Penalties and Power Plays Kill Rangers

Well, it doesn't take a Ph.D. in Hockey Science to understand what happened to the Rangers in their 5-3 loss at the Garden tonight that puts them down 3-0 in games to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Once again, special teams determined the overall outcome of the game, with the Rangers going a woeful 0-for-5 on the power play, including two five-on-three advantages, while the Penguins scored twice on only three opportunities, including the game winner after the Rangers rallied to tie from a 3-1 deficit and had all the momentum going their way.

Once again, in a game that was the product of the disparity in special teams, the situation ultimately boiled down to a single call. This time, the referees were not part of the equation -- Ryan Hollweg was fully culpable for the boarding call that killed the Rangers and led to the game winning goal, the same type of boarding call he has taken far too often. In the end, Tom Renney's sole line-up decision, to re-insert Hollweg in place of Petr Prucha, made more of a difference than he ever imagined, and certainly not in the way he imagined. The series isn't over, but it is certainly on life-support, especially after another disheartening loss in wich the Rangers outshot the Penguins 39-17, with a whopping 75-42 margin in shot attempts.

For the third straight game, the Rangers came up short in a key area while the Penguins managed to locate the one thing they most needed to win. In Game 1, the Rangers had the offense, but their defense was non-existent -- the Pens got the goals they needed on a night their goalie was off his game. In Game 2, with Henrik Lundqvist stellar in net, the Rangers could not get a power play goal or any goal at all (thanks partly to a bad call) -- the Pens got the defense they needed on a night they couldn't score more than once. Tonight, the Rangers got goals and they got pressure, but Lundqvist let in some weak goals, the power play failed again, and Hollweg short-circuited their spirited comeback with his penalty -- the Pens got the penalty killing and power play goals they needed on a night when the Rangers were all over them in their own end.

New York area game reports are all about Jaromir Jagr saying that he hasn't given up and that if it's going to be his last game as a Ranger, he wants to make it special -- see the Daily News, Journal News, Newsday, Times, Post, Record, Star-Ledger, and NYR.com. More from the Daily News, Journal News, Newsday, Post, Record. Additional notes from the Record and Inside Shots. From the reporters' blogs: Blueshirts Blog, Rangers Report here and here, Blue Notes, and Slap Shot. Live blogs: Rangers Report, Blue Notes, Game On!.

The guy who's really killing the Rangers and is the Pens' true MVP is Malkin, not Crosby, and considering how he plays the game, you have to respect him, unlike his more highly marketed teammate -- see the Daily News, Newsday, Record, Star-Ledger, Toronto Sun. The neutral zone: AP, NHL.com, CBS Sports, Globe & Mail, National Post, ESPN, SI, FoxSports, Sporting News, Vancouver Sun, Faceoff.com. Pittsburgh reports (optional reading): here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here.

Comments

[Dubi]

Folks, I have to go play a game of my own and expect some trolling tonight from both sides of the aisle, so I've gone back to moderation. Those of you who want to comment, please do so with that in mind -- I'll probably do approvals well after midnight. Otherwise, take a breather and we'll be back live later on or tomorrow.

[out0fyourelement]

so let's play a game...it's called

"If the Rangers win this series I'll..."

If the Rangers win this series I'll purchase and send Sidney Crosby scuba gear for his off-season diving

[Tom]

Well upside is i feel we completely outplayed them in even strength

[neil]

1942 toronto maple leafs, 1975 ny islanders, 2008 ny rangers, really it's all in the numbers, 33 years in between, gotta believe, let's go rangers .. ...

[CraigZ]

JJ and Gomez were the only guys to really show up tonight. Too many guys willing to let the other guy do all the work. On 'D' next year only Stall is untouchable...Disappointing effort after they tied it up on a lot of really hard work. Just too many no shows...Z

[Greg L]

Well , Well , all you people thinking that we are done , I DON'T !!!!!!

[iceycup]

I DVR'ed the game. I turned it off after Callys double minor and the subsequent goal. Then I came here and read the play by play comments. Im glad I didnt watch the rest of the game. Ive been having some heart trouble and dont think I could have dealt with watching the stupidity of Hollweg. Im not sure if I will watch the rest of it later. Sounds like Jagr was inspired. He sure looked to be in the period that I saw.

I am looking forward to next year. I dont have any faith in the PP and feel that Pearn should go. I hope to see some changes next year in the form of many people not returning. I am excited about that opportunity for change. I believe strongly in the signing of Drury and Gomez and feel that they, with Hank and some young D coming along, will really help cement this team as a force for some time to come.

Game four? A possible sweep? I gotta tell you that I dont really care anymore at this point. I havent since games 1 & 2 were decided by acts of bad sportmanship. The Devils series was great. That was just good sports to watch.

Im holding back ranting about seeing the door hit some players on their asses after they eventually clean out there lockers.

[Ros]

wow Dubi. I agree with all the things you said, but "Lundqvist let in some weak goals"??? ... what game were you watching? Are you sure? I saw some great screen shots, deflections, and point black shots in the slot get put in behind Hank. Absolutely nothing you can even consider his fault. If there's one player you can't blame in ANY of the Ranger's losses this post-season it's Lundqvist. The guy had no chance tonight & has been fantastic all playoffs long for us.

[Dubi]

Ros, Five goals on 15 shots. You want to defend that? Blame the defense -- they limited Pitt to nine first period shots, and there were in the net. Two more goals on the next six shots. How many times did you hear the fans chant "Henrik" tonight? Zero times, that's how many. How many Stanley Cups do you think you can win if your goalie gives up a goal just about every time they have a good scoring chance -- and they were not all good scoring chances.

I don't care if they were screened, deflected, or what -- they could've been five breakaways. In the playoffs, you gotta stop at least one of those shots. Hossa's shot was a great shot, but from that angle, if it goes in the net, it's the goalie's fault. Laraque's shot -- that's a guy you don't give the top of the net to. The last goal, it hardly moved -- Hank's gotta stop that one at least.

He did not make one single game-saving save in this game.

