier has ever done to make us think that he can solve the Rangers’ perpetual power play woes, lack of consistent depth at forward, and a seemingly incredible ability to find ways to make ‘can’t miss prospects’ miss. All we do know for sure is that the fans at Madison Square Garden will be really excited to have The Captain behind the bench. There will be a buzz surrounding this team should Messier be hired. Fans, at first, will believe in this team in a way that never quite happened under Tortorella’s regime.

That is, until the moment takes place that has happened during 73 of the last 74 years. If the New York Rangers hire Mark Messier as the team’s next Head Coach, and the Rangers lose their last game of the season, all of the feel-good joy surrounding Messier’s ascension to the captain’s chair behind the bench will go away, and old #11 will turn into just another coach. At that point, all that would remain is a legendary resume as a competitor, and nostalgia … surrounded by doubt. Anything less than a Stanley Cup will mean that for the first time since arriving in New York, Mark Messier will becoming something less than Ranger royalty, rendering consideration of Messier as Head Coach to be too risky of a proposition.

Mark Messier is quickly becoming to the New York Rangers what Bill Clinton is to the Democratic Party: An icon of historic proportions who resides on a diamond-studded pedestal with a sign that reads, “Only open in the event of an emergency” at the front door. If there is a major election that is in play, President Clinton is called upon to rouse the masses with visions of yesteryear when the American economy was strong, citizens were at work, and we awoke daily feeling a lot better about the plight of our nation than we do today. When Clinton is at the podium, it’s almost as if we can forget 2013 and turn back the clock to the mid-1990’s as if the last couple of decades never happened. Too much Clinton would be nostalgic overkill, but just the right dose of the ex-President, and suddenly the votes pour in.

Messier evokes the same sense of nostalgia for Rangers fans. The mere sight of #11 at Madison Square Garden is worth the price of admission. Whether he is smiling and waiving like an elder statesman on ice, or weeping from memories of a better day, Messier is New York sports royalty, and his presence almost makes you forget that the last 20 years have been, for the most part, a failure for this organization.

For very similar reasons that President Clinton has had no official role in American Government since his tenure ended, Mark Messier has largely been behind the scenes since his retirement. Even in his current role as Assistant to the General Manager of the Rangers, he is largely a silent partner within the organization. After all, the more we see of Messier, the more we think about the shortcomings of the current Rangers’ product.

Hiring Messier would be a risky move for General Manager Glen Sather. On top of the fact that despite his Mount Rushmore-esque resume, Messier is completely unqualified to be a Head Coach in the National Hockey League, his mere presence will be an unnecessary burden on the current team – a roster that is clearly not a far cry from a Stanley Cup contender. Just imagine the questions hurled towards the Rangers day after day … questions about being a better Captain asked of Ryan Callahan, questions to Henrik Lundqvist regarding comparisons to Mike Richter, questions to Coach Messier comparing the 2013-14 team to the team that raised the Stanley Cup exactly 20 years earlier.

In the end, the microscope under which the New York Rangers would be under would be even greater and more distracting than that which exists now. If John Tortorella is unemployed today because the Rangers lost their focus under his leadership, it is absolutely impossible to think that the Rangers will be a more focused and better executing team with the biggest name in franchise history behind the bench.

None of this is to question Messier’s greatness or even his potential as a coach. If the Rangers brought in an experienced Head Coach, who will hire Messier as an Assistant Coach, the move should be applauded. If Messier’s leadership and charisma dictate a Head Coach assignment, and he cuts his head coaching teeth in Hartford, it would be a bold, but pragmatic move. But to move Messier from a behind-the-scenes management role to the forefront of the organization would simply be a gamble during a time when this franchise is too close to the top of the mountain to take risks now.

The Rangers have the best goaltender in hockey, a solid core of young defensemen, and enough talent up-front that this franchise should compete with the very best in hockey for at least a few years to come. What they need is somebody to bring it all together, something Tortorella came close to doing a year ago, but he ultimately failed. Can Mark Messier do it? It is possible, of course. But there are more questions than answers surrounding what Messier would bring to Broadway as both Head Coach in training and Head Coach at the same time.

