New York Rangers: Sather’s Inbox

Another off-season begins for the fans and supporters of the New York Rangers. Promise and progress amongst the several high-profile prospects in the organization provide hope for a club that was eliminated from the Stanley Cup on it’s 82nd and last match of the NHL season.

The hard work for the Rangers’ front office begins now as general manager Glen Sather and his intrepid and stalwart crew of coaches and scouts must not only plan for the club’s future in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft, but also decide which of 8 restricted free agents and 14 unrestricted free agents to re-sign. With roughly $10.5 M in salary cap room available (estimation calculated using capgeek.com) the Rangers must carefully allocate that salary to the players that will best help the club going forward. This may necessitate deciding who is expendable.

Defenseman Ilkka Heikkinen has already parted ways with the Rangers and signed with HC Sibir Novosibirsk of the Russian KHL. The 25-year-old was a steady two-way contributor with the Rangers’ AHL affiliate in Hartford, and played 7 matches with the parent club last season.

Forward Dane Byers recently signed a contract extension at an undisclosed salary. The re-signing cements the idea that the hard-working young power forward is very much a part of the Rangers’ future. Perhaps he will feature regularly for the Blueshirts as early as this coming season. Time and training camp will tell.

The following is a list of the other players currently out of contract with the Rangers:

Restricted Free Agents (8)

Forwards - Lisin, Christensen, Prust, Dupont

Defense - Girardi, Staal, Valentenko, Sauer

Unrestricted Free Agents (14)

Forwards - Jokinen, Prospal, Shelley, Parenteau, Crowder, Ambuhl, Arnason, Locke, Newbury

Defense - Eriksson, Potter

Goaltender - Auld, Valiquette, Zaba


Who will get a raise? Will anyone take a salary cut to remain with the club? Who will stay? Who will leave or be cast adrift to test the free agent market? Stay tuned.

Predictions will be made and conclusions drawn in the upcoming 22 part series “Better Know a Ranger on the Bubble.”

US Soccer: USA v. CZE International Friendly

I think the Czechs are due for a good dusting. Why not us? I’m sick of those guys. That 3:0 match in Germany ’08 where that 40 yard Rosicky bomb broke my heart. The 5:1 drubbing in Italia ’90 where someone must have said something to Wynalda about his momma, because he hit a dude and got sent off for his trouble.

Having gotten that out of my system, I think that if Coach Bob does this right, and the Czechs field their first team we are probably more likely to lose. I think Coach Bob should get a last look at the bubble guys and be certain who should remain on with the team through the World Cup Finals. I think it’s worth sacrificing a result to figure this out. If the Czechs field their reserves, our ‘B’ guys could very well make a game of it or at least make it clear who isn’t comfortable playing up when it’s World Cup time.

Good wholesome exercise in the sun never hurt nobody either…except in rather extreme cases involving skin cancer…

I hope no one from either side gets hurt.

About teams from Eastern Europe:

The tackles are “no nonsense” – our boys might want to leap over those.

Look out for the counter. Granted that is a de rigueur sort of thing now in football, but that is the bread and butter of the Eastern European game. Thus managing risk by not taking so many risks. Better to punish us when we risk pushing up numbers and lose the ball.

If we lose the ball we may not be seeing it again for quite some time.

USA Hockey/2010 IIHF World Championships: Where Were You?

USA Hockey won a silver medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament. The United States men’s team are ranked 5th in the world.

At the Germany 2010 World Ice Hockey Championship the United States struggled to score goals and possess the puck, were beaten three straight times and eliminated.

The United States selection for the Germany 2010 IIHF World Ice Hockey Championships lost to first Germany in front of nearly 80,000 spectators (2:1 sudden death OT), then Denmark (2:1 sudden death OT), and finally Finland (3:2) resulting in their unceremonious, and perhaps undeserved, exit from the tournament.

None of the losses was an embarrassment on the scoreboard. But if you were to look at the record of the United States team over the years in major international tournaments, you would see that they have rarely lost to either Germany or Denmark. Thus the results were quite embarrassing regardless of the score. This raises the question “Why did we crash out of this tournament in such spectacular ‘crash and burn’ fashion?”

Was the selection not strong enough? Was the effort not enough? Were our opponents simply better regardless of who we put in a United States sweater? Had the Stanley Cup Finals poached the best players from the USA team?

The USA had some mean talent to be sure at the IIHF Worlds:

Brandon Dubinsky, who was, quite frankly, unlucky to not be selected for the Olympic team for Vancouver 2010.

Jack Johnson of the Los Angeles Kings, who was selected for the Olympics and still saw fit to represent his country after playing 92 matches between the NHL season, the Olympic tournament, and the Stanley Cup’s first round. He was the only player who accepted an invitation to be on this team of those that represented the USA in the Olympics.

Scott Clemmensen, a fine goaltender. He certainly has given the New York Rangers fits over the years while he played for their bitter Hudson River rivals the New Jersey Devils.

And the talent level doesn’t decrease at all after these three...however the experience level in international competition drops dramatically.

