Bleacher Report - Articles by Kevin DeLury

New York Rangers' European Scratches Should Play Friday

Kevin DeLury — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 05:08:19 -0400

The Rangers took all four points from Tampa Bay this weekend, looking very impressive while doing so.

So when it comes to the lineup, most Ranger fans would probably say "if it ain't broke, then don't fix it."

To that I'll have to respectfully disagree. Scoring only four goals on 80 shots is more than alarming, and when our lineup more often resembles a casting call for Vernon Troyer's stunt double than an NHL team we need to worry.

But scouring the waiver wire for the likes of Mats Sundin and Brendan Shanahan is not the answer. To solve their problems, the Rangers only need to look skyward. No, not towards God, but to the press box.

So far during the two games in Prague and the entire preseason, the undersized Petr Prucha and Nigel Dawes have combined for zero goals. Regular-season scratches Dan Frische and Freddie Sjstrom combined for three goals during limited time this preseason. Add Patrick Rissmiller's size and the Ranger's could have a very imposing lineup.

So who are the casualties, and what would the lineup look like? As I mentioned, Prucha and Dawes (I love Dawes by the way) have underperformed and should sit on Friday. The other player to leave should be Colton Orr.

In my opinion, Aaron Voros has showed enough toughness to compensate for Orr sitting.

This would be my line-up for Friday:

Naslund-Gomez-Drury
Frische-Dubinsky-Zherdev
Voros-Korpikoski-Callahan
Sjostrom-Betts-Rissmiller

While Frische is a center, if he wants to play for the Rangers this year he's going to have to move to the wing. I think his north-south style of play will mesh well with Dubinsky. Frische's hard-nosed play will help set up screens, and hopefully allow the Rangers to score some rebounds off of Zherdev shots. Plus they have a familiarity from their time playing together in Columbus.

Voros moving up to the third line will bring some much needed size to that line, while Sjostrom and Rissmiller will bring offense as well as defensive responsibility to the fourth line.

Opinions or thoughts?

For all your Ranger news visit The New York Rangers Blog.

Tom Renney: Chris Drury Not the Only One Who Can Lead

Kevin DeLury — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:21:00 -0400

After today's game, Tom Renney had a conference call with Rangers beat writers who pressed him on whether Chris Drury's performance against Metallurg clinched the captaincy.

Here's what Renney had to say, as reported by Sam Weinman at The Rangers Report...

“Leadership doesn’t fall into the category of one game,” Renney said of Drury, who came up with two huge goals today against Metallurg. “All of us understand his ability to lead, but, as I mentioned before, he’s not the only one who can lead this team.”

Renney has said he will make a decision on his captain before Saturday's season opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

As I said in my postgame analysis, I'd be shocked and disappointed if Drury didn't get it after today's performance.

For further quotes from Renney on today's game and possible cuts, go the Andrew Gross' Ranger Rants.

New York Rangers 4 Metallurg Magnitogorsk 3

Kevin DeLury — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:55:00 -0400

The New York Rangers defeated Metallurg Magnitogorsk by a score of 4-3, today in Switzerland to win the inaugural Victoria Cup. The Rangers ended the preseason with a 3-5 record.

For a game recap visit the Blueshirt Bulletin.For photos go to Slap Shot. ...Amazing comeback for the Rangers to save face. This would have been a disaster worse than the economic crisis if they would have lost.

...I contribute the slow start to the Rangers probably not expecting much from Magnitogorsk. But when push came to shove it was nice to see the team step up.

...While I've been an advocate for Gomez getting the "C". Today's inspired performance from Chris Drury, including a Bobby Orr type goal (see picture above), clinched him getting the "C" for me.

...I was surprised to see Rissmiller get the last line-up spot ahead of Sjostrom. Not a good sign for Sjo.

...After giving up a few weak goals it was nice to see Lundqvist bounce back with a strong effort.

...This comeback win gives me a warm fuzzy feeling going into the season opener against Tampa.

Tom Renney: Something Unique

Kevin DeLury — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 21:27:00 -0400

Its no secret that I despise the Rangers participating in the first Annual Victoria Cup against Metallurg Magnitogorsk tomorrow (see here). My main concern is that one of these Russian players trying to make a name for himself will take out a key component of our team.