The Mark Messier New York Rangers fans want to remember is the one that began a love affair with New York City nearly a quarter of a century ago, and the bond with The Captain has not eroded a shred since that day. Mark Messier is a New York hockey hero, an icon, a legend, and there is nothing that can take that away … unless he takes the position of Head Coach of the New York Rangers, and fails. For the organization and for its fans, the gamble that would be taken by bringing Messier back to Broadway would be far greater than its potential benefits, since every Head Coach of the Rangers during the last 74 for years – except for Mike Keenan – has failed in their effort to win a Stanley Cup. For an icon like Messier, taking a gamble against such odds could be one that tarnishes perhaps the greatest legacy in the history of the franchise.

For the New York Rangers, the choice is simple: If Mark Messier is hired to be Head Coach, is it worth to the franchise the fallout that would take place if and when he is fired?

Mike Spinner
Hockey This Week

Follow Mike on Twitter @michaelspinner

Hockey This Week | By James Wrabel Jr. | New York Rangers Tickets | Rangers RSVP

Say No to Messier, Gretzky for Rangers Coach

To say the news of John Tortorella’s firing last Wednesday didn’t send shockwaves throughout the New York Rangers’ fan base and NY media would be a lie. No one, not even GM Glen Sather, saw that type of change needed following the Game 5 loss to the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference semifinals. It wasn’t until some non-committal comments by Henrik Lundqvist on breakup day regarding his future and some behind-the-scenes mutiny that garnered a monumental change.

Did Torts deserve to get fired? Yes and no.

Anyone worth his or her salt proclaimed the brash Rangers coach would get at the very least the start of next season before any type of move in a different direction would be contemplated. The lockout and subsequent shortened season was seen as a pass to some. Perhaps that’s where the shock comes from of Torts’ dismissal and the misdirection all onlookers fell into.

To win, there are no excuses. Sather himself said the goal every season is to win the Stanley Cup and not doing so is a failure. Torts didn’t deliver the goods, failed to adapt to his players and his style—including the alienation of his players—had become stale. Tortorella didn’t lose his job because of his behavior to the media; he lost it because he didn’t make the necessary adjustments. Prideful till the very end.

Now there’s a void behind the bench to be filled. And with this collection of players, which include a franchise goaltender on the outskirts of his prime and frustrated at his own team’s failures, a coach with a winning pedigree is needed.

Which is why Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky are not the right men for the job.

Take the nostalgia factor out of the equation. Remove the superstar abilities from both men. Strip the supreme leadership skills from Messier as a player, and the God-given talent from Gretzky. What are you left with? One man who failed as a head coach with the Phoenix Coyotes and enforced his own disappearance from the sport he loved. The other has roughly two weeks of coaching experience and has spent the last four years being groomed for front office.

Do those sound like the right candidates for a team with a championship window that could close as early as next summer?

There are plenty of prime candidates available and the Rangers—perhaps recognizing this when contemplating Torts’ dismissal—are in the position to hire someone qualified. From Alain Vigneault to Guy Boucher (who deserves another chance with a team that actually has a goalie and a competent defense), New York may not have the pick of the litter, but certainly won’t come away feeling slighted.

The choice, however, should not include Messier or Gretzky: two of the best to ever play the game, but not what the New York Rangers need to take the next step.

James Wrabel, Jr.
Hockey This Week

Follow James on Twitter @theWrage

Hockey This Week | Around The Rink | By Tony Stabile | NHL Tickets

Eastern Conference Notes

Torts out in NYC, Luongo back to Long Island for DiPietro? Red Wings officially an Eastern Conference Team, Battle brewing between Pens and Bruins.

As we are about to start the Conference Finals (between the Boston Bruins and the Pittsburgh Penguins), there have been some major moves already made by teams eliminated from the playoffs. The most obvious was the removal of Rangers coach John Tortorella. Torts, as he’s called, was abruptly removed as Head Coach after star goaltender Henrik Lundqvist refused to commit to reporters that he would be willing to sign a long term contract with the Rangers when his contract expires after next season. After exit interviews and apparently a lot of complaining, GM Glen Sather, who has hired more coaches during his NHL career than some franchises have hired in their history, let Tortorella go. Some of his former players smirked (see Marian Gaborik’s twitter feed), and Sean Avery is smiling ear to ear…..just ask him. The fact is, the Rangers have regressed (partly because Sather traded 3 important pieces to the Blue Jackets for Rick Nash, who did his best Houdini impression during the playoffs).