If it was the goal of USA Hockey to get more of its young stars experience on the world stage regardless of the result, then mission accomplished.

If not, the Germany 2010 tournament raises some serious questions about the selectors at USA Hockey, the desire of the American players to represent their country or perhaps both.

It’s easy enough to round up the highest level of talent for the Olympic Games ice hockey tournament. The Olympics presents a global stage to showcase the ability of hockey players with a captive television audience of billions. The IIHF Worlds on the other hand is probably not seen by that many people in the United States and it is likely that the USA selectors struggle to scrape up a competitive team.

This begs the question “Are the IIHF World Championships not as important as the Olympic ice hockey tournament?”

It’s not difficult to imagine a player’s agent advising them to decline participation in the IIHF Worlds. After the grueling 82 match season of the NHL, and in some instances the first round of the Stanley Cup, plus perhaps other international competition such as the Olympics or the IIHF World Junior Championships, one could see how players might be a bit sore and tired. Perhaps they are even carrying an injury after that level of prolonged gritty competition.

The conclusion that it seems safe to draw, is that representing the United States in the Olympics is glamourous, and doing the same for the IIHF Worlds is anonymous. That is a sad commentary on the national pride of our ice hockey players.

Part of the problem is the timing of the IIHF Worlds, which begins during the Stanley Cup Finals. The only players from the NHL that are available for selection for the IIHF Worlds, are from teams that failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Finals, and teams that are eliminated in the first round of the Stanley Cup.

Jack Johnson represented his country in both tournaments. Alexander Ovechkin represented his country in both tournaments.

I have the greatest respect for the men that wore the USA sweater in this year’s edition of the IIHF World Ice Hockey Championship. They battled hard, and did their best.

But could we have fielded a more experienced team?

So for America...why not:

Chris Drury
Brian Boyle
Zach Bogosian
Tim Gleason
Ryan Malone
Mike Lundin
Rob Schremp
Keith Ballard
Phil Kessel
Erik Johnson
Ty Conklin
David Backes
James Wisniewski
Bobby Ryan
Matt Niskanen
R.J. Umberger
Ryan Whitney
Patrick O’Sullivan
Tom Gilbert
Lee Stempniak
Chris Butler
Drew Stafford
Jason Pominville
Ryan Miller
Tim Kennedy
Patrick Kaleta
Paul Gaustad
Ryan Stoa
Paul Stastny
Jon-Michael Liles
Craig Anderson
Rob Scuderi
Jonathan Quick
Scott Parse
Jeff Halpern
Dustin Brown
Colin Wilson
Ryan Suter
David Legwand
Francis Buillon

The list of eligible players to represent the USA in the IIHF World Championship is larger than this, but I grew weary and a bit jaded compiling it.

It is my hope that in future international tournaments that USA Hockey publish the list of players invited, and also a list of players that decline the opportunity to represent their country, perhaps showing a reason of why they chose not to participate.

American professional hockey players...where were you when America crashed out of the 2010 IIHF Worlds?

Were you invited by the USA Hockey selectors? Did you decline? Were you hurt? Did you have a family emergency?

Where were you?

New York Rangers: 10 Positive Things about the 2009-10 season

The Rangers 2009-10 season ended in disappointment. On Sunday April 11th they traveled to Philadelphia, PA to play the Flyers. At stake: the 8th and final Eastern Conference berth into the Stanley Cup. The winner to go into the Cup, the loser to go home. Tied at 1:1, neither team could break the deadlock after 65 minutes. The Flyers won the ensuing shootout 2 goals to 1.

Rather than piss and moan about any perceived shortcomings in the team or organization, I choose to profile (in no particular order) ten positive things for the club going forward.

1. Henrik is King

Despite seeing more rubber than the Bridgestone tire factory this year , Henrik Lundqvist kept his saves percentage at a royal .921. Not too shabby. Henrik is still the King of New York City. Lundqvist faced 2109 shots this year, the third most of any goalie this season. It’s an average of roughly 29 shots a game. To allow this many shots per game is considered very high by professional standards. What it also means is the Rangers had better play up and reduce that number next year to assuage a rightfully grumpy king.

2. Emergence of Ryan Callahan

No, Callahan didn’t set NHL scoring records this year. What he did do is quietly put together a decent season of two-way hockey, and was named one of the team’s two alternate captains. In the future, I believe that the Rangers will be Callahan’s team to lead. Moderate in stature, Callahan is outstanding in terms of leadership, heart, and commitment. Though he finished with 37 points, he finished third in the league in hits - dishing out no less than 285 punishing body checks. Callahan also blocked 81 shots. Callahan was also selected to the 2010 United States Olympic team.

3. Marc Staal...The Professional

Staal has quietly become one of the best defenders in the league. Not only did Staal finish with 27 points and a club high +11, he went on a mini goal scoring tear at the end of the season. Credited with 178 hits and 97 blocked shots.

4. Dan Girardi Packs His Lunchpail...All Year

I firmly believe that Dan Girardi would run through a wall if it would help the Rangers to victory. A steady and consistent defender, nothing flashy, Girardi turns up every day with his A-game. He played all 82 games this season, and blocked 180 shots, 6th best in the league. Girardi was credited with 178 hits this season.