[Jeff]

Agreed. I think almost any other coach would have pulled Henrik after the 3 or 4th goals (especially the 4th one by Malkin). That one was a straight shot that he should have saved. Henrik WAS not on his game tonight and it was really bad to watch. You can't blame the loss on the goalie, but he HAS to make a few of those saves.

[stuart]

Man does Shanny look old, am I imagining this or is he looking terrible? They need some size upfront next yr...

if shanny goes bye bye and straka(he is not a top 6 forward on a real good team) would Jagr give it one more yr.? WIthout Malik and Roszi? They conceievably can lose and probably will lose all 5 of those guys, that is a bunch of smarts and alot of dinero..$17 mill more or less.. They need to really give Prucha a chance next yr. but they need some size upfront and will need at least 1 vet d man minimum...

[CraigZ]

I agree Henrik was not very good tonight but I blame the 'D' and the PK for tonights loss. The PK especially 9in all 3 games played lousy. No pressure on Pitts shooters, just a slow collapse allowing the point men to control the PP until someone is open. And our 'D' finally showed why the skeptics believed our 'D' would be our undoing. Like I said Staal is the only untouchable on 'D'. Z

[Ros]

I disagree. The shots don't always tell the story. It could have been 5 goals on 5 shots. It doesn't matter. It obviously wasn't his best game, but all the goals were either high scoring chances in the slot OR screened shots or deflections. There were no "straight shots" as Jeff suggested (4th Malkin goal was a screen). What does "you don't give the top of the net" to Laraque mean exactly? Laraque ripped a perfect laser into the top corner standing 4 feet from Hank. He looked like Malkin on the one. Hank didn't get any bounces tonight. Everything seemed to find it's way in. It's not what you want to see ofcourse. But there were no true "soft" goals... just too many of them, unfortunately.

[Tristateyankee]

I was at the game last night and it was quite obvious to the fans that Henrik's head was not in the game. He should have been pulled when it was tied 3-3 or even 4-3. Some dynamic needed to change last night to get this team to understand the gravity of the situation. The 3rd period was one of the worst Ranger periods I have seen all season.

Time to clean house. Give the team over to more of the Hartford guys (no one on the team over 30 or 35). We have to get younger, faster and stronger. We may be able to sneak into the playoffs year after year but we are simply not built for the rigors of 2008 and beyond NHL playoff hockey.

And I am not sure if Renney is the guy who can lead that younger team to the promised land of Lord Stanley. I like Renney - he seems like a very decent man, but I am not sure if that is enough.

[cwgatti]

ugh. . . . . that was a tough one. Hollweg killed what was really inspiring hockey. Jarko Ruttu is a scumbag, but he is ten times the player Hollweg is. Sather better consider some more players of that ilk next season. Give Pitt some props. They got Hossa and Gill for the playoff run. They are gonna be hard to beat once let alone 4 times. . .

[Joe]

Disheartening loss. I'm sure the league is happy, 'tho. If Bing and the Pens win the cup, I am cancelling my annual subscription to Center Ice. I will not contribute to Bettman's theatrical productions!

[Jim]

I thought Henrik should have been pulled after the first period, he was not sharp, and it might have shaken up the team. Valiquette has done a good job in those situations before. Our power play is awful, everyone defers to Jagr, and it seems like that PP never gets going. While I think the officiating has been terrible (again) in this series, and Pittsburgh has been the beneficiary of most of the calls, I can't use that as an excuse. The Pens have beaten the Rangers to every loose puck, and have had an answer for everything the Rangers threw at them. Pens are up 3-0 because they've played better, plain and simple

[Ron Boesgaard]

Absolutely correct.

Turning point of the game was Hollweg's signature boarding call, the same one he has taken time and time again. Just an awful play by Hollweg.

You can't win if you don't get the big saves from your goaltender. Hank didn't make one.

This team is still suffering the same ailments its had since it came back from the lock-out: It needs a couple of bona fide snipers and a power play quarterback. We have been near the bottom of the league for a while now in goals for. That in and of itself puts too much pressure on the defense and goaltender.

There is nobody at Hartford capable of coming up and scoring 30 to 40 goals. Sanguinetti will need a year or two to hopefully help the power play. Cherepanov is at least one year away. There ain't much happening on the free agent front.

And you wonder why Renney is commited to team defense?

Jagr is a monster and if he had a sniper on the left side he would have had 100 points this season. Straka should not be resigned and please coach Renney, when Jagr is on the ice, Rozsival should be on the bench and vice-versa. Rozy always defers to Jagr, its as predictable as the upcoming ticket price increase at the Garden.

The Rangers better open up their wallet for Jagr because we are in deep doo-doo if he doesn't come back.

[tim aries]

Hey Guys, lets be real and give credit to the Pens. They are executed their plays and taking advantage of their opportunites.
Who cares about statistics, they are for losers. If you can't score on your PP how can you expect to win the Stanley Cup.
The Pens are playing better than us,I hope we win a couple to save face, but our players are over matched in this series.
The Pens have many early first round picks that are playing well for them. The talent level is higher for them and right now they are executing. This team is playing well let's give them some credit. I hope the rangers can win a few games before it's over.
each other

[GH]

Two words...
HOLLWEG SUCKS!!!

[eric]

ive played goal for 16 years and continue to play.AT least 3 of those goals were Hanks fault. He was way to deep in the net for both of malkins and Malones tip in goal. theyve talked about this for the last 2 games on CBC.(I get it because i live in the Plattsburgh NY area).He needs to adjust his game some. he looked real weak last night.

[John]

I also can't blame Lundy. Every Pens goal was a missed defensive assignment. It's been the story this series. While our offensive is putting on great pressure on defense if you give these Pens an inch they score and too often one of our defenders is off in La-La land.

[Ana]

The moment I read that Hollweg was going to play I immediately regurgitated my meal. I am not a Ryan Hollweg fan and no one was more pleased than me to see him sit out games while Freddie took his spot. To say that Ryan Hollweg took a stupid penalty is an understatement. Hollweg took away the momentum of the game after Jagr played so valiantly and tied the game. Then as Hollweg leaves the ice his only comment is "I was playing my game". The only problem is that his game is not hockey. And for Renney to try to smooth it over that Hollweg feels bad is a lame excuse for such a stupid penalty to take. How many times has Hollweg done this in the past??? I can remeber vividly those games in which he has done the same thing. Is this guy ever going to learn. Maloney made it clear that Hollweg should know by now and I agree. And to think that Hollweg has another year on his contract. I was hoping he would have gotten traded but I am sure there are no teams looking for a limited "player" like Hollweg.

