Rangers Steal Victoria Cup With Huge Comeback

Teams are on the ice for warm-ups. Ranger scratches are as previously reported -- Orr, Voros, Potter, Fahey, and Wiikman, plus Sjostrom. The lines appear to be Gomez with Drury and Naslund, Dubinsky with Zherdev and Dawes, Betts with Rissmiller and Fritsche, Korpikoski with Callahan and Prucha -- aside from Orr going in for Rissmiller, these would be nice line with which to start the season, although I doubt Voros would be left out at this point. Defense pairs are the same as in recent games and practices.

Interesting warm-up routine by MM -- with one guy shooting on the goalie, the rest of the guys lined up along the blue line facing the Rangers, watching them for about two minutes before turning one by one and going in on their goalie. The standing room crowd is here, packed to the gills 11,000-strong, but are clearly not the Bernese fans who made such a racket last night -- lots of Ranger and Metallurg jerseys in all areas of the stands (just heard a "Let's go Rangers!" chant).

Rangers look good to start, but Zherdev turns it over instead of shooting in front and MM gets a goal that Lundqvist would surely like to have back. NHL referee Dan O'Halloran calls Fritsche for interference. Good kill -- Lundqvist makes a couple of saves but doesn't look altogether comfortable. Good breakout pass by Rissmiller with Redden joining the rush draws a power play for the Rangers. Three good saves by Mezin on point blank shots by Gomez and Drury, thwarting Ranger power play. Rangers have regained control of the game, but now Naslund takes a bad penalty chasing the puck in the offensive zone. Another good kill -- Lundqvist looking more at ease now, but Girardi almost puts one into his own net.

One problem I notice right now is that the Finnish ref is working the Rangers' offensive zone, and he lets things go that would be penalties in the NHL -- the Rangers are on his case. Every time Ranger fans send up a LGR chants, MM fans respond with "Me-ta-lurg!" (they have accompanying horns too). The game is starting to get a bit edgy. The refs have switched ends and within a moment, the Finnish ref calls Mara for a hold in the defensive zone -- MM converts on another shot Lundqvist should have had, an unscreened point shot. Down the other way, another good couple of saves by Mezin.

The difference right now is strictly in net, with the Rangers probably holding a 60-40 edge in overall play (would probably be 70-30 or better if not for the Finnish ref), as borne out by the 11-7 edge in shots on goal in the first period. The Russian squad is indeed faster and more physcial than Bern, and their wingers have at least twice blown by Ranger defensemen lining them up for checks along the boards in the Ranger zone. But overall, I still have to give the Rangers an edge in speed and skill level. But that means nothing until it translates to the scoreboard -- the Rangers were the better team in at least three of the pre-season games they lost, but they could not prevail for lack of goal scoring.

Rangers still skating hard to open the second, draw a quick power play as Rozsival uses his body to get position on MM's smallest player, who then holds him -- Mezin denies the Rangers again, and again. Rangers are finishing more checks in this period. Lundqvist still shaky, even on easy shots, though he's stopping them so far this period. Mezin with another big save on Dubinsky, but Rangers draw another power play -- they desperately to convert just to shake Mezin up. But that won't happen with Zherdev a turnover machinge today -- 0-for-3 on the PP.

And what a surprise -- the Finnish ref calls a penalty on the Rangers. After stopping Platonov, who burst through three Rangers, Lundqvist lets another point shot past him, though this one was deflected in front. Oh well, gotta stop complaining about the ref -- he just awarded the Rangers a power play (at last!) or check that, suddenly he's down the other end and nabs Naslund against for a chintzy call (is this a Sweden-Finland thng?). Zherdev turnover -- there's a shocker. Mezin save -- Callahan getting nasty after the whistle (about time). MM goes on the power play and this time it's O'Halloran calling the minor, giving MM a five on three for a few seconds. Betts kills it off, but now they have another power play.

The Rangers kill the penalty, but their spirit has definitely begun to flag since the third MM goal. Redden just threw his first body check of the pre-season, and it was at the offensive end boards. But (broken record here) Mezin makes two more saves. And now a huge break from the Finnish ref, who calls two straight penalties on MM -- it appears he may have whistled away a Ranger goal as the second penalty was called (that must be what Naslund was arguing, right?), but no matter, as the Rangers quickly convert with Zherdev setting up Drury in front. The Rangers will have 1:29 of carryover power play time to start the third -- time now for Renney to light a fire under his boys as he did during the second intermission yesterday.

Shots on goal in the second period were 14-12 in favor of the Rangers for a two-period total of 25-19. The pattern is a familar one -- this is the fourth time this pre-season the Rangers have fallen behnd by 3-0 (or worse) before scoring. If they hold true to form, their comeback will end with a second goal. They might break the pattern if Mezin's confidence has been shaken, but a five on three goal will probably not do that. And the refs will certainly continue to have an undue influence on this match.