It's on Tom Renney to make sure these guys know that Metallurg is going to come out physical and ready to play. If the Rangers think they're playing a team similar to the over-matched SC Bern team who looked just happy to be there they'll be in for a shock. Here's what Renney said about how the Rangers will view this game:

"We have to treat it as something a little bit unique, it's the inaugural Cup. It's an opportunity to purse that and treat it with the respect it deserves. The opponents, too. They would like nothing more than to beat us. But the most important thing is to get ready to play National Hockey League hockey and take care of Game One against Tampa Bay in Prague," Renney said to Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants.

Chris Drury Looking Comfortable with Scott Gomez

Kevin DeLury — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 21:15:00 -0400

Brett Cyrgalis at The Blue Seats discusses how comfortable Chris Drury looked with Scott Gomez today. He has this to say about how Gomez can elevate Drury's game:

"The point is that Drury is going to get a lot more scoring opportunities playing on Gomez's wing. He's not necessarily the direct playmaker that Gomez is, and maybe that's why his production wasn't where he wanted it to be last year. As an indirect playmaker, he will see more success."

I guess I jumped the gun the other day when I said that the Drury on the wing experiment failed. However, success against an obviously over-matched SC Bern team should hardly be considered assurance that Drury will produce on the wing.

Cyrgalis also looks at Prucha's size, Redden's offensive ability, Valiquette finally playing well, and Dubinsky scoring a Gretzkyesque goal today.

New York Rangers Staying Pat, Valiquette vs. Bern, & Staal Hurt

Kevin DeLury — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 21:01:00 -0400

Sam Weinman at The Rangers Report tells us that Tom Renney will be sticking with his line combinations from yesterday meaning Chris Dury will stay on Gomez' wing. Weinman says this is notable because 'Among the knocks against the coach is that he is a) too defensive-minded and b) too trigger happy jumbling his lines.' Weinman also reports that Valiquette will start against SC Bern and Lundqvist in the Victoria Cup game.

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rant reports that Marc Staal injured either his shoulder or arm in yesterday's loss to the Devils.

...despite my saying that the Drury experiment didn't work, I'm glad Renney's giving it another chance. I'd actually stay with it the next two games. Renney needed to change the Callahan-Drury-Dawes line. Not enough size.

...with the way Redden and Rozsival have been playing this preseason we better hope Staal's injury isn't too serious.

New Jersey Devils Beat the New York Rangers 4-2 in Preseason Play

Kevin DeLury — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 22:37:00 -0400

The New York Rangers lost to the New Jersey Devils by a score of 4-2, today at MSG. The Rangers are now 1-5 in the preseason.

For a recap, box score and play-by-play go to newyorkrangers.com.

For post game analysis and quotes go to Ranger Report and Blueshirt Bulletin.

...i didn't see a second of this game, but all I can say is only two goals again!!!!

...looks like the Drury on the wing experiment didn't work out. I actually would like to see Dubinsky put on the wing. He would be great fighting in the corners to dig pucks out and feed Drury on the crease. Just a thought.

...from what I've read Redden had another tough game. I told you I was worried about this guy.

...hopefully this team just needs some more practice time together which they should get in the next couple of days.

Marcus Naslund Still Haunted by the Todd Bertuzzi Incident

Kevin DeLury — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:07:00 -0400

Back in 2004, when Todd Bertuzzi ended Steve Moore's career with a disgraceful sucker-punch from behind, it was Markus Naslund that he was sticking up for. Reports out of Vancouver have suggested that Naslund was shaken by this incident and was the reason for his decline in play. Naslund has this to say:

"It still bothers me what Todd has had to go through over this and the way it's dragged on and on over the years," said Naslund to Tony Gallagher at the Vancouver Province.

"I still keep in close contact with him and it's been tough on him. It's taken its toll. There's no question he was standing up for me and for his teammates when it happened and it all went too far. All of the circumstances around it went the wrong way and got out of hand.

"It's been a long road and he's been through a lot. I feel bad for him and the way it's worked out for everyone involved."

I'm sure the incident had an affect on Naslund, but I think the fact that Naslund didn't have Bertuzzi's size and ability in the lineup had more of an affect on his game.