Henrik was dismal and I am being kind; he made no important saves. I think Valiquette would have performed better. Jagr plays his heart out and almost everyone else went to sleep. I continue to be impressed with Gomez and how much heart he has. Shanahan needs to retire, he's done.

Hollweg was the change and the difference in this game--for the Pens

And yes, the powerless play also made a difference but the Rangers 5 on 5 should have been able to get a win.

I am a Prucha fan and I believe that Renney has given him the shaft. He plays Hollweg more ( I don't care about his hits,either) and plays Prucha a few minutes or sits him down. In my opinion, Renney has not proven himself to be a good playoff coach.

There is always next season.....

[Pavel]

Well, now I can get back to non-stressful evenings.

[rangerbill94]

The problem wasn't Hank. It is the season long issue of "average defense that will get us into the playoffs" and a very poor powerplay. We have played all season with those two issues. Sather decided not to trade the future for a top D'man, a very sound decision from my point of view and the coaching staff simply could not find the formula for success on the PP. If the PP came to life, I think the series could be 2-1 Rangers. Coulda, shoulda, woulda; but that's not what happened. We are simply looking at the team we REALLY have, we all saw it, so this should not be a shock. Yes, we all hoped the defense would step up and the PP would catch fire. Not to be. Tomorrow night should be interesting. Stay tuned!

[Jameson]

I've been a real big supporter of Ryan Hollweg when people here have bashed him, but his penalty was a backbreaker. We had all the momentum. He was a part of Dawes and Cally cycling the puck great and I was actually like wow Hollweg isn't doing a half bad job centering this line with Drury and Betts both in the dressing room. Then he takes that penalty. Not only did it kill all our momentum. Our two best penalty killers were in the locker room. Horrible timing. And we still almost killed it. That's gotta be what was so draining about that Malkin goal. Cally was on for the entire 2 minutes, Straka over a minute. The defense was on for probably the entire powerplay too. We managed to put two in the net even after not scoring on those two 5 on 3's. That in itself really gave this team hope. You saw how pumped Jagr and co. was when that 3rd goal was scored. We wanted this bad. And that penalty and unsuccessful kill was the dagger in the Rangers hearts. The dagger in all our hearts. I felt sick to my stomach after that goal. You could sense the garden go silent just watching.

[pj]

Amazingly dissapointed and depressed. The comeback was amazing. Can you imagine if Gomez had scored instead of hitting the post. The penalty was SO BAD and at SUCH A BAD TIME as to be surreal. You knew Pit was going to score, the penalty killers were so tired they could barely move.

What is really frustrating is that Crosby and Malkin are SO YOUNG. Fleury (a #1 overall pick) is so Young. Jordan Staal is so young! These guys are going to be around FOREVER. I love our young guys. But, the brutal honest truth is that we have no one on the team now and no one in the system who comes close to the skill level of Crosby and Malkin. That is what is bumming me out. It appears that Pitt could be a roadblock to a Rangers cup for MANY years to come.

[David]

Dubi, Game On! has exclusive video of the Hockey Night Live crew looking ahead to Game 4, and the announcers breaking down what went wrong from their perspective.

The way I see it, it's going to be hard, maybe even impossible for the team to win four in a row if play like they did last night.

[Dennis]

I watched the game and then watched it on DVR and I have to agree with Dubi, Hank has kept us in the first two games with some tremendous goaltending but last night he had to make those saves on the last two goals (especially the final one...you gotta knock that down instead of trying to catch it between your side and arm)...but he gets a pass because he has been on all series till then and every goalie has a bad night. The real culprit is the absolutely inept PP unit. This has been a problem all season and the team kept preaching patience with the unit and it never came to fruition. If they don't sign Hossa or a true PP quarterback( which Roszival and Backman definitely are not) in the offseason then the powers that be are totally in denial!!! JAGR was flying again last night and looks more like a CAPTAIN then he has at any point during his tenure, I really hope the disappointment of this series (should we not be able to come back...NEVER GIVE UP!!!!) gives him a desire to return next season. I am so impressed by the way he has taken it to another level this poastseason and I only wish that some others who have been all but inviosible in this series would join him (Shanny, Dawes and Roszival)...Jagr and Cally have been our best players, Hank has his moments along with Gomez and Drury and Straka always gives 110% but looks like he may be winding down his career..it looks like we just ran into the younger stronger team this time and need to make some tough decisions over the next few months to get back to this position next year in better shape.

[kovazub94]

Rangers lost this game because of (in this order)
a. Power play woes (see below)
b. Weak game by Lundqvist. He should have been pulled out after the 3rd goal - this wasn't his game.
c. Hollweg momentum killing penalty. I don't think anyone was SURPRISED when Hollweg crosscheck in the offensive zone when there was absolutely no need for such play. This actually goes back to the end of last season. Ortmeyer should have been kept instead.

Ranger lost this series (abcent a miracle) because of
a. Power play woes

That's it. And the blame for power play that includs Jagr, Gomez and Drury should be on Sather and Renney for not bringing someone better to be on the blue line (including designing a better scheme then what was used). And while Pens are a better (in terms of talent) team with better powerplay this series would be far from over.

That said, call me crazy but I'm still hoping for a miracle.

[Voodoo11]

Honest assessment in this article I read today.

http://lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080430/COLUMNIST01/804300398/1046/SPORTS0107&GID=0r38SGu500MILGXg7R0ADx8RzBdGht77IvQ4NqJNRXE%3D

[NYRanger4Life]

I was at the game last night unfortunately. If you dont know what a clusterf**k is- last night was a perfect illustration. (get scored on a minute in, climb back from a 2 goal deficit.... then blow it!)

Every time the Rangers were awarded a power play - a few of us kept chanting "Decline it".

It pains me to think that we are stuck with Hollywood hollweg and Wally Backman for another season.