Tortorella, not known for his sunshine-like disposition, will find work somewhere else for sure. In the meantime, the Rangers will interview Toronto Marlies coach Dallas Eakins, former Canucks coach Alain Vigneault, and current Coyotes coach Dave Tippet. The question is, does Sather have enough slack in his noose to hire an unproven Mark Messier? It has to be that Sather eventually will be held accountable for the Rangers lack of success (not to mention his penchant for handing out albatross contracts i.e. Scott Gomez, Brad Richards, and Wade Redden). Is that time on the horizon where he can hire Messier (who has no coaching experience at all)? Or will he look to save his own job and make a safe hire like Vingneault or former Ranger Lindy Ruff, only time will tell.

In an interesting rumor that surfaced on Thursday, TSN’s Bob McKenzie tweeted that the New York Islanders have interest in trading for soon to be ex-Canuck Roberto Luongo. To make matters even more interesting, the Islanders have reportedly said that any deal for Luongo, must include Rick DiPietro and the remaining 8 years of his contract (which Vancouver would without a doubt buyout). If anyone can remember (that’s a joke), Luongo was once Islanders property and was traded to the Florida Panthers the same day Mike Milbury drafted DiPietro #1 overall in June of 2000. Ironic isn’t even the word to describe this situation if it comes to pass.

Saturday June 1st marks the start of the Conference Finals as the Boston Bruins (the 2011 Stanley Cup Winners) travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Penguins (the 2009 Cup winner). In the West, the Chicago Blackhawks (the 2010 Cup winner) will square off against the Los Angeles Kings (the 2012 champs). Whoever says playoff experience doesn’t mean that much does not know hockey.

Speaking of the Conference Finals, the Bruins, coming off their series with the Rangers, are once again getting production from all 4 lines. Unsung heroes Brad Marchand, Chris Kelly and young defenseman who have been forced into the lineup due to injury like Torey Krug. Look for the big bad Bruins to give the Penguins a run for their money. As usual, it will probably come down to goaltending, and the Bruins have one of the best in Tukka Rask. I look for Boston to win this series in 6 games.

With realignment set to go into effect next season, the legendary Detroit Red Wings will be relocated to the NHL’s Eastern Conference. Detroit, who has made the playoffs an amazing 21 straight years, will be forced to play a much more physical game (the current roster is much more finesse based), but as you saw the fight they put up against the Blackhawks in the Semifinals, the Red Wings are not a team to take lightly.

The Eastern Conference Division D (as it is referred to until it’s given an actual name) will consist of the Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets (also relocating from the Western Conference), New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals. The Red Wings will be Division C with the Bruins, Sabers, Panthers, Canadiens, Senators, Lightning and Maple Leafs. I love the idea of the original 4 divisions (they used to be named (Patrick, Norris, Adams and Smythe), though I know Bettman will never sign off on that one. Instead, look for more “fan friendly” names like Pacific and Atlantic to make another appearance.

For Hockey This Week…. I’m Tony Stabile

Follow Tony on Twitter @tonystabile

Hockey This Week

Hockey This Week | Islanders This Week | By Tony Stabile | Islanders Ticket Deals | Islanders RSVP

Coming Full Circle

Reports have Islanders interested in trading Rick DiPietro for Roberto Luongo, 2 players who were teammates for an hour on June 24th 2000.

On the morning of June 24th 2000, the New York Islanders organization was changed forever. Owning the 1st overall pick in the NHL entry draft, GM Mike Milbury had his pick of talented forwards, as high scoring wingers Dany Heatley and Marian Gaborik were considered locks to go 1-2. Defenseman Rostislav Klesla and hard hitting winger Scott Hartnell were also on the board. Finally, there was a brash and talented goaltender out of Boston University named Rick DiPietro. Milbury already had a franchise goaltender in his cupboard after drafting Roberto Luongo 4th overall (the highest a goaltender had ever been drafted) in 1997. Not only was Luongo developing nicely, but the Islanders also had a talented Kevin Weekes on their roster as well, a player who could bridge the gap until Luongo was ready for primetime. But Milbury, in his infinite wisdom, had a different idea.

So on the morning of June 24th, Milbury traded Weekes to the Tampa Bay Lightning for the 5th overall selection in the First Round. At that point, it would seem that the Islanders would select Heatley 1st and then go after DiPietro with the 5th pick. Then rumors started floating around the Coliseum that Luongo was being moved as well. When Milbury and minority partner Sanjay Kumar stepped to the Podium in Calgary, the move had been made. Luongo would be traded, along with another top prospect (Olli Jokinen) to the Florida Panthers for young wingers Mark Parrish and Oleg Kvasha. DiPietro became the 1st goaltender to be chosen 1st overall and the Islanders had once again, owned draft day. The problem was, Luongo was regarded as a better prospect than DiPietro, and all indications were that DiPietro would have been available to the Islanders at the 5th pick which would have allowed the Islanders to draft either Heatley or Gaborik and DiPietro as well (Milbury used the 5th pick to take stocky winger Raffi Torres).