Which New York Rangers Forward WIll Make the Final Cut?

Kevin DeLury — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 06:38:34 -0400

After the first set of cuts today, 26 players still remain in New York Rangers camp.

15 forwards (Dawes, Dubinsky, Zherdev, Callahan, Korpikoski, Voros, Rissmiller, Betts, Orr, Sjostrom, Prucha and Fritsche), eight defensemen (Mara, Kalinin, Fahey, Staal, Girardi, Redden, Potter, and Rozsival), and three goaltenders (Lundqvist, Valiquette, and Wiikman).

The Rangers must cut this to 23 players by the time they get back from their European trip.

Obviously, Wiikman is on his way back to Hartford after the trip to Europe. Renney wants three goalies on the trip, and the Rangers are allowed to carry 24 players in Prague. This leaves two cuts left.

On defense, it will come down to Fahey or Potter. Both of these players have pluses and minuses, and as they'll only be a seventh defenseman I'm not going to go crazy over who makes the team.

The big decision will be the last forward cut. I think the five players most vulnerable are Voros, Fritsche, Korpikoski, Rissmiller, and Sjostrom.

In my opinion, Voros has shown enough toughness and skill to stick, while last night's performances from Fritsche (one goal and one assist) and Korpikoski (one goal) against Tampa Bay should have cemented their spot on the team.

So the final forward cut will most likely come down to Sjostrom or Rissmiller. I always like to go with the guy more familiar with the organization, so I would lean towards Sjostrom sticking. I haven't seen enough or anything from Rissmiller that would impel me to argue for him to be on this team.

The next three games are the biggest in the lives Fahey, Potter, Sjostrom, and Rissmiller. Really looking forward to seeing which of these players step up.

For more Ranger news, visit The New York Rangers Blog.

Lightning-Rangers: New York Drops Another One

Kevin DeLury — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 22:48:00 -0400

The New York Rangers lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning by a score of 4-2 tonight at MSG. The Rangers are now 1-4 on the preseason.

For recap, boxscore and play-by-play go to newyorkrangers.com.

For post-game quotes go to Blue Notes. My thoughts:

At least they didn't lose 3-2 again.
Didn't watch much of the game as I was too busy biting my nails off watching the Mets. Beltran!
But from what I saw, Prucha has to get some confidence back in his offensive game. He could have easily had a hat trick tonight.
Can't see how Korpikoski doesn't make this team. Even if we have to put him on a wing.
Is it just me, or is Voros literally trying to fight his way onto this team?
I think Nedved is done. While he looks great now, you have to assume he's been giving his all just to make the team. He won't look nearly this fresh come February when the games really start to count.
Once again, tons of shots (47) and only two goals. I can't take another year of this.
Hopefully, with most of our starters in there on Saturday against New Jersey, we'll see a few more goals.

Will Fear and Loathing in Prague Doom the New York Rangers?

Kevin DeLury — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 03:08:18 -0400

While many Ranger fans were disappointed this off-season with the team's decision not to re-sign fan favorites Jaromir Jagr and Sean Avery in favor of players coming off disappointing seasons (Wade Redden and Markus Naslund), I was more than happy to see the Rangers focusing on getting younger and faster.

These moves, along with trading for Nicolai Zherdev, were going help the Rangers compete with teams such as Pittsburgh and Montreal and had me really excited about the upcoming season. That was until the Rangers preseason schedule was released.

This condensed schedule has them playing six exhibition games in eight days, which includes two flights (unheard of in the preseason) forcing the Rangers to use split squads.

All this is before getting on a plane for two more exhibition games in Switzerland including the inaugural Victoria Cup (I’ll get to that later), then finally on to Prague for their season-opening games on October 4 and 5.

Talk about fitting 10 pounds of “you know what” in a five pound bag.

With training camp scheduled to commence on Sept. 16 and the first preseason game scheduled for Sept. 20, the Rangers coaching staff will have a mind-blowing four days of practice to evaluate talent and experiment with line combinations in a controlled environment.

With numerous players fighting for roster spots, I’m concerned that this compact schedule will compromise Tom Renney’s ability to make an educated decision on personnel. That's especially true with limited practice and half the team jet setting to Ottawa and Tampa.