[Lundqvist4Vezina]

Jeff agreed he has to come up with the big stops. Thats the difference maker in winning a series. With that said Lundqvist really didnt let in any weak goals. However he needed to come up with the big saves on the what 15 shots the Pens took. Unfortunately 5 of the goals scored 4 of 5 of them were stoppable. Not weak goals, but in a game where the series is on the line you gotta stop them. But I dont blame Lundqvist because despite not stopping those goals. The power play and having 2 5 on 3's for at least a minute and not scoring on any of the PP's, coupled with Hollwegs penalty (momentum killer) and subsequent Pens goal killed the game for the Rangers.

The Rangers played with their hearts on their sleeves last night. They fed off the crowd, you could see the anger, the drive, the passion. Something similiar to what the fans were going through. You'd think I was at the game last night. Yelling at my tv, sitting on the edge of my couch. I could feel the electricity through my TV set. But its been killing us all year and it did again last night. The power play. How can you not score 1 goal on 2 5 on 3's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jason]

Let's play a game called: Do you re-sign them?

UFA's:
Brendan Shanahan
Jaromir Jagr
Martin Straka
Sean Avery
Paul Mara
Marek Malik
Michal Rozsival
Jason Strudwick
Stephen Valiquette

RFA's:
Nigel Dawes
Fredrik Sjostrom

Game on!

[captjameson]

the goalie with 3 consecutive vezina nominations should have stopped 3 of those goals, hossa'a, BGL's (puuuuhleeeese hank), and malkin's first from the high slot. can straka hit the ocean from the beach? hollweg should know better whether sykora turned to the boards or not. and the PP... i'll stop there. if jagr's play is not truly inspiring to the rest of this team then they don't deserve to be in the same zipcode with him. he beleives, there is no reason the rest of them shouldn't. drury's got guts. where is shanahan?

[NYRanger4Life]

I havent had time to watch the complete Rangers in 60 yet --- but it seemed to me that Straka missed a WIDE OPEN NET at the beginning of the game. Was his shot deflected? or did he just shank it as usual?

[The Dark Ranger]

I have to chime in...

Henrik had a couple of 'soft ones' pass. Remember, we have NO BLUELINE.

tdr

[David]

Couple of comments about last night.

Powerplay was terrible, its been terrible all year, not addressed at the trading deadline and must be in the off-season or we will be a 2nd round and out team at best. Special teams wins playoffs (and regular season for that matter).

Henrik was ordinary at best, Avery was mostly invisible as was Shanny who may be tiring. The Pens looked faster, tougher and more motivated. Their first goal set the tone for the game and they were simply the better team. Refs were a non-factor and you could even complain that the Rangers got the good calls last night.

You may not see this on TV but Crosby spends a lot of time talking to the refs, not sure why, but I noticed it alot last night even when he wasn't going to be on the next shift.

I know its not over yet but while we have some good young players and three strong centers I worry about the defense (we really need both a star offensive and stay at home d-man) and scoring if Jagr, Avery, Shanny, Straka don't return. With the Malkins, Crosby's and Ovechkins in the Eastern conference I am not sure we match up.

[NYRanger4Life]

Jason -- we are going to have all summer to play this game.... but since I am depressed and bored, lets give it a whirl!

UFA's:
Brendan Shanahan - NOPE, C'YA!
Jaromir Jagr - 1 yr $6m or 2 yr $11m - he's our only shot at being respectable next season
Martin Straka - PEACE OUT HOLMES!
Sean Avery - 4 yrs - $12.75 million - anything more and Sather should be shot
Paul Mara - NO THANKS
Marek Malik - WHY BOTHER ASKING?
Michal Rozsival - I DIDNT KNOW HE WAS STILL PLAYING FOR US? WTF has he been since Mid-season? INVISIBLE
Jason Strudwick - NOPE
Stephen Valiquette - Let's see what the kid from the Hossa trade can do.... SEE YA!

RFA's:
Nigel Dawes - Yes
Fredrik Sjostrom - Yes

Game on!

[NYRanger4Life]

David - you are 100% correct - in between EVERY whistle - Cindy would skate over to the refs and butter them up - at one point - he actually held up the ref dropping the puck for a few seconds

[captjameson]

Jason, save that game for when the season is over.

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!!!!

[kogan]

Guys, let as concentrate on the next game.
I am strongly believed Rangers should go to the defense mode.

[kogan]

Guys, let as concentrate on the next game.
I am strongly believed Rangers should go to the defense mode.

[Koffy]

I agree with PJ ... it is only going to get worse for the Rangers ... Penguins have young studs that will only get better ... even Philly has a brighter future right now then the Rangers ...

Renney, though not the reason for them being behind, is not the solution either....

[James]

I've never seen anything useful from Ryan Hollweg. Never. The guy throws a few big hits and then takes a horrible penalty--every single game. It never ends with this guy. That was the series, right there, folks. Hollweg's most memorable contribution to the Rangers will be that moment! F**K him and his stupid mustache...

[captjameson]

if Betts is unable to go tomorrow...

prucha - dubi - jagr
avery - gomez - callahan
dawes - drury - shanahan
sjostrom - straka - strudwick

staal - roszival
tyutin - girardi
mara - backman

[Chris QCT]

IMO, Hollweg never plays for the NYR again. He threw the whole season down the drain with a selfish penalty at the absolute worst time of the season. He saw nothing but Sykora's back the whole way into that hit. He could have held up and he should have held up. The is NO excuse for his hit. We just tied it, we had them pinned in their zone, the crowd is going crazy, and he pulls that crap?!?!?!?!? It was bad enough in the infamous Montreal game. But...

HOW DO YOU DO THAT IN GAME 3?!?!? HOW DO YOU DO THAT?!?!