The third period starts with the Ranger power play completely non-effective -- not sure why Kalinin and Girardi have started the period on the power pay points. But the Rangers continue to press and earn another power play -- this time Redden and Rozsival come out to man the points. Kalinin and Girardi are back out for the second minute, but this time they do good, though Gomez can't finish into an open back door and Prucha deflects a Girardi shot-pass over the top and wide. Zherdev looking better now, but Mezin is still there to make the saves -- until Fritsche comes streaking down the right wing and blows one by him!

Rangers weather one bad shift, pick off three neutral zone passes in a row, earn yet another power play on the third rush that results. With the top unit getting about a minute of delayed penalty time, Renney calls a time out to get them some rest before sending them out again. And it works! Scramble in front, Drury gets it in, game tied -- pattern broken. Gotta hold on now as MM presses, but then they take a bad offensive zone penalty to give the Rangers another chance (O'Halloran with the call on the obvious penalty). Platonov gets a semi-break on what looks like a set shorthanded play, but shoots wide. As the power play expires, the puck comes over the glass and almost breaks my nose or my computer!

A major scrum breaks out as the Rangers bang away at the MM net from in tight -- Chistov rips Korpikoski's helmet off, and Prucha jumps in and loses his helmet too. Matching roughing minors leave the teams four on four with a third of the third period remaining. Lundqvist, who hasn't seen much action this period, makes a big save -- and another big save! Both teams are advised to stay out of the penalty box over the last few minutes, as both have done well on the power play. Two minutes left and the checking line comes out -- classic Renney. Rissmiller gets away with a hold. Ninety seconds left and Gomez line is back out. Less than a mintue to go and Korpikoski line comes out -- Renney just keeps rolling them in order.

And Callahan intercepts an ill-advised cross-ice pass for a breakaway, dekes Mezin out of his jock, and the Rangers are 20 seconds away from winning the inaugural Victoria Cup with a four-goal comeback in the final 21 minutes. And it's over! Classy move by the Rangers' captains -- Gomez and Drury -- deciding at the end of the game that Zherdev and Kalinin should receive the Victoria Cup that was won over a team from their home country (Kalinin played in Magnitogorsk during the lockout). I've corrected the above report to show that Dan Fritsche scored the crucial second goal for the Rangers -- he said he learned that shot from his uncle, who was a longtime star player in the Swiss League, a half slap shot he called it.

We close with a programming note -- it's late here, I have to catch a morning flight to Prague, once there will race to the Rangers' open practice, and then will proceed immediately to a gathering with Ranger fans from both sides of the Atlantic. So unless I end up staying up half the night tonight like last night or find the time and an internet connection somewhere along the way, there will be no further reports for the next 24 hours, neither her nor at Blueshirt Bulletin+. Hang in there, folks, and enjoy the aftermath of this great comeback.

FURTHER UPDATE: Was able to get an article up at BB+ after all -- click here to read it. Will check back in from Prague tomorrow.

Comments

[kovazub94]

Dubi, agree it would be the nice forward lines to begin the season. No need for Orr if the opponent doesn't have a physical line up that the Rangers need to protected against.

Prucha is as good as gone if he's not scoring through the first 5 - 10 games of regular season.

[Dubi]

Orr MUST for every regular season game -- simply no disputing that matter any more, no matter who the opponent.

[oleosmirf]

down 2-0 to a russian team. well i'm certainly not suprised

[Roc]

Trade Rosy,Mara and Prucha for a Heartbeat!!

[Ant]

Ok Henrik is starting to worry me

[ntb]

Ouch. 3-0. The Rangers not looking good. The NHL can't be happy.

[oleosmirf]

haha the rangers are losing 3-0 and they're trying 100%. that's pathetic

[njaco1215]

this is just getting hard to watch. then add in all these tb commercials. hopefully someone wakes the hell up

[Roc]

What did people think would happen? They are playing a team that has played to together for awhile and The rangers have all new players!!

[ntb]

So, am I going to hear the Rangers need time to gel excuse that I heard for the first 30 games of last season?

This isn't even the best KHL team.

[oleosmirf]

roc

I expected the rangers to struggle but down 3-0 halfway through the game. you can't make any excuses

[twister10]

Thanks god we're not playng Avangard. That would be a real kicker to see Jagr killing Rangers

[Roc]

They had too many guys in camp and have not played together enough. Prucha will be traded before the home opener!!

[Roc]

Naslund looks like garbage!!