Now, nearly 13 years later, in a stunning display of fate, it seems the Islanders are thinking of fixing this huge mistake.

Per TSN’s Bob McKenzie, the Islanders are interested in trading for Luongo, and as a part of any deal for him; Vancouver must take back Rick DiPietro (who Vancouver would undoubtedly use one of their Amnesty buyouts on). Vancouver headed into the lockout and had the Toronto Maple Leafs on the ropes in making a deal for Luongo with Toronto offering Nazem Kadri and Ben Scrivens. Thinking they could get a better deal, GM Mike Gillis waited until after the season started to pull the trigger. Once Toronto and Kadri got off to a hot start, and James Reimer solidified himself as the Leafs man between the pipes, Gillis was toast. Now with no market, and the new CBA which will penalize any team that carries a long term contract like Luongo’s, Gillis looked to have no hope to make a deal. To avert another PR disaster and not to add any additional pressure or scrutiny to new starter Cory Schnieder, it seemed that Gillis would just have to buyout Luongo’s remaining 9 years and $38,952,000 of his remaining contract.

If Vancouver were to buyout his deal, they’ll owe him $31,161,600 (80% of the total dollars left on his contract) or $1,731,200 per year for 18 years. Now, if they send him to the Islanders for DiPietro and a B prospect (like a David Ullstrom or Aaron Ness for example), and then buyout DP’s contract instead of Luongo’s, they would owe $28,800,000, or $1,800,000 for the next 16 years. What all this means is the numbers make sense for both teams. The Islanders are going to owe DiPietro that $28,000,000 for sitting at home anyway, might as well turn it into 3 or 4 elite years of Luongo and let the Canucks save a little face a get something for a guy the need to get rid of.

Isles Notes

• The NHL officially announced the Islanders and Rangers outdoor game at Yankee Stadium. It will be January 29th at 7:30pm.
• The Islanders did not sign former draft picks Brenden Kichton and Mitchell Theoret by Friday’s deadline. Both are eligible to go back into the NHL draft. For Kichton, it will be his 3rd go around.
• The Isles did make offers to picks Adam Pelech, Ville Pokka, Loic Leduc and Jesse Graham to retain their rights.

For Hockey This Week…. I’m Tony Stabile

Follow Tony on Twitter @tonystabile

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Hockey This Week | AHL This Week

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … Four teams eyeing their first championship will face off in the American Hockey League’s conference finals for the right to advance and play for the 2013 Calder Cup title.

Lower seeds won all four conference semifinal series, highlighted by the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins’ historic performance – becoming just the third team in the 77-year history of the American Hockey League to win a series after losing the first three games. The Penguins outscored regular-season champion Providence 14-1 from the second period of Game 4 on (despite being outshot 133-86), and goaltender Brad Thiessen stopped 177 of 181 Bruins shots (0.70, .978) after taking over in Game 2 to lead the comeback.

Bidding for their fourth trip to the Calder Cup Finals (2001, 2004, 2008), the Penguins will meet the Syracuse Crunch for the Eastern Conference championship. Syracuse dispatched Springfield in four straight in the second round, improving to 7-0 this postseason. Going back to last year’s Calder Cup run in Norfolk, Tampa Bay’s AHL affiliates have now won 17 consecutive playoff games and have earned four consecutive series sweeps.

In the West, the Grand Rapids Griffins reached the league semifinals for the third time in its AHL history and the first time since 2006, eliminating the defending conference champions from Toronto in six games. Grand Rapids had six players average at least a point per game during the second-round win over the Marlies, led by Tomas Tatar with five goals and seven points.

Grand Rapids will take on the Oklahoma City Barons, conference finalists for the second consecutive spring. The Barons took out top-seeded Texas in five games in the conference semifinals, outscoring the Stars 16-4 over the final three games. Averaging 4.20 goals per game while allowing 2.20 per game in the postseason, the Barons boast four of the AHL’s top 12 playoff scorers and six skaters with a plus/minus rating of plus-10 or better.