[stuart]

comments... People guys like Malkin and Crosby do not grow on trees. they were pick # 1 and #2.. Good teams do not get those picks.. The pens are young but not on D; Letang is young but the rest of there d is 26 and older with GOnchar, gill, and others in there 30's.. Fleury was also the 1st pick.

the rangers are not that far off.. they need exactly what everyone says they need; a PP D man, no one on the big club has the skill to do this, a big tough D man stay at home style would help, and 2 big forwards that can score 25 goals, how they do that is another story. on the FA front; Shanny is toast(sorry), malik(adios), straka(adios, good player but not top 6 forward, no way, he did miss the net last night on the Jagr feed it was not tipped or deflected), I do keep Mara if it is 2 yrs at very reasonable $ else adios, Roszival is not a top top D man, I like him but if he wants $5 mill a yr. no way, Avery I take back at 2 yrs and very reasonable $ if he wants more adios.. The guy is 28 plays a style that destroys your body and is small therefore I am not paying him in his 30's big money..

Dawes and Sjustrom you take back...If they can keep Jagr they can be even better next yr. replace Straka with a better, younger, and bigger forward. Replace Shannny with the same, replace Roszival with either the big bruiser or the point guy and count on either; snaguinetti, potter, on the d or ansimov, cherapanov, byers, etc on the forward to improve the 4th line.

they need 3 players and that is a ton espeially 2 25+ goal scorers and a legit D man...The good news is they will have a ton of moolah to spend..

since they probably will not get the big forward scorer or sorers they need they need to make the 4th line a legit capable 4th line that means; giving Prucha a real oppty. to play, playing him with guys that can score 10 to 15 goals like SJustrom etc.. Betts is so bad with the puck if they can find a more skilled 4 th liner and eliminate the Orr holleweggtalent they will be better off. Play Orr against Philly etc and that is it. When you have a anemic offensive and your 4th line is a TOTAL zero that makes things even harder. if this team today had a better 4th line they could win, rolling 4 legit lines makes a ton of difference

[NYRanger4Life]

Sean Avery cardiac arrest this morning and rush to hospital. Wasn't breathing...ESPN's "First Take" just reported...thats it for right now.

[Joey]

I am a pens fan, born and rasied pittsburgh, and i believe everyone has a right to there own opinion whether i, or anyone else for that matter, agrees with it or not. with that being said here's my opinion:

Michal Rozsival - is the rangers cancer on defense. get rid of him and your problems will disappear. you should be very blessed to have marc staal on your team. mark my words, he will be captin one day.

[out0fyourelement]

holy CRAP avery rushed to the hospital?!?!

ESPN IS REPORTING!!!

[out0fyourelement]

AVERY RUSHED TO THE HOSPITAL!!! HE COLLAPSED!!!

ESPN IS REPORTING!!!

[out0fyourelement]

AVERY RUSHED TO THE HOSPITAL!!! HE COLLAPSED!!!

ESPN IS REPORTING!!!

[adam]

Oh man, I just read the Daily news, seems like Avery may have had a heart attack this morning, very scary...I hope hes ok, Dubi any info?

[out0fyourelement]

ESPN BREAKING NEWS!!!

AVERY RUSHED TO HOSPITAL IN CARDIAC ARREST!!!

THIS IS NOT A JOKE!!

[pghas]

Oh my.

Sean Avery was hospitalized at 3 AM in cardiac arrest. Basically, he was found dead. That is just awful.

Puts Ryan Hollweg's penalty in perspective, doesn't it?

All prayers and thought to Sean and his family. This is just terrible.

[bryan]

avery was rushed to the hospital in cardiac arrest
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/2008/04/30/2008-04-30_sources_rangers_star_sean_avery_hospital.html

[Ryan]

Put things into perspective a bit...

Apparently at 3 a.m. Sean Avery was rushed into the hospital in cardiac arrest..

[jimbo51]

Never thought we'd be down 3, but I like Jagr's take on things, Let's Go Rangers! Quick question, with Bett's and Drury hurt, Hollweg persona non grata, Shanahan ineffectual, Backman no better than Malik, how many Black Aces do you dress? What are our options with regards to the waiver and will anyone make a difference?

[laurie]

The Daily News is reporting that Avery was taken to the hospital, in cardiac arrest:

Rangers bad boy Sean Avery, unconscious and not breathing, was rushed to a Manhattan hospital Wednesday morning in cardiac arrest just hours after his team's playoff loss, sources said.

Avery, 28, arrived at St. Vincent's Medical Center about 3 a.m., according to the hospital source. The Rangers had just lost 5-3 a short time earlier in the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/2008/04/30/2008-04-30_sources_rangers_star_sean_avery_hospital.html

[Josh]

I would resign jagr avery valliquette dawes strudwick and rozsival. the thing that bothered me most about last night was that straka couldnt score on the open net for nothing. he may have had like 5 chances- each time either missing completely or just fanning on the puck badly

[JJ fan]

Three Thoughts:

1) Why we lost the game: Hollweg, anemic powerplay, some defensive lapses were all contributing factors. But the biggest reason why we lost is because the Pens player at the single most important position played better than our player at that same position. Fleury BAADLY outplayed Hank - he stopped deflections, he stoped screened shots, he gave up less juicy rebounds. He was better, plain and simple. I like Hank, he has done marvelous things in his 3 years here so far, he will continue to be a very solid goalie for years to come, but he will need to step up in the playoffs for me to believe that he is ready to join the elite. So far, he is Nabokov. Hey, it could be worse, but it can be a whole lot better.

2) Jagr's dominance: Watching him for the past 3 years has been a pleasure. Last night he was, once again, the most dominating player on the ice. I hope he stays a Ranger, 'cause I'm going to miss him. A lot. And the Rangers, as constructed right now, are a lottery team without him.

3)Power Play: Sather's neglect to bring in a QB has haunted us all season long. The lack of dynamic plays along the blue line, whether skating across for shots, finding holes in the defense with precision passes, bringing the puck into the zone and setting up the PP have all been sorely missed since you-know-who was traded. If Sanguetti is anywhere near ready, we need him on Broadway ASAP. Pair him up with a veteran, physical bleueliner (Jason Smith anyone?) and hope he makes more good plays than bad ones.

Hope springs eternal - LGR!