Last year, it took over half the season for Renney to find line combinations that worked, and that was with a regular preseason schedule. Can you imagine how long it will take this year?

Here’s the kicker. According to John Dellapina at the Daily News, Rangers General Manger Glen Sather, not the NHL, is responsible for making the Rangers preseason schedule.

In the past, preseason games were limited to trips to Philadelphia, Long Island and New Jersey. Is Sather trying to make a run at potential No. 1 overall draft pick John Tavares?

Once the Rangers finish the North American portion of this preseason travesty, they will head to Bern, Switzerland, and walk into a hornet's nest otherwise know as PostFinance Arena, one of the largest ice hockey stadiums in Europe, to take on the SC Bern.

If you’ve never seen the craziness that is the SC Bern fan base, go to YouTube and search SC Bern. You’ll be amazed.

The very next night, the Rangers complete their exhibition schedule when they take on European club champion Metallurg Magnitogorsk (Russia) in the inaugural Victoria Cup.

You can’t tell me this Russian club team won’t be fired up to prove they can hang with the big dogs. Count on them coming out very physical. The last thing Ranger fans need to see are Russian club players taking runs at Chris Drury or Scott Gomez.

Finally, the team will limp into Prague (you think Jagr will be waiting at the gate with a bouquet of flowers) to open up the regular season with back-to-back games against the revamped Tampa Bay Lightning before heading back to New York for their home opener on Oct. 10.

I’m exhausted just writing about this. I can’t even imagine how run down these guys are going to be when they get back home.

If you need further proof that this trip could affect a team, just take a look at the two teams that started the season in Europe last year.

The defending Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks, who went 3-6-3 upon returning home, were bounced in the first round of the playoffs.

The Los Angeles Kings, who lost five of their first six games upon return, ended the season with the most losses in the NHL.

A once-promising season for our beloved Blueshirts seems destined for disaster before it even starts. Maybe Avery made the right decision signing with Dallas for no other reason than avoiding this nightmare of a preseason schedule.

New York Rangers: Key To Success Is Letting Lunqvist Rest

Kevin DeLury — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 03:09:16 -0400

During Mike Richter's bouts with concussions and following his eventual retirement in 2003, the Rangers suffered through sub par goaltending from the likes of Kirk McLean, Guy Herbert and Mike Dunham.

That is until the 2005-2006 season, when a seventh round draft choice named Henrik Lundqvist took Broadway by storm. During his first three seasons in New York, Lundqvist has brought much needed stability in goal, while accomplishing numerous personal achievements including a Vezina Trophy nomination each year.

However, despite his career 2.27 gaa, .917 save percentage and 17 shutouts, Lundqvist has suffered long stretches of average to below average play in all three seasons.

In 2005-2006, Lundqvist came back from the Olympic break to post a 5-5-3 record, including 0-3 with a 4.40 gaa and .835 save percentage in the playoffs.

In 2006-2007, Lundqvist started the season 5-5, with a 3.57 gaa and a .878 save percentage. And finally last year, Lundqvist went through a stretch from mid-December to mid-February going 10-10-4, with a .889 save percentage. Not good.

A logical explanation for those struggles is Lundqvist's work load, which has increased each year peaking with 72 starts in the Rangers 82 games last year. That's almost 90 percent!!!

Now Lundqvist supporters will note that he faded down the stretch in 2006 because of the wear and tear from the Olympics and last year he struggled with a large contract and his father's health hanging over his head. All valid excuses.

However, in my opinion, he would have been better physically and mentally prepared to deal with those factors if he had more rest throughout the season.

Last year, Lundqvist's back-up Steve Valiquette more than proved he could fill-in by posting a 5-3-3 record, with a 2.19 gaa, .916 save percentage and two shutouts.

With the new schedule structure, the Rangers play the Flyers, who Valiquette dominated last year, six times. Valiquette should get four of those games. They play the Maple Leafs in Toronto twice, where Valiquette has a proven success record.

The new schedule also gives the Rangers a chance to play the bottom teams in the West including the Kings, Oilers, Blue Jackets and Blues. All games Valiquette should be starting.