CONFERENCE SEMIFINAL NOTES … Both conference finals feature a 3-versus-5 matchup… With Syracuse and Wilkes-Barre facing off for the Eastern Conference crown, the East Division will be represented in the Calder Cup Finals for the 10th consecutive season… Either Grand Rapids or Oklahoma City will become the eighth different Western Conference champion in the last eight years, following Toronto, Houston, Texas, Manitoba, Chicago, Hamilton and Milwaukee… This year’s conference finalists all rank among the AHL’s top five in both scoring and defense this postseason… Oklahoma City (Edmonton) makes it seven consecutive seasons with at least one affiliate of a Canadian NHL team in the AHL conference finals… Wilkes-Barre/Scranton leads the AHL in power-play efficiency (25.5 percent), and also enters the third round with 20 consecutive successful penalty kills… Oklahoma City’s Mark Arcobello scored at least one goal in each of the Barons’ five second-round games vs. Texas (6-2-8)… Arcobello, Syracuse’s Tyler Johnson (5-3-8) and Ondrej Palat (1-7-8), Wilkes-Barre’s Trevor Smith (4-4-8) and Providence’s Chris Bourque (2-6-8) tied for the second-round scoring lead… Five shutouts were recorded in the conference semifinals, but there were also 10 times in which a team scored at least five goals in a game.

Eastern Conference Finals – Series “M”
3-Syracuse Crunch vs. 5-Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
Game 1 – Sat., May 25 – W-B/Scranton at Syracuse, 7:00
Game 2 – Sun., May 26 – W-B/Scranton at Syracuse, 7:00
Game 3 – Wed., May 29 – Syracuse at W-B/Scranton, 7:05
Game 4 – Fri., May 31 – Syracuse at W-B/Scranton, 7:05
*Game 5 – Sat., June 1 – W-B/Scranton at Syracuse, 7:00
*Game 6 – Mon., June 3 – Syracuse at W-B/Scranton, 7:05
*Game 7 – Wed., June 5 – W-B/Scranton at Syracuse, 7:00
*if necessary… All times Eastern

Western Conference Finals – Series “N” (best-of-7)
3-Grand Rapids Griffins vs. 5-Oklahoma City Barons
Game 1 – Fri., May 24 – Oklahoma City at Grand Rapids, 7:00
Game 2 – Sat., May 25 – Oklahoma City at Grand Rapids, 7:00
Game 3 – Wed., May 29 – Grand Rapids at Oklahoma City, 8:00
Game 4 – Fri., May 31 – Grand Rapids at Oklahoma City, 8:00
*Game 5 – Sat., June 1 – Grand Rapids at Oklahoma City, 8:00
*Game 6 – Tue., June 4 – Oklahoma City at Grand Rapids, 7:00
*Game 7 – Wed., June 5 – Oklahoma City at Grand Rapids, 7:00
*if necessary… All times Eastern

Provided by The American Hockey League

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Blame Coach or Players for New York Rangers Struggles?

Just as the New York Rangers seemed to hit their stride with back-to-back shutouts to eliminate the Washington Capitals, they head into tonight’s contest knowing only three sports teams have ever recovered from a 3-0 series deficit in playoff history.

The Rangers entered the season ranked No. 2 in ESPN’s Power Rankings, and rightfully so. Arguably one of the most-talented teams in the NHL, it is fair to say they have not lived up to the hype. While their second-place Atlantic Division finish behind the Penguins may not have come as a shock, the margin surely was. Pittsburgh finished the season a whopping 16 points ahead of the Rangers, who garnered just a pedestrian six-seed in the East.

Typical with star-laden lineups not living up to their potential, the coach is the easy –- and often rightful — target. While the speculation is that John Tortorella will not be back for the final year of his contract, there is no indication from the organization that says otherwise. And Jeff Klein of the New York Times makes an excellent point:

“The Rangers went all the way to Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals last season under Tortorella, and that, along with the seven-game comeback victory over Washington in the first round this season, have probably guaranteed that he will start next season behind the Rangers’ bench.”

To further support the theory, all you need to do is look at the circumstances surrounding his predecessor, Tom Renney. Both coaches shared similar records in the regular season and playoffs (in three full seasons and parts of a fourth) with the franchise. While Renney felt the heat towards the end of his days, the organization has remained mum on Tortorella’s future. Keep in mind, silence may be better than the dreaded “vote of confidence,” which surely means the moving vans will arrive first thing after your last game.

If he is on the hot seat, the Rangers coach is showing no concern, saying after the Game 3 loss: ”I like our team,” Tortorella said. ”We’ve got good people. We need to have more people playing more minutes, consistently. We’ll be ready to play. I hope we get to another level of desperation. That’s not just running around all over the place, it’s about winning those battles at key times.”