[Butch]

A MESSAGE TO ALL RANGER SEASON TICKET HOLDERS:

IF THE RANGERS THIS OFF SEASON DO NOT GET A NUMBER 1 DEFENSEMAN AND A QUARTERBACK FOR THERE PP WE SHOULD NOT TURN IN OUR SEASON TICKET MONEY. I'M SICK AND TIRED OF THE SAME B.S FOR THE LAST THREE SEASONS. THAT MEANS NO ROSY,NO MARA, NO MALIK, AND NO BACKMAN THEY SHOULD ALL BE GONE! GLEN KNEW THIS TEAM NEEDED DEFENSE HELP AND HE WENT OUT AND GOT TOM POTI JUNIOR(BACKMAN)! WE NEED A QUARTERBACK FOR THIS DAMN PP PLEASE LET MAKE A STAND!

[Ted]

ESPN is reporting that Avery was rushed to the hospital last night at 3am, he suffered from cardiac arrest and was unconscious and not breathing, here's to hoping he's ok

[Lurker Kev]

New York, April 30, 2008 -- New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that forward Sean Avery suffered a lacerated spleen in last night’s game, and will be sidelined for the remainder of the season. He was taken to St. Vincent’s hospital after the game, and was admitted following a CT scan. He is expected to make a full recovery during the off-season.

[sdan]

From TSN.ca

Sean Avery has a lacerated spleen and will be out the remainder of the season, sources tell TSN.

The source went on to say that the laceration was detected with a CT scan after Avery was taken to hospital following the Game 3 with the Penguins.

Details to follow.

[out0fyourelement]

avery with ruptured spleen...out indefinitely

http://tsn.ca/nhl/

[ant]

If we get eliminated I blame holly and our PP for that.

[joeymole]

Sean Avery has a lacerated spleen and will be out the remainder of the season, sources tell TSN.

The source went on to say that the laceration was detected with a CT scan after Avery was taken to hospital following the Game 3 with the Penguins.

The New York Rangers expect Avery to make a full recovery in the off-season.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=236340&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl

[Pat]

Avery Rushed to Hospital
TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — New York Rangers forward Sean Avery, the subject of much controversy during the NHL playoffs, was taken to a Manhattan hospital early Wednesday morning in cardiac arrest, according to a story on the New York Daily News' web site.

The Daily News said Avery was unconscious and not breathing and was taken to hospital several hours after the Rangers lost 5-3 to the Pittsburgh Penguins in their Eastern Conference semi-final. The Penguins lead the best-of-seven series 3-0.

The story did not name a source for the report, but said a Ranger source confirmed Avery, 28, was taken to hospital. The source did not give out any details.

No one from the Rangers could be immediately contacted to confirm the story

[zengolfguy]

I just heard on that Sean Avery was admitted to St. Vincent's Hospital at 3 AM, he was not breathing and was unresponsive. WFAN just reported that he has been diagnosed with a torn spleen and is out for the playoffs, but expected to make a full recovery.

When things go wrong...

[Matt]

avery is out for the season.....

[that guy who loves the Rangers]

ESPN is reporting that Avery was taken to the hospital last night in cardiac arrest dont believe me check it out

[out0fyourelement]

I know they say death always comes in threes (knock on wood) but I guess they mean hockey injuries too

it's been 33 years since the last team (1975 Islanders) came back from down 0-3...and 33 years before that since the last team did it (1942 Maple Leafs)

and now 3 of our Rangers are out with injuries

either rozi is scoring the game winner thursday or lundqvist is getting the shutout (#30)

[Laserman]

Has anyone heard about Sean Avery? He was found unconcious and not breathing. He's in ICU right now! Real bad news!!! http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/2008/04/30/2008-04-30_sources_rangers_star_sean_avery_hospital.html

[Laserman]

Update on Avery: Out for the season with a lacerated spleen. Get well soon Sean, we will certainly miss you fot whatever is left of this season...

[Anthony M]

It looks like we will be playing without Sean Avery. He was rushed to a hospital after hurting his spleen during last night's game. Here is the link to John Dellapina's report:
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/2008/04/30/2008-04-30_sources_rangers_star_sean_avery_hospital.html

[Bones]

You can't win Stanley Cups without superlative penalty killing, which was the single most important factor in last night's loss, not Lundqvist. The PK on Malkin's winner was atrocious. Nobody skating or pressuring the puck and Straka allowing Malkin to shoot unfettered. Fire Pearn? Need to get rid of Renney, not Pearn. He's a Roger Neilson clone who will NEVER coach this team to a cup. That Hollweg nonsense(always hitting from behind) should have been dealt with long ago by the coaches. Go ahead and howl and make fun on this: It's time to bring Moose home to coach this team!

[cr]

From ESPN.COM

The New York Rangers said forward Sean Avery suffered a lacerated spleen in Tuesday night's Stanley Cup playoff game adn will be lost for the remainder of the playoffs.

The team also denied a published report in the New York Daily News that Avery had been taken to a Manhattan hospital unconscious and in cardiac arrest.

The Rangers said Avery was admitted to St. Vincent's Medical Center following a CT scan and is expected to make a full recovery. Avery walked into the medical facility with team doctor Andrew Feldman, and the two took a car to the hospital, not an emergency vehicle, the team said.

Hours earlier, the Rangers lost 5-3 in the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden. The Penguins took a 3-0 series lead with the win.

Avery suffered the injury as the result of a hit during the game, spokesman John Rosasco told reporters during the team's morning workout.

[hope this is not true]

Controversial New York Rangers hockey player and fashion-plate Sean Avery was reportedly rushed to the hospital Wednesday morning in cardiac arrest. Sources say Avery was unconscious and not breathing when he was found. A team source confirmed that Avery was taken to the hospital but would give no further details.

Avery and the Rangers lost their playoff game to the Penguins in Madison Square Garden Tuesday night. Whatever happened to him, happened after the game. It would be insane and unfair to speculate…but there was probably booze involved, and also maybe pills

[Josh]

BREAKING! Sean Avery cardiac arrest!! http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=AiDhC02REBk_DL8cNbmgRsh7vLYF?slug=ap-rangers-avery&prov=ap&type=lgns

[Brian L]

Avery almost died - he has a lacerated spleen - should be ok but out for the year

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/hockey/nhl/specials/playoffs/2008/04/30/avery.cardiac.arrest/index.html?cnn=yes

What a shame...

[Michael]

Avery is out for the season w lacerated spleen.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!!