5. Heart Transplant and the Birth of Artie’s Crash Crew

During the bulk of the season it was no secret that the Rangers were a little soft in the toughness department. This was underscored in a match against Philadelphia, when one of Philadelphia’s gooners roughed up Ranger’s star forward Marian Gaborik.

There was also a cross-check to the head of Ranger captain Chris Drury in Calgary that resulted in an injury and games missed. There was no response to this incident.

When officiating fails to police the conduct of players in the NHL, it falls to the “sheriff” of each team to take care of business and explain, in no uncertain terms, what is unacceptable. Donald Brashear was unable to fulfill his responsibilities in this role, and got sent to the minors. The Rangers addressed this vacancy by acquiring forwards Jody Shelley, and Brandon Prust. Not only have they kept the peace, but they also started to score goals at the end of the season, no doubt in part because they were teamed up with skillful and responsible rookie center Artem Anisimov.

6. Marian Gaborik

Gaborik’s detractors said that his injury problems would hamper and ultimately hasten the end of his career in the NHL. He left his critcs slack-jawed by playing 76 games for the Rangers and scoring 42 goals in the process, 14 on the Rangers’ ailing power play. (Scoring in general improved for the team this season, with Vaclav Prospal and Brandon Dubinsky adding 20 goals each. Ryan Callahan scored 19 goals.)

7. Erik Christensen

For a player claimed off of waivers, Christensen did a very good job of stepping in to help out a struggling team. In addition to scoring 26 points in 58 games, Christensen also finished the season +11 in plus/minus, tied for team best with Marc Staal. Christensen finished the season centering the Rangers’ top line.

8. Vaclav “Vinny” Prospal

One of the best value deals in NY Rangers history. $1.1 Million for one year, 20 goals and 38 assists for 58 points in 75 games. Prospal was also named an alternate captain early on in the 2009-10 campaign.

9. Michael Del Zotto

In a fine debut year, Del Zotto scored 9 goals and 37 points in 80 games. Although he finished -20 in plus/minus, you get the feeling that Del Zotto will iron out his defensive responsibilities without sacrificing the offensive displays that have helped make the Rangers an exciting team to watch.

10. Avery the Agitator

On the strength of 11 goals and 20 assists in 69 games, Sean Avery continues to aid the Rangers in their fight for victory in a style that is not in the least quiet and reserved.

Add to this a wealth of young talent in the system, and there is good cause for optimism. Stay tuned, as the Rangers retool for a new campaign. Don’t be surprised if the Rangers trade up for picks in the draft, and if televised, definitely check out the Prospects Tournament in Traverse City, MI.

Saturday Morning Painfully Early Football: Schalke 04 v. Bayern Munchen

Jermaine Jones isn't even in the substitutes bench for Schalke. Therefore, I am going back to bed. Please Schalke, telephone me when you plan to play him, and I'll watch if the telecast is available. Guten nacht Deutchland.

Better Know a US Footballer: Jared Jeffrey, FSV Mainz

At the tender age of 19 he is just on solid food. He attended the IMG Soccer Academy. He has 7 caps and 1 goal for United States youth teams. For the last two years he toiled in the reserves for Club Brugge in Belgium, but never earned a first team place there.

In the 2009-10 winter transfer window, Jared signed a contract with FSV Mainz of the German Bundesliga. Perhaps it will be a fresh start in the Rhineland for the American midfielder. Such American football luminaries such as Conor Casey, and Oguchi Onyewu used to toil for Mainz. Young Preston Zimmerman is also there, with the amateur team FSV Mainz 05 II.

Here’s hoping you get a decent run-out in Germany Jared.

Better Know a US Footballer: Seb Harris, Northampton Town

You may or may not have heard of him, but Seb Harris left his place in the PDL’s Michigan Bucks in 2009 to give it a shot in Jolly Old.

Sebastian ‘Seb’ Harris, the former Oakland University Golden Grizzly (12 goals in 45 appearances), now plays for Northampton Town in England’s League Two. He has made 6 appearances for The Cobblers in all competitions, scoring one goal - a late winner against Cheltenham.

Former Northampton gaffer Stuart Gray had this to say about Seb (August 2009):

“...He is very raw, but he is full of energy and has plenty of enthusiasm. He has caught our eye with his displays in training and he will be staying with us until the end of the year.”

“He has a lot of good attributes, he has pace and is good in the air and with day in, day out coaching and training here we think he will improve.”

“Seb is a player who is work in progress but we are happy to give him the time to develop and we think there is potentially a good player there...”

His current manager Ian Sampson said (March 2010):

“He's worked ever so hard and improved a lot since Christmas.”

"It's not easy to come such a distance and try your luck in the English game. It's a totally different environment. He deserves quite a few plaudits.”

The Rochester, Michigan native also played for the Michigan Bucks of the Premier Development League appearing 14 times and scoring 1 goal.

Good on ye Seb, we hope you make it.