[Roc]

This is a joke!! I hope Sundin is in our future. We are in trouble

[oleosmirf]

roc

he should have been traded already and a goal scorer should have been acquired to play RW but thats old news they just scored on a 5-3 so lets see if they can avoid embarassment

[ntb]

Man, Zherdev reminds me so much of Kovalev. He is going to drive me crazy all season.

[jimbo51]

I see the trolls are back

[ntb]

I really like Fritche. I hope they keep him and Korpi and drop Rissmiller.

[oleosmirf]

ok nice to see them battle back to tie the game but im gonna give them the benefit of the doubt b/c both teams have been flopping around on this ice.

the passing has been off all game so maybe the ice has something to do with.

great intensity level, the rangers will take the lead soon

[ntb]

Nice! Callahan really deserved that.

[jimbo51]

cally!!!!!!!!!1111

[Ant]

OMG ARE YOU KIDDING ME????Cally is the man forget henrik and his problems lol

[Top Shelf]

Wow!

[Ant]

oleo

How about good come back by the rangers instead of laughin when they were down 3-0

[oleosmirf]

this win is absolutely huge for the rangers momentum going forward

by the way korpikoski looks like hes gonna be a very good player

these should be the lines entering the season except Orr taking Rissmiller's spot

[Koz]

Nice comeback by the Rangers. Great individual performance by Callahan to rip the hearts from the Russians.

Good luck this season - let's go Pens! ;)

[oleosmirf]

ant

o yea it was great comeback i guess they werent trying as hard i thought...

[Colorado Mark]

CALLAHAN CAPS COMEBACK

That's my headline.

Hey, and how cool was the Bern music guy playing "Danger Zone" during the game. Classic!

[oleosmirf]

most exciting third period of a preseason game ever?

[Colorado Mark]

All 4 goals were Americans. I love the doomsayers who were giving up so early. Some things I noticed:

Two much maligned guys played pretty well: Kalinin and Redden.

Pruchs also wasn't as bad as some of the people on here and other boards had stated. He was involved and made some things happen. His line was great. Korp and Callahan complimented him well. I'll take that third line any day.

Rissmiller was invisible (so was Dawes, for that matter) and as far as I'm concerned, he has not earned a spot (but Al said that he's going to live in NYC. I guess the commute to Hartford isn't that bad!)

If the Rangers keep Potter and Korp, and send down Rissmiller and Fahey, I'll be impressed. But would they rather not risk losing either of those guys to waivers?

[PJ]

Great comeback and character building win for the young guys. gotta love it!

[Denver Frank]

I agree with Mark. Keep Korpy and Potter, they've earned it. Rismiller has done litttle to nothing and Fahey is just a roster casualty. If they're lost to waivers good for them and for NYR in Rismiller's case, they can use the cap space elsewhere. Great win today and now on to Prague. LET'S GO RANGERS!!!!!

[Paul R _ _ _ _ _ D]

all the nay sayers have ther way already commenting about the team and how bad they are gonna do just watch the game and keep your doom and gloom comments till the end.

[adam]

The rangers did have a great comeback, but they should have never been in that position to begin with. They looked like 2 different teams out there. All of a sudden they showed up in the 3rd period. You guys should be happy with the result but I am not happy the way the team played.
Prucha took some really dumb penalties and still can't find the net. Kid needs to go I am sorry his cap hit can be used for someone else.
Dawes after watching him this whole preseason he has done absolutely nothing. I don't want to trade him but he seriously needs to pick up where he left off last year.
Cally is going to break out this season with a 20 goal effort you heard it here first. The kid has shown flashes of how great he can be around the net, and he has a lethal shot. The kid works his ass off and you have to love him for it.
Dubinsky had a great preseason best player on the ice every game he played. The kid is a stud and will have a 65 70 point campaign this season.
Korpikoski needs to make this team he brings great offensive talent to this team and that is what we need. The kid will pass Dawes Cally and Prucha all on the depth chart. You can just tell the kid is has talent.
Fritshe makes this team and should be our 3rd line center. The kid played very nice against the russian team.

Rissmiller and Prucha need to be gone and same with Fahey it was close but Potter gets the nod for the 7th defenseman.

[zengolfguy]

Adam:

Agree with most of your ideas, but I like Voros on the line with Dubi and NZ, slide Dawes back with Cally and Korpi, and lose Betts as well. Sorry, great team guy, does a lot of stuff well, but he can't score and that's a problem on a team that has trouble scoring. And prucha has missed open net after open net, and spends more time on his behind than on his skates, vote his butt off the island please.

Love Potter's game, way to go Jess on cluing us about him for ages now.

BTW, did anyone else notice that Dominic Moore is playing with the Leafs now? Maybe they can trade for Ortmeier and reunite those two with Stone Hands/Head Holweg.