[Chris QCT]

Avery is done:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=236340&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl

[Angry Roach]

Everybody see the news on Avery? Hope he pulls thru OK. may he have a speedy & safe recovery.

[Tony]

on another note, home ice advantage is only an advantage if the crowd makes noise. it didnt seem like a playoff game. so sad.

[jon]

avery is out for the season

[chris]

did anyone see avery had a heart attack and is hospitalized

[prayforavery]

Sean Avery Hospitalized With Cardiac Arrest

[Sam]

Avery suffered a lacerated spleen following yesterday's game and will be lost for the rest of the playoffs (per ESPN)

=(

[GH]

Don't know if moderation is still on...
Avery out for the rest of the season with a lacerated spleen
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=236340&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl

[ntb]

Whoa! Crazy story about Avery. I'm glad he going to be okay.

[Rich]

Just read that apparently Sean Avery was hospitalized early this morning with a lacerated spleen! "Avery will be sidelined for the remainder of the season, the Rangers said, but is expected to make a full recovery."

[rxarie]

Let's put the blame where it belongs and that is with poor coaching. As everyone knows who knows hockey (Lou from Jersey)
if you don't have great coaching in the playoffs you lose. You lose because of poor coaching, especially when you have great personel. Where is your powerplay? What's different? Where is your killer instinct? How can you lose a playoff game in your opponents building after leading 3-0 and expect to win a series.
Everyone who watches hockey and knows hockey knows that in the playoffs there are turning points. If adjustments aren't porperly made when those turning points happen then you lose!
Thanks COach! Hollweg, Orr, Shanahan, Betts. Need I say more.

[stevek]

New York Rangers forward Sean Avery has been hospitalized after lacerating his spleen during a playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Daily News first reported on its Web site Wednesday morning that Avery was taken to the hospital in cardiac arrest. The newspaper said the 28-year-old was unconscious and not breathing when he was taken to the medical center. He arrived about 3 a.m. Wednesday, a person at the hospital told the newspaper.

[njaco1215]

now i just read on yahoo that Avery is done for the season with a lacerated spleen.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=ap-rangers-avery&prov=ap&type=lgns

hopfully they can go out and win atleast one for him tommorrow. I'd like to see atleast one win in this series and not just be a pens footnote on thier way

[Chris G]

AVERY DONE FOR THE SEASON
WITH LACERATED SPLEEN
OOOOHHH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[Leo]

Hollweg did screw up but that is not the main reason for the loss. The PP is the reason Rangers are loosing this series. Mistakes happen and Hollweg has not played as bad as half the comments I just read. There are a number of players that have not played upto par and making Ryan the scapegoat is BS. By the way what is the story with Betts, Drury, and Avery? Avery is the hospital due to spleen problems. http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/8090340/Ranger-star-in-hospital-with-lacerated-spleen

[iceycup]

avery is out for the season. lacerated spleen.

[ThisYearsModel]

Bash Hollweg all you want. However, the Rangers could have actually KILLED THE PENALTY. The could have scored on their 5 on 3's. The could have scored on their other PP's. Henrik could have had a save percentage higher than .680. To put this all on Hollweg is BS, IMO. There were multiple breakdowns, and plenty of chances for the Rangers to win that game. They should have scored 8 themselves last night.

[Three Chord Monte]

I’m surprised that the Penguins are this good. I picked the Rangers in six over the Penguins, so I’m out. I’m usually wrong about everything approximately 48-49% of the time, making me feel like a winner most days. Perhaps my hockey prognosticating numbers are not quite so good. At any rate, I was wrong again this time and the joy of watching another professional hockey season will soon end.

Pittsburgh’s done a nice job of beating New York at every aspect of the game. The Penguins have proven to be a much stronger, faster and hungrier team that New York. The Rangers were outplayed and out coached and the Penguins made their own luck. Congratulations to the western PA fans on a very solid team. Sure they dive, but they win. More power to ‘em, I guess. Personally I prefer dirty pool that tilts toward violence, but hey, it’s a feminist’s world now. Modern gamesmanship is about flailing on the ice and working the officials while the cameras are rolling.

Ranger fans shouldn’t be glum. My biggest disappointment is Shanahan. He was a great player but he looks old. It happens to the best of us. He’s done and perhaps an era of hockey will retire with him. How many more times will we see a team’s leader remove his helmet to take on the other team’s goon? It’s easier to skate in front of the goon and fall down. Anyway, my dream of Renney and Shanny leading this team by circumventing Jaromir’s fragile demeanor never materialized.

As I’ve said many times before, Jaromir Jagr is a great player and a horrible captain. Did you hear his quote, courtesy of Deb Kaufman/Placey? Taking a break from reading Einstein at his locker (hopefully Isaacson’s biography and not The General Theory of Relativity), Jagr opined, “The math looks bad.” Thanks for that, captain. I’m glad you needed to consult with one of the world’s greatest minds in order to become enlightened by that realization. Nonetheless, it’s an inspiring observation in preparation for a must-win game three. Let me paste it on my bulletin board next to “I have no confidence” and “I’m not good at shoot outs”. This guy must go. The NHL should be grateful that another team can pay him big money without making the mistake of pinning a “C” on his jersey.

Another thought: We all knew the blueliners were suspect, but who could’ve imagined that our goalie would prove to be both overpaid and overrated?

Man, wouldn't it be great if the Rangers stormed back to win the cup and made me look like a real asswipe?

[SaveByLundqvist353330]

hank was not at his sharpest last night. lets just end this all ready and go home. the one good thing was watching jagr, he ispired me last night. lets hope for next year.

[ant]

Rangers forward Sean Avery hospitalized with lacerated spleen

fropm yahoo.com

[Brian S]

Apparently we didn't just lose a game last night....

"The New York Rangers said forward Sean Avery suffered a lacerated spleen in Tuesday night's Stanley Cup playoff game and will be lost for the remainder of the playoffs."

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3375123

I wish Avery a smooth and quick recovery. Hopefully he'll be a Ranger next year.. a few quiet games for him does not make me forget how great he's been for us since he came to NY.