So should the brunt of the blame be placed squarely on Tortorella? Though the fans and the media in the Big Apple may tell you so, injuries and poor performance are equally at fault.

Part of the recent struggles are due to the poor play Brad Richards, whose time with Tortorella dates back to their days together in Tampa Bay. Richards is a scratch tonight, the result of his ineffectiveness. In 10 playoff games, he has just one goal and has yet to record an assist –hardly the kind of numbers you expect from one of the game’s highest-paid players.

This is likely the beginning of the end, according to Rangers writer Rick Carpiniello, who made the following prediction:

“The next step is then obvious. The Rangers will use their one remaining compliance buyout within the new CBA to end Richards’ relationship with the team this summer. Richards, who received $12 million in 2011-12 and most of his $12 million for the lockout 2013 season, will get a $24 million going-away present this summer (spread out over twice the remaining seven years), removing his contract from the books and his salary from the decreasing salary cap.”

Rick Nash joins Richards in the doghouse, tallying just one goal in the postseason as well.

But again, can the blame be placed squarely on two players? In 10 postseason contests, the Rangers are just 2 for 38 on power plays as a team and have scored just five goals in three games on Bruins’ netminder Tuukka Rask.

While Tortorella certainly did not deliver results in the regular season, the banged-up Rangers continue the postseason trend tonight, possibly without the services of Anton Stralman, Marc Staal and Darroll Powe.

One way to help Tortorella’s fate is to prolong the series with the Bruins, and that starts this evening at Madison Square Garden. General Manager Glen Saither was unavailable for comment at Wednesday’s practice.

Call it whatever you wish — coaching, poor play or injuries — but this is a team and a coach, that is in trouble.

Stanley Cooper

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Hockey This Week | Islanders This Week | By Tony Stabile | Islanders Ticket Deals | Islanders RSVP

Isles Roller Coaster Season Ends With Respect

Before the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals began, I picked the Islanders to win the series in 7 games. I truly believed that prediction when I made it, and even after the embarrassing game one 5-0 blowout. After watching this young Islanders team, a team I watched mature in front of my very eyes this season, frustrate and out hustle the top seeded Penguins for 4 of the 6 games in the series, Brooks Orpik’s OT winner last Saturday was a bitter pill to swallow. I’ll admit, it took a few days to clear my head and be able to write an objective and sensible column on what this team has accomplished, and where it’s headed going into a very important offseason. Here is that column.

The 2013 Season
Coming off the prolonged lockout, the Islanders were left with some questions about their roster. With top prospects Nino Niederreiter, Ryan Strome, Griffin Reinhart, and Matt Donovan all off to solid stars with their junior or AHL teams, General Manager Garth Snow decided it would be best for their development to leave them be and hit the waiver wire to complete the few holes he had on his roster. In claiming defenseman Joe Finley, Brian Strait, Thomas Hickey and forward Keith Aucoin in a week’s time, the Isles had acquired some talent and depth for nothing. Snow also brought back a familiar face in Radek Martinek as a depth signing. With the questions about whether newly acquired defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky would report (he eventually did and later even signed a 2 year extension), the team had enough depth to cover themselves in case of injury.

With the Islanders hovering around NHL .500, the team was in a bit of a rut. They displayed an ability to play with the best teams in the East by beating Montreal and Pittsburgh early on, but were also lambasted by the Flyers and Senators, demonstrating a noticeable lack of consistency. While the coaching staff rode 37 year old Evgeni Nabokov early and often, it was clear that Rick DiPietro was not getting the job done as the team’s backup. In a move that will most likely lead to his buyout this summer, the team waived DiPietro on February 22nd, and from that day forward, it seems the locker room came together and was finally able to gel. The Islanders went 18-8-6 after DiPietro went to Bridgeport, and the team solidified itself a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2007. Though just about everyone thought the team had no chance against the big bad Penguins, I saw too many similarities between this team and the surprising 1993 Islanders (who went on to beat the 2 time Stanley Cup champion Pens in game 7). Much like that team, the speedy and physical Islanders frustrated the talent laden Penguins. After 6 games, the powerhouse offense of the Pens was too much and the Islanders were defeated.