[Colorado Mark]

Adam,

I disagree that it was two different teams. I felt that the Rangers came out and played well. Lundqvist let the team down. All three goals were hardly unstoppable, and it seemed to deflate them a bit. We still had a lot of chances (and Prucha only took 1 penalty and was pretty active with his line throughout. Yeah, he needs to score, but he wasn't as invisible as Rissmiller and Dawes, or even Naslund) and when Lundy regained his form, the Rangers scored when they needed to.

Bottom line, the Rangers played two games in two days on a different ice-surface, after a lot of travel, broke out of a scoring slump and started to show some chemistry. It's still pre-season, and I think they have grown steadily throughout the pre-season. Congrats to the Rangers, and to Renney. Now let's see how they do for real!

[Pavel]

So glad I DVR'd the game!

[Colorado Mark]

Zeno- Moore and Hollweg are already playing together and I think Moore had 4 assists in one pre-season game. Ortmeyer, I think, has health issues and isn't playing last I heard.

[bdubs]

I think Drury earned himself the captaincy after todays game

[cwede]

I think Prucha has had far more impact than Dawes has.
I think Dawes and 2 of Sjostrom/Orr/Rissmiller/Voros/Korpikoski sit out this weekend. Not that Korpi 'deserves' to sit, just that even if he sits early, his chance will come.
I'd sit Orr\Dawes\Sjostrom Saturday.
Keep the Korpi and Gomer lines as today, keep Dubi w/Zherdev and Betts w/Rissmiller. Voros on one of those lines, Fritsche the other.
I think thats the best lineup.
Let that game influence the lineup for Sunday.

[Colorado Mark]

Cwede- You were impressed with Rissmiller? I still haven't figured out the appeal of that guy. I hope he proves me wrong, but I don't see anything that Greg Moore or Byers or even Jessiman (gasp!) could bring to the table.

[Matty]

I 100% agree with you Colorado Mark ... This is now only the 3rd game that the Rangers have played with 90% of the players that will play the Regular season ... they were 100% flat in their first outing and have shown strong performances in these last two games ... Henrik was shaky in the first 25-35 minutes of the game and then seemed to get his bearings and then he was his dependable self and this team took off from that ... I had a lot of fun with today's game ... reguardless that this wasn't an NHL team their goalie played excellent and their players played hard to try and earn their money and our boys didn't give up ... We'll see if they continue this trend Saturday and Sunday ...

[Matty]

BTW the one thing that I do not like about Dawes is that when he isn't on his game, like today, he just disappears ... I totally forgot, for long periods of time, that he was even playing in this game ... I hope he gets over that because even when Dubi isn't scoring or Prucha for that matter(Throw Cally in there since he got his confidence back after the knee injury last season) they are doing something to help the team

[oleosmirf]

cwede

korpikoski absolutely deserves to play. he has been hands down the most impressive player this preseason.

rissmiller and voros should sit they have shown they bring the least to the table.

[oleosmirf]

matty

ditto

[Ice]

We don't need cap space right now, so I see no harm in carrying all the players except Fahey. Rissmiller and Dawes have not stood out. Prucha has stood out, but unfortunately hasn't finished. Orr must be in the lineup vs. Tampa, b/c Melrose is going to want his team to play rough and tumble.

[Colorado Mark]

Ice- Well, the cap is a living document. The more we spend now, the less we have to spend later. And two cuts need to happen before the game. Wiikmon doesn't count, as he is allowed to be on the roster until after the Europe trip. In addition to Fahey, the team needs to cut one of: Rissmiller, Potter, Sjo, Voros, Fritsche or Korp.

[Alan]

great comeback in the 3rd but this team they played wasn't even the best in the khl. they had the worst power play and yet scored two on us. hank's three goals along with the four he gave up in msg against nj make me worried that he hasn't picked up his game yet. even his saves don't look that sharp.
my lines: gomer, dru and nazzy; dubi, nik and dawes/prucha (just to start-i feel pru will be gone soon if he doesn't score with those guys, and dawes hasn't shown anything but they'll get him the puck and if he doesn't then we need a new winger); korpi with cally and frische; and betts (only because you know he ain't going anywhere), orr and sjostrom/voros.
and when one of dawes/prucha get traded and/or waived, the extra forward will take his place.

whoever said they don't need orr this weekend is nuts b/c they have some goons, including the guy who helped us by basically ending gonchar's season.

and speaking of pitt, they've lost more parts of their team than any i can remember in recent history: hossa, malone, roberts, laraque, gonchar, whitney, conklin, ruutto. but they got miro satan to replace them!!

[oleosmirf]

dawes has shown flashes of brilliance but he also tends to disappear during games. He has proven though that he belongs in the NHL he just might need to be scratched every once in a while...