Throw in a couple of games against the lesser teams in the East and the second game of back-to-backs and Valiquette will have a nice little workload of about 20 starts.

By having 20 games to not only rest his body, but also his mind, Lundqvist is going to be better equipped to persevere through the grueling season, leading to more wins for the Rangers. Thoughts?

True New York Ranger Fans Being Priced Out

Kevin DeLury — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 03:42:38 -0400

When I was a kid, I never went to many Rangers games. I didn't even bother my dad to take me. I think I was more interested in playing street hockey in the nearest parking lot than sitting on a train heading into Manhattan. But as I got into high school and college, I went a bit more frequently even attending a few playoff games.

After college, a couple of buddies and I bought a 10 game package and despite the fact that the Rangers were awful we had a blast. After getting married, purchasing a home and having a daughter, I never thought I could afford to go to games. I was content just sitting on the couch with a beer enjoying Sam Rosen and John Davidson calling the action.

But that all changed after the Rangers made the playoffs coming out of the lockout. A friend of mine called the New York Rangers box office inquiring about another 10 game ticket plan, but to his surprise, he was told that season tickets were available. Without consulting, anyone else he said give me two in the 400s.

It was probably about $2,400 for the pair. As soon as I got the call, I said I was in. For a quarter share (11 games) it only cost me $280. I was in shock at how cheap it was. I was always under the impression that Ranger tickets were much more expensive.

The 2006-2007 season was amazing. The Rangers started so poorly, and by the middle of February we all but lost hope of a playoff year. We even thought about not sending in our playoff ticket vouchers. But sparked by the Sean Avery trade the team made a run and got into the playoffs.

When the playoff tickets were sent, I was a little apprehensive of the cost, as I had bought playoff tickets in the past that cost me in excess of $100. But to my pleasant surprise the tickets only cost around $35 for the first round, $45 for the second, $60 for the Conference Finals and $75 for the Stanley Cup. Wow now that was affordable.

With a great run in the playoffs that year, we all expected a ticket increase for the 2007-2008 season. It turned out to be a little bit more than I had hoped as my $280 for the season ballooned to $350.

It may not seem like a lot to some people, but when you've got a mortgage and a kid it’s not that easy. But I sucked it up. I even started cutting some corners, as I would eat a sandwich on the train from Long Island and sometimes snuck a flask full of Southern Comfort into the game.

Once again the Rangers needed a late season run to make the playoffs and we were all excited as we were two for two with the Rangers qualifying for the playoffs. But my excitement was quickly quelled as the prices for our playoff tickets came in. $55 for the first round, $75 for the second round, $100 for the Conference Finals and $150 for the Stanley Cup Finals.

Say what?!?!?! What had happened to my affordable playoff tickets from the year before. Between the train, tickets, food and booze I was in over $800 for the season!!!

Again it may not seem like a lot to some, but by the look of the very late arriving business types in the lower section of the Garden who seem more interested in checking their Blackberry and seeing who else is at the game than the game itself, I would say most people agree.

The final blow took place a few weeks ago when we got this year's ticket prices. The cost for me would be almost $400. I couldn't afford it. The Dolan's (Ranger owners) had finally priced me out. I begrudgingly told my follow season ticket holders that I was out. Thankfully, they were able to find someone to take my place so that no else had to incur extra costs.

However, there in lies the problem. There will always be someone to pay these astronomical prices. If not a richer fan then most likely a company who will give them out to their clients who aren't even interested in hockey. While the real Ranger fans, like myself, will be priced out and sitting home.

With the Garden due for a major renovation and personal seat licenses all the rage, I can only imagine how expensive tickets are going to be for the opening of the 2010 season.

The Blue seats are the last bastions of true Ranger fans at the Garden. However, how much longer can these working class fans hang on?

How long will it be before every spectator at a Rangers game is wearing a suit instead of a Rangers sweater?

Maybe I'm just sour because I can't afford to go to the games anymore. Or maybe I'm spot on. But either way don't worry I'll get over it and cheer the Rangers as hard as I can this year.

But the next time anyone is looking for someone to go to a game with, don't bother calling me, I'll be too busy playing street hockey in the nearest parking lot.