Walking around that locker room after the game 6 defeat, the players were an array of emotions, from appreciative of how the crowd chanted “Let’s Go Islanders” and “MVP” for Hart finalist John Tavares even in defeat, to pissed off about losing to a team they felt they had on the ropes, to proud that they had made a statement that the Islanders were back. Travis Hamonic said “This is such a _____ feeling that I never want to feel it again.” “The thing that bothers me the most is I know, we could have beaten them.” When asked what he feels this playoff series had done for the organization as a brand heading into the offseason, Hamonic replied, “Look, whoever comes here loves it. I know there are 23 other guys in this room that feel the same way. I am honored to be able to put this sweater on every day.”

The thing for me that was most telling was during Dan Bylsma’s press conference. He was asked if he was relieved that he didn’t have to play this Islanders team in a game 7, and his response was a reaction more than a worded response. He kind of looked up, and gave the face of “I don’t even want to think about that situation.” Sidney Crosby during his scrum said the Islanders will be part of “many playoffs” moving forward and talked about their desire and relentless play. Any way you look at it, the Islanders earned respect this season.

Moving Forward
Now that the season is over, it’s time to look at what lies ahead.

The Islanders are in an incredible position moving forward. With the NHL cap about to be reduced to $64 million (down from $70.2 million), the Islanders are one of a few teams without pressure to reduce salary or a need to restructure their team. Powerhouse organizations like Chicago, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Philadelphia will all have to do some major reorganizing this summer in order to be cap compliant next September.

With the salary cap in order, we can now look at the Islanders depth. With 2 of the top 20 prospects not playing in the NHL (Ryan Strome and Griffin Reinhart), and with other star prospects Brock Nelson and Nino Niederreiter, the Islanders have very talented youngsters still coming through their own system. That allows GM Garth Snow the opportunity to either add a player who may be available because of another team’s cap problems (a Marian Hossa or Bobby Ryan come to mind), or have these kids come to camp and play for a job. Either way, it’s a no lose situation for the team.

Free Agency will allow the Islanders to build on the already sound footing the team is on. With goaltender Evgeni Nabokov getting older, the Islanders may want to look at the veteran goaltenders available this July. It would seem Kevin Poulin and Anders Nilsson are at least a year or 2 away from playing major NHL minutes, so either a stop gap will be available or the Islanders could look for a transitional guy to take the reins and allow Poulin or Nilsson to ease into a starting job (much like what Vancouver has done with Roberto Luongo and Cory Schnieder). With talented goalies like Luongo (via likely buyout), Nicklas Backstrom, Mike Smith, Jose Theodore and Ray Emery about to hit UFA, there are more than enough options for Snow to choose from. Another possibility is the addition of Tim Thomas, whom the Islanders acquired from the Boston Bruins as a “salary cap cushion.” Thomas would have allowed the Islanders to unload vets Streit or Visnovsky at the deadline in case the team was out of a playoff spot. Because Thomas sat out this season, the Islanders still own his rights and can “toll” his contract (much like they did with Nabokov after he refused to report after being claimed on waivers). His $5 million salary is not bad for a Stanley Cup winning perennial Vezina finalist.

Captain Mark Streit, 1st line forward Brad Boyes and previously mentioned goaltender Evgeni Nabokov are all set to become unrestricted free agents. All would like to remain on Long Island; I do not expect them all to return. I do expect Nabokov will be back, maybe not as the starter, but his ability to pull the Islanders room together in the absence of DiPietro has not gone unnoticed. Streit is another story altogether. His play has definitely taken a hit since being forced to miss an entire season with a shoulder injury. He is a valuable offensive defenseman, but the Islanders may be leery to give him a 3 year $15 million deal. I think the Islanders would be more comfortable giving him something more like what they signed similar defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky to (2 years $9.5 million). Boyes, who came to Long Island on a 1 year $1 million contract to revive his career, did just that. He played at nearly a point per game pace and has proved he is still a productive offensive player. But as proven by the summer before, Snow will not overpay to keep someone. PA Parenteau, who is a much better player than Boyes, was allowed to leave for Colorado on a 4 year $16 million deal. Boyes will be searching for something in that ballpark. I understand that Boyes loves Long Island and playing with John Tavares, but I don’t see Snow giving him anything close to that amount. With the arrival of top prospects Brock Nelson and Ryan Strome, it puts less pressure on Snow to bring back Boyes or to shop in what is looking like a weak UFA market (though that is likely to change once teams start to utilize their amnesty buyouts). I’d be surprised to see Boyes return.