[RobZ]

Avery was hospitaliazed with lascerated spleen according to ESPN. No Avery for the remainder of the playoffs.

UGGHHHH does it get better?

GET WELL SEAN!!!!!!

YOU ARE A RANGER!

[Greg L]

Everyone stop whining , stop talking next year , if Jagr was crying and wanted to quit like all of you...I aint buying this " were done!" crap! , if the Rangers were up 3 -0 we would all be saying...be carefull its not over , Because it is not over , It takes 4 wins to win the series!!! last I looked they had 3 , wow , 3, big deal , we can win 4 in a row. The penguins have 7 in a row , can't be that impossible!!

[John in Hawaii]

From the Rangers Website:

Avery out with lacerated spleen

Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that forward Sean Avery suffered a lacerated spleen in Tuesday night’s game, and will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

He was taken to St. Vincent’s hospital after the game, and was admitted following a CT scan. He is expected to make a full recovery during the off-season.

The Rangers return to action tomorrow, May 1, when they face-off against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game Four of their Eastern Conference Semifinal matchup at Madison Square Garden (7:00 p.m.)

[Mark W.]

AP reports Avery ruptured his spleen last night and is done for the playoffs. He is in the hospital right now.

[David]

NBC Sports and the Daily News are reporting that Avery suffered a lacerated spleen last night and is done for the year. Some reports that he had cardiac arrest but that is inconsistent with what the team says. Best wishes for a speedy recovery for Sean.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/24388368/

[John in Hawaii]

Additionally, it looks like we have called up Greg Moore from the Wolf Pack... to replace Avery?

http://rangers.nhl.com/team/app?page=PlayerDetail&playerId=8470735&service=page

[angry]

You may want to scratch Avery from that lineup as well.

[Andrea]

Sean was hospitalized late last night:

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/2008/04/30/2008-04-30_rangers_star_sean_avery_hospitalized.html

[Mark W.]

lacerated spleen, sorry

[Al]

Guess it has not been posted here yet...but Avery is out for the rest of the season Suffered ruptured spleen last night on first period hit.

[Joe]

Why in the world would anyone consider pulling Lundqvist? When was the last time Stephen Valiquette played in a game? I can't blame Henrik for any of the goals he let in... you just can't say "it's a long shot, he should have stopped it." Goaltending doesn't work that way. He could easily have been hit with any of those five...say two... & we'd be saying what a great game he played.

[John]

Has anyone heard about Avery's lacerated spleen? Things just keep getting worse...

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ii_MoMoLXRLThVCiG2a7MLhjYfiwD90CAM3O1

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3375123

[tmd39]

C'mon Chris. "He saw nothing but Sykora's back the whole way into that hit"? Did you even watch the replays? Sykora had his shoulder to the boards until just before the hit. Sykora turned his back to Hollweg. You can't stop the hit that late. It's just to easy to blame Hollweg. Callahan had a 4 minute high sticking that they cashed in on too; are you gonna blame it on him too?

[PensFan]

Pens fan here speaking for all of us - best wishes to Avery and for his recovery.

(and no, this isn't some sarcastic joke - we don't like him, but you never want to see anyone hurt, much less have something this serious happen)

[Matt]

UFA's:
Brendan Shanahan- Sayonara, and I'm sure he'll agree
Jaromir Jagr- Yes, sign him to a 1 yr. $5 mill contract with incentives
Martin Straka- Works hard but he's seen better days
Sean Avery- Sign him, 3 to 4 years (although his injury might change things)
Paul Mara- Sign him
Marek Malik- No way
Michal Rozsival- Not sure where his game went, but we need him
Jason Strudwick- Awful, don't sign
Stephen Valiquette- depends on LeNeveu andn Wiikman

RFA's:
Nigel Dawes- Sign him, although I'm not as sold on him as I was during the reg. season
Fredrik Sjostrom- He's done nothing at all since he got here.

[JBytes]

Here's some great, er, news about Ovechkin.
http://www.theonion.com/content//node/78477?utm_source=embedded_video_2

[ryan]

how bout the tiniest admission that the pens are just a better hockey team than the rangers (in fact, they may be the best team in hockey right now)? i know fans are fans...i expected complaints about the intereference in game 1 and the no-goal in game 2 (obviously, i think both were correct calls), but there is no complaint from game 3 that doesn't revolve around ryan hollweg being a complete moron. the only conclusion an unbiased observer of this series can come to is that the pens are the better hockey team.

[Chris QCT]

tmd39 - Yes, I did see the replay. And I also saw it happen live. Forget about Sykora for a minute and look more at the angle that Hollweg is coming from. He was behind him the whole time. The live angle is even better because you can see his numbers (from across the ice) as Hollweg is approaching him. You could see it coming.... I did.

[Chris QCT]

Ryan - They have to win the series first.

[oleosmirf]

ryan

the Penguins are a better team but the Rangers didn't do anything this series to help themselves out.
Game 1: rangers blow 3-0 lead and turned into the Devils with their complaining (even though they were right)
Game 2: Rangers played shutdown hockey, Rangers couldn't get to Fleury and Pittsburgh didnt make any mistakes
Game 3: aside from Hollweg, Henrik played poorly, The PP sucked even more, Pitt didn't blow the 5-3 lead.

What to do for next season:

Shanahan retires, Straka takes paycut and becomes 3rd liner or more-likely he retires, Malik, Roszival, Mara and Hollweg should be let go.

Jagr should be resigned to an incentive/bonus heavy contract. Avery must be resigned as well but not for no more than 3 years.

The Rangers must add 1 goal scoring winger (Rolston), 1 PP QB and offensive defenseman (Liles), 1 physical stay at home defenseman (Orpik).

[savebylundqvist353330]

i would love to see rolston on this team. rolston has an absolute rocket for a shot.

[pghas]

One win, four times.

Maybe tonight can be the beginning, and not the end. I sure hope so.

Happy Birthday, Jess.

[spny1]

Anyone think Ryan Malone or Kristen Huselius make sense as offensive forwards? We need some for Drury and Gomez to pass to. Also, Straka may not be done...he's been hurt and even so, he plays his heart out. As for defense...there's always Sandis Ozolinsh or Mike Mottau.