Who Should Wear an 'A' for the New York Rangers?

Kevin DeLury — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:32:29 -0400

If you're like me, you've come to the conclusion that either Chris Drury or Scott Gomez will end up having the distinction of being named the 25th captain of the New York Rangers before the start of the season, with the other player being designated as an assistant captain. So the question is: Who gets the other "A" on their sweater?

Let's look at the contenders...

The Favorites

Markus Naslund
Positives: Naslund was named captain of the Vancouver Canucks before the 2000 season (after the departure of Mark Messier) and held the title for the duration of his career in Vancouver. Naslund is a Lester B. Pearson Award winner (2003) and former Hart Memorial Trophy nominee (2003). He is also a three-time First-Team All-Star, chosen each season from 2002 to 2004. After being traded to Vancouver in 1996, he became the franchise leader in goals and points. In 11 seasons with the Canucks, he was named team-MVP five times and led the team in scoring for seven consecutive seasons—both team records.
Negatives: Naslund finished last season with his lowest points total since 1997-98 and apparently became frustrated with coach Alain Vigneault's defensive coaching style. I guess Naslund didn't watch many Ranger games last year, because if he became frustrated with a defensive coaching style in Vancouver, it's not going to be much different here.

Michal Rozsival
Positives: Rozsival is the longest-tenured Rangers defenseman and just recently signed a four-year, $20 million contract. Rozsival's defining moment with the Rangers was his overtime winner against Buffalo in Game Three of the 2007 Eastern Conference semifinals.
Negatives: Rozsival is coming off of offseason surgery and his worst year defensively. Rozsival frustrated fans all year with his hesitancy to shoot on the power play. While he ended the season with a career-high 13 goals, most Rangers fans will tell you he should have had close to 20.

Wade Redden
Positives: In 1999, Redden was named alternate captain of the Senators, a position he held for his remaining nine seasons with the team. Redden scored double-digit goals in five of the six seasons between 1999 and 2006, during which time he was one of the premier power play quarterbacks in the league. He is a two-time All-Star and was part of a strong defensive pairing in Ottawa's run to the finals in 2007. He also just signed a six-year, $39 million contract, meaning he'll be manning the Rangers power play for a long time.
Negatives: After scoring double-digit goals in five of the six seasons between 1999 and 2006, Redden has not scored more than seven in the last two seasons. Last year, Redden was an assistant captain on a Senators team that absolutely folded down the stretch, and he lied to Ottawa fans when he said he'd take a hometown discount to stay right before signing with the Rangers.

The Dark Horses

Brandon Dubinsky
Positives: Dubinsky, in his first full year as a Rangers rookie, ended the season centering the team's top line. He was one of 16 rookies selected to participate in the 2008 YoungStars competition at the 56th NHL All-Star Game, and he earned the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award.
Negatives: Dubinsky is only 22 years old and this will only be his second full season playing in the NHL. However, the Chicago Blackhawks just named 20-year-old Jonathan Toews the team's 34th captain, so you never know.

Blair Betts
Positives: Betts has quickly become one of the teams most reliable penalty killers and face-off men since joining the team in 2004. Betts was also sixth on the team, first among forwards, with 98 blocked shots last year.
Negatives: Betts is a fourth-line player who was a minus-4 last year and has yet to show any leadership qualities.

Ryan Callahan
Positives: Callahan personifies hustle on the ice. He was one of the keys to the Rangers run to the playoffs the last two seasons. His hustle play to score in Game One against New Jersey last year encapsulates what Callahan is about. Not to mention his work along the boards in Game Five against New Jersey, which helped clinch the game and the series.
Negatives: Callahan is only 23 years old and has yet to play a full season in the NHL.

Looking at these contenders, my choice is Naslund. I think Naslund's seven years as a captain in Vancouver can't be overlooked despite coming off his worst offensive season. And his being named team-MVP five times says a lot. In the unfortunate event that an assistant captain gets injured, the next choice should come down to Redden and Rozsival. However, Rozsival's three-year tenure with the Rangers, and my anticipation of a big year from him with Jagr not around, clinches it for Rozsival in my mind.

If the Rangers end up re-signing Brendan Shanahan, though this whole article will be for naught. What do you guys think?