Now that the Islanders are eliminated, they will choose 15th at the NHL Entry Draft on June 30th. With this being considered a very deep draft, Snow and his team will once again add another solid talent to the Islanders already impressive collection of top prospects. Players expected to be available around the 15th pick are forwards Max Domi, Alex Wennberg, Adam Erne, Valentin Zykov, Curtis Lazar, and Anthony Mantha. The defensemen are Josh Morrissey, Ryan Pulock and Nikita Zadorov. I’ll have more on the draft as we head into June.

My Expectations
Heading into what could be the final season at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum; this team needs to take a step forward. I know Garth Snow is a guy who plays his hand extremely close to the vest (his answer to my question about who knew about the John Tavares pick was “Charles and Me”). That being said, he is going to play the company line that the Islanders will continue to build through the draft and make his team better, but this team has been built for this. The cap space, the plethora of prospects, it all points to the Islanders heading into next season looking to capitalize on the momentum they have built this year.

I will be utterly shocked if the Islanders don’t come to camp with a new defenseman, forward and goaltender next season, and I’m not talking about waiver wire pickups. The Islanders have the money, resources, and now a future to sell to talented NHL players, and I think they will do just that. If you held a gun to my head, I’d say signing a Roberto Luongo as a UFA (no way that contract is traded) is a definite possibility. Trading for another defenseman; there will be plenty available. And finally going after a prime free agent, be it David Clarkson, Nathan Horton or a player not yet available, the Islanders will be active.

I have said for many years now that the future is bright for the New York Islanders, now I can say the future….is here.

Notes
Be on the lookout as my Islanders Top 20 prospects article should be complete by the end of May. I plan on talking to draft experts and such leading up to my prospect profiles and Mock Drafts heading into the June 30th NHL Entry Draft.

For Hockey This Week…. I’m Tony Stabile

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Hockey This Week | Devils This Week | By Steve Palumbo | New Jersey Devils Tickets

Are the New Jersey Devils Ready to Make the Same Mistake Again?

Trying to figure out what New Jersey Devils general Manger Lou Lamoriello is going to do next is like trying to read your favorite book…in Mandarin Chinese.  Word is the Hall of Fame GM has zeroed in on bringing back soon-to-be unrestricted free-agent David Clarkson and has put fellow soon-to-be UFA Patrik Elias on the back-burner.

I don’t like it. No sir, I don’t.

Now, in most situations and with most clubs I would be fine with this. However, Lamoriello and the Devils don’t exactly have good luck when it comes to playing the waiting game on negotiations with their own free agents. New Jersey has seen more than its fair share of top level talent walk away (the list is too long to even type.)

Will Mr. Lamoriello let No. 26 be the latest casualty?

I grew up in a time when players were judged by what they did on the ice and their actions within the locker room. Today it seems like computers and complicated math formulas mean more to ‘fans’ and ‘media’ than the intangibles that made decent hockey players good and good ones, great.

Not only is Elias revered among Devils fans and his teammates, he is universally respected around the NHL. The two-time Stanley Cup Champion is the teams all-time leading scorer in both the regular season and playoffs. He’s led the Devils in scoring two of the last three seasons and has finished no worse than third in team scoring in years when he was healthy. Elias is a good hockey player that evolved into a top-notch leader and an example to all players in the league. After nearly losing his life to Hepatitis after the last lockout he came back better than ever, continues to defy his own age and makes Jersey’s team better with his presence alone.

For my money Patrik Elias should have already been locked up.

I know the Devils never negotiate during the regular season, but some players (Elias and Martin Brodeur) have earned the right to be held to a different standard. In a league full of stars, the Devils want to remain faceless and that often includes alienating it’s own stars. What matters to the Devils organization is the name on the front and winning Stanley Cups. I get it. I do.  All this is fine by me and in fact that helps to further prove my point.

How can anybody tell me the Devils are a competitive, Cup worthy squad without a 37-year-old Elias and 41-year-old Martin Brodeur?  Do you really think that watching the way Elias plays the game and handles himself hasn’t rubbed off on a guy like Ilya Kovalchuk? Just look at how he kills penalties. Look familiar?

Close your eyes and imagine Elias wearing an Anaheim Ducks or Columbus Blue Jackets sweater. Can’t do it, can you?

Every summer I put up the same argument. Last season it was Zach Parise. This summer it’s Clarkson and Elias. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled that Clarkie is a top priority, but Elias should be too. Lamoriello has a reputation as a shrewd negotiator and he likes to use player loyalty card when he can. I feel it is about time he showed some loyalty and got these deals done….preferably before July 1.

Steve Palumbo

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